Hale on Earth (Arrangement Series Book 2)

by Francesca Penn

  My skin prickles, but it has nothing to do with Oran. It’s weird, but I’ve felt like someone has been looking at me since we’ve made it to the restaurant. I have found no one staring at me, but it’s a feeling I can’t shake. It’s beyond the fascination people have seeing us out and about. This feels like every move I make is being watched.

  Oran tips my chin to force me to look him in the eyes.

  “Hey, where did you go? What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” I try to dismiss it.

  “It’s not nothing. Don’t try that again. Tell me.”

  Concerned is etched in his face and furrowing his brows.

  “Do you feel you’re being watched?” I search his reaction for confirmation.

  “No. No more than usual. Let’s go home, if you feel uncomfortable, we should respect that.”

  “But…” I want to protest, but I am a little freaked out.

  “But nothing, Trophy. You shared a concern and I’m responding. Let’s go.”

  * * *

  Oran

  Karessa looks genuinely spooked in front of the restaurant. I don’t like it. I’d noticed her fidgeting a little more than usual during dinner, but I thought it was because of her social media pinging out of control. Outside, her unease could not be faked. It had nothing to do with internet followers. She was quiet on the ride home. Scrolling through her feeds, she’d randomly comment on a post about us being cute. We’re almost home when she sees an article speculating about our reproduction schedule.

  “Oran, this article says we’re planning for babies.” It’s a statement, but a question colors her tone.

  “Trophy, I’m thirty-six, financially stable, and happily married. I have nothing against having babies. I’d fuck seven into if you’d like.”

  “Seven? I almost threw my phone at you.”

  We get out of the car and I lace my fingers with hers, happy that she’s focusing on something else. On the patio, I turn her to me and kiss her knuckles.

  “I’m just saying. Don’t worry about when, just know I’m game.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  I give her a gentle peck then unlock the door, letting her in before me. The moon shines in through the unobstructed windows and reminds me of our first time.

  “I want you bathed in moonlight like the first time,” I whisper into her ear from behind.

  My hand dips into her top. I moan when I connect with a nipple. She pushes back to rub her ass on my hardening dick. I have her naked and wearing only heels in seconds. She’s so fucking sexy. Karessa turns and helps me remove my clothes until I’m void of everything.

  Her hands begin their exploration, arousing me further with her fingertips. Her touch affects me like no other. My skin seems to stand up and pay attention like it’s commanded by her magic.

  Her plush lips plants kisses along my chest then she returns a bite to my nipple. A tingle shoots through my body. She protests when I grab her, locking her arms straight while pushing on my chest.

  “No. It’s my turn.”

  Karessa continues her exploration, teasing me with her touch until she’s on her knees in a very promising position. She sucks me in without preamble. Her hot mouth shocks my system, almost causing me to cum. I’m glad she had her hair pinned up and nothing obstructs my view of her mouth stretching to accommodate me and her saliva leaving a glistening trail with each pass. My eyes want to roll back, but I’m determined to watch. Karessa is jerking it just right and she’s humming and squirming like I’m the most delicious thing she’s had in her mouth. Shit, it’s so good, I think of all the things I’ll buy Karessa tomorrow. I might get Esme a few items from her list. Hell, I’ll buy Imala something too at the rate Karessa is going.

  She pulls back, her face slick from her ministrations, and holds my gaze as she teases my head with the tip of her tongue.

  “Don’t hold back, Hell.”

  She slides me back into her mouth until I feel my dick sliding down her throat. I moan hard while biting my lip.

  That’s it. I’m buying her whole damn family something.

  “You want me to cum down your throat?” She whimpers but doesn’t stop. I grab the top of her head, rocking into her in a way guaranteed to have me cuming in seconds. “You want to be my sex doll? The collector of my cum…” I hold her head still and continue pumping as my release flows from my body down her throat. “Drink up baby, it’s all for you.”

