At the story of Dane and Lilian.

Dane

I walked into the restaurant, collar up. I’d never come here alone. The only time I showed up in here, I was with my parents. I shoved the thought of them out of my mind and focused on making it through lunch. Regardless of what happened next, I wanted people to know I was here. The Kairis family wasn’t all gone.

Just…diminished.

Dear fucking god. It looked like some of the same people were here. Like a time warp. Only the outfits changed. That, and a lot less hair on some of the men. I brushed a hand through my own hair. It never stayed put, and normally, that didn’t bother me. Here, I felt like it drew unfriendly attention. Defiantly, I ran my hand through it again. Neither a little more mess nor these people would kill me. At least, I hoped not.

My parents probably thought the same, and look where that had gotten them.

A hand on my arm stopped my trek to the bar.

“Dane! I didn’t know you were back! How are you?” Removing his hand, the man got up and put out his other hand. Wanting to shake mine.

Slowly, I lifted a hand, and accepted his. I didn’t expect any sort of friendly welcome. Trying to place him, to remember. Monty? Montrose, that was it. Colby, Cole…Tom. Tom Montrose. Not an enemy. Not an ally, either. Neutral, as much as anyone could be.

“Tom. I’m good, thanks. Not sure how long I’m here for. Need to…well, you know.” I shrugged and looked around. Some of the regulars were beginning to take interest. I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not.

“Well, it’s good to see you!” He clapped me on the back.

I gave him a smile. Not a big one. Then my eyes darted to the woman who sat with him. He saw me look at her.

“I’m sorry, Dane. I was so surprised to see you, I forgot to be mannerly. Dane Kairis, this is Lilian Hennington, my attorney. Unfortunately, she’s only with me for professional reasons.” Tom smiled. He liked his attorney. What a concept.

She smiled, extended her hand. “Dane, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I knew your parents. I was sorry to hear of their passing.”

My gaze hardened at the mention of my parents before I could stop myself, even as I took her hand and squeezed it gently. The touch of her electrified. With her hand in mine, I forgot whatever it was she’d just said. I forgot to be pissed off. I looked directly into her eyes, and fell into them.

She was stunning. I forced a breath and pulled myself out of the pools of her brown eyes, the mane of dark blonde hair, and found words. “Thank you. It was unexpected.” That was an understatement.

“It was.” Her smile seemed genuine. “Which makes the loss even harder.”

Peachy lips, firm. Just wide enough to make my mind wander to places it shouldn’t. Like how much I’d like to see them around my cock, with my hand in her hair. And then her naked, sort of. Skirt up, blouse unbuttoned, bra ripped while I kissed from her neck down to her impressive tits.

“Are you planning on picking up the mantle, as it were?”

I blinked. Sent the vision of her half-clothed elsewhere. That was more direct than I’d been expecting. “I’m not sure. I have a lot to sort out.”

She let go of my hand. “Well, feel free to give me a call. I specialize in the shipping industry. I’d be happy to help you. I liked your parents.”

Tom laughed. “Hey, no changing teams, missy!”

Lilian patted his hand. “No chance of that, Tom. I did briefly work with the Kairises before, so there’s no conflict.”

Tom sat down. “Join us?” He indicated the seat next to him, across from Lilian.

The thought of watching her, those lips, while trying to eat made my mouth water for a drink. “No, thanks, I’m headed for the bar.”

“It’s good to see you,” Tom said again. “Let me know if I can help you in any way.”

“The same goes for me,” Lilian added. “It was nice to meet you.” She smiled again, and I felt my cock harden.

I nodded at them both, and made for the bar. Better to leave now than to do or say something that would be tough to walk back from.

Lilian

I watched him go, taking a sip of my drink. An interesting man, and one who wasn’t sure he wanted to be here. He might as well have screamed out his discomfort with the restaurant. But he was determined to put in an appearance. Not going to let the shit get him down. I liked that. Defiance in the face of the enemy.

Sexy, too. I rarely felt the jump of heat just from touching someone’s hand. But Dane Kairis could burn a house down with the fire in his touch.

