by R. M. Walker
My gut churned with worry. I knew Arturo was becoming angry with his daughter and my image in the paper hadn’t helped. When we saw the article this morning the two of us nearly stormed the Valente estate to ensure she wouldn’t be harmed. Acting rashly never helped anyone. Jay barely calmed me enough to wait for tonight.
“He hit her yesterday and I’m afraid he did something worse today. She hasn’t answered any of my messages.”
Fuck!
“Then we move in now. I don’t care if the whole thing blows up in our face. I won’t allow her to be harmed any further.”
I was almost to the door when he darted in front of me, holding up his hands. “I don’t like this any better than you. I’m waiting on Vinny’s text. We need to know how to proceed.”
I didn’t care. My heart was overruling my head on this. “Jay, move out of my way.”
“Don’t make me kick your ass, David. This is about way more than my sister. I didn’t mention it to you yet, but my contacts confirmed Arturo met with Sergei Ivankov last night. He was invited to the ball.”
Shit. This was worse than I thought. Sergei was Russian mafia with powerful allies that were sympathetic to Arturo Valente and his connections. “And what about Veronica? What if something happens to her?”
“It won’t. Not yet. The Intel confirmed my father plans to conduct a major business deal with Sergei. Outlined in the proposal is a significant amount of money as well as weapon blueprints from the U.S. military. Arturo is selling them to the highest bidder.” He paused a moment and swallowed hard before looking away. “He’s adding Veronica to sweeten the deal.”
“He’s doing what?” I bellowed, shoving Jay aside as I reached for the door.
Tackling me around the waist, we fell to the ground and wrestled for a few seconds before he shoved me away and stood, his chest heaving. “You have to calm your shit. Saving V is only part of the plan tonight, but it is the plan.”
“You better be telling me the truth,” I seethed, rising to my feet. “I’ll kill that motherfucker if he touches her.”
“David, I don’t like this any more than you do.” He shook his head and sighed, tears shining in his eyes. “That bastard killed our mother and hurts my sister. I’m counting on you to save her. Do you understand?”
Blowing out a hard breath, I sat next to him as we both slumped to the ground. “Yeah, I get it.”
Jay inhaled and exhaled a few times, gaining control over his emotions. “She’s all the family I have left. We’re on the same team but I want to take down Arturo Valente and make sure he can’t hurt anyone else ever again. He has to be totally and completely exposed. I want him destroyed. Everything he cares about will be ripped away. Only then will he ever answer for his numerous crimes.”
“At least we agree on that.” I bumped Jay’s shoulder with mine as he reached for his phone. “Just stop calling me David.”
A laugh bubbled up and out of his chest as the phone beeped. He read the contents and shoved the cell back in his pocket, scrambling to his feet. “Veronica is fine, but Arturo roughed her up this morning.”
Those were the only words I heard before I roared and rose to my feet, slamming my palms into the wall. “What did he do to her?”
“From what Vinny says, she was slapped and dragged by her hair into the bathroom. My father left her in there without her phone until she was ready for the ball tonight. He told her she was engaged to Sergei Ivankov. It didn’t go over well.”
My skin burned with rage as I turned and hid my eyes from view. I knew the moment I gave into my anger I would manifest my abilities and then my secrets would be exposed. Veronica was my one weakness, my kryptonite. Anguish tore at my heart as I focused on controlling my emotions and any manifestations that could result in exposing who I truly was to Jay or anyone else before I was ready.
“Da –,” he paused, “I mean Geron, she needs us tonight. Don’t lose focus.”
“I won’t,” I assured him, heading away from my friend before I said or did something that jeopardized the entire plan. “I’m going to take a shower and get ready. It’s almost time.”
Jay nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him as I sucked in a ragged breath.
“Just a little longer, darlin’,” I whispered, thinking of Veronica. “Hold on until I get there.”
* * *
“Veronica,” I whispered, my eyes widening as she stood across the ballroom.
