by Stone, Piper
“What about my things?” she finally asked. Still rebellious, remnants of being a pampered child.
“Clothes can be purchased. When I allow you to wear any.” I tipped my head in her direction, making certain my gaze was cold and collected.
“Jesus. You’re a pig.”
I resisted chuckling at her apparent attempt to rile me. “You have nothing of importance, Valencia.”
“My cello!” she snapped. “I refuse to live my life without my music. If you give a shit about me then you’ll allow me to collect what rightfully belongs to me. Unless you’re nothing but an absolute monster.”
I hadn’t thought about her musical instrument. I debated the option of purchasing a new one for her, a less stressful event. I knew that wouldn’t be sufficient. “I will have one of my men pick it up for you, but only if you decide to obey me.”
“Obey. I can’t believe this,” she half whispered.
“You will learn that my rules will not only keep you alive but also provide every aspect of those kinky desires you’ve been afraid to face.”
“Fine. Whatever. I’ll try and learn to be your lap dog.”
Her defiance could easily cause her to make a mistake. She needed to learn a lesson in holding her tongue as well as taking the situation seriously. As I moved toward the long driveway leading the underground garage, she leaned forward, staring up at the massive high-rise.
“Such greed in this country,” she said in an offhanded manner.
“What about your father’s estate? The food wasted in that household could feed several starving families.”
She darted me yet another nasty look. “Listen to you, acting as if you care about my country. That is my father’s house, Miguel. I could live in a tiny little place on the beach, able to listen to the lapping waves every night. A simple life. One with honor. My father dishonors his own people by his lavish lifestyle, greed his motivation in almost everything while others are starving.”
I listened to her words and of course knew just how fortunate I was. I’d seen the level of poverty; I wasn’t immune to the crumpled buildings and harsh living conditions within Cuba. I had to respect her animosity for affluence based on terrorizing others.
As I pulled into the parking space, she remained seated, an unwilling partner. I eased on onto the concrete, motioning for Cordero before walking around to the passenger side.
He stood several feet away, forever scanning the area, determined never to get himself in my bad graces again. He’d seen episodes of my wrath, anger that often I couldn’t control.
After opening the door, I held out my hand, trying to curtail the impatience that was already on the horizon. She finally grasped my fingers, her eyes opening wide from the electric connection. Seeing the fact that she was forced to hobble sent another wave of anger into my mind. One day, Castillo and I would meet again and on that day, I would kill him.
“Have one of the men pick up Valencia’s cello at the hotel and bring it here.” There was no way she could have heard my order. Perhaps I was a horrible man forcing her to show her level of obedience before providing her with her most prized possession, but at this point, my decision was necessary.
“Not a problem, boss. Enrique will follow you up. I’ll make the arrangements then walk the perimeter.” Cordero gave her a respectful nod.
“Perfect. Also make the necessary arrangements for a meeting tomorrow morning at ten. You know the location. We need to find out who our mole is.” I was itching to squash the idiot who’d dared to cross me. There was way that Kostya had acted alone. I’d been impetuous and careless in allowing too many details out in the open.
All my effort to effect changes within the family organization had been thwarted. Perhaps my father’s old ways were best.
Brutal and unforgiving.
“You got it, boss. Do you need anything else tonight?” He eyed Valencia as she walked closer, swaggering in the same rebellious manner.
I turned my gaze in her direction. “Yes, contact Sylvie. She’s going to babysit Valencia tomorrow while I’m at the meeting.” I gave him a certain look, communication without words. He knew exactly what I was getting at.
“Babysit? Are you kidding me?” she snarked.
“It’s obvious that I can’t leave you alone. You need clothes and Sylvie can protect you as well as keep you in line.” I could see amusement on Cordero’s face. I’d never used Sylvie in any different manner other than a trained soldier. I knew the woman would be pissed at her command, but I had few choices. I also knew that when it came to extracting information, Sylvie would be able to do so much better than I or any of my soldiers could. At this point, I wasn’t going to be caught in the dark again.
Not ever.
Valencia hissed several words in Spanish, the various names I was called amusing.
“I’ll call her right now,” Cordero said as he pulled out his phone.
I kept a firm grip on her hand as I walked toward the bank of elevators, my hunger increasing with every passing moment.
She refused to even look at me on the ride, huddling against the steel wall, her mouth twisted. Enrique studied the two of us, his curiosity growing. My soldiers hadn’t seen me with anyone but an occasional date for a major event requiring my attendance, little more than eye candy for gawkers. This was very much out of character for me, a break in everything I held in the highest regard.
Marriage.
Family.
Loyalty.
I simply wasn’t suited for at least two of them, my sisters having taken the genes from my beautiful mother. Perhaps I knew what my wife would have to endure, the kind of danger my children would face every moment of their lives. I refused to do that to anyone else.
Although my father wanted to continue our lineage, my son the only leader in later years that would be acceptable.
I honestly hated the old world ways.
