Kane

The thumping bass pumps through me from head to toe, adding to the adrenaline spiking through my veins. I can feel the tension coiling through my muscles. I’m always on edge

when I’m out for blood. There’s a chance something could go wrong, as I’m not in a safe line of work.

I walk a few more steps into the club, scanning the room for any threats, since it’s become second nature to expect one. It doesn’t matter if I’m walking into my home, I’m always alert. A few eyes lock onto me and my men, and the whispers break out.

Yeah, let them fucking whisper. If they think I’m here for trouble, then they are right. I’m at this shit-hole of a club on Rick’s orders. Normally, my brother wouldn’t send me for this, but Alex Cavino has stepped way over the line this time. He’s not keeping up his payments on a sizable loan, despite rumors that business is better than ever.

If we let this go unresolved, it will set a bad example, and people will think they can fuck with us. So, I’m here to make sure everyone knows that couldn’t be further from the truth. Blood will spill tonight—Alex Cavino’s blood. No one fucks with the Romano family and gets away with it, especially not a lowlife like him.

I crack my knuckles, certain there’s no immediate threat to me in this club. The place is packed with people and business is booming. It raises the all-important question why the debt payments haven’t reached us for two months in a row. My gun rests against my ribs under my jacket, and my fingers are itching to reach under and touch it, but I resist.

This crappy place will be absorbed into our empire as payment once Cavino is dead. There was a time years ago when killing felt wrong to me. I’m not always the one to do it, often it’s my guys that pull the trigger, but anytime I do, I feel nothing. I just sell another piece of my soul with every crime I carry out, ripping what I once was to shreds.

This is my life and there’s no point fighting what I am or who I am. A show of weakness or even unwillingness to kill threatens our family. I’m not going to be the one to fuck up.

My father always said there was no use running from the truth. There’s no changing your name if you’re a Romano. When I was younger, I wanted nothing to do with the family business. My father soon beat that out of me and turned me into the monster I am today. I don’t enjoy doing what I do, but it’s my only choice.

“Sir, I’ve scanned the perimeter, and I’m sure everything is secure,” Jaz, one of my men, states.

I give him a nod, even though I’d already made that observation. The only path to the bar is through the writhing bodies of the people dancing in this hellhole. I take a step forward and make my way toward the bar. As I step onto the dance floor, people make way for me the moment they notice me. I’m used to people shying away—one of the perks of being my brother’s right-hand man. Rick is the main boss of our family operation.

There are two stools free at the bar. I turn to Jaz. “Find somewhere close and keep alert.”

He gives me a quick nod. “Sir.”

I him walk to a nearby wall and lean against it, keeping his eyes on me and our surroundings. I pick a stool at the bar, settling in amongst the people standing and sitting around it. Tension ripples through the air, and people sitting nearby shy away.

Good.

This is the reaction I need today. There’s no doubt most people haven’t forgotten who we are and what we’re capable of, only Alex Cavino. I rest my palms on top of the bar and search for a bartender. Only two of them are on duty tonight, and they are both run off their feet, neither of them have noticed me.

Again, it’s impossible not to wonder why this guy isn’t making his repayments. Cash is flowing tonight, and according to rumors, it always is.

Who the hell does he think he is?

No one tries to pull the wool over our eyes—no one. Either this asshole is too cocky for his own good, or just plain fucking stupid. I’ve never met him myself. My youngest brother, Leo, was the one to agree the terms of the loan. He came to us, begging us to save him from bankruptcy.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting, what can I get you?” The bartender asks.

I glance up at him, and it’s amusing to watch all the blood drain from his face as he recognizes who I am. He can’t look me in the eye. “I’ll have a glass of scotch on the rocks, and I need to speak with your employer right away.”

The man nods. “Of course, sir.” His hands are shaking as he moves to the back shelves, grabbing a twenty-five-year-old bottle of scotch whiskey from the top. The man knows who I am and knows I’d only expect the best. He’s a smart kid. I watch as he pours me a double.

“Here you go, sir, on the house.” He places the glass down in front of me, and I give him a short nod. “I’ll find Mr. Cavino for you.”

The guy walks over to the other bartender. She has her back turned to me, and I’d already noticed what a perfect figure she has. Her ass looks amazing in the tight, black dress she’s wearing. I’d almost hoped she was going to be the one to come and serve me, but that’s not why I’m here.

