Chapter 8

8

When they got to the airport, Kinsley excused herself to make a quick call to Cameron. She told Cameron about the last-minute trip and the nerves she was feeling. She met up with Daegan in the private terminal afterward. A few minutes later, they walked onto the tarmac to board.

Her mouth parted slightly as she gazed up at the jet, words escaping her. Excitement and disbelief fluttered in her chest, making it hard to breathe. Mr. Westerhouse carried on as if this were a routine occurrence. The opulence of his lifestyle, from the Rolls Royce that had escorted them to the airport to the sleek jet before her, was a world she had only dreamed of.

“Kins? You aren’t afraid of flying, are you?” his voice spoke up from behind her. She could feel his warmth on her neck. She didn’t realize she had stopped walking just feet away from the steps to board.

“No, no, not at all. I’m just…” She couldn’t find the words.

“Speechless?” Mr. Westerhouse gently touched the small of her back, sending a wave of euphoria over her when his hand stayed there. Every time he touched her, she felt paralyzed. But the electrifying pulse that sparked through her body excited her even more.

Kinsley didn’t respond, but cocked her head curiously.

“The inside is even more spectacular,” he whispered behind her ear, his warm breath caressing every bit of skin it hit. Her blood seemed to race through her veins. What this man could do to her with just a few words was astounding.

And dangerous.

Mr. Westerhouse continued, “Let’s get on board and not hold this thing up, shall we?”

Kinsley nodded and walked the last few steps to the stairs, where he patiently waited for her to ascend first. Stepping into the jet, everything seemed to have a shine. Wood was freshly polished. Seats looked brand-new. A delicious vanilla scent filled her nose, instantly relaxing her. A single rose was set in a sturdy-looking vase, while a few pieces of artwork hung on a wall alongside what Kinsley imagined was a family photo.

“Excuse me, miss,” a middle-aged man spoke up from her side, “please have a seat over here.”

“Lars, that won’t be necessary,” Her boss’s baritone voice, deep and smooth, spoke up from behind her. “Kinsley will join me in my suite.” Suite? “At least for dinner,” he added.

“As you wish.” Lars smiled. “Right this way, miss.” Lars walked toward the rear of the jet and stopped outside of a door, holding out an arm to direct her within. Mr. Westerhouse followed right behind her.

The suite was small, although spacious for being on a jet. There were two seats facing a table, a television on a wall, and a decent-sized bed against the opposite wall of the aircraft.

“Why couldn’t I sit out there?” Kinsley’s question was a mix of curiosity and restraint. A part of her longed to imagine herself in this beautiful bed with Daegan, while another part warned her against such temptations.

Daegan opened up a small closet door Kinsley hadn’t noticed. He paused, putting his carry-on and hers—which she hadn’t recalled giving to him—onto the floor of the closet. “You’re more than welcome to.” He seemed a little dismissive, hard to read. “I just figured you would be more comfortable in here, at least until we get up in the air. And, I don’t know about you, but I haven’t had dinner yet. I figured we could dine together.” He met her gaze. “Enjoy each other’s company a little.”

“Yeah, I mean,” Kinsley fumbled for the right words, “this is fine.” She could ignore the excitement brewing within her core, just like she did in those early days at the office.

Daegan kicked off his shoes without meeting her eyes, leaving Kinsley to wonder if she’d said something wrong.

Great. Kinsley walked over to the closet and did the same with her shoes.

Within a few minutes, they were sipping champagne as the jet taxied. Their chairs faced one another, but Kinsley refused to look away from the window.

“This is beautiful,” she whispered as she peered out into the night.

“Just wait until we’re in the air.” His voice was soft and smooth in a way it rarely was around anyone else.

He was right, as Mr. Westerhouse so often was. The scenery upon take-off was beautiful, as was the view from above. Kinsley always enjoyed the view while flying, but having it from the privacy of Daegan’s jet was even better. There were no children screaming or teens listening to music without headphones. The soft hum of the jet’s engines and the gentle sway as they ascended was a peace she didn’t know existed.

Mr. Westerhouse lifted his glass, his fingers curled around the stem, the bubbles dancing with the same excitement that sparkled through her. Realizing she was staring, Kinsley quickly turned back to the window. Her heart fluttered as she tried to remind herself why she had to stay away from him. But it was hard when he looked so relaxed, so normal. The facade of the billionaire was melting away, and all that was left was Mr. Westerhouse—the man who volunteered in a community shelter, who missed his father, who stuck up for her in company meetings and ensured her time was respected.

But he was still the man who cared more about the house she owned than any feelings she did or didn’t have.

Once they reached cruising altitude, they were served a meal that impressed her even more. He could have made her fly commercial; instead, he was treating her to all of this.

“I’ve never had good food on a plane before,” Kinsley raised her voice over the loud jet engines as she cut through her roast.

“I try to make it an enjoyable experience.” Mr. Westerhouse smiled back. “A good meal helps keep you going. It at least makes me feel like there is some normalcy.”

As she savored it, she realized that the “enjoyable experience” was more than just the food. Mr. Westerhouse looked…normal. He looked like an everyday guy in some comfortable clothes, eating his asparagus. He just happened to be a billionaire eating it on his private jet. It was Kinsley’s first time seeing him in something other than a suit. And I don’t mind it one bit.

After an hour and a half in the air and a second glass of champagne, Mr. Westerhouse walked over to the closet and opened his carry-on bag. “Would you like the bed tonight? One of the chairs becomes a flat bed.”

