Resurrection of the Heart: A Sovereign Sons Novel Read online

  "I see." There's a sound of a chair creaking, and I can just imagine Judge leaning back as he considers this news. "These are all IVI members. Myself included."

  "Yes."

  "Names, birth dates, family lineage," Judge murmurs.

  "You may have noticed a connection."

  "Indeed," he answers solemnly. "There seems to be a dossier for every member who was killed in the same explosion that took your father and brother. Do you know if it was Abel or Eli who compiled them?"

  "They are one and the same as far as I'm concerned. I'll be having a conversation with Eli. But what concerns me are the files on Jackson and Marcus Van der Smit. They are connected to The Tribunal. Marcus served before he died, and Jackson still serves."

  "You don't think they have anything to do with this?" Judge asks.

  "It's difficult to say. But his wife has been feeding my wife information. Befriending her. And it was Jackson who inserted himself into The Tribunal's investigation with Ivy. He made himself out to be a hero, but there's always a chance—"

  "Not to mention what he did to Mercedes," Judge adds bitterly.

  "Mercedes?" I repeat. "You mean because he didn't marry her?"

  Judge is quiet for a pause before he answers. "He should never have courted her if he had no intentions to marry her."

  His remark surprises me. I know he's protective of Mercedes because she will be his charge should anything ever happen to me. I detect a hint of something that sounds like resentment in his tone, yet I can only laugh as I consider the notion that his attachment runs any deeper. Judge will never marry. He is taking care of Mercedes, looking after her best interests, but I find it highly unlikely he could harbor any real feelings for her. Judge doesn't involve himself in romantic entanglements. I know because I've seen him at the IVI Cat House, picking out a woman as one might pick out a pair of shoes for the evening. He chooses what suits him, uses them for their purpose, and then returns them without any emotional investment.

  "You shouldn't worry about Jackson hurting Mercedes again," I tell him. "Once she is scorned, she doesn't forgive. I am quite certain she only wants to make him sorry for it."

  "I'm aware," he muses. "But is there a possibility that Jackson could have been courting her to serve some bigger purpose? If he never intended to marry her, and you suspect him of being dishonorable... it isn't much of a stretch of the imagination."

  "I don't know," I admit. "I would find it difficult to believe he'd get into bed with Abel on any dealings, but Eli is another matter, perhaps. He was a respectable man, once. I believed so too. Perhaps they were scheming together."

  "I think the only way to know for sure is to crack Eli while you still have the chance," Judge says. "You've been too lenient with him, and you don’t know how much time you’ll have. Someone already tried to clean up that loose end once. How long will it be until they do it again? It's time to put the screws to him. I can help if you require my assistance."

  I don't want to tell him that he's still recovering, and it gives me pause to torture such a weak man. Or that he was right to assume Ivy's presence in my life has given me doubts about my own intentions. I can't think of torturing Eli without considering the consequences to my relationship with her, so I give him the only assurance I can.

  "I'm going to speak with him tomorrow."

  There's a slight pause, and then Judge answers. "Weakness will get you killed, Santiago. You can't afford it. There are already holes in your armor."

  "I know." I lean my head back and close my eyes. "I won't deny it."

  "Speak to Eli," he says. "And I'll keep looking through the files you sent. If anything else catches my attention, I will let you know."

  I thank him and say my goodbyes, and when I open my eyes again, Evangeline is standing in the doorway to my office, staring at me.

  "What are you doing?" I frown.

  "Nothing." She shrugs a shoulder and ventures inside without being asked, her eyes moving over everything with interest. "I'm bored."

  "Bored?" I repeat. "And what would you like me to do about it?"

  "Want to play a game?" she asks.

  I stare at her, incredulous. "I have to take care of your sister."

  "She's sleeping," she says. "How about Tic Tac Toe or Hangman?”

  When I don’t respond, she sighs.

  "Fine. MASH then."

