Forced to Cooperate Read online

  Swallowing, I dug my fingers into his arm, the difficult breaths I was taking forcing me to inhale his scent. Exotic and woodsy just like the man. I was mortified, embarrassed that I was thinking any thoughts other than taking out my target. “And the first?”

  “I’m glad you asked,” he said with amusement. “I will give you a promise. If you surrender to me I will make certain your punishment is much less... painful, yet still effective. And I will allow you to live. As long as you play by my rules at all times. Oh, and you will be working for me exclusively.”

  Jesus Christ. The options were just as horrible as the situation. If he really believed I would ever give into him in any manner, he was a dreamer. And working for him? Over my dead body. The seconds ticked as I weighed my options. Without a doubt, Aleksei would make good on his threats. That much I knew about the man and his method of operation. There was no way he’d allow me to leave alive. I’d be made an example of.

  Just as the Bratva required.

  “You have five seconds to decide, or I’ll make the choice for you,” he stated. So calm. So certain of himself.

  I was fuming inside, trying to calculate every move I could make. There was little I could do, for now. “Fine.”

  “Meaning?” Aleksei dared to brush his cheek against mine, blowing a swath of hot air that actually tickled my skin. “What say you, sweet cherie? What would you prefer me to do to your scrumptious body?”

  My stomach churned all over, my heart racing. I made a promise to myself that no matter what I had to do, he would die by my hands one way or the other. “Option one and just get it the fuck over with.”

  “Again, the language.” Aleksei released his hold, pushing me away and resuming his perch on the edge of the desk. “I’d offer you a drink.”

  “Then please do. I enjoy a good scotch any time I make a deal with the devil,” I huffed, rubbing my aching throat. I knew if the bastard had wanted to kill me in that manner, I would no longer be breathing. I yanked off my gloves, fighting the flurry of nerves. He watched every move, but he remained relaxed.

  So in charge.

  In control of everything as usual. I’d underestimated him and that would never happen again.

  Aleksei chuckled, pocketing my weapon before walking to the oversized bar sitting in the corner. “I have been called many things, Willow, but the devil is certainly powerful.” He was taking a significant risk turning his back to me.

  Which meant...

  He had known I was coming, was well aware I carried only one weapon. I’d never needed a second and felt it too cumbersome. The bastard. Whoever had betrayed me would find himself in my sights. Snarling, I scanned his office, searching for any other type of weapon I could use.

  “There are no other guns here. Or knives, cherie.”

  I already loathed the moniker.

  He grabbed two glasses, allowing them to clink together then poured both halfway full of scotch, not bothering to add ice. As he walked in my direction, one arm held out, his smile remained intact. He was enjoying every second of my wretched situation. “Please enjoy. I am nothing if not a consummate host.”

  I shifted closer, wary of every one of his intentions. I was no fool. Aleksei Petrov was a parasite, the kind that fed on the flesh and tragedies of every human being who could provide additional wealth to his empire. My family was no exception. He wanted to squash Church Exports into oblivion in order to bolster the Philadelphia Bratva. They wanted to be the biggest bad-asses, eliminating the competition. Our success had made them sweat.

  As I reached for the drink, our fingers accidentally touched. I’d never been one for first attractions, knowing that the physicality of body to body connections was short-lived. However, the electricity soaring through my fingers, shifting directly into my pussy was almost too much to take. I only realized I’d sucked in my breath when his eyes flashed, the dimple on his chin even more pronounced.

  Jerking back, the drink in my hand, I turned slightly in order to try to salvage some sort of professional demeanor. The thought was laughable. I was standing in the presence of evil.

  “I consider your attempt to eradicate my life one of the best, a true compliment,” he offered, moving back toward his desk, swirling the liquid even as he stepped over the broken glass. “I suggest we have a toast.”

  This wasn’t just audacity but some level of subjugation. I was ready to cut out his heart. Instead, I gave back the same smile he was giving me, allowing the rims of our glasses to touch. “Why the hell not? To eliminating baggage.”