The red cocktail dress clung to her curves and draped along the floor, one sexy leg peeping through the long slit that began at her toned thigh and ended at the clasp around her slim ankle. Her glittering gold heels gave her added height. I longed to pull up her dress and run my fingers up her outer thighs, suddenly curious if she wore anything underneath. Her hair was pulled back and rested above her delicate neck while soft tendrils of her silky strands draped her heart-shaped face. A black lace mask concealed her identity from some, but I knew every curve intimately. I’d placed my tongue and fingertips over every inch the last two nights and I was damn sure to do so again tonight.
When she was pulled onto the dance floor by one of Sergei’s goons, I immediately strode forward and cut in, spinning her away from danger. I hadn’t seen Arturo or Sergei yet, but I knew they were here and certain to be close. Clutching Veronica close, my right hand drifted over the curvature of her spine as I clasped her palm to mine with my left.
“Good evening,” I greeted, bending her backward into a dip before she was upright against my chest. “You look ravishing. Good enough to eat.”
Light pink dusted her cheeks in a beguiling blush. “We keep meeting at the worst times . . .” she replied breathlessly.
“I disagree, darlin',” I answered huskily, “I'd say they're the best.”
Her gaze kept darting around the room as we danced, as if she was frightened. Vinny frowned and ticked his head toward the door, but I shook my head in response. I wasn’t ready to release V yet.
“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong or keep it a secret all night?”
She bit her plump lower lip nervously. “You need to leave.”
No way would I leave her vulnerable. Cupping her cheek in my hand, I leaned down close enough to whisper and be heard above the live band. “I don’t scare that easily. Out with it.”
She sighed. “Did you see the paper this morning?”
Shrugging my shoulders, I smirked. “Yes. I thought it was a rather intriguing photo. You?”
“My father didn’t think so.” She winced as her hand touched the side of her scalp. “He’s angry.”
“What did he do?”
“It’s not important.”
“Did he hurt you?” My words were little more than a growl.
“When doesn’t he hurt me?” Tears filled her eyes as she pulled away, running toward the exit and the ladies’ room down the hall.
I chased her, entering without a care. “Veronica, talk to me.”
“We can’t do this here. I don’t trust this entire estate.”
Nodding, I led her from the room, dashing down the hall and turning a few times until we entered a hidden wing that led down into the servant’s quarters. During the early evening hours Jay and I had surveyed the estate and made sure we were familiar with the layout in case of emergency.
“This isn’t ideal, but I think I know a place where we can talk.”
We headed up another staircase and ended up in the mistresses’ sitting room, located outside the main bedroom. “These rooms belong to the lady of the house. I saw her leave them earlier with her lover.” I pulled a little black box from my pocket I’d used before and set it on a nearby table. “This will scramble any hidden communication devices.”
Sitting on the edge of an ornately decorated bench, Veronica confessed what had occurred over the last few days. Raking my hand through my hair in anger, I walked a few paces away in order to rein in my temper. If she saw the flames that danced within my eyes, she’d know I wasn’t the man
I pretended to be.
“I won’t allow any further abuse. You come home with me tonight.”
Prepared for an argument, I was pleasantly surprised when she agreed without hesitation.
I reached for her hand, pulling her up from the settee. “I want you, V. I want all of you.”
Her pulse beat erratically in her neck as I leaned closer and gently touched her cheek, caressing the smooth skin. “You’re mine. I’ll have you, any time I want. Anywhere I want. But remember, I would never hurt you. You know that, right?”
“I know.”
Gently tugging her head backward, my fingertips trailed along the delicate ridges of her throat and lower until they slipped beneath the material of her dress. Those sweet tits begged for my touch as I cupped the globes of her breasts, rubbing my thumbs over the peaks. Her back arched as a soft moan left her parted lips pushing her ass against the tented crotch of my pants.
I hissed, scraping my teeth along the side of her throat while I sucked and nibbled all the way up to her ear. “We were meant to meet, darlin’,” I rasped, clutching her body closer, “and I don’t intend to let you go without a fight.”
