Seized: A Rough Romance

by Piper Stone

  However, there had been one woman, a beautiful light who’d drawn me into what had likely been just another web of deceit. I’d been a fool about that as well. That kind of shit would never happen again.

  As I rubbed my jaw, I laughed. Besides, there wasn’t a woman who’d come within ten feet of me at this point. I could only imagine the lies Carter had spewed. That pissed me off almost as much. While both Carter and I had been rather ruthless in our endeavors, even some business associates afraid of retaliation, we’d been honest.

  Or so I’d thought.

  “You don’t need to hear any shit about my life, buddy,” Jax murmured. “We all have crosses to bear. Just know there can be consequences for your actions. I hope it’s worth it.”

  He didn’t need to tell me anymore. We’d all done things in our lives to make ends meet. It had been a wonder both Rafael and I hadn’t landed in prison beside Jax years before. Sighing, I clenched my fists several times, trying to maintain a sense of calm. While Carter was very private and extremely cautious, if there was one place where he’d hide evidence, it would be at his posh estate.

  I’d been there on two occasions, massive parties to announce another contract or new boat design. We’d hired enough security to keep the riffraff from gaining access, our guests some of the most influential members of society.

  Given his appreciation for games as well as his vindictive nature, he’d keep every scrap of evidence as a tool to use if necessary. And he’d keep it in a safe location. I could only hope that karma would work in my favor.

  “What I have planned is well worth it, Jax.”

  “Which is?”

  “Simple. I plan on taking away everything and everyone that matters to Carter. Every. Single. Thing.”

  Including his woman.

  * * *

  The marina was exactly as I’d remembered, the location housing hundreds of boats and warehouses providing an impressive view of the city lights. I knew exactly where I was going, the code Rafael had used on the phone call two weeks before giving me everything I needed to know, including the berth. While there’d been no additional reports regarding my escape, we remained in the shadows as we approached, the weapon Jax had provided offering a level of comfort.

  I led the way, scanning the perimeter every few yards. As we neared the dock, I detected a presence, swinging around, prepared to fire. The flashlight in my hand pinpointed the asshole who dared to confront us. Chuckling, I lowered my weapon.

  As Rafael came out of the darkness, a grin on his face, I shook my head.

  “You could have gotten yourself killed,” I said casually, noticing the weapon in his hand. He’d been just as prepared, as I’d known he would be.

  “Then you underestimate me, brother. Damn, it’s good to see you.” He took two long strides, giving me a bear hug. How many times had we enjoyed a bottle of tequila while comparing business tactics?

  “Never, my friend.”

  Jax inched closer, holding out his hand. “I’m glad you’re here. I have a feeling we’re going to need all the freaking muscle we can find.”

  I noticed Rafael’s hesitation before shaking the man’s hand. The bad blood remained between them. “Good to see you too, brother. Looks like life has been good to you,” Rafael said casually.

  “Reunion time is for later. Time to get to our destination,” I said half under my breath.

  “Agreed. I take it your boat can outrun anything,” Jax stated, glancing toward the sleek powerboat barely highlighted by the moon.

  “She’s one of the finest,” Rafael said, the grin remaining on his face. “Somebody we know designed her.”

  I walked closer, allowing a moment of admiration. I’d drawn the boat out on a napkin after several shots of tequila. She’d been the first speedboat built under my watch. “She’s beautiful.”

  “Yes, she is,” Rafael half whispered.

  “Did you find out what I requested?” I asked, studying the bay including the number of boats I could see on the water.

  “Yeah, Carter will be heading to the island within a day or so. It would appear his girlfriend is arriving first just like suspected. A romantic getaway.”

  I glanced at Rafael, my thoughts suddenly filled with filth. “Perfect. The special new woman in his life.”

  Rafael patted me on the back. “Tiffany Cook is a photographer and she’s been very close to Carter for a little over a year. However, that’s all I know. I didn’t want to raise too many suspicions. Bradley is very conscientious about his private life. The girl has never been seen together with him, but there are stories about her art. Pretty kinky stuff.”

