Merciless King: A Hero Club Novel

by Ellie Jean

  My phone starts ringing.

  It’s Chuck.

  My stomach flip-flops and I smile. “I thought you had to stop someone from dying?”

  “You didn’t think you’d get off lightly, did you?” His voice is playful.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Your pink glistening pussy, open and waiting for my cock. You’re my temptress, Blossom.”

  I hoped he liked what he saw, but with so much going on I just hoped it made him want to come back to me.

  “Oh, that!” I giggle.

  “Fuck. You’ll be the death of me.” Chuck is growling.

  “How so?”

  “Because all I’ll be invisioning now is your pretty, bare pussy.”

  I act innocent. “Is that bad?” I almost chuckle.

  “No… yes…” If I could see his face, I would be witnessing my smirk. “No, not if I’m going to sleep, but yes if I’m trying to knock out Roy Wilders.”

  I start coughing, my breath catches. Clasping my chest with my free hand, I try to calm it down.

  “Caro? Caroline, are you okay?”

  Spluttering, I try to take a deep breath in. “Ummm. Yeah.” I stand so my lungs can expand, breathing in and out. “Sorry. Yep, I’m good.”

  “Damn, you worried me.” His light tone is gone.

  “I’m okay. Just something gone down the wrong way.” Heaving, I need to end the call. My hands shake. “I think I’ll go get a glass of water. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “Okay. Bye Blossom.”

  I hang up and crumple over.

  Sharp razor blades pierce my stomach, I swear there is a jackhammer banging at my brain.

  What the hell do I do?

  Punching numbers on my phone, I call the one person who could help me.

  “Caroline?” His deep voice doesn’t affect me anymore.

  “Dex. I need help.”

  “Tonight? Couldn’t it wait for tomorrow?”

  “I know it’s late but I have a situation and you’re one of the only people who may be able to help me.” My voice tries to stay level but it comes out wobbly. “Please apologize to Bianca if I’m interrupting. I hope I didn’t wake your delightful children.”

  “She’s in the shower, so no problems. Kids are fast asleep, thank God. A battle no one ever looks forward to, I could go on, but there’s obviously something wrong, tell me.”

  I need to be straight with Dex. “Chuck’s fighting in a few days.”

  “I know, I’ve been helping him.”

  “Oh yeah, he told me. He appreciates it more than he lets you know. But there’s a problem. His opponent is linked to the Ferraro family. My dad and the head of the family, Paolo, paid me a visit.” I start to dry retch and I gulp back some air to steady me. Dex waits for me patiently. “They expect me to get Chuck to throw the fight as they have money tied up in Roy Wilders, a lot of money.”

  “Shit.” There’s some shuffling on the other end and footsteps. “Did they say what will happen if you don’t or can’t?”

  “They will take me.” There’s no controlling the fear in my voice.

  “When are they contacting you again?” Dexter sounds like his composed, unflappable self.

  “I don’t know, I kind of went into shock and left Dad with them.” I jump back in bed and pull my blanket up as high as it can over my neck. I’m still cold.

  “Your dad knows about this and is okay with this plan?” Hostility is apparent in his voice.

  “Standing side by side with them when they told me the consequence for refusing, I’d say yes.”

  “Traitor.” There’s silence and I can hear myself breathing rapidly. Listening to my words, making it a reality, scares me.

  “Can you help me?” At this point, I have no ideas beyond telling Chuck or not telling him. Both will end in disaster.

  “I’m unsure what I can do. But you should probably tell Chuck what’s happened. You know I hate lying. It gets you nowhere and the truth comes out eventually.” There’s more silence and my heart thumps in my ears. “But leave it with me.”

  He’s right. Lying sucks, but is it lying if it’s the best for someone. If you’re omitting information he doesn’t need to know about? I don’t know.

  “Thanks Dex.”

  “I won’t let anything happen to you. I’ll be in touch.” His voice is clear and certain.

  “Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight, Caroline.”

