by Stone, Piper
“You’re a bastard,” she snapped then shifted to another seat.
I’d been told that more than once and to me the word was actually a compliment.
“You’re right, Kendra. I’m a cold, heartless bastard who refuses to accept any level of defiance or disobedience. It’s time you realize that your entire fate rests in my hands. You will obey,” I said as I gazed into her flickering eyes. “Or you will learn what it means to face the wrath of a monster.”
Chapter 8
Kendra
Danger.
I’d been the kid who’d read every thriller I could get my hands on, the more violent the more I adored the book. While my parents had always attempted to convey happiness and sunshine, nurturing in all the right ways that any little girl could need, I’d remained distant my entire life. Even when they’d succumbed to their deaths, I’d felt out of place and alone.
My sister, beautiful and forgiving Addy, had cried buckets, uncertain how she could survive a future without two strong and loving people to push her gently away from the fold. The event had changed both of us in entirely different ways. I’d drowned myself in work, vying to expose the most horrible creatures on the face of the earth. She’d followed her dream, the small inheritance we’d received just enough for her to start the bakery.
I’d dumped my share into a savings account, one I almost never bothered to look at or care about.
After all, it was blood money.
Or at minimum a payoff for taking two wayward children into their world.
They’d been much older yet did everything they’d been able to do to provide a fabulous existence. However, I’d done the math when I was only ten. Abigail would have been almost fifty when she’d given birth to Addy. While possible, not probable. I’d only learned her real age after finding an entirely different set of identification in a purse my mother kept hidden in the back of her closet.
They’d lied to both of us. Why? The question was never far from my mind. What had happened to our real parents?
Images had often appeared floating through my mind, but almost never when I’d been awake. Something was blocking my memory. Maybe a tragedy. Maybe something even worse. I rubbed my arms, trying to keep the cold chill from shifting into the rest of my body.
I failed.
That I was thinking about the two people posing as our parents at this point in time seemed odd to me. I’d pushed that portion out of my life, refusing to accept that my life had been ordinary. And why?
Because I’d known since almost day one that Abigail and Roger Sheffield weren’t our real parents. Only once had I attempted to tell my secret to my sister. That had been the darkest day of my life and a horrible decision. Since that deplorable day, I’d never mentioned it again. I wanted nothing more than for Addy to believe in her fantasy world.
Meanwhile, I was the realist.
A cold shiver trickled down my spine even though the bright sunshine and warmth of the early afternoon breeze created prickles dancing down my arms. Sebastian had called himself a monster and given the fact I’d been kidnapped, taken to a foreign country against my will, I was inclined to believe him.
Even if there was a flicker of something entirely different in his dazzling eyes. I’d seen a glimpse of his soul when he’d kissed me.
And when he’d taken me hard and rough, shoving his thick cock into every hole like he’d promised.
The plane had dipped low, allowing me to see the most incredible sight. Turquoise waters. A perfect blue sky. A pristine beach lined with buildings from another era. Most people would have felt nothing but excitement, the anticipation of an incredible holiday. But for me, everything was different.
Sebastian kept his hand on my arm as he’d led me off the jet, the sight of a helicopter positioned only two hundred feet away sending a wave of nausea into my stomach. Both Chase and Dax remained behind, all four of us walking quickly toward the giant bird, one man standing in wait. As we approached, he gave me a single glance before a huge smile crossed his face.
“Mr. Randolph, Mr. Cutler, and Mr. Monroe, what a pleasure to see all of you. I’ve readied your accommodations as requested.”
“Thank you, Jean-Paul. I’m certain everything is in order,” Sebastian said, actually greeting the Frenchman with some respect, a surprising gesture as the two men hugged.
“Yes, sir. If you need anything, just give me a call,” Jean-Paul stated before moving to open one of the doors on the helicopter. Before ushering us inside, he lifted his head. “May I have a moment or two?”
Sebastian turned toward Dax and Chase. “Secure her inside. I’ll be right there.”
I watched as he and the Frenchman walked a few feet away, their conversation almost immediately animated.
“Let’s get you in a seat,” Dax said quietly as he guided me into the aircraft.
“Where are we going?” I asked as I was forced into a seat.
“To a very special piece of property we own,” Chase answered, laughing as he sat down next to me.
I leaned forward in an attempt to watch the two men, but they were hidden by the helicopter’s massive frame. Still, I had a feeling that whatever Jean-Paul was telling Sebastian wasn’t something he’d expected.
Only seconds later, Sebastian stormed onto the helicopter, flopping into his seat opposite me and immediately grabbing the seatbelt. There was a dark aura hanging over him, a sense of rage as well as anxiety.
As the door was closed, the chopper blades shifting into action, he lifted his head in order to glare at me. “Fasten your seatbelt, little pet.”
My fingers were cold, almost numb as I reacted, following his order. I’d never been in a helicopter before and the thought was just as horrifying as the rest of the long experience. I’d calculated the time in my mind, knowing the trip must have been at least seventeen hours. As I shrank back in my seat, unable to look out the window, Sebastian’s cold stare remained.
