by Piper Stone
Including her.
She was right. I could compel her obedience, but I’d never receive her love.
“I can almost feel the light breeze skipping across my skin and the sound of the trees blowing in the wind like sweet music. That’s what life is about, Gabriel. It’s not about money or big houses, corporations or influential friends. It’s about living. Sharing. Giving.” Her whispers were melodic, my heart racing.
She finally opened her large eyes, the stunning blue even more powerful than before. I thought about what she said, could hear the utter truth in every word.
Yet I was unfazed. Maybe I was far too broken to give a shit about anything so simplistic. “Come here.”
As she narrowed her eyes, she wrinkled her nose but did as she was told, moving slowly to the front of the desk.
“That isn’t real life, sweetheart. That’s the kind of shit made for fairytales and Hallmark movies. While I will provide you with beautiful things, you will never share your joys with me. I’m not that kind of man.”
“What kind of man are you? Why don’t you tell me? Better yet, why don’t you show me the real Gabriel Masters?”
She should have known better than to spar with a beast. I swiveled in my chair as I’d done the night before, spreading my legs idea open. “Come to me.”
There was no hesitation on her part, the soft padding of her feet on the carpet then the hardwood making no sound. When she stood in front of me, I pointed to the floor.
“What do you want?” she finally asked.
“What I need is for you to suck me.”
She bit her lip, sadness rolling across her entire face. I’d taken a precious moment, the only gift that she could give me, and I’d tossed it away. See? I am a bastard.
“Now, Alessandra, or I will be forced to continue your punishment.”
As she dropped to her knees, her entire face sagged, and I could swear I heard her husky whisper. “This is a form of punishment.”
I closed my eyes as she unfastened my belt, leaning back in the chair when I heard the zipper. This would show her that I was in charge and that there was no choice but to obey me.
Why not just hurt her, Gabriel? She means nothing to you. Go ahead, wrap your belt around her neck. Show her who’s boss.
The angry voice inside my head was difficult to ignore. I shuddered, driving away the ugly thought as her hand wrapped around my cock, her delicate fingers sliding up and down the length. I bit back a moan of my own, the feel of hot breath as she lowered her head far too appealing. Swallowing, the bitter bile was a reminder of how sick and twisted I’d become.
She was almost sweet in her application, sliding her hand between my legs and cupping my aching balls. I took a deep breath, holding it as she rolled them between her fingers, the pressure a beautiful moment of intoxication.
With every touch of her fingers, my pulse increased, the shot of electricity enough to keep me on edge. She had no way of knowing how her touch affected me, the hunger that would never be abated.
The moment she wrapped her hand around the base, twisting her fingers back and forth as she dragged her tongue across my sensitive slit, I couldn’t hold back an intense growl. Shivers raced down my spine and I jutted my hips forward, reaching down and twisting my hand in her hair.
She took my cockhead into her mouth, using her strong jaw muscles to suck, all the while creating the kind of friction that drove me wild. As she crawled further between my legs, I stroked her head, finding it difficult to focus. Her mouth was hot and wet, the heat of our combined bodies searing every nerve ending.
Her ragged breath slipped around my shaft as she took me down an inch at a time, her tongue swirling back and forth.
“That’s it. Suck me. Suck me hard. So fucking good.” The sensations were explosive, my heart skipping several beats as she sucked harder. Even the sounds she made were enticing, riling the raging beast clawing to break the surface.
To consume her.
To take her.
To use her.
She continued stroking as she moved her mouth up and down on my cock, using her other hand to squeeze my balls. The pressure was amazing, driving me to the point of almost coming, but I refused. Maybe I would fuck her right here, her beautiful naked body splayed out across the cool wooden surface, ready for a feast.
“Keep going, sweet girl.”
I bit back another series of moans, finally able to control my breathing. Nothing was going to interfere with this enjoyment.
Then I heard the sound of footsteps, the break in my concentration forcing me to snarl. I jerked up my head while keeping my hand on hers. The sight of Jefferson walking into my office was enough to piss me off, but I held my tongue.
Alessandra didn’t stop. If she even realized the interruption, she didn’t show it in her actions.
“What the hell is going on, Gabriel? I called and left a message. I heard nothing from you. I was almost shut out by Kito, for fuck’s sake. Then I come inside and there’s no one. None of the loyal staff required to keep you in the manner of living that you desire. There’s freaking broken glass all over the kitchen and blood on the stairs. What the fuck?”
I took a deep breath, refusing to lash out at him.
“First of all, I let the majority of the staff go for today. They deserve a day off too. Isn’t that what you’ve been telling me? Granted, Kito will be well compensated for his loyalty.” I shifted in my seat, savoring the sinful moment. I wondered if he could see the filthy act being played out in front of him. Would he give a shit? Likely the pompous ass would chastise me for my childish behavior. As if I cared. “And the blood is none of your concern.”
“What are you afraid of, Gabriel?” Jefferson tilted his head, his gaze shifting downward.
I stroked Alessandra’s head, uncertain how or if I wanted to answer. “Tell me, Jefferson. How much is my father’s estate still paying you to babysit me?”
