by Charlie Hart
We come together, my body resisting the impulse to moan louder; we’ve gotten ourselves into plenty of trouble the last few months when I don’t. When I come and cry out my pleasure, waves crash against the boat and a torrent of pressure rises in the depths of the sea.
We’ve found it’s best to come in measured bursts, otherwise, the boat gets thrashed.
We catch our breath, incredulous at the beautiful life we’ve somehow found.
Beauty in the wreckage.
Kai walks on deck, an iced-coffee for me, in hand, and I smile at him. He knows what we’ve just been up to because he also hands me a bottle of water.
“You need to hydrate more if you’re gonna start and end your day with those workouts, love.”
We laugh, and I roll my eyes, as I also guzzle the water he proffered.
“This boat is seriously ridiculous, you know that, right?” I say looking out at the gleaming wood of the high-end sailboat that cost nearly a million dollars.
Kai shrugs and then offers me a smooth morning kiss. He’s chiseled and so well defined, and when he leans against me in the middle of the night, his desire sinks against me, bringing me to orgasm so damn fast. I feel my core tense at the idea.
“I know, it’s insane,” Kai says. “Who knew my old man would be so into making deals.”
West laughs, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. I lean into his chest, relishing his clean morning smell of soap and peppermint. “Uh, isn’t he a high-end lawyer in Boston?” West asks. “Wheeling and dealing seem like it comes with the gig.”
“Fair enough,” Kai says. “Still, it’s more perfect than I imagined.”
“What are we talking about?” Crew asks, pulling up to the deck with a yawn, arms stretched over his head. He just woke up, tousled hair and wearing nothing but low-slung sweats. I’m wearing a nightie, but one look at him and I want to be stripped to nothing.
“We’re talking about how Kai’s dad hooked us up,” West tells him.
I twist my lips. “Well, Kai isn’t getting off the hook. There was a catch to the deal. He’s certainly going to pay for this boat with his time next year.”
I reach for Kai’s hand, pulling him to me. We couldn’t be on this adventure without his sacrifice.
“Thank you,” I tell him again. For the thousandth time. My lips press against his, as I drag him closer still. I feel his hardness against me as he leans nearer, hands on either side of my body, pinning me in.
“It will be good to go to law school,” he reminds me. “We can’t live on love alone.” He runs a hand over my belly, the bump showing much more than we expected so early on.
West smirks. “True, this little one is going to need a roof over its head.”
“We’re lazy fuckers, West,” Crew jokes. “We need to get jobs.”
“Well, I need you both to watch the baby while Kai’s in school all day and I’m in the ocean. Being the Siren is a bigger job than we expected.”
“True enough,” West says. “But you’re so good at it, babe.”
I sigh, and Kai rolls off me, the four of us all finding places on the cushions. Over the last few months, my world has exploded. Apparently, when Poseidon ruled-- even if he was a terrible father--he did a lot to make sure the ocean was at bay. He minimized floods and hurricanes and that meant he spent most of his time taming the sea.
Now that I’ve bound Poseidon, I’ve come to realize his duty now rests on my shoulders.
And my shoulders alone.
I haven’t seen or felt Gaia once since the day Eric died.
And I long for her presence to return. To guide me, us, in some way.
“You’re in your head, Harlow,” West says, playing with a strand of my hair. “You okay?”
I take their hands and place them on my belly, knowing that the child growing inside of me is no normal child. It moves already, kicks and twists. We stopped in Los Angeles a few weeks ago, so I could go to a doctor, and had an ultrasound--I was so convinced there was more than one baby inside me.
But there wasn’t.
There was just one boy-- one very big boy. One boy with a five-chambered heart.
And I know why his heart has five chambers.
The doctor wanted to run more tests, to find a conclusion that merged science with the lab results, but I refused.
I have no need for medicine. I am growing a child more powerful than even I am.
This boy has a five-chambered heart because it is splintered off for the five people who gave him life.
Me. West. Crew. Kai.
Eric.
Some people may think it is crazy to believe in such a notion. But I know it in the same way I know I can harness the power of the ocean in my hand. The same way I can summon the sea.
I know what is within me, and this boy is one part of a whole.
I know it and my lovers know it. There’s no doubt in our minds that within my belly grows a demi-god, equal parts the men I love, including the man I lost.
“I miss him,” I whisper, pressing my hands atop of theirs.
“I know, love,” Kai says, sweeping a strand of hair behind my ear. “We all do.”
“Our son will always remind us of him, though,” West says. “That’s something.”
I nod. “Eric would have been such a good dad.”
Crew gives a crooked smile, his eyes soft with memories. “He really would have been. He was the best man I’ve ever known.”
“We’re gonna have to step up our game to make him proud,” West says, lacing my fingers with his, the same way he did the very first night we met.
“Which is why I’m going back to school, and you two chumps,” Kai says, jutting out his chin toward Crew and West, “are gonna be stay at home dads, while Harlow is out saving the ocean, one flood at a time.”
