Taking Joy

Taking Joy Copyright © January 2009, Jordyn Tracey Cover art by Sugar and Spice Press © January 2009 This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious or used fictitiously. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. Sugar and Spice Press North Carolina, USA www.sugarandspicepress.net

Chapter One “What about dancing?” he suggested. “Dancing?” She cut her eyes over at him, her lip curling. “You’re not talking about the kind of dancing where I take my clothes off while drunk, funky men whistle and call out lewd stuff to me?” He shrugged. “Yeah. So?” “Darren, you done lost your damn mind.” She rolled her eyes at him and scanned her card so she could pass through the turnstile. He trotted behind on her heels. “I’m not taking my clothes off like that for nobody.” “Come on, Joy. Think of our son.” “Our son?” She wanted to punch him in his face or shove him in front of the train just pulling into the station. But where would that get her? In jail, and her baby boy in foster care. Not happening. The doors slid open, patrons exited and she slipped on board before the driver shut the doors. The car, as usual, was packed with bodies, and one or two had skipped their morning shower. The ripe smell of underarms and sweat permeated the air. Joy squirmed through the crowd to find an unclaimed pole to hang onto just as the train pulled off. Darren’s arm moved above her head to grab the pole, and his body pressed hers from behind. She jammed an elbow in his gut. “Damn, Joy.” He shifted to her side, rubbing his stomach. “You didn’t used to be this mean. Back when—” “Don’t start, Darren, please.” She blew out a breath, turning her head away. “Back when I was too stupid and too in love with you to see what a joke you are, is what you should be about to say. You spout off ‘our son,’ but you don’t pay a bit of child support. And you have the nerve to stand there and suggest I get a job dancing. I can’t believe you.” He blanched at the accusing stares of the older women sitting in front of them. “Come on, Joy. Keep your voice down. Everybody don’t need to be in our business.” Joy fell silent studying her baby’s daddy. Looking at Darren with his braids and his jeans hanging off his hips, his shirt hanging open to show his T-shirt, one would never think he was thirty-five. He looked no different than the teenagers she saw on the streets or playing their loud music on the subway. Darren hadn’t held down a job since she first met him. He preferred the easy way to make his money, stealing and hustling. She couldn’t exactly look down on him for that. Back in their days of dating, she hadn’t thought twice about accepting his occasional financial help while he was trying to keep her. He had introduced her to that world, but when Travon came along, that risky lifestyle was the last thing she wanted Travon to see. She just couldn’t

figure out why Darren hadn’t seen the light yet, why his heart didn’t break every time their baby had a need they couldn’t provide for. “Okay, Darren, I admit, you’ve pulled me through some rough times over the years, you and your crazy schemes. But I can’t live like that. Travon deserves better. I do too.” “So what you saying?” She dropped her head, closed her eyes and rubbed them. When she turned to glance in the opposite direction to keep from laying hands on Darren, two men caught her attention. They looked so alike they could be twins. She stood in the middle of the car, and they were at one end. Yet, both of them were staring right at her through a gap in the bodies. They were both smoking hot, black wavy hair like a raven’s wing, one with darker shortcropped hair and the a little longer. Both had dark-colored eyes she couldn’t see clearly from that distance. They dressed like they had money, expensive suits that didn’t even attempt to hide all the tight muscle. She had found white guys hot before in passing, but that was it. These two men made her mouth water, especially the one with the sweet expression and kindness in his eyes. What they were doing slumming on the subway, she couldn’t imagine. Or why they found it necessary to stare at her. She glanced down at her clothes, second hand from the thrift three blocks from her house. Her figure wasn’t all that either. She was a little too wide in the hips, and her hair was a battle for people with more skill and money to tame it. So what did they see? “What you looking at, Joy?” Darren interrupted her reverie. “Nothing.” She turned away from the men. Darren reached out and caught her chin. “Are you telling me you wouldn’t do anything for Travon? That you wouldn’t pick up a job that wasn’t exactly respectable to provide for him?” At that moment, she had this weird feeling, like her answer was of interest to someone other than Darren. She glanced up to find the twins passing by. Her knees went weak. They towered above her, easily six foot five, give or take an inch. She chewed her lip and nearly squawked when one of them grabbed her ass. “Hey!” she shouted. Neither man stopped. They kept walking. The train stopped, and they were gone. She dismissed them, and swung around to face Darren. “Yes, I’ve already proven that I would pick up a job I hate to take care of my son. Speaking of jobs, I lost mine yesterday. Do you have a few dollars so I can make the payment on my phone? Need that to get calls from potential employers.” He scrounged around in his pockets and pulled out a twenty. “Sorry, this is all I’ve got. Everything I’ve worked on for a while has fallen through.” They stepped together off the train and headed up to the street. Downtown was wall to wall people. The only plus Joy could see was that the air was fresher. Somewhat. Now she had to contend with exhaust

fumes, but a breeze blew and birds flitted in the trees across the street at the park. Darren stroked her arm to get her attention. “Look, how about you come do a job for me tonight. It’s small, but you’ll make a hundred.” “A hundred?” She stopped walking. That would pay the phone bill and put a few dollars in her pocket. Maybe she could save a few before child care benefits ended. Things weren’t desperate yet, but they would be if she didn’t get another job, and she knew from experience how bad it could get. She willed away the memories from last summer when social services threatened to take her son. Never again! But the jobs Darren ran weren’t the right way either. “Let me think about it?” He shrugged. “Whatever, Joy. I’m offering you a way out, to make some money. If you don’t do it, I can get someone else.” That pissed her off. “Why the hell can’t you do it and give me the money? He’s your son, too!” Darren backed away, holding his hands out from his sides. “You got my cell number, Joy. Hit me by five. No later.” The crowd swallowed him up. **** Joy strolled through the department store, with the application in her hand, filled out but not turned in. She had worked in a coffee shop and had become addicted to an iced caramel macchiato. How was she going to get her daily fix now? Kavanagh’s was out of her price range—not over the top in prices, but not what she could regularly swing either. She loved the smell, the atmosphere, the marble floors. The dresses even fit over her hips, and were made bigger so she could pretend she wasn’t a size fourteen. “This store was made for me,” she whispered as she flicked through the assortment of thong panties on display. “May I help you, ma’am?” a saleswoman asked behind her. She didn’t bother to turn around, before moving on. “No, thanks.” At that moment, while she teased her fingertips with silks from who knows what country, she had a thought. What was the point of handing over another application to be turned down for lack of experience or because she was inflexible with her hours. She couldn’t be on call, night and day, with no reliable babysitter and no family that could watch Travon— another lesson learned. She had been through too many horrible sitters, even one who had left her son as an infant in the basement while she was upstairs watching her soap operas. Had she not come when she did, he would have choked on his own vomit. Tears filled her eyes remembering. He was older now, and she didn’t have to be as afraid, but that didn’t stop the emotion from rising, threatening to consume her from time to time. She needed a better plan than that,

maybe one that would help her to make enough money to take some time off and attend school. When she ran her hand over the dresses for the second time, she stopped. Kavanagh’s had security guards and cameras, but she knew for a fact that the guys sometimes got to watching women more than they watched what was happening. And when she got a whiff of the too flowery perfume that had just sailed by on the guards’ favorite ass to ogle, temptation got the better of Joy. She moved to the bras. Every one was over ten bucks, but they had the kind that were stylish without that awful underwire that bit into one of her sides. She fingered the lace while watching the beauty. Just as she expected, the camera in this section rotated. The security officer in the back room was probably already jacking off. “This is wrong,” she told herself. “I shouldn’t even think about it. I’m not like Darren. I don’t want this life for Travon.” But her fingers still slid the nearest bra into her purse. She didn’t even know if it was her size. Her stomach fluttering, she followed the woman to the jewelry section. Bells and alarms in her own head told her to leave right now, but she resisted. She checked the camera, and just like before, it turned to follow the woman. A flip of her blonde hair, pouting pink lips, and the guard in this area zipped to her side to chat her up. Joy swallowed hard. This area was trickier. There were two cameras and the guard. Besides that, the best stuff was locked behind a counter. Kavanagh’s had become famous for their exquisite jewelry at affordable prices, even the real stuff. Joy nearly chewed her lip off taking in the gold and silver. With any one of them, she could buy groceries and pay the phone bill. She could even get Travon some new clothes that weren’t hand-me-downs. Walk away, Joy. The sales girl took out two trays of jewelry and sat them on the counter. Pouty Blonde began fussing about their quality while the woman rolled her eyes and turned to help another person. Joy slipped on sunglasses and moved to look in the mirror closer to the counter. The guard was practically drooling. “How does this look on me?” the blonde woman asked the guard. “Perfect.” Joy tried not to gag. She put the glasses back and moved as casually as she could manage to the watches. These would sell okay, she knew. They weren’t too expensive, thirty or forty, but it was something. She considered settling for two or three, and then the guard was called away. The phone rang, and the salesgirl answered with her back to the trays. Joy couldn’t believe her luck. She hurried over, and when Miss Thing wasn’t looking, Joy stuffed a few rings and bracelets in her pockets. Only after she was halfway to the front door did she remember the camera.

No! Please, no! The camera was always trained on the woman. Snatching what she had right next to the woman insured she had been seen. Her throat dried, and she could already see the prison doors slamming shut and Child Protective Services taking her son. Her vision blurred. She leaned against a counter and rubbed her forehead. Maybe if she threw her purse away... No, it had her ID in it and her fingerprints. All the police had to do was run them. Years ago, she had worked as a janitor in a secure building. All employees had to give their fingerprints and take drug tests. Her information was sure to be on file somewhere, just waiting for her to screw up. While she stood there wondering what to do, someone walked up behind her. A hand rested familiarly on her waist, and a deep voice whispered in her ear. “You want to come with me?” She wanted to say no and run, but her legs wouldn’t work. He propelled her forward. She shuffled along too shocked to resist, her brain befuddled. Instead of the security office like she expected to await the police, he led her down a hall and up a short flight of stairs. Back here, the store was even nicer. They spared no expense in the wall hangings, the plush carpet and the richly appointed office. Oh no! The man was taking her to the big boss! Still behind her, he moved his hands to her shoulders and pushed her into a seat. She sat ramrod straight, hearing the door click closed behind her. When the man came into view and sat down, she thought she would hurl. The bad twin sat across from her. Or rather, the man from the subway who had the darker looks of the two. He smiled. “Hello.” She couldn’t find her voice. “Not talking?” The man was too handsome for her own good. Upon closer inspection, she found he had violet eyes. She’d never seen such a color in a man’s eyes. He had long black lashes so thick women must cry with jealousy over them. But instead of the kindness she had seen in his brother, there was only coldness in this one. He reared back in his chair and tapped his fingers on the desk, with the other hand across his mouth. He appeared to be considering his next words, but something told her he had already worked out what he would say, and what he would do to her. She held onto consciousness with supreme effort. “I—” He held up a hand. “No, no, let me. You didn’t mean to do it. A demon just took hold of you. A friend coerced you, perhaps the loser from the subway who tried to get you to dance for him.” She gasped. “You don’t know me.” “No?”

“N-No.” She hated the stutter. It signaled to him that his scare tactic would work. Perhaps it was her imagination, but the man looked bigger, his shoulders wider than they had seemed on the train. The only mercy was that he was sitting down. She had thought too soon. He stood and moved around his desk to perch on the edge. Now, he towered over her. His taut thigh muscle crowded her, the bulge at his crotch even more so. “A-Are you going to call the police?” Better to get right to it. “You have a son. Travon, isn’t it?” She choked back a scream. He went on. “He’s three. No other family, deadbeat dad whose way of paying child support is getting you into things you don’t want to get into. You’ve had a string of jobs, none lasting long, because you’re in the tragic situation of having no higher education, no skills and the only positions you land want you to work hours that eventually clash with your ability to get a babysitter. Am I close?” “Um...” What the hell was she to say? He could not have guessed all of that or found it out in the moments after she grabbed the jewelry, could he? He leaned over and tipped up her chin when she would have stared down at her clenched hands for the duration of the meeting. “Final nail in your coffin...If you go to jail, there will be no one to care for your young son. You thought two weeks of not having him last year was hard. This would be far worse.” She sobbed, great hulking ones that had her bent in half and clutching her stomach. He pulled her to her feet and crushed her to his chest. His lips descended along her neck, and his hands were too possessive at her waist. “You have to ask yourself what Darren asked you in the subway car just this morning, Joy. What are you willing to do for Travon?”

Chapter Two What makes a man forget everything, all his plans, his business and family—everything— when he sees a woman who is not unusual in any way, but she strikes him so hard in his gut, that he must possess her? Keane asked himself that question every day since he first saw her in his store. He had left a customer in midsentence and followed Joy. He had learned her name and then done a background check to find out more about her. He had even dragged his brother with him on the subway. Not for Nolan to get a look at Joy, but to have their morning meeting while Keane could at the same time soak in her sweet face. Nolan had spotted her all on his own, and he too had been stunned by the sexy black beauty. Keane knew he needed to make his move. He had seized everything in his life with violence, with skill, with cunning—whatever was necessary. Taking Joy wouldn’t be any different, he decided. But when she waltzed into Kavanagh’s and began to steal, his carefully laid plans went out the window. Here was his chance to make her his. She smelled incredible. He wanted to forget everything he had to do today and just mount her, ram his rod deep in her wet box until he found his release. He did everything he could not to stroke her round ass, but he looked to his fill. She was already his. She just didn’t know it yet. Hiding his lust so he wouldn’t overplay his hand, he pushed her down in the chair but scooted her close. Her legs were trapped between his, and he was satisfied to find her gaze dropping to his crotch. Damn, how he loved controlling people. They were so easy to manipulate, even Nolan. All of them needed to get what he had learned years ago. If you don’t give a shit about anyone or anything, no one can get the upper hand over you. “So, Joy, I’m going to ask you again. What will you do to keep Travon, to ensure he has all he needs?” Spotting a diamond bracelet poking out of her pocket, he reached for it and held it up in front of her. “You’ve already proven you will steal.” Her shoulders quaked, and tears rolled down her cheeks, but she didn’t utter a word. He took in her appearance, shoulder-length black hair, huge brown eyes, thick lips. Those particularly interested him. He’d bet his right nut they tasted sweet. He could suck on them while he took her. She squeaked, and he focused on her eyes. She’d noticed him growing out from his thoughts. Again, he didn’t want to overplay his hand. He adjusted his slacks to minimize the view, which wasn’t easy. He was brick hard, and focusing on her breasts, the creamy caramel skin visible at her cleavage wasn’t helping the matter. “Joy?” “I...You seem to have all the answers,” she muttered with a little spark despite the circumstances. “You tell me what you want. It’s obviously not to send me to jail. What do you want, to see what it’s like to fuck a black woman, fulfill your fantasies?”

He grinned and caressed her cheek. To her credit, she didn’t pull away. “I’ve fucked many black women in my time, women of different races.” He waved a dismissive hand. “A beautiful woman is a beautiful woman. But you’re close. I want you...more than once.” Her mouth fell open, and her eyes widened. For the first time, she looked him in the eyes, hers full of shock. Then it turned to anger. She jumped to her feet, close enough to brush her breasts on his chest. He groaned to unsettle her. The chair thumped to its side on the floor in her haste to move away. “Who the hell do you think you are? I’m not a common whore. You can’t just proposition me like that.” She dug in her pockets and yanked out all the stolen goods. His eyebrow slid skyward when she opened her purse and tugged out a lacy bra. From the looks of it, all she was blessed with would never have fit in there. He had to draw his thoughts back from the visual it produced in his mind. “There’s all your stuff. Now I’m leaving.” She turned toward the door. “No, I don’t think so.” He slid from the desk and crossed the space between his desk and the door in two strides. When she would have slung the door open, he banged it closed and trapped her between the solid wood and his body. Her ass brushed his thighs. He resisted dipping his knees to bring his erection in contact with her ass. That would be too much right now. He had to keep control while he worked her into giving in to him. But he did kiss her neck, and he breathed in the strawberries and melon she had used, maybe in a body wash that morning. The little pleasures women indulge in no matter how bad things get. His palms flat, he slid them along the side of her body, from her thighs, to her hips, to her waist on up to her breasts. He knew women, and he hadn’t yet met one he couldn’t seduce. Joy’s nipples had already drawn up to a tempting pucker. “I have a video tape of what you did, Joy,” he whispered in her ear. She sniffled. “Oh, no.” “Yes.” He nibbled her earlobe. “I will keep it in my vault as long as you agree to be my mistress.” “Mistress! How dare—” He covered her mouth with his hand, forcibly but not hard enough to hurt her. His tactics had never hurt a woman physically, unless she liked it rough during sex, but abuse was for weak men. “Let’s not get into a shouting match, Joy. Suffice it to say you are in my snare. You will become my mistress. To anyone observing us, you’re happy to be mine until I release you. Is that clear?”

She shook trying not to let loose the curses she wanted to rain on his head, but he was confident she understood he meant what he said at all times. If not, she would learn. When she was calmer, he uncovered her mouth. “I’m not the only woman you’ve done this to, am I?” she questioned him. “You’re incapable of just meeting a woman and asking for a date. You have to dominate her, force her against her will.” He moved back and flipped her around to face him. He took in her figure slowly. Damn it, I need her right now. But no, not yet. Control. “Are you trying to shame me into letting you go, Joy? Sorry, others have tried, even my brother. It doesn’t work.” “You mean your twin?” He laughed. “So you remember us from the train?” That pleased him. “Nolan isn’t my twin. I’m three years older.” He shuddered. “He’s the good one.” “Yes, and you’re the evil one!” she quipped. “You’ve got a lot of spunk. I like that.” He ran a fingertip down the side of her face. “So long as you never try to humiliate me in front of others with that tongue of yours. One, it won’t work, and two, you will pay for it dearly.” He caught the look of terror in her eyes, knowing she was imagining he would beat her. Let her think so for now. He liked to think he was cleverer about thinking up ways to make a person regret crossing him. “So I don’t have a choice at all,” she admitted. “You are going to force me to sleep with you.” He couldn’t wait. Lowering his head to hers, he watched her reaction. Her eyes drooped closed, and she probably didn’t notice but her head went back. Just like he suspected, her lips were sweet. He traced them with the tip of his tongue. She gasped, stifling a moan. Trailing kisses along her jaw, he caught her neck in a light grip. “Don’t,” she whispered. “Don’t what? Please you?” He chuckled. She was perfect! He’d take it slow, torment his body with longing for her, and when he felt he couldn’t bare it another second, he would spread her legs and take what he wanted. But there wasn’t a doubt in his mind that she would welcome him there and scream through several orgasms before he was done. Allowing her a little distance, he enjoyed watching her rearrange her clothing. He stifled a laugh when she tried to cover the telltale sign that she wasn’t immune to him. If he could run a finger inside her panties, he knew they would be soaked. But going that far at this point would blow his resolve to take it slow.

“Do we have an agreement, Joy?” “You know we do,” she snapped. “What do you want me to do, meet you at a hotel whenever you call me? What about when I get a job and I have to work? Will you interfere with that? I have to make a living.” He turned and walked across to his desk to sit down. When he looked up, he found her watching expectantly. He patted his lap and lifted his eyebrows. Her lips bunched, and she moved to sit as close to the edge on his leg as possible. He hefted her back until her ass was wedged against his dick, but her back remained ramrod straight. “You don’t understand how it works with me, Joy, but I will explain it. First, my name is Keane Kavanagh. The woman in my life is dedicated to me. She does not hold down a job or her own home.” “What?” She tried to get out of his hold. He tightened an arm around her waist, not flexing his muscle much. “I’m not giving up my life or my place,” she snapped. “It’s not that much.” “It’s mine!” He gritted his teeth. Before he could say more, a knock sounded at his door and Nolan walked in without waiting for his answer. “Keane, I . . . oh.” He stopped, and Keane had the satisfaction of seeing recognition in his brother’s eyes followed by desire. Good. Let him look. Let him want what he couldn’t have. “Sorry, didn’t know you were busy. Should I come back?” “No, come in.” Keane dragged a chair over next to his and deposited Joy in it. His look told her to stay, and she chafed under the silent command. For his brother’s benefit, he ran a hand up her thigh, stopping just short of her heat. Desire threatened to engulf him. He breathed it in along with her tangy scent. “This is Joy.” His introduction was off hand while he searched for the papers he knew Nolan was after. He had tucked them in his desk drawer. While he opened it, every sense was alive to the interaction between Nolan and Joy. She peeped at him through her lashes. He could see the wheels turning. Could he be her salvation from this situation, she thought. “Hello,” she muttered. “I—” “She’s mine,” Keane interrupted, tossing files over the jewelry and bra his brother hadn’t spotted in his surprise at finding Joy there. Nolan chuckled good-naturedly. “Whoa big brother, okay. You always did move fast. Didn’t we see you on the train this morning, Joy? Anyway, nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too.” She slipped from her chair, headed closer to Nolan. “Sit down, Joy,” Keane commanded. Both of them turned to stare at him, but she didn’t move. “I said sit down.” He opened another drawer and pulled out several video tapes, shuffling through them. A few reinforcements of his seriousness would bring her around. At sight of the tapes, she paled behind her soft caramel skin and slipped back into her seat with a tight smile for his brother. That was better. They needed a little alone time for it to sink in what he wanted from her. “Here are the papers, Nolan. If there’s nothing else, Joy and I have things to discuss.” His brother ignored him. “So what kind of work do you do, Joy? Where from?” “I . . .” She glanced at Keane. He leaned back in his chair and crossed one leg over the other. She frowned. She’d fight him, he thought. Most women gave into him quickly, especially when they knew he would be generous with them. He eyed Joy’s clothing. Second-hand. No more of that, and he would take care of her son, too. He’d need to get them tickets to travel with him next week. “I’m from the eastside,” she said. “I did work at a coffee house until yesterday morning.” She blushed. “My boss and I saw things differently.” His brother, ever the employee liaison, even when it wasn’t his employee, offered advice and a card or two of someone to call for help. Keane lost patience. He stood and moved between the two, heading for the door. One swift glare at Joy let her know what he expected. He strolled out the door, listening for her. The chair scraped. She offered apologies and was soon at his side. “You’re disgusting and rude.” “You want me almost as much as I want you,” he stated flatly, his hands behind his back. For some reason, it pleased him to be rude to her. He normally charmed, made a woman pleased to follow his leading, his ordering of her life. “If you want gagging niceness, look to Nolan. He’s got it in droves.” “Maybe I will.” Her hand inched to her waist, and her head rocked on her neck. He pulled her into a copy room and flattened his body to hers against the wall. “Don’t do that! I don’t like it.” Brown innocent eyes widened in fear. “Don’t do what?” “Don’t do that head thing. It turns me off.” “You don’t want me to be me, but you can be an asshole?” At her bold words, his humor returned. “You can be you, but not that part of you. Don’t do it. And also, when I said look to Nolan, I meant you can be friends with him if that’s what you like, but there can’t be more.”

“What?” He kissed her and took her arm to continue down the hall. Ignoring her sullen expression and her occasional questions, he ran down what they needed to accomplish before their trip. It took her until he had tucked her into his car and was speeding down the road in the direction of her apartment before she realized what he implied. “We’re flying somewhere?” “What have I been saying all this time, Joy?” He sighed. “Nolan and I have this gathering at our home on Cooper Island.” “Cooper Island?” Her eyes grew round with awe. He grinned. “And if I am going to have you properly prepared, we need to get started.” He would need to hire a nanny to go also, but he wouldn’t mention that to her just yet. She would freak. He wasn’t one for patience in the face of waiting on other people, but Joy would need to adjust to her new life and do it quickly.

