Made to Beg

by Piper Stone

  “You’re not going anywhere. You’re safer here.” I kept my tone even.

  “There’s nothing wrong with me. And it’s obvious you need help.”

  “Armando called you.”

  “He came to see me. He said you were... concerned. Accusatory about his loyalty.”

  I was surprised his tone had shifted entirely. I walked closer. “He’s a traitor.”

  My father was never reserved, at least with his reactions to his son. When he took his time before answering, I couldn’t have been more surprised. “There are some things you need to know, son, but not while I’m in here. I’m well aware of what’s going on, which is another reason I need to be released. I assure you that Armando is not a traitor. In fact, he is much more loyal than you are aware.”

  “And the blackmail? The senator?” He had a look of surprise.

  “Did Armando explain?”

  “Nope. He said you should.”

  He looked away, huffing. “That’s for another time.”

  Jesus Christ. While I was intrigued, I didn’t have time for any additional games. “If you are aware of what’s going on, you also know what’s at stake. We are at war with the Russian Bratva.”

  Another smile crossed his lips and he motioned me closer. “And you’ve come to tell me something. Haven’t you?”

  Why did I have the distinct impression he already knew about the alliance?

  “Yeah, and in truth, it’s my decision and one you’re going to accept. We have no other choice if we want to maintain our position and our wealth.”

  “Then by all means, tell me, son.”

  I hesitated, searching his eyes. “I’ve solicited the help of other mafia families in order to fight this. The Solntsevskaya family is dead set on taking over not only our turf, but others. We can win this but only if we work together.” I made the statement simple with no room for the man to deny what I had to do.

  He took a deep breath, his eyes darting back and forth. He gave me his usual formal nod when I didn’t fuck things up, as he appreciated telling me. “As expected.”

  “Meaning?”

  “I’ve known for years that another mafia organization would attempt to take over. The rumors have become heated over the last few months, an indication that a takeover attempt was imminent. What you are doing is an excellent decision and I’m proud of you for reaching out as necessary. That shows true leadership.”

  I’d rarely been shocked with anything my father said, but at this point, I was floored. “You need to stay here so I can protect you.”

  “That won’t be necessary. As you know, I have somewhere I can go. I have plenty of soldiers who will protect our family. Do what you need to do, but at some point, you and I need to talk.”

  I knew there was no stopping the man from being released. I took a deep breath. “Fine. Do what you need to do and so will I.” I walked toward the door, my nerves fucking rattled.

  “And you do what is necessary to keep our business going. There is no one I know who can handle this any better than you can, son. After all, you’re the head of the family now.”

  I half smiled to myself. If my father was goading me, I’d learn that soon enough. I walked out without saying anything else. There was no need at this point.

  I trotted down the stairs, my mind now on rescuing Sierra. There would no stone unturned, no place for the fucker to hide. The asshole was mine.

  I was in a fog the entire time I drove to my house. My family had all but been destroyed, the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with succumbing to the very danger I’d warned her about. My brother on death’s door.

  There was no update on her whereabouts, no hint of where she might have been taken. There was a quiet calm in the city and on the streets, those under our protection heeding the warning. Shops were closing early, children kept indoors. My soldiers were everywhere, combing every avenue and dark alley for any sign of the Bratvas. I suspected that others in the alliance had directed their people to do the same.

  When I walked into the house, I could no longer think clearly. I heard voices from the family room. How the fuck was I supposed to do this? I swallowed several times before walking into the room.

  “What’s wrong?” Dominick asked.

  “Nothing I can’t handle,” I answered, pulling out the drive. Whatever was on the damn thing had to be precious enough to kill for. It was time I found out what the shit was about.

  “What the hell is that?” Miguel asked.

  “Answers. I’m getting my laptop.” I stormed into my office, grabbing the computer, almost dropping it twice given how hard my hands were shaking. This was insane. This was... I fell against the desk, trying to fucking regroup.

  “You gonna be all right?” Dominick asked.

  I almost lashed out but pulled back, struggling to find an adequate answer. “In time. Let’s find out what we’re dealing with. Then we kill the fuckers.”

  “I think we’re all with you.”

  I could see the hunger for vengeance in his eyes, felt a sense of camaraderie, more so than ever before. We were an odd lot, men born into what we called a profession. Organized crime. Extortion. Drug running. And all five of us had spent years attempting to legalize certain business operations. In the end, it all came down to exactly what had occurred through the centuries.

  The hunger for power.

  He trailed behind me, his swagger much like my own. We were ready to end this blasphemous war.

  And we would win.

  I slipped the drive into my computer, navigating to the series of files.

  “What are we dealing with?” Aleksei asked, his usual vodka drink in his hand.

  “Lists of names, supporters of our various organizations,” I answered. Someone had gone to a hell of a lot of trouble, let alone time, to acquire such an extensive and damning list.

  “Blackmail,” Miguel said quietly.

  Blackmail yes, but not the kind Armando had alluded to.

  “A weapon of sorts,” Michael suggested.

