Cruel Masters

by Stone, Piper

Then the woman who’d broken through all the barriers, the one who’d managed to capture all three of our hearts was tossed into the ocean.

  “No!” I roared, immediately climbing onto the railing.

  “What the hell? They’re getting the dinghy. Wait,” Chase bellowed as he moved beside me.

  “You don’t understand. She can’t swim.” There could be no additional hesitation. I dove into the churning water, bursting to the surface within seconds, able to hear the yells of those behind me. The powerboat was already long gone, creating an additional set of waves. “Kendra!”

  The stream of light from the yacht was shifted once again, highlighting the area in front of me. But there was no sign of her. God, no. Please. Let her be all right.

  “Kendra!”

  “Sebastian. Where is she?” Chase huffed after appearing a few feet away, Dax seconds later.

  “I don’t know. We have to find her.” I dove under the water again, using the strength of my thigh muscles to power me forward several feet, turning in a circle as the light pulsed back and forth, shimmering over the water. “Kendra. Please. Call out.”

  “Wait. I see her,” Dax called.

  While he was pointing, the light was shifted in another direction, but I didn’t give a shit. Taking long strokes, I swam in the direction he’d indicated, my eyes roaming back and forth, scanning every inch of the area.

  “Where the hell did she go?” Chase bellowed.

  A single sharp moan drew my attention, forcing me to jerk in the opposite direction just as the light was flashed over us. Kendra…

  “Hold on, honey. Fight. Stay afloat.” I stayed on the surface, swimming as fast as I could. I was almost there, almost.

  Kendra gasped, water splashing over her as she struggled, her arms flailing. When I was within five yards, she reached out to me. Another flash of light. The horror in her eyes. Her exhausted body trying to get to me.

  Then she slipped into the depths.

  “No!” Another rush of adrenaline became an electric prod. Using every ounce of strength that I had, I dove into the water.

  And I did something I hadn’t done since I was much younger.

  I prayed.

  Nothing.

  She wasn’t there.

  She was gone.

  No, please!

  I refused to give up, turning in a full circle. Then I felt something solid. As long hair swept across my face, I’d never felt such joy in my life. I wrapped my hand around her arm, pulling her against my chest. Nothing and no one was ever going to take her away again.

  A shot of electricity soared into me, the feel of her in my arms indescribable. As I shot up to the surface, I lifted my fist toward the sky.

  The joy of inflicting my revenge would be sweet.

  “Kendra.”

  * * *

  Kendra

  I’d heard the expression that love was blind several times in my life. For me, love meant going in with both eyes wide open. I hadn’t expected to fall in love with a single man, let alone three. I also hadn’t anticipated they’d become real-life heroes after being little more than brutal monsters in the beginning.

  Or so I’d been led to believe.

  But that’s exactly what had occurred in a whirlwind of time, something that could only happen in romance novels. I adored all three of them. Their ruggedness. Their determination. Their ballsy attitudes.

  Even their dominating methods of passion.

  They were seductive.

  Addictive.

  And most of all, protective now that my life had been threatened.

  I laughed half nervously as I rubbed my arms, staring out the floor-to-ceiling window, the view of Chicago spectacular. While it was warm and cozy inside Dax’s condominium, I couldn’t shake the same chill I’d had for the five days since the horrific event. I had difficulty escaping the nightmares, the blackness of the water the main feature of every single dream. I also couldn’t get the ugly words of the horrible man out of my mind after he’d pistol whipped Dax then dragged me out of the room.

  “You will pay for their sins.”

  Their.

  There were two possibilities of who the asshole had meant. The men I adored.

  The family I’d lost.

  There’d been no further explanation.

  Push it aside, my inner voice told me.

  What I had enjoyed was learning more about Extreme, the various contracts they’d won over the course of the last few years. While they certainly hadn’t made any friends with some of their decisions, almost every one of the new corporations was thriving even in a difficult environment. Eighty percent of the workers were rehires. The men of Extreme wouldn’t win any points for their business tactics, but their approach certainly hadn’t been criminal, even though several former owners had attempted to drag their names through the mud.

