Author's Notes:

And another trilogy is born.

'Shifting Perspectives' is the third and final story in the tale of Kyle MacDenny. Minimal effort is made here to explain the backstory, so I highly recommended you read the stories in the following order:

• Shifting Priorities
• Shifting Gears
• Shifting Perspectives

I hope you enjoy them.

All characters engaging in sexual relationships or activities are 18 years old or older.

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Shifting Perspectives

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Chapter 1

Montreal was every bit as lovely and lively as Kyle had been told, but no one mentioned how bloody cold it got in the winter! As he rushed from the taxi into the airport terminal, he longed for the heat of summer and thought fondly of his time in Santa Barbara.

Well, most of it.

He'd left some good friends behind when he'd ridden northeast from the city, gradually making his way across the states until he found himself back in Canada.

Finding a temporary place to stay in Montreal had turned out to be easier than he thought. His first night in the city, he'd gone out to sample the nightlife and bumped into a rowdy group of college girls out celebrating the start of their last year. One of the girls, a petite and feisty French-Canadian brunette named Juliette Belanger, latched onto him and ended up taking him back to her small apartment for some fun after the dancing and drinking.

Kyle's French was rusty at best, as he was only catching maybe one word in four. Juliette told him she would help him learn the language if he stuck around and helped her with the rent. He'd informed her from that first night he was on a personal quest and wouldn't be staying for long, but she'd assured him she was happy to have him warm her bed for as long as he could. She was a wonderful teacher, so Kyle's French improved quickly, but he soon realized he'd never be fluent or sound like a native speaker.

When the weather began to turn cold, Kyle rented a storage unit on the edge of the city and spent a day preparing his Harley for its extended stay. He felt a little sad but knew better than to try to keep it on the road in poor conditions. He'd paid for six months in advance to ensure his unit would remain undisturbed.

Kyle managed to get a job as a barista in a downtown coffee shop for a little walking around money, but mostly to fill up his open calendar. It was near the major investment firms, so he kept his ears open for loose talk amongst the customers. He also tracked the business world closely through newspapers and the web. These efforts helped him augment his portfolio's income with a few solid investments that approached the returns he would have seen with the company Cameron's father purchased.

Kyle reached out to the Livingstons as Christmas drew closer, and they were delighted that he still intended to visit them. Plans were firmed up, and Kyle had trouble wiping the smile from his face as he thought of them.

He picked up that Juliette had begun to distance herself from him emotionally in the past few weeks. He hadn't been sure how to deal with that as, while he liked her, that was as far as his feelings went. She'd known he wasn't going to be a permanent fixture. He tried to keep things friendly, but the smiles he received became fewer and fewer.

A little more than a week ago, Kyle arrived home after work to see a pair of man's boots by the front door. He made his way into the apartment and glanced towards the bedroom. The door was open, and there was Juliette on hands and knees on the bed with a stranger driving himself into her from behind. When Kyle didn't display any jealousy but instead, politely apologized for the intrusion, the petite woman's cool finally broke, and she flew into a rage, shocking her new partner. Kyle packed his few belongings quickly and left, wishing her well and narrowly avoiding a thrown mug.

He spent the next week in a cheap hotel and gave his notice at the coffee shop.

Finally, it was time. His saddlebags were stored with his motorcycle, so he packed a duffle he'd picked up and headed to the airport. There was news of a major snowstorm coming in, so he prayed he'd get out before it arrived.

It was a long, dull wait, but eventually, he found himself jammed in his economy window seat next to two grandmothers from Cheltenham by the names of Beryl and Abigail. Apparently, Beryl had a lovely granddaughter who had just broken up with her fiancé. He learned this interesting fact before they'd even taxied to the runway.

Their flight managed to get off the ground before the storm reached its full fury, so they were on their way.

He settled back in his seat and closed his eyes. It was going to be a long flight.

-=-

"You're leaving? Again?"

"Where to this time?"

"Will you be coming back?"

"Did you ever love me?"

"Do you even know how to love?"

"You... you're a cold-hearted bastard!"

Kyle woke with a start and trembled, sweat beading his brow and his breath coming in deep gulps. He glanced around, but almost everyone was asleep, including his neighbors.

His mother's voice echoed in his mind, but the last words he recalled were said with a French-Canadian accent. Juliette's last words screamed at him as he left her apartment.

He felt his mother's disapproval settle over him. Had he used Juliette? He told her he wasn't going to stay right from day one. He enjoyed her company, and she certainly enjoyed their time between the sheets. He'd been oblivious to what had led to her explosive outburst. She'd called him several things in French during her tirade, but he'd been able to ignore it at the time as he was busy collecting his stuff to get out of there.

She'd called him uncaring. Cold. Emotionle--

The shock hit him like an open hand slap. That was his father. He'd lived with the woman without connecting with her on an emotional level as he knew he'd be leaving. He didn't let her into his heart at all. She barely registered in his life. Then he left, ignoring the pain he'd left in his wake. Fuck!

He suddenly needed to get up. He frantically nudged the two ladies next to him to wake them, then barely managed to keep from crawling over them to get to the aisle. He rushed to the small bathroom and lost his stomach contents into the small bowl. When he could heave no more, he flushed, then splashed cold water on his face to freshen up and rinsed his mouth out. He looked at the man in the mirror and was relieved not to see a man who didn't care. There was nothing emotionless about the haunted expression looking back at him. He held the edge of the sink to stop the shaking of his hands.

There was a gentle knocking on the door.

"Sir? Are you all right?"

"yes... I'm fine," he said, his voice wobbling.

He dried his face and hands, then opened the door to see the flight attendant watching him cautiously.

"Sorry, just a... really bad dream. Upset my stomach. I'm fine now," Kyle said quietly.

Her expression went from cautious to compassionate instantly. "Is there anything I can get you?"

His brain immediately said scotch, but his good sense slapped that down. "Water?"

A lovely smile beamed at him. "I'll bring it to your seat."

"Thank you." He made his way back to his seat, where he saw the two ladies were wide awake and waiting.

"Are you ill?" Beryl asked immediately.

He smiled at her. "No. Just a bad dream."

"Oh, you poor dear," Abigail sighed.

He struggled past them once more to sink into his own seat. He could have sworn Abigail got a little handsy as he passed, but he said nothing.

The woman with his water arrived, and he thanked her before she moved on. He sipped at the cool water and relaxed back against his seat.

"Did I mention my Lydia is studying to be a nurse?" Beryl offered.

Kyle looked over at the woman and caught the tail end of Abigail's eye roll. "No, you didn't. Good for her!"

He sat back with his eyes closed and pretended to be resting. Eventually, the two ladies drifted off, and he opened his eyes once more. He didn't want to return to his dreams. He could still feel his mother's disappointment, and he had to admit he was upset with himself for not being more vigilant. He should have been watching for signs of Juliette's emotional connection. Instead, he'd just focused on this visit and treated her apartment like a hotel room, complete with a bed warmer.

It shocked him how easy it had been to let that happen, even after the promises Kyle made to himself that he wouldn't allow himself to fall into his father's behavior. Yet it happened.

He stared out the window and tried to think of what he could do to ensure it didn't happen again.

Chapter 2

"KYLE! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

The high-pitched squeal of excitement sent a shot of adrenaline to his weary mind as he walked out into the arrivals area at Heathrow Airport.

Kyle quickly slid his duffle to the floor and caught Skye as she leaped into his arms. Her lips found his, and her tongue thrust into his mouth as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and her legs around his hips. His hands automatically went to her ass to support her weight, causing her to moan into his mouth.

When she finally pulled back from the kiss, she purred happily. "Mmmm, I missed that so much!"

He snorted quietly. "Yes, it's great to see you again, too."

She gave him a naughty smile and wiggled her body against his.

Kyle noticed he was being watched by the other passengers as they walked by. He smiled and nodded to Abigail and Beryl, the latter looking back with disappointment.

"Down you go, you little minx!" Kyle said as he moved his hands from her ass to her sides.

She cooed at the feel of his strong hands but released her grip to slide down his body, enjoying his hard muscles.

She picked up his duffle for him as they moved further into the arrivals area.

"I can carry that," he said, but she shook her head.

"Someone else wants to say hello," she replied with a cheeky grin.

He looked ahead and saw Helen smiling at him timidly. Once more, he was stunned by elegance and beauty, and she still had that Classic Hollywood allure he recalled from their first meeting. His appreciation must have shown on his face as a shy smile bloomed on hers as he stepped closer.

"Hello, Helen."

Her lovely auburn hair flowed down over her shoulders, framing her smiling face. It was a little longer now. His fingers slid into her silken locks as he brought his lips to hers in a sensual caress. He felt her gasp and tremble, then her need flared, and she pressed her lips to his as her arms went around him. His kiss deepened, and she made cute little needful sounds. When he pulled back from her lips, he moved his mouth next to her ear.

"Who's this gorgeous, naughty girl making such lustful sounds in a public place?" he whispered.

He felt a strong tremble rock through her body and pulled back to see her watching the people facing their way with looks of surprise and shock on their faces as they'd just witnessed him kissing the younger woman moments before. Her eyes snapped back to his, and she saw the heat in his gaze.

"You're such a beautiful and sexy woman. I couldn't stop myself. I hope I didn't overstep my bounds."

"No! No, it was quite lovely! I enjoyed that--very much!" she admitted breathily, her timid smile returning. Her eyes were twinkling joyfully.

Kyle loved her accent and was looking forward to enjoying it much more during his visit. He took her arm as Skye took his other one, and they began walking. He spotted Abigail and Beryl, again, standing with a pretty, younger woman who, from the resemblance, had to be Beryl's daughter, Lydia. All three were gawking at him in open-mouthed surprise. He gave them a smile and a nod as he walked past.

They left the terminal, and Kyle zipped up his leather jacket. While there was no snow on the ground, the temperature couldn't have been much above freezing. They made their way across the parking lot to a small, sporty two-door coupe.

"We're all going to fit in there?" Kyle asked hesitantly as he checked out the minimal back seat.

Helen glanced at him with a smile. "Skye will fit in the back seat with your duffel."

"Or I could sit on Kyle's lap," Skye offered.

"No," Helen responded.

"Pooh!" her daughter said, pouting.

Kyle shook his head with a grin. Once Helen popped the locks, he opened the door and folded the passenger seat forward for Skye. She slipped in and moved to the position behind the driver, then Kyle put his bag next to her. Dropping the seat back, Kyle folded his five-foot-ten frame into the passenger seat and slid it all the way back. He barely had enough room for his legs and felt his hair brushing the ceiling.

Helen looked over at him. "Comfortable?"

"Yes."

"Liar," Skye snorted.

"Comfortable enough," he amended.

Helen nodded and got them on their way. She was a pro with a stick shift and a confident driver. Certainly not as aggressive as Fiona had been. He was able to relax as they drove away from the airport. Once he got used to them being on the wrong side, that is.

"So, where in London do you live?" Kyle asked.

Helen glanced over at him. "We live in Twickenham."

He gave her a confused look. "But when you introduced yourself to us on the tour bus, you said you were from London."

She smiled self-consciously. "Oh! I did, didn't I! My apologies. Before that trip, I was told to never give out my actual address when traveling. Twickenham is considered part of Greater London, which includes the city proper and 32 boroughs. It's just a thirty-minute drive from here, and the city of London is only another forty-five minutes beyond that."

"Ah."

"Fiona mentioned you'd be visiting her in Santa Barbara. How did that go?" Helen asked.

Kyle brought the two women up to speed on his visit with Fiona and her friends. He omitted the sexy bits and Monique's grand lie, but finished with how Fiona had to make a terrible decision and then live with it when she left for France.

"Her parents presented her with a horrible choice!" Helen sighed.

"Yes, they did." While he didn't relate to Fiona's living situation, having come from a much lower-income family, he empathized with her having to make the tough call.

"You own a Harley?" Skye said excitedly from the back seat.

He turned his head to smile back at her. "Yes." He pulled his cell from his pocket and pulled up a photo of his ride gleaming in the warm rays of sunset next to the beach in California. He was rather proud of how that picture turned out.

Skye purred happily as she looked at the shot. She bit her lip, and for a moment, he thought she might leap between the seats to get to him.

They were driving into a quaint town, and he was surprised to see how busy the roads were this early in the morning. He checked out the businesses along the way. He couldn't block a wide yawn from escaping.

"Did you manage to sleep on the flight over?" Helen asked, catching the tail end of the yawn.

"Yeah, some, but I had disturbing dreams. Then I couldn't get back to sleep," he sighed.

"You should have a little rest when we get to the apartment then," she replied with a concerned look.

He nodded, as taking a nap sounded wonderful. "Is it normally this busy here?" he asked as they waited for a gap in the traffic to turn onto a side street.

Skye snorted. "You were expecting a place called Twickenham to be a sleepy little village?"

He grinned self-consciously and nodded.

They finally made the turn and wound their way through a neighborhood to face the gates of a parking lot next to what looked to Kyle like a five-story condo. The gates swung open, and Helen pulled in and parked in her spot.

Kyle climbed out and slid the seat forward before folding it down. He pulled his duffle out, resting it on the roof before reaching in to take Skye's hand. He helped her out, and she pressed herself to his chest with her face tilted up expectantly. He smiled and kissed her.

She grinned at her mother when they joined her behind the car. She touched Kyle's arm and pointed to a two-seater parked next to Helen's. "This little beauty is mine!" At his raised eyebrow, she continued. "There's more room inside than you think."

They went into the building and took the elevator up to the top floor. As they walked down the hall, the second to last door opened, and a woman stepped out. Kyle saw she was probably the same age, if not a little older than Helen. She was dressed elegantly and, from her polished appearance, she probably saw the inside of a spa regularly. She looked at the approaching group in surprise and smiled.

"Good morning, Helen! Skye," she said, and Kyle picked up just a hint of distaste as she addressed the younger woman.

Helen spoke for them. "Good morning, Margaret. Please let me introduce my good friend Kyle MacDenny from Canada. Kyle, this is my neighbor, Margaret Hillsbury."

The woman's face froze as she looked at Kyle. She made an odd choking sound, then quickly cleared her throat and gave them a hesitant smile. She pinned Skye with her eyes. "This is the Kyle you spoke of? The one from that little bicycle vacation you two went on?"

Kyle wondered what exactly Skye had divulged, but knowing the young woman, it was likely too much. He took a deep breath and put a smile on his face. "That certainly sounds like me, as that's where I met these beautiful ladies," he volunteered with a smile. "It's nice to meet you, Margaret." He reached out a hand, and she automatically shook it. She continued to stare at him, her eyes sliding down his body and back up. Kyle glanced curiously at Helen as Margaret wasn't letting go of his hand.

"Off to church, Margaret?" Helen asked, and this jolted the woman out of her frozen state. She released his hand.

"Yes! Yes, I'm meeting with the vicar after the sermon to discuss the Christmas gala. Will you be attending this year? I could get you free tickets. You could bring along your guest," the woman asserted eagerly as her eyes returned to Kyle.

"Unfortunately, the night of the gala is the same night the hospital faculty is throwing its own party, and I promised I'd bring Kyle along to that."

After a sudden look of disappointment, she forced a smile back onto her lips. "Oh, well, that's too bad. It was nice to meet you, Kyle."

He gave her a smile and a nod, and she began to walk away.

"Margaret! Don't forget to lock your door and take your keys," Helen called out to the distracted woman. The woman in question made another odd sound and rushed back to her door to get her keys dangling in the lock. Kyle noted her embarrassed blush and smile as she nodded to them quickly before turning back to the elevators. She fast-walked away and gave them a little wave over her shoulder.

Helen smirked and continued to her door at the end of the hall, with Kyle and Skye following. He turned to the younger woman.

"What exactly did you say to Margaret?" he asked.

Her smile was innocent. "I just said we met you on the trip." They stepped inside, and Skye closed the door behind her before she continued. "And you'd given us the hottest sex we'd ever experienced in our lives!" She giggled as he closed his eyes and shook his head in defeat.

Kyle opened his eyes to see the look of shock and embarrassment on Helen's face. "You told her I had sex with Kyle too?"

Skye nodded. "Yes! Why wouldn't I?"

"Because it's none of her business who I have sex with!" Helen asserted, and Kyle nodded to her with a smile. Helen immediately turned to him. "Not that I'm ashamed of what we shared!"

"Good, because I'm certainly not," Kyle assured her and aimed a stern look at the naughty daughter. "There is such a thing as over sharing."

Skye hung her jacket on a hook, slipped off her soft boots, and made her way past them into the living room with a shrug. "She's always looking down her nose at us and telling us of her grand adventures, which, truthfully, sound dry and dull. It felt good giving her a few hints about our incredible adventure. Seeing her gobsmacked just now was priceless and made it all worthwhile!"

Kyle removed his jacket and hung it on a hook. He untied his boots and removed them before following Skye into the living room. He looked around at the enormous and bright room. The far wall was all floor-to-ceiling windows letting the daylight in, and the sheer curtains also softened the light. "You have a beautiful home!"

Helen smiled. "Thank you! I'm so glad you could visit us!"

"So, tell me about this new job you have! The last I heard, you were between jobs," Kyle asked.

Helen's face lit up with a smile. "I applied for a position at a local hospital in their administrative wing. My previous experience made me their best candidate, so I got the job!"

"Congratulations!" Kyle said with a grin. "Obviously, you enjoy the work," he said, reading the satisfied glow on her face.

"Yes! I run a tight ship, but I have an excellent team."

Skye moved to sit at the edge of the couch cushion as she gave her mom a wicked grin. "She also has several of the doctors pursuing her."

Kyle looked back at Helen in question. "Maybe I did overstep my bounds with that kiss! Are you serious with any of these doctors?"

Helen fluttered her hands and shook her head. "Once more, my daughter is reading too much into a bit of casual flirting. These are surgeons and doctors, bigwigs in the hospital. I'm just an administrative manager. They're just blowing off a little steam. I don't take any of that seriously."

Kyle wondered if she wasn't dismissing something with potential. He didn't doubt that some were acting as Helen described, but all of them? "Still, you've got yourself a throng of admirers. Good for you!" Helen still looked a little flustered, but gave him a broad smile, nonetheless. "So, we're going to a party?" he asked.

Helen's lovely eyes looked nervously at him, and she nodded as she bit her lip. "I apologize if I've been presumptuous!"

"No, I'm up for an office party. Should be fun," he assured her, and her look of relief and gratitude was sweet. He wondered what she'd been so anxious about.

"What's the dress code?" he asked.

"Black tie formal, but there's a shop on the main street a short distance away which caters to that. It's my treat as I sprung this on you with no warning," Helen said quickly.

He was going to argue but saw she was determined to win, so he just nodded graciously. Her smile returned. He looked at Skye. "What have you been up to?"

She reclined back against the cushions languidly. "Mum got me enrolled in Uni this year."

"What area of study?" he asked.

"Acting," she said with a grin.

He nodded slowly. "That makes sense for such a cheeky girl."

"I thought so as well," Helen remarked.

"Are you enjoying it?" he asked.

Skye nodded. "It's hard work but fun too! I've met a lot of great people and some twats--"

"Skye!" Helen scolded.

Kyle just smiled as he recalled having the same experience in college. His smile faded as that reminded him of Skye's confession when they parted at the airport. "Speaking of meeting people, do you have a new boyfriend? Or are you still seeing... what did you say his name was? Owen?"

She gave him an innocent smile. "No current boyfriend, and I broke up with Owen a week or two after we returned from France. Poor sod was shattered."

Kyle allowed himself to relax. He wasn't setting himself up for any relationship disasters with these two. That was a relief for him.

Another yawn caught him by surprise, and Helen chuckled. "Come with me, sleepy boy. I'll get you set up in the guest bedroom so you can take a nap."

He nodded and rubbed his face as he followed.

They went down the hall to the first door on the right. She went inside and pointed to the door on the right. "You can have a shower in there."

"We're not really going to make him sleep in the guest room, are we?" Skye asked slyly from the doorway.

"Don't be such a presumptuous girl!" Helen scolded as her face heated up.

Kyle smiled at Helen's embarrassment. "I appreciate the use of the room for now to take a nap. We can discuss the... logistics of my sleeping arrangements once I wake."

He leaned towards Helen, and she eagerly met him halfway to collect a sweet kiss. She trembled happily as she pulled back. Skye was ready for her kiss and pressed herself against Kyle's chest the moment there was room. Her kiss was a little more demanding, but Kyle pulled back, and she grinned at him as she moved backward to join her mother in the hall. Helen closed the door, and Kyle immediately dropped his duffle on the bed, grabbed his kit from it, and walked into the washroom. He stripped, showered, and dried off quickly before tugging on some sleeping shorts and slipping under the covers. Before he let himself nod off, he set his alarm for two hours. No more. This was so much better than sleeping in economy seating.

That was the last thought on his mind before sleep claimed him.

Chapter 3

Skye and Kyle walked along the sidewalk linked arm in arm, the woman leaning slightly against his side. After his nap, Helen called the formal shop ahead of their arrival, and apparently, the clerk had a selection that should fit him.

"You like living here?" Kyle asked Skye, and the woman nodded.

"I'll probably move to the city once I graduate, but for now, yeah, it's a pretty nice place to live. It's home, and I have friends here."

Kyle nodded. That was something missing in his life at the moment. A place he'd call home. While he'd grown up in Vancouver, he and his mother had moved regularly as the rent increased and the household income never quite kept pace. The few friends he'd managed to stay in touch with during those years were lost when Gwen worked her black magic on him. Maybe that's what made this nomadic time in his life possible. He had no real permanent links to any place or anyone. He wasn't sure if that was a positive thing or not.

"Hey! Earth calling Kyle!"

He turned his attention back to Skye. "Sorry, what did you say?" he mumbled in embarrassment for his navel-gazing.

"Where did you go there? I was asking you about where you grew up, and your mind took a little holiday," she asked with a concerned look.

"Actually, I realized I don't have a Twickenham in my life and Gwen insisted I disconnect from the few friends I had."

"Well, you have us now," Skye said, pressing herself against his side a little more firmly.

He smiled down at her then spotted the shop. "This it?"

Skye nodded, and he opened the door for her. They went inside, and he smiled at the lovely cinnamon brown woman standing next to the counter. She had large and expressive brown eyes and very full lips she colored with a dark, almost black lipstick. She was tall and very slim, with her very long jet-black hair tied back in a thick braid that reached the back of her knees. He noticed the white blouse she was wearing had the store's crest embroidered on the left pocket. The uniform was completed with a knee-length skirt, black legging, and black patent shoes. Kind of an old-timey look for a young woman.

"Priya? I didn't know you worked here!" Skye gushed as she rushed forward to give her friend a hug. She turned to face Kyle with an excited expression. "This is Priya Singh, one of my classmates!" She looked at her friend. "Priya, this is Kyle MacDenny!"

The woman's eyes widened in surprise as she gaped at Skye. "Kyle from the France cycling tour?" she gushed.

Kyle saw her pretty eyes running down his body, and he glanced at the satisfied smile on Skye's lips. "You've been talking about me."

Priya made a cute snort sound. "She has not stopped talking about you until we all wanted to slap her! Her stories painted you larger than life."

Kyle found Priya's British accent to be as charming as Skye's, but he turned his attention back to his companion. "Yeah, that's why it's never a good idea to embellish a story. No one can live up to those expectations," he sighed.

Skye chuckled as she watched him hungrily. "Kyle, you silly man. You've already surpassed my expectations, and you've only just arrived!"

Priya was now giving him a hungry look as well. "You need a tuxedo or black tie?" she asked.

"Black tie," he replied.

"Follow me to the back, and we'll take some measurements," Priya said, and Skye chuckled.

"Mind out of the gutter, please," Kyle growled quietly as he fixed his eye on the grinning woman.

The changing area had a small, raised platform before an array of mirrors. On either side of the mirrors were two change rooms with curtains.

"Please take off your jacket, sweater, jeans, and boots," Priya said in a business-like tone but with just a hint of a smile at the corners of her lips. Skye made no effort to hide her own smile. The clerk gave him a nod and gestured to a change room when he looked at her questioning. With a small shrug, he stepped in and pulled the curtain across. He undressed but left his jeans on as he opened the curtain.

"Mr. MacDenny, I won't be able to do a proper measurement for the slacks if you are wearing the jeans," Priya said with a frown.

Sighing as he watched Skye's cheeky smile, he undid the jeans, pushed them down, and stepped out of them. Skye purred, seeing his muscular legs and his boxers.

Priya worked her way down his body, taking measurements and jotting them down on her notepad. He began to relax as she was very professional.

When she knelt before him, he tried to remain calm, but Skye was grinning wickedly.

He knew what was coming, so the hand pressing against his balls was no surprise as she took his inseam measurement. That number went into the notepad as well, and he thought she was done.

Except Priya didn't stand up from her kneeling position, and Skye joined her.

Priya's hand returned to cup his balls as she looked up at him with dark eyes twinkling with mischief. She was a good match for Skye, whose hand was sliding over his cock through the soft fabric. It began to grow.

"Uh, we're in a store. I can see people walking past the windows," Kyle said, catching Skye's hand with his.

"From the front of the store, no one can see anything below your armpits," Priya said, rolling his balls on her palm. "You're hidden by the racks. No one walks in without making a call first, and Skye's mum was the only call I received today."

He still looked towards the windows nervously.

Skye tugged one side, and Priya pulled the other, and his boxers went down to his ankles.

"Mmmm, very nice, Mr. MacDenny!" Priya cooed.

He gasped when Skye leaned forward and took half of his cock into her mouth.

She was such a wild girl, and right now, she was making choking sounds as she struggled to take more of him into her mouth. He shared a curious glance with Priya, who finally rolled her eyes.

"Girl, you're embarrassing yourself," she said with pity.

Skye pulled back and took a gulp of air as she stared at her friend defensively. "Wha--what do you mean?"

"Who taught you how to throat a cock? Was it Owen? I bet he likes that choking, slobbering act. Makes him feel all big and manly," Priya sighed wearily.

Skye glanced up nervously at Kyle, then glared at Priya.

Kyle blinked in surprise at Skye, then looked at Priya. "She told me she broke up with Owen months ago."

The dark beauty grinned mischievously up at him. "Oh, she did! It just didn't stick. The pathetic loser keeps coming back!"

Kyle frowned down at Skye, who looked up at him with a strained smile on her lips. "We did break up! He's not my boyfriend! He's just a casual hook-up. You know what that's like!"

He opened his mouth to deny it, but he was standing at the back of a formal wear shop, his underwear resting on his feet, and two women kneeling between his legs, touching him very intimately. Still, there was one difference.

"Is it just a casual hook-up for Owen?" he asked.

Priya looked to Skye and saw her friend's nod lacked conviction, and Kyle wasn't buying it. She looked at the cock before her and saw its firmness was beginning to wane. She couldn't have that. She smiled at Kyle.

"I'm completely available. No boyfriend at this time, and it's been months since I've seen something as lovely as this!" She looked at her friend. "Looks like you don't get to play until you get confirmation from Owen." Before Kyle could change his mind, she leaned forward and slid his cock over her tongue and into her throat. She didn't stop until her nose pressed up against his hard body. She smiled as she felt his erection return to full strength in a few pulses.

"Fuck!" Kyle jolted from the intense sensations.

Priya pulled back until just the head was in her mouth, then repeated the slow plunge.

"Geezus! That's too good!" Kyle moaned. He'd experienced some pretty amazing oral sex before, but Priya was taking him into her mouth and throat so sensually and deliberately, it was impossible to focus on anything else.

She played with his balls as she enjoyed driving him deep into her mouth. She hefted the weight of them in her palm as the fingers of her other hand rolled the orbs gently between them.

"Priya! You gotta stop, or I'm gonna cum!" Kyle begged.

She slowly slid him from her mouth and grinned up at him as she saw his muscles tremble. She then pulled down her tights and flipped her skirt up as she spun around. "I need a good smash! It's been too long. It's safe. I'm on the pill."

Kyle spared Skye a look, and the young woman shrugged with a little pout, jealousy apparent in her eyes. He frowned as it served her right for not being honest with him.

Looking towards the front door, he saw no one outside, so he dropped to his knees behind Priya. She grinned back at him excitedly, then squealed when he grabbed her ass cheeks and parted them to lash her wet pussy with his tongue.

"MMMmmmFUCK! Skye! Shit! You weren't exaggerating! He's fucking--TAH! Talented with that tongue of his-AAHHHHFFFFUUUCCCKK!!!" she cried out as he strummed her clit then sucked it between his lips.

He left her panting as he moved closer to line himself up behind her. When she felt the heat of the head against her wet lips, she looked over her shoulder with a hungry look in her pretty eyes. As he slowly pressed himself deeper and deeper, her eyelashes began to flutter as she bit her lip. Priya was making small grunting noises as he pulled himself out and pushed deeper.

When he slapped her ass with his pelvis, she sighed happily. "Ohhh, fuck yes! Ok, baby, that was a really lovely introduction, but let's see what you can really do. Smash me, love!" She closed her eyes and rocked her hips to get used to his invasion.

Kyle gave Skye a puzzled look, and she pantomimed aggressive hip thrusts. He nodded to her and drew himself out to the head, then drove himself forward to slap her ass with his body again. Priya squeaked, but he was already drawing himself out for the next thrust. He slammed forward again and again, and Priya's eyes flew wide as she tried to catch her breath.

He had a firm grip on her hips and ass so he could pull her to him and push her back without letting her recover.

"FUH! AHH! GAH! UHN! OH! GOD! FUCK! YES!" Priya's voice had risen at least three octaves as she tried to speak between each impact. Skye was staring at Kyle in awe.

"IMA- IMA- OH KYLE! CUM! CUH- CUH- GGGRRRAAAAHHH!!!" Priya roared and began to shake violently. Kyle had never heard someone make that sound through an orgasm. He was also surprised how quickly she'd reached her peak as he still had a little way to go. The effort to smash her pushed his own release off.

Kyle held her tight against himself as she rode her pleasure through its crest and gently slid his hard cock from her when he felt her body begin to twitch from oversensitivity. She rested on her side as she gasped in breaths. Her eyes were rolling slightly, but her lovely lips held a smile.

Skye made a little whining noise, drawing Kyle's attention. He saw she was looking at his cock a little desperately, and she had her hand stuffed down the front of her tights as she knelt next to them. Kyle frowned at her as he was still upset, but he needed a release, and it seemed she did too.

He reached out to grab the back of her head by her ponytail and pulled her against his chest to look her in the eye. Her eyes flew wide as she gasped in surprise.

"You will speak with Owen as soon as possible! If you don't have any emotional attachment to him, you let him know that plainly and clearly. If he does, you let him down gently!"

"Y-yes!" she stammered.

Kyle kissed her hard and deep, and she squealed slightly, then clung to him as her tongue danced with his. He pulled back, then spun her around and pulled down her tights and panties to her knees. The stretchy fabric didn't allow her to part her knees very far, but Kyle could see she was dripping wet, so no oral preparation was required. He pulled her back, positioned himself against her wet opening, and drove his cock deep on the first thrust.

"FUCK YES!" Skye cried out.

Kyle smiled as he set up a steady pounding against Skye's ass, but not as aggressively as Priya seemed to enjoy it.

Soon, he could feel his balls tightening up, and Skye seemed to be losing muscle control. Her head dropped to her arms with her ass still in the air.

"Kyle! Oh god... I'm coming! Fuck!"

Priya suddenly reached under Skye and spanked her fingers against Skye's clit. Her friend arched her back and fell over on her side as the spike of pain/pleasure ripped through her.

Kyle's cock popped out of Skye as she dropped aside, and his release slammed to a halt. He looked down at Priya, who flipped onto her back and opened her mouth as she reached up to pull at his hips. His eyes widened as he let her draw him down until she managed to guide his sensitive cock into her mouth.

He sucked in a breath as the sensation of her tongue sliding along the top of his cock was so strange and wonderful. Then he realized her upside-down position was allowing him to slide more easily into her throat. Priya's hands pulled at his ass, so he began to slowly fuck her mouth and throat. It was so freaking good that he only lasted five strokes before he felt the signals he was about to let loose. "I'm gonna come!" he managed to grunt, but she gripped his ass to keep him from pulling out. With a gasp, he felt himself firing into her mouth and her tongue working over his sensitive glans. It was his turn for his muscles to spasm as the pleasure was too sharp and intense.

Priya pulled him all the way into her throat, so her nose was pressing against his aching balls. He could feel her swallowing against his shaft. He finally managed to pull away and dropped back onto his ass to rest back on his hands. He stared at Priya in shock as she licked her lips in satisfaction.

The three of them struggled to get their breath back and traded smiles.

"Holy shit, I am so pleased you brought Kyle by today," Priya sighed as she looked at Skye. "It's never felt that intense before! I will never doubt your stories again."

Skye began to giggle as she nodded emphatically.

"Uh, back to the reason for us coming here today--the real reason," he stressed. "Am I going to be able to pick up a formal suit before tomorrow afternoon?"

Priya turned her head languidly and smiled at him. "Oh, that. Sure, we have a few that would fit you in the shop. You can take one with you today. When you came out of the change room, I already knew we had something for you. I've been doing this long enough to gauge people's sizes by eye."

Skye began to giggle again as Kyle looked at Priya in surprise again. "Wha--why did we go through all that measuring--ah, right."

Priya grinned at Skye. "He's got a brain in his head too."

Kyle stood and confirmed no one was looking in the shop windows before he helped Priya and Skye up to their feet. They were both moving a little tenderly, but neither complained. He pulled on his boxers as the ladies tidied themselves.

Priya slipped away, only to return in a minute with two suits. She explained the feature, and Kyle took them into the change room. The first one fit well, and he pulled the curtain back to see the ladies grinning at him.

"It's okay?" he asked.

"You look yummy! Mum is going to eat you up!" Skye gushed.

Priya's eyes widened. "I thought Kyle was getting the suit to attend a party with you!"

Skye jumped in before Kyle could speak. "I don't need a fancy suit to enjoy a little time with Kyle. Mom has a work function tomorrow night, and Kyle is her date. He's just too good to keep all to myself, as you now know as well."

Priya was still frozen with surprise as she looked at Skye.

The front doorbell jangled loudly as it was roughly shoved open.

The three at the back of the store looked forward, but only Skye responded. "Shit. Owen."

"Skye! Terry told me he saw you walking along the street on the arm of some ponce, and there he is!" the thug growled.

Kyle examined the man as he approached through the store like an oncoming storm; he was maybe an inch shorter than himself, wore his brown hair in a short buzz cut, had a square-jawed face with pale blue eyes set just a little too close together, and a nose broken and reset poorly more than once. He also had broad shoulders on a thick, blocky body. He looked strong and had big hands, which showed multiple scars from rough use. As threats went, he definitely ranked up there with runaway trains, earthquakes, and volcanos. Kyle felt a cool dispassion slip over his mind, and he didn't fight it as it would serve him.

"Owen, if you came here to make trouble, turn yourself right around and leave! Mr. Graham won't tolerate any foolishness in his shop," Priya snapped.

"Fuck off, curry nigger! I'm here to talk to Skye!" Owen barked in return.

Priya bristled immediately, but Owen intimidated her, so she glared at the man and said nothing.

Kyle gave Skye a gesture to proceed with her confession to the big man, and Skye's eyes widened in fear. Kyle's calm silence made her nod and turn to the angry man standing before her.

"Owen, I was going to call you later today. We need to talk. You remember I told you I wasn't going to be your girlfriend anymore--"

"I remember you said some stupid stuff, but we still fuck, so you're mine." He looked at Kyle, who held his gaze, unfazed by the potential violence in the big man's expression.

"I told you that I wasn't your girlfriend because I don't love you. When we get together for a little fun, that's all it is--"

"No! You're my girlfriend. I love you, and we have great sex. You don't get to suddenly say it's casual like you're some kind of skank like Priya," Owen insisted.

"I don't love you-"

"NO!" Owen roared, and swung a big meaty paw at Skye in an open-handed slap.

Kyle had been expecting that and tugged Skye out of the way of the blow, so she only felt the wind of its passing.

Then Kyle stepped forward and hit Owen three times. He began with the solar plexus, the move he knew best. Quickly followed by a sharp jab to the throat, further preventing Owen from sucking in a breath. The precision strikes hit different nerve clusters, which left the man incapacitated for the next blow. He quickly adjusted his angle for the strike against the side of Owen's neck and caught the man's look of genuine fear. As the final blow struck, Kyle felt nothing as he put the brute down. After he confirmed Owen was unconscious, he looked at Priya.

"Call the police. Get them to collect Owen. Now." Priya jolted, then quickly nodded and rushed off to make the call.

Kyle looked into Skye's stunned eyes. "You'll give a statement to the police when they arrive, and so will I. We'll tell them the complete truth. Is this understood?"

She nodded.

Confirming he had time, Kyle stepped into the change room and quickly switched back into his street clothes, putting the formal wear back onto the hangers. He closed his eyes and took a moment to let the almost clinical serenity slide off, and his hands began to tremble from the rush of unspent adrenaline. He struggled to control his breathing, and when he'd regained a semblance of calm, he stepped out to see Skye looking at him with wide eyes, Owen on the floor where he'd left him, and two officers hustling to the back of the shop. They stopped and looked down in surprise.

"Shit! Is that Owen Richards?" one asked, and Skye nodded. "Put down by this fella?"

"Only after Owen took a swing at me!" Skye insisted.

"Why would he try to hit you, miss?" the second officer asked.

"I told him I didn't love him, and he couldn't accept that I was breaking up with him," Skye answered.

The second officer glanced at Kyle again, then back to Skye. "For this bloke?"

Skye snorted nervously, then blushed. "I wish. He's just a friend from Canada."

The two policemen looked at Kyle suspiciously.

Kyle's eyebrows rose. He felt he'd better make his statement before this went off the rails.

"Ms. Livingston and I came to this shop to rent a formal suit. We met Ms. Singh, who assisted me in selecting a one. Mr. Richards entered the shop visibly upset. He said one of his friends spotted Ms. Livingston and me walking arm in arm on the sidewalk to this shop. He was verbally abusive to Ms. Singh, using racial and sexual slurs. He then confronted Ms. Livingston. She explained that she'd broken up with him several months earlier but continued to see him casually. Mr. Richards indicated this meant she remained his exclusive girlfriend, and he loved her. He didn't react well when she informed him that she didn't love him in return," Kyle sighed as he looked down at the unconscious man. "When he tried to backhand Ms. Livingston, I rendered him unconscious and asked Ms. Singh to contact you."

The two officers were staring at Kyle strangely. "Who did you say you were?" one finally managed.

"Kyle MacDenny. As she indicated, I'm Skye Livingston's friend. I'm visiting from Canada for the holidays."

"Are you in law enforcement, Mr. MacDenny?" the second officer asked. "Executive Security?"

He smiled and shook his head. "No, I used to be an investment manager, but I'm between jobs at the moment."

"Mr. Richards is a big man. How did you incapacitate him? Did you use a weapon?"

"No weapons. Size isn't an advantage if you never get to use it. I know how to disable an opponent before they can act," Kyle explained without going into detail.

Seeing Kyle wasn't going to incriminate himself, they turned to Owen, who was beginning to come around. When his eyes opened, he saw Kyle watching him calmly and jolted with fear. Then he noticed the two police officers bending down to take his arms.

"Arrest him! He hit me!" Owen yelled, his fear still evident in his voice. The officers paused and looked at each other.

"Were you verbally abusive to the shop worker?" one officer asked sternly.

Owen's mouth worked for a bit, then he found his voice. "I just told the truth. She is a skank!"

The officers pulled him to his feet. "Did you attempt to physically assault Ms. Livingston by slapping her?"

Owen's expression was swinging between despair and rage. "She's talking bullshit."

"We're done. I never want to see you again! You tried to hit me!" Skye snapped.

"I love you! Doesn't that mean anything to you?" Owen spat.

"If you did, you wouldn't have tried to hit me! What the fuck kind of love is that?" Skye exclaimed. She shook her head and gave him a look of disgust. "I'm not your girlfriend, and I'm certainly not your punching bag! Get help."

With an enraged roar, Owen tossed the police from his arms and surged at Skye. Seconds later, he was squealing and writhing on the floor with Kyle kneeling on his back, pressing a thumb hard against the nerves behind his right ear. Owen twitched then went quiet as the pain took him out once more.

Kyle stood up and moved back with a frown when the two officers finally managed to get back to Owen. They were giving Kyle troubled looks. Neither had seen exactly how Kyle took Owen down as they'd been too busy trying to get off their asses.

"Can you put cuffs on him and get him away from Skye? Has he proven to you yet that he's dangerous and unstable? As Skye said, he needs help," Kyle growled. Skye was clinging to his back, staring in morbid fascination at Owen's slack expression and the way his jaw wasn't hanging straight any longer.

One of the officers noticed the state of Owen's jaw as well. "Shit! You broke his jaw!"

"Would you have preferred Owen breaking Skye's?" Kyle asked as he held the officer's eyes.

The two policemen shared uneasy expressions. "Where can we reach you?" one asked.

"I'm staying with the Livingstons," Kyle answered. Skye mumbled the address, and the officers nodded.

They cuffed Owen, and each grabbed an arm and carried him out of the shop.

"When did you learn how to fight like that?" Skye asked him when the door closed.

"You're one badass fighter!" Priya cheered.

"I'm not, actually," Kyle grimaced and shook his aching hand. Owen's jaw had been particularly hard, but Kyle had been lucky to land his hammer fist punch at precisely the right spot to break the hinge. "I just taught myself disabling moves, and I was ready to move before he could get ready. In a regular fight, I'd likely get my ass kicked." He looked at Skye. "Are we going to have trouble with this guy, Terry, Owen's friend? Once word gets out that he was beaten, am I going to have to face a gang of angry thugs?"

Skye shook her head, but Priya was much more confident in her denial. "Owen was the loose cannon of the group. He was the loud one, the show-off. The rest of the guys are just regular blokes. They'll be upset to hear he tried to hurt Skye." She smiled evilly. "I'll make sure word gets out that's exactly what he was trying to do when he was stopped so violently." She kept the fact that she'd caught Owen's second attack on her cell phone from the side of the room. She was looking forward to watching it tonight as she remembered how well Kyle smashed her.

Kyle thought about the benefit of having Priya drum up support for their side and realized that was a good idea. He nodded to Priya then held up the suit. "I'll take this one."

Priya grinned and bit her bottom lip. "I have to admit, when you knocked the stuffing from Owen the first time, dressed in black tie, it was like watching James Bond fighting."

Kyle snorted. "I hope that's the last time I have to act out such a scene in this suit."

The pretty clerk filled out the rental form, and Kyle signed it as she put the outfit into a carrying bag.

She came around the small counter to give Kyle a hug. "Thank you for turning yet another dull shift into an exciting afternoon."

"It was a pleasure meeting you as well," Kyle said with a smile.

Skye tugged his arm, so he stepped back from Priya and picked up the suit bag to follow Skye from the shop.

"Are you okay?" he asked her once they were outside.

Skye clung to his arm as she marched them at a brisk pace towards her home. "No! I feel like I might come apart at any second, so I'd like to do that at home, please," she choked out.

Kyle increased his pace and maintained it until they marched down the hall in her building to her front door. She fumbled with the keys and stopped to steady her nerves. She unlocked the door and rushed inside, with Kyle following. He closed it behind them.

The moment Kyle released the handle, Skye spun, threw her arms around him, and buried her face against his neck. Her tears exploded forth, and after a moment of surprise, Kyle gently wrapped his free arm around her. The tears became sobs, and her body began to shake, but Kyle held her tight.

Helen came rushing from her bedroom at the other side of the condo with a concerned look in her eyes.

Kyle held out the suit bag for Helen to take, and when his hand was free, he stroked Skye's hair until he felt her begin to relax. The sobs became softer then stopped. She sniffled and rubbed her face against his jacket.

"You're lucky this is a leather jacket as its machismo is impervious to tears," he said quietly and heard her snort gently. "Come on, let's sit in the living room and fill your mum in on what's going on. She looks like she's gonna have kittens!"

Skye burst into hiccups and giggles. She turned to see Helen waiting to get some answers. She released Kyle and rushed over to hug her mom.

"Oh my! What happened, dear!" Helen gasped.

Skye led Helen to the couch and tugged off her coat. Kyle took it from her and hung it up with his as the two women spoke quietly. Kyle took a seat across from them and remained quiet to give them their private moment. He heard Helen gasping from time to time, then she was hugging her daughter, and tears were falling again.

Helen suddenly released Skye and leaped to her feet to rush to Kyle. She pounced on him, dragging him down to the cushions of the couch to kiss him again and again. He began to chuckle at how fierce her kisses were becoming.

She pulled back to look him in the eye. "Why are you laughing at me?" she asked in surprise.

"It's just your aggression is so... surprising!" he said as he forced down his chuckles.

"You protected my baby from that crazed brute, twice! I can't thank you enough!" she exclaimed.

"I wasn't going to just stand there and let him hurt her," he snorted.

"But you fought him, and he's such a strong young man!" Helen said with a tremble.

He shook his head. "Like I told Skye's friend, Priya, I'm not a fighter. I learned how to punch someone to stop a fight before it starts. I'd get beaten to a pulp in a real fight. If Owen had been a little more cautious, I'd have been the one in the hospital. I was just very lucky that he was a shittier fighter than me."

Helen looked over at Skye. "Hospital?" she exclaimed.

Skye nodded with big eyes. "Kyle broke his jaw. It was hanging down...." She looked a little green.

Kyle squirmed. "Yeah, it wasn't the prettiest sight, but it's a devastatingly effective move." His stomach took that moment to grumble, and Helen's eyes twinkled with amusement.

"I've made a lovely stew for dinner tonight. Something to warm the insides on a cold night."

Kyle sighed happily. "Sounds delicious!"

They untangled, and Helen directed Kyle and Skye to the dining room table while she brought out the tureen of homemade stew. A fresh baguette was in a basket on the table with a bottle of red wine.

"Could I ask you to do the honors of opening the wine?" Helen asked Kyle. He nodded and got to the task as Skye watched him with a small smile from her seat next to him.

Helen returned, and he poured for them.

When everyone was seated and raising their wine, Helen spoke again. "To good friends who are there for you when you need them the most."

Kyle nodded and heard a sniff from Skye. He looked in her direction, but she just dabbed her eyes and smiled at him.

They ate in relative silence, just enjoying the warmth of the good food, good wine, and good friends.

As the meal wound down, they caught each other yawning and shared smiles.

Helen placed her hand over Kyle's on the table once they finished eating. "Kyle, I was going to ask you to share my bed tonight, but from the looks Skye is sending your way, I think she was hoping you'd join her. From everyone's yawns, the best compromise would be for us to all share my king-sized bed--to rest!" she finished with emphasis to ensure Skye understood.

Skye nodded in complete agreement as the day had taken too much out of her. She did want Kyle beside her tonight, not for sex but to ward off the nightmares or to calm her if she had one.

"That would be lovely, and thank you for the delicious meal," Kyle said with a nod.

The three friends tidied up the dishes and kitchen together, though Helen and Sky protested Kyle should just relax as their guest. He insisted, and they graciously and quickly accepted. Mother and daughter smiled at each other as they enjoyed having Kyle nearby.

They finished up and got ready for bed. Soon, Kyle found himself resting back in the middle of a mattress with a smiling woman on either side of him. They pushed up on their elbows, and each gave Kyle a sweet, sensual kiss.

With the two ladies cuddled in on both sides, Kyle let his exhaustion take him away.

He wasn't the only one to be comforted by the closeness. Skye's dreaded nightmares never became more than uncomfortable images that flitted by in her dreams. Helen's dreams were filled with dancing as she was excited about the following night.

For her, it couldn't come soon enough.

Chapter 4

Kyle did his best not to gawk at the immense stone edifice they were driving towards.

"Whose place is this again?" he asked.

Helen smiled over at him as she skillfully slipped her car into a spot behind another parked vehicle on the long driveway. "Some very generous sponsors to the hospital. Reginald and Francis Dunsfield. Apparently, they've been hosting the hospital's Christmas parties for years. They built a wing on the hospital as well. I met them once. Wonderful people!"

"Do they have twenty children?" he asked before they stepped out of the car. She looked at him curiously, and he gestured to the expansive stone mansion.

She chuckled and shook her head. "No, just three, all grown and living their own lives elsewhere."

Helen had spent the day at the hospital as it was a workday. Skye snuggled against Kyle on the couch as they watched TV. It was a decompression day for the young woman, and Kyle was fine with that.

It was late afternoon when Helen returned, and they got dressed for the party and headed out.

Kyle offered his elbow and walked Helen up the drive to the front door. She gave their invitation to the man at the door and went inside. Helen left her overcoat with a young woman, and Kyle put the ticket in his jacket pocket. They moved further into the home, and Kyle looked around in appreciation.

"Nice place," he said.

"Thank you! We call it home," a voice said from Kyle's right.

Looking towards the speaker, Kyle found himself under the scrutiny of the intense grey eyes of an older man with a bushy white mustache linked up to white sideburns. His white hair was just a little wild as well.

Helen beamed a wide smile at the older gentleman. "Mr. Dunsfield! So lovely to see you again! Thank you for hosting the party in your beautiful home!"

Kyle noted the man's gaze softened considerably when he looked at Helen. "It's our pleasure, and please call me Reginald. It's wonderful to see you again as well!" he said as he held her hands in his. Kyle could see the gentleman genuinely liked Helen, and that brought a smile to Kyle's face.

The grey eyes returned to their scrutiny, and Kyle struggled to keep from grinning now that he knew the man was protective of Helen.

"Let me introduce my good friend, Kyle MacDenny," Helen said with a pleased smile.

Kyle shook the man's hand and gave back as good as he got as the grip tightened.

"Reggie! Let go of the boy's hand before you break something," a woman's voice scolded from behind Kyle. Begrudgingly, the man released his grip.

"This one shows no sign of such frailty," Reginald grumbled as Helen's eyes widened with concern.

"I meant your hand, you silly man," an older woman with graying red hair replied as she moved to face the recent arrivals. "Hello, Helen! So good to see you again! I overheard you introduce this young man as Kyle?"

Helen shook the woman's hand and glanced at Reginald in question before answering. "Francis! Yes, Kyle MacDenny. From Canada."

"It's very nice to meet you both," Kyle said graciously as he gently shook the woman's hand.

"What do you do in Canada?" Reginald asked, earning a frown of annoyance from his wife.

"Until a short time ago, I was an Investment Manager for an investment house in Vancouver. When I realized I wasn't being fulfilled by the work, I resigned. I'm living off the earnings of my own investments while I search for something that brings me joy."

The older man huffed. "That pays the bills, does it?" he said gruffly.

"It does, but I live a minimalist lifestyle," Kyle replied, then looked around at the grand hall they stood in.

Francis chuckled daintily as she smiled at Kyle. "There is nothing minimal about my Reggie!"

"Oh!" Helen gasped quietly in amusement, then Francis picked up on her double entendre and burst into embarrassed giggles.

Reginald couldn't stop a smile from crossing his features. He gave his wife a kiss on the cheek. "She says the sweetest things."

He looked back at Kyle. "What brings you to England?"

"I promised Helen I'd visit her over the Christmas and New Year's holidays," Kyle replied, and Helen hugged his arm with a broad smile.

"We met while on a cycling vacation in France. The people we rode with were so much fun! It's so nice to continue to keep in contact!" Helen gushed, and Kyle nodded with a smile of his own.

"There's going to be dancing after dinner, so save one for me!" Reginald said to Helen with a wink.

"And Kyle can save one for me!" Francis insisted. Kyle smiled at her and nodded.

Their host moved on to greet the next guests coming into the hall.

Helen continued to hold his arm, and they moved further into the home. The decorations were beautiful and left them with the impression of what Christmas must have been like a century ago. Helen's eyes sparkled with joy, and from the ache in his cheeks, Kyle was sure he was grinning like an idiot.

"Helen!"

They'd just entered a large room set up with a bar and a crowd standing before it. A small group of people were waving vigorously at Helen.

"That's my team!" Helen exclaimed happily.

She led Kyle over to meet the group. There were two men and three women waiting for them, and Helen took him through the introductions. Harry was a man in his sixties with a thin fringe of hair and twice as much growing on his upper lip, and he looked like he was ready to retire. William was a clean-shaven young man fresh out of university, looking excited just to be here.

Jane was another veteran and in her fifties. She was a thick-bodied blonde with a bosom threatening to escape her party dress. Ginny wasn't much older than he was, had a shock of brilliant red hair, pale skin, and freckles splashed across her cute face. She looked like she had Jane's genetic disposition for carrying extra weight, but it wasn't too obvious yet as her dress was much more demure. She'd been working at the hospital in some capacity since met mid-teens. She was obviously following in Jane's footsteps.

Shelina was Helen's personal secretary and a giggly mess. The East Indian woman was very light-skinned and seemed just a little older than Kyle. She had long, luxurious black hair and was very pretty, but she couldn't stop her nervous giggles from erupting during the introductions.

The group found this to be very amusing and intriguing, but she wouldn't explain her behavior. When pressed, she just shook her head and shrugged.

Kyle caught her dark eyes stealing glances at him and saw Helen's eyebrows rise as the women's eyes met. He assumed Helen might have taken Shelina into her confidence about their time in France.

"This your first time in England?" Harry asked Kyle in a relaxed tone. Kyle picked up that Harry had visited the bar more than once. His rounded tummy told Kyle he liked his ale.

"Yes," he responded.

"No family at home to share the Christmas holidays with then?" the older man continued with a friendly smile.

"Harry! Rude!" Jane scolded.

Kyle blinked in surprise at the bold question but nodded to the man as a slow smile appeared. He patted Helen's hand on his arm as he addressed the group. "No, no family and no home at home. I gave up my apartment in Vancouver to travel. I rode my motorcycle south to Santa Barbara, California, and spent some time there with friends. Then I rode through the states, making my way northeast to Montreal, where I stayed with a friend for a time until I came to England." He felt a brief pain as he referred to the sweet French Canadian as a friend. He couldn't honestly call her that, but it would have to do.

"You're a modern-day nomad!" William gushed. "I have to get myself a motorcycle!"

"You'll do no such thing!" Jane insisted with a raised eyebrow for the young man. This made the group chuckle.

"Skye and I are thrilled to have Kyle visit us over the holidays!" Helen said with a pleased smile on her lips. "We had such fun on the cycling vacation--"

Shelina snorted as she took a sip of her drink and began to cough. Ginny rubbed her back as Jane gave her a napkin to dab her mouth.

"Excuse me, please," the woman murmured as she slipped away to tidy herself.

Jane's expression changed to one of mischievous delight as her eyes caught sight of a man walking through the doorway. "Don't look now, but Dr. Hansey just arrived."

"Handsy?" Kyle asked, having misheard.

"Oh! Helen's already told you about him!" Ginny said with a grin.

Helen's face was glowing a fetching pink as she shook her head. "Han-see. Dr. Hansey. Chief surgeon at the hospital. Ah well, he's seen me. Good evening, Richard!"

Kyle got a good look at the man as he approached with a pleased smile on his face. The tall, slim man was sporting a black van dyke beard peppered with grey. His graying hair was cropped military short, and he was in pretty good shape for a man in his forties.

"Good evening, Helen!" he said with a smile, then glanced at the others around her. "Good evening... Helen's team." Obviously, he never bothered to remember any of their names. His eyes stopped on Kyle. "Oh, you must be new!"

Kyle grinned at the man. "No, I'm Helen's plus one."

The doctor froze as his eyes jumped between Kyle and Helen.

"Richard, this is Kyle, my good friend from Canada," Helen said with a sweet smile on her lips.

"From Canada? You're a long way from home for the holidays!" the man said, his smile a little too stiff to seem genuine.

"Helen's worth the journey," Kyle said as he looked at the beauty at his side. His smile was genuine, and she blushed happily. Her team whooped and cheered until she swatted them into giggling submission.

Richard struggled to show a carefree smile of his own. He nodded to Kyle then looked at Helen. "Have a lovely night, Helen!"

She gave him a smile and a nod. "You as well, Richard. Merry Christmas!"

"Yes, you too," he mumbled awkwardly and moved off towards the bar.

"He seems nice," Kyle ventured as he looked at Helen.

"He's an inappropriate toucher. If his hands weren't so important for saving lives, I think I might smash them with a hammer," she sighed. The team erupted in giggles.

Shelina returned and aimed an apologetic look at her boss.

Jane gave her boss a cheeky smile. "You were telling us about the fun you had in France?"

Shelina's eyes shot to the older woman in surprise. She managed to control herself this time.

Helen shook her head with a raised eyebrow. "It was a lovely trip, a beautiful route to cycle, and we met a lot of wonderful people, including Kyle."

Harry leaned closer. "I overheard the tour was for couples. Helen's divorced, so she brought her daughter Skye. Who did you bring?"

"You're such a cheeky fellow when you drink!" Jane exclaimed in frustration at the man.

That didn't stop the group from looking to Kyle for his answer. Helen gave him an apologetic smile, and he shrugged.

"I was supposed to be there with my fiancé, but she chose to run off with another man instead," he said calmly as he held their eyes. He saw shock and surprise, even from Harry.

"The biggest mistake that woman ever made," Helen growled fiercely, and her team burst into laughter once more. Helen's face glowed with embarrassment. She tried to hush them as people were beginning to take notice of the rowdy group.

"It's true! She admitted it herself when she came crawling back near the end of the tour!" Helen insisted with a quieter voice as she leaned closer to her people. They all leaned in excitedly.

"She came back to you?" William gasped, wide-eyed.

"You didn't take her back, did you?" Ginny exclaimed.

Kyle grinned at her as the others burst into laughter once more. "No, she burned that bridge too badly." He looked at Helen. "She was on my flight home, and... tried to get together with me once more." Helen gasped. "When I told her it was over and to leave me alone, she assaulted a flight attendant, then an Air Marshal."

"She's mad! You're lucky to have gotten away!" William exclaimed, and Kyle nodded to him as he recalled how badly she'd manipulated him.

Helen saw the sadness and touched his arm with a compassionate smile. "Would you like a drink?"

He nodded. "Scotch, neat," he said with a smile for her.

She moved off towards the bar with Jane at her elbow.

The others moved closer to Kyle as he eyed them cautiously.

"Helen has been distracted and dreamy-eyed ever since she heard you were coming for a visit," Harry exclaimed.

Kyle picked up the scent of rum from the man from this close, though he showed no visible signs of being drunk. He smiled at the group. "I was looking forward to it as well!" He caught Dr. Hansey giving him a disappointed glare as he passed by. "So, the grumpy doctor isn't the only one making eyes at Helen, is he? Skye told me she has several admirers."

"Jealous?" Ginny grinned at him, but he shook his head.

"I'd be surprised if Helen didn't have men lining up to see her. I'm just asking for a heads up on anyone else who might not appreciate my presence."

Shelina worked up the nerve to move closer. Kyle admired her lovely dark brown eyes until he noticed they seemed to look deep into his soul. Her intensity was intimidating!

"What are your intentions now for Helen?" she asked, point-blank. The others looked at her in surprise but quickly looked to him for his answer.

"We're friends. We like spending time together. I'm friends with Skye too. They were there for me when my life went sideways in France at the start of the trip and when Gwen showed up at the end."

"Your fiancé?" Shelina asked. He nodded. "And Helen's just a friend?"

Kyle snorted quietly as he watched the group. He wasn't going to give them an answer as it was none of their business. He saw the dawning realization appear on their faces, one after another, with William being the last. "Back to my question. Are any of the other suiters here tonight?"

Shelina was obviously disappointed with the answer he wasn't giving, so she remained quiet. William, on the other hand, was feeling chatty.

"Dr. Peng arrived not too long ago, but his wife is clinging to his arm, so I doubt he'll be making any moves on Helen. I haven't seen Dr. Montgomery--"

"He's in Indonesia, volunteering at a clinic in some god-forsaken remote village. Goes every year at this time. Probably just to avoid this party," Harry grumbled.

Kyle wasn't pleased to hear about the married man. "Peng is married and is after Helen?"

Ginny nodded with a frown. "He's not really serious. He just competes with Dr. Hansey for everything. He wants the Chief Surgeon title as well. He's a bit of a creep. Dr. Montgomery is nice, though."

"Not married?" Kyle asked.

Ginny shook her head. "A widow."

"Who's a widow?" Helen asked as she returned and handed Kyle his drink.

He accepted the tumbler with a smile. "Thank you. We were just talking about your suiters. Dr. Hansey, I've met. Dr. Peng is here and married, apparently. Dr. Montgomery isn't here as he's doing volunteer work in Indonesia. He sounds nice."

Helen eyed her people with suspicion.

"Kyle was the one who brought it up!" Ginny confessed nervously at the annoyed look from Jane.

"Shelina was grilling Kyle on his intentions!" William asserted.

At Helen's shocked look, Kyle leaped in. "Not grilling. Just a curious inquiry."

"And none of her business!" Helen gasped.

"Well intentioned concern. Nothing more. It's nice to have such good friends." Kyle continued, holding Helen's eyes with his, and could see her calming. He took a moment to take a sip of his drink. Very smooth. "Ooo, that's really good!"

"Of course, it is! Do you think we'd serve that swill they make in the colonies?"

Kyle turned to smile at Reginald, who was also holding a tumbler of the dark amber liquid. He raised his to the older man. "You serve, quite possibly, the best Scotch I've ever tasted. Thank you, sir!"

The man's mustache tilted up with his smile. He gave Kyle a nod and raised his glass in return. They sipped as they held each other's gaze. Reginald nodded to himself as he moved to Helen's side. "I like him," he said in a stage whisper and moved on.

Helen's smile was back, her annoyance with Shelina forgotten.

"Have you seen the dining room yet?" Jane asked her boss. When she shook her head, Jane gestured for them to follow.

The group left the parlor and walked down the grand hallway and through the last door on the right. Kyle's eyes widened in awe as it felt like the vast chamber had been pulled out of the past. The room was dominated by a long table that had to seat close to one hundred. The table must have been five feet across, which left plenty of space in the center for a centerpiece that ran almost the length of the table. Crafted from long-needled evergreen boughs, it was woven through with red and gold ribbons and white bows. Candelabras rose from the branches at set intervals to add a warm glow to the atmosphere. The place settings gleamed with an abundance of glasses and cutlery for each guest. Kyle looked at Helen nervously, and she patted his arm.

"Just watch me. My parents taught me proper dining etiquette in case I married into nobility," she said to him quietly. He gave her a grateful smile.

The walls were covered with massive paintings of people riding horses, hunting wild boars, or standing with large dogs.

He found himself staring up at the ornate trim around the high ceiling. While it all felt over the top for him, he could appreciate the craftsmanship that went into its construction.

"Oh!" Helen gasped quietly in surprise. He looked at her curiously. She gestured to the handwritten name tags. The calligraphy was lovely. He spotted Helen's name, and the next tag had his name. He looked at her with a questioning smile.

"We're sitting very close to the hosts, the Dunsfields!" she gasped quietly.

"They seem like fun people," Kyle replied with a grin.

She nodded distractedly. "These closer seats are reserved for the senior executives of the hospital. The very well-connected representatives of the hospital. Us being seated here may be seen as disruptive, politically."

Jane grinned at her. "We're thrilled to see you so well regarded by the hosts!" Her team nodded.

Kyle noted Dr. Hansey was seated across from Helen. He wondered how that would play out.

The group continued down the table, and Helen spotted the names of her team. They were together, but across from another of the admin teams they got along with, so she relaxed.

They heard a gentle chime, and people began to enter the dining room to hunt for their seating positions. Kyle looked at Helen, but she didn't seem ready to leave her people just yet. He hoped this seating move wouldn't make her life difficult at work. The Dunsfields were the hosts, so they set the rules, but they didn't work in the hospital environment as Helen did. She would bear the brunt of the grief this might stir up. He sighed as there was nothing she could do.

Finally, Helen could no longer avoid taking her seat, so she and Kyle moved to their chairs. They set down their cocktails, then he held her chair out for her. He noted a few people looking at them with interest. Only one expression seemed a little sour from a woman he hadn't met, so he looked at their hosts. Kyle smiled at Reginald and Francis, who were admiring his polite manners. Kyle tucked himself in as Dr. Hansey arrived. The man's expression went from delight at seeing Helen across from him to annoyance when he spotted Kyle.

"Excuse me, Mr. Dunsfield. Where are the Chathams?"

Kyle looked to the voice and saw it was the sour one from earlier.

The white-haired gentleman turned to the woman. "The house received a call a short time ago. Jacqueline and Fredrick are rushing to the airport now to fly to Greece. There's been some trouble there involving their only son. I have no more details, but understandably, family takes precedence."

Kyle glanced at the stricken expression on Helen's face. Apparently, Reginald saw it too.

"I'm sure it's nothing dire. It's my understanding the boy is going through a bit of a rebellious stage. He probably got into a fight and needs his parents to assist him with the police," the older man explained. This seemed to put Helen at ease.

"There's been a rash of rebels getting into fisticuffs!" Dr. Hansey offered. "Young Owen Richards came into the ER last night in the company of two constables. The fellow is a rugby player at the local college and a bruiser, but he met his match last night. I spent four hours reconstructing his jaw and wiring it shut so it can heal." The doctor looked over at Helen. "Wasn't Mr. Richards seeing your daughter, Skye?"

Helen gave him a somewhat stiff nod. "Skye broke up with Owen months ago but occasionally saw him casually as the young do these days."

Dr. Hansey looked genuinely confused. "The boy was calling out her name when he arrived with a broken jaw. It sounded to me like he was still in love with her."

Helen looked like she was becoming upset, so Kyle placed his hand on hers, and she calmed. Kyle turned his face to the doctor, unaware that all nearby guests were listening. He felt a calmness settle over his nerves.

"What you heard wasn't a boy expressing his love. Love isn't a hard backhand to the face. Love isn't a closed fist. What you were hearing was the rage and anguish of a boy who realized he couldn't own the thing that made him happy. That's something this boy wouldn't accept. So, violence was his answer. It probably was his whole life. You mentioned he played rugby. That was probably a good, safe outlet. But now, he directed that violence towards someone he... loved?"

Dr. Hansey was staring at Kyle in surprise. "You? You were there? You did that... to him?"

Kyle took another slow breath to calm himself. "Doctor, let me ask you a hypothetical question. I understand you follow the Hippocratic oath. Do no harm?" Hansey nodded cautiously as he held Kyle's eyes.

"Someone you care for is about to be physically assaulted right before your eyes. The assailant has already started moving. The injuries your friend will suffer will be devastating, both physically and mentally. You could stop it, but the only guaranteed way to protect your friend requires you to harm the assailant. What do you do?"

The doctor snorted. "You're creating a scenario with only one avenue. There's always--"

BANG!

Kyle lifted his hand from the table where he's slammed it. The room went silent. "That's all the time you had, and it's gone. Your friend is bruised and bloody on the floor. Lost teeth? Broken bones? Emotional scars that last for years?" He shook his head slowly. "I believe the medical field is one of the most honorable pursuits people can undertake, and I'm truly thankful that people like you dedicate yourselves to it... but I don't envy you your constraints." He looked the doctor in the eye. "I detest violence with every fiber of my being, but yes, I was there. My good friend faced that violence, and I acted to protect her. Twice. This wasn't a rational assailant. Owen believes he owns Skye. When she disagreed, he tried to strike her. I put him down instead. I had the police called. When they arrived, Skye explained to them what she told Owen, and in a rage, he threw the constables aside like rag dolls to launch another attack on Skye. I put him down again."

