by C. M. Steele
“The part where you threw me away,” she bit out before looking away from me. I felt my heart fucking crack in half. She didn’t say another word on the flight and I didn’t say a thing to her.
We started to make our descent from the clouds and mile after mile of the island was exposed to us. This was a friend’s property, and he was willing to lend it to me for as long as I needed. A minimal amount of staff would be around to cater to our needs every other day so that we would have all the privacy we required. They all signed NDAs because discretion was the biggest part of their job. Our ride was waiting for us as the sun rose higher, shining on the beauty of the Greek coast.
I helped her off the plane because I still hated the thought of someone else touching her. She melted into my touch like she did every time my hands were on her. Everything in me craved to respond to her, but I had to hold it together.
I knew she was lying about someone else, but she had no idea she was being tailed. I felt for her; she wanted to be a cop, but was missing some of the essentials, like a general awareness of her surroundings. Vinny had been right that I was going to go after her, I just needed to get everything in order. What I was missing was the reports on her and Simms. I wanted questions answered, and if I didn’t get those files soon, I was going to pop someone.
“Where are we?” she asked, looking around with a slight smile forming on her lips.
“Off the coast of Greece on a tiny island.” I helped her into the car, then grabbed her wrists and untied them. Rubbing the markings, I felt like a dick for doing it, but I didn’t want another outburst of rage or her doing something stupid like trying to jump out of the truck. She couldn’t go anywhere off the island without me. It’s one of the reasons for so much discretion. I’ve kidnapped her, but as much as she claims to not want me, as soon as I touch her she practically climbs on me.
She stared out the window, giving me a chance to admire her profile. Fuck, this was going to be a rough time. I wanted to trust her and let her into my world because to me she was the most important person, but I needed answers and, more importantly, I wanted her love. The fact that I was acting like a little bitch where she was concerned only forced me to be a bigger asshole. The hold she had on me was unbelievable.
“So how long are we here for?” she asked without taking her eyes away from the view. She was so beautiful. I wish this wasn’t between us. If we could have had a do over that would be fucking amazing.
“For a while.” I wanted to say as long as it took for her to love me and forget that I was a criminal, but seeing as I kidnapped her, I didn’t know if that would be possible. One thing that was off limits was sex. I don’t want her lust; I could get that easily. I wanted her to trust and love me.
“Wow, so I suppose I can’t leave if I wanted to.”
I heard the “if” in there and I smiled. “Yep, you got that right.”
“I don’t have any clothes.”
“Yes, you do. Everything has been selected for you.”
“You picked out my clothes, too?” she asked, practically snapping her neck to look at me in surprise.
“No, I didn’t. I left that to Filomena.”
“How is she?” That was the first genuine smile I got out of her and it was for someone else.
“She’s fine and she misses you.”
“I missed her, too.” Fuck, that was a punch in the gut. I got a ping on my email just in time to avoid looking like a lost puppy. It was from my cousin. Dante had taken his wife Reagan on a holiday, the kids staying with her parents. I chuckled when he joked about fucking her until they had their next baby. He included a picture of them on the plane.
“She’s pretty.” That lovely bitterness in her words told me she was jealous…a good sign.
“That’s my cousin and his wife. And they can tell you that I didn’t do anything to that lousy whore Simms said I offed.”
“So…she’s alive somewhere?” Her body tensed and I could understand why. If I wanted to kill an imaginary man, I could only imagine that she hated any broad I’d been with.
I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t know. I don’t give a fuck either. Her father’s dead and that’s all that mattered.”
“Do you still have feelings for her?” she asked tentatively.
“What, like hatred?” I asked.
“No, like love.”
I shook my head because there was nothing like that. It had been the biggest mistake of my life, but I wouldn’t be where I was today if it wasn’t for that mistake and Dante wouldn’t have Reagan. “Ha, it was never love. I had a one-night stand. She came onto me and I was a stupid pup who was shit faced. It was a set up, but I didn’t know and I ended up getting shot. I was only visiting my cousin when it happened over six years ago.”
“Wow, I didn’t know.”
“It gets worse than that. If she’s dead, it’s probably because of her father. He sent her to dress up like Reagan and dye her hair. When we were out for revenge, that’s when they did the bait and switch. We picked up Reagan thinking it was her, and that’s when Dante fell for Reagan. They’ve been together ever since, and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for his wife.”
“How did he trust her?”
“Well, like me, Reagan was visiting from out of town. She’s Irish, like Irish from Ireland, and it didn’t take long for them to realize she wasn’t the one. That accent was strong and the fact that they were willing to let her die for her cousin, we knew they didn’t give a shit about Reagan.”
“Wow, that’s terrible.”
“Yes, but my cousin is grateful that they picked up the wrong one. They love each other. They are on a special couple’s holiday.”
“Do they have kids?” she asked.
“Yes, and if Dante gets his way, they will come home with another on the way.” I felt the tension immediately. I hadn’t forgotten that she could be having my baby soon. When we fucked, I came as deep as I could in her unprotected womb as many times as possible.
She smirked, but that was the end of the conversation for now as she returned to staring out the window.
