The Illicit Revealed (The Illicit Series Book 2)

by Brittani Marí

  When his mouth locked onto mine, I bit his lip. He growled, thrusting into me harder, keeping my wrists behind me so I couldn’t move. When I tried to meet his rhythm, he paused, gripping my hair and wrapping it around his fist as an anchor. He continued to kiss me, pulling me closer, occasionally nipping my neck.

  I didn’t cry out because of pain. I didn’t cry out because I was restrained and this man did with me as he pleased, gripping my hair so tightly, I could only look into those intense gray eyes when he broke the kiss long enough to allow us to take a breath. I cried out because the way he handled me, forcing my orgasm to the surface, was earth-shattering. All I could think about as I rested my head on his shoulder, recovering from the storm of sensations, was how I craved it again.

  He continued to move inside me, loosening his grip on my wrists and hair. I felt his large hands move to my waist as his thrusts became more forceful. I thought I was done, but when I heard him whisper into my ear as he fell over the edge, demanding that I give him more, I obeyed, not ready for the intensity of the orgasm that crept over me.

  As I felt blackness taking over, he whispered, “You’re mine now, Mia, and I’m not giving you up again.”

  ***

  I woke, quickly becoming alert as my memories started coming through. My kidnapping. Wesley orchestrating it. The mind-blowing sex. The way the orgasm wrapped around me, welcoming me into a place of bliss. I still felt slight soreness, reminding me how forceful it had been. How I desired more of it. How, even though it drained me of all my senses, I was anxious to go back. What did that make me? What did that say about my character?

  I looked around cautiously, studying my surroundings. The lights were off, but I saw a dim one shining from under a door. I carefully pulled myself up, leaning against what I assumed was the headboard of Wesley’s bed. The silk sheets slowly slid off my body, revealing that I was naked. The only thing I recalled was reaching that blissful place, several times, before my exhaustion won, leaving me in the care of my captor. I know I should be scared, but my gut feeling told me this man wouldn’t hurt me. If anything, he would go out of his way to protect me. I saw it in his eyes at the restaurant the last time we had been together. How his gaze and words made me feel safe after worry started to consume me. His assurances calmed me.

  I nervously rubbed my arms as goose bumps formed when the air conditioning kicked on. I was about to slip back under the covers when I heard whispers, aggressive and demanding. The familiar voice was filled with so much venom, it shook me to the core. I heard him threaten and curse at whomever he was talking to. Did it have to do with me? It all circled back to the reason for me being there. What did he want? I considered the sex, but I knew there had to be more. This man kidnapped me knowing my reputation, knowing what it meant, whom I belonged to. For him to risk so much, there had to be a reason behind it.

  I thought back to my conversation with Detective Anderson.

  “What made you walk into the lion’s den? Didn’t you see the signs?”

  When he asked me that, a feeling had washed over me—guilt. It was like I knew something but couldn’t grasp it. Why did I do it? Why didn’t I run from what had torn my family to shreds? Why couldn’t I just take my blessing of being spared and live a healthy life? What made me walk down the same poisonous path my father had? What made me choose to marry someone who lived a similar lifestyle? That same lifestyle had killed my mother and forced my father away, leaving me to live with my aunt.

  My father was enticed by the people who often kept him away from us. The ones who poisoned his mind, leading him right to the edge of that cliff, daring him to jump. My mother thought I went against him, but I didn’t. I had only done things to make him pay more attention, see what he was missing out on. I was never naïve. I paid close attention when I felt it was needed. When I overheard him on the phone one day, I finally learned the truth about my father. He was on his way out the door. I almost missed the nervousness in his voice.

  “Are you sure?” He was quiet as the other person spoke. “And you’re certain Stinson agreed to this?” He cursed when the person replied. “I’ll be there in an hour.”

