Decadence After Dark: The Complete Collection (Dark Romance box set) : Owned, Claimed, Ruined, Lie With Me, Elicit (Decadence After Dark )

by M Never

  “How romantic.” She laughs.

  “What can I say? I’m the sweet talking romantic type.”

  “Ha!” Tara laughs so hard both our bodies shake.

  “Did I say something funny?”

  “Yes. You’re keeping your promise.”

  “Which promise is that?”

  “To make me laugh as much as you make me come.”

  “It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.” I look down at her and grin.

  “Can I tell you a secret?”

  “Of course, you can.”

  “I love you,” she says sweetly.

  My grin twists into an idiotic smile. “That’s not a secret.”

  “I guess not, but I wanted to tell you anyway.”

  “You can tell me anytime, anywhere, any way,” I let her know happily.

  “I’ll remember that.”

  “That's all I can ask.” I nuzzle my nose in her hair and inhale.

  “CJ?”

  “Mmm?”

  “I have cum dripping down my thigh.”

  I push off Tara. “Is that your subtle way of telling me to get the hell off you?”

  “Yes.” She laughs hysterically and the joyous sound vibrates straight through my chest, lighting me up like the Fourth of July.

  “I'll get the bags out of the car.” I kiss her quickly and pull her up. We’re a bit of a hot mess; our hair is tangled and out of control, and our faces flushed.

  “Sounds like a plan.” Tara heads over to the shower and turns the faucet on. “I'll be waiting.” She steps under the spray, waving her hand to send me along.

  I cock an eyebrow at her. Dismissing me? She’s lucky she’s cute.

  I grab my clothes off the living room floor and pull them on before I head outside. Parked on the curb is my brand new baby, a cherry red BMW M6. Five hundred and sixty horsepower under one ultra-sleek hood. Since I’m now a permanent New York City resident, I needed a reliable mode of transportation. At least that's how I sell myself. A successful entrepreneur has to look the part. Wink.

  I grab our bags out of the trunk, running my finger along the shiny bumper before I jet back inside. We came prepared with soap and towels, knowing full well what our intentions were. I hop in the shower with Tara and help her wash her back. How chivalrous of me. We both know it’s a race against the clock now as we’re scheduled to catch a plane. To Hawaii, to see Ellie and Kayne, with her parents. Do you see how many problems there are for me in that sentence? Although we are fully out and fully a couple, there are still some people who aren’t happy about it. Mainly, Alec, Tara’s father. I’m pretty sure he hates me and is plotting my death. I’m not looking forward to thirteen hours in an enclosed space with him twenty thousand feet in the air. I will be steering clear of all exits during the trip.

  Tara and I dress quickly and then head out. We’ll be living out of the same suitcases for the next week and a half before we have to get back to the city for Tara’s first rehearsals. The last six months have been a series of ups and downs for her, but through it all, it has brought her a lot of clarity. Around the time she decided to get her tattoo, she also informed me a friend from NYU was putting together his first, very small, off off-Broadway play and asked her to audition. She said no at first, but after a little convincing, she decided to go for it. I’m a firm believer of following your dreams, and I wasn’t going to let Tara slide on this one. Especially after everything she went through. She landed the part that day and has been preparing ever since. She’s very dedicated and very serious about doing the character justice. Her work ethic is just one more attribute to add to the pile of things that impress me. I don’t know how I got so lucky, but I’m sure as hell not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

  About an hour later, we pull up on the tarmac where the jet is waiting. Alec and Monica are already comfortably seated when we board. Tara gets a huge hug from both of them, and I get the stink eye from Alec. Luckily, Monica likes me, so I receive a warm reception from her.

  The four of us settle in for the long ride; Alec and Monica strapped in across from Tara and me. I feel Alec’s glare as Tara snuggles up next to me and falls asleep. It will be six am when we land and seven by the time we get to Ellie and Kayne’s. I’m hoping a well-rested Alec will tolerate me better in the morning.

  Alec is as blue collared as they come, he’s a hard-working, hands dirty, don’t fuck with me kind of guy. You can’t help but have respect for him.

