Sebastian"Sebastian! What are you doing here?"Seeing my mother's face always brought a smile, no matter the circumstances. She rushed toward me as if she hadn't seen me in weeks, her embrace tighter than usual. "Just a meeting with Dad," I countered, although she knew very well that I'd been summoned.She laughed, the lilting sound more casual than I was used to. "Don't let him bite you today. Your father is in one of his moods.""Isn't he always?"My mother was a proud woman, her attire always beautiful and her graceful actions a constant reminder that there was so much good in the world. Today, she seemed a bit more harried than normal, her words clipped as if they held some alternative meaning. Even her manner of dress was off, although I couldn't put my finger on why.She darted a glance over her shoulder at my father's closed office door, lowering her voice before speaking. Her grip on my arms remained firm but I could easily tell she was shaking. "Your father had a doctor's ap
SebastianWhen I walked toward his bar, I clamped my hand shut before reaching for the glasses. Jesus. I was shaken, a heightened level of fear. This wasn't like me in any regard. The sound of his continued cough kept me on edge.I moved back toward his desk, sliding the crystal across the surface before sitting in one of the two leather chairs. While I'd always loved the thick, soft leather, I'd learned early on that the chairs were reserved for visitors he deemed worthy of sitting across from him. Until recently, that had never included me.I watched the way he fingered the glass, rolling the tip of his index finger around the rim aimlessly. I had no idea what to say at this point."You care for her," he said with an entirely different tone than before."Who?""Son, if you honestly think there's a single thing that goes on around here without my knowledge, you've underestimated me and the men who remain loyal." His smile was more genuine than normal."Cordero," I huffed."You forget
SebastianI knew exactly where to find the fucking asshole doctor, his private practice affording him luxury vehicles and expensive dinners out with colleagues. All while my sister took care of their beautiful child mostly by herself, obviously living in fear of Winston's mood swings.At first, he'd seemed like the perfect man for Elena, doting on her with obvious passion and joy. I'd known all along that the man had a darkness buried inside. Hell, we all did. He only had balls small enough to take out his aggression on women he felt were inferior.He'd never been afraid of the family, our power, or our influence. He'd simply ignored the concept that we were anything but a typical wealthy South Florida family. He would quickly learn he'd been dead wrong."What are you going to do, boss?" Cordero asked as we both exited one of the fleet of SUVs. I'd taken him along for muscle as well as to keep my head on straight. I could lose my shit with the doctor easily."We're going to take him f
SebastianAfter a few seconds, I released my hold, brushing imagined lint off the arm of my jacket. "I'm a fair man, Winston. Even though my enemies would disagree with that assessment. However, in saying that, I do expect certain rules to be obeyed. Are you following me so far?"He swallowed, darting a glance toward the windshield. "Sure. Yes.""Good. This is how we're going to play this. As you might imagine, I will never trust you around my sister or my niece again. What you've done is reprehensible and will not be forgotten.""So? What do you want?"Dear God, I wanted nothing more than to rip the man's throat out. I took a deep breath before answering. "You're going to go home after work tonight and you're going to pack your things, leaving, of course, every valuable and precious item that belongs to my sister. You will contact your attorney to begin the divorce papers where you will sign away seventy-five percent of your wealth, including the offshore accounts that I'm very well
SebastianWhat I found interesting about the items provided by my father was that there'd been a perfect way to keep Santiago under wraps.If I would have known earlier things might have turned out differently.Maybe.I'd received a call from a low level street soldier moments after leaving the park, the information I'd received damning on several levels. Even after my series of warnings to the street crews, at least some restlessness had already spread throughout the ranks, allowing for the possibility of several unscrupulous activities and deals made. If that continued, the vultures would try to swoop in, certain individuals prepared to make a play for control. I couldn't afford to allow this shit to continue. Not now. Not ever.Especially now given my father had given me his full control over the operation.My father was the kind of man who never allowed anyone to see his weaknesses. His decline in health would be no different. There would be no huge announcements, no party celebra
Sebastian"Is something wrong, Sebastian? I know the destruction of the shipments has hurt all of us, but we'll recover.""The shipment situation is a pain in the ass, but I assure you, I will handle the asshole responsible."He took a sip, nodding several times as if he didn't have a care in the world. "I'm glad to hear that. How's Carlos? I haven't talked to him in a couple of days.""He's not well, John, but you already knew that. In fact, you know almost everything about my father, including his frailties and the fact he's retiring early."John's face sagged, as if he'd been caught in a lie or perhaps was free of guilt. "Damn it, Sebastian. I wasn't certain you knew. You know how proud your father is.""Yes, my father is extremely proud. He is also far too trusting, at least in my opinion, opening himself up to betrayal. Including from a man he loved liked a brother."This time, his eyes narrowed. "What the hell are you talking about?""Come now, John. We're both adults here." I w
