Bent to His Will: A Dark Billionaire Romance

by Piper Stone

  “Thirsty?” she asked, a hint of annoyance returning to her voice.

  I allowed my eyes to sweep the room one last time before hitting the light switch and gathering her into my arms. “Very. However, the only thing that will quench my palate can’t be found within the shelves of your refrigerator. You seem to forget that my darker side will always come first, my desires requiring fulfillment.” I pulled a blindfold from my pocket, holding it out and dangling it between my fingers. “As I said, you need to trust me.”

  While she looked uncomfortable, she nodded, allowing me to tie the dark cloth in place. I leaned forward, nuzzling into her hair. “Life is all about taking dangerous steps. Your training continues.” After whispering into her ear, I pressed my lips against the side of her neck, sucking on her delicious skin.

  Quivering, she slumped against me, a slight whimper pushing past her lips.

  “Now, you’re ready. It’s time to go.”

  * * *

  Valentina had remained mostly quiet during the drive, even keeping her hands together. I had the distinct feeling that she was afraid of me, concerned that wherever we were going she wouldn’t return from.

  When I pulled her onto the boat, she seemed surprised by the swaying, grabbing onto my arms.

  “What do you smell?” I asked as I guided her toward the railing on the bow.

  She took a deep whiff, smiling afterwards. “Water.”

  “What do you hear?”

  “A light breeze, the sound of several boats bumping against a dock. Where are we?”

  Taking first one hand then the other and placing them on the railing, I eased against her. “You’re to stay right here and do not remove the blindfold. Do you understand?”

  “Yes.”

  I tapped her bottom, reminding her that this was another session of training.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Better. I can see we still need another reinforcing lesson.” I backed away from her, moving into the shadows.

  And waiting.

  And watching.

  After only five minutes, my lack of patience took over, my desire to continue the evening insatiable. As I moved closer, making my footsteps silent, I knew the moment she realized I was once again near. When my phone rang, I was incensed, hissing under my breath. Who would dare interrupt me?

  Shifting backwards, I glanced at the screen. Receiving a call from Christopher wasn’t unusual, but my sixth sense told me that something was going on.

  “Lousy timing, brother,” I half whispered.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt you, but you needed to know there’s been a threat made.”

  “A threat? What the hell are you talking about?” I walked to the other side of the boat, immediately reaching for my gun.

  “A note sent to Michael,” he answered, his tone cold and crisp.

  “And the note said?”

  “You need to see it for yourself. Basically, that the asshole will stop at nothing to take us down. And something about you. The past? Does this have anything to do with Maggie?”

  Maggie.

  I was stunned at his question, my mind reeling from the thought alone. I was suddenly sick to my stomach, images from the past colliding with everything I’d worked so hard to achieve since.

  Maggie.

  The women I’d once trusted.

  Maggie.

  The woman who’d lied to me.

  Maggie.

  The woman who’d remained just in my mind for years.

  Until now.

  I took a sweeping breath, trying to maintain my composure. Whoever was determined to bring us down didn’t understand they’d unleashed the beast in me. I refused to accept additional penance for the past. I would not accept bullshit. The rage swirling within me was palpable, and I would have vengeance. As I turned to gaze at Valentina, I was reminded that she’d given me a reason to live again.

  To push past the ugliness that I’d endured.

  However, the entire situation didn’t resonate well with me. If this was a game, the asshole hadn’t taken into account the fact we had no issues exacting retaliation. “I will be there in the morning. Do not respond.”

  Christopher laughed. “You seem to underestimate me, brother. Things are just starting to get fun. As far as my informant? He’s going to have a second visit. I will discover what the hell is going on.”

  While I knew Christopher had no issue dealing with whatever threat befell us, I also realized he wasn’t ready to lose everything that he deemed precious. “I think the real issue is that whoever had the nerve to threaten us has no idea what he’s up against.”

  “Enjoy your time with Valentina, although be careful. Black widows are prevalent this time of year.”

  I understood his warning, although it pissed me off as I ended the call. I’d been the cautious brother throughout our endeavor, ensuring that every decision was one that would benefit our company. I was the one who approved members. I made certain those who entered out club knew the rules. And I had no issue tossing any asshole out the door. As I shoved my phone into my pocket, I struggled to turn my attention toward my guest. What I’d come to believe was that she truly had no idea what she’d gotten in the middle of. I couldn’t help but feel that her involvement was more about corroborating whatever evidence was being extracted.

  Then again, if I was wrong, I’d finally be forced to pay for my sins.

  As she would with her life.

  I inched closer to her once again, fighting the hint of anxiety furrowing in my chest. While the threat had reached an entirely new level, I refused to allow it to derail the evening I had planned.

  Smirking, I closed the distance, finding it difficult to resist her.

  She straightened to her full height, her grip on the railing firm. Even her breathing changed, becoming more scattered.

  “You actually can obey rules, although I can tell you find them reprehensible,” I stated firmly.

  Valentina exhaled, giving a slight shake of her head. “You don’t understand me at all.”

