by Piper Stone
“Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh.” The orgasm swept through me quickly, the force enough I slumped forward. The feel of Matteo’s strong grasp actually made me smile.
“Good girl. Come for me again,” he mumbled as he pinched my clit several times, leaving me ultra-sensitive. He plunged three fingers then a fourth inside, thrusting brutally. I tried but it was impossible to hold back a scream.
He clamped his hand around the back of my neck, squeezing once again. “Hush, my sweet beauty or I will need to gag you.”
Blinking several times, all I could do was nod. The room seemed to be spinning, the tingling sensations building. As another climax slammed into me like a tidal wave, I bit back a cry even as tears slipped past my lashes.
Seconds later, he kissed my forehead, growling over and over again.
I took gulping breaths, already hating myself for my body’s betrayal.
When he eased away, he rubbed two cum-soaked fingers across my lips, his husky tone dripping with sexual innuendoes. “Tonight will be very special.”
There were no words to say, nothing that would bring anything but his wrath at least. I continued struggling to breathe as he slipped his fingers into his mouth one by one, taking the time to clean them off.
“Delicious.” The single word he issued was followed by another hard gaze down the length of me.
When he turned me around to face the mirror, I didn’t object although my body tensed.
“Do you see how beautiful you are?” he asked so casually.
“I’m not anything special, Matteo. And I also don’t belong to you. Fuck you.”
He shook his head and rubbed his finger down my spine. “Gorgeous but disobedient.”
“You’ve kept me prisoner. I could only be so obedient.”
“First of all, you have a nasty mouth that will need to be dealt with. Second, you should be aware that everyone who works for this family is very loyal. You are merely a newcomer at this point. Maria has been with us since she was a little girl, her mother a valued employee. She grew up here, was provided for including her education and all her other needs, given gifts at the holidays and her birthday. As you might imagine, you’ve caused her significant distress by attempting to have her contact the policia.”
Shuddering, I should have known better than to trust her. “I’m sorry. You drugged and kidnapped me against my will. What was I supposed to do?”
“Follow through with the deal that your father made.” He pushed me over the edge of the vanity, patting one side of my bottom then the other before making certain the G-string was positioned in the crack of my ass. When he retrieved the wooden hairbrush, I swallowed a scream. “You are my property, Catherine. I can make your life more pleasurable than you could ever imagine, or I can make it extremely painful. That choice is up to you. Now, I can gag you or you can take your punishment like a good girl.”
“You’re not going to gag me.” Fuck you. Thank God I didn’t mutter the words.
“Very well.” He took a step away, twirling the damn brush before pushing the small of my back. The bastard was going to make me watch him as he spanked me.
I clawed the surface of the vanity, longing to make marks that would remain forever. When he took position, smacking me four times, one coming after the other, the pain forced me onto my toes. While I kept my mouth shut, I could barely hold back an anguished moan. My body wouldn’t stop shaking as he cracked the brush down six more times.
Hissing, I lowered my head, unable to stop from kicking up with one leg. I had a feeling my bottom was going to be blistered after this round of discipline.
“Stay in position. I don’t think you want me to start over again.”
I continued to swallow back nasty words, although I remained sickened with myself that I was allowing this to happen. Why? I couldn’t answer the question to my satisfaction.
The snapping sound of his wrist forced me to jerk my head up. I glared at him as he continued the spanking, every strike harder than the one before. When he finally took a deep breath, caressing my heated and bruised skin, he locked eyes with mine. For a few seconds, I was able to look past the horrible man who’d forced my father into an atrocious deal. I could almost see another person inside of him fighting to be set free.
There was no way. He was evil to his very core.
“You’re doing very well.”
I bit my lower lip, thinking of various ways to destroy the man. Somehow, I would, no matter how long it took me to do so.
With every brutal smack, I was pushed into another state of mind in my effort to pretend this wasn’t happening. One day I would be set free. One day.
He brushed the rough pads of his fingers from one side to the other before rolling the tip of one down the crack of my ass. When he slid it under my panties, I shifted my hips back and forth.
“You’re still wet, my bride.”
The ugly truth was that I remained aroused. Another sickening moment.
“Six more then it will be time to celebrate. I will forget about your indiscretions after this, but do not attempt again to get any help from anyone from this estate. I assure you that the punishment will only be worse.”
Yes, I would heed his command, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t find another way to escape his clutches.
And I would.
As he brought the hard wooden implement down again and again, all I could concentrate on was the thudding sound. I kept my glare pinned on him, but he didn’t notice or didn’t care. When he was finished, he rubbed his finger down the handle before returning it to the same position it had been in before.
“You are absolved of your sins,” he said quietly.
Absolved. My sins? Who the hell was he kidding? He murdered people.
I kept my hard glare as he backed away, finally turning and heading for the door. He stopped just as he placed his fingers on the lever handle, cocking his head slightly.
“I don’t think I need to remind you that you are to be on your best behavior tonight. I would hate to discipline you in front of our guests.”
