Knox Brotherhood

by Knox, Elizabeth

  Ashley is quiet for a moment and then nods.

  I didn’t buy this bar for me.

  I bought this bar for the woman who is sitting on my lap. For the woman who has always wanted to manage a bar for as long as she lived but had to give up on that dream because of her mother abandoning her and her siblings, and then her father passing away.

  My Cinderella would get exactly what she’s always wanted, and we’d be keeping Mason’s memory alive every single day. It was a win-win for all parties involved. I just hope Selena thinks so too when I tell her.

  ***

  It’s been three days since we put Mason to rest. Three days, and it still feels like I’m living in a dream, or maybe nightmare is a better way to put it. Summer has slowly shocked us all. Most of the days we’re in the high eighties, and today I have an interview with the lovely Summer Poole, who happens to be the biggest bitch on the planet and one of the top celebrity news gossip reporters. The baby Perez Hilton of sorts.

  She called my office early yesterday and wanted to speak with me directly about my current status, being dubbed Atlanta’s most eligible bachelor, and then she brought up how she was giving me a chance to address a rumor directly. I tried hard to find out what this rumor was, but no matter what I did, I was no match. She wasn’t going to give up, and I was the fucking idiot who made it apparent that I was eager to find out what this rumor was. It could be anything, from my family’s status in our legal or illegal businesses, questions about Logan and Brooklyn’s wedding date, or even her pregnancy, which hasn’t been announced yet.

  I position myself in my desk chair, laptop on and ready for the impending skype call that I know will be coming in at any moment.

  The ringing comes through my computer. I move my cursor over the green button and accept the call. Summer hasn’t changed much in the last few years, she is still entirely California plastic with big fake tits, a caramel tan that never compliments her skin tone, and I can practically see the syringe holes from where her docs must’ve been putting her fillers in her lips. Some guys were into the plastic Barbie doll look, but I sure as hell never was. I prefer my woman all natural.

  “Christian, what a pleasure!” she exclaims, smiling into the camera. “How have you been doing?”

  “I’ve been great, Summer, and you?” I instantly reply. She’s a smart woman and knows that I’m eager to discover whatever it is that she has up her sleeve. For some reason, I’m nervous, and I have never been before. We’re used to being attacked by the media, it’s a constant struggle when you’re in the public image. This time it feels different, though.

  “I’ve been fabulous, thank you so very much for asking! Now, I wanted to talk to you about what it feels like to be announced as Atlanta’s most eligible bachelor? Are you surprised one of your brothers hasn’t taken the crown yet?”

  “I’m pretty shocked Jordan hasn’t gotten it, to be honest, the ladies eat him up down here.” I chuckle. “It feels like an honor. I appreciate it so very much.”

  “I bet you do, Christian. I am curious about one thing, though, how does the woman you’ve been paying for sexual acts feel about it? I believe her name is Selena Jacobson, oh yes – a stripper who you sent a hundred thousand dollars directly to her account, who you’ve been seen fenagling numerous times and then there are these.” The screen changes to a series of photographs, of me with Selena out to dinner, my hand on her leg and whispering in her ear. It’s hardly anything atrocious. Next, it changes to another photo of Selena and me, it’s when we took the kids to the zoo, maybe five minutes after Luke had taken Sabrina and Ellie to go get some food. I had groped her in a quiet corner, where apparently someone had taken a fucking photo of us.

  “I don’t see what you’re trying to do here, Summer. It seems like you’ve found some photos of me ogling over my girlfriend.”

  “Oh. I’m so sorry, I didn’t show you the last photo.” I see something that instantly boils my blood. Varca with his meaty paws on my girl. The photos change quickly until you see him forcing himself in her, her face is against the wall, covering in her hair. “You said she’s your girlfriend? Is she his too?”

  “Summer. You don’t know what you’re showing me,” I hiss, which causes her to smile.

  “I want to know, on the record, how will it feel when everyone knows the girl who you’ve been with is an escort, and I wonder…I wonder how Child Protective Services will enjoy these photos.”

  Summer is known for being a selfish bitch. She doesn’t care what she puts into the public eye if there is any sort of gain to her career she is all for it. Right now, I’m afraid that she’ll do whatever it takes to further herself and knowing her and her reputation – she will.

  “You don’t know what you’re looking at, Summer, and I swear to God if you do anything with those photos I will ruin your career. My entire family will back me up, and you will become nothing. I will reach out to every news outlet, every PR, and social media icon, and ruin you until you are nothing but a memory. No one will hire you. No one will even speak to you. When I’m done with you, no one will even remember your name.”

  With that warning on my tongue, I go home to Selena, to her place. That has become my new normal. It feels like I belong there; like I am family to everyone in that house just as much as I am to my brothers. I never thought I would feel more at home in a place like that than in a place costing millions, but I do. I feel at home where Selena is.

