Disclaimer: "I do not own the Count of Monte Cristo, any of the characters, or any part of that franchise. Alexandre Dumas is the one who wrote the story, and all credit for that should be his. Any quotes from the 2002 movie version of this book belong to the producers, editors, writers, and so forth. I only own Hadlee, and any original content I make her do or say."

Chapter 6

As Monte Cristo was making his plans for how he would infiltrate Fernand Mondego's life, he paused a moment to consider what he was doing. Fernand had to pay, there was no question in that. As did Danglars and Villefort. But Albert…

It was no secret. Cristo had taken it upon himself to take a stroll through Paris, down the street where Hadlee's shop was stationed, almost every day. Sometimes his servants came with him, and sometimes he walked alone.

Every day, he would make a stop at Hadlee's shop. If she was not busy, she would see him in the doorway, and he would enter and ask about her flowers, and if he threw a particular party, what would she recommend. And the continuous blush that was come over her cheeks beneath his sharp eyes, was a beautiful thing to behold. He needed to find another way to further engage himself in her life though. Her flowers would only get him so far.

Though if that same blush that constantly stained her cheeks said anything, she would not care whether he found an actual reason or not.

But on the days when she was too busy to see anyone? Those were the days when Albert came to see her. The smile on Hadlee's face when she would see the young man, the way she would hug and hold him. The way they would stroll around her gardens while he would tell her about his day. There was no person in the world that Hadlee cared for more. He'd already known that Mercedes entrusted Albert's tutelage to Hadlee. Now he knew just how attached Hadlee was to the child of his former fiancée.

Albert was not only the key to getting into Fernand's life. He was the key to finding a more direct path into Hadlee's.

But, when all was said and done, would she forgive him?

This was the moral dilemma he found himself in, and he had very little time to solve it. The Carnival in Rome would begin in three days. He had to make a decision by then.

Jacopo was with him on this particular afternoon, wondering why his master had yet to give Luigi Vampa the official plans yet. Monte Cristo stared at the sheets before him a moment longer, and then simply says, "She loves that boy. Adores him as though he were her own son." Looking to Jacopo, he asks, "If we do this… If I do this… will she be able to forgive me?"

Jacopo smiles in understanding, and then says, "The boy will not come to harm." "Of course not. He will be completely safe. But he will not know that." "At first. No, he will not. But you will know it. Everyone will be told of her affection for the boy. And they will be told that, while the act must be carried out, that should a single hair on his head be harmed, they will be met not only with the wrath of Monte Cristo, but with the wrath of Monte Cristo's love."

Coming closer, he says, "No one will dare do him any harm, your Grace. And when she is assured of that after you have revealed everything to her, she will understand. She may be upset for a short time, but she will understand."

Cristo nods, and then sighs, "Her heart is so wide. So full of love, hope, and joy. I love her so, but I am not worthy of her." "Your Grace! There is no one more worthy! And even if there were, she would have no other. I remember the conversation you relayed to me. I remember the words you told me she said."

Cristo glances at the papers once more, and then folds them up and seals them in an envelope. Handing them to Jacopo, he says, "Have Bertuccio deliver this at once. And then prepare the carriage. We ride for Rome."

Hadlee did not have the presence of mind to care that it was not her place to be riding a horse with her legs on either side. She did not have the mind to care that her short skirt and tights were probably a spectacle to other passersby. She did not care that her hair, which she had tried to pin in a bun on her head, was probably half falling out in the wind. She did not care that her shirt was too low cut, or that one of the sleeves was torn from a branch that had scratched her arm on this fast journey.

The only thing that mattered, was that a contact in Rome had raced to send a message to Lucian, and he'd told him of the young Albert Mondego's kidnapping. Lucian then raced to Hadlee with the information.

By the time he discovered Albert had been saved, Hadlee had already been leaving on her journey. A telegraph station received a return message for one 'Nicholai de' Avery', who only barely managed to intercept Hadlee and inform her that Albert had already been rescued. By none other than the Count of Monte Cristo, who was in town for Carnival as well.

