Bent to His Will: A Dark Billionaire Romance

by Piper Stone

  His eyes opened wide, hatred filling them. Yes, I knew his dirty little secret, just like with all the others. I simply chose when to use them.

  With this punk, I wouldn’t hesitate. It seemed apparent that I needed to yank the reins, a reminder to every member that in this realm, the Dunmore brothers protected their kingdom with the wrath of God.

  “Fine. Okay,” Bart said half under his breath.

  “Excellent. I think we understand each other.” I’d learned a long time ago never to turn my back on anyone I was tossing out of the club. And what did I do? Ignore my own rules. The second I turned, the worthless prick took a swing, catching me across the jaw.

  While pain exploded, lights flashing in front of my eyes, my reaction was practiced, yanking him into a choke hold. “That wasn’t very nice, Bart,” I huffed as I dragged him across the floor. Unfortunately, his actions were going to cost him. “You should have known better than to mess with me.” There wasn’t another person who dared get in my way as I struggled to get him to the entrance.

  Christopher was right behind me, chuckling softly as Bart continued to flail from his temper tantrum. I could still hear the asshole cursing me under his breath, as if that was going to help his cause on any level.

  As Bruno opened the door, I slammed Bart against the wall, cupping and squeezing his chin. “I regret to inform you that your membership has been revoked. It would seem you need to grow up. Maybe ask that daddy of yours to provide a few lessons in respect. And this time, I mean your real father.”

  “You’re an...” Bart started.

  I twisted his chin, getting even closer, disgusted by the stench of cigars and bourbon. “Go ahead. I’d love to hear what you have to say.”

  When Bart merely glared at me, I realized I’d had enough, tossing him toward the door. “Bruno. If you would be so kind as to make certain our... guests make it to their vehicles.”

  “You got it, boss,” Bruno said, laughing.

  “You’re... going to pay... for tossing me and friends out of this club,” Bart threatened, the rasp in his voice making it difficult to understand every word, but I certainly comprehended the sentiment. The number of threats either I or my brothers had received was comical.

  “It’s all about supply and demand, Bart. I have something you want. Unfortunately, I couldn’t give a shit about your desires or your threats. Get him out of here.” There was too much of his stink covering me as it was.

  I closed my eyes until the door was closed then brushed my hands through my hair. While it felt good to release a portion of my anger, I realized it was only the tip of the iceberg. I was ready to explode.

  “Nice going there, brother,” Christopher said. “I don’t think he’s going to give the club any credits in his next movie. However, I’m not certain pissing off Roberto Gasini is in our best interest.”

  “As if I give a shit. We don’t need assholes for clients,” I answered, walking back toward the club. “Gasini I can handle.”

  “Duly noted, although his pappy might think otherwise. He’s been vying to take a piece of this club for years.”

  Laughing, I adjusted my shirtsleeves. “They can dream on.” The mafia wasn’t going to infiltrate our operation on any level, no matter the threats or the promise of protection.

  My thoughts shifted to the influx of cash in our accounts. I doubted the Gasini mob had the intelligence to pull off such a scheme.

  “Speaking of clients,” Christopher continued. “I understand you’ve been sitting on three club applications? Any reason?”

  I shot him a look, shaking my head. “Offering to double our fees sends off red flags. Denied.”

  Christopher snorted. “O-kay. You’re sure about that? One is some prince, or so I heard.”

  “We have enough to worry about.”

  “I hope you know what you’re doing. I’ll make that happen.”

  I snagged his arm, glaring at him. “What about the punk?”

  He raised his hand, allowing me to see his bruised knuckles. “The asshole doesn’t know shit.”

  Hissing, I made certain on one else could hear me. “I don’t buy that. You stay on him. If I had to guess, I’d say someone paid him damn good money to provide that information?”

  “Then maybe it’s bogus.”

  “We don’t overlook anything or anyone at this point.”

  “Got it,” Christopher mused. “We need to get a handle on this.”

