King of Evanston

by Campbell

  Deep inside, Shaz was disturbed over the picture the doctor had painted for them. The hospital had reconsidered their approach and opted to do a cardiac catheterization, which was less invasive. Shaz didn’t see how inserting a tube from the baby’s groin sounded any less drastic, but at least they wouldn’t be opening Ayanna’s chest. Without him realizing it, the toddler had also grown on him and he couldn’t imagine life without her. As he paced, he sent up a prayer that everything would go smoothly. They hadn’t come this far to even think about any kind of roadblock.

  A short time later, disruption came in the form of the other Kings flowing into the waiting area like a living tide of testosterone. Stacey and Denise’s eyes widened as they observed the group of powerful males, who each paid their respect to the Bostwicks, then Miss Mabel, and finally, Shaz and Camilla. Some of the Kings sat and others leaned against the walls in quiet conversation as they waited with the family.

  In between comforting Camilla, Shaz stayed on his feet. When he’d walked the corridors for the hundredth time—all while receiving encouragement from his fellow Kings—a middle-aged doctor in scrubs approached the group. With a cheerful smile, he announced, “Miss Gibson, the procedure was successful. Ayanna came through it with no complications. You can see her in twenty minutes. She’s now in the recovery area. She’ll be sleepy for a while, but she’ll be fine.”

  “Thank, God,” Camilla whispered as she hugged Paula.

  Shaz wrapped his arms around Camilla as she wept. Stroking her back, he whispered. “Come on now, hon, we got good news.”

  “I know,” she said, sniffing into his chest. “The stress of everything kinda wore me down.”

  “I understand.” He stared into her eyes, still holding her close. “But trust me, honey, you haven’t seen anything yet. All our good days are ahead of us.”

  She dredged up a watery smile. “I guess so.”

  “Have I failed you, or Ayanna, yet?”

  Camilla’s smile was brighter. “No, I can’t say you have.”

  “Watch me. From here on in, things will only get better.”

  CHAPTER 28

  Ayanna’s age influenced the doctors’ decision to keep her overnight.

  Shaz and Camilla remained at the hospital and convinced the other members of the family that it was fine for them to go home. For the rest of the evening, Shaz and Camilla took turns sitting at the bedside and napping in the chairs provided. Shaz insisted on Ayanna being placed in a private room, so the three of them would be comfortable.

  At dawn, he roused Camilla by touching his lips to hers. “I’m going home to get ready for work. Call me when she wakes,” he ordered.

  Camilla let her arms slip from around his neck after she kissed him a second time. “I will.”

  Although he had back-to-back meetings for much of the day, he called several times for updates. At the end of the day, when the doctors agreed Ayanna could go home, Shaz met them at the hospital.

  The family had returned to visit, so Shaz ordered dinner and everybody drove back to The Castle in a convoy.

  Shaz arrived first, got out of the vehicle, and picked up Ayanna, who immediately rested her head against his shoulder. She was drowsy from pain medication given for discomfort at the catheter insertion site, but clutched one of his locs in her fist.

  Turning a worried gaze on the toddler and laying the back of her hand against her skin, Camilla said, “I think you should get her inside. I’ll wait for the others to catch up.”

  Shaz couldn’t help teasing her. “Are you sure the doctors explained the recovery process to you? You still look worried.”

  “Just testing if she has a fever.” She tugged one of his locs. “I’m trying, okay?”

  “Ow! That hurts, woman.”

  Camilla cut him with a bad look. “Stop messing with me then.”

  Laughing, Shaz shook his head. “I know who can’t stand mouthing, as Jamaicans call it.”

  “Gimmie my baby.” Camilla stood next to him, clearly trying not to laugh. She took the little girl, but Ayanna waved her hands toward him. “Want Sha.”

  He preened, dusted his jacket, then reached for Ayanna and kissed her cheek. “See, my baby knows who’s the man.” He kissed Ayanna’s forehead and, after a moment, handed her back. “Wait for me,” he said, as the other cars rolled in behind them.

  The family members parked their vehicles, then Shaz led the way to the suite and welcomed them inside.

