Bound by His Command: A Dark Billionaire Romance Read online

  “Are you suggesting that Aleksandr may be an assassin sent to take out the inner circle?” I scoffed, although the idea wasn’t that farfetched.

  Michael shifted his gaze from Gregory back in my direction. “I don’t necessarily believe that the judge, the doctor, and the congressman were considered the inner circle.”

  I studied his pensive face. I was convinced that my brother was hiding something from us. “What aren’t you telling us, Michael?”

  “What the hell are you getting at?”

  And he was defensive as hell, not his normal attitude.

  “You fired our attorney. We’ve ousted several of our supposed enemies, yet the same anticipation of a major attack remains lurking in the shadows,” I stated with more authority than usual during conversations with my brothers. “Suddenly, an assassin appears on our doorstep, also a man who likely knew our father when he was alive. What inside information did our father tell you that you haven’t made us aware of, dear brother?”

  I’d never really challenged Michael on any level, the care and time he’d taken away from his own life in being required to take care of Gregory and me something that should always hold respect. However, since finding the love of his life, he’d all but turned his back on locating the ledger. Maybe I was the only one who believed that time was running out, the end game to whatever ridiculous charade was being played out coming to a close.

  Michael walked toward his desk, taking his time in doing so. He’d become even more stoic in the last few months, keeping his emotions as well as his concerns close to the vest. Today was no exception, except for his defensiveness. He slowly opened one of his desk drawers, pulling out a manila file and fingering the top before easing his drink onto the surface. “The member roster that you provided months ago was helpful.”

  “In what way?” I demanded as I walked closer. While we’d narrowed down the list, even checked into the memberships of those we believed could be involved in the inner circle, there’d been no clear indication that we were right. Through all our careful observations, all the months ensuring that there were no overt signs of anyone attempting to take advantage either financially or through more dubious actions, I’d known in my gut that we were missing something.

  Or perhaps Gregory and I had been led to believe that we’d reached a dead end.

  “While I’ve highlighted several names of my own,” Michael began, “it’s possible the inner circle isn’t comprised of members, at least not entirely.”

  It took a few seconds for me to laugh before leaning over his desk, attempting to keep my voice at a normal level. “So, all these months that we’ve wasted on spending extra time at the club, on checking every record we could find on the list that I’d presented was bullshit. Is that really what you want Gregory and me to believe?”

  “Actually, that’s a possibility that also needs to be considered. Whoever the remainder of the people are, they obviously don’t need a pulse on the club or the decisions we make. They are merely waiting to see if the ledger is found before they make their final move. It could be anyone knowing our father.” Gregory laughed as he lifted his glass, the expression on his face one of amusement.

  This shit wasn’t amusing in the least.

  While I wanted to lash out against our father, even in his grave, the idea wouldn’t be well received by either brother. “This game needs to end. I’m sick of waiting for some asshole to try and take away everything that we’ve earned. What is your plan to find the ledger?” My question was directed at Michael. His pinched face told me that he had no additional information as to where it might be.

  “We continue with business as usual for now,” Michael stated, as if he was the ultimate brother in charge.

  “I seriously doubt Aleksandr is a member of the inner circle,” Gregory added.

  “And what if he is?” I barked. “Maybe he’s taking his time exacting revenge of his own.”

  Michael shrugged. “We’ll face that when and if the time comes. Until another move is made, we’re not going to get any closer to finding out if the previous situations were orchestrated.”

  Previous situations that had nearly destroyed all of us, including allowing rumors that our tenuous hold on the power our father had wielded was slipping away.

  And I was just supposed to pretend that Aleksandr’s presence meant nothing, the death of the congressman coincidental. That was bullshit.

  My anger became unleashed. As I raked my hand over the top of his desk, I wasn’t sure which I enjoyed more. The sound of breaking glass or the sight of the look of horror on my brother’s face. He didn’t need to worry about my anger increasing anymore. I’d just reached my boiling point.

  It wasn’t difficult to find Luis. I’d normally just search under a large rock, finding him beating the crap out of some poor asshole for not paying the monies owned to the Gasini Syndicate. He was a low level player, considered a foot soldier and nothing more. One day, they would discover that he’d been supplying me with information for several years. His broken and bloodied body would be displayed for all those unfortunate to be under the Gasini Don’s thumb, the warning something few would forget.

  We’d never interfered with the crime lords or their way of life, several of the families members of the club. The respect between us was something that troubled many of those involved in law enforcement, members and non-members alike. However, I was no fool; there was always a possibility that the club and its owners could be considered an enemy.

  Especially given my relationship with Luis.

  The dirty joint he frequented was on the outskirts of town and far removed from Gasini territory. I’d followed him here on two occasions, just like I had to his apartment as well as the grocery store that he frequented. I wanted to ensure that I could find him if necessary.

  True to form, he was sucking down a shot of tequila after likely losing at yet another game of pool. When I’d walked in, the dozen or so bikers didn’t take kindly to my entrance. However, they sensed I was a man not to be fucked with.

  At least not in broad daylight.

  “Luis,” I said quietly as I slid next to him at the bar.

