by Maren Smith
Sebastian turned away from her, rubbing his forehead.
“I’m right. You were in love with a woman and he… He killed her. No, you weren’t supposed to be with her. She was someone important to Carmen. Wasn’t she?”
He held out his hand, his chest heaving. “Leave it alone.”
“I’m right.”
“I said. Leave. It. Alone,” he snapped, his voice booming. As if realizing that she’d seen right through him, he sucked in his breath and walked toward the window, staring out at the cloudless day.
Cassandra could see the anguish he carried, the guilt in his body language. He was indeed broken in a way, molded into something that he hated. She walked closer, longing to touch him, to comfort in some odd way. “You’re right.”
He only darted a glance over his shoulder.
“I’ve been hiding my entire life. I think I’ve always known I was submissive, longing for a different kind of relationship. Nothing has worked. I was engaged once. He was a good guy, an attorney and we seemed like the perfect couple, but at the end of two years and in the middle of planning our lavish wedding, I called it off. I couldn’t go through with the lies I’d been telling myself. He was devastated, refusing to talk to me afterwards. I tried dating other types of men, but nothing fit. I was introduced to a BDSM club almost three years ago and honestly, I felt my soul coming alive. I could breathe and enjoy. I loved the anxiety and anticipation and even though I experienced very little, my entire being knew what I’d missed and what I craved.”
Sebastian nodded, blinking once.
“Somehow my boss understood. She realized I could pull this off, pretending to be a submissive when the truth is, I am one.”
“Do you want to do this with me?”
The question seemed so forlorn. Cassandra couldn’t lie any longer. “Yes. I shouldn’t. I should pick up the nearest phone and call the police. I should leave this building and never look back, but I can’t. I won’t. What you allowed me to experience in a few short hours was the most enjoyable time of my life.”
“Your choice. I’ll understand either way.” He palmed the glass, his lips pursed.
“Who was she?”
A groan slipped from Sebastian’s mouth. “A woman who pretended to be something she wasn’t. Sound familiar?”
“And you trusted her.”
“More than I’d ever trusted anyone. I also loved her. I think I fell in love with her the minute I laid eyes on her.”
Cassandra closed the distance, allowing her index finger to touch the side of his hand. When he didn’t recoil, she wound their fingers together. “Who was she to Carmen?” She didn’t think he would answer given his hesitation.
“His sister. At the time, I had no idea. She wanted nothing to do with her family, renting a little apartment in New York, working as an administrative assistant. The day she walked into a corner café, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She had such light and a laugh that lit up the entire place. We started talking and one thing led to another.”
“You never told her who you really were.”
Sebastian shrugged. “Didn’t seem important at the time. We had our time together and I had the rest of my life. Every day was happy, a simple adventure. Ice cream in the park, going to the damn zoo. She didn’t care as long as she was with me.”
“What happened?”
He shifted until he was able to see her, his grip getting tighter. “She asked me to come to a restaurant she adored. I thought nothing of it until her brother walked in. He knew exactly who I was and who I worked for. He simply removed her from the location, even though she did and said everything in order to stay. When she was safely in one of his cars, he dragged me outside, telling me in no uncertain terms that if I ever tried to see her again that I would meet an untimely death.”
Shuddering, she placed her head on his shoulder. “But you did. Didn’t you?”
“I couldn’t stay away. At least until the day she finally asked me who I really was. I told her. The single time in my life I didn’t lie.”
“And?”
Sighing, he grasped both of her hands. “She told me to get out and that she never wanted to see me again. I honored her wish and it broke my heart. Two months later, I was sent a very special package. Her finger wrapped up in pretty pink tissue. Seems Carmen found out that she’d agreed to see me after his mandate and made certain she’d never disobey him again.”
“He holds that over your head.” His world was vile, degrading and cut throat, and she could tell he was on the verge of imploding. All the thoughts she’d had regarding the man seemed to fade away, placed in a black box that she longed to attach a padlock to. Her thoughts were tumultuous, like a noose being wrapped around her neck, a lasso around her soul. If she committed to following his guidelines, all that she knew in her life would disappear, fading into the what-had-been category, forcing her to face uncertainty.
“That he didn’t kill her. Yes.”
Unable to comprehend the life, she could only wrap her arms around him, pressing her face against his chest. “I’m sorry, Sebastian.”
“No need. The man will die for what he did. That much you can trust me on.”
“Be careful about the choices you make. You are on the precipice of change, your heart outweighing your training. I beg you to consider the consequences.” She debated before asking. “What is her name?”
“Trinity. Her name is Trinity.”
Cassandra made mental note, her thoughts delving into what she could possibly do.
Kissing the top of her head, he made a series of strangling sounds. “I have no choices left, kitten. My life was mandated the minute I agreed to work with the Sanduchi family. There is no tomorrow, no future for a man like me, only constant bloodshed. You should leave this Castle and never return. One day, you will hunt the man you knew as your Master and you will catch him.”
The words were haunting. She tilted her head, studying the man she was falling hard for, a wafting of desire replacing the regimented agent, the law-abiding citizen. Using both hands, she pulled his face toward hers, kissing his lips, darting her tongue across the seam of his mouth. “I want you, Sebastian. I need you.”
