Claimed as Revenge

by Stone, Piper

  “Mmm... Around you, how’s that possible?”

  For some reason, her words struck a chord, wrapping around my heart and yanking. I thrust the remainder of my cock all the way inside, the sensations incredible. “God, so tight.”

  “Yes. Oh. God!” She wiggled, moaning and even in the dim lighting, I could see a series of goosebumps that had popped along every inch of her skin.

  I pumped brutally, becoming the savage that I truly was, unable to think or see. All I knew was this woman was mine. The sound of skin slapping against skin soared into the air, much like the vibrations swirling around us kept reigniting. She met every hard thrust with one of her own, pushing back against the railing.

  Everything became a blur; sights, sounds, even desires. As I finally lost all resolve, my control shattered as I erupted, filling her bottom with my seed, I heard her whisper.

  The words were unexpected and a solid reminder.

  “He’s coming for you. He won’t stop until you’re dead.”

  I shivered to my core because I knew she was right. It was up to me to strike first.

  And I would.

  My terms.

  My turf.

  Time to alter whatever deal had been made. After all, I was now the head of the family.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Miguel

  I stood in my office, struggling to maintain a level head. The call for a meeting with Santiago had come much sooner than I’d expected. At least John knew that I’d been serious. There were too many hanging pieces to what had turned out to be a very vile game. I was finished with playing, ready to move on and it didn’t matter if I had to clean house.

  The pictures and accompanying news articles my father had given me were fascinating. I’d been able to check the information, finding that there was truth in what had been saved for all these years. I sighed and shoved the envelope into my jacket, only to use the information if necessary.

  I glanced at the clock and exhaled. Almost three in the morning.

  The darkness had enveloped the city like a suffocating blanket, even though South Beach never really slept. Tonight, I didn’t want to leave the warmth of my bed or the woman I’d invited to share it with me, but there was no other recourse.

  I heard footsteps and resisted bristling. The moment I saw her reflection in the glass door, I exhaled.

  “You’re leaving?” Valencia asked.

  “I have business that needs to be dealt with.”

  “Business.” She moved closer. “You mean whatever mess is going on with my father.”

  I nodded slowly, realizing this was more than just difficult for her. I turned to face her, studying the worry lines on her face. “There are certain extenuating circumstances and others involved with whoever is attempting to destroy my family and my reputation, but you are well aware of what I need to do.”

  “More violence.”

  “Your father continues to break the terms of our deal.”

  “I know he destroyed your shipments, but this is about more. Isn’t it? And not just me.” She inched closer.

  I found her astuteness refreshing. “You’re correct. My father is likely dying, which will lead to those believing our family is weak if the situation continues.”

  “Oh, Miguel. I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t be. He’s taking my mother on a trip of a lifetime. It’s his choice. However, it’s now my decision to fix an issue that obviously was created between them years ago.”

  Valencia narrowed her eyes as she closed the distance. “Are you suggesting that my father and your father actually worked together?”

  “I know they did. I simply don’t have a handle on what capacity. It’s as if my father is leaving a trail of breadcrumbs.” I snorted at the thought as I remembered the conversation in his office at the birthday party. Everyone kept secrets, including my father.

  “A test?”

  “I think it’s more than that and I’m going to find out tonight. Santiago does have at least some answers.”

  She seemed so small in her bare feet as she stood only inches away. “Then you’re going to kill him.”

  “I’ll do what needs to be done, Valencia.” I heard the knock and moved toward the doorway, sighing when she gripped my arm.

  “If you kill my father, what happens to my mother and my father’s businesses?”

  “I have no plans of hurting your mother. I also would prefer to keep your father alive and I’ll do so as long as he accepts the fact I’m in control.”

  “And you know that’s never going to happen,” she said almost defiantly.

  I rubbed her cheek with my knuckles. “I have to go, but I promise you that I’ll be back. I’m not trying to destroy your family, Valencia. I’m merely trying to take over where my father left off. Sylvie will be here to protect you.”

  “I’m not the one who needs protection, Miguel.”

  “Stop worrying. Everything will be all right. Hopefully, your father will listen to what I have to say.”

  “You don’t understand how I feel about my father. You couldn’t.”

  “Meaning?” I noticed the extreme coldness in her eyes, a resignation of what her father was truly made of.

  She walked away from me, heading toward the window. “The pictures I accidentally saw were terrible, but I’d long since suspected just how horrible my father was. I’m not a fool and he enjoys bragging. He’s always been a cruel and heartless man. What I didn’t expect to see is a picture of the only other man I loved. My father murdered him in cold blood.”

  “What?” I was surprised she felt like telling me about the boy.

  “Rodriguez Martinez was special to me. We met at the university. So sweet and intelligent. The man doted on me and I fell in love. We even talked marriage.”

  “The restaurant.”

  “Yes,” she said, sighing. “He wasn’t good enough to be with a true princess. After the restaurant closed without notice, I asked my father whether he had anything to do with what happened to Rodriguez and he lied about it. My father had him murdered. So, if you think that I have any feelings left for my father, you’re wrong. Do what you need to do. I just don’t care any longer. While I don’t need babysitting, I will enjoy Sylvie’s company while you’re gone doing... business.” She turned abruptly, giving me a nod before moving around me and out the doorway.

