Chapter 6

Penny

It took me a full five seconds to regroup, to find the tiny speck of my brain holding what little sanity might be left. "No. Not possible. Maybe you didn't hear me before. I'm not a whore. I'm just a girl in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"No, Penny. I don't allow whores into my life. They have no place in my world. You are like a perfect doll, an angel sent to my rescue. But one taste could never be enough."

He was serious. I was so confused, completely off my rocker. I couldn't be hearing him correctly.

"Did someone die and make you king of the world? You can't own someone. That's illegal. It's called slavery."

He gave me another heated look, obviously becoming irritated. Too bad. He'd just taken me as his hostage.

The thought of staying with him anywhere was disturbing but what was I supposed to say? I had nowhere to go, no money left, and no other options.

I jumped when he pressed both hands against the metal on either side of my head. "In case I wasn't clear. I make the rules. You're going to follow them."

Period. The end.

When the elevator pinged, I issued a slight whimper, which seemed to cause him alarm. As he walked out into what reminded me of a stunning entrance to an apartment, I glanced toward the floor-to-ceiling window. The neon-infused lights from the strip were big and bold, the draw as electrifying as the man.

Once again, he pressed his fingers against a second panel, waiting until we'd both heard a click. When I glanced over my shoulder toward the closing elevator doors, the deep baritone of his chuckle seemed so close.

"What are you searching for? A way out? I assure you that you aren't going anywhere," he asked, opening the set of double doors for us.

"Aren't your guards going to follow us? I'm certain you prefer to keep your goons with you."

"Those goons are highly trained individuals who have been told to keep you safe. At this point, they are not allowed to enter my private suite, but I assure you they are standing guard inside the lobby."

Jesus. He was so serious. The moment I walked inside, a gasp of surprise slipped past my lips. From the baby grand piano and the two sets of luxurious leather seating areas to the granite fireplace in the corner, flames licking up from the ceramic logs, the place was gorgeous. The artwork on the walls and placed on various tables was stunning, vibrant in bold and artistic colors. Two hallways flanked the massive room and I could see a full kitchen from where I was standing.

A single leather couch likely cost more than I made in an entire year.

Three sets of French doors led to a sparkling terrace and I found myself walking closer, staring out at the most incredible pool, which was just one of the amazing features. There were planters in several locations, rich-looking foliage and flowers adding a powerful yet subtle touch. Underneath one massive trellis was a beautiful hot tub. Under a second was an outdoor kitchen that would rival any commercial space. I found myself planting a hand on the glass as I stared out at the buildings in the distance.

Remington was already tugging at my hold, eager to look at his temporary home. I took a second, removing the leash and allowing him to romp, searching every room. His helicopter tail indicated he was a happy pup. I might as well test my keeper's insistence on making him a part of our twisted family. I also snorted from the thought.

Seconds later, feeling Kraven's presence behind me was enough to pull me out of the moment of revelry.

"I hope this is acceptable," he said.

Was he really going to act like he wasn't rich enough? Or that this was a casual thing between us, not an actual kidnapping?

"You live here all the time?" I asked.

"When I'm in the city. I have a house about thirty miles from here, the secluded estate much preferable to the garish lights." He took the purse from my arm, giving me another nod as if trying to tell me everything was going to be alright. I watched as he placed it on the couch. Afterwards, he grabbed the to-go bag, heading toward the kitchen I'd seen.

I realized I was holding my breath, shifting so I could see him tossing the bag into a refrigerator so large someone could place a dead body into it.

God. What was I thinking?

"I'm not sharing a bed with you." I turned to face him as he walked toward me, folding my arms as if that would keep him from hurting me.

"You won't need to, Penny, and you can cut the dramatics. There are four bedrooms inside the suite, bathrooms as well, although one boudoir I use as my office. I believe you'll be comfortable while you're here."

A strange pinging sound captured my attention.

He grinned, which highlighted dimples I didn't know he had. "That would be room service and your meager things."

"Don't make fun of me, Kraven. I worked hard to try and purchase a few nice things. It's been tough." As if he cared. I wasn't going to be shamed because he was rich and I was poor.

"I find that admirable, Penny."

Right…

He took the time to remove his jacket, tossing it over the back of one of the couches, not hurrying as he moved toward the door. As he did so, he unfastened buttons on his tieless shirt, switching to his sleeves as soon as he'd done so. I couldn't seem to take my eyes off him as he rolled up his sleeves, also staring at his tattoos, which were as stunning as the man.

Meanwhile, Remington was doing zoomies, racing from one side of the suite to the other. I even noticed a smile on Kraven's face as he headed to the door. This was all too surreal.

He opened the door carefully, placing one hand on the weapon secured in an arm holster. A waiter and a bellman came inside, bringing my things and a rolling cart with the champagne and food requested.

I had no idea how I was still hungry but seeing the incredible display of fruits and cheeses made my mouth water almost as much as the man had before.

Remington finally whined, strolling toward Kraven as if he was part of the package deal. He studied the two attendants who brought in the rolling cart and I had to admit, I was impressed when one of them crouched down, making cooing sounds, then handed my pup a huge dog biscuit.

His tail wagged and he woofed with the bone in his mouth.

"Beautiful pup," the waiter said.

