The Grandmaster's Legacy (HOT Historical Suspense, Box Set)

by Taylor Lee

  “Elena, stop. I want to talk to you,” Bai called from the courtyard gate.

  Elena was angry that Bai followed her. She sped up, not looking back, hoping she could run fast enough to get to her chambers before he caught her.

  In seconds he was next to her, his hand grasping her arm.

  “I told you to stop.” He was careful not to hurt her, but his grip was firm.

  “Elena, when I tell you to do something, I expect you to do it. Do you understand?” His voice was fim, commanding. His eyes glittered, cold and hard.

  Elena’s face felt hot. She refused to look at him, but nodded her head yes.

  “That is good. I am pleased you understand. That was quite a show you put on. Unlike your father and grandfather, I am not impressed. The conversation we had is not finished. But you and I are going to finish it now. Just you and me. Contrary to the things you said in front of Wan and your father, these are the things you know, and know well.

  “First, I do not think you deserved to be attacked. Those men deserved to die a hideous death. My only regret is that I couldn’t torture them to death rather than just shooting them. It was the most I could do and get you back to safety.

  “Second, killing your horse was an act of mercy on my part, not murder.

  “Third, and most important, you are not responsible for the actions of those perverted sub-humans. However, you are responsible for your own actions. You may think you can pick and choose which of your grandfather’s orders you will obey. But you cannot, and will not, disobey me. When I give you an order, I expect you to obey it. My rules are simple. You are not to leave the villa without my permission. You will always be accompanied by at least one Sing Leon guard. I cannot be more straightforward than that. Do you understand?”

  Elena glared at him. “Are you telling me that I am a prisoner on this compound?”

  “Not any more than you were a prisoner on your ranch in Wyoming.”

  She tossed her head and tried to pull away. “I left there because I was tired of being a prisoner.”

  “Then you shouldn’t have come here.”

  His voice was terse, cold. He held her firmly in his grip. “I asked you a question, Elena. Do you understand my rules?”

  He waited for her to answer him. Elena was furious, but more than that she was frightened, confused. When he grabbed her arm, she felt that same disquieting shiver of heat she had felt when he held her on his horse, comforting her. Now his face was tight with distain, his voice layered with cold anger. It was as though he was a different man: hard, unyielding, not the least bit comforting. She didn’t know what to do, how to respond. No one talked to her the way Bai was talking to her – as though she was a disobedient child. She was seething with anger, but was not sure how to fight back. She took a deep breath and, without looking at him, nodded yes. She tried to pull away, but he loomed over her clasping her close to him.

  “That’s not good enough, Elena.” He lifted her chin, holding it so she was forced to look at him.

  “Look at me. I asked you if you understand. If you do, please tell me that you do. Tell me you will not leave the villa unless you have my permission and are accompanied by a Sing Leon guard.”

  She squeezed her eyes shut to avoid looking at him and refused to answer. Bai paused, his voice was soft, threatening. “Look at me, Elena. Now.”

  She trembled, then opened her eyes and looked up at him, tears stinging the backs of her eyelids.

  “Say it, Elena. Now.”

  She swallowed hard. “I…I won’t leave the villa unless I have your permission. And…and I will always have a Sing Leon guard with me.”

  Bai stepped back, releasing her arm. His voice was heavy with sarcasm. “Thank you. Now go dress for dinner. I am eager to see one of the many dresses that your adoring grandfather showers on you to show you his love. Love that you seem to take lightly.”

  She started to object, horrified that he thought her so manipulative. Deciding nothing she could say would make a difference in his opinion of her, she turned to go to her chambers with as much grace as she could muster.

  Bai called after her, his lips curled in contempt. “And, cherie, one more thing. If I am interested in seeing you naked, I won’t need four men to help me undress you. I will undress you myself—one piece of clothing at a time. I assure you, I will enjoy every minute -- as will you. Indeed, you will beg me not to stop.”

  Elena gasped. She stared at him, her face white with shock. Her lips quivered as she started to respond, then she turned and ran to her chambers.

