Chapter 4: Once shattered

Jaxon

              Once the bathroom door closes behind Maleah, I lean my head against the wall and close my eyes. Fuck! I should have told her the truth. It was the right moment, and I couldn’t do it. All I could do was stand there frozen like a statue. Why does the thought of telling her what happened to me make my body break out in a cold sweat? It makes no sense.

              After a minute, I open my eyes, take a couple of steadying breaths, and run my fingers through my hair. This is not the time to fall apart.

              Once I’ve gotten my bearings, I make my way into the guest bedroom, take a quick shower, and slide into a charcoal suit. Thankfully, I keep clothes in all of my closets. You never know when you’ll need to change quickly.

              Heathen and Phantom come to attention as soon as I step through the door. “Gentlemen, thank you for coming,” I mutter firmly as I extend my hand in greeting. Heathen gives me a hearty handshake while Phantom gives me a two-finger salute. “Glad to help, Ares. Just point us to where you want us to go.”

              Heathen rolls his eyes at his partner’s comment but remains silent. Unfortunately, Heathen is mute. When Heathen was a child, he and his family were attacked at home. The intruders cut his throat and killed his parents. Thankfully, he survived, but his vocal cords were destroyed. Both men are imposing in stature. At six foot five inches, I’m no lightweight. But when it comes to these two, there’s a wildness that makes them unpredictable. I’d like to consider myself more civilized. Heathen has shaggy blond hair and a thick beard, and Phantom has red hair that he hides beneath a skull cap. Both men have a variety of tattoos and piercings in various places on their bodies. Right now, they’re both dressed casually in torn ripped jeans and black t-shirts.             

              Looking around, I search the room. “Where’s Val?”

              Both men look at Scotty, who rolls his eyes. “The lass is downstairs.”           Phantom chuckles. “What he’s not telling you is that she’s checking that beautiful 1969 Camaro you have sitting in your garage.”

              I snicker in reply. “The car’s not mine. It belongs to Logan, and he’ll never sell it to her.”

              Amused, the men throw their heads back and chuckle. Valkyrie has been a car enthusiast since she was a little girl. I blame my sister and my brother-in-law for dragging her to car shows. I also blame them for letting her go into the army until she eventually ended up catching the Confradia’s eye. She was pissed when I told her not to join the Confradia. We argued for months until I relented. After all, she’s twenty-six, not five, and I can’t tell her what to do like I did when she was a little girl. But if my sister knew what she did for a living and that I let her do it, she’d kill me.

              “Jaxon!” A female cry reverberates across the room before a small female body jumps into my arms. Pulling Val’s slim body close, I kiss her on the head, tighten my arms around her and swing her off her feet like I used to do when she was a little girl. Val chuckles and places a kiss on my cheek with an excited shrill.

              “I want that, Camero. Who do I have to kill to get it.” She asks with a sickly sweet voice. She can be a little scary sometimes.

              You’d never think that the Confradia called her Valkyrie because of her fierce fighting skills by how sweet and innocent she looks.

              Laying another kiss on her head, I shake my head and whisper. “Sorry, not for sale. The car belongs to Logan, and he’ll tear his arm off before he sells it. It belonged to his grandfather.”

              Val pouts. “Aww, that sucks!”

              I laugh at her, putout expression, and pull her back into my embrace.    Unfortunately, we’re so caught up in our greeting that we don’t notice my men's silence until a loud female cough interrupts our musings. Val and I both turn to face Maleah, who is standing near the doorway with a scowl. Val gives her a curious look as she approaches. “Hi, I’m Valkyrie. You must be Maleah?” She asks, extending her hand in greeting.          Maleah eyes her hand, hesitantly takes it, then coldly replies, “Yeah, I’m Maleah,” I frown at her cold tone as she releases Val’s hand and strides into the room.

