Chapter 11

Styx

I'd never been considered a tolerant man, and was becoming less so the more I was pushed by the bastard wanting something he wasn't going to get.

"You will do what you were hired to do," Zeus barked.

I laughed, trying to rein in the rage that was threatening to derail my joyous evening. "You should learn that threatening me will only result in your death and those of your colleagues. Besides, Liam. I didn't accept the contract. However, I understand you're considering hiring an inferior person for the job. I'm here to advise you not to do that."

"And you better learn how powerful we are if you want to keep breathing."

"Do not call me on this number again. Our business has been concluded. I will contact you if and when I desire. You forget who my father was, Liam. You don't seem to embrace that you've already crossed a line with me."

Why was I allowing the idiot to get under my skin? Maybe because no one threatened me. No one. If they wanted to live.

My growl was met with silence. I'd noticed in the reflection as the moonlight streamed in through the window my angel had run for it, which was exactly what I'd anticipated her doing. In fact, I'd hoped that she would because that would show me her level of spunk and spontaneity that I wasn't intending on breaking.

While I would have her compliance, her full surrender to me eventually, what fun was a hunt without precocious prey?

"If you can't handle the job," he tossed back, "then I will get someone else."

"As I advised, that's not in your best interest to do," I told him. If he believed he was going to push me into killing the woman I'd grown to adore, the fucker had another think coming. Adding a freebie murder onto my list of conquests wasn't out of the realm of possibilities. He didn't want to continue crossing me. The babbling sound he made indicated his disagreement with my choice. Too bad. He wasn't in charge.

"You fucker. You agreed to the job. I will kill you."

His ridiculous statement made me laugh. I wasn't known for tolerating such bullshit. I was a soulless, unrepentant bastard and everyone knew it. That's how I'd built my reputation. The fact Liam was pushing meant he was hiding something. The game had just shifted into something that interested me.

Maybe I would learn to enjoy the bloodbath of war once again.

"You are completely aware I didn't agree at all. And I assure you, Liam, that if you dare try and invade my territory under any circumstances, not only will you fail, you will then face the kind of nightmare that will leave you begging for your early death. I know everything about your new wife, your son and daughter, your niece, and every other member of your family. I know the little minions who fawn over your every word, learning their weaknesses as well. I will take them out one by one if necessary until you learn the error of your ways. And I will do so before you know what's happening." Those hiring me didn't appreciate having their names thrown in their faces. It was my way of letting the bastard know I knew everything about both him and his partner.

And in truth, I had a belief the contract had been offered for an entirely different reason than I'd been led to believe. It was something I would determine. And when I did, if I'd been lied to, the two men would suffer long before I allowed them to die.

He was completely befuddled. "Fuck you. Touch my family and you will…"

As I'd known my entire life. Every man had a weakness.

"Be very careful what you say to me. That's the last warning I'll bother giving you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a guest for the evening, an ongoing hunt that I must return to. Do not call this number again." I ended the conversation, tossing my phone on the counter and wiping my hands on my apron. I allowed a few juicy images of my sparrow before yanking them from my head. I couldn't help but grin given the girl's tenacity, her determination to elude me.

As if that was possible.

I headed to the back door, taking a few seconds to enjoy the view. As I expected, she was attempting to head into the woods in her effort to escape from the darkness surrounding her. I didn't need to rush, enjoying the hunt more than I should be allowed.

After a few seconds, I finally walked outside, taking a deep whiff of the ocean air.

Then I advanced like the predator I was. She would soon learn there would never be a way of escaping the man who'd captured her body.

The one who owned her.

No one was safe from my wrath, least of all the sweet angel determined to flee.

"Run, little angel. Run. But you can't escape the only man who will ever care for you."

Emily

He was going to kill me. There was no doubt in my mind.

But only after he'd gotten what he wanted, what he'd promised earlier.

Another taste of me. His captive. His prized possession. Whoever my father had pissed off didn't understand I meant nothing to him.

Violence. Power. Wealth. Influence.

Those were the only things that meant anything to my father, or to any of the men he associated with.

I was certain I heard my captor's voice floating in the wind. The dark predator was coming for me. After racing out the front door, I quickly realized the road at the end of the driveway seemed to lead to nowhere. How far out of Boston did the man live? Once outside, I also had realized how insanely large the man's house was, at least two gigantic wings flanking the main house. My heart racing, I scanned the area, trying to figure out where to go. Then I noticed lights to the left of the massive estate and took off running.

