by Piper Stone
Every sound he made was akin to a beast mating in the wild. I was drawn by his raspy breathing, able to tell his body was shaking. When he began a rhythm of fucking me, plunging in and out slowly, the pain finally subsided. I was shocked that my muscles remained tingling, but the sensations were entirely different.
Pleasure.
Excitement.
Humiliation.
The combination was mind bending, my heart racing to the point echoes were pounding in my ears. I could barely hear the moans slipping from my throat but when I realized I was meeting every hard thrust, arching my back and shifting against him, I bit back a cry of anguish.
Not from the pain.
Not from the action itself.
From the realization I was actually enjoying this.
“That’s it. Take all of me,” he stated, his tone ripe with authority. He moved over me, planting his hands on either side, lifting and bending one leg. The angle was entirely different, the sensations electrifying.
We were nothing but animals, our combined hunger exploding. I couldn’t stop quivering as my muscles tensed. I was so alive, on fire as my desire shifted into something unimaginable. This was crazy.
This was horrible.
This was delicious.
As his body began to shake more violently, beads of his sweat trickling across my back, I knew he was close to coming.
“Yes. Yes…” His barbaric roar flashed into the room, the kind of primal bellow that you only heard in the wild.
Then he filled me with his seed.
He hung his head for a few minutes, blowing hot breath across my back. There were no words of passion or comfort, no promises of spending time together. After what seemed like only a few seconds, he disengaged, moving away from me.
I sensed he’d risen to his feet, but I couldn’t move. Every muscle ached and I remained tense and uncertain. When I felt the softness of the robe placed over my back, only then did I lower down to the carpet, watching as the credits scrolled by. The moment was surreal.
“Go to bed, Acadia. Tomorrow we leave for New Orleans.”
His statement was a directive and nothing more.
As I rose to my feet, I struggled into the robe immediately. I was even more embarrassed by my nakedness and by the feel the juice covering the inside of my thighs. I couldn’t imagine looking him in the eye. After grabbing my bottle of water, I headed toward the other room, a sickening curiosity rushing into me.
And I turned around.
He’d already dressed and was standing by the window. I could only see him from the side, but I didn’t need to look directly into his eyes. He’d shut down, returning to the coldblooded murderer he’d been before.
Armor.
The man would never let down his guard.
He would never enjoy a normal life.
And he would never let me go alive.
Chapter 6
Vincenzo
A fishing pier.
I found it interesting that Alejandro’s choice was the 61st Street Fishing Pier. Then again, if Gio De Luca tried to fuck with me, he could become fish bait in a matter of seconds. I chuckled at the thought. The pier was already crowded even at six-thirty in the morning. There would always be avid fishermen as well as tourists determined to get a taste of the lifestyle.
Still, the location seemed appropriate since I was searching for scum. I stood away from the majority of others, leaning over the railing and studying the water. It was calm but I could feel a storm on the horizon.
Only the kind of tumultuous cyclone I had in mind would be generated by the King family. Both Alejandro and Cobra stood within close proximity, completely prepared to handle any situations that might arise. So far, there hadn’t been a peep out of the Los Pirados, but I knew it was only a matter of time before they would initiate a plan of their own.
I didn’t need to be told De Luca was on his way. I could tell by Alejandro’s sudden change in behavior, his body stiffening. I certainly hoped the man wasn’t going to be stupid enough to think he could make a hit in broad daylight.
With seconds, De Luca flanked my side, although he remained a solid two feet away. I didn’t bother removing my sunglasses and neither did he. We stood quietly, absorbing the atmosphere and nothing more.
“You requested a meeting,” he finally said, his Italian accent more pronounced than I would have thought. He’d been sent to the finest schools in the United States starting with boarding school at the age of eight. He’d been groomed to take over the De Luca family business from the day he was born. He was a dangerous man, although given his level of intelligence, I doubted he was prepared to start a war.
“I did.”
“The great Vincenzo King. I would say your reputation precedes you.”
I chuckled under my breath. “And I would say your character and behavior has been interesting to watch.”
He seemed pleased that I even knew who he was. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Take it as you will. I need information. I am well aware that you have an ear to the ground, your connections impressive.”
“Well, it isn’t every day a member of the King family needs my help.” Gio laughed gregariously.
That pissed me off. His first mistake. He was underestimating my abilities. “I think I need to make myself clear, Gio. This is my town. These are my people and everything that occurs within the area my business. No one fucks with that. Not even you.” I turned my head slowly. I could tell almost instantly he was starting to understand.
“If you’ve learned anything about me, you know that I’m gathering information for my family and nothing more.”
It was my chance to laugh. “Information is valuable, Gio, as long as it’s used correctly. If not, it can be extremely deadly.” From what I’d heard, the De Luca family had every intention of attempting to make a move into the States. If they attempted such a feat, they would find their passageway difficult if not deadly.
