“Then fuck me. Just fuck me.”

  There was no holding back. He slid in and out, the weight of his body pressed against me. I was lost in the fantasy, sharing the most passionate moment.

  I threw my arms up and he grasped my fingers in his hands, holding them together as he stared down at me. He never blinked, never seemed to take a breath as he plunged in faster and deeper.

  The sensations were white hot, searing every blood cell until I was left breathless. “Oh. Yes...”

  He finally smiled as he thrust in a brutal manner, pulling out until just the tip was inside them slamming into me again. We were two animals in the heat of the moment, our hunger swelling, our hearts racing. In a swift move, he rolled onto his back, forcing me to straddle him.

  I planted my hands on his chest, giving him a naughty smile before sweeping my hair down over his face and chest.

  “Don’t tease me, little princess. Ride me. Take all you want because it’s the last time you’ll ever be in control.” His words were husky, drilling into me, driving me to the point of madness. I could listen to the sound of his sultry voice for hours.

  “We’ll see about that.” Purring, I did as he commanded, rocking up and down. Pinning my knees against him. “Like that?”

  “Just like that.” He rolled his hands over my shoulders, caressing my skin, his fingers tracing circles and lines.

  I shuddered inside and out, rocking to the point he was slick from my wetness. I couldn’t seem to get enough, the force of my movements pushing the headboard against the wall.

  He cupped my breasts, squeezing until I closed my eyes. The hint of pain was beautiful, stimulating and powered me on.

  “A little pain with pleasure, my kitten.” He pinched and twisted my nipples before issuing another low-slung growl, rising up until he was able to suck on them.

  “Oh. Oh...” Every dazzling sensation that washed through me left my pussy muscles clenching then relaxing, pushing me immediately into a wave that I never wanted to end. “I’m going to come. I can’t... hold it.”

  “Yes, you can,” he growled and slid his lips to my other breast, suckling and biting down on my nipple.

  I wailed, tossing my head back and forth, trying to hold back the raging climax. My eyes watered, my skin prickled, and the glorious electricity was overwhelming. There was no way I could hold back. None. As the orgasm rushed from my curled toes, jetting into my pussy, I had to bite back a scream.

  “One bad girl,” he whispered hoarsely, the low rumble skittering into my muscles.

  “Uh-huh. Yes. I...” I hung my head, panting until the wave hit me again, shaking my entire body. “Oh. Fuck!”

  Michael held me, refusing to let me go, licking and kissing my heated skin until the orgasm passed.

  But he wasn’t finished with me.

  I was suddenly flipped, my waist tossed over the edge of the bed, my legs pushed together. “Oh!” The squeal was cut off the second he smacked his hand down on my bottom.

  “You’re going to get more of this,” he said then brought his hand down again, moving from one ass cheek to the other.

  “But... But!”

  “No buts. You scared the life out of me.” Fisting my hair, he leaned over, whispering the words as I slapped my hands on the floor. “I was terrified.”

  I could hear the anguish in his voice. He peppered my ass several times, the sound making me cringe. While this wasn’t true punishment, I already felt guilty enough.

  For so many things.

  I felt his weight on top of me, the wiggle of his cock as he pressed it between my closed legs. The sensations were entirely different and as he took full control, pumping in slow and even drives, I fell into the sweet serenity of euphoria.

  He was powerful in his actions, keeping me close to coming again then pulling back. I could only concentrate on the sounds of the creaking springs as he fucked me.

  Slowing down, he rubbed his fingers down my spine. “Every inch of your body belongs to me.”

  “Yes.”

  “Yes?”

  I couldn’t help but smile given everything we’d been through. “Yes. Sir.”

  He smacked my bottom then rubbed. “Does that feel good?”

  “God, yes. Don’t stop.”

  Chuckling darkly, he did as I asked, pumping in the slowest and most amazing thrusts. But I knew the moment he slipped the tip of his cock up along the crack of my ass what he wanted.

