Page 38 of Pieces Into Place

Reaching up, I tweak my nipple with one hand while continuing to stroke myself with the other, letting out an involuntary cry at the intensity of it all. My world explodes and I throw my head back when the orgasm wracks my body. I look back at Kane just as he reaches his own release. “Fuck! Olivia,” he grunts, as thick ropes of cum release onto his hand and stomach.

We continue locked in that heated gaze until he seemingly snaps out of his lustful trance and carefully gets up. My body tingles in anticipation that he will make his way over to me, but instead he walks straight into the bathroom where the door shuts behind him. A moment later, the shower begins to run.

I consider waiting for him to emerge from the bathroom so we can talk about what just happened, but decide it’s better to let him process it. He’s not someone who likes losing control, at least not with me, and this is going to take him some time. But even he can’t deny what’s right in front of him; things between us have changed.

Kane

I scrub my hand over my face as the hot water trails over my body. That shouldn’t have happened. I can’t believe how much I’ve been drawn to Olivia, even though I know it’s wrong. Our conversation earlier made me realize how misguided my assumptions about her have been. While I had initially perceived her as a cold, heartless princess, I now understand that beneath the icy exterior is a soul who had endured her own share of pain and loss. Her sharp intuition and far-reaching compassion are undeniable. She has merely done what she needed to do to shield herself from further pain. She’s beautiful and strong, inside and out. The number of mistakes I’ve made since taking this assignment make me think I’m in the wrong line of work.

But no matter how hard I try not to feel anything for her, my mind still drifts back to the moment when she trembled through her orgasm, and suddenly, I find myself wanting her again. My cock begins to get hard even as guilt sweeps through me at the thought. But then desire takes its place and it makes it difficult to think straight. How am I going to face her after what just happened?

My mind races as I try to figure out what to do. On one hand, I have become close to her – more than I’ve ever been with anyone in a very long time, despite me trying to maintain a distance between us. We share a connection that is intense and undeniably strong. On the other hand, I’m a professional, and it’s a mistake to let my guard down.

Henry would be furious if he knew about this situation. There’s no telling what he might do. The only way out is the truth, no matter how painful it may be. I just have to tell her that we made a mistake and can’t do that again – even though deep inside me, I want nothing more. But here we are, stuck in this corner of the world together for the foreseeable future, and avoidance isn’t the answer.

I quietly step out of the bathroom, my feet padding softly on the carpeted floor. My heart pounds, expecting to see Olivia waiting for me in the darkness, but instead there is only an eerie silence. A chill creeps up my spine as I realize she could have left without me noticing, and I run upstairs to check.

The loft is dimly lit by a sliver of moonlight that filters through a gap in the curtains, and reveals her silhouette against the pillows. Sighing with relief, I step back down the stairs and collapse on the old pull-out couch. My thoughts race throughout the night, until finally, I drift off just as morning light creeps in.

Chapter nineteen

Kane

I slowly open my eyes, taking in the sight of Olivia sitting in the armchair by the window, a thick book open on her lap and a fresh cup of coffee steaming on the table beside her.

“Hi, Sleepy Head,” she says with a smirk. I can already tell this is going to be a whole thing. Before I can reply she speaks again. “Did you sleep well?”

“I did, thanks,” I mumble, rubbing my eyes and trying to gather my thoughts.

She gives me a look of disbelief in return. “You always say that.”

My brows furrow. “What?”

“You always say that you slept well, even when I suspect you didn’t. Why is that?”

I sigh and reply, “It’s polite. Why burden someone else with your crap?”

Olivia rolls her eyes and smiles softly. “But we’re friends now, and we are wayyyyy past polite.”

“Olivia, I’m barely awake. I have morning wood. I have to take a piss. Can we table this until I’ve had my coffee?” I ask groggily, fighting back a yawn.

“Of course, take your time,” she says with an enthusiastic smile that’s too bright for so early in the morning. When I return to the kitchen, she’s brewed a cup of black coffee and it’s waiting patiently for me on the counter.

“Thank you,” I say politely before continuing, “we need to talk about what happened last night.”

She nods in agreement but there’s something mischievous glinting in her eyes as she speaks. “You really should call me Liv. After all, I have seen your ‘O’ face.”

“My ‘O’ face?” I repeat incredulously. “Jesus Christ. Look, whatever happened last night can’t happen again.” Even as the words leave my mouth, I see her smirk, alerting me to the fact that she isn’t taking this seriously.

“I’m serious,” I reply, my voice resolute. “We are not in a situation to be taking any chances. My job is to guard you, and that’s all there is to it.”

She tilts her head slightly, looking up at me mischievously. “I knew you were going to say that,” she replies, her voice calm but firm. “And I respectfully disagree.”

I narrow my eyes skeptically and step closer. “You disagree?” I question, my voice low and challenging. “That’s not up to you,” I say as I set my coffee on the counter and cross my arms over my chest. A defensive gesture she is all too familiar with.

Her lips curve into a smile as she shakes her head slightly, and then sighs. “I knew you were going to go all ‘Kane’ over this,” she responds knowingly. “Look at you right now. Standing all tall with your arms crossed like that, trying to intimidate me, but it won’t work anymore. You think all the time you spent watching me means I haven’t learned about you too?”

My jaw is nearly on the floor as I struggle for words against her insight, realizing she’s seen straight through my tough façade.