by Piper Stone
As I walked into the house, I realized I was looking forward to taking Acadia out to dinner. Maybe the night before had increased my desire for her to an entirely different level. Holding her in my arms had been the pinnacle of the evening. While my sadistic needs had been sated for the time being, I’d seen an entirely different side of her, someone who’d placed her trust in me if only for a short period of time.
For some reason, I’d expected the house to be quiet, but hearing the music as soon as I walked in gave me an unexpected smile.
Then there was her magical voice.
I stopped in the foyer, taking a few seconds to listen to the melodic sounds. With the acoustics in the house, her voice seemed to echo. Sighing, I shook my head. Maybe this was what she meant by having life inside the place.
As if I would know what that meant.
It wasn’t a surprise to find her outside sitting by the pool’s edge, her feet in the water. She had her arms behind her, hands planted on the deck, splashing water as she sang. She’d remained distant after we left the club, including this morning before I’d left. I wasn’t certain what to make of the change in her demeanor other than I’d been out of the house and she’d had time to think.
I moved closer, flanking her side, keeping my gaze on the water.
“Hmmm… Home from work. How was your day, honey?”
There was no way to hold back a laugh. I peered down at her, enjoying the view. “Just grand. And yours?”
She slowly removed her sunglasses, moving to a standing position. The sight of her in the floral dress was stunning, another reminder that she was all female. “Oh, let’s see. I walked into every room not once but twice. But don’t worry, I didn’t touch a single thing. I did check on your soldiers, asking if they wanted some fresh lemonade. I hope you don’t mind they accepted. Then I came out here to listen to some music. I’d say that was a full and exciting day. However, my guess is not as exciting as yours.”
When she wrapped her arms around my neck, I stiffened, surprised at my reaction. “Is this a game, little rebel?”
“Considering you’re the master of them. Why don’t you tell me?”
Her spunk was enough to make me drag her into the water, fucking her for hours. However, I thought we both needed a night of relative calm.
Before the storm.
“Hmm… If I had to guess, I’d say that’s exactly what you’re doing. Are you ready for dinner?”
She brushed the palm of her hand down my suit jacket, wrinkling her nose. “Only if you change. You look like a stuffed shirt. You need to relax, loosen up a bit. Unless you can’t hide your gun wearing a pair of jeans.”
“You don’t like a man in a suit?”
“Not all the time. I was surprised you don’t wear your suit to bed.”
“Maybe I do.”
Her face clouded over briefly. “True. I would have no idea and I doubt I’ll ever find out. I’m ready when you are.” She backed away, moving toward the house, stopping just before going inside. “By the way. Where are we going?”
“I’m going to take you for one of the finest meals in New Orleans. I enjoyed your food. Now, I want you to try mine.”
“I guess that’s okay, although I’m terrified to find out where we’re going. No sushi. None. I’m a meat and potatoes kind of girl.”
“A woman after my own heart. You have no worries.”
I glanced down at my attire, growling. Maybe it was time to loosen up. I couldn’t stop chuckling as I walked inside to change. She wasn’t just a breath of fresh air. The woman was electrifying any time she walked into a room. And serving my men lemonade? Shit. They were going to get soft.
Ah, what the heck. Life was far too short.
Chapter 12
Vincenzo
“You look good enough to eat.” She stepped away from me and slapped her hand over her mouth. “Oops. I always say shit before I think about it.”
“Fine by me. When a beautiful lady pays you a compliment, every man should pay attention, no matter how she states her opinion.”
“Hmm… Now I think you’re buttering me up.”
“I’m not that kind of man.”
Acadia sighed. “No, you’re not, but you look much more comfortable, even if you didn’t wear jeans.”
“The restaurant we are going to isn’t that kind of place.”
“Groovy.”
As we walked down the crowded street, just watching her was sheer entertainment. Everything she looked at gave her a smile. The lights. Items in the store windows. The crazy people walking the street. I’d never seen anyone with the kind of reaction she was having, even during Mardi Gras.
Then again, I hadn’t been to the festival in years, at least ten.
As the restaurant came into view, she sensed I was slowing down and turned to face me. “Really?”
“What’s wrong?”
“This looks like a fancy-dancy place. I don’t think I’m dressed for it.”
I tugged on her long locks, dragging her closer. “How about this. If I look good enough to eat, then you’re the whipped cream and cherry on the ice cream sundae.”
“My God, you almost made a joke.” She poked me in the chest then threw a look at the entrance. “I hope they have cheeseburgers.”
I lowered my head, trying to keep from laughing all over again. She had a way about her that would drive a man insane.
With aggravation.
And longing.
And burning need.
“Mr. King. It’s so good to see you.” As the owner approached, I offered him my hand.
“Mr. Caro. I’m sorry it’s been so long. I’ve been busy.”
“Of course. I completely understand. Is this the lovely Mrs. King?” Mr. Caro asked almost hopefully, his Spanish accent providing a lilt the women adored.
Acadia rolled her eyes. “Hardly. Mr. King couldn’t handle a woman like me. We are just… friends.”
“Ah. Friends,” he said as he winked at me. “Allow me to show you to your table.”
