by Stone, Piper
“I’ll be in shortly,” Michael said, giving his soldier a commanding look.
The man shut the door, leading the group away.
Michael took a deep breath a few seconds later, finally shifting his body in order to face me. “While I understand just how difficult this must be for you, at all times you will remember our deal.”
“I am well aware of what I agreed to.”
“I’m glad to hear it. There are rules that must be followed. You are responsible for the children at all times. While I will be involved for dinner, some adventures outside of the chalet, and some private family time, you will be their constant companion. I still have work to do even while I’m here. I’ve taken the liberty to have the pantry stocked with everything you should need in order to keep them nourished, but if there is anything that you require, all you need to do is tell my Capo, Carlo. He is your primary source for obtaining your requests, as long as they are within reason.”
“Understood.” The tremors remained skating down my back. I found it difficult to maintain eye contact with him. Every time I did, I was drawn into his bleak and tragic world. Whatever had happened to the children’s mother obviously continued to weigh heavily on his mind. However, that didn’t make him a good person.
He nodded. “As you may have noticed, there is little more than mountains for miles. Running would be futile, but if you attempt to do so, you will be punished until you regret your actions.”
Punished. That meant he would give me another spanking. The concept was barbaric at best, but of course he believed he owned me already.
Over my dead body.
Or his.
“You will not be locked in your room, but you are also not allowed to secure your door,” he continued.
“That’s because you can come in at any time.”
Another vision stormed into my mind, the man fucking me like some animal. He’d been so rough, taking me without hesitation, stretching my pussy wide open for him. Why were my nipples aching, my mouth dry?
Leaning in, he cupped my jaw, his fingers digging in. The closer he came, the more I quivered, my heart skipping beats. “Yes, that’s exactly right. I plan on enjoying every inch of you, exploring your voluptuous body as many times as I find necessary.”
His hot breath cascaded across my face, forcing goosebumps prickling on my arms. I dragged my tongue across my lips. When his nostrils flared, a slight smile crossing his face, I fisted my hands.
“You really are a monster.”
“I’ve been called many things, Daniella. My entire family has.”
“All well-deserved, I’m certain.”
Snickering, he lowered his head until our lips were almost touching. “Your tongue is biting. Be careful, Daniella, I won’t tolerate your insolence, and I assure you that it will be dealt with as necessary. Bad girls deserve punishment from time to time.”
“You’re insane.”
He laughed and fisted my hair with his other hand, yanking me closer. “Absolutely.” When he captured my mouth, I was taken aback, the taste of cinnamon from a handful of candies igniting my senses.
I pressed my hands against his chest, trying to fight him off, no longer able to breathe or focus. Yet my pussy ached, already dampening my panties.
Disgusting.
Revolting.
Horrible.
There were dozens of words I could use, none of which would matter.
Michael thrust his tongue inside, dominating mine as the kiss became a roar of passion. I was hot all over, my ears ringing from some unknown reason. He growled into the kiss, the sound floating all around me, matching the hard hammering of my heart.
I couldn’t stand my body’s reaction, the way I yielded to him without a fight, yet as I clung to his shirt, I was able to feel his rippling muscles through the thin material. The sight of him in dark jeans and a cobalt blue shirt had stripped me of normal breathing, the dense material of his pants unable to hide his sculpted long legs and narrow hips.
And the thick, mouthwatering bulge between his legs.
No. No.
This wasn’t a Cinderella situation. This was abduction and nothing more.
When he eased back, he chuckled with the same dark and ominous tone. “Tonight, you’ll become mine.” Without hesitation, he threw open the door.
I sucked in my breath, pressing my hand across my lips. The taste of him had been sweet, the insanity of his cologne adding fuel to the embers incredible. My legs shaky, I eased out of the SUV, shivering instantly, but not from the bitter cold.
From the man whose savagery had enticed the woman inside. I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t allow him to get to me.
To break me as he’d predicted.
Taking a deep breath, I bolstered my courage, walking past him without bothering to give him a second look. The moment I walked inside, I couldn’t stop a gasp from leaving my throat. The exquisite exterior hadn’t been able to prepare me for the gorgeous interior.
A stone fireplace reaching thirty feet in the air.
Wooden timbers crisscrossing the A-line cathedral roof.
A winding staircase leading up several floors, the carved bannisters an architectural marvel.
Every light was a thing of beauty, creative and artistic.
Even the bar covering one entire section of the expansive room was indescribable with black granite or marble highlighting a massive collection of wines and liquors, crystal glasses lined perfectly on two glass shelves.
And the three bearskin rugs under various sitting areas with leather furniture were plush and inviting.
I turned in a full circle and from every direction there was the same spectacular view.
From somewhere in the house I heard the happy squeals of the twins, the sound only adding to my utter confusion.
I felt his presence behind me and tried to remain calm. This was really happening.