“I couldn’t possibly steal your bed,” she teased, her voice lighter than usual. The champagne had loosened her up, but the desire she felt was all her own.

“Well, I want you to be comfortable.” He slowly took off his shirt and stuffed it into his carry-on. When he turned around, Kinsley could see every fine line that caressed his body. His chest was all hard planes and smooth skin, each movement making the muscles in his shoulders and arms flex with a quiet power. Kinsley didn’t dare to even breathe, unable to tear her eyes away. He was fit, far more than she’d imagined—and far more tempting than she was ready to admit. Perhaps it was the alcohol. Or perhaps he’s just this sexy.

“I am comfortable,” she whispered, unsure if he could hear her over the sound of the engines. Eyes locked onto his chest, her pulse quickened, heat rising to her cheeks as she fought to look away. Taking her last sip of champagne for the evening, she allowed her eyes to indulge in him; she’d deal with the guilt later.

Being this close to him was risky in more ways than one. It wasn’t just the heat of his body or the way his muscles flexed—it was the fear of letting herself get too close. She’d worked hard to protect herself, to keep people at a distance so she wouldn’t get hurt again. Falling for her boss could shatter all of that. But resisting Mr. Westerhouse, here in this small, private space, felt like an impossible battle.

“Kinsley?” It didn’t sound like the first time he’d asked. How long had she been staring? “Then I need you to hop off the chair and get into bed, so I can make that into a pull-out.”

“No.” The word slipped out before she could stop it. Her heart raced as she met his gaze, knowing exactly what she was suggesting.

Silence.

“No?” Mr. Westerhouse arched an eyebrow, his brown eyes connecting with hers. “What do you mean no ?” He leaned back slightly, but the intensity in his gaze didn’t waver, as though he was daring her to clarify.

“It’s a big bed,” she said, willing her voice to stay steady. Was she really suggesting this? For a second, she thought about changing her mind. But something in his steady gaze made Kinsley dig her heels in. She wasn’t backing down from her decision to share a bed, nor was she backing down about her decision to never sell her home. Sharing the bed was a line she shouldn’t cross, yet she found herself daring him to cross it with her. “There’s plenty of room for us both. Besides, I’m sure that lay-flat seat won’t be comfortable for either of us.”

She knew this was playing with fire. Her attraction to Mr. Westerhouse was growing stronger than she’d ever meant to let it. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe she would end up hurt. But for now, she wanted to be near him, just for a little while. Even if it meant a little heartache in the morning.

He paused. “Are you sure about that?” His voice was low, a mix of surprise and something else Kinsley couldn’t figure out. “There’s no pressure, Kins. I’m fine with the pull-out.”

Mmm… I bet you are, she thought to herself . “I’m sure!” Kinsley hopped off the chair, ignoring the image that word brought to mind. “I’m going to go throw some pajamas on if that’s okay.”

“Of course.” Mr. Westerhouse walked to the bed, sitting on the edge as he watched her cautiously.

Kinsley went into the private bathroom and changed—silky pink bottoms with a matching top. While it wasn’t overtly sexy, the way it caressed her body was divine. With the support of a pleasant champagne buzz, Kinsley felt more confident to flaunt it. If her boss could take his shirt off in front of her, she should wear this.

She knew exactly what she was doing as she paused in front of the mirror, running a hand over the silk on her thighs. What it would be like to hold onto him, put her hands against his chest, or even—dare she admit it even to herself—feel his hard abs pinned against her breasts.

Was she about to find out? Could she say those words, dare to make the first move? Could he?

It wasn’t the biggest bed. At most, he would be only an arm’s length away from being able to feel her for himself.

It took a very long time for Kinsley to stop that train of thought and open the door again.

Daegan hadn’t quite expected this. Was she crazy? Tipsy. Daegan saw how her gaze had traced the contours of his chest when he’d peeled off his shirt. If she was at all nervous, he would have never let her go through with it. But instead, he’d seen the eager, hungry look in her eyes. It only made him want Kinsley more.

A thrill rushed through him, but it was instantly followed by a wave of doubt. This was a step across a line Daegan had carefully drawn and strictly maintained. Yet, when she looked at him like that, he couldn’t resist stepping closer.

Daegan couldn’t deny it anymore. He wanted her. He wanted to know what her body felt like pressed against his, if her breath would gasp against his skin as he pleased her. But this would come with consequences, whispered warnings he couldn’t afford to ignore. Was it worth the risk? Yet how could he say no with her so close, with those fiery eyes challenging him to bridge the gap?

This was a recipe for disaster—she was his personal assistant, and the owner of the last house he needed. But it felt like his jet had become the Garden of Eden. Daegan, like Adam, was left standing on the precipice of a choice that could unravel everything. The forbidden fruit dangled before him, ripe and tantalizing. But unlike Adam, Daegan wondered if he’d regret not taking a bite.

The room seemed to shrink around him, air thick with anticipation. Daegan’s pulse quickened as he removed his pants to wear just his boxers to bed, as he always did. But his normal nightly routine did not involve sleeping next to his personal assistant.

Was it worth risking everything—friendship, sanity, perhaps even his heart—for a night tangled in the sheets? Was it worth risking his company? Or the future prosperity of the town he called home?

He rolled over in the bed just in time to see Kinsley stagger out of the bathroom. Daegan was used to having control—situations, people, himself. Yet with Kinsley standing there, defiant in her silky pajamas, his control was tenuous at best. He should brush this off, insist she take the bed, and stay firmly in control of the situation. He needed to stand up and do exactly that.