Releasing her and backing away slowly, I stalked her like she was my prey, prowling as I circled every delicious inch of her curves. My fists clenched in indecision as I fought the urge to take her like a wild animal.
Moving behind her, I grasped her hips, thrusting against the curve of that generous ass. I couldn’t resist and dropped to my knees, enjoying her gasp of surprise as my hands met her ankles and rose slowly along the outer edge of her calves, bringing the material with me as I slid it higher up until the material exposed her thighs and pooled around her waist. Fuck, this was sexy as hell and I needed to taste her, feel her heat, and shove my dick inside her.
With a low growl I ripped away her panties, the rending of fabric the only sound in the room. Two of my fingers slid between her folds, circling her clit as I lowered my head and sucked along the length of her neck. Her hips rocked back and forth as she humped my fingers, her sexy whimper filling the silence.
“Do you want to come, darlin’?”
Her breathless cry made my cock harder. “Yes!”
“Not yet,” I teased. My fingers slid away as she whimpered. “I want to dishevel my perfect little doll and make her oh so dirty,” I rasped, clutching at a handful of her hair as I pulled it free from the perfect chignon at her neck. “I want to leave my mark on your flawless skin.”
With my teeth, I nipped, sucked, licked, and bit at her collarbone, neck, and shoulders until I slipped the thin straps of her dress down, fully exposing the heavy mounds of her breasts to the cool air. Spinning her around quickly, I grasped her hips and pulled her into my body close enough that we breathed the same air. Sliding my fingertips along the contour of her hips, my fingers dug into her flesh.
“But most of all,” I continued, staring directly into her eyes, “I want to sink my cock inside you and hear that sweet pretty voice call out my name as I give you multiple orgasms.”
Not allowing her time to reply, I removed my black tie and reached for her wrists, wrapping the silky material around them and tying in a knot. Once she was secure, I tugged her over to the satin settee and grinned wickedly as I tossed her over the arm. Positioned on her stomach, my girl was ready for a spanking. The dress left her body with a flourish and landed in front of her as I nearly groaned aloud.
Clad in nothing but black thigh-high stockings, a garter belt, and jeweled heels she was exposed to the air and my lust filled gaze. Her ass cheeks tightened with the delay as she squirmed, lingering in between satisfaction and release where I purposely left her. She knew what was coming.
The first slap of my hand startled her as she cried out. I repeated the action several times and released my cock, pumping up and down the shaft a few times as her skin reddened. My entire body was consumed by need. Impatient, I gripped her hips and pulled her down a few inches so she lined up with my dick. Her juices coated her cunny and I longed to drop to my knees and taste her sweet nectar.
No longer able to resist, I entered her, thrusting in hard and deep. She screamed as my hand slipped around her throat and gave a light squeeze. I withdrew slightly and then rammed inside her again, holding onto her hips as I began to move faster. I may be the master, but she was my queen.
Plunging in and out deeply, I was relentless, driving both our bodies to the brink of pleasure and ruthlessly seeking her orgasm. Her moans grew louder as I fucked her with wild abandon. That first night we met up again had been all sweetness as I made love to her. The last two nights it was raw and dirty. We came at nearly the same moment, her pussy clenching hard around my dick. I pulled out and shot hot sticky streams of my cum all over her ass and lower back.
Just as I promised, my girl was completely and utterly filthy.
8
Geron
“Don’t be long,” I warned as Veronica slipped inside the bathroom door. She needed a few minutes to freshen up afterward and I couldn’t deny her even if I knew it was a bad idea.
My cell vibrated my pocket as I pulled it from my slacks, glancing down at the quick succession of texts from Jay. I had just enough time to lift my head before something hit me and knocked my stupid ass to the ground. Distracted by thoughts of V and our wild sex, I let my guard down at the absolute worst time. Black cable ties locked my wrists together as I was yanked to my feet.
