Caught

by Stone, Piper

  “Of course. You’ll be the first on my list.”

  The trite bastard. I almost tossed my cell phone into the window. Instead, I poured a drink, trying to figure out what was the next course of action. At this point, there was no pressure that could be applied, but when the daughter came into town, I would at least have the upper hand—one ugly way or another. This wasn’t a satisfying conclusion, but what choice did I have? Besides, there was other work to be done that would keep me busy.

  Not according to Montego. Our terse conversation had lasted exactly three minutes. That’s all he’d cared to give me before ending the call. And that was after making several promises. The old man was shaken by events I wasn’t privy to, but I’d already heard the crap coming from the massive grapevine. What was the point of trying to keep Bishop Enterprises legitimate if savagery was still going to be used?

  I held the glass to my head, rubbing the coolness against my temple. I hadn’t slept at all the night before, thoughts about the way Richard had looked at me, the knowing and hurt in his eyes. I would forever hold a certain level of guilt in my system, but it was time to move on. I had no heart and had been told more than once I had no soul. So be it. Soon, I would have everything I’d set out to achieve, thereby satisfying Montego. The thought made me chuckle. A man died and all I could think about was what my father would or wouldn’t do.

  Lola. The name rolled off my tongue.

  What no one would ever learn is that I knew Lola Markum, or at least I had many years before. As children. Even though her father wasn’t considered wealthy by the Calduchi standards, he’d spent every dime he could afford sending her to private schools. I will never forget how she was taunted, bullied by the rich kids, myself included. Even after two years, she had few friends, but she excelled in school, ignoring the name calling, the vicious games played at her expense.

  Why did I even remember? Because she’d blossomed into a young woman much faster than any of the other girls. And I’d fallen hard for her. Even then, I was nothing but a shit, a pompous kid who believed all the hype—that I deserved whatever I desired. She’d always played hard to get, but even then, the sparks had been obvious. One day I’d pulled her into a bathroom and we kissed, the moment sizzling with passion. I chuckled, given the memory. Yeah, everything had been so passionate that she gave me a black eye afterwards.

  That was the day I knew I was in love with her.

  How times changed. I hadn’t thought about her for over ten years. Perhaps karma was rearing its ugly head. Only this time, I would be the winner.

  I stood in the same place, sipping the stiff scotch, thinking about the next course of business. While I couldn’t press completely forward without the final contract, I could begin making certain alterations to Bishop Enterprises itself, plans I’d been developing during the last six months. What my father didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him.

  I polished off the drink and grabbed my keys, heading out. Maybe I’d take the next damn day off. I was, after all, the CEO. Snickering, I grabbed my sunglasses, tossing them on as I strode out of the building. The moment I neared my car, I sensed a presence behind me. I had the gun in my hands even before I turned around, pointing the Glock in the direction of the visitor.

  “Brother. You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Giovanni laughed, and he held his arms into the air, amused that I’d resorted to pulling a gun on him. “Fear doesn’t look good on you.”

  “What do you want, Gio? I’m tired and ready for a quiet night.” While I lowered the weapon, I had no intention of putting it away just yet. I’d known for years Giovanni would have no issue with sanctioning my murder to obtain his right to power.

  “I have no intention of stopping you.”

  “Then what do you want?”

  Gio smiled and sauntered closer. He always appeared defiant when he and I were together, as if he was top dog. “I came here to warn you.”

  “Warn me?” I kept the gun by my side, my finger on the trigger, glancing in both directions to see if anyone was watching. The united front between family members had to be kept in appearances at all times. At this exact moment given the nasty mood I was in, the concept pissed me off. If there was any wind of disparagement within our family, other syndicates would be told, opening the door to a takeover attempt. Even I didn’t want that to happen. However, if I was assassinated in private by one of Gio’s soldiers then an escalated war would only aid in Gio’s rise up the food chain.

  “Yes, brother. You’ve been far too busy pretending to be a businessman to notice what’s going on around you.” Gio kept the smirk on his face.

