A/N: I apologize for the delay, I've had a really hectic month. But I'm here now! Thank you for all the love and support you've given me for this story, and please don't shoot daggers my way by the end of this one ;) xoxo

***

I wake with my limbs wrapped around Dakota. My arm gripping her naked abdomen and my legs tangled in hers. Her hair is fanned across my pillow as I've clearly pulled her from her side of the bed to mine. I take a deep breath, inhaling her sweet scent that intoxicates me every time. She's snoring softly and I can't stop the smile that encompasses my face.

I gently move my other arm from under her head and prop my chin on my palm. I trail my fingers up from her stomach to brush her hair off of her neck. She stirs, rubbing her ass against my morning wood. I dip to press feather light kisses down the side of her soft skin to her shoulder. My curious fingertips wander to her hot middle, rubbing in slow circles. I chuckle when I see her smirk, so I nip at her ear to wake her fully.

"Morning, beautiful," I whisper.

She squirms, brushing my rock hard dick with her hand as she rolls over to face me. I move my hand to cup her fine ass. "Good morning, Mr. Eager."

I gaze into her ocean blue eyes and get lost in their depth. She's flawless in the early light, causing my heart to race. I am the lucky bastard who rose to her in my bed, literally.

"Nature's gift, now you don't have to work for it."

She laughs her belly laugh, which makes me grin. What a perfect way to start my day.

"Have I ever worked for it, handsome?"

I roll my eyes. "You seem quite proud of your abilities."

She shrugs. "I don't seem to try hard to get you...hard."

"Care to demonstrate?"

She bites her bottom lip and I don't think I can wait any longer. I reach to lift her thigh and set it atop mine.

"You really want me when I'm the least sexiest?"

I wrinkle my forehead. "Least? Baby, try again. That does not exist for you."

Her hand disappears as she grips my length, pumping it slowly. Her expression has shifted into the temptress that owns my soul. God, I'm already going to explode. She rubs the tip along her clit, through her folds, and that's it. I grab her wrist to cease her actions before plunging in.

She arches sharply, her aroused nipples grazing my chest. "Jamie!"

"Take advantage," I mumble, searching for her mouth.

She latches onto mine and we become a mixture of tongues and moans as I slide in and out of her effortlessly. She's slick for me even if she tries to play hard to get. Her equal passion is my drug of choice, turning me into a junkie needing his fix. My fingers dig into her thigh, raising it to fill her deeper.

"Mmm, more," she breathes.

I push her onto her back and spread her legs as wide as her flexibility allows. I hold her knees for support as I pound into her. She's letting me be rough and it's only revving my engine more. Making love to her is my favorite pastime, but holy shit do I love when I can fuck her hard and fast.

"Now, Dakota." I'm not going to be able to resist my release much longer—she feels so tight and hot.

Her perky breasts bounce as I claim her body and her face is flush, sweat forming above her brow.

"Make me come," she begs.

I growl loudly and move my hand to her core. She wraps her legs around my neck, making our connection even tighter. Little minx, two can play that game. Since both of my hands are now free, I bring the other to her nipple and tug on it while pressing her clit with my thumb.

The pressure is the magic touch. She comes like a freight train, screaming my name. Her throbbing walls cause me to lose it as I pour myself into her, slowly halting my thrusts.

"Fuck." She moans and rubs her eyes.

I chuckle, collapsing beside her and try to regulate my breathing. I don't want to ruin the moment with my inhaler.

"Move in," I say, "and we could start every day like this."

"Can you handle it, big boy?"

I look over at her and she's resisting a laugh as she cleans herself off with a tissue. "Don't mock the man who just gave you an orgasm."

She giggles. "Sorry, babe. You're the best."

I smirk when she leans in to kiss me. "You didn't say no."

"I didn't say yes." She pinches my nipple and I jerk away from her frisky hands.

"I'm wearing you down, admit it."

She snorts. "You're wearing me out, and I just woke up. Feed me."

"If you were hungry baby, you should've said something."

"And that would've stopped you?" She shook her head.

"No, but I could've fed your mouth instead."

She covers her face and I laugh. "Oh my God, you're a perv."

"So talking about it makes me a perv, but you swallowing makes you an angel?"

She glares at me. "Closest you'll get to Heaven on Earth, buddy. Would suit you well to remember that."

She jumps up and grabs my t-shirt off the floor, sliding it on. It engulfs her petite frame and I lick my lips.

"What am I going to wear?"

She turns, raising an eyebrow. "You said if I stayed you'd let me wear your clothes. Retracting your promise?"

I hold both hands up in defense. "Hell no, because you look sexier in it than I do."

"Wouldn't go that far." She winks.

"Forget the panties," I say.

She purses her lips, turning and bending over to give me a clear shot of her recently fucked core. I whistle and she quickly stands, sliding her leggings over her ass. The elastic snaps against her waist as her plump cheeks stretch the black fabric.

"Panties forgotten." She shrugs and her teasing is going to get her laid out on this bed again.

"You knew what I meant."

"Be more specific next time." The smile she's trying to suppress spreads across her face.

"Move in and let me fuck you like that every morning. Is that specific enough?"

She gasps, feigning shock. "Make me breakfast, and I'll reconsider."

That's all it takes. I hop up from the bed and slide on my boxers in record time. She is doubled over laughing when I head out of the bedroom and toward the kitchen.