Enrique followed us down the hall, remaining in the background as I unlocked the door. I had no idea what she’d think of my recent purchase, although she was accustomed to plush surroundings. I flipped on several lights, the expensive LED lighting system highlighting various art pieces and sculptures and illuminating the leather sofas and chairs.
Only the finest would do.
Valencia seemed to be holding her breath as she walked in slowly, moving to the middle of the main room. I dropped the keys on the vestibule table, exhausted from the long and arduous day. She seemed frozen for a few seconds, finally walking toward the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, shaking her head and once again muttering in Spanish.
“Cerdo opulento.”
Opulent pig. I resisted laughing.
“Is it all right if I go outside?” she asked in an unexpected tone. Docile. Not what I would have expected.
“Remove your shoes.”
She narrowed her eyes, fuming.
“I said. Remove your shoes. The last thing I want is for you to stumble when you’re out on the balcony.”
While her features softened, she took a minute before struggling to remove her heels, tossing them in a purposeful manner. “Now. May I. Please. Go. Outside?”
The woman had no idea how much I wanted to ravage her body.
“Absolutely. The rules are simple. You will stay in my home unless you’re with me or I instruct one of my soldiers to take you to a known destination. You have free reign of both floors, but I assure you that my communication system will be kept off limits. You will not be allowed to contact your father or the girlfriend you have living only a few miles from here.”
She flipped around to face me, the defiant look returning. “You are able to fuck up everything by just talking. I simply wanted permission to go outside.”
While her words were vile, I certainly understood her sentiment. “I’m not an easy man, Valencia, but I’ll try and be as lenient as possible.”
She snorted. “While I’m a prisoner. Goody for you.” She moved toward the door, throwing it open and
walking outside.
I followed her but remained behind the glass, studying the woman now in my possession. She was tense, staying a solid two feet from the railing as she glanced at her surroundings. When she finally walked closer to the edge, her hands sweeping across the iron bars, the light breeze whipping through her hair, I knew I’d made the right decision.
And I craved her even more.
I removed my jacket, tossing it across the back of one of the sofas, immediately rolling up my sleeves. The starkness of my surroundings had a marked effect tonight. My housekeeper had changed the magazines on the coffee table, a request that she often found funny for a man like me. Who read actual magazines any longer?
After ripping at the bowtie, I tossed it over the jacket, laughing softly to myself as I unbuttoned my shirt. I hated being in the monkey suit, preferring more of a low-key life. The thought gave me a smile for the first time since I could remember. Everyone knew me as being all business, never relaxing. The truth was I’d never spent more than five minutes on the expansive balconies. I’d never taken a swim in the pool located on the floor below or even relaxed in the Jacuzzi.
I’d spent almost forty-eight million dollars on a ten thousand square foot penthouse that I’d slept in and little else. Even the kitchen had limited food. I realized I was fooling myself if I thought I’d been truly living my life. I’d existed for years, functioning as a mafia head only.
I moved toward the well-stocked bar, another telling feature. How many nights had I eaten at a restaurant, refusing to cook in my own kitchen? I sighed as I prepared drinks, still darting glances in her direction.
Perhaps tonight could be the start of something phenomenal or the beginning of an end. Either way, I was forced to make certain that Santiago and Kostya were dealt with. Anything less and all respect for my position would be crushed. I couldn’t afford a hiccup, not with my father planning on retiring.
I hadn’t thought anymore about his off the cuff statement, but even given our arduous relationship, he was still my father. Much like Santiago still had a place in Valencia’s life.
The dichotomy was something I would have to keep in mind.
As I walked outside, the night and the moment were reminiscent of the one spent in Cuba, only this time she would remain in my bed. She sensed my presence as she had before, bristling and inching further away. I merely set her drink on one of the tables, moving to a chair several feet away. “You should take the weight off your ankle.”
She said nothing, barely moving for a full two minutes before looking down at the drink and retrieving the glass. Only then did she dare look in my direction. “This is beautiful. There’s a pool below. How exquisite. Yours?”
I sighed, swirling the tip of my finger around the rim of my glass. “Yes, both floors. As I said, you may explore when you like. There are several bedrooms and bathrooms, an exercise facility and media room, as well as patios on three sides. I will make certain furniture is removed in your room of choice, so you can have your music if I decide to give you your wish.”
There was such a quiet elegance about her. The darkness had settled in, but the bright moon allowed me to see her pensive expression before she took a sip of her drink.
“Thank you. I will need access to sheet music if you decide to be a decent man. If that is allowed.”
A decent man. The thought caught me off guard for some reason.
“You will have many more freedoms as time goes by,” I said, hearing the exhaustion in my voice.
“If I obey you.”
“Yes.” I crossed my legs, allowing the crystal to rest on my knee. “I expect that you will retaliate against me in several ways, including attempting to run, perhaps back to the arms of your father. You should keep in mind that the person in that garage tonight had one target in mind. That was you.”
I heard her slight strangled sound, a realization she hadn’t accepted. “Why? What did I ever do to them.”