  While he didn’t react in any manner, I could tell his hackles were raised. He swirled the second shot of tequila, tossing it back before turning his head only slightly. “I told you I couldn’t talk. You need to get the hell out of here before you’re seen.” When he got up, heading away and further into the bowels of the club, I was pissed.

  I scanned the area, watching for any signs there would be additional trouble before following behind him. I reached him seconds before he attempted to move out the back exit, kicking open the door of the restroom, tossing him inside and slamming his face against the wall. “You need to listen to me, prick. I pay you well for scraps of information, some of which aren’t worth wiping my ass with. If you’d like to continue serving in your capacity as a Gasini soldier, I suggest you rethink your fucking bad attitude.” I dug my nails into his neck, keeping the intense pressure. When he snorted, as if my threats meant nothing to him, I reacted in my preferred method.

  Slamming his face several times against the wall then issuing a hard punch to his kidneys.

  “Oh… God.”

  His whines were pathetic, leaving me with a bad taste in my mouth. “You can pray to your god, but your maker is the devil himself. If you don’t want to take a nice long journey straight to hell, I suggest you give me the answers I’m looking for.”

  His breathing labored, he crawled his hands up the wall with difficulty, both arms shaking. “Okay. Jesus.”

  I let him go after a few seconds, prepared to offer another round if he so much as blinked the wrong way. “Aleksandr Prentikov is in town, likely responsible for the congressman’s death, but he isn’t finished. Is he?”

  When he took a ragged but deep breath, I knew he had at least some information to share with me. “What the fuck?”

  “I’m going to count to five. If I reach five, y
ou’re not going to enjoy what six will bring.”

  Luis rubbed his neck before turning around, eyeing me warily. “You don’t have to play hardball with me. I’m not your enemy.”

  “Yeah, well, who is?”

  “I’ve been telling you for months. I don’t know.” He coughed several times before taking a look toward the door. “This Russian dude? He’s bad news. That much I do know.”

  “Which means absolutely nothing to me. Tell me what you’ve heard.”

  He licked his lips and stretched, wincing from obvious pain. “He’s here for another kill. Heard Don Gasini talkin’ about it. As far as who, nobody knows. Pissing Gasini off though. I can tell you that much.”

  I took a deep breath as I glared into his eyes. When I gave him another hard punch, he seemed shaken to the point of facing reality.

  “Fuck, man! I already have bruised ribs.”

  “Don’t screw with me. I am in no mood.”

  Luis exhaled, coughing again. “Seriously. Word on the street is that the Russian has several other kills before he crawls back into his hole. I can’t provide information I don’t know.”

  “And what about the club? What have you heard?”

  “Nothing, man. Absolutely nothing. It’s like whatever warning you and your brothers sent before pulled all the bullshit you were dealing with.”

  Uh-huh. As if I was really going to believe that shit. I slowly eased my Glock from my jacket, placing the barrel under his chin. I kept my voice calm and even, the inflection as if I was talking to a friend. “I want you to understand something clearly. While I fully comprehend that you are working for the Gasini family, you also agreed to work with me. You will find out why Aleksandr Prentikov has graced our lovely city and the second that you do, you will call me. You will also find out if he has a connection to a woman here in DC. I will not take any alterations in my request. If you betray me in any manner, there is nowhere that you can hide. Not a private island. Not a barren desert. I will find you. And then? Well, I’ll leave that to your imagination. Do I make myself clear?”

  As his eyes glazed over, I could sense resignation as well as a single and very vital understanding.

  I always kept my promises.

  Willow

  Darkness.

  I was used to the cold and dark winter nights living in DC, although the bright lights of the city never seemed far behind, usually comforting in their harshness. I’d spent years in New York after all, where the activity was twenty-four/seven, the nights even steamier than the days. Tonight, every shadow seemed more ominous, every twist and turn of the road pulling at my throat, as if screws were being tightened.

  Or claws were ready to rip out my soul.

  I’d half expected to see Christopher waiting for me when I left the facility, but only the light breeze and bitter cold had sent a powerful set of shivers coursing down my spine. Well, that wasn’t entirely truthful. The mere thought of the blackness and anger in his eyes had remained with me the entire day.

  I stared out at the street, scanning every person that walked by. I’d promised to have dinner with Jennifer, but all I wanted to do was lock myself behind closed doors and pretend tomorrow would be a better day.

  “I couldn’t get the puppy settled.”

  Jennifer continued to prattle on about the day’s activities, even though I’d only absorbed half of what she’d said. A small part of me wanted to reach out to Christopher, attempting to apologize for my wretched behavior. But why? What would that accomplish? If I even knew his number, he’d likely refuse to take my call. There was also the sixth sense pooling in the back of my mind. Of all the circumstances that could have occurred, the fact he’d found a dog and brought him into my shelter was far too coincidental for my jaded mind to buy.

  “Hello. Earth to Willow,” Jennifer pushed.

  “I’m sorry. It’s just been a long day.”

  “Uh-huh. You mean your out of character nastiness sucked the wind from your pristine sails?”

