Page 20 of The Reluctant Flirt (Outer Banks #2)

“A good shoe is not one that dresses you but undresses you.”

– Christian Louboutin

When Kane claimed her on the dance floor, she was ready to go.

One long look was all it took. The party was beginning to wind down. She was giddy, happy, and a little bit tipsy. The only thing she wanted was for Kane to take her home, take her in his arms, and take her to bed.

They said their goodbyes, making their way to Aspen and Brick.

Aspen squealed and gave her a hug.

“Sierra, these sea turtle soaps are my favorite thing ever. I cannot believe you thought of something so unique!”

Sierra laughed.

“To be honest, that was all Kane’s idea. He found them on Etsy and suggested we use them as favors.”

Brick shook his head, a smirk edging his lips.

“Etsy, huh? Had no idea you could be so…creative.”

Kane’s brow shot up.

“You making fun of me, bruh?”

Aspen gasped.

“I hope not! I’d rather have a sensitive, caring man rather than someone who’s afraid to stand up to his bullying friends.”

The warning glare was caught and received. Brick gave his friend a look for getting him in trouble.

“Just a joke. I love them.”

Kane snorted, but his half hug to Brick was genuine.

“Glad you had a good time.”

“It was perfect,”

Aspen gushed.

“And now I’m ready to go home and collapse.”

Brick growled.

“I’m ready to go home and do other things, baby.”

Aspen blushed.

Kane threw up his hands.

“And that’s our cue to leave.”

“Talk to you in the morning,”

Sierra called, holding Kane’s hand as they walked out. The air was sticky. By the time they had the air conditioner on in the car, her hair was clinging to her neck. She scooped the strands up in a fist and lifted them from her nape. She chattered on about the party, pointing out the highlights. Kane nodded and smiled but was oddly quiet. As if he was thinking hard about something.

“You okay?”

she asked.

“Yeah. I had a great time. Haven’t seen Brick so happy.”

“Same with Aspen. I’m so glad they found each other. It was meant to be.”

He gave a slow nod, but his jaw tightened. Tension swirled from his figure.

“I’d like to talk tonight if you’re up for it?”

Arousal gathered between her legs. She sensed there was one reason he wanted to talk, and it had to do with taking their relationship to the next level. Sierra knew she’d demanded to know more about his past before they slept together. And he’d insisted Montgomery would accept him, which hadn’t happened yet. But after sharing their intimate FaceTime moments, and the way her heart was beginning to unfold every time she saw him, Sierra was ready to jump.

“Sure. We can…talk.”

“Good.”

Relief threaded through his voice. She hid a smile as they pulled up to her house and went inside together.

“Mommy’s home,”

she called out, waiting for the familiar light footsteps of her new best friend. She turned to Kane.

“You may want to step back from me so he’s not threatened. I’d hate to see you get clawed again.”

“I’m not worried.”

His casual tone made her roll her eyes. Always macho.

Montgomery prowled in, whiskers twitching, giving a loud meow in greeting. She sank to her knees and opened her arms, and he pushed against her, mushing his face to the inside of her thigh.

“Such a good boy,”

she crooned, petting him with pure love.

“Did you have a nice evening? Do you want a treat?”

She took her time, then slowly rose to her feet.

“Kane’s visiting tonight. Remember he took care of you when Mommy was away? Maybe you can try to be nice?”

“I’ll get the treat,”

Kane said, retreating to the kitchen.

When he returned, he approached the cat with a confident ease that was brand-new. She frowned.

“Kane, just leave it there, don’t try to give it to him yourself or—”

In one smooth motion, Kane offered up the morsel and Montgomery slowly took it from his fingers like an aristocratic gentleman allowing someone to feed him.

Her jaw dropped.

“Good job, Mo. It’s nice to see you buddy.”

He didn’t try to stroke him but smiled, standing back up.

“We’ve reached an agreement. I won’t stand in his way, and he’ll allow me in his house. I think—”

Sierra interrupted him by jumping into his arms, grabbing his face, and kissing him hungrily.

He stumbled back, obviously caught off guard, but she didn’t retreat, knowing he’d catch her weight. In seconds, he was kissing her back, holding her head while his lips moved over hers and his tongue plunged deep, claiming her in the way that made her toes curl.

“I want you,”

she whispered against his lips, already tugging off his sleek jacket and working on the buttons of his shirt.

“I’ve wanted you all night.”

“Me, too, but wait, sweetheart. Are you too drunk? Maybe we should talk first like I suggested?”

If he wasn’t so obviously hard, she may have taken it as a rejection, but Sierra knew he wanted her just as much.

