Tarq Read online

  “It’s about time, Lily,” came a voice from the living room.

  Lily screamed and struck a defensive pose, as if she was capable of fighting off the intruder. The female intruder.

  Scratch that. Intruders. Plural.

  Angelique and Amelia were sitting on her couch.

  Angelique laughed. “Okay, Rambo, no need to fight.”

  “Suck it, Ange. What are you doing here? And how in the hell did you get in?”

  Angelique waved her hand in the air. “Doesn’t matter. We’re here to talk to you about something very, very important. And I need you to promise not to freak.”

  “Sorry, can’t promise that. But I can promise not to attack.”

  This time Amelia laughed. “You’re funny. I like you, but then again, we have a kinship. Tell me, Lily, do you feel it?”

  Lily scowled. “Uh, if this is some sort of sexual-I’m-into-you-can-you-feel-it type of thing, I’m going to have to stop you right there.”

  Angelique rolled her eyes. “No. It’s not that. But it might help explain why you so willingly went off with my manwhore brother last night the second I left you alone.”

  Lily’s mouth tightened, not liking the reminder Tarq was friendly with the ladies.

  “Lily, who are your parents?” Amelia questioned.

  “Why do you want to know?”

  Lily was immediately suspicious.

  “Humor us, please.”

  Alright.

  “I don’t know my mother. She took off when I was young. I remember a little bit of her, but not much. I was raised by my father, Edward Travelle.”

  “What was your mother’s name?”

  Butterflies hit her stomach. She never spoke of her mother. Did Amelia think she knew her?

  “Beatrice. Beatrice Dubois.”

  Amelia looked at Angelique and nodded. She knew Beatrice. She was flighty as a song bird, but definitely immortal.

  Angelique smiled at the confirmation. She could keep her friend forever now.

  “Oh, Lil, this so exciting! Shit. I’m getting ahead of myself. Okay, tomorrow is your birthday. You’ll be twenty-five. It’s an important birthday for someone of your genetics.”

  Oh shit. How could Angelique possibly know?

  “Be open-minded, Lily,” Angelique commanded. “Your mother was a siren. That means you are a siren. When you turn twenty-five, you’ll freeze into your immortality, like Amelia did. That’s why she called you ‘sister’ in the club. She recognized your siren blood. Other immortals can’t detect sirens until they have transitioned.”

  Lily dropped her ass in the chair across from them, pinching her nose.

  “Yeah, I know.”

  “What?! What do you mean you know?!” her friend screeched.

  “I mean I already know. You think my father would keep it a secret? It’s kind of hard to when you know your kid isn’t going to age out of her twenties. I’d eventually catch on. Besides, he’s not human, either—but don’t ask. He doesn’t like people knowing what he is.”

  “Well, shitballs,” Ange slumped. “I feel like you stole my thunder.”

  “Yeah, well, I feel like I’ve been blind-sided. Humans aren’t supposed to know.”

  “You think I’m human?” Angelique snorted.

  “Uh, I did. Until just now. Look, I didn’t recognize Amelia as a siren. I can’t scent it yet. Apparently the ol’ sniffer doesn’t work like that until I’m immortal. So, there you go.”

  The three females sat in silence for a good five seconds, before busting out in laughter.

  “Oh, my gods. This is awesome, Lily! We can literally be friends forever!”

  “Wait, what are you? Occasionally I can tell from how people move or speak. But I didn’t get anything from you.”

  “Oh, well the Marcellus family are direct descendants of Peitho. Gods, I can’t wait to tell Tarq.”

  Peitho. Tarq. Lily’s stomach rolled. He had the power of persuasion. She was going to be sick.

  “Lily,” Amelia spoke, “are you alright?”

  Her eyes were burning. She couldn’t tell if she was sad or pissed as hell. She was still mortal. Persuasion would work on her.

  “Shit,” Angelique realized what dots Lily was connecting. “Lily, don’t—”

  “Do not use your power on me, Ange!”