I can’t be distracted by a woman. I can’t get a glimpse of her face over all the other people crowding the bar, blocking my view. I take a long swig of my drink, enjoying the way it warms me, taking the edge off.

My game needs to be on form tonight. Cavino may be stupid, but I’m not taking any risks with this asshole. One of the greatest things my father ever taught me was to never underestimate your enemies. He taught me to expect the unexpected–I guess he was useful for some things.

It’s the main thing that has kept me and my brothers alive this long. My father wasn’t so lucky because he got sloppy. I’ve always vowed to make sure I never make the mistakes he did. Not to mention, in the end, he became paranoid and ended up pushing away everyone he could trust.

At least I’ve got my brothers, well half-brothers. My mom was our father’s first wife. She died when I was one-year-old. Within a year of her death he was remarried and Rick was born. Those two are everything to me, and everything I do is to keep us safe. My father may not have given me a choice when he forced me into this business, but I know who I am deep down, no matter what I’ve done.

My father was an asshole. He never explained what happened to my mom. A woman I can’t remember at all. He had no photographs of her to show me, not even wedding photos. Only a lousy, tiny photo of her that had been taken at a photo booth. I keep it in my wallet all the time. It was as if she was wiped from the face of the earth, and knowing my father, I’m sure it wouldn’t be too far from the truth.

The man was a cold-hearted son of a bitch. Rick and Leo’s mom got killed in an accident when they were young too. All of us believe our father was behind it, especially after we found out she stole money from him and tried to get away. Only problem is, we were never able to prove it. Let’s just say I didn’t shed a tear when he passed away, neither did my brothers.

My eyes remain on the bartenders, particularly the beautiful brunette with her perfect ass. The guy who served me walks away from the bar, forcing me to stop staring at her and watch where he goes.

Cavino may well try to run, which would be a big mistake. There’s no chance he’s getting out of this club alive—my men are covering all exits of this building. The bartender glances over his shoulder, as he walks toward a set of swing doors at the back of the club. I spot a staircase heading downwards to a basement. It is perfect for what I’ve got planned for this jackass.

I keep my eyes focused on my glass and wait. The amount of people around the bar has thinned considerably, particularly since I took a seat. It makes me want to smile at how much power and fear our name holds. Fear is our strength.

I glance up from my glass and my heart rate accelerates, as the stunning brunette bartender is staring right at me. She doesn’t break my gaze as our eyes meet. A shock of electricity pulses through my veins. A shiver runs down my spine at the look in her eyes and her pure beauty.

She’s way younger than I thought from behind. In fact, she looks too fucking young to be serving alcohol at a bar. Her face is naturally beautiful, and she’s only wearing a small amount of makeup. Her dark brown hair falls in natural waves around her heart-shaped face. The most cock-stirring feature of hers is those bright blue eyes, holding my gaze as if she doesn’t know who the fuck I am.

A tingling need ignites in my balls and my cock thickens in my pants. As if I’ve got no control what so ever, the image of her butt naked and tied to my bed flashes through my mind. This is unusual for me. Women rarely get me this aroused from a look, but she is something else.

This is the last thing I need right now—a distraction. Whoever she is, I intend to get her into my bed after I’ve dealt with her pathetic excuse of a boss. Still, she’s staring me out, unflinching. It turns me on, making my cock throb and leak precum into my tight boxer briefs. She licks her pouty, thick lips, and it makes me so hard I’m sure I could explode any minute.

I let out a sigh of relief, as some asshole calls out to her, drawing her eyes away from mine. My breathing is labored, and my heart is pounding against my rib cage. I take a long gulp of my drink, draining every drop. The warm liquid burns on its way down. I keep my attention off the firecracker of a bartender who has me hooked on her with one fucking stare.

I need to get this over and done with. No distractions, not until after I’ve finished off the piece of shit who owns this place. We can’t let anyone think we’re going soft. It’s the number one rule—always exceed your reputation.

Jasmine

I’m ready to throw in the towel. My feet are aching, and we’re so busy, it’s a joke. My step-dad insists I work this bar to pay for my keep, as he calls it. I’m eighteen years old, and I

shouldn’t be working in a club. For one, it is illegal under the age of twenty-one, but everything my step-father does is illegal. And, for two, it’s so short-staffed and I’m not even getting paid.

