Page 1 of Sex & Cigarettes

Chapter 1

Ainsley

The devils has a face. He also has a name—Raul Hernandez. His dark hair shines under the sunlight streaming in from the picturesque window behind him that overlooks the front lawn of his estate. Those charcoal evil eyes never shift their focus from me. “Are you comfortable?”

I glare at the bastard who kidnapped me. “I’m just peachy.” If I didn’t know he is a monster I’d almost find him handsome.

“Anything you desire. Make it known and I will see to it that you get it.”

“Great. I’m ready to return home. Conversation over.”

“We’re just getting started. I want to get acquainted with you.”

“You know my name. Who my father was. Who I’m married to. That I’m heavily pregnant. What more is there?”

“I want it all.”

I grind my teeth. “Yeah you can want, wish, pray, but I’m not feeling like I want to know you. You know I don’t need any new friends so I’m good.”

“I don’t want to be your friend.”

“What do you want?”

“We’ll discuss that later once we’ve gotten to know each other as we should have before you gave yourself to that biker trash.”

“I don’t want to know anything about you other than when you’ll let me leave. My husband will agree to give you use of the tunnels. When can I go home?” I rub a hand over my large baby bump, trying to control my emotions but doing a shit job of it. All I want is to be home with Abel, preparing the nursery for the arrival of our child. Building our life—together.

I’m trying to picture anything but the expression on Teagan’s lifeless face. She’s dead because of me. I hate feeling this way. I hate the fact that part of me is glad that it was her driving me and not my husband because it could’ve just as easily been him that was taken too soon from this Earth. I’m selfish. I know that. Hell, Raul sees it.

His finger circles the rim of his tumbler of whiskey. “You think this is over some damn crumbling tunnels? I gave you a choice. You refused me. I haven’t forced you out of the respect I had for your late father. All I want is to give you whatever your heart desires. I’m trying to protect you.”

“If I need protection from anyone it’s from you. You’re crazy if you think my husband won’t come for me.”

“I’m counting on it. I’m not going to chase him. Like a spider I’ll let the annoying little gnat come to me. You’ll lure him in. He’ll come for you. He won’t resist the urge to play hero and fall into my web.”

My stomach lurches at the idea of Abel in danger and my baby kicks not liking the idea either. “And if I continue to refuse you...then what is to become of me?”

“I’d hate to kill a pregnant woman...though I suppose I could sell you off. Two for the price of one. I’m not so cruel that I’d separate you from your child until it’s weaned from your tit at least.”

Anger and repulsion courses through my veins. I should kill him. My gaze shifts to the letter opener on his desk but I quickly look away. I wouldn’t make it out of here alive if I attacked him. Even if I succeeded his men would finish me. And they look like the type who’d have their fun with me first.

“I don’t want to hurt you. I’m doing this for you.” The phone on his desk rings and he smirks at me then finishes his drink before answering.

“Did you locate her yet? Then why are you calling? I don’t care what it takes. Find her. Bring her to me when you do. Until then don’t disturb me. My little dove deserves my full attention.” He hangs the call up and takes another drink of his liquor.

I wonder who he’s talking about.

Raul picks up our conversation right where we left off. “Though if I had taken you when I had the chance your belly would be swollen with my child. I’m willing to accept your child as my own if you are willing to make an effort. Besides, I can give you another baby.”

My heart drops to my feet. He can’t be serious. I will never give myself to him.

“Don’t look so upset. I’m a proud man. You wounded my pride. We could’ve ruled together side by side as equals. We can still have the life that was promised.”

“I never asked for any of this.”

“No but it is in your blood. You are cartel. You are Leone. You are mine.”

“I’m a Black now. I am Mrs. Abel Black. My father didn’t want this life for me. Why do you think he kept my existence such a secret?”

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