Dangerous Stranger: A Dark Mafia Romance

by Piper Stone

  “No.”

  “Get on the damn floor!” I let go of her hands, giving her a stern look as lights flashed by rapidly, Jorge pushing the SUV to its limits.

  She darted her eyes across my face before shifting, finally allowing her body to fall to the floorboard, burying her face into her hands.

  “What do you want us to do, boss?” Montego asked as he twisted around in order to glance out the back window.

  “We take the fuckers out.” I yanked out my SIG, checking and smacking the ammunition back in place before aiming through the window. I felt breeze hitting my back as Montego opened his window, fighting to lean out.

  He fired the first series of shots, hitting the car behind us at least once. It swerved to the left, overcorrecting. Montego issued several additional shots within seconds, smashing the front windshield. Within seconds, a fire erupted from under the hood, the car suddenly veering off to the right. As it slammed into a parked car, the flames were instantaneous, the eruption rocking the SUV.

  “One down,” Montego chirped, snarling under his breath.

  When the smoke cleared, I could still see the other car advancing at a high rate of speed. The driver was good, swerving back and forth in an effort to avoid the gunshots. I took aim, concentrating on the driver, blinking several times in order to focus. I wanted this shot solid. We needed to get out of the city.

  Especially since I had a hostage in tow.

  I had no idea what I was going to do with her, but she’d witnessed the assassinations, which meant her life was in danger. By all rights, I should eliminate her, but I fucking couldn’t. Maybe Dartanian had been right. I’d grown too damn soft.

  “Keep the SUV steady, and stay down, Savannah,” I instructed, placing my other hand on the barrel and closing one eye. I fired three shots in rapid succession, blowing out the glass, shards flying everywhere. As the bullets entered the second vehicle, I growled. Nothing fucking happened.

  When the car suddenly picked up additional speed, careening toward us, Jorge managed to make a sharp turn seconds before the vehicle rammed into us. Instead, it jumped a curb, flying straight into a building. I closed my eyes as the rumble of yet another explosion pulsed through the air.

  “Fuck, boss,” Montego said after a few seconds.

  I waited, peering out the broken window in an effort to make certain there was no one else following us. When I was certain we were now alone, only then did I lower the weapon, finally able to breathe. What a fucking mess.

  Jorge nervously peered into the rearview mirror several times as he finally slowed, obeying traffic laws. While the majority of law enforcement was on our payroll, I didn’t need some rogue policia tailing us, trying to be a hero.

  “Where to, boss? The beach house?” Jorge finally asked.

  “No. Take me back to the estate. Have the beach house scoured.” I eased my head back against the seat, knowing the war had just escalated. It had been my choice, one that would likely enrage my father, but Dartanian’s call had been unnerving. One of the ships had sunk into the harbor, the other limping back to port, out of commission for some time.

  However, the millions of dollars’ worth of product couldn’t be replaced easily or readily. Our suppliers were freaking, back-pedaling as if the wrath and sanctions they would face meant shit to them. Somewhere along the way, we’d lost far too much control.

  The assassinations of three important Capos would all but shut down the sex slave operation, significantly hurting the Los Charlines income and their pride. There would be hell to pay and I was looking forward to it.

  “What about the girl, boss? I can handle her disposal if you like,” Montego said quietly, although I heard the glitch in his voice. Both my enforcers had heard me call her by name. They were well aware I knew her, especially since they’d followed me the night I’d met her. My father’s aggressive phone call had said it all.

  “Don’t lose focus or everything we’ve worked for will be stripped away from us.”

  I hadn’t planned on it. Karma just wanted to kick my fucking ass. What I didn’t buy were coincidences. I should have followed my earlier instinct with her. She was some kind of a plant, likely a girlfriend for one of the Los Charlines. Perhaps even close to Alviro. I was going to find out one way or the other, no matter the harsh tactics that I needed to use.

