by Piper Stone
“The police,” he snorted. “They’re worthless. They don’t give a shit about what happens in certain parts of the city, especially when the gangs are involved. The vicious gangs run the streets, killing anyone who gets in their way. They’re animals and nothing more. Lorenzo is determined to get rid of them. He made a promise to me and I believe him. The two soldiers we lost a few months ago, he made certain to help the families just like he did with me.”
“This gang. Do they have a name?”
“They call themselves the Blood Brothers. They’re just the hired guns for the Movino clowns. I might be a criminal, miss, but we have a code of honor that we follow. That’s important to the Francesco family. We don’t terrorize women in the middle of the night. We don’t kill innocent babies.”
I reared back, taking in the information. No wonder Lorenzo had been so angry. “I wish I knew what to say. I’m sorry I challenged you. You have nothing to do with my predicament.”
“That’s fine. I’m sure you have your reasons and I assure you, I’ve heard a hell of a lot worse. Ain’t none of my business anyway. I just thought you should know that Lorenzo handles every issue himself. He gives a damn about his people no matter what people say.”
The cold chill remained. Lorenzo’s insistence I remain in the house certainly had even more merit than I’d realized. Axel was a monster, his gang members even worse. There was nowhere I could go in this city without having a target on my back.
“Thank you for that and I meant what I said. Make certain and tell Drake that you’re both welcome in the house and there’s food and soft drinks in the kitchen.”
“I appreciate that, miss.”
“It’s Sierra. My name is Sierra.”
Justin smiled, giving me a respectful nod. “For what it’s worth, Sierra, you must be pretty special to Lorenzo. He’s never had another woman at his house. In fact, I’ve never seen him with any woman, not that it’s any of my business. This is the first time I’ve been assigned security detail here. That’s a real honor very few soldiers achieve. He’s a private man, protective of his family. That includes you.”
His words and his story struck me in a way I hadn’t expected. Lorenzo’s men respected him. That was easy to see. I stopped long enough to give him an appreciative smile. I could tell by the man’s eyes that whatever had occurred wasn’t just disruptive.
It was damning.
Everything about my decision to seek Lorenzo’s help had just become all too real. I wasn’t just playing with fire. I was juggling with fiery swords. There was no way out of this hell. Disgusted, I jogged up to my bedroom and into the bathroom, slamming the door and turning on the light. I’d done everything Lorenzo had asked. I’d ordered copious amounts of clothing. I’d remained in the house like a good little girl. I’d even worn the stupid plug he’d commanded I wear.
And he’d gone and almost gotten himself killed.
I slammed my hands on the counter several times until both my arms ached. “You’re not going to care about him. Do you hear that?” I pointed my index finger at the mirror, growling at the woman staring back at me. “And to hell with the goddamn plug.” I yanked down the sweatpants, jerking the toy from my asshole, smiling as I dumped it into the sink, turning the water on hot. No man was going to make me wear a rubber thingy in my bottom.
I closed my eyes, envisioning his face, trying to ignore the nagging little voice.
You care about him.
“No, I don’t.”
Yes, you do.
I laughed, this time holding up my middle finger then turning swiftly, smashing my hand against the light switch.
I walked down the stairs and into the living room, uncertain I’d ever be able to warm up again. After finding a selection of movies, as well as a blanket, I settled onto the couch. I would wait for Lorenzo’s return and just maybe, I could give him the comfort he’d given me.
Or I’d give him hell.
* * *
The scent was all wrong, acrid and reeking of copper. I opened my eyes, the fear almost crippling. A man’s face loomed over mine and for a few seconds, I envisioned the animal who’d killed Lucas.
“No. No!” I pushed hard, slamming my hands against a hard surface, trying desperately to break free of whatever was holding me down.
“It’s just me,” Lorenzo whispered. He was leaning over, his face mere inches from mine.
“Oh, God. Are you all right?” I jerked to a sitting position, the light from the movie allowing me to see that he didn’t appear to be hurt, although his clothes were covered in... Blood. The stench was something I’d never forget. “What happened? They wouldn’t tell me anything. You’re covered in blood.”
“I’m fine, Sierra, but you and I need to talk,” he said in a flat tone. “Interesting to see you care.”
“Don’t do that. Don’t. Okay?” I heard the pleading tone in my voice. “Tell me what happened to you.”
Even in the dim lighting of the room, I could see the almost desperate need that had enveloped him. He sat back, jerking at his jacket. The moment he pulled his weapon from the pocket, placing the cold steel on the table, I couldn’t take my eyes off the gun. I knew in my gut that it had been used. Had he killed someone tonight? Had he almost lost his life because of me?
Or was there something else going on?
“You’re not going to tell me?” I asked in a mere whisper.
“You’re playing a game with me and I don’t like it.”
“What do you mean a game?” It was as if he was looking right through me. I shifted backwards, easing my feet onto the floor.
“I’m in a dangerous business, Sierra. You very well know that. What keeps me alive is knowing all the players and the information. That way I’m not pushed into an ambush.”
“What are you talking about?” An ambush? My legs were trembling seeing the rage building within him.