Chapter 20
Alana
I felt even worse than before about the lies. The jealousy I felt for the other woman disappeared immediately after learning she wasn’t anything to him, but it made my secret ten times more fucked up. I saw the pain in his eyes when I mentioned trust. I lost his, and it wasn’t something that could easily be brought back. When he talked about his cousin’s love, it was with a reverence that I wanted for us. I wondered could he ever feel that way for me or had it been too late. I thought he loved me before, but that could have been just an inkling building up into it. I killed it for sure.
We pulled up to this beautiful, island, getaway cottage that seemed so open. This place was super romantic and for a couple on their honeymoon or anniversary. I didn’t belong here.
He interrupted my thoughts of unworthiness. “Come on. It’s been a long flight. Do you want to eat or rest?”
“I’m hungry. I didn’t eat today.”
“Okay. Let’s see what they left us.” He took my hand, sending my body back into the pleading mode that only he could cause. Tony’s eyes met mine when he felt my hand jerk in his. “I promise I won’t bite.”
We searched for the kitchen, and after two wrong turns, we found it. I started giggling like a silly, little girl when we finally stopped at the counter next to the fridge.
“Ooh, there’s a note.” I picked it up off the tray of veggies and dip. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Franchetti. Enjoy and we shall come back on Tuesday to clean and tend to the food. I didn’t read it out loud, but he took the card from me.
“Someone gave them the wrong impression.” He took the note, balled it up, and tossed it in the trash. I held back the urge to pull it from the garbage. “Would you care for some wine?”
“I’m not old enough,” I reminded him.
“You’re in Europe; you’re old enough.”
“Just a small glass.”
He popped open a bottle and poured me a little.
“Do you want to sit outside or right here?” He tilted his head to the beautiful ocean view.
“Right here is good.” Outside seemed too romantic for me. I’d lose myself again. I finished another glass without thinking about it. “You know, I don’t drink. I feel kind of tired.”
“Let’s go lay down.” He walked me to the bedroom and helped me undress.
“Wow, this is pretty,” I mumbled, two sheets to the wind as I took in the inviting room. The bed was huge and raised with white sheets and enough pillows to be swallowed up by them. I closed my eyes and thought about his cock buried in me as he leaned over and dominated my body and drilled me into the softness of the bedding.
He stepped away and then came back with a silky pale pink nightie that he slipped over my head, his hands caressing my bared skin just enough to get me dressed. Then he took off his clothes, leaving himself in only his boxers. I climbed into the bed quickly because I wanted to avoid his touch as much as possible. I was on the verge of begging him to claim me all over again. He wrapped me up in his arms and I leaned into his chest. “I love you, Anthony.”
Chapter 21
Tony
I was fucking exhausted, but I wondered if I heard her right. Did she just say she loved me? That couldn’t be. Maybe it was a way to butter me up or just because she was sloshed. She was trying to drive me insane. I loved her with everything in me and more than willing to forgive her, but trust wasn’t something I could give her at the moment. Closing my eyes, I gave her another squeeze and fell asleep.
The sound of my cell phone going off woke me up. I crawled out of bed and answered the phone for Vinny.
“What’s up?” I grumbled still half asleep. Alana rolled over, revealing one of her pert nipples. I grunted to myself, squeezing my hard cock and turning away from the view.
“Homan’s daughter is shacking up with the lawyer looking into the case. He’s been snooping around.”
“And is he going to be a pain in the ass?”
“I don’t think so, but one of his guys wants to have a word with you. I know you’re not around, but I thought it was best to get it over with. I have a feeling that they could be helpful if this fucker isn’t really dead.”
“Okay, text me his number, and I’ll call him right now.”
As soon as the phone rang once, the two guys in the room answered the line. “Mr. Franchetti, my name is Mike and my brother Milo is on the call as well.”
“What can I do for you?”
“Can you tell us anything about Homan? We don’t believe he’s dead, unless you know something that we don’t.”
“Well, either you are legit or stupid cops, but since I had no reason to kill him yet, I’ll say I have no idea if he’s really alive or dead, but I want to find out.”
“We learned he owes you a lot of money, but is there anything else you know? Our boss isn’t interested in anything you got going on, we just need to get the investigation running. Ms. Homan’s life is in limbo right now because of it.”
“If I was her, I’d forget the fucker ever existed and move on with her life.”
“Is there something you know?”
“Yes, a fuck load of things about Homan.” I laughed to myself. They didn’t want to know about it. The lawyer was a good boy, and if he’s with the chick for good, then he’s going to want the fucker dead.
“How much will it cost?” they asked.
“Nothing, but a warning if you find him first, I want dibs.”
“I don’t see that as a problem and I’m sure that we could count on you for the same.”
“Hell yeah. Here’s the thing, if you’re looking to keep him alive. I won’t testify. I’ve got a motherfucking reputation to maintain, understood?”
“Got ya,” he agreed.
“Homan and his wife are running a prostitution ring through her massage parlor and they have plans for their daughter.”
“What plans?” A growl came from the background.
“They wanted to give me her cherry as payoff. When I refused, they said she would be added to the collection at the massage parlor, highest bidder getting her first.”
