King’s Temptation by Piper Stone
Chapter 1
Dimitri
There were two rules I’d embraced after taking the position of Cristiano King’s Capo.
One: Stay alive no matter the requirements.
Two: Stay away from the family’s angel, the only surviving sister of the powerful King brothers.
The first one was easy to accomplish. I was a brutal, dangerous man with a love of destroying our enemies. My methods were cruel, savage, and life ending.
The second wasn’t as simple, although I’d come to terms with the fact that I couldn’t have everything I wanted. The cost was far too explosive.
Violating Pandora’s Box.
The thought had remained with me for over two years. I wasn’t a man who was allowed to crack open the lid and search the contents inside. I couldn’t indulge in the one creature I desired because that wasn’t allowed. I was nothing more than a soldier, a man responsible for keeping one of the most powerful men in the United States alive.
It wasn’t the first time I’d made a deal with the devil, nor would it be my last.
I’d been born and bred to fight the enemy, whether in my former life as a member of the Russian Bratva or in my employ with the King mafia family. I’d given my life in order to serve, including being imprisoned in one of the most brutal countries in the world.
Mother Russia was unforgiving, the ugly scars received during my incarceration a reminder that I was nobody in the world of organized crime. Even here, in the land of the free, I was considered nothing more than a soldier, a man who followed orders.
A monster who killed without question.
I’d long ago forsaken my conscience, preferring always being prepared for an attack. I’d honed my body as well as my mind, relentlessly training for whatever battle could ensue. My job was to protect every member of the King family when necessary.
Today was no exception, even during a celebration.
Yet my thoughts were never far from her. Even now, my cock ached, a nagging reminder that I’d envisioned thrusting my shaft into her pretty pink pussy, taking what I found increasingly difficult to live without.
Angelique.
A temptress in every way, her hourglass figure and dark eyes had drawn me into a web that could only end with my banishment or death.
No. That wasn’t going to happen. The beautiful only daughter of the King family was forbidden fruit. Hissing, I did what I could to think of my duties.
I looked toward the front door, scanning for weapons as several additional people walked inside. While I wasn’t a man who had any kind of patience, I’d spent far too much time trying to avoid her to step into the quicksand. She was my employer’s sister and nothing more. Taboo as far as I was concerned.
Yet her voluptuous body and tantalizing expressions continued to haunt me almost every night. Only once had I allowed myself a taste of her, capturing her delicate mouth seconds after she’d pierced my eyes with hers.
They’d been dark pools of desire, her hunger to taste something forbidden almost overruling my loyalty to Cristiano King. Thank God we’d been interrupted, or I would have ravaged her without hesitation.
That would have meant certain death.
Every night I was consumed with filthy thoughts, my body aching to touch her. Taste her.
Fuck her.
Yet I’d managed to resist her feminine wiles and I would continue doing so, my feelings of honor more important.
But her constant temptations continued to haunt me.
Her long hair sweeping across her shoulders.
Her intense eyes as they studied me from a distance.
Her perfect figure capable of making my mouth water.
Angelique.
I eased my hand against my weapon in an attempt to drag my mind away from my thirst once again, although the nights spent anywhere close to her prevented me from losing the noose around my neck. The thick rope threatened to drag me straight into hell. Maybe that’s all I deserved. I was a savage, a man capable of ending a life without hesitation. And for the most part, I enjoyed doing so.
Angelique didn’t seem to care that I’d been responsible for ending several lives. That was the way of our world, brutality and assassinations just a part of the job.
My thoughts turned vile once again, my cravings dark, my needs sadistic. I knew the lovely flower who’d remained in my dreams couldn’t accept the man who’d been unable to get her out of his system. I was no fool. She’d toyed with me as I’d seen her do with other men. She knew as well as I did that we could never consummate our flirtations.
But our connection, the electricity surging every time we were close was undeniable. I took a deep breath, trying to rid my thoughts of her before scanning the growing crowd. I loathed the fact there were so many people in the gallery. The majority of the King family had arrived, only the patriarch and his wife unable to attend. While they were powerful, there were always enemies prepared to take what they considered their rightful place at the top of the food chain.