  I unlocked the car and leaned against the driver’s door. I was fed up and wouldn’t take his bullshit but for so long. There was bad blood between us and he was lucky I hadn’t taken him out years before. “Just talk, Gio. Tell me what you need to say then go to one of your bars or clubs. I’m sure you can find some woman who hasn’t heard your ridiculous come-on lines before.”

  He narrowed his eyes, anger creating creases in his forehead. “Then the warning will be quick and easy. There are people ready to take you out as the weakest link. If you don’t make certain that little girl signs the papers, you will become a target and there’s nothing either I or Father can do to stop them.”

  News certainly traveled fast. “Are you threatening me, big brother, because if you are, I have no issue dealing with the situation right here. Right now.” I clenched the Glock, itching to have him try and fight me.

  Crowding my space, he hissed, “Do it. Just go right ahead. I know you don’t have the balls. You take our mother’s maiden name, refusing to accept your heritage. You have the stink of a coward.”

  My hand was around his throat within a split second and I threw him against the car, my fingers digging into his skin. “Don’t you dare say anything about our mother.” I held the gun next to his head, the barrel just inches away from his face. “Not a fucking word. Do you understand me?”

  He glanced at the weapon before breaking into a grin. “Not to worry, little brother. Just remember that people talk trash.”

  The same old threats, only this time, I gathered a sense that he was telling the truth. “I’ll keep that in mind. Now, get the fuck away from me.” I took a giant step backward, trying to calm my anger. Gio had a way of goading me that I fell into every time. The fact he was here and alone meant he was snooping, but for himself or for Montego? Time would tell.

  “Fine. I’ll leave you to your evening. Just keep something in mind, Jagger. You are not the next in line for the throne. You’ve wasted far too much time.” He reached out, flicking his finger against my jacket, a simple move as if he cared. I knew better.

  “Whatever, Gio. I can handle whatever comes my way.”

  “We shall see, little brother. We shall see.”

  For some reason, I watched him walk away, curious to see if anyone eventually trailed behind him. He always rode with a posse, a group of men who were not only his protectors but also ready for any fight. His soldiers were scum of the earth, bloodsuckers feeding off the ill wills of others. Their actions had also allowed my brother to become wealthy, stealing or extorting from anyone who stood in his way. I’d been right in my assumptions. He hadn’t wanted an audience. My brother wasn’t giving me a warning. He was issuing a personal threat.

  Too bad I wasn’t afraid.

  * * *

  I strode into the bar just after nine-thirty that night. Still angry. Still on edge. Razzle’s was my usual haunt, a corner jazz club that had been around for well over fifty years. Very little had changed, the décor a classic combination of mahogany-stained wood and pictures of celebrities covering the walls. The ebony Steinway baby grand in the corner had always drawn my attention, even as a little boy. I stood in the doorway, enjoying the entertainment. The sultry female singer created dark fantasies, the kind that would linger in my mind for days. Only when she’d finished the song did I walk past, giving her a nod of approval.

  I k
new the current owner, a guy I’d gone to school with. He’d taken an entirely different path, preferring hard work to the easy road, taking over after his father had died. The place had been my father’s stomping grounds long before I’d been allowed inside.

  “Hey, Jimmy.” No one paid any real attention to who I was. Perhaps they didn’t care. Times had changed over the years, the syndicate blending in. Yep, we were just regular folk.

  “Thought you were on vacation,” Jimmy teased, already pouring my requested drink.

  “What? A guy can’t get a little work done every once in a while?” Grinning, I eased onto the barstool. I came here a couple of times a week. The reasons? Music. Booze. Good conversation. Jimmy could tell a story like nobody else. I also didn’t have to pretend to give a shit about the family, the business, or anything else for that matter. Tonight was no exception. I was in jeans and a ratty tee-shirt. Comfort clothes.

  “Yeah. Yeah. You don’t even have to work. Don’t kid a kidder.” He pushed the glass across the bar before leaning over.

