Page 6 of If Tomorrow Never Comes

Ocean Eyesleadsme to an office in the same hallway as this bedroom.I wasn’t expecting that.An office? My mind conjured up somethingwayscarier than even my cell in the dungeon. He takes a seat at the desk, kicking his legs up and leaning back in the office chair. I stand there wondering what the hell I should be doing.

“Take a seat,Mariposita,” his lips purse together like he’s holding back some sort of inside joke. One I am most likely the butt of. He points to the turquoise leather chair in front of the desk.

With a sigh, I cross my arms over my chest and sit. “Where is Selena? I’m sure your sister feelsaccomplished…now that she’s managed to fool the entire Tri-State Syndicate… andme.” My voice cracks on the last part. I was naive to think Selena was my friend. Guess my mother was right—I am too trusting of people, always seeing the good in them. It’s just who I am. I don’t know if that will ever change, even after all of this.

That is…if thereisan after.

“Oh, she’s pleased with herself alright.” Diego brings his index fingers together like he is holding a gun, or praying, and taps his lips. I can’t decipher if he’s happy about that or not. Italmost sounds like he is being sarcastic. Those intense eyes of his survey me again.

“You clean up nice.” He shoots me a wink.

I scowl, bearing my teeth at him like a wild animal.

“Settle down,Mariposita.I like my women willing and acquiescent. It’s only a matter of time before you’ll be begging me to kiss you. Then totouchyou, relieving that ache between your legs. The ache that you’re confused about feeling right now. Eventually, I’ll have you under me, screaming my name so loudly you’ll forget all about your man. About your old life. The only thing that will matter to you anymore will be that you experience the kind of pleasure you deserve.Every. Fucking. Night. With the kind of man who can give it to you. I’ll show you pleasure you never knew existed…in my bed, on this desk—” he glides a finger across it “—and on every surface of this island I can find to claim you on. Until then, I won’t touch you.”

“Pig,” I shout, my voice finding its strength. Heat swarms my cheeks. How dare he! I willneverfuck him. He’s delusional.

An egotistical. Self-righteous. Smug.Asshole.

He’s out of his chair so fast, I almost forget to breathe. Then he’s in my face. Solid arms wrapped in cords of tendons and veins rest on the arms of my chair. The leather groans between my legs under the weight of his knee pressing into it. His frame towers over me as he leans in to whisper. My heart pumps faster at the tingle of his minty breath fanning across the shell of my ear. Goosebumps start sprouting up across my battered skin.

“Hmm…I don’t think that’s the name you’ll be crying out in my bed. MaybeGod…but that’s not the one either…try again. I’ll give you a hint—it’s something a littlelonger. Some would say it’s a nickname. Any ideas?”

The words sit heavily on the edge of my tongue.No. It can’t be.

He’s goading me.

Taunting me.

“My name isEl Rompe Huesos.” He pulls away just enough to watch the fear cloud my eyes.

“But you can call me Diego,Mariposita.”Jesus Christ.Diego’s smile turns menacing. Yet for some reason, I don’t feel threatened.

Scared?Yes. Fearing for my life?No.

I refuse to bow down to this man. He wants me to submit, to break me. Well, guess what?I fucking refuse. I’m done being incapable of taking care of myself. Of needing to be saved. I’ll save my damn self. My eyes raise to meet his in disobedience and challenge.

Now that the lighting is better, I notice the complexity and uniqueness of his eyes. They are even more beautiful up close. Swirls of sapphire and blue topaz fight for dominance in his irises. There's an explosion of cobalt fireworks surrounding his pupils.Stunning. They remind me of the view of the Caribbean Ocean. The depths of them, so clear, I can see my reflection.

Instead of horror—which should be written across my face—there’s curiosity and awe of the man in my personal space. Diego drops his gaze to my lips, and whether he realizes it or not, he licks his own.

“You aren’t going to touch me.” It wasn’t a question—rather, confirmation.

“As much as I would love to get a taste of you right now…I won’t touch you. Not until you ask me.”

“Trust me, Diego.I never will. You’ll be as good as dead by the time Liam gets here.” His pupils flare at my threat and his hands grip the armrests tighter.

“Here’s the deal. I need you to do something for me. Don’t ask questions. If you listen, you will be rewarded. You no longer have to stay down in your cell. You will also have access to a bed, shower, regular meals, and some freedom to enjoy the island as well as the pool.”

“And if I don’t do as you ask?” The muscle in his jaw pulses.I’m not sure how much more I should poke the grizzly bear. He got the nicknameThe Bone Breakerfor a reason. I’m lucky that he’s infatuated with me or I’m certain my defiance would have gotten me killed already. He needs me alive for something.

“If you don’t…then maybe I’ll let Geraldo get his wish.” Diego’s eyebrow raises, daring me to question what that wish is. My stomach somersaults, knowingexactlywhat that vile man desires. Either my death or my pussy.I’d gladly give him the first before I ever give him the latter.

“That’s what I thought,Mariposita.” Releasing the chair, he steps back and offers me his hand.

A warm bed, real food, and a shower sound amazing. Especially now that I had a small taste of life outside my cage. I accept his outstretched hand. He tugs hard, pulling me flush against him, making his desire apparent. An impressive length nudges firmly against my stomach. Before I get the chance to say something snarky, he leads me out of the office and back down the staircase. We keep moving until we reach the door to the dungeon.

I don’t understand.

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