  I stood on the upper portion of the main floor, staring down at the customer as well as the dance floor. I had the distinct feeling a ticking time bomb was set to explode. I had to wonder just how many casualties there would be.

  “Yes, we do, brother,” I said under my breath. As I glanced at my watch, a cold chill trickled down my spine. I hadn’t realized how long it had taken to deal with the assholes. Taking long strides, I moved toward the bank of rooms, not bothering knocking before opening the door where I’d left Valentina.

  I’d been in the business long enough to know when the concept of abuse versus domination crossed the line. Every cell in my body seemed ready to explode, my mind reeling from the ugly sight unfolding. Strings of crimson crossed my periphery of vision in bold images.

  The color of blood.

  His blood.

  And I didn’t give a shit about the consequences.

  Valentina was secured to the ‘X’ cross, her naked body twisting as she struggled in her bindings. While there was no indication that the judge had started his session of impact play, the fact he had a whip in his hand pissed me the fuck off. He knew better than to use such an implement on a novice.

  “Grapefruit,” Valentina said as she flexed her hands.

  “Nonsense. You heard your boss. You’re required to take exactly what I give you,” the judge barked.

  “Grapefruit, you asshole,” she yelped. “I don’t want to do this.”

  I hadn’t tossed out more than a single person in one night since taking over the club. Nothing could have prepared me for the rush of adrenaline as rage took over my system, propelling me forward. I snapped the whip out of his hand, wrapping the four-foot tail around his neck twice before bringing the two ends together until the judge sputtered. I gave a hard yank, dragging him several feet as he coughed and whined. I even enjoyed the way the leather creaked as I twisted my hands back and forth.

  “I thought I told you to be careful with her, Judge,” I whispered in his ear.

  As Bart had at my hands, he clawed at the strap, trying desperately to get out of my grasp. I glanced at Valentina, her body now sagging against the thick wood.

  “For your information, Judge, the kangaroo hides used for the whips in my club are of the finest quality, much stronger than manmade material or domestic cow. I suggest you stop squirming and listen to me.”

  He managed to nod once, his body immediately slumping.

  “When you signed on the dotted line for admittance to this club, you knew there were rules. They haven’t changed since my father was in charge. Now, I’ve personally given you two chances to atone for your particular sins. This is your third infraction. I am finished with you. Are we clear?”

  I loosened my grip enough to allow him to nod several times. When I let him go, shoving him to the side, I immediately grabbed a blanket before moving to unshackle her. There was no calming of my anger, no method of shutting down the savage inside. I longed to let go of my control, ensuring that the judge would never terrorize anyone ever again. However, Valentina’s welfare was much more important. I wanted to comfort her, protect her from the various barbarians scavenging the night, hungry to fulfill their darkest fantasy. No matter how sadistic.

  Including my own.

  This wasn’t her life, no matter the circumstances. Hissing, I swallowed down bile, my heart racing. Why did this girl have such an effect on me? That made absolutely no sense.

  “It’s okay, Valentina. You did as you were told,” I said softly as I unfastened the last thick strap, pulling he
r into my arms. The level of anger forced my body to shake as I wrapped the blanket around her, holding her close.

  “For what it’s worth, Gregory, I do apologize for my actions,” Judge Needham stated. “I learned a long time ago that something so precious is to be cared for, kept secure and protected against monsters no matter the cost. Even if it’s suffocating. Even if others call it a weakness. Perhaps the thought is something for us all to keep in mind.”

  His words were haunting, a reminder that very few things were precious in my life. Sucking in my breath, I resisted laughing.

  A freaking weakness. Yeah, he had enough of them.

  I snapped my head in his direction, prepared to lash out even more; however, his conciliatory expression was enough to deflate a portion of my rage. He stood adjusting his jacket, tugging on his sleeves as if dressing for the next courtroom battle. He seemed to be a broken man, as if he no longer had a focus.