“No. I’m not drunk.”

Her fingers tripped over a button, then glided through the rest without a hitch.

“You made friends with Montgomery.”

She ripped off the shirt, her hands splayed wide to touch all those amazing hard muscles, sliding down his six pack abs to curl beneath his pants.

He spit out a curse, pupils dilated.

“Wait—maybe we can—”

She plunged both hands underneath his briefs and cupped his hard cock. Squeezing lightly, mouth salivating for his taste, she dropped to her knees.

“Fuck, oh, fuck.”

She was too far gone to slow down. A biting hunger pushed her to lower his zipper, yank his pants and underwear down, and open her mouth.

His animal groan raked past her ears as she took him fully in, her tongue swirling around his thick length, then sucking hard as her name was chanted in a mantra. His hands gripped the back of her head not to guide her, but to helplessly clench his fingers in her hair while he surrendered.

Power flowed through her even though she was the one on her knees. She let his taste fill her, his pleas sweet music, as she pushed him brutally to the edge. His knees shook. His breath came in ragged pants. She drank in every one of his responses only to offer more and more and more.

Hard hands yanked her up from the ground and with one quick movement, he scooped her into his arms.

“I am not going to lose control five minutes into my first night with you,”

he declared. A fine trembling still gripped his muscles and Sierra couldn’t help but give him a satisfied purr.

“Afraid you can’t handle me off-screen?”

His quick grin promised sweet retribution.

“Do I hear a challenge, flirt?”

She laughed as he placed her down, stripped off her clothes, and lay her out on the bed. Deliberately, she spread her arms and legs, a willing sacrifice. Already, she was throbbing for him. The slightest pressure would push her over so this wasn’t a fight she was going to win.

Lucky for her losing was the goal.

He joined her on the bed, taking advantage of her vulnerable position. Slowly, he settled himself between her legs, stroking her thighs, pushing up her knees so he was poised before her dripping entrance.

Their gazes locked. The playful banter faded away under the demanding sting of his stare. Sierra shuddered.

“Don’t tease me,” she said.

His green eyes darkened.

“I can’t. I need to be inside you. Every part of me aches with wanting.”

“I’m on birth control.”

He blinked. His hand shook as he stroked her, his erection brushing her swollen folds.

“I haven’t slept with anyone in a long time and I was tested.”

Sierra lifted her arms with invitation. He interlaced his fingers with hers, locked on her face. Slowly, he pushed himself inside inch by inch until he was completely buried to the hilt. The pressure of being filled up caused her to tremble beneath him, gripping his hand harder. Her breath rushed out. “Oh, God,”

she whimpered.

He stilled. A fine sheen of sweat gleamed on his brow.

“You okay?”

“Yes. Don’t stop. Never stop.”

His body tightened. Kane pulled out completely, hips jerking as he pushed back in and set a steady rhythm. Each time he dragged his dick over her pulsing clit, giving her a perfect friction, taking her up until every inch of her body was on fire, poised with a fine-tuned tension that gripped every muscle.

“Say it,”

he demanded, jaw tight, eyes fierce with demand.

“Say what I want to hear.”

“Kane!”

Something broke inside him. He pushed her hands over her head and growled, setting a blistering pace until she poised on the edge, desperate for the orgasm shimmering before her. Shaking with pure need, she arched up, digging her heels into his back.

Kane reached between them and rubbed her aching clit. At the same time, he slammed so deep inside her, there was nowhere to hide, he owned every piece of her body.

The orgasm washed over her, seizing each part in a tsunami of sensation. Her nails dug into his hands and his name ripped from her lips, over and over and over…

“Yes. Just like that. God, I can feel you come all over me. Give me more.”

He didn’t stop, and she fell into a second orgasm, steeped in pleasure so sharp it was almost pain.

Only then did he let himself go, chasing his own release. She gripped him with her thighs and savored the expression on his face, knowing it was all for her.

They collapsed in the tangled sheets. Their breath came in uneven pants. He groaned and lay beside her, heads together, his heavy arm laying over her stomach, chaining her to him.

“Well, that talk went well,”

he muttered.

She laughed.

“So. Well. I can’t wait to have the conversation again.”

Kane pressed a kiss to her temple.

“Give me five. We had a few dialogue points to go over.”

Sierra snuggled against him, sated and stupidly happy. The first time they were together, it was like a roller coaster, falling down the hill and surrendering a piece of herself to a stranger. But he was no longer unfamiliar. He was a part of her life and community and even family. There were no longer any excuses. Now, lying next to him, she could admit it was as if all the years apart were just a blank space where they could make themselves back to one another.

