Illicit Proposition: A Dark Mafia Romance

by Piper Stone

  Diego didn’t need to make phone calls to find the answer.

  That much I already knew. I held the glass to my hand, closing my eyes. Images of Devon’s face immediately flashed in my mind. The despair was almost too much to bear. Because of my arrogance and refusal to let go of the past, I’d put her in harm’s way.

  After gulping down the rest of the drink, I realized my hand was shaking. No one betrayed me. No one. My chest heaving, I tossed the glass against the wall, enjoying the sounds of shattering glass. When I heard the chime of the door, I took long strides toward the entrance, jerking it open.

  Samuel’s eyes immediately widened. “Ay Dios mio,” he struggled to say, his face ashen.

  “I don’t think God has anything to do with this. In fact, I’m fairly certain the devil grabbed my soul a long time ago. Come inside. There are some questions that need answers.” I moved into the kitchen, ignoring the broken glass in my attempt to grab another as well as the bottle of bourbon.

  “Drinking isn’t a good idea, my friend.”

  I gave him a look as well as a smirk, walking out the other door, moving through the house until I found Diego. I studied him for a few seconds, waiting until he noticed we’d walked to the doorway. I poured another glass, taking a swig before placing that and the bottle on one of the tables.

  He ended the call, shifting his gaze from Samuel and back in my direction. “No one is talking on the street at this point. It’s like she just disappeared.”

  My entire body remained rigid, but my mind was entirely too active. “Come with me,” I told them, taking my time as I exited the room. As I walked down the corridor toward my father’s office, I thought about what Frances had said after noticing I’d been inside.

  “I’m so proud of you. That means you’re ready to heal. To live. To love.”

  Proud.

  That was twice that I’d been told that. I couldn’t feel less proud of myself or my behavior than I was at the moment. While revenge was supposed to be sweet, full of satisfaction, it was also destructive as hell. And I’d allowed this to happen.

  When I was outside the door, I took a deep breath before walking inside. Then I moved toward the window, gazing out at the early morning light just cresting over the horizon. “It’s really beautiful here.” My father had one of the best views of the estate, his beloved olive trees. He’d babied them, making certain they were well tended to. He’d hired the best arborists, hired the best foreman to take care of them. In turn, they’d produced some of the most luscious fruit because of the tender loving care.

  And I’d made fun of him.

  What I wouldn’t give to have one more day with the larger-than-life man.

  I shoved the sadness aside, my gut continuing to churn from the need to find Devon. The more time that went by, the less likely it was she’d remain unhurt. Perez’s patience would grow thin, preferring to leave her broken body somewhere I could find it.

  “I’m surprised you were able to bring yourself to come in here,” Samuel said with almost no inflection, which I found odd. As close as he and my father were supposed to be, he seemed completely over my father’s death.

  “It was important and necessary,” I answered, keeping my eyes on the myriad colorful clouds crossing the sky.

  “What do you want to do, Santiago? Storm his empire?” Diego asked.

  I waited for a solid thirty seconds before answering, “That’s exactly what we are going to do. She’s being held in the bell tower.”

  “How could you possibly know that?” Luis asked.

  As I slowly turned around to face them, I shifted my gaze from one man to the other. You could always tell a lot about a man’s character by the kind of respect or disgust he held in his eyes. There was only man in the room I trusted implicitly; however, only one of my old friends had actually betrayed not only me but the family as well. “Because the bell tower sits over the building where Perez keeps his most prized possessions, including my family’s crest. Devon has become his most prized possession.”

  “How did Perez know where to find you and how to get to her?” Samuel asked. “From what I understand, the stretch of the road you were on would have allowed you to notice if anyone was following you. They certainly couldn’t have traveled the road at night without headlights.”

  I moved around the desk, running my fingers over the surface. “You make a very good point, Samuel. How indeed. I also wondered how Perez knew that my appearance at the party was likely to occur. He was certainly prepared to find me. Whoever took the brunt of his soldier’s actions likely lost his life.”

  “You honestly think Perez had one of his guests killed at the party thinking it was you?” Diego asked, shaking his head.

  “That’s exactly what I think, although I doubted Perez wanted the gunshot to be heard by all the rich and famous people he’d invited.” I eased my weapon into my hand, surprising Samuel more than the others. I turned it over twice then lowered my hand. “I assure you that if I’d been allowed to bring my gun inside, I would have considered putting a bullet in between his eyes whether or not guests watched the horrific incident. And do you know why it wouldn’t have bothered me?”

  Diego cleared his throat. “You’re ready to take over just like you said.”

  “Yes and no, Diego. What none of you know is that over the course of the last few months, I’ve reestablished the connections to the other Dons just like my father would have wanted. With a single phone call, I can have hundreds of soldiers prepared to aid in bringing Perez and his ruthless empire to the ground.” I waited as the information sank in, enjoying the mixture of reactions.

  Luis smiled, the same one I remembered seeing when he was working with my father. It was a smile of respect and of loyalty.

  Samuel swallowed hard, even taking a step backwards as if I’d punched him.

