Persuasion

by Stone, Piper

  “Mmmm... God.”

  I adored her ragged sounds, the way she jutted her hips forward as if begging for more. I thrust my tongue deep inside, lapping her sweet cream, almost desperate for more. I wanted her juice to cover my face, a beautiful reminder of our coupling.

  As I held her fast, she began riding my tongue, rocking deliberately, mewing softly. Every action only fueled the fire, the blood pumping through my system exaggerated. I was nothing but a wild beast, desperate for more, my guttural sounds filtering into the room. I didn’t give a shit who heard our throes of unbridled passion.

  When her actions became stilted, her breathing scattered, I knew she was close to coming. I shifted my hand, pumping two then three fingers inside, her muscles immediately clamping around the combination. I was nothing but a savage, thrusting hard and fast until her body had difficulty remaining in position.

  And still I continued feasting, shifting my head back and forth in a repetitious pattern.

  “Oh. Oh... I...” Her body stiffened, her hands once again slapping the solid wood, her hips gyrating up and down.

  When she finally erupted, filling my mouth with her cream, I refused to stop. As a single climax roared into another, she couldn’t hold back a ragged scream.

  Seconds later, her body crumbled, her chest heaving as she took deep breaths.

  I pushed her as I moved to a sitting position, dumping her on her back as I crawled over her. I immediately lifted her legs, forcing them around my hips. She squealed from delight as well as surprise, immediately reaching for me.

  “Not so fast, little princess,” I huffed, shoving one arm over her head then the other, able to grasp both of her wrists with one hand. “You have no control. It would seem you need a reminder.”

  She offered another sly smile, struggling in my hold as she wrapped her feet together. “I’m a good girl.”

  I rubbed my cock back and forth, giving her a heated look of my own. “Oh, I don’t think so.” The playful banter seemed so natural even as it shoved another dagger into my heart. Unable to resist her any longer, I slipped my shaft just inside, holding my stance.

  Damn, how I wanted this to last, to be able to take her several times. I closed my eyes, plunging the entire length inside, knocking the breath out of her. I threw my head back, roaring as a dazzling array of sensations rocketed through me, sending my pulse into overdrive. I could barely breathe, my entire mind muddled.

  Whimpering, she no longer struggled as she lifted her hips, opening up like a delicate flower.

  I rubbed my hand down her leg, my muscles almost spasming from the intensity, the way her body responded to mine. I began to move in and out in an orchestrated rhythm, initially taking my time.

  Then my beast took over, pumping into her in barbaric actions, driving her hard into the bedding.

  She pressed her knees against me, her breathing nothing more than scattered pants. Her eyes were pinned on mine, her voluptuous lips pursed.

  I rocked her hard, holding back my own needs as she purred, her head moving from side to side. I wanted her to come again, to cover my cock with her delicious cream. When I could tell she was close, I picked up the intensity, the sound of skin slapping against skin giving me a smile.

  “Kostya,” she whispered. The way she said my name was cathartic, said with the kind of adoration I wanted to shower over her.

  “Come for me, little kitten. Come on my cock.”

  “Mmm... Yes,” she managed, biting her lower lip. Her body responded almost instantly, goosebumps reappearing, her face flushing. “Uh. Uh. Uh!” This time, she bit back a scream as her body bucked.

  “That’s it. Enjoy, my little baby. Take all you want.” I kept the tone of my voice even yet commanding. In those few moments as she released again, I could tell I’d driven her straight into ecstasy.

  When she stopped shaking, I lifted her legs even more, searching for the anal plug. At some point, she’d removed it.

  She opened her eyes wide, biting down on her lower lip.

  “You were a very bad girl,” I muttered, shaking my head in admonishment.

  “I just...” She laughed softly, wiggling in my hold.

  I reared back, freeing my hold and forcing her onto her stomach. Moaning, she clawed at the sheets even as I closed her legs, straddling her thighs. Leaning over, I placed my lips against her ear, whispering ever so slowly, “You forget that you belong to me. Every. Single. Inch.”