  Angelique raised her palms. “I wasn’t. I swear.”

  “I need to be alone.”

  Lily’s tone told the other two she was serious. Amelia wanted to comfort Lily, as did Angelique.

  “Lil,” Angelique started to speak but Lily cut her off.

  “No, not right know, okay? I’m tired. I’m sore. I just found out you’re an immortal. That he is an immortal. Give me a few days, okay?”

  “Okay. Fine,” she griped.

  Angelique got up and hugged her friend.

  “Don’t be upset with Tarq. He wouldn’t use his power on you for something like that. Not that he could.”

  “Please don’t.”

  Angelique crinkled her nose. “Okay, okay. I’ll leave you alone. Call me soon, got it?”

  Lily walked her unexpected visitors to the door and locked it behind them.

  12

  “You should have called her,” Angelique insisted. Again. Her brother was being unnecessarily obstinate.

  “Stop. I don’t know why you keep insisting, but we both know it’s not a good idea.”

  It was his first day back from his week in the Caribbean. It had been hellacious. Typically, he adored the island and sampled the locals. Often.

  This time, he had no desire. His libido was dead. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. When he thought of sweet Lily, he grew hard. But whacking off in the shower did little to satisfy his craving.

  It wasn’t just her body he wanted. It was her. He missed the way she laughed, how she looked at him when he’d been gentle, and even the way she thought she had to ask him for what she wanted, unsure if he would give it to her. He would have given her anything.

  Why was he still so wrapped up in Lily? It was bordering on obsession.

  “Pull your head out of your ass, Tarq. You’ve been surly since you’ve gotten back. You yell at everyone. You’re constantly ticked off, and, frankly, you look like a hot mess.”

  “Gee, thanks, little sister. So glad you barged into my office to insult me.”

  Angelique crossed her arms. She was doing this for his own good. And for Lily’s, who had also been a hot mess since last Monday.

  She took a deep breath, calming herself so she could speak rationally.

  “You missed two meetings with Lily to go over plans.”

  He grunted.

  “You missed her birthday.”

  He heaved a sigh.

  Tarq felt bad about missing her birthday. He wasn’t in a position to play boyfriend, but gods did he want to. He’d send something special anonymously. Lily should have special gifts on her birthday.

  He would have to see her today. They were signing contracts and all parties would have to be present. Tarq wasn’t sure he could trust himself around her.

  “Tarq,” Angelique’s voice softened, “I know you feel something for her. After all this time of being alone, you finally want someone for more than just sex. Please, just, when you see her today, be open to the possibility of more.”

  Tarq looked at his sister affectionately. She was worried about him. He was touched.

  “Come here,” he grumbled, and she walked into his arms. He needed a hug. Fuck. He was turning into a pussy.

  “Okay, let’s go,” he said before the situation turned into an after-school special.

  He walked with Angelique to the large conference room. When they entered, only Quin and Lily were inside. Angelique had warned their other siblings to stay away.

  Seeing Lily was like a sucker punch to the gut. His body was tense. His hands clenched, itching to touch her.

  Her beauty was arresting. Her hair was down, falling softly around her shoulders. H
er tan was accentuated by the white dress and matching jacket. Her smile did him in.

  His heart thudded, and he knew he was in love with her. He’d never been so affected, never yearned for more. He wanted everything from her.

  Lily wasn’t happy she was grinning at him, but she couldn’t let her disquiet show. She was still reeling from the possibility he’d used his power on her. She wanted to believe he wouldn’t, but her libido had been so out of control, she didn’t trust it.

  Tarq strode to the table and stood in front of her. The silence stretched. He tilted his head, picking up the faintest trace of … siren.

  Lily exhaled harshly when Tarq, quick as lightning, grabbed her by the hips and buried his nose in her neck.

  Tentatively, she inhaled, as well, wanting to know his immortal scent. It had a powerful effect on her senses and she felt dizzy. Abruptly, he pulled back.