At least it won’t be long until I move out from under his roof. As soon as summer is over, I’ve got a paid job as an intern starting at a local paper. The intention is to put the first month’s pay cheque down on a deposit for my own place. Finally break away from a life around these kind of people—criminals.

Alex married my mother when I was eleven years old, and we moved in with him. He’s a low-life criminal who makes his money dealing drugs, on top of running this rundown club. My mother died last year after an overdose on the drugs he constantly supplied her. Ever since her death, Alex has treated me worse than ever, acting like a complete an utter asshole. “Jasmine,” Ethan mutters my name, breaking me from my thoughts. His face is pale, and his lips in a serious, straight line that sends a wave of dread through me. He’s never serious. “There’s a Romano here to see your step- dad. I’ve got to go and get him.” He gives me an apologetic look. “You’re

going to have to hold the fort for a few minutes. I’ll hurry back.”

I sigh heavily, nodding. “Fine, just be quick.” I’m not sure what I’m more worried about, the fact that a Romano member is sitting at the bar, or that I’ve got to serve all these people myself.

The Romano Mafia is infamous. They run the entire east-coast of America. I wonder what lackey has been sent to talk to Alex, my step-dad. “A vodka on ice, please, sweetheart,” a man says, breaking my daze.

I give him a nod. “Of course, coming right up.”

I grab the bottle of vodka off the back shelf, turning around and scanning the clients at the bar. The moment I see him, I almost drop the bottle on the floor. There’s no doubting who he is—Kane Romano.

I’ve never seen him in person before, but those tattoos on his neck and left arm are unmistakable. Everyone talks about the hardened and brutal right-hand man and brother of mob boss Rick Romano. Kane wouldn’t visit someone unless the person has pissed off the mob.

What kind of shit has Alex gotten himself into now?

His rippling muscles are barely contained in the tight, white shirt he’s wearing, making my mouth water. Kane Romano may be dangerous, but he’s the most stunning man I’ve ever seen in my life. I’ve never seen a man so powerful and muscular. Not to mention, those beautiful dark eyes that you just want to drown in.

I should know, as I’m holding his gaze like I don’t know who he is. I’m not sure why I’m not cowering away from him like the rest of the people here, especially considering the way the power rolls off of him—it’s enough to make anyone quake in their boots.

Perhaps, it’s because I’m too scared to move, or maybe it’s just that he’s looking at me in a way that sends an exciting thrill through my body. I’ve got a feeling it’s the latter. This man makes me hot from just a stare, and I kind of like it.

As far as I’m aware, he’s a year younger than my step-dad, forty-four years old. He doesn’t look his age, though. I let my gaze dip again to the tattoo on his neck, which sprawls up the side of his head—it’s a piece of art. My knees shake at the thought of him taking me to bed and fucking me.

I bite my bottom lip, realizing that’s ridiculous. I’m a virgin and something tells me Kane would be anything but gentle.

Why the hell does that thought send a thrill racing through me?

“Sweetheart, what the fuck is the hold up with my vodka?” The guy who ordered shouts.

I shake my head. “Sorry, coming right up.” I step back to the bar and pour the guy a glass, before passing it to him.

“Next time get on with it, and do what you’re paid to do, whore.”

I ignore the insult, biting back the retort on the tip of my tongue that I don’t even get paid for this shit. I give him a short nod. “That will be five bucks, please.”

He shakes his head. “No fucking way, I’m not paying for this shit after you made me wait, bitch.”

I clench my jaw, trying not to let him get to me. There’s always one asshole every single night, and this guy is being a class fucking example. Sure, I took a little too long with his drink order, but you can’t use that as a reason not to pay. “Sorry, sir, but I’m not at liberty to offer you a free drink, and I’ll need you to pay the five dollars owed.”

He knocks back the drink and then smirks. “What drink?”

I look between the glass and the guy, wondering if it is even worth the fucking hassle, all to fill my step-dad’s pockets. One shot of vodka isn’t worth making a fuss over. With a heavy sigh, I reach for the radio attached to my belt. I’ll let him go without paying, but I’ll have to have him kicked out for this.

