Chapter 16

Daniel

Having power had certain responsibilities and it often came with a hefty price tag including the loss of family and friends. I wasn't the kind of man who gave a shit about people in general. They were just cogs in a machine, often nothing more than a hindrance. However, there had been times when the most unassuming individuals had provided information necessary for a mission's success.

Even if they'd had no intention of providing it.

This was one of those times.

The threat had been real, but the single incident had also been the beginning of a story, and it was my responsibility to unlock the riddle held inside a padlocked box. That's what my instinct was telling me, although I wasn't certain why. I moved from the window overlooking the garden, realizing that I also wasn't the kind of man to overlook the obvious, which was that Ronin had orchestrated the assassination attempt all on his own.

Or so I'd wanted to believe. I wasn't entirely certain since my attempt at having a nice long chat with Liam for a second time had failed, the man disappearing. He'd simply faded into the shadows. Now I was left feeling like a fucking fool, the family's reputation taking a hit.

That wasn't the only thing remaining on my mind.

Maria.

The draw to her was both electrifying and crippling. The combination was destructive, yet I couldn't get her out of my system. What was it they said about when opposites were attracted like moths to a flame? Fireworks. In our case, it was more like explosives ready to go off given the hair triggers.

I'd left her locked in her room for another twenty-four hours as an additional form of punishment, only allowing my employee to bring her breadsticks, a single apple, and bottles of water for nourishment. I'd refused to see or talk to her, had tried to push the beauty out of my mind while I'd scoured the streets of Kansas City to learn information and hunt down the bastards responsible.

I'd failed miserably on both counts, storming back home and throwing a tantrum like some fucked-up kid. It was as if I'd become the sick fuck I'd been at eighteen, before civility had returned. Now I knew there was no escaping the past and who I was and there was no denying the pulse of life and new surge of excitement was all because of the stunning raven-haired beauty.

Christ.

She was supposed to mean nothing to me, but here I was watching her like some primal beast lurking in the shadows. I flexed my hand, not even satisfied that I'd beaten two men for denying me information. My hand ached, which was what I deserved.

Maria remained sleeping, the rise and fall of her chest indicating she was resting peacefully. I moved to the chair near the bed, sitting down then crossing my legs. I'd been here for almost two hours, resisting waking her so I could defile her luscious body all over again. She deserved what little peace I could provide.

Was there such a thing as stalking your own wife?

Maybe so since the statement I'd uttered after spanking her had been completely true, brutally so. We knew nothing about each other. I'd never wanted to get to know a woman I was dating. What I learned over the years was that most women needed to feel wanted.

I grabbed the bottle of whiskey I'd brought with me, pouring another half glass, resisting pitching it across the room.

I could certainly understand women were entirely different than men, requiring more hand holding and romance. Who didn't crave being the object of someone's desire? It was a natural instinct in most human behavior, even if I was only but so human. How many times had I been called a beast over the years? More times than I could count. I'd like to think it was because they'd gotten to know the real man inside, but the truth was I hadn't confided anything about who I was to anyone. My family knew of course, but aside from that, I preferred my privacy.

Strangely, the fact I'd been lonely hadn't dawned on me until the moment I'd realized the woman I'd married had fled my house out of fear and frustration. Sitting here with only a candle lit, the huge moon nothing but a soft blue haze given the excessive clouds, it was almost all I could think about.

Well, if I had to be completely honest with myself, I'd be forced to admit that wasn't entirely true. I couldn't get Maria and what little she'd said out of my mind. The woman was rebellious, more than most, but that I would have expected. What I hadn't anticipated was the sense that she was so entirely different from everything I'd read online. Maria Rossi had been seen jet-setting with all the beautiful people, showing up in the most fashionable nightclubs in several countries, fashion shows in Paris. She'd even made a trip to LA for a movie premiere.

I'd thought about contacting Diego Santos, asking if he'd met her before. I wasn't certain why it seemed appropriate or necessary, but I couldn't remove the thought that marrying me had completely changed her.

Or had it?

I'd handled some business including making arrangements for Roger's family to receive support for an extended period of time, but I'd wanted to return since leaving.

That wasn't like me at all.

I rubbed my jaw as I studied her, forced to adjust my aching cock only seconds later. For some reason, being around her had made me reflect on the man I'd become, something that hadn't been necessary before. I'd known certain things about myself, accepting them without a single pang of guilt. What I found interesting was that I'd been lenient with Ronin, even if he wouldn't agree with my assessment.

