To Curse the Darkness Read Free Page B

matter how carefully it was veiled. Conrad felt it rise within him and tightened his hold on his temper. He inclined his head. “I know. You will not go far?”
    Armand glanced away. “No. No, of course not. Not far at all. I-I do not even mean to leave town, just…” His gaze went again to Julie, who steadfastly refused to look at him. He shrugged. “This room? Perhaps the house? This has been a shock. I need time to think.”
    â€œVery well.” Conrad hesitated before adding, “If it helps at all, it was never a question of trust.”
    â€œThank you,” Armand replied as he rose from the couch. He turned to Julie and said, “This isn’t over.”
    She glanced up at that, her gaze skeptical. “It seems to me I’ve heard that before.”
    â€œYes? Well, it’s still true.”
    Her jaw clenched. “I guess we’ll see, won’t we?”
    Armand shook his head sadly. “I wish you would think about trusting me too, at least occasionally.” Then he turned and headed for the door.
    â€œAll this talk of trust,” Damian grumbled, pushing out of Conrad’s grip the moment the door closed behind Armand. “The word is sadly overused. I only hope, in this case, it’s not entirely misplaced as well.”
    Conrad sighed. “I’m sure it’s not.”
    â€œThat remains to be seen,” Damian murmured. He crossed to the couch where Julie was seated and then pulled her into a tight embrace. “My poor, poor girl. Dry your tears, chica , and do not waste another thought on that payoso . He’s never been worthy of you.”
    â€œI don’t know, D,” Julie protested sadly. “He might be. I mean, he did save my life. That has to count for something.”
    Damian snorted. “Yes, well, as to that, I suppose even a blind pig may contrive to find a truffle every now and again.”
    Julie wiped her eyes and smiled reluctantly. “So who am I in this story, the pig or the truffle?”
    â€œSilly girl,” Damian chided as he stroked her hair and pressed a kiss to her head. “Neither one, of course. You are the beautiful princess, and he’s the worthless cerdo who was lucky to ever have been allowed to hunt truffles on your behalf in the first place.”
    Conrad couldn’t help but roll his eyes as he settled into the armchair across from the couch. “That’s all very poetic, but, if you’ve done likening my people to livestock, Damian, I’d like to return to an earlier subject.” He turned to Julie and said, “About this ‘friend’ of your mother’s with whom you spoke…?”
    Julie frowned. “Did you see the photograph? The one in the suitcase?”
    Conrad nodded. The photo of her mother as he had never seen her—hugely and contentedly pregnant, surrounded by friends. “I did.”
    â€œAnd? I’m right, aren’t I? That’s her? That’s my mother?”
    â€œYes. Yes, it is.”
    â€œI knew it.” Julie sighed, relaxing against the couch. “As soon as I saw it, I just knew.”
    â€œYes, yes, that’s all very well, but how did you know?” Damian asked. “And where did you see it? Who have you been talking to?”
    Julie shrugged. “I don’t know how I knew. I can’t explain it. It was a feeling, that’s all. And…why do you need to know where? It was somewhere down the coast, all right? Where is not important.”
    â€œDon’t be so foolish. Of course it’s important! If your safety has been compromised—”
    â€œThat’s enough,” Conrad said, stopping Damian before he said too much. It went without saying that they would do whatever was necessary to ensure Julie’s and Marc’s safety. But as they’d agreed long ago, the twins didn’t need to be burdened with the details.
    â€œNothing’s been compromised!”