by Piper Stone
“Of course.” I flipped through the pages, finally able to see her entire real name. Devon Rapshire. It suited her.
However, soon she would have a new last name.
And it would be mine.
Mrs. Devon De Leon.
Devon
“You did what?” Jodie asked, her tone absolutely confrontational. I hadn’t expected this kind of response from my best friend.
“I accepted the terms of the contract.”
“Including a freaking medical examination? Are you out of your mind?” She stood in the doorway of my bedroom with her arms crossed, glaring at me as if I’d grown two heads.
I stood just outside my tiny closet, the garish light highlighting my poor selection of clothing. I’d heard what both Santiago and Daniel had told me.
Everything I could ever want or need would be provided for, but I wanted my own things, at least a few of them. I needed to feel the comfort of home, especially since I had no idea what I was getting myself in the middle of. I still didn’t know enough, although from what Daniel had told me, or maybe I should say the way he carefully warned me, my instincts were right about Santiago.
He was one dangerous, merciless man.
Especially since his father had been considered a mafia Don before his murder. I’d managed to figure out some of the details, searching online until I’d located what I was looking for. The events surrounding his father and brother’s murder had been horrific. I couldn’t imagine what Santiago had gone through. Maybe I should be afraid, although if the few news articles I’d read were accurate, Santiago had left that life a long time ago.
Then why did a cold shiver trickle down my spine?
Sadly, the man hadn’t come to visit, explaining every detail of what was expected. The bastard was keeping me in the dark. All I knew is that I would be required to secure an item that had belonged to his family, stolen from them over a decade before.
Translation.
I’d been right in my earlier assumptions. I’d been selected because I’d become well versed in bypassing various security measures used by jewelry stores and art galleries. However, that had been years before. There’d been many new methods created since.
“The exam was harmless really.” I wasn’t going to tell her just how embarrassing it was, every crevice prodded, blood taken. I’d been sick at my stomach the entire time, already regretting that I’d signed on the dotted line. At least I’d learned the man’s full name and that we were going to Barcelona.
She stomped further inside the room. “Do you hear yourself? You’re being taken out of the country, going with a man you know little about, except his father was the Don of some mafia family. You were forced to have a medical exam, as if you are going to allow that pig to touch you. And they want you to use rusty skills for something that almost cost you your life outside of prison. Do you see the insanity of this?”
“Well, how about for three million dollars?” When I didn’t hear a word, I finally turned my head in her direction. “Did you hear me?”
Her mouth went slack, her eyes growing larger. “You’re kidding me.”
“I wouldn’t kid about a thing like that. I upped it from two million.”
“Way to go, girlfriend.” She shook her head, walking even closer. “This whole thing is still nuts. What does this guy look like again?”
I dragged several items out of the closet, dumping them onto the bed before answering. I’d found it difficult to think of anything else but what had occurred the night before. Santiago had been so demanding, taking what he’d wanted. And I’d allowed him to. I’d honestly expected that Santiago would refuse to up the ante, allowing me to get out of the contract gracefully. The fact he’d not even second guessed it meant he was richer than sin.
“He’s gorgeous. Tall and dark with gorgeous green eyes and a killer body. I can only imagine the way his butt would fit in a tight pair of blue jeans. As if they’d been made for him. And the way he kisses is…” I realized what I’d said much too late.
“What?” Now Jodie was screeching.
“Take it easy.” I yanked my suitcase from the top of the closet, more nervous than ever. And I fucked him too. What do you think about that?
No way was I going to tell her what had really happened.
“What do you mean take it easy? That’s insane. Is this all about sex?”
“I honestly don’t know if he’ll even touch me. I think he just wanted to disarm my defenses.”
“Did that work?” she demanded.
I chewed on my bottom lip, feeling the same warm flush creeping into me. “I don’t know, Jodie. There’s something about him that is enigmatic and powerful but haunting and even sad. It’s difficult to put into words.”
“I think you’re in over your head. I don’t like this one bit, but I do like the money aspect.” She finally grinned, flopping onto the bed. “Are you going to call me?”
“I will if I can. He has rules.”
“Rules? Jesus.”
I nodded as I tossed a few items into the suitcase, loathing the fact I hadn’t purchased anything new, other than the dress, in a long time. Even my nightie was nothing more than a men’s tee shirt that had seen better days. It was simply going to have to do. “I assure you that he and I will have a discussion about that.” Although I doubted that he would allow me to get away with anything. Every time I moved in my jeans, I was given a stark reminder of the spanking two nights before.
The one I’d thought about every hour since.
Along with the way his cock had felt buried deep inside of me.
I was pathetic, unable to control my emotions or my mental state.
Jodie sighed, picking at my clothes. “And a new wardrobe?”
“That’s what I’ve been told. Evidently we’re going to several swanky parties. You are going to check on my place from time to time until I come back. Right?”
“Of course. What about the rent?” She groaned seeing my face. “Never mind. How long will you be gone?”
