The inmates obsession, p.1
The Inmate’s Obsession, page 1
The Inmate’s Obsession
Alexa Riley
Contents
The Inmate’s Obsession
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
Epilogue
Guarding His Obsession
Chapter 1
Read Me Romance
Stalk the Author
Copyright © 2021 by Author Alexa Riley LLC. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email to riley_alexa@aol.com
http://alexariley.com/
Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.
Edited by Aquila Editing
The Inmate’s Obsession
by Alexa Riley
When Sienna O’Neal’s father ends up behind bars, she’s all alone in the world. Visiting him at the prison is all she has left, but when a fight breaks out and she’s the target, she doesn’t expect to be rescued by another inmate.
Kai Tupuola has learned to go without while in prison. But one look at the pretty brunette and he won’t be denied. How much would it cost to have the guards turn their back? Claiming her in a cell isn’t ideal, but he’ll do whatever it takes to get what he wants.
Warning: Was this book inspired by Love After Lockup? We’re not saying yes, but we did a lot of research for this epic tale.
For Jom.
Chapter One
Sienna
The metal gates are twice as wide as the SUV I’m sitting in and even taller than that. They’re covered with barbed wire on the top and sealed all the way to the cinder block wall. When they start to slide open I’m almost amazed they’re able to. They look heavy and scary as they grant us entry into the prison. I try and keep my expression blank, knowing my emotions often show too easily. My fingers itch to fidget with the seam of my dress, but I don’t give in. My dad always said it’s what gives me away when I’m nervous. How can I not be nervous? I’m a bundle of emotions all at once. Excited, sad, and even scared, which makes my heart heavy.
I haven’t only lost my dad behind bars, I’ve been placed in a prison too. The only difference is my prison is on an estate with a full staff that can get me anything I need at a moment's notice. My dad tells me there’s no reason to leave the estate because anything I could ever want is available to me. If only that were true. I’m never alone in that mansion, but I’ve never been lonelier.
Sitting in the back of the blacked-out SUV, I glance around at the four hulking men surrounding me. There’s one on each side and then two in the front. I’m sure there’s another vehicle following us, but it’s being discreet. My dad might be in prison, but he still somehow manages his men on both sides of the wall. Their loyalty to him is unbreakable.
Marco pulls the SUV around to the two double doors where visitors are supposed to enter. As soon as we come to a stop, all the men but him exit the car. A moment later they give me the all clear signal and I get out. When I’m out of the vehicle I stare up at the ominous building in front of me, hating that my dad is in there. He’s all I have left in this world, and he’s in a cage.
I reach up and touch the locket around my neck, and it gives me strength. Inside is a picture of me with my mom from so many years ago. We lost her when I was only four, and I often wonder if my memories of her are real. Sometimes I think I only have them because Dad always tells me stories about me and her together.
“This is as far as we can go, Sienna,” Tom says stiffly.
“Thank you,” I say automatically as I step forward.
I can sense the tension all around them, but I didn’t expect anything less. They aren’t happy that they can't come inside with me to be my shadow. They’ve all gotten so extreme with my safety since my dad went to prison. The only place I’m ever truly alone is my bedroom, and even then, there’s always someone right outside my door. It’s suffocating.
The double doors open for me, and I walk through. This is my third visit here, but I can only come as often as it’s allowed. I’m the one person my dad has on his approved list, and I’m not sure if it’s because he only wants to see me or because his men aren’t allowed in. I don’t ask because I know they won’t tell me the answer. Maybe one day I’ll get used to being in the dark.
“O’Neal,” the guard barks. “Back again to see your prison daddy.” He chuckles at his own stupid joke.
I don’t respond. Instead, I stand on the other side of the glass waiting for him to slip my paperwork through the slot to sign. He stares at me for a long moment, and I stare back. I’m not looking at him but focusing on something behind him to try and calm my anxiety. As much as I want some freedom, it scares the crap out of me too.
My dad is an underground king that can make people piss themselves when he walks into a room. I, however, get overwhelmed with anxiety when someone is only looking at me. Keeping me locked away at the estate doesn’t help me overcome it. It’s rare that I have to deal with someone that isn’t on his payroll, and because of that I don’t have much experience with someone being a jerk to me.
“Still a snotty bitch, I see.” He pushes the papers towards me.
I grab the pen and scribble my name down. A few other guards linger behind him, and I wonder if he’ll be here the next time I come. I’m sure there are several people in here on my dad’s payroll. If either of the guards watching happen to work for my dad, he’ll be lucky if he gets to keep his tongue.