My heart skips a beat as Kane appears behind the guy, staring right at me with an intensity that makes me weak at the knees.

He pins me with his intense dark eyes, and I freeze to the spot. His hand falls heavily on the asshole’s shoulder. “Pay the woman,” he commands in a deep, baritone voice that makes my panties wet.

It would figure that his dark and powerful looks are matched with an equally powerful voice. It’s ridiculous how much of a turn on it is.

The guy spins around. “Who the fuck do you think—” He stops speaking the moment he sees who is behind him, turning back to the bar.

All the blood has drained from his face, as he pulls out a twenty-dollar bill. He shoves it into my hand so fast I almost can’t believe he moved that quick. “Keep the change.” His face is pale and he looks like he might pass out any moment.

Kane’s eyes remain fixed on me for a few beats, making my heart pound faster and my palms sweat. His dark eyes are almost black in the dim light of the club, and there’s something else, other than danger, sparking in his eyes.

It looks like a fierce hunger that makes my thighs quiver and my panties dampen, which is utterly ridiculous. Yes, he’s gorgeous, and his voice is like a damn butter, but he’s Kane fucking Romano. The guy is bad news.

He lets go of the asshole’s shoulder, turning to walk back to his stool calmly, as if nothing happened.

What the hell was that all about?

I watch him as he sits with such self-assured confidence back in his seat, gripping hold of his glass. Everyone’s eyes are on him. In fact, ever since Ethan went to get Alex, it’s been thinning out considerably by the bar, which I’m thankful for. I’m pretty sure Kane’s presence is the reason.

The pure danger oozing from him sends people running for the hills. Three words was all it took from him to get that guy to pay. To be honest, he could have stood there without saying a word, and the guy would have still got the message.

Why would he help me?

Ethan returns, eyes slightly wide. He walks straight toward me, ignoring Kane who is watching him through narrowed eyes. “Jasmine, we’re in the shit. Alex wants you downstairs now.” He runs a hand through his thick black hair. “He’s planning an escape.”

My brow furrows. “That makes no sense,” I hiss. “You can’t run from the freaking Romano family, they run the entire east-coast.”

He shrugs. “Look, he wants you down there now, I’m just delivering the message.”

“Who’s going to tend the bar?” I ask.

He shrugs. “He has no intention of getting me out of here with him.” There’s pure fear in his eyes and my stomach churns at the thought of leaving my best friend here.

If we leave him here, we’re leaving him to a death sentence, or worse. They may decide to torture him for information about my step-dad. “I’ll go and speak to him and make him see sense.” I shake my head. “You don’t run from the Romano family unless you have a death wish.”

He nods. “Well, good luck. The guy is set on escaping.” “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

Ethan looks unconvinced, turning to tend to the bar.

My gaze instinctively goes to Kane who is watching me. His eyes still narrowed, signaling he suspects something is up. I feel sick to the stomach. The guy isn’t stupid and probably deals with idiots like my step-dad on a regular basis. He has asked to see Alex, and Ethan has returned without him. It won’t take long for him to put the pieces together.

I break his gaze and keep my eyes glued to the floor, making my way out of the side of the bar and walking toward the basement doors. A chilling sensation sweeps over my neck, and I know he’s following me. I don’t even have to check behind me.

I make it to the swing doors and hesitate a moment. I’m leading this man right to my step-dad, but if he has gotten on the wrong side of the Romano Mafia, running is the last thing he should do. With one quick push, I force open the door and then glance back toward the bar.

Kane is following me calmly. His two men flanking him a few meters behind. His eyes burn a hole right through me, sending a shiver down my spine.

This is only going to end one way–with blood running from this club. I can only hope it isn’t mine.

What has Alex done?

Kane

My jaw clenches as I watch the stunning brunette slip out from behind the bar. Alex doesn’t intend to come and see me willingly, he’s planning something. I’m not going to sit here and wait to find out what. I’ve encountered idiots like Cavino, trying to run at the last minute—it never ends well.

As I stand from my stool to follow the bartender, it’s impossible not to admire her. The way that girl held my gaze, as if she didn’t know who the fuck I was, turned me on.