  “I’ll handle her. My way. I don’t want to hear a single word of shit about it. Is that clear?” I snarled.

  Jorge shifted his gaze toward Montego and as the last lights of the downtown flashed into the cab, I could see the look on his face.

  Distrust.

  “Sure, boss. We hear you,” Montego answered.

  I took a deep breath before yanking Savannah by the arm, forcing her onto the seat. “What the hell were you doing there?”

  “Nothing. Shopping. What does it matter? I wasn’t the one killing people,” she retorted.

  I kept my temper, easing the weapon into my holster. “I’m going to be very clear with you, Savannah. In my line of work, there are no coincidences and no second chances. I do not believe you when you say that you were simply shopping. Who do you know in the Los Charlines?”

  “The what? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  I had my hand around her pretty little neck in two seconds, squeezing just enough that she had to realize I had her very life in my hands. I leaned over until I could whisper, “I told you, do not lie to me. If you ever lie to me, you will be punished. If you attempt to contact any member of that organization, you will die. If you try and escape, I assure you that you will regret your decision. Is that clear enough for you?” I dug my fingers into her skin, surprised as fuck that other than her eyes opening wide, she barely reacted.

  The woman was tough, but I would break her.

  I snarled when she remained quiet. “Answer me.”

  “Fine. Yes. You asshole. Is that better?”

  The time for games was over. I was finished with being accommodating in any way. “If you don’t want to talk now, I assure you that you will later and only after you’ve come to understand your predicament.”

  “My predicament? You lied to me. A musician. You were casing the area, hunting for the men you murdered,” she spat, her voice finally quivering.

  “You have no idea what kind of war you placed yourself in the middle of, sweetheart. I hope whatever reward you were promised was worth your life.” I released my hold, my rage increasing. I couldn’t believe I’d fallen for her tricks.

  Or her beauty.

  Or the taste of her.

  Or the...

  “What are you going to do with me? Kill me?” she demanded.

  “I suggest you learn your place, Savannah. As I said, there will be rules to follow.”

  “Rules. Go ahead and kill me.”

  What she couldn’t know is that I might not have a choice.

  I growled, staring out the window as we left the city, heading toward my estate in Santiago de Compostela. If she knew about any others within the organization prepared to launch a series of attacks, I would get it out of her. Then there would be hell to pay.

  And she would do so with her body.

  The sadist had returned and in full force.

  * * *

  “Take her to the dungeon,” I said in passing as I walked into the house. I wanted Savannah to understand exactly what she was facing. I wanted her to feel the power of my kingdom. My anger was still intact, the phone already ringing off the hook. Hissing, I glared at her before turning to head to my office. The look of innocence on her face was just a damn ploy. She was nothing more than a tool that Alviro had used. I was sick at the thought, hoping the fucker would rot in hell for what he’d done.

  “You sure, boss?” Jorge asked as his grip on her arms remained firm.

  “The dungeon? You really are some kind of monster,” Savannah stated almost in passing, her voice calmer than I would have anticipated.

  I stopped short, rubbing my eyes and res
isting the urge to strip her of the condemning attitude. The woman had someone carved her way into my world, and not in a manner that was acceptable. I had to shove every aspect of what feelings I’d experienced completely out of my mind. “I am exactly what I told you that I was. Nothing more. Nothing less. You were the one who crossed me.”

  “I did nothing but actually give a damn for a little while. Yes, that makes me a complete fool.” Her laughter was hollow, only a hint of fear laced in the syllables.

  I crossed the foyer, lowering my head. “I’d be very careful what you say to me, Savannah. You now belong to me until such a time as I deem it otherwise. You will follow the rules. You will do as you’re told. There is no recourse, no other choice for you.” I hated being repetitive. I loathed being challenged by anyone.

  Including her.

  As I had before, I anticipated fear, but she remained the same rebellious woman that I’d become attracted to.

  That I craved.

  To use.

  To fuck.

