Mine to Keep (Between the Sheets #5)

Prologue

PROLOGUE

KATE

I rush through the crowded terminal, my heels clicking against the polished floor, as I frantically check my phone for updates on my missed flight.

“Ugh, how could I be so late?” I mutter under my breath, weaving through the chaotic sea of people. My frustration mounts, but I’m determined to find a solution. After all, nothing’s ever been handed to me on a silver platter. I’ve always had to fight for what I want.

I’m supposed to be sitting on a beach right now in Saint Lucia, sipping pina coladas with my toes buried in the sand. A last-minute getaway with my friends before we have to be real adults and start our new jobs. While they’re all ogling hot cabana boys beneath the tropical sun, I’m stuck in Miami, having missed my flight after being delayed at LaGuardia.

This sucks .

As I approach the airline counter, a sexy stranger catches my eye. There’s an air of authority around him that seems to demand attention from others, despite the surrounding chaos. He’s tall, broad-shouldered, and exudes wealth and confidence. His tailored suit hugs his physique just right, and it’s impossible not to notice the way his dark hair falls effortlessly over his forehead.

“I need to be on the next available flight,” he explains to the agent, his voice smooth and decisive. He speaks with an ease that suggests he’s used to getting what he wants. I’m drawn in by his composed demeanor, even as I continue to berate myself for missing my own flight.

“Of course, sir,” replies the attendant, trying her best to accommodate him. A blush warms her cheeks as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, affected by the gorgeous man in front of her. “I’ll do everything I can to assist you.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that…” He eyes the name tag on her blazer. “Carly.” The way he says her name oozes sensuality, and suddenly I want him to say my name too.

Then his piercing gaze flickers to mine before returning to the attendant. My heart races, and my nipples peak. What is it about this man that has me so captivated?

I shake off the thought and refocus my energy on the task at hand—securing a new flight so I can start my vacation.

“Excuse me,” I interject, stepping up to the counter beside the mysterious stranger. “I’m in a similar situation and need to book a new flight as soon as possible.”

“Of course, ma’am,” the attendant tells me while splitting her attention between us. “We’ll do our best to help you as well.”

“Thank you,” I say, stealing another glance at the stranger.

He smirks, amused by my persistence. A thrill runs through me, and I match his smirk with a playful grin of my own.

“Seems we’re both victims of circumstance today,” he comments, his voice deep and rich, like dark chocolate. I feel a shiver run down my spine, the sensation amplified by the intensity in his eyes.

“Apparently so,” I respond, compelled to match his confidence. “Though I must admit, being stranded in an airport isn’t usually this appealing.”

“Appealing?” He chuckles, raising an eyebrow. “I suppose that depends on the company you keep.”

“I suppose it does. I’m Kate.” I introduce myself as the spark seems to grow even stronger.

“Call me Tommy.” He captures my hand, but instead of giving it a polite shake, he lifts it to his full mouth and places a soft kiss to my knuckles.

Subtle, charming, and damn sexy.

We exchange a knowing smile, each sensing the undeniable chemistry simmering beneath the surface. And though I don’t know this man, there’s something about him—something irresistible—that keeps me rooted to the spot, entranced by his presence.

Soft jazz music draws my attention to the dimly-lit cocktail lounge tucked away in a quiet corner of the airport. Tommy and I glance at each other, our unspoken agreement clear. Perhaps we can salvage some enjoyment from our unexpected delay.

“Care for a drink while we wait?” he suggests, his voice low and inviting.

“Lead the way.” Together, we navigate through the bustling terminal, leaving the ruckus behind as we enter the hushed sanctuary of the bar.

Warm, amber lighting bathes the room in an intimate glow, casting long shadows across polished wood surfaces. The low murmur of conversation envelops us, a soothing balm after the cacophony of the main terminal. We slide into a secluded booth, the plush leather cushions embracing us as we settle in.

He hands me the drink menu, and our fingers brush for a brief moment, sending a chill racing up my arm. I scan the list of cocktails before settling on something daring.

“What would you like?” My eyes never leave his seductive mouth as he asks the question.

“A French 75 for me.”

“Bold choice,” he replies with a smirk.

“And you?”

“Scotch. Neat.”

I should’ve known, if his expensive watch and tailored suit were anything to go by.

I lean back, crossing my legs while a heel dangles from my foot. I catch Tommy’s gaze lingering on the curve of my arch, and goose bumps rise to the surface of my arms.