The truth was that brutality was an art, the best men managing to provide what was necessary without pushing the wrong boundary. I was considered one of those, capable of delivering the right amount of pain while still being able to extract whatever information was required. I also had no issues ordering a man to be killed.

Or tortured.

Granted, that rarely happened these days, but it didn't mean there weren't times I'd missed the savage activities I'd been required to engage in, my father requiring I excel in aspects of torture. Hell, one of my most memorable Christmas gifts from the man had been a duffle bag similar to ones used by contractors to hold tools. It had been heavy and I'd been excited at the prospects of the contents. He'd instructed me on their helpfulness when interrogating an enemy or a traitorous employee, the gleeful look in his eyes a reminder of just how much he adored inflicting pain.

That was also the single moment in time when I'd grown up, no longer allowed to be a boy of twelve.

Why I was thinking of so many strange aspects of my past was beyond me. However, I still had the bag. I'd carried it with me through the years, finally using the tools the way they were intended after purchasing my ranch. It had needed a lot of work. That didn't mean I hadn't enjoyed other methods of breaking a man's soul, reducing him to tears.

However, my feelings regarding women were entirely different. I'd enjoyed many fabulous nights engaged in carnal activities, requiring the woman to surrender to whatever suited my fancy. While some had been apprehensive of my dark proclivities at first, every one of them had succumbed to the same kind of darkness living inside of them.

Maria was different than any other woman I'd been with. She was tough on the outside, yet as soft on the inside as her porcelain skin. I could read every thought, her trepidations and fear that she tried without success to hide from me. While I knew there were many layers to the beautiful woman, ones I was determined to find and conquer, she was also as hungry as I.

The candle wick flickered in the darkness from a partially open window, the scents of flowers I hadn't planted or paid any attention to wafting into the room. The air was now cool, which had forced my lovely bride to cover herself with both the sheets and thick comforter, but since she was lying on her side toward me, I was able to bask in her beauty. Even the warm glow from the candle added to her sensuality, not that she needed any adornment or boost in her powerfully stunning looks. She was still naked, which surprised me almost as much as everything else about her, but a robe I'd had purchased for her had been placed on the end of the bed.

It dawned on me that I hadn't purchased anything for her, not even the ring she was wearing on her finger. I could use the excuse that I was too busy, which ordinarily I was, but couldn't everyone say that about their lives, yet they shopped when necessary?

I pulled the glass of whiskey to my lips, marveling in the peace that I felt, a rare occurrence. When I with her, everything seemed different, more enjoyable. As if I was ready to finally live my life. Wasn't that the fucking strangest thing of all. We didn't talk and certainly had little in common, other than our families were criminals, yet I felt a sense of home being around her.

I chuckled in the darkness, the longing for her tenting my trousers, unable to hide my desire. I'd meant what I'd said to her, even though my statement had seemed odd to both of us. She'd said nothing after the round of discipline, acting as if she would never talk to me again.

The figging had been incredible, watching her face contort as the stinging sensations increased keeping my cock rock hard and my balls tight as drums. If she'd noticed my condition, she hadn't reacted in any manner. I'd also loved every second of the time spent spanking her.

Sighing, I leaned the back of my head against the leather chair, staring up at the ceiling. Why was I so drawn to her? Why was it that the thought of losing her had almost pushed me into a murderous streak? I had no clue. I took another long pull of my drink, slowly turning my head to stare at the tray of fruits and cheeses I'd prepared myself.

I had a staff of five, two inside the house and three to take care of the grounds. That didn't include the ranch hands who tended to the horses, feeding and brushing them daily. I did enjoy working outside alongside them as well as riding, but I couldn't remember the last time I'd been on horseback.

Let alone I hadn't been to a goddamn grocery store or prepared a meal for myself in years either. Why I'd chosen to stand in the kitchen in my bare feet after changing into jeans cutting and slicing food to place on a tray was beyond me. I wanted to laugh at myself because after only two days, the woman lying in my bed inside my bedroom had changed my habits completely.

