by Piper Stone
As he neared the beach, I sat up in my seat. I loved seeing the water. Whatever restaurant he’d selected, I was determined to enjoy every minute of it, no matter what the food tasted like.
“I hope you like the joint,” he said casually as he slowed down, making a turn.
I could tell he was watching me as if waiting for my reaction. When he slowed down even more, I rose off the seat, peering over the window. “A food truck? Are you kidding me?”
“Eh. I thought it was time I enjoyed something different. To a point.”
A rush of emotions flooded me, tears forming in my eyes. “Are you sure? Have you heard anything about this place?”
“I’ve heard that it’s a new operation, the chef recently retiring from his job at a fabulous steak restaurant here in town.”
I turned my head as he cut the engine. Then I couldn’t hold back, unfastening my seat belt and giving him a quick kiss. As I started to climb out, he grabbed my arm.
“There’s just one condition,” he said, his voice so velvety.
“I knew there had to be.”
“I’m going to order.”
“You are truly the meanest man on the face of this earth.”
He laughed gregariously. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
He led me to one of the picnic tables, forcing me to sit and wait. I watched as he walked up to the counter, taking his time placing an order. My curiosity was killing me. Sighing, I studied the gorgeous rig. It was huge, likely capable of providing amazing meals.
When Vincenzo returned, he had two margaritas in his hands. “Made with extra Grand Marnier.”
After he placed them on the wooden surface and sat down, I folded my arms. “What are you up to?”
“Who says I’m up to anything? I know how much you love the beach and when I heard about the truck, I thought you might enjoy something different.”
“I know you too well,” I huffed then was unable to resist dragging my tongue through the salt.
“Maybe you don’t. Maybe it’s time to change that.” He took my hand, intertwining our fingers.
“How’s your mom?”
He smiled and lifted a single eyebrow. “She’s one tough lady.”
“Is it really over?”
“Stop worrying. It’s over.”
“Are you happy with the conclusion?”
Vincenzo’s look shifted, his expression one of the same darkness I knew far too well. “Anything ending with that much loss of life makes me feel regret, but it was necessary. My mother chose her immediate family over someone she didn’t know. Did her actions surprise me? Absolutely. My mother has always been reserved, refusing to get into the middle of any family business. I think she’d reached her breaking point.”
“Yet family means everything.”
He half laughed. “You’ve taught me that family is all about the people who can bring you the most joy in your life.”
“Do I bring you joy?” I expected hesitation. There was none.
“Without a doubt. I want you to be happy, Acadia. You’re not my toy. In fact, if I don’t make you happy, I want you to know that you can go.”
“Is that what you want, for me to leave?”
He took a deep breath, gazing out at the ocean for a few seconds. When he glanced into my eyes once again, his were shimmering in an entirely different way. As if he was so very happy. “I’m not an easy man to love, certainly not to live with, but I realized when I found you that I didn’t want to be the same man. You’ve brought me light and joy when I honestly didn’t care about finding anyone. I can’t imagine living without you. I will understand if you don’t feel the same.”
As his words sank in, I continued to feel conflicted. How could we make anything of this? We barely knew each other, our initial meeting certainly not romantic. I also sighed at the thought. He’d taken me as a possession, not because he found me irresistible.
“What’s troubling me is that I do feel the same, a strong pull that I can’t seem to get out of my mind. I love you, Vincenzo, but I’m just a girl from a trailer park trying to find her dream. You’re a rich, powerful man who could have anyone you want.”
“That’s the thing, Acadia. I’ve never wanted anyone else. I’ve taken women for granted my entire life, pretending as if they were nothing but possessions. And, as I’ve told you before, you’re so much more. Where you began and all you were forced to endure made you stronger. Do I still long to find that fuck of a man who assumed the role of your father and explain to him in full details what I think of him? Oh, God. You have no idea.”
“He’s not worth it,” I insisted.
“Maybe not, but that’s how strongly I feel about you. You are the reason I want to get up in the morning and the person I want to fall asleep with at night. But, new rule. No more serious talk tonight.”
His words stunned me.
“Ahem.”
We heard the male voice clearing his throat from the distance. I hated the interruption. This was as close as Vincenzo had ever come to explaining his feelings. I’d lied to myself that he couldn’t have any in his blackened soul. But I was wrong, so very wrong.
“I think our food is ready,” I whispered, trying to keep tears from my eyes. Was this real? Could I place my trust and more important, my heart in his hands? I was sick inside trying to dig my way out of the blackness and haze surrounding my mind.
“Allow me.” Vincenzo jerked up from the table, whistling as he moved to the counter.
I wiped my eyes, taking a deep breath. This wasn’t meant to be a goodbye dinner. This was a dangerous, sexy, aggravating man attempting to show me another side of himself. I closed my eyes briefly, remembering the dinner we had a couple of weeks before. I couldn’t admit it to him, but this was much better.
What had the man asked the chef to concoct?
When he brought back two small paper plates, I craned my neck to see what he’d selected.
“Crab cakes?” I clapped my hands together, my mouth watering.
