by Stone, Piper
“Which left Diego in charge. Now that he’s dead, who’s next in line?”
“That I don’t know but I will have Joseph find out. I checked on Steven Zimmerman. He’s either hiding underground or has been eliminated. The rats weren’t that talkative.”
I snorted as I got into the SUV. “Eliminated. I thought he was working for them. Why?”
“Yeah, well, he was. If what my informants tell me is true, he was extorting product from the Santiagos, stealing small amounts. His entrepreneurial endeavors were finally discovered.”
“Interesting.”
“Enough so I still don’t want to start a war just yet, no matter the circumstances. We need to determine if there are other players involved.”
“Then I should return. It’s possible Zimmerman is alive, Daniella a target.” Spots of blood remained in my eyes, my head aching. If what Cristiano said was true, then there was no doubt Daniella’s life was in danger. The Santiagos would take out their retribution on her before killing her brother. That was the way of animals.
Cristiano chuckled. “Your interest in getting more involved is admirable, but you still have the twins to think about. Until we determine what we’re dealing with, your family is still in danger.”
“Don’t forget we have another shipment, this one coming into Miami.”
“If necessary, we’ll send Lucian.”
Lucian. The thought alone pissed me off, but now wasn’t the time to get into family politics. “Agreed.”
“As far as your lovely guest, that is entirely possible. Another reason to keep you out of harm’s way. She still may know something that could help us. Did she happen to catch a glimpse of the assassin?”
“Dark hair and a scar on his face. That could be anyone within several organizations.”
“Interesting. She could be lying. Just stay there for a few days. I assure you when you return you will have a chance to handle the situation as necessary.”
Hissing, I knew what he was saying was right, but I hated being out of the loop. “Fine. I’ll remain for a few days. I’m going to make a call to one of our associates in Miami. If something is going down, there will be talk.”
“Good idea. Let me know what you find. I have to ask. Now, what aren’t you telling me?”
I took a deep breath, uncertain I wanted to answer. “Drago mentioned Cassandra’s death, asking if I wanted to know details.”
For a few seconds, there wasn’t a sound on the other end of the phone. “I’m going to give you a piece of advice. Don’t go down that rabbit hole again. There isn’t a single person in New Orleans who doesn’t know about her murder, something that can be used against you to keep you unsettled. Whatever the bastard’s reason, I assure you it means nothing.”
“Maybe. I’ll let you know what I find later.”
After ending the call, I thought about everything I’d learned from the issue in Key West. While we’d known about the Santiagos’ interest in expanding their Miami market, the tip regarding the incoming cargo ship had been provided by one of the managers at the Cabana Club, a person I believed to be loyal. Perhaps it was necessity to dig deeper.
I remained pissed at myself that I’d almost lost my temper. Even showing that kind of weakness to a man prepared to meet his maker highlighting my continued weakness. Drago had taken great joy in mentioning Cassandra, no doubt doing so on purpose.
Why?
No one had laid claim to the murder, the police calling her death a result of a random act of violence, but I’d always known better. Maybe my brother was correct or perhaps there’d been a plan in motion for a lengthy period of time, marking my children as possible targets just another attempt at rattling me.
“Where to, boss? The chalet?” Carlo asked as Sloan started the vehicle.
“I’d like to go into town. There are a few supplies I’d like to obtain, perhaps something for the children.”
Carlo’s eyes twinkled. He also had a soft spot for the twins. “You got it.”
As Sloan pulled away, I took one last look at the house. Drago’s body wouldn’t be found until the first thaw. By then his remains would be difficult to identify. The thought brought me a smile.
There were always people who requested favors from the King family. While only a few were usually granted, those that were came with a price, repayment required at the time of asking.
No matter the circumstances.
I’d called in only one in the last two years. It was time to call in another. And she would be perfect for the job. Unfortunately, the call would need to be made later, the difference in time zones making it difficult to conduct business in the middle of the night. Once again, my patience would be tested, my need for retaliation requiring absolution.
However, when it was time for the person responsible, my wrath would become legendary.
I would protect my own with any means necessary, including the woman who’d captured a portion of my heart.
* * *
I closed my eyes, enjoying the visions of Daniella’s unblemished skin, soft and inviting. Kissing her was a simple pleasure yet embroiling the passion deep within. Another discussion would be necessary, but not tonight. Even for a few hours, I wanted to shove aside my duties and my family name.
When I walked inside, the scent of baking bread grabbed my attention. I’d left several packages in the back of the SUV for the time being. However, the fluffy bears refused to remain in the cold.
Woof. Woof!
Elle discovered my return first, bounding into the entrance foyer, her backside wiggling. “Hiya, baby. Did you miss me?” I moved into the great room, tossing the Golden her surprise for the day. Hearing scampering feet, I crouched down, preparing for the onslaught.
“Daddy!”
“Whatcha got there, Dad?” Alessandro asked as he sauntered toward me, his little hands in his pockets. He reminded me more of myself every day.
“I might have some critters in need of a home. Do you guys think you can handle that?”
