by Piper Stone
He continued ravaging me with his fingers, his head twisting and turning as he licked me fervently.
Then it was over, leaving me shaking from head to toe. I gasped, desperate for more.
“Oh!”
There was no hesitation, no allowing me to bask in the glory of my climax. He jerked me to a standing position, ripping the shirt over my head, growling under his breath. Then he flipped me over on the island, my legs dangling, his hand pressing against the small of my back.
“As I told you before, if you disobey me, you will be punished. I own you. That includes your orgasms.”
I had no idea what to say or if I should plead with him. When he smacked the palm of his hand against my already bruised bottom, I’d never felt so wretched in my life. I’d disappointed him. I’d challenged him. I’d taken advantage of the moment. I stretched out my arms, holding my breath as he peppered his hand against my backside, moving from one side to the other. While the sting was significantly less, the utter humiliation of being spanked like a disobedient child was horrific.
Was I nothing more than a wicked little girl?
I cringed at the thought alone, thinking about all the years of loneliness, as if I’d been waiting for him to return. My nipples remained hard, still aching and longing for his mouth to soothe them in a way only he could do.
“You will learn to obey me, Sierra. I’m not kidding about this. Following my orders is a requirement.” He kept his tone even, his hand firmly placed against my back as he picked up the rhythm.
The sting turned into a bloom of heat then actual pain, forcing me to grip the edges of the island. I held back my cries for as long as I could, finally whimpering. I was pathetic. I was ridiculous. “That hurts,” I blurted out, kicking both legs in his direction.
“I don’t think you want me to use my belt again, Sierra. Hold your position or I have no issue giving you a lesson that you won’t soon forget.”
I shivered from his tone alone, trying to keep my legs and arms from flailing. As much as the punishment hurt, the tingling sensations continued, the vibrant electricity churning throughout my body. I fell into a lull, pressing my face against the cool granite as he smacked my bottom and upper thighs, every move so damn methodical.
I had no idea how long the spanking lasted or what I was supposed to say as he gathered me into his arms, turning me to face him. His face was flushed, his eyes wild with the same desire I’d seen before.
“You are very special to me. Never forget that.” He shook his head after saying the words, as if he hadn’t planned on muttering them, showing me a part of him that wasn’t supposed to exist.
He held me for a few minutes, stroking my hair until I stopped shaking. When he eased me back, his expression was stern and almost condemning. “I have to leave. You’re going to stand in the corner for a full thirty minutes thinking about the fact that my only requirement for saving your life is that you obey me no matter what I ask.”
With that, he walked me toward a corner of the room, placing me against the wall. I was so shocked I had no idea what to say.
I could tell he was hesitating, watching me.
Studying me.
Hungering for me.
The lump in my throat and the tears forming in my eyes pissed me off. I wasn’t someone’s possession. I wasn’t a girl who would tolerate following strict rules, yet he’d managed to turn me into some blubbering mess.
“Thank you for having someone wash my clothes.” I had no idea why I’d made the statement, other than a part of me didn’t want him to leave.
There was a skip in his breathing, a slight hesitation. “I only have a housekeeper who comes once a week. I washed them for you.”
The admittance was almost profound.
He remained where he was for a full minute, even crowding my space, the electricity sparking once again.
Then he slowly backed away.
When I heard his footsteps as he walked out of the room, I released the breath I’d been holding.
For all the years of my life, I’d never wanted a man as much as I did this one, but I’d made a promise to myself years ago that I wouldn’t fall into his web.
And I intended on keeping that promise.
One way or the other.
Chapter Five
Lorenzo
I loathed family meetings, although the majority of the people involved certainly weren’t related. My father had coined the expression long before I was involved, treating all those who served him well like close relatives. Holiday pay. Bonuses. Dinners. Presents for their children.
Unless they betrayed him.
His brutality was widely known, his creative use of various punishment methods providing ugly stories told around a campfire. I couldn’t help but grin at the thought. I’d earned the same reputation, although I’d only used his tactics once with a damn good reason.
Theft.
Men would lie, embellishing stories of why they couldn’t pay their dues. I’d come to expect that. But anyone who stole from our organization faced my full wrath.
An eye for an eye.
The restaurant was crowded, much more so than I’d seen in one hell of a long time. As I walked in, I was greeted with nods of respect while several customers and employees cowered from my presence. There’d been a day that commanding these kinds of emotions had been enticing. Now? Hell, I’d grown weary of the notoriety.
Maybe I needed a vacation.
As if that was going to happen.
“This about the Movinos?” Dante asked. He and my other Capos had followed me to the restaurant, called to the meeting as well.
“No doubt strategic planning.” I noticed Vincenzo and Angelo scoping the room and sighed.
“There’s definitely something going on,” Vincenzo said quietly as we walked through the myriad tables.
“Meaning?”
“Meaning, people are scared.”
When people got scared, they often forgot their obligations to the organization, requiring harsh reminders. That allowed for mistakes to be made, which couldn’t happen at this point in time.