"His jaw was shattered! How is that detesting violence? You've obviously taught yourself to fight! To be violent!" Dr. Hansey blustered.

Kyle nodded. "I didn't get training on how to fight. I taught myself how to decisively stop a fight. Yesterday, I just did what needed to be done. I took no joy from it, but I feel no guilt or remorse either. I acted, and Skye is safe. Does that make me a good person or a bad person? That's a question for the philosophers. My friend is safe."

Kyle nodded humbly to Reginald and Francis. "I sincerely apologize for the theatrics of slapping the table. A point needed to be made."

Reginald was doing his best to hide his smile, but Kyle could see it in his eyes. "Quite so. Apology accepted." Francis made no effort to hide her own smile.

The waiters took the opportunity to begin serving the meal, and the conversation turned to small talk. Kyle looked at Helen, who was looking a little glassy-eyed. "Are you okay?" he asked quietly.

She flashed him a small smile. "Sorry, yes. I just recalled how close my baby came to being hurt by that awful young man. She had poor judgment when she chose him. Maybe she was excited by his aggression, but it was turned against her in the worst way."

"But it didn't. Skye's a little shaken, but she's fine. Maybe she learned something important about the kind of man she should be looking for," Kyle suggested quietly with a small smile.

"One like you?" Helen said.

Kyle snorted. "She should aim higher."

Helen gave him a surprised look. "You can't seriously mean that!"

He held her gaze. "I can and do, but let's put that aside for now and enjoy the evening."

He looked across the table and saw Dr. Hansey watching him pensively as he pushed his food around his plate with his fork. Kyle thought he should probably deal with him as well. "I meant no offense by my words earlier. I really do respect your profession."

"Thank you," he said with a satisfied smile, then it faded as he pondered Kyle's words for a second meaning.

"Mr. MacDenny-" Reginald began.

"Please call me Kyle."

The older man nodded in gratitude. "I have a question, and I hope you don't take offense to it."

Kyle nodded with a smile.

"How often do you find yourself in situations like the one you described earlier?" the man asked.

Kyle thought about that and was disturbed to acknowledge in recent months, it was a little more frequent than he recalled it was before.

He'd only had to do it once when he was with Gwen. Then there was the jerk who wanted to fight him in the men's room while he was out riding his motorcycle with Charlize and Chloe and the basketball player in Las Vegas who went after Chloe, though he hadn't had to throw any punches in that situation. "There have been a few times in recent months, but always in defense of a friend."

"You must have a lot of friends!" Reginald said.

Kyle gave him a wide smile. "I treasure my friends. They're worth protecting." He gave Helen's hand a squeeze, and she smiled at him.

Dinner continued, and Kyle noticed the hosts were directing most of their attention towards asking Helen questions. Her likes, what she'd done before joining the hospital, and dealing with a precocious teenage girl. The sour puss woman was becoming more and more put out as dinner progressed as none of the attention was being directed towards her or her husband. Finally, she'd reached her limit.

"You enrolled her in acting? Have you given up on trying to make her into a proper young woman?" the woman exclaimed, and conversation died down around them.

Helen simply smiled at her. "One never gives up hoping for the best for their child. I take pride in knowing that Skye has become a good and caring person. The rest is window dressing."

Kyle watched the woman deflate as disapproving looks were sent her way. Even her husband had been embarrassed by her comment.

The wait staff returned to remove the dinner plates and offered a little dish of dessert. There was a slice of Yule Log cake and two shortbread cookies. Kyle automatically shook his head to skip dessert.

"Not a fan of sweets?" Helen asked.

Kyle realized he'd reacted based on Gwen's training once more and sighed. "I used to be, but not anymore. That's not necessarily a bad thing."

Helen understood his meaning and squeezed his hand. He smiled back at her, feeling a little better.

When dinner was over, Reginald asked the six nearest men to join him in the study for an after-dinner cocktail. Kyle was included in this.

Helen went off with Francis and the ladies.

The study was everything Kyle expected it to be. Rich woods, leather chairs, and walls adorned with oil paintings depicting hunting scenes with horses and dogs.

The good scotch was offered once more, and Kyle accepted a tumbler with a gracious nod.

Dr. Hansey seemed just a little annoyed that Reginald had taken a shine to Kyle, but he was politically savvy enough to know not to make a big deal about it.

Kyle was smart enough to not take advantage of his novelty, but Reginald still had questions and was determined to get answers.

"Young Kyle, you mentioned earlier that you resigned your position at the investment house to search for something that brings you joy." Kyle nodded with a smile. "How long have you been searching, and what have you found?"

Kyle's smile became a grin as he sipped and swallowed the fine scotch. "It's only been a little over five months. My quest for joy has just begun. The first part is just about breaking free from the ties to my old life. I made excellent progress there. I gave up my apartment in Vancouver, sold most of my possessions, took my motorcycle out of storage, and rode south to Santa Barbara to visit another friend I made on the cycling trip in France. I made some new friends. I had some good and bad experiences, and I learned some life lessons." He fought back a frown from recalling the particularly painful lesson of Monique's masterful deception. "I spent the rest of the year in Montreal just coasting along and adding investments to my portfolio."

"Are you actually able to live off that?" Dr. Hansey asked doubtfully.

Kyle nodded. "It's definitely possible if you have a talent for investing, which I do, and it helps if you live frugally. I've discovered I enjoy living with a minimalist lifestyle. The only exception is my motorcycle, which is my only connection to my father, who passed away years ago. I don't regularly drink scotch this magnificent. My wardrobe and worldly goods fit in a small duffle bag. I own no property." He saw the uncomfortable looks on the faces around him and chuckled. "I know, I get it! Life is about acquiring stuff, right?" He received nods and relieved smiles from the group. "Except, I've discovered that things don't bring me genuine happiness. People do. Connecting to people, learning about their lives, talking with them, and just sharing my time has been so fulfilling!"

Reginald seemed confused about something. He finally spoke. "You're too young to be retired! You're at the age where great achievements are possible, and challenges are there for you to conquer. You could be creating your own business venture and build it into a globe-spanning empire!"

Kyle grinned at the man. "That sounds like your dream. Didn't you achieve that?"

The older man grinned self-consciously, then reluctantly nodded, but his expression became earnest as he put his hand on Kyle's shoulder. "You have youth, vitality, seemingly an eye for finance, and a level head. Those last two attributes are missing in this generation. Don't you realize how much of an advantage that gives you?"

Kyle nodded. "Earlier this year, I was actually on the life path you described. I had a plan, but the problem was that plan wasn't bringing me any fulfillment. It was all for a woman who was the center of my life. I loved her unconditionally. Everything I did was for her. I changed everything about me for her until there was almost nothing left of me. Then she discarded me the night before we were to begin our bicycling vacation in France. She left a note with hotel reception stating she had a new man."

"Bitch!" Hansey blurted unconsciously, then blushed at his outburst.

Kyle nodded to him and continued. "I've been re-evaluating what's truly important to me ever since. I may very well discover one day that I want to create a vast business empire as you did, but for now, nothing has identified itself as the magic bean that dream will grow from," Kyle finished with a shrug.

"What happened to the woman who left you?" Dr. Hansey asked.

Kyle shook his head. "I don't know. The last time I saw her was in court. She has a restraining order to stay away from me, and the judge ordered her to get psychological counseling." He sighed then noticed the men were staring at him in confusion. "Oh! Right, sorry. By the end of the bicycling holiday, she showed up and tried to get me to take her back as the other man didn't work out. I told her no. She couldn't accept that answer, so she tried to sexually assault me on the flight home as I slept. I stopped her, and she lost it, attacking a flight attendant and an Air Marshall."

The men erupted in protest. Kyle blinked at them in surprise.

Reginald grinned and patted Kyle on the shoulder. "It sounds like none of them have ever heard of a man willing to claim they were sexually assaulted by a woman."

Kyle shrugged. That was their problem, not his.

The older man looked to the clock and addressed the group. "I think it's time to dance with the ladies. Shall we join them?"

They left the study and made their way to a large room where music was playing. Tables were set up around two sides of the room, and Kyle spotted Helen's team, but no sign of the woman herself yet.

"Thank you again for the wonderful scotch!" Kyle said to the host.

"You're most welcome! See you on the dance floor!" the man said, and Kyle nodded with a smile before heading over to speak with the gang.

"Well, if it isn't the table thumper!" Harry exclaimed with a grin. Kyle shrugged with a smile. "Come on, out with it! You've got the whole party buzzing about what was being said and why." Harry insisted.

"It was just a little demonstration for Dr. Hansey about how little time one has to take action to protect a friend in a violent situation. He took exception to the state I left someone who threatened Skye."

"Owen Richards! Oh my god, you did that?" Harry gasped, and Kyle's eyebrows went up. Small town, indeed. William seemed to pick up the implied question. "I have friends still in Uni, and they know of Owen. He's kind of infamous for his temper. Scares the piss out of most."

"William! Language," Jane scolded. "Now, what exactly did Mr. MacDenny do to Mr. Richards?"

"Shattered his jaw. I heard he had a concussion as well. He was taken in restraints to the psych ward after Dr. Hansey rebuilt his jaw and wired it shut."

Kyle nodded, glad to hear they were taking the man's unbalance seriously. Then he noticed eyes were on him and sighed. "If I hadn't stepped in, it would have been Skye in the hospital with those injuries. The man's mentally ill. That's all I'm saying."

Helen appeared at his elbow. "Are you being grilled, again?" she asked with a little steel in her voice. Her people snapped to attention, even Harry, who was beginning to show how many he'd had this evening.

"No, they were just asking about my little theatrics earlier this evening. Slapping the table," Kyle replied.

"Oh, well, the Dunsfields were not upset by that at all and agreed with the point Kyle was making, so we can all move on."

"Speaking of moving, may I have this dance?" Kyle asked Helen, who smiled and nodded. The earlier music was for older guests, and the younger people would get their noisy, fast music later.

He guided her out and held her in his arms as they swayed together on the dance floor. Her cheeks showed a pink glow from her excitement and joy. They glided along together, oblivious of the other people around them.

"Having fun?" he asked quietly, and she nodded quickly as she flashed him a smile.

"You look truly ravishing tonight!" he said quietly, and her smile shone that much brighter. "I also think the Dunsfields are very impressed with your work at the hospital."

She looked at him questioningly. "Did you hear something?"

He shook his head slightly. "Not directly. It's just my intuition based on tonight's conversations at dinner." He looked at his dance partner. "Just how much sway do they have with the hospital's administration?"

"I'd say it was considerable. Why?" she asked, looking him in the eye.

He shook his head. "As I said, it's just my intuition speaking but, it sounded to me like they were interviewing you."

Helen laughed gently as she smiled at Kyle. "No, I'm sure they were just expressing their polite interest in a guest who doesn't normally sit amongst that particular group."

Kyle just gave her a cheeky smile and shrugged, not willing to concede the point.

"Silly man," she chuckled quietly as they glided around the dance floor.

Too soon, the song came to a close, and Kyle saw Reginald and Francis approaching.

"May I cut in?" Reginald said to Kyle.

"As long as I may share a dance with your partner," Kyle said, looking into Francis' eyes. She nodded demurely.

The next piece began, and Kyle led Francis out onto the floor. They started, and after a short time, the woman gave him an impressed smile.

"You seem very young to be dancing to this type of music so well. Lessons?" she asked.

"Thank you, yes. My ex-fiancé insisted I become proficient in many styles when we were together." Kyle admitted. "You dance exquisitely. You've danced professionally?

Her eyes widened as she gave him a surprised and amused look. "Cheeky!"

He looked back at her curiously. "Excuse me? Did I say something inappropriate? I just meant you have an effortless flow to your movements that typically comes from someone who's danced professionally. My instructor moved like this."

She shook her head as she glanced around. She whispered to him. "As a matter of fact, I was a dancer in my youth. I've told no one about it as it's unseemly for someone of my station to have such a career."

They swept by Reginald and Helen, both of whom wore wide smiles as they danced.

"I'll have to take your word about that. All I know is that you dance beautifully," he said with a little smile on his lips.

"Thank you, kind sir."

They chose to simply enjoy the motions, but once more, the song ended far too quickly. Kyle bowed over Francis' hand but refrained from kissing it as that would have been cheeky. She gave him a smile as she'd obviously thought he might have made that move.

The older couple bowed to them then moved away to speak to other guests.

Kyle took Helen's hand, and they slipped back into the flow with the other dancers. They remained on the dancefloor through three more songs until Helen indicated she needed to rest.

"That was wonderful, but I need to rest my feet!" she sighed.

"Let's find some chairs, and I'll massage them for you," Kyle suggested. Helen's eyes lit up with excitement as she pulled him from the ballroom.

They found themselves in the room with the bar against the opposite wall, where tables and chairs had been set up. Kyle found some empty ones and held a chair for Helen. He took the one to her right and lifted her left foot onto his legs. He eased her shoe off and set it on the floor.

Helen was watching with eager attention until his thumbs worked their magic on her sore foot. She cooed and melted back against the high back of her chair.

"Oh my GOD, Kyle! Your hands are a gift from Heaven!" she moaned.

"This sounds like a wonderful time to re-introduce myself!"

Kyle looked at the woman now standing to Helen's left with a wide, mischievous smile on her lips. She was a petite, older woman Kyle met at dinner. She'd sat next to Francis, and he recalled how much attention she was paying to Helen's answers. He remembered her name.

"Mrs. Harriott, nice to see you again," he said with a smile as he continued the massage the stiffness from Helen's arch while she struggled to sit up. Kyle nodded towards a free chair.

"Please call me Kate," the woman said as she gestured for Helen to remain as she was and took the chair on her other side.

Kyle switched to Helen's right foot, and her expression made her bliss clear.

"I saw you two dancing, and I was wondering if you were going to stay on the floor all night!"

"As dreamy as that sounds, my days of dancing all night are over," Helen admitted with a wistful smile.

"It's a good thing there are other ways to fill your night beyond dancing." The playful smile was back.

Helen burst into giggles, and Kate joined in as Kyle smiled and shook his head at the two.

"Kyle, I was wondering if I might have a private word with Helen for a moment or two."

He quickly finished up with her foot and gently placed it on the floor. "Of course! I'll be over at the bar. Would you two like a drink?"

When they shook their heads, he stood and made his way to the bar. He got a glass of water as he'd had enough scotch tonight.

"Hey!" A finger poked Kyle roughly.

Kyle looked over his shoulder and saw the angry face of Dr. Hansey. The drunk and angry face of the doctor. He was trying to say something.

"I-I want... I want to get one thing very clear. I know what you meant. When you said... what you said."

Kyle blinked at the man. He had no idea what was bothering him. "What did I say?"

"You respect the profession... but not me!" the doctor growled.

Kyle looked at the man seriously and wondered how bad this was going to get. "Does it matter what I think?"

The doctor looked at him blearily. "No. No, it doesn't matter!" Kyle smiled and nodded to him, but the frown on Richard's face wasn't going away.

"What makes you so superior?" Hansey exclaimed.

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I didn't go to medical school. I didn't put in all those hours to become a doctor. You did. Good on you, man!" Kyle said to calm him down.

Richard was shaking his head. "You're doing it again! You say nice things about being a doctor, but you don't respect me, the man!"

Kyle sighed. "You just said it doesn't matter!"

"Dunsfield respects you!" the doctor snapped.

Kyle paused. Here was the root cause of Dr. Hansey's issue. "And... that's a bad thing?"

Richard looked away and mumbled something. Kyle just looked at him expectantly when he turned his face back. "The man barely tolerates me!"

Kyle suspected the doctor's reputation played a role in their host's disdain. Suddenly, he wondered how much the older gentleman would respect him if he knew what he'd done in Montreal. He forced that thought down and concentrated on the man before him.

"This is the first time I've ever met you. I don't know you or anything about you. Have you spoken with Mr. Dunsfield?" Kyle said gently.

The man aimed his bleary eyes at Kyle. "Should I just run up to Reginald and ask, why don't you like me?"

"Shit, Richard! It's because of how you can't keep your grubby mitts to yourself." They turned to see Harry leaning back against the bar. Finally, his intoxication level was becoming apparent. "Always pawing the womenfolk!"

Kyle moved to stand between Richard and Harry and held the Doctor's eyes. "Is that true, Richard? Do you touch women without their explicit permission?"

He looked indignant, but there was a hesitation there. Kyle pressed. "Do women fall silent as you approach or go out of their way to avoid you?"

The doubt strengthened. In for a penny, in for a pound. Kyle wondered if that phrase originated in this country.

"Having such a reputation would diminish you in the eyes of your colleagues and Mr. Dunsfield. You need to repair your relations with your coworkers. Starting with apologizing to those you may have made uncomfortable. Owning up to mistakes and working to make amends is what men do. That earns respect."

"Well said, young Kyle!" Harry gushed.

The praise was lost on Kyle as he was suddenly struggling to keep from losing the contents of his stomach. As his words left his lips, he knew they should be directed towards himself too. His recent visit to Montreal was a recent example. This gut twisted, hard. "Excuse me!" He rushed from the room and realized he had no idea where the restrooms were.

One of the household staff caught the desperate look in his eye and snagged his elbow to pull him through a door and into a side corridor. He was pushed through another door to see a toilet before him. He barely managed to get to his knees and lift the seat before his body heaved.

Painful minutes later, he felt a cool facecloth cleaning his face. His stomach was done, but his hands were still shaking. He pushed himself up onto his feet and turned his face to see Reginald standing next to him.

"It wasn't the scotch as I saw you knew how to handle it. Was it something you ate?" the older man asked.

"No! The scotch and the food were both delicious! Perfect!" He felt his stomach tighten once more as the man looked him in the eye. "I'm sorry for being a nuisance. I'm fine."

"Did Dr. Hansey do or say something to upset you?" Reginald asked, and Kyle stared at him in surprise.

The older man smiled and shook his head. "I gave my staff instructions to keep an eye on the doctor. He won't be accosting women under my roof." Kyle now knew his suspicions were true. "They said he was speaking to you in the bar, and he seemed upset. Then you left to do this."

Kyle nodded as he looked away. He closed his eyes and forced his stomach to settle. When he opened his eyes, he saw the man was waiting. He took a breath.

"I spoke with Dr. Hansey and questioned him on his reputation for inappropriate touching. I don't think he was aware of it. He is now. I suggested how he might make amends." Kyle frowned as he recalled his own guilt. "It seems I don't have much of a stomach for hypocrisy."

Reginald's bushy eyebrows rode up in shock. "You're a toucher too?!?"

Kyle shook his head. "No, I've never done that." He frowned. "I picked up some behavior from my father I've been struggling with. I hurt a sweet woman in Montreal when I left to come here because I failed to notice she'd become emotionally attached. Telling Richard he needed to apologize brought my own guilt crashing back on me." He hung his head in shame.

"How many women have you done this to?" Reginald asked in a controlled voice.

Kyle looked at the man and saw the stiff expression and understood. "Just the one. I'm not a player. That's why it caught me by surprise. I let Juliette know from the beginning I wasn't staying in Montreal for long. She said that was fine, as she was just interested in having a little fun. Now I know I should have paid closer attention to her. It wasn't until my flight over that I realized what I'd done."

Reginald seemed relieved and gave Kyle a pat on the shoulder. "I can't relate to this as Francis has been my one and only for my entire life."

"That's something I envy you for," Kyle said.

Reginald smiled warmly and guided him out of the bathroom, and gestured to his vast home. "Not for the trappings of my wealth?"

Kyle just shook his head with a small smile on his lips. "No, not minimal enough for my lifestyle. It won't fit on my motorcycle."

The old gentleman's eyes lit up. "You mentioned earlier that you're a rider." They began walking down the hall when Reginald stopped and turned them in the other direction.

They walked through the back corridors until they stepped out into a garage. In the back corner was a workshop and a vintage WWII military motorcycle partially... reassembled?

"Is that a Norton 633? Very nice!" Kyle exclaimed.

Reginald frowned. "A very nice paperweight at the moment. I rebuilt the engine, and now it won't start.

"Can I hear it turn over?" Kyle asked. Reginald nodded, and Kyle listened carefully as the older man tried to get the engine to catch. Kyle smiled as he thought he knew what it might be.

An hour later, Francis and Helen found them buffing the last greasy fingerprints from the gas tank.

"Reginald Dunsfield! What are you doing out here in the garage when all of your guests are inside?!?" Francis scolded him.

He looked up at the wall clock and made a noise of surprise. "Apologies, my dear! We lost track of time."

"Doing what?" she asked in frustration.

"This," he said, tossing a leg over the seat. He kicked the engine to life, and it purred happily.

"You got it running?" his wife asked, and her expression wasn't as full of joy as Reginald's had been.

He shut the engine down and gave Kyle a look. "See, she didn't want it to succeed."

"I don't want you killing yourself racing around the countryside on the beast!" she exclaimed.

He gave her a sweet smile. "I never said I wanted to ride it. I just wanted to bring it back to life. It's the tinkering that I enjoy. Thanks to this young man, I was able to restore this old beauty."

Francis looked at her husband in surprise. "Oh! I thought you were going to ride it!"

"It's very satisfying to bring a classic motorcycle back to life!" Kyle said with a wide smile. "This one was almost done. I only helped a tiny bit."

The older man scoffed, then shook Kyle's hand before they noticed how dirty their hands were. Luckily, they somehow spared their clothes.

Moving to the sink in the corner, they used a degreasing solution on their hands and then washed and dried them. They rolled down their sleeves and put their suit jackets back on.

Once more dressed for the party, they headed back into the main house side by side with their partners.

"Sorry for disappearing on you like that," Kyle said contritely to Helen.

She smiled and shook her head. "I was speaking with Kate this entire time, and we'll speak on that when we get home." He looked to see her eyes sparkling excitedly.

"Ooo, good things, I assume?" Kyle asked quietly.

She just smiled mysteriously.

They returned to the ballroom, and Helen spotted her team and moved them in their direction.

Harry immediately moved to Kyle's side. "Are you okay?" he gasped. Kyle nodded, hoping the man would drop it, but he was too far into his cups to stop. "You seriously looked like you were going to be sick! Believe me, I recognized that look as I've been there. Did you make it?"

Helen paused to look at Kyle in concern, but he just smiled at her and nodded to the man again. "I feel better now."

"You did a smashing job of putting Ol' Handsey in his place," Harry chuckled.

"You were the one who accused him of pawing the ladies," Kyle said with a smile.

Harry blinked at Kyle. "No... I remember you saying that." The man's voice was quieter now as he tried to sort out his drunk memories. Kyle shook his head. Harry looked queasy, then marched away with purpose.

"Seriously, that man needs to get control over his drinking!" Jane grumbled.

Kyle caught Ginny watching the dancers wistfully. The songs changed, and he saw her eyes light up when she heard the new one, which was faster for the younger guests. Kyle smiled at Helen, then moved to stand before Ginny.

"Shall we dance?" he asked.

She squeaked in surprise and froze, so he gently took her hand and led her out onto the floor. Ginny was blushing furiously, but he could see her joy as she began to move to the music. Kyle kept his moves simple and subtle while Ginny worked her way up the enthusiasm ladder, adding more energetic movements. She was really enjoying the music.

Nearing the song's end, William worked up the courage to join them on the dance floor. He watched Kyle and matched his moves.

Ginny was in a world all her own as she danced with her eyes closed. She opened them as the song switched into another favorite. William was dancing nearby, and she smiled bashfully.

Kyle bowed out gracefully as William danced closer to take his spot. He returned to Helen and saw the others had left, and he raised an eyebrow.

"This is the time the older party guests go home. They asked me to give you their regards. Would you mind if we left too?" Helen asked.

"Not at all. If you're ready to go, I'm all yours," Kyle said with a smile as he held out his elbow.

She smiled at him and put her arm through his. They walked through the halls towards the front doors, where Kyle handed over the ticket for Helen's coat. As they waited, Dr. Hansey approached, a little unsteady on his feet. They turned to face him.

"Helen. I need to apologize to you for any unwanted touching I might have done," he sighed.

"Richard, please wait until you're sober to confess your sins. No one accepts drunken confessions as genuine," Helen sighed.

Richard reeled back and scowled at Kyle. "You told me I should apologize!"

"I didn't tell you to do it now while you're drunk. Helen's right. You should sober up first."

Richard flung his arm back to indicate the party behind them. "I've been telling all the women I might have touched that I was sorry. I have to do it again? It was hard enough to do after a few drinks." He gave them a frustrated scowl. "Bugger that."

The doctor pulled his car keys from his pocket and jingled them in front of Kyle. The Ferrari key fob was front and center. "I guess I'll just have to be happy with the rewards of my profession!"

"Do you intend to drive yourself home in this state?" Kyle asked cautiously.

"It's none of your bloody business, is it?" the doctor snarled.

"As it's my party, it's my business to know the state of my guests when they leave."

They turned to see Mr. Dunsfield standing behind them with a disapproving frown on his face.

"Oh fuck! There's nothing I can do to make you respect me, is there?" Richard mumbled.

"You don't make people respect you. You earn respect. Knowing when you're too drunk to drive is a good start," the host said.

"I'll let you know when I get there," Richard said flippantly and jingled his keys over his shoulder as he walked towards the front door.

Kyle reached out and plucked the keys from the doctor's grip. "Why don't I drive you home? I'll catch a taxi--whoa!" He easily dodged the sloppy punch the doctor aimed at his head.

"Richard, stop! Careful of your hands!" Kyle yelped as he ducked a second punch. He saw the anger building and spared a glance towards Reginald.

"Stop him," the old man said in resignation.

Kyle buried his fist in Richard's gut, lifting him off his feet momentarily. He held the man's arm as he crumpled to his knees, wheezing for a breath. Reginald accepted a small pail from one of his staff and placed it beneath Richard's face moments before the man lost the contents of his stomach.

Everyone stood back, and Reginald whispered something to his staff member, who stepped in to take Kyle's place in holding the doctor on his knees.

The coat check clerk handed Kyle Helen's coat, so he helped her put it on. They turned to the Dunsfields as Francis had come to say goodbye, too. They moved away from the sick man, and Kyle handed the car keys to their host.

"We'll let him sleep it off in a spare bedroom tonight. He can drive home in the morning," Reginald clarified.

"Thank you for a lovely party!" Kyle said.

The older couple looked at Dr. Hansey and back to Kyle. "I don't know how this equates to a lovely party when you're accosted as you leave," Reginald confessed.

Kyle just waved his hand dismissively. "It's an office Christmas party. There's always some level of drunken brawling involved." At the skeptical looks, he shrugged. "That was my experience back in Canada, at least." He grinned.

"The colonies are a rough and tumble place," Reginald suggested, and Kyle chuckled.

Helen moved forward to touch cheeks with their hosts as Kyle shook their hands. Then he was walking her to her car.

She unlocked the car, and Kyle held her door for her before getting in his side.

"How I would have loved being the one to punch that man in the stomach so hard!" Helen sighed. She started up the car and got them underway.

"I dedicate that punch to all the ladies who were the targets of his grabby hands," Kyle said solemnly.

"While a little barbaric, it was also very exciting to see you beat him up." Helen bit her lip as she gazed at him. His eyebrows went up in surprise.

She chuckled and drove them with quick efficiency through the back lanes to her neighborhood. Soon enough, they pulled into the parking lot, and Kyle got out and opened Helen's door for her. After he closed her door, he saw her need for him in her eyes. He pressed her up against the side of her car and kissed her deeply. She squeaked then moaned as she clung to him. When he rubbed his erection across her sensitive bits, she gasped and pressed back.

She clung tighter as a couple walked past the parking lot with their dog on a leash. Kyle and Helen were only partially obstructed from view because of the hedges by the sidewalk and their position between the cars. Plus, other tenants might return to the parking lot and catch them.

He moved his mouth to her ear. "Fuck, you're making me so hard! I don't know if I can wait. I want to take you right here in the parking lot!"

She trembled and held him tighter, grinding against his bulge.

"You'd like me to fuck you against the car right now, out here where anyone might happen by and see your lusty behavior.

She made a desperate sound as her hips rolled to grind him more firmly.

He undid the lower buttons on her coat and tugged her dress upwards to slide his fingers over her panties.

"Oh my god, Kyle! You're going to make me come!" Her eyes were scanning their surroundings to see if they'd been spotted. The street was surprisingly busy for this late hour. He saw it was mostly people walking their dogs. Another couple was coming by. He slipped his fingers under her panties, and she gasped aloud. The couple and their dog paused as they overheard a noise.

Kyle whispered into Helen's ear. "They heard your sexy moan, Helen. They know you're about to come." He pushed two fingers deep inside her wet pussy.

Before she could cry out, he kissed her hard and pressed her against her car. Her orgasm crashed through her mind as she clung to Kyle and shook.

He held still but moved Helen to rest her face against his shoulder, where she panted as her body pulsed through the ebbing bliss.

The dog walkers moved on.

Helen pulled back to look into Kyle's eyes. Her eyes rolled back, and her jaw dropped silently as he slid his fingers from her pussy. She watched him suck on his fingers as she trembled against his chest. She moaned at the heat in his eyes.

"Let's get inside where I can warm you up," Kyle said.

She smiled and straightened her dress and coat as he eased back from her body. She moved towards the entrance with Kyle following, and she tingled as if she could still feel his hands touching her.

Once inside, they walked to the elevators and stepped inside. Kyle stepped before Helen when the door closed, slid his fingers into her beautiful auburn hair, and kissed her passionately.

They broke the kiss when the doors opened on Helen's floor. They stumbled out of the elevator and turned towards her condo, coming face to face with Margaret Hillsbury. The woman froze as she took in the disheveled state of their clothes, Helen's slightly wild hair, and her lipstick smeared across Kyle's mouth and jaw.

Then she saw Kyle's zipper was open, and his boxers were being pressed out the fly by a bulge.

"Good-good evening, Helen! Kyle?"

He nodded at her correct guess of his name.

"Oh! Good evening, Margaret. How was the Church Gala?" she asked as she casually straightened her dress.

Margaret's eyes were trapped by the gap in Kyle's pants and the hint of something hard within.

She suddenly broke free from her daze. "Church? Oh yes, it was a lovely evening." She failed to say that very convincingly, even to her own ears. Truthfully, it had been so dull! Especially when she now compared it to the night Helen appeared to be enjoying. "How was the office party?" she asked to change the topic.

Helen's smile said it all. "The Dunsfield estate was so beautifully decorated. The food was delicious, and the dancing afterward was so much fun! The night was dreamy!"

Kyle leaned closer to Helen. "It's not over yet," he purred deeply.

Helen's eyes widened, and she burst into giggles. "It was nice seeing you again, Margaret. Merry Christmas!" she scampered away towards her door with Kyle stalking after her.

"Merry Christmas!" Margaret squeaked out before they disappeared into the condo.

Dammit! That's what she wanted for Christmas, too!

-=-

Kyle's fingers were in Helen's hair once more as he worshipped her lips with his. Her breath was coming in gasps as she clung to his ass, pulling him tight against her as he pressed her body against the inside of her front door.

Finally, Kyle stepped back so he could begin to take off Helen's coat. She leaned back against the door, panting, and watched his eyes devouring her. A thrill shot through her as she realized how much he wanted her. It was genuine, intense, and made her feel sexy and desirable!

The coat fell to her feet, and his powerful hands settled on her hips and slid back to cup and squeeze her ass. That set off fireworks in her mind, so she missed feeling his hands slip up to the back of her neck where he unfastened her dress. She definitely felt him pulling her dress forward and down, her lingerie coming into view. Kyle growled happily as he cupped her breasts in his hands, enjoying the feel of her satin-covered softness. She sighed and trembled as he squeezed her tits.

He kissed her again, and her hands began frantically undressing him. He assisted, and soon he was standing before her in just his boxers.

They shared a grin, then rushed across the dark condo, down the hall to the master bedroom. The only light came through the sheer curtains from the few streetlights outside and below.

Helen was all giggles as she tossed the duvet down to the foot of the bed and dove onto the mattress. That giggle became a shriek when Kyle grabbed her ankles and pulled her flat on the bed on her stomach. He pounced on top and pulled her panties down as she lost herself in another burst of giggles. She moaned loudly when he grabbed her ass cheeks and squeezed them.

He continued this hard massage of her ass until she was desperately squirming. She felt him move back slightly. Moments later, he suddenly rested his weight over her body, forcing his hard cock down between her ass cheeks to rub across her asshole and pussy lips.

"Kyle! What! What are you doing?" she gasped in surprise.

Kyle pushed his cock between her legs, the head dragging across ass and pussy again. She jolted each time the thick head pressed against the tight, puckered orifice. His cock was slick from her juices, which had been flowing since their play in the parking lot.

He gently stroked the head of his cock across her hot and soft pussy, bumping her clit. "Ooooohhhh, that's such a tease!" she purred.

Kyle pulled his hips back, and the slippery cock pressed on her tight asshole.

"AH! Kyle! Wha--Where are you going?" she yelped.

"I'm just enjoying exploring your body. I won't do anything you don't want me to do." He teased her tight rosebud and watched her eyelashes flutter as shivers shook her body. He pulled back, then pushed his cock deep between her thighs, brushing past her pussy once more.

"Oh, Kyle, you're making my brain and body all confused and excited!"

He chuckled and adjusted his hips to push his cock's head against her pussy. It welcomed him in and squeezed his entire shaft as he buried himself down to the root.

"Yyyeeeeessssss!" Helen sighed happily.

Kyle drew himself out, then forced himself deep once more. He ground his pelvis against her ass, and she cooed with pleasure.

He stroked in and out slowly and pressed against her ass on each downstroke. He felt her trembling and squirming against him.

When he pulled out this time, he let the head slip out and drew it up to press on her asshole. Helen surprised him by pushing back against him. He popped inside, the tight ring of muscle squeezing the end of his cock. Helen threw her head back as she moaned aloud. Kyle rocked his hips and teased her tight orifice with shallow strokes.

"Kyle!" she yelped and sucked her breath between her teeth before driving herself back against him to get more cock in her ass. She managed another inch and a half before she held very still. "So full!" she moaned quietly.

He moved back to slowly fucking her pussy. Her moaning was constant now, and one of her hands was busy rubbing her clit as he stroked deep inside.

When he pulled free again, Helen was ready for him. When he lined up the head against her ass, she pushed back hard and took half of his cock deep inside.

"Oh! Oh! Oh! Kyle! My ass, oh my god!" She was shaking hard.

Once her trembling settled a little, he began slow-stroking her tight, hot ass until she squealed.

"Kyle! I'm coming! It's too much!"

He was relieved as he was right on the edge. "Me too!" He only managed three more strokes before he came hard, filling her depths.

Kyle could feel Helen's body pulsing with her release. He eased himself out, and she sucked in a breath. As he eased himself down on the mattress next to her, she watched him from the corner of her eye as she gasped for breath.

"Are you okay?" Kyle asked.

She nodded. "You think I'm a slut, don't you?"

Kyle choked on a sudden laugh as he suppressed it. "What made you ask that?!? No! Absolutely not! You're by no means a slut!"

She rolled onto her side so she could face him. She worried her bottom lip between her teeth until he gently touched her lip to pull it free.

"I got so excited when we were... together in the parking lot. Then... when you put it in... my ass! I've never done anything like that before! It was so naughty, and it made me so hot! That makes me a slut!"

Kyle shook his head as he held her eyes with his.

"It does not. It makes you a woman discovering what makes her feel good. You are a very passionate and sexy woman! Enjoying sex is not a crime!"

The twinkle in Helen's eyes showed him she was feeling better.

"Are you going to tell me the news you received at the party?" Kyle asked.

Helen yawned, pouted, then chuckled. "Tomorrow. You've worn me out."

Kyle leaned forward and gave her a sweet kiss. She closed her eyes and smiled.

When he slipped out of bed, her eyes opened again. "Where are you going?"

He smiled back at her. "We left our clothes by the front door. I'll be right back." She was on top of the sheets, so he pulled them down under her then pulled them over her.

Kyle left the room and stopped by the washroom in the guest bedroom to freshen up.

He carefully made his way through the darkened condo to the front door, where he picked up their clothes.

He carried them to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the town outside. There was a little more light here, so he could neatly fold the clothes. As he was naked, he didn't want to turn on any lights.

"Kyle?"

He turned toward the entrance to the hall and saw Skye standing there in a sexy little babydoll nightie.

"What are you doing up?" he asked quietly.

"I couldn't sleep. I had the nightmare again earlier this evening. I've been up for a while. Then I heard you and mum get home and have a little fun. It sounded so hot! Now I can't sleep without a little relief."

He shook his head with a grin. She was such a demanding young wench.

He'd finished folding the clothes, so he left them on the coffee table and walked over to Skye. She was leaning against the wall, enjoying the play of light and shadow on his naked body.

She reached out and took his hand to guide him into her bedroom. She closed the door and led him to her bed. On the bedside table, a lava lamp was throwing warm red light over the area.

"Nice touch," Kyle said, gesturing to the lamp.

"I find it soothing to watch," Skye said with a smile of her own.

Kyle stood next to the bed, and Skye sat. She reached out to take his relaxed cock in her hand and smiled a little sadly.

"What was going through my head when I picked Owen for a boyfriend?"

"You thought he might be exciting? From the moment we met, you've shown a strong desire to stir shit up regardless of the outcome. You seem to get a thrill from living dangerously."

She pouted. "It was exciting until it became terrifying!"

"You know you deserve better, right? You don't have to settle for a monster like Owen," Kyle said.

Glancing up at Kyle, she leaned forward and kissed the tip of his cock. She grinned at how he twitched in response. "Someone like you?"

He shook his head. "Aim higher."

She leaned back to look at him in surprise. "You're teasing, right?"

"No, seriously, you can do better," he stated.

She released his cock and dropped back on her elbows to look at Kyle in confusion. He took that opportunity to kneel next to the bed between her knees. He slid his hands up the outside of her thighs and felt her tremble. He saw her suck in a breath and bite her lip as she knew what Kyle was going to do next, and she deeply craved it.

He could also see that she was conflicted. She wanted to address his self-deprecating statement, but she desired the pleasure he could give her more. That told Kyle all he needed to know about their relationship, and it didn't really upset him as he knew his feelings for her were equally casual.

He tugged her hips to bring her to the edge of the mattress. Before she could react, he dipped down and tenderly kissed the soft skin of her inner thigh.

"Oh fuck!" she gasped softly.

"You enjoy this?" he said as he kissed her close to her pussy.

She made an odd sound that sounded like a choked-off laugh mixed with a squeal. She looked embarrassed by the noise.

When he pressed the flat of his tongue against the slightly swollen lips of her pussy, her whole body jolted.

He stroked her well, pressing firmly with his tongue, and she grabbed his head as her body shook. He changed up his moves to keep her reacting with maximum intensity.

She made the sweetest mews of need between her gasps.

He could feel her muscles beginning to tighten, so he pumped two fingers into her as he increased his attentions on her soft lips and clit.

"OH GEEZUS, KYLE! FUCK!"

Skye's legs were shaking as her imminent orgasm threatened to white out her brain. She screamed soundlessly as he overstimulated her stiff clit. When he sensed she was done, he pulled back and licked his fingers clean as she panted for breath.

He could see her eyes rolling as she struggled to stay awake. He gently lifted her to move her up the mattress and pulled the sheets over her body. He kissed her forehead, and she made a noise of protest as she didn't want him to leave.

"Sleep, Skye. I'm tired, so I'm going to bed," he whispered, and she finally allowed herself to drift off.

Kyle went back to the washroom in the guest bedroom and freshened up again.

Contrary to what he told Skye, he didn't feel sleepy at all. He went to Helen's door, but she was snoring softly. Finally, he went to the guest bedroom, climbed on the bed, and leaned back against the headboard with his notebook PC on his lap. He worked on his portfolio and reviewed stock trends. He made notes on a few interesting companies.

When he finally shut down for the night, he saw it was approaching three.

He didn't know what was planned for the day, but he hoped it didn't require a sharp mind.

Chapter 5

After dropping the rental suit, Helen and Skye took Kyle to a local restaurant they occasionally frequented on the weekends and enjoyed brunch. The owners stopped by to chat with the ladies, and Kyle was introduced to them. He was truly enjoying being immersed in the local culture and listened with rapt attention to their accents.

The food was very good, and definitely not fancy. He felt totally at ease.

Helen looked like she might burst into excited giggles at any moment. She had yet to fill them in on the news she'd received the night before at the party, and she said she wanted to take them out for brunch first.

Skye wasn't quite as exuberant as she typically was. Kyle caught her watching him for the third and final time, so he put down his utensils and focused on her.

"What's wrong?"

Her eyes went wide as she shook her head vigorously. "Nothing! I'm good!"

"If that's the case, why are you watching me when I'm not looking your way?" he asked.

She smiled cheekily. "How do you know I'm watching you if you're not watching me?"

He just locked his eyes on hers and waited. Finally, she threw her hands in the air.

"Fine!" she exclaimed dramatically. "What you said last night is stuck in my head."

He shook his head as he had no idea what she was talking about. Helen watched with interest.

"You said I should set my sights on someone better than you, and that self-criticism seemed a little harsh. We think you're amazing! I don't understand why you feel differently," Skye insisted.

"You said something similar to me at the party," Helen recalled.

Kyle leaned back in his chair. "It's not like I think I'm evil or bad. I just see I have a way to go before I'd be... worthy of being someone's partner."

The ladies shared a look then Helen put her hand on his. "We can't imagine what makes you feel unworthy. We're all too critical of ourselves--"

"That's true, but we're also the products of our upbringing. As much as we'd like to think we're masters of our own destinies, truthfully, we follow the programming our parents fed into our heads. Sometimes that's not such a good thing. I'm thankful for everything my mother gave me. If I were simply emulating her behavior, I wouldn't feel this way. The fact is, my father's influence surfaced recently and led to my hurting someone who truly didn't deserve it. I wasn't sufficiently vigilant in watching for signs of his behavior in me. I can't consider entering a relationship until I'm sure I can protect my partner from what my mother went through."

He saw the two women were giving him sad looks, so he held up his hands. "It's a work in progress deal. I'm taking it day to day, and generally, I'm happy. You don't need to give me the puppy dog eyes."

That got a smile from the mother and daughter.

"Are you going to fill us in on the news you got last night?" Kyle asked Helen, hoping to change the subject.

She smiled excitedly at them. "Kyle, you were right about the purpose of all those questions directed at me during dinner. I was being interviewed. Kate Harriott is our chief hospital administrator. She's retiring, and she wants me to take the job beginning next year."

"That's amazing! Congratulations!" Kyle exclaimed as Skye leaped to her feet to rush to her mother's side to give her a hug.

"Obviously, you impressed the hell out of them!" Kyle suggested, and Helen shrugged happily with a broad smile on her face.

"What would you like to do today to celebrate?" he asked.

"We thought it would be fun to take you to see the sights in London," Helen suggested.

Kyle nodded. "I'm all yours!"

"Maybe we should just take him home to bed, then!" Skye said with a sly grin.

The waiter chose that moment to appear next to clear the table. The older man froze as his eyes moved between the ladies and Kyle. Only Skye's face remained blush-free.

Once they settled the bill, they headed over to the Twickenham train station and caught one to London's Waterloo station. Helen and Skye each took an elbow and led him outside to begin his tour of some tourist spots.

They began with the London Eye to give him a magnificent view of the entirety of London. Helen wasn't entirely comfortable with heights. At least, that was her excuse for clinging to him.

Skye got her chance to squeeze herself against Kyle on the taxi ride over to the Tower Bridge.

They had to cut short their visit to the bridge as Helen had tickets for the showing of the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. While the ladies were awestruck by the jewelry, Kyle was just enjoying their enthusiasm.

"Fancy bobbles don't catch your eye?" Helen asked him.

He smiled and shook his head. "My priorities are a little different these days. I wouldn't mind doing a little shopping, though. You wouldn't happen to know a good spot for shops, would you?"

As he'd expected, their eyes lit up with excitement.

A whirlwind taxi ride later, they were in the middle of a shopping district with little boutique shops. He was enthralled with the architecture and feeling of antiquity. The neighborhood was gorgeous! Helen boasted there were several other similarly lovely shopping areas within walking distance.

"This is the difference between here and what you find in Canada and the States!" he said, gesturing around them as they glanced at what he saw. "History! Some of these shops look like they've been operating since before my country became a country! This is amazing!"

He hooked his arm through both Sky's and Helen's and guided them towards what looked like a very stylish dress shop.

As they moved through the shop, Kyle caught Helen's eye. "Tomorrow's Christmas Eve. What do you normally do for Christmas?"

She smiled gently. "We used to visit my parents, but they've both passed on. I have a younger brother, but he moved up to Manchester, rarely calls, and never visits. He's, unfortunately, very much the brat he was when we grew up."

"Not seeing Uncle Frank is no hardship," Skye said as she strolled by. "His kids are jerks, and his wife behaves like she's the bloody Queen."

Helen snorted softly and nodded. "So, these days, we just celebrate it ourselves. Sometimes we invite over one of Skye's friends as not all of them celebrate Christmas." She turned to Skye as she tried to recall. "Which of your friends was it last year? Priya something?"

"Singh. Priya Singh. Kyle got to meet her at the formalwear shop," Skye said with a stiff smile.

Kyle moved to stand behind her and massaged her shoulder muscles.

"Uhhh, Kyle, that feels so good!" she moaned a little too loud.

Eyes turned in their direction, some disapprovingly.

He sighed as the girl was shameless. He looked back at Helen, who was smiling at them. He continued. "So, you don't mind me crashing your Christmas plans?"

Both made sounds of protest. "We're thrilled to have you join us for Christmas!" Helen insisted. "How did you celebrate Christmas at home?"

"Pre or Post Gwen?" he asked with a grin.

Helen raised an eyebrow at him as she held a blouse up to her chest. "Pre, please." Kyle nodded at her choice, and she grinned happily.

He paused for a moment as his mind took him back. "Well, Mom loved Christmas, so we did the decorating thing pretty early in December, but we only got a tree on Christmas eve when they went on sale. We'd decorate it after dinner, then we'd open one present. It was always pajamas." He smiled fondly as he recalled the variety of PJs he'd worn. "The next morning, we'd empty our stockings then open the main present. I always gave her some art I made at school or at home. She'd always surprise me with something unexpected, but it showed she was listening. Nothing too expensive but always something I needed. Dinner on Christmas day was a turkey. Never very big, but enough for two or three people during the years Dad was home. We'd go for a long walk at night on Christmas Day, holding hands, enjoying the lights of the houses in the neighborhood."

He saw they were beginning to look a little teary-eyed, so he moved the conversation forward. "What about New Year? What plans do you have for that this year?"

Helen was pulled back from her thoughts. "Ah, yes! Well, there's an annual New Year's party that my family, the Livingstons, have been attending for generations. There are actually several family lines involved as it's related to a regional family history society." She paused. "It's where I originally met my ex-husband."

A lightbulb went on for Kyle. "Ah. He attends every year as well?"

Helen nodded as she bit her lip nervously.

Skye couldn't contain her disgust. "Yeah, he was there last year with the skank he left Mum for."

Kyle thought about that. While it was a little uncomfortable to realize he might be eye candy to piss off Helen's ex, he realized he didn't seriously mind as it was for Helen and Skye. They'd been there for him when Gwen left him. Besides, Helen deserved better than what her ex had done to her and seemingly, continued to do.

"Sounds like fun," he said, and Helen's expression showed her relief. "Is it black tie again?"

Helen nodded and was about to offer to pay when he held up a hand. "I've got this one."

He looked at Skye's smiling face. "I guess we'll be visiting Priya in her shop again." Her grin got wider as she nodded.

Helen's cell rang, and she glanced at it. Her eyebrows rose when she saw who it was.

Skye and Kyle watched with interest as she lifted it to her ear.

"Hello? Ah! Francis, so good to hear from you again." She frowned slightly as she listened, then her face registered shock. "I hope they get better soon! Terrible timing to happen at Christmas!"

Skye was squirming with curiosity, and Kyle put his arm around her shoulder to keep her from listening in on the call.

"Oh! Well, no, we don't have any formal plans... I-I'll ask. One moment." She held the phone to her chest and looked at Kyle and Skye. "Reginald and Francis Dunsfield are requesting we join them at their mansion for Christmas dinner. Their kids and their families won't be coming as they were on vacation together, and they all came down with the flu after the flight home. They're quarantined, so they'll miss Christmas with their parents."

Kyle and Skye nodded to her.

Helen returned the cell to her ear. "Francis? Yes, we'd love to join you for Christmas dinner! What time should we arrive? Oh!" She looked at them again. "Yes, we could come over after lunch and spend the day. Thank you so much! See you then!"

Helen flashed a cheerful smile at them as she hung up.

"The whole family came down with the flu at Christmas! That sucks!" Kyle said with a sympathetic frown.

"They'd just spent a week together on the Greek Isle of Mikonos, so don't feel too sorry for the family. I feel bad for Francis and Reginald, though. They don't get to see their grandchildren very often," Helen said.

"So, it's just them and us?" Skye said.

"Reginald's younger sister Louise and her son Byron will be there," Helen said. "I think I've met Louise but not her son." She looked at Kyle. "Reginald is inviting some of his buddies from a club he belongs to. They restore vintage motorcycles?" She was grinning as she knew Kyle would have something to talk about with them.

"Sounds like a great time," Kyle said with a smile.

They finished up in the shop, and Kyle carried their purchase as they continued through the neighborhood. Kyle picked up a few dress shirts and a pair of black pants made of stretchy material. They were very comfortable and looked a little dressier than the clothes he'd packed.

Helen found them a wonderful Lebanese restaurant for dinner, then they took the train home. Everyone was tired from a full day of sightseeing and shopping, so they crashed on the couch in front of the TV, the ladies on either side of Kyle.

They made it through forty-five minutes of a show before they were all snoring softly before the set.

Chapter 6

Helen and Skye were all smiles as the mother drove them to the Dunsfield mansion shortly after one in the afternoon, Christmas Day.

They'd spent the day before just relaxing and walked the streets of Twickenham in the evening looking at the Christmas Lights. Kyle was really touched by the gesture.

Later that evening, Skye arranged for them to re-enact their first night together in France, though Kyle was allowed to remain in bed with them to sleep.

This morning, Kyle treated both to another demonstration of his oral technique. Then they took a long, hot shower together with scalp massages. There was definitely a rosy glow on their faces.

They parked in the long drive, much closer to the door this time. There was a collection of old Land Rovers lined up, each with a large trailer connected to them. Some of the vehicles were vintage. Kyle assumed these were owned by Reginald's buddies.

As they arrived at the door, one of the staff opened it, and the three were ushered inside. The man collected their coats, which were handed off to another staff member who took them away. Kyle followed the ladies who were led to the lounge, which had been set up as a bar for the Christmas party. Reginald and Francis stood to greet their guests.

"Helen! So glad you could join us!" Francis said with a smile.

Helen took her hands in hers. "Thank you for inviting us! This is my daughter, Skye." She gestured to the younger woman, who shook the hands of the older couple with a friendly smile. "And you remember my friend Kyle MacDenny."

"Yes! The young man who dances divinely," Francis teased as Kyle tipped his face over her hand once more. Her eyes twinkled with joy at his display of manners.

"He's also the young man who worked a miracle with my restored motorcycle," Reginald boasted, and the three men behind him locked eyes on Kyle. The master of the house turned to face them. "These scoundrels are all members of my Vintage Vehicle Restorers Club. Malcolm Hargrave, Gregory Tyndale, and Hugo Winterborne."

Hair ranged from grey peppered with white, Gregory, to silver, Malcolm, to all-out white, for Hugo, who also sported a bushy mustache and mutton chops. Kyle thought all three easily fit the definition of dapper British gentlemen, including their host. None carried much extra weight, seemed fit and healthy, and all were dressed smartly for an afternoon of conversation in a manor house. Kyle felt like a lumberjack next to them.

"This is the chap who brought that beast to life?" Malcolm asked. "I didn't think we'd ever see the day."

"Reginald was very close to having it completed," Kyle asserted.

"Where did someone so young learn how to work with such antique motorcycles?" Gregory asked.

"Now you're making us sound like antiques!" Reginald complained. He spotted his sister, who was giving him a raised eyebrow for failing to introduce her. "Please excuse my poor manners. Kyle, this is my sister Louise Cantington and her son, Byron."

She presented her hand to him as she'd seen Francis do, and he repeated the courtesy. She felt the warmth of his breath on her knuckles though there was no contact and a little shiver ran down her spine. She couldn't suppress her smile as she gazed at him. "It's so nice to see a man who remembers proper courtesy."

Kyle picked up this was a compliment to him and a dig at her brother. Reginald's three friends chuckled as the man in question winced at the jab but found somewhere else to look when the woman glanced their way.

Louise couldn't have been older than her mid-fifties, so being the sister of the much older Reginald inspired questions in Kyle he thought best left alone. She had a subtle air of royalty about her, and she'd seen the inside of spas frequently as her skin was smooth and soft. Her luxurious, long honey blonde hair was artfully styled up with a few ringlets hanging down to touch her long neck. She also shared her brother's trim and healthy physique except for a slightly over-proportioned bosom. Nature or science was another question best kept to himself. Her cleavage certainly made its presence known under the sheer lace neckline of her top. She was smiling as she enjoyed his attention.

He next shook the hand of a very handsome and sharply dressed man in his early twenties standing at her elbow. He had a friendly smile but seemed a little intimidated by the company in the room. Then Kyle saw him glance at Skye and knew the source of his distraction. He smiled.

"Have you met Skye Livingston? I thought I saw recognition on your face for a moment," Kyle said as he gently tugged the man toward Skye.

She glanced at Kyle, then locked eyes with Byron, and her face flushed. Kyle hadn't ever seen this reaction from the cheeky woman and was delighted to see it. He glanced over at Helen and saw she'd caught it too. Her eyes twinkled happily.

"N-no, I've not had the pleasure of meeting her before," Byron said, trying to maintain the smooth flow of his introduction. "Enchanted."

Skye's mouth opened, but for once, she seemed not to have anything clever or sharp to say. "I-it's nice to meet you as well," she managed.

"Skye is studying... what was it again? Theatrics?" Kyle said, pretending he was struggling to remember.

"Acting, you ape!" Skye blurted quietly and slapped Kyle's arm as he chuckled. He raised his hands in surrender as he slowly backed away, leaving the two facing each other. Skye's face continued to glow with heat. He heard Byron pick up the thread. "Acting? That sounds like fun!"

When Kyle turned back to face Reginald and his sister, he saw them both looking at him with pleased expressions. Instead of responding, he looked at the scoundrels. "What machines are you restoring?"

Reginald's smile widened as Louise's eyes rolled, but she gave Kyle's arm a friendly squeeze as she moved to speak with Francis and Helen.

Quickly the room separated into three conversation zones: Reginald's restoration group, Francis' current affairs corner, and the young couple getting to know one another off by themselves.

Reginald glanced at his wife and saw her roll her eyes, then nodded. That was the signal he could escape. He gestured to his friends, and they casually made their way to the exit with Kyle.

They ended up in the garage as Kyle suspected they would, but now there wasn't just Reginald's Norton 633 in there. He saw a Harley Davidson WLA, a BSA M20, and even a BMW R75.

"Wow! These are amazing!" Kyle said with a grin.

Reginald smiled. "And mine is one of the two that actually runs and the only one that runs reliably."

Kyle looked at the others and saw hopeful expressions. He grinned and rolled his sleeves back. "Let's have a look then, shall we?"

-=-

Hours later, Francis, Helen, and Louise entered the garage and put their hands over their ears as four engines purred with energetic health. The five men were grinning like kids as they revved their motorcycles.

Reginald finally spotted his wife waving at him and shut down the engine on his Norton, the others following suit.

"What noise you're making!" Francis called out across the large room.

"Just the wondrous sound of fully functioning motors! Young Kyle has a master's touch with motorcycle engines!" Hugo exclaimed happily, sitting astride his now fully restored Harley Davidson.

The ladies shared a coy look which likely had nothing to do with mechanical engines. Kyle wondered if Helen had been less than completely discreet in her discussions about his visit.

"Just some skills I picked up from my father," Kyle said modestly.

"We have to join the parade!" Gregory gasped enthusiastically. "Prentice has been lording it over us or years that we'll never get them restored to a rideable state. With how fine-tuned they are now, we could easily ride in the parade!"

"What parade?" Kyle asked.

Reginald smiled and shook his head. "It's just a little community thing we do on Boxing Day. The local restoration clubs drive their vehicles through the main street for everyone to see. Afterward, the vehicles are put on display out at an old airstrip. The money collected for admission goes toward a local charity."

Kyle looked at Gregory, who seemed eager to speak. "Dennis Prentice is the head of another restoration club. He's been belittling our group for years. First, he said we didn't appreciate truly vintage vehicles. Then, as we managed to acquire them, he claimed we'd never source the proper parts for their restoration. Reginald found one for us. In the last few years, Dennis has used every opportunity to openly criticize us. He even issued an open challenge for us to attend the parade. How about it, boys?"

Reginald frowned. "Prentice will make an issue of the fact someone outside our club worked on our machines." He glanced at Francis' stern expression. "And most importantly, I promised Francis I wouldn't drive the motorcycle, just restore it."

Hugo turned a wide smile at Kyle. "Sir, aside from ours, have you restored any other older motorcycles?"

Kyle blinked at Hugo, wondering where this was going. "I assisted my father with the restoration of a 1988 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic. It's mine now, and I maintain it."

"Do you have a photo of it?" Hugo asked.

Kyle smiled as he loved an opportunity to show off the machine. He pulled out his cell and scrolled to the picture to show the others. They made appreciative noises, and Kyle's smile grew.

"1988 isn't very vintage, but it was a restoration," Hugo said. "This makes you a motorcycle restorer. I hereby submit a petition to add you to our Vintage Vehicle Restoration Club. Seconded?"

"Seconded!" Gregory called out excitedly.

"All in favor?" Hugo asked, and four hands went up.

Hugo turned his satisfied grin on Kyle. "Congratulations! You are now a member of our club, granting you all the glory that entails. I believe Reginald had a spare badge you can wear to signify your membership." He glanced at the man in question, who nodded with a grin. "As for the most important obstacle, Kyle, might you be available tomorrow to drive this lovely Norton motorcycle in a parade with our friend Reginald in the sidecar?"

He looked at Helen, who smiled and nodded to him. "I... I suppose I could. I don't have cold weather riding gear, though."

Malcolm pulled out his cell phone. "I have a contact who has vintage military uniforms. We ride in garb appropriate for the era. We already have ours, but I can have Jeremy deliver a uniform for you. I just need your measurements."

"Luckily, I was recently fitted for a tuxedo," Kyle said. He listed off the numbers Priya had taken from him. Then he looked at Reginald. "If I'm Reginald's driver, shouldn't he have an officer's uniform? A General, perhaps?"

The four men burst into delighted laughter. "Oh, that's a smashing idea! Captain Prentice will be gobsmacked!" Hugo gushed.

"I'll have Jeremy dig up an appropriate uniform!" Malcolm said and dialed his cell as he moved a few steps away to speak.

Francis approached Reginald and looked at Kyle with concern.

"I'm a very skilled and sensible driver. I don't take chances, and I'm very much aware of the exposed nature of motorcycles. I'll be very careful with your husband," Kyle assured her.

She nodded with a relieved smile, hearing Kyle understood her concerns.

"We came here to tell you dinner is ready," Francis scolded her husband softly. He smiled and gave her a kiss.

"Jeremy has just the uniforms! He'll drop them off within the hour!" Malcolm exclaimed happily.

"But it's Christmas Day! Shouldn't he be spending the time with his family?" Francis said in dismay.

Malcolm shook his head. "He's a widower like us, married to his hobby. Besides, for the chance to upstage Dennis Prentice, Jeremy is willing to give up a couple hours, even on Christmas Day."

"Let's go eat this wonderful meal before it gets cold," Reginald suggested, and everyone nodded.

They went to the formal dining room once more, but the set portion of the table was significantly shorter. It made for a more intimate setting.

Kyle found himself seated between Helen and Louise. Francis was sitting across from him, so he was definitely getting the impression of being surrounded as they glanced at him frequently. Reginald sat next to his wife with his scoundrel to his left. Byron was seated next to his mother but rarely looked away from Skye, who was on his other side. The two seemed thick as thieves, and Kyle heard their quiet laughter. He smiled, then caught Francis watching him with a smile.

"Helen tells me you rode your motorcycle from Vancouver to California to visit another friend you made on the cycling trip," the lady of the house said with an innocent smile.

Kyle glanced towards Helen and saw her cheeks were just a little red. He looked back across the table. "Yes. It was the first long ride I'd done on the Harley in years. The Pacific Coast Highway is a beautiful route." He saw she was waiting for more details about who he visited. "Seeing Fiona was so great, and we had so much fun as she showed me around Santa Barbara and the surrounding countryside."

Louise touched his arm to get his attention. "Is she now in Paris, operating her parent's newest hotel?"

"Uh, yes. She had to leave near the end of my visit and fly to France to ensure it opened on time. I heard it did, and I sent her a note congratulating her on this, but I guess she was too busy to respond," Kyle said.

"So, you'll pop over to see her while you're here?" Louise pressed.

He looked at the woman sitting next to him. "Pop over? I-I thought about visiting her, but I haven't made any serious plans yet."

"I'm heading back to my apartment in Paris in two days. You could join me on the trip, then visit your friend in the hotel," Louise continued.

"You live in Paris?" he asked.

"She lives everywhere," Reginald said dryly as he glanced at his sister.

"Oh, please! You know I enjoy living in beautiful places!" Louise scolded him.

"So, Paris and..." Kyle asked.

She smiled blissfully. "London, Barcelona, Rome, Positano, Sliema in Malta, and the village of Oia on the island of Santorini, Greece."

Kyle's eyebrows rose as he imagined being able to live in all those places. It seemed so extravagant, but if you had the money and no other responsibilities, why not.

Helen gave her two cents as well. "I think Fiona would be so happy to see you again, Kyle. She's all alone in Paris as her friends are back in the states."

Kyle was a little confused. He grinned at the others. "Just popping over to another country isn't a common concept for someone from North America. We only have three countries, and it takes over eight hours to fly across Canada and over six to fly from Vancouver, Canada to Cancun, Mexico. It's a big place. I've only visited Europe once before for that France cycling trip."

Amused expressions popped up on the surrounding faces. Reginald opted to speak for the others. "It takes just a little more than an hour to fly between London and Paris, and the prices are very reasonable."

"Huh... well, I guess I could." He looked at Helen. "Would you be joining us?"

Helen grinned and shook her head. "With my new position at the hospital, I'm going to be a little busy. Besides, Fiona will want you all to herself. As long as you're back by the thirtieth?" He nodded.

Louise and Francis grinned wickedly, confirming for Kyle that Helen had over-shared. He sent her an annoyed look, and she pretended not to see it.

"So, you'll fly to Paris with me two days from now?" Louise asked.

Kyle turned his face to hers. His neck was feeling all the twisting it was doing. "I should really call Fiona first to see if she has time for a visit."

Louise shook her head. "She's a driven businesswoman, yes?"

He nodded, wondering where she was going with this.

"She's probably pushed all other concerns aside, including her need to unwind and relax. You're not visiting to disrupt her flow. It's highly likely she just needs to take a breath. You can help her with that, but only if she's surprised." Louise looked into his eyes as she nodded thoughtfully.

For Kyle, it still felt weird to jump on a plane to pop over to another country to say hello. Would he then have dinner and pop back to England?

Still, Louise made a good point about what may be happening with Fiona. He could easily see her becoming consumed by her work. He supposed a surprise visit to see for himself wouldn't hurt.

"Yes, I can see that. Okay. A surprise visit it is," he said firmly, and the ladies smiled.

Francis gestured to someone at the side of the room, and serving dishes were carried to the table. Kyle watched in wonder as one after another was placed on the table, their lids being lifted to show their steaming contents. There was nothing surprising as this British Christmas meal was close to what his mother made for them back in Vancouver. Still, it smelled wonderful!

Reginald said a few words, and they got down to the business of enjoying their meal.

Malcolm's friend Jeremy arrived during the meal and was cajoled into joining them for dinner. Kyle could see how touched he was to be included. He was around the same age as the others, but he was carrying more weight than they did.

The conversation about the following day's parade became quite spirited as Jeremy grinned with glee at the thought of Reginald upstaging Dennis tomorrow. He planned to record it as he was an amateur videographer for sporting events and festivities.

Kyle was aware that Skye and Byron were in their own world during the dinner and shared a smile with Louise and Helen.

After dinner, the young couple wandered away to continue their talk privately.

Reginald said they would do a fashion show for the ladies and his scoundrels rushed outside to their trailers to get their uniforms for the parade.

Jeremy gave Reginald a new uniform, and the man left to change. Then Kyle was handed one with a grin. "They tell me you're Canadian."

Kyle nodded as he accepted the bundle. "That's right."

"Then this is the correct uniform for you."

Kyle eyed the package again and made his way into the hallway. One of the staff guided him into a room he could get changed in.

It took him some time to correctly put the uniform on, but eventually, he joined the others in the lounge, carrying his original clothing with him. It seemed he was the last to get dressed as he saw the General showing off his ribbons to the scoundrels, who all looked awesome in their own uniforms. He moved closer, and eyes turned to him.

"Oh my! Don't you look yummy!" Louise sighed, causing Helen and Francis to burst into giggles.

Reginald and the others glanced at Jeremy with questioning looks. "It's a Canadian RAF Captain uniform. It's the right time period, and it matched his measurements--"

Kyle shook his head. "It feels a little snug--"

"It's perfect!" Helen gasped, and more giggling ensued from the ladies.

"I brought a matching overcoat with gloves for driving the motorcycle outside tomorrow," Jeremy said with a very pleased look on his face.

Kyle looked down at himself and took in the medals and insignia. The CANADA on the sleeves near his shoulders was nice, but he felt like he didn't deserve to be wearing the uniform.

Reginald walked over to see what was making him frown. "What is it, Kyle?"

"I don't know how I feel about pretending to be in the military. I didn't earn any of these medals," he said quietly to the other man.

Reginald nodded as he understood Kyle's concerns. "We don't wear the uniforms to glorify ourselves or war itself, but as a tribute to those who wore them then. This is for the people who enjoy their freedoms today, to ensure they never forget who paid for that with their bravery, and for some, their lives."

Kyle nodded slowly as that made sense to him. "A symbol, then."

"Exactly so," the older man said with a smile. Then he leaned in to whisper to Kyle. "I can't believe how excited I am to be doing this tomorrow. I'm glad you'll be the one driving!"

Kyle grinned at the man and threw him a salute. "Looking forward to it as well, sir!" he said crisply.

The others cheered, and Francis walked up to hug her husband. "You may need to purchase this uniform to add it to your wardrobe," she said softly for her husband's ears alone, but Kyle was too close to not hear her as well.

Reginald looked very pleased.

Kyle wandered closer to Helen and posed for her with a coy smile on his lips.

"Louise was right. Very yummy! You get to wear that home tonight, right?"

Kyle chuckled, but then he saw Helen wasn't joking. He saw Louise watching him with a faraway look in her eyes and a subtle smile on her lips.

One of the staff stepped in and spoke to Francis before stepping away. She turned to Helen and Louise. "Your children have left. Something about heading back to Byron's condo for a nightcap, and Skye will find her own way home tomorrow. Likely Byron will drive her there."

Helen and Louise shared smiles.

"What time should I arrive tomorrow morning?" Kyle asked Reginald.

"Why don't you both come over for breakfast? Seven-thirty?" he said, and Francis nodded.

