Apollyon's Secret at Midnight

By Loretta Kendall

When hired as an official destination photographer for Sizzle Island, Ava Cole isn't prepared to be pulled into a whirlwind week of seduction by a billionaire tech genius.

Believing the urban legends that surround Hunter Constantine and the Apollyon Corporation, Ava lets her mind wander to ideas of being ravaged by a sexy vampire, but is it all in her head? Of course, it is. The heir to the corporate empire is a handsome prankster who likes making mischief for his own enjoyment while forced to be tucked away from the world. Hunter's true jokester ways may seem innocent enough, but behind the scenes, the handsome billionaire has a sexual prowess that will take Ava to the heights of her hidden desires on the island of seduction.

Fears and secrets unfold in this steamy romance when a mysterious illness that keeps Hunter hidden from the sun is more than he's led to believe. Will Ava teach the heir to the legendary CEO to live again, or will Hunter go back into hiding in his underground world?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Loretta Kendall
• Release date: Sep 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223454090

Loretta Kendall

Loretta started her life with a dream and a story in her mind. For as long as she can remember, she was a storyteller, sharing tall tales with her friends from an overactive imagination. Twenty-two years as an image consultant in the entertainment industry, she revisited her love of books and writing. She is also the Editor-in-chief of Lux Local Magazine, a makeup artist, photographer, and graphic designer. She has been writing since 2017 and has a passion for creating happily-ever-after romance stories with the perfect mix of steamy and slow-burn moments. A hopeless romantic, she lives her own happy ever of twenty-four years of wedded bliss.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Island music, soft ocean breeze, a hint of coconut suntan lotion, and sex lube. The island was ready for the grand opening of the sexiest vacation spot ever launched, and this week would make history as being the number one hot spot for steamy nights and romantic escapes.

Rowan Halifax glanced out his window from his office that overlooked the island with excited anticipation as some of the week’s guests arrived on the private island from seaplanes and boats to the massive resorts’ sea docks.

Additional lodgers would arrive on the airstrip just across the island later that day. Only reached when being escorted by the staff and crew, the isolated resort provided full exclusivity by invitation only to its sexually charged attendants, it was the who’s who spot to explore your deepest carnal desires. Guests applied months in advance to get a chance to stay at the elite getaway known as Sizzle Island. Love and sexual exploration were the themes of this high-end vacation hot spot.

Tapping away at his computer, Rowan was doing some last-minute preparations for his upcoming special island guest. One in particular was of special interest. His silent partner, and a billionaire investor, was top priority to make this week start the destination off with a bang. The younger man had very specific sexual needs that his host would make sure to fulfill.

Looking at the image of a woman on the screen he smiled to himself as he tapped on the monitor with his fingernail. Yes, she’s the one. Master Constantine is going to love this one. Little Ava thinks she’s just coming for a work vacation, but I have other plans. Her wildest dreams are about to come true and a huge distraction to keep Hunter occupied. She’ll do just fine.

Shutting his laptop, he seemed pleased with himself at the idea of his matchmaking plans. After all, that was what the island was all about.

I’m so good at this job it’s scary, he said adjusting his tie as he looked out the window again to find the last boats arriving at the docks, shuttling the island goers to their destination. Now, it’s showtime. Time to greet my guests.

Today would embark on the official grand opening of his exclusive lovers’ resort, and Rowan’s personal pet project. With beautiful palm trees, white sandy beaches, lush island forest, and clear blue sparkling waves; this was the epitome of an escape to paradise. And with some special hidden treasures created within, the place was about to embark on a journey of a lifetime.

Mr. Halifax. The staff is ready to welcome the guests, his lovely assistant Rebecca, interrupted. She beamed as she peeked her head through the office door. Everything looks wonderful out there and the staff’s morale is top-notch.

The greying silver fox ran his hand through his lush wavy hair with a sly smile, as he looked over his sexy assistant. He’d never touch her, as she was of the more dominant variety, but he enjoyed the view, nonetheless. A submissive woman was more to his liking. Physically fit and ridiculously handsome, Rowan was the perfect reflection of what his tropical resort was to be. Sexy and completely carefree, was the setting for the perfect sexual getaway.

Well, shall we go greet our first round of guests, Ms. Rebecca?

