Illicit Proposition: A Dark Mafia Romance

by Piper Stone

  I clenched my jaw, stars floating in front of my eyes as I tried to yank the shirt over my breasts. I’d been stupid enough not to wear a bra and the slight breeze forced my nipples to full attention. I was sick inside, mortified that I was actually aroused by this beast of a man. How could that happen?

  “You are a horrible monster.”

  “Yes, Devon. I am. I think it’s time you realized that. I can also be a forgiving man who enjoys providing the finer things in life. That choice is entirely up to you. I suggest you make it wisely.” He returned to his original spot against the column, acting as if nothing had just happened.

  I took a step back, my mouth completely dry, trying to rationalize the moment as well as my stupid decision. However, there was no going back.

  “You have ten seconds, Devon. Then I’ll make the choice for you. I truly don’t think you’ll like having all control stripped away. Do you?”

  With a single turn of his head, a blazing look of lust in his eyes, I was thrown into another realm, a surreal world that I hadn’t seen coming. I turned away, gasping for air in some attempt to calm my nerves. That made me even angrier inside, hating myself as well as the horrible man.

  But I was smart enough to know I had no other choice.

  “Five seconds.”

  I yanked the shirt off, tossing it aside in anger. Then I kicked off my shoes, trying to keep from shaking. That was impossible. I was sick inside, darting glances toward the door. At any moment, one or more of the staff would appear through the door with items for dinner. This was all about humiliating me in some crazy effort to force me to comply. I hated him. I loathed myself.

  One day, I would kill the man with my bare hands.

  So. Help. Me. God.

  As I fumbled with the button and zipper on my jeans, I tried to concentrate on the music and nothing else. While the lilting strings were comforting, nothing could drag me out of the horror I was about to experience. I simply had to resign myself to the fact my life as I knew it had been stripped away from me.

  For now.

  However, Santiago Romero or De Leon had no idea how formidable and clever I could be. I hadn’t worked with criminals for almost a year not to pick up a few things. At least the thought provided some armor. When I yanked down my jeans, I almost fell over from trembling so badly. I wasn’t going to allow this man to see any fear. When I was down to my lace panties, I laughed softly, grateful that I’d selected purple for a change.

  Another wafting of breeze forced me to shiver, yet my increasing anger kept me warm. I issued a sight hiss before turning around, trying my best to hold my head high. The fucker hadn’t changed positions. He seemed relaxed, doing nothing more than enjoying the time spent on the veranda. Comfortable.

  Dominating.

  Possessive.

  However, he managed to hear my footsteps as I approached.

  “Pour yourself a glass of wine.” His words weren’t a suggestion. They were a command.

  I’d never been so embarrassed in my life, every muscle tense as I tried to walk forward. When I was finally near the table, I glared at the empty glass and bottle of wine, doing everything I could to maintain some level of humility. I did what I was told, although I wasn’t entirely certain I could stomach the liquid.

  “Come join me. The twilight is my favorite time.”

  I hated how much his deep baritone affected me, the way he said the words creating a series of vibrations. I clenched my fingers around the glass, hating the fact my legs were stiff as I walked closer to the wall. I purposely stayed away from him, my teeth chattering from the continued nervousness exploding in my system.

  At least a full two minutes passed.

  “We don’t have to be adversaries, Devon. I have no intent of hurting you or allowing anything to happen to you. However, the mission I’ve spent years preparing is very important to me. I refuse to let anything stand in my way.”

  “Then don’t make me your enemy. I was hired without being given full knowledge of whatever the hell it is you’re doing. Perhaps if you tell me, I won’t have a tendency to fight you.” I took a sip of wine, closing my eyes to avoid looking at him.

  Although a huge part of me wanted to gaze onto his magnificent physique. Even in his darkness, he had a way of drawing me in. Tonight was no different.

  “While that’s a reasonable expectation, correct timing is imperative.”

  I laughed, wanting nothing more than to toss the liquid in his face. “At some point you will need to talk to me, Santiago.”

  “Yes, you’re right.”

  With that, I could tell that he’d shut down. There would be no further discussion of business, no hints of the person he was prepared to destroy. Hissing, I took another sip, heat flushing my face immediately as I heard the sound of footsteps. I couldn’t stand to turn around, more embarrassed than I’d ever been in my life. If the members of the staff were bothered by my lack of clothing, I wouldn’t know it. They were quiet and efficient in providing whatever service they were performing.

  “Dinner is served, sir. Will there be anything else?”

  Santiago shifted in their direction, but not before taking a longing glance down the length of me. The man’s face was much more expressive than any who’d shown interest before, which were few and far between. I tried to turn and keep my attention on the beautiful scenery surrounding the castle-like home, but I couldn’t help but dart several glances in his direction.

  There was so much current sparking between us that I found it almost impossible to breathe. My nipples ached, remaining hard as tiny pebbles as my desire continued to build. There was nothing worse than the fact my panties were already damp, the quivers in my pussy keeping me on edge.

  “This is perfect. Just make certain we aren’t disturbed,” Santiago stated in his usual authoritative manner.

