Secret Words (Secret Dreams Contemporary Romance 1) (10 page)

Kane pursed his lips. "Maybe. I'll have to play it by ear."

She nodded.

"Thank you for understanding." He kissed her softly on the lips before getting out of bed.

She hugged Kane's pillow to her chest as she watched him get dressed. When he was gone, she inhaled his scent and whispered into the darkness, "I love you."

CHAPTER TEN

Hannah heard the door unlock with a click. Kane had arrived.

"Hi," she said with a smile as she sat up from her reclining position from the couch, where she had been reading a magazine.

A thrill ran through her as she watched him sweep his eyes over her. Would he like the new nightie she wore? She was wearing a robe over it but she had tied it loosely so the sexy lingerie underneath would be apparent.

Her smile left her face when his expression darkened. He was angry.

"Well, you look all right to me. Great. I'll be off now," Kane said bitingly and turned on his heels.

"Wait!" She ran to him and clung to his arm. "I'm just so relieved you came. Please don't go. I need you."

Kane extricated himself from her grip. "Hannah, I know what you're trying to do. Please, stop this now. We are over. There is nothing you can do that will bring us back together."

Her eyes flooded. "I know you care about me, Kane. I know you do. You wouldn't be here otherwise."

He gripped her arms tightly. "Hannah, I care about you as a friend. But that's all!" He released her and took a step back.

"Please don't be angry."

"You're manipulating the situation," he said coldly.

"Please see it my way, Kane," she implored. "I'm not ready to give up on you. Why do we have to stop trying?"

"Because there's someone else!"

Her eyes grew wide with shock. "Since when?" she whispered.

"I met her about three and a half weeks ago."

She looked at him blankly. Three and a half weeks ago? He was going to leave her for someone he met a mere three and a half weeks ago?

Her eyes squinted. "Were you with her when I rang you?"

"Yes."

She flinched before her lips twisted in an ugly smirk. "Gosh, she must be really good in bed to ensnare you so quickly."

"Nothing happened until after we broke up," he said.

Right. As if I'm going to believe that.

She was well aware of Kane's virility. When she was finally able to seduce him that night a few months ago, she discovered what a former friend of hers—and an ex of Kane's—had been talking about when she said Kane had ruined her for other men. Kane's body was made for awesome sex, but beyond that, he also had a disposition that made a woman feel protected and cared for. She'd be insane to let go of him.

"Was it because I haven't been able to meet your sexual needs for many weeks now? It hasn't been easy since I lost the baby, Kane, but I'm a lot better now."

He raked his fingers through his hair, his face a picture of frustration. "That's not why, Hannah!"

She squeezed her eyes shut. He seemed really mad at her. She had to take a step back and let him cool down. She wouldn't get far otherwise.

"Okay. I get the picture," she said quietly. "But I'll still need your help, Kane. With finding a new place," she said with a vulnerable look.

"Yes. I promised to help you with that and I will."

She nodded her head.

"I'm really sorry, Hannah. I hope you're okay."

She smiled at his much softer tone. "I will be."

"You should meet with your friends," he suggested gently. "It's important for you to have emotional support."

"You're right. I will."

"Good. Well," he said uncomfortably. "I'm gonna go now."

"Okay."

He gave her a small smile and turned to the door.

"Kane?"

He stopped and glanced back.

"Are we still friends?"

"Sure."

She sank to the nearest chair after Kane had closed the door behind him, the wheels in her brain desperately turning. Her task had become much harder. Another woman had entered the scene.

What did that bitch have that she didn't? It took her years before she managed to seduce Kane. How could that tart do it in such a short time? It wasn't fair!

Her distressed act wouldn't be enough anymore. She had to formulate a new plan. Call her stupid, but Kane Summers was her dream come true. She wasn't ready to give up without a fight. She would do anything to make him hers again. She was more than willing to plead, beg and yes, scheme and manipulate. He was worth it.

*******

Hannah drummed her fingers on her desk, trying to figure out how to frame her response to the email she had just received.