The party was breaking up, so Jeremy said his goodbyes first and promised to record their debut tomorrow.

The scoundrels said they'd return at eight to get on the road for the parade. With waves, they headed out.

Apparently, Louise was staying at her brother's mansion, so Helen and Kyle said good night to her, Reginald and Francis, then Helen got them on the road home. Kyle was still carrying the clothes he'd arrived in.

He caught Helen stealing glances over at him as they drove. Perhaps she wanted to enjoy a little roleplaying? He grinned. He could do that.

When they made it back to her condo, she parked in her spot, and he slipped out of the car to open her door for her. She looked up at him as he held out a hand to her. He'd put on the hat to complete the image, and her smile was priceless.

"You look so dashing!" she purred.

As he slid his fingers of his right hand through her hair, he brought his face to hers to take a kiss. When he pulled back, he could see her eyelids fluttering. "Your beauty takes my breath away."

Her eyes widened with pleasure at his words, and he offered his arm to her.

They walked together into the building and stepped into the elevator. She couldn't stop smiling. He leaned her back against the wall and kissed her once more.

A loud gasp from three throats let them know they'd arrived on their floor. They turned their heads and saw Helen's neighbor Margaret standing in the hall with two other ladies who were equally wide-eyed and frozen. The door began to close again, and Margaret's hand shot out to slam against it, to push it open once more. Her face flushed with embarrassment.

Kyle stepped back and gathered Helen in his arm to guide her out past the three gawking women. He tucked his hat under his arm and nodded to them with his best seductive smile. "Good evening, ladies."

They mumbled a greeting back to him as he walked away and slid his hand down Helen's hip to caress her ass. He heard her breath gust out as a shock wave coursed through her body.

He got them into the dimly lit condo with Helen's key and locked the door.

Helen immediately dropped to her knees before him and ran her fingers over the front of his pants, feeling his straining erection. She sighed happily. As he removed his overcoat, jacket, tie, and shirt, she made quick work of his belt, button, and zipper, and her fingers wrapped around his cock.

"Mmm! I've been thinking about this all day!" she purred.

Kyle smiled at her. "All day?"

She pressed her lips against the head and smiled as Kyle gasped lightly. "Well, maybe since the afternoon."

"Right about the time you were telling the ladies all about the fun we've been having?" Kyle asked, and her eyes looked up at his face cautiously.

"I might have disclosed a little more than I should have. They were most persistent in their interrogation, and I do like them so much," she said between kisses along his shaft, her eyes begging to be forgiven. "You aren't angry with me, are you?" She slipped the head of his cock into her mouth, and he sucked in a sharp breath.

"It's difficult to remain annoyed with someone who does that so well!" he sighed.

She drove him deep into her mouth, and his eyes closed in bliss. She really was becoming quite good at this.

Kyle looked down to watch Helen enjoying herself. Her face was quite flushed as she might have been touching herself as she sucked him into her mouth. He didn't want her to wear herself out before they got to the main event, so he reached down and lifted her to her feet. She looked at him in surprise as he spun her around and unzipped her dress, letting it fall to the floor. Bra, slip, and panties came off quickly, and Helen gasped and sighed as each article was removed.

He marched her across the condo to face the floor-to-ceiling windows. They hadn't turned on any lights inside yet, so they were mostly invisible as they stood behind the thin curtains. Down below, they could see people walking along the riverside path as they passed under the lights.

Kyle pressed his naked body against Helen's back as he moved his lips to her ear. "If we open these curtains and step closer, they'll be able to see your sexy body. Your naughty, sexy tits and your hot wet pussy." He forced his erection between her thighs to rub against her wet lips and heard her suck in a shuddering breath. He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her breasts, holding her nipples between his fingers while she gasped and drove her hips back to rub his cock against her pussy lips.

She reached out and threw the sheer curtains wide as she gasped excitedly.

He knew they were still fairly hidden by the darkness in the condo, but they could see the path below quite clearly. If the possibility of being seen did it for Helen, he wouldn't ruin that fantasy for her. Besides, it would likely take binoculars to see any detail at this distance.

He bent his knees and repositioned his cock against her lower lips.

"Oh! Yes, Kyle! Do it!" she cried.

He drove himself up into her, and his pelvis slapped her ass. Her mouth dropped open, but she made no sound. She reached out and placed her hands against the glass, bracing herself as he began to stroke in and out of her body. He moved his left hand down to rub her clit as his other hand massaged her breast.

"Oh, god! Yes! Yes!" she panted as the sensations washed over her.

Kyle squeezed her tight against his body as his hips took over short-stroking his cock into her, slapping her ass with his body on each thrust.

"You're so fucking sexy," he whispered into her ear, then ran kisses across her cheek and down her neck. She turned her face, and he kissed her.

As they faced the window once more, Kyle's release was rapidly approaching, and Helen's was on the precipice.

She suddenly went into a frenzy, her body clamping down on Kyle's cock as she reached over her shoulder to pull his face to hers for another deep kiss. He moaned into her mouth as the pressure was too much, and he came hard, bouncing her a few times to drive himself even deeper.

When she pulled back from the kiss, she held his head next to hers and made him look down at the walking path again.

Margaret was there, lit by one of the path lights as she watched them with binoculars.

"H-how did she get downstairs so fast... and why does she own binoculars?" Kyle asked in shock.

"Birder..." Helen sighed quietly as her body shook through an aftershock.

They saw Margaret suddenly lower the binoculars as she jerked to her right. A foot patrol police officer was approaching her cautiously. They watched Margaret try to make a run for it and only get three steps before the man caught her. She appeared to be screaming and thrashing, trying to point up to their window.

Kyle quickly stepped back, carrying Helen back into the shadows of the condo. He lifted her from his softening erection, and she purred happily as she turned to hug him.

"That was incredible!" she sighed blissfully, resting her cheek on his shoulder.

Kyle frowned in concern. "I'm a little worried about your neighbor." He felt oddly responsible... somehow.

Helen pulled back to smile sweetly at him. "You are a sweet man! That's one of the things I like most about you." She gave him a tender kiss.

As Kyle still looked worried, she took his face between her hands. "Margaret acts like a good person, a truly devout Christian, but in reality, she's just a bully. Nothing that happens to her now is undeserved, but I won't be the one to list her sins."

Kyle saw the honest conviction in Helen's eyes and felt better. He gave her a small smile. "Shall we continue in your bedroom?"

Helen's eyes widened excitedly. "Continue?"

He gave her a sly look as he slipped the air force cap on his head. "You didn't think once would be enough for a flyboy heading off on an important mission in the morning, did you?"

Helen rushed down the hall to her bedroom giggling happily, with Kyle on her six.

Chapter 7

Kyle drove down the lovely country lane, which followed the rolling contours of the fields. Secure and comfortably warm in the sidecar, Reginald grinned like a schoolboy playing hooky. Behind them rumbled the engines of their riding companions.

Truthfully, every one of them was grinning with delight as they made their way toward the staging grounds the parade would launch from. Kyle listened to the blending roar of their engines and thought it sounded like a squadron of Hurricane fighter jets.

At breakfast this morning, Reginald presented Kyle with his official Vintage Vehicles Restoration Club pin, which was currently shining happily on the lapel of his overcoat.

Hugo also let them know he'd registered them with the parade organizers at the last minute. They'd be the last group in the convoy of vehicles, but Kyle saw they were thrilled to have that position.

"The best for last!" Reginald cheered, and his friends joined in. Francis just smiled and shook her head, enjoying her husband's excitement but sharing a look with Kyle, comforted by the younger man's calm nod.

Helen had been glowing this morning throughout breakfast, and Kyle spotted her whispering to Louise and Francis. It seemed the kiss and tell restriction only applied to gentlemen.

Reginald had been too excited to notice, but Kyle got curious looks from at least two of the scoundrels. As he was a gentleman, the story wouldn't be shared from his lips.

Kyle saw an open gate ahead with two older men standing sentinel with clipboards. He slowed and saw they were wearing uniforms as well. He moved his goggles to his helmet, then saluted them with a smile. This brought smiles to their lips.

"General Reginald Dunsfield and the Scoundrels of the Vintage Vehicles Restoration Club reporting for duty!" Kyle announced crisply.

This made the men chuckle, and Kyle stole a look at his passenger. The General was delighted!

"Right! You're the last-minute add-on!" one of the men said, gesturing to his checklist. He glanced back at the line of vehicles waiting to move. "The field's pretty muddy. Why don't you wait off to the side and slip in behind the last group as it passes by?" He gestured to a nice paved pad to the right of the entrance.

"Much obliged! That would be perfect! Have a lovely day!" Kyle said and threw them both another sharp salute.

He dropped the bike into gear and led the others to their waiting spot, where they all shut off their engines.

Kyle helped Reginald out of the sidecar, and the man turned to his group. "Did you hear how Kyle introduced us at the gate?"

Heads shook as smiles were aimed at Kyle. "The Scoundrels of the Vintage Vehicles Restoration Club!" he said, and they laughed.

"Scoundrels! I love it," Gregory chuckled.

"To be fair, that's how he introduced you to me," Kyle admitted with a grin.

There was a whistle, and the first vehicles far to their right began to move. Some of these vintage machines were ancient tractors and didn't move very quickly, so the parade would move at the speed of the slowest. Luckily, this field was just on the outskirts of the town they'd be passing through.

Kyle stood with his group, watching the passing line of mostly wartime cars and trucks but some tractors and utility vehicles. Surprisingly, there were no other motorcycles represented.

"Are we in a class of our own?" Kyle asked.

Reginald smiled and nodded. "Nice way of describing us."

A British Austin Tilly WWII utility vehicle passed, followed by a German SdKfz 222 WWII Armored Car and a shiny Triumph roadster. They slowed as the driver of the first truck stared at them in shock.

"The man with the open mouth is Dennis Prentice, and these three restorations were done by his club. He brings them every year," Reginald said to Kyle as he smiled at the now scowling driver.

The Triumph wasn't quite so shiny as the mud from the field streaked its fenders.

"Coasting on past glories?" Kyle asked and got a grin and a nod from the man. They could see the end of the convoy, so they got back on their bikes and rolled in behind the last ones. They gave themselves a little room as the mud was dropping off the tires of the cars and trucks unfortunate enough to have driven through it. They made sure their motorcycles remained clean.

Soon enough, they were cruising through the town's streets towards the center's main square.

The spectators in the outer streets had been few and far between, but as they got closer to the center, the sidewalks filled.

Kyle and Reginald led the way for their group, and Kyle noted the excitement on the faces of the watchers of all ages as the motorcycles rumbled their throaty purrs.

He glanced at Reginald and saw the pride on his face. The man was in heaven.

Kyle saw news camera crews stopping selected vehicles in the parade for quick soundbites as they entered the square. He saw Dennis was chatting with someone from the BBC. Sending a quick grin to his passenger, Kyle squeezed the clutch and revved the bike's engine, drowning out Dennis' words.

The reporter frowned and turned to face the source of the noise as the cameraman pointed the lens their way.

Dennis forgotten, the now smiling BBC reporter rushed away from Dennis to intercept Kyle and Reginald as the rest of their group pulled in close. As there were no others behind them, they pulled up next to each other, spanning the street.

The reporter moved in to speak to the General as the camera focused on his smiling face.

"Garreth Parker, BBC News. I've been attending this parade for years, but I believe this is the first time I've ever seen such a lovely group of vintage motorcycles presented."

Reginald nodded. "This is the first year for the Scoundrels of the Vintage Vehicles Restoration Club. Motorcycles of this age and quality take time to bring back to the peak condition."

Garreth was visibly pleased. "Can you tell us a little about them?"

Kyle watched as each of the men gave concise but glowing descriptions of their rides. He could see their pride and joy at the attention their rides were getting. Each man introduced themselves, and Malcolm worked in a plug for Jeremy for the brilliant uniforms. The camera returned to the General. "And who is your driver?" the reporter asked.

"Kyle MacDenny from Canada is the latest member to join the Scoundrels. His skills with engines ensured our machines were running at peak efficiency!" Reginal boasted.

Kyle smiled and nodded to the man and smiled for the camera as well. He didn't really feel the need to add anything.

The reporter suddenly realized the parade was moving on, so he wrapped up the clip and thanked Reginald and the rest. They started their engine and rolled away smoothly as the camera caught their formation in flight.

Kyle got them back in line, and they followed the parade out of town to an abandoned airport. The organizers had them line up their bikes close to the entrance as no more spots were available down the runway.

Jeremy arrived with a massive grin on his face and a video camera in his hand.

"Bloody brilliant, drowning out that windbag, Prentice! I caught that on camera too! Your bit with the reporter was the longest clip they filmed. I hope they show the entirety on the news tonight!" the man gushed. He looked around at where the motorcycles were all parked in a neat row. "You've got a prime spot as well! Everyone has to pass right by here! That's bound to annoy Prentice too!"

The group chuckled at Jeremy's excitement.

Then the visitors began arriving, and the Scoundrels were on, fielding questions about their beautiful vintage motorcycles. Kyle stepped back to act as a backdrop for the Norton as this attention was really for the owners. Jeremy was next to him, so he thanked the man again for the use of the uniform. The man noticed Kyle was getting some admiring glances from some of the ladies dragged along by their boyfriends and husbands, and mentioned it.

"What can I say? The ladies like a man in uniform," Kyle quipped quietly as he smiled and nodded to the visitors. Some younger women asked him to pose with the motorcycle, and them, for some photos, so he did.

As they walked away, Helen, Louise, and Francis arrived and grinned as they saw the excitement on the men's faces as they showed off their motorcycles. Their eyes turned to Kyle, and he got the definite impression that Helen and Louise were thinking naughty thoughts. He made a mental note to ask Helen later if there was a Mr. Cantington.

Francis gave her husband a quick kiss on the lips, and Reginald smiled happily at her. "Are you enjoying yourself?" she asked.

"This has been wonderful!" he replied. He noted his wife looked a little chilly. "Would you like me to get you a cup of tea?"

She flashed a smile at him. "That would be welcome."

Kyle looked at Helen and Louise. "Tea?" They nodded happily, so he joined Reginald on the trip to the snack bar.

"I can't thank you enough, Kyle, for making this happen this year," the man said to him when they were alone.

He glanced over at the man. "Please, I'm not responsible for making it happen. All I did was help a little to get the bikes tuned up. Everything else was entirely you guys. You restored these beauties to an awesome state. You deserve the praise far more than me," he said with a smile, though he held the man's eye.

Reginald finally nodded with a grin. "Okay, but it certainly feels like your arrival played a key role."

They got in line, and thankfully, it moved quickly. They were soon heading back with the hot teas.

Dennis Prentice was standing in their way with a bigger man by his side, who looked like he'd been used as a hammer for most of his life. He was a broad-shouldered brute with a flattened nose and several missing teeth, which he was currently displaying in a menacing snarl. Kyle caught the German insignia on the brute's uniform, so he likely drove the SdKfz 222. Obviously, Dennis brought him along for his intimidation value.

Kyle immediately saw they weren't going to talk their way out of this situation. They'd pushed Dennis and his team a little too far. Perhaps he was to blame for some of it, too.

Faced with seemingly imminent violence, Kyle felt his father's calm sliding over himself, and he didn't fight it. He took a more comfortable grip on the tray of teas with his right hand as he slipped his hidden left into his pocket while keeping the men in his sight. In his peripheral vision, he noted three more men a distance away with angry looks on their faces, too.

This scenario was going from bad to worse.

"What makes you think you can just show up and take over the parade?" Dennis snapped.

Reginald held the man's eye. "We were last-minute additions, and I hardly think we took over anything, Dennis."

"You're dressed as a General, the highest rank of any of the attendees! You ruined my interview with the Beeb when this git made that obnoxious noise as you arrived." He swung an arm back. "And now the organizers are giving you preferential positioning!"

Reginald gave the man a pitying look. "This uniform was more suitable for riding in the sidecar, and we were told to park there because there was no more room on the runway. As for your interview, the reporter seemed almost eager to join us, so maybe you need newer, more interesting material."

"You pompous old--" That's as far as he got into his insult before the ogre at his elbow launched himself at Kyle.

Scalding hot tea hit the big man's face, and he bellowed in pain as his beefy fists swung through empty air. Kyle ducked down, yanking the multi-tool from his pocket and slamming it up against the brute's testicles, hard.

The big thug made the oddest high-pitched shriek, then crumpled into a fetal position. He was out of the fight, but Kyle was already moving to intervene with Dennis' attack.

He leaped between the man and Reginald and caught Dennis' punch against his own shoulder. It hurt like hell, but Reginald was safe. He spun, guiding Dennis' next jab past him while driving his knee solidly into the man's soft gut.

Dennis lost his wind, breakfast, and will to fight in that order as he fell to the ground.

Kyle saw the next three goons rushing up.

"Move back," Kyle called over his shoulder to Reginald and felt the man giving him room.

The men rushing at him had to be in their forties but were friends of the big guy moaning on the ground, so Kyle expected some pain.

But he wouldn't be the only one feeling it.

Leaping forward, he surprised the closest man with a solid punch to the solar plexus, stopping him in his tracks, dropping him to his hands and knees as he tried to suck in a breath.

The second thug thumped his fist into Kyle's cheekbone, but he rolled with the punch into a glancing strike against his chin from the third man. Both hits sent spikes of pain through him as the goons wore chunky gold rings that cut him. His cap was knocked loose as he collided with the third thug and fell with him.

Kyle used the hard edge and weight of the multi-tool to crack the man's rib with a sharp jab. Grunting and wheezing, the goon rolled off and away to protect his side.

The last man still on his feet kicked Kyle in the ribs, but his loose overcoat absorbed some of the force. As he pulled back for another kick, Kyle smashed the ankle bone of his planted foot with the metal tool. The ankle folded with a sharp crack, and the man screamed as he fell.

Kyle rolled back to his feet and stood, panting hard as he cast around for the next target. When he saw none, he slipped the multi-tool back into his pocket as he bent to pick up his uniform's cap. He brushed the dust from it and placed it on his head once more. Then he adjusted his uniform and dusted off his overcoat as he glared down at the fallen men. He felt his veneer of calm slide away, and his body shook once from excess adrenaline.

Reginald walked up to his side. "Are you injured, Kyle?"

"Just a few bruises," he said with a wince as the cuts on his cheekbone and chin made themselves known. "And a cut or two. I'll be fine. Are you okay?" He glanced at the man.

Reginald snorted. "Thanks to you, I remain unscathed."

Some police officers finally arrived and took in the five men on the ground and the bruising and blood on Kyle's face. They moved toward him, then stopped as they saw Reginald's scowl. The older man smiled at Kyle and patted his shoulder. "My turn. Could you pick up some fresh tea for the ladies?"

Kyle nodded and headed back to the snack bar.

One of the older ladies working the counter gasped when she saw Kyle's state and brought him to the side to clean and bandage the cuts on his face. She insisted the lacerations were minor and wouldn't scar. She informed him she worked as a nurse in her younger years.

Afterward, she served him four teas on-the-house and slipped him a cookie as well. He thanked her with a broad smile, and she seemed pleased with his manners.

He rejoined Reginald as the men were being led away by the police. "Everything okay?" he asked. He saw the BBC reporter rushing closer with his cameraman and Jeremy close behind.

Reginald nodded. "Quite. Dennis and his club members are in the police's hands to cool off and get medical attention. As it's being called a Breach of the Peace, they won't be charged. I assumed you wouldn't want to get involved with a court hearing." Kyle nodded with a smile. Reginald continued. "I assured the police you acted only in response to the attack and in my defense." Kyle nodded, then looked at Garreth, who was preparing for another shot. Jeremy was all smiles. The three ladies arrived with concerned looks on their faces.

The reporter got into position before Reginald and his cameraman nodded to show they were rolling.

"This is Garreth Parker, BBC News. I'm here with Reginald Dunsfield and Kyle MacDenny at a showing of fine vintage vehicles near Twickenham. While I've been pleasantly surprised by the number of classic wartime cars, trucks, utility vehicles, and motorcycles, I wasn't expecting the event to include an actual battle! Yet here it was! Can you tell us in your words what happened?" He aimed the microphone toward Reginald, who glanced once at Kyle before beginning.

"One of the other exhibitors took exception to what they believed was preferential treatment my club received. We were last-minute additions, so we had to be the last in the procession. Upon arriving at the airport, the organizers informed us we were to park next to the entrance as the runway was full. It seems this was the last straw for the other group. These malcontents confronted us about it, and when I failed to take their baseless complaints seriously, they attacked."

The reporter turned back to the camera. "Amateur videographer and period costume expert Jeremy Paleman captured the action and shared it with us. What you are about to see is quite graphic and may disturb some viewers. Be warned." The reporter paused as he looked at the cameraman then nodded. He turned to Kyle with a smile. "We'll insert the clip here, and after it plays, I'd like to come back to a few questions for you, Mr. MacDenny."

"Thank you, but no. I have no desire to speak about this on television. They attacked, I defended, and they lost. I see no need to glorify what happened. There really isn't anything else to say," Kyle said firmly. With a nod to Reginald, he handed the gently smiling man one of the teas and walked over to Helen's side to hand out the remaining beverages. The women were examining the bruises and bandages. Helen touched his shoulder, and he winced, pulling away slowly.

"How badly hurt are you?" Helen asked in dismay as Francis rushed to her husband's side.

Kyle shook his head with a frown. "Not as bad as the other guys."

Louise moved closer. "How many?"

Kyle glanced her way. "What?"

"How many did you fight?" she insisted.

"Oh, uh, five men," Kyle said distractedly as he looked over at Francis clinging to Reginald's arm with a worried expression. He was giving another soundbite to the reporter, and Francis locked eyes with him. She mouthed thank you, and he gave her a little smile and a nod.

"Are you a martial arts expert?" Louise asked, pulling his attention back.

Kyle shook his head. "Not by any stretch of the imagination. Against five experienced fighters, I almost got my clock cleaned. I just fought dirty to make them stop. It worked this time, but I took some hits too. My shoulder, my ribs, and my face are going to be black and blue tomorrow, if not tonight." Helen and Louise made sympathetic sounds.

The interview was over, and Kyle noticed the BBC camera was pointed at him. He was far enough away that he sincerely doubted they caught what he was saying. He turned his back to it and offered an elbow to the two ladies, walking with them back to the motorcycles.

Hugo spotted them first, and his smile dropped away as he saw Kyle's injured face. The others quickly took note, and the group rushed over to find out what had happened.

"Just a brief altercation. It's done." Kyle said, brushing it off. The pain was setting in, and he still had to drive Reginald back. He hid his wincing as he didn't want his hosts to worry.

Their faces turned to Reginald, who arrived with Francis on his arm. Seeing Kyle's silent plea to not make a big deal, he nodded, but he wouldn't leave his friends in the dark.

"Dennis Prentice and his team made trouble, but the police took them away. You should be able to see the story on BBC One news tonight," he said, and they picked up his signal not to push it. Jeremy looked at the older man in surprise, but Reginald just patted his shoulder.

They settled back into their roles as more people stopped by the bikes to ask questions and take pictures. They spent the better part of the day there before they mounted up and drove back to the Dunsfield's estate. Kyle changed back into his own clothes, and they shook hands, and Kyle arranged for a lift from Helen's the following day for their flight to Paris.

After enduring some hugs and kisses from Francis and Louise, his ribs and shoulder were hurting. Helen could see a hint of the pain in his eyes, so she guided him away from their friends and drove them home. She undressed him at her place and got him into a hot bath with Eucalyptus-scented Epsom salt as she insisted it would help.

Ten minutes into his soak, the bathroom door opened briefly as Skye slipped into the steamy room. He watched her smile and sit on the edge of the tub to admire his naked body in the hot water.

She finally spotted the bruises, and her smile changed to dismay. "What happened to you?" she gasped.

He cracked a smile. "I had no idea joining Reginald's Vintage Vehicle Restoration Club would be so physically demanding!"

She gave him a stern look. "I'm not kidding! Who hurt you?"

He shrugged, then winced as his shoulder reminded him not to do that. "Another restoration club got their noses out of joint when Reginald's club got more attention. They had it out for him, and they attacked us at the airstrip."

"Oh, my god! Is he all right? Who attacks a man in his seventies?" she gasped in shock.

Kyle lifted his hands from the water to calm her. "He's fine. I protected him, and the police took them away."

Skye gave him a concerned look. "How many did you fight?" she asked quietly.

"It doesn't matter. It's done," he sighed as he closed his eyes again and settled back to relax in the hot water.

Skye was quiet for a moment. "I meant to thank you for your introduction to Byron."

He opened his eyes to look at her with interest. "It's going well?"

She had a small smile on her lips and nodded. "Really well. He's a sweet man! He doesn't rock my world in bed like you do--yet!" She added when she saw the protest on his lips. "But he seems eager to learn, and that's what matters."

Kyle nodded as his eyes closed again, and he smiled. "Good. I'm glad." He really was pleased she'd found someone.

The heat soaked into his body, and he felt his aches easing.

-=-

Skye silently watched Kyle for a bit, then she slipped out of the bathroom and walked into the living room to plunk herself down on the sofa next to her mum.

"How's our patient?" Helen asked.

"He's enjoying the bath," she sighed. "What happened today?"

Helen nodded toward the TV. "That's what I'm watching the news for."

Skye looked at her mother in surprise. "It's on the news?"

Helen shrugged. "It might be. There was a reporter there who did a story on the parade. He was pretty excited about a video of the fight he received from one of Reginald's friends. Whether or not it makes the news is anyone's guess."

They sat together quietly as the news played until it was almost over. Then they heard them introduce their last story of the night, and it was about the parade.

They watched Garreth Parker talking about the annual event and giving some details, then they heard the roar of the motorcycles. The news used a clip of the group riding into view that began by panning away from the scowling face of Dennis Prentice to focus on Kyle and Reginald guiding their motorcycles into a formation that spanned the roadway. Helen and Skye were all smiles as they watched the brief introductions.

The next scenes were some shots of Reginald's group speaking with visitors at the old airport. The reporter's voice came in over these images.

"Unfortunately, not everyone involved with the parade was as pleased to see these new exhibitors. While the inclusion of many vintage wartime machines was impressive, we certainly weren't expecting to see any re-enactments of the battles of that great war. Amateur videographer Jeremy Paleman caught this confrontation." A still was displayed of the beginning of the encounter. "Reginald Dunsfield, dressed as a British General and his Canadian visitor Kyle MacDenny, dressed in a Canadian RAF Captain's uniform, were confronted by two men, one dressed in a German Africa Corps uniform. What happened next was shocking for a Boxing Day festivity."

Helen and Skye squeaked in fright when the big man attacked Kyle, then the thug was on the ground, and Kyle blocked Dennis from punching Reginald by taking the hit himself. Then Dennis was vomiting on the dusty earth.

The two women continued to squeak in fear and shock as Kyle engaged the next three opponents. They saw how his injuries happened, but all three men were quickly down, and Kyle was back on his feet, dusting himself off. They saw him looking at Reginald and the older man's relieved smile. Reginald's brief clip describing the reason for the fight played next. The next shots were of Kyle standing next to Helen, Louise, and Francis, handing them cups of tea while the reporter's voice-over played.

"When asked to comment, Mr. MacDenny modestly declined. So, we spoke with the man whose defense he came to."

Reginald was on the screen again with Francis clinging to his arm but saying thank you to someone off-camera.

"When young Kyle first put on the uniform of the Canadian RAF Officer, he was troubled by wearing the medals as he felt he hadn't earned them. I told him he was merely representing the men who originally wore them, to remind people of those brave few who sacrificed so much to give us the freedom to enjoy these festivities today." He looked fondly at his wife then back to the camera. "Personally, I can't help but feel he has earned a medal today. I'm certainly grateful for his protection."

The last shot was of the reporter speaking to the camera with Kyle and the Scoundrels in the background, chatting with the visitors by the motorcycles. Kyle was seen standing silent sentinel behind Reginald.

Garreth smiled at the camera. "And personally, I can't help but consider this a symbolic re-enactment of the Canadians coming to the defense of England in World War Two. It certainly made for an exciting finish to a lovely display of vintage vehicles this Boxing Day. Garreth Parker, BBC News, Twickenham."

The show cut back to the smiling news anchor in the studio, who said his goodnights and ended the show.

Helen shut the TV off and looked at Skye. "As much as I want to drag him into bed right now, he needs to heal and get some rest. Tomorrow, he's flying to Paris for a surprise visit with Fiona at her hotel."

Skye nodded with a thoughtful look on her face. Then she looked into her mother's eyes. "I-I won't be sharing Kyle's bed anymore, as Byron and I are a couple now. We'll see how this works out."

Helen smiled and hugged her daughter. "I'm so happy for you! I like Byron. He seems like a really nice young man."

"I think so too. I also think Kyle is a really nice man, even if he disagrees," Skye said sadly.

Helen could only nod. She patted Skye's leg and stood up.

"Come on. Let's get Kyle out of that bathtub. He's soaked long enough. You may not be allowed to touch, but there's nothing wrong with looking."

Skye snorted in amusement and grinned as she joined her mother. It was time to put their patient to bed.

Chapter 8

The following day, Kyle found himself leaning back in a plush seat next to Louise Cantington as they rose into the sky above England.

Louise had failed to mention that they'd be traveling to Paris on a chartered private jet.

A limo had picked Kyle up shortly after breakfast. He only had his small carry-on duffle as he wouldn't be there for long.

The next stop had them picking up Louise at the Dunsfield mansion. As her bags were loaded into the car, Reginald and Francis came out to say hello to him and to fret over the vibrant bruises on his cheek and chin. He shook the man's hand and accepted the hug and cheek kiss from his wife. Then Louise swept out to give her brother and sister-in-law goodbye hugs and kisses.

She was wearing her beautiful hair down, and the waves of honey-colored hair poured over her shoulders. She was wearing a faux fur coat as the air was especially chilly today, but its collar was open and displaying the smooth tops of her full breasts. Between that, her hair, and the fur, Kyle's eyes were trapped by the sight of so much... softness. He couldn't help but admire how lovely she looked in her outfit.

"Bringing out the big guns, I see," Reginald said to his sister.

She gave him a subtle smile. "A woman does what she must to maintain her appeal," she whispered back.

She kissed Francis' cheeks, and the women shared a look.

Then Kyle held her door for her as she slipped into the limo's back seat. He got in, and they were on their way.

Once they got to the airport, Louise sprung her surprise on him by leading him to a wicket where they added his passport details to the ticket she'd prearranged for him. Then they went through a scaled-down version of the pre-flight processing he was expecting, and he boarded the jet.

The woman was still smiling at his impressed expression when he glanced over at her. "I have to agree, traveling this way is superior to flying coach on a commercial airline. That said, I was fully prepared to buy my own ticket. I certainly didn't expect you to pick up the tab."

"It's my pleasure! Consider it a thank you for protecting my big brother," she said, patting his hand. She left her hand on his as she looked over at him with a smile. "You don't need to rush away the moment we arrive in Paris, do you? Could we have dinner together?"

Kyle was aware of her fingers gently stroking the back of his hand and the hopeful look in her eyes. "Dinner would be great. I have to admit, I'm completely unprepared for this popping over to another country thing. I didn't have a ticket for my flight. I don't have a hotel reservation. I don't even know where Fiona's hotel is. I don't know where anything in Paris is."

"Helen mentioned you've been here before when she met you," Louise said, sliding her fingers between his.

Kyle pushed back at the distracting sensations to answer her. "Yes, I've been to France once before, but the Paris portion of that trip was supposed to be with my fiancé after we enjoyed the cycling. Instead, she ran off with another man. I enjoyed a week of cycling, then I just went home. My exposure to France was very limited."

"I can't believe this woman abandoned you for another!" Louise asserted.

Kyle smiled faintly as he recalled the morning he confronted Gwen about it and learned why she'd done it. "The man she abandoned was... incomplete. I discovered myself again during the week of cycling with Helen, Skye, Fiona, and the others. I became someone new. I'd shed so much of my old self for Gwen, I'd lost... me. The ordeal she put me through made me re-evaluate my life, and I took control back. When she returned, she discovered I'd become what she'd wanted all along, but it was too late."

"Too bad for her!" Louise grinned as she squeezed his hand.

Kyle nodded. "I'm still working out what I want to do with my life and who I want to be."

"What progress have you made?" she asked.

He chuckled as he rested his head back and closed his eyes. "Progress... let's see. Hmm..." He opened his eyes and rolled his head to look at her. "It doesn't really feel like I've made any. The only thing I've learned is that I enjoy meeting people, talking with them, learning about their lives, and sharing time with them. That's brought me the most fulfillment so far. I met some great people in Santa Barbara. I hope to visit them again next summer. The nomad thing is really working out for me so far."

"Don't you have an address you call home, a place to hold your treasures and collectibles, and where your mail is delivered?" she asked curiously.

He shook his head slightly. "My only treasure is my motorcycle, and it's in a storage locker in Montreal for the winter. I had an apartment in Vancouver, but I gave that up. I'm almost completely free of worldly possessions and have no fixed address. I am... a leaf on the wind," he said with a grin.

She turned to him with an odd expression. "The thought of having no place to call home makes me nervous."

Kyle nodded. "Says the woman with... how many homes?"

Louise nodded with a little smile as she acknowledged his point. She looked into his eyes. "If you don't mind, you could stay at my apartment while you're there. I'd love the company."

He paused, then his eyes dropped to her hand on his. An elegant wedding band snuggled up again, a truly enormous diamond on her engagement ring. His eyes returned to hers. He'd forgotten to ask Helen this, but no time like the present. "Is there a Mr. Cantington who might object to your inviting me?"

She glanced at her hand in surprise then her smile returned. "He would definitely object as he was a very jealous man, but that's no longer an issue. Aubry died fifteen years ago. His yacht was raided by pirates off the coast of Somalia as he tried to circumnavigate Africa.

"I'm sorry," Kyle said.

"Don't be. It was the exciting ending he was hoping for. Perishing in a hail of bullets as he battled pirates was a far more exciting finale than wasting away in a hospital. Six months earlier, he'd learned that he had inoperable cancer. He immediately began working on his bucket list. Circling Africa in his yacht was one of those items." She smiled fondly, then shook her head and looked at Kyle. "So, will you take me up on my offer?"

Kyle nodded, and her smile widened. He gave her a curious look. "That happened fifteen years ago?" She nodded. "I can't think of a way to ask this so it doesn't sound like a cheesy come on." She giggled as she watched him struggle with his words, so he just said what was on his tongue. "You're a beautiful woman with a brain in your head. Why hasn't someone pursued you and caught your interest in those years?"

She grinned and squeezed his hand again at the compliment. "I've had suitors, but some were more interested in my wealth than me. Aubrey had a significant insurance policy that paid out after he died. I was also the sole heir to his estate. He was an extraordinarily smart businessman, if not a terribly attentive husband or father. He left us with enough money for several lifetimes.

While he left us financially secure, ours wasn't a happy marriage, so I wasn't eager to jump into another. Instead, I concentrated on Byron, who'd lost his father. It took some time for him to forgive me for not allowing him to go with his father past Malta. I met them there and brought Byron home with me as his father continued on. Not long after that, we received word of the attack and Aubry's subsequent death.

Byron and I went through a very rough time, but I never gave up on him, and he eventually came around."

Kyle wondered if his mother had ever considered leaving his father during those hard times when he was off doing his own thing. He wanted to believe he would have been okay with his mother finding someone to love. He tried to cast his mind back to when he was only ten to recall how he felt then about his parents. He knew he loved his mother throughout his entire life. She'd always been consistent with her love for him, even when she had to play mother and father.

"Where did you go?" Louise asked him gently.

"Hmm? Oh! Sorry. What you said just made me reflect on my relationship with my parents. My mother was amazing, very empathetic, in tune with everyone's feelings, which kind of balanced my father's inability to connect emotionally to anyone." He frowned as he recalled how he'd done the same to Juliette in Montreal. "I'm trying to be vigilant about my behavior as I sometimes slip and behave like him." He gave Louise a shaky smile. "I mean, not everything he taught me was bad. We had some good memories... when he was with us, but he had trouble connecting."

Louise smiled gently. "I suppose I haven't seen that side of you yet. You've been very considerate of others' feelings in the short time I've known you. I find it difficult to imagine you being otherwise."

Kyle chuckled. "Thank you. That tells me my vigilance is working."

"We'll be arriving in time for lunch. Can I take you to a lovely traditional French café?" she asked excitedly.

"Uh, sure," he said, enjoying her delighted smile. It just kept getting brighter.

-=-

The quaint restaurant was everything Louise said it would be. Kyle was enjoying the feeling of being immersed in French culture. The historic nature of the architecture, the language, the mannerisms, and the attitudes all contributed to this.

The manager knew Louise and came out to enthusiastically press cheeks with the woman as he expressed his joy at seeing her. He gave Kyle the smallest amount of attention without being overtly rude. That was fine with Kyle as he was enjoying Louise's enjoyment.

Once they were seated at one of the coveted window seats, Kyle looked out the window at the extensive outdoor seating and realized he'd have to visit Paris again during the warmer months to enjoy sitting along the sidewalk for people watching.

"Late spring."

Kyle turned his attention back to Louise to see her watching him. "Sorry?" he said.

"You should return in late spring to enjoy the sidewalk cafés in the afternoons and evenings," she said with a smile.

He grinned at the accuracy of her mind-reading. "Is that when you're normally here?" he asked as he held her eyes.

Louise paused as she wondered at his phrasing. "Normally here?"

He nodded. "When we dropped off our bags at your lovely apartment, I couldn't help but notice the covers over the furniture as if it was closed up for the season. You also seemed to have some tense words with the superintendent before we left the building. Then, when we arrived here, the manager seemed surprised and delighted to see you. This suggests you don't normally visit your Paris property this time of year."

This brought a sly smile to Louise's face. "I didn't know you were a detective, Kyle."

He shook his head slightly as he smiled. "Merely observant. Am I right?" She nodded to him slowly. "Where would you normally be this time of year?" he asked.

"I'd be at a resort in the Seychelles," she replied, watching him.

His eyebrows went up. "You aren't missing out on a tropical vacation for this, are you?"

She examined his expression for a bit then answered the question. "I typically spend two months at the resort after visiting my brother and my son for Christmas. Most often, I'm at the resort alone... as I would have been this year as well. Meeting you at Reggie's was a treat. You seemed far more interesting than sitting next to a pool drinking frosty beverages by myself. The resort is keeping my reservation open as it's paid for."

Kyle shook his head. "I don't know if I'm that interesting. We're certainly at opposite ends of the economic and social spectrums. You have seven homes in seven countries, and I have none in any. Though I'm not poor, I live on a modest budget and enjoy the minimalism required for a nomadic lifestyle. I manage my investments to maintain an income that will allow me to live this way indefinitely. You seem to be set financially for multiple lifetimes filled with luxury."

She nodded with a smile. "And that disparity between our lifestyles is fascinating! I agree with you that meeting people can be a most enriching experience. It can open your horizons by exposing you to a new outlook on life, like your minimalist nomadism. It's also true that some people you meet won't be interested in helping you grow intellectually or spiritually. Many aren't much more than leeches. I've had more of those experiences than I care to admit. I have a poor track record of being hurt by them," she sighed.

"You barely know me. Maybe I'm one of those leeches. I seem to find myself in situation after situation where the people I meet bring me into their world and have to pay my way for me to be there!"

"Have they all been that way?" Louise asked, and Kyle paused as his thoughts focused on his days with Phoebe when she saved him after his little self-destructive meltdown.

Then he recalled the days he spent with Charlize and Chloe. This brought a wistful smile to his face as these memories filled him with genuine warmth. He missed these wonderful women.

Louise was watching his expression, and a satisfied smile slid onto her features. "Your smile tells me you aren't a leech. You met some people and had a more balanced interaction with them."

The waiter arrived to interrupt them and took their order. Then they were alone again.

"Yes, but they weren't that much higher up the economic scale than I am. They allowed me to pay my fair share," he insisted.

"They shared their time with you, and as their lifestyle more closely aligned with yours, you were as comfortable as they were. It's natural to feel that way," she said, and Kyle nodded his agreement. "Then you have people like Helen, Fiona, and me. We come from higher income brackets, and we're accustomed to... more ease and luxury in our lives. We would be less comfortable outside this environment." She gave Kyle a questioning look, and he nodded as he could see this being true as well. "We find you as fascinating as we hope you find us, so we invite you into our environment. As the cost of this matters less to us, we get to remain comfortable in our luxuries, and we get to enjoy your company. Has anyone ever expressed an expectation of... physical compensation?" she asked curiously.

Kyle's face reddened. "No! Of course not! I wouldn't remain with them if they had."

"So, we're on the same page morally," she said, her satisfied smile firmly in place.

He thought about that as he examined his discomfort. He understood her point. He was being invited into her environment as she had no desire to leave it. It wasn't a place he could afford to be, so she covered his expenses.

Then he felt a twinge.

That's where his problem was.

"Maybe... maybe it's my work ethic that's causing my uneasiness? Being compensated for companionship that I'm willing to give for free feels wrong," he said hesitantly.

She smiled at him as she patted his hand. "You're in a catch twenty-two situation."

He sighed and nodded.

She gave him a critical look. "While I haven't yet resorted to this personally, many in my circumstance hire people to hover around them, handling every little detail in their lives. They provide services like security, beauty treatments, massages, financial advice, or just running errands. More often than not, these personal assistants are unofficial paid companions and untrained therapists sometimes. I know of three women whose lives would fall apart without their assistants. It's their example that keeps me from going down that path."

Kyle frowned as he understood. "When I gave myself over to Gwen's control, she ended up making every decision for me. I lost myself, and it wasn't until she left me that I realized how wrong that was. It was my fault for allowing it. Now, that version of me is gone. I'll never let myself become a passenger in my own life. That's no one's job but mine."

"Exactly so," she said with another satisfied smile.

He focused on her and saw she was watching him. He needed to get a better idea of what her expectations were. He belatedly realized he should have addressed this when she first offered to join him in Paris.

"I haven't really made any plan for what I'm going to do in Paris. I want to check on Fiona to make sure she's okay, but I don't even know if she'll have time for me," he said.

"You'll just have to remain flexible. I can't imagine Fiona wouldn't set aside some time for you as you mentioned you were close friends." As she said this, her smile remained innocent, but Kyle heard her emphasis and suspected Helen must have disclosed more than she should have.

"Helen is also expecting me to return on the thirtieth for her New Year's party," he said.

Louise nodded. "That gives you two full days in Paris. You'll visit Fiona tomorrow?" she asked, and he nodded. "Then you have two days to spend with Fiona before you fly back to London. While that's not enough time to truly experience Paris, you'll get a taste of it. Maybe enough to make you want to come back when the weather's better?"

Kyle nodded with a smile and raised an eyebrow. "Late spring?"

"Exactly so," she replied.

-=-

After they enjoyed their exquisitely prepared meal, Louise took Kyle to the Louvre, where they spent hours strolling through the galleries, taking in the masterpieces. Louise enjoyed herself immensely, explaining the history behind her favorite paintings as she led him on a circuitous route through the museum. Kyle knew he was getting a sampling of what this magnificent building had to offer. Along the way, he was getting a crash course in the economics of art as an investment. He found this history more interesting than most of the paintings.

They glanced out a window when they entered one of the outer galleries and saw how dark it was becoming outside. Louise glanced at her watch in surprise. "Oh! I hadn't realized how long we've been here! I hope I haven't bored you too much."

"Not at all! It's been fascinating!" Kyle insisted.

Louise grinned happily. "Shall we go for dinner?"

"I could eat," he agreed.

She chuckled as she led him towards the exit. She spoke quietly into her cell as they moved through the museum, then hung up with a small, pleased smile on her lips.

Kyle got their coats from the coat check and helped Louise on with hers. Once more wrapped in her faux fur, she led them outside and into a taxi, giving the driver an address. She snuggled up against Kyle's side as the air outside had become quite chilly. He just wrapped an arm around her and held her close. She rested a gloved hand on Kyle's leg with another pleased smile on her lips.

When the taxi stopped, she seemed reluctant to move away from his side. This allowed Kyle to pay for their ride to dinner. She grinned, then accepted his help exiting the vehicle.

They went inside and took the elevator up to the restaurant. An owner once more made an appearance to press cheeks with Louise at the maître d' station. He gave Kyle a polite smile. He wished them a lovely evening.

They were led to a lovely table next to the window where they had an amazing view of Paris laid out before them with the Eiffel Tower front and center. Its festive lights were glowing, and the scene took Kyle's breath away.

"It's beautiful," he sighed. His mind flashed to a time not so long ago when he'd planned to share views like this with Gwen for her enjoyment. His smile dimmed, and he realized he'd just have to enjoy them for himself... for now. Louise was familiar with such glorious sites as she owned homes in some of the most scenic places.

He looked her way and saw she was watching him. "What?"

"I was just wondering what might be going on in that mind of yours. You seemed a little sad," she said curiously.

He shook his head self-consciously and forced a smile back onto his lips. "Just admiring the scenery. That's the point of this restaurant, yes?"

"There's the food as well," she responded with a teasing smile.

They picked up their menus, and Kyle realized he wasn't really hungry. The waiter arrived, so he chose a pasta dish he'd spotted another guest enjoying. It looked like it was the size of a small apple, artistically surrounded by streaks of sauce and a few garnishes. Appeasing hunger wasn't the point of a restaurant like this; savoring unique flavors was.

Kyle asked Louise what it was like to live in the countries she owned homes in, and she happily explained. Then it was her turn, and she asked him about Vancouver and his hobbies, especially cycling. By the end of the meal, she had him describing the tour he'd done in France. Kyle refrained from divulging the more intimate details, but her eyes were twinkling with delight as they finished their desserts.

She paid the hefty bill for their light dinners, and they took the elevator back to the ground level to catch a taxi back to her apartment.

Kyle wasn't terribly surprised to see the dust covers removed from the furniture, and it looked ready for use again. He smiled at Louise with a raised eyebrow, and she did her best to ignore it, though her cheeks pinked up nicely.

Once they'd removed their coats and walked into her living room, Kyle took in the feminine décor and smiled at his host. "Your home is lovely."

"Thank you," she said with a nervous smile. "W-would you care for a drink?"

He caught her sudden tension and looked at her closely. He was fairly certain what she was after, and he realized he wasn't opposed to the idea as he liked her.

"Do you have scotch?" he asked.

She smiled and walked to a small antique service table with many bottles on it. She poured him a drink and pulled a bottle of wine from a chiller someone had prepared for her when they removed the furniture covers. He was impressed with the service they provided for her.

Louise walked back to him and handed him the tumbler as she looked up into his eyes.

Kyle smiled and took a sip. Thankfully, a small one.

After the exquisite examples he'd been having recently, the harsh bite caught him by surprise. He barely suppressed a cough.

His host caught his momentary twitch and looked at him. "Is it bad? I don't drink scotch, and this was my husband's favorite kind," she asked with concern.

He grinned. "Well, in contrast with what Reginald drinks, it's not as smooth. I think I've become spoiled."

Her look of embarrassment increased, so he held up his hand. "It's fine. I'm not that thirsty." He walked back over to the cart and set his glass down. Then he returned to her side. She took a sip of her wine as her eyes went to his mouth.

"It seems you, Helen, and Francis had quite a friendly chat while I was occupied with your brother and his friends," he said with a slight smile.

He caught a brief widening of her eyes, and she almost hid the flash of excitement. "It was so much fun to catch up with Francis, and Helen is quite the storyteller."

"Would I know any of these tales she shared?" he asked, taking Louise's free hand in his and gently massaging it with his fingers.

Her eyes locked onto their hands and her wine glass wobbled slightly, so she set it down. "You might. She quite enjoyed her cycling vacation in France. After the ordeal her ex-husband put her through, it was just what she needed."

Kyle smiled and nodded. "She was there for me after my ordeal as well. Well, her and Skye."

"So, it's true!" Louise gasped quietly as she gazed into his eyes.

He looked back in question. "Yes, they were both superb listeners and offered me excellent advice."

Louise's face flushed with embarrassment, and Kyle quickly clued in. "Ah, yes. You meant the other way they helped."

She burst into nervous giggles as her eyes flicked up to his.

"Could it be that you had less than innocent intentions for inviting me here?" he asked as he took her other hand in his and pulled her closer.

"I-I... perhaps?" she sighed.

Kyle dipped his face down to hers and kissed her trembling lips. Her breath gasped out, then she was kissing him in return as her arms went around him.

When his hands touched her back, she moaned into their kiss, and her tongue became demanding. He pulled back slightly to slow her down, and she trembled once more.

Her eyes searched his, and when she saw the heat in his gaze, the worry disappeared in hers. She rested her forehead against his. "It-it's been some time since I've been intimate."

"That's a damn shame." He slid his hands down to squeeze her ass, and she gasped as her eyes widened. He growled deep in his chest. "You're too sexy to keep all this to yourself."

Before she could respond, he kissed her passionately, and she melted in his arms. She was thrilled by his rough need and dominance.

He got the impression that she was enjoying the fantasy of being the Lady to his Tramp. Truthfully, he couldn't see her in any other role. His belief was she'd had a very privileged and gentle life. Yes, she'd had to deal with the death of her husband and the struggles that caused between her and her son, but she was strong enough to work that out.

On the other hand, Kyle had come from much humbler beginnings and had undergone culture lessons from Gwen to help him fit into this world. It was much easier for him to revert to a rougher persona as he'd lived it, and Louise seemed to know this and craved it.

Kyle suddenly unzipped her dress and let it fall to her feet. He then hoisted her over his shoulder and headed toward the bedroom. He heard her squeak and gasp excitedly, but he didn't stop until he was next to her overstuffed mattress. He yanked the comforter down and took a second to stare at how fluffy the bed was. It was a freaking cloud!

He didn't throw her down on the bed, though the mattress looked like that would cause her no damage at all. Instead, he launched her off his shoulder but guided her down. She still gasped in surprise as it felt like being thrown. Before she could recover, his hands were sliding up the outer surfaces of her legs and quickly sliding her panties down. She watched him in surprise, then excitement as he lifted her ankles and began to alternate kisses up the inside of both legs.

Louise whimpered with anticipation. Kyle realized she might not have ever experienced what he was about to do for her.

When he reached the apex of his kissing path, her cries confirmed this was a novel experience for her, and she found it very agreeable. Her hands tangling in his hair, pulling his mouth firmly against her pussy, was another clue.

"KYLE! YES! Oh my GOD! Yes! Please... please... do that! So good!" she pleaded as her body rocked through her pleasure.

When he introduced two fingers into her channel to stroke and rub as his tongue danced across her lower lips and her clit, her cries became incoherent but no less passionate.

Louise's first release was powerful and sudden, accompanied by a whole-body stiffening and trembles. Her voice went quiet as she sucked in sharp gasps. Kyle was a little concerned she might begin hyperventilating, but she let out a long sigh as she crested. He eased himself back and looked up at her flushed face.

Her eyes were closed, and she was breathing hard, so he eased himself off the bed and quickly freshened up for her in the washroom, stripping his clothes off. When he entered the bedroom once more, her breathing was slower, and her eyes were open. She rolled her head to watch him approach, and her eyes widened in appreciation.

"Mmm! Don't you look delicious!" she purred.

"I hope you think so," he said, continuing his dominance game with her.

He slid a hand under her back and snapped the clasp of her bra loose with practiced ease. Her eyes widened as his hands went to her shoulders. She let him tug the lacey lingerie down her arms, and her large breasts were now on display. He took them in his hands and squeezed them, gently pulling on her nipples.

"Ahhh! Kyle!" she gasped, then he dipped down to take her mouth with his once more.

"Mmmmph! Mmmmm!" she moaned into his mouth as he continued to knead her soft, natural breasts with his fingers.

He pulled back from the kiss as he knelt and threw a leg over Louise's chest. He leaned over her, and she saw his cock bobbing before her face. Her eyes lifted to his, and she saw he was watching her hungrily. A tremor ran through her body, and she lifted her head slightly to stroke her tongue along the underside of his hot cock. Kyle hissed with pleasure, and she licked at him more aggressively. She brought a hand in under him and pulled his stiff member down to take the head into her mouth.

Kyle moved his hands to the bed's headboard and leaned over her body, relieving some of the pressure on his erection. Then his hips moved, and he slid the first three inches of his cock into Louise's mouth.

"Mmmph!" she squeaked, gripping his thighs, but he'd already stopped. He pulled back and thrust forward again, once more stopping at three inches. He began to slowly fuck her mouth like this, and her eyes rolled up at the hedonistic sensation of giving in to his control. When he saw she was comfortable again, he dipped forward a little more, giving her four inches on each thrust.

She squeaked again, grabbing the rock-hard muscles of his thighs to stop him, but she realized he was so much stronger than her. If he wanted, he could take what he wanted. Her eyes fluttered closed as her pussy tingled madly. She'd never been so turned on.

When he suddenly slid five inches into her mouth, she almost choked as it came as a surprise and almost hit the back of her throat.

He pulled his cock from her mouth and slid his hands under her back to pull her up the mattress. Then he was lifting her legs as he moved between them.

She jolted as the hot tip of his cock slapped against her wet opening. Then he was forcing himself into her, slowly.

"OH! OH! Oh, Kyle! Yes!" she cried.

He had to reverse out and thrust forward several times before she could accommodate his girth and length. When his pelvis came to rest on hers, she was moaning and clinging to him. He couldn't get over how snug a fit he was.

Kyle watched her face, and when she seemed to come down from the initial rush, he set up a slow pattern of thrusts. He took his time and ensured he gave her a minor bump and grind at the end of each thrust. Each time, she would gasp and cling to him tighter. Her eyes were becoming glassy as she rushed up to her next orgasm.

Finally, Kyle began to long-stroke Louise faster and faster, continuing the bump and grind.

"AAAAHHHH! YYYEEESSSS!!!! OOOHHHH!" the woman wailed as he pushed her over the top once more. It took him another dozen strokes to reach his peak. He held himself deep inside and fired streams of hot cum into her as she squeezed him tight against her breasts.

"Yes! Oh, Kyle! So good!" she purred, then he stroked his lips across hers, and she trembled violently as another crest struck, surprising her.

They were both left panting, and when they looked into each other's eyes, they couldn't help but grin and chuckle.

Kyle finally lifted himself and laid down beside her.

"This is a remarkably soft bed. Or is it a cloud?" he asked.

She snorted and glanced over at him. "For years, I suffered on the extra-firm mattress my husband preferred. Once he was gone, the first thing I did was replace it with the softest mattress I could find. I'm in no hurry to sleep on a slab of marble," she insisted, drawing more chuckles from Kyle.

He could only nod as he agreed there was still much to enjoy in life, as tonight had proven to them both.

Chapter 9

Louise couldn't keep a smile off her lips the following morning. Kyle caught her looking at him from time to time as they enjoyed a simple breakfast Kyle prepared for them with the fresh ingredients he found in the fridge.

He realized the building manager had pulled off a minor miracle with reopening her apartment for her so quickly.

"Okay, tell me what the smile is for," he finally sighed.

"Am I smiling?" she asked, her coy smile partially hidden behind her teacup.

He nodded. "And you're peeking at me when you think I'm not looking."

"My, aren't we full of ourselves this morning!" she retorted playfully.

He smiled and fixed an eye on her.

She pouted, then burst into a grin. "All right! I admit I'm happy! I had a truly delightful time yesterday. Last night was magical! I'm still tingling!"

He chuckled and gave her hand a squeeze. "I really enjoyed yesterday and last night, too."

"Your fiancé was an utter fool for dumping you!" Louise sighed.

"I believe she said something similar, but by then, it was too late," Kyle mentioned with a small shrug. "I consider myself to be a work in progress. She taught me some useful things, but as a person, I need to be better."

Louise looked at him in surprise, but he just waved a hand to dismiss it as he released her hand and leaned back in his chair. "It's just something I'm working on. Are you going to be heading off to the Seychelles today?" he said, directing the conversation to a more comfortable topic.

"What-oh! Yes, I suppose I will. I'd really like to spend more time with you, but you're going to be rather occupied in the next couple of days," Louise said with a little pout.

"Yes, I'll visit Fiona, but I don't know how long a visit that'll be. Then there's Helen's New Year's party."

Louise's eyes lit up. "What plans do you have for after that?"

He smiled at her as he shook his head. "That's the extent of my planning for the visit. Helen is starting a new job, and Skye is going back to school, so..." He frowned. "I didn't really plan anything beyond visiting Helen. I see now I should have."

Louise grinned and leaned forward to take his hand in hers once more. "Join me on my vacation! It would be so much more fun sharing it with you! I have a lovely cottage all to myself. Please say you'll come!"

Kyle looked at her in surprise. "The Seychelles? That's going to be an expensive--"

"No! We talked about this! The money isn't important. Enjoying life is! It would be so incredible to enjoy this year's visit with you!" she insisted.

Kyle was caught flat-footed as he really didn't have any pressing timelines after the New Year's party. He also had no true reason for not accepting her offer. He enjoyed spending time with her. She was articulate and interesting and had a genuine joy for life. They got along really well, and the Seychelles sounded like as good a place to visit as anywhere. Recalling how cold Montreal was, he wasn't in a hurry to return just yet.

"I-I guess I could," he said hesitantly.

She restrained her exclamation of joy as she looked him in the eye. "You're still having misgivings about being invited into my world?"

He sighed and nodded. "I guess I'm still uncomfortable about being supported financially like this--Yes! I get your point," he quickly added, stopping her from repeating her argument. He looked into her hopeful eyes and sighed. "Sure, I'd love to join you."

Now Louise allowed herself a squeal of happiness and hurried to sit on his lap.

He chuckled until her mouth found his, and they enjoyed another sensual kiss.

When she pulled back, her eyes were sparkling. "This year's trip is going to be so much better than any of the others!"

He smiled at her joyful expression. "There is still the question of logistics. How do I follow you there and find you at the... resort?"

"When will you be able to leave?" she asked quickly.

Kyle checked his cell's calendar app. "Umm, I assume I'll be done my visit with Helen on New Year's Day, and they'll be going back to their lives the next day."

"I'll book you a flight ticket from Heathrow to Mahé now. You just go to the British Airways counter at the airport and show them your passport. They'll give you the ticket. I'll have you picked up at the airport and driven to the resort. The front desk people will direct you to the room."

She stood, then rushed to get her tablet to book the ticket before he changed his mind. Kyle got up and collected his passport for her. While she bought his ticket, he cleaned up their breakfast dishes.

When she returned to the kitchen with a wide smile on her face, he knew she'd been successful. She handed his passport back, then gave him a hug.

"I'm so looking forward to enjoying the frozen drinks by the pool with you. I won't be harassed by the resort Lotharios this year," she sighed happily.

He chuckled. "I'll be seducing you instead."

She turned her face up to him with a brilliant smile on her face. "That sounds wonderful!"

He gave her a kiss, then she pulled back with a sigh. "I need to get moving if I'm going to catch my flight."

Kyle frowned suddenly, and she looked at him curiously. "I don't have a swimsuit with me. The one I own is packed in my motorcycle's saddlebag in a Montreal storage locker."

"I'll pick one out for you at the resort," Louise purred.

He smiled and shook his head as he suspected what he might choose. He didn't have any choice at this point unless he could find one today before he saw Fiona.

Louise handed Kyle a slip of paper.

"What's this?" he asked.

"It's the address of the hotel Fiona is managing. Just hand that to the taxi driver," she explained.

"Ah, perfect! Thanks!" he said with a smile.

They shared the shower, which was a unique experience for Louise, but they refrained from playing too much as they didn't have time.

They dressed, and Kyle ensured he had everything packed away and his passport was secured in his jacket pocket once more.

They left the apartment after Louise made a few calls. Kyle realized she was speaking to the building manager to arrange for the apartment to be closed once more.

Out in front of the building, two cabs were waiting for them. With a quick kiss and a wide, excited smile, Louise waved at Kyle, then hopped into the back of the first taxi, and it drove away.

He climbed into the back of the second one and handed the driver the slip of paper. The man nodded and got them underway. Kyle enjoyed the scenery on the way to the hotel, but the trip was pretty short. He gave the man a good tip and climbed out in front of a very posh hotel. It seemed to blend the luxury of classic Parisienne architecture with a modern accent. Not exactly his taste, but what did he know about French Style?

Kyle stepped into an artistically appointed lobby and looked for the reception counter. Wandering to the left, he finally caught sight of the desk. He walked up to it, and a lovely woman with long black hair pulled back into a ponytail was standing behind the counter. She had a warm complexion, high cheekbones, and almond-shaped eyes, giving her a delightfully exotic appearance. She greeted him in French. He was still rusty, but he made an attempt.

"Bonjour! Uh, puis-je... um... parler avec le directeur?"

"Is there a problem, sir? Maybe I could assist you with it?" the woman said in flawless English, but with her delightful French accent.

"Ah, no, thank you. There's no problem at all. I'm a friend of Fiona's. I'm Kyle MacDenny... from Canada. I was hoping she might be available so I could say hello."

The woman looked uncomfortable about something, and a slim, balding, and pale man stepped out of an office behind the desk to look her way. Cold green eyes scanned Kyle and found him lacking. The desk clerk turned to the man as he approached, and she spoke softly to him.

Then it was the Pale Eye's turn to address Kyle.

"I'm afraid the Directeur is very busy today and does not have time for... social visits. Perhaps if you had called ahead to arrange a meeting, something might have been arranged," he said with only the slightest hint of condescension in his voice as his eyes took in Kyle's leather jacket and jeans.

Kyle set his jaw. He didn't like Mr. Pompous, but he could deal with his type.

"I see, and you're her personal secretary?" he innocently asked the man who Kyle assumed was the assistant manager. He saw the man's nostrils flare with hostility, but his eyes remained cold.

"I am Loïs De La Fontaine. I am the Assistant Manager for this establishment," he asserted.

"Ah, you're Fiona's assistant then," Kyle helpfully clarified with a wide smile.

Loïs sputtered indignantly as he gaped at Kyle.

"Lois, I'm pretty sure Fiona would be very upset if she didn't at least get to say hello to a friend who traveled all the way to Paris, France, to see how she's doing. I get that she's a busy lady, and I won't take her entire day, but I think you should assist her by letting her know I'm here," Kyle said in his most reasonable tone.

"I-I don't have to take orders from you--" Loïs snapped loudly as his pale face flushed red, his temper exploding.

A door opened behind the man, and Kyle looked past the skinny man's tirade to lock onto lovely blue eyes, which were wide with shock. Her white-blonde hair flowed down to her shoulders, and Kyle's fingers ached to slide into the silky mass.

"You do take them from her, though, right?" Kyle interrupted him to say, never looking away from Fiona.

"Kyle?" she gasped.

"Hi, beautiful! I was in the neighborhood...."

Then she was rushing past Loïs and the clerk to leap into Kyle's arms. He caught her easily and held her tight as she kissed him passionately, her legs wrapped around his hips.

Kyle heard the clerk gasp excitedly, and another indignant sputter was ejected from Loïs.

"Ms. Hollings! This behavior is not--"

"Unexpected, as we haven't seen each other for a long time," Kyle interrupted him again, after pulling back from the kiss. He looked at Fiona. "Is there somewhere private we could go to catch up?"

She seemed to come back to herself and nodded as she lowered her legs to the ground. He held her until she appeared stable on her feet. "Yes, come with me." She looked back at the desk and locked eyes with her assistant manager. "I'm not to be disturbed while I speak with Kyle."

"Your parents--" Loïs began angrily.

"Not even by them. If I hear you went behind my back once more to complain to them, you will find yourself no longer employed by this establishment. Do I make myself clear?" Fiona snapped as she scowled at the little man.

Loïs looked like he had a mouthful of shit and was being told to pretend it was delicious.

Fiona took Kyle's hand and marched him to the elevators as he carried his duffle in his other hand. She took him up one floor and pulled him down the hall to the last door. She opened it and pulled him inside. Pushing him back against the closing door, she pressed her body against his and pulled his face down to hers to kiss him. Kyle dropped his duffle on the floor and pulled her against him. She moaned into the kiss.

When she finally came up for air, she looked into his eyes with concern. "Why didn't you respond to my emails? Were you mad at me for not rejecting Monique back then?"

Kyle's eyebrows went up. "I'm not mad at you for anything. I didn't get any emails from you. I sent you some, but I never got a response. Did you get them?"

She looked at him in confusion. "I didn't." She scowled. "I don't understand. What could be stopping our messages from getting through--" Her expression froze.

Kyle watched emotions race across her face and settle on rage.

"Those BASTARDS!" she screamed, then burst into tears.

Kyle pulled her into a hug, and she clung to him desperately as the tears flowed. She was gasping for breath as her body shook. He looked at the room they'd come to and saw it was the living room of a small apartment. He saw photos here and there of her friends back in California and even one of himself, so he assumed this was where she lived.

When her tremors calmed, he guided her over to the couch, and they sat. He took her hands between his and looked into her teary eyes. "What happened?" he asked gently.

"M-my parents... they d-disapproved of my f-friends. They wanted me to c-concentrate on the new hotel. They m-must have hijacked my account." She took some deep breaths, and Kyle could see her getting control back once more. "My cell went missing a week after I arrived in Paris. They purchased a new one for me as I was so busy. I had to remember my contact details, and I never got responses to messages I sent when I had time to send them. Why didn't I see their hand in this? They probably stole my old cell."

"I'm sorry you became so isolated. It certainly wasn't my intent. I made some assumptions of my own when you failed to respond to my messages. I mean, I knew you'd be busy with the hotel, but when I got nothing back, I thought maybe you were resentful of how I acted about Monique and chose her side. I wasn't mad at you, just sad."

"NO! I never felt that way about you! I'm so sorry--"

Kyle smiled and cupped her cheek with his palm. "Shhh, it's not your fault, and I feel so much better seeing you."

She jumped on him again, and her soft lips were pressed against his as her tongue slipped into his mouth. He returned her kiss but gasped when she accidentally squeezed his sore ribs.

Fiona pulled back and looked down in concern. Then her eyes finally recognized the discoloration on his chin and cheek. "You're hurt? Oh my god! I'm so sorry!" She frantically sat up and helped him up as well.

He shook his head. "It's not too bad now. My ribs are still a little tender." Seeing her eyes widen, he sighed. "I was visiting Helen and Skye in England. We were hanging out with some friends of theirs, and a group of thugs attacked us. I dealt with them, but I took some hits too."

"Right! You said you'd be visiting them for Christmas. I spent mine with my parents. It was so dull!" Fiona pouted. "I miss my friends." Her expression clouded with anger once more, and it looked like she might flare up again.

"Hey. Now that you know they might be interfering, you can take steps to fix that. The first one is to get yourself a new cellphone and a new email account. Don't use the hotel's WiFi until you can prove the hotel isn't interfering with email sent to your friends. I'm not sure how that works, but until you can prove otherwise, I wouldn't trust anything they have control over."

Fiona took a deep breath and noticed Kyle's eyes automatically dipping to appreciate how her ample bosom rose and strained her blouse with her inhalation. Her sexy smile came back with a vengeance. "God, I missed you!"

He smiled guiltily at her catching his stare. "I've missed you, too."

Fiona ran a finger along the tight fabric of his jeans and looked at Kyle through her lashes. "You aren't too bruised for a more intimate reunion, are you?"

"Point me to your bedroom," Kyle said with a grin.

Fiona hopped to her feet and tugged Kyle's hand to draw him down a short hallway to a small bedroom that contained a wardrobe, a bureau with a mirror, one bedside table, and a double bed. Very practical, but it would do.

