Submission of the Siren Read online

  “Oh yes please.” Kalliope’s eyes lit up. “You’ve got to taste it, Ligia, it’s nothing like the stuff we get here.”

  “Oh yes, do try it,” Zigor urged, steering them up the beach to where he had stashed his belongings by a large rock. “You seem like the kind of woman who would appreciate the quality, much like Kally here.”

  Ligia flushed slightly. “OK, it is rather hot.”

  The three of them sat under the large sunshade drinking the cool beer.

  “Oh my dear, I do hope I didn’t cause you any problems yesterday with that—that man?” Zigor looked around as he asked, obviously expecting Rechavia to appear at any minute.

  “Oh no.” Kalliope sneered with a dismissive wave of her hand.

  “Who? Rechavia?” Ligia frowned.

  “Rechavia. That was the name. I had quite forgotten.”

  “No, he was fine. Were you OK?” Kalliope suddenly remembered the bloody nose.

  Zigor chuckled, “Oh yes. I’m quite used to a little horseplay.”

  Ligia gave her friend a quizzical look.

  “Hey, don’t forget me.” A man ran over to them, smiling broadly. He was younger than Zigor, probably in his late twenties, and had very straight, light-brown hair and big brown eyes. He was dressed in casual shorts and a T-shirt. His skin was as pale as Zigor’s.

  “As if we would.” The older man sniggered. “Ladies, please meet my good friend, Benat Ugarte. The farmer I was telling you about.”

  The men exchanged a very brief look, before Benat reached a hand out to each of the girls in turn.

  “This is Ligia, and this is Kalliope, whom I met yesterday,” explained Zigor as they shook hands.

  Benat held Ligia’s gaze a little longer than necessary, before giving her a cheeky wink. She flushed.

  “You’ve been taking photographs,” Ligia stated.

  The camera around his neck was a dead giveaway!

  “Yes,” Benat replied, settling down next to her with a bottle of beer.

  “Those flowers are very rare, I believe,” Zigor told him, looking to Kalliope for confirmation.

  “Yes. They only grow on the island. We make a lot of money selling them on the mainland.” Kalliope concurred, before helping herself to another bottle.

  “All of which has disrupted your way of life, hasn’t it, my dear?” Zigor tried to sound sympathetic.

  Ligia shot her friend a look which stopped her in her tracks.

  “W-well yes.” Kalliope didn’t know what else to say. How much did I tell him? She knew she had had a couple of drinks yesterday, but she was sure she remembered everything she had said and done. She hadn’t been drunk.

  “In what way?” Benat asked casually.

  “They’re cultivating the land now,” Ligia interjected. “We used to just let them grow freely. What kind of farming do you do, Benat?”

  “Arable.” Zigor answered almost too quickly.

  “That’s right. Crops and that.” Benat shrugged, taking his lead.

  “Isn’t it beautiful here? And so quiet.” Zigor changed the subject with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

  “Oh yes, I’ve never been here before,” Benat agreed.

  “So what brings you here today?” Ligia asked.

  “We’ve both got an unexpected day off. I thought Benat would like to see the island, I was so impressed with it yesterday,” Zigor hastily replied.

  Kalliope frowned. “I thought Rechavia would have put you off,” she said.

  Zigor looked around at the sound of his name. “Oh no, bullies don’t worry me, my dear,” he said with a dismissive chuckle. “I’ll tell him that too, if I see him.”

  “You won’t. He’s taking the flowers to Eastland with Aitan.”

  The older man visibly relaxed at Kalliope’s words.

  “Aitan is my boyfriend,” Ligia explained, proudly.

  “And have you all always lived here?” Benat asked.

  “We have. The sailors came a few months ago,” Kalliope replied, conscious of another hard stare from her friend.

  Zigor noticed the exchange between the two girls. “Ah yes. I remember reading something in the press about problems on the island. Nasty business.”

  “Yes, and a load of rubbish,” Ligia replied indignantly.

  Kalliope tried not to catch Zigor’s eye, though she felt his stare burning into her. She wracked her brain to remember what she had told him yesterday.

