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2024-11-13 08:19:23Liam.
Mikey leaned forward, scanning the perimeter while he shook his head. “Are you sure about that, boss?”
“Do not…” Hissing, I had to tamp down the rage so as to not make a scene. “Do not ever question my authority again. Is that clear?” What I also couldn’t erase from my mind was that my arrival in Louisville had been used against me and against the Voltairs. Was it possible Liam had broken protocol, used the meeting to take out his own brother? Selena’s idea had been well thought out. Enough so a meeting with Liam would flush out his intentions, or so I hoped.
“Never again, sir,” Mikey said quietly. “Just a slight reminder that you have two soldiers with you. He has dozens, many of who are chomping at the bit to spill the blood of their enemy.”
The girl approached, the arm holding the tray shaking so badly the drink glasses were clicking together as she walked. She could no longer look me in the eyes as she placed the drinks in front of me. Then she slipped the bill down as well, backing away almost instantly.
“I’m sorry, sir. My boss said you could finish your drinks but after that you need to leave. And he doesn’t want you to come back.” She cringed after issuing the words, as if I’d lay the blame on her.
I drifted my gaze over my shoulder, noticing a big fat guy staring at our table, his arms folded. Exhaling, I grabbed my wallet, yanking out three hundred-dollar bills. “Keep the change, Jodie. Tell your boss we will be happy to comply.”
“Oh. Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.” She grabbed the money, scuttling away before I could say anything else.
“You want me to handle that asshole, boss?” Zephyr asked, cracking his knuckles in the process.
“Zephyr, there are times when brutality is the only way of dealing with thugs because that’s all they listen to. However, he’s nothing more than a diner owner trying to make a living in a sea of wolves.”
“Not sure what that means, boss, but I won’t touch him.” Zephyr wasn’t the brightest man I’d ever employed but his loyalty was without question.
“Make the meeting happen tomorrow. Allow Liam to know that I can and will make it worth his while.”
Mikey studied me intently. “Yes, boss. Is there anything else you need?”
“I may need to find somewhere else to go for a short duration. Find me a location that’s secure and without prying eyes. I don’t care about the price.”
“House? Condo? Another hotel room? What?”
“I don’t care. Just find something. And have the pilot standing by in case I change my mind.”
“Whoa.” He glanced at Zephyr. “You’re thinking about leaving with the charges you have against you?”
“It may become necessary. Either way, I will have someone as my guest. I need to protect her as I do with Christopher.”
Neither man made a single sound, but Mikey nodded. They knew better than to question my personal life, period. Plus, he understood my responsibilities, what had become most important in my life almost two years before. Granted, I wasn’t the kind of man to run away from any situation, but I’d learned a long time ago that when you didn’t have a support system surrounding you, often it was best to retreat and regroup.
I thought about the lovely woman, realizing I’d need to get her away from the actions and influences of her peers. Plus, if what she’d told me about the threats was true, they would soon escalate until she fully embraced the case, pushing hard to have me incarcerated.
“I’ll let you know what happens with both orders, boss,” Mikey said.
I tossed back the scotch, the bitter taste reminding me that I was at the mercy of the people in this town and that didn’t bode well for my personality or my future. “See that you do.” As I stood, buttoning my jacket, I knew the only way to end the charade was through the lovely blonde.
Only I’d need to figure out a way to get her to trust me without question.
Because if that couldn’t happen, I’d be forced to take her against her will.