  She quivered, scrunching her fingers around the bedding as she took shallow breaths. “Yes, sir.”

  As I parted her ass cheeks, another round of darkness shifted into my soul. Our time was running out. Very gently I slipped my cock into her puckered hole, struggling to keep my control. The moment I was fully seated inside, I lowered my head once again, biting down on her shoulder.

  “Fuck me,” she said so quietly I almost didn’t hear her, but the shimmer of bliss on her face left me breathless.

  I pulled out until just the tip was inside, my entire body shaking from the heightened level of adrenaline. As I pumped into her, every thrust become more and more brutal, her subtle moans filled my ears. I lost all control, taking her savagely, the heat of her muscles a powerful aphrodisiac.

  Nothing had ever felt so good, so perfect. I rode her tight ass long and hard, beads of sweat rolling down from my forehead, trickling against her skin. I watched the simple move as I fucked her, becoming lost in my own haunted sadness. I was suddenly overwhelmed with my body’s need, unable to hold back the eruption.

  As my muscles tensed, my balls releasing, I was unable to hold back the ragged growl. My body refused to stop shaking for a full minute, fueled by her sounds of ecstasy. As I eased beside her, gathering her into my arms, she interlocked our fingers together. I threw my leg over hers, drawing her tightly against my body. She fit perfectly, every luscious curve molding with mine.

  There was no need for discussion, no desire from either one of us for small talk. The simple pleasure of being this close was enough.

  For now.

  I hadn’t been this relaxed around anyone in my life, including with Katina. As I rubbed my thumb across her arm, I could tell she’d fallen asleep. When I heard the rumble of thunder, I lifted my head, studying the rain. While there was no way of knowing how much time had passed, I was no fool. The day of reckoning had arrived.

  There was no way of knowing what would happen, but I was certain of one aspect. She deserved a life and that didn’t include with a man like me.

  A monster.

  The only way to keep her safe was to let her go. The sadness was overwhelming.

  I brushed my hand against her cheek, easing several strands of hair from her eyes. I hated leaving her here. As I pulled away, breaking our connection, I shut down this aspect of my emotions. From now on, I was nothing but a soldier.

  Once I was dressed, I reached for the gun, bristling as I heard her voice.

  “You found the person responsible for betraying you,” she said quietly.

  “I believe so.” I eased the gun back in position, unable to turn around. “I have to leave you in this room for now. Do you understand?”

  “Yes. What’s going to happen?”

  “The beginning of what I hope will be the end.” I headed for the door, my heart racing.

  “Kostya, it sounds like you’re saying goodbye.”

  I hesitated before opening the door, darting a glance over my shoulder. “We will see each other again, feya printsessa. I claim what I own. Remember, you belong to me.” After clicking the lock into place, I pressed my palm against the cool wood, unable to mutter the single word, one that was more profound than any other.

  Goodbye.

  * * *

  The tactical gear in place, I shoved several additional clips of ammunition in my pockets, adding three handguns in their appropriate locations then grabbing the AK-47. As I peered out the window of the bedroom Dante had selected, there was no sign of the soldiers he’d mentioned, but I knew in
my gut they’d arrived.

  There was nothing left to do but wait.

  As I walked down the stairs, Dante stopped me.

  “You have a visitor,” he stated, his expression one of anger. “Am I to assume he was invited?”

  “He was.”

  He studied my gear, glancing up and down. “You’re stretching, Kostya.”

  “I’m requesting assistance. After all, the Armenians are his true enemy.” I moved to pass him. When he placed his hand on my chest, I snarled.

  “I don’t like whatever game it is you’re playing.”

  I turned my head slowly. “And I don’t like being lied to.”

  “Do you have any proof?”

  “Only a suspicion.”

