Epilogue

EPILOGUE

T hree months later

Kenya

"No. We are not selling the bed and breakfast." I glanced over at Beckham as he drove, the ride bumpy given the roads weren't all flushed out yet. With the breeze blowing through his long hair, the stylish yet odd Caribbean-style clothes, and the oh-so deliciously dark shades covering his whiskey-colored eyes, I knew without a doubt he was the hottest man on the face of this earth.

Whew, baby, what I wanted the powerful man to do to me.

Especially since the last three months had been nothing but a pain in our asses.

"I never said we were selling the B & B. I love the place. I want to keep it in my hot little hands as a significant money maker. We can expand, moving up and down the East Coast. We can have more weddings, hire a couple wedding planners. I know a record company where I could likely lure in entertainment."

He was having so much fun with this.

"You mean my hot little hands. You forget I'm a rich woman in my own right."

He smiled wryly before slowing the Jeep, glancing around the tropical environment. "You're never going to allow me to forget that. Will you? And where the fuck are we?"

Hearing the various nature sounds was something I could live with every day of my life. "What's wrong, big boy? Scared some big animal is going to eat you?"

"Very funny."

"I'll protect you," I cooed, unable to stop myself.

Reaching over, he grabbed my chin, squeezing as he dragged me halfway over the driveshaft. "You seem to forget who's in charge, little lady."

"Who, me? Never. Just follow the road like I told you and we'll be there in no time."

"I wish you'd tell me what the fuck we're doing on an abandoned island."

It was my turn to throw him a coy look. "Did moi say it was abandoned? Besides. Why would an island stuck in the middle of nowhere have a runway?"

"Uh-huh. Semantics. What are you up to?"

"Semantics? Silly man. Drive. Trust me."

He scoffed. "Said the spider to the fly." He drove, a grin remaining on his face.

I leaned back, enjoying the breeze, the feel of the ocean that was on the other side of the gorgeous palm trees and the scents of the wild. This truly was paradise, even if it had started out as something horrible, a location where the course of the world could be changed. Maybe it was fitting what I'd become determined to use the place for, but I had to admit I was nervous about his reaction.

And the money I'd spent.

And the changes I'd made.

And the invitations I'd sent out.

Biting my lip, as we got close to the clearing, I couldn't help myself, standing with my hand gripping the top bar.

"What are you doing?" he barked.

"Enjoying the moment. Something I'm going to teach you how to do."

"Oh, yes, the simple things. Let me guess. We're honeymooning in a hut."

"Exactly, big boy. Just what you need." With all the horrors we'd faced, all the insanity of what had occurred and the aftermath that had taken until just a couple of months ago, we hadn't had a single chance to go anywhere. We'd even eaten our meals inside his house given we'd become celebrities.

Saviors of the world, the entire Brotherhood had been coined. That was a little farfetched. However, the truth of what had occurred, the limitless possibilities the Death Squad had in the palm of their hands weren't lost on anyone. We were lucky all the intricately woven riddles had been unraveled, allowing at least seventy percent of the various powerhouses of wealth and opulence to be seen for what they really were.

Money-grubbing assholes with no love of humanity. I'd always heard it said that everyone had a price for selling their souls but after the shit had hit the fan, I'd been more shocked than with any other aspect of the insanity.

And those mentioned?

The vice president of the freaking United States.

Several European and South American leaders.

High-ranking members of the various military organizations.

Russian oligarchs.

Fortune 100 business owners.

High-ranking politicians, judges, attorneys, and law enforcement members, including the commissioner of police out of New York.

Entertainment moguls.

Musicians.

Public influencers.

Media giants.

The list went on and on.

And my father and brother, both of whom had lost their lives because of their lust for more power. Did I miss my dad, hating he'd been killed in front of me? Maybe a little. At least he'd asked my sweet husband to take care of me.

Sadly, expansive promises had been made by the few people who'd started the concept as nothing more than devious fodder over cocktails and cigars. It remained unfathomable that the idea had been nurtured over three decades, armies built and assassins created. It all seemed like a horrific nightmare except their intense planning, their clawed webs surrounding the people they'd lured in had almost worked.

