Page 65 of Royal Flush

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.

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