Santiago: The Almeida Brothers Trilogy Book One: Social Rejects Syndicate

by Janet A. Mota

  We are bombarded with guests before she has a chance to respond.

  Hours later, we depart our wedding reception. We had a great time. Everything was perfect, but it’s time to head out. I have a plane waiting to take us to our honeymoon destination. I told Amelia I wanted to plan the honeymoon, and she was happy to let me handle it. She doesn’t know where we’re headed and hasn’t asked any questions. Her trust in me makes me smile.

  Within minutes, we are sitting on my private plane, ready for takeoff.

  “Are you ready to know where we’re going?” I ask.

  She smiles and nods her head.

  “Munich, Germany.”

  “Really?” Her smile gets even wider. “I’ve always dreamed of going there.”

  “I’m happy to hear it. It’s beautiful this time of year and I have a whole itinerary planned,” I tell her, and she reaches for me. She places her arms around my neck and brings me to her. She hugs me tightly and I can smell the light scent of roses wafting from her neck, it’s a smell I’ll never get tired of.

  “Thank you,” she whispers.

  I wink at her as I pull away.

  Once we’re in the air, I show her around the plane. The plane has a private suite in the back with a queen-sized bed and a private bath. I show her all the bells and whistles the plane has to offer, like the card table, the office, and the how each seat turns into a private napping area. She’s overwhelmed but seems to be enjoying herself. We spend the six-hour flight talking about the day, cuddling, and watching movies.

  Before we know it, we’re landing in Munich and heading toward the hotel. I’ve booked the presidential suite at one of the oldest and most elegant hotels in the city. It’s our honeymoon, and I want Amelia to have the very best. I want her to have good memories of today.

  “Santiago, it’s beautiful, but none of this is necessary. I don’t need any of this. I hope you know that,” she tells me as she walks onto the balcony to check out the view. I follow her. We’re on the fifteenth floor and the view of the city is spectacular from up here. The twinkling lights from nearby homes and other buildings light up the night sky.

  “I know you don’t need any of this, but I want to give it to you. You deserve it all, Amelia.” She turns to me as I continue. “I need you to know that I took my vows seriously earlier. I will honor and protect you for all the days of my life. I have developed some major feelings for you.”

  “I feel the same,” she whispers.

  “I think marrying you has been the best decision I’ve made so far. I know it started awkward, but I’m truly happy with our decision.” I see tears in her eyes, and I feel panic rising in my gut. “What? Talk to me. I don’t mean to scare you.”

  “You don’t scare me, but I have feelings for you, too. I’m happy and I don’t regret our decision either.” I nod as she continues. “You need to know I’m a virgin.”

  I step closer to her, so my body is flush with hers. Her hands come to rest on my chest as she looks up at me.

  “I won’t lie to you ever. I have been with a few women. I’ve never been in a serious relationship because I couldn’t trust them with the business. But please understand I’m not rushing you into anything. When you’re ready, you come to me. I made sure the suite had two bedrooms so you can be comfortable.” I place my hand on her cheek and wipe a stray tear away with my thumb.

  “I want you in my bed, but we will go at your pace.” She reaches up and kisses my lips tenderly. I think I may have lied to her earlier. I don’t just have feelings for her. I’m in love with this woman. Every part of her. Her strength and innocence are a heady combination. It’s a combination that can bring any man down. In such a short time, she’s taken my heart. I pull her close and hold her.

  She has the power to break me.

  Chapter 8

  Amelia

  On our first day in Germany, we took tours of Linderhof Castle, Neuschwanstein Castle, and wandered through Hohenschwangau Village. On our second day, we did a walking tour through Munich Old Town and visited the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. Today, we’re on our way to the Residenz Museum.

  I’m so excited. Santiago has made sure we’re seeing all the sights I’ve always wanted to visit. He’s been sweet and attentive to me every step of the way. He wasn’t joking when he said he would make sure we visit all that Munich has to offer with visions of making this a memorable honeymoon. He’s succeeded.