  Bai watched her go, running his hands through his hair in frustration. He was angry but felt another equally strong emotion he chose not to examine.

  Goddamn her! Infuriated, he thought back on the conversation with Wyatt and Wan. The manipulative little imp! Why couldn’t they see how she was playing them, bursting in tears knowing that they couldn’t bear to see her hurting, making them feel guilty that they hadn’t been there to help her, to save her. Never once did she admit that if she had done what she was told to do, none of it would have happened.

  His thoughts flew back to the waterfall. He knew that no matter how Wyatt and Wan imagined the assault, nothing could equal what he saw that afternoon. The terror on her face. The humiliation. The pain. He physically closed his eyes to shut out the hideous images. Goddamn those men and goddamn her. Filled with fury, he remembered the fragile woman with her beautiful body, her fiery hair, the way she fought so hard, so well, only to be brought down by depraved animals.

  Now as he watched her run to her chambers, he asked himself why he had said what he did. Why did he taunt her? Threaten to do to her what those evil men had done? How he would undress her? How she would enjoy it? But even as he castigated himself for his cruelty, he knew the answer. It was what he wanted to do. Not out of hate to brutalize her like those men had, but because she was beautiful, enticing. He wanted to glory in her stunning body.

  He remembered holding her close to him riding back to the villa. When he lifted her to straighten his shirt, he touched her bare bottom, felt her soft skin, her firm ass. He could still remember her smell. It was sweaty, frightened, mixed with soap and exotic spice. Christ, he even tasted her. Ah, yes, he would know how to undress her. He would remove her clothing slowly, one piece at a time. He’d marvel at her astonishing breasts, her slender waist, her surprisingly lush hips and long slender legs.

  He grimaced. Just thinking about her body, his cock swelled, a hard, insistent reminder that at least one appendage had no qualms about how to respond. Goddamn, what am I doing, he reprimanded himself? This is insane. She is Wyatt’s daughter, Wan’s granddaughter. She nearly destroyed them both, as well as herself, because she wouldn’t fucking do as she was told. He struggled to control his conflicting thoughts, his anger, and, yes, his lust. He needed to deal with her – and with his emotions – coolly, ruthlessly.

  He was grateful when his overarching self confidence reared up. He knew what to do, how to handle her. He’d treat her as the spoiled, willful child she was. He’d make it clear that he won’t tolerate her disobedience. He’d make sure she obeyed him, that she did as she was told. A slight smile tugged at his lips. Ah, mais oui. Miss Elena will know soon, if she doesn’t already, that she’s met her match.

  With a satisfied grin, he walked back through the garden to conclude his meeting with Wyatt and Wan. He needed to brief them on the conversation he planned to have with the governor. Like the accomplished powerbroker he was, he looked forward to the opportunity to further his initiatives.

  And, hell, yes, he looked forward to seeing Elena again.

  ~~

  Chapter 8

  Wyatt shook his head ruefully. “Goddamn, Wan, I know how much Elena is hurting. I’ve sat by her bed for three days now listening to her cry out in her sleep. It breaks my heart. Christ, I am so goddamn angry that I can’t sleep myself. But Bai is right. As much as I hate to admit it, Elena contributed to this hideous attack. It’s imperati
ve she listens to both you and Bai.”

  Wan watched Wyatt pace across the room, his face anguished and hard. He understood Wyatt’s pain because he felt it himself. Every time he looked at Elena, he imagined the horror that she faced. He was wracked with guilt. He was responsible for her safety. He failed her, failed Wyatt, and failed himself.

  “Wyatt, I know Bai is rigid, unrelenting, but in this case, he is what Elena needs. She isn’t afraid of me, as she shouldn’t be. Or of you. She loves us. For the most part, she is obedient, but she does not understand the danger she faces. Being your daughter and my granddaughter brings many gifts, but many dangers. If she is going to stay in California, move away from Wyoming, at least for a while, she needs to understand the constraints on her.”