Hadlee's only response at the time, was a nod of gratitude, and to spur her horse to ride faster. It was one thing to hear that Albert Mondego was no longer in harm's way. It would not be a thing she could accept wholeheartedly, until she had seen him for herself.

When she arrived at the home of Monte Cristo, the address given to her by Nicholai, with whom she had pleaded to find the information, she hopped off her horse with no care if it ran away from her or not.

In the back of her mind, she is aware that by some miracle, the servants do not try to stop her from entering. On the contrary, upon seeing her, though several eyes widen in surprise, all of them bow their heads low at her presence. The one called Bertuccio spots her, does a quick bow, and then races ahead into the house for reasons unknown to her.

She discovers as she's racing down a hall, that Bertuccio had been announcing her arrival to the house.

Prior to her reaching the correct hall, Monte Cristo had just sat down with Albert to eat breakfast. Trays of exotic fruits and vegetables were laid before them in a spread fit for a king. And though Cristo ate very little himself most of the time, he had taken to nibbling on a grape as Albert began to prepare his own plate.

That is when Bertuccio quickly entered the chamber. And at first, Monte Cristo frowned, because that was not part of the plan. Jacopo was frowning too, because he didn't know what was going on.

Breathless, Bertuccio says, "Forgive me your Grace, but…" He glances at Albert, and then says, "I believe word of young Monsieur Mondego's kidnapping may have already reached Paris." Albert turns and asks, "To my parents? Was a ransom sent? Surely it can simply be wired back. Or I can…" Bertuccio shakes his head, "No, Monsieur. Not to your parents." And then back to Cristo, Bertuccio says, "Mademoiselle Hadlee Mondego has arrived."

Albert's eyes widen, as do Monte Cristo's. But though Cristo has no idea how she would've found out, Albert swallows the food in his mouth and asks, "Was it Nicholai?" Cristo raises an eyebrow, as does Bertuccio, when they both find that Albert is not greatly surprised by his aunt's knowledge so much as the fact that she's already here.

That is when the doors burst open. Hadlee glances in, and almost begins hurrying away again, intent on searching every room until she found Albert. She nearly falls down from drawing herself up short though, and she takes a look into the room again to be sure she's actually seeing her nephew.

Albert hurries to stand, knowing far too well how fast Hadlee's pace could be when she wanted. A cheetah could not have moved any faster, nor could a panther pounce with any greater ferocity, then his aunt when she was worried for his safety. As a young child, it had confused him, because neither of his parents seemed to share that same level of protective concern over him. But as he'd grown older, it was with deep adoration that he accepted the great lengths her love would push her to, in order to keep him safe. There was no heart bigger in all the world, then the one that rests in his aunt's bosom; and he counted himself blessed to be one of the few who had a place within it.

He was standing by the time she sprinted her way over to him. Though, when she wrapped her arms around him, trembling fiercely, he nearly fell back into the chair from the force. Sighing heavily against him, Hadlee feels him kiss the top of her head before he says, "It's alright, Aunt Hadee. I'm alright. See?" He has her lean back a moment to show that there is not so much as a scratch on him.

Tears well up in her eyes as she takes inventory of him, a further sense of relief at his use of the nickname that only he ever used to address her. As a younger child, Hadee had been what he'd been able to say. And as he grew older, though he could obviously pronounce her full name when needed, the affection behind her nickname was something he refused to let go of. And since she didn't mind in the slightest, it was the preferred name he used when addressing her.

Eyes taking him in for a moment, Hadlee makes three passes over his body to assure herself he is unharmed. And yes, it is true, he was fine.

Albert then flinched back in surprise when she smacked his arm, and he exclaimed in shock, "Hadee! What…" She simply wipes furiously at her eyes and asks, "What is the meaning of this?! Why are you in Rome?! Alone!" "I was with my friends!" "Whom you left to go and chase some faceless dame! In a city you are not familiar with! Down a street that was unoccupied by any other person! Into dark corners, which I have told you to never venture into! Tell me, Albert Mondego! What did you do with your common sense and reason?! Where was that, when you decided to get yourself kidnapped for ransom?!"

