Hostage

by Stone, Piper

  He refused to stop, shoving harder and faster.

  “Oh...God.”

  “Very nice. So beautiful when you come,” he growled, his fingers thrusting in a brutal manner. “Let it go, Carina. Let all your inhibitions go.”

  “Oh. Oh...” I was strangled, trembling all over as the single orgasm became a second and third, shutting down the rest of my senses.

  “Such a good girl.” His raspy voice settled into the very core of me.

  I tried to catch my breath, dragging my tongue across my parched lips. I’d just had the most powerful orgasm of my life from a monster. Dear. God. A cold draft washed over me, sweeping into the far reaches of my muscles, forcing me to open my eyes. He was three feet away, his arms folded across his broad chest.

  God damn those deep blue eyes.

  He eased his hand into the light, moving his fingers. Then he slipped them inside his mouth, licking and sucking in an exaggerated fashion.

  I couldn’t take my eyes off the salacious action and in truth, I was ready to beg him to fuck me. Finally, shame shut down my desires and I struggled to fasten my jeans, so damn embarrassed I’d succumbed to him in any fashion.

  “Tasty,” he muttered. “Now, we’re going to finish our breakfast and you’re not going to make a peep. Is that clear?”

  I adjusted my shirt, trying my best to ignore him. My pussy still quivered, every part of me remaining stunned.

  “Carina,” he huffed.

  “Yes. Fine. Okay.” Ignore him. You don’t want him. This was nothing. A game. Yes, a game.

  As if I could deny the attraction. I was such a fool, falling into a trap.

  “And one day very soon, you’re also going to learn respect.” He placed his fingers over the scratches I’d left on his face, cocking his jaw as if I’d actually hurt him.

  Right.

  Respect my ass. He had another thing coming. Although I made the decision to try and play along, to even pretend that I liked them. Yes, I could act with the best of them. I would find out everything I could. They weren’t taking me to another country—yet anyway. That would give me an advantage.

  So would my attraction for at least two of them. The Russian? Well, he was just as sexy, although breaking through his barriers would be difficult. Still, I’d do what was needed to be done in order to survive.

  And to escape.

  He didn’t wait for my response, merely beckoning for me. “As I told you before, you will follow every rule.”

  “I’m sorry. I really am,” I managed to whisper. Was I actually sorry or was I pretending? The damn lines were already starting to blur. I had to get control of myself.

  His look was dubious at best. “Why don’t I believe you?” He rubbed his thumb back and forth across my lips, the same electricity burning, a firestorm of need that made no sense. He finally pulled away, clenching his fist.

  “I’ll be good. You’ll see.”

  As he guided me toward the door, another vision flashed into my mind, a series of images.

  Wait. No, this couldn’t be. I had to be wrong.

  But the images became clear, vibrant in color and oh-so damning. This was crazy.

  The memory slid into the forefront of my mind. I had seen Ruger, a fleeting glimpse but the connection had been almost as strong as it was now.

  At the courthouse.

  Only he hadn’t been a criminal.

  He was...

  A cop.

  Chapter Five

  Ruger

  “Our conversation is finished,” I said with no remorse. “You can take this bullshit and shove it. I’m not going to be one of your lackeys.”

  “Wait a minute, Ruger. Just wait. Okay?” Captain Sykes pleaded. He was red in the face, sweat beading across his brow.

  I’d heard enough stories regarding the corrupt cops, even entire departments, but most of the tales had been unsubstantiated, designed to rip apart the structure of law enforcement. This was entirely different. If the Trust was involved, Lucian was upping the ante. Why? Why did I suddenly become important after all these years? I’d remained under the radar, doing my job, pretending the department was squeaky clean. I’d simply lost faith in the system but continued to try and fight the atrocities. Maybe the Trust had grown weary of the little man fighting.

