Given

by Stone, Piper

  While it was barely nine in the morning, he moved toward the small bar he’d set up in his office, his hand shaking as he attempted to pull a glass from the shelf. I wasn’t going to chastise him.

  “It was... necessary.”

  “And ordered by the Council.”

  “Yes,” he hissed.

  I shook my head, unable to stomach the photos any longer. “The Council is playing God and executioner. One day we’re all going down.” The pictures only further fueled my belief that there was another level to the leadership.

  “Marcus discussed the sect. He allowed outsiders to learn about us. Reporters hounded our members for weeks. We were chastised in almost every newspaper in the country. Do you understand what that means?”

  I didn’t answer. I’d been too young to understand any of the ramifications, but I had been privy to several arguments between my mother and father. They’d worried their glass house was going to be shattered.

  My father managed to pour a hefty amount of bourbon into a glass, gulping a good third then wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “You’re right to protect your wife. From what I understand, she doesn’t believe in our ways. Maybe she simply doesn’t care. Either way, you need to teach her, help her obey our laws before she destroys everything.”

  I couldn’t stop the chuckle from erupting from my lips. “Our laws? We aren’t some sovereign nation, Father. There may be rules as mandated by our ancestors, stupidly followed by men pretending to be leaders, but that last time I checked, we were still governed by the laws of the United States of America.”

  It wasn’t often that my father gave me a condescending look, as if I was nothing more than a stupid child. The wry smile on his face was one of knowing. He remained quiet, his breathing controlled.

  “Are you threatening her?” I finally asked.

  He narrowed his eyes and lifted his glass. “I don’t have to make any threats, son.”

  Now the air between us was rancid, an acrid taste sliding across my tongue.

  “Fuck this shit,” I hissed. “I’m not playing this ridiculous game.”

  “This is no game. Why do you think that there are people vying to take over your corporation, Christian? Why do you think that you’re having trouble making deals with your land development company? Why do you think that some of your most loyal men are turning against you?” My father laughed, tossing back the glass not once but twice.

  I was amused. “Why, Father? To keep me in line? To remind me of my... requirements?”

  His smile remained intact. For the first time in years, a shiver trickled down my spine. “Exactly. I would learn the lesson now. When you are in control, maybe things can change. Not now.”

  “Uh-huh. Whatever you say, Pops.” I tossed the envelope onto his desk, prepared to leave. I couldn’t stomach anything else. “What did you have to pay as a price, Father? Didn’t get a new car? You didn’t get to take over another company? Maybe you lost a house you admired?” Even from where I was standing, I could see the man pale, and I could swear to God he aged in those few seconds.

  His lower lip quivered.

  “Tell. Me.”

  When he finally looked into my eyes, I could see years of anger and sadness pooled into that one moment. “That’s not something I can talk about.”

  “Uh-huh, whatever. There will be changes made within the Sacred Sect no matter what I have to do. I suggest you tell your buddies that I’ll be gunning for them.”

  “Be careful, son. The Council is much more dangerous than you understand.”

  I gave him one last nasty glare before storming out. The Council would soon learn that I was the dangerous one.

  Chapter Seven

  Christian

  “Did you see the papers, boss?” Rex asked in passing, his tone almost conciliatory. He glanced into the rearview mirror more than once.

  Trevor shot him a nasty look from the passenger seat, mumbling under his breath.

  I didn’t often use a driver, quite frankly loathing the concept of not being in complete control, but given the visit that was required, having their muscle was necessary.

  I’d remained antsy, unable to get my mind off the entire conversation with my father. I’d see the fear of God in his eyes, the near panic at any concept I might dare defy the sect. My thoughts?

  What. The. Fuck?

  I was almost never jarred from anything I was told or experienced, but the morning had been difficult on several levels. While my father had issued a warning, I’d taken his words as a threat as well. There were far too many questions racing through my mind, all of which had no immediate answers.

  What in the hell was really going on? Matteo obviously had no idea he’d been shifted into the middle of a poker game, or maybe it was Russian roulette. This wasn’t something I would ever share with him. My brother wasn’t capable of running the sect. Then again, maybe I didn’t know him at all.

  My father had been far too adept at keeping secrets. My entire life seemed like a sham, a tawdry attempt at pretending our family was just as normal as any other. What bullshit. I’d been lied to my entire life. My gut told me that my father continued to hide details, knowledge of the sect. He’d been close to Father McGivney all his life, their private conversations throughout my childhood weighing heavily on my mind. I couldn’t remember a holiday or birthday that the father hadn’t been invited.

  I sensed Rex was actually waiting for an answer. When Trevor handed me a copy of the New York Times, I could tell just how nervous both men were as to my reaction. They had no way of realizing that I’d already known what to expect.

  Still, I glanced at the headline, another round of amusement settling in my mind.

  Camelot: Where Cinderella’s Fantasies Can Come True.

  I had no doubt what the body of the story entailed, romantic bullshit about our prosperity and good fortune at being American royalty.

  If only they knew.

  Our power and influence had bought silence among those who were targeted by the Council members. I had no doubt under the threat of their lives and their families. However, if the house of cards started to crumble, they would come out for blood.

