Captured by the Criminal (Taken)

My legs spread wider as he grips my ass, letting him have all of me. His other hand is fisted in my hair as he pounds into me from behind.

I’m his, and I’ll forever be his.

I kind of think I’ve always been.

“Bishop called.”

The words hang in the air. Costi doesn’t say anymore. It’s like as soon as the words rushed out of his mouth, an ominous cloud settled over us.

“Oh,” is all I can say.

He wraps his arms around my shoulders, bringing me in closer to his chest for a hug. “Everything will be ok.”

“I know it will.” A speck of doubt nags at the corners of my mind, despite my positive attitude. A small part of me feels like this looming demise is waiting for me as soon as I let my guard completely down.

“He’ll want to meet with me first, and I’ll need to show him I do indeed have you. So, ready to make a video?”

I shrug. “I suppose. What type of video?”

He releases me and walks over to the kitchen counter, grabbing a newspaper. “I just need you to state your name and hold up the paper.”

“Sounds easy enough.” I nibble the corner of my lip. “Are you sure this is going to work?”

He kisses my forehead, handing me the paper. “Yes.” He cups my cheek with one hand. “B, I won’t let anyone hurt you. If Bishop lays one finger on you, I’ll scorch the earth until he’s dead.” He leans in and kisses my lips, making my heart flip in my chest.

My nerves are all over the place, but I trust Costi to not let anything go wrong. However, I know Bishop, and I know the type of man he is. He’s not a good one.

I’ll need to stay alert and make sure I can protect myself.

“One more thing,” Costi says.

“What’s that?”

“Don’t look so in love with me.” He grins, attempting to lighten the solemn mood.

I smile, smacking him with the paper. “Who said I was in love with you?”

He captures me in his strong arms. “I say it. You’re in love with me, Bianca. You always have been.” He leans in, cutting off any response with his succulent lips. Not that I mind. His statement rings true in my heart, but I don’t know if I can voice the words just yet. Does he feel the same?

Is it how he knows how I feel?

He breaks the kiss and leans back, searching for something in my eyes. “Tell me I’m right.”

I remain silent and he kisses me again, only harder this time. Rougher. Like he wants me to say he’s right more than anything in the world.

And he is right.

I keep kissing him, hoping he can figure out the answer without me saying it.

“If you don’t tell me right now, Bianca, I’ll go completely insane.” His breathing is ragged and the look in his eyes is pure fire.

“I love you,” I whisper to him, my body heating, knowing there’s no turning back from this moment.

He studies me, his mouth so close to mine. As if he can’t breathe, he kisses me. It’s passionate, needy, so desperate. His hands plunge into my hair, and he tugs me closer.

I’ll never be able to get enough of him, and I briefly think about what our life in Miami will be like.

He pulls away, his eyes roaming over my body. “It’s always been you, Bianca.” And then he heads toward the door, not turning back.

Eighteen

Costi

* * *

It’s showtime. I exited the house right after making the video of Bianca. If I had stayed, I’m not sure I would have ever wanted to leave her. I can’t help feasting on her body, taking what’s mine. Claiming all of her.

Hearing her tell me she loved me will go down as the greatest moment of my life.

I travel down the road with Knox in the passenger seat. He hangs on to the oh-shit handle above the window as I take each turn down the mountain at top speed so I can get to the marina and meet with Bishop. I’m not sure what I’m going to say, but I have to make him believe Bianca means nothing to me.

I need to keep my emotions in check when he talks about all the horrible things he’ll do to her once he has her. Because I know for a fact, none of it will ever happen.

He’ll never have her.

“Once we get there, I’ll do all the talking,” I tell Knox.

He looks over at me. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

I know what he’s thinking. He’s thinking my emotions will get the better of me when Bishop even breathes Bianca’s name.

“I’ll be fine.” I take a deep breath, making sure I will be exactly what I say I will. “Just keep your gun ready.” I nod to the Glock he’s got holstered on his belt.