by Stone, Piper
Since he’d reminded me that I was little more than property.
“My father won’t tolerate this,” I said almost in jest, the slight laugh that rumbled up from my chest almost as ridiculous as the words I’d issued.
He didn’t bother turning around or acknowledging me in any way. He simply stood with his hands in front of him, his muscular body guarding the door’s entrance. I’d seen the gun. I knew what he was capable of.
And he had every intention of killing anyone who crossed our path.
The doors finally opened to a beautiful lobby of what appeared to be a posh hotel. When he reached back, taking my hand, I didn’t bother struggling. I knew better.
The same two men who’d been commanded to protect me were heading in our direction. Miguel remained agitated, merely pulling us out of the elevator and into the marble tiled corridor. Waiting.
Planning.
I could almost see the wheels in his mind spinning, plotting an attack on the perpetrator.
“Sorry, boss. She got away from us.” The tallest man was also the most muscular, his arms covered in tattoos. He had a sheepish look on his face, as if their actions would be cause for retribution.
“We are going to talk about this later. Failure I will not tolerate,” Miguel said in an offhanded manner, although I heard the tinge of anger laced through the dark tone.
The other soldier darted a look in both directions, clearing his throat before he spoke. “They got away.”
Miguel inhaled, his body tensing. “Any information that might be useful?”
“A dark SUV, tinted windows. I got a partial on the license plate,” the first soldier stated, looking even more uncomfortable.
“Trust me, the plate is stolen,” Miguel huffed. “But I am well aware of who is responsible.” He gave me a sideways glance before pulling one of his men to the side, whispering.
No doubt instructions were being issued.
I was still shaken, unable to calm my breathing. Could what Miguel said be true? I refused to believe it.
Another full minute passed by before he took slow steps in my direction. I’d never seen his eyes so cold, so dangerous.
“Cordero, I need my car. Make certain the others know what happened and give them a description of the vehicle as well as what you could see of the two assailants. You’re going to follow us to my penthouse where you will remain on duty all night. Is that clear?” Miguel stated in his usual demanding tone.
The two soldiers nodded. Miguel’s command was even more powerful than I originally thought.
“We will be in the bar. I doubt the asshole will try again so soon.” Miguel tossed the keys toward the one called Cordero. “Give us fifteen minutes.”
“Yes, boss.” Cordero nodded, glancing in the direction of the other soldier. “You remain here.”
“You got it.” The second soldier scanned the perimeter as he remained close.
Cordero finally backed away, taking long strides toward the revolving door.
Miguel took another deep breath before shifting his attention entirely toward me. Once again, he was within inches away and when he spoke, chills ran down my spine. “We are going to have a single drink and we will talk. I want to know every scrap of information you have on your father’s business and his enemies.”
I opened my mouth, hissing before pursing my lips.
He slipped his hand around the back of my neck, his grip firmer than before. “Don’t fuck with me, Valencia. Your father has already attempted to destroy a portion of my business as well as allowing his enemies access to his only daughter. This kind of shit isn’t going to happen again. You’re in my territory now. You follow my rules. There is no question and there is no room for error.”
“Who were the men who tried to kill me?”
“That’s exactly what you’re going to tell me.”
“Fine. Okay.” I could tell with certainty that he had a gut feeling about the identities of the assassins.
He growled in his usual dominating fashion and brushed his hand down the length of my arm, intertwining our fingers together.
I was required to lean on him, trying my best not to hobble, the brute of a man following closely behind. I couldn’t help but scan the dozens of people roaming the expansive lobby. Were they killers? Were they determined to end my life? The thoughts were volatile, yet another reminder that my life meant little or nothing in the world of the mafia.
The bar was crowded, the sounds almost overwhelming. I’d never felt so small, so useless. I was in a country that I knew little about, questions regarding my father and his reason for even bringing me here in the forefront of my mind. There was no one I could trust.
Including myself.
Miguel planted me on a barstool in the corner of the room with my back to the wall. The location allowed him full view of anyone coming and going. He remained standing, leaning over the bar for only three seconds before the bartender approached. I could see obvious recognition, only a few words exchanged.
“The usual plus a bucket of ice and a cloth.” Miguel exhaled, darting another series of angry glares throughout the bar before finally easing onto the plush leather seat. At first, he didn’t bother turning in my direction, merely taking a moment to unbutton his jacket.
I huddled in the shadows, my eyes darting constantly in all directions. Yes, the men in the SUV had terrified me, shoving me into the various moments of darkness I’d experienced the majority of my life, except for the last few years. The last time an assassination attempt had occurred was on my twenty-first birthday, the festive event held at one of my favorite restaurants.
While my father had taken great pains in making certain the entire space was ours only for the night, his monstrous soldiers positioned everywhere, somehow an uninvited guest had nearly turned the festivities into a tragedy.
One dead. Several injured.
So much bloodshed.
My father screaming retaliation.
I’d heard days later that my father had rounded up at least two dozen individuals, interrogating as well as brutalizing them in methods that churned in my stomach. Even years later, I was unable to comprehend the horrors the various men had faced. And the assassin had never been located.
