Holden Sterling: The Sterling Brothers Billionaire Saga BWWM Book 1

Episode 85: Holden (Storm winds Raging Part 2)

Holden's POV

Heart pounding, I typed out my response to the unknown number angrily. My fingers flew across the keys in a flurry of frustration.

Me: "I know it's you, Salvador. Stop playing these motherfucking games and come out of hiding like a man. You either went back to New York as I advised or your bitch ass is still lurking in my city. I would have let you leave Evergreen Valley unscathed, but no, the eager Don of the Italian Mafia had to prove himself as a big boy once again. Well old man, now you're playing with the big dogs. You thought you could get away with trying to harm my brothers and my loyal men. We came in peace, but when you launched your attack at the hotel where we were situated, that all changed. This is war now, and I won't hesitate to defend myself. Someone will die, but it certainly won't be me."

I hit send and tried to steady my breathing. I knew it was him, he didn't have the sense or courage to call me or face me like a true man. No, he preferred to hide behind his phone like a cowardly dog. But I wasn't afraid of his bitch ass, I was ready to take on whatever came my way.

The Sterling Brothers may not be part of the mafia, but we are just some good ol' boys from a small town who aren't afraid to use our hands. We've even fought bears up here in these mountains, if necessary. He doesn't realize who he's messing with. I sat down at the desk, pulled out another cigar and lit it. I took a few puffs then I heard my phone ding again. I looked at the caller ID and it was an unknown number.

Salvador: Salvador declared confidently, "Holden, my boy! I couldn't care less about your words. I am fully aware that your men are staking out my warehouse. But unfortunately for you, they won't find us there. You've set them up for a bloody end tonight."

As soon as I finished reading his text, I grabbed my phone and called my brothers. "Boys, we've got a problem. Abort the warehouse stakeout now, it's a trap! My voice was tight and urgent as I spoke into the phone. "Get back to the compound immediately," I said, my words sharp and commanding. "We're going to war, and we better be ready for anything."

The sound of Alexander's grunt echoed loudly through the phone, followed by a deep sigh. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes as I listened to him make extra noises. Finally, he spoke with obvious irritation in his tone. "We're headed back to the mansion, but I have a feeling Salvador is messing with us. It's too quiet out here - not even a single cricket chirping."

The phone call ended with a loud click as I hung up on my brother. My hands clenched into fists, my heart racing with adrenaline and anger. This guy was about to meet his end. I stubbed out my cigar and climbed the stairs, my heavy boots thudding on each step. The clock read midnight, a late hour for most people but for me, it felt like the middle of the day. Exhaustion weighed heavily on my shoulders as I made my way to check on my daughters first.

I peaked my head in Baby Anya's room and saw that she was sleeping soundly, her little chest rising and falling in a deep slumber. After quietly closing the door behind me, I made my way to Eriola and my shared room. She lay on her side, eyes closed but I could tell she was pretending to be asleep by the way her chest moved.

"I know you're awake," I whispered softly, slipping into bed beside her. "Can't sleep?"

She turned over to face me, her purple eyes filled with worry. "How could I possibly sleep when you're out there putting your life on the line? I can't bear to lose you Holden." Her voice trembled as she spoke, and it took all my self-control not to comfort her. I couldn't show any weakness in front of my family, not now. Not when we were on the brink of war.

With gentle movements, I peeled off my sweat-dampened shirt, heavy boots, pants, and socks, leaving nothing but my worn boxers clinging to my skin. I carefully climbed into bed next to my pregnant woman, Eriola, and reached out to brush a strand of hair from her forehead. Gazing into her eyes, I whispered softly, "Baby girl, don't worry. Everything will be okay."