It was Nicole’s turn to think as they exited the opposite end of the galleria. “I don’t know,” she finally said. “I’m not sure if motives can turn something wrong into something right. That slips into an ends justify the means philosophy.”

“Well, if you get a verdict from on high for that one, I’d like to know. Because that’s pretty much where I spend my life.”

Chapter 16

CHAPTER 16

16:45 / 4:45 P.M. CEST

They walked silently for a while, Nir enjoying the feel of Nicole’s hand on his bare arm. A large tiled square spread out in front of the classic Teatro alla Scala opera house, and they stopped in its center to admire a statue of Leonardo da Vinci. Taking a right onto Via Alessandro Manzoni, they continued for block after block, passing shops, cafes, and museums.

The conversation soon picked up again with Nir filling Nicole in on his diamond business and Aunt Mila’s latest admonitions against his lifestyle choices. Nicole laid out her upcoming schedule that would take her to Stockholm, London, New York City, and Dallas.

When they reached Via Monte Napoleone, they took a right. Nir stopped. He could not remember the last time he felt so out of place—and actually poor. Lining the narrow street were high-end shops selling clothing that would probably cost him a year’s salary just to try on.

“Welcome to Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” Nicole said with a laugh, sliding her hand down to take his. She gave him a tug that put his legs back in gear.

“What is this alien world, and why have you brought me here?”

“Oh, come on. It will be fun. Maybe I’ll let you buy me something.” He saw the twinkle in her eyes.

“Maybe a souvenir keychain, but even that will probably max out my credit card, and I’ve got some pretty high-limit credit cards.”

As they walked on, Nicole talked about some of the designers with storefronts along the road. Some she’d modeled for, but most were still out of her league. Not all the stores sold clothing. Nir saw art galleries, restaurants, and jewelry stores as well. He recognized some of the names of the jewelers and wondered if any of his diamonds had made their way into their vaults.

Eventually, the conversation moved back to their other activities, the work that didn’t involve runways or bling.

“Do you have anything you can tell me about coming up?” Nicole asked.

“Something big is coming in November, but I can’t say too much because you’ll be out saving the world one photo shoot at a time.”

“I know.” She sounded a little embarrassed. “I just felt like I need to spend some time rebuilding my presence in the modeling world for the last part of the year. And our higher-ups agreed.”