by Stone, Piper
For a brutal man he could be so gentle, barely sliding the tip just inside. He leaned over once again, pressing his lips against my shoulder. “Relax, Valencia. I will go nice and slow.”
Relax.
How the hell was I supposed to relax?
I held my breath and closed my eyes, waiting for the wretched agony I knew I’d feel. As he pushed inside, mere centimeters at a time, the discomfort was intense. Another inch and another. I felt like he was splitting me in two.
Then something amazing happened. As my muscles relaxed, the hint of pain turned into something else entirely, sensations unlike anything I’d ever experienced before.
I heard him exclaim when he was fully seated, filling me so completely. He whispered words in Spanish, what sounded like lyrics from a song as he slid in and out. I was mesmerized by his tone, the incredible beauty of his voice. Hearing the lilting sound was more shocking than anything that had occurred before.
He was such a complex man, one of mystery and a strange kind of honor. I closed my eyes as he rode me, his actions riddled with passion and drive, his hunger having no bounds.
He whispered once more; the words weren’t from a song, but a statement and I knew that our time was finished and that he was letting me go.
Then he began to thrust in more brutal actions, but with every deep plunge I wanted more.
I craved more.
Nothing had prepared me for this.
Or for the man.
I remained breathless through the ride, the words still lingering in my mind long after he’d erupted inside. I would remember his words for some time to come.
“There will always be monsters but sometimes they can become your hero.”
Chapter Four
Miguel
Miami
Three weeks.
Three weeks of bullshit.
Three weeks of long hours.
Three weeks of needless violence.
That had been my world since returning from Cuba. I remained on edge, furious that certain aspects of shipping had gotten out of my control. Yeah, my father had warned me not to make connections of any type with the snake, Santiago. What I hadn’t anticipated were the episodes of retaliation from other sources.
It seemed no one wanted to deal with the man from Cuba, his reputation as a cold-blooded killer, and a man who buried more bodies than any mafia regime I knew of, a detriment. His share of enemies was significant. I’d taken a gamble. While I never lost, my decision might cost our family millions.
That wasn’t something my father would take without punishment. However, Santiago had kept his end of the bargain, performing to the parameters I’d laid out in the contract without question. He was a calculating son of a bitch, but he obviously knew not to cross me. His shipment of almost pure cocaine as well as several thousand cases of cigars was being distributed as planned.
But I would keep a watchful eye.
I trusted no one.
Today was a family party, my niece’s birthday. This was a day for celebration, not for talk regarding business. I pulled into the driveway, surprised at the number of cars. My sister wasn’t one for huge family events. Elena also had no patience with any of our soldiers, balking at the need for safety. She lived a fairytale life with a doctor husband and one beautiful little girl.
I always worried about her, but we were no longer close. As far as my older sister, I had no doubts that Daphne would be late as usual, a sticking point in my father’s eyes. He hated tardiness of any type, had cut off a man’s hand for being fifteen minutes late for a meeting.
Carlos Garcia was brutal in every regard, something my sister enjoyed risking.
After parking, I grabbed the two presents, scanning the perimeter as I usually did. The day was excruciatingly warm, highs in the upper nineties. At least there was a welcoming breeze. As I walked up the driveway, I heard the sound of lilting laughter and for the first time in days, I thought about Valencia.
I’d even purchased the very CD highlighting her incredible talent, although I’d either not had the time or the inclination to listen. I made mental note to do so tonight.
The truth is I hadn’t wanted to let her go but I had no choice. She was not only the daughter of a known enemy but also a weakness I couldn’t afford. I hadn’t lied to her about the reason I cared for no one. There wasn’t a possibility I could keep them safe. The laugh was so much like hers and when I noticed the girl from afar, her long black hair swishing across her waist as she walked, I almost called out Valencia’s name.
I’d sent my most trusted man to be here today, making certain that no one entered who hadn’t been invited. Cordero Sanchez had been with me since I’d taken over a significant portion of my father’s business. Both intelligent as well as trustworthy, his oppressive size often came in handy during difficult situations. He acknowledged me with a respectful nod, standing guard just as ordered.
I could take comfort in the fact that no one would dare try to make a hit on our family on a day of celebration. Then again, one never knew. Was there honor amongst criminals?
Chuckling, I headed around to the pool, standing just outside the iron gates as I studied the various guests. My father had pulled out all the stops. There were senators, high-priced attorneys, actors, and musicians of all types as well as our family enjoying a sunny afternoon in Miami. I also noticed the various soldiers, some even dressed as partygoers.
As if my sister wouldn’t see through the guise.
My father must be worried about the recent rumblings to risk her wrath. I headed into the gate, moving quickly toward the mound of presents on several tables. My niece was already as spoiled as my sister had been.
“Miguel!”
I heard my brother-in-law’s voice and tried to plaster on a smile. Few people, including my sister realized how much I loathed the man. Winston Calhoun was a pompous prick who had pushed the envelope of abuse more than once. One more time and I wouldn’t resist making her a widow. “Winston. How are you?” I continued walking, doing my best to ignore him. I was surprised by his ostentatious attire, the floral shirt something I would never have thought he’d be caught dead in. The man was an arrogant and opinionated doctor who lorded his expertise and wealth over everyone.