  “I agree, Wan. Bai is in the best position to protect her. When he returns, I will tell him so. He has my blessing as far as Elena is concerned. You and I are too close to her to step in with as much authority as she needs.”

  Wan nodded in agreement. “I expect Bai back here before dinner. It is important that we let him know that he has our consent to ‘manage’ the young woman that means everything to us both.”

  They sat in silence for several minutes, then Wyatt asked with a thoughtful frown, “Where did he come from, Wan? I mean, when did he become the man he is today? I saw him close up when he was in his teens when he saved Nicolas Deshi. Since then I have watched him over the years from a distance. But now, he is astonishing. His presence is remarkable. You and I both know leaders of men. We are such men. And so is Bai.”

  “Yes he is, Wyatt. We share other traits, as well. Bai is a killer, as ruthless, cruel and strategic a killer as I have known.”

  Wan added with a glimmer of a smile. “Given my associations over the years, that is saying something. The only person I’ve known who kills with as much ‘flair’ is you, Wyatt.”

  Wyatt shook his head and an ironic grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Hmm, is that why he seems so damned familiar? I can’t put my finger on it, but he reminds me of someone. Are you saying he reminds me of myself?”

  “I certainly see the similarity, Wyatt. And it is a compliment to you both.”

  Wyatt nodded, acknowledging the praise. “I also think it is because he is mixed race. Like Lei and Nicolas Deshi and the twins, and, hell, like Elena, Alex, and me, although we have Indian blood. But like Lei and the boys, Bai is a mix of European and Chinese ancestry. For that reason alone, he seems familiar to me.”

  Wan nodded, puffing on his cigar.

  Wyatt continued. “Whatever his heritage, someone created an extremely handsome elegant man. He reminds me of the diplomats I’ve met in Washington. Partly because of that charming French accent. Let’s face it, Wan, that kind of elegant, cultured background is unusual in a member of a Tong. The only person I know who has those characteristics is you.”

  Wan smiled. “We must be getting old, Wyatt. We are beginning to see the good in one another.”

  “Hell, Wan, my wife is more like you than any daughter has a right to be. It would be impolitic of me not to admire you, given that I love my wife more than anything in the world.”

  Wan nodded in agreement.

  There was a knock on the door. Bai stepped in.

  “Am I interrupting?”

  “No, Bai, please come in. Wyatt and I were talking about you.”

  Bai frowned slightly and turned to Wyatt, determined to deal head on with the issues with Elena.

  “I know you find my treatment of Elena harsh, but we face serious issues, Wyatt, and …”

  Wyatt interrupted, “To the contrary, Bai. Wan and I agree that you are in the best position to enforce the rules that Elena needs to follow to keep her safe. I know my daughter. I love her with all my heart. But I am not blind to the fact that she is headstrong and not afraid to confront powerful men. I am proud to say that is how I raised her. But at least at this time, in these circumstances, she needs a strong hand. I know I can’t keep her locked up on our Wyoming ranch all her life. If she is going to spread her wings and come to California, someone has to take charge of her safety. And let’s face it,” he said grinning at Wan, “She has her grandfather wrapped around her finger.”

  Wan smiled. “Some of us might say she has both her father and her grandfather where she wants us.”

  Bai was surprised. He smiled at them both and nodded to Wyatt. He was struck by how much Elena resembled her father. She had his intense blue eyes and the high cheekbones of his ancestors. But where Wyatt was striking, powerful, and commanding, Elena was exquisitely beautiful and fragile. While Wyatt’s hair was dark, almost black, Elena’s fiery red hair was her very own trademark.

  He turned to Wyatt with a pleasant grin. ”It’s understandable that you and Wan find it hard to resist her. She is a young woman with many charms. I appreciate that you understand the dangers that we face. I don’t know how much Wan has told you, Wyatt, but the California Tongs are edging up to the kind of internecine violence that is raging in New York and other cities in the East. It is a tinderbox. One match can set off a chain reaction that will be difficult to stop. Wan and I are working hard to prevent violence, but we are also preparing for it if it becomes inevitable. Elena needs to understand that. God forbid that she had been attacked by Tong members rather than the Dunwoody gang. It would have precipitated an all out war with many casualties on all sides.”

