Vikkas could have never imagined how good it would be with Milan. She was tight, yet her body molded to him like she was designed especially for him. She was so wet and hot that he was at risk of losing control, but he’d be damned if he didn’t make this last. He had waited far too long to finally make love to her. This may not have been his first time but hell, it felt like it. But it also felt like forever.
He slowed the movements of his hips and covered Milan’s shivering frame with his. He held her tightly and kissed her deeply, keeping perfectly in time with his strokes. When he lifted his head, he noticed that there were tears streaming down the sides of her face.
“Baby, what’s wrong?”
Milan shook her head. “Nothing is wrong. Everything is so right. Finally, everything is the way it should be.”
Vikkas kissed away the salty rivulets of emotion, murmuring his heart’s song against her humid skin. He understood the overwhelming rush of passion. He, too, felt like he had waited entire lifetimes to commit himself to Milan—mind, body, and soul. And he vowed right then and there, as he scorched her womb with his promise, that he would never let anything or anyone take her from him again.
CHAPTER 47
The empty chair at the round table struck an ominous note. Several of the men occasionally looked at the vacant seat, as though Dwayne would somehow mysteriously appear.
“We will fill it with someone who fits with our purpose and vibe,” Vikkas said, though he also felt the weight of Dwayne’s absence. “Like King Arthur’s roundtable, we too are all equals here. My family connection to the founder has no bearing. I just want to say that.”
Daron slid to the edge of his seat. “By the way, I received a call from a Nayan Maharaj …”
Vikkas visibly stiffened at hearing that name and a few men at the table peered at him curiously as he tried to hold in his anger.
“He requested an audience—his words, an audience,” Daron said. “He mentioned something about knowing information about my past.”
“Same here,” Grant said, looking at Jai. “What’s his deal? Is he related to you?”
“He called me as well,” Reno said before Jai could answer.
“Me too,” Kaleb chimed in as Shaz nodded, affirming that he had also received that mysterious call.
“I’ll get into it,” Daron said, sliding back into a more comfortable position in his chair.
“Don’t bother,” Vikkas warned. “He’s a nuisance looking for a way to get at The Castle’s money since he has none. He did not want any of you to have a stake because he feels it was started with Maharaj funds and now should return into the family fold. They meant The Castle’s money, not my father.”
“And not you,” Dro challenged, a steely gaze on Vikkas.
“I would have been given a restoration to the Maharaj family name,” Vikkas confessed, taking a long, slow breath to center himself. “But that is not my priority. This is. It’s why I’m here …” He swept an intense gaze across each of them. “With you, my brothers. United in a purpose that serves more than just ourselves.”
Daron adjusted his hat and a small smile played about the corners of his lips. “Like I said, I’ll get into it.”
“Let’s dispense with any naysayers at this point,” Shaz said, sliding a package of legal documents and stock certificates in front of each member and one at the empty spot that should have been held by Dwayne. “Sign this paperwork and we’re all in.”
Vikkas placed a silver passkey on top. One that mirrored the kind that had been given to Kaleb a few days ago. Each one of the men took a moment to observe the card and what it meant—keys to the Kingdom.
“I have a favor to ask of each of you,” Vikkas said.
“Again?” Jai said, feigning frustration and giving him the side-eye. “I think you’re all out of those, my brother.”
“Not that kind of favor,” Vikkas confirmed as the other men shared a laugh at his expense. “I’d like each of you to stand up with me at my wedding to Milan. My father spoke with her to ensure that being with me was in line with what she wanted. He gave his blessing.”
“That’s what’s up,” Kaleb said and a round of applause and congratulations followed.
When their voices died down, Reno stood and said, “We need to read our new designations and appointment aloud to make it more of a vow and not just words on paper.” He gestured to the documents and said, “I am King of Chatham, and I will be responsible for rescuing the trafficking victims that were illegally filtered through The Castle. I will also work with Daron on finding missing women and children.”
Grant flipped a file open to the first page, stood, and grinned. “I am King of Lincoln Park, and I will be responsible for untangling The Castle’s properties from any illegal deals they may now be mired in, as well as purchasing new lands and properties worldwide to further the purpose of The Castle.”
Jai stood and without opening the folder, said, “I am King of Devon, and I will be responsible for the health and well-being of The Castle, its Kings, and the holistic center that Khalil founded on the grounds.”
Daron rose and declared, “I am King of Morgan Park, and I will be responsible for vetting members, contractors, security systems at The Castle, as well as security for Khalil and all of the Kings and their families.”
Dro tapped an index finger on the folder. “I am King of Hyde Park, and I am responsible for any special assignments that Khalil or any man here may give me.”
“Well, that’s a little vague,” Kaleb said, frowning.
“It’s supposed to be,” Dro countered. “Sometimes you all will need plausible deniability.”
