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“I might be.” She nibbled his ear. Beatriz Gomez was nuzzling his throat and nibbling on him.

He swallowed. “Right. In what universe?”

“This one. The universe in this apartment. No one knows we’re here.”

“Have you forgotten Hunt and Anna?”

“They don’t know yet, and they won’t blab it to the world.” She rolled her eyes and tangled her fingers in his hair.

“Why?” Cas asked while he was still marginally in control.

“Jeez. Do you need a reason?” She pointed from herself to him.

I waited.

“I’ve got the hots for you. And I think you fancy me.”

“Fancy has to be the most imprecise, useless, inaccurate word on the planet,” he muttered. Cas was deeply attracted to Beatriz, but his plans were set.

Except I want more, but I don’t ever want to hurt you.

“You’re gorgeous. I want to touch you. Doesn’t mean we should.”

Although I might go crazy if I don’t.

“Are we back to practising saying no?” She climbed off his lap, but tormented him by standing between his thighs.

His fault she’d withdrawn. His fight with himself over the right thing to do left them both aroused. His fingers itched to drag her straight back onto his lap.

“I am. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Consenting adults here, Casildo. No harm, no foul.”

“I’m about to risk every cent I have and throw in my job to follow a dream.”

“You’re doing this completely on your own?”

“Yes.” His jaw clenched.

She touched it, her fingers soothing.

“I’m the odd man out in my business-oriented family. I need to make a success of it without family help to prove I can.” Cas wanted to see his father’s eyes light up with pride.

“I can see you do, and I’ll be barracking for you as loudly as anyone. But, Casildo, you help your family.” Her fingers made their way from his jaw to his ear. She gave a gentle tug, and his brain turned to mush. “They might want to help you, not because you can’t do it alone but because they want to share your joy.”

“I’m letting you know this can’t go anywhere.”

“Already dealt with that point. You’re helping me feel better after a crap day.”

“I snore.”

She giggled.

“Hunt said I did. Once.” Cas groaned, then pulled her back onto his lap before cupping her breast and nuzzling her throat, absorbing her.

“Uh-huh. Haven’t heard you myself, and I like to make my own judgements.” She gently nipped at his earlobe. “Hard to know what’s the biggest deal breaker, snoring, working all night or being my best friend’s husband’s blood brother, who’ll worry I’m taking advantage of you.”

“Anna’s more likely to worry I’m taking advantage of you.” He moved until their lips almost met.