My balls are tingling for release, as my eyes travel the length of her body. I get a good view of her tight black dress that hugs her curves, particularly that perfect ass. Not to mention, the high-heels she’s wearing which make her hips sway deliciously.

All the signs point to that fact that Alex is running, and this girl is probably important to him, so he’s summoned her. She stops at the top of stairwell and gazes back at me. Her eyes wide as they lock with mine.

She won’t be harmed unless she stands in my way. I clench my fists at the thought of hurting such a beautiful creature. It wouldn’t sit well with me at all. My men remain close as I open the door, drawing my gun from beneath my jacket.

I glance back at Jaz who has also drawn his gun. “No shooting unless I say so, but I’ve got a feeling Cavino is trying to run.”

Jaz nods as does Karl, and I start to make my way down the steps into the basement. The pumping bass becomes muffled the lower we go, and a flood of adrenaline pulses through my veins.

It’s always the same anytime I get ready to kill or fight. All the adrenaline and blood racing through my veins has me on edge, ready to lose control the moment I get my hands on Cavino.

The darkness of the basement swallows us, but there is a light up ahead signaling our destination. It’s no doubt his den. I’m not sure how much security Alex has, but I’m pretty sure none of his men would be stupid enough to stand against me, unless they want to be murdered by the rest of my family.

There’s no sign of the brunette. She must have already gone through the door ahead. I can’t understand why she has captured my attention so fast. My heart rate spikes, partly because of what I’m about to do, and partly because I want to see her again.

I stop outside the door, attempting to make out what’s being said on the other side. The voices are too muffled, and it sounds like a man and woman arguing.

I give my two men a nod, and then I burst into the room. My gun pointed at the first person I clock eyes on, which is the bartender. Her eyes go wide and she holds her hands in the air, shaking a little. Alex is stood beside her, and I move my gun to him, narrowing my eyes.

The moment I enter, he shrieks like a damn coward and turns whiter than a sheet. “Mr. Romano, to what do I owe this pleasure?” he stammers, looking down at the ground.

“Cut the crap, Alex.” I step closer. “You know exactly why I’m here.” My eyes flick to the bags of cash stacked by the door. “Going somewhere?”

He shakes his head. “O-Of course not.”

The girl from the bar backs away toward the wall, keeping her eyes on me. I give Jaz a nod for him to go and keep her back, clenching my jaw as he grips her shoulder and pulls her against him. I can’t understand why another man touching her makes me angry, but I’m thankful she’s staying back and out of the way.

“Where is our money, Cavino?” I step closer, keeping my gun aimed at his head. “You’ve missed your payments two months in a row.”

The sniveling coward falls to his knees and shakes his head. “I’m sorry business has—”

“Has been booming, if tonight is an example to go by.” My eyes flick to the stack of cash. “And, the bags full of cash you were planning to take off with.”

Alex shakes his head. “I wasn’t going anywhere, I assure you.”

I take a few steps forward so my feet are in front of Cavino, bending over him. My hand tightens around his neck, and I force him to look at me. “There’s no use lying, as I’m here for blood.” I shake my head slowly. “No one takes advantage of the Romano family and lives.”

He begins to splutter, as I tighten my grip on his throat. “Please, I’ll give you whatever you want,” he spits.

I let go of his throat, and he gasps for breath. As I turn, I allow my gaze to meet the beautiful brunette’s bright blue eyes. She’s a little shaken, but she doesn’t look too concerned by the fact I’m going to kill her boss. It wouldn’t surprise me if he was a total asshole toward her.

Cavino is back on his knees. “Take her if you like her. She’s my step- daughter, and I’d give her to you as an apology.”

Step-daughter.

What man would give his step-daughter to the mafia?

My eyes instinctively rake over her body, taking in those tight curves again. Her breasts are accentuated perfectly in her tight black dress with plunging neckline, giving me a teasing view of her cleavage. It makes my cock stir to life.

What is it with this woman? I can’t seem to control myself around her.

There’s a deep, dark side of me that wants to tell Cavino yes. I want to own this beautiful woman. It’s been a long time since a girl has wound me up the way she is. I return my gaze to her eyes, but she’s not looking at me.

Her eyes are narrowed at Alex and a deep hatred burns within them. It looks like she doesn't care too much for her step-dad, the man I’ve been sent here to shakedown, or kill. Rick left me to make the call. I thought I already had decided the moment I stepped into this club. I was sure I’d kill him.

