Chapter 20

Easton

"Are you going to be gone long?"my beautiful guest has asked when I'd told her over coffee I would be leaving. "We have a lot of work to do and I need to spend some time with you so we can get a jumpstart."

"Not very long and don't worry, I will have you working those long hours I mentioned. I've left you with a few tasks before we immerse ourselves in our brand of darkness,"I'd growled luridly at her, the need already starting to build.

She'd blushed appropriately before giving me a hard look. "You're not killing anyone just to have the perfect scene to write. Are you?"

I'd even told her I'd call her when I was headed back. What the hell was that about?

She'd continued pushing my buttons on purpose, as if she was now in control.

I would be eager to see if I could keep my resolve around her. At least for now I'd try.

Goddamn, even the way Sara had planted her hand on her hip while pretending to admonish me had been delicious. I'd growled like some ferocious beast before laughing. "Careful, sweet Sara. Remember, don't ask what you don't want to learn."

"And remember what I said. I'm eager and willing to learn everything about you. I think it's vital I do. Don't you?"

Sighing, I rubbed my finger across my lips. I adored seeing the way hers were swollen from my rough kisses.

"He's in never-never land," Styx said casually.

"What's wrong with that?"

For all the times violence had been used in my life, blood spilled and noses broken, the sound of bones being crushed would always leave a strangely pleasant crackling noise echoing in my mind.

Especially when my fist connected with an asshole determined to destroy us.

It had been a hell of a long time since I'd thrown my fist. For some reason the ache across my knuckles, the sight of blood flying from Chase's crushed nose was more delightful than usual. As Creed had said after he and Styx had worked the guy over, I would add the piece de resistance to their work. I'd taken those twenty minutes to reflect on my life.

Not a great idea.

Creed was many things, including dramatic, but he was accurate about happiness and about handling the reporter.

I hunkered down in front of the guy, studying his plaid pajamas. It was a Saturday, time for relaxation and because of this asshole, I'd been forced to handle work. Okay, so I was fooling myself in that I hadn't intended on spending a few hours on the book I was writing. However, this was physical labor, something I wasn't used to being involved in. The exertion I was feeling reminded me that I needed to get my ass back into the gym before I couldn't fit in my clothes any longer.

That's what teaching could do to you if you weren't careful.

Shit, now my hand was throbbing. I stared at the man, who was having difficulty breathing. "Look at me, Chase."

Of course as expected, the guy was trying to ignore me and his responsibilities to tell us everything, including the asshole who'd provided the information for what we'd learned was a series of articles. That had been easy to find on the man's computer. When we'd stormed into his house, he'd been working on his laptop.

After a few seconds of him ignoring me, I fisted his hair at the scalp, jerking his head up forcefully. "You know, Chase, I have to admit that you're a damn good writer, one of the best reporters I've read in a long time. However, whoever provided the information to you about our business and our family was entirely wrong. We're not monsters nor are we killers, well, at least for the most part. We're businessmen just trying to make a living to feed our families."

Styx stifled a laugh. "A little melodramatic, bro?"

"Why the hell not?" I countered. "It's a beautiful day. I have big plans for later and I'm in a damn good mood."

"It's love. I'm telling you," Creed said under his breath.

I shot him my middle finger on purpose and for fun.

Chase murmured something, which was muddled given his swollen and bloody lips.

"I didn't catch that, but maybe you were trying to confide, as you need to do, who supplied you with misinformation."

I kept my fingers wrapped firmly around his thick locks of hair, leaning in a little closer.

"What did you say? I couldn't quite catch that."

He managed to grin, which shocked the hell out of me. "Fuck… you. All true."

Sighing, I glanced at my two brothers, shaking my head. "Look, Chase. We're not stupid. We know you have a family, including a new fiancée. I'm certain you wouldn't want to be the reporter who announced their gruesome deaths. Now, would you?"

Sometimes, all it took for a typical, or maybe I should say normal guy was to allude to hurting his family. Now, with all the horrible things we'd done over the years, we'd never taken out our need for revenge on women, pets, or children. There was simply no need. But our reputation and the ugly whispers that had continued to formulate and build over the years had led some people with very active imaginations to believe we were capable of doing anything.

So, at this moment, seeing the glimmer of fear in his hooded eyes was exactly what I was looking for.

"There's our good buddy. So, who was it? All we're looking for is a name and an assurance you won't allow the stories I just read to see the light of day. Ever. In turn, I've done you a small favor." I pulled out the jump drive I'd purchased, shoving it into the small pocket of his jammies, patting it after I did. "You might not know this, but in addition to being a professor at one of the best colleges in the country, I'd also a pretty damn good writer myself. In fact, I'm getting ready to pen my first novel. I'll be happy to add a dedication to you as being an inspiration if you're a very good boy."

