by Kit Kyndall
“Then help me understand,” said Asher.
A chill went down Harper’s spine, though she couldn’t explain why, as she watched Fiona square her shoulders and turn to face Asher with a look of determination. The other woman was pale and looked like she might vomit at any moment.
“I assumed you would want to protect the family name at any cost, and I was convinced illegitimacy was bad. From my own experience, I did what I thought was right at the time, what I thought the Casparian family would want me to do.”
Asher just looked confused. “Perhaps if you can explain better what you’re talking about, I’ll know how to respond.”
She swallowed, and she truly seemed to be barely holding in the compulsion to vomit. “I intercepted her letter to you, and I sent her a check along with legal documents absolving you of all responsibility.”
Asher was definitely confused by this point, as was Harper. A quick glimpse around the table revealed everyone was in a similar state, besides Fiona. She just looked miserable.
“What are you talking about?”
“Makenna Hill.”
Harper assumed it was a location, at least until Asher paled and swayed a bit.
“You intercepted a letter from Makenna? What did she want?”
“She’s having your baby, but I thought you wouldn’t want it to taint the family name, so I paid her off to disappear.” Fiona hung her head. “I intimidated her into agreeing with some not-so-subtle threats. I’m so sorry.”
Asher pushed back from the table, his movements jerky. “What you’ve done is unforgivable. You’ll come with me right now and give me all the information you have about her, including what you’ve done.”
Fiona looked miserable as she nodded her agreement and stood up. She spent a moment looking at Barret. “I hope you see now why I can’t accept your generous offer, but thank you for making it. I believe it’s better for everyone if I return to England.”
“Not until we sort out this bloody mess,” snapped Asher. Now move it.” No one spoke up in Fiona’s defense, and Harper couldn’t blame them. Regardless of her reasons, she had done something horrible. She didn’t see how Asher could ever forgive his half-sister, and it would certainly make it that much more difficult for Fiona to claim a place in the family. She didn’t know whether to sympathize with her or give in to the anger she experienced on Asher’s behalf. After a moment, she decided she could feel both angry and empathetic toward Fiona.
“I think we should call an end to this evening for now. We all have a lot to absorb, and Asher will probably need my assistance after he sorts out things with Fiona. Let’s everyone take some time to think about this, and perhaps we can find a way to work past it.”
Sabrina shook her head. “How can you even think about working past this, Barret? She’s done a horrible thing to this family, and I wouldn’t want her to be part of it under any circumstances.”
Barret leveled a look at his sister. “Sometimes, we do awful things in the name of love, and we end up in a situation we can’t easily escape from. If you’re perfect, then congratulations, but I know I’m not. I’m simply suggesting we all show a little compassion for Fiona’s motivations and try to work through it together as a family. Whether or not you, Asher, or Bennet likes it, she shares our DNA, and she is a Casparian.”
“Only by birth, not by family,” said Sabrina, making her feelings clear.
Barret sighed, apparently deciding to concede for the evening. “We’ll discuss it more later. Good night, everyone.” With those words, he pushed back from the table and left the room before waiting for anyone else to show signs of movement. Sabrina followed him a minute later, and it was just her and Bennet left in the dining room.
She reached over to take his hand. “How are you feeling?”
He shrugged. “I’m not sure how I feel, to be honest. I’m outraged on Asher’s behalf, but it’s more of a distant emotion, since it’s not me directly. Does that make sense?” At her nod, he added, “I already disliked Fiona after what she did to you, and I don’t see any way to move past that. I think Barret’s being entirely too compassionate. He should just write her another check and send her on her way.”
Harper sighed. “I see your point of view, and I see his too. I’m just glad I don’t have to make the same decision as the rest of you on whether or not to accept her into the family.”
He scowled. “Of course you do.”
Harper arched a brow. “I don’t see how that matters to me. I’ll support you in whatever you decide, but is not a decision I need to make.”
“It is when you’re part of the family.”
Harper’s smile felt a bit wobbly. “But I’m not part of the family. I’m just a disgraced physical therapist, who is your current girlfriend. That hardly puts me in a position to have any input on what your family does about Fiona.”
“I have a more permanent position in mind for you.”
Her heart fluttered, but she tried not to read too much into his words. “My license was suspended, if you remember. I can’t work as a physical therapist, at least not officially. Besides, you’re making such progress that you won’t need even an unofficial, unlicensed physical therapist for much longer. After your next treatment with Dr. Rhodes, you’ll probably advance even farther.”
He looked satisfied. “I certainly hope I can dance at my wedding.”
His words cut through her, stealing her breath at the thought of him marrying anyone besides her. “I can guarantee I won’t be around for that. I couldn’t stand to see you marrying someone else.”
“Your presence is required. Who else would I dance with?” As he asked the question, she felt something sliding onto her finger.
Harper looked down at her left hand and gasped at the size of the diamond winking back at her. “What are you doing?”
“I’m proposing in a very awkward way, I think. I hadn’t planned to do it like this, but the ring arrived from the jeweler today, and they personally delivered it. It’s been burning a hole in my pocket ever since, but I knew we had this awkward family dinner to get through. It’s terrible timing, but it’s clear we need to have the conversation now, and you need to know my intentions.”