She couldn't believe her luck. This had to be a sign, a green light for her to try to win Kane back in any way she could.

She went through the email again, wanting to triple check that she had read it right the first couple of times.

Dear Hannah,

You don't know me but I think the two of us were meant to communicate. I'm not very good at writing these kinds of things so I'll just get straight to the point. I hope you'll forgive me for being blunt.

Your fiancé, Kane Summers, is cheating on you. The object of his lust is a woman named Jasmine Allen who, I'm sad to say, likes breaking up engaged couples then dropping the guy like a hot potato when she has achieved her aim.

Why am I telling you this? Because I think Jasmine needs to stop her destructive and hurtful behaviours and also because I don't think you deserve to have your engagement and happiness broken by a girl with questionable morals.

You might be wondering how I knew about you. Simple. I looked up 'Kane Summers' on the Internet and found an article about his engagement to you. Then I found your email on the website of the company you work for.

What you wish to do with this information is up to you. I just thought you have the right to know.

Regards,

G

P.S. A word of warning. Jasmine is a very smart liar and—ahem—very good in bed. My previous observations have shown that Jasmine is great at making a man believe her side of the story. What I mean is if your Kane has been bewitched by her charms, a simple confrontation with them may not give you the result you want—assuming you want to hold on to Kane. I say outsmart her. I'll be in your corner for that.

Hannah took a deep breath and poised her fingers on her keyboard. This was for herself and for Kane. A man like Kane didn't deserve to be hoodwinked by a whore. She was all for outsmarting this Jasmine Allen, whoever she was. But she didn't know where to start.

Dear G,

Your email was very unexpected but also very much appreciated. I already feel like I have a friend in you even though I don't even know your name.

I know that Kane had started seeing someone else. He told me about her a few days ago. And you're right about this woman breaking up engaged couples. Kane broke up with me to be with her.

I do want Kane back and I also want to rescue him from the clutches of this slut (please excuse my language—I haven't even met her yet but I already hate her with a passion). I agree confrontation would not work. It's way too late for that. Do you have any suggestions?

Regards,

Hannah

P.S. Would you tell me your name?

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Jasmine stared at one of the fan emails she had received, forcing her attention to fix on the message on her computer screen. With a shake of her head, she gave up. Try as she might, she just couldn't get her mind off Kane and the fact that he was spending another day with Hannah.

What was supposed to be a one-day favour to help Hannah check out four apartments became a full weekend stint when Hannah had talked Kane into accompanying her to go shopping for items she would need for her new home.

She huffed, still hurt by the fact that Kane had given in to the pity-me act of his ex. Sure, he had reasoned that by shopping with Hannah today, she could be out of his house sooner rather than later. Hannah had already put a holding deposit on an apartment that would become available in three weeks' time and she would need furniture and other essentials before she could move in. And apparently, none of her friends were free to go shopping with her.

Jasmine thought that was a whole load of crap. Hannah probably didn't even ask anyone else but Kane.

She turned on the TV, hoping she could find a good program that would distract her until Kane came home. This was her last weekend in Sydney and she couldn't believe he wasn't spending it with her.

Another hour had passed when the doorbell rang. She sprang up from the couch and stomped to the door. The time waiting for him only served to stimulate her annoyance and hurt.

"Hi, baby," Kane said with a wide smile as she opened the door.

"Hi," she muttered and strode stiffly back to the lounge.

"Hey, what's this?" Kane asked, bewildered, as he followed her.

She sat cross-legged and hugged a throw pillow to her chest, ignoring him and staring resolutely at the television screen.

"Jaz, what's wrong?" Kane asked as he sat next to her, touching her face.

Her eyes started to water, undone by his soft tone and the caressing hand on her cheek.

"Baby?"

"You were gone for longer than you said you would be," she said icily.

"Hannah took longer in choosing her furniture. But she's got all the basics now. She'll be ready to move out when she gets the keys to her apartment."