"Thank you." Every word out of my mouth was perfunctory, the voice completely unlike me.

The two men left, not even getting Kraven to sign anything. Maybe the man really did own the resort. Duh. Of course he did.

Much to my chagrin, Remington bounded on the dangerous man's legs, his entire backside wiggling.

"Remington! Off. I'm sorry. He never does that."

Kraven took his time stroking the pup's head for a few seconds before whispering something I couldn't understand. Whatever it was, Remington obeyed. I didn't ask permission, heading to the mismatched boxes, his fluffy bed piled on top. I was stiff, every muscle more tense than before, but I was determined to make my baby's life here comfortable even if I'd never feel that way. How could I? I'd never felt more out of place in my entire life.

I pulled out a few toys and his water bowl, not asking for permission before I headed toward the kitchen to fill it. Remington padded behind me, still crunching on the last of his treat, oblivious to the fact we weren't in Kansas any longer. I rolled my eyes at the stupid thought, my nerves starting to get the best of me.

Even the floors in the kitchen were pricy, so much so I hesitated for a few seconds before placing the crappy looking bowl I'd found at a dollar store down on the surface. As soon as I did, my baby lapped at the cool liquid while I gripped the edge of one of the counters, trying to keep from hyperventilating.

The moment I heard a popping sound, I jumped. Fortunately, I kept another whimper locked away. He was just opening the champagne. I rubbed my baby's back, then took deliberate steps back into the living room, but not before glancing at an open door. Leading into one of the bedrooms. I was really being allowed to stay in this fabulous place?

This isn't a vacation, Penny.

My ugly inner voice was correct.

By the time I made it into the living room, my head was pounding.

"Come. Drink this. You need to try and relax," he instructed.

"I don't need to relax. I need to get my shit together."

"Don't fight me on everything, Penny. Believe it or not, I do want what's best for you and at this moment, that means keeping you sequestered away and safe. Now, come and have a drink."

He held out the single glass of champagne, his look stern. I moved closer, the tension increasing. When I accepted the glass, I tried to avoid touching him, but he refused to allow it. Once it occurred, tiny bottle rockets went off in my brain, my quickened pulse thudding in my ears.

I pulled away while he walked to a fully stocked bar, preparing himself something else. "You said you were a dancer."

"Yes."

"What kind of dancing?" he asked as if he was genuinely interested. "I'm not playing games here, Penny. You're going to tell me everything I need to know."

"Anything really. Ballet. Tap. Modern. Showgirl. Pole dancing. Hell, I took a belly dancing course as well."

"My, it would seem you are very talented. Are you any good?"

"I like to think I am. I've studied since I was five. I took modern dance in college, and worked a job as a dance instructor for a studio teaching couples everything from salsa to ballroom dancing."

"Where were you working before?"

I glanced in his direction. "Why do you need to know so much about me?"

"Because I do."

God, the man was infuriating. He truly acted as if he owned the world. "The Italian Renaissance Resort."

As soon as I answered him, his eyes flashed in anger. "Who fired you? Which piece of shit?"

"Why? So you can beat the man to death?" I was laughing nervously, uncertain of what else to do. By the stern look on his face, I could tell I was right.

"Penny. I don't allow anyone to hurt what belongs to me." The way he said my name this time was like I'd just been caught raiding the cookie jar. There he went again with owning me.

"Um. Sylvester Morelli. Well, his asshole brother was there too but he did the dirty work."

Huffing, he glanced out onto the patio. "It's best you were fired. Fucking bastards."

"Why?"

"You'll need to trust me on that. I will take care of you."

"You'll take care of me? Like by keeping me as your concubine or something? Who are you, Kraven?"

His eyes twinkled. "I'm a well-respected businessman."

"Uh-huh. Not good enough." I took a sip, almost choking from the number of bubbles. The taste was extraordinary, flavor bursting in my mouth.

He seemed surprised I was defying him in any manner. "How about this, pretty Penny? I'm a dangerous man who should be feared." He walked closer, his swagger far too appealing. I stood my ground, refusing to back down to him. Once he was within a foot, I was instantly intoxicated by his musky aftershave. Why hadn't I noticed the enticing fragrance before, the combination of leather and whiskey, spices and citrus, the dash of a Cuban cigar undeniably refreshing.

And very masculine.

"Does that mean you're going to hurt me?"

"No, pretty Penny. How could I hurt something so precious?" He almost whispered the words as he brushed some of my long hair behind my shoulders. The good girl inside of me told me to back away, but the naughty side, the one who hadn't visited the world since my ex had manhandled me was simmering from the increasing heat. Soon, a raging fire would be ignited. I feared there would be no way of putting it out.

"Stop using my name."

"Why, certainly, malyshka."

"And I'm not your baby girl. If you're not going to hurt me then what? You bring me here against my will. You tell me I belong to you."

He curled his fingers, brushing them ever so gently against my cheek, adding to the delirious set of vibrations coursing through me. "First things first before I explain the rules. I'm not going to hurt you. However, I am going to punish you for your earlier infraction. When someone misbehaves, they deserve punishment, no matter if there's a good outcome."

"Meaning what?"

"Meaning I'm giving you what all bad girls deserve when they ignore the laws, including those of common sense. I'm giving you a hard spanking."