by Stone, Piper
Hearing nothing, I was forced to push open several of the stall doors, looking under others until I was satisfied that she wasn’t located anywhere inside. Fuck. Fuck!
The rush of patrons as I tried to make my way back to the table was tremendous. Even though I was able to see over the majority, there were simply too many people in the restaurant. Lindsey was nowhere to be seen.
“What the hell?” Diego stood, immediately reaching for his wallet.
“She’s gone. We have to find her.”
“Goddamn it. If they’ve taken her, I will hunt them down.” He tossed several bills onto the table.
“You take the back. I’ll take the front.” I didn’t wait for his answer as I rushed outside, searching up and down the sidewalk. Jesus Christ. How could we have been so stupid? If she’d been taken, she was already gone. I was sick inside as I rushed down the sidewalk, moving into store after store. There was no time to take sufficient care in not causing a scene. I couldn’t afford to lose her.
No, I wasn’t going to lose her.
After going into several shops, I thought about what she’d been doing just before dinner. Maybe, just maybe she’d returned. I shoved my way through the crowd until I found the small boutique she’d been in before.
Red hair shining in the ugly lighting.
A voluptuous figure standing at a cash register.
A gorgeous smile on her face.
As if her life couldn’t be snuffed out in a minute.
It was at that fleeting moment that I was forced to realize I’d fallen hard for the girl with the sassy attitude and stunning eyes.
As I moved behind Lindsey, her entire body tensed.
“What are you doing?”
“Just…” She turned around slowly, searching my eyes.
When I gripped her arm, yanking her closer, I noticed the look of concern on the clerk’s face. “You could have been killed. We were both frantic. You have no idea what could have happened.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you actually cared, Jack.”
“Yeah? Well, maybe I do. I’m never going to lose you again. Do you hear me? Never. You. Belong. To. Me.”
Chapter 13
Lindsey
Love.
Through Jack’s dark and dangerous demeanor, eyes that could penetrate the darkness, I’d seen something I never expected to see. A flash of love. I was thrown, my heart racing, and the entire rest of the world seemed to go away.
I also saw the look of horror, as if I’d been abducted, taken away by monsters in the night. Then there’d been the expression on Diego’s face as he’d rushed into the store, as if a tremendous weight had been lifted off his shoulders. The connection the three of us shared was unusual in every way. I wasn’t supposed to care about them.
But I did.
I wasn’t supposed to find myself falling hard for both men.
But I had.
Confusion rocked the hell out of me as they escorted me away from the streets, both men remaining silent as they tossed me into the back of the Jeep. They were also furious with me, as if I’d violated every code and rule that they’d set in motion. Yes, I knew what I’d done was wrong, even dangerous, but after all they’d done to keep me alive, I’d simply wanted to make some kind of restitution.
Maybe I’d been reckless, enough so that I deserved their silence. What I had learned is that both men cared enough to put their lives on the line yet again.
As Diego drove, taking back roads away from the onslaught of traffic, I huddled in the seat, trying to make myself as small as possible.
I realized that all the dirty little family secrets were likely the reason that I’d been kidnapped in the first place. I could no longer pretend that I’d simply come from a decent household with loving parents. I had to confess their sins, which likely meant I was admitting my own.
As I sat up, I closed my eyes, trying to remember a time that I hadn’t known what my father was or who his affiliations were. He’d been around the kind of people that I’d refused to have anything to do with. Even though I’d attempted to pretend I wasn’t a part of such a treacherous world, a part of me had known I’d never be able to get away.
Not for a minute.
Certainly not for my entire life.
And so, I started to speak.
“Everything I told you about my father is true, but he lives a double life.” When they remained quiet, I continued. “I knew from the time I was a child that he was a very important man, paid extremely well for his extracurricular activities. What I didn’t know until I was older was how important he’d become to organizations that often refused to be seen by hospitals or other doctors.”
I found it more difficult than I was prepared for.
“Go on,” Jack said with no inflection in his voice.
“He was the doctor for the Mancini crime syndicate, although I believed he performed surgeries for other wealthy criminals over the years. While my parents attempted to keep me shielded from the danger by sending me away to boarding school, making certain I went to college out of state, I was home during the summers. I knew. I wasn’t stupid. When I was old enough to ask, my father didn’t like it very much.”
“Is that why the arranged marriage?” Diego asked.
“Yes. I think both families wanted to keep me in line.” I choked on the last words, tears forming in my eyes. “I didn’t think my father would go that far. I’d dated Michael on and off over the years. He ended up at the same university. I honestly believed he wasn’t like his father or the rest of his family, but I was wrong.”
“That’s why you took the position.” Jack laughed. “The tangled webs required by secrets hidden in dark crevices.”
I sighed, anger breaching the surface. “I’m not proud of my family, Jack, but my father isn’t a bad man. He got swept up in the power that he’d been shown early on. He also inspired me to become a doctor because of the goodness inside of him.”
