CarmenAnother cold shiver trickled down my legs as I walked toward the bathroom. Merely turning on the light presented another pleasant surprise. A bathroom fit for a queen. I ran my fingers over the beautiful marble fixtures, taken aback by how open yet how secluded the entire room seemed to be. When I noticed the closet, I hesitated before opening the two doors. There was very little inside with the exception of beautiful lingerie in several dazzling colors.There was no doubt that they were expensive, the silk like spun gold. The moment I eased into a robe, tying the sash, I became the bought woman owned by one ruthless man. I took tentative steps toward the mirror, half expecting my reflection would terrify me.Instead, my glowing skin brought a smile to my face and I had no idea why. The lightheaded feeling remained as I left the room, doing everything I could to compose myself. While I realized he would attempt to grill me, I was the one who needed answers.I found him staring
SebastianI was going to kill the asshole and I would enjoy every moment of making him suffer. No one ever hurt a woman, not for any fucking reason and the fact that she was my woman? Unacceptable on any level. I was thankful that Cordero drove. I knew that I wouldn't mind running down a single person who got in my way.I'd promised her protection, that she'd be safe with me. The conviction had been real, the truth might be something else altogether. I knew she would have a target on her back from several sources. My quick response would at least send out a direct warning.Yeah, just like I thought would occur with Danton. Evidently, Santiago had a set of balls the size of cantaloupes. Or he was simply fucking arrogant and stupid.Just the fact she'd limped into the kitchen and remembering the pained look on her face was enough. Realizing that she could have died by the bastard's hands put me over the edge. I had to believe her that she knew little about her father's enemies. Learning
SebastianThere were two things I couldn't handle in life: lying sacks of shit and those attempting to cut into my business. At this point, I had no way of knowing whether the hijack had anything to do with Santiago, but in my mind, I knew the asshole was fucking with me.Granted, taking his daughter certainly held a high probability of revenge, but destruction on this level seemed beneath the man. Then again, what lengths would a father go to in order to free his little girl? Maybe I'd underestimated the man. If so, other decisions would need to be made, including helping Santiago understand that enraging me wasn't in his best interest. That would mean an escalation of other business practices.Two could play at his game.I stood on the docks, staring at what remained of the boat, the debris strewn less than one hundred yards from shore. What little fire remained would disappear within minutes. While the Coast Guard had been notified, the various men who were on my payroll had put a
SebastianI tilted my head, the slender light from the moon as well as the few lights on the dock allowing me to see the gleam in his eyes. "Yes, I agree. You know, you could have told me this over the phone, my friend.""I could have but I needed a couple days off. The lure of such a magnificent city.""How is your lovely bride?" I asked in passing.He grinned, an unusual sight for such a hard and brutal man. "A beautiful yet very disobedient woman.""Exactly what you need.""As she continues to tell me." His face clouded over as he took a deep breath. "Besides, I wanted to bring you some information that should be important to you and in truth, security should be of the utmost importance within your organization." Aleksei pulled an envelope from his jacket, cursing in Russian under his breath."What is this?" I asked, peering down at the thick package."Call it insurance, which you may need. I took the opportunity of doing some research on Mr. Garcia. It seems that he's ruthless in
SebastianI'd talked to a few sources, runners whose livelihood would be affected by the shipments' destruction. While they all seemed scared, there was no indication of further betrayal, at least as of yet. My personal warning to each and every one of them should buy me some time.The penthouse was entirely too quiet when I walked in, barely acknowledging Enrique other than to tell him to go home for the night. With Castillo on ice and Kostya in some Philadelphia morgue, I doubted there would be any attempt of a hit for the rest of the night.However, I'd remained prepared for anything.I didn't like the way things were occurring, as if someone held a grudge against my family first and was using my family's business almost like a ransom without any demands made. As. Of. Yet.I tugged the envelope from my pocket, rubbing my thumb back and forth. Whatever information was inside, I had no doubt the details would further increase the rage furrowing in my mind. I merely tossed it on the c
SebastianThe moment I heard the cello, I closed my eyes, envisioning the concert once again. Carmen was extraordinarily accomplished, her talent remarkable. With every note, every amazing chord, I fell into a magical journey that only something so beautiful could accomplish. The darkness, the magic wrapped around the intense passage literally took my breath away.I found myself stumbling backwards, self-loathing pushing the ache in my head to a dull roar. I could feel the level of anger releasing, a moment of raw sadness interrupting my thoughts, dragging on my synapses."Turn that off!"Her demand managed to filter over the music, her voice shaking from her own heightened anger.I took a deep breath before opening my eyes. She stood like a beacon of hope, her long hair cascading down her shoulders and arms in a halo effect. I found it difficult to respond and when I didn't, she moved toward the stereo, slapping her hands against the CD player in an effort to stop the music."I said,
CarmenWife.The man was either insane or far too self-centered.Or both.I'd been right before; this whole abduction thing was a scheme to be wed into my family? Maybe the money was more important, or the clout? I thought about the reasons and knew his decision had more to do with further ostracizing my father as well as thwarting his power. Did I really care? Hell, I wasn't certain about anything any longer.However, if he thought for even a minute that I was going to marry him, he would have a rude awakening. I could barely think straight, had difficulty accepting what he'd said, but the expression on his face screamed that he was determined keep his promise. "You're out of your mind. I would never marry you." I managed to get out of his grasp, taking several steps backward."It's the only way I can attempt to keep you safe," Sebastian said after a few seconds."From my father or from your enemies?"I could tell he was debating his answer. "I wasn't lying to you. Your father is a r
CarmenEverything was a blur as he shifted his lips to my jaw before dragging his tongue across the seam of my mouth. When he slid the pads of his fingers down the back of my neck, tickling the skin on my back, a moan pushed up from the very depths of my being."Tell me what you want, Carmen.""I don't... know.""I think you do," he whispered, the tone full of lust and innuendo. "I know you do. Tell me everything your body requires."I swallowed, allowing the words to filter in my mind, trying desperately to turn off the intense yearning. But I couldn't. Every part of me had betrayed the woman inside, peeling away at the mask I'd worn for so long. I was reeling, unable to think clearly as he continued trailing his fingers down my spine, shifting them under the hem of the beautiful nightgown. I'd never felt so sexy or desired, my mouth suddenly dry.When he kissed me again, his lips exploring mine, the touch so gentle, I rose onto my tiptoes. The slight hint of his tongue in my mouth w
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