"Then tell me," Aria said.
Jade's eyes went to Damien.
She let out a breath. She came in two steps, and the door swung shut behind her. She stayed on her feet with her back against it.
"In the car, I told you they sent us to protect you," she said. "That's what we were told to say if anyone ever asked. Nobody ever asked." Her mouth twisted. "With us, they said watch."
"Who's they?"
"The family." Jade lifted one shoulder. "We never saw them. A man came to Lyon twice a year with a list. Later it was a phone number in Geneva. They paid for everything. Coats, shoes, school. Valmont. Back when they still had money, or that's what they told us. When you've eaten their bread for ten years, you go where they send you."
Aria sat down on the edge of the bed. Damien stood by the window, where the street below was still dark.
