Page 82 of Axel

“Not really. I don’t want anyone to know about her yet. Only you. And only Grant, because we’re running a side mission together. Something to help Nick and Zar and?—”

“Who’s hurting Nick?”

Sire’s as protective over our brothers as I am. We both took beatings to shield them, trying to defend our mother, too. Yes, we were young, but when your father’s an animal, you learn to fight back like one, too.

“It’s a long story. I’ll fill you in later, but we’re running late.”

“Late for what?”

“We’re meeting with Luca Mercier. He’s the brother-in-law of the woman I…”

I stumble on the word. It’s not that I don’t feel it. No, I fear it. I fear what loving me will do to Ruby.

I don’t give a shit about my risk, my pain. I’ve already suffered so much. But I will stop at nothing for her safety.

“The woman youlove? That’s what you were going to say?”Sire’s not laughing. “It’s okay, brother, you deserve it. You never loved Katya, and she never loved you.”

“Yeah, because she was pussy-crazed for you.”

I’m not mad about it. It’s true. Katya wanted meandSire. She wasn’t shy about it. She’d ask me to let him join our bed all the time. Of course, I said no.

“I never disrespected your marriage,” Sire insists. “I always turned her down and told you about it each time. Only once. Only her initiation. Only that night and?—”

“I know. I know you’d never betray me, and you’re right. It wasn’t love. But this is.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“She wants to go on vacation with her sisters and?—”

“And you need to protect her.” He nods, understanding; any time we claim a queen, we claim her protection for life.

The minute Sire saw Wren, he claimed her. He had to. She was a virgin, being trafficked and auctioned off, and he went through hell to get her out of it.

“So this is tricky.” I lead us toward the golden elevator doors. “I need Luca Mercier to know the risk Ruby’s in, but he can’t know why.”

“Ruby?” Sire smirks, joining me before the doors slide closed. “Isn’t she your hot paralegal with those big blue eyes, fiery hair, and luscious tits like?—”

“Shut up, holy fucker.” He’s trying to goad me. It’s a wicked game we brothers play. “She’s more than my paralegal now, and she’s fuckingmine.”

The elevator doors slide open on the third floor to Zar standing there. Though I’m not into men, I see why my brother Nick is madly in love with him. Zar’s tall, built, and tan, with dark hair and eyes. Zar drips with swagger, and when Sire’s around him, the energy crackles between them, too.

“Mr. Cummings.” Zar nods at me. “Pastor Rutledge.” He winks at Sire. “Right this way. We’re expecting you.”

This meeting will be one of the trickiest situations I’ve ever negotiated.

The blood shared between some of us. The erotic connections between others. The dangerous secrets we hide. The powerful and interconnected worlds about to collide over one woman.

My woman.

All know Luca’s protective over Ruby. He should be. She’s his beloved little sister-in-law.

Some know Zar is fiercely in love with Nick. They’ll get married when Nick retires from football. But only a few know Nick is our brother. He’s a king, and Zar is his queen, andourqueen, too.

However, Luca and Scarlett have no idea who we really are and how Zar is one of us.

A few know Zar is also partnered with Luca. Zar is his CFO, best friend, and loyal sub. Zar subs with Luca’s wife, Scarlett, and Nick joins them.

I respect my brother’s privacy. How ever Nick is partnered with them is his business.

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