Sebastian
When I eased back, her eyes remained closed, her lips parted and her face shimmering from excitement.
“Both you and your father have enemies, Carmen. My men will guard you. As I said, you need to be a very good girl or you will be punished severely and trust me, you won’t like for that to happen.”
She dragged her tongue across her lips, jerking back and glaring at me. “And I said. Fuck. You.”
I laughed softly before grabbing the keys and exiting the vehicle but just before I did, I heard her words of hatred.
“You will die for this.”
I almost wanted to see either her or her father try. “Don’t allow her to leave and if she tries to garner any attention, tie her hands.” My command was not to be questioned.
“Will do, boss,” Enrique said with a grin.
I adjusted my jacket and cuffs before heading into the restaurant, bypassing the hostess. I knew the location well, had enjoyed many incredible dinners. I scanned the main dining room, locating Santiago and his party easily. He either didn’t notice or didn’t care that I was approaching. I wasn’t surprised he was with a beautiful woman. He was a known philanderer, another aspect I couldn’t tolerate.
“Good evening, Santiago.” I stood just off to the side, my eyes sweeping the immediate area. He had two of his goons protecting them, partaking in their own feast only two tables away. Within seconds, their jackets were opened, their heavy firepower evident.
Santiago lifted his napkin, wiping his mouth then shifting his hand in a wave to stop his soldiers from reacting. “Sebastian. So nice to see you. I must admit, I have missed being in Miami. Beautiful city. Passionate people. And the music is powerful. Would you like to sit down, have some dinner with us?” He eased his hand around his glass of wine, no apparent fear of my presence.
The female, on the other hand, was obviously in distress, soft whimpers spewing from her ruby-stained lips.
He seemed annoyed by her reaction. “Be a doll, sweetheart, and head toward the ladies’ room.” It wasn’t a request but a command, one she followed without hesitation.
I studied the wine he’d selected, taking one of the water glasses and pouring the remnants into his almost finished soup bowl in front of him then pouring a glass for myself.
His upper lip curled as he pushed back from the table, tossing the napkin. “What the hell do you want?”
I eased the glass in front of me, twisting and turning as I savored the flavor. “Excellent choice, Santiago. What do I want? What is owed to me.” I took another sip before staring him directly in the eyes.
“I owe you nothing. I kept our terms of the agreement. We are both making money in only two weeks’ time. Significant money.”
I smiled as I leaned over, making certain only he could hear what I was about to say. “That’s where you’re wrong. Granted, money has exchanged hands and I intend to make more, but I am also well aware of the arrangement you made with certain… individuals. Those people intend on destroying a portion of my business. As you might imagine, that’s not going to be tolerated.”
He truly seemed surprised I’d figured out that he was behind the near sabotage. “I ask you again, what do you want?”
“It’s not what I want, Santiago. It’s what I’m taking. Carmen is now mine.” I took another sip, enjoying the way the smooth liquid slipped down the back of my throat.
“You. Wouldn’t. Dare.”
“Yes, I would, and I have. Call it payment for your indiscretions.” I slapped the stem on the table, leaning further in. “As far as the rest of your requirements, I will be in contact. I suggest you leave Miami tonight or things just might get ugly.”
When he seemed completely befuddled, his face turning bright red, I knew my message had been received loud and clear.
My father had taught me well.
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.