Constantine had warned me that would happen. I'd just chosen to ignore it. A part of me also wanted to wake her, pushing her into filling a suitcase, and leaving my responsibilities behind so we could go on our honeymoon. But to what end? With the threats and attempt on my life, the loss of one of my men, it was more vital than ever to retaliate. Oddly enough, I had a very bad feeling the incidents had nothing to do with Liam or Ronin.

Maybe my game was so far off I wasn't able to see or think clearly. That was something I also had to consider. Let's face it. My brother had handled the shit and grime over the last few years while I'd been able to pretend I wasn't a part of a notorious family. It was ridiculous I'd refused to handle the down and dirty, preferring to fall into the business side of things along with Danika. That had never been my personality, not in my entire life.

Although Constantine used to call me a geek as a teenager. That was then but things had changed, puberty doing a number on me to the point I hadn't wanted the same things any longer. I closed my eyes briefly, trying to calm the combination of anger and anxiety, but it was more difficult than it had ever been.

All because I had a wife now, a responsibility.

A weakness.

I'd gotten more than I'd bargained for.

I rolled the tips of my fingers across the smooth grain of my belt, indulging in another subtle laugh from how much I'd enjoyed watching the color of her skin change from porcelain white to a warm pink, finally to a slight crimson in certain areas from the harshness of the spanking I'd issued. God, the scent of her desire had almost forced me to take her once again, whether she wanted the feel of my cock or not.

Exhaling, I did what I could to push the filthy images out of my mind until I heard her stir, soft murmurs tickling my eardrums.

I slowly lifted my head, noticing she was having a dream. Whatever she was whispering was troubling, enough so her entire body was shaking. When the movement didn't stop after a few seconds, I eased the drink onto the table, dropping to the floor only inches away. Her moans seemed anguished. As I brushed my fingers down her cheek, I understood a single word she'd whispered. Mama. I didn't think she was that close to her mother, at least she hadn't seemed that way during the wedding festivities.

However, dreams were often about nothing that was included in a person's real life. "Shush, little one. Just sleep."

When she opened her eyes seconds later, it was easy to tell she wasn't able to focus. At least at first. Then they opened wide, searching mine. There was a moment where we didn't need to say anything, the crackle of electricity doing the talking for us. She was looking for answers to questions that I doubt she'd voice.

I eased back onto the chair, immediately grabbing my drink. She continued studying me for a few seconds before rolling over, her intentions to ignore me bringing a smile to my face. Didn't she understand that she could only do that but for so long?

"You can't ignore me forever, my wife."

"Fuck you."

I chuckled and swirled the drink in my glass. "That will come later."

"What do you want, Daniel?"

"Turn over and look at me."

"Why? You locked me in the room. Not once but twice."

"Yes, I did and will do so again if necessary."

"Like I said. Fuck you."

My cock was throbbing more than ever. "Turn over. Now."

She stiffened just as she'd done when I'd spanked her but at least she rolled over to where she'd been before, peering at me with the same venom lacing her expression. I couldn't say I blamed her for being cautious.

I beckoned her with a single finger before lifting my drink, never allowing my eyes to leave hers as I took a sip. "Come to me."

While she sat up slowly, keeping the sheet pressed across her breasts, she remained hesitant. Her long fingers were holding the sheet as if it were a lifeline. I almost ripped it from her body, claiming her as mine, but I held back the darkness in my emotions. She wasn't the object of my needed wrath. No, she was the fix an addict needed, the only substance that could quench my thirst. And the only person who could calm the enraged beast. My. My. What power she held over me that she didn't even realize.

"Come here, lovely bride." I patted my lap, something she glared at with disdain but threw the covers back, slowly lowering her legs to the floor. The moment she allowed the sheet to fall, I gathered another delicious whiff of her desire and my nostrils immediately flared. I could drink her in for hours, but I had other things in mind.

"If I don't, are you going to punish me again?"

Was she serious about the question? "If necessary to keep you safe. While I understand that you are distraught, that in no way will change my mind or my mood. I couldn't care less about your feelings or your past life. You are now my possession and nothing more. You will have my name and access to an allowance, but that will come only when I believe you can be trusted. I will also do what is necessary to keep you protected at all times. If you attempt to escape, you will be punished, the privileges that you earned removed. If you seek help from anyone, I assure you that you will regret doing so."

"Is that all? What else do you expect from me, other than children of course?"

