Epilogue
For You
Gemma ~ Three Months Later
A FRENCH CAFÉ really epitomizes the art of love.
I’m sitting at an outdoor table at my favorite bistro in Paris with my sunglasses on and the pink diamond necklace around my neck, not caring that it’s cold outside because I’m free.
Free.
Free.
All around me people are holding hands, French kissing, and whispering sweet nothings to each other. Lovers in love soaking up the sunshine and gazing at the Eiffel Tower with stars in their eyes.
My life has changed so much and so have my ambitions but what hasn’t changed is my need for a plan.
The new plan is to see the world.
France is our first stop.
Later today I have an interview at the Louvre. Just a small part-time tour guide position that Caleb suggested I apply for after accepting a security gig there. Money isn’t the reason we work. As Cleo, I had put enough away from the transactions on the Mona Lisa to last two lifetimes as long as we don’t live too extravagantly.
Working is a way to keep our skills sharp.
I still can’t believe I never knew Enrique was Leonardo.
Sadly, the dark web didn’t collapse when he died, though. Picasso has now taken over, and his identity is a mystery to everyone. Who knows, maybe someday Caleb and I will assist in the collapse of the Mona Lisa.
Or at least the takedown of Picasso.
Someday.
But not any day soon.
Getting back to my sketchpad, I smile at the perfect replica of the pink heart.
It’s done.
I was finally able to complete it.
With a happy sigh, I put my drawing aside and grab the San Diego Tribune. First, I skim the article about the near collapse of The Powers of the Higher Mind. Not really interested about the fate of the cult-like society in San Diego, I turn the page.
The next headline grabs me.
Now, I can’t read fast enough. Somehow Penelope Cruz took over as head of her husband’s cartel. I have no idea how but I think she did so without realizing what she was getting herself into.
The photo of her on the page shows her true beauty. She’d be happy about that. However, the silver handcuffs don’t really go with her outfit. That, she wouldn’t be happy about. Then again, I imagine with the life she’ll be leading behind bars, she’ll have a lot to learn to deal with, and the size of her closet will be the least of her worries.
A familiar hand covers my eyes and breathes in my ear, “Guess who?”
I lean back, inhaling his fresh scent. “I know who you are. You’re the man who saved my life—twice.”
Over six-foot-two inches of lean muscle urges me to my feet. With that sexy as sin smile on his face, the love of my life kisses me, hard and fast, and then he whispers across my lips, “And you’re the woman who saved mine—forever.”
Forever.
I’ll take it.
You can’t ask for much more than that.
The end!
WHAT’S NEXT . . .
BENT—Part of the Connections Series featuring River and Dahlia and the entire gang, including Caleb and Gemma.
River and Dahlia have the love of a lifetime, but to say it’s been easy would be a lie.
One last time! The Connections series ends here with all the characters coming together when an unexpected tragedy strikes.
Just when you thought it was over . . .
* * *
What would you do if the love of your life was taken from you because of the past actions of another man?
Hunt him down or join forces to get her back?
Find out in Bent.