The Enforcer (Vengeful Empire #3)

Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20

V alencia

Twilight was falling, a few stars appearing even with the last remaining rays of sun casting a beautiful shimmer across the ocean water.

There was nothing more beautiful than seeing two people so obviously in love getting married. While I’d never truly believed in marriage, watching Havros and Kara as they exchanged the very personal vows they’d written had brought tears to my eyes. I couldn’t seem to stop watching them as the flitted through the guests, every few seconds returning to each other for a kiss or for Havros to whisper something in Kara’s ear.

The sight was sensational, yet not something I’d ever envisioned.

The day remained perfect for the ceremony and photographs. With the scent of flowers wafting from one end of the property to the other and the twinkling lights sparkling in every corner, the setting couldn’t have been more beautiful. There were tables of food, and three separate bars including one side of the house. A makeshift platform had been placed on one corner of the property for dancing and the floor was already taken with guests laughing and grinding to the music.

The string quartet providing music for the ceremony had shifted to a talented DJ playing both classics and some of the latest pop hits. Tables were mounded full of presents, foil wrapping and huge bows creating artful centerpieces.

Everything was exquisite, yet so… normal.

“Dr. Laurant.” When a man approached me, I was startled until I realized it was one of the guests, the Italian Don I’d seen Christos talking with earlier. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to startle you. A stunning woman such as yourself should never be standing alone.”

“How do you know my name?” My guess was he’d perused both the Greek and New York news. Willow had tipped me off about the pictures in front of Club Scandal. While I’d yet to see them, the thought they were in existence brought another level of angst into my mind. A part of me anticipated getting a call from the hospital administrator telling me I’d lost my job.

“I know everything about you.” My face likely registered concern because he laughed. “From Christos. He told me you were a very special person in his life. I assume so since you saved his life.”

I was correct in my assumptions. He, like seemingly so many others, had read the article from days before. “Yes, well, he was very lucky.”

“To have found you. Or perhaps it’s the other way around.”

“I’m not certain what you’re getting at.” Although I had an idea. He was trying to insinuate that I’d purposely selected Christos as my patient. I didn’t appreciate being accused of something I had no understanding of, but I did my best to keep my cool. Now wasn’t the time to make waves, as Christos had reminded me. I didn’t understand his world and even with the happiness I’d experienced by being around his family, I was beginning to believe I didn’t want to learn much more.

“Again, I apologize. I’m not insinuating anything. However, sometimes I do find fate a fascinating beast.” He was grinning, studying my eyes as if searching for additional information.

“I wish I could choose which patients arrive in my emergency room bloody and full of lead. But I sadly can’t.” Yes, I had an edge to my voice.

Which the Don caught.

“I didn’t mean to insult you, Doctor. I admire your capabilities and would hope if I my son was near death there’d be someone like you to save him. Christos is a lucky man.”

“Thank you.” I wasn’t certain I meant that.

“Don Coppola,” someone called from a few feet away and I was honestly grateful for the interruption. I wasn’t particularly good at playing politics when attending events where my father was a guest. This was much worse.

“If you’ll excuse me. I need to make the rounds.” Don Coppola squeezed my hand. “Oh, one more thing. This world is far more dangerous than you understand. I suggest you contemplate that prior to determining whether you plan on staying in Greece.”

He wasn’t interested in offering a platform to reply, moving away quickly. I took a deep breath, feeling rattled. It had felt as if the man had just issued a threat.

“What was that about?” Christos asked from behind me. The tone of his voice sent penetrating shivers down my spine.

“I don’t know exactly.”

“What does that mean?”

“Just that he acted as if he knew me. He certainly knew I’d saved your life.”

“A man like Leonardo Coppola has every guest checked prior to any event he attends. He has far too much to lose.”

“Plus, you ensured everyone knew about our connection. Was that on purpose?”

“As I’ve told you before. There is much to lose, yet also possibly significant gains.”

“You’re very cryptic today,” I told him.

“There are times it’s necessary. Especially when others could be listening in on private conversations.” He kissed my cheek and the action was almost chaste. “We’ll talk more later, I promise.”

As I wondered if that was true, I nodded and watched as he greeted Kara, pulling her hand to his lips to kiss. The view caused a few squirmy feelings in my stomach and that didn’t make any sense. “I guess you’re right. Did your father supply the guest list?”