“What’s the status of finding Sierra’s car?” I asked, pulling Dante away from the others.
He huffed, glancing from right to left. “The boys couldn’t find it.”
“Anywhere.” Christ. This was beginning to smell like more than just a basic setup and the stench was rank.
“They looked for two hours. I still have them searching the grid area. Someone will talk.”
“Jesus fucking Christ. The boys find anything?” I knew the answer, but that meant Axel had known from the get-go who Sierra was. She’d been lying to me. Again.
He exhaled. “Not a damn thing. Besides, the police were crawling over the area. Haven’t seen anything like it down that way. Guess that kid’s murder really created a mess.”
“The senator is a popular man.” Although he was more of a prick than his constituents had any idea about.
“We’ll keep looking. The car has to turn up somewhere.”
Something about Sierra’s story was off. She had some serious explaining to do.
I strolled into the back room, the expansive space perfect for family meetings. There were no windows or outside doors, the location private and well-tended to. I seemed to be the only one who had an issue with coming here. Between the stench of stale cigarettes imbedded in the old plaster walls or the cheesy Italian music, the evening always left a bad taste in my mouth.
The room was more festive than I’d experienced before, several candles flickering from the middle of the table, wineglasses and the restaurant’s finest china arranged for a family-style dinner. It appeared this meeting was also a feast, meaning a celebration.
Two of my father’s soldiers were standing guard at the door, his top Capos already seated at the massive table. Armando was sitting next to my father, who was already holding court.
The other man in the room forced me to a hard stop. What. The. Fuck? “S
tefan.” I was thrown, thrilled to see him but apprehensive as to the reason.
“Hello, brother. You seem surprised to see me.” Stefan’s dark eyes twinkled as he walked closer, holding out his hand.
Grinning, I pulled him in for a bear hug, slapping him on the back. “Jesus, man. I thought you were still in the African jungle searching for berries or some shit.” It had been almost four years since I’d seen my younger brother. He’d never wanted anything to do with the family business, his heart given to world of causes and plights. I was damn proud of him. Such an innocent soul, a man with a mission worth fighting for. He was the epitome of goodness while I’d been accused of having no soul.
The fact he was actually attending a family business meeting both riled and worried me. As the favorite son, Stefan had been pampered by both my mother and father, every whim or hobby Stefan needed funding for fulfilled. In turn, my brother had always looked up to and respected my father above anyone else. His arrival home wasn’t a coincidence. What the hell was my father up to?
“You know perfectly well what I was doing. Saving the world from itself,” he said chidingly. “Berries might or might not have been involved.”
I laughed again, feeling more lighthearted than when I’d walked in. I’d missed our frank conversations over anything but mafia tactics, nights spent watching football games while drinking entirely too much beer. That seemed like a lifetime ago.
“What are you doing here?” As two waiters entered the room, the conversations became muted. They certainly knew everyone’s choice of libations. The glass of expensive bourbon was placed in my hand without a single question, the red wine placed in Stefan’s bringing yet another smile. “And are you turning sophisticated on me, brother?”
Stefan lifted his glass, his grin the same mischievous one he’d had since a boy. He’d never been suited to become a part of the business. “Hey, I’ve always enjoyed an excellent merlot and Father asked me to attend,” he answered, shifting his gaze toward our father’s direction.
“When did you get in?”
“Last night, late flight. Slept half the day or I would have called.”
“It’s fine. I was busy anyway. Just glad you’re back home.” I took a sip of my drink, knowing that Carmine Francesco never made any decision without having thought it through. My father has distinct reasons for Stefan being here.
“It was time,” he said quietly. I heard a hint of sadness in his voice.
“You’re going to have to tell me all about your trip.”
Stefan sighed and I could swear he was hiding behind his glass. “I will. There’s a hell of lot to tell. And you, brother? How’s your love life?”
It was the same question he’d asked me since I was barely eighteen, finally becoming a standing joke, only this time his question had true meaning. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” I jested.
“Yes, I would actually. I can smell a woman on you,” he teased, his grin getting wider.
Heat crested along my jaw, an occurrence that had never happened before.
“Wow, this girl must be damn special if she has you blushing,” Stefan murmured.
“Just someone from my past.” I was forced to admit, I’d had a difficult time not thinking about Sierra since leaving the house. Even my cock ached with the slightest thought about her. Tasting her mouth, feasting on her sweet pussy had brought back far too many enjoyable memories.
“You know what they say about your past, don’t you?” Stefan waited until I gave him a wry look. “That you can never run lest creatures of the night yank you into hell.”
“That must be a proverb I wasn’t taught in Catholic school,” I huffed, laughing softly. It was good to have him home.
“Just something I learned in the jungle. Can’t wait to meet this girl.”
Carmine rose to a standing position, indicating it was time for everyone to sit. “Thank you everyone for coming tonight. I realize it was short notice.” His voice was strong, more commanding than usual.
Stefan lifted a single eyebrow as we locked eyes. This could prove to be an interesting evening.