  Camilla’s cousin oohed and aahed over the suite, while his family made a beeline for the kitchen. Shaz leaned in the doorway watching his mother supervise the housekeeping staff, even as she uncovered various food containers.

  “Oh. My. Lord.”

  Camilla’s exclamation startled Shaz and he headed for Ayanna’s room with the family on his heels. When they stood in the doorway, several gasps came from behind him.

  The room was filled with balloons in the colors of the rainbow. A kaleidoscope of cartoon characters covered the bed. Ayanna sat in the centre, laughing as she examined her new toys. The crib on the other side of the bedroom was crammed with character balloons. Nine of them, in a cluster of metallic shades, including his favorite navy blue, were anchored to a huge basket filled with a range of fruits. Each balloon bore The Castle’s logo. The super-sized gift sat on an end table, Shaz didn’t recognize.

  His heart swelled as he walked forward and opened the card. The only message inside was, We are family, Kings of the Castle

  Camilla eased her arm around him and rested her head on his shoulder. “It’s beautiful. Where did it come from?”

  Over the time they were together, she’d met only a few of his brothers. Yesterday, when they came to the hospital, she’d been too frazzled to assimilate everything. Now, he explained that the whole shebang was from the managing directors.

  Camilla’s eyes were moist when she said, “Tell them thanks for me.”

  “I will,” he whispered, homing in on her lips. Camilla wrapped her arms around him and delved into the kiss as if she forgot they had an audience.

  Martin’s voice brought Shaz out of the fog he’d fallen into. “I’d tell the two of you to get a room, but you’re in your own place.”

  Shaz lifted his head, still focused on Camilla. “That’s right.”

  While Camilla blushed, Shaz greeted his blood brothers, who’d just arrived.

  Dinner was a light-hearted affair with the family spread throughout the kitchen and living room. Even Miss Mabel turned up after work to make much of Camilla and Ayanna. After several hours, their guests trickled out until the three occupants were left in the suite.

  * * *

  Much later that night, when Ayanna was worn out from the excitement of the impromptu dinner party, Shaz lay with Camilla in his arms. Their skin was slick with sweat and when he got his breath back, he turned on his side to study her in the light coming from the bathroom. With lazy strokes, he trailed one finger over her stomach. “So, when d’you plan to make an honest man out of me?”

  “Is that your idea of a marriage proposal, Shastra Bostwick?”

  He chuckled and ran the pad of his thumb around her navel. “No, but I do have a thing or three in mind to make it something you won’t soon forget.”

  “On that note ... ” Camilla grabbed his wrist to still his hand. “What about the woman you were seeing before me? Or anyone else for that matter. I didn’t think to ask.”

  He pulled her closer and looked her in the eyes. “What’s in my past stays there. You’re my future, Camilla Gibson.”

  With the back of her fingers, she grazed the hairs on his jaw. “Good, because I’m not planning on taking any ‘bun’ from you.”

  Laughing, Shaz relaxed his hold. “Your accent came out in full force just now when you mentioned me cheating.” He reeled her in with one arm around her neck. “Trust me. I won’t give you any ‘bun’. I’m a one-woman kinda guy. Besides, my mother would kill me if I hurt you.”

  “I hope you remember th
at in one, five, ten, and twenty years from now.”

  “I’m not likely to forget,” he said, “I’ll be busy satisfying this insatiable appetite you have for me.”

  A low, sexy chuckle emerged from her throat. “You know the thing I love about you?”

  He nuzzled her neck. “Well, there is a lot you could choose from, but I’m listening.”

  “You have such a big head,” she said, gasping as his lips trailed across the tip of her breast. “All of that confidence must be good for something.”

  “That’s it?” he asked, amused.

  “Um, maybe if you stop what you’re doing I could get my thoughts together.”

  “Ya think?”

  When his fingers replaced his mouth, Camilla trembled. “Shaz, you have to …”

  Hiding a smile, he whispered, “I don’t have to do anything, but you were going to tell me something at least a half hour ago.”

