by Ella Miles
“Fine.”
He grins. “I knew you’d see it my way.”
“I do, but from now on run it by me first. I don’t want to have to tattle on you to Archard,” I smirk.
“You won’t tattle on me.”
I step closer taking a deep breath as his eyes heat. “I will,” I tease.
His eyes drop from my face to my cleavage peeking out from beneath my shirt.
He wants me.
I want him.
And after he brought me to orgasm without so much as touching me, I’ve been dying to know what it would be like for him to fuck me—but I’m too fucked up for sex.
And I can’t get past him selling me.
If I shared my truth would things be different?
Maybe he’d truly want me.
Maybe I’d let myself have him.
Maybe we could fuck like two normal adults who are attracted to each other.
There is no chance of anything but fucking—not after the lies and deception. Not after our families made us enemies from the day we were born.
But toe-curling orgasms might make everything more worthwhile. Because Enzo is definitely the kind of man who would ruin me for any man after.
Right now, despite the lust in Enzo’s eyes, he won’t touch me. His hands are in his pockets as if he’s trying to hold himself back with the thin fabric. And the only time he’s touched me was to prove a point.
I could want Enzo if I let myself.
If I let go of the pain.
If I let him heal me.
If I forgot all of his wickedness.
If I told him the truth.
But I’m not ready to share what really happened to me yet. If he keeps staring at me though like he’s undressing me, then I’ll be spilling my guts and stripping my clothes, begging for him to take me.
I’m not ready for that.
But I want to be.
I clear my throat. “So what are we doing about Dallas? We were in charge of his security?” I ask, hoping to put a stop to the sparks flying around the room. We both know nothing is going to happen between us—at least not today. So it’s better if we squash all the heat in the room.
Enzo takes his time answering as he pours us both a glass of whiskey. He hands it to me, and I take it but don’t plan on drinking much. Last time I drank, I passed out. I’m stronger, but not sure my body is healthy enough to handle any alcohol yet.
He eyes my drink. “Yes, we handle Dallas’ security. Most of our clients hire us for security, and we provide it. We also design, build, and sell yachts, but again only to those who want the most secure vessels. And as for what we are going to do about the situation, you should drink some of that first.”
“Why?”
“Trust me.”
I laugh. “Trust you?”
“Yes.”
“Why would I trust you?”
“Because despite what you may think, I do want to do right by you.”
I freeze at his words.
“And I want to do what is best for Surrender. You may hate this organization. You may hate the cruelty that happens here, but trust me, we do a lot more protecting the innocent than evil schemes. It just so happens that protecting the innocent involves killing the immoral.”
I nod and take a small sip, preparing myself for whatever he’s going to say.
“Marry me.”
The color drains from my face. “What?”
“Marry me.”
He’s right; I need more alcohol if we are going to discuss marriage. It’s probably buried in that stupid contract somewhere. Or he’s going to pull his gun and force me to marry him—although he’s never forced me before.
I down my drink. “You must be joking.”
“I’m not. We don’t have to get married legally. Just go through the motions.”
“Why? What would that solve? Are you saying you don’t want to go through with the competition? That we will just share the name and power together?”
“No.”
“Oh.” That would have been nice, ruling with Enzo—working together. It would have led to endless fights, but the sexual tension would only increase until…
No, don’t go there! It’s not right.
I turn back to Enzo, his head is cocked, and I can see the vein throbbing on his neck.
Dammit, why do I want him so much?
“We would take pictures of our elopement and pretend to be married. You would go by the name of Black, same as me here. I would say I gave you fifty percent ownership of the company. That way the men would accept your power. And I wouldn’t have to explain that I gave up the name of Black and look weak. The company would continue to thrive until we determined the true Black.”
“Married,” I say the word slowly, trying to absorb it.
“Pretend we are married—that’s it.”
I sigh. Be married without any of the perks?
Except for the power—the money.
Why do they feel like nothing when I wouldn’t have Enzo?
Why do I want Enzo?
Fuck.
“And you could do that? Pretend to love me?”
“Easily.”
He raises an eyebrow as if asking if I could pretend to love him. Do lust filled eyes count? Because I’m afraid that’s what I look like right now.
“Wouldn’t that make the men think you were a pussy for letting a woman like me have that much power?”
“No, not after they see how strong you are.”
Jesus. Why does he have to keep complimenting me? It makes me forget all the shit he did before.
I nod.
“And we won’t be legally married?”
“No, no one will ask. And if they do, I’ll say we got married overseas and be able to provide a marriage license that appears real enough. Actually getting married would fuck up the contract between the families, and I don’t want that.”
“What about Langston and Zeke and—”
“Those close to us will know the truth. But they won’t share it with anyone here. Langston, Zeke, Archard, and Westcott will play along because it preserves the empire. We will tell no one else about the contract and fight between us for control of Black.”
“What about when the game is over? What then?” I ask.