Lead the way, sir, she said holding her clipboard to her chest. 

The wealthy entrepreneur nodded in agreement and went to the front of the main resort. As the people ascended from the dock to the front patio, he watched on with pride at what they had accomplished. Almost a year in the making, the perfect adult getaway was here, and people across the globe were itching to get in on the exclusive accommodations, yet few would make the grade to be in attendance.

Well, Miss Rebecca, let’s invite our guests. Today we make history.

Waves of visitors ascended to the bottom of the steps of Sizzle Island Resort, eager to get their weeklong vacation underway. A crown prince and his future bride, billionaire business moguls, kink scene legends, celebrities, and a few lucky contest winners were among the guests who stood before him with a scuttle of excited chatter.

Walking to the top of the steps that led to the luxurious Mediterranean-style hotel, he held up his hands and extended them toward the attendants with a gleaming white smile. Looking like the king of his land of kink and debauchery, Roman was on cloud nine.

Welcome to Sizzle Island. I am your host to your week of spice and seduction, Rowan Halifax. You are about to embark on a week of romance and steamy love affairs that will set your heart aflame. You have all been among those hand-selected to embark on our first week of this wonderful adventure. Welcome and enjoy!

The guests cheered as they listened to the speaker from the bottom of the steps. Smiles were all around from the couples, with nervous single guests checking out the potential suiters and the resort’s expanse of bungalows that lined the beach. It was clear there was an excitement amongst them that would set the stage for the exciting launch week.

He continued, "Before you arrived you were briefed by my staff at the mainland about our island rules and gone through our strenuous selection process. You were among the lucky ones to be selected for our grand opening with thousands, upon thousands, who applied. Our staff will soon show you your private bungalows or hotel suites so you can start off your week. First, let me tell you about our long-awaited island hot spot.

Around Sizzle Island Resort you will find the typical amenities; luxurious hotel restaurants, the hopping Sizzle nightclubs, boutiques, fun games, and about everything you could imagine making your stay here comfortable and exciting. It’s the island itself that will pique your true interest. From the casual and nude beaches to private island coves, waterfalls, and natural pools, there is always something to explore here. We have planned various events to make your stay an exciting one, and a list of those will be found in your suite along with a welcome basket with treats and brochures to help you navigate your way through paradise. I will turn this over to my assistant to tell you about something special we have created just for you."

Thank you, Mr. Halifax, Rebecca said with a wide smile. As a special part of your week’s stay, we have provided hidden treasures around the island to make your romantic experience even more exciting. Please take time to travel to all corners of the island and explore. I can assure that you won’t be disappointed in your stay. We have equipped our special locations with many hidden gems to make your week a true adventure. Have fun and… Welcome to Sizzle Island!

Chapter 2

Kink getaway—not a chance for poor Ava.

The boat ride to the resort was nauseating. Ava couldn’t believe she had booked the wrong transport and didn’t even think twice about it. Terrified of the water, boats were never her thing. Given her fears, the reasons she decided to book a photography job on a fetish-inspired island vacation were beyond any of her normal rational thought. 

Her friends had teased her for weeks about the trip and the real reasons behind why she finally took the plunge to take the gig. They thought the water surrounding the island was nothing compared to the wetness she needed to happen down below her skirt for the naughty woman. They all knew Ava had a major curiosity about BDSM, and none of them knew a thing about the kink world. It had always been silly chatter they quickly laughed off, but she took a complete serious interest in it. 

Deep down, Ava knew the chit-chat about kinks wasn’t just girl-talk to her. It was always an itch she never had the nerve to scratch. This was hopefully her chance to get answers to why being sexually submissive clouded her thoughts so often. Day in and day out she thought about some handsome Dom tying her to his bed and taking advantage of every inch of her voluptuous body.

The island’s website subtly hinted at the risqué underground scene she longed for, giving some hope to adventure in the steamy underworld without being judged by her vanilla friends. 

Dominant over submissive research had done nothing for her but caused more confusion and desperation. Curious about BDSM culture for years, she was far too much of a miss-goody-two-shoes to explore it. Raised to be a well-mannered southern bell mother who taught etiquette classes for debutantes, Ava often held a bright smile to hide her insecurities from the world, and kinks weren’t part of the good girl dynamic she was raised. A nice southern girl needed to hold her head high with an inviting smile, always putting her best foot forward, or so her mother taught her. Yes, it was old-fashioned ways, and a tradition passed down through generations was like a prison to her.

