As I walked out, I wasn’t certain my legs were working properly. I had a list in mind of anyone potentially responsible but at this point, the few I’d been able to come up with didn’t make much sense. What I was certain of was that the hit and run had been based on the ugly situation with her father. But who would follow her here? I had to consider the fact she could have been living in the States, trying to hide. I couldn’t blame her.

  I moved to the nurse’s station and almost immediately, both women behind the desk appeared frightened. They’d been party to my wrath when Jasmine had been brought in. “Where is Dr. Myers? I demand to talk to him. Not any of his flunkies. And if he left, you better make sure he gets his ass back here.”

  One of the nurses picked up the phone, the other offering a sweet smile. “Mr. Royal. Try and remain calm. We’ll find him.”

  Yeah, they’d better.

  I walked away, slamming my fist against the corridor wall. Yep. The anger was returning. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Valerio was smiling. I watched as he paced the floor, finally ending the call. As he headed toward me, he had a strange look on his face.

  “Tell me you found something,” I told him.

  He took my arm, trying to pull me away. I jerked it until he gave me a hard look. “What I’m about to tell you doesn’t give you a license to go off the deep end.”

  “Oh, please. At this point, I need to do something or I’ll go crazy.”

  “Maybe so but you’re not doing a goddamn thing without Gage and me backing you. Got it?”

  “Just fucking tell me.”

  He glanced over his shoulder as if anyone cared what we were talking about. “Your first instinct might be right.”

  I narrowed my eyes, trying to keep my patience. “What the fuck are you talking about?” Hell, I’d spouted off so many names of possible enemies I couldn’t remember half. That’s what you do when you’re in a state of rage.

  “Guess who headed out of their lair?” I’ll be damned if the man wasn’t grinning.

  However, I was about to rip the smile off his face.

  “Fucking get on with it.”

  “Santini Demage.”

  I furrowed my brows immediately. “Please. I’ve been watching him like a hawk. I went to Australia, for fuck’s sake, and confronted him.”

  “Which wasn’t in your best interest.”

  I pushed away from the wall, doing my best to calm the fuck down. “Whatever. That man was placed into a difficult position when his buddy was killed. He couldn’t stay in the protected position he’d been able to with Justin. He’s been investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the CIA for wire fraud.”

  “Maybe so but I had a report he’s in this country and in fact, in California.”

  The news was almost exciting, yet I remained in disbelief. “Bullshit. Whoever told you that crap is wrong.”

  “Yeah, well, I told the guy to get photographs as proof. But he’s trustworthy. I believe him.”

  “Then what the fuck is he doing in town?” I doubted the man would come here to hunt her down. Although he had been promised her hand in marriage. There was a tremendous chance many terrible things had occurred that I didn’t know about.

  “You’ll laugh at this. Would you believe there’s a conference of sorts for mafia leaders?”

  At this point, I’d buy almost anything. “Where the hell is this happy little event occurring?”

  “Long Beach.” He waited for my reaction. “Don’t worry. One way or the other I will confirm he and his crew flew in but just think about the possibilities.”

  “Maybe he got wind she was on the move, heading to see me.”

  Valerio nodded. “It’s entirely possible. We also have no idea what kind of promise Justin made to the man. Including in his will.”

  I hadn’t thought about that possibility. “I need confirmation.”

  “You have it,” Gage said, appearing out of nowhere. “A little bird told me earlier that Santini had been sighted. I forced the man to confirm. Take a look at this.” As he handed me his phone, my blood boiled.

  He was standing outside a quaint-looking Long Beach hotel with the notorious mafia Don of Los Angeles. The bastard was smoking a cigar, a smile on his face. “You can’t be serious.”

  “Very. There’s some coalition that’s formed, although no one knows a damn thing about it. I guess you are invited only if you’re mafia scum.” Gage was grinning.

  I had no idea how to respond other than the man certainly had the prime opportunity to take his bride once and for all. When I noticed the doctor taking long strides down the hospital corridor, I stiffened.

  This time, Gage provided comfort by pressing his hand against the middle of my back. “Take it easy.”

  Easy.

  That was the last thing I could do. I bolted forward, charging like a lion. Fortunately, Dr. Myers didn’t seem daunted or worried in the least. We’d sparred, had a few drinks together, and had gained a mutual respect for each other.

  He threw out his hand just as I closed the distance. “Mr. Royal. Take a deep breath.”

  “We’re talking about the woman I love and my child.” Other than with Jasmine a few minutes ago, I hadn’t made the statement of how I felt out loud.

  “I understand and I wish I could provide you with better news. We’re going to continue to test for any signs of internal bleeding. With the blunt force trauma from the vehicle, all Ms. Sinclair’s vitals need to be monitored carefully. There is damage to the spleen, so I’m having her prepped for surgery.”

  “And the baby?” Valerio asked.

  I knew the man’s souring expression well enough. “I’m not going to mince words. The fetal heartbeat isn’t strong. However, if both Ms. Sinclair and the baby make it through the surgery then the percentage of their survival will be higher. If you’re a praying man, I’d head to the chapel. I’ll keep you informed.”

  “How long will the surgery take?” Gage pressed.

  “With no complications, a couple of hours.”

  A couple of hours. It was enough time that I’d go mad. I couldn’t say anything. I closed my eyes, doing what I could not to become more emotional that I already was.

  “Hang in there, Mr. Royal. We’re doing everything we can.” While I considered David a friend, I couldn’t relax, couldn’t breathe, and wouldn’t until she was out of danger.

  “Thank you, Doctor. We appreciate the update,” Valerio answered for me. Ordinarily I would be furious with him for doing so but not this go-around. I had no words left in me.

  Except for one. Maybe two.

  Hunting.

  Extermination.

  “Come on. You need something to drink,” Valerio suggested.

  “I picked up something on my way back,” Gage said quietly so as not to draw unwanted attention. But he pulled out a bottle of whiskey from his jacket pocket.

  I was in the worst mood of my life, capable of committing murder, but I truly appreciated both men being here.

  “Come on. Let’s find someplace to relax. There’s a nice patio no one seems to know about,” Gage continued.

  I nodded. “First things first. I want every step of Santini’s itinerary determined, the number of soldiers he brought with him noted, and for fuck’s sake, search for that goddamn damaged vehicle.”

  “Don’t underestimate me, brother.” Gage was grinning. “I’m not as innocent as I look. Everything is already in motion and I assure you that everything about that fucker’s life will be dissected.”

  “Good.” Then I’d hunt, capture, and kill.

  I’d been right all along.

  I was a very bad man.

  CHAPTER 29

  Braxton

  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.