As soon as Beckham broke through the beautiful line of trees, he whistled, pulling the Jeep to a stop with stunning sights of beauty on both sides. On the right was a glorious view of the Caribbean blue ocean, the water sweeping against the pristine pearlescent sand one of the most incredible and peaceful sights I'd ever seen.

On the left was the first sight of perhaps the most incredible compound ever built. The main building, crafted like a marvelous paradise hotel setting, had all the bells and whistles of security, communication, weaponry, and mechanical systems including a water refining plant. But instead of the fortress my father and brother had tried to make it, I'd turned the facility onto its head, hiring the best architects and designers to come in like a firestorm, making the location the most fabulous vacation destination in all of creation.

Or so I hoped.

There were dozens of outbuildings, including cabins and beautiful secluded cabanas nestled in the water for the discerning couple who wanted privacy. I'd hired the best chefs, hotel staff, and entertainers to help create a destination my little growing family could be proud of.

I couldn't believe what had been done in three little months.

"What. The. Fuck?" Beckham appeared impressed, rising onto his feet as I remained seated. When I didn't answer, he slowly turned his head. "Hold on. This is the island owned by your family."

"Well, owned by me since my father was silly enough to leave his significant fortune to me in the event of my brother's death."

Dimitri's body had never been found, Beckham refusing to tell me every detail about what had occurred and in truth, I hadn't wanted to know. But I could guess. There was no love lost between us, no brotherly-sisterly love shown all the while we'd been growing up.

"You've been keeping secrets from me, baby," he said.

Shrugging, I blew him a kiss before climbing out of the Jeep, yanking the picnic basket I'd insisted we bring with us on the flight but had refused to allow him to see the contents of. I had to smile seeing he was still marveling about the construction that my father had managed to have completed. It would seem given the dollars in my bank account he'd been paid well for acting as enforcer and the man responsible for training the dangerous group of assassins.

I pulled out the bottle of champagne from the small cooler, enjoying observing the mixture of emotions on the man's face. I think I'd truly been able to shock him.

As soon as I popped the top, he glanced back in my direction, shaking his head.

"Keeping secrets from your master isn't in your bottom's best interest."

I purposely rolled my eyes before popping the cork. A few bubbles fizzed out over the rim and in my usual bad girl fashion, I pulled the bottle itself to my lips. It was too good to waste even a drop.

Beckham jumped out, doing his usual swagger walk as he headed toward me. "So what are we to do with this place?"

Before answering, I yanked out a couple of plastic flutes, shoving both into his hands to hold so I could pour.

"Walk with me," I told him, placing the bottle back into the cooler before pressing both hands against his chest. "And I need to see those gorgeous eyes of yours."

As I moved to take one of the glasses, our fingertips touched and God almighty, the electricity still soaring between us was insane. I shuddered audibly and it caused him to grin like some crazy loon.

He ripped off his shades, securing them in his tropical, floral shirt before easing mine off as well. "You mean so you can determine if I'm telling you the truth?" He gingerly secured my sunglasses on the front of my dress, purposely tweaking my nipple.

"Ouch and why, yes." I held out my arm, waiting until he took my hand. As we walked through the beautiful foliage close to the new hotel, he shook his head.

"How did you manage this?"

"I have my connections as well, a few my father didn't obliterate when he lost his mind."

Sighing, he lowered his gaze. "I'm sorry about your family. It wasn't my intent to remove them from you."

"Nonsense. You did what you needed to do. My father was looking for an easy way out. He was always influenced by power and money, which is what happened with all the men who became involved with the infamous Death Squad. My brother was exactly like him, cold and heartless."

"Very true but Boris was your father."

"Who I had no doubt somehow killed my mother."

The way he was now looking at me almost broke my heart. "You've always suspected that."