              My eyes almost cross when I notice the clothing she’s wearing. It’s like they’re painted on her body. Val follows behind her with an amused smile. Next to Maleah, Val looks small. Maleah is exotic with her long dark hair, almond-shaped eyes, and tall, curvy body, whereas Val is a short blond with a slim coltish build beneath her stylish suit. She looks a lot like my sister.

              To my consternation, Phantom walks past me and greets Maleah, “Hey there, angel. It’s been a long time, but I have to say you still look as sweet as ice cream on a hot summer day.” He drawls out with a cocky grin.

              Maleah rolls her eyes in response and pushes playfully at his chest. “Hello, Clint. I’d say it’s nice to see you, but I just can't muster the energy to lie.”

              Clint feigns hurt while Heathen guffaws in amusement and wraps her in his embrace. Feeling rage envelop me, I watch as Maleah accepts his embrace. What the fuck!

              Thankfully, Scotty steps in and separates them before I erupt. “Alright, enough of that. We have business te get te.”

              Val nods and steps between them, giving Heathen a sly smile. “Awe, look at Heathen getting all mushy over a girl. Who would have known?”               Heathen shrugs her comment off and takes a seat while Phantom stays where he is. “You still mad at me, sugar?” He asks Maleah with a note of seriousness.  

              “What does she have to be mad at you for?” Val asks.

              Phantom shrugs and shuffles his feet in front of him with a chagrined scowl.

              Maleah is the one that answers. “Because, a little over a year ago, he hit on me and started a fight with my boyfriend.”

              Scotty and Heathen cringe at her chastising tone while Phantom bows his head with a regretful pout. “Would it help if I said I was sorry?” He drawls out.

              Maleah gives him a glacial glare, then snickers. “No point in being sorry now.”

              At her tone, Phantom slides his fingers through his hair frustratedly and replies. “Come on, Maleah, I didn’t know he was going to die. It was just boys being boys. And to be honest, I feel really bad about it now. I might not have thought Hunter belonged in the Confradia, but he was a good kid, and I’m sorry about what happened to him.”

              Maleah crosses her arms in front of her with a shrug.  “Fine, apology accepted. Now, can we move on to business?”

              Phantom gives her a gentle smile, then turns and takes a seat on the brown, leather couch, followed by Heathen.

              Val stands beside me while Scotty sorts through his tablet. Watching as  Maleah takes a seat on a side chair, I can’t help but feel that she’s avoiding looking at me.

              Scotty’s booming voice interrupts my musings. “Verra, well then, let’s begin. I skimmed through Dominic Servin’s file last night, along with Carlos Lara, Victor Alonzo, and Rolando Martez’. I sent ye my assessment. I also found out some verra disturbing news this morning.”               He glances up at us then turns to Maleah with an apprehensive frown. “Rolando, Victor, and Carlos have their people searching for ye lass. With the extensive network they have available, it shouldn’t take long. They sent the word out through a few local bosses too. There’s a massive reward for whoever finds you first. Right now, it’s contained to their men, but we have to have a contingency plan in case that changes.”

              My body coils with anger as I move closer. “How much did he offer?”       

              Scotty shakes his head. “Ten-Million.” My vision wavers, and my fists tighten with rage. The shit has just hit the fan.

              Val’s hand lands on my shoulder as she gazes back at Scotty. “Then, we need to take action before all the rats begin to scurry out of their holes.”

              I glance at Maleah, who has grown quiet. Her face is pale, and her eyes are haunted. Before anyone can say a word, she rises from her seat and walks out of the living room. Phantom makes to follow, but I hold my palm up, halting his action. “Let me talk to her. You three stay here and debrief with Scotty.”

              Not allowing them to argue, I search for Maleah. She’s back in my bedroom, standing on the balcony with her arms wrapped tightly around her. Tendrils of her hair blow in the hot summer wind as she gazes down at the city.

              Standing behind her, I place my hands on her forearms and am stunned when she flinches away. “Don’t touch me!” She warbles out shakily. Her eyes narrow as she gazes angrily into my eyes and takes another step back. She reminds me of a cornered animal.

