Bourbon Street Royalty: Jaded Series, Book Two (24 page)

Of course, he couldn’t bring himself to focus on the monumental event. He hadn’t seen or heard from Baby Jade in more than three weeks, and it certainly wasn’t from lack of trying. She hadn’t been home or to work. Ma’Linn was gone. He even tried to get in to see Rozalie. Nothing. Vanished.

He kept an eye on the news, praying she didn’t do anything stupid. He drilled Slade, whose only response was that he didn’t have time for ‘little fish’ anymore. Whatever the fuck that meant.

“We’re ready, Mr. Gauthier.” A woman he recognized from the finance department popped her head out from the double doors. He was trying to put names to faces, but couldn’t make them stick.

He hadn’t confronted his mother about the information he found in the safe deposit box either. It didn’t seem fair to out Baby’s personal business without knowing what she was going to do. This was bigger than Gauthier or money. This was her life.

“Well, the day is finally here.” Tilly fussed with his tie. “Are you ready, son?” Tilly was beaming. Pride was her favorite accessory. She looped her arm through his as they entered the room. He pulled out a chair for his mother. It was awkward and uncomfortable to be at the head of the table, but it came with the title.

He had hoped this day would be different.

As he settled up to the table, the room fell silent. All eyes were on him, other than Carrie, who appeared to be doodling on a legal pad. He swallowed back the lump in his throat, confused by the emotions that were invading his typical stone cold nerves.

He glanced around the room, measuring each face before speaking. “Well, today’s a big day for all of us.”

Very professional, dumbass
.

As he mentally struggled to calm his nerves, the door opened behind him. All eyes shot to the front of the room.

“Sorry I’m late.”

Baby Jade …

THE END

*** Scroll down to read the first chapter of

X Marks the Spot (Executions MC romantic suspense).

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Kimmie is an Amazon International bestselling author who grew up traveling the country, rarely settling in one place for much longer than a minute. Being no stranger to heartache, she allows her unconventional upbringing to fuel her writing. Kimmie is addicted to all things books, wine, cupcakes, and flip-flops. She is a homeschool momma, southern wife, and pug wrangler. Kimmie can be found somewhere in the south writing wine worthy stories.

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X Marks the Spot

Executioners MC Series, Book One

CHAPTER ONE

(Jolene)

The intense heat from the flames radiated across the barren patch of grass littered with debris. My once baby blue eyes were now red and enflamed, seared from the smoke and ash. My chestnut locks were a mere rat’s nest, tangled with dirt and wooden splinters. I attempted to prop myself up on my wobbly elbows, but the weight on my chest was unbearable. My heavy lungs were like solid cinder blocks, snuffing out the air. I collapsed, but not before spotting Ronin’s massive frame barreling back into the house. My childhood home, which was now nothing more than an out of control blaze of crumbling rubble.

Childhood home.

Child.

I ran my hand over my rounding tummy, silently pleading, begging for some kind of sign. I squeezed my eyes shut, allowing tears to stream down the sides of my face, dampening my disheveled hair. My breathing shallowed as I heard my name.

“Jo, don’t you fucking die on me.”