The door buzzes a moment later, and I step back. One of the female officers steps over and pats me down. After that I walk through a metal detector and another body scan. In all honesty I’m a bit surprised my dad even lets me come here to see him. His lawyers have been fighting for bail, but that isn’t going to happen. They think he’s a flight risk and they’re right—he is.
Walking down the long white hallway, a lump forms in my throat. I can’t help but think about my dad in this place and how he may never get out of here. I have no idea what I will do then, but I can’t stay behind the walls of the family estate for the rest of my life.
Another buzz sounds before the last door swings open, and then I smile. I walk past the guards and go straight to my dad on the other side of the room. He stands from the round table and engulfs me in a tight hug. I rest my head on his chest, willing myself not to cry. As much as he can drive me crazy, I love him. This hug right now and the one I’ll give him before I leave are the only times we’re allowed to touch.
“Missed you, sugar.” His voice is raspy, but it’s a comfort to my heart.
“Missed you too, Dad.” He kisses the top of my head before we break apart and sit down at the table. “How are things?”
“Same old shit. Nothing new to report. How are your classes?” He quickly changes the subject off himself, because he doesn’t like to involve me in his business.
I enrolled in some online courses so I wouldn’t go out of my mind while I was at the estate. “They're fine. Any update from your lawyer?” If he can change the subject, I can change it right back.
“You don’t need to think about things like that.” It’s way too late for that.
I worry my bottom lip between my teeth. I think his response would be so different if I were his son instead of his daughter. Then again, I’m not sure if I want to be a part of this life more than I already am.
Peeking over at the table next to us, I see a couple having a hushed fight. Today is the busiest I’ve ever seen it, but that’s probably because it’s the weekend. I don’t know if it’s all the people in this room or that I don’t have a bunch of men hanging around guarding me, but my stomach is nervous.
It feels like someone is watching me, and when I turn my head, I see him. Cold blue eyes are focused on me, and I’m too stunned to look away. The muscled man makes no effort to hide that he’s staring at me, and I can’t look away. He’s got dark, tanned skin with tattoos that mark up his arms and disappear under the navy-blue prison uniform. He’s so big, it looks like he’s sitting on a child's seat instead of a regular-sized chair. Another man sits across from him saying something, and although the prisoner nods, he hasn’t taken his eyes off me.
“Sienna, are you listening to me?”
“What?” I jerk my attention back to my dad, and he smiles softly. He always teases me that I get lost in my own head.
“Did you think about the Espositos’ offer?”
“Not really.” I try not to grimace.
“I thought you liked Carlo.”
“I mean, he was nice the few times I met him.” I don’t think being nice is a good enough reason to marry someone, but I don’t say that to my dad. Plus, everyone is always nice to me because of who he is.
“He wou
“Because he wanted to, or out of fear?” I’m surprised to find myself challenging my dad.
My eyes flicker back to the blue-eyed man. He’s no longer staring in my direction, and a weird disappointment curls inside of me. Clearly, I’ve been isolated for too long because I’m trying to get the attention of a ruggedly handsome convict.
“Does it matter?” he asks. “He would be loyal to you, and he comes from a good family.”
I hate that he’s pushing this, and it scares me. Does he think he’s never getting out of here and now he needs to find me lifelong protection?
“Dad. I know you’re only bringing up marriage because you’re worried about me, and I get that. But I just can’t. I want to be with someone who loves me, and not out of obligation.” I smile softly and shrug. “You can blame yourself for that one.” Then I touch my locket to drive home my point. The way he always speaks of Mom is what I want from a husband. I want him to be loyal to me because he wants to be and because I’m his entire world.
“I know but…” He trails off, sitting up straighter, then tilts his head like he’s listening to something.
As I follow his line of sight, I swear I hear someone whisper my name. There are two inmates talking between tables, which I know is against the rules. At the same time, they both glance my way and one smirks. Then he winks at me, and my stomach turns.
When I look back at my dad, his whole demeanor has changed. “I think it’s time for you to go, sugar.” I shouldn't question him, but I only get a little time with him each week, and I don’t want to go already.
“Why? I still have time.”
“You motherfucker!” It’s shouted across the room, making me jump.
An inmate springs to his feet and tackles the man that smirked at me. I look around, expecting the guards to come rushing over, but they don’t.
Instead, all hell breaks loose.
Chapter Two
Kai
“I don’t know how much longer you’re going to get our support,” Sam says from across the table but I just nod. “Kai,” he tries again, and when the dark-haired girl looks away, I give him my attention.
“We’ve been planning this for two years, Sam. I’m not stopping until it’s finished.”
“I can’t give you much more time.”
