She had a voice that tingled every muscle, the thumping beat of the drums as she powered out a song mimicking the thudding of my heartbeat. When the song ended, she threw back her arms and the crowd went wild, the standing ovation well-deserved.

  I remained in my seat, ordering a drink from the lovely waitress as soon as she approached. Perhaps the set was over, which would be a shame. When the lights dimmed until only twinkling lights crisscrossed the front of the stage, I leaned forward.

  The singer eased a stool from behind the curtains, taking her place with only a microphone in her hand. I wasn’t expecting the soft strains of an acoustic guitar as her only accompaniment. She lowered her head, holding the microphone in both hands. When she began to sing, I was floored at the change in her voice. After a few seconds, I had no idea what words she was singing, only concentrating on how emotional the performance had become.

  Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew she was singing a song from decades before, The Rose was a signature piece for another entertainer. But the way the girl handled the various octaves reminded me of what an angel from heaven would sound like.

  As the song concluded, my drink was presented. In the quiet before the storm of applause, I drew the waitress closer. “What is her name?”

  “Rose.”

  “How perfect.”

  “You don’t know who she is?” the girl asked. When I said nothing, she seemed flustered. “Only the most famous singer out today. You should look up her band Halo on Tiktok or Instagram. However, at least in my opinion, she’s what makes the band special, and we’re lucky to have her.”

  I pulled out a business card, handing it to the girl. “I’d like to arrange a short meeting with her. I assure you that Mr. Cross would approve.”

  She glanced at the card, her body stiffening. “Oh, my gosh, Mr. Augustine. You should have told me who you were.”

  “Why?”

  “We were all instructed to provide you with a perfect stay in our resort. I could have found you a seat up front.”

  I laughed. Cain had certainly wanted to make an impression. “It’s fine. Just see what you can do about arranging a meeting.”

  “Yes, sir. I’m certain she’ll be eager to meet you.”

  As the girl scampered away, I returned my attention to the beautiful woman on stage taking her bows. My cock had stirred for the first time in as long as I could remember. The fact that Rose had managed to entice me in such a short period of time was something I couldn’t ignore. I sipped on my drink, yanking my phone from my pocket. While I used social media every day, I wasn’t the kind of man to peruse either Instagram or TikTok for anything other than business.

  I typed in her name and was shocked at how many followers she had. As I scrolled through the pictures and videos, my balls tightened. The woman was exquisite in every way, sultry and dazzling. My breath was caught in my throat, which was even more unusual.

  Why did this girl have such an effect on me?

  The entire band had left the stage, the lights lifting in the auditorium. It was obvious by the fact people were beginning to leave the room that the show was over. I drummed my fingers on the table, hoping that Rose would take a chance meeting a stranger.

  The waitress returned a few minutes later, a smile on her face. “She’s agreed to meet with you in her dressing room. I’ll show you the way.”

  I left my drink, trailing behind the girl to a door on the opposite side of the auditorium. It led to a private hallway, several of the band members roaming the corridor along with reporters and other people offered the privilege of being backstage.

  She rapped on a door that had no name attached, giving me a hard onceover after she did. I had to wonder what Cain had told his employees.

  “Come in.” The voice was just as sultry as I’d heard on stage.

  The waitress opened the door, allowing me in, then closing it behind me. Suddenly, I was alone with a superstar. I didn’t see her at first. Then she eased from behind a panel where she’d changed clothes. Now, she wore jeans and a simple blouse, appearing even more inviting than before.

  I wasn’t the kind of man to be awestruck by anyone, but I found it difficult to say the right words. She stared at me, her eyes opening wide, almost as if she was trying to figure out where she knew me from. I’d remember a gorgeous creature like her. She was tall, yet I dwarfed her voluptuous body. She wasn’t skin and bones like so many rock stars, her curves meant for a man’s hands.

  My hands.

  I could tell the attraction was instantaneous between us, a smile finally curling on her lips.

  “Mr. Augustine,” she half-whispered.

  “Thank you for seeing me, and please call me Hunter. I’ll feel old otherwise.”

  “A man who tracks his prey. To what do I owe the honor?” she asked, still studying me with cautious eyes, remaining where she was. I could sense her apprehension, and rightfully so. I was a bad man who was curious if I could convince her into being seduced.

  The thought crossing my mind was as surprising as the fact that I’d asked to meet her in the first place. I could have any woman I wanted. I’d been photographed with some of the most beautiful women in the world on my arm for various functions. However, almost all had been for show and little else. I had several female friends who acted the part of my love interest when requested. For some of them, the nod of being on my arm had allowed them to climb the social ladder.

  Uncomplicated suited my needs as well as theirs. Perhaps I was as arrogant as I’d been called on more than one occasion, but I’d had my share of women vying to marry into wealth and power. I wanted no part of an arranged marriage as had been proposed to both Cain and Cristiano by their families.

  Maybe somewhere under my black heart, I believed in the sanctity of love.

  “Yes, I capture and keep the prey I hunger for. I won’t lie to you, Rose. I enjoyed the portion of the concert I was lucky enough to see, and I prefer being around beautiful women.”