  “Nothing gets handed to you on a silver platter. If it does, you can anticipate a certain payment will be required in return.”

  “Something for us poor boys to keep in mind.”

  I chuckled as I swirled the glass. A swift movement caught my attention and I glanced over my shoulder. The beautiful girl wasn’t a familiar face in the joint and I recognized almost everyone who crossed over the threshold. I was observant for several reasons, including the desire to live. I took a sip of my drink, holding the liquor in my mouth as she eased her long red hair over her shoulder before rounding the corner of the bar, taking a seat at the opposite end. After swallowing, I realized I’d issued a slight noise, a guttural sound coming straight up from my crotch.

  Jimmy followed my gaze, shaking his head and lowering his voice. “Beautiful but way out of your league.”

  “You say that about every woman who comes into this bar.”

  “I like to keep my customers alive. Okay?” He took a step back, winking before moving off to serve another customer.

  I took another sip, savoring the fact the glass used as a prop allowed me to enjoy lusting after a stranger. She was a tall redhead with killer long legs and the dress she wore was simple yet seductive in a classy way. My cock was screaming for relief, my balls tightening. She certainly didn’t seem to be with anyone. In fact, she appeared lost or maybe a touch vulnerable. “Hey, Jimmy. Whatever she’s having, buy her another one on me. Let’s make it a glass from the most expensive bottle of wine you have. Yeah.”

  “Hmmm... All right. You got it, but only one.” Jimmy laughed as he pointed his finger. “Keeping you on a budget.”

  “Funny boy. Real funny,” I countered, my thoughts shifting straight to the kind of kink that could incinerate the bar.

  She enjoyed wine, even savoring the flavor, but she was antsy. As Jimmy poured from one of his reserve bottles of merlot, I concentrated on her alluring eyes, the way they cut either up or down depending on what she was looking at. Even the slight smile she had was as if she knew a burning secret. I hadn’t felt this kind of reaction in years. Shit, I was even tingling all over.

  The wine was presented, and she was obviously told who’d bought her the drink. She lifted her glass, giving a single nod. Then she simply looked the other way.

  I’m not certain if I was incensed or riled, but obviously I wasn’t her type. Exhaling, I tried to think of anything else, pretending I didn’t give a shit, but my eyes continued to sweep in her direction. She had an unassuming way about her, the fresh girl next door look. As if I’d know what in the hell that was like. Hmmm... She darted another glance in my direction but refused to lock eyes.

  However, there was no denying the attraction between us. I could feel the electricity shifting into high voltage mode from across the room. I was a damn fool to consider getting involved, but I enjoyed taking risks. I grabbed my glass and headed in her direction. I had nothing better to do tonight so what the hell. “Hello. A beautiful lady sitting all alone is a crime.”

  “Hmmm... I rather enjoy being alone. People watching.” She gave me a cautious look before a glimmer of recognition crept into her eyes. “Thank you for the wine. Delicious. An Opus One. I’d say 2011, no, a 2012. Very nice.”

  “You know your wines.”

  “Let’s just say I’ve enjoyed many bottles over the years. Granted, nothing this expensive.” She laughed, the sound throaty, as if she’d just experienced a heated round of sex. Her skin held a shimmer, her fiery eyes highlighted in the flicker of candlelight.

  Inhaling the scent of her perfume was far too intoxicating, forcing my cock to throb. “I can attest to doing the same.” I held out my hand. “Jagger.”

  She gave me a hard once-over, her eyes ever so briefly settling on my crotch before accepting the handshake. “Kitty.”

  “A very beautiful name.”

  “Thank you. Now, I realize this is going to sound extremely rude and that’s not necessarily the kind of person that I am usually, but I’m not here to get fucked, laid, or otherwise pestered into giving a blowjob. I’m trying to find a job in a town that seems to think you need a PhD in just about everything. I’m a little cranky and no doubt need a good night’s sleep that I doubt I’ll find in the fleabag motel I’m forced to stay in. You seem like a very nice guy. You’re also extremely sexy and I do appreciate the gesture but if you can just buzz off, that would be fabulous.” She huffed and brought the wineglass to her lips, taking a huge gulp.