The thing is, his offer is intriguing. Something primal stirs within me at the thought of owning her. Normally, I’m opposed to people owning women. She’s not a possession, although it happens a lot in our line of work.

The thought of taking her back to my place and fucking her senseless makes my cock throb and thicken in my pants, again. It’s so wrong because I’m pretty sure I’m old enough to be her Daddy.

I clear my throat, realizing I’ve been staring at the girl so long she’s turned bright red. It makes her even more tempting, as I wonder how far her blush spreads. I wonder if she’d like being dominated by me in the bedroom. I may be a criminal, but I don’t fuck women who don’t want it. They need to beg me for it—that’s how I like it.

The thought of her begging me makes my already hard cock, harder. I clench my fists and spin toward Alex. His eyes are as wide as saucers as he sees the expression on my face. It’s probably half-lust and half-rage. This guy doesn’t have the right to give away his step-daughter, but I’m considering it.

“I’m happy to give her to you as well as all the money I owe you, with interest.” Alex is shaking like a leaf now. “Please, I’ll do anything.”

My mind and body are fighting a war right now. Brutal Kane Romano doesn’t back down from his intentions, ever. My intention was to kill him.

So why the hell am I considering letting this coward live to claim her? I step closer to him, towering over his cowering frame. To be honest, I could probably kill him and take her. However, that would make me look like a monster in her eyes, and for some reason I care about how she perceives me. “How old is she?”

He worries his bottom lip with his teeth. “She is eighteen years old.”

My cock jumps at that, which is so fucked up. It is as bad as I feared. This woman—no girl—is less than half my forty-four years. It’s so wrong that I want her, but it wouldn’t be the worst thing I’ve ever done. Maybe she’d like calling me Daddy while I tied her to my bed and gave her a good spanking.

Fuck.

That perverted thought makes my balls ache for release. I’m not normally into younger women, they’re immature and can’t handle my tastes. Jasmine Cavino gets my pulse racing faster than it has in years, and I haven’t said more than two words to her—yet.

I’m used to women calling me Daddy, Sir, Master—it’s a common occurrence in the Dom and Sub roles. For some reason, it feels more perverted though because of the age difference.

What the hell is wrong with me?

I turn toward her, and it takes all my restraint not to grab her and kiss those perfect, plump lips right here and now. I want to taste just how sweet she is. She’s a damn goddess, more beautiful than any woman I’ve ever set eyes on.

Her mouth is open, and her wide-eyed gaze darts between me and her jackass of a step-dad. It’s as if what he is suggesting has only just sunk in. As if she’s only now realized her step-dad wants to give her over to the most brutal mafia family in North America.

I’ll be honest, she doesn’t look as thrilled as I feel by the prospect.

Jasmine

I lways knew my step-father was an asshole, but this is a new low. The man behind me tightens his grip on my shoulder, as I try to break free. The panic at what my step-dad is suggestingmeat only setting in now.

“You will let me walk out of here with your step-daughter?” Kane asks, eyeing me like a piece of meat.

Alex nods. “Yes, she is yours to keep. Not to mention, I’ll pay back everything I owe with interest, please, just don’t kill me.”

Fucking bastard.

“I’m not yours to sell,” I spit, glaring at the coward on his knees.

Kane steps closer to me, forcing me to crane my neck and look up at him. The dominance he emits makes my knees shake involuntarily. I bite my lip and hold his gaze, willing myself not to show fear in his presence. I get a feeling he thrives off the fear of others.

Finally, I cave and look down, overpowered by him. He reaches for my face, and I start to pull away, trying to shy from his touch. He grips hold of my chin, firm but gentle, tipping my face to meet his heated gaze. “Why would you give away your step-daughter?” he asks, keeping his eyes fixed on mine.

“I’ve got nothing else of worth to offer you. She’s a hard worker and would be great working behind a bar or doing anything. She’s pretty enough, I’m sure she could be put to very good use.”

My stomach churns as I realize he’s suggesting putting me to work in the sex-trade. As far as I’m aware, the Romano family deals in drugs and guns, but not human trafficking and prostitution. At least, I hope that’s the case.