  "I don't even know what that is," I answer dryly.

  She makes herself at home, settling into the seat across from me, grabbing a pad of paper and a pen from my desk. "I'll show you. It's easy."

  Somehow, she ropes me into answering a bunch of inane questions, which she follows up by marking lines into the paper until I tell her to stop. I watch her as she proceeds to count, scratching off items one by one until she's circled a word in each column.

  "Okay, you're going to live in a mansion, and you're married to my sister, obviously. You drive an Aston Martin, and you're a math geek for your job. You'll have five kids and no pets."

  "This is the dumbest game I've ever seen," I tell her. "What's the point of it?"

  She laughs and rolls her eyes. "Um, duh. It's just for fun. Do you know how to have fun?"

  "Clearly, I do not."

  "Okay, now my turn." She slides the paper toward me, and I consider telling her this is ridiculous. But when I notice how at ease she seems to be around me now, it makes my chest feel strange.

  "One game," I say firmly. "And don't expect me to know who Damon Bieber is."

  "Those are two different guys." She laughs. "God, you are so out of touch. Okay, let's do this. Put down mansion in every column for me. Pink, purple, blue, and red."

  "Isn't that cheating?" I arch a brow. “I had a shack and a normal house.”

  "Nah, not really. It’s all pretend, so just go with it."

  I suspect she's not being completely truthful, but I do as she asks. And somehow, over the next ten minutes, I end up describing her imaginary future life full of cats and dogs and some vampire named Salvatore for a husband in their pink heart-shaped mansion. I'm too uneasy to admit how strange this is, talking to a child as if I know anything about dealing with them. It isn't until Marco finds us there and he heaves out a strangled laugh at the spectacle before him that I realize it's not just me. I really am unequipped to deal with small humans, and it shows.

  "Hey, boss." He wipes the smirk from his face as he steps inside. "Sorry to interrupt. I was just going to give you an update for the night like you asked."

  Eva cranes her neck to look up at him, giving him a little wave, which he returns before he takes a seat beside her.

  "Eva, I have some business to take care of.” I nod at her.

  "Yeah, yeah, I get it." She tugs the piece of paper from the pad and folds it up, placing it in her pocket. "I'll go wander the house and find something else to do."

  "Go to the kitchen if you'd like," I suggest. "Ask Antonia for one of her famous sundaes. But just this once."

  "Really?" She perks up.

  "Yes. Really."

  * * *

  Marco is grinning at me like an idiot when I shake my head.

  "I think this house needs a few kids running through the halls. Brings it to life," he remarks.

  I nod stiffly, hoping he can't see the terror that's slowly beginning to sink in. It was always a given that I would do my duty and have heirs, and since Ivy has been here, that's been my goal. But now it's real. Now that I seem to be reminded of it at every turn by a child in my midst, I can't stop doubting my abilities as a father.

  "What is it like?" I ask.

  Marco blinks at me slowly, trying to comprehend the question. I'm about to tell him to forget it when it occurs to him.

  "Being a father?"

  I nod, wishing I never mentioned it.

  He brushes a hand over his stubble and sighs. "Honestly? It's fucking terrifying." A laugh bursts from his lips as he shakes his head and then smiles. "But it's the best thing I've ever done. I'm always thinking ab
out them. Wondering if I'm doing enough. If they are safe at home. What they are doing when I'm at work. They never leave my mind. You can’t even imagine half the scenarios that will go through your head… all the questions you’ll have about whether you are doing it right. You’ll never stop thinking about it."

  His answer isn't what I expected, and I can't wrap my head around it. Surely, that isn't the case for every man. He must be an anomaly. My own father never seemed to think of us except when we did not perform to his standards.

  But I won't be that way, will I?

  I feel a headache starting to form at the base of my skull. Right now, the only thing I know for certain is that Ivy will be here to help me muddle through the process. Between her and Antonia, I suppose they will not even need me around very much. Yet I think I would like to be around. But will I just get in the way?

