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Chapter Twelve

Dereck

M iranda deserves better. Better than a courthouse wedding with some friends throwing rice at her. She deserves elegance. Her dress, though beautiful, is short and off the shoulder. When it should have been flowing, sweeping behind her. With a veil that fills up a cathedral. Just as she dreamed of as a child.

The flowers in her hand shine in the sunlight, like they are made from cheap plastic. She deserves white roses, pure as her soul, wrapped in the eucalyptus leaves that she adores.

She deserves a better man, one that would bother to wear a tie and a jacket.

They pause for pictures on the courthouse stairs, ever the happy bride and groom. Why does she look happy? Why is she settling for less when she deserves so much more?

From the car I can see her stretching her hand out to her friends showing them the ring. He is shaking the hands of his friends, grinning like a fucking ass who won a prize that he didn’t earn.

Miranda deserves a man who will love her like she is the only thing keeping his heart beating. A man who will give her everything her heart desires. She deserves to be taken care of. Not working her butt off at the hospital. She deserves me. With that thought I shut the engine off step out my car and lean against it. I stuff my hands in my pockets; my eyes are only for her.

All the guests swirl around them celebrating this unholy nuptial. I have seen Jermaine talking to other women. I know for a fact that he is cheating. My PI is taking too long with the investigations. I want to prove that he is no good so I can show her the truth. So, she can leave him and finally be with me.

As she hugs a lady, her eyes shift to mine. Suddenly I straighten my shoulders, unfolding myself from the car, barely breathing. Our eyes haven’t met in years. For a moment, everything ceases to exist. I am frozen, rooted on the spot. The noise of the crowd fades. Then without a second thought my feet begin to move, carrying me closer to her. I need to touch her, to feel her skin under my hand.

But she gives a slight shake of her head, just like she did years ago at my wedding. With a sad smile, she turns away, her new husband spins her around and plants a kiss on her lips.

I clench my fist, my nails dig into my palms, I can feel the nausea rising in my throat. I rush to the other side of the car, bending over the leaf cover drain, and empty my gut.

Is this how she felt the day she saw me marry? Hollow, and broken? My heart feels like there are a million small fractures, all cracking at once.

Miranda deserves better. And if the only way she gets it is by me destroying this marriage, then so be it. She belongs with me, and I won’t stop until she is finally mine.

* * *

PENNY

Time is a fickle beast, and somehow, months have flown by. So much has happened. I’m still being hunted down by the company in the Caribbean. They want me to come down for a year and help out. I told them I’d think about it. What else? Oh, Rhet and my bestie broke up. Then Zeeta got kidnapped and guess who saved her? Rhet’s ex. Wild right?

Rhet thought he could live without Zeeta, but after some soul-searching, he realized they belong together. Now they are engaged. The wedding? Three days away.

And as if that wasn’t enough, turns out Tarek’s best friend is Jasper from the Grey. One of my all-time favorite rock stars.

The best news is Zeeta is pregnant. I am about to be an auntie. I can’t wait to see that bundle of joy.

Maybe I will have a bundle of joy too. I haven’t seen my period in two months, and I had a bout of nausea while sipping coffee this morning. A pregnancy test has been burning my bottom drawer in my bathroom for the last few days. I am so happy I can just jump for joy.

Happy, that’s what I am when I am with Tarek. But what do I call us? It’s not a relationship, it’s a situationship. I can’t recall spending three days without him. Normally he would come to my house. But tonight, we are going to his home. As much as I love my home, there is something irresistible about Tarek’s bed. It’s huge, warm and inviting. Then there is Walter, he is like the grandfather I never had. This job in the Caribbean is constantly on my mind. I still don’t know why I haven’t said no or why I haven’t talked to Tarek about it. It’s not like I need to talk to him about my business. It’s not like he is…um, my man.

A hard buzz pulls me from my thoughts. The name Jeremiah Douglas appears on my dashboard screen. Speaking of the devil, the owner of the company from Trinidad is calling.

