Prey: A Dark Mafia Romance

by Piper Stone

  “Fuck. Yes.” She lolled her head, her mouth pursed.

  Wrapping his arms around her shoulders, he savagely forced her up and down on his cock, his balls swelling. Everything about the moment was brutal, the kind of hard fucking that they both craved. His chest heaving, he threw his head back and roared.

  Then a moment of understanding settled in, a cold and dire knowing.

  The end was near...

  Chapter Thirteen

  Sophia swam up from the amazing warmth, allowing her eyes to open. The stream of moonlight created a luminescent appearance, forging shimmers everywhere in the room. She knew where she was as well as what she’d done and as she opened her hand, her fingertips could feel warmth under them.

  Lifting her head, she could tell that Wrath had fallen asleep by the even rise and fall of his chest. She was nuzzled next to him, her leg wrapped around his, one arm languishing over his chest. Pressing her face against his breastbone, she sighed and allowed her fingertips to trace circles on his skin. She’d enjoyed dinner, a bottle of wine, and another round of passionate sex.

  With the enemy.

  She couldn’t fathom the consequences of her actions or her decisions. How could she? He’d kept her as his hostage, requiring her to perform, submitting to his every need. How could anyone in their right mind want something like this?

  But she did.

  The night had been spectacular.

  And unreal.

  Her thoughts drifted to his comment about the island. Yes, she would love nothing more than to spend time with him at a tropical location. Warm ocean water, breezes floating through the palm trees, nights of passions, days of exploring. An adventure. A cold draft washed over her, given reality would soon come to pass. After arresting him, she’d only be able to see him behind a set of bars. He’d be sent away to a maximum security prison for the rest of his life. That was if he didn’t receive the death penalty, which was a solid chance.

  As far as witness protection? The possibility remained; however, Wrath would need to expose every aspect of the consortium. In doing so, the target on his back would be a mile wide, exposing him to danger no matter if he received an identity change. Would he actually consider something so dire with a low percentage of success?

  Not a cold day in hell.

  Which led her to the reality of what they were both facing. She could lie, pretending that he’d kept her prisoner. Sighing, she clenched her fists. There was no other choice.

  The thought tightened her throat. At least they had a few additional precious hours. Oh, my God. What are you thinking?

  Insanity.

  How far would she go for a man she’d fallen in love with?

  The real answer was difficult to accept.

  Hearing him stir, she crowded closer, watching the rise and fall of his chest. Such a tortured man, one who had no understanding of love. This wouldn’t change. There was no way he could ever accept a simple life when he’d been introduced to the most glorious riches in the world.

  Food.

  Drink.

  Unbridled sex.

  She was merely a cog in his very dangerous wheel.

  If only she could stop time. She continued exploring his body, her fingers caressing, savoring his rippled muscles. He had a perfect physique, sculpted and lean, as if the very gods above had created him. As she moved her hand to his cock, she stifled a moan. He was hard as a rock.

  Throwing back the covers, she rose onto one elbow. The moonlight allowed her to study his chiseled face. Yes, he was gorgeous. Unable to resist, she climbed on top, sliding his cock inside her pussy. The action didn’t seem to faze the sleeping Italian. As she began to ride him, moving in a slow and gentle fashion, she palmed his chest, rubbing her hands up and down.

  And still, he remained asleep.

  Sophia moved faster, forward and backward, her bruised ass slapping against his legs. Bending over, she kissed his lips, darting her tongue across the seam. She blew out, her breath moving strands of his hair. She licked the cleft in his chin and moved to his ear, nipping his earlobe. After clamping down her pussy muscles, she held the position. The man was huge, filling her completely.

  But he was still in a sweet slumber.

  She dropped her head, moving her open mouth to his nipple. Taking the tender flesh into her mouth, she sucked. This was far too sinful. A slight noise drew her attention just seconds before she was tossed onto her back, her arms pinned above her head. “Oh!”

  Wrath hovered over her, a grin on his face. “You aren’t in charge, my sweet Sophia. That will never happen.” Pulling both wrists into one hand, he eased the other one down to her chest, cupping and squeezing her breast. “You belong to me to do with what I crave.”

  “But you said my choice.”

  “I lied.” His thrusts hard and fast, he fucked her as his lips touched hers, only millimeters above.

  She longed to touch him, to share in this moment, but his control was everything she’d ever craved. The harder he thrust, the more electrified she became. Wrapping her legs around his, she arched her back as he continued pumping, driving harder. Faster. Stars floated in front of her eyes as he drilled into her. His actions so brutal, so demanding.

  Crushing her mouth with his, he slipped his tongue inside, exploring, taking everything he wanted.

  Moaning into the kiss, she undulated under him, her nipples aching, her pussy clenching. There was no holding back the orgasm. Her breath caught in her throat, she clamped down on her pussy as the climax rushed up the length of her legs, driving current throughout her entire body.

  Wrath broke the kiss, throwing his head back, a look of anguish on his face. “Shit. You are... Yes!”

  Their bodies shaking, she could feel the warmth of his cum sliding deep within. When he stopped quaking, he lowered his body on top of hers, moving his other arm to intertwine their fingers, locking them tight.