“Doing well, my man.” He slapped me on the back.
My God, the man was drunk and it was only two in the afternoon. “Where is the birthday girl?”
“She’s swimming. Her mother is going to turn her into a fish.”
I noted the edge in his voice and resisted wrapping my hand around his throat. I dropped off the gifts, giving him a harsh look. “Well, I’m going to see if I can find her.”
“Yeah, you just do that.”
Another man who knew better than to fuck with me.
“Unkie!” There was nothing like the sweet sound of Selena’s voice. The little girl had yet to learn that she indeed came from a family of monsters. At least she’d been sheltered from the majority of our life.
I bent down, shaking my head as she splashed me with water. “Is there a little angel having a birthday today?”
“Me! Me!” she squealed.
“I don’t see her.” I glanced across the pool and the dour expression on my father’s face was a good indication of his mood.
“Here I am, Unkie!” Giggling, Selena splashed me again, managing to spray water all over my sunglasses, remnants trickling down my face.
When I playfully reached out to grab her, she jetted away from the edge of the tub. “I will get you for that, little monster.”
Monster.
The word had entirely a different meaning than it ever had before. I knew the way Valencia had thrown it in my face was meant to hurt me, but she’d discovered the truth all too quickly. I’d allowed the business to turn me into something my mother was likely ashamed of.
I was wealthy.
I was powerful.
And I was a beast in disguise.
I stood slowly, wiping the wat
er from my sunglasses, keeping my eyes locked on my father as he moved to a standing position. He obviously had business on his mind.
While Elena waved, I could tell she’d either had an argument with Winston or was disgusted by the pomp and circumstance. Either way, my anger remained riled. I moved toward the bar, noting even a member of Miami’s finest was in attendance. My father paid well for silence.
The gin and tonic was barely in my hand when my father rounded the corner of the pool. I studied him through my dark lenses.
He didn’t bother acknowledging me in any manner other than to nod toward his office. I wasn’t in the mood for a confrontation but there was no way of avoiding it. I trailed behind him, taking my time. He was taking a significant chance discussing anything. While the majority of guests would look the other way, there were some I had a feeling would enjoy double crossing us for their fifteen minutes of fame and glory.
Taking down the Garcia family would be national news.
I closed the door behind us, remaining just inside.
“I’ll keep this short, Miguel. What the fuck are you doing?”
“What are you referencing?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. First, you employ a snake then you dump his body where the authorities could have found it. Then you go to Cuba against my orders, entering into a deal with that slime bag. Then you haven’t been able to control the other suppliers. You know our enemies can smell blood in the water. Meanwhile, Santiago will no doubt double cross you.”
“The asshole wouldn’t dare and you’re the man who taught me that retribution is necessary.” I kept my answer short and sweet, just like my father preferred. He was a loving man, doting on my mother as if she were a queen, spoiling my two sisters in every way. With me, he’d been brutal and unforgiving, teaching me the ways of his ancestors.
Or so he’d told me dozens of times.
“I suppose I taught you well.” He allowed a smile to cross his face as he walked closer. “And what if he does? What are your plans? You don’t realize just how powerful he is.”
I took a swig of my drink, savoring the Bombay, my mind going elsewhere for just a few delicious seconds. I could almost taste Valencia’s sweet pussy, her soft lips and tongue. My cock ached from the thought alone. “If he does, I will annihilate him. As far as our other suppliers, I plan on sending out a specific message. No one will cross us at any juncture or they will not like what happens.”
“Empty threats, Miguel?”
He knew he would anger me with his goading question. He wanted me to become the same kind of leader he’d been all these years, brutal in every manner. I preferred enjoying aspects of life rather than watching my back at all times. Perhaps I was far too much of a romantic at heart.
Something else he’d accused me of more than once.
I had to laugh. Not a single woman I’d ever dated or fucked would accuse me of being romantic.
Including Princess Valencia.
“Father, you know exactly the kind of man I am. I know when to act or react. I will handle this as I see fit.”
He narrowed his eyes, allowing his gaze to sweep down over me. “I’ve had business dealings with him before. He is quite... formidable.”
For my father to admit either was interesting. “You never told me you’ve dealt with Santiago Rivera before.”
“There had been no reason.” An odd series of emotions rolled into my father’s eyes. Sadness and remorse.
“Fascinating, Father. You’ll have to tell me the story and the truth one day.” I expected another round of anger. He simply seemed resigned, almost broken. What the hell had occurred years before?
He exhaled, rubbing his eyes. “Do you have friends, son?”
Friends. The question came out of nowhere. “I have... acquaintances.” I wasn’t certain I wanted to call any member of the Sons of Darkness a friend. “Why?”
When he tipped his head, I could swear his eyes were rimmed with tears. “Friends are important, even in our profession. Never forget that. Not only are you able to share good times together, but they can often be very good confidants. And some break your trust.”
