“You went to see my father,” I said quietly.
“I did. I appreciate fairness in business practices and I finalized the updated terms of our deal.” Miguel’s words were practiced, eloquent, even professional.
About a human life.
About abduction.
As the bartender approached, never bothering to look me in the eyes, I realized that Miguel had connections everywhere in every walk of life. His power and influence were obviously substantial.
“And what did he say? Did he laugh in your face and tell you that he would hunt you down like the dog you truly are?”
“There was nothing for him to say, Valencia. As I told you, a deal had been struck, terms falling through. You are only partial payment.”
The cool arrogance in the man was still shocking. “That’s bullshit! He will come after you. Trust me. He will cut out your heart and feed it to the alligators.”
“Lower your voice, Valencia. You already have a harsh punishment coming. I don’t think you want the circumstances to be any more… difficult.” Miguel’s words were followed by the prick wrapping one hand around the towel, the other cupping my chin.
I tried to pull back but the look he gave me was enough to keep me motionless. I shivered again. His features softened as he dipped the cloth in the bucket of ice, sighing before brushing it against my face, removing dirt smudges. The gentle manner in which he performed the action couldn’t have been more surprising.
“That’s better,” he said in a low and husky voice. When he lifted my leg, I didn’t resist. When he removed my shoe, I merely held my breath. “Your ankle is swelling.”
“I… I really will be all right.”
He lifted his eyebrow as he filled the towel with ice, folding the material over in such a careful manner. As he pressed the bundle against my leg, he studied my expression. After a few minutes, he took a sip of his drink, still looking sexy as hell and unruffled.
“Thank you. I can do this.” I reached down and the moment our fingers touched, the electricity was stunning, catching my breath.
Miguel’s nostrils flared, the tips of his fingers sliding down to my foot before pulling back completely. “Now, let’s begin again. We are going to talk about your father. No bullshit. No lies.”
I was floored, my heart racing as the anger resurfaced. “Here I thought you actually had a heart. You know what? You’re a real pig.”
“You’ve told me that once before, Valencia. I’ll accept that, although I would think those thoughts would be directed toward your father and the significant risk he took.”
I opened my mouth twice before speaking. “You were at the concert. Weren’t you?”
He seemed surprised, even impressed. “Yes, I was. I was curious and definitely not disappointed. As I said before, you are an amazing musician.”
I was surprised, even excited that a man like Miguel would take the time to come hear me play. I couldn’t lie to myself. I’d actually hoped that he would come. “Well, thank you for your attendance. At least someone was there to support me.”
“Your father was there, Valencia.”
Huffing, I stared at him, able to tell he wasn’t lying. “Now you’re defending my father? What kind of game is this? I can’t tell if you want me to hate him or attempt to sway you regarding his amazing qualities. Neither is going to happen.”
“I don’t play games, but I do believe in being fair when appropriate. He was very proud of you last night.”
I honestly didn’t know whether I could believe him. “What the hell did he do to you?” I threw out, my defiance rearing its ugly head. I didn’t care if he spanked me. I didn’t give a shit if he locked me away, shoving me into a cage. I wasn’t going to be taken easily.
“You mean the deal that he threw in my face, the fact that he betrayed my family on several levels?” There was such anger in his voice, darkness in his eyes. I could feel the rage emitted from every pore as he snarled, twirling his glass back and forth.
I shrank back, looking away. “You don’t understand what real betrayal means, Miguel.”
He exhaled, pushing my drink closer. “That may be true. Now, why is your father in Miami?”
“You mean other than the concert?” I laughed, knowing my father couldn’t care less. Miguel’s eyes were just as intense. “I honestly don’t know.”
He gripped my elbow, leaning in closer. “As you might imagine, I’m not in the mood for deceit. Using your concert as an excuse is child’s play. While I realize that a man of your father’s… stature wouldn’t allow his own daughter access to his business dealings, you’re a highly intelligent woman. What is he doing here?”
His fingers dug into my skin. Whatever action of betrayal that had occurred against Miguel and his family wasn’t being taken lightly. “He merely said he had to meet a client, one that was vital to his operation. I knew better than to press my father further. What you may not realize is that he is as brutal as you are. Whether or not he betrayed you, he would not sell off his daughter like cattle. I am not property. I am flesh and blood, his princess as you’ve pointed out more than once.” My words were laced with venom. I purposely pushed the drink aside, although I wanted nothing more than to toss it into his face.
The comment brought a slight smile, his upper lip curling. “You are certainly flesh and blood, a woman to be treated with utmost respect. I’ve seen every inch of you, sweet Valencia, and I am aware of your cravings, dark desires that fuel every ounce of the beautiful but caged woman you’ve become. What some would call heinous proclivities that carry you into your dreams. Pleasure. Pain. Submission. You hunger for them all. I’m the only man capable of giving that to you.”
“You know nothing about me.”
“I know much more than you realize,” he said in a dark and devious tone, sending shivers skating down the length of my spine.
“You’re absolutely insane and trust me, I would never submit to you. I crave nothing but to see you dead.” I raised my hand in reflex, ready to smack him across the face.
He snapped his wrist as if already anticipating my actions, his grip firm as he pulled my arm into my lap, twisting until I yelped once in pain. He leaned closer in until his luscious lips were able to brush against my earlobe. “With every action, every act of disobedience there will be consequences. You’ve already crossed the line more than once, earning yourself a round of harsh discipline. I suggest you learn your place. I am exactly the kind of man you’ve hungered for. I will shower you with raw ecstasy, taking your body to entirely new heights of pleasure, but only when you learn to obey me without question.”
“Fuck you,” I managed, my pussy tingling from his words alone, my breath skipping. I was hot and wet, furious I couldn’t manage to push him out of my mind.
“That’s exactly what I intend to do later. Now, you’re going to remain a very good little girl and finish your drink. Then we will walk out of here like adults. I realize that you will try and cross me again, but I am a brutal man, the kind of man who doesn’t take no for an answer. There is nowhere for you to run and your father will not be coming after you.”
I struggled, trying to get out of his grasp, tears forming in my eyes. How could I have allowed my guard to fall all those weeks ago? How could I have permitted him to see a portion of the real girl inside? I would find a way to escape and one day, I would come back seeking revenge, whether my father participated or not. “I hate you. God, I hate you.”
I also hated my heritage.
And my father.