SebastienI had a third row seat on the night of the concert, still in the shadows while able to watch Carmen perform. She was dressed in a beautiful long black dress, the lights shimmering over her raven-colored hair. Everyone in the audience was mesmerized by her musical skills and no doubt as well by her incredible beauty.I'd never sat through a single musical event, unable to process the time needed. Business was always on my mind. Tonight, everything was different, an allowance to move into another world altogether. The quiet reverence as her fingers moved nimbly, the passion she exuded shining in every note she played was simply remarkable.I wanted nothing more than to take her on this night, capturing both her innocence and resolve, making her mine. That would need to wait. I'd noticed her father in the audience, surrounded by at least four of his soldiers. Whether or not she believed that he had pride didn't matter.His smile said it all.She was very precious to him, althou
SebastienI remained on the outskirts as I milled through the facility, finally settling on the expansive deck outside. That's when I noticed her, a radiant beauty who outshined every other woman. My woman. My possessive nature refused to be denied, my libido soaring. Carmen was dressed elegantly in a long white dress, the slit on the side extending to just below her hip. The simple bands of gold jewelry she wore accentuated her sparkling stilettos as well as the loose bun she'd piled on top of her head. She was absolutely breathtaking and there wasn't a man on the deck who wasn't paying close attention.I'd never been a jealous man, women simply a blip in time, a respite from the arduous activities I faced every day. With her, I felt both a sense of pride as well as possession, my need to cage and consume her increasing with each passing moment.She stood leaning against the railing, peering out into the marina, very much by herself. The concept was curious and disconcerting. Was her
Sebastian"What are you doing? The show isn't finished," she half whispered in a strangled manner, struggling to pull out of my grasp. "I'm not going with you. You're insane."I shifted my arm around her waist, holding her tightly against me, keeping my tone as even as possible. "You don't seem to understand that your father made a deal. The business is simple. He faltered on the terms. Nothing more. Nothing less.""He wouldn't use me as part of some crazy deal, unless it's with the devil." She pushed hard against me. "Then again, maybe you are the devil in sophisticated clothes."Her rebellious nature had a bite to it this time, enticing the fuck out of me. I couldn't wait to get her behind locked doors.I lowered my head, drinking in her perfume, almost intoxicated from the exotic fragrance. "He was made aware of the terms and he accepted them, much like he offered you for one night as a token of entering into business together. He not only destroyed that relationship, he garnered t
SebastianWhen I eased back, her eyes remained closed, her lips parted and her face shimmering from excitement."Both you and your father have enemies, Carmen. My men will guard you. As I said, you need to be a very good girl or you will be punished severely and trust me, you won't like for that to happen."She dragged her tongue across her lips, jerking back and glaring at me. "And I said. Fuck. You."I laughed softly before grabbing the keys and exiting the vehicle but just before I did, I heard her words of hatred."You will die for this."I almost wanted to see either her or her father try. "Don't allow her to leave and if she tries to garner any attention, tie her hands." My command was not to be questioned."Will do, boss," Enrique said with a grin.I adjusted my jacket and cuffs before heading into the restaurant, bypassing the hostess. I knew the location well, had enjoyed many incredible dinners. I scanned the main dining room, locating Santiago and his party easily. He eithe
Carmen"I hate you. I will always hate you. You can take my body, but you'll never be able to take my heart."The words were spat out at the brooding Puerto Rican as if he really gave a shit. I knew better. I was intimately in sync with a man of his power.And dominance.Every aspect of his being was infuriating, demanding.Intoxicating.I closed my eyes, crushing down my libido. Sebastian honestly believed that he could simply own me, a possession. I laughed bitterly, even though I knew the possibilities were real. Men like Sebastian Sturm took what they wanted without hesitation.Men like Sebastian left haunting memories, scattered fears.Endless desires.When Sebastian had closed the car door with a hard thud, I'd jumped, glaring at him as he walked away, ever so suave in his actions, cool as a cucumber. He exuded danger as well as sex appeal, every girl's fantasy.Precious minutes had ticked by, my mind reeling. Did my father really not care enough about his own daughter to allow
CarmenI sat back, contemplating what if anything I could do. I had girlfriends in this country. I knew that they would do anything for me. All I had to do was get access to a phone. That should be easy enough.A single tear slipped past my lashes, further infuriating me. I certainly wasn't going to allow Sebastian to break me. Not now. Not ever.I turned my head, watching the two men as they bantered, their bodies animated. And they were paying absolutely no attention to me. I crawled into the driver's seat, darting my head in their direction again before slowly opening the door. I was able to slip out and latch the door without any noise. I remained crouched next to the car for a few seconds as I studied the area around me, hugging my purse close to my chest.All I had to do was get to a phone then hide, waiting for my BFF to take me the hell away from here.And the man who held my leash.Anger surfaced once again, fury at not only Sebastian's actions but being forced to accept I wa
CarmenSebastian took gulping breaths before pulling me into his arms, placing his hand on the back of my head. The warmth of his body and his rapidly beating heart were enough to calm the fear, the ragged edge of my nerves."That was stupid, Carmen. That was... You're never going to do that again. Jesus."I clung to him like some wayward child, catching my breath as the realization set in that there was someone else out there determined to kill me.Who?Why?I could only imagine.He took a series of deep breaths before easing me against the elevator wall, cupping and lifting my chin with one hand. His gaze was full of admonishment but also something else.Fear.I'd never seen that kind of emotion in him. He was always in control, a dark and dangerous man. Today, he'd taken a misstep of his own, something I doubted would ever happen again."I'm... sorry," I managed. The way his fingers dug into my skin was invigorating, yet a distinct reminder of the demanding man he was. I clenched m
CarmenThe doors finally opened to a beautiful lobby of what appeared to be a posh hotel. When he reached back, taking my hand, I didn't bother struggling. I knew better.The same two men who'd been commanded to protect me were heading in our direction. Sebastian remained agitated, merely pulling us out of the elevator and into the marble tiled corridor. Waiting.Planning.I could almost see the wheels in his mind spinning, plotting an attack on the perpetrator."Sorry, boss. She got away from us." The tallest man was also the most muscular, his arms covered in tattoos. He had a sheepish look on his face, as if their actions would be cause for retribution."We are going to talk about this later. Failure I will not tolerate," Sebastian said in an offhanded manner, although I heard the tinge of anger laced through the dark tone.The other soldier darted a look in both directions, clearing his throat before he spoke. "They got away."Sebastian inhaled, his body tensing. "Any information
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