Forced to Cooperate

by Piper Stone

  “Absolutely, sir. I’ll find him right away.”

  I heard Kevin’s chattering as I nodded toward both my men. They knew what to do, the exact location of where to drop him off. As I walked outside, taking a deep breath, I couldn’t help but grin.

  The tables had turned. Peter had no idea who he was playing with.

  My hand? A royal flush.

  Chapter Nine

  Willow

  Frustrating.

  Infuriating.

  Mindboggling.

  There were dozens of words floating in my mind including asshole. I’d fumed the entire time since he left, uncertain of why I’d agreed to help him in the first place. Him. The bastard had a name.

  Aleksei.

  Gorgeous.

  Built like a freaking Norse god.

  Amazing in bed.

  Aleksei.

  I had to be sick inside, some of my brain sucked up by a vicious alien. I could still feel his cock buried inside, the way his fingers brushed along every inch of my skin, his lips burning against mine. His scent still permeated my skin, intoxicating to the point I had difficulty functioning.

  The way his lips rolled across my clit, his tongue every girl’s dream left me tingling. And the spankings.

  I shifted back and forth, enjoying the slight burn from the tight-fitting jeans.

  Oh, and talk about the reason jeans were made in the first place. Whew. God had made another Adonis. Damn, I was hot all over, my face flushed and my nipples hard. He’d been so sweet, holding me under the sheets, his thumb lightly caressing my arm. He’d whispered words in Russian, sweet nothings that I honestly didn’t want translated. He’d just been a normal man.

  Then he’d ruined everything with his nasty attitude this morning, as if I was his Girl Friday or worse, yesterday’s trash. I couldn’t get over the change. Something in his carefully thought-out plan had changed, and he no longer had control. I couldn’t believe he was a user. He was far too consuming in his taking of me, his unbridled lust that seared my skin.

  What had he experienced? I thought about the morning. I’d awakened to find him gone and I had... I’d sneaked out of the room, heading downstairs to find him, even daring to head toward his office. Then I’d heard voices. I’d assumed it was one of his basic mafia drones ready to follow some order.

  Maybe he’d had a different visitor.

  “Damn it!” I wanted to hate him. I honestly wished I could get him out of my mind, but it was impossible. He’d peeled away too many layers, his rugged good looks and take-all attitude creating a wondrous world in which I was able to surrender.

  I rolled my eyes as I closed my suitcase. Everything in my life was turned upside down, spinning out of control. I had no idea who my brother was any longer. Peter was a stranger to me.

  He always was a stranger.

  The little voice prattling around in my mind was correct. I’d used the word cruel. That’s exactly what Peter had turned into. On the few times I’d been summoned into his presence, I’d seen him berate his employees, almost screaming at high volume how stupid they were. I’d even watched him fire a young woman for filing something in the wrong place. While she’d been reduced to tears, he’d had a smirk on his face, oh-so happy with himself.

  I’d ignored his constant picking at me all through the years. My grades weren’t good enough. My attire was sloppy. My spending habits needed to be controlled. All the while I’d looked the other way, telling myself that he was stressed because of work.

  Because of illegal work.

  Had I known on some level? Yes. My instinct had worked over time. If only I would have pressed Peter harder. What good would that have done? For all I knew, he would have dismissed me too, completely out of his life. Had I saved money from the ‘salary’ Peter paid me? Absolutely. Was it enough to live on? For a year, maybe. What skills did I have?

  Hi, I’m applying for a job. My qualifications? I know four languages, am well versed in the methods of mafia organizations, and I am a damn good shot. Right between the eyes.

  That would really get me somewhere.

  The information Aleksei had provided was significant, identifying Peter’s methods of business practices. He profited off of others who failed him. He sold drugs to maintain his lifestyle. He bought off officials in an effort to maintain a ‘clean’ reputation. As far as the meeting? I had no idea what to expect other than that Aleksei would do everything in his power to take over Peter’s enterprises.

  Empire.