  “Shall we take a walk, Ligia? I’d love to see the rest of the island?” Benat was already getting up as he spoke, a courteous hand held out to her.

  “Um, OK.” Ligia shot an uncomfortable look to Kalliope, who immediately began to get up herself.

  “My leg is aching a little, today,” Zigor said, giving it a rub. “Would you mind very much if we stayed here a little longer, Kally? That is, if you two don’t mind?”

  “No, of course not. I’m sure Ligia will look after me, won’t you, dear?” Benat grabbed a couple more bottles from the cool-box and linked his arm with the very surprised girl, before ushering her up the beach.

  Ligia looked back at Kalliope, but her dark-haired friend seemed utterly oblivious to her concern, as she took another bottle and leaned back on the sand.

  “I hope you don’t mind us not joining them?” Zigor was making himself comfortable, sliding down so he was lying next to Kalliope.

  “No, I’m quite happy here.” She sat up briefly to take another glug of beer, before lying back down with a sigh.

  “You won’t burn, will you? It must be about midday.” Zigor stroked her arm as he spoke.

  She chuckled. “No, I don’t burn, I just tan,” she said. “And I’m well used to being out in the midday sun.”

  Zigor’s curiosity got the better of him. “And why would that be, my dear?”

  “Oh, we used to—you know.” Kalliope stopped herself abruptly and sat up for another drink.

  “Oh yes, I think you mentioned something about it yesterday, didn’t you? Was that when you raided the ships?” He sounded very matter-of-fact, as he rolled over onto his side to face her.

  She felt obliged to lie back down again, though she was unsure what to say to him.

  Zigor covered his mouth and yawned. He appeared very relaxed. Perhaps I’m worrying over nothing.

  “Such a shame everything had to change for you, my dear. You really don’t seem very happy, you know. Have you thought about leaving the island? Maybe I could help you? I have a large house and lots of money. You would want for nothing, I assure you.”

  “No. I never wanted to leave here,” she said ruefully. “It’s my home.” She had never thought about material things or money, until now.

  “Yes, of course it is. Silly me. Perhaps I’m feeling a little selfish.” He stroked her arm again.

  “Selfish?” She frowned.

  “Yes, my dear. You must know the real reason I came back here today? The reason I couldn’t stay away?” His voice was soft, sultry even, and he looked down at her with large, pleading eyes.

  She stared at him in surprise. Searching his face for clues, she shook her head.

  “Oh, Kalliope, it’s you, of course. I had to see you again. I was so sorry to have to leave the way I did yesterday. I was worried about you. I feared for your safety.” He sounded incredulous.

  “Oh.” She remembered the way he had to leave yesterday, frightened for his life as he scurried up the beach. His legs couldn’t move fast enough in his rush to escape Rechavia. The thought almost made her giggle, but she stopped herself just in time. “You didn’t need to worry about me,” she assured him.

  “Oh, but I did,” he insisted, still stroking her arm. “I didn’t know what that brute would do to you without me there to protect you. Did he touch you?”

  “No.” If only! She recalled her disappointment that Rechavia hadn’t touched her last night. Not once. She really wanted him to make love to her and make everything all right, but he didn’t. He was too mad. Suddenly she realized tha
t that wasn’t the kind of touching Zigor had been referring to. “Rechavia would never hurt me,” she said quickly, shocked that Zigor would ever think he would.

  “I hope not, my dear. Because if he ever laid a hand on you I wouldn’t be responsible for my actions, you know.”

  How Kalliope stopped herself from giggling she would never know. Zigor said all the right things, but she hadn’t forgotten how terrified he had been when Rechavia appeared last night, and how stunned he was at the blood which poured from his nose the minute her boyfriend hit him.