She was no longer afraid of not being chosen. And yes, he had a past they needed to discuss. But in the past month, they’d built trust and a solid foundation.

“I do want to talk,”

she said softly.

“There are things to share that are important.”

He was quiet for a while.

“I love you, Sierra.”

Her heart stopped. She lifted her head from the pillow and stared at him in shock.

“What did you say?”

His smile held a touch of sadness she wanted to erase.

“I’ve always loved you. There’s never been anyone but you in my heart. I know I made some hard choices. Choices you won’t understand until I give you another part of me—a part I always hid. But I can’t lose you again.”

Her insides lit up with so much emotion, she felt as if she could float away.

“You just said it. Right now. In bed. Aren’t you supposed to doubt men who say I love you in bed?”

Humor flickered over his face.

“Only you would question the location and circumstances. And no, that’s when you’re having sex. Sex is over and we’re cuddling. Most men clam up at the cuddling part.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right.”

He gently touched her cheek. In his gaze, she found everything she’d ever dreamed of having from a man, yet the words bubbled up from her throat and got caught. The small spark of fear poked out and stirred to life. What was wrong with her? He’d given her what she asked for and more. What was the truth really keeping her from letting go of her final defenses?

“Sierra?”

Her voice came out choked. “Yeah?”

“I’m not looking for a response. I don’t need the words back now. But you deserved to know my feelings are never going to change and that I’m in this for the long-term.”

His fingers traced the outline of her swollen lips.

“I’m in this forever. If that scares the living hell out of you, I get it. And I don’t care. I’ll wait for as long as it takes.”

It was too much. Raw emotions churned with the insecurities of knowing how easy it was to lose the things and people you loved. It was easier to hold back and be safe from shattering apart with grief and disappointment. But she could give him one thing he deserved to hear.

“I’m scared.”

“I know.”

“Not of you. Of me. Of—”

“I know.”

His soft words of assurance almost broke her. In that moment, it was as if Kane stared right into the monster’s gaze and didn’t flinch. “How?”

“Because when bad things happen, it’s easy to believe it will happen again. You lost your parents and your husband. Anything can be taken. What if you allow yourself to love me and I leave?”

The shock of his calm declaration paralyzed her. He’d dragged out the secrets from the dark and shook them out in the light. The part Sierra hated—the weakness she’d been hiding from everyone, even her sister. How she’d wished she could be the strong, fierce woman who put herself out there again and again, taking heartbreak and loss in stride to fight another day. It was the type of characters Aspen wrote about.

“Will you leave?”

“No.”

“But what if you—”

“Die?”

She shuddered, and he held her tighter. “Yes.”

“I’ll still be with you, every moment, whispering in your ear that you can do it because I believe in you.”

Tears stung her eyes. She buried her face in the crook of his neck, breathing in his smell, surrendering to the grip of his arms. He continued speaking, the darkness soothing all the rough edges of naked insight.

“When we first met, I was on my way to everything I ever dreamed of. You see, I’d gotten lucky. Property development is a ruthless business, but a mentor took me in, and decided to teach me everything he knew. Said I reminded him of his younger self, and I had a magic ingredient the others didn’t. I remember being so damn proud when he said it, like I was finally special.”

She waited, eased by him sharing his own demons.

“Hunger. He said I was hungry for every opportunity. I had a thirst to win at all costs, which couldn’t be taught.”

“What was his name?”

she asked.

“John. His name was John.”

Sierra sensed the story taking shape was bigger than a simple memory.

“I’m listening,”

she said softly. This time, it was her who held him, urging him forward.

He drew a breath.

“John worked closely with me until I knew everything and began making a big name for myself. I decided to get my brother involved, and he began working for the company, too. John pushed both of us hard, but my brother wasn’t like me. He didn’t thrive on high pressure deals and big stakes, so he didn’t do as well. I was hard on him, thinking he just needed to believe in himself and push past his boundaries. Unfortunately, I was wrong. On all counts.”

“What happened?”

“Derek always had a problem with alcohol, like my father. I ignored the signs of the rising pressure. I refused to see how the job was breaking my brother apart, and he began drinking again, then using drugs. He had a complete meltdown and went off the grid. Lived on the street for a while. It was a hard time.”

“God, I’m so sorry, Kane. What did you do?”

“Worked harder. Told myself it was for both of us. In the meantime, there were some inquiries in the firm that money was missing and rumors of embezzlement began to skirt around. I ignored it, focused on my own shit, listening to whatever John told me to do.”

