Now I had the lust for violence. If I couldn’t satisfy my body’s hungers, I would satiate my mind’s.

  The poor asshole who’d dared put his pregnant wife in the hospital would beg to die tonight.

  Rose

  I had to be in some bubble-like fantasy. Two of the hottest looking men in the country were sharing the same space. I brushed my fingers across my lips, wishing I’d taken a leap of faith and kissed him. Then there was the hunk from before, his desire evident by the delicious, huge cock between his muscular thighs.

  Whew. I needed to curtail my filthy thoughts. I’d made the mistake of hooking up once with a guy I didn’t know on tour. It was my biggest regret and had almost turned into a public relations nightmare. Never again.

  But a girl could dream.

  I’d taken out my anger and years of frustration about Brett and his ‘handling’ of me on a stranger. Granted, the gorgeous hunk of a man had an attitude that I was surprised fit in the building, but he didn’t deserve the venom that had splattered from my mouth. Maybe I was tired, needing a vacation as I’d been told at least once by everyone I knew.

  I couldn’t relax yet. There were far too many award ceremonies, and a few stops on our tour in Europe. After that, I’d take a solid two months off and be by myself.

  Alone.

  The thought left me feeling cold and achy inside.

  Jillian bustled towards me, her face beet red. The woman needed to take a break every now and then herself. As my assistant, makeup guru, and wardrobe challenger, she’d become a godsend. However, she never left me alone for very long.

  Shaking my head, I snorted as I looked at Brett still passed out on the carpet. I’d been shocked at the stranger’s reaction, although I had to admit that I was enthralled he’d use such Herculean methods to save me. That wasn’t something I was used to.

  “Are you completely out of your mind?” Jillian’s assault with words left nothing to the imagination.

  “That depends on who you ask. What’s wrong?”

  “That man you were talking to. He’s a… He’s the…”

  “He’s one of the hottest men you’ve ever seen before. You’re right, but there’s more than one predator crawling the halls of this posh hotel.”

  She narrowed her eyes, doing what she could to process my cavalier behavior. “Predator is the correct word.”

  Brett finally groaned and rolled over.

  Maybe I should check on his wellbeing. Nope. The man had become more of an ass over the last two years, including demanding a significant raise. What I’d told the gorgeous stranger hadn’t been a lie. I’d love to toss his ass out the door. “Are we really going to play games tonight, because I’m ready for a glass of wine and a hot bubble bath.”

  “Stay away from that man.”

  “If you mean Brett, gladly.” I slipped my practiced prima donna smile into place, and I could tell she wanted to wring my neck. “If you mean the man I was talking with, then I’ll be happy to ease your fears. I have no idea who he is. However, he did come to my rescue when Brett was being an asshole.” I made certain the last word was said with a boost in decibels since Brett was fighting his way to a standing position.

  Jillian threw him a look, then motioned us further away from him. As we walked through the lobby, I noticed she was scanning the perimeter. “You really don’t know who your mystery hero is?”

  “Not a clue.”

  “His name is Cain Cross. He’s considered the most ruthless, brutal mafia leader in the country. This is his resort and casino. He rules Chicago.”

  I took a deep breath. No wonder my father had tried to advise me to keep Chicago and the four-week residence off my calendar. But it hadn’t been entirely up to me, other members of the band weighing in on the lucrative decision. My opinion wouldn’t have won even if I’d known the man’s identity.

  Or cared. “Okay.”

  “Did he threaten you?”

  “I already told you—no. Why are you so concerned?” I knew she was from Chicago, while I’d grown up in Southern California where my parents still resided.

  “Because he’s the kind of man that once he sets his sights on you, he believes you belong to him.”

  “Jilly. You know me better than that. I could care less about dominating men who think I’m going to fall at their feet. He’s just a man.” Albeit a gorgeous man. My mama hadn’t raised a stupid girl. I knew how to handle myself with big, bad men who believed themselves to be wolves in sophisticated, expensive attire.

