Sebastien
I remained on the outskirts as I milled through the facility, finally settling on the expansive deck outside. That’s when I noticed her, a radiant beauty who outshined every other woman. My woman. My possessive nature refused to be denied, my libido soaring. Carmen was dressed elegantly in a long white dress, the slit on the side extending to just below her hip. The simple bands of gold jewelry she wore accentuated her sparkling stilettos as well as the loose bun she’d piled on top of her head. She was absolutely breathtaking and there wasn’t a man on the deck who wasn’t paying close attention.
I’d never been a jealous man, women simply a blip in time, a respite from the arduous activities I faced every day. With her, I felt both a sense of pride as well as possession, my need to cage and consume her increasing with each passing moment.
She stood leaning against the railing, peering out into the marina, very much by herself. The concept was curious and disconcerting. Was her father goading me into daring to take her? I had a feeling Santiago was playing a dangerous game.
I was far more formidable than a gesture of this nature.
The glass nestled in her hand wasn’t the same champagne flute as the majority of the revelers, the clear liquid an indication I’d been correct about her drink of choice. Everything about the night we’d spent together came rushing into the forefront of my mind. Unfortunately, the current circumstances called for a different set of rules entirely.
And she would be required to follow every one of them.
Her days of freedom were over.
She seemed disinterested in the party itself, preferring to remain by herself. What fascinated me the most was that I wasn’t able to detect bodyguards hovering around her. Perhaps they’d been told to keep their distance, but not a single man on the deck fit the description of the goons I’d noticed at Santiago’s estate. I’d memorized every one of their faces, men who’d seen a plethora of days physically fighting their various enemies. The people in close proximity were far too beautiful, their hands and faces having never seem a fight of any kind.
Unless it was with their accountant.
I stood in the shadows as the sun began to slide past the horizon, my cock throbbing from thoughts of thrusting deep inside her tight little asshole. There was no sign of Santiago, no indication that she’d brought a date of any kind. My instincts told me that her father was in town and to that end, I had my soldiers keeping a close eye. This night would prove to be interesting.
Only a few minutes later, the lights flickered, an indication that the show was about to start. I remained behind her as she walked into the venue. The element of surprise would be in my favor. I meandered into the main hall, the seats arranged in a typical fashion show setting. I hung back, allowing her to be seated, the majority of other guests as well before proceeding to move to the aisle. I handed off my glass to a waiter, scanning the room once again.
Two of my soldiers were in position in case of an issue, six others combing the clubs and restaurants in search of Santiago or any of his men. I noticed Castillo at the far end of the stage, his gaze directed my way.
I unbuttoned my jacket before easing down, shifting my gaze to the stage. While I had no intention of allowing any violence during the show, as always, I was forced to be ready for any occurrence. I cleared my throat on purpose as I settled against the back of the chair. In a matter of seconds, I heard her surprised breath, felt a slight shift as she attempted to move further away. I slowly turned my head until we could make eye contact.
“Hello, Carmen. What a coincidence.”
She opened her mouth as if to retort then blinked several times. “What a crock, Sebastian. What the hell are you doing here? Stalking me?”
“I’ll give you a hint, princess. I have no need to stalk anyone. Even with our limited time together, you should have realized that.”
“Such a jerk,” she said under her breath.
I had no doubt her father had attempted to paint a violent series of lies in her mind after our time together. I would expect nothing less.
“Perhaps. Can’t I simply enjoy a show, including the sight of a beautiful woman?”
While there was a hint of fear in her eyes, she shifted her emotions into anger and frustration. “I know you well enough to realize you have an agenda.”
“An agenda.”
“Yes,” she whispered hoarsely, her lovely mouth twisting, her eyes darting around her. Was she searching for someone to protect her?
“If you must know, I’m collecting on the final terms of the deal I made with your father.” I noticed she was reaching for her clutch, no doubt in an attempt to notify Santiago of my presence. That meant either he or his minions were close. I merely placed my hand on top of hers, giving her a stern look. “You see, Carmen, your father betrayed me. For that he must pay a price.”
“What price?” she hissed, her entire body shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the premier event in Miami!” The announcer’s booming voice cut through the conversations in the room, shimmering lights flashing in every direction.
The applause was deafening, the music shifting to a primal beat.
I slid my arm around the back of her chair, leaning in and whispering in her ear, “You. You now belong to me.” I allowed the words to sink in. Her lovely face drained of all color.
“No. Fucking. Way. You’re lying.”
“I never lie about business,” I continued, brushing my lips across her ear. When she shuddered visibly, my cock twitched yet again. “Now, I suggest we enjoy the show then you will follow me without making a scene. Is that understood?”
She shifted her gaze back toward the stage, whispered words slipping past her pursed mouth.
“When I ask you a question, you will answer. When I give you a command, you will obey. Now, do. You. Understand?”
Another five seconds passed, enough so I knew a harsh punishment would be in order when we were alone.
“Yes,” she snapped, refusing to look in my direction. She was her father’s daughter. Following my command wasn’t something she was considering. Running was. I couldn’t wait to have her body writhing under mine.
“Excellent. You can be obedient.” I sat back, still able to catch glimpses of her as she fumed, obviously uncertain of how to react. I paid no attention to the show and I could see she had no interest in acknowledging my presence. I allowed myself to envision all the filthy things I was going to do to her, the very dark proclivities Castillo mentioned rushing to the surface. As the scent of her perfume wafted into my nostrils, the fire from before was rekindled, my hunger off the charts.
Sitting through forty-five minutes of the show was interminable, testing my last resolve. I’d felt the vibrations of my phone not once but twice. For anyone to bother me meant there was significant news.
When the intermission occurred, my patience level was shot. “It’s time, Carmen. If you make a scene, your punishment will be worse.”
“Why are you doing this?”
“Because a deal is a deal.” Without further hesitation, I took her by the hand, leading her away from the stage.