When Kasper's mouth moved from Dani's lips down her jawline, she held him tighter. The man made her weak. Refusing to think about any of the things he had said, she concentrated on the feel of his body against hers. As his erection pressed into her, she had two choices. One would leave her extremely frustrated.

In his arms, she felt safe. For years, she chased the memory of Beau with sex. Sex that she could control the where and when it should happen and stop happening. She controlled Mac by keeping her feelings out of it and ending it when he got too close. If she was truthful, she ended it with Gray when he went away. She could have waited for him, but it was too big of a commitment.

Kasper scared her and exhilarated her at the same time. Being with him felt different. It was like the first time Beau kissed her and being comforted by her mother. If only she had stuck around to guide her daughter.

Refusing to dive into the past she concentrated on Kasper's hands as they found her breasts. He murmured against her ear. "Please don't say no."

After a second when she said nothing, he lifted her and carried her to the bed. His eyes were dark and his lids heavy with lust. He pulled at her jeans, turning them inside out and eventually throwing them across the room. She waited as he dropped his pants. Her eyes couldn't stop staring at the mound in his tight black boxers until his face blocked her view.

He had lowered himself, and she felt his hands moving her thighs apart. His warm breath in tender places sent sparks straight to her core.

"I'm going to taste you, since I missed breakfast." Neither had eaten.

She shut her eyes as his breath felt warm on her flesh and his mouth found the spot in desperate need. With his expert mouth, fuck, he was good at everything, he teased her until she felt a glow of warmth fill her. The explosion rocked her as she bucked like a rodeo horse at the gate.

Kasper's rich laughter filled her. "Best breakfast I ever had. I could eat you every day."

His radiant smile differed from his camera smile. The sparkle in his eyes was genuine, and she relished his beauty as he moved onto the bed next to her.

"That was intense. Are you ready for another one?"

She nodded. Orgasm or not, she needed to feel him move inside her. She wanted to scream as he took his time kissing her. When he nipped at her hard nub on one breast and then the other, she couldn't take it.

"Please."

Kasper laughed, as she blocked a memory from long ago. Beau would make her say 'please Beau' before he pleasured her. If she didn't say it convincingly enough, he would enter her with a few quick thrusts and leave her wanting and occasionally sore. His needs were always the most important. Kasper was the opposite as he settled between her legs and slowly plunged into her depth. He kissed her before he moved inside her. She shut her eyes, because the last thing she needed was to fall for him more.

He didn't allow his own release until after she came. When he pulled out, he took her with him as he rolled off. Holding her close, his breaths leveled off. Did he hold Jupiter after sex? Dani wanted to be different, special.

"Never lie and tell me we're not good together."

"It's just sex."

"Sweetheart, it's more than sex and you know it. I'll give you time and just sex, while you decide you are worthy, but I'm already convinced."

"Worthy of what?"

He chuckled. "Anything. The sky's the limit."

Not anything, she would never be worthy enough to be a Kane. Plus, she could never give over her control. Beau wanted to take her control, but he didn't even know her. Feeling backed against the wall she sighed. "Okay, I'll do it."

"It? I have a list that starts with me and you in a steamy shower."

"No. I mean pretend we are dating."

"Sweetheart, I won't be pretending, but it's okay, if that's what you want to tell Baxter."

"And Tate. And your mother."

"I get it." He kissed her and she jumped off the cliff with him free falling.

Eventually, she finished packing her things and loaded them in the car. Kasper had driven without using a chauffeur. Dani was glad Mac wasn't around. He was probably sleeping with his new girlfriend, but she had just had sex with Kasper. Pinching her arm, yup, it was real.

Percy met them on the sidewalk to help carry her belongings. "This reminds me of when Baxter moved out, except much happier."

"Definitely." Kasper agreed with the butler.

Amelia stood in the entranceway. Dani's heart pounded until the matriarch smiled. "Danielle, you'll join me for tea and tell me everything."

"Mother, she deserves her privacy."

"We can't help her, if we don't know what we're up against."

"It's okay, Mrs. Kane. We have a plan."

Kasper smiled as he turned and easily lifted her suitcase up the stairs. She followed behind with her laptop. Once out of earshot, she asked, "Where is your father?"

He shrugged. "He could be out with friends or visiting the boys or one of the babies."

"Why wouldn't your mother have gone?"

He shrugged. "They have separate friends and she wants to find out why you are moving in."

"Visiting, not moving. Is she unhappy with me?"

Kasper laughed. "She is ecstatic. Ivy's relationship with Elena Sinclair has been a thorn in Amelia's side. Now she has you. The one person who respects the Kane name as much as she does."

Percy arrived in Doyle's room followed by a maid. "Jenny will unpack for you."

She started to protest, but Kasper shook his head. "You need to have tea with my mother."

"I'm not dressed." She had put on her own clothes after they finished on her bed.

"You look fine. Do you want me to stay with you?" She bit her lip and shook her head. "If you're sure, I'll go workout. Find me when you're done."

Amelia looked royal sitting in the parlor. Her chair allowed for her to sit up straight with her legs crossed at the ankles. Her powder blue blouse brought out her eyes. Dani felt under dressed in denim.

"Darling, come sit and tell me about this nastiness."

Nastiness, understated the years of control and subsequent time keeping her life private from her family. She used a post office box to conceal her address. Her excuse was that it was easier since she traveled often.

"An ex boyfriend moved to Boston and the men in this family overreacted."

She studied her for a moment. "Baxter doesn't overreact. You'll be safe here. We need you to brighten up this old house, since the girls moved out it's been dull."

Dani smiled. "Is Kasper boring?"

"He works too much and comes home and talks to his father about business."

Dani smiled. "I talk about business too."

"In my day, the women left the business dealings to the men."

"Did you have a job before you married?"

"My father took care of my needs and then my husband. Now you need a plan to deal with this unsavory ex."

"Kasper suggested one, but you might not approve."

She narrowed her eyes. "What's he up to?"

"He thinks if we pretend to date, my ex will get the message."

"He's ingenious. I think you should do more than pretend."

"Why would you approve of me for your son and not Ivy?"

"You've been loyal to Kane for years. Ivy's been loyal to Baxter. They are a family. I know. I envisioned my son to be more like his father and marry into a respectable family."

She held back her quip. He had and never will. "Maybe Kasper will. At least you have Tate and Jimmy."

Amelia put down her empty teacup. "I trust Kasper to deal with your unpleasantness."

She stood and walked away. Dani sat alone in the large room. For the first time, she wondered what it was like growing up in the formal home. Where did the children play?

Percy stepped into the parlor. "Can I get you anything, Miss?"

She shook her head. "Ah, yes, actually. Where is Kasper working out?"

He smiled. "Follow me." He walked into the back hall and opened a door with stairs going down. "On the right. Listen for the machines or the grunts."

Dani giggled, and the old man smiled. On the left were two closed doors, but an open door with a light on led her to the exercise room with several large pieces of equipment. She stood and watched Kasper run on the treadmill. She took in her fill before he noticed her.

He pulled out his earbuds. "Hey, how was your visit?"

"I told her about your fake dating scheme to avoid the unpleasantness."

"Unpleasant is an understatement, but my mother avoids reality."

"Why?"

His strides slowed until he came to a full stop. "Honestly, I don't know. I'll shower before lunch. This is your last chance to join me in hot steaming water today."

A pulse ran to her core. "I'll pass."

He pressed his lips to hers without letting his sweaty body touch hers. "Someday you'll say yes."

She shut her eyes. Any response would be a lie.

Thanks for voting ⭐️