  Kinky. I chuckled under my breath. Just like the man himself. I’d learned all about his filthy proclivities early on, his tastes bordering on sickening, even for a red-blooded man like myself. “Fascinating. Karma really is working in my favor.”

  “I’m afraid to ask,” Rafael hissed.

  “Just a little feast for all our hard work,” I answered.

  “You’re really going to trap her?” Rafael seemed shocked.

  I grinned, the evil side of me increasing. “Hell, yes. Little Tiffany is going to learn all about her sick boyfriend. We’re going to make a deal with her. If she helps us, she might enjoy a long stay with three rugged men.”

  “A deal?” Jax glanced from Rafael into my eyes. “What are you talking about?”

  “She’s going to tell us everything she knows and show us all the hiding places at his estate.” I laughed after saying the words.

  “And if she doesn’t make a deal?” Rafael struggled to ask.

  I wasn’t entirely certain how to answer. “We’ll have to see.”

  “As discussed, I think we need to round this up, boys. It ain’t gonna be long before someone searches Miami,” Jax added.

  “He really is going with us?” Rafael asked with a hint of disgust in his voice.

  “Yeah, he is. Carter has enough firepower on the island.” This time, I glared at my friend. With what I had in mind, I’d need both men to help me.

  “Then he’s right. Let’s get going. I have the scanner, which will tell us where the Coast Guard boats are, but things could always change. I sent the email you requested and before you ask, I created a fake account, which has now been terminated.” Rafael moved toward the boat.

  Excellent. At least Carter was on notice, the threat hopefully clear enough.

  I was coming for him.

  I took another look at the bright lights of Miami. I’d thought I’d never see them again. Whether or not my plan of vengeance worked the way I wanted it to, I would find my way back to my former life.

  While others might have thought I was ruthless before, they had no idea how far I was prepared to go.

  Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord.

  I chuckled as the saying reverberated in my mind. This time, the sweet release of revenge was all mine.

  Chapter Three

  Delaney

  Miami.

  City of amazing lights.

  A city where anything can happen.

  Including betrayal.

  Ted was one big fat asshole. Glad you’re rid of him. Move on. Find several hunks to fuck you silly. Fulfill that fantasy of yours. Three. Hot. Hunks.

  The text still made me cringe, even though it was from my bestie. Justine Granger was a take no shit woman. I had to admire her courage.

  I agree.

  But?

  But nothing. Ted just surprised me. Hell, finding him with not one but two women who looked like they could be contenders for some dance competition hadn’t just pissed me off. It had crushed a portion of my spirit. I continued walking down the hall to my boss’s office, still trying to fix the lapel on my suit jacket, the one I’d worn just two days before. Sadly, my wardrobe lacked in quality as well as quantity.

  As far as the three men? Hell, yes. Why not take my newly found lack of inhibitions out for a spin. I rolled my eyes at the thought. As if I’d know what to do with
three men at the same time. But hell, a girl could dream.

  Let’s go out for drinks tonight and calculate how to turn Ted into alligator food.

  I couldn’t help but laugh. I’d thought of several other methods of ending not only his illustrious career as a criminal prosecutor but terminating his ability to attract women.

  Dozens of women.

  I think my boss needs me to work late. Another long night. Perfect. At least I had a bottle of wine waiting for me. And chocolate ice cream. And a bag of sour cream potato chips.

  At least you’re making good money.

  Good. Well, if good meant I could finally pay the rent, my car payment, the utility bills, and still have some bucks left over for food. Yeah, I’d hit the big time. Living in Miami was fabulous.

  If you had money.

  My inner voice prepared to claw me for the umpteenth time. She hated the fact I had honor, refused to give into what I called tyranny. I’d left home determined to make my own money, even pretending my past didn’t exist. It was going to stay that way.