“I’m not entirely certain. A month. Maybe three. I’ll just play it by ear. Everything is paid up for four months.”
“Well, at least you’re going to a gorgeous city spending time with a handsome man. Let’s just hope he doesn’t get you killed in the process.”
Another cold shiver drifted down my spine. That was the exact thought I’d had since signing the contract.
Death.
Something I feared the most.
Chapter 5
Santiago
Peace.
I’d thought about Samuel’s statements during the flight, the very quiet flight. I understood his concern as well as his warnings. If Rafael Perez gathered wind that I was planning to resurrect my father’s entire business, another war would likely ensue.
A part of me wouldn’t mind in the least.
Unfortunately, our conversation had brought back far too many wretched memories. I would never forget the day I’d walked into my father’s office, a raging storm likely the only reason I hadn’t heard any commotion. If only my father hadn’t sent home the rest of the staff that horrible night. Daniel had been correct about my father as well. He’d been kind and generous to everyone who worked for him.
I’d had a sixth sense that something was wrong, the storm still raging as I’d searched the house. There’d been so much blood covering the walls, the stench of copper leaving a taste in my mouth for days. He’d been tortured before he was killed, a note scrawled across the wall in his blood.
Traitor.
My father had never been a traitor in his life. He’d worked hard to gain his empire, keeping Perez as a friend. What the hell had my father supposedly done to the man, other than spend too much money in Perez’s casinos and at the backroom poker tables? That had never been explained to me. I would eventually beat it out of Rafael.
At least Manuel had been spared to a point, but he’d been forced to watch what had happened to my father. The fact I’d been lef
t alive continued to haunt me.
Hissing, I noticed how tense Devon was as we walked through the airport, trying her best to keep her distance.
She’d said little more than two words the entire time, preferring to use her iPad and earphones. Given we were in first class instead of on a private jet, that at least made the time spent easier to deal with. I knew she had questions that she deserved answers to, but that wasn’t going to happen quickly.
I’d handled business during the eleven hours, checking on various products that were already leaving the docks and heading for the United States. At least my education in finance and business had come in handy, allowing me to make important and influential corporate contacts. The corporation was thriving, products from the estate flowing into various countries. I’d continued in my father’s endeavor to grow legitimate business, his tutelage allowing the De Leon fortune to continue increasing along with Samuel’s help.
Now I had to prove myself on an entirely different level.
Within three weeks, Rafael and Emilio would know what a force I’d become. Then I’d drag my knife through their thick necks.
As I moved to the information desk, Devon pulled away from me, turning in a full circle. She’d worn jeans and a tee shirt, allowing her long hair to flow. I realized within seconds that every red-blooded male in close proximity was staring at her.
Hungering for her.
That pissed me off. She belonged to me, my possession. No man would ever touch her again. My cock aching, I found it difficult to inquire about the keys. When they were safely in my hand, I turned to escort her to the parking lot. She’d disappeared.
Jesus Christ.
She had no idea how to follow any rules. The only thing I’d said to her was that she was to stay by my side. She’d already disobeyed me. I could see that another round of harsh discipline was in order. As I moved through the terminal, I realized I was also nervous that my arrival had been detected, Perez’s men preparing to finish the promise the man had made to me the night of my father’s murder.
“You will leave this country, Santiago, and you will never return. If you do, I assure you that your death will only come after hours of torment. You have one chance at living the rest of your life. I suggest you decide to heed my advice. I’m not a man to be fucked with.”
His words had burned into me as I’d been forced to prepare for my father and brother’s funeral. I’d been two weeks shy of eighteen, what had been left of my entire world destroyed in a matter of hours. While Samuel had made certain that my father’s soldiers protected me during that time, the man even attempting to keep me sane, we’d both known it would only be a matter of time before Perez made good on his threat if I didn’t flee.
The horrible decision to leave had been mine to make alone. I’d pretended that I’d wanted to leave for the University in France, but in truth, I’d felt I had no choice. I was the son of a great leader. My father had never groomed me to take over. That had never been his desire for his second-born child.
Now that’s all I wanted.
My anger grew as I scanned the crowd, searching for any sign of her. I wasn’t prone to panic for any reason, but my hackles remained raised, my instinct telling me that she’d been taken or worse. If that was the case, I’d hunt down Perez and kill him within hours.
I noticed her blonde hair first, the tight-fitting jeans within seconds. She’d found the giftshop and was looking through magazines. After taking a deep breath, I took long strides in her direction, doing everything I could to abate my anger. “You defied me.” As I wrapped my hand around her arm, yanking slightly, she froze. I could hear her raspy breath but when she lifted her head, she gave me her usual defiant look.
“I was thirty feet away in a giftshop. I wasn’t running away from you. You have my passport in your pocket. Remember? Where in God’s name could I have gone?”
I took a deep breath, lowering my head until the words I spoke could only be heard by her and no one else. “There is danger all around us, Devon. You need to remember that. Wherever you go and whatever you do, there will always be someone watching.”
