Cruel Masters

by Stone, Piper

  The information that the US Marshal had reluctantly provided had been on point with what Gabriel had spouted off. Janine and Michael Warden had been in the wrong place at the wrong time, observing a contracted and very messy hit in New York. Pierre Laurent had once been called ‘The Ghost,’ a renowned hitman for the Gambini organization. He’d singlehandedly been responsible for at least a dozen high-profile assassinations, never once seen in the act.

  Until one dark and rainy night.

  Because of the Wardens’ testimonies, Pierre had been sentenced to life without parole, but his term had been cut short by members of a rival crime family. While limited information had been provided regarding the reasons behind the Wardens’ decision to turn their children over to the US Marshals, it was obvious they hoped that Addy and Kendra could have a normal life without fear of being found.

  Given Gabriel had been left an orphan, he’d developed his plan of revenge early in his life, turning into a carbon copy of his father, his only family true monsters.

  I wasn’t surprised Martin Devon had been a plant in an effort to gain additional information; I’d been shocked he’d ignored Gabriel’s threats by making a phone call. I didn’t want to think about what would have happened if the man had chickened out.

  As far as my father’s involvement, he’d fallen prey to promises made as the Gambini crime syndicate had attempted to move into Chicago. Sadly, there was no remaining money from the loan provided over twenty years before. My father’s true vice had been gambling in order to abate the sadness that had eventually overwhelmed him. Whether or not a gun had been placed in his hand on that fateful night or if the act of suicide had been a decision based on the fact that he felt he had no other choice would remain a mystery.

  I’d come to terms with it.

  I took my partners’ advice, walking onto the deck. She sat staring at the heated pool, the crisp morning creating a hint of steam floating from the surface. As I sat down beside her, I could sense her body tensing.

  A few minutes passed in absolute quiet, the limited information the Marshal had provided remaining in a closed file on the small table.

  “I wonder what Washington State is like,” she finally whispered, the location where her parents currently lived. While the Marshal had refused to provide a city, he had forwarded pictures from before the trial in New York.

  “Rainy. Often cold. Beautiful.”

  She smiled, tilting her head in my direction. “Do you think they had any other children?”

  “If I had to guess, I’d say no. The sacrifice they made to give both you and Addy to another family was likely too much to bear.”

  “I guess you’re right.”

  “I know you want to find them, but I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

  Sighing, Kendra shook her head. “I don’t. I did at first, but then I realized that I have a life that has nothing to do with the past. Do I wish things could have been different? Of course, but there will always be a chance I could place their lives in danger.”

  I was happy to hear her say that. “From what the FBI has been able to tell, the Gambini family has no idea just how far Gabriel had gone to perfect his need for revenge. There is nothing to suggest that either you or your sister are in any kind of danger. They won’t risk getting in the middle of a high-profile case for a second time.”

  “But there’s always a chance.”

  “Life is a risk, Kendra. Every day there’s a chance that our lives will be cut short. I finally figured out that finding and sharing joy is important.”

  A sly smile crossed her face. “Are you becoming philosophical on me?”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. “I don’t think that’s going to happen, but I do know exactly what I want in life.”

  “Yeah, Mr. Mogul, and what’s that?”

  Locking eyes with hers, I finally reached over, taking her hand. “You. A family. A real home.”

  The shimmer in her eyes sent a wave of desire rocketing into me. I’d never been this hungry. What I hated more than anything was the terror that Gabriel had put her through. Trust. That was exactly what she needed more than the passion we shared. I rose to my feet, tugging my shirt over my head.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Taking a swim. Would you like to join me?”

  Her face pinched, she shook her head, pulling her knees as tightly against her chest as possible. “I’ll watch.”

  “Okay, but you’re missing out.” I gave her a wicked smile before removing the rest of my clothes, not bothering to care where they fell. The light, cool breeze against my naked skin was invigorating. I gave her a longing look, issuing a single growl before taking long strides toward the water, diving into the deep end. It had been a hell of a long time since I’d enjoyed the freedom of taking a swim.

