by Dani René
My gaze holds his for a moment before I focus on his mouth as he takes the spoon to his lips. The wetness from the soup causes a gentle glisten to capture and hold my attention. The deep red color reminds me of blood and just how predatorily he looks as he swallows, his tongue darting out to savor the taste of his kill. His throat works, the Adam’s apple under smooth, tanned skin has my body doing strange things. I’ve never really watched a man like I’m doing with him, and I’m not sure why.
“Scarlett?” Mother’s cool tone brings me back to the present, and I clear my throat, casting her a quick glance.
“Yes, sorry. I’d like to hopefully open my own media agency,” I tell him with confidence brimming in my tone. “The need for honest reporting is something that has become somewhat of a passion of mine. What do you do?” My inquiry causes him to chuckle, the sound low, rumbling through his chest, and I wonder what’s so funny.
“I don’t think little girls should be so curious,” he tells me, then sips another mouthful of his soup, but each movement he makes sends heat through me, and I can’t explain why. His use of the term little girl rankles me, but I don’t bite because he’s trying to annoy me. I can tell with how he’s watching, waiting for me to take the bait.
He’s handsome, classically so, with sharp features and a jawbone free of stubble, but there is a dark shadow over the otherwise olive skin, which tells me if he doesn’t shave, there’d be a beautifully thick beard. His lips form a tempting cupid’s bow, with the lower lip fatter than the top. A mouth I’m sure could do sinful things if given a chance.
I’m not overly experienced, but I know enough to recognize a man who can make women swoon with a mere glance. His dark brow arches, and I realize I’m staring again. Shaking my head, I drop my gaze and eat my soup in silence, unsure of how to take him. Or even why I’m here in the first place.
“And you’re planning on running it all by yourself?” he asks, and I feel his stare on me once more. The heat of it captures me, and I nod. “Words, little girl.”
“I’m not a little girl,” I bite out through gritted teeth, shoving my bowl away in frustration. “I’m twenty. I’m an adult.”
This causes him to chuckle, his head angled as he regards me with amusement. “Oh?”
“Scarlett!” My mother’s tone turns my name into a curse word. Her heated glare is scorching me, but I don’t look at her. I’m staring at the man before me.
“Yes,” I answer back, causing him to laugh once more. “It’s not funny. I’ll be twenty-one in a month, and when I complete my internship, I’ll have the necessary experience to start my own business. And I’ll be able to do anything a man can do, possibly even better.” Folding my arms across my chest, I don’t turn my attention away from Mr. Shaw.
He sits back, and I don’t miss the way his gaze flicks to my chest before meeting my stare as he regards me, the corners of his mouth upturned. His hands rest on the table, fingers tangled in between each other, and a thought of just how they’d feel touching me sparks through me for a split second before he speaks. “I like your fire, little red.” His tone holds what I can only deem respect with fire blazing in his eyes. “It’s refreshing. Most women cower in my presence,” he continues, pushing to his feet, which has both my folks standing as well.
But I don’t. Instead, I sit in my chair, my arms crossed as I watch his next move.
“Thank you for dinner, folks,” he says in a bright tone, which belies the darkness swirling in those forest depths because his gaze never strays from me. “I’ll have to get going if I’m going to catch the early flight to New York.”
“Of course, I’m so sorry you have to leave so soon,” Mom coos as if she’s about to kiss his shoes as he leaves our house. “Let us walk you out. I have to apologize for Scarlett. She’s feeling anxious about her future.”
“There’s no need for that,” Shaw says before stopping at my chair, his hand landing on the back of it, but I feel the brush of his knuckles against my skin. He leans in, his lips a hair's breadth away from my cheek, and he whispers, “The big bad wolf won’t eat you if you don’t veer off the path.”
I turn my head, branding him with my stare. “That’s a fairy tale told to little girls to scare them.”
Those deep, jade gemstones take in my sleek strands before he shrugs. “Perhaps. But little girls should always be wary of predators hunting for sweet, supple flesh,” he says. “Especially when they go visit Grandma.” He straightens as I shoot to my feet, but he’s walking off before I have time to focus on what he’s just said.
“Wait,” I call, but all he does is offer me a wave as he makes his way to the exit where my parents are cowing to him as if he were the fucking King of England, and they were mere peasants.
I don’t know who he is, but his attempt to scare me won’t work.
I’m not a little girl afraid of the big bad wolf.
At least, that’s what I tell myself.
5
Lycan
The plane touches down on the East Coast, and I’m already anxious to get back and see her. The private hangar is empty apart from my men, who seem to have taken it upon themselves to ensure I have two cars waiting for me. When I built my empire from the ground up, there was only one thing I knew I needed to do, and that was to ensure my brother never came near me again. Being in New York sets me on edge because I know he’s not far.
Our father left me with the export business, but I created Shaw Industries and made it what it is today—a sought-after conglomerate that would make the wealthiest men weep. With hotels and nightclubs, exclusive BDSM venues, and even a security company that would seed out the most hidden secrets, men come to me to fix what they broke. Kahn and his team have ensured I can vouch for them without blinking, and that’s what I wanted, something to be proud of. With my plans to open a string of BDSM clubs across the country and then the world, I knew I needed to come to the New York branch to ensure everything is running smoothly.
