Boss Read online

  Graciella pulled her hair to one side. Normally, when she seduced a man, her makeup was on point and her outfit would make him drool. Today, she’d improvise and use what she had.

  Once inside the lavish lobby of the restaurant, she scanned the interior for Manuel. She ignored the hostess, hoping she was right about coming here. When she saw tattoo face and the bearded guy walking up the steps of the restaurant, she cursed under her breath and walked into the heart of the restaurant. The hostess called out to her, but she walked faster, weaving between tables and looking for her mark.

  When she caught sight of Manuel, she fought the onslaught of emotions that rushed to the surface from the relief of finding him. This guy had paid the scientist to create more tainted drugs. He had the cure, the only way to end all this death.

  He was at a large round table with a bunch of upscale guests. She was only after him, but then she recognized someone else at the table—Renzo Bianchi. Why was Manuel having a meal with the leader of the local cartel if he supposedly wanted to take over? He’d already gone against Viko. Leaders in the underground were never on friendly terms. Trust and comradery weren’t the norm, and she doubted it was any different here.

  It didn’t make sense. Nothing made sense anymore.

  Graciella found the ladies’ room and freshened up. Her leather outfit was still daring enough to garner attention. If she could avoid those pricks from the alleyway, she may be able to get Manuel alone long enough to find out where he kept the cure. She found a little torture could go a long way in these situations.

  She took a deep breath and stepped out of the hallway. Graciella sauntered by the men’s table, doing a double-take before leaning over in front of Manuel. “Manuel, is that you?”

  He smiled and the other men at the table approved. “Sorry, I can’t recall your name,” he said.

  Graciella pouted. “That’s disappointing. I thought for sure you’d remember me.” She ran the tip of her finger along his shoulder.

  “Of course,” he said. “You should join us.”

  Everyone began scooting over in an attempt to welcome her to the table, but she whispered in Manuel’s ear. “Not here. Just the two of us.”

  It couldn’t have been going better when she noticed the two men from the alley peering in the restaurant, looking for their petty revenge. She was getting over her head, and her nerves were ramping up.

  “Tell me when,” he said.

  “Can I talk to you alone in the hallway for just a minute?” she asked, biting her lower lip for effect. He immediately agreed. She needed to get out of the seating area before she was noticed and her cover blown. Her heart raced.

  He followed her back to the hallway near the bathrooms, and just before she turned the corner, she made eye contact with tattoo face. Her entire body tensed. It was only a matter of time now until this all blew up in her face. She had to move fast.

  “What was your name again, angel?”

  He cupped her face, but she never allowed herself to flinch when on the job. Everything was an act, and she’d perfected the art of tuning out reality to avoid fracturing down the middle.

  “Can that be my name?”

  “Angel. I like that.” He placed a hand on her hip and leaned over to kiss her exposed neck. She closed her eyes, remembering just how much she hated men.

  But the kiss never came.

  When she blinked open her eyes, there was a knife to his throat. She exhaled the breath she was holding. Then she focused on the large frame behind him. “You’d let another man put his lips on you?”

  “You threw me to the wolves.”

  Boss stared at her, completely tuning out the trembling man under his knife. There was blood all over his hand. When she looked to the right at the other end of the hallway, she saw her two stalkers in a heap against the wall. Sweet relief trickled through her veins. A rush of safety and security she connected with Boss washed over her.

  “How’d you find me?”

  “There’s a tracker on your bra.”

  She growled. “And here I thought we’d had a moment in your bathroom. I guess I was wrong.”

  “You weren’t wrong.”

  Graciella narrowed her eyes. “Viko’s still twenty minutes out.”

  “I’m not Viko.”

  He’d just saved her ass, killing the men after her and rescuing her from this filthy pig. Yes, she could have handled herself as she always had, but it was nice letting it all go. If she ever had a knight in shining armor, it would have been Boss.

  “This is Manuel Viola, but I’m sure you already know that,” she said.

  A bead of blood bubbled up on the man’s neck as the blade dug deeper.

  “I’m just wondering how far you’d go to get what you want.” His tone was thick with jealousy.

  She never answered him. Would she have been able to sleep with the enemy? Or would Boss keep creeping into her waking dreams?

  Chapter Ten

  Manuel Viola was now a dead man and it just so happened, he had the antidote, as hoped. Between Viko and Boss, there was nothing left of the man. She shouldn’t have expected anything otherwise. Thankfully, Killian had taken the antidote the moment it had been handed to him and was currently traveling first-class back to Bain. The scientist was also under strict guard and in the process of making a huge batch of the antidote now that he had his notes back. It had been a very productive few days and it wasn’t over yet. The drug mints were still making the rounds, and for however long they were killing people, the scientist would need to stay alive. The truth was, right now, she wanted the scientist as dead as Manuel.

  She gripped her shoulders, stretching out her neck.

  It had been a long few months, a long lifetime.

  Graciella closed her eyes, standing perfectly still in her hotel room.

  A normal woman would be completely horrified by what she’d just witnessed. Dragging back their one lead to discover all of his secrets. Watching two men, kings in their own right, torture him and make him pay for what he’d done. All of the death was on Manuel’s shoulders but the truth was, Graciella was the guilty party. If she hadn’t had the stupid idea, so many people would still be alive.

