by Stone, Piper
“This has become your war now, hasn’t it? You’re going to take over the organization, be what, a godfather?” Burning tears stung my eyes. This wonderful man couldn’t throw away his life. He just couldn’t. Not like this.
“I have to do this, Lola. I know you can’t understand to any degree. I don’t expect you to, but don’t chastise what must be done. If I don’t take the reins, many more people will be slaughtered, their families, their friends. Everyone associated with my father is a target. I have to stop the bloodshed.”
“And how are you going to do that? By murdering others?” This was one question I knew he had no answer for. For all his bravado, his prowess and presumed power, this man wasn’t a killer. “There has to be another way.”
“There is no other way.” The words seemed to echo in the room. “What I do know is that there is a contract out on my life, which means yours as well. If those two men saw you or even suspect that I have a visitor, there will be efforts made to hunt you down. No matter where you go, or what you do, your life will always be in danger.”
The ramifications hit me in a finite manner, creating a solid wave of nausea. “What’s going to happen from here?”
Growling, he cupped both sides of my face, lifting my head. “I love you, Lola Markum. What we’ve shared has been the most incredible few days of my entire life. You are everything that my heart needs. I would die for you, no matter the reason or the cause. You are the only thing that makes life worth living.”
The admittance was almost more than I could bear. I was shaking, my heart thudding. “I love you, Jagger. There’s no reason I should, but I do, and I want more than anything to be with you.” We’d both embraced the ending, whether we wanted to accept the reality or not.
He pressed his lips against mine, taking his time, opening and closing his mouth. He was savoring the taste, the gentleness that we could share, the quiet moment in time. For me, the fleeting break in running for our lives was one of the most pleasurable kisses we’d shared. As he parted my lips with his tongue, sliding his inside, I clung to him, tears trickling past my lashes.
After tomorrow, I’d never see him again unless on the front page of a Chicago newspaper.
Dead.
Chapter Twelve
Jagger
The taste of her, the touch was more exquisite than even the times before. Just holding her close was vital, perhaps keeping me alive, my personal monsters at bay. I wrapped my hand around her neck, drawing her in even closer. While there could be no forever, I could have her right here. Right now. If only for a few precious minutes. Dragging her onto her toes, the quiet intimacy turned into a fevered roar. I slid my hand under her buttocks, grinding my groin against her stomach.
She brushed her hands up and down my back, her fingers digging in, tugging at my shirt. Our tongues intertwined, our teeth gnashing, the French kiss becoming wild and crazed. I was desperately hungry, longing to shove my cock deep inside her wet pussy, to take what I knew belonged to me. I broke the embrace, growling as I licked and nipped her lower lip and her chin, blowing hot air then brushing my lips down to her neck.
“Jagger. Oh, Jagger,” she mumbled, tipping back her head, her eyes clenched shut. The expression of raw bliss was breathtaking, igniting the fuel of my desire.
I yanked at her clothes until she took a step back, her smile alluring. She eased her dress over her head as I jerked off my shirt, almost ripping the material. I placed the gun along with the other on the table and kicked off my shoes. “I want you. I need to fuck you, bury my cock inside.”
Lola advanced, moving both of her palms down my chest as she licked around my mouth, her hot tongue driving me into a state of near insanity. Electricity shot through both of us as she unbuckled and unzipped, sliding one hand past my underwear, stroking my throbbing cock. “Jesus.” My skin was on fire, every muscle straining. She wasted no time removing my jeans, lowering onto the blankets, her eyes never leaving me.
Dropping down onto my knees, I rubbed my fingers down from her shoulders to her arms, cradling our fingers together. I slipped my arm around her waist, forcing her back, licking around first one nipple then the other. I did indeed long to see both hardened buds pierced, a slender chain between them. The thought alone was riveting. I sucked and nipped, taking the tender flesh between my lips. “I want nothing more than for you to surrender to me, to own you, dominate you every damn day.”