  Throwing my cell on the ground, I hold the blanket firmly under my chin. Really, what can Dexter do? He may be wealthy, own an empire, but he doesn’t deal in this dark world.

  For now, I won’t ask Chuck. Why should he have to sacrifice his lifelong ambition because of me? Because of my family and its connections.

  They’re no better than the Basilio family.

  If they decide to follow through, then my father will have to live with the consequences knowing he chose them over me.

  Our family as I knew it is dead.

  Chuck

  I’d done everything alone. Except for the one constant; my mother.

  Fiorella hadn’t left my side through bad times or good times. Lending an ear to yell at, talk through ideas or having my back, it didn’t matter. I was her priority.

  Giving me her time whenever I asked or demanded it.

  This was the longest I’d gone without talking to her. If I was being truthful with myself, it sucked big time.

  Finally I had a girl, one who is important enough to introduce to my mother, and I hadn’t yet. My world championship fight only days away and I wasn’t really talking to her, my biggest advocate and fan.

  Maybe it was time to talk. I wouldn’t admit it to anyone, but the anger, hurt, and sadness ate at me and although my fight preparations and constant thinking of Caroline took up my entire brain capacity, there was still space for me to be wondering how I get past this animosity toward my mother.

  Strolling downstairs, the sun’s still not up but I need an early breakfast today. As much as I hate staying away from my apartment, and being held against my will to some respect, being able to go downstairs to the latest gym and training equipment saves me a bit of time and Sal and Nizo seem like they live here too. They manage to beat me to the bags and I only have to walk downstairs.

  “Chuck.” Sitting at the large dining table is Fiorella, Tomme with his back turned to me, pouring Mother a coffee.

  I stop in my tracks. “I didn’t realize you have been staying the night.”

  “It’s a new development.” The smile on her face explains it all.

  “An exquisite change of events, I’d say.” Tomme sits next to Fiorella and they both smile while they place their hands together.

  “Come and sit with us, Chuck.” Gentle and light, my mother’s voice soothes me still like it always does.

  How can I ruin her obvious happiness? Grabbing a bowl, I toss some fresh fruit in it, oats and a dollop of yogurt and sit opposite them.

  “You’re ready, you have that look in your eye.” My mother knows me too well.

  “I am. It’s what I’ve dreamed about for years.”

  “I know and I am happy you’re getting your shot. But I wouldn’t be a good mother if I didn’t say be careful.”

  “You know me, Mom, I’m always careful.”

  Rolling her eyes, we both laugh. It’s our running joke.

  “I’ve been watching your sessions and you look rock solid. Sal and Nizo are pleased.”

  For the first time, my shoulders square and a sense of pride washes over me knowing this.

  “They’ve trained me well. As has Andre and Cristo. We make a good team.” I shovel in some food, looking at how radiant Mother looks.

  “It shows. One day, maybe there might be room for one more?” There’s a reverence to his voice and my mother squeezes his hand.

  “Maybe.” I swallow my freshly squeezed juice concoction and nod, agreeing down the road, after our past chat and with probably many more to come, we can wo
rk together on more than the family business. Although, who knows how much time he has. My stomach flips at the thought.

  “How did it go with the information we spoke about the other night?” Fiorella looks to Tomme, as do I. I’m not going to spare mother from any details. She has as much right to know the goods and bads as we all do. Whether she wants to or not.

  “I’ve got things in place with people I trust explicitly. Our men are watching and there’s extra security. Your fight will be heavily guarded but if any other Ferraros come near you, they will be swiftly stopped. As will anyone else. I’m not taking chances.”

  The fight should be secure as it’s a world title fight. I’m not worried. Televised to millions, crowds galore, the amount of security for a normal fight is over the top. This fight will be ramped up further and now further again. Not knowing too much about Roy Wilders besides he’s the chump I have to beat to gain the title, I’m almost positive he will have his own security too.

  “Thank you.” Finishing my fruit, I get busy drinking the remainder of my juice.

  “I plan to be at your fight,” Fiorella announces. “Your father will be with me.” There’s no nonsense in her voice.