I’d pledged to keep that from happening.
On this moonlit night, my gut continued to churn. I had a very bad feeling things could get ugly.
“You’re allowed to enjoy the night, Dimitri.”
I gazed at Lucian, the Underboss almost as merciless as his brother. Then I turned my attention toward the crowd once again, taking a deep breath. “Not with so many pigs in the crowd.” I loathed the fact the family had made friends with law enforcement, although I knew that methods of blackmail had been used.
Lucian laughed softly. “You never let your guard down. Just remember they are our guests tonight.”
“You mean Angelique’s guests,” I said between clenched teeth.
After a few seconds, he sighed, although even the limited sound held his usual disdain for me. Lucian had never been a fan of anyone of Russian descent. “I hope Cristiano treats you well.” He spoke in passing, as if I was supposed to believe him.
I was Cristiano’s most trusted Capo, the new Don of the King family well aware I’d lay down my life for him. “I don’t think that’s anything you need to worry about.”
I’d never liked Lucian King, his cravings even darker than my own. But I certainly wasn’t in any kind of position to challenge him.
“I’m giving you one piece of advice and there won’t be a second one. You need to stay away from my sister.”
He issued the words as if reiterating a mandate from the family, his tone of authority pissing me off. I’d made a single mistake, one I’d regretted since the day I’d dared to succumb to my burning hunger. However, he was making assumptions, another trait that infuriated me.
I shifted my gaze in his direction, narrowing my eyes and keeping them locked into his. “I do my job, Mr. King. Nothing more, nothing less. I know my parameters as I hope you do yours.”
Lifting his eyebrows, he took a deep breath. “I’ll assume that isn’t a threat, Dimitri. I don’t think you want that to happen.”
Before I had a chance to issue any kind of nasty rebuttal, Michael moved closer, offering an expression of amusement before grabbing his brother on the shoulder. “I think Angelique is about to make her illustrious appearance. Why don’t you grab a glass of champagne?”
Lucian glared at me for a full ten seconds before displaying his signature smile. “You’re right. This is a party.” When he walked away, I took a deep breath, loathing my required position.
Michael inched closer, glancing around the room before speaking. “Don’t let Lucian get under your skin, Dimitri. He’ll always be the angry one of the family.”
“Yes, sir.”
Chuckling, Michael snagged an approaching waiter, grabbing a second glass. “Take this. Try and relax. The event is completely secure.”
While I did as he asked, taking the slender flute into my hand, I knew better than to let down my guard. In my opinion, the family had gotten soft in the six months since eliminating Carlos Morales, the brutal dictator from South America who’d threatened their empire. While the cartel leader had been formidable, I’d learned the hard way that the enemies positioned in your backyard were the ones to worry about the most.
The buzz in the room was extremely loud, the chatter amongst the guests drowning out the music booming through the half dozen speakers. Everyone appeared to be in a good mood, prepared for a long night of enjoying the festivities while I remained on edge. Michael moved away, quickly returning to the family unit while I remained at the door.
When a series of sensations roared into my body, further fueling the fire burning in my loins, I knew Angelique was close by. I took a deep breath, holding it inside before allowing myself to try to find her over the crowd.
The second she walked into the room, every rational thought fled my mind. There was something so unpretentious yet commanding about the way she drifted into the well-lit space, her normally provocatively colored hair now natural, the dark curls framing her angular face. She was like the perfect china doll, her porcelain skin shimmering. I was suddenly breathless, the savage beast inside of me furious that he couldn’t be exposed.
I drank almost half the glass of champagne, trying my best not to slam it on one of the tables before turning my full attention in her direction. She had no idea just how gorgeous she was, always overshadowed by her brothers. Tonight was her night to shine. While it wasn’t my place, I was proud of her accomplishments, her tenacity something I respected. She’d refused to succumb to her brothers’ will. For that alone, I admired the young woman.