“Well, why do we—”
“Kaleb,” Shaz said, getting to his feet and slamming a hand on the table in front of Kaleb. “Leave it be. With Dro, we are on a need to know basis. Right now, we don’t need to know.”
Dro gave him a grateful nod. Kaleb squared his shoulders and remained silent.
“Since I’m already standing,” Shaz continued. “I am King of Evanston and I will be responsible for all legal documents and systems put in place for The Castle. I will also go over every document the previous members signed and see exactly how to extricate The Castle from anything that might be considered not in our best interest.”
Vikkas, who was now on his feet, looked toward Kaleb, who gestured that he should take the floor.
“I am King of Wilmette,” Vikkas said. “I will be responsible for the international holdings of The Castle as well as all intellectual property therein.”
“Therein?” Kaleb teased. “Legalese even when it’s informal.”
Vikkas grinned and shrugged. “You know, what can I say? I am a lawyer.”
Kaleb sighed, stood, and looked to all the men around him. “I am King of South Shore and I will be responsible for development projects in underprivileged neighborhoods in Chicago.”
The men had a toast to their new assignments.
“I always wanted to be part of his message,” Vikkas confessed. “But right here with you is where I belong. Khalil has said what we are to do is the most important work ever.”
Each of them swore an oath to protect The Castle and each other from anyone that would do them harm. They had failed to answer the call the first time and darkness had invaded The Castle, threatening their way of life and the very heart of their city. Evil had been allowed to permeate, but with their efforts, it would spread no further.
The Kings of the Castle would take back what was theirs and claim their place as their mentor had intended. They would fight for their way of life, and the city they all loved dearly. Not just for Khalil, but for each other. Then each of them vowed to do whatever it took to avenge their mentor.
“Now, for my part in things,” Daron said, reaching into his pocket and whipping out nine pairs of single diamond studs. “I’d like for each of you to wear these.”
“I hate to be the one to tell you, but they’re not my color,” Jai said.
&n
bsp; “My ears aren’t pierced, but it’s a lovely thought,” Reno teased. “Next time, try flowers.”
A round of laughter echoed before Daron said, “Each one of them are high frequency tracking devices. One for you, and one for your beloved—if you have one.”
That admission brought complete silence.
“Why would we need those?” Jai asked.
“Isn’t it obvious?” Daron said. “We just signed paperwork that puts us in line with more money than even millionaires see in a lifetime, and you don’t think you’ll become targets? We already have the old guard Castle members coming at us. This right here will mean that I’m able to find you even when your enemies think they have the upper hand.”
“That’s fine and all,” Dro said, fingering the device as Kaleb replaced the one stud he was wearing with Daron’s tech. Grant and Vikkas did the same. “But I’m not wearing an earring. An ass whipping and near-death experience is worth not having to explain to my parents why I suddenly have an earring at thirty-two years old.” He gave Daron a basic head nod. “Brother, you’re the technical genius. Find another way.”
Daron sighed, closed his eyes for a moment. The rapid movements under his eyelids signaled his thought process. “Tattoos.” His eyes flew open. “The only other way I can make something a part of you that can’t be lost or taken off is a small tattoo on the inner part of your wrist.”
Jai and Vikkas shared a look with Dro, who nodded his appreciation of the new plan.
Daron rounded the table, walking a path behind them. “If you’re in distress, you might not get the opportunity to put your wrist to your heart to activate it. However, we can do a tattoo on the inside of the wrist that would have to be pressed for at least ten seconds. That way if you’re tied up, it can be easily activated by pressing the wrist to the closest object.”
“Do you always think in worst case scenarios?” Jai asked, reaching into his pocket to check his cell.
“It’s what I’ve done for the majority of my life,” he said, and Dro held out his fist for a pound. Daron smiled, then obliged.
“Speaking of worst-case scenarios …” Jai grimaced. “We need to wrap this up. I have another emergency.”
“We need to put up another fifty grand?” Shaz teased.
“No,” Jai answered. “Looks like my comatose patient—pregnant comatose patient—is experiencing some distress.”
“That sounds deep,” Reno said. “How did it happen?”
“That’s what the police are trying to figure out at this very moment,” Jai said.
“Let me know if you need my help,” Shaz said.
Daron tapped Dro’s shoulder. “The tattoo will pulse for a few seconds so if it’s accidentally turned on, it can be quickly turned off. Will that work for you?”
“Most definitely,” Dro said, and the others chimed in before sliding the earrings back his way. “See, I told you all this man is a genius.”
“That’s pouring it on a little thick for a man who’s scared of his Mama,” Kaleb said, causing the others to chuckle.
“Show of hands of any man in this house who doesn’t have a healthy fear of the number one woman in your lives.”
Not a single hand went up.
“Thought so,” Dro taunted, and settled back into the seat.
