There are far better ways of destroying your enemy than the use of violence.
I’d just proven that point.
And there would be more to come.
Valencia
“I hate you. I will always hate you. You can take my body, but you’ll never be able to take my heart.”
The words were spat out at the brooding Puerto Rican as if he really gave a shit. I knew better. I was intimately in sync with a man of his power.
And dominance.
Every aspect of his being was infuriating, demanding.
Intoxicating.
I closed my eyes, crushing down my libido. Miguel honestly believed that he could simply own me, a possession. I laughed bitterly, even though I knew the possibilities were real. Men like Miguel Garcia took what they wanted without hesitation.
Men like Miguel left haunting memories, scattered fears.
Endless desires.
When Miguel had closed the car door with a hard thud, I’d jumped, glaring at him as he walked away, ever so suave in his actions, cool as a cucumber. He exuded danger as well as sex appeal, every girl’s fantasy.
Precious minutes had ticked by, my mind reeling. Did my father really not care enough about his own daughter to allow this to happen?
I folded my arms across my chest, the feel of my aroused nipples scraping the thin material of my dress another reminder how my own body had betrayed me on several occasions. How had Miguel found me?
More important, what was he planning on doing?
My father wasn’t a stupid man. He was always prudent about travel plans, making certain that every detail was organized, security in place at every location. Several of his own men had taken the trip with us, the soldiers well trained killers.
Two of them had been assigned to the fashion show, both capable men.
Although I hadn’t seen them.
I shuddered at the thought, the realization that I could have been brought here as payment for a deal gone bad.
Should I be afraid of Miguel? I knew his reputation. I’d followed various news reports after his departure, finding every scrap of information about him on the internet. He was ruthless in every aspect, a man to be feared by men and women alike.
He was also well educated and highly intelligent, earning a full scholarship to Harvard. In my mind, that made him even more dangerous.
He and his family had been connected to several murders but no one in the illustrious Garcia family had ever been convicted or spent a day behind bars. They were notorious in every manner, ruling their kingdom with the kind of muscle and power that terrified politicians and law enforcement alike. While they had their share of enemies, no one had been capable of moving in on their turf at any time.
They were also brutal in their acts of retaliation.
Who does that sound like?
I closed my eyes, hating the inner voice but she was right.
Abduction.
I’d been taken against my will, likely to be chained in some cage like an animal. I glared out the window, studying the two men who’d been assigned to guard me. They were huge monsters, no doubt all brawn and no brain. I allowed my eyes to sweep the garage, daring to look behind me. There wasn’t a single soul in sight.
The arrogant bastard thought he was bigger than the law or my father. Miguel was nothing but a lowlife asshole. Nothing more.
Although I knew in my heart that wasn’t entirely the case.
Sexy.
Muscular.
Divine.
Dominant.
“Jesus,” I whispered, dampness pooling between my legs.
I’d caught a glimpse of him at the concert, although I hadn’t been certain until he sat down beside me only an hour before. Why did he bother coming to the event? I rolled my eyes. As if Miguel could care about anything other than himself.
I pressed my fingers across my mouth, remembering the passionate kiss. The scent of him remained dancing across my skin, just like it had after he left weeks before. I had honestly never thought I’d see him again and I’d been happy to assume that would be the case.
I’d also hated him.
Then I’d hungered for him, fantasizing about our time together every night. My collection of vibrators hadn’t been enough to satisfy my needs. Only the man with the hard edge could do that.
I was shocked and embarrassed I’d allowed him to get under my skin once again. He was a crime lord, nothing better than a common thief.