  "Boss?" Marco is staring at me, and I realize I haven't responded.

  "Yes, you came to tell me about the progress on Abel." I force myself to focus on the present clusterfuck. One problem at a time.

  "There still haven't been any sightings," he informs me. "But there is one courtesan who has been absent from the Cat House the last two days. I've been informed that she is another one of Abel's regular conquests. There could be a connection there."

  "So, what's the issue?" I ask.

  "Unfortunately, it appears we don't have her current address on file, so we are trying to track her down. My guys are shaking down the whole place as we speak. If any of the ladies know anything, they'll give her up."

  "What about her family? There must be something on the paperwork we have for her."

  "No family listed," he says. "Both her parents died. No siblings."

  I sigh. Of course, Abel would choose someone like that to use for his own purposes.

  "I hope he didn't do anything to her," Marco says quietly, echoing my own thoughts.

  "If he has, he will pay. He will pay for every last sin."

  He nods. "The guys are taking shifts. We have men out looking for him round the clock. And the Society posted ten more guards outside The Manor walls. So far, he hasn’t been dumb enough to pass by, but you never know."

  "Thank you for keeping me informed, Marco. It's difficult to sit here and wait him out, knowing he's still out there."

  "We'll get him," he assures me. "This is the safest place for your family to be. Your wife needs you right now."

  "Yes," I agree. "I think she does."

  9

  Santiago

  "Santiago?"

  Ivy's soft murmur as she stirs from her slumber fills the cavity where my heart should be with something I can't identify. All I know is that I never want her to stop calling out for me like that.

  "I'm here."

  My fingers brush over her face, and she opens her heavy eyes, blinking up at me. She relaxes when she sees me perched on the edge of the bed, watching her. Even in her sleep, she manages to sense me somehow.

  "I'm sorry," she croaks. "I've been so tired."

  "It would be expected in your condition even under normal circumstances," I tell her. "But given what has happened, I think you can accept your body's requirement for rest."

  She rubs her eyes and leans up on her elbow, studying me. "How do you know what's normal in pregnancy?"

  I feel heat rise to the surface of my neck as I offer a half-hearted shrug. "I've done some reading."

  A small smile curves her lips. "You've been reading about pregnancy?"

  "When I have time," I answer dismissively.

  Her face falls slightly at my short tone, and I regret it immediately. But when I lean down and press my lips against hers, she seems to forget about it entirely. Her fists curl into my shirt, trying to drag me closer.

  I groan into her mouth and force myself to pull away, half breathless. "You need to eat something first."

  She frowns. "I can eat after."

  "No." I soften the blow by bringing her hand to my lips and kissing the back of it, which seems to surprise her. "I want to have dinner with my wife. That is, if you're feeling up to it."

  "I think I am." She yawns and pushes the covers off her. "It would be nice to get something in my belly. And then we can come back here and take care of other needs."

  "I would be flattered," I answer dryly. "If I didn't know that too was a side effect of the pregnancy."

  A pretty flush spreads over her cheeks. "It is?"

  "Yes." I help her up and keep my hand on her elbow until she finds her balance. "Are you okay to walk?"

  She nods. "Yes, but I'm a little chilled. Can we stop by my room to get a sweater?"

  My hand slips around her lower back, guiding her to my closet. "I had Antonia transfer your clothes to this room. All of your sweaters are in here."

  Ivy sucks in a sharp breath, and I can't tell what she's thinking when her brows pinch together. "Your room?"

  "Our room," I answer stiffly.

  "Is this to make sure I don't run away again?" She frowns.

  "You won't run from me again," I tell her with certainty. "You wouldn't even make it past the front gate. But that's not the point. I wanted you here so I can... keep you safe."

  Her face softens, and she wraps her arms around me, hugging me. It's a strange gesture of affection. One I've never understood before. But it doesn't feel unpleasant when it's from her. In fact, I think I wouldn't mind standing here all night while she does this.