  To own.

  I’d thought of her far too often after our amazing time spent together, ridiculously letting my guard fall. Now the beach house was compromised, among other things.

  “Whatever you say,” she half whispered between clenched teeth. “I’m not your enemy, Rafael, but I can understand why you have so damn many of them. All that bullshit you gave me, riddles about who you were. I should have known. Everything you told me was lies.”

  I heard Jorge sucking in his breath, the slight whistle further aggravating the hell out of me. “It remains to be seen if you are an enemy, Savannah, but if I had to guess, I’d say you were the one doing the lying. Take her away, Jorge.”

  He seemed frozen to the spot, as if I would actually change my mind.

  “Do it!” I snapped. “Now.” I wasn’t in the mood for shit from anyone, including... her. Fuck. Her... While she remained quiet as my enforcer led her away, I could feel her eyes burning a hole into my back.

  Grousing, I stormed toward my office, throwing open the doors. Fuck, yes, I needed a drink. More than one. I was ready to smash the entire set of glasses, my mind reeling from the complications that both Savannah and the assassinations would create. “Fuck. Fuck!” My nerves were rattled, far too much so. The woman had gotten under my skin. She’d broken down my defenses. She’d dug her way inside.

  And I’d wanted more.

  I closed my eyes, shoving thoughts about her aside. There was far too much business that had to be handled within the next two days. That’s all I gave it before all hell broke loose.

  I managed to pour a glass of scotch before my phone rang again. This time, there would be no avoiding the retribution I’d likely face.

  I snagged it from my pocket, walking toward my desk before answering, anticipating the caller even without looking at the screen. “Santiago.”

  “It’s Santiago now? I am still your father, Rafael, and very proud of that. However, do you want to tell me why you made a decision that went against what we’d talked about, the plans we made?” my father asked gruffly.

  “Because a clear message needed to be sent. Because Calleja has been allowed to complicate our business for far too long. Because we need to take back control immediately. Whatever collateral damage occurs I don’t give a fuck about any longer.” The hesitation after my statement only further fueled my growing anger. “You wanted me to step up, Father. That’s exactly what I’m doing but it’s time we do it my way.”

  “And what is that plan of action?”

  I sighed, taking a gulp of my scotch before answering. “We secure our turf and plan on overrunning their operation beginning with cigarettes then move into a full-scale takeover. We divide their operation amongst the four families but on our terms. I’m not playing games any longer. We will be the controlling force.”

  “You’ve thought his out?” he asked after a few seconds of hesitation.

  Not in the manner I would prefer. “Enough that I believe there is no other choice. We are being watched by every useless gang from the United States to Russia.”

  “There is always a choice, Rafael, but you are correct in that we are being watched. Already there are rumors of other attacks. That can’t happen. Even with Calleja dead, there will another stepping up to take his place. They will require revenge.”

  Sighing, I rubbed the cool glass back and forth across my forehead. I still had some level of belief that Savannah was connected to Calleja, although she certainly didn’t seem broken up over his death. “I am certain word had reached his soldiers by now.”

  My father laughed. “News travels very fast, my son.”

  There would be a form of retaliation within hours. I would bet on it. “Any talk on the street regarding anyone taking his place?”

  “Oddly enough, not a word. There is likely in-fighting as you might imagine. The Los Charlines are true savages.”

  The fact there was total quiet didn’t bode well on any level. Bottom feeders were always ready to take their piece of the pie, announcing their intentions to the world in one way or another. “We need to act quickly, including locating the remaining Capos in charge. I suggest Dartanian handle that end of the plan.”

  The second hesitation drew my curiosity. Did my father distrust his own son’s loyalty or merely his capabilities?

  “Then go with your decision but there cannot be any additional complications. Not a single one.”

  I heard the gruffness in his voice. My time spent grilling Savannah would be short-lived.

  But I would enjoy every moment of breaking through her defenses.