“I’m sure she’d be willing to show off her assets right here and now.

Jasmine take your clothes off,” Alex snaps, glaring at me.

An ice-cold dread spreads through me at the request. Kane’s hand is still on my jaw, holding me. It’s a strangely comforting touch that eases my anxiety.

He growls a deep chesty noise and turns on my step-father. “Cavino, you’re the biggest piece of shit I’ve ever come across.”

Alex shudders, bowing his head lower, as he remains on his knees. He’s such a fucking coward. “I only want you to see exactly how enticing my offer is.” He keeps his head bowed. “Jasmine, show them your assets, sweetheart.”

Sweetheart? Is he kidding me right now? This man is dead to me for this.

I don’t move. I can’t. There’s no way in hell I’m stripping in front of all these men, including my step-father. I’ve never been naked in front of any man.

“Don’t listen to a word he says,” Kane growls, turning and staring at me. “Keep your clothes on.”

I’m surprised by the ferocity in Kane’s insistence that I keep my clothes on. To be honest, I expected him to be as much of a pig as my step-father. The thing is, the Romano family are anything but low life. They’re refined, rich beyond compare, and more powerful than any other mafia family in the United States.

Alex’s mouth snaps shut, and he begins to tremble. I’ve never seen someone die before, but the way Kane is looking at Alex tells me I’m about to. There’s no way I will feel any grief if he does get murdered, but I’m not sure I want to witness it.

The man has never really been like a father to me. All he has done since he married my mother is use me, and now he’s offering me up as payment. It is beyond belief.

Kane’s eyes meet mine again, and I hold my breath, waiting to hear his response. He’s definitely a man of few words. Those dark, almost black eyes search mine for a few beats more, sending a heat pulsing through my body. This man affects me in the most illicit way.

“Do you have the cash to pay your debt and interest today?” Kane asks, not turning to Alex.

“Y-Yes, In those bags.”

Kane’s gaze leaves mine, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. I watch him walks toward the bags of cash on the floor and grab the two satchels. He throws one at one of his guys and then walks back toward me and the guy behind. “Count the cash and make sure it’s all there.”

The guy’s hand loosens from my should and I slump in relief. Only to find Kane’s hands slip onto my hips in a firm, possessive grip that sends a bolt of heat crashing through me. I shut my eyes, trying to control my reaction to this man.

He is silent as he holds me, watching his men count the money. Once they finish they each turn to him and give him a wordless nod. Alex is still cowering on the floor and it’s pathetic.

“It seems like you’ve saved your skin today, Cavino.” He keeps a firm hand on my hips, forcing me forward. “I’ll take your step-daughter and the money in exchange for your life.” He glances up at his men. “Just know, you’re going to need some roughing up for this.” He nods at one of the men, and they step forward.

I tingle in anticipation at seeing my asshole of a step-father given a good beating, but Kane forces me away.

“No, please…I’ve paid it all back and given you my step-daughter,” Alex snivels.

Kane shakes his head. “No one fucks with the Romano family and gets by without a scratch.” He glances at his men. “I will go ahead with the girl. I’ll see you both back at the house.”

They grunt their agreement, as Kane forces me out the door and back up the stairs. I writhe against him, trying to break free. The screams and shouts of my step-father echo down the hall as they rough him up.

“You can’t do this. I’m not his to give away. Let go of me, for fuck’s sake.” I writhe against his hard, strong grip.

Kane’s grip tightens on my arm and he stops moving, leaning close to my ear. “Sweetheart, you had best stop fighting and get your head wrapped around the fact that you’re mine now,” he growls.

The way he says it sends a bolt of need through me. It’s ridiculous considering what is happening. Maybe it’s just the adrenaline heightening all my senses.

I stop struggling and force one foot in front of the other. This isn’t the first time I’ve been in a dangerous situation. Ever since I can remember, my mother had been part of this life and wrapped up in these vicious crime circles. I never met my father, apparently, he was junkie, just like my mother. When she met Alex, it seemed like she was getting her life on track, until I realized what he did for a living.

Kane smells of pine and musk, which is oddly comforting, as he marches me straight out the backdoor of the club. Obviously not wanting to draw too much attention to the fact he is kidnapping me. How the hell can my step-father even give me away? I’m eighteen years old for God’s sake.

