by Stone, Piper
I sat down on the edge, allowing my feet to slide into the water. She was right, the lapping waves were very warm, sensuous in motion.
I’d never really gotten used to the fact that love and hate were a thin line leading straight into oblivion, but women could ride both sides easily. I couldn’t shift that quickly and there would never be any bread breaking with my enemies. There was only a matter of time before I destroyed them.
Her ability to push aside my gruffness was impressive. She toyed with me, tossing water in my direction, her laughter sultry yet ultra-feminine.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” she offered, swimming close then paddling away, splashing another wave of water over my legs.
“Just like you, there’s nothing I’m afraid of.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” She gave me a coy smile then dove under water, swimming toward the waterfall.
With the iridescent lights shimmering along the base of the pool, I was able to track her until the foam and steam blocked any sign. Memories of the day at the beach so long ago continued to try to surface, but now wasn’t the time to worry or reminisce about the past. I’d conquered my nightmares.
At least so I believed.
I dove into the pool, using my strong legs to kick with ease. Even though she attempted to swim away, I grabbed her quickly, yanking her toward the waterfall, popping up only inches away.
She was breathless, her long hair matted against her face, her lower lip quivering. She was afraid of me, terrified that I would lose control.
Just like she thought I’d done all those years ago.
I eased my hand from the water, opening my fingers all the way. She watched me, her breathing still ragged, her eyes darting back and forth. I gently placed the rough pads against her face, merely allowing them to touch and nothing more.
After a few seconds, she slipped one arm over my shoulder, one leg around my thigh, every move tentative.
There was no denying our electricity, the humming of current flowing from one to the other. I was fascinated by the tether shared between us, perhaps forged that very fateful day. While she didn’t fight me as I caressed her beautiful face, she remained tense.
“I won’t harm you, Stephanie. That’s not the kind of man I am.”
“But you’ll have no issue punishing me.”
Her words were frank, laced with curiosity. “No, I won’t. You’ll learn that obeying me will bring you intense, euphoric pleasure. Disobeying will bring the opposite.”
“Who are you, Christian?”
I allowed my fingers to brush up and down her face until she finally relaxed, her eyes remaining only half open. The warm spray from the waterfall was such a powerful draw, the area behind a series of smooth rocks with a ledge. Whoever had created the design had been a romantic at heart.
Too bad that wasn’t me.
“You’re not going to tell me, are you?” she mused as she wrapped her fingers around my wet hair, leaning back as I slipped my fingers down her chin to her exposed neck.
“I’m not entirely certain who I am or that it matters.” I heard the sadness in my voice, a weakness I’d never allowed anyone in my life to experience. I was hard.
I was brutal.
I was unforgiving.
I refused to allow any weakness.
Now this.
“I think you do know,” she said over the roar of the waterfall, gently rubbing her fingers along the back of my neck, smiling as the spray washed over her face, beads popping along her heated skin. “I think you want to be a good man, a caring man. Passionate. Full of life.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I’ll never be a good man, Stephanie. Never. My life is about control and danger, something you need to understand.”
She shook her head, sadness filling her eyes. “I understand your mind had been jaded, but for some crazy reason, I see something else in you.”
I wanted to believe her, to feel like there was something other than a ruthless bastard of a man, but that’s the only person I knew. “Do you want me, Stephanie?”
The question seemed to catch her off guard. “Yes.”
Every part of me was jazzed, blood pumping wildly throughout my veins. I could think of nothing but being inside of her, ravaging her. “Are you hungry to have my cock deep inside of you?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Then you need to beg for what you want.”
Her look was full of mischief and she shoved her palms against my chest, breaking the connection. “I never beg.”
I snapped my hand around her wrist, jerking her against me, towering over her. “You will beg. Trust me. Then I’ll eat your pretty little pussy, feasting until I get my fill.”
“Mmmm...”
“Then you’ll suck on my cock, filling your hot little mouth. Sucking on my balls. I can’t wait until you drain my seed.”
“Can you handle my mouth?”
She wrapped both legs around my hips, clinging to me as I lowered my head, brushing my open mouth against her neck.
“The question is, are you going to be a good little girl? Are you going to obey my every command so I can reward you?”
“Oohhh... Maybe.”
I adored her moans, the way she responded to my every touch. For a woman who’d stated more than once how much she hated me, her body’s response to every touch of my fingers, every drag of my rough tongue was so alive.
As if she wanted more.
“Ask me,” I commanded. “Tell me what you want.”
Her expression remained full of consternation but as I rubbed my knuckles up and down her spine, she finally blurted out the words. “Fuck me. Please, just fuck me.”
My breathing became scattered as the desire roared through me, insatiable in nature. I fisted her hair, holding her in a deep arc, growling as I peppered her jaw and neck with kisses, biting down on her pulse of life. Her soft mews were rocket fuel, bringing the beast toward the surface.
She dug her fingernails into my skin as she whimpered, her lovely mouth pursed even as she continued to make purring sounds.
