Prey: A Dark Mafia Romance

by Piper Stone

  Jerking up, she thrust her arm back, gasping for air. “No!”

  “You forget our deal.” He wiggled his finger in between her ass cheeks. “Your entire body is mine for the taking and I will so enjoy thrusting my cock into this tight hole of yours.”

  “Fuck you!” The words spewed out of her mouth.

  Fisting her hair, he yanked her head into an uncomfortable position. “Make no mistake who you are dealing with, my dear. I don’t take this or anything that I do lightly, and neither should you. For that alone, you’ll receive a taste of my belt later.” He kept his hand intertwined in her hair until she acquiesced.

  “Yes, sir.”

  Releasing his hold, he pushed her arm away, fingering her slender wrist. He could see her in shackles, chained and waiting for him alone. What would she do then? He smacked her ass several additional times until she stopped struggling.

  The punishment over, he sat still, staring at nothing. He massaged her back, caressing her reddened ass. She didn’t try and move or slip off his lap. She lay still, as if contented, as if wanting more. When he did ease her off his lap, standing just behind her, he caught a glimpse of his reflection. Even in the dim lighting he could see almost every detail of his face in comparison to hers.

  An angel, a woman who revered honesty and respect was standing next to a vile creature.

  And one he couldn’t recognize any longer. Maybe she could be his salvation.

  Then again, maybe she would end his suffering.

  Chapter Eleven

  Darkness and light. The words were polar opposites and exactly the way Sophia was feeling. She sat bundled in a soft robe, much more feminine than she would have imagined, scattered thoughts driving her to fields of darkness. She’d fallen into a crack, a fissure sucking her into an abyss. He was the reason. Him. The man she’d fantasized about since their last engagement. She shuddered at the thought, trying to rationalize anything that was happening.

  Wrath was larger than life, much more handsome than she’d remembered and while he was austere, sophisticated, and obviously well educated, there was much more to his prowess and his proposition. The man was hiding, his personal mask cracking at the seams.

  Just like hers.

  Perhaps she could even say he was broken to some degree, maybe by his required profession or the blood on his hands. There was no way of telling and she certainly wouldn’t allow herself to get that close ever again, but the cravings for him had intensified both during and after the spanking. She’d anticipated brutality, a beating given her acceptance of the so-called deal.

  She’d experienced neither. The spanking had been mild, leaving only a kiss of redness. What she found the most disturbing was her willingness to accept the deal he’d offered. A telling statement about her personality. Maybe she wasn’t the loyal employee after all. There was no way the man would allow her to arrest him, but she’d gone along with his sordid offer, allowing her to forget her solid oath to uphold the law.

  Anger fueling her, she cupped her mouth, sucking back a moan for fear he’d see right through her. The quiet time was unnerving more than the brooding man himself. Sitting in a chair opposite of her, he was casually sipping his drink, his eyes never far away from her, roaming her face and body, her hands as they fidgeted. What was she supposed to say at this point? Please, get on with the deal. Fuck me. Use me. Her moan switched to a sensual chuckle that she wasn’t able to suppress.

  Her laughter garnered a response, Wrath’s head tilting before he leaned forward, placing his drink in both hands, his eyes penetrating. “Tell me about your father.”

  The command couldn’t have caught her more off guard. “Tell me about yours. Sir.”

  He lifted his glass. “Touché, sweet Sophia; however, these are my rules.”

  She gave a slight jerk of her head, allowing her glass to touch his. He refused to budge even though she tried her best to hold her defiance. She gazed at the water in the pool, the way the waterfall created ripples, making the lights seem even more iridescent. He’d found her Achilles heel, and would no doubt prod her for answers. Talking about her father was a reminder of how plastic her life truly was. “Why does it matter to you in the least?”

  “Because I want to know everything I can about you. You will tell me.” He never lost his gaze, nor did he move a muscle. He simply waited, the answer required.

  She almost never talked about her father. There’d been no need in her life to bring up a past that held nothing but pain. Why was he digging at her?

  He inhaled, giving her a commanding look. Everything they’d shared had given him the impression that she owed him in some manner.

  Perhaps she did.

  Sophia was unable to look into his eyes for fear of losing her nerve.

  “My father was everything you mentioned. Strong. Handsome. Influential. He worked long hours and expected everything to be just so when he returned home. My mother learned to fall into the role of domestic goddess, both in and out of the bedroom. That’s what Father expected. I learned early on that she was required to follow rules, his rules. Unfortunately, my mother didn’t like to follow those rules.” A bitter laugh slipped out, almost guttural in tone. She hissed and shook her head.

  “Just like her daughter.”

  “Maybe so, but I learned how to play the game, follow his strict commands even though I fought them every step of the way. He was a harsh man, never comforting. Honestly, I believed that he’d never loved me. Maybe he did in his own way, but he never showed it, not really. I craved his approval, enough so that I learned that the only attention I received was when I disobeyed. When my father became wealthy from all those hours spent on a job, my parents decided to take trips around the world without me. I was still a child, forced to stay with whoever was paid well enough to keep me. What a ridiculous way for a child to live. When he died, I thought I’d be happy, but both my mother and I were so sad, hollow inside. I was in college at the time and it changed me. I had no focus any longer.”

