by Piper Stone
“My father almost never came with us. He was far too busy with work, but that meant Christian and I could be kids. We were allowed to climb on the furniture, even eat ice cream in front of the television. And we explored the dunes and marshes. It was wonderful.” I hadn’t realized I’d stopped walking, lifting my head and staring at the perfect blue sky.
She shifted in order to face me. “Los Angeles. My mother used to take me for a girls’ weekend there twice a year. Of course, she had to stay in a fancy hotel, but we shopped and had lunch out anywhere I selected. She even introduced me to Broadway plays when I got older. That was honestly the only time I was close to my mother, the only time I felt like she was a real person instead of the plastic representation in front of my father.”
“That sounds very special for the two of you.”
Laughing, she eyed the remainder of her cone, dropping it in the closest trash, her demeanor and her expression souring. “Let’s not kid ourselves, Matteo. The memories are nothing more than blips in time, tiny bubbles that we both clung to in order to keep up the façade. While our parents had everything that money could buy, neither your mother nor mine was happy. I wouldn’t wish growing up in a cold, stark environment on anyone, especially my children. That’s one reason I will never consider having a child. I hate my mother almost as much as my father, but you were right in saying that our mothers actually agreed to the lifestyle after some time. I will never consider being forced into a marriage acceptable. The sooner you realize that the better.”
Her harsh glare had returned as well as her arrogance and anger.
Then again, so had mine.
“It’s time to go.” I inched closer, yanking the lemonade from her hand and tossing it as well. “Having money doesn’t mean that you can’t be happy, Winter. What it does allow you to do is enjoy your life without fear of everything being taken away.”
“Are you happy?”
I laughed softly as I took her arm. “Not in the least.”
Chapter Ten
Winter
Intoxicating.
Everything about Matteo left me aching inside. He was such a complicated man, the two sides of him completely opposite of the other. One was brutal, savage to the highest degree, although he refused to admit that he was just as ruthless as his brother or any of the other Council members. The other was kind and gentle, refusing to conform to the sect standards, a man craving an entirely different life. They were at odds with each other and it was easy to see he was ready to flame out.
I’d been entirely shocked by his suggestion of ice cream, intrigued by the reason he’d allow such a precious and simple gesture. I thought my behavior had been abhorrent, requiring another harsh round of punishment. I wasn’t certain I’d ever find out the real reason. What I’d realized during the remainder of the plane ride and from the fact that he’d chased me at the airport was that he was never going to let me go, hunting me like a true predator.
And I was terrified that I wasn’t certain I minded.
I sat huddled in the passenger seat of the sleek convertible, trying to keep the wind out of my eyes, refusing to glance in his direction. At least he’d been honest enough to tell me he wasn’t happy, even if he was a sadist. He was like a beast craving action and danger, which was why the location he’d selected confused the hell out of me. This was a sleepy little island, not nearly as glamorous and commercial as almost any other beach he could have selected. Damn, why did the man have to unearth every dark desire I’d locked away? I bit my lower lip, trying to keep my emotions in check. Now wasn’t the time to break down.
I thought about the weapon I’d seen, the words he’d said about protecting me. I knew he would. There wasn’t the smallest amount of doubt. What I couldn’t tolerate was that his promise had been made for all the wrong reasons. He didn’t have to risk his life in order to save me. I’d done a pretty good job taking care of myself all these years. Hadn’t I been a target then?
Prize. Remember that you are worth money and clout.
I shivered in the humid air. Had my parents really sold me to the highest bidder? Given the recent activities, I certainly couldn’t push the concept aside.
Oh, God. Oh... God.
What was I supposed to do now?
Run? Hide?
There wasn’t a location where Matteo wouldn’t find me.
I’d hated the words he’d issued, reminding me that I was a part of the insanity of the sect, but he was right. I’d been born into the cult because of my parents. There was no way of getting away from who I was or my bloodline.