They stripped out of their clothes in seconds, eager to touch each other. Fiona guided Kyle to lie down on the bed and carefully stretched herself out over his naked body.

"I'm not pressing on any sore spots, am I?" she asked breathily as she thrilled to the feel of his hard muscles under her softness.

Kyle's eyes were almost rolling back as she felt so damn good. "No, it's all so very perfect!"

She grinned happily, then gasped as his powerful hands took a grip on her body. His right was on her ass, pulling her tighter against his thickening cock as his left hand slipped into her hair, guiding her mouth to his. She whimpered with joy as her body woke up to the sexy tingles she hadn't experienced since she'd last been with him.

The kiss was deep and hot as she couldn't get enough. When his fingers stroked across her wet pussy, she pulled back from the kiss to gasp aloud. "FUCK, YESSS!"

Kyle nudged her legs apart with his, then his stiff cock slapped up against her wet lips.

"AAAAHHHH!!! FUCK ME!" she cried.

He adjusted the angle of his hips and used his fingers to guide the head into her pussy. Then he pushed himself into her eager depths.

"OH! OH GOD! YES! DEEPER! SO FUCKING GOOD!" she wailed as she threw her head back in ecstasy.

Kyle suppressed his chuckles as he picked up the pace of his thrusts. Fiona was just as vocal as she'd been back in California. He wondered how soundproof her apartment was, but he wouldn't try to quiet her enjoyment. He squeezed her ass cheeks in both hands as he slammed his cock deep inside her hot pussy. He could feel her juices running down his balls. He began a rhythm of stroking in and out, which she quickly tried to speed up.

"KYLE! KYLE! SO GOOD! GRAB MY ASS! FUCK! I'M GONNA COME!" she cried out, and he looked at her in surprise. That was far faster than he expected. He was maybe halfway to his own release.

Well, it couldn't be helped. He sped up his thrusts, slapping her pussy with his body.

"FFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKK!!!!!" she screamed as her orgasm struck. Her entire body vibrated with the shock waves coursing through her as she clung to him.

Kyle felt her internal muscles sucking at his hard cock as he held himself still, deep inside her.

After a few minutes, Kyle eased himself out and gently rolled to let Fiona sag to the mattress, where she lay panting.

"Oh my god, Kyle... that was... so good!" she sighed. "Now... I need you... in my ass."

He looked into her eyes, which were rolling a little, but he wouldn't refuse her when she smiled so sweetly at him.

Kyle moved to lift Fiona to the middle of the bed, then spread her legs once more as she gasped and moaned.

He positioned himself over her and guided his slick cock to her puckered rosebud. She whimpered softly as he pressed the thick head of his cock against the opening.

"Relax for me, Fiona," he whispered, and she sighed.

He felt her resistance ease, and the head squeezed into her hot ass. She squeaked, and he felt her squeezing him tight. He held still as he whispered soothingly to her.

Soon he felt the grip ease, and another inch slid inside, followed by a second. He paused to allow her to get used to the sensations.

"Oh Kyle, that's so good," she sighed as her hand slipped under her body. "More."

He pulled out an inch, then thrust forward for three.

"UUUHHHHNN... more."

Kyle drew himself out four inches and immediately pushed in until his body came to rest on her ass.

"FFFFAAAAAAHHHH! MY ASS! FUCK YOUR COCK IS SO FAT IN MY ASS!" she screamed as she thrust back.

He couldn't help but release a snort of amusement at how quickly she returned to her vocal outbursts.

Kyle set up a pattern of long strokes pounding her against the bed and reveled at how silky soft, and hot her ass felt around his cock.

"AAAAHHHH! AHHHHH! FFFUUCCKKK! YES! FUCK MY ASS! I LOVE YOUR FUCKING COCK IN MY ASS!"

He was quickly getting closer to his orgasm, and his thrusts got faster and harder.

"UUUUUHHHHHH! UUUUHHH! FFFUCK! COMING! AAAAIIIEEEEEE!!!!"

Her ass squeezed his cock like a hot fist, and that was too much for him. Thick ropes of cum fired deep inside her again and again. He ground his body against her ass as her screams became silent.

Finally, he sagged over her curvy body and felt himself slowly shrinking inside her. He pulled himself free, and Fiona gasped once more.

They lay beside each other, gasping for breath as their heart rates returned to normal.

Fiona watched Kyle with a blissful smile on her face. "Now THAT was a reunion!"

Kyle chuckled as he enjoyed the happiness in her blue eyes. "Hello, beautiful!"

Her smile widened. "I'm so grateful you came to visit me. Especially after it seemed like I'd abandoned you."

"It just seemed so out of character I had to see for myself. That said, I didn't know it was so simple to get from London to Paris. It was Helen's friends who convinced me I could just pop over and visit you. The distances between countries here are so small compared to home. It was her new friend, Louise Cantington's, idea that I should just show up on your doorstep without calling first."

"Then I am eternally grateful to them, and especially Louise!" Fiona said. "Now that I know I've been blocked, I'm going to make an effort to reconnect with all of my friends back home," Fiona said in a determined tone.

He nodded. "I'll let them know what happened and to expect you to reach out to them." He grinned. "I promised I'd ride my motorcycle back to Santa Barbara next summer to visit Phoebe, Charlize, and Chloe again. Hopefully, I can avoid bumping into Monique."

Fiona gave him a compassionate look. "You won't need to worry about that. She moved to Hollywood."

Kyle paused, then nodded to himself. "Yes, that's a natural location for her. Thanks for letting me know. Now I'm looking forward to the visit even more."

"How long are you able to stay in Paris?" Fiona asked hesitantly.

He gave her a sad look. "I need to head back to London the day after tomorrow. I told Helen I'd attend her New Year's celebration with her. Her ex-husband will be there with his new younger wife."

Fiona nodded. "Yes, you definitely have to be there for her." She smiled wistfully. "That means I get you for today and tomorrow, right?"

Kyle smiled and nodded to her. "Unless you're too busy. Lois informed me that the directeur is too busy for social visits," he said with a grin.

"That slimy prick! My patents insisted I hire him. I'm certain he's been spying on me for them. He may have been the one who stole my phone!" she gasped as the thought occurred to her.

"It's possible. Do you have proof?" Kyle asked.

She frowned. "No."

"If you don't trust him, find a way to fire him with justification. You don't want this backfiring on you," Kyle suggested. Fiona nodded, then she shook her head and smiled at him. "I don't want to waste any of my Kyle-time thinking about that weasel. Let's get cleaned up, and I'll take you out."

Kyle nodded. "Sounds like a plan."

They crawled out of bed, and he helped her to the washroom as her legs were just a little wobbly. After she's done her business, he rejoined her, and they stepped into the small shower stall.

"This seems like a step down from your usual accommodations," Kyle said, glancing around.

She shrugged. "It's Paris. Most of Europe has space issues. Real estate is stupidly expensive here."

Kyle pretended to be cramped by the small shower stall and made adjustments to fit.

"I'm just going to turn and squeeze myself in a bit--no, that's the wrong way." He brushed against her nipples, and she gasped. "Maybe if I moved lower?" He crouched and brushed his lips by her tits, kissing them, her belly, then his tongue dipped into her belly button playfully. Fiona squeaked and giggled. Then she gasped loudly as Kyle's mouth found her pussy, and his strong hands cupped her ass.

She grabbed his head and moaned loudly as he caressed and sucked on her sensitive flesh. His tongue danced across her clit, and her cries got louder but less articulate.

"FFFFUUUHHHHH! UHHHHHHNNN... MMMYYYYYGGGODDDD!"

Kyle kneaded her ass in his hands as he brought Fiona to a powerful crest.

"AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!! FFUUCCKK! COMMMMING!"

As she blinked and floated along on a cloud of sparks, she returned to the present and wrapped in Kyle's muscular arms, her face tucked in against his neck as the hot water poured over her back, relaxing her trembling muscles. She felt completely at peace.

"Thank you, Kyle."

"You're welcome?" he replied softly, with a smile in his voice.

"For accepting me back into your life so quickly," she explained.

He cupped her face in his hands and tilted her back so she was looking into his eyes. "Silly girl. You never left my life, and we'll always be the best of friends."

"With benefits," she said cheekily.

He chuckled. "With excellent benefits."

They grinned at each other and washed themselves, refraining from the temptation of playing.

Once they were dressed again, she let Kyle know his bag would be safe in her room as she'd added an old school deadbolt lock to her room's door, and no one else had a key.

Kyle gazed at the tough-looking metal lock on the modern hotel door with its electronic card lock and turned to face Fiona.

"So, you already felt insecure enough to augment the existing security," he said.

She nodded. "As I said, I don't trust Loïs. I needed a secure sanctuary away from him and my parents."

"Let's go get you a new cell phone. I'll help you set up a new email account, and we'll start reconnecting you with your friends," Kyle said, and she nodded with a smile.

She locked up, and they headed back downstairs to the lobby. The young woman was behind the desk and came to attention and looked at Fiona nervously.

"Gabrielle, we are stepping out for the rest of the afternoon. Before we go, I'd like to introduce you to my excellent friend Kyle MacDenny. He'll be staying with me until the day after tomorrow. During his stay, please treat him like one of our most special guests," Fiona said while beaming a smile at the woman.

The clerk blinked at Fiona in surprise, then quickly nodded. "Oui, Madam! Will Monsieur MacDenny require a room?"

Fiona smiled like the cat that got the cream. "No, he'll be staying with me."

"Ah! Welcome, Monsieur MacDenny," the woman said to him as she barely kept a knowing smile from her lips. He could see it in her eyes, though.

"Kyle is fine."

"Perhaps better than fine?" Gabrielle suggested coyly, and Fiona burst into happy giggles as she nodded to the clerk.

The blonde turned toward the front door, and Gabrielle caught Kyle's eye.

"Thank you," she mouthed silently to him.

He smiled and nodded before following Fiona. He wondered what her gratitude was for. He thought about what he'd seen of her. She'd been nervous with Fiona before their little conversation, but she seemed far more comfortable after. Maybe Fiona had been taking her stress out on the staff? It seemed like a pretty nasty environment for Fiona, with her parents doing their best to control their daughter beyond reasonable levels. Their spy was a major source of grief as well. He hoped she'd be able to get rid of Lois.

Fiona flagged a cab, and they headed over to one of the shopping districts, where they found a major telecom shop. A short time later, they walked out with a sleek new cell with an excellent call and data plan. Kyle entered her new number into his cell, and they found a nice café to sit, talk, and work. Fiona set up her new email account with Google's free email service, and Kyle got her account configured and the app installed on her phone. They spent the next two hours setting up her contacts on the new phone, and Kyle sent each of their shared friends a text to let them know he was in Paris, Fiona's old accounts had been tampered with, her messages blocked, and they should expect a contact request from her new account and number.

As they finished up their drinks, they were both surprised to receive a text response from Charlize.

"Isn't it..." Kyle did some time zone math in his head. "eight in the morning in Santa Barbara?" Kyle said to Fiona, who nodded.

Kyle read his copy of the text aloud. "Knew my friend wouldn't intentionally ghost us! Welcome back, Fiona! Looking forward to reading all the juicy details of Kyle's visit, you lucky bitch! We love you!"

Fiona's eyes were glassy as she read the message again. She responded with hearts, hugs, and kisses emojis, then looked at Kyle, and her bottom lip was trembling. "I miss them so much!"

Kyle smiled compassionately at her. He knew what he wanted to say to her, but she had to reach the lifestyle priority epiphany on her own. "They miss you, too."

When they got to Monique's contact details, Kyle shook his head. "I'm sorry. I won't be sending her a message. The last thing I want is to be harassed by her in text and email. Maybe you could ask one of the others to contact her for you."

"The only one who keeps in touch with her is Marion as the others chose your side and demanded Monique apologize, which she refused to do. The night I left for Paris, they told her they were done with her until she did the right thing. Marion sided with her, of course. I have no desire to bring Marion back into my life. Too many negative experiences," Fiona sighed. She suddenly looked at Kyle as she realized he felt the same way about Monique. "I-I didn't take sides as didn't want to lose my friends, but--"

"It's okay, Fiona. I'm not hurt or angry by your decision. I know you and Monique go way back. You're friends, and sometimes you give friends a little leeway for... the shit they do. Monique isn't my friend, so I choose to avoid her, but I never expected you to abandon her."

"Thank you, Kyle."

He held her hand and smiled at her. She glanced at the time.

"Are you hungry? I know of a great steakhouse. Casual atmosphere and good food," Fiona suggested.

"You had me at steak," he said with a grin.

They caught another cab and just squeezed in the restaurant's front door before a group of four and got the last table.

The meal was excellent comfort food for Kyle, and Fiona enjoyed his happiness.

A question was buzzing around in the back of his mind. "You don't need to answer this, but do you have anyone on the hotel staff you feel comfortable talking to on a peer level?"

She blinked in surprise at the question, but she thought about it. "No, not really."

"What about that clerk, Gabrielle?"

Fiona smiled and shook her head. "She's new. Been with us for about two months. We've had some significant turnover since we opened."

"She seemed intimidated by you," Kyle suggested.

She looked at him in surprise. "Really?"

"I know you've been under a lot of pressure, and feeling isolated probably didn't help. Maybe you've been less than your usual ray of sunshine at work?" Kyle asked.

She sighed. "That's very likely. I can see where this is leading, and it's true. I have been short-tempered with them."

"Now that you are taking control back, I think you can show some of them the real you. They'll love you for it," Kyle suggested.

"Not Loïs," she said with a smirk.

Kyle grinned. "Right. Not Lois."

She raised an eyebrow at him. "You know, it's pronounced low-ees. It's a man's name here."

"Oh, I know," Kyle replied with an innocent look.

"So, you don't like him either."

"Can't say that I do." Kyle stretched and rested back in his chair.

Fiona studied him. "Are you in pain from your injuries?"

Kyle grimaced as he gently pressed on his tender ribs. "It isn't too bad. I'm aware of the sore spots, but they're gradually healing, so I can put that aside." He sighed. "What's really bothering me is how absolutely sedentary I've been recently. I have to get back into a daily workout routine."

Fiona snorted as she gaped at Kyle. He frowned. "What? It's true!"

"I saw you naked just a few hours ago, and I can honestly say I saw nothing that looked flabby or out of shape! I'm a marshmallow in comparison!"

"Mmmm, but your soft bits are spectacular!" Kyle growled sexily.

Fiona bit her lip as a tingle ran through her. "Stop changing the subject," she scolded softly.

He shrugged. "Well... thank you for the compliment, but those muscles you ogled feel weaker to me. Does your hotel have a gym? If so, could I use it tomorrow morning?"

"We have a very extensive gym in the basement, and of course, you may use it!" she insisted.

"Thank you." He flagged the waiter down and asked for the check.

He paid the bill, much to Fiona's annoyance, then they made their way back to the hotel.

Fiona introduced him to a thick-bodied man named Richard, the night manager who also worked the reception desk overnight. She then led him to her apartment, and she let them inside, locking the deadbolt once they were in.

"The bed is a bit on the small side, but you're welcome to share it with me," she said with a hopeful smile.

"Sounds like paradise," he grinned.

"Play your cards right, and it could be," she giggled.

They dropped their clothes where they stood, and Kyle chased the delighted woman into the bedroom to show her his idea of paradise.

That took them into the wee hours of the morning when they slipped into a satisfied slumber.

Paradise found.

Chapter 10

Kyle made his way down into the hotel's basement to find the gym. He'd gotten quite a workout the evening before, but he was sure a few muscles hadn't received the proper attention, so he planned to do a medium-intensity routine to give all his muscles a gentle burn.

He used Fiona's pass card to get into the room and smiled as he saw how well equipped the gym was.

He had the place to himself, so he picked a spot on the floor and went through his warm-up stretches. Once he was ready, he grabbed a towel and began working through the machines, targeting each muscle group.

It took almost an hour to complete the circuit. Two other men had joined him in the gym roughly twenty minutes earlier, but he could tell they were just going through the motions. One was alternating between two machines to the right of the entrance while his partner spent too much time with the free weights to the left of the door.

Not suspicious at all.

He kept them in the corner of his eye, but they made no move to interfere with him. When Loïs arrived and glanced at the two men, they nodded in return, telling Kyle everything he needed to know. He moved his towel to his lap as he rested on the bench after his last set.

"Monsieur MacDenny. It's time for you to leave," Loïs said with a smug little smile.

"I just finished my workout, so, yes, you're correct, Lois," he replied with a bright smile.

The smile immediately disappeared from the man's face. "Leave the hotel. Now, before it becomes unhealthy for you to remain."

Kyle remained seated on the machine's bench, twisting his towel between his hands as he watched the slim man.

"That sounded very much like a threat, Lois. I'm a guest at your hotel, and you threaten me with physical violence? Is that how you run a business?" Kyle asked.

"You are not welcome in this hotel or in Fiona's life. If you truly understand the situation, you should know how much danger you are in and wipe that idiotic smile from your face." The two men took a step closer.

"You do understand that the gym has surveillance cameras," Kyle said calmly.

"I disabled them!" Loïs snapped.

"And yet they still appear to be on," Kyle nodded towards the cameras mounted in the upper corners of the room where their little red lights were glowing steadily.

Loïs froze, and the two men looked at him with frowns.

"Yes, Lois isn't the only employee who has access to the security cameras. Being recorded probably wasn't part of your deal with Lois, so leaving now is in your best interests," Kyle said to the two men. They looked at him, then turned and left the gym. They said something sharp to the assistant manager, and he stiffened in rage.

Kyle waited until they were alone, then gave the man a stern look. "This little game you've been playing, being Fiona's leash for her parents, is over. She's aware of the shit you've done, and it's in your best interests to submit your resignation. Then you can crawl back under the slimy rock you came from."

Loïs suddenly had a blade in his hand and lunged forward at Kyle with a look of rage in his eye.

Kyle stood, snapped his towel at Loïs, and caught the man directly on his eye. The man screamed, dropped his switchblade, and slapped his hands over his abused eye. He dropped to his knees as he wailed in pain, Kyle watching him in surprise.

He hadn't expected his towel snap to be this accurate or effective. It was just meant to distract his opponent as Kyle dodged.

Loïs managed to open his uninjured eye and glared painfully at him. Then he looked for his switchblade and froze as he saw it on the floor a few feet from him.

Kyle channeled his best Dirty Harry. "You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya, punk?" Menace dripped from the words.

Loïs stiffened and looked at Kyle in genuine fear, and it was all Kyle could do to maintain the squint and curled lip. The man finally dropped his head and sank back against his heels in defeat.

Kyle moved closer and kicked the knife further away from Loïs. Stepping back, he looked at one of the cameras and grinned as he shook his head.

Just then, two police officers entered the gym, and Kyle looked at them in surprise. Directly behind them was Fiona.

"Arrest him!" the blonde shouted, pointing at Loïs. The officers looked a little confused. "He attacked a guest, and it was recorded!"

"I think he'll need to see a doctor for his eye," Kyle offered. "That's the knife he tried to use on me."

The police collected the man and the weapon and turned to the door.

Fiona stepped close and removed the ring of keys from Loïs' belt. "These belong to the hotel." She looked at the police officers. "I'll get you the recording in a moment." They nodded and left with the grim ex-assistant manager.

Kyle looked at Fiona with admiration. "He behaved exactly as you said he would. You're brilliant, and he's such an idiot!"

She smiled and did a little bow.

"Come on. I have to thank Gabrielle for her help," Fiona said.

They went up to the lobby, where they saw Gabrielle finishing up with a guest. Once she was done, they approached the desk.

"Thank you so much for your help with catching Loïs in the act," Fiona said.

The pretty brunette smiled widely. "It was my pleasure. He was such an unpleasant man! He would also stand too close and would touch my hand, shoulder, and hip."

"If I'd known, I would have used that to fire him," Fiona scowled.

"Maybe you were equally intimidating?" Kyle suggested, and Gabrielle watched her cautiously.

Fiona took a deep breath, looked at Kyle, then turned to Gabrielle with a guilty expression. "I'm so sorry if I treated you unfairly or unprofessionally. Loïs and my parents have been a terrible burden on me, and this made me act poorly. I hope you will accept my apology and my promise to do better."

Gabrielle's expression relaxed completely, and her smile was dazzling. "Yes, of course!"

"Thank you. It seems there is an opening for an assistant manager. Would you be interested? I could show you the ropes myself," Fiona offered.

The woman's excitement was infectious. "Yes! Yes! I went to business school to get my certificate in hospitality management, but my experience here made me wonder if I would ever achieve such a position! Working with Loïs made me doubt I wanted to work in this industry," the brunette gushed.

Fiona wore the happiest of smiles. "I think things are going to be much better now that he's gone. I'm going to search his office for evidence to link him to my parent's interference." She kissed Kyle's cheek and rushed through a door behind the reception desk. Moments later, she returned with a memory stick and handed it to one of the officers.

"If you want the audio to go with that video, I recorded the conversation on my cellphone. I can send it to you," Kyle offered.

The officer nodded and showed Kyle the address to send the file to.

Fiona grinned at him and rushed back through the door once more.

Then it was just Gabrielle and Kyle.

"I cannot thank you enough for whatever magic you worked to bring Fiona back from the dark place she was in. She was not the happy, friendly woman she is now."

Kyle nodded to her with a smile. "This is the real Fiona. She's fun, happy, helpful, and so very smart. She's a great and loyal friend."

Fiona suddenly burst out of the back room with a cell phone held up in her hand. "It was Loïs! He had my cell phone the entire time! It was in his office safe! He also has recordings of the calls he made with my parents. Obviously covering his ass! I need to call my lawyer and give him the news. I am so going to nail my parent's asses to the wall for this!"

"There's my little spitfire!" Kyle said with a grin.

Fiona blinked at him, then grinned wickedly. "I'm back!"

"Yes, you are," Kyle agreed with a nod.

She hugged Gabrielle, then Kyle, and rushed away again. The brunette flashed another grateful smile at Kyle.

Guests were arriving, and another clerk came to begin her shift. She was a petite blonde with a pixie cut, and she sent a questioning look at Gabrielle. She nodded to Kyle, then greeted the new guest.

"I'm going to head upstairs to get cleaned up. Please let Fiona know," he asked, and Gabrielle nodded.

Kyle went up to Fiona's room and let himself in. She'd left the deadbolt open this time as she knew he might need to get in by himself.

A quick shower and a change of clothes, and he was ready for whatever the day might bring.

Before he forgot, he sent the audio recording to the address the officer had given him. Hopefully, it would prove useful for the police.

When he returned to the lobby, he saw Fiona having a quick huddle with Gabrielle and the blonde clerk behind the counter. He held back to keep from interrupting them. Fiona was speaking, and the other two women were smiling. She gave them hugs when she was done then walked over to Kyle.

"Is there anything you wanted to do in your one day in Paris?" she asked.

Kyle frowned. "I don't think one day is enough time to really see the city. Besides, I've been told to visit in late spring to truly experience Paris at its best," he said.

"Very true! You must come back in the spring!" Fiona said with a cheeky grin. She tipped her face up, and he caressed her plump lips as she clung to him.

He caught Gabrielle and the blonde watching them with smiles on their faces, so he pulled back from the kiss to watch Fiona's eyelashes flutter open.

"God, you are so good at that!" she sighed, and he smiled at her.

"Your lips were made for kissing!" he returned.

"And sucking," she said mischievously, and he felt a tightening in his pants.

He raised an eyebrow at her. "Sexy girl, are you trying to give me a hard-on in your lobby?"

Her eyes went dreamy as she bit her lower lip.

"Okay, we'd better make a plan to get out of here, or I'm going to end up stuffing that lovely mouth of yours full of hard cock right in front of your desk clerks," he whispered to her.

"Oh my god, I want that!" she moaned softly.

"Naughty girl," he chuckled. She was looking up at him hungrily. "There is plenty of time for play later. I do need to pick something up today if the shops are open."

She pouted a little, then curiosity got the better of her. "What is it?"

"A swimsuit."

Fiona's eyebrows rose. "In December?"

Kyle winced. "Yes, I know, but Louise has invited me to the Seychelles after New Year's. I don't have swim trunks, and she said she'd get me some at the resort. I'm concerned she might choose something too revealing."

Fiona raised an eyebrow at him. "Oh, so she's that close of a friend?"

Kyle's face reddened much to her delight. "She's a lovely woman, and we get along very well. She mentioned she'd be spending two months at this resort by herself and asked if I could spend some time there with her." He frowned slightly. "I-I find myself in the strange situation of not having any distinct plan of what to do next with my life. After visiting you in Santa Barbara, I drove back to Canada and just... went into a holding pattern until it was time to visit Helen. I made no progress on my goal of finding happiness during those months. I'd had a wonderful time with you and your friends in California, with one notable exception, and spending with Helen, Skye, and her friends has been great, but I'm nowhere near finding a direction for my life."

"So, Louise invited you to soak up some sun on the beaches with her, and you drifted that way?" Fiona asked.

Kyle nodded.

"Let's go shopping, and we can discuss ambitions and life planning on the way. I know of a lovely shop that has some beachwear. We'll see if we can find something to help you maintain your dignity," she teased.

She took his arm, waved at the ladies behind the desk, and away they went.

-=-

Hours later, Kyle followed Fiona back into the hotel lobby as the woman was speaking with her parents on the replacement phone their spy had arranged for her. She hadn't yet given them the number for her new personal phone. Kyle was proud of how calm and collected Fiona was as she read them the riot act for their gross interference with her life. She indicated for him to wait as she moved behind the counter to make her way into her office to complete the call in private.

Gabrielle and the other woman were standing at the counter chatting as Kyle set down his shopping bag. The brunette smiled at Kyle with a bit of concern on her face. "She's speaking with her parents?" she asked, and he nodded. "Is my new position in danger?"

Kyle smiled reassuringly. "Not at all. Fiona said she insisted on a contract with her parents before accepting the responsibility of running their hotel chain. They breached a major clause with what they had their spy do. Fiona is in a much stronger position now, so the working conditions here should be much better."

Gabrielle looked so relieved. She smiled at her petite companion, who moved closer and held out her hand to Kyle.

"Hello! I'm Suzanne," she said as he shook it.

"I'm Kyle. Nice to meet you."

"I must thank you for helping Fiona get rid of that wicked man. He made my skin shiver terribly when he touched me," Suzanne said with a grimace.

Kyle scowled. "Now I wish I'd hit him with something harder than a towel. What a creep!"

"Yes, he was very creepy, but he is gone, and that makes me very happy!" Suzanne said, and Gabrielle nodded emphatically.

"What do you do, Kyle?" Gabrielle asked curiously.

He smiled self-consciously. "Currently, I'm traveling and living off my investments. I used to be an investment manager."

"Where have you traveled?" Suzanne asked excitedly.

Again, Kyle felt a little awkward as he hadn't really traveled extensively yet. "I've been on a cycling vacation in France. Then I rode my motorcycle from Vancouver, British Columbia to Santa Barbara, California to visit Fiona. I rode through the states back to Canada and spent the first part of the winter in Montreal. For Christmas, I flew to England to spend time with some friends. I got to ride some vintage motorcycles--"

Suzanne's expression froze. "Wait! What is your last name?"

He looked at her curiously. "Uh, MacDenny."

Suzanne squealed excitedly as Kyle and Gabrielle looked at her in surprise. "You! You're the one who fought the men at the car show!" Kyle frowned as Gabrielle looked confused. Suzanne pulled out her cell and frantically searched for the video online. She nodded and turned her cell to them as she played a video of Kyle's fight with the goons at the old airport.

Kyle nodded. "Yes, that's me, but I wasn't aware the video was available outside of the news broadcast," he admitted.

Gabrielle looked more closely at his chin and cheek and saw the faint bruising. "So, you could have fought off the men who threatened you in the gym this morning?"

Kyle grinned at her. "I'm grateful I didn't have to find out. Convincing them to leave without violence was all the victory I needed."

"Are you some kind of hero, riding into town on your motorcycle, bringing justice to damsels in distress?" Gabrielle asked, and Kyle laughed.

Grinning, he shook his head and held up his hands. "No! That's not me at all. I just like hanging out with great people, learning about their lives, and sharing some wonderful moments with them. There are a lot of amazing people out there just waiting to share a little of their time. I think I began learning that on my cycling vacation here in France."

He looked them in the eye. "What about you two? What are your stories?"

The brunette shared a smile with the blonde and nodded to Kyle.

"Suzanne and I attended the same school and share a small apartment. We were very fortunate to get work in this hotel. Now it feels like we were very fortunate you came to visit Fiona!"

The night manager, Richard, arrived, and the ladies smiled at the older man.

"There has been a big change, Richard!" Gabrielle exclaimed.

The man stroked the greying goatee and nodded. "As you are both smiling. I am going to guess that Loïs De La Fontaine no longer works here."

"You spoiled our surprise! You guessed!" Suzanne pouted.

"Those lovely smiles could only mean the evil troll was finally fired. Was there just cause so he cannot come back?" Richard asked hopefully.

"Loïs threatened Kyle this morning in the gym to get him to leave Fiona and the hotel. He turned off the security cameras and brought two brutes with him to frighten Kyle away. I called Fiona to let her know they went in, and she came down to turn the cameras back on and called the police. Kyle convinced the men to leave, then Loïs attacked Kyle with a knife, but Kyle...." Gabrielle looked at the man in question. "What did you do to him?"

"I snapped my towel against his eye. That really hurts, so he dropped his knife," Kyle explained.

Richard looked at Kyle. "Did you fight him?"

Kyle smiled. "Unfortunately, no."

"Fiona is making me the Assistant Manager!" Gabrielle sighed happily.

"Congratulations, Gabrielle!" Richard gushed.

Fiona left the back and smiled at the new arrival. "Good evening, Richard!"

The man smiled at Fiona. "Good evening, Fiona! I've heard some exceptionally welcome news."

"Yes! Things are going to be much more relaxed around here from now on!" she sighed.

Kyle raised an eyebrow. "Your conversation went well with your parents?"

"With my parents and my lawyer. Yes, it went very well," she replied with a sweet smile.

Kyle smiled at her satisfied expression. "Good for you!"

She beamed him a thrilled smile.

"We should celebrate!" he suggested.

"I have the desk. Go out and enjoy!" Richard said.

Fiona patted Richard's arm in thanks and looked at Gabrielle and Suzanne. "Dinner and dancing?" she suggested.

The two ladies hadn't expected to be included, so both were surprised then thrilled. "Yes!" they answered in unison.

"We need to change!" Suzanne said in dismay.

"Give us a moment to slip into something suitable, and we'll share a taxi to your place for you to change, then we'll go out," Fiona suggested.

The women nodded, and Fiona grabbed Kyle's hand to drag him to the elevators. They went upstairs and quickly switched into outfits more suitable for a night out at the nightclubs. They rushed back downstairs and collected the ladies. Waving at Richard, the group went outside and hopped into a taxi.

The ride to the apartment took some time as they weren't close to the city center. The two clerks rushed upstairs as the taxi waited, and fifteen minutes later, they returned in their party dresses, under winter jackets, of course.

Fiona chose their destination for dining at a funky new restaurant she'd read about. The food was good, and the conversation at the table was lively. Gabrielle and Suzanne were both in high spirits as the future looked much brighter for them. Fiona ensured they would both pass the word along to the rest of the staff that wonderful changes were coming.

Once they were done, Fiona got them into a hot nightspot neither of the ladies had been to. Fiona's position as the owner of Paris' most fashionable hotel opened the way for them.

Kyle was suitably impressed with the club and dragged the three women out onto the floor immediately. The music was driving the crowd, and they joined in, giving themselves over to the music.

They took turns relaxing at a table, but the three women kept Kyle on the dancefloor for most of the evening. By the time they were ready to head home, Kyle's muscles were burning.

Once more, they shared a cab and went to Gabrielle's apartment first.

She and Suzanne kissed Kyle goodnight, the latter cheekily slipping him a little tongue, then it was Fiona and Kyle resting back against the seat as they headed back to her hotel.

"I had an amazing time tonight," Fiona sighed. "I haven't felt this good since you visited me in Santa Barbara."

Kyle squeezed her hand and smiled at her. "I'm so glad you're feeling better! You seem like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders."

"My parents," she snorted quietly. "I'm no longer under their thumb."

Kyle shook his head. "How did you manage that?"

"Their greatest sin is arrogance. Pure and simple. On the day I graduated from college, they promised me I'd eventually be given majority shares and total control over their hotel chain. They dangled that carrot before me for years until I'd almost lost hope that it would ever happen. When I made our Santa Barbara hotel a success, they told me they were preparing for retirement. They said they were almost ready to transition the shares and transfer control to me. Then came the announcement of the Paris hotel and the blow-out at the end of your visit to Santa Barbara. At that time, I had my lawyer write up a contract, incorporating their promises into an agreement. I added a clause that would trigger the agreement if they interfered with my personal life again. They willingly signed it because neither of them believed I would actually have the audacity to invoke the clause against them. Arrogance."

"I'm sorry you were treated like that," Kyle said gently.

She shook her head with a small smile. "We can't choose our parents. We just have to make the best of the ones we have and hope they don't instill poor values in us."

Kyle locked eyes with the gorgeous blond and saw the sympathy in her gaze. He smiled, acknowledging her point and his own personal struggle.

"Since I've been in Paris, my parents, through their spy Loïs, have been working to isolate me from the people I love. Losing my cell phone soon after my arrival was a terrible blow to my confidence. I thought the silence might have been because of the rift caused by Monique, the distances involved, or the time zone differences. I admit I made poor assumptions that caused me to accept this state. I was blind to their manipulations. Your arrival shed light on my mistake. Then you helped me find proof. My lawyer was delighted when I let him know I had the recordings Loïs made. He notified my parents that the clause has been invoked and the papers will be filed tomorrow. I'm going to be the majority shareholder in the hotel chain with absolute control, and my parents will be forced into retirement."

Kyle chuckled at Fiona's delighted grin. "I'm sure they took that news graciously."

Fiona giggled with joy. "They were outraged and did a lot of yelling, but the contract is iron clad. I don't imagine they'll speak to me for years, if ever again." She shrugged and paused for a moment before sighing. "I'm okay with that."

Kyle raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. Her eyes flared with need, and she smiled wickedly.

"We need to continue our celebrations when we get back to my room," she said, biting her lip.

Kyle smiled and ran the pad of her finger across his lower lip. "Lady, I'm going to celebrate you all... night... long."

Fiona's eyes widened as her mouth dropped open. Then she leaned forward.

"DRIVER! GO FASTER!"

Chapter 11

"KYLE! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

A soft body slammed into him, and he chuckled as Skye gave him a sound squeezing in the arrivals area of Heathrow Airport. The lack of a deep kiss to go with the hug was easily explained by Byron. Her boyfriend was standing just ten feet away, and his expression wobbling between a friendly smile and nervous possessiveness.

Kyle returned Skye's hug then gently peeled her from his chest to guide her back to Byron's side. He shook the man's hand.

"Hi, Kyle! How was Paris?" he said as he put his arm around the grinning woman, staking his claim once more.

"It was beautiful. I really do have to go back in spring," Kyle answered.

Byron grinned. "Yes, that's mother's favorite time to be there."

Kyle nodded and saw Byron twitch as the sudden realization came to him that Kyle was in Paris... with his mother. His mouth dropped open as questions surged into his mind.

"How is Fiona?" Skye blurted, interrupting Byron's train of thought.

"She's so good! She didn't respond to my messages because the hotel's assistant manager stole her cell then blocked her access to the addresses of her friends. She thought we'd abandoned her because she couldn't reach any of us. When I showed up and asked her why she didn't respond to my messages, she figured it out."

"What a bastard!" Skye exclaimed loudly, and eyes turned in their direction.

Byron got them moving toward the exit as Kyle continued.

"It's actually a happy ending as we got her a new cell with new accounts, and she's back in touch with her friends. Her parents breeched the contract they signed with her, so the hotel chain will move into Fiona's possession and her parents are out!"

Skye laughed and cheered. "Good on Fiona!"

Kyle nodded as he followed them to the parking. They got into Byron's Range Rover, Kyle slipping into the backseat as he directed Skye to take the front passenger seat. He caught Byron's relieved look.

"How were things here?" Kyle asked.

Skye's smile lit up her face as she glanced over at Byron. "Great! We're really enjoying the Christmas Break."

Kyle nodded and enjoyed Byron's reddening face.

"This afternoon, you need to visit the formalwear shop again," Skye said with a mischievous grin. "Priya will get you all fixed up. She said you'll be smashing."

Kyle looked at Skye carefully and realized what she meant by the play on words. So, Priya was hoping to play again.

He glanced at Byron and saw the man was glancing back at him in the rearview mirror. The uneasiness was back. There wasn't much Kyle could do about that.

"May I assume you're Skye's date for the New Year's Party?" he asked.

"Yes, I've been invited," he said, and Skye patted his leg affectionately.

Byron glanced at him again. "You're going as Helen's date?"

Kyle heard the tension again and glanced at Skye, who was grinning at her boyfriend's discomfort. He scowled at the woman then cleared the expression to address the question.

"Yes, I'm going as Helen's date. Her ex-husband will be in attendance, and it's not pleasant for Helen to meet him or his new young wife. I'll be there for Helen in whatever capacity she needs to enjoy the evening." He looked at Skye. "I'll try my best not to punch your dad in the nose."

Skye laughed and nodded.

They drove back to Skye's place, and Byron parked in the visitor lot. They went inside and stepped into the elevator. Three other tenants joined them then someone called out to hold the door.

Kyle saw it was Margaret Hillsbury, and she looked a little strained. She squeezed on, and Kyle found himself facing Byron over Skye's head. She was pressing her chest against her boyfriend and her ass against Kyle.

"Mmmm! This is a fantasy come true!" she purred.

"Don't be naughty, Skye. It's not a fantasy for everyone," Kyle scolded her gently, and Byron flashed him a quick, relieved expression. That answered the question for Kyle.

Skye's lustiness refused to be denied. She began to rub against both men, and her eyes became glassy.

"Stop it, Skye," Byron said, and his tone was far firmer than Kyle's had been.

Her actions affected Kyle, so he turned his body a quarter turn and faced Margaret. Her eyes were on his, and he suddenly felt her hand pressing against his pants, squeezing him through the fabric. He grabbed her wrist and shook his head.

"No unsolicited touches, Margaret," he said quietly, but the other passengers in the silent elevator overheard and looked at her in shock.

The elevator stopped on the second floor, and three passengers stepped off, glancing back at Margaret with scandalized expressions. When the doors closed, Kyle moved away from Skye and Margaret to glare at both.

"Control! Show some restraint in public!" he snapped.

Skye looked contrite and nodded to him. "Sorry, Kyle."

Margaret was less apologetic.

"You and Helen exposed yourself at her window! How is that showing restraint?" she cried.

"I'm not admitting to doing that, but had it happened, where are Helen's windows?" Kyle asked as he guided them out of the elevator onto their floor. He pointed to the first number on the apartment door across the hall.

She glanced at what he was indicating. "The fourth floor?"

"Exactly! The top floor. Not easily visible from the ground," Kyle asserted.

"I could see you clearly!" Margaret snapped.

"How?" Kyle asked.

"With my binoculars!" Margaret shouted.

Kyle remained quiet as Byron stared at her in shock. Margaret realized why the tall, handsome man was staring at her like that, and her mouth moved without sound.

Doors opened as condo owners peeked out to see who was shouting.

"Margaret, you need to get some help for this. If you start pawing strangers in public, you're going to be arrested, and you will go to jail. Get some perspective and control over yourself," Kyle said gently.

Helen was waiting down the hall by her open door. Byron guided Skye down the corridor without looking at Margaret.

The woman looked shattered. As Kyle turned to leave, her voice was quiet, but she asked him a question.

"Why Helen?"

Kyle looked back at her in surprise, then sighed. "Helen is a genuinely nice person. She's kind, giving, and thoughtful of others. I really like her."

He left Margaret in the hallway as he joined the others at the condo door. They shared looks then went inside.

Kyle immediately picked up the scent of fresh-baked cookies. He grinned at Helen, who held one up for him. He opened his mouth, and she tucked it inside. She was a little slow to remove her fingers, so he had them between his lips for a second. She had a little twinkle in her eyes as she smiled at him.

He looked at the embarrassment on Byron's face. He sighed. "Like mother, like daughter."

Skye giggled.

Helen sent a questioning look to her daughter.

"I was squeezed between Byron and Kyle on the elevator. It was so hot!" Skye moaned as she rubbed her thighs together.

"Oh!" Helen squeaked.

Kyle rolled his eyes as he slipped off his boots. "I have to call the formalwear shop to see if Priya can get me the suit."

"The shop's card is on the fridge. You can call from the kitchen," Helen suggested.

He nodded and walked into the room to make the call. He felt Helen slip up behind him and wrap her arms around him as he was on the phone.

"Graham's Formalwear. How many I help you?" Priya asked professionally.

"Hi Priya, this is Kyle MacDenny," he said.

"Kyle! So good to hear from you! Are you ready to come in to try on the suit for the New Year's party?" she asked excitedly.

"Uh, yes. I was wondering if now was a good time to come in?" he asked. He heard a little squeak.

"It's perfect. If you haven't eaten, we could grab some lunch as it's my lunch hour, then you can get the suit. Would that work for you?"

"I think thAAA--" Helen's hands slipped into his pockets to lovingly cup his cock and balls.

"Ha-hang on one second, please," Kyles gasped into the phone. He put his hand over the mouthpiece. "I'm trying to make a call. She wants me to go out to lunch with her before I get the suit."

Giving him one more squeeze and stroke, Helen pulled her hands from his pockets and nodded to him. "Sure. I'll have you tonight?" She gave him a hungry look.

"Yes!" he said with a grin, turning back to the phone. "Sorry, yes, lunch would be good," Kyle said to Priya.

"Great! See you soon!"

"I'll be right there," Kyle said.

Helen leaned back against the counter with a pleased look on her face as Kyle hung up the handset. Glancing at the living area, he saw no sign of Byron or Skye, so he moved up to Helen and pinned her to the counter, grinding himself against her. She gasped and flung her arms around him as tingles shot through her.

He gave her a passionate kiss, then stepped back as she struggled to recover from the spike of pleasure.

"I'll see you later tonight, naughty girl," he said, his voice deep and rough with need.

She bit her lip and nodded then a brilliant smile burst across her face.

Kyle turned to leave the kitchen and came face to face with Byron.

"What the HELL?" the man snapped, his confusion and patience finally reaching their limit.

"Sorry, I need to leave, but maybe Helen can explain," he began.

Byron didn't move from his path. "My mother--"

"Is a wonderful woman. She showed me the Louvre and explained so much about the investment potential of art. We had a lovely time. I have to go. Please."

Byron stepped back as he absorbed Kyle's innocent description of their day. He knew how interested his mother was in tracking the trading of art. Maybe that's where it ended.

Kyle slipped his boots on and exited the condo before Byron asked any more questions. It was none of his business what his mother did, but Kyle didn't want to be the one to tell him that.

Margaret was no longer in the hallway, thankfully. He rushed to the elevator and left the building. The walk to the formalwear shop didn't take long, and he smiled at Priya as he entered it.

"Hold on. We're heading out right now," Priya said as she put on her coat and joined him at the door. She put a sign in the door showing when the shop would be open again, and they stepped outside for her the lock the door.

She slipped her arm through his and smiled up at him. "Fancy a visit to a local pub?"

"Sure. My treat?" he suggested.

"Aren't you the gentleman!" she said with a grin.

The pub was only a few streets over, and they got a small two-seater table in the busy place. They draped their jackets over the backs of their chairs.

At Priya's suggestion, Kyle ordered them a couple of pints as they checked the menu. While not a beer drinker, it was the thing to do when in an authentic British pub.

The restaurant was busy, and the patrons were happy, so it was impossible to have a quiet conversation. Laughter boomed out from time to time, drowning out everything else.

Kyle saw Priya's head turn in recognition. "One of your friends?" he asked.

She shrugged. "Not really. I could be wrong, but that sounded like Terry, one of the blokes from Owen's gang. With Owen gone, the group broke up."

Kyle raised an eyebrow. "Should I be concerned?"

She made a rude sound. "Nah, none of them were half as dangerous as Owen, and you proved you're twice as dangerous as him." She eyed him hungrily.

Kyle could see there was no point in trying to argue with her, so he just shook his head wearily and changed the topic.

"So, what's in the future for Priya Singh? West End Theatre? Broadway? Television or maybe Hollywood?" he asked.

It was her turn to shake her head. "I'm not likely to land a part in Bollywood, much less Hollywood. The acting class is fun, but I don't see myself being discovered and whisked off to a life of fame and fortune. I'll probably switch to business admin, investment management, or something equally tedious."

Kyle snorted, and she looked at him with a teasing grin. "When did I mention to you I was an investment manager?"

"You told the police the night you stopped Owen," she admitted.

He nodded as he recalled the moment. Then he raised an eyebrow at her. "I'd take offense, except I found it wasn't fulfilling for me either. Not to say I'm not good at it."

"You're good at many things," she purred as the harried waitress arrived next to their table. She eyed Kyle with interest as she leaned closer, the tops of her breasts heaving upwards in her low-cut outfit. "What'll ya have?" she asked with a coy smile.

Kyle did his best to be cool, but there was just so much delectable cleavage on display.

Priya pouted. "Maggie! No fair! I can hardly compete with that!"

The waitress chuckled and tilted her head. Priya sighed and gave her order. "The garden salad."

The smiling waitress looked at Kyle. "The club sandwich," he said, holding her eyes with his.

"With chips or a salad?" she asked, subtly squeezing her arms together to present the girls to maximum advantage.

"No, just the sandwich, please," Kyle countered with a smile.

"The willpower on this one, ay?" Maggie said with a cheeky smile for Priya.

Priya's smile returned as she watched Kyle withstand Maggie's cleavage play. "He's full of delightful surprises."

"And you're keeping him all to yourself? Greedy!" Maggie pouted playfully.

Priya put a possessive hand over Kyle's. "I'm just borrowing him for the day as he's a guest of Skye's. Of course, she's got a new boyfriend now, so...."

Maggie's smile was quickly replaced by a look of shock! "You're the one who took down Mad Owen!" she exclaimed.

Heads turned to look in interest, and Kyle did his best to ignore them.

"Maggie!"

The sharp voice came from the direction of the kitchen, and Maggie jumped, then rushed away with another glance back at Kyle.

The squeal of a chair being pushed back roughly was followed by the rapid thump of boots on floorboards. Kyle just had time to stand and face the angry young man whose fist was already coming for Kyle's chin. It was a very telegraphed punch. He wasn't very good.

Yanking his head and shoulders back, Kyle felt the breeze of the fist passing his face.

He grabbed the wrist to keep the man turning, then thumped his left fist into the man's kidney, hard but careful not to cripple the inept fighter. The man crumpled to the floor with a pained whimper.

Priya came out of her paralysis to look down. "For fuck's sake, Terry! What were you thinking?"

Terry wasn't feeling too good, lying on the floor moaning. "I-I thought... I could... get the... gang back."

Priya looked at Kyle in confusion, and he just nodded his head and sighed. "Being the guy who took out the guy who took out the old leader makes you the new leader." Priya's jaw dropped in disgust. "I know. Really dumb, but Terry seems to be a shoot-first-never-ask-questions kind of man."

"He's an ass!" Priya snorted.

More heavy footsteps approached, and Kyle cautiously watched a short, older man coming to their table.

"What's this?" the man asked gruffly. He wiped his hands on his stained apron. So, he was the cook and perhaps the owner?

Kyle gestured to Terry. "He thought it might bring his old gang back if word got out that he beat me up in your pub."

"Yet you're standing, and he'd moaning on my floor," the cook said with a frown.

Kyle nodded. "Terry took the initiative by trying to attack me while I was facing away, but he had more ambition than skill."

"He's a stupid git!" Priya scolded.

"Terry Harris! You're banned from my pub! Get out and don't show your face around here again!" the older man growled.

Kyle carefully helped Terry to his feet and watched him tenderly walk between the tables. He grimaced, concerned he'd hit the man too hard after all.

He looked back at the cook and saw the man smiling at him.

"I'm Karl Gregson. I own this place," the man said, holding his hand out to Kyle, who shook it.

"Kyle MacDenny."

Karl nodded. "Maggie tells me you dealt with Owen Richards."

Kyle frowned uncomfortably at the term dealt with. "I prevented him from beating my friend, a woman he insisted was his property. The man is mentally unstable and deeply troubled. He needs psychiatric help. I understand he's getting it now."

"I know the bastard. He beat my son badly after a rugby tournament. I wish I could have protected my son like you protected your friend," Karl sighed, then looked back at the kitchen. "I'd better get back. It was nice to meet you, Kyle. You're always welcome here."

"Thank you," Kyle said with a smile and a nod, then sat back down across from Priya, who was all smiles as she glanced around at the other diners, who were staring openly at Kyle.

"Show's over!" she finally said, and they looked away.

Kyle rolled his neck to relieve the stress he'd built up.

"Are you okay?" Priya asked, suddenly concerned.

He looked at her and smiled. "I'm fine. I don't like fighting. Let's talk about something else."

Priya smiled. "Okay. If you're no longer an investment manager, what are your plans for the future?"

He nodded and considered the question. "I'm... looking for what makes me happy."

"Did you find something?" she asked.

He shrugged and took a sip of his beer. He swallowed and frowned slightly. Nope. Not a beer drinker.

"Meeting people. Sharing time with them and getting to know them. Not sure how to turn that into an income-producing career, though," he said with a sigh.

"I work in a service industry. I deal with the public though I rarely get to spend this much time with my customers." She smiled across the table at him. "Can you think of a service-related occupation you might enjoy that would let you spend more time with people?" she suggested.

He blinked at her as he hadn't considered that at all. "In Montreal, I worked as a barista, and I enjoyed that, but it paid almost nothing. The job was just a placeholder while I waited to come to England to visit Helen and Skye." He considered the job. "I enjoyed greeting and chatting with some of the regular customers, not that I really got to know any of them."

"So, something where you meet people but for longer than a minute?" she said with a grin.

He nodded with a smile.

Maggie returned with their meals, and she was all smiles around Kyle.

"Thank you, Maggie," Priya said pointedly when the woman didn't move on.

"I say it again. Greedy." Maggie stuck her tongue out at Priya, then winked at Kyle and left.

The food was decent, if not exceptional, but Kyle's thoughts were circling around Priya's idea.

Finally, he noticed the silence and looked into her pretty eyes, watching him with amusement.

"I-I'm sorry. I got lost in my head for a moment," he said self-consciously.

"I've given you food for thought?" she asked.

Kyle nodded. "You have. Most service industry jobs are a little too much like my barista job, with fleeting interactions. That's not what I'm after. I need to put some thought into it, but you've pointed me in an interesting direction." He smiled at Priya. "You're great at that. Maybe you should be a career counselor!"

Priya grinned at him then waved to Maggie as she glanced at the time. "We've got to get back to the shop."

The happy waitress arrived quickly. "The gentleman would like to settle the bill," Priya said to her.

"Karl told me to let you know it's on the house," Maggie said, looking into Kyle's eyes.

"Oh! Well, that was very generous of him. Please pass along my thanks," he said gratefully.

"Thanks!" Priya said to her, and they stood to leave.

Maggie moved a little closer to Kyle. "Don't be a stranger, Kyle. You have an open invitation to visit." She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a firm hug, pressing those amazingly soft, pillowy breasts against his chest. That felt heavenly, and Kyle was momentarily caught up in the sensation. Then his face flushed as he glanced at the annoyed expression on Priya's face.

When she pulled back, she grinned as she saw how she'd affected him.

"It was nice meeting you, Maggie. Take care!" He pulled his leather jacket on and helped Priya on with hers. He guided her outside before she said something to Maggie in retaliation.

"She makes me so angry and self-conscious about my boobs!" Priya growled as they walked back to the shop.

"Why would you be self-conscious about your breasts? They're delightful!" Kyle said.

She gave him a skeptical look. "Maggie's are huge by comparison!"

"That doesn't make them better, just different," Kyle explained.

"But I saw your expression when she was pressing those milk jugs against you. You loved it!" she argued.

Kyle nodded. "Of course I did! It felt great, but so does holding your body against mine. You've got an amazing figure!" He demonstrated that by turning her to face him right there on the sidewalk and pulling her close. His hands rested just under her belt at the top of her ass, and he smiled at her. "That's wonderful, and I think you can tell how it's making me feel."

Priya's eyelids fluttered as she felt the bulge of his erection pressing against her. "Oh fuck, Kyle! We need to get back to the shop! Now!"

He smiled and got them moving again. They walked quickly, arm in arm, and got back to the shop in no time.

Priya unlocked the door and dragged Kyle inside. The lock went back on. As they turned to the back, she pointed to a suit bag hanging on the hook by the cash.

"That's what I picked out for you. It'll fit like the last one and has a classic cut to it. Very James Bond. Skye told me all about the party. This is the suit you should wear for it," she said quickly as she led him toward the change rooms at the back as he removed his leather jacket.

He looked back in confusion. "Shouldn't we bring it with us so I can try it on?"

She smirked back at him. "It'll fit. Let's get you out of those clothes."

Priya pushed him into one of the change rooms and pulled the curtain closed behind them.

Kyle kicked off his boots and dropped his pants to step out of them. His t-shirt came off next. He noticed Priya hadn't moved and stopped to look at her.

"We don't have as much time today as there is another appointment coming in shortly. We'll have to make it a quickie!" she explained as she hiked up her skirt and pulled her stockings and panties down.

Kyle pushed his underwear down, and Priya immediately dropped to her knees to plunge his cock into her mouth and throat in one thrust.

"FUCK!" Kyle gasped. She was so good at that.

She bobbed her head over his cock with fast and deep thrusts until it felt like a bar of iron.

Then she stood and turned to face the mirror and bent at the waist, presenting him with her bare ass, her skirt thrown up over her back.

Kyle got behind her and quickly stroked her wet pussy with his tongue.

"AH! Fuck, that was good! Now fuck me!" Priya insisted.

He lined up the head of his cock with her wet opening and forced himself deep inside.

"Ohhhhhh, yes, Kyle. That's just the way I like it! Faster!" she purred.

Kyle smiled at her reflection in the mirror as he grabbed her hips and drove himself into her, slapping her ass against his thighs. Her jaw dropped, and her expression twisted with ecstasy. He increased his pace, and he could see her progress on her face. She was getting close, and so was he.

Five more thrusts, and her eyes rolled back as her body went through intense tremors. He held her pinned back against himself as his release rushed through him as well. His grip kept her on her feet, too.

Eventually, Kyle eased back, and she stood up straight.

Priya smiled at Kyle as they both panted for breath. Kyle noted the air in the small enclosure held the distinct scent of sex.

The front door chime rang, and the old door thumped closed. Someone had entered the shop.

"Shit! He wasn't supposed to be in today," Priya cursed quietly as she frantically pulled her tights up and straighten her clothes.

"What happens if he comes back here? It's impossible to miss the smell of sex," Kyle whispered in concern.

She shook her head and grinned as she tucked her blouse into her skirt. "Poor old bugger lost his sense of smell in a textile factory accident when he was our age. He's not blind or deaf, though, so I'll exit first and get cleaned up in the washroom. You stay in here and get dressed like you just tried on the suit."

She peeked out the curtain, slipped out crouching, and scurried away.

Kyle grabbed a tissue from his jacket pocket and wiped his mouth as he checked himself in the mirror. He quickly cleaned himself as well as possible with the tissue and pulled his underwear up.

The curtain suddenly yanked open, and Kyle shared a surprised look with a short, grey-haired man in an immaculate tweed suit. He was slim and wore his beard neatly trimmed.

Mr. Graham, Kyle presumed. The older gentleman's eyes roamed down Kyle's muscular body, and Kyle's eyebrow rose.

That gave him an idea. Bravado was the play to go with here.

"Excuse me! I'm getting dressed here!" he scolded as he turned to face the man, hands on his hips.

"W-w-what? Why are you in my shop?" the old man stammered quietly, his eyes seemingly trapped by the hard muscles of Kyle's abdomen.

"I'm obviously here to rent a suit," Kyle said simply.

Eyes finally returning to Kyle's face, the man pointed weakly to the door. "The door was locked, and the closed sign was still up."

Recognition suddenly flared in the man's eyes. "You were on the news recently! The motorcycles in the parade?"

Kyle nodded with a slight smile.

"Mr. Graham! I wasn't aware you were coming in today," Priya said with a smile as she returned from the washroom, her lipstick freshly applied.

The older man looked at her with a cross expression. "The closed sign was still on the door. Then I found this gentleman in a state of undress."

Priya pointed to the suit bag hanging from the hook by the cash desk. "Mr. MacDenny is renting that suit today. I must have missed switching the sign when we returned from lunch."

"You-you went to lunch with him?" the shop owner asked in confusion.

Kyle could see Priya freeze, so he quickly drew the man's attention by shaking his jeans out before stepping into them. As the man watched him dress, Kyle explained. "I rented a suit from your shop for a Christmas party that my good friends, the Livingstons, invited me to. Skye Livingston is a classmate of Priya's, so we were introduced then. I came back to rent a suit for a New Year's party and caught Priya on the way out to lunch. I insisted on buying her lunch as she did such an excellent job with the previous suit."

"Oh!" Mr. Graham said in surprise, then a smile appeared, and he nodded. "I'm glad our shop could meet your needs."

"It certainly did. Excellently cut suits and professional service," Kyle said with a smile as he pulled his tight black t-shirt over his head and shoulders. He flexed his stomach muscles while his head was covered, and the older gentleman sighed quietly. Kyle wiped the grin from his face as he tugged the shirt down. He saw the twinkle in Priya's eyes.

"Will you be returning the suit yourself?" Priya asked.

Kyle shook his head. "Actually, Skye will bring it back as I'm heading off on New Year's Day."

"Back to Canada?" Priya asked, struggling not to pout.

"I'm going to spend a little time in the Seychelles with a friend of Helen's," he admitted.

"Ah, such a paradise!" Mr. Graham sighed. "Not much need for suits there, aside from a swimsuit." His eyes dipped briefly and discreetly to Kyle's waist.

Kyle nodded politely to him as he sat to slip his boots on.

Finally dressed, Kyle followed Priya and Mr. Graham to the cash, and Kyle settled the bill.

He took Priya's hand between his and looked her in the eye. "Thank you for the advice you gave me at lunch. It really was very helpful!" Kyle said sincerely to her and received a bright smile for it.

He turned to the older man and held out his hand. The surprised shop owner quickly reached forward to shake Kyle's hand. "It was great doing business with your shop."

"It was our pleasure, Mr. MacDenny."

With a wave, Kyle hooked a finger through the hanger and slung the suit bag over his shoulder as he left the shop to walk back to Helen's. He followed one of the ladies Margaret had been with into the building and rode the elevator up with her. She couldn't stop smiling, so Kyle wished her a Happy New Year as she left on her floor.

When Kyle got to Helen's door, he paused as he wasn't sure if Byron was still there. He didn't want to avoid the man, but he didn't know how to get around the fact that he'd be spending some time with his mother.

Sighing, Kyle knocked on the door.

When it opened, he saw Helen standing just inside without a stitch of clothing but wearing a delightfully wicked smile.

Byron had left with Skye, obviously.

He stepped inside, locked the door, and hung the suit bag in the closet. Then he pulled Helen to his chest. She squeaked when the cold buckles and metal bits on his leather jacket pressed against her bare skin. His mouth captured hers, and he kissed her hard as she squirmed against his cold coat.

He pulled back to smile at her. "Oh, should I make myself a little more comfortable first?

She giggled and nodded, panting slightly from the kissing.

"I think I might like to take a shower to freshen up. Care to join me?" he asked as he removed his boots and coat.

Helen's smile widened as she spun and pranced down the hall to the master suite. Kyle chased after her, causing her to shriek in excitement.

Kyle ensured her shrieks became cries of bliss in the shower and on her bed until she fell into an exhausted but very satisfied sleep. He lay next to her, admiring her lips and their slight upturn at the corners like she was perpetually happy.

He hoped she would be. She deserved to find someone to love.

Chapter 12

The New Year's party was held in a posh country estate north of London, which meant a significant drive for Helen. Kyle could see she was dreading meeting her ex-husband, so he kept up a steady stream of banter, compliments, and teasing. Soon, she'd returned to her relaxed, cheerful self.

She glanced over at him. "Thank you, Kyle."

He looked back in question. "For what?"

"For helping me realize how much of an idiot my ex-husband was."

Kyle laughed. "Finally, she acknowledges the truth!" he teased.

She chuckled and flashed him a brilliant smile. "I'm truly grateful for all the amazing changes my life has gone through since he left. First, Skye pushed me to go to the gym to get back into shape. Then she dragged me off to France to join that cycling vacation.

Meeting you was the next major milestone in my year. You made me feel desirable again. You opened my eyes to the fact that sex was not only possible but essential for my happiness. I'm so much more comfortable with my desires and who I am!

I gained so much confidence from my time with you on that trip, and I used that new confidence for my third major change. Taking the administrative job at the hospital pushed me outside my comfort zone, and I rose to that challenge. I like what I do, and now I have an even more exciting challenge ahead of me with my new position. I've made new friends from a higher stratum of society with Reginald and Francis Dunsfield.

Then you protected Skye from her abusive ex-boyfriend and guided her to a new one who seems absolutely charming. I've been blessed this year."

Kyle gave her a knowing look. "Most of those blessings were based on you realizing your own potential. You may have had a few external prods to make you look at yourself more honestly, but all those achievements were yours," he asserted.

She gave him a warm smile. "That's the kind of compliment that makes me realize what a miserable twit Perry is. He'd rather eat poison than give a compliment."

"Perry is your ex, I assume," Kyle said with a smile.

Helen nodded with a smile. "He married his secretary, Lydia. Honestly, I could tell she was going to be trouble the first time I met her. She seemed the jealous type and set her sights on my husband from day one." She snorted softly to herself. "Now I find myself almost feeling grateful to her for excising him from my life."

"Definitely! Sounds like they deserve each other," Kyle agreed.

They smiled at each other and continued in companionable silence.

Kyle was enjoying the scenery, which was mostly free of snow. It was late afternoon by the time they drove up the long driveway toward the vast manor house.

"This place puts Reginald's place to shame for its excess," Kyle remarked. "Let me guess, two people live here."

Helen chuckled. "Good guess, but you're off by one."

"Three people?" Kyle gaped at her.

"One. But he has a staff of sixteen," Helen clarified. "The master of the estate is Sir David Hallowfield. He was knighted, so if you're introduced to him, remember to include the Sir preface. He's a bit of a stickler for protocol."

"Any other social minefields I should avoid? Penalties for using the incorrect fork order?" Kyle asked.

She shook her head. "Just be your sweet self. You'll be fine. There won't be a formal dining arrangement. Just finger goods in the dining room. There are too many people for a proper meal."

He nodded with relief. Finger food etiquette he was good with.

They left the car with the valet, and Kyle took Helen's arm to guide her to the front door.

"I wonder if Skye arrived before us," Helen said.

Byron was driving them to the party, and Skye was staying at his place tonight. Kyle made a mental note to say his goodbyes to her tonight. He'd get a lift to the airport tomorrow with Helen.

Helen presented her invite to the doorman, and they went inside. The first thing to catch Kyle's attention was the large portrait of a man who had to be their host. Kyle memorized his face, just in case.

The noise level inside picked up immediately as many people were milling about in the large foyer just past the entrance. Kyle handed Helen's coat to the woman behind the counter and received a ticket he placed in his pocket.

The suit Priya had selected fit very well, and Helen made it very clear that she approved. He thought it was a little... too much. The sheen on the fabric was a little too bright for his tastes. He felt like he was wearing black chromed armor, albeit very comfortably.

Arm in arm, they walked further into the hall, and the meet and greet began.

Helen seemed to know everyone and was approached by couples and larger groups who all exclaimed that she looked so healthy and happy.

Cheeks were kissed, hugs exchanged, then eyes turned to the handsome young man on Helen's arm.

Helen was introducing him as her friend, yet her tone and eyes said so much more. Kyle was on the receiving end of their reactions. He did his best to maintain his polite smile while faced with the range of judgment Helen's friends and relatives aimed at him.

Most were positive, from delighted smiles, a few grateful hugs for bringing Helen's spirits up, and more than a few people, women and men, undressing him with their eyes. He ignored the latter.

Luckily, the negative responses he received were in the minority and were largely looks of disapproval, scandalous shock, or contempt. Again, he just smiled as that seemed to annoy them. He wouldn't do anything to make Helen's life difficult... but fuck them.

They browsed the offerings in the dining room and nibbled their way through a meal as they met more of Helen's extended family.

As they continued moving through the manor house, Kyle saw the bar and offered to get Helen some white wine as another group approached. She nodded, and he ducked away to run his errand.

The room was busy, but he caught the bartender's attention. He was pleased that scotch was an option, so he asked for one and wine for Helen.

A man appeared at his elbow and glared at him belligerently.

Kyle glanced at him curiously. He didn't immediately recognize him as someone he'd been introduced to by Helen. Maybe someone was talking about him? The man hadn't moved away, so Kyle turned to face him directly. He was maybe in his late thirties, but his eyes had that bruised, sunken look, which made their glare that much more intense.

He did a quick evaluation of the man before him. Prematurely greying and receding hair, square jaw that was currently clenched, pale blue eyes, thin lips, and a stocky body in an ill-fitting suit. He was maybe an inch shorter than Kyle as well. Still, he remained silent, and Kyle's patience was up.

"Anything I can do for you, buddy?" he asked as he saw the bartender returning with his order. His eyes turned to follow the motion.

The man made a choked sound and punched Kyle's cheek. The hit was unexpected and fast, so it caught Kyle by surprise. Luckily, he was gripping the edge of the bar, so while he was knocked back, he remained on his feet. Someone nearby screamed, and the startled bartender dropped Kyle's drinks. Then the surrounding area went silent. People gathered in the doorway to watch.

Kyle straightened up and gingerly touched his cheek, keeping a watchful eye on his assailant, who seemed frozen by his own actions. It was painful, but there was no blood, so he'd have yet another bruise. For all his speed, the man's punch was weak, thankfully.

"That was terribly rude of you. Punching a stranger is pretty damn anti-social behavior for a party. If I wasn't here as a guest, I'd probably return the favor."

"Perry! What are you doing?" a shrill voice cried out.

Both men glanced at the pneumatic brunette struggling to rush to their side in six-inch bright-red pumps. Her little black dress was just a little too tight, a little too low-cut, and a little too short. Combined with the obvious breast implants, injected lips, and startlingly large hair and long nails, Kyle wondered how much of the woman they faced was plastic.

She stopped next to her husband and looked at Kyle with an almost vacant stare.

Then the name clicked.

Kyle turned to face the man. "Perry. Helen Livingston's ex. Ah, this explains much."

"You--you keep your grubby hands off Hele--"

"STOP!" Kyle snapped, and Perry flinched back. The woman squeaked in fright.

Kyle locked his eyes on Perry's as he glared at the man. "Don't you DARE say her name like you have ANY right to. You gave that up when you ran away like the cowardly little shit you are."

"How dare you--" the ex began.

"PERRY! What have you done?" Helen cried as she rushed to Kyle's side. She made another sound of dismay when she gently turned Kyle's head to see the red welt on his cheek.

Eyes flaring with rage, Helen turned to face her ex. "What are you, nine?"

Perry's face reddened. "I--he's not allowed--"

"We're divorced, you moron. You no longer have any say in my life. Even when we were married, you never knew how to be a true partner in a relationship. Your decisions were always for your benefit...."