I steady my voice as I answer, “Hello, this is Penelope Holt.”

“You’re so formal Ms. Holt,” Jeremiah Douglas deep smooth voice surrounds me in the car.

“How can I help you, Mr. Douglas,” I ask trying to keep it professional.

“I wanted to make sure you read the contract. The board finally decided to increase the offer to five million. That includes a new condo and a car.”

An offer like this, a year ago I would have jumped on. I wouldn’t have thought twice, my bags were going to be packed. Now my priorities have changed.

“Mr. Douglas, let me recommend one of my colleagues,” I say even though I know he is going to reject it.

He didn’t want to hear it. “Not interested. I want the best and you are the best.”

I love that he is stroking my ego. But I may have a child in tow and the child’s father…. doesn’t matter.

I stay silent as I bend the corner nearing the Glasshouse.

“Think about it,” Jeremiah urges. “I will give you until, hmmm Monday and if you don’t return my call, I will hire someone else.”

“Great. Monday would be fine.” I reply. Tarek name blinks on the top of my car dashboard screen.

“Mr. Douglas, I have to go,” I say quickly.

“There is beauty in a busy woman. Consider my offer.” Before I could say goodbye the phone hangs up and it connects to Tarek’s call.

“Hello?”

“Treasure, where are you?” Tarek asks. I have grown accustomed to his possessive tone. In fact, it’s nearly comforting.

“I am about to park and give Josh my keys,” I park in front of The Glass House.

“Okay see you inside.” The phone hangs up.

It doesn’t take me long to exit the car.

“Good night Ms. Pen.” Josh takes my keys from my hand.

“Hi Josh. How was the IT exam? Did my notes help?”

A broad smile graces his face. “I passed. I got an A.”

I slap his shoulders. “Look at my boy. What’s next?”

Josh face reddens. “Coding and software application.”

“You’re always welcome to the Asylum for an internship.”

Josh fist pumps in the air. “Thanks, Ms. Pen.”

“You’re welcome. Now let me get inside.” I tap his shoulder softly.

Skipping up the stairs, the glass doors open, and I exhale because The Glass House still takes my breath away.

Janaka and another waitress place the chairs upside down on the tables.

“Hey, Jan? Did everything work out?” I pause, watching the other waitress move away.

Janaka’s hair is pulled into a ponytail, not a single strand out of place. Her caramel skin shines against her crisp white shirt. I don’t know how she stays this neat after all the hours of working.

“I swear you can never leave Mr. T. I got the whole week off and he even said I could have it with pay.”

Janaka’s joy is contagious. “Well, enjoy your vacation. You deserve it. Talk to you later.”

Janaka gives me a small wave and turns over her last chair. “Good night.”

The silver door gives way as soon as I press my palm against it and push.

“It’s missing something, Marco,” Tarek says. He is leaning on the stainless-steel table, loosely waving a fork.

“Maybe we should add dill,” Marco says.

I walk behind Tarek; he is so engrossed with the tasting he doesn’t realize that I am behind him.

“No, it needs salt. For sure,” I add.

Tarek turns around, and his face goes from serious to happy. His hands go around my waist, and he kisses me on my forehead. “Hey Treasure.”

“Hey. What’s going on?” I look at a white plate with beautiful, seared beef on potatoes.

“This is for Rhet’s wedding. Try it and give me your thoughts,” Tarek uses his fork on the very delicate beef, revealing a pink marble center.

When he raises it for me to taste there is an explosion of flavor in my mouth. The meat is rich and savory, perfectly seasoned. Then the potatoes melt in my mouth, warm, buttery with a hint of nuttiness. It takes all of me not to moan. I close my eyes craving more. Forgetting Tarek’s question.

“It’s a Pan seared wagyu beef tenderloin with celeriac puree and a red wine reduction,” Marco interjects.

I open my eyes and lick my lips and Tarek’s gaze is fixed on my face. Without hesitation he bends and kisses my lips. I open my mouth up, allowing him to taste me.

Marco clears his throat, and I give a little tap on Tarek’s arm.