  She relaxed visibly but shook her head. “Just stay away from him. The only reason I didn’t raise a stink about you guys accepting this gig was so you could have some time to yourself to regroup and refresh.”

  “Meaning I need to stop making irrational decisions. Right?” The word wasn’t the one she’d used. While she was only fifteen years older, she’d acted like my surrogate mother since coming to work for me. I was a grown woman, intelligent enough to know that at thirty-one, acting like the persona I’d become over the last seven years had gotten old.

  And it had almost gotten me into trouble a few times. While I wasn’t thinking about retiring anytime soon, I knew I was due for a long break and possibly a change in direction. If I even breathed a word of it to the other band members, they’d have me hogtied and whipped. We were far too successful to consider anything crazy.

  She squeezed my arm. “I just want what’s best for you. That’s all.”

  “I know, and I appreciate that.” I chewed on my lower lip, unable to keep my thoughts off both men. How many times had I fantasized about a threesome or foursome? I almost laughed at the ridiculous thought. There certainly couldn’t be a third equally stunning man roaming the halls of the hotel.

  “What’s best for me is a glass of wine in my suite all by myself. I have tomorrow off, and I plan on getting a little sun and perhaps taking a nice, long swim.”

  Her smile was forced. “You do that, honey. You earned it.”

  “Why don’t you do the same, mommy dearest?” We both laughed, and she wagged her finger at me before walking off. I waited a couple seconds, then strode towards the bank of elevators leading to the residential wing, lurid thoughts forming sexy visions in my mind. Thankfully I had the cold, steel box to myself. After pressing the button to the top floor, I closed my eyes, allowing the desire that had sparked within me to rush to the surface.

  “Come here, little pet. On your knees.” Cain’s voice was disturbing and raw, the low growl in his throat possessive.

  I slowly dropped to my knees and onto all fours, tossing my hair back and forth before crawling towards the two men who owned me. As soon as I was close, every inch of my skin became covered in goosebumps, a deep longing keeping my core on fire.

  “That’s it, baby girl. Come to your daddies.” Hunter’s voice was just as powerful, enticing me in a way I hadn’t expected. My throat was tight, my pussy so wet my inner thighs were covered with my juices. In his hand was a tawse, the six tails of leather keeping me tingling all over.

  As soon as I was close, Cain lifted my chin with a single finger, peering down at me with unbridled lust in his eyes. “My good girl,” he whispered, then brushed his hand through my hair. “But also very naughty.” He wrapped his long fingers around my throat, squeezing. Then Hunter gently brought the strap down on my buttocks, brushing it back and forth. I shuddered audibly, keeping my eyes locked on Cain as required.

  “Yes, she requires intense discipline,” Hunter said in his gravelly voice. Without hesitation, he brought the tawse down with more force, cracking the tails against my backside.

  I was on fire almost instantly, my core already ignited.

  “Don’t worry, little pet. If you’re very good, you’ll be provided with all the ecstasy you desire.”

  Exhaling, I dragged myself out of the vision. It seemed so real, as if I could reach out and touch them. I hadn’t indulged in a fantasy so spectacular in several months.

  As soon as the elevator doors opened, I took long strides towards my suite, fighting to get the card into the slot. All of a sudden, I wanted to write down my lurid thoughts. I was used to writing songs, had dozens of them in reserve that I planned to record, but this was different.

  This was much more personal.

  Once inside, I flew into the bathroom, stripping off my clothes and struggling into the thick terry cloth robe. Then I headed for the kitchenette, yanking a wine glass from the cabinet and filling it with merlot. After taking a sip, I realized the only paper I had with me had been prepared for musical notes, not a story.

  What the hell? I’d put the thick pad to good use anyway.

  I yanked a pad from the credenza where I’d placed some of my things, taking it and the wine into my bedroom. With the light on, I flopped on the bed. After another sip of merlot, I placed the glass on the nightstand.

