by Stone, Piper
There was no one in Cuba who would talk about my father’s reign in that manner. “You make his criminal world sound appetizing.”
She cocked her head, her upper lip curling. “Listen to me because I’m not saying this twice. I was a strung-out kid on the streets, my father in prison and my mother dying of AIDS. I didn’t give a shit about life. One night I stole money from Miguel because I was running away from an asshole I owed. I learned later that Miguel was back in town visiting during Christmas break from college. I had no idea who the fuck he was. There I heard some girls talking about how important and dangerous he was. When two of his goons found me, I realized I was dead meat. I figured they were taking me to some abandoned warehouse to kill me, dumping my body in the ocean.”
The conviction in her voice was intense.
“No amount of begging or pleading seemed to work. When they put me in a fancy hotel with instructions to take a shower and rest, I was certain they were going to rape me or worse. When I got out, there was a new set of clothes and more food than I’d seen in months from room service. I knew the two men were outside the entire night. I ate and slept in a real bed, still expecting a bullet in my head.”
“What happened?”
“Miguel came to see me early in the morning, making certain I was all right. He said he cleared the debt I owed the jerkoff and all he asked in return was that I keep clean.”
“His rules for kindness,” I whispered, uncertain where the story was going.
“You don’t get it. Miguel rented an apartment for me for six months. He helped me land a job, even got me enrolled in the local college. He had people looking out for me and he never asked for anything else. He gave me my life back. I’ve been drug free since that very night. I’ll never forget what he said on the day I graduated from college with a degree in business administration. By then I was able to pay it forward. I’ve been with him since that very day and I don’t regret a thing.”
I was floored by the story, my heart racing. “That’s... incredible.”
“Don’t get me wrong, Valencia. Miguel Garcia is a very dangerous man, capable of doing horrific things, but he is also the kindest man I’ve ever met. His family and especially his niece mean more to him than anything. I’ve never seen a man so devoted. I suggest you consider giving him a break. There are reasons why he decided to bring you into his home and his life that have nothing to do with revenge.”
Niece. Another shiver trickled down my spine, my mouth dry as I thought about her words. “I know you need to get me back but before we leave the area, there’s one more thing I’d like to do. I promise I won’t try and run.”
* * *
Revenge.
The word continued to revolve in my mind all the way back to Miguel’s penthouse. The other word was trust. A part of me wanted nothing more than to trust him, but something was holding me back, as if I was Cinderella waiting for the glass slipper to shatter. Just like everything else had in my life.
Sylvie merely helped me bring the things inside, checking the penthouse before she’d allow me to set two feet further than the foyer. Given the all clear, only then did she leave, promising to remain by the door until Miguel returned. She was all business once again, taking her work very seriously. I had no doubt she’d make certain that Miguel knew all about my disobedience.
At least my conversation with Sylvie had provided more valued information about Miguel than all the searches I’d done on the internet. I studied the small foil bag I’d purchased, adjusting the gold ribbon not once but twice. I’d already signed the card, although it had taken me some time to prepare the words, my mind jumbled with Sylvie’s story. The gift was nothing much, but I hoped it would be an olive branch of sorts.
While I hadn’t been forbidden to enter his office, I felt guilty for going inside, walking softly as I headed toward his desk. I placed the gift in the center of the smooth wood, once again fluffing the bow, as if that would matter in the least to a man as powerful as Miguel. I had no way of knowing whether the symbol would touch his heart, but I felt better about my decision.
As I took the packages to my room, I noticed the door was half open to another room. They’d all been closed before. I don’t know why I was shaking as I walked toward it. There was no reason for him to honor his promise to me, but the moment I took a single step past the doorway, I was in shock.
Not only was my beautiful cello positioned in a place of protection, but there was a baby grand in front of the sprawling set of windows. There were also recording devices, incredible speakers, and the finest equipment I’d ever seen. I was floored, turning in circle after circle to try to take in everything.
He’d given me my own recording studio, a place where I could continue studying, even reaching out to producers and music directors and... The shock quickly wore off, the realization that my playing would only be a hobby, a pastime. Still, as I ran my fingers over the ebony surface of the piano before walking to my beloved instrument, a tweak of true love filtered into my mind.
I was a fool to think we could share the kind of love I’d always hoped for, but maybe there was room for something special. Maybe.
I was unable to resist, my longing to play something that I’d been missing even for only the couple of days since the concert. I was almost numb as I walked toward the instrument, taking my time as I sat down on the stool he’d selected. Everything was just perfect. The moment I picked up the bow, I fell into a lull, my mind fully cleansed, a wash of peace unlike anything I’d experienced in what seemed like forever.
Within minutes, I was lost in the music, pushing aside the horrors of my real life. The adrenaline flowed, the piece chosen a much darker selection that I’d played for the symphony. I was aggressive in my methodology, my hand wrapped tightly around the bow. Every chord was one of my heartbeats, stealing my breath as I worked through the piece I knew by heart. I kept my eyes closed, burning with energy until I reached the very last haunting note.