I was also no fool. My father did have influential friends, especially within law enforcement. I could read between the lines of what Matteo was saying. My father had used them to cover up his activities, maybe even looking the other way when necessary. He was no better than any of the rest. Maybe that’s why my parents had never told me another horrible story after locking me down for those long weeks.
I did want to know the truth, all of it. Every damn scrap. I’d pretended long enough that I could get away from who and what I was, but it was impossible.
I would force Matteo to tell me everything. Somehow. Maybe. I cringed from the thought of his control, the utter domination that exuded from every pore within his long, tall, and muscular body.
He, the sexy and dangerous man who thought he owned me. The asshole. The jerk. The... The... I couldn’t get the vision of him licking my hand as if I was the finest dark chocolate out of my mind. I was wet and hot all over, the blood rushing to my head. I couldn’t ignore any longer that I was attracted to him, longing to share another intimate moment. The sex on the plane had been naughty, dirty, and amazing, leaving me hungry for more. My nipples had remained swollen, my mouth watering and the incident with the ice cream hadn’t helped.
He was too damn powerful, the draw to him too significant. Every time I inhaled, I gathered a scent of his cologne and his natural musk. He was all male. Rugged and challenging. Catching a glimpse of the ocean didn’t make my hunger lessen. I was caught up in some insane romantic notion that we could actually become lovers, walking hand in hand on the beach.
Fat chance in hell.
Neither one of us wanted that scenario crashing in on the party. I chuckled at the thought. This certainly wasn’t a vacation. He was merely doing his due diligence keeping the prize safe until I could be married off in proper attire. I couldn’t help but wonder what my life would be like after accepting. Wait a minute. Was I actually seriously thinking about following through with my... requirements? A lump formed in my throat, my legs quaking. I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t bring myself to accept a loveless marriage.
Not even to save myself.
We were close to the ocean, the smell of saltwater and sand filtering into my nostrils. I loved the beach; the lapping waves and sand between my toes, the peaceful feeling of taking a long walk or even savoring a glass of wine while enjoying the sunset. I suspected I wouldn’t be allowed to engage in any of those activities, no matter how hard or how often I begged.
He’d already shut down as I’d seen him do before.
As he drove onto a residential street, I expected to see iron gates keeping the pretty and perfect people safe and secure in their own little worlds. When the first two homes came into view, I was thrown by their size. They were... tiny, at least in comparison to every house within our community in the Hamptons. They were also much older, some needing a decent number of repairs.
Matteo finally slowed, turning down a gravel driveway, the narrow path surrounded by overgrown trees. When he pulled in front of what could only be described as a bungalow, a gasp erupted from my mouth.
“This is yours?” I asked.
“I’ve owned this house for several years, the only place I can find true peace. My world isn’t all about fancy cars, homes, and expensive trips, Winter. The sooner you realize that the better.” The goading words haunted me. Maybe he hadn’t deserved them before. He didn’t bother wa
iting for me, merely exiting the vehicle and grabbing the small bag he’d brought from the plane.
The one hiding the gun.
I’d seen the wad of cash he’d grabbed as well as the ammunition clips. He was expecting something terrible to happen.
As I climbed out of the car, leaning against the door, I found myself scanning the perimeter, a trickle of fear forming. His words and insinuations of threats had spooked me more than I wanted to admit. What if we were being hunted by this mafia thug and whatever goons he brought with him? They would find us.
He’d left the front door wide open and was nowhere to be seen. As I walked inside, I was pleasantly surprised at the surroundings. The little cottage was beautifully decorated, the colors of the walls and furniture nothing like I would have pictured him purchasing. I’d envisioned leather and dark furniture, not the mixture of tropical hues represented. This was his respite, a sanctuary away from the man he portrayed himself to be.
The layers he’d formed into a massive shield of armor were peeling away slowly.
And I could tell it pissed him off.