Slowly he pulls away, ignoring Marco. “I missed you today. You didn’t call.”

“I had work. I wasn’t feeling to well today.” I wanted to tell him. Hey, I might be pregnant, but I hold back.

“How are you feeling now?” He pulls me closer to his side.

“Better,” I reply wanting to break the spell of intimacy. “Now, I think it may need citrus to give the meal that pop.”

Tarek and Marco instantly look at each other and it’s like they are having a silent chef conversation.

“I mean I could be wrong. I’m not a chef or anything,” I proclaim.

Marco moves quickly, he runs back and comes back with a small grater and a lime. Tarek releases me. Placing the spoon back into his pocket he zests the lime.

I take pleasure in watching the small curls of lime fall onto the beef. Finally, he cuts it and gives the lime a small squeeze over the beef.

He drops the grater and wipes his hand in his apron. Together he and Marco dig their forks into the delicate meat. They both raise the forks to their mouth. The room is silent, and I watch Tarek’s jaw ruminate. His eyebrow furrow, his expression looks like he’s upset.

Shit, did I spoil the meal? Marco puts his fork down and begins to clap slowly. Tarek jumps right in.

I chuckle and take a small bow.

“Thanks for the idea, Ms. Pen. We have been standing here trying to decipher what was needed,”

Marco looks like he was relieved.

“If we hadn’t figured out what was missing, Marco and I would’ve been here all night,” Tarek says folding his arm as he looks down at his dish.

Marco nods “I’m going to head out. Violet’s waiting for me at home, it’s almost 11:35pm.”

“Tell Violet I said hi and tell her thanks for the tea,” I tell Marco.

“I will clean up,” Tarek says.

Marco leaves the kitchen bidding both Tarek and I good night.

* * *

TAREK

“How was your day?” I make a small note on the pad.

“Crazy,” she replies. I push the plate toward her with my fork. Without a fuss, she settles on a black stool.

Staff members all come in to say good night, or to take up their belongings.

Janaka and Josh were the last to leave. I lock the door behind them walking back into the kitchen.

Normally I don’t like people in my space especially in my kitchen. Here is where I rule as king but seeing Penny perch on a stool eating the food I just created fills me with an unspoken warmth. That has been my time with Penny. She brings me a rare kind of peace. It’s like I need to have her at my side and the thought of me being a father to her child seems more appealing than before.

As I approach her, she lifts the fork with meat on it for me to taste. I lean down and take it into my mouth. The citrus really did compliment the meal.

“You know I never asked you. Can you cook?”

Penny throws her head back, “I am great at following recipes, but could I throw down like my mom and grandmoms? No.”

I nod, picking up my knife. I examine the blade. Marco sharpened my knives for me earlier.

“What kind of knife is that?” Penny stands at my side. Today she is radiant, her brown skin looks healthy and plump, her eyes are shining.

“This is a chef’s knife. I have a friend in Japan who custom-makes my knives.” I hand it to her to examine.

“This is beautiful. What is it made from?”

“Carbon steel, it’s harder to take care of, but I think it gets the work done better than stainless.”

I slide the knife into its velvet casing. I grab another chef’s knife, and I examine it.

“That looks sharp, like it can cut anything.” Penny presses her chest to my side and blood instantly leaves my head.

I grab a piece of pumpkin out of a small vegetable basket. The knife slices through the pumpkin with ease.

“Wow,” Penny reaches over my hand and takes a plum out of the basket.

“A knife is an extension of a chef ‘s arm,” I say, slicing into the vegetables like I’m at an expo, demonstrating a product.

“Hmm, this is delicious,” Penny moans.

I look down and see plum juice is running down the side Penny’s hand and the corner of her mouth. Whatever I was about to say disappears instantly.

“Look at you, you’re making a mess.” I set my knife down and lean in, licking the remnants of juice from the edge of her lips. She turns to kiss me but I pull away. Penny’s eyebrows creases in confusion.

“I have to clean you up.” I didn’t give her time to think.