Isabella yanked the white bear out of my arms, immediately wrapping her small arms around it. “Oh! I love her. I’m going to name her Elle just like Elle.”
“Dad. You know I don’t play with stuffed bears any longer,” Alessandro huffed, although his eyes lit up.
“Well, he does need a home. Why don’t you have a discussion with him?”
He took his time before reaching out, grabbing the bear’s arm with enough force I was surprised. I watched them for a few seconds, both jabbering. Then I felt the heat of her presence.
Daniella.
I lifted my head, still smiling from before. When I rose to a standing position, she turned away from me, walking back to the kitchen.
“Where do you want these, boss?” Carlo asked, bringing in the other packages.
“Right there is fine. Why don’t you guys take the night off?”
“No can do, boss.”
I laughed. “The entire area is secure, the house a fortress. There is a monitor in the other house with several views of this one. If I need you, I’ll call. Now, go.” I took the packages out of his hand, now questioning why I’d made a certain purchase.
He seemed confused but nodded, remaining where he was.
“Is there something you need to tell me, Carlo?”
Clearing his throat, he darted a look around the room before speaking. “If you don’t mind me saying so, boss, you’ve almost been like your old self these past couple of days. I think Ms. Zimmerman is doing you some good.”
In recent months, I would have been angry with his statement. After the events of the day, I gave him a wry smile. “I appreciate that. Enjoy your night. We may be here longer than I’d hoped.”
“Okay, boss. Call if you need anything.”
I locked the door behind him, securing the system before heading to my office upstairs. I’d made a few plans, although I wasn’t certain Daniella would be particularly good company after the previous night. Time would tell.
>
Ready to head down the stairs, I stopped short, my heart racing. The room at the end of the hall continued to haunt me. After taking a deep breath, I walked in the direction, opening the door and turning on the light. The violin was the prize piece in the room. Daniella was right. It was meant to be played.
More lighthearted than I’d been in months, I walked into the kitchen, surprised that Daniella had poured me a glass of wine.
“The twins are upstairs until dinner,” she said without turning in my direction.
“What are we having?” The scent of garlic permeated the air.
She exhaled. “Homemade pizza. They mentioned they’ve never had it. They also mentioned they’ve never been to a fast food restaurant or an actual movie theater or amusement park.”
“They would be right. Fast food isn’t good for them. I’m not much of a cook and I don’t have a chef on my staff. We get by.”
“I don’t know. That spaghetti sauce was pretty spectacular last night.” She gave me a sideways glance, a slight blush crawling across her face. When I didn’t respond quickly, she resumed her duties, ignoring me completely. “Anyway, everything will be ready in a few minutes. I told the twins that they could watch a movie while they ate tonight. I hope that’s acceptable to you.” This time, her tone was what it had been that morning. Rebellious.
I could tell what she was insinuating, a reminder that I’d kept them in a gilded cage. “If you don’t mind, I would like to join you.”
She shrugged. “It’s your house. Your rules. I’m just abiding by them. Should I feed the soldiers?”
I came around the corner, gripping her jaw and pulling her head in my direction. “While I realize you can’t understand why the lives of my children aren’t what you’d call the fairytale version, I’ve done my best to provide them with a safe and loving home. They want for nothing and are spoiled by their grandparents and my brothers and sister. Public places are off limits for now. I love my children with all my heart. Perhaps at least that is something you can believe.”
“You can’t keep them locked away forever, Michael. I feel your love every time you look at them. You are a wonderful, devoted father, but plying them with gifts while keeping them from the outside world isn’t going provide either one with an ability to handle what life throws at them. They need guidance and nurturing, the ability to try and fail on their own. That’s the only way they’re going to be able to thrive. Maybe that’s something for you to remember.”
Just touching her was almost too much, the desire I’d felt mixing with an entirely different kind of longing.
To be close.
To share aspects of my life.
To pretend more than once in a while that the outside world didn’t exist.
But I couldn’t afford that luxury, at least not right now.
She pressed her hand against my chest, her breath skipping. “I don’t know why I’m saying this, but I care for you, Michael. You’re angry all the time, untrusting of anyone and so damn stubborn. You’re also loving and talented, so sweet with your children and the most protective man I’ve ever known. But the rage and guilt are eating you alive. If you don’t let them go, you’re going to miss some of the most special years of your life. And I fear your children will hate you if you don’t share stories about their mother with them. Sadly, I know anything I say won’t matter because I don’t have children.”
I pulled away, unable to handle the fact she actually gave a damn. “While I do appreciate your sympathy, Daniella, you’re right in that you don’t have children. You can’t understand the significant struggle to raise them without a mother.”
Her eyes lit up with venom. “Is that what you think, that I should feel sorry for you? Maybe I did for about ten seconds. Then I got to know you. You’re rich, you’re powerful, and you don’t mind using it to get everything you want. You’ve made all the decisions not only for you but for your entire family. I suspect that’s exactly what you were taught as a child. Never give a damn about anyone but yourself. What a shame that horrible trait is going to be passed down to two small children who don’t deserve it.”
“That’s fascinating coming from a woman whose brother likely sold you as repayment for theft from one of the most dangerous cartels in the United States.”