He took a few seconds before addressing my comment. “What kind of information do you require?”
“There is someone attempting to move into the King territory. His attempts have proven to be bothersome to our family. I need to know the identity of the person or entity. I will guess that given your closeness to the community that you might be able to provide information as to who I need to be hunting.”
“Hunting. A strong word,” Gio huffed.
“A serious situation.” I kept my gaze locked on the water as well as the surrounding area.
“Unfortunately, I can’t provide you with the information you’re seeking; however, I’ve heard some things.”
“Such as?” I was losing my patience quickly.
“Such as someone from your family’s past is determined to bring you down.”
I shifted closer, finally removing my sunglasses, my rage surfacing. “Who? Don’t fuck with me, De Luca.”
He shot me a look then returned his attention toward the water. “That I do not know, my friend. It’s all about word on the street. You do remember that I run in different circles than you do.”
Gio De Luca would never be my friend; however, a certain amount of respect was still warranted. “What have you heard?”
“Enough to know there’s a hefty price for eliminating any member of the King family. It would seem that whatever line you’ve crossed has become impossible for someone to ignore any longer.”
Line.
The King family were the ones who drew lines in the sand.
I thought about what he’d just said. We had far too many enemies to narrow down the possibilities at this point, although there’d been little sign of activity from the Morales Cartel, considered our greatest threat over the last year. The majority of our enemies were dead, most tossed into the ocean.
“I’m fully aware of why you were positioned in our country at such a young age, Gio. I will give kudos to your father for wanting you to fully understand the culture. As with any business, there i
s always room to expand; however, I suggest you remind your father that he needs to choose wisely certain decisions he makes in the future.”
“Meaning?” he huffed.
“Meaning that while America is the land of possibilities, it doesn’t take kindly to those attempting to infiltrate tightly run organizations or territories. As you might have noted in your educational process, the King family has never attempted to reclaim our rightful kingdom in Italy, although my father had every intention of doing so. Given our power and influence, I would assume that would make for a difficult transition on both sides of the ocean.”
Gio bristled, his hand suddenly gripping the railing. I could tell I’d angered him, which had been my intent. With everything the family had gone through over the last year, we’d come to the conclusion that no one was going to invade our turf on any level. The De Lucas were no different, even if Gio was able to provide assistance.
It would appear he’d learned much during his time spent in America, including self-discipline. He took a deep breath then offered me a smile. “I don’t believe you have anything to worry about, at least from the De Luca family. I will attempt to find out more regarding the information you seek.”
“I would appreciate that.” I didn’t bother turning in his direction. I simply enjoyed the view.
“I will give you one piece of advice, Vincenzo. Be careful in your methods of retaliation against the Los Pirados. Where we are sophisticated men preferring to handle our methods of business in a cultured and beneficial manner, the Los Pirados are nothing but vultures.”
I laughed, nodding several times. “Duly noted. My friend.”
I sensed his hesitation and took a deep breath. He obviously had an agenda of his own.
“I would enjoy meeting your lovely sister at some point. I wander if that could be arranged.”
Exhaling, I wasn’t surprised Angelique had many suitors. It was widely known that whoever was able to take her hand in marriage could possibly bring two powerful families together, making a formidable empire even stronger.
“That could be arranged. For a price.”
That was all I needed to say. Gio understood the rules. As long as he provided me with information, I would stroke his needs.
To a point.
However, my sister would never be used as a pawn as long as I was alive.
“It’s not rebels that make trouble, but trouble that makes rebels.”
Ruth Messinger
Rebel.
The word alone provoked several emotions, including disdain. The quote was one I’d been taught a long time ago, my father’s term of rebel only becoming secondary as I’d grown older. After conveying my disregard for the family business, preferring to indulge in my particular proclivities, he’d switched the term to playboy.
While the rebellious woman had presented herself as a nonconformist, I’d already realized the mask she’d been wearing was nothing more than a safeguard against her personal demons.
Not that I should care.
However, my gut continued to tell me that Acadia was far more important to the Los Pirados than I’d first determined. Whatever information she refused to convey seemed vital to the bikers’ operations. Or perhaps I was missing the point. Unfortunately, I found her continued denial of her relationship both perplexing as well as infuriating.
If she hadn’t been involved with the piece of shit, then what did their relationship entail?
Contemplating it hadn’t done me any good. There were far too many questions remaining. At least this was the last stop before returning to New Orleans. Did I hope that De Luca would come through? There was no allegiance, his family still considered the most powerful in Italy and portions of Europe. Even with the tethering of our two families by way of marriage, there would be no trust. Times were changing, just like Cristiano had warned our father, other crime syndicates and cartels attempting to make their place in the States.
“Why are we here?” Acadia asked as she glanced out the window, staring at what appeared to be a rundown house in the middle of a sea of them.
“I thought you’d prefer having some of your personal things.”
“So, you’re really taking me as your hostage.”
