Hostage

by Stone, Piper

  “What? What the fuck? I have no family.” Trembling, Carina brought her hand to her face, shaking her head. “They want me dead, out of the way.”

  “They were convinced that their operation would go smoothly,” Aleksandr offered. “We fucked with that.”

  I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close. “They are eliminating the unwanted details.”

  “What the hell does that mean?” Damien asked incredulously.

  “That means, my friend, that the people in charge of the local portion of the operation anticipate that she’s already dead or locked away in the Raven’s house. My guess is that whatever they’d planned on doing, they were going to make her death look like a suicide if necessary. They’d just anticipated various outcomes.”

  “They knew she wouldn’t go down without a fight. Brilliant.” I laughed, the tone bitter, watching the way Santana gloated for the television. The man was a true monster, but I had the distinct feeling that he had no idea he was also being played in a very sick and well concocted game.

  “Maybe this has been entirely Santana. He made several very distinct threats during the trail. There is no doubt in my mind that he was going to find a way to get to me, to try and force me into his clutches. From everything you’ve told me and from what little I know about the man, I believe Lucian Masters is working for him, a hired gun. There was never any intention of Santana going to prison.” Carina twisted her hands, every part of her body riddled with tension. “I was given the case over several more experienced attorneys. They thought I’d been in way over my head.”

  “Make no mistake that Santana Dioletti is a violent man who will stop at nothing to eradicate his enemies; however, this has all the markings of something larger. Let’s look at what we know. Dioletti was working on extending his operations up and down the east coast. He pissed off a lot of people, including other mafia families.” As I issued the words, certain aspects were beginning to make more sense.

  “You think Santana has a target on his head,” she said quietly.

  “I do.”

  “There are far too many possibilities, but I’ll make a calculated guess that the Raven is indeed behind this. Remember what I said. He has people all over the world working for him. Those goons in the SUV’s were sent to kill every one of us and my guess is there will be additional assassinations. This is far reaching and well organized.” Aleks statement was succinct.

  “I need to make a phone call.” I headed toward the door.

  Aleks grabbed my arm. “Be careful, lieutenant. Remember that it appears no one is who they seem to be. Whoever the true mastermind behind this, it’s obvious that they are startled, concerned that they’re going to be exposed. They will stop at nothing now to hunt and kill. No one is safe at this point.”

  “I’m well aware of that, Aleks. Continue to try and locate Lily. She is a priority.”

  “I can tell you have an idea in mind,” he continued.

  “Something I should have done a long time ago.”

  “Trust him, Aleksandr. Of all the men I’ve known in my life, Ruger is by far the most trustworthy. He knows what he’s doing.” Damien gave me an old-fashioned salute, his eyes showing more respect than I deserved.

  I stole another look at Carina and could tell even from the shadowed doorway that her mind was reeling. She’d just had her entire life sucked away from her.

  “Be careful, Ruger,” she whispered. “We shouldn’t have to fall far from grace because of the sins of our fathers.”

  The words were cathartic, perhaps giving me the very courage that I needed. I’d sworn to myself that I would be a different man, an honorable man. While I’d had no recourse, forced to do Lucian’s biddings, I could do the right thing now.

  I heard the ring of the phone and bristled.

  The others moved closer, waiting to see my reaction.

  “Lucian?” Aleks finally asked.

  “Yep.” I answered the call, taking a few seconds before uttering a word. “What the hell do you want?”

  “Very clever of you, Michael. You might have gotten away this time, but the price you’re going to pay is stiff.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Meaning I’m release the video that was shot and that’s just the beginning.” Lucian snickered.

  “What the hell do I care? You’ve already ruined our lives.”

  “Don’t push me. You know what happens when I’m pushed. People die. If only you could ask your father.” His laughter was laced with pure evil. As the call ended, I realized I’d never considered the possibility that my father had been murdered by his own partner.

  My mind floated to the various items I’d stored for years, unable to delve into the majority of the massive box. Evidence saved. Even copies of stock certificates from the wealth my father and his cronies had made from shaking down innocent people as well as vile criminals. They’d been paid well performing their brand of vigilante justice.

  Blood money.

  Hate money.

  I’d wanted nothing to do with the legacy that had been left to my sister and I and neither had Lily. We’d simply wanted a new life. I also hadn’t turned the evidence over to the police.

  “What was that?” Damien asked.

  “Just another threat. I’ll be back.”

  As I walked outside, careful to scan the parking lot, I eased the phone from my pocket. While I’d always known Lucian would try and exact his revenge at some point, I never believed he was capable of going this far. The various schemes both my father, Lucian and other high ranking officials had been involved in had been like a boys in blue club, expanding over the years, still ongoing even after my father’s murder.

  What I’d discovered in a lock box after my father’s death could still decimate dozens of careers in several fields. What I’d used to force Lucian’s resignation had been the tip of the iceberg. Then there’d been additional threats, including towards Lily. My vengeance was forced to end there. What a fool I’d been. My guess was that my father had been a smart enough man to build a nest egg for blackmailing possibilities if needed.

  And my bet was that he’d lost his life because of it.