I didn’t expect the voracious hand clapping and jerked up, almost knocking over the cello. Miguel’s face held such reverence, his eyes shining with pride. He walked further into the room, his hand on his heart. “That was... amazing.”
“I didn’t think that you’d allow me to have my music.”
He inched closer, issuing a deep breath. “I may be a hard man but I’m not a complete monster. Your music is very important to you, so it is to me as well.”
“Thank you.”
The way he pinched my chin as he’d done before, lifting my head until I was forced to look into his eyes forced a quiver straight into my pussy. “Granted, I’m certain you heard what happened while Sylvie and I were out.”
He lifted his eyebrows and I realized just how exhausted he seemed. “We’ll talk about your disobedience over dinner. We have reservations at one of my favorite restaurants tonight.”
“You’re taking me out?”
This time, he chuckled. “You seem surprised.”
“Perhaps I am. There’s obvious danger everywhere, even though I hate that I have to live that way.”
“While that may be the case, I doubt anyone would be so brazen as to attempt an assassination in the middle of a crowded restaurant. You’re not going to spend your entire life fearful, I assure you. Just right now, we need to be cautious.”
“Well, especially since we know that my father couldn’t care less about me or my welfare. Why not just kill me?”
A shadow fell across his face.
“What is it?” I asked, knowing I wouldn’t get an answer.
“I think you’re worth more alive than dead.”
I opened my mouth twice, but nothing but air slipped past my lips for several seconds. “But you believe my father had something to do with it.”
“Perhaps. Something to be explored. I’ll leave you to your music but keep in mind that we leave precisely at six. I don’t like to be late.”
“Yes, sir.” I could see just how troubled he was, as if he
had the weight of the world on his shoulders.
He lowered his head, pressing his lips against my forehead. There was such sadness in his actions, an odd resignation that certainly didn’t seem like him in any regard. He lingered, his fingers brushing across my skin, for a full minute before moving away. I caught a single glimpse of his eyes.
They were haunted.
He stopped in the doorway, his fingers tapping on the doorjamb. When he tilted his head, I could swear I noticed moisture in his eyes. “Thank you for such an incredible gift. I will cherish your CD always.”
His words rang of such truth, even after I’d been the one to destroy his original copy. When he finally walked out, his feet heavy, I sagged down in the chair.
If I didn’t know better, I’d think he’d resigned himself to the fact he was going to die.
Murdered.
And all because of me.
Chapter Fourteen
Miguel
Deals.
Secrets.
Lies.
Revenge.
They’d been four words I’d known from the time I was small. My father even used them in various orders he’d given the soldiers, as if it they were part of a mantra for him. For me, they were the straw that might break the camel’s back. Was my father’s retirement an actual strategic move? I was beginning to believe so.
I couldn’t get over the feeling that a deal could have been struck between my father and Santiago, only I couldn’t figure out for the life of me what that could be or why. The deals my father was talking had to do with money in exchange for loyalty, not some jaded situation with a man who’d grown into a full blown enemy. Then again, Santiago had truly strengthened his level of power in the last twenty years, taking over from his father during that time. Perhaps the deal had been established long before.
I’d find out one way or the other at the meeting with Santiago and this time, the man would answer me without his usual bullshit and lies.
I wanted to exact revenge on far too many people. Sadly, my list was getting longer. I’d given Elena a call. Her anger had been directed toward me and would be for some time. Winston had kept his promise, packing up the essentials and leaving, promising to make the separation and divorce amicable. While Elena had accused me of ruining her life, I knew in my heart that one day she’d thank me.
The moment Sylvie had told me about Valencia disobeying her orders, I’d almost gone ballistic; however, I knew that she needed to hear the truth from her father. What he’d said to her was cold. And calculating. I didn’t buy what he’d said to her, at least not completely. Still, the fact that someone had been following Valencia meant whatever was about to go down would happen sooner versus later.
From the description of the average Joe, as Sylvie had stated, he could be almost anyone in the city. No discernable marks. No obvious signs that he’d planned to hurt Valencia in any manner.
Then there was Castillo, who’d yet to report in and the clock was ticking.
I took a deep breath, trying to push aside my need for vengeance.
The moment I’d walked in the penthouse, the incredible music filtering into my mind, I’d realized how much in love I was with Valencia. Perhaps I had been from the very second I’d laid eyes on her. Hearing about the man who’d been following Valencia from Sylvie had been incentive to end this charade as soon as possible. At least I had a plan.
What Santiago had said to Valencia had honestly surprised me, but I had yet to hear an actual account from the lovely woman who would share my life.
As long as you can keep her alive.
Hell, I realized I couldn’t think that way but damn it, everything seemed to be spiraling out of control.
As we walked into the restaurant, all eyes were on us and tonight, the admiring glances had nothing to do with me. She’d never looked so beautiful, seductive yet sophisticated, the scarlet dress hugging every curve, molded against her body to perfection.