  I couldn’t get that word out of my mind. Aleksei was right about one thing. I wanted a different life, far removed from any aspect of Church Exports.

  Could it be fabricated? My honest answer was that even Aleksei had been surprised. If only I could find out who these colleagues were. Did it matter?

  “Ugh!” I had zero ability to be able to focus on anything. When I turned around, I noticed the plug had been left on the dresser. A reminder of the rules.

  A reminder of his command.

  I stormed toward the piece of furniture, taking a deep breath before yanking the plug off the surface and heading toward the bathroom. At this point, I certainly didn’t want to piss him off.

  I’d left the door open and when I heard male voices, I bristled. The brooding Russian was home and I was required to go on some trip with him. My suspicions were that he was taking me out of town to keep me away from any possibility of warning Peter. As if I really wanted to do that. I heard the conciliatory tone in Peter’s voice, feigning that he cared about me, promising to do anything he could to make certain I was safe.

  Bullshit.

  I was certain of it. If he even attended the meeting, there was no way he’d go along with Aleksei’s request willingly. He always had an ulterior motive, methods of keeping his head above water. He would come out unscathed and perhaps rid of me. I would go down fighting.

  The footsteps seemed heavier as they walked up the stairs, much slower in gait and less purposeful. When Aleksei appeared in the doorway, there was no smile on his face, no look of sheer domination.

  Just... sadness.

  Well, hell. That was going around.

  “Are you ready?” he asked, eying my suitcase.

  “Where are we going?”

  He cocked his jaw, those damn blue eyes boring a hole into mine. “It’s a surprise. We leave in five minutes.”

  A surprise. I wasn’t certain I could handle any of those. My entire life was a huge surprise. Sighing, I tensed when he walked into the room, coming closer. The scent of the man still sent chills down my spine, his brawn and stature overwhelming. I had no idea what to expect.

  He seemed uncertain before reaching out, taking my suitcase into his hand. “I think you’ll enjoy.” After that, he walked out of the room, no doubt expecting I would follow.

  I wanted to revolt, to refuse to go.

  Instead, I did exactly as required.

  I followed him.

  “We have everything ready,” Maksim told Aleksei, barely darting a look in my direction. “Returning tomorrow?”

  Aleksei nodded as he handed my suitcase to his right-hand man. “Everything else is in order?”

  “Absolutely, boss,” Maksim said half under his breath. “The plane arrives back at ten-ten tomorrow morning. Just enough time to get to your meeting.”

  “Make certain nothing goes wrong. If there is any indication of a breach, I want to know. Otherwise, I do not want to be bothered.” Aleksei’s voice held the same level of domination I was accustomed to.

  Plane. The man was taking me on a plane ride? My hackles were raised, my thoughts shifting all over the place. Was he taking me somewhere to easily dispose of my body? I shrank back, hugging my arms, fear permeating every cell and muscle until I felt the suffocating claw wrapping around my neck.

  Aleksei turned his gaze toward me, beckoning me with a single finger. “Come. We have a timetable. Just remember, you will obey me. Period.”

  “And if I don’t?”

>   “The terms of the deal you made still apply. I own you. Every inch. You will do as I please. I am not a man you can back into a corner, cherie.”

  “So you’ve told me.”

  I wasn’t even certain my legs responded but as the wind whipped against my face, I peered up at the sky. The cloudy day had turned ominous in every manner, darkness hovering over the area like a shroud of violence. I had a terrible feeling that the next two days were going to alter every concept I had of good versus evil.

  I was eased into the back of an SUV, black in color and solid in nature. I suspected the windows were bulletproof, reminding me of the treatment high-ranking politicians and celebrities received.

  Aleksei stood outside, conversing with Maksim. I crawled over the seat, watching as the soldier removed a piece of paper from his pocket, tentatively handing it to Aleksei. Suddenly, the conversation stopped and the expression on Aleksei’s face was full of anger. While I was unable to hear anything that was said, it was obvious that Aleksei was surprised by whatever Maksim had shared.

