by Sydney Addae
Robert stood. “Um, well yeah, like I said before, it’s nice meeting you Baron, and good seeing you again, Princess. Come by the house when you get a chance, it’s been too long.” He pushed his chair under the table. Reaching down, he pulled Jonathan out of his seat. “Come on, Baby, it’s time to go.” He led his silent lover away.
Simone jumped up mumbling about the restroom. Amused at her reaction, he watched her flee the unnatural attraction between them. At least he wasn’t the only one affected. The question remained, what to do about it?
As an original Vemdorian he had never engaged in sex for the sake of pleasure. Sex was for breeding. His species had evolved over the centuries and used Breeders to replenish their numbers. Nevertheless, his cock was hard and demanded release. It was impossible to breed with humans. He knew that. But for some reason, he wanted the human female, Simone, to slake his hunger.
The hum of conversations in the restaurant arrested his attention. Opening his senses, he zeroed in as a male whispered into the ear of the female.
“I wanna taste you right here, baby. Lift up, yeah, like that. Open up, wider.” Turning in the direction of the voice, Baron picked up the smell of a female in heat. A moment later, the male sucked his finger and replaced it under the table. The female made slight movements with her eyes closed. Baron’s erection hardened further as he listened.
“Girl, I bet he can eat that cat till it purrs.” Snapping his head in the direction of some females, he waited to hear more of this animalistic behavior. Humans eating cats? Had he been disconnected from socializing that long? Almost everyone’s thoughts in the restaurant centered on sex. How to get it, what to do with it, where to put it or not, oral sex, anal sex, bondage sex, sex with toys, sex on top, sex on the bottom. Baron pulled his ear and slumped in his seat. Would Simone even want or expect sex with him? No, of course not. She didn’t know him, he argued. But, earlier tonight he’d smelled her arousal. Did that mean something more? His erection pressed against the front of his pants, a serious point of discomfort. A release would be welcomed. He hated not knowing and being clueless to most of the surrounding discussions, so he shut them out.
Okay, so sex was recreational, just for fun because it felt good. Strange his linesmen forgot to mention that tidbit. He reached for Rauff.
“What. Is. It. Baron?” Rauff’s reply sounded strained.
Baron frowned, immediately concerned. “Are you okay? Do you require my assistance?”
“No, just kind of busy right now, my hands are full.”
Not sure what to make of that response, Baron continued looking at the band up front, tapping his fingers to the beat as he told Rauff what he’d just discovered and asked his opinion.
“Wait a minute.” Baron waited until Rauff reconnected. “Are you saying you’ve never had sex for fun?” Ironic how clear the connection between them could be when Rauff had questions or wanted something. Baron decided against bringing it up.
“Rauff, sex is for the replenishment of the species, you know that. Whenever my turn came around, I had sex with the allocated partner.” He had the distinct feeling Rauff was laughing at him, and he didn’t care for it.
“Did I miss something?” He lowered his voice to a growl and transmitted it through the link.
“Yeah, about a thousand years of fun and stress relief. Damn Baron, you’ve been missing the main reason why we’ll never revert to our Vemdorian roots. Vampire sex my friend, there’s nothing like it.”
“You have regular sex with vampires?”
“No, I’m a vampire that has sex, lots of sex.” He chuckled.
“I got that after the deal with Lukian. But have you ever had sex with humans?”
“Of course, they are extremely creative and not as difficult to satisfy.”
“Who gets satisfied?” Baron asked eagerly. Right now, he simply knew he wanted to be closer to Simone but was unsure of the boundaries.
“If you want to ever see the human again, you’d best make sure they get satisfied. Funny thing, humans will put up with a lot if you keep them happy sexually.”
“Really? I heard someone talking about eating that cat earlier, what’s that?”
Snickering across the connection, Rauff described it to Baron in full detail. Stunned and glad Simone was absent to witness his rock hardness, he shook his head to clear it.
He thought Rauff was teasing. “Are you serious, women want you to taste them there?”
