“I wasn’t spying.”

  I’d hold my thoughts on her father for another discussion. It was vital I garnered everything she knew about Sergio.

  “The people responsible don’t know that. The type of people determined to create issues for my family and my corporation don’t like loose ends. Many have no understanding of innocence or coincidence. They will hunt you down. And they will kill you.”

  “Are you trying to scare me?”

  While everything about her rebellious nature captivated me, at some point I’d need to better explain to her that her only option was to place her full trust in me and quit lying.

  “I’m simply telling you the truth.”

  “Your truths and mine are completely different.”

  At this, our conversation would go no further and I’d reached the end of my patience. “You have two minutes to dress. Then we are leaving,” I said almost in passing.

  Her smile was a challenge and my balls tightened.

  I rose from the bed, peering down at her while she dragged her tongue across her bottom lip.

  After taking a deep breath, I fastened my pants, running both hands through my hair before removing my weapon from the table. I fingered her phone before sliding it into my pocket.

  “That’s mine.”

  “You’ll get it back,” I told her as I turned my head, locking eyes with hers. “If you obey me.”

  Her snort was as insolent as before.

  By my own requirements, I should interrogate her until she told me the truth, but she was unbreakable, which was intriguing as hell. She’d also awakened more than the monstrous beast inside of me, my hunger remaining just at the surface. Maybe I was crossing a line, but I no longer cared. I grabbed my shirt, heading for the door, stopping long enough to give her a long, hard look.

  She was sitting with her knees bent, her arms folded around them, staring at me intently.

  “Do you understand me, Bristol?” Her hesitation pissed me off more than I cared to say. She seemed either oblivious or unconcerned that I had her life in my hands.

  And that if whoever was responsible found her, they couldn’t care less about her father or what he could do.

  “Fine. I hear you. Where are you taking me?” she asked, her tone just as defiant as before. Another intriguing aspect about the lovely girl. I’d been impressed she’d gone for the gun, as if she had even a slim chance of being able to use it.

  “To a secure location.”

  “I’m curious if I should be more concerned about you or about the men who killed your friend.” She turned sharply, glaring me in the eye. Her cheeks were wet, a single tear remaining.

  “Perhaps both.”

  “Then why bother taking me with you?”

  Unable to resist, I rolled my thumb through the salty bead, collecting it on the tip of my finger. When I pulled it into my mouth, she pursed her lips, an expression of disgust on her face. The possessive man inside of me knew no bounds. He also had no intentions of letting go of what already belonged to him.

  “Why? Because I own you, Bristol. I’m going to enjoy breaking you. Two minutes.”

  “I have news for you, Mikhail. No man can break me.”

  I turned away. “I guess we will see.”

  CHAPTER 19

  Mikhail

  The woman had a profound effect on me, something that would continue to annoy and intrigue me.

  Her eyes were spun with fire, venom lacing her blood, and I could envision her trying to escape, kill me, or both. But there was no denying our strong connection.

  As Bristol walked quickly toward her duffle bag, I had to smile. I would enjoy every aspect of using her, taking her in every way I desired. And yes, she would be broken.

  She’d stirred the darkness within me.

  Curse words slipped from her mouth as she jerked something from the contents, bending down to grab the fallen towel then giving me another hate-filled look.

  When she cradled the clothing she’d selected and walked into the bathroom, slamming the door, I remained where I was, avoiding thoughts of hunger.

  Very slowly I rubbed my eyes, the ache behind them keeping my anger just below the surface. The strong belief her father was somehow behind Sergio’s death lingered. He certainly hadn’t driven the knife into my friend, but that didn’t mean he hadn’t been the catalyst.

  The question remained. Who the fuck had killed Sergio? It was doubtful Connor had gotten his hands dirty. However, Sergio’s murder had been a warning, the reporters sent like vultures to stir the pot. There was nothing worse than being the target of a vicious game.

  As I walked into the kitchen in hopes of finding something to drink, I returned my thoughts to Sergio. The fact I had no idea why he’d been killed instead of them going after me directly left me at a complete disadvantage. He hadn’t brought anything odd to my attention and there hadn’t been any overt threats.

  Other than the usual assholes tossed from one of the clubs or casinos. Granted, it would be wise to talk with the various operations managers to ensure there wasn’t a pissed-off customer with strong connections to a syndicate or otherwise powerful organization.

  Being as successful as we were as a corporation often meant we couldn’t keep our eyes on everything.

  Finding a bottle of bourbon, I snagged a glass from the cabinet and I glanced at my watch before pouring a shot. I’d need to play this carefully given who her father was. However, if he was developing a commission to try to torch anyone involved in illegal sports betting, he’d need to be pulled down from his perch.

  Bringing the stadium to Las Vegas had been a significant win, something the Dmitriyev Corporation had been a huge part of making happen. Yes, I’d heard the mayor had plans on running for governor, which would explain his sudden need to boost his lacking agenda, but to bite the hand that fed him wasn’t in his best interest. I’d also heard he’d gotten under several prominent businessmen’s skin, including the law firm representing us.

