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.The hours went by and the family—something Ruiz had taken to calling them all including the Bakhursts—were doing a great job from what he could see.Soon, they would have the three and the four roomed suites half booked by the time the holidays came around.At least he hoped so.They needed the money to cover the restructuring and remodeling the hotel had gone through over the past two months.As a board they decided to give the hotel a year to pick up or close it permanently.They also hoped they would weather the money laundering ordeal well once the media caught a whiff of it.It helped that Allan and Matthew had called all their European business associates to attend the launch party, offering three days and nights all expenses paid in any suite they wanted at the Red Roses Paris hotel.When Ruiz asked why only three days, Allan responded with ‘these type of people they don’t stay in one place for more than three days.To them every hour spent not carrying out business is one less zero in their profit margins’.Yeah, Allan rolled with those kind of people and he was some kind of member to their exclusive club.It was a tad bit intimidating.Even Jon Luc and Dante Vittorio had joined them, bringing along their six figure client list.Ruiz was just about to take a breather when he spotted Melody rushing towards him, a worried look on her face.Something was wrong.With quick strides, he met her half way, grabbing hold of her arms to steady her when she stopped too fast for her six inch heels.“Ruiz, your mother is here,” she blurted out breathlessly.Ruiz felt his entire body go tight as a bow string with apprehension.What the hell is she doing here?“That’s not the worst part mon ami,” Jon Luc spoke coming up from behind him.With a clenched jaw Ruiz waited for the other shoe to drop.“She’s escorted by a suspicious looking gentleman and Antonio is leading their way here.”Ruiz rubbed his fist over his mouth to keep from cursing out loud.He didn’t need this, the family didn’t and the hotel didn’t need their kind of drama right now.“Where?” he asked with barely controlled anger.Jon Luc pointed to their direction with his chin.Ruiz turned and as sure as the moon was full that night, Antonio was strutting into the ballroom with an air of importance.Behind him was his mother on the arm of—“Holly hell!”“Ruiz, what’s wrong, you’re shaking!” Melody’s frantic voice sounded so distant in his ringing ears, his eye riveted on the face of the man he hadn’t seen in a dozen years.Holly hell, he’s spotted me! This can’t be happening, not now!“Ruiz…”“Stand beside me Melody.Jon Luc, get my brother.” His voice sounded so foreign, so shaky.He was exposing his weakness.He couldn’t allow that, not in front of him!“I don’t know Ruiz.He looks like he’s restraining Allan from charging Antonio.He and Matthew are having a hard time of it.”Ruiz forced air into his lungs and pushed the panic down.“Take my wife and sister out of here.Now!”“No! I’m staying with you,” Melody re-enforced her words by placing her hand in his and holding tightly to his wrist with her other hand.Ruiz was grateful for the support, but he wasn’t ready for her to meet his past or exhibit her as his biggest weakness.The sound of glass shattering caught his attention.He turned to see Antonio next to Riana, running his finger down her arm.He could see the smug look on his face as he whispered close to her ear.Riana’s back was to Ruiz, but he could see her hands shake at her sides.He wanted to go to her, rid her of the pest, but he couldn’t avoid the storm coming towards him.“Jon Luc, my sister,” his voice cracked with his plea.He couldn’t allow that to happen again, not in front of him.“Allan,” he responded pointing to him.Ruiz was relieved to see the mask of control on Allan’s face as he approached the two.Matthew flanked him to the right and Dante to his left.Ruiz turned to see Reno come his way and he wasn’t ashamed to admit he was relieved.He needed his brother to have his back now more than ever.He quietly urged him to walk faster, to get to him before his mother and her date.She brought him here on purpose, just to spit me! Did she not understand the risk she was putting my family and herself in? The worst part was, she probably did and that was the whole point.God the woman was evil!“Ruiz, son.It’s been a while.Twelve long years and some weeks,” he greeted with a broad smile.His voice had gotten rougher since the last time Ruiz saw him.Chain smoking for years would do that.The moment Reno came to a stop next to Melody, Ruiz got a boost of confidence.With complete lack of emotion he said, “I’m not your son.”The man now grey and leaner and no longer the scary giant Ruiz had seen him as for five years scoffed.“You always were ballzy.”“He must get it from my side of the family,” Reno commented making his presence known.Clarissa sneered at Reno then turned her head away in rebuff.“Melody dear, it’s nice to see you again.”“Clarissa,” Melody responded strongly.Good.He squeezed her hand to show his approval.“Ruiz, how about a proper introduction?”That voice really grated at his nerves! Ruiz just stared at him, not saying a word.“Reno Albury, his big brother
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