This situation was way worse than booking a sex event for Mitus Conglomerate because Taylor had never slept with her boss. Discussing anything erotic with Jagger felt personal. Despite fidgeting under his scorching gaze, she had to encourage him to bring back the edginess, and prove she could be trusted. Rooms wouldn’t fill until he offered some spice.

She relocated to his conference table. The furniture gave her much-needed support and put distance between them. Being so close to Jagger interfered with her concentration. She found herself staring at that damned mouth of his.

He joined her, taking his place at the head of the table.

“From what I’ve read, guests stay at a Loving resort for the sensual experience,” she began. “Your other properties are booked months in advance. This hotel is offering discounts to fill beds.”

His jaw had been set in a hard line, frustration billowing off him. Her pulse raced. She desperately wanted to change topics and discuss outdoor events like golf and tennis. Those she could handle, no problem.

“What did you have in mind?” he asked, stroking his goatee.

“I need to find out what, if anything, your staff has booked beyond the Valentine’s Day masquerade party. We could pull together a G-rated pajama party, along with a Singers & Standards night. For a sexier flair, I’d suggest a lingerie affair. Why not promote the private beach that welcomes nude guests? That would grab their attention.”

He pinned her with a hard stare. “And what, offer them sex on the beach?”

Heat exploded on her cheeks. He’d crossed a line. What would Raven do? “Look,” she stuck out her finger, “I confided something very personal and I don’t appreciate your throwing that in my face.” She’d never confronted anyone like that, and she cringed. “I’m sorry. I was out of line.”

His expression softened, but he said nothing for a long moment. “No, Taylor, that’s all on me. I apologize.” Again, he paused, broke eye contact for a split-second. “I didn’t expect…Raven would walk through my door.” He extended his hand. “Let’s start over.”

Hearing him call her Raven bolstered her confidence. When she slid her hand into his, the familiar zing of attraction traveled up her arm. “I like that idea.”

This time, his smile touched his eyes and her rapid-fire heartbeat slowed back down. “You’re right. This resort is nothing like the others. If you read about Loving, you learned about me, too.”

“I did.”

“I won’t do anything that could tarnish my reputation.”

“Then you’ll really hate what I’m about to say next.” She nibbled her fingernail. “You need erotic entertainment.”

He grimaced. “Strippers?”

Another rush of heat swept over her and she clutched the table edge for support. “No. Sex performers.”

As his long fingers caressed his beard, she fell prisoner to the rhythmic strokes. Her breathing fell in line with his hypnotic touch. Jagger, and everything about him, was proving to be the ultimate distraction.

His harsh grunt snapped her from her fantasy. “Absolutely not.” The worry lines around his eyes had deepened.

Beneath the table, her leg bounced. He glanced under and she stilled. “Your brand is all about pushing the envelope,” she said.

“Not anymore,” he quipped.

Ignoring his objection, she forced herself to continue. Not because she wanted to belabor the point, but because she believed she was offering sound advice. “Time isn’t on our side. Since I don’t know anything about the erotic market in LA, I can check with a company in DC. They might be able to fly out some talent. Colton can vouch for the professionalism of Uninhibited, but the artists don’t hold back. It’s definitely edgy.”

“Even if I thought it was a good idea, it wouldn’t work. We can’t offer erotic shows. It’s illegal.”

“I’ve got a possible workaround. If guests purchase a membership to a private club that offers the shows to its members, then the hotel should meet the legal requirements for a private club, therefore it’s not considered illegal.”

He shoved out of the chair, laid his hands on the table, and leaned close. “Not happening.” His razor-sharp gaze cut into her.

Although jittery, she rose and faced him. “The rooms will fill, if you add the kink back in.”

The electricity swirled as the stare-down continued.

“I’ll introduce you to your team,” he said. “They’ll bring you up to speed on event bookings. Do not discuss your recommendation with them.”

After a confirming nod, she shouldered her handbag. As they walked down the hallway, she snuck in a quick glance. The lingering frustration cast a shadow across his face. His normally bright eyes were dark, his lips slashed in a thin line. Though jittery, she felt empowered that she hadn’t backed down.

