Caught in Us (Lost 3)

“Only after your father feels better."

“Okay. I just don't know if I'll be able to make it this Thursday to dinner. I'll come next weekend for sure, though."

“Good." Mom grins, pulling me into a hug. "I can make more mashed banana pancakes."

"How do you eat that stuff?" Dad mouths to me, and it's all I can do not to burst out laughing.

I return my mother's hug tightly. Trying mightily to keep a straight face, I suggest innocently, "Guys, what would you say about buying a dog?"

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Damon

"The factory is ours for the night. I'll give you a tour," Dani says. It's been two weeks since our first date, and between my work and her crazy schedule, we haven't had time for a second one. We hang out in classes, during breaks, and half-clandestine night escapades, but I've yearned to have her all mine for an entire evening again.

The police said there isn’t anything they can do against Gabe for the stunt he pulled with the car. James says they’re simply following the law. I say they’re incompetent, and told them so to their faces. In the meantime, we keep an eye out for Gabe. Dani’s been beyond brave through all of this. If something happens to her, I won’t be able to live with myself.

As we step inside the building, her eyes are alight with excitement. Her happiness has more to do with this place than with me. "When's the last time you were here?"

"Last year, when they added a museum to the factory. When I was, like, four or five, my dad used to bring me here every Sunday. It was my happy place. I was surrounded by chocolate and had the undivided attention of my family. Well, almost. Dad was working, but at least we were all together. Then things between him and Mom got worse, and our weekly trips stopped."

"How are your parents now?"

"Huh, you'd think Dad has had a heart transplant or something. They are so in love; it's just weird, but I'm happy for them. Look, this is the main entrance to the museum."

"I thought we were going to see the factory."

Dani shakes her head, unlocking the front door. We step inside. "The museum shows the entire production process, but we'll see it through a glass. Come on."

We spend the next hour touring the museum. Dani gives me the entire history of the company besides telling me about the processes. She knows everything inside out. I only half-list

en to her, because I am fascinated by the expression on her face. She's more radiant than I've ever seen her. This place is good for her. "You love it here."

"Yeah, I do. I know it's strange, but I feel more at home here than in my parents' house." She smiles as we move to the next room. Before speaking, she hurries to the small chocolate containers, taking a few pieces. So far, there was chocolate in every room, and Dani indulged in it every time. She closes her eyes after popping the chocolate in her mouth, savoring it. When she opens them again, she catches me staring at her.

"Quality control," she says confidently.

"How much chocolate can you eat?" I ask.

"That is a question you must never ask a woman."

"Duly noted." The tour ends in a room with flowing chocolate. There is even a plate of waffles. "How come the river is still flowing this late?" The word ‘river’ isn't fitting, but that's what the shield says. There are actually two small rivers, running on both sides of the room. There is a railing on either side.

"I asked someone from maintenance to stay late today. They'll turn it off after we leave."

"Ah, I see. Asking for favors because you're the boss's daughter."

Punching me playfully in the chest, she leans over the railing, dips a waffle in the flowing chocolate, then takes a bite. I follow suit. The chocolate is warm, not hot, and it's good, but I've never had much of a sweet tooth. Watching her enjoying it is more fun.

"You’re no fun; you barely ate. I should come here with Hazel. She appreciates all of this. What's the point of visiting a chocolate museum if you don't eat chocolate?"

Leaning in from behind, I push her hair to one side, revealing her neck. "Tasting you." Dani squirms under my touch, goose bumps forming on her arms. "Can anyone see us here?"

She giggles nervously, leaning her head on my shoulder, looking up at me. "No."

"Are you sure?" My cock already throbs in my jeans. I press myself against her. She lets out a sigh, reaching behind her, popping my button open. Then she slips her hand inside, palming my cock. I can feel the slight tremor in her arm.

I love this about her. She keeps that innocence that made me fall in love with her, but when pleasure overtakes her, she gives herself to me with abandon. In that moment, she trusts me enough to let herself be free and wild.

"This room is safe. I have it on good authority that James also...fooled around here."