              Lifting my palm up in retreat, I take a step back and calmly whisper. “It’s okay, Maleah. I just─”

              “Don’t!” She grits out weakly. “Please, don’t placate me. I can’t handle it right now.”

              I nod my head in understanding. “Okay, I won’t. But listen, none of this matters. The reward doesn’t matter because we’re going to protect you. The others and I are here to get you through this.”

              A small sob escapes her lips, but she quickly covers it and turns back to the door. “I just want this nightmare to end.” She mutters brokenly.

              Looking back, I gesture to the door. “Let’s go back to the living room and talk to the others.” Her lips tremble as she takes several fortifying breaths and walks back. She seems more reserved, walking beside me. Her arms are still protectively wrapped around her, and her lips are closed tightly.

              Was it the kiss? I wonder.

              The others turn to us as we make our way in but don’t comment. Striding to the center of the room, I lay out the plan. “Okay, here’s the deal. Priest set up a meeting for me with one of  New York’s bosses, Dominic Servin, this afternoon. Dominic is connected with the outfits down here, and we’re hoping he’ll help us find a way to speak to Carlos Lara. Carlos is the one that Victor is trying to pin Emmanuel Martez’s murder. If I can talk to him, he can withdraw the bounty and help me find a way to take Victor down.”

              “What about Rolando? Why don’t we talk to him too?” Phantom asks.

              I shake my head. “It won’t work. Victor is Rolando’s right-hand man, and he trusts him implicitly. He won’t believe the word of an outsider over the word of his man and─.”

              “And even if we wanted to talk to him, Victor would block him from speaking to us. Plus, who knows how many of Alonzo’s men are involved in this double-cross.” Val ends with a grim frown.

              I nod my head and look at Maleah. “That’s why we need to talk to Carlos and get him on our side. Once we do that, we can find a way to implicate Victor without Maleah having to be embroiled further.”   Everyone nods in agreement as I continue on. “So, this is what we’re going to do. Val is going with me to the meeting with Dominic and the rest of you…” I point to Phantom, Scotty, and Heathen, “… are going to stay here and guard Maleah.”

              Both men shake their heads while Maleah gives me a scathing glare.         “Why are you taking Valkyrie and not us?” Asks Phantom in puzzlement.

              I shake my head. “Because I don’t think it would be very diplomatic to take an entourage of dangerous-looking men to the meeting. I want Dominic to see me as an ally. Val is small and female, which makes men assume she’s not a threat.”

              Val crosses her arm over her chest with a scowl, which makes me roll my eyes. “I said they’d assume you’re not a threat. That’ why I’m taking you. I know that you’re a fierce killer and that the men will underestimate you at their own peril.”

              Her face instantly relaxes at my comment. “Okay, then.”

              Phantom and Heathen both back down as well, but if anything, Maleah’s face grows stonier. “I should go with you.”

              I shake my head vehemently. “No, it’s too dangerous considering the bounty on your head. We shouldn’t be gone long anyway. Just do what Heathen and Phantom ask. We’ll be back, and hopefully, we’ll have a solution.”

              Maleah doesn’t respond and refuses to meet my eyes.

              Taking a frustrated breath, I lead Val out the elevator door. As we drive out of the garage, I can’t help but be puzzled by Maleah’s heightened hostility. I know that she’s angry at me for leaving, but she seemed even angrier while I discussed the plan.

              “She thinks we’re lovers,” Val mutters, breaking my confusion.    “What?” I ask with a confused frown.

              Val rolls her eyes and snickers. “Maleah is pissed at you because when she walked into the room, I was embracing you.”

              My mind halts at her words. “What makes you think that’s it? She might just be scared.”

              However, even I don’t believe what I’m saying. At that moment, I think back on Maleah’s reaction and realize that Val’s right. I crack my neck as the possibilities run through my mind. Was Maleah jealous?