  Unfortunately, this visit is for more than just seeing her after a long day of work. I must tell her what happened. Well, I have to tell her some of it, anyway. I don't believe in hiding things, especially from Selena. It just isn’t part of my code of principles, but she doesn’t need to be freaking out about every detail of what went down during the interview. There is no need to drag this up and make her feel pain again. I will not let this happen to us, anyway. Even Summer knows what happens when you cross a Steele, and if she doesn’t, she’s about to.

  I have some good news to buffer it with, though, and I think my Cinderella is going to be so happy.

  I walk in the door and am greeted by Ellie who comes to give my leg a hug. She is such a sweet little girl. I can see why Selena is so protective of these children.

  “Hey, Luke!” I call to him. He is in front of the television again, studying, as he calls it. I think he really is going to be in the major leagues one day. He puts in the work to deserve it. A Steele backing him could always help him along, though.

  Luke turns around and looks at me. “I need to talk with your sister. Can I get you to watch Ellie and just make sure she is content?” I ask, and he nods, calling Ellie to him, a stuffed toy in his hands. I nod thanks and go to Selena, who is in the middle of plating dinner when I kiss her ear and whisper. “I need to talk to you for a moment, and then I would love to sit down and eat this delicious meal with you,” I tell her. She giggles at the touch of my lips to her ear and turns around, taking my hand so we can go to the bedroom.

  To be honest, I want to take her right here and now as we sit on the bed looking at each other. But I know there are more important things to discuss.

  “How did the interview go?” she asks.

  I look at her with a grin as I relay to her what Summer has heard; that she has received some compromising pictures of Selena and me, and that it looks like a good story that she is an escort. Selena is shocked and saddened by it. “Don’t even worry about this,” I tell her, picking her chin up to look at me. “I threatened to ruin her career. I can do that. You know I can do that. Logan and Jordan can help do some damage control as well. I doubt this will ever make it to the public eye, alright? But I had to be honest with you.”

  “Thanks for that,” she tells me, kissing me on the cheek.

  “Always, Cinderella. But, hey, I have some good news too,” I announce excitedly, a bright smile coming across my face. She was there when I asked Ashley for Mason’s, but she would never have realized I actually meant to have a hand in this one, to let
her have a hand in it. “Do you remember how Ashley said I could buy that bar, Mason’s?” Selena nods, and I wonder if she is working out in her head what I am going to say. “Well, the paperwork was officially signed this morning, and I want you to know, it’s all for you. You are the proud new owner and manager of Mason’s.”

  Selena shakes her head, “No, I can’t accept that from you!” She is being ornery as always. I just laugh.

  “You know I am not taking a no for an answer. It is a done deal. Your dream of having your own bar is happening, baby, because I care about you that much. It’s yours.” I can see the happy tears threaten to come from her eyes, and she throws her arms around me. Little does she know that is only half the surprise.

  As if on cue, I hear the doorbell and Luke calling to us from the living room to get in there. Selena looks at me and then stands up, going to see what is going on. Sure enough, a man has come to deliver just what I got for her; one of Alec Rousseau’s latest pieces, one I remember she loved from the first time we met.

  “Oh, my god!” she screams, turning to me. “Why the fuck did you do this? I love it, but I know how much that is.” Her breaths are coming in gasps as I wrap my arms around her.

  “I did it because I love you. I am in love with you, Selena,” I confess to her. “Don’t feel pressured to say it back. It’s just how I feel. You can meet me at this point whenever you are ready,” I add.

  She shakes her head up against me. “I love you too, but I am so fucking scared,” she admits.

  “There is nothing to be afraid of.”

  EPILOGUE

  Christian

  I watch as Brooklyn walks down the aisle to my big brother Logan, and while I am not an emotional guy, I can't help but feel my heart swell at the way those two are looking at each other. She is glowing, both from the wedding day and her pregnancy, which is now becoming obvious. She and Selena are becoming pretty good friends now, and I know Selena has been complaining about gaining weight from sharing pregnancy craving snacks with her.

  The thought makes me chuckle, and I place my hand in my Cinderella's hand as the bride and groom take hands and begin the ceremony, Brook already tearing up from the hormones. Jordan and I both are standing up here with Logan and Brook, and Selena was easily incorporated into the wedding, happy to be wearing the gorgeous color Brook chose. She looks stunning, and I find myself strangely imagining this day for the two of us. I don’t know when it might happen when it could happen, but fuck, I hope it happens. I want to be as happy as the shit eating grin on Logan’s face tells me he is.

  The ceremony is short and sweet with plenty of romantic moments, and we all head into the reception venue, which is all decked out as it should be. A Steele wedding would make any other one pale in comparison.

  I take Selena to the dance floor, swaying with her to support the bride and groom in their first dance. Just as the song ends, I feel a buzzing in my pocket. I look around, and everyone who would normally call me is here. The call peeks my interest. So, I walk outside to take the call and see the name pop up, my heart beating fast.

  "Madigan," I say into the receiver, a bit shocked that she’s even calling me right now and so glad no one is around me right now to hear. Madigan is actually my little sister, though, I am the only one that knows that. In other terms, she’s my father’s best kept secret. Logan and Jordan have no idea she exists, and we have been keeping it that way for a while now. It was something that she and I agreed to.