“Then we get fake divorced and whoever the winner is, stays as Black.”
I nod. “You have it all figured out.”
“I do.”
I don’t actually have to go through with a marriage. I just get to use the name Black, same as him and pretend to be his wife while at the club. Easy enough. It’s the best, for both of us.
“Fine. Let’s get fake married.”
“Good.” Enzo walks over to a painting of a deer on the wall. He slides it open revealing a safe behind it.
I chuckle.
“What?” he asks.
“I just feel like I’m in some sort of spy movie. I didn’t realize anyone really kept safes behind paintings.”
He shrugs. “This isn’t my safe. It belonged to my father, and I haven’t opened it since he died.”
“Why are you opening it now?”
He enters a code, and it pops open before he reaches inside.
My breathing stops as I wait to see what he’s retrieving, but somehow I already know.
A small box appears in his hand. He walks over to me and holds out the box.
I set my glass down on one of the end tables next to several luxury chairs before I carefully take the box from his hands without touching him.
I open the box.
A simple diamond ring sits in the center. I couldn’t tell you if it was a princess cut or emerald cut or what. I couldn’t tell you if the diamond were real or fake. All I know is it is the most beautiful, elegant ring I’ve ever seen.
Whoever wore this before wore it with love. I can feel the love oozing from the metal ring.
“It was my mother’s,” Enzo says.
“It’s beautiful.”
“If you don’t like it, we can get you any ring you want. And when we are done, you can sell it for money. The ring is worth millions. You could live off the money for the rest of your life if you lose.”
My gaze slowly drifts up to his—this sad boy’s eyes. And in this moment, I forgive him a little more.
For almost killing me.
For forcing me to survive a night in the sea.
For selling me.
For betting against my life and claiming me.
For the lies.
I’m as close as possible to forgiving him for all of it.
Because in his eyes I can see how much this ring means to him. The only treasured possession from a forgotten mother. Something we have in common. A mother who left us and was the only one who ever truly loved us.
Enzo is willing to give it up to provide me with security if I lose.
“You would do that for me?” I ask.
“I don’t hate you, Kai. And I abhor what I put you through. Now I just want to protect you. Give you back your life.”
I bite my lip as I stare at the ring.
“And I know you don’t believe me, but I want to win as much to protect you from this life as to win myself,” he says.
I believe him.
I should let him win.
It’s what’s for the best. But I won’t. I want to win. I want to destroy him for the pain he caused me.
“Thank you, but I can only accept the ring for as long as we are fake married. It means too much to you.”
“No, you’ll keep it.”
“I could never sell it.”
His eyes darken. “Then I’ll sell it for you. This is the only way I can protect you. Take it.”
I won’t promise him I’ll sell it because I won’t. Not because I’m not above handouts. Enzo owes me a lot. But I won’t use his mother to hurt him.
We are as even as possible—this gesture for his world to see me as his equal and of giving me security afterward.
“Are you going to make me put the ring on myself?” I ask.
His eyes widen at my offer to let him touch me.
He takes the box and removes the ring.
“My heart belongs to the devil,” he says reading the inscription on the inside of the ring.
It seems fitting if his mother loved his father.
“You will never get my heart. Nothing more than my captivity I lost in a game, which I will soon win back.”
Enzo swallows, and I watch his throat bob. He doesn’t agree nor disagree with me.
I hold out my hand, waiting.
I push down the anxiety, and then I feel his touch on my hand. My cold interior instantly warms. I feel calm, secure, safe.
Not loved. That’s not what this is. We are both too broken to ever experience such a thing.
But it’s different—a sense of trust between us, even though we’ve both lied and will continue to lie to each other.
The lies are to protect each other.
To help each other.
To keep each other safe.
Enzo pushes his mother’s ring onto my finger.
And somehow, I think this is the closest I will ever get to being married.
4
Enzo
Married.
It’s not real.
It’s fake in every way that matters.
But Kai still said yes.
She let me put my mother’s ring on her finger.
This is the only “marriage” I will ever have. I will never let a woman into my life; it’s too fucking dangerous.
And kids, forget it.
The Black line will end with me.
And if I know Kai, she wouldn’t dare bring kids into this world either.
This will end with us.
I stare at the sparkly ring on Kai’s finger that fits perfectly, as if it were made for her. I still hold her hand in mine. My thumb lazily playing with the ring on her finger. Waiting for the reaction of fear to surge through her.
It doesn’t come.
My heart belongs to the devil. The inscription my mother had inscribed after my father gave her the ring. Good thing Kai’s heart is too strong to fall for such a monster like me.
Her big, bold eyes look up at me, as if she can feel my pain through where our hands touch. And I can feel hers.
Too bad this can never be more. I might eventually persuade her into my bed, but that’s as far as this will go. When one of us is declared the winner, we will go our separate ways. Then this will be only a terrible memory that we both spend our whole lives trying to forget.