The thumping and whirring of the blades as we took off forced me to suck in my breath. I’d never been so scared in my life. I’d also never thought something like this could happen to me. I’d been a stupid fool thinking I wouldn’t be hurt one day. When Dax put his hand on my knee, squeezing not in a demanding way, but in an attempt to comfort me, I finally let out the breath I’d been holding.
“Relax. We’ve known the pilot for years. He knows exactly what he’s doing,” Dax said in a way that allowed me to take another deep breath.
As the giant bird rose into the air, the vibrations lessened, the flight finally becoming smooth. Only then was I finally able to steal a glance out the window. St. Tropez, where the rich and beautiful went to play. I was momentarily caught up in the view, every aspect of the seafaring town something artists dreamed of capturing. Every color seemed more vibrant, exquisite, as if a painter had created the palette.
I knew instinctively that Sebastian was watching as I craned my neck, trying to find some level of hope in what I knew would be difficult to face. Why had they taken me halfway across the world? Was this really about business?
As the helicopter began its descent, I wasn’t able to see where the pilot was attempting to land. There was nothing but blue ocean all around us. For a few seconds, my heart skipped until I caught sight of the yacht only a few hundred yards away. A yacht. I’d read that Extreme was the proud owner of several properties scattered all throughout the world. What I hadn’t come across was the fact they owned a yacht, especially in such a tropical destination.
Secrets.
Lies.
Ruthless business tactics.
That’s what the three men were all about.
Another wave of apprehension scoured through me. I jerked back against the seat, almost hyperventilating. Water. I would definitely remain their prisoner. Dax’s hand remained on my knee. As if he actually cared about me. I refused to even give the moment of kindness a second thought. I’d been forced into a one-way ticket to hell. There was no possibility of return.
Yet I remained in the same place, petrified. On land there was the possibility that I could find a way to escape. On the open water, there wasn’t a single chance.
Unless I managed to swim to shore.
Not a chance in hell.
I’d never been taught to swim, every effort usually resulting in sheer exhaustion and nothing else. I almost laughed at the irony. I was a tough girl. I knew how to handle firearms. I’d taken martial arts classes. I’d even fought off an attacker in Central Park, but my current situation was likely a challenge that I wouldn’t be able to handle.
As I was led off the helicopter, forced to jump down several feet, I was surprised that Chase caught me, holding me in his strong arms and leading me toward the hull of the boat. I didn’t know the correct terms. I’d never been on a boat in my life let alone a yacht. However, I was able to comprehend just how large the vessel truly was. While I wasn’t good as estimations of distance, the boat was at least a hundred feet if not more.
The chopper had landed on a deck obviously dedicated to the aircraft. From what I’d seen moments before, there were two decks below.
A moment of shock rushed into my mind, trying to wrap my head around the power of money. The three men could have anything they wanted. There were six crewmembers, all dressed in white waiting only a few yards ahead of us. The looks on their faces were pensive, their rigid bodies at full command.
Likely to keep the peace, frightened of Sebastian’s emotional swings in particular.
“Come on. Let’s get our guest to our quarters,” Sebastian said as he scanned from right to left. There was a level of nervousness in him, a worried look easy to see even while the dark shades he wore covered a portion of his face. He approached the group of people, giving them a nod.
“Welcome aboard, sir,” the man in front said without looking into Sebastian’s eyes.
“Any issues we should know about, Captain Heller?” Sebastian asked, still scanning the horizon as if expecting an army of men to appear.
“No, sir. The weather remains spectacular for the next few days,” the captain answered. From what I could tell, the man was an American.
“I was told the Coast Guard has been checking every boat.”
Captain Heller seemed surprised, nodding once. “Only those deemed suspicious, sir. I wouldn’t worry.”
While Sebastian only exhaled, I was able to notice the captain continued to have a pinched expression.
Both Dax and Chase kept a firm grip on my arm as I was led into the interior of the yacht and down a set of stairs. While they were forceful in their actions, their fingers digging into my arms, they were also careful in their guidance. As we approached a closed door, I noticed the lock that had been positioned on the outside.
Sebastian pulled me away from them, cupping both sides of my face. “As I told you before, there are rules that you must follow. If you’re a very good girl, you will have free rein of the ship. If you misbehave, every privilege you’ve been given will be stripped away immediately.”
Every vibration of electricity that I’d experienced with Sebastian from the night before was intact, even more explosive if possible, but the darkness within his eyes was pronounced. Yet when he lowered his head, brushing his lips across mine, I found myself pressing my hands against his chest, longing to feel his naked skin.
He kept his hold as he captured my lips, gently pressing them open. When he barely darted his tongue inside, it was all I could do not to push him away. Why was he pretending as if he gave a damn about me? Why was he being gentle and loving when I knew this was all a game? While the brief period of passion was enjoyable, every muscle in my body tensed.
After only seconds, he seemed to sense I couldn’t care less about what he was doing. He pulled his hands away, darting his eyes back and forth before turning completely away from me.