“Do you have any idea why you were kidnapped? If they’d wanted to bring you back, I would have thought that’s what would have occurred.” Diego’s voice was more soothing than Jack’s, giving me some comfort, even though I knew I didn’t deserve anything. I glared down at the bag, the small trinkets I’d wanted to purchase for some crazy reason seeming outlandish.
I’d acted like a stupid child on vacation in my attempt to push aside all the ugliness. What was wrong with me? I couldn’t run from my past any more than I could entice two troubled men into caring for me.
“I honestly don’t. But what you found out about my application for Doctors Without Borders was wrong. My friend was able to maneuver the system. I called him. I begged to be allowed onto his project, even though he certainly didn’t think I was ready for such treacherous work. I knew I had to get away from my family in a location where they couldn’t get to me, or so I thought. I realize now that I was a fool to believe I could run away.”
I finally opened my eyes, noticing the way they were looking at each other.
“You have endangered all our lives by not telling us the truth,” Jack said harshly.
“How? What does the Mancini family have to do with this? They have no influence in South America.” I’d been trying to figure out a connection. “The Serpent never mentioned any names. He was very cautious.”
“That we’re going to find out, but it might take until our return. Would your father share the fact you were contracted in marriage to anyone?”
I could see Diego’s eyes in the rearview mirror even in the darkness after asking the question. “Not a chance. My father wouldn’t risk the wrath of the Mancini family on any level.”
“It will be interesting to find out the truth.” Jack turned his attention to the streets, his body language tense. “If I had to guess, I’d say your father already did something against the Mancini family. If that is the case, you may be in more danger on American soil than where we are. The mission may need to be aborted.”
“You
can’t do that, Jack,” Diego insisted.
“Yes, I can, and I will if it’s necessary.”
I shuddered at the thought. Was there anywhere I could live a normal life?
“What I do know is that you disobeyed us again, going against the very clear rules we laid out. I don’t know what it will take to get through to you.”
Jack’s voice was almost unrecognizable, the change in him more terrifying than I could admit openly. What I’d said about the woman from his past had been correct. My instincts had told me from the moment he’d come into the bathroom that whoever she’d been had torn him apart, keeping him from being able to connect with anyone else.
However, all the buttons I’d pushed had yanked the sadness back into the open. The man who’d insisted on closing himself off, refusing to give a shit about anyone, was cracking under the pressure.
Of me.
Of my protection.
Of the feelings that he’d developed against all the protocol he lived by.
We were all damaged souls to a certain degree. “You’re right, Jack. I did. I was a foolish girl who didn’t think twice about venturing out on her own. I apologize. I assure you that it won’t happen again. However, if something my father did is behind the reason I was taken, I want to know about it. I’ll do exactly what you tell me to do at all times, but you will find a way to get me back home. If my father didn’t pay you enough, I have a trust fund. I always knew it was money I didn’t want anything to do with, but in this case, I’ll make an exception.”
“That won’t be necessary, Doctor,” Diego said as he pulled into the alley behind the apartment building, easing to a stop. “This isn’t about money for either one of us, at least not completely, but you are correct in that we will gag and tie you down if necessary if that will allow us to get out of this country. Take her upstairs. I’ll find a place for the Jeep until we have a plan in motion.”
Jack tugged my arm, pulling me out of the vehicle, snatching the keys as Diego tossed them. When he drew his weapon, a rush of adrenaline flowed.
“Diego is right. The next twenty-four hours are critical. You will obey.” Jack’s whisper was husky, authoritative, creating a series of shivers.
“Yes, sir.” There was still an air of rebellion in my tone, my inability to turn it off something I’d dealt with my entire life. Maybe it had actually kept me out of harm’s way.
I grabbed the small bag, refusing to allow Diego to drive off with it still inside. As I rubbed my neck, I was glad I’d made the exchange, although the joy of providing a gift suddenly didn’t seem important on any level. Guilt surged through me, creating a wave of nausea.
Guilt because of my father’s activities.
Guilt because of the horrible men he’d likely saved.
Guilt because I’d pretended to be something I wasn’t.
And guilt because I’d been careless, childish.
The quiet surrounding us was deafening, Jack immediately checking the balcony and windows for any breach in security once we were inside. I would no longer challenge him regarding his expertise. Both he and Diego certainly knew what they were doing.
He immediately checked that the communications device had been left untouched in the hiding spot he’d created in the air duct. Seemingly satisfied, he stayed by the balcony door, the gun firmly planted in his hand until Diego returned.
“No sign of activity,” Jack stated.
“Jeep secured,” Diego commented, eyeing me as he moved further inside. “Now, we need to deal with your disobedience.”
“That’s not fair. I already told you that I’d never go against your rules again,” I commented, although I knew I wasn’t going to get out of another round of discipline. They were regimented and perhaps I deserved whatever punishment they deemed necessary.
“It’s very fair. You just don’t seem to understand. When we leave this location, danger will follow. If you don’t do exactly what you’re told, all the chances we’ve taken will mean nothing.” Jack yanked me by the arm, immediately sitting down on the sofa. As he dragged me over his lap, jerking up the dress, I didn’t bother to fight him.