“It’s expected; actually, it’s more popular and common than before. But humans have always enjoyed it. Men and women like to be licked and sucked.”
Baron suspected Rauff was laying it on thick, but as vague memories trickled down from his line, he realized a whole lot more than procreation happened with sex. The lesson had been brief and he had paid little attention at the time.
“I’ll figure this out, sorry to disturb you.” He planned to have a long talk with his linesmen later. Their final suggestion had made little sense at the time. Now it took on a completely new light.
Chapter 9
“No Rissa, I have a friend coming over for dinner tonight.” Simone explained again to her precocious five-year-old niece as she moved around the living room straightening up. Her high back sofa looked soft and inviting. She draped the throw over the back and straightened the magazines on the coffee table while tossing Rissa’s plastic ring into the center dish. Standing, she looked around critically, wondering what he’d think of her home. A lot of time, energy, and money had gone into making this her retreat. The neutral palette of browns and tans, soothed. The bamboo hardwood floors honored her conservation commitments. The paintings were from new emerging artists who enjoyed color and everything in between. The oven pinged. Her roast was done. She headed into the kitchen to place it in the warming oven with the rest of the dinner.
“Is he your boyfriend, Aunty? Are you going to marry him?” Rissa asked, trailing behind Simone as she put the finishing touches on the table. Simone smiled; her niece looked so cute with her long ponytails and green eyes in her oval face. She was tall for her age, all legs and arms. No question, she’d be a beauty like her mom. The pain had lessened over the loss of her twin, but it still stung. Snuffed out at such as young age in a car accident, it had been beyond tragic. Thank God, Rissa had been at daycare at the time.
“No sweetie, we’re just getting to know one another.” She and Baron had been talking for a week and tonight was their first time seeing each other since they’d met. Zings of energy flooded her system, she couldn’t sit still if she tried. Even though she enjoyed their conversations, the chemistry between them was too strong for a platonic relationship. Tonight, everything would change. “You think he’d like to see me in the play? I wanted to be one of the dwarfs, but instead they gave it to Libby Thurgood. But I’ll be a good flower. He can come see me at the Children’s Theatre.”
Simone smiled; glad Camilla had suggested Marissa attend Imaginon for acting lessons. It had been just the distraction needed after Sharita died. She thrived at the Children’s Theatre and had made a lot of friends. “We’ll see. Make sure and remind your dad of the play. It’s in a couple of weeks”
“Me and daddy are going camping. I wish you would come.” Marissa picked at the table, then her clothes, as she followed Simone.
Simone had lots of practice in being diplomatic when it came to Marissa’s dad. She clamped her teeth together to keep from yelling, “hell no!” Instead, she bent down and smiled.
“You know the time you spend with your daddy is special and just for the two of you.”
“Uh uhh, Aunty.” She shook her head. “He brought Gilda one time and Pamela another time. See, you can go with me.” She smiled at her logic, missing the scowl on Simone’s face. Javier was such an ass. She couldn’t understand why he even bothered if he didn’t want one on one time with his child. Nevertheless, she needed to do damage control.
“Well, even so, baby girl, I have a date, and you have a date with your daddy. So w
e’ll both have a lot of fun. Have you ever been camping?” Simone asked, changing the subject.
“Yeah”
“The word is yes,” Simone corrected absently.
Marissa giggled. “Yes, we went camping before. Poppy bought a new truck trailer and we sleep in it and everything! We had lots of fun and he had to cook. He’s not as good as you though.”
Simone laughed at the faces Rissa made. She grabbed her and kissed her loudly on the side of her face, blowing a raspberry. They both laughed and chased each other in an impromptu game of catch. Out of breath, they paused, hearing a sound.
The doorbell rang, again. “I’ll get it, Aunt Simmy” Rissa yelled, running to the door. Smoothing down her dress and taking one last look around, Simone headed to the front door. Rissa was talking to Baron a mile a minute while he stood on the other side of the door.
