Brothers Black 6: Ryan the Joker (Brothers Black Series)

by Blue Saffire

  “Yeah?”

  “Thank you.”

  I nod as if he can see me. “I’m doing it for her, but you’re welcome.”

  “Goodnight.”

  “Oyasumi,” I reply.

  He chuckles. “Oyasumi, Ryan-san.”

  I hang up and look in the mirror. Everything is changing but it’s not. Not within this bubble we’re in. If we stay here, we’re staying in a lie. A lie that’s going to burn from every end.

  The Nash family is out to turn all of my hair gray. Carmen needs to come clean with her father and her father needs to tell her the truth. As long as they continue with this I’m caught in the middle and I don’t like it.

  I brush my teeth and relieve myself. I might as well go start breakfast. Everyone else will be up soon.

  I can clear my head while I cook. I need to come up with something. I don’t know what, but I’ll figure it out.

  “If this isn’t some bullshit,” I mutter to myself and I pad into the kitchen.

  When I get there John is already at the island scrolling through his tablet. Standing across from him, I flatten my palms on the counter and release a deep breath. My mind is racing with all the things I need to sort out before Carmen wakes.

  John lifts his head from the tablet and narrows his eyes at me. “What’s up with you?”

  Yeah, worst thing about having older brothers, they can see right through you. Not that I’m hiding my frustration well, to begin with. Locking my hands behind my head, I look up at the ceiling and ask myself how I got into this mess.

  “There was an attack on Paloma Matsumara-Nash. Kiyoshi wants me to postpone our return,” I murmur low enough for only my brother to hear.

  John releases a low whistle. “And she’s still to remain in the dark?”

  “Yup.”

  He heaves a heavy sigh. “I feel for you, kid. I know how much lying is eating at you, but the job comes first. Trust, we’ll handle anything that comes once this blows over.”

  Lowering my head, I level my eyes on him. “Yeah, but how do I convince her we’re staying here for another two months?”

  “You don’t,” he says and shrugs his shoulder smoothly, like this all is so much simpler than I’m making it. “We change locations. Use what you know to your advantage.”

  I knit my brows and start to think. Pushing aside all the lies that have been told, I search for the truths. It’s like a lightbulb goes off. I know instantly how to handle this.

  “Her dad’s going to handle the school thing, but I have to fit together the rest. She’s been questioning her career, but I know she’s made for finding a story and making it something special.”

  “Didn’t Nick get her that job with NY/LA Connections?”

  “Yeah, from what I know he pulled the strings for her aunt.”

  John nods and he starts to tap away at his tablet. A smile comes to his face and he lifts his eyes back to me. I know that look. He has an idea.

  “We don’t want to go near any of the Alliance, which will be difficult since they’re everywhere, but I have an idea. Remi and Ramses have been running a Con. It’s not connected to Club Desire and not many know that they’re behind it.

  “It’s been moving from continent to continent. They’ll be in Cali at the end of the year. NY/LA Connections would love a piece on something like this. Carmen does good work. She gives the story without giving too much away. We can call in some favors, get her the assignment and head to Sydney.”

  “Let me get this straight. You want me to take my girl, my pregnant girl to a BDSM convention in Australia. Get the fuck out of here,” I say and frown.

  He rolls his eyes at me. “This will be the last place anyone will look for any of us. She’ll get a story out of it and you won’t have to sell it because it will be work. It will buy us time to secure another location or return here for a few weeks if you can pull off a reason.”

  “I thought the point was to stay away from the Alliance. You know this is right at the triplet’s back door, right? Aren’t they out there right now?” I lift a brow.

  John nods. “Yes, and I’m well aware of that. It’s the other reason I think it will work. We don’t want to be connected to the Alliance and the trouble surrounding it, but we don’t want to disconnect either.”

  “If something comes up, we want the manpower to back us up. You know them. They’re going to look out as soon as they hear we’re on their soil.”

