Page 21 of Sweet Torture (Torture Games #1)

SIXTEEN

CHAOS

M ike waltzes into my office with no announcement.

And he knows I hate it.

“Hey there, boss. Ready to have a meeting about upcoming business?”

My thoughts have been circling the dynamic I face with Naz in my life. Not only has she disrupted my sex life, but I think I might be getting too attached to her.

Every waking breath is spent devising a way to see her again or doing something to earn her punishment. So far, the punishments have been tame and consisted mostly of me pleasing her, but I want to push her further. I want to see what she can really do.

If the aggressive nature I saw the other night is anything to go by, then there might be a slight possibility that I would enjoy her punishment .

“Are you even listening to me?” Mike snaps his fingers in front of my face.

“Why do you always have to be so irritating? Don’t you have some work to do?” I below.

Unfazed, he plops down in the seat before my desk.

“That is what I am trying to tell you. We need to discuss business, and you seem too distracted by pussy to do anything.” He leans forward suddenly, unaware of the dangerous grounds he is entering.

“You heard me. Ever since you met that woman, you have been neglecting your duties. As your second in command, I feel it is my right to tell you when you are fucking up. Ditch this broad and let’s get back to what is important. ”

I expel the air from my lungs forcefully, not only to show my displeasure but also to award me a sliver of patience.

He came highly recommended with his suave way of charming clients and his lack of morals.

But these days, I regret my decision to appoint him.

But I was starting to make a name for myself, and I needed the help.

Twelve years later, he has done nothing but excel and grate my nerves when it comes to Naz.

“Please enlighten me, Mike, have I ever commented on the low caliber woman you bring to every event?”

Mike snorts, “Please, have you seen how gorgeous they all were? And all of them were more than willing to take my dick. Isn’t that all you need from a woman?”

My blood begins to boil until I come to the realization that I would have agreed with this notion a few weeks ago. Now I only feel revulsion for the very idea that someone speaks this way of my Naz.

My Naz?

I need to stop this shit or I might lose my head completely.

Mike is still patiently waiting for me to agree with him, but I find that the words refuse to cross my lips. Therefore, I change the subject.

“What new business do we have coming in?”

Mike lights up and casually folds his hands on his lap before leaning back in his chair.

“Well, rumor is that there is a new player in town. He is Russian and might need a courier for his goods coming from overseas. I met him briefly at the Carter gala, and he said he would get in touch as soon as his setup here is established.”

I almost missed it. “Wait, you were at the Cater Gala? Why did I not see you?”

“I saw you come in with Miss Attitude and decided to steer clear of her for the evening. Honestly, I can’t phantom what you see in that woman.”

I ball my fist under the table and remember how bravely she defended me to a complete stranger, yet my partner has insulted her twice already, and I have done nothing.

But I need him. If I am to spend any more time with her, he needs to step in and take over for me.

Without him, I would need to put our relationship on pause. And do I really want to do that?

“How is Carter; has he given us any more problems?”

He swipes his finger across his nose, and it is a sure sign that he is lying. He is a terrible poker player, which is why I normally do all the negotiations myself.

“He knows who is boss. He has a shipment coming in tonight, and I presume it will go without a hitch.”

Interesting. Seems like Carter might have another gambit up his sleeve and tried to sneak it past me. Unfortunately for him, he entrusted his secrets to the wrong partner. As I have said before, loyalty is such a rare commodity these days.

“When and where is his shipment due?”

Mike hesitates, but one look into my piercing eyes convinces him that he won’t be falling for his bullshit like the rest.

“Tonight, eight o’clock at the docks. Our man is bringing in the goods by speedboat, and I have the key with me. I know the rules. Keep it locked up, but I will be working late and didn’t think it would be wise to get stuck in traffic.”

I hold out my hand, and with a displeased sigh, he pulls the key from his pocket and drops it in my hand.

“I will make sure he is satisfied with his delivery. Anything else?” I ask.

He shakes his head and gets up to leave, thinking better of it, and turning back for a last insult.

“Just think about it, man. She can’t be good for business, and you don’t want to get entangled with another untrustworthy woman. At least let me get that other guy to do a background check on her. You know he is legit because he is not on our payroll.”

I simply nod.

This must have been what Judas felt like after denying the truth three times.

Although I have a feeling I might prefer thirty lashes to pieces of silver.

I watch Mike close the door behind him, and I grab the phone to make a call.

“Damian, I need you tonight. At the docks. The meeting starts at eight. See then.”

“Griffin, what a surprise to see you here at the delivery of my shipment,” Carter states, disappointment clear from his expression.

The weather is lovely this time of year, but the spineless oaf has a scarf wrapped around his neck.

“You know me, Carter. Client satisfaction is my top priority. Couldn’t let your shipment get stolen like last time. But can we get this done already? I have a previous engagement,” I complain.

The sly jackal throws his arms open with a little bow. “Of course, I assume it would be with your lovely little lady.”

My head whips around, and I feel hot under the collar. “She is none of your business. Do you understand me?” I seethe.

