Prince: Brothers, #2

By Hayden West

Prince Draper lived and excelled in Chicago as a renowned ER surgeon. Following on the heels of his brother's death, the subsequent attack on another brother, he finds himself in the crosshairs of these killers.

Otto Karras couldn't tell you what it was about the surly doctor that revved him. Starting a relationship with a man who didn't seem all that comfortable in his own skin, wasn't something he had set out to do, but this EMS responder, can't ignore what his heart wants.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hayden West
• Release date: May 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224306893

Book preview

Prologue

L et me know when the others arrive. Prince Draper scrubbed a hand down his face, exhaustion from everything gnawing at him like a hyena with a bone. His migraine swooping in with the speed and accuracy of a peregrine falcon shooting down for its prey. Never mind, just give them each the same message to come to my room.

The redhead composed her expression but not fast enough to ensure she didn’t allow her assumption of what they were doing to be seen. Just like that, the scabs he’d acquired as a young man were ripped free, exposing the wound, fresh as they’d just happened.

Balling a fist, he placed his unclenched hand on the counter and glared at her. The thudding of his impending migraine rushing upon him like an avalanche. His temper short on a typical day sat more like an atomic bomb with the timer at two seconds counting down, currently. He narrowed his gaze and gave her the look which sent most residents scurrying back to some corner to leave him alone.

"Have whatever opinion you want but if you make any of my brothers feel uncomfortable because of your own fucking prejudices while we’re here for the funeral of our baby brother, I swear you’ll be turning tricks in a motherfucking back alley to be able to buy a goddamn dollar sandwich off a fast food menu. Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?" His voice was a low growl of threatening danger.

Her eyes widened and she nodded as the manager approached, his pale face a mask of worry.

Dr. Draper, is everything okay? His blue eyes moved between him and woman who was supposed to provide a warm reception.

He cocked a brow at the woman who flashed a fearful grin and nodded briskly and probably with more vigor than she should have.

I’m sure it will be, he said walking off to the elevator.

You always did have a knack for scaring people.

Prince turned toward the speaker, a grateful smile spreading across his features. Valentino stood there, against the back corner, dressed in a black long-sleeve shirt with his firehouse logo on it, torn jeans, and heavy work boots.

Bitch was insinuating. He stepped closer for his hug. Damn it’s good to see you, man.

Valentino returned the hug but not the sentiment. Prince witnessed the turmoil in his expression as he stepped back but held mute on it. Seen anyone else here yet?

No. I would have been fine with a regular room, Prince. You didn’t have to get us all suites.

Worked out better. We have the floor to ourselves and don’t have to put up with other guests.

He stepped from the elevator and led the way to his suite. It wasn’t empty. Three of his other four siblings sat in the living space, beers in hand.

Leaving his suitcase on the floor by the door, he cut his gaze to Valentino. No clue?

He shrugged without repentance. You asked if I’d seen them not if I’d talked to them.

Fucking Valentino. Always so motherfucking literal.

They all began about the suites and he stood there and took it. Valentino was the only one he’d gotten a hug from. The two of them somewhat stayed in contact.

After five minutes, he held up his right hand.

Enough. I’m beat. The suites are paid for, stay—don’t, it’s up to each of you.

You always loved showing off your wealth.

There was voice number five, the one he’d not seen. The brother with whom there existed the most contentious relationship with. Aarne.

He didn’t turn, just took a deep breath. He wouldn’t do this. Not here. Not now.

The migraine made its arrival known, as typical, in grand fashion. And all Prince wanted to do was shut off the lights and crawl into bed, ignoring the world for the next fifteen or so hours. "Then fucking go sleep in the god damn street for all I care, Aarne. Lord knows you’d be more comfortable there, right? More like the horrid conditions you stay in constantly as you sleep in some fucking country I’ll never have balls big enough to go to."

By the end of his statement, he faced his brother. Aarne stepped forward, dark brows slashed over black eyes. It didn’t matter that Aarne could kill him in so many ways and with frighteningly rapid speed, he wasn’t backing down.

Enough.

A single spoken word from the imposing man who, at one time, looked after them all.

Brix.

Chapter

One

E verything okay, doc?

Prince glanced up to witness fellow doctor Marcus Lattimore standing there. He blinked a few times, realizing