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AlsobyOpalCarew

AbouttheAuthorCopyright

AttheendofPart3:

Anumbness crawled throughher as she heard the nameDane called Storm, but shecouldn’t quite conceive ofwhat it meant. She glancedfromonemantotheother.

The embarrassment andconcern at having been

caught in Storm’s arms wasreplacedbyshockasashiverraceddownherspine.

Itcouldn’tbe.She’dbeenmistakenwhen

she’d thought Dane wasStorm the first time she’dseen him. But now seeingthem side-by-side … Shesucked in a breath. Theirfeatures were so similar. In

fact, everything about Stormlooked strikingly like Dane,especially with him dressedashewasinanexpensivesuitwith his dark hair combedback.

Astonishment coiledthrough her. “Oh,myGod,”shemurmured.

With eyes wide inastonishment, she turned to

Storm.“You’reRafeRanier!”

AsJessicafledtheoffice,theelevator doors opened. Sheraced toward them, her heartpounding, trying not to lookatMelanie asMelanie exitedtheelevator.

“Jessica?”But she just continued

into the small space andjabbed the Close button,

hopingtoescapeMelanieandher inevitable questions, butMelanie turned and slippedbackonto theelevatorbeforethedoorsclosed.

Jessica swiped an erranttearfromhereye,hopingherfrienddidn’t notice.Was it atearofanger?Pain?Orjustaresult of her heightenedemotions after getting such a

shock?“Jessica,what’swrong?”Her tight throat and

clenched jaw ached. Sheshook her head, wishingMelanie hadn’t decided tofollowher.

“Did something happenbetween you and Mr.Ranier?”

Mr. Ranier. Mr. Rafe

Ranier.“Youcouldsaythat.”“Oh, Jessica, I was

worriedthiswouldhappen.”Jessica’s head jerked

toward Melanie. “You did?”But how couldMelanie haveknownabout…

“Having an affair withyour boss is bound to causecomplications,” Melanie

continued.Jessica met her friend’s

concerned gaze. Of courseshe’d naturally think it hadsomething to do with Daneandtheirsexualrelationship.

“This isn’t about Daneandme.”

Confusion washed acrossMelanie’sface.“Butyousaid—”

Sheshookherhead.“ThisisaboutStorm.”

“Theguywhobrokeyourheart?”

Jessica nodded. “He’shere.”

“InPhiladelphia?”“Here in thebuilding. He

walked in while I was inDane’s office organizing thefolders he’ll need this

afternoon.”Melanie frowned. “But

whywouldyourex-boyfriendwalk into Mr. Ranier’soffice?Howdidheknowyouwerehere?”

“That’s the thing. Hedidn’t.Yousee—”

She stopped cold. Asshe’d been gazing intoMelanie’s wide green eyes,

she suddenly rememberedthatMelanie had told Jessicathat shewas in lovewithheroldboss,and…

Oh, God, how could shetell Melanie that Rafe, theman she loved, was in lovewithJessica?

Luckily,shewassavedbythe bell as the elevator cameto a stop and the doors

opened.“Melanie, I’m going

home. I’ll takea sickday,ora day without pay. I don’tcare.I justhavetogetoutofhere.”

At that, she fled theelevator, leaving a confusedMelaniebehind.

***

Dane crossed his arms andstared at his brother.Hewasthrilledtohavehimbackandhad all kinds of questionsstorming through his brain,butthatwastemperedbyoneoverridingissue.

“How do I justify notsluggingyouformanhandlingmyassistant?”

“I wasn’t manhandling

her.”“I come in here and find

herinyourarmsandthensheruns out of here, clearlyupset.”

Itwasn’tlikeRafetotreatawomanwithdisrespect,anddefinitelynottohitononeoftheir employees, let aloneaggressively try to seduceher.Buthisbrotherhadbeen

gone foralmostayear.Danehad no idea how he mighthavechanged.

“Jess and I know eachother. Over the past year, Ispenteightmonths ina towncalled Bakersfield. I met herthereandwedated.”

Understanding smackedDaneintheface.

“You were the guitarist

withtheleatherjacketandthemotorcycle?”

Rafe’s eyebrows arched.“Shetoldyouaboutme?”

Dane tipped his head.“Yeah, well, you did breakherheart.”

Damn it.His brotherwasinlovewiththewomanDanewas having a rampant affairwith. And she used to be in

love with him. And maybeshestillwas.

But Rafe had walkedaway,hurtingherdeeply.

Just like he’d done toDane.

Rafedroppedintoachair.“I know. Itwas the stupidestthingI’veeverdone.”

“That’ssayingalot,givenyou walked away from this

kind of success to be a rockmusician.”

“Damn it, Dane. YousoundjustlikeDad.”

Dane sighed. “Right.Sorry.”

What the hell was hedoing? Rafe had come back,giving Dane the chance tomend their relationship andmove forward. He had to

keepatightreinonhiswords.“Mr. Ranier?” Melanie

walked into the office andDanerealizedJessicahadleftthe door open when she’dfled.“Iwantedtotellyou—”

Her eyes widened as hergazeshottoRafe.

“Mr. Ranier, you’reback.”

Rafesmiled,revealingthe

straight, white teeth theirfather had paid thousands inorthodontia to ensure.“Melanie,youusedtocallmeRafe.”

Although the employeesall called Dane Mr. Ranier,sincehelikedtokeepa levelof discipline in the office,Rafehadthestaffthatworkedclosest with him call him by

his first name. It did makethings simpler when theywere in a meeting withMelanie, so she wasn’tcallingthembothMr.Ranier.

She nodded. “Rafe,” shesaidquietly.

The softness in her eyeswhen she gazed at Rafe hitDane in the gut. How couldthe man look at her and not

realize she had feelings forhim? Sometimes his brothercouldbeanidiot.

She turned back toDane.“Mr.Ranier, I justwanted toletyouknowthatJessicahasleft for the day, since she’snot feeling well. Your twoo’clock appointment will behereinafewminutes.Wouldyoulikemetohavesomeone

fill informeatmydesksoIcantakeoverJessica’sdutiesduringthemeeting?”

Dane glanced at hiswatch.

“Take your meeting,Dane,”Rafesaid.“YouandIcan catch up later. I juststopped by to let you knowI’m back, and now I’mheaded to my apartment. I

trust you didn’t sell it onme?”

“It’sstillthewayyouleftit.YoucanthankMelanieforthat.Ihadherarrangetokeepit cleaned and maintainedwhile you were gone. Sheeven has someone come inandwateryourplants.”

While Dane lived in aresidenceat theRitz-Carlton,

wherehedidn’thavetoworryabout any kind of upkeep ormeal preparation, Rafe hadbought a penthouseapartment.

Rafe turned to Melanieandsmiled.“Thanks.”

The poor woman nearlymelted into a puddle at hischarming smile. His idiotbrotherreallywasblindnotto

seetheeffecthehadonher.Dane walked to his desk

and skimmed through thesmall pile of folders thatJessicamusthavebroughtin.

“It looks like I haveeverything Ineed,Melanie. IcangetbywithoutJessica.”

Melanie nodded. “Yes,Mr.Ranier.”

She turned and left the

office.“Are you free this

evening?”Rafeasked.“I’llmakesureIam,”said

Dane. “I’ve got a dinnermeeting, but meet me at myplace at eight. We’ll havedrinks.”

Rafesmiled.“I’mlookingforwardtoit.”

Before Rafe turned to

walk away, Dane saw thetruthofthosewordsinRafe’seyes.

Maybetherewashopeforthemyet.

***

The elevator doors openedonto the executive floor andMelaniesteppedoff.

“Hey,thereyouare.”

SheglancedaroundtoseeRafe sitting in one of thechairs by the largewindows.He stood up and walkedtoward her. Her heartflutteredashedrewcloser.

“I thoughtwemight grabacoffeebeforeIheadbacktomyapartment.”