“Make certain she’s comfortable,” Sebastian stated gruffly as he started to walk away.
“Where are you going?” Dax asked.
Sebastian stopped short. “To double check on our location as well what boats are moored in the area.”
Chase grumbled as Sebastian walked away before entering a code into the door lock, opening it then pushing me inside.
The cabin was gorgeous, as I knew it would be. Dark leather furniture and all glass tables were accented by an entire wall of carved bookshelves as well as what appeared to be a complete bar. There was a large flat screen television, speakers in every corner of the space. And the rugs on the wood floor were spectacular, vivid colors splashed across the background. Windows were located on two sides, one direction highlighting a portion of the city in the distance. On the other there was nothing but turquoise ocean waters, waves rolling gently toward the yacht.
“Go on. This is where you’re going to be staying for quite a while,” Chase stated, pushing me even further into the room.
“How long?” I asked. As I walked further inside, I could see through an open door what appeared to be a bedroom. This was more than just a fantasy. This was a dream come true.
At least for the right woman.
“As long as it takes,” he answered.
“Do you really have business here?”
Dax exhaled, his eyes darkening. “Yes, we do. Now, I suggest you make yourself at home. Get changed.”
“Changed? What the hell am I supposed to change into?”
“I assure you that Sebastian arranged for your attire,” Chase piped in.
It was as if Chase’s personality had changed the moment he walked onto the plane. While he’d been passionate for a short period of time, I could see nothing of the man from before. What the hell had been purchased for me? Cat ears and a tail? “Fine.”
Chase took a deep breath, acting as if he hungered to walk in my direction then changed his mind, moving toward the door. “The three of us need to have a discussion, Dax.”
“I’ll be there in a few minutes,” Dax insisted, remaining behind.
There was an odd look they shared, a moment of discord just seconds before Chase also walked out the door, closing it with a hard thud behind him.
Dax shook his head, remaining turned away from me. He suddenly ripped off his jacket, tossing it across one of the couches, unbuttoning his shirt, his actions fierce. Only when he’d rolled up his sleeves did he bother shifting in my direction. “The bedroom is through that door. Of course, there’s a bathroom as well. There’s a fully stocked refrigerator behind the bar and my guess is the steward made certain the cabinet is full of snacks. I’m certain you must be hungry.”
“I don’t think I could eat a damn thing.” I moved into the bedroom, glancing around the room, which was easily the size of two-thirds of my apartment. The king-sized bed had to be larger than normal, the champagne-colored comforter adorned with several fluffy pillows. Every piece of furniture matched and there was a plush armchair next to a bank of glass doors. I could see a private deck, the ocean almost as if a few inches away.
I rubbed my arm with one hand as I dangled my fingers across the comforter. What an incredible setting. Maybe I was just surprised I hadn’t found chains hanging from the ceiling.
The bathroom was equally as opulent complete with a shower big enough for… four and a huge soaking tub. Even the fixtures were something only the rich and famous could afford. Plush towels and thick robes were waiting for comfort after a filthy round of passion. I shuddered at the thought.
Unable to resist, I glanced into the closet, the walk-in full of clothes. I laughed until I realized that every piece of clothing was meant for me. A gasp left my mouth before I could stop it, forcing me to press my fingers across my lips. I walked closer, running my fingers over the various materials. There were dresses, both formal and tropical of every color
. There were blouses and skirts, jackets and purses. Every single piece still had a price tag hanging freely. And there were shoes, dozens of them still in their boxes.
Swallowing hard, I pulled one of the dresses from the rack, realizing that it was the correct size. Jesus. My hand shaking, I managed to shove it back into its place, rushing toward the dresser and ripping open drawer after drawer. Shorts. Tops. Bikinis. And lingerie. The drawers were filled with the most beautiful pieces.
“My God. This is insane,” I whispered.
“To your liking?” Dax asked as he leaned against the doorjamb.
“This is nuts. Are you planning on keeping me forever or just until you grow bored?”
He shrugged, an actual grin crossing his face. “There’s nothing too good for someone we care about.”
Care about? “Care about me? That’s not possible. I’m just the girl who lied to you.” I shifted past him, half expecting him to stop me. When he didn’t, only exhaling deeply, I rolled my eyes and headed into the other room, unable to think clearly.
He chuckled as he walked closer, reaching out then pulling his hand away. “This doesn’t have to be difficult.” When he walked around me, heading toward the bar, I was unable to stop from laughing.
“You are kidding me. Right?”
There was no immediate response. He simply moved behind the bar, taking his time to find what he was looking for. As he pulled a bottle of red wine onto the surface, digging through a drawer until he found an opener, I crossed my arms, finding it difficult to keep from shivering. I watched as he opened the bottle, grabbing two glasses and filling both.
There were far too many emotions rushing through my system, anger and fear taking the lead. I moved toward the windows facing the town. While the yacht was located far enough away that I could only make out a few distinct features, I was able to see the tall steeples of several churches. Maybe that’s what I needed to do.