  “I need to finish my conversation with the lieutenant alone, Captain Sykes. I suggest you wait in the hallway. This isn’t a matter you need to be a part of.” Lucian didn’t bother looking in the captain’s direction, merely expecting the man would follow directions like some damn poodle.

  Unfortunately, the captain did as he was told, but not before I caught another glimpse of his shaking hand. There was extreme pressure being placed on this. My mind reeled at the reasons why. I folded my arms, refusing to even glance at the picture placed in front of me. I’d made my decision. They could dump my ass in quicksand as far as I was concerned, but I refused to play patsy to some fuckin’ asshole who believed himself to be the righthand man of God. Especially when I didn’t know the identities of all the players.

  The captain hesitated at the door and I could hear his ragged breathing. The man was actually scared for me.

  I’d never seen such a malevolent pair of eyes as Lucian had, as if he’d never had a soul. When the door was firmly closed, he tilted his head. “A man of true integrity, lieutenant. I must admit that in reading reports on your undercover activities, I would have taken you as a man who’d lost interest in good versus evil.” His sneer was disgusting.

  “Do whatever you want to me. Quite frankly, I don’t give a fuck; however, I do have certain friends who won’t mind making your life a living hell. Plus, a man such as yourself, one with...power and influence, my guess is that you don’t want that cushy life taken away from you. Now, do you? I was able to take you down before and I’m happy to do it again.”

  I laughed in his face. It was obvious I’d gotten to him. I took two steps backward, the smile remaining then turned around.

  “You will hunt, trap, abduct and hold Carina Crawford hostage, breaking her down until she’s exactly what has been ordered.”

  I couldn’t resist. “And if I don’t?” A wide grin slid across his face as he eased a second picture from his pocket. “I already told you, I don’t give a shit what you do to me.”

  “This isn’t about you any longer, lieutenant.” He held up the new photo. “The wrath that you will face is something you will never recover from.”

  The horror of seeing her face, her sweet smile and the light still shining in her eyes was the most sickening aspect of all. I was blinded with fury, rage unlike anything I could fathom. The man had sunk to new levels preying on the innocent.

  “And what about Carina?” I managed. “If I go through with this, what happens to her?”

  Lucian inhaled and slid the photograph away. “She will be punished in a manner suitable for her particular crimes, but I assure you that she’ll be back to work and enjoying her life once again.”

  “Fucking bastard.” A cold chill jetted into every cell and muscle. I hadn’t been able to sleep from that minute forward. Then I’d returned to being the man who’d been able to lie with ease undercover, a man who had no feelings for anything or anyone. That had been the only way I’d survived.

  Carina’s presence had wrecked all that.

  What the hell had I been thinking?

  I fisted my hand, bringing it to my mouth. I could still taste her sweet pussy, her scent lingering all over me. I’d almost fucked her. Dear God, I’d wanted to, just like a savage monster would choose to do. I took several deep breaths, struggling to calm my ragged breathing.

  I don’t know if I was attempting to keep from railing to the Gods above or simply refusing to alert Aleksandr and Damien of my... Hell, need. The simple taste of her had been electrifying, creating the kind of arousal that usually meant blue balls. I was still throbbing several hours later. Any time I thought about Carina, the taste of her lips or the way she felt in my arms,
I became aroused. My balls were drum tight. My anxiety high. Everything about this mission—as the fucking asshole had called it—was hinged on the fact that not one of us would find her appealing.

  Certain aspects about my past had been shut down, details cut off to the rest of the world. I completely understood a person’s digital footprint remained forever, but I’d spent time and money to eradicate everything about the man I’d once been. Still, there were people who knew the identity of my father, a sick fuck I’d learned to hate. I should have realized I couldn’t run from my past.

  I’d also spent every last dollar protecting the only other person that mattered in my life. Now, because of me, that precious life could end.

  Then there was Carina. There was no such thing as coincidences, especially with Lucian and whatever horrible puppet master was pulling the strings. Whoever the leader was, he’d thrown a gauntlet down, hoping I’d fail. Could Lucian have used his influences to locate the single person in my life who could force me into shutdown mode, questioning everything about my life?