Sebastian raked his nails down her back, cupping her buttocks and lifting her onto her tiptoes. “And I need you.” As he gave her an open-mouthed kiss, one full of a quiet sentiment, he crushed her against his chest.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, drinking in the man’s essence, all male and full of testosterone, her heart skipping several beats. Her nipples hardened as she undulated her body against his, the yearning creating wet heat between her legs.
He slipped his tongue inside her mouth, allowing their tongues to caress, to explore. Lifting her higher, he kept his grip firm, kneading her ass as the kiss became a roar, teeth gnashing, tongues entwining.
Everything about the man, the moment, reeked of utter danger, taboo in a way she was unaccustomed to, but in her heart, she knew this was the right decision. With her eyes closed, the sensations danced across her skin until her pussy quivered, sending mere shards of current into her aching muscles. The embers shared between them had turned into a blazing fire, threatening to consume them both.
When he finally broke the kiss, panting as his glassy eyes gazed into hers, he gave her a single nod. “We have work to do.”
“I know.”
“Come with me. We need to find Carmen. At the very least, I should confront him, lay down my law. Place him on edge.”
“And what good will that do?”
He rubbed his fingers down the side of her face, his carrying a pensive mood. “Honestly? I’m no longer certain, but he will know that I refuse to accept his killing methods. If he wants to play hard ball, then he’s met his match.”
While she was well aware the statement held a dual meaning, she agreed. There was little else she could do. She’d committed to the man, to the change in operation and to her Master. The thought alone gave her the inner peace t
hat she’d been searching for her entire life.
The day was crystal clear, blue skies and fluffy white clouds high over the lush green landscape. Ordinarily, Sebastian would have cared less about the area surrounding his work zone. Today, the colors seemed more vivid, the scent of flowers and various crops infiltrating his nostrils, the enticing fragrances invigorating. He was now Cassandra’s protector, as well as her lover and Master. Accepting the position, the realization was freeing.
As they walked toward the stables, passing by several guests, he kept his eyes peeled for the sight of Carmen. The thought was comical. He’d never known the man to enjoy or perhaps endure the outside for any reason.
“When do you think he’s going to make an attempt on Grace’s life?” Cassandra asked quietly as they neared the corral.
“I’m going to guess late tonight or early in the morning.”
“Then there is no time to waste.”
“Unfortunately, no.” Sebastian kept his hand on the small of her back, the simple touch more of a tether. He noticed two horses behind the fence, grazing on grass. He was surprised there didn’t seem to be any guests close by. “I’m going to check the barn. Stay here.”
“Yes, sir.” Her hair was loose, blowing in the light breeze, the sliver of sunlight cascading across her face. She gave him a slight smile before leaning over the railing.
He allowed his fingers to slide down her arm before heading in the direction of the stable, crowding close to the structure. They’d checked every other outbuilding, including the area surrounding the various cabins. This was the last location outdoors to check, even though he knew the odds were slim, the deed was necessary. As he neared the entrance, darting glances all around him, his sixth sense screamed that his nemesis was close. Perhaps the asshole was even stalking him.
The fucker would have another think coming if Carmen thought he could best him.
His hand on his knife, he entered the expansive barn like structure. The various stalls were decorated with plaques, indicating the areas of play. He crept along the outside wall, darting a glance into every stall. Seeing or hearing zero signs of anyone, he exhaled. Carmen had obviously figured out that he was no compatriot in this particular kill. Had his decision to inform Eric taken a wrong turn, even been overheard by another employee? There were many possibilities, all leaving a bad taste in his mouth.
Carmen was slick, having survived more than one attempt on his life. He was also cunning, his ability to backstab anyone he believed to be his enemy legendary. After searching the remainder of the stalls, terrifying one couple in active pony play, he slid the knife back into his pocket, more anxious than he had been before.
Taking long strides, he hurried back to the front entrance. There wasn’t any particular sound that drew his attention, no noises that should provide any concern. But he knew something was terribly wrong. Racing back toward the corral, there was no sign of Cassandra. His breathing heavy, he turned in a full circle, his eyes locking onto various possibilities. While his submissive had a mind of her own and no doubt had ideas that would push her required abilities, his gut told him this was something else entirely.
Anxiety and rage turned into utter panic after searching the entire area and finding no sign of her. He stood in the middle of a group of trees, tipping his head as the wind whistled through the dense foliage.
Then he heard the single sharp cry. Snapping his head in the direction of the agonizing wail, he took off running, sprinting over several fallen limbs and scrubby underbrush. The instant he noticed Carmen, a gun pointed at Cassandra’s head, he slid behind a tree, grabbing and opening his knife. He heard the vile words the man, he’d once called a friend, was saying and knew in that second, he was going to kill the motherfucker. The blood trickling from her mouth created the most intense reaction in his heart he’d ever experienced.
He would die in an effort to save her life.
“You’re precious to my friend,” Carmen said, laughing as his hand dug into Cassandra’s throat.
