demands, but I knew going up against Talon was futile. The man hadn’t amassed his enormous empire simply by granting people favors without some sort of compromise. For him to do this, I knew I would have to cave to at least some of his demands.
Before I could argue more, Talon held up his hand.
“It’s nonnegotiable, Ransom. Either you accompany your sister to Sapphire Island or you both remain here.”
Fuck.
I exhaled sharply. “Fine. I’ll accompany her, but I’d like Braelyn to believe this is her choice. My sister… Let’s just say she doesn’t take kindly to being told what to do.”
The smile that formed on Talon’s face had a chill slithering down my spine, and for the first time since I’d stepped into this office, I questioned whether or not I truly knew what I was doing.
“I know exactly how to handle it. I ask only that you be available to leave tomorrow evening.”
“I’d prefer tonight,” I declared. “My sister’s not safe here, Talon. And every minute that passes puts her more and more at risk.”
“I’ll be attending TJ’s New Year’s party tonight. Tomorrow’s the earliest I can offer,” he said simply. “You can accompany her on the flight out.”
I hastily nodded as I got to my feet. It would have to do.
Talon stood, stepping around the desk. “Might I suggest you stage this appropriately.”
I narrowed my eyes on his face, trying to read between the lines.
“You’re a smart man, Ransom. This is an opportunity for you and your sister to make a clean break. Start over.”
Okay. When he said he knew a few things, I clearly hadn’t considered what he might’ve uncovered.
“Make the most of it,” he continued, “and ensure those who’re looking for you realize you’re gone for good. After all, you’ve done it once before.”
Surely Talon wasn’t suggesting…
“It’s the only way to get out from under them,” Talon added. “But this time it needs to be permanent. Staying here, practically under their noses, is no longer an option.”
He was right. Staging our deaths would certainly put them off our scent once and for all.
“I’ll consider it.”
“Will you be attending TJ’s party tonight?”
Relaxing somewhat, I followed Talon toward the door. “I’d planned on it.”
“You should try to be there. It’ll give you one last chance to see your friends. After tonight…”
He didn’t have to finish the sentence. I knew exactly what starting fresh entailed. It meant I had to abandon all the friends I’d made over the years. When all was said and done…
They’d be mourning my death.
Then again, if I didn’t do this, it was likely they’d be standing over my grave anyway.
*
TALON
I certainly had not been expecting Ransom Bishop to show up today and ask for a favor. A monumental one, at that.
I had to admit, it was a fairly intriguing way to start the last day of the year.
It had nothing to do with the fact Ransom would owe me in return for the grand gesture I would make to ensure he and his sister were safe from this point forward. That was a given and he knew it, but that was how I operated. Those closest in my circle understood I was willing to go above and beyond for the people who were important to me. And like it or not, Ransom was important to me. He was a dear friend, and I’d known for quite some time that he was in trouble. And yes, while I could be incredibly generous to those within my inner circle, I could also do serious damage when someone crossed me. Good thing most people tended to steer clear because of it. It kept that valued inner circle small.
Turning my attention away from the door Ransom had exited through, I lifted a hand and motioned with my finger as I walked over to the wall of windows overlooking Chicago.
Auberon was instantly at my side, taking my jacket when I began to shrug out of it. After hanging it, he returned, moving to stand where I pointed. With a nod of my head, he eased down to his knees. I stared down at him while he unhooked my belt, unbuttoned my slacks, then slid them down my hips.
Spreading my legs wider, I gave Auberon another nod.
“Slowly,” I commanded when he curled his fingers around my cock.
There was no response, merely obedience. Being that Auberon was my possession, he did not speak directly to me. None of them did. It was not necessary, because the rule was, I gave instructions,