              Val snorts and continues, unaware of my distracting thoughts. “Okay, if you say so. So, how do you know her? I thought you just met, but she seemed…” She waves her hand as if thinking of what to say. “…hurt. As if you betrayed her or something.”            

              Her brow furrows in thought before she turns to me and mutters. “Maleah? Why does that name sound so familiar?”

              I tighten my fists against the steering wheel as Val comes to an inevitable conclusion.

              “Wait…no… it can’t be. She’s her, isn’t she?”

              Her eyes are as wide as saucers, and her mouth is gaping open with shock. “She’s the Maleah from Vegas? The one you bought the ring for? Holy shit!”

              Jaw clenched, I glance back at her and nod my head. “Yes, it’s her.”        Val doesn’t say anything at first as she processes what she just learned. After a moment, she turns to me and mutters. “Oh, this is crazy. Does she know about..?” She waves her hand, waiting for me to cut in.          “No, she doesn’t, and I’d appreciate it if you kept quiet about it.”

              Val scoffs. “So why haven’t you told her?” She asks.

              “I…I don’t know. It’s been so long.”

              Val frowns then faces the window. “Do you still love her?”

              I keep my eyes forward with contemplation before I reply. “Yes, I do. I don’t think I’ve ever stopped loving her.”

Val nods in understanding. “Then you need to tell her. Because if her reaction to me was anything to go by, she still has feelings for you.”

              Not wanting to talk anymore, I turn on the radio and mutter. “Look, Val, I love you, but I need you to butt out of this. Just let it be, please.” Val opens her mouth as if to argue but then changes her mind and goes back to looking out the window.

              We make it to Servin’s hotel surprisingly fast. As soon as we walk in, we’re met by a rotund man with a bald head, round glasses, and a large nose.

              “Mr. Maxwell?”

              I nod my head. “Yes, I’m Jaxon Maxwell,” I answer with a wave in Val’s direction. “And this is my assistant Valeria Gentry.”

              The man gives us both a soft bow and gestures for us to follow.

              “Mr. Servin is waiting for you in the dining room. Please, follow me.”

              We both follow him through the lobby until we’re inside an empty dining room. The restaurant is closed at this time, with the exception of the lone figure sitting in the center of the room. Servin’s man steps forward, whispers in his ear, and waves a hand in our direction.

              After a moment, Dominic Servin rises from the chair and extends his hand out to shake my hand. “Jaxon Maxwell. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Dominic Servin. Please, call me Dominic.”

              I nod my head and accept his hand. Servin reminds me a lot of Logan with his dark hair, tall stature, and dark eyes. But that’s where the similarities end. Unlike Logan, Servin chose the wrong side of the law.               “Thank you for meeting with me, Dominic. Please, call me Jaxon.”

              I wave a hand in Val’s direction and introduce her. “This is my assistant Valeria Gentry.”

              Servin’s eyes hone in on Valeria with an intense smile before he takes her hand. “Valeria? What a beautiful name. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”            To my surprise, Val blushes and stutters out a response. “Y-yeah, it’s nice to meet you too.”

              Looking back and forth between them, I notice a note of interest. This is not good. Even though he’s helping us out, Dominic’s a very well-known criminal.

              Unaware of my thoughts, Dominic pulls out a chair for Val then takes his own seat. Val takes a seat and gazes intently into his eyes before she shyly looks down at her lap. I frown in consternation at her reaction. Val’s never been the type of woman to blush. I don’t know if this is a con or if Val’s truly attracted to him. Either way, I’m bothered by the fact that Dominic is delighted by her reaction.

              Taking a seat, I push my chair in and wait for Servin to begin. But Servin appears to be mesmerized by Val. After a moment, Servin leans forward in his seat and gently asks, “Would either of you care for some lemonade?”

              Val and I nod. “We’d love some, thank you,” I reply.

              Dominic’s man instantly pours some lemonade into our glasses and takes a step back without saying a word. It’s a little creepy to see the man purposely move around.

