AugustI knew in my gut the man was talking directly to me. "We are running out of time, Lorenzo." I thought about Dick's actions, the way he glared at Drummand the entire time. Something didn't smell right about the entire event."Yeah. I hear that. I'll have my capos scour the streets. We will come up with something by tonight. Or heads will roll.""Call me when you know something.""You bet, brother." He ended the call and I stood still gawking at the television. Lorenzo had taken a significant chance calling me. If there really were indictments on the horizon, nothing and no one could be trusted at this point. The street vendors would sell their soul if it meant they could stay out of prison. Damn this shit."The pictures you showed me with my father and the girls. They're real?" Sasha asked quietly.Exhaling, I turned toward her, trying to control my rage. "They are very real. Evidently, he's running scared. You don't understand politics in my world yet, but your father just circ
AugustWithin two hours the operation was shut down, the streets quiet. The ripple effect of the broadcast had far-reaching tentacles, the entire city on edge. Perhaps everyone anticipated a blood bath. One raid had occurred not long after the press conference, gathering up three of our best soldiers. The hit had been a direct warning.The shit was coming down.As I walked into the bar, I thought about Sasha. She was never far from my mind, even though a flag remained, churning in my gut. Another tough conversation would need to be held. Whatever she was hiding, much like that of my father, was at least a partial key to the bullshit going on. After our conversation, I'd banished her to her room. Protection? Only from my world, my ugly life. She didn't need to hear the crap that was going down. Bruno and one other soldier were on detail protecting her, although I doubted at this point anyone would be foolish enough given the morning's broadcast.The call had been put out by my father t
AugustWhile the others remained, finishing their drinks, Angelo walked closer, keeping his voice so that only I could hear. "I don't like some shithead getting away with bombing the club. I also think we're itching for a war we might not be able to win.""I understand, but you heard Don González ." I refused to go against anything my father ordered.He lifted an eyebrow. He'd known me long enough to realize that I usually argued the various points with my father. Not this time. Giordano was correct. There was too much at stake. "Anything else?""Sweep the streets again. Someone is talking."Angelo snorted. "And I have a feeling I know exactly who it is." He shot a look across the remaining soldiers, taking a deep breath."If you're right, bring the fucker to me.""Will do."My father eased into one of the chairs, looking completely defeated.I waited, finally grabbing two drinks. At least as I approached the table, the other capos left, giving their signs of respect. I slid a scotch
AugustPrepared sounded like an actual plan. Swirling the drink in my glass, I thought about what he was saying. Maybe I was trying too hard to read between the lines, but I had a bad feeling about this conversation and the ramifications around everything he was saying. My father was leaving me breadcrumbs. Every trust needed to be questioned. "If he's trying to sell us out, he's going to have to come through me.""Not necessary and I want you to be careful. Stay away from the streets. You have a full life ahead of you. Who knows, maybe children one day." His grin was more mischievous than I was used to. "I know you mentioned that you were working with Lorenzo. I also know about this club you're in, son. What do you call it? The Sons of Darkness?" He laughed, suddenly breaking into a coughing fit."How did you know?" I gave him a wry smile. The old coot.He yanked a handkerchief from his pocket, wiping his mouth. "I know everything, son. While I'm not entirely certain it's a good idea
AugustI sat in the parking lot, staring at the building. The majority of corporate minions had already left, heading home to their adorable families and golden retrievers. Twilight was settling in, leaving ominous shadows crisscrossing the parking lot. I was angry with myself and with my father. He continued to harbor secrets. What the hell was I going to tell Sasha? At least she was exactly where I needed her to be right now, safe. I popped another three aspirin and turned off the engine. My patience was all but gone, answers needed immediately.And I knew how to get them.I'd noticed the light remained on, the corner office all aglow as if glorifying the man himself, not just his claim to fame. I snickered at the concept.My needs had nothing to do with the rules I was required to follow. I'd asked for a hit and my father had declined. While I wouldn't go against his wishes, I would make certain the Senator understood what he'd stepped into the middle of. The discussion would be...
Sasha"I have a surprise for you."I heard his husky voice, the man I adored standing right behind me, yet I couldn't take my eyes off the ocean, the trickling wave pushing foam across my feet. The sun was just slipping past the horizon, creating rings of dazzling colors. Tangerine. Fuchsia. Violet. Everything about the early evening was gorgeous, allowing a moment of peace."A surprise?" I heard my voice, lust-filled and throaty. When he brushed his hand over my naked shoulder, I shivered as I always did from the simple touch. My pussy clenched in anticipation, desire electrifying every nerve ending, leaving me breathless."You'll need to obey my every command.""Don't I always?"He swept me into his arms, his hands placed under my bottom, cradling me against his chest. "Not always, but you'll learn." His eyes sparkled just seconds before he crushed his mouth over mine. His tongue parted my lips, darting the tip inside. The taste of scotch was intrinsic, filling my mouth in the same
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
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? "
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