Indebted: A Dark Irish Mafia Romance Read online

  He would certainly laugh in my face given my past proclivities. Booze. Women. Violence.

  That was a lifetime ago.

  Unfortunately, it had reared its ugly head, bringing back all the sordid memories.

  Only two weeks before I’d been tasked to take over the helm of the family enterprise, my father’s will very specific. I’d survived the penance my father had bestowed on me after one long weekend of debauchery in my youth, the single mistake a thing of horror I’d yet to overcome. Perhaps his direction was my reward for doing so, but his angry words all those years ago were ones I’d never forget.

  “You’re nothing but a fucking disgrace to this family. You disgust me. I refuse to protect you any longer. This is the last time I get you out of your predicaments. You’re either going to mature or end up dead. I’m not certain any longer if I care which one.” He stood behind his desk, puffing on his cigar as he glared into my eyes before shoving a folder across the polished mahogany surface. My actions and carelessness had brought shame against our family, intolerable on any level.

  I’d merely laughed in his face.

  Sadly, the papers enclosed within the file had given credence to his anger. I’d been excised from his sight, my name erased from both company and family records on Irish soil, but not before he’d inflicted his personal brand of punishment. I’d been given one possibility of resuming my place in his good graces. Even the hot-headed young man I’d once been had known better than to ignore the opportunity.

  I’d paid the price, suffering in ways few could understand, including my brothers. Maybe my father’s method of forgiveness was entrenched in the forty-page document sent mere days after his death through my stateside attorney. I’d only read the first part, awarding his great company to my tender loving care. I hadn’t attended his funeral and if I had, no one could have held back my need for retaliation.

  Inhaling, a cold shiver slithered into every tense muscle. While I’d yet to make my decision whether to resume my former life, the complications that had recently arisen were ones that required handling.

  If not, the situation would be deemed just another failure, a possibility for my brothers to challenge my father’s will. That I refused to allow to happen.

  I stood on my veranda, the morning air cool against my skin. Even the light breeze had an invigorating effect on portions of my body that rarely saw the light of day. I rolled down my sleeves, studying the way the sun rose over the mountains, shimmering against the snowcapped peaks. The adrenaline rush was unexpected, my heart pounding.

  My father would have called this a glorious day, a moment of reckoning. I wasn’t so certain I wasn’t entering into a pact with the devil. Unfortunately, the contract I was about to enter into was the only recourse given the conniving bastard had died prior to fully understanding my wrath. I’d trusted few men after arriving in America, but Luis Toro had proven his worth on several occasions. An outstanding employee, a man in my inner circle.

  Until the day he’d stolen from me.

  Even dead men paid a price for betrayal.

  I heard the sound of the door and took a deep breath, allowing the fresh air to penetrate my lungs. I’d remained behind closed doors for far too long.

  “Welcome back,” I said absently. “I hope your time off was enjoyable.”

  “I certainly wasn’t on vacation and you knew that,” Jefferson huffed, obviously annoyed that I’d bothered to ask.

  “Yes. Family business can be... difficult.”

  His heavy sigh was one of exasperation. “Gabriel. Are you certain you want to go through with this? Even this isn’t like you. I’m not even certain it would be considered legal.”

  The sound of my attorney had been expected, the final contract awaiting my signature. He’d arrived back in town just in time. Jefferson Williams had been tasked with keeping me in line once I’d arrived in Denver. While he’d initially attempted to play my surrogate father, he’d learned the hard way that I had no desire for a new family. None. My emotions no longer existed, other than bouts of rage. While a trusted advisor, he often overstepped his bounds in attempting to provide advice as if he were blood.

  Dealing with Mr. Toro had been one of them. The phone calls I’d made to Jefferson during his absence had been necessary, although he’d been incensed at my interruption. However, the opportunity had been far too important to push aside.

  For anyone or any reason.

  Fortunately, an agreement had been determined, one that made my cock twitch from my sadistic desires. Oddly enough, Toro had thought of his... repayment himself.

  His daughter.

  I’d never known of her existence, even though he’d worked for me for years.

  “As you said yourself, Jefferson, there is really no other choice. By accepting our enemy’s generous offer, a debt will be repaid, one that is long overdue.”

  “And I suppose you have legitimate plans for the use of your... prize. She certainly has no money to speak of. The house her father left her is worth less than two hundred grand. Why bother?”

  Prize. My attorney had used the term far too loosely during the last few days of discussions. I’d initially rebuked the last will and testament of Luis Toro, wanting nothing but the pompous asshole’s blood, but by my choice. His murder had been unexpected. However, my decision to enter into the contract hadn’t been because of the goodness in my heart. It had been for a single reason only.

  Alessandra.

  Beautiful.

  Sensual.

  Vivacious.

  One picture had been enough to convince me.

  Even the mere thought of tasting her made my cock press hard against my linen trousers, the desire peaking given what was about to transpire. I couldn’t wait to have her in my possession, fulfilling the terms of the proposed contract.

  To punish her as necessary.

  To taste her pretty pink pussy.

