Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17

V adim

My family had been attacked on several occasions over the years, most of them piss-poor attempts at destroying some part of our organization. But both the attack on me inside the restaurant and tonight's soirée were entirely different.

They were both personal.

Could I pin the blame on the Cosa Nostra? I was beginning to think otherwise.

Stefano was a murderer, but he wasn't a stupid man. Coming after me in such an egregious way would place him front and center as enemy number one. And why would he bring his sons there?

It didn't make sense. Not in the least.

"Stop moving," Caroline told me.

She was the one who'd almost been kidnapped yet she was tending to my inflamed injury. She'd propped my foot up, determined to keep my leg immobile while putting ice on it.

"I'm fine. I'm worried about you."

She repositioned the ice bag just before it fell off, lifting her gaze. All the defiance had returned in her shimmering eyes. Of course we were safely locked away in my estate, about a dozen soldiers manning the exterior, but she'd gone through two horrific events in less than a week. Her attitude and intentions on taking care of me highlighted just how strong she was.

"I'm a big girl, in case you haven't noticed. I can take care of myself."

Instead of answering, I reached out, tugging the pin from the center of the bun, allowing her long locks to fall. She remained in the dress but had ditched her heels.

"I said. Stop. Moving. Now. I will tie your hands down. Do you hear me?"

"Why, yes, ma'am." I'd had a torrent of men prowling through, several asking me questions. I'd had them check the grounds top to bottom to ensure a trap hadn't been set. Now was the first time I had a chance to be alone with her.

"I'm serious. You have no idea if you've torn a tendon, which you don't need. Try and relax."

"That's tough for a guy like me."

She flitted another look at me then finally plopped on the couch next to me, moaning when she grabbed her glass of wine. "I understand."

"I was worried, Caroline. Very worried. You need to tell me what happened. Why were you so close to the corridor?"

"I just needed a little space. I told you I wouldn't leave the room but the people were suffocating. I don't know how you do it."

"I don't. I choose not to attend events like that for several very good reasons."

She turned toward me, curling her legs under her. "Is this the Italians?"

I cocked my head. "I'm not convinced it was."

"Then who came after me?"

"That's what we need to figure out. Did you see anyone before a bag was placed on your head?"

She closed her eyes, resting her head on the back of the couch. "Some guy I hadn't seen all night called me by my fake name and said someone told me he should talk with me. I don't know who he was. I admit it. All that is a huge blur at this point."

I squeezed her hand, the pain in my leg starting to throb. I must have groaned because she was up in a flash.

"Do you have pain pills?" She was even more demanding than before.

I had to admit I did like her being so bossy. That would make taking her down a notch or two, taming her, that much more delicious.

"I'm not taking pain pills. I need to focus."

"Oh, for fuck's sake. You're a big dude. What do you weigh, about two hundred?"

Grinning, I allowed myself to enjoy the moment and her attitude. "Two twenty and all muscle, baby."

She gave me that kind of look and I laughed. "Where are the damn pain pills?"

"Seriously. I don't like what they do to me. I do have some ibuprofen in the cabinet near the sink in the kitchen. I'll be happy to take three."

"You are a stubborn man who will get yourself hurt or killed because of it. Take the three I bring you or else." She took another gulp of her wine before placing the glass on the coffee table.

I threw up my hands in acquiescence. At least for now. That would be short lived.

As she walked out of the room, not only was my mouth salivating but my cock was back to full attention. It would seem pain and rage didn't keep my other bodily functions from working.

I heard other footsteps and immediately reached for my weapon.

Sergei finally walked in, immediately shaking his head. "I couldn't find him, boss. He got away in an unmarked dark sedan with no fucking plates. I tried to follow but the fucker knows the city and the traffic didn't help."

It wouldn't on a goddamn Saturday night.

"Any glimpse of him?"

"Not one. He was a cagey motherfucker."

I was exhausted, more so than I wanted to admit. "Okay. Did you check the bodies?"

"They managed to get the work done before the cops got there. They took the van to the warehouse. They're going through it now."

"The bodies?"

"They're being disposed of now."

Nodding, I wasn't entirely certain how I wanted to handle this. "Make certain the soldiers are all accounted for and backup is scheduled for outside around the perimeter." I had a feeling it was going to be a long night. With fishing occurring regarding my accounts, someone was trying to find another way in.

With no one to officially blame, the first thing I would need to do was find out who'd been injured in the attack. That would be by the help of Aleksander. At least I'd known he'd gotten out without incident.