She was lost in the moment, her head thrown back, her eyes closed. “Yes, God, yes. Forever.”
The lovely lady could never know how much the words meant, even though I’d never see her again. Easing her back, I kissed her lips before whispering, “You make me crazy with desire.”
“You have my submission. There will never be another man I’ll allow to dominate me.”
The promise was cathartic, unlocking the last vestige of the man I’d become. After tonight, he would be banished, never to see the light of day. But right now, everything I was belonged to this stunning and caring woman. Pushing her onto the blanket, I traced lines in her face, the side of her neck, and all the way down until I grabbed her leg, lifting as I drove the entire length of my cock inside. “Yes!”
“Oh!” Arching her back, she lifted her arms over her head, surrendering every inch of her body.
I took my time, plunging in and out, relishing the way she felt under me, her breasts crushed against my chest. The scent of her made me instantly drunk and I had to have more. To hell with the world, the assholes trying to destroy me, to take away this moment of happiness.
Tiny purrs and mews slipped past her pursed lips and she wrapped her other leg around my thigh as she clamped her pussy muscles.
“So damn tight.” Panting, I wanted nothing more than for this to last for hours, but there was no time, no way I could cease from protecting her, the woman I cherished more than any other person who’d ever been in my life. The anguish as well as the yearning we shared was beautiful as well as terrifying, turning our desire into a firestorm. I lowered my head until our lips were just touching, and I whispered everything I’d been wanting to say to her. Training her. Fucking her. Using her. Loving her. The way her cunt pulled me in created a series of shivers. I filled her, my cock throbbing, my balls ready to explode.
She moaned, nodding several times as if she understood and rocked with me. Together, we were as one and nothing and no one could take this away. Her breath came in short pants, her whimpering husky and I knew she was close to coming.
I crushed her mouth, staying locked together, holding back until her body began to shake. Only then did I let go, exploding, draining every last drop of cum. Her sweet surrender was ecstasy.
Minutes later I kissed her forehead and both eyes before climbing to my feet, reaching for my clothes.
“You should call about your brother.”
“Yeah, I will.” I peered down at her, marveling at the way the candlelight highlighted her porcelain skin. Maybe I didn’t want to learn about my brother’s condition. However, it had been confirmed that there had a hit placed on my life. I hadn’t told Lola the truth, fearful she would become unhinged. I’d located the two men, one hiding near the house. The single bullet had stopped him cold. The other had run, making it to the boat before I reached the shore. Although I’d been able to get off several shots, he’d sped away. It was just a matter of time before another attempt would be made.
“Uh-huh. You’ll do exactly as you want.” Her answer was curt even though she smiled, sitting up and yanking her dress closer. “I hope, for your sake, that he’s alive. You need family, Jagger.”
I wasn’t going to tell her how damaging my relationship really was with Gio. There was no need to go into any further detail. She knew enough or maybe too much.
“Do you mind if I see if there’s anything to drink?” she asked, her tone reverting to the submissive woman I’d trained.
“Of course not. Just keep the light off. Take my flashlight.” I waited until she’d dressed and
was a few feet away before grabbing my phone. There was a missed call from Michael, which couldn’t be good. He could wait. I checked out the window before dialing the number of the hospital. The connection was shitty, but I made it through on the second try, asking for ICU to avoid the delay.
“Yes, I’m calling to inquire about the condition of Giovanni Calduchi. I’m his brother.” I heard the same glitch in the nurse’s voice, knew that the hesitation meant she was trying to flag down someone of importance. If the FBI was already involved, at least the call was untraceable. I scanned the perimeter, searching for any activity. Finally, the rain had stopped for the night.
“Yes, I’m here.” I swallowed as she spoke, the words clipped and perfunctory. Then I simply ended the call. I stood staring into the blackness until I heard her return and when I spoke, I knew my statement was almost inaudible.