“What? That’s not true. My brother may have done some terrible things, but he loves me. Get that through your head.”
“If that’s what you call love then I would be curious as to what would happen if the two of you didn’t get along.”
Her hard slap across my face was jarring, but the look in her eyes was more of a punishment than I could ever give to her.
The kind of lasting hate that would never be absolved.
She backed away, her lower lip quivering. “The pizzas are coming out of the oven in five minutes. Take them out and allow them to cool for another five before you cut them. Have a nice dinner.”
When she fled the room, what remained of the caring man inside of me knew he should go after her, offering some kind of apology or explanation. The monster wanted her punished.
Yet the man who remained behind was devoid of emotions with no ability to give a shit.
Just like she’d accused me of.
Chapter 9
Daniella
Tears.
I’d never forget the day my father had cautioned me about crying. He’d called it a weakness, one that others could use to gain advantage over me. Perhaps that had been the day I’d been forced to grow up, no longer believing in fairytales and unicorns. I’d been ten, bawling my eyes out because of some stupid boy in school. While my mother had chastised him, providing some level of comfort that I couldn’t remember, his comments had remained with me from that point on.
However, after yet another horrible moment spent with Michael, I hadn’t been able to stop tears from falling. How could he have been so cruel? I buried my head under the covers, trying to pretend that I wasn’t a million miles away from home, locked in a house with a perfect but very scarred family.
Had my brother actually tried to sell me to some horrible monster? Had I been betrayed by a member of my own family? Or was Michael trying another tactic to keep me on edge?
When I opened my eyes, the light of the morning streaming in through the blinds shocked me almost as much as what had occurred the night before. He’d allowed me to sleep. He hadn’t required me to perform some insane sexual act or roared into my room to spank me like a naughty little girl.
He also hadn’t tried to check on or comfort me. Not that a man like Michael King would ever admit he was wrong.
I shivered, tugging the covers around my neck, my tearstained pillowcase still damp. I hated the fact a part of me actually missed him. When he’d returned from whatever horrible business he’d conducted, I’d been glad to see him, especially after he’d brought gifts to the twins and his other furry child. He’d seemed almost normal, home after a long day at work, greeting the family with joy.
But of course, that wasn’t Michael’s life. For all I knew, he’d spent the day hunting down people he called his enemies. I rolled over, smacking my hand against the sheet. Then my fingers touched something. What the hell? Jerking up, I was prepared to scramble backwards, my heart racing.
A gift.
An exquisite red foil bag with gold ribbon had been carefully placed on the second pillow. He’d checked on me after all. The gift was so unexpected that when I reached out, my hand was shaking. Why would he bother? I pulled the bag closer, fighting the urge to toss it into the trash. It had been so long since I’d gotten a gift from anyone that a moment of melancholy took over. How ridiculous.
The weight was intriguing and within seconds, butterflies rushed into my tummy. I took my time pulling the ribbon, smiling at the sight of iridescent tissue paper. The velvet box wasn’t what I’d expected either. I rubbed my hand across the surface before daring to open it. Any woman issuing a statement that they didn’t like dazzling jewelry was lying. Th
e gorgeous emerald and diamond necklace was perhaps the most beautiful piece I’d ever seen. I had a few precious sterling silver pieces given as gifts from my mother, but they’d been all she could afford. This was exactly what fairytales were made of.
With a large emerald and diamond pendant surrounded by four additional stones on either side, I could only imagine the price tag. I ran my trembling fingers from one side to the other before snapping the box shut. I couldn’t accept anything so expensive. If this was his way of apology, then I was incensed.
I shoved it back into the bag, jumping out of bed and tossing the bag into the back of one of the drawers in the chest. I’d find the right time to shove it in his face. Bastard. Maybe he thought he could buy me. I backed away, folding my arms, furious that he thought I could be swayed so easily. When I finally looked at the clock, I groaned. I’d forgotten to set the alarm.
Grabbing a robe, I struggled to slide my arms into the sleeves, throwing open the door and barely tying the sash before I’d made it to the children’s bedroom doors. Neither one was in their beds. Great. I’d disobeyed another rule. I could only imagine what kind of punishment I would receive.
I heard laughter coming from the playroom and closed my eyes briefly. It was no telling what the twins had gotten into. The moment I stepped into the room, I stopped short. Michael was smack in the middle of the floor, the children close by. Spread out all around them were piles of papers, paints and crayons, colorful designs already pictured on almost every canvas.
Instead of his usual crisp and pressed attire, perfect hair and polished shoes, he was barefoot, his hair tousled, wearing a sweater that had seen better times and faded jeans that were threadbare at the knees. I was stunned at the sight of him, his boisterous laughter in the deep baritone floating above the tiny squeals and high-pitched giggles.
Elle was also in the room, lifting her head and thumping her tail in acknowledgement of my presence before returning to her slumber on the fluffy dog’s bed that I hadn’t noticed before.
I watched in silence as Michael interacted with them, a paintbrush in his hand, creating some piece of art in blood-red paint. Everything about the scene was surreal, but beautiful and so unexpected.