Chapter Three He was crazy as crazy could get. Joy stared down at the credit card Keane had slapped in her hand and the driver he had left at her disposal for carrying her bags and spiriting her from store to store. While he meant to hang over her shoulder, approving or vetoing every little item she chose, he had been called away to solve some crisis. She had been dumbfounded to find he owned two other companies along with Kavanagh’s, and that store had a slew of stores in Europe that she knew of. He and Nolan really had been slumming it on the train. Her mind shouted run! Just throw his card in the trash, grab her baby and get out of town. Glancing at the man waiting on her with the serene look of a well-paid employee on his face, she considered how to dump him. “Um, could you wait right here?’ she asked. “I have to use the bathroom. That pinked his cheeks. He nodded, and she took off through the wracks of clothing, every one of them expensive. Why Keane hadn’t taken her to his store to shop she didn’t know. Spotting a desk with a phone at a middle of the floor register, she glanced around. She bent down as if she intended to check her shoelaces, but instead snapped up the phone, punched out Darren’s number and crouched down on the floor. He answered in five rings. “Darren!” She peeked out from behind the desk. No one had noticed yet. “Hey, baby. You ready to work for me? I got it all set up for you, because I knew you would be too desperate to give up this chance. No offense.” “Darren, shut up!” she growled. “Look, I’m in trouble.” She decided not to tell him what she did to give Keane a hold over her. “Don’t ask for details, but I need to get out of town fast.” She checked the area again, and then dropped her gaze to the credit card. “Do you know how to get funds from a credit card? I’ve been given permission to shop with it, but how can I get cash?” “Damn, girl, what you been up to in the two hours since we last talked?” He complained, but she heard the excitement in his voice. That meant he did know how to get the money. Her stomach turned at stealing yet again, but to silence her conscious, she had only to remind herself of how Keane had manhandled her, had forced her to agree to be his lover. She was grateful they hadn’t gotten to anything physical. She hated for him to know that despite his meanness, she was attracted to him. “Must come from being hard up for a man,” she muttered. “Yeah, I can help you,” Darren said. “Meet me tomorrow at—” “Today, Darren. Right now. I told you I’m in trouble.” He hemmed and hawed. “Miss?” A saleslady was on her way over. Damn it!

“All right, but it’s going to cost you big time, Joy. After I get you the money you need, I get the credit card.” “Darren, I don’t think—” “That’s the deal. Take it or leave it.” “I’ll take it.” She told him where to meet her and slammed the phone down. **** When Darren placed five thousand dollars in Joy’s hand, she swayed. The world appeared to tilt on its axis, and she thought her stomach would empty on the concrete where they stood part way in an alley. “Oh goodness.” Tears wet her face. “I’ve become a criminal, and there’s no turning back. What kind of mother am I that I would do this, that I would be this kind of influence on my son?” “The kind that takes care of business, Joy.” Darren pulled her into an embrace, shocking her. “You have to do what’s best for Travon. Girl, I love you. No matter what we’ve been through or what happens in either of our lives. Joy, I still care about you. Maybe I should—” “No.” She hugged him back. “I care about you too, Darren. I guess I always will, but like I said, I can’t go back. When I get to wherever it is I’m going, I’m starting over the right way. I’m not doing this illegal stuff anymore. It’s not me, and it’s not going to be what Travon is about either.” With a toothy grin, he suggested, “What if I said I would walk away from my business interests and get a job that’s legit?” “You’d by lying.” She swiped her tears away. “Or you’d be back to it inside a month. Now, give your son a kiss, and we’re getting out of here before...before the guy who gave me that credit card figures out I don’t intend on giving it back.” Darren eyed her. “You always did have the men looking at you, willing to do anything to get you, Joy. I think it must be the ass.” She laughed. “Go to hell, Darren. And thanks for everything.” He hugged her again. “Keep in touch.” She nodded, but Darren had never been into his son. He showed him affection only in passing, and only if he thought it would be a bonus with Joy. She didn’t hate him for it although she should. Just like she knew, Darren had come through in a real pinch. Now, hopefully guilt wouldn’t eat her up inside while she tried to rebuild her life and not make anymore stupid, costly mistakes. ****

Joy held tight to her son’s hand and hurried into the bus station. Her heart pounded in her ears making it hard to hear, and every white guy looked like he might be working for Keane. Her mouth dry, she had to swallow and force the words needed to purchase her and her son’s bus tickets from the agent at the counter. “Three hours,” she complained. “Don’t you have anything leaving sooner? I have to get out of here. My aunt is sick, and I want to be there with her.” Okay, that lie had been uncalled for. She ran a hand over her brow. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but that’s all we have leaving before five.” The woman may have apologized, but Joy saw no compassion in her wan face. Her eyes were already drifting past Joy to the next customer in line. She sighed. “Okay, I’ll take it. Two please.” After allowing Travon to snack on chips from the vending machine and fall asleep to her reading him his favorite book several times, it was finally time to board the bus. Joy stood and searched the area around her, then moved to the doors where her bus was boarding. She didn’t breathe a sigh of relief until they were a good ten miles down the road. By two in the morning, she nodded off to sleep with her hand resting on Travon’s back. A sudden jerk brought her out of her slumber. She sat up, stretched and yawned. The bus’ breaks squealed, and the vehicle came to a full stop. Joy glanced out the window and noted the lonely stretch of highway where they had pulled over. Flashes of light lit the night. Had the driver been speeding and been pulled over for it? They had a schedule to keep. He should have known better. The doors whooshed open, and the driver stepped off the bus. The other passengers craned their necks to see what was going on. For a few minutes, the driver spoke with the state trooper, and then he walked around to unlock the undercarriage. “Oh snap,” a guy in the next see mumbled. “Think somebody’s being pulled off here. Damn, I hope it’s not me.” Joy’s chest constricted. No, not this soon. Impossible. The driver hopped on the first step and poked his head over the railing at the front. “Joy Reid?” Her throat closed. “Y-Yes?” She coughed and spoke louder. “Here.” He gestured. “Can you step off the bus a minute, please?” She considered taking Travon with her but left him in place in case this was all a big misunderstanding. Yeah right. Like that was what was happening here. The trooper didn’t look happy. He looked like he’d rather be at home on this chilly night, snuggled up with his wife or girlfriend.

“I’m Joy Reid,” she mumbled. He took her arm and led her a little way away from the driver. “I’ve been ordered to take you in for questioning regarding a robbery. Do you know anything about that?” She swayed. He caught her before she fell over on her face. “I-I.” What was she going to say? Keane had been serious, and probably even more ticked off if he had discovered her use of his credit card. She had made things a hell of a lot worse than they had been. Stupid mistakes. That’s what her life was, one after another. And as evil as Keane was, he had offered her an out. Unless he beat her, it would not have been all bad being his lover, surely. The man was the sexiest thing she’d ever laid eyes on. And his brother was a delicious carbon copy. “I don’t want to go to jail,” she cried. “My son—” The trooper turned away. “If you could bring her child and the rest of her things off the bus,” he said to the driver, “I won’t hold you up any longer.” The driver disappeared inside the bus and returned carrying Travon and her carryon bag. Joy snatched him up in her arms and held him in a tight grip. He whined, and she stroked his back, easing her hold. He fell asleep again. The bus soon pulled off down the road taking her freedom with it. She’d kill herself. If they took Travon, she couldn’t survive. She just couldn’t. Herded into the trooper’s car like the criminal she was, Joy prayed for a way out. She trembled and cried all the way back to the station with thoughts of a jail cell closing in front of her and hearing Travon cry for her all the way. Twice she thought she would throw up, but she swallowed until her stomach settled. At the station, the trooper led her into a barren room with a table and four chairs and nothing much else. She had assumed TV had made it worse than it was in real life. They got it right, at least for this area. With Travon curled on her lap and her arms and back aching, they left her there for almost two hours. At four in the morning, the door opened. A woman entered in a wrinkled grey suit. Joy saw Child Protective Services, jumped to her feet and screamed. “No, you’re not taking my son from me. I’d rather die! No!” The woman’s bloodshot eyes grew round, obscuring the bags beneath them. “Please calm down, Ms. Reid. I’m not from Child Protective Services. I work for the Kavanagh brothers. More specifically, Keane Kavanagh.” Joy sank down in the chair. Her arms went slack, and Travon slid lower. She struggled to hoist him higher despite the fact that her strength was just about used up. The woman held out her arms, but Joy shrank away. “I’ve got him. So Keane has found me,” she grumbled. “Is he pressing charges? Is that why I’m arrested.”

“You’re not under arrest.” The woman laid a folder on the table, flipped it open and pulled out two tickets. “These are your plane tickets.” She held up two little blue books. “These are your passports. You will get into the car waiting for you outside and will be driven to the airport, where you will board a plane to Tortola.” Joy’s eyebrows went up. “Totola?” The woman nodded. “You have to fly there first, and then you will be driven to Road Town, then take a boat to Cooper Island. Mr. Kavanagh has arranged all points of your trip as well as your meals. Now, are you ready to go?” So he hadn’t given up on her. Of course not. She should have known better. A man like Keane seemed to be would not let a woman get the best of him. For him to let her go to jail meant that he had failed to control her, to manipulate her into obeying him. She stood and clenched her jaw. If he thought she would be some docile thing that jumped to attention every time he snapped his fingers, his ass had another thought coming. “Yes, I’m ready,” she said. “I’ll go.”

Chapter Four Joy woke up to the lap of luxury. A young woman stood in her room opening the blinds. When she felt Joy watching her, she turned, clasped her hands together and smiled. “Good morning, Ms. Reid. I am one of the maids who works here when Mr. Kavanagh is in residence. My name is Bette. If there’s anything you need, just tell me.” Joy gaped. “One of the maids?” Bette gestured toward the closet. “I’ve hung the outfit you’re to wear today on the back of the closet door, and everything you’ll need for your shower is waiting in the bathroom. If you prefer baths, just let me know, and I’ll run it for you whenever you like.” Her outfit? Joy pushed back the sheet covering her and stood on bare feet. She hadn’t questioned the nightgown lying across her bed when she arrived, because she was too exhausted. But the outfit hanging on the closet door was most certainly not hers. She crossed the floor to the closet and opened it to find one side filled with clothes. She blinked. It was a small department store. “These aren’t mine.” Bette moved up beside her. “Mr. Kavanagh bought them.” “When did he have the time? I mean I just . . .” She stopped, not feeling like divulging her hair-brained scheme of robbing him blind and trying to hightail it across the country. Suffice it to say the rich could do whatever the hell they wanted to and get away with it, including commissioning a state trooper to pick her up on suspicion of robbery, but not press charges. Resentment built inside her. “Thanks, Bette. I think I have everything.” The woman nodded and quietly left the room. Joy waited until the door closed, and then she hung the cute little dress back in the closet. Not without regret though, because Keane had serious taste. She would have looked great in that outfit. But if she was going to keep her individuality and her independence in the face of this situation, she had to make her stand now. And that meant choosing what she would wear from one day to the next. She strolled over to her bag to find it empty. Checking in a few dresser drawers revealed her things, and she was grateful Keane hadn’t commanded that they be burned. She tugged a faded T-shirt and ratty jean shorts from the pile and tossed them on the bed. After her shower, where she had been happily surprised to find her favorite body wash, she dressed and walked down the hall to the room where Travon had been put. She hadn’t liked being so far from him, but had been too tired to argue when they arrived. She’d get the rooms changed as soon as possible. Travon wasn’t in his room, and his bed had already been made. Half-panicking, Joy rushed inside and searched for him in his private bathroom. He wasn’t there. When she ran down the hall shouting for him, she careened into a powerful chest and would have fallen except that strong arms encircled her. She glanced up to find Keane frowning down at her.

“Where’s my son?” He took his time answering, and she absorbed his appearance. Classy casual in a collared shirt, unbuttoned at the throat enough to show off the top of his tanned chest and slacks that hugged his narrow hips and defined his hard shaft. He leaned down to kiss her, and she turned her head. He forced it back and covered her mouth with his. Despite herself, she felt a tingle course through her body, but he didn’t linger. The kiss was more of a quick greeting than a seduction. “You’re not wearing the outfit I selected for you.” “Where the fuck is my son, damn it?” She put her hands on her hips and was tempted to rock her head side to side, but resisted. No sense antagonizing him when she didn’t know where Travon was. One side of Keane’s mouth rose, like he could guess her thoughts. “He’s in the dining room having his lunch.” “He likes—” she began. Keane spun her back toward her room, holding her elbow in a firm grip. “Travon was clear about what he wanted to eat. My cook has complied. Don’t worry.” She had thought Travon would be nervous being in a strange house, but apparently he was doing just fine. She wondered what Keane had bribed him with. “Well, I need to get him dressed.” “He’s also dressed.” She frowned. “Who helped him?” Keane remained suspiciously silent. She stared at him and refused to budge past the doorway until he gave her some answers. He didn’t seem to be intimidated by her stance at all. He strolled over to the closet and brought out the original outfit. “Change, Joy, and we will discuss everything in the dining room. I held off having my lunch until you woke up, and I’m starved.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I already have on what I’m wearing today, and you are not picking out my clothes, nor are you choosing which ones I wear on which day. I hope you saved your receipt on that stuff, because I’m not wearing it.” He opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off. “Oh, and another thing, don’t bother threatening me with jail, because I can already tell you’re in it to win dominance over me. You won’t turn me in, because it would mean you lost. But you can bet your ass I’m not going to be bossed around by you or anybody else.”

For a minute, he didn’t say anything. And then he went to the phone on the dresser. He picked it up and pressed a button. He waited and then spoke. “Bette, bring me a pair of scissors to Joy’s room, please. Thank you.” Joy eyed him warily. She stepped out of the doorway when Bette arrived, and considered running behind her when the maid left, but Bette pulled the door closed. Keane crossed to where she was and stood in front of her. “Don’t ever assume that I won’t do anything. I can just as easily put you in jail, and have your son taken away. Then turn around and get you out later to serve as my mistress. I would still win, as you put it.” At his words, fear took hold of her. How could she have thought for a second she could outsmart this man? The coldness, the lack of a heart was there in his eyes. She’d forgotten. He poised the scissors at the base of her T-shirt. She tried to pull away, but the scissors were sharp. They sliced through the worn material like it was mere strings. Her shirt fell in pieces on the floor, and she covered her breasts with her palms although she wore a bra. An old one. Keane held up the scissors. “Every stitch of clothing you brought with you will follow that shirt, and you can walk around stark naked for all I care. But you will not wear anything other than what I choose.” “You’re being unreasonable. How about I wear the clothes you bought, but I choose what I wear?” He aimed the scissors at her shorts. She squawked and shuffled over to the dresser. At least he wasn’t forcing her to wear the gorgeous bra and panty sets she’d spotted in the dresser. She wanted to though. The silk had felt like heaven under her fingers earlier. “You can choose your bra and panties,” he said. “Matching.” She let her shoulders slump. She thought she was in for another fight, to get him not to look while she changed her underwear, but the door opened and closed. When she turned around, he was gone. **** Keane fell back against the wall outside Joy’s room, panting and struggling to gain control of himself. He could not believe how excited he got cutting that T-shirt off of her. And the sight of her breasts pushing at the material of her bra had him salivating. He imagined how she would look those bikini panties he had bought her. He drug in a deep breath, ran a hand through his hair and adjusted his slacks. If he had stayed in there while she pulled her bra and panties off, he would not have been able to keep from throwing her on the bed and taking what was his.

Sexual frustration made him grumpy. He should have moved her into his room right away, should not have vowed to himself to hold off. He never had before. But taking her now, today, wouldn’t be the right time. Not yet, but soon. When she understood this was her life until he tired of her. Maybe that was the real reason why he hesitated. Every woman he’d been with had eventually bored him silly. He wanted it to last a little while with Joy. If that meant holding her at arm’s length a little longer, so be it. Who knew, maybe she was stronger than she seemed, and she’d take months to break to his will. He grinned as he strolled down the hall. One could only hope. In the dining room doorway, he paused to watch Joy’s son shovel eggs and sausage in his mouth. It was well after one in the afternoon, but he had told Joy the truth about Travon voicing his desires. Keane had to give it to him. The kid was bold. And handsome. Keane frowned. Travon was the spitting image of his father, only having Joy’s warm brown eyes. He sighed and entered the room. She would fight him over the nanny, which he didn’t mind. But how far would she take it? “Mrs. Studivant?” He greeted the older woman in her late fifties as he took his seat. “If you’re finished your meal, you can take a break. I will get someone to find you when we’re ready to hand over Travon.” She nodded, but said nothing, wiped Travon’s greasy lips and stood up. At the door, she nearly bumped into Joy as she was entering, a maid having directed her. Keane crooked his finger, and the maid stepped into the room to await Joy’s food order. He stopped to watch Joy cross the room. Just as he knew she would, she looked amazing in the white sundress. The surplice-bodice with spaghetti straps showed off her creamy brown cleavage, and the mid-thigh length gave him a great view of her legs. He watched her hips sway and uttered a low sigh when she sat down. She drew Travon onto her lap and kissed his round cheeks until he protested. Keane suppressed a chuckle and cleared his throat. “Joy, what would you like to eat?” She glanced up as if she had forgotten he was there, but in the way she held her son close he knew she hadn’t. She frowned, made a simple request and he waved the maid away. “We need to talk.” Her expression told him she was weary of hearing from him. He ignored it. “I’ve hired a nanny for Travon. Her name is Mrs. Studivant, and it’s she who got him dressed. Now—” “Hell no.” He frowned. “Excuse me?” “You heard me. You don’t get to decide a damn thing concerning my son. Period. You have me. You don’t get Travon.” “Don’t you think you need to watch how you speak around him?”

She gaped. “You are lecturing me on morals? You’ve got to be kidding me. When you’ve basically forced me to—” She stopped and kissed her son again. She placed him back in his chair, and the boy attacked the rest of his food. When he had finished, he jumped to his feet. “Ma, can I go down to the beach?” His big brown eyes rounded. “No, Travon, not by yourself.” She cleaned his mouth and hands. “Later we’ll go. Maybe after I finish eating and get some things settled with Mr. Kavanagh.” Travon turned to him. “Keane, can we go?” Joy sputtered. “Travon Reid, I said not right now. I tell you what you can and can’t do. You hear me?” His head lowered. “Yes, Ma. Well can I go on my balcony in my room?” She sighed. “You can look through the doors in your room. Don’t go out.” He scurried out of the room, and Keane soon heard his stomping feet running up the stairs. So this was how it was with children in the house. Noise. He shuddered, not sure he liked it. But Joy came with a child. He’d have to deal with it if he wanted her. A maid entered with their food. Joy thanked her and proceeded to shift her food around on her plate. Keane tucked into his with relish. He was starving, being used to eating right on the dot at noon. After some time, she stilled her fork and pinned him with a disgusted look. “So you’ve already charmed my son, in the short time we’ve been here. What did you do, promise him all the toys he could ever play with? I know I can’t give him much, but I give him all my love. And that’s enough.” He sensed her hurt at Travon’s reaction to him. In truth, he hadn’t bribed the boy, hadn’t said much beyond telling him this house was his and that Travon and his mother would be staying for a while. Possibly despite his age, he knew the instability they had lived in. “I didn’t bribe him. And I will not interfere with your raising him. I hired Mrs. Studivant to care for him when I want you with me at an event that does not allow children. If you want to do the day to day caring for him, like dressing him and getting him to meals, that’s fine.” She rolled her eyes. “Thanks for your permission. You know what you can kiss, right?” He let his gaze travel slowly from her lips to her breasts. “I know what I want to kiss.” A vision of her ass in the bikini panties rolled into his mind. Mm, that too. She squirmed. His words had gotten to her. She dropped her fork noisily on the plate and stood. “I’ve suddenly lost my appetite.” When she strolled around the table, he caught her arm ready to pull her onto his lap.

A noise from the hall and his brother calling out to him caught his attention. He frowned and led Joy out to the foyer. The sexy brunette just sliding out of her coat to hand to a maid turned and caught sight of him. “Keane!” she squealed and ran over to throw her body against his. She drew his head down to kiss him, and before he knew it she had pushed her tongue into his mouth. His shaft tightened painfully before he could extricate himself from Lydia’s hold. Joy gaped at first, and then a slow smile spread across her face. She pivoted away from him and moved to link her arm with Nolan’s. “Hey, Nolan. What’s up? Good to see you. I hope you’ll be free to show me around your island while I’m here.” Nolan, the sap, was sucked in. “Of course. I’d love that.” They strolled arm in arm out the front door like Nolan hadn’t just arrived. Keane did not like his plans thwarted. Someone was going to be put in their place quickly, and it would start with his younger brother!

Chapter Five Joy lay on the beach digging in the sand with Travon. She had to admit, this island was incredible. Nolan had promised to take her around on a tour, but then Keane had dragged him off to what she assumed was a home office from equipment she’d spied in there. He was probably ticked off, but it served him right. He didn’t own her, and apparently he had enough women. She scooped up a pile of sand on the tiny red shovel and dumped it where Travon instructed her for their sand castle. The structure was coming along fine, if a little on the crumbly and unrecognizable side. She wasn’t the most talented person at sand castles. Her mind returned to Keane. She wondered who the woman was that had thrown herself on him. Her tongue had gone down his throat so fast it wasn’t funny, and Joy told herself she didn’t give a damn. She was glad. Hopefully the skinny bitch would keep his attention off her, and maybe she’d also warm his bed to keep him from dragging Joy into it. A flash of color from the corner of her eye caught her attention. Speak of the devil. Miss Priss came strolling along with Bette stumbling to keep an umbrella over her head. She had to be kidding. The woman came to a stop in front of Joy with a hand propped on her hip, and she posed as if someone was about to take her picture. Joy looked her up and down in the most insulting way she could think of. Pink tinged the woman’s cheeks. Joy grinned. “May I help you?” Ms. Priss simpered and set out a folding chair before sinking into it. She jerked Bette’s arm to reposition the umbrella. “I thought we should have a little chat,” she told Joy. “See you’re just another new body for Keane to play with for a little while. But don’t get comfortable. He always gets bored with you new girls and comes back to me.” She ran long slender fingers through her silky hair. Joy imagined her own head was a frizzy mess in the salt air. “So you wanted to warn me should I get any big ideas. Is that it?” Joy helped Travon to stand. “Baby, go down there to refill the bucket.” Her son ran off to comply. Joy watched him a second and turned back to the diva. “Look, bitch, I have no interest in becoming a permanent fixture around here, so don’t get your back up at me. You can have Keane.” Her eyes widened. “So you’re working Keane to get to Nolan?” She frowned. “That’s stupid. Everyone knows where the brains are in their business. Keane. Nolan is just the people person, the one who smoothes over ruffled feathers.” She shook her head, her hair bouncing around her perfect face. “I’m not fooled. The Kavanaghs have had money for generations, and Keane and Nolan have only added on to the millions. I’m getting me one to marry, and I really want Keane. You’re not bringing your black ass in here and ruining it. You don’t belong.” Joy jumped to her feet. “No you did not just say that to me.”

