“Don’t you get it, Jenna? I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

  “Why? Why? Why? I don’t know why you’re telling me that.”

  He cupped the back of my head, his chest heaving. There wasn’t nearly as much anger in his eyes as I’d thought there’d been. “Because I don’t want to lose you. That’s fucking why. You are mine. You belong to me. We belong together.”

  There was such burning desire in his voice that I was breathless, unable to say anything in retort.

  His hold was tight, so strong, his heated breath exciting me, igniting every nerve in my body. For a few seconds, all we did was stare at each other, both breathing hard. But the moment he crushed his mouth over mine, I was pulled once again into the sweetest vacuum, the kind I never wanted to leave.

  It was another one of those incredible moments like you’d see in a movie where the camera panned around the passionate couple in circle after circle until it was spinning out of control. Just like my mind was doing. He tasted of bourbon and cinnamon as he dominated my mouth.

  I was lost in the moment, the kiss more passionate than the one I’d described to Elena. He explored every centimeter of my mouth, yanking me against him and grinding his hips back and forth so I knew exactly what he was thinking and what he wanted.

  The moment was breathtaking, rattling every thought, all the anger gone. I wanted this man and while it was crazy, lying to myself any longer wasn’t what I wanted to do.

  He rolled his hand down my back, cupping my buttocks to tighten his hold even more. Every inch of me was tingling, goosebumps everywhere.

  When he finally broke the kiss, we were both gasping for air. He laughed seconds later, shaking his head ever so slowly. “You’re not getting away from me. Not now. Not ever. Don’t you dare try it.”

  I was so thrown by what he’d said that I had no snappy comeback. I was certain he was going to whisk me off my feet, taking me to bed. Maybe the best thing to do was to act like I was giving in, acquiescing to his needs. That way, I could more easily form a plan of escape.

  I was a good actress. Right?

  Okay, so not really but I had to do something. As I tried to make a promise to myself that I would and could lead him on, it struck me that not only was I not that kind of girl but that I actually wanted to get to know him better. Did this have everything to do with spending time with his sister? Another moment of confusion hit me, not that it hadn’t about fifty times in the last couple of days. It was ridiculous to think I could want this under any circumstances.

  But…

  When he broke the connection, taking two purposeful steps back, an evil look crossing his face, I almost fell forward from shock.

  “I hope you purchased something sexy on that long day of yours.” His voice was so husky I was still shaking, but this time from desire and not from anger.

  “Maybe.”

  “Hmmm. Then get your sexy bottom up those stairs and slip into it. Don’t take too much time because I am one famished man. That’s what happens when the only woman you crave decides to keep you waiting for far. Too. Long. So, here’s the way it’s going to be, sweetheart. You’re going to get dressed and we’re going out. Together. You’re not going to fight me. We’re going to have a nice evening together.” His nostrils flared as he tore his gaze all the way down the length of me.

  I was certain I could no longer feel my legs, I was so completely aroused. My nipples ached, my pussy throbbed, and I didn’t want this night to end already.

  “And after I wine and dine you, maybe even enjoy a little dancing and champagne, well then, I’m going to ravage every inch of your body but not once. Several times. And if you’re a very good girl, I will continue teaching you about the pleasures of agony and ecstasy. Now, tell me, sweetheart. Is that something you’d like?”

  Holy shit. I thought I’d been turned on before, but this was…

  “Yes. Oh, my God, yes.”

  “Then go before the beast surfaces.”

  The look on his face was that of a true savage and I was flushed, butterflies swarming. I backed away, blowing him a kiss on purpose before heading to the doorway, stopping long enough to toss my head over my shoulder. “Where are we going?”

  He grinned, this time like some kid. But I could tell he had evil things on his mind. Sinful things. “That’s a surprise.”

  “Bad boy.”

  “You have no idea.”

  As I raced into the foyer, grabbing the bag with that hot little red dress and way too high heels, another epiphany hit me hard.

  I was happy. For once I was happy and it seemed so strange that I could say that about being around a family and a man who’d captured me.

  And a man who’d save me.

  However, I couldn’t get over the feeling that he was the one who needed saving.

  CHAPTER 17

  Stavros

  No one had ever made me that angry. No one.

  Or maybe it was just frustration.

  I was usually a patient man. Up. To. A. Point.

  And no one had ever made me that crazed with hunger. Jesus Christ, I was ready to devour her ten times over. Still, the anger and concern were right there, almost overshadowing the desire.

  I’d thought Jenna had understood that I’d given her a gift, a chance to return to some sense of normalcy. Maybe I’d been too presumptuous in believing she would surrender to the most basic set of rules.

  What part about returning before dark had she not understood?

  How much clearer did I need to make the situation to her?

  Christ, I’d been so aggravated I was ready to smash something. Break heads. Hell, that wasn’t usually like me. I was the calm, cool, and collected one.

  Except around her.

  I’d even paced the damn floor, as if that would make time go faster.

  When any of my soldiers had acted as if time didn’t matter, I’d warned them once what the consequences would be. But if they blatantly ignored that for a second or God help them a third time, well, my reactions had been strong.

  None of which I’d regretted.