“You went to see my father,” I said quietly.
“I did. I appreciate fairness in business practices and I finalized the updated terms of our deal.” Miguel’s words were practiced, eloquent, even professional.
About a human life.
About abduction.
As the bartender approached, never bothering to look me in the eyes, I realized that Miguel had connections everywhere in every walk of life. His power and influence were obviously substantial.
“And what did he say? Did he laugh in your face and tell you that he would hunt you down like the dog you truly are?”
“There was nothing for him to say, Valencia. As I told you, a deal had been struck, terms falling through. You are only partial payment.”
The cool arrogance in the man was still shocking. “That’s bullshit! He will come after you. Trust me. He will cut out your heart and feed it to the alligators.”
“Lower your voice, Valencia. You already have a harsh punishment coming. I don’t think you want the circumstances to be any more... difficult.” Miguel’s words were followed by the prick wrapping one hand around the towel, the other cupping my chin.
I tried to pull back but the look he gave me was enough to keep me motionless. I shivered again. His features softened as he dipped the cloth in the bucket of ice, sighing before brushing it against my face, removing dirt smudges. The gentle manner in which he performed the action couldn’t have been more surprising.
“That’s better,” he said in a low and husky voice. When he lifted my leg, I didn’t resist. When he removed my shoe, I merely held my breath. “Your ankle is swelling.”
“I... I really will be all right.”
He lifted his eyebrow as he filled the towel with ice, fold
ing the material over in such a careful manner. As he pressed the bundle against my leg, he studied my expression. After a few minutes, he took a sip of his drink, still looking sexy as hell and unruffled.
“Thank you. I can do this.” I reached down and the moment our fingers touched, the electricity was stunning, catching my breath.
Miguel’s nostrils flared, the tips of his fingers sliding down to my foot before pulling back completely. “Now, let’s begin again. We are going to talk about your father. No bullshit. No lies.”
I was floored, my heart racing as the anger resurfaced. “Here I thought you actually had a heart. You know what? You’re a real pig.”
“You’ve told me that once before, Valencia. I’ll accept that, although I would think those thoughts would be directed toward your father and the significant risk he took.”
I opened my mouth twice before speaking. “You were at the concert. Weren’t you?”
He seemed surprised, even impressed. “Yes, I was. I was curious and definitely not disappointed. As I said before, you are an amazing musician.”
I was surprised, even excited that a man like Miguel would take the time to come hear me play. I couldn’t lie to myself. I’d actually hoped that he would come. “Well, thank you for your attendance. At least someone was there to support me.”
“Your father was there, Valencia.”
Huffing, I stared at him, able to tell he wasn’t lying. “Now you’re defending my father? What kind of game is this? I can’t tell if you want me to hate him or attempt to sway you regarding his amazing qualities. Neither is going to happen.”
“I don’t play games, but I do believe in being fair when appropriate. He was very proud of you last night.”
I honestly didn’t know whether I could believe him. “What the hell did he do to you?” I threw out, my defiance rearing its ugly head. I didn’t care if he spanked me. I didn’t give a shit if he locked me away, shoving me into a cage. I wasn’t going to be taken easily.
“You mean the deal that he threw in my face, the fact that he betrayed my family on several levels?” There was such anger in his voice, darkness in his eyes. I could feel the rage emitted from every pore as he snarled, twirling his glass back and forth.
I shrank back, looking away. “You don’t understand what real betrayal means, Miguel.”
He exhaled, pushing my drink closer. “That may be true. Now, why is your father in Miami?”
“You mean other than the concert?” I laughed, knowing my father couldn’t care less. Miguel’s eyes were just as intense. “I honestly don’t know.”
He gripped my elbow, leaning in closer. “As you might imagine, I’m not in the mood for deceit. Using your concert as an excuse is child’s play. While I realize that a man of your father’s... stature wouldn’t allow his own daughter access to his business dealings, you’re a highly intelligent woman. What is he doing here?”
His fingers dug into my skin. Whatever action of betrayal that had occurred against Miguel and his family wasn’t being taken lightly. “He merely said he had to meet a client, one that was vital to his operation. I knew better than to press my father further. What you may not realize is that he is as brutal as you are. Whether or not he betrayed you, he would not sell off his daughter like cattle. I am not property. I am flesh and blood, his princess as you’ve pointed out more than once.” My words were laced with venom. I purposely pushed the drink aside, although I wanted nothing more than to toss it into his face.
The comment brought a slight smile, his upper lip curling. “You are certainly flesh and blood, a woman to be treated with utmost respect. I’ve seen every inch of you, sweet Valencia, and I am aware of your cravings, dark desires that fuel every ounce of the beautiful but caged woman you’ve become. What some would call heinous proclivities that carry you into your dreams. Pleasure. Pain. Submission. You hunger for them all. I’m the only man capable of giving that to you.”
“You know nothing about me.”
“I know much more than you realize,” he said in a dark and devious tone, sending shivers skating down the length of my spine.