  “Liar.” She held his head between her hands. “I was saying … your generosity of spirit, your determination, the way you take care of me. Your acceptance of Ayanna.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Thank you.”

  “No. Thank you,” Shaz said against her neck. “Despite everything, you were a trooper. Stubborn, but willing to listen to me … eventually. Willing to let me lead. I love that.” Holding her gaze, he added. “And I love you.”

  Her eyes were awash with tears when she blinked and cleared her throat. “Shastra Bostwick, I can’t even begin to tell you the many ways in which I love and appreciate you.”

  A satisfied smile covered his face, then turned into a grin. “Look at it this way, you have a lifetime to show me.”

  “Uh-huh.” Wearing a sneaky smile, Camilla slid a hand down his stomach, letting her fingers skim his rock-hard abs. “How about if I start right now?”

  Heat spread everywhere Camilla left a gentle trail and after a moment, Shaz repositioned her next to him. “If this is what it’s going to be, you’re more than welcome to start as you mean to go on.”

  Camilla giggled and wrapped her fingers around him, pulling a gasp from deep in his throat. Shaz opened his mouth, but the only sound that emerged was a long moan.

  The only answer in the room, for some time, was Camilla’s soft answering cries.

  GRUDGE

  Through Shaz’s interaction with his Jamaican cousin, you, dear reader were introduced to Phillip Denham, an officer in the Jamaican police force. He is as determined and tenacious as Shaz and his story is told in the romantic suspense novel, Grudge.

  Blurb

  After dumping her cheating ex, Corra Bingham goes on vacation to take her mind off the double whammy of the devastating betrayal and her overbearing father. But things turn complicated when she nearly loses her life to a ruthless and persistent stalker.

  She’s clueless as to why anyone would choose her for blood sport, but isn’t happy when Phillip Denham appoints himself as her protector. He’s everything she doesn’t want in a man—good-looking, frugal with the truth, and a law-enforcement officer. Try as she might, she cannot make him go away.

  On a previous visit to the exotic island of Xantrope, Phillip Denham discovered that he has a twin. His life is a complex web of lies and he wants answers. Intrigued by the missing pieces of his past, Phillip returns to the island to trace his roots.

  While there, he encounters Corra and someone who is intent on putting her six feet under. She’s a fascinating woman, but her relentless enemy makes him wonder what she’s involved in. Using his skills as a detective, he races to find answers that will prevent Corra from ending up on a slab in the morgue.

  National Bestselling Author, J.L. Campbell writes contemporary, paranormal, and sweet romance, romantic suspense, women’s fiction, as well as new and young adult novels.

  Campbell, who features Jamaican culture in her stories, has penned over thirty books. She is a certified editor, who also writes non-fiction. When she’s not writing, Campbell adds to her extensive collection of photos detailing Jamaica’s flora and fauna. Visit her on the web at www.joylcampbell.com

  Romantic Suspense (Island Adventure Series)

  Anya’s Wish (free novella)

  Chasing Anya

  Contraband

  Taming Celeste

  Grudge

  Hardware

  New Adult

  Perfection

  Fixation

  Persuasion

  Women’s Fiction

  A Baker’s Dozen-13 Steps to Distraction (novella)

  Dissolution

  Distraction

  Retribution

  Absolution

  The Thick of Things

  The Heart of Things

  Young Adult

  Christine’s Odyssey

  Saving Sam

  Short Story Collections

  Don’t Get Mad...Get Even (free)

  Don’t Get Mad...Get Even: Kicked to the Kerb

  Contemporary Romance (Sweet Holiday Series)

  The Vet’s Christmas Pet

  The Vet’s Valentine Gift

  The Vet’s Secret Wish

  Sold! (Relative Ties Book 1)

  Cupid’s Gift

  Blindsided

  Contemporary Romance

  The Short Game (Par-For-The-Course) Book 1

  The Long Game (Par-For-The-Course) Book 2

  The Blind Shot (Par-For-The-Course) Book 3

  The Spice of Life

  Forever Mine

  Paranormal Romance

  Phantasm

  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 Dar
on 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?