Cruel Masters

by Stone, Piper

  Another chill rushed into me and I turned in the other direction, finally catching sight of him as he walked away. I walked as quickly as possible, attempting to see if I was right. This was no damn coincidence. The bastard had to be the one behind whatever the hell was going on.

  I was locked into a vacuum as I weaved my way through the crowd, trying desperately to keep my eye on him. It seemed all time stood still as he started to turn a corner, stopping then shifting in my direction.

  The chill was a moment of raw fear, the Frenchman smiling as he stared at me, his gaze intense and very cold. And his smile was knowing, as if he couldn’t wait to get his hands on me.

  I took several steps closer, swallowing hard, able to keep my eyes on him. Then a rush of several people blocked my view. I pushed hard, my anger increasing.

  “What in the hell do you think you’re doing?” Sebastian grabbed my arm, pulling me with enough force I stumbled.

  When I looked again, the man had disappeared.

  “Why the hell did you leave the store?” Dax demanded.

  “I saw someone,” I managed to answer.

  “Someone? Who? What are you talking about?” Sebastian moved in front of me.

  “The man from the club.”

  Sebastian cocked his head, shifting his gaze from Dax to Chase then back to me. “Who are you talking about?”

  “The asshole who accosted me at the club, the one you didn’t seem to like.”

  There was a change in Sebastian’s eyes, a look that terrified me.

  Now he was out for blood.

  * * *

  Sebastian had chased after the French guy, bolting through the crowd with purpose. He’d returned only a few minutes later, more furious than ever.

  The quiet had remained between the four of us until we were safely on the yacht, Sebastian leading me into the salon, his grip remaining firm.

  Once inside, he finally released his hold, instantly beginning to pace the room.

  I backed away, uncertain of what to say. I was sure it was the same man. I’d never forget a face.

  Or a lurid intent.

  “Who is he, Kendra?” he barked after a few seconds.

  “I don’t know. I’d never seen him before that night in the club.” The accusatory tone he was using pissed me off.

  Dax gave him a harsh glare, moving closer. “Did this French dude say anything to you?”

  I shook my head. “Not directly but I swear he made a purchase with me in mind.”

  “Meaning what?” Chase huffed.

  “A perfect piece of clothing for the girl with copper-colored hair and dazzling eyes, just like he told the girl inside the store.” The look shared between the three men was fraught with a mixture of anger as well as apprehension.

  “Who the hell is this guy?” Dax asked the question to Sebastian, both men tensing.

  “How the hell would I know? But the fact he’s in St. Tropez at the same time is telling. I should have known the guy had something up his sleeve that night at the club.” Sebastian rubbed his hand through his hair. “And why would you disobey us? Do you have any idea what could have happened to you? That man could have yanked you off the street and there would be absolutely no way for us to find you.”

  “Why the hell would he do that? What is really going on, Sebastian?” I countered. “Talk to me.”

  “It’s none of your concern,” he snapped.

  “Like hell it isn’t. If this man is the one who sent me a bogus tip, leading me down a dangerous path, then I deserve to know what I’m dealing with.” I dared to inch closer to the man.

  Sebastian exhaled, closing his eyes.

  “Oh, for the love of God. It’s pretty damn clear to me that Kendra is merely a pawn in this sideshow that’s going on.” Chase laughed. “Unbelievable.”

  Sebastian took two long strides in my direction, the fury on his face remaining. I wasn’t certain whether he was planning on striking me or holding me in his arms. But he did neither, merely glaring at me as if I was to blame. Then his features softened, his breathing returning to normal. “Two deals we were working on just evaporated.”

  “That’s it? Deals fall through all the time.” I couldn’t believe I was challenging him.

  He laughed, taking his time and brushing the backs of his fingers across my cheek. As always, the light touch created a wave of desire burning deep within. “Another threat was also delivered to the office. Black roses. That’s exactly what was sent by an unknown source to my father’s funeral. It was something I will never forget.”

