Violent Ends

Climbing into the stall, she turned on the water, gasping as the cold hit her flesh. Gideon moved her up against the tile. She stared into his eyes, seeing the love he often kept hidden.

“I can’t let anything happen to you, Gideon.”

“Nothing will happen to me. I’ll deal with my father, and it will all be okay.”

She didn’t argue with him. Maddox Denton needed to go. They both knew it, but there was no way for them to end his life just yet.

“Stop thinking about it. For now, we’re both safe. He’s focusing on expanding, and while he’s doing that, we’ve got each other. That’s all we need.”

He slid a hand down her back, cupping her ass. He kissed her hard, and as he traced her lips with his tongue, she gave up the fight.

Maddox was tomorrow’s problem.

Right now, she just wanted to feel her husband, to know he was here with her, safe, where he was supposed to be.

Everything else could wait.

****

Sitting outside Tamsin’s door wasn’t exactly a good time for Gideon. An hour ago, he’d been balls deep inside his woman, and now here he sat, protecting his baby sister.

Tamsin didn’t deserve this.

Yes, she had a mouth on her.

Attitude.

A pain in the ass.

She was a Denton.

Marrying her off didn’t sit well with him.

Gabriel had already left. He’d been the one to take the third hour shift.

Gideon held the gun between his legs and wasn’t surprised as one by one, his brothers came to the door. Each of them sat either in front of him, or at the side of him, all of them ready, prepared.

“Is this how we do meetings now?” he asked. “In the dark. Away from prying eyes.”

“It’s the only way,” Jacob said. “He’s a problem.”

“Landon or our dad? I thought Landon was pretty funny at dinner,” Gideon said.

“He’s losing control,” Damian said. “Either that or he’s running scared.”

“Our dad doesn’t run scared,” Abel said.

“No, but right now, I don’t like this direction.”

“You spoke to Rick? To Stuart?” Gideon asked.

“Neither of them is interested in what we’ve got to say. We’re on our own,” Jacob said. “I don’t want this union with the Savonas. We don’t need it. The Dentons have always been independent. That’s how it has to stay.”

“You having a meeting without me? Here I was thinking I was special,” Landon said, dropping down onto the floor, interrupting things. “We planning to kill Daddy?”

“Keep your voice down,” Abel said.

“Whatever,” Landon asked. “Count me in.”

“Why are you suddenly interested in taking him down?”

“I’m living proof he’s an asshole. He wouldn’t let me see Sarah, and now look where I am. I’ve got nothing.”

“We can’t kill him,” Gideon said.

“Why not?”

“Emma told me he’s got a contract out on anyone who kills him. If it is discovered he died in any other way other than natural causes, there’s ten million on their head,” Gideon said.

“That’s a lot of cash,” Jacob said.

“I wouldn’t put it past him to have that kind of clause in effect though. It makes sense. You’re public enemy number one, what better way of ensuring your survival.” Abel shrugged. “We can’t kill him. Mom will break down. It’ll kill her.”

“There was a time when Mom could keep him in line. That’s not happening anymore. He does what he wants. I don’t want this connection with Savona. We don’t need it, and I’m not willing to put my sister’s life at risk. She’s fifteen. She should be able to have her own life.”

“The only question is, are you ready to take over?” Gideon asked, looking at Jacob.

Jacob was the oldest of all of them, the only one suited to take over the Denton name and all the businesses.

“What about Gabriel?” Landon asked. “You think he’s going to be forgotten in a hurry?”

“He’s not a full Denton. Don’t forget who his father was. His true teacher,” Gideon said. “He doesn’t get a say here.”

“I can’t believe we’re even considering this,” Abel said.

Gideon watched his brother run a hand down his face. None of them were comfortable with what they were about to do. For Emma’s safety, he’d do it. To protect his sister, he’d do it.

“I’m getting bored,” Landon said.

“We’re sorry for keeping you awake.” Jacob shook his head, clearly disgusted with him.

“This entire conversation is boring. He’s got to go, but you’re all too busy being pussies to make a real decision. I’m out of here. Let me know what you decide.”

Landon got up and left. Gideon watched him go.

“He’s a ticking time bomb,” Abel said.

“Yeah, it’s going to be funny to watch him explode.” Gideon turned his attention to Jacob. “This is happening whether you like it or not. Be ready because when the shit hits the fan, it’s going to get us all.”

One by one, he watched his brothers leave. They weren’t ready for this.