  Her mind strayed momentarily at the thought of Rechavia ever hitting her. There was a time when he had spanked her, she recalled. God it was good! It started as a punishment because she had mentioned her “indiscretion” with Eban. Amaranda had been upset, Eban was mortified that they found out, and Rechavia was just plain mad that she had done it and then blurted it out at the wrong moment. She remembered how horrified she had felt when he dragged her over his knee and pulled down her panties. His massive hand had stung her buttocks, making her shriek, more in anger than in pain. She had wriggled and tried to get off him, but Rechavia was far too strong. She had felt his hard cock pressing into her stomach then, and realized how much he was enjoying himself. He seemed to change tack after a while, too, as if he had a change of heart. His hand had moved, and started to hit her just below her buttocks, and she had felt the shock as her pussy vibrated. She could still remember the heat of his large hand, and the force of it on her skin. Each time he slammed down her pussy quivered. The harder he got the better it got. Eventually she had come. Harder than she ever remembered. Better. If only…

  “Are you all right, my dear?” Zigor was frowning at her.

  “Oh…yes…yes, of course.” She had been so lost in thought that she had forgotten what they were talking about.

  “Are you still missing the old days? Before the sailors came and ruined everything? Tell me what it was like back then.” He continued to stroke her arm, but now leaned over her more. She felt slightly flustered. Why all the questions today?

  “I’m not really missing it all that much,” she said, trying to sound casual while attempting to change the subject. “It’s nice now that so many new people come to the island, like you.” A little flattery always went a long way with men!

  “Oh, how kind you are, my dear.” He leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips. Not quite the reaction she was hoping for, but at least she couldn’t be expected to talk while he was doing that.

  She kissed him back. His hands roamed through her hair, then down to her pert little breasts. He seemed surer of himself today, as he pulled her left breast out of her bra and began suckling it. Although surprised, she could not deny the gush of liquid that suddenly soaked her panties. He nibbled and nipped, then sucked and licked. She moaned at the sensations shooting through her body. Seemingly encouraged by her reactions, he freed the other breast and turned his mouth to that one, while groping and tweaking the left with his fingers.

  “Oh, Zigor,” she groaned as his hand strayed down her stomach. The anticipation of his touch was enough to make her gush again, and she sighed heavily. She was holding his shoulders tightly, not restraining him in any way. She began sliding her hands down his arms. First his cotton sleeves, then, from just above his elbows she felt his skin, soft and slightly hairy. He tensed slightly, obviously enjoying the sensations. She rubbed her hands back up and then down again, before venturing to his waistband. His shorts, navy today, felt tight as his engorged cock stretched them. She was suddenly aware of the slight bulge of flesh that spilled over the top of his waistband, straining the buttons of his cream, tailored shirt. He panted heavily as he devoured her breasts, and she found it difficult to locate the button at the waist of his shorts. Eventually she managed to snap the button open and pull down the short zip. His cock sprang free, fat and red with a drop of thick liquid glistening on the tip. Kalliope licked her lips in anticipation.

  “Kally!” Ligia’s high-pitched voice startled them both and they jerked up to see the lithe redhead running toward them. Benat brought up the rear, so to speak!

  “What’s wrong?” Kalliope was shocked at her friend’s outburst.

  “You! What do you think you’re doing?” Ligia shrieked.

  “What do you think?” Kalliope sounded incredulous, as she waved a dismissive hand to her friend.

  Benat caught up, panting. “Sorry, we didn’t mean to interrupt,” he said between gasps for air.

  “It’s fine, dear boy.” Zigor casually replaced his cock in his shorts and fastened them. Kalliope was disappointed to see how much it had shrunk already.

  “Is it?” Her stunned expression could not hide her indignation.

  “Of course.” Zigor chuckled. “Time we were eating, anyway. I’ve brought a picnic. Benat, pass over the other box, would you?”

  Kalliope pulled her bra back on, as the men delved into another large cool-box and pulled out all manner of goodies. She threw a disgruntled look to Ligia, who stood over her, fuming.

  “Sit down, join us,” Zigor urged her, passing round plates of sandwiches.

  “We ought to be getting back,” Ligia said sharply, still staring at her friend.

  “Oh don’t be such a bore. The men won’t be back for ages yet, you know they always like to look around all the sights and shops when they get to the mainland.” Kalliope stuffed the remains of a sandwich in her mouth and reached over for another bottle of beer.

  Ligia looked up the beach, obviously contemplating whether to make her own way back, but then decided that it might be better not to leave Kalliope alone with these two strange men. She sat down and accepted a sandwich, which Benat passed to her.

