Gabriel
The Mercedes glided across the Missouri River bridge, leaving the gritty edges of Fourth Cat behind as they entered Second Cat’s pristine streets. shifted Ellis carefully in his arms, each pained whimper stoking the rage still burning beneath his skin.
“Explain,” ground out.
“Explain what?” Jean crossed his arms. “That you poached Ellis from an important client? A client who happened to be a good friend of Donovan’s? The man was livid. Donovan gave him Caleb instead, and now Caleb’s looking at bed rest for days.”
“Why would Donovan give Ellis to someone like that in the first place?” ’s voice went dangerously soft.
Jean shifted uncomfortably. “Because Ellis had nowhere else to go. Most of the others—the high earners especially—will eventually end up at Union houses. You can’t risk damaging merchandise that has options. There are rules, even in Fourth Cat. Donovan doesn’t want to get shut down.” He glanced at Ellis. “But Ellis... he never finished school. Any of it. He’s not qualified for Union work, so places like Heart Court were his only option. Donovan took advantage, gave him to the sketchier clients more often than not.”
’s hands tightened, and Ellis made a small sound of distress. He forced himself to relax his grip, wishing he’d done more than just beat Donovan unconscious.
“You seem to know a lot about Donovan’s business practices,” Lucas observed, voice sharp.
Jean let out a harsh laugh. “Trust me, I know exactly how the wealthy treat their servants. I grew up watching it. Donovan’s no different; took calls right in front of me and discussed clients openly. People like that never think the help is paying attention.”
His gaze dropped to Ellis. “But this? This is your fault. You should have told him you weren’t his client.”
“I didn’t want to.”
“Typical Rohan,” Jean threw his hands up. “You see something you want and just take it, never mind who gets hurt in the process.”
“As opposed to running away and hiding in a brothel while your family thinks you’re at boarding school?” Lucas shot back.
“Fuck you, Moreau.”
Lucas twisted in his seat, fixing Jean with a hard stare. “You sat at that desk and watched them hurt Ellis.”
“What was I supposed to do?” Jean asked, tears forming at the corner of his eyes. “I tried to stop them! Donovan said he’d make sure I was next if I didn’t shut up. Ellis—” Jean’s voice caught. “Ellis begged me to stay quiet, to not make it worse.” His hands were shaking now. “I wanted to help. But what could I do?”
“Something,” Lucas growled, turning back around.
The silence stretched until Jean spoke again, subdued. “We have contracts. You’ll have to take us back.”
“Missouri and Illinois are at-will states,” Alain said from behind the wheel.
“Shows what you know about sex work law,” Jean said wearily. “Union or non-union, the contracts are binding until renewal. Unless something egregious happens—”
“What they did to Ellis doesn’t count as egregious?” Lucas’s incredulous voice cut through the car.
“No, it doesn’t. Shut up,” Jean snapped. “Or there has to be a mutual parting of ways.”
“How is what happened to Ellis not egregious enough to break a contract?” Alain’s voice remained calm, a stark contrast to Lucas and ’s barely contained fury.
“Maybe at a Union house, but at Heart Court?” Jean exhaled sharply. “Punishments were part of the contract.”
“And you signed it? Are you insane?” Lucas’s pitch escalated with each word.
“I didn’t really read it until after...”
“You’re an idiot.”
Jean lurched forward, swatting at Lucas like a cornered kitten. “I’ll show you idiot!”
grabbed Jean’s shirt collar, yanking him back into his seat. “Enough. Both of you.” His temples throbbed. “Stop antagonizing him, Lucas.”
Half-hearted murmurs of acceptance followed. Jean sulked against the window while Lucas folded his arms, muttering French curses under his breath.
“I’ll send lawyers to Heart Court first thing to deal with the contracts,” Lucas said when he’d finally exhausted his vocabulary of curses.
“Send Nika,” said, still stroking Ellis’ hair. “He’s a viper.”
Nikolai Rykov had been a Bratva lawyer in Los Angeles until met him in the Maldives three years ago. He’d liked the man’s ruthless efficiency enough to offer double his salary to relocate to Porte du Coeur.
The rest of the drive passed in taut silence. kept Ellis cradled against him, one hand rhythmically stroking through dark hair, the other supporting Ellis’ back to keep him from jostling against the car’s movement. Every small whimper or shift drew his muscles tighter until he felt like he might shatter.
When they pulled into Lafayette Square and Alain disengaged the child locks, gathered Ellis close and stepped out onto the smooth concrete of the private drive.
