"You disobeyed me," he said in a much softer tone than I would have expected.
"I did what... was... necessary." Coughing, I doubled over as I tried to catch my breath before glaring at him. "I always find out about my surroundings. You kept me locked in the room for hours." I'd noticed the gun slipped in the back of his jeans. If I could get to it, knocking him out in the process, I might have a chance. One. Single. Chance.
"And I checked on you!"
I rubbed my throat, darting another look at the cracked open door. He immediately stormed toward it, slamming and locking it.
"What horrible secrets do you have, Aleksei? Who are you keeping locked inside that room?"
"You have no right to ask me anything. None. I will not tolerate your insolence." He paced the floor, raking his fingers through his hair.
"Fine. Then show me this evidence you have."
I could tell he'd regained his control as he walked closer, backing me against the wall and planting his hands on either side of me. I gathered a scent of him, intoxicating in all manners, woodsy and exotic. He'd taken a shower, his clothing more like the rugged man I knew him to be. As he loomed over me, his lips dangerously close to mine, I heard the sound of my heart thumping into my ears, creating a wave of goosebumps sliding up and down my arms.
And warmth between my legs.
He tilted his head, inching even closer then brushing his lips back and forth across mine. "You belong to me, little one. Never forget that. I am your master and lord. What I will do to you will make you scream in pleasure or in pain. That is entirely your choice."
I slid my hands up his chest, moving them around his neck and rising on my tiptoes, forcing the kiss. Every part of me was on fire as he parted my mouth with his, slipping his tongue inside. For a dangerous and evil asshole, his kisses were seductive in every manner, dragging me into deep and dark cravings.
I could taste scotch mingled with a hint of cinnamon, arousing me even more. My nipples ached, so hard as they scraped against my bra. The hint of discomfort was far too pleasurable. The kiss became a roar of passion, much like the one at the hotel. I intertwined my fingers in his long and still damp strands, tugging lightly as he dominated my tongue.
I heard his deep growls, the sound so damn provocative. This was all about his full control.
His needs.
His desires.
He would do anything to have me willingly, but that was never going to happen.
I wiggled against him, undulating my hips. The feel of his throbbing cock was incredible, allowing wicked girl fantasies to arise. I could easily fall for a man like him, at least in body.
But not in soul.
I slid my hand down his back, rubbing up and down.
He seemed to sense my ruse, pulling back sharply and shaking his head. "Very nice try, but don't flatter yourself. Even if you'd been successful, what you would have encountered would certainly not be pleasant by any means. I'll say this one last time. You belong to me. You made a deal. There will be no more pleasure until you cooperate and that will require punishment."
I laughed, the sound floating past my lips involuntarily.
Defying him again.
"I can see you don't understand your circumstances." Very slowly he pulled out his gun. While he wrapped his hand around the barrel, releasing the safety, he lowered his arm, placing his other hand on his wrist. "Come with me."
I gave him a smug look, refusing to allow him to see any fear. He was not going to win this. He trailed behind me as we walked down the stairs, planting me in the middle of the foyer.
Aleksei smiled, the same alluring one I'd seen at the hotel, before giving me a stern look. He walked to the front door, pressing several buttons on the security pad before opening it. Even from where I was standing, I could see one man on the front porch, another walking by the front of the house.
"Maksim, would you come inside for just a moment?"
"Of course, boss."
The man walking inside was almost as tall as Aleksei, his craggy skin scarred in several locations, his nose obviously broken on more than one occasion. He stood with the same type of gun in his hand, darting only a single glance in my location.
"Maksim is my brigadier, my captain, and the single man I trust with my life," Aleksei directed the comment to me, still keeping the smirk on his face. "Maksim, how many men are on the property?"
"Six, boss. No one will get in or out." Maksim lifted his eyebrows, finally turning his attention in my direction.
"The last time anyone attempted?" Aleksei asked. "You can be candid around our guest. She is quite familiar to the rules of the street."
Maksim grinned, shifting from foot to foot, eager to provide the answer. "He was taken out in pieces after being set on fire, his remnants tossed in several locations. He ain't never going to be found."
"Thank you, Maksim. If you wouldn't mind, take our guest to the dungeon. She needs a taste of my mastery. Make certain she's... comfortable then come see me in my office."
"Absolutely, boss."
Dungeon. Bristling, I hissed at Aleksei. "You really are a bastard." As the brute of a man led me away, I heard his snide answer.
"Absolutely." Aleksei
Brutality.
I'd provided my share over the years, certain acts absolutely necessary in keeping the peace. As well as my reputation. However, I had not, nor would I ever brutalize a woman. Still, Willow had gotten dangerously close to learning far too many things about me, finding out my weaknesses. I couldn't allow that to happen. She would need to learn obedience one way or the other.
I stormed down the hall, throwing open the doors to my office. I was pissed beyond belief. I'd found out about the shipment only after her departure from the hotel, the information taken from a low-level employee working for Peter Church.