“Naturally, I was deeply interested in the woman who finally captured your attention. She must be something special to be able to do that.” His words make me feel grimy.

“Yes, not like your daughter who throws tantrums every time daddy can’t give her what she wants,” I smirk.

He grimaces but quickly recovers. Too bad he doesn’t realize that nobody can pull the wool over my eyes. I have my father to thank for my ability to read a situation and assess the danger present. That is the only good thing that came from that bastard.

“Well, needless to say, I tried to do some research, and I think she may have misled you. There is no such thing as a ‘penile realignment officer.’”

His concern isn’t genuine, but how can he be so gullible? Is it sheer luck that helped this man build a diamond empire? No. There must be a hidden agenda for his stupidity.

“I beg to differ, Carter. I can personally assure you she is the best in the business. Do you think I would associate with her and settle for less?” My eyes dare him to defy me, and he stands down – like I knew he would.

“Well, in that case, it seems to be settled.” He turns toward the water when we hear the speedboat approach.

One of my underlings gets out of the boat after hitching the rope. He is dressed in all black and has a ski mask on. I couldn’t take the chance of Carter identifying someone in my organization and blackmailing them or worse. The man marches directly to me and hands me the package.

It is a lock box, and I have the only key.

I open it up and take out two velvet pouches to hand to Carter.

In my peripheral view, I see three of his men coming closer, and I know what he is planning. Once again, he has sorely underestimated me, and for that, he will pay dearly tonight.

I toss the lockbox, key and all, in the water and take a few seconds to watch it sink. “You know, Carter, I think I should keep this shipment. We can call it a good-faith payment – collateral, if you will.”

He snorts, and his cockiness is laughable. “And why would I do that? I obviously have the upper hand here. You are outnumbered and outsmarted, Maxwell. I knew one of these days, someone would teach you a lesson. I am just thrilled it is me. ”

He tosses the end of the scarf over his shoulder, a preposterous action. Is that his way of intimidating me? I can do better.

“Choose one man to live,” I demand.

He laughs, gesturing to his boys, saying I must be crazy.

“Choose or I choose for you.”

“Maxwell, my boy. Let’s not drag this silly game out. Give me the diamonds, and I might let you keep your hand.” Carter appears relaxed until my words intrude on his arrogance.

“Remember, this was your choice.” I lift my hand in the shape of a finger gun, and on my signal, Damian, my sniper on the roof of the bonding warehouse, takes out the first guy. I swing my hand to the next one and see him drop as well. I trust my guy, Russo, to take out the last man.

It takes me three steps to wrap my fingers around Carter’s throat and watch closely as fear seeps into his eyes.

“Is this the silly game you were talking about, Carter? Who would you say is the winner so far?” I demand while tightening my grip.

The pulse under my fingers beats rapidly, and the stench of cigar wafts in my face when he opens his mouth in a pitiful moan. “You do, Mr. Maxwell. I am so sorry, it will not happen again.”

“What, you won’t try to use my services and then cheat me out of what is rightfully mine? Do you think this is enough of a lesson for you?” My spittle hits his face, where it stays as I put more pressure on his windpipe and ignore his soft hands clawing at my arm.

Normally, I would have eased up by now. Many a man has met his maker with me staring into his face until death claims him by my hand.

Now, I feel disgusted by the amount of time I am wasting on this piece of trash when I could be with my girl and experience a completely different rush.

When his eyes start to flutter, I drop him to the ground, coughing and gasping for air.

My colleague has subdued his last man, and Carter faces the stark reality of what he attempted.

“I am taking this as a protection payment. You still owe me the fee for this transaction. I expect payment within the next half an hour. My colleague here will keep you company until that happens.”

He doesn’t look up to face me but nods before he winces. He likes wearing scarves so much, I just gave him a reason to. The marks my fingers left behind will take a few days to disappear.

“Lay your hand flat on the ground.”

His head whips up, and confusion bleeds into horror. “Please, I was just saying things. I would never…”

I bend down and get right in his face before I spit the words in his face, “I won’t say it again, you piece of shit. ”

He anxiously searches for a weapon in my hands, but I don’t need one.

Arm stretched out and hand hovering, I lift my knee high and crash my foot down on his hand.

My shoe grinds his fingers into the dirt while I revel in the tortured scream he emits. The sound of bones breaking fuels my satisfaction as I deeply inhale the sweet scent of his sweaty misery.

“That is for your daughter laying a hand on my woman. Thirty minutes. That’s all you get. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a dinner date.”

I nod in my man's direction; of course, he understands. He comes closer and hauls Carter up to escort him to his car and hopefully a secure laptop.

As I walk to my own car, my excitement builds, and I send a text.

I am on my way. Be ready.

Her message comes through instantly.

I will meet you at the restaurant. Can’t wait to see you, Chaos.

Chaos.

If she only knew the full extent, I would have to tell her before this relationship gets out of hand. But how can I be sure she won’t turn and run?

I think back to the night she manhandled the blonde, and a smile pulls at my lips.

No. I am sure Naz will be just fine.