Persuasion

by Stone, Piper

My father acted as if he was disgusted I’d bothered to stop by, thumping down in his chair and immediately turning his attention to the computer screen. “Your mother was a romantic. Maybe she left the letter with a friend to mail when you got older.”

  “My mother had no friends. You saw to that,” I spouted, anger boiling within me.

  “That’s enough!” He glared at me, his nostrils flaring. “You obviously need to tell me what’s in this letter, so why don’t you go ahead?”

  The audacity of the man was disgusting. “You killed her.”

  The look of horror on his face was almost sweet justice.

  “Giliana.”

  I shifted, trying to understand the new voice.

  “Giliana, wake up. We’ve arrived.”

  My eyelids were heavy, difficult to open. When I did, a sharp stream of light forced me to wince. A dream. I was having a damn dream. No, I was having a recurring nightmare. I was still captured, taken from the very home I’d run away from only a few years before. The irony was almost laughable. I rubbed my forehead, realizing I was covered in perspiration. As I dared take a look in Kostya’s direction, I realized he was frowning. “Where are we?”

  Kostya seemed distant, sitting as far away as possible from me in the backseat of some massive dark sedan. We’d been shuttled from the airplane immediately into the car, the two men who’d greeted us built and dressed like bouncers. They said nothing upon our arrival, merely handing a group of papers to Kostya. From that moment, he’d seemed furious.

  I hadn’t realized I’d fallen asleep, determined to pay attention to every detail. I still had no idea where we were. There’d been no noticeable signs at the small airstrip, no other vehicles of any kind and there’d been no front license plate to try to determine what country we’d been flown to. I’d seen the ocean from the plane, the vastness of the water making me feel small and inconsequential. That was the only reason I knew we were no longer in the United States.

  When Kostya remained quiet, I edged forward on the seat, trying to catch a glimpse of anything. The two-lane road was lined with trees, all flowing in the light breeze of what appeared to be late afternoon. In calculating the time of the flight, as well as the light level in the sky, I guessed we were somewhere in Europe, but I could have lost several hours during my bouts of fitful sleep.

  Everything had a serene appearance, several of the trees flowering, but there was also an eerie feel as if my dream had been an awakening.

  A foretelling.

  This wasn’t real.

  “We are in Italy,” he said under his breath. It was the first time I noticed his fingers were wrapped around a handgun.

  “Italy,” I repeated, leaning back and shrinking into the seat. “Why?”

  “You’re not to ask questions at this point, princess. I suggest you maintain a very low profile. I fear your presence will not be accepted.”

  Accepted? Wherever we were headed certainly wasn’t by his choice. “Then what does that mean?”

  He finally turned his head in my direction, his eyes as haunted as I’d seen the night before. “I don’t know.” His honesty was more terrifying than the lack of control.

  I huddled closer to the door, desperate to learn anything about where we were going. As the trees opened up, the vision that appeared in front of me was startling. The grand mansion was more like a castle, the front made entirely of stone. The house itself was set on a knoll surrounded by trees, rolling swells of green grass dropping closer to the road. I could just make out a series of other buildings on one side, and on the other I could swear there were acres of grapevines.

  I’d expected concrete blocks and cold steel, a true prisonlike setting, not a castle made for a... princess. A lump formed in my throat, choking me instantly. There was no way this was a fairy tale of any kind.

  “What is this place?” I dared to ask.

  “The Moretti Estate,” the driver answered, his Italian accent rustic in nature, not polished as I would have imagined. I noticed his dark gaze as he peered into the rearview mirror, his eyes shifting toward Kostya.

  Kostya snickered under his breath, his jaw clenching.

  The driver didn’t pull into the front, instead continuing until he was able to drive through a series of gates after punching in a code. While the area was just as beautiful; the sight of the expansive pool and cabana breathtaking, everything seemed utterly cold and unwelcoming. There was absolutely no reason for me to think that way. There were flowers everywhere in vivid colors, at least six crimson umbrellas shifting gently in the breeze.

  The setting was romantic perfection at its finest.

  Only I had a terrible feeling this was also the gateway to hell.

  Once the car was stopped, Kostya didn’t wait for anyone to open his door, tumbling out with both feet hitting the ground. Whatever he said to the driver was muted but stated in a controlling manner.

  The driver and his companion seemed to acquiesce, walking away stiffly. Kostya sneered after they stormed away before opening the door, his hand grabbing me roughly.

  “Don’t,” I murmured, trying to jerk away from him.

  He pulled me as close as possible, his eyes holding my attention. “You need to listen to me and say nothing. We have little time. We are at the home of my handler, the person responsible for making certain I have everything I need for my missions. I don’t have the time to explain the nuances of the people I work with, but there is one rule. No involvement.”

  “Meaning me,” I whispered.

  His grip on my arm was tighter, lowering his head. “I didn’t lie that I would protect you, but you must watch your back. My handler may be the least of my concerns. Finding out who betrayed me is the most important. However, Dante Moretti is no friend of mine. He is equally as dangerous, his methods almost as aggressive as mine. If he realizes that I care for you in any manner, he will likely attempt to use you against me.”