Being a debutant herself, it was a shock to everyone when Ava stepped away from the family business to pursue her own identity and career choices.

With a cute, freckled nose and curly red hair, she gave off a genuinely polite presence, despite how much she tried to avoid her mother’s teachings. The stereotypical southern gal was something that came easily but often slipped away with her occasional foul mouth; a bad habit she inherited from her father.

Deep down, an overactive imagination was what led her astray. Urban legends often led her down the rabbit hole of odd curiosities on the dark web researching silly stories and conspiracy theories, which ultimately led to finding kink sites that piqued her interest in submission. This trip would surely bring her to the height of those curiosities. Being scared senseless of what she might uncover in this sin fest island, due to her mother’s constant harping about being a lady and keeping her virtue, she was equally excited to dive headfirst into the pit of sex and depravity.

The good girl side of Ava was never enough to satisfy her submissive needs. A deeper desire to be sexually dominated constantly nagged at her. Her past vanilla relationships had never seemed to satisfy the burning desire beneath the surface, and she hoped this trip would finally answer the question of whether this life was she truly something she wanted to be involved in, or just an absurd fantasy. Yet she wondered, was she jumping into the proverbial deep end without a flotation device to keep her head above water? Probably, but she was willing to find out.

Her ex-fiancé was, as her mother called him, an absolute saint who acted as if he never had done a thing wrong in is entire humdrum life. Her adventurous sexual prowess disgusted the man who was supposed to have been her betrothed, and he constantly ridiculed her about it. She quickly became a runaway bride when faced with the realization that he would never fulfill her intimate needs. She would rather be alone the rest of her life than be forced into a marriage she wasn’t happy with. Or one where her husband made her feel dirty for even thinking about doing more than the missionary position.

Ava didn’t want to risk the news of her kinky interest getting exposed to her family either. Especially her recent in-depth application to Sizzle Island. Back home in the Bible Belt, it was being pegged as an island of virtual Sodom and Gomorrah for the wealthy and upper class. If people found out what she was up to, she’d be living the modern-day Scarlett Letter, thought of as a whore and an outcast amongst her conservative family. It almost made her giggle to herself thinking about wearing that big red letter of shame. She’d wear it proudly for a change at just one night in the bed of some sexy Dom.

She had canvassed her trip within the ruse of doing her job, pretending it was all for the future of her career. Her life as an aspiring travel destination photographer would be over before it started if people back home learned the truth. A dirty little secret wrapped in the facade of work as usual. The perfect cover. Or so she hoped.

It wasn’t like it was a secret that she was attending the grand opening. She was no liar, and against her parents’ wishes, she convinced them it was what was best for her struggling business. Ava was there to take photos of the venue and island amenities on a professional level, and for them, that’s all they needed to know. The deal she made with the owner to get her application approved on the fast track, was she would work in exchange for complete access to the island. Otherwise, she could never afford a week-long stay with such high-end accommodations.

The week would start with a couple of days’ work. Then, hopefully, ending on the receiving end of some handsome Dom’s flog, with a red ass and a lot of kinky memories. A firm hand smacking down on her pert backside with a crack while he pounded into her with ravenous need was worth every risk of her family finding out. The idea made her thighs clench and her core wet just thinking about being dominated.

For now, watching the boat to the island bouncing over the waves made her stomach churn. Even on such a large yacht, the motion made her green at the gills, and she was doing everything she could to keep from losing her breakfast over the side of the boat.

Ava took a deep breath to calm her nerves, praying inside they would reach the island soon. Closing her eyes with a slow deep breath, she begged for the watery nightmare to end as bile churned in her belly. Even though the boat was a smooth ride, her restless mind was thinking otherwise.

God, please just get me off this boat. This must be the universe’s punishment for coming here to begin with. I should have just stayed home and listened to Mother.

As her eyes fluttered open, she looked to her left, finding a mysterious man watching her with a taunting chuckle. It was clear he was physically fit and probably had a nice body, but it was hard to tell. Tall with broad shoulders and short, curly, dirty blonde bangs sticking out from the hoodie jacket he was wearing; she could feel his eyes on her. His presence was intimidating yet strangely alluring.