A knock brings us back to reality.
We both take a deep breath in unison. The corner of my mouth twitches with the need to protect her. That’s what I do, protect the innocent. And Kai is an innocent. I’ve failed her before; I won’t again.
She smiles softly back trying to reassure me. But this is her first test. This is the first peek at what her life will be like if she wins. And as much as I’d love for her to find a way to win—she’s more worthy than I will ever be—the job isn’t a kind one, it turns you into the devil. Hardens you until there is nothing left of who you truly are.
It’s my burden to bear.
Kai picks up the drink I poured her while I walk over and take a seat in my chair that looks as much like a throne as a chair. I used to hate how my father sat in it, acting like an actual king. But after I’ve become Black, I understand. The throne has power. And you need every drop of it to control these bastards.
Kai hesitates for a second and then wisely chooses to sit next to me. You don’t show that you rise for any man. You sit and let the weasels come to you. You don’t show them respect. They are nothing but low life worms that you need to control in order to keep people safe.
Another impatient knock.
“Enter,” I say, my voice deep and commanding.
I feel Kai’s eyes burn into me. I rarely use my voice like this in front of her. I know with a single syllable I sound threatening and demeaning—like I could squash everyone in this club with a word. I could. That’s how powerful my voice is.
The door opens, and Dallas Fell enters.
“You kept me waiting long enough, Black,” Dallas spits as he storms in our direction. “I’m tired of your watchdogs holding me back. You fucked up! Now it’s time to pay the price!”
I feel Kai shuddering next to me.
You don’t belong in this world, this life. Go as soon as you have a chance, I plead. Knowing that even if she heard me, she wouldn’t leave. She’s too stubborn, bull-headed, and determined. She thinks she can change things, make the world a better place if she were to win. She doesn’t understand that I am making the world a better, safer place by handling the criminals myself. No one else can do this job.
“Sit down, Dallas, if you want me to pay for my mistakes,” my voice booms, bouncing off the walls in an echo of fierceness.
Dallas scowls but pulls up a chair and sits across from us. His anger is still there, but he seems to accept that I will fix his problems as he eases into the chair.
Until his attention moves to Kai. He must not have seen her when he first entered, but now she’s all he can look at.
“Fetch me a drink, whore. And then strip, I want to feast on your body while Black and I do dealings,” Dallas says.
Every bead of blood in my body seethes with a furry I haven’t felt in years. I feel a tornado of anger and rage swirling, and if Dallas doesn’t get out of Surrender, Miami, and the country within the next five minutes, I’ll kill him.
Kai just laughs like it was the funniest thing she’s heard, and then she leans forward, playful determination on her face like she’s about to tell the sweetest secret.
“Fetch your own fucking drink, jackass. I am not your slave. I won’t be doing a damn thing for you. And I sure as hell will never be stripping for anyone but my husband.” She flashes the diamond I just put on her finger for Dallas to see. Then she places her hand
seductively on my inner thigh.
Fuck.
I feel the sweet relief as I always do whenever we touch. The flames flying calm at her touch then start swarming again, but this time in her direction instead of his. God, I want her so much.
“Wait? Are you telling me you two—” he starts.
“We eloped last week,” I answer.
“Holy shit,” Dallas leans back staring between the two of us—accepting her as my wife so easily. I thought I would have to show him our marriage license. Or at least show more affection—kiss her to get him to believe us. Something I’m not sure Kai could handle.
“I suggest you treat my wife with more respect, before I hang you upside down by your balls and leave you writhing in pain for the whole world to see,” I say.
“I apologize, Mrs. Black. Please, let us start over. I never meant to treat you with such disrespect. You must be a truly special woman to get a man like Black to settle down and risk everything for you,” he says.
She narrows her gaze. “Mr. Black isn’t risking anything for me. He loves me, and he knows I am more than capable of living in this dangerous world. I can handle men like you just fine. I accept your apology, for now, but if you say a word against me, the Blacks will no longer work with you in any capacity. You will become our enemy, and it will be you whose life will be threatened.”
I grin. Kickass.
I couldn’t say it better myself.
Dallas smiles as well.
“You have found a fiery match, Mr. Black. I assume you sleep with one eye open to ensure she doesn’t cut off your balls in your sleep,” he says.
I wink at Kai. “She’s everything I ever wanted in a woman. You can see now why I made her my wife to ensure she never became an enemy.”
He nods. “Please introduce us properly so we can part as friends.”
“Dallas Fell, please let me introduce you to Katherine Black, my wife. Katherine, please meet Dallas, the weasel of the underworld who makes enemies, not just because of how he runs his mouth without thinking, but because he is truly a slimeball who steals from those he claims are his friends. And then expects not to be hunted down like the rat he is,” I say.
Dallas chuckles. “That was a good description of me. Thank goodness I have the loyalty of the Blacks to protect me. Pleasure to meet you, my dear,” he holds out his hand to Kai.