"I want to know if anything is found inside the van. I don't care what time of day it is. Call me."

"Oh, no, you don't," Caroline said as she returned. "You need your rest and that's what you're going to get. You don't bother him until after nine in the morning." She pointed her finger at Sergei before looking in my direction.

So did my Capo, raising both his eyebrows. He was looking for my direction. I half laughed but nodded. He knew to call me if necessary. I'd trained my people well.

"I'll call you in the morning," he said as if following her directions.

As soon as he walked out, she turned to me again. "Stubborn bastard."

The slight moment of tension was entirely too awkward. I'd been a fool to think I could shove her out of my life so easily. It wasn't possible. "Remember what I told you earlier?"

"Which part? I didn't ignore your rules. I really didn't."

I brushed my fingers up and down her arm. "Not that." The hunger I felt for her was debilitating. But my mind was made up, which shocked the hell out of me.

She threw me another exasperated look. "Then what?"

"The thought of losing you bothered me. It pissed me off. I will not let it happen again."

I sensed she wanted to laugh but slumped slightly. "I hate this shit."

"I know you do but here's the thing. You crashed into my life and whether it was fate or something else no longer matters. I want you. You are mine. That's not up for debate anymore."

"What are you saying?"

"I thought that was easy to decipher. You are mine. Period."

I wasn't certain whether there was relief or intolerance in her eyes but when she shifted closer, placing her head on my chest, I took a deep breath, drinking all of her in. "Okay."

The single word was all I needed.

"Come here." My voice was gruff, as unforgiving as she believed me to be.

Caroline lifted her head, scrunching up that cute nose of hers. "I'm right here."

"Not close enough." I patted my hand on my lap.

She looked at me in a horrified manner. "Nope. You're not going to cause further injury to yourself. Do you realize it's entirely possible you damaged not only a tendon but a nerve ending and if you did, without rest, it could be permanently damaged? I doubt you want that."

When she started to get off, it became abundantly clear I would need to become more… forceful with her. I grabbed her arm, allowing my fingers to dig into her lovely skin with just enough pressure her expression of surprise turned into the cutest growl in the world.

"Don't you dare, mister."

"I think that's master to you and you seem to forget something very important, Caroline." I pressed the tip of my index finger against her chest. "You belong to me. Take off that dress and climb on my lap. If not, my lap will be used for something else entirely."

Her eyes remained narrowed, the cute tongue sliding out of her mouth several times. I'll be damned if she didn't remind me of a prized Persian kitty. In my mind kitties were dangerous beasts, more cunning than humans, but it was an incredible look on her.

And it boosted my desire tenfold.

"Fine, Mr. Grumpy. However, if you damage your leg any further, I will not allow you to kvetch for even a minute. Not ten seconds. You will grin, suck it up, and bear the pain. Is that understood?" She huffed as she climbed off my lap, even cursing under her breath as she yanked at what had to be an expensive dress.

The money meant nothing to me. I'd buy her ten sexy dresses tomorrow. Seeing her so defiant after everything she'd been through told me something about her character that I'd missed all these years.

She had the strength of a lion, the resilience of a wolf, and the cunning of a fox. The combination wasn't just dangerous. It was delicious.

And my cock was about to shift into sheer agony, I wanted her that much.

"Deal, little miss sunshine."

Even the way she started to toss the dress across the room was adorable, but I could see the wheels turning in her mind. She took cautious steps toward the chair, gently folding and placing the frock over the back, even taking the time to smooth out the fabric. Her mother might be a frivolous bitch, but she'd taught her daughter manners, respect, and common decency.

In my world, the attributes were rare. And I never wanted anyone or my lifestyle to destroy that in her. Plus, she had a lust for life, something I'd lost so long ago. Maybe our passion was my lifeline, an intravenous drug that would infuse all the things I'd been missing in my life.

As long as I didn't bring her down, destroy her vivacious personality, or worse.

Get her killed.

When she turned around, I was forced to take a deep breath. The way she snuck a look over her shoulder, obviously concerned someone would walk in was endearing like everything else. The soft blush shifting up from her neck as she walked closer was about to drive me buck wild insane.

But I sensed a change in her personality, the need building just like it had within me seconds earlier. She gave me one of the kinds of looks that could burn a house down in an instant before straddling my legs. I'd be damned if the little vixen didn't cup her naked breasts, squeezing them until I was about to lose my mind.