  Then I began to write furiously, my pussy aching after only a few minutes. Perhaps I’d meet up with Hunter, exploring something naughty. My thoughts drifted to Cain, my nipples aching. I slipped my hand under the robe, rubbing then twisting my nipple. What was so wrong with having a sexy fling with a bad boy or two?

  I eased back on the pillow, rolling my other hand down the robe, sliding the two sides apart. As I rolled my palm around my bare mound, I envisioned both men together. Desire roared through me, and I flicked my finger across my clit, biting my lower lip to keep from making a single sound. The moment I closed my eyes again, a flash of an image shot across my mind’s eye. It was different, certainly not as deliciously filthy as the earlier one.

  For some reason, the swarm of butterflies I’d experienced earlier turned into a raging group of biting fire ants. I jerked up, my body shaking.

  Why did I have a terrible feeling that Jillian’s warning was one I should listen to?

  And that she knew more than she was telling me?

  The ugliness of danger was stronger than it had ever been before, as if I should know them from some point in my life.

  Hissing, I grabbed my wine. Several years of my life were missing, an accident. My parents had told me nothing about the circumstances, but for some crazy reason, I knew it was important that I remember them.

  But why?

  CHAPTER 13

  Cain

  Soon…

  The single word texted from a burner phone that had likely been tossed had changed my mood entirely.

  To say I was wired would be a serious understatement.

  If the implied threat was meant to send me cowering into a corner, it had provided the opposite effect.

  I was ungodly enraged. Anything could set me off, and something had.

  After dealing with the prick who had Rose’s life in the palm of his hand, I was hungry for blood. I considered myself to be a tolerant man most of the time. However, when I got to a certain point, people knew to stay out of my way. Even looking at me sideways could be grounds for termination or worse.

  “You’re on edge. Again.” The words were said as I strolled into the outer room, my righthand man waiting for me. Brock Carter was the only person in my employ, and one of three in the world who could get away with tossing out basic insults.

  He had his arms folded but threw his hand out, his palm pressing against my chest to stop me from barreling into the room where the jerk who’d almost killed his wife was being held.

  “Don’t do this, Brock.” My snarl was laced with venom. At this point, there were two methods of soothing the anger and settling the darkness furrowing inside like a rancid infection. Unfortunately, brutal sex was off the table. I wasn’t in the mood to pretend I gave a damn about a woman long enough to get my rocks off.

  The second was just as enjoyable, albeit messy. I wanted to peel away every inch of skin from the bastard who’d dared attack a woman. I’d done it before, but this time it would be personal.

  Exhaling, he didn’t budge. He simply shook his head. “I wouldn’t be doing the job you hired me to do if I allowed you inside that room right now. You’ll kill him and that jerk still needs to provide for his family. He’s all they have.”

  “Who gives a fuck?” I backed away, taking a deep breath and holding it.

  “Well, unless you plan on saddling yourself with paying for a wife and three kids for the rest of your life, then I suggest you take a beat and calm the fuck down.”

  Exhaling, I glared at him but finally nodded. He was right, as he usually was. “Fine. I’ll take a minute.”

  “Good. Now, what the fuck happened to make you crazy?”

  Crazy wasn’t the word for it. It was as if I’d been dragged into the past, the nightmare of what had occurred all those years ago coming dangerously close to the surface. If Theodore’s father was dead set on bringing us down, then we’d have no recourse but to end the chapter. What bothered me was that there would be additional questions, especially since he’d likely talked to the detective who’d bothered me.

  Fuck. This situation was getting out of hand already. I knew better than to allow any loose ends to remain, but both Hunter and Cristiano had convinced me to back away. Why was it all coming crashing down now?

  “Be careful when your past comes back to haunt you,” I told him.

  “The shit from the Elite?”

