Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

B raxton

“Thank you, Sally. I appreciate you stopping and talking to me about this incredible cause.” I turned my face toward the camera, showing off my pearly whites. “I implore you to consider adopting a rescue pup or kitty. They will be your forever friends. Thank you.”

“I appreciate you talking with us, Mr. Royal.” Sally was beaming as if I’d just made her week.

Or her month.

While I was happy to support such a worthy cause, my hunger had yet to abate. As soon as I turned around, my gut told me Jasmine had taken the opportunity to run away again. I had to give the woman credit for her continued chutzpa. We’d just had incredible sex yet she was doing her best to pretend like it hadn’t occurred.

I took long strides down the hallway, even daring to push open the women’s restroom door again. It was easy to tell it was empty, which meant I was right. I was half skipping as I continued down the short corridor that led to another. Yep. There was a group of elevators.

Damn it.

Still, as I rushed toward them, I found myself smiling. She’d made the hunt that much more pleasurable. If she actually thought she’d be able to get away from me then she was kidding herself.

Thankfully, one of the elevator doors opened quickly and as I walked inside, I wondered if this was nothing but a game to her. Maybe. However, I also gathered given all the articles I’d read about her father that this was his last chance to clean up his act. Was he one of the bad guys as indicated by my father’s odd, secret list?

The jury was out at this point, but her fear of embarrassment was a reality. Although her father should feel relieved I wasn’t a deadbeat.

All I could do was laugh as I waited for the elevator to head to the bottom. I doubted she was staying in the hotel. Her parents had been provided with a sweet mansion in Alexandria, as so many diplomats were, and they were likely requiring her to be there. I’d googled the property just in case, noting the tall steel security fence and gate surrounding the massive brick estate.

The ping of the elevator didn’t come quickly enough. I even pushed open the doors, eager to hunt her down. There was a parking garage, but I had the distinct feeling the sweet, feisty koala would desire a quick and easy getaway if needed.

She had been breaking the law, even though this situation was less egregious.

I continued taking long strides into the lobby, heading for the main doors. Once outside, I scanned both sides of the street. Within seconds, I was able to catch a glimpse of her sexy dress as she rushed down the sidewalk to a small paid parking lot. I even found myself whistling as I shoved my hands into my pockets, heading in her direction.

As expected, she turned to the left heading into the lot.

She was a quick walker even in her heels and I had to pick up my pace to ensure she didn’t get away from me this time.

I was less than a block away when I heard a sharp scream.

What the fuck?

There was no doubt the shrill sound was coming from Jasmine. I took off running, rounding the corner in two seconds flat. What I saw immediately set my blood to the boiling point.

Two men were doing their best to shove her into a waiting black sedan. Oh, hell, no.

“Get off her,” I bellowed as I neared, cognizant I was likely one of the only two people who wasn’t carrying a weapon. While I’d brought it with me as I always did when I traveled, I certainly hadn’t believed I’d need to carry the damn thing to a charity event.

As with anywhere else, evil lurked in the darkness.

And the two jerks almost managing to drag her kicking and writhing body into the back of the car weren’t amateurs. Someone had hired them to kidnap Jasmine. That wasn’t unheard of for the children of diplomats, but it wasn’t allowed on my watch.

One of the assholes had clamped his hand around her mouth and I was almost positive the streetlight provided a quick glance at a knife in his hand. While I needed to play this carefully, that didn’t mean there was any hesitation on my part.

My yell didn’t stop them, whoever the driver was revving the engine.

I grabbed one perp by the back of the neck, squeezing as I jerked him to face me. Nothing was in slow motion as I punched him in the face twice before tossing him aside like a rag doll. His weapon flew from his hand, spinning in circles across the pavement. I kicked him in the stomach, sending him flying a few feet in the other direction.

“Come on, fucker,” the second asshole barked. At least he tossed her aside, the shove hard enough to force her onto the pavement. He shifted the knife back and forth from hand to hand and I shook my head before kicking him in the gut.

The weapon went flying from his fingers, arcing high in the sky. I’d been trained in various methods of martial arts, deciding it was bet to use them at this moment. Entering into a fight had never felt so good or so justified as it did on this night.