He almost started to blubber, which meant my Hitchcock-infused Jack Nicholson voice was working its magic. "Don't… hurt them. Please."

Both Styx and Creed were standing in front of him, and I could tell Creed was losing his patience.

"Then all you need to do is to tell us what we need to hear," I said, offering a smile. As if I gave a damn about the rat ass bastard.

He was stupid enough to shake his head emphatically.

Exhaling, the sound as exaggerated as I could make it, I rose to my full height. "Creed. Maybe you can help explain the situation a little better."

"I think you were doing a fine job, brother. I'll just add a little emphasis." Without hesitation, he backhanded the man with his Glock, knocking the entire kitchen chair where Chase was tied to the floor.

Now the guy was blubbering.

Styx jerked him back into position.

I waited a few seconds, listening to the sound of the guy wheezing, trying to breathe through his crushed nose before lifting the chair. I crouched down once more, taking a few seconds to start talking again. Some days, I hated interrogations. "Let's try this one more time. Who gave you the information? Talk or I'll have one of my men head to the school where your fiancée teaches. Third grade, isn't it?"

That got him finally. He jerked his head up, dragging his tongue through the strings of blood. "Pu-please. I don't know. I was sent the information, including pictures from an unknown source. I tried to find him to corroborate but he threatened me when he knew I was searching for him."

"Him? You're awfully certain it's a guy."

He nodded like some bobble-head doll.

"Okay. You don't know who this person is, but you do believe a male sent the ridiculous and false allegations, prepared to try and ruin a stellar family. You really mean to tell me that this is okay behavior?" So I was pouring it on a little thick. What the hell.

He tried to nod. "A call. He called me when I didn't want to publish the damning shit. He said he was very good with explosives. I can't let him hurt my family."

"Hmmm…" I rubbed my jaw before lifting his chin a little higher using my index finger. "I assure you, buddy, that you would hate tangling with the three of us. We're much worse than explosives." Somehow, I believed him that he had no clue who the responsible party was. To that end, we'd have to poke that bear a little bit more to bring the perpetrator out in the open.

"Piece of shit," Styx said under his breath, which prompted me to throw my brother a hard look. "Don't listen to my brothers, either one of them. They're cranky where I'm in a damn good mood for a change. Now, here's what we're going to do. On the jump drive I gave you is a series of articles, well written if I do say so myself, that you can run to your black heart's desire."

"No!"

When he started to blubber again, I placed my finger across his lips. "Tsk. Tsk. I wasn't finished yet. Now, with a laptop, you can head anywhere, can do your job from a faraway location. So, given I'm a very fair man, I'm going to make you a deal. How does that sound?"

In addition to sweating profusely, he was crying.

I doubted he could focus on a single thing at this point, but he finally began to nod. Days like these reminded me I was too old for this shit.

"Good boy. Let's make certain you know what we're talking about here, because I hate miscommunication. It leads to a whole lot of messy and very unnecessary violence. So, you're going to pen a few articles on the fact you were wrong and by digging into the lives of the three men and the billion-plus-dollar corporation they own, that they're genuinely good-hearted people. I think I did an outstanding job of providing you with details, including some fantastic pictures of the arts facility my brother designed with his now wife. They are continually providing millions of dollars in scholarships to allow underprivileged students an opportunity they wouldn't have otherwise. Now, as you might imagine, our charitable donations don't end there. Sound good?"

He was shaking so badly his teeth were chattering. "But… But…"

"But what are we offering in return? You mean other than allowing you and your family to live? Well, how about I send you and whatever family members you feel have been threatened on a month-long vacation of sorts. Now, I realize it will be a working situation for a busy man like yourself, but since we own several estates in distant lands, you'll have your pick and of course, they all come with free Wi-Fi, several with boats, beaches, mountains, and snow for skiing, whatever you'd prefer. I am a generous man for a team player."

Chase stared at me, likely seeing two heads by now. "I don't…"

"You don't understand how we could be so generous? Well, that's because we're generous people with families of our own. Well, I've yet to be blessed with a wife and child but you'll be pleased to know I'm working on it, which is why I need to keep this short. In simple terms, if you scratch our backs, we'll scratch yours. Or if you'd prefer, if you take your head out of your ass and realize you don't want us as your enemies, then we'll return the favor. Now, on the flipside, if you dare defy the deal we're making, well, whatever the asshole threatened to do to you and your family will be child's play in comparison to what we will do. Sound good?"

