Dangerous Stranger - Piper Stone Page 0,79

asshole who’d lied to me. He was about to meet his maker. The few moments of angst and guilt I’d felt regarding what needed to be done were long gone, replaced with nothing but the quiet need for retaliation.

After all, this was now my kingdom.

As I slipped my weapon into the shoulder holster, I moved closer to the bed. It would be light soon enough, although I honestly wasn’t in the mood to face the day, the darkness far more soothing. I heard Savannah’s soft murmurs in her sleep and tensed. What she and I had shared the night before was a mere glimpse into what so many other couples took for granted.

Making a quiet dinner.

Sharing a bottle of wine.

Making love in front of a roaring fire.

The joy I’d shared with her had been unlike anything I’d experienced in my life, a freeing and peaceful moment. The orgasms had been more intense, the taste of her sweeter and the way she felt in my arms utterly... perfect.

The short foray into some kind of regular life had been entirely too enticing, allowing me to forget my roots. Yes, she now truly belonged to me and I’d dare any man or woman to defy my choice; however, I couldn’t allow her to become my continued weakness. If a fool like Calleja could find a way to use it against me, I could only imagine what others would do. No matter what happened or the lives that could be lost, anyone who dared to make an attempt on her life would find themselves going straight to hell.

Sighing, I clenched my fist as I thought about what I had to face. The call from Montego had been somewhat unexpected, at least so quickly, his hushed tone indicating the ramifications of what he’d called to share.

And likely his shock at being betrayed.

The informant had been found. There’d been no need to identify the asshole on the phone. I knew exactly who he was, and the realization continued to pain me. Another breach of trust. Another moment of loyalty crushed. My interrogation would bring everything into the light, making Alviro’s extermination that much easier.

I sat on the edge of the bed, simply watching the way she was able to sleep so peacefully. Waking her was the last thing I wanted to do, but I had no other choice.

I whisked hair from her eyes, brushing my index finger down the length of her cheek. The shower of moonlight highlighted her silhouette, another beautiful reminder of the gift I’d been given. I sneered at the thought. What gift? I’d stolen her. Leaning over, I pressed my lips against hers, desire bursting to the surface.

“Mmmm...” Her eyelids fluttered open, her body turning slightly in my direction.

“Wake up, sweet Savannah.”

She blinked several times, finally opening her eyes wide. “What’s wrong?”

“Sshhh... Nothing is wrong, but there is something I must do.”

“What?” She moved to a sitting position, tugging the sheet over her breasts. Even in the darkness, her eyes fell to the holster. “There is something wrong.”

I rolled my fingers over her shoulder, shaking my head. “Some information was given that shouldn’t have been. I need to have a discussion with the person responsible. Nothing more. However, I have no other choice but to leave you here alone until I return.”

“You mean you’re going to kill them.”

“Savannah.”

“Fine. Don’t tell me. You’re right. I don’t want to know. I guess that means you don’t have soldiers to guard me?”

I wasn’t certain if her retort was laced with her usual defiance or if she was frightened. Either way, the chance had to be taken in leaving her alone, at least for a short duration. “There are issues with loyalty within my organization. I assure you at this point that no one knows where you are, not a single soul. My family has several safe houses, none of which any member of law enforcement is aware of, let alone Calleja or his soldiers. You are safer here than likely any other location; however, I need you to promise me that you’re going to stay here.”

“Where would I go, Rafael?” Savannah asked, shifting until she could ease out of bed. She grabbed her robe, turning completely away from me. “We’re in the middle of nowhere. Besides, I was happier here in the few hours we shared than I’ve been for years.” She darted a single glance in my direction, offering an almost embarrassed smile.

Standing, I gripped her arm. “Just promise me, Savannah. Do not leave