  His laugh was genuine, softening the lines on his face. I knew almost everything about the man from his tastes in wine and women, to cigars and expensive cars. What I didn’t know entirely about were his true weaknesses, with the exception of the one. Everyone had them, either family or friends, secrets they harbored deep inside.

  I was no exception, but I’d gone to great lengths to hide mine.

  “I really don’t want to eliminate you, Willow. You are a formidable enemy and one even I can learn from. I believe we can share many objectives together.”

  “You are such a fool, Aleksei.”

  “I’m many things, my sweet cherie, but a fool isn’t one of them.” He took his time savoring several sips of his drink then loosened the crisp bow tie he’d been wearing for the evening’s celebration. I had to admit, he looked dashing in his Armani tux, more like a celebrity than the prince of a mafia kingdom.

  “Then we agree to disagree.” I mimicked his actions when taking a sip, closing my eyes and allowing a soft mew to come from deep within my throat. A single drop of the expensive liquid slipped past my lips.

  Another brash move, his hand fisting my hair. An unexpected fearful sound escaped my mouth as a hint of terror trickled down my spine.

  First, he growled as he lowered his head, dragging his tongue across the small amount of liquor. “Tasty.”

  Every part of me quivered, my breath shallow and I almost pulled him in for a heated French kiss.

  Easing back, his smile remained intact as he pulled out the ponytail holder then ran his fingers through my hair. “Much better. As I said, what a shame you’re not wearing the dress from earlier. I enjoyed studying your curves, the way your waist slid into your beautiful hips. And those long legs, the kind meant to wrap around a man while he’s fucking you. Just like earlier tonight.”

  The way he said the words was nothing but a clear attempt to keep me nervous, on edge so he could take further advantage. I hated to admit that it was working.

  He gave me a nod of respect and another tip of his glass before moving toward the floor-to-ceiling window. “I admire you, Willow, in several ways. I also have a certain level of respect for your family, but as you can imagine, I am unable to allow your indiscretions go without punishment.”

  “Then get it over with. I want to go home and sleep in my bed. Alone. After drinking a toast to the asshole you really are.”

  Even in the slight reflection of the glass, I could see a hint of anger flashing across his face. Maybe I’d been able to crack his armor.

  “You’re not going home, Willow. I thought I was clear.”

  “Excuse me? I accepted your deal. Punishment then you’d allow me to go. As far as working for you, that certainly will be on a limited basis.”

  “My terms.” He took another sip of his drink. “And if you honestly think I’ll allow you to go in order to plot another attempt at taking my life, you’re mistaken. As far as I’m concerned, I own you. Every. Single. Inch. I believe that’s a fair exchange for the mistreatment you’ve give me as well as for the murder of my soldiers. One life for two.”

  I tried to keep my anger in check even though I could feel a single bead of perspiration sliding down the back of my neck. He was in control at this moment. I couldn’t afford to risk another chance at escaping. “Have you no honor? You made a promise that you wouldn’t kill me.”

  Over the course of a solid ten seconds, he turned around to face me, h
is expression rippled with an unspoken threat. “I have no intentions of killing you, Willow, unless you refuse to obey me.”

  “Then what? What do you want? What kind of work do you need? You have dozens of men and women at your service. I’m merely one woman.”

  “You are many things I require, Willow, and I am happy to provide answers to you.” Planting one hand on the desk’s surface, he leaned over, sliding his drink several inches away. “First, I require complete obedience in all things, surrender of your body whenever and however I require. You will learn about all aspects of pleasure and pain. I will become your master and teacher. Only I will give you permission to experience one or the other.”

  My skin began to crawl.

  “As far as the remaining soldiers who work for me, they certainly can’t provide something I desire, other than you of course.”

  I realized I was sucking on my bottom lip, a nervous tic I’d believed cured. “What. Just tell me.”

  “Your cooperation.”