As she moved through the well-wishers, her eyes shifted in my direction. I could see into her very soul even from the distance. My entire body was electrified, my heart racing. After a few seconds of enjoying her dazzling beauty, I returned my attention to the door. Fighting the lust was getting more difficult. Chills dug into my bones in a way that almost made me feel paralyzed. I had to find a way to exorcise my demons with regard to her or I would no longer be able to do my job effectively.
I took several deep breaths, moving my mind and my body into a place some would call Zen. For me, shifting deep into my psyche had been the only method of tolerating the brutal punishments and harsh torture I’d received during my time as a prisoner. Maybe it would help soothe the ache that never abated.
Even though I continued to hear the music filtering into my mind, I was able to block out my longing, concentrating on my job. There were at least six soldiers outside, three more remaining in the interior. And if I knew Cristiano, he had at least four more in various locations.
Goddamn it, sweat beaded along my forehead, sliding down both sides of my face. I needed some fucking fresh air or I was going to lose my shit. As I moved closer to the door, a sudden tickling of my sensations forced me to pull my weapon from under my shirt. At least three sets of headlights could be seen rounding the corner. While that wasn’t unusual given the business of the area, my instincts told me otherwise.
I took gulping breaths, rushing outside then slapping both my hands on the gun. While the last thing I wanted to do was make a scene, I knew better than to let my guard down. As the vehicles approached, suddenly picking up speed, I took a calculated guess. If wrong, my career was likely over.
The sudden screeching of tires confirmed my worst fears. I threw open the door, catching Cristiano’s eye immediately as I headed in his direction.
The Boss of the family knew my methods of operation. He was well aware that when I was rattled, the shit was about ready to hit the fan.
Yet before he had a chance to disperse the crowd or even attempt to protect his family, my worst fears came to pass.
Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!
Gunfire erupted, shattering the glass within seconds. The noise was horrific, drowned out by the terrified screams. And the barrage continued, bullets showering the gallery as guests attempted to take cover. I reacted on instinct, racing outside and firing off several rounds, the other soldiers doing the same.
But as the vehicles continued to issue a heavy spray of artillery, I feared the worse. There was no way to stop the assholes, all three SUVs screeching around the corner.
Gasping for breath, I jumped through the broken glass, immediately searching for Angelique as the loud music was unable to drown out the continued screams and moans. Pieces of damaged and broken art littered the floor, blood splattered across almost every surface. I threw my head back and roared as I continued to scan the scene of horror.
Then I saw her crumpled body on the floor. As I rushed toward her, her beautiful face marred by trickles of blood, I made a promise to myself as well as the King family.
The person responsible would die by my hands.
* * *
“Enemies strengthen you. Allies weaken you.” — Frank Herbert
Angelique
Fifteen minutes earlier…
Wealthy. Powerful. Ruthless.
While my father and brothers reveled in their merciless level of control, the sordid business adding to the family wealth, I’d never felt any of the three needs. I might be considered the princess of the King family, a position allowing me all the perks of royalty and influence, but I’d always known that the title held no superiority.
I’d come to terms with that over the years. Finally. Instead of hating my parents or staying jealous of my brothers, I’d found my own way in life doing what I loved. There was nothing more satisfying than owning such an incredible art gallery. Now, with the recent building expansion, I’d been able to lure in even more incredible artists. Painters. Photographers. Sculptors. I’d finally started to make a name for myself.
And no one was going to take it away from me.
Including my brothers, who insisted that being out in the open all the time was far too dangerous. Not only couldn’t they accept that I was just as skilled in weaponry and martial arts, they also underestimated my ability to read people to perfection. I knew an asshole or a monster from across a crowded room without batting an eye.
The thought always made me smile when enduring one of the family meetings, listening to my father and brothers pontificate on and on about whatever new method they’d used to take out an enemy. That had been when I was allowed to listen in on the family business discussions, which was rare.
Okay, so maybe I was pissed off at still being treated like a fragile little girl. I knew my brothers loved me. I also understood why they were terrified that I’d be hurt or worse given our baby sister had been murdered in cold blood. Still, that didn’t mean they were going to keep me in a locked box for the rest of my life.