As the bartender slides our drinks toward us, our subtle dance of attraction continues. Each sip, each shared laugh brings us closer. Our knees touch beneath the table, the contact charged with potential. I find myself lost in the depths of his dark eyes, his glare drawing me under like a riptide. The electricity between us crackles, growing stronger as we surrender to the intensity of our chance encounter.

The clock on the wall ticks, each second dragging me farther from the sanctuary of our temporary escape and back to the reality of our missed flights. As if on cue, Tommy drains the last of his drink, the ice clinking against the glass like a farewell chime.

He places a crisp hundred-dollar bill on the table and rises from his seat. “Shall we?” he asks, offering the crook of his elbow with a mischievous smile that sends my heart racing.

“Of course,” I agree, slipping my hand into his as he helps me from the booth. Arm in arm, we navigate our way across the crowded hall, the noise swelling around us, but our connection remains unbroken. There’s a palpable force that surges in the silence.

Our footsteps echo in tandem as we approach the airline counter, our hopes for a resolution dwindling with each passing moment. The attendant’s apologetic smile does little to assuage our frustration as she delivers the news: No flights tonight. We’ll have to wait until morning.

“I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but the earliest we can get you both on new flights is tomorrow morning. Hopefully, this will help.” The agent hands us each a voucher for a free night’s stay at a nearby hotel.

Tommy studies his for a moment before glancing over at me, his gaze assessing. “A woman like you deserves something better than a cheap motel. I know a place that isn’t too far away. Care to join me? My treat.”

My breath catches in my throat as I struggle with the weight of my impulsiveness. The allure of the unknown is intoxicating, while the consequences of my actions could be devastating. However, there’s a magnetic pull toward this man that I can’t ignore. I’m torn between protecting myself and embracing this chance. Yet when I stare into his eyes, the decision is easy.

“I’m all yours.”

Tommy arranges for a town car to pick us up, the sleek vehicle pulling to a stop at the curb in front of the airport as the anticipation mounts with each passing moment.

After we’re seated and we’re on our way, Tommy addresses the driver. “Sorry for the short notice, Alex. Thanks for coming back.”

“No problem at all, sir. I’m always at your service whenever you’re in town.” Hmm, guess Tommy comes to Miami pretty frequently.

“We’re you able to book my usual room?” Tommy asks, adjusting the cuffs of his crisp, white shirt.

“Yes, sir. It should be ready for you upon arrival.” Alex glances at Tommy in the rearview mirror.

“Thank you. That’s why you’re the best.” Tommy’s smile is genuine and my appreciation for him grows. He’s kind and courteous, gives praise when warranted, and takes control when needed.

Everything about this man is attractive.

We enter the luxurious hotel suite and his strong hands grip my hips possessively, pulling me against him. As if a switch has flipped, his lips find mine in a brutal kiss that steals my breath away. He pushes me against the wall, his body pinning mine to the cold surface as he grinds his hips against me. I groan into his mouth.

“You’re mine,” he whispers against my ear, his hot breath making me quiver. “All mine now.”

His words should scare me, but they don’t, and I nod eagerly. My fingers clutch at his suit jacket as he manhandles me like a possession. He grabs my wrists, forcing them above my head before slamming his body into mine again. This time, his hard cock grinds against my stomach, leaving no doubt about what he wants.

Good. I want it too.

“Tell me you want this, Kate, and I’ll give you everything you need.”

“I want you,” I breathe, arching into him. The power dynamic is intoxicating, and I revel in it.

He rips off my clothes, tossing them aside while never breaking eye contact with me. His gaze bores into mine as he takes control of every inch of skin revealed by each layer of fabric he removes. When he reaches for the lacy black thong covering my wetness, I tremble with excitement and fear. He yanks it down, and I gasp at the sudden exposure but can’t tear my gaze away from his intense stare.

“Spread your legs for Daddy,” he commands in a low growl that makes my stomach flutter.

Without hesitation, I obey, as need surges through me stronger than any sense of self-preservation. He steps back for a moment to admire his handiwork before crouching down and pushing two fingers inside me, a rough invasion that makes me cry out with pleasure. He crooks those fingers just right and rhythmically thrusts them in and out while circling his thumb around my clit.

“That’s it, baby. Ride my fingers,” he purrs as I moan louder than expected.

I look up at him, my eyes pleading as I catch my breath. “Please. I need you.”

He swoops my naked body into his arms and carries me to the bed, where he tosses me onto the mattress. “Watch me. Keep your eyes on Daddy.”

I couldn’t look away if I wanted to.

