Covet (Forbidden Series Book 2)

by Dani René

  “Well, just the—” Her words are halted when I tease my way down her belly. My fingertips skirting over the material of her top. When I reach my destination, her body stills and her breathing quickens. Her chest rising and falling. My two digits find their way between her legs, and I stroke her slick heat. “Kael.” My name falls in a hiss from her lips. The people beside us don’t notice her trembling hand as she grips the barrier, her knuckles turning white.

  I’m aware of the people now filing into the area from the elevators. The small group of tourists is too interested in the view to bother with the two of us. And that is exactly why I chose this place to tease my little bird.

  “Yes, baby? I thought you wanted to soar.” I whisper my lips over the shell of her ear then, grazing the lobe with my teeth, biting gently while I tease her clit. “You’ll be quiet, won’t you? I mean, you don’t want everyone to know you’re about to come all over my fingers. Do you?” The question sends her spiraling, and I immediately dip two fingers into her pussy, relishing the tightness around my fingers.

  “Kael, I… I…” Her words are a whisper. The pulse of her body is the only evidence she’s about to unravel in public with my fingers inside her.

  “That’s my Firebird. Soar for me, baby. Fly and explode,” I coax, cooing in her ear, and she does. Obeying me, she finds her release and soaks my hand with the sticky sweetness I’m about to savor from each digit. I wait a while until her body is still before I pull my fingers away from her heat.

  Her scent is sweet—intoxicating—and I bring my fingers to her lips.

  “Taste it, baby.” Her tongue flicks out, licking her arousal, and I turn her around, not caring that there are people around us and crash my mouth on hers. Our lips mold together as our teeth clash and tongues fight for more, for dominance, but I win. I always do because she submits, allowing me to devour her.

  I own her. Her body. Her heart. Her soul. Our kiss deepens, and I want to climb inside her. I want to be the only thing she thinks about, morning, noon, and night. I want her to ache when I’m not around, like I do when she’s at work.

  Before I get carried away, I break the kiss and take in her swollen lips. She’s beautiful. Her cheeks are flushed and her eyes are shining with desire, with the need to have me fill her up. “I’m taking you home now,” I vow. Because the only thing I can think about is fucking her until she can’t move.

  Owned by You

  Destiny brought me you,

  Life ripped us apart,

  But fate had other plans,

  Now our forever is a promise,

  Let’s walk this path together.

  Dani René

  18

  Paige

  I have a few quiet weeks with the dance school closed and I’m taking the time to catch up on my studies and the mounds of paperwork that seem to have piled themselves high on my desk. “Baby.” Kael’s low tone drags me from the email I’m typing out, and when I glance up, I can’t help but blush at the beauty of the man who owns me.

  I’m a fortunate girl, I know that, and I thank my lucky stars every day that we found each other again. That I finally have a life I want. “You ready for dinner?” I glance at the clock and realize it’s already five.

  “We could get take-out?” he suggests, and I nod. “Thai?” Nodding again, I hit send and rise from the chair. When I round my desk, he stalks toward me and tugs me into his arms. Leaning in, he brushes my lips with this. “One day, I’m going to marry you,” he whispers and my heart leaps into my throat.

  “That’s some light pre-dinner conversation, Kael,” I say and he presses his lips to mine. They’re warm and taste like candy, and I know he’s been eating the chocolate I bought for his birthday.

  “I just wanted you to know. I love you. I’ve always loved you. And every day I fall harder and deeper in love with you. I can’t see my life without you.”

  Glancing into those dark eyes, I can’t help but melt at his beautiful words. “I love you too, but what’s got you so emotional?” I reach up, stroking his face gently. The scruff of his beard tickles my hand and I revel in the sensation, knowing how amazing it feels when his face is between my thighs.

  “I just needed you to know. Sometimes we get busy with life, and things can fall between the cracks. There are times I’m romantic, you know,” he quips playfully, and I nod through a smile.