The man pulled at his sleeve to cover a tattooed wrist with the words With Darkness Comes Light written in calligraphy script. His attire, more fit for fall, was strange considering they were in the middle of Summer and the ferocious heat bearing down on them was unbearable. She wondered what normal person wore a hoodie in eighty-plus-degree temperatures.

As her eyes veered over him, she noticed the man was completely covered from head to toe. His sunglasses were so dark he looked like he could pass for an old sketch of the notorious Unabomber. A bandana hiding most of his face covered his mouth and nose making him look even more like a serial killer. How the hell did this weirdo even get on the boat, more or less pass inspection?

Ava shook her head in annoyance at his smugness. In return, was a bad idea, because the sudden faint head movement made her almost lose her breakfast. Holding her hand to her mouth, she tried to keep from being sick while thinking, Please don’t throw up in front of all these people. Or on Mister Dark and Brooding.

A chuckle came from the man again as he waved over the boat’s staff server. Taking a bottle from the tray the attendant was holding, he shook his head in amusement as he watched her almost turn green. Walking straight to Ava with a cocky swagger, he handed over the water bottle. Without so much as a comment, he walked away, shoving his hands in his jeans, and whistling as he went.

Weirdo, she grumbled under her breath, quickly taking a drink of the water.

Turning to watch the strange man walk away, she couldn’t help but notice his peach of a backside. His jeans fit him to perfection, and she instinctively bit her lip upon inspection, almost forgetting about her nausea. 

Jeez. Here I am, sick to my stomach, and still can’t stop thinking about getting laid. Now I’m checking out the masked bandit over here. What the heck is wrong with me? It’s been so damn long since I’ve had sex, I don’t even think I could point out an actual penis in a line-up, yet I’m looking at this idiot like I’m going to take a bite of that peachy ass.

Hearing her words, as a couple passed, they gave a snicker at her comment.

With a grunt, she rolled her eyes at them. I can’t wait to get off this gosh-forsaken death trap. Too many nosey damn people on this boat.

Not long after, Ava finally saw the island coming into view, giving her much-needed relief. The sick feeling eased away as she finally realized the ride from hell was almost over.

Thank God. Freedom from the boat of nightmares. Well, Ava girl, here we go. Off to the land of kinky freaks and dirty Dom’s. Life as you know it is about to change.

Chapter 3

As the boat docked, Ava followed the line of guests heading to the resort. Once her feet hit the sand, it was a sheer relief to be on dry land again, even though her stomach hadn’t caught up to the fact she was free from her seacraft nightmare.

The place was a literal paradise. Palm trees, beautiful sandy beaches, and bungalows extended out into the water in and around the island, and a huge resort sat in front of her looking like something right out of a dream. It was more than she could have ever imagined.

A distinguished man, and a lady with a clipboard, stood at the top of the resort staircases leading into the main entrance. As she stood at the back of the lines of guests, barely listening to the announcements from the owner, she looked around and noticed the hooded man watching her again. Standing under the shade of a nearby tree, she couldn’t tell if he was watching under his dark glasses but could feel his eyes on her.

As the owner spoke to the guests to greet them, she barely caught word of the week’s events, including an island gala that normally would have excited her. Today the heat and her woozy head weren’t allowing her to enjoy what the island had in store. No, her ideal kink getaway was clouded right now as she was experiencing seasickness beyond anything she had ever felt before.

Lowering his mask to take in some fresh air, Ava could see a smirk traced over Mr. Mysterious’ lips. His tongue darted out to lick across them, making Ava mirror his movement. His strong jawline and perfect features, which she could faintly make out through her woozy head, were glorious. His plump lips made her wonder what they would feel like as they crashed down upon hers, but her head was swimming, so she chalked it up to nothing more than a hallucination.

His slightly pale complexion was that of the living dead compared to the tanned bodies that were surrounding them. He almost looked like a scary vampire in comparison. A sexy one at that… but… Wait…

Were those vampire teeth?

No. That’s ridiculous. She was hallucinating and could feel it. 

Reaching to brush away a bead of sweat, she mumbled, I don’t feel so…