“You’re absolutely insane and trust me, I would never submit to you. I crave nothing but to see you dead.” I raised my hand in reflex, ready to smack him across the face.
He snapped his wrist as if already anticipating my actions, his grip firm as he pulled my arm into my lap, twisting until I yelped once in pain. He leaned closer in until his luscious lips were able to brush against my earlobe. “With every action, every act of disobedience there will be consequences. You’ve already crossed the line more than once, earning yourself a round of harsh discipline. I suggest you learn your place. I am exactly the kind of man you’ve hungered for. I will shower you with raw ecstasy, taking your body to entirely new heights of pleasure, but only when you learn to obey me without question.”
“Fuck you,” I managed, my pussy tingling from his words alone, my breath skipping. I was hot and wet, furious I couldn’t manage to push him out of my mind.
“That’s exactly what I intend to do later. Now, you’re going to remain a very good little girl and finish your drink. Then we will walk out of here like adults. I realize that you will try and cross me again, but I am a brutal man, the kind of man who doesn’t take no for an answer. There is nowhere for you to run and your father will not be coming after you.”
I struggled, trying to get out of his grasp, tears forming in my eyes. How could I have allowed my guard to fall all those weeks ago? How could I have permitted him to see a portion of the real girl inside? I would find a way to escape and one day, I would come back seeking revenge, whether my father participated or not. “I hate you. God, I hate you.”
I also hated my heritage.
And my father.
And the deal that would send me straight to hell.
Mostly... I hated myself.
“You can hate me. You can fear me. But you will surrender to me. Your body. Your soul. And your heart.”
Chapter Seven
Miguel
Consequences.
I’d issued the word as if I expected Valencia would follow my commands without question. I’d forgotten how feisty she could be, almost haughty in her disposition. She was her father’s daughter after all.
Hate.
She could hate me. There was enough of that going around, only the kind of abhorrence I had for Santiago as well as Kostya was far more intense.
I was incensed, enraged with myself for taking any chances with her safety. I didn’t believe in consequences and the fact Castillo had been at the event should have issued enough of a warning. He was merely a hired gun for one or both of the men. Perhaps her life had been saved by my interference.
Only after she’d disobeyed me in every manner. Then again, the incident could have been nothing more than a warning, Santiago anticipating my actions, even taunting me. For a man losing his daughter, he certainly hadn’t seemed surprised.
Had he already made a secondary deal with someone else? I doubted that person would be Kostya. The methods of organization were far above the Russian’s head. However, if Kostya was working for someone who wanted to take over the entire East Coast, moving into Aleksei’s territory after stripping away at my family’s, the Russian would certainly find the latest information helpful.
Still, what I knew about Castillo indicated he was a crack shot, having never missed any target. Killing Valencia should have been an easy job, the thought further fueling various interesting ideas, including the fact her death had never been the intent.
A warning and nothing more.
I had no doubts Cordero and his soldiers would find Castillo and when they did, the asshole would tell me everything. I had to find a way to get through to Valencia. She would not be used as a pawn in a dangerous game.
“The man chasing you is dangerous. I assure you that he will attempt to kill you again.” I couldn’t tell whether my words resonated.
Sighing, she gave me a
quick glance, remaining quiet.
“Do you understand what I’m saying? He is a true assassin, a man who doesn’t give a shit whether or not you’re a kingpin’s daughter or even a woman. Before he kills you, he will likely use your body in ways that will sicken and disgust you. Then the party really begins. When your body is delivered back to your father, there will be little left to identify.”
“If you’re trying to scare me, it’s not working. I’ve heard my father rail against men who betrayed him more than once.”
“Goddamn it!” I slammed my hand against the steering wheel, stars floating in front of my eyes.
As I pulled to a stop, turning my head slowly, her only answer was a distinct roll of her eyes.
“Who are your father’s enemies?” I asked, the tone far more demanding that I wanted.
“You mean other than you?”
Fuck! We were getting nowhere.
I sighed as the lights of the city drifted by on both sides. She had her head against the passenger door glass, never muttering a single word since being shoved into the car. I understood her reactions, her need for self-preservation, but I wasn’t going to accept wallowing in self-pity.
Maybe I was second-guessing my decisions and actions far too much. I studied the rearview mirror before I made the last turn toward my penthouse. While the security was tight, no one allowed in or out with direction confirmation, I wasn’t taking any chances until I had a handle on the situation.
With Cordero and Enrique standing guard, I would have an opportunity to make some calls. I could also take my time with the lovely wild child. My cock continued to ache thinking about beginning her training, enticing her full surrender.
What the hell was I thinking? I would demand she succumb to me in every manner. She had no choice, her life now belonging to the one man who would peel away the layers she’d hidden underneath for years. However, absolute obedience was needed without question. I held my breath, imagining once again all the vile and filthy acts I’d have her perform.
I’d seen a mere glimpse of the woman locked within a gilded cage and while she didn’t believe I’d just set her free, she would learn soon enough. Not all cages were made of steel.
