LOVE! WHY NOW!

Rooftop Reckoning

The revelation about her father’s possible murder hung over Bethany like a dark cloud the entire next day in London. The mist had cleared, leaving the city bright but cold. From the hotel balcony, the River Thames sparkled under the sun, but Bethany couldn’t enjoy it.

Her chest felt tight. Every memory of her father now carried a new shadow, was the heart attack real, or had someone used IllusionForge to cover up something worse? The thought made her hands shake as she gripped the railing.

Cassandra joined her, wrapping a warm arm around her shoulders. “You’ve been quiet since the call with Graves. Talk to me, Beth. You don’t have to carry this alone.”

Bethany’s voice cracked. “What if Dad was killed, Cass? What if the debts and the feuds got him killed? I feel like I’m drowning in secrets. The company, the men, the legacy… it’s all too much.”

Cassandra pulled her into a tight hug. “Then we fight smarter. We dig deeper. I’m not leaving until we have answers. You’re not the only one carrying this family anymore.”

The sisters spent the morning going through documents in the suite. Theo called from New York with more findings. “The encrypted files show Dad had a final IllusionForge session the night before he died. He was scared, Beth. He mentioned a name, ‘The Shadow Board.’ Someone inside the company is playing a long game.”

The words sent a chill down Bethany’s spine. The danger felt closer than ever.

That afternoon, they returned to the London office for a private meeting with Kai. The lab’s cool blue lights felt familiar now. Kai looked serious as he showed them the new logs. “Your father recorded a message in one of the final sessions. It’s encrypted, but I can unlock it.”

The recording played. Richard Buch’s face appeared, looking exhausted and afraid. “Bethany… if you’re seeing this, I’m sorry. The Shadow Board wanted control. They threatened the family. I tried to protect you. Trust Kai. He’s clean. The others… be careful.”

The message ended abruptly. Bethany’s knees weakened. Cassandra caught her. Kai stepped forward and held her gently. “I’m here. Whatever you need.”

After the coast was clear and Cassandra gone, the emotional weight broke something inside Bethany.

She pulled Kai into a deep kiss, pouring all her fear, grief, and need into it. Kai responded with tenderness and passion. His hands slid under her blouse, cupping her full br**sts, thumbs teasing her ni**les until they hardened. He kissed her neck, biting gently, leaving a small hickey that made her gasp. His fingers traced down her stomach, slipping under her skirt, finding her already wet between her legs. He rubbed her cl*t in slow tender circles, then slid two fingers inside her wet va**na, curling them perfectly. Bethany moaned against his mouth, her body trembling in urge.

Kai lifted her onto the lab table. He carefully removed her panties and knelt between her legs. His tongue replaced his fingers, licking her cl*t with long, slow strokes, then sucking gently. Bethany grabbed his hair, moaning louder. He licked and sucked until she came hard, her thighs shaking around his head.

Kai stood, removing his clothes. His long, hard d**k throbbed and pulsed. Bethany stroked him, then took him in her mouth, sucking the head, licking the shaft. Kai groaned, his hand in her hair. He pushed deeper into her throat to feel the warm. This burst a huge groan from Kai. He pulled her up and entered her slowly on the table, stretching her tight va**na. He thrust deep and steady, one hand on her breast, pinching her ni**le, the other rubbing her cl*t. Bethany wrapped her legs around him, meeting every thrust. Their bodies moved together in a passionate rhythm. She came again, her va**na clenching around him. Kai followed, filling her with hot musty c*m, kissing her deeply as they both trembled.

They held each other afterward. Kai whispered, “I’m not just here for pleasure. I’m here for you.”

Bethany felt raw, satisfied, and emotionally exposed. The s*x had been tender and intense, but the murder revelation made everything feel more urgent.

That evening, back at the hotel, Cassandra waited with dinner. They talked late into the night. Cassandra listened as Bethany shared the recording and her fears. “If Dad was murdered, we need to find who the Shadow Board is. But don’t lose yourself in the process, Beth. You deserve real love, not just escape.”

Bethany nodded, tears in her eyes. The sisters hugged. For the first time, Bethany felt real hope.

But her phone buzzed. Damien from New York: “I heard about the London developments. Come back soon. We need to talk. I’m worried about you.”

The jealousy and tension were growing. The threats were closing in. The London trip had turned deadly serious.