His words made me shiver once again, this time because I know he wouldn’t hesitate to humiliate me. When he closed and locked the door, I slumped forward, chilled to the bone. I rubbed my arms then quickly grabbed the robe, every part of me stiff as I struggled to slide my arms into the sleeves. Why the hell did he unnerve me so much?
I moved toward the vanity, staring at the open bottle of champagne I’d been provided, the single crystal stem untouched. Maybe it was time to try to find a way to ease my nerves. I shoved the present against the mirror, having no intention of opening it. I could only imagine what was inside. Perhaps some kind of tight leather collar that I was required to wear. Maybe a sex toy of some kind he’d use on me later.
The thought repulsed me.
Still quivering, I took a deep breath, fighting the continuous sensations that refused to let go. He was a monster, nothing else. A brutal asshole. A beast in gorgeous clothing.
A nervous laugh pushed up from the depths of my being. Maybe if I kept repeating the mantra over and over again then I’d finally start to believe it.
I continued to shake as I grabbed the dress, hissing as I stepped into it. I yanked the bodice over my breasts, shivering. I fumbled until I managed to fasten two of the buttons, but that was all I could handle by myself. When I moved in front of the mirror, I stood to my full height, pressing my hands down the form-fitting material. The dress was perfect, highlighting all my best features. Oh, goody. I laughed, almost becoming hysterical from the way the damn thing scraped across my bruised bottom.
While the dress was perfect, it was a shame it wasn’t black in color. After all this was the funeral of my former life. Champagne. Maybe I should drink the entire bottle.
After pouring a glass, I held it into the light, twisting until I noticed prisms from the cut crystal. The bubbles tickled my nose as I took a sip, but the cool liquid did little to quench my thirst. I stared at myself in the mirror,
uncertain I could even recognize the girl any longer. She’d gotten lost in some crazy nightmare. I made the girl in the mirror another promise that I intended on keeping.
I would find a way to escape, even if it meant killing the man I was going to marry.
Seconds later I lifted the glass as I gazed out the window, making a silent prayer before taking several sips. I enjoyed the way the fizz trickled down the back of my throat, removing the lingering taste of my cum he’d brushed across my lips. As I eased the glass to the vanity, I glanced at the box again. I had to admit that I was curious as to what was inside.
I allowed the ribbon to slide through my fingers as I pulled on the end, hesitating before tugging on the taped sections of the wrapping paper. The gorgeous gold box inside had a logo, although I wasn’t certain if it was a name of a jewelry store or something else. As I lifted the lid, a gasp flew from my mouth.
The necklace was incredible, the beautiful diamond and sapphires placed strategically in a stunning setting. I took it from the box, the sunlight streaming in through the window creating a luminescent glow. The piece had to cost Matteo a fortune. I raised it to my neck, gazing at my reflection for a second time. The necklace was perfect, the sapphires bringing out the color of my eyes.
As the door opened, Maria approaching, for the first time she had a genuine smile on her face. “Bellissima. Beautiful. You will be… beautiful today. Please, let me help you with your dress.”
Beautiful. Maybe on the outside, but I’d already been fractured on the inside. Every time I moved, I was reminded just how brutal and savage the man truly was. That only strengthened my resolve. One day I would enjoy standing over his cold dead body.
“Till death do us part.”
Matteo
“I’m surprised there are so many guests on such short notice,” Stefano said as he flanked my side.
He’d joined me on the small terrace outside the rectory. I shifted my attention in his direction, still thinking about the visit I’d given to Catherine earlier. My cock ached to take her, continuing to throb. I fisted my hand, my desire to discipline her remaining strong. “I’m certain some are only here for the food and drink.”
He laughed as he slipped his hands into his pockets. “You’re still worried about business.”
“Of course I am, Stefano. There’s far too much unrest, several of our business associates acting as if the Benedetti Empire has fallen into a spiral. The situations need to be rectified.”
“You should allow Enrique and me to handle that. You are getting married after all. Don’t you want time to spend with your lovely bride?”
I snorted and watched as another car pulled into the parking lot. This was the event of the year as far as Tuscany was concerned. Our mother had outdone herself in preparations. “I will have time for that after things have returned to normal.”
“You’re so certain they will. You are aware that word on the streets of New York would indicate that both O’Sullivan and Senator Starling are unhappy with the arrangement that was made.” A hint of the earlier arrogance had returned to his voice.
While we’d both tried to remember what Enrique had said, the tension we shared wasn’t going to go away that easily. However, I was surprised my ruthless brother would choose his words so carefully. “As anticipated.” There had even been a small but visible article in the New York Times announcing our nuptials.
“And that they are formulating a plan of retaliation.”
I’d paid close attention to what had transpired in the bowels of New York after my departure. I’d wanted all three men to feel the uncertainty of what might happen next. “And I expect that retaliation to occur on our soil, dear brother.” I was continually unnerved by all the information I hadn’t found regarding my father’s trip. Given his organizational skills and his planning techniques, he kept notes on every business transaction. There was almost nothing on New York, other than what he’d shared with me months before.
