by B. B. Hamel
“Oh, I know. You won’t leave me alone. You’ll hound me for sex constantly. You’re an insatiable animal.”
“Damn right. And you’ll gobble up every ounce of pleasure I lavish on you.” He kissed me and I fell into it.
Blood coated the ground at our feet. Corpses grew hot in the sun. In the distance, police were screaming closer.
We’d have to leave in a moment.
But I wanted to hold on to this. My Kaspar in my arms. My love, blossoming into the future.
I didn’t want to forget a single detail.
We pulled apart. Redmond stood nearby and cleared his throat, grinning. “You two done?”
“Just about,” Kaspar said.
“Before you start fucking on top of all this gore, we need to finish a conversation from earlier.”
Kaspar sighed and turned to Redmond. “Yes, we do.”
“Will you trust me to handle our problem?”
“I thought you were already doing that.”
“Kaspar.”
He waved a hand. “Do whatever you think is best.”
“Good. Consider it done.” Redmond winked at me. “Invite me to the wedding. I bet it’ll be a smash.” He stalked off, shouting orders to his men to gather everything up and roll out.
“What’s he talking about, your problem?” I asked, genuinely confused.
Kaspar ran a hand through his hair. “Your sister. Erin.”
I felt rooted to the ground. “I thought you were giving her a family now.”
“I can’t do that. You know I can’t.”
“But Kaspar—”
He looked at me, his face exhausted. “I won’t hurt her and I don’t think Redmond plans to either. I’m not sure what he thinks he’ll do to keep her under control, but I’m washing my hands of it. I have you and I want to focus on you.”
I blew out a breath and hugged him. “All right. So long as I never have to hear about her again.”
“I promise, I’ll do my best to keep her away.” He led me back across the street toward the cars. The cop sirens were getting louder. “Now let’s leave before we have some uncomfortable conversations with local law enforcement.”
We got into the back of the armored SUV and the driver pulled out.
I sat close to Kaspar. I held his hand and felt giddy.
Like I did back in college.
Kaspar brought that out of me. I had a future now. I wasn’t stuck, wasn’t left rotting in a pretty cage.
Kaspar would free me, bit by bit.
I leaned my head on his shoulder.
32
Penny
Three Months Later
Somewhere in the Caribbean
I lounged back and watched the ocean lap against the sand. Nearby birds sang in the trees and the wind blew over my body in a slow cooling mist. I smiled and stretched.
“Another drink, Penny?”
The staff member smiled at me. I grinned back and shook my head. She was young, with thick, curly dark hair and an easy, comfortable manner.
“No, thanks, Jannah. Did you see my husband back in the house?”
“He’s on his way out.”
“Thank you.”
She grinned and walked off. She’d sit in the nearby cabana and look at her phone until I needed her for something. Before I got here, Kaspar was strict with his employees—but I liked to make their lives a little easier if I could. He complained that they were extremely well-paid already and I was just going to make them lazy, but I would rather a bunch of happy, lazy staff than bitter ones.
Kaspar joined me after a few more quiet, comfortable minutes. The private beach was an oasis in the middle of nowhere. The nearest town was an hour drive away, and I still smiled to myself. I couldn’t believe I ever thought I’d be able to swim there.
He sat down in the chair next to mine and reached out. I took his hand and turned my head. He gazed at me with that intense, loving expression, looking at my body like he was seeing it for the first time. Ever since we came here after what happened with Maeve, he’d been insatiable, and each night was like the first time all over again. I was sore, spent, and completely, utterly happy.
We got married on the fourth day. He surprised me with a ring and ushered me to a quiet, private ceremony in front of a local priest. He swore he’d throw me an enormous wedding and party if that’s what I wanted, but I had no need for any of that.
I had a ring, I had my husband, and I had my future. That was all I cared about.
“Busy day today?” I asked.
He sighed, massaging my palm. “Always busy. Whenever I’m here, it’s like the real world follows.”
“They need guidance. It’s the curse of being an Oligarch.”
“Sometimes I wish they’d run my businesses by themselves. I hired good people for a reason.”
“Quit complaining.” I playfully slapped his hand and he grinned at me.
“You’re never easy on me, are you?”
“You wouldn’t like it if I was.”
“That’s true.” He leaned across the space and kissed my neck. I smiled, leaning into him, before he pulled away. His fingers continued to knead my knuckles. “Your mother called again.”
I didn’t look at him. The ocean was so pretty. I loved the way the sunlight glinted on its surface. I liked the birds diving down to catch their dinner and the shells lining the otherwise untouched beach.
“Penny,” Kaspar said and stopped his hand massage. “You can’t ignore her forever.”
“I disagree.”
“She’s your mother.”
“I know.”
“Penny.”
I gave him a hard look. “Do you talk to your family all the time?”
“No, but—”
“Then don’t expect me to do something you don’t even do yourself.”
He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “It’s not that simple and you know it. She’s got a direct line to Erin. If we can get in touch—”
“I’m not doing it.”
He nodded slowly and gave me a lazy, beautiful smile. I wanted to be mad at him but I understood his reasoning.