  “There won’t be,” I stated, shifting my thoughts to the beautiful tigress. When I was finished with her, she would regret the day she set foot into the café.

  “And son, I am very happy you are taking the reins. I’ve waited for you to step up out of respect to your mother’s wishes; however, I was beginning to become concerned.”

  “You had no need, Father. I suggest you get used to the concept of retirement.”

  “That will make your mother happy.”

  He was the one who ended the call, leaving me thinking about the game my father mentioned. I walked toward my computer, pressing the power button as I dialed Dartanian’s number. I’d always been the one to tell my soldiers that our organization was about cunning and intelligence. Fact finding, not just blind revenge.

  It was time for me to take my own advice.

  “You killed the bastard,” Dartanian stated as he answered the call.

  “I did what I had to do, including cutting down an additional four of Calleja’s top soldiers, at least two of the drivers. Now, you have the job of finding out who the remaining Capos are. Hunt them. Target them.” I’d yet to receive any news on the damage the explosions had caused. While I wasn’t in the business of taking innocent lives, I feared there would be casualties.

  Another thing to piss me off.

  “Four? I heard three.”

  As soon as the computer screen appeared, I moved directly to the internet. “Let’s just say the leader of the sex trafficking ring in A Coruna won’t be attending Calleja’s funeral.” I typed in Alviro’s name. Almost immediately several articles popped onto the screen from various news sources.

  “Perhaps I underestimated you, brother. You’re under the impression an attack is imminent?”

  “Without a doubt and this time, I know it’s going to be very personal,” I hissed under my breath. I’d paid far too little attention to the various activities of the Los Charlines during the last few months. They’d managed to find themselves in the middle of various turf wars reaching as far as the United States. That meant Calleja must have a group of soldiers prepared to attack our vessels before they reached America. Only I doubted their goal was total destruction. They would become modern day pirates.

  As my mother had always told me, pictures were worth a thousand words. They’d already taken down several ships from the lesser known mafia organizations, leavi
ng a reign of terror in their wake. The United States. The web of deceit that had been cast was far-reaching.

  “Then I’ll find out everything I can,” Dartanian commented.

  “And do it soon, brother.” What I realized is that there had to be someone on the inside providing information, at least to the degree of keeping watch on comings and goings. It had been good to play the same game as Calleja, although my red flags continued to be raised. The assassinations had been far too easy. “And one other thing. Make certain the body of Alviro Calleja is identified. I don’t care if you have to cut off his hand in order to check his fingerprints. Just make certain it happens immediately.”

  “Wow. You are pissed,” Dartanian chuckled.

  “Don’t fuck with me on this. I’m finished with being threatened by anyone for any reason.”

  “Fine. Something has you even angrier than normal.”

  “And that’s none of your concern,” I retorted.

  “Fine. I’ll figure out a way.”

  “Let me know as soon as you have the information I need.” I tossed the phone onto my desk and leaned over, flipping through a few of the articles. Not one of the damn pieces showed Calleja clearly. The man I’d shot had obviously been the leader of the group meeting at the restaurant. They’d been followed from the A Coruna headquarters of the Los Charlines organization, the very one where the poor girls were taken to be... indoctrinated.

  I wanted nothing more than to shut down that operation, burning the building to the ground, but the area was far too hot at this point. However, ending the damning situation would come soon, the assholes who’d abducted the women would be crushed like bugs.

  I shifted to the A Coruna news, searching for any information on the assassinations. As of yet, nothing. The soldiers had likely cleaned up the mess, paying off their own highly paid law enforcement officers.

  Snarling, I grabbed my drink, walking away from the computer.

  “She’s settled, boss. Do you want me to call for security on your house?” Jorge asked as he walked into the room.

  I shook my head. “Assign two of your men. I doubt I will remain here for long. I also need basic reconnaissance on the streets, including from you and Montego. There’s going to be talk and I want to know what the fuck they’re saying.”