Still looking at the ring, she barely tore her gaze away long enough to look at him before glancing down again. “I’d say it’s pretty obvious that you intend to marry me.”
He nodded, and she caught the motion from the corner of her eye, still unable to look away from the diamond.
“I was thinking a promotion from physical therapist to princess is in order.”
She drew her lower lip between her teeth and nibbled it for a moment as anxiety filled her. “Are you sure that’s okay? I mean, you’re a royal prince, and I’m just an American.”
He frowned, cupping her chin and making her look at him instead of the ring. “You’re not just anything. You’re everything to me, and that’s all that matters. I’m the youngest son, and I’m unlikely to inherit anyway, so it doesn’t matter if I don’t marry a princess or someone with royal lineage. All that matters is you make me happy and vice versa. Do I make you happy?”
Tears blurred her vision, and her lips trembled as she tried to answer. “Yes,” she said in a wobbly voice.
“Was that a yes for I make you happy, or yes that you’ll marry me?”
“Both,” she said in the same tremulous voice.
He leaned forward, brushing his lips against hers. “Then we have a lot of work ahead of us so I can dance at my wedding.”
She nodded, still finding it difficult to speak.
“About that—having Dr. Rhodes’ treatment facility in Switzerland is awfully inconvenient. I’ve been in contact with him, and he’s agreed to help us set up a research facility here. His top assistant will oversee it, but they need a qualified physiotherapist on the program.”
She frowned at him. “I’ve lost my license to practice.”
“Only in the state where you lived. All you need to do in Mo
ntrovia is sit for your licensing test, pass it, and you’ll be certified to practice here.”
She frowned at him. “Are you planning to manipulate the system?”
Bennet laughed. “I completely would if you allow it, but I know you wouldn’t put up with that. The only strings I’m pulling are to get you into the next testing session instead of making you wait three more months. If you’re agreeable, that is?”
Happiness filled her, but she hesitated. “I’m not sure I should. I still did a bad thing, and perhaps I don’t deserve to get my license back.”
He snorted. “You fell in love with me. Unless you think you’re inclined to do that with all your patients, I think you’ve suffered enough.”
Her eyes widened, and she laughed. “You might want to rethink the way you phrased that. However, I guess loving you is suffering enough.” She winked at him. “If you think this is a good idea, I’ll definitely consider it.”
“I think it’s an excellent idea, and I think you’d better decide quickly.”
She frowned, moving away from his lips as they brushed against hers. “Why is that?”
“Because you have to be at the closest university on Monday to sit for the exam. Otherwise, you will have to wait three months.”
She still had her reservations, but when he phrased it that way, her heart cried out at the idea of waiting three more months to be able to practice the profession she loved again. Yes, she had broken a major role, but she was positive it was a line she’d never cross again. No man could ever tempt her away from Bennet, and she’d never love anyone the way she loved him.
She didn’t want to allow her guilt to keep her from helping other people, which was one of the most important aspects of her job. It was the reason she’d gotten into physical therapy to start with. “I’ve decided I’ll sit for the exam, and I’ll help you and Dr. Rhodes in whatever capacity you need for the program. I’ll also continue to be your personal physical therapist, though I’m not sure I can maintain complete professionalism.”
He leaned forward to kiss her for a long moment before slowly pulling away. “I’m counting on that, Harper. I think our relationship will benefit by getting closer.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m still going to ride you hard when it comes to physical therapy.”
He threw back his head and laughed. “Feel free to ride me hard in whatever capacity you’d like, love.”
Her cheeks flushed as she realized what she had said, but she giggled along with him as he laughed. “Perhaps we better start right away then. I don’t want you to backslide in your therapy.”
He nodded. “You’re a very wise woman, and I see why you’re so good at your job.”
She dropped the teasing as she leaned forward to kiss him again. When she pulled back, she stared deep into his eyes. “I do love you more than I ever imagined was possible of anyone, Bennet. Thank you for giving me another chance to do what I love.”
“I just want you to be happy, but I also know you’re good at what you do. You’re going to be able to help countless numbers of people, and I’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’ll be coming home to me.”
She stood up from the table and grasped his hand, tugging him forward slightly. She let go so he could wheel himself as she hurried from the room, calling behind her, “Well, hurry up then. We don’t want to delay your therapy session.” Her body hummed with arousal in anticipation as she hurried through the corridors, aware of his chair just a few scant inches behind her.
She ducked into his room, which was now hers as well, and waited for him to catch up. It wasn’t long before she was riding him as hard as she had promised to, and they were both intensely satisfied with the outcome of their impromptu session. They would have to ensure there was a lot of diligent work in in their sessions if he really wanted to dance at their wedding. Just the thought made her heart skip a beat, and it seemed almost unbelievable that she had found her own prince, and he truly held the title.
That part didn’t matter to her. What mattered was how he treated her, and that he was a good person. He really was Prince Charming, with or without the title, and she couldn’t wait to see him standing at the altar and later dancing with her at their reception. He was determined to make it happen, and she was determined to help him. That was what their relationship was all about.