  There was no coming away from that.

  She released a breath and groaned.

  Her body was getting older. So much of her life had been wasted in killing and revenge. It was moments like this she hated herself more than ever.

  After all the trouble she’d gone through recently, she finally had the chance to analyze everything that had happened. It wasn’t over, not by a long shot. Manuel hadn’t been working alone. The little shit was hot in his pockets of the cartel, which was going to cause a whole load of problems.

  “You know it’s rude to just sneak into a woman’s room,” Graciella said. She didn’t need to turn around to know Boss was close by.

  She’d long given up trying to figure out how he got in. It didn’t matter. Even if she locked herself in a tower far away, he’d find her.

  “I thought I’d come and see how you were doing.”

  “Me, I’m fine. Perfectly so. You need to keep an eye on the scientist. He’s a slippery little devil.”

  He chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’ve got additional Killer of Kings watching over him,” he said.

  He’d gotten closer.

  Opening her eyes, she felt him so close to her back. Any other man, she’d have killed him or attacked him, but because it was Boss, he got away with it. He shouldn’t be able to get away with anything.

  Biting her lip, she didn’t move. Didn’t lean back.

  He was just like other men. There was no way she could allow herself to enjoy him or his company. They were two different people and nothing was going to change that.

  “Of course. Daddy says come and your minions come running.”

  “Now, baby, you’re starting to sound a little jealous there.”

  “Not at all. I’m no minion. I’m a person who can make up my own mind.�
��

  Again, his deep rumbling chuckle. Why did he have to sound so good? Why did he even have to feel so good?

  “I’m very much aware you’ve got your own mind, Graciella.”

  “I’m Graciella now? What happened to Widow Maker? It seems to me, Boss, you pick and choose how and when you want me. It’s growing a little tiring.” She faked a yawn. “I’m tired now.” She covered her mouth and this time, he closed the distance between them so his front touched her back.

  Flesh to flesh.

  Well, close to flesh. They had their clothes on, but she could still feel his heat.

  Why did she have to think of Boss without his clothes on?

  His hands went to her arms. She didn’t flinch. Didn’t pull away.

  “You’re everything, Graciella. You’re the Widow Maker and a beautiful woman.”

  “Don’t,” she said.

  “Why are you so afraid?” he asked.

  She turned in his arms and she wished she hadn’t. He was so … sexy. It was unfair. Even with his scars, rather than disgusting her, he aroused her.

  Emotions she’d long ago promised herself she would never feel came rushing to the surface. Men were monsters. Most men, not all, but still, she’d promised herself she’d never ever feel for anyone. It was safer that way.

  Boss wasn’t just anyone.

  “Why did you have to leave me?” she asked. “I’ve proven myself time and time again. I don’t wear your little groupies’ badge but I’m more than capable of handling myself.”

  “I don’t want to talk about this.” His hands slid up and down her arms.

  “Tough shit. We’ve all got to do things we don’t want to do.” This was good. Capturing her anger, feasting on it, meant she wasn’t giving in to the need to sink against him. How good would it be to actually let go? To hold on to Boss as if he was some kind of savior? It would be so good.

  She wouldn’t allow herself to fall. It wouldn’t end well.

  “You don’t trust me, do you? Did you think I was going to run away with the scientist and not let Bain get his precious antidote? You think after all you know about me, I’d do that?” She was under no illusion about her reputation. Ever since this revenge with the drugs had gone horribly wrong, she’d been working her ass off to fix it.

  She didn’t want more people to die. She’d been working to make sure they were gone from the country. Her biggest mistake was trying to figure it all out herself, she knew that now, more than ever.

  From the beginning, she should have gone to Boss. She’d heard about the Killer of Kings years ago, had even watched them and admired their skillset, but she’d never approached, believing she was better off alone.

  “It had nothing to do with that.” Boss cupped her face. Rather than feel threatened by the touch, she felt comforted, special. She couldn’t help but put her hands on his waist, holding him.

  Damn it. A simple touch shouldn’t feel this good and yet it did.

  “Then why? I wanted to help. Can’t you see that? Don’t you get how important it is for me?” She didn’t get the chance to continue as Boss suddenly slammed his lips down on hers.

  Kisses meant nothing.

  Normally.

  There was nothing normal about her and Boss. Far from it. They were fire and ice, and yet together, they smoldered.

  Closing her eyes, she moaned as his tongue traced across her bottom lip. After running her hands up his body, she wrapped her arms around his neck and did something she’d never willing done with any other man, she pressed her body against him. She craved his closeness.

  One of Boss’s hands sank into her hair as the other glided down to grab her ass. The hard ridge of his cock pressed against her, and she whimpered, desperate for more. Heat flooded her pussy. Her mind going from pissed to aroused within a matter of seconds. Only Boss was capable of doing that to her.

  As she opened her lips, Boss took the invitation and slid his tongue inside her mouth. She moaned his name, asking for more, wanting more, hungry for it.