Jagger introduced Taylor to her staff and left, taking the chill with him. Turning her attention on David Augustine and Adele Shapiro, she wondered how she’d manage through the next several days with a man she wanted to both throttle and throw herself on. He was inciting her last nerve while making her insides hum with desire.

The events team spent the afternoon creating “fun” activities that included a Newlywed game and “chess on the beach” using guests as live pieces. As G-rated events were added to their activities roster, she vowed to change Jagger’s mind.

At the end of the workday, Robby zoomed in with a laptop as David and Adele provided Taylor with their cell phone numbers. “Hello, hello!” Like usual, the smiley assistant was bursting with energy.

“Do you want me to use my computer?” Taylor asked.

“No can do,” Robby replied. “This has proprietary software you’ll need to access for event-planning purposes.”

Once Robby had set up her laptop, he ushered her out. “I’m dying to show you what I bought. I’ve missed my true calling. Personal shopper.”

As they rode the elevator to the top floor, Robby explained that the laborers would continue working right up until opening. “The only suites they can’t access are on this floor. So, for obvious reasons, you’ll be staying upstairs with Jagger and me.” He shot her a grin. “Wait until you see the evening gowns I found for you. You are going to look like a princess.”

The doors slid open and he escorted her toward one of two Presidential suites. After using the keycard, he opened the door. “Welcome.” He handed her the plastic card.

She entered and gasped. The magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean lay beyond the open French doors, and she paused to admire the giant orange fireball sinking into the dark waters.

A beautiful mural of Mayan gods engaging in intercourse had been painted on the living room wall. But the standout piece of hardware was a shiny gold stripper pole in the center of the room. For the first time since she’d arrived, her headache subsided. He might not publicly endorse the erotic, but he’s still promoting kinky fun behind closed doors.

Robby escorted her through the living area, stopping in front of a closed door on the far side of the suite. “This is your bedroom. You’ll need to use your keycard.” She held it against the electronic pad, the light turned green, and Robby shoved open the door.

In addition to her carry-on, the king bed was covered with boutique shopping bags. Three garment bags hung over the bathroom door. “This isn’t all for me, is it?”

He waved his hand. “All of it. Like I said, I missed my true calling. Do you think I overbought?”

She laughed. “Uh, yeah.”

“I didn’t hear from the airline. Did you?”

Taylor shook her head.

“Then, no worries if your luggage never shows. You’ve got plenty now. If you don’t like something or it doesn’t fit, let me know.”

“I’m sure I’ll love everything. You’re a total lifesaver. Really, Robby, thank you again for doing this.”

He beamed. “You’re a sweetheart. I was happy to do it. Hungry?”

“I guess. Jet lag is catching up.”

“Food and sleep, in that order. The chef is testing some of his menu items and we’re his guinea pigs. You’ll love his food. Charles is amazing.” Robby headed out.

Dropping her handbag on the bed, she followed, shutting the door behind her. “Will Jagger be joining us?”

“Doubtful. He eats in his office. The man is a machine without an ‘off’ switch.”

Disappointment curled around her heart. On the way through the living room, Taylor spotted a closed door on the opposite side of the spacious suite. “Where does that lead?”

“Jagger’s bedroom.”

“What?” And then she laughed. “You have a great sense of humor.”

Robby spun around. “Not joking.”

“Why can’t I have my own room, downstairs?”

“Like I said, the workmen will be in and out of every room but these two. But if you’re uncomfortable in any way—”

“I’m not afraid to be alone with him, if that’s what you mean. Why don’t you and Jagger share a suite?”

Robby barked out a snort. “If you haven’t noticed, I’m a talker. He’d go berserk. Plus, I blare my music non-stop. No headphones. My insomnia keeps me up half the night, so I gab with my friends or play video games. As much as I’d love to have you as my roomie, you’d never get any sleep with me. You’re better off staying here.”

“Somehow, I doubt that,” she mumbled as they proceeded into the hallway.

According to the uber-chatty assistant, Jagger had lured the chef away from a trendy LA restaurant with a hefty starting bonus. Eager to set up his kitchen and prepare the menu, Charles Delateau had been working there for a few days.