  To break then rebuild her to my requirements.

  Money I didn’t need. Power was something else entirely.

  “It’s about honor, Jefferson. And loyalty. Luis Toro lost sight of both. This is his way of making it up to me.”

  Jefferson huffed. “You do remember there is other business to take care of.”

  I gave him a harsh look. There was always business to tend to, contracts to go over. However, even I deserved some time away.

  “Fine. I expect there will be dozens of reporters at the scene today. It will be tough to get her out of there,” Jefferson grumbled.

  “Take Darren and Kito with you for support.”

  “What do you expect them to do, pull out their guns in order to keep the reporters away? That certainly wouldn’t be good for business.”

  His disgruntled laugh pissed me off.

  “How I choose to handle the business of Masters Enterprises is entirely up to me. If you are uncomfortable with the conditions of this contract, you can certainly choose to terminate your employment. And I assure you that Kito and Darren are excellent at their jobs. Just make certain you are as well.” I could feel the cold vibe from where I stood. Yes, this was an entirely different role I’d chosen to play, but the only one I could tolerate. I loathed the fact security might be needed. That would lead to additional finger pointing in my direction, not something I needed.

  “That won’t be necessary, Gabriel. I will honor your requests. And for your information, everything in the house is ready as commanded.” His voice held a certain tremor of anxiety.

  “Excellent. And the particulars about the day?” I turned slowly, walking back into my office. As expected, he trailed behind me, placing the paperwork in the center of my desk, exactly where I required it.

  “Without the deal, the judge would accept the recommendations of the prosecutor. Given Mr. Rivers’ popularity, everyone wants this to come to a conclusion,” he answered as he shifted from foot to foot. I’d made him nervous from the day he’d met me, my eyes never leaving him. “Given the circumstances, the term wil
l be significant, a minimum of ten years.”

  While I was well aware that she’d been framed for a crime she hadn’t committed, it was a perfect setting in which to offer guidance as well as a way out. However, the bastard who’d framed her would see an untimely end. Bobby Rivers was a true monster, sought after for his abilities to eliminate problems for the rich and famous, including several of the men who were considered my adversaries. Everyone had dark secrets hiding in their closets, the kind that if brought into the public eye would mean ruination. Bobby’s creative methods of eradicating problems so far had gone unchecked by law enforcement. In fact, Bobby was well liked, his prominent father a long-time Denver citizen and philanthropist, giving generously to several charities.

  His father was also part of a network of powerful men who used their influence to control almost every aspect of the state. And they certainly didn’t like me very much. I snickered at the thought. I’d ceremoniously taken away a good portion of their wealth during the last ten years.

  I’d done my research on Bobby the moment Luis’ odd request had crossed my desk. Bobby was a dangerous man. What I wasn’t certain of was the connection the two had together. There had to be a tethering in order for Alessandra to be in the middle.

  Bobby was no match for the likes of me, but I would remain in the shadows as long as possible.

  “You’re certain there will be no issues with the judge presiding over the case?” Jefferson asked. “This is not something that’s normally done, and I assure you the judge has been pressured by the Rivers family and other prominent politicians who believe Bobby to be an angel. As you might imagine, the entire town is seeking justice. I only hope that attorney you hired introduces your unusual offer well. I also hope the decision isn’t overturned later on.”

  “Jefferson, have you ever seen me fail in any endeavor I determine to take on?”

  He stiffened as he stared at me. “You bribed a standing judge?”

  “I did what was necessary and nothing more. Judge Taylor and I had a fabulous lunch together. He is very much looking forward to the money and jobs I plan on bringing into the city when I build the new manufacturing site. That will increase his stock shares. He is also a very strong man. I doubt he’ll waver under pressure.”

  “My God. You’ll stop at nothing to get what you want. Be careful, Gabriel. You’re walking a fine line between legitimate and criminal business activities.”

  I slammed my hand on my desk, staring him straight in the eyes.

  Exhaling, he looked away. “I’ll make certain everything goes according to your... plans.”

  I’d sensed several forceful methods of control occurring in the underbelly of the city, the network attempting to put an end to the upcoming land contract I’d fought very hard to win. I’d even received a few implied threats disguised as statements of concern from the very men who would do almost anything to watch the Masters empire crumble.

  My gut told me that Bobby Rivers had been hired by one or all of the men within the network. What I didn’t know was the reason why Alessandra had been framed, making Bobby look like a victim. I also had no idea who’d murdered Mr. Toro, the evidence inconclusive. There were too many questions, including why the contract had been offered in the first place. While I didn’t like to go into any business transaction without all the information, for the woman so beautiful, I’d decided to take the risk.

  “Hmm... I hope that is the case, Jefferson, because if any issues arise, there will be consequences. As far as Stephen Cantor, the attorney already appointed for Alessandra, it was explained to him how vital this contract is. I seriously doubt he’ll fuck it up given the wrath he would face.” I walked around my desk, easing my favorite fountain pen from the righthand drawer. Everything in my world had a particular place.

  “You’ve certainly thought of everything,” Jefferson stated with an obvious hint of disdain. I was in no mood to start another argument.