  I could take a chance, following my gut and continuing to trust the man who’d been a real father to me. If I was wrong, we’d be forced to remain on the run. If I was right, the indictments could lead all the way up the chain to the Raven.

  I held the phone, staring at the hunk of plastic and metal for some time. After dialing the number, I eased against the wall. “Captain Sykes.”

  “Jesus Christ, boy. What in the hell is going on? Where are you?”

  “Have you ever heard of the Raven?”

  I heard the hesitation in his voice, the guttural sound indicating that he’d known all along what was going on.

  “You know I’ve always tried to protect you. You were like a son to me.”

  “What are you trying to tell me, Roger? What do you know?”

  “If I tell you, then I’m further putting your life into danger,” the captain said in a hushed tone.

  “I think it’s too late for that. Who is the Raven?”

  “His power knows no bounds, his influences far too significant. When he sets his sights on something, there is no denying him.” As he began to talk, a cold chill swept down the entire length of my body. Old scores to settle. Old ways of handling business. And all of it dark.

  I gazed back toward the door to the motel, a seedy little rundown place that certainly Carina didn’t deserve to experience. While I made the decision to trust the captain, he wasn’t the man who could stop the madness.

  And what I had to do was going to be very much on my own.

  One life for another.

  I would protect the woman I loved.

  * * *

  I knew exactly where I’d find him, the only man who could help me. I stood in the massive foyer, waiting as I was patted down, checked for weapons.

  “Wait here,” the authoritative voice state
d, giving me a hard look.

  Two guards stood only feet apart, soldiers who would have no issue shooting me between the eyes.

  I didn’t move, standing in the same place, thinking about what Captain Sykes had told me. This had to go smoothly. There was no other choice left.

  Almost ten minutes later, I heard footsteps, a relaxing walk. I didn’t bristle. In truth, I wasn’t worried.

  As he appeared from the shadows, he gave me a wry smile. “Well, well. I must admit, seeing you in my house is a surprise. Did you come here to confess your sins?”

  “I came here to ask for your help.”

  My statement caught him off guard.

  Snorting, he took two swaggers closer. “And why would I do that?”

  “Because I can give you the Raven on a silver platter.”

  He lifted his eyebrows. “What do you need in return?”

  “Your protection.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Carina

  “You endangered your life, once again. You could have died.”

  I heard Ruger’s words, could see the concern on his stern face. He was right. I risked all our lives because I hadn’t been able to trust my own instincts, let alone the man I’d fallen desperately in love with. “Yes, sir.”

  “You deserve harsh punishment.”

  “Yes, sir. I know. I’m sorry.”

  He moved onto the edge of the bed, patting his lap. “Come here. You know this has to happen.”

  I shifted forward, biting my lower lip. Wearing only panties, I’d never felt so humiliated in my life. I hated when he spanked me like a bad little girl, but as always, he was right. He knew me so well, anticipating my every need. When I was close, he gripped my arms, caressing my skin. Tingles shot straight into my pussy. Trickles of juice flowed onto my already damp panties, the scent wafting between us. Electricity sparked, goosebumps popping up everywhere. I was aroused, famished for his touch.

  For his firm hand.

  I could see the wicked looking brush in his hand and cringed. There was nothing I hated more than the hard thudding of solid wood against my bottom. This was going to be a very harsh punishment.

  “Lower your panties,” he commanded.

  “Yes, sir.” I obeyed instantly, sliding my fingers under the thin elastic and wiggling until the lacy material was around my ankles.

  He nodded, a smile curling on his lips. “Good girl.”

  As he eased me over his lap, I couldn’t help but undulate my hips, rubbing against his massive hardness.

  “Stay in position.” His gruff words were followed by a calming placement of his palm on my lower back.

  I held my breath, trying my best not to kick, and placed my hands on the floor. The anticipation was the worst, my heart racing as blood rushed to my head.

  Ruger rubbed both ass cheeks with the back of the brush. “We’re going to begin maintenance spankings every day until you’re in a better place, able to obey the rules without question.

  “Yes, sir,” I mumbled, blinking as tears formed in my eyes. Why was I crying already? The anticipation? Maybe the understanding that I would always have difficulty following the rules.

  “We’re going to do thirty right now. Do you understand?”

  “Yes... yes, sir.” I gritted my teeth, closing my eyes and pretending that this would be over very soon.

  The first two cracks came down in rapid succession. I was able to hold my breath, not issuing a single peep.

  When the third and fourth were smacked down with ferocity, I gasped, wiggling to the point I almost slipped from his lap.

  “None of that!” He yanked me back into position, tapping my ass with his hand. “I’ll have to add more if you don’t behave.”

  I didn’t utter a sound as he started again, one hard smack coming after the other. Pain shot through me, forcing my toes to curl, my breath to skip. The anguish was blinding, heat already building up on my bottom.

  Ruger issued soothing words as he continued, peppering both ass cheeks. The hard-thudding sound was the same as it always was, making me jump with every stern smack.

  Tears slipped past my lashes and I watched in slow motion as they tumbled to the ground. I envisioned my red bottom, thinking about the fact I’d have difficulty sitting for several hours.