  Either he had another hidden agenda or his confidence had soared. Was it possible he’d hired basic thugs to break into Sergio’s home to steal the little black book of files?

  No one was above the law.

  Even my sweet, voluptuous prisoner.

  I swallowed half the glass, suddenly realizing more than two minutes had passed.

  After slamming the glass on the table, I took long strides into the bedroom, surprised with myself when I stopped long enough to knock on the bathroom door.

  “Bristol. Are you finished?”

  “Almost. I’ll be right there.”

  Hell, no. I heard the different lilt in her voice. I continued to underestimate her. That wouldn’t happen again.

  I leaned closer to the door, remaining silent until a scraping noise caught my attention. With a grin on my face, I didn’t hesitate to kick in the door.

  Her yelp was instant and she threw her head over her shoulder just as she tried to slip out the window.

  I’d be damned.

  She would never cease to amaze me.

  “You should know better than to try and escape.” I lunged closer, grabbing one ankle. Fortunately, I’d remembered and anticipated her reaction just as she hauled off and tried to kick me in the face with her other foot.

  Almost succeeding.

  I jerked her from the open window while she continued to struggle. When she let off a sharp scream, I cut it off by slapping my hand around her mouth and pulling her against me. We were both slightly out of breath.

  Fuck. She’d almost made it out the window. Hell, my skills were rusty.

  I yanked her arm, pulling her in front of the mirror and crushing her against the counter while we both took a few minutes to catch our breath.

  “That wasn’t very nice of you, Bristol. Now, I’m going to take my hand away from your mouth. Do not try and scream. Understood?” The venomous look in her eyes was practically endearing. As soon as I slipped my hand free, she issued another sharp cry.

  What the hell was it going to take to get through to her?

  Snatching my tie, I jerked it from around the collar of my shirt, immediately wrapping it around her neck, twisting until I managed to grab her full attention. She would need to learn she had no control over what would happen to her.

  Her eyes opened wide as she began struggling to catch enough air in her lungs.

  Exhaling, I allowed the hot breath to cascade across her face as I dragged her against me, keeping the silk tight. “I don’t think you understand the seriousness of the situation you’re in.”

  She opened her mouth, a few strangled sounds mixing with her scattered breathing, several moans giving her desire away.

  “I can smell your arousal,” I whispered, the scent intoxicating as hell.

  I glared at our combined reflection in the mirror, angry with myself even though the girl deserved every second of punishment that I’d given her.

  Her mouth closed, her hands dropping, but not out of acquiescence. She was still rebellious as hell. I wanted to burst into laughter. The audacity of the woman to think that kind of behavior would work on me, perhaps soften me, was ridiculous.

  She wiggled against me, her actions creating way too much friction.

  Her actions created a primal surge from deep within, the kind of aching need that swept through me like a tidal wave. It was difficult to comprehend why this woman ignited the dark passion within me, but there was no denying my intense yearning.

  She was mine.

  I snorted as I pressed my lips against her heated skin, using my other hand to roll it down her arm. “You are truly a beautiful woman, Bristol, but we aren’t playing games any longer. There’s too much at stake.”

  Goddamn, I was aroused by her tenacity and refusal to accept her predicament. I backed off on the stranglehold while keeping the scarf in place.

  She coughed, although she did everything in her power not to react, enough so tears of frustration formed in her eyes. She quickly sucked them away, hissing under her breath. “You can’t keep me. I have a job, a life. My father will wonder where I am and trust me, he’ll send out every office in the city to find me.”

  “Imagine when he learns you were involved in a murder.”

  I could tell by her expression she’d already thought of the consequences she could face, which wouldn’t bode well for her father’s reputation. That’s the reason her call had been anonymous.

  When she stopped struggling, I took a deep breath, allowing my gaze to fall to what she’d chosen to wear. A dress. The body-hugging attire was enough to push my cock against my trousers.

  Another act of defiance. Another way of attempting to break through my defenses. I had to give the woman credit. She wasn’t just a fighter. She was determined to use her defiance to break me instead.

  It would be far too easy to lose track of what I was doing and what I needed from her. I had limited time before I’d need to set her free or determine how to control her future actions. I couldn’t do so if I allowed her to dig deep into my psyche.

  Yet my need to possess and break her was strong, so much so I reached under her dress, wrapping a single finger around the thin elastic of her underwear. With a snap of my hand, I ripped it away, immediately pulling the material to my nose.

  She gritted her teeth, slamming her hands against the mirror.

  “Yes, you’re very wet. I think you crave another taste.”

  “Fuck you!”

  My laugh forced a subtle yet powerful moan sweeping past her lips. The woman was far too enticing. I kicked her legs apart while jerking her dress to her waist. When I cracked my hand against her bottom, she hissed.

  I tossed the thong onto the bathroom counter and took my time unfastening my trousers. She allowed a slow smile to cross her face as if declaring I’d never control her.

  She was wrong, very wrong.

