by Piper Stone
He lowered his head, taking a deep breath then growling. “I suggest you be careful, Rebel. I’m not a man who enjoys playing games.”
“And I’m not a woman who can tolerate an asshole.”
The flare in his eyes made me cringe. I expected him to smack me or worse, but he chuckled under his breath. “While you try and be a tiger, I can tell easily that you’re afraid of me. That’s good because you should be terrified.”
“Is that a threat?”
“That’s a promise of things to come if you don’t obey.” When he dropped his head until our lips were almost touching, I did everything I could to pull away, including shifting to the side. He yanked me back to front and center, shaking his head. “I suggest you realize you’re going nowhere.”
Why did the sound of his voice turn me on, keeping my nipples hard and my pussy throbbing? I couldn’t be attracted to the brutal beast. “What do you want from me? I told you that Angel means nothing to me. He’s a lowlife bastard.” Just like you.
“We will talk. And you will tell me the truth.”
He kept his head lowered, his lips dangerously close. I tilted my chin until mine were now only centimeters away. His breathing was ragged, his chest rising and falling. Rebel’s personality ever defiant, I dragged my tongue across my lips with a sinful sound.
Vincenzo slowly lifted his head, the look in his eyes one of admonishment. When the elevator slowed, coming to a halt, he placed his index finger over his mouth, his damn eyes still sparkling in the ugly light of the elevator.
As the doors opened, my heart skipped several beats from the sight of a couple getting in. Before I had a chance to think about asking for help, he gripped my hand, yanking me into the hallway. There was an immediate burst of electricity as our fingers touched, the red-hot heat splashing through me in wave after wave. My heartbeat pounded into my ears as he dragged me along, heading to the end of the corridor.
He wasted no time sliding the keycard into the lock and shoving open the door. After dragging me inside, he turned in my direction, shaking his head. There was something eerie about the way he was studying me, dropping his gaze an inch at a time. I’d never felt so uncomfortable in my life.
I scanned the room quickly, realizing it was an actual suite. I could see at least two additional rooms, maybe more. Of course the man had money, copious amounts of it, likely swindled or made from illegal drugs. I knew exactly how Angel made his living and I wanted no part of it. If the fucker standing in front of me actually thought I gave a damn about the manhandling bastard, he was dead wrong.
But would I be able to convince him of that fact?
As he continued to study me like I was nothing more than a specimen, I wrung my hands, itchy all over from his piercing gaze.
“Get this over with,” I barked, although the sound of my voice was distant, almost unrecognizable.
He took a deep breath then nodded several times. “You’re absolutely right.” Within seconds, his hand was around my throat. Then he tossed me over the back of the couch, yanking on my skirt.
“What are you doing? Get off me!” I swung my arms behind me, trying to connect to any body part. The feel of cool air against my already aching bottom was a horrible reminder of what I was facing. I couldn’t keep from whimpering, the sound sputtering up from my throat.
I was so shocked I had difficulty breathing, my mind spinning as I clawed the back of the couch.
“What I’m doing, sweetheart, is continuing your punishment, only this time I’m using my belt. For every moment of bad behavior, a round of heavy discipline is necessary. You heard my requirements and you refused them.”
Who the fuck was he kidding? I couldn’t think clearly, let alone speak. When he cracked his hand against my naked skin, only then did I realize he was serious. What kind of bastard spanked a woman?
“No. No. No!” I huffed, managing to kick out, praying to God the direct hit was in a very intimate place on his massive body.
His grunt gave me hope, his grip loosening. The split second was all I needed. I almost made it off the couch entirely before he snatched me back, the toss over the back of the sofa more pronounced, jetting stars in front of my eyes.
“I can see I have my hands full with you. You don’t want to piss me off, Rebel. I’m not a very nice man.”
“No, you’re a monster.” I heard the sound of his belt buckle, the horrible sliding noise as he dragged the thick strap through his belt loops. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t think.
“Good. I’m glad you completely understand who and what I am.” He wasted no time, bringing the belt down against my heated skin.
The immediate stinging sensations sent a shockwave through my body. I opened my mouth to scream, but nothing came out.
Everything was shoved into a vacuum, the whooshing sound of the belt slicing through the air terrifying.
I was taken aback by his fierceness, every cell in my body on fire as I tried to figure out what I could do. There was no doubt he was going to kill me after he was finished. He smacked me again and again, the strap landing across both ass cheeks. The pain was almost blinding, leaving me unable to think clearly, tears forming in my eyes.
What had I done to this asshole?
Angel.
He’d crossed the mobster, putting my life in danger. Damn him.
As the spanking continued, I realized it was no use to struggle. I closed my eyes, praying it would be over.
But the savage strikes continued to come, the hard cracking sound echoing in my ears.
Vincenzo fisted my hair, yanking my head away from the couch as he leaned over. “Now, you’re going to tell me what I want to know.”
“What? What?”
“Who was your boyfriend selling to?”
“I…” What the hell was he talking about? Oh, my God. It almost made sense. Angel had been talking, boasting that I belonged to him. “Boyfriend? Angel wasn’t my boyfriend. You have to believe me.”
