Chapter 3 #3
He slipped his index finger under her chin, inching closer.
“Ashley, I truly am sorry. I had no intentions of hurting or embarrassing you nor will I ever use anything against you. Our little game just got out of hand. You are one of the most incredible women I’ve been lucky enough to spend time with.
I meant everything I said last night, and I will prove to you that I am not the jerk you must think I am.
Allow me to show you the darker side of desire, but in a controlled manner. ”
She wondered whether his polished statement was true or not; however, this was one date she refused to turn down. The asshole had no real understanding of just how helpful he was going to be.
The rat was on the loose and Wrath was pissed.
The mark had slipped through his fingers.
This wasn’t going to happen a second time.
Almost fucking up on the last job had cost him fifty thousand dollars and he’d taken a hit on his stellar reputation.
Still, he was no monster, at least not by his standards.
He took no comfort in the fact that the illustrious and very powerful American had merely changed his plans instead of catching wind that there was a contract on his life.
The situation had altered the very course of Wrath’s entire week.
The five hundred thousand dollar payment was predicated on Mr. Wallace never making the conference in Belgium.
He had exactly three days left to accomplish his mission, or all hell was going to break loose.
Besides, he had plans for a two-week vacation and he refused to allow anything or anyone to get in the way.
Even a beautiful redhead. He’d seen a hint of her vulnerability, although he’d been surprised she’d actually admitted her fear.
A BDSM club might indeed suit his mood for the evening, allowing self-absorption into the kind of darkness that fueled his needs.
His thought of owning her hadn’t faded, although he was certainly just as cautious.
He simply hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind since leaving her curled under the thin sheets, the outline of her voluptuous body irresistible.
The taste of her had been incredible, the feel of having his cock buried deep inside driving the savagery deep within.
He’d been furious with the slight weakness, vowing to walk away from her, making certain she couldn’t trail behind him. Now this. He took a sip of his drink, amused at the irony.
After realizing the mark had never set foot in the hotel, he’d gone to his own suite, finding out everything he could about Mr. Wallace’s extracurricular activities.
The man had a penchant for giving pain, a true sadist. Well, he’d come to the right city in order to get his kink on.
He wasn’t a man who believed in coincidences.
There was only one club that a man of Mr. Wallace’s stature would bother setting foot in.
And Wrath could gain entrance with ease, everything carte blanche. The thought kept his cock as hard as a rock.
He sat in the hotel lobby bar, fingering the rim of his glass as he waited for Ashley’s arrival. Hearing his phone, he sighed, his gut telling him who was on the other end of the line.
His father.
This particular hit was just as important to the family as it was to members of the group who’d hired him.
Maybe more so since millions of dollars were on the line.
If Stephen Wallace brought what some experts considered the most reputable database system in the world to the forefront, various stocks owned by members of the group would plummet.
Including his father’s. Benedetto Constantino wasn’t a patient man nor was he forgiving, even for one of his sons. There would be hell to pay at home.
And Wrath’s reputation would be dropped into a cesspool.
There was also an additional and more viable reason for the hit, although certainly not something he could discuss with the consortium. Maybe he was getting soft in his old age. He snorted at the thought.
“Father. How are you?”
“I understand that Mr. Wallace has had a change in plans.” Benedetto spoke rapidly, no doubt busy being serviced by one of his concubines.
“He has, but not to worry. I have reason to believe he’s somewhere in town.
The man will have yet another alteration within the next two days.
” He laughed then took a sip of his drink.
He was taking another significant chance by having Ashley on his arm, especially since she’d inquired about him.
Granted, leaving her shackled to the bed hadn’t been one of his better decisions, but he’d anticipated hunting Mr. Wallace and completing his mission the night before.
Then leaving town before the real authorities arrived.
If the Americans got wind of the contract, they would send reinforcements soon enough.
Luck certainly wasn’t in his favor. At least the young hotel clerk was quite amenable, choosing the decision to live rather than running to the appropriate authorities. Wrath’s cover was intact at least for the remainder of the time he was in Monaco.