“With tartar sauce.” As he sat down, his grin was even more boyish. “I’ve been told that’s what you’re supposed to use, although I don’t think I’ve ever had tartar sauce.”
He placed the plastic silverware in front of me and waited until I took a bite, rolling my eyes from his admittance. “Perfection,” I managed.
“Good because I expect you to eat every bite.” He narrowed his eyes, trying to assert his authority. He only managed to create another wave of desire dancing throughout my body. He watched me for a few seconds before taking a bite, his expression shifting to surprise and delight.
“What’s your favorite color?” I asked out of the blue.
He seemed taken aback, laughing after a few seconds. “I’m not entirely certain. Keep asking questions.”
“You know I will.”
As we both consumed the delicious food, we talked. We really talked, sharing stupid things about ourselves. I’d never seen him so comfortable and in turn, I’d never been this happy in my entire life.
When he presented the next course, I almost broke into tears.
“I believe this should be to your liking.”
“Salisbury steak and French fries. How did you know?” When a single tear slipped past my lashes, he gathered the salty bead with his finger, pulling it into his mouth.
“I will say made with prime Grade A beef,” he countered.
My breathing ragged, I realized there were so many things I wanted to say to him, but I couldn’t find the right words.
“This is as close to what I used to make as I’ve found.”
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured.
“Thank you for this. It’s perfect.”
“Then don’t be shy. Eat.”
We sat in quiet reverence, enjoying the warm ocean breeze. Then we began chatting nonstop, laughing at things I would have never guessed he would have thought were funny. When I’d finished, he leaned over the table.
“Are
you ready for dessert?”
“I thought you were my dessert,” I purred, sliding my foot up and down his leg.
He growled, shaking his head. “Be careful or I’ll take you right here, right now. Don’t worry. I plan on feasting on you later, after you’ve been properly disciplined.” He winked as he got up from the table, taking our plates with him.
A series of shivers skipped down my spine.
When he came back with an ice cream sundae, I giggled like a schoolgirl. “You did remember.”
“How could I forget? You made certain I knew exactly what I was missing in my life. You were right.” As he whisked his finger through a dollop of whipped cream, I tried to grab his hand.
Too late.
He smashed it over my mouth, giving me a daring look.
“You are so going to get it.” I managed to swipe my finger through a huge amount, including the cherry, but the hunk of a man anticipated my move, opening his mouth. When I stuffed the entire amount inside, his eyes lit up like firecrackers. Sighing, my heart fluttered as he took his time sucking on my finger. Everything about Vincenzo was breathtaking.
Including the danger.
A rumble of engines seemed to come from everywhere. I pulled my hand away, wiping it on my napkin and peering into the distance. “What in God’s name is that?”
I could tell by the smug look on his face that he already knew.
“Just a fan club of the food truck,” he offered.
“Uh-huh. You’re a terrible liar.”
“You know exactly how I feel about lying.”
I rose from the table, squinting until I realized what the hell was coming our way.
Motorcycles.
Lots of them.
The parade of bikers formed a circle around the small parking area, converging like a pack of wild wolves. There was no mistaking the Harley-driving hulking mass of a man in front.
My stepbrother.
“I don’t understand. I thought they were your enemy,” I said loudly, trying to be heard over the rumble of engines.
“They were. However, they redeemed themselves, offering their full loyalty to the family.”
I gazed down at Vincenzo, shaking my head. “Why are they here?”
“Maybe a little celebration. Maybe Pedro needed to tell you something.”
“You forced him to come here.”
He tossed his napkin then rose to his feet, easing away from the table. “I assure you that I did not force your brother to do a damn thing. He made an offer. I accepted.”
“And they drove from Galveston?” As one by one the engines shut down, the quiet became deafening.
“They did what they felt they had to do.”
“Unbelievable.”
Pedro eased off his bike, securing his helmet then swaggering in our direction. As he removed his sunglasses, he gave Vincenzo a nod of respect. I’d learned all the terminology during my recuperation, including what was expected of the soldiers and those considered employees. That didn’t mean my stepbrother’s behavior didn’t surprise me.
“Mr. King,” Pedro said, a slight grin on his face.
“You made good time,” Vincenzo said, moving toward him.
“Solid ride. No issues. Enjoyable as fuck,” Pedro said. He turned his attention to me, closing the distance. “I did you wrong, Acadia.”
I folded my arms, glancing back and forth between the two men. “How is that?” I heard the rebellious tone in my voice. While I didn’t blame Pedro for convincing me to move across the country, I remained angry that he hadn’t been honest with me. To think he’d been threatened, his family in the crosshairs was horrible. Then to think he forced Angel to stalk me like I could ever care about the man, even if it was about protection, was… sweet.
Pedro hung his head for a few seconds. “I promised you I could get you in front of some record producers.”
“Yeah, you lied. You also put me in danger without telling me. By all rights, I should never want to see you again.”
He huffed. “I deserved that. I was a shit, but my intentions were good. I hate my father and what he did.”
