by Piper Stone
He nodded. “This could work very well in our favor, but only if we play the cards right.”
“Meaning what? That I need to kill her? I’m not going to do that. I can’t.”
The smile on his face pissed me off as much as my outburst. “I was right. As soon as I saw the picture, I knew you’d find her attractive.”
“That no longer matters. This family and our business must be protected. Getting the asshole out of our territory is vital.” I paced the floor, furious with myself. What the fuck had I been thinking? The truth was I’d been thinking with my cock instead of my head.
“While I don’t disagree, you do have options, the ability to send a message of your own that the King family will not be taken down easily.”
“Options. What in the hell options do I have, Joseph?”
He walked closer, gripping my shoulder. “Marry her.”
Chapter 11
Cristiano
The thought was ridiculous, blasphemous. I had no intention of marrying the woman. While Joseph had taken the time to explain the reasons I should, including she could no longer testify against me and that I could acquire additional information at some point, I wasn’t interested. I’d instructed him to find another way before walking out of his office, disgusted with the entire situation.
Instead of returning to my car, I walked Bourbon Street, drinking in the sights and sounds. Music blared from several locations. Various scents of food floated out the doors. And everywhere there was joy and happiness.
While the calculated idea of forcing our nuptials was practical, some families continuing what I considered to be an ancient practice, even my father hadn’t stooped to anything so low in his thinking. We were Americans, free to choose what we wanted to do and who we desired to be with. Love was difficult at best, the majority of women unable to handle the business let alone the lifestyle, but this was entirely different.
How the hell would I be able to trust her? She’d run away or worse, attempt to kill me. Emily had enough strength and resolve to do so.
Unfortunately, I knew I had to give it serious consideration. If there was indeed no other choice, then Emily would make a beautiful bride.
Chuckling, I entered one of the upscale women’s clothing stores in the city.
“Can I help you?” a clerk asked as she approached. I could tell she recognized me immediately. “Mr. King. I’ll be happy to find anything you’d like.”
As I gazed around the store, I was pleasantly surprised at their selection. “I need an entire wardrobe for a friend of mine.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“Dresses and lingerie. Shoes if you have them. Oh, and I’ll need several.”
Her eyes lit up with dollar signs. “I think I can find everything you need. What’s her size?”
I laughed, shaking my head. “I have no idea, but she’s about your height and build.”
“Well, excellent. Then follow me. My name is Sheila, by the way. Please make yourself at home while I select a few items. Marty, bring Mr. King a glass of champagne. We have a lounge over to the right. It won’t take very long at all.”
“Thank you.” I laughed softly to myself as I pictured Emily. “She’s very beautiful, Sheila. The kind of woman who holds an aura around her like sunshine. A lovely flower. Please make sure that the selections you make are feminine with a touch of magic.”
She smiled, a thoughtful look crossing her face. “You care about her very much, this friend.”
I thought about her question. For whatever reason, I did care about her, likely too much. “Yes, I do.”
“Then I’ll select only the most beautiful dresses that we carry.”
“One more thing, Sheila. Do you happen to know a bridal shop in this area?”
Her smile grew, her eyes twinkling. “Of course. I can help you with that as well.”
I hadn’t been to the office in over a year. Benson Tower was an architectural beauty, our offices located on the twenty-sixth floor, taking up a significant portion. My father had always insisted that we generate our business in a corporate environment instead of some sleazy back room in a bar or old warehouse. He’d also insisted on suits and ties, demanding that we look presentable at all times.
I’d missed the atmosphere, the mainly glass building and various water effects. Perhaps our business had become more profitable, our clients appreciative of our diligence to what we provided. I chuckled as I moved into the elevator, pressing the button for the top floor. Then again, I’d been very selective about the clients I’d allowed to walk into our office suite.
As I walked into the office, I was surprised that there were very few employees. It was obvious Lucian had let them go for the day.
He appeared in the hallway, taking a deep breath before turning and heading into his office. While I followed, I took my time, closing the door once I was inside.
“I think you need to tell me exactly what’s going on. In business and with regard to rumors in the streets.” I had no inflection in my voice, but I certainly had contempt for him in my mind.
“I’m certain Joseph told you enough,” Lucian said, a hint of resentment in his tone. “Business is stable, but I don’t know for how long.”
“Joseph mentioned that a man named Enrique Vendez is attempting to move in on our turf, likely the very reason that you haven’t been able to get into the Dealer’s Club.”
“That’s what I suspected as well.”
I walked closer, doing everything I could to curtail my temper. “And you didn’t choose to tell me this before?”
He turned sharply, glaring me in the eyes. “What the hell were you going to do behind bars, Cristiano? What? You couldn’t do a damn thing. If Joseph told you what he expressed only two weeks ago, the man is a total mystery. I’ve pulled every resource I can in hopes of finding this individual, but either he’s paid people to keep their mouths shut or worse. There is a stench of fear on the streets, as if there is an impending course of actions that will derail several of our businesses. If I had anything concrete, I assure you that I would tell you.”
“I would hope that you would, Lucian. Did you know about the witness?”