  “Black roses?” I blinked several times, taking a step away, a flood of images pooling in my mind.

  “What’s wrong?” Dax asked.

  “I… I’ve had visions since I was little, partial images of what I think was my formal life. When you said that, some of the same pictures rushed into my mind, but there’s something different. A gift. A delivery to a woman. I can see her. She has red hair just like me and…” I tried to grasp what I was seeing, my heart racing. “She was sent black roses.”

  “Maybe it’s not real,” Sebastian offered.

  I shook my head. “What if it is?” A quiet tension settled between us.

  “What. The. Fuck?” Chase whispered.

  “A mark of death,” Dax mused.

  Sebastian exhaled. “Or of murder.”

  “What does it mean?” I struggled to say, a lump forming in my throat.

  “It means we need to get the hell out of here. Do you remember anything else about this guy? Is there something he said to you? Anything?” This time, Sebastian took me into his arms, giving an entirely different kind of embrace, one that was much more intimate.

  “Not that I can remember. It happened very fast.”

  Sighing, Sebastian kissed the top of my head, another intimate gesture that threw me. “Well, we’ll talk again. I will find him. His name will be listed as a member. Now, you need to go to the cabin and wait.”

  “Wait?”

  He took a step away, locking eyes with mine. “You disobeyed us. Again. That can’t go unpunished. You could have died and that would have broken me. You need to learn that rules are designed for a reason, including for protection.”

  The way he issued the statement was almost perfunctory, but I could tell he was rattled. We all were. Black roses. What did they mean? Were we connected in some crazy way by a madman?

  They still didn’t trust me completely. Damn them.

  “But before you go, I need to ask you a couple questions.”

  I wanted to say no, but what good was that going to do? “Okay.”

  “From what you remember, did you spend your entire childhood in Chicago?” Sebastian eyed me carefully.

  “Until my move to New York, yes. Why?”

  “And these memories or dreams you have, anything that might give you an indication of where you lived before?”

  He was serious about this. I closed my eyes briefly, trying to conjure up the usual visions, but they usually came to me in times of stress. “Nothing. Wait. I remember a train or maybe a subway. Lots of noise.”

  “Interesting. Anything else?”

  I was surprised as a flash in my mind was followed by a series of sounds. “Music. Jazz music. Isn’t that crazy?”

  “You’d be surprised what memories can surface even when you’re very young.” Dax’s words were meant to be comforting. To me, they were just as chilling as the hundreds of episodes I’d had of them.

  “That’s a start.”

  Sebastian’s formal dismissal.

  I backed away, trying to keep from spewing hatred, which was a reaction more than anything. I moved quickly toward the door, thinking about the night in the club. A rush of all the ugly details flowed into my mind.

  “Gabriel Laurent,” I said, the memory fresh in my mind.

  Sebastian walked closer, a smirk crossing his face. “You’re certain.”

  “Absolutely. It was like he wanted me to know who he was.”
/>   Dax laughed. “Clever.”

  “And well planned,” Chase added.

  “You mean well played.” Sebastian gave me a respectful nod even as his eyes kept the same stern look. “Go to your cabin.”

  * * *

  Dreaming.

  I found myself daydreaming as I sat on the small balcony, nursing a glass of wine that had no real flavor. I’d curled my legs under me, staring out at the ocean between the iron bars, feeling even more like a prisoner than before and I wasn’t certain why.

  Perhaps the way Sebastian had looked at me, his need to possess me turning into an obsession.

  Or perhaps it was the fact he refused to allow his guard to fall around me, at least not for more than for a few minutes at a time.

  Then again, maybe it was because he seemed reluctant to tell me everything, including about the horrors he’d endured as a child.

  I pressed my hand against my mouth as a laugh bubbled to the surface. Who was I kidding? I’d been whisked into a world where I didn’t belong, all because of an insane ruse. Only there was an unknown puppet master pulling the strings. The sad truth was that Sebastian was just as much the victim of this cruel game as I was, Dax and Chase supporting characters.

