by Piper Stone
“Hmmm... What a shame that you couldn’t do that with the lovely woman in your life.”
The asshole was pulling out all the stops to goad me. I felt a presence behind, was able to gather the scent of a woman’s fragrance.
“I am curious. How did you manage to arrange for Savannah and me to meet again?”
Snorting, he swaggered closer. “That was easy. I merely had my beautiful Angelina accept a job at the very café where you and Father determined that you would indulge in your music career while searching for Calleja. Coincidentally, the location was a few doors down from the art gallery where the lovely American worked. What a pity she couldn’t have been used as she was intended. She would have brought a hefty price on the market, especially given her voluptuous body. You know,” he said as he rubbed his jaw, “now that I think about it, there’s no reason not to continue with the original plan.”
Snarling, I’d had enough, my fury beyond the point of control. “You motherfucker. You will not touch her.” As I lunged forward, the woman from the background moved quickly toward me, holding a gun in her hand.
“Not so fast,” she said smugly.
“Don’t worry, my lovely Angelina. My brother doesn’t have it in him to kill me. Do you?” Dartanian laughed again. “Now, I suppose you would like to say your goodbyes? Yes? Keep a watch on him. If he flinches, shoot him in the knees.”
I closed my eyes briefly, trying to remember the good times we’d shared as a family. So much had changed over the last few years. “Do you love him?” I asked casually, as if I gave a shit what the woman thought.
“He’s very good to me. What’s not to love?” she answered. “Besides, once both you and your father are dead, there’s nothing holding him back from becoming one of the wealthiest men in the world.”
“I would watch your back at night, Angelina. One day he will crucify you.” I heard footsteps and braced for what I might see. The game I’d set in motion had to be played for a little while longer or I’d risk losing Savannah.
“Rafael. I thought you were dead,” Savannah said in a broken voice.
I turned to face her, clenching my fist and wanting nothing more than to reach for my weapon. Thank God that she didn’t appear to be hurt.
“Don’t worry, big brother. She’s just fine. I merely figured out where you were staying and pretended to be you, at least with regard to the secret knock. I figured you’d use the one we set up as kids. I also knew you’d go to the very cabin you used to try and get over Javier’s murder.” The grin on Dartanian’s face was disgusting.
“What now, Dartanian?”
“Now, I destroy the rest of your world. Don’t worry, brother. You’ll be alive to see all of it.” His grip remained firm on Savannah’s shoulder, the barrel of a gun pressed against her back.
She watched every move I made, including my facial expressions. I had to take a chance now or risk this getting out of hand. I locked eyes with her, my nostrils flaring as another round of anger settled in. I could tell her mind was processing, trying to figure out what was going to happen. “Well, I think you’re going to have an issue with destroying everything, brother.”
“And why is that?”
“Well, first of all, Father is safe, several of your men gunned down. Now, even if you manage to do some damage to some of the boats, I assure you that you won’t obtain much product and that the majority of your men will be killed in the process of trying.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” he demanded.
It was my turn to smile, shifting so Savannah noticed my gun. “The shipments have nothing to do with the product you were hoping for, merely stunning pieces of art waiting to be delivered to several other countries. Oh, and given Jorge did indeed deliver a warning, I managed to have thousands of soldiers sent to the various ports in question. You have one opportunity to call off your dogs or there will be blood spilled into the glorious turquoise ocean.”
He huffed, his face paling. “You’re bluffing.”
“I never bluff about business or pleasure. That is something you should have learned about me, brother.” I gave her a single last look before whistling.
As the door was broken down, soldiers filling the room, Savannah issued a single elbow to Dartanian’s gut, scrambling out of harm’s way.
Angelina yelped as she was wrestled to the floor.
“We took out the security team protecting the perimeter, boss,” Montego stated as he yanked the weapon from Angelina’s hand.
“Good, now take Savannah out of here!” I commanded before storming in Dartanian’s direction, wrapping my hand around his throat as I removed the weapon from his hand.
He glared at me, snarling under his breath. “Do it, brother. Why don’t you simply break my neck?”
I held the barrel of his own gun against his temple, my mind reeling from the level that he’d fallen to. I could still see him on the day at the beach. He’d seemed so happy, so free. A deep sadness gripped my heart, cutting off my air supply. “You deserve to rot in hell, brother.”
“Wait. Don’t.” Savannah’s voice rang out over the ones that seemed to be shouting in my mind. “Don’t, Rafael. That’s not you. Remember, choices.”
I closed my eyes before gazing into her eyes. I’d never seen such love or concern in my entire life. She was right, I had a choice to make but it was necessary that I do so. “Take her out of here.”
“Rafael,” she whispered as Montego took her arm.
I slowly turned my head, studying Dartanian’s eyes and in that moment, I could see the little boy who used to look up to me, the very one who wanted nothing more than to be just like his big brother.
And that’s exactly what had happened.
Choices...
Chapter Eighteen
Savannah
Choices.
