by Piper Stone
“How sad,” I managed.
“Reality. It’s obvious your father loved you. That’s something for you to remember for the rest of your life.”
“Who killed him?” I threw out, shaking after I asked the question.
After a few seconds, he inched closer, leaning against the fence as he faced me. “I told you not to ask questions if you didn’t want to learn the truth.”
“I need to know.”
He studied me for a few seconds before nodding. “I don’t know for certain, but I will try and find out. If you want to know my gut instinct, I’d say Bobby Rivers was hired to kill him.”
“Why? Did he also do something against the Rivers family?”
“I don’t have all the answers, Alessandra. I wish I did.”
“I keep asking myself why my father would betray you. Everything changed two years ago, this last year even worse. I just don’t know why. I wasn’t a good enough daughter to figure it out. I had my life, far too busy to bother with talking to him. Bobby Rivers was a part of that. I was such a fool.” I heard the glitch in his breathing and as I turned to face him, his jaw was clenched. “Did I say something wrong?”
“No. Not at all. There’s another location I want to show you.” For the first time, he held out his hand in a way that dared me to accept.
When I accepted, he yanked me close. “Trust me, Alessandra. No one will ever try and take you away from me. If they do... They. Will. Die.”
Chapter Thirteen
Alessandra
Death.
There was no doubt he meant what he said, but it was also another moment where I knew he was holding something back from me, as if telling me his thoughts would make them real. My emotions boiled once again, longing to lash out. There was no point. None at all.
But I knew there was much more to the story.
He had the picnic basket in his hand, leading me past the fence to a clearing, a beautiful knoll that was encased by a group of trees. The sight of trickling water cascading over a series of rocks, the sound like a whispering kiss gave me an unexpected smile. The way the sun illuminated the stream was a dazzling water show, allowing me to see scores of fish as they swam through the rush of water. Even the few wildflowers dotting the other side created a picturesque view of the perfect landscape. Beautiful. Bountiful.
Full of life.
“This is amazing,” I said as I walked toward the water. He was right behind me, his hulking presence creating tingles dancing down the course of my body.
Gabriel flanked my side, easing the basket to the ground. “This is the very reason I purchased the land. It reminded me of home.” He chuckled slightly as he sat on the grass, folding his arms over his knees. “You truly have no idea how beautiful Ireland is on a bright spring morning, especially with the clouds hanging low and the threat of rain in the distance. The scent of grass and flowers, musty earth and the rushing water simply trickling over the banks is the most incredible smell in the entire world. There is nothing like it.”
I stood where I was, enjoying the way the light breeze floated over me, inhaling the same intoxicating fragrance he’d mentioned. I wanted to be able to enjoy the moment but there were too many issues crowding into my mind, enough heartache to last a lifetime. “Who threatened you?”
He laughed, shaking his head. “Nothing gets past you.”
“That’s because you tell me very little. Who is threatening you?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It does to me.”
He lifted his head as if studying the water, the look on his face pensive. “I have enough enemies. It could be almost anyone of them.”
“Bobby Rivers?”
“That is a possibility, although threats aren’t his style.”
“Maybe you don’t know him as well as you think you do. What does he want?”
“Did your father give you anything?”
I finally sat beside him, the heat level just as explosive as before, the desire I felt ridiculous on every level. “Meaning what?”
“Anything? A letter. A file. A computer drive.” Gabriel darted a glance in my direction. “Your father tried to talk to me after his betrayal, begging for me to see him.”
“But you refused.”
Sighing, he looked off in the distance. Even from where I sat, I could see the shimmer in his eyes, a moment of uncertainty. “I had no reason to discuss the situation any further. He knew the score and was damn lucky I didn’t have him prosecuted.”
“What intellectual property did he take? If you’re running a legitimate corporation, what could he do to you that was so damaging?”