  I’d spent my entire life refusing to care about anyone, never getting too close. Those were the rules of engagement, a necessity in order to stay alive. What I didn’t want is for Valencia to lose the softness, the ingénue with big dreams of performing in front of huge crowds.

  But she was right. I would do what was necessary.

  She was my family now and for the first time in my life, I knew exactly what I wanted for the future.

  * * *

  Family.

  I couldn’t get the word out of my mind as I drove to the meeting spot of John’s choice. A twenty-four-hour diner that would prevent a war from erupting. The instructions had been clear. Bring two men and no more. There would be no guns or other weapons, merely a conversation among enemies.

  Cordero and Enrique had accompanied me, making a basic sweep of the parking lot before I exited the vehicle. They would remain outside, much like the two soldiers from the Rivera organization.

  “John,” I said as I walked in, clearly able to see Santiago in the furthest booth.

  “Hold on. It’s not that I don’t trust you, Miguel,” John said, stopping me.

  I held out my arms, allowing him to pat me down. “No problem, John. This is your meeting.”

  He rose to his full height, giving me an odd look that I couldn’t read. When he moved to the side, he exhaled.

  There were two other customers in the diner, along with what appeared to be one waitress and likely a cook in the back. This was an excellent place for a quiet meeting. I held out my hand, allowing a friendly shake before sliding into the booth.

  John grabbed one of the chairs, pull
ing it closer.

  “Why don’t you get some coffee, Miguel? You look like you could use it,” Santiago suggested, lifting his own mug.

  “I think I’ll pass. I have enough acid in my stomach tonight. Why don’t we cut to the chase? You created a plan years ago to take down my father. The why is something we’re going to get to in just a few minutes. Part of that plan was to make promises to people I’d originally trusted. You struck a deal with at least one of my employees to take down two of my boats, subsequently cleaning up the loose ends, including killing Kostya Mulin. I took out the Maker, which I doubt you anticipated. You made it look like you were heading up the East Coast, possibly attempting to take over a portion of the Philadelphia Bratva, when in fact, that was merely a ploy to throw me off.” A portion of what I was saying I didn’t necessarily believe, but I could tell by the look in Santiago’s eyes that I’d hit on certain truths.

  “Please go on,” Santiago said. “This is fascinating.”

  “I fell into your game with regard to Valencia. You never gave a shit about her music, but when she had the opportunity to come to Miami, you jumped at the chance. I was curious why she didn’t have bodyguards at the fashion show, but now I know why. You had every intention of allowing me to take her. In fact, you pushed us together. Enjoy her for one night. You knew I couldn’t say no.”

  Santiago chuckled and glanced toward John. “What a tall tale.”

  I turned my head slowly, glancing at John. He didn’t seem fazed in any manner. “What I can’t figure out is what business you had with my father years ago. Whatever it was, he doesn’t remember it fondly. Perhaps it’s because he realized that you couldn’t be trusted.” I took a deep breath and slipped the envelope from my jacket. “But going so low as to actually have someone go after your own daughter is unacceptable.”

  Santiago narrowed his eyes, a look of near horror crossing his face. “I may be many things, Miguel, but I would never put my daughter in harm’s way. Even with you I knew she’d be safe and possibly live a better life. I want her happy. When I saw you two together, I knew that I was right. I know my daughter and through your father, I believe I know about you. You will respect her and in time, grow to love her.”

  “Jesus. You arranged this with my father. Didn’t you?” I was forced to swallow hard. “Jesus Christ. What the hell did you two cook up all those years ago and why?”

  “Is it so wrong to want something more for your daughter?” he asked, such conviction in his tone.

  “Not wrong, Santiago, just jaded. She should be allowed to choose.” I shook my head after saying the words. I’d taken her against her will, forced her into a relationship. I was no better than her father.

  Or my father.

  “You will be good together, Miguel. I believe that, and I never wanted to hurt Valencia. She means the world to me.”

  The comment and his reaction seemed genuine, another freaking clue to a puzzle that seemed to have no end. My thoughts drifted to her belief that I’d been the original target. “Who are your enemies, Santiago? Could one of them have something to do with the assassination attempt?”

  He seemed flustered, his face reddening. “I don’t know.”

  I slapped my hand on the table, the sound jarring. “Bullshit!”

  “Whoa, Miguel. Just calm down,” John hissed.

  I twisted my neck back and forth as I took a deep breath. “Yes, you do know. Tell me.”

  “Both our families have enemies, Miguel. You’ve known many in your time serving your father. I kept my end of the bargain. I am not responsible for hijacking your boats. I wouldn’t do that to either you or your father. I do have respect for Carlos and for John. Even my own shipments have been destroyed, including some last year. I thought my men had it under control, but I was wrong.”

  “You’re trying to tell me that whoever is destroying our party favors is targeting both our families?” I asked, having never considered the thought. I couldn’t buy it.

  “That’s exactly what he’s saying, Miguel,” John answered.

  “Remember that some enemies enjoy being open about their animosity, truly honorable opponents. Others are not that way, preferring to hide in the shadows like cowards.”

