by Piper Stone
“Don’t be a fool,” he added. “Women are the best mules in the business. My guess is she met with that unknown source you mentioned.”
Lucian was the most merciless in the family, his anger and distrust of everyone nearly costing him his life only months before. “I’ve thought of that. If that’s the case, I will get it out of her. In the meantime, she might be valuable for another reason entirely.”
“Like what?” Dante walked closer, giving me a look before crossing to the bar and grabbing a bottle of water.
I rubbed my jaw, still trying to formulate my thoughts. “I think she was offered as a prize or maybe our mystery player demanded that he take her as payment of some kind.”
“Not a bad thought,” Cristiano mused. “If that’s the case, this mystery invader is going to want her back. That’s the issue. I don’t need to tell you that all of us have worked hard to avoid starting a war. I definitely don’t want that to happen over the party favors we’ve been running through Galveston. It’s not worth it.”
“No, but from what you said, it sounds like there is more to this,” Lucian said as he nodded to Cristiano.
My older brothers took their positions seriously, Lucian longing to take over as Boss, and he had while Cristiano spend time in prison. However, the man was hotheaded, even more so than I was.
“De Luca told you this is some enemy from the past?” Dante asked.
“Yep. I doubt it has anything to do with Morales,” I offered.
“Not a chance,” Cristiano agreed. “Morales has been laying low.”
“Which should be disconcerting,” I offered.
Cristiano laughed. “I’m no fool, brother. I try and watch our enemies closely.”
Lucian sighed. “What about Vendetti?”
Enrico Vendetti, the man responsible for almost killing my father nearly a year before. The same man who’d instigated my baby sister’s murder.
Cristiano shook his head. “I made a few calls. He’s still in prison under lockdown in solitary. No calls. No visitors.”
“You know there’s always a way,” Dante offered.
Cristiano shook his head. “Every one of you underestimates me. Remember that we have loyalists inside. They’re paying close attention.”
“Okay, then any idea who this person from the past could be?” Michael asked.
“Not on my end. De Luca is committed to keeping his ear to the ground. I’m certain he doesn’t want to fuck with us.”
I could tell my words were adding fuel to whatever level of anger Cristiano had. There was also something behind his eyes that told me he was hiding details. Perhaps he had an idea of who the player from the past might be.
Cristiano walked toward the bank of windows, staring out at the water. “Does this girl mean anything to you?”
“She’s just a toy, nothing more.” As soon as I said the words, I felt an odd pang.
“If that’s really the case, then we will use her as bait, but only when the time is right.” He turned to face me, cocking his head. “But if she means more to you, it’s time to confess.”
Confess. As if I’d done something wrong. Hissing, I moved from the couch, flanking his side. “As discussed on the phone, I did what I felt was necessary. We were wronged. I provided penance.”
“And in doing so, may have brought a battle to our doors,” Dante said.
I snapped my head in his direction. While he’d been home for months, the fact he was offering any real advice regarding the family business only fueled my anger. “I’ll ask you the same question I asked Cristiano. What would you have done?”
His slight hesitation made me laugh.
“Let’s not get into blows over this,” Michael huffed. “We’ve dealt with much worse during the last year. We simply need to figure out the best candidate from our respective pasts that could be the issue. I doubt this is targeting Vincenzo as much as it is the entire family.”
“Always the voice of reason,” Dante snarled. “And to answer your question, I would have allowed Pedro and his biker buddies to think that they’d gotten away with something. Then I would have watched and waited, using actual patience before striking. If you’d done so, then it’s my guess you might have gotten close to this asshole who tried to have you killed.”
I was surprised at his attitude, but I had to give him a nod of respect. He was finally turning into a real King brother after all. “Not a bad idea.”
“Hmmm… The decision is going to come down to whether or not we lure the asshole here or return to Galveston and make Pedro a deal that he can’t live without.” Cristiano locked eyes with mine first before turning his attention to the others.
“Agreed,” Lucian said first.
“That’s probably a good idea,” Michael added.
Dante continued staring at me, a real look of hatred in his eyes. Perhaps he’d been offered my spot on the totem pole if he returned from active duty. I’d never heard the full story. In fact, I hadn’t asked.
“I think we need to see what plays out in the next few days and if De Luca comes through,” I added. “In addition, I insisted that Pedro find the identity of the person, but I don’t think he knows.”
Cristiano shook his head. “You do realize that his family has every intention of bringing their business into America. Right?”
“That’s no secret. While he assured me that wasn’t the case, I’m no fool. It’s only a matter of time until we have another player to contend with.” I didn’t like my answer, but it was the truth.
“What happened to honor and loyalty?” Michael asked. “Didn’t his father make some deal with our father years ago?”
“The truth is that our grandfather and De Luca’s grandfather were good friends when they were coming up in their respective worlds. Something happened between them. That started a bitter feud. Even our father has no idea of the full circumstances behind it. But I assure you that if there was honor at some point, it’s all but gone. We deal with that when necessary. Until then, we handle these issues one at a time. We need to put out feelers to all our informants. Whatever is on the street, we need to hear about it.”
