King's Possession

by Stone, Piper

  No one was authorized to enter the private facilities for the night, including our members. The suites had been designed with utter pleasure in mine.

  Or pain.

  What went on behind closed doors was not only private, but often actions that would be considered against the law.

  “I’m pleased with my brother’s handling of the club.” As a server approached, I had no doubt the crystal tumbler positioned on the tray held a glass of Glenfiddich, the wineglass holding the finest selection of cabernet that the club offered. I handed Genevieve the wine, noticing that she was amused. I took my time taking a sip of my drink, savoring the flavor as the smooth liquid slid down the back of my throat. “Thank you, Tina.” The waitress left after giving a respectful nod. I remained quiet, refusing to introduce Genevieve unless I knew the name of the other guest.

  Michael kept track of every member and guest, looking into their backgrounds to head off any potential issues. It was another method of keeping our members in line if necessary. The concept had come into use more than once.

  “Oh, forgive my manners. This fine-looking gentleman will be our next police commissioner. Jarvis Porter, I’d like you to meet the Underboss of the King crime syndicate, Lucian King.”

  The senator knew without question that his reference to our family’s line of work would piss me off. On any other occasion, I would drag him into another room, explaining in no uncertain terms that respect would be given, especially in one of our establishments. However, he was well aware I wouldn’t make a scene, especially given the number of press members who’d been hovering around the club before the start of the festivities.

  Police commissioner, an elected position. While the election was months away, the fact the senator had presented Jarvis in this manner was a veiled but substantial threat. The senator was preparing to come after us again, and this time with full barrels.

  “I’ve heard so much about you, Lucian.” Jarvis was the first to present his hand, his eyes now twinkling as if he held a secret. “The senator is far too generous with his compliments. Right now, I’m only exploring my options.”

  I kept my cool, although there would be an opportunity to handle the senator in a more helpful manner. Perhaps it was past time that we bring him officially into the fold. After all, there wasn’t a single person involved in politics who didn’t hold a dark secret. Exploiting them was just another method of doing business, often more useful than violence.

  Although after his egregious and outright threat, I had the taste for blood.

  “An interesting choice of guests, Senator. Especially given there will be no business discussed tonight. My lovely bride, Genevieve, and I are still on our honeymoon.”

  “Genevieve. Aren’t you the daughter of Angelo Rossi?” Jarvis asked.

  Of course there’d been a wedding announcement in at least one of the New Orleans newspapers, but I had the distinct feeling that Jarvis was insinuating something else entirely.

  “Yes, my father is a very important man in the diamond industry.” Genevieve shook his hand, still keeping the smile on her face.

  “Diamonds. A lucrative business, so I’ve heard. Isn’t the South America diamond trade industry considered one of the finest in the world? Although I’ve heard their methods of harvesting diamonds is horrific. Abducting and chaining citizens, forcing them to work in the mines at least fifteen hours a day is more than just criminal. What brutality.” Jarvis had lost his smile, looking down at his glass as if actually concerned for the welfare of people living in a foreign country.

  “Yes, while our diamonds come from Asia, another lucrative market. I abhor slavery.” I kept my tone even, my anger just below the surface. The fishing expedition was going to end one way or the other.

  The senator patted Jarvis on the shoulder. “You heard the man, Jarvis. This is a party. We can talk about unscrupulous practices another day. I need a second drink. Good to meet you, Genevieve. I certainly hope your marriage is one that will provide a certain amount of joy. Please give your father my regards. He and I were friends a long time ago.”

  Friends.

  Another interesting threat.

  The man was treading a fine line and one I was about to erase.

  “You as well, Senator Ragland. Mr. Porter. Fabulous to meet both of you.” Genevieve turned away from them immediately, dismissing them.

  I was both pleased and floored. Leaning down, I swept my hand down the side of her long neck. “If I didn’t know better, my beautiful bride, I’d say you were enjoying this.”

  “Remember, husband, looks can be deceiving. However, you forget I’m very observant.”

  Laughing softly, I continued to lead her toward our table. “I do hope you enjoy yourself tonight. However, the upper floors are off limits. Stay in the main room.”

  “And what are you going to do?” she asked, tilting her head until our lips were centimeters apart.

  I took a deep breath, shaking my head. “You entice me far too much. Later, I will ravage every inch of you.”

  She pressed her hand against my chest, purring before forcing our lips to touch. While I suspected she was providing a photo opportunity, her touch was a reminder of just how hungry I’d been all day.

  I gently pressed her lips apart, sliding my tongue inside as she slid her arm around my neck, tangling her fingers in my hair. My cock was already pressing against my linen trousers, threatening to give away just how much I craved this woman.

  The kiss was sweeter than usual, a perfect opportunity for everyone to see that we were indeed a power couple. Let someone try to fuck with our family.

  When I pulled away, she rubbed her thumb across my lips, giving me a defiant look.

  “I don’t think you want to be seen with lipstick on your lips,” she said in a partial whisper.

  I chuckled and moved to the table, giving Angelique a quizzical look.

  “Don’t you dare say a word, brother of mine. I think I did a fantastic job on short notice.” Angelique pursed her lips, shaking her head.