I could tell I’d cracked one asshole’s nose by the blood that flew all over my shirt. He stumbled around to the other side of the car as the driver was screaming from inside that they needed to get the fuck out of there.

Hissing, I lunged forward, grabbing the fallen SIG-Sauer. The P232 wasn’t a weapon used by homeowners or basic run of the mill criminals. There was no doubt it was a professional hire.

Before the final asshole had a chance to scramble away, Jasmine had found the dropped weapon, now holding it out, the blade within inches of the third perp.

His eyes were wide open and he darted them back and forth between us.

While Jasmine’s hand was shaking, it was quite clear she was determined to go through with gutting the dude.

“You’re not going to do this, little koala. Those bastards aren’t worth it.”

“Bullshit!” she huffed.

I certainly wasn’t going to allow her to potentially ruin her life, and managed to wrap my hand around hers, taking the knife away with the other.

That was all the impetus the jerks needed, the last man jumping into the back of the sedan, tires squealing as the driver pushed down on the accelerator.

“Oh,” she half whispered, half moaned from beside me, but as soon as I gathered her into my arms, she broke down into tears.

“It’s okay. They’re gone. No one is going to hurt you.” I glared after the car, watching as the vehicle disappeared out of sight. The fuckers had blacked out the license plate. They’d also all been wearing black.

“Why? Why were they trying to kidnap me?” She pushed away from me, peering up with doe eyes.

“That’s what we need to find out. Come on. You’re coming with me.”

“Where are we going?”

“Somewhere safe.”

At least she hadn’t tried to fight me when I’d half carried her through the lobby of the hotel to the elevator leading to the parking garage. I’d pocketed both the knife and the gun in hopes they would help me determine who was behind the attempt.

Given Jasmine was guarded about who she was and the reason she was in the city, I had a feeling getting any useful information might be like pulling teeth.

I pulled out, constantly staring into my rearview mirror. I sped through the streets swerving past one vehicle then the other, ignoring all traffic signs and lights.

“You’re a crazy driver,” she mused.

“Aren’t all Americans?” I laughed softly, turning a corner quickly enough that the tires squealed.

“You are something I’ll keep to myself.”

As I threw her a look, my cock continued to ache. She was more than just a handful.

Fortunately, I had no issue getting to the hotel I’d selected, pulling into valet parking. As I stepped out, I scanned the street before patting the weapon in my jacket. After opening her door, I remained amused when she threw out her arm as if expecting she’d be helped out. I did so, kissing her hand just to annoy her.

She grumbled and jerked it away. “Honey, pay the man.”

Her haughty tone brought a smile to my face. I handed the young man a fifty, trying to keep from laughing as I took long strides to catch up with her.

“Where are we going?” she asked in her demanding tone as I led her into the elevator.

“This is the hotel where security is tight, which is obviously needed.” I pressed the button and glanced over my shoulder. I’d continued to pay close attention to ensure we hadn’t been followed. I doubted my presence had been expected, which gave me an advantage at this point.

“The Four Seasons.” She laughed almost maniacally. “How… special.”

“You know this location?”

“Yes. They have deluxe accommodations for the wealthy. Their room service is to die for and if you want a massage, they’ll serve you champagne afterwards.”

We were the only guests inside and after pressing the button to the top floor, I turned to face her. “You say that as if having money is a very bad thing.” Her parents were very well off, her father owning a separate corporation that had been lucrative for years.

“Money corrupts people.”

She’d been through a horrific ordeal, something most people were never forced to face in their lives. I had a feeling she’d experienced something of this nature before. Yes, she’d been emotional but after bursting into tears, it was as if she’d resigned herself to this being a part of her life.

I was the kind of man who took action, including grilling anyone who had information I needed. No one would ever accuse me of wearing kid gloves. I was more like a bull in a china shop. However, while I wouldn’t consider her delicate, she was much more rattled than she wanted to let on.

So I’d give her some leeway.

For now.

As soon as I walked her into the suite, she took a deep breath, holding it. The place had expansive views of Georgetown, the place my usual the few times I’d been to DC. At least by staying here, I had quaint coffee shops and bistros within walking distance.