“Um, I’d really like to,butIshouldn’tleavemydesk

again.”“Don’t worry. I arranged

for someone to come andanswerthephone.”

She smiled. “Oh, thankyou.”Damn,shesoundedlikea dope. She drew in a deepbreath,willingherself tostaycalmandcollected.

A fewminutes later, theysettled at a nice table by the

window of a café just a fewdoors down the street fromthe office. They ordered twocoffees and the waitressbrought them inbig, colorfulmugs.

She couldn’t believe shewas sitting across the smalltable from Rafe. Her heartfluttered as she took in thesexysightofhiminhisblack

linensuitpairedwithablackT-shirt, probably made ofEgyptian cotton. She longedto reach out and stroke thesoft, fine woven fabric,imaginingthefeelofhishard,muscled chest beneath herfingertips.

Itwasn’thisusualelegantbusiness style, but he’d onlysported that look to stay in

linewith his father’swishes.He was really pushing thelimitscomingtotheofficeinsuch relatively casual attire,buthehadn’t quite crossed aline Dane would takeexceptionto.

His dark hair was longerthan he used to wear it, butcombedback,andshenoticedsmall diamond studs in his

ears.Thiswholenewbadboylookhadherheartpalpitating.

“It hasn’t been the samearoundherewithoutyou,”shesaid.

His sky blue eyes lockedon her, and he smiled,stealing her breath away. “Imissed you, too, Melanie.Especiallythosewildnailsofyours.” He glanced at her

fingers, wrapped around hercoffeecup.“ButIseeyou’vetoned them down. ProbablyDane’s doing. Did he readyoutheriotactandtellyoutogo more conservative in theoffice?”

She glanced at herfingernails. She was wearinga duochrome polish thatflashedfrompeachtogoldin

the sunlight streaming in thewindow, but looked mostlypeachintheofficelighting.Itwasasfarasshewouldpushitatwork,butwhenRafehadbeen here, he’d been finewith her typically daringchoices, like a rich tealholographic, sparkly purple,or black with flashy greenandroyalblueflakes.

When she was younger,her parents had stifled hercreative urge, insisting shetakemorepracticalcoursesincollege than art. She knew itwas because they wereconcernedaboutherfindingastable, secure job, but thatdidn’tchangethefactshehadtoleaveherpassionforcolorand design behind. But Rafe

had encouraged her to beherself. That was one of thethings she had loved abouthimfromthestart.

“He never actually saidanything,” she said, “but Inoticed his disapprovingglances at my hands fromtime to time, so I finallybacked off to pale, moreneutralcolors.”

Sohernails, likeher life,had simply become morebeigeafterRafehadleft.

He shook his head.“That’sDane alright. It’s toobadyoucaved.”

Shestraightenedalittleinher chair. “That’s easy foryou to say. You’re hisbrother. You don’t have toworryaboutyourjob.”

“True.” He sipped hiscoffee. “And I wasn’tcriticizing. I just hate to seehim riding roughshod overeveryone. I always loved thewayyouexpressedyourself.”He smiled again, sendingtremors through her. “Iadmiredthataboutyou.”

“Well, maybe now thatyou’reback,I’llgoabitwild

again.”A frisson of excitement

rushed through her as sherealized maybe she didn’tmean just wild nail polish.Now that she was near Rafeagain… she felt this intenseyearningtobefoldedintohisarms and devoured by hislips…maybe she would lethimknowhowshefeltabout

him.Maybe, like Jessica, she

wouldallowherself to takeachance and experience whatshe’donlydreamedabout.

“Good for you. I highlyrecommend it.” He smiled.“And don’t worry aboutDane’s disapproving glances.We’lljustignorethem.”

Hereyeswidened.Hadhe

read her thoughts? Did hemeanheandsheshould…?

But it was just his usualcharming, although quitedevastating,smile.Therewasnothing inhissexyblueeyesthat showed any interest inherasawoman.

Noneatall.Justaswell.Sheprobably

didn’t have it in her. Taking

chanceswasn’therthing.Not like Jessica, who’d

jumped into her relationshipwith Mr. Ranier with bothfeet. Not like Rafe, who’dwalkedawayfromhislifefora year, searching forhappiness.

“Why are you here?” sheasked.

He tipped his head.

“Why? Don’t you want meback?”heteased.

“No,Ijustwondered.Youtold me you wanted to livelife your way. Not by yourfather’s rules. Or yourbrother’s.Whatchanged?”

He shrugged. “Iwent outandlivedmydream.Tooktothe open road on amotorcycle. Joined a rock

band. Played in front ofenthusiastic crowds.” Hegazed at her. “I foundcompletefreedom.”

His already incrediblesexiness level rocketed tonewheights. She quivered atthe thoughtofhimwearingablack leather jacket,mounting a big, blackmotorcycle,thenherclimbing

on behind him andwrappingherarmsaroundhismusculartorso. She drew in a breath,stillwantingananswertoherquestion.

“But…?”His eyebrows arched.

“Why do you think there’s a’but’? Why don’t you justthinkthatIdiditandnowit’stimetoreturntomyoldlife?”

She shrugged. “Whywould you? You never likedworking in a big companylike this. You’ve got enoughmoney to live your lifewithout financial worries.Whywouldyoucomeback?”

He smiled. “Would youbelieve me if I said it wasbecauseImissedyou?”

Her insides trembled,

wishing so verymuch that itwas true. But she knew itwasn’t.

She shook her head.“Sorry, no. I think it’sbecause you missed yourbrother, and you want toworkthingsout.”

Shehopedthatwaspartofit. She knewMr. Ranier hadmissed his brother and she’d

love to see the two of themgetpasttheirdifferences.ShewantedtoseeRafehappy.

And she really hoped hewasgoingtostay.

“You know, I don’twantto let the cat out of the bag,but he’s changed thingsaroundhere.For thebetter. Ireally think he’s missed youand he’s trying to take the

company in a direction thatyouwouldapproveof.”

Rafesnorted.“I’llbelievethatwhenIseeit.”

She nodded. “Okay, whydidyoucomebackthen?”

He sighed deeply. “It hastodowithawoman.”

“Oh?”Herheartskippedabeat.Coulditbe…?

He leaned forward and

heatsimmeredthroughher.“Iknow you won’t believe thisbut…”

“What?” she askedbreathlessly.

“ThewomanisJessica.”Her shoulders stiffened.

“Jessica?” She shook herhead in disbelief. “But …you’ve only just met her.”Butassoonasshe’dsaid the

words, she realized it wasn’ttrue.

“That’s just it. I met herduring my travels. Prettycrazy, right? I was living inthissmalltown—”

“Bakersfield?”He gazed at her in

surprise. “That’s right. YouknowwhereJessicaisfrom?”

She nodded. “We’re

roommates. We’ve gotten toknoweachotherprettywell.”

“Well, I met her inBakersfield and I fell in lovewithher.”

She sucked in a breath.“Oh,God,you’reStorm.”

Damnit,howluckycouldone woman be? Jessica hadhadanaffairwithbothofthedevastatingly handsome

Ranierbrothers.“She told you about me.

That’sagoodsign.”“She told me you broke

herheart.”“I know. And I’m going

totalktoheraboutthat.Makeit right.”His long,masculinefingers wrapped snuglyaround the bright orange,yellow, and white patterned

mug in front of him.“Because when I was awayfrom her, I realized that I’dbeen a complete jackass andthrown away the best thingthat ever happened to me.Then I tried to get in touchwith her and she was gone.She’dmovedawaywithoutatrace. When I realized I’d Ilost her for good, I died

inside.” His haunted gazelocked on her. “I found outshe’d moved to Philly, but Ihadnoideawhere.SoIcamehome. Partly in hopes I’d beable to find her, but alsobecauseIneededtobearoundpeople who know me andcareaboutme.Evenifoneofthose people is a brother Idon’t get along with. He’s

family and that’s what Ineeded.”