Albert stares at his aunt for a moment with wide eyes. Then he slumps his shoulders and says, "I… I knew you would say no." "Of course I would've said no! It's a ridiculous notion! Carnival happens every year! And every year, it's all the same! I told you I would take you someday! Have I not told you, many times, the importance of patience!" "Yes, Aunt Hadee! I… I just…" "And the bandits! You have heard stories of these bandits! And still you ventured into an unfamiliar city, without my knowledge, and therefore without my protection!" "I did not even believe there were any bandits!"

Hadlee's stare hardens, and Albert shivers before it for a moment. There were few times in his life when he had been the victim of Hadlee's infuriated appearance. He had, even fewer times, been on the receiving end of her rage.

In her head, she counts backwards from one-hundred, until she feels herself reclaiming a grip on her self-control. Then she sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose in the process. Albert relaxed, and Monte Cristo watched with great interest, the way this young man reacted to his aunt's body language. So accustomed to her love and so accustomed to her behavior, Albert seemed to know immediately that he was no longer going to be yelled at. He realized now that he only needed to pay close attention, because a new lesson was about to be given to him.

Lifting her eyes to her nephew, Hadlee says in a calmer voice, "Bandits are everywhere, Albert. They come in every city, and in every corner of the world. They come in all shapes and sizes, in both men and women. And they come clothed in everything from worn rags to the finest of silks and fabrics. The only commonality between all of them, is that for greed of money and power, they would all willingly slit your throat, if they thought it prudent to their own interests and gains."

Stepping closer to him, she says, "And until I have managed to pass along my own eyes for these things onto you… you will not venture so far from my sight that I cannot warn you of them when they are near." Gripping his arms in her hands, shaking her head at him, she says softly, "I cannot lose you, Albert. Do you understand? My heart to you seems so strong, I'm sure. But for you it is fragile, and for you it will break. And I will not find the strength to piece it together once more."

She forces her eyes to become stern again, and says, "Never do this to me again. I cannot protect you if I do not know where you are." Albert nods, "Yes, Aunt Hadee. I'm sorry." Hadlee nods, and then sighs and rests her head on his chest again. Albert kisses the top of her head, and then asks, "How did you know I was taken? There was no letter for ransom sent." "Albert, will you ever stop questioning how I know things?" "No, probably not."

She laughs at him, and then sighs before leaning back again. Shrugging, she says, "Nicholai." Albert smiles, "Did he come for you?" "No. He sent word to Lucian, who then came for me. And he would've also told me of your rescue, if I had not already procured a horse and fled to come and find you."

Albert nods, and then frowns as he looks down at her arm. Gently brushing his thumb against the still bleeding scratch, he says, "Hadee! You're wounded!" "It was a branch on the journey, nothing more. I'm fine."

Albert looks like he'd argue, but then Hadlee finally remembers where she is, and what the rest of her appearance must look like. Her eyes glance over to Monte Cristo, who has remained silent throughout the entire exchange, but whose eyes had almost never left the two people standing beside his table.

A blush of shame rushes to her cheeks, one she wishes she didn't feel. Her appearance could not be fixed, and she was not sorry that she had come for Albert in this fashion. But still… to be in a house so grand and to be standing here so… so…

Bowing her head, she says, "Count of Monte Cristo. Please pardon my presence and my appearance. I…" Cristo stands up and says, "Mademoiselle Mondego, I do believe we agreed that you'd simply call me, Cristo." Sighing, she says, "At any rate, I still apologize for…"

Cristo waves a gentle hand at her to cease her apology. Shaking his head, he says, "An aunt's love is not to be scorned or mocked on any occasion. No matter how it is given or in what attire it chooses to appear. Such devotion is a beautiful thing to witness, and I do so thank you for blessing my household with its presence."