He tried to lift his gaze to the others. I was trying to ensure he fully comprehended what I was saying and would know by the look in his eyes.

"I need verbal confirmation that you're going to be a very good boy. Did I forget to mention all your expenses will be paid to and from, alongside an allowance for food and frosty beverages once you arrive at your destination? Plus, any location comes with built-in security. What could be better?"

Now I could see his bloodshot eyes and they had an incredulous look about them. "Ya… Yes. Okay. Yes. Just don't… hurt my family."

"I'm not in the habit of breaking promises," I said as Styx shoved a paper towel into my hand. "Nor are you in a position to argue or negotiate." I wiped his face, feeling more like a parent than anything. "Are we good? If so, I'll send you a list when I leave of the choices you have of where to go until this shit blows over."

"Yes. Okay. Yes." Chase even tried to smile.

Good for him.

I stood, tossing the bloodied towel to the floor and patting him on the shoulder. "Excellent. I knew you'd understand and be very eager to bring the truth to the table. We'll leave you alone to enjoy your day." I untied him, feeling the heat of my two brothers as they glared at me.

I started to walk away then spun on my heel, tapping my finger across my lips. "You better blind copy me the email you send your editor. That will boost my trust in you. Oh, and congratulations on your engagement. You're a lucky man to have been able to find someone you care about. Just let me know your destination point and we'll get you set up."

With that, I took my time walking out of his room and his house, immediately grabbing my sunglasses and enjoying the sun hitting my face. I only had to wait a minute before my brothers flanked my side, where they remained quiet for a little while.

"Boy, let me be the first to say you've turned into one hell of a negotiator," Creed offered, which surprised me.

I glanced in his direction, hearing Styx chuckling. "What's so funny?"

"You had him shittin' in his pants. I've never known you to be so forceful. I kinda of like it," he said with clear and real admiration in his voice.

"Well, then you haven't been paying attention. I've changed."

"You're really offering him protection?" he continued.

"Why not. I do remember our mother saying you could get more flies with honey than you could with vinegar. Add a little incentive and you can expect a masterpiece."

"The bit about you writing the articles for him was brilliant. I wouldn't have thought of that." Creed was laughing.

"I will say it was Styx's idea and a good one."

Styx did a little jig before we started to head down the walk to the SUV. Creed stopped a couple of seconds later. "Okay, brilliant author. How do you propose we draw out this asshole threatening us now that you've turned our little reporter into putty in your hands?"

"That's just it. If he's a very good boy, he'll post what I wrote and I assure you that whoever is behind this little ridiculous ruse will be pissed. We'll need to watch our backs of course, but I've set it up pretty nicely if I say so myself."

"And here you thought our baby brother wasn't as conniving as the two of us," Styx said as he ripped his sunglasses from his jacket pocket.

I flexed my hand, realizing my knuckles would bruise. The pain and discoloration were worth enjoying. "You obviously didn't know me very well. Did ya? We had a reputation to uphold so I kept my end of the bargain."

Creed muttered something under his breath as he pulled out his phone. "I guess I need to cancel the cleanup crew. It would be awkward to have them show up now."

Both Styx and I laughed, my oldest brother putting his arm around my shoulder. "One big happy family," he said. "Soon to be bigger."

"Don't push. I'm not ready for marriage or baby carriages."

"Give it time," he added. "Just give it time."

Time.

It was an interesting concept and one I'd taken for granted, believing my life would end at any point. Now, I was looking forward to the future.

"Let me offer one last piece of advice, brother," Creed said as we reached the SUV. "Ne tykayte medvedya, yesli ne gotovy vyrvat' yemu serdtse."

"Since when the fuck do you speak Russian?" Styx barked.

"I don't but it's a saying a Russian college buddy of mine told me once and it applies here. Don't poke the bear unless prepared to rip out his heart."

I narrowed my eyes. "You're worried the article will cause retaliation."

"Very much so, which is typically easy to handle," Creed continued. "However, since we don't know who we're dealing with, I'm going to offer a suggestion that you keep your relationship professional with Sara until we do know who's behind it. You refuse guards and your security system isn't as powerful as you think it is."

"I can take care of her," I insisted, although he was right in that playing dangerous games often resulted in a bloody outcome. "My security system is topnotch and besides, I made it perfectly clear that the lady belongs to me. Period."

"Now, he's possessive," Styx said, the amusement in his voice annoying for some reason.