  I scuttled back in my place when Aleksei shoved the piece of paper into his pocket and waved his hand, more animated than I’d seen him. Every nerve stood on end as he stormed toward the SUV. Another problem. Another concern.

  And I knew without a shadow of a doubt that it had to do with me.

  I hadn’t anticipated that Aleksei would climb into the other side, closing the door with a hard thud while the driver eased inside.

  I studied the driver’s face, able to see his features as he adjusted the rearview mirror. He was scarred, his skin mottled and slightly red. Not only had the man been in several fights, but he’d taken it one on one with a blade of some kind more than once. I shuddered at the thought. My world had been sheltered in several ways, preventing me from seeing the true horrors of everyday existence in the mafia world. Maybe I’d been lucky.

  Maybe I’d simply been too naïve for my own good.

  Either way, I was fucked.

  I settled into the seat as the driver pressed his foot on the gas, avoiding the stern gaze I’d already seen on Aleksei’s face. He challenged me in every way, determining my understanding of the game at hand. He really believed that I would succumb to him without any level of retaliation.

  The bastard had another think coming.

  I was nobody’s fool. I’d played the femme fatale card far too long. It was my time to quietly take back control. Maybe this trip would allow me to do so.

  The entire SUV was silent, neither the driver nor Aleksei muttering a word. Instructions had already been laid out, the need for unnecessary talking at a minimum. I peered out the window, my hands still clasped together, trying to control my breathing as the world flashed by. Buildings. Landscapes. Children playing. Everything seemed surreal.

  I was aware there was a car following us, no doubt protection in case we ran into trouble. Did my brother have enough gumption to take on a Bratva family? I honestly didn’t know the answer. What little I did realize was that Peter hated to lose. He would fight hard to keep his stature, influence, and his wealth.

  Even at my expense.

  I noticed the signs for the airport, expecting the driver to make the turn. He sped by it going well over seventy miles per hour. Only then did I turn my head in Aleksei’s direction.

  He had a smug look about him, conceited in ways I wasn’t used to seeing. Even without meeting my gaze, he exhaled, his words chosen carefully.

  “I never use commercial airlines. I don’t have to.”

  I almost laughed hearing the hint of arrogance. The man was used to the finer things in life while my world was modest, time off spent reading books while a rather cheap bottle of red wine remained opened. I’d worked hard over the years perfecting my craft. What a crock of shit.

  Within twenty minutes, we were on the outskirts of the city, the single highway sign indicating an airport I’d only heard of a couple of times in passing. Private. Secluded.

  For the wealthy.

  Bile rose to the surface as I leaned forward. If he was planning on dropping me off in some third world country, I would find a weapon to use.

  The SUV pulled up only fifty yards from a small corporate jet, its sleek design indicating a newer model. I gave Aleksei another hard look as the driver cut the engine, immediately getting out. I noticed the weapon strapped to the man’s side, his hand on the barrel as he waited until the other car pulled up, three men piling out, their weapons drawn.

  I had difficulty swallowing as I watched their actions, checking the perimeter until the driver finally returned, opening the door for Aleksei first.

  Aleksei remained seated, his demeanor calm and collected. “I’m going to trust you on this trip. There will be no soldiers, no one to protect us. I need you to assure me that you’ll follow my orders no matter the circumstances.”

  Another laugh bubbled to the surface. The man had balls. “Fine.”

  The slow shift of his head in my direction gave me a shiver that tickled my pussy as always, the burn in his eyes commanding.

  “Yes, sir. You don’t have to worry about me, sir.” While my answer was snide, he seemed satisfied, exiting the vehicle while another soldier opened my door.

  I was led quickly toward the plane, walking up the stairs in front of the burly man. I stopped long enough to take a glance over my shoulder. I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d ever see the city again.

