Caviar and Covert Ops: Book 3 (Military Moguls) by Olivia Jaymes Page A

off the light and pointed to the bedroom. Dane nodded, grabbing a couple of sodas out of the refrigerator on the way.
    “I could use a shower.” Lily was already stripping off her shirt and heading into the bathroom. “I’ll be right back.”
    Dane could use the short reprieve to do a final “go-over” of what he was going to say. Even though he’d had days to practice, he still didn’t know the exact right words that would make her understand why he did what he did.
    Popping open the soda can, he reclined back on the bed and turned on the television, trying not to sweat through his t-shirt. He only had himself to blame for being in this position and Seb was right. Only raw honesty would get him out.
    Lily joined him a few minutes later wearing pajama shorts and an oversized shirt. The ends of her long hair were damp and her freshly scrubbed skin glowed.
    “Is that for me?” She pointed to the unopened soda can and he smiled and offered it to her, suddenly not knowing what to say or do. He simply needed to get to it. He reached for the remote and turned off the television, his heart pounding so loudly he was sure she could hear it.
    “Baby, we need to talk.”
    Lily froze, the smile she’d been wearing all day fading away. “Okay. What about?”
    He’d fucked things up already. “Not what you’re thinking. I adore you and Nicky and I’m really happy. This isn’t a speech about how things have moved too fast or I need some space. I don’t want any space and I’d be okay if things moved even faster.”
    Her shoulders relaxed and she sat down cross-legged at the end of the bed. “That’s good. I’m still a little worried though. What do we need to talk about?”
    Dane sat up straight, his hands tight around the can. No more delaying or making excuses. Truth time.
    “We need to talk about Brandon and the letters you sent him.”
    Lily frowned and moved restlessly on the mattress. “What about him? I’ve told you everything.”
    “It’s not what you can tell me, it’s what I can tell you.” Dane swallowed the fear that had taken up residence in his gut. “You see, I knew Brandon. He was my cousin. I found out about you when he died a few months ago and made me executor of his estate.”
    Dane let his words sink in. At first she looked confused, her brow knitted but then his meaning must have gotten through somehow because she hopped up from the bed and walked over to the window.
    “Brandon was your cousin? He’s…dead?” Her voice sounded strangled and for a moment he feared she still had feelings for Nicky’s father. “How? Why?”
    “A car accident in the mountains of Greece. He was going too fast,” Dane said flatly.
    Lily’s hand was shaking as she took a sip of her soda. “He always did drive like a maniac. Poor Brandon. And poor Nicky. He’ll never know his father now.” She seemed to wake up then and rounded on him, her brown eyes almost black. “You’ve known this all along and didn’t tell me? Wait. You’re his cousin?” She backed away as he stood, holding her hands up. “I don’t understand what’s going on here. How can you be Brandon’s cousin? Did you know who I was when we met?”
    The last sentence was said with an incredulous tone and Dane knew he was in trouble. He had to explain fast.
    “I did. I wanted to meet you and Nicky. I know Brandon didn’t do the right thing but I was determined to make sure Nicky was taken care of if he was truly Brandon’s son.”
    Lily inhaled sharply. “Did you think I was lying about that?”
    “I didn’t know for sure, but if so I didn’t want your son to suffer because Brandon was selfish and irresponsible.”
    “And now?” Her lips were trembling and her face was pale. “What do you think now?”
    He tried to move closer but she backed up again, shaking her head. “I took one look at Nicky and knew he was Brandon’s son. You may not see the physical signs but I do. He’s a Braxton.”
    “Brandon’s last name was