  “That’s why you decided to join the FBI,” Wrath said quietly.

  She bristled, realizing he knew far too much about her. “Yes, that and the fact my father wanted a son who joined the FBI. So, I became the pseudo male in the family, playing basketball in school, watching football. I never learned who I was or the woman I wanted to be. I adapted. I guess everyone does.”

  The silence made her cringe.

  “We all want to please our fathers. We are programmed that way since birth.” Exhaling, he swirled the liquid in his glass.

  “Mmm...” She sipped her drink. Realizing that Wrath had unknowingly stumbled onto more than one secret should allow her to unravel, but she felt freed from the ball and chain she’d hung around her neck. “I want a hell of lot more out of life and why am I telling you this? You could never know me, no matter how many blogs you read or the few hours we spent together. We were both acting, pretending to be someone we could never be. Remember?”

  “I don’t believe you were lying about your desire for a normal life with a family,” he said absently.

  The words were completely out of character, but there was no reason to lie to him. “Don’t we all want passion and love in our life? I could see a perfect house on a beach or maybe a home on several acres of land surrounded by trees. And yes, I would love to have a dog or two. They give unconditional love, unlike the crap you get from most humans.”

  “You’ve been hurt by everyone in your life.”

  “Even a monster like you must have been hurt once or twice in your life,” Sophia barked.

  Wrath moved to the edge of his chair, moving the drink back and forth in his hand. “Everyone has two sides, Sophia. You know that as well as I do. Families can do irrevocable damage.”

  Sighing, she actually wanted to pepper him with questions, curious as to how an entire family was wrapped around the profession of murder. “That’s true. My soul has many facets, but only some shaped by a childhood that no longer matters. I suggest yo
u look at your soul, Wrath, to try and discover why you’re nothing but a puppet for your father and this consortium.”

  He looked away before speaking. “You could be right. My father was similar to yours. The old methods of commanding a family in Italy continue to be brutal in their own way. Benedetto has always been a proud man.”

  “Benedetto Constantino. There is very little written about him. Trust me, I searched everywhere, talking to as many people as possible.”

  “The Mafioso families are very protected, not unlike what you have in the United States. Even today, women are not allowed to work or make any decisions. He continues to rule with an iron fist, in business and in his house. My brothers and I were taught early on never to question his authority or his ruthless reputation. However, his penchant for violence, even murder, was something my mother refused to embrace. I realized the kind of treacherous barbarian he’d become from the time I was six years old, but I adored him. I worshipped my father. I was the most hardheaded of my brothers and determined to do everything exactly like him. Exactly.”

  “And so, you became him.” Sophia was surprised how much her few words seemed to hurt the man she would never be able to get out of her mind or her heart. Even the way the drink shifted in his hand was as if his resilience had been challenged.

  Wrath jerked up from his chair, slamming the glass on the table and taking rapid steps toward the pool.

  She lifted her head, allowing her to take in his tense form as he glared out at the pool, his chiseled jaw and aristocratic bone structure almost beautiful instead of handsome. She was thrown, uncertain in a way she wasn’t accustomed to. She tried to look away, to force her mind to rally around his arrest, but it proved impossible. This man was formidable, dangerous but everything about his persona, his bravado was merely a lie, a protection.

  As if hers wasn’t.

  Easing up from the chair, she took careful steps closer.

  They both remained quiet; only the sound of the wind, the lapping waves created by the waterfall could be heard.

  “I’m nothing like my father, but you are right that I followed in his footsteps to a degree. Although at least one of my brothers is much more violent in nature, enjoying the concept of erasing my path.” Wrath’s voice was hollow even though he laughed.

  “And your sister?”

  “Protected, as all women should be.”

  “You mean that women are nothing more than objects.”

  Turning sharply, he crowded her space, towering over her. His hand extended, almost cradling her face. “That’s where you are wrong. Women are the most important creatures on this earth. So full of life and love, nurturing everyone around them. The moment they enter the room, they become the center of attention. Only women can express their love in such tremendous ways, giving of themselves when they are in agony or heartbreak. They are to be treated with respect and adoration and in turn, if you are a lucky man, you will find devotion as well as breathtaking love for the rest of your life. Sadly, the majority of relationships are arranged.”

  “That’s ridiculous.”

  “You don’t understand our ways, Sophia. They have worked for hundreds if not thousands of years.”

  “Neanderthal. What about love? What about romance?” she asked, uncertain if she wanted to hear any more.

  “Love comes with time. And yes, finding a special woman is all I’ve ever wanted but something I can never achieve. There will never be a happy ever after for a man like me. How could there be?”

  She was sliding down a slippery slope as she mulled over his words, fragments of his very soul. There was such passion in his voice, such intensity that she realized she’d been holding her breath. “Wrath, I...”

  “Sshhh...” Wrath placed two fingers over her lips. “Il mio bel fiore. We do not need to get any more personal than we have already. I know you will never understand why I made certain decisions that I’ve come to terms with. This is a business arrangement. Just the way you prefer,” he said then snorted. “One I must admit I am enjoying, even if I will lose my freedom.”