  I’d kept many dark secrets in my life. It was a necessity in my line of work. The fact that I’d trusted him enough to mention the power we held during those four years over a bottle of bourbon hadn’t been in my best interest. I’d even considered ending his life because of what he’d learned, but the man was far too valuable. He’d saved my butt on more than one occasion.

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, if you need me to handle anything, I’ll be happy to take care of it.”

  “You’re a twisted fuck, just like I am. It may come down to that. I’ll let you know.” I took another deep breath, then brushed my hands down my jacket, unbuttoning it at the same time. “Let’s get this over with.”

  “You sure you don’t want me to deal with Barrett?”

  I managed to grin, which was usually the sign I wouldn’t become a total psychopath. “I think the lesson needs to come from me, or he’ll consider doing it again.”

  He nodded. “Good point.”

  As he opened the door, my thoughts briefly drifted to Rose, a smile crossing my face. As an image of her lovely face slipped into the forefront of my mind, I was pleasantly surprised how calm I’d suddenly become. Perhaps she was a good luck charm of sorts. I made a mental note to insist she have dinner with me.

  One taste could be all I needed. Or maybe not.

  Several lascivious thoughts lingered as I walked into the soundproof room. I’d known the moment I was taking over the casino that I’d need to spend an exorbitant amount of time handling the renovation and subsequent operation of the expansive resort. That meant I needed a secure area to handle different, more brutal aspects of my business. Including doling out punishment as necessary.

  With a separate entrance, a secure gated parking lot with eight-foot concrete walls, the location allowed for maximum privacy when handling disposals as necessary.

  The existence of the ‘special’ facility was widely known in the ranks of my employees as well as listed as an ugly rumor with my enemies. Which of course I’d started. I’d learned early on that an unsaid threat was just as powerful as one issued in person. Plus, it fed the sadistic man inside of me.

  I enjoyed seeing them sweat.

  Which was exactly what Barrett was doing. People who knew him called him the Bruiser because of his use of his fists. In this case, his misuse.

  By the glint of fear in his eyes, the room had worked his magic.

  He’d been snatched up just getting off from work by Brock and another Capo, Marty, with two other soldiers remaining in the back of the room in case things got messy. Barrett had been a damn good dealer in the casino since the opening, but the stories of his abuse to his once beautiful wife had finally crossed a line.

  The boys had roughed him up pretty good, leaving me enough real estate if I wanted to create an entirely new face for him. I would ordinarily enjoy carving his wife’s name onto one cheek, the word ‘abuser’ on the other, but given my sudden good mood because of Rose, I might use another tactic. It depended on his actions and level of remorse.

  I grabbed a chair, twisting it the opposite way and sitting down in front of him, crossing my arms across the stiff back.

  Barrett seemed surprised at my actions, flinching.

  I glanced around the room at the various instruments and tools I’d acquired with nothing but punishment in mind. Inside these walls, I could carve a man into filet if needed.

  “I don’t need to tell you how badly you fucked up, Barrett.”

  “I did nothing.”

  His insistence irritated me. “So, you enjoy beating your wife on a regular basis?” As I lifted my head, glaring into his eyes, I could tell he wasn’t clueless as to what I was talking about. That gave him one bad boy point. I rated the men who sat in this chair. If they stayed under three, they were given a decent warning. Four or five, things started to get messy. Anything a seven or above and they’d shit themselves before begging for death.

  Something else I enjoyed was betting on the number I’d ultimately give them. My guess was a six, just below the threshold where I’d be required by my rules to provide for his family for the duration of their lives.

  “Fuck you,” he spit out. “She’s my wife. I can do anything I want with her.”

  Mistake and bad boy points two and three. “You have children to think about, including the one inside her belly.”

  “Bitch. I don’t think it’s mine.”

  I pulled back, glancing at Brock, who shook his head. It was apparent that Barrett was a clueless Neanderthal. We were up to five points. It wasn’t looking good for the heartless prick.

  “Let me ask you a question. Do you love your wife?”

  He hesitated but only because he hadn’t anticipated the question. “Yeah.”