Bette’s eyes grew round as well like she couldn’t believe someone would come out and say such a thing. Joy hadn’t fought anyone in her entire life, but she was ready to lay some serious hands on this bitch. She took a step forward, and the woman launched herself backward. She rolled off her chair into the sand. Joy burst out laughing when Lydia lifted her head to spit out sand. Joy hadn’t had to land a blow. “Get out of here. You’re ruining my time with my son,” she snapped. The woman stumbled to her feet. “This isn’t over.” “It is.” Joy slid her sunglasses on and turned away. When she sensed someone there, Joy looked up to find Bette wringing her hands. “What is it, Bette?” Bette tossed a glance over her shoulder and turned back to Joy. “Ms. Reid, I—” “It’s Joy. You can call me Joy. I’m nobody special.” “But she is,” Bette told her. “Lydia Gladstone is the only daughter of a very rich man. He’s richer than the Kavanaghs. And he’s a cold-hearted person that would eat anyone that crossed him alive. He doesn’t like it when someone makes his daughter unhappy.” Joy went cold. What kind of world did Keane drag her into? This was stuff for soap operas, not her life. “Well, if he’s so rich, what does she care that Keane is rolling in it? She’s got Daddy’s money.” “Greed,” Bette said simply. “And of course, she likes how she and Mr. Kavanagh look together.” She rolled her eyes. “She said so. I liked you right off, Ms. Reid—Joy. I don’t want to see her hurt you. Please just steer clear of her if you can.” Joy grumbled. “Well, that’s kind of hard since Keane wants me. But she said he gets bored fast. Maybe I’ll be on my way before you know it.” Joy winked. “I’ll give him such a hard time, he’ll have me packing by the end of the week.” Bette seemed like she was about to say something else, but she snapped her mouth closed, nodded, and hurried toward the house. Travon came wobbling back on his little stick legs struggling with the full bucket, and Joy forgot about everyone except her little man. **** Keane slammed his fist down on his desk. “I said stay away from her, Nolan. She’s mine.” Nolan frowned. “Listen to you. You always treat women like they are possessions. Joy is a person, a beautiful person, and she doesn’t deserve being jerked around at the mercy of your whims.” His nostrils flared, Keane stood and came around the desk to tower over his brother. Nolan was not easily intimidated like many others who had crossed Keane. But Keane was used to getting what he wanted and sick of Nolan’s advocacy on Joy’s behalf. When he had found

her crying in his brother’s arms earlier, he’d wanted to rip the man’s head from his shoulders. He leaned down and rested his hands on the arms of Nolan’s chair, getting right up in his face. “And what do you do, Nolan? Coddle them? Baby them? Tell them it’s okay, you’ll protect them from the big bad wolf that is your older brother?” He smirked. “I guess that’s one way to get a woman into your bed.” Nolan reddened. “You know that’s not what I’m doing. You hurt her feelings at dinner when you commanded she go to her room like she was a child.” Keane threw back his head and shouted with laughter. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Joy is no debutante. She’s made of sterner stuff than that. She was pissed off, and she thought if she got you as an ally, she could rid herself of me. But that’s not going to happen. You stay away from her, or I’ll make you sorry.” “Damn it, Keane, I’m so over your threats.” Nolan stood, crowding Keane until he stepped aside. Keane refused to back up. He noted how Nolan’s hair was an unruly mess. He’d been raking his hands in it if Keane didn’t miss his guess. His brother faced him. “What about Lydia?” Studying his nails, Keane sat on the edge of his desk. “What about her?” “She wants you.” Keane shrugged. “I don’t give a fuck.” “Her father—” “Is a pompous windbag that doesn’t interest me. He thinks because he’s rich and powerful that will sway me. I am not greedy like he is. And what he wants doesn’t interest me any more than what his daughter wants.” “He has connections.” “And I’m supposed to marry his simpering daughter?” Keane shook his head. “I don’t care how beautiful she is, Lydia will not be my wife. I don’t plan on ever getting married. Having my women is too much fun.” Nolan blew out a breath. “When are you going to stop this playing with people’s lives, Keane? It’s not right. Especially with Joy. All the other women you coerced into your bed wanted to be there. They loved how you showered them with clothes and jewelry. Joy is different.” Keane grunted. “Is that a sheen to your eyes when you speak of her, Nolan? Damn, she’s been here all of three days. You can’t have fallen in love with her yet.” His brother colored. Too many times, Nolan fell in love with a woman who was more interested in Keane, including Lydia for a time. The man would never learn. He should not pursue a woman who liked the bad boy instead of the goody-goody brother. Nolan needed

to stop trying to rescue every woman Keane got involved with and just find his own. Keane shuddered at the thought of committing to one woman. Not for him. With all the noise Travon had brought to their quiet island getaway, he would kill himself before he ever had kids. The fact that he reacted this way to Travon let him know Joy wouldn’t last long. And that was a shame. Nolan moved toward the door. “I haven’t fallen in love with her, but if she comes to me I will help her.” Keane stiffened. “You wouldn’t fucking dare help her to leave me.” His brother sighed. “No. That would only drive you crazier with desire for her. The way you went out of your mind when she decided to skip town rather than come here. You were a man possessed.” “Stay away from Joy, Nolan. I’m not going to tell you again.” They stared at each other across the room for a long time until Nolan’s eyes lowered. He always did give in long before Keane. He turned, opened the door and silently left the room. Keane checked his watch and wondered if Joy had gone to bed yet. He decided he needed to see her once more, because he had not tortured himself enough that day with her parading around in the skimpy bikini set he had bought her. Remembering how her heavy breasts filled out the inadequate material had him growing hard as he climbed the steps to the second floor. Finding her door locked, he reached in his pocket and pulled out a ring of keys. He selected the appropriate one and quietly unlocked the door. The light was off. She stood on the balcony with a gentle breeze off the water blowing her see-through nightie about her thighs. She wasn’t wearing panties. He licked his lips and watched her before shutting the door behind him. He stepped close, allowing his body to brush hers, and put a hand on the railing at either side of her. She jumped but said nothing. Her heady scent made him dizzy. He nuzzled her neck, breathing her in. She didn’t stop him from kissing her neck, so he took more liberties. His hands at her waist, he pulled her back against him and then ran his palms up to cover her breasts. Her nipples were pebbled. His shaft twitched in his pants. “You want it, don’t you?” he whispered in her ear. Her lips tightened. “I don’t have a choice.” For some reason, that angered him. He wanted to prove to her that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. He caught her by the shoulders and spun her around. Reaching beneath her nightie, he cupped her mound and pushed his fingers toward her entrance. She was soaking wet. “You’re telling me this wetness is for nothing?” he demanded.

She gasped. Her jaw went slack, but she didn’t answer. He pushed his fingers farther. He groaned. She was so slick and warm. He stroked deep and pulled back, only to slide in again. Her lips quivered, and he stared. Damn, she’s beautiful. At some point, her head had gone back. He covered her mouth while he finger fucked her. Her body shook. He yanked her closer and devoured her sweet mouth. She didn’t fight him, but her tongue didn’t curl with his either. Anger surged through him. He pulled his fingers out of her and found her swollen button. He pinched it lightly, and this time she cried out, her cry extending into a moan. He released her mouth. “Open your legs, Joy,” he demanded. Without hesitation, she obeyed, but she turned her head away from him. He drew it back. He stroked inside her a few more times, and then with one hand on her chin, he forced her to watch him lick her tangy juice from his fingers. She whimpered. When he finished he stared down into her eyes. “Don’t play games with me. Use my brother like you did tonight, and you both will be sorry. Do you understand?” She didn’t answer. “Do you understand!” “Y-Yes.” “Good.” He stepped to the side of her and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to clean his hands. “Go to bed. It’s late. Tomorrow, I will take you around the island. You can do some shopping as well.” He turned on his heel expecting that she would do exactly as he had instructed.

Chapter Six Joy cried in anger. That bastard thought he owned her. She longed to have some leverage over him, something to force him to rethink how he treated her. But she didn’t have jack. He had learned his lesson about giving her a credit card, and he’d confiscated all the money Darren had given her. She was broke, not even being able to catch the ferry off the island. Standing at the railing on her balcony, she thought about Nolan. Would he help her to escape? She had tested those waters earlier, crying on his shoulder. That time, they were fake tears, but she had to know if he could be brought around to help her. He seemed like a really nice person, but blood was thicker than water. Nolan might not like how Keane treated her, but he might not do anything to stop it either. She was exhausted and wanted to go straight to bed, but more important if only for her peace of mind, was that she disobey Keane’s command. Crossing to the door, she decided to visit Travon’s room and make sure he was okay. Keane had given in too quickly on the nanny, and he didn’t fight it when Joy had insisted on putting her son to bed herself. The rich might neglect their kids, but she’d be damned if she would do it on Keane’s command. Her baby was curled on his bed, long lashes brushing his cheeks and a fist tucked beneath his chin. Forgetting her anger, Joy sank to her knees, rearranged the covers over her son and planted a half dozen kisses on his sweet face. “Oh, Travon,” she whispered. “I’m doing this for you. I’d do this and more if it meant you’d have what you need and you are safe. At least I’m not in jail somewhere.” She frowned, thinking it wasn’t wise to say such a thing to her son even if he was asleep. His subconscious didn’t need to hear any negativity. She vowed to have it out with Keane in private from now on. Travon thought they were on the vacation of a lifetime, and he was sucking it all in. She’d let him enjoy it. After one last kiss, she rose and tiptoed to the door. Out in the dark hall, she caught a glimpse of light a little ways down. She covered her mouth, seeing Lydia, dressed in a revealing nightgown, slip into Keane’s room. Joy marched a few steps in their direction and stopped. Keane could do whatever the hell he wanted. She wasn’t going to be his lover. All she had to do was find the tape. He made sure she had seen it in his bag earlier when he had called her into his office. Keane had wanted her to know he still had the evidence against her and wasn’t afraid to use it at any time. Her decision made, Joy hurried toward the stairs. She was halfway down when she heard a door open and close. Her heart thundered in her chest, and she waited to see if the person would come to the steps. Another door opened and closed. She blew out a breath and continued on. On the first floor, she felt her way in the darkness, her path illuminated by the moonlight slanting in the high windows above the front door. At Keane’s office door, she tried the knob to find it locked. She stood there a few minutes wondering what to do next and

remembered that there was a small library next to the office that had French doors leading outside. Maybe Keane’s matching French doors that led to the verandah were unlocked. She slipped into the library and promptly catapulted over a footrest to land on her face. “Damn!” Someone grunted in the darkness. “Who’s there?” Joy froze. She lifted her head to look around but could see nothing. Maybe if she inched her way out, whoever was in here wouldn’t know she’d come in. The voice had sounded thick with sleep. When she got to her knees, a strong whiff of alcohol assaulted her nose. She held her breath, pushed up to her hands and feet and backed up. Right into a male body. “Joy, is that you?” Now she recognized Nolan’s voice, slightly slurred. Great, all she needed was Keane to come in here at this moment and find her bent over with Nolan pressing up on her ass. Then again, he had his own hands full. Resentment filled her. She tried to move away from Keane, but he gripped her hips. She coughed and straightened up. “Uh, Nolan, you can let me go now. I’m okay. Thanks.” He nuzzled her neck much like Keane had done earlier. “You smell good.” Joy twisted around so that his shaft pressed into her stomach. She swallowed, took hold of his wrists and pushed. It was like trying to move a boulder. She had to give it to the Kavanagh boys. They were in serious shape. “Nolan, please let me go. You heard what Keane said earlier.” He frowned. “I’m not afraid of Keane.” “Well, I don’t want to see what he does to you for putting your hands on me, so just let it go, please.” She paused. “Unless you’re willing to help me get off the island?” She tried for giving him an innocent look, one set to appeal to his inner hero, but the room was still in darkness. Her look was wasted. Besides, he was toasted. He wouldn’t get it anyway. “Please, just let me go, Nolan.” “Yeah, Nolan. Let her go.” Joy’s heart sputtered in her chest. The light came on. Nolan wasn’t too drunk to realize he was in trouble. He let his hands fall to his sides. Joy stepped around him, and her stomach churned at Keane’s expression. His eyes ran down over her, taking in the fact that she wasn’t wearing a robe, and she was stark naked beneath her thin nightie. What had she been thinking not slipping into the robe he had provided? Without a word, he tugged off his own robe, revealing that he was dressed only in boxers and crooked his hand to her to indicate she should come to him. She inched forward. Keane pulled her the rest of the way. She stumbled into his solid chest and looked up at him. He whipped the robe around her.

“I told you to go to bed.” She jerked her head back, frowning. “You don’t tell me what to do.” Clenching the sides of the robe in his fists, he forced her closer and pushed his muscled thigh between her legs. He hiked it higher, bumping her center. She gasped, angry that his touch, his body could turn her on. He didn’t deserve her being turned on with him near. He deserved her disgust, but she couldn’t muster any. He hovered close above her mouth, and she waited for his kiss. He turned his head and moved to her ear. “Mrs. Studivant can take Travon the whole day tomorrow. Maybe they can take in all the kiddie activities in Tortola and stay overnight.” Joy’s eyes grew wide. She knew what he was saying. Tears sprung to her eyes. “No, Keane. Please, don’t. I’ll do whatever you want, okay? Please!” “Go to bed and stay there!” he spat. Joy jetted out of the room sobbing. She hated him. No matter what happened, she would find a way to get back at him, to destroy him. **** Joy lifted her son onto a bench and set her bag down to find a wipe inside. Travon complained he wasn’t a baby every time she used one, but with him having a perpetual snotty nose and a habit of smearing everything he ate on his face and clothes, she had no choice. Keane paced away from them. Joy made a face at his back, and Travon giggled. She bit her lip not wanting him to have seen that. She groaned. Already, she was a bad influence on her son because of Keane. “Come on, baby, let me get that nose.” “Ma,” Travon whined. “You said we’re about to get something to eat at the rolly. Can’t you wipe it after?” Joy laughed. “The Roti Palace, baby. Well we don’t want the people there to think we have no home training, do we?” She balled the wipe up in her palm and stood.” Rather than speak to Keane, she waited for him to notice that they were ready. He turned and frowned at her. “I’ve taken you from shop to shop. You’ve purchased enough jewelry to open a shop of your own. All the natives love you, and yet, you won’t talk to me?” She spun away and began walking toward the brightly colored restaurant where her tourist brochure had assured her she could get the best flatbread stuffed with beef, chicken, conch whelk or goat. Her stomach rumbled thinking of it. She had stubbornly stayed in her room that morning, not wanting to run into Keane in the dining room.

“I could make you,” he told her in a low voice. She glanced at him. He stuffed his hands in his pockets, his eyes narrowed against the sunlight. He looked angry, but she wasn’t so sure. “I regret what I said last night. I did not like seeing my brother’s hands on you.” She gasped. “What? You’re apologizing?” He ran a hand down her spin and paused at the top of her ass. A shiver rippled over her body. “Joy, I’m not a mean man . . . to my women. I would spoil you if you let me. I simply expect—” “Me to obey your every command.” “Well, yes.” Travon tugged her hand. “Ma, is this a clown house?” His little brow furled to remember the colors she had taught him. “Blue, yellow, purple . . .” She shook her hand in the air. “Well, kind of pinkish purple, I guess, sweetie. But no, it’s not a clown house. The owner just loves bright colors.” Travon bounced along. “Me too, Ma. Don’t you?” “Yup. Me, too. Let’s get something to eat quick. I’m starving.” Joy increased her step so that Keane’s hand fell away from her rear. She hurried through the restaurant’s doors with Travon hopping at her side. When the meal was over, they piled into a car that Keane had arranged for and headed back to his boat. While he helped Joy from the car, a squeal set her eardrum to buzzing. She winced. “Keane!” Lydia shouted for all the world to hear. “Daddy, it’s Keane.” She shuffled up to them and hooked an arm through Keane’s. Joy turned to see a squat, red-faced older man in a three piece suit that must be baking him alive in the heat of the day. Keane stretched his hand out to shake the older man’s hand. “Good afternoon, Mr. Gladstone. How are you, sir?” Joy noticed he didn’t extricate himself from Lydia’s hold. She waited to be introduced as the men exchanged pleasantries, but they pointedly ignored her. Joy spun away and headed for the boat. Keane had said he would take her and Travon snorkeling, but she hoped he’d changed his mind. She didn’t want to spend another minute in his rude presence.

Below deck, she found a spot to lay Travon down for a quick nap since he kept yawning and blinking, and she located her bags and began going through them, admiring her purchases. Keane could kiss her ass. “Where did you go?” he asked about twenty minutes later. She didn’t look up. A rumble started beneath her feet, and she knew they were off. He moved to a cabinet and pulled it open. Inside was a swimsuit she hadn’t seen, and she wondered if the mini bandeau top could get any skimpier. “You can wear this when we get to Peter Island for snorkeling.” “I might as well be naked,” she protested. He winked. “And I would love nothing more than that. But, since Lydia and her father are coming with us, you should have something on.” Angry, she stuffed her jewelry back in the bag and shoved up to her feet, putting her hands on her hips. “I noticed you didn’t bother to introduce me. Not that I wanted to meet the man, but you could have had the common decency to do it anyway.” Trying to get away from him when he pulled her close did no good. He held onto her hips to keep her pressed close to him. “Ephraim Gladstone is, well, he’s not the kind of man who would acknowledge the existence of my mistress. He considers himself too good. From experience, I know he would go on speaking as if I never mentioned you. Don’t take it personally.” He lowered his mouth to hers, and Joy didn’t pull away. Keane pushed his tongue between her lips. She resisted as long as she could before she gave into his insistent mouth, sending chills throughout her body. Against her will, her arms slipped up around his neck, and she arched into his hard frame. He had worked her dress up and had hooked his fingers in the band of her panties before she remembered two things. He had just slept with Lydia last night, and Joy’s innocent son was lying asleep behind them.

Chapter Seven Keane felt her stiffen in his arms, and bit down on a grumble. He knew what she would say before she said it. Her son would see them. Lydia was upstairs, along with her father. He had hoped at some point to put Travon with Mrs. Studivant and have some alone time with Joy here. This was to be his afternoon to soften her to him, because he couldn’t wait much longer. He had to get inside her. Besides, watching her bouncing ass in the bikinis he had supplied for her was more than torture. It was beyond all things inhumane. Blowing out a breath, he released her and stepped back. “Get changed and come upstairs. We can pick this up later tonight.” He lowered his head again to kiss her, stroked her ass and then headed out of the room. Before he ascended the stairs, he adjusted his pants. Of course, it was pointless because as soon as she was changed he’d be grown out again. On deck, he made a hand signal to a staff member for a drink and dropped into his chair. Sliding his sunglasses over his eyes, he paused when Lydia came bouncing around the corner. Bouncing was the operative word. She was practically falling out of her top. He watched until she reached him and affected a stumble that landed her in his lap. “Oops,” she giggled. He winced when she bumped his balls too hard. “Lydia . . .” She glanced down. “Oh, someone’s all worked up. Is that for me?” He cringed at her bleached blonde hair and her vacant blue eyes. Just a month ago, he had found the look perfect, but not enough to marry. He was not insane. “Can I help you up?” he questioned her. She simpered. He gritted his teeth. “Nope, I’m happy right where I am.” He would have pushed her up anyway before her father came from below acting like he had just taken her innocence or some such nonsense, but instead of Gladstone, Joy stepped on deck and stopped dead when she spotted Lydia on his lap. She turned to head back down. Keane stood up and deposited Lydia on her feet. “Joy!” he called. She stopped again, but didn’t turn around. “Come here . . . please.” He didn’t want to antagonize her anymore than he already had. Contrary to what she believed, he didn’t want her unhappy. After a few moments of seeming indecision, she turned and headed toward them. Lydia pouted, crossing her arms over her ample chest. To show them both who his current woman was, he drew Joy into his arms and parted her lips with his own. She was malleable but dead in his arms. He pushed his tongue into her warm mouth and grew stiff and hard again. He slid his hands down to her rear and shuddered with need. The material barely covered her round ass. How

could he ever wait until tonight? He’d be grumpy and bite everyone’s head off way before then. When he thought he had made his point, he released Joy and guided her to the chair next to him. He sat down, slipped his sunglasses in place and laid back. Lydia let out a low scream and stomped away. “I don’t know what game you’re playing, Keane, but I’m not going to be a part of it,” Joy announced. He glanced her way, watching as she oiled her sexy body. He clenched his fists at his sides and swallowed a few times. “What do you mean? I’m not playing any games.” “Aren’t you?” She swung her legs up on the reclining chair and laid back. “I know you slept with her last night, encouraging her, and now you humiliate her by kissing me in front of her. You invite them to come along today with your mistress. What are you trying to prove?” He stared at her for a long time, a range of emotions flitting through his mind. Foremost was the question of what she felt thinking he had slept with Lydia. Of course she had seen Lydia trying to worm her way into his bed. But if she thought he could do a woman in the five minutes it took for him to get rid of her and then find Joy in his brother’s arms, then he would happily disabuse her of that thought soon enough. “For your information, Joy,” he began. “I do not play games. The women in my life know what I want right from the start.” She smirked. “Well you obviously didn’t make it plain enough to Lydia.” She turned her head to watch Lydia sulking at the rail, staring out over the rippling water. “Or maybe you don’t know what you want in this instance. She looks like wifely material.” His face warmed, and anger simmered in his blood at her words. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” She waved her hand. “Whatever.” Not willing to allow her the upper hand, he reached across the couple of inches separating them and hauled her over to his chair, on his lap. When he imprisoned her legs between his and encircled her waist, she squirmed. He lifted her chin to capture her mouth in a searing kiss. His shaft tightened. After sampling her supple lips for several moments, he raised his head before he lost all sense of where they were. “Forget this,” he grumbled. “Come downstairs, and I’ll show you what I want.” She panted, her chest rising and falling. He hooked his fingers over her bikini top ready to drag it down to expose her breasts. From the lust in her eyes, he was sure she would welcome his caressing her soft flesh there.

Someone cleared their throat, and Keane glanced up. Lydia’s father frowned down at the two of them. “Is this how you behave when you have guests, Keane?” the sour man bellowed. Keane sighed, and released Joy. She scrambled off his lap and disappeared to the lower level. He fought against a frown. Keane stood up, turned his back to Gladstone and adjusted his shaft in his pants. “No, Mr. Gladstone, I don’t, but as I said to you before I left the states, I am here for a vacation. The entertainment was not to start until next week when my invited guests are to arrive.” He knew he was pushing it letting Gladstone know that he and his daughter had not been invited to Cooper Island this week, but it pissed him off that he had to curb his activities with Joy because of them. With a scowl in place on his face, he went to see how soon they would arrive at Peter Island. The sooner he cooled off in the water, the better. Twenty minutes later, they sailed into Deadman’s Bay to dock. Keane went below and brought a protesting Joy up to step off the boat with him. He left Lydia to her father. “Keane, you shouldn’t neglect your guests!” Joy complained. He slid a hand around her waist and pulled her tight to his side. She held Travon in her arms. “I am doing what I planned to do, and that is enjoy you here on Peter Island. Now, stop complaining.” He grinned. “You can’t tell me you don’t like the look of these sugary white sands and clear water. If you behave yourself, we’ll stay for the barbecue tonight. They’ll have a steel drum and dancing on the beach. She rolled her eyes as if to say who was he to tell her she had to behave. He just stopped himself from slapping her rear. That was something else that could wait until later. “Mr. Kavanagh,” a West Indies man, a friend of Keane’s, stood on the pier with a small girl beside him. “Good afternoon, sir. Welcome. Good to see you again.” “Alvin.” Keane shook his hand. “Good to see you as well. How’s Rhema?” They exchanged pleasantries. Then he pulled Joy closer. “This is Joy and her son, Travon.” Keane smiled at Joy’s look of surprise, that he had introduced her this time and probably at Alvin’s friendliness in opposition to Gladstone’s frosty disposition. He didn’t, however, tell Alvin she was his mistress. His friend was used to seeing various women on Keane’s arm. It was who he was, and he didn’t have any intensions of changing now. “Pleased to meet you, Joy. Travon.” Alvin rested a hand on the little girl’s head. “This is Grace, my daughter. Perhaps you and Grace can play together, Travon.” Keane noted how the boy who had talked Keane’s ears off earlier was now mute. He didn’t blame him, he guessed. Grace was a little beauty with big brown eyes and long dark hair, an older woman at five years. Keane shook his head. With a playmate for Travon, he was hopeful Joy wouldn’t argue too much that he had arranged for Mrs. Studivant to take up her duties for the afternoon. ****

Keane might front that he was not playing games, but he damn sure liked to control people at every opportunity. Joy spotted Mrs. Studivant coming toward them before the others did. She wanted to tell Keane where he could stuff his manipulative crap, but she kept quiet. The truth was, she was looking forward to snorkeling, and if Keane hadn’t railroaded her into this trip, she would never have been able to afford anything like it. Not even with her tax returns. She would enjoy today and then get back to her scheme to make his ass pay for what he was doing to her. When the kids were ready to go with Mrs. Studivant, butterflies filled Joy’s stomach about being separated from her son so far from home. She dragged him into her arms and kissed his soft cheeks. “I’ll see you later, okay, baby? You’ll have fun with Grace.” She looked into his eyes. If he showed the slightest bit of fear, she wouldn’t go. But her little man seemed barely able to suppress his excitement. Grace came up and tugged his hand. “Come on, Travon. We’re going to this special store where they make candy.” Travon’s eyes grew round. He turned and ran to where Mrs. Studivant stood, with a wave over his shoulder. Joy sniffled. Keane’s arms came around her waist, and he kissed her shoulder. “Don’t worry. He’ll be fine.” She jerked herself from his arms and frowned up at him. “Are you sure you did a thorough background check on this woman? How do you know that—” “Joy.” He pressed a finger over her lips. “Trust me. I did. Besides that, she’s worked for years for a friend of mine.” He grimaced, pink coming into his cheeks. “She was Lydia’s nanny for about seven years.” Joy blinked. “Are you for real? Just how old is she?” He laughed. “She’s above twenty-one. Now can we go?” Here was another thing that boggled Joy’s mind. A man Keane’s age being interested in a woman Lydia’s age. Then again, men always ran after the sexy young kittens when they hit middle age, just to show themselves that they still had it. Keane was closer to thirty, but still, he was a man. They were all the same. Joy moved away from him, heading back toward Alvin and smiled. Keane caught up and pulled her to his side with a significant glance at his friend. Joy rolled her eyes. The man acted like every male was after her. He had to do his caveman crap. Alvin clapped his palms together. “Ready to go? There’s a private beach just around the bend where we’ll go out. I have all the equipment in this bag.” They strolled in the direction of the beach. “Joy, what’s your favorite color?”