But the thought of Darius on the loose sets me on edge. My brother isn’t someone I can rely on or trust. With me being someone who runs his business with an iron fist, I don’t doubt some of the men I’ve let go over the past few months have found him and ensured he knows my every move. But I’m not afraid. I’ve never been scared of him, and he knows it.
I should be back in Washington, where she is, but I needed to face the team here in person. Once I’m done, I’ll fly back and find my little red when she visits grandma in Crimson Falls and claim what is rightfully mine. The fire she exuded certainly left me hard for her all night. I didn’t want to walk away from her and come out here, but offering her a false sense of security will ensure she won’t see me coming.
They’ve always called me the hunter and my brother the wolf, but I became both somewhere down the line. When the Bardots fucked me over with Horatio stealing money from me, I showed them I’m not some pushover they could fuck with. And now, their beautiful yet feisty daughter’s hand in marriage is my payment.
After meeting her last night, I’m certainly intrigued by the young woman. She may be young, but she’s exquisite. The way she carries herself captured my attention and every inch of her sweet curves tempted me enough to keep me interested.
What she doesn’t know is that her life has already been planned out. It’s sweet she thinks she’ll be opening her own business. When I’m done with her, she’ll be in my bed, pregnant with my heirs. At thirty-nine, I know I have to get started on a family who will be there one day when I’m gone. That’s why I wanted someone younger, someone supple and sweet.
As I make my way to the car and slip onto the bench seat, my driver takes his place and starts the engine. His gaze meets mine in the rearview mirror, awaiting my command.
“I’ll be going to Hawthorne first,” I tell him, and he nods as we pull out of the parking area. I reach for my phone in my breast pocket and find it buzzing wildly. “What?”
“We’ve spotted Darius. He’s on a bike heading out
of Miami.”
“Keep a tail on him. I don’t need him disappearing again.” I hang up before they can give me any excuses. My brother thinks he can outsmart me, but I have more money than god, which is what he walked away from, and it also gives me the upper hand.
Flicking open my app list, I scroll down to the one I need and open her profile—no new photos or posts. The last one she put up was of her in that god-awful black and denim ensemble she wore to dinner. The top itself wasn’t bad, the lace offering a hint of what’s beneath, but other than that, I’m going to have to get her to dress appropriately since she’ll be on my arm at all the events I attend.
When I told her to be wary of the big bad wolf, I wasn’t joking. She didn’t need to know the finer details just yet. I can’t wait to get my new bride to my home. The house in Crimson Falls, my father’s stately property, will be ready for her.
The fact that her new home will not be far from her grandmother’s house is convenient. Since it’s right next door to the Bardot mansion is a testament to just how far I’ll go to get her and keep her. I thought about buying somewhere else, a new city or town, but I know throwing money around isn’t going to be the way to ensure her compliance.
I want her submission in every way possible, and there’s no doubt in my mind she’s going to be a challenge.
When we pull up to the building, I glance out of the window, taking note of the bustling streets. The door opens, and I step out, offering my driver a nod before I button my suit jacket and head into the awaiting, gleaming foyer.
Gold shimmers from the chandelier hanging from the center of the ceiling, offering a glittering entrance as you walk into the apartment block. An upmarket position within the city, wealthy patrons dripping from head to toe in designer labels pricing that most would balk at. Well, when I say most, I mean anyone who isn’t me.
“Good evening, sir.” The receptionist grins. I run this place like a hotel. You can’t rent an apartment long-term, and most of the clientele only need a month or two.
“Is everything ready?”
A soft blush turns her cheeks pink, but the dark-haired beauty doesn’t capture my attention like Scarlett. There’s no fire. She’s far too submissive and compliant. Which has me wondering if that’s what my little red would be once I’ve broken her in. That won’t do. I like fire. I love to be burned by my choices. It makes the challenge that much more exciting.
“Yes, sir,” she responds and leans over her desk to offer me a glimpse of her cleavage, which looks like it’s about to spill from the dress. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“I’m sure it is.” I turn on my heel and head to the private elevator that will take me up to the rooftop club. It’s an exclusive, well-known slice of heaven, and when the car deposits me outside the sleek, black doors, I twist the silver handle and step into every Dominant’s fantasy.
Women kneel beside their Masters, and some even have two submissives who obediently await their next orders. Some have male submissives; others have a mix of male and female. When I first opened Heaven, I planned for it to be exclusively for my staff, for those who lived the lifestyle, but over time, it became something of a gem that people paid an extortionate amount of money for.
People like Bardot and his wife. Only, she no longer wanted this life, and he, on the other hand, took it upon himself to partake in the festivities when she didn’t know. The more money he needed to pay his membership fees, the more money he stole from me.
Now, he’d do anything to ensure my silence. Hence the reason I have a new bride to take care of when I get back. But for now, I move through the space, heading toward the viewing rooms.
“Mr. Shaw,” a voice drifts over the soft, classical music that plays in the background, and I turn to find Kahn. The businesses I run are varied, and he’s one of the soldiers I send in to extricate information when needed.