But silk was clinging to her like a second skin, accentuating every curve from her breasts to her thighs. “You look stunning,” he blurted out, his voice cracking through the small bit of self-control he was trying to maintain.

He wished he could take it back; perhaps the noise from the engines was too loud for Kinsley to hear him. But the look in her eyes told him it was too late.

“Thanks.” Kinsley smiled and bent down to toss her outfit into her carry-on. Her silky top slipped up her torso, showing a little extra skin. Daegan certainly wouldn’t mind spending hours kissing her soft flesh, exploring all that was hidden.

He always had been proud of his ability to admire a woman’s beauty and then turn away, disinterested and unphased. But he couldn’t take his eyes off of Kinsley. Heat surged through him as he felt himself harden in his boxers. For now, the bedding would act as a barrier. But even without it, he would have no shame showing Kinsley what she did to him.

After all, he was a man with wants and needs. For far too long, he had forbidden himself from feeling a woman’s touch. And why? Because he didn’t want distractions from his business? But up here at forty-two thousand feet, what could he possibly be distracted from? The world outside of the jet ironically stood still.

Kinsley slowly walked toward the bed, the silky fabric of her pajamas whispering against her skin. Each step drew his gaze like a magnet. He wasn’t afraid of being caught. He almost hoped she would.

Every instinct screamed for him to close the distance, to let go of the control he had clung to for so long. Each breath felt like a step closer to a line he knew he shouldn’t cross, but with her so close, it was becoming impossible to stop.

“Do you always look at a woman like that?” Kinsley teased.

“Do you always look this tempting at bedtime?” he asked back, his voice teasing, his eyes locked on hers.

“They’re just pajamas.” She gave a playful smile, letting the moment linger. “But I guess they do the trick.” There was a teasing note in her voice and a sparkle in her eyes. His breath caught as she sat on the edge of the bed. Wiggling herself under the sheet, she turned toward him.

“Are you always this much of a tease?” he asked, propping himself up on his elbow.

“I’m trying to be comfy ,” she articulated, pulling the blankets up to her neck.

The low hum of the jet engines filled the suite, a constant reminder of how far removed they were from the rest of the world. Her sweet perfume lingered in the air, mixing with the faint scent of champagne. The combination was intoxicating. Every breath he took seemed to bring Kinsley closer.

The cabin lights were dimmed, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. Every shadow and curve felt more intimate. The silk sheets beneath him were impossibly smooth and cool against his skin. They made the bed stand out in sharp contrast to the heat radiating between them.

Daegan could feel every inch of her beside him—the warmth of her body, the soft rise and fall of her breathing. His eyes found hers in the dim light. There was a question there, a silent plea for permission. Heart pounding, he hesitated. Every instinct was screaming at him to take that final step, to close the distance between them. But he paused, waiting, needing to know she wanted this too.

Daegan tried to relax as he rested his head on the pillow, the space between them charged with unspoken desire. “Do you feel it too?” he whispered. Tentatively, he brushed one of his legs gently against hers, feeling the silkiness of the fabric. Giving her every opportunity to nudge him away, to tell him to stop, or to leave if necessary.

Her mouth parted in a gasp. Was this it? His heart felt stuck in his throat, until Kinsley leaned in. Every inch between them seemed to disappear in slow motion. This was reckless. This could ruin everything he had worked hard to build. But in that moment, in that bed beside her, Daegan couldn’t find it in him to care.

“I feel more comfortable,” she whispered, just barely audible over the engines. Her eyes dropped to look at his lips as her soft breath caressed his skin, answering every single question without a word. Despite that, he still hesitated, letting the tension stretch between them like a taut wire, ready to snap.

A knot grew in Daegan’s stomach. Breathless, he felt his boxers getting even tighter against his length. “I’m glad you are.” He brushed a thumb along her waist. His breath was steady, even though his heart wasn’t. Desire coursed through him like a lightning bolt, each spark threatening to ignite an uncontrollable blaze.

Kinsley’s doe-like eyes looked at him with absolute trust. When she spoke again, her voice was soft, pulling him back from the edge. “What are you thinking right now? What’s going through that mind of yours?” A seductive grin grew across her face.

“That you have no idea what you’re doing to me,” he murmured, his voice a mix of awe and restraint. His thumb poked under the silkiness of her waistband, caressing the softness of her flesh. Daegan kept his eyes on her face. Watching her closely, he waited for any sign of hesitance. Instead, Kinsley bit her bottom lip. Daegan had to choke back a groan.

The hum of the jet’s engines faded into the background, leaving only the sound of their breathing. Each exhale felt like a confession, every second ticking away the space between them.

Kinsley reached out a hand, caressing his stubbly cheek and chin. “Is it okay for me to want you right now?” Her voice was a soft plea. Her fingers traced the line of his jaw as she brought her face just inches from his own. Her warm breath mingled with his, sending a shiver down his spine. His cock pushed against the confines of his boxers.

“It’s okay,” Daegan whispered back. “Whatever you want is okay.”

Her hand brushed his jaw, a lingering caress that made his breath hitch. For a moment, they were suspended in the silence as their gazes locked, the space between them charged with unspoken longing.

Slowly, deliberately, Daegan leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a kiss that was not a conquest, but a confession. As his mouth moved against hers, it was both a question and an answer—slow, searching, with a promise of something deeper. Kinsley lips sent a pulse through Daegan’s body unlike anything he could ever recall. There was no rush. As Daegan took the lead, Kinsley’s mouth eagerly replied. Her hand found its way to the back of Daegan’s neck, nails gently tracing his flesh.

