by Stone, Piper
“I’ll leave you to your evening. Your waiter will bring the wine you requested.”
As Pierre left, I took a few seconds to enjoy the view, goosebumps remaining on my skin. When I pulled the linen napkin into my lap, I felt Michael’s heated gaze all over again.
“Do you approve?” he asked, taking his time and unfolding his napkin.
“Everything is elegant. However, you don’t need my approval. You chose to do what you want without anyone else. That’s the way you prefer to live your life.”
The corner of his mouth turned up, the slight smile highlighting a dimple that I’d never noticed before. “While you’re correct in that part of me is a monster, I realized from some things you’ve said recently that my sorrow has only put a strain on my children. I’ve decided to take your advice and attempt to find a balance. While business will always be important, I don’t want them growing up without knowing their father.”
“That’s wonderful to hear, but you’re allowed to have a life as well, including finding happiness.”
“Happiness is something that can’t be forced, Daniella. I’ve longed to find some level of joy in my life. I’ve craved passion in all things, not just in building the King Empire. While you might not believe this, money means very little to me.”
“Happiness is only going to happen if you open your heart.” His words were more honest than I’d heard before.
He pulled back in his seat as the waiter presented whatever wine he’d selected, giving a nod after tasting the rich dark red. Both quiet and efficient, the waiter left in less than a minute after filling both our glasses. When Michael lifted the crystal stem, I could sense his growing hunger. “What if I no longer have a heart? What if I’m nothing more than a bad man?”
“I’ve seen otherwise. For all your posturing, the real man is the one I saw in the playroom the other day. You were… alive.”
“Yes, perhaps you’re right.” He took several sips of his wine. “No more discussion about family or business. Tonight is about sin. Filthy sin and nothing more.” His chuckle sent quivers down my back.
My nerves remained on edge as he rimmed his glass with his finger. I found it difficult to hold the exquisite crystal without a few precious drops slipping over the edge. He was everything I should hate yet everything that I couldn’t imagine being without. He had to know what kind of effect he was having on me; the simple brush of his hand against my skin sizzling every cell, the way he undressed me with his eyes keeping me on edge.
“Spread your legs for me, Daniella. Keep your hands above the table. If you don’t obey me, I will take you into the restroom and spank you. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
Swallowing, I glanced around the room, blinking several times. The twinkling lights of the candles created a haze, making it almost impossible to see if anyone was watching. I was completely embarrassed, fearful that our filthy actions would be detected. Yet I took another sip, obeying his request, my legs trembling. While a cold chill remained, heat coursed through every muscle and vein from excitement of the unknown.
He slipped his hand under the table, gripping my knee and leaning over. “I will take you anywhere and anytime I desire.” He tugged my leg, further exposing my aching pussy. His nostrils flared as he brushed his fingers along the inside of my thigh.
An audible moan slipped past my lips and I was mortified, hiding behind the glass, praying that no one had heard us. In response, he issued a low and gritty growl, the sound permeating my eardrums. The man knew every button to press, every method of keeping me wet. I fought a series of whimpers as he swirled the tip of a single finger around my clit.
I couldn’t believe he was so carefree about his actions, enjoying his wine as he brought me closer to nirvana.
Within seconds, I was brought to the point of utter bliss, forced to grip the edge of the table. I could no longer hold my glass, my fingers slipping on the thin crystal. I realized I’d opened my other leg even wider, allowing him full access. I was wet and hot, unable to stop trembling.
His dark eyes piercing mine, a sexy and dangerous smile curled on his lips. He wasn’t exerting any energy, barely moving as he brought me closer and closer.
I pressed my hand over my lips, fighting to keep from screaming. Finally closing my eyes, I couldn’t hold back any longer, the climax rushing into me, sending an explosion of white-hot heat from my cheeks to my toes. Panting, I lowered my head, the embarrassment almost too much to bear. My God. He’d brought me to an orgasm within seconds in the middle of a fine dining establishment.
And I’d enjoyed every minute, the sensations prickling like bottle rockets.
He pumped his fingers as deep inside as the angle would allow, his ragged breathing the only indication he was aroused. When he was finally satisfied, he removed his hand, rubbing his glistening fingers across my lips before pushing them inside my mouth.
The act was almost as humiliating, but I dared not deny him.
“I’m pleased with you, my little flower.”
Why did his words actually thrill me?
He took another gulp of his wine before easing the glass onto the table, tossing his napkin across the plate. When he stood, I thought I’d crossed another line, the evening ending just as soon as it had begun. He held out his hand, peering down at me with a visceral level of hunger.
“Dance with me.”
I gazed around the restaurant, unable to detect a dancefloor. “Here?”
“Right here.”
As he pulled me to my feet, taking me into his arms, I tensed, but the feeling of having his arms around me, the closeness of his body was like a dream. I pressed down on my dress, still able to gather a whiff of my climax. My God. Was the back of my dress stained? He led me a few feet away from the table, studying me intently.
The music was soothing and for a full minute, no words were said.