Hadlee has no idea what to make of the man before her. Fernand, certainly, would've had her thrown from his house for arriving in such a fashion. Safety of his own son assured or not. But Monte Cristo only smiled at her in a way that made her feel her prior shame had no place in his presence. And yes, he had been to see her several times since his party. And though his eyes often seemed to suggest that he desired a great deal more from her, she did at this point, consider him to be a friend.

A friend that made her blush and whose house she found herself eager to return to. Alone. Only with him. And...

No, stop it. She ends that train of thought immediately. Now was not the time to be pondering such things. Albert was the reason she was here, looking the way she did. And if Cristo didn't see any need for her to be ashamed by it...

Relaxing a bit, Hadlee then turns back to Albert. She hugs him once more, and then curtsies, "I've interrupted a breakfast between friends. I'll take my leave now. I am glad you are alright, nephew." Albert would clearly like to protest her quick departure. But it was not his house to invite her to stay in.

Luckily, he did not have to. Cristo snapped his fingers, and a servant brought forth another chair, placing it at the corner between where he and Albert were sitting. Gesturing to it with his hand, Cristo says, "Please, stay and dine with us. To get here in such short time, you must've been riding half of the day yesterday, and all through the night."

Hadlee eyes the food for a moment, but then says, "I couldn't impose. I…" Cristo narrows his eyes and says, "You are never to consider yourself an imposition in any of my homes."

She couldn't help but blink at the boldness of that statement. What exactly was she to him, that she could barge into his home without invitation, and receive no reprimand? What was she to him, that even though the table had been set for two, he found it a joy rather than a chore to add room for her?

She does not know what to make of the Count of Monte Cristo. Perhaps she never will.

Albert takes her hand and says, "Please, Aunt Hadee. You look exhausted. And if you leave now, I would have to leave the Count's home early. I could never send you home alone in this condition, especially when you are only here at my expense. Please." Hadlee squeezes his hand in turn, and then nods and allows him to lead her to the chair.

When Hadlee thanks him for saving her nephew, Cristo waves it away as unnecessary. But he also averts his eyes from hers, for the first time since they'd met. And if he hadn't already been so keen to usually keep his grinning eyes on her at all times, she probably wouldn't have thought anything of it. But he did, and so now she was curious.

Of course, her own narrowed gaze that was clearly trying to figure him out, made him grin again before he popped a grape into his mouth. And the wink he sent her way, after giving a brief explanation as to why he'd attempted to save Albert in the first place… well, Hadlee only hopes Albert keeps his attention on the Count for now. It would not do well for her to have to explain why she was blushing under the man's sharp gaze.

But then, after explaining to Albert that he had connections in every city he stayed in, Cristo turns his attention to Hadlee and says, "But I confess, I am impressed at the connections your aunt must have. For her to have discovered of your kidnapping and to have arrived here this early, she had to have received the information even before I did."

Which honestly, was a bit concerning for the Count. For if Hadlee had received news of his plans any sooner, she would've arrived and saved Albert herself. The how of her saving him was a bit of a mystery to him, but he didn't doubt she would've seen it done. He and Jacopo had shared a glance while Hadlee had been berating her nephew. But for the life of them, neither one had a clue of how she would've discovered the situation so quickly.

Albert smiles proudly over at his aunt, who blushes a bit again before explaining, "I… have a great many friends who keep me informed of things they think are of interest to me." Reaching over and squeezing Albert's hand again, she adds, "The safety and well-being of my nephew would certainly be at the top of the list."

Cristo smiles at the two of them, and then nods to Albert as the young man says, "My aunt has traveled quite a few many places around the world. She's made many friends that still call her that to this day. She does not even pay them for the service anymore. They simply provide her the information out of loyalty."

Widening his eyes and smiling, Cristo asks, "And how does one obtain such loyal informants?" Hadlee slides her eyes over to him, and he can tell she'd rather not divulge in what she'd done for all the people who still give her information. But before she can reply, a voice from the doorway says, "She saved us."

All eyes turn to the tanned Roman standing in the doorway. Bertuccio had clearly been about to introduce him, but the man had spoken first. Cristo raises an eyebrow at the man's sudden appearance in his home, but then can't help grinning when Albert shouts, "Nicholai!"