"Not really. Not until the end but it made sense with things you've told me about your family and how your mother was strong enough to talk your father out of becoming involved. My mother hadn't been brought up to be in the world of brutal criminals. She wasn't used to being lied to all the time. While I always considered her a strong woman and I know she talked back to my father, she finally couldn't take it any longer. She would love this place and what I've done with it."

"Truly beautiful, just like the woman who envisioned something amazing out of her own personal nightmare."

I pulled my hand away, pressing the tip of my index finger against his chest. "And I'm serious about the bed and breakfast. Although I did ask Janie to handle more of the day-to-day operations and she agreed."

He clasped my hand, pulling it to his lips. In his now trademark move, he brushed his lips across my knuckles and instantly I was wet and hot all over. "I would never take anything away from my precious little fighter. I promise you that. So, I'm curious. Are we to eat bananas and mangos for sustenance, because given the sadistic and delicious things I plan on doing to your body, I will need protein."

Seeing his playful side was as special as everything else had become. "I do come as a full-service gal." I backed away on purpose, taking off running toward the beach. I still had other tricks up my sleeve.

While he was no longer intimidating to me, he certainly had a lockdown on creating intimidating expressions. How many times had I reminded him that they didn't work on me?

He caught me as intended only seconds later, snagging my wrist and pushing me against the trunk of a massive palm tree.

"You really do need to be taught a lesson in manners and that you are not allowed to keep a single secret from me."

"Does that include around Christmas and your birthday? If so, you're going to be a very disappointed boy toy since you'll always know what's been wrapped waiting for you to open." I did so adore teasing him.

While nothing in life was perfect, no job or marriage, no friendship or business relationship, with him I could truly be myself.

A little bit sassy and a lot in your face.

He loved it, although he did his best to keep me in line.

"You are pressing your luck, little missy," he growled.

In response, I took a sip of champagne, rolling onto my tiptoes as I curled one arm around his neck. Without any difficulties, I slipped my tongue past his succulent lips, filling his mouth with the bubbly.

Maybe the magical moment was my way of telling him there was no other place I wanted to be.

The kiss was just as powerful as always yet sweet and tender, as he'd been since rescuing me what now seemed like a lifetime before. I was shocked how much his powerful need to protect me had altered my life. I was also pleasantly surprised his family had continued to be nurturing, acting as if I was their long-lost daughter.

This man was the love of my life, and I was happier than I thought I could be after the shit we'd been through.

His domination had changed, becoming even more possessive, but I loved every moment of it. He was the one who broke the kiss, powering back half of his champagne before tugging the glass from my hand. He took a giant whiff of the ocean before he eased the flutes carefully onto the sand, making certain they didn't tip over.

As I'd seen so many times, he wagged his finger before spinning me around to face the tree.

"What do you think you're doing?" I demanded, although of course by now I knew exactly what he was up to. How could I not?

"Well, first of all, giving you a lesson in forgetting I own you. I'll follow it up with a reminder you are not allowed to lie to me. And almost like dessert, I'll add a few more savage cracks of my hand just for good measure." He ripped my tropical dress to my waist, holding it in place while wrangling my thong past my hips to my knees.

While I wiggled and moaned, everything about the man excited me. Including his far too frequent spankings. A teensy tiny part of me almost knew I needed them.

As he brought his hand down, I was certain I heard a jet not too far away. I bit my lip to keep from giggling. Right now, I didn't want to give myself or my nefarious little plan away.

He seemed oblivious to the approaching company, enjoying the moment of spanking me in such a beautiful setting. Of course the pain was vivid, yet I was tingling all over, the anticipation of the day and night, the entire week, something I'd been looking forward to for a long time. The time away was a solid reward for saving fortunes and beating evil.

His breathing indicated he was having a difficult time keeping his cock in his pants. I knew we didn't have much time before the planes began to land. He'd have to protect his blue balls for a few hours.

When I dared giggle, he stopped what he was doing, driving his fingers into my pussy instead. "I think you're enjoying this a little too much."

His voice seemed deeper and huskier than ever.