******
Keep reading for your bonus title (“Fighter”).
Blurb
I’m a fighter.
I fought to survive on the streets after running away at seventeen. I did what I had to, and I make no apologies for it.
I fought and clawed my way up from illegal street fighting to a UFC contender.
I fought my fear and came back to this wretched place, where my stepfather made me so miserable eleven years ago.
I could fight how much I want my stepsister, who’s suddenly all grown up.
I could fight to keep my secrets hidden.
I could fight.
If I wanted to…
Couldn’t I?
Chapter One
Paxton
Acid churned in my gut, making my solar plexus feel like I’d taken a punch that hadn’t been properly guarded as I walked up the pretentious driveway of the sprawling estate that was my stepfather’s home. I would give anything to turn around and go back to my 1969 GTO, restored by my own hands, but I couldn’t just leave my mother there alone to die.
Even with the heavy thoughts weighing me down, I couldn’t help noticing with appreciation the kneeling form of the girl tending the flower beds. Apparently, Dirk Gaithway had engaged a more beautiful garden service than I remembered him having eleven years ago.
The hot little honey-blonde in front of me was crouched over, short shorts barely grazing the crease where ass met thigh, and wearing a cropped shirt that had flipped up in the back to show a tempting expanse of golden-brown flesh. In seconds, I was harder than I had been for a long time, and it was gratifying to know that at least something still worked on the suffocating grounds of the Gaithway estate. After the past I’d left behind here, it amazed me I could get even the tiniest of erections, let alone a raging hard-on for some girl whose face I hadn’t even seen yet.
Pausing beside her, I loomed just a bit over her, flashing my sexiest grin as her head lifted. I took off my aviator shades and tucked them into the neckline of my tank top and winked at her, certain she was swooning by now at my chocolate-brown gaze. Yeah, I could be a conceited motherfucker, but having a following of groupies could do that to any man. It swelled a head—the one above your shoulders and below your belt. “Hey there, beautiful.”
She stood up slowly, revealing a tight, but curvaceous, figure in that skimpy outfit. Honey-blonde hair fell down past her waist from a ponytail she’d used to confine it, and when she ran a hand through her hair to shove it off her sweaty face, she left behind a streak of dirt. I guess it should have turned me off, but it was damned adorable. Without thought or permission, I reached up to wipe it away with my thumb before dusting the digit on my tight faded jeans.
A tentative smile broke out, and suddenly she was in my arms. I embraced her automatically, thinking to myself that the girl moved fast. I half-expected her to rub up against me in an enticing fashion, and it wouldn’t be the first chick who had tried to dry hump me as I squeezed out through a crowd, though these circumstances were different. The last thing I expected was her dulcet tones that rang with familiarity and doused my arousal like an ice water bath for my cock.
“Paxton, I’m so glad you’re home.”
I recognized that voice. It was the same one that had frantically reached out to me three days before, after she had worked her way through an entire entourage of my underlings, the people who guarded my privacy and shielded me from the crazy fans. Somehow, she had persuaded them to put her through to each person in the chain, and it wasn’t hard to imagine why if she was as sweet-sounding as she looked.
Hell, I had spoken to her briefly, only long
enough to believe her and promise to come, and I’d been charmed by her sweetness in that brief amount of time. It was startling to realize the little girl who’d been ten years old the last time I saw her was now a gorgeous young woman, standing in my arms.
Fuck.
She had made my dick hard enough to pound nails.
I wanted to fuck my stepsister.
Fuck, was I in trouble.
***
She led me into the house, acting as though I hadn’t been gone for eleven years. Other than a brief moment of impatience with me on the phone the other night, when she had assured me testily that she was in fact Mia Gaithway, and I was her long-lost stepbrother, she had been nothing but charming and welcoming.
Even when she had broken the news that my mother was dying, with not much time left at all, and wanted to see me, she had been sweet and sympathetic. I couldn’t help contrasting in my mind how that sweet voice would sound as she uttered the dirtiest shit imaginable. Dammit, my cock was waking up again.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your point of view—and mine was unfortunately, because I loathed the man—Dirk Gaithway stepped out of his study as we headed up to the second floor, where I planned to stow my bag in the room that used to be mine before going to sit with my mother.
He drew to a halt, a fierce frown on his face. It pleased me to see eleven years had softened him somewhat, adding wrinkles and at least a good twenty extra pounds. He no longer seemed so large and intimidating, and he wasn’t the behemoth my memory had made him out to be.
Or maybe it was just because I was so much bigger now than I had been then. I’d taken up working out in a big way, especially after being discovered by Lila to fight in the underground circuits. I couldn’t be a fighter if I didn’t have the body or the stamina for it. Considering what I’d been doing before that, illegal street fighting was a like winning a goddamn lottery, and I had done everything necessary to make it work and excel.
I kept my expression neutral as I looked at him dismissively. I didn’t bother to speak to Dirk, though he looked like he might have wanted to say something, but his mouth closed with an audible click as I turned away from him and went up the stairs.