  “You’re a siren?”

  She nodded.

  He looked at his sister. “Did you know?”

  “Not until Amelia picked up on it at the club.”

  His gaze returned to Lily.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” he demanded.

  “I thought you were human. I didn’t get the ability to discern by scent until this past week.”

  Tarq’s eyes turned feral. He was keeping this female. He would claim her, and she would be his for all time.

  He bent to take her lips and she pushed away. He snarled like an animal.

  “I can’t. Not when I don’t know if you used your power on me.”

  Oh, he really didn’t fucking like what she was insinuating. He’d punish her later. For now, he wanted her back in his arms.

  “I resent you thinking so little of me that I would resort to such measures, Petal.”

  Her heart soared hearing the endearment again.

  “No, it’s not that. Not really. I just, well, I’ve never wanted to do any of what we did,” she stumbled through her wording, careful in front of Quin and Angelique.

  “So, forgive me, but I don’t trust that I magically was able to … you know … so many times … and I let you … you know … and it was all with a virtual stranger. I—I didn’t trust it.”

  Tarq was beaming at his little flower. She didn’t think she was capable of such lust, of delighting in it as she had.

  “Ah, Lily. That was all you. You just needed the right male. And that. Was. Me.”

  He grabbed her hips again, this time she didn’t resist.

  “Besides, my power doesn’t work on you.”

  “Well, now it doesn’t it,” she affirmed.

  “No. It never did. I was an ass to you the first time we met and tried to erase it. It didn’t work.”

  “But I have no memory of that.”

  Quin stepped forward.

  “That would be my fault. He’d pissed you off in our meeting, and when he couldn’t undo it, I took it away. He’s telling you the truth. You were immune to his persuasion. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. I just didn’t want it to cause you to decline our business.”

  She wasn’t pleased. Quin was the nice one.

  “Swear that’s all you did, Quin.”

  “I swear,” he stated adamantly.

  She looked at Tarq. It appeared something was happening between them, but she was afraid to hope.

  His hands were on her in front of his family. He wasn’t behaving at all in the way she assumed he would, not after the conversation they’d had the morning he drove her home.

  “What now?” she asked.

  13

  He couldn’t fuck her in front of his siblings, though he was thoroughly tempted. They needed privacy. Shit. They also had a meeting with the rest of the clan.

  Tarq grabbed her hand and yanked her towards the door.

  “We’ll be back in twenty. No, an hour.”

  Angelique laughed, but Quin just shook his head.

  “Where are you taking me?” she asked as they half-ran out the door.

  “I thought I’d start with your pussy, then we’ll see where else you like it.”

  Shit. Why did she love it when he spoke to her so dirtily? He was causing a flood in her panties. She hoped his office was close.

  Ignoring Daisy’s questioning face, he pulled Lily into his office and slammed the door. Then he pounced, kissing her like his life depended on it, sliding her jacket down her arms, making quick work of the zipper in the back of her dress.

  “Arms up.”

  He lifted the dress up over her head and tossed it onto the couch.

  “Fuck, you’re beautiful, Petal. I want to bury my face in your folds, but I don’t think I can wait to be inside you.”

  “Then don’t,” she panted.

  Tarq turned her around to face his desk. He grabbed her thong and destroyed it in one pull before pocketing it. It’s what he’d done their first night together. He used that black lace to jack off every day since.

  “You’ll need to stop wearing these,” he complained.

  “Stop talking and get inside me.”

  Damn, did she get to him.

  He placed his palm on her back and pushed her until her upper body rested on the desk.

  He unfastened his pants and was inside her so fast she knew he couldn’t be human. He immediately came. Lily delighted in the feel of the repetitive pulsing massaging her from within. It was divine.

  “Gods, Lily, I cannot control myself around you. I meant it when I said I’d never get enough.”

  Still erect, he started fucking her recklessly, gripping her hips hard enough to bruise. She loved it, wanted more of it.

