I didn’t deign to spare my attention to any of the onlookers, allowing them to observe without groveling for their approval.
When I reached my throne—an ostentatious piece fashioned of crimson velvet upholstery and intricately carved ebony—I settled in with my usual arrogant smile. I gripped Carmen’s waist and arranged her on my lap. She tensed for the space of a second, so I instantly shattered her budding indignation with a sharp nip to her ear.
She gasped and shuddered, softening against me when I traced the abused area with my tongue.
“Settle, pet,” I murmured in her ear, using the silkier, dangerous tone that made her tremble. There would be no subtle orders or coaxing tonight; her absolute surrender would be ruthlessly enforced, and I’d already mapped out all the specific triggers that made her submit.
“You seem to have matters well in hand,” Adrián Rodríguez drawled, his pale green eyes glinting as he studied Carmen’s relaxed posture in my arms.
He claimed the seat to my right, joining me without an invitation. The sadistic Colombian drug lord didn’t require my permission. The balance of power in our relationship allowed him to do as he pleased.
Rodríguez didn’t control me, but my empire was greatly enriched by our relationship. He had chosen me to oversee the trafficking of his cocaine through Mexico and into the States, giving me a healthy cut of his profits in exchange for my services.
And his backing had provided me with the opportunity to destroy Pedro Ronaldo and seize control of my enemy’s operation on the west coast.
“Adrián.” I greeted him with my signature jovial grin. “I’m so glad you could make it to my little celebration tonight. I wasn’t certain if you would be able to accept my invitation on such short notice.”
He didn’t return my smile. Adrián Rodríguez wasn’t known for his pleasant demeanor. Instead, he allowed his frozen features to exude cold menace.
“I wanted to come and check on my investment personally,” he replied coolly. “The shipments I expect from Lázaro Cárdenas have been less frequent than usual. I trust that won’t be a problem for much longer.” It wasn’t a question; it was a warning.
Carmen stiffened slightly at the mention of her former territory, but I gentled her by applying pressure against her more subtle, vulnerable points. Hours of practice allowed my fingers to locate the little triggers with exacting precision, manipulating her into relaxation.
“There’s nothing to worry about, my friend.” I waved his concern away. “Some resistance is to be expected, but I’m swiftly removing any impediments that might disrupt our business. I’ll have everything running smoothly within a month.”
His predator’s gaze trailed over Carmen. Rather than eyeing her with lustful interest, he made a keen assessment of her thoroughly conquered posture.
He raised his voice slightly, ensuring that the circling sharks could hear his declaration of support over the music. “I have confidence that our relationship will continue to be profitable for us both.”
My sharp grin came completely naturally. There was no need to regulate my expression of savage pleasure in my victory.
“I believe this calls for a celebratory drink,” I announced, amplifying my own volume so that my associates would heed my call for their direct attention.
A scantily clad, buxom blonde materialized at my side instantly, offering a crystal glass of Carmen’s favorite mezcal. My allies gathered in a loose semicircle around where Rodríguez and I held court. The ones who didn’t already have drinks in hand were quickly provided with them. This toast was not optional.
When everyone had a full glass, I tipped my own in Rodríguez’s direction. “Adrián.” I addressed him with warm informality. “I’ve always valued our lucrative business dealings, but I consider our relationship to be so much more that than. I’m so pleased that you were able to make it to our little celebration tonight, and you are always more than welcome in my home. To friendship.”
Rodríguez lifted his own glass, but he remained silent while everyone around us echoed, “to friendship.” His strange, pale eyes remained fixed on mine as we both sipped our drinks.
Despite his menacing aura, I wasn’t wary of him. He had no reason to turn his malevolence on me when I was ensuring that business ran more smoothly than ever.
My rivalry with Pedro Ronaldo had made Rodríguez’s dealings with our cartels more challenging. He had ambitious associates of his own who tried to exert their influence over the Ronaldo Cartel in order to subvert his iron grip on his organization. Now that he had placed full control of Pedro’s former territory in my hands, our long-standing alliance meant that he no longer needed to concern himself with power struggles that might hamper his product’s flow through Mexico.
I broke from Rodríguez’s gaze and turned my focus on Carmen, leveraging the moment and fully commanding everyone’s attention.
My fingers slid into her hair, gripping the raven strands and guiding her to tip her head back. I lifted my glass to her lips, forcing her to take part in the toast to my victory over her cartel.