“What about my car?” she asked, as if that should be the number one thing to be worried about.

“I’ll have it brought here.”

“How long do you think I’m staying? My parents will worry.”

I yanked off my jacket, taking the time to jerk the bow part of the bowtie. She was watching me intently as I tugged it away, also unbuttoning my bloodstained shirt.

“I believe your parents will understand why a Good Samaritan brought you to a very safe place. The men who attempted to kidnap you likely know where you’re staying. If you’re the main target, they’ll lie in wait until they find the perfect opportunity to make the attempt again. Plus, I have a suspicion the last thing you want to do is remain living with your parents, even if they were provided a mansion.”

“You don’t know shit about me.” Her insistence was laced with more questions than answers.

“I know more than you think or would like.” I could hear her cursing under her breath.

“Good Samaritan?” she asked, laughing as if what I was saying was the funniest thing on earth.

“Contrary to the beliefs you might have, I generally have good intentions.” When my sleeves were rolled up past my elbows, I turned on a single light near one of the windows and was surprised she winced. “I think we could both use a drink. Don’t you?”

She even hesitated before she nodded. I would say the girl had trust issues. That would make sense given the hatred people felt for her father and his political views. I had a feeling what little I’d read about them didn’t do justice to the reality of what Jasmine had been living with her entire life.

The fact the man was even considering running for the premier office meant he had balls.

Or serious connections.

I poured us both a scotch. When I headed toward her, I noticed she hadn’t budged from the spot she’d been in before. “Take the drink, Jasmine. I’m the last person you should be worried about.”

“I’m not worried about you, Braxton. I can handle assholes.” She almost laughed after issuing the statement.

“Are you hurt? Did the bastards injure you in any way?”

Her lower lip was quivering almost as much as her body. She shook her head, slowly lifting her other hand and pressing the tips of her fingers against the area on my shirt splattered with blood. “No, but you are.”

“Not my blood.”

“You risked your life to save me.”

“Did you really think I’d do otherwise?”

At least my comment garnered a slight smile. “No.”

I took her hand, leading her to the couch. She was stiff, remaining on the edge, now holding the drink in two hands.

“Did you recognize any of those men?”

She shook her head. Instead of her usual attitude when retorting, it seemed all the fire had been ripped from her. “I haven’t been to America since I graduated college a few years ago. Besides, they were pretty nondescript.”

She’d volunteered something personal about herself. Perhaps we were getting somewhere.

“But you’re here with your parents now.” I was doing my best to encourage her to open up about her real identity.

“Yes.”

“But not a vacation.”

The way she searched my eyes indicated she knew I was bluffing with my knowledge. “Let’s not play games, Braxton. You obviously know exactly who I am.”

“I would prefer if you’d tell me.”

Her hand continued to shake as she took a sip then a gulp. She closed her eyes, taking several deep breaths. “My name is Jasmine just as I admitted to, and my father is the new Australian ambassador to the United States. I’m here because I adore this country, having gone to college here. Not just as I have a crazy obligation to my father and his position. Since I have no doubt you researched my family, you probably have a pretty good idea he’s using this year as a steppingstone to something bigger and better.”

“I do.” There was no reason to lie to her.

“Yeah, well, my father isn’t the man the American television likely portrays him to be. At least not for the most part.”

“While I suspect you could be wrong, for the most part news out of Australia doesn’t reach those in the United States. Unless, of course, we’re talking about a soccer match. Americans have far too many options, and are embroiled in very busy lives with jobs, kids, and extracurricular activities to pay but so much attention to what goes on in other parts of the world.”

Her half smile was an improvement. “Fair enough. We’ll say my father has sparred with almost everyone who’s anyone at home. He’s made more enemies than he has friends, but I know other politicians are afraid of him because he’s influential.”

“Afraid or determined to bring him down?”

She raked her hand through her hair. “I suspect a little of both. People hate what he has to say and what he stands for. Plus, he’s a brutal believer in an eye for an eye kind of punishment for criminals.”

Now it was my turn to laugh. “Yet you’re a card shark.”