  “You work with these people? Why? Why would you consider something so heinous?”

  “Because I had no choice.”

  I could feel the weight of the world on him as well as the same familiar tug, only this time it felt much more personal.

  “You always have a choice, Kostya. It’s simply a matter of whether you choose to take it or not.”

  His hot breath cascaded across my face, his mouth twisting in anger and frustration. “They won’t take you away from me.”

  The words were the closest form of endearment he’d given me, tugging at my heartstrings in a way that brought tears to my eyes. What was this organization he was involved with? Nothing made any sense. “I’m a fighter, Zorro, just like you. Never forget that.”

  He moved his hand to my face, cupping my jaw. “My beautiful fairy princess.”

  “Well, I see you made it safely, Kostya.” The deep voice came from behind Kostya, his accent rippled with education and polish. “And you bring a guest. How... interesting.”

  “Dante.” He gave me a last look before releasing his hold and shifting to face the man he’d warned me about. “We obviously have much to discuss.”

  “Yes,” Dante stated, his eyes locking on mine before dropping his gaze all the way to my bare feet. “Allow me to escort our guest to a secure facility. I’m certain she would appreciate a shower and perhaps a change of clothing.”

  There were no formalities of introductions, no explanations of why I’d accompanied Kostya. I was still nothing but property.

  “Agreed,” Kostya answered.

  “Excellent. I’ll have Romero show you to your room then to my study. We can talk in private there.” He advanced toward me and while there was no expression on his face, his dark brown eyes had an aura of possession. “Come with me,” he instructed as he nodded toward the back of the house, waiting until I walked ahead of him.

  I refused to glance in Kostya’s direction, following the very rules the Russian had established. I wouldn’t act in any other manner but as a captive.

  Dante remained
quiet as he walked me through a labyrinth of hallways until we reached a single door at the very end of one, the lock the single thing that drew my attention. He chuckled as he pulled out a set of keys, flipping through several until he found the one he was looking for. “You are Wyland Worthington’s daughter.”

  The sharp click was simply another reminder of my status: captive. “Yes.”

  He opened the door, holding out his arm. “Please.”

  I shot him a look before heading inside. The space was beautiful, my eyes immediately drawn to a corner window overlooking a garden. The canopy bed was ornate with carved wood and a luxurious comforter. Even the single overstuffed chair positioned in front of the small stone fireplace was inviting. I walked toward the window, gazing out at the manicured landscape. “It’s lovely for a prison.”

  He laughed as he walked closer. “I am a gentleman in most aspects of my life, my methods quite civilized, unlike your Russian friend. He is truly a barbarian by nature.”

  I remained where I was, fighting the urge to say anything in retort.

  “I will make certain you are comfortable while you remain in my house, Giliana, but I assure you that you are not wanted here. Whatever knowledge you may have had is now of no importance, your presence no longer needed. You will simply follow instructions given to you without question. I’m certain you will be aptly compliant given the time spent with Kostya.”

  “Are you threatening me, Dante?” I could clearly see his reflection in the glass.

  He rolled the keys in his hand, chuckling once again. “I am simply telling you what is required. You will find suitable clothing in the closet.”

  He said nothing else as he walked out of the room, shutting the door with a soft click. Just as I’d anticipated, the lock was engaged.

  From one prison to another, only this time I knew Kostya would be the one wearing chains.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Kostya

  I moved behind Dante as he walked into the room, pointing the barrel of my Glock toward the back of his head. He seemed to sense me immediately, turning around slowly.

  “I see that trust is still an issue for you, Kostya.” There was no fear in his eyes. He knew very well that if I wanted to kill him I would simply pull the trigger, but certainly not until I had the information I needed in order to find the traitor.

  “And you might imagine why,” I countered.

  He took a deep breath before moving to a beautifully crafted bar in the corner. “Are you still strictly vodka or would you prefer something more robust?”

  “I prefer the truth, Dante. The timing couldn’t have been better. For you.”

  “What are you suggesting, my friend?”

  “Your call. It came within an hour of my home being attacked, the house bombed, and two of my soldiers down. I would say that’s very interesting, wouldn’t you?”

  Sighing, he glanced over his shoulder then returned to pouring two glasses of scotch. “And what about the other two?”

  I chuckled darkly, lowering my gun and securing it behind my back. We were still playing games. “Sergei is cleaning up. As far as Tony, well, I have a suspicion that he was the person responsible for tipping off the militia.”

  “Militia?” He seemed genuinely surprised as he turned toward me, his eyes narrowing. He walked closer, handing me the drink. “What are you thinking?”

  I swirled the liquid before answering. “What I know is that this particular mission was a wild goose chase, one designed to have me as a captive audience in a location for an extended period of time.”

  “Meaning?” He took a sip, his expression denoting a sated moment.

  I’d almost lost my taste for alcohol, although the long day had proven to be arduous. “Meaning I agree with you that I was compromised. Given you placed the call, it’s time for you to tell me everything you know.” What little he’d mentioned on the phone had indicated a well-planned operation that had been ongoing for an extended period of time. What he hadn’t mentioned were any names. Or reasons why.