  “That’s not good enough! You will wind up getting us all killed,” Dante huffed, struggling to keep his voice low. “Besides, Viktor has been spotted in Italy, less than twenty miles from here.”

  “Then you can rally up your men to shoot to kill.”

  “You’re one crazy fuck taking him on this way.”

  I leaned in until my face was only inches away from his. “Do I have another choice, Dante? As my handler, you should be prepared for all possibilities and as you’ve said, I have to be able to trust you. If what I believe is true, you should be able to find the proof you need by looking at why I was dragged into that mission in the first place. My guess is that a certain contact was made.” The challenge was one he would be forced to accept. If he was dirty, the answer would mean the contract on my head was to be enforced today.

  If he wasn’t the traitor, I would know just as quickly. In this game of chess, check had already been played.

  There was only one move left.

  He reared back, studying me intently. “Understood. Your guest is in my study.”

  I nodded, moving several feet away before stopping. “If this goes badly, Giliana is to be protected.”

  “You love her.”

  I looked him square in the eyes before giving a single nod. I’d either signed her death warrant or a chance at returning to her old life. Sadly, there was no additional time for lamenting or second guessing my decisions. I headed toward the study, anticipating soldiers guarding the door, protecting their leader. Seeing no one, I had a single moment of doubt. However, I hadn’t remained alive this long without following my instincts. Today would be no exception.

  I walked inside quietly, closing the door behind me. He stood with his back to me, his hands behind his back as he gazed out the window. I took a deep breath, curtailing my anger. “Spasibo, chto prishli tak bistro.” While thanking him for coming weren’t the words I wanted to say, the game needed to continue.

  For now.

  “Come now, Kostya. Given you’ve been living in America for many months, I believe we should honor that by speaking English. Don’t you?” As he turned around, he smiled, and I almost bought it was genuine. “You look well, my son. I have missed seeing you.” He walked closer, narrowing his eyes as he noticed the weapon in my hand.

  “Pavel. English is fine.”

  He chuckled softly before walking toward Dante’s bar. “Would you care for a drink?”

  “It’s a little early.”

  “Never too early for vodka but have it your way.”

  I waited as he poured a hefty amount, not bothering to add any ice. His signature drink. “Tell me, Kostya. Why the urgent call?”

  “I believe you already know the reason why.”

  He held no expression as he took a sip, pursing his lips afterwards. “I apologize, but you will need to enlighten me.”

  “Someone had initiated an elaborate plan to seek revenge.”

  “Someone?” he asked.

  “It would appear the Armenians are still angry about the bullet I put into Drakoff Caroli’s spine.” I watched him, choosing my words carefully. I wanted to draw him out.

  “After all these years?” he asked, laughing. “While Drakoff is a savage, he has little patience.” He rubbed his jaw, tilting his head back and forth. “However, his son is entirely different.”

  “Yes, so I’ve heard, which is why I made some inquiries. It’s amazing what can be found if you have the right equipment.”

  “That is true. How can I help you? I’m happy to dispatch my soldiers to handle the situation if necessary. Drakoff is still a pig that should have been snuffed out before.” He eyed me and for the first time, I noted a slight tic appearing in the corner of his mouth. I’d always known when he was lying. Today was no exception.

  The sound of the door opening was almost perfect timing.

  “Forgive the interruption. Here is the information you requested, Kostya.” Dante handed me a folded piece of paper and simply walked out of the room.

  Pavel appeared bored as I opened the note, taking a deep breath, my adrenaline pumping.

  “Do you remember telling me once about the Mandalorian Pink Diamond?” I could tell the question was one he hadn’t expected.

  He rubbed his jaw once again, looking the other way before answering. “I’ve certainly heard of it, but as far as having a conversation with you, that I do not remember. Why is it important?”

  “Because you mentioned you would enjoy owning it, although you knew the odds were against you.” I smiled, shoving the note into my pocket and retrieving the other piece of damning information. The diamond was the least of his desires.

