Sebastian
I’d talked to a few sources, runners whose livelihood would be affected by the shipments’ destruction. While they all seemed scared, there was no indication of further betrayal, at least as of yet. My personal warning to each and every one of them should buy me some time.
The penthouse was entirely too quiet when I walked in, barely acknowledging Enrique other than to tell him to go home for the night. With Castillo on ice and Kostya in some Philadelphia morgue, I doubted there would be any attempt of a hit for the rest of the night.
However, I’d remained prepared for anything.
I didn’t like the way things were occurring, as if someone held a grudge against my family first and was using my family’s business almost like a ransom without any demands made. As. Of. Yet.
I tugged the envelope from my pocket, rubbing my thumb back and forth. Whatever information was inside, I had no doubt the details would further increase the rage furrowing in my mind. I merely tossed it on the coffee table, along with my keys. I held the Beretta in my hand for a full minute before easing it beside the envelope.
Exhaling, I tossed my jacket and yanked the shirt from my trousers before heading toward the bar. Tonight was all about an aged scotch in order to calm my anger. After pouring a hefty amount, I held the glass to my head before walking toward the bank of windows. Even the ocean seemed tumultuous tonight, waves crashing against the shore. I leaned against the glass, able to see my reflection, albeit a mere half of my face. Everything seemed distorted, my features misshapen.
Even I’d always thought of myself as a monster, a truly evil man hiding behind a facade of wealth. My head was pounding, the necessity for making alternative decisions absolutely vital. What they were going to be I wasn’t certain of.
I moved back toward the table, easing down onto the couch. While I was curious about what information that Aleksei had provided, exhaustion was settling in and I had the distinct feeling difficult days were ahead of me. I took another gulp before putting the glass on the table and opening the envelope.
A series of explicit photographs was nestled inside.
The images were horrific, bloody, and brutal, the kind of murders that even made my skin crawl. And what was worse? They included women and children. As I shifted from one to the other, I began to get a vital picture of Santiago in my mind. The manner in which he discarded of his enemies was reprehensible. He had no honor.
I shoved the photographs back into the envelope then grabbed my jacket, sliding the entire shit storm into one of the pockets. I rubbed my jaw, thinking about the next steps. Yes, the information could prove useful, placing a stranglehold on his operations, but at what price? Carmen could never know just how much of a monster her father truly was.
I’d yet to hear whether or not Santiago was still in the country. I could only assume that he’d remain, hiding until he finalized whatever plan of revenge he intended. I would make certain to remain a step ahead of him.
After a few seconds, I walked down the set of rear stairs, slowly moving toward her partially closed door. Using just the tip of my index finger, I pushed it open, peering inside, able to see the rise and fall of her shoulder given she was turned on her side. At least she’d been able to rest.
I took another sip, realizing my hand was shaking from the high level of toxic adrenaline. As I headed toward the bed, I held my breath. Perhaps my decision in taking her had been impetuous, starting a chain reaction that would lead to more violence, even additional deaths.
But I didn’t give a shit.
Her presence at least gave additional meaning to my life. I stood over her, gazing down at her unblemished skin, her back lithe yet so strong. Reaching out, I kept my index finger a few centimeters from her skin, tracing the line of her spine before disappearing into the silk gown she’d selected to wear. Sighing, I resisted waking her, merely easing the sheet up to her shoulders.
She certainly deserved a night of peace. Just before I closed her door, I heard her stir in her sleep, soft murmurs slipping past her lips. The sound was like sweet music, a lilting purr that sent a shower of sensations through every cell and muscle, engorging my cock. The woman made me so damn hard.
As I walked up the stairs, a moment of utter disgust filled my mind. While I’d been born into this world, the ramifications for certain decisions had never been this painful. She’d been right. I’d ceremoniously destroyed her life. Or was I actually saving her from another even more damaging situation? Maybe I needed to tell myself that in order to abate the guilt.
Only when I’d moved to the top of the stairs did I notice a light remained on in the kitchen. The warm glow was a reminder of something my mother had done when I was a teenager. She’d always left a light on for my return. As I walked into the room, the place setting for one on the island caught my attention immediately. A bottle of wine was open, a fresh crystal glass ready for my arrival. As I inched closer, I realized there was a note positioned in the middle of the plate.
I thought you might be hungry.
There are leftovers in the refrigerator.
There were no flowery words, just a kindness that in all truthfulness, I wasn’t accustomed to. I could require people to service me no matter what I asked, but a sweet token of this nature hadn’t occurred since my childhood. There was no reason for the oddness pooling into my stomach but when I opened the refrigerator door, I was more than just surprised. Carmen had positioned various meats and cheeses, fruit and vegetables on a beautiful crystal platter, everything done in an artistic fashion. There was even a bowl of what appeared to be some type of cream.
The myriad emotions were difficult to bear, my thoughts drifting once again to all the vile and nasty things I craved doing to her. With her.
Dominating her.
Training her.
Using her.
The laugh escaping my mouth had no meaning, other than the surprise more pleasing than I wanted to admit even to myself. I felt a level of warmth inside that I’d hadn’t experienced in years. All because of cheese and fruit? Jesus.
But I eased the platter onto the counter, running my fingers over the carefully placed plastic wrap, tingling inside. I gulped the entire remainder of the scotch, my taste having changed. The red wine. There was nothing better than a bold cabernet with specially selected cheeses. I popped the cork, pouring with enough aggression that beads of the rich liquid slipped past the rim.
I was suddenly ravenous, ripping away the plastic as if I hadn’t had a meal in a solid week. The first bite of blue cheese was incredible, the swig of wine more intense than ever before. I powered through several pieces, unable to fill my mouth fast enough. The flavors were exquisite, so rich and bold, satisfying at least a portion of my palate.
The wineglass still in my hand, I walked toward the stereo system. While my tastes in music were eclectic, there was only one CD that would be acceptable. After grabbing the remote and pressing the switch, I took careful steps backwards, my chest heaving as I waited for the first few chords of the passionate concerto.