  Dragging a hand down my face, I try not to admit that this isn’t a bad idea. It’s a good one, but I’m still not sure I want my girl at a BDSM Con. Leave it to John to know some crazy shit like this and to actually make it work in his favor.

  I point a finger at him. “You know this is work. You’re kinky ass better not get caught up in any shit.”

  He sits back with a grin, folding his arms over his chest. “It’s work for you. I’m on a vacation.”

  “Bite me.”

  “I’ll make it all happen. It’s 3:00 a.m. in Cali. I’ll give Nick a few more hours before I call. He’ll be the one to get us invites to the Con and he’ll plant the seed for the blog to assign her. I’ll take care of everything else,” my brother says.

  “I didn’t say I agreed to this,” I mutter.

  “You’re welcome,” he replies. I don’t get to retort because I feel the moment Carmen enters the room. I flip John off as she steps behind me and wraps her arms around my waist.

  Carmen

  “I’m so hungry,” I breathe against his bare back.

  When I woke and he was already out of bed I brushed my teeth in hopes that he’d have breakfast waiting. I’m starving this morning. It’s like I can’t stop eating in the last few days and my belly has seemed to pop overnight.

  “You want anything special?” Ryan asks.

  Kissing his smooth skin, I think on his question. “Oh, yes, sugar cookies and caramel sauce and bacon.”

  He turns in my arms as he laughs. “Babe, you had that yesterday. I think you need to chill with all the sweets. How about I make some of Mom’s fresh homemade biscuits and bacon?”

  I pout, but then my stomach grumbles and his offer starts to sound really good. “Can I have cheese on my biscuits?”

  He gives me that sexy smile and kisses my nose. “Of course, you can. Anything else?”

  “Nope. Oh, wait. Hot chocolate.”

  He chuckles and squeezes my butt. With a wink, he releases me to start on my breakfast. I round the counter to take a seat next to John.

  “Good morning,” he says and with a broad smile.

  I like when John smiles. It brightens his face. I’ve noticed that of all the brothers John is the prettiest. Not that they aren’t all handsome. However, Johnathan has a softer face. Handsome in a pretty-boy way. Not as rugged as his brothers.

  “Good morning,” I chirp back. “I bet you guys are bummed to be going back so soon.”

  He shrugs. “We might stick around here for a bit more. Haven’t decided yet.”

  “Oh, that’s awesome. I wish I had more time.” Placing my chin on my palm as I rest my elbow on the countertop, I pout.

  I have to admit. I’m nervous about returning home tomorrow. It’s like the last few days rushed by. While I’m excited to talk to my father about my plans and taking a break from school, I’m going stir crazy wondering if he’ll notice my belly or the changes in my face.

  “Ry will have to bring you back sometime.”

  I grin widely. “I’d totally be up for that. I had such a good time the last two months.”

  “Duh, you were with me,” Ry says. I roll my eyes. “Nothing but good times when I’m around.”

  “It has been fun. Not what I expected.” I tilt my head at him. “Do you think it’s because we were in our own shell? Like, seriously. We haven’t had many other people around until last week. Do you think we’ll click as well once we’re back home?”

  Ryan stops in the middle of making the dough for the biscuits, which by the way were amazing last t
ime he made them. His gaze locks on mine. The weight of his stare almost leaves me breathless.

  “We work anywhere, anytime, around anyone.”

  My cheeks heat. I cannot help wondering what my parents will think of Ryan. His humor can be cutting at times. My father rarely shows he has a sense of humor at all.

  I think my mother will like him. Although, I can see her trying to fatten him up with her cooking. Not that she will succeed at that one. I’ve watched Ryan eat plenty and he still doesn’t gain an ounce.

  “I hope—. Hold on.” I frown and lift a finger as my phone pings.

  I pull it from my shorts and see it’s my dad. I mentally do the math. It’s late night for him, unless he has returned home a day early.

  “Hello.”

  “Kon'nichiwa, Nene. How are you doing?”

  “Hey Daddy, you sound so tired. What’s up?”

  “I want to have a talk with you.”