  As I powered through the water, moving from one end of the pool to the other, I was able to see she’d grown curious. By the time I’d finished several laps, she’d moved closer to the edge, finally sitting down, yet still avoiding touching the water.

  I dove underneath, popping to the surface seconds later. I kept my distance, studying her intently as I tread water.

  “It’s warm,” I said absently.

  “I can tell.”

  “Refreshing.”

  Kendra gave me a pensive look. “I don’t think I can.”

  I remained quiet, never taking my eyes off her. Her resolve was stronger than any woman’s I’d ever experienced and when she slid her bare feet into the water, kicking out several times, I couldn’t help but smile.

  “Do you trust me?” I asked after a couple of minutes.

  There was no hesitation. “Yes, with my life.”

  I inched closer, every move slow yet deliberate. When I was only inches away, I brushed my fingertips against her legs. Her reaction was instantaneous, a slight moan popping from her pursed mouth.

  “And you know I will never allow anything to happen to you?”

  She bit her lower lip before nodding.

  I rubbed my hands along her thighs as I inched closer. “Good. And that all three of us would die to protect you?”

  “Yes, silly. I do know that.” Kendra had a faraway look in her eyes.

  After crowding between her legs, I cupped her face, my cock aching from intense need. “Then trust me now.”

  “What? What do you mean?”

  She knew exactly what I meant. I lowered her head, pressing my lips against hers, keeping the kiss gentle and loving. Every time I touched her, the explosions from deep within were unforgettable. She’d stripped me of every inch of armor, opening my heart to the kind of love I’d longed to have my entire life.

  And I never intended to let her go.

  “Hold onto my neck,” I instructed, the tone gentle.

  “But my clothes,” she insisted.

  “You have more.”

  Stiffening, she took several shallow breaths as she clung to my arms, digging her fingers into my skin. “I don’t know if I can.”

  “Yes, you do.” When she didn’t fight me, I pulled her off the edge of the pool, taking a few steps away.

  Whimpering, she wrapped her arms around my neck, looking from one side to the other.

  “Nothing and no one will ever hurt you again. I promise you.”

  She took several deep breaths, closing her eyes for a few seconds. “I believe you.”

  I carried her a few feet further, staying away from the deep end.

  When she finally opened her eyes, a slight smile crossed her face. “You’re right. It’s warm.”

  “I’m always right, you know.”

  The lilt of her laugh sent a wave of electricity dancing through me. I swung her around, holding her close, my cock pressing against her tummy.

  “You are so bad,” she said, finally relaxing.

  “You’re right. I’m a very bad man, but I’m also one of three who adore you and hope to spend the rest of my life with you.”

  “You think you can h
andle me?” she asked playfully as she ground against me.

  “Oh, I intend to. Granted, spankings will be required.”

  When she threw her head back and laughed, I realized that I was the luckiest man in the world. It had nothing to do with extreme wealth, property, or expensive toys. The beautiful notion was all about the woman I’d fallen desperately in love with.

  And no one would ever dare attempt to take her away.

  Or they would face my wrath.

  * * *

  Kendra

  A girl in love.

  I bit back a laugh as I tried to sit comfortably in the plush leather seats of the SUV, a vehicle I absolutely hated. However, with three hunky men, space was needed. As I squirmed, a reminder of the spanking two nights before was never far from my mind. They were making good on their promise to keep me obedient.

  And I still had a caustic mouth, or so they never hesitated to remind me.

  While the events from a few weeks before were never far from my mind, the nightmares had all but ceased, allowing me to enjoy my new life. Quitting my job in New York had been easier than I’d thought and while I’d yet to find a new endeavor, I wasn’t concerned. I was being well taken care of. A giggle threatened to erupt although I squelched it. My surprise was all I wanted to concentrate on.

  “Where are we going?” Dax asked as he turned his head in my direction, the grin on his face the one I adored.