  He would take any part of me.

  At any time.

  I was his possession.

  His obsession.

  And for the first time in my entire life, I wanted nothing more.

  “I love fucking your tight little ass.” He spoke in a gravelly voice, the tone dripping with lust. He eased apart my cheeks, pressing the tip of his cock to my dark hole. “I love filling you with my cum.”

  He slid in slowly, taking his time. He was so large, his cock still throbbing and my muscles tensed as the hint of pain washed over me.

  “Oh, God!” I stiffened, jerking up as far as the position would allow, taking deep breaths.

  “Relax, baby. I’m not going to hurt you.”

  His words were far more comforting that I could have imagined. As he pushed further inside, all I could think about was how wonderful this was, the time we could share together. Nothing was going to happen. We’d find a way to spend the rest of our lives together.

  With lies...

  I bristled, whimpering when he thrust the remaining couple of inches inside. Another rush of electricity pounded my system, pulling me from sheer anguish into a wave of utter joy.

  “So tight.” He wiggled back and forth, seating himself fully inside then rocked his beautiful giant body, kicking up the excitement and the burning heat between us.

  I fell into a dream state, savoring every moment as he fucked me. I was going nowhere, his prisoner until he allowed me to be free. The thought was cathartic, almost funny but certainly brought a smile to my face.

  He became more barbaric, driving in brutal motions, slamming his body down on top of me. I could tell he had difficulty holding back, his needs outweighing everything else.

  And so, I squeezed.

  “Jesus. I...” He palmed my back, digging his fingers in, his actions more manic. “Fuck. Yes. Yes!”

  I could feel the warm gush as he erupted and couldn’t contain my smile. Everything about this was perfect.

  The man I now called my hero gathered me into his arms, easing us onto the pillows and pulling the covers over our heated and exhausted bodies. He held me close, aimlessly fingering my face and chest.

  “Do you think your father is going to be all right?” I asked the question, uncertain if I wanted the answer.

  “I honestly don’t know.”

  “And if he isn’t?”

  Michael sighed. “Then I take over the family business.”

  He said the words so casually, as if he would be responsible for a dry-cleaning business or a family restaurant. “Then what?”

  “Then I secure the holdings and move forward.”

  “What about us?” I lifted my head, gazing into his eyes.

  He pinched my chin, trying his best to give me a smile. “I already told you. You’re mine. We work it out.”

  I buried my head on his chest, savoring the warmth. I wanted to believe in fairy tales, but if I was a princess, I was the dark one, incapable of having a normal life. We remained huddled together, stroking and caressing, finding no further need to discuss the inevitable. But soon we’d have no choice. I’d have to face my father, determining what I needed to do in order to gain control of my trust. I wasn’t certain if doing so even mattered but it had become painfully obvious that I needed to initiate a swift and permanent change.

  As far as the money?

  I didn’t give a shit.

  It was blood money.

  We both heard his phone ring, a reminder that what we were doing was playtime. Reality was so much worse.

  “I have to get that. Business needs to go on, especially now.”

  “I understand.” I pressed a kiss against his chest before rolling onto my back.

  “Why don’t you order room service?” He gave me a sultry stare before tweaking my nipple. “We could have fun playing with food.”

  “Ouch.”

  His laugh was meant to be comforting but instead, the sound terrified me. A sickening feeling had never left my mind, as if my past was going to sneak up on me. I reached for the phone on the nightstand as he answered his. All I could think about was champagne and strawberries, although I had no idea what we were actually celebrating.

  My life?

  Death?

  Danger?

  After placing the order, I rolled over, checking the clock. It was after two in the morning. Time seemed to stand still, no longer my friend. I was so damn tired, unable to keep my eyes open. Another series of images filtered into my mind, crushing my very soul.

  “You’re coming with me,” he snarled as he tossed several hundred-dollar bills on the table, attempting to drag me outside of the restaurant.

