my holster. “I’m going to be very clear with you, Savannah. In my line of work, there are no coincidences and no second chances. I do not believe you when you say that you were simply shopping. Who do you know in the Los Charlines?”
“The what? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
I had my hand around her pretty little neck in two seconds, squeezing just enough that she had to realize I had her very life in my hands. I leaned over until I could whisper, “I told you, do not lie to me. If you ever lie to me, you will be punished. If you attempt to contact any member of that organization, you will die. If you try and escape, I assure you that you will regret your decision. Is that clear enough for you?” I dug my fingers into her skin, surprised as fuck that other than her eyes opening wide, she barely reacted.
The woman was tough, but I would break her.
I snarled when she remained quiet. “Answer me.”
“Fine. Yes. You asshole. Is that better?”
The time for games was over. I was finished with being accommodating in any way. “If you don’t want to talk now, I assure you that you will later and only after you’ve come to understand your predicament.”
“My predicament? You lied to me. A musician. You were casing the area, hunting for the men you murdered,” she spat, her voice finally quivering.
“You have no idea what kind of war you placed yourself in the middle of, sweetheart. I hope whatever reward you were promised was worth your life.” I released my hold, my rage increasing. I couldn’t believe I’d fallen for her tricks.
Or her beauty.
Or the taste of her.
Or the...
“What are you going to do with me? Kill me?” she demanded.
“I suggest you learn your place, Savannah. As I said, there will be rules to follow.”
“Rules. Go ahead and kill me.”
What she couldn’t know is that I might not have a choice.
I growled, staring out the window as we left the city, heading toward my estate in Santiago de Compostela. If she knew about any others within the organization prepared to launch a series of attacks, I would get it out of her. Then there would be hell to pay.
And she would do so with her body.
The sadist had returned and in full force.
* * *
“Take her to the dungeon,” I said in passing as I walked into the house. I wanted Savannah to understand exactly what she was facing. I wanted her to feel the power of my kingdom. My anger was still intact, the phone already ringing off the hook. Hissing, I glared at her before turning to head to my office. The look of innocence on her face was just a damn ploy. She was nothing more than a tool that Alviro had used. I was sick at the thought, hoping the fucker would rot in hell for what he’d done.
“You sure, boss?” Jorge asked as his grip on her arms remained firm.
“The dungeon? You really are some kind of monster,” Savannah stated almost in passing, her voice calmer than I would have anticipated.
I stopped short, rubbing my eyes and resisting the urge to strip her of the condemning attitude. The woman had someone carved her way into my world, and not in a manner that was acceptable. I had to shove every aspect of what feelings I’d experienced completely out of my mind. “I am exactly what I told you that I was. Nothing more. Nothing less. You were the one who crossed me.”
“I did nothing but actually give a damn for a little while. Yes, that makes me a complete fool.” Her laughter was hollow, only a hint of fear laced in the syllables.
I crossed the foyer, lowering my head. “I’d be very careful what you say to me, Savannah. You now belong to me until such a time as I deem it otherwise. You will follow the rules. You will do as you’re told. There is no recourse, no other choice for you.” I hated being repetitive. I loathed being challenged by anyone.
Including her.
As I had before, I anticipated fear, but she remained the same rebellious woman that I’d become attracted to.
That I craved.
To use.
To fuck.
To own.
I’d thought of her far too often after our amazing time spent together, ridiculously letting my guard fall. Now the beach house was compromised, among other things.
“Whatever you say,” she half whispered between clenched teeth. “I’m not your enemy,