Dangerous: A Dark Mafia Romance

by Piper Stone

  What about full and total submission?

  I resisted rolling my eyes, shushing my ugly inner voice.

  Carter shoved his hands into his pockets then turned his full attention to every patron in the bar, scanning them as if for a distinct purpose. A second of creepy crawlies rushed down my spine. “Maybe we can talk later?”

  He nodded several times before gazing into my eyes. “I’d like that. There are some things that need to be said.” Every word was clipped but imploring. Was this guy actually trying to be possessive? Really? “Why don’t you stay and have a beer? On the house.” Why don’t you leave? I tried to keep a warm smile, but I had the distinct feeling he knew I wanted him out of the bar.

  Hesitating, he leaned over the bar. “Tell you what, I’ll call you later and see if you can talk. Maybe we can have lunch tomorrow. You and I need to get together. I won’t take no for an answer. Here’s my number in case you need to get ahold of me.” Yanking a bar napkin then a pen from his pocket, he scribbled down a number. What he’d forgotten was that I knew his number, for business purposes of course. It was even on speed dial on my old phone. Well, not any longer.

  “Lunch would be great.” This time, I managed a practiced smile, even running my finger along the edge of the blood-red rose for effect. He seemed satisfied with my answer, tapping his hand on the bar and taking a long stride away. What did the man actually say to me? I was riled at his words alone, the swaggering persona. I had never noticed this before. Then again, our conversations had been held after his repair of my toilet.

  What the hell had I been thinking going out with him? Even once? I folded the napkin, as if I was going to keep it. Why did he want to talk to me so badly?

  After reaching the entrance, he turned once again. His vacillating gesture and directed gaze were more dominating than I remembered. They were also protective, as if I had already become his property. No way. I decided right then and there that I would have lunch with the man and he would know without a shadow of a doubt about the status of our relationship.

  There wasn’t one.

  The forceful way he closed the door made me jump.

  “Who the hell was that dude?” Daphne asked.

  I glared down at the flowers before dropping them into the trash along with the napkin. How would he react when he couldn’t get in touch with me? “Just a guy. Does some work at my place occasionally.” I had a terrible feeling the man wasn’t going to leave me alone.

  “Not bad eye candy. I bet he’s good in the sack.” Winking, Daphne rustled the trash.

  “I wouldn’t know.” And I’d never know. I was left unnerved, my thoughts becoming irrational. The incident the night before had certainly left me on edge, my sixth sense working overtime. “I think you have customers, missy.”

  “Slave driver.”

  “That’s why they call me the boss.” That’s why they pay me the big bucks. Snickering, I rolled my eyes and continued to set up for the night’s adventure, praying to God everything would be quiet.

  Every time the door opened, I braced for the worst, hoping to see Blade’s face. Carter’s sudden appearance weighed on my mind, leaving me prepared to end what never had an opportunity to begin in my office. Neither occurred and when Brad showed up, I had a sense of relief, heading back to my office to figure out exactly what Carl had managed to do.

  The peace and quiet was exactly what I needed, even though my thoughts continued to drift to Blade. Who was he? Where had he come from? What was he doing here? I answered the last question easily. He was hiding out. From who and why? Prison? I certainly hadn’t heard of a prison break. I honestly couldn’t picture him as being a corporate type, even though it was obvious just how intelligent he was. Every other story conjured up in my mind seemed unlikely at best, even dramatic.

  After a few minutes, I was able to delve into the books, quickly going over the past two months. What I hadn’t noticed was a similar discrepancy two weeks before and two weeks before that. Almost like clockwork. All I could tell was that payments had been made to a company I’d never heard of and which invoices I’d never seen. The payments were hidden in other exchanges, and it took some time to figure out. The lying, conniving asshole. Carl was fired. That was certain.

  Huffing, I composed an email to the owner, realizing my management skills were being tested. I was always so conscientious. Yes, Carl had been given the authority to handle aspects of the accounting procedures, but a red flag should have presented itself long before. I’d need to meet with Mr. Walters to get to the bottom of what was going on. Maybe there was work being done I didn’t know about. Then why did the books not balance the night before? There were too many questions with zero good answers.