Helen suddenly noticed the woman standing next to Perry, and her jaw dropped as her voice went to a whisper. "Oh my god, Perry. What did you do to Lydia?"

-=-

She wasn't looking forward to this year's New Year's party, but Perry insisted they attend and show off her new look. At last year's party, Perry attempted to let his friends and family know that he was much happier in his new marriage to his beautiful wife.

The night had begun well, but by the end of the evening, Lydia knew that many of the party guests were more sympathetic to Perry's ex-wife than impressed with his new one.

When they left the party that night, Perry had sulked like a child. Then, over the next few months, he'd made requests. They were always to make her prettier and sexier, and with each change, he'd tell her how much he loved her and how much better she looked.

Perry had a bad temper. She'd learned that early in their marriage. It was easier and safer to just let him have his way. When she'd complain about how much the operations hurt or object to the next size upgrade, he'd quickly argue that he'd spent all this money for her, and she was benefiting from it. How could she be so ungrateful? That was her signal to stop arguing.

When they got to the party this evening, Perry had been distracted by something. She followed him from room to room as he spoke with members of the family. He rarely introduced her, and when he did, he wasn't expressing how beautiful she was like he said he would. Instead, he was becoming agitated.

Then he dashed off to go into the room with the bar in it. She had difficulty following in her tall shoes as they hurt her feet.

She heard a scream and glass breaking as she pushed through the crowd.

Perry was facing off against a handsome young man who was touching his cheek. Perry hit him?!? She called out and ran to Perry's side.

When she got there, she was better able to see the bruise on the hunk's cheek. He didn't seem too hurt, but he was furious. Lydia could feel the rage barely held in check.

Then Helen appeared.

Lydia couldn't believe the difference a year made for the woman. She'd looked like a beaten woman at the last party, but today she was absolutely radiant. She glowed with health and vitality. She was graceful and elegant, and suddenly, Lydia realized how outclassed she was.

Helen's words struck her like hammers on an anvil, the truth of them ringing in her ears.

When the woman's eyes locked on hers, Lydia froze as she saw the shock and compassion on Helen's face. She had to turn away and suddenly saw the shame on her husband's face.

Then the awful truth sank in.

He was embarrassed by how she looked.

She'd done this for him. She'd undergone the painful surgeries at his request. She did it to please him, and he'd told her she was beautiful and desirable.

But it was all a lie. He wanted Helen, and she couldn't compete.

Lydia couldn't breathe in this crowded room, so she turned and fled. She didn't know where she'd go, but she needed to get away from Perry.

The monster she'd married.

-=-

"Kyle, go after her!" Helen gasped in anguish.

He rushed after the fleeing brunette, the crowd parting for him as he still wore a stern expression.

Lydia wasn't difficult to see as her tall hair rose above the other guests.

Kyle quickly caught up to her side. She squeaked as he gently took her hand and put his other arm around her back, guiding her into a side room that looked like a library. He carefully sat her on a loveseat next to him and looked back to the door, where he spotted a young woman watching them in shock. He recognized her as someone he'd been introduced to earlier. He gestured for her to come closer, and she quickly did.

"Leslie?" he asked, racking his memory for her name. She was maybe sixteen and desperate to look older. Her straight blonde hair was in a sophisticated braid on the sides, and her dress was designer and matched her shoes perfectly. It was her braces and joyful smile that gave away her true age.

When her face lit up, he knew he'd lucked out with his guess. "Could you find Helen in the bar and bring her here? She needs to speak with Lydia. Don't let Perry hear where she is. Thanks."

Leslie grinned and rushed away with her mission.

Lydia was struggling as tears ran down her cheeks.

"Helen never meant to make you upset. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body." He looked into Lydia's eyes and handed her a tissue from his pocket. She dabbed her tears away with a lost expression on her face.

"My name is Kyle. I'm a friend, and so is Helen."

"She must hate me for what I did," Lydia said quietly.

Kyle smiled gently. "At one time, she probably did. But not anymore."

Lydia watched Kyle, disbelief and hope alternating in her eyes.

"Talk to her, and you'll understand," Kyle said.

They sat holding hands until Leslie returned and said Helen was on her way. Lydia glanced at Kyle nervously, but his smile seemed to reassure her.

When Helen arrived, Kyle stood and offered his spot to her. She flashed him a grateful smile and immediately turned her attention to the nervous woman next to her.

"Please accept my apology for my reaction earlier. I was just shocked by the extent of the changes you went through for Perry. He was the one who asked you to do it, yes?" Helen asked gently.

Lydia nodded shakily and began to cry again.

Helen pulled her into a hug. She gave Kyle a sad look over the woman's shoulder. He handed her his pack of tissues and gestured that he'd give them some privacy. Helen mouthed a thank you to him.

Kyle guided Leslie out into the hall and slid the pocket door closed behind him. He looked at the young woman. "Let's give them a moment. I think Lydia is discovering just how much of a selfish bastard her husband is."

Leslie grinned and giggled at him.

Kyle heard music playing. "Is there dancing?"

The young woman rolled her eyes. "It's old people music."

He smiled at her.

"Leslie! Where have you been?" Another young woman asked in annoyance from behind Kyle. Leslie took Kyle's arm and gently turned him to face the approaching woman.

The new arrival froze when she saw Kyle smiling back at her. He took in her large blue eyes, cute button nose, freckles sprinkled across it and her cheeks, and a mane of yellow-blonde hair. Her red party dress looked very stylish, but Kyle estimated her to be sixteen, seventeen at the oldest.

"Kyle, this is my cousin, Holly. Holly, this is my friend, Kyle MacDenny," Leslie said with a satisfied smile on her lips.

"Hello, Holly. It's very nice to meet you," Kyle said politely as the girl hadn't stopped staring at him.

"You--you're the one from that vid! The war cosplay vid!" Holly gasped.

Kyle stared back at her in surprise. "I... don't know if I'd call it cosplay."

"LARPing, then. It was you, wasn't it! Fighting those other men in military uniforms?" Holly insisted.

That was a new term for Kyle. "What's LARPing?"

"Live Action Role Play," Leslie jumped in to say, trying to get the spotlight back.

Kyle shook his head. "Ah, then no. It wasn't LARPing. They were fighting for real and not acting."

Holly looked at his bruised cheek. "Is that injury from the fight?"

Kyle smiled self-consciously. "No, I got this tonight when Helen Livingston's ex-husband hit me."

The two girls stared at him in shock. "Why did he do that?"

"I believe it's because he has the mentality of a nine-year-old," Kyle sighed.

"Did you beat him up like those other men?" Holly gasped.

Kyle smiled and shook his head. "No."

"Why not?" Holly insisted.

Kyle laughed. "Contrary to what you saw in the video, I don't enjoy fighting. It's painful, and people can get badly injured. I'd much rather talk it out. Tonight, Perry hit me, but I think it surprised him as well. He really sucked at fighting. I could easily have beaten him into paste, but that wouldn't have made him smarter or more considerate of others."

"I haven't seen the video of the fight," Leslie said to her cousin, who immediately pulled her cell from her small purse.

"As I've lived through that and don't need to see it again, I'm going to head back to the bar to get the drink I was denied. I'll see you two around," Kyle said. They nodded, and he headed back toward the bar.

When he arrived, the room was just as busy as it had been earlier. He made his way to the bar and caught the bartender's attention. She took his order and slipped away.

Kyle felt the presence of another man moving to the bar next to him. When he glanced toward him. Kyle took a careful step away as he was scowling.

"What now?" Kyle snapped.

"Perry told me about you! You stay away from my sister!" the man asserted, jabbing Kyle in the chest with a pudgy finger.

Kyle seized the offending digit and folded it back.

His assailant screamed and dropped to his knees, trying to relieve the pressure on the digit, but Kyle had a firm grip on it.

"Who the FUCK are you?" Kyle snarled.

"F--Frank! Frank Livingston! Helen's brother. Please! Please let go!"

Kyle scowled at him. "I've had enough of people trying to pick fights with me tonight. Are you going to piss off and leave me alone?" He squeezed the finger a little harder.

"AH! YES! God! Please! Let go!" Frank groveled.

"Hey, Uncle Frank! I see you've met Kyle!"

The voice belonged to Skye, who was entering the room with Byron. She had a delighted look on her face, which quickly became dismay when Kyle turned his head to face her.

"Oh my god! Did Frank do that to your face?" Skye gasped.

Kyle looked back at the man on his knees and let go of his finger. Frank sucked in a breath and cradled his sore hand to his chest. Kyle helped him up, then turned back to Skye while keeping Frank in the corner of his eye.

"No, your dad hit me. It sounds like he was talking shit with your uncle here."

Byron leaned forward to look intently at Kyle. "Have you been drinking?"

The hilarity of that question caused Kyle to bark a laugh at the man. "No! I've been to the bar twice tonight, and I have yet to touch a drop!" He turned back to Frank.

"What crap did Perry tell you to make you brave enough to come after me?" he asked the pouting man.

Flinching from Kyle's tone, Frank looked at him petulantly. "He-he said you were sponging off Helen, like some kind of gigolo."

Kyle pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head.

"That's bullshit! Kyle is a wonderful man who's ten times the man my father is. He's our friend, and he cares about us!" Skye barked at her uncle.

Kyle held his hand up to stop Skye. He saw the look on Frank's face and sighed. "There's no use trying to change their closed little minds, Skye. Besides, I really don't care what they think of me."

He turned to the bartender, and the woman placed a wine glass and a tumbler of scotch before him. He sipped the scotch and nodded thoughtfully as it was pretty good. He frowned a little as he noticed it wasn't as good as the scotch Reginald served. He really had become spoiled.

"Where's mum?" Skye asked.

He looked up. "Sorry. She's speaking with Lydia. Your dad..." Kyle took a deep breath to ease the tension in his chest as he recalled the lost look in her eyes. "He really mind-fucked that poor woman. Helen was so lucky to get away from him." He signaled the bartender to make a second glass of wine, and when it arrived, he handed both to Skye. "She's in the library, down the hall to the right, fourth door on the left. Try not to react when you see Lydia."

Skye looked at him nervously and nodded. She left with Byron, who glanced back at Kyle.

Kyle took another sip of his drink, then noticed that Frank was still there looking undecided. He locked eyes with the doughy man and squinted at him as he channeled Dirty Harry once more. "You're still here? A man's got to know his limitations," he growled menacingly.

Frank turned quickly and hurried away.

The bartender chuckled. "Was that supposed to be Clint Eastwood?"

He shrugged and downed the last swallow. "It served me well."

"Would you like another?" she asked.

"Thank you, no. I'm going to get some air instead." He nodded to the woman and made his way to the back of the manor. He found a large kitchen with French doors opening onto a huge patio. Several guests were huddled together outside, smoking.

Kyle stepped outside and avoided the smoke by walking to the opposite side of the patio. He had to move cautiously on the slick stone as a thin coating of snow and ice on the pavers made them very slippery. A low stone flower box circled the outer edge of the patio. It was only knee high, and on its opposite side was a short drop to a small garden filled with what looked like the remnants of a rose garden. It was in rough shape, which surprised Kyle for so posh a home.

From his spot out by the edge of the patio, he took some deep breaths of the fresh and chilly air. He felt his mind clearing from the stress of dealing with the idiots. He allowed his thoughts to float for a while as all the poisons leached from his soul. The cool air also felt good on his bruised cheek.

"Is that him? Is that the cunt who attacked you?"

The shrill and grating voice immediately sent shivers down Kyle's spine. It was also rare and odd to hear that insult from a woman's lips.

He glanced toward the kitchen and saw a thick woman with an ugly dome of brown hair launch herself outside. Her pale blue party dress and pasty complexion made her look like two hundred pounds of flour in a one-hundred-pound sack. She was charging at Kyle with a full head of steam. He spotted Frank still inside, so he assumed this was his wife.

"How dare you touch my husband! Do you know who we arAAAHHH!" she screamed as her high heels lost traction on the snow.

As she'd rushed out of the house so quickly, she was moving too fast to stop. Her excess mass was now an unstoppable runaway train.

So, Kyle simply stepped back to watch her slide by, arms windmilling to keep herself upright.

When her shins clipped the low flower box, she toppled over it to cartwheel into the garden below. Her wailing shrieks increased in volume, and Frank rushed outside to help his wife. He lost traction too and slid past Kyle to flip over the flower box, landing partially on top of his wife. Her pained screams now included angry shouting.

Serenity shattered, Kyle sighed, and walked back into the house. People were coming outside to see what the noise was, so Kyle assumed someone else would come to the aid of the obnoxious couple.

He wandered to the other side of the large mansion and into a large room with a grand piano. People were relaxing on couches or groups of chairs, listening to a man play a classical piece. He was pretty good, and Kyle made his way closer. He leaned up against a window seat next to the piano, where he could watch the man's hands. He was fascinated by the talent required to play, and the man was skilled.

Kyle glanced at his face and noticed the man was watching him with a thoughtful expression on his face. Maybe he looked a little sad. Kyle's eyebrows went up curiously. The pianist couldn't have been much older than Helen. He had dark curly but short hair, greying slightly at his temples. His skin was slightly tanned, so he'd been outdoors, but his hands showed no sign of cuts or scrapes from hard labor.

While he was wearing a suit, Kyle gauged him to be relatively fit based on what he could see of the man's hands, neck, and face. He didn't seem to be carrying any excess weight.

But he was watching Kyle with a slight tension in his eyes.

When the piece was finished, Kyle moved closer, and the man turned to face him.

"You're really good!" Kyle said with a smile, and the man nodded his thanks. "Kyle MacDenny."

He saw a momentary and possibly involuntary twitch in the man's eyes. "John Montgomery."

Kyle examined the man more closely. "Sorry, have we met? You're giving me that impression."

The man's eyes dipped slightly, then rose to focus on him. "No, we haven't. Sorry, I have heard of you. Many of the people here tonight are talking about you."

Kyle's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Uh, I'm not sure if that's good or bad. It's been quite a night."

John smiled. "Most are saying good things. Don't worry. It's just an odd group and a stranger party as it's based on a historical and geographic mix. There are many families here who've known each other for generations and a few new arrivals each year as people join or are just transient guests." He stared at Kyle pointedly as he said that last part.

Kyle got the impression that the man was trying to ask him something. He hazarded a guess.

"I'm a friend of Helen Livingston, whose family is part of this geographic group, it seems."

He saw the man's hands moving over the keys as if playing a silent tune, and the precise movements suddenly triggered his memory. "Doctor Montgomery?"

The man smiled in surprise. "Yes."

Kyle grinned back at him. "I was told you were in Indonesia!"

"I got back last night," he admitted.

"Johnny! Play us another. Something more recent!" a woman's voice called out.

He smiled at the audience and began playing As Time Goes By, and smiles appeared on faces.

He looked back at Kyle with a chagrinned expression. "This is why I try to avoid these parties. Getting roped into entertaining the riff-raff."

Kyle grinned.

The man's expression became serious again as his fingers flowed across the keys. "I'm told you're Helen's plus one tonight."

The hesitation in the man's voice clued Kyle in once more. "And I'm told that you might be a suiter of Helen's at the hospital."

John's expression froze, but his hands never slowed or missed a note. Kyle was very impressed.

"I'm Helen's friend and always will be, but I'm not a permanent fixture in her life. In fact, I'm moving on tomorrow." He held the man's eyes. "Helen is a very special woman. She's one of the truly great women I've met in my life. Her heart is precious and should be protected and nurtured."

The surgeon was watching Kyle as he segued his playing into the Beatles tune Let It Be. "I feel the same way," he said.

"Then make her believe it," Kyle said, and John's eyes showed a little hope.

"She spent too many years under the thumb of her cruel husband. She's far happier now that she's free of him, but her self-confidence is something else that needs nurturing. Can you be that kind of supportive man for her?" Kyle asked.

John nodded as he held Kyle's gaze. "Nothing would make me happier."

Kyle smiled. "Good. I'm counting on you." He listened to John play and smiled. "Damn, you're talented!"

John's grin was a far happier expression than the concern he'd first shown. "Thanks!"

When he finished the song, he stood and held up his hands to fend off the protests at his leaving. Finally, he just waved and stepped away from the piano.

"I'd like to say hello to her. Where might Helen be?" John asked Kyle.

"The last I saw, she was speaking with Perry's new wife. The man crushed her confidence, and Helen was trying to help her." He gestured for John to follow him.

They moved through the party and came to the open door to the library. Kyle stepped inside, but they weren't there. He checked his cell, but there were no texts from Helen. He sent her one, and moments later, his cell buzzed. "Bar," Kyle read.

They walked down the hall and found the room. Helen and Lydia were sitting at a table with two other women Kyle recognized from the introductions. They were cousins of Helen's. Four sets of eyes gazed at Kyle and John as they approached, and Kyle got the distinct sensation of being undressed by their eyes. He'd have to speak to Helen about her loose tongue.

All were drinking wine, and Lydia seemed to be more relaxed now.

"Helen! Look who I found tickling the ivories in the music room," Kyle said to her.

"John! When did you get back?" she asked in surprise.

"Last night. I didn't want to miss this year's party as I heard you'd be attending," he insisted with a smile.

"Ooo! He's got a silver tongue, doesn't he!" Helen's cousin Anna grinned as she giggled with her sister Darla.

Helen swatted her cousin's arm, then made the introductions.

Her cheeks were pinking up nicely as she glanced between the two men. Kyle gazed at Lydia and saw she was watching the events with wide eyes.

Then he noticed she'd changed her make-up. Her lips, while still puffy, were a lovely pale pink. The bold eye shadow and liner had been toned down as well. The tall hair-do was no longer tall but had been brushed down into a lovely flow over her shoulders. The overall appearance was much more natural. She still had the oversized and round breast implants, the tiny dress, and the very tall shoes, but the changes made were a start in the right direction. He gave her an admiring smile and nod, and she gave him a trembling smile in return.

"Oh, before I forget. Your brother and his wife slipped on the ice on the patio and fell into the rose garden," Kyle mentioned.

"What?!?" Helen exclaimed.

Kyle showed his palms with a look of innocence on his face. "I didn't lift a finger to harm them." Then a smile slipped onto his lips. "But I didn't life a finger to help, either. They should have known better than to move so quickly across an icy patio."

Helen and her cousins burst into laughter.

"Couldn't have happened to a bigger blow-hard than Priscilla!" Anna crowed.

"Why were they rushing on the ice?" John asked curiously.

"It seems Frank's wife took offense to my defending myself from him poking me." Kyle waved a dismissive hand. "He may have a minor sprain on his index finger. She came after me to put me in my place but ended up in the thorns. Frank rushed to her aid and ended up on top of her."

The giggling erupted again. "I would have loved to have seen that!" Darla moaned.

Skye and Byron joined them. "Hi, Dr. Montgomery!" she said cheerily as she watched her mother's face.

"Please, call me John," the doctor replied, and Skye nodded.

"This is Byron Cantington, my boyfriend," Skye said happily to the group.

Then she looked at Kyle and John, then Byron and a light went on behind her eyes. Her eyes returned to Kyle, and her jaw dropped open as she frowned.

"Might I speak with you a moment?" Kyle asked her as he gently led her a few steps from the group.

"You're doing it again!" she insisted when they were alone.

"Doing what?" Kyle asked.

"Matchmaking! Finding mates for the friends you've been intimate with!" she hissed quietly.

He looked into her eyes. "Have I offended you? Are you not happy? All I did was put two people with potential together and let them work it out. You know I'm not going to be anything more than a good friend for you and Helen. This is the best outcome for everyone."

"Except you!" Skye insisted, sadness in her eyes.

He smiled gently. "I'll find love... one day. When I've dealt with my demon. I'm not fit to be in that kind of relationship with anyone until then." He gave her a fake stern look. "Come on. Put a smile on that pretty face. It's a New Year's Eve party! It's almost time to celebrate!"

He guided her back, and Byron watched him nervously, but he just smiled and shook his head at the man. He noted John was speaking quietly with Helen, and she was playing with her hair with a happy little smile on her lips, a good sign.

"Five-minute warning!" someone called out from the doorway.

Kyle aimed a questioning look at the group. "Is there a central place all guests go to ring in the New Year?"

Helen answered. "We used to gather in the main dining hall, but the group is too large now, so it's split between there and the music room. They're next to each other. Shall we go?"

Everyone moved toward the hall, the cousins going off to find their families, and Kyle stepped next to Helen. "Where is Perry?" he asked quietly.

Helen frowned. "He left. I'm bringing Lydia home with us tonight. She needs to speak to a lawyer to free herself from her husband. I'll help her with that."

Kyle smiled at Helen. She really was one of the great ones. He looked at John and nodded toward Helen as he moved back to walk with Lydia.

She smiled at him nervously as he moved beside her.

"Hey, you're with friends. Everything's going to work out fine," he assured her.

"Are you going to be at Helen's tonight?" she asked.

He nodded. "It's the last night of my visit to England."

"Are you going home? Where is your home?" Lydia asked.

"I'm going to the Seychelles for a bit... not sure how long, and after that, I'm not sure. I'm from Canada, but I no longer have a home there." He frowned as that sounded sad.

"I'm going to stay with my mum for a while... just until I get the divorce settled. Then we'll see," Lydia said quietly.

"Good plan," Kyle said with a smile, and she nodded.

"Any resolutions for the new year?" she asked, feeling a little more comfortable with him.

He saw Skye was watching him on his other side, so he raised his voice slightly for her to hear as well. "I've never been one to make New Year resolutions, but I think this year I'm going to have to do it. I need a more concrete plan to find a direction for my life. I mean, I'm glad I left my old job, let go of my apartment, and gave away the stuff I no longer need, but it feels like I've been drifting ever since. I need to add some structure and purpose."

They reached the music room and saw a table had been set up for champagne flutes. They all collected one and found a spot by one of the windows to wait for the countdown.

"Last year, I did this in front of a television in my apartment, alone, thinking about Gwen, who was already in France, likely sharing the bed of the author she worked for. I can't get over how much has changed in a year," Kyle said as he looked at Helen and Skye. They sent him sympathetic smiles.

"Gwen? Who's Gwen?" Byron asked, an edge to his voice as he stared at Kyle with a cross expression.

Kyle sighed as he gave the man a weary look. Skye firmly pulled Byron aside and spoke to him quietly.

Lydia looked at him curiously as she obviously also wanted to know, so he leaned closer to her. "Gwen was my fiancé who left me the day before I joined a group bicycle holiday in France with Helen and Skye."

Lydia's eyes widened as she gasped quietly.

Kyle gave her a small smile. "It's been one hell of a year, but it's definitely been an improvement."

The count down began, and everyone in the room raised their glasses and joined in. Kyle's eyes caught John's as he took a small step back. The man smiled gratefully as he moved slightly closer to Helen.

"Three! Two! One! HAPPY NEW YEAR!" the crowd roared and cheered.

Helen found herself facing John, and she smiled as he leaned closer to give her a kiss. Her lips met his halfway, and the kiss was sweet and gentle.

Skye was snogging Byron, and the man was lost to her passion.

Kyle was facing Lydia, whose eyes were locked on his mouth. He smiled and leaned forward.

Lydia's arms went around his neck as her mouth was suddenly on his, her tongue flicking out to taste him. The soft pressure of her tits squished against him was wonderful, if surprising.

Kyle wasn't sure where to put his hands as that might trigger the woman's passion, so they landed on her hips gently. She moaned and crushed herself against his body harder.

He slowly pushed her hips back to end the kiss, and she released his lips from her kiss, her eyes closed as she enjoyed the lingering sparks.

Kyle glanced at Helen, who was observing him. She relaxed as he shook his head slightly.

He heard Byron make an angry noise, then Skye was leading him away.

Kyle's eyes returned to Lydia's as they opened and suddenly went wide as she realized what she'd just done. Her body stiffened in embarrassment, but he took her hands and smiled at her. "That was really nice. Happy New Year," he said softly.

Eyes were watching them, and some were judging, but Lydia looked at Helen and received a warm smile.

"I-I don't know why I did that!" Lydia gushed.

"It's been a very trying night," Helen said.

Kyle moved closer to Helen and kissed her cheek with a smile. "Happy New Year, Helen. I think it's going to be an extra special year for you."

As he stepped back, her eyes locked on his as she recognized what his friendly kiss meant. She smiled at him as her eyes became a little glassy. She pulled him into a firm hug.

"I hope your year brings you what you are looking for, Kyle," she whispered in his ear with a tremble in her voice.

When she pulled back, Skye grabbed Kyle and gave him a squeeze. It was her turn to whisper. "You'll always hold a special place in my heart, Kyle. In Mum's too. I'll never forget how you saved me from Owen." She pulled back to give him a shaky smile. "I'm leaving now with Byron, and I won't be able to join you at the airport tomorrow. I'll keep Byron distracted as you fly off to spend time with his mom." She grinned cheekily. "Don't be a stranger!"

"Goodbye, Skye. You're gonna be a star! Good luck with everything!" he said fondly.

She gave him a stiff smile with glassy eyes, then rushed away.

He turned to look at Helen, John, and Lydia. "Boy, these New Year parties really get emotional quickly," he said, wiping at his own eyes.

"I think we're all feeling a little tired, so we should probably get going, too," Helen said with a smile at John.

"I'll see you at the hospital the day after?" John said to Helen.

"Yes, but I'm the new Hospital Administrator now, so you'll find me there," he said with a smile.

John's face lit up. "Congratulations! That's wonderful!" he gushed enthusiastically.

Helen's expression of joy was beautiful to see. When John gave her another hug, she bit her lip happily, and Kyle saw they were a good fit.

People were heading to the exit, and their group joined in the flow.

They picked up their outerwear from the coat check, and John shook Kyle's hand with gratitude in his eyes.

Being a prick to the end, Perry had taken Lydia's coat with him when he left, so Kyle put his leather jacket over her shoulders.

The drive back to Twickenham was quicker as the traffic was lighter, but it was still a little past one in the morning when they parked outside Helen's building.

She led them inside, and Kyle had to keep his arm around Lydia's shoulders as she was so exhausted.

When they got inside the condo, Lydia gazed at the lovely décor. "You have such a beautiful home."

Helen smiled. "Thank you. I'll set you up in Skye's room tonight."

Kyle accepted his jacket back from Lydia as she and Helen moved to the living room to have a little talk. He made his way into the guest bedroom, where he quickly stripped the suit off and put everything back into the suit bag for Skye to return to the stop.

Then he put on the shorts he wore to bed and threw a t-shirt on before setting aside the clothes he would wear tomorrow for his flight.

He quickly packed all his belongings into his duffle bag and slipped across the hall to the washroom to brush his teeth for going to bed. Once he put these items back in his room, he made his way back out into the living room to say his goodnights.

Helen and Lydia looked up at him from the couch with smiles.

"Goodnight! See you both in the morning," he said with a smile.

The ladies stood, and Kyle gave them hugs, which put smiles on their faces.

"Goodnight, Kyle," Helen said with a sad little smile.

"Hey, no sadness. Great days ahead in the New Year!" he said.

Helen nodded and flashed a quick smile at him.

He left the women and headed back to his bedroom. He was really going to miss Helen, but he truly believed she would be okay now.

With that thought in his mind, he slipped under the sheets, and his exhaustion tugged him under.

-=-

Sometime later, Kyle felt the mattress shift as someone joined him. His groggy eyes opened, and he felt breasts pressing against his arm. When he realized how much of his arm was being covered by the soft flesh, he realized who it was.

"Lydia, what are you doing?" he asked quietly.

She froze and remained silent for a moment. "Please let me stay."

"I don't think that's a good idea--"

"Please! I won't disturb your sleep. I just don't want to be alone," she pleaded quietly.

Kyle sighed. He was too tired to fight, so he moved his arm to let her cuddle in under it.

He felt her sigh and relax against him.

Her tits felt incredible squeezed against him.

Not disturbing his sleep, eh? Right.

Chapter 13

Kyle was in the passenger seat of Helen's compact car once more as she drove him back to Heathrow.

His duffle was in the backseat, and Lydia was not.

After the three of them ate the breakfast Kyle made for them, Lydia got dressed in his room and joined them wearing his sweater and track pants, the sleeves and pant legs rolled up.

As nothing Helen or Skye owned fit over the woman's large breast implants, he donated his warm clothes to the cause. He certainly wouldn't need them in the Seychelles.

She looked rather delightful in the bright red fleece with CANADA in bold white letters stretched across her chest.

She gave him and Helen a warm hug and went downstairs to meet the taxi that would take her to her mother's place.

Kyle's flight wasn't until seven that night, so he and Helen spent the day just relaxing and talking about her new job, Doctor Montgomery, Skye's new beau, his issue with Kyle's current lifestyle, and the future. Helen was so easy to talk to, and he enjoyed the day with her greatly.

Now, he leaned back in his seat and yawned broadly.

"Oh, the poor man got no sleep. Perhaps something kept you up last night?" Helen said with a smirk.

He glanced over at her. "Not in the way you seem to be insinuating."

"No?"

He closed his eyes and shook his head as he leaned it back against the headrest once more. "She just needed human contact. She fell asleep right away."

"But?" Helen asked.

He glanced at her as he cracked an eyelid open. "Yes, being squeezed against that much feminine flesh was very... stimulating. It took me longer to fall back asleep."

Helen chuckled, then drove in silence to let him rest.

She tapped his arm as she turned the car off in the parking lot. He blinked the sleep from his eyes and looked around. "Ah, you didn't have to come in. You could have just dropped me off on the sidewalk."

Helen gave him a serious look, and he saw... frustration? Then she smiled.

"Kyle, there is no way I am letting you get on that plane without a proper hug and kiss. None of this peck-on-the-cheek nonsense. I know you believe you're being chivalrous, but you need to take my feelings into consideration as well as John's. I will be seeing him, and I hope a relationship is in our future, but it's all potential at this time.

You've had such a profound impact on my life and Skye's. You are and will always be a treasured friend, but you're also in my heart. That deserves honest emotions and acts. I will walk you to the gate, and you will kiss me like the adults we both are. I expect passion, and I want to feel your heart in it."

Kyle blinked then nodded as a smile slipped onto his lips. "Okay. I guess I've been a little heavy-handed with the whole wingman activity, and I clearly haven't considered your feelings. I'm so sorry about that. Thank you for the wake-up call." He touched her arm as he looked into her eyes. "Let's go."

She nodded, and they got out. Kyle grabbed his bag, and she locked up. They walked arm in arm into the terminal. As instructed by Louise, he made his way to the British Airways ticketing desk and presented his passport.

Minutes later, he was walking away with a ticket and boarding pass.

Helen walked him to the security checkpoint where she'd have to say goodbye.

"Will you be coming back?" she asked, and he heard the tremor in her voice.

He moved forward to take her in his arms and looked into her lovely eyes. "I don't know, but I hope so. I haven't really worked out what I'm going to do next. I'll try to spend some time on that issue while relaxing on a beach."

Helen snorted gently, then she gasped as his mouth found hers. As promised, he didn't hold back as she was also in his heart, and he wanted her to know that. The kiss was deep, sensual, and lingered until Kyle finally pulled back. Helen's eyes were closed, and she was breathing a little fast.

"Now... that was a beautiful goodbye kiss," she sighed and opened her eyes.

He nodded with a slight smile on his lips. "Let's call it an until-we-meet-again kiss."

Her smile widened, and she nodded shakily. "Yes, let's."

He stepped back with her hand in his and walked forward, only releasing her fingers when he could no longer hold on. He glanced back with a smile and saw her wave before she spun and rushed away.

Kyle took some deep breaths and made a promise to himself that he'd attempt to return.

The security gauntlet was before him, so he steeled himself and marched forward, papers in hand.

-=-

Sipping chilled fruit juice in the First-Class lounge while he waited for his flight, Kyle relaxed back in his chair with his notebook PC on the desk before him. He also had a newspaper for researching potential investments opportunities. From the expensive designer clothing and displays of jewelry from the other travelers, he knew he was surrounded by money, a lot more than he had. Some passengers were just flaunting it more than the others.

He'd been pleasantly surprised by how quickly he made it through security. This was expedited by an incident with an old guy trying to smuggle some suspect items through. The agents found several large deli meat sticks, including a monstrous four-pound pepperoni, in his carry-on. This drew the attention of many of the agents, especially when they found a huge jar of personal lube, as well.

Kyle felt a little bad the man was kink-shamed for his contraband. It's possible the items weren't related.

As he had time before his flight, he did a little shopping and replaced his donated fleece tracksuit at a shop in the terminal. Granted, it wasn't red, and it didn't say CANADA on it, but he'd have to settle with royal blue with LONDON across the chest and down one leg. Planes could be cold, so having the cozy tracksuit was like insurance. Not that he expected to need it on the island.

He was reading a story in the paper about a new tech start-up that sounded promising. They seemed to have a good chance at filling a void in the renewable energy infrastructure. He did a background search on the talent behind the new company and was excited to see several of the key players from the potential investment he'd missed out on during the Las Vegas fiasco. They weren't resting on their laurels after being bought out! He quickly logged into his trading app and transferred twenty grand into the new stock. It was a bit of a gamble, but he was trusting his instincts on this one.

Shutting down his PC, he stuffed it into his duffle with a satisfied smile.

Moments later, he heard the boarding call and joined the stream of wealthy travelers. As he gazed at the group and picked up their chatter, he smiled as he realized how foreign their world was to him. He acknowledged that the tier above them likely flew on private jets to the Seychelles, but even these travelers came from a world of privilege which was nothing like his humble beginnings.

He had more in common with Reginald Dunsfield, who worked for and grew his wealth over many decades. That man also came from a wealthy family, and his start may also have included a comfortable financial cushion. However, Kyle realized it was their attitude that made the difference. Reginald appreciated the struggle. He wondered if any of the people he was amongst had ever experienced it.

Speaking of experience, Kyle was stunned to find himself directed to his very own space pod, complete with a reclining seat with a personal flat-screen TV and a control panel to adjust... everything in his personal space. It even came with a blanket, pillow, sleep mask, and booties to keep with toes warm as he slept. He sat on the plush seat and sighed.

"Good evening! Is there anything you need?"

Kyle looked up at the gorgeous flight attendant, smiling back at him with perfect white teeth.

"Good evening... Uh, I think this seat has... everything," he mumbled. He spotted a complimentary bottle of spring water.

"First time in First-Class?" she asked quietly.

He recalled his flight to England, jammed in next to matrons Beryl and Abigail, and grinned. Such a difference!

"Yeah, this is... something else," he sighed.

She gave him another lovely smile. "If you think of something you need, feel free to press the call button, and I'll return."

"Thank you," Kyle said with a smile of his own.

"Miss! I want a thicker pillow!"

Kyle and the flight attendant glanced back at the source of the surly comment.

"Yes, sir. I'll look for one for you," she said pleasantly, then turned to Kyle. "They are all identical." Kyle gave her a sympathetic smile.

She moved away on her mission impossible, and Kyle settled in.

He realized this was a service industry job he didn't want. Sure, it involved travel, and you got to meet people, but... no.

He needed to put more thought into it. In the meantime, he had a space pod to explore.

Chapter 14

The flight to the international airport on Mahé in the Seychelles was one of the most comfortable trips Kyle had ever taken. The chair was comfortable, and it folded flat to become an even more comfy bed.

Before he called it a night, he'd had a friendly conversation with Emily, the flight attendant for his section. He learned a lot about the joys and pitfalls of working the skies and shared anecdotes about his time as an investment manager and his subsequent quest for joy.

Emily was a lovely woman with a great sense of humor. Kyle let her quietly know how impressed she was with her ability to maintain her patience with such entitled travelers.

She asked how long he'd be on the island, and he let her know he had no idea, nor did he know where he'd be going next.

Emily told him that was a lot like being a flight attendant as well.

She woke him, and once he'd freshened up a little in the washroom, she'd served him a surprisingly good breakfast.

They arrived at their destination soon afterward, and Kyle said his goodbyes and wished her luck. He told her she'd made his First-Class experience that much better, and she gave him a dazzling smile.

Shuffling out into the terminal after passing through usual security processing, he spotted a handsome older man with brown skin in a bold flowery shirt and khaki pants holding a sigh with Kyle MacDenny printed on it. Kyle approached the man and smiled at him.

"Mr. MacDenny?" the older man asked.

"That's me," Kyle said.

"I am Bernard, your driver. I will take you to the resort." He looked behind Kyle. "Where is your suitcase?"

Kyle gestured to his duffle bag. "I travel light."

Bernard nodded with a smile and gestured for Kyle to follow him outside to a small minivan. Bernard opened the sliding door, and Kyle climbed in the back.

The drive to the other side of the island was surprisingly short, but Kyle was blown away by the tropical vistas, the heat, and the scents. Santa Barbara had been the closest he'd come to this, but it didn't really compare at all. The density of the lush vegetation was certainly a vast difference. This was likely the source of the humidity and the sweet scent of tropical flowers.

He grinned to himself as he realized he was on an island whose closest neighbors were Africa and Madagascar. He was far from home.

When they reached the resort, Kyle's mind was blown again. He was expecting to see a large, multi-floor resort with balconies facing the tropical scenery. Instead, a cluster of low-rise buildings housed the administration offices and reception area, several restaurants, and the communal areas. For the guest suites, multiple villas were scattered across the beautifully landscaped property. He followed Bernard through the canopied pathways to a private bungalow. Kyle saw others through the dense foliage, but there was excellent privacy between these buildings. He looked at his guide, who handed him a key when they stood before the door to a beautiful building.

"Enjoy your stay with us, Mr. MacDenny," the man said, enjoying the expression on Kyle's face.

"Kyle, please," he responded as his eyes were pulled back to the grounds.

"Is there anything you need, Kyle?" Bernard asked with a smile as Kyle was making no move to enter the villa.

Kyle shook his head slowly. "I just need a moment to get my head around the idea I'm here. It's so different from anything I've experienced. It feels a little surreal."

Bernard grinned. "But in a good way, yes?"

Kyle's eyes returned to the man, and he smiled. "Yes. Thank you, Bernard. It's truly beautiful here. I suppose I shouldn't keep my friend waiting any longer."

Bernard nodded and headed back toward the main building.

Turning to the door, he let himself inside and cast his gaze about the stunning and tastefully decorated interior. He saw no sign of Louise, so he called out.

"Louise? It's Kyle. I'm here!"

"I'm outside by the pool, Kyle. Come join me."

Kyle kicked off his shoes and dropped his duffle bag before he walked through the lovely living space to step out onto a large patio. His eyes immediately locked on the beautiful woman stretched out on the lounge chair wearing a very sexy bikini. Louise was smiling at his appreciative stare as she relaxed with her book. She set it down as he approached and grinned up at him. Then her expression changed to concern. "What happened to your cheek?"

He shrugged as he rolled his eyes. "It's a long story, which I'll save it for later. It's only a little tender, now."

"Okay. How was your trip?" she said. She smiled up at him in anticipation as he dipped down to kiss her.

Her lips eagerly met his, and she sighed as he sensually kissed her.

Louise's eyes were a little dreamy when he pulled back, which made him smile.

"The flight was amazing. First-Class is so different from economy. Thank you for that experience." He gestured around. "And thank you for this! I can't get over how gorgeous thiiisss--" His brain derailed as he finally caught sight of the view of the ocean over the pool. They were a distance above the water, the villa nestled in against the hillside overlooking the expansive bay before them. He realized they'd get to watch the sunset from here.

"Yes, it's pretty spectacular, isn't it."

Her voice drew his brain back to reality, and he looked at her in embarrassment. "Yes... it's incredible." He wondered at how dazzled his brain felt. "Maybe I'm still dealing with travel fatigue. I feel a little punch drunk. My brain seems to be having trouble absorbing so much change, so quickly."

Louise offered her hand, and he assisted her to her feet. "I have just the remedy for that. Come with me." She walked past and tugged his hand.

He followed obediently into the bedroom, but instead of being led to bed, she stopped before a bureau where she opened a drawer and pulled a piece of red fabric from it, and handed it to him. He looked dubiously at the tissue-sized bit of spandex. Holding the tiny briefs out in front of himself, he glanced at the grin on Louise's face.

"What?" she said with playful defensiveness. "It's the bathing suit I promised to pick up for you. Put it on and join me in the pool," she said as she turned and strolled out of the room.

Kyle scanned his eyes around the room and saw it also had a spectacular view of the ocean. The furnishings were tasteful, light, and uncluttered. It was very much his style. The bed looked very inviting, but he looked back at the bathing suit with a resigned expression.

It didn't take long to strip his clothes and slide the stretchy bathing suit on. As he'd expected, it barely covered anything and clung to him as if it was painted on. There was no room for an erection in the tiny suit, which he imagined Louise considered a positive feature.

He tucked his clothes into the bureau drawer and walked out to join Louise by the pool.

She was already in the water, but her eyes were drinking in his muscles and how he filled out the tiny swimsuit.

"Very nice!" she purred.

He looked down. "It doesn't leave much to the imagination."

"Who needs imagination when you have this kind of reality before you!" Louise teased. She lifted her hands to beckon him into the cool waters.

He climbed down the steps, sighing with relief from the heat. Once he was in the pool, Louise swam closer and stood before him. The water wasn't deep, reaching her collar bones as she leaned forward to receive another kiss.

Her lips were soft but insistent as her hands explored his back and slid down to cup his ass through the slippery material. His stomach growled as her body pressed against his, and she snorted into the kiss as she felt the vibrations. She pulled back and grinned up at him as he smiled self-consciously.

"Breakfast on the plane was very good, but not very filling," he said apologetically.

"How about we order up some lunch then go for a walk on the beach? We can work up an appetite for dinner and other activities," she suggested.

He nodded. "That sounds perfect."

With a sultry look over her shoulder, Louise climbed the steps out of the pool and grabbed her towel.

Kyle watched her head inside to place the order, and he checked out the pool. It was a little too short to swim laps, so it was more for just cooling off and... doing what they'd just about done. The sunset view from the pool was going to be incredible!

He climbed from the pool and quickly rubbed himself down with a towel before picking up a bottle of sunscreen next to Louise's chair. He began applying it, and Louise returned.

"Lunch will be here momentarily. May I apply the lotion to your back?" she asked.

He nodded, and she did a thorough job of covering him. "Did you get your own, or can I apply it for you?" he asked, and she smiled with a nod as she turned around. He massaged the lotion into her skin, and she moaned happily as he worked out her tension.

They finally laid back and relaxed until there was a knock on the door. Kyle stood and wrapped a towel around his waist.

"Oh, pooh! Hiding your delightful body like that!" Louise said with a cheeky smile.

He just shook his head and opened the door. Bernard carried in a tray with covered dishes, and a young woman accompanied him. She quickly moved the items from the tray to the small table by the patio doors. Louise joined them and thanked Bernard and the woman for lunch. Kyle closed the door behind them and returned to see what Louise had ordered.

As he'd expressed his hunger, he was delighted to see a club sandwich with coleslaw and fries. He grinned at her. "Perfect!"

They enjoyed the meal, and Louise received a description of the event that led to his bruised cheek.

After they finished up, Kyle went back to his duffle bag and moved his clothes into the dresser. He tried to find something he could wear for his walk on the beach and settle with a short-sleeved shirt, worn open, and the swim trunks he picked up in Paris. They weren't so revealing, so he'd be more comfortable in public areas. The next issue he had was footwear. He had his runners he could wear without socks, but he'd have to take them off at the beach and carry them. They were the only shoes he had other than his boots.

Louise joined him with a sheer wrap around her waist and sandals on her feet.

"What happened to your sexy swimsuit?" she pouted.

He smirked. "Let me ease my way into being comfortable exposing so much of myself in public, please."

She finally nodded then looked at his feet. "Do you need sandals?"

He sighed. "Yeah, I guess it makes sense for me to pick some up."

She fingered his shirt and smiled. "I think we need to have a shopping trip tomorrow to get you some tropical wear."

He gave her an uncomfortable look.

She caught the expression and patted his arm. "I promise not to go overboard, but I'd enjoy the opportunity to shop for you."

He took a deep breath then nodded. She grinned happily and tugged his arm.

"Let's go walk on the beach!" she said.

They locked up and walked through the beautiful grounds along the path that led down to the beach.

Kyle smiled. "We're going to get our exercise climbing down and back from the beach."

"It's the price you pay for such an amazing view in the rooms," she sighed with a smile.

When they finally reached the sand, Kyle slipped his shoes off and tied the laces through a small loop at the hip of his shorts. This meant he didn't have to carry them in his hands. Louise slipped her sandals and banged them together to clear the sand. Kyle held his hand out to her, and she looked at him curiously. He took the sandals and slipped them inside his runners. Louise gave him an impressed look for his ingenuity.

They walked down to the ocean's edge, picked a direction, and headed that way.

The sun was blazing as the blue skies were perfectly clear, but the water was refreshingly cool to walk through as the gentle waves caught their feet at the shore. The wet sand was so soft underfoot, and Kyle paused for a moment to breathe in the sea's scent. Kyle's senses were reeling with all this unique and wonderful input.

Louise stood by his side, silent for a moment as she watched him take it all in.

"It's lovely here, isn't it," she sighed. "Everything seems so far away, like there's nothing to worry about, no deadlines or demands on your time. Everything moves at a much slower pace. It's easy to just let all of your emotional baggage just slide off into the sand to be washed away by the waves."

"That sounds nice," Kyle agreed.

They continued along and saw another couple walking toward them. Kyle glanced at Louise. "So, how does it work with a resort made up of individual villas? Do you get to meet your neighbors, or does everyone remain isolated?"

Louise looked up into his eyes momentarily, then looked forward, keeping an eye on the people getting closer. "Some like to keep to themselves, but there are restaurants on the property and places to get a drink. Some seek social interaction, and I've met some interesting couples here. If a friendship builds, tables are shared for meals, excursions on the island are joined, and get-togethers for drinks in the bar and dancing is possible. Sometimes couples are interested in more than friendship, and I'll admit I once accepted a request to join a couple in their villa for some intimate fun."

Kyle watched her carefully, so she patted his arm. "That hasn't happened in a long time, and I'm not so eager to do it now."

He sighed in relief as that would step well outside his comfort zone. He heard Louise chuckle as she caught him relaxing.

They nodded politely to the couple who went by. Both looked to be in their thirties and in perfect health. Kyle thought they were entirely too photogenic, like they stepped out of an ad for exactly this kind of blissful lifestyle. The man was tall, dark, and ruggedly handsome with his perfectly trimmed five o'clock shadow and wavy hair, his rock-hard toned muscles, and the broad shoulders and narrow waist of a champion swimmer. The chunky divers Rolex on his wrist screamed wealth, as did the immense diamond ring on the finger of the tall and sleek, stunning beauty at his side. She was all long limbs and toned muscles. Her long black hair was straight, reached her ass, and gleamed in the bright sunlight. Her features were as perfect and symmetrical as his were.

They were the perfect couple, image-wise, at least.

Kyle grinned at Louise as she glanced up at him. "Maybe you've changed your mind about being eager now?" he joked.

"Like you would kick that beauty from your bed!" she teased back.

"Of course I would! The audacity of her disturbing my peaceful sleep!" he growled with fake indignation, and Louise giggled delightfully.

They decided to take a little dip in the water as the sun was making them too hot. Kyle untied the knot on his shoelaces and put their footwear further away from the water. Then he stripped off his shirt and wrapped it around his shoes.

Louise tucked her wrap under his shirt then joined him. They rushed into the water and stayed there for over an hour, playing, holding each other as they jumped to keep their faces above the waves, and just relaxed in each other's arms.

"This is bliss!" Louise sighed happily.

Kyle smiled at her happiness and nodded.

They eventually walked from the surf to collect their clothes and walked back to the resort. The climb was tougher for Louise, but soon they were back in their villa.

Kyle suggested they take a shower, and her eyes lit up with excitement.

The stall was huge, so they had no crowding issues. Kyle washed her hair and body and slipped down to his knees to worship her with his mouth to bring her to a glorious release. Then she rested on the seat in the stall while Kyle washed.

Clean, they left the shower and got dressed for dinner.

"I thought we might enjoy the restaurant tonight," Louise suggested.

"You just want to meet the world's most camera-friendly couple again," he teased.

That got a snort from her, and she shook her head.

Kyle's selection for dinner casual wear was very limited. He slipped on a dress shirt and khaki slacks. His sneakers would have to accompany this outfit as that's all he had.

Louise took his arm, and they left the villa again to check out the restaurants.

They were led to a table with a view of the gardens, and Louise immediately ordered a bottle of her favorite wine. Kyle raised an eyebrow at her as he wasn't that much of a drinker.

They took their time reviewing the menu, and Kyle chose the grilled fish dish while Louise went for the pasta.

"So, tomorrow we go shopping?" Kyle asked.

Louise nodded. "We can do that after breakfast. Then have lunch at a delightful restaurant on Eden Island. We can walk off the meal on the beach when we get back, but you have to promise me you'll wear the swimsuit I bought for you when we do." She grinned at him in challenge.

Kyle saw the plea in her eyes, so he steeled his nerves and nodded. "Fine. Just refrain from giving me a woody while we're on the beach. There's no excess room in that swimsuit."

Louise burst into giggles as she figured out what a woody was.

Kyle saw heads turn to look in their direction and realized it was the beautiful couple. They were seated two tables away, over Louise's right shoulder. The woman's eyes lingered on him, so he redirected his eyes to Louise's excited expression.

"Don't look now, but you're attracting the attention of the world's most photogenic couple," Kyle whispered to her.

Louise blinked in surprise and began to turn in her seat, but Kyle reached out to hold her hand.

"Why do people always do that when you specifically say don't look now?" Kyle sighed.

Louise chuckled and shook her head. "Where are they?"

Kyle picked up the couple in his peripheral vision and did an estimate. "They're at your five o'clock, two tables away."

She blinked at him. "My what?"

He grinned. "It's an old aviation term. You imagine yourself standing, or in this case sitting, at the middle of a clock face. Twelve o'clock means straight ahead or where I'm sitting facing you. Three o'clock would mean directly to your right, and nine o'clock would mean directly to your left. On your six would mean directly behind you. By saying they're at your five o'clock means they are behind you and slightly to your right."

Louise raised an eyebrow at him. "You're a pilot?"

He chuckled and shook his head. "No, but I've been accused of cosplaying as one with your brother."

"Ah, yes! You looked so dreamy in that uniform," she sighed. "Is that what cosplay means?"

"According to some of the younger women in attendance at the New Year's party. Or maybe it was LARPing," he said with a frown.

She gaped at him. "What on Earth is LARPing?"

Kyle shrugged. "I'm told it means Live Action Role Playing. I assured them the men attacking me weren't playing."

The wine arrived, and Kyle enjoyed watching Louise perform the tasting and approval. When they were alone again, they raised their glasses and looked into each other's eyes. "To a wonderful holiday with the most delightful company," Louise said.

Kyle smiled at her, and they touched glasses before sipping the wine. He saw her eye close happily as she tasted it. He thought it was nice, but he was no wine connoisseur. She liked it very much and was paying for it, so Kyle just resolved to enjoy her happiness.

Kyle saw the handsome man take a sip of the wine they ordered, and his face pinched. It was the first ugly expression Kyle had seen on his features. He shook his head and had some terse words with the waitress. She nodded to him and rushed away with the bottle.

It seemed to him that wine would be a tricky product to sell, as everyone had their own opinion about what tasted good. All those terms for describing the tasting experience just told Kyle it was a miracle when an interpretation actually matched and appealed to the drinker's palate.

Added to that, the bottle the waitress just opened for that couple could now only be sold by the glass and relatively soon, potentially reducing their profit if the wine wasn't in high demand.

He looked at Louise, who was blissfully sipping from her glass, as she watched the late evening activity of... Kyle looked closer. "Are those bats?" he asked.

Louise smiled and nodded. "Fruit bats, actually."

Kyle smiled and watched them for a bit until raised voices drew his attention back to the neighboring table.

The beautiful couple was arguing. Not violently, but the occasional word was traveling across the room. Kyle did his best to ignore what wasn't his business to hear.

"They aren't happy?" Louise asked, curious interest in her eyes.

He spared the couple a quick glance and felt a jolt as the woman was watching him intently. His eyes returned to Louise, and he smiled gently. "Trouble in paradise?"

Their food arrived, and Kyle wasn't too surprised by the smaller portion sizes. It was delicious, and Kyle did his best to eat slowly to stretch the experience out.

They made small talk during the meal, but Louise seemed content to share the experience with him in silence.

Occasionally, there were additional sharp words from the other table, but Kyle struggled to ignore them. He could tell Louise was absorbing each audible clue.

After a time, Louise pitched her voice for only Kyle to hear. "The woman is angry that someone didn't show up. Someone the man promised would join them."

"Oh?" Kyle said with mild interest as he ate the last morsel from his plate. He dabbed his mouth with his napkin and set it on the table next to his plate.

A waitress appeared at his elbow. "Are you finished, sir? May I take your plate?"

He was a little surprised by how quickly she appeared, so he looked up at her with a grin. "Uh, yes, I'm done. Thank you."

The woman flashed a smile and collected his plate and utensils. Then she was gone.

"They are highly efficient here," Kyle noted with a slight smile as Louise nodded happily.

When she finished, the waitress returned to whisk the remaining plates away. "Would you care for sone dessert?" she asked as she topped up Louise's glass once more. Kyle stretched his single glass through dinner, refusing top-ups as the waitress came by. This would be Louise's third--no, fourth. She was already looking very relaxed.

Kyle ordered a coconut tart, but Louise just shook her head at the waitress as she watched Kyle over the rim of her wineglass.

Once the waitress left, Louise grinned at Kyle. "If you want to eat a tart, I know one who'd quite enjoy it."

She burst into wicked giggles as Kyle smiled and shook his head.

He felt the sensation of being watched and glanced up to see the tall raven-haired model-type staring at him as she stood next to her table. The man reached out to take her hand, but she pulled it away from him sharply and stormed off. Kyle couldn't help but watch her leave, as even in her enraged state, she was dazzling to the eye. Maybe more so.

Once she was gone, Kyle's eyes returned to the man sitting alone. Once more, Kyle jolted as the man was staring back at him, and his expression was frustrated, perhaps even angry. Kyle couldn't help but blink in confused surprise.

The handsome man stood, and after one more glare in Kyle's direction, he followed the path the beauty took.

"What was that?" Louise asked.

"Huh?" Kyle grunted as he turned to face her. "What?"

"Why did you look so surprised?" she pushed.

He paused as he thought about it. "I don't know what's going on with those two, but the woman kept looking over at me during the meal. She was angry about something, and just now, the man was giving me the stink-eye for some reason."

Louise stared at Kyle in confusion. "Why would they be angry with you? If anyone was making noise at dinner, it was me."

He shook his head. "I don't believe it had anything to do with that. It has to be something personal to them that neither of us has anything to do with." He shook his head as the waitress stopped by to give him the tart. "Thank you!" She smiled and left.

Kyle shared his dessert as he wanted Louise to put more food in her stomach to absorb some of the alcohol.

They walked back to their villa when they were done, and Kyle let them back inside, locking up behind them. Louise was humming to herself and floated across the room toward the bedroom. It was still early, but Louise had the bedroom on her mind, so he followed her in. She'd pulled the sheets down on the bed.

"My tart joke put an idea in my head, Kyle," she said as she turned back to face him with the bed at her back.

He stepped up close to her and smiled. "Did it now."

"It did. I think it might be lovely to feel that while I'm feeling so good. You're the first man to ever do that for me!" She batted her eyelashes at him, and he snorted softly.

He knew she was inebriated, so he'd have to be gentle with her. He dipped down to kiss her, and she moaned softly into his mouth. While she was preoccupied, he undid her dress and let it slip down to her feet. Next off was her bra, and his hands massaged her breasts, her moaning becoming more urgent.

He laid her back on the bed slowly and confirmed she was not dizzy. Then he kissed his way down her body as she sighed and gasped. He smiled as this was obviously becoming her favorite activity with him. As she'd just confirmed that she'd never experienced it before meeting him, she must feel like she was making up for lost opportunities.

When he reached her pussy, she gasped loudly. He kissed, sucked, and stroked until she was screaming out her release and clinging tightly to his head. The wine dropped her inhibitions, and with them, her concern about being heard by others. His ears were ringing slightly from her volume, then she faded quickly.

Kyle suddenly realized their villa had an enormous open wall facing the sea. Not the most soundproof of structures.

He looked up at Louise and saw the smile on her face. She was also breathing deeply, and her eyes were closed. He raised an eyebrow as he realized she'd fallen asleep.

He eased her up the bed and pulled the light sheets up and over her.

Kyle walked into the washroom and cleaned up. He looked at himself in the mirror, and a frown appeared before he understood why.

He was enjoying his stay so far, but it was feeling like he was only here to be Louise's sexual plaything. He knew when he accepted her invitation that she wanted to have sex with him again. But since he'd arrived, she'd seemed to focus on that more than she had in Paris. Initially, there'd been more of an intellectual connection then. Now it seemed far more physical.

He left the bedroom as Louise was snoring softly. Speaking to her about it now wasn't an option. He sighed and stepped out into the living area, gently closing the door behind him.

He looked around and admired the style of the room.

Then he realized he wasn't tired.

He decided to head back to the main buildings to see if he could get a drink. He wrote a quick note for Louise to let her know where he was if she woke while he was out.

Kyle locked up behind himself and wandered back to the main buildings. He found a bar and took a seat at the bar.

The bartender approached with a smile. "Yes, sir."

"I'd like a scotch, please. Neat."

"Certainly. Villa?" the man asked.

"Oh, uh, ten. Cantington," Kyle responded. He guessed that meant the drinks weren't part of the all-inclusive price. No matter. He could settle with Louise tomorrow.

The bartender nodded and moved to collect the bottle. Kyle didn't recognize the name on the label, but soon he had a tumbler before him. "Thanks!"

The man moved to the other end of the bar, and Kyle took his first sip.

Shit.

It had to be the same scotch Louise's dead husband preferred. He tried to keep his dismay from his face, but he failed.

"Yes. It's terrible scotch."

Kyle turned his head and was looking into the dark brown eyes of a very handsome man.

"It is. Not the worst I've had... but close," Kyle agreed.

The man smiled then quickly looked contrite. "I'm glad I met you here. I wanted to apologize for giving you the impression in the restaurant that I was angry with you."

Kyle smiled and waved a hand dismissively. "No, it's fine. I knew you couldn't have been angry with me. I mean, you don't know me, we've never spoken, and today was the first time we saw each other. I'm sorry you seemed to be having a stressful night, but don't worry about me. It's cool."

The man smiled in relief. "I'm Nicolau Ribera Bartoli," he said as he watched Kyle carefully as he held his hand out to shake.

Kyle returned the smile and shook the hand. "Kyle MacDenny."

"You have an interesting accent, Kyle. Are you American?"

That brought another grin to Kyle's face. "No, I'm Canadian. And you?"

"Catalan," he said, still watching Kyle closely.

Kyle nodded. "One day, I'd love to visit Barcelona as I hear it's exquisite." He was careful to pronounce the city name with a TH sound replacing the C for the Catalan. He must have gotten it right as Nicolau's smile widened, and the man nodded.

"It truly is."

Kyle noted the man hadn't ordered a drink, yet he was in a bar. "Would you like a drink?"

"They have nothing here I would drink for pleasure," Nicolau said sadly. He gestured to the bartender. "Spring water, please. Bottled and chilled."

Kyle took another sip of the scotch. Still bad. "I'm going to agree with you there." He looked at the bartender. "Water for me, as well?"

When they had their drinks, they tapped glasses and took a sip. Kyle looked at his scotch and tossed it back, pursued by some spring water. "Waste not, want not," he said as he grimaced.

Nicolau shook his head. "You are far braver than me."

Kyle snorted. "So, what do you do?"

"You really don't know," the man said in surprise. He actually seemed a little disappointed.

"My not recognizing you is no reflection on you. If you're a politician, an actor, or an athlete, I won't have a clue, as I don't follow those interests at all," Kyle said honestly.

That seemed to heal the man's wounded pride. He nodded to Kyle. "I'm the top scorer for Spain's National Football Team."

"Very cool!" Kyle said with an impressed nod. "I know how important football is in Europe, so being the top scorer likely means you have a massive number of fans."

Nicolau smiled and nodded modestly, though he was obviously enjoying the praise he'd been denied.

"Is that why you've come to vacation in the Seychelles? To avoid the crowds of followers and the press?" Kyle asked, and Nicolau was back to watching Kyle closely. Unsure what the man was worried about, Kyle just waited for him to decide to answer or not.

Finally, the pro-football player sighed and nodded. "It's true. My wife, Èlia, and I needed to get away for some private time. We have been under a tremendous amount of stress lately, and it was affecting our marriage."

"Your health and the relationships you have with those you love are two of the most important things you will ever have in your life. It's great you are taking care of both. I hope to one day find someone I can give my heart to without fear of betrayal," Kyle admitted.

Nicolau flinched almost imperceptibly at Kyle's mention of betrayal. Whether he'd received or inflicted it had yet to be determined.

"You sound like a man who has experienced some pain in this area," the man suggested.

Kyle nodded. "Enough to have some understanding of the importance of maintaining a trusting relationship."

Nicolau smiled and nodded as Kyle had just said something important to him as well.

"Èlia is not happy with me at the moment. I must do something to make amends."

Kyle sipped his water and nodded as he listened to the man, keeping his eyes on the man's face to let him know he was paying attention. It was a thing his mother had taught him. Listening was a powerful skill and had tremendous healing potential. The man before him was in trouble, and something was definitely bothering him. It was bad enough to make him seek out Kyle in a bar when he had no intention of drinking himself.

"Sometimes I forget how my fame interferes with Èlia's life," Nicolau said quietly.

"What does she do?" Kyle asked.

Nicolau nodded as he smiled. "She is a brilliant fashion designer! Some of her designs are sold in Desigual's stores throughout the world."

Kyle recognized that name. Gwen had been very fond of their clothing lines. "That's awesome! They have really great styles," Kyle said.

"You've shopped there?" Nicolau said, glancing at Kyle's very plain shirt and khaki pants.

Kyle snorted self-consciously, well aware of the disparity between their outfits. "My... ex-fiancé was a major fan of Desigual. I think their products are beautiful, but I typically spend far less on my clothes."

Nicolau looked at Kyle in confusion. "Why? Why would you deny yourself the best?"

Kyle smiled and shook his head. "I've decided to eliminate everything from my life that doesn't bring me joy. After my fiancé ran off with another man, I realized she and acquiring stuff didn't bring me joy. I quit my job, released my apartment, and gave away almost all my worldly possessions, as none of that stuff really mattered to me. I have my health and my friends. That's all I really need."

Nicolau leaned away from Kyle as he looked at him in confusion. "I see now the source of your pain, but the lengths you went to seem excessive to me!"

Kyle laughed gently. "I know. I get that reaction from most people I tell my story to. It goes against everything most people believe." He shrugged. "It's not a philosophy for everyone."

"But you are here? In one of the most expensive resorts far from your country!" Nicolau argued.

"I may not be rich, but I'm not poor. I'm a smart investment manager, and my personal investments have an excellent return that pays for my minimalistic lifestyle. It occasionally allows me to buy a discounted ticket to fly to London, England, to visit friends. While I was there, I met some great people, and one of them invited me to spend some time here with her. It's certainly not something I could afford, but she insisted on paying for my ticket, so I'd join her," Kyle explained.

Nicolau leaned closer and fixed an intense gaze on Kyle once more. "And you do what for her in return."

Kyle sighed. "Nothing I wasn't willing to do with her back in England. We're good friends. She wanted me to join her on her vacation. I can't afford this, but she can and insisted. There's no expectation for compensation. We just enjoy each other's company."

The man was nodding with a distracted expression, so Kyle tried to change the topic. "How long will you be here?"

"Tonight is our last night. I must return to Spain tomorrow," Nicolau admitted. "I was lucky to get these few days off."

"Oh! That's too bad. I would have liked to introduce you to Louise. She's traveled throughout Europe and likely has some stories she could share with you and your wife," Kyle said with a sigh.

"I would very much like to introduce you to Èlia. Tonight. Now," Nicolau insisted, and Kyle stared at him.

"It's late, and from what I saw tonight at the restaurant, I don't think she'd be interested in meeting visitors," Kyle suggested.

"That is where you are wrong! She would be very delighted to meet you! Please! I can sweeten the deal with an exquisite bottle of scotch we have and cannot take with us back to Spain," Nicolau pleaded with a slight grin.

Kyle paused. He was intrigued to meet Èlia after speaking with Nicolau, who seemed like a really nice guy, aside from being just too damn handsome. Besides, the offer of good scotch was tempting. "It's better than this stuff?" he said, gesturing to his empty tumbler.

Nicolau grinned widely as he saw he was getting his way. "Much better!"

Kyle sighed as he looked at the time. "Okay, but if I was right, and she's not up to visitors, we'll say our goodbyes and go our separate ways. I really can't stay for long, as it is late, and plans were made for tomorrow."

"Sure! Great! Let's go!" Nicolau said happily.

He led Kyle down the hill and over to a villa, steps from the beach. While it was dark, Kyle could imagine how awesome this villa would be as well. While it had no pool, right there was the freaking ocean!

They stopped a short distance from the door, and Nicolau looked at Kyle. "Just let me go inside and see if she's presentable."

"Oh! Right. I'll be here," Kyle said with a nod.

Nicolau grinned at him and quickly rushed inside.

Kyle couldn't get over the difference a smile made on the tall man's face. When they passed on the beach and during supper, Nicolau had an aloof, unapproachable expression that made him look cold yet still gorgeous. Much like those male models in the cologne ads.

He considered what he saw of Èlia and realized she seemed very much the same way. Kyle hoped she matched Nicolau's friendliness when comfortable enough to smile.

He wondered if being so intensely beautiful required defensive measures, like the expressions he saw on their faces on the beach.

Kyle looked around and realized he'd been standing on the villa's entry path for some time. He worried that he may have been right. Maybe Èlia wasn't in the mood.

The door suddenly opened, and Nicolau was gesturing for Kyle to join him quickly.

He stepped forward and entered the beautifully decorated beach home. It was styled very much like Louise's hillside villa, minus the integrated patio and pool.

Then Kyle's attention was trapped by the second occupant. Èlia was standing at the entrance to the bedroom, and Kyle's brain took a brief holiday as she smiled at him.

In a bikini top with a wrap around her waist, she'd been stunningly dressed when they met on the beach.

In her villa, wearing barely there lingerie under the sheerest of gossamer robes, the woman simply took Kyle's breath away.

When she smiled, the transformation was mind-altering. It took years off her perceived age and obliterated her air of being unapproachable.

"Good evening, I'm Kyle MacDenny. I hope we aren't disturbing you too late," Kyle offered.

"No, I hadn't gone to bed yet. Won't you have a seat, Kyle? I'm Èlia," she said, gesturing to the sofa.

He smiled and glanced at Nicolau, who nodded, so he crossed the room to sit on the sofa. Èlia surprised him by sitting next to him, with her feet tucked under her and her knees pointed toward him, almost touching his. He had to turn slightly to face her. As he did, Nicolau took the chair facing the couch, making it difficult to see them simultaneously.

Kyle was feeling a little awkward when Nicolau jumped back up to his feet. "I'm a poor host. I promised you some scotch, didn't I."

Kyle grinned at him. "You mentioned it."

While the man walked off to the next room, Èlia caught his attention by touching his arm. "Nico told me you are living a minimalist lifestyle. Can you explain this to me?"

He nodded and told her exactly what he'd said to her husband.

"You gave it all away? You kept nothing?" she said in surprise.