  “Accepted, Judge Needham. I do hope you have a good night.”

  Whether or not he could hear the disgust in my tone was of no concern. My list of enemies was growing. All in a damn day’s work.

  When I heard the door close, I finally let out an exaggerated breath. “Are you all right?” I smoothed down her hair as I hugged her against my chest, the hard beating of my heart bouncing in my ears. She lifted her head, staring me in the eyes, hers much colder than I’d seen before.

  She took several shallow gasps then pushed me away with enough force that it broke our connection. “I’m fine, Mr. Dunmore. I mean sir. While he was an asshole, I would have performed as required. Then I would have stuck an icepick into his eye.” Her steps were deliberate as she snatched her clothes, moving as far away from me as possible in order to get dressed.

  Sighing, I briefly imagined her doing just that and enjoyed the vision. As I studied the St. Andrew’s cross, a bittersweet rush of thoughts rekindled the anger, the name alone creating a wretched memory. I also couldn’t remember the last time I’d even bothered to enjoy what Christopher would call our spoils of owning a kink club.

  What the hell kind of sadist did that make me?

  “Is there anything else, Mr. Dunmore? A cock you’d like me to suck or a lap dance for the entire studio audience perhaps?” While her words were biting, the tremor in her voice did nothing but provide a reminder.

  I was perhaps the biggest asshole of all.

  “No. I think you need to get some rest. I understand you have a couple of days off. Hopefully, you can do something enjoyable.”

  As if she hadn’t expected my answer, she didn’t respond immediately. When she did, I was forced to close my eyes briefly, the longing too intense.

  “Thank you... sir. I’m going to try.” She gave me an odd look from the door, her eyes shimmering the same way they had before, yet they held a hint of uncertainty.

  As if searching for my soul.

  As if longing to find answers.

  Ones that I had no right bothering to give her.

  I rubbed my jaw, growling the moment she closed the door. I stood where I was, my rage once again intensifying. The entire last few years had been a huge blur, working countless hours at the club because that was all I’d cared about.

  Hissing, I bolted toward the cross, slamming both fists against the wooden surface, sniggering as the entire platform fell over. I didn’t give a shit. We made enough money we could buy hundreds more.

  I’d followed my heart once before and the burn continued to spin out of control. The dangerous game I was playing with Valentina might be necessary to some degree, but I couldn’t get more attached. She was nothing to me. A nobody.

  That was the way it was going to have to stay.

  Even though I wanted her as mine. All mine.

  Never to be touched by anyone ever again. Never to be hurt by the monsters who existed.

  Mine.

  I closed my eyes, trying to shove aside one image after another until I was calm, able to breathe easily.

  After walking into the hallway, I took one last glance into the room as bitter cold swept into my muscles.

  Very slowly I closed the door.

  To the past.

  To my soul.

  And to my heart.

  All that was left was the shell I’d created, one that had served me well.

  The enforcer.

  Chapter Eight

  Autumn

  Pretending.

  Everyone pretended at certain points in their life. Maybe to keep peace within a family or to try to never hurt a friend’s feelings when asked a pointed question. Pretending even occurred during times of employment, attempting to cajole the boss.

  The kind of pretending I was doing was making me sick inside. Not just butterflies in my tummy. A darkness was feasting on my insides, clawing at every inch of skin in a desperate attempt to burst free from the constraints forced it. Only I was doing it twofold. One, pretending I could pass as some sultry dancer.

  Two...

  I couldn’t think about the second reason. I couldn’t allow my mind to go to the past or the anger and despair would resurface. That wouldn’t bode well for anything I was trying to do.

  Then there was the imitation about life that Gregory was portraying. Whether he truly believed that I was buying his bullshit was interesting. I’d seen the haunted gaze of pain as he’d gathered me into his arms, holding me tightly wrapped in a blanket as if I’d been scarred for life.

  He had no way of knowing I was much stronger than that, capable of shoving away the majority of fears I’d been forced to face my entire life.