  After a short drive, the driver drops us off as close to the museum as possible. We make our way inside and take in the exhibits. The museum is the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria and is the largest city palace in Germany. It’s magnificent.

  During our walk, we enter a small room. As we reach the center of it, I feel Santiago grab my hand just as a door slams shut. The lights in the room are dim, but once my eyes adjust, I see we’re surrounded by men with large guns.

  “What the fuck is this?” Santiago booms. I jump at the sound of his voice.

  A man in a three-piece suit walks up to us. The smirk on his face makes my skin crawl, and fear has my hand tightening around Santiago’s.

  “Almeida, where is my shipment?” he snarls.

  “You know the deal, Müller,” Santiago responds. He doesn’t seem surprised or phased by their ambush.

  “Your father would always send my deliveries with my promise of payment,” Müller spits.

  Santiago steps forward to stand in front of me. “Now, that’s bullshit, and you know it. My father always taught me to never send shipments on a promise for payment. I know he never had that specific agreement with you. Don’t underestimate me, Müller. I’ve been in this business for a long time, not just when my father passed. Watch your step.”

  The warning is clear, even to me.

  Müller snarls at Santiago, it’s menacing and causes me to shake. The armed men step toward us with their large guns drawn as three other men come into the room. I recognize them as Santiago’s men. I should be relieved, but I’m scared shitless right now. Guns are everywhere, drawn and pointing at each other. Santiago and Müller continue with their standoff. Tensions are high and I haven’t taken a full breath since we walked into this room. My eyes dart from one man to the other.

  “Stand down, Müller. You know this isn’t going to end well for you. I will continue to do business with you, but payment is due when the shipment is delivered. No exceptions. Our shipment was delivered, and nobody was there to receive the package. You, of all people, can’t expect me to conduct business in that manner. I know you don’t do business that way. Why the fuck would you expect me to? I suggest you stand down now,” Santiago says calmly.

  “Put the fucking guns away,” Müller orders his men, and they comply.

  “This better not happen again. If you would like to speak to me, ask for a meeting. I’d be happy to meet with you when I’m not on my honeymoon. If you pull this shit again, you and your men are finished. Are we clear?” Santiago issues the warning, and a chill runs down my back. He has a look on his face I’ve never seen before. It turns me on and scares me a little all at the same time. He’s stone cold and has no fear of the man standing in front of him or his men surrounding us.

  “We’re clear. You’ll have your payment tonight. I will call and set up the delivery.” Müller turns and gives his men a nod before they follow him out of the room. Santiago’s men follow them out, leaving Santiago and I alone.

  He turns to me, grabbing my face in his large hands. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes. A little shaken, but I’m okay,” I tell him as he pulls me against him. He hugs me tightly for a few moments and I relish in the heat of his body. My heart is still pounding, but the shaking is starting to subside. He pulls away just enough to look into my eyes.

  “I wish I could tell you this will never happen again, but you and I both know I’d be lying. I can promise I’ll always protect you. I hope you know that and believe it.”

  “I know. I wasn’t scared
for me; I was scared for you.” He cocks his head to the side, and I continue. “I don’t think I could bear it if anything happened to you.”

  He has a blank look in his eye, almost as if he’s trying to process what I’m saying. His mouth covers my own. The kiss is hard, lips pressuring mine with an unyielding need that has me opening to him. His tongue playfully wraps around mine, and the slight touch of my fingers brushing up his arms has him growling. He explores as much of my mouth as he can while he tilts his head to go deeper. I’ve never been kissed like this, and the sensations running through my body has me needy for his touch. It’s foreign but welcomed and I want more—so much more.

  When the kiss ends, he places his forehead to mine. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Yes, but I’m ready to go back to the hotel. I think watching movies and relaxing the rest of the day is best.” He takes my hand and leads me out of the room. His men are standing guard when we step out, and they escort us to the awaiting car. As Santiago starts to get in the car, he stops and looks at one of his men.