  Perfect. Another mystery in my life.

  My relative peace was short lived, Daphne barging in after less than an hour to myself.

  “He’s here.”

  “Who?” My mouth was dry as I studied her face, every muscle in my body tensing. Carter. He’d actually come back. Fan-fucking-tastic.

  “That man. The sexy Viking.” When I narrowed my eyes in confusion, she cocked her head. “You know, Blade. And he’s asking for you.” Daphne fanned her face. “And he’s looking particularly hot tonight. I served him a drink. Honey, if you don’t want him, I certainly do.”

  I realized my nipples were suddenly tight, pressing hard against my tee shirt. I also had difficulty standing, my legs quivering to the point I was forced to grip the edge of my desk. Every inch of my skin was on fire from my nasty thoughts alone. Get your mind out of the gutter. Swallowing, I did my best to disguise my hormones. “Any sign of the bastards?”

  “Not a peep, but I will say even the regulars are spooked. I have a very bad feeling, boss lady. What do you think they’re going to do?”

  They had every reason to be petrified. “Honestly, I have no idea. I’ll be there in a minute. Just try and relax. Hit 9-1-1 if there’s any sign of trouble.”

  “Oh, don’t worry.” Daphne hovered in the doorway.

  “What is it, Daphne?”

  “What do you know about this guy? Blade, I mean.”

  “Absolutely nothing except he likely saved our lives.” I glanced at the file I was working on as well as the email I was prepared to send. Maybe moving out of the city wasn’t a bad idea. After this, I certainly didn’t think I was going to have a job. Mr. Walters had a soft spot for me, but money was money.

  “Yeah, I guess. Just seen his type before.”

  I wanted to ask what type she was referring to but in truth, what was the point? She realized I wasn’t going to say anything else and left. I don’t know why I was hesitating. I wanted to see Blade again. My body craved everything about him. Perhaps my rational side had actually taken over. Impending doom usually did that.

  I brushed my fingers through my hair and smoothed down my shirt. I was like a nervous little girl. A sinful vision clouded my mind as I attempted to walk toward the door. Being tied, unable to move in any manner and Blade taking absolute control. I was shocked how much the thought seduced me with desire, the kind of longing that most women didn’t or refused to have. I wanted to be his submissive. I craved being commanded what to do. The irony was bittersweet as hell.

  Collecting what was left of my mind, I walked down the hallway and into the bar, only half surprised the place was a ghost town. No one wanted to face the Desperados’ wrath. I noticed Pappy grinning out of the corner of my eye as I searched for Blade. As he had the night before, the stunning blond sat in the shadows, only this time watching the bar with angry eyes.

  When Blade noticed me, he shifted in his seat, sitting on the edge and leaning over, resting his elbows on his knees. I drank in the sexy beast of a man before moving around the bar. His fingers were touching, flexed as if in deep thought. But I knew better. He was undressing me with his eyes. His lover. His conquest.

  His submissive.

  I found breathing difficult as I walked in his direction, more cognizant of every asp
ect of what I was doing than ever before. My heart raced, my blood pressure skyrocketing and my pussy soaking my panties. The man had such an incredible effect on me and even without saying a word, I knew what he wanted.

  Absolute submission.

  By the time I reached him, I was forced to wipe beads of sweat from my brow, trying to be as nonchalant as possible. “I wasn’t sure you’d come.”

  “You knew I would. You knew I had to,” he stated with firm conviction, the husky tone driving me to yet another state of wetness.

  “I’m glad you did.”

  He exhaled and sat back, reaching out and drawing a line with his index finger all the way down my arm. The simple move sent a burst of electricity shooting into the very core of my being. I know I visibly shivered, enough for anyone who was looking to notice. He inhaled and closed his eyes, allowing his fingers to brush against mine. “I missed you, the taste of you, the scent of you. Being inside you.”

  I licked my lips and gave him a half smile. “I did too and... And I wanted a chance to talk to you.”