  “I don’t understand. What the hell else could you want from me?” My instincts were already kicking in. There was only one thing he could take from me that mattered.

  “You see, I’m fully aware of what you and your brother are attempting to do, muscling in on not only my father’s regime but that of the Francesco family out of Chicago. You have no idea just how violent those boys are.” He waited to see what my reaction would be. “However, not nearly as savage as the Petrov family.”

  I had no idea what he was talking about. What little I’d been told, my brother’s company was taking on the brunt of the Petrov family in Philadelphia, and the entire shipping arena in New Jersey. There was no way my brother could handle moving into another territory. He didn’t have the manpower and the attempt could be suicide. What was Aleksei’s game here? “You’re a fucking liar. Your organization is the one attempting to hijack our business.”

  “And that’s why you’re a hired gun, assassinating your enemies. Tell me. Do you do that to fulfill some sick sense of humor or are they direct instructions from your brother?” He chortled, shaking his head.

  “Dangerous times call for different tactics.” Yes, I’d followed my brother’s direction, orders that had turned me into a killer, but there had been good reasons.

  Or so I’d thought.

  My brother had sought revenge against Aleksei for some time. Although I’d never been privy to exactly why, I knew my brother’s vendetta had been ongoing for years. Had I taken out some of the Petrov soldiers? Yes, but they’d been vile men who deserved to die. Whatever was really going on here, I respected my brother Peter and would lay down my life if necessary.

  Unlike this monster.

  He cared about no one but himself. I knew he’d just as soon take out his own father, family honor shoved aside. Aleksei was simply that ruthless and power hungry.

  “Just as I thought. He’s pulling your strings; curious for a woman of your obvious intelligence. We can talk about details at a later time, but let’s just say I’m going to increase my empire, sweet cherie, and my first start? Your brother’s company. You’re going to help me obtain it. Why? Because I’ll expose him as the cheat that he is. His business has never been seen as anything but legitimate thus far. I’ve checked into your brother’s holdings, including the various offshore accounts. His smuggling attempts, everything from illegal drugs to white slavery is atrocious. If I were to leak the information, stocks would plummet. Then all I will have to do is wait until there is no one willing to purchase your brother’s failing company. Imagine the toll on your family. On you.”

  I was stunned, unable to think clearly. Illegal drugs? White slavery? I should have pulled the trigger earlier, but I’d hesitated, falling into the perfect trap. Now I was in a predicament from which there was no escape. “You’re fucking crazy.”

  “You really want me to believe that you had no knowledge of what your brother was carrying in all those cargo ships?”

  Blinking, the hum in my ears was enough to give me an instant headache. I’d never been to the Jersey shore, had never set foot on the shipping grounds. In fact, Peter had done everything to keep me away, including annihilating our enemies. But I honestly believed I was removing the scourges of the earth; criminals and murderers. I closed my eyes, trying desperately to push aside the horrible thoughts.

  “But first things first,” he said as he shoved his hand into his pocket. “Undress.”

  “What? Why?” My hand fluttered to my neck. He was serious.

  “Because, cherie, I’m going to punish you in my way, the Bratva way. I’m going to whip that ass of yours. Then I’m going to fuck you. And don’t forget, Willow. As of tonight, this very moment, I own you. Every. Single. Inch.”

  Chapter Two

  Willow

  Spank me? Fuck me?

  I didn’t care how horrible my death, there was no way the asshole prick was going to lay a hand on me.

  Again.

  I was mortified at my earlier behavior. Oh, God, I’d been so stupid.

  “No,” I said without thinking. Without weighing the consequences.

  Aleksei took another deep breath, holding it while he walked around the desk and dangerously close to me. “What did you say?”

  His voice was so authoritative, booming even in its husky yet level tone.

  “You heard me,” I half whispered, taking a steep away, ready to bolt to the door. There was still a chance that I could make it to my car. My brother would keep me safe.