  “So, what have you two been up to?” Zigor asked casually.

  Ligia raised her eyebrows indignantly. “We haven’t been up to anything.”

  “Ligia took me up to the meadows where they grow the most beautiful flowers,” Benat explained with a smirk. “Apparently the island is becoming famous for them. Their scent is exquisite, like nothing I’ve ever come across. It’s like a real designer fragrance. They are so pretty too. They would mix beautifully with any of the flowers we grow on Eastland, or would make lovely bridal bouquets in their own right.”

  “Splendid.” Zigor’s face flushed with excitement.

  “They’re only flowers.” Kalliope was still sulking from the intrusion. She was amazed that anyone, much less men, would make such a fuss about such things.

  “Did you take plenty of photographs?” Zigor was genuinely interested.

  “Yes. I took loads.”

  “I showed him the fields they’re cultivating for fruit and vegetables, too,” Ligia added, taking another sandwich.

  “Yes. It seems a shame that they have sacrificed some of the land which could be put to better use growing the flowers,” Benat mused.

  “That can be easily rectified, dear boy,” Zigor assured him. “Tell me, Kalliope, do the flowers grow all year round or just in certain seasons?”

  Kalliope frowned, not quite sure what he meant. “They grow all the time,” she replied simply.

  “Is it always warm on Refrainia?” Benat asked, noticing her confused expression.

  “Yes. Except at night. Sometimes it rains at night, too.”

  “Interesting.” Zigor nodded thoughtfully.

  “Why?” Ligia had always been suspicious of people who asked questions, ever since the reporters had revealed their way of life on the ancient island.

  “I told you, Benat is very interested in farming, especially agriculture,” Zigor replied with a smile.

  “What other kind of farming is there?” Ligia was not convinced.

  “Why—dairy, sheep, cattle…” Zigor began.

  “Oh yes, you have animals on the mainland don’t you?” Ligia suddenly remembered some of the pictures Aitan and Rechavia had shown them on the computer.

  “They don’t have any animals on Refrainia,” Benat explained to his frie
nd, as he handed round more beer.

  “How extraordinary!” Zigor took a large glug of his drink.

  “Well, this looks cosy!” A deep voice boomed from behind the sunshade, causing them all to jump and look round.

  Rechavia and Aitan stood staring at them. A coil of rope hung over Rechavia’s shoulder and each man brandished a large knife.

  Chapter 5

  Benat Ugarte leapt to his feet, terror in his eyes. “What the…?”

  “Oh, you’re back, are you?” Zigor began putting his belongings back in the box, his tone dismissive, though his jaw tensed, belying his casual manner.

  “What’s more to the point, you’re back!” Rechavia yelled, quelling the rage which was boiling in him.

  Zigor stood up and gave the men what he hoped was a tiresome look. “Yes, I am back. Contrary to popular belief, you do not own this island and cannot banish me from it just because it pleases you. Now my colleague and I will leave because we have accomplished our tasks for the day, and bid you both farewell.” He pulled the sunshade from the sand as Benat took the boxes, before turning back to the girls, who still sat, aghast, on the sand.

  “Good day to you, beautiful ladies. And thank you, you have been most helpful. I am sure we will see you again before too long.” Zigor could be a patronizing bastard when he wanted to be, and now he really wanted to be.

  “That’s what you think!” Rechavia hollered, taking a step toward the older man.

  “It’s what I know,” Zigor replied with a smirk, still warily eyeing the large knife in the young man’s hand.

  “Get out of here, motherfuckers!” Aitan shouted, seeing the vein in the back of Rechavia’s neck swell, a sure sign that he was about to do something stupid.

  Rechavia took deep breaths to stifle his fury.

  “The name is Zigor Durango, actually,” Zigor replied smarmily, feigning a calm demeanour. “Remember it, gentlemen. You will be hearing it again very soon.” He took a large stride away from Rechavia and walked as quickly as he could up the beach, with Benat snapping at his heels.

  As soon as they were far enough away for safety, Zigor let out a loud guffaw, looking back at the islanders derisively.