  “I would expect you there, but is it wise Tomme being there? Most don’t know our connection.”

  “Trust me, they all know by now. And if they don’t, what better stage to announce it at. Showing the world, my son, becoming number one.”

  This fight’s about me, not the Basilio family, but my gut is telling me Tomme is finally being a father. Proud and wants the world to see his son succeed. I smirk and realize I think I may have just accepted Tomme is going to be the father I wished I had growing up.

  “So, is this a permanent arrangement?” My finger waves between the two of them and mother blushes.

  “We thought we’d take it slowly and see where things lead.” My mother looks at Tomme for back up.

  Laughing together, I smile at Tomme’s words. “The slowly part is not working out too well though.”

  My eyes cast over them both and genuine happiness radiates from them. Standing because I now think I’m intruding in their love fest, I go to leave.

  “You two look happy.” I kiss Mother on the cheek and shake my father’s hand.

  “We’re very blessed. Not everyone gets a second chance at love.”

  “No, they don’t, Mother.” Turning away, I stride to the door but stop short. “Would you mind if someone sat with you both at the fight?”

  “Sure. Anyone we know? Is it a special lady?” Mom’s eyes shine like crystals.

  “No one you know but she’s certainly special.” With a wave, I turn. “I’ll be seeing you both, soon.”

  Now all I have to do is convince Caro to come to the fight.

  “I’ve got two front row tickets for you, if you can convince Bianca to come with you. I’ll leave them with your secretary.” Dex laughs with me.

  “I’ll be there. You never know, she might surprise us both. Although the babysitter has been sick all of last week, but I will see what I can arrange.”

  “Yeah, women are known for changing their minds. Hey, I want to thank you too for being there. For your support, and not just financially. You on board means a hell of a lot. Tomme too is doing something in the background with the fight, but Sal and Nizo keep it close to them.”

  “It’s good this relationship is working out for you. But still, watch your back. Basilios have many enemies. If you ever need anything else, call and we can work it out. You’ve got your schedule for the weigh in and final meet up, I’ll see you there. Remember, just ‘cause you’re part of the familigia doesn’t mean we can’t work together. I’ll still be here.”

  I almost laugh out loud except I pull myself back. It sounds absurd, but damn… Dex is right. I’m now part of something huge and people know. Soon everyone will know. “Fuck. Life’s got more complicated but after this fight, I’ll be making many changes. I won’t forget what you’ve done for me, and I know we’ll still be seeing each other around.”

  “Speaking of which, do I need to employ a new maintenance guy?” There’s more laughter and I roll my eyes. What a stupid idiot I am, forgetting completely about who employs me with everything going on.

  “Shit, you haven’t sacked my ass yet?”

  “There’ll always be a job here if you need it, Chuck. Do what you do best and whip Roy Wilders’ ass.”

  “That’s the plan. I’ll be seeing you soon.” Ready to end the call, I’m grateful I have a friend like Dexter Truitt.

  “Hey, before you go, have you heard from Caroline?”

  Knowing a little about their past, and seeing Caro in his office and him nodding to her apartment, there is a past between them.

  “Only text messages now and then. I’m trying to keep focused if you know what I mean. I’m easily distracted when it comes to her.”

  “So you two are…?”

  “Definitely. She’s not getting out of my sight for long. And when this fight’s over, I’ll be focused a whole lot on her killer body, thoughtful mind, and gorgeous face.” Curiosity piques. “Why do you ask?”

  “I haven’t seen her for a bit, not that I do. I’m sure she’s got plenty of work to do and I can now guess where her spare times going. Bye Chuck.”

  “Right. Later.”

  Hanging up, I wonder what that’s about? Maybe he still holds a small flame for her?

  No. No chance at all. Seeing him light up when Bianca is around is blinding. Their bond truly special. He’s probably making small talk, trying to figure out what’s going on between us. Some guys gossip more than women. Scratching my head, I shake it and get back on track. I should be sleeping, resting my body and brain, but I need to persuade Caro to come Saturday night.