"I'm not a good man under the surface, no matter what you think. I've done terrible things in my life including killing those responsible for threatening my family. You will not change me. What you will do is yield to me at all times, no matter what I ask of you. And I promise you that you will come to enjoy the pleasure that can only be derived from pain."

"I doubt it."

"You already have," I told her. Her look of defiance wavered, her entire body sagging. "What we shared can't be controlled nor denied. At least that's something you can admit." When she looked away briefly, I knew I was right.

"Who are you, Daniel? One minute you're a monster. The next you're a decent gentleman. I can't stand the dichotomy, my head spinning from the two sides of you," she stated as she grabbed her robe. Her voice was soft and melodic, but I sensed there were a half dozen emotions furrowing from deep within her core. "I don't mean the glossy brochure stating that you're a billionaire with all the toys money can buy or the fact you're one of two faces of a dangerous crime syndicate. I want the down and dirty, the little details that you don't allow anyone to learn about."

I studied her face for a few seconds before reaching for the already opened bottle of wine and the glass I'd brought for her. "That's an interesting question. I'm both men. Good and evil. But we all have two sides to us, Maria. You appear the innocent flower, but I have a feeling you're quite capable of doing something heinous if you were honest with yourself. Now, what are you looking for from me? Likes? Dislikes? Colors? Foods? Or just how far I'd go to keep you safe?"

"I want, no, I need to know what makes you tick."

"Why?"

"To see if I can tolerate you for the rest of my wretched life."

"I appreciate you being so candid with me."

Her snort was the cutest reply of all.

She brought out a lightness in me that countered the dark side of my personality. It felt like the same one I'd had since I was a boy, the eagerness for exploration and refusal to be terrified of any adventure. Then reality had been forced on me. She tied her sash in a dramatic way, drawing my attention again. I leaned forward, clasping my hands together, trying to find the right way of answering her because it had been a long time since anyone had asked me that.

"In that case, I don't know what to say," I admitted, almost painfully.

"How about this? Close your eyes and tell me whatever comes into your mind first."

"That's a dangerous suggestion."

"Go ahead and humor me."

A wry smile crossed my face, but I did as she asked. "Let's see. I'm a twin brother, my sister a dynamo. In case you were curious, she reminds me of you."

"Not that I care but I'll play along. How so?"

"You both have a lust for life, hard driving in everything you do. You both are dead set on refusing to allow anyone to see your more vulnerable side but that's the part of the two of you that's most attractive. Even though the world has tossed you curve balls, forcing you both to grow up at a very young age, you refuse to accept what has been doled out, fighting every obstacle and enemy with ease. I admire Danika because of her strength and resolve, but her ability to laugh at almost anything makes her special just as your ability to cut through the bullshit does."

Every sound she made, every laugh pushing past her voluptuous lips drew me further into my sadistic needs. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"Please do."

"So, I'm to assume you can't easily control your life, making it exactly the way you want? I also call that bullshit."

"Contrary to what you believe, my bellissima animaledomestica, my life hasn't always been easy. My father has never allowed either Constantine or me to be boys."

"Which is why you consider having children just another addition to your list of possessions."

"Maybe so." I sensed her movement as she shifted further away, reaching out and grabbing her arm. "Do not try and escape from me. I was serious in what I told you before. You won't like crossing me a second time." I opened my eyes slowly as I pulled her into my lap, not wanting to terrify her yet needing to keep full control. I had a feeling she was debating bolting, even if she knew better than to try to get away from me.

"For all your posturing, Daniel, you seem to think you know me. You don't. I never said I was going anywhere. Maybe the dark and dangerous side of you is more attractive than I let on." She planted her hand on my chest, allowing her fingers to knead my muscles. The luminous highlights in her eyes were more intense than before and when she shifted across my groin, my throbbing cock pressing into her, I was rewarded with a single slight moan.

"Be careful teasing me, little pet."

"Who said I was teasing you?"

I sensed she believed seducing me was her method of getting control. She would soon learn the effect it had was simply to turn me on even more. My hunger was now out of control.

"That's extremely good, little pet, because we're just getting started."

"Is that a threat?" she whispered.

"No, baby. That's the number one promise I will always make to you. You can try and push me away all you want, but nothing will keep me there. Besides, we are becoming as one. Soon enough, you will offer every aspect of yourself as a gift. Your body. Your soul and the one thing you say you will refuse to give me, your heart."