  “USA Today, The Washington Post, and The Chicago Tribune have articles as well. A lot of shit online. There’s even a call from People magazine requesting an interview. My guess is stocks will go through the roof,” Rex added.

  Rex was a unique employee. Not only was he a skilled marksman, but he was an excellent business manager.

  I tossed the newspaper aside, glancing out the window, checking my watch for the third time. Maybe I needed to get the hell out of town even for a little while. I had the distinct feeling that with the alteration of the contents of the Box, a meeting of the Council members would be called sooner versus later. Let them wallow in self-pity while trying to figure out how I managed to get into the middle of the fray.

  “How are we going to handle the problem, boss?” Trevor asked.

  The problem. A fucking asshole who’d come close to betraying me. While the majority of my business was legit, there were always certain payoffs and favors that were required. Maybe the apple hadn’t fallen too far from the tree. When any one of the people I afforded trust fucked with me, the punishment I doled out was required to be swift and harsh. The loss of control in any manner meant millions of dollars in future profits.

  Fortunately, only a few business associates had ever dared cross a line. They’d learned the hard way.

  I always achieved my goal.

  “Appropriate to the prick’s actions,” I said quietly. I prided myself in learning every nuance of my business associates, every dirty little secret they had squirreled away. There wasn’t a soul alive who didn’t have a penchant for a dark and often dangerous proclivity, some worse than others.

  Rex snickered, almost too eager to break some bones. I rarely resorted to violence. In this day and age, there was no need. Ruining a man’s reputation was just as painful and long last
ing.

  Bruises would heal.

  Defamation was permanent.

  I thought about Stephanie as Rex made the last turn. The night before had been... amazing, although letting down my guard hadn’t been my objective. Still, vivid images of her naked and wet body flashed into my mind, creating a twinge of pain between my legs. Aching for her had been a wonderful surprise.

  She could indeed be far too much of a weakness.

  “Let’s get this done quickly, boys. I told the captain we’d be sailing by noon.” I could see the look shared between the men. They’d been just as surprised as the rest of the world at my recent nuptials, especially since they knew all about my dark desires.

  The man’s beach house one of the largest on the island. The recently reappointed judge could afford anything he wanted for his large family, a wife who adored him and five beautiful children. He always brought at least three of his closest friends and their families as well, the mansion and extensive grounds allowing for privacy for all. This was their annual beach trip, three weeks of being pampered by one of the top chefs in the country, and a solid dozen staff members.

  The finest foods.

  The most expensive cigars.

  A wine cellar that would rival any five-star resort.

  I snickered at the thought as Rex pulled the car into the oversized driveway. The number of expensive vehicles was impressive, even for me.

  As I stepped onto the cobblestones, I was able to hear almost immediately the sound of laughter and music. The weather was particularly warm for an early late September day. I adjusted my cuffs before heading toward the front door, Rex and Trevor following closely behind.

  After ringing the bell, I took a step back, turning until I was able to catch a glimpse of the rose garden, one that was obviously well tended. The myriad beautiful colors were breathtaking, my thoughts once again drifting to Stephanie. I had no knowledge of her tastes, likes or dislikes. Food. Drink. Flowers. Nothing. While I could venture a guess, she was very different than other women.

  Low maintenance.

  Simple needs.

  Refusing help.

  I heard the click of the door and expected the face of a servant.

  “Christian. What... what are you doing here?”

  I turned, offering a smile seeing the way Randolph’s face had turned ashen, his hand shaking as he held the door. He darted several looks toward my companions then glanced over his shoulder.

  “Good afternoon, Randolph. Since you were avoiding my calls, I thought it best to stop by and see you.” I issued the words with a smile on my face.

  “This is my private home. You have no right to be here. None,” he insisted. “You need to leave immediately.”

  “We have business to finish.”

  Randolph snorted, giving me a disgusted look. “I don’t do business when I’m on vacation.”

  My hand was around his throat within two seconds. I’d learned a long time before that you can down a man of any size with the right... touch. My time spent expanding certain crafts, including martial arts, had often come in handy.

  Randolph’s face immediately shifted into a lovely crimson color, and the sound of his wheezing was quite husky. I backed him into the expansive foyer, keeping the same grin on my face.

  “Now, Randolph, you know I’m not a man who has much patience, especially for a colleague who is trying to fuck with me. We can talk about this now, or if you’d prefer, I’ll be happy to find your lovely wife, your mother-in-law, and all your rich friends who serve with you within the judicial system and explain in detail about your sadistic desires.”

  He was befuddled, blinking several times and I could swear there were tears in his eyes.

  I let him go, rubbing remnants of his sweat on his peach-colored golf shirt.

  After coughing for a solid minute, he got in my face. The fucker actually had the balls to confront me. I would give him some credit, even though he was a complete fool.

  “You’re not going to threaten me, Capodanno. I am an honorable man and any suggestion otherwise is absolute bullshit.”