  "Where is Eva?" she asks.

  "She's on the first floor. Antonia made up a room for her there. She mentioned something about purchasing new bedding for her. Pink, I believe."

  Ivy pauses, glancing up at me. "You're buying her new bedding?"

  I shrug. "I assumed you would prefer she feel comfortable here."

  "Yes, but... she won't be staying that long." Sadness fills her voice.

  "I suppose not," I agree. "Unless you would rather change that."

  "What do you mean?"

  "She'll be here until her safety is guaranteed regardless," I answer. "But I am not opposed to having her stay longer if you'd like."

  She smiles again, and I think I must have said something right. "You mean like take over her guardianship? Can we do that?"

  "You are a De La Rosa now." I lean down to brush my lips against her cheek. "We can do whatever we like."

  She squeezes me tighter, tears clinging to the edges of her eyes. "I would like that very much, Santiago."

  "Pick out a sweater,” I tell her. "There is something I'd like to show you."

  "What is it?" She grabs a cardigan from a hanger and wraps it around herself before rejoining me. I secure my arm around her waist and lead her into the hallway, pausing at the room right next to mine.

  "This room is connected to mine," I explain as I open the door. "You can enter through the passage behind the dresser, which I'll show you later. But I thought this would be a starting point for a nursery."

  She pauses inside, eyes roaming over the space. There are already a few gift bags and a rocking chair inside, gifts from Antonia. It appears she has been planning for this day as well.

  "This room is beautiful," Ivy whispers. “And huge.”

  "I assumed you'd like to decorate the space."

  "I think I'd like that very much," she agrees.

  "Here." I leave her to pick up the box on top of the empty chest of drawers. "I have something for you."

  When I hand it to her, Ivy looks at me as if I've had a personality transplant, and I suppose I have. But the doctor told me how important it was that she was not under any stress, and I’m trying my best to make that a reality, though I can’t tell if I am.

  "What is it?" she asks.

  "Open it."

  She rolls her eyes at my command but does as I request, removing the baby book first. When she looks up at me, I recite the information from the pregnancy book I've been reading.

  "It's for keeping track of milestones. At least that’s what we’re supposed to do with it." r />
  She stifles a laugh, and I don't know why. She seems to be enjoying a joke at my expense, but it doesn’t bother me like it normally would.

  “That’s exactly what it’s for.”

  “There’s something else.” I gesture to the box, and her smile fades when she removes the necklace. I watch her closely as her fingers move over the white gold rose encrusted with diamonds. I don't think she likes it, but I can't be certain.

  I shift uncomfortably. "This one is for you to wear when you want," I say. "I just assumed women like jewelry, but if you don’t approve—"

  "It's beautiful, Santiago." She smiles up at me with glassy eyes. "Thank you."

  10

  Ivy

  Santiago has done a one-eighty. And as happy as I am, something is still niggling at me. Maybe it’s the fact he won’t yet take me to see my father. Or maybe it’s that he won’t allow me to have a cell phone. I don’t know.

  I could chalk all these things up to him being overprotective. Considering all that’s happened, I understand. We almost lost the baby. No. We didn’t almost lose it. It was almost taken away from us. By my brother who is still out there somewhere.

  That worries me too.

  I’m sitting in the nursery in near darkness, the only light the carousel of animals in pinks and greens circling the soft yellow walls. I rock gently in the cushioned rocker, knees pulled up underneath me, fingers worrying the beautiful diamond-encrusted rose pendant Santiago gifted me. When I first studied it, I half expected a skull to be hidden inside the design.

  I shake my head at the strange thought. I’d expected it. It wasn’t there, of course, but I don’t know. I guess that’s bothering me, too. Skulls along with roses, morbid and beautiful, and our very limited past together. The ugly months. It’s all too much.

  I put my hand over my stomach because now there’s a baby to consider. It raises the stakes.