My animalistic sounds became gruffer as I rubbed my hand down her spine, cupping her bottom. When I finally let go of her hair, she snapped her head until our lips were barely touching. I could feel her heated breath tumbling with mine, savored the way her breasts were crushed against my chest.
Another slip of laughter pulsed from her mouth as she continued toying with me, rubbing her lips back and forth. The skimming touch was euphoric, driving me to the point of madness. I’d always taken the upper hand, disciplining then simply fucking the woman I was with. I’d never promised more and they’d never asked, only enjoying a hard fuck with a dangerous man.
This was entirely different, a promise of something sweet and honorable. At that moment I realized that I’d never be the man she deserved, but my own body had already betrayed me, requiring that my needs were fulfilled.
I captured her mouth, my hand planted on the back of her head, the grip firm as if she’d be yanked from my grasp.
Our tongues entwined hungrily, both issuing husky growls as we drank to our fill. The woman was more than intoxicating.
As I cradled her against me, my cock pushing hard against her stomach, she began to move up and down, creating a round of friction. Our kiss became manic, the passion becoming unleashed. I spun her around, forcing us both under the water, so aroused by the entire experience.
Then my cock slipped easily inside her tight little pussy. The electric sensations rocketing through me left stars floating in front of my eyes. My entire body was shaking from the heightened level of energy, every cell in my body filled with ignition fluid. When she squeezed her muscles, clamping around my shaft, I issued a solid and deep roar to the very heavens.
She raked her fingers down my back, her other hand wrapped around my shoulder as she moved up and down. Rocking.
Riding me.
Water sloshed all around us, waves slapping against our heated skin. I held the back of
her head, pulling her close. I wanted to drink in her fragrance, to experience every inch of this woman.
I was lightheaded, my heart racing as I thrust into her. All the while, her eyes never left mine. I had no way of knowing how long our dance of seduction lasted, but as my entire body tensed, the climax racing toward my cock, I could tell she was close as well. “Come for me. Come with me.”
We were frozen in time, she and I, two lost souls who’d been forced together by what I believed was an evil conspiracy. Or maybe fate was really to blame.
Her body quivered, her mouth twisting and within a few seconds, I could hold back no longer.
As her muscles clamped and released over and over again, I erupted deep inside. Nothing had ever felt so right. Nothing had ever been so terrifying.
Whatever game fate was playing, the wretched hand wasn’t finished.
* * *
I didn’t bother knocking, storming into my father’s house, ready to get some answers. The moment I bypassed the kitchen door, I was somewhat surprised to see Matteo pouring a cup of coffee.
“What the hell are you doing here?” My tone was demanding.
Matteo narrowed his eyes. “I have no idea. Father called and asked that I drop by. What are you doing here? Aren’t you leaving today?” he asked, walking closer.
“Later. I have a few things to discuss with Father first.”
“What’s wrong?”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “Maybe nothing, but that’s what I’m going to find out.” Matteo didn’t follow me as I headed for my father’s office. I could hear him on the phone, his loud voice rife with anger. Once again, I didn’t bother knocking, even slamming the door behind me.
He lifted his eyebrows, turning away from me. “Just do what I ask. Period.” After ending the call, he took a few seconds before tossing his phone onto the desk. “Why aren’t you on your honeymoon?” The nasty inflection coming from my father’s mouth was one I was used to.
“Cut the crap, Father. I’m taking Stephanie away to keep her safe.” I walked closer to his desk, trying to curtail my own rage.
“Safe?” He laughed, giving me a harsh onceover. “What are you worried about, someone taking over your business, maybe killing you off in the process?”
My father had always goaded me given I’d chosen to go my own way. While he’d read about certain portions of my business, he would never learn the full details. They were private. The company belonged to me.
As would his one day.
I slapped my hands on top of his desk, managing to give him a jolt. “Why would you think anyone was trying to take over my business?”
He lifted his head, his grin one of knowing as he reached into his desk drawer. “I know the numbers. I pay attention.” He tossed a file in my direction. “Public numbers. Your stocks are all over the place. That means your investors have to smell blood in the water. Looks like your soft methods of doing business aren’t working.”
The Council was indeed behind the hard push, just another method of coercion.
I didn’t need to look at the glossy graphs. I’d gone over them several times. “I’m not here to discuss the methodology of business operations, Father.”
“Then why are you here? I have a tee time this afternoon.”
Sniffing, I glanced around his office, sneering at the various pictures he’d had taken with senators, corporate leaders, actors and directors, and all the women who adorned his arm. “Who is working with Father McGivney?”
“You know exactly how this works, son. The Council has been in place since before you were born.”
Yes, the famous hierarchy that had been shoved down my throat. “So you’re finally admitting that the Council is behind all the arranged marriages, the death warrants when necessary.”
He gave me a distinct look as if I’d offended him. I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Why in God’s name would you support this marriage? You know how I feel about the sect. You know I refuse to follow the bullshit rules.”
He leaned over his desk until he was inches away from my face. “You will do what’s required.”
“Or what, you’ll make certain my business is ruined? Did you and the great Council not realize that I have more power than you have any knowledge of? I assure you, Father, I can do much more damage to the sect than what you could ever to do me.”