There was no use.
A growl pushed past his lips as he wrangled down my panties, wasting no time before bringing his hand down, issuing one smack after the other.
“Ouch,” I dared to say, my arms and legs flailing involuntarily.
“I’d suggest you stop fighting me,” Jack said under his breath, continuing to give me one hard strike after another.
I tried to obey, to keep my arms and legs in position, but my pride was hurt this time. I was a grown woman who’d been reduced to an impetuous child because of fear and uncertainty. For God’s sake, I was a trained doctor, a woman capable of repairing the tiniest hearts, providing life all over again.
Jack threw his leg around mine, dragging me closer to the heat of his body. I could sense his frustration as well as his hunger, his hard cock pushing into my belly. “You know what you did was wrong.”
“Yes, okay? Yes!”
Diego remained standing, his arms folded and if I didn’t know better, I’d say there was a twinkle in his eye as he watched the round of punishment. Why did I have the distinct feeling that he would soon take over, adding his spin on how I deserved to be disciplined? When he walked away, I cringed, my instincts telling me that he was searching for an implement of doom.
The heat on my bottom increased, the pain shifting into my legs. Jack refused to stop, moving from one side to the other, making certain I was well spanked.
“You’re going to listen.”
“Yes,” I huffed. “I will.” I realized I was humping his leg, the friction as I rubbed against him making me wet all over. I couldn’t avoid or deny the intense attraction I felt, the kind of yearning that would keep me awake all night long.
“I think it’s time for me to take over now,” Diego said, amusement in his voice.
I glared at him, the odd-looking wooden spoon sending shivers down my spine.
“Four more,” Jack stated, the harshness of his smacks driving straight into the very core of me.
I was panting, my blood pressure rising, stars popping in front of my eyes.
As Diego eased onto the chair, sitting on the edge, he reached for me, forcing me to stand in front of him like a bad little girl. I felt ridiculous with my panties wrapped around my ankles. Nothing could be as humiliating. He held up the horrible spoon, twirling it several times, his damn sexy eyes twinkling.
“This is going to inflict just the right amount of pain to help you understand.” After carefully placing it beside him, he gave me a savage look then peeled off my dress, tossing it as if clothes were optional.
Another shiver coursed through me, my nipples fully aroused and the scent of my feminine wiles creating another rise of embarrassment. How could I feel so turned on when I was being punished? Because of the two gorgeous men doling out the discipline or was there some innate part of me hungering for a dominant man? The thought was as horrifying as it was scintillating.
Diego gently pulled me over his lap, taking the time to grind his very hard shaft into me before beginning.
I was shocked at both the sound and the incredible explosion of pain from something so small. I already hated the ridiculous implement. With every smack, I yelped, wiggling on his lap in such a way I almost slipped onto the floor.
“None of that, little girl,” he said in a husky manner as he pulled me into a more secure position, bringing the spoon down several times. When he delivered two hard cracks against my upper thighs, I let out another yelp, my reaction causing Diego to caress my bruised bottom. “If you can’t be quiet, I’ll have to gag you. We can’t risk being found by your cries.”
I know. I know. I know.
I took a deep breath as he continued brushing his fingers from one side to the other, finally struggling to take a look at Jack. There was indeed something different about him, the kind of carnal hunger that fueled an absolute bea
st. Whether he was resigned to the fact that he was sharing me with Diego, or it simply no longer mattered, I knew one thing for certain.
He was going to thrust his cock deep inside.
Dominating me.
Devouring me.
And the harder truth? I wanted nothing more than to have both men take me.
Use me.
Fuck me.
I was so alive, every synapse on fire as the spanking continued, but as the pain shifted into something more evocative, my mind faded away to a blur. I was far too turned on, my entire body trembling. I was ready to beg them to do whatever the hell they wanted. The dichotomy of what I’d felt before to now was startling. I wanted to surrender to them, to enjoy being taken like the bad girl I was.
I craved having their mouths and tongues, their fingers and cocks electrifying me. I wanted to taste first one then the other, sucking on their shafts as they feasted on my pussy. I longed to be sandwiched between them, feeling the rapid beating of their hearts against me.
And the trouble was I didn’t just want this for tonight or the next few days.
I wanted it forever.
A sadness swept through me, knowledge that these weren’t the kind of men who could settle for a normal life. They wanted more. The excitement. The danger. The money. I was merely a distraction and nothing more. I refused to allow tears to form. No longer would I allow my fear to rule me, creating a weakness. All my life I’d followed rules; ones from my father, those from school, now this. I was strong enough to withstand the loss, forging a new life even if that meant completely away from my family.
When I heard the sound of the spoon being tossed, I took several shallow breaths. Then I felt the rush of excitement as Diego brushed his fingers down my spine, taking his time to slide them down the crack of my ass.
I could hear his ragged breathing, the sound more guttural than normal. When he eased my legs apart, I held my breath. The moment he swirled his fingers around my swollen folds, I shivered visibly.