  “I am not. Let go of me!” I jerked with all my might, but he was too strong, able to pull me out of the restaurant.

  And not a single person seemed to give a shit.

  When I screamed, he slapped his hand around my throat, shoving me hard against the side of the building. “You’re going to obey me, little girl. Shut your fucking trap and remain quiet. I’ll deal with your punishment.”

  I was too scared to react, my body shaking. I was helpless and while people on the street glanced in our direction, I could see fear in their eyes. They knew who he was and what he could do.

  And I was his possession.

  The moment he managed to jerk me into the backseat of the car, he whipped off his belt, tossing me onto my stomach and ripping off my panties.

  I kicked out, managing to claw his face, scrambling as I screamed, “Get away from me or my father will kill you!” I’d never seen such rage on his face, blackness in his eyes. “He. Will. Kill. You.”

  He seemed to be debating his odds, his hand squeezing the thick leather. “You’re such a little bitch. Boring and useless.”

  When he turned away from me, I huddled in the corner, praying as I’d never done before.

  “I have to go out for a little while.”

  “What? No. No!” I jerked up, gasping for air, trying to focus. “What?” You’re safe. Everything is okay.

  “Whoa. What is going on?” Michael sat on the bed, pulling me into his arms.

  The vision faded away almost instantly, but the pain of the torment the asshole had put me through would never leave. “Just a dream. I’m sorry.” I had a weak smile even though I continued to shake.

  “Are you certain?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  As certain as I could be. The horrors of being taken by the two men while the girl who’d professed to be my sister stood in the doorway was far too reminiscent. That had to be the reason for the nightmares, the wretched memory. That was never going to happen again.

  He lifted my chin with a single finger, narrowing his eyes. “We will get through this. Have faith in me.”

  “I do.”

  Kissing my forehead, he allowed his lips to linger. “Good. I have to take a shower. My father is awake and asking for me.”

  “I’m so happy! Do you want me to come with you?”

  He shook his head. “I have people I trust coming to protect you. You deserve rest after everything you’ve been through. Besides, I won’t be that long. I’m going to take a shower. Okay?”

  I nodded, the fear almost suffocating.

  Michael winked then headed to the bathroom. He returned seconds later, tossing a robe in my direction. “Room service. No other man is going to see that gorgeous body of yours. You hear me?”

  “Yes. Sir!” I gave him a military style salute then grabbed his pillow, holding it against my chest and inhaling. The soft cotton already smelled like him, ripe with testosterone and a touch of exotic spices. I could drink the man in all night.

  I heard the shower running and debated joining him. I was already ready to do so when I heard the light rapping on the door. Looks like I’d be enjoying a celebration without my man.

  Oh... My. Man. I allowed the words to linger in my mind as I jerked on the robe, shuffling toward the door. He owns you. Remember? I laughed softly to myself, shivering as the soft terry skimmed across my naked skin, longing for his touch instead of the dense material.

  I unlocked the door, giving a slight smile as the bell captain began to shuffle the cart into the room. “You can just put everything on the table.” I backed away, eyeing the bottle of champagne. Why not celebrate? We’d been through a horrific ordeal.

  And still more to come.

  “Of course.” He moved in the opposite direction, taking the long way to get to the table. I took another few steps away, allowing him room to work.

  I nibbled on my lower lip, hating the continuous thoughts. Would we ever be safe again?

  I watched as the bell captain opened the bottle expertly, the slight pop still making me jump. He positioned two glasses just so, twirling them twice until he was satisfied. I noticed a beautiful crystal bowl filled with luscious, ripe strawberries and even from where I stood, the sweet aroma was far too inviting. A plate of cheeses and other fruit was positioned last, the dark-haired man hesitating. I was surprised when he plucked a grape from the vine, tossing the lump of fruit into his mouth, chewing in an exaggerated manner.