“Don’t threaten me, boy,” he hissed.
Perhaps I’d never noticed it before, but my father seemed nervous. A bead of sweat rolled down the side of his face.
“Or what?”
“Or even I won’t be able to help you. I suggest you learn your place, Christian,” my father said with more than a hint of anger in his tone.
“Now you’re threatening me. Interesting.”
“You know exactly what happened to Marcus Crosby. He went against the sect. He caused trouble and that all began with the man asking too many questions.”
“Yeah, he was murdered in a dark alley.” I could hardly keep the amusement out of my voice. “By a common criminal.”
My father turned off his computer, moving to a standing position. “You and the other children were told that.”
I rolled my eyes, finally walking toward one of the windows. “Meaning what? There’s more? Evil within the sect?” I tipped my head, studying his reaction. There was no denying my father was afraid. While he’d never wanted to talk about Marcus’ death after the funeral, he’d also never seemed upset or frightened of the various celebrations through the years.
He’d simply abided by the requirements of the sect.
My father walked closer, shoving his hands into his pockets. “You always demanded that I answer questions, as if I was simply going along with the century-old requirements like a lap dog. I was young once and I was just like you, refusing to follow the mandates. Your grandfather was much harsher than I was, refusing to ever allow us to consider disobeying. But I kept asking questions.”
“And what? What the hell happened? You became a leader within the sect. You’re wealthy beyond your dreams. You’re a leader in industry. You have more money than God.”
“There’s a price for everything, son. The sooner you realize that the better.”
“A price?” I was weary of the banter, even checking my watch for the time. I had one additional stop to make before I could get the hell out of town. The honeymoon was beginning to sound better and better.
“I paid dearly for my position in life, punishment for my sins.”
Punishment. Jesus Christ. I abhorred what had often been referred to as the ancient ways. Sighing, I knew I wasn’t going to get anywhere. “I’ve heard that shit before, although you’ve lived a posh life. You also stated that Marcus was murdered in a violent manner. Funny thing is, there are police reports and no feature articles from the local news archives. I also never saw any body, the casket closed. How do I know anything really happened? Maybe he simply abdicated his fake throne, preferring to live a normal life.”
If there was such a thing.
His eyes opened wide. “You searched for evidence? You broke the trust of our sect? You disobeyed the covenants of the church? How dare you!”
I walked closer, my eyes searching his. “How dare I? What the hell is going on here, Father? If you’re so damn worried that I’m going to fuck up the secrecy of the sect and all our dirty deeds, then why would the Council approve this arrangement?”
His mouth twisted as he rubbed his forehead, taking a glance at the closed door. “You were never supposed to be chosen.”
“What?”
“Matteo was!”
I was floored, realizing that what Stephanie had said about the Council’s surprise was right. “What. The. Fuck?”
He turned toward the window, staring out at the pool. “I have no idea.”
“Father McGivney?”
“No. He is truly a man of God and more important, he gave his word. Besides, every Council member was there when the decision was
made twenty-four years ago.”
“Jesus. You hated me even then, Father. How wonderful.”
“You were rebellious, for God’s sake, even at that age. Trust me, the vote wasn’t unanimous,” he snapped, still nervous, his face ashen.
“What’s wrong, Father? You’re shaking. So a switch was made. Now I hold all the cards. That’s something that I will definitely use.”
His face flushed from anger, the pulse in his neck ticking so rapidly, I was fearful he’d have a stroke. “Don’t you dare do anything! You must follow the rules. You have the damn woman you’ve always wanted, wealth and power. What the fuck else do you want?”
I was taken aback by the fact he’d known about my attraction for Stephanie. Then again, the Sacred Sect was always watching. “Yeah, I have it all, including being a member of the cult. Tell me, Father. When do I get one of the seats, when you’re dead and buried?”
He closed his eyes, still shaking. “I don’t want to argue with you, son. You’re my blood.”
“If you want me to buy this bullshit and play nice, then I need to know what I’m dealing with,” I demanded. “What other plans do the Council have in the works?”
The tension between us increased.
Huffing, he moved toward his credenza, bending down and opening one of the doors. His safe. I’d never seen the contents, nor had I cared.
Until now.
“You were always so arrogant, Christian. One day your attitude and unwillingness to follow the rules will destroy you. You see, we handle issues within our community ourselves,” he said as he yanked an envelope from the safe, darting a glance at the open door before moving in my direction. “I suggest you take a good look at these so you might understand the precarious position we’re both in. There is no way out of our sect. We are a part of a family, our relationships and all the rules set in motion with our ancestors.”
I fingered the flap, darting several looks at his strained face before sliding my hand inside. I’d remembered little of what my father had told me all those years ago as he’d placed his hand on my shoulder while the casket was being lowered into the ground. Now I knew why.
The pictures were horrible, images so vivid that even the acts of violence I’d performed over the years couldn’t compare. I realized my entire body was shaking from a combination of repulsion and anger. “What. The. Fuck? Who did this?”