  “Whatever you think we need to talk about can wait. I’m staying here with you tonight.” He gripped my hands into his, his thumb moving back and forth. “I want you to be safe. That’s vital to me. There are some things you need to know.”

  “You’re right. Later. I realize I have to be careful, but I do want some time to say a few things.”

  “Crystal. There’s a phone call for you.” The voice came from behind.

  Groaning, I took a deep breath before looking over my shoulder at Brad. He held the bar phone in his hand as he looked in my direction. “I’ll be right there.”

  “Crystal,” Blade said as he kept me from going anywhere. “The Desperados can’t be messed with. In saying that, I have a proposition for you.”

  “I...” Nodding, I pulled my hands from his. “We’ll talk. Just give me a few minutes.” I didn’t want to walk away. In truth, I was terrified that when I was finished he’d be gone. I’d seen the look in his eyes, the same shutdown I’d seen when I’d asked him about the scar. He was distancing himself, preparing to leave. Then what was the proposition? Staying in touch? Maybe he’d pass through one day again? That wasn’t me. I couldn’t do that.

  I made my way through the tables and back behind the bar, grabbing the phone from Brad’s hand. “This is Crystal.”

  The silence was deafening.

  “Hello? Is anyone there?” The creepy crawlies had returned in earnest, slithering up and down my spine like feasting spiders. Suddenly, the air seemed heavy, the light in the room dimmer than normal but I could swear I noticed Carter sitting in the very back of the bar, his attention directed solely at me. What in the hell was going on?

  “You’re going to find out what we do to bitches.”

  The line went dead. For a few seconds, I couldn’t react, merely keeping the phone positioned to my head as if the asshole would come back on the line. Pretending that everything was fine, I nodded a couple of times, faked a few words then hung up the phone. I glanced toward the window looking out into the parking lot, more rattled than I cared to admit. After blinking, the very chair I’d sworn I’d seen Carter was empty. Every table surrounding the immediate area was as well. I was flat out losing my mind.

  “Everything all right?” Brad asked as he slung a bar towel over his shoulder.

  “Fine. Everything is just fine.” Shit. My instinct screamed to get everyone out of harm’s way. “Hey, we’re pretty slow tonight. Why don’t you go ahead and take off?” I plastered a smile on my face as I said the words, yet my stomach was churning, fear gripping what was left of my nerves.

  “You sure? I don’t mind staying.”

  My head continued to nod like a freaking bobble-head doll, while I scanned the entire place, taking a step back to gaze through the small oval window leading to the kitchen area. “Absolutely. Go ahead.”

  “You’re the boss.” Brad grinned as he dropped the towel. “See you in a couple days.”

  “Yeah. Sure.” No, you won’t. I wasn’t ready to die for this bar or for any other reason.

  I moved toward Daphne, pulling her to the side. By that point, I’d caught Blade’s eye.

  “I don’t like that look on your face, Crystal. Who was on the phone?” Daphne asked, a tremor in her voice.

  “No one in particular. Just a guy asking directions. I want you to go ahead and cash out your customers and leave. Okay? Don’t ask any questions. Just do as I say.” My command was firm enough, even though I heard the quaver rumbling directly from my gut. Whatever was going to happen would be tonight. They were coming for me and this time, I knew they wouldn’t take no for an answer.

  “You’re scaring me.”

  “Just. Do. It. Please, honey. Okay?”

  Daphne darted a glance in Blade’s direction. “Do you trust him?”

  “With my life. Everything is fine. Just go on.”

  “O-kay. If you say so.”

  I moved all the way down to the end of the bar until I could clearly see a good portion of the parking lot, the darkness swarming the outer edges. There were no cars with their lights on and from what I could see, no one lurking in the shadows. But I knew they were there. I had no doubt I was being watched. Taking a few backward steps, I folded my arms as a series of chills left me with goosebumps.

  “Who was on the phone?” Pappy asked, pushing his beer away.

  “No one. Not important.”

  “I think it’s time for you to call the police,” he suggested. “If you think something is going on, better to stop it right now. The Desperados aren’t the kind of assholes you want to mess with.”