  My heart starts to race. Has he found out my secrets? I plan to tell him, but I wanted to wait until we were face to face.

  I slip from my stool on shaky legs and walk into the living room area. Sitting on the couch, I cross my legs and take a deep breath. Nodding my head as if he can see me, I bite my lip.

  “Okay, what’s up?”

  “I’ve been thinking about what you said. I think this break from school may be good for you. I spoke to your mother. She traveled the world between her Sophomore and Junior year in college and again between her undergrad and Masters.”

  “Really,” I say breathlessly. This is not what I thought he was going to say.

  “Hm, yes. We have talked. She believes you should do some travel. You are ahead of your classes. I believe this will be good for you. Think about it. I will call again after I have some sleep and we can discuss your plan.”

  “Okay, sure. Rest well, Otōsan.”

  “I love you, Nene. Atode mata hanashimashou.”

  “Talk to you later. Love you too.”

  I hang up the phone and stare at it. This is so unreal. Pushing a hand in my hair, I tug at it, trying to comprehend the last few minutes.

  “What just happened?”

  “Babe, you okay?” Ryan calls out to me.

  I turn toward the kitchen. “Yeah, I think I am,” I say with a smile.

  Yup, I sure do think I’m going to be great. Maybe my father is turning soft in his old age. Hope blossoms. He might not totally disown me after all.

  Chapter 26

  Best Day Ever

  Carmen

  I’ve been so happy all day. Even as I pack to leave in the morning, I can’t stop smiling. I don’t know how this happened, but I’ve been working my plan over in my head to make sure it’s airtight and my father can’t change his mind.

  Looking out of the window at the beach, I sigh. I wish we could stay here for a little longer. I almost asked Ryan if that would be okay since John mentioned he, Roni and Torque would be sticking around.

  “We need to get home to get a peek at you, don’t we?” I say as I place a hand on my belly.

  My phone rings startling me. I laugh at myself for jumping. Ryan would’ve totally made fun of me if he were in the room. He and John have been working on something together all day. I guess it’s time for him to go back to work.

  I groan when I see the name on my phone. Looks like I need to get back to work too. I may be a freelance reporter, but I’ve taken a long enough break from accepting assignments.

  “Hello,” I answer the call with a smile as I laugh at myself.

  “Hey, Carmen,” my editor Karl replies. His voice holds a ton of excitement that’s so unlike him. “I have a great opportunity for you, kid. This one is perfect for you.”

  “Oh, okay. I’m returning home in the morning.”

  “No, no, no. I need you on a plane to Australia in the morning.”

  I cover my belly with my hand. With the baby and Ryan—not to mention, school, my father still wants to know my plans—I don’t know if this is the time that I can take an assignment like this. I was able to cover the weddings because I had breaks in school. I don’t normally cover events outside of the country.

  I furrow my brows. “Karl, I don’t know if that’s possible. I have so much going on.”

  “Listen to me. You can’t even get into this event without an invite. It’s exclusive and private. I know you’ll handle this with care. I need you to do this for me. Two weeks, that’s all I’m asking. I’m sure you won’t miss much with school.”

  I purse my lips, not telling him that I may not be returning to school. Australia. My interest is piqued. I can’t help myself. I need to know more.

  “What’s the event?”

  “Are you sitting down?” he says with a smile in his voice.

  I sit on the edge of the bed. “I am now.”

  “It’s a BDSM Con in Sydney. With an elite guest list. I need you to get this story for me. They’ll be here in California at the end of the year. This will be great exposure for the blog. First the Black weddings, now this. Come on, kid. You have to do this for me.”

  I blow out a breath. “Can I talk to my boyfriend and dad about this first?”

  “The invite is open to you and your team. Take the boyfriend with you.”

  Ryan enters the room as if he’s been summoned. I chew on my lip as we lock eyes. He lifts a brow at me.

  “I’ll email you once I decide. Give me an hour or two. Okay?”

