Fortunately, Justin threw up his hand, backing my suggestion.

  She was befuddled, darting her eyes back and forth, a little anger showing. Perhaps she had more of a backbone than I’d originally believed. Five seconds later, she turned and rushed from the room.

  I returned my attention to the man, holding a pretty nasty glare. “I’m going to ask you one more time. Do. You. Understand?”

  “Fine. Yes. Okay. Yes.”

  A part of me wasn’t eager to let go but I forced myself to, patting his face and backing away. This meeting wasn’t what I’d hoped but at this point, I needed to ruffle his feathers so whoever he was working with slithered into the open. If only it were that easy.

  A few tense moments passed.

  “What should I know about your daughter other than she has an innate ability to escape her bodyguards?”

  Justin continued to remain stressed. I had a feeling he was thinking about everything I’d told him, troubled by the information I seemed to know. Was I winging part of it?

  You bet, but I knew men like him. They followed a type of diagram that seemed almost identical. I suppose there were those who could shove me into the same category, but I still liked to think of myself as special.

  “I don’t know what to tell you.”

  “While I understand you’ve been a busy man over the years, there must be something. Perhaps at some point it will help me locate her if she could be stupid enough to vanish.” Which I had no doubt she would try again. It seemed escapism was in her nature but after meeting her father, I couldn’t say I blamed her.

  I also had to admit I wanted to know if he cared about his daughter at all. Watching him intently was like opening a book for the first time. His features softened, his eyes glassing over. Maybe there was some hope for the cold asshole after all.

  “My daughter has always been a little troublemaker but not in an evil way. She just wanted attention. Her mother and I were so busy all the time. She grew up with a nanny for several years, a couple years spent in private school, which she loathed. She even ran away from the campus. It was a huge deal. She managed to scale the roof of a building, using a gutter and downspout system to make her way to the ground just to attend some concert. She was lucky she wasn’t killed. The girl is fearless, full of the need for adventure. The strange thing is that I used to be exactly like her, not that I could ever mention that to her.” He took a few minutes to remember and laugh.

  I remained quiet, allowing him to reminisce. It was funny in a family that it often took near tragedy before someone truly understood what their behavior had done.

  “Anyway. My daughter is brilliant. She has several degrees, although she’ll only tell you about a couple of them. All by the time she was twenty-three.”

  “Anything personal I should know or that others know about her?”

  He lifted his head, staring at me intently. “You’re worried the near abduction is just the beginning.”

  “Let’s just say the entire situation reeks of a book being written.”

  “I don’t understand. What are you getting at?”

  I’d been questioning why and how it was possible for Jasmine to find her way to my island. Now, either she was more devious than I’d originally believed, attempting to find the very black book that could destroy her father, or someone was hoping she’d manage to unravel me to the point I’d spill all my secrets. The odds otherwise were equal to being hit with an asteroid. However, if the second hypothesis was more to the point, there was a huge list of questions for which it would take time to get the answers to.

  Either way, the laughable coincidence was enough to keep me on edge and glad I’d decided to keep her as mine.

  At least for a little while.

  “Your daughter suddenly appeared on my island. Or I should say one of two resorts owned by the Royal brothers. Now, while you can continue to act as if you have no clue about my family and our lives, I don’t buy it. My father was a prudent man, highly protective of his business and his family. That included keeping tabs on his enemies. I suspect he considered you one of those over the years.”

  “What are you insinuating now?”

  “I don’t insinuate. What I’m telling you is that either you convinced your daughter to seduce me for information gathering purposes or she’s doing this on her own, which I do find curious.”

  My father would laugh at me, saying I was doing nothing more than tossing out spitballs, but it was a surefire way of unraveling mysteries.

  And knowing when someone was lying to you. The mere thought of someone insulting his daughter and a man who’d acted his entire life as if he hadn’t cared immediately came to her defense. However, in the process of doing so, I caught a glimpse of something in his eyes, a look indicating he was indeed hiding something significant. Once we were safely in residence on the island, I’d find out all about his good friends.

  My guess was he had a network of them.

  After he snarled, I threw up my hands, conceding the point. “No offense but there are far too many oddities revolving around myself, your daughter, and the reason for her near abduction.”

  He was furious with me but decided it was better not to antagonize me any further. Good choice. I didn’t hesitate to snap a man’s neck when he tried to push me into a corner.

  “She’s a good girl. She’s not like that. She isn’t out to get people. Why would she care if I was in danger? She hates me. Hell, she hates her mother.”

  He had no clue what his own daughter was looking for.

  “She doesn’t hate you. She’s confused by the life she’s been forced to live. But she also refuses to accept you running her life.”

  “Like you’re going to do?’

  The man was pushing me. It was time to get out or have a murder on my hands.

  Now he scratched his head, another sheepish look crossing his face. “Forced. Fine. Let her hate me. She’s allergic to peanuts and the secretions of some tropical plants. We found that out the hard way on one of very few vacations we took. She adores thriller movies and muscle cars.”

  He was a mixture of incensed and frustrated.