  The thought was far less terrifying than I would have imagined. I honestly didn’t care. I had no real home, merely a place to land and rest. When I walked inside the plane, I had a moment of shock and awe. Plush leather seats. A full bar. Gleaming tables. Everything was created with the powerful in mind. I was led to a seat, the soldier merely pointing, waiting until I obeyed his direct order.

  One that came from the master.

  Five minutes later, Aleksei walked onto the plane, heading in my direction. He took the seat opposite, easing down with the confidence of a leader.

  Or a king.

  I couldn’t even bear looking at him, even though every part of me hungered to do so. The emotions rippling through me yanked at every tendon in my body, the closeness of his gorgeous body almost too much to bear. His attire wasn’t befitting his stature; a white polo shirt and well-worn blue jeans. The only giveaway that the man came from money was the diamond-studded Movado watch.

  Aleksei studied his phone, typing on the small keyboard as the engines roared. And still, he remained quiet. Even thoughtful. A genuine smile appeared on his face, a softening of his features. He seemed almost animated as he typed a response before taking a deep breath and sliding the phone into his pocket.

  “A girlfriend?” I mused.

  “There has been no one in my life for years, Willow. As I’ve told you, I take my job very seriously.”

  A lonely man on a mission to rule the world. Well, I wasn’t going to be one of his ultimate conquests, no matter what limited past we’d already shared. I rolled my eyes and turned my attention toward the window, peering out at the other planes. Then a reflection caught my eye.

  Within seconds, a woman appeared out of nowhere, two flutes positioned on a silver tray.

  “Sir?” she asked as she offered the selection, her attention focusing on Aleksei only.

  “Thank you, Marlene. I appreciate that very much.” Aleksei gave her a subtle smile before grabbing both glasses.

  Her face flushed, much like every other woman he deemed it acceptable to provide attention to.

  “Are we celebrating?” I asked nonchalantly.

  “Life is far too short, my sweet cherie. We must always celebrate small wins even at the expense of our hearts.” Aleksei’s words were odd to me, as if karma had taken a piece of his life long before.

  Against my better judgment, I accepted the glass, allowing the two rims to click together. The taste of the bubbly was magnificent, effervescent and bold in flavor. I was aware he was studying me intently, his eyes ripe with hunger as well as excitem
ent. Even my nipples hardened from his lust-filled glance.

  “Am I now allowed to ask where we’re going?” Hell, there was excitement in my tone. I was disgusted at my misplaced curiosity. This wasn’t a romantic getaway, for Christ’s sake.

  He took a sip of his champagne, settling back against the plush leather. “The nation’s capital.”

  “What?” The answer was very surprising. “Why?”

  “Because there is a concert that I’ve wanted to see for some time that I thought you might enjoy accompanying me to.”

  I blinked twice as the information settled in. The man was always so practiced. Suave in every manner. “You are kidding me. You’re taking me to a concert?”

  “I never joke about business or pleasure.”

  “You decided that we needed to leave town in case my brother determines that the meeting is against his privileged nature. You’re afraid that he’ll attempt to hunt you down.” I leaned forward, unsure if he’d bother to answer and even if he did, I wasn’t anticipating the truth.

  “Very astute, Willow. However, I also wanted to share time with you that has nothing to do with my life or the trials and tribulations that constantly surround me. Is that too difficult to understand?” He also leaned forward, close enough I was certain the man was going to kiss me.

  “Not difficult, Aleksei, just confusing. Last night, you wanted me enough to allow me into your bed then you pushed me away as if what we shared meant nothing. Why bother now? Why not take me to the zoo in order to visit other animals kept in a cage?”

  I could tell that his shoulders tensed, knew that I’d pressed yet another button. He lifted his arm and I winced, causing a frown to cover his face.

  “I assure you, Willow, if I truly wanted to hurt you, there are methods and ways that certainly don’t involve travel.” Using just his index finger, he brushed a stray strand of hair from my eyes before sitting back once again. “However, you don’t want to run away from me now that I’ve broken down your defenses, exposed the true woman inside. Isn’t that correct?”