  “Send Müller a message and make the message be heard around the world.”

  Chapter 9

  Santiago

  Amelia’s completely silent when we ride back to the hotel. I glance in her direction a few times, but she won’t look at me. She’s kept her eyes focused on the window.

  Angry doesn’t begin to describe how I’m feeling right now. Cornering me in a museum with my wife goes against everything my father has built. Müller knows it but decided to test the water anyway. He’s going to pay greatly for his stupid decision. Worst of all, he scared my wife, and that’s unacceptable. My eyes train on her hands. She’s still shaking. I have no idea how to handle this situation. Merda. I don’t want her to be scared of me or the business.

  “Querida, are you okay?” I ask, solemnly. She looks at the driver, and then back at me almost as if she wasn’t expecting me to call her sweetheart.

  “We’ll talk when we get to our room.”

  I nod. Her gaze moves toward the window again, shutting me and the rest of the world out. Her aloofness makes my heart feel heavy. I want to reach out and touch her, but I know she needs her space. I’m never afraid of anything, but I’m afraid she’s going to leave me after this. What if she decides that she doesn’t want this with me and backs out of the marriage? The last few months have been wonderful, and I’ve grown attached. The idea of her leaving physically hurts me. I need her with me.

  Within minutes, we pull up to the hotel and quickly make our way to our room. I unlock the door and we step into our quiet suite. My men sweep the suite while we wait patiently. Once they’re done, they take their places outside the door. We’re finally alone. I turn to her to find her retreating to her room.

  “Amelia?” I call after her.

  “I’ll be out in a minute,” she says.

  I walk to the bar and pour us a drink. Picking up both glasses, I head to the living room just before Amelia appears. She’s barefoot and her hair is up in a ponytail now. Her face is clean of all make-up and I can’t take my eyes off her. She looks stunning. I hand her the glass of wine and nod toward the couch. She takes the glass and I follow her lead as she sits. She tucks her leg underneath her and turns toward me.

  “Why did that happen?” she asks. I love how direct she is.

  “It happened because Müller is a cocky asshole who underestimates me,” I answer her honestly.

  “I understand there are parts of your business that you’re not going to share with me, and I won’t ask you to. Just please promise me something.” The look in her eyes screams determination and my respect for this woman just grew exponentially. She’s not afraid. She’s concerned for me—she’s concerned for us.

  “What’s that?”

  “If I’m in danger in any way, I need you to tell me. I need to know what I’m up against and be ready.”

  Well, shit. I didn’t expect that.

  “I will. I promise, but you need to know I won’t always know.” Her face shows no reaction to my statement.

  “I understand. I also need to tell you I was scared today. I didn’t know what to expect, but I trust you. I knew you would keep me safe. I just need you to know that.” She breaks eye contact and looks away.

  I put down my glass and move closer to her, placing my hands on her cheeks as I bring her eyes to mine. “I will always protect you. I would have to be dead before someone hurts you.” She nods as I lean in to her a little more. “I trust you, too. You’re brave, strong, and perfect. I’m lucky to have you.”

  “Kiss me,” she whispers.

  My lips seal over hers and I kiss her fiercely. There’s nothing gentle about this kiss. Her lips slightly part so I can taste her again. She’s intoxicating.

  “I want you,” she whispers before kissing me again.

  My hands push into her hair, bringing her in closer. I pull away, trailing my lips from her mouth to her ear. She needs to know how I’m feeling.

  “I want you more than anything, but I won’t rush anything. I’ll wait as long as you need.” I continue kissing down her neck to her collar bone. Her breaths are coming fast, and her chest is heaving. I want to see her chest heave bare. This woman does things to me no one else has.

  “We are married. You’re going to be my first, no matter what. I’m ready,” she whispers. I stop kissing her and lock my eyes with hers.

  Holy fuck, is she really ready?

  “Querida, are you sure? That’s a big decision and we barely know each other.”