He takes a few steps back then sensually removes his clothes. When he’s finally stripped bare, my lips part with a gasp as I marvel at his sculpted, muscular physique. What makes my mouth water, though, is his long, thick cock with delicious veins trailing along his girth. I’ve never seen a dick this big, and I just know this man is going to tear me apart in the best way.

“You’re drooling, baby. You ready for this?” he taunts, stroking his length while moving in closer.

No, I’m not ready. But nothing will stop me from enjoying this.

I scooch toward the headboard and spread my legs in invitation. His tongue peeks out to wet his lips as he stares at my glistening pussy.

“Fuck, you’re gonna feel so good. I know it.”

“Then stop making me wait… Daddy .” My tone is seductive and my eyelids are heavy with lust.

Tommy crawls over my eager body, my core clenching with impatience. He rubs the fat tip of his cock between my slick pussy lips and my head drops back with a moan. But before I can relish this new sensation, he finds my entrance and rams his dick deep inside me. I cry out, and thankfully he gives me a moment to accommodate his size.

“ Christ , your cunt is tight.” His lewd words only turn me on more. “Daddy’s gonna fill you up with cum, baby. Tell me now if you want me to stop.”

“Please, Daddy. I need you to move,” I beg. I’ve never engaged in this kind of kink before, but I can’t deny it’s fucking hot.

Without another word, he begins to pound into me, reaching out and grabbing one of my breasts. He squeezes it before pinching my nipple between his fingers, tugging the tender flesh away from my body. I arch my back in response, moaning as pleasure shoots through me.

“I need to feel you come on Daddy’s dick.” He moves his hand to my throat, where he tightens his grip, sending a shockwave of fear through my system that only heightens my arousal. “Tell me you like it,” he commands, and I nod, unable to speak as the words catch in my throat. “Say it louder, baby. I wanna hear you.” Each word is punctuated with a hard thrust that threatens to shatter something deep within me.

“I... I love it,” I manage to choke out between moans. He grins wickedly before increasing his pace, slamming into me with a ferocity that leaves us both breathless. His hips slap against mine in a brutal rhythm as we move together like two primal animals engaged in a seductive dynamic of dominance and submission.

My nails dig into his shoulders as I attempt to regain some sense of control while also giving myself over to him. The smell of sweat and sex fills the air around us as we move faster and faster toward our ultimate release.

“Fuck, Daddy, I’m close,” I pant, my toes curling into the sheets beneath us. “I’m so close.”

“Come for me, Kate. I wanna feel your tight pussy strangle my cock,” he growls, his grip on my throat tightening a little more. Just enough to remind me who’s in control.

Then my orgasm crashes over me like a tidal wave, my back arching off the bed as I scream his name at the top of my lungs. Tommy’s hot, thick cum fills me up as he groans out his pleasure, his body shuddering above mine. We remain entwined for a few moments, panting and trying to catch our breaths.

The sensations coursing through me are so overwhelming that a blissful chuckle escapes from me. “That was…”

“Incredible?” he suggests with a satisfied smirk.

“Someone’s cocky,” I goad, utterly boneless and relaxed.

Then he flexes his dick that’s still inside me, and I clench around him. “I think you like Daddy’s cock, though.” He bends down and kisses me, forcing all other thoughts out of my head. “I’m glad we met tonight. Made missing my flight completely worth it.”

We collapse in a heap of glistening bodies and tangled limbs, enjoying our post-coital high. He pulls me in close and I rest my head on his muscular chest, being lulled to sleep by the soothing beat of his heart.

When the first light of dawn spills through the curtains, I awaken with a start, disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. As I blink away the lingering haze of sleep, the events of last night come flooding back—Tommy’s intense gaze, our electrified connection, and the raw passion that quickly unfolded.

I called him Daddy .

The thought makes me smile as I roll over, only to be filled with disappointment when I find the other side of the bed cold and empty. Until my eyes land on the handwritten note on the pillow.

My beautiful Kate,

You’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever met. I hope this won’t be the last time we see each other. Call me.

Tommy

His phone number is written beneath his name, and my fingers itch to dial it. Even as temptation tugs at my heartstrings, something else has me hesitating. I know nothing about this man. What if I find out more and I don’t like it? What if he has a wife and hooks up with random women in every city he visits?

I push that thought away because I refuse to believe it’s true. Perhaps it’s best to leave this as a one-time thing. Just a single night of hot sex with a gorgeous stranger.

A stranger I’d love to call Daddy again.