The man was a serious master and my pussy continued to throb in a way that I knew meant I was already yielding to his mouth’s demands. My fingers dug into his shoulders as I took several shallow gasps.

  “So wet, baby. So fucking wet. I thought you didn’t want me.” Even his accent seemed more pronounced, his desire as off the charts as mine.

  “Nope. Not even a little.”

  “Such a bad liar.” Vissarian just had to prove me wrong. When he drove his tongue into my tight channel, my muscles clamped around it and I let out an intense moan.

  A tiny laugh followed from a shade of embarrassment. He had a way of making everything seem dirty, filthy as sin, but I adored every moment of what he was doing to me.

  He rolled a single thumb around my clit as he continued to feast, finally thrusting two of his fingers inside. The way he flexed them wide open filled me completely, stretching me as if preparing me for his big, fat cock.

  I scratched my nails down his neck to his shoulder blade, creating a mark of my own as he’d done with his lips and tongue. The sensation of being lost in the moment, in being captivated by the man was so sweet, almost innocent.

  Yet everything about the way I was feeling was creating a vulnerability that I should push away from.

  It was too late for that.

  So I allowed myself to fall completely as another wave of intense vibrations took me to the very plateau of ecstasy that only he’d managed to bring me to.

  “Oh. Yes. Yes.”

  He didn’t stop, his tongue licking me more fervently as he plunged his fingers in hard and deep. I was no longer certain I was still standing, unable to feel my legs. Only the pull of his lips and tongue as he devoured me.

  My gasps turned into breathless moans as the climax ripped through me like a sweeping tidal wave. The pleasure was so intense I was momentarily blinded.

  Nothing deterred him, not even when I tried to push his shoulders since I was suddenly so sensitive. He refused to let me go, gliding his tongue inside my pussy while he curled his fingers. How he knew exactly where to find my G-spot was beyond me, but I was suddenly spiraling out of control.

  If he kept this up, I’d soon faint.

  Maybe he could tell I was losing my mind since I found myself positioned on a soft bed, able to rake my arms across the puffy comforter as he finished tormenting me.

  Blinking furiously, I peered up at him while I raked my fingers through his hair. Even short, the locks were thick and luxurious. As the orgasm finally began to fade away, I lolled my head to the side, almost able to see the waves as they peacefully crashed against the shore.

  He stood, giving me a quick show, brushing the flats of his hands down his chest.

  In the warm hue of moonlight I was able to see his deep-seated emotions. They floored me as much as the man had done in killing to protect me.

  The intensity locked me in another moment where nothing else mattered. He was that powerful, that all-consuming in a way he could barely contain.

  He walked closer, finally crawling onto the bed. I noticed his chest was heaving, the sounds he emitted soulful growls. I was surprised Bella hadn’t come running into the room. Perhaps she knew this man would never allow anything to happen to her or to her mommy dog.

  A single tear slipped from my eye, trickling ever so slowly to the comforter.

  Vissarian noticed, leaning over and instead of gathering the salty bead with his finger, he did so with his tongue. The moment was so unexpected that I almost told him exactly how I felt.

  Maybe he already knew because the intensity remained, perhaps increasing as he eased my legs apart with his knee. The crush of his weight was exactly what I wanted and soon our arms and legs were intertwined as the longing was all we were capable of thinking about.

  He lifted my arms over my head, his eyes alone commanding I keep them there. He bent one leg, pushing my knee to the comforter and tormented me even further by rubbing his cockhead up and down my slickened pussy.

  Tiny prickles of electricity cascaded down my entire body in waves.

  That was the moment I lost my resolve, a personal promise not to beg. “Fuck me, Vissarian. I need your cock.”

  “Patience, baby girl. Patience.”

  I lifted my hips in response and the smile he offered could light up a room. He toyed with me for a few minutes, driving his fingers into my pussy, but I knew he was the one losing patience.

  As soon as he placed the tip of his cock against my swollen folds, he lifted his body, arching his back before driving every inch of his shaft inside.

  “Oh…” I jerked up, immediately ignoring his unspoken rule. I needed to touch him, to have my fingertips seared while imprinting my fingerprints on his skin.

  Just like I wanted him to paint me with his scent.

  He stroked the inside of my thigh ever so gently. I curled my other leg around his hip and he cocked his head.

  “I forgot to mention. You’re never going to be in charge.” His actions deliberate if not forceful, he pushed my other leg to the comforter. Now I was wide open and vulnerable just as he preferred me to be.

  But I didn’t mind.

  I was giving him all of me without question.

  He knew it.

  We both felt the deep connection that couldn’t be turned off or ignored.

  He rose onto both arms until they were straight before pulling out until just the tip was inside. With his eyes darting back and forth, he thrust into me again. The force was just enough the bed shifted, even creaking.

  His grin was almost boyish, captured by the shimmer of light in a way that also accentuated his masculine beauty. Every muscle flexed as he lowered his head, even daring to lick his lips to entice me.

  As if I needed him to drive me any crazier than I already was.

  He had a way about him that continued to be insufferable, yet so darn cute.