"You are a naughty girl," I found myself whispering. So many aspects of the man I'd become didn't apply with her. She was sweet and innocent and I was big and bad but together we were dynamite.

"Yes, I am. And here I thought you only saw me as an innocent flower." She shoved her finger into her mouth, pumping it slowly while she half closed her eyes.

I'd never paid much attention to feminine seduction. I'd never cared. My wife hadn't been the kind of woman who liked to play salacious games, more down to earth, and the other women, those I'd treated as eye candy I'd all but ignored.

But this girl. Caroline was vulnerable. She was young and inexperienced, but she was her own woman. What man wouldn't find that attractive?

Or crave?

With the sucking sounds increasing, I took the opportunity to unfasten my belt. Within seconds, she slapped my hand as if I'd been a bad boy.

"No, you don't. You asked for this so I'm in charge."

I chuckled, more amused than I should be given the circumstances but shit, this was more fun than I'd had in a long time. "For now, my cherished one. Don't forget it." I pointed to her then back to me all over again.

She just rolled her eyes before brushing her fingertip around her nipple. They were both hard and rosy, my tongue longing to lick, my teeth needing to bite down. I was one ravenous man eager to devour his feast. But no, she wanted to play.

I would do my best to keep some patience.

Even if it killed me.

When she was finished tormenting me, she locked eyes with me and finished with my belt, taking her time to unfasten my trousers and lower them with utter gentleness. "That doesn't hurt. Does it?"

"I'm fine, baby girl. Stop worrying about me." The pain was still biting but I'd experienced worse. And every bit of discomfort was well worth it to enjoy moments like this.

But hell if my beast wasn't even more famished. Her voluptuous breasts were right there, her nipples begging to be plucked and sucked. Oh, I was such a bad man and at this moment, I couldn't care less.

I could blame her. She was the cause of my unconditional need.

As she tugged the material down, taking my boxers with her actions, she dragged her tongue across her bottom lip in appreciation. "You are one hot man. Did anyone ever tell you that?" She took her time to unbutton my shirt, tugging the material up and pushing it aside. Her nostrils flared as she rubbed both her palms all the way down, kneading my abdomen.

If she wasn't very careful, I wouldn't be able to control myself around her.

"No one who mattered."

"Your wife?"

I rolled my fingers down her arm. "That was a long time ago, Caroline. There is no comparison and never will be."

She seemed to appreciate and accept the answer, finally planting her hands on either side of me. "What matters to you at this point in your life?"

The blonde hair was so much better on her, although I did appreciate her creativity and spunk. As she swept the strands over my chest and down, I was about ready to lose all control around her.

It was interesting that no one had really asked me that before. Maybe it was because I'd been born into this world, this dangerous life. I had to think about my answer and it didn't come easy. "Happiness. Enjoying the moment."

Not only did she seem surprised by my answer, but pleased. When she nodded, it was as if we'd just gotten a little bit closer. At the end of the day, that's what everyone wanted. Wasn't it? I'd just lost myself in grief and guilt to the point I hadn't been living at all.

She was determined to tease me, the pouty look on her face fueling my already raging libido. However, just being able to watch her becoming less inhibited, enjoying the moment we were sharing was a hopeful reminder of what could be. Was that ridiculous of me given the circumstances? You bet. Were my daughters likely to be incensed? Perhaps, but they knew somewhere in their minds I was a proponent of allowing them to live their lives their way.

Within reason of course. I was a father after all, the responsibilities huge.

As Caroline continued stroking me, daring to rub her lace-covered pussy across my already throbbing cock, my mind shifted away from anything else but needing her.

Taking her.

When I slowly rubbed the fingertips of one hand down from her neck to her chest, she gave me a sly look. "You should be careful tempting a wolf."

"I thought you were more of a ferocious lion." She curled her fingers, clawing the air and roaring. It was perhaps the cutest thing she'd done so far.

But my patience was waning, my need for her increasing. I continued my slight exploration, brushing one finger around her right nipple then her left. I allowed my heated gaze to follow my sinful path, taking my time crawling my hand down her stomach. Yet when I reached her panties, I sucked in my breath, cupping her beautiful and very wet mound.

"You're a hungry little girl."

"You make me that way."

"Be careful. You're in the lion's den now."

She smiled and the room felt on fire. As she ground her hips back and forth across my cock again, dancing to the light music she'd turned on earlier, it was impossible not to smile.

But I was finished with being patient. I slipped my fingers under the tiny waistband of her thong. It took nothing for my strong hand and wrist, twisting and snapping it backward.