  Except for a few...

  I huddled in the car, staring out the windshield, finding it difficult to turn over the engine. I wasn’t certain why. I couldn’t wait to rip off the wig and stand under a hot shower for at least an hour. Then I’d crawl into bed, watching the fucking rent-a-television that had been left for me all night long. While eating Chunky Monkey ice cream. At least I’d thought to purchase two containers of my favorite treat while going to the store.

  That’s when I’d also realized the asshole had followed me. Of course he knew where I lived. Of course he’d tracked me down, making certain I was the person I’d said I was. I’d expected that. Right? Then why did it bother me so damn much? Why did I feel like my space had been invaded and it really wasn’t even my own space any longer?

  I certainly didn’t think I could live in the apartment after this shit was over. There was little that remained there of me, the girl who’d fought her way through school, who’d been on her own for so long.

  And the biggest question of all was why I’d actually followed his orders, wearing the plug the entire time? I couldn’t understand the portion of my mind that had instructed me to actually remain obedient. As I squirmed in the seat, the reminder that it was still positioned inside made me cringe. The first freaking thing I would do after walking into the apartment was remove it. I didn’t care if he figured out that I’d disobeyed him. What the hell would he actually do anyway?

  The fucker didn’t own me!

  Leaning over the steering wheel, I let out a long moan, my thoughts drifting to the nasty judge who’d requested a dance. Oh, no, he hadn’t been satisfied, spouting off that a little discipline would go a long way with me. Well, maybe calling him a big fat asshole hadn’t been in my best interest, but he’d swigged down two drinks during my dance. That was against the rules. As if he’d cared.

  Then the filthy asshole had touched me. He’d actually brushed his fingers down my naked back, cupping my buttocks as if he owned me. No man owned me. None. The stupid safe word was a joke. He’d laughed more than once. And he was supposed to be a judge, for Christ’s sake. I’d been told several members of the club were higher ranking law enforcement officials, the only ones who could afford the hefty entrance fee, but the thought sickened me.

  Or maybe just the pompous jerk disgusted me with his pawing hands and bourbon-laced breath. Ugh.

  Would anything make me feel c
lean again?

  Then Gregory had saved me, charging into the room like a bull in a china shop. While I’d been thrilled, my entire body tingling from the violent hold he’d used on the judge, I’d also heard the level of ferocity in his voice. Gregory didn’t want anyone touching his property.

  His possession.

  Just like he’d told me I would be if I came back.

  Just like he’d reiterated in the hallway earlier.

  I belonged to him.

  Oh, God.

  Even when he’d said the words, I’d tingled all over, my pussy aching to feel him shove his cock inside. That constituted the beginnings of insanity. There really wasn’t any doubt in my mind. I closed my eyes briefly, envisioning his face as he’d wrapped his hand around my throat. So possessive. So dominating.

  He was nothing more than a big bad alpha with a killer bod.

  You hunger for him.

  “No, I don’t,” I said out loud.

  Liar.

  I rubbed my face, catching a hint of perspiration. I’d spent the majority of the day pacing the small apartment, glaring at the pictures of people I didn’t know and contemplating how or if I should even go back. The fact he’d taken the camera meant I’d have to find other means of obtaining information. But how? He had the entire fifth floor locked up like a fortress, the security cameras covering every inch of the place, including the bathrooms.

  While I’d worked my share of crimes, learning how criminals thought, I certainly hadn’t absorbed many of their techniques. Oh, hell, what did I think I was considering, safe cracking? A laugh bubbled to the surface.

  Think like an undercover officer.

  Easier said than done. I needed to figure out a new plan or I’d be forced to talk with the captain, and I knew that wouldn’t go over well. With the two days off, I planned on finding out more about the Dunmore boys the old-fashioned way, including hunting down every aspect of their lives from where they lived, shopped, and banked. Plus, there had to be more on the internet than I’d found initially. They also had to have friends. Someone. Anyone.