  It doesn't sit well with me that he doesn't approve of our relationship. I see how well he gets along with Kayne and can only be optimistic that with time, he’ll come around. But his disapproval isn't going to stop me from being with his daughter. I know I’m the best thing for her. No one will love her, take care of her, or support her better than me. So I’m not going to rest until I prove myself.

  Both Tara and Monica keep assuring me that he’ll warm up, but it’s been close to six months and the ice hasn’t thawed yet.

  I glance over at Alec just before the cabin lights dim for the night. Tara is already fast asleep and so is Monica. He’s staring at me, and only me, his green eyes sharp under the fluorescents.

  This trip is going to be so fun.

  IT FEELS STRANGE BEING BACK.

  I gave up my apartment a month ago, moving all my stuff into storage until we closed on the brownstone. It will be shipped to New York in two weeks, and then Tara and I will start working on the place to make it feel like home. She already has all kinds of decorating ideas and a honey-do list for me a mile long. This new dynamic in my life is very strange, yet I’m adjusting to it surprisingly well. I guess I never realized, with the right person, how easy being domestic could be.

  “Miss it?” Tara asks as we walk off the plane and into the warm tropical climate.

  I inhale the fresh island scent and take her hand. “Not as much as I thought I was going to,” I reply honestly.

  “Do I have anything to do with that?” She bumps my hip flirtatiously.

  “I’m going to say just a little.”

  “Just a little?” Tara pouts.

  “Okay, maybe a lot.” I smile, stealing a quick kiss.

  I glance behind me even quicker to make sure Alec isn’t trying to stab me for the public display of affection.

  Waiting for us on the tarmac is a bouncing Ellie and a laid-back Kayne.

  Ellie nearly knocks Tara over once her feet hit the pavement. Watching their reunion sort of reminds me of Cara and Camille. I clasp Kayne’s hand as the family says their jubilant hellos.

  “How are things?” Kayne asks loud enough for only me to hear as we load the bags while everyone else climbs into the truck.

  “Good.” I glance over at him. “Really, good.”

  “That’s what I like to hear,” he says boastfully as he shuts the trunk.

  I throw him an insulted look. “Like I would let it be any other way.”

  “Look, man, nothing personal, but this is my wife’s sister, and she loves her dearly. I just don’t want a reason to cut your nuts off, ya know.”

  I stare at Kayne dumbfounded. “Jesus Christ, man. I was your handler for six years. I kept you alive, and I helped you save Ellie. When are you going to cut me some slack?”

  “I cut you plenty of slack.” He hits me on the arm. “I didn't kill you in New York after I found out you snuck off to sleep with her.”

  I swear I turn red. “You have a lot of balls judging me. After everything you did to Ellie . . .”

  “Juice, don’t even fucking go there.” He cuts me off right at the knees. “And I'm not judging you. I’m fucking with you.” He pushes me. “When did you lose your sense of humor? I thought you were the comedian?” He smiles broadly, his mischievous eyes glinting in the morning light.

  “Hey, you two!” Ellie yells from the front seat. “Are you coming or are you going to continue your bromance in the trunk? I know it’s been a while since you’ve seen each other!”

  “Pipe down, woman.
We’re coming.” Kayne winks at me before he walks over to the driver's seat and hops in.

  I inhale a deep breath. Have I lost my sense of humor?

  “Everything okay?” Tara inquires as I slide in next to her.

  “Fine.” I try to convince her, but she sees right through me.

  “Maybe this trip wasn’t a good idea,” she whispers.

  “Of course, it was. You wanted to see Ellie, and I want to do whatever makes you happy.” I hear Alec grunt behind me, but I ignore him. I lean in closer to Tara. “I’m a big boy. I can take care of myself.” I lay the charm on thick. “Okay?”

  “Okay,” she relents. She knows the crap I get from Kayne and her father, and she hates it as much as I do. But if that’s the price I have to pay to be with her, I’ll gladly do it.

  “WHO IS READY FOR BREAKFAST?” Kayne claps his hands together and rubs them readily in the gargantuan living room. My parents, CJ, and I have unloaded all of our luggage and virtually taken over Kayne and Ellie’s house. I know they don’t mind. Ellie lives for family visits.