“I’ve always pushed boundaries. Maybe it’s the classic case of trying to get attention. For the most part my father doesn’t have time for me. Unless he wants to parade me in front of his single friends or in front of a reporter. The dutiful daughter who adores her dad.” She pumped her fist as if fighting a cause.

“I’m sorry you’ve lived such a horrible life.”

“Don’t patronize me. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know I have a hefty trust fund given both my parents come from money. I’ve lived in the lap of luxury most of my life and I was sent to the finest schools. Yep, some would consider me a spoiled brat, but I assure you that looks can be deceiving. And what goes on behind closed doors can be… debilitating.”

“Did your father tell you he had a particular enemy?”

“Not recently, but I’ve made it a point to try and stay away from my father. I plan on continuing to do so while I’m here. I just haven’t had time to regroup yet.”

“What does that mean?” I asked as I sat back in the seat. Her perfume was far too delicious, coming close to preventing me from concentrating.

“It means I have no intention of playing the dutiful daughter being paraded around much longer. I’m going to get a job in the States, a bank account, and an apartment. Dad won’t like it but tough. I’m twenty-seven and deserve to live my life. I do have enough respect to handle a couple official duties, like coming to the charity event, but it’s past time to cut all ties.”

Just hearing her spout off her age forced me to realize how much older I was than the scrumptious girl. “Have you told your parents this yet?”

“No. Until I have everything settled, I don’t want to say a word. My father has a way of making me feel guilty. So those men were planning on ransoming me?”

Shaking my head, I looked out one of the glass doors for a few seconds. “Honestly, I doubt it. Whoever those men were, they were professionals.”

“How do you know?”

“The clothes they wore and the weapons they carried.”

“But they wanted to kidnap me. If not for money, then what? To shut my father up? To destroy him?”

“That remains to be seen,” I told her. “Unless you tell me more of what your father is involved in, there’s only so much I can do.”

She stared at me incredulously. “I’m not asking you to do a damn thing, Braxton. I can protect and defend myself. Besides, my father couldn’t care less. I have a feeling his usual activities will continue while he’s here, which includes introducing me to all the old, single politicians in this country that can do him some good in his election next year. Imagine a big, splashy wedding highlighted in all your magazines and newspapers.”

“Ouch.” That would certainly bode well for the man’s upcoming campaign.

“Sounds barbaric, doesn’t it?”

I cocked my head, studying her intently. The anger and distrust of her father was easy to read in her eyes. But she still had some respect for him. “Let me put this another way. I’m not allowing you to be by yourself right now.” I yanked the jacket from the back of the couch, pulled out both the knife and the gun, placing them strategically on the table. “Take a good look at these, Jasmine.”

“Why?” She dropped her head instead.

“Because I commanded you to do so and you need to fully understand what you’re dealing with at this point. Look. You could have died in that abduction attempt.”

She finally lifted her head, taking labored breaths as she glanced from one to the other. “I understand.”

“Do you?” We were at a slight stalemate.

“Your shirt is covered in blood, Braxton… They called me bitch and whore. I’m no fool. I know this has everything to do with my father and the fact he’s pissed so many people off. But how did the jerks find me?”

“A good question. I’m curious and have several of my own including, aren’t you supposed to have a bodyguard? Given the number of diplomats I’ve met, and the state of the world affairs, I’ve been told it’s prudent for family members to be guarded at all times.”

“I think you mean because my father is so hated.”

“That too.”

Her laugh was laced with bitterness. “I have an amazing bodyguard named Dugger Abbott but it’s easy to ditch the man. I’ve had years to do so, the guard before him the same. I used to be the kid who knew every way of sneaking out of my parents’ house. It used to drive my parents nuts but I couldn’t stand being cooped up like a prisoner. I had friends. I wanted to play and party. So, I always found a way. And don’t worry, Braxton. Whatever my foibles and antics, I’m smart enough to know the enemies my father made over the years are highly dangerous.”

“How dangerous?”

She chewed on her bottom lip and glanced elsewhere. “The Honoured Society. They are very dangerous, more so than anyone in the country.”

“The honored society?”

“Spelled the Australian way. Otherwise known as the mafia to every American.”