She shrugged. “Green, I guess. I’ve never leaned much to just one.” “Good. It just so happens that I have a green snorkeling set in here.” He chuckled. “And Keane will take black, of course.” Joy cast a dark look at her captor. “Of course.” To match his black heart. On the beach, Joy stood trembling with desire she refused to give into as Keane helped her with her gear. His body was so hard, so manly. His scent made her head reel, and his chest just inches from her face wasn’t helping. He knew the affect he had on her, which was why he had to be so damn close. She took a step back, and he pulled her in again. “Would you stop it?” she snapped quietly so Alvin wouldn’t hear. His eyebrows rose like he didn’t know what she was talking about. “Stop what?” “You know what, damn it.” She sighed, put her hands up, palms facing him and then dropped them. “Stop brushing your body on mine. This is not the time or the place.” He chuckled and leaned in closer to brush his lips over her neck, and he nipped her earlobe. “This not being the time or place is far from the reason you don’t want me rubbing my body against yours. Admit it, Joy. You have the hots for me.” She rolled her eyes. “The hots? Give me a break.” She snatched her goggles from his hand and turned away to slip them on herself. The move was a mistake. Keane caught her by the hips and pressed himself close behind her. A tremor shook her at the feel of his hard shaft against her back. “Tonight, baby,” he whispered in her ear. “Tonight you’ll be in my bed.” Fear washed over her at his words. Joy had only ever been with Darren. Her baby’s daddy had been the one to take her virginity, and she had not gotten close enough for intimacy with any other man. She closed her eyes, another mistake because a vision of Keane naked slid into her mind. Biting off a small scream, she held herself rigid. Keane stroked her arms. “You don’t have to be afraid. I’ve had plenty of experience. I’ll teach you how to please me, and I have no doubt I can please you.” She whirled on him. “Oh yeah, that makes me feel tons better. I’m not scared of you, Keane Kavanagh. Let’s just get that shit straight right now.” He didn’t bother to address her denial but went back to caressing her. “Keane!” Joy froze, and Keane’s hands stilled on her arms. They both turned to look up the beach. Lydia came running along, looking like a cover model with her blonde hair whipping about

her face. Joy eyed Keane through her lashes and noted how he seemed transfixed with Lydia’s beauty. She pulled out of his arms and crossed to Alvin. “So, is this difficult to do, Alvin?” she asked him, ignoring Lydia’s tinkling laugh behind her. Alvin looked past her at Keane and Lydia. “Don’t worry, Joy. Snorkeling is easy. A woman like you, smart and beautiful will have no trouble at all.” Joy had the feeling he was talking about her and Keane, but she didn’t care about losing him to Lydia. Keane was cold and had a one track mind. He wanted sex. The man didn’t go emotionally deep. She would not be holding her breath that he would change. Lydia could have him. “Thanks, Alvin.” She adjusted her goggles over her eyes, tucked her breathing tube close to her mouth, flapped along to the edge of the water, and looked back at the others. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s get this party started.”

Chapter Eight Keane took hold of Joy’s hand as they paddled away from the shore. He had snorkeled a hundred times or more, with a third as many women, but with Joy the tropical fish, the coral, everything seemed much more vivid in color. He longed to laugh when her eyes widened at the school of electric blue fish that swam just feet away from them. The awe lessened when Alvin pointed out the rock pinnacles. Beneath them, the depth dropped to about fifty feet. Keane had explored lower in scuba gear to find more interesting marine life. However, none of the women he’d been with had wanted to explore with him. He doubted Joy would either. She looked terrified. When the fun was over, they headed back to shore. Keane was relieved that Lydia hadn’t fought for his attention while they were out there. He’d threatened to send her back to her father if she did. He let the women go ahead of him so he could watch Joy walk. Just a few more hours and she would be his. Once he’d had her, he could think with a clear head how to break her. Right now, his lust was so high, he could only give in to her, and that was not the way he did things. She reached the sand and yanked her gear off her face. When she spun to face him with a brilliant smile, he caught his breath. “That was amazing!” she breathed. “I can’t believe the colors under there, the kinds of fish, the life. I never realized—” Keane started to respond, but Lydia cut him off. “Of course you didn’t. You’ve been nowhere. Keane and I have done this a million times. It’s no big deal now.” She waved her hand in dismissal. Joy turned and walked back to the place where a few towels lay for them to dry off. Keane caught Lydia’s arm when she would have followed. “I told you to behave, Lydia. For that you will not join us at the barbecue tonight.” She frowned. “I’m not a child, Keane. You can’t tell me what to do or forbid where I go.” “Aren’t you? Because that’s exactly how you behaved just now. I’ve made it plain that Joy is what I want. You insist on getting in the way.” “I don’t get it, Keane. Here I am right here waiting for you.” She stepped closer, her slender figure pressing against his. She let her breasts graze his chest, her nipples hard. “All you have to do is say the word and we pick up where we left off.” He held himself stiff, his nostrils flared at his anger. “And if I don’t want to pick it up?” “I—” She blinked as if it had never occurred to her that he had been speaking the truth all this time that he didn’t want to start things up with her again. Keane glanced up over her head and caught Joy watching them. From the set of her shoulders and the way she cocked one eyebrow up, he knew she too was angry. She didn’t want to desire him, but since he had declared they would be lovers, she expected him to be

exclusive. For a moment, he considered giving her something to be angry about, but changed his mind. He had no wish to encourage Lydia. She plucked his nerves enough. Keane knew Joy thought he was a typical man running behind a young sexy woman like Lydia in the first place. And he’d made no apologies about what he was and what he had done in the past. This was now. What he desired was the sweet chocolate goddess standing a few feet from him. If he didn’t get rid of Lydia now, Joy might be too angry to let him entice her into his bed. He would not force her. **** Finally, the day was over. Keane leaned against Joy’s doorjamb watching her. Like before, she stood on the balcony with a breeze blowing her nightie. From across the room, he took in her scent, now so familiar that it would bring up an image of her in his mind from here on out. She wiggled her hips to music heard only in her mind, and he remembered how she had let loose earlier on the beach. The steel drums beat just for her. Every other woman had faded from view, even Lydia pouting on the outskirts of the gathering asserting her right to be there. All Keane saw was Joy’s full parted lips, the swell of her soft breasts and the curve of her hips as she danced. She had laughed up at him, her eyes dancing with delight when she noted how he had no rhythm. His cheeks warmed thinking about it. But she had made up for embarrassing him by spinning away and wiggling her ass for him. Damn, how he had hardened seeing that. “You want to tease me,” he had said. She hadn’t answered. He had wanted to disconcert her although he wouldn’t go through with his threat. He had told her, “You realize I have to make you pay for trying to embarrass me?” He gestured to the men around them, men with skin as dark as hers and maybe better mates for her. He wasn’t going to give her up just because of the color of her skin though. She stiffened. Her face fell, and she stopped moving to the beat. “You had to ruin it. Men like you aren’t happy until you control everything and everyone.” She tried to walk away, but he caught her arm and pulled her back. He let her feel what she did to him. A tremor moved over her body. He closed his eyes. “I’m not letting you go. Not until—” “Not until you possess me body and soul,” she finished for him. She spun around in his arms and looked into his eyes. “What makes you like you are? Cold and mean. Who has hurt you in the past that now you’ve shut off your heart. You don’t even appear to give a rat’s ass about Nolan.” He tightened his hold on her. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” When she cried out that he was hurting her, he loosened his grip. “Who says I ever had a heart to hurt?” “Everyone does.”

“Dance with me,” he demanded. The music had turned soft and slow. The beat was hypnotic, tantalizing. Keane slid his hands down to Joy’s hips and ground against her. Her breasts pressed into his chest, setting his blood to boiling. He lowered his mouth to hers tasting her sweet nectar, drawing her in. Their bodies moved in unison. Joy stopped struggling to get away, and she melted into him. She opened her mouth allowing his tongue to explore her warm depths. A shudder passed over him. Keane lifted a hand to the back of her head, titled it farther back as he devoured her mouth. She tasted so good, he couldn’t stop, wouldn’t stop. He caught her tongue and sucked it, then offered his to her. She wasn’t shy this time. He thought he’d release in his pants the way she took him between her lips. The music faded along with everyone else. He couldn’t be sure they were still moving. Only her gasp for breath brought him back to reality. He stared down into her melted chocolate eyes, daring her to deny how much she wanted him, how it matched his desire. “Well?” he teased. She glanced away, shuttered her eyes with those thick curly lashes. Her had natural beauty, and she didn’t even know it. She opened her mouth to speak, but shut it without saying anything. Her eyebrows bunched toward the bridge of her nose. Finally she said, “Tell me why.” He hadn’t answered then when they stood on the beach, and he didn’t answer now when she felt him behind her on the balcony and asked a second time. “I am what I am,” he told her and kissed her shoulder. “Take off the nightie.” “There’s no romance in you, is there?” She turned from the rail and strolled into the room. Keane watched her walk. He leaned against the doorjamb waiting. With a sigh, she crossed herself with her hands bunching the material between her fingers. Slowly, she lifted it. Keane licked his lips in anticipation. When her mound was uncovered, he found his air supply constricted and blew out the held breath. Her dark curls enticed him, beckoned for his touch, but he waited to see the entire package. While he lusted over her full breasts, the nipples erect, he realized she was trembling. He met her eyes. She was afraid. He closed the space between them and rested his hands on her shoulders. “You don’t have to fear me, Joy.” He lifted her chin. “I won’t hurt you. I promise. I’ll make you feel good. I’ll have you moaning my name in no time.” “I’m not afraid,” she lied. He knew she was lying. He cupped both her cheeks and forced her to look into his eyes. “How many men have you had?” She balked. “That’s not for you to ask or for me to tell you.’ He chuckled. “Only if we were in love.” He laid a hand in the valley between her breasts. “Our hearts aren’t involved. This is purely physical.” Keane dipped his head and captured

one of her nipples between his lips. He sucked lightly, grunting with pleasure. She cried out. He knew it was a mixture of fear and excitement. “I-I shouldn’t be here,” she murmured. “You’re mine now. I’m not giving you up. Just yet.” He led her to the bed and laid her on it. With a knee between her legs, he nudged them open so he could examine her. She was so ripe, so pink. A pearl of come lay at her opening. “You’re wet, Joy. Tell me you don’t want me, that you don’t want what I’m about to do to you.” Standing above her, he loosened his belt and unfastened his slacks. Her chest rose and fell at a fast clip, and he watched her while he undressed. Waiting for her reaction, he dropped his pants and boxers to the floor and took his hard shaft in his hand. He stroked from tip to base. Joy licked her lips. Keane rested one knee on the bed. “Have you ever sucked a man’s dick, Joy?” Her eyes widened. “Keane, I—” “Have you?” “No.” He crawled higher on the bed and tossed a leg over her. When he was in position, he let his shaft tease her chin. She swallowed hard a few times. He leaned down and caressed her cheek then stroked her hair. With one finger, he parted her lips. “Please me, Joy.” He held himself in place waiting. “Take me into your mouth and suck me.” A shudder rocked her. She stared into his eyes for a long while before opening her mouth wide enough for him to slip in. The sensation made his head reel. **** Joy opened her mouth and stuck her tongue out to taste Keane. He was so thick and long. She couldn’t help comparing him to Darren. Her baby’s daddy had nothing to be ashamed about that was for sure, but something about Keane made her sweat, made her nether region clench with longing to be filled with Keane’s shaft. She resented him straddling her face like he was the shit, and she better swallow him or else. At first she considered biting him, but knowing Keane for the short amount of time she did, he’d probably kill her. His muscles, drawing his skin taut across them bulged in his chest, his arms, even his thighs parted over her head made her mouth water and terrified her at the same time. He held the back of her head and shifted his hips forward to push himself into her mouth. All the way in to her throat and out again, she cradled him between her lips. She sucked lightly. He groaned and threw his head back. At intervals he jerked like she hurt him, but from the murky color his eyes had gone, she judged he was trying to hold on and not release in her mouth.

She should tease him, make him beg her to end his torment, but she wasn’t confident in the least. So she let him guide her, let him cup her chin while he increased the pace of his pumping. Fear tightened her chest. What if he hurt her throat? What if she choked on his come? A few drops of precome coated her tongue tasting salty. She drew her knees up behind him and squeezed her legs together. Keane reached behind him and slid a hand between her legs. When his fingers sank into her warmth, she lost it. Keane had to pull his shaft out of her mouth while she came, bucking and groaning through her orgasm. Keane pulled his fingers free of her snatch and slid himself down until he hovered bodily over her. He grinned. “See? I told you that you’d come.” She turned her head. “I didn’t make you release.” Embarrassment choked her. He’d make fun of her for not knowing how to do it right.” He turned her head back to face him. “Oh you pleased me all right, but I’m not going to come in your mouth the first time. You’d only choke and terrify yourself even more. Then neither of us would enjoy the rest of the fuck session.” She frowned. “It’s always about you.” He laughed. “I think you have a short memory. It was all about you a second ago.” Not waiting for her response, he parted her legs and settled his hips between them. Joy caught her breath. She brought up the image of Keane’s staff in her mind and bit into her bottom lip. He sat up, caught hold of her ankles and raised them. When his shaft touched her delicate folds, she squeaked. His eyebrows went up, but he didn’t pause. He didn’t give her endearments or encourage her more than he had before they started. Without further warning, he plunged into her tunnel. Tears filled Joy’s eyes and ran down the sides of her cheeks, down into her hair. Keane pushed deeper, grunting all the while that she was a tight fit. He rested her legs on his shoulders and smacked her ass. She jerked, forcing his full length inside her. “Mm, yes, that’s good. So good, Joy,” he murmured. She turned her head away from him, but Keane didn’t seem to notice. He pumped in and out of her, panting and moaning through his pleasure. He dropped to touch her body fully with his, and he reached beneath her to grasp her ass. When he lifted her to meet his thrust, Joy gasped at the burst of warm seed that filled her. Panic rose in her chest, but on its heels was her second orgasm. She gripped Keane’s shoulders and squeezed her eyes closed. She tried not to but couldn’t help herself. She screamed his name and wave after wave of bliss crashed over her abdomen. When the sensations died down, Keane rolled to her side and threw his arms up over his face. “Fuck, fuck, fuck! I can’t believe I did that.”

She didn’t respond but lay there unmoving and staring at the ceiling. After a while, she felt his eyes on her. “Tell me you have protection, please. The pill? Or something else?” She considered tormenting him, telling him she had no reason to have protection as she’d never intended on taking a lover. The truth was that she had stayed on the pill these last three years. Once she’d let her judgment lapse and slept with Darren. That had been six months after Travon was born. She wasn’t going to do that again, but she had made sure there would be no slip ups. She loved her baby with all her heart, but bringing another child in the world when she couldn’t afford it was irresponsible. “I’m on the pill,” she muttered. “Good.” He leaned across and kissed her lips. Reaching farther, he winked and slid the second drawer open on her nightstand. Joy’s eyes widened at the stash of condoms. He plucked one free and ripped it open before rolling it over his already hard shaft. “Best to be prepared. Now, let me show you how good it gets with me as your lover.”

Chapter Nine Joy’s eyes drifted open. She stifled a yawn and looked at the bedside clock. Four a.m. Rolling to her side, her ass bumped something hard, and she realized Keane had never left her bed. At the soreness between her legs, she remembered his cold words about showing her how good it was having sex with him and how he followed them up with thrusting into her for a good four hours after that. The man’s appetite was insane. Not that she hadn’t shouted through a dozen orgasms. She did. She sat up and peered at him over her shoulder. He lay on his back with one arm flung over his head. Even in sleep he looked arrogant, his shaft, which had worn her out, resting on his belly. The bastard had no right to use her like that, to make her feel like she was just ass and boobs and nothing else worth considering. As quiet as possible, she put on her nightie and tiptoed to the closet, grabbed a dress, moved to the dresser and slipped a bra and panties from there. With her bundle in her arms along with her sandals, she left the room. Dressing in Travon’s room was better than staying here with the threat of waking Keane. Twenty minutes later she was dressed and ready to go downstairs. She bent over Travon, kissed his little forehead, straightened his covers and left the room. Maybe a walk on the beach as the sun rose would help her to decide what to do. One thing was for sure, she could not continue with things the way they were. She would not be used. Living in the lap of luxury was great with all her needs met and never having to think of bills or where her and her son’s next meal was going to come from, but money was not everything. That’s how her mother raised her before she passed a few years ago, and that’s how Joy would live her life. No one stirred on the first floor. Rather than get caught in an awkward situation again, she avoided the room where she had run into Nolan and used another side door to get outside. The sky was just lightening so that she could pick her way with ease down to the beach. Cooper Island was incredible. If she gained nothing else with this experience, at least she and Travon would have had an amazing vacation. She strolled along the beach kicking sand at intervals and wishing it was Keane’s big head. Walking too close to the water line, she squeaked at the frigid water and jogged farther inland. “Joy.” She stopped and turned at the voice. Nolan jogged toward her, his taut skin glistening with sweat like he had been running for a while. He was beautiful just like Keane, but Nolan didn’t have his older brother’s presence—intimidation. “Hey, Nolan. What are you doing up so early?” He slowed beside her and matched her speed when she began walking again. “Out for a run. Gotta keep the body in shape.”

She cocked her eyes over at him. “Looks like you’re doing a great job.” His cheeks reddened, and she laughed. He quickly changed the subject. “What are you doing up and about? I would think that you and Keane would—” “Don’t even go there,” she snapped. “You already know what an ass your brother is. I know you said you won’t interfere, but couldn’t you loan me a little money? I could leave and go back home. I swear I’ll pay you back.” He reached a hand out to touch her hair but then drew it back like he’d been bitten. “If it were up to me, I would do it in a heartbeat. But in the short time you’ve known my brother, you get how he is. He can be vindictive.” Nolan sighed and glanced up at the horizon. Soon Keane would wake up and want to know where she was. Joy had the feeling Nolan didn’t want to be caught with her. She grumbled. “He said you and I can be friends, damn it. I don’t appreciate being used this way. Last night . . .” She stopped. Nolan didn’t need the details, and frankly she didn’t want to share them with him. “He treats me like a possession. I’m not living that way for anybody.” “I’m sorry, Joy.” He stopped walking and rubbed his chin. She noted the shadow of stubble there, wondering how often Keane had to shave. He’d always been perfectly groomed when she saw him. “I know. It’s not your fault.” She turned and headed closer to the water. This time, she didn’t make a sound when the water cascaded over her bare toes. “I have to get away, Nolan, before . . .” His voice came from close behind her. “Before you lose yourself, and your only identity comes through Keane.” She glanced back at him, curious. He shrugged. “I’ve seen it a thousand times. As ruthless as Keane is, he’s good to the women in his life. He gives them everything. If you went in and told him you wanted diamond earrings or that you were bored with all your clothes, he would call in a jeweler to come show you his wares and have you on the next plane to Paris to shop.” Joy shuddered. “That’s material things. What about love? What about Keane’s heart? Hasn’t he ever fallen for anyone? Or is it that he loved a woman who broke his heart, and he wasn’t the same ever again?” Nolan shook his head. “No, that’s not it.” She turned to face him putting her hands on her hips. “Then what? Why is he so starkly different from you? I mean we’re talking night and day here.” For a long time, Nolan didn’t speak. Joy ran through theories in her mind about what Keane’s issue was. If he hadn’t had his heart broken, then what was it? Did his Dad walk out on the family like hers had? Shoot, that was common place these days. Most people took it in stride, were even glad he left by the time he took that walk. Joy had been. Her father had

been more trouble than he was worth. By the time she turned thirteen, she was relieved to come home and learn he’d run off. “Nolan?” she called out to him to bring his attention back to her. “What’s the story?” He sighed. “Don’t let him know I told you this, okay? Did you see the scar on his chest, high on the left side?” Joy’s eyes widened. “No, um, it was dark last night.” Nolan blinked at her, probably surprised that she and Keane hadn’t had sex before last night. If she remembered correctly, last night and even when they lounged on the beach, Keane had kept a shirt on. When they went snorkeling, he had worn a wet suit. She thought he looked sexier at the time. Was he ashamed of the scar? What woman wasn’t drawn to a rugged, hot man with a few battle scars? “When we were kids—I was three and Keane was six—someone close to us, someone we loved and trusted, attacked Keane with a knife. The person just missed his heart.” “Oh my goodness!” Joy swayed, and Nolan reached out to steady her. “Oh no. How awful.” He nodded. “Yes, it was. We don’t know why it happened. Keane had years of therapy over it, but he never opened up regarding the incident. Before that happened, he was like any other kid. After it, he was cold and still is. You hear of people not allowing anyone into their heart. I believe that Keane doesn’t have the capacity to open up. Loving for him doesn’t exist. It’s not something he’s holding back. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?” “Yes, I think I do.” Joy brushed a tear from her cheek and looked out across the water. What must that be like, to have a person you loved and trusted attack you. A young mind must be near destroyed behind that kind of thing. “So instead of love, he uses money to control his environment.” “Exactly.” Joy closed her eyes, breathing in the salty air. She tried to examine her feelings for Keane, the resentment she felt every day for him boxing her into the position of being his mistress. She felt sorry for him because of what he had endured, what must still haunt his nightmares after all this time. Yet the bitterness didn’t melt away on hearing what had happened to him. Nolan shifted behind her but said nothing. She was grateful he let her absorb what he had said without making small talk or pushing her to have compassion for his brother. Was it all true? That was something to consider as well. Looking into Nolan’s eyes on several occasions as he spoke to Keane, Joy had no doubt that he loved his older brother. The question was, would Nolan lie to make her more accepting of Keane, trap her in his own way. After some time, Nolan brushed her arm. “We should get back to the house. Keane will have woken, and Travon is also an early bird.”