  “You’re a very bad girl, Bristol, and you need to be punished.”

  “You already did that.”

  “Not my way.” I didn’t hesitate before thrusting my cock deep into her sweet and very tight pussy.

  Her eyelids flickered, her long lashes skimming across her cheeks. While she was doing her best to keep from reacting, she bit her lip. Even that didn’t hide her subtle moans. She slammed one hand against the glass and I’d give her credit. She never allowed her eyes to leave me, memorizing the moment.

  I pulled out, driving into her again. The feel of her pussy muscles wrapping around my cock was heavenly. As I began to plunge into her in an orchestrated rhythm, she quivered in my hold. While she refused to break, her desire was overwhelming her need to hate me. Good for her.

  My needs increased, the feel of her constricting muscles more powerful than anything I’d felt in a long time. She squirmed in my hold, shifting her hips back and forth. The friction was delicious.

  I ran my hand under her dress, caressing her back for a few seconds before running my thumb down the crack of her ass. When I pressed my thumb into her dark hole, her entire body stiffened. She lifted her head and her gaze, her look of utter defiance continuing to drive the sadistic side of me.

  My balls were tight as fuck and the need to possess her mind blowing. I’d never experienced this level of electricity or need with another woman. Her trembling increased and soon, she was unable to keep from whimpering.

  Sweet music to my ears.

  I sensed she was close to orgasming.

  “That’s it, my perfect angel. Let go. You know you crave what only I can give you.”

  She threw me another flushed look and I shoved my thumb deeper into her asshole. Her agitated whimper only spurred me on.

  Her body convulsed and I could easily tell she was furious with her body for the complete treachery. As she climaxed, I fucked her savagely, driving her against the edge of the counter.

  When her body stopped spasming, I pulled my hand free, cracking my palm against her heated bottom several times before pulling my cock from her tight pussy. “Keep in mind that I own every inch of you and I will take what I want when I want.”

  I pressed the tip of my cock against her asshole and for a split second, I witnessed another wave of fear in her lovely violet eyes. But she was strong, perhaps unbreakable after all. Her look of defiance returned almost instantly.

  As I pushed inside by a few inches, she shuddered and a single bead of perspiration trickled down her cheek. I longed to capture it with my tongue but fucking her was more important.

  I gripped her hip, allowing her a few seconds to become accustomed to my large girth. But I was losing control. When I thrust the remainder of my shaft inside, she dropped her head. Every gasp for breath was another concerto, another beautiful melody.

  She was so damn tight and hot I threw my head back. I needed to catch my breath. As I started fucking her, I could easily tell she was plotting my demise.

  Perhaps it was wrong, but I reveled in the thought of her attempt. I couldn’t wait to see how strong and resourceful she could be.

  Being deep within her should be considered very wrong, but I just didn’t care.

  The hard slap of my skin against hers was only challenged by our combined heavy breathing. She licked away the salty bead while pressing hard against the glass. Our reflection told no lies. She could fight it all she wanted, but she craved this.

  She needed this.

  My anger was calmed, dominating her and taking her sweet asshole satisfying the intense primal need.

  But I knew it wouldn’t be enough.

  This was just the beginning of the filthy things I’d do to her.

  After pumping several more times, my balls filled with cum. I’d never lost control around anyone, but with her, the concept was far too easy.

  I took a deep breath, holding it as I slammed into her. As if she knew I was ready to lose my load, she offered a wide smile while narrowing her eyes. And I’ll be damned if she didn’t squeeze her muscles.

  As I erupted inside, I stared at the ceiling.

  Even this act of pure filth wasn’t enough.

  She remained silent after I finished, her lovely mouth remaining pursed as I shoved my cock into my trousers.

  “Such a bastard,” she whispered.

  After taking a deep breath, I pulled the tie from around her neck. She kept her harsh glare as I placed the material over her eyes, tying the blindfold securely. Backing away, I pulled her around to face me. “I’m many things, Bristol. You obviously think there are those who never stray into the gray area of the law, but you’re wrong. There isn’t a man or woman on this earth who won’t cross that line when necessary, including you.”

  “I’ve already taken an oath to uphold the law.”

  “Have you now? How is that working out for you?” I rubbed my hand over her shoulder, easing hair behind her back before smoothing down her dress.

  “You enjoy tormenting people. That makes you a sadist.”

  “I guess that’s something you’re obviously going to learn the hard way. However sadistic my desires might be, I usually reserve the worst punishments for those attempting to destroy my hard work and that of my family.”

  She laughed softly, as if this was just a game. “And you believe that’s what I’m trying to do? You honestly believe I had something to do with Sergio’s murder? Perhaps a lure, a femme fatale? Maybe you think I fucked you to gather information. Maybe you don’t remember we chatted about food and music, not the fact you run a billion-dollar business based on blood and broken bones.”

  My God, the woman had balls.

  “Yes, you’re right. That doesn’t mean you weren’t capable of gleaning something important for your father.”

  “You think so little of me.”