She wondered if heconsidered her one of thepeoplewho cared about him.She was only his secretary,but over the time she’dworked for him, they haddeveloped a closeness ofsorts.

Thenasmilechasedaway

thesadnessinhiseyes.“How crazy is it that

when I come home, she’srighthere.”Hebeamedather.“It’sgottobefate,right?”

Melanie forced a smile,wishingwithallherheartthathewould feel about her howhe obviously felt aboutJessica.

Shekept the smilepasted

on her face even though allshe wanted to do was sob.She nodded cheerfully.“You’re right. It must befate.”

***

When Rafe stepped intoDane’s living room, henoticedDane’s eyebrow archwhen he saw Rafe’s faded

bluejeansandT-shirt.Orwasit because of the tattoosflowingdownhisarms?Well,hell,hewasn’tgoingtowearasuitallthetime.

“Problem?” he asked ashe walked into the lavishliving room and sprawled onthecouch.

“The tattoos aren’t reallywhatonewouldexpectofan

executive of a big firm likeRanierIndustries.”

Rafe shrugged. “Maybe Idon’t like being what peopleexpect.”

Dane’s brow rose again.“Maybe?”

“Are you really going toplayitlikeDadwouldhave?”

Dane placed a drink infrontofRafe,thensettledinto

thearmchairfacinghim.“Ofcoursenot.Youknow

I’m not Dad. And I neveragreed with the way hetreatedyou.”

“But you never stoppedit.” As soon as the wordsescaped Rafe’s mouth heregretted them. He leanedforward, his hands folded.“I’m sorry. It wasn’t up to

you to fix things. I shouldhave stood up to the manyearsago.”

“Howcouldyou?Hehadall the power. Even if you’dtried to walk away from thefamily, he wouldn’t haveallowedit.”

Rafe laughed withouthumor. “True. He may nothavewantedmeforason,but

he wouldn’t allow the worldtoseehisfailure.”

Dane swirled his glass,the icecubes tinklingagainstthe side. He was clearlyunable to refute his brother’swords.

“Well,he’sgonenowandI want you here.” He lockedgazes with Rafe. “Notbecause I want to force you

intoalifeyoudon’twant,butbecause you’re my brotherandyou’reimportanttome.”

Rafe just nodded, but hisheart swelled at his brother’sadmission. Dane had alwaysbeen the tougholder brother,but Rafe had always soughtDane’s approval. Andfriendship. But Dane hadalwayssoughtDad’sapproval

and had tried to get Rafe tofallinline.Rafeknewnowitwas because Dane was justtrying to make things easieronallofthem,butwhenRafewas younger, he had felt itwasabetrayal.

Afteralmostayearaway,henowhadmoreperspective,and he realized his brotherhad always been looking out

forhim,inhisownway.“Well, I’m here now and

I’d like to jump back intothings, if that’s okay withyou.”

Dane smiled broadly.“That’sbetter thanokay. I’moff on a trip to Chicago forthe rest of the week, but wecanmeetwhen I get back toseewhatyouwanttotakeon.

This week, Melanie canensureyougetuptospeedonwhat’sbeengoingon.”

He watched as Daneswirledhisglassagain.

“I know that look,” Rafesaid.“What’sonyourmind?”

“This thing with you andJessica. I’m just wonderingwhatyourintentis.”

“My intent? You sound

likeherfather.”“Did he ask you that,

too?”Rafechuckled.“Notinso

many words, but the wayhe’dlookatme…Idoubthewanted his daughter fallingforatattooedmusician.”

That’s why it hadsurprised him somuchwhenherdadhadspilled thebeans

aboutwhereshe’dgone.Dane chuckled, too. “I

wonder what his attitudewouldbeifhefoundoutyouwere a billionaireentrepreneur.”

Rafe shrugged. “Itprobably wouldn’t havechanged.Heclearlyloveshisdaughterandwantsher tobehappy. That’s why he didn’t

tossmeoutonmyduffwhenwe were together. Becauseshewashappy.”

Rafe wished he hadexperienced thatkindof lovefrom his own father. He sethisglassonthetable.“AndIintend to ensure she’s happyagain.”

***

Jessicaglancedupassoonasshe felt his presence. NotDane.Storm.Orrather,Rafe.Damn, she’d never get usedto thinking of him as RafeRanier.

She remembered herbrother tellingher thatStormhadgottenthatnamebecausewhen he played guitar, hetook the audience by storm.

The moniker suited him sowell, she couldn’t imaginehimbyanyothername.

As she stared at himstanding in her doorway,dressed in an expensive suit,looking way more like Danethan she ever would haveimagined, her heartstammered.

He was Storm, with his

gentleeyesandtheslightcurltohis lipsashewatchedher,yethewasastranger.

“What is it?” she finallyasked, since he seemeddeterminedtojuststandthere.

“I’dliketotalktoyou.”She pushed her keyboard

tray under the desk and satback in her chair. “Okay, goahead.”

Hecrossedhisarms.“Nothere. My office would bemoreprivate.”

She frowned. “What if Idon’t want to be somewhereprivatewithyou?”

He compressed his lips.“You do realize I’m yourboss,right?”

She frowned. “Actually,Dane’smyboss.”

He raised his eyebrows.“Dane? You call him by hisfirstname?”

Damn, she hadn’t meanttodothat.

“No, I call him Mr.Ranier, but his first name isDaneandthat’stheonlywayto differentiate the two ofyou.”

He gazed at her

speculatively,thencontinued.“Dane and I both own thecompany,soIqualifyasyourboss, too, even if you don’treportdirectlytome.”

She stared at himdefiantly.

“MissLong,Iwantyouinmyofficenow.”

His words sent a quiverthroughher…ofanxiety,but

also of excitement. He wasmore like Dane than she’dthought, especially when hepulled that commandingbossthingonher.

Shepushedherself to herfeet,thenfollowedhimtohisoffice. When he closed thedoor behind them, she feltanother shiver. Other thantheir short interaction in

Dane’s office yesterday, shehadn’t been alone with himsince the time he’d walkedout on her. But she’ddreamed of him. Longed tobewithhim.

Buthe’dbrokenherheartandshedidn’twant thatkindof pain again. Not only that,he’dliedaboutwhohewas.

He stepped behind her

and as soon as she felt hishand on her shoulder, sheshotforwardastep,herheartracing. She reached for thestone in her pocket andstrokedit.

He walked toward hisdesk,thenturnedtofaceher.

“Jess,wehavealottotalkabout. I know you probablydon’twanttodoithereinthe

office,soIwantyoutocometo my place for dinner thisevening.Wecandiscusswhathappened and I’ll answer allyourquestions.”

“I can’t. You had youropportunity and you brokemy heart. You can’t justwaltzbackhereandexpecttopickupwhereweleftoff.”

“Jess,comeon.Givemea

chance.” He reached for herand stroked her hair behindherear.Thegentletouchsenttingles through her, and adangerous desire to lean intohishand.Tonuzzlehispalm,thenpressherlipstohisskin.“I made the biggest mistakeofmylife.Nowletmespendtherestofitmakingupforit.I’m ready to be themanyou

deserve.”As if sensing her

capitulation, he steppedcloserandleanedtowardher.Hewasgoingtokissher.Andshewantedhimto.Tofeelhislips against hers again. Hissolid body pressed tight tohers.

Thedooropened.“Jessica, we have to go.

Wehaveaplanetocatch.”She jerked back from

Storm, her gaze darting toDane’s.“Yes,Mr.Ranier.”

She felt guilty havingbeen caught almost kissingStorm. Even though Daneknewabouttheirpast,andherrelationship with Dane wasonly physical. Still, she waswith him, no matter how

casual the relationship andshe felt as if she’d almostcheatedonhim.

