chapter 22

Kane's POV

“Hey there, handsome,” Josephine purred the moment I stepped into the hotel suite.

She sat on the edge of the bed holding a glass of champagne, the bubbles effervescing against the crystal. Her silk robe was draped loosely over her shoulders, looking utterly inviting.

“Hey.”

The last time I had seen a sight this exquisite was during my one-night stand. Unbidden, memories of that woman's smooth skin, dark hair, and lush lips filled my mind.

‘You came to Josephine because you needed an escape from the fake, money-grabbing women in your life, not to fantasize about another one.’ I cautioned myself, shutting down the thought.

“You know why I called,” I said, yanking off my tie and unbuttoning my shirt as I walked toward her.

She leaned up and grabbed the lapels of my shirt. “What's the rush? It's been ages since we last met. Shouldn't we... at least catch up first?”

I sucked in a sharp breath as her robe slipped off her shoulders, exposing her body to my view.

“Later. I need you now,” I grunted, pulling her close by the waist so she could feel the heat radiating off me. “See what I mean?”

“Mmm, he certainly remembers me,” she grinned as I slid my hands down her hips, feeling her bare skin. “I’ve missed you, too. It's been way too long.”

“Take this off.” I pulled the gown completely out of my line of sight.

“Kane...” She inhaled sharply as my fingers dipped between her legs, finding her wet and ready.

“I missed you,” she moaned, guiding my other hand to her breast. “I missed this so much.”

I pinched her peak lightly before taking it into my mouth, sucking aggressively as her body arched toward me.

“We both know why we're here,” I smirked, watching her flush as pleasure took over.

“Wait... let me pleasure you first,” she panted, reaching for my belt and quickly pulling my trousers down. “I want you in my mouth.”

“You little tease.” A guttural growl escaped my throat as her warm mouth closed over my cock, her tongue trailing over the tip before pulling me deep into her throat. “You're going to get punished for that.”

“You're so big, Kane,” she whimpered shamelessly as I lifted her onto the mattress and hovered over her. “Fuck me hard.”

Her moans triggered a rush of conflicting thoughts.; memories of my shy one-night stand, lingering rage at my wife for pushing me into another woman's arms, and the raw need to regain control.

‘Concentrate, Kane.’ I thought inwardly.

With one swift motion, I pushed deep inside her hot, wet heat. She cried out instantly as I set a punishing pace, thrusting deeper with every stroke.

“Kane!” she screamed as her orgasm hit her hard.

I rode through her climax until my own release caught up to me, pulsing deep inside her. I buried my face in her neck, chest heaving as sweat rolled down my stomach.

“Fuck,” I swore quietly, catching my breath before pulling out. “I need a shower.”

I walked to the bathroom to clean up, and when I returned, Josephine was propped against the pillows, looking thoroughly spent. A small, satisfied smirk touched my lips, until she spoke.

“We didn't use a condom.”

“It's fine,” I forced out, the words tasting like bile.

Her comment was a stark reminder of my reality. I was infertile.

Whatever risk she thought existed was biologically impossible, thanks to Claudia and Adrian for informing me.

“No, it's not fine. I could get pregnant, Kane. That is not what either of us needs right now,” she groaned in frustration.

My jaw tightened. How was I supposed to tell her that her fears were completely groundless?

Though, now that I thought about it, given Claudia's infidelity, I probably needed to get an STI test myself.

“It's fine,” I repeated quietly.

“No, it isn't,” she said, tapping furiously on her phone. “I'll have my assistant bring up a morning-after pill. That’ll take care of it.”

A heavy silence fell over the room. After a moment, Josephine set her phone aside and studied me closely.

“Why are you really in Italy, Kane?” she asked softly. “And don't try to deflect. I know you didn't fly out just for me. Did something happen between you and Claudia? Because the Kane I know would never step out on his wife. What happened?”

I kept my eyes shut. “I came to see a business associate. It's nothing deep.”

She let out a soft, skeptical laugh. “That might be the official reason, but you and I had a pact six years ago when you got married, that our Friends with benefits ends when we take our vows.” She gestured between us. “Yet here you are, married, ramming me into the mattress... It doesn't add up. Is your marriage over?”

I had always respected Josephine. She wasn't emotional or manipulative; she was self established, rational, and possessed good intuition. I knew I couldn't fool her entirely, so I took the easiest way out.

“Something like that,” I muttered, squinting open one eye. “My marriage is... complicated.” When she opened her mouth to press further, I cut her off. “That's enough questions for tonight. I'm exhausted.”

I placed a brief kiss on her lips, turned away, and closed my eyes until sleep finally claimed me.