She twisted her mouth in frustration but remained quiet. I noticed the magazine she was looking at and sighed. I knew I could be an asshole the majority of the time. I grabbed two more like the one in her hand from the shelf, moving toward the cashier.
“You don’t have to buy me anything.” Her rebellious nature was one thing I adored about her, but it was also the single attribute that could get her killed.
I gave her a stern look before grabbing the bag and pulling her with me. While she didn’t fight my hold, I knew that given the chance, she would find a way to get away from me. She was that resourceful.
There were no other issues as we grabbed our luggage, heading into the parking lot. Within a few minutes, I’d located the car, laughing softly under my breath at Samuel’s choice. The sleek black Ferrari Enzo was an excellent choice, albeit flashy. However, there were enough millionaires in the city that driving it wouldn’t cause too many red flags.
“Nice car,” she said as I unlocked her door, ushering her inside.
I leaned over, inhaling her perfume. Everything about her caused instant arousal. “If you’re a very good girl, there’s one in red waiting for you.”
“You mean you’ll actually allow me to drive?”
“You’re not a prisoner, Devon.”
“You could have fooled me.”
As I closed the door, a smile instantly crossed my face. I had to admit that breaking her would be entirely too delicious. After tossing the luggage into the small compartment, I slid into the driver’s seat, taking a deep breath. “As long as you learn to obey the rules, you will have significant freedom.”
“Uh-huh. I’ll believe it when I see it. Where are we going? Some fancy hotel?”
I started the engine, revving it before answering. “I think you’ll be surprised.” As I pulled out of the parking spot, she kept her gaze pinned on me. I didn’t have to look into her eyes to know there was venom laced in them. Perhaps I’d done the wrong thing in taking her, but she’d been impossible to resist.
The only thing that concerned me was that she could become a weakness and we needed to concentrate. Then I would make her my bride. With her by my side, the people of Barcelona and beyond would know a new regime had taken over.
It had been long enough since I’d been to the city that I had to think about where I was going. However, the drive was exquisite, especially shifting around the curves leading to my father’s estate. Thankfully, he’d purchased several acres around the fortress like building, a find that he’d made with my mother. She’d adored the estate, taking three years to redecorate. She’d also had to rebuild several of the other buildings on the property, adding several villas for guests and employees. She’d given her all in order to make the entire estate special.
I wasn’t certain how I’d feel about returning, even if it was necessary in my mind.
I finally noticed Devon had shifted in her seat, peering out the windshield as the ocean came into view. “This is truly beautiful.”
“Yes, it really is. Wait until you see the oldest part of the city. The buildings are ancient, but vibrant in color and activity.”
“I love the ocean. I’ve missed seeing it.” She sighed, the sound filtering into my ears. There was no reason for me to feel lighthearted around her to any degree. She was merely my employee at this point, but the sound of her voice alone was enough to give me a smile.
Yes, she would be the perfect wife.
I shifted down, deciding to take a small detour. I couldn’t be certain the location remained, but I’d give it a try. As we drew closer, I could tell that almost nothing had changed. The path of smaller homes surrounded a beautiful park. I’d come to find solace in the location, perhaps a moment or two of freedom from the soldiers who were required to stay with me at all times. I’d managed to figure out a way to get away from them, taking refuge on the over
look, simply studying the ocean as the tide rolled in.
When I downshifted again, she glanced at the homes surrounding the area, a surprised look on her face. “For some reason, I thought we were going to a grandiose house.”
I laughed when I made the turn into the park, and she shook her head.
“Maybe we’re going to enjoy time in a tent.” Teasing her felt surprisingly good, something I hadn’t done in years.
“Right. I’ll take a portion of my money and get a hotel.”
I kept a smile on my face as I slowly drove to the location I remembered. I was surprised there was no one around, just a broken pavement that was in dire need of renovation. When I pulled the car to a stop, she immediately climbed out, moving quickly toward the railing surrounding the overlook.
I took my time shutting off the engine and following her, flanking her side yet keeping my distance. The breeze was light, the scent of the ocean managing to waft up the craggy hill. From where we stood, we could see the most gorgeous portion of the city.
We remained quiet for almost a full five minutes. At least she seemed less tense than before.
She gripped the railing, glancing from one side to the other. “Magnificent. I can see every color of the rainbow in the buildings.”
“Yes, a signature for the city.”
“You must have loved living here.”
“Not as much as you might think, but I certainly missed the festivals and music. I don’t think I ever truly appreciated what was here. Hell, maybe I was just too young.” I hadn’t told anyone something so personal in a long time, if ever. I had no idea why she brought it out of me. I noticed she was watching me closely, her head cocked and her mouth pursed. “We should get going. I’d like to be settled before night falls.”
Devon didn’t utter a word, merely walked back to the car. She took one last look at the ocean before climbing inside. I would need to control my growing hunger to possess her. The fact she brought out every filthy and sadistic desire with ease reminded me that weaknesses were death sentences.