It was Cardinelli’s usual move: dangle someone or something out on a line and wait to see who bit the hardest. For months now Alec had been warning his superiors that if he was this willing to turn on others, he would do the very same to them. But they didn’t seem to care. So far the information had been worth the risk. But they would have to pay the piper at some point, and Alec damned well didn’t want to be there when it happened.

“Fine. Let him. Why am I supposed to snuggle up to a Frenchwoman?”

“Because you will need to warn her that loyalty is not one of the signore’s stronger traits. And make an alliance.”

Alec muttered a curse. Apparently his superiors had decided to finally listen. And expected him to be the one to turn the tables on the signore.

“She could be a valuable informant. Imagine: a direct line to a German military contractor.” Rafe’s eyes practically sparkled.

Every now and then Alec was reminded that Rafe had actually chosen this line of work. He wasn’t a true believer, exactly, but he enjoyed it in a way Alec had never quite managed. But then, for him, this hadn’t been a choice.

A bone-deep weariness settled over him and he suddenly felt ten years older. “Can’t you go?” It was a useless question. Signore Cardinelli tolerated Alec only because of their shared interests. He had no use for a so-called philistine like Rafe.

Rafe shook his head. “My presence won’t be welcome. Which is unfortunate, given what I’ve heard can happen at these parties.” He then added a suggestive eyebrow waggle.

Alec had only ever been to Cardinelli’s palazzo on business, but he, too, had heard the whispers.

“It has to be you. And it has to be tonight. Madame Noir is leaving for Paris in the morning.”

Alec didn’t bother replying. “If you’re thinking of your friend, I’d be happy to keep her company,” Rafe said a little too eagerly.

“No, that won’t be necessary,” Alec managed to growl through his iron jaw. “As it so happens, the signore invited her as well.” If he dared to show up without her, the door would be slammed in his face. But the moment he saw anything vaguely salacious, they were leaving. Mission be damned.

Rafe cut a glance to his bedroom door. “She won’t be sore if you pay another woman attention right in front of her?”

I know you will do anything to get what you need.

Not this time. He would find another way to make the damned alliance.

“No,” Alec said firmly. “That won’t be an issue at all.”

“We need this, Alec. No distractions tonight.”