Chapter 1 #2
“I’ve taken an anthropology course and it was fun, but it was just an intro class.” She tries to minimize her experience because she thinks I won’t find it interesting, but I’ve suddenly found myself interest in all things Elsa.
“That’s great. Did you get to handle any artifacts?” I like the way her face lights up.
“Yes. It was pretty cool and even a skull from a neolithic hunter-gather. It’s so different than ours. The brow ridge is much more defined.” Why the fuck am I jealous of her touching another man’s face?
“Do you usually going around staring at men’s brow ridges?”
“No, but it’s going to be a part of forensics and human anatomy. Do you actually work cases?”
“Yes, but I can’t discuss things like that.” I wink at her, and the apples of her cheeks turn an adorable pink. I’ve lent my expertise in things, both legally and underhandedly. Most people would be surprised how often the government works with the dark side of life.
“Fine. I suppose we’ll see about it one day.” She relaxes, and her body becomes light and bubbly as she speaks. I need to walk away before I get too comfortable around her. There is too much going on to figure out this attraction I’m feeling.
“Good. If you need anything, give me a call. Do you have my number?” I ask, wanting a reason for her to call me.
Damn, I want her to come with me and present her tonight at my side.
No one would dare question her place or consider her an option.
That’s not possible for many reasons. I’m nearly five years older than her, her father would kill me for just claiming his daughter without his approval, and the most important one, she has to want me too.
“No, I don’t think I do.” She shakes her head as her pretty eyes squint. It almost feels like an insult because her number is in mine under “Princess.” I pull out my phone and search for her name, then hit dial. It rings in her pocket.
“You have my number?” The shock on her face is so adorable that I want to close the distance and touch her, but I can’t.
“Yes. Of course I do. I’ve had it since you got it. I have all those that are close to my godfather,” I inform her.
“Oh, that makes sense.” Her face shifts, and then she drops her head to focus on her phone, saving my number. Once she’s done, she looks up with a smile and asks, “How is your family?”
“They’re great. My parents should be visiting soon and I’m sure they’ll want to have a big family get together.”
“That would be wonderful.” She rocks back and forth on her heels, biting down on her bottom lip, trying to look anywhere around the room where I don’t take up space. If I wanted, I could close the distance and force her to stare at me, but I let her off easy.
She has no idea what I’d do if I caved and decided that she was mine.
I learned a long time ago that I’m a man who likes power and control.
Anyone who dares to take what belongs to me would lose.
Anyone who comes between us would perish.
I feel my body tighten as the tension builds.
I need to make my excuses and get out of here.
Sliding my hand in my pocket, I pull out my phone, checking it.
“Sorry, Elsa, but I just got a text. I’m needed at the casino.” As much as I’d love to linger in her presence, it’s a foolish mistake.
Her body language immediately shifts to a cold, closed-off expression. “Oh, it’s okay. I hope everything is all right.”
“I’m sure it is, but you know they need the boss’s approval.
” I wink and walk around her to the doorway, hoping that she sees I don’t dislike her.
“Take it easy, and don’t talk to strangers, especially boys.
College guys may be charming, but they have nothing to offer at their age.
” My voice is cold and controlling, but I’m deadly serious.
My men will be added to her security to ensure to her safety and little frat fucks stay away from my future wife.
“Thanks, Miles. Don’t want to keep your people waiting.” I know I fucked up and offended her, but I have to let it go and walk out of the room without closing the door behind me.
My movements are rapid and necessary. When I enter the foyer, the doctor is departing as well. “I didn’t know she could scare you off,” her father chuckled.
“No, I have a matter to handle at the casino.” It doesn’t matter that I continue the lie.
“Do I need to be concerned?”
“Not at all. Just the usual issues.” He nods and I shake his hand and finally greet the doctor with a light jut of my chin.
“Oh, Mr. Ivanov, it’s quite good to see you. You’re looking in peak health.” My godfather gives him a curious look as he walked him toward the door.
“Yes, I should hope so. I’m a bit young to be taking a nosedive.” I arch my eyebrow. I’m glad my godfather’s surgical team was recommended by those in Steeleville and not here. I don’t quite trust their motives.
“Don’t misunderstand, Mr. Ivanov. I meant only that you seem extra spirited at the moment. Perhaps I misspoke.”
“Oh, Daddy, I didn’t know you still had company.” The doctor gives me a slight glance, and I glare at him to mind his next words.
“Actually, we were all just leaving,” I add.
“It was good to see you both. I hope the dinner tonight is successful. Keep me informed.” My godfather’s words are measured, but I understand.
“I will,” I remark. As both the doctor and I step outside, he smirks and says, “Oh, to be young again. Good luck, and if you are lucky enough to land such a young lady, don’t mess it up; some of us don’t get to start again.”
“She’s too young and under my protection,” I inform him and enter my vehicle, effectively closing the discussion that is none of his business. “Soon, Elsa, soon,” I mutter to myself as I drive off.
****
Four men gather around my dining table, each of them with their guards in the other room, unable to be far away. The food has been set up around the table, wine poured, and then I stand up and address the group. “Gentlemen, I’ve invited you here tonight to discuss some matters.”
The arrogant Antonio Santos puts his palm out and interrupts my next words. “We know why you invited us here.”
“Did I ask you to fucking speak?” I state as I stare him down, daring him to challenge me.
Each of these men are the same age of my godfather and I’m the same as their sons who are a bunch of pussies.
I could mop the floor with each of their boys, both physically and mentally.
My wealth and success have been earned, so these bastards will give me my due respect or they will suffer.
“Look, kid, we’re not here to negotiate anything. We understand Martín’s in a predicament, and if he’s not careful, his empire could crumble.” They are playing a dangerous game.