The beefy man greeted them with a boisterous hello and a friendly smile before ordering them to sit at the chef’s table in the kitchen, where two bottles of wine—a Pinot Blanc and a Sémillon—awaited. Taylor envied his speed and grace as he moved about the workspace.

“Tonight, you’ll sample petite portions of several entrées,” Charles explained. “I’m incorporating favorites dishes with a few new ones that pair well with the season.” Pausing at the table, he wiped his hands on his apron. “Tell me about allergies and food restrictions, like gluten or red meat.”

“No allergies, but I won’t eat rice pudding,” Taylor said with a playful grin.

Charles laughed. “Okay. Fair enough. Robby?”

“I’m allergic to peanuts and shellfish.”

“Hmm. Stay clear of my fish appetizers. Often times, I’ll mix in lobster with my salmon.”

“What happens to you?” Taylor asked.

“I blow up like a puffer fish.” Robby demonstrated by pushing air into his cheeks. “Seriously, though, I’ve had some bad reactions and carry an EpiPen.” He shrugged. “It’s upstairs.”

“Tonight’s meats are chicken and salmon.” Charles returned to his station. “I’ll forgo the shrimp.”

After a delicious meal, Taylor acknowledged that jet lag had won and excused herself. She hoped she’d find Jagger in the suite. Though wrong, she wanted to see him in the absolute worst way.

But the suite was quiet, and loneliness settled over her.

The constant pull to be near him made her heart ache. She’d left the French doors open, and though the room was chilly, the ocean breeze felt balmy when compared with the freezing DC temps.

She stood on the balcony, salty air filling her lungs. The crescent moon cast little light on the ocean, but the rolling waves soothed her anxious soul. She closed her eyes and breathed. Seconds later, Jagger crashed into her thoughts, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her. Her soft groan startled her and she opened her eyes. But she remained alone on the quiet balcony, the constant yearning her sole companion.

Even if she hadn’t met him at the auction, she’d be crazy attracted to him. Beyond his striking looks, he carried himself with a worldly sophistication she could only dream about. He was confident without being cocky, and simmering with a sexy, unassuming charm.

But she’d never slept with a client or a coworker, and she wasn’t about to start now, no matter how strong the pull. In the four years she’d worked at Mitus, she’d never dated anyone on Colton’s staff. No man had moved past the “friend” stage. But Jagger was different, and she struggled to reconcile her feelings.

Ten o’clock West Coast time was no match for her tired eyes and aching muscles. Her East Coast brain screamed one in the morning. After a relaxing shower, she peeked into the shopping bags before lining them up on the floor next to the mirrored wall. Everything Robby had purchased was both stunning and elegant.

She slipped under the linens, turned out the bedside lamp, and dropped her head on the fluffy pillow. Burrowing beneath the cozy sheets, she closed her eyes. She’d survived day one of Jagger Loving and his kink-free resort. Hopefully, tomorrow I’ll have better results.

Exhaustion set in. As she drifted to sleep, she imagined her absentee suitemate holding her tightly and loving her all night long.

SHE WOKE WITH A START, confused. Who’s running the disposal? The bed vibrated and the room swayed. The alarm clock danced on the nightstand. Earthquake!

On a screech, she bolted out of bed and charged into the living area. The table lamp flickered as the door to Jagger’s bedroom flew open and he strode out. Crashing into him, she threw her arms around him. Trembling, she eked out, “Er-er-er-earthquake?”

“Yes. I’ve got you.” His steady voice calmed her as he whisked them into his room and positioned them in the doorway of his bathroom, quickly flipping on the light.

Just as suddenly as the rumbling had started, it stopped. Silence, save for her erratic breathing, thundered in her ears.

Taylor startled when Jagger’s cell phone and the cordless wall phone in the bathroom began ringing. With one arm anchored around her waist, he snatched the receiver with his other hand. “Loving.”

And that’s when she realized they were both stark naked. Instead of pushing away, she clung tighter, his warm, hard body exciting her in a myriad of ways.

“I’m fine, Robby. You okay?” A pause. “She’s with me,” he said, regarding Taylor. “Call the building inspector.” He hung up and, with her still nestled in his arms, answered his cell. “Loving.” He listened. “That’s good news. Keep me posted and thanks for the call.” He hung up and tossed his cell phone onto the king bed.

