Chapter 29

CHAPTER 29

B raxton

Religion.

I respected those who needed something to believe in. I understood hoping for a miracle. Hell, I was already doing so, which would make my mother happy. She’d tried to instill the belief in a greater good, but when you’re taught to be ruthless from early on, the concept is required to take a back seat.

More than two hours had passed. Almost three.

No one had said a word, which pissed me off as much as the fact some asshole had tried to end Jasmine’s life. Had they no reverence? Did they not know she was with child?

Maybe she was showing. Maybe not. I certainly wasn’t some kind of expert.

But I knew what I felt.

Anger.

Horror.

Love.

How fucking bizarre it had taken this to feel anything like Valerio and my parents had.

I’d stood outside in the gorgeous weather on a patio filled with colorful chairs, umbrellas, and even a grill, but I’d remained in a horrible vacuum.

It wasn’t every day you found out you were going to be a father.

Correction, that there was a possibility, however remote at this point. I wasn’t entirely certain how I felt about it nor was I expecting to be given an opportunity. I’d shoved away anything serious for long enough, if there was a higher being, he wouldn’t believe me when I said I wanted a family more than anything now.

Who would?

I’d found the chapel on my own, heading into the small room with sincere hesitation. It wasn’t as if I was a serial killer. I didn’t think my body would be set in flames by just walking in, but since I’d held no reverence for the concept, I felt I didn’t deserve to be there. My mother would call me silly, telling me that it was never too late to pray, but I wasn’t so certain about anything at this point.

It took all I had to head to the front, staring at the simple altar. My mother had been born a Methodist so the churches she’d described had been simplistic in design but this was bare bones basic. They had to cater to every denomination possible to try to provide comfort. I got it.

And it didn’t matter.

I felt sick and hollow yet almost as if there was a light. Or maybe exhaustion was playing tricks on my mind.

I couldn’t sit in one of the pews. It felt blasphemous to do so. So I stood and placed my hand on the railing, looking at the image of a holy man. Somehow, it felt right to express my emotions out loud. There’d been a lot of firsts since meeting Jasmine a lifetime ago.

“I don’t how to do this but I need some help. There’s someone I care about in the middle of surgery. She, um…” Dear fucking God. I was more emotional than I’d thought I’d be. An entire flood of tears had formed and it was impossible to push them aside.

What the hell was wrong with me? I’d turned into a blubbering mess.

I took a deep breath, clamping down on the railing. I sucked at this.

“I need her alive, safe. Brought back to me. I’ll do anything. I’ll promise anything.”

Yeah, don’t promise shit you can’t keep.

“There’s a child growing inside of her. The baby doesn’t deserve this. I promise I will do everything I can to make her life better. I won’t allow my child to grow up without a father. I’ll be there. Just… just do this one thing for me. I can’t promise you I’ll be a holy man but I’d do everything in my power to follow the right path.”

Fuck.

“I don’t know if you care or what, but my prayer isn’t just for me. Okay?”

The rustle from behind yanked at my attention.

“Mr. Royal,” Dr. Myers said as soon as I turned around. He pulled off his surgical cap, his sterile gown covered in blood.

My heart sank. “Braxton. Just call me Braxton.”

“Braxton,” he repeated and walked closer. “I have news.”

Both Gage and Valerio had entered, Selena, Valerio’s wife with them. All three appeared as stressed as I was.

I inched closer, still trying to hold my shit together. I wasn’t certain how much longer I could do it.

“I was able to repair the damage to Ms. Sinclair’s spleen. Fortunately, I found minimal internal bleeding.”

While my family breathed easier, my gut told me there was more. I glanced down at his gown again, cringing from the sight of so much blood. He seemed to notice, offering a slight smile.

“Don’t worry. An artery was nicked but repaired instantly. Sadly, there were some complications with the fetus’ heart.”

“Baby. She had a living, breathing baby growing inside of her!” I instantly regretted being so damn harsh, but I had nothing left.

“Your baby is a fighter,” he added. “If he makes it through the night, he has a fighting chance.”

Selena yelped, clapping her hands over her mouth.

It took me a few seconds to register what Dr. Myers was insinuating. “He?”

The man patted me on the arm and nodded. “Yes, sir.”

All three family members crowded around me and at last I was able to take a slight breath, even though the ache in my heart remained.

“Try and get some rest. We still have a tiring twenty-four hours or so but I’m more hopeful,” he added, nodding to the others before heading toward the chapel door. When he stopped, another twinge of worry rushed into me. “By the way, Braxton. You are a good man deep down inside no matter how much you try and hide that. And he heard you. The man upstairs? There are no rules to praying or asking for help. It’s about what’s in your heart and it’s painfully obvious how much you love your family. Stay strong.”