  “You are amazing,” he whispered, nuzzling into her neck.

  She wanted to whisper words of love, or even devotion, but she was foggy, her mind unfocused.

  “Never forget, you truly belong to me.”

  “Wrath.” She struggled with the single word, her heart racing.

  As he fell asleep, she closed her eyes. The beautiful moment shared between them would soon be nothing but a sweet memory and one she would never forget.

  No matter what occurred in the future.

  As she drifted off, she thought she heard his voice, his sensual baritone issuing three little words.

  I. Love. You.

  And it scared her to death.

  * * *

  An unsettling feeling remained, furrowing into the deep, dark crevices of his mind.

  Wrath stared up at the ceiling, his arms behind his head.

  Tick. Tock.

  Time was running short on the deal made with Sophia. The day spent together had been almost as enjoyable as the night before. If he had to admit the truth, there hadn’t been another period of time spent that was so freeing since his arrival in Miami. He hadn’t taken a day off to any degree during his stay. At least not to share relaxation time with someone he... No. This was getting out of hand. She was an agent in pursuit, who’d been lured into a web of deceit.

  Again.

  Pursing his lips, he turned his head toward her, almost surprised she had no problem sleeping with the enemy.

  He rolled onto his side, sliding a strand of hair out of her eyes with the tip of his index finger. Their conversations had been frank and as honest as either one of them were prepared to explore. But he still didn’t know her, and she knew almost nothing about him. Yes, he’d admitted certain stories about his family but even those had been partial truths. The actuality surrounding his father and the regime the dangerous man commanded was far too bloody in nature.

  Sophia was a breath of fresh air, allowing him to catch a moment of a more regular life, even though he was doing so under the guise of a deal as well as a certain amount of wealth. He brushed
his fingers down the length of her arm, longing for her to awaken, to be able to share even a few more hours of shutting out the world. She remained fast asleep.

  If his instincts were correct, time was running out. Various aspects of what she’d said sadly made sense. She couldn’t leave her life any more than he was able to leave his. So, there was only one choice to make.

  “If only things could be different, sweet Sophia,” he whispered as he gazed out at the night sky. “I’d likely move the sun and stars for you. A romantic, eh? And not what you expected. You awakened my very soul, even though many are convinced I have no soul. If only I could share with you my life, but my destiny takes me toward the darkness. There are things I will never be able to explain or help you understand. The island sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Fiji. There’s a little island just to the west, only accessible by boat. A man can dream.”

  Wrath inhaled as he pressed a soft kiss against her forehead. The fragrance of her lingering perfume, the scent of their rounds of sex were more powerful than the stench of blood that would forever course into his veins. He could never be the man she needed, and he refused to allow her anything less than what she required. “I long to have the courage to say everything you need to hear, but that alone would break certain rules. You are my forever. There will never be another woman I adore as much as you. My sweet, beautiful Sophia.”

  He shut his eyes, willing out the rest of the world, including his horrific duties and family honor, but his fate had been sealed the moment of his birth. A lone tear slid down his face, trickling past his cheekbone. He hadn’t shed a single tear since the death of his mother. Yes, fate and karma were kicking him in the ass.

  Resigned, he eased out of bed, taking silent steps out of the bedroom, grabbing the two glasses of wine before leaving. His fingerprints were everywhere, but certain evidence would be difficult for her to explain. The sleeping pills had certainly done the trick, allowing her a quiet respite. When she awoke, he’d be halfway to Milan. He’d disable her car in an effort to prove her innocence. He was nothing but a monster and she shouldn’t be required to pay for his sins. He’d prepared for this moment while determining his initial plan, never knowing how difficult this particular decision would be. Right now and without hesitation, he loathed the birthright he’d been given.

  Only minutes later he grabbed his briefcase and keys, sliding the Sig Sauer into his shoulder holster, the other weapons inside his case, walking toward the office to retrieve the last of anything considered important. He slapped his hands on the desk, taking several deep breaths. He’d prided himself for the ice running through his veins. Now? The ice had melted.

  Wrath remained in the same position for a few minutes, walking his mind through the choices one last time. He was nothing more than a rat in a cage.

  He grabbed his real phone, turning it on for the first time since arriving at the house. The single blip meant a text. He stared at the screen, a sickening feeling pooling into the pit of his stomach.

  Angelo.

  His younger brother never broke protocol. Angelo was the weakest of his two brothers, loathing his involvement yet succumbing to his father’s wishes.

  And the man’s wrath.

  How many times had Wrath protected his baby brother from the violence his father enjoyed?

  Call me. This is vital.

  What. The. Fuck. He debated for a full ten seconds before making the call. “What?”

  “I thought you were dead, that’s what,” Angelo half whispered. The tone of his voice was a dichotomy of fear and anger.

  “Why?” Wrath yanked his gun from the holster, moving quickly toward the window and peering outside.

  “Alessandro has been murdered.”

  The news hit him right between the eyes, but not enough to shed a tear. He also wasn’t as surprised as he should be, although the timing was interesting. Even within their ranks, there were others who would give all they had to see members of the consortium executed. “Who’s responsible?”

