Bound by His Command: A Dark Billionaire Romance Read online

  She clapped her hands together, the ponytail she’d wound her long red hair in bouncing back and forth. I’d once been like her so many years before, finding amusement in the simplest of things. That had been stripped away, replaced with… loneliness.

  “Excellent. I know the perfect place. Okay, it’s time to open our doors. Maybe today will be the best day of all,” she said in her singsong soprano.

  Her enthusiasm was far too intense and seconds after she left, I resisted snarling. She certainly didn’t deserve the brunt of my anger. I pulled open the financial file, taking a look at the figures. While the physical donations were down by as much as twenty-five percent, fortunately the capital ones were up by ten. Maybe I could make ends meet for another month. Maybe.

  After hitting print on the file, I sat back in my chair, images of Christopher’s face coming to the forefront of my mind. While I wasn’t intimidated easily, even with my experience of the past, there was something far more dangerous about the dark-haired, sculpted god than even the brooding Russian. It was in Christopher’s quiet demeanor, the way he handled himself, eyes that captured everything going on around him.

  Including my soul.

  I remained far too attracted to him, terrified that if I saw him again, I could lose myself completely. He was like a drug, one far too strong to ignore or allow. Groaning, I shoved my head into my hands, uncertain why he’d managed to get until my skin.

  Do you mean other than the excitement?

  Or the rush of adrenaline as electricity coursed through both of you?

  Or simply the way his cock throbbed as he thrust like a wild barbarian?

  The truth was somewhere mixed in between.

  I was determined to hate him, but another layer of truth screamed that I really hated myself for allowing him to peel away my layers of protection. As if he’d peeled an onion. And I’d allowed him to catch a glimpse into my soul. Hell, I’d even encouraged him with my harsh criticisms and bratty attitude.

  Shit. Shit. Shit.

  My God, he was mouthwatering, the blackened pools of darkness creating an air of strength and power. His body was that of a chiseled god, gilded stone and the most perfect jewels. And his cock was a thing of beauty, although I’d only seen it out of the corner of my eye. What I knew for certain given the way my pussy continued to ache was that his shaft was huge. I could only imagine how I’d feel after one long sinful night of making love.

  Did a man like Christopher actually do that or just take what he wanted?

  I laughed softly at my stupid girlie thoughts.

  “Hey, Willow. You need to check out this man.” Jennifer bounded in once again, her whisper sultry as hell.

  “Why? Is something wrong?”

  “Oh, God, no. Everything is… Let’s just say this man is buff and beautiful. Too bad he’s bringing in a stray.”

  Another one. We were already nearing capacity, far too many furry babies needing a home. I wanted to wave her off, but I knew that Jennifer would bug me if I didn’t at least take a single peek at mystery man. “Fine, but he better be worth looking at. The last guy you thought was gorgeous reminded me of a washed-up biker on steroids.”

  “That was so last month,” she chided before half skipping out of the room. I was amazed she didn’t have a halo over her head.

  I pressed my hands down my faded blue jeans, loathing the fact I’d worn an ugly sweatshirt, but with no sleep and zero energy, I hadn’t even bothered to put on makeup. As I walked toward the reception area, rubbing my eyes, I realized I hadn’t brought any aspirin with me. And it was definitely too early in the day to start drinking.

  A laugh bubbled from my throat at the thought and as I rounded the corner, every dog in the facility seemed to be barking. I could barely hear my own thoughts. The second I stepped out into the expansive reception room, I froze, utterly paralyzed.

  There was no chance in hell this was a coincidence. I struggled to back away, praying I could race into the office before he had a chance to see me.

  When he turned his head, immediately catching my eye, I dragged my tongue across my lips, nervous as hell.

  Christopher stood in the reception area.

  Christopher.

  The man who’d spanked me.

  The man who’d fucked me.

  The man who’d unlocked the girl inside.