I did appreciate his words. We’d had many a discussion on religion and the medical field over the last few years. It was strange how everything he’d tried to teach me without shoving it down my throat had come to pass.

Except I wasn’t certain I would ever fit into the good man category because of what I was about to do.

But it was time, past time.

No one would ever be allowed to fuck with my family again.

So help me God.

It would seem my brother Gage had a little more darkness under his youthful persona than either Valerio or I had noticed. Sure, we’d known he had sadistic needs, but he also had friends in low places.

That had allowed him to call in favors and track down the SUV responsible for hitting Jasmine. At least that’s what was suspected, the huge vehicle parked right out in the open in the parking lot of the boutique hotel I’d learned Santini and his men had all but taken over.

The actual events were being held in Los Angeles, the whole idea of mafia families converging together amusing as fuck. I guess to each their own. I certainly knew crime syndicates had become more sophisticated over the last decade or so. Not that I was an expert, but I’d done my best to keep up with anyone who could possibly interfere with any of our businesses.

It was almost funny that at least one mafia Don was a member of our kink clubs. He hadn’t bothered anyone or used excessive violence so his professional life didn’t bother me.

Weren’t we all corrupt men in one way or another?

However, Santini was a piece of shit as far as I was concerned.

I’d surmised the man had made good on some kind of macho threat with Jasmine. If he couldn’t have her, no one could. Either that or he was just settling an old score, furious that he’d fallen on hard times after murdering so many prominent people who had the potential of causing him trouble.

Rumor on the street was that he wanted to expand his territory into the US. Maybe that’s why he was there with other mafia leaders. Not that I gave a shit. If law enforcement couldn’t find enough evidence to send him to prison, then I’d take matters into my hands.

My way.

We were almost to the hotel in Long Beach, the location nestled right on the water. It was a nondescript location, not popular with famous people, which was likely why Santini had chosen it.

It was also easy to sneak up on without being seen.

I had to laugh at myself even though I remained furious. Perhaps Santini hadn’t done his research on who the hell I was.

Ruthless.

Powerful.

Unforgiving.

He would soon learn.

Gage was still on the phone with God knew who after Valerio had pulled into the parking lot. He’d made all the connections, putting our plan together.

I wanted this finished quickly. I needed to get back to the hospital. No way would my baby wake up alone in a strange place.

“Let’s get this over with.” It had already taken too damn long to get this shit sorted out, which irritated the hell out of me. I was on edge, forced to accept there was a chance this wouldn’t work out the way my family wanted.

Not me.

I would prefer an entirely different outcome, but I had a family to consider. Right?

Maybe. It would all depend on whether or not the bastard cooperated.

Gage moved in front of me before we entered through the side door. “I found out when she arrived in the States.”

I could tell by his tone he didn’t want to tell me. “A long time ago.”

“Two weeks. From what I can tell, she went to stay with her friend.”

Valerio took a deep breath while I took in what Gage was saying.

I’d checked out and spoken with Ashton a half dozen times, requiring her promise she’d let me know if she heard from Jasmine. That meant Jasmine had been unsure about talking to me. I shoved aside my sadness and simply nodded.

“But she arrived in San Diego the morning of the hit and run. She came to see you.” Gage was also good at mediating. He’d been the one who’d calmed fights I’d had with Valerio, making several good points on both our behalf.

If there was any good to come out of this, it was that I had a newfound appreciation for my family.

And I doubted I’d make fun of Valerio for wanting a brood of kids. I wouldn’t mind having nieces and nephews after all.

Now it was my turn to stop my brothers before we headed inside acting like storm troopers or saviors of the world. I was almost worthless when it came to providing anything emotional to my family. Words didn’t come easily.

I could wing it with a huge speech in front of a new client seeking financial advice or a reporter trying to find all the little disturbing details about Royal Players Club. Yet talking candidly with my family, offering words of appreciation or, God help me, an apology was worse than being stuck in a dentist’s chair having all my teeth pulled.

“What’s wrong, dude?” Valerio asked.

It was odd to notice both brothers had their weapons ready. It wasn’t like keeping a gun in plain sight was part of our usual world. Sure, we’d learned to respect weapons early on but we hadn’t been a gun-toting family.

The sight was also a stark reminder that everything was at stake.

