by Stone, Piper
His smile said it all.
She was very precious to him, although others might see his adoration as a weakness.
I was an impatient man, refusing to take the backseat for anything I’d ever desired.
However, I would bide my time, allowing her to revel in her success and achievement.
As the concerto drew to a close, her last notes even more haunting than I’d heard in Cuba, the audience went wild. The standing ovation was well deserved.
I took a deep breath as I stood, clapping in earnest as the entire symphony took a bow. As she stood, staring out at the crowd, I could tell she was overwhelmed. A babe in the woods.
A fawn with far too many around eager to hunt her as prey.
Including myself.
I would be stern with her, even harsh as necessary, but I would also allow her to see the joys of another passion, one she craved immensely.
The audience was still cheering as I walked out of the concert hall, adjusting my cuffs and taking a deep breath.
She would be mine tomorrow.
My possession.
My prize.
Mine.
And there was nothing anyone could do to stop me.
* * *
The fashion event was black tie and by invitation only, the price per ticket ten thousand dollars with all proceeds going to a local charity. The location was pristine, Briza on the Bay, one of the poshest social and corporate venues, the views of the Atlantic extraordinary. The fashion show itself was considered the hottest event of the year, food and beverage catering to the rich and famous.
A perfect setting for someone of Valencia’s caliber, although I was surprised that Santiago would take such a significant risk allowing her to attend. Either he believed he was secure in his position hiding behind the scenes or he simply didn’t give a shit.
I would use his arrogance to my advantage.
I’d secured a ticket easily, the event coordinator excited about my presence. The lovely woman had made both confirming Valencia’s attendance and making certain I would have a seat directly next to her easy. I took long strides as I entered, impressed with both the architecture as well as the festive decorations. The setting was explicitly designed with the show in mind, colorful and vibrant, and there would be partying late into the night.
The event was already over an hour underway before I’d arrived, hundreds of people feasting on caviar and lobster, the finest wines and champagnes. I headed toward the bar, forced to stop more than once for introductions and basic chitchat.
Something I loathed.
I was considered notorious, one of the eligible bachelors on the watch list. How few truly understood the kind of dangerous man I was.
Even with my celebrity, I could tell I’d ruffled more than a few feathers with my presence, both men and women openly annoyed I’d been invited in the first place. I continued moving through the crowd, chuckling at the thought. There were many who were afraid of me, terrified I’d come to exact revenge for some faux pas they’d performed.
They were right.
“Bombay and tonic.” My order complete, I stiffened when I felt a presence behind me, the stench of the man one I remembered from the not so distant past.
“Fascinating. I wouldn’t think a man such as yourself would be interested in a mere fashion show.”
I waited until the drink was in my hand before turning around. “You have no idea about my varied interests, Castillo. I am a man of discerning tastes.” Castillo Martinez. For him to be at the event caused several red flags to raise. While I didn’t consider him a direct threat, his rather unscrupulous business acumen was cause for concern.
He was an assassin for a third world leader, never questioning his mission, even if it meant killing women and children. A fashion show wasn’t his style.
Unless he was on assignment.
He held out his hand, grinning as if he and I were old friends. “I had some down time while in Miami and was dragged into coming to this... soiree. Besides, attending has its advantages.” Castillo nodded over his shoulder at the voluptuous redhead waiting not so patiently for a refill of her drink.
“I see you’re slumming it again.” While I accepted the handshake, I could tell he was searching to see if I’d brought my soldiers. He was definitely working the event.
His laugh was boisterous. “I do enjoy beautiful women and free booze. I’m certain you can understand that.”
“Very much so. Who’s the prize?” I darted looks in the girl’s direction, the move allowing me to also scan the immediate area. I’d yet to catch glimpse of Valencia.
“A wealthy socialite I met online. And don’t you dare laugh at me.”
I chuckled and shook my head. “We all have our vices.”
“Yes, we do, Miguel.” He moved around me, closer to the bar.
“Some darker than others,” I countered.
“I have a piece of advice for you. A wise man once told me. Don’t allow your proclivities to become more important than the business at hand. That leads to blind spots.”
“Fascinating and I’ll keep that in mind.” I knew better than to think his opportune presence was merely coincidental or his words anything but a threat. He had a hidden agenda and I had the distinct feeling I knew exactly what that meant.
Someone else was gunning for Santiago.
They’d have to wait their turn.
He was a man to keep on my radar.
I remained on the outskirts as I milled through the facility, finally settling on the expansive deck outside. That’s when I noticed her, a radiant beauty who outshined every other woman. My woman. My possessive nature refused to be denied, my libido soaring. Valencia was dressed elegantly in a long white dress, the slit on the side extending to just below her hip. The simple bands of gold jewelry she wore accentuated her sparkling stilettos as well as the loose bun she’d piled on top of her head. She was absolutely breathtaking and there wasn’t a man on the deck who wasn’t paying close attention.
I’d never been a jealous man, women simply a blip in time, a respite from the arduous activities I faced every day. With her, I felt both a sense of pride as well as possession, my need to cage and consume her increasing with each passing moment.