  From a two-thousand-dollar bottle of wine, one that she obviously knew the cost of. I was floored. Speechless. I hadn’t been left speechless in a solid ten years.

  “I’m sorry. Was that too much information for you?” Kitty asked before licking the rim of the glass.

  “Actually, that was refreshing. Brutal honesty is rare these days.” I held up my glass. “To the truth.”

  She lifted a single eyebrow, the action forcing a strand of hair to fall into her eyes. “To never telling lies. I abhor anyone who does.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” The sip wasn’t nearly enough, and I lifted my glass, glaring at Jimmy as he gave me a knowing look. “If you don’t mind me asking. What kind of a job are you looking for?” What did I think I was going to do, take her home with me? She couldn’t tolerate my brand of desire.

  Shrugging, she bit her lower lip, as if debating telling me anything.

  “I promise you that I’m not a serial killer. A leech, maybe, but only when I’ve had too much tequila.” Yeah, saying the words was a not so gentle reminder that a nice girl would never have anything to do with an asshole like me.

  This time she laughed, the lilting sound floating over the din of music, creating another series of vibrating pulses sliding down my spine.

  “At this point, anything administrative. I was an assistant to the president of a large manufacturing company back in Wisconsin, but no one wants to give me a chance in Chi town. My mother warned me not to come here. She said nothing good would come out of teasing the devil.”

  “Your mother sounds like an interesting woman.”

  “You have no idea.” She shook her head, her smile turning mischievous.

  There were insidious thoughts racing through my mind, the kind of dark and evil desires that would frighten any woman away. I wanted her shackled and waiting, her naked body glistening from my cum covering her body. I could envision spanking her sweet ass, disciplining her for every misdeed she would do. Beads of sweat slid down the back of my neck. Damn, this girl turned me on. “Chicago can be a tough town.”

  “Tough? The interviews have been horrible. Nasty people. They want me to be on time, but I haven’t found one of them on time yet. And the attitudes. Jesus. I’m not some two-bit idiot. I have experience. I don’t want to have to go back home if I don’t have to. I want to do this all on my own. I know that sounds... foolish.” Kitty groaned. “Listen to me babbling on when I clearly snubbed you.”

  “D
on’t worry. I can handle the heat.”

  “I just bet you can.”

  I chuckled and allowed myself to inch closer. “Maybe tough was mild. I might have an idea for you.”

  “An idea?” Her expression was tentative but interested. I could tell she was intrigued, even longing to extend the conversation.

  “I know a company that might be hiring.”

  “Hmmm... Let me guess, some greasy spoon looking for waitresses.”

  “What you must think of me.” Everything about this girl was electrifying.

  Kitty grinned. “As far as the nice meter, which I use in order to determine if I’m going to like a person, you rank pretty high.”

  “Why, thank you very much.” I could see Jimmy rolling his eyes in the background. I grabbed a bar napkin. “Jimmy. Can I borrow a pen?”

  “Gonna cost you,” he chortled as he tossed me one.

  “Put it on my tab,” I countered, unable to take my eyes off her face. “Here’s the address. Just ask for Molly. Tell her that I sent you for an administrative position and she’ll know what to do. I think you’ll enjoy the job.”

  She accepted the handwritten note, the same tentative look remaining. “I don’t like handouts of any type.”

  “Trust me. There won’t be. If you don’t cut it, the owner will can your ass in a heartbeat. He’s a fair guy, but likes his employees disciplined in all methods.”

  “Hmmm... Okay. I guess I have nothing to lose. I really do appreciate your help. I’m on my last couple of hundred dollars.” She wrinkled her nose. “Another round of TMI.”

  “And I’m just glad I could help.” Knowing I was going to see her again meant I wouldn’t push. Just yet anyway. But soon, very soon in fact, this woman would learn to obey me. Nice girl and bad boy. Perfect. After all, she was going to become my submissive.