The man smiles at Albert briefly, and then bows his head before saying, "Forgive my intrusion. I only wished to see that Mademoiselle Mondego arrived safely."

Hadlee is already out of her chair, Cristo and Albert rising with her. Coming around the table, Hadlee smiles when Bertuccio shows Nicholai further inside so he can meet her halfway. Wrapping her arms around him, she sighs and says, "I am sorry to have worried you, my dear friend." "That is completely unnecessary, as I'd expected nothing less after providing you with the information of this address that you needed to get here."

Then he says to the Count, "I do apologize, however, for finding and divulging that information when you had maybe not consented for anyone else to know it. Hadlee was insistent." Cristo simply grins, "Indeed. And you would be Nicholai, the man who discovered Albert was kidnapped?"

Nicholai nods, and then turns back to Hadlee. Smiling gently, he says, "I will take my leave. I simply needed to know you were still safe." "Of course. But, Nic…" He pauses, and as she reaches for what few coins she did bring with her, Nicholai frowns and says, "No, Hadlee. That's not…" "But it's the least…"

Hand on her shoulder, Nicholai fixes her with a stern look as he says, "I would be nothing, if not for your kindness and grace. And had I been able to refuse your money when we first met, I would've done so even then. I could not, being too poor at the time. But I can now, and will not accept so much as a single franc for this service." "Nic!"

Albert puts a hand to his aunt's back and says, "Hadee, why are you even trying? You always lose this argument." She fixes Albert with a look, clearly saying he wasn't helping. But then they all look to Cristo when he asks, "Perhaps you would allow me to pay you for another service then. If that's alright?"

Nicholai shrugs, not certain what the Count could want from him. But as Cristo takes a small pouch from his pocket, well more than anything even Hadlee had ever been able to pay him, the Count says, "I'd simply like the answer to a question that stumps me to no end. What is it that prompts such loyalty and devotion to Mademoiselle Mondego? Such devotion that causes you to not only never require her to pay you, but enough that you refuse her payment when it is offered."

Nicholai glances at Hadlee for a moment, and then reaches down for her hand. Lifting it so he presses a gentle kiss there, he says, "I cannot speak for everyone that provides her with such services. I know not all of what she's done. I can only speak to what she did for me, and that I believe that action to be similar to all the others she has performed for the rest of us."

Cristo hands over the pouch, and as Nicholai takes it, he takes a breath before explaining. "A desperate man, with no money, no food, and no means of caring for his family, broke into a newly opening flower shop, in an attempt to steal money, food, and to kill the owner if need be."

He was clearly talking about himself breaking into Hadlee's shop. Over five years ago, apparently. Sighing, he says, "This man held a young woman at knife point. He was not proud, but he was desperate. And he demanded her money, else he would slit her throat."

Nicholai shakes his head and looks to Hadlee with a grin. "The young lady's response was a moment of silence, and then to simply say, 'You could do that, if you like. But then you wouldn't be able to eat the meal I'm about to cook.' And when the man removed his knife, she cooked a meal for him, and his family that was in an alley outside."

His eyes actually well up with tears as he continues, "The man threatened her again, after his family was out of the room. He still needed money. But when he made the same demands, she responded with, 'You could kill me, if you like. But then you would not be able to stay and sleep in the spare room with your family.' And we were all brought back in, and given a warm place to rest for the night."

Cristo glances over to see Albert's eyes are wide too. The young man knew Nicholai, but he had obviously never heard this story before. Then Nicholai chuckles before saying, "And when morning came, more as a joke than with any real intent, the man threatened her again. And as she was washing the dishes, she simply said, 'You could do that, if you like. But then you wouldn't be able to accept the job that I'm about to offer you.'"

Shaking his head again, he continues, "And for a year, I swept floors and helped cart around plants. I was paid far more than I felt I was worth, but was also forbidden from turning down so much as a single coin of my pay. Because, in her own words, 'I pay a man what I believe he's worth, not what you tell me you think you're worth. And you are worth a great deal to me.'"

