by Stone, Piper
“Do you still think this is a game, fairy princess? Do you believe that you’re going to be rescued by a sword-wielding knight promising to save and protect you?” I hissed, grinding my hips back and forth, the action loosening the towel.
“No! No such thing exists,” she retorted.
“You’re exactly right. Do you believe your father to be a good man?”
She opened then closed her mouth, looking away. “He’s worked very hard to achieve his success.”
“Including forming alliances with some very bad men, the kind of men nightmares are made of.”
She gave me a smug look, laughing haughtily. “You should know all about that.”
A moment of realization settled in. She had no idea the true nature of her father or his business practices. Interesting. I still found it difficult to believe a woman of her intelligence hadn’t suspected her father was a criminal.
“As I already told you. I’m not a good man, but I am fair. However, there are true monsters ready to rip out your soul. Even though I will do my best to protect you, no one can save you but yourself.” Issuing the harsh words held no meaning for me, no vindication from the continual sarcasm she threw in my direction. Every move she made was calculated, every word spouted out with venom.
A cold shiver slammed into my system, a reminder that Viktor was on the loose. If he truly had connections with the Armenians, the dogs they employed in the United States would be on the lookout.
“Even if that means destroying someone I love?” she asked.
I snarled in response, my eyes drawn to the way the towel fell slowly, exposing her rosy and very hardened nipples. “Love doesn’t mean anything when it comes to war.”
“War? Since when are we in some kind of battle? And if we are, my father will crush you. You’re simply one man with hired thugs pretending to be of importance.”
I rubbed my hand down her long strands of hair, issuing a guttural sound when she jerked her head away. This time, I fisted a wad, yanking it until she was forced to look into the mirror. “Don’t push your luck with me, Giliana. I am fair but no fool. I will use every method necessary in order to obtain what I was hired to get. Your father means nothing to me.”
The tension was high, my breathing just as difficult as before.
“Maybe you’re right, Kostya. Maybe there is no room for love in any regard. You learn quickly that people use love to destroy you, to get what they want and nothing more. I can tell you’re no different.” She didn’t bother attempting to adjust the towel, her eyes locked onto mine.
Searching.
Hoping.
Lusting.
I bit back another angry and hateful laugh. “Maybe you and I are more alike than you’d care to admit.” I eased my hands in front of her, cupping and squeezing both breasts. I was electrified to the point the amount of current was suffocating, leaving me in a frenetic state.
She whimpered, every sound more scattered than the one before, her fingers pressing hard against the glass. Every part of her was fighting her natural urges, the same scalding yearning that left me incapable of freeing my thoughts of her.
One day, we would both burn in hell for our desires.
“I’m nothing like you,” she managed as she blinked several times, her heated breath creating swirls of steam on the mirror.
“That’s where you are wrong. You’re exactly like me, Giliana, in search of something tangible to hold onto.” I pinched her nipples between my thumbs and forefingers, delighting in her soft mews, the way her body shifted against mine. As she undulated her hips, grinding against me, I almost lost it.
“No. No...” She finally closed her eyes, accepting my full dominance, dragging her tongue across her quivering lips.
I enjoyed the moment of power, twisting her hardened buds painfully. My chest was tight, my throat all but closed off from the building excitement, the rush of adrenaline. My God, I was losing all control. I nipped her earlobe before brushing the roughness of my tongue down her neck.
And I couldn’t get the single word out of my mind.
Forbidden.
I eased back, snagging the edge of the towel and tossing it away. A growl slipping past my lips, I rubbed my hand between her legs in a slow and steady manner. She was so damn wet, hotter than before, her pussy lips swollen. “You hunger.”
“Not for you.”
“Then your body betrays you, sweet princess.”
I dipped my fingers inside, resisting uttering a single sound even as her muscles clamped around the thick invasion.
She lowered her head, gasping for air as I fondled her, sliding in and out luxuriously. Within seconds, she was moaning once again, her body remaining tense.
“I don’t want you,” she murmured even as she wiggled her hips back and forth.
“And you would be lying. What did I say about lying to me?”
Her embarrassed laugh was far too stimulating, pushing me into an even darker place. I flicked my thumb around her clit several times, finally pinching her tender tissue until she was forced to bite back a cry.
While there was nothing I wanted more than to fuck her, I resisted, clamping down my urge. I gripped her hip with one hand as I reached for one of the drawers. She seemed surprised when I pulled it open, her eyes darting down to the action.
“You need training, Giliana.” I found what I was looking for almost immediately, the anal plug one of several items in my collection of kink. As I held it into the light, her eyes opened wide.
“What are you doing?”
“As I said, training you.” I eased the thick rubber piece down the length of her arm, enjoying her facial expressions. “You will wear this at all times unless I tell you otherwise.”
“Yes, sir.” While some of the spite had disappeared from her voice, fire remained in her eyes.
“You’ve longed for a man to fulfill your needs, to satisfy your curiosity.”
“I...”