  “You did very well. We both appreciate it. However, the guest list is… interesting.”

  Angelique followed my gaze toward the senator’s table, which was decidedly close. “You know what they say about where to keep your enemies. Almost everyone in this lovely town who’s hungered to bring us down is here. What better way than to show them we have no fear?”

  I gave her a genuine smile. “You’re right. Take good care of Genevieve.” I noticed Mario’s approach, my Capo determined to ensure that nothing went wrong tonight. The man actually seemed happy for me, as if the marriage was based on love, not lies.

  This was just business.

  “Be a good girl,” I whispered to Genevieve before taking a few steps away from the table.

  “Swept clean a second time,” Mario said quietly, cognizant of Genevieve’s presence.

  “Good. Any sign of trouble?”

  “Nothing, which actually bothers me.” He laughed, constantly scanning the room.

  “Keep an eye on the senator and his guest. I have a feeling he’s up to something tonight.”

  “You got it, boss. I’ll let you know if I see anything.”

  After studying Genevieve for a few seconds, dragging my tongue across the rim of my glass, I moved through the crowd, accepting the various handshakes and congratulatory comments from several members. When I noticed Cristiano talking with Giancarlo Azzurri, my interest was piqued.

  “Ah, I wondered when you would join us,” Giancarlo said as he rose to his feet. He and I had sparred on several occasions, my brother’s insistence of their allegiance something I attempted to keep in the forefront of my mind.

  Even though a significant part of me would always remain prepared for betrayal.

  “Giancarlo. It’s good of you to come.”

  “How could I miss such a festive celebration, especially when Angelique delivered the invitation personally?” Giancarlo chuckled under his breath, shifting his gaze u
ntil he found my sister. It was widely known about the expectation that Angelique would marry Antonio Azzurri, Giancarlo’s brother, the act cementing a more permanent alliance between our two forces. However, my sister had a mind of her own, preferring to spend her time growing interest in her art gallery. She also had a penchant for Cristiano’s Russian Capo, although a marriage to Dimitri Kristoff would never be considered acceptable.

  “My sister has her own methods of doing business,” I suggested, trying to keep my tone light.

  “You should listen to her. She has truly made a bridge between our two families,” Giancarlo answered. “Isn’t that the case, Cristiano?”

  My brother inhaled before answering, obviously weighing his answer carefully. “I suggest you watch your shipments very carefully. We believe the Morales cartel is planning an attack sooner versus later.”

  “So you’ve told me. We will remain on high alert, but we’ve heard nothing to indicate an imminent attack. As you might imagine, we have been enjoying this period of peace. However, I assure you we will be prepared.” Giancarlo kept his voice low, shaking his head then lifting his glass. “Your guest list for the evening is fascinating.”

  “Yes, well, as noted, Angelique has her own way of handling business,” I said off the cuff. As I scanned this part of the room, the shadowed light did little to hide the interesting list. “Even the mayor finally decided to show himself.”

  Cristiano laughed as he nodded in the man’s direction. “The man never misses a good party.”

  “A part of his weakness,” Giancarlo added. “His preference in BDSM clubs is fascinating, especially since his preference is not of the female persuasion.”

  I glanced at my brother, both of us smiling. “An excellent piece of information to have, my friend. We will take that under advisement.” Cristiano smiled after issuing the statement.

  “If you will excuse me, I think my bride shouldn’t be without her groom but for too long.” I gave my brother a nod before moving away, although my intention was to have a short conversation with the mayor. From what my Capos had learned, he’d formed a group of informants himself, an undisclosed number of people who could provide far too many street secrets. I was curious as to his plans.

  While I’d never considered Brant Collins a formidable man, he was intelligent enough not to consider crossing us, or he had been up to this point. Unfortunately, he was also friends with the good senator. Given my hackles remained raised after Ragland’s obvious threat, I had a distinct feeling that whatever information was being gathered would have a direct and destructive effect on our ability to continue bringing in cargo. While the mayor didn’t have full control, he made weekly recommendations to the governor, another entity who’d made a pledge to eliminate any possibility of drugs coming into Louisiana.

  What he’d yet to learn was that I’d been made aware of his gambling habit, over thirty G’s owed to a bookie in our organization. I was also aware that the mayor’s approach was not only unconventional but bordering on criminal activity. He’d also been foolish enough to engage with some unscrupulous people. If I was right in my assumptions, he’d allowed a door to remain open for the Morales cartel. I didn’t care about his reasons. I only gave a shit that he was interfering with the King family business.

  Mayor Collins obviously noticed my approach, planting a smile on his face. “I’m happy for you, Lucian. She’s beautiful.”

  I tipped my head toward the family table, pleased to see a smile on Genevieve’s face. “She is already keeping me on my toes.”

  “Isn’t that the case for all women?”

  “So very true. How is your work with the governor going?”

  He narrowed his eyes when he turned his head. “I’ve made no bones about the fact I don’t want illegal drugs coming into this city, let alone the state. The governor is on board with doing whatever is necessary to keep that from happening.”

  “Including going to bed with the most notorious cartel in South America?”