“Are you okay?” His business tone had been replaced with a huskiness that weakened her defenses.

Though still quivering, she needed to break away. But she couldn’t. Being in his arms felt safe and exciting and right. Which was so incredibly wrong.

The atmosphere turned electric. His breath hitched, his bright eyes bled black with desire. She couldn’t steady her breathing or halt her trembling. The fear from the quake had morphed into a tsunami of desire.

A hungry, raspy moan ripped from her throat.

“Dammit, Taylor.” His mouth found hers. The deliciousness of his sexy sounds exploded through her, shattering her defenses.

Again, the bathroom phone rang. He softened the ravenous kiss, dropping tender pecks on her mouth. When he plucked the receiver, he didn’t let her go.

“What did you learn?” While listening, he pressed his lips to her forehead. She melted from the tenderness. Though Robby talked nonstop, her focus remained on Jagger.

She loved how they clung to each other, though the immediate danger had passed. His strong, steady breathing and his deep, controlled voice soothed her. The earth had shifted, the building had swayed, but not Jagger. She wanted him, but the need went beyond the physical. He was everything she was not. Calm. Steady. In control. And that affected her in the best of ways. In his embrace, she had stopped shaking. Relieved, she inhaled a breath. And his delicious baseline scent reminded her of the most exciting night of her life.

“Good work, Robby. Thanks for checking the exterior doors.” He listened. “Of course, I’ll assure her. See you in the morning.”

He hung up, and wrapped her in his arms. Heat blossomed in her chest while she gazed into his eyes.

“Robby suggested I keep you company in case there are aftershocks. And I have a feeling there will be plenty.”

Adrenaline shot through her. “Jagger, I…I can’t. You’re my client.” She despised the words as they spilled from her.

“Have you thought about me at all since our night together? Be honest with me, Taylor.”

Spurred by her need to be truthful, she found her voice. “Yes, I have. What about you?”

A shadow darkened his bright eyes. “The question is: When haven’t I thought about you?”

“You want Raven,” she whispered, crestfallen.

He kissed her gently. “I want the woman I met at the auction. Bold one moment, timid the next. Gorgeous, somewhat unsure, and totally hot.”

She was fighting the desire to be with him…and losing. He kissed her shoulder, his lips lingering on her heated skin.

“I want to feel you beneath me,” he murmured. “I want to touch every inch of you. But more than that, I want to make you scream my name from the pleasure I can bring you.”

Make bold choices. She launched herself onto him. Her kiss was brutal. Hungry mouths and crushing tongues. She fisted his hair with one hand and raked his back with the fingernails of her other, her erratic breathing interrupted by her desperate grunts and moans.

His kisses tormented her. Soft and tender one moment. Hard and unrelenting the next. She opened her eyes. He slowed the kiss, then ended it, but wouldn’t let her go.

“Do you feel this?” he murmured.

She smiled. “I feel something.”

His low, deep chuckle rumbled through her chest to her heart. “Not that. Us. This is more than passion or sex. This is…” He stopped. “I want you to see how beautiful you are.”

He turned her around so she faced the mirrored wall, and wrapped his arm across her chest, anchoring his hand on her shoulder. His gaze roamed with ease over her nude body.

The weight of self-consciousness bore down on her. Her youth had been filled with taunting about her skinny legs and flat chest. She slammed her eyes shut against the whoosh of painful memories.

“You’re so damned beautiful.” He leaned around, kissing her cheek.

Shivering from vulnerability, she refused to look at her reflection. “I can’t watch me.”

With a tender touch, he turned her toward him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that made you uncomfortable. Why didn’t you tell me the first time?”

“Raven was fearless.”

As he studied her, she flushed. “I see.”

“If I’m being completely honest, I don’t like looking at myself in the mirror. All I see is everything that’s ugly or wrong. But I liked having mirror sex with you. A lot. I’d never done anything so sensual.”

A brief smile relaxed the etched worry lines between his brows. “I like you honest, Taylor.” He kissed her. “My turn to be truthful. I want you. I want to make love to you. But I don’t want you skipping out on me again.”

