I would free the little gilded bird I'd captured, the beautiful woman I'd fallen hard for. If you love something, let them go...
And I would never love again. Valencia
Sadness.
I'd known such sadness all my life. I'd also known tragedy. To learn about Rodriguez and the fact he'd been using me had taken a piece of my soul. However, I was glad to know the truth. Learning that my father did love me and had tried to protect me had at least given me comfort, even though he was still a brutal monster.
Finding love with Miguel was unexpected and so beautiful, although knowing that both our fathers had decided we should be together years before was unconventional. Maybe they knew we were meant to be together.
As we strolled along the beach hand in hand, I knew there was so much on his mind. We'd both been very quiet over the past few days. While he'd said little, I'd learned that Rodriguez was still on the run, but I knew without a shadow of a doubt that he would be found.
Bastard.
I no longer wanted to look to the past. I was ready to share a future with the man I loved.
The roar of the ocean was calm in comparison to the rapid beating of my heart. There were so many things I wanted to say to him, dreams I hoped would come true, but I didn't know where to begin.
When I heard the sound of his voice, I leaned against him, my pussy quivering as it always did when he spoke.
"I have something for you," he said in his usual dominating tone, one I'd come to love.
"You do?"
"Yes." He reached into the pocket of his jeans, pulling out a folded envelope.
"Doesn't look like diamonds or furs." I laughed, more than curious what was inside.
"You know, I don't see you as that kind of girl."
He knew me too well. I hesitated before opening, unfolding what appeared to be a letter. After reading, I sucked in my breath. "What is this?"
"Your freedom."
"But I don't understand. Don't you love me? Was this all a game?" I glanced at the letter again, every part of me shaking.
Dear Ms. Rivera:
We are pleased to inform you that you've been accepted as a soloist for the Miami Symphony Orchestra for a long-term contract. Please note that we will begin a world tour in one month...
I couldn't read it again. He was sending me away. Tears sprang to my eyes. "I don't..."
He took both hands into his, pulling them to his mouth and kissing every finger. "Listen to me. I love you, Valencia. I love everything about you from your laugh to the way your nose wrinkles when you talk. I adore your rebellious side and the love of music that you have. I was selfish in taking you from what you love. I'm not a good man. I've done some horrible things in my life but taking you away from your single joy isn't going to be one of them."
I could tell he was serious, a man who felt so much guilt. "What if I don't want to go?"
"The decision is entirely yours, but I encourage you to follow your heart and your dream."
I was stunned at his generosity and his love. I could see it in his eyes. He was so proud of me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him tightly against me. "I don't know."
"Just think about it. Promise me."
"I will." I tipped my head as he lowered his and in the next few minutes, the kiss that we shared was unlike any from before. I knew in my heart he was right, that this was my choice and I had to decide carefully what to do. When he captured my mouth, I melted against him. I loved him more than I could say.
This would be the most difficult decision of my life.
Four weeks later
Miguel had packed my things for me already. My cello was the only thing he'd left for me to carry to the car. I stood outside his office door, the sleepless night more difficult than I could imagine, but I'd made the right decision and I knew it.
I rapped on the open door before walking in. When Miguel turned to face me, I could swear the man had been crying.
"Is it all right if I come in?" I asked quietly.
"Of course. Are you all ready?"
"Not exactly."
"What is missing?" he asked as he walked toward me.
I inched closer, more in control of my emotions and my life than I'd been in years. "I wanted you to know how much I appreciate what you did for me. I don't think I told you that."
"It was the right thing to do. You're going to be a star, my beautiful princess."
I took his hand into mine, placing it over my heart. "Maybe, but in my way."
Miguel narrowed his eyes. "What does that mean?"
"It means that I am going to be a soloist for the symphony, but I won't be traveling with them."
"I don't understand."
I could hear apprehension in his voice. "It means that I'm only going to perform when they're in town and on occasional trips. I told the conductor that while I appreciate the offer, I had a life I wanted to live, one with the man I loved. He was able to make a compromise. He said I was worth it."
"Valencia. Your dream."
"Is coming true, thanks to you. I want to stay with you, right here. I mean, if you still want me."
The apprehension quickly turned to joy, his face beaming as he picked me up into his arms. "Are you certain?"
"More than anything. You allowed this to be my choice and I've made it. You are my life. This beautiful place is my life."
He took a step back. "Does that mean that you're going to obey me?"
"With reservations," I said, grinning.
"Hmmm... I think someone needs a reminder of who's boss."
"Well, I am a naughty girl."
When he swept me into his arms, I realized I'd made the right decision. I was no longer the bird in a cage. I was a woman with burning desires, some darker than others and I could have everything I wanted.
As long as I obeyed.
The dark man.
The dangerous man.
The man with a heart.
And there was nothing else I wanted more.
He crushed his mouth over mine, sliding his tongue past my lips. As our tongues entwined, I shuddered from his touch alone, my pussy quivering and my nipples aching. Everything about this felt right and oh-so perfect.
I'd found a home.
The passion and the electricity roared between us, all the difficulties pushed aside. I belonged to him. For now.
And forever.
When he broke the kiss, he pushed me over his desk, instantly dragging my dress over my hips and exposing the fact I wasn't wearing any panties. I heard his short laugh seeing my condition, knowing he gathered a whiff of my scent.
"You never made good on your promise to replace all those panties you ripped off me," I said demurely.
A growl pushed past his lips before he pressed his hand on the small of my back. "I guess we're going to have to fix that. Wait a minute. No. As of today, you're no longer wearing clothes in this house. Now, for a lesson in making certain you follow the rules."
I closed my eyes and leaned over as he issued the first series of hard smacks against my bottom, I squealed, but not from the pain. From the fact that my heart was singing as much as my soul. Nothing could ever come between us again, but if it did, I knew he'd protect me.
In his way.
No matter what he had to do.
And I accepted that without question.
My scarred but beautiful hero.
The End of book 4