  The tips sent to me had been part of Gabriel’s game.

  Since our return to the States less than two days before, one or all three of them had been in constant meetings, attempting to find the elusive Gabriel. He was a ghost, what little they’d told me indicating that even his membership at the club had been recent, his credentials used likely forged. Whoever he was, he’d gone to a significant amount of trouble to hide his identity.

  For my protection, the only way I’d been allowed to call my sister to check on her was from the burner phone Chase had purchased. I hadn’t been able to see her or even to explain what the hell was going on. At least Addy had listened to me and remained out of town, her employees running the bakery.

  From what Dax had told me earlier, there’d been inquiries from a nice-looking man asking where to find Addy at the bakery. She was obviously next on the asshole’s list. Gabriel was back in town, preparing to take down my entire world. I was sick with worry, fearful that Addy would be found. Why was this happening to us? Why?

  “Are you all right?” Dax asked as he stood behind me, his opaque reflection providing another layer of comfort.

  “As okay as I can be.” Turning to face him, I pressed a finger against the bruise on his forehead, giving him a slight smile. “What about you? You were lucky they didn’t kill you.”

  “That wasn’t their intent. They’d been paid for one job and nothing more.”

  “Hired guns.”

  “Exactly. It happens all the time, the international waters ripe with drug lords and other criminals.”

  Swallowing, all I could do was nod, a quiet settling between us.

  “How did Gabriel know I couldn’t swim?” I finally asked.

  “I don’t know, honey, but this asshole was thorough, finding out every weakness, every method of getting to us.”

  “That’s crazy. Why would anyone do something like that? Imagine the time and the connections he needed. That makes him powerful.”

  “If I had to guess, I’d say it’s all about revenge.”

  He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me against his broad chest, the heat of his body sizzling mine. I realized his hold wasn’t about passion. It was about providing comfort, the feeling of safety. However, I knew there was something he’d been hiding from me.

  “The actual French Coast Guard managed to catch the bastards behind the attack. They were basic pirates, mercenaries of the sea and hired by an unknown entity.”

  Exhaling, I pulled away from him, turning so I could look into his eyes. “But all of you suspect it was Gabriel?”

  “That’s the best guess. I don’t know if the French authorities will take our claims seriously as there is no proof of anything, but they assured us that they will make a search.” Dax shook his head. “And pigs fly.” He walked toward his stark kitchen, pulling a bottle of water from the refrigerator.

  “Why not go to the Chicago police?”

  He laughed heartedly. “And say what? We have no more proof that he tampered with Tredegar Industries any more than we did with the hotel. While it’s likely he was the person responsible for threatening Sebastian, we can’
t be certain of that either. As far as his club membership, it’s not technically a crime to refuse to give your real name when joining a secretive club. And certainly a club of that nature isn’t going to press any charges. They wouldn’t want the notoriety. Gabriel found the perfect methods of perfecting his plan.”

  “I guess you’re right. I hate feeling helpless,” I managed.

  “We all do. You know you’re safe here.”

  I moved toward him, scanning the room. While he had everything that money could buy—a state of the art security system, high dollar appliances, art that cost more than I made in a year, and the supplest leather furniture—there was no life.

  Just like he’d told me.

  “You need a plant,” I said absently.

  A grin crossed his face. “A plant, huh? You think that’s going to help?”

  “Some plush throw pillows too. Maybe a rug in front of the fire. A ficus tree would be lovely in front of the patio doors. And the kitchen needs to be messier. You know, like with salt and pepper shakers, a coffeemaker. A glass here and there. Mail on the island.” I realized I was babbling and laughed.

  “That sounds wonderful. Maybe you’d like to help me decorate one day.”