“I prefer to think of you as collateral.”
She took a deep breath. “What about my place?”
“We’ll deal with it later. We’re going inside in order for you to pack a suitcase.”
“Do I bother tossing in a few clothes or would you prefer to keep me naked?”
While she’d been forced to dress in the clothes that she’d worn the night before, she’d tossed the wig into the trash. I’d found her action fascinating. “While I’ll provide everything you should need, this gesture won’t be repeated. I suggest you determine whether you’d prefer to take me up on my offer or allow me to choose for you.”
“You’re such a bastard. I thought…” She huffed then rolled her eyes, already reaching for the handle of the rear passenger door.
I tugged on her arm, holding her in place. “You thought what, Rebel? That last night meant something? That maybe you could pretend to give a shit and that would matter to me? You thought wrong. I take what I want. Period.” What struck me immediately was the same electricity shooting through both of us, my reaction just as unexpected as it had been the night before.
“Of course not. I thought you might actually have a decent bone in your body. I can see I was wrong.” She jerked away, fighting with the locks until she managed to climb outside, slamming the door with a dramatic flair.
I took my time getting out of the SUV, adjusting my sunglasses as I glanced from one side of the street to the other. While I’d wanted to offer her a gesture of kindness, returning to her place was risky, even though the area had been thoroughly checked by two of my soldiers. The fact there’d been no attempt at retaliation was nagging at me. For a notorious gang of bikers with over two hundred members, some form of revenge should be expected.
“I don’t have my keys. How would you suggest I get inside?” Her question was more of a dare.
Alejandro chuckled as he exited the driver’s seat, giving me a quick look before walking to the front door. Cobra immediately moved to his position on the cracked sidewalk, able to notice anyone heading in our direction from either side.
“Let me guess. You’re going to bust down the door,” she snarked.
I gave her a single look, waiting as my Capo picked the lock. “We have other methods of obtaining what we require than violence. You have five minutes to get what you need. And trust me, Acadia, both you and your luggage will be checked for any sign of weapons.”
“That surprises me.” She took a wide berth around the back of the SUV, but I could feel her continued animosity.
I allowed her to walk inside before heading for the dilapidated front porch.
“Shitty neighborhood,” Alejandro said as he faced the street.
“I’ve seen worse. Take a walk out back. I don’t want any interruptions. Be prepared to leave in five minutes.”
“You got it, boss.”
I shoved my sunglasses into my jacket before walking inside. Teresa King had always been a perfectionist, starting long before she’d been forced into marrying my father. She’d maintained the attribute with fastidiousness, insisting her children learn to become the same way. She also had a flair for decorating, able to make works of art out of whatever items she happened to find in the house. She’d been the one to excite my imagination, turning several boxes into a fortress meant for a King.
While the interior of Acadia’s rental house was drab given its peeling plaster and scuffed woodworking, she’d managed to transform the living room into a comfortable, creative space. The furniture was definitely secondhand, but her flair for adding the right decorative pillows as well as artistically created table designs with candles offered a romantic atmosphere. She’d done a beautiful job of making such a shitty location a home.
Now I was taking
her away from it.
I moved toward the hallway, stopping long enough to gaze into the kitchen. Noticing the all glass rear door, I moved toward it, making certain the lock was engaged, glancing outside. The spartan yard backed up to an alley filled with trashcans. While I could hear at least two dogs barking, there was no sign of any activity. There were no dishes in the sink or clutter on the counters. Exhaling, I was surprised the sound I made was raspy. There was no reason for her living situation to bother me.
But it did.
When I walked into her bedroom, I remained in the doorway. The setting was romantic, her comforter a vibrant purple in color, several pillows positioned across the headboard. In some ways, the setting was fit for a queen.
My queen.
I leaned against the doorjamb until I realized I wasn’t hearing any noise. A flash of anger settled in my system. If she’d tried to escape, there would be hell to pay. She stood in the bathroom, staring down at the open drawer. I walked closer, peering down then reaching into the space. Her shudder as I removed the scissors indicated that she’d been debating an attempt to smuggle them with her. I pushed them to the side, keeping my hand over them.
Very slowly she lifted her head, gazing at me in the mirror, her lower lip quivering.
“An excellent decision not to go through with your plan, Acadia. I’m finished with your antics. Remember that there are no second chances. You have two minutes left.”
She gave me a slight nod before tossing some of her things into a makeup bag. I backed away, remaining where I could watch her.
As she hurried back into the bedroom, yanking open drawers and tossing items into her open suitcase, I turned my thoughts to what De Luca had said. An enemy from the past. Was it possible the person in question was someone my father had destroyed? A more serious question: What did it have to do with the Los Pirados or had they actually been mere pawns?
That wasn’t a question I was going to be able to answer any time soon. In truth, I wasn’t certain it mattered. The fact that Angel hadn’t been able to resist whatever offer was made was enough to validate my decision.