  And Diego? Well, his reaction didn’t surprise me in the least. Sadly, I’d been prepared. I took two long strides in his direction, pointing the barrel at his head.

  “What the hell?” Diego snapped, almost ready to reach for his weapon.

  “I don’t think you should do that, my old friend. That would only accomplish one thing. Your instant death,” I stated with complete authority.

  “What is this all about, Santiago? Diego has been a friend. He’s been with you from the moment your father and brother were murdered,” Samuel insisted.

  “You’re correct about that, Samuel. He was a trusted man in my father’s regime, working side by side with him. There are three questions that have bugged the shit out of me for years. The first one was easy to answer myself. Why did Perez allow me to live? To stand as a symbol to all the other Dons that with one command, he could destroy all of them. The second and third weren’t so easy. In fact, they haunted me for years. Now I know the answers.”

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Diego snarled.

  I removed the safety, inching closer. “The second question involved why Perez never touched the estate. At first, I thought he was enjoying the game. I’d know my home was still intact, but I’d never be able to see it again. When my instincts refused to stop pissing me off, I thought, Samuel, that you’d sold out my father and your payment was the house and grounds. You have been making a good deal of money while keeping it going in my absence. However, you were actually doing exactly as you knew my father would have wanted you to do. You cared. You knew I’d return one day.”

  When I glanced at Samuel briefly, I could see beads of sweat trickling down both sides of his face. “And the third question. How was Perez able to track my whereabouts so easily? Well, that one has bothered the hell out of me. After last night, there was no doubt in my mind.” I slowly shifted my gaze back to Diego, able to slide a grin onto my face. “You were the one who betrayed my father on the night of the attack in this very office. You were the one who kept Perez informed of my actions all these years. You were the one who gave him a head’s up regarding the party as well as where I was go
ing after leaving his house. There is only one way his men found me on that deserted road. You.”

  Diego shook his head several times. “That’s just not true. I would never betray you or your father. You’ve been my entire life.”

  “Loyalty can easily be bought, dear old friend, at least when it’s not real.” The fact I’d trusted Diego for almost eight years after the horrific murders would piss me off for years to come. It was something I’d be forced to deal with, but I could at least handle the situation, providing the punishment necessary. “I’m going to ask you a couple of questions, Diego, and you will answer them, or I assure you that the pain you suffer will be immense.”

  “You’re making a huge mistake,” he hissed.

  “Maybe so, but I’m finished with traitors. What is Perez going to do with Devon?”

  A slight smile crossed his face, and it took everything I had not to erase it with violence. I pressed the gun against his forehead, cocking my head. “Tell me.”

  “Don’t do this, Santiago,” Samuel pleaded.

  I ignored him, keeping a smile on my face. I’d never seen Diego show fear on any level. That had been one of the things that I admired about him. Now it only infuriated me even more.

  “You have three seconds, Diego. I’m losing my patience,” I stated clearly. “Two. One.”

  “Emilio has taken a liking to her. He’s going to make her his bride.”

  Over my dead body.

  I lifted my head, fighting the building rage. “Good. Question number two. Why?”

  “Why?” he repeated.

  “Why betray my family?”

  His expression hardened, his eyes colder than I’d seen before. “Because your father never gave a shit about my work. I did everything in my power to help make him successful, but he was greedy. He was a traitorous bastard himself, Santiago. Did you know that? He decided that working with the other Dons was more important than the business deal he’d made with Perez. He was attempting to uncut Perez’ control long before he was killed. You talk about loyalty, but you never understood the code that had been in place for years.”

  “So you sold your soul.”

  “I did what I had to in order to survive.”

  “You truly didn’t understand my father. Did you?” I didn’t give a shit about his answer. “All the years you spent by my side. You must have thought I was an idiot. Well, I assure you that the one thing my father did teach me was to protect the family honor, including his corporation. As you meet your maker, just know that you failed in your duties to Perez. You underestimated my father and you certainly underestimated me. I assure you that the De Leon Empire is secure. Have a nice life in hell.”

  The single shot was all I needed.

  I’d protected my father’s business from everyone, including Samuel. In building relationships over the past few years, I’d been able to parlay even more wealth than I’d inherited. My father’s last words spoken only hours before he’d been murdered had remained with me.

  “Never trust anyone except for family. There will always be a reason for those you believe loyal to betray you.”

  What a shame I’d been forced to learn that the hard way.

  I shifted my attention to Samuel, moving in front of him. “You will transfer ownership of the house to my name. You will supply me with every financial record. Then you will disappear. Do you understand?” There was no doubt in my mind that Samuel had betrayed me.

  Samuel remained nervous, darting his eyes from my face to the gun that was still firmly planted in one hand. “Fine. But you will need someone to support you.”

  “Yes, I will, but it will be by my choice. Not yours. Now, leave my house.” I backed away, still holding the weapon as I glared at him.

  He shook his head, gazing down at Diego. “I hope you find the life you’re looking for. You should keep in mind that things aren’t always as they seem.” As he began to away, my body started to shake.