  But I’d felt sick inside when I hadn’t been able to reach my sister. Of course, I’d made certain my sweet hostage couldn’t call anyone after she’d made an attempt one single time. I would purchase her a new burner phone that would be used for emergencies only.

  As if the most gorgeous, defiant woman on the face of the earth would obey me without reservation.

  Jenna had pressed every button in existence.

  And I’d fucking loved it.

  The entire situation was dangerous. Hell, it was getting serious and in my mind a fool’s game to continue playing. But I was a Brotherhood member by default, my family wearing the same targets on their backs.

  God. I needed a break from the constant overthinking. I needed time with the woman who’d ignited my passion. I took a deep breath of her perfume, enjoying the way being this close to her had become so enticing. Who needed alcohol? I was drunk on her fragrance already.

  I rubbed my jaw, thinking about all the filthy things I had planned for later. Even in my anger, I’d planned out a fun evening. I was well aware of the danger, had spent a couple of hours after returning home going over the details and dossiers I’d been given on Madden, his family and regime, and what the Brotherhood had pieced together on the Death Squad.

  When you tossed Viktor into the mix, it was a recipe for utter disaster.

  I had to admit that the unknown group of people appeared to be a scary organization capable of destroying economies and people’s lives. Even cultures. However, other than a few covert actions over the last two decades, they hadn’t interfered with any country’s economy that I could detect.

  Maybe that was the point.

  Jenna shifted in the backseat next to me, touching the blindfold I’d placed around her eyes. What would a little mystery hurt? I’d thought about cuffing her hands, but I had a feeling that would only prove to create drama for the evening.

  Not that I didn’t like to spar with her but that wasn’t the point of going out on the town. Maybe I was being a fool in doing so after everything we’d both been through, but I doubted that whatever enemy was determined to lure me into a trap had recoiled from the blow I’d given him.

  However, that would change soon enough.

  I’d almost sent out my soldiers to track them down but knew I’d never hear the end of it. I’d remained angry even through the incredible kiss.

  But the moment Jenna had walked down the stairs in that bright red body-hugging dress, I’d nearly lost my shit, fucking her over my desk. I had a feeling that would come later. Or I’d take her in a very public place.

  The thought pushed my already aching cock against my trousers. The woman had a way of getting to me by doing nothing more than giving me an evil eye.

  “Where are you taking me?” Her attempt at taking control of the situation was adorable.

  The grin on my face seemed permanent. “Wherever I please. After all, I am in control. I’m the master of ceremonies tonight.”

  “You’re the master of nothing.”

  I could tell she was teasing and it matched my mood, more jovial than I should be given the circumstances. Without hesitation, I pulled her over my lap, enjoying the little yelps escaping her mouth. When I ripped up her dress, exposing a matching thong, not only did my mouth water but I sensed her haughtiness returning by how hot her breath had become.

  “You wouldn’t dare!”

  “Wouldn’t I? You obviously don’t know me very well.” I brought my hand down in rapid succession, enjoying the way she wiggled on my lap. However, if she wasn’t careful, I would take her right here, right now. I already sensed she was mortified that my two most trusted men were in the front seats.

  While they knew better than to say a single word, that wouldn’t ease her nerves. But that’s what made this fun as fuck. And made me a very bad man.

  “You’re going to learn one way or the other the rules have all changed in your life. Given you belong to me, I control your destiny.” It was said mostly tongue in cheek at this point but now that I knew what I was possibly dealing with, the rules I’d set in place would need to be adhered to. I was hopeful after tonight she could at least place some trust in me.

  “Ouch. I swear I will find a way to get you for this.” She pummeled one fist against my leg, purposely gyrating her body to torment me in her sensual way.

  I covered her sweet bottom with smacks, moving from one side to the other. This wasn’t meant as anything but a light reminder, although I’d wanted to drag her over my knee, giving her the kind of spanking she’d remember for days once she’d returned. Would that have been fair? Not necessarily, but I’d never said I was fair man in all things.

  Whoever had said that all was fair in love and war was… brilliant though.

  I chuckled under my breath, a single bead of sweat rolling down my cheek from the desire that was coming close to being uncontrollable.

  When I’d decided she’d had enough, I did nothing more than caress her skin, enjoying the heat on the tips of my fingers before pulling them away.

  She was like a cat, trying instantly to crawl off me. I easily whipped her around, forcing her to sit on my lap. We were close to our destination, or I would have slid my cock inside. Maybe I shouldn’t have allowed her to wear panties. Hmmm…

  As Jenna planted a hand on my chest, she took several shallow breaths. “You are a terrible man. You’re every bit as horrible as I thought from minute one.”

  At least some of the anger had left her voice. Perhaps the entire day had altered her opinion of me.

  “So you seem to enjoy telling me.” I brushed the tip of a single finger down the side of her face, enjoying the way she shuddered from my touch. There was no denying our sizzling connection. “You’re definitely right but I still won’t allow you to get hurt.”

  “Whether you’re horrible or not is not something you need to affirm. However,” she cooed as she repeated my actions, raking her nail down my stubbled cheek, shifting it along the underside of my jaw. “I was told you were a real pussycat underneath all that bad boy armor. I’m curious if that’s true.”