Storm’s highly observantgaze locked on her and herheated cheeks. Then heglanced at Dane. “Is theresomething going on betweenthetwoofyou?”

“Right now what’s goingonis thatIneedmyassistant

to accompany me to theairport.I’mgoingtoChicagoto close a deal—somethingyou’d know if you’d beenherewhereyoushouldbe.”

“Issheaccompanyingyoujust to the airport, or toChicago?”

“ToChicago,ofcourse.”“And do you have

separate rooms?” Storm’s

eyesflaredwithanger.“That’s none of your

damn business,” Daneretorted.

“Yes, they’re separaterooms,”Jessicasnapped,thenturnedandlefttheoffice.

***

JessicasatbesideDaneonhisprivatejetasitspedalongthe

runway, then lifted off. Theoff-white leather seats werevery comfortable and shesettled back as theyacceleratedintotheair.

“So, do you want to talkabout you and Rafe?” Daneasked.

She pursed her lips andshrugged.“Idon’tknowwhattosay.Itwasashocktofind

out he wasn’t who I thoughthewas,andthefacthe’syourbrotheris…”—sheglancedathim—“reallyawkward.”

“That’s anunderstatement.” He glancedout the window and askedcasually, “Do you think youwant to take up where youleftoffwithhim?”

“Where we left off was

himwalkingoutonme.”“But he’s back now.

WhenImetyou, itwasclearyou were still in love withhim.”

She shook her head. “Iwas in love with Storm. Idon’tknowwhoRafeis.AndStormbrokemyheart.”

Dane nodded, hisexpression giving away

nothing.Once the plane was in

level flight, the stewardbrought them lunch andoffered them a selection ofdrinks.When they arrived inChicago, they would gostraight to their first clientmeeting.Danehadtoldheritwouldprobablytakeacoupleofdaystohammeroutallthe

details of the contract beforetheycouldclosethedeal.

It wasn’t a very longflight,sosheatequickly,butever aware of Dane’spowerfulpresencebesideher.The steward cleared awaytheir dishes and poured themcoffee. Dane filled the timebetween them withconversation about their

upcomingmeeting.Once the steward

disappeared, she glanced atDane’sprofileashestaredathistablet,goingoversomeofher notes for the meeting. IfStorm hadn’t walked backinto her life, she and Danewould probably not just besitting here. They were highabove the air in a luxurious

private jet. It would beexhilaratingtotakeadvantageofthisexcitingsituation.

She gazed at hishandsome profile andimaginedunfasteningherseatbeltandloweringtothefloor,then stroking his crotch. Shecould imagine him quicklyrising to attention.Would hethen decide to punish her, or

order her to unzip him thenbringhimtoclimax?

He glanced toward her,catchingherstaringathim.

She smiled. “Is thereanythingyou’d likeme todoforyou,Mr.Ranier?”

“No. Just relax until weget there,” he said with adeadpan expression. “It willbeabusyafternoon.”

Was he just focused onthe important meetings tocome,ordidhehaveanissuewith the fact she used to behisbrother’slover?”

Sheneededtotalktohimabout it but before she couldfind the words to start, thepilot announced that theywere approaching Chicagoand they should fasten their

seatbelts.Shewouldhavetobringit

uplater.The afternoon rushed by

in a flurry of meetings,followed by dinner with thekey players at Bright Lights,a company that that didresearch into greentechnologies.

By the time the day

ended, and she and Danewalked down the hotelhallway to their rooms, shewasdraggingherheels.

“Get a good night’ssleep,” Dane said as theyreachedherdoorway,thenhecontinuedontohissuitenextdoor.

“But—”“Goodnight,” he said as

he opened his door, thendisappearedinside.

She sighed and steppedinside. Their luggage hadalready been delivered totheir rooms and her bedwasturned down and was oh, soinviting.

Even more inviting wasthe thought of sliding intoDane’s bed, naked and ready

forhim.Butsheknewdeep inside

that what she was reallylooking for was a distractionfrom thoughts of Storm andwhathis returnmeant toher.Howwoulditchangethings?

Wasshestill in lovewithhim?

***

Rafe tried to get work done,but he found himself juststaringatthedocumentonhisscreen, one of the manyMelanie had gatheredtogether for him tosummarize what had beengoingonatRanier Industriesinhisabsence.

Thoughts of Jessica keptpushing through every effort

he made to concentrate onwork.She’dbeengoneadayand wouldn’t be back in theofficeuntilMonday.Notthathe’dwaituntil he sawher inthe office. He would fly toChicago right now if hedidn’t think that course ofaction would cause moreproblemsthanitsolved.

Damn it, he just didn’t

know if he’d been imaginingsomething between Jessicaand his brother. When she’dusedDane’sfirstnameratherthan calling himMr. Ranier,asDanewouldexpectofanyof his employees, it threwhim.She’dclaimedtousehisfirst name to differentiatebetween him and Dane, buthe had his doubts. Then her

cheeks had flushed whenDanecameintotheoffice,asifshe’dbeencaughtcheatingonhim.

He pushed his chair backfrom the desk and stood up,then paced across the office.Hewasprobablyreadingwaytoo much into the incidents.Old fears rising. There wasnot substantial evidence that

Dane was stealing Jessicafrom him. His lipscompressed. Maybe it wastimeto letgoof thepastandmoveon.

***

Jessica walked through thesmallboutiquelookingforanunusual nail polish to bringback forMelanie, but it was

difficult to find somethingthat her friend didn’t alreadyhave. She considered thebottleofbluepolishwithgoldand purple flakes which theclerktoldherwasbrandnew,butMelanietendedtoorderalot online and often beforethey were available in thestores.

Finally, she decided on a

designer brand name,remembering that Melaniehardly ever indulged in theexpensivebrands.Itwasonlyfifteendollars,butforanavidcollector like Melanie, thatamount for a bottle of polishaddedupfast.

Her phone chimed andshepulleditoutandreadthetextmessage.

Needyoubackatfour.It was the second day of

theirtrip,andtheyhadstartedearly and had been inmeetingsallday.Afterlunch,Dane had given her a breakandtoldhertogoseethecitywhilehemetone-on-onewiththepresidentofBrightLights.

She located the higher-endpolishesandfoundonein

her price range—a prettyshimmery lilac—made herpurchase,thenheadedbacktotheclient’soffice.

Whenshewalkedintotheoffice,Danesentherabroadsmile,tellingherallhadgonewell.

Then they met with thesenior staff and Daneanswered some of their

concerns, but it seemedmerely a formality.Afterward, the presidentinvitedthemtojoinhimandafewothers fromhis team forchampagne and horsd’oeuvres in a swankyrestaurant.

Jessica allowed herselfonlyoneglass.Thiswasstilla business meeting and she

wanted to stay sharp. Afteraboutanhourandahalf, theothers excused themselvesand soon she found herselfalonewithDane.

He poured her anotherglass of champagne. “This iscause for celebration. I’vebeenworking on buying thiscompany for six monthsnow.”

“Congratulations,” shesaid,liftingherglass.

He tapped his tall fluteagainsthers,thentheydrank.

“You were a part ofmaking this happen, socongratulationstoyou,too.”

She smiled impishly,feeling the warmth of thebubbly alcohol washingthrough her. “So do I get

rewardedformydiligence?”His eyebrows arched as

hesatbackinhischair.“Areyouanglingforabonus?”

“IguessIam,butI’mnotthinkingmoney.”Sheslippedoff her shoe and with aboldnessshedidn’tknowshepossessed, she slid her footforward until she felt hisshoe, then glided up his leg.

As her toes ran along hisinnerthigh,hecoughed.

“This is highlyinappropriate,”hesaid.

“Ithoughtyousometimesenjoyedinappropriate.”

He stilled her foot withhishand,butshepushedpastand found his crotch, thenstrokedhim, feelinghis shaftharden immediately.Tremors

of awareness rippled throughher at the feel of his solidcolumn.