  I slid back into the shadows of my room as he stormed down the hall, pausing by my mother’s door. He had a troubled look in his eyes as he turned, seeing me crouched there. It was too late for me to pretend I hadn’t been listening in on his conversation. He was about to say something, but his phone rang, catching his attention, like it always did. This time, fear washed over his face. He looked at me one more time before turning to walk away.

  It was the last time I had seen my father. I still got a feeling of regret every so often. Maybe I could’ve made him stay. Somehow, I knew something was wrong that night. I saw it on his face. The fear. The uncertainty. Deep down, I had a feeling he wouldn’t come back home. It was only a thought at the time, but it was verified the night I found my mother dead and my father never came back. That was something I didn’t tell the police. I felt it would only make matters worse, keeping them from finding the real killer.

  My father wasn’t a murderer. However, I could give him the title of coward. From the moment he got that phone call, he knew something was going to happen. My father knew I didn’t abide by my mother’s rules. I usually came home late without a care in the world…except for that night. And I’d regretted it ever since.

  I pushed the thoughts to the back of my mind when I heard footsteps headed toward the room. I quickly slid back under the covers. I let the silk sheets envelop me until the only thing showing was my face. I turned to my side, focusing my attention on the floor-to-ceiling windows to my left, the electric blinds blocking any view I might have had. I closed my eyes when the door opened and I heard somebody walking across the room.

  Suddenly, I was pulled to the middle, sheets were bunched around my waist, and strong arms encircled my thighs, pulling me right to his moist tongue.

  I curled my fingers in the sheets, loud moans coming out of my mouth as his tongue traveled deeper inside my pussy, the suction causing slight pain. His two fingers entered me as his thumb lightly circled my clit, setting an unbearable rhythm that caused me to scream out in pleasure, trembling from the orgasm.

  I allowed Wesley to pull me farther into the middle of the bed and underneath his massive frame. The way our bodies fit together as he pushed inside me was hard to describe, our connection seeming odd at times, but this man made me feel something I couldn’t explain. Secure. Complete.

  He made love to me continuously, my body quivering after each orgasm surged through me. He played my body like a familiar instrument, as if we’d been together for years. His intense gaze was a clear indication of his desire, his need.

  We both wound down, our breathing erratic as he pulled me against him, his arms wrapping around my body as though to protect me, but his recent actions proved differently. However, I allowed this man to hold me close as he trailed kisses along my ear and down my back, but I had a nagging feeling something wasn’t right. I still didn’t know this man’s motives, but what scared me the most was I had started not to care.

  Chapter Three

  Wesley

  IT DIDN’T TAKE LONG for me to see the repercussions of my actions. The backlash happened fairly quickly.

  I lay contently in bed, my head propped on my hand as I stared at the beautiful woman beside me, her chest rising and falling while she slept. I still felt the way she wrapped perfectly around me, her beautiful face flushing as she came around my cock. How her pussy squeezed me tightly. I wanted to bury myself inside her repeatedly, but I knew my actions had already started a war. I knew the peacefulness we enjoyed the night before wouldn’t last long. That was why I had taken advantage of it. It was only a matter of time before everything started to unravel.

  The sound of my phone ringing interrupted my musings.

  I made sure not to wake her as I carefully slid out of bed and pulled on the lounge pants I’d left on the floor. I made my way into the bathroom
, where I had left my phone the night before, the ringing stopping. The screen displayed numerous text messages and missed phone calls.

  When it started to ring again, I saw my brother’s name on the screen. I picked it up, making sure to keep my voice down.

  “Yes.”

  He didn’t say anything. Instead, he cleared his throat, stalling for time.

  “Did you need something, Calvin?”

  He laughed. “I was going to ask you the same thing.”

  I moved farther into the bathroom. “I don’t have time to play games. What the hell do you want?”

  He stalled a few more seconds, then blew out a breath. “Have you turned on the news lately, Wesley? Why haven’t you returned anyone’s calls? This is the fourth time I’ve called you since yesterday. It isn’t like you to not answer your phone.”

