Compelled Obedience: A Dark Mafia Billionaire Romance (Carnal Sins Book 3), page 1
COMPELLED OBEDIENCE
PIPER STONE
CONTENTS
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Epilogue
Afterword
Books of the Tainted Regime Series
Books of the Ruthless Empire Series
Books of the Carnal Sins Series
Books of the Kings of Corruption Series
Books of the Sinners and Saints Series
Books of the Benedetti Empire Series
Books of the Merciless Kings Series
Books of the Mafia Masters Series
Books of the Edge of Darkness Series
Books of the Dark Overture Series
Books of the Club Darkness Series
More Mafia and Billionaire Romances by Piper Stone
Books of the Missoula Bad Boys Series
Books of the Montana Bad Boys Series
Books of the Eagle Force Series
Books of the Dangerous Business Series
Books of the Alpha Dynasty Series
Books of the Alpha Beasts Series
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Copyright © 2023 by Stormy Night Publications and Piper Stone
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Published by Stormy Night Publications and Design, LLC.
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Stone, Piper
Compelled Obedience
Cover Design by Korey Mae Johnson
This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies only, intended for adults.
PROLOGUE
Kerri
“Ker-ri.”
The single singsong word was barely more than a dangerous whisper, the tone thick with the effects of tequila and beer. It was a dangerous combination for a man with a horrible temper. I’d seen it in action more than once, his savagery leaving bruises and cuts on my mother. She was so small, incapable of defending herself. I’d tried and failed, bearing scars for my efforts.
The fucker preyed on the helpless, enjoying every moment of tormenting them with whatever disgusting method he chose for the night.
And tonight, I’d become his prey.
He was furious, a deal gone wrong as so many of them had lately. When he didn’t get what he wanted or didn’t win at the tables, his moods worsened, his appetite increasing. I knew the signs, had learned years before how to avoid any contact.
But I’d been careless, and he’d known I was there watching him.
The creaking sound thrust my heart into my throat, my entire body shaking from repulsive apprehension.
I opened my eyes, taking several deep breaths. Please. Please. Please. Even without his announcement, I’d know the sound anywhere, the loose board only three feet away from my bedroom door. I held my breath, staring at the window as lightning flashed in the distance.
I could pray but no amount of wishing or hoping would get me out of this.
If I could just get through tonight, then we’d be free. Free to start a new life. Free from watching my mother wither away. And free from his repulsive touch. One more night but this time I would do it my way. I could do it. I was a strong girl, more so than anyone understood. I had our bags packed, money tucked away, a destination secured.
You’re strong. You can get through this.
All I needed to do was fade into the blissful music that kept me sane. I started to hum softly as I curled into a ball. Tears filled my eyes but I refused to allow the bastard to win. No one would ever hurt me again. I’d make certain of it.
When I heard a creaking sound just outside the door, I stiffened.
No. No. No…
Then he opened the door.
There was no lock. It wasn’t allowed. Even if there was, he’d break it easily, refusing to be kept in a cage. He was a dangerous man and that my mother hadn’t left him disgusted me. She was too weak, her only method of fighting him falling into drugs and alcohol. Sadly, I didn’t blame her. I glanced at the bed, thankful I’d had a premonition tonight would be the night. The lump looked enough like me I could get a jump, but my timing had to be perfect.
If I knocked him out long enough, I could get Mama and our things and get the fuck out here. Then he’d never find us.
“Well. Well. The perfect little doll likes to watch. Don’t cha? Did you get an eyeful, baby girl? That’s what happens to snitches and people who fuck with me.” He swaggered inside, closing the door behind him. “I think it’s time you and I had a talk. Don’t you?”
Fear tore through me, my heart racing. His breathing was labored, the sound rattled. I sensed his rage and desire, another dangerous combination.
Tonight I’d followed him, hiding inside a warehouse, unable to get away. And I’d watched him murder a man in cold blood. I’d held my breath as blood dripped from horrific wounds, gashes created by my stepfather’s intricate knife work.
I’d covered my ears when the man had screamed in agony, the sound still echoing in my head.
And I’d cinched my eyes shut when I’d seen the flash of steel from the machete.
Now I would pay the price for knowledge.
The door was closed, his footsteps drawing closer.
Then I heard the brutal man unfastening his belt.
“I think it’s time we got to know each other better, don’t you, my sweet little Kerri?” He moved closer, yanking the comforter away, the pillow molded in the shape of my body pitched aside. “What the fuck? Where are you, you fucking whore?” He spun around, his rage uncontrollable.