  I darted a look in his direction. “You’re right. Target those who work for us, putting all of them in impossible positions. They either fold or flee, eliminating needed support from the police, city councils, attorneys, even doctors. They wanted to make certain we had zero opportunity to seek assistance.”

  “Fuckers,” Dominick hissed.

  “Intelligent. Similar tactics have been used by Bratva for years, but on a much smaller scale.” Aleksei held up his glass. “A toast to a formidable enemy.”

  I flipped through a few additional files. While the information was alarming and would have certainly garnered Sierra national recognition, there was nothing worth dying for.

  At least in my opinion.

  I was ready to yank the drive when I noticed one last file. Without hesitation, I clicked. As I read the attached document, I wasn’t certain whether to be livid or empowered. “Gentlemen. I believed I found the very reason for why Sierra Fox is considered so important to Konstantin.” I turned the laptop to face them, stepping away from the computer. It was vital that I find her. My guess was that she had absolutely no idea that she’d been this close to dynamite.

  If the senator had become aware of the contents, he would absolutely enjoy blackmailing my father. What tangled webs everyone had weaved.

  If exposed to the world, it would certainly alter the face of mafia power not only within the United States, but tentacles would reach other countries as well.

  Dominick snorted, lowering his head and laughing. “I’ll be damned.”

  “How can we be certain this is true?” Aleksei demanded.

  “I believe I know,” I said and took a deep breath. As my father had always told me, things are not as they seem.

  “If Konstantin has even a hint of this...” Miguel half whispered, not bothering to finish the sentence.

  Yeah, tell me something I didn’t know.

  When I heard yet another call coming in, I didn’t hesitate.
The unknown caller forced a slight growl from my mouth. “Yes?”

  “I have the bitch,” the man said, his Russian accent much heavier than I’d ever heard from Aleksei.

  “Konstantin,” I hissed in an elongated fashion.

  He chuckled. “Very good, Lorenzo Francesco. Hear me. If you want to see the woman alive, you will provide the keys to your kingdom. There is no room for negotiation.”

  “And if you touch her in any manner, trust me, Russian. You. Will. Die.”

  * * *

  A wise man had once told me that a great leader was one who had managed to gain the respect of other great men. I’d never really given my father the kind of credit he deserved. Through all his rough tactics, what I thought was a dislike for his own son was actually the opposite. He’d been grooming me in ways I hadn’t appreciated.

  All five members of the alliance had both strengths and weaknesses. We ran our organizations differently, our leadership skills all over the scale. At least we’d accepted early on that following the old ways, staying as bitter enemies, would be a hindrance at best. Perhaps we’d never fully trusted each other. Maybe if push came to shove, one or more of us would turn against the other.

  Somehow, I doubted that would ever happen.

  Especially now.

  What we did share was our loyalty and honor to our families.

  Every kingpin’s soldiers had been stationed in strategic locations, thousands of members of the Kadik gang identified. The Russians weren’t subtle in their needs or their wants. Now, everyone was merely waiting for the shit to roll. If we weren’t successful in locating Konstantin now, the firestorm would begin before the scheduled time.

  Every family member of the elite alliance had been moved to secure locations, all heavily guarded. Only my father had insisted on remaining in his house after checking out of the hospital. He was well aware of the danger he was facing. I wasn’t certain whether to give him credit for his bravery or to believe he had a death wish. Either way, I was forced to respect his decision.

  I’d released the hold on the ship coming into port, sending out selective data regarding the contents. I’d overblown the number of kilos as well as the estimated street value. I’d also lied about a second ship coming in. All because of a suggestion made by Aleksei. The take would seem like easy pickings for the Kadik gang. All I’d had to do was make a few phone calls. News would travel fast, including to Axel and Konstantin.

  We’d all had a crash course during the long night on the Solntsevskayas, from their ancient methods to their continued rise to power. They’d crushed the majority of their enemies overseas. Fear continued to run rampant. While they’d tried several times over the last century to make headway into the United States and Canada, their claim to fame was positioning Aleksei’s father in Philly. What they likely hadn’t counted on was that Aleksandr Petrov had wanted a better life for his family, refusing to follow the true Russian Bratva methods of absolute overthrow and destruction.

  The Petrov family was strong enough that it had taken years for the Solntsevskayas to position themselves. What Konstantin had done in hiding behind Axel had bought him even more time and the reason my turf was the first target made perfectly good sense.

  What I still didn’t know was how certain information had been leaked. That was for another day.

  I’d been impressed by Dominick’s obvious intelligence in using the computer to represent false sightings of the other alliance members within their own cities. The doctored pictures had been released in various methods. Without a doubt, Konstantin’s minions would be checking social media and news outlets.

  Or so we hoped.

  If what we’d represented was believed, we would have a huge advantage. We were taking a significant risk, but one we all agreed was in our best interest.

  Aleksei had been a wealth of information, using every snitch and his connections within the ministry of foreign affairs in Russia. The police in his mother country had a wealth of details on the Bratva, although no physical manner in which to stop their growth. Aleksei had also learned much about Konstantin.

  Including his biggest weakness.