After making my way into the forest, I refused to allow anything to stop me, coming out the other side only seconds later. I'd managed to make it to the back of his estate, the oversized back yard fading into the shadows, but the moonlight created an eerie glow. That's the moment I heard a sound that took me a few seconds to recognize.

The ocean.

My heart continued to pound as I carefully made my way forward, the moonlight illuminating a bright sky and incredible stars. And something else. A cliff. My steps were unsteady, my legs wobbly as I moved forward until I was close to the edge. As I crept even closer, the light breeze allowed the scent of the ocean water a hundred feet or so below to filter into my nostrils.

I got as close to the edge as I could stand, peering over. The light was just enough to add a shimmer to what my gut told me was a fence nestled on the rocky shore. My God. Where the hell had the bastard taken me? Just sensing his presence behind me brought a sickening wave of anguish and horror into my system. It was warm, more so than Boston. And humid. Oh, God. I was sick inside.

My monster was here, waiting for me like he'd done before, eager and hungry for a feast.

He flanked my side and I couldn't ignore my curiosity, quickly glancing in his direction. The man was holding something in his hand. He seemed relaxed as he tossed whatever it was into the air. "I own several properties throughout the world, Emily. They all have their positive attributes."

As the object plummeted its way toward the rocks below, I found myself holding my breath. A flash of bright light and a sudden spark drew my attention. An electric fence.

"In case you were curious as to why I have no obvious security system on the house, maybe now you understand," he said as he turned toward me, crowding my space. "There is no need. Granted, I do have cameras in various locations throughout my property, but my house is my sanctuary. The only way off this island is by plane, helicopter, or boat, which I do own, but I assure you that they are well protected. For my use only. You are a little fighter. I love that about you."

It wasn't his words that kept me stunned but the sound to every syllable. They were dripping with seduction instead of anger, which made me fear for my life even more than I'd felt before. He now stood in front of me, blocking my view of the ocean waters. He seemed so relaxed, as if he didn't have a care in the world. Or any fear he'd fall to his death.

How could he?

This was his island and as he'd told me, his rules.

I lifted my head, barely able to focus, but he was right in that I was determined about many things. Including the fact he wouldn't be allowed to see my escalating fear. "Who are you? Why did you do this to me? I don't know you."

He brushed his knuckles across my cheek, the touch something I hated mostly because my body instantly betrayed me. Yes, I remained on edge but the sensuality of the brush of his fingers added to the allure of the dark and powerful man. My legs were quivering, my pussy throbbing and there was no rhyme or reason as to why.

"You can call me Talon and you do know me, don't you, sweet angel? I know how aroused you were that night. I sensed the longing you felt after I'd left."

"You cleaned away the evidence. Didn't you?"

"I did what I felt necessary. Soon you will call me your master. Now, it's time that you truly begin to learn your place." He was as strong as I'd fantasized him being, tossing me over his shoulder as if I weighed nothing.

It was useless to fight him, although I couldn't seem to help myself, pounding my fists against his back as he took long but slow strides away from the edge of the cliff. I could still hear the waves crashing against the rocky shore no matter how far away he'd gone.

The drug had yet to completely wear off, hunger gnawing at my stomach so by the time he made it back to the house, I was completely exhausted. He headed into another room I'd yet to be taken in but as I lifted my head, I noticed an impressive glass and light wood desk spanning several feet. I'd been brought into the man's office and for some reason it was more oppressive than the kitchen or music room.

He lowered me onto my feet, tilting his head, his upper lip curling. When he pointed his index finger at me, I trembled and I had a feeling that's exactly what he wanted. He wasn't abusive or mean, merely placing the tip of his finger against my nose as if this was all one huge game.

"You have no idea how much danger you could have placed yourself in."

"You mean from you," I countered, sucking in my breath afterwards. At some point, I'd try his patience, which could mean he'd hurt me as I knew he was capable of doing. The second I tried to take another step away, he fisted my hair at my scalp. The pain was blinding. I slapped my hand around his wrist, trying to pull away but that only made him smile even wider.

He laughed as if I'd just told a fabulous joke. "Of course. As I told you before, I'm not the kind of man who will accept anyone disobeying the rules, but as I was certain you'd feel the need to challenge me and your new surroundings, I will go easy on you this time. This time only, Emily. I'm not the kind of man who likes to being fucked with. You need to keep in mind that bad girls who defy me get punished. Do you hear me?"