Baron glanced up as she approached and waited. The outside of the house with the well-manicured lawn told its own story about the owner. This home spoke more of her personality than anything she’d confessed during their numerous talks. He’d never visited a human household in this capacity before and was unsure of the protocol. He waited until she ushered him in. The foyer opened into a large room tastefully decorated with seating comfortably surrounding the fireplace. He felt at ease as he looked at the pictures on the wall, the easy lounging area, and the halls leading to other areas.
“Baron, I’d like you to meet my niece, Rissa.” She pointed towards her as Baron reached out and took her hand.
Giggling, Rissa shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, Rissa,” he teased.
“Me too, you’re tall,” Rissa blurted. Simone and Baron laughed as he bent forward and kissed Simone on the cheek. His eyes heated when they met hers.
“Yes, but I bet you think your Aunt is tall as well,” he challenged as he took the seat Simone offered. He was comfortably dressed in jeans and a red polo shirt which stretched across his broad chest. Simone inhaled as she watched him interact with Marissa. Her chest constricted, he smelled delicious. Catching her watching him, he sent her a wicked smile and she knew she was in trouble. Baron was a man on a mission. His intent was as clear as if he were a dog marking his turf. Deep inside, she acknowledged an answering response.
Rissa stood and pointed her finger at him. She declared, “Aunt Simmy is tall like my poppy, but you are taller than both of ‘em.”
“Them, taller than both of them,” Simone corrected automatically.
“Okay, them,” Rissa nodded. “Your eyes are pretty. Blue. Light blue.”
“Thank you and yes they are,” he smiled at her as he realized he never had a conversation with a child before. The way her conversation flipped all over the place fascinated him.
“I’m going camping in the mountains with my daddy. I want Aunt Simmy to come, but she said no. My time with my daddy is supposed to be special. But he brings his friends, so why can’t I take my Aunty?” she asked as he got comfortable.
“I don’t know Rissa. You should ask him if you can invite a friend,” he said.
“I wanna –”
“Want to or would like to,” Simone interrupted. She sat in the love seat not far from them.
“I would like to take Angelina with us to the movies the next time. I’ll ask daddy.” Moving to sit next to him on the sofa, she waited.
Simone and Baron shared a smile. Although he had no experience with this human concept of family, he knew when he was being tested or checked out. Each of her friends had done so in their own way.
Opening his senses, he almost fell out of his chair as the child’s thoughts and emotions bounced all over the place. One moment she wanted her aunt to marry him, the next she didn’t because she didn’t know what that would mean for her. Then she decided her aunt could marry her daddy, then she said no way, they didn’t like each other. For some reason, that made Baron smile. Simone got up and walked into the kitchen, leaving them alone.
“I really like your Aunt Simone.” He offered in an attempt to place her mind at ease.
“Are you going to marry her and run away to a big house and keep her locked up and have lots of babies, then she’ll be a princess and have maids and...”
“Whoa!” he called out laughing. “Your imagination is running faster than my poor mind can keep up.” He chuckled at her glare. “It sounds like you have quite a few stories mixed up in that scenario.”
Smiling, he tapped the coffee table and leaned forward. Turning side to side, he motioned her closer to tell her a secret. “I’ve got to get your Aunt interested in me first.”
“She likes you.” Waving away his concerns, she continued. “You’re the first man I met. I asked her if you were her boyfriend, and she said no, she didn’t know you yet.” Watching him from the corner of her eye, Marissa leaned forward, grabbed something from the coffee table and placed it into his hand.
Baron looked at the metal ring with gemstones she’d given him and smiled.
“Now you can marry her,” Marissa told him seriously.
The doorbell rang before Baron could form a reply. Marriage? That was a human event which meant little in his world. Blood-mates didn’t cheat, divorce or separate ever. He closed his fingers around the metal and placed it in his pocket after a few moments. “Thank you Marissa, I’ll keep it just in case she really likes me.” He winked at her.
Simone walked to the door, drawing Baron’s eye the entire time. They had parted ways the last time with a meager kiss and an exchange of information. Her voice drew his attention.