I’d made some of the most difficult ones in my life during the last week. I’d shed more than a few tears as I lay awake at night worrying about the future. Then there’d been a beautiful sense of peace and warmth, a knowing that I’d made the right decision, no matter how difficult it had been.
Or how horrible it would be.
Rafael had been protective and nurturing, loving and kind. The passion had been unequaled, but I’d felt a part of him missing that I could never replace. He’d barely talked. We’d discussed everything from movies to music, yet his words had been stilted. I’d realized that I wasn’t his heart even though I knew he loved me, at least in his own way. Possessive. Even obsessive. Maybe I was looking for the fairytale. Maybe I was hoping for the white picket fence with the perfect little house where no evils could find us.
That wasn’t reality.
Death would always be in the background.
Danger would always raise its nasty head.
Swallowing hard, I refused to think about the inevitable. I wanted to enjoy the here and now, the time we could spend together.
How I longed to hear the sounds of Rafael’s guitar. A simple life.
I took a deep breath and tipped my head toward the sun. The day was unusually warm, the few clouds forming the most incredible shapes in the sky. As I walked out into the water, I twirled in a full circle, laughing like a stupid little kid as I kept my eyes closed. Perhaps I was being ridiculous given the tumultuous week that had just passed, but I needed a moment of laughter. The tide was rolling in, the water just cold enough that I yelped when the wave splashed over my feet.
Everything was almost magical on this day, allowing me to twirl like a carefree girl, my dress floating in the air. I wanted happiness. I craved love. I hungered for normalcy.
Karma had other things in mind.
The sound of feet heading toward me quickly forced a slight quiver in my stomach.
But it wasn’t about fear, worry that some bad man was coming to take me away or even about the possibility of being killed just because of who I was. The butterflies swimming in my tummy were all about one dark, dangerous, and delicious man.
The one with the sexy smile.
The one with the body carved out of stone.
The one who managed to take my breath away every time he walked into the room.
And the one who owned me—body, heart, and soul.
Rafael.
I felt his strong arms wrapping around me, lifting me into the air as he swung me around in several circles, almost tripping on the wet sand.
As he slid me down the length of his body, the feel of his rock-hard cock pressing into my belly was far too tempting. “Looks like someone missed me,” I breathed as I placed my arms over his shoulders.
“And looks like someone was a very bad girl, leaving without telling me where she was going,” he countered as he rubbed his hands down the length of my back, cupping my buttocks.
“Where could I go?” I couldn’t resist grinding my hips against him provocatively, just as desperately hungry for him as I always was.
“That’s not the point, my sweet yet very mischievous woman.”
“Yours, huh?” I asked demurely as I rose onto my tiptoes.
“Contract signed with no out clauses.” The grin on his face was the first I’d seen since finding out about his brother’s wretched betrayal. “That means that you follow my rules. What happens when you don’t?”
“Then my master gives me a spanking?” I couldn’t resist faking a pout, using just a single finger to slide down his jagged scar to his neck, flicking the tip back and forth across the base of his ear.
Nodding, he issued a series of growls before sliding his hands under my dress, delivering four hard smacks in a row on my buttocks.
“Ouch!”
He laughed in a husky manner as he dragged me even closer, crushing his body against mine. “Spankings will always hurt. I think you need to keep that in mind before you go off halfcocked.”
I inched my head closer, drinking in his musky cologne. I could never get enough of the scent of him, or the way he held me tightly in his arms. He’d become more possessive since the nightmare, although he’d accepted the fact that I needed some level of freedom, allowing me to continue working in the galleria until my aunt’s return. I’d seen the security detail he’d assigned, the men in dark cars watching my every move. I couldn’t blame him. What had happened over the last seven days had been blinding, leaving his family in shambles and his business in need of reorganization.
Making him even more of a shell.
I’d also learned that Rafael Santiago was a true leader, dangerous and ruthless, but even under his coat of steel, he did have a heart buried under his brawn and muscle. If only he would allow me inside.
I’d seen his huge heart in action not only once but twice in saving both his brother’s and his enforcer’s lives, though there’d been directives put in place. No one was to ever talk about what had occurred again. I had no idea what their fate would be and in truth, I didn’t want to know. I realized just how cruel the Galicia mafia could be by hearing only a few stories. However, Rafael had been devastated by the loss of both of his brothers in entirely different ways.
At least Dartanian had called down his soldiers, preventing a significant loss of life. That had been the last piece of business that Rafael had shared. Now we were simply spending time together at the A Coruna beach house, days taking walks and exploring the various tourist attractions. Nights were all about passion.
But he never talked, had never said even once that he loved me. He was still a shell of a man, one incapable of letting go. Still, as he’d held me in his arms, I’d been able to see the love in his eyes. But honestly, that wasn’t enough. I couldn’t just be his possession.
He’s also never mentioned a word about my stepfather again although I’d asked more than once. I had a terrible feeling that I knew exactly what he’d done, his connections in the United States just as powerful. I wasn’t certain how to handle the news once I found out.