“Jessica,youhavetodealwith the fact that Rafe hasdropped back into your life.Youwereinlovewithhim—maybe still are. You need tofigure thatoutbeforewecancontinue with whatever it iswehavebetweenus.”

“Why? What we have isjust physical, remember?”She pressed her foot againsthis erect cock, longing tohold it in her hands, thenlifted her other foot andsqueezed him between bothofthem.Helookedinpain.

“Mr. Ranier, you don’tlook well. I think we shouldgetyouuptoyourroom.”

Assheslidherfeetaway,she torturedhimwitha long,firmstroke.

Fire burned in his eyes,but not the kind she’d hopedfor.

“Yourequiresomeseveredisciplining,Miss.Long,” hegrowledunderhisbreath.

His menacing expressionunnervedher.

“Yes,sir.”“Standupandgivememy

jacket.” Even though hespoke quietly, his tonevibratedwithauthority.

Shestoodupandgrabbedthe jacket that he’d drapedover the back of aneighboring chair earlier,then handed it to him. He’dneed it to hide the erection

that would be all too visiblewhenhestoodup.

Hesnatcheditfromherashe stood up, then carried thejacketdraped in frontofhimas they walked. Barelysuppressed anger emanatedfromhim.

There were people withthem in the elevator on theway up, then she followed

himdownthehalltohissuite.He jabbed his keycard

into the slot, then unlockedthedoor.

“Get inside,” hecommanded.

She skittered through thedoorway,barelyabletocatchher breath. She had neverseen him so angry and shewonderedwhatheintendedto

do. The air around herseemed to vibrate with hisauthoritativepresence.

And a shiver ofanticipationdancedalongherspine.

Despite her nerves, hereyeswidenedathissuite.Herroom was nice, but this wasimpressive, and gorgeous.Huge. Open and bright, with

floor-to-ceiling windowsoverlookingthecity.Andtheair was sweet with thefragranceofflowersfromthefresh cut arrangement on thetable.

“Oh,it’slovely.”“Never mind that,” he

snapped.“Getoverhere.”At the stormy expression

in his eyes, she wondered if

she’d pushed things too far.Warily, she walked towardhim. He grasped hershoulders and turned heraround,thentookherarmandgrufflywalkedheracross theroom.Washegoingtothrowherout?

But she found herselffacing the window, thenbeing bent over the back of

the couch. Her handsflattenedagainst thefabric tosteady herself, then feltDane’s hand smack acrossherrear.

“Oh,” she exclaimed insurprise.

“Youwereverybad.Nowyou’ll have to accept yourpunishment.”

“Yes,sir.”

The feel of his handsmacking across her clothedbehindwastitillating,butnotenough.

Then she felt her skirtshift. His hand glided up thebackofherthigh,thenacrossher naked buttocks. She stillwore a garter belt and thongevery day as instructed byhim. The feel of his warm

hand on her flesh sent heatcoursingthroughher.

His other hand found thebutton of her skirt andreleased the zipper.Her skirtslipped to the floor, leavingher ass naked to him. Hesmackedher, thenagain.Herflesh tingled. He smackedagainandshemoaned.

She felt herself twirled

around, then his armswrapped around her and hismouth covered hers. Histongue delved between herlips in a full assault and shemeltedagainsthim.

Then he tore his mouthaway. “Fuck, Jessica, I wastrying to be sensitive to thefactyou’dneed time. I knewyoumightwant to call it off

between us. I didn’t want tomention it yet, because Ithoughtitwouldjustpressureyou.”

She cupped his crotch,then strokedup the lengthofhiscockandsqueezed.“ThenIpressuredyou.”

“God damn it, woman.”He stepped back, out of herreach, his hot gaze searing

her.His loud, ragged breath

filled the room and shewasn’t sure whether to standthere, or flee to her roomwhilehecollectedhimself.

Then he drew in a deepbreath and his body relaxedas he regained completecontrol.Butthefireremainedinhiseyes.

“Strip. Now,” hecommanded.

Her eyes widened, thensheworkedhardtosuppressasmile as she unbuttoned herblouseandslippeditfromhershoulders.When she reachedbehindhertounhookherbra,hestoppedher.

“Let me.” He steppedtoward her and she turned

around. His fingers playedalong her skin, sendingelectricity along her nerveendings, then her braloosened. He dropped eachstrapfromhershoulders.

“Turnaround.”She turned to face him

and he reached for the lacybra and drew it from herbody,thendroppedhisheated

gaze to her naked breasts.Immediately, her nipplespuckered. He cupped herbreasts and lifted, thencaressed them. She sighed atthe feel of his big handscoveringher.

Thenhesteppedbackandsheshedherthong.

“The rest can stay,” hesaid as she stood in only her

stockings, garter belt, andblack high-heeled pumps.“Now,”—he unzipped hispants and pulled out his bigcock, swollen and in need ofattention—“youcausedthis.Ithink you should deal withit.”

She stepped toward him.“Yes, Mr. Ranier.” Shewrappedherhandaround the

kid–leather-soft skinsurroundingarock-hardcore,andsqueezed.

Herestedhishandonherhead and pressed down, soshe sank to her knees. Theplush carpet was soft on herknees as she settled in frontof him. She stroked himseveral times, then broughthis tip to her mouth and

lickedhim.Hegroanedasshewrapped her lips around himand drew his plum-size headinto her mouth. She lickedand suckeda little, then tookhim deep. He twined hisfingers through her hair andpulled her deeper still, thenguided her head forward andback.

“Oh, fuck.” He stiffened

andhotliquidgushedintohermouth.

She continued to suckuntil the flow stopped,amazed at how quick it hadbeentobringhimrelease.

Now would he send heraway?Notthathe’dever lefther unsatisfied before, butthistimeshereallyhaddefiedhis wishes and manipulated

himintothis.But he grasped her

shoulders and pressed herbackward as he loweredhimself to the floor. Shefound herself on her backwith him sliding his armsunder her thighs and liftingherpelvis.

“I did promise youforeplay.” Then his mouth

coveredherandshemoaned.He licked the length of

herslickslit, thenpushedhistongue inside. As heatwashed through her, she felthis fingers slip into her, too.Then his tongue found herclit.Wildsensationsflutteredthrough her as he licked andstrokedher.

“Oh, Mr. Ranier, that

feels so good.” Her fingersglided through his hair, thenshe clutched his head to heras he sucked her clit.Wavesof pleasure swelled throughher and she moaned as hepropelledhertoecstasy.

She arched against himandrodethewavetoheaven.

When she finallycollapsed on the floor, he

swept her up and carried herto his bedroom, then placedher on the big bed. Shewatched him strip off hisclothes,thenheprowledoverher,andshefelthishot,hardcockpressingagainsther.

“God, Iwant to fuck youso bad.” Then he thrustforward, filling her with hishugeerection.

“Oh, yes.” She clung tohis shoulders, loving the feelof his hard shaft inside her.“Please fuckme,Mr.Ranier.Makemecome.”

He groaned and thrustintoher.Againandagain.Hisbigcockstrokedherwithhislength each time he drewback, then propeled forwardagain.Shegaspedashedrove

deeper still. Her breathingaccelerated.

Henuzzledherneck.“Areyouclose?”

She nodded, thenknowing he liked her to sayit,foundherwords.“Yes,sir.I’m,”—shegaspedat anotherdeep thrust—“very… ah…close.”

He nipped her earlobe,

sendingherclosetothepointof no return, then murmuredinherear,“Tellmewhenyoucome.Andusemyname.CallmeDane.”

Thenhethrustdeepagain,just as his finger found herclit.

“Oh, I’m coming.”Pleasureswampedhersenses.“Dane.You’re.Making.Me.”

Shemoaned.“Come!”He drove deep and she

felthisliquidheatgushinsideher.