  My pussy muscles clamped around the thickness, still throbbing from the incredible orgasm. As he’d done before, when his lips brushed across mine, my body refused to stop shaking.

  The kiss was gentle at first, a beautiful reminder of our intense connection. But as with all things with the man, the moment of intimacy became rougher, more possessive. Soon the kiss was taking me to somewhere else where all time had stopped.

  I tried to dominate his tongue, swishing it back and forth, but as always, I should have known better.

  There was something so empowering about him taking control of me, bending me to his will while providing me with exactly what I needed.

  The sweet dance continued for a few minutes as he developed a perfect rhythm. When he finally pulled away, he kept his lips close before the corners ticked into a smile.

  As he finally clasped the fingers of one hand with mine, he nuzzled his face into my neck and simply fucked me. Now we were both in a beautiful piece of music, neither one needing lyrics. The song would forever change, but right now, it was the sweet release of anger and guilt, sadness and remorse that we both needed.

  I sensed the moment he lost control, once again ignoring his silent commands by wrapping my legs around him. He lifted his head, darting his eyes back and forth across mine and just for a split second, I could swear I noticed love in the darkened pools.

  With his muscles tensing, slight spasms rolling through me, he threw his head back, allowing me to see the thick cords in his neck.

  Just as he started to erupt deep inside, I cinched my muscles, praying this moment would last.

  For whatever reason, there was something so special about him filling me with his seed.

  There was nothing quite as peaceful as lying so tightly nestled against a man that you could feel his beating heart. Another rhythm had developed, the now crashing waves accentuating the sweet song being played in a darkened room.

  There were also other sounds that kept me awake.

  Bella’s sweet snores. She’d managed to wiggle her way between us. I’d expected Vissarian to remind her where her dog’s bed was located, but he hadn’t. Instead, he’d stroked her with one hand while absently brushing the fingers of his other against my arm.

  My rapid heartbeat was another sound. It remained loud even though several hours had passed. Where the passion we’d shared had been exciting, even mind blowing, this moment was exactly what I needed.

  Peace.

  Tranquility that I hadn’t experienced in almost three weeks. Three weeks of fear and sorrow, worry and hatred.

  Much the same as he’d felt fifteen years before.

  There were answers to be discovered, an enemy to persecute, but it was my hope this moment would ground us.

  Maybe I was falling into my hopes and dreams, but what was wrong with that?

  I heard Vissarian’s deep sigh and when he kissed the top of my head, I lifted my chin.

  “What’s wrong?”

  He chuckled. “Why do you think anything is wrong?”

  “Because I know you.”

  “Oh, yeah. What do you think you know?”

  I lifted my head, now resting my chin on his chest as I allowed myself to swirl circles and zigzags on his chest. “You’re going after him.”

  “Who?”

  “Don’t give me that; Antonio. Aren’t you?”

  He shifted again, rolling one arm under his head. “Yes. He needs to understand that men aren’t allowed to be rough with women. I won’t lie to you about that.”

  “Don’t lie to me about anything, Vissarian. I can handle almost anything, but not that.”

  “What I want to do, what my family and I will do is return to how we handled business in the past. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  “Yes, I do. My father was born into the life of crime.”

  “Which he wanted no part of and need I remind you that you didn’t grow up in a world full of violence.”

  “Are you trying to tell me that you’re eager to return to your old ways, killing people who cross you?” I lifted my head, turning his so he was forced to look me in the eyes.

  His groan was an affirmation that he did. I wasn’t certain how I should feel about it, but I knew exactly how I did feel about it.

  “I do what’s necessary.”

  “Are you good at being the other man?”

  “Meaning what?” His laugh was full of ire.

  “The man who is highly skilled, capable of making good choices so in the end he’ll remain alive.”

  He pulled me closer, even crowding Bella. She barely lifted her head, so comfortable with being a part of our lives.

  Our very shaky lives.

  “I know what I’m doing, Fallon. What my family can’t allow is for it to seem as if we’ve gone soft. But I assure you that the choices we make in this ongoing war we do so cautiously.”

  “You make it sound like a video game.”

  “This is a game, but not something that can be won with computers or contracts as we’d hoped.”

  “And this strange man Ludolf?”

  “Believe it or not, I think he’s an ally. I need you to promise something for me.”

  “Okay. I will if I can.”

  He shook his head. “Promise me.”

  “Not until I hear what I’m promising you.”

  “You still don’t trust me.”

  “No, that’s not it.” I raked my nails down his chest. “I do trust you for some crazy reason. However, I’ve learned my lesson in promising anything to a man with dimples.”

  He wasn’t expecting my answer. “A good thought.” His smile faded and he sat up, tugging the pillow behind his head. “I’m serious about this. I asked Mikhail to set aside some money for you. If anything should happen to me, my entire family will take care of you and Bella.”

  “Did you not understand the question I asked you earlier about if you’d come back alive?”

  “I understood it just fine, but I refuse to take any chances. You deserve to have a normal life.”

  “Always looking over my shoulder?”

  When he touched my face, I shuddered. “That will not happen. You’ll be safe.”

  “Nothing will mean anything without you in my life.” Maybe I was exasperated or just out of sorts, but we were both surprised when I spilled my feelings.