  Karessa licks her lips when my softening dick slides out of her mouth. She nuzzles my leg, but pain and pleasure shoots through me when her teeth sink into my inner thigh. She almost got me hard again. I pull her to standing by her hair and she jumps me - wrapping her arms and legs around me - as I pull her into a wild kiss tasting both of us and not giving a fuck. She humps my abdomen, spreading her pussy juices on me as I bite her neck. I guess we’re both biters. I position her on the edge of the couch because it’s my turn to take a dive.

  I don’t waste time. My eager tongue has her cuming on it within seconds. Then, Karessa tenses in a way that has nothing to do with sex. She releases a strangled yelp and damn near falls on me as she scrambles backward while her startled eyes stare at our glass patio doors.

  “Karessa,” she jumps when I grab her. “What’s wrong? What is it?”

  “Some… Someone was just there.”

  I look to the right and don’t see anyone. “Outside?”

  “Yes!” she continues to back away while draping my shirt over her body to cover herself.

  Jumping into my pants, I run to the door to see if I can find any sign or a lurker. I swear I’ll kill a Peeping Tom. My mind races with possibilities, but Karessa pulls my arm.

  “No. Stay with me,” she begs. She trembles as she holds me.

  I rub her back while I catalogue the changes I’ll make for her to feel safer.

  Time for blinds.

  After I retrieve our phones, I guide her to our bedroom where we have the ultimate privacy. I sit her on the bed and get on my knees in front of her. Gently, I cup her jaw to get her to look at me.

  “What did you see?”

  “Someone crouching in the corner. Wearing a hoodie. It all happened so fast.”

  Her eyes tear up, and I pull her in for a tight hug. “It’s okay. We’ll be okay. The alarm is on, no; one is getting in.”

  I lie down on the bed and pull her close. I use my app to turn off the lights. Turning to my side facing her, I hold her tighter as I text with one hand.

  Oran: Karessa is scared. She saw someone watching us outside the house.

  Jagger: What the fuck? Do you call the cops?

  Oran: Seemed pointless. Whoever it was would be long gone. I’m not sure if he or she followed us. She’d felt uneasy at the restaurant. Like she was being watched.

  Jagger: Shit. Ainslee said someone is coming to watch the property and we’ll be there in the morning.

  Oran: Thank you. Bring breakfast, make the visit look casual.

  Chapter 37

  Oran

  I awaken to find Karessa staring down at me. She was having issues falling asleep, so I fucked her into a mini coma. Her hair is still wild from our night, but her eyes are almost peaceful as she studies my face.

  “Morning,” I murmur with a kiss to her temple.

  Her smile is sweet. “I feel much better. Maybe I was being dramatic last night.”

  “Nice try,” I tell her as I roll out of bed and stretch. I turn to look down at her, still seated in the middle of our bed. “Always trust your instincts. It doesn’t matter that I didn’t see in time, I believe you. And make sure you understand that I’ll protect you.”

  She nods tightly. “I don’t understand why anyone would watch me. I’m not that interesting. Maybe it’s something else…”

  “Baby, we’ll get to the bottom of it. Today, your only concern should be which one of us will bathe your sexy body. I can’t promise I won’t make a bigger mess.”

  She crawls to the edge, eyeing my r
ising dick. I grunt when she nips, then soothes it with her tongue.

  “Your way sounds like much more fun,” she says as her lips tease the head.

  I push her shoulder to make her fall back on the bed, grab her ankle, and pull her to the edge.

  She mewls as I sink my dick inside her without warning. “Let me make you very dirty first.”

  Karessa grabs her ankles and pulls them towards her head. I growl when I sink deeper in her pussy. If this is the way she wants to distract her mind, I don’t have any problems obliging her.

  “That’s right, Oran,” she whimpers. “Fuck my pussy and dirty me with your cum.”

  Sounds like my Trophy has been watching porn. It’s still effective because I’m doing exactly what she asks. I pull out my dick in time to cover her tits and stomach. She circles her nipple with it, then licks her finger.

  I snatch her off the bed, my cum makes her a little slippery on my chest.

  “Let’s get clean.”

  * * *

  I’m fresh out of the shower and pulling on pants when the doorbell chimes. Without thinking, I answer the door before donning a shirt.

  “Well, hello, Oran,” Ainslee’s little ass coos and Jagger rewards her with an ass smack.