  He glanced at the closed door, moving to the edge of the leather chair and resting on the back. “So you are aware, this room is soundproofed, secure in several ways. The glass is bulletproof, as is much of the rest of the house. I have a vast number of weapons located here as well as a massive computer system allowing me to guide a NASA rocket if necessary.” He hesitated, as if the stats would impress me. “In other words, what we discuss here is private. However, I’m very much like you, Kostya. I do not trust those around me. While I’ve taken great pains to ensure that those employed by the Specialists and assigned to my jobs are worthy of their duties, there is always a chance they could be compromised.”

  “Always,” I agreed. “Duly noted.” He was still trying to impress me. “Cut to the chase, Dante. My honest guess is that as good as you believe your security system to be, it will be compromised because there is a mole in the organization. How did you hear of the attack?”

  He tipped his head in my direction, nodding twice. “Understood but I have sources that I will not disclose to anyone. That’s how I’ve managed to stay alive. They are reliable. That much I can assure you. I need to ask you something personal.”

  I bristled immediately. “You have no need to know anything about my life.”

  “I believe I do. You see, it was explained to me that you didn’t disclose a particular enemy when you signed on to this organization.”

  “If you remember correctly, I was ordered to accept the position.” I finally took a sip, savoring the flavor. Even though the discussion was vital, my thoughts continually drifted to Giliana. I’d heard every word she said after the round of discipline, the angst in her voice at her admittance regarding her father. I’d also been surprised at hearing her feelings. She was far too vulnerable in her state of mind, let alone being here in this place.

  Around this man.

  I’d had my suspicions of where the plane would land. Dante was either the mastermind behind the series of deadly games or he was simply doing his job as my handler—protecting me at all costs. I had my doubts as to which, but I had to play this out in order to get to the truth. Giliana would not be a victim of whatever conspiracy was set in motion.

  “Yes, well, that is true enough. We don’t have to like each other, Kostya, but we are required to work together. That means you have to place a certain amount of trust in me.”

  I couldn’t hold back the bitter chuckle. “Trusting anyone has never been to my benefit.”

  “Said like a true Baranov soldier. It is my understanding that you were involved with a young woman some years ago. Is that true?”

  I was forced to take a deep breath, enraged that my private life had been sifted through. While I’d never expected the damning incident would remain a complete secret, the details had nothing to do with this particular mission. Or did it? “You would be correct.”

  He nodded once again, taking his time to continue. “And it’s also my understanding that she was kidnapped by Baranov’s enemy, Drakoff Caroli, former leader of the Armenian mafia.”

  “Where is this going, Dante? I have no time for games or past stories that mean nothing.”

  “I think you are completely aware of what this means.” He hesitated, staring into my eyes. “Think about it, Russian. You were captured and tortured for days by that monster.”

  I shifted away, walking toward the window, glaring out in the direction of his glorious pool. “And his organization was almost annihilated after the fact.” I gripped the glass with enough force I could break it easily, smashing it into thousands of shards. A headache formed instantly, my entire mind reeling from the realization that I could never get away from the damn past.

  “Exactly, including Drakoff being wounded. As you are well aware, he has never been the same, his son forced to take his position as leader. His son is almost as cunning, choosing Baranov enemies that wouldn’t mind cutting a piece out of the organization.”

  I shifted my
gaze in his direction. “Viktor.”

  “Exactly. I had my suspicions about his escape, given it’s almost impossible.”

  “He was helped by members inside the prison,” I mused, laughing softly.

  “I’ve yet to have that confirmed, but it’s my strong belief. Once Viktor arrived in the United States, he disappeared, a tough feat for someone with no money or connections.”

  “Another part of the plan.”

  Dante nodded. “As far as who’s been feeding him information, there is only one way to find out.”

  “Feeding the beast more.”

  Dante finally grinned, lifting his glass. “See? We can make an excellent team.”

  I fumed, realizing I hadn’t even thought about the particular pieces of the puzzle. I’d been too consumed with the mission, attempting to put the pieces together with regard to Worthington to regard the past as even possibility related. I was furious with myself, my soldiers paying the price for my stupidity.

  “Tony,” I offered.

  “Honestly, no. He’s a good man, loyal to a fault. Besides, he has limited connections and none to either Viktor or the Armenians. If he’s involved in any manner, I’d be shocked.” Dante swirled his drink.

  “All right. What about Worthington? Where does he come into all of this?” I was forced to admit that his idea was the only one plausible. Drakoff was mostly incapacitated but still a powerful ruler, the family with the means to fund the mission.

  “I haven’t quite put those pieces together yet, but I honestly think he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, forced to accept a position in all of this.”

  “You must have something more than just your intuition,” I countered.

  “You know me better than that. I never go on assumptions or the word of anyone else. As I mentioned, I have a computer network capable of masking my entrance into the most powerful systems in the world—CIA, FBI, ATF—that is undetectable. That includes every iota of Russian intelligence. There isn’t an organization that I can’t break into, no matter how secure they believe themselves to be.”