Page 7 of Devil's Last Dance

Again, his thoughts went to Candice, the young woman he couldn’t get out of his head.

He couldn’t help but wonder if her blonde hair was natural or not. Three days ago, he had seen her to her door, then walked back to his car and gone home, where Draven had been waiting for him.

In the past few months his brother had appeared to constantly berate him, and it was growing a little thin. Antwone did all his duties, dealt with the business, kept people in line, and was always present for the parties. The fear of him was still firmly in place.

He could no longer stand the invites to personal dinner parties, where young girls were presented to him as if they were suitable candidates. He just wasn’t interested, but he knew duty called.

Running a hand down his face, he looked at Draven. He owed everything to his brother and had promised that whatever Draven needed, he would give him. That was why he’d shown mercy to Maria.

“Is that what this is about?” Draven asked. “Marriage? Having children?”

“It’s more than that, and you know it.”

“What are you afraid of?”

Antwone couldn’t help but laugh. “You think I’m afraid?”

“If you’re not afraid, then what are you?” Draven asked. “Let me help.”

“There’s nothing you can do. We all know the vultures are circling … what they expect of me.” He pushed past Draven and went to his desk, but then moved straight to the window and looked out at the garden.

“You’re the boss, Antwone. What you say goes. You do not have to take any of their daughters, or any of that shit.”

Antwone laughed. “You think I can make it up as I go along?”

“Why not?”

“I seem to recall going to a bar a few days ago, and you blew up my cell by wanting to know where I was.”

Draven rolled his eyes. “That was for your own protection and you know it.”

“Ah, but that is the point. You know I can take care of myself, but I cannot have a few minutes to think. To plot. To plan.”

“Is that what it was about and not trying to escape?” Draven asked.

“Why would I try to escape? There’s no reason for me to fear anything.”

There was a brief pause before Draven continued to speak. “What are you plotting? What are you planning?”

The truth was, fuck all. It was plain and simple, Antwone wanted a break from all the bullshit. Being The Boss wasn’t exactly what he ever had planned. After Draven had saved him from their father, and they went into hiding many years ago, he’d hoped to never look back at this life.

Draven’s plan of taking over and ruling the very organization that protected and admired people like their father felt like amazing revenge. Now, though, Antwone wished for something very different.

“Why are you here, Draven?” Antwone asked.

“You’re my brother, Antwone.”

“Yes, we both know this, as does your sweet wife, but we also know we must keep things professional. Now, I think it’s time you head back home. This was a good chat, and don’t worry,brother, I won’t run off again. I promise you. I’ll stay here and do my perfect duty.”

“Damn it, Antwone, don’t do this shit, please.”

He waved his hand. “Go and find me a wife. Go do what you feel is best.” Antwone knew he was being a royal prick, but right now he wasn’t interested in duty or any of that shit.

“Do you think that’s what I plan to do? Find you a wife?”

“I have no idea what you’re going to do, and I won’t even attempt to understand it either,” Antwone said.

“You do know that I only care about you, right? This has nothing to do with the family or any of that fucking bullshit.” Draven walked over to him and gripped the back of his neck. “You’re my brother. I will always have your back, and if you don’t want to do any of that shit, then you don’t. I’ll make sure they listen.”

---