“Alain, take care of Jean and contact his—”
“No!” Jean lunged for the door. Lucas caught him before he could bolt. “You can’t!”
“Your family thinks you’re at boarding school in Sweden,” Lucas started.
Jean’s laugh was borderline hysterical. “They know damn well I’m not in Sweden! They made up that story because it looks better than admitting they lost track of their youngest son.” He struggled against Lucas’s grip. “They have no idea where I actually am and I plan to keep it that way.”
“What did they do to you?” Lucas asked quietly.
“Doesn’t matter. I’m not going back.” Jean’s voice shook. “I’ll die before I let you send me back.”
“I’ll run,” he added, glaring at . “The second you try to contact them, I’m gone.”
“Enough.” ’s voice cut through Jean’s rising panic. “Lucas, get him settled and make sure he doesn’t go anywhere. We won’t contact his family.” His eyes met Jean’s in the mirror. “Yet. So behave yourself.”
“Alain, get Nika and bring him here.” His attention returned to Ellis’s trembling form. “Now.”
“Yes, sir,” Alain said, sliding back into the driver’s seat as Lucas guided Jean from the car.
carried Ellis through the front door while Lucas managed a still-resistant Jean. Annabelle appeared immediately, her usual composure fracturing at the sight of the group.
“Oh, le pauvre,” Annabelle said, fussing over Jean. “Come with me. We’ll get you settled.”
Jean glanced over his shoulder at Ellis as Lucas and Annabelle escorted him further into the house, his worry etched plainly on his face.
“Jacob,” called, knowing his butler would materialize as he always did. “Call Dr. Nguyen. Tell her it’s urgent.”
“Of course, Monsieur.” Jacob’s voice followed him up the stairs.
In his bedroom, laid Ellis on the bed. His hands shook slightly as he eased his suit jacket open where it draped over Ellis’ body, cataloging every mark that shouldn’t be there. Every few minutes, Ellis’ eyes would flutter open, confused and pain-glazed, before slipping closed again.
“Je suis là, mon petit oiseau,” murmured each time, gentle words at odds with the rage still simmering beneath his skin. “You’re safe.”
He cleaned what he could with warm water and soft cloths, his touch careful despite his trembling fingers. The practiced control he’d maintained his entire life felt gossamer-thin, ready to tear at the sight of each new bruise blooming across Ellis’ skin.
For an hour, stayed beside Ellis, watching each pained breath. When Dr. Rose-Marie Nguyen arrived, Annabelle followed her into the bedroom. Rose-Marie had been the Rohan family’s private physician for over a decade, treating everything from Henri’s cocaine overdose to ’s occasional migraines with quiet efficiency and absolute discretion.
forced himself to step back, knowing Ellis was in capable hands. In the hall, he found Nika waiting with Alain. He led them to his study, leaving Annabelle to assist the doctor.
His study had always been a sanctuary, its mahogany paneling and leather-bound books a barrier between himself and the world’s demands. Tonight, not even the familiar scent of tobacco and aged paper could calm the rage still coursing through him.
“Tell me exactly what you want done about Heart Court,” Nika said, his Moscow accent lingering despite his years in America. He settled into one of the leather chairs with predatory grace, fingers drumming against worn leather.
poured three fingers of scotch but didn’t drink. “I want Jean and Ellis’ contracts in my hand by sundown.” The crystal caught the lamplight as he swirled the amber liquid. “Every other escort transferred to Union establishments by week’s end. And Heart Court?” He paused. “Shut it down.”
“And Donovan?” Nika’s fingers stilled, a shark scenting blood.
“I’d prefer he not be a problem anymore.”
“Kevin Donovan has powerful friends in the Fourth Cat.”
“Does he? I somehow doubt Donovan’s friends are drawn to his charm, more likely his money.” ’s public mask slipped, revealing something darker beneath. “Once word gets out about his... unfortunate business practices, I doubt they’ll remain loyal.”
“Ah.” Nika’s smile widened. “You want more than just elimination. You want destruction.”
“Complete and thorough.”
“Full discretion on spreading word of his business practices?”
knew what his lawyer was asking: permission to create whatever narrative would bring Donovan down fastest.
“Yes.”
“How much are you willing to spend on their contracts?” Nika asked, his fingers resuming their endless rhythm against the leather.
took a sip of the whiskey. “Whatever he wants. We’ll be reimbursed after he’s no longer an issue.”
“And the other escorts at Heart Court?”
“Make sure they know which Union establishments are hiring. I want that building empty by the time you’re done.”