  "Christian….I’m in trouble.” I can hear the worry in her voice and know she means it. Shit has hit the fan. "I need your help…I think I need everyone’s help actually," she continues. "It’s so bad. Please, tell me you can help me."

  I nod even though she can’t see it, my protective instincts kicking in. "I guess it's about time our brothers get to know their little sister, then," I answer with a dark tone.

  "I guess so,” she responds automatically. “I don’t know when I’ll be in Atlanta…but I’m trying to as soon as I can, as soon as it’s safe.”

  "You are a Steele. I can promise you from all of us, you will have our protection. Text me where you are and your plans, I will arrange travel and protection for you, and do one thing for me Mad, stay safe." I hang up the phone, knowing my brothers are going to get the shock of their lives when Madigan appears, but they will have to get over it quick. We will all have to find a way to protect our sister, and we sure as fuck will.

  PROMISED

  THE CLANS

  Book #1

  Elizabeth Knox

  Promised

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  KRISTA - Thank you SO much for being the first person to read Promised. You were harsh and told me what you didn’t like, and from that the final version of Promised was created. I couldn’t have done this without your feedback, thank you so much girl!

  BECCA – Thank you again for listening to my hours upon hours of plot twists, scrapping of chapters and spur of the moment book ideas.

  KAIT – Thank you for reading everything I send over to you and being so honest in your opinions of it all.

  MY LOVELY BETA READERS – Iris, M, Chasidy, & Jasz. You are so amazing! Each one of you has stepped up to the plate and have given me such valuable feedback. Thank you all for taking a chance on me and my new series ❤

  CHRISTINE BORTNER – I could not have done ANY of this without you. From that first meeting of “Okay, I think I want to write a book,” to now having two books published. I mean, pinch me, is this a dream? I owe it all to you for giving me the confidence to put my words down onto paper and make this my reality.

  MY READERS – Thank you guys for your support. I took a long time making this book perfect for ya’ll so I really hope you love it

  DEDICATED TO KRISTA

  Thank you for being my “baby beta” and always giving me the rawest, best freaking feedback an author could ask for. You help me make these books the best they can be! You’re a great beta reader, and an even better friend.

  WARNING

  This content contains material that may be viewed as offensive to some readers, including graphic language, dangerous and sexual situations.

  PLAYLIST

  You Don't Own Me | Grace, ft. G-Easy

  Warrior | Demi Lovato

  Heathens | Twenty One Pilots

  Issues | Julia Michaels

  Have Faith In Me| A Day To Remember

  Die For You | Elise Estrada Ft. Celeb

  Nobody Else But You | Trey Songz

  Lowlife | Poppy

  1000 Times | Sara Bareilles

  CHAPTER 1

  Ion

  I turned my green eyes towards the window of my penthouse apartment which overlooked the upper west side of Manhattan. I flicked my wrist to make the scotch in my glass slosh around impatiently as if I expected her to just show up on the street someday, looking up towards me as if she could see me. Yet, I spent eight years looking for both her and the bastards that took her, with no success. Most would not have waited so long, but I had my reasons. They were all selfish, and all valid.

  The she in question was Mariana Vasile, the last remaining heir to the Romanian mob; a princess in her own right. She was the rightful next in line to run the clans, but she was a woman, and Romanians just did not see fit for a woman to be a leader. Maybe the Russians or the Irish did it, but the Romanians were all about tradition. So, the clans would pass on to her husband instead.

  That would be where I come in.

  She was promised to me when she was just days old.

  Mariana was to be my queen, and I would be the king of the mob; the power of the infamous Vasile clan passing onto my shoulders as it had been planned since the day she was born. By now, I should have been married to her for at least six of the years she had been missing, but someone had seen fit to slaughter the Vasile line and take her, the last of the bloodline as the prize, probably believing that one day they would have the claim to the throne. The saddest part of it all is that she was
she had only been 16 when they took her. I’d been working tirelessly, putting all of my resources into finding her. It had been years, and not one single trace of where she could be found had surfaced.

  I’ll look, I’ll hunt, and one day I will bring my Ana home. She took my heart when she was just a child, at one of the few times we met. I knew from the time I was a small boy that she was mine, and that first meeting she took my heart with her.

  Whoever it was who took her must not know me well. Ion Petran was the name I would shove down the throat of my enemy before I made him rue the day he tried to take that blood right from me. Nobody was going to take what was mine and get away with it – Ana – my promised throne, none of it. I didn’t care if my brown hair turned gray by the time I found her, I was going to get what I was promised and save her from whatever horrible fate she had been forced into all these years.

  Just as it began to rain, water droplets pelting dramatically against the glass, I was pulled away by the incessant buzz of my cell phone. I was not in the mood to talk with anyone; obsessing over my next move to try and find the woman who was the key to everything I ever wanted, but I had to answer. The person on the other side could always have news of Mariana, and I was not going to miss that for the world.

  "Buna," I said impatiently into the receiver, waiting to hear why one of my men had disturbed me.