“Watch your fucking mouth or you’ll lose your tongue.
I might be young, but I’m not someone to play with.
I expect civility and respect in my home.
I offered you a lovely meal, great wine, and excellent hospitality.
Now I ask you to show me some respect, or else.
” His jaw tics, but he then backs down and sits properly, simmering down before I show him why I’m in charge.
“He’s right, Santos. The young man has great skills and has shown us why he follows in Martín’s footsteps,” Novak interjects.
“You’re not even his son,” Rotello adds. “Why isn’t he speaking on his own behalf?”
I scoff. “No, I’m his godson, and I’ve been a part of his family for a long time. He is currently handling matters for the family hotels.”
“Speaking of family, that daughter of his is just the right age for a family; many of us have sons.”
I try to keep my composure, but the mere mention of her sets my teeth on edge, and I can’t hold back. “There will be no talk of Elsa; she is not for anyone else.”
“Oh, is that how it is?” Rotello says. The room erupts with murmurs, ridiculous smirks, and condescending grins.
“So you want to be his son in more ways than one?” Santos adds, smirking like he’s got some inside knowledge.
I slam my hand on the table, drawing their full attention back to me.
“Gentlemen, Elsa’s free to make her own choice when she’s ready; however, it will be none of your sons.
Am I clear on that? She’s under my protection, just like the rest of the Martín house, and that includes keeping her away from all the families. ”
I get a couple more smirks and grimaces, but the matter is dropped. “Now let’s enjoy this wonderful meal before it goes cold.”
“I can second that,” Novak says, swirling his spoon in the soup.
Everyone begins to eat, and the tension slowly dies down.
The rest of the evening carries on with some heated business discussion and shady political dealings.
Two hours later, the night comes to an end.
I can’t wait to get those sons of bitches out of my home.
I have my home secured and searched for any mysterious cameras or listening devices once they depart.
Hopefully they heed my warnings, and my godfather pulls through.
I’m not sure how we got so mixed up with the families in the first place.
We aren’t technically criminals, but the elements are always around us, intruding on our existence, making every legal avenue difficult to navigate.
Sometimes our hands get dirty, but this warning will be my most serious because I’m willing to do anything to protect the family, especially Elsa.
****
I enter the waiting room where Elsa sits in a chair by herself.
Her eyes dart upward, spotting me, and my heart nearly cracks in half as I see the tears in her eyes.
I haven’t received any negative news, but I know it’s not because something bad has happened.
She’s worried and scared because it’s her daddy.
My heart hurts for her—she needs comfort.
Also, I got here as soon as I could. Before I can react, she’s out of her seat.
“I’m so worried about him, Miles,” Elsa sobs, wrapping her arms around my waist and pressing her face into my chest. Fuck, it takes all of my willpower not to cave to the growing desire, but we are in the hospital for her father. Still, I allow the indulgence of my hands on her waist.
“He’s going to be fine. You know your father. He’s insanely strong and stubborn.” I chuckle, attempting to lighten the severe mood.
“You probably think because I’m young that I’m being foolish and overreacting,” she huffs, looking up at me with her tear-stained face, gently pushing away from me. I don’t fully let her go.
“You’re not overreacting, Princess. I don’t like seeing those tears on your beautiful face.” I cup her flushed cheek and swipe my thumb across it, wiping away a lone tear. “You shouldn’t ever have to hurt, Elsa.”
Before I realize what is happening, her lips are pressed against mine.
I freeze, mouth closed, unable to process the softness of her sweet mouth on my lips.
It’s like my brain short fucking circuits.
The sound of footsteps prevents me from responding, and she wrests herself away. She pulls back before I can respond.
“Hey, Elsa, are you okay?” her brother asks. He raises his brow at me and then looks at her with brotherly concern.
“Um, yeah. I’m going to check on Mom.” She wipes her eyes and then walks away without looking at either of us.
After she leaves, her brother, one of my closest friends, sighs. “I’m sorry, bro. I saw that.”
I groan, stuffing my hands in my pockets, trying to cover the uncomfortable fact that I’m half-staffed right now.
“I’m sure she’s just upset and confused with a huge schoolgirl crush on you.”
“Yeah, and I think I just made it worse. She’s vulnerable and needs comfort.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of her. Just make sure that the rest of the families stay away from her. The way she’s feeling right now, she might be putty in any of these slick fuckers’ hands.” As soon as he says that, the words infuriate me.
I leave the hospital on a mission to re-establish my role as the protector of this family and of Elsa.
By the end of the night, every family is aware that I will be handling all business meetings, and no one is allowed to even speak with Elsa unless we allow it.
As soon as my godfather is all cleared and the families around us aren’t trying to come after us, I’m taking the time to claim Elsa.
“He’s not out of the woods yet, but the surgery went well and he’s awake,” Milo says as I take his call in my library.
“Good. Tell him I expect him back at work soon,” I tease. Although knowing him, I’m sure he’ll try.
“He said you’d say that,” he says with a chuckle.
“How is Elsa?”
“She’s fine now that my dad is better. She said that kiss was just a thank you because she was upset.”
“Well, I hope she isn’t going around thanking other fuckers like that.”
“We know she’s not, but she won’t admit to it. She said she did have a crush, but that stopped when she was seventeen and started dating Jacob. He took her to prom.”
“Of course not. Well, I’m going to get some sleep because while some people are just lying about being lazy, some of us have to work.” I’m going to look up this fuck named Jacob. He’s a dead man.
“I’ll tell him you said that.” I laugh and hang up. I’m sure my godfather will be up and working before the doctor clears it, but my godmother won’t allow that shit. I’m grateful that he’s going to make it, but it seems someone else won’t.