For a moment, Daegan felt his entire world narrow down to this one, perfect connection. He was losing himself, piece by piece, with every nip and moan. This was more than desire—this was an unraveling, and it terrified him. He’d kept himself locked away for so long, and now Kinsley was breaking through, showing him a glimpse of something he wasn’t sure he was ready for. But he couldn’t let her go.

Their kiss felt like coming home to a house full of love and laughter. His hands trembled as he held her, overwhelming desire clashing with ice-cold doubt. After three years of not having a woman to hold, he needed her more than he’d needed anything.

With every soft gasp from Kinsley, he felt torn between the urge to pull her even closer and the knowledge that he should be putting a stop to this. He knew this was a bad idea, that the consequences could be steep. But she was making him feel alive for the first time, and he didn’t want it to stop.

Daegan pulled away to rest his forehead against hers. Their breaths mingled in between them. He opened his eyes and found the vulnerability reflected in hers. He had kissed Kinsley, and she showed no signs of wanting to turn back. But instead of fear, he felt something softer, tender even. Brushing a strand of hair away from her face, his thumb traced her cheek. This was dangerous. He knew the risks, but he didn’t care. He wanted Kinsley, and anything she was willing to give him tonight.

His heart hammered in his chest when he finally asked, “Do you want me right now, Kins? I need to be sure we’re not making a mistake here.” Daegan looked to Kinsley for her answer. He wouldn’t go even one kiss further without it.

Her lips parted. Small, panting breaths escaped them. Eyes full of trust and desire, she put her mouth to his ear. “Yes, I already said I want you,” she whispered, her nails dancing down his back. “I’ve always wanted you.”

Fingers tangling in her hair, Daegan pulled her closer and pressed his throbbing cock against her thigh. She gasped, and Daegan swallowed it down. Their tongues met, exploring each other with urgency and tenderness. Something had ignited, and it was setting them both ablaze. He could feel her breasts pushed against him, the silk between them a barrier he was desperate to breach.

A shiver ran down Daegan’s spine. His heart pounding, he deepened the kiss, his hand coming up to cup her face. It was slow, unhurried, a promise of something neither of them could yet name.

Keep it slow, he reminded himself. They had all night, and he intended to savor every second.

Her silk pajama top slipped beneath his fingers, the fabric cool against the warmth of her skin. He marveled at the way her breath hitched when his lips brushed her collarbone, how her body arched toward him as if drawn by an invisible tether. Every gasp and whispered plea was awakening something primal.

Lifting her top, he exposed her perfectly round breasts as he tossed it aside. As he cupped one in his hand, he heard a deep moan from within Kinsley. He drew back to drink in the sight of her, marveling at the beauty before him. Her pink nipples were begging to be touched.

Daegan obliged.

Leaning back, he circled one with his thumb, watching as Kinsley’s arousal turned it hard. She moaned and gasped, lifting her chest up as if demanding more. Daegan’s lips traveled down her neck, trailing heat in their wake. When he reached her chest, he hesitated for the briefest moment. Savoring her sharp intake of breath, his mouth claimed her skin, soft and eager. He needed to memorize every inch of her, just in case this never happened again.

His kisses made a circle around her untouched breast as she whimpered in eagerness. He opened his mouth, taking a nipple into it, swirling his tongue gently around it. He gave it a little nibble, causing Kinsley to arch her back.

“Daegan, that feels so good,” she whispered out on a moan as her hand ran through his hair. She’d never spoken his first name before.

Daegan had to bite back a swear to keep from erupting right then. His cock was rock-hard in his boxers, pressed firmly up against Kinsley’s thigh. Take your time, he reminded himself.

Daegan threw back the crisp white sheets, his eyes dark with desire as he drank in the sight of Kinsley’s body. Together, they peeled off her bottoms, tossing them aside with reckless abandon.

He trailed a line of searing kisses down her stomach, his lips brushing against her skin as he journeyed lower. Kinsley shivered beneath him, her breath growing ragged with anticipation. His hand slipped beneath the silken fabric of her panties, and she arched toward him with a whimper, wordlessly urging him on.

He settled beside her, claiming her mouth in a deep, passionate kiss. As she whined into his mouth, Daegan’s fingers found her pussy, his fingers slowly gliding through her wetness, teasing her. She was soaked for him, and it had him groaning into her kiss. He couldn’t help but imagine how incredible it would feel to bury himself inside her, to lose himself in her tight, welcoming warmth.

With each deliberate stroke of his fingers, she clung tighter to him. She tangled her legs with his, silently pleading for more. Daegan’s thumb found her swollen clit, circling it with enough pressure to pull a gasp from her lips. Her moans reverberated into their kiss, a sound that filled the hollow spaces inside him. This wasn’t just about giving her pleasure—this was about trust, about giving all of himself to her in this moment, no matter how terrifying that might be.

The evidence of her desire coated his fingers, and Daegan’s cock throbbed in response, straining against the confines of his boxers. He ached to be inside her, helpless to grind his cock against her thigh for it. The moonlight painted her skin in silver, an ethereal glow that made her seem untouchable. She was a paradox—delicate and strong, a force of nature that unraveled him and rebuilt him in the same breath.