“Titus will take your things to your room, which is on the third floor down the hall from the children’s wing. You have a private bathroom. I’m certain you’ll find it comfortable. The kitchen is to your right. On the left is the movie theater. On the floor below you’ll find a complete wine cellar, exercise room, pool as well as a spa. The fourth floor is off limits. That’s my private area, by invitation only. Are we clear?”
“Yes, Mr. King. Very clear.”
“There’s one other thing, Daniella, and you need to listen to me. My enemies will stop at nothing to try and get to me. While no one is aware of this location, there’s always a possibility that I’ll be betrayed. Located inside the closet in the children’s playroom is a separate console. The numbers are 6-2-5-9. Inside you will find a panic room with a small communications system and all the necessities for remaining for an extended period of time.”
“A panic room?” My God, the man actually lived this way?
“A necessity if the location is compromised. No matter what occurs or what you hear, if the security is breached, you are to take the children into the room. It’s impenetrable at that point, unless you press a button on the console inside allowing the same numbers that I’ve given you to be accepted. Only Carlo and I are aware of those numbers. Memorize them. Do you understand?”
“You must hate your life.”
He snickered before walking away. “Make yourself at home. Please take a moment to acquaint yourself with the house, including your room.”
Home. I wasn’t certain he even understood the meaning of the word.
The sound of paws racing down the stairs was followed by a series of woofs as Elle bounded toward us.
Michael moved away from me, bending over and rubbing the Golden, his murmurs of love disjointing. I’d been dismissed, told to go to my room.
I heard voices of the other men as they walked inside carrying our luggage. They laughed, their comradery evident. They gave their boss a respectful nod before moving up the stairs. I pulled off my jacket, finding the coat closet then moving toward the kitchen. Whe
n I turned on a light, I couldn’t hold back another gasp. The compact track lighting illuminated a bank of light wood cabinets, steel-gray appliances, a quartz backsplash, and an island so large that I wouldn’t be able to reach across the surface. The kitchen was a dream.
Backing away, when I returned to the living room, Michael no longer remained.
“Miss Zimmerman, come look at my room!” Isabella called down from the stairs as she clung to the bannister. Her eagerness allowed me to smile.
“I’m coming right now.” I bounded up the stairs, the little girl waiting with her hand. As she led me down the hallway, I caught a glimpse of what had to be my bedroom, the large bed covered with a plush comforter and several pillows. The chalet was fit for a king.
I bit back a laugh at the thought.
She pulled me into one of the rooms and all I could do was shake my head. Michael had spared no expense, the four-poster canopy bed in white befitting a princess, the room decorated in her favorite color of purple. There were dozens of stuffed animals and an entire bookcase full of colorful books. There was a gauzy tent with lighting inside. And dolls. There were the most beautiful dolls I’d ever seen.
“This is gorgeous, little one.”
“It’s beautiful,” she giggled, forced to use a stepstool covered in velvet in order to climb onto her bed.
“Well, I can see we’re going to enjoy reading several books while we’re here.”
She clapped her hands, her blue eyes twinkling.
I walked further inside, noticing the single picture on her nightstand. She watched me as I walked closer, hunkering down in order to see. The picture had been taken on a lovely spring day, flowers in the background. The smiling woman had Isabella’s eyes, the same nose, and the most beautiful blonde hair.
“Is this your mommy?”
“Uh-huh. She’s in heaven with the angels.”
Her little voice tugged at my heart. “She’s beautiful. Just. Like. You.” I laughed and tugged on her braid before standing.
I felt a tug on my sweater and turned to face Alessandro. He had the same faraway look in his eyes as he usually did while in class, pained and closed off.
“What about your room?” I asked.
He beckoned me toward it, stomping inside and slapping his hands on his hips.
While Alessandro rarely talked about anything he enjoyed, I did know about his adoration of racecars and drivers. The room reflected that adoration in almost every detail, including the racecar bed.
“This is absolutely amazing,” I offered.
“It’ll do.” He immediately walked toward his desk, sitting down with his back facing me. He’d shut down much like I’d seen dozens of times before.
Sighing, I studied him for a few minutes before moving toward the last room on the floor. Nothing should shock me any longer, but the combination art studio, playroom, and classroom was even more impressive than the rest of the house. A child’s imagination could be energized by just walking into the room. There were paints and easels along with other toys, colorful characters painted on the walls. A jungle scene with lions and giraffes on one wall, an ocean scene with dolphins and colorful fish on another. I doubted I would need to ask for anything to complete the environment.
I glanced over my shoulder before walking further into the room. The taste of Michael’s kiss remained, continuing to excite me. I shoved it aside and moved toward the closet, pulling back the double doors. Inside were shelves lined with supplies, everything I should need. After discovering the console Michael had mentioned, the entire situation finally formed in the front of my mind.
His world was full of danger every minute of every day.
Now, so was mine.
The thought just as terrifying as the situation, I backed out of the room, rushing toward the bedroom assigned to me. A refuge from the truth. After closing the door, I stood against in, trying to control my breathing. How could any of this be real?
