Page 39 of Claimed By The Dragon Daddy

“Cut the bullshit, Ronald.” Sebastian took a step closer. “I have all the proof I need to have you locked up for the rest of your life. Hear us out or don’t, but I won’t play games.”

Ronald swallowed, a bead of sweat falling from his brow as he lifted his hands, a placating look on his face. “Okay, okay. What do you want? No need for threats. Just tell me what you’re after.”

“I want you to cut ties with Tomas Hawthorne. Immediately. No questions asked.”

Ronald’s eyes narrowed. “No questions? How do I know you aren’t full of shit?”

Sebastian leaned in, his tone dangerous when he said, “You can test that theory if you like. I have everything ready to send to the FBI.”

“No!” Ronald protested loudly enough that several heads turned our way. He gave them a shaky smile, the sweat now streaming down his cheeks. “Fine. I’ll do it. I’ll sever ties with him. The casino will be out of my hotel once the contract is up. I’ll have the paperwork drawn up tomorrow.”

“Tonight,” Sebastian said.

“Fine, fine. Whatever you want.” He glanced back and forth between the two of us. “But if any of this comes back to bite me…"

"Rest assured, we have no intention of causing you any harm.” Sebastian gave him a tight smile. "Our only goal is to put an end to Tomas’s schemes.”

“Why?”

“Let’s just say he’s messed with the wrong family. And I protect my own," he said confidently.

"Very well," Ronald said reluctantly. "But I should warn you. You need to be careful, gentlemen. Tomas Hawthorne isn't someone to be trifled with."

"Neither are we," I said with a grim smile on my face as I clasped his hand in a firm handshake strong enough to remind him just what was at stake.

"Listen," Ronald said urgently, just as I thought he’d turn away. He lowered his voice and leaned in close. "I have no doubt Tomas will retaliate once he finds out I'm no longer on his side. I need to know you'll have my back if it comes to that."

Sebastian was a picture of composure when he met Ronald's worried stare. "We'll support you if Tomas comes after you. If it comes to that. But to be frank, I have a feeling I'll be the main target of his wrath."

"Regardless," Ronald said, glancing around the opulent ballroom as he wiped his eyes. "You both need to keep an eye on Tomas. Watch your back. I’ve heard whispers that he's been up to some shady things lately. Things even darker than I could have imagined.”

"Thank you for the warning," Sebastian said gravely, concern flickering in his eyes.

"Stay vigilant." With that, Ronald excused himself, disappearing into the sea of extravagantly dressed guests.

"Dark things, huh?" I mused, watching Ronald's retreating figure. "As if we didn't already have enough to worry about. What do you think he means?”

“I can’t be sure.” Sebastian sighed. “When it comes to Tomas, there’s nothing I’d put past him.”

The weight of his words settled on my shoulders. I knew he was right—Tomas was mad, unpredictable. We had to remain alert at all times, on the lookout for anything he might throw our way.

"Let's enjoy the evening for now," Sebastian suggested, clapping me on the back. "We've done what we came here to do."

We had, and it went even smoother than expected. With tonight’s business handled, we continued mingling among the wealthy attendees, making small talk, and exchanging pleasantries, with Sebastian putting in the necessary effort among his business ties. The time passed quickly, and despite the tension lingering beneath the surface, it was nice to have a temporary reprieve.

The next morning, we got back on the road again early, driving back to our family with news of a small victory under our belts. My phone buzzed, and I glanced down at the screen to see a text from Jax.

Ronald is out, it read, confirming the success of our mission.

I relayed the message to Sebastian while I contemplated our next move. “One down. Who's next?"

"We'll figure that out soon enough," he said. "But one thing's for sure… we’re on our way to finally bringing that bastard down."

Chapter 10

Mariah

I stared at my computer screen, my palms sweaty, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and anxiety as I read the email again.

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