  I was surprised to see just how uncomfortable Santiago was. “You’re suggesting you have no idea who’s doing this.”

  Santiago nodded. “That’s why I remained here against your wishes. To find out who the hell thinks they can deceive me.”

  I sat back, rubbing my forehead before finally pushing the envelope over the table. “Does this look familiar to you?”

  John looked back and forth between us, darting a glance over his shoulder to make certain we weren’t being observed. The moment Santiago tugged the pictures out into the open, I heard an audible groan.

  “Where did you get these?” Santiago hissed under his breath.

  “My father, although there was no explanation. I assume that he’s blackmailing you for murdering the president’s son almost forty years ago. I certainly don’t know the circumstances, but I guess that doesn’t matter any longer. I simply need to know the terms of the deal.” While neither man said anything, they were both beginning to sweat.

  And neither seemed eager to talk.

  A full minute ticked by.

  Then two.

  My patience in the toilet, I pulled out the picture I’d also brought of Rodriguez to gather Santiago’s reaction. At first there was none, then he yanked it closer.

  “Where did you get this?” he demanded.

  “You mean one of dozens of photographs of men you murdered?” I asked almost casually.

  John leaned in, glancing down. “What are you talking about?”

  “I have a friend who supplied an envelope full of bloody pictures; horrific scenes of families that Santiago and his men have taken out. This just happens to be the one man his daughter fell in love with. Now she knows the truth about you, Rivera.”

  “I didn’t kill Rodriguez,” Santiago said defiantly.

  “Maybe not, but you had one of your minions take care of it,” I said quietly, growing weary of the lies.

  He shook his head several times. “I did not want that man to date my daughter. That is true. He was true scum that I managed to buy off. I watched him leave the country. There was no reason for me to kill him.”

  “Unless he didn’t keep his end of the bargain.”

  “What does this matter, Miguel? We need to figure out who’s attempting to muscle in on both our organizations.” John kept his tone even.

  Now I wished I had a scotch in front of me. A Bombay and tonic just wouldn’t take off the edge. “Let’s assume you’re telling me the truth, Rivera, then who the hell is attempting to do this?”

  “I have an idea,” he said quietly, pushing the pictures back in my direction. “You’re going to have to trust me.”

  “Trust.” I laughed. Maybe it was the late hour, but I almost bought his story. “As you can imagine, there is no such thing in our worlds.”

  “But there is respect and I hold your father in the highest esteem,” Santiago insisted.

  “Even after he’s blackmailed you all these years?” I asked, not expecting an answer. “I find that hard to believe. However, that does bring us to the question of why my father would enter into any kind of deal with the likes of you.”

  John placed his hand on my arm, forcing me to look down before giving him a hard stare.

  “Miguel, there are some aspects of the past that you should hear from Carlos,” John said, offering a slight smile. “We knew each other a long time ago. There was a kind of group of us when we were much younger who met in private. We often made certain deals together.” He glanced up at Santiago, who actually smiled.

  “What are you saying?” I demanded, tired of the bullshit but once again returning to the conversation I’d had with my father, including his sadness.

  They both laughed, a moment shared. “You forget that various organized syndicates h
ave been through several generations. There was an alliance formed years ago, powerful young men who gathered together in secret to offer support or muscle as necessary. We believed that we could run the families much better than our fathers. Our arrogance and stupidity soon caused disillusionment and eventually we abandoned the idea.” Santiago’s words were... fascinating.

  An alliance. I had to laugh inside.

  “Your father allowed me to be a part of it,” John said. “That’s why I could never be disloyal to him. Have I had two conversations with Santiago since he’s been in town? Absolutely. With your father being ill, he asked me to try and find out what I could. He knew you wouldn’t understand why Santiago could possibly be trusted. The rest you’re going to have to get from your father.”

  “This doesn’t make any sense,” I half whispered, but in truth, I was floored with the notion they’d once worked together, just like the Sons of Darkness. “Who else was in this group?”

  “We all promised secrecy and anonymity,” John insisted.

  “You think that’s important,” Santiago added.

  I had to be crazy to think I could trust him, but it would easy to corroborate whether Santiago had shipments destroyed. “I do. I’m going to venture a guess that somehow your alliance was discovered, and everyone involved is a target, although they’re pitting one against the other.”

  Santiago’s eyes opened up wide. “You are as brilliant as your father always said you were. I will contact them and find out.”

  “All right. This idea of yours, you need to follow through on it quickly. I have a feeling that it’s coming to a head very soon,” I directed, still uncertain what to believe.

  “That I will do,” Santiago confirmed, giving me a respectful nod.

  “What about the president’s son? How did he die and why does it seem to be such an important event?” I glanced back and forth, waiting.

  “I think that’s something you’re going to have to ask your father,” John said before taking a sip of his coffee.

  I felt drained, exhausted from the games. When I heard my phone, my instinct was on high alert. Castillo. Getting his side of the story could prove to be interesting. “I need to take this. We will talk again in twenty-four hours. No less. If I find out you’re fucking with me, Rivera, I will stop at nothing to destroy your world.” I walked away before answering the phone. “Yes?”