Erin disappeared with Chika after Maeve died. Nobody knew where she was. Even Darren seemed at a total loss. Kaspar was sure my mother still spoke with her, but I didn’t care enough to try to find out.
They weren’t my problem anymore. Let them fight. They could leave me out of it.
But as tempting as that was, the news I got earlier in the day changed things.
I stood up, stretching, and held out a hand. “Come with me.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Are you taking me somewhere as a punishment?”
“No, not this time. But you’re on thin ice.”
He laughed and got to his feet. Kaspar didn’t stand so much as unfurl his massive body. He moved with a liquid grace that I envied.
We held hands and walked along the ocean. The wet sand was warm and squishy under my toes. The water lapped up along our ankles, and the breeze blew back my hair. Kaspar smiled, at ease, confident. I loved the way he acted here, without a care in the world. This was my husband without the trappings of his office.
Back in the real world, he wore his Oligarchy like armor. He was a cold man, filled with ice. But here, alone on a small island nestled deep in the Caribbean, he could just be mine.
“We’ve talked about starting something together,” I said, looking at his full lips and sparkling eyes. “Do you still want that?”
“I’m not sure what you mean. Maybe try being less cryptic.”
My stomach did flips. “Do you still want to start a family?”
He paused and pulled me against him. “Of course I do. Why would I change my mind?”
“I don’t know. Kids are hard. They’ll complicate things.”
“I understand that. But I love you and I want to fill the world with your babies.”
I grinned and kissed his chin. I stopped walking and took a deep breath before slowl
y letting it out. “Kaspar, I’m pregnant.”
His eyes widened and a grin split his face in two. “You’re joking.”
“Jannah got me the tests and I took them this morning.”
He shouted with pure delight and picked me up into a massive hug. I laughed, unable to help myself. I was terrified—so scared that this would mean all my freedom would slip from my fingers—but I trusted Kaspar. We’d make this work together, as equal partners.
He put me down and kissed me.
“That was the reaction I wanted,” I said, smiling despite all my fear. Kaspar had that effect on me.
“I can’t begin to describe how happy I am. Penny, I love you with so much it hurts, and I’m going to love our child just as much.”
“I know you will. I love you too.” I touched his cheek and blinked back tears. “Can we stay here? For a few more months at least. I don’t want to have my baby on the island, but I want some more time.”
“As long as you want.” He kissed my fingers. “I’ll fly a doctor in while we’re here, and when you’re ready to head back to the States, we’ll get on my private plane. Whatever you want. I’m all yours.”
“And I’m all yours, too.” I shook my head and he wiped away the tears. “I love you. I don’t feel like I deserve any of this.”
“You do, Penny. You deserve more than I can give you, but I’ll try anyway.” He hugged me one more time. “God, I’m so happy right now. How do you do it?”
“I really don’t know.”
“You’re a dream. Now come on, you sexy little thing. I want to see if I can get you pregnant again.” He slapped my ass hard then tugged me back to the house.
“Kaspar, you’re insane.”
“And you’re beautiful. I want to rip that bikini off you and I don’t feel like waiting.”
“Let’s at least go inside.”
He pulled me along and I laughed, looking up at his face, at my love, my stalker, my husband, my monster, my future. He gave me life, gave me love, and gave me pleasure, so much pleasure.
The real world lurked on the edges of the island.
But I didn’t care. I had my Kaspar.
And soon, I’d have my baby.
Epilogue: Erin
Six Months Later
Chicago
I shoved my shoulder against a cold iron door. The hinges were rusty and they screeched as they gave way. I smelled dust and ozone. Chika stood silently behind me as I stepped into the room, found a light switch, and turned it on.
“Say what you want about Maeve, but I liked her.” I took a few more steps into the dusty storage space.
Guns were lined up along the walls. Rifles, pistols, shotguns. Body armor was stacked in a corner. Explosives were left nestled along a shelving unit. Each item was meticulously placed and covered with a very thin layer of dust—but in Maeve’s day, likely would’ve been pristine.
“This makes ten,” Chika said. “What do you think she was arming herself for?”
“Exactly what happened.” I turned and beamed at Chika. “Add it to the collection.”
Chika bowed her head, but her eyes were distant.
I’d have to do something about her sooner or later. She was loyal now, but it wouldn’t last. One day I’d find a knife in my back, and Chika’s hand would be at the other end.
For now, she was useful. I patted her shoulder as I walked past, up a sloping staircase, and through a trap door in the kitchen of an Italian food restaurant in a bad neighborhood south of downtown.
My men swarmed the place. I had precious few, but they were fierce and loyal. The money I skimmed from the Servant stockpile would last me a few more months, but if I didn’t find a new cashflow soon, I’d start bleeding talent.
I couldn’t have that.
“Miss Erin.” James stood with his back straight and his eyes shining. He was my most loyal captain. I found him in the gutter and gave him a job when I began building my family, and he’d been my best fighter ever since.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, tilting my head and giving him a stare.
That look never failed to wilt him.