“You’re still afraid of me,” he murmured.
“You’re a dangerous man. You’ve made certain I’m well aware of what you’re capable of.”
“Yet you defy me.” There was no aggression in his voice, only a subtle undertone of his need to control me.
“That’s who I am.”
“And here I thought you were a fragile flower.” He laughed softly as he turned me in several circles.
I purred in response, tilting my head, enjoying the taller heels. “You obviously don’t know me very well. I’m a fighter.”
“I’m beginning to realize that I caught a tiger by the tail.”
“You’re right.”
“Be careful, little flower. Tigers need to be tamed.”
“I’m looking forward to you trying.” As soon as I issued the words, I could see an entirely different need forming, carnal and brutal in nature. Even the way he was looking at me was different, so intense and full of need.
“Be careful what you ask for.”
As the music continued, I allowed myself to relax, arching my back until our bodies were pressed tightly together. He was an excellent dancer, attentive and seductive in every step, every provocative move. I was aware others were watching us, whispering in the darkness. Within minutes though, I was pulled into a vacuum, no longer noticing anyone else but the man who held me in his arms.
I slid both arms around his neck, tangling my fingers in his hair. He slowed, rocking us back and forth, the same coy smile remaining on his face.
“Why did you bring me here?” My question seemed rhetorical.
“Because I wanted to get to know you.”
“What do you want to know? What color I like? Purple. What food is my favorite? A blood-red filet. What drink is my favorite? You’ve already figured that out. Wine is for gods and monsters.”
“Why someone as lovely as you are hasn’t been taken is fascinating to me.”
I blushed from hearing his question, realizing he was serious. “I’ve never found any man’s company to excite me.” When he cocked his head, dragging his tongue
across his lips and lowering his head, a moan escaped my throat. “Until now.”
“I adore you, little flower. You may be my greatest weakness of all.”
Very slowly he captured my mouth, our bodies swaying in time to the music, the heat between us building to a passionate frenzy. When he pressed my lips apart, darting his tongue inside, I clung to him, savoring every moment of the kiss. He reeked of savagery and primal needs, his hands rubbing up and down my back, his throbbing cock pressing against my tummy. I was almost drunk from desire, everything about the evening a powerful aphrodisiac.
As our tongues entwined, his hold became more forceful. He slid his hand under my hair, wrapping his fingers around my neck, grinding his hips against me. I was lightheaded, stars in every vibrant color of the rainbow flashing across my periphery of vision, the taste of him creating a firestorm of need.
When he broke the kiss, he brushed his lips across my jaw, nipping on my earlobe. His whisper sent a dazzling array of chills dancing down my legs. “I brought you here for another reason.”
“Mmm… What is that?” I eased back, locking eyes with his.
His breathing ragged, the ravenous look on his face continued to increase. “To ensure you understood that you belong to me. Not just for tonight. Not for the remainder of our stay. Forever.”
Chapter 10
Michael
Forever.
Daniella.
A promise, or maybe she’d take my words as a threat; however, I’d meant every word. I remained antsy, my cock aching to thrust inside her tight channel. She’d broken through almost every barrier, stripping away the battered metal. She’d even challenged what I considered to be the tarnished crown my family had worn for generations. We were Kings, champions of the darkness.
Exhaling, I knew my proclamation hadn’t been made without consideration. She would fight my control, forced to learn that surrendering to my every need was the only thing she could do. If not? She’d already learned my methods were strict, my requirements mandated without question. But… I’d also realized I wanted more. My desire no longer ceased after claiming every inch of her luscious body. I longed to share special moments, quiet times, and periods of joy. Was it possible? That I didn’t know.
I brushed my finger across my mouth as I glanced into the rearview mirror, the single set of headlights finally turning off. I’d been edgy all evening, although there’d been no reason that I’d been able to note.
Other than every man in the restaurant had kept their eyes on Daniella, heightening my level of frustration as well as fury. She was mine. Mine to command and enjoy. Mine to mold and train. And mine to protect.
I took a deep breath, surprised that she was resting her head on my arm. My need to own her had nearly consumed me over the time I’d spent alone. She was much more of a resilient woman than I’d believed her to be.
She’d brought me more joy in the past few days than I’d experienced in years. Just seeing her in the beautiful dress had been enough to drive me to the point of no return.
I wanted her.
Every inch.
Every moment of my days as well as my nights.
The thought had kept my cock aching and my mind no longer able to concentrate on business. I made the final turn, tapping my fingers on the steering wheel. I’d yet to receive a call from my contact in Miami and it was pissing me off. While I trusted Justine as a close associate of the King Empire, everything I’d said to Daniella had been true. Everyone had a price either for their loyalty or in order to break it.
I was no fool; even though our soldiers and associates were paid very well, there was always room for another snake to slither in and offer more. I wouldn’t put it past the Santiagos on any level. They were known for stealing the best soldiers from various crime syndicates, but up to this point, they’d yet to make a move on our territory.