  He was a true sadist, his taste for kink legendary as well as brutal. His choice of meeting grounds during the single phone call? A posh and very dark kink club, one I’d been to several times in the last two years. I had no way of knowing if Konstantin was aware the business was nestled in my fold, but those employed knew better than to talk.

  The Russian was obviously fucking with me, attempting to own what didn’t belong to him. The asshole certainly didn’t understand what I was made of.

  He would soon find out.

  I’d agreed to his initial terms, realizing the meeting was little more than a front. What was certain was the outcome.

  At least in my mind.

  As I entered the club, scanning the main floor, one of the bouncers gave me the heads up as to Konstantin’s location. The Russian had selected one of the private rooms, a perk for exclusive members, expensive for guests.

  A telling statement for his enemy. The man was arrogant and assured of himself.

  Just like I’d been at his age.

  As I headed toward the elevator, all eyes seemed to be on me. There were a number of my soldiers in the club, although they weren’t easy to detect. The Kadiks were much easier to recognize in their leather jackets and dark jeans. I snickered as I walked directly toward a group of them, holding out my arms.

  “I have an appointment with Konstantin.”

  I was frisked, just like I’d assumed would happen. When they were satisfied I was unarmed, they allowed me to step into the empty elevator. As the doors opened, I could hear music playing from the speakers, the selection of classical an interesting choice for such a savage individual.

  And there he was like a king holding court, lounging in an overstuffed velour chair, one leg tossed over the arm. Dressed in a flowing white shirt and lanky dark trousers, his appearance would be almost blasphemous if it hadn’t given me a chortle.

  “Konstantin Solntsevskaya.” There was no sign of Sierra. I bristled at the realization. If he’d played me, keeping her in another location, I rip his eyes out with my fingers.

  “Lorenzo Francesco. Your reputation precedes you. You were quite... fascinating to follow over the last few years.” He didn’t bother standing, merely lifting his thick crystal tumbler and taking a massive swig.

  I was surprised at his level of drama. I would have thought this kind of behavior was beneath him given his method of killing was savage.

  “Where is the girl?” I asked.

  “Where is information?”

  “What information?”

  Riled, he jerked up from the chair, taking long strides in my direction. “Don’t fuck with me, Lorenzo. I am in no mood. You are perfectly well aware of what I am speaking of. A simple trade. The data in exchange for her life.”

  I tilted my head, offering a wide grin. “You certainly haven’t learned the kind of man I am. I never make deals. While the female was tasty, she was a toy and nothing more.”

  “Then why were you protecting her?” Konstantin threw out. He grinned as if the information was shocking. “Of course I’ve had your house watched for weeks. I also had you followed. You really do need to work on your security game.”

  At least I knew how my cabin had been located. “Did you ever think that perhaps I was luring you into a trap?”

  His grin faded and he sniffed, looking away briefly. “Well, it is apparent that you had feelings for the girl. Didn’t you spend time with her in Mexico years before? Yes, I have a glossy photograph of the two of you at a tiki bar. I must admit, the island shirt does suit you.”

  To know that my family had indeed been watched for years was disconcerting, another reason to kill the motherfucker.

  “I was using the girl and nothing more, gathering the precious information that you seem terrified will get into the wrong hands. When I play, I play to win, Konstantin. Y
our futile attempt at destroying my organization was amateurish.”

  I was delighted that my statement had infuriated him. I held my look of glee as he fumed, able to dart a few glances around the room.

  “If that is so then we have nothing to discuss,” he finally said, moving back to his throne.

  “That’s where you’re wrong. I’m going to offer you a single reprieve, Konstantin. Leave my city tonight and catch the next flight out to Moscow. Disband your army before I make the call to have them killed.”

  He stared at me incredulously, finally bursting into laughter. “I was misinformed about you. You’re a fool. My army is prepared to crush your ugly little city and that’s only the beginning.” He lifted what appeared to be a small remote, pressing a button.

  Within seconds, Sierra came into view, her lovely naked body secured by thick leather straps. The fucking ‘X’ cross had been positioned directly under a hanging light, illuminating her beautiful face. I was furious immediately, prepared to beat the shit out of him, which is exactly what he wanted.

  It took everything I had not to react in any manner.

  Huffing, Konstantin seemed perturbed that I’d passed his test, jumping up and moving in her direction. “Oh, little slut. Lift your head. You have a visitor.”

  When she opened her eyes, struggling with her bindings, I realized I wouldn’t be able to hold back for long. Sierra finally lifted her head, relief rushing into her red eyes. She’d been crying. I was sick inside, my heart racing. I’d failed in my effort to protect her. I’d failed in every attempt at keeping her safe.

  I would never forgive myself.

  “She’s quite the handful,” he said, laughing.

  Fuck me, the man was going to suffer.

  “Now,” he said as he tweaked her nipple, twisting brutally until she cried out, but not only from pain, from anger. “I think we need to start our conversation again. Don’t you? It’s obvious we have much to discuss.”

  I could see the rebellious girl was still inside, his effort to break her unsuccessful. She hissed, giving him a vile look before turning her attention toward me. And I could swear I was able to read her thoughts. I remained silent, the single slight noise from the background just as I’d anticipated.