Then my fist connected with the asshole’s nose as soon as I lunged from the shadows. The crunch of bone from his nose shattering was satisfying, maybe more than it should be. The brass knuckles had been an excellent purchase. I took another swing, catching him in the jaw.
And down he went.
The darkness prevented me from seeing blood seeping from his nose, but the coppery stench filtering into my nostrils was delicious nonetheless.
I wanted for a few seconds, controlling my breathing as I listened to his. Then I headed for the door.
The hard snap around my leg and the quick jerk brought me down with a hard thump, my head bouncing off the hardwood floor.
Moaning, I scrambled to get to my feet only to have the bastard almost snap my neck when he grabbed my hair, pitching me onto my back. Then he crawled over me, straddling my thighs and pinning them down.
“I like it when you fight, little girl. Tonight, you’re going to learn what it feels like to be with a man.”
Even as a scream bubbled from my chest, I realized no one was coming to help me. There was no one who could ever save me.
And all I could think about was how much I wanted to die.
CHAPTER 1
Nine years later…
Kerri
“Thanks, Mike. I’m sorry I interrupted your beauty sleep.” I sounded as exhausted as I felt, my eyes burning from the long day. I grabbed the grocery bag, thankful his small store still stayed open twenty-four/seven. They were rare in small neighborhoods given the security difficulties. Violent crimes were on the rise again.
“God knows I need it too but no worries, Kerri. So, you got yourself another job?” He gave me a lust-filled look even though he knew his flirtation wouldn’t go anywhere. I’d shut down any concept of dating almost a year before.
Reality was a cold, hard bitch, but it was something I’d been forced to face. I’d wanted so much out of my life but there were no dreams left inside of me, only the bitterness that would eventually eat me alive. I’d fought valiantly to try to create a better life, but after the fifth form email telling me I wouldn’t be allowed an audition, I’d finally had enough. There was also no Prince Charming riding in on an ebony steed ready to sweep me off my feet. That didn’t happen to a girl like me.
Hence, taking the job at the Blackout Club. While I wasn’t stripping, I might as well be given the ridiculous outfits I was required to wear.
I’d left the club still wearing my costume, although I’d ripped the kitten mask off my face as soon as I’d walked outside. I couldn’t imagine what kind of fantasies Mike would have after crawling into bed. “Yeah, you know how it goes.”
“I sure do. Take care and say hello to Casey for me.”
“I will.” As I walked out onto the sidewalk, I took a deep breath. After dancing all night in the thigh-high boots, my feet were shot. Only the rush of adrenaline had kept me going. I had a feeling on my hike back to the apartment it would wear off.
Only six blocks. You can do it. You’re a superstar.
The pep talk was lame as fuck. I rolled my eyes and headed toward the street, yanking the thin coat around my waist. With it being so late, thankfully there was limited traffic. That didn’t mean people weren’t awake and watching. I could feel eyes on me coming from every direction. I’d learned to be very observant, and I was certain one of the night crawlers had slithered out of his hiding place, interested in the female in fuck-me boots.
A few seconds later confirmed my suspicions.
Tink!
Instantly, hairs rose on the back of my neck. I stopped for a few seconds, which was a stupid thing to do, horror movie stupid, but my breath was instantly ripped from my body. I couldn’t allow the fear to claw into my system. After swallowing, I quickly glanced over my shoulder. As if the boogeyman was going to offer me a few seconds head start before dragging me into the darkness for a little sexy time before slicing my throat.
Seeing nothing, I picked up my speed, crossing the street early instead of maintaining the same path. I’d been stupid not to wait until in the morning, but very little calmed Casey down when he was having a fit. Chocolate milk for the win.
I was stupid to think I could walk the six blocks without an issue. I’d prayed that being after one in the morning, I could get away with it.
Footsteps. I was certain I heard them falling in behind me.
Nights like tonight made me rethink my decision to stay in LA.
Why had I abandoned the car? Oh, yeah, because it was the last space near the apartment and because I needed to save gas. Crazy. I was nuts.
Tink. Tink.
Metal hitting metal. I was as certain of it as I was the person was getting closer. The jerk was smacking something into every light post he passed. Two more blocks and I’d be home free. The neighborhood wasn’t considered particularly dangerous, although the various gangs were eating up real estate, forcing good people to close up their shops and move their families elsewhere. I didn’t have the luxury of doing that.