  Exhaling, he rubbed my back, moving to caress my bottom. His touch was enigmatic, calming but as he ran the tip of his finger between the cleft of my ass, I shuddered and parted my legs. I wanted his cock to fill me.

  Fuck me.

  I needed to feel the safety of his arms surrounding me, holding me against his carved chest and telling me that everything was going to be all right. Most of all, I wanted his throbbing cock buried deep inside, pumping in a brutal manner.

  “You’re such a bad girl, Carina. I worry about you.” He began the spanking against in earnest, slapping from one side to the other then to my upper thighs.

  “I’ll be good!” The whine wasn’t like me, yet the words tumbled from my mouth.

  “Yes, you will.”

  I lost count of the number, allowing the tears to flow. My bottom was so sore and I threw back my hand, immediately moaning from the involuntary action.

  He merely wrapped his long fingers around my wrist, holding my arm in place, and finished the heady round of discipline, taking his time when issuing the last five.

  I was trembling, my pussy clenching. Even my nipples were hard little peaks, longing to be plucked and sucked.

  After easing me into a standing position, he rubbed his knuckle under one eye then the other, rubbing away my tears.

  “Now, you do know what all bad little girls deserve after a spanking. Don’t you?” He had a smile on his face as he asked.

  “No, sir.”

  “A nice, long ass fucking.” Ruger bent me over at the waist until, my hands resting on the bed, my panties still wrapped around my ankles.

  I moaned as I heard the sound of his belt buckle and zipper, my legs quivering as I waited.

  “Yes, let’s see just how wet you are,” he said as he thrust his fingers past my pussy lips, spreading me wide open. “Very wet.” As he pumped in and out, the sound filtering to my ears, I found myself jutting my hips back, trying to ride his hand.

  “Mmm...” I purred as he continued, curling his fingers until he almost brought me to an orgasm, but I knew better. I wasn’t allowed to cum without his permission.

  “Now, let’s see just how tight your little asshole is.” He shifted his fingers, sliding them to my dark hole.

  He wiggled them inside and I clenched my fingers around the comforter, the discomfort turning into a slice of pain.

  “That will make you nice and ready for my cock.”

  “Yes, sir. Please...”

  “Oh, you’re hungry I see.” He growled then placed the tip of his cock to my asshole, pushing just inside. “A hard fucking. Just like you need.” He thrust all the way inside, the force shoving me hard against the bed.

  I whimpered softly, the anguish quickly turning into the most intense state of bliss.

  He rode me hard, driving deep inside, his fingers clamped around my hips. “My baby girl.” His words were whispered. He pumped harder and faster, relentless in his needs.

  I closed my eyes, electricity shooting through me, my body rolling into an extreme state of raw ecstasy. When I knew he was close to coming, I squeezed my muscles, smiling when I heard him roar.

  “I have something to do, Carina, but I will be back. I promise you.”

  “Carina. You need to wake up.”

  “What?” I struggled to open my eyes, taking a deep breath. The scent of Ruger remained, filtering into every pore, filling my nostrils.

  “Come on. Wake up.”

  I jerked up, taking several deep breaths, blinking in order to focus. The garish light of the ugly lamp next to the television was a reminder of where I was and who I was with. The dream had been incredible, but not real.

  Only nightmares were real.
>
  “That was some dream. Sorry I had to wake you,” Damien said, chuckling. “I bought some coffee. I’m sure you could use some. We’re leaving in thirty minutes.”

  “Where are we going?” I croaked, trying to shake myself from the incredible erotic visions, my mouth watering as I remembered every glorious detail.

  “Another location. Better than this rathole, but we need to get moving.”

  Easing my feet to the floor, I shivered given the temperature in the room and the nerves that were eating me raw. “Thank you.” I accepted the Styrofoam, the steam from the coffee at least allowing some warmth. The television was still on CNN, where it had been the entire night. I glanced at Aleks, who was dozing in the same chair he’d spent the majority of his evening in.

  Gathering information.

  Talking to whatever agents he knew.

  Everything seemed so damn surreal. We were all in danger and would remain so. I slipped my hand to my neck, rubbing the slight scratch mostly created by the knife picking out the bug planted on me. How could I have been so stupid? Granted, I’d had no way of knowing that Dan Swift was a bad agent.

  Suddenly, I realized Ruger wasn’t in the room. Glancing over my shoulder at the open bathroom door, I almost panicked. “Where’s Ruger?”

  Damien shot a look in my direction then cleared his throat, the gruff sound waking Aleks. “She’s asking about Ruger.”

  “Where the hell is he?” I demanded, moving to a standing position, barely able to place the coffee cup on the nightstand. “Tell me!”

  “He’s gone. For now,” Aleks said with no inflection.

  “Where? Where did he go?” I thought about the last part of the dream. Ruger had said them in the middle of the night. “He’s going to try and stop this. Isn’t he? All by himself and you allowed this to happen!” I stormed in Damien’s direction, my hand striking his face in a flash.

  Damien wrapped his fingers around my hand, growling as he closed the distance. “He’s trying to keep you safe, to give you back your life, even if it means taking his own.”