Huffing, he opened his eyes wide. “How dare you, Gabriel. I’ve done nothing but attempt to guide you over the last ten years. While I understand the difficulties that you were forced to face, I do not deserve even a minute of your wrath.”
“Why did you come here?” I finally felt a level of anxiety increasing in her behavior. She pulled back and I heard her scattered breaths clearly. Exhaling, I studied her face, the shimmer created by her anxiousness. I yanked out my phone, texting Kito, furious with the interruption.
“We have business to discuss. As you might imagine, stocks have taken a significant hit. I thought you’d want to know since you seem preoccupied with your... prize.”
I chuckled seeing his expression turn to disgust. As if he’d never indulged in dark proclivities before. He was no better than many of the others who worked for me, even though he had an adoring wife and two perfect children.
As Kito walked into the room, Jefferson closed his eyes.
“Yes, boss?” Kito asked.
I gently brushed my hand across Alessandra’s face as I pushed her further away. “Take Ms. Toro to her room. Make certain she has everything she needs.”
“Of course.” Kito was expressionless, his eyes barely registering when she moved from in front of my chair.
But I heard Jefferson’s repulsed groan when she eased to her feet.
“We will talk later, Alessandra. As I mentioned before, do not try and escape again.” My words lingered as she was led from the room. I slipped my cock into my pants, giving Jefferson a harsh glare. “As far as the stock, I was prepared for a decline. Have you found other possible investors?”
He laughed as he moved closer, planting his hands on my desk and leaning over. “There must be blood in the water, Gabriel. No one is touching the stock and I received a call from Mr. Braxton. As I already told you, he’s one calculating man. Word on the street is that he’s already sniffing the bloody waters for another purchaser.”
The revulsion in his voice was more intensified than ever. I was suspicious of why he was challen
ging me at this point. “Do you have a point, Jefferson, or are you merely determined to piss me off on this fine morning?”
He glared at me before answering. “It would seem Mr. Braxton was a close personal friend of Luis Toro. Given the circumstances around Luis’ death, Braxton is concerned that you might have ordered Luis’ assassination. He doesn’t desire to enter into business with a criminal or a murderer.”
“I’m certain you helped him understand the truth.”
Laughing, he shook his head. “The truth. I don’t know you at all, Gabriel, or if you’re capable of even telling the truth. You’ve changed significantly over the years. You made additional enemies by freeing Ms. Toro, no matter the circumstances. You alienated your entire board of directors. You singlehandedly pushed away some of your most loyal investors because they asked questions, expressed concerns. If this deal goes through, it will be a miracle.”
I smiled and rose to my feet. “You can let Mr. Braxton know that Luis’ lovely daughter has agreed to be my wife. That will certainly go a long way in allowing his... understanding of the circumstances.”
Jefferson jerked back, pursing his lips. “You’re really going through with it?”
“Absolutely. As a matter of fact, you need to begin plans for a wedding. Ten days from today. We can have it in the gardens here. Of course, be certain to invite all the beautiful people of Colorado, including Mr. Braxton.” The implied threat wouldn’t be lost on a man of such high intelligence and regard as William Braxton.
“Why are you doing this?” he asked after a full minute had passed.
“You know why.”
“No,” he said quietly. “Alessandra is a wonderful young woman that you are treating like a conquest and nothing more. I can only imagine what horrors you’ve inflicted on her. She deserves to have an amazing life. Even you must know that.” He straightened to his full height, likely concerned I’d retaliate for his honesty.
Even me. The monster. The bastard child of the most prominent family in Ireland. I could hear such concern in his voice, even more so than normal. An angry tic appeared in the corner of my mouth, only this time, the raw emotion was directed at myself. “And I plan on giving her an incredible life.”
His eyes held nothing but contempt.
“My God. I feel sorry for you,” he muttered.
Swallowing, I leaned over my desk. “Don’t be, Jefferson. I am happy with the way things worked out and just think of it. If things go well, I will be out of your hair in two weeks. That is unless you’ve decided to take me up on my earlier offer.”
His mouth twisted and he looked away for several seconds. The bastard was as greedy as anyone I’d ever know. “I’m not certain yet but I see you’ve made your final decision.”
“There was really never any other choice. You can go ahead and book two plane tickets to Ireland the day after the wedding. I will be proud to show off my new wife to my... family.” I snickered under my breath, happy with my decisions.
He stood where he was, staring at me. Grading my behavior. Chastising me.
“Just. Do. It,” I hissed under my breath.
The tension was more significant than usual.
“Very well, Gabriel. I will ask, how are you going to run this portion of your empire while in Ireland?”
“I assure you that I have no intentions of allowing just anyone else to touch the success I’ve worked so hard to achieve. That’s why I need someone here I can trust implicitly. I’d thought I’d found that man.” Jefferson wasn’t foolish enough to attempt betrayal, even if I was a thousand miles away.
He hesitated then turned sharply, taking long strides toward the door.
I studied him as he walked away, a series of images and memories surfacing in my mind. “I assumed you talked with Liam?”
He stopped, his shoulders slumping. “I did. While he said it was urgent that you contact him, I relayed your message. He was understandably disappointed. I do hope you know what you’re doing. I also hope you can find some happiness. Even you deserve it.”