Glancing around the room, I clock the prisoners and who is getting a visitor. Every time I make a scan, my eyes go back to her. Sienna O’Neal. Daughter of Leo O’Neal, the most powerful man in the world. You’d have to be living under a rock or be some boring investment banker to not know who she is. She’s the king's daughter, and the most powerful player in the game. One day she’ll be queen, but not until he hands over the crown.
I’ve seen pictures of her before, but always from long distances and most of them when she was little. She’s grown into a woman since the trial, and I can see the god that gave her curves was generous. Her ass fills the seat and then some, and I clench my fists. Fuck, I haven’t had a woman in years, and this little slice of sweetness comes in here with thighs thicker than a milkshake. A man would have to push hard to get between them, and I’m just that kind of man. There’s nothing to do in here but work out, and I’ve got muscles on top of muscles. A big girl like her would feel good riding my dick. I like weight on a woman, something to hold on to.
Two inmates on the other side of the room keep leaning over and talking to one another. I check the guards, and they’re by the door pretending they don’t see it. One of them says her name and then they laugh. I watch the guys a little longer, and my senses sharpen as I see one of the inmates wink at her.
It’s time for her to go. That’s the thought I have right before one of the inmates screams.
“Kai!” Sam shouts as the room erupts into chaos, and I tackle an inmate coming in my direction.
There’s no alarm for lockdown, and I don’t hear guards getting the civilians out. That tells me this was planned, and it’s much worse than I thought.
“Get down!” I shout at Sam as I punch the guy who tried to get past me. Sam gets under the table as I look around the room, searching for her.
Every inmate is either in the fight or protecting their visitor, but the guards turn their backs as people begin to shout. When I see Sienna and her father in the middle of the crowd, I tear through the fight in that direction. I feel something sharp in my side as I knock an inmate out of the way, but don’t stop to examine it, even when I feel something hot and wet drip down my jumpsuit.
In my peripheral vision I see him coming. The inmate that said her name earlier has something sharp and shiny in his hand, and he’s headed for Sienna. A family member must have snuck it in, because they check us before we’re allowed in the visiting room.
He’s moving fast, but I’m faster. She’s got her arms wrapped around her father and her eyes closed tight just as the inmate holds out the knife over his head to bring it down on her. Before he can make contact, I’m there, grabbing his wrist and twisting it back until the bone snaps like a twig. He cries out and crumples to the floor as I stomp on his upper arm and shatter that part too.
“Get to the corner!” I shout because they’ve finally set off the alarms. The crowd is too thick and the fighting too chaotic as the lights go off. “Fuck.”
Without thinking and any choice, I grab Sienna and toss her over my shoulder. “Stay behind me,” I call out to Leo and feel him move to my back.
Pushing through the crowd, I feel people fall against me as I step over bodies on the floor. I don’t want to think about who they might be and if innocent lives will be lost in this. The whole way, Leo is at my back, shielded by my size and strength. When I make it to the other side of the room and to the corner next to the exit, I pin Sienna to the wall.
“Don’t. Move,” I order, and in the dim light of the emergency exit sign I see her wide eyes filled with fear. She’s strong, though, because she doesn’t break eye contact as she nods.
I grab Leo and put him behind me as I turn to face the crowd, keeping the two of them at my back. Someone comes running in our direction, but I’m not sure if they’re after me or the guards. I’m ready either way, and I drop my shoulder and shove against him. He goes flying back, and I plant my feet, ready for the next attacker.
It feels like hours, but it’s not long before dozens of guards have entered the room and are breaking up the fights. Finally, word of the riot has reached the rest of the prison. But I don’t relax my position until I feel a hand on my shoulder.
When I turn around, Leo nods, and I straighten. Then a guard comes over and is shouting for Sienna to move so she can be escorted out with the other civilians. The guard is yelling for everyone to get down with their hands behind their backs, and the noise is deafening.
“Go, get out of here,” Leo says to Sienna as she gives him a quick hug.
Before I realize it, she’s in my arms and squeezing me. “Thank you,” she says softly and then she’s gone.
I open my mouth to say something, but I feel a quick sudden pain on the back of my knee. I groan as I fall to the ground and I look up to see the guard has hit my leg with the butt of his gun.
“On the ground!” he shouts, and I do what he says while putting my hands behind my back.
Leo is next to me doing the same as a guard stands beside him, clearly protecting the king. Where the fuck were his men earlier?
“This one is bleeding,” the guard who hit me says, and then I remember getting stabbed in my side. It’s probably going to need stitches. “Get the cuffs.” As he’s fastening the metal around my wrists, I turn to face Leo.
“You’re Tupuola,” Leo says, not asking the question but confirming the answer. I nod, and his eyes bore into mine like he can see straight to my soul. “I won’t forget today,” he says before three guards haul me off the floor and to the infirmary.