  I could no longer feel my feet, but my heart hammered to the point it echoed in my ears. He stood in delicious glory, faded but tight blue jeans and a cobalt shirt that hugged his massive chest like a glove. Even the leather jacket he was wearing was sexy as hell, the supple leather matching his unkempt wavy hair, a lock falling close to his eyebrow. I’d never seen him in anything other than a crisp white shirt, a dark suit, and whatever designer tie that likely cost more than I made there in a week. This was…

  Terrifying.

  “Willow,” he said, his deep tone reverberating in the airy space.

  I could feel Jennifer’s gaze, but it paled in comparison to the way he undressed me with his eyes, raking his heat-spun gaze all the way down to my dirty tennis shoes then back to my face. Damn it if his eyes weren’t twinkling, his expression one of carnal knowledge.

  “Um, you already know our director?” Jennifer finally asked after several tension-filled seconds.

  “We’ve met,” I said tersely, daring him to say anything about where I knew him from.

  “Yes, we’ve definitely met,” he said, his tone dripping with a husky and lust-filled vibe.

  I tried to walk closer until I was able to see the dog sitting obediently next to him. I couldn’t have been more confused. Something in me snapped. “Please do not tell me that you are surrendering your dog. Do you have any idea what happens to some of these poor animals? While this is a no-kill shelter, living here is no fun for them. They are devastated when their owners drop them off as if they were trash. They cry at night, wondering why someone they loved so dearly would ever let them go. They don’t eat, often don’t drink, and hide from anyone else even trying to give them attention. Often, they become unadoptable. I would take every single one of these animals home with me to live and enjoy life if I could, but I don’t have the perfect location or the resources.”

  His gaze turned icy, his chest rising and falling. Now I knew he was a monster.

  “Then again, I guess that’s something you wouldn’t understand.” I was shocked at the venom of my words, the anger that had wrapped around every syllable.

  “Willow!” Jennifer admonished, gasping for breath. “I’m sorry, Mr. Dunmore. We will be happy to care for your pet. I’m certain we can find a good home.”

  His mask of dominance seemed to slip away, allowing me to see a split second of hurt riding his face. The moment was short-lived, his usual impassive look returning. While the majority of people wouldn’t be able to detect his anger, his fury bolstered the electricity still surging between us. His expression then turned to stone, as if he would never allow me to see the man hiding behind a plate of steel armor again. I’d pushed him too hard, accusing him of being completely inhuman.

  Maybe he was the monster I’d accused him of being.

  Christopher walked closer, the dog remaining by his side. “It would seem you think you know everything about me, Ms. Summers. So be it.” He crouched down next to the pup, whispering words that neither Jennifer nor I could hear. While the dog looked forlorn immediately, I was almost surprised to see that he lifted his paw, gently rubbing it across the asshole’s face.

  I could barely stand myself for what I’d said, but a man like Christopher Dunmore could never understand the unconditional love of an animal. After all, he was too much like one himself.

  He finally stood, reaching into his back pocket and yanking out his wallet. “The dog appeared on my doorstep last night. He has no identification. He was hungry so I fed him a Wagyu steak, which I’m certain you’re going to tell me was a criminal act, but I had no dogfood. I also bathed him since whatever asshole had him before
didn’t seem to give a shit about his matted fur.”

  When he tossed several hundred-dollar bills on the counter, he gave me another long, hard look, the kind that would melt the heart of any woman.

  “You don’t have to do that, Mr. Dunmore,” Jennifer stated as she walked around the counter, retrieving the dog.

  “Oh, I think he does to ease his conscience,” I said, continuing my barrage of hatred.

  “Call it a contribution for food for the entire facility.” His words were terse and he turned abruptly, heading toward the exit, slapping his hand on the door. When he tipped his head, I was able to see the same coldness in his eyes. “I actually do give a shit, Ms. Summers. But you’re right that I’m not the kind of man who can take care of anything, including a defenseless animal. I do hope you’ll find him a good home.”

  When he walked out, I slumped against the counter and in truth, I’d never felt like such a flaming asshole in my life.