Sergei Ivankov stood in my line of vision as his henchmen held me still. “Ah, our guest has arrived. Take him to the car while I retrieve my prize.”
Fuck!
Forced to leave while that Russian dick went after Veronica, I decided not to fight Sergei’s men on the way out. She was coming with us and it was pointless to expend energy I knew I’d need later. Shoved into the car, I landed on the seat opposite of Arturo Valente. His cold calculating grin spread across his face as he watched my arrival.
“So good of you to join us, Pierce.”
So, he knew who I was and why I was here. Good. Jay had been right.
Everything was progressing according to plan.
One of Sergei’s men sat to my left with a large hunting knife that he pressed against my throat. Arturo shifted and moved seats as Sergei and Veronica entered. She sat down and gasped as her eyes landed on the knife. Her reaction betrayed the extent of her concern and I couldn’t help a small smile in response. Starved for her love and affection after so long apart, I craved every glance, touch, or kind word she bestowed upon me.
Sergei’s hand rested on her thigh possessively as I suppressed the urge to kill him before we reached our destination. Veronica’s frightened gaze met mine and I swallowed hard, my jaw locking in anger. She shook her head subtly, afraid I’d make a scene. If Sergei kept touching her, I probably would.
The limo stopped a few minutes later outside an old warehouse. Arturo’s men tied me to a chair at the far end of the main room once everyone arrived. I knew the beating was coming but didn’t expect all of them to hit me at once. The chair toppled over as Veronica screamed and my head smacked against the cold concrete floor. Dazed, I barely remember sitting upright again as warm blood trickled down the side of my face.
“Please,” she pleaded, crying out in despair, “don’t kill him.”
“Do you know the man you wish to save?” Valente was moving in for the kill, just as Jay predicted. The asshole was too full of himself not to disclose his murderous actions. There was nothing he feared. The man thought he was invincible.
“I met him three nights ago,” she whispered.
“If only that were true.” He gestured to one of his men. “Remove the mask.”
I struggled but was unable to stop the inevitable. In truth, I was ready for this moment.
Veronica stumbled in shock the second my face was exposed, taking a few steps in my direction. “David?”
My eyes rose to meet hers, desperate for more than a passing recognition. I loved this woman with all my heart. I
needed her to remember how she felt about us. My promise to take care of her and return was fresh in my mind. It may not be the rescue I planned, but I wasn’t leaving without Veronica.
“How are you alive?” Her voice broke as her hands trembled at her sides. “I buried you. God, I watched them lower your casket into the ground.”
“Yes, he did resurrect rather easily. Didn’t you, David?”
Glaring at the man who gave her life, I replied the only way I could. “Yes, interesting since I was shot, and my body dumped off the boat shortly after my parents were also shot to death.”
Veronica sucked in a breath, turning to her father. “Did you know about this?”
“Of course, I was there.” He didn’t bother with an excuse. Heartless bastard.
“You meant for me to die with them that day,” I accused, daring him to deny it. “You wanted your opposition out of the way. My parents were going to vote against your proposition. With millions of dollars on the line you made sure they couldn’t ruin your plans.”
He shrugged, but the cold gleam in his eyes gave him away.
“No, tell me that isn’t true!” V spun on her father, tears filling her eyes as he watched her reaction without an ounce of remorse. “Why would you take him away from me? How could you kill his parents?”
This was too easy. Valente would never confess unless he covered his tracks, but then I realized he hadn’t given a definitive answer. My only choice was to try to trick him into telling the truth. If I could piss him off, maybe he would slip up.
“Did my mother and father suspect it was you? Or did you pretend to be their friend until that last possible second?” He glared my way but didn’t speak. “When you shot me in the chest did it occur to you that I’d come back one day for revenge?”
He snorted with humor and shook his head, ruthless as always. “They didn’t suspect I was the enemy, not until I shot your mother in the heart. Your father stared at me with such shock I can still close my eyes and see his devastated face.” Veronica cried out with his words, sinking to her knees with his revelation. “But you, that was a moment I relished.”