After everyone was seated, my father remained standing. “First of all, let’s all give our thanks that my youngest son has returned home to the flock safely.” He lifted his glass of scotch, giving every man in the room a hard stare.
I was last. There was anger in his expression, a hint of resentment. There was also blood.
“Here. Here. Glad to see you safe and sound, Stefan,” Armando commented.
“We have much to discuss,” Carmine continued, finally easing down onto his chair.
You could have heard a pin drop in the room.
As if on cue, the waiters entered the room bringing several platters of food, bottles of wine and whiskey—all family style. Only when the food had been served, the door closed did my father begin the discussion.
“Our business seems to have been compromised. That is something that needs immediate adjustment.” Carmine’s words held a biting tone.
As soon as food was placed in front of the majority, they began to dive in. The copious amounts of food were another reminder of my heritage. My stomach churned at the thought of eating. I sat back, swirling my drink.
“I assume you’re referring to Axel Movino,” I said casually.
My father took several bites of spaghetti before dropping his fork and grabbing his napkin. “Axel Movino is a pig that needs to be taken out. Unfortunately, the rumors on the street indicate that he has some very special friends.”
“I’ve heard that as well.” I kept my answer short and sweet.
“But you have firsthand knowledge of what’s going on, don’t you, Lorenzo?” My father took another bite of food, this time not bothering to look in my direction.
Dante shifted in his seat.
“Why don’t we cut the crap, Father. You’re obviously aware that I had a visitor last night, the reporter a witness to the murder. She identified Axel as the killer. I put word on the street to find out what the hell the asshole is up to.” I pushed my empty plate away.
“You need to be careful, Lorenzo. Things aren’t always what they seem.” The way Armando issued the statement yanked at every level of my patience.
“And how’s that?” I asked.
“Who are we talking about?” Stefan finally interjected, glancing around the table.
“Dude’s an issue with a significant portion of our operation. He’s also a savage,” Dante answered. “There’s a bunch of shit on the street. Some folks think Axel has a big plan in motion.”
Vincenzo snorted. “That asshole doesn’t have enough muscle to do anything more than piss in his pants.”
“That asshole is a clear threat to our entire family,” my father said in his usual cold, calculating manner. “To that end, I’ve come to a decision.”
I tapped my fingers on the table, trying to hold my temper. My father and I had been at odds more than once. My gut told me that I wasn’t going to like what he was about to say.
He held up his wineglass, swirling the cut crystal in the flickering light of one of the candles. “I am a very lucky man. I have two amazing sons and while they are opposites in many ways, they complement each other. One is ruthless with no conscience and the other a kind and decent man. Together, they make the perfect leader. With that in mind, I have decided to take a step back, allowing my sons to share in the responsibilities of operating our family business.”
For the first ten seconds, there were no sounds. Nothing.
“Fuck. Me,” Dante finally said under his breath.
I didn’t want to bristle and I certainly refused to take my father’s impetuous decision out on my only brother. However, as I turned my head toward Stefan, there was absolutely no doubt that he’d known my father’s intentions prior to the start of dinner.
Suddenly, the five Capos were all glancing in my direction. If I exploded, this would lead to a rift within the family that might not heal, an opening for the possibil
ity of a takeover. I’d taken an oath to protect and honor my family and I had no intention of going back on my word. I also had no intention of allowing my only brother to be placed in harm’s way.
“Fascinating, Father. Did you just come up with that idea?” I asked in a confident tone.
“I’ve always wanted both my sons involved in the business. Until recently, there was no possibility, but it would seem that Stefan had come to his senses.”
Stefan visibly bristled hearing my father’s words.
I could tell Stefan was ready to retort, his face flushing from embarrassment. “Stefan lived the life he wanted because he is far more intelligent than either you or I could ever be. The world and the Peace Corps were lucky to have a man like Stefan on their team. I can only imagine how many lives he saved. Surely, that’s what’s important to you, Father, and something that you must be proud of.” I wasn’t entirely certain which Capo sucked in their breath with enough vehemence that a whistle occurred, but the tension in the room was stiff.
Anger likely to follow.
My father didn’t like to be challenged in any manner.
“Your brother took it upon himself to break your mother’s heart. Traveling around the world to help the worst of mankind amidst horrible contagious diseases, living in open huts with infected drinking water, and never coming home to his family. Yeah, that’s something to be very proud of.” The contempt in my father’s voice finally took its toll.
Stefan pushed back from the table, knocking over his chair. “Fine, Father. I came back just like you wanted. I gave up my career. Just like you wanted. I’ll be your little puppet,” he barked and slammed his hands on top of the table. “Just. Like. You. Want.”
“Stop it, all of you!” Armando demanded.
After giving Armando a surly look, Stefan headed for the door.
I stood, tossing my napkin and glaring at my father. “What the hell has gotten into you? Stefan worshipped the ground you fucking walked on.” When my father continued eating, as if nothing was wrong, my entire mind was ready to shut down. “Jesus Christ.” I stormed away from the table, finding Stefan heading for the front door.