  “Yes, sir.”

  I could tell they were backing away, the sound of the French doors clicking shut forcing a slight moan from my throat. Goddamn, I hated this man.

  He seemed to purposely wait before walking closer. Out of the corner of my eye, I could tell he was studying me all over again. Maybe he’d thought I was going to react differently to his wretched demand. Hell, no, he wasn’t going to break me.

  “I suggest we try and enjoy dinner. I’m certain you are hungry.” He didn’t wait for my response, heading toward the table. I could tell when he’d yanked one of the chairs from its position, sitting down, even making a satisfied guttural noise. A man on his throne. Another disgusting moment.

  There was nothing else I could do but obey him again, trying to keep my composure as I walked to the table. The glorious food presented in silver trays was both mouthwatering as well as adding to the discomfort. This was a meal prepared for royalty, not a typical Thursday evening dinner.

  However, I was hungry, my stomach churning from not eating a single piece of food in almost two days. How could I eat? As I sat down, I realized he was staring at me, those dark eyes of his drilling into me, adding another layer of apprehension.

  And excitement.

  “I wasn’t certain what you liked, so I had the chef prepare several dishes,” he stated before yanking his napkin into his lap.

  I shifted forward in the seat, fighting the chill as I reached for the thick folded linen. Pretending I was comfortable was taking almost every ounce of energy. “How very chivalrous of you.”

  He laughed, the sound booming into the night air. “There is very little about me that’s chivalrous, Devon, although I appreciate you thinking otherwise.”

  “No, I know you’re nothing but a killer.”

  My words didn’t daunt him as he selected several shrimp, putting them on his plate. He was elegant in doing so, taking his damn sweet time in finding the perfect ones.

  I did what I could to concentrate on placing several items on my plate, including fresh fruit and cheese. At least for a few minutes, I could pretend I wasn’t sitting almost naked in a gorgeous setting across
from such a brutal man who thought he was my master. Everything I tasted was fresh and delicious, my taste buds as ignited as the rumble of hunger for the man himself. As I nibbled on a shrimp, I continued to fight my nerves.

  And anger.

  The audacity of the man to force me to try to enjoy dinner in this state of undress was abominable, but as I’d already realized, he couldn’t care less. It was his way, period.

  His rules.

  His demands.

  Shuddering, I thought about what Frances had told me, her obvious love for the man misbegotten in my mind. “I heard you were a bad boy when you were younger.” The words seemed to slip from my mouth.

  I heard nothing but the slight scraping sound made by his knife at first. The man was going to refuse to answer me. Whatever.

  “I was forced to find entertainment on my own. Very little has changed, although I’m in a much better position to hunt and take what I want.”

  Just the way he was looking at me was a reminder that he was a true predator. I was just his latest conquest. I couldn’t help but glare at him, watching as he forked bite after bite of food. He seemed entranced at first, taking his time as he chewed each bite, his dazzling green eyes piercing into me.

  “Eat. I assure you that you will need your strength.”

  I hated every word dripping from his mouth, his accent fueling my desire. At this point, I didn’t have the energy to fight him, managing to consume a few additional morsels of food. After a few minutes of utter silence, I couldn’t take it any longer, pushing my plate away. “I’m going up to my room.” Without asking permission, I rose to my feet, still hearing the clattering of his silverware as I grabbed my things, making it to the door.

  “This is your last warning, Devon. I assure you that there won’t be another. While in my employ, you will follow my lead as well as my rules. You will not continue to fight me on any level or there will be consequences, just like there have been tonight. I am not a patient man, nor do I give a shit about protocol or niceties. I can’t afford the time or the distractions. You can either surrender as required, or the punishment will fit your infractions.”

  There was no anger in his tone. There was also no remorse, just a man providing a statement of where he stood. I’d pushed his last button and he’d pushed mine. As I stood with my hand on the doorknob, I closed my eyes. I had every reason to break the contract, fleeing back home, but the majority of me wasn’t prepared to do that.

  And I had no idea why.

  There was no mistaking the noise as he shoved his plate away, the more aggressive act making me cringe.

  “I can see you finally accept what is required of you. Given that understanding, you need to come here.”

  I realized my grip on the handle was even tighter, my body swaying. I couldn’t speak, could barely think of any rebuttal.

  “I said. Come here. Now. If you want to know why, I will tell you. You are my possession, a prize meant to be feasted on. And that is exactly what I plan on doing.”

  Chapter 7

  Santiago

  My father had been the one to tell me to always take what I wanted, no matter the cost. While I’d come to learn his desires had led him down a dark path, the lessons he’d taught me during my life had proven to be invaluable. I was pushing my own boundaries and the personal rules I’d established for myself years before and all because of my wanton desire for a woman who refused to be tamed.

  That alone fueled my increased need, the hunger that had swelled to the point of eruption. After shoving the food aside and tossing my napkin, I turned my full attention in Devon’s direction, basking in the glory of her voluptuous body as she inched closer. Every move she made was hesitant, uncertain of what I was capable of. She had no idea.