  “Oh, I know that, Sir.” He chuckles, planting a soft kiss on my forehead, leaving me to work. Sitting back down, I start my work on the dance school plans for the new year. We want to expand and I need to apply for planning permission. The phone ringing on my desk startles me from the report I’m typing up. Swiping my thumb over the screen, I answer absentmindedly. “Hello?”

  “Phoenix.” Her voice is low, almost a whisper, but there’s something else. She’s been crying.

  “What happened, Kota?” Silence greets me, and I wonder if the line cut, but when I glance at my phone, I notice I’m still connected. “Babe? Talk to me.”

  “I’m… Something happened with Axe. There’s been calls to his phone, nights where he doesn’t come home. I’m not sure what he’s doing. I have asked him about it, but he brushes it off. As if I’m being stupid for even asking,” she hisses into the phone, and I wonder if Axel is home right now.

  “Do you want me to call you back later?”

  “No. Would you be able to take a trip out? I know you’re busy with school and work, but... Do you think Kael will let you come to New York?” We’d just spoken about going for the holidays, but if Kota needs me, I’ll drop everything for her.

  “I’ll ask. I don’t think it will be a problem, babe. He knows I’d do anything for you. Hold on, let me ask him.” Dropping my phone on the bed, I race to the office where Kael is busy working. I burst through the door, seizing his attention immediately. “Babe, I need a huge favor,” I say, my panic palpable.

  “Anything for you, Firebird.” He casts a quick glance at his laptop, hits the Enter key, and drags his gaze back to me. When he takes in my expression, his face falls. “What’s wrong?”

  “Dakota needs me. She’s on the phone right now and she’s upset. Axel’s been…. Well, we don’t really know what happened, but I’m worried about her. He’s been working long hours, he’s been distant... It doesn’t sound like him, and I know something’s up. I just feel like I need to be there for her,” I implore him, hoping he’ll allow me to go to her. The understanding in his expression is enough to calm my racing heart.

  He rises from his office chair and grips my shoulders, pulling me against him. “Then you’ll go to her, Phoenix,” he responds calmly and releases me. Turning to the desk, he opens a web browser and, seconds later, he’s pulling out a credit card and booking a flight.

  “Are you sure? I mean, you can come with if you want to.” My concern is unwarranted, but I know what he’s like. He never lets me out of his sight except for when I’m at the studio teaching. Other than that, this man commands my attention.

  His dark eyes pin me, while his mouth forms a small smile. “Baby, I wouldn’t let you go if I didn’t trust you. I love you and I know you love Dakota. So go to her. She needs you.” He tugs me forward and settles me on his lap, planting a soft kiss on my lips and I can’t help smiling. This man is incredible. There are still times I wonder how I got so lucky.

  “Thank you. Did I ever tell you you’re amazing?” I quip playfully, and his lids drop as he stares at me with a hooded gaze.

  “You can show me later.” With a swift swat on my ass, he lets me go tell Dakota the good news. I bound back into the bedroom and inform my best friend and sister I’ll be seeing her soon.

  Once I hang up, I grab a small suitcase from the closet and drop it on the bed. I don’t know how long I’ll be there. Kael finds me staring at the empty bag. “You okay, baby?” He circles his strong arms around my waist and pulls me against him.

  “Yeah.” I nod. As soon as I heard the soft voice of my Kota, I knew something was up. Needle
ss to say, since she told me the story, my body has been vibrating with anger and ultimately fear. She’ll be crushed if he leaves. Her confidence has always been a problem for her, and now that he’s acting like an asshole, I’m not sure she’ll be able to take the knock if he is cheating.

  Axel may be an alpha male, but he’ll be answering to a strong-willed woman who takes no prisoners if he hurts her. He better come up with a fucking solid explanation, or I’ll be tying him to the bedpost and whipping him.

  “Phoenix.” The deep rumble of my man comes from behind me. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m just worried about her. If your friend hurts her, he’ll be in a world of hurt.” Turning in his arms, I twine my arms around his neck. The smirk that lifts one side of his face makes me smile.