              Dominic rests his folded hands on the table and mutters.“Priest told me about the situation with his wife’s friend. How is she?”

              I shrug my shoulders. “To be honest, things are not good. We have her under protection, but it’s difficult when there’s a bounty on her head.”

              Dominic shakes his head. “That’s unfortunate. I just hope I can help you somehow. As you well know, Rolando is too blinded by Victor to see his duplicity, which means that Carlos will be the more reasonable one in this scenario.”

              I nod my head in reply. “I agree. Is there any way you can help me get in contact with Carlos?”

              Dominic nods. “I figured that’s what you wanted, so I took the liberty of setting up a meeting between you, me, and Carlos tonight at the Havana nightclub down on 8^th street. He does most of his business there. And before you argue, you should know that Carlos wouldn’t meet with you unless I attended too. Carlos knows who you are, Ares. He also knows who Priest is, and he’s extremely wary of your organization. You must understand that your people have taken out a good amount of our people, and he wants to protect his interests.”

              “Why are you helping us?” I ask, weary of his easy compliance. Something doesn’t add up, which makes me cagey.

              Dominic looks at Val then back at me. “Because Priest is a good man, and we’re hoping that you’ll remember what we’ve done for you if the time ever came that we’d need a favor.”

              I consider his words for a moment, then nod. He’s upfront, and his reasoning is solid. The Confradia would agree to add a man like Servin to their list of associations.

              “Sounds fair. But I’m letting you know now that if either of you betrays us, I won’t hesitate to end your reigns.”

              Dominic chuckles in reply. “I can live with that. I also wish to offer my services if you need any help with Victor. I’ve never really liked him. He’s undisciplined and insubordinate, which makes for a dangerous combination in our business. As for Rolando, well, he’s not a bad man, but his blindness when it comes to Victor put our outfit at risk, and I can tell you now that none of the bosses are happy. If there needs to be a war, we’re prepared.”

              “Alright.” Leaning forward, I hand him my card and mutter in reply. “I need this situation handled as soon as possible. Do you have any men in Alonzo’s outfit who can help us find proof that Victor was the one that killed Emmanuel?”

              Dominic shakes his head. “No, but Carlos might. I guess we’ll know tonight.”

              Rising from my chair, I adjust my suit jacket and signal for Val to follow. “We’ll be there. Thank you.”

              Dominic stands up and gives Val a roguish grin. “I hope you’ll be there too.”

              Val doesn’t respond, but I do. “Watch yourself, Servin; Valeria is my niece.”

              Val’s face twists into a scowl. She’s pissed at me, but she knows better than to argue with me in front of Dominic. I don’t know what she expects from me. I know that she can handle any situation, but I’m not the kind of man who will let a man flirt with her in front of me. She is my niece, after all.

              Servin narrows his eyes and nods his head. “My apologies. That was very disrespectful of me.”

              I nod my head before I take a step back and lead Val out the door. “We’ll talk soon,” I call out.

              Once we’re in the car, Val turns to me and gives me a heated glare. “What the hell Jax? I don’t need you defending my honor.”

              I shrug my shoulders at her heated words. “You’re my niece, Val. I don’t care how much of a badass you are. I won’t stand by while a man flirts with you. And there’s nothing you can say that will change that─ so deal with it.”

              Val rolls her eyes and snorts in frustration. “It’s not like I was going to flirt back. I mean, the guy is a criminal. A hot criminal, but a criminal nonetheless.”

              Not wanting to speak any further, I turn on the radio and make my way back to the condo. If everything goes as planned tonight, Maleah will be safe. Which even though it’s a good thing, a small part of me is worried that she’ll go back to New York, and I’ll lose the opportunity to make things right between us.

              Once we reach the condo, Val leans close and whispers. “Don’t overthink it, Jax. Tell her and let the cards fall where they will. At least you’ll get closure.”

              As I walk into the elevator, I wonder what closure will mean for Maleah and me.