  I shot her a look, unable to give her any legitimate reason for my actions, even if I shared with her the truth. The girl knew me too well, my overt niceties something that I’d known would provide people with the wrong idea about me. I was much more cunning than I led anyone to believe. “What about the dog?”

  “Baxter just wouldn’t settle down and he hadn’t eaten a thing before we left.”

  “Baxter?” I asked as I swirled my wine. I wouldn’t eat dry dogfood either if I’d been given Wagyu beef. A part of me couldn’t imagine that he’d actually tell me the truth about anything, but somehow, I knew he had.

  “I had to name him something. He’s so sad and lonely.”

  Weren’t we all? I’d been unable to finish a single task the rest of the day, the shock of seeing him remaining in my mind, slithering into every brain cell. The effect he’d had on me was difficult to fathom, absurd in every way possible. “He needs time. Did he have an imbedded chip?”

  She shook her head, continuing to nurse her margarita. “Nope.”

  “Well, we’ll need to put out notifications just to see if we can find his owners. He’ll be all right. Might take some time.” The dog was beautiful, a purebred Golden Retriever, but the black patch on his eye made him extremely unusual. The abnormal coloration could be the result of a birth defect, which could have easily gotten him tossed out of a breeder’s stable.

  The thought sickened me, bringing up a need for vengeance. The thought was ridiculous but one I’d had more than once in a few hours. Maybe I was just tired of taking the back seat in my life, having done nothing but dally on the welfare of furry creatures since arriving in DC. There was such ugliness to the truth, the realization that the job as director had likely saved my sanity.

  And quite possibly my life.

  I’d been able to hide behind the concrete walls, pretending my former life hadn’t existed. Now it would seem karma had another idea in mind.

  Shrugging, she ran her fingers through her hair. “Now, do you want to tell me why you had such an adverse reaction to Mr. Dunmore?”

  Mr. Dunmore. There was almost no one who called him by his first name, the show of respect something he seemed to cherish more than his brothers. And I’d crossed that line, tossing out his first name more than once. “He’s a pompous asshole who has no regard for life.”

  “Wow. Imagine what you would say if you really got to know him.” She laughed then shook her head given I’d had no reaction. “You need to take a vacation or something, girl. You look drained.”

  Drained. That was one word for the way I was feeling.

  Spent.

  Used.

  Terrified.

  My life had suddenly twisted to an uncontrollable position and I loathed not being able to control my life or my surroundings. “What I need is a good night’s sleep. I think I’m gonna go.”

  “You haven’t finished your wine.”

  “I know, but I have a lot of work to do tomorrow.” At least the tab had already been paid, my treat, although I doubted I would be able to afford a single dinner out for a long time. I was determined to maintain my resolve and not return to Club Darkness. If that was even a possibility.

  “Okay, but I might drink your wine.” She grinned at me before yanking the glass in her direction.

  “Just remember to be on time tomorrow.”

  “Ha. Ha.”

  The frigid air sent another chill trickling down my spine, the wind whistling more than it had before. Even the heater in the car did little to provide enough warmth, my fingers remaining numb from white-knuckling the steering wheel. As I neared my house, I sighed, pulling over to the side of the road and staring into the rearview mirror in some insane attempt to study my eyes.

  Half laughing, I turned around in the middle of the road, heading back to the shelter. At least I could check on the pup, maybe try to convince him to eat something. I’d never noticed the darkness surrounding the building, the single light over the front door barely illumin
ating across the sidewalk. I made a mental note to hire an electrician for additional lights, as if our budget could tolerate anything out of the norm.

  As soon as I turned on the light in the back room, the sight of so many cages filled with animals hit me harder than normal. I grabbed a leash then made my way to the very back of the room, crouching down in front of the cage holding Baxter.

  He was turned the opposite direction, facing the cold hard slab of concrete. A sudden vision crowded into my mind, another kind of cold slab altogether. Shuddering, I studied his irregular breathing before glancing at the water bowl. It didn’t appear he’d touched that either. That wasn’t good. Was it possible he’d grown attached to the monster in such a short period of time?

  “Hey, Baxter. How ya doing, little man?”

  There was no thump of a tail, no wail or woof. While I was able to see his eyes were open, if I didn’t know better, I’d say he was catatonic. I stuck my hand through the cage, able to tickle his backside. There was still no movement.

  That was all I could take. When I opened the door, only then did he finally lift his head. I’d witnessed animals in various stages of grief and distress, but I’d never seen one that was actually attempting to will himself to death. “That’s it, little man. You’re coming with me.” Maybe a good night’s sleep would do him some good.

  Or maybe I just needed a warm body next to mine.

  The thought was both revolting and stimulating at the same time.

  There was no hesitation on Baxter’s part either jumping into my car or coming into my house, although his eager tail stopped wagging after he’d done a complete search of my residence. It was obvious he was searching for Christopher. I’d always been under the assumption that dogs were excellent indicators of character, able to smell dangerous or treacherous people and naturally staying away from them. Perhaps I was wrong. However, the dog was obviously intelligent, although guarded and uncertain of his surroundings.