Page 107 of The Sweetest Devotion

He grinned and stood straight. “When was the last time you had sex?”

Disgust had me moving further from him. I busied myself with pouring another flute of juice. “That’s none of your business.”

Cain whistled. “Actually, it is. Answer the question.”

I took a swig of my juice and it went down heavy as the memory of riding Keith a few days ago enveloped me in a hot comfort I wanted to burrow in. Being on top was intense. He was so big and I had never felt so full.

“My sex life is none of your business, Cain,” I shot back.

“I’m just curious. You broke up with the athlete two years ago. That was your last known relationship,” Cain pointed out.

Glowering at him, I couldn’t stop myself from spitting out, “What? Do you want to compare notes? Get ideas on how to please me?”

“When I fuck you, Kennedy, no one will ever compare,” Cain said matter-of-factly.

A lump lodged in my throat and I struggled to swallow under his scrutiny.

“Easy.” I forced myself to chuckle. “I still have achoicein that.”

“Of course,” Cain agreed.

“Besides, when was the last timeyouhad sex?”

“It’s been a while. For the sake of open communication, I’ve never had condomless sex and I’ve gone to the doctor and all is clear.”

How responsible of him.

“Are you going to have strippers at your bachelor party?” I wondered.

“I’m not particularly interested in strippers,” Cain admitted.

“Aren’t there burlesque shows at the Cartier?”

“Yes, but it’s not for me.”

“Good to know.” I took another swallow of my flute, keeping my face as even as possible. “It’s been a while for me too.”

“I hope you’re not lying,” Cain warned. “You don’t seem like the type of person who could live with a man’s blood on your hands. I don’t think you have a conscience built for that.” He let the message sink in before moving along. “But, humor me, whatdoyou like in a man?”

Rough hands. Tattoos. Cigarettes. Eyes as angry as a wicked storm. “Respect.”

“Respect is a two-way street that must be earned, but I hear you. Tonight, though, isn’t going to end in a fairy tale. We’ve gotta build a foundation,” Cain said as he grabbed some of the takeout containers and began storing them in his fridge. “I’ve been running around planning this construction project, in and out of meetings with your father and investors, and I’d really just like to relax.”

I hated that my father was insisting on working still instead of leaving it all to Phil. “How’s he doing?”

“Damon?”

I nodded.

“It can be tough for him to acknowledge his limitations, but he’s good, determined. I don’t like people, but I like your father. Phil’s pretty okay, too,” Cain admitted.

I narrowed my eyes. “Why? Why do you like my father?”

Cain shrugged. “His passion for this business is inspiring. The way he talks and plans things out, it’s pretty nice. Not to mention,howhe does business. There’s a lot of cutthroat shit in the business world, but not Damon. He’s good on pay and equal treatment. He’s like a professor and I’m soaking it all in. Learning new tricks of the trade.”

“I’d be impressed if he didn’t stab me in the chest,” I said dryly.

Cain’s gaze cut to me. “It wasn’t an easy choice. I wasn’t interested in a joint venture or expanding beyond Vegas, but Damon and Phil were insistent. Theykeptcoming to me. I was bullshitting when I threw out I’d consider the offer if he set me up with you?—”

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