Daron dropped the earrings into the palm of his hand. “But I offer that you can keep these to give to the most important people in your life. Just let me know their names so I can put it in our system. The device will be connected to that person from this point on.”
Vikkas held up the silver passkey. “You each have assigned quarters in The Castle, named for the place you once resided. Devon, South Shore, Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, Morgan Park, Evanston, Wilmette, and—”
“Lawndale,” Dwayne supplied, and everyone turned to the man at the entrance wearing a black suit, silver tie, and a megawatt smile.
The men all left the table, some rushing to embrace Dwayne as he said, “You know what they say, better late than never.”
The projection screen on the far end of the boardroom flickered on, and Khalil’s face appeared. “And my saying has always been that it is better to never be late.” He shifted in the hospital bed as his smile struggled to fall into place. “What took you so long?”
ABOUT THE KINGS OF THE CASTLE SERIES
Books 2-9 are standalones, no cliffhangers, and can be read in any order.
Book 1 – Kings of the Castle, the introduction to the series and story of King of Wilmette (Vikkas Germaine)
USA TODAY, New York Times, and National Bestselling Authors work together to provide you with a world you’ll never want to leave. The Castle. Powerful men unexpectedly brought together by their pasts and current circumstances will become a force to be reckoned with. Their combined efforts to find the people responsible for the attempt on their mentor’s life, is the beginning of dangerous challenges that will alter the path of their lives forever. Not to mention, they will also draw the ire and deadly intent of current Castle members who wield major influence across the globe.
Fate made them brothers, but protecting the Castle and the women they love, will make them Kings.
www.thekingsofthecastle.com
King of Chatham - Book 2
While Mariano “Reno” DeLuca uses his skills and resources to create safe havens for battered women, a surge in criminal activity within the Chatham area threatens the women’s anonymity and security. When Zuri, an exotic Tanzanian Princess, arrives seeking refuge from an arranged marriage and its deadly consequences, Reno is now forced to relocate the women in the shelter, fend off unforeseen enemies of The Castle, and endeavor not to lose his heart to the mysterious woman.
King of Evanston - Book 3
Raised as an immigrant, he knows the heartache of family separation firsthand. His personal goals and business ethics collide when a vulnerable woman stands to lose her baby in an underhanded and profitable scheme crafted by powerful, ruthless businessmen and politicians who have nefarious ties to The Castle. Shaz and the Kings of the Castle collaborate to uproot the dark forces intent on changing the balance of power within The Castle and destroying their mentor. National Bestselling Author, J.L. Campbell presents book 3 in the Kings of the Castle Series, featuring Shaz Bostwick.
King of Devon - Book 4
When a coma patient becomes pregnant, Jaidev Maharaj’s medical facility comes under a government microscope and media scrutiny. In the midst of the investigation, he receives a mysterious call from someone in his past that demands that more of him than he’s ever been willing to give and is made aware of a dark family secret that will destroy the people he loves most.
King of Morgan Park - Book 5
Two things threaten to destroy several areas of Daron Kincaid’s life— the tracking device he developed to locate victims of sex trafficking and an inherited membership in a mysterious outfit called The Castle. The new developments set the stage to dismantle the relationship with a woman who’s been trained to make men weak or put them on the other side of the grave. The secrets Daron keeps from Cameron and his inner circle only complicates an already tumultuous situation caused by an FBI sting that brought down his former enemies. Can Daron take on his enemies, manage his secrets and loyalty to the Castle without permanently losing the woman he loves?
King of South Shore - Book 6
Award-winning real estate developer, Kaleb Valentine, is known for turning failing communities into thriving havens in the Metro Detroit area. His plans to rebuild his hometown neighborhood are dereailed with one phone call that puts Kaleb deep in the middle of an intense criminal investigation led by a detective who has a personal vendetta. Now he will have to deal with the ghosts of his past before they kill him.
King of Lincoln Park - Book 7
Grant Khambrel is a sexy, successful architect with big plans to expand his Texas Company. Unfortunately, a dark secret from his past could destroy it all unless he’s willing to betray the man responsible for
that success, and the woman who becomes the key to his salvation.
King of Hyde Park - Book 8
Alejandro “Dro” Reyes has been a “fixer” for as long as he could remember, which makes owning a crisis management company focused on repairing professional reputations the perfect fit. The same could be said of Lola Samuels, who is only vaguely aware of his “true” talents and seems to be oblivious to the growing attraction between them. His company, Vantage Point, is in high demand and business in the Windy City is booming. Until a mysterious call following an attempt on his mentor’s life forces him to drop everything and accept a fated position with The Castle. But there’s a hidden agenda and unexpected enemy that Alejandro doesn’t see coming who threatens his life, his woman, and his throne.
Kings of the Castle Page 20