“What the fuck?”
“I’m telling you, that was what he offered.”
“Jackson is going to want his head on a platter. Thanks, Mr. Franchetti.” I had no doubt he would, especially if she meant something to him like Alana did to me.
“You’re welcome, now if you’ll excuse me, I’m on vacation.” I turned back to see Alana eyeing me with a glare.
“Enjoy.” I hung up, feeling good that I had someone else on my side. Now I had to deal with the little brat, her sexy body teasing me and her attitude ready to make an appearance this morning.
“What’s up, Alana?”
“Did you take his offer?”
“Sweetheart, I don’t pay for a woman’s pussy. And most definitely not unwillingly.”
“Then you should let me go.”
“Honey, try all you want, but you’re anything but unwilling. If I took that fat nipple of yours in my mouth, you’d be ready to get on your fucking knees for me.”
“Not going to happen. I’m going back to bed.”
“Good, because I’m still tired as fuck,” I muttered, climbing back in bed and pulling her into my arms. For someone claiming nothing was going to happen, she didn’t resist my hold on her, she relaxed her body into me. Not going to happen, bullshit, I thought to myself. Now, I had to contain the urge to slip my cock between her thighs.
Chapter 22
Alana
I woke up and he was gone again. How did that constantly happen? It was dark outside, so I went around looking for him. It wasn’t like he could go far, considering that there was nowhere to go. He thought he was holding me against my will as punishment, but nothing about him holding is a punishment. Like a silly puppy, I was damn near wagging my tail at him for another touch. I could stay with him in paradise forever.
Padding down the hall, I stopped when I heard his voice on the phone. He was tossing back a glass of amber liquid. I watched has he looked stressed but held his own. Since he was making notes on a lap top, he had it on speaker.
“Get me everything you got on him. I want it on all of them. I don’t trust anyone.” It felt like he punched me in the gut with that one, even though he didn’t direct his words towards me. It was all about me.
“I will, boss.” I’d heard that voice before, but I wasn’t sure which one it was.
I watched him run his hands through his thick black hair. He was so handsome even when he was stressed to the gills. Even his scowl was sexy. I knocked on the door, which startled him.
“Fuck, Alana, you scared me for a sec.” He jumped and grabbed at his chest and shook his head. It would have been too funny if it wasn’t for the whole trust thing. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did, but I don’t have any idea what time it is.”
“It’s five at night. We’ve been here almost half a day.”
“I can’t believe that I got so much sleep.” His eyes were staring at my pink nightie, making me blush.
“Take a seat, babe,” he growled, trying to look away from my hard nipples. What was I supposed to do? He made me horny every time I saw him. I took the seat and his endearment.
“What’s going on?”
“What do you want to do?” he asked with his fingers steepled together.
“Since going home is out of the question, I want to shower and get dressed. Excuse me.” I got up and left. The chasm between us was beginning to choke me.
Chapter 23
Tony
The next day, the staff came in to clean and we headed into town. The place was beautiful, but nothing compared to her. The natural coloring in her face only intensified with the warmth of the sun. I took her hand and held it in mine the entire time. One, because I didn’t want any fucker thinking she was available, and two, I worried that she would try
to make a run for it.
“I want to go back to the villa, Tony. I’m tired.”
“That’s fine. Did you have a nice time?”
“I did, but you confuse me. and I truly can’t take it anymore,” she muttered, looking away from me and out towards the scenic view of the ocean.
We got into the waiting car and drove in silence back to the villa. As soon as we got inside, I pushed her down onto the large open-end sofa. Laying on top of her, I looked into her eyes. “I’m confused. I want you in my bed every night, I want to fuck you until you can’t take another orgasm, and I want to see into your soul, but the last part seems to be something I couldn’t do before, and I don’t know if I’ll let it.”
She started to cry. “Tony, I wished that I would have told you the truth from the start. But I was scared that you’d kill me and toss me into the ocean.”
“I’d never harm a hair on your body.”
“I know that now…”
“Tell me the truth. I’ll listen, Alana.” My heart wanted to believe this was more than a job for her because I was beyond ready to spend my existence pleasing her in every way possible.
“Greg has been in my life for years. He was my father’s partner on the force when my father was killed. He felt guilty about his death and checked in on us time after time. When he asked me to take on this assignment, he let me in on the tip that it could have been a crime family that murdered my father in cold blood.” I had a sinking feeling about this. “I agreed because I’ve become fascinated with finding my father’s killer, but from the moment I entered the club, I knew I was out of my league.”
“Yeah, and?”
“I met you, and I knew that I couldn’t do it. That night, I called him saying I was done. That I couldn’t do it. He wasn’t going to let me get away with it that easy, so I planned on running. When you came to rescue me from the blaze, I was heading out of town. Something about his insistence scared me.”
She was right to run at least from him. I was feeling like a major dick for sure. She was trapped between a cop on a mission to ruin me and a man who was liable to kill her for her betrayal, or so she believed. The fire in the building was starting to make a little more sense. And as I thought about it, Simms was involved for sure. Staring down into her eyes, I saw the sadness.