“Not to mention the part where we find her sisters,” West adds.
I scrunch up my nose at the responsibility before us all. “We have so much to figure out,” I groan playfully.
“Hell, yeah, we do,” Crew says, pulling me into his lap, twisting his lips in a sexy smirk. “We still haven’t perfected the art of double penetration.”
I squeeze his cheeks. “You’re so bad, you know that?”
“And you love it,” he says, knowing that I do. So very much.
Crew’s hand moves over my thigh, touching my tattoo that glows. Our eyes meet. We’ve learned that it glows brightly like this when I’m needed in the sea.
“Duty calls,” he says a little wistfully.
“I’ll be back later,” I say, kissing him on the lips, the forehead, the nose. “Promise.”
I walk to the boat’s railing, slip off my nightie, stand bare before my men who watch with worry, but also adoration. They love me in ways I never thought possible. Their belief in me, in the Siren I am, makes me strong.
Their love will carry me through whatever storm might come our way.
Their love calms the wild waters of my heart, and in doing so, my heart harnesses all of that, allowing me to offer a steady calm to the great ocean before us.
“Be safe, little mermaid,” they call as I rise up on the railing, ready to dive into the depths I have come to know so well.
“I love you,” I tell them with a clear and sure voice, knowing it’s the only way the transformation works.
I slip through the surface of the water, hands overhead, unafraid.
I may not know exactly where I’m going yet--but I’m not scared--because I know who I am, at long last.
I am the Siren, the child of Poseidon, a daughter of Olympus.
And I have work to do.
After
Not having the life you want is something I know all too well.
But I’m done pacing the halls of this prison.
I’ve waited long enough.
You’ll be summoned, one by one.
Though you don’t all know it yet.
Siren felt the call and is on her way.
For I felt
the ocean move when she stepped inside it, with the ring on her finger, at long last.
She was given the ring on her twenty-first birthday.
But when will you, my daughters, receive yours?
One of you is next, but who?
I’m waiting. I’m ready.
Are you?
COMING JANUARY, 12, 2018
THEIR MATE: Book Two in the Daughter of Olympus series.
Preorder Now:
http://bit.ly/theirmate
Their Phoenix release date Feb. 23, 2018
Their Shade release date April 6, 2018
Their Goddess release date May 18, 2018
Preview of Protecting
Did you fall in love with Harlow in Their Siren?
Want to know more about her best friend Chloe?!
Then you won’t want to miss the Our Virgin Three Book Series!
Harlow is featured in the third book of this series, all available exclusively on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited!
Our Virgin:
Protecting Our Virgin
Craving Our Virgin
Forever Our Virgin
It was supposed to be a dream vacation … until I found myself stranded on the beach in a foreign country––helpless, broke and in tears.
When a group of ripped and rugged athletes find me and bring me to their waterfront mansion, I know I’ll be safe for at least one night.
It quickly turns into so much more.
Not only do these men get me hot and bothered … they know what they want.
Me.
I’ve already been through so much ... and I'm scared of getting hurt.
They promise to protect me ... but it's my heart I'm frightened for.
Dear Reader,
This story has a different sort of HEA … one lucky lady and the four men who adore her. Set in Jamaica, this is more than a beach read … this is a sex-on-the-beach read— just like you deserve!
Is it just me or is it gettin' hot in here?!
xo, charlie
CHAPTER 1
Jordan is a smooth talker.
He had to be, considering he convinced me to go with him, on his private jet, to Jamaica, as a graduation gift. I’ve only known him for four weeks, yet he talked me into putting all my worldly possessions in a storage locker, even though I have no plans for what would happen after our trip.
There’s already a lot of pressure on tonight. I know what Jordan expects, but right now I just don’t feel ready.
And I know that isn’t going to make him happy.
But ever since we got on his jet today, he’s been predatory … no longer the romantic who gave me flowers before every date, the sweetheart who told me it was okay to take things slow. Suddenly he’s eyeing me like a piece of meat.
Before I give him my body, I need some reassurance.
As if he’s able to read my mind, he crosses the bedroom of the condo where we’re staying. “I just wanted to tell you something, Chloe. And I’ve been waiting for the right time to say it.”
I smile, wanting tonight to be perfect. I slip off my shoes, and walk toward him.
He takes my hands and says, “This last month has been incredible. And I want this trip to be a dream come true for both of us. The truth is, I love you, Chloe.”
My eyes widen. It’s not that I don’t believe that love can blossom in a month … but when he says the words, they sound hollow.
Stiff.
Memorized.
“Love?” My voice reveals my surprise. “You think you love me?”
Jordan’s eyes flash with anger. “That’s how you’re going to answer?”
“Well…” I falter, biting my bottom lip. “I mean, it’s a big deal. I’ve never said those words to someone before.”
“And you think I have?” Jordan shakes his head.
“I don’t know. I mean, you’re Jordan Connors, a billionaire CEO. You could have anyone.”