I place my hands under her arm, lifting her up to the stainless counter.

Penny braces herself with a hand behind her. “Tarek?”

“Shh, let me clean you up, Treasure.”

I move quickly near the sink grabbing a new cleaning towel.

Penny is looking at me like I have lost my mind. She has no idea.

I saunter to her dabbing the side of her mouth. Her mouth twitches in amusement.

“I think I am clean now,” she says, pushing my hand away.

“Are you though?” I smirk, reaching into the basket and grabbing a handful of blueberries.

“Tarek?”

“Forgive me.” I squeeze my palm, enjoying the dark drips of juice dropping onto her skin. Before she could protest, I lean in and lick a trail of juice right off the curve of her breast.

“Delicious.”

She was a walking temptation. The deep V neck of her dress, the teasing glimpse of her stomach, the way the maxi dress hugs her body like a secret.

“What kind of dress is this?” I ask already knowing I don’t care.

“It’s a maxi dress,” she replies.

“Mmmmm,” That’s all I can manage as my hand reach under her maxi dress sliding up her thighs.

“Do you know that you have taken over my mind?” I ask. “I am always thinking about you. Asking myself questions.” She stares at me in shock, lifting her hips as I drag her underwear down her legs, and toss it unto a side stool.

“Did she eat today? Is Penny okay,” I step between her legs and place them on the stainless counter. I know this is about to be unsanitary as fuck, but that’s what a cleaning crew is for.

With her legs splayed open, she leans back on her hands watching me. “I think about you during the day too.”

I stop in my tracks because that little fact makes me happy. “Really?”

Penny nods as a slow warm smile spreads across her face “Really.”

I grin wide. “Well Treasure, that confession just made my damn week.”

“What exactly do you think about?”

Her smile grows wide. “Um, did you eat? Did your dick get hard today?”

“Careful Treasure,” I growl “You keep saying sweet shit like that, I might think you actually like me.”

“But I do Tarek, I like you a lot.” Her hand reaches around my neck and pulls me down for a hot slow kiss.

I pull way, my breath is ragged. The dress has pooled around her waist. I pull it aside, then I grab a meat mallet from behind her. I place the heavy mallet on the fabric, just enough to keep it from sliding back down.

“What are you doing?” she asks.

I pull the basket of fruit and veggies closer, plucking four juicy grapes. Then I kneel. “Bring your ass closer to the edge.”

Thankfully, she obeys.

“Do you know what I miss most when you’re not around Penny?” I ask.

Her chest lifts in anticipation. “No.”

“Your taste.” I roll the grape at her entrance, then slowly slide it in her. “Doesn’t matter what I eat, nothing tastes as heavenly as your pussy.”

She’s too stunned to speak. Good. I press another grape inside of her, watching with pleasure as it disappears.

“You taste like cinnamon and sin.” I murmur “It’s intoxicating.”

The grapes begin to push back out. “No, Treasure, keep it in. Trust me.”

I rub my thumb over her clit. “Don’t squeeze down now. Just breathe. Relax.”

* * *

PENNY

Just relax? I’m ready to do the exact opposite. I can feel the grapes moving inside of me, I feel full, its maddening. This shouldn’t feel good. But with the way his thumb massages my clit slow and firm and how he keeps slipping those grapes into my pussy. I am about to scream.

“You want me to suck on this pretty little pussy, Treasure?” he asks, his voice is low and hungry.

All I can do is nod.

He doesn’t wait. He dives in like it’s his last damn meal, his mouth sealing over me, his tongue working me open.

My hips jerk and my dress shift, but the meat mallet still holds it pinned to the side. I reach for his hair, my fingers tangle in it as he curls his tongue deep inside me.

“Hnnngh…Tarek…”

He lifts his head just enough to grin.

“I got two.” He chews with a satisfied hum, then dips right back in.

His tongue slides inside again, searching, teasing, curling as I clench down, my whole body is twitching in response. I can feel the grapes shifting and Tarek working to get another. The friction of his tongue, the push and pressure, its filthy, overwhelming and fucking perfect.