  “Sounds good. I’m starved.” My father gets up off the couch, my mother following.

  “Um,” I scramble, looking around the room. “Do you care if Ellie and I hang back? I would really love some girl time.” I look at her, trying to plead discreetly. Luckily, my sister isn't stupid and catches on.

  “That’s fine with me.” She sinks back down onto the white plushy couch next to me. CJ, Kayne, and my father all eye us, but each for a different reason. CJ and Kayne with understanding, my father with suspicion.

  “Is that okay?” I look up at CJ. I sort of feel bad ditching him five minutes after we got here, but I need to talk to Ellie. I have been tearing at the seams trying to keep it all in. Kayne made me swear before he left New York that I would tell her everything. That it should come directly from me. I didn’t want to tell anyone at the time, but I’m ready now. I can talk about it, and it’s time she knew where her husband went all those months ago. Although, I don’t know what that will mean for him once the truth comes out.

  “It’s fine.” CJ delivers me his warmest smile.

  I return the expression, nervously.

  “We’ll meet you,” Ellie gets up to kiss Kayne good-bye before they all leave the house. She stands in the middle of the living room as she watches the front door. As soon as it closes and the house is quiet, she crosses her arms and turns to me. “Please tell me you’re not pregnant.”

  “What?” I nearly fall off the couch. “No.”

  “Oh, thank God.” She plops down next me, relieved. “I don’t think Daddy’s heart could take it.”

  I frown immediately, sadness settling in my stomach. “I wish he would lay off CJ. I really love him. And he really loves me. And he . . .” I choke up, the tears coming on faster than I anticipated.

  “He what?” Ellie scoots closer to me and puts her arms around me.

  “You don’t understand.”

  “So make me understand.” My sister’s green eyes are wide. Attentive.

  I take a few, deep calming breaths. I want to get this out coherently.

  “Tara, you’re worrying me.”

  “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to,” I swear to her. “I just need you to know.”

  “Know what?” She is nearly chomping at the bit for me to finally tell her. I take a good hard look at my sister, who resembles our father so much, and I launch into the story. I tell her everything—how CJ showed up in New York, how we had the most amazing weekend, how he stayed. Then I tell her all about Nino and what I got myself wrapped up in. How CJ showed up at the club that night, and how I thought I lost him. I explain how he forgave me, and that I can’t even believe it sometimes. Then I go into what happened on Long Island, why Kayne and Jett showed up, the auction, and Slade.

  By the time I finish, we are both a blubbering mess.

  “Is that what the tattoo is for?” She wipes my tears and then her own.

  I nod. Our father hates the fact I covered my whole back and let everyone in the family know.

  “Let me see it,” Ellie insists.

  I stand, turn around, and pull my shirt up. Ellie’s reaction is audible as she touches me lightly, feeling all the raised lines now concealed by the intricate sheet music and large treble clef.

  “Oh, Tara.” The emotion is potent in her voice.

  “I needed to tell you.” I pull down my shirt and turn around. “I’m glad you did, and I’m glad Kayne was there.”

  “You are? You aren't mad that he didn't tell you?” I sit back down next to her.

  “I’m pissed as hell, but I understand. My husband is a mysterious creature.”

  “He’s scary as shit.” I laugh, recalling the way he threatened Philly.

  “He can be that, too.”

  “Did you know he worked undercover the whole time? Did he save you? Is that really what happened when you were kidnapped?”

  Ellie clams up, but her cheeks redden more brightly than a strawberry.

  “He . . . saved me in a way. And no, I didn't know he was working undercover at first.” She fiddles with the little diamond heart on her choker.

  “At first?” I question.

  “Tara,” she says with hesitation. “It doesn't matter how Kayne and I came together, just like it doesn't matter how you and CJ came together. All that matters is that you’re happy. Are you happy?”

  “Of course, I am, now. Now that I’m better.”

  Ellie takes my hands in hers. “Trust me. No one understands what that feels like more than I do. No one.”

  I scrutinize my sister. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “Just that I know what it’s like to go through something traumatic and have someone who loves you enough to get you through it.”