“You’re a playboy and—”

“Not anymore,” he said, cutting her off. “I’ve had two dates in the past year. Slept with one of the women, once. I’m willing to break every damned rule with you. Because there are no rules when I’m around you. You hold all the power.”

“I want to try the mirror sex again.”

“Not if it makes you uncomfortable.”

“If I stay focused on you, I’m okay.” She shot him a tiny smile. “That worked great the first time.”

His eyes flashed with excitement. “I have an idea. Did you bring your mask for the masquerade party?”

“Uh-huh, but it’s in my lost suitcase.”

“Wear mine.”

Her chest tightened. “You want Raven.”

“No, I don’t, but you seem to need her.”

He’s right. After allowing him to tie his mask on her, she glimpsed herself in the mirror. Even masked, her insecurities came racing back and she fastened her gaze on him.

He resumed his place behind her, snaked his arm around her waist, and pulled her flush against him. “I see beauty and strength.”

His deep timbre, paired with the sincerity in his eyes, had the most calming effect on her. Was Jagger the right person to help her conquer her long-term insecurity? As they stared into each other’s eyes, the air sizzled with electricity. He regarded her with a hunger that made her breath hitch and her heart beat quicker. Though uncomfortable, she shifted her attention to her reflection. “This is really difficult for me.”

“Close your eyes.”

When she did, he kissed her shoulder, stroked her breast, teased her nipple with his fingertip. Each time he touched her, she needed more. The intensity with which she craved him scared her. She could get so lost in this man.

When he ran his fingertips across her stomach, she giggled, and her eyes popped open.

“You’re ticklish,” he said, smiling. “How are you doing?”

“I love your touch.”

“Can you watch me?” he murmured in her ear as he fondled her breasts. “Your nipples are so responsive. It’s very sexy.”

With one arm draped over her chest, clutching her shoulder, his other hand played her like an instrument. It was as if he knew her better than she knew herself. He nuzzled her neck until he found the spot just before her shoulder that made her whimper. His raspy, needy growl rumbled through her, and she gripped his arm for support.

She shifted her attention and, like always, wished for larger breasts.

“Touch yourself.” He guided her hand to her breast, and she squeezed her swollen nipple. “Your breasts are beautiful, like you.”

Then, he covered her other hand with his, and guided her over her abdomen and around to her bottom. “This is one hot ass.”

Smiling, she leaned around to kiss him. His groan ripped through her as he continued exploring her body. With interlaced fingers, he guided them over her hip and down to her core. Arousal hijacked her thoughts when he slipped their fingers between her folds.

“I love how wet you are for me.”

She hadn’t realized she’d continued massaging her breast and pinching her nipple until he murmured, “You’re a very sexy woman, Taylor.”

As she watched them in the mirror, his breathing quickened, his hard shaft pressing against her backside. Arousal coursed through her and she raised her arm over her head and sank her fingers into his hair. Now, completely open to him, she began to gyrate against him.

And then, he penetrated her with his finger and she choked out a strangled cry. “You…oh, Jagger…mygod.” Her eyes fluttered closed.

“Taylor, look at us.”

She opened her eyes, captive in his embrace.

“What do you see?” he asked.

“Everything that’s wrong. My limbs are too thin, my breasts are too small.” She stopped moving. “This won’t work.”

“Do you know what I see?” he murmured before kissing her temple. “I see a goddess. Let Raven see what Taylor cannot.”

Though she struggled with his words, she peeked at her reflection.

He caressed her breast and squeezed her engorged nipple between his thumb and forefinger. She whimpered from the shock of pain mixed with a heady euphoria. His mouth lingered on her shoulder with a kiss that made her knees go weak. When he pressed his hand against her abdomen, he skewered her with a hungry gaze, and she trembled from his intensity.

Slowly, he moved his hand to her swollen clit. A raspy groan shot from the back of her throat and she started moving against him. Everything about him made her want to push beyond her insecurity.

“You are perfect exactly the way you are,” he rasped. “I could stare at you for hours and still want more.”

No man had ever made her feel this way. Empowered by his encouraging words, she peered at herself in the mirror. His hands never stopped moving over her. His deep, sexy groans undid her, but when he pressed his mouth against the nape of her neck, she surrendered to the ecstasy. Unable to stop herself, she cried out. Hard, violent convulsions shredded her as she watched herself come in the mirror.