Slowly, he pushed two fingers into her pussy, reveling in the way she clenched around him. Her cries of pleasure were music to his ears, spurring him on as he began to pump his fingers in and out, his thumb never ceasing its torture of her clit. Their lips met again in a searing kiss, tongues tangling and teeth nipping as they lost themselves.

Daegan’s cock pressed insistently against Kinsley’s thigh, a promise of what was to come. With each stroke of his fingers, each swipe of his thumb, he could feel her climbing higher, her body tensing. And yet, even as he worked to bring her to the edge of bliss, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was something more.

In the warmth of her embrace, Daegan could feel himself falling, surrendering to the inexorable pull of something he wasn’t quite ready to name.

But in this moment, with her body pressed against his, he let himself go.

Forty-two thousand feet in the air was a long way down.

Kinsley’s body was on fire as her innermost desires were becoming an all-consuming reality. Was she shocked that her sexy boss was fingering her to ecstasy? Absolutely. Was she wanting to feel his cock deep inside her? More than anything.

Daegan was driving her crazy in a way that she hadn’t felt in months. Years, even. His kisses made her go wild. The pleasure he was giving her was off the charts. But what she wanted most of all was to see the hardness that he was grinding into her thigh, as if he was powerless to do anything else.

The sheets beneath her were cool and smooth, contrasting with the growing heat of her body. The faint vibration of the plane reverberated through the bed, adding a subtle rhythm to the air. The suite felt smaller now, the luxurious furnishings fading into the background as the space between them disappeared.

In that moment, it felt like they were existing in a tiny bubble away from the rest of the world. Nothing else mattered. It had crossed her mind that maybe Daegan was trying to soften her up to get her home. But as his fingers worked their magic inside her, that didn’t matter. She could figure out the rest in the morning; all that mattered right now was making the most of this night with him.

Daegan’s mouth left her own and found its way back to her nipples. One hand played with the opposite breast, while his other hand continued fingering her like he never planned to stop. He was just barely glancing off that spot inside that made her scream, but it wasn’t enough to bring her over, only to keep her on the delirious edge.

Her heart raced, but beneath the fiery thrill was a whisper of fear. She wasn’t sure which possibility frightened her more: the intensity of the moment, or the vulnerability it would bring when the afterglow had faded away.

His hips drove harder into her thigh as his fingers went deeper, and any other thoughts in her head turned to dust. There was only the wet slap of his hand fucking her, his moans in her ear, and the considerable length of him moving against her with renewed desperation. Only a thin layer of fabric separated them, and she desperately needed it gone.

“Daegan, I want to see you,” she teased, though her voice was on the verge of breaking. She traced the length of his cock; was he really that much longer than her fingers? He let out a quiet groan at her touch. “Please?” she whispered in his ear, and she was so close to begging him for it.

Pulling his mouth and hands off her body with no small amount of reluctance, he held himself over her. “How much do you want me, Kinsley?” His voice was smooth, yet assertive, almost tantalizing to her, commanding an answer.

Her breath quickened as she met his gaze. Kinsley took a deep breath and ignored the hitch in her voice. “More than anything,” she said softly, barely audible over the jet engines. Her fingers trailed over his arm, lingering where his hand gripped the sheets tight. It took her a moment to realize why they were soaked, why they smelled like her. “I need this, Daegan… I need you.”

Daegan leaned in and rested his forehead against hers. He closed his eyes, his breath mingling with hers. “Kins, this is… I need you to be sure. I don’t want to ruin this,” he whispered, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. His fingers traced her jawline, lingering over her lips. “But I can’t stop wanting you.”

“Then take what you want,” she teased.

A flicker of doubt crossed his face, though his body told a different story as he removed her panties. “We can’t go back from this, Kins.” Kinsley didn’t need to hear his words to know that he was just as torn as she was. “Once this is?—”

“I don’t want to go back from this,” she interrupted. Sure, the caution Daegan was showing was endearing, but all Kinsley wanted was to feel him inside her. The rest could sort itself out later. Was he having second thoughts about this? Kinsley was too far gone for doubts. Every look and every touch made it harder to deny how deeply she craved this man.

If Daegan Westerhouse had deeper reservations, he didn’t show it. “If you’re sure.” He straightened up on the bed and finally took off his boxers.

Kinsley knew he was gifted, had felt it against her, but she wasn’t prepared for just how gifted this man was. Daegan’s cock, long and thick, was rock-hard for her. It stood at attention, begging for her just as she was for him.

“Something wrong?” he questioned, snapping her out of her daze. He seemed genuinely concerned. She watched as he lifted a latch on a storage compartment in the wall and pulled out a condom.

“No, I just…” Kinsley fumbled through her words, “I’ve never had a partner quite your size.” She eyed him as he rolled the condom down his length.

“You can change your mind.” He leaned over her, gently brushing some hair off her forehead before giving her a lingering kiss. “I won’t be mad,” he whispered in her ear, his breath hot on her neck.

Change my mind? Her breathing deepened, yet no words escaped through her lips. He’d clearly mistaken her shock for what it really was—anticipation. She needed to know what that felt like when it pushed inside her. She knew she shouldn’t be here, not with Daegan, her boss—the man who wanted to take her home. But right now, all that mattered was how he made her feel: alive, wanted, seen.

Daegan softly kissed her forehead, his hand sliding down her stomach before he pulled her close, resting his head on the pillow beside her. “It’s okay, Kins.” He must have taken her silence as an objection. “We can still snuggle tonight.” His eyes still longed for her, and his hard cock was grazing her stomach, just above where she needed him most.