I remained quiet, wanting nothing more than to see where this was going. My father never issued a single statement without meaning. “And some friends enjoy the act of betrayal.”
“You are a hard man, Miguel. I assume you learned that from me.” After swirling his drink, he rubbed his hand down the front of his shirt, as if composing himself. “I’ve been lucky to have several men I considered good friends over the years. Some of the best years of my life I spent around them.” His laugh was hollow, haunted. “If only I could go back and reset the clock. If only I could do some things differently.”
“What are you trying to say, Father? That I can trust Santiago?”
“Oh, hell, no. He is as conniving and ruthless,” he snorted. “But there are a few that you will always know you can count on. Never find yourself with regrets, Miguel. Trust me, they will eat you alive.”
I had the distinct feeling he wasn’t going to expound any further. Whatever had occurred in his past had found its way into the present.
“I’m not a young man any longer, son. The doctors have warned me that I need to slow down.”
“Giving up, Father? I find that beneath you.”
After a few seconds, he laughed, lifting his own glass for a toast. “No matter how hard I try to rile you or how hard I’ve pushed you over the years, you’ve always been a levelheaded man. That is something I have always admired about you. You will make an excellent head of this family when I retire.”
“And when do you plan on retiring?”
As he shrugged, I could see a haze forming in his eyes. “In a matter of months. Your mother would like to travel the world. I want to be able to enjoy every special moment with her.”
I was taken aback. My father had always been such a strong man, one who refused to take many days off. Only birthdays, christenings, and Christmas were special to him. “What aren’t you telling me, Father?”
He rubbed his jaw before moving toward his desk. As he pulled a file from his desk, I could swear his hand was shaking. “I have some information regarding one of our suppliers. You need to check on his actions and his friends, Miguel. I believe he has betrayed us in several ways.”
I walked closer, easing the glass onto the desk and taking the file from him. I was surprised at the pictures the folder held. The man in the photographs I’d worked with for years. While Kostya Mulin was a true snake, a man who would sell his daughter for a drug deal in order to increase his wealth, I found it difficult to believe he was the one behind the countless rumors.
And the short supplies.
“Seriously?” I asked, flipping through every photo. There were faces that I didn’t recognize, with the exception of one. I’d known vile criminals in my line of work, heinous creatures who enjoyed killing more than any deal on the table. The Maker was in a plateau of his own. He was considered a floater, moving from one territory to another, attempting to make a stand. Highly dangerous and overtly skilled, his methods of sabotage were infamous in our circles.
The photograph was clear, the handshake and smiles on the men’s faces telling. Kostya and the Maker were working together in some capacity. “I’ll find out what the hell is going on.”
“I have no doubt you will. I suggest you keep it quiet. We certainly don’t need any of our customers to find out that we may have a breach.”
He was certainly right about that. When I handed him back the file, my rage increased. As I’d told the lovely Valencia: No one fucked with our family. No one.
* * *
“What are you hearing regarding the latest shipments?” I asked the question casually, already preparing how I was going to handle Kostya. I never invited any of my soldiers to either my penthouse or the beach house that I infrequently resided in. I had an office in a sprawling high-rise where I operated from, my staff accustomed to my ir
regular schedules.
Today, I’d invited my three top Capos to the condo, preferring to have the conversation in absolute privacy. The sun was just setting over the horizon, the beautiful coastline always breathtaking.
However, I was in a piss poor mood, having spent two days gathering additional information on Kostya. While he hadn’t made any overt moves, I knew it was only a matter of time.
Cordero glanced at the other two, finally the one to step forward. Which meant he’d heard far too much. “Word on the street is one of our boats may be under the gun.”
“In what manner?” I asked quietly, keeping my anger in check.
“I heard talk about the Feds making a bust, but I don’t think so.”
His answer was always based on the most up to date info. “Then what do you think, Cordero?”
“It’s the shipment coming in from Peru. Cordero thinks it’s going to be hit, our party favors destroyed.” Sylvie’s voice rang out.
I turned my attention to Sylvie, taking in the information. There had been some in my employ who hadn’t taken kindly to the fact I’d promoted a woman as a top soldier. They’d learned their lesson the hard way. She could more than handle her own on every level.
“Kostya is going to risk hijacking our largest shipment.” I’d suspected as much but wasn’t certain of the particular shipment. “Have any of you talked with him?”
“I’ve tried, sir, but he’s been out of town, or so I’ve heard from shit on the street.” Enrique’s answer was another expected one. “I’ve been to his usual hangouts over the last two nights. He hasn’t been there.”
Enrique’s main function was to scour the bars and nightclubs, keeping his ear to the ground. If anything against our hold occurred within the city limits, he would know.
“All right. That’s what I thought. When is the shipment due?” I asked, moving toward the floor-to-ceiling window and staring out at the ocean.
“Tonight. Just before midnight,” Cordero answered.
“Then make certain the shipyard is covered and our buddies in the Coast Guard are on high alert. If there is another boat in close proximity, I want to know about it.”