  The ugly truth was staring me in the eyes and I’d fallen into the trap.

  This was nothing more than a game, but the question was why and by whom? The way Lucian had talked about his client was more like the man was the Antichrist. Through the years, I’d heard certain rumors while serving on one of Dioletti’s crews, whispers regarding a sadist, but they’d been unsubstantiated. Still, I realized the Trust must have a leader of sorts, or maybe a group of leaders. It didn’t fucking matter at this point.

  The bitter taste of coffee remained in my mouth, just another reminder that there was no way to turn back. We were sequestered in a cabin in the middle of bumfuck North Carolina for at least a week. Waiting for instructions.

  Waiting for our promised ransom.

  Waiting for some kind of salvation.

  Waiting to die.

  At least we weren’t suffering in a dilapidated excuse for a secure location. I’d been smack in the middle of the dregs of human life, degradation that few humans should ever be forced to see, let alone experience. I’d wallowed with drug addicts, shooting up heroin in order to pass inspection. I’d remained holed up in rat infested buildings, waiting until orders were finalized. Hell, I’d also been wined and dined, offered the finest accommodations, the most beautiful women. The price? Selling my soul to the Devil, Santana holding the reins. Undercover work had jaded my point of view.

  But the threat hanging over my head was much more significant. I would see this through. I would pretend I didn’t give a crap about her. A choice had to be made. One life for another. At this point, there was no reason to believe Lucian was telling a lie, except for the sickening feeling remaining in my stomach. I had to find another way. I’d accepted the damn deal without another question because I had to. I’d discovered that Lucian had been telling me the truth regarding his threat. From there, the last few days had been little more than a blur.

  A sharp jab sliced into my brain. How the hell was I supposed to go through with this?

  Breathe. Think and breathe. At least being here would offer some space.

  There would be no peace.

  This particular expansive cabin style house was located on the side of a mountain, floor to ceiling windows overlooking some of the most pristine views in the entire state. And I could care less. We were all prisoners, not just Carina.

  What had I done bringing Damien into all of this? Camaraderie? Maybe.

  My thoughts drifted to Carina once again.

  She’d remained curiously quiet during the remainder of the trip, refusing to engage in her usual banter. I should have been grateful for the quiet, allowing me time to think and process, but I’d become worried about her behavior change. Not about her health or welfare, but about her thoughts and memories. The single look she’d given me when I’d literally dragged her out of the bathroom had been one of absolute sickening recognition.

  And the realization had been far too disturbing.

  There was no way she could recollect the man I’d been before. There had to be something else going on. If she recognized the fact I was a cop, that would certainly change expectations. I wasn’t entirely certain if that would be helpful or a hindrance.

  I heard the door open behind me, heavy boots thudding on the back deck. Bristling, I shoved the coffee mug onto the table, longing for something stronger. I required time to myself, shutting out the rest of the world. Any violation put me on edge. I almost chortled at the thought. I’d spent far too many nights pretending, catching little or no sleep. Never alone for long.

  Damien flanked my side, leaning against the railing and staring out at the impressive view, the mountains covered in snow. “She’s in her room, pretending to follow directions. I told her to rest until we came for her.”

  I exhaled, shaking my head. “She’s not to be trusted. You do realize that.”

  “Hell, yes. She’s one tenacious girl.” He chuckled, his gaze locking on the view. The treacherous drop thousands of feet seemed to be a perk for the few homes in close proximity. “Interesting house.”

  I scanned the perimeter, able to see for several miles given the clear day. “We’re almost a mile from the closest house and ten from any concept of civilization. A perfect hiding spot.” I’d made certain of the location, somewhere that would be off the radar as well as far removed from any of the conventional safe houses used. I’d called in a favor, the person one of the few people I could trust.