He shook his head vehemently. “Not until Dimitri was able to locate her identity just a couple of days ago. The justice department did a damn good job of keeping her a secret. Our people inside the department had been shut out, perhaps because they’re low level employees.”
“But you have your doubts.”
“I always have doubts, Cristiano. I did learn something about our father’s way of doing business. By the time Dimitri found Ms. Porter, we’d just been made aware of your release. At that point, I knew it was something you’d want to handle personally, although I certainly didn’t think you’d have the balls to kidnap her.”
Sighing, I had no doubt he was telling me the truth. “You were right in your assumptions and how I handle the woman is entirely my decision. What about the shipment from South America a couple of months ago? I heard there were incidents.”
He laughed. “The bastard Julio wanted sixty percent instead of thirty. He was told in no uncertain terms he would be cut off from any future business opportunities.”
“Did he accept?”
“Only after I had one of his boats torched. I’m certain our good friend Carlos Morales was angry about the loss of party favors, but he was intelligent enough not to make a threat.”
The Morales Cartel wouldn’t take the loss of product lightly. There would be an attempt at retaliation at some point.
However, I hadn’t expected the answer and couldn’t help but smile. My brother had never had an affinity for violence. I gathered he was finally understanding the necessity in some circumstances. Perhaps he had learned a few things from our father. “A good decision.”
“Wow. My brother actually can give a compliment. Maybe Emily is good for you.”
Tensing, I resisted lashing out. We needed to work together at this point.
“Look. I’m sorry that you were forced into carrying the load. From what I’ve heard, you’ve done a good job.”
He gave me a hard look. “Vincenzo actually stepped up to the plate when necessary. Even Michael was on board with providing aid. We are a family after all.”
I was glad to hear the others had been useful. “You need to get a handle on New York.”
“What about this Vendez?”
“Once found, he will need to be eliminated, but not until I figure out exactly what he’s attempting to do. However, I have a bad feeling that whatever his plan, it’s going to happen quickly.”
“I agree with you. And Emily?”
A rush of heat boosted the level of adrenaline. “I haven’t decided.”
“Well, that is something you need to do and quickly.”
“Joseph told you that I’ve kept her. Of course he did.”
“You’re right in that whatever you do is your decision, but I suggest you try and keep in mind that she could be nothing more than a plant.”
“So I’ve been told.”
He snorted before walking around his desk, pressing down on his keyboard then turning his laptop around to face me.
I walked closer, eyeing the face of a man who’d been a thorn in the family’s side for years. Griffin Williams was the lead prosecutor in the state department, an asshole who’d been determined to bring us down. He’d held a press conference, just like Joseph had mentioned.
“Let me turn the sound up for you,” Lucian said.
“What are your intentions with regards to Cristiano King?” A reporter swung the microphone in his direction, her face beaming at being close to the man. Griffin stood on the steps of the courthouse, the large crowd gathered around him mostly reporters. He’d always adored the attention, exploiting his impeccable win record as if he should be honored.
However, for the half dozen times he’d attempted to bring down the King family, he hadn’t succeeded. He hadn’t even been the one to handle the prosecution in my case and was likely fuming from the fact.
“I’ve been assigned to the case and I plan on ensuring that the people of New Orleans and the entire state of Louisiana are protected from every thug, including Cristiano King. He is a criminal who should spend the rest of his life behind bars. Trust me. I intend on making that happen. New evidence has come to light that will enhance my case.” Gloating, as Griffin stared into the camera, he smiled, likely speaking directly to me.
New evidence. What the fuck was the asshole getting at?
Lucian switched off the link, shaking his head. “I don’t like this, Cristiano. Griffin is a pig, but he’s been itching to take us down for years. You need to listen to Joseph. This thing is about to get ugly.”
Ugly wasn’t the word I would use. This was going to get bloody.
Whatever decision I would make regarding Emily would need to be done tonight.
By the time I finished the business of the day, it was already dark, the slight moon only creating ominous shadows as I drove down the streets. Anger and sadness remained furrowing in my mind, my gut churning from the volley of information I’d received. If Vendez was attempting to eradicate the family, he had to be found quickly.
The rest was… unsavory.
I sat in the driveway for a full two minutes before easing from the car, yanking the bags into my hands. My anger had abated to a manageable degree, but she would need to be punished for lying to me. She was a smart girl. I refused to buy that she had no idea about what was going on. As I walked inside, I heard music coming from another portion of the house. Music. What the fuck did Dimitri think this was? Some kind of freaking day off?
Dumping the bags, I took long strides down the hallway, finding no one in the family room. Fuck. What the hell was going on?
My anger swelled as well as fear, real fear. There was also a chance that her life could be placed in danger. All the prosecutors needed was her previous testimony. If she’d been used as a pawn, then she was expendable. I couldn’t rule out any of the possibilities. When I didn’t find either one in the kitchen, I stormed outside, bristling the second I noticed Emily with her feet in the water, Dimitri standing in the shadows.
“What the fuck is going on?” I bellowed as I approached.