She stood leaning against the railing, peering out into the marina, very much by herself. The concept was curious and disconcerting. Was her father goading me into daring to take her? I had a feeling Santiago was playing a dangerous game.
I was far more formidable than a gesture of this nature.
The glass nestled in her hand wasn’t the same champagne flute as the majority of the revelers, the clear liquid an indication I’d been correct about her drink of choice. Everything about the night we’d spent together came rushing into the forefront of my mind. Unfortunately, the current circumstances called for a different set of rules entirely.
And she would be required to follow every one of them.
Her days of freedom were over.
She seemed disinterested in the party itself, preferring to remain by herself. What fascinated me the most was that I wasn’t able to detect bodyguards hovering around her. Perhaps they’d been told to keep their distance, but not a single man on the deck fit the description of the goons I’d noticed at Santiago’s estate. I’d memorized every one of their faces, men who’d seen a plethora of days physically fighting their various enemies. The people in close proximity were far too beautiful, their hands and faces having never seem a fight of any kind.
Unless it was with their accountant.
I stood in the shadows as the sun began to slide past the horizon, my cock throbbing from thoughts of thrusting deep inside her tight little asshole. There was no sign of Santiago, no indication that she’d brought a date of any kind. My instincts told me that her father was in town and to that end, I had my soldiers keeping a close eye. This night would prove to be interesting.
Only a few minutes later, the lights flickered, an indication that the show was about to start. I
remained behind her as she walked into the venue. The element of surprise would be in my favor. I meandered into the main hall, the seats arranged in a typical fashion show setting. I hung back, allowing her to be seated, the majority of other guests as well before proceeding to move to the aisle. I handed off my glass to a waiter, scanning the room once again.
Two of my soldiers were in position in case of an issue, six others combing the clubs and restaurants in search of Santiago or any of his men. I noticed Castillo at the far end of the stage, his gaze directed my way.
I unbuttoned my jacket before easing down, shifting my gaze to the stage. While I had no intention of allowing any violence during the show, as always, I was forced to be ready for any occurrence. I cleared my throat on purpose as I settled against the back of the chair. In a matter of seconds, I heard her surprised breath, felt a slight shift as she attempted to move further away. I slowly turned my head until we could make eye contact.
“Hello, Valencia. What a coincidence.”
She opened her mouth as if to retort then blinked several times. “What a crock, Miguel. What the hell are you doing here? Stalking me?”
“I’ll give you a hint, princess. I have no need to stalk anyone. Even with our limited time together, you should have realized that.”
“Such a jerk,” she said under her breath.
I had no doubt her father had attempted to paint a violent series of lies in her mind after our time together. I would expect nothing less.
“Perhaps. Can’t I simply enjoy a show, including the sight of a beautiful woman?”
While there was a hint of fear in her eyes, she shifted her emotions into anger and frustration. “I know you well enough to realize you have an agenda.”
“An agenda.”
“Yes,” she whispered hoarsely, her lovely mouth twisting, her eyes darting around her. Was she searching for someone to protect her?
“If you must know, I’m collecting on the final terms of the deal I made with your father.” I noticed she was reaching for her clutch, no doubt in an attempt to notify Santiago of my presence. That meant either he or his minions were close. I merely placed my hand on top of hers, giving her a stern look. “You see, Valencia, your father betrayed me. For that he must pay a price.”
“What price?” she hissed, her entire body shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the premier event in Miami!” The announcer’s booming voice cut through the conversations in the room, shimmering lights flashing in every direction.
The applause was deafening, the music shifting to a primal beat.
I slid my arm around the back of her chair, leaning in and whispering in her ear, “You. You now belong to me.” I allowed the words to sink in. Her lovely face drained of all color.
“No. Fucking. Way. You’re lying.”
“I never lie about business,” I continued, brushing my lips across her ear. When she shuddered visibly, my cock twitched yet again. “Now, I suggest we enjoy the show then you will follow me without making a scene. Is that understood?”
She shifted her gaze back toward the stage, whispered words slipping past her pursed mouth.
“When I ask you a question, you will answer. When I give you a command, you will obey. Now, do. You. Understand?”
Another five seconds passed, enough so I knew a harsh punishment would be in order when we were alone.
“Yes,” she snapped, refusing to look in my direction. She was her father’s daughter. Following my command wasn’t something she was considering. Running was. I couldn’t wait to have her body writhing under mine.
“Excellent. You can be obedient.” I sat back, still able to catch glimpses of her as she fumed, obviously uncertain of how to react. I paid no attention to the show and I could see she had no interest in acknowledging my presence. I allowed myself to envision all the filthy things I was going to do to her, the very dark proclivities Castillo mentioned rushing to the surface. As the scent of her perfume wafted into my nostrils, the fire from before was rekindled, my hunger off the charts.
Sitting through forty-five minutes of the show was interminable, testing my last resolve. I’d felt the vibrations of my phone not once but twice. For anyone to bother me meant there was significant news.