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The Night He Owned Me 29
SelenaDo you remember me? I’ve been looking forward to seeing you again.The words lingered in my mind, the second note I’d found on the windshield of my car haunting, pulling me into an entirely different kind of darkness. Was it possible my past was coming back to haunt me?The terror was real and ripe, pushing me to the very edge of rationality. And I hated it.I’d stood staring at the blood-red script, taking me back to the single time in my life when I’d failed completely. I’d failed myself. My profession. And the victims of heinous crimes. The loss had humbled me, shaken me, and provided proof that I could never be cocky. What was I doing lately? I’d laughed even as a few tears had slipped past my lashes, refusing to believe the monster had returned after these years. But the MO was very similar, the same calling card that I’d heard about from the various cops who’d investigated the scene.The pictures reminded me of the ones depicting the murders of the Voltairs, but there was
The Night He Owned Me 30
Yet the last thing I wanted to do was to call attention to the fact I was standing outside watching whoever it was casing my house. Things like this didn’t end well. Could it be that Joshua had found me? That wasn’t possible. My address was unlisted on purpose, only my boss… Fuck.I held my breath as a truck rolled by, where I was standing lit by the single streetlight on the entire block. This was getting ridiculous. When it finally drove by a few seconds later, I didn’t waste any time, still fumbling but finally getting the key into the small slot. When I threw open the door, I still expected someone would jump from the shadows, but the warmth of my cozy home, including the light over the stove I had left on allowed me to feel a little better.Still, I closed and locked the door, almost dropping the wet bags. I hurried into the kitchen, barely able to get them onto the counter before one of the bags split. Thank God, I caught the bottle of wine before it smashed to the floor.At lea
The Night He Owned Me 31
SelenaMortified.There was no other word for me after my near insanity.“I’m so sorry. We need to see what I did,” I insisted.“Stop worrying about me.”“I almost killed you.”“But you didn’t,cherie. Take a breath for me. I need you to tell me what the fuck happened to make you so terrified.”I backed away, remaining horrified. Since when had I become a crazed killer?The truth was I’d never felt this unsafe in my life, even with his presence. He couldn’t stop the freight train coming and I was certain it was already speeding down the railroad tracks, prepared to run us both over. “Let me see what I did to you.”His larger-than-life figure remained looming in the doorway, flowers and a bag in his hand. I started to crumple to the floor, the fear finally getting the better of me.Within seconds, he’d dropped the items in his hand, catching me before I hit the floor. “Not until you tell me what happened. My God, you’re shaking like a leaf.” He held me close, his breathing labored as he
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Selena tipped her head, darting her eyes back and forth. “I worked for everything I’ve ever gotten in my life. My work ethic was taught to me by my grandfather. He was a driving force because my father was always busy, my mother working as well.I spent more time with him than I did my parents.” The story about her grandfather explained her reaction.“So have I, Selena, believe it or not. You say I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth and perhaps I was, but I was also taught the value of a dollar. My father required his two sons to work in manual labor prior to being accepted into his business.”“You expect me to believe that?” Her words were full of disdain, but not disrespect. It seemed to me that she was mulling over her past, wondEricag why she’d worked so hard in an industry that held no truths, only darkness and lies.“Construction. I worked a long, hot summer, which allowed me to understand and respect the power of mankind and money. I never take either for granted.”The way
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SelenaA construction worker.I couldn’t get the sultry image out of my mind. I’d fixated on the notion, maybe because it was preferrable to being reminded that he carried a gun with him. What was the phrase? Never leave home without it. I wanted to laugh even though I needed to cry. I couldn’t do either.The roses were beautiful, the steaks and wine a nice surprise. I only wished he’d been able to bring them under better circumstances. Now everything was out of control, which I hated.I’d almost killed him. I’d been intent on doing so. For about thirty seconds. Thank God, I’d come to my senses. I’d never been so rattled, including around Damien Duncan. Maybe because I couldn’t get a single grip on what was going on. The only thing I was certain of at this point was that it felt like one of the few people I could trust was a known killer. The man I couldn’t seemto get out of my mind. Even stranger, it seemed natural to have Joshua in my house.I’d wanted to distrust Joshua, to hate ev
The Night He Owned Me 34
Approaching once again, he rubbed his fingertips down both arms, creating such a heated wave of tingles that the icy feeling in my blood was shoved aside.We both remained quiet, not needing any words at this moment. My pussy was throbbing, and his cock was hard as a rock, the sensational feel of it pressing against my bottom entirely too incredible.He pressed his face into the crook of my neck, his lips nibbling my skin. His heated breath alone was enough to provide a moment of steam. I wanted to laugh at the notion, but I couldn’t make a sound.Every touch pulled me further into a beautiful wave of darkness, lust that refused to be satisfied. He slipped one arm around my waist, pulling me tightly against him as he’d done before, but there was a heightened meaning in what he was doing, his attempt at making me feel safe.I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d ever truly feel safe again. Another wave of sadness threatened to derail the sweet, sultry moment but I refused to allow it, shift