He looked down at the ground. I was half his size and yet he acted like I was a beast ten feet tall.
“There’s a man outside that wants to speak with you.”
My eyebrows raised. I was at a tiny, craphole spot in a worthless neighborhood. Nobody should’ve known I was anywhere near this place.
It was one of Maeve’s spots before she got a bullet in her head. There were lots of them scattered all over Chicago. Since Kaspar wasn’t following through with his promise to fund my rise, I decided to take matters into my own hands and began dismantling and taking over Maeve’s stashes. It was a slow, painstaking process, but I grew with every passing week.
If only they’d kept cash handy, my life would be a lot easier.
“Who is it?”
“He says his name is Redmond.”
I felt a stab in my guts. “Show me.”
James took me outside. Redmond stood alone across the street leaning against a street sign. He smiled and waved when he saw me.
I guessed he had men on the roofs and hidden in nearby houses. There was no way Redmond was dumb enough to come here alone.
“Miss Erin, I don’t think you should go over there. I don’t like this man.”
“If he wanted me dead, I’d be dead.” I strode across the street and stopped on the sidewalk, my arms crossed over my chest.
Redmond looked me up and down. His smile grew bigger.
I hated the stupid, brainless bastard.
He looked at me like everyone else did. Like I was some little, pretty flower.
Weak. Worthless.
He wouldn’t be the first man to underestimate me, and he wouldn’t be the last.
“Erin Servant, as I live and breathe. You disappeared there for a while.”
“Redmond. How did you find me?”
He shrugged and inspected his fingers. Redmond was a handsome man, I’d give him that, and I’d heard rumors about him recently.
Bloody, black rumors.
“You left a trail. I followed it.”
“There’s no trail.”
“You’ve been traipsing around this city stealing guns and hiring mercenaries. You really thought I wouldn’t track you down eventually?”
“I thought Darren or Roman or Kaspar might, but not you.”
His expression darkened and he let out a long sigh. “You know, I saved your life months back.”
“Saved my life? I highly doubt that.” My men began loading the stolen guns and armor into a truck. I had approximately six minutes before we had to leave. Better wrap this conversation up quickly.
“Kaspar wanted you dead. He came to me and asked me to do it.”
That caught my attention.
Kaspar was wily. I never trusted him, but I needed him all the same. He performed admirably, but he refused my ultimate prize.
Which I had anticipated. While I ran interference with Darren, I was busy establishing my backup plan. Once Maeve was dead, I slipped away from the manor with Chika and began to amass my own power.
I never actually thought Kaspar would help, but it would’ve been nice.
“Why didn’t you do it?”
Redmond smiled again, but this one was darker, blacker. His eyes roamed along my body and lingered on my lips.
“I like you. I didn’t want to see you dead.”
“What a nice sentiment. What do you want, Redmond?”
“I’m here to make you an offer.”
I tried not to laugh. I couldn’t imagine what this halfwit could possibly have that I wanted.
Aside from the power of an Oligarch, of course, but that wasn’t on the table.
“Make it fast. I have to move in four minutes.”
“I know what you want, Erin. Maeve’s family is in shambles right now. She had no heir and her cousins are fighting over the fortune. They’re weak. They can be exploited.�
��
I cocked my head. I knew all that already. I was gathering an army for exactly that reason.
“And your point?”
“I will give you Maeve’s family. I’ll make you the Oligarch you’ve always dreamed of.”
I stared at him then laughed.
The idea was absurd. Redmond Bernhard, give me an Oligarchy? There was no way he’d ever do that. I’d become his rival, and he was too much of a coward to raise me up onto an equal playing field.
“I’m sorry, but I find it hard to believe.”
His family was wry. “I’m not lying. I’ll give you Maeve’s family and wealth. We’ll have to kill a few of her cousins but—” He waved a hand like it was no big deal.
“What do you get?”
“I get you.” He took a step closer.
I took a step back.
I went very still.
I’d met Redmond once or twice in my life. At gatherings, formal affairs. He was always quiet and reserved, and rarely ventured out of his father’s shadow. We were young back then, but I remembered speaking to him one night, talking about our lives, smiling together, laughing. We were teenagers. Young and stupid.
But maybe he never forgot.
Now, he looked at me like he remembered a lot more than I’d like.
“Redmond. Explain. And quickly.”
“I will give you Maeve’s title and power, and you will marry me. We’ll unite our two houses and dominate the Oligarchs. Can you imagine it, Erin? The power of two Oligarch families?”
My mouth fell open.
It wasn’t unheard of. Oligarch families intermarried all the time.
But never two heads of an Oligarch family. Always minor members. Second sons, third daughters. Hostages, essentially. To keep the peace.
This was something different.
It was something dangerous.
I smiled at him.
Redmond was a handsome man. He was strong and fierce.
But I was smarter.
It was a game.
We could play together, and in the end, I’d come out on top.
“I’ll consider your proposal,” I said as carefully as I could.
“Consider it quickly. From what I’ve learned, you’re running out of money, and I have a feeling your men aren’t as loyal as you want them to be.”