“But I want you.” He reaches for me, and I flinch, not even knowing why. He’s never hurt me, and maybe I’m acting crazy to doubt his love. Honestly, I have next to no experience with giving my heart to anyone.
Jordan is pissed. He raises his hands in anger. “Look, I need to cool down. I’m gonna go find some fucking ice. I got us champagne, you know, for our celebration?”
He leaves in a huff and I sit on the edge of the bed, hands clasped in my lap, wondering if I just ruined everything.
Then a phone starts buzzing. It isn’t mine, and I look around, seeing Jordan’s on the dresser. Twisting my lips, I consider looking at it.
There have been little red flags all month … but I keep squashing them because the idea of having someone looking out for me is so appealing.
I’ve been on my own forever.
His phone buzzes again.
I trust Jordan, don’t I?
I must not, because the next thing I know I’m looking at his lock screen, entering the four-digit password I’ve seen him use countless times. I press Messages, and see the newest one.
Hey baby. My pussy is so wet for you. Come home and lick it like you did last night.
Oh shit.
This was a bad idea. Those words were not mine.
I click off the text. Then see another woman’s name. I can’t resist.
It’s been three days since we made love … I miss you. I’ll show you mine if you show me yours….
After which is a series of close ups of her lady-parts.
I blink back tears.
I’m such a fool.
I hear the front door open and I drop the phone. I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to erase what I just saw.
I can’t believe I was about to give Jordan my virginity.
He comes in carrying a bucket of ice. “Hey love, no more fighting. You all ready to make this a night to remember?” he asks, leaning in for a kiss.
I pull back. “I can’t do this, Jordan.”
“What are you talking about, Chloe?” He pushes his lips forward, his slicked back hair suddenly repulsive. “Did my confession scare you?”
“It’s not that. It’s you.”
“Why do you think I brought you here, anyway?” His voice is cold and calculating.
I shake my head. “No, Jordan, I don’t want—”
He storms around the room, hands flying in the air, livid. His face is red, he’s lost his cool, but that’s not my problem. I don’t owe him anything. Just because he brought me on this lavish vacation doesn’t mean I’m required to pay him back with my virginity.
Especially not now.
Now that I know I am nothing to him but a present he wants to unwrap.
“It’s not going to happen, Jordan. I told you, I’ve waited my entire life, and I want the moment to feel right, and this feels...”
Forced.
Rushed.
Wrong.
Not the memory I want.
And I already have a lifetime of bad memories. I need this one to be good.
Perfect.
Am I putting a lot of expectation on one experience? Maybe.
But there has been so much in my life I haven’t had control over.
This one thing, I do.
“There’s no such thing as a perfect first time. You’re holding your virginity over me like it’s a goddamn prize.”
“I know you’ve been cheating on me, Jordan. I looked at your phone. I know I don’t mean anything to you. You tricked me.”
As I cross my arms, fuming at his complete disrespect, he grabs my passport from my purse and starts shredding it.
“You want to play games with me? Fine. Then I’ll play games with you.”
I try and pry it from him, but he shrugs me off. I don’t want to get hurt, so I stand there, watching in shock as he takes my wallet and pulls my ID from it.
Grabbing the pair of scissors from the desk he quickly cuts it, along with all my credit cards. They fall in pieces to the carpet.
With a flash, I know that this man is more
than a cheater—he is crazy. And I need to get away from him. Now.
I reach for my cash, but he pulls it from my fingers and starts ripping it, flushing it down the toilet. That’s when I start to feel more than rejected.
I’m terrified.
“Jordan, stop,” I demand, reaching for his arm as he continues to rip the last of my cash.
“Don’t tell me what to do, Chloe.” He looks at me with disgust, his lip pulled back in a snarl and I can’t believe I ever kissed him. “I’m the only man who’s ever even wanted you. You thought I liked you because you read books and graduated with honors?” He snorts. “I’m a businessman, I don’t need a smart girl. I just wanted you because you’re a virgin. But now that I’ve gotten to know you, I bet your cunt is as dried up as your heart.”
“I’m not… dried up.”
Jordan laughs coldly. “Actually, you are. If you had any soul at all, Chloe, you wouldn’t have spent the last month being a dick tease. You keep promising me a fuck, yet give me nothing in return for my affection.”
I shake my head, blinking back tears, not wanting to cry in front of him.
“Get out of here, you little whore, and take your shriveled-up pussy with you.”
He holds open the door to the oceanfront condo that he rented for us.
“Are you seriously kicking me out? Without any money or my passport or a phone? Jordan, I know you’re—”
But he shoves me the rest of the way out the door before slamming it shut.
I hear the lock click
He kicked me out.
I stare at the closed door, incredulously.
Did Jordan seriously just leave me barefoot and stranded in Jamaica?
Download Now:
Protecting Our Virgin
Craving Our Virgin
Forever Our Virgin
Preview of Chosen
CHOSEN:
Their Vampire Princess
Book 1