  “I think I’ve established that I do. You prefer to do things your own way. You hate when people tell you what to do, even though you crave a firm hand.” I stroked her hair, tangling my fingers in her long strands then tugging as I leaned closer. “And I’m the only man who can free you from your chains.”

  “No man will ever be able to do that. Sir.”

  I blew across her cheek, delighting in the way her entire body seemed to respond. Even her nipples grew hard, pushing against the tight confines of her tee shirt. She was hungry to be taken to task, ready for whatever command I gave her. “You have no idea what I can and will do.”

  I wanted to be vicious, to require her to follow the most reprehensible commands. I wanted her to crave no one else but me. And I needed her to succumb in every way. While my patience was worn thin, I recoiled at the harshness that had nothing to do with her. She was a jewel. She was special.

  She was a woman I couldn’t live without.

  “And you have no idea what I’m capable of. Sir.”

  Her defiance was far too enticing, pushing my level of hunger to the breaking point.

  “The majority of people don’t understand that when you lose the ability to use one of your senses, the others become alive, electrified in compensation.” I rolled my knuckles down her arms, delighting in the goosebumps popping along her naked skin.

  “True,” she whispered, twisting her hands.

  “When you are no longer able to see what’s in front of you, the majority of people are afraid.”

  “I’m not afraid.”

  “Even of the big bad wolf?”

  Grinning, she shook her head. “Not even of you. Sir.”

  “Then you’re beginning to understand the level of trust needed.” I took my time untying the blindfold, remaining close as she took several deep breaths. “Tell me what you see.”

  “Peace.”

  Her answer was unexpected, only fueling the fire bu
rning deep within. “I agree.”

  She blinked several times as she scanned the horizon, finally shifting her gaze back toward the hull of the boat. I’d given her another obvious surprise, her eyes lighting up. “This is beautiful. What’s her name?”

  “Sweet Avenger.” Every part of my body was scorched with the heat shared between us, my cock throbbing. The thrill of having her here was undeniable, the risk something I refused to think about.

  Lights from the nearby bars and restaurants as well as the smattering of them along the docks created a lovely backdrop. Even the setting sun held an array of vivid colors, setting what some would call a romantic mood.

  “That suits you.”

  “I can tell that I surprised you by bringing you here,” I stated as I moved beside her, studying the way she had her head tipped toward the sky, obviously enjoying the light breeze.

  “Yes, I’ll admit it. You did.”

  “Perhaps you don’t understand me at all,” I retorted.

  “Perhaps I don’t. I just don’t see you as a boat owner. Maybe directing a full staff on a yacht, but that’s entirely different,” Valentina half murmured as she closed her eyes, drinking in the atmosphere.

  “And why is that? As I mentioned, everyone has two sides. Whether they show both or not depends on the life they’re living.”

  She nodded, darting a quick glance in my direction. “Boats like this are fussy. Messy. They need care and maintenance to allow their engines to purr.”

  “Yes, they can be, but they can also allow for peace.”

  “Said by a man who seems to embrace danger as well as enjoying the dark aura surrounding himself.” She gave me a sly smile. “You’re right in that there’s nothing better than being on the open water. The way the waves sweep against the hull, the scent of the water, and even the odor of fresh caught fish being yanked onto the boat. I have to ask you a question. How can you find time for such a time-consuming hobby when there’s so much going on at the club? I would assume that you have reliable help.”

  She was doing some fishing herself, trying to find out more about the club. There was no reason to lie to her.

  “Some would say that powerful men are all dangerous, including dozens of members of our club. In order to keep their arrogance in check, I’ve become the enforcer. If that creates a dark aura, then so be it. And yes, I have several people in my employ that I trust implicitly. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you know a thing or two about boats. Although being from Kansas, unless your family vacationed quite a bit, I find that hard to believe.”

  Valentina slowly lowered her head. “Yes, I do understand and have an appreciation of the boating life. But I will say this. You mentioned that you wanted me to trust you, Gregory. I will say the same thing to you. Trust that what you saw on that application holds true. My father wanted nothing to do with my mother and me, which left her financially unable to care for us very well. He simply disappeared out of our lives. So, she worked three jobs just to allow me to have the things the other kids had as well as a college education. That’s what killed her eventually. However, my uncle was a wonderful man who adored the river. He had a place where we went every year and he taught me about boats. Granted, small vessels but the time was magical.”

  She had a way of telling the small portions of her life that was endearing yet angered me. Her real father deserved a place in hell for leaving her and her mother. “I do trust you, Valentina, and that is rare. It comes with the territory. Come. I’ll show you around.”

  “Your gorgeous boat looks new,” she said as she followed me. “Is this your first yacht?”

  I couldn’t help but smile. “You are correct in that I finished the paperwork this week, but this is no yacht. Although I’ve owned or been on boats my entire life. That one rare thing my father and I did together was go out on his Sea Ray when I was young. That’s where I really learned about the love of both the ocean and boats in general.” I had no idea why I was telling her anything about my past, especially anything about my childhood. “Let me show you the rest.”

  My body tensed as I took her down below, moving immediately toward the bar.

  “Why do I sense that isn’t the best memory for you?” she asked.