Joy grinned. “I hope he doesn’t bug you too much. That boy acts like your time is his to do with as he wants. He even runs behind Keane.” She frowned. “Keane isn’t as patient.” Nolan’s eyes widened. “No, he doesn’t bother me. I hope Keane wasn’t mean to him.” They started back toward the house at a slow pace. “No, Keane’s not mean to him. He just redirects Travon’s attention, and I know it’s because he’s feeling impatient at all of Travon’s questions and how he tries to climb Keane like a tree every time he’s near him. You’d think the boy had no home training!” They both burst out laughing while Nolan reached to open the side door for her. Joy moved ahead of him, glancing back over her shoulder. When the mirth left his face in a hurry, she knew who was there in the hall. Joy turned to face Keane with his arms crossed over his chest. Despite her effort not to, her eyes went straight to the left side of his chest. It didn’t take a genius to know that Nolan had shared what happened to Keane when he was a child. If Keane could produce fire from his nostrils, she and Nolan would be burned to a crisp right about then. His face was red, and his eyes were slits. “Joy, what you should be wearing is laid out on your bed. Nolan, I’d like to speak with you in my office, please.” “He didn’t do anything wrong, Keane. Get a grip,” Joy demanded. “I’m tired of you treating me like you own me. I’m going to have my breakfast.” She got two feet before he caught her around the waist and jerked her back against him. While she fought his hold, he looked toward Nolan. His brother turned and strolled down the hall to Keane’s office, let himself through the door and closed it. “What the hell do you have over him?” Joy snapped. “He doesn’t seem like the withering type to be intimidated by you.” He sneered. “So he didn’t tell you all of my history, huh? Figures.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” She paused in her struggle to stare up at him. “None of your business. Now go and change your clothes.” “You can go to hell. Get your hands off me, Keane.” “Or what?” He tightened his hold. Joy resisted the pleasure that coursed through her body when she felt him grown hard behind her. “Tell me something, Joy. How do you think my staff will feel when I tell them they should not serve you breakfast until you change your clothes?” She gasped, but he went on. “I will instruct them that should anyone give you food, they will be fired. And with the economy as it is . . .” “I hate you!” she screamed. “You are the vilest piece of shit I’ve ever met!”

Real tears filled her eyes this time, but he seemed unmoved. He pressed his mouth close to her ear and spoke in a low voice. “Now you understand who and what I am. Don’t make the mistake of feeling sorry for me or resisting my wishes. You will lose.” He released her, smacked her on the ass and then moved down the hall to his office. Joy considered going into the dining room to order breakfast before Keane could finish with his meeting, but something told her it would be over sooner than she thought, and she would be subjecting herself and the staff to humiliation. Weary, she spun on her heel and headed up to her room. How she could beat a man like Keane was beyond her. It was a losing battle at every step, and with her having zero resources, the future didn’t look too much better. Maybe things would turn when this little vacation of the Kavanaghs was over. **** When Joy had showered and changed her clothes, she stepped out of her room to run into Travon sprinting down the hall. She caught her little man up in her arms and kissed him until he squirmed. She clutched his hand as they strolled toward the stairs. “Ma, can Keane take us in his boat today?” Travon asked. Joy chuckled. “It’s not for me to give permission on using his boat. He has to want that, baby. I’d rather steer clear of Keane. And for the millionth time, boy, stop bugging him so much. Give Keane and Nolan a break sometimes.” Her son’s face fell. “Aw, but they’re fun, and Keane’s boat is tight.” “Boy, what do you know about ‘tight’?” She shook her head, laughing. Voices at the bottom of the steps caught her attention, and Joy looked down over the banister to find the entry way crowded with people. She paused. Keane had said something about a yearly party, but somehow she hadn’t thought of the guests coming here. Silly her. The house was monstrous and could easily sleep every one of the people below. She hesitated about going down until Keane looked up in the act of greeting his guests and caught her eye. She couldn’t run back to her room. While Joy watched, a beautiful woman with thick wavy black hair and a friendly smile on her face walked up to Keane. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed his lips. Joy took a step back, but Keane pushed the woman back gently and looked to Joy again. His expression said she’d better come down before he dragged her down. She wouldn’t be embarrassed in front of his guests, so she took a deep breath, tightened her hold on Travon’s hand and descended the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, Keane pulled Joy to his side, and Travon worked himself loose to stand ahead of them. The woman took a step back, her eyes wide. “Did I miss something, Keane? Did you get married and have a child and never told me?”

He grimaced. Joy tried pulling away and thought she’d drop through the floor when Travon chose that moment to revert to an infant and lift his arms for Keane to pick him up. Everyone froze. Keane didn’t respond to the question or to Travon’s outstretched arms. Joy wanted to slap his cruel ass. Nolan rushed over, took Travon and tossed him playfully on his back, muttering something about being starved for breakfast. Joy cast a longing look at their backs wishing she could join them, but Keane kept her close. He decided to speak at last. “No, I didn’t. This is Joy, and her son is Travon.” He left the explanation at that. The woman turned a friendly smile on Joy and hooked an arm through her arm. “Great to meet you, Joy. I’m Gloria, an old family friend. I’m so glad there’s another young woman at this party. Last year . . . Never mind. It doesn’t bare remembering.” She tugged Joy from Keane’s hold, and he let go. The two of them walked toward the dining room while everyone else sorted luggage. In the hall out of earshot of the others, she paused. “Don’t worry, kiddo, stick with me. I’ll help you reign in the savage beast in there.” She laughed, winked and for the first time, Joy felt like there was hope.

Chapter Ten How Keane had treated Joy ate at him. He prided himself on not giving a damn about anyone, even deliberately going out of his way to prove it. And that’s exactly what he had intended to do to Joy that morning when he had found her laughing with Nolan. Yet, seeing her cry had jarred him. The unfamiliar feeling had served to piss him off more. Worse, Gloria had seen how he treated Joy when she arrived. He knew her. She’d make it her business to thwart his plans with Joy. As he leaned back in his chair running a hand over his eyes, he let the various conversations around him go on without his input. Maybe he should take Travon up on his plea that they go out on the boat again. This time Keane might take the boy snorkeling. Joy wouldn’t like it, would feel Travon was too young. Keane looked to where her son had fallen asleep with a pillow on the carpet. On the rare occasion when Keane should have turned the boy over to Mrs. Studivant, Keane had let him stay with them. On impulse, he stood and crossed the room to pick up the child. Joy’s eyes widened, and he noticed her bite her lip. He made no attempt at an explanation, but left the room. She hurried to catch up to him in the hall. “I’ll take him up.” He shifted the boy to his shoulder and shook his head. “No I have him. Mrs. Studivant can—” At her look, he paused. “Come with me. You can put him to bed.” She frowned. “Thanks for your permission, oh great one.” Blowing out a tired breath, he thought about how he should say what he needed to without making a big deal of it. No good wording presented itself, so he blurted his apology. “Look, Joy. I . . . uh . . . I don’t want to hurt you. At any time. I only want—” “I know what you want, Keane. A puppet. This is real life. I’m a real woman, and you can’t get what you want all the time. I’m not going to be your puppet. I’m not going to stop fighting you, even if I lose every time. I won’t stop. You should get that through your head now.” He eyed her as they walked down the hall. The determined set to her jaw, her tight lips told him she wasn’t joking. As far as she was concerned the conversation was over. “Oh, is that how it’s going to be? You upsetting my peaceful household, and I just have to live with it?” “Peaceful?” Her voice had gone up too loud. Travon wiggled in Keane’s hold. Feeling awkward, Keane patted the child’s back. Joy stared at him like he was some kind of alien. “You call this peaceful, Keane? Fighting over control of a human being, me. Needing that control so much that you have to choose what I wear? Get real. There’s no peace in your heart. None whatsoever.” Keane flinched at her mention of a heart. He knew she didn’t think he had one, that he didn’t care about anyone or anything beyond his own desires. While he bent to lay her son

on the bed, he examined his heart or rather his head, his emotions and desires. He supposed that Joy was right. He didn’t have any warm feelings that he could identify. “You see lack of love as being the same thing as lack of peace?” He frowned. While I admit, I don’t go all warm and fuzzy over anything, that doesn’t mean I don’t have peace.” “Doesn’t it?” She rested her hands on her round hips. Keane thought of how he would have her tonight. His bed or hers. He wondered if he commanded she come to him, would she refuse to come, or if he pissed her off too much, would she refuse him. It didn’t mean anything if she did, but still he wondered about her reactions. She began undressing Travon, and Keane turned to leave. A small yawn and a tiny voice stopped him. “Keane? Will we take the boat tomorrow?” Travon asked. Keane considered it. “I suppose we will.” Travon’s face lit up. “I love you, Keane.” The room went silent, and Joy’s hands stilled in the act of removing Travon’s shoes. Keane turned back to the bed. He frowned. “You’re young, but you should know that love is—” Joy took his arm and dragged him out of earshot of Travon. Her eyes wide and pleading, she said, ‘Don’t say it. Please, just don’t say it. He doesn’t need that. His father . . .” Keane didn’t know what to feel or what to think. Like he usually did, he resisted the rush of emotion coming from Joy. He figured it was better to just avoid what he was about to say. After all, he had not taken the responsibility of raising Joy’s son. If she wanted him to believe in the myth that was love, then so be it. He nodded. “Fine. Come back down when you’re done here. You’ll sleep in my bed tonight.” She made no response, but turned back to her son. For some reason Keane waited to hear what she would tell him about what he had confessed. Joy sat on the side of the bed and drew her son into her arms. She kissed him a few times until he protested. “Baby,” she whispered so that Keane had to strain to hear, “we will not always be here. I know you don’t understand, but Keane can’t be . . . I mean, we won’t live in his house forever. I know you like him—” “I love him, Mommy. He gave me stuff.” She moaned. “Baby, you can’t love someone just because they give you things. That’s what you call materialism. It’s not right.” “Why?”

“Just because,” she told him with impatience tingeing her voice. “Now, trust me. Go to sleep, and we’ll see what happens tomorrow. Don’t bug Keane about it. He might change his mind about the boat.” Travon let out a huge yawn and stretched. “Oh no, Mommy. Keane always keeps his word. Night.” The little eyes closed, and his chest was soon rising and falling in the gentle rhythm of sleep. Keane stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind him. While he walked, he did all he could to block out the memory of the words he’d just heard. **** Keane slipped his sunglasses in place over his nose and lifted his face toward the sun. He was feeling much better, stronger, today. All the emotions that had churned the night before were settled, and a few hours between Joy’s legs had set things right. Gloria’s on again, off again boyfriend, Josh, moved up next to him with a grin spread over his face. “Damn, you’ve got it bad, bro.” Keane allowed his head to move only slightly. He watched Gloria and Joy conversing at the other end of the boat. They leaned over the railing watching the water. Travon was on his hands and knees mesmerized by the dolphins they had spotted nearby. “Excuse me?” Keane pretended he didn’t know what Josh was talking about. “The black woman.” Josh lifted his chin toward Joy. “Her name is Joy.” Josh chuckled. “See what I mean? So what’s it like, boinking one of them.” Keane strolled by Josh and leaned on the railing himself. “You get a single warning. Speak about her like that again, and you’ll be swimming back to the island with a mouth full of blood.” A man like Josh didn’t get the hint easily. “You’re in love. I never thought I’d see the day, Keane. Damn, Gloria said it would happen, but I didn’t believe it.” “For your information,” Keane snapped, “I am not, nor will I ever be in love. Joy is my mistress. That I’m not going to let anyone run down what belongs to me goes with the territory. Now, shut the fuck up about it.” All eyes swung to Keane when he made his outburst. If Joy were lighter, he was sure her cheeks would be red. Her lips pursed, and her eyebrows shot down low over her eyes. She was pissed off at his words. Today, he refused to let it get to him. After all, he had already determined that it would be fun breaking her to his will, had even been excited about the prospect of it taking months. Josh backed off, and Keane headed up to speak to his captain. He was aware when Travon stood to follow in his footsteps.

“Travon!” his mother called out. Keane glanced back at her. “Stop babying him, Joy. He will be fine. Later, I’ll teach him to swim.” She grumbled, he knew, at his high-handed way of treating her and her son. For some reason, he couldn’t help himself. **** “See what I mean?” Joy screeched. “He treats me like...like...” “Like one hundred percent grade A,” Gloria commented. Joy swung to face the water again, debating whether she should go up to get Travon. It may irk Keane about how she babied her son, but at least with her, she knew he was safe. As hateful as Keane could be sometimes, she didn’t think he’d do anything to hurt Travon, but that didn’t exclude accidents because of his lack of experience either. Gloria snapped her fingers. “I know. What Keane needs is a little competition.” Joy glanced at her. “What do you mean?” The deviant expression on her new friend’s face made her wonder. Did she even want to know? “There’s a neighbor, a guy who owns a neighboring house. Every year he comes to Keane and Nolan’s party. He’s sexy as hell. I made a play for him once, but he’s just like Keane.” Joy frowned. “I don’t need a second possessive man.” “No, not possessive. Let’s just say he could get a healthy competition going any day with Keane on how many different women he can bring to this island.” That did not sound appealing in the least, but Joy was beginning to see where Gloria was taking this. “Okay, I’m following, but won’t Keane just punch the guy or threaten to I don’t know, attack him financially? I heard him on the phone the other day. He’s ruthless in business.” Gloria agreed. “Right, but Devan is not only old money like Keane and Nolan. He’s also more old money. Lots more. And he loves to show it off. If you saw his house, his parties...” She shuddered. “Too much for my taste, and I love nice things.” Joy suppressed a shudder of her own. “This lifestyle. I’m not used to it, and while I like not worrying about money or if my lights will be on next month, I’m not so sure I want Travon this immersed. I mean he already thinks he loves Keane just because of this boat and the massive amount of toys Keane loaded him up on. A person could so lose their values out here.”

Gloria patted her hand. “I understand that, but look at me? We’re not all ruined by money. I like to think I’m a good moral person.” “Yeah, you a’ight.” Joy laughed. She turned her attention to Josh. “What about him. He doesn’t seem like your type. Keane said he doesn’t have any money. By that I guess no millions, but some, huh? Aren’t you nervous that he might be dating you for your money?” Gloria’s laugh echoed out over the water. “I’m not nervous about it. I know he is. And you’re right, we’re not a love match. What can I say, he’s good in bed. Still, every now and then, he reminds me what a jerk he is. I couldn’t hear anything except Keane’s loud comment, but I suspect Josh was saying mean things about you. I’m sorry for that.” Joy waved her hand. “Don’t worry about it. Nothing I haven’t dealt with before.” “It is a big deal. I’m going to rip him a new one later when we’re alone.” She cast a dirty look Josh’s way, and he gave her a wide-eyed response. “Anyway, when we get back, I’ll visit Devan and get him in on what I have planned. He’ll go along with it. He can’t stand Keane.” “Why?” She shrugged. “Competition, I guess. The feeling is mutual though, but that’s kind of my fault.” Joy stiffened. She had been struck by how self-assured, how beautiful Gloria was. It was no stretch of the imagination to think that the two men might have fought over her at some point, but which one had lost? Gloria explained. “I was all about a pretty face back then, a sculpted body, and Devan was all about getting every woman in his vicinity laid at least once.” She rolled her eyes. “I was more than willing, but instead of letting me make the decision on my own to sleep with him, Devan invited me to one of his parties.” “The wild ones?” She nodded. “The ones that if the cops broke in on it, everyone would be hauled off to jail. Every depraved act you could think of was going on there. Trust me.” Joy couldn’t imagine Gloria would be into a man like that, or for that matter, she wondered how in the world they would convince Keane that she was. He’d never believe it. Gloria went on. “Keane found out that I was there and burst in. When he barged into Devan’s bedroom, I was so soused, I couldn’t see straight. And Devan had my clothes half off.” She gestured to her breasts. “Naked from the waist up.” Joy’s eyes widened. “And you’re crazy enough to think Keane won’t bust a vein if I pretend to be seeing Devan? It won’t work. Besides that, I couldn’t pull it off.”

She laughed. “Oh you could pull it off, girlfriend.” Joy bit her lip to keep from laughing at how Gloria said girlfriend. Gloria heaved a sigh. “He is so hot, he can make a woman wet just looking at him.” “Damn.” She nodded. “Damn is right. You’ll have to keep your head on straight not to spread them for him. Trust me. But what I plan is to make Keane think you’ve slept with Devan and loved it, wanting more. He’s still a man, and it will bruise his male ego to think you prefer the bed of his rival. He’ll lose interest fast after that.” Joy studied Gloria. Could she be on the up and up? “Why are you doing this? Aren’t you worried Keane will be hurt? I thought you were his friend. I can’t imagine you siding with me rather than him when we’ve only known each other less than a day.” “True. But first of all, Keane’s never been in love.” She paused. “Do you think he loves you?” Joy backed up a step with her hands up. “No way, and I don’t love him. Who could?” Gloria laughed. “You denied that pretty fast. Stranger things have happened. Anyway, I’ve stood by for years watching how he uses women. Yeah he takes care of them, but I think if someone knocks him off his high horse, he just might snap out of it.” Oh goodness! Can’t be! Joy covered her mouth. She didn’t want to admit what she knew now to be true. Gloria loved Keane, more than a friend. Gloria was in love with Keane. In that moment, Joy understood that Gloria was doing this as much for herself as for Joy. She hoped that Keane would see the error of his ways and look at his friend in a new light. The realization came as a blow. She had thought they hit it off, that Gloria for whatever reason cared about her plight. She still believed that in her heart, Gloria was a good person, but many people did things that served themselves when they were desperate. No matter. The plan would benefit Joy. She’d go along with it if it would get her and her son away from Keane. They might have to eat ramen for a few weeks, or she might have to do a few jobs for Darren, but at least she would be her own woman again. Hopefully, she wasn’t spoiled to hard work and not having all the luxuries she’d begun to take for granted in the short time she had been with Keane. Everything would work out. It had to, one way or another. “Okay, Gloria. Whatever I have to do, I’ll do it. When do we start?”

Chapter Eleven The house was packed. Every bedroom had been assigned, and Keane had arranged for more guests to come over on his boat for the party. They arrived every few minutes and would be staying at the house of a friend of his. Joy marveled at the number of designer labels surrounding her but more so how far some of these women would go in their scanty clothing. She looked down at herself. While she loved the butter cream color of her dress which set off her caramel skin tone, she did not appreciate how much skin the halter strap dress showed off. A circle hole set atop a triangle showed off the area between her breasts, and a matching circle revealed the skin at one hip. To top all that off, the dress was short, really short. Joy walked around tugging at the material dreaming of a fairy godmother that would come and lengthen the damn thing. At least if Gloria’s idea worked, it would all be over soon, and she could go back to her more reserved style of dress. Joy squeezed through the wall-to-wall bodies the first time Keane let her away from his side. She had given him the excuse that she needed to go to the restroom. Standing on her tiptoes, she searched the crowd of bodies, some rocking to the blaring music, some standing around chitchatting. Gloria was by the doors leading down to a beach path. She gestured. Glancing back over her shoulder, Joy checked out where Keane stood conversing with Josh, Alvin and a man she hadn’t met before. Nolan was nearby talking to a woman she’d also never met. From the purse to his lips and the lowered brows, Joy would guess he was striking out with her big time. She turned from them all and zigzagged through the guests until she came to Gloria. “All set?” she asked. Gloria nodded and took her by the arm to pull her through the door. The cool night air, fresh yet salty, cleared Joy’s head and eased some of the headache she’d suffered from for the last hour. Side by side, she strolled with Gloria down the stairs off the veranda to the sand below. “He’s down on the beach,” Gloria told her. “A lot of the guests have started to party down there.” Joy gaped at the gathering. “Sheesh, it doesn’t end. I would never have thought Keane had so many friends.” “When you have money . . .” The fine man surrounded by not one or two but six women caught Joy’s attention right away. Something told her this was Devan. His smile, warm and seeming to capture and hold each woman, also appeared to reach out to Joy. She gravitated toward him whether she wanted to or not. “Damn, he’s seriously hot. You weren’t lying,” she breathed.

Gloria laughed, but warned, “Don’t fall in love. You’ll regret it.” They sidled up to Devan, and he waved his hand, uttering a few words to make the women part. Joy shivered at that kind of male power that had the promise of sexual fulfillment written all over it. The man was practically paranormal. Gloria hooked an arm through his and brushed up against his body. “Hey, Devan. I brought Joy to meet you.” Sky blue eyes shifted to her, and Joy trembled. She was no woman of the world, and sexy men like Keane, Nolan and Devan didn’t look at her twice. This whole experience was like a strange altered reality. Devan grinned and reached for her hand to kiss it. “Joy. Mmm, nice name, sexy body.” The way his voice dropped so deep it was like a physical caress made Joy step closer to him. “Hey, Devan.” He unhooked himself from Gloria, tugged Joy to his side and turned to stroll down the beach with her. “Wow, you move fast.” She shook her head. “I guess Gloria has told you what we’re trying to do. You don’t have to, um, kiss me or anything. Standing close when Keane finds us will be good enough, and...” “Oh no.” He wagged a finger at her. “I’m nothing if not thorough. In fact, I’m thinking we had better practice.” Before she could ask what he was talking about, he took her by the waist, turned her and pressed her tight against his chest. She gasped, staring up at him, and his mouth descended on hers. With not a moment more to react to the assault, she found her mouth filled with his thick tongue. He stroked the insides of her mouth, seeming to savor the warmth and flavor. Joy tried to pull back, to get her hands between them, but Devan was too strong. His hands slid down over her body, over her hips and around to her ass. He lifted her up a little to thrust her against his hard-on. He moaned in her mouth. When she realized she couldn’t get away, Joy relaxed and let herself enjoy the kiss. But rather than enjoying it, her mind was filled with thoughts of Keane, where he was, what he would think if he saw her in Devan’s arms and if he would even give a damn. After a long time, Devan raised his head, but held onto her. “Mm, you taste good. No wonder he wants you.” He narrowed his eyes, his gaze on her lips. “And as such, I want you. But what do you see in a dull stick like him? I’ll bet you anything he’s not as good as I am in the sack. Let’s go find out.” A feeling like a bucket of cold water came down over Joy’s head. It couldn’t have dampened her desires any more than the words coming out of Devan’s mouth. She couldn’t imagine any woman wanting him for long with his attitude. She wriggled in his hold, and he finally let her loose. Moving several steps back to get some distance between them, she eyed him from head to foot. The man was sexy as shit, but he didn’t have Keane’s attraction. She couldn’t put her finger on it. Keane was arrogant, and his

words pissed her off, the possessive ones. But when it came to sex, she knew it was important to him to make her feel good, like he didn’t feel he’d done his job well if she didn’t come. And boy did she come often with Keane. With Devan, she’d bet he pleased himself first. She chewed a nail thinking of it, her head cocked as she studied him. “I bet you make your women get themselves off.” He laughed. “What do you mean by that?” She smirked. “I mean you get her all worked up with your kisses and your rubbing on her ass or her boobs. Then in bed, after you’ve come and fallen asleep, she has to stroke herself to get what she needs.” “You bitch.” He grabbed her arm in a tight grip. Joy could have slapped herself for being so rude. The man had agreed to do her a favor, and she was screwing it up. Devan shook her a little. “For your information, every woman that I sleep with comes away satisfied.” Joy didn’t say a word. She glanced around at the beautiful, half naked women on the beach. Their bronzed skin, bleach blonde hair and shapely bodies were perfect amid the floodlights from the houses and the fire torches set at intervals. Joy considered that maybe she was just jealous, but she doubted it. She felt let down. She wanted that mystical feeling of thinking Devan was this super hot man who could sweep her away from her problems with Keane for a while. Reality bit big time. “I’m sorry,” she said. “That was uncalled for. You agreed to help me, and I insult you.” Never mind that he insulted her by forcing his kiss and his body on her. “No problem, baby.” He grinned, stroking her arm. A chill ran over her, but not from pleasure. She was firmly awakened from his earlier spell. “I really can make you feel good, Joy.” He moved closer. She dreaded another kiss. “You have two seconds to take your hands off her.” Joy spun around to find Keane standing there. Just past him Gloria stood looking disappointed, probably over the fact that Keane hadn’t caught her and Devan going at it. But Joy knew better. To pretend she had jumped into bed with Devan seconds after she’d met him wouldn’t be believable. As hungry as she and Keane were for each other, it had taken several days before they acted on it. “Come on, Keane, we’re just talking,” Devan told him. “Don’t be so threatened. Keane sneered. “Threatened? Not by you. You don’t know the first thing about pleasing a woman, nor do you care to.” Joy was sure not to meet Devan’s eyes. Keane had said pretty much what she had a few moments before.