As we were taken through the restaurant, I was lucky enough to hear her oohs and aahs.
“A bottle of my finest red wine or would the lady prefer white?” Mr. Caro asked.
“Red. I like my wine the way I enjoy my steaks. Blood red,” she purred.
“A woman of discerning tastes. I do believe you should alter your status as friends, Mr. King. She is someone who might keep you on your toes.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Before sitting down, I scanned the restaurant, thankful there was no one of interest to hassle us.
“You know everyone in town,” she said as she took a deep breath. “Mmm… The scent of steak on a grill. Maybe I’ll change my mind and have a steak. I mean, if that’s all right.”
“You can have anything you want, but tonight, you will allow me to order for us.”
Frowning, she yanked her napkin off the table, plopping it into her lap. “Fine. But only tonight. You might own me, but you don’t own my palate.”
Her brazen actions continued to floor me. “Fair enough.”
She hummed to the lively music as we waited for the wine to arrive, her gaze shifting from one location in the restaurant to another. “This place is mighty fine. Much too good for a girl like me.”
“So you prefer food trucks?”
“Hey. Don’t put down food in a food truck. There are plenty of gourmet chefs who leave fabulous jobs in order to run one. You can make some damn good money if you find the right location.”
“I’ll keep that in mind too. By the way, you undersell yourself. You’re gorgeous, talented, and balls to the wall. That’s very special.”
As the wine arrived, she made faces at me. Her game was interesting and in truth, it was working. I wanted to sit for hours listening to her sing before fucking her brains out. How debonair of me.
I tasted the wine then nodded. Mr. Caro had selected the perfect merlot. “I think you’ll like this.”
“I ho
pe so. Of course, it’s not a spicy margarita.” Her laugh sparkled into the room. When she lifted her glass, it was another pleasant surprise. “A toast.”
“What are we toasting?”
She closed her eyes briefly before answering. “To you allowing me to live another day.”
The words struck me harder than they should. She continued to believe that at the end of my requirements with her, I’d put a bullet in her brain. “To enjoying a nice evening.”
“Okay. That’s lovely.” She seemed to savor her sip, but I could tell she was nervous, expecting me to grill her.
“What did say Pedro say to lure you to Texas?”
“I knew you would find a way to destroy the evening. Damn it. Damn you.”
I reached across the table, grabbing and yanking her hand closer. “Listen to me. You need to stop assuming everything. I will need to know everything about Pedro, no matter how small and yes, you will tell me. However, I was asking about the music. You said he knew some people.”
Her ugly glare remained for a few seconds, then her face softened. “Yeah, he did. I believed him. That’s how stupid and naïve I was. Granted, I was in a shit job and the music was going nowhere in Maryland, but Galveston didn’t quite live up to the glorious city he told me it was. At least as far as music is concerned. I don’t even know how he had any idea about my music in the first place. But he did. And here I am.”
I thought about her statement, a red flag raising. Perhaps she had literally been lured to the city to be used as a pawn. But in what capacity? Tonight, I’d leave it alone.
But only for tonight.
“Country music. Have you written any songs?”
“A bazillion and a half, but so what. They’re back in Texas. My guess is my place is trashed or worse, the damn landlord already tossing my shit out and re-renting it.”
“Your rent was taken care of for three months. Your apartment is being watched. I assure you that your things are still safe and sound.”
The look on her face was more hopeful than before. “Thank you. That’s very… unexpected.”
I was surprised when Mr. Caro approached the table.
“Can I make you something that’s not on the menu, a very special meal for you and your lady friend?”
I thought about his request and smiled. “As long as it’s all about crab as a beginning, a juicy, very rare steak, and perhaps a traditional dessert with your twist.”
He laughed, the sound hearty. “You got it, my friend. I think I know what you both will enjoy.”
She took a deep breath as he walked away, once again turning her attention to any location but mine.
“Would you enjoy a career in music?”
“I would enjoy making a living. I love music, but I’m not certain I’d be that good, at least not good enough for Nashville. But if it was offered to me, I certainly wouldn’t turn it down.” She took another sip of wine, finally starting to relax. “Now, I get to ask you a question.”
“Okay.” I sat back in my seat, unable to take my eyes of her.
“What makes you tick?”
“Meaning?”
“Oh, come on. You didn’t grow up in the nineteen-fifties. What makes you happy, gives you joy? And don’t you dare say killing people.”
I gave her a stern look, checking to see if anyone heard her near exclamation. Sadly, her question made me think. “I enjoy being on a boat.”
“But you don’t like the water.”
“True, but I didn’t say I was jumping off the boat.”
“Jesus. That’s half the fun. An amazing boat in the Caribbean, finding the perfect reef. Sorry. Continue.”
I drummed my fingers on the table, uncertain what to say. “I enjoy watching my niece and nephew. Just the little actions and subtle gestures they make. Although Isabella is turning out to be quite the little diva. Just like her mother was. They show me what the world looks like through a child’s eyes.”
“Do you want to have kids? You know, little brats running around. Maybe two dogs.” She laughed again then bit her lower lip. “Too many personal questions for a powerful man. Right?”
“Not too many. I’m just not used to them. I don’t think I would be the best father.”