"Maybe." I undulated my hips, enjoying the sweet moment of passion.

"What do you have up your sleeve?"

"For me to know and you to… wonder about."

He laughed and resumed the spanking, ensuring every inch of my bottom was covered before the whir of engines finally caught his attention.

"Shit. Who the hell is doing a flyover all the way here?" He ended the spanking, not bothering to help me adjust my clothes before walking closer to the water.

I fixed my dress and panties, biting my lip to keep from laughing as I watched him shield his eyes from the stunning sun high in the sky.

As I moved behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist, he took a deep breath. "Are you trying to tell me we might have company?"

"Yes, we will."

"I thought this was our honeymoon. I would prefer not having a full audience, although it could be some fun."

I cracked him on the butt, laughing softly. "Uh, no. Thanks so much. But this is a celebration of life and love, of friendship and family and they come in all sizes."

"So who's arriving, my little fighter? If you don't tell me, I will make a point of spanking and fucking you right in front of these mystery guests."

"You wouldn't dare," we both said at the same time just before I stuck out my tongue.

"Seriously. Who is arriving?"

"Let's just say," I cooed, "our extended family."

He narrowed his eyes and wrapped his arm around my waist, holding me tightly as we both watched the planes coming into focus. I'd even had two additional runways installed to ensure I could accommodate the rich and famous.

As I nuzzled into him, I said a silent thank you to all things crazy in my life.

I wasn't certain if karma had intervened knowing we both needed grounding in our lives or if we'd both been lucky to meet in such a crazy way, but I did know one thing.

While life would never be easy married to a man like Beckham Kennedy, I knew in my heart we'd have an amazing time together, learning about the world through each other's eyes.

The yin and yang, the push and pull were exactly what we both needed.

As well as the love that had stood the test of… disaster.

A smile crossed my face and it was all I could do not to wave at the incoming jets.

"Come on," he finally said. "I guess we need to greet our guests."

As we grabbed our glasses, racing back to the Jeep, something my mother had told me swept into my mind.

"Today is the beginning of the rest of your life, baby girl. Don't let it pass you by. Take risks, including the toughest one of all, learning to allow in the love of your life."

Thankfully, I'd listened to her.

Beckham

Since I was a kid, I'd always been fascinated by a full moon. Maybe it was after reading too many werewolf novels, which had been my favorite as a young boy. Whatever the case, as I stood at the railing, the ocean only meters away, I was reminded of how amazing my wife truly was.

I'd thought for certain there were no new ways she could surprise me, but this place was absolutely magical. I was standing on a massive party deck, one of four attached to the newly acquired property that had been renovated from a basic fortress into a lavish hotel, drinking expensive scotch while an incredible island band played seductive Caribbean music behind a still ongoing dinner party for thirty people.

The love of my life had even invited her best friend and husband from Maine, my two brothers and their girlfriends along with the entire Brotherhood, including their lovely wives. I honestly didn't know how she'd pulled it off without my knowledge, but something told me she'd had help from my father and mother.

Ironically, they'd chosen to take a third honeymoon of their own, heading off to Europe all by themselves. I would need to thank them when we all returned.

For now, this was a week of respite, rich food, and the finest alcoholic beverages under the sun-filled sky by day and blissful passion by night. What could be better?

It was also a debriefing of the events occurring months before. Since the raid on the compound in Virginia, all twelve of us hadn't managed to get together. It wasn't really necessary since the entire ordeal had been taken from our hands, the various police organizations taking the combined evidence and building strong cases.

I wasn't entirely certain there were enough courtrooms or prisons to hold the soon to be new convicts, but it would be fun to see what happened.

As I felt a collective presence behind me, I leaned over the railing. My beloved bride had once accused me of acting as if I was king of the world. On this gorgeous clear night, that's exactly what I felt like.

"The vice president is putting up a hard fight in trying to get his conviction tossed out," Daniel Thorn said as he leaned over the railing with me.

"So I heard," I answered in passing.