Two black SUVs with blacked out windows are parked in the back alley. Kane opens the back door of one of them, gazing at me. “Get in, sweetheart.” He lets go of me to allow me to climb in.

I glance between him and the car for a moment. If I go with him, my life is over. Fuck it. A split-second decision has me running in the opposite direction, taking advantage of the fact he let go of my arm.

“Fuck,” Kane growls behind me. Then thudding footsteps follow and I know he’s chasing me. I make the mistake of glancing over my shoulder, which slows me down. Three more steps and his hands tighten around my shoulder, jerking me to a stop.

His strong arms wrap around my waist, and he pulls me against his hard, muscled body. “Don’t be foolish, Jasmine. I get a feeling you’re a smart girl and you know doing as I say is the best option for you.” My thighs clench at his touch, finding myself involuntarily aroused by the dangerous man holding me.

I swallow hard, glancing back at the SUV. He’s right. Everything I’ve heard about him and the Romano Mafia tells me I need to submit, otherwise I’ll end up dead. I’m in real danger now. Danger far worse than anything my mother ever landed us in when I was growing up. Once you’re entangled with the mafia you either end up stuck with them all your life or dead.

The driver has gotten out of the car, and he’s approaching the two of us. “Sir, do you need assistance?”

Kane’s arms tighten around my waist, making my panties soak through. “No, I’ve got it handled.” I can feel something hard and thick pressing into my ass, making me wetter.

I squeal as he lifts me up and throws me over his shoulder, walking back toward the car. “Let go of me,” I spit, trying to wriggle free from him. “I can walk you know.” His hand rests on my bare thigh, sending even more heat through my body. I feel like I’m on fire.

He bundles me into the back of the car. Then he slides in next to me, shutting the door. The locks click and I know I’m trapped with him.

His hand settles on my thigh in a tight, possessive grip. I flinch slightly, half from the way he’s turning me on and half from fear. “Don’t worry, Jasmine. I’m not going to hurt you.” He gazes at me almost kindly.

“I can’t believe that, you’re Kane freaking Romano.”

He chuckles. “Yeah, I’m Kane Romano, but I don’t hurt women.”

I narrow my eyes at him, parting my lips slightly as I realize how close we’re sitting. “What if a woman screws you over?”

He cocks his head to the side. “I get one of my men to hurt her.”

Dread slices through me, making my stomach churn with sickness. Suddenly, I’m no longer aroused, as if his words have broken me from a stupid lust-filled state. The car engine roars and we start moving.

What is going to happen to me?

“Are you okay? You’re trembling.” Kane takes my hand in his and pulls me even closer to him.

I hadn’t even noticed how much I was shaking, but my hands are trembling. I’m not used to being scared of anything, not after everything I’ve been through with my mother, but this is different. The thought of being sold into sex trafficking scares me more than anything ever has.

The fear spreading through me is impossible to truly get a grip of as my world is being torn apart. Sure, my life wasn’t exactly great before my step- dad gave me to this man, but I was free to a certain extent.

My breathing becomes more rapid, and my head spins, making my body shake with fear. I try desperately to regulate my breathing, focusing on getting a grip. I’m about to have a panic attack, and I can’t stop it. My heart skips a beat as Kane’s large hand rests on my back, and he gently rubs in soothing circles, making it easier to breathe.

As I focus on his hand and the soothing motions, my breathing steadies, and the panic attack looming over me fades. The gesture should have scared me, but for some inexplicable reason this man can calm me down, something no one has ever been able to do before.

“That’s it, breathe deeply,” he purrs.

My body relaxes at the soothing sound of his voice. “What are you going to do with me?” I ask, gazing up into his dark eyes.

He gives me a small smile. “Don’t worry, you’re not in danger with me, I promise.”

I want to believe him, I think part of me does believe him, as I stare into his eyes which seem kind now. It’s the opposite of everything I’ve heard about him.

“How long will you keep me?” I ask.

He squeezes my thigh gently. “Forever, sweetheart.”

It feels like my world starts spinning at those words, and I’m right back on the edge, struggling to breathe. He can’t keep me forever. This can’t be happening.

What has my step-dad done?

My vision fades to black and that’s the last thing I remember.