The ruthless, gorgeous man only laughed then started the spanking all over again. This time, every strike was harder than the one before.
I had to tell him something. What? I didn’t know a goddamn thing about what Angel did. I’d never been a part of that ruthless world, refusing to listen to stories or be a part of the craziness the Los Pirados insisted was their way of life. I was a good girl. I lived honorably, just trying to make ends meet. With every hard snap of his wrist, I was pulled into a dark lull, barely comprehending anything but the increasing sensations. I was torn by the mixture of feelings and sensations, my bottom on fire but every synapse in my body exploding with something entirely different.
Desire.
I couldn’t like this. Oh, God. What the hell was wrong with me?
No. No. This wasn’t going to happen.
Tell him anything. Anything.
“Please. I’ll be good. I’ll tell you what you want to know.” God, I hated the hearing the way I was begging, even though I was acting, I couldn’t stop shaking. He had to know just how terrified I was.
And how excited.
The scent of my feminine wiles floated between us, filling my nostrils. I was sickened at the realization, trying not to take a deep breath, but the pain was so intense I started gasping.
“Yes, you will,” he growled.
I thought he was going to stop, but the bastard refused, continuing with smack after smack until I was left weak, the rush of adrenaline shifting into a crazy level of anxiety and…
Excitement.
I no longer recognized myself, my entire world now turned upside down. My mind shutting down, I didn’t bother fighting him. There was no use, no sense in elongating the horrible mess I’d managed to place myself in. I kept my eyes closed as he spanked me long and hard, the buildup of heat rushing into every inch of my body. Panting, I remained mortified that my entire body was alive, betraying me as if I was nothing but a girl for sale.
That was never going to happen. I was musician. I was important.
I was somebody.
Not a toy for a supposed King.
Why? Why? Why did I find him so attractive? It was as if the wall I’d kept around me had been shattered, ripped apart by a hateful, dominating…
Sexy.
Brutal.
Man.
I couldn’t stop shaking, my nipples aching to the point I was ashamed of my body’s reaction to him. This wasn’t the kind of man I wanted. I craved…
Something dark and filthy. Oh, no. Oh…
I caught the sound of his raspy breathing. When he brushed the tips of his fingers across my bottom again, sliding them up and down the crack of my ass, I shuddered and pulled my legs together.
“You’re going to learn that while you’re my possession, you will obey me at all times,” he said as he forced my legs apart, running his fingers down the back of my thigh.
I did everything I could to find my resolve, pushing the ridiculous thoughts out of my mind. I had to keep fighting. Somehow, I’d find a way out of his clutches.
Then I’d drive a stake through his heart.
“If you’re going to kill me, just do it. I don’t know anything. I’m not Angel’s girlfriend. I hate the bastard. He’s a fucking pontificating liar and a pig. I’ve never been a part of his dirty world. I don’t know what he’s told you, but whatever it is, he’s a lying sack of shit.”
When I didn’t hear anything, all I could do was say a silent prayer, and I wasn’t a religious girl. I didn’t want to die. I had so much left to live for and to enjoy.
I bristled as he pulled me off the couch, even yanking down my skirt. He shifted his hold until his hand was wrapped around my throat, shifting his thumb up and down.
There was something dark and dangerous in his eyes, as if the man had no soul. Lowering his head, he took his time taking a deep breath then slowly blowing it across my face.
Tingling, I refused to allow him to see anything he did bothered me.
“Rebel. If I wanted you dead, that would already have occurred. As far as your boyfriend, he couldn’t seem to provide what I needed. He also never said anything about you so I wouldn’t worry.”
“Because I don’t have anything to do with his bullshit life. Fuck him.”
“So you’ve said,” Vincenzo said then released his hold, darting his lurid gaze down the length of me before walking toward the bar near the expansive set of windows.
Dumbstruck, I watched in a combination of awe and revulsion as he poured two drinks. Did the bastard actually think I was going to have a cocktail with him? He was flipping out of his mind.
“You’ll be happy to know that you won’t have to worry about Angel bothering you any longer.”
“Why?” I managed, my voice little more than a whisper, a sickening feeling pooling in the pit of my stomach. Oh, my God. Oh, sweet Jesus. My mouth suddenly dry, I tried to keep from shaking, an odd pulsing of lights floating in front of my eyes.
“You see, I refuse to be crossed on any level, my lovely singer. What Angel did was betray me as well as my family. That is one of the most egregious crimes that can be committed. Therefore, he was required to face penance for his actions. As I said, there are consequences for bad behavior.”
“What the fuck did you do to him? What? Tell me, you prick.”
He turned to face me, a demonic smile crossing his face. Damn him for being so freaking handsome. Very casually he walked in my direction, stopping only a foot away. I refused to back down, remaining where I was, wanting nothing more than to find the courage to scratch out his eyes.
“I did what was necessary, Rebel. In my world, bad behavior can’t go unanswered. I did what was necessary in order to keep the peace.” He put the drink in front of me, nodding his head once. “Take the drink, Rebel. Do as you’re told.”