As for him not wanting to be here, I couldn’t blame him. This restaurant looked lovely, with its paneling, crisp linens, heavy silver, and fresh flowers daily. However, it was a shark tank. More blood was spilled on the tables of La Mucca e Maiale than in any natural setting I’d ever seen. If you wanted to be in business, you had to come here. It was just one of those things.

I looked over at Tom, and he was watching Dane Kairis walk away. He caught me watching him, and raised his brows.

“He’s got balls, coming back here.”

“I’ve heard he does indeed,” I said, my voice dry. Whatever else I knew, I did not need to think about Dane Kairis’ balls. Or anything else below the waistline.

“Well, I heard his parents didn’t die of natural causes.” He leaned back, taking a drink from his own glass. “Something hinky there, for sure. Perhaps you shouldn’t have offered, Lil.” His sharp gaze met mine over his drink.

I waved a hand at him. “Nonsense. I worked with his parents. They were lovely people. Tough, but lovely. No reason I shouldn’t offer to help out the son. If there is something hinky,” I gave him the eye, “About their deaths, I hope it’s discovered. No one deserves to die like that.” They’d been murdered, while on vacation. How does that even happen?

“Well, be careful. Before he left, I know old Kairis was hesitating handing over the reins to him,” he gestured with his glass in the direction of the bar.

“Really? Why was that?” I hadn’t heard that.

“Kid was too cocky, too wild, too unwilling to work with anyone else. Didn’t have a rep for playing nice with others,” he said, grinning at me.

“Like anyone here does,” I said, looking around and rolling my eyes. “Certainly not a reason to hate the guy.”

“Well, be careful. That’s all I ask. I don’t want to have to go through the hell of finding someone else to put up with me and keep me out of jail.”

I had to laugh. Tom was a great deal like the late Mr. and Mrs. Kairis. Hard, pushy, tough, and good at what he did. It’s why I liked him too.

We turned back to business matters. Once we’d eaten and made it through our agenda Tom excused himself for a moment, leaving me at the table. I finished my drink, and then turned to look at the bar. Dane was still there. He was not facing the bar, but sitting sideways, drink in hand, observing the restaurant. His gaze moved, although he didn’t move his head much. He reminded me of a predator, watching his kingdom.

Abruptly, his eyes met mine. Heat rushed through me. My cheeks flamed, and I could feel my panties get wet. I held my drink up almost as a shield. He kept his gaze on me even as I sipped at the dregs of my glass. I turned slightly to set down my drink, and glanced back. He’d moved on, looking away from me. I couldn’t understand why I felt so disappointed.

Tom returned, and we wrapped up our discussion. He offered to take me back to the office, but I declined. I preferred to walk after most lunches, and more so when I ate here. He waved to me as his car was brought around, and I set off.

The day was crisp and clear. A slight breeze wafted through, not yet spoiled by the heat given off by the city itself. I tilted my face to the sun, enjoying the relative peace before I got back to my office. Seeing Dane Kairis, wet panties aside, had saddened me. I truly liked his parents, and had been shocked to hear that they had died. Particularly as –

I heard steps behind me. I forced myself to keep my pace, keep the casual effect. Where is my pepper spray? Where is my--

“Lilian?”

It was him. Dane Kairis.

I inhaled deeply and faced him. “Yes, Mr. Kairis? I’ll be happy to see you in the office, if you wish.”

“Not what I wish at all.” He was taller than me, and gazed at me in a manner I could only describe as smoldering. I really needed to stop. He was not smoldering at me. Not out here, in public, when we’d only met for a few moments before.

“Then why are you stopping me on the street, Mr. Kairis?” I struggled to keep my voice cool and my words professional. All my instincts screamed – to run from this man, and also to run to him, letting him drag me off to a cave if he wished. Neither would be good form or a good decision at the moment. I hoped I’d make it away unscathed.

Dane

Why had I stopped her? I suppose saying let’s fuck probably wasn’t a good conversation opener. It’s what I wanted to say, though. A number of times. Preferably without clothes. While she screamed my name, over and over.