  I knew he would only pry for more information if I didn’t answer. It was better to just get it over with. Calvin had a tendency to push people well past their limit. He wasn’t the type who gave up easily. I gave him a vague answer.

  “I’ve been busy. I had planned on getting in contact with everyone soon. There was some information I came across that required immediate action.”

  “What kind of action?”

  I took a deep breath, realizing what I needed to do. Calvin and I had our issues, but we were both man enough to admit when we needed help.

  “I think it’s best we discuss this in person. It’s a somewhat…delicate issue.”

  “How delicate, Wesley?” he said curiously.

  When I heard movement in the bedroom, I pushed the conversation along. “It’s delicate enough that you might need to be the only one aware of it for now. If this information gets into the wrong hands, there’s no telling what might happen.”

  I pushed the negative thoughts away, deciding I needed to act quickly. If I was going to ask for my brother’s assistance, I needed to do it swiftly, but in person.

  “How about we meet at the club around noon so I can fill you in on the details?”

  I heard him grunt. “You’re in luck, Wesley. My driver’s picking me up at the airport right now.” He cleared his throat. “One quick word of advice, brother. Turn on the news. You just might find the information useful.”

  I hung up and walked into the bedroom, expecting to see Mia in bed, but she wasn’t. I didn’t panic. I had informed security that she was to stay in the condo until I told them otherwise.

  It didn’t take long to find her. Wrapped in the bedsheet, she sat at the dining table. Her hair was rumpled, and those large, green eyes stared hopelessly out the window.

  I watched her carefully until her gaze slowly swung to mine. It was full of so many questions, but the one she decided to ask was the hardest for me to answer.

  “Am I allowed to leave?”

  I looked at her a few moments. It was hard for me to tell this woman the truth because I knew she’d look at me like I was the enemy. She couldn’t leave because I couldn’t risk her being spotted. We were in a predicament right now that she wouldn’t understand. We couldn’t take chances. Everything from this moment forward had to be planned, calculated.

  “I’m afraid not, Mia,” I said in a low voice, as if that would make things better.

  She gave a short laugh, her gaze slowly returning to the window. It was beautiful outside. In a perfect world, I would’ve taken her out for a ride in my convertible, but nothing about our situation would ever be perfect. It would always be twisted. From the first time I saw her all those years ago, our paths crossing again was destined to end in destruction.

  “I had a feeling you would say that.”

  She forcefully wiped at the tears in her eyes, then adjusted the sheet around her body. I could tell she had started losing hope. Each minute that passed made the reason she was here clear. It wasn’t for enjoyment or pleasure, although the previous night had been filled with both. It was because her perfectly orchestrated life had caught a snag, and that one imperfection had the power to unravel it all. It had the power to reveal secrets and lies far beyond what she would ever expect, beyond what she could ever imagine. The knowledge of her presence in our circle set off alarms for various people, and I was certain if she thought about it, she knew she would never be safe again. Her presence was known. It was only a matter of time before desperation caused somebody to strike.

  I walked over to her, trying to ease the blow. She needed to know I would never hurt her and that everything I did was for her own good. Yes, my reasons were selfish, but the bottom line was that she would always be a threat to someone. I placed my hand on her shoulder and felt our instant disconnection when she flinched. She was already pulling away. How could I make this woman understand my reasons? How could I make her see her importance to me?

  I crouched down in front of her, but she refused to look at me. She was being defiant, and I understood why. In her mind, she had every right.

  I cleared my throat. “These accommodations are only temporary, Mia.”

  I had hoped my reassurance would make her look at me, but she didn’t. Tears still streamed down her face, but I knew there was no point in me trying to console her. I was the person who had caused her pain. I knew all about being controlled, even though our situations were different. I knew the feeling of hopelessness, how it restricted you. Owned you. Consumed you. I continued to try and get her attention, lighten the tension in the air.