  “I’m sure, baby. Somehow, I don’t think he’s cheating. Whatever it is, it must be for a good reason. I know my best friend, and as much as he loves women, he’s not a playboy. He’d never do that to her.” His words offer some comfort, but deep down, the worry still niggles at me.

  Then what could he be doing?

  19

  Kael

  Sitting back, I sip the beer I’ve been nursing since I spoke to my woman. The house is quiet without her here, and I miss her. The contract I’ve been commissioned for is complete, and I can take time off before starting the next one.

  I’m about to turn on the TV when my phone rings. Thinking it’s Paige calling back, I answer quickly, expecting her melodic voice. Instead, I’m met with a response from the man I’d walked out on so many years ago. “Brother.”

  I’ve been expecting him to call with news about Harkin. We’ve only spoken a few times since I helped Sam get Freya out of Caged. He met her the year after Paige was freed and she was there for years before he finally called me. I don’t know if it was his need to keep her close, or if he was too proud to ask for my help, but he finally came to his senses.

  Before I found Paige, I swallowed the anger of the past and helped free the woman my brother loves. Not long after, I walked into Inferno and saw the redhead who held my heart.

  “I hope you have news for me, Sam.” I respond. My brother and I never had an easy relationship. You could call it prickly. But I’ve seen the change in him. And no matter what, he’s my brother. The only one I have. And if my uncle is still alive, then we need to make sure that he’s either put away for life, or we can teach him a lesson in torture ourselves.

  Paige is convinced we need to put our dark history where it should stay. In the past.

  “I do have news, it involves Paige,” he responds. When he mentions my girl’s name, my body goes rigid.

  “What is it, Samael?” I question warily. Setting the bottle down, I push off the sofa and stalk over to the window, shoving a hand in my jeans, trying to keep from smashing the glass. The city below shimmers in the dark as I listen to him take a deep breath.

  “It’s about what happened to her before I took over. That night, after you left, I had to take her to Dad, but there was another man in the room I didn’t know would be there.” He’s silent as if gathering the words, or his thoughts, I’m not sure what, but then he utters the name. “Harkin Wolfe.” Even though we suspected, I forced myself not to believe it. My uncle?

  “You mean our dead uncle?” I ask incredulously. Shaking my head, I rake my fingers through my hair and watch the lights below flicker on and off.

  “He’s alive. We have footage of him. Kael, I found recordings after they closed Caged and there’s one of Paige. I think you need to come here and we need to make this fucker pay for what he did. My PI is on the case. He’s got a lead and I’m sure by the—”

  “You do realize this is us chasing a ghost?”

  “He’s no ghost. I’ll send you the intel I have. If you feel it warrants a visit, then it’s your choice, but I’m going after him.” He sounds adamant. One thing about Samael is that he never takes no for an answer, and when he’s got his mind set on something, nothing will stop him.

  “Send it over. Paige is in New York, so I might be able to get away for a few days. Only if I feel that you’re right. You may have saved her, but I haven’t forgotten that you touched her.”

  “Look, I know we’ve not had the easiest relationship, but I need you to trust me. Even if it’s only this one time. I’m not our father, and I certainly am not our uncle. My life is...full. I’ve got a woman I love, and I have my kids. I don’t need this asshole coming back to cause trouble. Yes, I did take over as Paige’s trainer when you left, but only because you asked me to. It was the safest thing for her and you know it.”

  He’s got a point, so I nod in agreement, even though he can’t see me. As much as I was angry for what my brother did, I can’t deny that he’s right, and as much as it hurts knowing he was with her, I’d trust him more than any of the other men my father had working for him. “Fine, send what you have. I’ll pack a bag.”

  “Thank you, brother.” With that, we hang up, and I realize I’m about to spend more time with him than I have in almost ten years. I’m not sure what to expect. He’s a father now, a married man. Paige told me to give our relationship as brothers a chance, and as much as I know she’s right, it’s a difficult thing for me to do.