  “What does that have to do with what you are going through?”

  There was no need to answer. I walked closer, keeping my tone even. “Drakoff had his men beat me for hours a day. I have scars as a reminder.”

  “I know that, Kostya. I did everything I could to make things right. If my command to take out his entire operation has come back to haunt you in particular, I am sorry; however, business is business. And you know why!” His face flushed, his anger rearing its ugly head.

  “I understand, Pavel, much more than you know.” I closed the distance, hissing. I was finished with the ruse, ready to take the final move. “You placed a contract on my life but since you’d already given your blessing to join the ranks of the Specialists, your soldiers weren’t able to act on your orders easily. So you devised a plan to secure a jewel you’d coveted for years while having your number one enemy take the blame.”

  “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “As you always told me, the Armenians are greedy bastards. That would allow me to believe the carefully planted lies instigated by you about their fallen leader and his son if your mission went awry. You went as far as making certain my handler discovered their plan. Why? Because if I avoided your death warrant, the Specialists would handle the situation with the Armenians and you would still win. If my mission failed due to my untimely death, the rightful owners of the jewel would take measures to handle the situation on their own. The Armenians would have no advance knowledge of the massacre. And you’d have your revenge as well as something worth millions of dollars.”

  He didn’t react, yet his eyes were cold and emotionless.

  “You even went so far as to hire a thief, a man who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, only losing money in your casinos, not the Armenians as we were led to believe. I am well aware he called you less than two days ago, likely begging to be allowed to live.”

  He remained silent for a full minute before laughing and tipping his glass. “You have been with the Americans for far too long, Kostya. Why would I want to kill you?”

  “Because of your daughter.”

  “That makes no sense. You did what you could to protect her.”

  “Something else you taught me a long time ago. Pictures are worth a thousand words.” I held out the photograph, remembering the beautiful night in the rain with Katina.

  He snatched the photograph out of my hand, his face now beet red, his entire body shaking.

  “You didn’t know she and I were in love until recently, until someone gave you proof. You blame me for her death.”

 
His reaction was swift, the backhand coming quickly, the blow hard enough stars floated in front of my eyes. “You were the reason she was captured, the reason she was murdered. My only daughter.”

  “Her death destroyed me.”

  “You threw her away. That’s why she was at your apartment that day, the very reason she was taken. You are right. I wanted you dead, Kostya. You deserve to die for killing my baby!”

  The door was thrown open, several soldiers storming in and surrounding Pavel.

  He sneered when he saw them. “You are a true bastard, Kostya. To believe I once called you my son.”

  “I will live with the guilt of her death for the rest of my live, Pavel, but I’m not the one who killed her,” I snapped, my mind wrapping around what he’d just said. I took several deep breaths, the totality of the betrayal digging its ugly claws into my mind. “And you’re the bastard.”

  Dante stormed into the room, shaking his head. “You were right, Kostya, and from what I can tell, he’s here alone.”

  “No, there’s more,” I said under my breath, my nerves on edge.

  Pavel grinned, tipping his glass for the last time. “When you were a boy, I always knew you’d become a wonderful soldier. You followed every one of my rules without question, with one exception. You always knew I valued honor and loyalty more than anything and you broke both codes. The moment I found out, I knew what had to be done. Killing you wasn’t my objective, Kostya. If you’re fool enough to think that my soldiers failed to assassinate you, then you are dead wrong.” He walked closer until I could smell the stench of vodka on his breath. “You underestimated me.”

  “And how is that?”

  “Several Armenian soldiers defected from the Drakoff empire after you were reassigned to the Specialists. Yes, they are little more than animals, but have no problem following orders. After I found out your betrayal, they enabled me to concoct a plan of retaliation, including enlisting a man by the name of Andon. Does that name ring a bell to you? I didn’t want your death, Kostya. I wanted you to suffer the kind of loss that I have. For the rest. Of. Your. Life.”