I heard the sound of the door closing behind me, the click of the lock as it was placed into position. He was taking no chances. Then I felt the heat of his body as he moved closer, his hot breath finding its way to my neck and shoulders. Goosebumps shimmied down my arms, my nipples now fully aroused. My panties were already soaked, the scent floating to my nostrils. I knew he could tell how excited I was. “This is lovely.”
“It’ll do and we will be safe here. I purchased this house in a different name, the flight plan was disguised, and only my brother knows where we are. However, you are not to leave this house without my permission. We should have everything we need, but if we don’t, we will go into town together. You will follow my rules no matter what I ask of you. Is that clear?”
His tone was husky, dripping of danger and lust. I closed my eyes as he drifted even closer, every nerve ending on fire. He had a way about him that left me feeling out of control, hungry to delve into the darkness. Hating myself for my own desires no longer seemed feasible, but somehow, I had to fight my yearning.
“What about clothes, food?” I asked as I tilted my head.
“That should have been taken care of. The bedroom is down the hall. I suggest you make yourself comfortable.”
One bedroom. The bastard actually believed that we were sleeping together. I held my tongue.
The tension was too much to bear.
He placed his hand on my shoulder, caressing as a lover would do. I was thrown, unable to think clearly as the electricity pounded into my system, my body swaying. “It’s been a difficult day. I’ll make us a drink.”
His voice was far too husky, wrapping around me like a security blanket.
No. Stop it. He doesn’t want you.
The whispers inside my head continued to jab at me, the ugly reminders likely needed, but my own armor was crumbling bit by bit.
I took two purposeful steps away, noticing the view of the ocean out the set of double doors. “Am I allowed to walk on the beach or is that too disrespectful?”
He sighed, the sound exaggerated. As he moved around to face me, cutting off the spectacular view, I held my breath.
“Go and change.”
I was to do exactly as he directed.
Like a good little girl.
I wanted so badly to retort, to make certain he understood my rules but there was no point in arguing. I didn’t answer, the tightness in my throat preventing it. Maybe having a few minutes alone would do me some good. As I took several steps away, I could still hear his ragged breathing.
Could still feel his intense longing.
“I do want you to be happy, Winter. I’ve done many things in my life that I’m not proud of, but I’m not a monster.”
I tilted my head, my pulse skipping. “I hope so, Matteo. I really do.” As I walked away, I sensed his sadness from my answer as well as the obvious burden he was under. He was a pressure cooker waiting to explode. I had no recourse to help him. I didn’t know him at all. Nothing.
At least except what was in the newspapers and glossy magazine articles.
I rushed down the hall, eager to have time to collect myself, forced to take several deep breaths before going inside the room. While small, everything was as beautifully decorated as the living room; the iron posts of the headboard complemented with a luxurious comforter, a single plush chair in front of the set of glass doors, the dresser perfectly polished.
For a few seconds, I sat down on the edge of the bed, watching the ocean waves as they crested against the dunes. I remained angry that Matteo was getting under my skin. Even his controlling mannerisms offered a crazy level of comfort, a grounding at the very time I needed it the most.
It had been three years since I’d had a boyfriend, although the on again, off again romance had been more trouble than it was worth. The asshole had broken it off stating I was cold and unwilling to budge on anything. Everything had to be my way.
That was the truth, a promise made to myself the day I’d left my parents’ house. My way. As I dropped my head into my hands, the ugly pictures of the dead man I’d seen all those years ago filtered into my mind. I would never be free from this nightmare.
Or Matteo’s increasing control.
The red dress suddenly felt filthy, certainly not my style. I’d stolen it from my mother’s closet after her insistence that I attend the contract signing. I’d never been the girl seeking attention, the one who stood out in a room. I also hadn’t fit in, friends few and far between. I’d been searching to find myself for years, nursing the only thing that gave me a sense of purpose. I moved toward the closet, swinging open the door and flipping on the light. I could only imagine what some burly men on Christian’s payroll had purchased for me to wear.