“Let’s go, Joy,” Keane barked. “Now.” She clenched her hands into fists at her sides, pressed her lips together and turned fully to face Keane. She strolled over to him. His arm came around her waist. He tugged her roughly against him and caught her chin up with his other hand. He lowered his mouth to hers, and for all to see, he parted her lips with his and pushed his tongue deep. She felt like a whore, until she lost all sense of time and space. Keane’s kiss was intoxicating. He guided her to arch into his body. One of his hard thighs coaxed her legs apart and lifted gently to nudge her heat. A moan was ripped from her throat. She wanted to pull away, to stop the show they were putting on, but she couldn’t help herself. Her lover released her mouth and brushed tiny kisses to her chin, down her neck to the crease at her shoulder blade. The hand at her back pressed her tighter to him, lifting her a little to her tiptoes. His hard-on twitching between them made her wet for more. If he didn’t stop soon, she’d come right there. She sucked in a breath. “Keane, please...” After long minutes when he had returned to her mouth and kissed her until her lips were tingling, he raised his head. The triumph in his eyes hurt her feelings. He didn’t give a shit. He only wanted to prove a point, and boy did he ever make it plain who was the superior lover. Keane whipped Joy to face the way back to his house, but he paused to look at Devan. “Stay away from her. I don’t mess with what’s yours. Don’t mess with mine.” “I don’t scare easily like the assholes you do business with, Keane. Save the threats for them.” To his credit Devan didn’t back down. But nor did he faze Keane. When Keane practically dragged her back along the beach, Joy braced herself for his tirade. She’d tell him where to stuff it if he started in on her, but he said nothing. They passed Gloria on the way. Her expression was dark at first, but when Keane drew near she brightened and took his other arm. “Oh, I’m so glad you found her, Keane. We don’t want our little Joy getting into trouble, do we? She’s an innocent to our ways and could easily find herself into something she has no idea how to get herself out of.” Gloria’s face was too bright, her eyes glassy. Joy’s heart went out to the woman. She was hurting, and Keane was either blind or he truly didn’t give a damn about even this family friend who had been there for years. If he knew how she felt about him, how could he kiss Joy like that in front of Gloria? Joy had considered borrowing money from Gloria to leave, but it went against what her mother had taught her about standing on her own two feet. Besides, Keane would still be

obsessed with her, and probably chase after her wherever she went. If he found out that Gloria helped her, it would create a rift between them that might not heal easily. Joy was better off trying at a later time to follow through with Gloria’s plan. It was her only option at this point.

Chapter Twelve Instead of heading back into the house, Keane led Joy around to the front and over to his Jeep. They hopped in, and Keane turned over the engine. “Where are we going? You have guests you’re neglecting,” she told him as if he didn’t know. “We’re going to the beach.” His voice was clipped and still angry. Joy crossed her arms over her chest. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but we just came from the beach.” He didn’t answer but kept driving. Joy settled back to enjoy the breeze and the clear sky. The moon was full. The shush sound the ocean made was never far on the island, and Joy thought she could live there year around. She wondered how Keane and Nolan could come here and then return to the city with all its issues, like customer service or packages not delivered on time or whatever other store related concerns they were bogged down with. Soon Keane pulled to the side of the road and hopped out of the Jeep. He came around and held his hand out to her. She hesitated. “We’re just going to leave the Jeep here. Someone could take it.” He laughed. “This isn’t New York, Joy. It’ll be fine. Come on.” She followed him into the thick foliage. Palm trees stretched overhead, but it was the shorter greenery that cut off her view of where they were headed. That and the darkness. She imagined Keane had come out here a million times, maybe even from the time he was a child. He probably knew it like the back of his hand. They soon broke through to the beach, dimly lit by the moon. Still, the white sand glimmered in the darkness, almost a lamp in and of itself. But seeing the inky darkness of the water at night had always made Joy nervous. She shivered. Keane wrapped an arm around her shoulders and tugged her to his side. Joy’s heart calmed at his hold, and she was somewhat reassured seeing the lights of boats in the distance. Keane sat down on the sand still warm from the sun. He drew Joy onto his lap and sat quietly watching the water. Joy, fearful of when the lecture would come, waited with a stiff back. He pulled her closed, forcing her to relax. He pointed to the left. “See that there?” She shook her head. “That black shadow? Not really.” “It’s the caves. You can visit with a dinghy. You can snorkel. Some interesting sights. Nolan and I used to row ourselves there. We told each other pirate stories and read from Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island while we were there.”

Joy’s eyebrows went up. He had unbent enough to have fun with Nolan? It seemed inconsistent with what she had heard so far about him, and his experience as a child. “I made my stories scary and often made Nolan cry. He’d beg me to take him back home,” Keane admitted. She sighed, struggling to get up. He let her go. She strolled several feet away from him. “Why did you tell me that? I thought for a moment you were human, that you loved Nolan at one point.” “Love.” There was no emotion in his utterance, not disgust or warmth. He was indifferent to love. Feeling suddenly bold, Joy spun around and marched over to where he stood. She ran her hands over his chest, feeling for the scar. Her fingers found it and traced the length. It wasn’t long, but she could image it would seem to be on a tiny chest. Her own chest constricted thinking of someone doing that to Travon. Fear swept over her. She tried to head back to the Jeep, but Keane stopped her. “You can’t live in fear,” he told her. “Aren’t you?” He stiffened. “I’m not living in fear.” “You’re terrified of letting yourself love someone, even of caring for Nolan.” “You don’t know what you’re talking about, Joy. Be quiet.” He snapped, and she flinched. She wanted to curse him out and demand he take her back to the house, but she resisted. She spoke softly. “Tell me about what happened to you, Keane. About the scar.” “No.” **** She watched him in the darkness. He did all he could to breathe normally, but he felt like his lungs were about to explode. When she had traced the scar, he wanted to hurt her, to hit her, but he knew that was the panic, the terror he felt even now after so many years. It was the same panic that had driven him to hurt Nolan, to make him cry at his stories and countless other things Keane had done to torment his brother, and his parents for that matter. He closed his eyes to shut out her sweet face. Never before did he give in to anything or anyone that would make him feel. He would block it, destroy it if he could. Joy was the first person he took to himself despite knowing it was dangerous to let her get too close. When he had walked down to the beach and saw Devan hovering over her with lust in his eyes, his disgusting hand stroking Joy, it was all he could do not to murder the man, to crush Devan’s windpipe beneath his fingers.

He fucked up. He should not have taken Joy. Her touch, her voice. Damn it! With her by his side at night after he had driven into her with mindless abandon, he went to sleep and dreamed of her. She made him weak, and when he recognized it, he did what he could to keep her at arms length, to make what they had only about the sex. Feeling like he was in better control, he opened his eyes and stared into hers. “If you see him again, I’ll beat you.” She gaped. “You can’t be serious.” Of course he wouldn’t beat her. When she cried . . . well, that didn’t bear thinking on. But he wanted her to believe he would to keep control over her. “I’m very serious. If you let him touch you—if you speak to him or go off alone with him, I will beat you until you’re black and blue.” For a long time, she said nothing. He thought she was about to cry but was fighting it, and then she kneed him, good and hard. He doubled over in pain, his hands sinking into the sand. By the time his head cleared, and he could think beyond the throbbing between his legs, he heard his Jeep start up. He made it out to the road in time to see the tail lights disappearing around a bend. “Fuck!” **** Nolan had chuckled all the way home. Keane gritted his teeth at the sound once again as he sat nursing a drink. The music had finally stopped, and his ungrateful guests had either wandered off to find an all night party on the island, or they’d gone to bed, many of them not alone. Keane’s dark mood had caused him to snap at more than one woman who had offered herself as a companion in his bed for the night. He had turned them all down. “Aren’t you going to go up to her?” Nolan asked. “No.” Keane didn’t turn his gaze away from the ice melting in his glass. “Why not? You know you want to. You’ve not been far from Joy the entire time she’s been here. I’m beginning to wonder.” “Shut up!” Keane roared. “I’ve had enough of people speculating on my feelings for one night. Go find Karen. I’m sure she’ll welcome your company.” Nolan paled. “Not funny.” Keane shrugged, glanced down at his watch and stood. He downed the last of his drink and slammed the glass on the table beside his chair. Deciding that he had put off going upstairs

long enough, he headed to the door. As he left the room, he waited for Nolan to comment again, but his brother stayed silent. On the second floor all was quiet except for a few muffled moans from a room or two that he passed. He sighed thinking this party might not have been a good idea with Travon in the house. Then he frowned that he had even considered such a thing. On impulse, he checked the child’s room. He was gratified to have to use his key to get in. He didn’t want some drunken idiot to wander into Travon’s room and scare him. Tonight Mrs. Studivant slept on a twin bed Keane had ordered to be moved into the boy’s room. She would stay there with him until Keane’s guests left, which would be tomorrow if he could help it. He checked his watched again. Two in the morning. “Today,” he amended quietly. Having delayed long enough, he stood outside Joy’s bedroom door. He hesitated to test the knob. Would she have locked him out? She knew he had the key, but would she be signaling that she didn’t want his company? Or would it only mean she too didn’t want someone else walking in on her? He heaved a sigh and turned the knob. The door was unlocked. He slipped inside and crossed over to the bed. She lay with her eyes closed, unmoving but not asleep he knew. She wore his favorite chemise, semi-transparent sides and back, lace cups and smoking hot red. Rather than decide what she wore was a clear invitation after their argument, he sat down on the bed with his back to her. Normally, he would have pulled her to him and teased her with his fingers and mouth until she was too turned on to resist him. This time, he hesitated. Looking over his shoulder at her, he slid his hand near hers where it lay palm up at the base of the pillow. When she didn’t move, he sighed and turned away. Before he could stand, her hand covered his. Keane squeezed her hand and then stood quickly to slip out of his clothes. When he pushed the covers back and lay at her side, she opened her eyes to watch him. Feeling like a green boy, he didn’t push but waited. Joy reached up to touch his face, and he rolled to land on top of her. Her legs spread, her heat teased his erection, but he made no attempt just yet to enter her. “You took off your shirt,” she whispered. He didn’t respond. If he did, he might lose his nerve and cover up. His breath came out in noisy puffs when she traced his scar. He covered her hand, his eyes closed. “Don’t.” “Tell me, Keane. Don’t be afraid.” “I’m not afraid of anything,” he snapped and regretted it. He kissed her roughly. When he raised his head, he noted the glistening in her eyes. “Don’t feel sorry for me. I don’t like it. I’m a strong man, successful beyond anything my father ever built.”

“That’s not important.” “It is to me!” She sighed. “Okay, then take me. Make love to me or fuck me, whatever way you feel comfortable describing it. Just do it, and we won’t talk anymore. We’ll just enjoy each other’s touch for tonight.” He didn’t miss the ‘for tonight’ reference. She was planning something. He knew in that instant, that his sweet Joy would always fight him if he did something she didn’t like or if he disrespected her. He grunted at the thought of getting a knee to the nuts every time he threatened to make her behave. She was fire all right. Could he actually have one particular woman in his life for maybe a year or more? Or would Joy eventually bore him? The prospect of having her for a long, long time was exhilarating, but he didn’t examine those feelings too closely. Keane caressed her hips, slid his hands down to grip her thighs and raise them higher. Her skin was so smooth and soft, his dick grew harder just stroking her. He flicked an eyebrow toward his hairline as if to say “are you ready for me?” She nodded. “Always.” Her moist warmth welcomed him in. He slid deep, gasping at how her muscles clenched around his member. All strength left his body. He let his head lower, his forehead tapping hers. “Shit...” He panted. “Joy...” Her moans set him off. He had to fight not to release just yet. Slowly, he began to pump into her, rocking his hips to glide deeper. He reared back a little to watch his shaft glide into her snug tunnel. Just the sight of it, the engorged veins, the taut skin stretching across his bulge, the way her soft folds parted for him. He couldn’t take his eyes away, because even her dark curls made him wild for her. What the hell was wrong with him? Was it just that the sex was beyond good? Was it unbridled lust? Keane tore his eyes from their coupling to look into her eyes. “What are you doing, Joy?” Her lids drooped. “I’m...ah...I’m coming, Keane.” When she cried out his name, he was lost. He couldn’t help himself. Taking hold of her hips, he gritted his teeth and pounded into her. She shouted release after release, and soon he exploded as well. Letting his weight push her into the soft bed, he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and cradled the back of her head. He closed his eyes tight, pressed his face into the pillow and let the bliss scorch his mind. All thought of anything but her left. She controlled him. She commanded him. After a long time, they stilled, but Keane didn’t pull out of Joy. He kept himself buried in her. “It was my grandfather,” he whispered into her hair. She gasped, but didn’t question him.

Keane squeezed her too tight. “He and I were very close. He was...I was closer to him than my father and mother combined. Do you understand?” Keane heard the harshness in his voice. “Yes.” “He said...That day, he said...you don’t deserve to live.” Keane was used to holding himself in check, to never cry. In fact even as a six year old, after it happened, he hadn’t cried. But Joy sobbed beneath him. For a long time he held her tight, not moving. Finally, when her tears slowed, he said, “Don’t ever mention it again.” He moved off of her, slipped into his clothes and left the room, closing the door softly behind him.

Chapter Thirteen Joy woke in the morning hoping that somehow she and Keane had a breakthrough in their relationship after he admitted to what his grandfather did. Her eyes grew wet just thinking about it, and she wondered what had possessed the man. How could anyone in their right mind hurt a child? Then again, maybe that was it. He wasn’t in his right mind. She stepped into the shower and let the warm water flow over her. For once she wasn’t sore between her legs. Keane had a huge sexual appetite, but last night he had left after one round and didn’t return. She sighed. That’s what worried her most. Instead of warming to her now that she knew more of his secret, he had retreated inside his icy shell and left her. On one hand, she hoped it meant he was losing interest. On the other...Damn, she was stupid, but she would miss him. She refused to think she had come to care or even love him, but it could be that he had become familiar, a habit. Joy stepped out of the shower to find clothes lain out on her bed. She sighed, moisturized her skin and dressed. When she reached the dining room with Travon, there was no sign of Keane. In fact, he didn’t show his face for most of the day which was unlike him. Joy took her son to the beach where Gloria found her. “Hey, Joy,” Gloria called. She plopped down beside Joy and opened her oversized bag to pull out suntan lotion. “How did it go last night? You’re still sitting here on the beach, so I assume Keane didn’t back off.” Joy frowned and shook her head. “Not exactly.” She wasn’t about to talk to Gloria about what Keane’s grandfather did to him. Gloria might be a long time friend, but that didn’t mean she was privy to all their secrets, and somehow it felt like it would be a betrayal if she did discuss it with her. “He threatened me, told me to stay away from Devan. I...” She hesitated. “I’ve changed my mind. I think that some other plan might work out better than making him think I slept with Devan.” Gloria studied her until Joy shifted under her gaze. “You’re scared of him? Joy, did he hit you?” Joy’s eyes widened. “No, of course not. Keane can behave shitty to me in so many ways, but he is not abusive.” What she had done to him last night, kneeing him in the nuts, came to mind. She was the abusive one. Not that he didn’t deserve it. His threat had scared her, but when she had time to think about it, she knew Keane wouldn’t beat her like he said. He’d never really followed through with any of his cruel threats. The man wasn’t all bad. “You can’t back out of it now, Joy. I promise you, this is the way to make him let go. Keane is all about controlling what’s his. If he thinks someone else has enjoyed you or that you aren’t into him like you were, then he’ll lose interest. He’s never forced himself on a woman. It’s just that all of the women he’s wanted have wanted him back.” Joy dug her toes into the warm sand. “Then how do you know how he’ll react?”

“Because I’ve known him most of his life.” “And because you love him,” Joy muttered. Gloria didn’t respond. The anger in her eyes was clear enough. Joy stood up, looking toward the water’s edge where Travon played with Alvin’s little girl. “I’ve made my decision, Gloria. I’m sorry. I’ll find another way to leave Keane and get him to let me go. I won’t do this.” Without another word, she strolled down to the water. “Okay, you two. We’ll go into the water for a little while, and then it’s back to the house. You have delayed your nap long enough. At their grunts of complaint, Joy grinned and took their hands. Her heart warmed to see them in their brightly colored arm floats. Keane had kept his word about teaching Travon to swim. Her son could probably swim almost as well as a preteen, but she refused to take any chances. He was still very little. After twenty minutes of splashing around, they headed up to the house. Exhaustion made Joy walk more slowly behind the running kids, and she wondered how she’d get them to calm down enough to nap. She couldn’t be more relieved to see Mrs. Studivant waiting just inside the door. She nodded her thanks when the woman took both children’s hands. “Oh goodness, I’m getting lazy. What am I going to do when we’re back home?” she wondered. “You’ll do as you’re doing now. Give over Travon’s care to Mrs. Studivant.” Joy swung around to find Keane standing at the bottom of the stairs. He looked pale, and his eyes were red like he hadn’t slept. Only now did she realize she hadn’t seen any of the guests from last night. Were they still sleeping? It was three thirty in the afternoon. “Keane,” she breathed. He didn’t say anything. She hesitated, wanted to ask him how he was and if he had slept at all, but she didn’t want him to think she was bringing up what they had talked about. Coming to a decision, she descended the stairs and stood in front of him on the last step. He was still taller than she was. Their mouths met in a kiss that sent shivers down her spine. Keane wrapped her in his embrace. Without a word, he lifted her in his arms and carried her inside. Rather than head upstairs, he laid her on the couch and followed her down, settling between her legs. He cupped one of her breasts. “There’s barely any material here.” “You chose it.”

He nodded. “That wasn’t a complaint.” He snatched the material of her bathing suit down and lowered his head until his lips closed over her nipple. Joy gasped, arched her back and ran her fingers through his hair. He sucked and teased her puckered bud until she felt an orgasm coming on. “Oh! I’m sorry to interrupt.” Gloria stood in the doorway. Joy ducked behind Keane’s shoulder, embarrassed to be found in the position that they were. The dark anger clouding Keane’s eyes didn’t say the same. “If you’re sorry, then get the hell out.” Joy and Gloria both gasped. Joy struggled beneath him. “I think maybe I should go tend to Travon. It’s my job after all, and I won’t have Mrs. Studivant’s services forever.” Keane didn’t release her. He made no move at all, nor did he allow her to cover her bare breast. She hadn’t been imagining it last night. He was more distant, colder. Odds were, he regretted admitting what had happened to him, probably thought it showed weakness. When Gloria stomped out of the room and slammed the door behind her, Joy tried to broach the subject. “Keane, about what you told me last night. I think—” He moved off of her, rose and left the room. Joy sat up, staring after him in shocked silence. She tugged her top in place and stood on shaky legs. The door opened again and Nolan stood in the doorway. “Nolan.” His eyes widened. “Are you okay?” She shook her head, sniffing. “Nope. I, uh, never mind that. Keane told me what happened to him, when he was a child.” Nolan gasped. “I can’t believe he would admit that. You must be...” “Must be what?” “Nothing.” He crossed the room and stood in front of her. She noticed him take in her scantily clad body and resisted the urge to cross her arms over herself. Glancing around for her the wrap she had held in her hand because she couldn’t stand wet terrycloth against her skin, she avoided Nolan’s gaze. “I thought it would warm him up to me, but he’s still cold as ice, colder if possible. I just wish he would...I don’t know. I wish he was different. I don’t really date. The guys take one look at Travon and they move on. Not many good ones want a ready made family I don’t care how common it is these days. And I didn’t choose to be with Keane.” Nolan’s hands came down on her shoulders. “But you care about him, don’t you.”

“Why should I!” She moved out of his hold, feeling uncomfortable letting him touch her when she was almost naked. “I don’t want to talk about me and Keane. What about your grandfather? Why would he do that to him? What happened?” Nolan’s attitude was offhand, but Joy saw the pain and loss in his eyes. She guessed that even if he didn’t remember a lot being much younger when it happened, he probably felt the loss of being close to his brother as siblings should be. That and having a grandfather around to dote on them growing up. Her next question would have been to ask where the man was now, but Nolan anticipated it. “He snapped I guess. Doctors said he had a seizure that damaged his mind or something like that, made him think of Keane as the enemy. Found evidence at the autopsy.” She forced herself to swallow. “Autopsy?” “Yes, he killed himself right after. Maybe he came back to himself afterward and the strain of knowing what he’d done, seeing Keane on the floor...” “I’m sorry. This must be painful and here I am questioning you. It’s none of my business.” He shook his head. “No, it is your business, because Keane admitted it to you. He’s never told another woman, not even Gloria or that silly Lydia.” Joy rolled her eyes. “Like she would be mature enough to handle it. I’m not sure I am. How could he possibly heal emotionally from something like that? How could anyone?” Nolan moved closer to her. “I admit it’s been tough. He and I both have done things we’re not proud of, or at least I have. Keane hasn’t yet admitted he shouldn’t be the way he is now.” Joy thought of the times he apologized for hurting her. She maintained the man wasn’t all bad. She turned to walk toward the door, but Nolan caught her arm and pulled her back. She stared up at him. Before she knew what he was going to do, he kissed her, flattened her breasts to his chest and forced his tongue between her lips. Joy fought, but Nolan was just as strong as Keane. She managed to get a little space between them and brought her knee up, but Nolan blocked it. He lifted his head, his eyes narrowed. “Let me go, Nolan. Don’t do this.” “Be with me, not him. Why do all the women choose him over me, when I am the one who would cherish them?” Her chest heaved. She fought in his arms, but he held on. “I don’t know the answer to that, but I do know it doesn’t give you the right to force yourself on any of them, and it damn sure doesn’t give you the right to paw me!”

He grinned. “You’re different from every one of others. No wonder he can’t get enough of you. I want to know what it’s like to be inside you, to have you moan my name.” “Are you out of your damn mind? Maybe your whole family is crazy!” She gasped and covered her mouth. “Oh goodness, I didn’t mean to say that. I’m so sorry.” He let her go. Turning his back, he muttered. “Go.” Joy high tailed it out of there and ran upstairs to her room. She slammed the door closed and pressed her back to it. While she stood there, she thought of Keane and Nolan. Surprisingly, something inside her wanted to stay here, to somehow fight the ice that had encased Keane’s heart for so long. But not only that. She wanted to soothe him to the point that he would let himself care about Nolan as well. In the short while she had been here, Joy had noticed Nolan disappearing into the room she’d just run from. And he had come out later stinking drunk. Keane wasn’t the only one who had been damaged by what their grandfather did. Joy was learning a lot about outside appearances. Back on that subway, she had thought only of how well-dressed Keane and Nolan were, how they didn’t fit in with the subway crowd, them obviously having more money than she’d ever seen or hoped to have. Yet, she could not have guessed the pain that still clouded their judgments on a daily basis. Maybe, just maybe, she wouldn’t leave. **** Joy had barely left the bottom step with Travon’s hand clutched in hers before the boy vaulted and scurried down the hall toward Keane. He had been going so fast he couldn’t stop and smashed right into the back of Keane’s leg. Joy came to a stop and bit her lip. There was no telling what kind of mood her lover was in. He had been standing there chatting with Josh when Travon interrupted them. Keane whipped around and lifted Travon up with his hands beneath her son’s arms. His icy stare didn’t seem to faze Travon one bit. “Keane, where are we going today? To Tortola? To Peter Island? Or another place? Is Grace coming too and Mr. Alvin?” The questions didn’t slow down long enough for Keane to get a word in edgewise. He glanced up at Joy and frowned. She shrugged. Keane turned his attention back to Travon. “For your information, we are going to attend a dinner theatre later today.” Travon frowned. “Blah. Sounds boring. What’s theatre anyway?” Joy bit down on a laugh. Her heart fluttered at seeing them together, but she tried to ignore it. Keane wasn’t father material or even husband material. She wasn’t looking for a man to take either job anyway. She was good on her own.