“While I make certain that my enemies fully understand and embrace my various capabilities, I assure you that Masters Enterprises is more than just a legitimate corporation, it’s also one that provides thousands of jobs in the Denver area. What your father absconded with were secure financials and information regarding various bank loans as well as plans designed in order to build a new manufacturing site. He knew how important the decision I made was to me. You see, I’ve spent a significant amount of time purchasing and dismantling various companies in the west. A part of me wanted to build something for a change. There are at least five other companies who are waiting in the wings for me to make a mistake. What your father may have provided to them could be the single nudge needed to eradicate everything I had in mind. While that may not seem important to those who aren’t in this cutthroat industry, the details would be valuable to the very people who would stop at nothing to curtail my plans.”
“There had to be a reason.”
Gabriel shifted in order to face me, cupping my chin. “There are always reasons for the decisions people make. Often, they are based on nothing more than a reaction to emotion. Perhaps you’re right that your father was a good man. If so, that makes his reprehensible decision very difficult to comprehend. I was hoping he’d shared with you the reasons for his treachery. Perhaps I was wrong. You are simply too innocent to corrupt. Bobby Rivers is something else entirely.”
As he inched closer, the heat of his body oppressive, my breath caught. “I knew Bobby was a bad man, although not from the beginning. My instincts told me to run away, but he was the first man to care about me, although it’s obvious that was all pretend. I didn’t try and kill him, although if my gut is correct, he deserved exactly what he got.”
Gabriel rubbed his thumb across my lip, his chest rising and falling as he took exaggerated breaths. “Whatever his reason, he has yet to get what he deserves for hurting you, for attempting to steal your life.”
As he fisted my hair, yanking me closer, I palmed his chest. “I don’t understand this.”
His upper lip curled as he lowered his head. “What’s there to understand? You belong to me. Every. Sweet. Inch. I’ll take you wherever and whenever I want to.” As he crushed his mouth over mine, sweeping his tongue past the slight part in my lips, there wasn’t a portion of my body not trembling.
I clawed at his shirt, wrapping my legs around his hips as the kiss became a passionate roar. Stars floated in front of my eyes as the wave of electricity became extreme, searing every nerve ending. His tongue dominating mine, he tangled his fingers in my hair, yanking as he crowded over me.
I would never get enough of the taste of him, sultry and sweet, my drunkenness heightened as he explored the dark recesses of my mouth. He was like a crazed animal, unable to get enough, his growls and guttural sounds floating between us. I was lightheaded, yanking at his shirt until I was able to slide my hands underneath. The feel of his heated skin was powerful, my pussy throbbing from the raging desire that refused to let go.
He rubbed the flat of his hand down my back, finally jerking the shirt from the tight confines of my jeans. The hunger swelled between us, a fervent need to entwine our bodies together, to experience the rush of heat already exploding. He broke the kiss long enough to rip the tee shirt over my head, tossing it to the side as he cupped my naked bre
asts. The intense howl he issued was nothing more than a rabid beast desperate to quench his thirst.
His eyes were dilated, almost unrecognizable as he flicked his fingers back and forth across my already hardened nipples, his smile laced with evil.
“I’m going to fuck you,” he stated, as if there was ever any question.
“Yes, sir,” I whispered, reaching for his belt buckle then rubbing my fingers across the rough grain of leather.
His eyes shimmering, he glanced down, laughing. “Be careful, little girl. I don’t mind spanking that tight ass of yours, keeping it scarlet red in color.” He emitted another growl before dropping his head and engulfing my nipple, sucking fervently.
There was no way to continue my actions as intense vibrations swept through every cell and tendon, sending explosive heat to my very core.
“Oh. Oh...” I threw my head back, studying the swirling fluffy clouds, unable to thick clearly.
When he bit down on my nipple, a moan slipped past my lips, floating away to the heavens. My legs quivered as he pinched my other hardened bud, the wave of anguish exhilarating.