“But you dote on your brother’s kids. Right?”
“Oh, you bet.”
“You’d be amazed what happens to a man when they have their own children. Not step-kids, but beautiful little creatures they helped to create. It changes a man. So I’ve heard anyway.”
“Maybe so, but I’m not that man. I hope I’m not disappointing you.”
She seemed surprised that I would possibly care, her smile turning into a smirk. “Nice try but you really don’t expect me to believe you care, do you?”
I shook my head, chuckling under my breath. “Maybe not. You know exactly the kind of man I am.”
“Yes. Dark. Dangerous. Delicious. That’s why I’m surprised you didn’t bring your bodyguards with you tonight.”
“I don’t always travel with my soldiers.”
“Yet you’re always prepared for a battle.”
“I have to be, Acadia. My instincts keep me alive.”
She sighed and as the first course arrived, she wrinkled her nose. “What’s this?”
“A crab souffle, madam,” the waiter said as he placed the ramekin in front of me.
“Crab souffle. Interesting.”
I nodded to the waiter and waited, watching as she took a bite. The same look on her face remained, unexcited.
“What do you think?” I asked after the second bite.
“As I said, interesting.”
“And what would you have served?”
Acadia took another nibble before sighing. “Crab cakes. That’s what I think of when I’m near the ocean. Succulent crab with just a hint of breading. A little tartar sauce on the side.”
“Sounds interesting. Is the ocean your choice of locations to live?”
“While I appreciate the small talk, what I prefer really doesn’t matter. Thank you for dinner.” She took two more bites before pushing it away and reaching for her wine.
“Believe it or not, Acadia, I happen to enjoy your company. I don’t think we need to make this difficult. Do you?”
“No. I suppose not. Fine. I’ll answer your question. Yes, I can imagine living on a beautiful Caribbean island where the waters are turquoise, the sands pearly white, and the shells abound. I know it’s a pipe dream, but we all need them in order to get through the tough times.”
“That is profound,” I said quietly.
“No, Vincenzo. That’s what normal people do, but you’re anything but normal. You never have to worry. Jet off here. Take the Learjet there. Whatever your heart desires.”
While there was a slight tension remaining, at least the conversation remained light until the entrée arrived tableside, Mr. Caro presenting the feast himself.
“What do we have?” I asked, never taking my eyes off her.
“My version of Steak Diane, a classic but with a South American twist,” he said proudly.
Acadia sat back as he prepared the steak, grilling it in front of us them flaming a beautiful Madeira wine, adding several spices as well as jalapeno and mushrooms.
And she couldn’t have cared less.
When he presented the plate, complete with cilantro encrusted potatoes, to her credit, she didn’t turn up her nose. Yet she picked at the steak, pushing it around her plate before bothering to pick up her steak knife. Ordinarily, I would be pissed, but everything she did fascinated me. A trailer park girl doing nothing more than trying to make something out of her life. She’d never gone to college, had never seen another country, yet she was well versed and highly intelligent, eager to take on the world, no matter what that meant. She would be ready to fight to the death if necessary.
I was forced to realize something hard and cold, an emotion that I certainly wasn’t ready to face. If a monstrous man like me could love anyone, cracking
my hardened heart to any degree, it was this beautiful, innocent creature sitting in front of me. I wanted to drink wine with her on the beach. I longed to share in her successes, giving her everything her heart ever desired.
And that terrified me to death.
I’d faced violence and bloodshed my entire life, the loss of my baby sister as well as dozens of soldiers, some of which I had almost called a friend. Yet this was something I couldn’t begin to tolerate. I shoved my emotion aside, enjoying a portion of the meal before realizing I’d lost my appetite. If she wasn’t enjoying the food, neither could I.
How fucking ridiculous.
“This is prepared exquisitely with the finest exotic spices and just the right amount of heat,” she said after nibbling on maybe her fifth bite. If she’d enjoyed a single potato, I’d be surprised.
“A hamburger, huh?”
Shrugging, she glanced into my eyes. “Don’t get me wrong, the chef here is amazing. I’m just not used to eating anything like this. If I was lucky, I found some hamburger on sale because it was out of date. You’d be surprised what you can do with the few spices normal people have in their cabinets. I make a mean Salisbury steak!” Her exclamation was followed by laughter. “And no fancy potatoes. Just plain ole French fries.”
As the owner approached, a frown on his face, I took a deep breath.
“The food is not to your liking?” Mr. Caro asked.
“The lady was telling me that she’s simply not used to something so incredible,” I offered.
“And what is the lady used to?” he asked, a twinkle in his eye.
“Food truck delicacies.” When I answered, she tossed her napkin in my direction.
“You’re so mean,” she hissed.
Mr. Caro burst into laughter. “I will have you know that some of the finest chefs suddenly quit their high paying positions in order to run a food truck.”
When Acadia gave me an I-told-you-so look, all I could do was laugh. “Is that so?” I managed.
“Yes. How do I know? My number one chef just gave his notice. It would seem the man is fully intent on owning a food truck. Who knew? I am sorry, sweet lady, that you are not enjoying. I have made a special dessert that I do hope will exceed your expectations.”