  At least I wasn’t waiting tables any longer. Somehow, I thought accepting an assistant job to the president of a multimillion-dollar company would change my life. Sadly, the sale of yachts was down, whatever contract Mr. Bradley had been working on falling apart at the last minute. Even the sales of powerboats were slower than anticipated, prompting a dozen layoffs over the course of the last two weeks. Who knew the rich and famous could experience financial woes? Everyone at the corporate offices was on edge.

  Maybe that’s why I’d been stupid enough to use my financial knowledge to help him after catching a glimpse of his financials. He hadn’t wanted to hear a word about my concerns.

  All four times I’d attempted to talk to him.

  Big mistake.

  Huge.

  After the incidents, he’d watched me like a hawk, as if I had something to hide. My stomach churned.

  I heard my boss’s angry tone a solid fifteen feet from the door. Whoever he was talking to had pissed him off. That was never a good sign. Gotta go. Meeting with Mr. Bradley.

  Show him your amazing talents, girl, and call me later. Woo him with that smile of yours.

  Amazing talents. As if he needed an amateur photographer instead of a wayward personal assistant to the most powerful man in the city of Miami. He could get anyone he wanted to work for him with a single phone call. Why me, given all the qualified applications he’d received? Carter Bradley was one formidable man. His penchant for perfection was only matched by his need to take control of every situation. He was also one of the most ruthless businessmen in the city, at least according to my colleagues. Supposedly, he’d made enemies out of just about everyone.

  Hell, yeah, the man terrified the bejesus out of me.

  While I’d heard snippets of rumors about something horrible that had occurred years before, I wasn’t in the clique of girls who gossiped about everything, including who Carter Bradley was dating. Hell, when I’d stumbled on documentation that I obviously hadn’t been supposed to find, the vice president had banished me from the file room, his anger off the rails. Granted, I’d known from the beginning that Mr. Bradley was walking a thin line in order to satisfy not only the board but his creditors as well. I’d been privy to enough activity, as well as a substantial number of contracts to know he was sweating bullets. That only made him more difficult to work with. Besides, I wasn’t a stupid woman. He’d been playing some game that had threatened to backfire on him.

  Now my exuberance and attention to detail was going to get me fired.

  There was no doubt the VP had shared my indiscretions with him.

  I will but Mr. Bradley is such an asshole that I might need an entire bottle of tequila.

  That is since I might be unemployed as well as without a boyfriend. The moment I hit send, I cringed. The job had come along when I needed it the most, preventing me from going home with my tail between my legs. I’d moved to the beautiful city for the possibility of fame and glory. Yeah, that wasn’t going to happen any time soon.

  You got it.

  I would bet Justine was laughing her ass off at me.

  And Mr. Bradley’s opinion was that what he called ‘latent stupidity’ was considered unacceptable. Why I’d taken the job in the first place was beyond me. Money. Getting away from a horrible situation. Okay, there was that. Maybe my fears at being fired were unsubstantiated, but after all the hardships I’d been through, I was ready to beg him in order to keep my job. At least if I was tasked to work on some project late into the night, perhaps I’d stop seeing the horrible images of the Barbie wannabe riding Ted like some bucking bronco.

  Perhaps.

  I heard the rage in Mr. Bradley’s tone as I approached the door.

  “No one threatens me, Bart. No one. I’m finished with playing these fucking games, which is why I also refuse to accept any additional incompetence, lies, or criminal activities from our employees. You know exactly how I deal with threats. This should have been handled. Do you understand me?”

  Bart Reynolds was the vice president of the company, another intimidating man. I hesitated, biting my lower lip. I was definitely in over my head. While I hadn’t been certain before if I’d been called to his office in order to be fired, I was now. Oh, God. What the hell could I do?

  “Yeah? Well, don’t worry. If what you’re telling me is true, then I will hunt the asshole down. Period,” Mr. Bradley growled.

  The asshole. I had to wonder just how many people fit that moniker.

  “I’m making a change in plans,” Mr. Bradley continued. “Have Mr. Wendell in my office at eleven sharp tomorrow morning. I’ll be working at my desk.”