“A hell of a lot is wrong but also finally making sense in my head. Thank you both for giving a shit when I wasn’t certain I had anything left inside of me. I’m not good at this touchy-feely crap but your support does mean the world to me.”

They were surprised I’d said anything, Gage finally grinning. “Nah, we’re still assholes.”

At least it was easy to be myself around them, more so than before.

The hotel only had five floors, the older building more like a motel than a fancy chain, but the renovations had been extensive. Now it was considered the place when the rich and famous wanted to get away for a little weekend.

We headed up the stairs leading from the parking lot. Gage had managed to coerce the check-in clerk to provide information about what room Santini was in. The fuckers had the entire floor, which meant he’d brought an entire crew of soldiers with him. Perhaps the information was correct and he was planning on setting up shop.

If he found a way, it would get him out from under the scrutiny nearly crushing him into anonymity.

Too bad he wasn’t going to be able to follow through with his plans.

Once reaching the floor, my two brothers pulled out their weapons. Mine was easily within reach if necessary but I didn’t want to appear fazed by the situation. Of course the fucker would think he had us outnumbered. Technically, he did but only momentarily.

As soon as we were on the floor, we were noticed, some burly asshole heading in our direction.

“Private floor,” he said, his accent thicker than Jasmine’s. He dared not only get in front of us as if he was going to block our access, but also shoved me in the chest with his hand. It stayed there as if daring me to come back with anything.

“Public hotel. Now, I’m going to give you a significant piece of advice. Get your hand off me or have it broken.”

He grinned like one of those goons did in a movie and pushed again.

Maybe I wasn’t considered a killer, but I’d spent years honing my body and my martial arts skills. It took a few seconds to grab and snap his wrist to a painful, very awkward angle.

As soon as he howled in pain, three other men entered the hallway with their guns drawn.

That was my brothers’ cue to raise their weapons, able to highlight the big, bad side of them they didn’t get to express as often as I knew they would like.

“I suggest you call off your boy toys or spend the next few hours in the emergency room.”

Boy toys. I’d used her term perhaps to feel closer to her.

He turned his head, nodding.

“Good boy. Now, all you need to do is to provide me with passage to your boss and we’re good. You’ll get to keep your hand.” I was grinning while he looked at me as if he’d attempt to take a baseball bat to my head.

“I got this, Zach. Mr. Royal. Or should I address all of you that way?” Santini was a big man, younger than I’d originally thought and well educated. He had a slight Italian accent, a clear indication of his heritage.

“We need to talk,” I told him.

He eyed us carefully as more men crowded the hall. He was smart enough to know killing us wasn’t in his best interest in a country where he was attempting to establish a business.

“Come. Let’s talk in my suite. I have a great view.” Santini led the three of us inside, nodding to his men to leave. “Why don’t I get us all a drink?”

“Why not?” I answered. “Whiskey.”

“A man after my own heart.”

I doubted that. My brothers flanked both sides, Valerio checking to ensure we were alone. Santini seemed amused.

“We’re alone. I have no reason to fear your presence,” Santini said.

“You should.”

He poured the drinks and as he turned, he eyed me quizzically while bringing my brothers a tumbler. As he handed me mine, he gave me what could only be called as a nod of respect. “I’ve heard many things about the Royal family. You’re California royalty, a force to be reckoned with.”

I purposely took a sip to allow a little apprehension to sink in. “A force to be reckoned with. I’ll accept that description.”

“What can I do for you?” he asked as if this was a matter of business. “Unless you’re here to offer me financial services, which I could use.”

Laughing, I took my time walking closer, pulling out two photographs. When I handed them to him, he furrowed his eyebrows until he noticed the subjects.

“What is this?” he demanded, now slightly on edge.

“The woman you sent your goons to kill, the one who refused to marry you by running away from her own country isn’t dead.”

“I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.”

My laugh was easygoing, my body relaxed. I did some of my best work under pressure. “Take a good look. The SUV is likely to have her DNA on the grille, which will be tested. I’m surprised you didn’t bother to have it thoroughly cleaned.”

“A testament to the man’s arrogance,” Valerio suggested.

“Yes, you’re right, bro. Anyway, your thugs failed in killing her. The second photograph shows Jasmine Sinclair very much alive. Does she have a long road ahead for recovery? You bet, but I’ll be right by her side. I’m curious. Was that the last straw for you, learning she cared about another man when she was promised to you by her own father?” I smiled after asking the question.

The man was furious, his grip around the glass tightening. He had no clue where I was coming from, which offered us a clear advantage. He finally smiled, which I’d expected. “You have nothing but speculation.”