“My brother is dead. My entire family is gone. I am the new don of the Calduchi family.”
* * *
Lola’s breathing was even, indicating some form of peaceful sleep. I’ll admit, I wondered when and if I’d ever be able to sleep soundly again. Everything was far too muddled, reporters slamming the Calduchi family and all gangster-style activity. Anything for sensational news. At least I’d been able to garner some information about what I could expect. A melee of shit.
I studied the way she had her leg wrapped around the blanket before taking a sip of the whiskey she’d found, the single ice cube almost completely melted. The harsh flavor I wasn’t used to, but at least the liquid felt good sliding down my throat. Her comforting arms as I dealt with the news had allowed a relative peace to settle in. She’d never know how much her touch meant, her soft words of wisdom. There was no rulebook for what needed to be done, no script that I could follow, except for the ruthless nature depicted by my father. So be it.
I’d seen her reflection as I’d told her the news. There’d been such resignation, even shutting down. I couldn’t blame her. This wasn’t about romance, but a deal. Jesus. A business deal.
It was almost five in the morning and an attempt on our lives hadn’t occurred. I continued to remain leery, even risking another contact to Alvaro, instructing him to ascertain a more direct line of data coming out of Chicago, whether good or bad. In my mind, the kills had been neat and tidy and far too easy.
I rubbed my forehead, walking away from the window and stretching. I’m not certain why I even told Lola about Stephanie’s death, other than to drive in the point that her life was in danger. For some bizarre reason, telling her seemed to have lifted a portion of the weight, even a fraction of the guilt.
I’d never confronted Gio, but I’d known in my gut from the minute I heard about the horrific explosion who was responsible. My brother had simply taken out a legitimate threat, not caring who might get hurt in the process. Granted, my choice at the time had been reckless and not only for her life. The incident had been a distinct reminder that I could never have a normal life. And now? I was bone weary, almost dead inside. Even the heat of Lola’s body hadn’t been able to create a blanket of warmth. Then again, I’d have to maintain a cold exterior, devoid of emotions order to take the helm and be respected.
A simple text drew my attention. The plane was secured and would be on the tarmac in a little over an hour. At least Alvaro had come through. I’d wire money as soon as I had the chance.
As the first morning light began to peek over the horizon, I heard Lola stir. Even the slight moan, as if a little girl didn’t want to get out of a warm bed was enticing. I chuckled at the thought. I’d started this adventure wanting nothing more than for a contemptuous woman to be forced to submit in vile and humiliating ways. I’d also had no intentions of following through on my promise with regard to the contract. However, everything had changed. Somehow, she’d managed to take control and not only of my decisions, but also my heart.
Karma was a sick and wicked bitch. There would be no redemption for a man like me. At least I could make certain her life was made easier. I moved toward one of two duffle bags, finding the new contract I’d prepared on the night before our departure. I read over only a small portion before finding a pen, signing in all the appropriate locations. Then I added a handwritten codicil that she’d need to accept. If she did and signed the paperwork, she’d become a very wealthy woman.
And she’d remain out of my life forever.
She shifted again, and I folded and shoved the contract into the side pocket of her suitcase.
“Good morning,” she purred then yawned.
Her voice was like smooth velvet, creating tingles on both arms. “Good morning. We have approximately forty-five minutes before we need to leave.”
She nodded, hesitating.
“Nothing happened after you went to sleep, but just be careful to stay away from the windows, but you can certainly get dressed.”
“Why, thank you, sir.”
Her tone held a lilt, her words continued respect, as if the scenario was going to change. For all her brazen actions and attitude, she still wasn’t willing to grapple with the truth. There was no appropriate answer other than to return to the window, making certain she noticed the gun in my hand. I heard her huffing sound, the curse words said under her breath as she grabbed her suitcase, thumping down the hall. I didn’t want to discuss what was going to happen or any aspect of the future. The less she knew the better.