Slowly, the spasms subsided and she relaxed against him. When she gazed into his eyes, love stared back. Assuming this outburst of emotion stemmed from the orgasm, she rejected the feeling outright. “Thank you,” she murmured.

“Thank you for trusting me,” he replied.

“Do you need me masked?”

“No, that was for you.”

She bowed her head. He untied and removed the mask. She turned to face him and he wrapped her in his arms, kissing her until she gasped for air and moaned for more.

“I need you,” she said. “Inside me.”

“I have one condom left from our three-pack.” His lazy grin slayed her.

“I didn’t know ‘we’ had a three-pack.” She threaded her fingers through his and led him into his bathroom. After a quick search in his Dopp kit, she found the condom.

An aftershock rumbled through the room and she flung her arms around him. He pulled her flush against him and kissed her. In seconds, the tremor subsided. “The upside to these quakes is you, in my arms.”

Smiling, she kissed him. “Maybe your braveness will rub off on me.” Tugging him into the bedroom, she stopped next to the bed. “Where do you want me?” she asked. “Mirror?”

“I want you beneath me,” he said. “And then I want you next to me, all night long.”

She melted. Jagger had this way of making her feel like she was the only person in the world, and the only woman who mattered.

* * *

He couldn’t stop kissing her face, her neck, and each breast. He couldn’t get enough of this amazing woman. But when she levered her hips, he drove himself inside her. And she came alive beneath him. Clawing his back and biting his lips. Her raspy coos sent a rush of heat straight to his throbbing cock.

He tugged her nipples with his teeth and suckled the plumped nibs. “I love the way you do that,” she murmured. “That’s so sexy and ohmygod, that makes me crazy.”

“I want to slow down, enjoy how good you feel beneath me. How beautiful you are.”

“Faster, please.” She cemented her hands on his ass and forced him in deeper. She grunted out a series of throaty moans, her sexy sounds echoing in his ears.

He didn’t want to come yet. But she raised her arms onto the pillow and commanded, “Hold me down.”

When he clasped her wrists, she wrapped her legs around his back. And he was powerless to stop the onslaught of pleasure.

“Taylor, I’m going to come.”

“Look at me.” She arched toward him and he sunk in deeper, the orgasm at the very brink. “Yes, oh, yes.”

Taylor’s sexy command sent him over the edge, but it was her ocean-blue eyes that seeped into his soul. Nothing timid about the woman writhing beneath him. Nothing timid at all.

He waited until he could catch his breath. Then, he rolled her onto him. “Wow, you’re a wild thing.”

Instead of resting her head on his chest, she kissed him. Deep, full of emotion, and sexy as hell. When she ended the embrace, she smiled. And he smiled in return.

Leaning up on her elbow, she combed her fingers through his hair. He caressed her shoulder and tucked her hair behind her ear. And he kissed her, again and again.

“When I look in the mirror, I see everything I don’t like,” she said, her voice hushed. “You make me feel beautiful and sexy.”

“You are beautiful.” He framed her face in his hands and dropped a soft kiss on her mouth. “Damned sexy with a killer body, too.” Her cute smile landed in his heart. “I need two minutes in the bathroom. If you’re not here when I come out, I’m going to break down the door to get to you.” He flipped her over, kissed the hell out of her, and pushed out of bed.

He returned to find her sitting up in bed, dressed in a hotel robe. She’d propped up his pillows and had folded back the linens.

“Hi.” She patted the mattress.

“Hello, gorgeous,” he said as he relaxed onto the pillows.

After covering his legs with the linens, she said, “I want to understand why there’s no kink at this resort.”

“No shop talk.” Beneath the linens, he stroked her bare thigh.

“This is important.”

“My mistakes aren’t up for discussion.”

“And I’m a total mess in front of a mirror while you encourage me to watch us. There are no words for how difficult that is for me.”

“You’re comparing two completely different things.” Frustration tinged his words.

“I’m so insecure about my body that I had to put on a mask and pretend to be someone else.” Pausing, she bowed her head. “And I’m not sexually experienced, either. It would be much easier if I continued booking fun events and never discussed the kink. But I’d be ignoring the real issue. Playing it safe isn’t working.”