“Consider it done.” Nika stood, adjusting his cuffs. “I’ll have both contracts for you by the end of the day, along with NDAs regarding Monsieur Saint-Clair’s... employment history.” He paused. “Your brother’s friend Marc... should I expect complications?”
“Handle it.”
Alain shifted slightly, drawing ’s attention. The question in his eyes was clear - was sure about doing all this for someone he’d known one night?
“Ellis is mine,” replied.
Nika’s smile turned sharp. “So be it. I’ll see you at dinner.” His gaze flicked to Alain. “I trust Annabelle is preparing steak?”
“I’ll have her informed,” said.
After Nika left, turned to Alain. “Satisfied?”
Alain shrugged, unrepentant. “You’ve only known him a day, and you’re willing to go scorched-earth on total strangers. I feel justified in double-checking.”
merely grunted before he sat heavily in the vacated chair. Alain settled across from him, tablet already in hand.
“I want private security stationed around the property. Discreet but thorough. Both to keep my newest acquisitions safe...” He paused. “And to ensure they stay put.”
“I’ll coordinate with our usual team,” Alain said quietly.
“Make sure they all sign the NDAs Nika’s bringing tonight, along with our standard ones.”
“Of course.”
“And make sure—”
“I’ll handle it, .” Alain’s calm certainty was why trusted him with the most delicate matters. “Ellis has no connections beyond Heart Court, and Donovan won’t be an issue once Nika’s finished. The real concern is keeping Jean’s presence from Henri.”
“Yes, Jean is a complication I don’t want to deal with right now.” pinched the bridge of his nose. “Lucas will manage him until we decide how to approach the Saint-Clairs.”
“The Saint-Clairs won’t take kindly to that.”
“They’re not meant to.” took another sip of whiskey.
“And then there is your father.”
scoffed into his glass.
Alain scowled. “He won’t be pleased to see you’ve taken up with an escort.”
“Maximilien Rohan is rarely pleased about anything. He’s especially non-pleased that his oldest son prefers men.”
The silence settled between them, broken only by the occasional clink of ’s glass against the side table when Dr. Nguyen entered. She closed the door behind her, petite and fierce in her pressed slacks and tailored blazer, her black hair coiled in a practical twist at the crown of her head. Taking in ’s state, she frowned.
“You should change. You’re a walking biohazard.”
“Thank you, Rose, for that unnecessary statement,” said. “How is he?”
“Asleep.”
set his empty glass aside and made to rise, but Rose held up her hand. “He needs to continue to sleep. He wasn’t in as bad of condition as he could have been.” She flipped open her tablet, scrolling. “Extensive bruising and contusions, not including the whip marks. Three of his ribs are bruised, likely from multiple kicks. His anus was swollen and torn, and the rectum was much the same, caused by, I can only assume, a large object he wasn’t properly prepped for.” She glanced up from her tablet, scowling at .
“I didn’t do that to him.”
“If I suspected you had, I wouldn’t be here. And neither would he.” Her voice softened slightly. “Ellis needs rest and fluids. He’s on an IV drip now with sleep aids and pain relievers. You’ll swap it out three more times when the bags are empty—they’re all pre-mixed. Annabelle helped me cover his external injuries with prescription-strength Smooth cream. The visible marks should fade in a day or two, but his internal injuries, especially the ribs, will take longer.”
She paused, glancing at her tablet. “For the anal tearing and rectal damage, I’ve left a combination antibiotic and Smooth cream on the nightstand—it’s prescription only, specially formulated for this type of injury. The regular Smooth cream works wonders on surface trauma, but internal damage needs something more targeted.” Her tone remained clinical. “Apply it internally every six hours for the next twenty-four hours, then twice daily for three days after that. No sexual activity until the tissue is fully healed. Even with the enhanced healing properties of Smooth, this type of injury needs proper time to recover and is prone to infection if not properly treated.”
“I understand,” said quietly, his rage at Donovan temporarily overshadowed by concern for Ellis. He’d ensure every instruction was followed precisely—his little bird would heal properly under his protection.
“I’ve drawn blood for testing and should have results in a few hours. Annabelle mentioned you also want tests for Jean Saint-Clair—who I thought was supposed to be in Sweden.” Her brown eyes pierced . “I’ll draw his blood before I leave. And ? Be careful with Ellis. Call me if anything changes.”
“Nika will send over an NDA this evening. We expect your discretion,” Alain said quietly.
“You have it.” Dr. Nguyen spun on her heel and left.
Let him sleep. could do that.
Probably.