THE KINGPIN

  PIPER STONE

  CONTENTS

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Afterword

  Books of the Ruthless Empire Series

  Books of the Tainted Regime Series

  Books of the Carnal Sins Series

  Books of the Kings of Corruption Series

  Books of the Sinners and Saints Series

  Books of the Benedetti Empire Series

  Books of the Merciless Kings Series

  Books of the Mafia Masters Series

  Books of the Edge of Darkness Series

  Books of the Dark Overture Series

  Books of the Club Darkness Series

  More Mafia and Billionaire Romances by Piper Stone

  Books of the Missoula Bad Boys Series

  Books of the Montana Bad Boys Series

  Books of the Eagle Force Series

  Books of the Dangerous Business Series

  Books of the Dark Wolves Series

  Books of the Alpha Dynasty Series

  Books of the Alpha Beasts Series

  More Stormy Night Books by Piper Stone

  About Piper Stone

  Copyright © 2023 by Stormy Night Publications and Piper Stone

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  Published by Stormy Night Publications and Design, LLC.

  www.StormyNightPublications.com

  Stone, Piper

  The Kingpin

  Cover Design by Korey Mae Johnson

  This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies only, intended for adults.

  PROLOGUE

  Beautiful. Fragile. Innocent.

  That’s the way I liked to think of Raven. I’d come to the realization that she didn’t belong in my world. She was far too delicate, a budding flower with tender leaves. But it had become impossible to ignore her, or the desire that had never left from the unexpected meeting. Karma had been kind, offering me an olive branch, one I would have been stupid to ignore. She didn’t realize the danger she was in or the fact a predator was studying her from afar.

  Hungering for her.

  Waiting for the perfect moment to strike, infecting her with my venom.

  Or did she?

  Was she just performing for her master, enticing the ferocious beast?

  I chuckled at the thought, remaining hidden in the shadows, leaning against a large oak tree as I allowed myself to be consumed by sadistic hunger. I’d never been the kind of man to hide from anything or anyone before, but I enjoyed watching her go about her daily tasks, pretending that what had occurred between us only weeks before had never happened.

  But I sensed her upheaval, a burning desire that kept us tethered. With every glance over her shoulder, every hurried step over the last few weeks, there was no doubt she realized she’d already been captured like a sweet fawn. Only I wasn’t preparing for a slaughter. No, the hunt was all about her requirement to submit to my needs.

  And to exact the sweetest revenge on my greatest enemy, a man who’d once been not only my best friend but someone I’d considered a brother.

  Until he’d betrayed me.

  As she scurried past me barely fifty yards away, completely unaware a monster lurked in the darkness, I could almost gather a hint of her sweet perfume. She had no idea how close I was, how intent I was on staking my claim. She’d become the obsession of a ruthless, corrupt, and very depraved man, a beast who would strip away the remainder of her innocence.

  She also had no idea how important she’d become in a war of prowess and intelligence, a diamond in the rough that would soon become my greatest possession.

  A queen in a merciless game.

  I watched with envy as Raven’s roommate stopped in the courtyard, the two young women engaging in a conversation. Then laughter drifted my way, the lilting sound forcing my cock to stir, my balls to harden. As the two girls walked away, I sucked in my breath, the ache in my groin increasing.

  Then Raven stopped briefly, pulling away and turning in my direction. She knew I was there.

  Waiting.

  Watching.

  Biding my time.

  And there was no fear, only burning need.

  I rubbed my jaw, enjoying the light breeze and spectacular view. Only when she disappeared out of sight did I turn away, heading to my vehicle. Once inside, I revved the engine, laughing softly to myself.

  “Soon, my princess, you’ll be mine forever.”

  CHAPTER 1

  Weeks before…

  Raven

  It wasn’t midnight yet I felt the pulse of the haunting city humming in my veins. New Orleans was an incredible place, filled with gothic homes and devilish history, acts of debauchery the usual fare.

  Sadly, I wasn’t here for the festive parties or glorious food. I was here for a single purpose.

  Thievery.

  “‘Join a sorority,’ the high school guidance counselor had told me. ‘It’ll be fun. The experience will be an excellent addition on your resume.’” I’d muttered the ugly whisper, and it wasn’t the first time. I’d refused based on the woman’s nagging alone.

  Until my mother had badgered me, relentless in her words, hiding behind her motherly love. Bullshit. It was called status, requiring her daughter to follow in her illustrious footsteps. Somehow, I’d fallen prey to the constant push, finally reaching out to the president of the high and mighty sorority much later than the typical college student.