  “Well, the fridge and pantry are fully stocked, a generator on the side of the house. Even the liquor cabinet is full. No need to leave this pretend paradise for any reason. You have some powerful and very wealthy friends. There’s even a closet full of new clothes for our...guest.”

  “They’re not my friends, Damien. That much I can assure you.” He certainly didn’t need to learn the full truth.

  For now.

  The temperature was a solid twenty degrees lower given the altitude, a recent snow only just beginning to melt, and another storm predicted for later in the week. Somehow, I knew a frigid chill would remain in my bones for weeks.

  “Then why are you doing this?” he finally asked.

  The question was the single one I didn’t want to answer. “I have my reasons.”

  “Which are?” Damien prodded.

  The light breeze shifted, bringing another round of cold air dancing across the covered deck, but the chill slithering down my spine had nothing to do with the weather. I’d been in enough difficult predicaments that I trusted my instinct implicitly and my gut was screaming danger. “Not important.”

  “Like hell it isn’t. You need to trust me enough to tell me. I dropped everything to be here at your request. That should allow me into the inner sanctum you have going on.”

  I ground my teeth, biting back all the nasty words that I’d thought of years before—hours before. “I trusted you enough to ask you to be on this detail. The thing of it is, you already violated that trust.”

  “By disciplining her? Come on, brother. You did the exact same thing in the diner, and you also got very close to her. Don’t you dare try and tell me that you didn’t.” Damien shot me a harsh look, one I could see out of the corner of my eye.

  “And you fucked her.”

  He exhaled after a full minute, the sound ragged, almost as if laced with guilt, but I knew better. A man like Damien preferred being the bad boy. “Yeah, I did. We had a thing, she and I. You know, a connection. Hard to ignore something so strong.”

  “Strong. Right. I’m sure she remembered and appreciated realizing you’d been stalking her.” I moved to walk past him when he grabbed my arm.

  “I’m not your enemy, Ruger. We used to be friends. Blood brothers. Did you forget about that? We would have died for each other. I took a huge fall from grace for you, in case you don’t remember.”

  There was nothing I’d forgotten no matter how much I’d wanted to. “Yeah? Well, things change.”

  Damien
snorted, shaking his head and dropping his hand with a dramatic flair. “You were the one who wanted that change. You threw me aside, not the other way around.”

  “Because I had to!” I said the words with far more anger than I meant to.

  “I know, for that future career of yours. Couldn’t be caught dead associating with a bad seed. I’m sure that would have squashed any chances for promotions or commendations.” He huffed after a few seconds when I remained quiet.

  “That’s not it,” I finally said, although the words were almost inaudible.

  “Then why? Why did you pretend that our friendship didn’t matter?”

  I guess I owed the man that much. “Because I wanted the life you had. I needed to feel like I belonged. Because I was given a choice to clean up my act or be cast out.” Just like you were.

  “That doesn’t make any sense, Ruger. You have everything, or maybe you had. I realize your father was difficult, but he had his reasons, a family to protect. I was just scum to him. A kid from an orphanage, a bad seed leading his precious son into a life of crime.”

  “You know exactly the kind of man my father was, a lying sack of shit who thought he was bigger than the law!” I rubbed my eyes, the headache almost blinding.

  “All right. He was a cruel, ruthless man, but whatever is going on here isn’t about the past. What we’re doing certainly isn’t legal.” He laughed then narrowed his eyes, studying me. “Jesus. You’re serious about wanting my life. I don’t get it, but trust me, my life hasn’t been easy.”

  “Then don’t try to understand.” There was no way I could explain what I meant, even to myself. I’d squandered away years of my life pretending to be the good guy, honest and caring. If I had to admit the truth to myself, I enjoyed the undercover work more than I should, wallowing in filth as well as riches. “I’m not who you think I am, Damien. As hard as I tried to follow all the rules, I can’t deny my hunger for the darker side of life. I enjoyed being in Santana’s employ more than I should have. I liked the fast cars and money, the danger. What does that make me?”