  “You’re my husband and I’m falling in love with you. I want you—I want this.” She stands and starts toward her room. I follow her but lean against the doorway when I get there. She pulls her shirt over her head, revealing a black, lacy bra. I can’t pull my eyes away from the creamy skin leading into the bra cups. My hands itch to touch her.

  “I’m falling in love with you, too,” I tell her.

  “Come here,” she orders.

  Her command fuels all my hidden desires. The second I feel her skin, my mouth is ravaging hers. The palms of my hands fit beneath her ass as I lift her off her feet and lay her gently on the bed. For a brief second, I hover over her before I go back in for more. My hands roam down her body, cupping her breasts until a small moan escapes her throat. Shit, those moans are going to kill me.

  “I’m going to need you to guide me, Querida. I don’t want to hurt you.”

  She smiles as her fingers trace down my back. “You won’t hurt me,” she whispers.

  I push myself off her and stand at the end of the bed. She pushes up on her elbows, watching as I quickly strip off my clothes. Amelia stares at me and I see nervousness, anticipation, and maybe a little fear cross her features.

  “We don’t have to do this,” I start, watching as she gets up onto her knees in front of me.

  She places a finger to my lips. “I want to do this. I’m nervous, not scared. I’ve never done this and have no idea what to expect or what to do, but I know you won’t hurt me.” She leans down and starts peppering my chest with kisses. My hands fumble to unclasp her bra. The lacy fabric drops down her arms until all I see is her bare, olive breasts.

  “Fuck, Querida,” My hands cup her breasts, my thumbs flicking her nipples playfully. Her eyes close, lips parting with need. I take a nipple into my mouth and she sucks in a breath. Her hands go into my hair, pulling my head even closer to her. I devour her breasts with my mouth as her moans drive me completely insane. I kiss my way down her stomach as I peel her jeans and panties down her legs. When she’s finally naked, I take a step back. I’ve never seen anything more stunning.

  “You’re gorgeous.”

  She smiles, the blush creeping up her neck as it invades her cheeks. Amelia lays back on the bed.

  I grab her ankles, pulling her towards me. She looks at the ceiling when I spread her legs apart.

  “Look at me.”

  She obeys as my fingers explore her slick flesh, closing her eyes at
my touch. I push a finger into her, causing her to whimper. She’s wet and I’m enthralled with what I’m seeing. Watching Amelia’s reaction to my touch has me rock hard. My fingers rub at her clit while I plunge two fingers into her. She shutters, her moans only getting louder. I feel her clenching around my fingers. She shatters, her arousal coating my fingers as my cock’s need to explode ignites.

  “I want to watch you do that for the rest of my life,” I say as I lay next her.

  “I’ve never felt anything like that before,” she says when I push the hair out of her face.

  “I’m hoping it’s better when I’m inside you.” My hand cups her cheek before I kiss her.

  “I need to feel you.”

  I move over the top of her, lining myself up with her entrance. It suddenly hits me. “Shit, I don’t have a condom.”

  “I’m on the pill. I got on it as soon as I was told I was to marry you.”

  “Are you sure?” I ask.

  “Do I have anything to worry about?”

  “No,” I say as she spreads her legs wider.

  “Please, Santiago.” My name on her lips drives me over the edge. I push into her slowly, inch by inch. Her face goes from pleasure to pain to pleasure again. Once I’m all the way in, I stop moving.

  “Are you okay?” my voice cracks. I’m using all my willpower not to pound into her. Her heat, her tightness, all of it is too much.

  “Yes.” She smiles at me and starts to move her hips.

  Kissing her mouth hard, I match her rhythm, slowly and methodically moving inside her. Her moans have me on the brink of insanity. My pace increases, and I know I’m about to explode.

  “Querida, I’m so close,” I tell her. I feel her clench around me as she screams. Her body starts to shutter, and I let go. Groaning loudly, I pour myself into her, letting my weight fall over her as she wraps herself around me. We stay like that for a few moments as we catch our breath. I push myself up on my elbows and kiss the tip of her nose.