“Oh, no? Well, on top of obtaining evidence off the SUV, there were three witnesses all making the same statements. It would seem your boys aren’t that good at what they do or just didn’t give a shit.”

I was close to pushing him over the edge.

“You come into my hotel room uninvited and accuse me of a heinous crime?” he demanded.

“You bet. What happened? Did your balls get slammed into a tight vise? Did you get rejected by a woman who was far too good for you?”

His smile faded. “You need to leave.”

“Not without knowing the truth. I know you were behind the Washington, DC massacres a few months ago. I also know you are eager to expand your territory into the US since Aussie land wants you shoved out. You have a cousin on the East Coast, a man involved with a rather infamous mafia organization and you figured a fresh start would do you some good. Now, I don’t think you counted on the fact having all those people killed would ultimately bring down the wrath of God. That’s what arrogance will do for you. But you cut off the hand that fed you with Justin Sinclair.” With every word spoken, I was pushing one button after another.

The man was fuming.

I was winging some of what I was saying but the puzzle was actually easier to put together than I’d realized. I’d simply needed a clear head and a reason to give a shit about the future.

Somehow, he remained quiet. It surprised me he was able to keep his cool. So I pushed a little harder. I needed him to snap for this to work.

“What happened, Santini? First, your bride to be ran away. You allowed your dick to be put in a vise clamp, which pissed you off. You destroyed her world in retaliation because she ran and her father had second thoughts about selling her off to an animal like you. When you learned she resurfaced, you were determined to woo her back into your life. Did she laugh in your face? Did she push you aside or simply confide in you that she was carrying another man’s baby?”

That was all that had been needed. “That bitch was supposed to be mine! Mine. I told her she had a choice and she laughed in my face. I had no choice but to remind her that I was the powerful man.”

“So you had your men try and run her down?’

“So what? She means nothing any longer, just a whore.”

Now it was all I could to keep my cool. I could tell my brothers were getting antsy. Valerio even walked closer, knowing I was this close to flying off the handle.

“And her father?”

Santini laughed and backed away, swirling his drink as if we were old buddies once again. “He was a fool. He had no idea his supposed good friends were using him. I knew. He wanted them dead and explained in detail why. So, I did him a solid. In turn, he made another promise his daughter would be mine. Do you know what good that would have done for my organization?”

A few seconds later, he stopped talking altogether as if realizing he’d just divulged his dire plans.

“So you killed him as well. It took a little while to find the plane you came in on, but I did get confirmation. You were good but not good enough.”

When the fucker dared try to pull his weapon on me, I had him against the wall, knocking it to the floor.

“You won’t get out of here alive,” he hissed even as I tightened my hold on his neck.

I could cross the ultimate line or return to my life.

“Oh, no?” I snarled, taking a few seconds to squeeze until his face started to turn red. “That’s where you’re wrong. Time for you to enjoy your penance.”

When I backed away, I yanked my phone from my pocket. I’d recorded the entire conversation, which had been a requirement for the FBI’s involvement.

On cue, they entered the room, swarming the area as they’d done with the entire hotel.

He tried to lunge toward me and two of the agents moved in front.

“Not so fast, Mr. Demage. We have everything we need for your arrest and conviction.”

I didn’t need to hear anything else. I’d send over the voice files as required, but I was finished with playing law and order.

At least to a point.

I was the first to walk out of the room, my brothers following. The hallway was crawling with cops and agents, Santini’s soldiers being jerked from their rooms.

We took the elevator this time, leaving the hotel and walking into the sunshine.

Both brothers remained quiet until we were safely outside, Valerio clapping me on the shoulder.

“You did good, brother. You restrained yourself. Surprising but I’m glad.”

I shot him a look, laughing slightly. “You have no idea how much control I can have.”

“I’d call that a Royal flush,” Gage teased.

“No,” I said as I pulled out my sunglasses. “Call it counting cards.” Which is exactly what I’d done with the man, carefully calculating every response. At least in this regard, I’d won the hand.

Now I planned on winning her heart.

My phone rang and seeing the number of the hospital, I bristled. “Braxton Royal.”

While I expected the worst, hearing the change in Dr. Myers’ voice allowed me to take a deep breath.

“Mr. Royal? Ms. Sinclair is awake and asking for you. And so you’re aware, it would appear your baby is going to be just fine.”

I’d never been a man to celebrate but so much in my life. Perhaps because I’d had so much of it handed to me on a silver platter. Yet as I stared up at the sky, giving God an imaginary fist bump, I had a feeling everything in my future would need to be celebrated.

Everything.