by Piper Stone
I couldn’t help but laugh. “My father held various secrets for certain purposes, but he carried those with him to the grave. As far as our enemies, the club is by invitation only. The rich and famous don’t like being told no.” I took a swig of my drink, growing more uncomfortable with the conversation. “It’s time to stop asking questions, Valentina. I have limited patience and the reason our club is highly successful is because of our ability to keep the anonymity of our members. I suggest you remember that.”
She said nothing, but I could see her wheels churning, further infuriating me.
I slammed the glass onto the table, yanking her to a standing position. “We are going to dinner.”
“And after that?”
I pulled her even closer, struggling with the harsh mixture of emotions racing through every vein, the cataclysm of thoughts and feelings too much for me to tolerate. I’d shut down everything on purpose and I planned on keeping it that way. Threat or no threat. This was merely a continued game. A fact-finding mission.
“Then you’re going to learn a very valuable lesson and one you will not like. Then your penance will be paid.”
Even if my body ached like a son of a bitch. The past continued to collide with the present, Valentina’s ability to search my soul something I couldn’t tolerate, opening up old wounds. When a rush of desire wrapped around my heart, I had difficulty controlling my emotions.
I crushed her mouth with mine, wrapping my hand around her throat exhibiting absolute ownership. The rapid sensations unfurling in my body kicked up in intensity, vibrating throughout every muscle and tendon, sending me into a continuous roar of need.
She fought me at first, slamming her hand against my chest several times, as if she could get away.
As if she could ever get out of my clutches.
I thrust my tongue past her luscious lips, ignoring her anxious moans, the electricity shooting between us. I’d tasted her before, taken every inch of her body but tonight the flavor of her mouth was like the sweetest fruit, succulent and juicy. I could feel her body relaxing, could tell by the way her fingers clamped around my shirt that she hungered for the passion we’d shared, even though the ugliness of reality was foreboding.
All I wanted to do was strip her bare, claiming what was now rightfully mine, even though there was no way we could stay together. I dug my fingers into her neck, squeezing with just enough pressure that she could no longer deny who she belonged to. Light flashed in front of my eyes, the very core of me erupting into flames.
Only the blue-hued firestorm had the possibility of erasing us from existence.
When I eased back, she took several shallow breaths, her eyelids flickering open and closed.
“Damn you, Valentina. I care about you. There is no good reason for it, but I do. You are everything I shouldn’t crave yet everything I hunger for, but I will not stand for any additional games. You will obey me. There is no other choice. None. There are things in my world I will not share with you. You aren’t the kind of woman who should exist in my world.” I took a deep breath before finishing, my visions as well as my thoughts clearing once again. What I knew in my gut was that whoever was out to take down not just the club, but my entire family would stop at nothing to get what they wanted.
Including using Valentina if necessary. She was no black widow, just a woman who’d found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and I refused to allow her to face the same fate that had occurred years before. The yin and yang of my resolve had already taken a toll. I could no longer stand to pretend there could be any sense of normalcy. My relationship with her was destructive.
“You say that as if you’re letting me go,” she said in a quiet voice, her entire body quivering. While I wasn’t entirely certain whether she was gleeful or fearful I’d toss her aside, that could no longer matter. Tonight would be the end. Tonight I’d let her go.
Why the fuck did the thought alone crush my heart?
Goddamn it. I cared far too much, uncertain I could let her go.
What the fuck was I supposed to do now?
Chapter Twelve
Autumn
Love.
It wasn’t an emotion I believed in. I’d never seen it work, especially in relationships. Not with my mother. Or any of my friends.
And there wasn’t anything like love at first sight. Maybe the strong emotions were based on the aura of danger he enjoyed surrounding himself with. Maybe our explosive desires were clouding our judgments. Maybe the incredible sex was driving me to the point of madness. There were too many maybes and nothing concrete.
Except that he was indeed a dangerous man, capable of doing all the horrible things Captain Snelling had insinuated. There was no chance he could love anyone, perhaps with the exception of himself.
I brushed my fingers across my lips, still drunk from the intimate kiss. I’d had my share of boyfriends, those who believed they knew the meaning of passion. The way Gregory’s lips had captured mine was soul stealing. And what I hadn’t expected was the overwhelming explosion of trepidation at the thought he’d walk away.
Or that I’d be forced to tear apart his world.
Then I’d been forced to realize I had indeed been pretending the entire time, just not for the right reasons.
He had surprised me, the small yacht not turning up on any reports or in the investigation I’d done earlier. That meant he had various assets that were well hidden, further enhancing the possibilities that the club was merely a front for criminal activity.
I hated everything about this. His commanding voice. His controlling desires. Even the way he looked tonight had turned my mind into mush. I was used to seeing him in an array of darkness. Suit. Shirt. Shoes. There seemed to be no color to his wardrobe.
Until tonight.
The moment I’d opened the door, I’d been forced to suck in my breath from the sight of him alone. He’d leaned against the doorway in a casual manner, his hands shoved into pockets of his light gray trousers, the magnificent cobalt blue shirt somehow matching his dazzling eyes. While he was wearing a suit jacket, he’d shoved his sleeves up several inches, revealing his muscular, well-sculpted arms. He’d also left his shirt halfway unbuttoned, providing one sexy look at his carved chest.
