Money wasn't an issue because I, as the eldest son, inherited my father's estate. His wealth assisted me in getting to where I am now. After murdering my father for good reason, I was never the same.
My violent side progressed, and that is when my bodyguard and uncle, along with a few of my mother's relatives, decided I should join the army. So, I did, and here I am today—an assassin who works for the CIA and some of the underbelly of society.
Yara pulled a chair next to me, pulling me out of my head. She looked over at Kitlyn, watching her intently.
“She is quite young, Atlas, and very plain-looking. What possessed you to kidnap her when you could have any woman you want?"
Including me. Say the word handsome, and I’ll crawl to you on my hands and knees.
I looked at her, keeping my anger concealed.
She is insulting my pet, and I don’t like it.
“She isn’t that young. She is 23. Old enough for what I want her for. I am only 7 years older than she is. She will learn a lot from me. Second, she is not plain by any means. I think she is beautiful. I saw something I liked and took it. Who was going to stop me? You know the power I have as far as the government goes. Hell, my real name isn’t even Atlas!"
I glanced at my girl for a second, watching her enjoy herself. I loved that she was smiling again.
I turned my attention back to Yara, speaking in a low tone.
"It was a name I chose when I signed on with the CIA. Only my brothers know my identity. I have worked with you for quite a few years, and you don’t even know who I am. All of you, including Jacob, know what my darkest proclivities entail, and I have never apologized for who and what I am."
I ran my fingers through my hair, wondering why I was even explaining myself to her, but I continued in a hushed tone. "You were with me the times she showed up under our radar. I consider her my property and will keep her, whether she likes the idea or not. Because we will all be spending a great deal of time together on the Island, I wanted to introduce you to her. I don’t want you to pity her or feel as though what I am doing is wrong."
She looked at me with a slight smile tugging at the corners of her mouth and licked her lips.
“I know your real name isn’t Atlas. I have always known. I didn’t mean to get your balls in a knot as far as the girl is concerned. I am just surprised that youhad to stoop to this level to find a plaything for your kinky side, that is all. In all honesty, and I mean this in the most respectful way, if you needed to let out the beast, I would have happily allowed you to whip my ass if that is what it took to keep you levelheaded. I am here for you, Atlas. You know that.”
God, you’re gorgeous.
I would willingly let you spank me without a fight.
I raised my brow, allowing what she said to sink into my brain. I smiled slightly, amused by her frankness.
"Well, thanks for the compliment, Yara, but you know that will never happen. You are my employee, and I consider you a friend. We have known each other for several years. We work well together. I would never jeopardize that relationship."
I grinned from ear to ear, my eyes burning into hers.
"Besides, you should be careful what you wish for. I can get pretty violent with a belt and a whip."
She looked confused, then turned her head to look at Kitlyn, sizing her up.
"And you think that little wisp of a girl can handle your violence? Come on, Atlas, she is petite compared to the regular women you mess with. I think you would break her in half."
I leaned in close, trying to hide my amusement because I couldn't believe we were having this conversation.
"She can handle me just fine. I never said I was as cruel to her, did I? Now, let's get off the subject of my sex life and get down to business, shall we?"
She turned on the charm, smiling sweetly.
"I apologize if I overstepped my boundaries. It won't happen again."
Chapter 24
Kitlyn
As I continued my laps across the pool, I watched Atlas with Yara. They were sitting at the tiki bar chatting. Although I tried my darndest to listen in on their conversation, I couldn't hear a damn word they were saying. I caught Yara stealing glances at me from time to time.
One didn't need a college degree to determine if I was part of their discussion. Maybe she was trying to talk him out of taking me with them to his island.
