The disbelief.
The heartache.
The feeling as if you were the problem or could have changed the outcome even if some portion of your brain told you otherwise. Sinclair had been quiet throughout the morning, brooding over what had to be done. We’d gone over the plan, although he’d refused to share the final outcome with me. It wasn’t my place to interject.
In the days I’d spent with the powerful man, I’d come to realize that some things were out of my control.
And possibly his.
His world was scary as well as opulent, exciting in a way that I wouldn’t care to admit to anyone, including Tilly. But his way of doing business had been ingrained in him through generations.
Loyalty and respect being the anchors.
I’d met the other brothers the day before. Being allowed into their inner sanctum had given me answers to so many questions about Sinclair. The reasons for his broodiness. His methods. And I’d been able to gather a sense of family with the four men. They were dependent on each other. There was love and respect.
Although it was obvious they sparred as often as they worked together.
I missed having a family and they’d gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. Especially their sister Emmeline and Alexander’s wife Catherine, an attorney who advised us while the plan was put into motion.
“Are you ready?” Sinclair asked as he led me into a beautiful all-glass building.
“I will be the best little actress you’ve ever seen.” Only I wouldn’t be acting, other than as if I wasn’t upset with the information and the tragedy that had occurred all those years ago. At least I had answers as to why my perfect Hallmark life had been destroyed.
And partially why my mother had felt forced to surrender to a family she’d tried so desperately to leave.
“You’re alright with improvising?”
“Absolutely. Doesn’t this tell you that I am?” I held out my hand, flexing my fingers.
He laughed. “I wouldn’t want to get you into a court of law, baby. I’m not certain I could handle you.”
“Here’s the thing. You couldn’t.”
His brothers waited in the lobby while we went up to the top floor in the elevator. There was no need to be concerned about safety as the visit was expected.
Yet knowing there were a dozen soldiers who’d accompanied us had created a lump in my throat. What if something went wrong?
The call with Zane had felt damn good. He truly believed that he could yank me back to a life I wanted no part of. And to think I’d badmouthed the Prince Mafia family. The Brotherhood was worse. They made threats that became chains for generations.
As soon as Sinclair opened the door to the suite, the girl behind the desk made pleasantries, both laughing at whatever Sinclair had said in return.
I wasn’t paying any attention.
We both remained quiet as we strolled toward the door at the end of the hallway. Sinclair didn’t bother knocking, ushering me inside immediately.
The man behind the desk was obviously surprised to see that Sinclair had brought a guest. He stood and maybe I wasn’t nearly as observant as Sinclair, but I could swear the man’s hand was trembling.
He recognized me.
“Sinclair. I’m sorry. I didn’t know you’d have someone with you.”
“Well, Josette is very important to this meeting.” He flashed me a grin.
My cue.
I held out my hand and headed toward the desk. “Mr. Cornwell. I’ve heard so much about you.” He was still confused, acting as if he didn’t want to take my hand. But he finally did. “Josette Samuels, Sinclair’s fiancée.” I held up my left hand, moving my fingers to flash the huge diamond. When Jacques continued to act disoriented, I waited until I pulled my hand away. “You might know me as Daniella Dunham.”
“I’m sorry,” he said, his skin awfully pasty.