He turned his head in my direction, his eyes locking with mine. “Your car wasn’t found and my soldiers looked everywhere. Why do I have the feeling that Axel was waiting for the two of you? Why are my instincts screaming that somehow the asshole knew who you were even before you set foot in that back alley? Are you still lying to me, Sierra, because if you are, I won’t hesitate to punish you severely.”
“I...” I swallowed several times.
“You better tell me the damn truth or so help me God, our deal is broken.”
“Then what? Are you going to turn me out on the streets?” I was horrified because that’s exactly what I knew he’d be forced to do.
“I do what is required and no one makes a fool out of me. Not even the woman I...” He didn’t finish his sentence, merely snorting after issuing the few words.
“That you might accidentally care for?” I finished for him, incensed at the entire situation, fear skating down my spine. Within two seconds, he fisted my hair, dragging me over the back of the couch and jerking down the sweatpants.
“No more games, Sierra. None. You will never lie to me again.” His words were said in frustration as well as anxiety. I heard the difference in his tone. “And you’re not wearing your plug.”
The realization seemed to shock him, further igniting the sparks of anger.
“I’m sorry. I just...” Since you went out to get yourself killed, I didn’t think it was necessary. I bit my tongue, refusing to say the words.
“I haven’t asked much from you except for respect and obedience. You can’t give me either. You are going to learn one way or the other if I have to spank you ten times a day. Do. You. Understand?”
I heard such disappointment in his voice that I cringed, feeling very much the bad little girl. I could barely think straight, had no idea how or even if I should apologize again. He’d turned my world upside down in less than twenty-four hours.
“I’m going to spank you long and hard and you will wear the plug. If you disobey me one more time, you will remain naked. Period.”
I believed him but instead of feel
ing anger or trepidation, I felt a wave of lust. No. No!
As his hand came down on my naked bottom, moving from one side to the other, I was humiliated at being treated like some stupid child. “Stop!”
“I’m not going to stop until you learn your lesson. Lies will get you killed. How many times do I have to tell you that?”
Shivering, I grasped the back of the couch as the spanking continued, every smack harder than the one before. Heat built up quickly, the pain biting. He was furious although controlled, his entire body rigid. Whatever he’d gone through or heard had taken him to another level of private hell.
“I won’t lie to you,” I insisted.
“No. I don’t think you will.” Lorenzo pressed his hand on the small of my back, striking me against my upper thighs.
I bit back any cries, knowing that I could have been the cause for whatever he’d been through. I was mortified at the thought, shaking from the realization. I didn’t want him hurt. I didn’t fight him as he smacked me long and hard, the burn and anguish something I did deserve, at least this time.
When he seemed satisfied, he released his hold, dragging the tips of his fingers down my spine. I could hear his ragged breathing, knew he was suffering from whatever he’d endured.
He exhaled in an exaggerated manner then rose from the couch, walking toward the fireplace mantel.
I adjusted my pants, wincing when I eased back down onto the cushions.
“Axel knew who you were. Didn’t he?”
The admittance was difficult.
“Yes.”
Another hiss escaped his mouth. “How?”
“I honestly don’t know unless Lucas told him.”
“And why would he do that?”
“That’s what I’ve asked myself a dozen times,” I insisted.
“Not good enough. When did you know he was aware of who you were?” His look was pointed. “When?”
“When he spouted my name, telling me that he would hunt me down.”
Lorenzo slammed his hand against the wall, cursing under his breath. “That would have saved us some trouble, Sierra. I would have made different decisions.”
“You already thought he would figure it out anyway.”
“Yeah? Well, had I known before...” He didn’t bother finishing his sentence.
And I wasn’t going to ask him to. “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry? You have no idea what could have happened. We’re not finished with your punishment. I don’t ask much from you. I’m trying to keep you alive. Axel wants you dead badly and I honestly don’t think it has entirely to do with the fact you witnessed a murder. He thinks of himself as invincible.”
“Then why?”
“Revenge.”
“I haven’t done anything to him. I didn’t publish a single word yet, as if I have anything to share anyway.”
“Where is your story?”
“I hadn’t written it yet. I’d made a few notes on the office computer, but everything I’d collected was... in my house,” I said, realizing that was likely destroyed as well.
“I’m going to find out what the hell is going on. You’re going to write down everything you know about Axel that you can remember.”
“All right,” I whispered.
He shifted his glance in my direction again, his mouth twisting. “One more question and I want the truth. Did you park your car where you said it was?”
“Yeah, of course I did. Why would I lie about something like that?” What was he getting at?
“While I am fully aware that vehicles are stolen at all hours within this city, my gut tells me someone wanted it to disappear.”
“I... I don’t understand. I parked it in a safe area near the bar. Why would someone target my car?”
“Good question. There’s something going on that I don’t like. Damn it.”
When he sat down on the couch, I longed to reach out and touch him, to try to find out what had occurred. The man was so damn private. I shrank back against the couch, my mind reeling. Lucas was the only person who could have told Axel anything about me. But why would he betray me?
Unless everything Lucas had said was a ploy.
As Lorenzo’s breathing became more irregular, his chest rising and falling, I could tell his mood had shifted from anger to something more depraved.
“Please tell me what happened,” I encouraged.