I felt like the luckiest man alive as we were led to our table overlooking the ocean. The early evening sun had cast a glow on the water, the shimmer dancing like diamonds. She kept a smile on her face as the waiter took our drink order. Tonight, I’d ordered champagne.
Tonight, I’d take her in my bed.
Tonight, I’d push her over the edge, requiring her to surrender to me entirely.
Tonight, I’d share at least a portion of my heart.
She stared out the floor-to-ceiling window, taking deep breaths as she studied the ocean, swirling her finger around the rim of the crystal stem. “The music is beautiful.”
I knew she’d enjoy the piano player, the music a mixture of big band and various popular tunes. “I thought you’d enjoy.”
“Do you come here often?”
“I’ve been here a few times,” I said matter-of-factly. Elena’s rehearsal dinner had been here. Maybe I’d selected the wrong place.
“Of course. Do you bring all your dates here?”
I leaned over, sliding the champagne closer. “You’re the only woman I’ve ever brought here. You’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted to bring here. Family obligations introduced the restaurant a few years ago.”
She dropped her eyes, her face turning red. “Well, I appreciate the gesture and your honesty.”
I maintained silence, giving her needed space. While she enjoyed the view of the beach, I preferred to concentrate on her exquisite bone structure and voluptuous lips.
A few seconds later, she darted a glance in my direction, finally smiling. “I’m sorry. I have a lot on my mind.”
“I can understand. I’m certain what your father said was difficult.”
She took a sip and nodded. “More than that. I allowed myself to believe a lie. He truly never wanted me.”
“I don’t believe that.”
“Very true. One night years ago, I overheard my parents arguing. My father clearly said that he’d never wanted me to be born in the first place. I think that’s why I tried so hard to get him to love me all these years.”
“Perhaps that’s the case, Valencia, on both levels but you need to remember that we all do things in the heat of the moment we don’t mean and aren’t proud of.” She was handling his betrayal better than I could. Then again, I didn’t know the extent of my father’s disloyalty.
“That’s obviously why I overlooked all his foibles, but I’ll keep that in mind for the future.” She laughed half-heartedly. “Foibles. I should say murderous ways.”
“Parents often hide their true selves from their children.”
“Did yours?”
I chuckled as I twirled the glass. “No. Never. I knew exactly who and what my father was from a very early age. I learned a great deal from him, especially since he refused to allow me to have anything to do with his organization until I’d graduated from college. Going to Harvard certainly did me some good. I value the experience. I’m a better man because of it.” Why did I feel awkward telling her about my past?
She leaned over the table. “What’s troubling you tonight?”
“Nothing for you to worry about.”
“I don’t think it has anything to do with your business or my life.”
I lifted my glass, studying her wry smile. My cock ached as it always did around her, the electricity sparking and buzzing between us. “You think you know me better now?”
“A little but only when you let that armor slip. What’s wrong? While I realize that you’ll never share your business with me, there are other aspects of life including good and bad times. If we don’t get to know each other, then how am I supposed to love you?”
Love. The burden and guilt of wanting to feel romantic, crazy in love was almost too much. Perhaps I was simply too practical. The feel of her hand wrapping around mine was enough to send a wave of almost violent arcs shooting into every cell and muscle in my system. “Valencia, I don’t want to burden you. You have enough things on your mind.”
“Perhaps I need to think about somethin
g else. I can feel sorry for myself later if I want to.” Her smile turned mischievous, a warm flush creeping up along her cheeks. “Family problems perhaps? I heard you have a niece.”
I laughed, surprised Sylvie had told her anything. “I do. Selena is a handful. She thinks she’s going to be an astronaut.”
“Brother? Sister?”
“My guess is you already learned that information while searching for data on the internet,” I smirked, winking at her.
“Perhaps. You have two sisters and no brothers. The tabloids and newspaper articles never mentioned a niece.”
I sighed, darting a glance at the ocean. “Something both my sister and I insisted on. My niece doesn’t deserve to grow up in this world.”
“If you hate it so much, why not get out?”
“Obligations.”
She nodded several times. “I know them well although I’m not willing to play them any longer.” Another sigh was followed by a wrinkling of her nose. “I have premonitions sometimes, violent and angry ones that terrify me far too often.”
“Have you had one recently?”
“Yes,” she whispered. “That’s bothered me all day and when that I noticed that man outside the shop, I have to tell you that I wasn’t terrified.”
“You should have been.”
“No,” she said defiantly, turning her head in my direction. “I’m not the one in danger. You are. Someone desperately wants you dead.”
I shrank back, processing her words. That was a possibility. “Either way, whoever this is won’t get close any longer.”
“How can you be certain of that? Guards every day?”
“No. I’m going to hunt down the person responsible and they will pay.”
“Always violence. I just wish there was more. No, I know there’s more. You’re a decent and wonderful man buried deep inside,” she insisted, much like she had before.