“I’m certain he did. We’ve never attended a wedding outside the family where the guest register wasn’t run through our computer systems. It’s a method of staying alive.”

“How horrible for all of you.”

“Just a matter of practice like cleaning house. Information is more powerful than money or weapons.”

Why were his words troubling me so much?

“A perfect day.”

“You don’t appear happy,” Christos said as we walked through the gardens at the edge of the property.

“How could I not be happy?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps you’re missing your family,” he said.

I laughed and took a sip of my champagne. The first glass had gone down too easily. “I miss my sister, but I’m certain she’s having an amazing time playing with Magnum. Her apartment won’t allow pets, so she gets her fix every time she comes to my place. Complete with a bag full of toys for my fur baby. As if he’s not spoiled enough.”

“I would love to meet him. From what you’ve told me, my bet is he will remind me of the dog the four of us had as children.”

“What was his name?”

“Tony. No laughing. He was named after a cousin who died as a young child. The pup was wild and we adored him.”

I could tell the memory was bittersweet. “Pets have a way of reminding you what’s most important in life. That’s what Magnum did for me.”

“What about your mom and dad? Are you close with them?”

“To a point. The Senate is in session. I haven’t seen him in months. Mom is so busy at the shelter; we caught lunch two months ago. That’s the way of the modern family, I’m afraid.”

“Your father is a busy man.”

I tipped my head in his direction. “He is. He’s also on several committees and enjoys attending various fundraisers. That’s at least one thing my parents have in common and enjoy together.”

“What do you know about his work?” He stopped walking altogether.

“Are you getting at something?” The questions were starting to trouble me especially given how the Don had acted.

Christos huffed. “I don’t know your father. Why would I be getting at anything? Just a question.”

“Because I know you. I know when you’re digging for information. I’ve seen you in action.”

“Don’t be so suspicious. I was merely trying to learn more about what makes the woman tick.”

“Uh-huh. There’s nothing exciting to tell you and my father had little to do with shaping my life. He barely acknowledged the fact I was studying to become a surgeon.”

“Did he have his heart set on your following in his footsteps?”

“I think he knew better. I’m far more liberal than he is.”

His eyes twinkled. “I’m glad to hear that since the Nomikos clan is far removed from traditional society.”

“I don’t know. What I’ve seen while I’m here would indicate your family is like everyone else. A little wacky, but full of love.”

He wrapped his arm around me, swinging me around in a circle. “I’m glad to hear you say that. If you hadn’t, I’d be forced to ask you to leave.”

“Would you do that?”

“You don’t want to push me, o ángelós mou .”

How many times had he called me his angel? As he continued the impromptu dance, ending with dipping me as he’d done at the club, I allowed myself to laugh. Why was it I felt more than just a slice of tension? We’d had an incredible night of passion and doing nothing but holding each other. We hadn’t really talked, just simply enjoying the time spent together.

But he’d been entirely different since the ceremony. In the two almost two hours since the happy couple had said their ‘I do’s,’ he’d been more reserved, consuming a single glass of champagne.

He jerked me back to a standing position, crushing his body against mine. His breath was hot, creating another series of tingling sensations.

While I placed my arm over his shoulder and he continued moving me in a sweep of circles, I made a little face at him. “Do you have your speech memorized? It’s almost time for the cake cutting and the toast.”

“Of course. I am not only a man of action, but am considered the perfect best man.”

“Oh, yeah?” I adjusted his bowtie that he’d obviously been tugging on and sensed he was staring right through me. The feeling was unnerving. Why did I have the distinct feeling he was struggling with trusting me? Was it something the Italian Don had told him? How would the man know anything personal about me?

“There is something bothering you. What exactly did Don Coppola say to you?”

“It’s really nothing.”

“I can tell it is and what bothers you bothers me.” His voice was gruffer than before.

“He was insinuating something about me or my family. As if I had a hidden agenda.”

“Do you?” He crowded my space and I could tell by the look in his eyes he was only teasing.

But the line of questioning still bothered me. “We all have agendas, but mine has never been hidden. Now, I think I need to fresh up before this great speech of yours. I do not want to miss a single second.”

I laughed and he continued eyeing me carefully. “Don’t go too far.”