“There is no need to answer,” I whispered, allowing my hot breath to cascade across her skin. “I can see into your very soul.” I rubbed the tip of the plug across to her back, running it up and down her spine. I was tingling all over, an entirely different rush sweeping into my system. Everything about this was enjoyable, perhaps far too much so.
As I eased the toy between her legs, she bristled yet opened her legs even further.
Inviting me.
Begging me.
I slipped the rubber end just inside her wetness, rolling it back and forth, the ridges becoming slickened by her juice.
She shuddered visibly, her fingers now white from the pressure she was using on the glass. When I rolled the plug up the crack of her ass, only then did she utter a strangled sound.
I watched her changing expressions as I pressed apart her ass cheeks, sliding the tip to her puckered hole. “You will learn very quickly that if you follow my command, you will be rewarded.” I pushed the anal toy just past her entrance, allowing her muscles to stretch and mold around the thick rubber.
She rose onto her tiptoes, leaning further forward and arching her back.
“Relax, my sweet.” I continued pushing, twisting the plug as I inserted. When it was fully seated inside, she let out a loud whimper, her body sagging.
I patted her on the bottom, easing away from her. “Beautiful.” I took another step away, wresting with the inner beast. “If you even attempt to escape while I’m gone, I will punish you severely.”
As I walked through the doorway, I heard her deep exhale as well as her words of continued hatred.
“I will kill you.”
* * *
I stood in my office window, finally glancing at my watch. The clock was ticking but had nothing to do with the hour positioned on my watch.
“Tony mentioned you have a guest. Is there anything I should know, boss?” Sergei’s voice sounded over the heavy thud of his approach.
I could see in the reflection of the glass he wore a pensive face. “Yes, sh
e’s to be protected at all costs.”
“Of course. Do you mind if I ask who it is?”
I rolled down my sleeves, taking controlled breaths. The conversation with Giliana had been frustrating as fuck, leaving me on edge. “She is Giliana Worthington.”
“The perp’s daughter?” he asked, shock lacing his tone.
“Yes. It was necessary that I alter the plan. She will provide excellent ammunition if Mr. Worthington can’t be reasoned with.”
“Whoa. You’re going to keep her here?” Sergei asked, his tone far more accusatory than I was used to.
I turned slowly, allowing him to see the ire on my face. “And you’re questioning me?”
His mouth twisted as he approached. “I’m sorry, boss. It’s just... Look, I know about Viktor’s escape. I heard through the grapevine you were the man responsible for sending him to prison. You’re not safe here, which means the girl isn’t either.”
“There is nowhere I can be safe, Sergei. Be careful listening to rumors and innuendos. They could get you killed.”
Sergei’s eyes opened wide, knowing better than to tread on any of my decisions or question my authority.
However, Sergei had maintained contact with members of the Kutaisi, keeping a handle on the business. There would have been no way to keep Viktor’s escape quiet. Even the morning news had yet another story on the situation, questions regarding safety for Viktor’s myriad enemies a topic of conversation. I was amazed how much the press had learned about the monster and the people he associated with.
“Aren’t you concerned?”
I thought about his question. “I will do what’s necessary in order to remain alive, but we have a mission to accomplish, which I refuse to compromise on. I will handle the girl, keeping her locked in her room as long as necessary. She could be a vital piece in order to end this peacefully.”
“You’re keeping her in the basement?” he retorted, instantly lowering his head. “Are you going to keep her in the cage?”
Pavel would have had Sergei punished for such egregious words. To me, Sergei had become an ally and a friend, affording him some lapses in judgment. “Only if her behavior necessitates. Have Tony and Bruno keep an eye on her while we’re gone, Sergei. She is an escape artist and will no doubt try to get away. If that occurs, tell them to use any means necessary to keep her locked down until we return.”
“An escape artist? Isn’t she a pampered princess?” His laugh was gregarious.
“She is... unusual. Trust me, she will make at least one more attempt.”
“Is that how you got the bump on the back of your head, boss?”
I touched the back of my head, grimacing from the remaining tenderness. “I assure you, she received punishment for her actions.”
“Jesus,” he huffed. The brute I’d known for years had a soft spot when it came to women. “Will do, boss. So you’re aware, there’s no chatter on the streets about the diamond,” Sergei said quietly. “Not a single word. Talked to everybody I could think of. In addition, Mr. Worthington hasn’t been out of the house this morning, nor has he had any visitors.”
Nothing.
Just like the amount of information I’d received that morning.
Giliana had confirmed information that I’d known for weeks and nothing more. While I was certainly used to assholes who refused to provide the truth, using several methods to convince them otherwise, I believed her.
In fact, she didn’t seem to want anything to do with her father’s business. Her answers had been succinct, well thought out but not polished. I’d sent her back to her room, trying to wrap my head around her stoic answers.
I yanked my suit jacket from the back of the chair, easing into it and reaching for my weapon. “That likely means he still has the diamond in his possession.”
“But what if he doesn’t?”
I took a deep breath then adjusted my cuffs. “Then Mr. Worthington will have a limited time to bring it to me.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, what if he refuses?”