  Regrets? Oh, I had several, including this moment. Methods of revenge had already crossed my mind.

  How I’d been coerced into doing something highly illegal was beyond me. While I hadn’t actually broken into the house given the festive by-invitation-only party occurring two floors below, I’d been forced to be creative in determining how to get inside without being cornered as an intruder.

  Which I was.

  I had no business being here. In fact, I’d lose my scholarship if anyone from the university found out. Plus, given I was sent to steal something valuable, my ass could land in jail. Awesome decision, girl.

  At least no one had noticed that I’d disguised myself as one of the catering firm hired for the illustrious event. After gaining entrance, I’d quickly changed into swankier attire inside a closet, the balled-up dress no worse for wear. From what I could tell, the event was an engagement party, which made the situation unseemly in my mind. Who stole from the groom to be? The assignment was nothing but punishment for being who I was.

  Infamous.

  It had nothing to do with my beauty queen mother. This was all about my father.

  And a dare I’d been stupid enough to accept after being forced to chug three shots of tequila.

  After getting my bearings, I’d followed my instructions, going up the back stairs to the third floor, finding the bedroom suite noted on the single piece of paper I’d been provided. Once I’d located the mark’s private area, I’d used skills gleaned from my father in obtaining access into the man’s room.

  I had no doubt in my mind the bitch of a sorority president Megan Montgomery had created this assignment given my father’s occupation. I’d wanted to refuse but my mother had insisted this be the sorority I pledged, LSU her alma mater. She’d been the sorority president as well. I’d been expected to follow in her footsteps when I was nothing like her. That had been the only reason I’d been granted a chance by the girls who’d taken one look at the criminology nerd and had laughed, making fun of my funky clothes. I certainly didn’t fit in with the perfectly coiffed blondes who reminded me of Stepford wives of Baton Rouge.

  I took a final deep breath, contemplating running. Right. I was a hundred miles from my dorm room, my roommate away for the weekend. I’d gotten myself in this mess, I had to follow through with the deal I’d made, or I’d be the laughingstock of the university.

  Likely disowned.

  You can do this. In and out.

  That was the mantra I’d said to myself over and over again.

  Now I stood in the middle of the darkened bedroom of a man I didn’t know, searching for something that would prove I’d stolen from the owner of the gorgeous home.

  However, the last thing Megan had told me prior to placing the blindfold over my eyes had driven a bundle of nerves into my system. And she’d done so with glee in her voice, trying to scare me. Well, I didn’t scare easily given I had a blackbelt in karate and knew my way around weapons. My father had insisted I ha
ve respect and knowledge for guns.

  “Just be careful, Raven. The man is a monster. If he catches you, you’ll be punished. Or worse.”

  In my mind, a monster was only as good as his reputation. If his lavish bedroom with an oversized king bed and ornately carved furniture made out of rich chocolate-colored exotic wood was any indication, he was a man of passion as well as commanding control. Or maybe I’d been reading too many romance novels.

  So far, I’d seen an expansive living room bathed in colors of cream and gold, large enough to host lavish parties like the rowdy one going on downstairs. But the remaining rooms were more gothic in nature, dark textured walls in ruby red and deep purple accentuating the art strategically positioned under dazzling LED lights. He enjoyed ensuring his guests noticed his appreciation of all things sadistic and provocative.

  Even the sweeping curved wood staircase leading from the massive marble-floored entrance foyer was a clear indication of the man’s wealth and his stance on opulence. Yet his bedroom was warm and inviting, the stone fireplace accentuating the deep burgundy comforter.

  I knew nothing else about him, other than he was wealthy beyond anything I could imagine, his tastes in art and photography erotic in nature. I had to wonder whether he’d made any of the selections himself or had hired someone to provide an enviable backdrop of function versus wealth. Every piece of furniture was elegant and beautiful, so much so I was terrified of touching anything.

  The mystery man was also an impeccable dresser as evidenced by his stunning and very expensive wardrobe. I’d started in the closet first, admiring his Brioni and Prada suits, his vast array of silk designer ties and crisp linen shirts in various colors.

  His entire wardrobe was sensual, the aura powerful, and I craved to see the owner in one of the swanky outfits. I could only imagine his appearance—tall, dark, and all man. Maybe I needed to think about anything but the fact that what I was doing could land me in jail, destroying any hope for a decent future.

  Let alone what my father would do to me if he found out about my ridiculous infraction.

  Time was ticking, the requirement needing to be fulfilled. What could I take that would be enough to allow my acceptance into the snooty society?