  Heading into the bedroom, I pull the rucksack from the closet and fill it with what I’d need for a few days away. I’m about to message Paige when an email comes through from Sam. Pulling it up, I find the information he has and it seems the filth I call uncle is alive.

  Without a second thought, I pull up my contacts and send a quick message to my girl. I can’t explain what I’m about to do because, honestly, I don’t know what we’re going to find when we finally come face to face with Harkin. My uncle is known for every illegal deed in the book, and I don’t doubt he’ll be wanting a fight. And if that’s what he wants, I know the Wolfe brothers will give it to him.

  Tapping out another message, this time to Sam, I tell him I’m on my way. If what my brother found is as bad as he says it is, I’m about to rip into the old man and make sure he never sees the light of day again. Pulling up the number for the airline, I hit Send, and as soon as my call is answered, I book a flight.

  Once I’ve finalized my ticket, I head out the door with one thing on my mind. Watching the asshole bleed, killing him and making sure he doesn’t hurt anyone again.

  20

  Paige

  As soon as the plane touched down, I rushed home wondering where Kael’s been because I haven’t received the morning call I got every day since I’ve been with Kota, which is unusual. He sent me a text saying that there’s a contract he’s busy with, but other than that he’s not called. He’s so protective and all consuming. For him not to reach out is strange. As I push tentatively through the front door and step inside, I’m met with the deafening silence of an empty house.

  A week is a long time away from him and I’m sure he’s feeling it too. I miss him. “Kael?” Silence greets me. It’s an eerie sound in the large living space. “Babe?” Once again my voice echoes and calls to an empty house. An icy chill of fear runs deep in my veins, and I wonder if something’s happened. The thought niggles in my mind, and even though I was ready to come home sooner, I didn’t let Dakota know I was worried about him.

  I was torn. She needed me, and I needed him. But after everything we’ve been through, I figured he was just busy with his contract. There are times when he hides in his studio, and I get that, but this feels different. Something is off. As soon as I pad into our bedroom—and find it empty—doubt slowly seeps into my mind.

  Doubt about us. About him.

  It’s stupid, I know this, but I’ve always had this weakness when it comes to him. The memories of the last time he walked out slam into me full force, leaving me breathless and afraid. My blood chills, wondering if someone from our past has caught up to us. Perhaps one of my old clients. Or maybe…my father? No. It can’t be. Would he do something to Kael? I haven’t seen him or tried to contact
him or my mother since I was freed. After learning what he did, I wished he were dead. Perhaps that’s not good, but I couldn’t help myself. My anger at the man I loved for eighteen years of my life is overwhelming.

  Racing back into the kitchen, I pull out my phone and hit dial on his number. After two rings, it goes to voice mail. When I tap the call button again, I’m met with the same automated message that he’s not available and to leave a message. My mind duels with possibilities of what could have happened to him. Of him packing and leaving, which doesn’t make sense. Things were good between us. At least, they were the last time we spoke, which was yesterday morning. Almost twenty-four hours have passed and all I have is a text message.

  My body wracks with a sob so harsh and so deep, I feel it in my bones and collapse on the tiles.

  He’s left. He must have.

  Why would he be avoiding my calls?

  I try his phone again—this time it goes directly to voicemail. Not a ring, not a beep, nothing. Just silence.

  It doesn’t make sense. He wouldn’t just walk out on us. Could he? I’m tempted to call Dakota, but she and Axel are working through their own hurdles. For the first time in a long time, I’m truly alone. I’ve spent years depending on myself, but once I got used to having Kael back, I let my independence slip just a little, and now he’s gone and I feel as if I’m lost.

  I push up from the floor and head into the bedroom. Pulling open the closets, I find his black duffle gone. There are jeans and shirts in messy piles, which is unlike him. As if he packed in a hurry.

  I head toward the bed and flop onto it. Thoughts of him leaving me poison my mind. Images of him walking away make breathing difficult. Maybe he realized he was better off without me while I was away. Or there’s someone else. Someone better. Did I even mean anything to him?