“You want to bring this to a head. What I don’t understand is why you would allow that to occur here of all freaking places.” His tone was now accusatory, which pissed me off.
“As Don of this family, I need to ensure that the legacy will continue well into the future. Just like our father wanted. He died to try and make certain changes.”
“No, he was murdered, or have you forgotten about that?” He studied me for a few seconds before laughing. “My God. You want New York,” he scoffed, taking a step away from me. “I should have known this wasn’t just about securing what little business our father had managed to build. You want the whole damn thing. Don’t you?”
“The thought has crossed my mind, which means that both you and Enrique will need to escalate your plans of… attack.”
While my brother and I had often disagreed on aspects of the family business, our personalities completely different, our father had insisted that we work together. I could already feel the significant rift would only continue to widen.
“While I initially agreed to your rather ridiculous plan of forced marriages, I’ve yet to make a determination as to whether I’m going to follow through. There are other methods to enact revenge that won’t mean altering our lives. Maybe it’s time for me to take additional control.”
I snapped my hand around his throat, something I’d never done before. While he bristled, acting as if he was going to punch me, we did nothing more than stare into each other’s eyes. Family. I had to remind myself of the lines I’d preached to both my brothers.
“Family isn’t just important, the blood we share between us is vital to building our future.”
I’d sounded like my father.
“Do it, Matteo,” he hissed.
As one of the ushers appeared in the doorway indicating it was time for the blasted ceremony, I released my hold but remained close, never blinking as I stared into his eyes. Maybe we were more alike than I wanted to admit. “I care about you and not only because you’re my brother. You’re a decent man who’s always done the right thing. However, there can only be one leader of this family. I am firstborn and it is my right. But I need you by my side as my Underboss.”
An odd look crossed my brother’s face, a slight smile forming. “I just wanted to tell you that I’m proud of you for moving forward with your life. Arranged marriage or not, I’ve already seen the way you look at Catherine. She might just be able to heal your heart.”
“You seem to forget that I don’t have one.” I looked away, fisting my hand. The last thing I needed was a reminder of a painful time in my past. My marriage wasn’t about love. That was never going to happen.
“Honestly, brother? I don’t buy that for a second. You’ve been looking to find the right woman for a long time.”
“Then you would be mistaken. You didn’t agree to stand by my side. I need to know whether or not you’re going to work with me—with this family—or not.”
He took a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds. Then he looked away as he exhaled. “Do you know the last thing our father said to me before he left for New York?”
“No.”
An odd smile crossed his face. “He told me that I’d finally become the son he’d always hoped I’d be.” When he turned his head, I was allowed to see the pain in his eyes.
If only for a few seconds.
That only added to my resolve and the promise I’d made to our father.
Time for a new beginning.
That also told me something else.
He’d been prepared to say goodbye.
Chapter 7
Catherine
“Come, Miss Catherine,” Maria said with difficulty. “You must not keep, uh… Mr. Benedetti waiting. Not a patient man.”
“Why, because he’ll punish me?” I couldn’t seem to get the bad taste out of my mouth or the ugly thoughts from spinning in my head.
She furrowed her brows, obviously not understanding what I was trying to say. “No understand. He will not like you… late.”
“And I’m not eager to walk down that aisle and solidify being a prisoner.”
“Prison… or. But why?” She darted her eyes back and forth. If I didn’t know better, I’d say the girl actually cared about the beast.
“Because he’s not a good man. That’s why.” Sighing, I realized I was stressing the poor girl out. “Never mind, Maria. I appreciate your help. I’m ready.” Let’s just get this over with.
Was I?
“So beautiful. One day I hope to be a bride. Good famiglia.”
Family.
Right now, I didn’t have one.
I almost felt sorry for Maria, although I had no idea about her story other that what Matteo had spouted off and in truth, I didn’t want to get close to anyone. But she seemed deliriously happy for me, clapping as she helped adjust my veil.
As I was led down the stairs to the back of the church, the two massive closed doors were the only thing separating me from being forced to walk down the red velvet aisle. This was such an atrocity, a horrible blasphemy against God and all that was holy. I smoothed down my dress, taking a deep breath and holding my head high. There was no father to walk me down the aisle, no mother to fawn about my dress and veil. I was very much on my own.
And I’d never felt so lonely in my life.
Maria quickly adjusted my train before rapping against the wooden surface of the doors.
My heart continued to beat rapidly as the doors were swept open. While the church was smaller than what I’d expected, the intimate setting was beautiful. There were flowers everywhere, but only white and red roses, which is exactly what I was carrying in my bouquet. There were at least one hundred people in the pews, all of them standing at the music started. I was instantly sick to my stomach, trying my best to keep my composure.
But I managed to walk down the aisle, keeping the plastic smile that I’d learned from my mother on my face. I was struck by the smiles on almost every guest’s face, their whispered comments nothing I could understand. As I moved closer, I noticed the two men standing by Matteo’s side. They were obviously his brothers, both just as handsome and equally powerful. Then there was the woman also sitting by herself in the front pew, a tissue in her hand in preparation of shedding tears.