"I don't understand why you continue to pander to her, Kane."

"I don't pander to her," he replied insistently. "All I want is for her to get everything sorted as quickly as possible so she can move out of my house. If I hadn't gone with her, I have no doubt she would have dragged her feet and she'd be in my hair for longer than necessary. I thought you understood that, baby."

She sniffed, slightly appeased by his words. "This is my last weekend here," she whispered, "and you've spent it with your ex. I know I don't leave until Friday but you'll be at work all week."

Kane scooped her up and placed her on his lap, squeezing her tight. "I promise to spend every minute of next weekend with you."

"But I won't be here!"

"So? I'll be in Melbourne with you. In fact, I've taken Friday off and I'm catching the same flight as you on the way there. I've already bought my ticket."

She gaped at him. "You have? When?"

"Last week."

"How come you didn't tell me?"

"Well, it was supposed to be a surprise," he said dryly. "But since you're mad at me …"

A sweet smile slowly spread on her face.

He gave her a relieved grin and kissed her soundly. "So you're not mad anymore?" he asked as he started kissing her face.

"Are you done with your obligations to her? Is that it?"

"I still need to help her move. After that, that's it."

He kissed her mouth hungrily and she found herself responding avidly. His hand travelled underneath her top and all her previous misgivings melted as his fingers found a nipple. She moaned softly, tilting her head to give him access to her neck.

"Am I forgiven now?" he asked huskily as he nibbled along her throat.

"Yes. As long as you don't stop what you're doing," she responded breathlessly. Oh, the bliss of being with him again after hours of yearning for his presence.

Kane chuckled as he moved them so she was lying on the couch. He lifted her top and she helped him take it off her. A gasp escaped her as his hot mouth closed on a nipple, his tongue laving it before his lips tugged it.

Wetness pooled between her legs and she shifted underneath him restlessly.

He groaned. "I couldn't wait to get home to you today, baby," he rasped as his mouth left her breast, creating a trail of fire on her sensitised skin as he moved lower.

She felt Kane yank down her sweatpants and undies. She peered at him and saw an already familiar expression on his face. Raw, unbridled desire. She shivered in excitement and started panting when he pushed her legs apart. Oh, God, she was already so wet —

"Wait!" she cried, stopping Kane from reaching his intended destination with a hand on his forehead.

He glanced up at her from between her legs. "What?"

"We can't do it here."

"Why not?"

"We'll ruin the couch."

Kane cast his eyes on the sofa. "It's leather. And I'm sure Rob and Jess have done it here before."

She tapped his forehead lightly. "Kane!"

"Well, I'm sure they have," he said innocently. "Have you seen how hot those two can get for each other?"

"That doesn't matter. I don't want to ruin their things."

Kane sighed and got up. "Stay here. Don't move. I'll get a towel."

She smiled and nodded, bringing her legs back together.

"I said don't move," he growled playfully. He grabbed her ankles and moved her legs back to their previously splayed position. "You're so fucking hot," he murmured as he admired the erotic pose he created.

"Hurry," she urged him, keen to continue their lovemaking. Plus, at the rate he was making her soaked, she needed that towel underneath her quickly.

As she waited for Kane, a naughty thought hit her. Could she? Would she? She'd never done it before in front of a man. The thought excited her. And with Kane, she felt she could push some boundaries.

She heard his footsteps coming down from upstairs. Swallowing her shyness, she placed her left hand on her breast and her right hand between her legs.

"Here it —" Kane stopped in his tracks, mouth opened wide, as he saw what she was doing.

"You were taking too long," she said seductively.

"I'm glad I did," he croaked as he gawked at her, mesmerised. Slowly, he took off his shirt, his eyes not leaving her body. "Don't stop," he rasped.

She let out a little moan, her fingers and his obvious pleasure at watching her turning her on even more. Her eyes drifted to the pronounced bulge in his pants and she was ready for something else. She stopped touching herself and sat up.

"Hey, I was enjoying that," Kane protested.