“The mafia? What in God’s name did your father do to piss them off?” Gage certainly hadn’t mentioned them, but a diplomat and a mafia group weren’t usually placed in the same circle. There was a hell of a lot I didn’t know about a country I’d always wanted to visit.

“You name it,” she said before taking another sip. “My father acts like he wants to concentrate on erasing crime on one hand while enjoying perks of their donations to the cause. Don’t quote me.”

“You’re certain about that?” If that was the case, the fuckers had no intention of ransoming her off for money. They were in it for blood and control. Hell, even I’d had to quarrel with the mafia Don of the Los Angeles regime who’d believed he could come into San Diego with a bulldozer. I’d certainly gotten practice using a weapon at that point.

Her intense shudder was a positive enough answer. “Daddy thinks he’s bigger than the law and immune to those challenging his immortality. He’s just like his father, another man who treated women like possessions and bribed and blackmailed his way to the top.”

Their world was quite fascinating. “Who else knows he takes kickbacks from these assholes? Members of parliament? His opponents?”

“I might be the only one other than the society. I caught him on the phone a few times and continued to snoop over the years. That’s one reason I left for America, accepting a scholarship at Georgetown. I knew if I stayed in the country, I’d be a weakness someone would use. Funny how it seems I was right.”

I stared at her incredulously, but my anger was just below the surface. It was odd the woman had ditched me, yet I wanted to protect her. I also wanted to ascertain additional information about this mafia group. Maybe they were the ones who’d discovered the extent of my father’s sleuthing.

“I read books and watch crime shows. Okay?” she barked, staring at me with amusement in her eyes. “Bottom line. My father isn’t a good man. I don’t want this life. I feel obligated, out of respect, to be here to some extent, but I have my limits and that’s it.”

“You need to understand something very clearly. You’ve become the target, Jasmine. If this group of men is mafia, they’ve followed you and your parents from Australia, and they won’t stop until they gather leverage with your father. While I know you want to live your own life, I may be the only man who can keep you alive long enough to do so.”

I wasn’t prepared to tell her that by keeping her close, she could potentially provide some answers, which my brothers and I obviously needed. Valerio had been right.

Coincidences were bullshit. Another question formed in my mind.

Was she even telling me the truth about her hatred of her father and his world? Or…

No, I wasn’t prepared to go down that road just yet. I was usually damn good about reading people and she struck me as a woman determined to break free from her father’s tether.

She stared at me and threw back the final gulp of her drink. “I’ve begun to think I’m not going to have a life of my own. Do you know how horrible that is to finally admit?”

I sat up on the edge of my seat. “I need you to look at me.” She was so damn stubborn that she acted as if she wasn’t going to allow that to happen. “Look. At. Me.”

“What?”

“You are going to have a life to live but you will need to trust me. Can you do that? And just as important, can I trust you not to try and escape at this point?”

She took a few seconds before nodding.

“Good girl. Now, you’re going to pour yourself a glass of wine and go into the main bathroom where you’re going to take a nice, hot bath. Then we’re going to have that late dinner I mentioned with you in a robe.”

“You’re taking off the bloody clothes?”

“I might even do that.” At least her resolve hadn’t been shattered.

“Okay. I’m not going to run.”

“Now, one last thing. I need to contact your father and explain you’re very safe. Will you trust me enough to provide me with the best phone number?”

She seemed almost nervous, dragging the tip of her tongue across her bottom lip. “Yes. But my dad won’t like you calling.”

“Not to be rude but I couldn’t give a shit what your father likes or doesn’t like.” I pulled out my phone as a further encouragement.

“He will try and hurt you. I know him. He hurts everyone who tries to get in his way.”

“Now it’s time for me to say that I can take care of myself, little koala. I’m a very big boy and in case your instinct didn’t let you know, I am considered a very dangerous man as well. Plus, I have two powerful brothers prepared to back me up as well.”

“So I heard.”

“You were checking up on me.”

“A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.”

I slid my finger over the screen of my phone. “What is your father’s number?”

She was still slightly reluctant to give it to me and as soon as she did, she rose to her feet. “Just don’t say I didn’t tell you so.”

I watched her walk away and for the life of me after what had just occurred less than an hour before, my cock was rock hard all over again.

What in God’s name did that say about me?