  Her laugh was natural, filling the air with a light that electrified every molecule in my body. She seemed to notice the growing bulge between my legs, but there was no embarrassment on her face. The fact that she dragged her long tongue across her plush, bottom lip meant she approved of the stranger standing in front of her.

  “It’s delightful to meet a man who doesn’t dare shower me with useless compliments or try and pretend he’s the best thing since sliced bread. But I’ve never met a hunter I couldn’t outrun.”

  The banter was just as enticing as the woman. When she pursed her lips on purpose, brushing her fingers lightly down her chest, she knew exactly what she was doing. It was the same kind of action I’d seen on stage, enticing every male in the auditorium to fantasize.

  I breathed in her perfume, the cords on the side of my neck immediately tightening. The scent was exotic yet light, citrus and jasmine infused with a dash of vanilla. I’d never analyzed a woman’s choice of cologne before. I had to wonder why I was doing so now. “I don’t mince words, Rose. I’m not that kind of man.”

  She folded her arms and walked closer, cocking her head as she locked eyes with mine. “I’m curious as to what kind of man you are?”

  Her challenge brought out the beast in me, a hunger that had the chance of being difficult to suppress. However, I had a feeling she wasn’t a one-night stand kind of girl. “The kind that takes what he wants.”

  “I’m not for sale.”

  “I never said you were.”

  “Oh,” she mused. “You’re the dominating type, someone who refuses to take no for an answer.”

  I took two steps closer, the ache in my cock increasing. A wry smile twisted across her pursed lips, and I sensed she wasn’t the kind of woman to back down from any challenge. That made me desire her that much more. “I am many things.”

  “Mmm… I can tell you are. Rich. Arrogant. Dominating. Unethical.”

  The last word surprised me. “Now, how would you know I was unethical by talking with me for a few minutes?” When I took another step, I was certain she’d back away, only inches between us.

  “I have an innate knowledge of these things. You own a powerful business, and you got there by toying with gray areas.” She inched even closer, and I found it almost impossible to keep my hands to myself.

  “I rarely toy with anything, including my women.”

  “Then what do you do with them?” Her voice had dropped to a sensual, low pitch that vibrated against my skin. She tilted her head, her chest rising and falling from her ragged breathing.

  “Provide endless nights of unbridled passion.”

  When she gently, cautiously placed her hand on my chest, I almost lost all control. If I had my way, I’d toss her against her makeup table and fuck her relentlessly.

  The loud, single knock on her door brought a husky growl to my lips.

  She sighed as she looked past my arm, irritation in her intense blue eyes. “Yes?”

  The door opened and whoever her visitor was, he had heavy footsteps. “Rose, darling. It’s time for your interview.”

  “I need a couple minutes, Brett.”

  I turned slightly, enough to catch the disdain on the overweight man’s face. He obviously didn’t like the fact that she had a visitor.

  “We’re talking People magazine for God’s sake. You can’t keep them waiting. And what are you wearing? That’s dreadful.”

  My hackles were raised. The man as asshole as far as I was concerned.

  She frowned, then winked at me. “They’ll take me as I am or nothing at all. I’ll be right there.”

  “Fine. It’s your career.” Brett walked out, slamming the door.

  She chuckled. “I apologize for my manager. He hasn’t been out from under his rock for long.”

  “I don’t want to keep you from what you need to do.” I backed away, gathering a whiff of my explosive testosterone.

  “Perhaps we’ll meet again.”

  “Yes. Perhaps.” After heading toward the door, I gave her another look, one that should highlight exactly what I had planned for the lovely jewel.

  Soon, she would be writhing underneath me as she screamed out my name.

  CHAPTER 12

  Cain

  There were several requirements of the people I did business with, much like I demanded from my employees.

  Loyalty without question.

  Making appointments on time.

  Respect.

  Following the hierarchy.

  No abuse of women and children under any circumstances.

  They were aspects my father had drilled into me over the years. While I had no morals or conscience per say, after what had happened to Sage, I’d doubled down on standing behind the rules that been a part of our family for generations.

  A single breach meant punishment, no matter who the person was.

  As I headed to my private business suite located on the top floor of the entertainment wing, I buttoned my jacket. It had been a few weeks since I’d thought of Sage, a welcome relief after the years I’d spent privately grieving. I should have celebrated her death given that’s what I’d originally wanted, but as soon as I’m heard she’d been taken off the machines keeping her alive, I’d gone on a violent rampage.

  She’d belonged to the three Kings of the City of Hope. We’d claimed her. The fact that someone had dared touch her in an inappropriate manner had allowed the savage killer in me to see the light of day.

  Now, with the detective breathing down my neck and the fact both my old buddies had arrived or would shortly, I had a feeling I’d have several sleepless nights.

  I moved through the crowded lobby, remembering the press conference that had been approved through my office. Fortunately, the reporters were headed out. I doubted my illustrious guests appreciated the interruption or the possible inclusion in a rag paper or internet site. For my clientele consisting of dignitaries, politicians, actors, musicians, and corporate moguls, their loyalty in selecting my resort was rewarded with very unique perks, including entrance in what people frequently called my world of debauchery.

