by Piper Stone
Had he actually been trying to protect me from a horrible fate?
I didn’t get a foot away before Vincenzo snapped his hand around my wrist, jerking me so hard I fell into his lap. “Get off me.” I slammed my fists against him, managing to smack him in the face before he wrangled both arms behind my back, holding my wrists with a single hand. When he winced, I knew I’d smacked my fist against his wound. Shit.
He took several ragged breaths as he stared at me, shaking his head ever so slowly. “You shouldn’t have done that, Acadia.”
“Why? Because I’m right? Because you know you’re an asshole? Does that mean you’re going to punish me? Then do it. Take out your anger and frustration regarding your miserable life on me. I don’t care. You can’t break me.”
I was shocked that instead of slapping me or turning me over his lap, he crushed his mouth over mine, immediately thrusting his tongue inside.
I couldn’t move, couldn’t think clearly as he dominated my tongue. The combined tastes of beef and cheese, mayonnaise and tequila were powerful yet a strange aphrodisiac. I was tossed into a moment that was entirely too surreal, stealing my breath. My heart thudded so hard against my chest that I could hear the slight echo in my ears.
There was no way this man was going to take what he wanted. No way. Even as I struggled, my resolve was crumbling. I wanted this man. I hungered to the point I didn’t know who I was any longer. Everything was a massive blur as the passion continued, the brute exploring the dark recesses of my mouth.
He’d shown me a hint of vulnerability then ripped it away, leaving me aching inside and hungering for more. But I knew he’d never be able to give it to me. He’d never allow himself to be that vulnerable again. That would take far too much out of him, pushing him into an uncomfortable and uncompromising position.
I wiggled but with every undulation of my body, the feel of his throbbing cock only drove me to the point of madness. He wanted all of me and he was going to devour my body inch by inch.
When he broke the kiss, he growled then nipped my lower lip. “You’re such a bad girl.”
“Get used to it.” I couldn’t help myself, darting my tongue across the drops of margarita trickling down his cheek, the salt from his skin as well as from around the glass enticing the desire even more.
“Mmm… I think you need to learn some manners.”
“And I think you need to understand I don’t belong to you.”
He laughed as he brushed his fingers across my cheek. “That’s where you’re wrong.”
“I didn’t mean to hurt you. I mean your injury.” I’d wanted to punch him hard, to allow him to feel the same kind of feeling in his gut that I was.
“I assure you that you could never hurt me.”
He obviously didn’t know me that well. When his expression turned serious, I knew what to expect.
“Who is Pedro to you? Tell me now.”
I felt desperate as well as uncertain of myself. There was no other choice. None. I doubted telling him would change anything. “He’s my stepbrother. The asshole’s son.”
I could see an immediate change in him, his eyes flaring. Then he took a deep breath. “Thank you for telling me the truth.”
“I was never involved with Angel, although he wanted me to be. He really is… I mean he was a pig. I don’t know what he and Pedro cooked up. Pedro purposely kept me from everything.” I was distracted by the way he continued to brush his fingers across my face, adding to the quivers dancing down every inch of my body. I closed my eyes, allowing the sensations to rocket through me, my nipples aching and my pussy clenching.
The hatred for my body’s reactions remained, but I could no longer deny the blazing hunger that had already burned a hole straight through me.
“Stop talking,” he whispered, although his words were a clear command. Another growl pushed up from the depth of his being, sending a wave of vibrations over me.
When he let go of my wrists, I cupped the side of his face, darting my eyes back and forth. “What is wrong with me?”
His eyelids only half open, his breathing ragged, a smile curled on his upper lip. “Why do you ask?”
“Because what you do to me is a mortal sin.”
The look on his face changed all over again, becoming even more savage. “Lady, you have no idea what you do to me.” As he captured my mouth, he held the moment as if frozen in time, barely opening my lips. When he darted his tongue inside, I moaned into the kiss, sliding my arms around his neck and entwining my fingers in his hair. The moment of passion increased in intensity as our combined desperation grew. Every sound he made was primal.
As if he wanted to eat me alive.
As if he planned on taking me in every hole.
While I couldn’t stop quaking, the vibrant jolt of current was undeniable. My pulse skipping, I fell into the kiss as he shifted his tongue back and forth across mine. Every move was sensuous yet powerful, a reminder that he believed I belonged to him.
His actions becoming more brutal, he sucked on my tongue, holding me in place as he dragged me back and forth across his lap. Every pulse of his cock sent shivers down my spine. Every second the kiss went on, I lost myself in the moment.
When he yanked the straps of my dress down my shoulders, breaking the kiss, I arched my back. The feel of the humid air against my nipples only added to their sensitivity. I closed my eyes, tossing my head and allowing the roar of need to take over. A single cry erupted from my mouth as he brushed his lips across my aching bud. They were so hard, my breasts tingling from excitement.
“So beautiful,” he murmured before engulfing my nipple in his mouth, dragging his tongue back and forth as he sucked.
“Oh…” The single word was full of angst while my desire continued to surge, the splash of electricity sparking a rush of tingles into every cell and muscle. Just his touch alone was enough to turn me into a raging inferno.