He kept thrusting,building her pleasure evenmore. Her orgasm went onand on, then he spiraledinside her and she gasped.“Oh, Dane.” She gasped andwrapped her arms tighter

around him. “Oh, yes.” Shenearlyfaintedattheexquisitepleasurehegaveher.

Finally, it ebbed and shesuckedinairasshecollapsedagainstthebed.

“Oh, my God, thatwas,”—she pushed her hairback from her face—“sensational.”

His lips found hers and

the passion of the kisssurprised her. His tonguestroked deeply as his handcaressed her face. He rolledher onto her side, then drewher close to his body. Herhead rested against hismuscular chest, his heartthumpingunderherear.

She was tired, and she’dhad a little too much

champagne, and shedefinitelydidn’twanttothinkaboutwhat all thismeant, soshe just nuzzled against himand allowed herself to relaxuntilsoonsleeptookher.

***

Dane woke up and instantlyknew he was in trouble.Jessica’s face was pressed

against his chest, her softbreath caressinghis skin, herwarm naked body so close,actinglikeanaphrodisiac.

Damn it, he couldn’t befalling in love with thewoman his brother loved. Itwas idiocy. It would ruineverythinghe’ddonetomendfenceswithRafe.

He could tell the instant

shewokeup…andstiffenedinhisarms.

“Good morning, Jessica.”His lips brushed the top ofherhead.

“Good morning, Mr.Ranier.”

***

Dane’s arm tightened aroundJessica’s waist and she felt

herself rolled back, then shegazedupatDaneRanier,himgazing down at her in turn,his large, masculine bodycoveringhers.

“NotMr.Ranier.CallmeDane.” His deep blue eyesbored into her, demandingacquiescence.

Herbreathcaughtandshenodded. “Dane,” she said

breathlessly.Then his lips brushed

hers. Coaxingly. Until, withherheartpumpingerratically,hers moved, too, as she wasswept away by his sublimetenderness.His tongue sweptinto her mouth and sheopened, welcoming him.Wantinghimtodevourherinthislovingonslaught.

Hedeepenedhis kiss andher arms slid around him,pullinghimcloser,wantingtoeliminate any distancebetween them, wanting toabsorbhimintoherbody.Herneedforhimgrewsointense,she thought she’d die fromtheacheinherheart.

Then his lips slippedaway and she wanted to

protest, but he kissed alongher cheek, then nuzzled thebase of her neck, sendingtingles of joy floodingthroughher.

He eased back and gazedat her body. Her breastsswelled and her nippleselongated. He smiled andstroked a finger down themiddle of her chest, between

her breasts, then over onemound to the tight nipple atitspeak.Whenhetouchedit,ever so gently, she gasped.Heleanedforwardandlickedthehardnub,thengentlytookitinhismouthanddrewonitlightly. The exquisiteness ofhis touch made her want toweep. His tongue swirledover it and she arched

forward, needing to be evencloser to him.Needing to becompletelypossessedbyhim.

“Oh,Dane.Ineedyou.”He drew back his head

andhis simmeringnavyeyescaughtonhers.Shecouldseeadepthoflongingthereshe’dneverseenbefore.

“I need you, too,” hemurmured.

His hand stroked downher belly towardhis swollen,rock-hard cock, then she felthishardnesspressagainsther.She widened her legs,opening for him. Hismesmerizing gaze holdinghers captive, he pressed intoher. His masculine member,sothickandhard,filledherinan exquisitely slow glide

forward.Herbodyopenedforhim,welcominghim.

Oncehe totally filledher,sheclungtohim,holdinghimclose,nearlygaspingforair.

This felt so right. It wasnothing like the thrilling,highlyeroticlovemakingtheyusually enjoyed. This wasdeep and poignant. Leavinghervulnerableandopen.

Withhisgazestillholdingher captive, he began tomove,hisbigmemberslidingback, then slowly propellingforward again. Filling herwith his thick, hard length.Filling her with a joy thatthreatened tooverwhelmher.She could feel tears well inhereyes.

She said nothing, but she

knew her eyes laid bare hersoul.Oh,God,shelovedthisman.Hehadtoseeit.

She moaned and hereyelids fluttered closed as heglided deep. She squeezedhimashewithdrewand thenhe pushed inside again. Herwhole body thrummed withvibrantpleasure.

“Dane, yes.” She

tightened her arms aroundhim as he drove into her alittle faster, but stillexcruciatingly slower thanshewanted.Untilthebuildupstarted, and the pleasureturned to joy. Then blissfulsensations shuddered throughher.

She sucked in a breath,hoveringontheedge.“Dane,

I’mgoingto—”Buthis lips coveredhers,

preventing the words, as hethrust again, flinging her toecstasy. Shemoaned into hismouth and it was as if heswallowed her joy, thenjerked tight against her,groaninghisownrelease.

But he kept driving intoher, faster now, driving her

pleasure higher. Extendingherorgasmuntilshelosttrackof time. With a sense ofwonder,sherodethewaveofsensation, gasping andmoaning until reality fadedaway.

***

Danestaredattheprone,stillbody of Jessica below him.

Thewomanhadfaintedinhisarms. He’d heard of such athing, but never experienceditbefore.

His cock was still deepinside her and he so wantedto stay that way with hersnuggled close against him,but it didn’t seem right. Hedrew away, his membersliding from the warmth and

comfort of her body, and hesatonthebedbesideherandstrokedhercheek.

“Jessica, are you allright?”

Hereyelidsflutteredopenand she gazed at him. Oh,God, the warmth in thoseeyes—thatwastherenowandhadbeenduring their intenselovemaking—told him more

than he wanted to know.Morethanhecouldallow.

Those open, expressivegreen eyes of hers radiatedwith love. A love he feltburninginhisownchest.

Alovehecouldn’tallow.

***

As soon as Jessica woke up,shefelttheabsenceofDane’s

bodynext tohers.After theirpoignant lovemaking earlierthis morning—when she’dfainted, no less—Dane hadwrappedherinhisarmsuntilshe’d fallen asleep again,cozyintheprotectivecocoonofhisembrace.

Her stomach quivered atthe thought of what hadhappened between them.

Could it be that Dane wasfallinginlovewithher?Wasshe falling in lovewithhim?But this wasn’t supposed tohappen.She’donlywanted aphysical thing. Nocommitments. No feelingsgettingintheway.

AfterwhatStormhadputherthrough,shewasn’treadytogetinvolvedagainsosoon.

And,oh,God,shestillhadtodealwithStormwhenshegothome.He seemed towant topickupwhere they’d left offand she couldn’t just ignorehim. How was he going toreact when he found out shewasinvolvedwithDane?

She pushed aside thecovers and stood up, thenshoweredandtoweldriedher

hair.Afterbrushingitout,sheslippedontheterryclothrobethehotelsuppliedandwalkedfromthebedroomtothemainarea of the suite.Dane sat atthe table reading anewspaper, a thermos jug ofcoffeeinfrontofhim.

Even though she couldn’tseehis face, thesightofhimset her heart thumping.

Maybe she hadn’t wanted tofallinlovewithhim,butthismorninghadbeenwonderful.She’dfeltsocherishedand…loved. Maybe this wasn’t abadthingafterall.

“Goodmorning,Dane.”Heloweredhisnewspaper

and folded it, then set it onthe table. "What happened tocallingmeMr.Ranier?"

She smiled. “Yes, Mr.Ranier.”

She gazed at him,remembering the warmth ofhis arms around her, thepassion of his kisses thismorning, and she wanted toleapintohisarms.

He sat there impeccablydressedinhissuitandtie,andsheworeonly the terry cloth

robe, with nothingunderneath. She could justopen this robe and standbefore him, and he woulddoubtlessly order her to herknees to take care of hisbody’snaturalreaction.

Shewalkedtohissideandrested her hand on hisshoulder, needing to touchhim.

“Maybe we should talkabout what happened thismorning,”sheventured.