His guttural sounds were even more savage as he slid his mouth to my other breast, sucking and nipping, his tongue swirling around my nipple. Pulling back, he blew a swath of hot air from one breast to the other as he squeezed both, his long fingers digging into my tender flesh.
Panting, I managed to unfasten his belt, my fingers fumbling.
“Do you crave my tongue sliding into your wet channel, sweet girl?”
“Yes. Yes, sir.”
Gabriel raked his hand down my stomach, encircling my belly button. “Have you been a good enough baby?”
“Always,” I cooed, easing my hand up and down his jean-covered cock, my mouth watering to suck every drop of cream.
“Hmmm...” He rubbed his hand between my legs, sliding it back and forth. “You’re wet.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Damn hot.”
“Oh, yes, sir.”
His eyes narrowed, his upper lip curling as he rubbed my pussy, the friction of the material biting into me, driving me to the point of madness.
I arched my back, taking scattered breaths, unable to clear the fog away from my vision. I was so damn wet, juice soaking my panties and jeans. Although I should be embarrassed, I was even more excited.
He continued rubbing for several seconds and when he removed his hand, he dragged his fingers across my lips. “Do you taste ready for me? Is your pussy wet enough?”
“Uh-huh.”
A sly smile curling on his lips, he eased away, taking a deep breath. “Then show me. I need to see that rosy pussy of yours glistening wet. If it’s not, I’m going to find a switch and spank every beautiful inch.”
For some crazy reason, every part of me was shaking as I crawled away, tugging off my boots. I had no reason to be self-conscious. There were miles of open fields and trees, but just the thrill of possibly being seen was truly delicious. When I rose to my feet, tugging at the button on my jeans, I could see the pulse in his neck ticking. Even his nostrils were flared, all in anticipation of devouring me.
I took my time, sliding my fingers past the waistband, finally tugging my jeans past my hips. I closed my eyes as I allowed gravity to take them to the ground, kicking them away as the light breeze tickled every inch of my naked skin. Goosebumps popped along my arms and legs even as a series of heated sensations rocketed through me. He was wild and dangerous, unforgiving and unafraid to do whatever he wanted.
Addictive.
There was no other way to describe him.
When I stood in only my thong, he cleared his throat, the sound forcing me to open my eyes.
“Do you need a lesson in how to follow orders?” he asked ever so quietly. “There are several bushes perfect for cutting long, vicious stems from.”
“No, sir.”
“Then I suggest you do as I commanded.”
I wasted no time shimmying my panties to the ground as another round of embarrassment washed over me, my cheeks flushing.
He beckoned me with a single finger. “Come here. I’m thirsty as fuck.”
Every step slow and deliberate, I headed toward him, staying just out of his reach. When I was still a foot away, he reached out, yanking me in between his legs and delivering a series of smacks on my aching bottom.
“Don’t tease me, Alessandra. You won’t win the game.” He gripped both my hips, pulling me closer, his nails digging into my skin.
I watched as he shifted his head from side to side, trying to calm my breathing.
“Open your pretty pussy lips for me.”
“Yes, sir.” I did as he asked, the action more embarrassing than anything I’d done, using my own fingers to pull back my pussy lips until I was fully exposed.
“Good girl.”
My body swaying, I spread my lips as open as possible, shuddering as I heard the whinnying of the horses.
“Such beautiful pink lips and you’re right, very wet.” As he brought me closer, he slid his fingers to my bottom, the grip just as firm, a single finger flicking across the base of the anal plug. “Good girl.” Chuckling darkly, he dragged his tongue around his lips then pulled me even closer, burying his face into my pussy.
He held me in place, feasting on my tender flesh as he licked and sucked. He swirled his tongue around my clit several times before sucking, guttural sounds escaping his mouth.
I threw my head back, panting, my legs quivering. Every inch of skin was on fire, my mind shutting down as waves of pleasure swept up from my toes.