  “Did you know about my mother’s murder? Were you aware that Perez was responsible?” I snarled, shifting in his direction.

  He stopped short, his shoulders heaving from his heavy breathing. “Only when your father told me. It crushed him. I was there to pick up the pieces, Santiago. You seem to forget that.”

  “I never forget anything, nor do I forgive.”

  “Betrayal is something your father knew well, Santiago. I fear you’re going to learn that the hard way.”

  What in the hell was he getting at?

  I held my breath until he walked out. Then I turned in Luis’ direction, studying him carefully. “Do you know what he’s talking about?”

  Luis lifted his head, locking eyes with mine. “Not, but some secrets are best left with the dead.”

  Exhaling, I wasn’t certain whatever both Samuel and Luis were alluding to meant anything at this point. After all, I was the only one left. “There will be no more secrets in this organization.”

  As he walked closer, he had a pensive look on his face. Then he smiled. “You are very much like your father. However, Perez isn’t going to let this woman go without a fight. Are you certain she’s worth it?”

  After a few seconds I smiled. “She means the world to me. There is nothing that will stop me from getting her back.”

  “Then we fight.”

  Yes. Then we would fight.

  Until the death.

  Chapter 14

  Santiago

  Lies.

  I had no doubt that a good number of people would assume I’d lived a good life away from the horrors of what had occurred. Others would say I’d forsaken my family. They would both be wrong. However, I’d lived a life of lies that I’d perpetuated in staying away, refusing to fight the enemy.

  No more.

  The phone calls I’d made only moments after the accident had proven fruitful. Within hours, additional soldiers had arrived, prepared to take on the fight that would likely lead to dozens of deaths. They were loyal to the men who ruled Europe, prepared to lay down their lives given their loyalty. While that wasn’t the world I hoped to rekindle, I’d come to realize that my father’s methods of operating were somewhat outdated.

  However, his commitment to his employees was something I’d already embraced. I would lead the De Leon organization into the future.

  But only with Devon at my side.

  I ached for her, the woman who’d thwarted the angry beast that had taken up residence in my soul, allowing the man my parents had raised to surface. I wanted so much more out of life, but nothing would mean a damn thing if I lost her.

  That just wasn’t going to happen.

  There was no turning back. I would rescue the woman I adored.

  The woman I loved.

  I’d issued an illicit proposition, never thinking it would mean anything more than enjoying the fruits of my labor. Then I’d taken one look at her in the art gallery and my fate had been sealed.

  As I shifted through the woods behind the man’s estate, I remained unable to take my mind off her. She’d risked her life for my shameless need for revenge. She’d trusted me to protect her and I’d failed.

  The darkness was oppressive, the approaching storm just another painful reminder of the night that had changed my life. As a flash of lightning shifted across the sky, I lifted my head, studying the intense electricity. My body was alive with current, the rush of adrenaline something I’d felt the entire day as I’d grown antsier to perform my duties. There was no doubt Perez was expecting my arrival at any time. He’d doubled the number of guards, but he had no idea that hundreds had surrounded the property, waiting my order to storm the compound.

  I shifted through the dense foliage, trying to focus on the task at hand. It was entirely possible Devon had been moved in anticipation of my visit, but given what I knew about Perez, he’d continued to believe that there was nothing and no one that could threaten his world.

  The fact no security wires had been tripped meant he was prepared for a fight.

&
nbsp; So be it.

  “We need to be very careful, Santiago,” Luis said as he flanked my side. The man was well versed in handling scum like Perez. However, I hadn’t known the extent until he’d shared some additional stories.

  “I’m aware.”

  “Perez is likely to have the tower wired.”

  All I could do was grin. “That’s exactly what I’m hoping for.” As I started to move forward, he placed his hand on my arm.

  “That’s what you want, an actual confrontation with Rafael.”

  “You are correct.”

  He cursed in Spanish, hissing under his breath. “Don’t be a martyr, my friend. You have too much to live for.”

  “I’m doing what I should have done years ago, Luis. But you already knew that the moment I called you. This needs to happen, and the war ends tonight one way or the other. This is to honor my father.”

  “Then I will have your back.”

  And I knew he would.

  “Just make certain that you find Emilio. That’s imperative.”

  “No worries, my friend. That’s already in motion,” Luis stated with confidence.

  As we continued our path, dozens of soldiers following us, I was forced to realize that I had no business asking Devon to remain in Spain. Nor did I have the right to demand she do so. She wasn’t my possession on any level.

  When we were only fifty yards from the rear of the bell tower, Luis’ question surprised me.

  “Do you want to try for the crest?”

  I didn’t need time to answer. “Sharing my family’s legacy has nothing to do with sterling silver and jewels. The only thing of importance is saving the woman I love.”

  “I’ll have your back. I only wish that I had been able to do so for your father.”

  There was such haunted angst in his voice, but there was no way he could have known what Diego had orchestrated.

  There was no further hesitation. We rushed toward the tower, a single shot at the lock garnering us entrance. I motioned to the soldiers to maintain their presence on the exterior, only ushering Luis inside. This was far too personal.