CarmenHis eyes. I couldn't get over the horror and pain in Sebastian's eyes watching me suffer from seeing the pictures. I'd seen yet another crack in his armor, a man destined to be haunted by the demons he'd never faced. That's exactly what I'd been doing since I could remember.All I could think about was spending time with him. After my horrific behavior, he deserved an apology. Or maybe I did. Hell, I honestly wasn't certain. What I did need to know was the truth from my father. I wouldn't be able to rest until I did.I couldn't get Sebastian's face out of my mind, the taste of him still remaining on my lips from the night before. I'd cried myself to sleep, attempting to pretend I wasn't living in some horror show. Then I'd awakened in one of the most beautiful settings in the entire world, yet I had no idea who I was any longer.A cellist?A daughter?A lover?I stood in the corner shop, listening to the sounds of various women as they oohed and aahed over the brilliant Miami f
CarmenI backed away, grabbing the few other bags and debating. Just a few minutes and I'd know if what Sebastian had found was true. I moved quickly, exiting and keeping close to the wall. The café was only steps away, the scent of spices filling my nostrils the second I walked in the front door.I continued to look over my shoulder as I rushed toward the counter. "Is there a phone I can use? It's an emergency. I have cash." At least Sebastian hadn't taken away my entire world. My father had made certain I always carried at least a few hundred dollars with me at all times.The woman behind the counter faced me, glancing up and down. "Sure. Long distance?""Yeah. Like I said, I have money."She gave me another look then shook her head. "It's all right, honey. Looks like you could use a break."I gave her a smile before scampering toward the landline phone, my hands shaking so badly I could barely dial the number. I was honestly surprised when my father answered the phone, his gruff vo
Sasha"You're so disobedient," he breathed as he peppered his hand from one side to the other, the hard slaps pushing me hard against the thick railing.The stinging sensations were intensified from my earlier spanking, the pain rushing down the backs of my legs. I'd accepted my role, my place by his side. He would always be in charge, the head of household, and in truth, the arrangement was perfect.As the spanking continued, my heart racing, I wiggled and moaned, my nipples hardening to the point they ached. I wanted him to twist and pinch, lick and suck."Are you wet for me, my sweet Sasha?""Yes, sir.""I can see how swollen those pretty pink pussy lips are for me."He smacked harder and faster, keeping a perfect rhythm."Yes. Sir." The scent of my cream wafted all around me, my hunger building.A slight chuckle slipped from his lips as his hand came down hard and fast. I imagined the warm blush, turning quickly into a deep scarlet as the spanking proceeded.I closed my eyes as he
SashaLove. L.O.V.E. The concept was honestly ridiculous.And beautiful.And breathtaking.And exhilarating.And maddening.But I was in love with a man I should run far away from. I knew that the odds were against us, danger lurking at every turn, but honestly? I didn't care any longer.In the three weeks since everything had occurred, my life had changed. At least the fifteen minutes of fame for the defamed daughter of a promising presidential candidate was just about over, the newscasters moving onto other scathing stories. And here I sat in a convertible sports car on St. Thomas Island, my hair flowing in the breeze, the day more gorgeous than any I'd seen in months.And I sat beside August."Where are we going? Some beautiful resort?"He grinned, shifting his gaze in my direction. "You're going to have to learn patience, my dear. We'll work on that on this trip. As a matter of fact, we'll take care of that right away."I wiggled in my seat, knowing exactly what that meant. More d
AugustFive Days LaterThe bright sun cast a shimmer down the length of her body as she stood at the window, her lovely copper hair smooth as silk. She seemed pensive, her eyes never blinking as she stared out at the parking lot. I stood in the doorway, watching her.Bathing in her beauty.I heard Bruno behind me, the larger than life man refusing to stay in the hospital for more than two days. He'd been my constant companion, rarely leaving my side. The days had been nothing but a blur of activity, including shoring the ranks within the family, but thankfully, today I was taking her home."I'll be waiting downstairs, boss." Bruno kept his voice hushed, his eyes twinkling from the sight of her.I nodded, waiting until he walked away before taking cautious steps inside. She and I had talked for hours after she'd garnered her strength. Although I hadn't confided about the information in the box, only telling her that her mother was safe and in good hands, she needed to know. After she'd