“God. Oh, God. Oh...” I tried to keep my fingers where he’d ordered them to be, but the incredible bliss was too much. I was tossed into raw ecstasy as he moved his head from side to side, sucking and licking in a crazed manner. He was unbridled, his tongue lapping my cream. Even the feel of his teeth scraping against my flesh was a powerful aphrodisiac, yanking me toward true salvation.
He was completely relaxed, taking his time to lick up and down languidly, all the while making animalistic sounds.
There was no way of knowing how long he held me, bringing me to the point of climax then rubbing his lips against my thigh before starting all over again. I was so ready to come I wanted to scream. To beg him. To promise anything.
“Please... I’m just,” I managed, my heart racing, little timebombs going off inside my mind. Even beads of perspiration had formed on my upper lip as the minutes went on.
And he was simply enjoying himself, knowing what control he had over me.
I knew better than to ask him to allow me to come, but my legs were trembling to the point I was no longer certain I could remain standing. I lolled my head, gasping for air as the pleasure drove my body to an erratic state, every nerve ending frazzled.
“Please let me come. Please.” As I peered down through my haze, I could see the evil glint in his eyes, the full control he loved more than anything. He knew exactly what he was doing to me and the way my body would respond. He’d explored every inch, learning all the nuances and how I’d react.
He was the master of control, a man unable to let go.
And that made me want him all that much more.
With every swipe of his tongue, my mind wandered to all the nasty things I wanted him to do to me. Nothing made any sense but the hunger that we both felt, the need to share every wicked concept. I didn’t care where he fucked me, as long as he did. I wanted everyone to watch us, to know how incredible it was.
The insanity of my thinking remained somewhere in the forefront of my mind, but at that moment, I didn’t give a shit. I just wanted him to fuck me, use me.
Growling, he rubbed his mouth back and forth across my stomach then lifted my leg, placing my thigh over his shoulder. He said no words as he buried his face once again, this time pressing several fingers inside, plunging in savage jabs.
“Oh, God. Oh... I can’t take it. I just...” Taking deep breaths, there was no way to hold back. None. “Ple
ase. Please.”
He smacked me several additional times, the pain mixing with the extreme pleasure, pushing me into a state of nirvana. “Wait,” he hissed, blowing across my pussy as he continued driving his fingers deep inside, flexing them open as my muscles curled around them.
“I... Oh...” Words were no longer possible, my mind swimming. He added a fourth finger, thrusting hard and fast. “I can’t. I just can’t... I...”
Gabriel jerked my leg, the growl erupting from his throat menacing. “You will or face harsh punishment.”
Everything about this moment was surreal and I tried to float away, forcing my body to obey, but it betrayed me. The climax ripped through me, tearing at my very soul. I threw my head back, a scream erupting.
He held me, drinking in every drop of my cream, every sound he made savage and animalistic.
I was weak, no longer able to feel my legs as the single orgasm turned into a beautiful wave, bursting through every cell and muscle, erupting like a beautiful flow of lava. “Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.”
Gabriel held me as my body continued to shake, making no additional sounds other than his heavy breathing. Then he pushed me onto the ground, his hands planted on either side of me.
“You disobeyed me.” His words were said flatly, but his eyes were filled with anger.
“I’m sorry. Sir.”
He slowly lowered down until his face was only inches from mine, the words he issued more chilling than I’d heard in days. “Yes, you will be. You will never disobey me again. Is that clear?”
The yin and yang was just as severe as before, the coldness in his eyes yanking at my breath, a chill rippling through my heart. “No, sir. I promise.”
Tilting his head, he lightly brushed his lips across my cheek, creating another round of goosebumps. He took his time exploring my face, sliding the butterfly kisses up to my cheekbone then across my forehead before moving down the other side, finally settling on my lips.
I was unable to move or even breathe as he dragged his tongue across the seam of my lips before darting it just inside. When he wrapped his hand around my throat, stealing what was left of my breath, I opened my mouth in a silent moan.