I shooed away the thoughts, plastering on a smile as I gazed into the mirror one last time. I thought even my mother would approve. I’d finally allowed my natural hair color to make an appearance and I’d forgotten how lovely I looked in the long raven curls. I made a face, twisting my mouth. While I appeared sophisticated, glamorous in the sweeping violet dress, the well-coifed appearance wasn’t a clear reflection of the girl inside.
I preferred my funky purple and pink hair. Even blue and green had their places.
I also preferred jeans or shorts to fancy dresses.
Laughing, I took a step away, feeling more refreshed. I hadn’t expected that almost everyone I’d sent an invitation to would accept. The gallery was filled with people. No, they were potential customers. I had to keep that in mind.
“Work it, baby. Work it. Work it.” I swished my hips back and forth, pursing my lips then giving myself a nod of approval. Thank God I’d hired the finest catering firm in New Orleans. Maybe the night wouldn’t be a bust. I could see the local-yokel newspaper in the morning dissing my event. That would make it to the art forces in New York faster than a lightning bolt if I failed.
As I walked from the hallway into the main gallery, I realized just how proud I was of all that I’d accomplished. Years in the making. Hours spent talking with artists. Yelling sessions with contractors. Arguing with my father on my career choice.
Now this night.
I was so happy I was giddy, the lighting and festive atmosphere creating a series of tingles dancing down to my toes. The atmosphere was perfect, the twinkling lights covering every inch of the ceiling just as dazzling as I’d imagined. Even the music was exactly as I’d wanted, the piano player and jazz singer adding to the sultry depiction of a beautiful night in Paris.
As the sexy waiter approached, his eyes twinkling as he dared to gaze down the length of me, all I could do was smile. I slipped my fingers around the slender flute, eyeing my oldest brother who stood close to the door. My brothers would always be my protectors, looking out for my best interests.
Or so they’d told me on several occasions.
I kept my smile as I walked into the crowd, shaking hands as several guests congratulated my success. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Dimitri Kristoff, Cristiano’s Capo. A flutter shifted into my stomach, my blood pressure rising. The soldier was one of the most brutal employed by the family, yet I’d seen a softer side of him, if only for a little while.
He was big and buff, his gorgeous blue eyes only one of his incredible features. He’d allowed his once short-cropped blond hair to grow, the new look complementing his chiseled facial features. Even his long eyelashes were undeniably sexy. I couldn’t allow myself to think about his rugged body, every muscle honed to perfection from what had to be hours spent in the gym. I’d hungered for the man for years, although I didn’t need a warning from my family to remind me he was off limits.
No member of the King family could ever dare enter into any kind of carnal relationship with one of the working men or women. We were far too… refined. I rolled my eyes at the thought. Yes, I’d been responsible for teasing the man, making him uncomfortable. I knew in my heart the behavior needed to stop, but it was almost impossible to resist him.
His power.
His darkness.
His domination.
Stop it. You have guests. Remember that.
Yes, my inner voice was right. I couldn’t hunger for something I wasn’t allowed to have.
After chastising the bad little girl inside, I walked with purpose to one of the guests, trying to yank in my anger toward the man. He’d been nothing but a pain in my family’s ass.
“Senator Ragland, I’m so glad you were able to make it,” I mused as I wrapped my hand around his arm, offering a bright smile.
“You’ve done such a great job with the gallery, Angelique. My wife has already identified three pieces she must have in our collection.”
I laughed, my training on how to drag in a purchaser coming to the forefront. “And I will be happy to help you ensure your gorgeous pieces make it home. Come see me in an hour or so.” I flitted off before he had a chance to answer, doing everything in my power not to laugh. The police chief. Marcel Chaveneau had been nothing but a dangerous nemesis, my brothers trying to keep him under control even though he pushed every boundary.
“Chief Chaveneau, thank you for coming. I hope you’ve been able to find something of interest for your dark and delicious proclivities.”
He took my hand, acting as if I was the only person in the room. When he brought my knuckles to his lips, I wanted nothing more than to yank it away, even slapping him across the side of the face. But I resisted. My brothers had done everything in their power to try to keep the man in charge of the police force in their fold. I could only imagine the amount of money or other perks they’d given him in the effort.