Why not enjoy his time while he waited? His decision had been made. Maybe his luck would change after all.
“That better happen, son, or you fully understand the ramifications of what will occur.” Benedetto had a snarl in his voice, the threat one he’d give to any of the men he trusted in his consortium.
Wrath snickered. “Don’t worry, Father. Everything is under control. Have I failed you yet?”
“We shall see, Ricardo. You know what’s at stake here.”
“As always. I am the best at what I do.”
His father was the one to end the call, taking only the minimal amount of time to conduct business.
Granted, Benedetto was one of the wealthiest men in the world, even though on paper, no one would truly know or be able to appreciate it.
He shoved the phone into his jacket pocket, rapping his fingers on the table, growing more impatient by the minute.
He’d certainly acquired his father’s demeanor and habits through the years. Like father, like son, which meant Wrath was a consummate killer, enjoying every aspect of his profession. Nothing was going to keep him from performing this particular task.
The drink was smooth but unable to squelch the nagging in his gut.
Ashley. He had secure connections, ones that allowed him to find out the smallest details about anyone in the world.
Her identity had been proven, various details about her life going back to junior high school.
He’d even been able to crack her juvenile record. The girl had a colorful past. On paper.
The nagging remained. It was all too… perfect in his mind. Tonight her resolve as well as her trust would be in his hands. If she wasn’t who she said she was, he would find out soon enough.
The consequences of lying to him would be irrevocable.
As he brought the glass to his lips, he was able to see her in the distance.
The garish outfit from before had been replaced by a stunning emerald green dress, highlighting her luscious curves.
She’d swept her long hair into a bun, allowing the world to see her body’s beautiful long lines.
His cock was instantly at full attention, his libido increasing to the point his entire body ached with desire.
He’d taken pride over the years of never getting involved with a woman and certainly never allowing himself to get emotional in any manner.
Why did this girl challenge him in every way?
She tipped her head, finally locking eyes with his. Her smile was more knowing than alluring as she headed toward the bar. There wasn’t a man in the lobby who hadn’t taken notice. She was by far the most beautiful woman in Monte Carlo.
Wrath swirled his finger around the rim of his glass, studying her intently.
She could very well be his demise. That could lead to making a very difficult decision with regard to her life.
Hell, no. He might be a brutal assassin, a man without a conscience, but ending the life of someone so precious wasn’t something he could stomach.
There were other ways of keeping her in line.
If…
Ashley stood over the table, sweeping her gaze down to his Italian loafers and sockless feet. He’d purposely chosen a more casual look for their date, even though he had no intentions of staying dressed for very long. She was far too tempting to resist.
“You look ravishing,” he commented, easing back in his chair as his gaze became an indication of the true predator he was.
“And you look at me as if you’re ready to feast.”
Chuckling, he pushed away his drink. “I do enjoy a good meal.”
She gripped the back of the chair in front of her, giving him a doleful look. “Where are we going?”
After rising to a standing position, he held out his hand. “Come with me, but in doing so, you also agree to allow my control. Where we’re going, I will keep you safe.” He could see the same expression as before, self-doubt as well as consternation about the man standing in front of her.
“I’ve been down this road before, Pierre. Remember? That didn’t end well, and I am no fool. I’m not certain I can do this after all.”
He took careful steps closer, allowing her space.
There was no mistaking the vibe they both shared, the intense tethering.
“As I promised, that will never happen again without your permission. I assure you that the pleasure you experienced can be heightened in methods you’ve only dreamed of. ” He allowed the carrot to dangle.
“Can I trust you?” Her grasp was tentative, her voice like that of a purring kitten.
She was used to being in full control in her professional life but now?
She was putty in his hands and he couldn’t wait to experience the club with her.
The realization was… enlightening. He pulled her hand toward his mouth, rubbing his thumb back and forth before pressing his lips against her knuckles.
The sensations rocketing through him made him feel so alive.
The girl had more control over him than he dared to believe.
“Hmmm… Excellent question, Ashley. My answer? With your life.”