  I noticed his hard swallow just before he took a gulp of his drink. “That’s a ridiculous accusation.”

  “Well, I hope for your case that I’m wrong. What you likely don’t understand is that Carlos isn’t a man to make alliances with anyone. He will break you, of course unless your gambling habit doesn’t first. How’s the reelection campaign going?” I’d made my point, the last one of the night.

  As I strode past him, heading for Genevieve, I felt more powerful than I had in a long time. Whatever Morales was planning, he would be refused entrance into our beloved city. “Are you enjoying yourself?” I asked as I pulled her aside.

  “Actually, yes. Your sister is quite talented.” Genevieve’s eyes were sparkling.

  “Don’t let Angelique fool you. She’s a shark in her own way.”

  She laughed. “As is true for every member of the King family.”

  “You’re right.”

  “Congratulations, brother,” Dante said as he approached. “Father seems to approve in your choice.”

  “But you don’t?”

  “It’s not for me to approve. I simply plan on finding someone the old-fashioned way.”

  “And I hope you’ll be able to do that. Unfortunately, family requirements come first.”

  Dante glared at me, lifting his eyebrows. “Don’t you think I realize that? I knew what I was coming back to, Lucian. I’ve more than proven myself since my return.”

  “I’m not trying to argue with you. I’m suggesting you continue to take a hard look at your reasons for returning. You had an out, an ability to find an entirely different life.”

  He seemed surprised at my statement. “You’re not happy. All your posturing of hungering for more control has meant nothing.”

  “Don’t you think I want to be happy? I’ve spent my entire life following our father’s rules, being groomed for continuing the family kingdom. Isn’t it possible I grow weary of the bullshit?”

  Dante studied me intently and I could tell he was picking me apart. “Then I suggest you allow other members of our family to take some of the burden off your shoulders.”

  “Noted.”

  “But not accepted.”

  I closed the distance, locking eyes with his. “Once you step up to the plate instead of skirting around your values, perhaps I’ll be more convinced. From what I’ve seen, you prefer chastising decisions versus making any of your own. I suggest you keep that in mind. Brother.” As I tried to move past him, his biting words almost gutted me.

  “Genevieve is nothing but a conquest for you. What you don’t seem to realize is that she’s a living, breathing human being who deserves to have happiness in her life, not saddled with a man who has no soul.”

  I stood still for a few seconds, deciding not to acknowledge him.

  Although he was right.

  I headed toward my father, anger furrowing in my gut. As usual, Sylvester was holding court, accepting the usual kiss on the ring indicating respect with glee in his eyes. He was so damn old school, refusing to adhere to modern technology or new ways of life. When I approached, he pushed one of the local corporate moguls out of his way, lifting his hand toward me.

  “Son.”

  I squeezed his hand, lowering my head but refusing to kiss the damn onyx and diamond ring. By all rights, it should have been transferred to Cristiano when he was given the nod to take over control. However, my father refused to completely accept his successor. “I’m glad you were able to attend.”

  “I wouldn’t miss your marriage reception for anything. You’ve made a fine choice. She will produce many beautiful children.”

  It was the second time the concept of children had been mentioned, a second time too many. “That is a long way off, Pops.”

  “You’re not getting any younger.”

  “Perhaps, but I’m also not inclined to bring another child into our world. What would be the point?”

  “Continuing our empire. That’s the reason.”

  Exac
tly. That was the only reason my father had demanded so many children. “If and when I bring a child into this world, it will be because the joy in doing so will outweigh the danger of the difficult decision. That’s something I wished you would have thought about, Father.” While I’d likely disrespected him, I found it difficult to think of becoming a father when I’d stolen my bride.

  Remorse?

  That wasn’t like me.

  Guilt?

  An emotion I wasn’t used to.

  “Leave him alone, Syl,” my mother instructed. “He’s right and you know it.” She winked as she gripped my father’s shoulder. “Ignore him. He’s cranky as usual. Your bride is lovely.”

  “Thank you. I agree with you.”

  “Go to her. This talk of business is getting out of hand.” She pushed my arm, giving me one of her motherly looks. I couldn’t help but chuckle under my breath. Even after all these years of dealing with my father, she actually cared about the man.

  As I moved toward Genevieve once again, I noticed Cristiano crowded near one of the three bars talking on his cell phone. When he turned as if trying to find me, I took long strides in his direction.

  “What’s going on?” I asked.

  Cristiano pulled me away from a group of guests. “The warehouse was compromised.”

  “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “A fire.”

  The subject of Morales’ retaliation had never been the damn party, although somehow, Carlos had found out that it was happening. I shifted my gaze around the crowd, realizing that given my sister’s invitations, the number of people who had given it away could be at least a half dozen. “What the fuck?”

  “The report indicates a total loss, but we need to better secure the other warehouses.”

  “Take whatever men you need. We know what the asshole was planning.” I shifted my gaze until I found Genevieve.

  “Stay here. I don’t need to tell you how important it is that we keep it quiet for the time being.” Cristiano’s tone was laced with anger as well as stress. We’d fallen into a ruse, allowing our vulnerability to be used against us.