  On one side, a kink club catered to and allowed kinky activities without reprehension. On the other, the private casino hosted games of blackjack and poker where the stakes were limitless and creative, including the use of beautiful women as a decadent surprise for select winners. I had three more hotels modeled after this one, all four alone making me a very rich man, the facilities laundering almost one hundred percent of the money my corporation was worth.

  I considered reporters the scourge of the earth, every one of them out for their fifteen minutes of fame, no matter the damage to the person they were interviewing.

  I watched the exit of the cockroaches and sighed, something catching my eye. I’d yet to meet the entertainer of the hour, a woman who had come with her own entourage and the reason for the onslaught of reporters. But I’d been curious enough to download several of her songs to Spotify. Her voice was that of an angel, melodic and limitless.

  After noticing she was having a terse discussion with someone, I pushed my way through the crowd to get closer. By the time I’d passed through the large group, the man she was with had his hand around her arm, jerking her towards a corridor. It was obvious to see she was furious with him, her face contorted with anger.

  I pushed through the rest of the people in my way, snarling at his treatment of her. Where the hell was her security detail?

  When she yanked her arm away and he acted as if he was going to slap her face, I intervened without question. He didn’t see me coming and when I snapped my fingers around his wrist, pitching him against the wall, he almost crumbled to the floor. Then the bastard was stupid enough to launch himself off the wall, lunging towards me.

  With a crack to his gut, then another to his jaw, he was flipped up and backward, crashing against the door to one of the men’s rooms, where he stayed, which was in his best interest. I took a deep breath, the ache in my fist barely providing what I needed to calm the desire for bloodshed. It came and went, but tonight I was in the mood to break bones.

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

  The demanding tone in her voice instantly caused a reaction, my cock stiffening. I did so love a woman with spunk, unafraid of opening her mouth. I turned slightly, inhaling Rose’s perfume as I studied her attire, the look entirely different than the many changes of clothing she’d worn while on stage.

  “Removing a leach.”

  “That’s my manager you just beat the shit out of. I’ll have you know I can take care of myself.”

  While the aggravation regarding my actions remained in her voice, I couldn’t help but notice she wasn’t attempting to discover his condition. There was a fire in her eyes that drew me in, as if there was no one else in close proximity.

  I certainly didn’t want there to be. “You have no idea what men are capable of.”

  She laughed, her tone haughty. “Oh, I think I do. Men are conceited pieces of shit who truly believe they can lord that fact they have a dick between their legs over women.” Huffing, she raked her fingers through her tussled hair, the look adding to her sexy kitty-kat exterior. I’d seen the faces of several of the male reporters. They were just as aroused as I’d become.

  “So jaded at such a young age.” Her words amused me.

  “I have my reasons. What in the hell am I supposed to do about Brett?”

  “Fire him,” I told her casually as I headed in her direction.

  Her eyes flashed with venom and ice, a dangerously sensual combination. “I would if my record company hadn’t hired him.”

  “Ah, yes. You sold your soul when you were young and for nothing but a chance at stardom.”

  “I’m sorry. Is there a reason I should bother talking to you other than your arrogance and determination to ruin my evening?”

  The fire buried deep within her core was explosive. Visions of stripping off her clothes, fucking her against the wall powered into my mind. I couldn’t remember the last time a single woman had challenged me so openly. Most were terrified of what I would do. It was also obvious she had no clue who I was.

  I backed her against the wall, planting my hands on either side of her. I was several inches taller, outweighed her by well over a hundred pounds, yet she wasn’t intimidated. She was aroused, her nipples clearly accentuated through the thin material of her silk blouse.

  “The only reason that’s necessary. Hunger.”

  “I beg your pardon?” She pushed herself as tightly against the wall as possible, but the way her breath hitched meant she remained completely aroused.

  “You heard me, little pet.”

  She narrowed her eyes, glancing away. I couldn’t tell if she was offended by my words of endearment or furious. Not that I cared. She wasn’t a delicate flower by any means, which excited me, more so at the thought of taming her.

  Breaking her.

  I exhaled, allowing the heated breath to cascade across her jaw. Her lips quivered, her eyelids half open. I lowered my head while she tilted hers, our lips almost touching. There was a sense of longing that awakened the man inside, allowing me to feel something for the first time in years. However, even a single taste was dangerous.

  I backed away, doing what I could to curtail my hunger. The last thing I needed was to get involved with the princess of rock. There were far too many stragglers of business that needed my constant attention. That included having additional guards stationed at both the resort and my estate given the assassination attempt Hunter had dealt with.

  I refused to be caught with my pants down the way my buddy had. If The Iceman wanted to make another attempt, it would be the last one he made.

  “I do hope you can regroup a part of your evening, beautiful Rose. Until we meet again.” As I walked away, a woman was rushing towards Rose, concern on her aging face. I’d sensed she’d stiffened when she realized who I’d been talking with.