“You had no responsibility for your father’s actions.”
“What you did to protect your mama was amazing. You’re a strong woman.”
I was through with the chitchat. “Okay. Thanks. Why are you here?”
Pedro slipped his hand into his pocket, pulling out an envelope. “I know this is probably too little too late, but I didn’t lie to you. A buddy of mine works for a big record company. He came to one of your shows. There’s his number. He wants you to call, I mean, if you want to.”
While I took the envelope, I wasn’t certain I cared any longer. “I appreciate that.”
The tension was awkward. I wasn’t certain what I was supposed to say.
“I thought you boys might be hungry after your drive,” Vincenzo said, giving me a stern look. “Order what you want. The food is on me.”
“Woo hoo!” Pedro shouted. “Come on, boys.” He gave me a nod as well as a smile. Maybe one day he and I could be friends. Stranger things had happened.
As they all piled toward the truck, I shook my head. “Why did you do that?”
Vincenzo walked closer, placing his hands on my arms. “Because you deserve to find your happiness. It’s up to you what you do with that number. I’m not going to pressure you one way or the other. I have no right.”
I glanced down at the envelope. “Okay. I’ll have to give it some thought.”
He gave me a half smile. Then I noticed his eyes were twinkling again.
“What? I know you still have something up your sleeve.” I pushed my hands against his chest, breaking the connection.
“I told you I had surprises. Wait here.” He headed toward the truck, talking to a few of the bikers. When they moved out of the front of what was a covered area on the food truck, I frowned but walked closer.
As the chef leaned out the window, Vincenzo turned to face me. “You gave me an idea over dinner. Being I’m a consummate businessman, always looking for various opportunities, I made a decision.” When he ripped the covering from the side of the truck, I threw my hands over my mouth.
The name of the little restaurant on wheels was revealed.
Rebel’s.
As he walked closer, I started to laugh. “You? Owner of a food truck?”
He laughed then took my hand. “No, you’re part owner of this fabulous establishment. I have all the paperwork for you.”
“Is this what you’ve been doing all this time?” I realized I was trembling.
“I am a businessman.”
“You lied to me,” I whispered.
Vincenzo nodded. “Yes, I did.”
“I thought you forbid lies.”
“If you lie to me, then you face the consequences. However, I can do anything I want,” he growled.
“And why is that?”
“Because I’m a King.”
Chapter 17
Acadia
Passion.
Unbridled. Savage. Beautiful.
Passion.
The moment Vincenzo dragged me into the house, he scooped me into his arms, kicking the door shut with a hard thud.
Squealing, I pressed my hand against his chest as he headed for the stairs, taking long strides, several growls erupting from his throat.
“What are you doing?” I asked, the wicked heat of our combined electricity shooting through me like bottle rockets.
“Ravaging you. Every. Single. Inch.” He took the stairs two at a time, moving past the room I’d been sleeping into his massive bedroom. A single light on the nightstand added a warm glow to the entire room, highlighting his gorgeous king-sized bed and incredible furnishings. He’d never invited me to spend the night with him in his private space. He’d never slept through an entire night, always pacing the floor.
I’d caught him on more than one occasion working into the wee hours of the morning, frustrated over whatever pape
rwork he had in front of him.
This was so unexpected, but the entire night had been exactly the same. I was giddy from the joy of what we’d shared, even happy that I’d gotten a chance to clear the air with Pedro. What I wanted more than anything was to share a night of passion with the man I loved.
Love could be a powerful tool. It could also be used to destroy someone. Whether or not Vincenzo was willing to accept the weakness, only time would tell. He wasn’t a white-picket-fence kind of a man. There were no white castles in the sand, no illusions of absolute grandeur, but we did have passion.
And love.
Was it enough?
When he eased me onto my feet, he cupped both sides of my face, peering down at me, the look entirely primal. As if he was going to eat me alive, devouring every inch. I shuddered to my core, trying to control my breathing. I slid my hands up along his sides, my fingers tingling.
“You are such a bad girl,” he muttered as he rubbed his thumb across my lips.
“I thought you liked rebels,” I purred.
“Oh, I do. However, they need to be tamed from time to time.” He lowered his head, breathing across my jaw and neck.
The heat continued to build, creating a firestorm. My panties were soaked, my nipples aching to be plucked and twisted. “How do you plan on doing that?”
“Mmm…” He slipped his thumb inside my mouth as he ground his hips back and forth across my body. The wave of friction was incredible, my legs quivering.
As I sucked, swirling my tongue back and forth, his eyes pierced mine, his ravenous desires penetrating my very soul. After sliding his wet thumb across my jaw, he devoured my mouth, immediately thrusting his tongue inside.
I clung to him, digging my fingers into his arms. I adored the feel of his strong muscles in my hands. He was so powerful, the epitome of a rough and tumble man.
He growled as he drank from my mouth, yanking me even closer until my breasts were crushed against his chest. I rubbed my hands down his back, my excitement building to a frenzy. The kiss was wild and frenetic, leaving me struggling to breathe.