  “I don’t need to—”

  Capturing her mouth, he pulled her into his arms, one hand wrapped around her neck in a gentle hold, the other caressing her back.

  As he danced his fingers up and down, an incredible series of vibrations rocketed throughout her body. She was on fire, the once smoldering embers roaring with the kind of desire that could consume her. She fisted his shirt with one hand and eased her other arm around his neck, clinging to him. The taste of him was sweet, exotic, and she parted her lips readily, accepting his tongue as he explored her mouth.

  The kiss became wild, a greediness in him creating an almost desperate series of actions. Lifting Sophia off her feet, he cupped her bottom as their tongues entwined.

  She heard the soft growling sounds and shivered given the way his hard cock pushed hard against her stomach. Everything about this was so wrong, but she was lightheaded, her heart racing, wanting nothing more than for him to be inside of her.

  Easing her down, he broke the kiss, immediately mouthing her lips and cheek, her chin and jaw. “My beautiful flower, my sweet Sophia.” He licked across the seam of her mouth before dropping his head, peppering kisses against her neck. His arm held her just above her hipbones, his fingers digging in.

  She tilted her head, arching her back even further and clinging to his arms. The same draw as before, the powerful intoxication she’d experienced was once again overpowering, drawing her into his world. The passion was unstoppable, the need increasing between them. She was breathless, her pussy clenching. The sash on her robe slipped, revealing her breasts, the slight breeze tickling her skin. Closing her eyes, she imagined a different time and place, sharing a love story, one of her complete submission. This was exactly what fantasies were made of.

  Wrath dragged his lips across her heated skin, licking and nipping as he moved down until he was able to take her nipple into his mouth.

  “Oh... Yes.” She was tingling all over, a blissful smile crossing her face. Her rational mind knew she should fight the effects, adhering to the business proposition, but his touch alone was far too enigmatic.

  He moved to her other nipple, flicking his tongue back and forth. Biting down, he took her tender flesh into his mouth, holding. Sucking.

  Her pussy clenched, juices trickling down the insides of her thighs. This was heaven. This was perfect. This was... An unsettling feeling slithered in against her promise of ecstasy and she could feel her body tensing.

  As if knowing she was overcome by fear and worry, he pulled away, lifting his head ever so slowly. Planting another kiss on her lips, he whispered, the tone husky and full of sensuality. “I want you, but even though you belong to me for these two days, making love will be your choice. Discipline will be all mine.”

  She was shocked when he walked away, leaving her dazed and confused. The wind seemed colder, bitter against her skin and she jerked the robe closed, holding both sides. Had she done something wrong? She remained unblinking as he walked away, taking his drink and swigging the remainder. There were no words that came to mind, no method of rekindling what had just occurred. He was giving her a choice.

  The man was utterly confusing, treating this as if they had all the time in the world. Within three days, he’d be locked away, never to see the light of day again. And for her? She bit back a groan.

  Loneliness.

  Whether or not she would be disobeying the rules, she fumbled to untie the sash, dropping the robe and slipping into the water. A cool rush enveloped her system and she remained underneath, kicking her legs as she shot past the various lights hugging the bottom of the pool and closer to the waterfall. She had never been allowed to be herself and while this foray into sin was forbidden on several levels, she was more relaxed than she’d been in years.

  A deal with a monster.

  Surfacing, she wiped water from her eyes then searched for him immediately. He was nowhere to be seen. A mo
ment of frustration crowded her system, but she was undaunted, swimming closer to the waterfall. The entire setting was serene, let alone gorgeous and she found herself laughing as she headed under the flowing water. Her choice. To make love to him? Her enemy? The thoughts were sinful, delicious. Ridiculous. He was everything she’d worked so hard to annihilate. But God, she wanted the man because of his stature and prowess, his dominating ways and his kiss. Fuck, the man could kiss like no other.

  A part of her even longed for the intense discipline. A rush of shame filtered into her mind, yet another painful reminder that this was merely a job. She’d rid the world of a horrible killer, perhaps even making inroads in order to hunt down the consortium. Anything was possible.

  As long as he trusted her.

  She eased her hand down from her neck, cupping and squeezing her breast. She could almost taste his lips, the slight hint of scotch lingering.

  Whew. She was hot, wet, and so turned on. What are you thinking? What are you doing? The questions would never be answered to anyone’s satisfaction, including the respectable woman the rest of the world knew.

  If only her partner could see her now. She shuddered and headed closer to the rocky surface, a structured wall no doubt holding the various controls. Sliding against the cool material, she studied the cascading water, wondering what Wrath’s life was really like. Living out of a suitcase, moving from country to country in order to assassinate a particular target certainly took a toll.

  But had juicy perks.

  Like father, like... Wrath hadn’t chosen his life, although he certainly had elected to lavish in the lifestyle. Could the man change? Could he be redeemed, living a normal life? Her thoughts muddled, she dropped her head into her hands before hearing what sounded like a splash. She waited and when he didn’t appear, she swam under the waterfall, breaching the surface only inches away from him. She only needed the lights’ reflection to know that he was naked.