  Chapter 6

  Christopher

  Boom!

  I threw open the door to Michael’s house, still enraged about my interaction with Willow. How dare she accuse me of abandoning a dog?

  That’s what you did, buddy.

  I hissed, the words forming in my mind the same ones that had occurred since I’d shoved the poor dog into my vehicle. He’d enjoyed what I had to guess was the most peaceful night of sleep he’d had in a while, as well as the scrambled eggs I’d prepared for his breakfast. Then I’d dumped him off as if I didn’t give a shit.

  Well, I didn’t.

  He was just a dog after all.

  Fuck it. I’d made the right decision.

  And fuck her.

  Then why the hell was my head throbbing, my pulse skipping several beats and why was my cock aching all over again? Christ. I was pathetic.

  The second I slammed the door, Michael appeared, giving me a disgruntled look.

  “What the fuck is wrong with you?” he asked, his tone gruffer than normal.

  “What the hell does it matter what’s wrong?” I barked in rebuttal, my skin crawling from the rage continuing to build. I certainly didn’t need some feisty broad scolding me for my decisions.

  Even if she had rekindled the now raging fire burning deep within.

  Just seeing her in torn blue jeans and a sweatshirt had been enough to arouse every ounce of the savage inside. She’d appeared more innocent with her hair in a haphazard bun, her face freshly washed and devoid of makeup. I’d wanted to pounce like some freaking lion, claiming her as my mate. Her scent reminded me of sunshine and all the better things in life that I’d denied myself for so damn long.

  Sweet.

  Innocent.

  Untamed.

  Then she’d opened her mouth, admonishing me like I was some damn child.

  How the fuck dare she do something so… I couldn’t even finish the thought, my emotions like a rollercoaster. I wanted to pin her down, tying her hands over her head and stripping her naked. Then I wanted to take my time exploring every inch of her body, controlling every second of her pain, only providing pleasure when I deemed it. Then I wanted to fuck every hole, shoving my cock so deeply inside of her that she screamed for several hours.

  Yeah, I was a very bad man.

  As I walked by Michael, heading for his office, he took a deep whiff then chuckled.

  “Why the hell do you smell like wet dog?” he asked, forcing me to snarl.

  “Mind your own business, brother. We have things to discuss.” I pushed my way into his office, the double doors creaking from the force I used. I had no patience left, no time for bullshit. I was here to make certain demands. We would find the fucking ledger, or I would turn the club upside down in an effort at doing so.

  Then I would eliminate everyone who’d stood in our way.

  Our way.

  I was beginning to lose interest in the alliance the three of us had formed. I glared at Gregory, the smirk on his face pissing me off almost as much as the one Willow had worn. As I fisted my hands, I could feel the weight of Gregory’s admonishing stare, watching my every move.

  All I could think about was Willow.

  Fucking her.

  Using her.

  Punishing her for her horrible words.

  I needed to get over the beautiful woman, tossing her away like the used trash she found joy in accusing me of being. Then why couldn’t I get her off my mind? Why wasn’t I able to see that she meant nothing to me? Because she’d unlocked a door that had been closed for so long, invading the privacy and darkness that I’d nurtured. She’d even found a way to rip aside the thick veil leading to my soul.

  Damn her.

  “Now that we’re all here,” Michael said almost in passing as he closed the doors behind him, immediately moving toward the pot of coffee located on his credenza.

  “As usual, our brother is late,” Gregory snarked. I couldn’t help but notice Gregory had forgone the coffee for something stronger, the Bloody Mary in his hand reminding me of the strong images of bloodshed I’d experienced the night before.

  I held my tongue as I walked around Michael, preparing one of the concoctions for myself. While it was required that I maintain my senses before attempting to find Luis, I hoped the drink would calm my anger.

  The tension was ripe between us.

  “Did you find out anything about the woman?” Gregory asked, his quiet yet obvious attempt at prying into my life adding fuel to the fire.

  “She is an innocent,” I stated, almost daring them to challenge me.