“That’s what you’re going to need to figure out. Your father has more enemies than my family, so you’ve always been a target, princess. I was able to find out about your concert and the fashion show with ease, which meant anyone could have as well. This penthouse will keep you safe. I will protect your life.”
“But only if I’m chained like some animal.”
I took a swig of my drink, trying to keep from becoming riled. She wanted to push my buttons. She needed to see what I was going to do, how far I would go in my effort to train her.
Subdue her.
Dominate her.
My hunger was unbridled, the beast clawing at the surface.
“You are now aware of the rules and what I can expect from you. Any deviation and you will be punished. Any infraction and you will be disciplined. As I said before, there are consequences for every action. You will begin facing yours tonight.”
If she was fearful of what to expect, she certainly didn’t acknowledge in any way. I eased the back of my head against the chair, studying the ocean waves through the iron bars. I had to admit, they reminded me of a prison cell.
I could hear the ice clinking in her glass as she took several sips, could almost detect the rapid beating of her heart. There’d been clear desire in her eyes at the fashion show, the kind of hunger that two primal mates felt, the attraction something neither could deny. It was time to begin her new life.
I eased from the chair, holding out my hand. “Come with me.”
She turned her head, glaring at the gesture. “I have no intention of coming with you.”
Inhaling, I held my position, my eyes locked on hers.
A nervous tic appeared in the corner of her mouth and her inability to hold her gaze meant she at least understood the position she was in. She twisted her hand around the railing before nodding once.
The feel of her hand in mine allowed another jolt of current that raced down the backs of my legs. It was obvious by her hardened nipples that she felt entirely the same. My grasp remained firm as I led her into the house, moving toward the nearly hidden set of stairs leading to the bottom floor. While my mind could only envision her stripped naked, fucking her in every manner, locking down full control over her was vital.
And there was no doubt she’d find my methods atrocious.
The bedroom I’d selected was nearly as sparse as the rest of the house, although perfect for the first part of her training. I’d had little time to prepare for her arrival, although certain proclivities that I’d partaken in had allowed for a small collection of discipline methods that would suit the purpose.
When I let go of her hand, she folded her arms, walking into the center of the room and as I turned on the light, she sucked in her breath. “This is where I’m staying?”
“For the time being.”
“I would have expected that I would remain chained to your bed.”
I moved toward the single dresser, opening one of the drawers. “You will have to earn the right to sleep next to me.”
“What a bastard,” she whispered.
“As far as your second comment, given your earlier indiscretions, the punishment will fit your bad behavior. Undress.”
“What?” She jerked around to face me, taking a few steps further away. “Why?”
“You are not to question any of my orders. Is that clear?”
“Crystal.”
Her face was pinched, venom in her eyes. When she hesitated, I snapped my head in her direction. “You have one last chance to obey me or I assure you that your punishment will be much worse.”
She blinked several times, her lower lip quivering but to her credit, she obeyed, her fingers stiff as she began to undress.
I turned away, selecting the tether I planned on using. I had no intentions of locking her in the room or keeping her chained to any bed, with the exception of tonight. A period of time spent alone should enable her to better understand her circumstances. I heard the slight rustle and every part of me was raging with hunger, my balls tightening.
When I turned around, the sight of her took my breath away. The bold and fiery woman seemed demure, almost tiny as she attempted to cover her breasts with one arm, her other hand fanned out over her luscious mound. What attracted me the most was the long line of her neck, the chiseled bones of her shoulders and the very delicate fingers used to create such sensual music.
Valencia tossed her head, still defiant, so regal in her mannerisms. She wanted absolutely nothing to do with me. She dropped her gaze to what was in my hand, her eyes opening wide only briefly. “Whatever you’re going to do, just do it.”
I almost chuckled at her audacity, the fierceness that I would break. “Lie down on the bed.”
My command was met with an instant huff, but she knew better than to cross me, plopping down and lifting her knees. “There.”
I ignored the fact my cock was pressing hard against my zipper, merely walking closer. “I asked you to lie down.”
She twisted her mouth, unsaid words obviously on the tip of her tongue. Finally, she positioned herself in the middle of the bed, her arms at her sides. “What are you doing?”
“What did I say to you? You will not question my commands. Turn over.”
I could tell she was furious as well as fearful but did as she was told, her entire body trembling.
“Hands over your head.” I inched closer, fingering the leather strap on the shackles I’d selected.
One at a time she positioned her arms barely inches over her head, taking deep breaths before burying her face into the comforter.
I eased onto the bed, taking one wrist into my hand. She clenched her fists, kicking her feet several times. I brushed the tips of my fingers down her spine, biting back a snarl when she flinched. “What you’re going to learn is that it will be much easier for you to obey my commands.”
“Sure.”
Her muffled answer should have pissed me off; however, her spirit was far too desirable.
“I will make you a promise that no one will hurt you, including myself. For that, you must place your trust in me.”
“How can I trust you after what you’ve done?” she asked, the sound whispered.