  Even if I wanted to write an article at this point, what I would print no one would want to read.

  While the owners of Extreme are powerful and ruthless, they are three of the most enigmatic, evocative, and gorgeous men on the planet.

  That would go over well.

  I allowed myself to laugh again, hating the loneliness that had furrowed inside. I enjoyed their company. I’d languished in the day spent with them, even though it had been cut short. I’d been awakened by their touch, the ecstasy something fables were made of. I took another sip of wine, closing my eyes as I thought about everything that had occurred.

  My skin tingled at the thought, my nipples hardening. All three men made my mouth water, my pussy ache. They were able to captivate the very notion of a dark and twisted fantasy. I bit my lip, preventing a moan from escaping. It would seem our surreal realm was about to come to an end. Being sent to what had become my cabin room like a bad little girl was infuriating, but the lack of trust was even worse. God, why did I actually long to trust them?

  Maybe because you need to trust someone.

  I’d been so alone in my life, keeping a barrier surrounding me, terrified of getting hurt. And what was likely to happen? Our toxic romance couldn’t survive, at least not for long.

  Another single image of the black roses came into the forefront of my mind and all I could hear was the rapid beat of my heart. The sun had been overshadowed by a bank of dark clouds, the wind picking up. I could smell an approaching storm. I hated storms as much as the oceans, and always had. Why couldn’t I remember all the details? Why was it so damn important that I find out about my past?

  “You’re right.”

  Sebastian’s voice didn’t hold the same fury as it had before. In the two hours that they’d left me alone, he’d obviously calmed down.

  “What am I so right about?”

  He moved onto the chair beside me, a drink in his hand. I stared at the amber liquid in his glass, almost mesmerized by the way the ice created a series of shimmers in the thick crystal.

  “Trust. There’s no reason for you to trust any one of us, but especially me. I’ve given you no reason to. From what little you know about me I think you realize that it’s very difficult to place my trust in anyone. It’s my nature, but I do trust you, although I’m not certain why. You have this innate goodness about you that confused the hell out of me at first. Whatever you went through when you were younger, you haven’t allowed it to shape you in a negative way.”

  “I think you’re sorely wrong about me. Everything I do is about my crazy thoughts that I lived a lie.”

  “From what you’ve told me, I believe your story. What really struck me is that you’re a beautiful woman inside and out. Somehow, I lost my way a long time ago, which prevented me from the desire to get close to anyone.” He laughed as he swirled his drink before taking a sip. “Whatever my father did I believe in my heart he was trying to protect me. He made bad choices, got into business with the wrong people. And he paid a price. He was a hard man but very scarred because of the death of my mother just after I was born. She was his entire world. I think he blamed me for her death. That made him cold inside.”

  “You can’t harbor that kind of guilt, Sebastian. That’s not fair.”

  “Maybe not, but it’s all I’ve ever done.”

  “That’s why you strive every day to be successful, trying to finish what your father failed.”

  He nodded, a slight smile crossing his face. “See, you’ve figured me out. I just realized that a few months ago. The drive is only to hide the pain of missing my father, a family. However, I refuse to allow anyone to destroy what we spent years building. Whoever this French guy is, he’s returned to carry out a vendetta that was started with my father. Extreme is and will be important to me, but that’s not the only thing in my life that matters. I believe you’re in danger, Kendra. While his threats have been tossed in my direction up to this point, he is well aware that you’re a part of my life. You need to know that I will die protecting you if necessary.”

  His words weren’t ones said of necessity this time and they touched me as his thoughts had before. He was so extreme in everything he did, the yin and yang only drawing me further into his darkness. I could become wrapped in his life easily, sharing everything with the three men I adored. Why did I have a feeling that we’d never be allowed that chance?

