Page 5 of Eternally Bound

“Uncle.” I wouldn’t tell him I was glad to see him. No sense in pretending. “Come to get rid of some of your money?”

He chuckled like it was the funniest joke.

It made my stomach churn to think I could become a cruel fucker like him. My saving grace were three things in my life - Maxim’s friendship, Ainslee, and my time spent in the military. I had seen bad shit in the Middle East, unnecessary death and unexpected attacks, but none of it compared to the wars my uncle engaged in. Despite losing Ainslee, joining the military ended up saving me. It kept me out of my uncle’s reach and helped me maintain some basic decency instead of our family’sbusinessswallowing me whole.

Fucking ironic, really! I escaped the darkness of my family by going head first into a damn war zone. Talk about life’s sick sense of humor.

“Yes, I was in the mood for a private poker game,” my uncle’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I raised my eyebrow, narrowing my eyes at him. My uncle was exceptionally good at poker and found it boring to play, knowing he would win. So why was he playing tonight?

Yet I didn’t question him. It was fruitless to show interest in anything he did. Otherwise, he acted stupid and secretive. I’d be the one left cleaning up his mess anyhow. My uncle knew that his men pretty much gave up listening to him, and most, if not all, followed my orders. The only reason he still held the title of mob boss was out of old hierarchy notions that were outdated. Just as my uncle was outdated in every aspect of his life. The way he instilled fear into people, he thought that it earned him respect and loyalty. He was so wrong. They hated him and would betray him at the first opportunity.

I learned early on that loyalty was earned, not hammered into people. Fear was, but not loyalty.

“Good luck,” I finally told him. “Although I am sure you won’t be needing it.”

His menacing grin told me he knew it too. He was up to no good; there was no doubt about that.

“You are right, Nephew,” he confirmed my suspicion. “I’m meeting a Scottish fellow. I intend to clean him out and take his bride.”

My uncle with his stupid riddles.

“Well, good luck with that.”

I gave him a nod and strode off, picking up my pace. Maybe coming here tonight really wasn’t the best way to settle my restlessness. Seeing my uncle usually set me on edge and grated my nerves. Today was no different. I could almost taste the trouble that would no doubt follow.

The crowd parted for me, and I tuned everyone out. They were merely a blur of tuxedos, dark suits, and glittery dresses. I didn’t want to socialize today, but sitting home alone irked me more. It only highlighted how empty my life was.

Heading into my office, I shut the door firmly behind me and poured myself a drink. What was I thinking coming here? It was the last place I wanted to be.

I downed the scotch in one swift tilt, a light burning sensation traveling down my throat. It had been a cluster of a few weeks. Maxim's obsession over Layla Cambridge was a reminder I didn’t need. A reminder of a red-haired beauty that has permanently parked herself inside my chest, no matter how hard I’ve tried to push her out. It has been over twelve years. Twelve fucking years, and I was still hung up on Ainslee McLaren.

Every so often, I’d dig up information on her just because I liked to torture myself. She wasn’t married but had a kid, a little boy. She and the father seemed to be on and off again, and the prick in me wished they were off permanently. Not that it would mean anything for me. I still couldn’t drag Ainslee back into my life. Especially now that she had a kid.

She was never meant to be mine; I knew it from the moment I laid eyes on her.

“Daniel,” her voice was soft, like a gentle breeze against my skin. Her eyes felt like a caress, without her even touching me. “Are you going to be okay?”

She stood next to the bed, a white bed sheet wrapped around her. Her hair was a stark splash of color against her pale skin and the sheet. She looked like a glamorous Hollywood star without even trying.

I buttoned my trousers as I neared her.

“I’ll be fine, Ainslee,” I promised something I had no right to promise. I hated seeing worry edged on her young face.

“Then promise you’ll come back,” she muttered, her body wrapping around me. “Promise you’ll come back to me, alive and well.”

I came back alive, but not well. I broke a promise. I knew it would be a broken promise when I made it. Because Ainslee didn’t belong in my world. My family would have been a threat to her, if they knew about her. After all, it was the reason I killed my dear cousin. He'd inadvertently found out about her, and I learned he was having her followed.

The knock on the door chased the ghosts away.

“Come in,” I called out.

My floor manager entered, a nervous smile on his face.

“Sir.”

“What is it, Hadley?”

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