While stating the last few words, the change in his demeanor was evident, the flash of darkness in his eyes as evil as I thought he was. "Fuck you. Fuck you!" His hold on my hair only tightened, twisting until I was driven to my knees between his legs. He forced me to look at him, the man lording his power over me like some ancient god.

"I don't want to discipline you, but I will if necessary. You can make your stay here one of sheer joy or utter agony. Now, I'd prefer partaking in the pleasure of pleasing you, but I also enjoy inflicting pain. That's something you'll come to understand. As for now, I'm simply going to spank you like the bad little girl you are." His jaw was clenched, the coldness in his demeanor and his touch enough to create a series of shivers.

"If you're going to kill me, just get it over with." The lump in my throat grew in size, no longer just a golf ball but an orange. I wondered when it would become a grapefruit.

As the smile returned to his face, as I'd seen before, he lit the room with spark and fire, his desire for me even more evident than it had been. He rolled the rough pad of his finger down the bridge of my nose.

"I have no intention of killing you." I was certain he was going to force me to suck his cock. Instead, he pulled me to my feet, taking a deep breath.

"Why not? Isn't that what bastards like you do for fun?" It was as if I'd insulted his manhood, his expression souring.

"Now, unless you'd like to experience a harsh punishment, I suggest you stop your antics right now." He shoved his thumb against my pursed lips, expecting me to open my mouth.

Fuck him.

"Suck my finger, little angel. Show me what a good girl you can be." Everything about him was darker, angrier. Unhinged. "Do it!"

I shivered violently as his voice deepened. But I opened my mouth, fighting tears as he forced me to suck on his thumb. The taste was of butter and whiskey, pine and something else. I struggled to keep the tears from flowing, hating myself for losing control. He pushed it in and out, finger fucking my mouth while he carried a look of utter amusement. Why was this strangely arousing?

The man commanded power as well as the surrender of anyone he considered inferior. He was also the kind of man that would catch every woman's attention when he walked into a room. His scar didn't matter. It added to his sexy and dangerous appeal. There was also something about his arrogance and state of confidence that was as attractive as his chiseled jaw and muscular body.

The man vibrated with malevolent energy, the electricity crackling like the storms when he'd visited me. He was enjoying breaking me a little bit at a time, making me think I was losing my mind. I was incensed, furious. Yet aroused. The combination was horrific.

It hit me that the man was a hired killer, a highly skilled assassin. I'd paid attention to my father's ruthless world, overhearing countless conversations even when I hadn't wanted to. I doubted Talon had lied about that, but his power came from something other than contract kills. He knew too much about my father. And about me. Who was he really and why had he been driven into my life?

"That's a good girl. I will so enjoy you sucking my cock."

I couldn't help myself, biting down with enough ferocity he yelped, yanking his arm away and acting as if he was going to backhand me.

I stood in defiance, daring him to do so.

When he cupped my face instead, I had a feeling he would break my neck. But he didn't, stroking me lovingly instead.

"So we're able to enjoy the rest of our evening, my sweet angel, I feel the need to get your punishment over with. Remove your dress and lean over my desk while I find the perfect implement to help you remember not to cross me."

There was no way I was going to stand for this. He said we were on an island but I wasn't certain I could believe him. I had to try one more time to get out of his clutches. But as soon as I lunged toward the door, he grabbed my arm within a split second, spinning me around and clamping his fingers around my throat.

He pushed his thumb under my chin, the action immediately creating a wave of suffocation. His nostrils were flared, his entire body tense and I stared at him, as if I was witnessing the unraveling of a man in total control to one of complete and utter madness. I was certain he was going to start frothing at the mouth.

His entire body was shaking, his face red from the level of rage. I sensed he was struggling to gain control, but it only took a few seconds before the knowing smile returned. He squeezed my neck, lowering his head until his words were said in a whisper. "Why do you continue to push my buttons, Emily? Do you really think you're going to accomplish anything worthwhile?"

I couldn't answer, the moment of suffocation continuing. He pulled me onto my toes, shaking me slightly. As if a reminder I was a ragdoll or a toy to be played with and kept in a special locked box.

When he let off the pressure, I was able to shake my head. As he'd done before, he kissed me on the forehead. "Good girl. We'll call what just happened a misunderstanding and nothing more. Now, remove your dress or I'll be forced to. And you really don't want me to do that."

He rubbed my lips with his thumb before backing away. I watched as he walked toward the cabinet, taking a deep breath before he opened the two doors.

"You said you needed to protect me. Who wants me dead?"

"I already told you. Some men your father wronged."

"That could be anyone."