  “It’s for me to know and you to find out,” I answered.

  When he playfully acted as if he was going to yank me over his lap, I smashed my hands against his chest.

  “No fair,” Chase said, sighing.

  Sebastian gazed into the rearview mirror, shaking his head. “The girl is full of surprises. We’re almost there, wherever you’re taking us.”

  His entire personality had changed, able to laugh more than I thought possible. Just the fact he’d committed to rebuilding companies instead of tearing them down had seemed to lift a significant burden from his shoulders. Extreme was even getting some good press, a feat in itself.

  I faked a yawn, staring out the window, trying to keep my excitement under wraps. They’d taken me to a dozen beautiful homes for sale, ones that by most people’s standards would be called mansions. I had no desire to live in a mausoleum of stunning and expensive but uncomfortable furniture, art that reminded me of centuries before. I wanted life to go along with the love that continued to build between us.

  Maybe it was time for the three sexy boys to learn to live beneath their means.

  As Sebastian pulled up to a driveway, he checked his GPS before shifting another look in my direction. “Are we in the right place?”

  “We are,” I said defiantly.

  He chuckled then turned into the driveway, slowly rolling the SUV to the front of the house.

  “Who lives here?” Chase asked.

  “I dunno.” I didn’t waste any time getting out, almost skipping toward the realtor’s box that I’d been told would be hooked on the handle of the front door. When I punched in the code, as if by magic, a little flap opened, allowing me to grab the key. While I heard their approach, I didn’t bother waiting, opening the door and walking inside.

  Dax was the first to enter, a confused look on his face. “Okay. The house is for sale I take it.”

  “Yes,” I purred as I waited for my other two masters to make their way inside. Masters. Even the word sent chills down my spine. I adored the thought, even though I would always have difficulty obeying them.

  I’d found the house through Grace’s help, the three-bedroom home complete with a beautifully landscaped and fenced-in backyard with a garden, a stone fireplace, and a fairly modern kitchen. But it certainly wasn’t the mansion that they’d hoped I would agree on. As I ran my hand over the butcher block island, I enjoyed watching their faces as they realized what was going on.

  “I take it you like this house?” Sebastian asked as he moved closer, rubbing my arms.

  Every time he touched me, I tingled, my nipples aching.

  “I do,” I answered almost defiantly. “The kitchen is perfect. There’s a large deck outside and a beautiful fireplace. And there’s a large master bedroom perfect for a king-size bed.”

  “So you think that will be large enough for the four of us?” Chase teased.

  “Mmm… I do.”

  Dax took a deep breath before walking closer, rubbing his hand across the butcher block surface. “I can see the possibilities.”

  Why were his eyes twinkling? I frowned as the three men shared that look they had between them.

  “Yes, I agree with you,” Chase offered as he tapped the top of the island.

  “Meaning?” Uh-oh. I had a bad feeling about this.

  When Sebastian gripped my arms, tossing me over the island and ripping my dress up to my waist, I moaned, struggling to get out of his hold.

  “What are you doing?” I demanded.

  “Christening our new home. What else?” he answered before wrapping his finger around the thin elastic of my thong, giving a single snap of his wrist.

  I moaned as Dax grabbed my arms, holding my wrists in one hand.

  “That’s not fair!” I insisted.

  As Chase began to unbuckle his belt, a shiver coursed down my spine, my pussy aching.

  “Oh, yes, it is. After all, we’re your masters,” Sebastian answered.

  “You mean cruel masters,” I retorted, wincing from the sound of the strap being yanked through Chase’s belt loops.

  When I felt the first hard crack across my backside, I yelped, but my heart was singing.

  I’d found the perfect family, the one I’d always hoped to have. And I’d learn to forgive my birth parents. They’d sacrificed everything to allow me this joyous opportunity.

  I’d learned that love could be found when you’re least expecting it and when you’re most in need.

  And I never planned on letting it go.

  The End

  Afterword

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