  As well as riddled with anxiety.

  “Muscle cars?” Now that was a surprise.

  He nodded, even giving me a sheepish look. “That girl could tell you about everything from a GTO to a nineteen-seventies Trans Am. I have no clue where that started but she is a walking encyclopedia.”

  I was quite fascinated by how varied her tastes were. There was much more behind her cool façade than people understood.

  Including hurt from being ignored.

  My entire body tensed. I pulled out the keys to her Mercedes. “Well, this might not be a muscle car but given its expense, I’m sure you’ll want it back. It’s parked just outside the hotel of the charity function.”

  He caught them in one hand, nodding. There was an entirely different expression on the man than before. I’d broken through some solid rock barrier, not that I really gave a shit.

  There was a series of mysteries and secrets that were all intertwined together and as ruthless of a man as I was, I had no intention of placing her life in the middle.

  “You’ll take care of her?” he asked again, as if I’d changed my mind.

  “With my life. In turn, I’ll wipe out your debt, which might buy a little time but I’m going to make a strong suggestion that you get your affairs in order. You made too many mistakes, Ambassador Sinclair. Now, they are coming back to bite you. Make no mistake, Mr. Sinclair. You have as many enemies as my family does, and not all of them will provide you with advance notice before they strike. I’d suggest hiring additional security guards if I were you.”

  For a man I doubted took anyone’s advice, he seemed grateful. “I’ll do that.”

  “Keep something in mind, Justin. If you fucking cross me in any way, betraying not only this conversation but your daughter, I won’t hesitate to return. And I will kill you myself.”

  I didn’t need to offer another series of goodbyes. I wasn’t going to be friends with the man and I was pretty certain he didn’t like me in the least. As I headed to the front door, I pulled out my phone. There were many details to arrange, including ensuring the pilot would be ready to take off from the airport in a couple of hours. That should give me plenty of time to make a few phone calls and lay down a shield.

  The pilot answered on the second ring. “Yes, sir.”

  “Kevin. Are you able to get the plane ready in two hours?”

  Kevin sighed. “Absolutely, sir. I’ve been on standby. I’ll call you if there are any issues.”

  “Good.” I hung up the phone, taking a few seconds to gaze around the perimeter of the front lawn. The damn house was too manicured, as if plastic people lived here.

  I had to wonder whether people thought that about me. A laugh bubbled to the surface and I noticed the guards were watching me a bit more intently. Good for Justin. He’d heard me.

  The door behind me opened and for some reason, I bristled, turning slowly. If the asshole had changed his mind, I would need to ensure he fully understood his life was going to be crushed.

  Instead, it was Jade, her face pinched. In her hands were two suitcases.

  “Mr. Royal. These are Jasmine’s. She never unpacked. She truly hated living with us and I can’t say I blamed her.”

  “Jasmine has a way of making do.”

  She smiled, glancing over her shoulder. “My husband isn’t all bad no matter how the first impressions went or what my daughter told you. He simply… got lost along the way.”

  I honestly wondered how much she knew about his gambling or mafia involvement. Even I wasn’t cruel enough to burst her bubble. Or maybe I simply didn’t give a shit. Either way, I was eager to get the fuck out of here. It was entirely possible Santini was behind the kidnapping attempt, which meant he would keep a close eye on her.

  “People with ideals will always be challenged.” I shoved the phone into my jacket, grabbing the two cases.

  “You’ll take care of my baby?” She reached out, gripping my arm, her voice imploring.

  In her eyes were years of pain and worry, but I had no doubt she adored her daughter.

  “I promise you that nothing is going to happen to her. You have my word.”

  It was the first time that I could remember being truthful about the level of protection I’d give someone.

  I would die doing so.

  CHAPTER 17

  Jasmine

  “Good morning, little koala. How did you sleep?”

  “It would have been better if you’d joined me.”

  Braxton approached, his nostrils flaring as he studied me. When he cupped my face as he’d done more than a few times, the warmth and instant desire was incredible. I nuzzled into his hand, drinking in the lingering aftershave, the scent of our sex, and a hint of coffee.

  There couldn’t be a better combination.

  “Don’t tempt me,” he growled and lowered his head, brushing his lips across mine.

  I rose onto my bare feet, forcing the kiss into something more passionate. He was exactly the kind of man I’d needed.

  And I’d craved.

  When he swept his tongue inside, I was thrown that I was so lightheaded. He just had that kind of effect on me, the adventure with him thrilling. I was wearing only a soft terry robe provided by the hotel chain, but it was obviously too much clothing for him.

  As he dominated the intimate moment, he shifted one hand between us, deftly untying the sash. I tingled all over as he rolled his hands over my shoulders, taking the thick material with him.

  I shuddered when the robe hit the floor, his touch exactly what I wanted to feel every single morning. The naughty girl side breaching the surface, I fought with his belt buckle, my hunger more intense than the night before.

  But he was having none of it, his need to be in control at all times taking over. He whisked me into his arms, the fire in his smile igniting mine.

