Zeke’s POV

Entering the casino, I felt the familiar adrenaline rush that accompanied the flashing lights and pulsing music. As I made my way to the VIP lounge, Kamille’s face wouldn’t leave my mind. I had to be the first person she saw when she woke.

I sat, and the bartender quickly served me a sapphire royale. I wanted to drown out my thoughts, if only for a little while.

“Brother!” Zane called from behind me. Finally, they were here. My heart leaped with joy.

“What’s up, brother?” Fletcher asked, his voice laced with concern.

I offered a weak smile. “I just need a drink,” I replied, taking the vintage glass in my hand.

“I bet my brother’s heart has been toyed with,” Zane said to Fletcher.

“No, bro. Leave the heartache to me. I bet his skin was sullied by lowlifes,” Fletcher countered, and they both laughed. I smiled.

“Why are grown men acting like silly kids?” I asked as they settled in and the bartender brought more drinks.

“Hmmm. Sounds like, ‘Why are you here drinking all by yourself’ to me,” Zane whispered, his tone concerned but his eyes mischievous.

“Because it’s my casino? And you’re both here,” I replied casually, relaxing slightly in their presence.

Fletcher nodded, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “We’re here for you, man. Whatever you need.”

Zane chuckled. Before I could react, my phone rang. I checked; hoping it was Kamille or the kids, but it was my father. I ignored it.

It rang insistently. Such a persistent old man. I continued to ignore him.

“You should answer before we’re dragged into your troubles,” Fletcher urged.

“Yes, brother. I don’t want my life to end in a casino because of your father,” Zane teased.

“As if,” I replied, and with a resigned sigh, I excused myself and stepped outside to take the call.

“Hello, Sir,” I answered, my voice betraying none of my turmoil.

“Zeke, what is this I’m hearing?” My father’s voice crackled, filled with disbelief and anger.

My heart sank. “What did you hear?” I asked, trying to sound uninterested.

“Kamille is alive, and you knew about it?” His voice rose. “And I have grandchildren I don’t know about? I’ve been receiving congratulations I don’t understand. What is going on, Zeke?”

Fuck those old noisy directors. How could they let such sensitive information slip? And how sure were they the kids were mine? I squeezed my forehead.

Taking a deep breath, I brought the phone back to my ear, my tone firm. “Dad, I understand you still have close contacts with some of the hospital doctors,” I said, my voice tinged with irritation. “But you need to tell them to control the spread of that information. It’s confidential, and it shouldn’t be circulating like gossip.”

“Gossip? But it didn’t sound that way,” Father replied.

“I’ll explain to you and Mother when I get around to it,” I responded.

There was silence. Finally, he spoke, his voice tinged with concern. “When, Zeke? Your mother and I are dying of curiosity.”

I sighed. “Soon, Dad, I promise. But right now, I can’t answer your questions. Please, tell your contacts at the hospital to keep quiet.”

I ended the call and returned to the VIP lounge. I needed to act quickly.

“I’ll be leaving soon,” I said to Zane and Fletcher.

“Leaving already, Zeke?” Zane exclaimed. “We came out here for you, and now you’re leaving us high and dry?”

I offered a wry smile. “I don’t care. I need to settle something at the hospital.”

Their expressions turned to surprise. “Hospital?” Fletcher echoed, confused. “What for?”

I met their questioning gazes. Taking a deep breath, I decided to confide in them. “Kamille is alive,” I began, my voice quiet yet determined. “She’s alive, and there’s a lot to sort out. Word about it cannot get to the public.”

Their shock was evident. “Holy cow!” Zane exclaimed.

I continued, revealing the news about our children. Their expressions shifted to disbelief.

“But she doesn’t know you told her?” Zane’s voice was filled with incredulity.

I shook my head. “No, she doesn’t. She was sleeping.”

Zane and Fletcher exchanged a glance. “We’ll come with you to the hospital,” Fletcher declared.

I opened my mouth to protest, but Zane spoke. “We won’t say anything. But we just want to see her and the kids, Zeke. That’s all.”

I sighed, realizing the futility of resistance. “Okay,” I conceded. They would always find a way.

As we entered the elevator, I remembered my earlier task. “Any updates on the drug baron?” I asked.

They exchanged a glance. “He’s in London, but keeping a low profile,” Fletcher said. “He’s undercover, using an alias and alibi. But we got a picture. I’ll send it to your office tomorrow,” Zane added.

I nodded grimly. “Send it, but not to the office.”

“I want to be by Kamille’s side,” I said slowly.

Zane and Fletcher’s voices broke through the seriousness. “No work? Did I hear that right?” Zane exclaimed. “I think I can die peacefully now.”

Fletcher added, “Remember when your wife couldn’t even get you to stay away from work? On her birthday, you ditched her party for a meeting in Las Vegas.”

I sneered. “You two are too noisy. Keep quiet.”

Despite my annoyance, they laughed. They’re my brothers for a reason. I chuckled.