  Even in the flickering light of the candles as well as the shimmer of the full moon, I was able to see the pinched look on her face. She’d accepted certain conditions, pushing back on others. Why did the woman excite me this much?

  When she was within six inches, she stopped, glaring down at me with all the ferocity I’d seen the first night.

  “Closer,” I instructed.

  She twisted her mouth, looking sideways before moving two more inches. This was nothing more than a cat and mouse game, and I was an expert at playing every game. After shifting the chair, I beckoned her with a single finger, daring her to defy me any longer.

  Every look she gave me was contemptuous, but that didn’t bother me in the least. She was a woman who could be broken. I simply needed to find the final button to release her inner desires, the very ones I’d seen on her face more than once. She longed for a dominant man, had been searching for someone who would keep her in line while also providing her with a security blanket in case she fell.

  When she was finally only a few inches away, I took one hand into mine, brushing my thumb back and forth across her knuckles. The slightest touch we shared was powerful, keeping the electricity soaring and my adrenaline flowing.

  “What do you want from me, I mean other than my total obedience?” She asked the question in a whisper, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

  “What if I told you everything?”

  There was a wistful look in her eyes that quickly shifted to uncertainty. Then a smile curled across her face as she tightened her grip on my hand. Yes, she was learning how to play the game. I could see it in her eyes. I opened my legs then jerked her closer, immediately sliding both hands to the small of her back. Just breathing in her delicious scent was more intoxicating than any form of liquor.

  I’d enjoyed the touch of her before but on this night, my fingers instantly burned from the heat building between us. As she lowered her head, her long blonde hair falling over her shoulders and framing her face, all I could think about was kissing her full lips. I crawled my fingers along her spine, brushing the tips in a swirling motion even as I rolled them over her shoulders and down her arms.

  She shivered as she stood in front of me, her eyes constantly darting back and forth. The sound of her ragged breathing matched the drum beat in the music, the effect pulling me into a filthy round of images. I could see her laid out over the table, her arms secured and her legs wide open, her pussy ready to be consumed.

  I pulled her closer, leaning down until I was able to press my lips across her stomach.

  “Oh.” Her single moan added gasoline to the flames, inciting the hungry beast dwelling within me. She pressed her palms against my shoulders, her fingers digging into my shirt as she clung to me.

  As I rubbed my lips back and forth across her skin, every vibration dancing within me shifted into high gear. I enjoyed the moment, darting my tongue around her bellybutton several times. The things I wanted to do to her were positively vile. I nudged her legs further apart as I continued my exploration, nipping the thin lace of her panties. I could tell they were soaked, her arousal evident by her hardened nipples in addition to the cascading goosebumps popping along her skin.

  Growling, I cupped her breasts, swirling the tips of my fingers around her hardened buds. Every moan she made boosted my carnal needs. I adored the sounds, so sensual in their subtle power. I could spend hours doing this, exploring every inch of her body. When I pinched her nipples between my fingers, she jerked, bucking her hips forward. Her actions weren’t about getting away. They were completely the opposite.

  I lowered my head even further, pulling a portion of fabric into my mouth. The taste was phenomenal, sweet and tangy at the same time. I sucked on her wetness, issuing husky growls the entire time.

  Devon kept her hold, tossing her head from one side to the other, her eyelids half closed. The way her nails dug into my skin was invigorating. When she raked them over my shoulders, gripping my arms, I shifted closer. I couldn’t seem to get enough of her. My hunger exploding, I managed to thrust my tongue through the thin fabric, darting it around her clit in rapid motions.

  “Oh, God. Yes…”

  I continued pinching and twisting her nipples as
I licked her, my cock aching to the point my balls were tight as drums. I wanted nothing more than to shove my cock inside, fucking her relentlessly. As I continued licking, trickles of juice sliding past my lips, her legs started to buckle. The sheen covering her face added to her spectacular beauty, her long lashes skimming against her high cheekbones.

  After a few seconds, I lifted my head, wrapping one hand around her throat and pulling down her head until I was able to capture her mouth. She didn’t fight me as I pushed my tongue past her lips, allowing her a taste of her sweet nectar. I dominated her tongue, swishing it back and forth brutally, the sounds erupting from my throat more like a beast than a man.

  I felt like a savage tonight, prepared to break every rule. After all, she belonged to me.

  To feast.

  To fuck.

  To savor.

  The thought pushed me into another level, my kiss becoming unbridled and wild, my thirst for her exponentiating. I was lost in the moment, acting as if there was nothing else that mattered. Perhaps for now, that’s exactly what I needed.

  When I finally broke the kiss, I slipped two fingers under the thin elastic of her panties, snapping my wrist. The ripping sound as the material pulled away with ease brought a smile to my face. I nipped her lower lip as I kept my hold, finally whispering into her ear.

  “Now, I indulge in my feast. Then I’ll fuck you.”

  Without hesitation, I swept my arm across the table, shoving the plates further aside then lifting her onto the table.

  Gasping, she threw out her arms with a series of moans as I yanked her down until her bottom was barely on the edge of the table. When I bent her legs, opening them wide, she bucked up from the table.