He lowered his head, taking several deep breaths before capturing my mouth. The weight of the world would always be on his shoulders, but at least he lost himself in the glory of our togetherness.
I had no idea how I was going to say goodbye.
As he fisted my hair, holding me in place, he pushed his tongue past my lips. I could taste the hint of scotch, even a touch of cinnamon and all I could think about was surrendering to his every need.
I wiggled in his hold, luxuriating in the feel of his throbbing cock, my mouth watering at the thought of having him inside of me, filling me. He dominated my tongue, sweeping his over mine like a wild animal devouring its prey. I was completely aroused, my nipples aching and my panties already soaked. I knew if he hadn’t been holding me that I wouldn’t be able to stand without swaying.
He had that kind of hold over me.
Hypnotic.
Possessive.
As the kiss continued, I felt the rapid beating of his heart, could feel the flex of his muscles as he remained tense. Even in his sleep he never seemed to relax, always worried about the next level of opposition or another betrayal that he’d be forced to deal with. I couldn’t imagine what he was going through.
And I couldn’t live the rest of my life in the shadow of his fear. At least I had an excuse for staying in the country, enjoying his attention. I would honor my aunt by keeping her galleria running. I’d truly learned the meaning of the word loyalty during the last few days.
He gently pushed me away with a low and husky growl before tossing me over his shoulder. “Time for that spanking.”
“No!” I exclaimed, laughing as he took long strides in the direction of the house. Even though I pummeled my fists against him, it didn’t seem to have any effect. He was big and strong, refusing to fall into my temptress ways.
He took the stairs two at a time, moving quickly toward the back door, yanking open the slider with ease. When he walked me into the kitchen, I was surprised but even more so seeing the array of implements positioned on the counter. I gulped, realizing that he was serious about the harsh spanking.
Maybe I did deserve one but oh, my God. There were paddles and wooden spoons, the bath brush I’d come to hate, two different straps, and his thick black belt curled like a snake. There was also a cane and a switch of some kind positioned just so.
As he eased me down onto my feet, I groaned, backing away. He lifted a single eyebrow, giving me the same stern expression he always did when I’d displeased him in some way.
I also noticed another anal plug sitting smack in between the dozen or so implements.
“Take off your clothes,” he commanded as he moved closer to the counter.
“Really?”
“Your correct response would be ‘yes, sir.’ You know what happens if I have to ask you twice.”
I took a deep breath and reached for the hem of my dress, every part of me tingling from anticipation. Hearing the doorbell wasn’t a complete shock. Several of his enforcers had visited during the last week, bringing news of the various situations. However, I could tell by the annoyance crossing his face that he wasn’t expecting a visitor.
“Stay here,” he stated, tilting his head until I nodded in agreement. There was no hesitation as he grabbed his weapon, sliding it against the small of his back.
I slunk against the edge of the counter, refusing to glance at the array of pain creators. Unable to stop myself, I fingered the cane, moving up and down slowly. Sadness gripped my heart, the anguish of not sharing my life with him weighing heavily. I was just a simple girl, a schoolteacher who longed for a quiet life, something Rafael could never provide. I jerked my hand away, second guessing my decision for the twentieth time.
A few seconds later, I heard voices, the female loud and boisterous, allowing me a smile.
My aunt had returned.
Early.
No. No!
My initial reaction was utter despair because I’d be forced to face the decision I’d made, breaking my heart into tiny little pieces. I could still have a few days. At least I woul
d convince myself of that false truth. The sooner I left the country the better.
But for whom?
I plastered a smile on my face as I walked just out of the kitchen. My aunt was exactly as I’d remembered ten years before, her vivid attire and flaming red hair matching her personality perfectly. “Aunt Lucia. I didn’t expect to see you for a few weeks.”
“Child. Do you honestly think I could spend more than a few weeks with the same man?” she asked, winking. After another laugh, her face fell as she inched forward, pulling me into her arms. The whisper was meant for only my ears. “I heard from Elena what happened. One of the security guards finally gave me this address. Are you all right?”
“I’m just fine. Nothing happened.” The feel of her arms around me was comforting. Shivering, I darted a look in Rafael’s direction. His face was pensive, studying my aunt. The fact a soldier had given up the beach house address to anyone would likely mean his dismissal.
Or worse.
Then again, my aunt could be very convincing.
Sighing, she leaned back, turning her attention immediately toward him, her gaze harsh at first. “I must say that you are much better looking in person than on the television. I understand that you were responsible for taking care of my beautiful niece.”
He nodded, his eyes as penetrating as always. “Protecting her is part of my job.”
“Your job. You make love sound like it’s painful,” Lucia answered. “Well, for me it sadly is.” She laughed and took my hands into hers. “I won’t keep you, my sweet girl, but I wanted to let you know I was back in town and I needed to bring you some news from America that you deserve to hear.”
“News?” I shifted my gaze once again in his direction.
“About your stepfather and before you say anything, I agree that he should rot in rat-infested sewers, but you need to know this.”