  Sighing, he remained quiet as I shifted through the papers, scanning the changes I’d requested. While the man was astute, he was right in that one mistake could prove to be costly. Mr. Rivers, his family, and the entire city wouldn’t take too kindly to the fact that Alessandra would be set free. What a shame.

  Finally satisfied, I signed, handing the contract back to him as I lifted my head, making certain he was forced to gaze into my eyes. “Make certain every detail goes according to plan. I expect this transaction to go smoothly. I refuse to tolerate any level of incompetence.”

  “Yes, sir. I have no doubt that everything will go without a single problem. I’ll let you know when your package arrives.”

  “See that you do.”

  He hesitated, his breath skipping.

  “What is it?” I asked in passing, already dismissing the conversation.

  “You won’t want to hear this, but your brother called.”

  My reaction wasn’t as immediate as he would have expected nor was it as violent. While I longed for revenge, my success as well as the contents of my father’s will would do that without me lifting a hand. “Which one?”

  “Liam.”

  A cold chill trickled down my spine. As brothers, we were all entirely different variations of our father, although I was more brutal. However, Liam had taken after our mother. Caring. Honorable. Quiet. Passionate. Everything I wasn’t. He’d been the baby bird who never left my side, looking up to me instead of our father. Then everything had changed on one wretched night. Not one time had he attempted to contact me. Not by text or email, certainly not by phone or any other social media. There was only one reason he’d done so now.

  Greed.

  Fuck that.

  “He’s actually called three times in an attempt to get your number. What would you like me to tell him?”

  I took a deep breath, contemplating my answer. “Tell him that if he ever attempts to contact me again, he will regret it. With. His. Life.”

  Jefferson sucked in his breath, a wave of shock and frustration shifting across the desk.

  “Do as I say, Jefferson. Concentrate on my prize.”

  “Why, certainly, Gabriel.”

  After retrieving the contract, he backed several feet away before turning around. I could almost smell his fear even more so than normal. This was an entirely new situation, but one that had already allowed my sadistic hunger to breach the surface.

  No one fucked with Gabriel Masters.

  Alessandra Toro would pay a significant penance for her father’s incompetence in addition to the price of her freedom.

  As of the close of business today, I would own her.

  Every. Beautiful. Inch.

  Chapter Three

  Alessandra

  This isn’t real. This can’t be real.

  But as I was led to the stiff wooden chair, my handcuffs unlocked by the courtroom deputy, I couldn’t pretend I’d fallen into a nightmare that I’d awaken from any longer. My wrists ached from the cold, hard steel, my mind fractured from the course of events the last few weeks. The buzz in the stark room was just another reminder that I’d been locked away, labeled a wretched criminal, incapable of doing any of the things I’d planned.

  There would be no graduation ceremony.

  No dinners out with friends.

  Or parties in celebration of a well achieved accomplishment.

  There was only the reality of a future I’d yet to comprehend.

  I was a prisoner and would be for an extended period of time.

  I placed my hands on the table, the lump in my throat difficult to swallow. I couldn’t believe the number of people in the courtroom; angry men and women who would just as soon nail me to a cross. I could hear their nasty whispers, the wretched words I’d heard more than once.

  She should fry.

  She’s nothing but a monster.

  Find her guilty.

  I’d never been in trouble a day in my life. Not one. The embarrassment was suffocating, creating tremendous heat rising from my neck to my c
heeks.

  I could feel every pair of eyes on me, condemning my actions even though they knew nothing about me. I was innocent. Innocent! The bastard I’d trusted had played me, and I’d been gullible enough to fall for his scheme. He was the true monster. Bobby Rivers. A thug in designer clothes. If only I’d realized that sooner.

  I would never forget seeing him choking as he struggled to breathe, everyone screaming around me.

  Then I’d realized the knife was in my hand, my clothes covered in blood. Why couldn’t I remember anything leading to that moment? I could never hurt anyone. Never.

  As my legs began to tremble, I heard the sound of male laughter coming from behind me. I twisted until I was able to see my attorney, his boisterous hand gestures a reminder of a life I once had.

  As well as freedom.

  I slunk into the chair, fisting my hands, expecting Mr. Cantor to sit down next to me. When he didn’t appear after a full minute, I dared take another look behind me. The door was once again closed and there was no sign of him. I could almost feel the oversized wall clock ticking, only one hundred and twenty seconds away from my life being stripped away from me. What the hell was so important that my attorney couldn’t at least give me a few minutes before the judge walked in, prepared to impose the sentence as recommended by a jury who’d taken less than two hours to come to? Stephen Cantor had been my father’s attorney for years, but I’d only met him after my arrest.

  In my eyes, he was a pompous asshole, but there’d been no other choice.

  My heart felt twisted, my stomach churning. My wonderful and loving father had died while I was behind bars awaiting trial. I hadn’t even been allowed to go to his funeral. I bit back a cry, my body rocking. I missed him so much. He’d been my entire world. I had no brothers or sisters, no aunts or uncles. No one but my father.