  I backed away, my stomach unsettled. Hair on the back of my neck stood up.

  “There you go, miss,” he said in a husky tone, barely more than a whisper.

  “Crap. I don’t have any money. Can you add a hefty tip onto the bill?” I needed him to get the hell out of the room.

  He had his head lowered, his curly dark hair several inches longer than his collar. His silhouette was barely highlighted given the single lamp on in the room. No, this wasn’t right. I knew the instant he stood at his full height, allowing me to see his profile that my entire world was about to be shattered. The bastard had cornered me. There would be no way to race to either the bedroom or the entrance without him being able to catch me. “Franco.”

  “Hello, my sweet princess. Have you missed me?” Franco laughed as he turned to face me, his dark eyes piercing the darkness.

  “What are you doing here?” Franco Massimo, son of Dante Massimo, the true monster of the family. Every horrific vision that had been stored away in the padlocked box rushed forward, breaking free of the chains keeping them far away from the forefront of my mind.

  “Did you forget that I own you?” he asked as he eased a gun from his pocket, pulling a silencer from another and attaching it to the barrel in a methodical manner. “You ran away from me, but that’s never going to happen again.”

  “You don’t own me. You never did, you fucking monster!” I stole a quick glance at the table, trying to rationalize his appearance. How the hell did the man know where to find me?

  “If you’re searching for any weapons, I assure you that I’m not that stupid, princess. You seem to forget who I am.”

  “I know exactly who you are, Franco. You killed my sister then tried to make me believe she was alive.”

  Franco seemed more amused than anything, nodding several times. “You are correct, but I needed to find a way to get to you. I hadn’t been counting on you being abducted prior to my chance. I will give Michael Cappalini credit. He had the exact same idea I did. Still, he’s no match for a real man like myself.” He clasped both hands around the weapon in front of him, appearing far too casual.

  “So all of this was a game?” I could still hear the damn shower running. Michael. Get out here. Help me.

  “Well, I did have business to attend to, family business.” He chuckled as he raked his eyes down the length of me.

  The bastard was actually undressing me with those hateful eyes. The man was soulless. “Revenge.”

  “In a matter of speaking.”

  “You were the one who attempted to kill Michael’s father.”

  “A man who deserves to die, Francesca, for what he did. Trust me. I will finish the job.”

  I noticed the change in his expression; while only slight, it was enough. “And what did he do, Franco? Why do you and your father hate him so much?”

  “None of your concern.”

  “Oh, yes, it is,” I countered, giving him a hateful look. I needed to buy time.

  He took a step closer, inhaling in an exaggerated fashion. “I can tell you’ve been fucking that asshole. You’ll pay for that, princess. Just like your sister did for betraying me.”

  “Betraying you? You fucking bastard. You were the one who betrayed her. You pretended you were not involved with anyone, plying me with gifts and dinners. All the while you were with my sister! Abusing her. Beating her.”

  “You didn’t seem to be complaining, sweetheart. In fact, you adored the attention. Just like your sister did. As far as abuse, she was a little whore monger. Sharing could have been nice, except your sister didn’t like the fact I was giving you attention. What a shame.”

  A lump formed in my throat as I realized that Michael’s gun was still on the table in the bedroom. “So you killed her.”

  He tilted his head, his smile lurid. “I did what needed to be done, just like I’m going to do now.”

  “Kill the only living members of the Cappalini family and take me back with you?” My thoughts drifted to my father. Did he know anything about this? I was sick to my stomach, unable to think clearly.

  “Eventually. That is after I get control of what my father almost fucked up. The bastard had grown soft in his older years, forgetting what Ricardo Cappalini had done to him, to my entire family!” The vehemence in his voice was terrifying.

  “What are you talking about?” I kept my tone as low and nurturing as possible, shuffling my feet as I moved several inches. He didn’t seem to be paying attention, anger and near desperation taking over. What in God’s name had the Cappalini family done to the Massimos?