  “I know you might not believe this, but you’ll be comfortable here. If you need anything, just let the staff know. I’ve already arranged for some clothes to be brought—”

  Her head shot up, her gaze cold, distant. “Did you plan this from the beginning, Wesley? If so, what was the purpose of everything that happened between us? Was it all just some sick bonus for you?”

  I stood and paced in front of her, struggling to avoid her gaze. “No, Mia. What we had was real. It is real. It just happened to occur at a very difficult time. Things quickly took a bad turn and I couldn’t do anything to prevent it. I tried to salvage what I could, which is why you’re here. I needed to keep you safe. I would’ve never done it this way if there were another option.”

  Her tears had dried up. The only thing left was curiosity, disbelief. “Keep me safe from what? From whom? My husband? My fa—”

  She stopped herself, but I knew what she was about to say. However, I didn’t want to go there–not yet. I didn’t think either one of us was ready to have that conversation. It was too soon, and the aftermath might alter everything. So I pretended I didn’t hear her. I didn’t know how to read this woman. I still hadn’t figured her out. The knowledge she had talked with the detective alarmed me, but it didn’t prove she knew anything. It only proved she had the means to find out.

  Detective Carlos Anderson had refused our “generosity”. My father had offered him a decent amount of money to keep quiet and look the other way, but he quickly proved to be a man of pride and honesty. He didn’t want to be involved in our illicit dealings and promised to reveal who we were, what we stood for. What he didn’t expect were the people may father had already bribed. His captain. His colleagues. He quickly learned his place, and we hadn’t heard another word since.

  His visit with Mia proved he had been dedicated to her mother’s case, but he had put both of them at risk by meeting with her in a public place, regardless of it being somewhat secluded. There was always someone watching. You could never let your guard down, especially in a situation like this. He knew the facts as well as I did. It was a move a man with his knowledge shouldn’t have made, unless it was purposely done to shake us up. I prayed he just didn’t think it through. Because him being involved in whatever was going on wasn’t beneficial at all. It would only create more complications and issues. There were already too many people involved. Alek. Myself. Stinson. And it didn’t take a genius to figure out her father, Fredrick, wasn’t far away, determined to bring everyone who turned against him down. It was only a matter of time before he decid
ed to make his debut.

  It didn’t surprise me that Mia ignored the biggest threat out there–the person who tried to kill her husband. That was the reason behind her security. The reason behind the limitations she failed to abide by. Her first instinct was to mention the possible threats, and for some reason, her husband happened to be at the top of the list, followed by her father.

  I took both into consideration, not reading too much into it. It appeared she knew certain things she wasn’t even aware she knew, and someone who held unknown knowledge was dangerous. Especially when she was caught meeting with a man who had given us hell because of her family. All he needed to do was give her a few hints and her mind would start to wonder, discovering she possibly held the key to it all. She’d just have to remember one voice, recall something she didn’t even remember she had witnessed.

  We had started treading too close to dangerous ground. So I turned the conversation to something that was true, even though we both knew there was more to it.

  “You and I both know there’s someone targeting your husband. It will only be a matter of time before this person becomes desperate enough to come after you.” I studied her closely. “You put yourself at risk, Mia. Why?”

  Our gazes met, seconds passing before either of us said a word. When her expression softened, I thought she would explain herself, but that was short-lived as she quickly put her guard back up. Her voice was filled with hurt, but her words were strong, determined.

  “I think you know the reasons people choose to take risks, Wesley.” Her eyes turned cold. “Although you’ve taken me against my will, my mind is still my own, and unless you plan on forcing the information out of me, there’s no need for us to continue this conversation.”

  She had challenged me. I couldn’t prevent the shock from showing on my face. This woman knew I wouldn’t force information out of her. She knew I cared, and realizing she had that kind of power concerned me. How far would she push until I had to show her the person I could be? The person I might have to become if she didn’t cooperate? Could I even take it to that level?