When the intermission occurred, my patience level was shot. “It’s time, Valencia. If you make a scene, your punishment will be worse.”
“Why are you doing this?”
“Because a deal is a deal.” Without further hesitation, I took her by the hand, leading her away from the stage.
“What are you doing? The show isn’t finished,” she half whispered in a strangled manner, struggling to pull out of my grasp. “I’m not going with you. You’re insane.”
I shifted my arm around her waist, holding her tightly against me, keeping my tone as even as possible. “You don’t seem to understand that your father made a deal. The business is simple. He faltered on the terms. Nothing more. Nothing less.”
“He wouldn’t use me as part of some crazy deal, unless it’s with the devil.” She pushed hard against me. “Then again, maybe you are the devil in sophisticated clothes.”
Her rebellious nature had a bite to it this time, enticing the fuck out of me. I couldn’t wait to get her behind locked doors.
I lowered my head, drinking in her perfume, almost intoxicated from the exotic fragrance. “He was made aware of the terms and he accepted them, much like he offered you for one night as a token of entering into business together. He not only destroyed that relationship, he garnered the wrath of both myself and my family.”
“So... What does that mean exactly, another night with you?” Her voice wavered, the reality possibly settling in.
“That means that as of today, you’re my property to do with what I want, when I want.”
“You really are a monster.”
“Princess, you have no idea. Your father fucked with the wrong man. Make no mistake. I am a dangerous man. You are mine to use. To train. To discipline. To fuck. Period. I suggest you get that through that pretty little head of yours.”
As we walked out the set of doors, the valet was quick to respond. With one hand firmly wrapped around her arm, I used the other to pull the phone from my pocket, maneuvering to the two voicemails that had been left.
“I will kill you for this,” she said in a casual manner. “You may think I’m weak, but you have no idea what I’m made of.”
“Princess, I look forward to seeing you try.” Enrique’s two messages were exactly what I wanted to hear. I’d been right in my assumptions. Santiago was merely blocks away, having dinner at one of the finest restaurants in South Beach. I made the return call as I inhaled the night air, the incredible scents of the city I loved so dearly. When Enrique answered, I gave a simple command. “Meet me in the parking garage in five minutes.”
“Yes, sir,” he answered without reservation.
“Asshole. Bastard. Jerk. Creep. I should scream.”
“That won’t do you any good, princess. No one will come to your defense. Not in my city.” My words were meant to be dark, foreboding.
While she didn’t struggle as I secured her in the car, the moment I eased into the driver’s seat, I grabbed her purse.
“What are you doing?” Her inquiry was another aphrodisiac.
I gave her a seductive smile as I reached inside, collecting her phone. “You won’t be calling anyone anytime soon. Privileges must be earned.”
“My God, you’re simply crazy. I don’t understand any of this.”
“You’re a very intelligent woman, Valencia. You know more about your father and his business dealings than you care to let on. I’m taking you somewhere safe. There are many who would just as soon see your demise.”
“Including you?” she shot back.
I turned over the engine, roaring out of the parking lot. “I have no intentions of harming you, sweet Valencia, but I will punish you as necessary.” She would challenge every aspect of
her incarceration, fighting me at every chance.
But she would learn her lesson.
She would yield to me, both in body and soul.
And on that day, she would belong to me forever.
She remained silent as I sped through traffic to another posh and vibrant location, one with an underground parking lot. I knew better than to think I could either leave her alone or bring her inside. Enrique and one of the other soldiers headed in my direction, waiting as I parked the car.
I cut the engine, tapping my fingers on the steering wheel.
“Why are we stopping?” she asked, darting her eyes toward my soldiers.
“Because it’s necessary. You will be a good little girl while I’m gone. Won’t you?” I cupped her chin, lowering my head until our lips were just inches away. “I hope I can trust you.”
“Fuck. You.”
I crushed her mouth, my hand sliding to her neck, the scent of her perfume forcing my cock to full attention. The taste of her was exactly as I remembered, spicy with a hint of cinnamon. I pushed my tongue past her lips, drinking in her essence as I took what now belonged to me. Excitement surged through me, the adrenaline flowing until my heart was skipping several beats.
She smacked her fists against my chest, wiggling and moaning for several seconds. I could feel her acquiescing, her body surrendering to me just as it had before. Our connection was strong as ever, the fire burning between us a firestorm of raging desire.
I could take her right here without question, fucking her like a wild animal. While I was primal in nature, I refused to bring her down to such a disgusting level. I was finished with dirty restrooms. She deserved only the best.
As long as she obeyed.
When I eased back, her eyes remained closed, her lips parted and her face shimmering from excitement.
“Both you and your father have enemies, Valencia. My men will guard you. As I said, you need to be a very good girl or you will be punished severely and trust me, you won’t like for that to happen.”
She dragged her tongue across her lips, jerking back and glaring at me. “And I said. Fuck. You.”
I laughed softly before grabbing the keys and exiting the vehicle but just before I did, I heard her words of hatred.
