AugustThe hotel bar was filled with Morales supporters, eager and very hungry young men and women, praying for an opportunity to work with the rising star. Sasha's look of disdain as we walked through added to her haughty attitude. The fact she ignored everyone as she paraded through the crowded space, heading directly for the bar, wasn't surprising.I adored the nervous tic on the corner of her mouth, the pulse thumping in the side of her neck. She was attracted, her erect nipples straining against the bodice of her dress. Every gesture was provocative in nature, even her laugh meant for seduction.After being seated, the drinks in front of us, she continued to hesitate before speaking.For this, I had limited patience."My father believes he can handle the office of the presidency better than anyone who has come before him, and his followers believe it," Sasha snarked. "Unfortunately, they don't know him very well." I noticed a hint of sadness in her voice, but it was quickly repla
Sasha"Magnificent, darling. You've done such an incredible job. Your paintings are full of passion and verve!"Translation, there wasn't going to be a single sale to his haughty clients.I glared at Mr. Reynolds, controlling my emotions. While there'd been a significant amount of traffic in and out of the gallery in the last three hours, not a single person had expressed more than limited curiosity in my paintings. "Any interest?""Not yet, but we still have almost an hour before we close." He tapped his watch then acted as if he was being called, squeezing my arm in a far too comfortable manner. "Flirt, my darling. That always works. You're a beautiful woman. Use those skills to your benefit."I was angry with myself for accepting his 'deal.' I kept my smile, the one I'd practiced for years until he walked away, slumping and glancing around the gallery. The people mingling were only here for the free booze and catered food, all coming out of whatever commissions I might make. Sudden
SashaI froze, doing my best to hide my nerves and my anger. The man had the audacity to treat me in a despicable manner the night before then show up here? Was the bastard stalking me? The arrogant bastard. Huffing, I shrank back and calmed my breathing before finding him again. He stood in all his glory, a handsomely tailored suit accentuating his rugged physique and long, muscular legs. I could only imagine the fine linen cost more than ten of my paintings. What I couldn't get over was how relaxed and carefree he seemed, standing with one hand in his pocket, the other wrapped around a crystal rocks glass. He was chic, every aspect of him coiffed in a casual manner. No socks. No tie.There wasn't a woman who hadn't undressed him with their eyes.I took a deep breath, clenched my fists, and walked closer. "Do I have you to thank for purchasing my paintings?"He barely darted a look in my direction, instead lifting his hand, pointing with his index finger at the painting that had draw
SashaI'd never taken anyone to the tiny space I'd rented in an ugly but up and coming section of the city. The location was the only one I'd been able to afford, my father refusing to allow me to paint in his house, but I'd fallen in love with the bistros and music venues close by. "We shall see, August."He chuckled darkly as he walked away, his air of confidence and sexuality overwhelming. He assumed I'd fall prey to his desires, my defenses falling easily.He was wrong. Dead wrong. I wasn't the kind of woman to allow a man to dominate me in any manner."Who is that?" Audrey whispered, crowding my side. "He was leering at you last night in the same manner, I might add. Had you met him before?""No.""Uh-huh. He certainly seems to know you. I could tell by his body language exactly what he's thinking. Raw sex." She fanned her face, her grin returning. "Gorgeous. I swear I've seen his face somewhere. Maybe he's a model.""He's no model, Audrey." No, he was much more powerful. I reali
SashaThere was no question as August pulled me into the tiny parking lot and toward a reserved space. I couldn't help but believe his appearance at the gallery had been planned in advance.The Ferrari was sleek, the ebony paint gleaming in the security lights, the 'blip blip' as the doors were unlocked creating quivers shifting down the backs of my legs. Getting into a car with a basic stranger wasn't in any woman's best interest. Devastatingly good looks and a checkbook to match didn't mean he wasn't a serial killer. My adventurous side wanted nothing more than to let go, allowing this secret encounter. My rational mind screamed to run far away.When he opened the door, guiding me toward the plush leather seats, all resolve was demolished.Easing into the driver's seat, he tipped his head in my direction. "Where to, Sasha?""Columbus Street."His only acknowledgment was a slight sensuous chuckle before starting and revving the engine, maneuvering the swanky vehicle out of the parkin
AugustI'd thrown down a gauntlet earlier than I'd anticipated and admitting that Sasha had managed to rile me picked at my brain. She had a way about her, far more formidable than I'd originally thought. Her paintings were certainly clear signs that she had many incredible layers, all masked by the requirements from her father. The thought was intriguing given Drummand's outrageous proclivities. Discovering the woman hidden under the mask of steel would be my greatest joy.Even if I had to break her in order to do so.Sasha was skittish but inquisitive, a powerful combination. As she unlocked the door, I could almost hear her heart beating, taste her hint of fear. It was exhilarating. The room was expansive, warehouse style with windows covering two of the walls. Everything about the space was exactly as I'd pictured, radiating her talent and her need to keep this aspect about her personal life secret."This is pretty much it," she said wistfully as she dropped her purse, folding her
AugustWhen I broke the kiss, she teetered on her heels, her fingers kneading the thick cloth. "Mmmm..." The growl was almost inaudible, the overtones laced with my own sense of depravity. I took an exacting step backward, breaking our connection.She let go, immediately tugging a stray strand of hair from her eyes, turning her attention once again toward the painting. "This is my space, all mine. It's very personal, just like the paintings. No one has ever been here before." Her words came one after the other."Hmmm..." I took my time mulling over her statement. "Then why did you allow me to come, Sasha?""Because you asked."The words hung in the air. She allowed another laugh, the husky sound filtering into my ears. After another sip of champagne, she eased the glass beside her paints, immediately selecting one of her brushes. There was no hesitation as she dipped the bristles into a dollop of red paint, her fingers working quickly as she splashed a spray of color in a diagonal lin
AugustHer eyes appeared glassy even in the dirty reflection, water spots and filth covering every windowpane like a reminder of the dangerous streets below. She had no idea how much danger she was in, no understanding of the monsters who would enjoy feasting on her in the most heinous manners. What struck me as even more alluring was that she didn't seem to care about the drug dealers and prostitutes hugging the corners. "Place your hands on the glass."Sasha's only reaction was to dart her eyes to the left. She did as she was told, palming the glass, her fingers spread wide open."Excellent. You can learn to be obedient." I took a decided step backwards, my eyes never leaving her as I unfastened my belt. I wanted her to taste the feel of leather, to know that very soon she would belong to me. I folded the thick strap, holding it under my nose.Her engaging eyes watched every movement, studying me in the most intense fashion. I was surprised she wasn't peppering me with questions or
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