  “All expenses are covered. This is the chance of a lifetime. Don’t pass this one up, kid. You never know what you’ll learn.”

  I roll my eyes. “I’ll email you as soon as I decide. Thanks, Karl.”

  I end the call as Ryan pulls me into his arms. I don’t even know where to begin with this. I’m sort of excited by the possibility and the event itself has me more than curious.

  “What’s up?” Ryan says as he searches my face.

  “So… NY/LA Connections has offered me a trip to Australia. I’ll be covering a story for a conference there,” I say.

  “That’s great, right? It’ll look good on your resume. Why do you look so reluctant?”

  “Well, there’s us and the baby.”

  “Me and the baby can come with you. When is it?”

  My heart skips a beat at the thought of him coming with me. “I would have to go straight from here. I won’t be returning home. Don’t you have to get back to work?”

  “I can work remotely if I put in the request. Felix will set me up and Heather will assign me non-field work.” He gives a shrug as if it’s that simple. “I’ll change the flight plans tonight. Props of flying private.”

  “What about my dad?” I wince. “I don’t know if he’ll go for this.”

  “Baby, you’re making excuses. Call your dad and tell him this is a part of your plan. You can tell him that your boyfriend will be with you to look out for you.”

  I snort. “I’ll call about the job, but the boyfriend bomb will have to wait.” Ryan’s expression hardens. “I’m going to tell him. I just think it will be better to do so when I get back home. Especially with the baby and everything.”

  He frowns but nods. I call up the courage to tell him what the Con is for. He may change his mind after I tell him.

  “What?” He narrows his golden gaze.

  “The conference is a BDSM Con,” I whisper and bite my lip.

  Something mischievous crosses his face. He places his forehead to mine. I hold my breath as I wait for his response.

  “I like the sound of this trip. I love a little rope play.” He groans and bites his own lip. “What I’d give to see you trussed up.”

  “Seriously?”

  He gives me a heated stare. “When do I ever play about pussy?”

  I bury my face in his chest. “I’ll call my dad. If he agrees to this… I don’t what to jinx it. This will be so freaking amazing.”

  Ryan kisses the top of my head. “Call him. I’ll take care of the travel arrangements. Where in Australia did
you say it will be?”

  “Sydney,” I breathe into his chest.

  “Cool. We can shop when we get there.”

  Oh my god. It starts to sink in that I’m going to Australia. I smile when I think of my camera that Ry bought me. I wonder how much they’ll let me get footage of. The story will be one thing, but if I can get real live footage.

  I squeal before I look up at Ry. He smiles back down at me. It’s like my life is changing right before my eyes and I don’t know what to do with myself.

  Ryan

  I’ve never seen Carmen this happy before. It makes me hate that I’m lying to her even more. Of course, I knew her father would agree to her going to Australia.

  However, her infectious joy over having this opportunity has caused me to have conflicting feelings. I want to see her happy, but the lies that are behind it chafe my nerves to no end. After dinner, I needed to take a walk. I have to get my head cleared before we leave here.

  I’ve controlled this trip and our environment for two months. Things will change once we’re in Sydney. I’ll have to keep my eyes open.

  “You took off in a hurry,” John says from behind me. I don’t bother to turn or reply. “You’re doing what needs to be done.”

  “If this were Roni would you be okay with this?”

  I keep my eyes on the waves as my arms dangle over my knees pulled up in front of me. He’s silent. At first, I don’t think he’s going to answer me.

  He takes a seat beside me in the sand. “No, can’t say I would be, but I’d also do whatever it took to keep her safe.”

  “Keeping Carmen safe and these lies aren’t one and the same. One is necessary the other isn’t.”

  “I know this goes against everything in you, but if you want to earn her father’s respect, you’re going to have to bite this bullet.”

  “What about her lies to him?” I work my jaw to dial down my temper. John only wants to help. “I’ve seen what lies do to people. Not just with our clients. Look at what Toby’s lies have done. Heather and Brax were hiding some heavy shit from everyone for years. I watched it eat at Brax.”