"I kept the clothes I regularly wear, my notebook PC, my cellphone, and one item I couldn't part with. The motorcycle my father and I restored. That's the only thing I ever received from him, and we had a good time working on it."

"Ah! What kind of motorcycle is it?" Nicolau asked as he handed Kyle a tumbler with a generous amount of scotch in it. Kyle eyed the tumbler with caution. He'd have to be careful not to finish it.

"It's a 1988 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic." He pulled out his cell and opened his gallery app to show them the photo.

"It's pretty," Èlia said.

Nicolau laughed. "Pretty? Motorcycles aren't pretty! They're tough and masculine!" He looked at the bike again. "It's badass!"

Kyle chuckled. "Thanks. I think it's all that... and pretty too."

Èlia stuck her tongue out at her husband, who snorted.

"Where is your motorcycle now?" she asked.

"It's in a storage locker in Montreal. Canadian winters aren't meant for motorcycles. I'll take it back out in the spring," he said.

Èlia was watching him closely, and he wasn't sure why, so he distracted himself with a sip of the scotch. He smiled in appreciation. "Oh yes, that's much better than the stuff they have at the bar. Thank you!"

Nicolau nodded with a smug look on his face.

"I understand you're leaving tomorrow. I would have loved to have introduced you to Louise. She's the friend I met in England who invited me to join her here," Kyle sighed as he took another sip.

"This was the woman you were having dinner with tonight?" Èlia asked, and Kyle nodded.

"Where is she now?" she asked.

Kyle smiled self-consciously. "She's sleeping off the wine she had at dinner." He glanced at the scotch and sipped again. It was really smooth and sent warmth through his chest. He was feeling it, so he needed to slow down.

"I think she might be sleeping off something else," Nicolau commented with a smile.

Kyle looked at him cautiously, and the man raised his hands. "After dinner, I was going for a walk to clear my head," he said, casting his eyes to his wife. "While I walked, I couldn't help but hear the distinct cries of a woman in the throes of passion. I believe I saw you exiting from the villa the sounds came from," he said with a knowing smile.

"Note to self; close the bedroom sliding doors before engaging in such activities," Kyle groaned.

Èlia seemed very intrigued. "What would those activities be?" She leaned a little closer, and her gown slipped open a little.

Kyle did his best to refrain from staring at the woman's soft and inviting cleavage. He glanced at his hosts briefly. "A gentleman never tells." He took another sip to calm his nerves and swallowed a little too much. It felt so good on its way to his stomach. "I think I'd better stop enjoying this scotch. It's a little too delicious."

"There you go, denying yourself the best of things again!" Nicolau lamented, but grinned as he did.

Kyle shared his grin. "But I don't deny myself the most important things in life. My friends! They are wonderful and share their lives with me as I share mine with them." He thought of his friends back in Santa Barbara, and a pang went through his chest as he thought of them. "I can't wait to see them again."

Èlia moved even closer and was soon leaning against his side gently. "Kyle, what does it take to be a friend like the kind you make cry in ecstasy?"

Warning bells were going off in Kyle's brain, but he was experiencing some disorientation from the scotch. He looked at Nicolau, who was watching Kyle, but didn't look like he would interfere. Kyle was confused.

"I'm not sure what's happening here. It's a little outside of my experience," Kyle said cautiously.

Nicolau leaned back in his chair, which seemed to add so much space between his chair and the sofa. "What's happening is my Èlia would like to experience this ecstasy for herself, but not from me." He said it calmly, but there was an edge to it.

Kyle's mouth worked, but he wasn't saying anything. Èlia was incredibly lovely and her body, which she was now beginning to display as she pushed the gown from her shoulders, was exceptional, but she was a stranger!

He wasn't so drunk that he failed to recognize he was in the situation Louise mentioned she'd been in years ago. Speaking of her, would she be upset at him?

He had to be honest with himself and acknowledge that Louise wasn't as emotionally attached to him as Helen and Skye were. She really seemed to think of him in terms of a sex buddy. That didn't mean she wouldn't be hurt or annoyed at him for seeking sex on the side, even though he wasn't seeking it at all.

"I've never done this with a married woman--" He froze as Fiona's, then Gloria's, and finally Monique's face flashed into his mind. "Wait, that's not true, but the husband wasn't aware or present. Extramarital affairs have been problematic, in my experience. This isn't a good idea." Nicolau's expression relaxed slightly.

Èlia's long graceful fingers began undoing the buttons on Kyle's shirt as she moved closer still, her face only inches from his. "Tonight was supposed to be a very special encounter, much like this, but someone failed to make the proper arrangements. Now there's a much better opportunity before me, and I don't want to waste it."

Her lips brushed past Kyle's, and his body automatically reacted by returning her caress. After a brief, sharp inhalation, she tried to get the upper hand again by dipping her tongue into his mouth. His tongue responded by sliding sensually across hers, drawing it deeper. She moaned softly as tremors went through her body. She pulled back from the kiss to stare into his eyes in surprise. She touched her lips with her fingertips, then she was pushing his shirt from his shoulders.

Kyle was trying to think with his big head, not the little one, which honestly was screaming at him to shut up and go with it. He looked at Nicolau in concern and saw the man was watching his wife with a pained expression. Kyle caught Èlia's hands in his, and she looked into his eyes.

"I won't be the reason a marriage falls apart," Kyle insisted.

Èlia looked at her husband. "How many have you fucked?" Nicolau's face turned away in shame. "How many!" she snapped.

"I don't recall! Many!" he snapped in return, but there was no heat in his words.

"For forgiveness, what did you agree to?" she prompted him.

Nicolau sighed. "This."

Lovely, dark eyes fastened on Kyle's as Èlia focused on him. "One night, tonight, with someone I chose. But he failed me once more. Please, Kyle. Don't make me beg to earn a measure of balance in my marriage."

Kyle felt the foundation of his argument swept away by her words. He released her hands, and her smile flashed excitedly across her face. She reached for his pants, but he once more caught her hands. She looked at him in frustration, but he eased her back on the sofa, and her smile returned twice as bright. He brought his lips back to hers and kissed her until she was gasping and clinging to his body.

While this was happening, Kyle used one of his hands to undo the button and zipper on his pants. The relief on his trapped cock was immediate and welcome.

Kyle remained intimately aware that Nicolau was not only aware of their activities but had a front-row seat. He had to make a conscious effort to not look in the man's direction, but with the beauty before him, Kyle was easily distracted from his presence.

He moved his lips to Èlia's long neck, and the woman writhed under his body. His kisses moved downward, and her breathing quickened. He recognized the pretty gem between the cups of her bra as the clasp, so while brushing the upper surfaces of her breasts with his lips, he quickly released it.

The weight of her breasts popped the bra open to expose their perfection and her firm brown nipples. He kissed around them as she grabbed his head and pulled him to one of the stiff buds. She cried out when he gently sucked on it and stroked it with the tip of his tongue. So, she had sensitive nipples. Good to know.

Kyle spared a glance at Nicolau as he was entering into dangerous territory. These were very sexual activities, and if the man was going to lose his cool, it would be now. The man remained in his chair, frozen.

His kisses moved down across Èlia's firm and flat stomach muscles, which fluttered and twitched under Kyle's lips as her hips undulated in anticipation.

He could tell she was past the point where he should continue his teasing kisses, so he moved directly to giving her some relief. She was exquisitely smooth and bare of all hair between her legs. Her lower lips were flushed with excitement and very responsive to his kisses. He introduced one, then two fingers inside to stroke the roof of her inner channel while his other hand tugged and squeezed her nipples.

Kyle spent as much time and effort as she needed as he discovered what she liked and what she truly craved, then gave it to her until her cries carried across the beach to the ocean beyond.

When she finally pushed at his head to let her come down from her bliss, Kyle pulled back to rest on his heels and looked at Nicolau, whose expression was deeply conflicted. The man's erection was showing against his pants, but he didn't seem happy.

Kyle remained quiet as he looked at Èlia and watched her begin to focus on him again.

"That... was exquisite, Kyle. The best--"

"Now you're being needlessly cruel! I never boasted about the interludes I had!" Nicolau snapped.

Èlia's eyes slid over to look at her husband. "No, you didn't, but you were more intent on keeping your casual fucking a secret from me. So many times that you lost track, I believe you just said."

Nicolau's argument fell flat, and there was silence once more.

Èlia lifted one of her long, sleek legs and stroked her toes up and down the bulge in Kyle's pants. He sucked in a breath as that felt very good.

She hooked a toe over the waistband of his underwear and tugged it down. Kyle's cock bounced out, free at last, and Èlia smiled happily.

"He's not as large as I am!" Nicolau argued.

Èlia smiled wickedly. "The difference is not as much as you think, and if he uses it as unselfishly as he did his tongue, the pleasure will be so much greater." She continued to tug at his pants with her feet, so Kyle pushed them off and dropped them to the floor.

"You're calling me a selfish lover?" Nicolau gasped.

Èlia held his eyes. "That you've fucked so many people doesn't mean you are generous," she insisted. "Now, Kyle and I are not finished. We will be in the bedroom. You are not welcome in there until we are done." She tried to sit up, but her muscled were still trembling.

Kyle helped her up, and she smiled gratefully at him. Then she took his hand and led him into the next room, and closed the door. Moments later, they heard the thump of the front door closing.

Looking back at the door uncomfortably, Kyle wondered what the man was going to do.

Gentle fingers on his chin turned his face back to face Èlia. She smiled at him. "Make love to me, Kyle. Make me feel special. Please."

The woman's beauty and her plea were a double-barrelled boost to his ego, and while he acknowledged that, it didn't stop him from pulling her to his body and kissing her deeply. She wrapped her arms around him and moaned with need.

In a moment of clarity, he pulled back. "We need a condom."

She shook her head. "We're good. It's safe." Then her mouth was back on his.

He lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed, where he laid her down on the soft mattress. She lifted her arms to welcome him over her body and gasped in delight as they touched skin to skin. She felt his heat pressing between their bodies, rubbing against her clit, and she gasped once more. Her hands went to his ass, and she pulled at him to get his cock inside her.

Kyle rolled his hips to apply pressure to her clit, and Èlia cried out with each spike of pleasure. "Now, Kyle! Please!"

Adjusting the angle of his hips, he pressed the head of his cock against her lips and pushed himself inside slowly.

"Oh! Oh, yes! So good!" she cried.

Her heels hooked in below his ass, and she pulled at him to speed up his thrusts, but he maintained a smooth, easy stroke that was driving her mad. When he suddenly increased the pace, she cried for joy as the slaps against her clit went faster, pushing her pleasure higher.

"Yes! Kyle! Fuck me! Oh, fuck! I'm almost--"

Kyle's hips went into overdrive, his body spanking hers repeatedly as she screamed her joy.

He'd reached his limit and had to come, but her legs were squeezing his ass so tight he had no choice but to come deep inside her. She said she was safe, so he didn't hold back.

She felt that heat surging into her and clung tighter to him.

He could feel her entire body tugging at him, milking his cock for everything it had.

It seemed to go on forever, but eventually, Kyle's erection waned, and he slowly pulled free from her and gently settled on his side to gaze down on her while resting his head on his propped-up hand.

Èlia licked her lips as her eyes slowly stopped rolling. "That was unexpectedly fast!"

Kyle chuckled. "My apologies for the brevity of the experience. Are you not satisfied?"

She smiled wickedly. "I'll let you know when I am."

It seemed Kyle's visit wasn't over yet.

-=-

It was very late when Kyle rushed back up the hill toward Louise's villa.

When Èlia finally admitted she could no longer move her legs, she kissed Kyle sweetly and thanked him for a night she would never forget. It had been pretty dazzling for him as well.

He'd left the dozing woman on the bed and went back out to the living room to put on his clothes, but he couldn't find his key to Louise's villa. It wasn't in his pocket. He looked under the furniture and in the sofa cushions, but with no luck.

Then he got a bad feeling.

When he reached the villa door, he saw it was partially open, so he walked inside. Nicolau was sitting on the couch with his head back, snoring.

Kyle slipped by to rush into the bedroom. The top sheets were a tangled mess at the bottom of the bed, and Louise was sleeping on her stomach, her legs spread wide. Controlling the impulse to rush back out into the living room and erase the man's handsome facial features, Kyle dipped down to speak to the woman.

"Louise?"

She snorted softly, and her eyes opened blearily.

"Are you okay? Did Nicolau hurt you?" he asked in a controlled voice.

"Hmmm? What? Oh, uh, no," she said sleepily.

Kyle glanced down at her spread legs. "But he came into your room and had sex with you?"

Her eyes were blinking as she stared up at him. "He said you sent him to me while you had sex with his wife."

"That's not true, but did he force himself on you?"

"I would never rape a woman!"

Kyle turned his head to see Nicolau standing in the doorway, glaring at him indignantly.

Louise touched Kyle's arm. "No, he didn't. I thought you wanted to experience swinging," Louise said, struggling to close her legs and turn to face them. "Ooo, I am a little sore."

Kyle faced Nicolau once more with a scowl. "You may not have raped her, but you lied to get into her bed. Then you hurt her. That's really creepy, Nico." He intentionally used Èlia's nickname for him to push that point home. On top of everything he'd done to her, his wife would find these actions unforgivable. The man growled and spun to leave.

"Leave the villa key!" Kyle called out. He heard it hit the floor before the door closed with a thump.

Kyle quickly went to the front door and locked it. He picked up the key and placed it on the coffee table before rushing back to Louise, who was struggling to stand.

"Bathroom," she pleaded, and Kyle scooped her up in his arms to carry her there.

"Mmmm! Now, this is excellent service!" she purred as he set her down before the toilet. He smiled and left the room to give her privacy. He carried her back to bed when she was done, then ducked into the bathroom for a quick shower.

Washing his cock and balls, he realized both ached. Èlia's need was a little extreme tonight, and it felt like she'd drained him dry.

He dried off and slipped under the covers next to Louise. He could tell she was awake by the light glinting from her open eyes. "I'm sorry about tonight. I had no intentions of having sex with anyone but you--"

She snorted. "Then I got drunk and fell asleep."

He shrugged. "Maybe four glasses of wine are too much of a good thing?" She nodded with a smile.

He sighed. "I just went to the bar for a drink, then I met Nicolau, and he brought me to see his wife. Do you recall that argument they had at dinner? The person they were supposed to meet tonight was someone she chose to have sex with to get revenge against her husband's fucking around. He was supposed to arrange for the man to be there, but he chickened out. So, she chose me."

"Then he comes to me to cheat on her while she's enjoying you. I got the short end of that stick," Louise sighed.

Kyle felt bad. "He did say his stick was bigger than mine."

Louise burst into laughter. "Ah, Kyle. You're a sweet man." She patted his chest as she smiled. "Yes, he was a little bigger, but it was like that's all he had, and he didn't try to help me enjoy it."

Kyle pulled Louise to his chest, and he felt the woman sigh contentedly.

Louise's reaction, or lack of one, to him having sex with someone else tonight clarified her position on Kyle's presence with her on this vacation. He was her fuck buddy, and that's all.

While that relieved his conscience, it was also just a little disappointing.

Chapter 15

Kyle woke early and slipped from the bed to dress in his swim trunks and t-shirt. He decided to go for a walk on the beach before breakfast and their shopping trip.

When he got to the sand, he went through his stretches. When he felt loose, he began his exercise routine that he'd been neglecting recently. Afterward, he felt the familiar burn in his muscles and chastised himself for not sticking to his daily schedule.

He walked down to the water's edge and took off his shoes, tying them to his shorts again. He tried jogging along the edge of the water, but his muscles protested, so he decided he'd better listen to his body before he hurt something.

He slowed to a walk and breathed in deeply as he enjoyed the feeling of the sand between his toes as he walked along the empty bay. The illusion of his isolation was destroyed when he saw a woman climb out of the water a short distance ahead. She wrapped a towel around herself, but he was too far away to make out much detail except her one-piece swimsuit, currently hidden under a big blue towel, was brightly colored, and her skin was a deep brown. Her hair was in braids.

She gathered her belongings and began walking in his direction.

As she passed him, she ignored his friendly hello. Kyle's smile dimmed as he wondered if he'd frightened her away. It sucked that women had to deal with that. It sucked that anyone had to feel insecure when they were alone in a strange place, but women seemed to be targeted far more often. Kyle imagined what the world would be like if people's intentions lit up the air around them like a glow, a color-coded alert system, AKA The Asshole Flag.

He could get behind a system like that.

Turning around, he returned to the resort and walked past the main reception building when Bernard called out to him. Kyle moved to speak to the man.

"Good morning, Bernard! How are you this fine morning?" Kyle said with a grin.

"Good morning, Kyle. I am very well. I take it you are enjoying yourself?"

Kyle nodded. "Yes, it's been awesome, so far."

The gentleman handed Kyle a sealed envelope with his name written on it, a small wrapped box, and a bag containing a partially empty bottle of scotch. "A departing guest left this with us for you."

Kyle looked at it in surprise. "Oh! Thanks!"

Bernard nodded and moved off to begin his day.

Carrying the items back to the villa, Kyle went inside and saw that Louise was still asleep. He pulled the scotch from the bag and placed it on the coffee table, then he went out onto the patio and stretched out on a recliner. He opened the envelope and found a handwritten note.

"Dear Kyle,

First, I would like to apologize for dragging you into the drama that has enveloped our lives. Nico told me he mentioned to you we've been under a great deal of stress in our marriage and this time away was to address two issues. You were only made aware of one.

As we said last night, Nico has been repeatedly unfaithful to me throughout our marriage. We have spoken to marriage counselors, but Nico will not deny himself anything. I believe you spoke with him about this as well. In this regard, you are his polar opposite. You're aware of what is truly important while he is trapped by his compulsions to have more.

When Nico returned to our room last night, he was furious, but confessed to being with your friend, Louise. While you were helping me address the imbalance in my marriage, he was adding to his debt. I'm terribly sorry for his actions. He's a spoiled, petulant child compared to you.

The second issue our getaway was to address last night was Nico's inability to fulfill a promise he made to me on our wedding day. After many unsuccessful attempts and a visit to a specialist, it came to light that Nico cannot provide me with the child I so desperately need to feel like a complete woman. This also explains how he's never produced a bastard child, even with his countless encounters.

The man Nico was to arrange to join us on our last night on the island would have been with me as you were to help me produce a child. Last night, I was at my optimum fertility, but nature controls the dice of chance. That said, our efforts last night were not only glorious on their own, but I sincerely believe they improved my chances for successful fertilization."

Kyle froze. Shit.

He reread the previous paragraphs to ensure he completely understood what she said, but there was no mistake.

Èlia used him as a sperm donor.

She'd told him they didn't need a condom, and that she was safe. He believed her, but he'd wanted to believe.

He hadn't wanted to stop. That was on him.

His eyes returned to the letter.

"I'm sorry for being so selfish and not telling you about the true purpose behind our lovemaking last night, but I couldn't afford to take the chance that you would refuse. It was exceptionally difficult to get Nico to agree to this plan, and even when he did, he sabotaged it by ensuring the man did not arrive.

He told me he was convinced you would refuse me once I asked. He said this was based on something you said to him in the bar. I'll be forever grateful he was wrong.

For his wicked behavior last night with your friend, I told him he must try to live up to your philosophy and give up one of his favorite worldly goods, which he believes makes him happy. He must learn to understand, as you do, that it is people who are to be valued, not things.

Please accept this gift as a symbol of our time together, with my heartfelt gratitude.

Should I be blessed with a baby from our night of bliss, please know it will be loved every day of its life. I have a large and loving family eager to welcome a new soul into it.

Nico is currently sulking like a child. He is not the child I'd hoped our marriage would produce.

I have said some very sensitive things in this letter that would cause my marriage irreparable damage and would deeply hurt my family. I put my faith in you to keep these secrets, as I believe you are a man of integrity and love.

With fondest regards, Èlia."

Numb, Kyle folded the letter carefully and stuffed it back into its envelope. His mind was spinning, so he took some deep breaths until he felt his mental equilibrium return.

He unwrapped the box and opened it, dumping the weighty contents out onto his palm.

It was Nicolau's Rolex watch. Kyle stared at it in shock. He looked at the face and admired the deep blue to black coloring. It said Deepsea Sea-Dweller there as well. Kyle didn't know how expensive it was, but it certainly cost more than the old Timex he left in the Montreal storage locker.

He looked back at the letter. Èlia was right. There was some extremely personal stuff written there. He knew he'd keep her secrets but keeping the letter didn't feel safe. He knew he could use the letter as evidence if he ever needed to claim the child was his, but he didn't feel right about that either.

Cursing again, he walked into the kitchen to find some matches. When he saw a pack with some candles, he carried the letter back onto the patio and found a spot out of the breeze. He lit the paper and watched it burn. Once the flames consumed the page and envelope, Kyle crushed the ashes to eliminate any chance of reading the message.

He scooped some pool water to splash the smudged patio stones clean, and the evidence was gone.

Kyle picked up the watch and stretched out on the lounge chair to let his mind replay his time with Èlia last night. He'd admit that it was one of his more memorable evenings, as his partner was breathtakingly lovely and appreciative of the pleasure they shared. Now, of course, he could see the true reason for her joy. She believed she was making a baby with him.

That thought made him pause. He'd been with a good number of women since he broke up with Gwen, but there hadn't been anyone he wanted to start a family with. He imagined himself mowing the lawn in front of a pretty little cottage surrounded by a white picket fence. Kids ran over to a swing set as he turned his head to look at his beautiful wife.

He jumped when he felt a hand touch his shoulder.

"Oh! I'm sorry for frightening you, Kyle," Louise said with a smile on her face. "I've been calling you, but you had this faraway expression on your face. Where were you?"

"The future."

She smiled. "Oh? Not a where, but a when. What did you see there?"

He grinned self-consciously. "It's not important. Ready to start the day?"

"Yes!" she said with a grin, then she spotted the watch. "Oh my! That's a lovely watch!"

He looked at his hand and showed her the face.

"Oh my god! That's the Rolex Nicolau was wearing last night," she remarked.

"Yes, Èlia and Nicolau left it for me at the reception desk when they left this morning," Kyle said, trying not to hint at his true feelings about it.

Louise's eyes widened. "They left you a watch worth over fifteen thousand dollars as a going away gift? You must have made one hell of an impression on them!"

Kyle looked at her and shrugged. "That much, huh?"

Louise looked at Kyle closely.

"Are you sure you're okay, Kyle?" she asked in concern.

He forced a smile onto his face. "Sorry, just got lost in some deep thoughts. I'll be fine. Let's get moving."

Kyle climbed off the lounge chair and gave Louise a hug, which brought a smile to her face. They headed inside to take a shower, and Kyle made her feel very good with only his hands as he was still aching a little from the previous night.

They got dressed, then headed down to the restaurant for breakfast. Then they arranged a lift into town.

Kyle had to work on keeping Louise's spending under control. When they were finally done and finished their lunch in her favorite restaurant, they headed back to the resort with their parcels.

He had three new stylish overshirts, three wicking t-shirts, two pairs of shorts, two pairs of light pants for dinners in the restaurants, loafers to go with the slacks, water slippers, and some sturdy sandals for hiking and beach walks.

After they got back to the villa, Louise grinned at Kyle. "Do you remember your promise?"

He frowned as he tried to recall what she was talking about.

"For our walk on the beach today?" she hinted.

He closed his eyes as it came to him. "Ah... yes. The dental floss swimsuit."

Louise giggled. "Oh, Kyle. It isn't that bad!" she said with a grin. "And you look amazing in them!"

He sighed as he gave her a frank stare. "It's how I'm perceived by those who see me strutting around in almost nothing. Don't get me wrong. I'm not ashamed of my body as I work hard to stay fit, but I'm not one to brag about it. That swimsuit is all about the bragging rights."

Louise pouted, and he immediately threw his hands up. "I'll do it. Just know I'm only doing it for you."

He walked into the bedroom and changed into the swimsuit, and grabbed his overshirt. The new water slippers would work for a beach walk, so he collected them.

When Louise came out, she tilted her head as she looked at his outfit. "Perhaps a rolled-up towel over your shoulders instead of the shirt?"

Kyle sighed and slipped the shirt off.

They walked out onto the patio. "I got some new suntan lotion. It goes on faster."

He looked at her, and she gestured for him to stand with his arms stretched out. She moved behind him and began spraying him down. It went on like a mist.

"Okay, rub it into your arms," she said as she moved on to his back, downwards, and got his legs as well. Then she rubbed her hands all over his back and his ass which the suit barely covered. She knelt and spread it down the back of his legs.

He spread the lotion over his arms and found its scent very pleasing. His hands had the excess from his arms, so he worked that into his face, neck, shoulders, and the top of his chest.

Louise moved to his front and sprayed more on his chest, then moved to the front of his legs.

He frowned as he was feeling kind of slick. He rubbed the lotion in and glanced down to see his body looked like he'd been oiled down for a bodybuilding tournament. Louise was on her knees, rubbing her hands all over the fronts of his legs, and her hands were getting pretty close to areas she should not be.

"Hey! What did I say about not giving me erections while I'm wearing this!" Kyle complained.

She giggled and stood up with his help. She took some steps back and gazed at him with hungry eyes.

"Stay there one second!" she squeaked excitedly as she rushed inside. She returned with her cell phone. "I promised I'd send a photo to Francis and Helen."

Kyle signed. Of course she did.

She got him to pose this way and that, snapping pics to her delight.

"Okay, enough. Let's go," he finally insisted.

He grabbed a towel and slipped his sandals on. Louise joined him as she rubbed some of the old lotion on her skin. Kyle gaped at her. "Why aren't you using the new spray-on stuff?"

She smiled. "I don't want to be all shiny."

Kyle's mouth worked as she giggled and ushered him out.

They walked down to the beach, and Kyle did his best to ignore the few guests who stared at him as he walked by. The staff were better trained and more polite than the guests. He glanced at Louise's face, and she was enjoying the walk so far.

Kyle decided he'd have to have a talk with her when they got back. He wasn't enjoying these recent activities in his role as a sex buddy. He also needed to know when he should plan to leave. She hadn't told him how long she expected him to stay.

More significantly, he needed to determine what he was going to do with his life

They reached the beach and turned left. Kyle pointed out which villa Nicolau and Èlia had been in.

They followed the shore and relaxed as they walked.

Kyle decided that there was no time like the present to discuss ending his role as sexy boy toy.

He opened his mouth to speak just as he caught sight of two heads bobbing in the waves ahead. They seemed to be moving toward the shore. He decided to remain silent until after they passed.

As the couple climbed from the water, Kyle saw the colorful one-piece swimsuit again. The man she was with was very fair-skinned, perhaps a little red from a burn as well, and had a stocky body. Kyle realized there was a large age difference between him and the woman. They were drying themselves off as Kyle and Louise approached.

Kyle looked away as he was concerned Louise might compare this couple to them and become uncomfortable. Instead, he kept Louise in the corner of his eye as he watched the waves lap at the sand.

As they got to within six feet, Louise suddenly stopped and stared at the man. "S-Stephen?" she gasped quietly, then sucked in a breath.

Kyle glanced at Louise's shocked expression, then over at the man whose face was also frozen with surprise. Kyle spared a moment to look at his younger companion and saw the dark beauty was watching them both with a frown.

"Stephen Dartmoor?" Louise said, a little louder.

"Louise Dunsfield?" the man asked as he nodded.

She grinned. "Oh my god, Stephen! It's Cantington now. How long has it been?"

He smiled. "Over thirty years, Loo-Loo."

Louise burst into joyful laughter. "I haven't heard that pet name since I was a young girl!" She giggled, then noticed Kyle watching her with a smile.

"Oh! I'm sorry. Kyle, this is a dear friend I grew up with in London, Stephen Dartmoor. Stephen, this is my friend from Canada, Kyle MacDenny."

"It's nice to meet you, Stephen," Kyle stepped forward and shook the man's hand. Stephen looked at his hand after Kyle released it. "Uh, my apologies." He glanced at Helen. "My new sunscreen is a little oily."

Louise bit her lip to keep from giggling. She couldn't keep her eyes off the man.

He was probably the same age or close to Louise, and the woman at his side was perhaps Kyle's age.

Stephen gestured for the woman to get closer. "This is my daughter, Liandri."

"Nice to meet you," Kyle said, and she nodded to him as she looked at Louise, who greeted her as well.

"Are you staying at the resort too?" Louise asked as she pointed back to the hillside resort.

Stephen nodded. "Just arrived last night. Flew in on a connecting flight from Cape Town, South Africa. That's where I live. I moved there thirty years ago."

Louise gave him a sad look. "You just disappeared from our lives."

He sighed. "Yes, it was a rough time for my family. My parents had to leave England, and we all went with them." He shook his head as if to shake loose from the memories. "I met this lovely one's mother, Aziza, married her, and we had twenty-two blissful years before cancer took her from me." He looked at Louise. "Cantington?"

"Yes, shortly after you moved away, Aubry asked me to marry him. I'm widowed now as well. Going on fifteen years. I have one son, Byron, who's twenty-three."

They were smiling at each other, and Kyle could tell they wanted to keep talking about their shared history. He glanced at Liandri and saw she was looking at him suspiciously.

"Perhaps we could share a table at dinner so you two could catch up?" Kyle suggested.

"Yes! We must!" Louise insisted happily.

Stephen looked at his daughter, who was giving him the look. Kyle imagined she wasn't keen on being trapped across a table, forced to converse with him. "I promise to not look like a greased naked ape," he said with a smile.

Liandri snorted in surprise, and Kyle guessed he'd hit the nail on the head.

"We will gladly join you for dinner," Stephen said with a stern look at his daughter.

"Excellent! Seven?" Louise gushed.

Stephen nodded as he held Louise's eyes with his. Kyle could see there must be a lot of history between them. They seemed to be frozen until Liandri took Stephen's arm and gently pulled him toward the resort.

Kyle touched Louise's arm, and she returned to the moment. The look of wonder in her eyes was priceless, and he smiled at her. "So, I take it he was someone significant in your life?" he asked gently.

She snorted gently and nodded in a dazed way. "He was the man I was going to marry before Aubry proposed."

Kyle's eyebrows rose in surprise. "He proposed first?"

She blushed and shook her head. "No, he was just the man I wanted to marry. I was quite taken with him and was working up the courage to ask him to be my boyfriend when he disappeared." She sighed. "Aubry was pursuing me at the time, and I was so devastated by Stephen's departure I gave in and accepted his proposal." She looked back towards Stephen's retreating back. "How things would have been different if he'd stayed."

Kyle nodded as he imagined Louise marrying her first love.

They continued walking for a bit, but Kyle turned them around when he saw how distracted Louise was. They returned to the resort, and she immediately began preparing herself for dinner.

Kyle took a quick shower to wash that horrible lotion off and dressed in one of his new casual-chic outfits. Fifteen minutes later, he was ready with only two hours to wait for the dinner hour. He smiled to himself as he heard Louise singing as she made her own preparations.

As he had time, he pulled out his PC and did some research on the latest stock he'd purchased. He was very pleased by its performance already. He'd known the team behind the company was a solid bet, and he was being proven right... so far.

His other investments were solidly dependable and were delivering their returns as expected. His income this month was up a little, but that fluctuation was normal.

Next, as a little future-planning exercise, he turned his attention to reviewing real estate. He assumed, at some point, he'd decide to put down roots once more. He knew he'd eventually want to return to Canada and likely somewhere on the west coast as that was where he'd grown up. Prices there were nuts, but he wasn't looking for something extravagant. It could even be an empty lot of property he'd build on later.

It took some time, but he found some possibilities.

He leaned back on the couch and listened to Louise singing as she did whatever she was doing to get ready. She sounded truly happy.

This brought back the conversation he needed to have with her. Perhaps it was more timely than they both knew. He didn't know if Louise intended to rekindle a relationship that was nipped in the bud thirty years ago. But if that was her plan, it was even more critical that Kyle make himself scarce. He'd caught the curious looks from Stephen, and he didn't want to be the reason Louise's plans failed.

He put his PC away and stood to walk over to the door to the bedroom. He could hear her humming a tune, so he knocked.

"Yes? Come in, Kyle."

He opened the door and stepped inside. She was standing before the mirror, wearing only lingerie but very sexy lingerie.

"Wow," Kyle said with a hungry look, and Louise giggled happily.

"Thank you," she purred.

"This might be a good time to make plans for my departure."

Louise's head quickly turned to face him. "What? Why?" she gasped.

Kyle smiled at her, tilted his head in question, and waited.

She eventually came around. "I-I don't know if anything is going to happen with Stephen--"

"But you want it to."

Louise paused as she contemplated it. "Yes... I really would."

"Then there is the reason I can't be here. The man isn't blind, and he's certainly going to figure out I'm not sleeping on your couch. That's one hell of a hurdle for a new, or especially a rekindled, relationship to surpass."

"But... you just got here!" she cried.

Kyle grinned and shrugged. "It happens. I'm seriously grateful for the experience so far. Mahé is beautiful, and I'm glad I got to walk on its beaches and swim in the ocean. Spending time with you has been great too, even if you went a little overboard on the boy toy treatment this afternoon."

Her expression dropped. "Oh, did I? I thought you enjoyed--"

He smiled and shook his head. "No. I enjoy seeing you happy, but that doesn't mean I enjoy being displayed like that. I believe I made that clear."

She looked suitably contrite. "I-I guess I got a little carried away. You were such a good sport about it."

He nodded. "That's on me. I tend to let people get away with more than I'm comfortable with because it makes them happy. That's probably how it started with Gwen, my ex." He sighed. "I have to learn to be more selfish in that regard to spare my dignity."

Now Louise was looking very guilty. He raised his palms. "Let's not be concerned with that. The first plan is to determine how to resolve the issue of the cockblocker in your villa!" he gestured towards himself with his thumb.

"Cockblock--" Louise blurted, then burst into laughter.

He grinned at her. "It's true! If Stephen has any ideas about rekindling the passion between you, the last thing he'll want is Captain Cancuck standing in his way." Kyle slipped into a hands-on-hips superhero pose, and Louise laughed harder.

"Stop!" she finally gasped, and Kyle relaxed his pose and grinned at her.

When she finally caught her breath, she looked at him fondly. "All right, I see what you're saying, but there isn't any time to do anything about it tonight. There are no empty rooms in the resort, and I was told they are very busy."

Kyle nodded. "Then we plan for tomorrow. Maybe it's time for me to go home. I can do some research on flights."

Louise looked sad, and Kyle pulled her into a hug. "It's okay."

"I feel like I've used and abused you terribly!" she moaned.

Kyle's mind flashed to his discovery this morning when he read Èlia's letter. That was what being used felt like, but he couldn't share that with Louise.

"It's okay."

"What do we tell Stephen?" she asked quietly.

Kyle leaned back and looked into her eyes. "The truth. I'm your friend, and we had some fun together, but I'm going home."

Something about that last part put a lump in Kyle's throat.

She must have heard the momentary break in his voice. "Where is that?"

He sucked in a surprised breath and forced a smile on his face. "I don't know... yet. I suppose I'll go back to Montreal to wait out the winter. My motorcycle is there... and there's someone there I have to apologize to, as well."

Louise gave him another hug, then he turned and went back out to the living room to start up his PC once more. He had flights back to Canada to research.

-=-

Kyle fussed with the watch on his wrist. Louise insisted he wear it to dinner as it completed his outfit. At first, he'd been tempted to give it to her, but what Èlia said about it being a symbol of their time together stuck with him.

It was symbolic, but for him, it reminded him of the potential of his unborn child and a promise. He wasn't about to interfere with the child's happiness. He felt in his heart that Èlia would love their child profoundly, and her promise of her family's loving support eased some of his concerns.

It was Nicolau's role that was questionable. Would he be able to mature emotionally in time to be a good father?

The watch reminded Kyle of his obligation to ensure Nico held up his end of the bargain.

They met Stephen and Liandri at their table in the restaurant, and the young woman's eye immediately locked on Kyle's wrist. He wondered if the ostentatious display of wealth would work for or against him in her eyes. She seemed to be predisposed towards distrusting him and, honestly, he probably would too, based on surface appearances to date.

"Good evening, Louise! You look lovely!" Stephen said with a delighted smile as he looked into her eyes.

Louise was glowing. "Good evening, Liandri. Stephen, your silver tongue is as powerful as I remember." The man chuckled.

He looked at Kyle. "Good evening, Kyle."

"Good evening, Stephen. Liandri," Kyle replied politely with a smile.

They took seats with the old friends facing each other across the table and Kyle facing Liandri. She went on the offensive immediately.

"Kyle, what exactly is your relation to Louise?" Liandri asked boldly.

He smiled at her and lifted a hand slightly to stop Stephen from scolding his daughter. He had no issues responding.

"We're friends. We met at her brother's home near London for Christmas dinner. I was in England visiting some friends I met while cycling in France. Louise and I traveled together to Paris, where I checked in on another cycling companion. Louise then invited me to join her here to enjoy the weather."

"Is this what you do? Travel and stay with friends?" Liandri's emphasis on the last word clarified her position.

"Liandri! What's got into you?" Stephen exclaimed.

"Father, he's a gigolo!" she snapped back.

Kyle was a little surprised by her passion, but he was ready for the accusation.

"He is NOT!" Louise exclaimed, perhaps a little louder than necessary. Heads turned.

Kyle noticed some of those eyes were aimed at him, some with hostility in them, while others showed interest. He sighed. "Could we perhaps maintain a civilized tone and volume for this discussion?"

Louise looked embarrassed and angry, and Stephen was casting angry looks at his daughter and uncomfortable ones at Kyle.

"Contrary to appearances, I'm not a gigolo. I earn my living from my investments. I'm an excellent investment manager. I just no longer do it professionally. I only manage my own now." He held up his hand to stop Liandri's next outburst so he could continue. "That said, coming here is well beyond the income I'm making, so I normally wouldn't. Louise asked me to join her on her vacation--"

She jumped in. "When I booked this vacation, I knew I'd be alone at the resort, and I wasn't looking forward to that. I met Kyle, as he said, at my brother's, and we enjoyed a day in Paris before I came here. I didn't want to be alone, and he had no fixed plans after New Year. I wanted to enjoy his company, so I insisted on paying for him to join me. As he said, a place like this isn't in his budget, but I have more money than I'll ever need. Aubry was a poor husband and father, but he ensured his family was taken care of financially. I haven't given Kyle any money, nor had he asked for any."

Liandri still looked unconvinced. "What about that watch? That seems like a very expensive gift!"

Louise smiled. "I didn't give it to him."

The younger woman fixed a suspicious eye on Kyle.

"A lovely couple was staying at the resort and checked out this morning. This watch belonged to the husband. He and his wife were having... issues with their marriage. We heard them arguing at dinner last night." Louise nodded, and Kyle continued. "I came back to the bar last night after Louise fell asleep as I wasn't sleepy. I met the man, and we got to talking. We went to speak to his wife about their issues. This morning I was on my way back from a walk on the beach when the front desk people gave me a small package. Inside was the watch with a thank you. I didn't ask for it, and I certainly didn't expect it. It was a rather extravagant gift." He wasn't about to share the true meaning of the watch with them. This was close enough and the truth.

"I'd never take money from my friends. That's just wrong. Besides, I don't need it. I have enough income to live a comfortable minimalist lifestyle. That's what I set out to do when I returned from that cycling trip in France."

"This is not a minimalist lifestyle!" Liandri snapped as she waved her arms around to indicate the restaurant.

Unfortunately, her flailing left arm caught a passing waitress across the stomach, knocking the wind from her.

Kyle's hand shot out and caught the woman's tray, so it didn't follow her down. He grunted under the awkward load and braced it with his other hand as he slid his chair back. He set the fully loaded tray down on the next table, which was fortunately empty.

When he turned back, he saw Liandri on her knees next to the waitress, apologizing to her. Her father was on his feet, speaking to someone who might have been the manager. Liandri helped the injured woman to her feet, and the manager collected her to help her out.

"I can't believe you did that!" Stephen said sharply, and Liandri was struggling not to cry.

The manager returned to pick up the tray and carried it to the table it was meant for. He flashed a smile at Kyle.

"It was an accident. Liandri was overexcited," Kyle said to Stephen. Before anyone could say anything, he locked eyes with the contrite woman. "I'm aware this is an extravagant lifestyle. That's why I wouldn't have come here on my own. I'm pretty sure we already covered that." He held up his hands as she looked upset. "I don't know what I've done to upset you. I try to be as friendly and polite as possible as I don't want to be anyone's enemy. That's not who I am. If you're set on being angry with me, I don't know what else I can do or say to assure you I'm not a bad person."

"You aren't having sex with her?" Liandri asked quietly.

Stephen looked like he was going to flip his lid.

"What two consenting adults do in the privacy of their villa is none of your business. Louise and I are good friends, and we're also both adults. What we're not is client and sex worker. Are you finished insulting me out of ignorance?" Kyle insisted firmly but quietly.

Kyle's stomach cramped, and he suddenly lost his appetite. He looked at Louise. "I think I'll skip dinner tonight. I have to do more web searches for a cheap flight home, then I'll just crash on the sofa. See you in the morning."

He stood and walked away before anyone could stop him.

He was almost at his door when he heard someone running along the path behind him. He turned and watched cautiously as the figure slowed to a walk, then stopped. It was Liandri, and she didn't look happy.

She stood facing him with a troubled expression.

"You need to say something? Or can I just go?" Kyle said wearily.

"My father wants me to apologize," she said.

He snorted. "If you don't, save your breath."

"It is not easy to believe you! I've seen it too often. I know men who do what you do, and I've heard the things they say. Terrible things about the women they've been with. I've seen the women they've destroyed with their lies and cruelty," she insisted.

Kyle sighed quietly. "I'm sorry you've been exposed to creeps like that. Your mistake is accusing me of being like them. Men who do what I do? How do you know what I do? You don't know me, but you lump me in with these other men. I'm done trying to convince you I'm not like them." He turned to leave.

"How can you be with someone so old and not be like them?" she asserted.

Kyle frowned in frustration. Why was she so insistent?

"Louise is a beautiful woman. She is kind, strong, and intelligent. She loves her son and survived what sounds like a terrible marriage, yet came out the other side without the bitterness that might have caused. That's remarkable! She makes me laugh, and we share some core values, which makes it easy to be friends with her. She's a great person! All these things make her someone I want to be with. We're not going to be a couple. That's not in our future, but for a time, we shared our lives, our time, and we enjoyed being with each other."

He smiled fondly as he recalled a moment. "I really enjoy making her smile. I got the impression that she didn't smile enough in her life. Seeing that expression on her face when she met your dad on the beach told me she had a chance for happiness in her future. That made me very happy." He looked into Liandri's eyes again. "That's what I get out of our relationship. It's what I'm looking for in my life. Joy."

She was frowning at him again. "No one I know says these things."

"As I said, you don't know me. Don't assume you do, based only on what you see. Good night."

With that, Kyle let himself into the villa and closed the door on the woman standing on the pathway.

He had to find a way home.

Chapter 16

A soft hand gently stroked Kyle's forehead, and his eyes tried to open. Light punished him for that effort. He felt a spike of pain in his head.

Right. He'd enjoyed a little too much scotch the night before. On an empty stomach. Dumb.

He put his hand over his eyes and tried opening them once more and had some success. Louise was standing next to the couch with some dry toast on a plate.

Kyle's stomach didn't flip or protest, so he wasn't as hungover as he might have been. Just a little light sensitivity and a mild headache.

His body didn't hurt from sleeping on the sofa, so that was a plus. It was a great sofa.

"Good morning, Louise," Kyle sighed.

"It's almost noon."

"What?" he yelped, then regretted it.

"You were asleep when I got back to the room very late last night, and I could smell the alcohol on you," she said with mild disapproval.

"In my defense, it was superb scotch," Kyle returned.

"Luckily, you didn't finish the bottle then," she said with a smirk.

Kyle sat up and checked on his notebook's charge. It was full again. He'd taken it down to empty before he remembered to get his AC cable out and plug it in.

"Did you have any success with the flights?"

"Unfortunately, no. I couldn't find any last-minute flights to Canada," he sighed.

"Good."

Kyle looked at Louise uneasily. "It didn't go well after I left last night? I didn't mess things up with you and Stephen, did I?" he said in a rush.

She sat next to him on the sofa as she smiled and patted his shoulder. "It went very well between Stephen and me after you left. He was a little surprised by the idea that we'd been together sexually, but your admission that you were going home set him at ease, and the two of us had the best dinner. We talked for hours! It was wonderful!"

Kyle looked at her in confusion. "If Stephen was comforted by the idea that I'm leaving, why did you say good about me not being able to find a flight?"

"He felt bad about how Liandri treated you and sent her off to apologize to you. She didn't come back to join us for dinner." She glanced around. "I don't see a second scotch tumbler, so I assume she didn't come to apologize to you," Louise said.

"She caught up to me outside the villa last night, but she couldn't bring herself to apologize. Instead, she tried to explain why she couldn't accept my words." Kyle shrugged. "I tried, but there are limits to even my patience." He looked closer at Louise. "You still didn't explain why it's good I couldn't find a flight."

Louise made a sad face. "I feel absolutely wretched about sending you on your way so soon after you arrived. It's not fair. I talked to Stephen about it last night and told him about your Cock-blocking Captain Cancuck comment. We had a great laugh about that. Then he said he wouldn't mind seeing our relationship move in the bedroom's direction. The sly devil had a spark in his eyes when he said that!" she said and chuckled.

Kyle smiled as he saw the thrill on her face. She reached over and took his hand in hers.

"You really earned the man's respect and gratitude. I don't think he would mind if you remained here as a platonic friend?" she said hopefully.

Kyle held her eyes for a bit, then nodded. "I suppose that takes some of the pressure off the hunt for an immediate flight, but I still think it would be best if you two could just concentrate on each other without the distraction of Liandri and me. She's obviously not comfortable in my presence, so that makes it awkward for everyone. I'm going to keep looking for a flight, but I think I might have to stick around for at least a few more days to a week before a seat becomes available." When she frowned again, he shook his head and took her hand. "That is plenty of time to enjoy this lovely island."

"Fine," she sighed.

"But I'm not wearing the dental floss swimsuit again."

-=-

After lunch in the room, which was breakfast for Kyle, Louise announced the plan for the day. Kyle was being volunteered to go for a hike through the jungle to a scenic look-out point. Accompanying him would be Liandri.

"Is she going to push me off a ledge?" Kyle asked, dubious of this plan.

"This is a peace offering. She spoke with Stephen, and he said she felt bad. We thought this might be the best scenario for both of you to do something together," Louise explained.

Kyle was still unsure of the wisdom of this plan, but he was interested in a hike. "Okay. I'm game."

"Good, because you have fifteen minutes to meet Liandri in the lobby," Louise said with a smile.

With a glare at her giggling, Kyle rushed off to take a lightning-fast shower and got dressed.

He hustled out the door and got to the lobby just as the driver arrived. Kyle wore a t-shirt, shorts, and his rugged sandals. Not what he thought he should wear for a trek through the jungle, but it was what he had.

Liandri was as unprepared as he was. Her short sundress and sneakers seemed even less suited for jungle trekking, but Kyle wasn't sure how difficult the hike would be, so he tried to keep a positive attitude.

"Good day, Liandri," Kyle said politely.

She looked at him cautiously. "Good day."

The car arrived, they got into the back seat of the small vehicle, and off they went.

Once more, the drive wasn't long, but the road up to the trailhead twisted and turned frequently, shifting the passengers from side to side, causing them to bump. Kyle apologized for bumping her at first, then just gave up as the rocky journey continued.

When they reached the trailhead, the driver handed them some small backpacks, said he'd be back in two hours to return them to the resort, then drove away.

Kyle unzipped his pack and looked inside to see two bottles of water and a packaged granola bar. In an outer pocket, he found a small first-aid kit. He nodded and looked up to see Liandri doing the same inspection.

"We seem set to go," Kyle said.

She looked toward where the trail entered the vegetation. "Yes. Let's go."

With that, she set off, and Kyle followed. Once more, he wondered at the wisdom of this forced pairing.

Once they were in the greenery, Kyle forgot about the tension between them and just soaked in the sights, sounds, and smells. The trail was uphill, and sometimes it got quite steep. At first, Liandri refused his offer of help, but eventually, she took his hand for him to pull her up the short climbs where her sneakers had less purchase.

"Thank you," she said quietly. He just nodded with a smile and moved up the path.

They took occasional breaks to catch their breath and gaze at the lush vegetation. Kyle didn't try to start a conversation during those, as he'd already offered the olive branch of peace the night before. If she had something to say, he'd listen.

On their fifth rest break, she sighed. "Father did not prepare me for this hike. He said it would be a walk in the woods. It is not."

They were both coated in sweat, and Kyle took one of his bottles out of the pack. "You should drink as we're losing a lot of water in this heat. I agree. It's no walk in the woods for sure."

She smiled and got one of her bottles. They drank, then the bottles went back into the bags so they could carry on.

They walked through what looked like a tube of foliage and burst out onto a solid rock field that looked like a series of wide domes.

"I think we made it," Liandri said as she gazed around in wonder.

The breeze on the open rock was wonderful. Now that they were no longer sheltered by the trees, the wind rushed past their sweaty skin and cooled them delightfully.

They moved out onto the rock and discovered they could walk to the edge and see for miles. The island was spread out before them. Kyle pulled out his cell and took some pictures for Louise to see.

"Could-could you take a picture of me with mine?"

Kyle looked at Liandri and nodded as he accepted her cell. He took some steps back to get her fully in the image with the jungle below, the coastline, and the ocean beyond. "Smile!" he called out, and she did. He took several pictures then handed the cell back.

"Could I take a selfie of us for Louise and Stephen? You know they're going to ask if we talked at all," he said with a grin to take the sting out of his words.

She smiled and nodded, so he held the phone out from his body and stood close to her. He adjusted the angle to get more of the background in the shot then took the pictures.

"Can you take another with my phone?" she asked. "Your arms are much longer than mine."

He accepted her phone with a grin. "Sometimes, it comes in handy to have monkey arms." The first picture caught her mid-laugh, and it was a great shot. He got two more before handing her the camera back.

She was chuckling when she reviewed the pictures. "Yes, I think these will set my father's mind at ease."

Kyle nodded, and they stood at the edge, enjoying the view and the breeze.

"We'd better head back if we want to meet the taxi," she sighed.

"Drink!" Kyle suggested, then finished his first bottle.

She followed his example, then they walked back to the trail and began their descent.

Climbing down proved to be more difficult for Liandri as her runners had no tread and no traction. Twice she almost fell, and Kyle caught her the second time.

The trail leveled out for a bit, and Liandri relaxed on the next descent. This caused her to be less cautious, and once more, her foot slipped out from under her. She slid down the rock they were traversing and slammed into Kyle's back, launching him forward. She grabbed a root and stopped, but Kyle was in freefall in the open air. The drop was only ten feet, but the landing was all jagged rocks. He grabbed a nearby vine and jerked to a stop as it went taut.

This swung him outwards over an even larger drop, but he returned to the rock face, where he grabbed a handhold and scrambled sideways to get back onto the trail. His heart was beating like a hummingbird's, so he took a moment to let the panic ease. Then he looked up at Liandri and saw her terrified expression.

"You okay?" he asked.

She nodded stiffly, then he noticed he had a lovely view up her sundress. He turned his head. "Are you okay to finish climbing down this section? I think it's pretty easy from here."

"Y-yes."

Kyle spared a glance up and saw she was turning to face the hillside where she could get a better grip.

He climbed down the final three feet and stood on solid ground again. He checked and saw his left hand had been slightly scraped when he grabbed the vine, but otherwise, he was okay.

As Liandri climbed down, Kyle saw she'd scraped the back of her thigh, and one side was bleeding.

He pulled the first aid kit from the pack, and she stared at him when she turned to face him at the bottom.

"You scraped your thighs, and you're bleeding. I'd better clean the scrapes and put a bandage on," he told her, and she scowled suspiciously.

"Oh, please. Get over yourself. This is first aid!" he growled, and her scowl slipped away to become guilt.

He knelt behind her. "Pull the dress up so I can see the scrapes." She did as asked and winced when she saw the damage.

"Not too bad. Only the right side is bleeding and not much." He used the water and some gauze to clean both wounds, then added some disinfectant ointment before taping some gauze over each wound. He washed his palm while he had the supplies out.

"You'll survive, in my medical opinion," he teased.

He packed away the kit, drank the rest of the water while she drank some of hers. Then they set off to get to the trailhead.

The driver leaned back against his taxi, looking at his watch as they stepped out of the jungle onto the roadway. He saw Liandri limping slightly, and his smile dropped away.

"Do you need a doctor?" he asked nervously.

"No, Dr. Kyle took care of the medical emergency," Liandri admitted wearily.

Kyle handed the man his pack and Liandri's as she pulled the partially full water bottle from hers. They climbed back into the taxi as the driver rushed to get in.

He was in a hurry as the drive down the winding road was even bumpier. Kyle finally put his arm around Liandri's shoulder and pulled her against him to stop the constant slamming into each other. This worked immediately, and she smiled in relief as he braced them with his other arm, reading the curves in advance and leaning them into it. His cycling background was proving useful here. Kyle pulled his arm from Liandri's shoulder and eased back to his side when they were down on the much less curvy coastal highway. His scraped hand was angry-looking from his death grip on the car.

Back at the resort, they left the taxi and waved as it drove away.

"Thanks for the adventure," Kyle said to Liandri, and she looked at him cautiously until she saw his smile.

"Thank you for saving me from falling and for bandaging my scrapes," she said sincerely.

"I'll see you at dinner?" he asked.

She smiled at him. "Yes, see you then." They went their separate ways, and Kyle let himself into the villa. He undid his sandals, which had really come through for him. Then he heard voices from the patio, so he walked out there to smile at Louise and Stephen, who were enjoying the lounge chairs.

"Hello, Kyle! Or should I say Captain Cancuck!" Stephen chuckled.

Kyle grinned at the man and shook his head. "I'm hanging up my superhero cape, so Kyle is fine. It went well."

"What happened to your hand?" Louise yelped.

Kyle looked at the red skin and shrugged. "Just a scrape. The conditions in the jungle were a little wet, which made the trail slippery. Liandri has some scrapes too, but we survived."

He pulled out his cell and showed them the pictures. They smiled in relief when he showed them the selfie with Liandri with him.

"Oh! Before I forget! Reginald is trying to reach you. He called me on my cell about an hour ago, and you can use it to call him back." She flipped to the call history on her cell and pressed the number to call it back.

Kyle held it to his ear as he walked to the edge of the patio before the pool. The view really was incredible.

After a few weird clicks and warbles, a man's voice came on. "Louise?" Kyle smiled as he recognized the man's voice.

"Hi Reginald, it's Kyle. I heard you were trying to contact me?"

"Ah, Kyle! Good to hear your voice," the gentleman said, and Kyle smiled warmly. "I had a rather odd phone call from a legal office in Vancouver, Canada. They said they've been trying to reach you for months, but as you moved from your residence, they had no means to find you."

Kyle's immediate gut reaction was it had something to do with Gwen. He felt an icy wave rush through his body.

Reginal continued. "It was the video of you fighting Dennis and his goons that gave them a clue. A junior intern at the law firm brought the video to their attention, and they traced it back to the BBC, then to me. They contacted me to say they have a time-sensitive letter to be delivered to you from your father."

Kyle was physically rocked by that news. "M-my father?"

"A man named Oliver Hendricks told me the letter was to be delivered to you well before the tenth of January of this year, but they've been searching for you for a long time," Reginald stated.

"Did you tell them I'm on the other side of the world?" Kyle asked stiffly, his nerves buzzing.

"I didn't disclose your location as I wasn't aware of your wishes. I notified them I could reach you. They gave me a number for you to call," the man said.

"Hang on a second," Kyle asked. "He pulled out his cell and opened a new contact record. "Okay, go ahead."

Reginald read out the digits and confirmed them. "You'll call them?" he asked Kyle.

Taking a deep breath, Kyle closed his eyes. "I can't imagine what this letter contains. We didn't speak during his last brief visit before he rushed back to his lover, so I don't know why he would have left me a letter." His anger flared. "What could he possibly have to say that I'd want to hear now?"

"Kyle. Don't let your current anger force you into a decision that robs you of the peace of mind of knowing. Good or bad, you'll know. Don't leave yourself such regrets," Reginald said calmly and gently.

Kyle took more deep breaths. "I have so many regrets when it comes to my dad."

"Don't let this be another one."

Kyle listened to what Reginald was saying and felt the words sinking in, past the fire in his mind, until he could think straight. "Right. You're right. I'll call them tonight and find out what it says. Thank you."

"You're quite welcome, Kyle. Please let me know how it turns out. You know, my Francis has grown quite fond of you and worries about you out there in the world on your own."

Kyle felt another knot in his chest as Reginald's sincere words rocked his already shaky emotional stability. "Sir, please. I'm trying not to cry in front of your sister and her new boyfriend."

Reginald made a little gasp sound like he was getting emotional too. Then his voice firmed up quickly. "New boyfriend? Who is she seeing now?" he blustered.

"She introduced him as Stephen Dartmoor," Kyle said, wiping the unshed tears from his eyes while he enjoyed the protective brother's outburst. Louise stepped up to his elbow to see if he was okay.

"STEPHEN DARTMOOR?" Reginald gasped, and Louise heard him. She snatched her phone from Kyle to hold it to her ear.

"This is Louise! Settle gown, Reggie! Yes, I bumped into Stephen on the beach! He's staying at the same resort." She wandered off to deal with her brother as Kyle mouthed a sorry for spilling a secret. Louise waved him away with a smile as she listened.

Kyle moved to Stephen. "Sorry if I said anything wrong just then," Kyle said to the older man, who was also smiling.

Stephen just shook his head. "I grew up as the next-door neighbor to Reggie and Louise. I always had an eye for Louise, but her brother played guard dog to keep me at a distance from her. Not out of anything more than over protectiveness. As youths, we got into trouble like all kids do, which somehow made me unworthy of her in his eyes. Had I only known then that she fancied me, too. It's terrible to live with regrets."

Kyle heard that and felt it pulling at him. "I'm going to go get cleaned up."

He passed Louise as she gave her brother a scolding for blocking Stephen's advances when they were neighbors.

He gathered some clothes for dinner, soaked in the hot shower to relax, dried off and dressed, then walked back out into the living room where Louise and Stephen were sitting together on the sofa, waiting for him. He eyed the two cautiously. They already seemed like a team--no! They looked like parents.

"What's up?" he asked.

"Reginald explained to me about the call he had for you, about the letter from your father. I recall you telling me about your troubled relationship with him," Louise began.

Kyle nodded as his anger flared again. "And suddenly, there's a letter out of the blue from the man who's been dead for years. With a deadline on it for some unknown reason. What the fuck?" He felt his breathing speeding up, so he forced himself to take deep breaths.

"You'll call the lawyer?" Louise asked.

Kyle rolled his neck to release the tension. "Yes."

"Good lad," Stephen said.

Kyle couldn't completely stifle his sudden snort of amusement. Kyle quickly pulled his cell out and took a picture of them. He pulled the image into his editing software and added a line of text to the bottom. Saving it, he sent it to Louise. Her cell made a musical bing sound almost immediately with the incoming email. She glanced at her phone and saw the message from him. She opened it as Stephen leaned over to see as well.

There was the image of the two of them sitting side-by-side with a caption:

That look parents get when they hear you're actually taking their advice.

Louise burst into giggles, but she couldn't take her eyes off the picture as she realized they really did look like parents. Tears came to her eyes, and she leaped to her feet to pull Kyle into a hug. Then she turned to hug Stephen, who was standing now as well. The man smiled at Kyle over her shoulder and mouthed thank you. Kyle nodded.

"I'm going to see if I can find any new availability on flights."

Louise squeaked in protest, but Kyle held up a finger to stop her. "This is something I need to do. You two need to get dressed for dinner, and I'm ready. Don't make Liandri wait."

She pouted, and he shook his head with a smile as he collected his computer. He found a chair to get comfortable in while he waited.

-=-

Dinner had gone much better tonight, as Liandri didn't launch any attacks on Kyle's character, and Louise and Stephen were in rare form. The stories of their childhood mischief were hilarious, though Liandri wasn't too impressed as she'd been punished for the same pranks her father had pulled and gotten away with.

Kyle tried to immerse himself in the laughter and conversation, but the call he had to make was in the back of his mind.

Finally, Louise took his hand and looked him in the eye. "Go on, Kyle. It's time. We'll be in the bar for a couple of hours, so you'll have privacy for the call."

He thanked them for a lovely evening and headed back to the villa. He brushed his teeth and changed into his sleep shorts before admitting he was just delaying the inevitable.

Carrying his cell phone out onto the patio, he sat on the end of a lounge chair and looked at the number in the contact record. A Vancouver number. A law firm in Vancouver. This call was going to be expensive as the roaming charges on his cell were terrible. He should have picked up a Sim card at the airport for a local company, but he hadn't known how long he'd be here.

He was procrastinating again.

He took a deep breath, dialed the number, and lifted the phone to his ear.

It made a series of clicks and rang three times before it was answered.

"Gasken, Kepler, and Hendricks. How may I direct your call?"

"O-Oliver Hendricks, please."

"And your name?" the pleasant woman's voice asked.

"I'm Kyle. Kyle MacDenny."

"Oh! It's you! They've been searching for you for so long. Let me put you through to Mr. Hendricks. One minute."

Kyle nodded, then felt stupid as she couldn't see that.

He got to hear the first bars of a song that sounded vaguely familiar then there was a click. "Mr. MacDenny?" It was an older man's voice now.

"Kyle. Call me Kyle," he said.

"You've been a difficult man to track down. You no longer live in the apartment in Vancouver," the lawyer said.

"No, I gave it up in the summer of last year, and I've been visiting friends ever since," Kyle admitted.

"I see. Well, your father made arrangements with us, years ago, I might add, to deliver a letter to you roughly around the same time you moved out."

"It wouldn't be the first time we missed each other," Kyle confessed abruptly. He immediately felt bad about taking it out on the lawyer. "I'm sorry. That was rude."

"It's quite all right. In my line of business, I often come across troubled relationships between all forms of family members," Oliver said. "The letter has a deadline, which is why it had a delivery date months in advance to give you time to fulfill a task described within. I cannot give you any details as the physical letter is sealed and the digital version is encrypted. We don't know the contents. Might you be able to come to our office to receive the letter?" the lawyer asked.

"That's going to be a problem, as I'm currently in the Seychelles, and I'm having trouble getting a flight home," Kyle explained.

"Oh my! You are far from home!" Oliver exclaimed.

"Yes, uh, roughly fifteen thousand kilometers," Kyle estimated.

"Then we go with route two, sending you the digital file. Before we do, I will have to ask you to answer some questions he left for us to verify your identity. All right?"

"Okay. Go ahead," Kyle replied.

"First question: what is your father's full name?"

"Full name? Duncan MacDenny."

"Middle name?" Oliver prompted.

"Uh, oh, mom said his middle name meant wolf in some old language. She told me once... so long ago... Lionel, no... Lyall. Duncan Lyall MacDenny."

"Thank you. Next question: what is your mother's full name."

"Sara Eileen MacDenny. Her maiden name was Gibson. She was an only child. I know far more about her than my dad," Kyle sighed. He was starting to feel sad.

"Thank you. Just a few more." The lawyer asked him about tools in his workshop that he let Kyle use and which birthdays he'd been present for. Kyle was surprised that his father was even aware of the numbers to make them security questions.

Finally, the lawyer was satisfied. "I'll need your email address to send you the file. It isn't large, but as I said, it is encrypted."

Kyle gave the man his address and listened while he sent the file. Kyle switched over to his email app, and there was the file. He went back to the call. "Okay, I have it. What's the password for the encryption?"

"All I have is a clue. It reads, Brand name of the last thing I gave you. I hope that's meaningful to you. If not, we'll need to make arrangements for an expedited courier to deliver the physical letter," the lawyer suggested.

"No, I know what he meant," Kyle admitted.

"Excellent! Well, if you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call. Thank you for contacting us, and I'm terribly sorry for the delay," Oliver said sincerely.

"Mr. Hendricks, the fault was mine for not leaving a forwarding address. Thank you for your help with this."

"Good luck, Kyle. Goodbye."

Kyle hung up and switched over to the email app, and looked at the attachment. Hendricks was right. It wasn't very large, but his father wasn't a man of many words. Taking a deep breath, he clicked on the attachment.

A prompt appeared, asking for the password. He typed Harley Davidson, and it failed.

He stared blankly at the screen. Oh shit.

Then he tried HarleyDavidson, and that failed too. Double shit!

Finally, he typed harleydavidson, and the document opened.

Fuck! He should have left a better fucking clue, like all lower case and no spaces!

Kyle was staring at a scan of a handwritten letter his father created for him years ago. He looked at the date at the top and realized it was from about a month before he died based on when the lawyers contacted his mom to say he was dead.

He couldn't bring himself to read it yet, so he shut it down and walked into the living room to pour himself a scotch, but not too much this time.

Tumbler in hand, he sat in the chair and opened his notebook. He loaded his mail app and opened the attachment on the larger screen. He wasn't really that familiar with his dad's handwriting, so that didn't send any flares of recognition through him.

He took another sip of his scotch then began reading.

"Kyle,

When you read this, I'll have been dead for seven years. You're probably asking yourself why I'm sending you a letter now, or maybe why I'm sending you a letter at all. You may hate me, and I understand if you do. Perhaps you should hate me for what you believe I did to you and your mother. It's easier."

Easier? Kyle glared at the blunt words on the screen. Nothing had been easy about living with his father!

Kyle took some breaths and rolled his tight neck muscles. Then he continued reading.

"I made arrangements for the airline to send a monthly payment to Aiko Okamoto. She's who I traveled back to Japan to make these preparations for. Her father is dead, and I'm dying. I've also arranged for her to be taken care of until shortly after you receive this letter."

Kyle stared at the words and tried to make sense of them. The woman's family was dead, and his dad dropped everything, including his own family, to take care of her? And why does she need someone to take care of her? She had an affair with his father--Kyle's mind reeled. Did he get her pregnant? Did Kyle have a half-brother or sister?

"Now, for my request. I know you may hate me, but I'm asking you, as the good man I know Sara raised you to be, to travel to Japan and meet with Aiko. She needs your help."

"WHAT?" Kyle yelled in shock, and he barely stopped himself from throwing the notebook across the room in outrage.

When he finally calmed down, he went back to the letter to see if there were any more incredibly stupid requests.

"It's critical you do this as soon as possible after you receive this letter, as it will become significantly more difficult for her after January tenth next year.

Sincerely, Duncan."

What followed were instructions on how to locate Aiko's home north of Osaka.

Kyle dropped back against the seat cushion of the chair and tried to get his head around the idea that his estranged and now dead father wanted him to drop everything and rush to the side of the man's lover to spare her from... difficulties.

"Fuck that noise."

Kyle snapped closed his PC and slammed back the last of his scotch. He was going to bed.

Another day closer to this nebulous and dire due date, and he couldn't care less.

Chapter 17

"You're leaving? Again?"

"Where to this time?"

"Will you be coming back?"

"Did you ever love me?"

"Do you even know how to love?"

"You're a cold-hearted bastard."

"RAAAAAAAHHH!"

Kyle cried out as he jolted upright, waking himself from the nightmare. He gulped for air and rubbed his scalp with both hands to get the voices out. The room was dimly lit by the moon and a few power LEDs. His mind went back to the dream.

It was his mother's voice, once more echoing in his mind.