“You killed him. You asshole. You fucking killed him. What are you going to do with me?” When he said nothing, I lifted my chin, daring him to answer me, defying the great King. However, I found myself reaching for the glass, struggling to hold onto the thick tumbler without dropping it. “Please tell me.”
Every horror I’d ever been forced to witness by the Los Pirados was likely nothing in comparison to what the man was capable of. He was a true animal, a disgusting piece of flesh that deserved to be destroyed.
Fear kept my heart racing and my mind a blur. I was going to die for being stupid enough to fall into the lure of coming to Texas.
He swirled the liquid in his glass then took a sip, his eyes never leaving mine. “That’s a good question. That’s going to depend entirely on your behavior. One thing is mandatory. You will obey me, Rebel, no matter what I ask. In addition, you’re going to answer every question I ask without hesitation. Do. You. Understand?”
As the weight of what had occurred settled on my shoulders, I knew from that day forward my life had changed. Whether he killed or kept me, I would never be the same.
Chapter 3
Vincenzo
Challenged.
I’d been defied countless times in my life, but never twice by the same person. In my world, people knew better than to push back against a single command.
Then there was this girl.
Beautiful.
Ballsy.
Challenging.
She also knew more than she was willing to tell me. That had to end, and it would one way or the other.
Rebel stood as far away from me as possible, her back against the window and her face pensive. Even her glare was ripped with rebellion. While the majority of women in this situation would only be thinking about escaping, I had no doubt what was running through her mind like a broken record.
How she was going to gut me.
Even with her tawdry rocker outfit and unbecoming hair, she still looked like some beautiful angel. I forced myself to look away, my cock throbbing by my unscrupulous thoughts, my attraction to her a surprise.
A sadistic desire.
A dark hunger that was testing my resolve.
“Drink the liquor, Rebel,” I instructed.
“I’m not thirsty.”
All I had to do was give her a single look, keeping my eyes locked on hers. When she lifted her glass, I could tell her hand was shaking. Good. She should be terrified of me. I was a very bad man. I eased my drink onto the bar, taking my time to remove my jacket and tie. She watched everything I did, smirking when I unbuttoned my shirt and rolled up my sleeves.
I remained quiet as I grabbed my drink then walked to the window, peering out at the ocean.
She seemed uncomfortable, shifting back and forth against the glass.
“Let’s start with something easy. What’s your real name?”
I wasn’t a patient man. She’d already pushed every button in her acts of defiance. I was growing weary of the games. There was far too much business to attend to.
“Rebel. That’s all you need to believe.”
After rubbing my jaw, I allowed the silence to settle between us again. Often saying nothing meant much more in these kinds of situations.
“Why can’t you believe me about Angel?”
I took my time, swirling the liquor in my glass and taking a sip before answering. “Because men like Angel Riviera talk. They pontificate.” I chuckled. “Angel was well known for spilling his guts while losing a fortune every other night at the poker table. The man wasn’t too bright. He didn’t seem to understand that he had no real friends. Even a solid portion of the bastards in the Los Pirados would sell their mother for a chance at making more money.”
“What did you hear?”
She was determined to maintain her innocence. I could tell that I would need to break down her defenses even more. The girl seemed impervious to pain. Or perhaps her brazen attitude had prevented her from seeing the entire picture. “Enough to know how close you were.”
“That’s a lie.”
I took another swig of my drink. “Have it your way, Rebel. Remove your clothes. All of them.” When she didn’t make a sound, I slowly t
urned my head in her direction. “You heard me.”
“I… Why? I mean…” Her entire body shaking, she gave me one last hateful look before taking careful steps toward the coffee table, placing her drink on the edge.
I watched a portion of her bravado fade as she sat down on the couch, keeping her back to me as she struggled to remove her boots. Then she yanked off her shirt, hesitating before folding and placing it on the couch. When she stood, she darted a glance over her shoulder, her lovely lips twisting out of fear and frustration.
That’s when I turned away, still able to see her sensuous reflection in the shimmering light of the window. When she was completely naked, I heard her shudder.
“Come here.” My tone was demanding and dark, my needs increasing. I’d been able to tell how aroused she’d been before, her tight little nipples poking through her top. Even her intoxicating scent had been laced with her feminine wiles. It had taken everything I had not to fuck her earlier, the draw of her pretty pink pussy almost too much to resist.
The last thing I needed was baggage, but a huge part of me wanted to taste her.
Fuck her.
Break her.
Hell, why not toss in that I wouldn’t mind owning her?
At least she’d decided it was time to obey without questioning me. As she walked closer, she kept her head down, but I could see the warm blush of embarrassment on her porcelain skin. The sadistic beast in me had already risen to the surface. I’d learned a long time ago that the easiest way to break through an enemy’s defenses was to strip them of their armor, leaving them entirely vulnerable. In this case, her Rebel badass costume had provided a level of comfort.
She came within a few feet then stopped, her breathing ragged.
“Closer.”
Wincing, she did as instructed, moving to within a couple of inches of the glass.
“Place your hands on the glass.” I kept my voice even.
As another moment of defiance returned, with a single hate-filled toss of her head she obeyed. When she slapped one hand then the other against the window, I had difficulty holding back a smile.