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It takesa couple of hours before Darius arrives and we get him settled in, but as we climb into bed, Honeyeh stretched out against me, my arm wrapped tight around her, I’m not the least bit tired.

She feels amazing, all soft and warm as she settles into my side. My cock is stiff in a second.

I cannot fuck her again, her body needs to recover. But it’s like I’m sixteen and I can’t get enough.

I settle my hand under her shirt, into the curve of her back, her skin so silky smooth under my palm and fingertips.

If I’d been thinking clearly, my first move would have been to bring Darius here. But despite the need still pulsing through me, a few things have become clear. Honeyeh is mine to protect.

It should have been obvious before now. I’ve never rushed in to save a woman before, jeopardizing my business. Even the very first move, hiring her, was out of character.

But I honestly thought once I’d had Honeyeh, these feelings of possession and protection would fade.

But it’s been exactly the opposite. It’s like she tied me even tighter to her side. I squeeze her as she sleeps, brushing my lips against her temple.

“Triston,” she sighs, nuzzling deeper.

Saying my name while she sleeps makes me diamond-hard as I slide my hand down to cup her ass, a little pair of panties the only thing between my hand and her skin.

I’ve got to get some sleep. Tomorrow I’m going to have to speak with Mason. He’s part of this plan and I need his blessing for whatever I do. I’m also going to have to meet with all my brothers at once and get all of us Kincaids and Smiths on the same page. I’ve likely compromised our family goals, and even my eldest brother, Win, is going to have to hear about this one.

Which is unfortunate. Win mostly stays out of daily operations, which I appreciate. We don’t always work well together. As a duke, he assumes he is in command of…everything. And while that is true of the family holdings in England, this company, our success, it’s mine.

I close my eyes, letting out a long, slow breath. But my body doesn’t want to sleep. I’m all kinds of amped up with Honeyeh in my arms and I’m in hyper-protective mode. Like I need to stay awake to make sure no danger comes anywhere near her.

Her hand splays out on my bare chest, her curtain of dark hair spread out on my pillow.

I take several deep breaths and slowly relax, finally falling asleep. But it feels like barely any time has passed when the loud jangling of my phone wakes me.

I open my eyes, blinking twice before it rings again. I pick it up, Mason’s name flashing across the screen.

And so the day begins.

Honeyeh picks up her head too, her brow furrowing.

“Hello,” I say as I pick up the phone, my eyes closing again.

“What the fuck were you doing in Dimitri’s brothel?” Mason shouts into the phone, Honeyeh crying out at the words.

I’m up in a second, not at all happy at the jarring interruption to what could have been a pleasant morning. I owe Mason an accounting of events, but I don’t answer to him.

“Hang on,” I rumble into the phone as Mason starts yelling again. Pulling it from my ear, I hang up. “Go back to sleep, sweetheart,” I lean over, kissing Honeyeh, before I straighten again.

She pushes up, her loose waves tumbling down her back. “But he’s upset with you because of me.”

I kiss her again. “I can handle Mason. You need some more sleep, it’s too early for you to be up.”

The phone starts ringing again, but I ignore it as I pull on athletic pants, not answering until I’m in the hall. “Mason.”

“Who did I just hear?”

I pause, deciding what I might say. “You asked why I was at Dimitri’s brothel.”

“It was Honeyeh, wasn’t it?”

I blow out a breath. “Why are you calling me before six if you’re not going to listen?”

“I’m listening,” he rumbles. “I knew you were interested when you brought her as your date to the benefit. If you hurt her, Triston, you will answer to me.”