"You don't need to worry about the son of a bitch worming his way out," Kraven said after flanking my other side.

"No, he's going away for a long time," Maxim growled.

I wasn't certain if I'd say the man had warmed up to me, but I did like and admire his style. As I glanced from one side of the long railing to the other, I marveled at the fact twelve men from various parts of the world, twelve ruthless business moguls, twelve powerful and often arrogant men who should be the least likely to become friends were standing here together.

We'd survived a horrible ordeal, some members forced to endure the unknowing and difficulties longer than others. We'd kept our integrity, our honesty, and our pledge to our families. I'd learned a lot about myself in the last four months, including stopping and smelling the roses.

I'd also learned that through diligent teamwork and keeping cool heads, anything was possible.

How ironic I was forty-two years old and had just figured that out. I guess better late than never.

"You know this isn't over, gentlemen, not completely anyway," Constantine said quietly, as if worried our lovely companions would overhear us.

"We're the Brotherhood. We can handle anything as necessary," I said in reverence.

I sensed every man was nodding.

"Time to lift your glasses, gentlemen," Gabriel suggested, raising his first.

"To the Brotherhood where we've found strength in numbers and friendships that I hope will last a lifetime," Diego offered.

"Aww," many of the men said, all of us chuckling.

"Mushy," I snorted.

Diego threw me a hateful look, winking afterwards.

"Not mushy at all. Perfect," Sabatino threw in.

"Stay your blade from the flesh of an innocent," Kraven piped in.

"Hide in plain sight," Maxim added.

"We're good at that," Dante just had to throw in.

"And most important, never compromise the Brotherhood." Brogan lifted his glass even higher.

After we took a gulp in celebration, I had to laugh. "I have one question. Who the hell thought of those old timey rules?"

"Careful there, brother," Gabriel teased. "Them is fighting words."

Another moment of revered silence settled in.

"We'll be ready when the new crop of members of the Death Squad attempts to take us down, right, Stavros?" Gabriel did so love to tease Phoenix's brother. However, no one could argue the man hadn't taken his position within the Brotherhood lightly, tracking down some of the best people for his elite group of intelligent assassins.

There were no ridiculous crude brandings on their skin, no indoctrination. There was mutual respect and continued training if necessary. Meanwhile, all those involved continued to live out their lives, having taken an oath to keep every scrap of information about the Brotherhood private.

"I assure you that my men and all twenty women are completely ready to go when necessary," Stavros said almost with a glint of happiness in his voice. Maybe because it was completely his baby.

"You have twenty women now?" Dante teased.

"Where have you been, brother?" Diego chortled. "Women do really rule the world no matter what us guys believe."

"He's right," Brogan said, snickering under his breath. "Women are much stronger than we are."

"They're far more intelligent as well," Phoenix added and I could swear he did so on cue. The man was a marvel at being overdramatic. It had to be the Greek in him.

We all heard a slight coughing sound from behind us and as if members of a dance team, turned around at the same time.

I had to admit I adored beautiful things of all facets of life. Paintings, exotic photography, stunning sports cars, and even certain jewels. However, nothing was more beautiful than the sight of twelve of the most insanely gorgeous women lined up much we were. It was as if we were preparing for a country line dance.

"Whew," Constantine said under his breath.

"Breathtaking," Gabriel said as he shook his head.

"So," my lovey Kenya said as she sashayed closer. "At least you boys have one thing right." She placed her hand on my cheek, taking her time to dance her fingertips in circles.

"What's that, my bad girl?" I barely managed to get out.

She gave me a sly smile, crawling the same fingers all the way down my chest, cupping my groin and smiling like a wicked girl. "Women really are in charge. Come on, boys. It's time to dance."

As the women backed away, each one beckoning for their respective husbands, the twelve of us looked at each other and I had no doubt we were all thinking the same thing.

We were truly the luckiest men alive.

Love might be fickle.

And love might be blind.

But without a doubt, it was the most powerful source on earth that nothing and no one could ever destroy.

The End