  “Shut the fuck up, Ains.” He looks at me with a slight scowl. “Put on some damn clothes, you fucking slut.”

  “Good morning, you two,” I greet them with a laugh. “Come in,” I leave the door and backtrack for my shirt.

  Karessa peeks out of the bedroom and mouths. “Who’s here?”

  “Jag and Ainslee.” She perks up like an excited puppy, acting like we didn’t just spend two fucking weeks with them. “They apparently got used to being stuck up our asses,” I lie on my way to my shirt.

  “Don’t be mean,” she chastises as she fixes her shirt and falls into hostess mode.

  “Not mean; an observation. They bought breakfast.”

  Karessa is gone before I can finish my sentence. I’m wondering if Ainslee puts crack in her baked goods.

  Jagger pulls me into a sidebar while the girl talks about girl shit while drinking virgin mimosas.

  “Mikonos’ gigantic ass is outside with the boys. They found some tire marks that don’t match any of your vehicles on the far end of your property, a smudged handprint on the bottom of the door, and unclear footprints that suggest it was one person. It’s confirmed someone was here last night.”

  “He texted you all that?”

  “Hell, no. Ains did.”

  “Shit,” I curse low to not alarm anyone. The confirmation makes but blood runs cold and pisses me off that someone was watching us. Watching her. “She’s already spooked, but I have a plan,” I look at him. “Back me?”

  “Of course.”

  Moving behind Karessa, I rub her shoulders to get her attention.

  “Trophy, Jagger and I were talking about my cousin’s party. And my dad had a valid point. Wyn is a Hale returning to the island, and we should celebrate in style, which is why I want to sponsor the dessert and treats portion of the party.”

  She smiles up at me. “That’s sweet, Oran.”

  “Good. Ainslee, Jagger confirmed you’re available for the month. Would you do me the honors of making my cousin feel welcomed? I think you two would have fun working together.”

  “I agree,” Jagger chimes in because he gets it. “You two will have each other while me get our companies back in order and such.” He tilts her head back with his finger, doing that unspoken communication thing couples do. “It’ll be fun right, pretty baby.”

  She fucking melts like she always does she he says that shit but when her eyes meet mine again; I know she’s aware of my actual goal.

  “Sure, but you don’t have to pay me for such… favors.”

  “I insist. At least let me pay for the materials.”

  She studies me for a moment. “Fine, I’ll send you an invoice.”

  Karessa hugs Ainslee then spills all the ideas she’s formed for the party.

  I feel better that they’ll be together. Wherever Ainslee goes, her boys go, and Mikonos sees everything. It gives me time to find out what in the hell is going on.

  Chapter 38

  Karessa

  The last month has been hectic with us trying to pull off a party of this caliber together in such a short amount of time. Luckily, Caerwyn has been prompt and succinct in his answers and choices, which makes him a dream client. Today, he has a cake tasting (because he wanted to taste two of the flavors before he makes the last decision) and he’ll approve the final decorations and layout before my team begins the decorations. We didn’t have to worry about a venue because Elmer offered the Hale mansion for the location.

  I’m chatting with Ainslee, my sisters, and Ainslee’s cousin Guinevere when he texts that he just parked and will walk in soon. I see him first because I’m expecting him. His brown waves pick up hints of red in the sun. The heat has him dressed more casual than he was the other day. His long sleeve light-blue shirt is pushed up at the elbows displaying his wide chest and flat stomach. It’s tucked into navy slacks and accented with a cognac belt and shoes.

  The bell chimes when he enters, Caerwyn slides off his shades, displaying his startling eyes, and hits the five of us with one of his ovary stimulating smiles. My sisters sigh then look at each other like the other one is crazy, Guinevere glances at Mikonos then looks down at her nails.

  Ainslee, who’s sitting crossed legged on the counter, straightens her back to look at him properly. She is the first one to speak.

  “It’s nice to meet you officially… say your name for me so I have it correct.”