But this time, the last words were spoken by his dad.

A light went on in the bedroom, casting a beam of warm light into the living room.

"Kyle, are you all right?" Louise asked as she walked out of the bedroom with a sheer beach wrap around her shoulders.

"Was that Kyle?" Stephen asked groggily as he followed her out into the living room in only his boxers.

"S'okay... I'm fine," Kyle mumbled as he rubbed his face.

Louise sat gently on the edge of the sofa and ran her fingers through Kyle's hair. "People don't roar in their sleep if they're fine. What happened?"

Kyle pulled his hands from his face and blinked at the woman before him. "It was just a nightmare. It's over."

She looked into his eyes, her compassion plain to see. He looked away and saw how dark it still was outside. "We should all get back to sleep," he suggested. "Sorry about the noise." He glanced at Stephen and saw he was also giving Kyle a concerned look. That hit him harder than he expected, so he closed his eyes and took deep breaths.

A soft hand rested on his cheek, and he leaned into it slightly, then pulled away. "It's okay. We'll talk in the morning. I need to rest, and you should too."

Stephen nodded and headed back into the bedroom.

Kyle shared a little smile with Louise, and the woman stood. She stroked her fingers through his hair once more as she walked by.

When the light went out in the bedroom, Kyle eased himself back onto the pillows and closed his eyes.

Typically, when Kyle dreamed of his mother, her presence lingered in this mind, and he could feel out how she'd react to his actions, or in this case, inaction.

He knew his mom had been horribly hurt by his dad, so it came as a shock to him that what he felt now... was her disappointment.

His eyes opened as he felt that lingering emotion slowly fade away.

Was he as much of an asshole as his father had been to his mother?

Was he just like him?

Sleep did not return to Kyle for some time.

-=-

Louise ordered breakfast for four brought to the room in the morning, and Stephen ensured Liandri joined them. Kyle was last to wake, shower, and dress, so he was also the last to join them at the table on the patio overlooking the pool.

Liandri could see the sleep bruises under his eyes and glanced at her father, who faintly shook his head.

They ate the meal and discussed what they might do for the day. The consensus was relaxing on the beach, but Kyle seemed to fidget at the idea.

Finally, Louise could wait no longer. "Kyle, could you tell us how the call went last night. What brought you to state that gave you that nightmare?"

Liandri looked at Kyle in surprise.

Kyle sighed, sank back in his chair, and looked at Louise as she gazed back in concern. Then he nodded.

"I spoke to the lawyer. My father sent them a letter seven years ago with instructions to deliver it to me last summer. I moved before they could contact me. They sent it to me in an email last night. My father's lover will experience some difficulties if I don't go to Osaka, Japan to... help her in some way. Apparently, I should have gone to Japan last summer to help her, as whatever it is I need to do will take time, and there's a deadline of January tenth."

"Oh my!" Louise gasped.

"That's so soon!" Stephen exclaimed.

Liandri was silent as she watched Kyle struggle with something. Finally, she spoke. "You don't want to help her."

Kyle twitched. Then he looked at her. "Why should I? She's the reason my dad left my mom."

Liandri looked at Kyle skeptically. "Are you sure?"

He frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?" he asked sharply.

"Do you know all the details? How old were you when it happened? Did your mother confide in you? Did your father?"

Kyle's anger flared. "I was sixteen, and no one told me shit! He was just gone!"

"Maybe you should speak with this woman then, as she's the only other person involved who knows. Or are you the kind of man who disregards what women say?" Liandri argued.

Kyle's mouth worked in outrage.

"Once you have all the information, then you can determine if she is worthy of helping," Liandri finished.

Kyle swallowed hard as his stomach rebelled. He nodded stiffly, stood and walked to the front door to slip on his shoes, then left the villa.

-=-

Louise looked at the troubled expression on Liandri's face. "I thought you two had mended your differences."

"You were pretty harsh, Li," Stephen suggested.

Her head dropped. "I know. I'm sorry. He's just so... He confuses me, and I react badly."

Louise smiled as she clued in. She quickly hid her smile, but Stephen saw it, and lights went on for him as well.

"I'm not saying you were wrong about what you said, just in how you said it. I--" She glanced at the smile on Stephen's face. "We agree he should go to Japan to meet the woman, and we also think it might be a good idea if you apologized to Kyle. Let him know we agree with you, but it could have been said more gently."

Liandri looked up and glanced toward the door. "I don't know where he went."

Louise smiled and touched her hand. "I think he'll be on the beach. He put on his water slippers."

The young woman nodded and left the villa as well.

Louise smiled fondly at Stephen. "This feels... right."

His smile was warm and loving. "The rightest thing I've felt in a long time."

-=-

Liandri made her way down to the sand and walked toward the shore until she could see the strip of sand leading away in both directions. She spotted Kyle a short distance away to her left, standing at the edge where the waves flowed back and forth.

She walked toward him, but he seemed oblivious to her approach. She couldn't help but admire how fit his body looked as the wind was blowing his shirt tight against his chest. His face was handsome as well, and this is where her brain rebelled. He looked too much like the men she worked with. The men who preyed on lonely women for sex, money, gifts, and prestige. She knew, now, that he wasn't like them, which somehow made it worse. It was easier to despise all these handsome devils than to have hope... again.

She knew he didn't deserve to be treated like them, so she had to rise above her anger.

He must have sensed her as he turned and watched her approach with a stiffness in his body. Preparing for another attack.

"I'm sorry," she gushed out and immediately felt stupid.

His expression was of surprise, but she saw his posture relax. He nodded to her.

"Louise and father agree with me, but I could have said it in a kinder way," she quickly expressed.

He sighed. "Yes. I know you're right. I have to go. It's what my mom would have wanted as well."

"She sounds like a remarkable woman," Liandri said, and Kyle turned away as he nodded. She stepped closer and saw tears rolling down Kyle's cheek.

"I miss her so much at times like these. I relied on her moral compass so much," Kyle sighed, his voice hinting at the depth of his loss.

Liandri had never witnessed a man crying like this before. Certainly, her father cried when her mother died, but that was when it happened, not years later. She moved to stand before him, and he didn't hide his tears or get angry with her for seeing them. He was simply dealing with his grief quietly.

She surprised herself when she wrapped her arms around him and squeezed him tight.

Slowly, his arms went around her, and she sighed when he held her against his chest.

She tucked her face into his neck, and he rested his chin on her head.

After a time, his body stopped trembling, and he cleared the lump in his throat. "I want to honor her memory by handling this properly, but how do I do that when she was so intimately involved and profoundly affected?"

Liandri thought about that for a moment, and it was beyond her experience as well. Then the question came to her. "How would she have acted if she'd been the one to be asked to help the other woman?"

Kyle snorted as if surprised and amused by the very idea. Liandri leaned back to look up at his face, and he saw she was serious. His eyebrows rose then he frowned as he thought about it.

Liandri watched his expression clear slowly. "She'd be pissed, but she'd go speak with her."

"I think your mother gave you her moral compass after all," Liandri said softly.

Liandri felt Kyle's arm tighten once more, and his body's trembling returned.

After a time, he was still once more. He cleared his voice. "Thank you. She would have loved your no-nonsense approach."

It was Liandri's turn to get a lump in her throat. "Thanks."

She stepped back from his lovely body with a moment of regret. Then she put some space between them.

"I need to go back to the villa to see how quickly I can get to Osaka," he said.

She nodded and stepped up to his side as they walked back. When they entered the villa, they heard Stephen laughing loudly as he talked to someone on his cell. The man said thanks and hung up. He nodded to Louise with a grin, and she clapped her hands as they cheered.

She spun to face Kyle and Liandri. "He did it!"

Kyle smiled. "What did he do?"

"Stephen works as a Global Distribution Manager for all kinds of goods. He has contacts all over the world. He can get you to Osaka!" Louise said.

"Tokyo, actually. You'll have to catch a train or a commercial flight to Osaka from there," the older man admitted. "It's not going to be as comfortable or direct a flight as the one which got you here, but it will get you there in a day and a half, roughly. But you'll have to be ready to go tonight."

Kyle's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Wow! I'll take what I can get! I don't need First Class."

Stephen chuckled. "Keep that attitude front and center, and you'll be fine!"

Kyle wondered what that meant.

Chapter 18

His first clue should have been that Stephen was a goods distributor.

There was no First-Class section on cargo planes. Kyle was allowed to join the crew as he was made a bonded courier, hand-delivering a hastily prepared package to Stephen's representative in Tokyo. How Stephen turned all that around in mere hours was a mystery and a miracle.

After shaking the man's hand in the airport, hugging and kissing Louise goodbye, and getting a stunningly passionate kiss from Liandri, Kyle stumbled through the security clearance to board his first flight. He was off to Mumbai, India. This flight had him in the air for a little over nine hours, and he was grateful to get his feet on solid ground.

Unfortunately, his feet had to run across the busy airport to get to his next flight to Singapore.

Once more, he went through the security checkpoint and boarded the cargo plane. This crew was not too pleased to be carrying human cargo, even though he had the proper paperwork. They mostly ignored him once they were in the air, for another nine and a half hours.

He almost missed his connecting flight to Manila because of some overzealous security personnel in Singapore, but they got hold of Stephen, and he straightened out their issues and got Kyle to the flight just before they sealed the doors.

That plane was the loudest of the bunch so far, but he only had a little under fours hours to endure, so he recalled his words to Stephen and treated the flight like First Class.

When he reached Manila, he had another sprint to jump onto his last flight. With only thirty minutes to make the four-hour flight, nothing could go wrong, and once more, the Gods of Chance looked favorably upon him.

At five-thirty in the morning, he stumbled out into the terminal in Tokyo to see a short round man holding a sign with his name on it. He approached the man, rubbing at his bleary eyes.

"Kyle-san?"

"Oh, uh, yes. Daniel-san?" Kyle returned, and the man nodded with a wide smile.

Kyle opened the small carryall, which had the package he was delivering. "I'll need you to sign for this."

Daniel chuckled and signed the slip, which went into Kyle's pocket. His courier duties were officially completed. The man looked curiously at the box. It was pretty light, so he cut the tape and opened it. He tugged out a rolled-up black cloth. With a sharp bark of laughter, he shook out the t-shirt, which had the pirate skull and crossbones on it. The skull was drinking from a bottle, and the text around the graphic said Time Flies When You're Having Rum, Seychelles.

Kyle hand-delivered a t-shirt?

"Come, we must drive fast to get you to Tokyo station to catch your train to Osaka," Daniel explained as he rushed off to the car park. Kyle got into the compact car and gripped the door handle as Daniel did everything but put it up on two wheels to get him to the train station.

Kyle was expecting to be dumped on the sidewalk outside, but Daniel parked and led Kyle to a ticket kiosk and showed him how to buy the ticket. Then he pointed Kyle in the train's direction.

"Thank you so much, Daniel-san!" Kyle said with a quick bow as he had to run. The man's face was showing a wide smile as he saw his charge rush away.

Kyle made the train with seconds to spare, and after conferring with the conductor, he was placed in a seat that the man guaranteed would get him to Osaka.

Only then did Kyle allow himself to relax. He missed the entire experience of riding the train as he quickly fell asleep and slept the entire way. The conductor woke Kyle and helped the bleary-eyed man from the train.

Kyle was in Osaka, and it was roughly nine AM, but he still needed to get to the small village north of Osaka where Aiko lived.

But first, he needed a sim card for his phone that worked with a local telecom. He found a kiosk in the train station for a local carrier, and he picked up a card with a limited calling plan and a decent data plan and paid in advance. Once his cell was connected to the Internet once more, Kyle made his way outside.

The skies above were a dull grey hinting at the potential for snow, but nothing was falling now. He zipped his leather coat up all the way.

He found a taxi stand and did his best to find a driver who'd agreed to drive him to the address he displayed on his phone and accepted credit cards as Kyle had no local currency.

Once he found his driver, he settled back and did his best to relax.

He couldn't believe he was in Japan. He couldn't believe he was about to meet his father's lover. The woman who put the final nail in the coffin on his parent's marriage.

The thought stirred up his anger, but he had to make this effort to meet her count. He had to listen to her story with as open a mind as he could, as difficult as that was going to be.

He watched the city go by and caught sight of a large airport. He assumed this might be the one his father worked at while he was here. There was a series of large aircraft hangers with JAL emblazoned on them. He thought that was the airline he might have been working for.

City made way to suburbs, then he was in the countryside. The road wound its way through the hills until he exited into a wide, flat valley set up for crops. There was a light dusting of snow on the ground, which made everything look fresh and new.

Then the taxi slowed to a halt before a laneway, but the driver was making no effort to enter it. He pointed up the lane, so Kyle nodded and paid him. He stepped outside into the cold air and shivered. Tugging his black leather gloves from the pockets of his leather jacket, he slipped them on.

He slung his duffle bag over his shoulder and began trudging up the lane, the taxi's tires crunching on the gravel as it headed back to the city.

Kyle continued up the lane and walked around a bend in the drive to see a low-rise home that looked like it needed a lot of tender loving care. Some patchwork repairs had been done, but serious renovations were required to bring it back to its glory. Or maybe just to a livable condition.

The weeds around the property were also out of control.

To the right of the main building and set further up the lane was a garage. It had a double-wide door for cars on the right and a people door on the left. Kyle saw greater care and effort were being taken to preserve this building.

He looked to the house's front door, and there didn't seem to be any point in knocking there. The snow was deeper by the door, and there were no tracks in it.

He turned to approach the garage, but stopped when he heard a car coming up the lane. Its horn blared as the car pulled around the bend. A tricked-out sports car stopped before the garage, and Kyle saw the faces of two youngish men sitting in the front seats.

Kyle noticed a sound coming from the engine, and it wasn't a healthy noise. The engine was suffering.

The driver watched him through his window, then looked at the garage with a snarl and leaned on the horn again before shutting the engine off.

Kyle frowned at the obnoxious use of the horn. These guys seemed pissed, or at least the driver did. Kyle hadn't gotten a good look at the passenger yet.

The car doors opened, and the two young men stepped out and gave Kyle a once over. He saw the driver was maybe eighteen, but the passenger, he still couldn't say. The two walked in front of the car, and he saw they were roughly the same height and build, dressed in matching puffy winter jackets and tight black jeans.

The smaller door next to the garage door on the building opened, and someone stepped outside, completely bundled in layers of sweaters and shawls. These were not cutting-edge fashions like the two in front of the car. Ratty and stained were good words to describe them, and they seemed to match the house's condition.

This new arrival also wore coverings over their face with only a slit for their eyes. Kyle couldn't tell if the person was young, old, male, or female. Tall? Yes. Almost as tall as Kyle and definitely taller than the driver.

That man yelled something angrily at this person and pointed back at the car.

Kyle assumed that the person in the garage had worked on the car, and the driver was not pleased with their work.

The bundled person snapped a response, and Kyle immediately knew they were female and potentially young.

The angry young man didn't like being talked back to and got physical. He jumped forward and back-handed the bundled-up female across the face, knocking her back against the door's frame where she crumped to the ground.

Kyle dropped his duffle and moved forward quickly.

This was when the passenger darted toward him and flicked a blade out to warn him off. Kyle stopped and looked into the pretty eyes of a girl who might have been eighteen, maybe. She was obviously trying to protect her man. When Kyle slapped her hand, he heard the delicate snap of a bone, and the knife spun away to disappear in the snow as she screamed in pain.

The noise stopped the driver as he prepared to hit the fallen woman again. When he saw his passenger on her knees clutching her hand to her chest, he let out a shrill scream of rage, pulled a knife of his own, and charged.

Kyle lunged forward just as they closed, pushed the man's knife hand outward with his left, and slammed his right fist into the center of that big puffy coat. Contrary to its appearance, the jacket provided no cushioning, and the man crumpled, gasping for breath.

Putting his boot on the man's wrist, Kyle took his knife and pitched it into the snow as well.

Kyle moved to the woman by the garage, who was pulling her face covering back on. She pulled back from him, so he got no closer. She looked no worse for wear, so he peeked into the car and saw a Nitrous Oxide canister kit mounted in the back where a seat should be. He sighed. Dumb ass.

He went back to the passenger, who was still crying, and he knelt to look her in the eye.

"If you pull a weapon on someone, expect violence in return. Never do that again," he said firmly.

She nodded as she looked at him in fear. So she could understand him.

He aimed his thumb at the wheezing fellow on the ground. "Does he understand English, too? Sorry, I don't speak Japanese," he said, and she shook her head with wide eyes.

Kyle sighed. "Okay. Tell him he's going to need to rebuild the engine. He likely used an improper mix or too much too often. Either way, he's an idiot. Go ahead and get back in the car. Tell him to drive it gently, so the engine doesn't fail before he takes you to the hospital for your finger."

"Fuck you!" a voice from the ground gasped.

Kyle looked at the punk. "So, you do speak English, or is that all you know?"

The driver said something sharp to him in Japanese, and the only word he recognized was Gaijin.

"Okay, fuck you, it is," Kyle said. "Take her to the hospital. Do I need to break something of yours?"

That seemed to shut the punk up. He staggered to his feet as his girlfriend hustled to the other side, and they got in. The engine almost didn't start. He rolled the car back down the lane and seemed to be nursing the engine. Maybe he could understand and listened to his advice.

Kyle collected his duffle then turned to the garage. The woman was no longer standing outside, and he was alone.

"Shit."

He walked closer to the building and knocked. Silence.

"Hello? I'm looking for a woman named Aiko Okamoto. I was told she lived here," he called out and waited. He didn't know if the woman spoke English, but she might respond to the name at least.

"Go away!"

The voice through the door sounded frightened, but he was grateful she spoke his language.

"I'm sorry if I frightened you. I didn't mean to. I saw you being hurt, and I just reacted." Kyle paused as he realized he had just reacted without slipping into that numb state. That was progress again.

No response from behind the door. Shit. To have come all this way for nothing was unbearable. "Please, I need to speak to Aiko Okamoto. Can you tell me where I can find her?"

"Why do you need to speak to her?"

"I was asked to come. My father--"

The door opened a few inches and eyes peered out. They still looked frightened.

"Who are you?"

"My name's Kyle. Kyle MacDenny."

He watched her eyes widen, then roll up as she collapsed.

-=-

Kyle sat on a worn chair, gazing around the well-organized workshop. There was a lot of space inside, making it harder to warm with just the small woodstove against the left wall.

While the furnishings were old and threadbare, the tools were lovingly cared for and precisely positioned for easy access. Most of the hardware showed their age as well, but they were just worn from a lifetime of use.

There was a cot in the far-left corner by a deep sink. From the collection of toiletries and old towels, Kyle assumed this was where the young woman lived. Was she a squatter? Did Japan have squatters?

The condition of the main house must have deteriorated past the point of livability. He didn't see a toilet, so could that be what the house was used for? Like an indoor outhouse?

He shook his head from the bizarre thoughts and turned to look at her resting on the tattered futon. When she passed out, Kyle rushed inside and ensured she was still breathing. Then he moved her to the nearby futon so she could wake gently. He closed the door, then added some wood to the small wood-burning stove. It was ancient, but it worked, and the room warmed up a little.

There was a suggestion of a kitchen at one end of a workbench with a kettle and a single element hot plate. He shook his head and wondered if she was suffering from malnutrition. That might explain her fainting. He watched her sleep. How hard did that punk hit her?

She stirred, so Kyle held still and tried to look unthreatening.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she took a moment to orient herself. She looked over at Kyle and jolted upright.

"It's okay! I'm not going to hurt you. You passed out and fell," he said gently.

She looked at him suspiciously. "Who are you, and why are you in my house?" she asked stiffly.

"Listen, I'll leave as soon as you tell me where I can find Aiko Okamoto. This was supposed to be her house, but it looks like no one lives there. Maybe you recognize the name?"

The young woman was quiet, but her eyes were troubled. So maybe she was protecting Aiko?

"I don't mean her any harm. My dad sent me a letter asking me to look in on her," he answered awkwardly. He still didn't know what he was supposed to do when he found her.

"Your father?"

He nodded. "Duncan MacDenny."

She put her hand to her head and wobbled a little more.

"Are you okay? Do you need something to eat?" Kyle asked, and his own stomach complained at being empty.

"He said you would come, but I did not think you would. Then you didn't," she muttered to herself, but he heard.

He frowned and looked more closely at her. "You knew my dad? Who are you?"

Her eyes lifted to look into his. "I am Aiko."

Kyle shook his head. No, Aiko was his father's lover. She'd be... much older.

"Duncan-san took care of me after father died as he promised he would. He hired a live-in housekeeper, but she died when I was sixteen. Duncan-san told me you would come on my nineteenth summer, but you did not," she said, her eyes holding his.

Kyle's head was buzzing, making it hard for him to think. "No. No, my... my father left my mother for...." His words failed him as she looked up at him with such intensity. He noted her eyes were so unique and startling, one dark brown and the other light blue. This just made her stare so much more... powerful. "You'd have been... twelve?"

"Yes. He was sad, but he said he would pay his debt--"

Kyle lurched away from the girl and tripped over his low chair, falling on his ass as he stared at her in disbelief and shock.

She moved closer as she looked at him. "Why did you not come?"

Kyle didn't hear her as his mind filled with the sound of his mother's cries, her anguish over her husband having an affair. The pain she'd gone through! His dad was a monster!

A horrible thought flashed through Kyle's brain.

"You weren't lovers?" he asked and saw the woman's expression twist with revulsion.

"No! Why did you ask me such a terrible question?" she shrieked.

Kyle's anger flared. "Because my father left my mother believing he was leaving her for another woman! He didn't tell her you were a child!"

Kyle felt his rage threatening to explode out of control. He lurched back to his feet and rushed out the door. He didn't want to lash out at the young woman.

He made it as far as the top of the lane, where he stopped as he felt he might explode. He turned his face to the grey skies and prepared to release the rage and agony in a mighty roar, but all that came out was a choked gasp.

Instead, he sank to his knees and fought to contain the waves of emotion crashing over him. Rage at his father's abandonment, sorrow for the pain his mother felt, and the terrible vacuum of loss at his father's disappearance from his own life.

It felt like he'd reverted to a child-like state again, struggling with emotions too powerful to control. Their strength came from their link to his parents and the pain his father inflicted, his mother endured, and he couldn't comprehend.

He felt it all, and it overwhelmed him.

Kyle held his face in his hands, squeezing as if to keep his head from exploding from the pressures within it.

He didn't know how long he remained on his knees in the snow, but he gradually noticed a hand on his arm gently tugging.

He realized all he felt now was confusion and despair. He allowed Aiko to get him back on his feet and back into the warmer and drier garage. He dropped himself back onto the low chair, and a shudder went through his body. His eyes went to the rows of tools.

His father had been here.

He'd been here instead of with his family. Kyle's rage resurfaced out of the chaos in his mind. He grit his teeth in a silent snarl.

Aiko was watching him and froze. Her eyes roamed his face as if looking for clues to his thoughts. "Did... do you hate him?"

"Yes," Kyle ground out between his teeth.

"This is why you did not come," Aiko nodded as if she finally had her answer.

Kyle stopped himself from nodding. He was so angry he was ready to punish anyone. But Aiko, the one his father chose to be with... she didn't deserve his hate. "No. No, I didn't get his letter until a few days ago. I'd moved before the lawyer could deliver it, then they couldn't find me," he said wearily.

Aiko looked confused again. "You hate your father, yet you traveled all the way here?"

Kyle was frustrated that he couldn't see the woman he was talking to, other than her eyes. "Take off the face coverings," he growled.

She shrank back from him, her eyes suddenly frightened and worried.

Kyle held up his hands and closed his eyes as he fought for control. "I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to say it like that. I just want to see the person my father felt was more important to be with than his wife and son."

She watched Kyle cautiously, then her eyes dropped as she lifted trembling hands to her face. She peeled away the coverings and unwrapped the shawl over her head.

Kyle was stunned to see how much hair emerged from the wrappings. He was also confused as the black hair was thick, kinky, and long! It was like a mane! His mind flashed back to Monique, but her hair had been straight. He shook his head to reject that thought.

Still, this was hair he'd expect to see on a black woman, not one from Japan. Her eyes had the epicanthic fold of someone of Asian descent, but....

When she moved her hands away from her face, Kyle finally saw what he originally assumed was a birthmark or shadows was, in fact, pigment. Her face showed a startling mix of pigments, dark brown and palest pink. Perhaps her mother had been black, giving her skin its beautiful deep brown tone, but this color was disappearing in areas over her face. Her full lips were encircled by the pale pink, and there were pink patches under her cheekbones, making them seem even higher. The markings around her eyes were uneven. Her blue eye was completely surrounded by pink skin, but the brown one was within an open crescent shape.

"I have Vitiligo. My father spoke to a doctor when it began on my hands," she said quietly.

"One of your parents was black?" he asked.

Her eyes darted up to look into his, but she saw curiosity. Then they dropped down once more. "My father told me the story when my skin began to change. My mother became unhappy living here and ran away to the city. My father was called by the police as she had been attacked by a group of drunk men. Gaijin. She was at the hospital. Father brought her home, but she never spoke again. They discovered she was pregnant, but she died when I was born. At first, I was all this color." She pulled off her mitts, and her slim hands were almost completely bare of pigment, as just a few tiny patches remained. She pointed to the darker skin on her cheek.

Kyle was stunned by her exotic look. There was an exquisite symmetry to her facial structure, yet this contrasted with her asymmetrical coloration. Her eyes were particularly captivating for Kyle, and he realized he was staring.

She put her hands up over her face. "You find me ugly," she choked out.

"NO! Not at all! You're lovely!" he insisted.

"Do not lie to me!" she shouted. "They tell me how hideous I am!" She gestured to the door.

"Who? Those punks who came to visit you?" Kyle guessed, and she nodded.

Kyle scowled. "They're punks! They don't know what beauty is!" he asserted.

"It is not just them. It is everyone in the village and customers who come to my shop. I see how they stare," she insisted.

He shook his head. "You're not ugly. Just different, and some people are frightened by different. I think your difference is amazing. Beautiful!"

She looked at him suspiciously, so he changed the topic. "You said this is your shop? You fix cars?"

She watched him for a moment, then nodded. "I can fix many kinds of motors. Father taught me. Duncan-san taught me, too. I also learned from watching movies on the internet." She pointed to a beat-up-looking laptop by the cot. "The local farmers come to me to fix their small machines and their cars. Students too."

Kyle remembered learning at his father's side and knew the man was an excellent teacher. Her father must have been, too, as his father had befriended him.

His mind went back to the question unanswered all these years, why. His heart hurt.

"Why did my dad come back here when he was dying?" he asked quietly, his voice full of pain.

Aiko watched him with sad eyes. "There was an explosion at the airport hanger where they were working. Some dangerous chemicals were stored improperly inside the hanger, and one of the containers exploded. Duncan-san was unconscious as he was closest. My father pulled him from the building but went back inside to rescue others. The chemical was poisonous, and father became very sick. Duncan-san promised him he would take care of me. He did not know that he was also dying, but he went to a doctor when he became sick. The department manager tried to hide his mistake, but Duncan-san spoke to his superiors and got them to agree to send me monthly payments until I became an adult."

"January tenth?" Kyle said quietly.

"Yes. I will be twenty, and they will send no more money," she said sadly.

Kyle frowned. "They couldn't have been sending you much if you're living in your garage!"

She watched him for a moment. "It is enough. I moved into the garage after the housekeeper died. She was not good, and she took my money and bought alcohol with it. She was drunk most of the time, and I did most of the work and could not go to school. Then she got sick and died when I was sixteen. The money kept going into the account, but I did not know how I would survive once it stopped. It is less expensive to live like this."

Kyle's mind was reeling once more. His father had shown more attention to Aiko in that short period than he had to Kyle in his entire life. Once more, his anger flared, followed by an intense burst of jealousy, which he immediately forced down and rejected. He couldn't tolerate that poisonous feeling. His problem wasn't with Aiko, but his father, who was no longer alive to confront.

Honestly, he was in awe of Aiko for surviving alone like this for years.

But now he had a problem. How was he supposed to help her?

"My father wanted me to come here to help you, and I should have received the letter last summer to give me time to do whatever needed to be done. Except, he left me no information on what it is I'm supposed to do." Kyle said. He saw the sadness in Aiko's eyes, and something twisted in his heart. It was unbearable to see that emotion there.

"What do you want to do?" he asked gently.

"I want to leave," she said with no hesitation.

Kyle's eyebrows went up in surprise, then he held her eyes with his. "Where do you want to go?"

"Where do you live?" she asked timidly.

He froze as he could hear the loneliness in her voice. She wanted to go with him?

"I-I don't have a home at the moment, and I'm trying to figure out where my life is taking me. All I have is the motorcycle my father left me."

Aiko's face lit up with a smile. "The 1988 Harley Davidson Softail Classic?" Kyle nodded. "Duncan-san told me stories of how he and you rebuilt it. Those were my favorite stories as he was so happy when he told them."

That knocked Kyle off his emotional equilibrium. His throat tightened to the point he couldn't speak for a moment. His eyes filled with unshed tears as he struggled to breathe.

When he finally got his control back, he looked toward Aiko and saw she was watching him.

"I am sorry I made you so sad," she said contritely.

He raised a hand and cleared his throat. "It-it's okay. I have a lot of difficult emotions when it comes to my father, but they're between him and me, so you aren't to blame." They were quiet for a minute. "You may know him better than me," he said with a snort, but a spike of pain went through him as well.

"Where will you live?" she asked, returning to the question.

He flicked a glance at her and thought about it. "I was thinking of moving back to where I grew up. Maybe a small town along the coast of British Columbia, just north of Vancouver." He glanced at her again as he wasn't sure if these place names meant anything to her. She did say she hadn't been able to go to school. "Do you know where I'm talking about?"

She nodded and pointed to the laptop in the corner. "I have Internet from a neighbor's open WiFi, and I have researched much about the places Duncan-san told me he lived. I also took online classes, but I know they don't count."

Kyle was impressed. "You speak English very well! Who taught you?"

Aiko's eyes showed her sadness once more. "Father took lessons as he worked with engineers from the United States and Canada. He taught me." Her eyes flicked to look at him. "Duncan-san taught me as well. He was an excellent teacher."

Kyle fought back another surge of emotional instability and nodded.

"Would it be okay if I went with you?" Aiko was back to being timid.

Kyle opened his mouth and closed it again. Was this what his father was asking him to do? For that matter, did he want to be responsible for her? She seemed remarkably resilient based on what she'd gone through.

Then he realized why his father had built lead time into the letter delivery. Kyle was to make the arrangements for Aiko to leave. His dad might have guessed or known this was what Aiko would want. The lights went on behind Kyle's eyes.

"You'll need documentation, a passport--"

Aiko jumped up from the sofa with a squeak of excitement and rushed over to a drawer built into one of the workbenches. She pulled it open, grabbed a bundle of documents, and hurried back to Kyle with them. She handed the bunch to Kyle.

"Duncan-san helped me get these!" she claimed. This confirmed Kyle's previous thoughts.

How his father knew Kyle would help her was beyond his understanding. Something his dad had written in the letter resurfaced in his brain. He'd said he knew his wife would raise him to be a good man. He'd acknowledged his wife would be the foundation of his values. He had faith in her. Another shock ran through his mind, and his hands shook as he closed his eyes. His father had become a complete mystery to him once more. His preconceived notions of how the man's mind worked were being destroyed by each revelation forced on him today.

Kyle looked back at his hands and saw some kind of resident card with Aiko's photo on it. There was also a passport, which was thankfully still current. Then there was an envelope which contained some official-looking papers. He held them up for Aiko to read.

"What are these?" he asked.

She'd seen his hands shaking and was watching him cautiously. He forced a smile onto his lips, and she looked and pointed to the documents as she described them. "This is the deed to the home, and that is my father's will," she said, then gestured to the passport.

"I saw my passport was going to expire before my eighteenth birthday, so I went to Osaka to renew it. It was scary, but I did it!" Aiko said excitedly.

Kyle nodded with an impressed smile as she'd done all this on her own, but he was feeling a little overwhelmed.

To help him focus, he looked anywhere but at Aiko. He cast his eyes around the room, absorbing the significance of what he was seeing. He knew this was below even his minimalism standard. She had to be living beneath the poverty line, and he had to get her out of this.

With that realization, he felt a weight lifting from his shoulders and felt a hint of his mother's approval. He knew, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that she would have done the same for Aiko. Maybe he really did have his mother's moral compass.

He saw she was looking at him expectantly. He took a deep breath.

"Okay. Okay, we can do this, but there are some details we'll still need to work out."

"Thank you, Kyle-san!" she gushed, and her smile derailed his brain. She was so incredibly lovely! She looked away bashfully as Kyle got control once more.

He nodded. "First thing we need to do is pack. You aren't staying here tonight. I'll need to find an inexpensive hotel in Osaka which we can use as our base of operations to make our plans. I need to know what you want to do about your home."

"You can do whatever you feel is best," Aiko insisted, and Kyle blinked at her in surprise.

"It's your home--," he began.

"Since Duncan-san died, it has been my prison. I no longer want to be here."

Kyle nodded to her as he thought about that. "Okay... I guess we'll try to sell it. What items do you want to keep?"

Aiko walked back to the workbench and pulled an old wooden chest out from under it. She opened the lid and pulled out a photo album and a few bits of jewelry. She looked up at him shyly. "These belonged to my mother. I had to hide them from the housekeeper."

Kyle smiled and nodded to her. "Do you have a suitcase or a bag like mine you can put your clothes and items into?"

She thought for a moment. "Maybe in the house?"

"Let's get it," Kyle suggested, and she pulled her mittens on before heading outside. Kyle followed, and she walked around the side of the house instead of going to the front door. She fussed with a panel before it slid aside, and they stepped inside. Kyle pulled out his cell and turned on its flashlight feature. He saw Aiko's eyes lock onto the device, and he made a mental note to get her one when they got back to Canada.

That thought crashed his brain for a moment. He really was taking her home with him, a girl he'd just met. That was hard to get his head around, but somehow, he knew the decision was right.

He realized Aiko was waiting for him since he was the one with the light. Embarrassed, he handed her the cell, and she accepted it with a look of delight. Then she was off, heading across a room with a few dusty pieces of furniture.

"Be careful where you step. I have been using bits of the house for firewood," she said. They carefully walked down a central hall, and he spotted rooms that had nothing inside, their floors pulled up and cut free.

Eventually, they found a storage room, and Kyle held the light while Aiko dug through the items until she pulled out a sturdy canvas duffle bag. She held it up with a smile. "This was my father's when he was in the army. He got injured and had to leave, but he learned to be an excellent mechanic."

Kyle nodded and looked around. A lifetime of acquiring stuff filled this room. "Do you need anything else?"

She shook her head, so he led the way back to the exit.

As they walked back to the garage, he looked toward the lane as he heard the distant sound of a car driving by. "I meant to ask you. Should we be expecting additional trouble from the two who came to rough you up today?"

Aiko looked at him in question.

"I mean, are they in a gang, or are they from a wealthy or important family, and we'll see someone come back to get revenge?" he explained.

She giggled as she covered her mouth with a mitten. "They are high school students, not members of the Yakuza."

"Ah. Okay," Kyle said, feeling a little silly.

They went back into the garage, and he saw how little she was putting into the duffle. After she added her toiletries, she had almost no clothes, and the clothes she was wearing under the ratty layers should probably be burned as they likely hadn't seen the inside of a washing machine in a long time. He was going to have to buy her some clothes.

Her photo album and her mother's jewelry went inside the bag.

Kyle looked at the tools. There was everything a mechanic would need, but none of them were in excellent condition. He gestured to them, but Aiko shook her head sadly.

"They are not good," she said.

Kyle nodded. "We can discuss life plans once we get to a hotel. You have some excellent skills, so we can look at getting you in a course to get your certification if you want so you can work as a mechanic anywhere... if that's what you want." He shook his head and grinned. "Sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me find a hotel I can afford."

"I have money, too," she said.

He looked at her in surprise, then looked at how she was living.

"I did not want to spend the money as I did not know how long I would have to make it last," she explained. "I paid the bills, so they would not throw me out of my home. Taxes and utilities must be paid. I spent money on food when the farmers did not pay for repairs with produce. All other money was saved in the bank," she explained.

"How much do you have?" he asked.

She rushed over to her laptop and booted it up. Kyle wandered over as he watched the clunky machine grind its way to the desktop interface. "My father and Duncan-san helped me get the bank accounts set up and all payments coming from it. It is a normal account since I turned eighteen."

She logged into the secure site and displayed the balance. At first, Kyle's eyes widened in shock, seeing multiples in the millions, then he realized the number was in Yen. He looked up a conversion rate and saw she had the rough equivalent of fifty-seven thousand Canadian dollars in the bank. Not enormous amounts of money, but a good nest egg to begin her investing with.

"This is good! Having the bank account set up this way will hopefully allow you to withdraw the money when you leave Japan." She blinked at him, then nodded as the thought settled in her mind. "It's something we'll need to look into. We'll also need the account to handle the sale of the home. From what I saw of the shape of the home, I don't think you're going to get much for it." He glanced at the basket of bits of wood he now recognized were from the home's floors.

"Let's use your PC to look up hotels," he suggested.

They spent the next thirty minutes trying to find a place with a decent rating and a good price. Kyle didn't know how long it would take to settle her affairs before they could leave. An extended stay in a hotel was not in his budget, and he didn't want Aiko to eat up too much of the nest egg she'd worked so hard to save.

"We don't have to get two rooms," Aiko finally suggested. She was also very aware of the increased cost of living with the hotel.

"Uh, that's not--" Kyle began

"A single room with two beds would be much less expensive. You will be a gentleman, won't you?" she said with a little smile.

He gaped at her. "Yes, of course, but that's not the point! We just met today! Sleeping in the same room--"

"Will save us so much money!" Aiko insisted. "Any of these hotels are nicer than living here, so you can choose any of them, but choose one room."

Kyle frowned at her. He knew she was right. It would be half price if they shared, and even the two-star places they'd seen were a vast improvement over this. He sighed.

He ran some searches as he knew he needed a nearby mall to get new clothes for her and found a big mall with nearby hotels. He checked their prices and discovered that he could get a much nicer four-star room for only a few more dollars a night. The prices were surprisingly reasonable! Of course, there would be meals on top of that. He called the hotel on his cell and made a reservation for the week beginning tonight. He specified two beds for two guests, and they said they would see him soon.

"We need a taxi to pick us up," Kyle said. He did some more searches online and called a few before finding one that was willing to pick them up in an hour, and the price was higher than his lift here as their destination was further south.

"Okay, we have a little time before they get here. Please take another look around and make sure you have everything you want to bring with you. If there is anything in the house you need, now is the time to collect it," Kyle said to her firmly. She nodded and spent some time looking through the drawers and boxes in the garage, and she only added a couple of small items to her bag.

"There is nothing in the house. Anything in there I needed, I moved to the garage. The only thing I will miss is my bicycle, but it is too big to bring with us," she said.

"Can you show me?" Kyle asked with interest.

She smiled and went to the other side of the garage, where she threw back a tarp that covered an old Fuji racing bicycle with a plastic crate bolted to a rear rack and a basket strapped to the handlebars. It was a decent enough racer, but it had been turning into a workhorse.

"You enjoy cycling?" he asked curiously.

She grinned that dazzling smile at him again. "I run all my errands on this bicycle and ride as much as I can."

Her grin was infectious, and he smiled back at her. "That's something else we have in common. I love cycling too, and I really miss it. When I let go of my apartment, I had nowhere to keep one. If I do set up home in BC, we'll definitely get bicycles."

Aiko was almost shivering with excitement.

"We should put out the fire," Kyle suggested.

She spun and ran to the sink to get a cup of water to toss on the fire. Then she closed the wood stove's door.

She looked at him in concern. "What if customers come up to the garage?"

"We could pull a chain or string across the drive with a closed sign to keep people out," he suggested.

Aiko nodded and collected a long piece of rope and the closed sign from the garage door. They picked up their bags and stepped outside so she could lock the door. They walked down the drive to tie the rope across the driveway to warn people not to enter.

They waited twenty minutes and were thinking of heading back inside when the taxi arrived. Kyle got Aiko and her bag into the back and slid in next to her. He gave the driver the address, and they were on their way. He smiled at Aiko, who was back behind her wrappings once more. He wanted her to feel comfortable to take them off, but baby steps. She was already leaping out into the void with this enormous change in her life.

The drive into the center of Osaka didn't take long, and Kyle enjoyed watching Aiko's reaction to seeing the sights.

They left the cab after Kyle paid and made their way into the hotel. Kyle smiled as he saw how excited Aiko was. Then he stopped as he considered what their arrival might look like to the check-in staff. If she was all giddy and excited, they might think she was young, inexperienced, and being taken advantage of by this strange foreigner. That could be problematic.

He gestured for Aiko to follow and moved to a rack of brochures. She got closer, almost too close.

"Aiko, I'm going to get our room, and I need you to do something for me."

"Yes?"

He thought of an example and tried it out. "When that punk we met today came to you to fix his car, how did his girlfriend act?"

Aiko blinked in surprise at the question, but thought about it. "She was not interested, so she played with her phone."

"She was bored?" he asked.

Aiko nodded as she remembered that.

"Can you show me her expression on your face?" he asked, and her eyes darted to the front counter, where three staff members could be seen behind the counter. They were serving a guest.

Kyle knew she was nervous about showing her face, but he needed her to get past that. "You should probably remove the face covering as they might need to see you are who you are, but we're going to play a little game on them."

Aiko's eyes immediately locked on his. "A game?"

Kyle grinned and saw her relax a little as if his confidence was feeding her own. "Yes, we're going to pretend to be celebrities, important people. Hotels love them. So, we approach them like this is the millionth hotel we've been to. We're friendly but bored by the entire experience since we've done it so often. You make the bored expression of the girl you saw at your shop and smile politely at the staff when they look at you but slip back to the bored look as if even smiling is boring."

Aiko's eyes were nervous but twinkling as she was definitely interested. "You have done this?"

"Oh yeah, especially in fancy hotels where they see my leather jacket and wonder what a rough guy like me is doing in such a fine hotel. I act all bored and famous, and soon they believe I'm famous and suddenly they're bending over backward to help me. It's fun!" He said with a grin.

"O-okay, I will try," she said nervously.

"Okay, beautiful. Let me see your bored expression," Kyle said, and she froze for a moment, then blushed.

"I didn't say sweet. I said bored," he insisted playfully.

She worked up the nerve to pull the face-covering away and looked timidly at him.

"Channeling the bored girl... now," Kyle prompted.

Her expression suddenly went almost lifeless. Kyle couldn't stop himself from chuckling with delight. Her face slipped back into nervousness.

"I did it wrong?" she asked in a quiet voice.

"No! You were perfect! Absolutely brilliant! You had me convinced!" he assured her, and her smile returned, eyes twinkling. "Let's go. It's showtime!" He slipped on his own bored expression, and she grinned behind her hand, then returned her face to the bland, lifeless stare of the terminally bored.

Kyle pulled the Rolex from his inner jacket pocket and put it on his wrist. Aiko's eyes widened in surprise. "Just a little bling to sell the image." She nodded, then schooled her expression again as she followed Kyle toward the front desk. Kyle put his bag at his feet and smiled politely at the man behind the desk.

"Hi, I called earlier. Kyle MacDenny." He rested his left arm on the counter, the heavy watch thumping the counter as his right hand dug out his wallet and passport.

He pulled his credit card from the wallet and handed it to the gentleman behind the counter with his passport.

"Yes, Mr. MacDenny. You have booked a room with us for one week?" he asked.

"Yes, though we might need to extend it for a second if the fashion shoot takes longer. Would that be an issue?"

The man looked at Kyle, then his eyes went to Aiko and widened.

Before her nerve broke, Kyle leaned forward to speak quieter. The man leaned in, seeing Kyle's intense look. "We've been traveling incognito as the press has been an issue. You don't allow paparazzi into the hotel, do you?"

"No, sir! And the extension shouldn't be an issue."

Kyle leaned back in relief. "That's good. When her issues hit the newsstands, it's going to be impossible to get privacy."

"Yes, sir," the man said as he returned to processing Kyle's room. His eyes were flicking to Kyle and Aiko every chance he had. The two women behind the counter were watching the proceeding with intense interest.

He handed Kyle two electronic door keys and returned the credit card and passport. "Is there anything else, Mr. MacDenny?"

"Yes. In about forty minutes, we'll need a taxi to take us to the nearest shopping mall, preferably one with an excellent selection of women's clothing shops. She needs some new outfits. Simple but stylish."

"Yes, sir. I will make the arrangements," the man said with a smile.

Aiko smiled politely at him, and his smile increased as his eyes widened.

They grabbed their bags and sauntered over to the elevators. Kyle got them inside, and they were on their way up. Aiko went to say something, but Kyle touched her hand to make her wait.

When they were in their room, he relaxed and laughed. Aiko grinned at him.

"That was fun, but what did you tell him?" she asked.

Kyle dug his cell out and did a quick search on it. "I told him we were trying to avoid paparazzi as you were a fashion model and were about to become very famous."

She looked at him in shock and dismay, so he handed her the cell phone. Her eyes moved to the screen and froze there.

Kyle had searched in a browser for vitiligo female models and had it display images. There were many images, and some were covers to famous fashion magazines.

"Don't for a second believe any of the crap you've been told about being ugly. You are beautiful! Your beauty is bold and fierce, and that may frighten some people, but that just shows their weakness."

Kyle studied Aiko's face as she looked at picture after picture. "Have you never searched for people with vitiligo? There is no shame in it. You may get a lot of unwanted attention, but again, only the fearful or weak-minded would fail to see how gorgeous you really are."

Aiko handed him back his phone, and her eyes were filled with unshed tears as she gazed at him.

"Now, I also told the fellow downstairs that we'll be going out to a mall to get you some new outfits. Before that happens, I want you to go take a shower and get freshened up. You'll be trying on clothes, so shower and dress in something clean from your bag."

She looked sad once more. "I have nothing clean."

He frowned and tried to gauge her size. She was almost as tall as he was, which gave him an idea. He opened his duffle and rooted around inside it until he felt the soft fleece of his new London tracksuit. He pulled it out and handed it over to Aiko.

"Put this on after your bath. It's gonna be big, but it'll do until we can get you some better clothes," he said.

She held it up to her cheek with a trembling smile. "Thank you."

"No time for tears! Off you go!" he insisted, shooing her to the bathroom.

She squeaked and rushed away with a smile on her lips.

While she was making water sounds in the bathroom, he was standing before the two twin beds he'd asked for. They were a little too close together, but they were on platforms that didn't move.

He sighed.

Thirty minutes later, Aiko came out of the bathroom with the tracksuit on, and Kyle finally got a better view of who had been hiding under those layers of rags. The clothes were too large for her as her diet had been insufficient for so long. She was only two inches shorter than Kyle.

It was the volume of hair that stunned Kyle. She had it pulled back and tied with a thick ribbon, and that seemed to have it under control. He smiled at her. "Feeling better?"

"It has been a long time since I had a proper bath!" she said with a sigh.

"We'll do some shopping, then we'll get dinner," he suggested, and she nodded. Then she looked worried. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"We are going to be in a place with many people," she said hesitantly.

He held her eyes and waited.

"They will stare. They will think--"

"Let them. Remember what we did downstairs. Remember how good it felt. I'm going to be with you, and we're going to draw a lot of attention. That's fine. No one's opinion matters but ours. We're not going there for them. We're going there for us," Kyle said with a smile. "If you feel a little nervous, just look into my eyes."

She nodded and flashed a wide smile at him.

"You have an amazing smile!" Kyle said, enjoying the happiness in her eyes. Kyle couldn't imagine how difficult it must have been for her to be isolated within her own community. So many people failed her. Kyle could almost sense his mother's heart going out to her.

"I have never gone shopping for clothes in a mall, as my clothes all came from the temple donation center," she said quietly. "And I haven't been to a restaurant since my skin changed."

Kyle took her hands in his and looked into her eyes. "This is the beginning of your new life where you get to decide where you want to go and what you want to do. No one else gets to define or limit who you are or what you can do." He believed her father did her a major disservice by changing their lifestyle when she began to show. It validated her perception that she needed to hide her shameful coloration. He kept this opinion to himself.

He put on his leather jacket and saw her pick up the layered garment she'd been wearing.

"This is the first item we're going to replace. You need a new warm winter coat," Kyle insisted.

They left the room and went downstairs. As the elevator approached the lobby, he looked over at Aiko. Her face was completely exposed now, and she looked very nervous.

"Channeling the bored girl...."

"Now," she said as her eyes lifted to his with no expression.

He smiled at her in admiration. "Damn, girl! You're so good at this! I gotta pick up my game!"

She snorted, then got control when the door opened, and they marched through.

As they approached it, they saw there were more people in the lobby now. Aiko hesitated, so Kyle took her hand and looked into her eyes as he gave her a confident grin. She picked up his energy and lengthened her stride to match his. They stopped before the reception desk and caught the eye of the clerk they'd spoken with earlier. He rushed over and handed Kyle a slip of paper with a short number on it.

"The taxi outside with this number will take you to the mall," he said to Kyle.

"Thank you very much," Kyle said with a nod.

He turned and glanced over at Aiko. "Chin up, beautiful," he whispered to her.

Her eyes flicked to his, then her chin came up, and he nodded to her as they strode out of the lobby to find their taxi. Kyle raised a hand to catch the driver's eye, and he pulled the car around to let them in.

Kyle held the door for Aiko, then got in beside her. The taxi immediately got underway, so Kyle leaned back in his seat as Aiko leaned against his side.

"You did very well," he whispered to her, and she turned her face to look into his eyes.

"No one looks at me like you do," she insisted.

He grinned. "I have a few very beautiful friends, so I'm used to being in its presence, and I can appreciate it without losing control or acting like an idiot."

She leaned her head closer to Kyle's shoulder. "You make my stomach flutter when you say such things."

He tilted his head and watched her face. "I'm just saying the truth. Perhaps you haven't heard it enough. When was the last time?"

"Duncan-san was the last person to tell me I was pretty," she said quietly.

Kyle snorted quietly. "Finally, something he and I agree on."

Aiko giggled gently.

Kyle smiled at the joyful sound. Inside, his heart was breaking. She shouldn't have had to endure seven years without a kind word. He understood he'd didn't know it was happening or that his father had intended for him to come to her last summer, so he couldn't really blame himself for not being there for her, but he wished he'd received the letter earlier.

Then his thoughts turned to how much he'd changed in the past year. If he was honest with himself, he wondered how responsive he'd have been to the letter if he'd received it back then.

Maybe... maybe it had to happen this way. That didn't mean he couldn't regret it.

He knew he could make sure she was happy now.

"You're going to have to help me with dinner. I don't know what foods are good or even what they are. I won't be able to read the menu," Kyle said, and she nodded with another twinkle in her eyes.

They quickly arrived at what looked like a sizable mall. Kyle paid the driver, and they headed inside. He stuffed his gloves into his pockets, and after he looked at her, she also put her mitts in her pockets.

There were throngs of people walking through the wide concourses. He offered his elbow to Aiko, and she looped her arm through and held his arm.

Kyle found a mall map and asked Aiko to point out a shop that might sell winter coats. She pointed the way, and they headed directly to a large sporting goods store. There were winter coats of all kinds, and Kyle helped her find one that was warm and went down to mid-thigh. He grabbed her some matching mitts.

He also had her try on several pairs of ankle-high waterproof boots until she found a comfortable pair.

Next was trying on running shoes to replace the torn ones she had on. When she found a pair that fit, he told her to leave them on and followed the salesperson to the cash to purchase them and the rest of the items they picked out. The salesperson then dumped her old coat, mitts, and runners into their trash.

The mall was warm enough for her to walk around in the tracksuit, so Kyle had them put the new jacket into a large bag with the rest of her stuff for him to carry.

Kyle then targeted shops that sold women's clothes. There was a casual wear shop that sold tights, light, comfy blouses, and sweaters. He had her try on outfit after outfit. Aiko kept her eyes on Kyle, and he made sure she received the praise she deserved for getting past her fears of being in such a public space. She was still nervous, but she could function as long as Kyle was nearby to give her confidence.

One of the most difficult things Aiko had to endure was getting fitted for a bra. Kyle couldn't join her in the change room with the sales clerk who took the measurements. He let her pick up an excellent selection of lovely bras and matching panties as a reward.

Stomach rumbling because of the scents wafting down from the food court, Kyle led them up to the restaurant level. He wanted a place with a private booth, as he could see Aiko needed to unwind after being on display for so long.

"You pick the restaurant," he told her, and she immediately tugged him toward a secluded place at the end of the corridor. They got a table near the back of the restaurant, and once they were seated with all their bags stuffed into the booth with them, he could see Aiko sag as they were no longer so visible.

"You were so amazing! I'm very proud of you!" he said to her, and she gave him a weary smile. "We're done, so we'll head back to the hotel after dinner," he said, to her relief.

Aiko nodded as she picked up the menu and scanned it with her eyes. He could see them widening as she items she liked.

"You'll probably upset your stomach if you overeat, so select some of your favorites, but only a little more than you'd usually eat," Kyle suggested, and her eyes flicked to his as she nodded.

"I can't handle really spicy foods, so if you can find items I might like, please order for me as well," he asked, and she nodded.

The waitress arrived and froze when she saw Aiko.

"Good evening!" Kyle said, pulling her out of her daze. She looked at Kyle as he reached across the table and took Aiko's hand to give it a squeeze before releasing it. "We worked up an appetite tonight. I hope your food is very good," he said.

The woman smiled and nodded.

Aiko began listing the dishes they wanted, and the woman nodded as she jotted it down. With a smile for Kyle, the waitress rushed away when Aiko indicated she was done.

"I may have ordered too much," Aiko admitted quietly.

Kyle snorted in amusement. "Just don't eat it all, and we'll bring the extra food back with us for a midnight snack."

It didn't take long for the first items to arrive, and Kyle smiled as he saw the gleam in Aiko's eyes.

"Pace yourself. Small amounts of each dish, and you can tell me what they are," Kyle cautioned.

She nodded and moved two dumplings to her plate. Kyle did the same. He dipped one in some soy sauce and popped it into his mouth. Immediately, his taste buds did a little dance of joy. He smiled at Aiko and nodded as he chewed slowly, savoring the flavors. She smiled and closed her eyes as she enjoyed the food as well.

Dish after dish arrived, and Kyle looked at the apologetic expression on Aiko's face. He just grinned and shook his head. They'd better have takeout containers, as this was going to be breakfast as well.

After they'd eaten their fill, Kyle had to tell Aiko to stop. They asked for containers, and the waitress brought them and the bill. Kyle paid as Aiko dumped the leftovers into a stack of containers to go. These went into another bag for Kyle to carry.

He pulled her new winter coat out for Aiko to wear and the winter boots and mitts. She put her sneakers in the bag, so Kyle had less to carry.

Kyle could tell Aiko's confidence had improved as they walked through the mall without her dipping her face downward or away from approaching people. That might also have been from the satisfaction of having a belly full of yummy food.

He was very aware of every pair of eyes that turned in their direction, but he kept a content smile on his face as he carried all their shopping bags in one hand as she held the other.

They took a cab back to the hotel and nodded to the front desk clerk with a smile as he lifted the bundle of shopping bags to thank him for his help. The man smiled widely and bowed his head toward them.

When they got to the room, Aiko stripped off the winter coat and hung it up in the closet with her mitts in the pockets. Then she ran her hands over the slick surface, which would repel snow and sleet. It was a lovely deep red, a very bold color for a shy woman. She turned to see Kyle setting down all her shopping bags. When he turned to walk back to the closet to put away his jacket, she rushed forward and threw her arms around him.

"Thank you so much!" she said against his chest.

He gave her a hug as well. "You're welcome. This is just day one, and we have a lot of work ahead of us.

She suddenly yawned, and he chuckled.

"The next order of business is getting a good night's sleep. We forgot to pick up sleepwear for you so you can sleep in the tracksuit if you like," he suggested, and she nodded with a little smile. "Let's brush our teeth," he said.

They stood together in the small bathroom as they prepared for bed, sharing smiles.

Afterward, Kyle collected the t-shirt and shorts he planned to sleep in and sent Aiko from the bathroom while he got changed. When he came out, Aiko was standing in the middle of the room, looking at him. "What's up?"

She dropped her eyes. "The tracksuit is too warm to sleep in."

"Ah..." Kyle said as he tried to come up with an alternative. He dug through his duffle and pulled out one of the wicking shirts Louise bought for him. It was pretty long, so it might work as a nightie for her. He held it up for her. "You can try this," he suggested, and she nodded happily as she took it from his fingers. He watched her rush away to the bathroom to get changed.

He drank the water from a courtesy bottle, turned off the lights except the one between the beds, and crawled under the sheets on one of the single beds. It seemed comfortable enough, but his head spun a little. He realized just how exhausted he was, both physically and mentally. Emotionally, he was wrung out. Sleep was what he needed most.

The bathroom door opened, and Aiko came out carrying the tracksuit neatly folded with her pretty bra on top. The new t-shirt clung to her figure, and the bumps of her nipples were unmistakable. The t-shirt was just long enough to cover her ass, so her long slim legs were bare and on display. Here too, her pigment was gone in patches. It looked like she was wearing tall pink sports socks and the pink streaks ran up the inside of her thighs.

Kyle's eyes lifted to see Aiko watching him cautiously. "Ready for bed?" he asked, and a relieved smile flashed across her face. A test had been passed, but Kyle wasn't sure who was being tested.

Aiko rushed to put the clothes on top of her bag, then she got under the covers of the other bed.

"Another busy day tomorrow. I'm zonked," Kyle moaned.

"Zonked?" Aiko asked curiously.

Kyle snorted. "Completely exhausted. Probably jet lagged, too. I'd better set the alarm, or I may sleep all day tomorrow."

Aiko giggled at the faces Kyle was making, and he smiled over at her. "Goodnight, Aiko."

"Goodnight, Kyle."

He turned off the light, closed his eyes, and faded immediately.

Zonked.

-=-

"You're leaving? Again?"

"Where to this time?"

"Will you be coming back?"

"Did you ever love me?"

"Do you even know how to love?"

The anger in her words seemed muted this time as Kyle floated above his mother's hospital bed, watching her sleep.

This was how life ended for her, and a wave of rage/frustration/despair rushed through him because it wasn't fair.

She was such a good woman who didn't deserve the shit life threw in her way: an emotional eunuch for a husband, a troubled child, the pain of being abandoned, and finally, cancer.

Kyle watched her and saw the impression of himself sitting by her bedside. He recalled the hours he spent there, wishing they were both somewhere, anywhere else.

Her eyes opened, and she looked at him, the floating him, not the one by her side.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"Did you give me cancer? Don't get so full of yourself," she said with amusement in her weary eyes.

He snorted, as she always called him on his shit. He loved her for it.

"I met her, mom," he said.

"Did you?" she asked weakly as her eyes closed.

"She wasn't what you thought!" Kyle said desperately, but she'd already faded away. She'd never know his father hadn't left her for another woman. That pain could never be erased.

Kyle's grief swelled up and overwhelmed him.

"Kyle-san... Kyle-san, wake up."

He blinked his eyes, but he couldn't see properly as everything was a blur in the dim light. He lifted his hands to his face and discovered it was wet with tears. The pain of his mother's loss hit him again, as his emotions were so much sharper at night. He put his hands over his face and tried to stifle a sob that tore from his chest.

"Why are you crying?" Aiko's voice asked him cautiously.

He forced the pain deep and took slow breaths. When he felt his control returning, he tried to see Aiko, but his eyes were still too blurry.

"S-sorry." He took another deep breath. "I was... dreaming of my mother. I was trying to tell her...." He couldn't finish.

"She must have hated me," Aiko said quietly, but her voice was full of sadness.

Kyle cleared the lump from his throat as he wiped the tears from his eyes. "No! No, she wouldn't have hated you. She didn't know... sh-she never will."

The grief hit Kyle once more, and his hands went over his face to contain his tears, but his body shook.

He suddenly felt a soft and warm body slide under the blankets with him, and his head was pulled against her breasts. Hands gently stroked his hair, and a soft voice made soothing sounds.

Kyle was stunned that Aiko was offering to comfort him when she'd gone through so much pain herself. At first, he felt a little ridiculous and awkward, but it was such a relief to be held and soothed when his emotions were so out of control.

He felt his breathing slow, and his trembling quieted. When he had control of himself once more, he pulled back from Aiko's chest to look into her eyes the best he could in the darkened room.

"Thank you, Aiko. That... was a powerful dream, and I can't believe how hard it hit me."

Gentle fingers held his face as her thumbs wiped the tears from his cheeks. He sighed, since her hands felt good on his face, too.

When Aiko's lips touched his, Kyle froze. Her kiss was soft and tentative, trembling slightly with her fear of rejection.

Kyle's intellect was telling him he had to stop her as it was too soon! They'd only just met!

His emotions desperately wanted this connection to another soul after his little meltdown.

His intellect scorned that as terribly selfish!

Casting the tie-breaking vote, his body returned her kiss.

-=-

When Aiko woke to the sound of Kyle struggling to breathe, she instantly tossed her blanket aside and moved to kneel next to his bed. In the dim light, she could see Kyle was crying and moaning quietly.

Instantly, her self-doubt reared its ugly head, and she was afraid that Kyle would have second thoughts about taking her with him.

She looked closer and saw his eyes were closed as tears ran down his cheeks. Aiko called out for him to wake, and he did.

When she learned he was dreaming of his mother, she realized how strong his relationship with her had been. She envied him that, but now she was worried this would be the reason for him leaving her here, alone again. That thought terrified her. Kyle was the only one who looked at her without fear or disgust. He thought she was beautiful!

She thought he was beautiful, too. She could see his muscles when he came out of the bathroom in his tight t-shirt and shorts, but he was so casual and comfortable with her.

When the dream threatened to return, she acted. She slipped into his bed and held him close to her and recalled how Duncan-san once calmed her tears when she'd had a bad dream.

At first, he was stiff, and she thought he might be offended by her touch, but he quickly relaxed and accepted her embrace.

She enjoyed the sensation of his body against hers.

She'd never been with a man, but she'd watched some adult movies on her computer over her stolen internet connection. The men usually weren't attractive, and some had frighteningly large penises, but she had a few videos she returned to repeatedly. She'd discovered how to have sex by herself, but it looked more intense when done with someone else.

She held Kyle's face in her hands, and with her heart in her throat, she kissed him.

Would he be revolted? Would he push her away?

Aiko sucked in a quick breath as she felt Kyle's lips caress her mouth. He was kissing her too!

Sparks exploded throughout her body, and she wanted more! She climbed onto his body and kissed him harder. His body felt so good, the sparks were spreading and intensifying, and she needed him so much. When his hands settled on her body, she moaned against his mouth.

-=-

Kyle's need for Aiko was going off the rails. She'd slid herself up onto his body and was grinding against his quickly growing erection, with only his shorts and her panties separating them.

An image of Èlia beneath him flashed through Kyle's head, and it was like a splash of cold water in the face. She'd had unprotected sex with him for the specific purpose of having a baby. He doubted Aiko was on birth control, and he didn't think he had any condoms in his duffle bag.

He had to put the brakes on the passion before it got... any more out of hand.

He gently took Aiko's face between his hands and lifted her face from his. Her eyes opened to look at him.

"What is wrong?"

"It-it's going too fast. We're going too fast," he managed, desperately trying to ignore how good she felt grinding against him.

"You want this! I want this!" She paused, then her voice became quiet and timid. "Do you not want this?" Her motions slowed, then stopped.

Kyle saw the doubt and loss of confidence in her eyes.

"Yes, I want this--" She smiled and pressed against his cock more firmly. "Wait! Oh god, that's good! No, wait, wait, wait," he gasped.

"Why?" she asked.

He eased her off to rest next to him. "I want this, but tonight isn't when it should happen. My emotions are raw from the nightmare, and you're starting a new life. We just met today, so we should get to know each other first, and neither of us has protection against pregnancy. Are you on the birth control pill?"

She gazed into his eyes, then slowly shook her head.

"I don't have any condoms. As good as this feels and as much as I want to be with you, we need to stop and give ourselves time. There's no need to rush," Kyle said as he caressed her cheek with his finger.

"You say that when you touch me and make me want you more!" she complained softly.

Kyle chuckled softly. "Sorry. I just wanted you to know how I felt about you."

Aiko was silent as she watched him. Finally, she sighed. "Tomorrow, we buy condoms," she said with a pout.

Kyle laughed and immediately felt better. His emotions were settling down, and Aiko seemed to be comfortable with him once more. Maybe too comfortable.

"Perhaps you should sleep in your own bed," he suggested.

"But I like being here with you," she pleaded.

"Aiko, it's too tempting!" he said with the same pleading tone.

She giggled, then huffed. "He is on to me."

Kyle laughed and immediately felt a burst of joy at her clever words. He grinned at her, and she slipped from under his sheets to move back to her bed.

"Aiko?"

She looked back at him.

"Thank you for being there for me tonight."

She smiled at the sincerity in his voice. "You are welcome. Thank you for coming to Japan to help me."

As Kyle closed his eyes and did his best to will his excited body parts return to their normal state, he heard Aiko sigh from her bed, obviously dealing with her own cooling down issues.

Kyle experienced a moment of clarity just before sleep took him and felt his mother's love touch him.

A single tear rolled down his cheek, but this one was from relief and joy.

Chapter 19

In the cool light of day, the morning after their first night together, they mutually decided to take things much slower. They had time and were going to use it to get to know one another before they gave in to their lust. Aiko said kisses, hugs, and holding hands were exempt from the restricted activities, and Kyle agreed.

Kyle wasn't sure what exactly it was about Aiko that attracted him most. Certainly, her unique and startling beauty took his breath away, but the innocent delight she displayed when exposed to living in the world outside her parent's home tugged at his heart.

As for Aiko, he'd catch her watching him, and she'd blush and look away, but her smile would remain.

They were discovering their mutual attraction was a powerful force.

As Kyle had promised, he had a call to make, but he waited until late afternoon to reach out to Reginald Dunsfield. Aiko was soaking in the tub, so Kyle had the bedroom to himself.

"Dunsfield Estate." It was one of Reginald's staff.

"May I speak to Reginal Dunsfield, please? This is Kyle MacDenny," Kyle said.

"One minute, please."

Kyle held the line and wondered how much this call was going to cost him.

"Kyle! Is everything all right?" Reginald's voice asked, and Kyle smiled at the concern in his voice.

"Yes, I'm in Osaka. I went to find Aiko Okamoto in the small village north of the city and made a surprising discovery," he said with a smile.

"Don't keep me in suspense!" Reginald complained.

"Sorry. Aiko is nineteen years old and turns twenty on January tenth. She was twelve when my father left my mother and me to return to Japan to take care of her. He was repaying a debt to her father for saving his life during an accident. Aiko's father was killed by that accident."

The older man was silent for a moment. "So, your father wasn't having an affair? Why didn't he tell your mother that?"

Kyle ground his teeth as his anger flared. Then he took a deep breath, and Reginald probably heard that.

"I'm sorry for bringing up such a painful memory, Kyle," he said contritely.

"No, it's fine. I've been asking myself that question since I met Aiko. I-I can't get a grasp on how his mind worked. Why he thought our hating him was better than knowing he had... a noble reason." Kyle felt more conflicted about his father than ever.

"I'm glad you called, Kyle. It's a relief to hear you found some positive news," Reginald said kindly.

"Thank you. It is a relief. Now, all we have to do is make arrangements for Aiko to join me in Canada," he said.