  I took a deep breath, walking toward one of the three paintings hanging in the marble floored room. “You have excellent tastes in art, Randolph, much like you do in women. Let’s see, the dominatrix that you’ve been seeing for going on five years now, what’s her name?” I didn’t bother turning around. The guttural sounds were delightful, hitting home as I knew they would. “Ah, yes, Simone, I believe. Tell me, Randolph, which do you enjoy more; the fact she requires you to wear diapers when in her presence, the way she uses her special tawse on your balls, or the hours you spend on your knees pleasing her in every manner?”

  Randolph was now gasping for air.

  I shifted to face him, tilting my head as I also heard the sound of someone approaching. A woman by the light tapping of high heels.

  “I’m certain your wife knows about this, of course,” I said in passing just as his wife walked into the room. Beatrice came from old money, her father almost as powerful as my own. She’d been the one standing by her man through college and the lean years. She was always the belle of the ball in social media circles. Scandal such as this one would ruin them both.

  Beatrice glanced between all of us, her harsh gaze finally settling on her husband. “Is there a problem, Randy? Our guests are waiting.”

  He smoothed down his shirt, able to fake a happy-as-a-pig-in-shit smile. I was beginning to like this guy more and more. “Not a thing, sugar. I believe you know Christian Capodanno. He was just dropping off some papers before leaving for his honeymoon.”

  Her face lit up, her smile genuine. “Oh, yes! Congratulations. From the pictures in the paper, it appears you had a lovely wedding.”

  “Thank you so much.” I tipped my head, still keeping my eyes on Randolph. I knew the man was cagey. That’s how he’d gotten exactly where he was in life.

  “I’ll leave you gentlemen alone. Just don’t keep him too long.” She patted Randolph on the arm before walking away.

  The man immediately slumped, the fear of God crossing his face. “Come with me into my office.” He didn’t wait for us to follow, bursting into a very impressive room overlooking an absolutely gorgeous setting.

  I walked toward the set of French doors, taking a deep breath. “Your family is very special, Randolph.”

  “What the fuck do you want?” he asked, hissing under his breath.

  I remained quiet, moving back toward his desk and eyeing the ornate humidor. Unable to resist, I opened the top, savoring the rich smell. “Ah, Cubans. You also have excellent taste.” I fingered one of them before pulling it under my nose.

  He remained rigid, a look of paranoia crossing his face.

  “What do I want?” I repeated as I pulled out the sterling silver cutter, twisting and turning it several times. “Only what I’m owed, Randolph.” I took my time, clipping the end of the cigar.

  “I did exactly what you wanted,” he muttered.

  “I can appreciate certain difficulties you were having in providing what I required, and I would have given you additional time. If you’d asked.” I allowed my heated gaze to lock onto his face as I made the last cut, immediately tossing the cutter onto his desk. The loud clang made him jump.

  Rex offered a light and I took several puffs before continuing.

  “But I cannot and will not tolerate a liar.” My words were straightforward.

  “What... What did I lie about?”

  “Oh, come now, Randolph. Let’s also not play the martyr card here. You stated that you would have no issues with the city council and obtaining their approval for my complex, especially since three of them are your golfing buddies. You remember the one I’m talking about? The one I’d already spent two million dollars on in the development phase.” I walked back toward the set of doors.

  “I, um... tried. There are two holdouts, but I’m not finished yet. I’ll have a chat with them when I get back to the city.”

 
I laughed, the sound hollow even to me. “I tell you what. Here’s the deal I’m going to make you. I’m leaving for my honeymoon today as you mentioned. I will be gone approximately a week. When I return, I’m going to make one phone call and you will answer. By that point, you will have secured the arrangements as we agreed upon earlier. At that point, my memory will be wiped clean.”

  “And... and what if they won’t budge?” he asked, by now almost whimpering.

  “Then I’ll be forced to share certain information with Beatrice as well as various prosecuting attorneys, your state senator buddies, and of course members of the court. But I have no doubt that you’re going to do just fine, Randolph. You are a resourceful man.” I took another few puffs, enjoying the cigar tremendously.

  He sagged against the desk. I could see a hint of his reflection in the glass. The man knew I was deadly serious.

  “You’re a bastard. Why do you think I’d believe that you won’t use that against me in the future?”

  I turned sharply, trying to curtail my anger. “I’ve been called many things, Randolph, including ruthless and dangerous, but I am an honorable man. I keep my word. That’s more than I can say for you. Now, I’ll leave you to your beautiful family. Have a wonderful vacation.” I took long strides toward the door, knowing that by the time I returned, there would indeed be a green light on my latest project.

  If not, I would make good on my threat.

  When I walked outside, the light breeze wafted the scent of the roses in my direction. I smiled as an idea formed in my mind and I headed toward the garden. Why the hell not?

  * * *

  “Are you all right?” Stephanie’s question seemed distant, much like her body language was cold. She sat as far away from me in the passenger seat, staring out the side window as the world passed by. Granted, I hadn’t said more than a dozen words since arriving back at the house, other than to direct her to get into the car.

  “I’m fine. Why do you ask?” I gazed down at the roses still in her arms, her look of surprise genuine when I’d brought them home.