Silence.

A throbbing in his temple replaced the lingering pleasure. He did not want to discuss his life and the choices he’d made.

She turned toward him, pulled her knees to her chest, and caressed his chest. Her soft touch slowed his hammering heart. Then, she shot him a sweet smile of encouragement. “Please trust me,” she murmured.

Trust did not come easily to Jagger. “If you want me to trust you, let’s start with the truth.”

“Okay.”

The sincerity in her eyes urged him forward. “When we were alone at the hotel, why didn’t you tell me your real name?”

“I would never have had the courage to stay with you.” Her cheeks flushed with color. “Being Raven empowered me. I’m sorry I told you I was a vet.”

He acknowledged her with a nod. “I confided that my family was homeless. Why the story about your aunt dying on the streets?”

Sadness bled from her eyes. “I was being honest about that, Jagger. My Auntie Patty did live with us throughout my childhood and she died homeless. It wrecked me.”

Forgiveness washed over him as he peered into her eyes. “I’m sorry for your loss.” Now, he could move forward. But should he?

“Please,” she murmured.

His guts churned while his pulse raced. Desperate to escape his past, he shoved out of bed, opened the French doors, and inhaled the crisp nighttime air. Tell her. “My mistakes almost cost me everything.”

“Push past your fear like I’m pushing past mine,” she encouraged. A kaleidoscope of emotions filled her face. “Help me understand what’s driving this change.” She folded her hands in her lap and waited.

Regarding her, he pondered his options. Could he trust her with the entire truth?

“I paid my publicist and my attorney a lot of money to clean up my mess and restore my reputation. I’ve got my life back. I’m not doing anything to jeopardize that.”

“Jagger, is the kink too tempting?”

“No.” Another long moment passed as he wrestled with whether or not to tell her. In order for her to fully understand, he had to tell her everything. “I was on a destructive path. I forgot who I was, where I came from.”

“What about your other resorts?”

“I’m in conversations to sell those.”

“I see,” she said, her brow furrowed. “Is that what you want to do?”

“It’s what’s best.”

“I don’t und—”

“Ever been homeless?” he asked, cutting her off.

She shook her head.

Chills shot down his spine. He hated remembering this part of his life. “Ever watch your mom give up food so her kids could eat?”

Sad blue eyes blinked up at him. “No.”

“We got kicked out of our cramped apartment. I saw my mom’s pain and anger when she realized my dad had been feeding his drug addiction with rent money.”

After a pregnant pause, she whispered, “I’m sorry.”

“I appreciate your dedication to Walk a Mile but until you actually walk in my shoes, don’t assume you know the fears that drive me.” A stabbing pain pummeled his chest.

“Okay,” she whispered.

Tell her. “The sex photos that went viral were designed to grab my attention. The real issue was the pictures and videos of me popping pills and snorting massive amounts of coke. The women wanted millions to keep quiet.” Ashamed, he turned away. “I’d become a hard-core drug addict. Even started selling to my guests. Not for the money, but to surround myself with a steady stream of dealers providing me with the strongest drugs on the market. My life revolved around my next high and I put my business and my reputation at risk. When key executives confronted me, I threatened to fire them. I grew ugly and hated myself, but I couldn’t stop.”

She flew out of bed and into his arms. “Jagger, I’m sorry.”

He kissed her with an intensity that scared him.

“Thank you for confiding in me,” she murmured.

“I got clean and sober.” His throat tightened, the emotion threatening to explode out of him. “No way in hell would I end up like my father.”

“The phoenix rising from the ashes.” She leaned up to kiss his cheek. “You should be proud of what you’ve overcome.”

He cradled her face in his hands. “Only my attorney and my publicist know the full extent of my problem. Not even my closest friends realized how bad things got. Hitting rock bottom was one hell of a wake up call.”

He hugged her tightly. Goddamn it to hell, it was scary, but it felt amazing. For the first time in his life, he’d let someone in who wasn’t being paid to keep quiet and clean up his mess.

Jagger had experienced everything but the true love of a good woman. As she shed her bathrobe and they crawled into bed, he wondered whether this amazing woman could be the one.