As he walked out, I leaned over my desk once again, dropping my head. Happiness. I’d pushed that thought away years before.
Then why did I suddenly crave it more than success or even revenge?
When I was certain he’d left the house, I threw my head back and roared.
Chapter Ten
Alessandra
Secrets. Lies.
Revenge.
I could easily tell that Gabriel’s world involved all three. His armor had cracked once again, allowing me to see a larger portion of his soul, one blackened by pain. Why? Did it have something to do with the horrific scar on his face? Were his family members dead or possibly criminals? Or was it that they just didn’t care about him?
My hand remained balled around the single piece of trash I’d found in the small can yet to be emptied by one of his many staff members. I’d counted six people, not including the bodyguard who’d accompanied me to my room, the lock firmly secured in place once again. I had the feeling there were more. While the house was huge, I couldn’t imagine he needed so many people to keep the day to day homelife going.
My foot ached almost as much as the stinging sensations on my bottom. Even the minimal number of strikes he’d issued had been harsh, punishment for daring to defy him. Running had been a ridiculous move, but a part of me wanted to see what he’d do. I laughed softly and pressed my hand against my mouth, remembering the intimate kiss.
Gabriel could be so stiff, unyielding in every manner, but I’d seen remarkable seconds of true passion, raw and exposed. He was so damn complicated, layer upon layer of anger and sadness wrapped around him, suffocating his every move.
I held out my hand, staring at the crumpled papers. Did I really want to find out what he’d tossed away? Sadly, I did. I needed to find out everything about this man I could if I wanted to find a way to escape. Whatever relationship my father had entered into with him was twisted and dark, fueled by power and greed. That much I could tell. The details continued to haunt me.
I moved slowly toward the bed, every step reminding me of the ridiculous plug he’d forced me to wear. As I sat down, I winced, wanting nothing more than to rid myself of the implement. Funny how I didn’t even bother trying.
Very slowly I peeled open the papers, smoothing out the wrinkles then staring down at the handwriting. A cold shiver drifted into every cell in my body, tears immediately swimming into my eyes. My father’s handwriting. Oh, God. I’d been right. The bastard had kept this from me. He’d never wanted me to see the truth.
A strangled moan rushed from my throat and I was forced to wipe away the tears before they ruined the ink.
“Alessandra,
My dear, beautiful daughter. These words will be difficult for you to read but they are necessary. My life ended up being about lies, the decision I made branded into my very soul, one I’d sold to the devil.”
I jerked back, closing my eyes. No. I didn’t want to read this. I couldn’t. I scrambled up from the bed, leaving the letter in the middle of the crumpled blanket, backing against the wall. You wanted to know the truth. Now is your chance.
Maybe I honestly didn’t want to know the truth, just like Gabriel had warned. However, he’d hidden the letter from me intentionally. Fuck him. I snatched it into my hand, pacing the floor as I began to read the rest.
With every paragraph, I began to understand that my father had lived a double life, at least for a period of time. He’d portrayed himself to be a businessman who’d enjoyed working for Masters Enterprises early on, but something had changed him. He’d fallen prey to some desire to either better himself or... protect me? I was more confused than ever. My father had always been a righteous man, one of honor. What if he had stolen money from Gabriel?
By the time I read the last two paragraphs, I was numb inside, no longer able to feel anything.
No pain.
No anger.
No hatred.
Just...not
hing.
“There are some things I can’t tell you, my sweet daughter, but you need to know that I believe in my heart Gabriel Masters is the only man who can protect and care for you. As if you need affirmation, Bobby Rivers is nothing more than a vulture. He will continue to try to destroy you because those were his orders. What I’ve done will prevent that from happening.
You deserve happiness, something I hoped I was able to share with you. I have asked Gabriel within the terms of a deal I’ve made to take you as his wife. There are several reasons for my request that will come to light at a later time. Just know I have your best interests at heart. I love you, Alessandra, more than I can truly express. Never forget that you can be in charge of your destiny. You will learn the reasons why I made the decisions I did. I love you.”
My father had predicted his own death. He’d known I would be left alone to face the nightmare. I held my breath, reading the letter once again.
Bobby Rivers was a part of this. The asshole who’d lured me to the club with a promise of nothing more than a night out had betrayed me on more than one level. The same asshole who’d pretended to be my friend had been using me as a pawn. My God. I’d been fooled by his charm and good looks.
Why couldn’t I remember what had happened that night? Had he drugged me? That had to be the reason.
I’d never suspected after meeting Bobby in the library at college that he was anything but a graduate student, an older man who showered me with attention. He’d been sweet, allowing me to laugh. I’d known he was attracted to me, yet he’d never forced a situation, or made me feel uncomfortable. Not once. A gentleman, I’d called him. Until that night. Until he’d accused me of trying to kill him.
Until he’d set me up to take the fall.
Everything was a total mess, a nightmare that would never end. How did my father know Bobby? Who was he? What the hell was my father involved in?
And Gabriel.
Was he actually my dark knight on a blackened steed shielding me from danger or would he be my ultimate demise?