Faust
I smiled and slapped him on the shoulder. "Women. You don't give them enough diamonds and they cry big crocodile tears." Paoletti laughed, as I knew he would, and then I thanked him. "I'll take you with me now."
—Of course, signore. One moment, please.
He disappeared into the backseat to release Francesca. I met her angry gaze as she was pulled from the Land Rover. Surprisingly, she didn't speak, just continued to burn holes in my skin with her eyes. I tried not to smile as Paoletti led her toward me.
—Here you are, signore.
Now that she was closer, I could see the tear tracks, evidence of where she'd been crying. I squashed any guilt I might have felt. Taking Francesca's arm, I held her tightly as she tried to pull away. I said, "Grazie, Paoletti. My best to your wi