"She's leaving Japan?" the older man asked in surprise.

"Yes, she's been basically alone for the past seven years and wants to leave. She's asked if she can come with me, and we're working out how we can do that," Kyle explained.

"Good luck to you in that effort," Reginald said with a smile in his voice. "Oh! Before I forget, do you know a Father O'Kean? Cormag O'Kean? Maybe your father mentioned him?"

Kyle frowned as he failed to recall the distinct name. "No. I've never heard of him. Who is he?"

"He contacted me, or rather the nurses at the hospice in Scotland he's in did. They said he saw the news story of us at the Boxing Day Parade. He claims to have known your father, and he told the nurses he needed to speak to you."

"Damn," Kyle sighed. He knew his father was from Scotland, but as the man had shared nothing about his childhood at all, Kyle had no idea where in Scotland he'd grown up or if this priest had known him.

"Sorry to add this to the issues you're already dealing with," he said, in regret.

Francis suddenly came on the line. "Our ulterior motive in mentioning him was to bring you back to visit us again."

Kyle smiled as he got a little choked up. He cleared his throat, but his voice was rough when he spoke again. "I'd really like that, but I'll have to see if we can get inexpensive flights. My getting to Japan was an adventure and thankfully cost me nothing as I basically flew as freight, but that won't work now that there are two of us. I'll let you know what I can work out."

"Thank you, Kyle," Reginald said. "Take care, Kyle," Francis added.

"You two take care of yourselves as well! Goodbye," he said, then hung up.

Kyle was feeling a little overwhelmed, so he took a moment to gather his thoughts. He could hear Aiko singing to herself in the bathroom, which brought a smile to his face.

It also brought a little peace to his mind.

-=-

Before Kyle could bring Aiko back to Canada with him, they had a few details to take care of. The most critical one was the sale of her parent's home. Over the next few days, Kyle reached out to Stephen's Japanese agent, Daniel, who was pleased to help liquidate the family home. The man knew people, and they were grateful for his help.

As Kyle suspected, they were told she wouldn't get much for it when it sold. Daniel explained the market wasn't very strong for properties in the countryside, even those relatively close to an urban center. Plus, there was the sorry state of the home. While homes weren't built to last more than thirty years in Japan, Aiko had finished hers off with her wood collecting activities. Daniel found a property agent, and they got the transfer started.

While they waited for the paperwork to be completed, Kyle took Aiko to a local doctor to have a complete physical. It would be some time before they could get her switched over to the Canadian medical system.

The results weren't too surprising. She had some vitamin deficiencies from her poor diet. Her vitiligo had thankfully not affected her eyesight in the eye, which had lost its pigment, so that was a relief. Outside of being a little underweight, she was in good shape. They added this medical report to their collection of paperwork.

Kyle finally got to see the photos in the album Aiko brought with her. There was an image of a gorgeous but petite woman in a ceremonial wedding dress. Aiko had her mother's perfect symmetry and beauty, but the woman's expression seemed sad in all the photos. He wondered what had stolen her happiness. It seemed such a tragedy for her to have remained that way until she died giving birth. He thanked the stars that Aiko knew how to smile.

They decided not to buy condoms yet as the availability of these would just weaken their resolve. While Aiko began taking the birth control pills the doctor prescribed for her, they wouldn't rely on that immediately.

Kyle and Aiko made an appointment to speak to someone at the Canadian Consulate in Tokyo about bringing Aiko to Canada.

They checked out of their Osaka hotel and took the train to Tokyo the night before their appointment. The new hotel was equally nice and relatively inexpensive, but Kyle once more ensured the room had two beds.

The morning of the appointment, they dressed in their most respectable clothes and took a cab to the consulate. Making their way inside, they sat in the waiting room until they were called in. Aiko reached out to nervously snag Kyle's hand, and he led her into the office.

Kyle was surprised to see the consulate worker was a tall and slim Caucasian woman in her thirties, with straight red hair pulled back in a ponytail. She wore large, dark-rimmed glasses perched upon a strong nose, and she smiled widely as she stood to shake their hands. Her blue eyes dipped down briefly to note Aiko's grip on Kyle.

"Good morning, I'm Janice Kensington. I understand you have questions about immigrating to Canada?"

Kyle returned her smile and nodded. "I'm Kyle MacDenny, and this is Aiko Okamoto. I'm a Canadian citizen, and she's Japanese but looking to live in Canada." Aiko nodded with a smile for the woman.

"When were you planning on getting married?" she asked.

Kyle blinked in surprise at the woman, and Aiko made an involuntary squeak noise.

The clerk blushed as she saw she'd made an incorrect assumption. "I'm terribly sorry. I assumed this was your intent as you look like a couple."

Aiko's bashful smile threatened to split her face, but Kyle was still a little unbalanced by the question. "W-we just met for the first time a little over a week ago."

The clerk nodded and pulled out a binder of paperwork. "Let's see what options are open for Aiko then."

They nodded, and Kyle caught Aiko watching him with a guarded expression. When he faced her directly, she turned to the woman and ignored his gaze.

They spent over an hour reviewing the options, and several times, it became apparent the option of marriage was one of the best routes.

Their appointed time was up, and they collected the documents Janice provided to them and thanked the woman for her time. She wished them success, then they left the building.

They decided to walk for a bit, and Aiko looped her arm through Kyle's. They didn't speak as there was so much information to process.

Kyle spotted a small café and led them inside. Aiko ordered tea and pastries for them, and they found a table next to the windows to soak in the sunlight.

They sipped at the tea and nibbled the desserts, but they remained silent. After a time, Aiko spoke. "I understand if you wouldn't want to be married to someone like me," she said quietly.

"What?" Kyle said, drawn back to the present by the tone in her voice. When he saw the pain in her eyes, he rushed to correct her. "Aiko, the marriage issue has nothing to do with you. It's me."

She frowned and locked eyes with him. "Do not lie to me, Kyle."

He shook his head. "I'm not. You're amazing! Me? There's something inside me I must deal with before I could even think of getting married. It was in my father too, and it destroyed my mother. I can't inflict that upon anyone!"

She stared at him in confusion. "What was in Duncan-san?"

It was Kyle's turn to frown at her. "You never saw the cold, emotionless monster?"

Aiko's eyebrows rose in shock. "No! Duncan-san was always good to my father and me."

Kyle turned his face away to hide the flare of bitter pain that shot through him. His father could have normal human interactions with others, but not his own family? What the hell?

"I have not seen you be a cold, emotionless monster. Maybe it is not in you at all?" Aiko suggested gently.

He looked at Aiko and saw concern in her eyes. His anger faded, as he didn't want to upset her. He took a deep breath. "No. I've experienced moments when I feel his influence rise over me and I feel disconnected from the emotions of others. I'm capable of great violence in those times."

"Have you injured anyone innocent?" she asked.

He frowned. "Physically?" She nodded. "No, I've only beat up... bad guys. But I have badly hurt the feelings of a woman in Montreal because I took her for granted. I disconnected from her emotionally and wasn't even aware I was hurting her. I need to apologize to her."

Aiko was quiet for a moment. She then shook her head slowly. "Duncan-san never behaved like that in front of us. He could be quiet for long periods, but he always had a smile for me, and he was a very patient teacher. I am sorry he behaved differently for you and your mother. He didn't talk about his past, so I don't know what might have made him act like that. Does he have any brothers or sisters you could speak with?"

Kyle shook his head. "He never shared his past with us either." He paused. "When I was speaking with Reginald, he told me about an old priest who said he knew my father."

Aiko's eyes lit up. "You must speak with him!"

Kyle sighed. "Ultimately, we need to fly back to Canada, Montreal specifically, and stay there until late spring so I can get my motorcycle out of storage for our ride across the country to Vancouver. According to my research, it would be cheaper to fly to London first, then Montreal. If we could stay with Helen or the Dunsfields while we're there, that would save us some money. When we get to Montreal, we'll have to find a cheap place to stay while we wait for spring."

"Kyle, we can use my money to buy the tickets. This is what the money is for. To help me escape to a better life," Aiko insisted.

He looked at her excited expression and smiled. "These flights won't be comfortable, and there will be long waits in the airport for connecting flights."

Aiko's excitement would not be hindered by silly details like facts. It was all new to her, and Kyle quickly realized he was defeated.

"Let's go talk to a priest," he sighed.

Aiko burst into giggles.

"About my father!" Kyle clarified.

She stuck out her bottom lip in an exaggerated pout, but her eyes were twinkling.

He swooped in and sucked that luscious lip between his in a kiss, and her eyes immediately softened with joy.

The store owner took offense to their public display of affection and yelled something at them.

Kyle pulled back from Aiko, and she smiled at him. "We are not welcome here," she whispered, but her smile would not be denied.

"Huh. Well, we're superstar celebrities who've drunk tea in finer places than this! Let's blow this pop stand."

Aiko blinked at him in confusion.

"That means, let's go," he said. He rose to his feet with dignity, assisted Aiko to her feet before they gathered their belongings, and calmly left the shop, heads held high.

They had flights to schedule.

Chapter 20

The trip to England with the stopovers and cramped seating did nothing to dampen Aiko's enthusiasm. It was like she was on her way to another world. Even the terrible food on the plane and the three-hour wait in the terminal for the connecting flight were a new adventure for her.

Kyle had a bit of luck sitting on the other side of a large planter of some businessmen indiscreetly discussing a new venture their company was about to embark upon. While they spoke, he did a little online research on the company, checked for any economic or political factors which might impact their plan, then picked up some stock with his trading app while they waited for their flight. He'd find out if this was a good bet by the time he reached Heathrow, as one of the men had mentioned the deal was being announced in the news that morning.

Helen was delighted to hear he was returning to London but dismayed that she couldn't be there to pick him up or host him at her place. She was going out of town on a brief business trip for a management seminar, and Skye was on a retreat with her class.

Reginald and Francis stepped up and invited Kyle and Aiko to stay with them for their brief visit to meet with Father O'Kean. They even said they'd come to the airport to pick them up.

When Kyle and Aiko walked into the arrivals area with their duffle bags, he spotted the smiling faces of his hosts. He saw their eyes widen in surprise when they saw the tall beauty on his arm, looking back at them with a nervous smile.

"Reginald, Francis, please allow me to introduce Aiko Okamoto," Kyle said with a smile. Aiko bowed to them respectfully.

"Enchanted, my dear," Reginald said with his crisp accent, and she flashed a radiant smile at him.

"Kyle, you never told us how lovely she is!" Francis chastised Kyle playfully.

He looked at Aiko's delighted expression and knew the young woman was a little overwhelmed by their kindness after fearing rejection. He wrapped his arm around her and gave her a squeeze. "Aiko, these are my good friends, the Dunsfields, Reginald and Francis."

"It is so nice to meet you!" Aiko said, and the older couple's smiles widened.

"You must be exhausted from your flight. Our car is waiting outside. How long did it take?" Reginald said as he gestured for them to follow them.

"The trip took almost a full day, but we had a three-and-a-half-hour layover in the Abu Dhabi airport," Kyle explained.

"My goodness! That must have been terrible!" Francis said with sympathy.

"It was my first time on a plane, so for me, it was not so bad," Aiko offered. "I had Kyle to guide and protect me."

Reginald glanced at Kyle in question.

He shrugged. "Three shady characters in the terminal were eyeing Aiko suspiciously. She never left my side, and we stayed by the gate with a security team nearby. The men left when they saw we were preparing to board the flight," Kyle explained.

Francis reached out a hand and gripped Aiko's hand. "How dreadful!"

Aiko smiled bashfully at Francis.

"I contacted the hospice to let them know you were coming to visit Father O'Kean. They were very grateful, as the man wasn't doing well. The news cheered him up," Reginald said.

Kyle looked at the other man with concern. "Should we go to see him immediately?"

Reginald patted Kyle's shoulder. "I've been assured you have time. You can see him tomorrow."

They went outside, and a lovely old Rolls Royce limousine pulled up to the curb, and the driver came around to open the door for the Dunsfields. The man carried the two duffle bags to put them in the trunk, then closed the door after Kyle and Aiko entered the back and sat facing the older couple.

"Whereabouts is the hospice?" Kyle asked.

"It's in Glasgow. The Father was from a church a little farther north, along the western coast. That's where your father was from, I'm told. Unfortunately, that's all I was told," Reginald explained.

Kyle nodded and frowned. "I hope Father O'Kean has his faculties and can tell us more."

Reginald nodded. "The nurses say his mind is still sharp. It's the rest of his body that's failing."

Kyle glanced over at Aiko, whose eyes were wide and looking everywhere inside the car. He grinned. "The Dunsfields earned their lifestyle from Reginald's global business empire. They enjoy a comfortable life with these luxuries."

"Is this very different from where you were?" Francis asked her curiously.

Aiko nodded timidly. "I lived in the garage of my parent's home when the housekeeper died. That was four years ago. I salvaged the wood from the home's flooring to heat the garage in the winter."

Kyle saw Francis had her hand over her mouth in shock as she looked back at Aiko with glassy eyes. He had to nip that in the bud. "Aiko was exceptionally resourceful. My father hired a housekeeper when he discovered he was dying. Unfortunately, she wasn't very good and drank herself to death over the course of three years. Aiko had to be very careful with the money she had coming in from a deal my father made with the airline after the accident. She managed the account carefully and didn't make any unnecessary expenses. Much like my minimalist lifestyle but taken to the extreme. The money stopped coming in on the tenth. She is also a skilled mechanic and made some money working on repairing farm equipment and cars."

"Very resourceful, indeed!" Reginald said with a smile. "Most impressive, my dear!"

Aiko smiled and nodded to him in thanks.

They passed some landmarks that drew Aiko's eye, and Francis took over the tour guide job by mentioning the names, history, and significance of the sights they passed by. While Aiko's attention was diverted elsewhere, Reginald looked into Kyle's eyes with questions in his. Kyle could only nod, as the answers would have to wait.

"Our chef is preparing a light meal of sandwiches for lunch, and we'll have a roast tonight," Reginald said. "You two should rest up. Tomorrow, we'll fly to Glasgow on a jet I've chartered. That will only take a bit more than an hour as opposed to the six-hour drive or five-hour train."

Kyle looked at the man in shock. "I wasn't expecting you to--"

Francis interrupted his protest. "We know Kyle, but Glasgow isn't nearby, and we want to do this. Tomorrow is likely to be an emotionally challenging day for you. If we can lighten your load by providing a means to get you there and back and be there to support you, we want to do it."

Kyle struggled to control his emotions and nodded stiffly. The older couple just smiled at him, their gentle smiles telling him they noticed his state. Finally, he was able to speak.

"I-I'm not sure what I've done to deserve such thoughtful and generous treatment, but thank you!" he said through a tight throat.

"Thank you for being so good to Kyle," Aiko said with a sweet smile on her face.

The couple just nodded as they smiled happily.

Aiko gasped as the limo pulled into the driveway of the estate. Her eyes grew wider as they drove up the circular drive to stop before the vast front doors, where a man waited to open the car door for them. The driver moved to the other rear door.

The Dunsfields were quite enjoying the look of wonder on Aiko's face as they were assisted out of the limo.

Aiko followed Francis, and Kyle exited behind Reginald. Then they all walked towards the home as the driver opened the trunk for the doorman to get their bags.

When they were all inside the vestibule, Francis turned to Kyle. "We're prepared two bedrooms for you upstairs. Your bags will be placed in the rooms, so you'll see them when you go up."

Kyle smiled at her assumption and nodded. "That's perfect, thank you."

Aiko tore her eyes away from the grand entrance to glance at him, but he just nodded, so she turned to their hosts. "Thank you!" she said to Francis.

"Why don't we go relax in the sunroom while lunch is prepared. I believe Reggie wanted to speak with Kyle about his motorcycle or something." Francis gently took Aiko's arm and led her away toward the back of the mansion. Aiko peeked back at Kyle, who just smiled and nodded, assuring her all was good.

Reginald's questioning eyes were back, but he held off until he guided Kyle through the familiar hallway to the garage. Once they were alone, he looked back at Kyle.

"She's not what we were expecting, but I suppose she wasn't what you were expecting either," the older man said.

"Sorry for the surprise at the airport, but I've been with her every minute since I found her in that garage. I couldn't think of a way to prepare you. Maybe it was better this way," Kyle acknowledged.

Reginald's brow furrowed with concern. "She's not your typical Japanese woman."

Kyle couldn't help but snort softly, then his expression became serious. "Her mother had a terrible encounter with a group of gaijin who sexually assaulted her. One of them was obviously dark-skinned. She died giving birth to Aiko. The vitiligo showed up in later years. It sounds like her father was a good and honorable man who did his best for her. I believe he home-schooled her up until the accident at the airport, which ultimately killed him, then my father. She's been alone with no one who understands how beautiful she is. She's such a lovely person, inside and out. It hurts to think about how neglected she's been. I-I wish I'd gotten the letter earlier." Kyle locked eyes with Reginald. "Thank you so much for talking me out of my idiotic anger!"

Reginald patted Kyle on the shoulder as he looked into Kyle's eyes. "It's not just pity, is it?"

"No! No, I-I'm more than a little attracted to her. She's such an amazing person and so positive! Aiko balances the dark side of my mind. It just feels... right."

Reginald smiled. "Like my Francis does for me."

Kyle blinked in surprise, then nodded shakily. He cracked a crooked smile at the man. "I-I must be a little tired from the flight. I might take a nap after lunch if that's okay."

Reginald chuckled as he guided Kyle back towards the house. "Of course it is, Kyle."

-=-

The evening meal was taken in the grand dining room once more as the three Dunsfield children and their spouses were in attendance. When their parents mentioned the young man who saved their father from a beating was coming back to visit, they insisted on meeting him.

Jeffery Dunsfield was the eldest at fifty-five and had his father's slim build and serious disposition. His wife Haisley was plump and pretty, with a constantly cheerful expression. She tended to giggle, another wife who balanced out her spouse.

Lawrence Dunsfield was quiet and thoughtful, his keen intelligence visible in his gaze. He was a little heavier than his older brother and only a year younger. Katherine was a foot shorter than her husband and perhaps a decade younger, but equally sharp-minded and quick-witted.

The Dunfield's youngest was their daughter, Susan McGillavry who was at least five years younger than Lawrence. Her bubbly personality made her seem younger than Katherine. She was petite and had her mother's slim physique, which made her almost disappear next to her husband. Kirk was a Scot and a big, solid man, nearly as wide as he was tall. He'd worked his way from the ground up until he owned his own construction company. He also competed in the Highland games, which was where he'd met Susan.

Jeffrey's and Lawrence's kids were grown and preparing to leave the nest, but Susan's were home, old enough to be alone without a babysitter.

The three couples were seated across the table from Reginald, Francis, Aiko, and Kyle, who sat in that order.

Initially, none of them could take their eyes from Aiko, but a word from Francis reminded them of the rudeness of staring.

"Sorry for making you feel uncomfortable, and please pardon me for asking, but you look nothing like any Japanese woman I've ever seen," Kirk exclaimed.

Aiko smiled and shook her head, flicking her eyes to Kyle. He picked up that she'd feel more comfortable if he responded. He nodded slightly, and she smiled in relief.

"Aiko's mother became pregnant after an unfortunate encounter with some men one night while she was in Osaka. She carried Aiko to term but passed away during the birth. I've seen photos of the woman. She was petite and exquisite. Aiko inherited her beauty, but her height and distinct skin tone were not Japanese," Kyle explained gently and held Aiko's hand as he did it.

Katherine looked at Kyle closely. "How did you two meet? I thought I heard you were in the Seychelles, and then you went to Japan?"

Kyle looked at Reginald in question

The older man looked a little embarrassed. "I may have mentioned my sister inviting you to join her there."

Kyle nodded and looked back at Katherine. "Yes, I was there when Reginald contacted me about a lawyer from Vancouver trying to reach me. He had a letter from my father, written seven years ago to be delivered last summer, but I'd moved, and they couldn't find me."

Kyle paused as he recalled how angry he'd been when he heard of the letter. How ignorant he'd been. "I was so... outraged, but Reginald talked me into calling them back."

He saw the woman's curiosity hadn't been appeased yet, so he continued. "I had a poor relationship with my father. He'd left my mother and me months before he wrote the letter. He went back to Japan to take care of Aiko, but we didn't know she was only twelve at the time, and he was a surrogate parent after her father died. We thought she was the other woman... his lover, and he didn't even try to convince us otherwise. I don't understand my father. A letter out of the blue after so long...."

"I am happy Reginald convinced you to call," Aiki said softly, and Kyle saw the relief in her eyes.

He felt ashamed. "I almost didn't go after I read the letter. It didn't explain who you were, just that he expected me to go. Louise, Stephen Dartmoor, and his daughter Liandri helped me get past my outrage and anger. Stephen arranged the craziest route on cargo planes to get me to Tokyo for free. Then I took a train to Osaka and a cab up to the village where Aiko's home was. I still didn't know I was going to meet a young woman."

Aiko looked to Katherine. "I did not know who this big man dressed in leather was, either. He was in my lane when an angry client brought his damaged car to me. This client blamed me for the damage and began to hit me. Then this strange man beat them up!"

Kyle shook his head in embarrassment. "Beat them up is a bit of an exaggeration. I took their knives away and convinced them to leave. They were just high school students."

"I hid in my garage and told him to go away," Aiko said with a grin.

"I wouldn't go until she told me where I could find Aiko. She passed out when I told her my name. My father told her I'd come last summer, but I didn't show. She didn't think I would."

The couples across the table were frozen with anticipation. "What happened when you found out who Aiko was?" Haisley gasped.

Kyle nodded with a wince. "I didn't take it well. It completely knocked me from my moorings. The image I'd had of my father having an affair was gone. In its place was a man taking care of a child on the other side of the world while his own son desperately needed him? In my mind, he was incapable of caring for another, but... he did. Just not me or my mother."

Reginald saw Kyle was slipping into darkness, so he stepped in. "Tomorrow, we're flying up to Glasgow to speak to a priest who said he knew Kyle's father and wanted to speak with Kyle. He also saw the BBC story on the motorcycles. The man is dying, so this is his last wish."

Reminded of the reason for wanting to meet Kyle, Jeffrey spoke up. "Speaking of the parade, Kyle, I just wanted to express my heartfelt thanks for protecting our father from those hooligans!"

"Yes! Thank you, Kyle!" Lawrence chimed in. "Thank you!" Susan added.

Kirk looked curiously at the others. "Kyle fought someone at the parade?"

"Kirk, how have you not seen the story!" Jeffrey exclaimed in surprise.

The big man looked defensive. "I've been concentrating on my workout routines of late. Do ya have it?" Kirk asked.

Katherine immediately offered her cell, which had the vid queued. Kirk and Susan watched the small screen, and Kirk's eyebrows rose as he watched Kyle's moves.

"Ay, ya noo a thing or two about fightin' dirty," the big man said slowly as he watched Kyle carefully like he'd suddenly discovered a poisonous snake near his foot. His accent was getting thicker as his emotions rose.

Kyle nodded. "Against superior numbers, fighting quick, dirty, and to win is the only way to survive."

Kirk nodded in agreement, and a look of respect seemed to pass between them.

"I take it you didn't grow up with a silver diaper on?" Kirk asked Kyle, who chuckled at the image. He caught the frowns on the faces of some of the others.

"No. My parents weren't wealthy, and when dad wasn't there, Mom and I struggled to make ends meet, but we weren't unhappy. She was a wonderful woman," he said with a smile.

"Ya lost yer mum, too?" Kirk asked quietly.

Kyle nodded. "Yes. A brain tumor took her quickly. Roughly six months after he left us."

"Damn," Kirk sighed.

Kyle looked at the sad expressions around the table and smiled. "Hey, she'd kick my butt if she knew I was making everyone gloomy. It's not all bad news! I'm hoping I'll get some insight about my father tomorrow. I find it odd to think of him knowing a priest. He never made any mention of going to church or suggested we should."

Reginald smiled at Kyle, then made a hand signal, and the servants began to bring dinner into the room to serve the family.

Kyle exchanged a quick look with Kirk, who grinned as he tapped a beefy finger on a small silver spoon next to his place setting.

Message received with an answering smile.

Aiko watched in wonder as the servants brought in dish after dish of delicious smelling food. Once everyone was served, the family had the dining room to themselves once more.

Aiko followed Francis' example as she delicately tried the different foods on her plate. This was the first British meal she'd experienced, and everything was new and exciting.

Kyle knew she would adapt well to any environment she moved into as she had the perfect attitude.

As he reflected on his own recent trials, he realized how true that was. Attitude was everything.

He'd have to keep that in mind tomorrow.

Chapter 21

Resting back against the plush seat in the limo, Kyle closed his eyes and enjoyed the warmth seeping into his left side as Aiko leaned up against him. Her soft hip fit so nicely against his, and he sighed happily.

After a wonderful dinner and delightful conversation with Reginald and Francis and their family in the study afterward, he'd had an excellent night of sleep.

The Dunsfields were truly lovely people. Reginald also broke out his stash of that delicious scotch and Kyle was careful about his intake. He confessed to the older man that he was well and truly spoiled for all other scotch. This made the man chuckle evilly.

After the kids and their spouses headed home, they retired to their rooms, and Kyle dropped off into a dreamless sleep.

They enjoyed their breakfast in the small breakfast nook overlooking the gardens, covered in a dusting of snow as it was. Then it was off to the airport for a private jet flight to Glasgow and another super comfy limo ride with Aiko holding his hand.

It wasn't like he was nervous, but he held her hand to help her stay calm.

Okay, that was a complete lie.

Kyle faced the fact that he was meeting someone who claimed to know his father, and there seemed to be very few of them. He was nervous, and he was grateful for Aiko's presence and for the Dunsfields' support.

He suddenly thought he should let them know. He cleared his tight throat, and the two seniors smiled at him.

"I-I just wanted you both to know how grateful I am for all this. You've gone above and beyond, and it means so much to me," he said. "I may not get any useful information from him. He may not have even known my father, so I'm trying not to get my hopes up. Regardless of what happens, thank you!"

Reginald leaned forward. "We'll keep our fingers crossed for you, Kyle. We hope you get some answers to the questions you've been carrying all your life. That you turned out so well, even when faced with these struggles, is a testimony not only to the quality of your mother's parenting but to your own strength of character."

Kyle felt his throat tightening once more, so he nodded his thanks with a shaky smile and looked out the window to get control over his emotions once more. Aiko's hand in his continued to soothe his nerves.

Before he was really ready, the limo pulled into the parking lot of a large stone edifice. Kyle examined the building, thinking it looked rather cold and forbidding until he looked up. The upper levels were topped by a steep-sided roof with a steeple. It was a church! Or at least it once had been.

As they reached the front doors and stepped from the vehicle, Kyle looked down the length of the building and saw there'd been an extension added to the church. This part was more modern and likely housed the resident's quarters as there were nice-sized windows all down the side of the building.

Reginald led their group inside and stopped to speak with a nun sitting behind the reception desk. She smiled up at the old gentleman and nodded happily. She gestured for another nun to come closer and whispered into her ear. This nun was a little younger, but she nodded to the first and walked over to stand before Kyle.

"Hello, I'm Sister Agnes. You are Kyle MacDenny?" she asked politely.

He nodded, and she gave him a gentle smile. "Father O'Kean has been looking forward to speaking with you. Would you follow me, please?"

"What about my friends?" Kyle said.

"The Father has asked to have a private discussion with you. Your friends can wait here for you," she replied.

Kyle looked at Reginald and Francis, but they just smiled, and the older woman took Aiko's hand. "We'll be fine, Kyle. Go on," Reginald said.

He nodded, then turned to follow Sister Agnes.

"How-how is he?" Kyle asked as they walked down a long corridor towards the extension he'd seen earlier.

She smiled back at him. "He's got a strong will and a sharp mind, but his body weakens every day. He's not a young man anymore."

Kyle nodded to himself as they turned a corner and stopped at the third doorway on the right. "Let me just prepare him for you."

"Thank you," Kyle said and waited in the hall. He did his best to steady his breathing, but was startled when the nun popped back into the hallway.

"Apologies. You can go in now. Please try not to get him excited," she asked.

Kyle nodded, then pushed the door open as he stepped inside. The room was dominated by a hospital bed with knit blankets on it. Seated by the window, enjoying the sun on his face, was a man who looked more like a gargoyle than a man. His shock of white hair was a wild mane atop a face that was lined with deep wrinkles. He'd obviously been a much larger man, but age and disease had shrunk him down into a human scale.

What Kyle noticed most were his eyes. Deep-set and piercing, they gazed into his very soul.

"You're Duncan's boy." It wasn't a question. There was certainty in his words.

The man spoke with a wispy breath like he barely had the air to converse, but he forced himself to, just the same.

"I'm Kyle MacDenny. You're Father Cormag O'Kean?"

"I am," the man continued to look at him.

Kyle gestured to the other chair before the window, and the priest nodded, so Kyle sat. "My father never mentioned you, but he told us nothing of his past, so that means nothing."

"Do you hate him?"

The question caught Kyle by surprise, and his immediate response was an involuntary snarl. He forced it from his lips and took a breath.

"My father was in and out of my life, but mostly out. I don't understand how he could have done that to us, to my mother especially. He hurt her so much, and she deserved none of it."

The priest's eyes sharpened. "Hurt her? Physically?"

Kyle stared at the man. "What?"

"Did you see the monster in him? Did he turn it on you?" the man asked intensely.

Kyle's temper frayed. "Yes, we saw the monster. The cold, inhuman, emotionless drone pretending to be human. Not only have I seen it, he infected me with it!"

The priest frowned at Kyle in confusion.

"I can be equally cold and dispassionate. He taught me that!" Kyle snapped.

"Nay lad, that's not his monster," O'Kean sighed and relaxed.

"What do you mean?"

"To explain, I have to first tell you about your grandpa, Cawley MacDenny," the priest sighed, and Kyle saw an expression of pain cross his features. Guilt as well. Intense guilt. Curious.

"When I was a much younger man, I led a small congregation in a church in Dunderin, a small community north of Glasgow. Your grandmother attended services with her son, your father, when he was a small lad, but I rarely saw her husband. Cawley MacDenny was more bear than man. Huge and mean. He spent more time inside the pub than anyplace else. He'd been a miner until he was caught in a cave in and injured his foot. I heard it pained him every day.

When your grandmum stopped coming to services, I popped by her house and saw the bruises. Cawley left his mark on her... and your dad. By the time I discovered this, it had been going on for years, and she was too fearful to stand up to the man. She begged me not to interfere, but I'd given my promise to God to protect my flock, and there was a beast in our midst.

I went looking for Cawley, but the drunks in the pub said he'd gone hunting. So, I waited for him outside his home. I wasn't sure what I would do, but I was much more of an idealist back then. I believed I could get through to the man inside that monster, convince him to end his evil ways. I was too weak to remain vigilant and fell asleep. I woke when I heard the screams. He'd come home and was beating your grandmum once more. I was rushing to the front door when I heard a terrible boom.

When I entered the home, your dad stood over his father's body, a shotgun in his hand. He wasn't more than twelve years old and covered in bruises, cuts, and blood, but he'd taken Cawley's head clean off with the weapon. Your grandmum was lying on the floor, crying and nursing an arm bent in a way it wasn't meant to bend, but your dad's face was completely calm and lacked any emotion at all. I gently took the gun from his hand, and he collapsed."

Father O'Kean was watching Kyle's face and saw him twitch when he mentioned his dad's behavior. He frowned, but continued.

"I spoke with your grandmum, and she agreed I could speak for them. I got them to the hospital and told the police Cawley dropped his gun, and it accidentally went off, killing him. The police knew the man and readily accepted the story. They also didn't want to deal with a domestic abuse case as it wasn't an enlightened time." He saw Kyle's jaw muscles jumping, so he moved on with his story.

"Your grandmum and your dad never came back to the church. I went to see them until she asked me to stay away. The memories of that night tormented her, and she said I was too much of a reminder. She was still trapped by Cawley's spell, but I wouldn't give up on your dad. I spoke with him when I could, but he disappeared after his mum died when he turned sixteen. I learned he'd gone overseas, and I knew I'd never hear from him again." The priest sighed and saw Kyle was still paying attention.

"I was surprised to find him on my doorstep over a decade later. He'd grown up, and I saw a wedding band on his hand. He admitted to marrying a woman as loving as his mum but stronger, and he also had a son. He was terrified of becoming his father. He confessed to me he could feel the darkness within him, an unthinking violence. He controlled it the only way he knew how, by burying his emotions deep inside, as he'd done that night. He asked me if there was a way to exorcise this influence from him, and as much as I wanted to help him, I knew enough to say it was a therapist he needed, not a priest. He told me about you, only an infant at that time. I begged him to speak to a specialist, but he left making no promises." O'Kean shifted in his chair as he kept an eye on his audience. Kyle watched the man, his face twitching from time to time.

"It was a couple of years later that he showed up on my doorstep once more. He confessed he was still possessed by the darkness inside him and was taking contracts to be on the road to keep you and your mother safe. He hated what his father had done to his mother and him. He didn't understand what made him feel those violent urges, but he knew he would never allow himself to do to you what his father had done to him."

"WHY DIDN'T HE TELL US?" Kyle finally snapped.

Old eyes looked deeply into Kyle's. "Tell the ones he loved that something inside him wanted to do terrible violence to them? Or that he blew his own father's head off? Why do you think he'd be ashamed of that?" O'Kean snapped back. "The monster you spoke of earlier, that cold, emotionless state? That wasn't his monster! It was his way of protecting you from the real threat!"

Kyle was rocked back by that confession. He suddenly saw his childhood in a new light, and subtle hints surfaced with new meanings. Looks and gestures his father made shortly before announcing he was going back in the road in that cold, emotionless way, and it... fit.

"Why didn't he get help?" Kyle mumbled.

O'Kean sagged in his chair. "I don't know. I tried to convince him he needed to speak to a professional, but he just kept returning to me. The last time he did, he said he was going to Japan and let me know he wouldn't be back. He didn't tell me why. He thanked me for my help, but I just felt empty for how I failed him and his mother." The priest went silent for a moment as he recalled the sad woman's face.

"You didn't."

The old priest looked at Kyle in surprise. The younger man still looked angry, but there was compassion in his eyes.

Kyle flashed back to his confrontation with Dr. Hansey during the Christmas Party dinner. The doctor insisted there were always options, but Kyle knew the doctor's oath restricted his actions. Priests would be the same.

"Were you ready to kill my grandfather to protect them?" Kyle asked and saw the answer in the priest's eyes. "Of course not, but my father could and did. That was a terrible burden for a child, but as you said, domestic abuse cases went unsupported, and this was the only definitive way to deal with it. As for the aftermath, you did your best for them, but it was up to them to accept your help. That was on them."

A tear followed the wrinkles down the old man's cheek.

"My father was taking care of the child of a friend he made in Japan. Aiko was the daughter of this man, and she told me my dad never showed her any sign of this lack of emotions, nor was he violent with them. With her, he was the man I wish I could have known."

O'Kean wiped a shaky hand across his face to dry his tears. "Maybe... maybe there was enough of a difference to separate her from his memories."

"He was good to her." Kyle paused. "He did his best for her. Then he wrote a letter asking me to take care of her."

The old priest was watching Kyle. "And did you?"

Kyle nodded. "She's in the waiting room. She wanted to leave Japan as she's had a hard life there since my dad passed away."

"So, he is dead. I thought he might be," O'Kean said softly.

Kyle looked at him in surprise, but then realized he wouldn't have known. "Yes, he was in an accident on the job, and it poisoned him and killed Aiko's father. He came to say goodbye to us, to pay his debts. Then he went back to Japan for her, paying the debt he owed his friend who tried to save him in the accident. That's likely when he saw you. He died shortly after that. Aiko was basically alone for seven years."

"His last visit to me, he was paying what he thought was his debt to me, I suppose," the priest said softly.

Kyle's mind went back to racing through every conversation he had with his father. Every word and gesture was now filled with subtle meaning. He put his head in his hands and leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees.

"Have you ever felt this need to be violent against the innocent?"

The question was so quiet, and his head was so noisy, he almost missed it. "What--NO! I've never felt that way!" Kyle growled as he pulled back to stare at him.

"So, it worked," O'Kean said softly.

Kyle frowned. "What did?"

Old eyes returned to his. "Your father believed your mother was the perfect parent for you. She would give you the guidance he couldn't, but he was afraid his darkness would infect you, so he tried to stay away when his control weakened. If you don't have these urges to be violent, then he was successful."

"I can be violent. I can be brutal, but I don't feel anything while I do it! That came from him! I witnessed him behave this way too," Kyle insisted.

"Have you ever felt the urge to use it cruelly? To attack the weak and innocent?" O'Kean asked.

Kyle was silent for a bit, then answered. "Never."

"Then it worked."

Kyle wanted to deny his father had done anything good with his abandonment. It still hurt so much! How he treated his mother... Kyle would never forgive him for that.

"I can see the hate in your eyes, boy."

Kyle glanced over at the old man. "He said in his letter to me that I should hate him, that it was easier."

"But it's not right."

Kyle's lips pulled back in a snarl, but it died immediately. He could hear his mother's voice telling him to grow up. He sucked in a breath to calm himself and shook his head. It still wasn't fair.

"She did a wonderful job raising you. I can see that."

Kyle glanced at the priest wearily and nodded. "She was the best." He reached into his inner pocket and pulled out the flask Reginald insisted he bring. He undid the cap and lifted it to his lips, taking a mouthful of that amazing scotch. He let it run over his tongue and swallowed it slowly, feeling the warmth spread through his chest. His nerves relaxed, and he took a deep breath.

When he opened his eyes, he could see the priest's eyes were on the flask. The man licked his lips.

Kyle leaned forward, holding the flask out to him. "I suppose they don't allow such things in here."

O'Kean grinned as he took the silver container in hand and lifted it to his nose. His bushy eyebrows rose as he caught the scent. With another glance at Kyle, he put it to his lips and took a small mouthful.

His eyes closed with pleasure as the smooth beverage glided down his throat into his stomach.

"I've been touched by angels. This is the Lord's work right here in this small flask. I've never tasted better, and I never thought I ever would. Thank you, Kyle," Father O'Kean said reverently. He went to hand it back, but Kyle just shook his head.

"Thank you for speaking to me about my father. I don't know if I'll ever accept what he did, but at least I now know his reason for it... and I think I can learn to live with that." He looked down at his hands. "I-I guess I don't need to be terrified that I'm going to become cold and emotionless like he was. The numb state I feel only comes over me when I'm in danger or protecting someone I care about. My father did this too, but I now know it isn't the darkness he faced. Knowing that makes it easier to accept."

Father O'Kean enjoyed the last swallow from the flask and handed it back to Kyle. His smile was peaceful and relaxed. "Thank you, Kyle, for letting me speak to you and relieve a burden that's been on my heart since that terrible night. It's been troubling me for years, but now I can see a future filled with hope for you... and Aiko." He grinned at Kyle's surprised look.

"Oh, please. I've been a priest for decades. I know love when I see it."

Kyle tucked the flask back into his pocket, then smiled gently at the man. "Perhaps that's the scotch speaking."

O'Kean laughed, and it was a happy, comfortable sound. "It was excellent scotch, but I think I'm right."

Kyle stood and shook the man's hand. Whatever disease he was dealing with was slowly consuming him, and there was almost nothing left. "I hope you aren't suffering."

The old man smiled at Kyle. "Not anymore. My soul feels free at last."

Kyle nodded and left the room as the priest turned to the sunlight with a look of serenity on his face.

He walked back to the lobby and saw his friends waiting for him. Aiko stood immediately and rushed to him. He took her face between his hands and kissed her softly. She sighed and smiled at him.

"You had a good talk with the priest?" she asked.

"Yes."

Reginald and Francis joined them with smiles on their faces, and Kyle nodded to them. "Father O'Kean was very helpful. I'm so glad I got to speak with him. He knew my father growing up and had some significant answers. There are still some unanswered questions that I'll just have to live with because only my father knew the answers, but... I'm good."

"We're so happy to hear that, Kyle!" Francis beamed.

Releasing Aiko, he placed a hand on their arms as he looked into their eyes with a serious expression. "This wouldn't have happened without your help. If there's anything I can do to repay your generosity and support, please let me know. I only wish my Mom could have met you two."

Francis had tears in her eyes when she pulled Kyle into a hug.

"Silly boy. Of course, we wanted to help you," she said against his collar.

Reginald patted Kyle on the arm. "Did you find out where your father lived? Would you like to see it?"

Kyle smiled at the man as Francis released him to stand back. "He mentioned it, but it sounded like my father wouldn't have had many fond memories of the place and left as soon as he could. I have no connection to it, so I don't feel compelled to see it now. If you don't mind, I'm feeling a little worn out. Can we just go home? I-I meant to your place?"

Reginald nodded. "We have no objections to you calling it home."

Kyle's emotions were too close to the surface as he felt a surge of love for this couple and blinked the tears from his eyes. He rubbed his face with his hands, wiping his eyes dry. "No fair... saying stuff like that when I'm this emotional." Francis and Reginald watched him fondly.

Aiko took his arm and leaned her head on his shoulder. They nodded to the nun at the reception desk as they walked from the building and climbed back into the limo.

They drove back to the airport, flew to the small airstrip outside London, then went back to the Dunsfield estate.

As they sank into the comfortable cushions on the sofas in Reginald's study, Kyle handed the empty flask to the man. "Thank you for this. Father O'Kean was very grateful as well. He said it was the best he'd had and mentioned something about being touched by angels."

Reginald chuckled and carried it over to the small bar. "Would you like something to drink?"

"No, thank you," Kyle said with a small smile.

"What are your plans now?" Francis asked as her husband joined her. She took his hand, and a smile passed between them.

Kyle gazed at the couple, saw the strength of their love, and experienced a sudden epiphany.

He realized what was missing in his life, a partnership with another soul.

His quest for joy was doomed to failure since he was missing half of... what he could be.

In his relationship with Gwen, he'd been running from his father's influence, so he allowed himself to give in to her demands. He'd let her take almost everything, then she rejected him.

When he broke away from her, he'd been so badly burned, he'd subconsciously rejected the idea of sharing himself at all and isolated his heart. It was safer, as he was a work in progress, and he couldn't inflict his father's behavior on anyone else.

But now, he knew he wouldn't become like his father. He had to get over his fear of sharing, or he'd never complete his mission to find joy.

"Kyle, are you all right?" Francis asked with concern as she watched the emotions passing on Kyle's face. His smile had faded as he looked inward.

He returned to the present and looked up once more at the couple before him, but now, his path was clearly laid out. He knew how to find his joy. A smile returned to his face.

"Yes, I think I finally am," he said.

He turned his face to look into the loving eyes of the beauty sitting at his side. He took her hand in his and raised it to his lips. He heard her take in a sudden breath as his lips touched her soft skin.

When he turned his body to slip off the edge of the couch to face her directly on one knee, her eyes widened, and her body trembled.

"I no longer have to fear becoming my father. I know now, I never will thanks to the efforts of both of my parents, as painful as that sometimes was." He took a deep breath.

"Aiko, I know it's only been a short time since we met, but I believe you're the missing part of my heart that I've been searching for. My quest for joy would never have succeeded without first finding a soul to share my life with. Reginald and Francis have been a glowing example right in front of me, but only now can I see the answer! I'm sorry I didn't come prepared with a ring, but would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Aiko's eyes were glassy with tears, and her voice was failing her, so all she managed was a squeak, but she nodded rapidly. She dropped to her knees as she threw her arms around Kyle and kissed him, happy tears running down her cheeks.

Kyle felt his heart filling with love for the woman in his arms. He felt complete for the first time in his life and knew this was the first step on his path to joy.

When he stood and helped Aiko to her feet, they suddenly found themselves in the embrace of Francis and Reginald.

"Well done, my boy! We knew you'd find your way!" the older man said with pride.

Kyle laughed shakily as he held Aiko to him. He couldn't remember a time when he'd been this happy. He suddenly thought of his mother and could feel her joy as well. He knew all she ever wanted for him was to be happy.

And he truly was.

Chapter 22

The old motorcycle throbbed with unleashed power as Kyle cruised down the Pacific Coast Highway towards Santa Barbara. He was four days into his journey from Vancouver, BC.

Sitting behind him was his wife, Aiko Okamoto-MacDenny. He felt her arms lovingly wrapped around his waist as she watched the scenery.

It was a hot, late August afternoon, so wearing leathers wasn't the most comfortable idea, but it was safe, and he'd vowed to protect this woman.

So much had happened in the past seven months.

Back in January, the Dunsfields had insisted they get married on the estate grounds. Kyle and Aiko said a church wedding wasn't for them, and Reginald suggested hosting it in their home. He had a judge friend who would perform the ceremony, then they'd have a grand party afterward.

Helen and Skye were both back in town to attend it. Byron was in much better spirits seeing Kyle marrying anyone other than his mum.

Fiona popped over from France to join the festivities. She was thrilled for them.

Louise and Stephen cut short their vacation and flew back to London to attend as well. If it hadn't been for them, Kyle never would have made it to Japan. Aiko gave them many hugs for their role in her rescue.

After the party, the couple received another surprise from their hosts, a honeymoon in Honolulu, Hawaii.

They spent two weeks at an all-inclusive, soaking in the sunlight, enjoying the good food, and exploring the tropical paradise. They'd also discovered each other in very intimate ways. While Aiko was a complete novice, she was a very eager student and wanted to try everything.

All the skills Gwen taught Kyle finally had a true purpose. He dedicated himself to giving his wife as much pleasure as he could. Aiko was overjoyed to learn there were so many ways to feel so ecstatically happy!

After their honeymoon, they flew to Vancouver, where Kyle cashed in the shares from his very successful Abu Dhabi stock purchase. His instincts had been correct, and the thirty thousand he'd invested had quadrupled in the initial feeding frenzy. Selling these shares and investing the money into a second project the Abu Dhabi company announced took advantage of the second surge. This boosted his investment to just over six hundred thousand when he finally sold. He used this, and another four hundred thousand liquidated from his portfolio to purchase a lovely property with a fixer-upper home in a small town north of Vancouver. The view of the water far below, and the islands beyond, was breathtaking. The house was livable, but they would need to put in some serious sweat equity to make it a home. There was also a small business area down the mountain where they could set up a repair shop if that's what Aiko decided she wanted to do.

Aiko applied for Permanent Residence while Kyle began the process of sponsoring his new bride to become a Canadian citizen. There were so many forms to submit, and the process was not a quick one. Aiko eventually got her PR card, but Kyle expected to wait for more than a year before the application was accepted.

As they worked on their new home, they kept in touch with Reginald and Francis by email and online video calls, as this was cheaper than long-distance calls. They showed them their latest repairs and updates and kept them up to date with the progress of their lives as a couple. This made the older couple very happy.

In late spring, Kyle and Aiko flew to Montreal to prepare the motorcycle for the journey back to their new home. They made a brief stop to speak to Juliette Belanger but discovered she'd moved away with no forwarding address. Kyle would just have to accept he'd been a dink to her and pay it forward.

They took their time riding west and kept north of the border to travel through six Canadian provinces on the way. Aiko was amazed by the size of the country, but they both agreed some sections were really long and tedious to drive through.

They were both happy to get back to their home on the mountainside, even knowing they had more renovation work ahead.

Kyle contacted Charlize and Chloe and arranged to visit them at the end of the summer. When the time finally arrived, they packed up the Harley and headed south.

On their fourth day of riding, they pulled off the highway at Pismo Beach to grab some lunch and stretch their legs. They drove down to the waterfront and parked next to a restaurant with a rooftop patio.

As they relaxed at their table under a patio umbrella, Kyle admired how at ease Aiko seemed. She'd stripped off her leather jacket and wore only a loose-fitting t-shirt over her sexy black bra. This exposed her arms, her neck, and the top portion of her chest, displaying her distinct skin tones for all to see.

She was no longer waifish thin with her improved diet and the fitness routine she and Kyle faithfully did each morning. Her muscles were firm and toned, but her breasts had gone up a size or two, as had her ass. Kyle explained to her that this was just her genes at work with a proper calorie intake. Her concerns gradually faded as he continued to demonstrate to her how much he appreciated these delightful features. Kyle was pleased to see her becoming more comfortable with herself.

"You are staring at me again."

Kyle chuckled. "Can you blame me? You're gorgeous."

Aiko grinned happily and reached over to take his hand.

"Are you happy, wife?" he asked.

Her grin widened at the words from the game they played. "I am... a happy wife. Are you happy, husband?"

"I am... a happy husband."

"I'm happy to hear that! Can I start you two lovebirds off with a drink?" the waitress said as she stood next to their table.

Kyle smiled at the young woman and nodded. "I'll have water with lemon, please."

"The same," Aiko added with a sweet smile on her lips.

"Two glasses of water with lemon, coming right up."

Aiko caught Kyle's eye once more. "Are you sure not telling Charlize and Chloe about our marriage was a good idea?"

Kyle just smiled and nodded. He recalled the excitement in their voices when he spoke with them last night. He'd let them know he'd be at their place mid-afternoon.

The waitress returned, and they ordered salad bowls.

Aiko was eager to get back on the road to meet his friends, so she ate quickly and nudged Kyle to hurry. He finally gave in with a grin and paid the bill so they could get going.

The drive to Santa Barbara was quick, and Kyle wove the Harley through the city streets into the winding roads leading up to the hills. Charlize and Chloe had sold their homes and pooled their money to buy a larger one further up the hill from where they used to live.

Spotting the address, they pulled up the curving driveway next to a lovely ranch-style home. It was surrounded by flowering bushes, which gave them excellent privacy.

The rumble of his bike obviously notified the ladies inside the home that their guest had arrived as they rushed outside.

Kyle watched them quickly slow and stare at the tall passenger clinging to him.

Aiko climbed off first and waited for Kyle to turn off the Harley and pull off his helmet first.

He saw happiness flash across Charlize and Chloe's faces, but their eyes quickly returned to his passenger, who was just now removing her helmet. They could tell by her tight leathers that the passenger was female and a large chested one at that.

As the helmet came off, Aiko's large head of hair fluffed out, and their eyes widened as they saw her beautiful and dramatic skin tones. Aiko looked at the stunned women with a shy smile.

Kyle stepped forward. "Charlize, Chloe, please let me introduce to you Aiko Okamoto-MacDenny," he said with a smile.

Their eyes snapped back to his face with stunned looks. "MacDenny?" Charlize asked quietly.

This was the signal for Aiko to approach. Kyle let her know how to greet them the night before. She stepped very close to face them and gave them a sweet smile. Their eyes locked on her and widened slightly as they saw her strikingly pale blue eyes, both surrounded by light pink skin.

"Kyle told me so much about you two. He said you were loving and very special friends who shared with him many special things." She glanced down as she took the leather jacket's zipper in her fingers to drag it downward. Her eyes returned to their faces as her tits strained to push the jacket open, the zipper continuing down. Chloe licked her lips nervously as her eyes were locked on the slick skin slowly being exposed.

"I hope you might consider including me when you reunite with him," Aiko said with a seductive bite of her lower lip. Her confidence was strengthening as she saw their definite interest and the smiles blossoming on their faces.

"Holy fuck! You're as sexy as Kyle!" Charlize gushed with a grin.

"Sexier," he insisted. He took Charlize's face between his hands and kissed her deeply, and she moaned into his mouth as her body ground against his. He heard Chloe moaning as well and glanced over to see Aiko kissing the woman as she squeezed Chloe's ass in her strong hands. He'd hinted to her that Chloe enjoyed that.

When they switched partners, it was Kyle's turn to squeeze Chloe's ass, and she trembled against him. "Is this ass still mine?" he said huskily into her ear.

"Yes! It's yours!" she panted, then his mouth was on hers, and she was lost in the passion.

Aiko was enjoying Charlize's hands on her ass. "We are going to have so much fun!" the shorter woman said to her. Aiko giggled happily, then kissed the beauty before her.

Pulling back from Aiko's sweet lips, Charlize gave herself a little shake. "Before we get ahead of ourselves, perhaps you'd like to come inside, freshen up, and get comfortable after your long road trip."

Chloe was panting with need, but she stepped back and grinned at Kyle excitedly.

He grabbed the saddlebags from the motorcycle and followed them inside their new home. It was open and airy, with enormous windows looking west over Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands beyond. He looked around. "Your new home is gorgeous!" he sighed. "This is a lot of home!"

Charlize grinned. "We got it for a steal since the previous owner was one of my clients. His wife was a gold-digger, a cheat, and had a terrible hot temper. While we were camping, Chloe and I spotted her fucking her lover on a hiking trail, so we took pictures of them. He filed for divorce after we gave him the evidence. He had to file a restraining order to keep her away from him. She broke into the house to get to him, but he was away, so she trashed the place. He sold it to us as-is and reduced the price as much as he could."

"We have friends who do renovations, so we made it our own!" Chloe said excitedly, her Australian accent flaring in her excitement.

Charlize nodded. "Compared to our last place, there's a lot more space in every room and an extra-large walk-in shower in the master!" She grinned at Kyle, hoping he'd remember.

Kyle chuckled at that as he did recall sharing Chloe's ridiculously tiny shower with them. He shared a look with Aiko, then headed toward the master bedroom. Aiko followed with the ladies coming after them with grins on their faces. Kyle undressed Aiko as she undid his clothes. Soon they were standing naked before their hosts. Kyle raised an eyebrow. "What, you're not going to demonstrate this walk-in shower?"

Chloe burst into giggles as Charlize pulled her t-shirt up and over her head. She wasn't wearing a bra underneath, and Aiko's eyes immediately widened excitedly as she saw the woman's pierced nipples.

Chloe pulled her top off, but her breasts were contained by her silky bra. The two women quickly stripped down and guided their guests into the master bathroom. Kyle nodded with an impressed expression.

"Really nice work here!" he said and received smiles from the couple.

Charlize stepped into the huge shower stall and got the water going. Aiko slipped up behind her to slide her hands around her torso.

She cupped the shorter woman's modest breasts in her hands and gently toyed with the small barbells running through Charlize's nipples.

"I was thinking of having my nipples pierced," Aiko said as she nibbled on Charlize's ear, sending sparks through the woman's body.

Charlize was squirming back against Aiko's body as the taller woman experimented with gentle tugs and squeezes. "Oh fuck!" Charlize finally gasped and turned to passionately kiss Aiko.

Chloe was pressed against the wall as Kyle knelt behind her, fucking her pussy and ass with his tongue. She was constantly gasping and squirming. He slid two fingers into her pussy, his tongue driving her mad as it teased her asshole.

He suddenly stood and slapped her wet lips with the head of his stiff cock.

"Oh! Oh yes, Kyle!" she panted.

He pushed forward and felt Chloe's pussy open for him. He slid all the way to the base in one stroke.

"So good!" the Aussie purred.

He gave her a dozen more strokes before he drew himself out. Chloe gasped and looked over her shoulder. She could see Aiko holding Charlize to her chest, her left hand behind her back, sliding between Charlize's ass cheeks and one of her large breasts pressed against the woman's mouth. The beauty's other hand was reaching between Kyle and Chloe to guide the head of his cock to Chloe's asshole.

"Uh! Uh, yes! Please, Kyle!" Chloe begged as she felt the thick head of his cock press hard against her tight ring.

Then he was inside her hot channel, sliding deep once more. Chloe's eyes rolled back in bliss. It had been far too long since she'd last felt him filling her ass with his hot cock. It was... heaven!

Aiko's free hand moved to rub circles over Chloe's clit. The woman gasped and thrust back against Kyle, driving him deeper still.

Charlize was grinding herself against Aiko as the woman's hand teased her pussy and ass. She was getting close! She pulled back from teasing Aiko's nipple, and the woman kissed her deeply. Charlize moaned into the kiss as her release suddenly crashed over her.

"Fuck! Fuck! Kyle! Coming!" Chloe cried out as Kyle hammered her ass brutally with each thrust. He was taking her roughly, just as she wanted it. Her eyes were rolling up as the sensations exploded within her.

Kyle felt Chloe's ass squeezing him rhythmically, so he knew she'd reached her orgasm. He eased off on the intensity and allowed her to drift back to reality. He looked over to see the heat in Aiko's eyes and knew she was desperate for a release of her own.

Gently slipping his hard cock from Chloe's ass, he gently guided her over to the built-in bench and eased her down on it. She clung to his arm for a bit as the cold tile bench against her reddened ass set her off again. Charlize eased past him with a grin on her face to open one of the cabinets.

He returned to Aiko under the spray. Leaning her upper body against him, she slipped her tongue into his mouth to kiss him deeply as her soapy hands gripped his cock, stroking his hardness until he was squeaky clean.

Charlize returned with a tub of lube. She scooped out a generous portion and stroked it on Kyle's cock.

"Oh, fuck, that's good," he sighed.

"Kyle, I need it!" Aiko begged, and he smiled at her urgent tone. He moved to stand before Aiko, and she lifted one leg to hook it around Kyle's hip. She used a hand to guide him to her entrance, and he thrust himself inside. The lube Charlize added, and Aiko's own excitement let him reach the bottom easily.

"YES! Kyle!" Aiko cried out and clung to him. He used his hips to set up a steady stroke.

Charlize was at their side, and Kyle leaned over to kiss her as his body slapped against Aiko's. He felt his wife's leg begin to tremble, so he pulled out and turned her to face away before he lined himself up and drove his cock deep inside her from behind.

"AAAaaahhh! Kyle! Yes!" she cried out.

Charlize moved to stand before her, and Aiko wrapped her arms around her as she took one of Charlize's nipples into her mouth. Her tongue played with the piercing between gasps as Kyle's pace increased. Soon, all she could do was cling to the woman as Kyle slammed himself into her again and again.

"I'm going to come, Aiko," he warned her.

"Me too!" she squeaked, and violent tremors rocked through her body. Kyle held her tight against himself as he filled her depths with his cum.

When Aiko's legs could support her again, Kyle eased himself from her, and she turned to face him. He took her face in his hands and tenderly kissed her.

"Awwww, you two are so sweet!" Charlize cooed, and they smiled at her.

Now that they'd gotten their initial lust taken care of, they used the shower for its proper purpose and washed the road sweat from their bodies.

Wrapped in towels, Charlize and Chloe showed them to the guest bedroom where they put their bags, got dressed in fresh clothes, then joined their now dressed hosts in the living room once more.

"Okay, out with it! We want the full story of how you met and when you got married!" Charlize insisted with a grin.

Kyle grinned as he hugged Aiko to his side on the couch. "I have to warn you, it's a story that goes years back."

"Can we order food first?" Chloe asked.

Kyle and Aiko smiled at their hosts. "Of course."

"Phoebe will come by tonight," Charlize said as she pulled out the takeout menus. She chuckled as she admired the gorgeous couple on the couch before her. "She's going to love meeting you!"

Kyle smiled. He was also looking forward to getting together with Phoebe and seeing her surprised expression. While he knew the woman was not inclined towards the fairer sex, Aiko had a very sensual nature and could be very convincing. He smiled to himself. He'd awakened something in his lovely wife, and she craved giving and receiving pleasure. He'd created a hedonist!

It was going to be a very pleasing evening!

Epilogue

The road hummed happily under the wheels of Kyle's racing bike. He was leading a group of six cyclists up a long gradual climb, and he glanced back to ensure none of them were suffering... too much.

Three men and three women had signed up for a special intensive week-long guided training course in the countryside of British Columbia. They'd cruised along smooth paved trails beside pristine blue lakes while practicing sprints, climbed soul-crushing ascents into the rarified air of mountain passes, and raced back down to the valleys below at breakneck speeds. This group had the strongest and most capable cyclists Kyle had had the pleasure of guiding so far.

Kyle and Aiko's business, guiding supported cycle tours, had been doing very well for three years now, and they loved almost every day. The temperamental Canadian weather was solely responsible for the days that weren't so stellar, but Kyle was a firm believer that a bad day in the saddle was better than a good day at a desk job.

His fitness level was second to none, between his job cycling in the mountains and the Aikido training he'd taken to reach first dan (black belt).

Shortly after he married Aiko, he'd promised himself he would finally get real martial arts training to protect her, and he discovered an affinity to Aikido. His ability to separate completely from his emotions allowed him a level of concentration that few could achieve or compete against.

Aiko joined him in these lessons and had reached third kyu (blue belt).

She'd become an excellent cyclist herself with Kyle's advanced training. They alternated guiding their tour groups with the other driving the support van on their non-cycling days.

Aiko was a tremendous hit with their guests, as she was such a positive person who never lost her temper. She could also out climb many pro cyclists and looked incredible in her tight cycling wear.

Speaking of his lovely wife, another way they exercised together was through their frequent tumbles between the sheets. This was their favorite way to stay fit.

Today was the last day for this group, and he was pleased to know they'd all achieved personal bests during their week with them. As they coasted down the final descent into the outskirts of their final destination, he saw everyone was wearing a satisfied smile on their faces.

As they did for each tour group, they'd arranged a special dinner at the hotel for their last night. Today, Aiko had reached their accommodations earlier and was waiting for them by the van in the parking lot.

Kyle rode into the lot and guided his bike into the rack inside the trailer. He stepped outside once it was secure and pulled Aiko to him to give her a kiss.

"Hey, babe. New in town?" he asked in a sultry voice.

She giggled and pushed him back gently with a fake pout. "You are all sweaty!"

"Just the way you like me," he chuckled.

The first two guests arrived, and the leading man grinned at their antics. "Geezus! Do you two ever stop pawing each other?" a young man named Jim from San Francisco exclaimed.

Kyle and Aiko squinted at each other as if they were trying to recall. Then Kyle turned back to the man. "Only when one of us is driving."

Jim's friend was an equally young man originally from Texas named Noah, who just stared at the two of them in awe. He was a shy one, but a damn good climber.

These two were prize winners of a free week of training courtesy of a prize Kyle offered to a San Francisco cycling club.

Two women arrived next, and Kyle grinned widely at his special guests. Dita Marek and Vivian Dalton were glowing with happiness as their skills had progressed so much over the week, and they knew it. They still worked for the same tour company in Europe where Kyle first met them, but they jumped at the opportunity when Kyle invited them to participate in his high-intensity training class for free.

The final two cyclists cruised into the lot. Kimberly Stewart (née Wallis) and her new husband Philip, whose passion for cycling equaled his wife's. Kyle thought they were a lovely couple, and he was so happy Kimberly found a much more compatible mate after David left her. He'd been glad he was able to contact her with an offer of a free week as a wedding gift.

Aiko and Kyle collected the bikes and stowed them in the trailer as their guests walked over to the patio to sit at the table prepared for them. The waiters were already taking their drink orders.

Once they'd locked up the trailer and van, Kyle collected his heavy watch from the vehicle and put it on. It was a ritual he used to maintain his vow to keep tabs on the child he and Èlia brought into the world.

She'd had a beautiful boy, and surprisingly, Nicolau stepped up in his role as the child's father. Being a dad seemed to be the key to maturing the man-child. Èlia sent Kyle pictures of Agustí on the boy's birthday. Kyle replied to these email messages with smilies and heart emojis but did nothing to interfere with their lives or happiness. He simply maintained a distant but vigilant observation.

Èlia was active on social media and was aware Kyle was one of her thousands of followers, so that was sufficient for now.

Kyle and Aiko joined their guests at the table. The waiters gave them ice water with lemon, then Kyle stood to face the others.

"Congratulations on your achievements this week! We saw a tremendous improvement in your skills, and you all demonstrated much more confidence in your riding." He clapped as he glanced over at Kimberly, who'd initially struggled with her fear of descents. She was grinning widely, as was her husband, who now had a partner who could keep up to him on the downhills. They could continue to push each other to get even better.

"Thank you so much for being such excellent teachers, Kyle and Aiko!" the redhead gushed.

The couple smiled and nodded as their guests applauded them. Kyle sat next to Aiko.

"How did you end up creating your own touring company?" Viv asked. "Did the tour you took with us have any impact on the decision?"

He smiled and nodded. "I had such an amazing time during that week, rediscovering who I was and learning how much I enjoyed meeting new people. A friend in England, Priya Singh, suggested that I might try my hand in the service industry if I enjoyed interacting with people. Most of these jobs don't give you sufficient time to get to know someone, but I recalled your tour, and that just appealed so much. Aiko is a strong rider as well and decided she'd like to give it a try. Between us, we have all the technical know-how to keep the van and bikes tuned, and we both enjoy cycling, so we thought we'd do this while we have the strength and health to do it."

"Does it pay the bills?" Philip asked curiously. His accounting background was showing.

Kyle grinned and nodded. "We're very careful with our money as this business has small margins. But I'm also an exceptional investment manager. So, we get to do what we love, and we're very comfortable financially while we do it."

"What about the winters? Canada is freezing cold then, isn't it?" Noah asked.

Aiko smiled and nodded. "I do not like snow, so we visit friends in Santa Barbara, California. We go to London, England, as they have less snow. Last winter, we were invited to spend a week in the Seychelles, and that was very beautiful!"

Philip's eyes were wide as he imagined the cost of that travel.

"I'm an exceptional investment manager," Kyle said with a grin as he saw the question in the man's eyes.

The conversation turned to the cycling they'd done and the things they learned. Dinner was served, and they enjoyed the meal as they admired a beautiful sunset overlooking the city's lights further down the valley.

Jim and Noah were the first to bail as they had an early taxi to catch the following morning to get to the airport for their flight home.

One drink later, Kimberly tugged her husband away from the table where he'd been unsuccessfully trying to get Kyle to divulge the deep, dark secrets of his investment strategy.

Soon it was just Kyle, Aiko, Viv, and Dita. They could feel a delicious tension running between them. Dita recalled the kiss in the alley of that small village in France. Also, Aiko's looks were so exotic and compelling she was having difficulty keeping her gaze away from the woman's lips.

Viv was doing her best to discreetly scope out Kyle's new muscles. She recalled how fit he'd been on their tour in France, but he was so much more ripped now. He was far fitter than her cyclist fiancé had ever been. It was giving her a serious case of the tingles.

"I checked out your website, and it looks very professional. It's equal to anything the company I work for put together," Viv mentioned.

"Thank you!" Aiko said proudly, as that was her responsibility.

"I checked it out, too, but I was wondering if your company has the same fraternization policies," Dita said, surprising Viv, who immediately looked at Kyle.

"Oh, yes, there can be no hanky panky between the company operators and the guests during the tour," Kyle stated categorically.

All three women looked at him in disappointment.

"It's a good thing the tour is over. Isn't it," he finished with a smile.

Aiko looked over at Kyle with love in her eyes. He recalled her telling him he was the only man she ever wanted to be with, but she was so pleased that he was willing to share his friends with her.

Kyle smiled at Aiko as he saw the unconditional love and excitement flash in her beautiful eyes. With Viv and Dita grinning at them across the table, Kyle was momentarily taken back to that evening in France in his lonely hotel room when he read the note telling him his unconditional love for Gwen had been cast aside like trash. It'd destroyed him, and he'd wondered if he'd ever love again.

He'd learned a lot about himself and had grown as a person tremendously since that day. The revelations about his father had healed a terrible wound in him. It still made him terribly sad to think of the pain the man had gone through, and he had a new perspective on the pain the man had inflicted upon his wife and child while protecting them. Kyle could live with knowing that it was based on love.

Kyle knew he'd healed enough to be completely in love with this incredible woman, but his feelings were being returned in kind this time. She felt the same way about him. No reservations. She was all in.

He could only promise in his heart that he would do whatever it took to repay her kindness.

Kyle was grateful for the mad skills Gwen taught him. They'd keep Aiko happy for the rest of his life.