  I half snorted given what Jessie had told me, but Pappy’s words were the same ones I’d heard time and time again. “What good will they do? We don’t know anything is going to happen tonight. They could be trying to scare me and nothing more.” Which they’d accomplished.

  “Crystal, you want to know my secret?”

  I gave a guarded glance in Pappy’s direction, cognizant that Blade had moved away from the table. “Sure.”

  “I’m an ex-cop. Brooklyn trained. I’m also no fool. Whoever just called terrified the hell out of you. The bastards are coming. Aren’t they?”

  As Blade rounded the corner of the bar, already in fight mode, I shrank back, the fear palpable. “Fine. Yes. Maybe. I think so.” Shit. Shit. Shit.

  “Then let’s get everyone out of the bar,” Pappy suggested. “Call the police, Crystal. Don’t try and be a hero here.”

  “I just don’t know what’s the best thing to do.” I felt Blade’s warm body as he eased behind me, keeping his voice low.

  “Do as the man said, Crystal. Close the bar. I need to get you out of here and you don’t want anyone hurt. We’ll make a report of suspicious activity as soon as we leave.”

  Anger spilled inside of me, fueling the rage I’d felt earlier. I also realized that Blade didn’t want to have anything to do with the cops. “That sounds reasonable.” Nothing sounded reasonable at this point but at least it was a plan. I couldn’t stand not knowing what was going to happen. I’d promised myself I’d never live in fear again. “Listen up, folks. The bar is closing. Finish your food and drinks and I’ll be coming around with your tabs.”

  I heard some grumbling, but mostly I sensed a growing fear, the tension in the place thick as mud.

  “All right. Close up everything. I’ll go outside and see what I can find.” Blade’s voice remained soothing, a calming effect. “Then we’ll leave. You’re going to do this for me. Aren’t you?” The words were a direct command.

  “Yes.” Yes, sir. Whatever you say, sir. “I’ll go tell the cooks.” The control he had over me was tantalizing, but I found myself still unable to focus. I knew every step was perfunctory in nature, but I moved quickly into the kitchen, giving my commands in a take no shit attitude. I dared the fucking Desperados to mess with me. Not tonight. This was still my bar.

  The majority of the customers wer
e gone in ten minutes. I stood by the door, waiting until the last one was out before slamming and locking it, immediately closing the blinds. Only Pappy remained. Immediately I started to pace the floor, waiting for Blade’s return.

  “He’ll be all right,” Pappy said quietly. “Men like him take no shit. He knows what he’s doing.”

  “Yeah? How would you know that? And you don’t know the Desperados. They’re evil. Deadly,” I protested, debating calling the police. What good would it do? I’d put them on notice, maybe a direct line to whoever led the fucking gang. God, everything was so damn muddled. I had my things on the counter, keys ready just as instructed. Tonight, I was very afraid.

  “I know their reputation. I’m well aware of their capabilities, but I’ve been around the block more than a few times. Blade is the real deal.”

  I had to wonder what the real deal actually was. A slight whimper escaping, I pressed my hand over my lips, trying to keep from falling apart. I was stronger than this, braver. “Why are they doing this? Who the hell am I?”

  “You want me to give you a truthful answer?”

  I shot a look in his direction, trying to ascertain what he was saying. “Pappy, if you know something, you damn well better let me know.”

  The banging noise at the back door drew Pappy immediately from his barstool, his hand whipping out the gun in seconds. “Stay here,” he said under his breath as he headed for the back.

  Crouching down, I moved toward the window, peeking from the edge of the blind.

  “Just Blade. Crystal, get away from the window. Don’t set yourself up as an easy target.” Pappy directed.

  “He’s right. We’re going to leave through the back. Give me your keys and I’ll get the truck,” Blade instructed.

  “Did you see anything?” I wasn’t certain I wanted to know the answer.

  “No, but that doesn’t mean anything. They’d damn good at hiding in plain sight when they want to. Come on.” Blade headed in my direction, his boots thudding on the floor. That’s all I could concentrate on, the power of his movements and the fact he wanted to protect me.