THREE

SEBASTIEN

Inhaling, his nostrils flared from the rage creeping into his system. I enjoyed keeping a man on edge. "I'm listening."

"Excellent. The deal is that I will allow you to provide party favors within the city limits of Miami, but under my direction and with a forty percent finder's f*e."

"That's outrageous!"

I didn't even blink, merely keeping my stare dark and cold. "Then I guess our business is concluded here and I assure you that I have various maritime officials on my payroll. They will be notified to look carefully for any boat coming from two hundred miles in the proximity of Cuba. Oh, and the deal for the cigars? Unfortunately, that will be eliminated as well. I can also assure you that if you attempt to undermine my family or my operations, I will destroy you. I think you are well aware of my capabilities."

"How. Dare. You."

I took another sip of cognac, another puff then closed the distance, taking my time placing the glass on the table, stubbing out the cigar. Then I simply walked toward the door, my soldiers following.

"Wait a minute. Just fucking wait a minute!" Santiago snapped. "Fine. You have your deal."

I took a deep breath before turning around. "Very well. I'll draw up the papers and have them in your office in the morning. However, I will need a gesture of good faith. After all, I came several hundred miles in order to make this... arrangement with you."

He remained seated although I could tell he was fuming. He hadn't anticipated my wrath. "What kind of gesture do you want?"

"I'm certain you can come up with something that will appease me." I offered a smile as I adjusted the cufflinks on my sleeves.

Santiago pointed toward the half-finished glass of cognac, finally offering a smile of his own. When I refused, his face fell. "Very well," he said as he stood. Was there the slightest hint of a quiver in his hand? Perhaps. "I think I have something that will suit you." He kept the glass and cigar in his hands as he walked out of the room.

I chuckled and walked back toward the ornate concrete half wall, staring down at the exquisite and colorful buildings constructed on the side of the cliff. From this point of view, the sights of the city were beautiful. Sadly, the distance masked the crumbling buildings and rundown landscaping.

Only the wealthy were able to maintain a certain lifestyle, affording the various perks the gorgeous country had to offer. A man like Santiago enjoyed his status more than most, lording his good fortune over almost everyone else.

Except those within his inner circle.

Within five minutes I heard footsteps on the terra cotta floor, only this time there were two sets. I didn't bother turning, anticipating some fabulous crate of cigars or perhaps a case of his favored liquor.

"Sebastian. May I present my daughter, Carmen. She is the musician you spoke so highly of. Carmen, this is a very important business associate, Sebastian Sturm, all the way from America."

I shifted until I was able to see the doorway. Santiago stood like the pompous ass he truly was while the lovely woman standing beside him had a furious expression on her face. I'd seen pictures of her in my quest to learn every sordid detail about the man, including his weaknesses. However, there had never been any mention that she was an accomplished musician. Carmen was his only child, at least by legitimate means.

She was as incredible as her music.

"Carmen. What a lovely name. I'm pleased to meet you. You play beautifully."

She nodded out of respect then looked away, her breath scattered.

"Some respect, pequena princessa," Santiago rumbled, anger in his tone.

"I am not a princess, father. While it's good to meet you, I was in the middle of practice. May I go now?" Carmen asked as she folded her arms.

"I'm curious. What game are you playing, Santiago?" I asked casually.

"You will learn, Sebastian, that I also don't play games for anyone," he said in an offhanded manner.

She gave me a heated glance, as if disgusted with my appearance, now remaining quiet. A good daughter and one entirely under her father's thumb.

The girl was beautiful, her long dark hair flowing to the small of her back, her large blue eyes stunning. My cock twitched from the way her lips pursed and I allowed my gaze to fall to her voluptuous breasts and slender waist with rounded hips that accentuated long and sexy legs. Even in the simple cobalt blue dress that hugged every curve, she was glorious.

Santiago walked closer, a wry expression on his face. "You wanted an appropriate gesture of good faith. I have something you will admit is truly remarkable."

I studied his eyes, the way he gestured toward Carmen, my anger riled. I knew all kinds of men, their power allowing them to presume they owned a woman. I abhorred any man who treated women with anything but the utmost respect. I knew exactly what he was offering, and the thought left a wretched taste in my mouth.

"I give you my daughter for one night. You can do with her as you please, but keep in mind that she is willful and often disobedient. You are welcome to punish her as necessary."

"Papa!" Carmen screeched, her entire body shaking from anger. "I will not go with this pig."

"Enough! You will do as you are told! I am ashamed of your behavior!" His chest rose and fell, his expression prickled with anger. After running his fingers through his hair and taking a deep breath, he finished his statement. "You are showing our guest a good time. Anything he wants. Anything," he snapped, not bothering to look in her direction.