However, if that was the reason for Justine’s lack of response, it would necessitate she be made an example of. As an associate for our family, she’d been paid well to follow orders. Up to this point she’d never failed me. Had her loyalty been turned, or it was also possible that her intentions had been discovered? Either way, it would need to be handled. I couldn’t rule anything out. Perhaps I’d gotten more like Cristiano than I realized, his lack of trust in almost anyone allowing him to stay alive, including while in prison.
As I pulled close to the house, Daniella lifted her head. The same awkward tension as before remained as heavy as the ice fog that had developed.
“Dinner was very nice,” she said quietly. She’d said very little since leaving the restaurant, my frank and dictatorial statement an obvious shock.
She would soon learn that when I made a decision, I followed through. No matter the cost.
No matter the difficulties or the danger.
While I doubted my father would approve, I didn’t need his okay nor did I care any longer. I’d lived in the shadow of my brothers for far too long. Enjoying more of my life meant taking risks, hiring additional people in order to expand the business in the Keys and up through Fort Lauderdale.
If that meant eliminating the rest of the Santiago clan, so be it.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” My words were stated without emotion and I didn’t know why. Perhaps I was only capable of a certain level of emotion without shutting down. She remained in the vehicle until I opened her door and the simple act of taking her hand forced my ravenous beast to claw at the surface. My abstinence from her had only fueled the fire, my needs insatiable.
The hour was late, the house quiet. Even Elle was nowhere to be seen.
Carlo immediately jerked up from the couch, studying Daniella intently as he walked closer. “Everything was quiet tonight, boss. The kids are in bed.”
“Good to hear, Carlo. Where is Titus?” I immediately bristled.
“Walking the grounds.”
I took a deep breath. “We need to have a meeting in the morning.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll make certain the others are aware,” Carlo said then walked toward the door. He hesitated as he’d done before, eager to offer another piece of advice. I simply gave him a harsh look and he wasted no time leaving the house.
“You often treat them as if you don’t trust them,” Daniella said as she removed her shoes.
“I can’t afford to trust anyone if I want to survive.”
“Does that include me?”
I walked closer, towering over her. When I lifted her chin with a single finger, her mouth pursed in a teasing manner. “If I didn’t trust you, I wouldn’t require you in my life.”
“Require. That sounds like I don’t have a choice.”
Lowering my head, I brushed my cheek against hers before whispering in her ear, “You don’t.”
Trembling, she pressed the tips of her fingers against my chest, fiddling with the buttons on my shirt, her hand still cradled around her stilettos. Before she had a chance to object on any level, I captured her mouth, pulling her onto her tiptoes. I gripped the back of her neck, keeping her in place as I crawled my other hand down the length of her back, yanking the hem of her dress over her rounded bottom. When I cupped one side, dragging her hips against me, she moaned into the kiss.
Every touch of her skin embroiled my senses. A buzzing sound swept into my ears, the heat spiraling between us as unstable as our relationship. What we shared was risky on so many levels, including the weakness created by having her in my life. But I couldn’t live without her.
Her soft mews escalated as the passion embroiled the two of us. She slipped her arm around my neck, her fingers lightly dancing across my skin. I ground my hips against her as I swept my tongue inside. The combination of chocolate and raspberries, cabernet and champagne drove my hunger to the breaking point.
When I broke the kiss, she was breathless, her eyes only half open.
I took a step away, taking her hand into mine. “Come with me.”
“Where are we going?”
I di
dn’t answer, my long strides forcing her to scamper behind me. As I took the stairs two at a time, she dug her fingers into my hand. I felt her hesitation as I moved to the top floor, could smell her confusion as well as a hint of fear. She was terrified my actions were all about punishment.
Not tonight.
Tonight, I needed the kind of salvation that only she could provide.
When I walked into the music room, a single whimper escaped her mouth. I turned on a few lights, immediately removing my jacket and tie, both far too confining.
She watched me carefully as I unbuttoned my shirt as well as removing the cufflinks, placing them on the table before rolling up my sleeves.
“I’m not going to hurt you, Daniella.”
After walking closer, she placed her high heels by the couch, slowly padding toward me. “Then what am I doing here?”
I took a deep breath before moving toward the couch and sitting down. “Play for me.”
Narrowing her eyes, her tongue darted across her lower lip, a slight flush creeping along her jaw. “I don’t understand.”
“I’m saying that you were right. Just like a beautiful woman should never be ignored, a magnificent instrument is meant to be played.”
Daniella cocked her head, a slight smile curling across her lips before she nodded. Very slowly she walked toward the violin, running her fingers down the neck in reverence. I sensed her happiness even though she was tentative at following through with my request. I crossed my legs, resting my elbow on the arm of the couch, impatient as usual.
She didn’t face me at first as she collected the bow, positioning the instrument then taking several deep breaths.
Then she began to play.
There were moments from the past that I would stop everything in order to listen to Cassandra play, the often sweet music she’d selected calming the monster furrowing at the surface from deep within the bowels of my being. I was surprised that Daniella selected an entirely different piece.