Page 77 of Lord of Vice

He had no idea how much his desire had already affected me. “I appreciate that more than you know.”

“What’s the second favor?”

“You’re right. I care about Penny. I know the reasons I shouldn’t because I invented them. And it’s only been a couple days, but I want to make sure she has a good life. You know? I’ve yet to set up anything for her, so if this shit goes south, be the brother I know you to be and protect her. Okay?”

It was obvious he wasn’t certain what to say. When he looked away, I thought for certain he’d fly into a rage again. I wouldn’t blame him. I’d know the woman for two freaking days and I was basically telling him I wanted her to have a piece of our family’s pie.

Which is why when he walked closer, it was just another shock in a series of them. He stuck out his arm, hoping for a handshake. This was new.

“I’d be honored, Kraven. And you don’t need to worry. I’ll protect Penny with my life.”

Without hesitation, I pulled him into a hug, clapping my hand on his back. This was the closest I’d felt to him in far too long. I only prayed it wouldn’t come to him protecting her that way but I wanted all the bases covered.

Family.

Famigliaas the Italians would say.

I’d made a decision years ago I would never care so much about someone ever again. Now I realized it had been all about avoiding my feelings, fearful of another loss.

Maybe my kid brother was smarter than me. After he walked out, I took another gulp of my drink before heading to my office.

Maybe she was good for me after all.

CHAPTER 24

Kraven

“You still look like hell but at least you’re not covered in blood. How’s your guest?”

Konstantin had arrived early, bringing a load of her clothes and even mine inside along with Remington’s things.

“Yeah, I feel like hell. My guest is doing much better than I am.” I’d tossed on a suit, although I’d refused to wear a tie. For all the years my tailored suits had been what I’d felt most comfortable in, today felt different. Much different.

“Yeah, most chicks are stronger than we give them credit for. Who are these guys you’re meeting with?” he asked as he trailed behind me into my office.

“Another crime syndicate out of LA. They might have info on what’s happening.”

“That should be interesting.” He pulled out an iPad, moving toward my desk and turning the cover into an easel. “I havesome information that might help. It took four of us all fucking night to find the footage you were asking about since the assholes entered the resort early yesterday.”

“How early?”

“Eleven-twelve on your a.m. dial.” He pressed a couple of buttons then backed away, allowing me to see what he’d found. “It’s not much but it proves you were right. They came in from two doors, dressed casually. The parking lots were too busy to catch them there. I wouldn’t have thought anything about their entrance since they laid low, except for one detail that caught my eye.”

I moved closer, staring at the two screens. “And what was that?”

“They were very careful to hide their identities, never looking in the direction of the cameras. That means they knew exactly where the cameras were located.”

“Fuck.”

“I said worse,” he snorted.

Given our security was top notch, we wanted guests to know some of the cameras existed for them to feel protected but in truth, some of those were dummies. We hid the majority of them on purpose so we could keep more of a careful eye on every activity. “Somebody told them where the cameras were.”

“Possible, but I don’t think so.”

“Why is that?”

“Just hold on,” he continued. “Watch this first.”

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