  Maybe God wanted me to stop right there before putting my entire leg into my mouth. The insistent knock on the bedroom door was something not to be denied.

  Instantly, Vissarian crawled out of bed, grabbing his trousers as I slipped further under the covers. Even before he opened the door, I knew something was wrong.

  “What is it?” Vissarian gritted out.

  From where I was, I could see Carlos. He threw a careful, quick look in my direction. “Sorry to interrupt, but it won’t be long until we have company. Get your things. I have a van coming. You’ll be taken to a safehouse. I assume you called in the cavalry.”

  “Yeah, I did. Any idea who they are?”

  “Nope, but there is a huge plane rolling in. Origin? Chicago.”

  “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. We’ll be right there.”

  Carlos nodded.

  As soon as the door was closed, Vissarian hung his head while placing his hands on his hips. “You heard the man. We need to leave.”

  “When will this end, Vissarian? When? When I’m dead?”

  “They don’t want you dead, Fallon.”

  “Then what?”

  His hesitation infuriated me.

  “What?” I repeated with the very defiance he’d told me he adored.

  “They want you as a pawn. They plan on selling you as part of a deal. In marriage.”

  CHAPTER 29

  Vissarian

  “What was wrong with my sister?”

  Fallon’s question was out of the blue. We’d been taken to a basic warehouse that had a bathroom. At least the place was secure, Carlos keeping it surrounded. Almost ten hours had passed since I’d made another call to Mikhail.

  Thankfully we hadn’t experienced any issues in getting to the location, although Carlos had gotten word a group of about twenty had landed, all claiming to be tourists. Plus, they’d had connections, receiving a warm welcome.

  That had pissed Carlos off as much as it had me.

  I stopped pacing, turning to face her. She sat on a steel chair with Bella draped across her lap. She was absently stroking the dog, but her eyes were pinned on me.

  It was the one part of the story I’d left out mostly because of the level of pain I knew admitting the truth would cause. But I’d promised her I wouldn’t lie and I was a man of my word.

  “She wasn’t sick,” I started.

  Fallon narrowed her eyes. “What then?” I didn’t need to say the words. Her entire expression changed mere seconds later and she slowly allowed her hand to drift to her mouth. “No.”

  I heard the whisper. “She’d just found out she was pregnant.”

  “But I remember my mother saying that a doctor had told her because of her endometriosis that she would never be able to have children.” She was fighting her emotions.

  So was I.

  “I know. We were shocked. Hell, I didn’t believe the Jamaican doctor and didn’t want Megan to get her hopes up, but I gotta tell you, the thought of being a father was amazing.” I allowed my mind to drift to the memory even though it ate at me just as I thought it would.

  Fallon said nothing for a full minute. Then she slowly eased Bella onto the cold concrete floor, approaching me as if I was suddenly the fragile one.

  “I’m so sorry, Vissarian. You’d make an amazing father.”

  “Like hell I would. Too controlling. Too arrogant. Too self-centered. Your words.”

  “I was wrong. So very wrong. The way you’ve been with Bella shows me how amazing you would be.”

  “Then here’s the truth. It’s too dangerous to bring a child into my world, even though I told you that it’s safe.”

  “I guess in life nothing is truly safe. Someone once reminded me that you could be enjoying a day, just crossing the street and some idiot comes out of the blue. Or a drunk driver who…” She shrank back, folding her arms. “Who destroys your happiness in the blink of an eye.”

  “Your father sounds like he was a great guy.”

  “He was. He was my everything, my hero. And he loved my mother so much. That’s why I couldn’t understand when she allowed Luis to lock away her memories.”

  “I know you don’t want to hear this, but my guess is that your mother was given no other choice. In order for her daughters to have a better life, she agreed to being kept on a tight chain.”

  “That’s horrible,” she muttered. “Why didn’t she tell me?”

  “To keep you safe. It’s something I would do.” I’d heard what she’d said only hours before. I’d felt the budding love in the way she’d held me, in the light brushes of her hand. A part of me had felt such deep need for her while the other had wanted to convince her to return to barely tolerating me.

  However, we’d gone through too much and both had excessive baggage. There was no chance at returning to what had been.

  Plus, I’d told her she belonged to me.

  Forever.

  And I’d meant what I’d said.

  “Don’t you dare. I can protect myself. Just give me one of those guns.” She held out her hand as if I was going to supply her with a weapon.

  Over my dead body.

  “Not going to happen.”

  “You don’t think I can shoot?” she asked, the challenge very much her personality.

  “I already told you that I think you can do anything you set your mind to, but that’s not the point. Those men who landed in Cuba are dangerous. They will stop at nothing to take what they’ve been told belongs to them.”

  “Bruni flesh and blood.”

  Her smirk almost brought a smile, but not this time. “No fucking around with this.”

  “You seem to forget I was in the Air Force. I’m highly trained in weaponry. If those men find us, we will need as much firepower at our disposal as possible. You know that.”

  Exhaling, I realized I had forgotten. She was a force to be reckoned with. Or maybe I’d tried to push the thought from my mind. I was supposed to be the one protecting her. However, she was right. Fuck. Yep, she was right.