  I was surprised he hadn’t asked me to make the arrangements, which confirmed the worst.

  I needed to get this over with. If I was going to have to beg my old boss at the greasy diner to get my job back, then I’d commiserate both miseries at the same time.

  I knocked on the door, sucking in my breath as Mr. Bradley continued railing at Bart on the one-sided conversation.

  “Come,” he barked.

  I sucked in my breath before entering, quietly closing the door behind me. I would always be impressed by his corner office, the views of the Miami skyline simply breathtaking. One day, I would find myself in such a posh environment.

  Yeah, and pigs flew in the winter.

  “Oh, great. Another problem,” Mr. Bradley barked. “You might as well tell me what that is.”

  Mr. Bradley gazed up and down the length of me, distaste crossing his face. When he motioned me closer, I wasn’t certain my feet could move. As least he snapped his head away, his chest heaving from obvious anger.

  “I don’t give a fucking rat’s ass, Bart. You will find another goddamn photographer. What the hell happened? She’s the best, the only photographer I use and one I don’t have to babysit,” Mr. Bradley huffed, barely allowing the caller to answer his question. “Married? You have to fucking be kidding me. I don’t give a damn she ran off with her boyfriend. Here’s the deal, Bart. I refuse to allow that property to sit unattended for two more weeks while you pretend to give a damn about my business. Need I remind you that I pay you a fucking huge amount of money to handle operations of this corporation? Should I consider you just another useless piece of garbage? Maybe I need to take out the trash.”

  I wasn’t shocked at Mr. Bradley’s nasty tone. He was that way with everyone, including me. What I was surprised about was his beet red face, the anger surfacing in a way I normally hadn’t seen. I’d tried to temper his wrath and his need for control, but that had only gotten me in hot water.

  I stood silently by the door, fearful of even approaching his desk.

  “Fuck that!” Mr. Bradley huffed. “What?”

  When he glanced in my direction, I’d never felt so uncomfortable. I could swear he was sizing me up almost like he had the day he’d hired me.

  “Interesting and you’re right. It can’t be that hard to
take a few fucking pictures of my estate. Not bad, my friend. You can tell Tiffany she’s fired.” When he tossed the phone onto his desk, the hard thump made me jump. He stared out the window, shaking his head.

  I fidgeted, hating myself for doing so.

  I held my breath as he paced back and forth, cursing as usual. “Fuck this. Working on several multimillion-dollar deals and I have to contend with another idiot.”

  I knew he’d been under a lot of pressure as of late, acting even more like the asshole I knew him to be. However, he seemed more out of sorts than normal. Maybe he didn’t like firing people. He continued to stare at his computer screen, his fingers drumming on the desk.

  He finally snapped his head in my direction, planting both hands on his desk. “Delaney. At least you’re on time. I’m curious. Do you know any freaking photographers hungry for a job?”

  The question was interesting. As much contempt as I felt for the man, I also enjoyed embracing an opportunity. I fingered my phone, swallowing not once but twice as I thought about my attempt at creating a career as a photographer. Correction, my failed attempt. Maybe if I helped him out of a jam, I could prove my worth to him finally.

  Either that or I could rip out his eyeballs before being tossed out of his company. At least the vision gave me courage.

  “I don’t know what you need, sir, but I might have the perfect person in mind.”

  “They’d have to be able to travel to my private island and spend a few days taking pictures of the freaking house I’ve been trying to sell for six months. There hasn’t been a single bite from purchasers. Not one. Fucking losers. The estate is perfection. I have to be able to trust this person I send into my private world, especially since I’ve had to cancel my trip to the estate.”

  “I’d say the person is very trustworthy.”

  He drummed his fingers on the desk, his cold eyes blank yet calculating. “Very interesting indeed. I understand that you’re an amateur photographer?”

  Where in the hell had he heard that? And amateur? I hated the bristle that settled into my system. I’d fought for years to ensure that I’d be considered as well as respected as a true pro. His grating words pissed me off.