“Chavez,” Simone dryly greeted the man at the door.
“Locklear,” he responded. Despite outward appearances, Baron heard the loathing in Simone’s tone and stood, waiting to be acknowledged and available if she needed help.
“Poppy! Daddy!” Rissa ran and jumped into the waiting arms of the man, alerting Baron to his identity. Even without the introduction, it was apparent they were related.
“Daddy, this is Aunt Simmy’s boyfriend, Baron. Baron, this is my poppy,” Marissa announced, obviously proud to have done so. None of the adults reacted or corrected her. Baron looked the slender man over but didn’t speak. Chavez’s brow lifted and then glanced at Simone.
“That’s nice princess. Are you ready to go? I’ve got the trailer ready and waiting.” His gaze lingered on Marissa, ignoring Baron and Simone.
“Si! I’m ready. Next time can Aunt Simmy come with us? Please. And maybe her boyfriend too?” she pleaded.
Simone grinned at the expressions on Baron’s and Javier’s face. Not wanting to disappoint her niece, she stooped, opening her arms as Rissa filled them.
“Hey squirt, I told you this time is special for just you and your dad. There’s plenty of time later for you and me, alright? You’re the star in the play, don’t forget to practice.” Squeezing Marissa tight one last time, she kissed her on the nose, and then released her.
Marissa grabbed her green sweater and plaid bag off the table, preparing to leave.
“Have fun, I love you, babe,” Simone yelled.
“Love you too, Aunt Simmy. Bye Baron,” she called out as she grabbed her dad’s hand and left.
The sudden quiet reminded Simone she was alone with Baron. Feeling his gaze, she looked in his direction. He stared motionless. Breathing a quick sigh, she moved. Leaving the safety of the doorway, Simone walked toward the kitchen.
Two nights ago, after they’d left the club, Baron had felt inadequate and didn’t know exactly what to do. He’d felt her disappointment when he gave her a simple good-night kiss after securing a dinner date for later this week. Old insecurities had risen. What would Simone think if she knew he had very little practical experience in that area. In the past, he’d paid Fems for the opportunity to create issue or children. That service didn’t require either of them enjoy the sex as long as he passed along his seed. A few times with Fems had been the extent of his sexual prowess. He needed to get more information on the intimate side of relations.
/> His mind had whirred over all the new feelings and sensations he’d experienced, plus the things he’d heard in the club. He’d been intoxicated by her smile and unique scent ever since that night. Even though they’d talked every day, being with her again reminded him why he couldn’t get her off his mind. She felt right. This felt right, them being together talking, taking it slow, letting it build.
After studying and researching the matter via some DVDs Rauff had sent, and a lengthy discussion with his linesmen, he looked forward to a nice dinner and some romance with Simone tonight. He burned with the need to take her.
His mouth watered at her nearness. Meeting her niece had been an added bonus. Family meant a lot to humans in general and to Simone particularly. She’d talked incessantly about her deceased twin and her niece.
Simone’s scent, her reaction to him, released a hunger in his blood she had to satisfy. He watched her head to the kitchen and tried to bring his body under control. Each second he inhaled her scent, heard her speeding pulse, and realized she needed him just as much, his body burned.
“Come into the dining room. I’ll... I’ll get the food. Please have a seat,” she said in a hesitant tone, pointing in the direction of the chairs.
Pleased, he smiled at her shaky response. At least he wasn’t alone on this insane journey. Earlier today, the Fem from Raleigh had left in a huff when he’d asked her questions about her line and her birth count. In reality, he didn’t care one way or the other about her lineage. He’d waited to see if he’d have a similar physical reaction like he’d had with Simone. Nothing, no heat, no erections or emotional roller coaster, he should be happy.
He wasn’t.
It shouldn’t matter. Why should he enjoy feeling anything when he had a duty to perform? He intended to breed true to his heritage. That was his purpose, the continuation of the line and race. Looking around the tastefully decorated home, he asked himself the question that had been burning all night. “What the hell am I doing here?”