  “Anyway,” he continued, “trust is important. Maybe one day you’ll be able to.” He laughed. “Although I wouldn’t blame you if you want to get as far away from us as possible.”

  “I do trust you, at least to a point.”

  “I understand. Trust is earned. Words to live by.” He stared at the ocean, unblinking for a full minute before turning his head. The wash of sadness I’d seen before appeared even more crippling. Then he grinned. “That doesn’t mean you are getting out of your punishment.”

  There was a twinkle in his eyes. I wrinkled my nose in response and as he stood, I gave him a pouting look. “I promise not to disobey you again.”

  “That’s good to hear.” He held out his hand, lifting a single eyebrow. “It’s time.”

  There was no getting away from this. I placed my glass on the table, getting up slowly. When I grasped his hand, he squeezed, pulling me toward him. Every synapse in my body was on fire, the longing even more pronounced than ever. I couldn’t think clearly, my mind swirling around the passion the four of us had already shared.

  And I wanted more.

  “I could devour every inch of you,” he stated with utter domination. “That will come later, and I will enjoy every minute of it. Now, come with me.” He led me into the bedroom where he’d already plumped several pillows.

  “You’re doing this alone?” I wasn’t certain why it surprised me.

  He laughed. “Both Dax and Chase are gathering information.”

  “On Gabriel.”

  “Yes, among other things. Remove your clothes then lie over the pillows and stretch your arms over your head.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  Cocking his head, he took a deep breath. “Trust me.”

  Words to live by.

  I’d been through a round of discipline before, yet it seemed more personal this time. The rush of embarrassment coursing through me became sweltering, heat floating up to my face. I was nervous as hell. After dragging the dress over my head, I noticed an object on the dresser. It took me a few seconds to realize what I was looking at.

  Ginger.

  I was no prude. I’d read enough dirty romance novels and magazine articles regarding alternative lifestyles, including items used for discipline. I’d even craved to find a man I could trust enough to indulge in different kinky experiences, but this wasn’t on the list o
f items I’d wanted to try. I couldn’t stop shaking, trying to concentrate on the sound of the waves to keep me calm.

  Figging.

  I hated the sound of it, was sick to my stomach at the thought.

  He noticed my gaze and smiled. “A helpful tool.”

  “That’s… No, I can’t.” His hand was suddenly on my arm, his fingers brushing up and down. This wasn’t a romantic experience. This was a horror show. I shrank back, feeling so damn small.

  “You can and you will. Lie across the pillows.”

  “I’ll hate you for this.”

  “Then hate me, Kendra. It will be a good reminder that you need to follow orders.”

  “Your orders.”

  “Our orders.”

  I shivered but did as he commanded, lying over the plump pillows, the anticipation of what he was going to do sickening. As I put my arms over my head, I couldn’t hold back a series of moans. I was lightheaded, the damn butterflies in my stomach churning away.

  The little voice inside my head was driving me nuts.

  You want this. You need this.

  No. No!

  Insanity.

  I couldn’t want any damn thing like this. Not for a second.

  “I’m going to remove your plug, but after we’re finished, you will need to continue wearing it until one of us gives you permission to remove it. Do you understand?”

  Why were his words so soft, a smooth wrap of velvet lined with fleece?

  “Yes, sir.”

  There was such total relief when he removed the freaking rubber piece that I gasped for air. I knew he’d walked into the bathroom, could hear the water running. Maybe I should race away.

  And go where?

  The moment he returned, I struggled to see what he was doing and when he walked toward the dresser, snagging the piece in his hand, I bit back another cry.

  He won’t break me. He won’t break me.

  The mantra was getting old.

  His presence seemed larger than life as he approached, running his fingers across both ass cheeks. All I could do was clamp my mouth shut and pray for this to be over.

  I could hear his heavy breathing as he pressed open one side of my bottom. Tingles rushed through me as he placed the end of the ginger against my puckered hole. I realized I was holding my breath, trying to keep tears from forming. I had no idea what to expect.