The drive down the mountain was in complete silence but as we neared the airport, there were additional instructions that were required. I’d planned out as carefully as possible, allowing for several scenarios. I’d make my decision at the airport. I could only hope I made the right one. “When we arrive at the airport, I’m going to hand you the passport and other identification that you’ll need to get back into the United States, just in case for any reason we get separated.”
“Fake?” Lola was calm, detached, staring out the windshield.
“Yes, but you should have no issue. Made by a professional.”
A slight snicker slipped from her mouth. “Of that, I’m certain.”
The hint of anger meant she was building a defense mechanism. Perhaps good for both of us. There were other details, but they would come as soon as we were on the plane. If I could have her in and out of Chicago in twenty-four hours, there might be a chance no one discovered her identity. As long as she was willing to follow orders.
I followed Alvaro’s instructions, parking in an employee lot adjacent to the terminal as well as the runway. Timing was critical, with only a short window from the time the plane rolled onto the tarmac and lift-off. We were merely passengers on an unknown flight and I had to place all my trust in a man I’d known on and off for two years. I was either a fool or a brilliant judge of character. At least there was no other person in sight. Maybe the two assholes had been the only ones sent. If so, I had a single target to worry about. “We are a loving couple as we walk through but keep your eyes open for any disturbances.”
“Do you think they’re here?”
Cutting the engine, I nodded once. “Yes, I do. One way into the country and this is the only airport.” I was surprised I hadn’t heard from Alvaro, leaving me even more on edge.
“Understood.”
I couldn’t risk more than a single weapon and would be detained if we were questioned. I had the perfect vantage point, waiting until a small commercial Learjet rolled out from the hangar.
“Our ride?” she asked, blinking several times.
“I believe so.”
Lola placed her hand on mine. “I’ll never see you again?”
“It’s not wise. You’re very important to me but also considered a weakness. We’ve gone through this. I will do anything to protect you, Lola, but in doing so, we both have to make sacrifices. You know what I’m up against.”
“Jagger. I...” She snapped her head away, her shoulders heaving. “I only hope you don’t end up a lonely man. Don’t lock away the man I know, the one who’s kind and loving,
caring. If you do, everything will be lost.”
I was already lost.
I couldn’t handle her tears. Cupping her chin, I tugged her head in my direction, ravaging her mouth. I knew all the adages about endings, but I had to let her go. “Everything will be okay.” Rubbing my thumb across her lips, I wanted to remember this moment for as long as possible.
“I love you,” she whispered and dropped her gaze.
The moment I released her, I shut down my final emotion. Now, I would become a killing machine. “Let’s go.”
After grabbing the bags, I kept my hand on her arm as we made our way through the employee gate, using the code I’d been given. Everything seemed in order, three passengers getting onto the plane, very few airport employees around. However, I knew better than to think there wouldn’t be any trouble. The ring of my phone and I tugged her arm, pulling us both into the close to the building.
“Who is it?” she asked.
“The only man at this point I trust.” Before answering, I turned in a full circle. “Alvaro.”
“You’ve been lied to and set up, my friend. Heed my warning. You can’t get on that plane.” I heard the short sentences, the latest in the scathing saga. The ruse had almost been perfect but finding out I was nothing more than a game piece would come with a price.
That is, if I chose to believe what I was hearing.
As we started up the set of stairs, I scanned from right to left. That’s when I noticed the two goons leaving the terminal, going in different directions. Reinforcements had already been brought in. Someone wanted me dead at all costs.
“Get on the plane,” I stated, giving her a slight push until we stood on the small platform.
“What’s wrong?”
“Just do as I say. Stay on the plane no matter what happens.”
“What are you doing?” She shook her head several times.
I closed the distance. “Lola. You said you trusted me before. Now, I need you to continue doing so and to follow my instructions. I can’t make it any clearer.” I kept my tone as authoritative as possible, making certain she understood that I was still her master, at least for another few minutes.