Everything about him was a dangerous combination, including the smirk he’d worn on his face as he’d studied me. Undressing me with his eyes. Determined to finish what he’d started.
Breaking my will.
I’d remained like some frozen freaking statue when he’d entered, closing the door as if he owned the place.
As if he knew I was his possession.
Then he’d sauntered toward my bookshelf, immediately grabbing a photograph that I couldn’t remember. A fake one. If he’d dared to ask me who was in the photo, I would have lost my shit. When I was around him, my entire training seemed to be tossed out the window, his effect that significant.
And all consuming.
The seductive nature of his voice had drawn me further into his powerful aura. Every word he’d half whispered I’d leaned in toward. With every nuance of his mannerisms, I’d felt more out of place. He’d also left me wet and hot all over, which was entirely his intention. Gregory wanted me off center, taken to a different level where his control meant everything.
And damn if he wasn’t winning the battle.
Here I was, more vulnerable than ever and all I could think about was how fabulous he looked, especially the way his pants formed around his perfectly chiseled ass. I’d lost all sense of myself, another thing he’d wanted to happen.
He was damn good at breaking me down, even though I hated to admit it.
I remained quiet, trying to control my breathing, my thoughts all over the place. Whatever call he’d received had very suddenly changed his entire personality, shoving him back into the darkness I was used to seeing. What the hell was going on? If my suspicions were correct, the danger he was facing had reached another level. Or maybe my cover had be
en blown wide open. That would certainly explain his mood swing.
I had no weapon of any kind, only the watch as a smattering of protection. If I wanted to continue this assignment, I’d have to make myself indispensable. That would mean lowering all my defenses.
My gut told me that it was imperative that I try to determine whether or not monies were being brought into the club. The only way of doing that was by attempting to get into the club when it was closed.
Yet here I was, marooned with the enemy. Should I be terrified that he’d figured out what I was, that I’d end up dumped in the Potomac River? This entire case screamed of a subterfuge, including the way Gregory was acting.
But I’d seen a hint of love flash into his eyes. I could swear it. While only briefly, there was no doubt in my mind. The man was hurting, attempting to hide whatever had happened in his past behind his dark persona and surly attitude. I’d fallen for his games, pushing him far harder than I should have.
Now I could pay the price.
Think. Breathe. Be a cop.
I kept the mantra going in my head as I scanned the waterfront, searching for any signs of members I’d seen at the club or anyone paying far too close attention. There were people everywhere, enjoying the warm evening and dockside bars. They were laughing and appreciating spending time together. Whatever tonight was about had little to do with enjoyment. Gregory continued to demand my surrender. I’d noticed the outline of the gun he had positioned in his jacket, his eyes forever roaming the area.
His anger remained as we walked, his hand firmly clasped around my arm as if fearful that I’d run away. Maybe I should. Maybe I should break free and simply get the fuck away him.
But I couldn’t now any more than I could earlier.
I was falling down a rabbit hole that I would have no chance of getting out of.
All because I’d allowed my guard to fall.
All because I gave a damn about a man who couldn’t tolerate being close to anyone.
As we neared a group of people, he pulled me even closer. Tipping my head, I could see such concern on his face, as if expecting an enemy to rush out of the woodwork at almost any time. I couldn’t live that way.
Although I had.
The realization that I truly did understand all of what he was going through kept butterflies buzzing in my stomach.
“Our destination is just up ahead,” he said in a hushed voice. “You will behave like a good girl.”
“I’m not dressed for a fancy dinner.”
“And you’re not getting one. You longed to see the lighter side of me and that’s exactly what you’re getting.”
He was still so angry, an explosion ready to happen. Yet as he drew me into the crowded space, his tension visibly eased, as if he was a different person entirely. He released his strong hold, placing his hand on the small of my back as he guided me toward the hostess stand. The restaurant was little more than a quaint joint nestled close to the water, the scent of fried food and stale beer floating all around us. Everything about the atmosphere screamed completely casual, loud voices permeating over whatever music was playing on the speakers.
“Mr. Dunmore!” the hostess exclaimed, waving us closer. “Such a pleasure to see you again. If you’ll wait just a second, I can have your regular table prepared.”
“I have no issue waiting. Thank you, Monica.” Gone was the gruff tone in Gregory’s voice, replaced with a kind acknowledgement as well as a genuine smile.
She scuttled off, leaving at least twenty other people vying for one of the few seats in the restaurant.
“You come here often,” I managed, tingling from the way he trailed his fingers along my back.
“One of my regular haunts,” he answered, allowing his other hand to brush down the side of my arm. “I can still surprise you, Valentina.”
I knew that to be the truth.
Shuddering when he crowded closer, his throbbing cock pressed against my still bruised bottom, a series of quivers shifted down my legs. We weren’t supposed to be together. I was out of bounds, even for undercover work, but I wanted nothing more than to see where he was going with this.
