Page 180 of Filthy Royal

He’d asked Luc, but it was Kadon who answered. “Yes.”

“Explain.” Damien wasn’t going anywhere without more detail.

“It’s my father’s private vacation residence when he visits the Golden Dome to watch the fights. He’s not here now. That means it will be empty.”

Damien considered. It would likely be nicer—and roomier—than his shuttle. Kadon’s father, Andor Stormhart, was a high-level Brotherhood crime boss, one of the most powerful in the organization.

“Won’t it be under surveillance?”

“Absolutely, but I have the access codes. He lets me use it when he’s not here.” Stormhart’s gaze slid to Luc’s. “I used to go there plenty a while ago.” Damien heard what the Alpha didn’t say. He’d gone there to meet up with Luc before Darvish forced the prime omega contract on them all. “Andor likely won’t even notice I’m there.” A hard edge had crept into Stormhart’s tone. “He stopped visiting as often once I stopped fighting and there was less chance of him winning money off me. Now, as long as I’m doing what he likes—being his golden boy, serving as Consortium board liaison, and keeping the Stormhart rep intact—I doubt he thinks about what I’m up to much at all.”

Fathers.Damien sympathized. He’d lost his early on, and the bastard had still left a mark.

Seemed Kadon had issues with his sire too.

Couldn’t be easy growing up with a father like his. Andor Stormhart had a reputation as hard and crafty, but he had been a help to Damien and his brothers recently, running interference with the Brotherhood when things got ugly.

Decision made, Damien offered a chin nod. “Fine. We’ll go to Stormhart’s. But we split up to get there, and you two”—he nodded to Luc and Stormhart— “make sure it’s secure and not being watched before any of the rest of us sets foot inside.”

“Why do we have to split up?” Scarlett’s upset was obvious. “We just found each other.”

He understood and didn’t like it much either, but safety came first. “We can’t move as discreetly with such a large group. Most of the hiding spots Maddox and I scouted out will only fit two, maybe three bodies max. We get the directions, split up, and meet there as soon as possible.”

“Yes, a good plan.” Luc crossed his arms across his chest. “Except Scarlett comes with us.”

“No.” Scarlett spoke before Damien could get heated again. “If this is the best plan, I’m staying with Damien. You and Kadon have stuff you need to discuss anyway. I’m done being the buffer.”

The two males tensed at her blatant intervention.

“It’s the only way this is happening,” Damien assured them too.

The two males exchanged glances, and Damien wasn’t sure which of the two stone-faced bastards was harder to read.

But eventually, Luc blew out a long breath. “Fine.” He reeled off directions.

Damien curled Scarlett deeper into his side. “We’ll see you there soon.”

“Wait.” Scarlett pushed against his hold. “I haven’t seen my brother without guards in four planetary rotations.” She wiggled more vigorously. “I want to hug him before we separate.”

Damien’s grip contracted.

He didn’t like letting her go. Even to her brother. Especially when that would put her near Stormhart. Even though he knew the guy wasn’t an issue, old habits die hard, and he’d put a lot of time and energy into hating Golden Boy’s guts.

“Damien, please.”

“Right.” He willed his hands to unlock.

“Luc!” Within the next heartbeat, she crossed the space and threw herself into her brother’s arms, squeezing the male her tight.

“Watch those bruises,” Damien barked, but he counted it as a victory that he didn’t wrench her back, especially when she opened her arms to pull Stormhart into the hug with her brother, so they formed one big huddle, swaying back and forth together.

“We made it this far,” she said. “We did it. And you’re finally free. I am finally hugging you, and no Darvish in sight.”

Damien couldn’t see either male’s face, as they were tipped down to stare at her, but he could hear their low murmurs of relief, the soft words.

He’d never have thought either of those Alphaholes could take the stick out of their ass long enough to be such softies, but they were for his omega.

Fuck. Him.

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