Immediately, Dimitri moved into the dim light, a pensive look on his face. “She wanted to see the pool. I didn’t think you’d mind.”
There was no hesitation. I took long strides in his direction, backhanding him across the jaw.
He stumbled, his weapon almost slipping from his hand.
“Cristiano!” Emily yelped as she scrambled to her feet. “What the hell are you doing?”
“My soldier knows better than to allow you outside. There are far too many dangers.”
Dimitri rubbed his jaw, collecting himself yet not looking me in the eye. He knew he’d failed me. “I’m sorry, Mr. King. I honestly didn’t think there’d be a problem. The ground is secure. I made certain of it.”
“Yeah? Well, you weren’t thinking, Dimitri. That’s the fucking problem. You know as well as I do what’s at stake.” I could barely control my anger, the rage all but consuming me. I ran my hands through my hair before scanning the perimeter. While the property was as secure as possible, there were still plenty of weak areas where a sharpshooter could easily get off several shots.
“Yes, Mr. King. I understand. I’m sorry.” Dimitri took two steps away, his chest heaving. There was a hint of defiance in his voice, as I’d come to expect from him, although I knew he’d go no further for fear of facing my wrath.
“You’re such a fucking monster. There aren’t boogeymen hiding behind every shrub, Cristiano. You’re paranoid.” Emily huffed and tried to storm past me.
I grabbed her arm, yanking her against my chest and lowering my head. When I lifted her chin with a single finger, her glare was icy cold, reeking of venom. “That’s where you’re wrong, little flower. This isn’t about paranoia. This is about experience as well as knowledge of the kind of people I’ve dealt with my entire life. You don’t understand what I’m up against every day. Danger is real, something you need to keep in mind.”
She twisted her mouth, her eyes darting back and forth. “How very sad, Cristiano. What a wonderful life you lead, never being able to enjoy your surroundings.” She managed to yank her arm away, cursing under her breath as she hurried toward the house.
I let her go, fisting one hand and pressing the other against the handle of my weapon. Then I turned my full wrath on Dimitri. “You made a serious mistake. I have reason to believe that there will be an attempt made on my life and perhaps Emily’s as well.”
He shifted his gaze in my direction but there was no surprise in his eyes.
“Yes, sir. I’m aware. It won’t happen again.”
“You’re right. It won’t. As far as I’m concerned, you’re nothing more than a foot soldier.” I knew my words were cruel, heartless, and unforgiving. At that moment, I didn’t give a shit. I was angry with the world, prepared to take on anyone who got in my way.
He opened his mouth as if to try to provide an excuse then thought better of it. “Let me know who you’d like by your side and I’ll see that it happens. Again, I am sorry. I promised you that I would never let anything happen to her, and I intended on keeping that promise, even if it meant losing my life.” He turned, slowly walking toward the door.
I rubbed my forehead, hissing under my breath. “Dimitri. Just… You’re relieved for the day. Be back here at eight in the morning. Bring Nick with you.”
“Nick?” Dimitri asked. “Why?”
I wasn’t in the mood to be second guessed. I was well aware that Nick was still new to our operation, holding the lowest ranking. However, I had hopes he’d become an enforcer. “It’s time for him to get his feet wet. I’ll need you with me tomorrow to handle some business. You do believe he’s trustworthy.”
“Very much so. H
e’s also eager.”
“That’s what I’m looking for. Also find out everything you can about Enrique Vendez. His possible involvement was confirmed.”
The silence was deafening. He narrowed his eyes, finally nodding. “Yes, Mr. King.”
His perfunctory words were biting, but perhaps deserved.
“I did check on Emily’s friend. I can find no connection to any of our businesses. She seems clean.”
Sighing, I waved him off.
When he entered the house, the slight click of the door still gave me a snarl. If I wasn’t careful, I would lose it, and that couldn’t happen. The next few days were crucial, the plan of operation now required to change. I stared at the pool, the LED lights just giving me another reminder of all the things I’d ignored in my life. A snicker formed, my head aching.
At some point things had to change.
Before walking into the house, I thought about what I was going to say to her. Nothing would matter at this point. She would remain nothing more than a hostage, but one of vital importance. Maybe my instinct to capture her had been right after all.
I entered the house, taking several deep breaths. As expected, she was nowhere to be found. The music was still playing, the melodic sounds doing nothing but fueling my anger. I found her in the kitchen, a wineglass in her hand as she stood in front of the window. She sensed my presence immediately, twisting even more to avoid eye contact.
“You lied to me,” I stated, my tone stern.
“What the hell did I lie about? I already told you I don’t want to be here. I stated with clear emphasis that I witnessed your horrific act. What else do you want from me?”
“The truth.”
She shook her head with an exaggerated exhale. “I have told you the truth.”
“Then how were you able to purchase your lovely home? You have zero money. No stocks, no savings.”
Hissing, she jerked around to face me, venom the only expression I could read. “How dare you. Purchasing that house took every penny I had. Why do you think I know every Goodwill store in town?” She shook her head. “Wait. You think I was paid off for my testimony. My God.”