“Just to the house. I promise I won’t attempt to escape.”

“You know what will happen if you do.”

As I backed away, he continued staring at me and I felt another wave of anxiety. Something had been nagging at me for days and I had yet to put my finger on why. I moved through the guests, thankful no one tried to stop me. As soon as I went inside, I was grateful for the few moments of peace and quiet.

With the pool house and outdoor kitchen complete with several indoor bathrooms, I doubted anyone would just wander into the house, yet I moved to the private washroom off the pantry. Once inside the small space, I flicked on the light before closing the door.

I hadn’t realized just how tense I’d become until I glanced in the mirror. Anxiousness wore on my face. Groaning, I rolled my fingers through my hair as I twisted my lips. I was glad I’d purchased twenty-four-hour lipstick. It was still in perfect condition. I rolled my fingers through the corners just in case before taking another look at myself. Maybe I should go upstairs and powder my nose.

No, not necessary. At least it would be dark soon enough. I laughed and shook my head. Now I was prepared to hide from people? That wasn’t like me in the least. I closed my eyes and allowed myself to drift to my happy place. Years ago, I’d had a doctor friend recommend that after a difficult surgery or after spending long hours in a hospital that I should meditate to relax. I’d laughed at the idea at first, but it worked very well.

Only the vision wasn’t of my usual Caribbean Island. Instead, it was the beaches of Corfu.

Being here made me nervous and that wasn’t fair to Christos and his family.

A slight click and a moment of fear washed in. “I’m sorry. I’m just leaving.”

“No, you’re not.” Christos’ evil grin had returned and he closed the door behind him, crowding my space.

“It’s too small for the both of us,” I told him in the mirror.

“That’s not what you said last night.” The man could turn from playful to sexual in the blink of an eye.

“Oh, no, you don’t. You do remember you have a speech to give. Right?”

He pushed his groin against my bottom, immediately placing his hands on the marble counter. “We have a few minutes.”

“We, huh?”

“I can’t do this by myself.”

“You mean the five-knuckle shuffle?” I couldn’t keep from laughing when I saw his expression. Since he was clean shaven, it was the first time I’d noticed how deep his dimples were.

“Why would a man need any self-pleasure when he has such a delicious treat right in front of him?”

“When there’s little time and almost no space.”

He growled and backed away just enough to yank my dress up to my waist. “A very good try, Doctor. But your attempt at an excuse won’t fly.” He shoved his hand between my legs, instantly fingering my pussy through the lace.

I reached around with one hand touching his thigh while trying to keep from wobbling on my heels. As he rubbed up and down, I took several gasping breaths. Within seconds, the tiny room was already becoming overheated. Or maybe that was just my body.

“You’re very wet. I don’t think you should be wearing your thong. I think I should take the sexy lace and silk for you.”

“Oh, no, you don’t. I am not going commando at your brother’s wedding.” I was already finding it difficult to concentrate as pleasure tickled the insides of my legs. He was rougher than normal with his actions, his forcefulness driving me onto the tips of my toes.

“We’ll see. That’ll depend on whether you’re a very good girl when I fuck you.”

“Not in this bathroom.”

“Right here. Right now.” He kept his grin as he ripped aside my panties, instantly driving his fingers into my wetness. And I was wet, more so than I should be when attending a family function, but I blamed him for everything.

He added a second and third finger, flexing them open as he plunged hard and fast. I was jarred against the counter, forced to slam my hands on the glass. When he nudged my legs further apart, I was ready to beg the man to fuck me.

He had that kind of effect on me, my hunger outweighing any concept of common sense.

My lips were suddenly dry, my heart racing. He knew exactly what he was doing to me. That was easy to tell by the spark in his eyes.

“Jesus,” I panted, my hot breath starting to steam up the mirror.

“Hot and ready. All for me. You never know when and where I’ll fuck you.”

I laughed although I knew he meant every word. I bucked against him involuntarily as he continued finger-fucking me. My legs were trembling, the crazed heat I felt deep in my core turning to molten lava. He had a way of erasing every bit of anxiety, reminding me that what we shared was once in a lifetime.

“Come for me, angel. I need to fuck you,” he commanded.

After licking my lips, guttural sounds rushed up from my throat. “Uh. Uh. Uh. Uh. Uh.” I spread my legs even wider, pushing back against him. The seconds that passed kept every muscle tense until I finally couldn’t hold back any longer.