Sierra’s heart beat madly in her chest as he paused. She waited, fingers interlaced with his, knowing what was coming next.

“There was an inquisition. They found my deals led straight to the wonky accounting and dove deeper. Seems I was siphoning off money into other investments under John’s guidance, and the trail led clearly to me. They arrested me and threw me in jail for fraud.”

She closed her eyes in agony, trying to picture Kane in shock, betrayed by the one person he’d believed in.

“It was John, wasn’t it?”

A humorless laugh shook him.

“Yep. He’d been using me as a shield and when the shit hit the fan, he made sure the crime led to me. I was held for forty-eight hours, but in that time period, I realized my whole life could be over. At first, I didn’t want to believe it. I thought John was innocent and someone was framing both of us. Until I got a visit from a lawyer who laid out the terms quite clearly. They’d let me go quietly, because they didn’t want a scandal. I had to sign a nondisclosure not to share any details, and the company would drop the charges. It would be a blip on my record but I couldn’t say a word about anything. Then the lawyer said John was the one who made the deal on my behalf, in order to save me.”

She sucked in a breath at the horror of the situation.

“You had no choice. You had to take the deal.”

Kane nodded.

“I did. At first, when I found out the truth, I wanted to fight. I had these illusions of being some whistleblower who ripped the truth out. Going to the newspapers or exposing John. But then I was reminded that my brother had just gotten into rehab. An expensive one. A yearlong program that cost a crapload of money. John said it would be taken care of. That all I had to do was stay quiet, disappear, and move on. So, I did. I made the best decision I could.”

“That’s when you came to the Outer Banks.”

“Yeah. Brick took me in, even though I never gave him any details. You’re the first one I told the story to.”

The facts fell into place to create a fuller picture of the man lying beside her. The consistent betrayals he dealt with in the fight to be more than where he came from. The love and loyalty to his brother. The fierce devotion he showed Sierra from the moment they met, no matter how she’d pushed him away. Then why had he lied when she asked him about jail?

“But you said you hurt people?”

He gave a short nod.

“I did. I made a promise to my brother and broke it. I sacrificed his mental health for my own wants. You were right about the man I was when we first met, Sierra. I was too focused on my goals and didn’t care what got in the way. So, yeah. I hurt a lot of people. Mostly myself.”

Everything became clear, and the rest of her walls crumbled. She rolled over him, breasts crushed against his hair-roughened chest, legs splayed open, his growing erection notched in the damp center between her thighs. Pressing her forehead to his, palms cupping his cheeks, she spoke fiercely against his mouth.

“You are an extraordinary man, Kane Masterson. You are a gift to everyone who meets you, and fuck every single person who ever told you differently. Do you understand me?”

She didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, she took his mouth in a deep, passionate kiss at the same exact time she sank herself onto his throbbing cock.

Kane jerked, groaning, as she surrendered her entire self to this shattering moment.

Arching her hips, her tongue plunged inside, gathering his musky taste, hands gripping his head still, while she began working herself against him, hips grinding in a demanding rhythm that left them both no choice but to ride out the electrifying pleasure.

His hands cupped her ass, squeezing, teeth sinking into her lower lip as he shuddered beneath her.

“Fuck me like I’m yours,”

he muttered against her, eyes lit with lust and a fierce love he allowed her to see.

“Fuck me so I forget.”

The memory of her plea their first night together hit her full force. Unleashing the last of her barriers, Sierra reared up, throwing her head back, and rode him hard. Like she was possessing him. Like she was claiming him.

His dick scraped across her sensitive clit. With a blistering curse, he shoved her up, then slammed her down, hitting that magical spot that shimmered deep inside.

“Kane!”

“Come now, beautiful. Give it to me.”

With a scream, she let herself go and the climax gripped her in a brutal wave. He came seconds later, her name on his lips, and then she collapsed on top, still shaking from the intensity of her release.

Their choppy breathing filled the air. The scent of sex rose to her nostrils. Sweat dampened her skin.

Sierra said the words.

“I love you. I think I loved you the moment I saw you at the bar and you talked about our fake kids having lice. I think I couldn’t stand to date another man for years because I was always searching for you.”

She blinked, no longer afraid. Those beautiful green eyes grew damp with tears. He pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, a kiss of such humble tenderness, her heart finally felt whole.

“Why say it now?”

His lips twitched in self-derision.

“It wasn’t because I gave you a sob story, I hope. Or orgasms.”

Her smile was trembly but joyful.

“Because if you can be brave, so can I.”

Kane didn’t respond. Just held her close while they both settled into the silence, knowing everything had just changed forever.