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Joshua“Have Zephyr here by dawn,” I told Mikey, holding the phone with a firm grip, so much so I could hear the plastic cracking. I remained edgy, keeping my weapon close. She was changing into something other than a robe, which allowed me to contact my Capo to ensure she was protected while I visited Liam.“I’ll make certain of it. I still wish you wouldn’t visit Liam,” Mikey said. “I know you’re the boss, but there’s some weird shit going on.”“You don’t need to tell me.” I turned toward the doorway. “I emailed you information on Selena Barrios, including what little I found on a case she worked on four years ago.”“We’re talking about the prosecutor handling trying to put you away.”“Things aren’t always what they seem, Mikey.”“Wow, boss. You care about her. I can tell.”The surprise in his voice made me laugh.“Yeah, I do. She’s in danger and I’m not going to allow anything to happen to her. I need every stone unearthed, every fucking shadow checked out. I don’t give a shit, thi
The Night He Owned Me 36
“Duly noted, Mikey. I’m not fond of being falsely accused of a crime I didn’t commit either but we all must learn to work with the cards that have been dealt.” As I climbed out of the rental SUV, I immediately buttoned my jacket. As with every other town it seemed within the United States, there were areas more heavily concentrated with nationalities. Russian. Italian. Chinese. Mexican. It all depended on who settled where.This was an Irish mecca nestled on a few streets in Louisville where the Irish pubs and bakeries outnumbered anything else. There was event quaint Irish music coming from one of the businesses already and it was barely after one in the afternoon. The scent of fresh baked soda breads immediately made my mouth water. But I wasn’t here to be entertained or for delicious food.I had one thing in mind, making an alliance with Liam Voltair. Given everything that I’d learned from the lovely creature who’d remained nestled against my side all night long, I needed to ensure
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The Night He Owned Me 82
“That’s for me to decide.”I nodded and took a deep breath. “I do love you, Gina, and if you want me, I’m in this for the rest of our lives.”“I should be mad at you,” she said as she stood up and approached me. She reached up to cup my face with her hands. “But I love you for putting aside your happiness for your family.”“Does that mean that you’ll take me back?”Gina smiled and leaned into me as I wrapped my arms around her. “Of course.”I grinned and stood, picking her up and spinning her around in a tight hug. She laughed and wrapped her legs around my waist.“I love you, Gina.”“I love you too.”When I captured her mouth in a searing kiss, all felt right with the world. Her hands sank into my hair, holding me to her as I carried her across the beach and into the house.I nipped at her bottom lip, and our tongues tangled as I took her down the hall. She moaned as I spun and pinned her against the wall, rolling her hips and grinding her core against my hardened cock.With a groan,
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BrandonAmaliawatchedmeasI carried plates of food to the kitchen table. I sat in front of her before taking my own and sitting beside her. She sighed and picked up her fork, moving the roast potatoes around the plate.“You know, she loves you,” Amalia said.“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” So instead, I focused on slicing my chicken into small pieces. I didn’t want to be having this conversation right now.“And I know that you love her. What I’m struggling with right now is why you still haven’t told me I will have a sibling.”I nearly choked on the chicken I had just put into my mouth. I reached for my water glass and took a long sip before looking at Amalia. She leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms.“Where the hell did you hear about that?”“Gina told me. I’ve been talking to her a lot the last couple of days. Did you know that she’s thinking about leaving Silverlake? She might move back to the city.”I froze, my entire body stiffening as I looked at her. While I k
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Gina“You’regoingtohaveto talk to me sooner or later,” I said as I stood beside Amalia in a coffee shop. It had been nearly a week since the breakup, and she had ignored every call.I tried going to her house when I knew Brandon wasn’t home to see her. During the first visit — when she didn’t think I was coming — she had answered the door.Talking to her since then had been nearly impossible.Amalia sighed as she approached the counter. She gave the barista a small smile. “Two large mochas, please.”I smiled, but my stomach was tossing and turning. I felt like I was going to be sick. This was the first chance that she had given me all week.“I don’t want to throw our friendship away over this,” Amalia said as she looked at me.“Then there’s something else you should know before we get into everything,” I said, knowing I couldn’t keep the baby a secret.Amalia needed the whole truth before deciding whether to forgive me.As soon as our drinks were made, Amalia led the way to a booth in