“For your information,” Keane grumbled, “Grace has attended Bob Showgar’s performance each year since she was your age.” Josh blew out a noisy breath. “That amounts to two years doesn’t it?” Keane cast him a dark look that made him snap his lips together. “It’s a magic show. But maybe you’re too old for that?” Keane asked Travon. Travon’s eyes rounded. His little mouth dropped open, but he didn’t say a word. Joy figured his expression said it all. She was grateful to Keane for remembering to find entertainment for her son, although she wondered if Alvin had pushed him to do it. That was the more likely case. The hope she had thinking on it dissipated. She heaved a sigh and walked up to take her son from Keane’s hands. “Time for breakfast, baby. We’ll find something to do with the rest of our day until it’s time.” Yawning all the way down the hall, Joy wondered how she would keep her eyes open. She was tempted to turn Travon over to Mrs. Studivant but resisted. Gloria greeted her when she pushed the door open and settled Travon in his usual place. Joy still wasn’t sure what to feel about their friendship. It had started off strong, but Gloria seemed distant after Joy refused her plan. Yet now she seemed her usual upbeat self. Joy had to wonder if the woman’s feelings had been hurt when Joy refused her plan and now she was over it. She hoped so. “Hey, what’s up, Gloria? What do you have planned for the day?” Gloria shrugged. “Not much. You?” “Nothing much. Keane’s taking us to a magic show and dinner later. We’ll probably spend the day on the beach as usual, coming in only when Travon needs to take his nap.” The temperature in the room seemed to drop twenty degrees, or it could have been the ice in Gloria’s eyes. Damn, what the fuck? She didn’t have to wait long to find out what the woman’s issue was. “Sounds like a nice cozy little family of three,” Gloria commented while she buttered her toast. She waved her knife in the air. “Too bad Keane already has one he doesn’t bother with.” Joy frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Gloria smirked. “He didn’t tell you? Keane already has a son, so he doesn’t need yours.” Joy gasped. She sat frozen, staring at Gloria. Her so called new friend dropped her knife and the toast on her plate. She pushed her plate away and turned to stare out the window overlooking the front lawn. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“Like hell.” Joy put her hands on her hips. “You’re not dropping that bomb and leaving it. He has a son? I’ve never heard that or seen anything to indicate it.” Gloria stood. “Look, I said I shouldn’t have said it. Just forget it. It has nothing to do with you anyway, and the truth is I was just jealous. I bet you already figured that out.” At Joy’s nod, she continued. “He’ll never feel anything but friendship, if that, about me. He’s wrapped up in you. I should just accept it. I hope that when I can get a handle on my feelings again, we can go back to being friends.” Joy opened her mouth to respond, but Gloria turned away and walked out of the room. Joy had to sit there wondering if what Gloria said was true or if it was her way of trying to split up Keane and Joy. It shouldn’t matter, but it did. Joy glanced at Travon. Relief flooded her to find her son was too busy ripping into the warm buttered muffins in front of him to have paid attention to anything Gloria said. There was nothing Joy could do anyway, except do her best to make sure Travon had a great time before they went back home.

Chapter Fourteen Joy descended the stairs in a black Narciso Rodriguez cutout dress that hugged her figure like a second skin. The two areas of cutouts on her back and the cap sleeves along with the five inch matching heels made the outfit too formal for a magic show even if dinner was included. But what Keane wanted, Keane got. Even Joy’s little man was looking serious in his slacks and collared shirt. He had thrown a fit at the tie Keane wanted, and Joy was shocked that Keane had given into him when he’d never let her make adjustments to her outfit. At the base of the stairs, she waited for his inspection with a hand on her hip and her lips pursed. He stood there staring for a long time until her irritation got the better of her. “Well?” she demanded. He smirked. “Your lipstick needs to be fixed. She frowned. “What? It’s perfect. I stood in the mirror forever choosing a shade from the zillion you bought. This one is the best, and it looks great on me if I do say so myself!” He crossed the space between them in two long strides. She noted the strain of tight muscle in his thighs as they pulled at his pants leg, and her heartbeat kicked up a few notches. When he was in front of her he stopped and lifted her chin. “I said, your lipstick needs to be fixed.” His mouth came down on hers. She had barely a moment to catch her breath before his tongue parted her lips and he sucked at her mouth with hunger that weakened her. Joy’s knees gave, but Keane wrapped an arm around her, hauling her closer. An arrow of desire shot between her legs, and the beginnings of wetness there had her groaning for more. After a few moments of kissing, Keane released her. “There. See? I told you it needs to be fixed.” He reached in his inner jacket pocket and pulled out a handkerchief to clean his mouth. He swung away no doubt aware that he had set her on fire and didn’t give a shit. Joy clenched her fists and grunted. She swung around and marched over to the mirror to fix her makeup. “Arrogant jackass,” she muttered. Keane didn’t respond if he heard. A maid opened the front door, and Travon ran to take Keane’s hand. Joy, finished fixing her face, followed them out the door. While Keane handed her into the car, she took a few deep breaths. Tonight was about Travon and his enjoyment. She would do all she could not to argue with Keane or think about the future. Tonight was all that existed. The restaurant was on Beef Island. They sailed over on Keane’s boat and didn’t have far to walk to Gizette’s right on the beach. The breeze off the water, the steel drums being played somewhere and the bursts of laughter from others on vacation lifted her spirits. The host opened the door, and Keane guided Joy ahead of him with his hand on the small of her back. She tried to forget about the effect he had on her body and to take in the sights.

While Gizette’s was classier than the previous restaurants Keane had taken her too, it still reflected the lighthearted spirit of the island people. The walls were a beautiful shade of dark orchid, and paintings from local artists were arranged about the room. A small waterfall was situated in the center of the room with a stone base and foliage in and around it. The host sat them at a table closest to the miniature stage, and Joy wondered what strings Keane had pulled to arrange it all. She couldn’t imagine that he had made reservations too long ago since they hadn’t been on the island long and he couldn’t have known he would bring her and her son here in the first place. They were soon settled holding menus. A waiter stepped forward to take their order. Keane handed over the menu. “To start we will have steamed bouchot mussels.” “Sourdough?” the waiter queried as he wrote it down. Keane nodded. “Also, we will do a bit of tasting tonight. Let’s go with the pan roasted steak, hold the mushrooms, and the halibut. Tell the chef to throw in whatever else he thinks we might like to sample.” Joy stared at him. What the hell did she bother looking over the menu for if he was going to order, and what part of what he ordered was she going to give to Travon? When the waiter had taken down their drink order and left the table, Joy let him have it. “I can’t believe you did that. You didn’t even ask us what we wanted. And I don’t like mussels. They give me the creeps! Why do you have to control everything?” His eyes widened. The man couldn’t get it through his thick head that she was a person with her own opinions and that he should respect that. “I’m sorry, Joy. I asked for samples of several different dishes. Since you’ve never been here, and we’ve only been to more casual restaurants, I didn’t want you to be stuck with something you didn’t like.” “Oh.” Now she felt like an idiot. And this was the second time he flat out apologized. It was both comforting and disturbing. He didn’t show too much emotion and certainly hadn’t injected any in his voice when he apologized, but the fact that he had offered it spoke volumes. She smiled, relaxing a little. “Okay, you’re forgiven. This time.” He flashed his sexy smile that had her stomach doing somersaults. “Good. This night is for fun. For you and Travon.” “Why? Magic’s not for you or what?” she asked him. “Who doesn’t like magic shows?” “I don’t dislike them.” He didn’t elaborate, and soon they were distracted by several families entering the restaurant with excited and loud young children. Apparently, this was a special night just for the kids. If that was so shouldn’t they have had a special menu to go along with it? She wasn’t confident

about the exotic food for Travon, but she wasn’t about to complain. Keane was trying. That’s what counted. The show began before their food arrived. Joy found herself just as mesmerized by the magician as Travon was. This guy had no cheap act. If she believed in real magic, he would be it. Travon, along with the other kids, squealed. Joy gasped when Keane cracked a rare smile watching him. Should I ask him about his son, why he didn’t bring him to something like this? Or maybe he was older and wouldn’t like it. What Gloria had said might also be a lie. Joy turned to watch Keane. She sighed. The burden of being with him weighed on her. Even if she stayed, he would probably get bored with her soon. It could happen in another week, a month or a few months. She didn’t expect to last a year. Nolan had said Keane’s women had never lasted beyond two months. Most had lasted less time than that. Another week and a half would put her at the longest period, and judging from the wild sex they had almost every night, he hadn’t yet lost interest. Joy thought of one guy she’d dated briefly. She had known before she went out with Andre that he was the kind of guy who dated a woman and didn’t drop her until he had already replaced her. Because Joy had wanted to take sex slowly, putting it off, Andre had had her replaced within a week. The ass had actually called her from his new girlfriend’s house saying he had started having ‘feelings’ for someone else. Loser! Keane leaned across to Joy and pressed his lips to her ear. A shiver went down her spine. “Why the frown? I thought you were enjoying the show.” She blinked away the bad memories. “I am. Sorry, got lost in thought.” He nipped her earlobe and stuck his tongue inside, something she was sure he wouldn’t have done if the lights hadn’t been turned low when the show started. “Keane, stop,” she whispered. “This isn’t the time or the place.” “It’s always the place.” He took her hand and put it in his lap. He was hard as a rock. Joy resisted squeezing, wanting him bad. She’d never known her sexual appetite could be so high. She felt a little like she was using it as a way to deal with the fact that she loved Keane. She closed her eyes, willing away tears. Why the hell did she have to fall in love with his ass anyway? She would have been just fine enjoying the sex, the money, the vacation, until it was over. Then she could walk away. Weren’t there women who could do that? Why was she so weak as to fall for a man that could never love her? “You’re frowning again.” He turned her head and kissed her lips. “Stop.” Joy would have argued with him, but the waiter arrived with their food. Another waiter stood beside him with a small light and placed it on the table. The lamp threw enough illumination to show them what they were eating but not enough to disturb the show.

Keane took charge again and served the three of them. He placed mussels on each of their plates, and this time Joy did frown. She wasn’t eating it. He leaned forward. “Try it, Joy. I promise it’s good.” She glanced at Travon. He too looked doubtful, but the moment Keane popped the first piece into his mouth, Travon dug into his. “I’m not sure about this, Keane,” she told him. “Travon might be willing to try it for you, but he’s not used to this type of food.” “Stop worrying.” Keane speared a mussel with his fork and dipped it in butter sauce. He leaned over to guide the food to her mouth. She stared, like the man was offering her a bite of poison. He was different tonight, softer, kinder. He had always been attentive to what she wanted and needed, but tonight even in the dim lighting she could tell a little of the ice in his eyes had receded. Hope lifted its head inside her heart. Joy opened her mouth and took the food in. She chewed while keeping her eyes on Keane. “Well?” he asked. “It’s okay.” He smirked. By the time they had torn through half the food and the show had closed, Joy was stuffed but happy. For the first time in her life, everything was going great. She pushed thoughts of it not lasting out of her head. Keane wiped his mouth and put his napkin down. “Did you enjoy yourself, Joy?” She nodded. He turned to her son. “Travon?” “Yes, but...” Travon began. Joy turned to her baby and gasped at his pale face. He grimaced. “Ma, my stomach hurts.” She reached out to rub his stomach. “You’ve eaten too much. Tray, I told you to slow down.” Before she could say another word, everything her son had eaten came spewing out.” “Damn!” Keane grumbled. All her good feelings fled. Joy glared at Keane. “He couldn’t help it.” She grabbed some napkins and gathered up her son to rush him to the bathroom. She didn’t realize Keane was right behind her until she came to the women’s bathroom to find it shut down and two men headed into the men’s bathroom.

“Damn!” she echoed Keane. “Give him to me,” Keane demanded. “I’ll get him cleaned up.” Joy spun around to find Keane there with his arms outstretched. Travon was crying, waiters scurried past with supplies obviously to clean up the mess they had left, and people milled around getting ready to leave with others arriving. Having no other choice, Joy handed Travon over to Keane. “Just don’t be short with him, Keane. He doesn’t need you snapping at him at a time like this. I mean it. If you make him more upset, I’m going to kick your ass.” Keane’s nostrils flared, and several ritzy-looking ladies gave her a look that said she wasn’t civilized enough to be in public. She ignored them. Her baby came first. “I’m not going to be mean.” Without another word, Keane took Travon and disappeared into the bathroom. Joy couldn’t believe it. The man she had been sure wasn’t husband material or father material had volunteered to care for her sick son. She leaned on the wall and crossed her arms with her eyes closed. “Don’t get all excited. This is just a rare night. Maybe that magician has more magic than I gave him credit for,” she muttered. “Who the hell are you to tell me I can’t dine here tonight?” a voice boomed. “I have a standing reservation.” Jarred from her thoughts, Joy turned to see who was making a scene. Lydia’s father, Ephraim Gladstone stood in the lobby. She did a quick search to see if Lydia was with him, found she wasn’t, and then darted down the hall to hide around the corner. Running into that man was not on her list of things to do tonight. Peeking out from her hiding place, she didn’t find it hard to pick up the evil old man’s conversation. “How was I to know this silly children’s thing was going on? I’m starving. You can find me a table immediately,” he argued. The host had the patience of Job. “Sir, I apologize once again, and I can find a table for you, but do you really want to dine here tonight? Another magic show will start in fifteen minutes, and our guests are still arriving for it.” The host indicated the three or four year olds stepping in behind Gladstone, their high-pitched voices carrying in their excitement. “Fine!” Gladstone bellowed. “But this is the last time I grace this second rate restaurant with my presence.” Joy leaned back against the wall, blowing out a breath of relief. When she had her heart rate almost down to normal, she pushed off the wall and walked around the corner to return to the bathrooms. Keane should be finished with cleaning Travon up.

She took her time picking her way over the cobblestone floor in this area with her head down only to bump into someone’s back. With an apology on her lips, she looked up into the angry face of Lydia’s father.

Chapter Fifteen Joy froze in place, her words stuck on her tongue. She didn’t normally allow stuffed shirt types to rile her, but here she felt out of her element and vulnerable since she didn’t have anything that she could call her own. “M-Mr....” she began. He didn’t acknowledge her but turned to scan the area. No doubt he was looking for Keane. Joy’s anger kicked in. She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. “He’s in the bathroom if you’re looking for Keane. He’s taking care of my son.” Gladstone sneered. “Your son? When he couldn’t care less about his own?” Joy gasped. Her anger drained away. “H-His son?” The man didn’t bother explaining what he meant, but she didn’t need him to. Now both he and Gloria had referred to a son that Keane wasn’t taking care of. How could she not feel guilty that he was gently attending to her baby, when he ignored his own? Her heart sank. When Gladstone realized they were alone, he faced her fully. “You need to stop wasting your time with Keane, young lady. He would never have anything serious with the likes of you. Further, he will be married to my daughter before the year is out. Make no mistake about that.” Joy did her best not to be intimidated. “If he’s such a bad father, why are you desperate to get him hooked up with Lydia?” He cringed seemingly from her slang. “I don’t expect someone like you to understand at all, and I’m not going to bother explaining it. Just take yourself back to wherever you came from before I make it my business to move you myself.” Joy stood there in the middle of the hallway staring after him. Gladstone strolled out the front door like he had not a care in the world, like he expected her to heed his threat and fly back to the states that night. Money. This was all about money. Gladstone cared more about growing his money with what the Kavanaghs had than Lydia choosing her own husband. It so happened that she also wanted Keane hanging off her arm. And here Joy was caught in the middle of this crap, because she didn’t have a cent to her name. Suddenly, she felt like a pawn in the rich people’s game, and she wanted no part of it. She wouldn’t put it past Keane to have dragged her down here just to get all the women and men after him off his back. Well he could kiss her ass too! She didn’t need any of them or their money! ****

When Keane emerged from the restroom with an exhausted Travon on his shoulder, he felt the difference in Joy’s attitude. Their night had gone well. He was sure she had enjoyed the show and the food. She’d even trusted him to take care of her son when he got sick, but something had changed while he was in the restroom. Without a word, she almost attacked to get Travon from him and swung away with her back to him. He stood stunned at her attitude. When he had snapped out of it, he settled his bill and followed her outside. Joy stood clutching her son to her chest with her lips pressed tight and not saying a word. Keane unlocked his rental and waited while she settled Travon and climbed in. He whipped around to the driver’s side, climbed in and turned over the engine. “You want to tell me what the hell your problem is? I thought we were having a good time.” She didn’t answer. He switched off the car. “Well?” “Nothing. Please, just take us home.” She sighed. “I warned you Travon couldn’t handle the more exotic food. He’s too young and not used to it.” “So that’s why you’re giving me the cold shoulder, blaming me for making him sick? Never mind that he enjoyed the show!” “Go to hell, Keane.” She turned her head to look out the window. He considered threatening her, but it didn’t appeal. What he did feel like doing regarding Joy wasn’t clear. He considered sending her home, choosing another woman who would not resist him, who would give herself to him and wouldn’t judge every damn thing he did. Even without knowing fully what he wanted, he knew he didn’t want that. He wasn’t ready to give Joy up. In the time they had been together, he had never been so stimulated. It was more than just sex, although the sex was out of this world. Joy stimulated his mind, his will, his resolve to be whatever he chose. She challenged the choices he made and wasn’t afraid to tell him what she thought if he pissed her off. Having her had been refreshing. But that didn’t mean he was ready to abandon the ruthless way he ran his life and how he treated those he did business with. It did not mean he loved her! Bah! What the hell am I doing even denying it? It’s not real. It doesn’t exist. I shouldn’t be thinking about love at all. That was her doing, too. He turned over the engine and threw the vehicle in gear. Roaring out of the restaurant’s parking lot, he compressed his lips to match Joy’s. If she couldn’t appreciate what he had done tonight, then fuck her. She would spread her legs for him, and that’s it. Nothing more. He wouldn’t try.

They were speeding toward the pier where he kept his boat before she spoke. “So tell me why you felt it necessary to take my son to that show when you haven’t bothered with your own son?” He froze. “Excuse me?” “You heard me.” She didn’t look at him. Instead, she glanced back over her shoulder at Travon. Keane noted the boy was asleep. He just ought to be after bending over the toilet for so long even after he had emptied his stomach. A twinge of guilt turned Keane’s insides for causing the boy to get sick. He grunted in anger. “I don’t think I did hear you properly, Joy,” he snapped. “Because I don’t think my personal life is any of your fucking business.” “What?” she screamed and then lowered her voice. “None of my business? You’re the jerk who took over my life and forced me down here. You’re the one who ripped me and my son from our lives just so you and your rich friends could have live toys to play with while you’re on vacation.” He frowned. “What are you talking about?” She clenched her fists. Keane thought he heard her sniff, but when he looked across at her, her eyes were dry, and her face was a mask of anger and hatred. She certainly had no warm feelings for him. “Just let me go. I want to go home. I’m tired of you.” Keane clutched the steering wheel, his hands beginning to ache. No, he couldn’t let her go...but was she really unhappy with him? She had laughed tonight, had seemed to forget her anger. And the last few days weren’t bad between them. She had even stopped resisting so much when he teased her into submission in bed. She had initiated the physical pleasure between them on two occasions. Was she tired of their intimacy? It had never occurred to him that a woman would get tired before he did or that they did get bored with a lover. Pulling up to the area where he left his boat, he mulled it over, wondering what he would do if she did turn cold in his bed and he was unable to turn her on. The experience was new, and he didn’t like it. To his knowledge, he hadn’t experienced real joy in his life, but he did do all he could to bring satisfaction to the women in his bed. A happy woman was more fun to have sex with. He stepped out of the car and went around to help Joy out. She stumbled over the gravel on the road in her high heels and fell against his chest. Desire lit his body at the feel of her soft breasts. He did not mistake the tight buds defined through her dress when he helped her straighten, but it could be the cool night air. He hoped not. Watching her bend to unbuckle Travon, he took in the sight of her long, smooth chocolate legs. He sighed. How did he relate to her aside from sex? How could he make her happy? He ran a hand over his eyes and scratched his head. Damn! She drove him nuts.

On the boat ride home, they were both quiet. Joy sat in a chair gently rocking her son. Watching her, Keane thought about Torren. Funny how they had the same first letter in their names. Both boys, but four years apart. He wondered if Torren would have liked the magic show. It had never occurred to him to bring the boy. Keane had never been involved in his life, had only ever supported him financially. But then, Torren wasn’t actually his son. He crossed the space between him and Joy and stood over her. His palm ached to stroke her hair. He wanted to run his thumb across her full lips and part them to tease her tongue. His shaft tightened at the thought, and he sighed. It would only ever be sex. He was dead inside. Nothing could bring him to life. Not her, not her son. “His name is Torren. He’s seven. He lives with his mother, and I haven’t seen him since he was seven months old. She is a native of Tortola.” Joy turned condemning eyes on him. “How could you turn your back on your own son? If I didn’t see Travon, I would die.” He clenched his fists at his sides. “Dramatic much? You don’t know anything about me or my son.” “And I don’t want to,” she snapped. “Take me home or give me the money to go, Keane. Please. You and I both know this isn’t working out. I don’t want—” “Don’t say it!” he roared. “Don’t you say you don’t want me, because I know that’s a lie!” “Why, because no woman could ever turn down the great Keane and mean it? You’re such an arrogant asshole. I hate you!” Tears spilled down her cheeks. He steeled himself from pulling her into his arms. He spun away to rest his hands on the cold railing, and he stared out at the water, not really seeing the colored lights reflected there. Cooper Island’s shore drew closer. The place had held tragedy for him, yet he had returned each year, expectant. Of what, he didn’t know. Now, he figured he wouldn’t come back next year, not ever again. Now who was being dramatic? He sighed and closed his eyes. “You’re mine, Joy. I’m not giving you up and that’s that.” He walked away from her quiet sobbing with his gut ripped to shreds. This was what she expected wasn’t it? This was what everyone knew, his hard heart, his cruelty to those he wanted to control. He was only staying true to form. **** Joy opened her eyes the next morning and looked to her left to see that Travon was curled up at her side. She hadn’t taken him to his room, and Keane hadn’t tried to come to her bed. Depression weighted her down. He wasn’t going to let her go, and she thought it had to do with her telling him she didn’t want him more than anything else. He wanted to prove she

was lying. When she had stumbled against him, she’d been so turned on, she had practically clung to him and begged him to kiss her. Even knowing he had abandoned his own son, she still loved him. “I must be the stupidest woman in the world,” she muttered. After leaving the bed, she forced herself to put one foot in front of the other to make it to the bathroom. Soon braced beneath water as hot as she could stand it, she let the stream mix with her salty tears. “He will abandon us at some point, too,” she whispered to her stupid heart. “Men like him repeat the same poor choices over and over. He will find a new woman, and right when I feel like I am happy and safe, he’ll snatch it away and get rid of me and Travon. The difference will be he won’t have any obligation to financially take care of us.” She refused to give him credit for supporting his son. A child needed more than money. They needed love and their parent being there to guide them and raise them to be strong, independent people. Even though her mother didn’t have much, she had worked hard to provide for Joy after her father left. In a sense, Joy had been doing the same thing, repeating the cycle of her family. Women who raised their kids alone, struggling, fighting not to go under. Feeling her fingertips wrinkling, Joy shut off the water and stepped out of the shower to towel off. She considered her options. Maybe she could call Darren and get him to wire her some money. She could make it worth his while when she got back home. Disgust at what she was contemplating washed over her. She had always said she would do whatever it takes. Darren knew a man who liked chunkier women to dance in his club. And from what Darren had said, they pulled in a lot of business. At least she could pay the bills. And maybe Darren would let her stay with him until she made enough to get a new place. She couldn’t go back to her apartment, because Keane would find her easily. But Darren lived off the grid. He didn’t even use his social security number or pay taxes. It was worth a shot, and sleeping with him wasn’t all bad. He was a good-looking man. Yes, it could work. It had to work. Joy dressed quickly and kissed Travon’s forehead, tucking the covers around his shoulders. She would order something light for him to eat since his belly still wasn’t right. She had commanded he stay in bed until she gave him permission to get up. Maybe by afternoon, she would have a solid plan of action. Joy gathered her guide book she’d picked up on Tortola for various activities on the islands. She would find an activity that would keep her away from the house for a few hours, and hope that Keane was mad enough to leave her alone. If Darren made the arrangements fast, she could get off Cooper Island, travel to Tortola, and back down to the airport. Before Keane even knew she was missing, she would be halfway home. She tiptoed to her door, opened it and peeked into the hallway. No one was about. She’d awakened early, so Bette wouldn’t be up for another hour or so. She closed and locked the

door then crossed the room to the phone. After checking that no one was using it, she dialed Darren’s cell number. A few clicks and then ringing sounded in her ear. After five rings, voicemail answered. She sighed. “Hey, Darren, it’s me, Joy. Give me a call...um, no. I’ll call back later. Answer your damn phone...please.” She hung up wondering what to do now. The sooner Darren made arrangements, the sooner she could leave and nothing hopefully would go wrong. Waiting until later in the day might mean Keane would get over his anger at her. It was better to move now. Tapping her fingers to her lips, she watched Travon sleep while thinking about her next move. “Desperate circumstances,” she whispered to the quiet room, “call for desperate measures.”