“I told you earlier, no talking.”
His eyes never left me as he yanked at his shirt, tugging the blood-splattered material over his head and shoulders, tossing it aside. A growl erupted from his mouth as he reached for me, fisting my hair and dragging me against the heat of his body. There was no hesitation as he crushed his mouth over mine.
I could feel the extreme buildup of heat on his skin, as if he was on fire. I slipped my arm around his neck, tangling my fingers in his hair. The scent of destruction mixed with the faint hint of his exotic cologne, filling my nostrils in a way that brought me to such intense arousal that I whimpered into the kiss.
He was more aggressive than he’d ever been, jerking at my shirt until he was able to slide his other hand underneath, raking his fingers up and down the length of my back. Everything about this man was all controlling, his tongue dominating mine as the kiss turned even more savage. Every muscle was tense, his chest rising and falling as if the desperation was taking a significant toll, his hunger knowing no bounds.
I gathered a hint of bourbon, the taste scintillating. He dragged us both onto our knees, breaking the intimacy only long enough to rip the shirt over my head. The look of darkness crossing his face was powerful, savage in nature and unforgiving in every way. He was not going to be denied. He yanked the blanket away, the force rocking my body. Nothing would hinder him.
“I want you. I will have you. I will take all of you.” His words were husky, dripping with incredible lust.
I was swept up in the moment, my breath skipping, my heart racing. His actions were overwhelming, further fueling my need. I fumbled to unfasten his belt, my fingers shaking as much as my body. Whatever had occurred had changed him. I was certain of it, almost afraid of this man, yet so drawn to him that I couldn’t think about being anywhere else.
All the moments of anger with myself, the humiliation I felt given my body’s betrayal no longer mattered. I was as wild with my longing, yanking at his button and zipper as if we had only limited time.
He tugged at my sweatpants, jerking them down and cupping my bottom, squeezing until I moaned. I gripped his shoulders with one hand, sliding my other past the open zipper until I was able to wrap my fingers around his throbbing cock. I shuddered from the feel, arching my back and closing my eyes.
He chuckled in his dark manner, making a guttural sound before dropping his head and engulfing my nipple.
“Oh. Oh. Oh.” I could only take shallow breaths as he licked and nipped my hardened bud, sending a shower of bliss into every cell and muscle. I was tingling all over, so alive, my body rippled with strings of dancing current skimming my skin.
He issued a series of barbaric sounds before sliding his open mouth to my other breast, biting down on the tender tissue as if feasting on a delicious meal.
I kept my eyes closed, stroking the base of his cock, squeezing and twisting my hand, the friction delicious. His scattered moans were my reward, my pussy quivering as juice trickled down onto the insides of my thighs.
“Such a tease,” he muttered and brushed his lips in between my breasts, moving ever so slowly up to my neck. He grabbed my hair, holding me in place as he rubbed his lips back and forth across my jaw then dragging his tongue across the seam of my mouth. Using the other hand, he smacked my bottom several times, laughing softly when I whimpered.
I palmed his chest, kneading his muscles as I pumped his cock, masturbating him in a way that I could tell was driving him crazy.
He smacked me several times before sliding the tip of a single finger down the cleft of my ass. “Every hole belongs to m
e. Your mouth. Your pretty pink pussy. Your tight little ass. I’m going to use you every day, fucking you savagely. I’m going to show you what it feels like to be owned, to know that you belong to me and only me. I’m going to drive your body to extremes. Anguish. Rapture. Over and over again.”
“Oh...” His dirty words were exciting, my pussy muscles clenching then relaxing over and over again. I was close to coming with merely the sound of his velveteen voice, the filthy words he spoke.
“I’m going to mark every inch of your body, spanking your ass, your pussy, and your thighs. I’m going to pierce your perfect nipples and your clit and I’m going to keep you naked for my use only. You’re going to do everything I demand. You’re going to please me in every way, no matter what I ask. You’re mine. All mine. Do. You. Understand?”
The anticipation of doing exactly what he commanded was invigorating, driving me into a surreal moment of rapture. He was so commanding, brutal in every manner and my body wanted nothing but to please him. “Yes. Yes, sir.” Had I even whispered the words? Could I please him in every way?
He nipped the base of my earlobe before pushing me down onto the couch, finally glancing toward the television screen, chuckling once again. “You discovered a secret.”
“One I like. You’re a complicated man, Lorenzo.”
“And you’re a fascinating woman, Sierra, but I’m very hungry. You should never make the mistake of thinking any of this is about romance. You’d be wrong.” He twisted his head, licking his lips before yanking at my pants until I was finally completely naked. Using the flats of both hands, he flexed his fingers open, dancing them down from my shoulders, taking his time to swirl a single tip around first one nipple then the other.
I understood. He was sadistic, his needs depraved. I was merely a vessel on which to take out his frustrations. Still, there was something entirely different about his actions. He was overwrought, losing his grip on the magnificent control he prided himself in.
And I was the reason.
As before, I didn’t want the inconvenience of craving him in any manner. He pushed me to the brink of something I could barely contain, my nipples in almost excruciating pain from the abyss of desire sweltering from deep within.