  The Russian was far too quick, grabbing and yanking my arm. He lowered his head until I finally got the full effect of his hot breath. “I suggest you rethink your boldness. In my world, your word is your honor. I would hate to think I couldn’t trust you.”

  My reaction was swift, much like his. I spit across his face, laughing at his incensed reaction. “You are a madman.”

  Blinking, he narrowed his eyes as he wiped the wetness off his face. “You will pay for that dearly, my sweet. Of all the things you might have heard about me, let’s make one thing perfectly clear. You have no recourse unless you’d like to see your brother facing my soldiers. He won’t return.”

  “You don’t like to get your hands dirty, Aleksei? You can’t handle the stain of blood soaking into your expensive suits and crisp shirts?” I’d struck another chord. I’d known men like him all my life, those preferring to look the other way when the real work needed to be done.

  His bristle was par for the course. “No, sweet cherie. This time, it will be very personal, and I will make certain you have a front row seat.”

  My brother and I didn’t always agree. I knew his reputation in business, the things people said behind his back. He was almost as ruthless as Aleksei and his father, but Peter was the only family I had, and I’d vowed to protect him and his business at all costs. “I will not betray him.”

  “Then he will die.”

  The words were simple, the meaning clear.

  I had no choice.

  As if sealing the deal, he captured my mouth, wrapping his hand around the back of my neck and holding me in place.

  I moaned, ready to slam the glass against the side of his neck but he thought of that maneuver as well, snagging my wrist. The weight of his body was intense, the heat emanating from every pore overwhelming. And just as with the kiss we’d shared before, my body responded instantly, my back arching and my legs quivering. The taste of him was incredible, the hint of scotch more powerful than I’d care to admit.

  Even visions of our naked bodies entwined together surfaced, my nipples reacting by hardening even more. Aching.

  Longing to be plucked and twisted.

  No. Fuck, no.

  I loathed myself, humiliated that Aleksei knew how much I was attracted to him. As he thrust his tongue inside, commanding mine, demanding me to succumb, I allowed myself to float away. I’d always been able to pretend. This was no different. Everything about the man reeked of passion as well as danger and I’d been c
aught in his web. The only thing I could do was play along, accepting my role in some conniving scheme.

  Then I would strike.

  Yet he consumed me with his mouth, relentless in his growing hunger. The passion became unbridled in every move, demanding in a way I couldn’t ignore. As his tongue easily gained control, I could tell he anticipated I’d succumb, yet I refused, pushing hard against his chest. His hold was far too powerful, every move he made nothing more than a reminder of his dominance over me. As he ground his hips against mine, I moaned into the kiss, cognizant of just how hard his cock had become.

  I hated the man, loathed him.

  I also couldn’t stand myself, furious that every part of me continued to tingle even as the electricity soared.

  His touch became almost gentle as he eased back, his breathing ragged. He brushed his hand through my hair before sliding his fingers to cup my cheek and chin, running his thumb across my lips in a brutal manner. Back and forth, over and over again. “I think I’m clear now. You have no other choice but to surrender. I daresay your desire betrays you.”

  Exasperated, I shook my head. He was absolutely right. My body had betrayed me, but my mind was clear. If I was forced to play his game I would, but only until I gained a greater advantage.

  And I would.

  “Fine, Aleksei. You win the prize. Just watch out. You might not be happy with who and what I am.” I took a decided step away, my fingers aching as I yanked the shirt over my head, my eyes never leaving his.

  He was enthralled, his eyes glowing. His expression was that of a man finally receiving the special toy he’d been promised. A true barbarian in nature, feigning sophistication on the outside. I planned on unraveling every one of those dark secrets buried deep in his psyche, exposing both him and his father for the beasts they’d become. I was far more cunning than he was.

  I found myself turning slightly as I unfastened my jeans, unzipping before fighting to remove my boots. Perhaps that’s when reality set in, a paralyzing sickness of what was about to occur. Once he marked me, I feared there would be no return.