  “You’re very astute, Valentina. My father was a man who worked all the time, rarely if ever finding time for his children or his wife. Would you like something to drink? I do have an excellent wine collection.”

  “Sounds like father, like sons and in truth, I would love something stronger if you have it?”

  She certainly had a way of cutting through the bullshit. “I have everything.”

  “Then you pick. You seem to enjoy doing that as it is. Did you make dinner for us as well or are you ordering pizza? Oh, wait a minute. You can’t cook.”

  “You may be surprised, Valentina. Making generalizations can often be hurtful. For example,” I said as I selected my favorite vodka, “if I didn’t know better, I’d say you have no understanding or experience with the finer things in life. Wines. Foods. Music. That would also lead me to believe that you’ll do anything to obtain an entirely different life, including becoming something and someone you’re not. Would that be accurate?”

  When she said nothing, I finished preparing the drinks, finally turning toward her. Her lovely eyes followed me as I walked toward her, easing down on the couch. I pushed one of the glasses in front of her, remaining silent, yet I kept my hand on one of them.

  “I see your point, Gregory.” As she reached for the drink, purposely selecting the one I was holding, our fingers touched. The jolt of current was more intense than before, jetting through my entire body. She licked her lips, a slight exhale giving away that she’d felt the same. When she pulled the rim toward her mouth, she ran her tongue back and forth before taking a sip.

  Every action she made was an attempt at turning me on. And every time, she believed she was regaining some of her control.

  I sat back, watching her every move, enjoying the genuine smile as she tasted my concoction.

  “This is wonderful. Pomegranate juice.”

  “Very good, Valentina,” I said in a controlled manner.

  “I feel like everything is a test with you.”

  Her comment was more biting than I cared it to be. “Everything in life is a test.”

  “Why did you bring me here, Gregory?”

  I leaned forward, shifting the glass from one hand to the other. “I’m not entirely certain why. Perhaps I wanted to share one of my favorite places with you.”

  “Why? I’m nothing to you. Just the flavor of the month because you want to make certain I don’t hurt you.”

  “You can’t hurt me. No one can.”

  “I don’t believe you. You’re on edge. Your brothers are as well. Who’s threatening you? You act as if the entire world is out to get you.”

  I laughed softly, continuing to shift the drink. “You ask far too many questions.”

  “You mean for just a dancer? Perhaps I’m out to get you too. Maybe I’m attempting to believe that you are capable of doing terrible things. I’m not certain I’m comfortable here. Take me home.” She pushed her drink away, moving to a standing position. When I grabbed her wrist, she sucked in her breath.

  “Sit down, Valentina. I did not bring you here to hurt you; however, you are crossing certain lines that you shouldn’t. You are a dancer in my club. That’s what you were hired to do. While I enjoy spending time with you, that will end if necessary. My business comes first. It always has and it always will.” My thoughts drifted back toward the threat. It would appear the situation was escalating, which could possibly mean the perpetrator was being pushed. Did this have anything to do with Valentina?

  She pursed her mouth, her glare becoming vengeful, but she did as she was told, sitting back down onto the couch. “Maybe I’m simply trying to understand why you storm through the club as if prepared for an attack. You make more money than God. You have beautiful things you couldn’t g
ive a shit about. You drive a gorgeous car. Yet with all of that, you’re the unhappiest man I’ve ever known. Well, with one exception. I find that curious. That’s why I’m asking you questions. Maybe I actually give a damn. Have you thought about that?”

  “You can’t care about me.”

  “Why? Because there’s nothing to care about? Because you’re not worth caring about? What happened to you, Gregory? What? Were you burned by some horrible woman?”

  My God. She was pulling out all the stops. She simply didn’t understand that in pushing me so hard, she risked...

  I closed my eyes, reining in anger that she didn’t deserve. Only I did. I’d made a mistake bringing her here. Who the hell did I think I was being able to control my emotions or my aching cock?

  Then again, if she was simply making conversation, she’d managed to raise at least one red flag. “Make no mistake, Valentina. My brothers and I have our share of enemies and yes, I’ve done some things I’m not proud of, but they were all necessary at the time. Should you be afraid of me? Absolutely. I’ve never claimed to be a good man. That’s something you should keep in mind.”

  “Why do you think so little of yourself? Why do you have to show force with everything you do? And why do you so desperately refuse to let me in?”

  “I have my reasons!” I snapped, hissing afterwards.

  She refused to back down and for the first time, I could see something in her eyes, a reflection of the man I’d wanted to be.

  One that could never see the light of day again.

  The questions had thrown me, bringing out the same feelings I’d long since tossed away. They couldn’t happen again. I couldn’t go through the bullshit again. “I’ve never had anyone dare to defy me in the ways you do. Not a single person. I will give you this. You have chutzpa, lady. Be very careful though. That could get you into a significant amount of trouble, including with me.”

  “Trouble I can handle and if you’re trying to scare me, I assure you that I’ve been up against several assholes in my life. Who are your enemies, Gregory? Your customers?”

  “Why are you asking? What do you care?”

  She gave me the kind of look that yanked at a portion of my very soul. “Maybe I care what happens to you.”