His gaze locked on hers,flat and expressionless. Theway he’d look at anemployee. In fact, with aharsh glint, as if she’ddispleasedhiminsomeway.

She drew her hand awayandwalked around the table,

thendrewinacalmingbreathas she sat across the tablefromhim.

He shrugged. “There’snothingtotalkabout.”

Shegazedathimoverthethermal jug as she pouredcoffee into her cup. “Whathappened this morning wasdifferent than what we’vedonebefore.Itwas…Idon’t

know … deeper. I think weshould talk about how ourrelationshipischanging.”

He leaned forward.“Jessica, I’m your boss.You’remyassistant.Wehaveasexualrelationshipbutit’sano-strings-attached affair thateither one of us can walkawayfromanytimewewish.What more is there to

discuss?”Her heart stammered at

hiscoldwords.“Unfortunately, the

change of setting seems tohaveblurredthelineforyou,but let me remind you whatyouoriginallyproposed.Thisis a physical relationshiponly.”Hisgazesliddownherbodyandlingeredatthetieat

her waist. “If you’d like todrop that robe and fuck rightnow,I’mhappytooblige,butdon’treadanythingmoreintoitthansharedsexualrelease.”

Her hand slipped to thefrontofherrobeandshehadtostopherselffrompullingittighteraroundher.

He glanced at his watch.“In fact, we’re running short

oftime.Gotoyourroomandget packed, then meet mebackhere.You’vegottwentyminutes.”

“Packed? But I thoughtwewerehereuntiltheendoftheweek?”

Dane’s lawyers wereflying in today to join himwhile they finalized thedetails of the contract

negotiations.“I am. You, on the other

hand, are going back to theoffice. I’ve arranged a drivertotakeyoutotheairport,thensomeone to meet you at theotherend.”

***

Jessica climbed aboard theprivate jet and slumped onto

the buttery-soft leather seat.Thestewardhelpedhersettlein by stowing her briefcaseand purse in a compartment,and instructed her to buckleuponcethepilotwasreadytobeunderway.

She spent the flightstaringather tablet, tryingtoreviewherlistofgoalsfortheweek and determine how to

spendtherestofthedayonceshegotbacktotheoffice,buther head ached with theeffort. She knew that if sheput it aside, however,thoughts of Dane and hisrejection would overwhelmher.

“Would you likesomething to drink?” thefriendlyyoungstewardasked.

She returned his warmsmile. “It’s tempting, but Ihave to go into the officewhenweland.”

“That doesn’t stop mostofourpassengers.”Hissmilebroadened.

“But most of them areexecutives.”

“True, I guess they don’thave to worry about their

bossgettingontheircase.”She frowned at the

reminderofherbossandhowhe’drejectedher.

“You know, a glass ofwinewon’thurt,anditmighthelpthatheadache.”

“How did you know?”She gazed at the youngmanand realized he was quiteattractive.Andhewasflirting

withher.He shrugged. “You seem

stressed and you wererubbingyourtemples.”

“Well, maybe I’ll just godirectlyaftertheproblemandtakeapainkiller ifyouhaveone.”

“Of course.” Hedisappeared for a moment,then returned with two

caplets in a small cup alongwithaglassofwater.

She took the pills andspent the next hour chattingwith him. Her headachediminished and hisconversation helped the timespeed by. When they finallylanded, she said good-byewith a smile and headedacross the tarmac to the

terminal. Once inside, sheglanced around, wonderingwheretofindherride.

“Welcomeback.”Shestartedatthesoundof

Storm’svoicebehindher.Sheturnedtoseehissmilingface.She wasn’t sure she’d everget used to seeing him in atailored suit rather than thetattered jeans and tank tops

shewasusedto.Hetookherbriefcaseand

then pressed his hand to thesmallofherback.Shehadtoremind herself this was nottheStormsheknew.ThiswasRafeRanier.

“This way.” He guidedher through the crowdedairport terminal and thenoutsidetothewaitinglimo.

“You’rewhoDanesenttopickmeup?”

His eyebrow arched.Damn, she’d used hisbrother’s first name again.Whatwaswrongwithher?

She settled into the cozyseatandRafesettledinbesideher.Thelimomovedintotheairporttraffic.

“Have a good flight?”

Rafeasked.“Fine.” She glanced out

the window, gazing at thesunlight glinting on the carstraveling beside them, herthumbglidingovertheworrystoneinherpocket.

She knew he would takethis opportunity to open uptheir past and discuss whyhe’d left—he’d already tried

to before she’d left forChicago—but she wished hewouldn’tdoitrightnow.

“I’d like to talk to youabout something important,”hesaid.

“Please, not now,” shesaid continuing to stare outthe window. But the quaverinhervoicebetrayedher.

“Jess,what’swrong?”

His gentle hand on hershoulder was her undoing.Tearswelled in her eyes andshe tried to blink them back,butdidn’tquitesucceed.

“I’m so sorry, sweetie. Iknow I let you downwhen Ileft—”

She waved him away.“It’snotthat.It’s…”

He cupped her chin and

turnedhertofacehim.Whenhe saw the two small tearsthat had escaped down hercheek, his face etched withconcern.

“DidDanedosomething?Didhemakeapassatyou?”

Sheshookherhead.“No.It’s just been a reallyexhaustingtrip,that’sall.Justreallyexhausting.”

Her throat closed up andshecouldn’tmanageanythingmore. And she didn’t knowwhat she’d say if she could.What had Dane done,anyway?Reminded herwhattheir relationship actuallywas. She was his employeeand they shared a purelyphysical relationship.Exactlywhat she’d told him she

wanted.But now…whatdid she

want?“Comehere.”Rafefolded

her into his arms and heldher.

She rested her headagainsthisbroadchestandletthe comfort of his arms lullher.

She knew she shouldn’t

be taking comfort from him.He was her ex-lover. Theman who had broken herheart.Butdespitethat,hewasa good man, and right now,sheneededthis.

He stroked her hair andshe closed her eyes, lettingthe warmth andprotectiveness of his body,paired with the relaxing

motion of the vehicle, calmher.

She felt his lips on herforehead.

“Jess,we’rehere.”She opened her eyes and

realizedshe’ddozedoff.Self-consciously, she drew awayfromhim.Thedriver openedherdoor,andshesteppedoutofthelimo,andthenglanced

around at the unfamiliarsurroundings.

“Thisisn’ttheoffice.”“That’s true.” Rafe

pressedhishand to the smallofherbackagainandguidedher to the glass doors of thetowering building in front ofthem.

Oh, damn, did he expecther to accompany him to a

client meeting? He was herboss, too, and it was stillworkday hours. A doormanopenedthedoorforthemandassoonasshesteppedinside,she could tell this was aresidence. And a very poshoneatthat.

The lobby was light andairy,withleathercouchesandchairs forming sitting areas.

Light filled the space,reflecting off cream-coloredmarble walls and floor. Onesection of the wall wascovered in stacked slate, anice contrast to the shinysurfaces. The ceilings wereoff-white,withcrossedbeamsto give architectural detailand tall floral arrangementssatatoplowcabinetsininsets

alongthemarblewall.“Where are we?” she

askedasRafeguidedherintotheelevator.

“Thisismyplace.”Herchesttightenedandif

the door hadn’t alreadyclosed, she would havelurchedforward.

“Do you mean you ownthebuilding?”

“I mean, this is where Ilive.”

She shook her head.“Rafe,I—”

He gently grasped hershoulders. “Jess, I just wanttotalktoyou,andthisisnotaconversationIwanttohaveinthe office.” He tipped herchinup.“Okay?”

She stared at his intense,

blueeyesandcompressedherlips,thennodded.