  Then Ellie tells me a story of her own. How Kayne tracked her down in Hawaii. How he whisked her away to Bora Bora to show her exactly how he felt. Then she told me about Michael. A man she thought was her friend but turned out to be someone else entirely. She told me what he did to her and how she really ended up in that hospital bed. I’m speechless by the time she’s done speaking, tears flooding my eyes once again. This conversation turned out to be way deeper and more emotional than I could have ever imagined.

  “I get every single thing you have felt, are feeling, and will feel.”

  “Why didn’t you say anything? Why didn’t you tell us?” My voice strains.

  Ellie shrugs. “I just deal with it better keeping it between Kayne and me. I know you can empathize.” She presses the music note hanging around my neck.

  I smile, to both myself and at her. “Yes, I can.” No one makes me feel safer or more secure than CJ does. I can’t imagine ever wanting anyone else.

  “Are you hungry?” Ellie perks up and wipes her eyes.

  “Starving,” I laugh the rest of my tears out.

  “Good. Let’s go.” She slaps her knees and stands up.

  “Good idea.” I follow suit. “I don't want to leave CJ alone with Kayne and our father too long. The odds aren't in his favor.”

  “You won’t have to worry about that much longer. I’ll take care of both of them,” she says haughtily.

  Oh, I know that tone and that look. Ellie means business, so everyone better look out.

  Look out? On second thought, maybe they should take cover.

  WE DECIDE ON THIS LITTLE breakfast spot in Waikiki. Kayne, Jett, and I used to come here all the time and pig out on Blueberry Acai French toast and eggs Benedict. We grab a table with six seats outside under an umbrella. The place is right off the main drag so there is a lot of pedestrian traffic, making it a perfect place to people watch. Somehow, Alec ended up directly across from me with Monica and Kayne on each side. Wonderful, now he can bore his hatred directly into my forehead without hurting his neck.

  I pick my menu up and try to disappear behind it.

  “What’s good here?” Monica asks, and Kayne rattles of his suggestions, raving mostly abou
t the French toast.

  “Good morning.” The waitress greets us. I lower my menu and stare up into a glowing smile and long, sleek black hair. “Well, look what the cat dragged in.” She places a cocktail napkin in front of me. I turn pale. I completely forgot about Jessica, and that she worked here. “Been a while, cowboy.”

  I feel all eyes at the table on me. I clear my throat.

  “Yeah, moved away. Back visiting,” I say as plainly as possible. This is just not happening. Jess and I had a fling. She was my fun Saturday night. She had a thing for cowboys and would ask me to wear a Stetson to bed. Hey, I’m in no position to judge. She was fun, but she’s no Tara.

  “So what can I get you?” Jess asks sweetly, almost disgustingly sweet.

  “Coffee for me. Black.” I give her my order and go back to hiding behind my menu.

  The rest of the table orders coffee as well.

  “Where’s the third amigo?” she asks waving her pencil at Kayne and me, referring to Jett.

  “Home, playing Mr. Mom,” Kayne relays.

  “Aw, how sweet.” She touches the eraser to her lip, looking directly at me. Did Mother Nature just turn up the temperature out here? “Are you ready to order, or do you need more time?”

  “A few more minutes,” Monica requests.

  “No problem.” Jess divides her attention between the four of us before she strolls away.

  “Cowboy?” Alec raises an eyebrow at me.

  I peer at him over my menu.

  “She’s from Texas.” I scramble.

  What else can I say?

  I spend the next few uncomfortable minutes pretending to look over the menu as Kayne laughs at me soundlessly with his eyes. I’m so glad he is getting an abundance of enjoyment at my expense.

  Jess returns with four coffees and takes our breakfast orders without any hiccups, thank God, because I really want to talk to Alec and Monica while Tara is with Ellie. I don’t know when I’ll get this opportunity again, so I am going to bite the bullet and do it now. Conjuring all the courage I can muster, I clear my throat to get their attention.

  “Now that we have a minute alone,” I look back and forth between Monica and Alec, “I would like to talk to you about Tara . . . and myself.”