  I turned in a full circle, inhaling the mystery man’s aftershave lingering in the air. His natural musky scent was infused with hints of citrus and timber, exotic spices and a fragrance that could only be described as passionfruit on steroids. I couldn’t help myself, running my fingers across the sleeves of his linen and wool suits, bringing the tips to my nose.

  He had at least three dozen pairs of shoes, more than any man I’d ever known, some polished loafers, at least four brand new pairs. Yet there were also running shoes and boots, including two pairs of rattlesnake cowboy boots. The man had fascinating tastes. I could bask in the glory of his wardrobe for a full hour, but I had limited time. Only fifteen minutes left to accomplish my goal. Of course, the two sorority sisters who’d accompanied me on the hour-plus trip were keeping close track.

  They’d even told me they’d leave my ass behind if I was a minute late.

  This was a test, a game they used with what they called their most prominent pledges, although the term ‘hazing’ wasn’t far from anyone’s minds. They were daughters of the most rich and powerful men in the world, considered the elite students within Louisiana State University, where I hoped to graduate from without having a black mark on my record.

  I rolled my eyes; glancing out the closet window to the street below, I could almost make out the car Shelly had driven. I had been blindfolded, and they’d told me nothing other than we were headed out of the city, although I could tell by the architecture of the gorgeous aging mansion that we were in New Orleans.

  I’d never seen a walk-in closet so huge, the massive island in the center a piece of decadent furniture with its multiple drawers and solid black marble top. I ran my fingers across it before noticing whoever the man was, he had four different weapon holsters hanging in one section of his closet, which meant he was either law enforcement or a criminal. My bet was on the latter. I doubted the girls were brazen or stupid enough to require me to steal something from an officer of the law.

  The mystery man’s attire certainly wasn’t that of a lawman either. I knew that well enough from the work my father did and the life we’d led as a family. A cold shiver trickled down my spine as the reality of what I was doing birthed additional butterflies in my stomach. I had to get the hell out of here.

  I started opening the drawers, finding additional new shirts in packages, underwear and socks in another. There was nothing of real value, which was what the president of the sorority had demanded I find, something with the man’s initials. Jewelry was what I had in mind. I moved to the other side, finding nirvana with the third drawer I opened. Nestled inside were a dozen pristine and terribly expensive watches.

  There were Hermes and Bulova, Longines and Breitling pieces, every one of them as bold as the man’s tie collection. I glanced at the partially open closet door before lifting a Bulova piece into my hand, the significant weight surprising. After looking at one after the other, I was certain none of them were engraved.

  When I discovered exactly what I was looking for, I almost squealed with happiness. The watch was the only timepiece protected in a box, which meant it was precious. I turned it over, holding my breath. Yes. Yes! The expensive piece had been engraved as I’d hoped.

  To my beloved Arman

  It was signed with a capital S and nothing more. Oh, what I was about to do was bad, so very bad. Yet I slipped it around my wrist, easing the box back into position then closing the drawer.

  As soon as I was ready to get the hell out of the man’s bedroom as well as his house, I heard a noise and almost panicked. I was no career criminal. What the hell did I think I was doing? I quickly moved to the door, turning off the closet light, yet was fearful of closing the door. I remained in the shadows, shifting back against a group of the man’s suits. Fear crawled over me like a snake slithering into my veins.

  Stupid girl.

  Chastising myself wouldn’t do any good now.

  There was no doubt someone had entered the room. I heard a voice, the deep baritone creating a series of vibrations. There was something so sensual about the tone that I was forced to place my hand across my lips to keep from issuing an unwanted whimper.

  “Fuck. This is ridiculous.”

  “What’s wrong?” A second man’s voice was gruff, just as exasperated.

  “What’s wrong? Betrayal. It needs to be handled tonight, Maddox. The asshole fucked with the wrong man.” His harsh words were followed by a loud thud, and I couldn’t help but jump in response. “You shouldn’t have allowed the shit to go down. I thought you were watching. God fucking damn it.”

  “I’m sorry, Arman. The dude came in under the radar.” The second man’s voice was raspier, as if he’d smoked too many packs of cigarettes over the last few years. Or as if he was exasperated from Arman’s angry chastisement. Hell, I would be. “We both trusted him,” Maddox continued.

  “That man could ruin us. He’s talking to the Feds,” Arman growled.

  “We don’t know that for certain.”

  I inched closer to the closet door. Against my better judgment, I peered out the crack, trying to control my scattered breathing. At this point my heart was fluttering like a butterfly trapped inside a jar.