"Listen to me, Easton. You can't protect her against an army and my guess is whoever planned this has soldiers behind him. Whether you believe you're the Angel of Death or not, the fact is that you're one man in a world full of those who would do anything to step in our shoes. I do mean anything. If you've claimed her then she has a target on her back."

"Then I'll allow my beast to come out and play should the boogeyman attempt to take what's mine." There were no secrets in the family, my two brothers likely sharing a glass of whiskey as they made fun of my efforts. Maybe I was more than a little annoyed.

I'd also meant what I said. While I knew Creed meant well, he'd underestimated my abilities for years, much more than Styx had ever done.

"You're not fucking Superman, Easton, no matter what you think. If you want, I'll send several of my soldiers to guard your house so you can feel safe."

There was no real reason for his offer to set me off, but it did more than almost anything he'd said before. Within seconds, I'd thrown myself across the vehicle, one hand yanking the weapon from the holster, pressing the barrel against his cheekbone, the other firmly wrapped around his neck. "Be careful what you say to me, brother. I've been known to snap a man's neck with a quick jerk of my hand. I doubt you want to find out what that feels like."

"Whoa. What the fuck are you doing?" Styx hissed as he tried to pull me off.

"Back off, brother. This isn't your fight."

Creed gripped my arm but said nothing, although his face was turning red, which I enjoyed very much.

"Yeah, it is. Whether we like it or now, we're a fucking family. And some asshole is determined to bring us down. We need cool heads, not flying off the handle. Get off him."

I cocked my head, allowing Creed to see the hatred I felt for him and always had. "Always the crass one. Always the one who thinks he knows more than anyone else. Well, guess what, brother? You're no match for me." I pressed the cold, hard steel into his forehead before shaking it away with an exaggerated motion.

When I let go of his throat, he took a deep breath before gasping and coughing.

I walked away, pacing the street. I heard thunder in the distance and sighed.

Styx was suddenly behind me. "What the fuck?"

"He's an asshole."

"Yeah? Well, right now, the last thing we need is inner fighting. If the mysterious prick learns this, he or she will use it against us. I don't think you want that precious and perfect life of yours destroyed. Do you?"

Precious and perfect. Neither man had any clue that I'd always been a ticking timebomb. I took a deep breath, looking away for fear I'd say something I would regret.

"Why do I have a feeling you have solid suspicions about who is behind the threats," Styx demanded of Creed. "If you fucking know something, then we have the right to know. I'm not going to have Emily as a target any more than you need to have Bella as one, so fucking say it."

"I don't know shit for certain. I just have suspicions. I don't like assholes who prefer to hide behind masks. We all need to be careful. Besides, we need to cull through the list while we wait for good old Chase's exposé. I'm just issuing a friendly warning to our academia brother."

"Easton is right about one thing. You're the one who acts like a god when you're no better than either one of us. You've never given him any respect and that man is a force to be reckoned with. Got it?"

I'd never seen Styx playing the older brother card. I had to admit I was surprised. When Creed didn't say anything, I thought for certain Styx was going to rough him up by the way he slammed the man against the SUV.

"Do you get it?" Styx repeated.

"Yeah, I get it. But both of you don't understand we've lived in a glass house for years. All that needs to happen is a single rock thrown from the right angle."

It was obvious we were never meant to be friends.

At this point, it didn't matter.

I glanced at Creed then to Styx who was frowning. One thing I knew for certain was that when any of us issued a warning, people usually ended up dead. "We're a house made of dominoes."

Now Creed and Styx looked at each other. "Yes, and you know what happens if one is disturbed." Creed threw open the passenger door, giving me one last look before climbing inside.

Why did I have the distinct feeling we wouldn't be able to leave the past behind us as easily as we'd hoped?

And why did I have the feeling all three glass houses were about to shatter?

Before I was able to get into the back of the SUV, Styx pulled me aside.

"Don't say it. I don't want to hear it," I told him. "I should have put Creed in his place years ago."

"You're going to listen to me. This has nothing to do with Creed. He's a bully and we both know it. This is about you. You've been a damn ticking timebomb for as long as I can remember. Get off the rollercoaster before it's too late. Don't write that book. I don't care what you do write to cleanse that soul you're so worried about but do not retell the story of our past, including the hunt. It'll be like playing with fire and I assure you that one or all of us will get burned."

"I'll take your advice under advisement."

And then I'd discard it.

Just like I would my lovely fawn's request that we remain platonic.

I would wait and honor it, but for only so long.

After that, there would be no turning back. Every inch of her would belong to me.

And there was nothing she would be able to do about it.