  Wan nodded his agreement. “That brings me to our dinner tonight, Wyatt. Bai has an excellent relationship with Governor Sampson. Obviously, you know the governor; his first term in California straddled your second term in Wyoming. He and Bai have had many conversations regarding the potential for Tong violence and the repercussions for California. When I knew you and Elena were going to be here, I invited the governor and his family to join us for dinner. Bradley and Ginny will be delighted to see you and Elena. They only wish that Lei could be here. It will be a social event on one level, but after dinner Bai will lead a discussion with the governor and Greg Forester, his political guru, regarding the situation among the Tongs.”

  Wan turned to Bai. “It is your decision, Bai, but I know Wyatt will be interested in the initiatives you are making with the Tongs.” He looked from Bai to Wyatt and smiled. “It is unusual to have the two most strategic men I know sitting across from me. Wyatt could be a useful sounding board, Bai.”

  Wyatt nodded in response. “Wan is aware, as I hope you are, Bai, that anything you choose to say to me will be held in the strictest confidence. Wan has alluded to the work you are doing. I must say, I am intrigued. Given the importance of the Tongs to my family, in particular, and my long standing association with the Chinese community, I am pleased to be a confidant at whatever level you choose.”

  “It is my privilege and my honor to bring you into my confidence, Wyatt.”

  Bai smiled disarmingly. “It must mean that I am ‘growing up,’ if the man who has been my hero second only to Wan is interested in my work. I will appreciate your insights and perhaps after the conversation with the governor tonight, you will have more to say.”

  “You know the history of the Tongs as well as any non-Chinese man, Wyatt. As you are aware, originally the U.S. based Tongs were protective business associations formed to help Chinese immigrants in this country. Over the years, for good reasons, again many of which you know and have been a part of, the Tongs have become associated with violence and crime. We have lived in the shadows or what I refer to as benignly as possible as the ‘other side of the law.’ But like your Caballeros, we serve a beneficent purpose, as well. We protect immigrant Chinese and our interests, particularly our financial interests.

  “Simply put, I believe if the Tongs are to survive in this new century, we need to return to our original roots that as a ‘business association.’ We need to be a powerful positive force in the white community, as well as the Chinese. Just as the outlaw gangs have outlived their usefulness and are fading in importance, I believe the future of the Tongs will res
t more on our economic power than on violence and intimidation.”

  Wyatt was watching him with interest. “Please go on, Bai. You are speaking a language and an approach that is not only consistent with my views, but most welcome. As you know, Lei’s and my young sons and Wan’s grandsons, are now in their teens. I want to believe that they will be part of a different Chinese community rather than one marked primarily by violence and racial hatred. Given your views, I can understand why you are trying to tamp down the current violence among the Tongs. Unfortunately, the last thing most people in the white community believe is that the Tongs are beneficent. Rather, they are viewed as savage violent organizations, much in the way Indians were when I was growing up.”

  “I know that, Wyatt. It is my great frustration with the current state of affairs. I will explain in more detail at a later point. In summary, I have been working with the smaller Tongs in the West to form an alliance based on a non-aggression pact among us that focuses on the beneficence of the Tongs rather than the violence. Many of the smaller Tongs are interested, but there are major holdouts. The Rongue Ri, for example. They see my efforts simply as a way to increase the influence of the Sing Leon. In truth they are correct. If a majority of the Tongs believe as I hope they will, and act in a consistent manner, the Sing Leon will be more powerful, as will those who associate with us. The losers will be the Tongs who insist that violence is the only way.”

  Wan interjected. “Bai is modest, Wyatt. He is viewed among the smaller Tongs as the leader of the future. The larger Tongs are understandably threatened. If Bai’s approach takes hold, their power will be dramatically diminished.”