I moved around my desk, grabbing the car keys. “Then, my friend, his daughter will be sacrificed as required.”
Chapter Ten
Kostya
The restaurant was in the heart of Jackson Square, the prominent location frequented by tourists and locals alike. It had taken a single phone call to the receptionist working at Worthington Enterprises to find out his agenda for the day. A little sweet talking went a long way.
I’d brought Sergei with me in case Mr. Worthington had been told who was after the diamond and attempted to either flee or fight. While Dante had yet to provide any updates, it was only a matter of time before the turncoat would leak additional information, including scrubbing the original plan. I still believed an element of surprise was in my favor.
Sergei moved to the side of the entrance and would keep watch until my time with Worthington was concluded. The rain continued to pour, the sheet of water already creating flooding conditions in the street. At least that would keep some of the customers away.
As I walked inside, the scent of Cajun food was almost overpowering, leaving a bad taste in my mouth. Even the music was obnoxious, grating in my ears. My mood was quickly drifting straight into hell.
I moved past the hostess without acknowledging her, easing into the dining room, able to catch sight of Mr. Worthington within seconds. I studied him, the way he was holding court with the man sitting opposite, detailing a description of the guest in my mind. I would easily find his identification upon return to the house. After casing the area closest to their table, I realized Wyland had brought two guards with him, both men sitting at a table nearby. While their attempt at disguise was ridiculous, I could just make out the holsters they were wearing.
Wyland was taking no chances. He had been warned.
My blood boiled as I stood in the shadows, waiting for the perfect opportunity. I received it only a few minutes later as Wyland headed in the direction of the bathroom. I waited for a few seconds before following in a cautious manner, moving immediately to the bay of sinks. There were two occupied stalls and in truth, I didn’t want to make a scene. The last thing I needed was for a member of the police to interfere.
When the first stall door opened, I turned on the water. In less than a minute, the man left the room, not bothering to even give me a second glance. Almost two minutes later, Wyland finally moved toward the sink, still buttoning his trousers.
He wasted no time acknowledging my presence. “Hey. It’s um... I’m sorry. I’m terrible with names. Wait. Sacha Ivanov. Right?” Either the asshole was a damn good actor or he had no idea who I was.
While the identity of the Specialist assigned to the various missions was only known to the particular handler and a few others, there were ways to find out the information with time and connections, but that may not have occurred as of yet.
Either that or I was being played.
“Yes. You have a good memory, Mr. Worthington. An excellent party,” I said in passing as I turned off the water, immediately grabbing a paper towel.
“Damn shame I can only remember parts of it,” he chortled, miming lifting a glass. “I understand it got a little rowdy. Hope that didn’t bother you, son. I have some pretty kinky friends it would seem.”
I offered a fake smile, tossing the wad of paper. “Not at all. I enjoy elements of the darkness.” I opened my jacket, allowing him to catch a glimpse at my weapon. “It would appear that you and I have unfinished business, Wyland.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” he barked, giving me a dirty look.
“You have something that doesn’t belong to you. Now, here’s how it’s going to play out. You and I are going back into the restaurant where you’re going to tell your companion as well as your hired thugs that you forgot about a very important meeting, asking them to leave. Then we are going to have a discussion like civilized men. Do you think you can do that, Wyland?”
“Buddy, I don
’t know who the hell you think you are, but I’m going to call the cops.” He shook his head, prepared to walk around me.
I simply moved in front of him, lowering my head so he could hear me clearly. “You will do exactly as I say.”
He laughed, prepared to push me away. I grabbed his hand, twisting until he gritted his teeth in pain. “What the fuck do you want?”
“The Mandalorian diamond.”
His eyes opened wide, a smirk crossing his face. “You’re a damn thief. I knew someone was in my study the night of the party. You will never be able to acquire anything that belongs to me. You messed with the wrong man, so you can go to hell.”
I continued placing pressure on my hold until beads of sweat began to form along his forehead. “I have no doubt that one day I will do just that. In the meantime, I am here to retrieve what doesn’t belong to you.”
“You’re going to break my hand,” he hissed.
“Possible. By the way, I already own something that belongs to you. I thought you might be interested in a trade.”
“You’re a fucking liar. I don’t owe you a goddamn thing,” he insisted, his face reddening.
“Then you will never see your daughter again.”
* * *
Wyland took a third sip of water before motioning for the waiter. The beads of sweat on his face had increased, forcing him to continuously pull out a handkerchief. While I didn’t buy his complete reaction, I could tell he was rattled.
“I think you have the wrong person. I’m a businessman, although I do have a love of art. That came from my wife, God rest her soul.”
“Wyland, let’s not play games. I am very well versed in your extortion methods going back for over twenty years. You have a significant amount of money from what would be described as Ponzi schemes with the real estate you and your business partners own. Whether or not your daughter is involved, that I’m uncertain. What I’m certain of it that the FBI will find the information my associates and I have gathered quite tantalizing.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”