Chapter 41
JETT
When I finally arrive back in Bermuda, it’s well past midnight. So much for tying up loose ends quickly.
Just as I was about to head home, the whistleblower decided to backtrack, claiming he’d been coerced into making the allegations. It set off alarm bells with the SEC, throwing everything into chaos. I spent the entire day in damage-control mode—mediating between lawyers, regulators, and the whistleblower’s team. It was a delicate balancing act, and every second felt like walking a tightrope over open flames.
By the time we wrapped things up, it was late—too late—but I was determined to get back. I chartered a flight and land on the island in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The house is quiet, bathed in moonlight. As I pass Brooke’s room, I peek inside. She’s curled up under her blanket, her tiny hand resting on her cheek. Peaceful. Innocent. My heart softens as I lean down to press a kiss to her forehead. She stirs slightly but doesn’t wake.
The door to Cari’s room is open, the bed visible from where she keeps an eye on Brooke. I hesitate, my body itching to go to her, but the long day clings to me like a second skin. I need a shower first.
I head to my room, stripping off my suit and stepping into the hot spray of water. The tension begins to melt away, but it doesn’t dull the ache in my chest. It’s been days since I’ve seen her, touched her. And now, our days here are numbered. The sinking feeling stays with me, weighted with grim foreboding.
I don’t know how I’m going to manage without Cari in my life.
When I return to my room, the bed feels empty—too empty. I can’t stay here.
I find myself standing in the doorway of her room, drawn to her like a moth to a flame. She’s lying on her side, her breathing soft and steady, her hair fanned across the pillow. Without a second thought, I slide into bed beside her, putting my arm around her waist.
Her familiar scent washes over me—vanilla, apples, fresh-cut flowers—and my chest tightens. She stirs, turning onto her back, her eyes fluttering open just enough to register me.
“You’re back,” she murmurs sleepily.
I press a kiss to her lips, unable to resist. “I missed you.”
She sighs, her exhaustion evident. “What time is it?”
“Go back to sleep,” I whisper. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
Her eyes drift shut again. “But what time is it?”
“One in the morning.”
“What day is it?”
I chuckle softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You’re exhausted.”
“We did a lot of things,” she murmurs. “I kept Brooke busy.”
I lean over her, my body pressing against hers while I prop myself up on my elbows. We’re both fully clothed, but my body doesn’t care. Desire stirs, swift and insistent.
Her arms loop around my neck, pulling me closer. “I missed you,” she says, her voice barely audible.
“My little shortcake, you have no idea how much I’ve missed you.” I press my lips against hers, and my cock springs to attention, digging into her.
Her eyes fly open, a sly smile tugging at her lips. “Oh, you have missed me.” Her hand slips between us to brush against my arousal.
I dip my head, capturing her mouth in a kiss that’s all heat and longing. My tongue sweeps in, tasting her sweetness, feeling the warmth I’ve yearned for. She’s everything—my lover, my friend, my soulmate.
“Jett,” she whispers, her voice breaking through the haze. “We can’t. Brooke is in the other bed.”
“I know,” I murmur, though every cell in my body protests.
She sighs, her head sinking back into the pillow. “And I’m so tired.”
I brush another kiss against her temple, then lie by her side. “I’ll just stay here for a little while.”
Her arms wrap around me, and she snuggles into my chest. “Okay, but then you have to go back,” she whispers, as if she’s in a daze.
“Okay,” I lie, pulling her closer, and imagine what it would be like to have this all night long and into the morning.
***
The soft patter of little feet jolts me awake.
“Daddy?” Brooke’s voice pierces the quiet.
I blink, disoriented, and turn to find her standing in the doorway. She’s clutching her stuffed elephant, her gaze darting between me and Cari. We’re both fully clothed, thankfully, even though we’re wrapped up in each other’s arms.
I try to untangle us as my mind freezes, scrambling for an explanation.
Cari, however, doesn’t miss a beat.
“Good morning, Brooke!” she says brightly, sitting up and smoothing her hair. “Daddy must have been so tired when he got back, he just wanted to say goodnight before going to his room.”
Brooke tilts her head, considering this, then nods solemnly. “You should sleep in your room, Daddy. You’re too big for this bed.”
I bite back a laugh, relief washing over me. “You’re right, sprout. I’ll head back now.”
Brooke climbs onto the bed, throwing her arms around Cari. “Can we have pancakes for breakfast?”
“Of course,” Cari replies, hugging her back. She glances at me over Brooke’s shoulder, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
I slip out of the room, closing the door behind me. I’m filled with a profound sense of love and relief, and the undeniable realization that I don’t want this to end.