  He accepts her hand. “It depends on the language you want to use, really. In the U.S. I’m Care-wyn. In the UK, I’m Kai-wyn, Car-wyn in Canada, Care-wine in Danish, and, my personal favorite, Ser-vin in German.” He flashes us with another gorgeous smile. “Isn’t that fun? Say it with me. Ser-vin. You kinda have to get your tongue involved.”

  Mikonos’ sexy but mean ass says something to Ainslee in Greek without looking up from his phone.

  Caerwyn drops her hand and steps back. “My apologies. I wasn’t flirting. I know that you’re married. Some people just call me Wyn, by the way.”

  Ainslee’s gray eyes grow with surprise and respect. “You understand Greek?”

  Caerwyn shrugs like it’s general knowledge. “Some. I wouldn’t call myself fluent. I understand more than I can speak. I’m happy to know I have people to help me practice.”

  Mikonos’ snort was his version of that’s not fucking happening.

  Caerwyn moves to my sisters and studies them like it’s a test and he needs the correct answers.

  “You must be Esme, the second LeClaire in charge.”

  Esme flashes him a flirty smile. “That’d usually be the case, but our baby sister is much more grounded than we are.”

  I laugh my agreement as he pulls me into a hug. “Good to see you again, cousin,” he says then moves on to Imala.

  “Ah, the baby,” he says reaching out his hand.

  “Hi.” Imala’s greeting is as brisk as her two-fingers-and-thumb-grabbing-the-side-of-his hand handshake. She gathers her books and purse, then stands and turns to us. “My work here is done, ladies. I’m going to check in at the bank.”

  Imala kisses Esme and me on the cheek and leaves with a wave to everyone else.

  “It was good seeing you again,” Caerwyn calls out, amused by something we don’t know.

  “Again?” Esme pries like there’s more to the story.

  “The wedding. I met her at the bar briefly.” He turns to Guinevere. “My apologies, what’s your name?”

  “Guinevere,” she offers. Her smile tells me she finds him attractive.

  “I’ve always loved that name, it’s so beautiful yet medieval. Very official, like you’re a princess worth fighting over.”

  “No need, you can take her with you. Want me to gift wrap her?” Mikonos offers again, still not looking up fr
om his phone.

  Guinevere rolls her eyes then looks for something to throw at him but thinks better of it.

  Caerwyn looks confused until I specify. “He’s her husband.”

  “Unfortunately,” she mumbles. Mikonos looks up and his glare promises to kill her in her sleep, then he returns to his program.

  “Whew so many arranged marriages, the island has changed a lot since I’ve been gone, I see.”

  We laugh at his observation, but I assure him. “You should be safe.”

  * * *

  Finally, Caerwyn’s party is upon us. My girls helped me pull it all together, then we went to happy hour (Ainslee was there for the food) to celebrate. I don’t remember Guinevere from childhood, but she’s fun to be around now. When we started the project, I asked her to teach me Italian. I’m still terrible since it’s only been a month, but I’ve learned some dirty phrases to use on Oran. We all go our separate ways after convincing Imala to take her nose out of her books long enough to get ready for the party.

  After going home to shower, I check in for my hair and makeup appointment. I’ve done my own glam several times, but I feel like being pampered. I have my dress and accessories with me and will pop into my office to change then go to the party.

  Caerwyn sends me a photo of him looking charming yet sexy in a tux with the caption: Can’t wait!

  I send him a thumbs up and some hearts because my nails are drying. Then my phone rings promptly after.

  “Where are you, Trophy?” Oran grumbles like I’m not a grown woman.

  “At the spa getting ready.”

  “Is Ainslee with you?”

  He’s asked me that a lot in the past month when we’re not together.

  “No, why?”

  “I was just wondering.” His attempt to sound casual falls flat and I know why.

  “I’m okay, Oran. Maybe it was a fluke. I haven’t felt or noticed anything out of the ordinary. Everything is as it should be.”

  “How much longer until you’re done?” He doesn’t give a shit about my speech.

  Oran still doesn’t know who came to our house, and he doesn’t like not knowing. He’s installed cameras on the perimeter of the house and property, changed the security codes, gave me a safety key-chain, and has activated the tracker on my phone. I appreciate him asking me my whereabouts. It means he’s not using the app for stupid reasons.