Page 34 of Possessing Paisley
I study Ronan. It’s been a while, but if I remember right, he was the one who found her in Argentina. He’s the one who blew up the entire compound where the girls were held. He’s also the one who took Tessa back to her parents. She was a minor at the time, so I don’t think Ronan kept in touch. His reaction makes me wonder if I’m wrong.
“We believe Smoke is responsible for selling those girls to the people in Argentina. We had a meeting with one of the leaders there who brought up his name specifically,” Jasper explains without looking at anyone in particular. “From what we’ve gathered, it seems that he sells girls to a country, and while he’s there delivering them, he kidnaps girls who live in that country to take elsewhere to sell.”
What. The. Fuck.
“So, he’s rotating them? A dozen in, a dozen out? Are the other syndicates aware of this?” I ask, the muscles in my neck so tight it’s painful.
How have we not figured this out by now? And between all the mafias, how have none of us caught him? All we have is a name, but none of us have ever laid eyes on him that we know of.
Cage looks to Declan. “We haven’t sent out a widespread message to all of the organizations. I don’t know how much you trust them. Whatever you want to do, you have the full backing of the Elite team and our resources. We don’t have many morals, but we don’t stand for hurting women.”
The Elite team is a group of men who were sought out as teenagers for their intelligence, then trained for off-the-record special ops work. They consider themselves a family of sorts. Each one is a trained killing machine. They’re the only group of men in the world I would consider to be more dangerous than the mafia. I guess sometimes it’s good to have psychotic, deranged friends.
“I only trust the Italians and Russians. However, everyone who is part of our peace pact should be made aware. If we find out one of them is responsible, we will eliminate that organization from the US. Killian, set up a meeting. Cage, I want you part of it.”
The corners of Cage’s mouth twitch. “I would be even if I’m not physically there.”
Everyone falls silent as the hidden message in Cage’s words sinks in. Is there a room on the map he hasn’t bugged? Jesus.
The awkwardness is interrupted by the door swinging open without a knock. Cali, Scarlet, Chloe, and Paisley stroll in.
All the tension I felt moments ago dissolves the second I meet her gaze. Who knew just looking at her could soothe the demon inside of me?
“Daddy, we’re going shopping and to get our nails done,” Cali announces.
Declan stands and raises a stern eyebrow at his girl. “I think the correct way to say that is, ‘Daddy, would it be okay if we went shopping and got our nails done?’” he scolds.
As I listen to them, I keep my eyes on Paisley, wanting to see her reactions to another couple in the same type of relationship. She glances at me several times, her cheeks turning pink. It’s fucking adorable.
The difference between Declan and me is that Declan has gone soft since he met Cali. I won’t go soft. I’ll give Paisley moments of gentleness, but she will be under my constant command.
While Cali argues with Declan, I set my cup on the small table beside me, Paisley following my hand as it moves. I wonder if she’s thinking about the spanking she received this morning. Widening my knees, I subtly point between them. I might expect her to be obedient, but Paisley isn’t the type of woman to openly submit. If I made an obvious command in front of everyone in the room, she’d tell me to fuck off. I hope that by keeping it silent, just between us, she’ll be my good girl and do as I ask.
She glances around the room and hesitates for just a beat before she slowly makes her way closer. Warmth spreads through my chest. I’m pleased that she didn’t resist. It’s amazing how a spanking can change a woman’s attitude. For a little while, at least.
“What are you going shopping for?” I ask quietly.
“Dresses for the influencer party next weekend.”
I rise from my seat and lean down so I’m close to her ear. “Whatever dress you buy, make sure it doesn’t show too much of your delicious cleavage off. I don’t think you want this party to end up a blood bath because other men can’t keep their eyes off you.”
A shiver runs through her, but she quickly masks it and leans back, scowling at me. “You’re completely insane.”
“Nah. Just possessive of what’s mine. Wear whatever you want, baby; just remember what the consequences could be. I don’t think you want several men’s deaths on your hands.”
When I wink at her, she rolls her eyes. I reach into my suit jacket for my wallet, then pull out the shiny black credit card. “Take this. There’s no limit. Buy whatever you want.”
She lowers her eyes and stares at it for a second before she tilts her head back and shoots me with a death glare. “I don’t want your money.”
“I have endless amounts of it, Paisley. Take it.”
We’re keeping our voices low, but the tension between us is so thick that I’m sure other people in the room feel it.
“I don’t want it, Kieran,” she hisses. “Put it away.”
I clench my jaw, trying not to snap. This has never happened before. A woman turning down my money. I’m not sure how to handle it. I shouldn’t be happy, but something deep down is glad she doesn’t want it.
“Paisley, take the fucking card.”