The elevator doorsopened, then they walkeddown a short hall and heunlocked an elegantmahogany door. She steppedout to a bright, spaciouspenthouse apartment. Thedark hardwood floorsgleamed in the sunlight

cascading in from the hugewindows. His furniture wasbeige leather anddarkwood.Brightaccentsofred,orange,and yellow threadedthroughout the living area inthe form of accent cushions,artworkandfloweringplants,adding warmth and flare tothespace.

“This iswhereyou live?”

Itwashugeandbeautifulandclearlyexpensive.

She couldn’t imagine theStorm she knew strolling inhere in his jeans and wornleather jacket, tossing hisbackpack onto the entrywayfloor, then relaxing inoneofthe easy chairs. Before he’dmoved in with her inBakersfield, he’d been

sharing a small apartmentwithanotherguyintheband.Hisroomhadonlyamattresson the floor, and they had acard table and folding chairsin the kitchen, and asecondhandcouchandcoffeetableinthelivingroom.

“I bought it three yearsago, but I’ve been away forover a year.” He shrugged.

“But,yeah,thisishome.”She nodded. “Why did

you leave? To come toBakersfield, I mean.” SherememberedDane telling herthat their relationship hadalways been strained after afallingoutoverawoman,butshe wanted to hear Storm’sinterpretation for herself.“Whywouldanyoneleaveall

this?”He shrugged. “The

question is, why I didn’tleavesooner.Myfatherwasacontrolling man. Hecontrolled everyone andeverything around him and Ihated it. But that’s also thereason I didn’t leave.” Hepaced across the room. “Heprogrammed me to do as I

was told. To live the life Iwas told to live. To followsomeoneelse’sdream.AndifI tried to standup to him…”Hishandsclenchedintofists,his jaw tight. “When Iwasakid, he beat me intosubmission. When I wasolder, he threatened me inotherways.”

Shockvaultedthroughher

at his admission. “That’sawful.”

Howcould a fatherbe socruel?

He sat down on theleather couch facing a bigfireplace and she settledbesidehim.

“After he died, I realizedthat I didn’t have to do thatanymore. There was no

reason I couldn’t be who Iwantedtobe.”

“So you left and becameStorm.”

He nodded. “When Iwasakid, a friendofminehadaguitarandhetaughtmeafewchords.IaskedmyfatherifIcould take guitar lessons andwhen he said no, I made anexcuse to stay after school

andtooklessonsanyway.Butwhen my guitar teacher ranintomyparentsandtoldthemI had talent,my father foundwhere I’d hidden my guitarand nearly smashedmy headinwithit.Fortunately,Ihavegood reflexesand it smashedagainstawallinstead.See,hedidn’twantmetoletanythingas trivial asmusic get in the

wayofthegrandplanshehadfor me and Dane runningRanier Industries. Evensimple guitar lessons set himoffbecausetheydidn’thaveaplace in his carefully laidplans.”

“I take it you taughtyourself.”

“I figured out a way. Icouldn’t let him steal

everything that mattered tome.”Hesighed.“ButIdidn’tbring you here to talk aboutmychildhood.”

Shenodded.“Iknow.”Hewantedtotellherwhy

hebrokeherheart.“Jess, I’m sorry about

what happened. I was livingmydream, being free for thefirst time in my life.

Answering to no one butmyself.”

“And you thought beingwith me took away thatfreedom?” She couldn’t helpthecatchinhervoice.

“No, that’s not it at all.”He turned toward her andtook her hand. “When Irealizedhowmuchyoumeanttome…”Hisgazecaughton

hers, and held. “When Irealizedyoumightbestartingtofeelthesameaboutme…”Heshookhishead,andgentlysqueezedherhand.“IrealizedI couldn’t keep living a lie.Someone was going to gethurt,andIdidn’twantittobeyou.”

She drew her hand away.“But Ididgethurt. I thought

you lovedme andwhen youwalkedoutlikethat,actingasif what was between us wasnothing … It broke myheart.”

He ran his hand throughhis hair. “Damn it, I know. Ijust thought it would beworselater.”

“Why didn’t you just tellmewhoyouare?”

“Tell you that I’d beenlying to you? That I wassomeone totally different?”He shook his head. “I couldonly do that if I was totallyready to embrace ourrelationship and moveforward.ButthatwouldmeandecidingwhoIwantedtobe:StormorRafe.IfIwantedtobuilda futurewithyou,Rafe

seemedthebetterchoice.”“Why?”“Do you really see

yourself wanting to join meon the road? Traveling fromtowntotown.Livingtheliveof a musician’s wife. Or metraveling and you staying athome?”

“But you did leave mewhileyouwentontheroad.”

“Andyoudidn’tlikeit.”“BecauseIdidn’tknowif

you’dcomeback.”“Isn’tthatalwaysgoingto

betrue?IfIwentontheroadformonths on end, wouldn’tyou always wonder?” Hetook her hand again. “Thepointis,Iwouldwanttoofferyou more stability than that.But,Iwasn’treadytobeRafe

again.Ididn’tknowifIeverwantedtobeRafe.”

“So you ran away fromme,too.”

“No. I justknew Ihad totake the time to go on theroad.Toseewhatitwaslike.AndIdidn’t think itwasfairtokeepyouonthehook.”

“Yousayyoucaredaboutme, but you were willing to

loseme.”“Because I really thought

that was the best for you. Ididn’t think you should besaddled with a guy whodidn’tknowwhathewanted,or even who he should be.Youdeservedbetterthanthatand if I couldn’t figure outmyshit,thenIdidn’tdeserveyou.”

“Since you came backhere, I assume that meansyou’ve decided to be Rafe,”shesaid.

Hesighed.“Ihadn’tbeenaway fromyou forvery longbefore I realized thatwhatever life I chose, Iwantedyouinit.That’swhyIwent back to Bakersfield. Iwas going to tell you my

wholestoryandconvinceyouwe had a future together.When your mother told meyou’d moved away, and thatyou didn’t want to see meagain, I realized I’d lostyou.Atthatpoint,myworldcamecrashingdownaroundme.”

“Mom told me my dadgaveyoumynumber,butyoudidn’tuseit.”

“I knew you were inPhillyandIdecidedI’dcomehomeandgetmylifetogetheragain, then I’d come lookingforyou.”Hesmiled.“Ididn’trealizeyou’dbeherewaitingforme.”

“So who do you want tobe?”

“Iwanttobewhoeveritisthat makes you happy.” His

thumbstrokedthebackofherhand and she shivered.“Whether it’sStormorRafe,I’llbehappyifyou’rebymyside.”

Her heart swelled at thewarmthandpassioninhisskyblueeyes.

“That’s why…” He slidfrom the couch and placedone knee on the floor, then

kissed her hand. “I want toask you something veryimportant.”

She shook her head. Thiscouldn’t be happening. Hereached into his pocket andpulled out something. Sherealized it was a royal bluevelvet box,which he openedtorevealastunningringwithdiamonds forming the shape

ofabutterfly.Oramoth.“Willyoumarryme?”

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AbouttheAuthor

OpalCarewistheUSATodaybestselling author of thirteenprevious erotic romances forSt. Martin’s Press. To learn

more,visitherontheWebatwww.opalcarew.com.

http://www.opalcarew.com

HISTOPOSSESSSubmittothissizzling

eroticromancefilledwithpassionandexquisite

sensuality.

Don’tMissAnyoftheInstallmentsinthisSexy

Serial!

Thisisaworkoffiction.Allofthecharacters,organizations,andeventsportrayedinthisnovelareeitherproductsoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.

HISTOPOSSESS#4:TRUELIES.Copyright©2014byOpalCarew.Allrightsreserved.Forinformation,addressSt.Martin’sPress,175FifthAvenue,NewYork,N.Y.10010.

www.stmartins.com

Coverphotograph©OLJStudio/shutterstock.com

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e-ISBN9781466850934

FirstEdition:January2014

Title PageCopyright NoticeContentsBegin ReadingAlso by Opal CarewAbout the AuthorCopyright