Her hands trembled slightly as she reached for him, the weight of the decision written in the way her fingers lingered on his skin, hesitant yet hungry. “I want you,” she interjected. She couldn’t bring herself to care about the consequences. For the first time in a long time, she wanted to lose control.

“You hesitated.” There was playfulness in his voice.

“Can you blame me?” She ran a finger along his chest. “This moment is a lot to take in.” She sat up, swinging a leg over Daegan.

“Yeah, well so am I,” he joked, glancing down at his cock. Kinsley’s new position had him only inches away from her. Kinsley only wished the room were brighter so she could see it better, but even in the moonlight it looked incredible.

“And that’s why we need to take our time,” she said.

He paused for a moment before wrapping his arms around her and rolling her onto her back. Lowering his lips to her ear, he whispered, “Okay, but I’m in charge.” The words washed over her. They were warm and enticing, making her eager to enjoy the moment.

“You’re the boss. You’re always in charge. Why not let?—”

“No.” His chest expanded against her as he inhaled deep. “Say that first part again,” he dared her.

Her voice was shaky. “You’re the boss.”

“Exactly. I’m in charge.” His words were rough, demanding—a sharp contrast to the gentle kiss he’d placed on her forehead a moment ago. It was like fire and ice.

“Of course,” Kinsley whispered back, succumbing to his order. She placed a few kisses on his stubbly jaw. Giving in to Daegan’s desires felt erotic in a way she couldn’t explain. It was as if she was entrusting him with her pleasure. Somehow, she knew he wouldn’t disappoint.

Her breath hitched as she watched him ease back from her, every inch of her yearning for his touch. The way he looked at her made her feel like she was the only woman in the world. She traced her fingers over his chest, feeling the strong beat of his heart beneath her palm. Kinsley felt exposed, vulnerable—but also safe. She could let herself fall, because he would be there to catch her.

As he towered over her, she wanted to ask if this was just for tonight, but she decided against it. What if it wasn’t? What if her question made things awkward and broke the mood?

She didn’t have long to think about it as his hands eased up her sides, making their way straight to her breasts. She could feel his cock glide over where his fingers had left her dripping, teasingly resting on her clit. She trailed her nails gently down his back as one of his own hands nudged his cock out of the way. A whine of disappointment was replaced by a gasp of pleasure as he shoved two fingers inside her again.

She clenched tightly around them as he explored her. Watching her closely for any sign of discomfort, lips pressing into a thin line, he added another finger. Kinsley had to relax when he asked her to. The moment she eased up, his hand slid into her without even a twinge of pain. He’s too good at this.

As he moved his hand up to rub her clit, she grabbed his length, feeling it pulse against her hand. Sure, Daegan wanted to be in charge, but she needed him. She positioned it perfectly, feeling the head teasing her entrance, just above his hand still pumping inside her.

Daegan let out a breathless laugh. “You really do want it bad.” He removed his hand from her breast and teased her clit. It put his hand between his cock and her entrance, and she whined in frustration. She stroked him with a tight grasp in revenge, sliding her thumb over the head of his cock over and over. Daegan’s thumb stuttered over her clit as he gasped out what sounded like a faint “Oh, God.”

Finally, he pulled his hand out of the way and let Kinsley guide him in. The head of him had only barely breached her, but the stretch already had her keening. She thought she heard Daegan swear. Her toes curled as she removed her hand from his cock, reaching out to touch his chiseled chest instead.

He leaned over her as he slowly eased inside, inch by incredible inch. “You feel amazing,” he whispered through broken breaths. His hand trembled as he caressed her cheek. He eased out only a little before he pushed deeper inside.

Her breath caught in her throat as Daegan’s hard length filled her, stretching her in the most delicious way. Every push and pull of him sent pleasure radiating outward from her core until his hips were flush with hers, setting every nerve ending alight with sensation. She clenched around him, gripping him tightly as if her body never wanted to let him go.

He groaned, the sound low and primal in his throat. Slowly, teasingly, he withdrew until just the tip of his cock remained inside her, pausing for a breathless moment before surging forward harder than before. He sank even deeper this time, burying himself to the hilt, the head of his shaft kissing her cervix. No man had ever reached her there before.

Kinsley’s back arched off the bed, her nails digging into the sweat-slicked skin of Daegan’s shoulders as she cried out. Every thrust sent sparks of electricity racing through her veins, desire swelling like a tidal wave threatening to sweep her away. The slight sting of his girth stretching her only served to heighten the intensity, a delicious counterpoint to the ecstasy that consumed her.

In one smooth motion, Daegan grabbed Kinsley’s legs, pushing them back until her ankles rested against her shoulders. The new angle allowed him to penetrate even deeper, hitting that sweet spot inside that made her cry out. His pace quickened, each powerful thrust driving her higher and higher, closer to the edge of oblivion. The world fell away until there was nothing but the two of them, his hips pounding into hers, her hands pulling him closer as they chased their mutual pleasure. The coil of tension in her core was winding tighter and tighter.

But as she teetered on the brink, Daegan stilled, his hips coming to an abrupt halt as he lowered her legs back to the bed. Kinsley whimpered at the loss, her body demanding he get back to work. But then Daegan was leaning over her, pinning her to the mattress as he claimed her lips in a tender kiss.

Kinsley melted into the caress, her fingers threading through Daegan’s hair as she let his tongue caress her. She gave as good as she got, sucking on his bottom lip as she rocked her hips desperately against his, grinding his cock into her.