“Done,” Lucian stated.
The rest nodded in affirmation. Meanwhile, I had a feeling we would need to do more. “Then we wait?” I asked.
“Then we wait. Trust me, brother. Whoever this player is, he’s not finished yet. You cut him off at the knees, which is why a price was placed on your head. If I had to guess, I’d say this individual or entity is pretty pissed right now since you’re still alive.”
“And you killed one of their mercenaries,” Dante added.
“True enough. And I’d do it again, just like I would anyone who crosses the family under any circumstances. I think that’s a powerful lesson for you to learn.”
While Dante bristled, he took a deep breath, shaking his head. “Whatever you say, brother.”
The tension in the room was mounting.
“Let’s just see what happens over the course of a few days. We keep our eyes and ears open. If necessary, we’ll make a trip to Galveston and have a more formal discussion with Pedro.” Cristiano turned his attention in my direction. “What’s the status of shipments in Texas?”
“Nothing coming in for another week.”
“Good. That should give us enough time to formulate a plan. If Pedro comes through, all the better, but if you’re right, then we’ll need to deal with him at some point as well.” Cristiano turned his attention to Dante. “In truth, your brother did what was required at the time. If word got out on the street that we allowed this kind of treachery to remain unpunished, we would lose credibility. There’s always a way of finding these kinds of snakes. They are far too greedy to remain in their holes for very long. I suggest you remember that, Dante. It could be a vital lesson for you in the future.”
Dante darted his gaze from Cristiano to me then back again. “Good point. I will keep that in mind.” There was still anger in his tone.
At least the Boss had backed me up. I almost laughed. “If you don’t mind, I have a guest to return to.”
“Would you hang back for just a minute?” Cristiano asked.
“Sure. Why not.”
As the others left, Michael patted me on the arm. “Take care of yourself. Maybe you’ve found something special in your life. Who the hell knows? Stranger things have happened.” He laughed as he walked out, another happy man with a happy life.
I shook my head.
“I wanted to ask you again. Does this girl mean anything to you?”
I shook my head without hesitation. “Why do you ask?”
“Because I know you too well. I can tell by the look in your eyes that this girl has already gotten under your skin. Am I correct?”
Laughing, I walked toward the window, placing my hand on the glass. “Is that the way it happened with Emily?”
“You mean out of the blue? You bet. Did I question both my motives and what the hell I was doing to and with her? Actually…” He shook his head. “I was worried that she’d really learn that her life as she knew it was over and never forgive me for it. What I’ve been fortunate enough to realize, finally accepting, is that women are resilient. They have a way of learning to adapt. They also bring light into our dark world. However, loving someone means you give up a part of yourself. Trust me that I wouldn’t change a thing, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t worry about losing her every day. Just like…”
I placed my hand on his shoulder. “I know you miss her. I do too.”
“You understand more than anyone the pain I felt losing Bella. I’ve made a promise and a vow that no one will ever take Emily away from me. If they even try, they will face the kind of wrath that will destroy everything and everyone they’ve come to love. Then I’ll spend days with them before they beg to have their lives ended.”
Cristiano had always been prone to anger, much like the rest of the King brothers; however, there was a difference that I hadn’t noticed or paid attention to before. He would die before allowing anything to happen to Emily.
“Is there a point, brother?” I asked after a full minute had passed.
He chuckled, shaking off the sadness. “My point is that you need to be certain. With our family, there is no going in halfway. But do yourself a favor. Don’t lie to either Acadia or to yourself. You will regret it for the rest of your life.”
I thought about his words and took a deep breath. “I barely know the girl. It’s entirely possible that she’s one damn good player.”
“Yes. That’s what time will enable you to figure out. If she is a player, then you need to deal with it swiftly. Not only to save face and maintain your reputation as a leader, but in order to keep you out of harm’s way. Or I should say your heart.”
Rolling my eyes, I gave him a hard look. “You should know better than to worry about me. I don’t care about anyone outside of the family.”
Cristiano tipped his head, eyeing me carefully. “That’s what I do worry about. There will be nothing worse than dying alone.”
“What? I have you and the other pain in the ass brothers.” While I tried to make light, I knew exactly what he was saying. Pain and heartache had nearly destroyed all of us. We weren’t the kind of men who could handle it twice in one lifetime.
“I know you’re going to attempt to push her away. Just remember what I told you. Treat her with respect until you there’s no possible way you can do that any longer.”
“I got it, big brother. You don’t need to lecture me.”
“I guess I’ll see. We’ll talk in a couple days.”
I moved toward the door, taking one last look around the salon. “I hope you and Emily are happy together. Just the two of you.”
“Well…”
The glitch in his voice was a happy one. I turned my head, seeing joy in his eyes. “Do you have something to tell me?”
“I guess it’s all right if you’re the first to know. We’re going to be a little family in five months.”
“She’s pregnant. That’s amazing.”
“Twins,” he said, sighing. “I guess it runs in the family. Something you should be prepared for.”