  “Oh, you were, huh? What other family secrets did my wayward sister tell you?”

  She acted as if she was zipping her lips. The sultry move tightened my balls. “I’ll never tell.”

  “I assure you that I’ll get it out of you.”

  Her laugh was sultry, far too inviting and I couldn’t help myself, cupping her face and bringing it to my level so our lips were just touching.

  She dragged her tongue across her bottom lip in such a provocative way that wild horses couldn’t have kept me from kissing her. My sister did know me too well, perhaps better than anyone else in the family, which meant whatever Jenna had been told might help ease the pain of being held without possibility of escape.

  I wasn’t certain I cared any longer as I’d laid claim to her.

  “Do you have any idea what I’m going to do to you later?” I whispered.

  “No. What?” She darted out her tongue, sliding it across the seam of my mouth.

  Without hesitation, I pulled it into my mouth, sucking on it before capturing her lips. She wiggled again and my mind went into a complete fog. The young woman had become an expert at teasing me. Yet given I was over a decade older than her, I knew a few tricks of my own, the kind meant for full seduction.

  The kiss was explosive as always, the feel of having her in my arms perfect. As if she was meant to sit in my lap.

  Once I finally pulled away, I nipped her bottom lip before brushing mine up to her ear. “I’m going to fuck every hole after licking every inch.”

  That was all she needed to hear.

  Her moan turned into a purr and suddenly, it didn’t seem as if she cared there were two burly men in the SUV.

  I noticed Christos grinning in the rearview mirror as he made the turn down the street to the location where we’d enjoy dinner. My reaction? To give him my middle finger. How many times had he counseled me to find that special someone?

  And how many times had I reminded him that I already had and because of who and what I was, I’d lost it.

  “Now, you need to remove your sexy little thong.”

  She jerked back, pressing her palm against my chest, pushing with enough force she almost toppled her body onto the backseat floor. “What?”

  “You heard me.”

  “We’re going into a public place.”

  “Yes, and I want full access to you. Every. Single. Second.”

  “Bastard,” she huffed but it was said with a lilt.

  “Yes, indeed.”

  As she cursed under her breath, she climbed off, rising onto her knees and almost expertly sliding her hands under her dress without exposing herself. It was almost as if my sweet, innocent girl had done this before. Maybe there was more to her badness than I’d realized. My hunger for her skyrocketed.

  By the time she managed to wrangle them off, Christos had found a parking spot.

  “Give them to me.”

  Even in her silk blindfold, she gave me a hard look. I could only imagine what her lovely eyes were doing. Drilling holes into my brain. That would be my guess. She held them out, curling her fingers around the thin elastic so I had to pry the material from her hand.

  I took an exaggerated whiff, so she knew what I was doing before shoving them into my pocket.

  My two soldiers climbed out first, checking the perimeter and scanning the road outside the restaurant before opening our doors.

  She was still cursing as Atlas helped her out, keeping hold of her arm until I walked around the back of the SUV. I buttoned my jacket first, hiding the weapon I had in my pocket. I was certain she’d felt it, surprised when she hadn’t said anything. Maybe she was getting used to the new life she’d entered.

  Nah.

  Smiling, I pressed one hand on the small of her back, holding her arm with the other. The scents coming from the restaurant were likely to give away the little surprise.

  She took a deep whiff as if to prove me right, twisting her head toward me. “Garlic and fresh tomatoes. Onions and… sausage. Wait a minute. Italian?”

  “Perhaps. Let’s go inside.” I guided her toward the entrance, taking one last look at the street. My instinct told me to be careful, although I refused to allow the evening to be deterred because my gut told me that at some point my estate, the corporate headquarters, and the casinos would be cased to determine the best way to get to me.

  When I opened the door, I grinned. It had been weeks since I’d been here. I couldn’t imagine a more appropriate first date. Shit. That’s what this was, a freaking date. Did I even know how to do that any longer? I laughed softly as the hostess recognized me.

  “Mr. Diamondis. It’s been a while. Would you like your regular table?”

  “That would be great, Dena. And this is a very special guest.”

  “Oh, then I’ll tell Papa. I’m certain he’ll make you his very special delight for the evening.” She was the owner’s daughter, the larger-than-life man someone I could trust. Michelangelo knew all about my family, was well aware I’d done business inside his quaint but amazing restaurant. He also was very happy with the various contributions I’d made to his fine establishment over the years.

  When Dena led us to our table, the music was exactly what I’d hoped. It was as if we’d been transported back in time to Italy. That’s where Michelangelo and his family had originated, although Dena was born in the US.

  “What do you smell now, my sweet prize?” I asked as I pulled out her chair.

  “The most incredible spaghetti sauce. No…” She lifted her head as if contemplating her answer. “Pizza?”

  I ripped off the blindfold and she squealed in the adorable way only she could.

  “Very good. The finest pizza in all of Pennsylvania. True Italian pizza.”

  Dena grinned. “My father will make certain he prepares his specialty. Would you like some wine?”

  “Absolutely,” Jenna answered.

  Dena nodded. “I know exactly what to bring you. Please enjoy your evening.”