  “Not known.”

  “But you have a suspicion or you wouldn’t be calling.” He checked the security monitors, moving from camera to camera. While there was nothing he could detect, hair stood on the back of his neck.

  Angelo exhaled and Wrath could hear rustling sounds even before his brother answered. “I have my ideas.”

  “That didn’t answer the first question.” Wrath moved out into the living room, carefully peering out the windows. He slowly closed the blinds then headed into the kitchen, repeating the action.

  “Your concubine is being hunted.”

  He snorted, taking the news as he did any other, with a full understanding that there would never be a day he wasn’t on someone’s hit list. This time, the order just happened to be issued by the Dark Haven. As far as the way Sophia was being considered, there was no understanding of her training or her importance to him and they would never know. “Alessandro issued the mandate before he was murdered.” The comment was stated with no emotion.

  “You knew. Of course you would.” Angelo half laughed.

  “That’s why I’m in charge and yes, I suspected. When can I expect company?”

  “Any time,” Angelo managed. “And there’s more. You’re on the list as well.”

  Wrath paused, rubbing his fingers across his brow. He remained emotionless even as his brother was attempting to warn him. There were no surprises any longer. Only realities. This was certainly time for a stiff drink. “And the assassin sent?” He yanked a glass, finding the scotch with ease and pouring close to the rim.

  The hesitation pissed him off.

  “Just say it, Angelo. I’m in no mood for the bullshit.” He heard the slight creak of a floorboard before sensing her presence. He heard his brother’s answer the same second his lovely submissive entered the room.

  Still, this time, the news was the final nail in the coffin.

  “Did you forget about our deal?” Sophia asked.

  Wrath chuckled under his breath, taking a gulp of his drink. “I have to go. Your warning is duly noted.” Sighing, he slipped the phone into his pocket, his respect for her gaining another notch. He didn’t have to hear the snap of the ammunition magazine as it was positioned into the gun, he could almost smell the steel. Her weapon. From the very secure cabinet. “What a clever girl. You managed to figure out my locking system.” After sliding the glass onto the counter, he held out his hands and slowly began to turn around.

  “Very slowly drop the gun onto the floor and kick it in my direction.” Sophia had an edge in her voice.

  Wrath couldn’t help but smile as he faced her, enjoying the way her training had taken over, shoving aside everything they’d shared. Bending over, he dropped his weapon on the floor, kicking it away. “And what now, sweet Sophia? Did you call the cavalry already?”

  “I think we can cut the crap, Wrath. Don’t you? You never meant to honor your end of the deal, but then again, if you thought I was foolish enough to believe you would, then you underestimate me. The sleeping pills were a nice touch, but also anticipated. You are not the mastermind you believe yourself to be.”

  “And what if I refuse to cooperate? Are you going to shoot me?” He darted his eyes back and forth before taking a step toward her.

  Moving the slide on her weapon, she was locked and loaded. “Go ahead and find out.”

  Another line drawn in the sand.

  “Who were you talking to?” she asked, cocking her head and her eyes never blinking.

  “My brother. Just a warning of sorts.”

  “A warning. Meaning?”

  He had no intention of answering her. “I care about you, Sophia.”

  “That means nothing to me.”

  He could tell she was serious, anger boiling just underneath the surface. He’d gambled and lost. “Fair enough.” Holding up his hands, he gave her a single nod. “Are you calling for backup?”

  “Already done. They’ll be here any minute.”

  He h
adn’t seen her phone but took her at her word. She was indeed formidable.

  At least two full minutes passed by.

  Exhaling, Wrath scanned the room. “For what it’s worth, this was the most enjoyable moment of my life.”

  “Not worth much.”

  He took another calculated step toward her. “Can’t we work this out?”

  Aiming for his kneecap, she made a tsking sound. “My bullet will shatter your knee and there won’t be a surgeon in the entire world able to put it back together. That won’t bode well in prison.”

  “Fine, Agent Waters. Have it your way.” He placed his hands behind his head and stood at full attention. “I won’t cause you any additional trouble.”

  She had the gun in both hands, a look of absolute business on her face.

  But her eyes told another story.

  The second she changed position, he reached into his shirt, yanking the second gun taped to his shoulders. Another creak coming from the hallway drew both their attentions and within seconds, everything happened in slow motion.

  “Fuck!” she exclaimed, taking two giant steps forward.

  Wrath positioned his weapon at the doorway, chuckling under his breath. “I should have known you’d be ready for any sign of weakness, prepared to take the recently evicted seat on the throne.”

  The man’s calculated risks had almost paid off. As Gabriel eased out from the shadows, he offered a single nod of his head. “Brother. You are well aware weakness cannot be ignored.”

  Sophia recoiled, darting her glance from one man to the other. “What the hell is going on here?”

  “Agent Waters. Allow me to introduce you to my brother, Gabriel. He was tasked to exact punishment for a series of what the consortium would call atrocities.” Wrath could see the confusion on her face. “Once they learned about your existence, they had no intention of allowing you to live and they certainly didn’t trust I would carry out the act of performing your execution.”