Nicholai turns to the Count again, and then says, "I had never known a creature who housed so much kindness in her soul before. And I will forever do all I can to ensure that I remain worthy of having received it so long ago."

Back to Hadlee, he says, "I must be off. The children are waiting." Hadlee nods, but says, "Please send them my love." "Of course, Mademoiselle. Good day, Count. Good day, Albert."

After he's left the room, Albert asks, "You fed him and housed him? After he threatened to kill you? After he…"

He pauses when Hadlee fixes him with a look, and then turns his full attention to her to show he's listening when she says, "Desperate men will do desperate things, when no other opportunity is afforded to them. A man set on death, whether it be to kill himself, or to kill those around him, will find a way to see it done… unless another option is shown to him."

Smiling gently at Albert, she says, "I know what a desperate man looks like. And I will never again stand by and do so little, when it is within my power to show him another option. Sometimes, Albert, all the problems in a person's world can be righted easily, if someone else will only grant them one ounce of kindness and good will."

With that said, Hadlee then turns to Cristo. Bowing her head, she says, "I'm sorry for the continued interruptions into your home." But Cristo simply smiles. Reaching down for her hand, drawing it to his lips for a kiss, he says, "There is no apology necessary, though I'm sure you must know that by now. In any case, I feel quite honored to have been told such a tale. You are quite extraordinary." "As I said before, I am myself, and I do not know how else to be."

But the Count just grins, "And as I said before, that is extraordinary."

As he gestures for them to return to the table, Cristo can't help but look on her with a sad smile. Not because of the way his father had died. The time for mourning that had passed. No... he looked on her sadly because, even after all this time, she still blamed herself for his father's death. And it was in that great sadness, that Hadlee considered herself to have learned this most valuable lesson. His father was the reason she knew what a desperate man looked like, and knew what they were capable of. And rather than harden her heart towards such men and the great extremes they might take, Hadlee's response was soft. It was to offer love, kindness, charity, and hope if she were able.

She was extraordinary. And no one else in this world would ever be able to do that word justice again.

It was after that, amidst breakfast, that Albert insists that Cristo come back to Paris soon so that he could meet his parents. "So that they may thank you in person."

Cristo shakes his head, "Unfortunately, I cannot. Business, you see." "Please! It is a matter of honor."

Hadlee watches as Cristo seems to think it over, and then he asks, "Jacopo?" "Yes, your Grace?" "The Spada matter. Where do we stand?" And as Hadlee watches them go back and forth, Jacopo talking about gold briefly, and then quickly correcting himself to saying 'shipment'… her eyes narrow at the sight. Then Albert comments, "Three weeks?! That more than enough time to visit in Paris."

Cristo makes a tiny show of thinking it over for a moment, and then says, "Very well." "Excellent. And you'll be there just in time!" Lifting an eyebrow, Cristo asks, "In time for?" Albert beams, "My sixteenth birthday! The celebration will be in two week's time. Please, will you come as my guest? I'd be most honored to have you, and to introduce you to my parents on that day."

Hadlee, at this point, was trying to keep her more negative thoughts to herself. But she can't help jumping in surprise when, back to being genuine, Cristo grins while asking, "Will Mademoiselle Hadlee Mondego be in attendance?" Before she can respond for herself, Albert beams again, "Of course! Aunt Hadee never misses a birthday. She procures all the floral arrangements for the day."

Cristo nods, "Then I'd be delighted to come, for your celebration, and to bear witness to what lovely decorum she's chosen out for your home." "Excellent!"

As they were preparing to leave, Count of Monte Cristo having procured a carriage to escort them back to Paris, Hadlee pauses at the steps, allowing Albert to head down to the carriage before her. A shawl was now wrapped around her shoulders, courtesy of the Count providing it. He'd also seen that her cut arm was tended to and properly bandaged before breakfast was over.