He growled several times, the sound low and husky as he rubbed his lips across my skin to my other breast, flicking his tongue around my hardened bud. I’d never been this excited, unable to understand why this man had such an effect. I also laughed out loud as another skittering of sensations tingled my toes until they were forced to curl.
“I want you,” he stated. “I will have you.”
There was no denying this man. He would take exactly what he wanted. I shifted my body once again, delighting in the feel, stars floating in front of my eyes.
When he fisted my hair, forcing me to stare into his eyes, I gasped. Even in the beautiful yet shadowed light, I could tell his pupils were dilated from his extreme hunger.
“Ride me, little rebel. Take your fill of my cock.”
Purring, when he allowed me to ease off his lap, I rubbed my hand across his cloth-covered cock several times. The scent of his testosterone was almost overwhelming, filling my entire system with his incredible fragrance. I backed away, slipping my hands under my dress, never taking my eyes off his gorgeous face. I couldn’t help but smile at the way he was looking at me, so many emotions expressed.
As I shimmied my thong down my legs, his breathing became even more scattered. When I pulled the panties into my hand, holding them in front of his face, his entire body stiffened.
“Don’t tease me. You won’t like what happens.”
A part of me wanted nothing more than to do just that. After tossing my panties, I swiped my finger through some of the ketchup on his plate, rubbing it across his mouth. Without hesitation, he snagged my finger, sucking on the remainder. Just watching him performing the task kept my heart racing.
Vincenzo pulled back, shaking his head then taking my hand down to his belt. “Release me.”
I did as I was told, unfastening his belt and brushing my fingers across the thick grain of leather. “Are you going to spank me?”
“Be careful what you ask for.”
“I’m not asking.” I was no longer certain whether I was playing a game or actually enjoying the m
oment. There was no ability to think. A crazy part of me wanted to please him. That had never been the kind of girl I was. I’d never surrendered to any man for any reason.
“One last time. Don’t tease me. I’m far too hungry.”
I tugged on his jeans, pulling the edges away. When he lifted his hips, allowing me to yank them away, I took a deep breath. The man did have a beautiful cock.
He slid his hands under my dress, dragging it out of the way, forcing me to straddle him. His expression now carnivorous, he wrapped his hand around his cock, sliding the tip up and down my molten pussy.
A moan escaped my lips and I could tell his patience had run out. He jerked me down, thrusting the entire length of his shaft inside. My pussy muscles immediately clamped around the thick invasion as I gripped his shoulders. I was unable to stop a series of moans, the sound floating between us.
There were no words to describe the shooting sensations. I fell into an immediate bliss as he dug his fingers into my hips, forcing me up and down. When I dropped my head, taking gasping breaths, he nipped my lower lip. This was an entirely different man, no longer cold and indifferent. He reeked of passion, the kind of unbridled desire that would light up the night sky.
His actions becoming more brutal and his eyes nothing but shimmering black pools of lust, he filled me completely. My muscles strained to accept his size, the pulsing vibrations dragging me almost immediately the edge of euphoria. No longer able to breathe, I surrendered to his beast. For a few incredible minutes, our bodies were as one, our motions working in a beautiful harmony.
As a climax roared into my system, I knew I couldn’t hold back. There was no chance of obeying if he refused to allow me to come. My actions wild and frenetic, I bucked against him hard and fast.
“Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh.” I tossed my head from side to side, trying to hold on but there was no point. The orgasm smashed into me with a ravaging ferocity. I was thrown into a world of ecstasy, sparkling lights flashing in front of my eyes. As soon as the single moment of pleasure started to subside, another took its place, exploding like a ruthless tidal wave.
“God, I love the way you look when you come.”
While I heard his ragged whisper, the sound was so far away.
“Oh, yes. Oh… My. God!” Another blast almost tore me apart, leaving me aching all over, panting until it was difficult to breathe. I was lost to the pleasure, my entire body shaking violently. When the wave subsided, I dropped my head, clinging to him as I tried to catch my breath.
“Did that feel good, my little rebel?”
“Yes.”
“Mmm… Good. Now, I’m going to fill you with my seed.” He pumped me up and down with a vengeance, keeping my heart racing as he took his fill. He kept his head lowered, leaving our lips touching, the move almost too intimate.
Even though I continued to shake, I rocked him hard, shoving my thighs against his. This was dirty and delicious, breaking through all my defenses. When he was close to coming, I pulled away, giving him a naughty look as I squeezed my muscles.
He threw back his head and roared, his hold even stronger than before. As he erupted deep inside, I shuddered from the truth.
I’d already fallen under his spell, one of deceit and lies, revenge and violence. But I wasn’t certain it mattered any longer.
The man had ripped me apart from the outside in and I knew in my heart I would never be the same.
Until the day I managed to kill him.
Chapter 9
Vincenzo
Rules.
There’d always been rules in my life. I’d learned that early on. I’d been told they were for a good reason. I’d learned the night before that what my father had professed was true. If only I’d followed the very regulations that I’d mandated for myself then maybe the morning’s light wouldn’t be so painful.