  “Maybe I would.” I shifted closer, sighing for the tenth time that day.

  “The benefit to living in a brand new building is that I don’t have any neighbors yet.”

  “Does that mean I can scream when we have sex?”

  He winked. “Absolutely.”

  A few seconds of awkward silence passed, making me even more nervous.

  “I’m sorry you’re my babysitter.”

  This time, his grin was the same boyish one I remembered from the yacht. He swaggered closer, pushing the bottle onto the counter before sweeping me into his arms. “You are a brat, but I don’t mind. Think of me more as your protector.”

  “No one is getting through the guards downstairs.”

  “You’re right about that, but I can tell you’re still worried.”

  “Aren’t you? You don’t know who this man is or why he’s targeted the four of us. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life looking over my shoulder. That’s no way to live.” I wrapped my hands around his arms, almost hyperventilating. I couldn’t believe that a man I didn’t know had almost broken me.

  Dax sighed, taking a few seconds to glance out the window. “I think you’ve underestimated our connections as well as our ability to protect you. This man will be found and when he is…”

  When he didn’t finish the sentence, I pulled away. “You’re going to kill him.”

  “That might not be necessary.”

  “Necessary. When is murder ever necessary, even for scum like Gabriel?”

  He didn’t have a chance to respond before a buzzing sound from the intercom interrupted us. Dax gave me a long look before walking toward the intercom. “Yes?”

  I turned away, walking back to the window. I had no doubt Sebastian and Chase were on their way up.

  I closed my eyes briefly, remembering the relief and joy I’d felt being pulled out of the depths of the ocean, Sebastian’s arms holding me until we’d gotten to safety. The next two days had been nothing but a blur, but I’d felt safe. The single rap on the door actually sent butterflies into my stomach. It happened every time one of them came into the room.

  I was a silly girl, but I couldn’t imagine spending my life without them.

  That is if we remained alive.

  “We have some news,” Sebastian said seconds after he walked in.

  I turned to face them, noticing the same looks shared from one to the other I’d seen before. “I think it’s time that you brought me in on the loop, don’t you? I have a part of this after all.”

  Sebastian walked closer, sliding his hands over my arms. “We’re not hiding anything from you. Richard Tredegar was murdered.”

  “What?” Dax asked, half choking afterwards. “When?”

  “Likely immediately after we left the country,” Chase answered.

  “Remember the man I mentioned who attempted to obtain the loan that I turned down?” Sebastian continued, squeezing my arms before walking away. “He was the asshole who openly threatened me on the same day Kendra came into the office.”

  “Oh, yeah. Martin Devon.” Dax remained where he was. “Same?”

  Chase shook his head. “Missing. Presumed hiding at this point.”

  “This just gets better and better. And anything on Gabriel?” Dax asked.

  “A few rumors on the streets, but nothing concrete. He isn’t a player from around here,” Sebastian answered. “Any additional information from your contact?”

  Dax remained quiet for a few minutes. “I made contact with him again. He sent me some pictures and is checking on the connection between the two situations. The photographs are… Well, at least it confirms what he told me earlier today.”

  “Interesting,” Sebastian huffed.

  When Dax lifted a single eyebrow, another chill shifted down my spine. “So now, it’s wait and see?” he asked.

  “There’s little else we can do,” Chase said quietly.

  “I doubt he expected Kendra to survive. A portion of his plan was thwarted. He’ll make contact. It’s time for the conclusion to his vendetta.” Sebastian gave me another look.

  “What aren’t you telling me?” I demanded.

  They shared the same damn look between them that I’d come to hate.

  Sebastian took me by the hand. “Do you mind if I talk to you for a few minutes?”

  When he led me out onto the balcony, I was reminded of the ugliness on the yacht, but the beautiful warm day and light breezes lessened the anxiety. Even the crystal clear waters of the pool several floors below didn’t cause the reaction I would have thought. Maybe I could find a way to get past the horrors.