“How are you doing?” I glance over my shoulder, taking him in. He’s worked for me for several years after leaving the marines, but I know there’s more to him than meets the eye. His file told me so, even if he didn’t. It took him a while to admit his reasons for wanting this job. One being the income, but the other, focus. He knows about my resources and connections. His sister was taken just after he returned home, and he’s been looking for her ever since. I don’t mind him using my resources for it, but I wish he’d tell me.
I’m not a complete monster. I hope he finds her.
“I’m good. There’s been some talk about the priest moving down to NOLA after we cleared the girls from the one Carnevali mentioned,” he tells me as we stand side by side, watching a scene play out before us. A submissive getting her face fucked roughly, spit running down her chin as tears stream down her flushed cheeks. Her body merely a plaything for the man using her.
Pleasure is written all over his face, and I imagine having Scarlett in that exact position. I turn away, needing to calm down before I jump on the plane and head back to see her. Meeting Kahn’s gaze, I inquire, “And you’d like to sort that out for me?”
“I would.” It’s his way of telling me he needs this. There’s something more going down at the church with Father Lorenzo and his flock. “He’s been on my radar for a long time, and there’s someone there I’d like to ensure is safe.”
I’ll gladly allow him to fly out tonight to kill Lorenzo before the good Father steals more girls off the streets.
“Tell me something, Kahn,” I speak. “Does this have anything to do with the real reason you agreed to work for me?”
His gaze snaps to mine, and he nods. He knows that I know. If he were someone I didn’t respect, I would kill him right here, in front of everyone, and make sure people fear me. But for now, I’ll allow him to do what he needs to.
“Go. When you get back, I need to know everything.”
“Yes, sir.” He offers a salute before disappearing. Now that I’ve sorted him out, I make my way to the private room where I have a redhead waiting for me. She’s not Scarlett, but she’ll have to do.
6
Scarlett
By the time I reach my grandmother’s estate, I’m exhausted. The small town she lives in, Crimson Falls, Washington, is nothing more than a vast forested area with a few exclusive homes dotted within the trees. Hidden like a rare jewel, it sits amongst the tall pine trees, usually in clouds, with a light drizzle that can continue for days on end.
As the car draws nearer to the large estate, anticipation trickles down my spine like a snake slithering across the ground. The memory of Mr. Shaw’s words sends a cold shiver through me, which shakes me to the bone.
It’s been so long since I visited, but I knew it was time to see the old lady and spend time with her. She’s getting on in age, and from what Mom says, she’s not doing all that great. I’m also here to help her with the annual Bardot Ball that raises money for children abandoned by their parents or orphaned. The event sees guests drive up just for the evening, but there’s another worry that’s twisting my gut. Would Mr. Shaw be in attendance?
After he left, my parents told me he’s going to be around a lot more. I’m not sure why, or in what capacity, but they both seemed afraid of the prospect, which doesn’t sit well with me. As handsome as I find him, there is something sinister that sparks in his gaze.
We come to a stop just outside the mansion. The building is three floors of pure opulence. Wealth drips from every corner of my grandmother’s house, and as much as I’d rather be at home, it’s a reprieve from sitting and listening to my mother telling me what a disappointment I am.
The driver opens my door before offering me his hand, which I accept. The moment I step foot on the soft soil, awareness of being watched slithers over me. It feels as if there are eyes on me, waiting in the shadows. But as I turn to look out at the long driveway, taking in the trees surrounding the estate, I don’t see anything in the darkness. It’s late, nearing nine in the evening, and after the long day, I’m exhausted.
“Miss Bardot,
” Ellington, my driver, calls to get my attention. “I’ll get the bags,” he tells me. “Please wait at the door for me.”
Nodding, I offer him a smile before making my way toward the large, ornate entrance that beckons. With a wrought iron handle and knocker, the dark wooden door sends more cold awareness through me.
This will be my home for the next four weeks. As much as I wanted space from my parent’s constant bickering, the ghostly feel of the property makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
The rumors of Gran’s deteriorating mental capacity have been whispers I grew up with, and I have a feeling that’s why my parents agreed to me visiting her. Perhaps they want this stupid ball to go off without a hitch, so the Bardot name isn’t tarnished. That’s all they care about anyway, and that’s the reason they sent me instead of coming themselves.
With my last name, I’m known throughout the country as the most eligible bachelorette, but even though my reputation precedes me, I’m still single—much to my mother’s disgrace.
By the time I turn twenty-one, I should be married with children, at least according to my mother. The traditions that run in my family are archaic. Even though we’re in the twenty-first century, they seem to think we’re still living in the middle ages.
“Here you are.” Ellington’s voice causes me to jump as he walks up behind me. “I’m sorry, miss,” he apologizes with a tepid smile. I watch as he pushes the door open, and a loud creak of annoyance comes from the hinges as it gapes, welcoming me inside.
Shockingly, the house is warmer than I expected when I enter. The marble tiles underfoot echo with the click of my heels. The long, deep-red-and-brown rug that lies in a straight line leading up to a sweeping spiral staircase gifts the enormous space with a hint of balminess.