A low rumble vibrates from his chest. He got one more.

He locks my thighs in his arms, holding me wide open as he moans against me, dragging me right to the edge. My eyes roll back in my head; my hips grind helplessly against his face.

Fuck. I want that grape to stay hidden until I come. I want to come with it inside of me.

“Please Tarek, baby please.”

“Let me hear that pretty little gasp again,” he hisses.

He flicks his tongue, then nibbles lightly on my clit, just enough to make me gasp. Then he moves down, grabbing handfuls of my ass and lifting me higher like he was drinking from me. His face is buried in my pussy, licking, slurping devouring me like I belong to him.

“You taste so fucking good,” he growls.

“Just like that baby,” I cry.

“Look how fucking wet you are for me. Treasure.”

My stomach contract, my back arches. “Tarek, I’m gonna come.”

“Not yet, Treasure,” he purrs against my skin.

Before I can even ask why, he stands, calmly, controlled and kisses me deep. When I open my mouth, he pushes a grape between my lips. I bite down, tasting myself on its skin.

“It’s delicious” I whimper.

He grins.

Then he reaches behind me and picks up two cucumbers, weighing them in his hand.

“Um…. Tarek? What are you doing?” I ask.

He doesn’t answer, he chooses the girthier of the two. He has my full attention as he swirl oil around the top, slick and shiny under the light.

“Open up for me Treasure, trust me.”

Obediently my legs widen. I close my eyes as I feel the cucumber slide over my pussy. Fuck this shouldn’t feel good. But the way he glides it over my clit, its driving me crazy.

“It’s coconut oil,” he says still rubbing that cursed vegetable over my sensitive spot. “Because of its mild antibacterial properties, you shouldn’t get a UTI. If you are worried, let me know.”

Was I worried? No. Excited? Hell yes. I never thought a cucumber could be sexy, but with Tarek using it on me, I’m super excited.

Tarek places a hand on my stomach, he presses lightly. “Inhale for me baby,”

As I inhale, I feel the cucumber enter me. Oh…Oh my.

“You are doing so well Treasure. Feel it, I want to really feel it.”

He strokes me slowly, gliding in and out keeping the pace torturously perfect. My dress is pulled to the side and my breast spills free. Without pausing Tarek leans down and takes my nipple into his mouth. Shit it feels so good.

I throw my head back and moan, enjoying the new thrill that is running through my body.

“Yes please just like that,”

Tarek lifts his head, lips wet, gaze wicked “Notice how your lovely pussy is drawing in the cucumber.” He pause and smiles “You do that to my cock too.”

He reaches for my hand and places it on the cucumber. “Fuck yourself and let me see.”

Slowly, I begin to stroke myself, enjoying the way Tarek is watching me with dark desire in his eyes. He shrugs off his apron and unbuttons his pants. Both fall to the floor with a light thud. He pulls down his boxers, and strokes himself. His eyes trained on my hand. I begin to move deep.

“Fuck, you’re such a naughty girl. Aren’t you, Treasure?”

“Yes.” The wet sound of the cucumber blended with Tareks strokes is like erotic ASMR.

“Fuck, keep going just like that,” Tarek says.

He places his thumb on my clit and massages it. “Such a good fucking girl.”

The tingle starts at the base of my spine. I begin to glide the cucumber faster into my pussy. “It feels so good. But it’s so big”

“You can take it, Treasure. Get the pussy primed for me.”

“Tarek please.”

“Show me how good you can take it.” His voice cracks. “Look at that pretty pussy swallowing that cucumber. Fuck.”

“I am about to?—”

My hands are brushed away, and the cucumber is pulled out.

“What are you?—”

Before I can complete my sentence, he brushes my hands away and pulls out the cucumber dropping it on the floor.

“Eyes on me Treasure.”

My arms wrap around his neck, and I hold his gaze. I want to see his expression when he enters my pussy. I want to see the moment he loses all control.

* * *