I could no longer hear the roar of the crowd, my vision clouded as he continued to caress my arm. The touch was like liquid fire, dragging me to the very edge of my sanity. And all he was doing was rubbing me like a lover would. Like someone who cared.
Not like someone prepared to send me away.
Or dump my dead body in the river.
“They have the best crab in the city. I hope you enjoy crab, Valentina.”
The way he rolled my name across his tongue was like sweet music, further enhancing the wetness that had already dampened my panties.
“Very much so,” I managed just as the hostess returned, her eyes lit up like it was Christmastime.
“Right this way, Mr. Dunmore. I’m so glad you could join us. I took the liberty of placing an order for crabs as well as your favorite wine. I hope you don’t mind.” Monica led us into the small dining room.
“Not at all. You’re very good to me,” he said, although I wasn’t entirely certain she could hear him over the roar of the crowd.
There was no doubt he was recognized by almost everyone in the room. Granted, I’d seen pictures of the Dunmore brothers gracing various DC and national magazines. They were celebrities in their own right, powerful and affluent.
There was also a hint of unrest with several of the customers, a few moving away as if Gregory would lash out, evoking the power I’d come to realize both he and his brothers had in spades. He ignored them completely, his hand never leaving my back as we were led to a more private outdoor dining space, the table in question barely feet from the water.
“I hope you enjoy your dinner,” Monica said in a sultry voice, barely acknowledging my existence.
Gregory was the perfect gentleman, pushing in my chair, even taking the cloth napkin and placing it into my lap. When he sat down, the wry grin on his face was highlighted by a twinkle in his eyes. “Is this what you expected?”
“I’ve come to realize in a few short days that nothing about you can or will be expected.”
Obviously pleased with that answer, he reached across the table, gripping my chin with his thumb and forefinger. “You are as beguiling as you are beautiful, even if you continue to hide behind a mask.”
“You are as dangerous as you are dominating, even if you continue to believe the cold steel armor you wear has any chance of protecting you.”
He laughed, the kind of gentle chuckle that could fool almost anyone with its happy sound. But I knew better. He was far more damaged than I’d realized. Maybe that’s why we’d been attracted to each other.
“Then perhaps we both agree to lower our shields,” he said, allowing a single growl to float past his lips.
I clenched my legs together, fearful the scent of my leaking pussy would give me away. “Agreed.”
“Tonight, we enjoy. Tomorrow is something else entirely. Understood?” he asked as he brushed his thumb back and forth across my lips.
Roughly.
With a touch of anger.
With a hint of remorse.
“Yes. Sir.”
* * *
Laughter.
I hadn’t laughed in what seemed like a very long time. Gregory had kept his word, letting down a guard I thought would never fall; removing his jacket and rolling up his sleeves, his hands covered in Old Bay seasoning and crab juice. Even the way he chugged the expensive wine was all about letting go.
And the stories he’d told had kept me on the edge of my seat, leaning closer so I didn’t miss a single word. While they’d told me nothing about the club or the way he and his brothers handled their business affairs, they had allowed me into aspects of his past.
His antics at college, getting kicked out on four different occasions, his brother’s influence the only way he’d managed to graduate.
Getting arrested for being lewd in public, his picture
on the front page of the DC Times.
Taking the wrong car from a valet, only realizing it after arriving home.
Every detail was said with a hint of drama, yet having no issue making fun of himself. In fact, it seemed that a portion of the massive boulder had been stripped away from his shoulders by doing so.
I’d enjoyed every moment, even telling him a couple of true stories about myself. In finding that he was actually quite easy to talk to, more personable than he let on with anyone, I also realized I actually liked him as a person. Behind the armor was a man seeking joy.
“And that’s just some of the wretched stories,” Gregory snorted, lifting and almost dropping his wineglass from the crab juice soaking his fingers.
Pulling back, he sucked in his breath then let out a belly laugh, the deep baritone just as seductive as the whispered words when he punished me.
Or fucked me.
I laughed with him, wanting this night to go on forever. As I plucked a piece of crab from the shell, I gave him a naughty girl look, enjoying the way his eyes were half closed, his breathing ragged. I’d purposely kept him on edge during dinner, enjoying the various expressions on his face, all different than his usual hard and foreboding one.
Purring, I eased my arm across the table, dangling the piece of crab in front of his face. “Is the sexy man still hungry?”
He issued a husky growl, allowing his upper lip to curl as he jutted his head forward, attempting to catch the morsel.
I yanked it away with a tsking sound. “Not so fast, big boy. Have you been good enough to have a piece of my crab?”
“Hmmm... Have you been good enough not to get turned over my knee after dinner?”
I purposely pursed my lips, giving him a pouty look. “I’m always good.”
Gregory shook his head slowly. “That’s definitely not the case. In fact, you are one very bad girl, the kind who needs regular discipline. I just might have to push back my chair and spank you right here in front of all these good people.” For emphasis, he gave the chair a hard nudge backwards, grabbing his napkin and wiping his hands before patting his lap. “Yes, I think I will. Come here, little girl, or I’ll have to strip you down to that gorgeous naked body of yours.”