Chapter Sixteen Joy woke with a splitting headache. She clutched her head with one hand and held the covers up over her naked body with the other. With her eyes closed, she waited for the spinning in her head to stop while willing the sound of the crashing waves outside the window to soothe her pain. Wait, the sound... She opened her eyes and glanced around the room, an unfamiliar one with the balcony and window on the wrong side. This wasn’t her room. She wasn’t even sure if this was Keane’s house. At a low snore beside her, she turned assuming she would find Keane or Travon, but she couldn’t remember going to bed last night. Instead of her son or her lover, it was Devan sound asleep beside her. And at some point, she must have taken all of the covers, because he was stark naked! Joy looked down at her body, and it was clear to see that she was naked as well beneath the sheet. Across the room on a chair were her clothes, the lilac dress she’d worn the day before and the matching flip flops. “Oh no,” she gasped. “What the hell?” “You can’t disturb him now. I’m telling you he’s still sleeping!” someone called in a muffled voice from beyond the door. Joy’s stomach dropped, and her throat closed. It couldn’t be. No, no, no! The door handle turned, and the door flew back against the wall crashing with an explosive sound that set off bombs in Joy’s head. She cried out and grabbed her head, both from the pain and from Keane standing in the doorway with accusation in his violet eyes. “Oh no,” she whispered. “Keane.” For a long time he didn’t say anything. Neither did the maid behind him or Devan who had awakened from the noise the door had made. Devan snapped out of it first. “Hey, you can’t come crashing into my house any time you feel like it, Keane. Besides, all’s fair in love and— ” Keane’s fist landed in Devan’s mouth. Joy shrieked at the blood spatter on her arm. Keane leaned past Devan’s now prone body and yanked Joy up from the bed, dragging the sheets with her. Like a sack of potatoes, he tossed her over his shoulder. “Put me down,” she screamed. “Let’s talk about this, Keane.” He didn’t listen, but turned and strolled out into the hall, down the stairs and out of the house. Joy yelled all the way, fighting against his hold to no avail. Keane didn’t say a word, nor did he answer when Travon, tears in his eyes, asked what was going on. Mrs. Studivant pulled Travon to her side as they both watched Keane pass by with Joy. “Tray, baby, don’t cry. Everything is okay,” Joy called.

“Mrs. Studivant,” Keane muttered. The woman nodded and took Travon’s hand to guide him into one of the rooms off the main hall. Keane marched to the second floor with Joy, opened her bedroom door and dumped her on the floor. Looking up at him with shock, fear and anger warring inside her, she wondered what he would do next. He towered above her looking taller than she remembered. “Clean yourself up, get dressed and pack your bags. You’re getting what you want.” She gasped. “What do you mean?” He drew back his lips from his clenched teeth and spoke through them like he was barely in control of his temper. “By sleeping with Devan, you’ve effectively wiped out all desire I ever had for you. Now, I hate to even see your face. I’m sending you home. So, by playing a whore, not giving a shit about whether your son was fine or not while you stayed all night at Devan’s, you’ve freed yourself. I don’t want anything to do with you ever again.” He spun away and walked to the door. Joy jumped to her feet. “Keane, wait. Please. I don’t remember what happened. Maybe I didn’t sleep with him. Maybe this is some kind of mistake.” Keane kept his back to her but stopped with his hand on the doorknob. “Maybe? You left Travon with Mrs. Studivant yesterday afternoon, Joy. Bette herself saw you last night at the Beach Club where her cousin works. She said you were partying with Devan. Are you telling me she lied?” Joy stumbled back to sink down on her bed. “No. No, Bette wouldn’t lie.” She closed her eyes and drew in a steadying breath, but before she could form her next thought into words, the door clicked closed, and Keane was gone. Sobbing, Joy retched over the toilet. Her stomach was empty, and she could only assume she hadn’t eaten anything last night before she got drunk. As she gasped for breath, wincing at her now sore throat, snatches of her activities the day before came back to her. She had called every hour for Darren, but he never answered his cell phone or called her back when she was desperate enough to leave him Keane’s number. She could only assume the idiot had gotten himself arrested again. The man had never been far from his phone otherwise. When she couldn’t make arrangements with Darren, she had become more desperate and had left Travon with Mrs. Studivant to go out and find Gloria. Bette had informed her that Gloria had mentioned going to Manchioneel Bay. But what happened after that? Remembering her son, she stood, washed up as quickly as possible, dressed and ran out of her room to find Travon. She found him in the living room. Her little man broke away from Mrs. Studivant to throw himself into Joy’s arms.

“Ma, why didn’t you come?” he whimpered. “I’m here now, baby. I’m sorry.” She hugged him close. Joy glanced up at the nanny who frowned at her. Joy turned away from her. “Baby, don’t cry. I’m not going to leave you again. We’re going home, so come on upstairs so we can pack.” At the last part, her voice broke, and she rushed with Travon from the room before Mrs. Studivant could see her cry again. She didn’t know why she was so depressed given she was getting what she wanted. And Keane didn’t love her. He didn’t love anyone. Just like Gloria had said, he just had his ego bruised that Joy would prefer another man over him. Remembering Gloria’s plan, Joy stopped on the stairs. Could Gloria have had something to do with Joy being with Devan last night? Joy never drank more than a glass of anything with alcohol in it, because she suffered from a severe headache at even a drop. Nothing was worth that. Maybe she should speak with Bette first, and then she would look for Gloria before Keane came back to see if she was ready to leave. Joy helped Travon to jump down three steps since he was back to his buoyant self, and together they headed to the back of the house. She found Joy folding laundry. “Bette, can I speak to you for a minute?” Joy asked her. The maid looked up, curiosity in her eyes. Joy was relieved that at least she didn’t have a hostile expression. “Yes?” “Ah, about last night.” She hesitated. “You said you saw me at the Beach Club with Devan?” Bette’s face reddened. She glanced away but said nothing. “Please, I need to know what happened. I can’t remember, and you might have heard, Keane is sending me home. I want to know what I did and didn’t do. You must understand that.” Bette remained silent for a few minutes. Her hands continued to fold sheets and towels even though her eyes had become unfocused, and her expression was rueful. “I’m sorry. I did see you. You were sitting at the bar with Mr. Devan. You both had drinks, and Mr. Devan was whispering in your ear. At one point, he...” “He what?” She swallowed. “At one point, he ran the back of his fingers over your breast, and you let him.” Joy sank to the floor. She put a hand up to her forehead and sobbed. “How could I? How could I do that? I love—” She shook her head, her vision blurred. Travon put his arms around her neck and rested his head on her shoulder. Joy stroked his back, in a small way drawing comfort from her baby who would always love her even if she made stupid mistakes. What she had with Keane was over.

Maybe she had felt depressed at not being able to leave Keane, at him telling her she belonged to him. She knew she had felt some hopelessness at his continuing to be so cold and unfeeling. This was for the best, better than hanging on for the next few years, loving a man who didn’t have the ability to love her back. Rather than going out to look for Gloria, Joy stood up, wiped her face and thanked Bette. “I appreciate all you’ve done for me while I was here. Take care of yourself, Bette.” She spun on the ball of her foot and walked back to her room. In less than a half hour, she had all of Travon’s old clothes and her old ones packed and ready. She left the clothes Keane had bought them in the closet. He could dispose of them however he liked. By the time Keane sent someone for them, she and Travon were ready. **** The trip back to New York was uneventful. Joy hadn’t seen Keane. He had arranged for staff to take her from the car to the boat to a taxi on Tortola and then to the airport. She and Travon landed in La Guardia without having seen the man she loved again. Joy figured she never would. Now that Keane didn’t want her, Joy figured it was okay to return to her apartment. Keane had told her that he had been paying the bills since he didn’t know at the start how long he would keep her. With a few phone calls, she was relieved to find out her bills were paid up for six months, and her bank account had enough money to tie them over until she got a job. She could even put Travon in daycare for a while. At least Keane had been kind about that. A few days later, she opened her door to a delivery. Keane had arranged for Joy and Travon’s entire wardrobes to be delivered to her place. She searched the packages for a personal note, but there was none. That set off her crying again, but she soon dried her nose and accepted her fate. Two weeks after she returned, Darren showed up at her door. “Hey, girl. What’s up?” Joy put her hands on her hips. “Don’t what’s up me. Where have you been?” she demanded. He shrugged. “Come on, baby girl, is that any way to treat the father of your child?” He kissed her cheek. “I had some trouble, so I had to lay low for a while.” Joy stared at him. “You weren’t in jail?” “Don’t be stupid. So what you doing back here? Your new man get tired of your pussy.” “Shut up, Darren.” She turned away and strolled down the hall of her apartment to peek in on Travon. They shared a bedroom since one was all she could afford. Travon was playing with the toys Keane had also sent back. Joy had noted the sadness in her baby’s eyes and had a hard time fielding questions about when Keane was coming to see him. Her heart cracked

each time, but she fought to be patient with Travon. He loved Keane, too. She knew that now. It wasn’t about the things Keane had given him. Joy shut the bedroom door and strolled into the kitchen. She set a teapot on the stove to boil water. Darren, who had followed her, sat down at the table and propped his feet up in a chair. “So what you been up to since you been back? Look at you, lost some weight, got all dark brown and everything.” She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. It’s hot and sunny down there, and I spent a lot of time on the beach.” Darren sucked his teeth. “So you gonna tell me what happened between you and his royal richness?” “None of your damn business.” Joy went still, waiting for the pain that was still raging inside her to calm just enough for her to move about the kitchen like a normal person. When it did, she made Darren a cup of instant coffee and shoved the sugar jar toward him. “I want to work in your friend’s club. I want to dance.” Darren’s eyes widened. “Damn, girl. You serious?” “Yeah. I don’t have any other choice. It’s the only way I can support myself.” She sat down and stared at the faded tablecloth. “Plus, I’m going to use some of the money Keane left for me to buy a computer. I heard that I can attend school online. I’m going to learn how to do that and do it during the day.” She reached inside her pocket and pulled out a slip of paper. “I heard from the nanny Keane had hired for me. She took care of Travon while we were on the island, and she said she’s available to watch him any time I want.” She suddenly drew her knees up to her chest and burst out crying. Darren reached out to touch her, but she knocked his hand away. She didn’t need to give her body to him since Keane had paid her way back. Darren would help her get the job to keep her from asking for child support, and soon her life would go back to normal. She sniffed. “Don’t worry about me. Get me that job, and everything will be fine.” “What about your heart, Joy?” Darren asked. “Huh? What about that? You love that son of a bitch, don’t you?” “No, I don’t love anyone but Travon. I’m fine.” He took one sip of his coffee and stood up. “Yeah, that’s what I told myself for a long time, that I didn’t need anyone.” He leaned toward her. “Eventually, the love I had for you became easier to deal with, but it never goes away. Remember that.” Joy stared in shock at Darren’s back as he walked down the hall. With his hands in his pockets like he didn’t have a care in the world, he passed by the room where his son was and out the front door.

Chapter Seventeen “Come on, Keane. You’ve been moping long enough,” Nolan told him. “I’m taking you out tonight to a place that’s guaranteed to get you up.” Nolan winked. “In more ways than one.” Keane gritted his teeth. “I’m not in the mood.” Nolan tried to haul him to his feet. “Not an option. Look at you. You’ve lost weight. From the bags under your eyes, you’re not sleeping. Yet you continue to deny that you felt anything but lust for Joy. Lies!” “Don’t start, Nolan.” Keane waved his hand and then shuffled the papers on his desk around. He had actually completed all his paperwork for the day and had no other tasks he needed to do. All because he had worked like an animal for the last couple of weeks. Constant thoughts of Joy had driven him, and the only way to get her out of his head was to work. Night and day. He sighed. “Where?” “A club.” “Not interested.” Keane yanked a desk drawer open to scour the contents. “That scene isn’t to my taste.” Nolan finally got him on his feet. “Let’s go. The advantage of you starving yourself is that you’re all frail, and I can slap you around.” Keane smirked. “Dramatic much?” When Nolan wouldn’t buzz off, Keane gave in. “Fine, if it will get you off my back for another month, I will go. Agreed?” Nolan nodded. “Agreed.” An hour later, Keane sat in a dimly lit club with music blaring and nursing a beer from which he’d only bothered to take one sip. Nolan was on his fifth despite how Keane demanded he quit for the night. He grumbled. When had everyone stopped listening to him? Nolan stood. “Going to the bathroom before the next set.” He stumbled away from the table, bumping other patrons while he went. Keane hoped it wouldn’t lead to fighting. Drunken men and even tipsy ones could run hot tempers. When the music changed and the lights shifted, Keane glanced back to tell Nolan he had misjudged the next set, but his brother had already disappeared in the back. He sighed and swung to face the stage. He had nothing better to do, and he would endure this night if it killed him. All just to get Nolan to fuck off. The woman who appeared on the stage was dressed in a school uniform. It was something that had always turned him off, and he didn’t get how men were so perverted as to like it. Now the delicate see-through nighties he had bought for Joy, those were what got his blood boiling, especially when her big breasts seemed ready to spill over the top. His shaft

tightened at the memory of stroking her taut nipples through the soft material, and he thumped his head to clear his mind. With effort, he focused on the woman on the stage. She held a fan in front of her face, one big enough to hide her breasts. She was hippy like Joy, with long shapely legs like her too. He sighed. Damn, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get that woman out of his mind. He should. She had cheated, something he couldn’t tolerate, something he wouldn’t tolerate. “So why the hell can’t I erase her from my mind?” he grumbled. The woman spun on a pole and then turned her back to the audience. She spread her legs, planting her spiky heels on the floor before bending over. Keane was irritated to find himself growing hard when her yellow panties flashed. How he loved the color yellow on Joy. “Damn it all!” he almost shouted. No one heard him or paid him any mind. The woman spun to face the audience and began to strip. Her fan became two. When she was all but naked, she had placed a fan in front of her breasts and one in front of her heat so the men in the audience only thought they got the full view. But what arrested Keane was that now he saw her face fully. It was Joy, his ex-mistress and the woman he had come to realize—late one night after she’d left and he had nearly drowned falling from his boat—that he loved her with all his heart. Stunned Keane didn’t move until she left the stage, then he stood so fast his chair fell over backward. He stormed the stage, Nolan who had just returned from the bathroom calling out behind him. Keane reached the backstage area before two burly bouncers reached him. But he hadn’t spent countless hours since he was twelve training in Jujitsu for nothing. He had his opponents on the floor writhing in submission in seconds. Keane stepped over them and moved swiftly down the hall. He banged open each door he came to until the last one on the right, and there she was, her big brown eyes widened in shock to see him. Someone had thrown a robe over her shoulders, but he spotted the naked flesh beneath it. Anger surged inside him. Keane spared the other women in the room only a glance. “Get the hell out.” They scrambled around him and fled, slamming the door behind them after they were in the hall. Keane didn’t move. He just stared at her. After a while, she took a defiant stance with a hand on her hip and a smirk on her lips. “What the hell are you doing here, Keane? Didn’t get enough of humiliating me? Back for more?” He grunted. Her movements had bared a dark chocolate nipple. His mouth watered remembering how she felt, how she tasted. He drifted over to her and stood close just

breathing in her familiar scent. Reaching a hand up to cup her cheek, he let his eyelids droop as he watched her. “Still beautiful,” he murmured. “Still able to take my breath away.” She smacked his hand. “Spare me the dramatics, Keane.” He knew the truth now. Had known it from the day she left. Gloria had confessed when she saw how destroyed he was, so screwed up in the head that he had let himself fall from his boat and did nothing to try to save himself. It had been the final straw that tore him from the ice that had surrounded his heart from that day his grandfather tried to kill him. Keane lowered his head and kissed her soft lips. He expected her to resist him, but she allowed it. There had never been a question of whether she desired him or not. But lust wasn’t love. “Gloria told me she drugged you,” he informed her. “You were so angry with me that I wouldn’t let you go that you spent the evening with Devan. But Gloria saw it as her opportunity to drug you, and Devan agreed. After I found out, I beat him until he was almost dead. He swore that he didn’t touch you, that he had passed out soon after getting home with you. Gloria confirmed that she removed your clothes and his.” Joy gasped. She put her hand to her chest and walked over to a chair to sit down. Her face in her hands, head bowed, she muttered. “She loves you. It seems the women who fall for you would do anything to get you, sink to any level. So what, you’re back to force me to be with you again now that you realize I haven’t sullied myself with Devan?” He shook his head although she wasn’t looking at him. “No. I’ll never force you to do anything you don’t want to do again. It’s a coincidence that I’m here tonight. At least I think it is. Nolan dragged me here. I can’t say for sure if he knew.” She glanced up at him, the hostility still strong in her expression. “Well, now you’ve seen me, along with a bunch of other men. I know by the look on your face that you don’t like how I make my money, but it’s a living. For now. And you...” “I am the loser you think abandoned his son,” he finished for her. She surged to her feet. “Think? You admitted it!” He sighed. “I’m different. After you left...I...I guess it’s not obvious, but in some way you helped me to break free of feeling nothing for almost thirty years.” He smiled despite feeling hopeless that she would ever be with him again. “Seven years ago, my brother seduced a woman who like you said would do anything to be with me. I didn’t give a rat’s ass one way or another. When she got pregnant, her family wanted to make a push for marriage so they could get money. I claimed to be the father, although I knew it was my brother. I signed the papers to take responsibility but refused to marry her. Everyone thought I was a first class asshole that I didn’t have anything more to do with the boy.

“It took me some time to admit it, but Nolan is an alcoholic, has been since he was fifteen. For some reason, he can usually still function for business, but I take on all responsibilities regarding him. I should have gotten him help before now, but I will rectify that soon. Nolan was not in a position to be a father, to have that level of responsibility, although he does visit his son from time to time. Karen, the mother, hates him, and me for that matter.” Joy’s eyes widened at his story. “But how do you know it wasn’t your son?” Keane sat down across from Joy. He intertwined his fingers together to keep from reaching out to touch her. “Because when I came of age, I had a vasectomy.” She gasped. “To...” “To be sure that I would never risk having a child that I would hurt like my grandfather hurt me. I thought madness or something ran in our family despite what the doctors told my parents. Later, I came to accept that it was a seizure caused by a brain tumor that damaged his mind. It wasn’t hereditary.” He shrugged as if that would hide his pain from her. “No big deal.” Without a word, she stood and walked over to him. She sat down on his lap and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Keane tried with all his might not to cry, but for the first time in many years, he broke down, sobbing into Joy’s hair. She held him tight, whispering comforting words to him. It was a long time before he calmed enough to hear and understand what she was saying. “Don’t worry, baby, I love you, and Travon loves you. Everything will be all right.” Keane drew back. “What did you say?” She placed a hand on each side of his face and pressed her lips to his. Desire flamed to life inside of him. His shaft strained in his pants, longing to fill her. Most of all, he sought the comfort that he had found in her arms from the start, but never recognized it. In a way, he had remained the hurt little boy inside all those years and had clung to her with his physical strength in an effort to keep himself afloat when the ice had begun to melt. “You heard me,” she told him with her usual sass. “I love you, Keane. And if you want Travon and me in your life, then we’ll be there. I guess I’m no different than all those other women who scramble after you.” “Wrong.” Keane drug her closer to his chest. “None of them will be my wife like you will. If you’ll have me?” She made a small sound of shock. “Are you serious?” “Yes. I love you, too, Joy. I don’t know how I’ve gone from one day to the next without you these last couple of weeks. I only realized after you left that I needed you. If you

marry me, I promise to never boss you again, and I won’t choose your clothes for you. Whatever you want, I’ll give you.” She giggled and ran her hand down over his hard-on. She squeezed, sending jolts of pleasure throughout his body. “Well let’s not get completely carried away. Your dominant nature turns me on, at least in the bedroom. I might like to be your submissive sometimes.” His eyebrows went up. “Really?” He stood with her in his arms and walked over to deposit her on the couch on the opposite side of the room. “Well in that case, open your legs and let me get a taste of what I have been missing all this time.” “Keane, we can’t do it here. I’ll be fired.” But Keane had followed his words with his hand first stroking her belly and then down to her heat. She was wet. His fingers sank into her soft warmth with ease, and she writhed and moaned when his thumb brushed her clit. “Keane.” He drew back. “Is this what you want, Joy? To work here?” He swallowed, struggling not to command her. “I won’t stop you.” She frowned. “What kind of husband lets his wife strip for other men?” He leaned down, stuck out his tongue and swiped up some of her juices. “Mm, you’re delicious. I want it all, every inch of you. I don’t want another man’s eyes on you, but I won’t make you quit. I meant what I said.” She seemed about to respond, but Keane couldn’t help himself. He lifted one of her legs and began to feast, greedily licking and sucking her sweetness. She was so good he couldn’t get enough. He sucked her bud into his mouth, moaning and fighting an orgasm at the feel of her swollen clit in his mouth. He slipped his hands under her ass and raised her to meet his thrusting tongue as he lapped and lapped. Before long, Joy was biting down on a scream of ecstasy, tangling her fingers in his hair and pleading with him to make her come. The flutters that rippled over her lovely thighs when she did, spurred on his desire. He positioned himself between her legs and yanked his pants open. Before another second passed, he buried himself inside her and pumped hard. This time, Joy did scream. Keane gripped her hips, dragged her up his thighs and plunged deeper. He drove his hips forward and watched how her breasts bounced, how she bit her bottom lip and thrashed about while he rammed into her. “Joy,” he panted. “Keane, fill me,” she demanded. “Don’t stop until you fill me up. Please!”

Obeying her command, he pumped harder and faster. He looked down to watch his staff glide in, slick with her come. Her soft folds surrounded him, welcomed his invasion. Keane held on with one hand and moved the other to her belly. He leaned forward to stroke her breast, letting the nipple graze his palm, and then he moved his hand down her body to tease her nub. She whined. Quakes rippled over her muscles. She seemed to clench him harder on the inside and drew him in deeper. Keane lost control. He fell down on top of her, gasping and trying not to release just yet. But she pushed up to him and sought out his mouth. After that, there was no holding back. His load burst forth, and he filled her just as she wanted. Gasping and shaking from head to toe, Keane rested his cheek against Joy’s forehead. “What you do to me.” She laughed. “That’s what a wife does to her husband.” “So you will marry me?” he asked. “Yes, I will. I can’t help myself. I won’t give you up again. You’re mine.” He let out a satisfied sigh. “Is that right? Good, because you’re aware that goes both ways.” “Yes, I know.” “And about this job.” “Yes?” He grumbled. “If I must allow you to work here, then I may have to beat up every man who dares to look at you.” She burst out laughing and hugged him. “Don’t worry, baby. You’re the only man I’m doing a strip tease for from now on.” “Good.” He kissed her. “Now, once more and then we will need to leave right away. I am desperate to see my son, Travon.” The smile she turned on him burned away the last remnants of darkness in his soul, and Keane felt a strong hope for the future for the first time in many years. The End