I would use his arrogance to my advantage.
I'd secured a ticket easily, the event coordinator excited about my presence. The lovely woman had made both confirming Valencia's attendance and making certain I would have a seat directly next to her easy. I took long strides as I entered, impressed with both the architecture as well as the festive decorations. The setting was explicitly designed with the show in mind, colorful and vibrant, and there would be partying late into the night.
The event was already over an hour underway before I'd arrived, hundreds of people feasting on caviar and lobster, the finest wines and champagnes. I headed toward the bar, forced to stop more than once for introductions and basic chitchat.
Something I loathed.
I was considered notorious, one of the eligible bachelors on the watch list. How few truly understood the kind of dangerous man I was.
Even with my celebrity, I could tell I'd ruffled more than a few feathers with my presence, both men and women openly annoyed I'd been invited in the first place. I continued moving through the crowd, chuckling at the thought. There were many who were afraid of me, terrified I'd come to exact revenge for some faux pas they'd performed.
They were right.
"Bombay and tonic." My order complete, I stiffened when I felt a presence behind me, the stench of the man one I remembered from the not so distant past.
"Fascinating. I wouldn't think a man such as yourself would be interested in a mere fashion show."
I waited until the drink was in my hand before turning around. "You have no idea about my varied interests, Castillo. I am a man of discerning tastes." Castillo Martinez. For him to be at the event caused several red flags to raise. While I didn't consider him a direct threat, his rather unscrupulous business acumen was cause for concern.
He was an assassin for a third world leader, never questioning his mission, even if it meant killing women and children. A fashion show wasn't his style.
Unless he was on assignment.
He held out his hand, grinning as if he and I were old friends. "I had some down time while in Miami and was dragged into coming to this... soiree. Besides, attending has its advantages." Castillo nodded over his shoulder at the voluptuous redhead waiting not so patiently for a refill of her drink.
"I see you're slumming it again." While I accepted the handshake, I could tell he was searching to see if I'd brought my soldiers. He was definitely working the event.
His laugh was boisterous. "I do enjoy beautiful women and free booze. I'm certain you can understand that."
"Very much so. Who's the prize?" I darted looks in the girl's direction, the move allowing me to also scan the immediate area. I'd yet to catch glimpse of Valencia.
"A wealthy socialite I met online. And don't you dare laugh at me."
I chuckled and shook my head. "We all have our vices."
"Yes, we do, Miguel." He moved around me, closer to the bar.
"Some darker than others," I countered.
"I have a piece of advice for you. A wise man once told me. Don't allow your proclivities to become more important than the business at hand. That leads to blind spots."
"Fascinating and I'll keep that in mind." I knew better than to think his opportune presence was merely coincidental or his words anything but a threat. He had a hidden agenda and I had the distinct feeling I knew exactly what that meant.
Someone else was gunning for Santiago.
They'd have to wait their turn.
He was a man to keep on my radar.
I remained on the outskirts as I milled through the facility, finally settling on the expansive deck outside. That's when I noticed her, a radiant beauty who outshined every other woman. My woman. My possessive nature refused to be denied, my libido soaring. Valencia was dressed elegantly in a long white dress, the slit on the side extending to just below her hip. The simple bands of gold jewelry she wore accentuated her sparkling stilettos as well as the loose bun she'd piled on top of her head. She was absolutely breathtaking and there wasn't a man on the deck who wasn't paying close attention.
I'd never been a jealous man, women simply a blip in time, a respite from the arduous activities I faced every day. With her, I felt both a sense of pride as well as possession, my need to cage and consume her increasing with each passing moment.
She stood leaning against the railing, peering out into the marina, very much by herself. The concept was curious and disconcerting. Was her father goading me into daring to take her? I had a feeling Santiago was playing a dangerous game.
I was far more formidable than a gesture of this nature.
The glass nestled in her hand wasn't the same champagne flute as the majority of the revelers, the clear liquid an indication I'd been correct about her drink of choice. Everything about the night we'd spent together came rushing into the forefront of my mind. Unfortunately, the current circumstances called for a different set of rules entirely.
And she would be required to follow every one of them.
Her days of freedom were over.
She seemed disinterested in the party itself, preferring to remain by herself. What fascinated me the most was that I wasn't able to detect bodyguards hovering around her. Perhaps they'd been told to keep their distance, but not a single man on the deck fit the description of the goons I'd noticed at Santiago's estate. I'd memorized every one of their faces, men who'd seen a plethora of days physically fighting their various enemies. The people in close proximity were far too beautiful, their hands and faces having never seem a fight of any kind.
Unless it was with their accountant.
I stood in the shadows as the sun began to slide past the horizon, my cock throbbing from thoughts of thrusting deep inside her tight little asshole. There was no sign of Santiago, no indication that she'd brought a date of any kind. My instincts told me that her father was in town and to that end, I had my soldiers keeping a close eye. This night would prove to be interesting.
Only a few minutes later, the lights flickered, an indication that the show was about to start. I remained behind her as she walked into the venue. The element of surprise would be in my favor. I meandered into the main hall, the seats arranged in a typical fashion show setting. I hung back, allowing her to be seated, the majority of other guests as well before proceeding to move to the aisle. I handed off my glass to a waiter, scanning the room once again.
Two of my soldiers were in position in case of an issue, six others combing the clubs and restaurants in search of Santiago or any of his men. I noticed Castillo at the far end of the stage, his gaze directed my way.
I unbuttoned my jacket before easing down, shifting my gaze to the stage. While I had no intention of allowing any violence during the show, as always, I was forced to be ready for any occurrence. I cleared my throat on purpose as I settled against the back of the chair. In a matter of seconds, I heard her surprised breath, felt a slight shift as she attempted to move further away. I slowly turned my head until we could make eye contact.
"Hello, Valencia. What a coincidence."
She opened her mouth as if to retort then blinked several times. "What a crock, Miguel. What the hell are you doing here? Stalking me?"