Gasping, she laughed as I twirled the ruined material around my finger.

"You owe me a pair of panties."

"I'll buy you a hundred. A thousand. Now, ride me, little one. Ride me long and hard."

She didn't need instruction. She knew exactly what I hungered for. Her eyelashes skimmed across her cheeks as she wrapped her fingers around my shaft, stroking and twisting her hand until intense friction was created.

My breathing instantly became ragged, my eyesight unfocused. What this woman did to me was pure sin.

And I loved every moment of it.

Every action she took seemed determined to get me off, but I was about ready to force her into another action when she slid my cockhead up and down her soaked pussy. She was so wet, her delicious scent infusing my nostrils. The woman could absolutely make me lose my mind.

Talk about being wrapped around her little finger, something I could never admit to anyone.

"You want this," she asked, pointing to her bald pussy.

"Yes, it's mine. Maybe I'll get it tattooed."

"Not a chance." Her laugh sparkled in the air as she continued rubbing my shaft up and down. She could easily destroy a man. The moment she positioned the tip at her slickened entrance, her swollen folds already yielding, I refused to allow her any additional control.

I gripped her hips, bringing her down with a rough yank, her muscles stretching to accept my wide girth. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she kneaded my chest with clawed fingers, throwing back her head.

Her moans were exquisite, igniting another fire deep within me. I could do this for hours on end, the pain not affecting my desire or my stamina.

I held her in position for a full minute, savoring the way her pussy clamped and released. I couldn't take my eyes off her, refused to blink. As she leaned forward, her lips pursed, she tossed her hair back and forth as she'd done before.

"You can do anything you want to me," she whispered.

"Be very careful telling a bad man something like that."

"You're a pussycat."

"You are sorely mistaken." I pulled her up until the tip was barely inside, yanking her down again. She seemed to thrive on the force, still moaning as she dared to rake her long nails down my chest.

The discomfort was exhilarating, more so than I ever would have believed. She remained playful, pushing herself up as much as I would allow, shifting her hips back and forth.

I could easily drown in her scent.

As soon as she started to ride me, I loosened my hold, enjoying every scintillating moment. The electricity soared, the need becoming unbelievable. I'd heard people talk about connections made during passion, something I'd never bought, even laughing at the concept. Sex was sex, right?

But being with her like this was entirely different than with any woman before. Perhaps both our guards were down, finally able to be ourselves. There was no one else in the house, no enemies lurking in the shadows.

Just the two of us.

Priceless.

She did as I'd commanded, riding me long and hard, her body bucking against mine in such a way I found it difficult not to release abruptly. But I wanted her to climax more than I needed relief myself.

Panting, she was having difficulty keeping her eyes open, her body quivering. But I sensed she was close to coming.

"Come for me, baby. Slicken my cock."

Her laugh was soft, unbelieving. "I can't just…"

"Yes, you can." I cracked one hand on her bottom and she yelped then laughed. But in a few seconds, she was unable to hold back herself. Her moans more ragged, she threw her head back, the slight scream squelched.

"Let go, baby. Just let go."

She seemed to obey me without hesitation, bucking harder and faster, her mouth twisting as an orgasm rushed through her almost violently.

"Oh, my… You are. Yes."

Noticing a single bead of perspiration, I slipped my index finger through it, and she watched completely fascinated as I pulled it to my mouth.

Every pant, every sound she made pushed me farther. If she didn't know by now how much she affected me, I would be shocked. She was simply perfect for my needs.

Even if a nagging voice inside of me worried I would destroy not only her life but her intense verve. My world had a way of stripping someone not only of humanity and decency, but the ability to enjoy.

She'd taught me that.

But as I dug my fingers into her rounded hips, I shoved aside all my ridiculous thoughts, admiring the woman I'd once thought of as nothing but a child.

Did that make me a reprehensible man for destroying what was left of her virtue? Probably, but damn, was it delightful.

Time ceased, the need continuing to build and as Caroline was driven into another orgasm, I could barely breathe. There was no sense of control, nothing left I could do.

Her screams egged me on, her wetness and incredible scent pushing me to an undeniable point.

Claiming her was ridiculous but what was done was done.

She wasn't my weakness. She was my greatest strength and in truth, she would also become my most powerful weapon.

Every sound we made seemed to echo as I erupted deep inside of her. The joy was fulfilling, the need never abating.

This woman, this beautiful breath of life was everything I needed.

And nothing I deserved.

But God help me, there was no turning back.