  “An innocent?” Michael challenged. “You of all people should know that no one in this town is innocent. The fact she knows Aleksandr should tell you that much at least. Or are you thinking below your belt and nowhere else?”

  I snapped my head in his direction, my throat tightening. “How fucking dare you.”

  “You act as if you haven’t pushed hard against decisions that I’ve made, Christopher. If you aren’t willing to find out exactly what Willow knows, then I won’t hesitate to do so. Like you, I’m growing very concerned that we are running out of time.”

  Exhaling, I thought about what I wanted to say. “I’ll handle her, the same as you handled Sophia. Touch her and there will be repercussions that our relationship will not be able to handle. Do I make myself clear?” His adoration of the woman he lived with had almost cost him his life.

  Gregory chuckled under his breath. “I would say our brother is indeed infatuated by the lovely dancer. Allow Christopher to handle the situation. He is adept at making tough decisions.”

  Michael gazed down the length of me, as if debating whether or not I could be trusted. “Fine, but if she’s betrayed the club on any level, she will be handled one way or the other.”

  A snarl burst from my throat, my muscles tensing. I closed the distance, wanting nothing more than to wipe the sneer off his face. “You’ve stated your concerns. She has nothing to do with our current situation. Period.”

  Michael’s eyes remained locked on mine, his usual refusal at backing down something I used to admire. No longer.

  “Why the hell did you call the meeting, brother? Did you find something out about Aleksandr’s arrival?”

  Gregory’s tone had softened, as if he was worried that I might become unhinged.

  He had no idea how angry I’d become.

  “My informant refuses to meet. From what I found on the earlier membership roster, Aleksandr Prentikov became a member two years prior to our father being murdered.” I allowed the words to sink in, turning my harsh gaze in Michael’s direction.

  Michael stiffened, his eyes narrowing. “There is no proof that our parents were murdered.”

  “Cut the crap, Michael. Both Christopher and I are very well aware of your concerns. We have been. I can almost guarantee you that whichever inner circle member is prodding the bear is the one responsible,” Gregory huffed, shaking his head.

  “The only difference is that the person or persons responsible decide
d to play games with the three of us,” I said almost in passing. “And if I had to guess, I’d say they have no idea whether or not the ledger is in our hands. Which brings me to the point of the meeting. The ledger must be found.”

  Michael seemed uncomfortable, as if he’d been hiding something from us for months, even years. He stared into his coffee cup before walking stiffly toward the bar, preparing himself the same drink Gregory and I were enjoying.

  Or in my case, tolerating.

  “Is that why you seem even more concerned about Aleksandr, Michael?” I finally asked after a full twenty seconds had gone by.

  “Meaning what?” he huffed.

  “You think our parents’ death was a hit, don’t you? Given Aleksandr’s profession, you believe he’s here to finish what was started years ago.” I allowed the words to linger. I always knew when I was right. He was never able to look me in the eyes. It had been that way since he took over as the father figure.

  His calmness was unnerving. It also pissed me off.

  “You are correct, Christopher, which is why Willow must be questioned.”

  He smirked as he turned around, satisfied he’d made his point.

  “It’s possible that Aleksandr killed the congressman,” Gregory added.

  “Yes, and I find it interesting that Congressman Reynolds was at the club just last week.” I’d gone back through the member roster for the last few days, finding his name only once in the last three months. Then Aleksandr had appeared on the very night after the man’s murder.

  “Judge Needham. Daniel Samuels. Congressman Reynolds,” Michael said far too casually for my liking. “What if they were all members of the inner circle?”

  “Good point. Judge Needham almost succeeded in having the three of us arrested, likely found murdered in jail while awaiting trial. Daniel’s son was determined to end Michael’s life based on revenge, his father’s death violent and from what I’ve been able to determine, still unsolved. Perhaps Congressman Reynolds had another plan, some unknown attempt to destroy us as well, his demise preventing his particular method of revenge.” Gregory half grinned, obviously pleased with himself.