Indebted - Piper Stone Page 0,15

responsible for everything that happens to you. In other words, you are still considered a ward of the state, responsible for your crimes. There was no clemency awarded. While I’ve been allowed to take over providing appropriate punishment, the terms imposed by the judge will remain in place until you are deemed fit to turn to society.”

“I am innocent. I did nothing wrong. Not a single fucking thing!”

There was no outward change in his demeanor or even a flinch of his facial muscles, but I could tell I’d just angered him significantly. The scent of his disappointment was ripe, filtering toward me.

“I am not here to judge you on whatever crime you may or may not have committed prior to entering my home, Alessandra. I am here to make certain you learn that there will always be rules, sometimes harsh and always unforgiving. If you learn to follow them, you will succeed. If not...” His words trailed off as he tilted his head, allowing the information to sink in.

“Ward? I don’t completely understand. I’m not a child. I’m over the age of eighteen. Where is my father’s will? I am his only heir. How could I be a ward instead of just your prisoner?”

His smile was chilling.

“Your father was very clear in the documentation given exclusively to my estate and I assure you that it is entirely legal. Alessandra Toro. You now belong to me.”

Chapter Four

Alessandra

Belong.

The word alone was terrifying in nature, my mind reeling from the possible meaning.

Quiet. The silence between us was almost as horrifying as the words he’d spoken in such a casual way. I found myself waiting for the punchline, for a smile to cross his face before telling me he was joking. That wasn’t going to happen.

Gabriel said nothing. He didn’t move a muscle, nor did he act as if he expected a reply. He simply sat on the edge of his desk, the shadows within the room forming a darkened aura around him.

As if he was the devil himself.

Stunning in his physique.

Rugged in his attitude.

Dangerous in his warnings.

My God, I was actually still attracted to him, my nipples hard little pebbles waiting to be plucked.

“There has to be some mistake,” I croaked out, still struggling to breathe. I didn’t belong to anyone. Yes, my father had died while I was behind bars, but he’d told me more than once that he would protect me. He’d left the house I’d grown up in to me, the mortgage paid off early. That’s what I’d been told anyway. I was beginning to doubt a single thing Mr. Cantor had told me. Had my father actually used money he’d stolen from Mr. Masters in order to pay off the house? Had he lied to me for years while he’d been extorting money? No. I refused to believe a stranger over my father. “My father wouldn’t steal from anyone, including the likes of you.”

“There is no mistake. The actions your father took were entirely based on decisions he made. I understand that you have requested a copy of the contract you signed. That will be provided for you in order that you might better understand. However, that doesn’t change the fact you agreed to this deal. Your servitude for several years will go a long way in repaying a significant debt owed.”

I couldn’t stand the fact his deep baritone continued to excite me, my nipples aching as they’d never done before. I was suddenly exhausted, my legs shaking. Even my throat was dry, a sick realization settling in. The deal was nothing more than revenge. “Exactly what will I be required to do?”

There was another hesitation, the silence provoking an intense fear.

“There will be several stages of your training, the first one being to help you understand that you will be punished as necessary,” he continued.

“This is crazy.”

Exhaling, he eased away from his perch, taking his time as he shifted what few papers were on the desk toward his computer, leaving a perfectly clean space. His actions were almost as hypnotizing as the expensive rug under my feet.

Snakes. Snakes... I’d been terrified of them since I was a child. Why did I have the distinct feeling he already knew that? Had my father told him about me, sharing all my secrets, fears that had plagued me over the years? Had they once been close, which was why Mr. Masters was so angry?

Everything seemed to be going in slow motion, including my own thoughts.

When he turned back to face me,