  Maybe not.

  He waited until I sat down, remaining standing, peering out at the same view I’d been studying only minutes before. “What do you think about a house in the burbs?”

  “What?”

  “You know, a roomy four-bedroom house surrounded by a couple of acres? A huge entertainment room with a stone fireplace? A gourmet kitchen complete with all the best appliances?”

  Tingles rushed all the way to my toes. “You mean you’d like me to stay in Chicago?”

  “The truth is, all three of us would. Is that something you’d consider?”

  I bit my lower lip. “I think that’s too big of a house to live in all by myself.”

  He tipped his head, studying me closely. “I’m not talking about just for you. I’m talking about for the four of us.”

  I felt giddy inside, the butterflies swarming as they’d done before. “I think that’s a marvelous idea.”

  “Only, you’d have to learn to obey us and I do mean all three of us. You’ve very… bratty.”

  “So I’ve heard. I can try.”

  “Hmmm…” he said, grinning, the sparkle that I’d seen only twice in his eyes returning. “I assure you that we will be happy to remind you.” He laughed then a serious look crossed his face. “I told you before that I’m not a good man, but I think I can learn to be. I love you, Kendra. While some might say there is no rhyme or reason, I’ve never been one to follow projections or rules of engagement. I know that I can’t live without you and neither can Chase or Dax.”

  Every inch of my body shaking, I shifted toward him. The look in his eyes was dazzling, pulling me into his soul for the first time. There was such love, a need I’d never seen before. For once, I felt like a true princess. “I love all of you.”

  A look of relief crossed his face. He eased his hand over my shoulder, crawling his fingers down my back then cupping my bottom. When he yanked me closer, a growl pushed up from his throat. “Damn, I can’t get enough of you.”

  I wanted to shout out to the world how lucky I was and as he captured my mouth, taking his time to enjoy our lips being pressed together, every part of me swooned. Everyt
hing about the man was intoxicating. His taste. His scent. His bravado. I could no longer feel my feet from the joy sweeping through me.

  As the kiss became a passionate roar, the other two heckled our performance.

  “Get a room, would ya?” Chase huffed.

  “You just think she belongs to you,” Dax said, laughing.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I was able to see Sebastian lifting his arm, giving them the middle finger. He dominated my tongue, taking his time to taste and explore, his thick cock pressing against my tummy.

  When he broke the kiss, he took a deep breath. “There is so much I need to tell you.”

  “We have time.”

  “I know but some things can’t wait.”

  The sound of his phone ringing broke the amazing spell.

  Sebastian fisted my hair briefly, giving me a slight smile before backing away. “We’re not finished, lady.”

  I giggled until I noticed his face as he studied the screen before answering. “Sebastian Randolph.”

  Within seconds, all three of us became acutely aware that Gabriel had made contact.

  “What do you want, Gabriel, or is that even your real name?” Sebastian walked inside, anger splashed across his face.

  “Fuck,” Dax said under his breath.

  Sebastian laughed. “I assure you that once we are finished with the meeting, you will be removed from our lives. Permanently. We will be there.” He hissed after ending the call.

  “What the hell?” Chase demanded.

  “It would seem my intuition was correct. Mr. Laurent would like a meeting with us.” Sebastian looked from one to the other. “All four of us.”

  “Oh, hell, no. Kendra is not going,” Dax insisted.

  Smirking, Sebastian shook his head. “Absolutely not.”

  “Like hell, I’m not. This asshole tried to ruin my life as well,” I barked, furious they would even assume I wouldn’t go.

  “No, you’re not going,” Sebastian said calmly. “Gabriel is well aware that you are our weakness. He will use that against us. You know that. I will not risk your life for any reason. Besides, we almost lost you once. I won’t allow that possibility again. Ever.”

  His words were forceful, the same love in his eyes I’d seen before. I wanted to be angry with all of them, but I couldn’t. Their protection meant the world to me.