Chapter 42

James

The Mexican mob was going to fucking pay for the stupid mistake they made by kidnapping Andy for a deal they demanded, which they weren’t going to get. James wasn’t a very nice man when it came to that sort of bullshit. Anyone who dared to even step foot into his territory, cross the line, and hurt one of his boys, especially if that particular boy happens to be his good friend’s lover, more especially if that particular boy happens to be his lover’s brother, was something James could never forgive.

James was usually a very reasonable man, famed for his trustworthiness when dealing with any business. When they crossed the line, however, the ruthless predator came out and nothing was going to stop the catastrophe heading their way.

In the sleek black limo, sitting beside James in the back seat was Matt. The man looked as dark and dangerous as ever. He wore a scowl so fearsome that most of the men who were accompanying them for the operation were silently praying he wouldn’t mistake any of them as one of the Mexicans when they were going all out. Because really, Matt was a maniac when it came to that type of thing. His bullets were faster than the blink of an eye. Blood and guts were sure to burst everywhere, and bodies would be falling like flies.

The atmosphere was tense as the chauffeur silently drove the limo toward the west end of the city. The Mexican headquarters. Their hideout.

Breaking the silence, James said, “I told Tory. Unfortunately, Mark left already. Back to New York.”

Matt’s scowl became even darker. “Why the fuck did you tell him?” he asked coldly. “We don’t need him.”

Of course James knew he and Matt could easily take out the Mexican. But he had promised Tory he’d let the friend know if they’d be having some fun while he was around. And indeed, the man was still around, and this was their type of fun.

“It’s too late to tell him not to turn up now,” James said lightly. “Besides, you two haven’t seen each other for ages.”

Matt growled lowly. “Like I’d ever want to see him again. That bastard better not get in my way.”

James kept silent at that comment, knowing it was best. Matt and Tory never really got along ever since Tory had beat Matt up back when they’d first met, for whatever reason James still didn’t know and wasn’t keen enough to find out. Oddly enough, though, the two always ended up working together, saving each other’s hinds in times of adversity.

As he stared at the passing bright lights of Las Vegas, James turned his mind to Mia. Instantly his eyes darkened. He remembered the brave face she’d put up when he’d told her that her brother was missing. He had avoided using the word kidnapped in consideration of her sensitive constitution. She was new to his dark and dangerous world, a domain most citizens avoided at all costs, deluding themselves into believing it didn’t exist. Fuck! It bloody hell existed. And he was one of the men who controlled it.

He knew Mia had done her best to stay calm, to do whatever she could in the situation to help find her brother.

That’s my brave girl, he thought, a smile forming on his lips. She understood the state of affairs, unlike his bitchy ex-wife Whitney. He could just imagine the woman would be hysterical if she were in this type of situation. Of course, she didn’t have a brother, or any siblings for that matter since she was an only child, rich and spoiled to the core. Though he couldn’t imagine she’d care if any member of her family were to go missing. After all, she hadn’t given a fuck about her own daughter when she’d run off with her then lover. The sad thing was she still didn’t give a fuck about Aria. What was even sadder was the fact that, day by day, Aria’s memory of Whitney was slowly disappearing. One day, James was sure Aria wouldn’t even know who Whitney was.

Of course Whitney would blame him, because she could. This was because of who and what he was, the sort of business he was involved in.

Fuck! He was a Maxwell. One of the few powerful families who controlled America behind the scenes, the billionaire elites most feared. Dealing with this type of business was in his blood. It thrilled him, and he loved it.

His mind suddenly turned to the fear mixed with worry he’d seen in Mia’s eyes. He had felt utterly protective of her then. He hated it when he’d seen her wearing that particular look a few days ago when he’d first made love to her. He knew now it was because of her Uncle Herbert who had been molesting her when she was young. What a fucking sick bastard.

He vowed to himself she’d never wear that look in front of him again. Ever! He’d make sure of that. He’d protect her and those she cared for. She was his, and it was his responsibility to take care of her.

Once again he reminded himself he’d have to deal with Mia’s uncle and her job back in Mystic Spring as soon as possible. After all, she was his mistress now, and his mistress simply didn’t work. Least of all as a kitchen hand in a shitty restaurant, with a boss who didn’t respect her. Of course, her only job now was to please him, both in and out of bed.

It was about fifteen minutes later when they arrived. It was four in the morning, and the place was dimly visible, thanks to the lights along the streets.

James got out first and noted Tory was waiting patiently. He wasn’t so pleased, however, when he saw William as well, leaning against the car, his arms crossed over his chest, a dark smirk on his face.

Matt glared the moment he eyed Tory. He slammed the car door shut and headed over to Tory.

“Good morning, gentlemen,” Tory greeted as the men came his way.

“Tory,” James said in return.

Matt said, “You better not get in my way.”

Tory chuckled. “No problem.”

William cocked his head to one side when James said, “I didn’t know you’d be joining us.”

He shrugged his broad shoulders. “I figure it’d be fun.”

James knew William had a thing against the Mexican. It was some deal that had gone seriously wrong a few years back, and he’d never really forgiven them. In a way, they were the same, William and him. Forgiving people who had screwed them up in the past wasn’t in their nature.

Then a dozen more men joined them, all wearing black suits and donning firearms. Their stances were tense as they waited for the instructions from James.

And indeed, James barked out orders, telling them to secure the perimeter and to shoot before questioning if it wasn’t one of their own.

The small troop of men in black suits quickly and expertly dispersed and went about doing their assigned job in securing the area.

“Shall we, gentlemen?” James said, leading the way toward the ominous building.

Walking beside him was Matt, his hands fisted tight. James understood Matt was both angry with the Mexican and worried about Andy’s welfare. He knew his friend blamed himself for what happened, for giving the Mexican an opportunity to abduct Andy, for letting his guard down. James, of course, would feel the same if anything were to happen to Mia.

Fuck! This type of shit had better not happen to Mia.

Behind James and Matt were Tory and William. The two handsome men looked utterly relaxed, though that was merely a facade. Deep inside, they were thrilled and deliriously excited, ready to fuck up the Mexicans and make them sorry for even daring to kidnap one of their friends’ boys.

Matt liked to use force and showed up with a grand entrance. He kicked the door down with a bang and roared out, “Carlos! You’re fucking screwed for taking Andy. You’re going to be so fucking sorry for this.”