The reasons why?
I’d opened myself up to a woman I had no business caring about. Acadia had managed to drag out a part of me that was never meant to see the light of day. In offering even a small portion of myself, I’d shown weakness. That was akin to a death sentence in my world, and something I’d managed to avoid my entire life.
Until now.
Until the feisty redhead had captured a part of me.
Damn it.
I had to get her out of my system. She meant nothing to me. Just a toy. The reminder was already getting old. The woman had made dinner, for God’s sake. She’d cooked for my soldiers. She’d broken down a wall of defense that had been there for a solid decade. A food truck. My God, the thought alone was so damn foreign. I’d never eaten anything from a food truck in my life.
Maybe it’s time you start.
The thought drifting into my mind was ridiculous. That wasn’t the kind of man I’d become.
She’d shown me a part of herself that made her happy. In turn, I’d found joy if only for a single night.
Even our moment of passion had been entirely different. She’d easily given of herself instead of me taking what I wanted. That hadn’t been expected. Then I’d sent her to bed, shutting down as I always did, unable to continue even a line of discussion. Whether or not what she’d told me was true, I couldn’t be certain, but why would anyone lie about having a stepbrother?
If I had my druthers, I’d drag Pedro into that very dark alley I’d mentioned to her, taking my time in teaching him that the error of his father’s ways had lasting effects. As if that was going to ease any of her pain.
Or mine for that matter.
I realized my grip on the steering wheel was white knuckled. Hissing, I glanced at the sign for the marina, more than curious to see Cristiano’s boat. I shouldn’t have been surprised she’d read me like a freaking book. Her abilities were uncanny, disturbing as fuck. Damn it. Why had I allowed her to get under my skin?
I’d seen the look in her eyes as I’d sent her to her room as if she’d done something wrong, displeasing me in some manner. She’d actually fallen into some web of lust, allowing herself to pretend that there was more to what we were doing than the truth.
I had to break her of that concept quickly. Perhaps I knew the perfect way of doing it. She needed to see my world in an entirely different light.
I’d barely slept, remaining in the living room. When I’d checked on her before I left, she looked so peaceful, her long hair fanned out around her head like a beautiful halo. I’d waited, maybe to see if she’d awaken. I’d hated leaving her without talking about the night before, but business was business.
After pulling into a spot, I took a few minutes enjoying the view. A part of me regretted selling the boat. However, the fact I’d never enjoyed it after its maiden voyage was telling. I’d grown bored of the toys in my life, at least the inanimate ones.
The most surprising part about the evening hadn’t been her horrifying story or the fact I’d enjoyed her company. It had been how much I’d enjoyed the damn cheeseburger and fries. And the fact she’d made enough for my soldiers was… interesting.
“Cut the crap, King,” I huffed before exiting the vehicle. I’d purposely taken the Lamborghini, something I also hadn’t done in several months. I laughed as I walked toward the docks. Yes, my behavior was nothing more than an adult child throwing some kind of crazy tantrum. As if I was telling her in no uncertain terms that my expensive things did mean something to me.
How ridiculous.
When I caught a glimpse of that boat named Miss Emily, I couldn’t help but shake my head. My brother had outdone himself. I only hoped his lovely bride enjoyed being on the water. By the time I stepped on the deck, I could hear the voices of the others. I eased to the deck above, moving into the main salon. Acadia had been right about something else. My shoulder hurt like a son of a bitch.
Dante noticed me first, eyeing me up and down as if checking for injuries. “Are you okay, brother?”
“I’m fine. Just a shoulder wound.” I inched closer, studying the room. “You did good, Cristiano. I like her.”
“Uh-huh. All you men are wrapped around your women’s fingers.” I kept my tone light, turning my attention toward Michael. “What about you?”
“Not gonna happen. However, I am looking at a beach house for the kids.” Michael grinned.
“The kids. Right,” Cristiano said, chuckling under his breath then turning his attention in my direction. “Did you have someone take a look at the wound?”
“Acadia pulled the bullet. From what I could tell, she did a good job.” As soon as I made the statement, I could see the look shared between the brothers.
As if I’d fallen under her spell.
“Who the hell is Acadia?” Dante asked.
“Is that the singer from whatever metal band?” Cristiano asked.
I moved toward one of the leather couches, plopping down. “Yeah, Rebel’s Cause. Don’t tell Angelique I have her or she’ll bug the crap out of me in order to meet her. This boat is very posh. You did well.”
“You have this woman?” Lucian asked, bristling immediately. “What the hell are you doing?”
“Using her as bait or as a barter. Good old Pedro from the Los Pirados has more of an interest in her than I realized.”
“Meaning what?” Michael asked.
“She’s his stepsister, and no, I didn’t know that until last night.”
They shared another damn look between them. I was in no mood to be treated as if the choices I made were the wrong ones. I didn’t need to remind either Cristiano or Michael that they’d found their women using ruthless actions.
Lucian shook his head. “What the hell are you going to do with her?”
“Grill her for information for one thing, although I’m no longer certain she actually knows any details.”
