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L ike a homing beacon had been built just for him, Kai could sense the way to Hanupali City without assistance from anyone.

It was nice to know he could always find his way back; however, after surviving not one, but two of Uma’s plots for him, he wasn’t sure he would ever return after this final time.

Nevertheless, as they swam into the city and entered the palace, he let Uma embrace him in a hug. She glanced at Hollyn and gave a slight smile, but when she noticed Katerina beside Hollyn, the smile fell from her face.

“Well, I see everyone has met everyone else. Where’s Thian Grand?”

Kai pulled free from her hug and said, “We sent him back to Poseidon, tail between his legs.”

“I know you probably hate me now, but let me explain.”

Shaking his head, Kai said, “I don’t need an explanation from you, Uma. I’ve already had one from Poseidon.”

“Please, call me Mother.”

“That’s not a title you’ve ever earned. Tessa Iona was the only person who ever was a mother to me. She’s the only one who gets that title. However, I do ask one thing.”

Uma seemed desperate as she said, “Anything!”

“You need to give Katerina a home here where she’ll never be used to manipulate another soul. Promise me you will never force her to work at the Lotus Club again, and I’ll promise you that I will visit Queen Oleen at least once a year. If you happen to be there when I arrive, I’ll see you, too.”

It took Uma a moment to think over her response, but she obviously knew she didn’t have any leverage as she conceded to Kai’s requests.

“You have my word.” He didn’t think she was done trying to get her way, but for now, he would accept her vow.

Kai hoped she kept it. He wasn’t so sure her word was worth much, but he would also make sure Oleen was aware of the situation.

“Now, we need a place to rest for a little bit. Is there somewhere we can go for the evening?”

“Of course! But you have to have dinner with us first.” She focused on Hollyn once more. “Both of you!”

Kai agreed reluctantly once he learned that Oleen would be there as well. He needed to make sure he brought her up to speed on the entire situation. If there was one person he trusted to do the right thing, it was his sister.

Dinner was mostly quiet with Kai explaining everything that had happened, including that Hanupali City didn’t need to worry about raiders, to Oleen who gave him her assurance that Katerina would be given a place in Hanupali City.

After asking Katerina what she might like to do, Oleen found a position in the preschool where she could become the teacher she’d always dreamed of being.

After Makoa made passionate advances toward Oleen, and she gleefully flirted back a little, Kai asked, “Are you two really in love?”

“At first, it was only because of Hollyn’s spell, but before you two left, I asked her to remove it because I didn’t want him like that.

Since then, we’ve actually been dating, and as it turns out, we really do like each other.

I’ve gained a confidence I didn’t have before, and he has an understanding that I want a partner in my life.

Now that he doesn’t feel the pressure to be the king that my mother expected him to be, he and I have deep discussions about the kingdom and what’s best for everyone.

I think we’re actually compatible and rule well together. ”

Makoa hadn’t completely warmed to Kai, but he gave all signs of actually loving Oleen. Being the big brother he was though, Kai would make sure Makoa got the message later that any pain he cause Oleen would come back on him triple once Kai got a hold of him. It was what big brothers were for.

“Hollyn and I are leaving tomorrow, and I don’t know when we’ll be able to return. Just know that I am so thankful that I got to meet you and that I know you will handle ruling Hanupali City with grace and wisdom. If you ever need me, though, send Akamu. He’ll know how to find me.”

They embraced once more, and Kai and Hollyn made their way to the bedroom they’d been given.

Once inside, Kai met Hollyn’s gaze, feeling the heat of desire beginning to build now that they were finally alone. “Tomorrow we’ll return to the surface. Do you feel ready?”

“I am ready, I think. Yumia knew exactly what to say to make me feel ready.”

“Maybe I could use a little pep talk. What did she tell you?”

Hollyn crossed to him and said, “She told me that I’m in control.”

“Did she now?”

She began to pull his white button down shirt from his jeans.

Oleen had provided the clothing for him, and he’d been grateful to wear something that felt familiar.

Now, he was even more grateful that Hollyn was undoing his buttons for him.

It was hot and sexy as hell, and he could feel his dick beginning to strain behind his zipper.

“Uh, huh. And she said that failure is just a lesson you learn from.”

Kai pulled in a sharp breath as she undid the button of his jeans and pulled his zipper down, freeing his shaft.

“Well, I can assure you, Hollyn, that you won’t fail tonight.

And I plan on successfully making you orgasm at least three times.

No lessons to be had, just you telling me when it feels good, baby. ”

They both began removing each other’s clothing in record time, throwing their shirts and pants and underwear, without care, to the floor around them.

The minute he had her naked, Kai walked Hollyn back to the bed and set her on the edge.

He knelt before her and rested her thighs on his shoulders.

She laid down on the bed, and Kai licked his lips at her glistening pussy.

“Someone’s been thinking about this, hasn’t she?”

“Oh, Kai! I think about you all the time.”

“Well, we’ve got all night to make each other feel good, but I can’t wait to taste you first.”

He leaned in and ran the flat of his tongue from the bottom of her pussy to the small nub beginning to emerge from her folds.

He flicked his tongue over her clit, causing her to buck her hips off the bed.

Kai wrapped his arms around her legs to keep her still while he continued to kiss and lick and suck until she was crying out in her first orgasm.

Hearing her moans and cries had him hard as steel and all he could think about was sinking so deep inside of her that he couldn’t tell where he ended and she began.

But Hollyn had other ideas.