  He rammed into her until she flew apart, sobbing as her body shook from the force of it. She didn’t say it, but she’d never get enough of him, either.

  Gently, he pulled out and turned her to face him. He sat her up on his desk and leaned over her, entering her again.

  “Put your arms and legs around me. Squeeze me. Show me you’re mine.”

  Lily held him to her, as close as she could. Her lips sought his.

  Tarq slowed his pace, pouring all the emotion he felt into his kiss.

  “You’re mine, Petal. Say it.”

  “I’m yours.”

  “Forever.”

  Lily blinked, batting back her tears, overcome with the weight of his words. He wanted her, he planned to keep her.

  “Forever,” she cried.

  Tarq kissed away her tears. He put his lips to her ear, letting his power free.

  “You own me, Lily. Body and soul.”

  His words filled her while his power caressed her skin. She now recognized it for it was. It couldn’t control her, but it could still affect her.

  It was enough for her to peak again. This time, instead of shouting, she whispered his name lovingly, over and over until her quivering body relaxed.

  “Petal, you please me to no end. I can’t wait to get you home.”

  “Shhh. I like it here, on your desk. We can screw at home later.”

  Tarq’s cock flexed and he picked her up.

  “Care to try wall sex?” he suggested more than asked.

  She giggled, kissing him instead of answering as he walked them to the far wall and proceeded to hammer into the sweetest pussy he’d ever known.

  Epilogue

  One month later …

  “Hello, Miss Travelle. You can go on in,” Daisy said as Lily walked past her desk.

  “Thank you, Daisy. And might I say your suit is fabulous.”

  “Oh, thank you. I, uh, have been trying out a new look.”

  Tarq had mentioned his relationship with Daisy. They’d spent a few days holed up in his house, having serious conversations in between bouts of screwing their brains out. He’d wanted to be on “firm footing” he’d said and have no secrets between them.

  He told her he wasn’t proud of his lifestyle, but, before Lily walked into his life, he hadn’t seen anything wrong with it. When he informed her of the sordid affair with his assistant, s
he’d chastised him.

  Then he told her what he’d done, compelling Daisy to start on a professional path, and Lily could see how it was sort of nice of him.

  She felt sorry for Daisy, so she made it a point to complement the poor girl. Lord knows Daisy needed to work on her self-esteem.

  Once they’d cleared their air, they spoke of the future. Tarq wanted her to move in. Immediately. He wanted her to come work for him. Immediately. He also wanted to get married. Immediately.

  He was pushing her to make giant life decisions and not giving her a second to think about it.

  He hadn’t actually asked her to do any of it, so she politely declined. It only led to him torturing her sexually until she caved. Who knew withholding an orgasm was so cruel?

  But all of it seemed minor in comparison to the conversation they were getting ready to have. Usually, she met him for lunch, they made out, and ordered in. Today, well, today was sure going to be different.

  She opened his door without knocking. Tarq looked up from his desk and grinned. He got up and stalked towards her, sex obviously on his mind.

  Lily shut the door. She watched his shoes as they came closer. She was scared shitless. Warm fingers lifted her face to his.

  “What’s wrong? Tell me and I’ll fix it.”

  Lily bowed her head, resting her forehead against his sternum. His hands went to her hips.

  “Lily, you’re trembling. Tell me what’s wrong this instant.”

  Lily, keeping her forehead where it was, reached into her coat pocket and pulled out the plastic baggie she’d put there after her last visit to the ladies’ room. She held it up beside her head.

  Tarq frowned. What was she holding in her hand? It looked like a sandwich bag.

  Inside the clear plastic was a white and purple stick. He squinted, not quite believing what was on the stick.

  Two. Pink. Lines.

  His shaky hand reached for what his Petal had come to give him. Instead of taking it, he put his much larger hand over her smaller one.

  “Lift your head,” he told her.

  Lily lifted, her face tilted up. He was too damned tall.