  He moved them until the wall met her back and she lifted up, wrapping her legs around his waist, riding that wave she was desperate for. Even as she hung off him, Boss propped her up with his body right against the wall.

  He broke the kiss. They were both panting. She was as hot for him as he was for her.

  Graciella didn’t hide her reaction. Didn’t care to. Boss was there with her and she was tired of fighting. Tired of constantly trying to be on top, especially when with Boss, she just wanted to be with him, period. There was no need for arguing, no fighting, just complete and utter peace. They could have that. She had no doubt.

  “I left you because I didn’t want anything to happen to you.” He covered her mouth with his hand when she went to argue with him. “You don’t think I know how strong, how amazing, how fucking competent you are? I know that. I know you’re one hell of a woman, a fantastic assassin, and deep down a very caring and loving woman. You hide it all, and I get it. There is nothing weak about you, Graciella. I’m the weak one.”

  He removed his hand.

  “What? There’s nothing weak about you, Boss. You know that. What the hell do you even mean?” She was more than a little confused.

  “I should have known you wouldn’t understand. When it comes to you, Graciella, you make me weak. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing.” He stroked some of her hair back from her face. “I don’t want to be without you, not ever. Yeah, I’ve thought about killing you when you drive me up the wall, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want to protect you, always.”

  Tears filled her eyes as she looked at Boss.

  Feelings. For the longest time, she’d hated them. Wanted nothing to do with them. They made her weak. Boss had gotten under her skin and as she kissed him, she knew she couldn’t run anymore. Not from him, not from the way he made her feel. She was smitten and there was no turning back.

  ****

  Admitting the truth to Graciella had been easier than Boss expected.

  He wasn’t lying to her. He didn’t want her to ever get hurt. Her past still clung to her like a second skin and all he wanted to do was to tear down the past, to show her a life with him wouldn’t cause her any more pain.

  “Graciella?” he asked.

  “Tonight,” she said, pulling away.

  Her lips were swollen.

  “Tonight?”

  “Yes, you and me. Nothing else. Please. You’re not the king and I’m not the competition. We’re just Graciella and Boss. Two people who met. No promises. Can we do that?”

  He wasn’t looking for a one-night stand, far from it, but with Graciella, he was more than willing to give her what she wanted.

  Running his hand down her back, going to her ass again, he stepped back.

  “Boss?”

  He pulled his shirt over his head, throwing it to one side. He had two guns tucked into his jeans, and he put them on the chest of drawers beside the wall. Next, he rid himself of his pants and looked at her, standing in just his black boxer briefs.

  “You approve?”

  She licked her lips. “You’re a beast.”

  Her fingers teased the edge of her shirt. He could have taken off her clothes, but this was for her. If she wanted to stop, they’d stop. He’d never force her, not once.

  Boss waited with bated breath as she waited.

  This was a tease.

  She lifted her shirt over her head, showing her padded bra, but also that she carried just as many weapons as he did. She placed hers beside his and next worked on her jeans. Wriggling out of them, she stood in her underwear.

  They were both without weapons.

  Vulnerable.

  Both at each other’s mercy.

  Rather than wait for Graciella to take the next step because she’d already gone out of her comfort zone, he put a hand at her waist and pulled her close. “Tell me to stop.”

  “No.”

  “Damn it, Graciella.”

&n
bsp; “I want this, Boss.” She put her hand to his chest and slowly slid it down until she covered his boxer briefs. “I love the fact you wear black.” She squeezed him. “If you don’t want to, back away.”

  In answer, he took possession of her mouth. There was no way he didn’t want to. He moved them away from the wall and took her to the bed. Slowly, he lowered her onto the top, still kissing her.

  Stroking down her body, he went to her knees, holding them open.

  “Don’t worry. I know it’s you. I won’t panic,” she said. “Please, Boss.”

  He knew her history like no one else. She was safe with him. “I haven’t even gotten started.” He kissed her neck, flicking his tongue across her pulse. She let out a gasp and now he used his teeth to create the perfect level of pain and then soothe it out with light flicks.

  Down he went, going to the tops of her breasts. He kissed each mound before reaching behind her to flick the catch of her bra open. Sliding the straps down her arms, he removed it from her body to stare at her.

  “Do you even realize how fucking beautiful you are?” he asked. He saw the blush in her cheeks and couldn’t help but smile. “I take it from that look you don’t have a clue.”

  “Why don’t you show me?”

  “Gladly.”

  His tongue flicked over one beaded nipple before taking the second one into his mouth. She arched up, moaning his name. The sound filled the room, echoing off the walls.

  He cupped both tits and teased each bud before biting down then sucking them into his mouth. They were more than a generous mouthful. He wanted them swaying in front of him as he fucked her. Damn it, he just wanted Graciella forever.

  Slowly, he trailed his lips down her body, going to her stomach, then lower. The panties still covered her pussy and that was where he wanted to be.

  Pressing his face against the fabric covering her cunt, he breathed her in. She released a little cry. The sound so sweet yet shocking. He couldn’t get enough of her, didn’t want to.

  The panties were now an obstruction. Gripping the crotch, he pulled. The seams were no match for his strength. They came apart with ease. He threw the offending item away. Now he got to see her pretty pussy.