Daegan made a sound that was between a laugh and a groan, and began to move once more. But this time, his thrusts were slow and measured, a deliberate, sensual slide that stoked the embers of Kinsley’s desire back into a roaring flame.

Together they rocked in perfect harmony. As he went in for another kiss, Kinsley playfully bit his lip, drawing a smile from him. “I never imagined I’d be under you like this,” she said, fighting against the roar of the engines. Imagined? Sure. Thought it would actually happen? No way.

“I never thought we’d end up here either, Kins,” he whispered in her ear, voice softer, more vulnerable than she’d ever heard it. “Especially not at forty-two thousand feet,” he chuckled, his chest pressed against hers, and Kinsley could feel the quiet yearning that his words couldn’t quite cover.

Kinsley’s breasts grazed against his chest. Despite the physical closeness, Daegan’s thumb had found her clit, releasing another wave of pleasure through every inch of her body. Her pussy tightened around him in, refusing to let him go.

“Fuck, Kins,” Daegan growled in her ear. He straightened up in bed, grabbing her hips, holding her still as he unapologetically thrust in and out of her, back in charge once more. As he took control, Kinsley felt herself submit, letting her cares go as she surrendered to the pleasure he wrought.

He was panting into her neck, his warm breath fanning over her skin between nips of his teeth. She pulled him closer as he sucked right over her collarbone, grounding her in this moment of raw intimacy. His thrusts were unrelenting, each harder and deeper than the last. Daegan was pushing her up a mountain of pleasure. She anticipated a crest that didn’t come; it just kept climbing, into heights she’d never thought she could reach. She never wanted to come down.

Daegan’s hips stuttered as he bit back a swear. Groaning into her ear, the next move of his hips had his deep thrusts striking her g-spot. “Daegan,” she managed to whimper; each of his heavy thrusts had her nearly breathless.

One of Daegan’s hands found her clit. Rubbing his fingers back and forth over it, he continued to bury his cock deep within her. “Yes, baby?” His voice caressed her ears, made something in her chest grow tight.

Baby.

It was that gentle devotion that pushed her beyond the brink, launching her into a shattering climax that consumed her entirely. Fingers tangled in his hair, she held on tight as her orgasm left her shaking through wave after wave of pure, unadulterated bliss.

She could feel her inner walls clench and flutter around Daegan’s cock, which still had not stopped moving. He kept going, hitting that perfect place inside until the pleasure was so intense, so all-consuming, that it stole the very breath from her lungs.

She wanted to cry out, to tell Daegan how incredible he made her feel, how the force of her orgasm was unlike anything she’d ever experienced before. But the words were lost, drowned in the maelstrom of sensation that swept her away, leaving her trembling and boneless in the aftermath of the most earth-shattering climax of her life.

All Kinsley could do was cling to Daegan, her nails scoring his back as she rode out the last, lingering tremors of her release. As she lay there, the warmth of his body grounding her, she let herself bask in the moment—in the pleasure. But in the quiet spaces between their breaths, doubt whispered to her. Morning would come, it reminded her, and with it all the uncertainties that Kinsley wasn’t ready to face. Could this really be more than a night? She hoped for it, even as she feared the answer.

Daegan had fantasized about her, about what she looked like under her cute dresses and skirts. But he never thought he would feel her tightening on his cock as she came for him. It took everything he had to keep going, to not stop until he heard her whimper, oversensitive and wrung out from her pleasure.

As the last tremors of Kinsley’s orgasm faded, his own release barreled toward him like a freight train. She was still clenching around his throbbing cock, and the feeling of her release dripping between them pushed him past the point of no return. With a guttural groan, he pulled her body flush against his own to feel her completely, burying himself as deep as he could.

Daegan’s cock pulsed and jerked as he came. The head of his shaft pressed insistently against her cervix, as if he wasn’t wearing a condom, as if he could tie them together forever. The force of his orgasm seemed to go on forever, each spurt of his hot cum a testament to his pleasure. Wave after wave of mind-bending pleasure crashed over him until he thought he might drown. Every ounce of tension from seeing her every day at work was pouring out of him in a cathartic rush, leaving him spent in its wake.

Gripping Kinsley’s hips with bruising force, he held her in place, refusing to let even an inch come between them. The sweat-slicked slide of their bodies, the ragged cadence of their labored breathing, the erratic pounding of their hearts—all of it blended together in perfect harmony.

As the last shudders of his orgasm tapered off, Daegan let his hands glide reverently over the curves of her thighs. Reluctantly, he withdrew from the snug embrace of her body, a low sigh escaping his throat at the loss of her warmth around him. But even in the hazy aftermath of the most intense climax of his life, Daegan knew that this was only the beginning.

What he had experienced with Kinsley was a carnal rapture of her body and soul; he knew he could never let her go. He was ruined for all other women, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’m going to go clean up,” he said through a satisfactory grin, allowing his fingers to stroke over her chest for just a moment before he went to the bathroom.

He returned to the bed to find Kinsley snuggled up in the blankets. As he climbed under the covers, he planted a soft kiss on her forehead, hoping to get her attention.

“Goodnight, Daegan.” Her voice was barely audible above the hum of the engines.

That was it?

No after-sex closeness? No opportunity for Daegan to cradle her in his arms and give her tender kisses and touches?

The abruptness felt…cold. Was she upset? Or just feeling used?