AugustThe drive was without incident, although I had no doubt that Drummand had summoned various police officers and that they were preparing for a raid. The ammunition I had should be enough to cease the brazen activity. I laughed at the concept. If what I suspected was about to happen did occur, there would be ripples from here to Chicago, a shift in the operation of both the Feds and the two local police departments.There were numerous cars located in my father's driveway, several of which I didn't recognize. I didn't bother to wait for the housekeeper, letting myself inside and immediately heading to my father's office. The door was closed, and I could hear loud voices, angry tones. Within seconds, I was able to recognize the second voice.Carmine Francesco.My father had called him. To have a meeting here and now meant a culmination of betrayals on several levels. I threw open the door, the box under my arm."You have to stop this madness, Gio," Carmine exclaimed. "You have no
AugustAt ten minutes past high noon, I found the fucker, a man I thought I could trust coming out of the district attorney's office by the back door. My hunch had played out. I sat in the shadows, watching as Jo-Jo hunkered down, yanking the collar of his coat up over his neck. He walked toward his truck, the massive F-350 one he insisted on driving. The front-end damage was actually minimal in comparison to the destruction on the SUV. He obviously didn't give a shit that anyone would ask questions. I'd driven by the impound lot, able to see the twisted wreckage that had once been a fully protected vehicle.And my anger continued to increase.I twisted one hand around the steering wheel, the other around my phone, calling Angelo. "I've found him.""Where?""At a location where he shouldn't have been. Meet me at the warehouse with a full crew in one hour. We'll take care of this.""That shithead. What the hell?""Absolution." Jo-Jo had no family, nothing to keep him loyal for any leng
AugustI resisted slamming the cup on the nightstand and jerked to a full standing position just as two nurses bolted into the room."You shouldn't be here!" one of the nurses barked."Don't worry. I'm leaving." I took one last look at him, the gentle giant who'd protected me for so many years. The man would receive his dues soon enough.I moved down the hallway, finding the nurse's station. "Sasha Morales."The nurse glared at me in obvious recognition, taking a full minute before she reacted. The same wretched fear crossed her face as she typed on the keyboard. Everyone was terrified of my wrath. "She's just out of surgery and in recovery.""Her prognosis?"The nurse gave me a comforting smile. "She should be fine. The doctors were able to stop the bleeding, but she had her spleen removed. She did well in surgery.""Where the hell is recovery?" Relief flooded me, but the adrenaline remained high."Are you family?""Her fiancé."The news seemed shocking, her face sagging. "You can se
August"You shouldn't be here, August," Angelo said under his breath as he walked with me down the hospital corridor."Like hell I shouldn't." I stormed down the hall, pushing past anyone who attempted to get in my way."You know it's only a matter of time before they're going to try and arrest you again."I laughed, touching my gun for effect. "As if I give a shit." I noticed a nurse and nearly accosted her as I grabbed her arm. "Sasha Morales. What is going on? Where is she?"The woman sputtered then shook her head. "In surgery from internal injuries, but she's alive. That's all I know.""Where?" I barked."You can't see her, sir. You're going to have to wait." She managed to jerk out of my hold, racing down the hallway."Calm down, August. Bruno is in his room. Talk to him."I ran my fingers through my hair, calming my breathing. "What do we have on the accident?""Nothing right now. The SUV was broadsided somewhere just after nine. There are no cameras at the intersection and nobo
AugustThis had nothing to do with any interrogation. I nodded, scanning the parking lot and surrounding area before climbing inside. By the time he started the engine, his hand was shaking.He roared out of the parking lot, checking the rearview mirror three times before speaking. "I want you to know that I'm putting my job, hell, my career on the line for you and your family." Dick laughed bitterly. "Stupid. I have no idea why I'm doing this.""That begs the question. Why the fuck are you doing this?""Your arrest was a setup.""Tell me something I don't know."He looked as uncomfortable as hell, now sweating profusely. "You have no idea the kinds of connections that Senator Morales has as well as the chief of police and the district attorney. They are hell bent on destroying your operation. And I think there's more upper echelon politicians, law enforcement, and God knows who else in on this. This is fucking huge and terrifying."Wait a minute. What in the hell was he suggesting? "
SashaThe parking lot in front of the UPS store was almost desolate. While the location had a neon sign indicating it was still open, there was no one standing behind the counter. Number 518 was found easily, the group of boxes nestled all the way in the back of the store. When the clerk finally realized there were customers, Bruno had already cut the lock. I chatted with her briefly, finding out the box had been rented for five years, all paid in advance.My hands were shaking as I attempted to open the door, uncertain of what I would find. The shoebox fit almost exactly with no room to spare, the lid taped as if that would matter to prying eyes. I didn't waste time searching the contents. Maybe I really didn't want to know after all.I was so very cold as I secured the seatbelt, my arms and legs shaking. Just holding the thin cardboard in my hands made me feel closer to my mother, but also bitter and angry. Canada. I would hold August and his father to the promise of bringing her ho