“Oh, hell, no. I will never procreate.”
Cristiano held up a single finger, a grin remaining on his face. “Never say never, brother.”
“Yeah. Yeah. We’ll talk.” As I left the salon, walking down the flight of stairs, another ache formed in my gut. What if I could actually enjoy a different kind of life?
It was never going to happen.
Soul searching.
That’s what I’d heard was necessary at different points in one’s life. I’d spent enough time with myself to realize that I was in no position to care about anyone for any reason. Being attracted was one thing. Caring was something else altogether.
Plus, my instinct was telling me that her presence and part in the game Angel had played and lost was far too coincidental. For all of Pedro’s pontificating, he certainly hadn’t come through with providing any information. He wouldn’t betray one of his own, even if the man had been a traitor, dying for his sins. That left few options for keeping them on board with any transactions.
In my mind, there was only one thing left to do. Eliminate the Los Pirados altogether. But that was my anger talking. The prudent thing to do would be to extract information by any and all means. Maybe a ruse of our own would prove to be beneficial.
First things first.
Acadia needed to come to terms with what she faced in her life. If she didn’t choose to be open with me, then there were few options.
First, I would help her understand exactly the kind of man I was.
A sadist.
I’d provide her with a taste of my greatest passion.
I’d taste her.
Punish her.
Fuck her.
Then I’d break her.
The Throne Room.
In the King empire, we owned and operated several businesses including an exclusive club in New Orleans catering to the wealthy and influential. Members were of the upper echelon of society, men who enjoyed the dark side of passion much like I did. It was also a neutral ground, a location where members of various criminal elements could enjoy a cold beverage and even a conversation with members of law enforcement or politics without fear of retribution.
Violence wasn’t allowed.
Well, with a few exceptions.
While it had been the scene of a bloody battle only months before, it certainly hadn’t hindered the number of regulars who chose the club for its privacy and exclusion of riffraff. Men could enjoy whatever the hell they wanted to.
Within reason.
I hadn’t been inside since the costly battle and I certainly wasn’t a frequent flyer. I enjoyed anonymity inside other clubs in different cities altogether. However, allowing Acadia to embrace the family’s power would hopefully bring her to her knees.
What I hadn’t expected was my body’s reaction the moment she’d appeared from the bedroom, walking down the stairs in the gorgeous emerald green dress I’d purchased for her just for the occasion. While her beauty was unequaled, the vision as she appeared in front of me forced my cock to full attention and a hard pounding in my heart as a rush of flames threatened to consume me. No woman, no matter how sexy or exquisitely dressed had ever caused this kind of reaction.
The body-hugging soft material accentuated her rounded curves, but in a sensual manner, not the garish look from the night I’d met her. Her scent alone, a mixture of night-blooming jasmine with a hint of exotic spices, had nearly driven the beast from his lair. I knew the fragrance would stain my skin, lasting for hours if not days.
I would devour every inch of her both inside and outside the club. My God. I was already losing control. Exhaling, I pulled down the last road, eyeing the club only a block away.
“Where are we going? You still haven’t told me yet,” she asked quietly. She’d remained silent during the entire ride,
barely looking in my direction. I knew she remained angry with me for my sudden shutdown. Hell, I couldn’t blame her.
But she had to get used to it. I couldn’t be plied with burgers and fries on a damn paper plate.
“A club owned by the family.” Now I could feel the weight of her stare after she slowly turned her head.
“You really do own several businesses.”
“I won’t lie to you, Acadia. This is entirely legitimate. We keep very strict rules on who is selected as a member and what kind of behavior they are required to display.”
“Interesting. Why are you bringing me here? Aren’t you worried that I’ll scream that you’ve taken me hostage to anyone who will listen?”
I chuckled as I pulled into the parking lot. “First of all, you are a very intelligent woman. I’m certain you’ve realized that every person who joins the club has given the King family their loyalty. Breaking that loyalty would be bad for their business. Second of all, I think you’re curious to find out what the King family is really made of.”
I could hear a change in her breathing, the sound more like a ragged purr. I twisted my hand around the steering wheel as I pulled into the marked spot in the back of the club.
“You think you know me,” she whispered.
“Yes. I do. Are you trying to tell me I can’t trust you?” After placing the gear into park, I turned to face her. Even the way her skin shimmered in the glow of the LED lighting enticed the already raging hunger.
“Trust. That’s a word and a feeling that’s earned. I doubt you feel like you can trust me.”
“I would like to think I can as I hope you will return the favor.”
“Trust isn’t given easily. As I said, that’s earned. I don’t know you, at least to any large degree. Maybe if I did then I could feel differently. But don’t worry, Vincenzo. I’m not going to make a scene. You’re right in that I’m an intelligent woman. I know exactly what you’ll do to me if I disobey you.” She twisted her mouth as she fisted her dress with one hand. I could see angst and anxiety building within her.
She was truly a special woman, one untainted by the bullshit she’d been forced to go through. Her frank admittance almost made me second guess my decision to bring her here in the first place. However, she couldn’t be my weakness.