As the orgasm swept through me, he caught the first sound I made, slapping his hand over my mouth to keep me from screaming. I wiggled in his hold, sucking in what breath I could as the climax continued. I was on a distinct high, billows of shapes floating past my periphery of vision.

I clawed the mirror, my pussy muscles clamping and releasing in a constant momentum.

Christos slowed his rhythm, staring at me in the mirror with such intensity I was taken aback. His eyes were true reflections of the range of his soul, which both excited and terrified me. The terror wasn’t of some horrible deed, but the concern that I’d fall too hard for a man who wasn’t good for me.

Exhaling, I dropped my head as vibrations of the pleasure continued to rattle my system.

I didn’t need an explanation after hearing a sound. The man wasn’t going to take no for an answer. He’d unzipped his tux pants preparing to fuck me. He didn’t waste any time, driving the entire length of his cock inside.

“Oh, fuck me. Yes. Yes.” I was more vocal than before, even slapping my hands against the glass from the rush of rapture. He pulled almost all the way out, driving into me with such force I was pitched against the glass.

I pushed back just the way he liked and he smacked my bottom.

“Be careful, wild child. I’m in a ferocious mood.” His voice rumbled as he spoke.

“Give me all you’ve got.”

“Be careful what you ask for.” Pulling out again, he teased me by running the leaking tip of his cock up and down my pussy, chuckling darkly when he rolled it down the crack of my ass.

“I’m not asking. I’m telling.”

He opened his eyes wide as if I’d shocked him, keeping the dashing yet evil smile as he drove back into my tight channel. As soon as he rolled onto the balls of his feet, he gripped my hips, yanking me further from the counter. With a hard snap of his hand, he bent me over, fucking me in a quick and brutal rhythm.

The sound of his body smacking into mine filled the space as the scent of our desire roared to the surface. I was jutted forward even as I pushed my hands against the glass to steady myself.

He didn’t care. His entire face was twisted as he plunged like a wild animal, growling and grunting his pleasure. The heat was almost suffocating. I watched as sweat rolled down his face, each drop falling against my back as if in slow motion.

I closed my eyes all over again, doing everything I could to meet every savage thrust. His stamina was insane. I could barely breathe, taking gasping breaths. But he refused to stop. I wasn’t expecting my body to react so quickly, the tingling sensations increasing with every deep plunge. As another climax crawled up from my toes, I could tell he was pleased.

Another hard crack was swatted against my backside, and as I’d experienced before with him, the combination of pain and pleasure was enough to drive me into another incredible climax.

“Oh, God.” I was breathless, my words garbled. I sensed his body tensing, his actions stiffer than before.

All I could do was smile.

“Fuck. Yes,” he hissed and slammed harder and faster. I had no clue how that was possible.

As soon as I felt him start to release, I squeezed my muscles as I’d done before. There was nothing I appreciated more than the cries of ecstasy he made when filling me with his seed.

His body continued spasming for several seconds. When he finally began to breathe a little easier, he fell over me, nuzzling against my ear.

“I can’t resist you,” he said.

“Mmm… I don’t mind.”

“In doing so, you would soon learn just how dominating I can be.”

“I already know that.”

He kept our bodies together for a couple of minutes.

Until someone tried to open the door.

I yelped.

He laughed. “Hold on. We’ll be right there.”

I quickly wiped the mirror and when I could finally see a fuzzy reflection of us, I gave him a dirty look. “I’ll get you for this.”

He was still chuckling as he put himself back together. Within seconds, it appeared as if he hadn’t just fucked me like a crazed animal.

Me on the other hand? I looked exactly like I’d just been royally fucked.

“I know you’re in there. Your brother sent me to look for you.”

I spun around and we both mouthed her name. Willow.

This was now by far the most impetuous thing I’d ever done. I was adding to my collection.

After pulling myself together as quickly as possible, including righting my panties and smoothing down my dress, I gave the okay.

As soon as he opened the door, Willow took a huge step backwards. “Okay, kids. I won’t tell Mom and Dad you were making out behind the bleachers as long as you scurry along back to the reception. Where you’re supposed to be.”

“Stop worrying,” Christos told her. “I have it all under control.”