“You are a true beauty, Angelique, and your gallery reflects your imagination. I have no doubt my wife will be able to find something appropriate for our home.”
Appropriate.
As if the pompous pig actually knew what that was.
“Enjoy the party,” I purred.
I acted as if I was honored before moving away, heading for Cristiano. When I noticed the front door opening, I shifted my attention, bristling as I always did when one of the Azzurri brothers came within close proximity. I didn’t care what deal or arrangement Cristiano had made with the second crime family who ruled New Orleans, I refused to trust either one of the two brothers in the Azzurri family.
They were nothing but snakes, prepared to take down the King Empire. At least the older brother, Giancarlo, had more savvy than the bastard Antonio. I hated being forced to act as if I didn’t want to punch the man.
I shifted my fingers through the few strands of hair falling from my hairclip, heading straight for my brother.
“Are you enjoying the festivities?” I asked, totally ignoring the brutal bastard.
“This is spectacular, Angel,” Cristiano said as he leaned over, kissing me on the cheek. “You should be very proud of yourself.”
“Yes, a truly amazing location,” Giancarlo added. “I’m sorry I’m late.”
You weren’t invited, asshole.
While I didn’t mutter the words, I certainly thought about saying them and more, although as my mother would say, maybe I needed to have my mouth washed out with soap.
Be kind. Don’t bite his head off.
I shifted my attention toward the Azzurri asshole, unable to keep a smirk off my face. “I’m surprised you stopped by, especially since you weren’t on the guest list.”
Giancarlo chuckled, giving my brother a knowing look. Whatever kind of bond they’d formed continued to disgust me. “I wanted to offer my respect, Angelique. Besides, I knew you could throw one of the best parties in town. Surely, you can make room for one more.” Defying me on purpose, he grabbed a glass of champagne from one of the waiters, lifting the dense crystal in a toast.
God, I loathed the Azzurri mafia family, their methods of dealing with their issues much more barbaric than those used by my brothers and father.
I abhorred the fact he was gazing at me with interest in his eyes. In fact, I wanted nothing more than to dig my nails into his skin, to help him understand that he hadn’t been on the invitation list. But I did as required, smiling in the usual King fashion.
Never allow your enemies to know when they’ve managed to get under your skin.
“Of course I can. I am a generous woman after all. Thank you so much for engaging in the celebration. Just remember, this isn’t a not-for-profit organization or event. Purchase something.” I gave Giancarlo a hard look, although I noticed my brother’s admonishing glare out of the corner of my eyes. Cristiano had brought four of his soldiers with him, three of them standing like statues in their effort to ensure the safety of our entire family.
While I didn’t blame him, the fact that having any kind of family event meant extra protection continued to infuriate me.
Sighing, I tried not to break the glass in my hand as I purposely walked away, trying to remember that this was a celebration of all my hard work. I flitted through the crowd, savoring every moment of being recognized. I was proud of my accomplishments, yet still nauseous. I couldn’t wait to see the morning paper, although members of the press were late.
Damn them.
I drifted off by myself for a few precious seconds, taking several sips of champagne, unable to take my eyes off Dimitri. I could tell he was doing everything in his power to avoid making eye contact. That had been necessary given we’d been caught in a compromising position. God, there were times I couldn’t stand being a member of the family. The requirements. The necessity of protocol.
The rules.
Everyone knew how much I hated being forced to follow anyone’s rules. I licked the rim of the glass, studying Dimitri. The man seemed more on edge than normal, hovering by the door, staring out into the gorgeous night.
I started to move closer until he bolted outside. What the hell was he doing? I managed to catch Cristiano’s eye.
Then everything shifted into slow motion.
Cristiano swung his head toward the door then in my direction, throwing up his arm.
A rush of adrenaline drowned out every other noise.
Until the first cracks of gunfire shattered the glass.
Then the screams.
As time seemed to stand still, I watched as Giancarlo’s bullet-riddled body slowly fell to the floor.
Then…
