SashaI had to learn the lay of the land and August's schedule if there was any hope of escaping. And where the hell would I go? Bruno led the way to the end of the hall, opening the door for me and ushering me inside. He flipped on the light and stood in the doorway like before. The room was gorgeous, much like the rest of the house. Everything was very relaxed yet opulent, reminiscent of an expensive beach house. The bed was massive, no doubt a king filled with pillows and a dazzling comforter. However, everything had a feminine touch, complete with all my favorite colors, shades of tangerine and violet, fuchsia and shocking blue. There were even new perfumes on the dresser, all three of my favorites."Does August the Enforcer think he's going to win me over by providing my brand of perfume?" I knew the question wouldn't be answered. There were even hairbrushes and combs, books and magazines that I could enjoy. What was the man thinking?There was a French door on the opposite side,
SashaThe knock came shortly after seven. I shuddered at the sound, even though I knew who was behind the door. "Come in." I remained in front of the mirror, offering another glare at the woman staring back at me. She was refined, beautiful in ways the young Sasha had never been. Sadly, I'd aged in three short days, lines appearing under my eyes. I gathered Bruno's scent, so completely different than that of August yet still full of brazen testosterone. "I followed orders." I dared give the man a glance, allowing a smile given his obvious appreciation.August had excellent taste, somehow knowing my size without questioning. The form-fitting sapphire hue shimmered in the lighting, hugging my breasts, waist, and hips as if the dress had been made for me. I wanted to rip it off, shred the lovely frock into a million pieces, but a part of me felt as glamorous as I knew the bully wanted me to feel."August will be arriving shortly. Would you like a drink before you go?"Bruno's booming bar
SashaI slapped my hand over my mouth to keep from gasping as I walked in, my fingers trailing over the various tubes and cans. He'd spared no expense in his selections, opting for the most opulent. A series of flutters caught in my stomach, sliding immediately into my heart. "Why? Why bother, August?""Because you asked.""That's not why and you know it." I dared give him a hard look before continuing to explore, running the tips of my fingers across brushes that I could have only dreamed of owning before. A chill raced down my spine at the thought of the pictures I could create, the fantastic stories my paintings could tell."I..." he started. "I wanted to make you happy."The words seemed odd coming from a man like him, but the quiver shifted from my stomach to my pussy, lingering for several seconds. "Thank you.""You can spend as much time here as you would like.""I will," I breathed, pulling one of the tubes of paint into my fingers. I knew the single vial, the color, let alone
SashaAugust led me into the hallway, nodding to Bruno as we neared. Even the hired bodyguard was more dapper than before, his ebony suit freshly pressed. In his arms was a coat. A fur coat to be exact."As requested," Bruno stated.As August swept the coat from his hands, easing it over my shoulders, there were so many things that should be said, but this was all too surreal. Quivering, I had no idea what to say about the beautiful coat, luxurious in every manner. There was nothing fake about the fur, even though the fashion statement was considered faux pas in today's climate. Still, my entire outfit was a telling statement. I was his perfectly coiffed fiancée, a statement to others not to fuck with him. That much I knew about men in general. Whatever else this meant in his damning world, I had a feeling I would soon find out.I wanted to ask again where we were going, but I knew he wasn't going to tell me. Even as I was eased into the backseat of an impressive and no doubt well sec
AugustI was furious, my adrenaline keeping my heart racing. Marco's call had been unexpected, at least so soon, which meant that whatever asshole was in charge of the drug ring had no fear. If any of the goons showed up in the casino, my casino tonight, there would be significant bloodshed. At least I'd been warned.But that wasn't the only aspect of growing frustration.Sasha.She also had no fear of facing punishment. Her disregard for her position was infuriating as well as enticing.She was getting under my skin."A casino. I should have guessed," she said quietly as she leaned forward in her seat. Even with her chastising tone, I could see excitement in her eyes, shining like glitter."You'll find this much more than simply a casino, Sasha. There is very little that isn't offered, every passion ignited, and desire fulfilled."She laughed as an answer, the sound hell bent on driving me wild.I almost turned her over my knee, giving her a severe spanking. She was goading me as usu
AugustThe table was in an alcove, sequestered away from the others and allowing me to see the entire room. The champagne was already open and within seconds of us being seated, the waiter had arrived, pouring two flutes."They're all staring at us. Am I nothing like your other... girlfriends?" She lifted her glass, swirling it back and forth in her attempt to look bored. She gazed at the piano player, the blues style singer providing a perfect backdrop for the evening."I've never brought another woman to this establishment or any other for that matter.""Ah, you're just the fuck them and leave them type. What a shame."Using just my index finger, I slid the tip down the length of her arm, enjoying the way goosebumps followed my trail. "I prefer intellectual conversations more than basic sex, but I will admit, there are exceptions. Tell me, did you enjoy our time in your studio?"Sasha pursed her lips, but I noticed a slight quiver. "I didn't know that you were a flagrant asshole, Au
AugustThe subtle yet effective change in music, the soft strains alluring, was perfect for my mood. I kept my hand on the small of her back, listlessly fingering her soft skin. She'd selected an exotic perfume and as the scent filled my nostrils, I attempted to forget who I was, even if for a few minutes.She finally relaxed in my arms, tilting back until she could look into my eyes. "You were different in my studio. I enjoyed spending time with that man.""As I said, I have many sides.""But which is more dominant? Which would you prefer to be, a decent man with a family or a murderer who uses revenge as a basic tool?"Now, her words haunted me, stabbing at my very soul. She'd found a way to slide a knife under my skin, picking away at the hard edges. "I am what I was born into, Sasha. I can't change that any more than you can with regard to your father. His hatred of the American people will surface, aborting any hopes of winning the election."Her mouth twisted and she seemed to s
AugustLorenzo closed the door behind him, hesitating before he walked any further. "Nice digs. You do well for yourself.""The perks of corporate America." I poured us both a drink, handing him a glass before settling on the leather couch. "What is so important that couldn't wait?"He remained standing. "I believe we could have a mole in one of our organizations.""A mole?" While this wasn't shocking news, the timing was horrific."Yes." He took a sip then swirled the glass. "I have strategically placed soldiers in and around our respective cities. Don't worry," he mused, obviously seeing my bristling reaction, "they've been given explicit instructions to watch for this fucker who is threatening both our livelihoods. Nothing more."I leaned forward, moving the glass from hand to hand. "What else?""Word on the street it that there is going to be a major hit.""Meaning?"Lorenzo laughed, finally easing into the chair. He crossed his legs and settled in, appearing the arrogant ass I kn
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