Just like I didn’t have the luxury of being able to drive everywhere. Conserving gas had become another method of trying to save every penny, something I needed even while working two jobs. It was exhausting, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
I picked up my pace, which seemed to entice the person behind me. Laughter floated in my direction, dark and ominous as if a promise of things to come. I pulled my purse closer, trying not to be obvious about sticking my hand inside, yanking out my small can of mace.
One more block.
“I like it when you fight, little girl. Tonight, you’re going to learn what it feels like to be with a man.”
Fear tore through me in an unexpected way, the threatening voice seeming to be right beside me, even if I knew better. An ugly dream from the night before had driven me to the horrible moment in the past, the one I swore I’d never return to again.
I could swear I felt the asshole breathing down my neck. Keep walking. Don’t stop. You can make it. No, I had to make it. I was the only person Casey had in his life. While fear crawled into every muscle, I’d never allow myself to become a victim of anything and wouldn’t do so now because some piece of scum was taunting me.
“I think you and me need to party, pretty bitch. You got de boots. Ya got de hair. I bet you got a hot pussy. I feel de need to lick it. Fuck it.”
Christ. One of those. His voice was low and husky, grating to the point my nerves were frazzled. I ignored him, although murderous thoughts raced through my mind. The fucker didn’t want to bother me. Not tonight. I was already on the edge, my sanity slipping a little bit further into the abyss.
“Come on, sweet thing. Suck. My. Cock.”
Hold on. Recognition threatened to explode in my brain.
I almost stopped again. Keep going. His voice sounded familiar. One of my students? No, that wasn’t possible. Or was it? I was certain I’d heard it before. Ignoring him was my best option. I didn’t have far to go. At least the block where my apartment was located was well lit, several streetlights adding an eerie yellow glow to the worn-down buildings.
“Hey, bitch. I’m talking to you.”
Click!
I’d lived in the dark bowels of the city long enough to know the sound of a switchblade being opened. Without hesitation, I spun around, aiming the nozzle of mace where I believed his face would be. Why hadn’t I brought my knife? I made a promise that I’d never go out at night again without carrying it with me. It had been the first purchase I’d made after leaving Vegas, a gift for all the horrors I’d endured before being set free. “Fuck you,” I managed.
As the spray hit the dude in the eyes, I had a sense of satisfaction, even sporting a slight smile. But it was short lived. He howled, screaming obscenities and I took two steps back before sprinting the rest of the way, struggling to get my keys into the lock on the outside door of my apartment building.
Relief flooded me when I managed to jerk it open, ready to flee to safety.
Then I heard his voice, the deep growl he issued. “Bitch. He knows where you live. Watch your back.”
I slammed the door behind me, pushing myself against the wall so I could try to catch my breath. The warning wasn’t typical for a gangster out for a good time or to grab some quick cash. And I wasn’t some random chick. I’d heard the warning before. The kid was nothing but a paid messenger. I was certain of it.
Someone was out there. Waiting. Watching.
Preparing to strike.
Shaking all over, I tried to shove the ugly thoughts aside. Casey couldn’t see me like this. He’d freak out. After taking several deep breaths, I headed up the stairs to my third floor apartment, almost calm by the time I unlocked the door. I could hear him wailing from where I stood. That wasn’t good. My caretaker had called me in a panic, her usual methods of calming him down failing. Thank God my neighbors were understanding, but I knew their patience could last but for so long.
At least it had been a few weeks since he’d had an occurrence. Why tonight? He’d been doing so well, but I’d sensed an episode coming on. I’d almost called in sick from my new job, but I needed the money too badly.
Rebecca immediately rose from the chair, her demeanor highlighting how frazzled she was. “I’m sorry I had to call you,” she said. “I tried everything. Reading. Cuddling. His favorite movies.”
“It’s okay. Thank you for staying longer than expected. I’m glad you called. I’m so sorry he was such a handful.” The college-aged girl was a godsend, one of very few people Casey could tolerate.
She nodded and I sensed she wanted to say something else, but I moved past her into the small kitchen, grabbing a glass then tearing open the carton of milk. Right now, I couldn’t take anything else thrown my way, my limit reached when my broken-down POS of a car had needed some work done.
My hand was shaking as I poured the liquid, enough so several precious drops spilled. The half-gallon would need to do until I got paid from my new job. The money from teaching was already spoken for.
And then some.
As soon as I walked into Casey’s room, he stopped moaning. His fists were still balled, his face covered in tears. “Hey, buddy. I’m here. Look what I brought you as a surprise.”
“Kerwi.” His face was beet red, his room a mess from where he’d thrown a fit. I didn’t have the energy to clean up at this point, the exhaustion starting to take a toll.