  “I have time for a little breakfast,” he growled as he headed to the bedroom portion of the suite.

  Sighing, I rubbed my eyes, still glaring at the woman in the mirror. I’d wanted my morning to go exactly that way.

  But it was like everything else in my life.

  Sheer fantasy.

  What had really occurred had put this plan in motion. I knew the man wanted answers. I thoroughly understood he was risking his own life to protect me.

  But to act like I was the enemy after the night before or that I was helpless had sparked something deep inside of me.

  Maybe a will for independence or to live.

  By myself.

  I’d believed for a split second there was something special between us but his gruffness this morning, his harsh commands had made me realize once and for all, this entire situation was more personal for him.

  And that had nothing to do with me.

  Now I was stuck in a lobby bathroom, waiting it out until the three goons finally determined I’d left the building.

  Then I would.

  The ugliness on his face had hurt me more than it should have but I’d almost allowed myself to fall into his trap.

  “We need to talk,” Braxton said the moment I walked from the room.

  “Didn’t we do that last night?” I moved closer, pressing my hands against his chest. He did everything but push me away as if I was trash.

  “Yes, but some things aren’t adding up.” He kept his distance even though I’d glared at him.

  Sadly, I’d felt hurt as the first emotion, which was unlike me.

  The smell of coffee lured me to the Keurig machine provided to the room. “Fine. What?” We’d had a lovely late-night dinner thanks to room service, the food surprisingly good. Maybe I’d had a little too much wine, but I’d believed it deserved after the horrible experience. Maybe refusing to answer his questions hadn’t been the best thing to do but I’d been grilled and pushed more than I usually accepted. But after that, it was as if we were so close. He was at ease, answering my questions.

  And the hot sex had been out of this world. My bottom still ached from the savage ass fucking. But I’d loved every minute of it.

  “What things aren’t adding up? Why would three ugly men want to kidnap me?”

  He waited as I prepared a cup of coffee, but I sensed his harsh gaze was locked onto me.

  “There are easy to understand reasons why you could be used against your father. That’s not what I’m talking about.”

  “Then what?”

  The man was oppressive when he wore certain expressions. This morning, he made me feel as if I was a criminal all over again for more reasons than cheating at cards.

  “Why did you pick my island?” His question was clearly accusatory.

  “We went through this before.”

  “Not exactly. You mentioned a friend recommended it. The girl you went to college with?”

  “What don’t you know about me? Ashton isn’t a part of this. She was my lifeline while attending college.”

  “I never said she was. As far as what I don’t know about you, apparently quite a bit including why of all islands you’d suddenly arrive at mine. Your father and my father weren’t exactly friends. Don’t you find that a bit of a coincidence?”

  “You bastard.” I tried to turn away, but he grabbed my arm, almost forcing me to spill my coffee on the nice fluffy robe provided by the hotel. “That’s not fair. Did you think I orchestrated my own kidnapping attempt?”

  “I didn’t say that. Don’t put words in my mouth.”

  “Then what are you saying? That I’m some fraud, a femme fatale sent to seduce you?” His heated look locked on me and sucked away my breath stronger than hurricane winds could. “Oh, my God. That’s exactly what you’re saying.” I was saddened and disheartened at the same time, uncertain how to react or if it mattered.

  “You’re overreacting,” he said, at least decent enough to soften his tone.

  “I don’t think so. You don’t believe me. Well, son of a bitch, the island was recommended to me by a friend in Australia. We were chatting. I mentioned I needed to get away from everything and everyone. She suggested the Royal Players Club.”

  Although even uttering the explanation caused me to pause. I was trying to remember how the conversation had come about. It wasn’t like Maggie and I had been that close. She’d worked for my father a couple of years before and we’d had lunch a couple of times. Had I been that desperate to carve out a new life? While that had nagged at me, so had the man Braxton had mentioned but the pieces were still muddled.

  He pulled back physically and mentally, eyeing me for a full thirty seconds before nodding. “Fine, but we are not finished with this conversation. I have a meeting to attend. Now, in order to keep you safe, I hired some security, the leader of the group a man I’ve known for years. They will be right outside that door if anything happens. You have your phone so call me. Don’t try and run. Don’t try and enlist assistance. The best thing to do is for you to keep radio silence. We’re going to talk more later, you and I, trying to figure out this puzzle.”

  Puzzle.

  He really thought my father had hired me for a nefarious reason. Damn the man. Damn the family I’d been born into.

  Damn everything.

  That’s the reality of the way the morning had begun. His tone remaining terse, accusatory to the point I’d been caught in a fog after he’d left. He’d told me little about what my father said and in truth, I hadn’t wanted to ask. I knew exactly how my father had likely reacted, acting as if I was nothing but an impetuous child.

  Maybe I was.

  I hated my life.

  It was something I hadn’t wanted to admit, including to myself, but that was the truth. I was stuck in a twilight zone that I couldn’t seem to get out of. The only bright spot had been meeting Braxton, although he was a complicated and infuriating man. Still, the time spent had been some of the most exciting and satisfying that I’d had in as long as I could remember.