He laughed. "That's very true. Your father is a reprehensible man."

"Not as much as some men. You killed people I cared about."

"And you don't think your father has done that as well?"

"Of course not!" But I knew better. "At least not directly."

"Very good, sweet angel. Your father is really no different than I am, but he hides behind his acts while I choose to embrace the darkness I was taught at a young age."

I remained tense as I walked to his desk. I wasn't getting out of the harsh punishment. Yet my fingers were shaking as much as the rest of me. "My father is entirely different. He's a…"

"Were you going to say a good man? I don't think so. He's swindled millions of dollars from clients, extorted from others. And he'd used blackmail to get what he wants dozens of times. And I'm fully aware he's done other despicable things."

The horrible man was doing everything in his power to discredit my father. "Just stop. Just stop it. I can't take any more of your lies." I ripped the dress over my head, allowing the anger furrowing inside of me to breach the surface. Why was I pushing so hard? I knew the score with my dad better than anyone. Because that's the way my mother had raised me.

I stood where I was, folding one arm over my breasts, fanning my fingers in front of my smooth pussy. I'd never felt so helpless or vulnerable in my life.

"You know I'm not lying. Lie across my desk and grip the other side."

"Why did someone want me dead?" I did as he asked, trembling in time to his footsteps as he walked closer.

"To have your father pay the ultimate price."

Now, I laughed. "I don't think my father would have cared very much."

He stopped his movements altogether. "Why would you say that? I'm certain your father loves you very much."

"No, I'm pretty certain he doesn't."

My statement didn't surprise him in the least. It was a few seconds before he started walking again, finally moving behind me. When he leaned over, he placed the implement he'd selected inches away from my face. Oh, my God. A cane? He was kidding me. Wasn't he?

"Understood, my angel. As I said to you before. You're safe with me and now have a very happy home."

The man wasn't just deranged. He was psychotic in every way. As he rubbed the slender piece of blonde wood down my spine, I clawed the underside of his desk, wanting to smash the thick glass into thousands of pieces, and use them to gouge out his eyeballs. I'd find a way to do that one day.

He slipped the thin reed into the crack of my ass before tapping it on my bottom not once but twice. "This should prove an effective measure of your obedience."

It was as if everything coming from his mouth was structured, practiced. For all the passion he exuded, he was also rigid, and the combination was very strange. I was contemplating why I was thinking that when the first cracks were issued across both sides of my bottom three times in rapid succession. I jerked up, slamming my hands into the glass surface so hard they ached.

He pressed his hand on the small of my back, guiding me down firmly. "It will hurt, Emily, but that will do you some good."

"In whose world?"

"You're so adorable. In mine of course, which is now yours as well."

"You really are a son of a bitch."

My nasty comment was met with a volley of brutal strikes against my bottom, the man's perfect timing as if counting off beats like a metronome. I was stunned into disbelief, remembering the vivid dream from weeks before.

Or had it been?

Maybe he was truly supernatural, his abilities and darkness transcending time and space.

I fisted my hands. There was no chance of making sense of what was happening any more than I could with a dream that I'd endured.

"Just stay in position, my angel. I don't think you want me to start over again."

With my eyes clenched shut, I held my breath, the agony biting. I'd never felt anything so painful in my entire life, but I refused to cry out. Nope. He wasn't getting any satisfaction from me.

The spanking was long and arduous, the man humming as he brought the cane down time and time again. I lost count of just how many strokes he gave me, my mind blown by the fact I was here, voluntarily lying across his desk. My breath was so hot it developed a layer of steam on the surface and for some reason, the sight of it made me laugh.

He stopped what he was doing, sliding the reed between my legs. "You're wet for me."

"I don't think so."

As if to prove me wrong, he shifted the implement past my pussy lips, rubbing up and down. The sensations were electrifying, so much so it was impossible to keep from reacting, the scattered moan slipping past my lips telling the tale of my full arousal.

"Your pussy lips are glistening. My hungry little baby. Don't worry. Soon you'll have everything you crave." He continued rubbing me, driving me crazy with his actions.

I couldn't seem to stop panting, the rushing desire more intense than it had been the night in my room. I raked my nails down the glass surface, fighting the urge to retaliate.

Yet when he slipped his fingers deep inside my tight channel, the ragged moan I issued was met with a deep, penetrating exhale.

"Yes, it will be a delicious joy to fuck you all over again. Are you ready, my angel? Are you prepared for the next phase of your life?"

"What does that mean? What happens now?"

"Now, I'm going to fuck you."