The bedroom was just as luxurious as the rest of the house, a comfy chair positioned in front of the window, a bookshelf lined with books of my own. Even the dresser was larger than any I’d ever seen. My feet were heavy as I moved further into the room, opening the walk-in closet door and shaking my head. My suitcases had already been placed inside. As I walked into the bathroom, for a few precious seconds, I felt like a fairy princess.
The soaking tub was surrounded by woodgrain panels, candles lining the edge. A three-inch white quartz counter surrounded a gorgeous sink made of the same material. The shower was larger than my entire bathroom and the closet was lined with thick towels.
I’d never felt so uncomfortable in my life, unable to wrangle my emotions or my fear. I walked toward the window, finally sinking into the chair and staring outside. The future looked bleak, my world crumbling. As I pulled my legs underneath me, I finally allowed myself to cry.
Then I prayed.
What stuck in my mind was that I wasn’t entirely certain who I was praying for.
* * *
Time.
It seemed time stood still in the frosty posh scene where the upper crust of society enjoyed a winter holiday. I’d been left alone, which surprised the hell out of me. At least two hours had passed, although I hadn’t bothered to look at my watch. I remained in the comfy chair, staring out at the ice-covered trees and thick layering of snow. Maybe I was searching for some kind of peace or reckoning with my decision. Either way, I knew what little time I’d been given was likely coming to an end. Darkness was about to fall, the sky remaining turbulent.
As I moved to my closet, studying the two suitcases, I wasn’t certain whether to bother opening them. What did it matter? Yes, I had a job to do and I loved being a teacher. It’s all I’d ever wanted to do, working two jobs while attending college just to be able to afford to eat. Some would consider the opportunity I’d been given an amazing event that only happened to the lucky ones.
I knew differently.
I doubted Michael would actually let me go, but maybe what tiny bit of hope I had left would be enough to endure the prison situation.
I laughed softly as I moved to the floor, taking a deep breath before opening the case. An involuntary smile crossed my face. I’d expected a few bits of clothing, maybe a couple toiletries had been tossed into the case haphazardly. After all, the four men considered Michael’s soldiers might appear sophisticated given the suits they continued to wear, but I knew better by the looks in their eyes.
And the amount of firepower they’d carried with them. There’d been no custom check at the airport, no concern with passports or other identification. It would appear that the King family had connections all over the world.
Every single piece of clothing was neatly folded, the selections meant for a colder climate, which meant the brutes had been forced to look in my winter clothes in order to find anything appropriate. As I pulled my cosmetic bag into my hand, I shook my head then unzipped, peering at the contents. Jesus. It would seem the men actually knew what they were doing.
I selected another sweater, not bothering to close the case let alone putting anything away. After studying my reflection in the bathroom mirror, I stood in front of the closed door for almost a full minute before finding the courage to leave the room.
The children were no longer in their rooms, the house remarkably quiet. As I moved to the stairs, I studied the passageway leading to the upper floor. While there was no door leading to the balcony, no locks of any type I could see, all the doors were closed. A part of me wanted nothing more than to race up the stairs, finding out what Michael was dead set on hiding.
But for now, I would obey.
I headed down the stairs, still seeing no one, my curiosity getting the better of me. There was a door separating the bottom floor from the rest of the house and I expected it to be locked, but I was pleasantly surprised. True to what Michael had told me, the floor below was larger and in my mind, the perfect example of an adult playground.
The exercis
e area was complete with several pieces of equipment, a small bar with a refrigerator stocked with bottles of water, juice, and power drinks. There were towels waiting and ready and a large television as well as music for every individual piece. There was also a shower and a sauna leading to a massage room.
As I walked into the pool area, I was stunned at the size. Steam billowed into the air; the entire room was decorated as a tropical location, windows providing the perfect backdrop to the outside. There was even a massive glass door that when opened would allow the outdoor air to come inside.
However, my favorite area was the wine cellar and tasting bar. Hundreds of bottles graced the shelves, the LED lighting creating a perfect setting. What had struck me from the moment I walked in, confirmed by going through the house, was that there were no pictures besides the two of Michael’s deceased wife. None. Not of the family together or just the children.
Maybe it was too painful for Michael to face.
By the time I made it upstairs, I finally heard noise coming from the kitchen. Within seconds, I could smell garlic. What was going on?
I took careful steps toward the door, pressing my fingers over my mouth. Michael stood with a wooden spoon in his hand, the smile crossing his face larger than I’d seen so far. With his sleeves rolled up, he looked like nothing but a normal dad.
Not a murderous criminal.
He was animated, acting as if the spoon was a baton, directing the two little dancers banging together lids from stainless steel pots. Even Elle was dancing to the music coming from almost every corner of the room.
And on the six-burner gas stove was a bubbling sauce, beside a large pot of water meant for pasta. I couldn’t take my eyes off the scene for several seconds.
Then my presence was detected, Isabella running in my direction.
“Join us, Miss Zimmerman.”
