Page 19 of A Mistake of Identity
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,” Gabriel 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, Gabriel 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,” Gabriel 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, Gabriel 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 Gabriel’s occasional migraines with quiet efficiency and absolute discretion.
Gabriel 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.
Gabriel 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.” Gabriel’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?”
Gabriel 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.
Gabriel 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 Gabriel’s attention. The question in his eyes was clear - was Gabriel sure about doing all this for someone he’d known one night?
“Ellis is mine,” Gabriel 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,” Gabriel said.