Daegan eased back toward his own pillow, not wanting to press the issue. They could talk about it in the morning. “Goodnight, Kinsley,” he replied softly, though he wanted to reach out and pull her toward him. There were only inches separating them, but it felt as if their bodies were miles apart. The warmth of her skin lingered on him, but he couldn’t shake the coldness settling in between them.

The luxury of the suite was almost mocking now—too pristine, too indifferent to the raw emotions that churned beneath the surface.

Daegan was lucky if he slept half an hour on that flight. Every time he would doze off, he jerked awake in an instant. Each time his gaze fell on her, sleeping soundly beside him, guilt gripped him. Did Kinsley regret it? Had he pushed her too far? Should he have turned her down?

Every quiet moment only made him feel more like the villain in a story he couldn’t rewrite.

He had even called her “baby,” a nickname he had only used with his ex-fiancée. Had that been too much? Daegan didn’t mind. As a matter of fact, he could get used to it, so long as it stayed between them. It felt right. But if he let any of his emotions get involved? Then, he wasn’t so sure.

Maybe it was a mistake. He wished he had maintained more self-control. But he wasn’t sure he would want to go through life without experiencing last night either.

He brushed her hair back gently, his fingers lingering for just a moment before he kissed her forehead. The softness of her skin under his lips made him ache, made him wish he could somehow undo the distance between them. He whispered the only words that came to mind, “I’m sorry,” hoping she could hear it in her dreams. It wasn’t her fault that he was broken. It wasn’t her fault that he’d given into his desires with nothing more to back it up. She didn’t deserve that. She deserved better.

If he closed his eyes, he could still taste her, could still feel her warmth wrapped around his cock. He should have been exhausted, but he wanted her so badly, he could have gone again right then, if she asked. But the longer Daegan lay there, it felt more like a dream, one that was already slipping through his fingers.

He could pull her close again, wake her up for another round and make her moan his name. Would she like that, waking up with his mouth on her, already halfway to her orgasm before she’d even had her coffee? He wanted to taste her orgasm, to reach that bliss with her again.

But I can’t.

Once was enough. For now. Perhaps forever.

The way she’d rolled away from him, clearly she was already regretting it, and the last thing he wanted was to make it worse. He couldn’t take advantage of her. Just because they were both made of broken pieces didn’t mean they would fit each other’s puzzle.

No matter how he looked at it, he was in a lose-lose situation. On the one hand, it was a release both of them had clearly needed. It was one of the most intense orgasms Daegan had ever felt. But now what? He didn’t want to lead Kinsley on. What if she developed deeper feelings than he could give her back?

Feelings. He sighed. Emotional wholeness could be strong medicine. But what if he had too many cracks to ever be whole again? Most days Daegan felt like he was barely being held together.

Determined not to dwell on it this morning, he got up and dressed back into his comfortable attire. In Seattle, it would still be the middle of night; he and Kinsley would have a chance to get a short sleep in at the hotel. He could figure this out in the morning after he actually got some rest.

Just as the pilot quietly announced their descent, Kinsley joined Daegan at the chairs, dressed again in her comfortable clothes. She’d brushed her hair, but it was down rather than up. Had he left any marks she’d felt the need to cover up? He had no way of knowing, because she was covered from head to toe and she hadn’t said a single word.

She wouldn’t even look him in the eyes.

Neither of them seemed to know what to say, or if anything even should be said. Daegan didn’t want to be the first to bring it up, and instead remained quietly horrified. Was she having regrets, or did she feel used from their night of passion? Is this what a one-night stand feels like?

Tomorrow, after a few more hours of sleep, things would be clearer for them both. Some space for them both would let them figure out what to say. If nothing else, he had to get it sorted out before they returned to Trueport—they had a professional relationship, after all. But was it ruined? The thought of having to lay her off if things went bad made him sick to his stomach.

The flight landed without issue and they were ushered into a private vehicle which taxied them to the closest luxury hotel. As the air between them thickened, Daegan knew he had to slice through it.

“Are you okay?” he asked quietly as he leaned toward her.

She hesitated, turning to look out the window. “I’m fine. Just tired.”

The words were light, but the way she wouldn’t meet his eyes made them feel heavier than they should have. Was she tired? Or regretting everything?

The nighttime stillness of the hotel lobby mirrored the cold quiet between them. Daegan checked them in, fetched their cards, and they rode the elevator without a word until it stopped again.

“This should be your room,” he said, handing her the keycard, “and mine is right next door.”

Kinsley paused. “Thank you,” she said, her tone unreadable. She grabbed the keycard and unlocked her door, going inside without so much as a “goodnight” or “see you in the morning.”

Just like that, the wall was back up.

“Meet me downstairs at seven for breakfast,” Daegan said as the door clicked behind her.

“Okay,” her muffled voice replied from the other side.

He stared at the door for a moment, and found his hand hovering near the frame. He could knock, could ask her if she was really okay—but what would that accomplish? If Kinsley wanted him to leave her alone, he had to respect that.

With a quiet sigh, he turned toward his own room, the weight of her silence following him like a shadow. Maybe Kinsley needed distance right now, time to think through it all. But as he looked at her closed door, he realized distance was the last thing he wanted.

This tug-of-war between wanting and not was new territory for him; it left him unsettled and uncertain.

The door to his private suite clicked shut behind him, and he leaned against it. It was cold against his hands, just like their sheets had been when he’d left them. He’d hoped for some reassurance in her eyes by this point, a sign that maybe their night of passion had meant something more. Instead, he only felt the weight of Kinsley’s icy distance between them.

Daegan wasn’t sure he could live with it.