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“And what did you do? You hurt me anyway.” Amalia’s eyes were glassy as she glanced away from me. “I want you to end it with her.”“Then I’ll do it.”The words hurt me to say. It felt like I was ramming a knife through my chest, but my daughter was the only family I had left. I wasn’t going to alienate her. If breaking up with Gina was what it took to keep my daughter in my life, then that is what I had to do.“You’re too old for her. What the hell happens when you get even older? Will she spend the last good years of her life changing your diaper?” Tears tracked down Amalia’s cheeks. “And what about you? Are you going to spend the next few years trying to keep up with someone as young and ambitious as Gina?”As much as I hated to admit it, Amalia was making all the points that had spent the last several weeks circling through my mind. I knew that there was no way I would be able to keep up with Gina forever.That was supposed to be a problem when we got older.“Break up with her, Dad
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“My dad asked me a while ago if it would be okay for him to start dating again,” Amalia said as she looked at me.A wave of panic raced through me. Does she know that I’m seeing her dad?“I think he’s ready to get out there and try again. It makes me feel better about maybe moving away from Silverlake. I didn’t want to leave him here alone, but if he’s ready to start seeing someone, maybe he won’t be as lonely as he has been.”“You’re okay with him dating again?” I swallowed the lump in my throat and hoped I didn’t look guilty.“It’s not the easiest shit I’ve ever thought about, but I know Mom would want him to move on again and be happy.”“What if you don’t like the woman he’s with?”Amalia shrugged before lifting her hands and swaying to the music. “I don’t think I get much of a choice in it. My dad isn’t the kind of man who would date a woman if he didn’t think it was serious.”I nodded. “That makes sense. He seems pretty rational.”“He is.” Amalia grinned and stopped dancing long
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Mateo shook his head. “There has to be more to it than happiness. Let’s pretend that the potential career damage isn’t a factor. Have you ever thought about what your daughter will think about this?”“Don’t drag Amalia into it.”“You need to weigh all the options and stop thinking with your dick.”My hands clenched into fists as I bit back the words on the tip of my tongue.“Consider what you’re doing,” Mateo said as he stood up. “The cleaners are only here once a week. You’re lucky that they found it before someone else did.”I crossed my arms and arched an eyebrow. “Do I need to worry about you?”“Me? Telling people about your little office affair? No. I may not support your actions, but you have been in a better mood since you started seeing Gina. And I like her. She’s got a backbone.”Mateo grinned and left the office, closing the door behind him. I sighed and ran my hands down my face when he was gone.Keeping my relationship with Gina a secret would be more complex than expected
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“I don’t know if this is the kind of thing you can get over.”He took my jaw in his hand and tilted my face up to his. His lips are soft as his mouth brushes against mine in a tender kiss.It was easy to lose myself in Brandon instead of thinking about everything else in our lives, so I did. I nipped his bottom lip, deepening the kiss. His tongue tangled with mine as I moved to straddle his lap.My arms drape over his shoulders, my fingers sinking into the soft hair at the nape of his neck. Brandon’s hands slid beneath my shirt, his fingers setting fire to my skin as he worked his way up to my breasts.He cupped them, his thumbs brushing over my nipples as I rolled my hips. My back arched as his hardened cock pressed up against my core. I rolled my hips again, trying to build the friction between us and relieve some of the tension building.Brandon groaned, his tongue sweeping through my mouth as he pulled my shirt over my head. His head dipped forward, and he sucked a nipple into his
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GinaOver the last two months, hiding my relationship with Brandon has been getting harder and harder. Nevertheless, we do our best to keep our relationship a secret.However, Amalia has nearly caught us a few times.I snuck out Brandon’s window more than once and ran to my car parked down the street. The next day I would have to listen to Amalia telling me about her theories on her dad’s dating life.She was sure he was seeing someone, which made me feel worse. Amalia would lose her shit if she found out that I was the mystery woman sneaking out in the middle of the night.It was getting too stressful to hide it from her, but it was too late to turn back.I’m falling for Brandon.Hell, I’ve already fallen. He had me at hello, and I’ve been enamored by him every moment since, even though it would have been better for the both of us if I wasn’t.I sighed as I leaned over the sink in my bathroom, my stomach tossing and turning.I had been holed up in my apartment for the last week, feel
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BrandonAmalialeanedbackinher chair, tilting her face and closing her eyes as she soaked up the sun and the salt air. It wasn’t often that I got to see her this relaxed as she lounged by the ocean.We tried to make time to get lunch together once every couple of weeks, but with both of us having careers, it could be hard to find the time. She had her career, and I had mine.Throw sneaking around with Gina into the mix, and I had even less time than I used to spend with Amalia.“Okay,” I said after our food was delivered. “How is work going? Do you have any shows coming up?”“I’ve signed on for New York Fashion Week next year.” Amalia took a bite out of her lobster roll and shrugged. “Other than that, there’s not a whole lot going on. I’m building a new line, but some designs aren’t coming together quite right yet.”“I’m sure you’ll figure it out. New York Fashion Week is huge, though. We’ll have to have a party to celebrate. Congratulations.”“I don’t think that I want to do anything