  Restricted from leaving my father’s fortress from the beginning, it became urgently clear the restrictions were now tighter when Sal told me today he would put a tracker on me, in the form of an ankle bracelet, if I didn’t adhere to my father’s request of not leaving the house.

  Throwing a punch at one of my team, controlling my fury within a second of laying him on the floor, the look in all of my guys’ eyes told me they were doing this for my safety.

  It took me hours of running and punching to get over my latest revelation, I now belonged in a different world from my own, but when I calmed, I understood why my father ordered it. Hated it, but accepted it.

  Tonight though, with Caroline only on my mind, my legs walk me to the car before I have a chance to think about what the hell I am doing.

  I am breaking my own rules again. And my father’s.

  A clear head and more importantly, discipline is a priority. Both of which I’m ignoring.

  My hand knocks on her door, I lick my dry lips. It’s not late but she won’t be expecting me, considering I told her I wouldn’t see her til after the fight. I’m stupid, what the hell was I thinking I could stay away from her, even with our naked photos. They only make me want to see her more.

  There’s no answer.

  I knock again. Perhaps she went into work, although I thought she was taking a few days off.

  I’ll try her phone.

  It rings a few times, and I can hear a soft ring from inside. Strange. Banging on her door, a strained voice answers the cell. “Hey.”

  “Hey yourself.” She sounds different. “Are you home, because I’m outside knocking?” Shuffling and scraping sounds reverberate through the phone and Caro sounds breathless.

  “Oh… outside… now?” Short choppy words have me on alert.

  “Ummm. Yep. Are you okay?” There’s movement from inside and I wait.

  “I’m about to get in to the shower, hang on. I’ll open the door.”

  “You don’t have to stop on my account.” She laughs and sounds more like herself as the chains on the door rattle. “Caught you at a good time, I’d say?”

  The door swings open and Caro looks like she’s ready for bed, not a shower. I end my call. Her hai
r’s up on top of her head, limited makeup on and she’s got casual gym-style clothes on. She breaks into a smile, but her face doesn’t light up as it normally does. My body heats, going up with my anxiety. Something’s not adding up.

  Scanning the room as I shut the door, there’s a few wine glasses scattered on the counter, books on the couch and some leftover food containers.

  “What the heck is that?” Darting off to a table, there’s a gold belt laying on it, like a toy wrestling one. I roar with laughter, picking it up.

  “I knew you’d like it.” Her voice is light.

  Tossing it in my hands, her sense of humor keeps me on my toes. “I think it’s great.” My eyes stay on it. What a blast.

  “Sorry about the mess, you said you wouldn’t be coming over until after the fight.” She’s wrapping her insecurities away with her arms around her body. Not giving her an inch, I put the belt down, smiling at it as I do, crowding her, then swaddling her in my arms, lowering a kiss to her mouth. Instantly, Caro’s body relaxes into mine.

  “What’s there to be sorry about, you should see my apartment before the cleaner comes. This is nothing.”

  A slight giggle escapes and I keep a tight hold on her. Even her normal straight posture and strength is non-existent tonight.

  “Are you alright, Blossom?”

  “I think being on holidays has turned me into a slob. I’m fine. Although worried about going back to work, getting up early and having to dress and put makeup on is going to be a task in itself and surviving without daily fried cheese is going to kill me.” She smiles. “The problems I have.” A nervous laugh has me on edge. The whole scene in front of me seems odd. Something inside my gut is kicking the heck out of it, but I won’t push.

  “I came over to ask you something.” Finally, her eyes show a spark as we sit on the couch.

  “Hmmm. What?” Sitting on her knees opposite me, hands joined with mine, she’s let her guard down.

  “I know you probably won’t want to, but I’d really love you to come to the fight on Saturday.” Normally so sure of myself, I don’t want to put her in the position of saying yes if she really hates watching men fight. My legs bounce as I watch her face morph. Eyebrows draw in, thinking about my request, she bites her lip, clenches her hands, then breaks into a smile which almost has my heart exploding. “Is that a yes?”