Another surprise.
The clothes were almost exactly the way I dressed. Summer dresses and tee shirts, shorts and sandals. They remained on hangers, every item with a price tag attached. I ran my hand over a few of the items, shaking my head. It was as if Matteo knew more about me than he was willing to admit. That wasn’t possible. There hadn’t been enough time.
Nestled next to the feminine attire were polos and shorts, all of a masculine variety. The picture was surreal. We weren’t a couple. I also couldn’t see him in anything but a suit and tie, the formality of the sect world far too oppressive. We were playing a game, my hand in marriage the ultimate prize.
I took a dress from the hanger, moving toward the dresser and holding it against me in front of the mirror. The festive tropical flock would normally make me smile. Today it simply reminded me of the things I was missing from my life.
My curiosity got the better of me. I opened every drawer, hissing louder each time. Whoever had taken the time selecting what I would wear had excellent tastes, including in lingerie. I couldn’t stomach this. I wasn’t some plastic Barbie doll that he could dress as he pleased. Shrinking away, I retreated to the bathroom, hesitating before turning on the light.
“Jesus.”
Toiletries. Makeup. Bubble bath. Plush towels. What in the fuck?
I was still shaking as I slipped into the other dress, no longer marveling at the fact the piece fit me perfectly. Even the damn sandals were my size. How was that possible? By the time I left the room I was infuriated, ready to tear into the asshole. He’d obviously known long before my party that he was my ‘chosen.’ I was sick to my stomach, charging into the living room.
He wasn’t there.
He wasn’t anywhere in the house. As I stormed into the kitchen, fury entered every cell in my body. A bottle of gin, tonic, and sliced limes on a cutting board were positioned beside a glass filled with ice. My. Favorite. Drink.
The anger created spots in front of my eyes as I stared down at the already opened bottle of Boodles, also my liquor of choice even though a luxury in my world. I did everything to calm my breathing before reaching for the glass. Why the he
ll not have a drink? After the day I’d had, I certainly deserved to have a drink.
After mixing the concoction, I lifted the glass, giving myself a toast. So much for the kind and gentle layers he’d portrayed. He was nothing more than a snake. He’d likely sent one of his goons to search my house, invading my private things. Fuck him. Fuck this. No one was going to play me. I didn’t give a crap who he was.
The asshole had to be outside. The drink in my hand, I took long strides toward the sliding doors, yanking it open. If the glass shattered, so be it. The deck was small, the view magnificent, but I wasn’t there to survey the gorgeous landscaping. “Where the hell are you, asshole?” As I leaned over the railing, I was able to see him clearly standing only feet away from the ocean, the wind whipping lightly through his hair, the sun creating a golden halo around him.
“Christ.” I stood watching him for a few minutes. He never moved, merely stood in front of the water in bare feet. I wanted to hate him, but the fleeting moments he’d shown me his other side prevented me from doing so. I wanted to get away from him, but the connection we shared was difficult to overlook. I took another sip of my drink, bolstering my courage before easing it down onto the small outdoor table.
Gathering my courage, I headed down the short flight of stairs, forced to remove and drop my sandals within a few seconds of walking on the sand. If he sensed my approach he didn’t react. I was able to flank his side, standing two feet away, without being acknowledged.
We stood in silence for several minutes, the lapping of the water the only sound.
“All I’d wanted to do for years was work with Christian. I admired his strength and resolve, especially to get away from the family business.” Matteo’s voice was quiet.
I dared not interrupt him.
“When he was required to come back into the fold, there was talk he was working with the Taglioni crime syndicate. There was an investigation, evidence found.”
“What?” I asked. “I don’t understand.”
He shot me a quick glance, a wry smile crossing his face. “The case was eventually dropped. He was framed, betrayed by several people he trusted. However, he’s remained bitter, blaming the Council.”