“And you’re nothing but an asshole,” she replied, grinning as if this was an everyday occurrence.
“He chose wisely. A beautiful yet stupid woman. Perfect for a man with no class.” Carmen jammed the gun under her chin, the force pushing her head against the massive oak.
A split second later, Cassandra managed to drive her fist into Carmen’s gut, sending him reeling. She yelped as she tumbled to the ground, trying to regain her footing.
Sebastian reacted on instinct, racing in their direction, catching Carmen by the neck of his costume. Using his powerful arm muscles, he yanked the man into a standing position, wielding the knife, the blade nicking Carmen’s jugular. “You motherfucker.”
Carmen laughed as he was backed against the same tree.
Cassandra snatched the gun from Carmen’s hand, directing the barrel toward Carmen’s face.
“I suggest you command your pretty little kitten to drop her weapon or there will be dire consequences.” Carmen’s voice held no fear, only contempt.
“Yeah? Seems like you’re at a disadvantage, Carmen. Did you really think I would allow you to kill anyone in this castle?” Sebastian huffed as he dug his nails into the asshole’s skin.
Another laugh was followed by a wink. The fucker actually winked. “You’re going to want to listen to what I have to say, brother.”
“You’re not my brother,” Sebastian said through clenched teeth. “Get out of here, Cassandra. Now.”
“I’m not leaving you,” she stated, planting her feet wide apart as she kept Carmen’s gun pointed in his direction.
“If you want to hear what I have to say, command your submissive,” Carmen said, the same glimmer of holding a secret highlighting his expression.
“I said. Leave. Now!” Sebastian was through with the games, the innuendos and the threats. When he heard the click of the gun, he turned his head in her direction. “Please. I will handle this. Go.”
Cassandra hesitated, her gaze moving from one man to the other. She said nothing as she turned, taking long strides as she walked toward the Castle.
“Now, you tell me what you’ve been wanting to share, or I’ll gut you. Do you hear me?” Sebastian placed the tip of the knife to Carmen’s neck, digging in until a single bead of blood oozed onto the blade.
“You were always so predictable, my friend. I knew you’d be here. I was looking forward to it, in fact.”
He held his tongue, reeling in his anger, allowing the knife to dig into the man’s throat. “Talk or die. Your choice.”
“Fine, brother. If you manage to assassinate me, my people will know, and they are prepared to do what is necessary to drive evil straight into your soul.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Sebastian could only see blood in his eyes, the strangling hold driving him to the point of losing control.
“My sweet sister,” Carmen commented, as if in passing.
“What about her?”
“Trinity never forgot about you. Did you know that?”
He pierced Carmen’s skin in a second location, pulling his hand just enough a second area of blood appeared. “She has nothing to do with this.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Carmen said with no inflection in his voice. “My directives are clear. If anything happens to me, she will die.”
The words seemed to echo, floating around him like a tight vice. Unable to breathe, his mind fractured, moving to the only time in his life he’d been happy. Her face. Her sweet smile. Her laugh. Everything had come to this.
“Your decision entirely.”
He glared at Carmen, never moving, never flinching, but longing to shove the blade into the man’s heart.
“And trust me, your latest conquest will also lose her life. You have no idea what I’m capable of,” Carmen added, glee in his voice.
There was too much at risk, two lives that he’d allowed himself to care about. Sebastian took a deep breath, contemplating what choices
were left on the table. In the next few seconds, he did what he’d never done before.
He gave into his fear.
Releasing his hold on his enemy, Sebastian took several decided steps backward, lowering his weapon. “You. Will. Die. And when you do, I assure you that you will have begged me to kill you.”
Carmen rubbed his neck, moving his head back and forth. “We shall see, brother, for I hold all the cards.”
Cassandra gripped the edge of the bathroom counter, scrunching her face. The direct hit along her jawline hurt like hell. She grabbed the washcloth, turning on the water. She remained rattled, more from Sebastian’s directive than the asshole threatening her. She’d been in dire situations more times than she could count in her distinguished career. Snorting, she slid the cloth under the water, soaking the material. She was certain that Sebastian hadn’t ended Carmen’s life but there was a distinct reason, and one he refused to explain. They’d gone to her room, the decision his and she understood why. Sebastian was concerned about what Carmen might do, even after the threat he’d issued.
She’d remained close, unable to hear their conversation but seeing the way Sebastian had retreated, his body language that of a destroyed man, had created and solidified her decision.
She would be the one to kill Carmen.
As she eased the cloth to her face, the bathroom door opened, Sebastian walking inside. She darted a glance in his direction, giving him a slight smile. “Hi.”
“How are you?”
“I’m okay.”
“The bastard.” Sebastian moved beside her, taking the washcloth into his hand and pressing it against her face.
Wincing, she dutifully allowed him to wash away the dried blood, applying the warm compress more than once. “You don’t have to do that.”
“Yes, I do. You almost died because of me.” His whisper was hoarse, his face ashen. He rinsed the blood from the cloth and gently rubbed the soft material against her lip.
“I can take care of myself.”
“I know that, Cassandra.”
She shifted until she faced him. “What happened? Talk to me.”