Smiling when she turns to face him, he then quickly pauses in surprise at the hard look in her eyes. Crossing her arms, she simply asks, "Do you take me for a fool, Cristo?"

There was a bit of venom in her voice as she said his name, but he couldn't help answering incredulously, "No, of course not. A woman of your integrity and character could never be called such a thing." "Then you would do well to not stand here smiling as if we are still friends."

As confusion covers his face, where he usually keeps all other emotions hidden, Hadlee silently fumes for a moment. Then, stepping closer to him, she in a quieter, but no less heated voice, "I have traveled the world. I have sought information from every known trader, man and woman known about the seas. And likewise, I have born witness to enough orchestrated and rehearsed conversations to know when one is being put on in front of my own eyes."

When Cristo's eyes widen, Hadlee grits her teeth. She'd almost been hoping she was wrong… but she'd known she wouldn't be. Taking a breath to steady herself, she says, "I do not know why you insisted on pretending you wouldn't be able to make it to Paris. I do now know why you had Jacopo mention that you're receiving a shipment of gold, and then pretending that the word 'gold' is the last thing you would've wanted anyone to hear."

Stepping closer still, she promises, "But rest assured. If anything you do harms Albert Mondego, in any way, shape, or form… I will see you suffer in ways you could not possibly imagine."

Cristo's eyes harden a bit, before he says, "You should be careful of the things you promise. For I assure you, my eyes have been opened far wider than yours to what pain and suffering can truly mean." Hadlee blinks at that for a moment, but then glares again and says, "You do not know the things I've suffered and been through. Your informants may have told you much, but I doubt they could possibly know everything. And unless you have had all you hold dear ripped away from you as it was from me, then you know nothing of true sorrow and suffering."

Silence for a moment, and then Cristo asks softly, "And if I have?" Hadlee blinks and leans back at that… because apparently Cristo felt he had, indeed, had everything he held dear ripped away from him at one point. A man with all the wealth in the world. A man who had houses in every major city, and who was expecting a large shipment of gold to arrive at his leisure, in about three weeks.

Men with money often always wanted more than what they already had. Hadlee knew this. But… men with money didn't often feel as though everything they held as precious in the world was in danger of being taken from them. Because these men only cared for one thing, and one thing only. And that was money.

But, from the look that entered his eyes, showing of a knowledge of past pains and sorrows… Hadlee could tell that his wealth was not the thing that had ever been taken from him, nor the thing he was referring to when he said that, at some point, he apparently did have everything ripped away from him.

Possibly more, if his eyes were anything to go by. Eyes that were still so familiar.

But Hadlee shook that off. She did not care if this man knew what it was to suffer as she'd suffered. She only cared about whether he, for some reason, was going to try and be the reason that she suffered again. Albert was the only person in the world she had left, aside from Morrell and his son. And if Cristo did anything to harm any of them, even after he'd gone out of his way to save her nephew...

Hardening her gaze, she finally answers, "Then you know how dangerous a person who knows such suffering can be. Because I will not be made to go through it again." Gesturing to the carriage, where Albert is waiting, she finishes, "Harm him, and I will make certain that this time, your pain will never end."

And without waiting for him to reply, she descended the steps. She allowed Jacopo to help her into the carriage, and then hurried to settle down so they could leave as quickly as possible.

So many things were uncertain now. She'd felt quite confident that, while still a mystery, the Count was a person she could trust. At the very least, he was unlike any other nobleman she'd ever met, and that had been a point in his favor already. But now… now she just didn't know.

What she does know, is that his eyes seem to pierce right down to her very soul. Even while she'd been standing there threatening him, she'd felt the warm heat inside her body threatening to spill over and flood her cheeks again. And if the man was going to be at Albert's birthday party… well, she wasn't sure she'd be able to handle that for a whole evening. She felt as though her body was too hot and overwhelmed with the tension between them already. How was she going to make it through an entire day at Albert's house, if the Count was there as well?

She'd never missed one of Albert's birthday parties before. But she may have to reconsider her policy on that, just this one year.

And that's Chapter 6! Only three to go guys!