Page 45 of Lord of Vice

“I’m going to tell you a story, something very private,” I told her. “When I was eighteen, I was taken from the streets while with some friends by one of my father’s enemies. The bastard who took me was some drug lord, the asshole taking me into Mexico. He tortured me for days on end, thinking I knew intimate details of my father’s business. At the time my dad was involved with trafficking in illegal drugs, likely stepping on the man’s territory.”

I continued to use her hand as my own, tracing the various scars, most of which I’d hidden under the tattoos.

“I’d been trained my whole life how to handle brutal men like the cartel leader, or so I thought. However, the physical pain I endured was nothing in comparison to the mental anguish I felt after my father had tracked me down. My father had always been a cruel man, someone who believed in harsh punishments and training. I never understood until I was older and after being returned. He’d done his best preparing me for the worst humanity had to offer. Sadly, it wasn’t enough.”

When I pulled my hand away, she kept hers there, her brow furrowing as she stroked the scars on her own. I could tell her mind was reeling, her thoughts all over the place.

“Between the nightmares and the self-destructive and very risky behavior for months afterwards, I’m lucky to be alive. I understand that some people go through horrible things their minds can’t process. Maybe that’s why I’m so controlling now because I know the kind of enemies I have and what they’re capable of. No matter what you think of me, I don’t want you to experience any of the horrors I did.”

I pulled her palm to my lips, kissing it gently then purposely backing away. That was enough for her to think about right now.

“Don’t judge me, Kraven. I had my reasons. I need relief from tremendous pain.”

“I can’t and won’t judge you, Penny. After I returned, I killed six men to try and make myself feel better. I thought the gruesome act would ease my pain. It didn’t.”

She sucked in her breath. Now she knew just how terrible a man I was. “Did it help at all?” she asked.

“Actually? No.” The fact she was genuinely curious had me wonder even more about what horrors she’d been through.

It also put a nasty twinge in me, the need to kill whoever had been the issue.

But now wasn’t the time to continue a conversation so troubling. With that, I left the bathroom. She deserved some privacy.

And I deserved a stiff drink.

How had a girl with doe eyes captured a part of me that I ensured was long since dead?

CHAPTER 16

Penny

Good God, the man was fine looking. So much so he’d stolen my breath and I wasn’t certain he had any intention of giving it back.

He was also full of surprises, too many of them.

After reeling from what he’d told me about the torture he’d endured and the aftereffects, I’d stood in front of the mirror for a solid five minutes before realizing the shower was still on, likely out of hot water.

But it hadn’t been.

I’d indulged in the various amazing scents stocked on the single shelf, unable to get him off my mind.

When I’d finished, towels firmly wrapped around my wet hair and my body, I’d found all the new things put away in the closet and drawers. There was no reason to act as if I was incensed any longer. The truth was that I was smiling because of the kindgesture, once again feeling like a princess as I’d tried to decide which dress to wear. He’d purchased so many it was crazy.

Meanwhile, Remington had been nowhere to be found while I’d dressed and applied makeup. I’d found them both outside on the terrace, the dog practically sitting in the man’s lap. I’d almost snapped a picture of it with my phone, thinking better of it. I had a feeling Kraven wouldn’t want to be seen as having a heart.

Even though that remained questionable.

He’d paraded me through the hotel, introducing me to a dozen other employees, enthusiastic about showing me the various clubs, which weren’t open yet, and the impressive casino. Since arriving in town, I’d never gambled once. Not even to drop a dollar’s worth of quarters in a slot machine.

My father had gotten trapped that way, almost losing the house because of the near addiction after the tremendous grief. Through a friend’s help and counseling, he’d gotten himself clean of the need, but it had taken a toll on more than just his finances.

My mind shifted to Jake for the last time. I made that promise to myself.

However, since I’d worked at a casino, I was shocked at the difference. I’d been in a shabby place in comparison; the exquisite chandeliers and the plush carpets, the wall sconces and white lights in various living trees were breathtaking.

Most impressive were the atrium and water feature located in the middle. It reminded me of pictures I’d seen of Monte Carlo, not Las Vegas. While there were tourists in shorts and tee shirts, I’d noticed there was an explicit dress code after five.

Suits and ties, cocktail dresses for the ladies.

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