Page 60 of Lord of Vengeance
“You truly believe the Death Squad is coming after the Brotherhood.” Phoenix lifted his eyebrows.
“I think far too many people know about our existence, which makes our alliance a direct threat to numerous groups of people. I don’t believe in conspiracy theories, but the use of riddles and quotes stand out as a warning of darker things to come.” I sounded far too philosophical.
“What about the fentanyl?” Gabriel asked. “You know the Colombians are extremely interested in picking up the slack from the Mexicans.”
“I do, but that in itself doesn’t provide a clear path. However, it’s also something we need to keep an eye on.” I stood, prepared to end my attendance. “We’ll be in touch. Dante. We’ll talk later.”
“Understood, brother.”
I hit end and stood and thought about my next course of action. I had the distinct feeling it would be necessary to ask Sabrina some difficult questions. And it also might be prudent to follow through with my initial desires and claim her as mine.
As I headed for the door, the throbbing in my cock got worse. It had been far too long since I’d felt this excited about anything or anyone.
There were almost two hundred passengers on the boat, the redesigned smaller cruise ship designed for exclusivity and privacy, the suites three times the size of what anyone would typically find on a cruise line. With a casino and every other recreational amenity, my guests could easily entertain themselves. I also catered to very private affairs, including those indulging my wealthiest passengers in their greatest fantasy.
Fortunately, this particular sailing adventure was rather benign in comparison to what was planned for the next trip, which was fully booked. At least my lovely guest wouldn’t find anything inappropriate or something that might push her away.
Although given the book she was currently reading, it was entirely possible she’d enjoy being a part of the auction or the shows that I had planned, the BDSM events a huge seller for the two-week cruise. I grinned as I took long strides heading for the family stateroom, both my brother and his wife or myself using it when we so desired.
Perhaps I’d spend my last night in Alaska on the boat. Maybe I’d invite a guest to stay with me. The thought pushed my aching shaft against my trousers. With passengers disembarking for the day, other than crewmembers, there were only a few guests remaining on board. That would allow for a more private tour, which at this point was necessary.
While the diamonds were in a safe on board that I could show to Sabrina, the drugs were hidden away in a watertight compartment that wasn’t on my schematics of the ship, especially crafted and designed, only Dante and I knowing its location. If we were anything, we were particular about how we handled the party favors.
And not a single guest was the wiser.
Things weren’t just about to get dicey. I’d say there was a ticking timebomb ready to explode.
And the woman I found irresistible, the one I’d protected all those years ago would be placed in the target zone all over again.
It was entirely possible I’d need to destroy her life.
There might be no other choice.
CHAPTER 17
Diego
I stood in front of my stateroom door for a few seconds, enjoying the quiet moment. When I finally entered the spacious suite, I was surprised there was no sign of her. I certainly hoped she wasn’t giving herself a private tour. That would make me quite angry. She’d yet to see the ruthless savage in me.
As I moved through the main room toward the bedroom, I caught a glimpse of her standing on the deck, peering out at the ocean. She appeared pensive yet stunning even in her tight faded jeans and work boots. She had no idea how aroused she made me because of her simplicity, her true innocence in a jaded and violent world.
With the light breeze blowing through her long strands of hair, I was able to gather a wafting of her perfume through the open door. As soon as I was within two feet, she tensed as if sensing my presence. Very slowly she turned her head, her eyes slowly making their way all the way down to my expensive loafers.
I was dressed to greet my guests, not to indulge in rugged activities. Her sly smile reflected my attire wasn’t necessarily to her liking. I joined her on the deck, leaning over the railing. The quiet between us was a tangible reality that we didn’t know each other. “It truly is beautiful here.” I turned my head, studying her profile.
“Yes, it is. I don’t take enough time to enjoy my surroundings,” she said almost too casually but I sensed her tension remained.
“Is that because of your workload?”
“Perhaps. With only two deputies right now, every case takes more time than it should to be brought to a conclusion.”
“That means your city council is shorting you.”
She turned abruptly, daring to inch closer, tilting her head and studying me. I had no idea what answers she was hoping to find. Whatever it was, that wouldn’t include a soul. Mine had been ripped from me years ago. “I think we can dispense with the typical first date crap, Diego. We’ve gone way past that.”
“So you’re agreeing to the deal I proposed.”
“I’m not agreeing to anything until I’m given that tour you promised.”