***

Dakota is on her phone inside as I sit in a lounge chair by my pool. Neither of us is dressed for the occasion, but we agreed it's too beautiful today in SOCAL to eat breakfast indoors. She'd been full of stories about Jesse, since they'd gone on a brother-sister date yesterday. I merely enjoyed laughing with her over coffee like I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I turned my world upside down for this woman, and just to be near her enjoying a meal was enough. It is the simplest but most powerful love I've ever experienced. They always say, "When you know you know," and fuck if I haven't always known. She has too, even if she didn't want to admit it. And I never blamed her; I wasn't in a position to feel the way I did. The way I still do, and the way I will until the end.

The door slides shut behind me and I look over my shoulder to see her hips swaying in my direction.

"Everything all right?" I ask.

She nods, nudging my legs apart so she can sit between them to face me. I cup her chin to kiss her softly—something tells me that phone call was important.

"I'm good." She smiles, trying to reassure me.

"Are you?"

She lifts one shoulder. "That was Alessandro."

"And?" I ask. "What did he want?"

"He's hosting a Gucci event in Paris next week and he wants me to make an appearance. He's sending a jet for me on Tuesday."

I nod. "Well, that sounds like good news."

"It is, just hate we can't go together. I wish I didn't have to leave."

My eyes bounce between hers as I try to read what's behind them.

"If you want me to go, I'll go."

"But we can't do anything, so what's the point?"

I snort and she wrinkles her forehead. "We can do what we did this morning all day and night except with views of the Eiffel Tower."

A smirk tugs at the corners of her lips. "Do you think you could bump your visitation? We could make a pit stop on the way home."

I chew on her suggestion for a minute, wondering how much Amelia would fight me on getting them sooner. "Maybe they can come to Paris, too?"

"You can't keep them locked in a room the whole trip," she says. "And you know you'll get caught out. The French press are like bloodhounds."

I chuckle. "I can make it work if this sounds like something that interests you."

"Of course it does. I've been itching to see the girls, and you know how much I love Paris, but I don't want to put the three of you at risk."

I peck her mouth to silence her. "Let me worry about that. You just need to convince Alessandro to divert his jet to London for a pick-up."

"I'll work on him while you work on convincing Queen Mum to let you have the girls early and take them to Paris."

I can't help but laugh at the nickname and sarcasm dripping in her tone. "Trade you jobs?"

She shakes her head. "Uh-huh. But maybe leave out the part about me going."

I sigh. "She can't keep us apart, you know that."

"No, but she can keep your girls away from me until our fucking contracts expire next year."

"She'd catch hell trying. That's not her call."

"Jamie, she's their mom, of course it's her call!"

I hate when she raises her voice. Angry Dakota over something I've caused hurts my heart. 

"Hey," I say softly and she takes a deep breath. "I love you."

She smiles, cooling her flames. "I love you. Sorry I get so bent out of shape."

"I get it, trust me. It's a sore subject for both of us."

"Someday," she whispers.

I nod. "We've moved mountains before, and I'd move Heaven and Earth for you. This is just a small peak."

"You're the sweetest and I'm the luckiest."

"Reverse that and I'll agree."

I kiss her and it doesn't take long for her to deepen it with a renewed passion. If she's worked up, I'll gladly help work out the kinks.

***

The week of convincing flew by, and I hadn't made nearly the progress Dakota had. Alessandro was totally cool with diverting his Gucci jet, or whatever it was, to London and then onto Paris the next day for her event. Amelia had been less than accommodating. First she'd refused to let me have the girls early, although it was only by about a week. Then once I talked her into that, she told me there was no way I'd be taking them to Paris by myself for shits and giggles. I honored Dakota's request, biting my tongue, and didn't tell her she would be there too. My stomach had been a ball of nerves, because I'd decided to try for Paris one last time from the same time zone. I'd wanted to put our sneaking-around-days behind us, but it looked like not all obstacles were out of our way yet.

I kiss the top of her head as the plane begins making its descent into London. She'd fallen asleep on my shoulder hours ago, but I'd been content with watching movies and enjoying her closeness over catching some rest. Also, I'd be lying if I didn't say my anxiety was through the roof. I didn't want Dakota to get caught in the crossfire, while she was busy worrying about my girls and me being caught in hers.

"Are we there?" she mumbles.

"Almost, baby." I breathe her in, kissing her hair again.

She searches blindly for my hand and I offer it. She links our fingers, giving my palm a subtle squeeze. She doesn't care for the turbulence landing often entails, and I sure as hell don't care to be her support.

"Figured out a plan yet?" she asks.

I sigh. "Negative, ghost rider." Top Gun was one of the films I watched during the flight.

"You're sure Markus will be the one to drop them off?"

Amelia had been quite disgraceful during our divorce, and after I'd given her everything she asked for. So instead of bringing the girls herself, she made Markus drive to the country then back to London. And if he was busy somewhere else, her mum did. But I knew her mum was out of town, because when I inquired about Paris she'd said, "If Mum was here I'd send her with you." Like that was even an option. She liked to dictate what she thought I'd go along with—she never did know me.

"It'll be him." I'm not sure if I'm reassuring her or myself. I'm half tempted to send him a feeler message to find out. I brush my fears aside, because Dakota can sense them like she has an alarm built in that goes off every time my mood shifts. I don't want to affect her without reasonable cause.

She sits up as the aircraft touches down on solid ground. I grin, watching her peer out the window in amazement like she's never flown or been to London before. I love that about her, the heart of a child that doesn't forget to embrace life's small wonders.

"Here we are," I say.

"Honey, you're home." She turns with a warm smile.

"Not anymore." I wink and she shakes her head, going back to her task of admiring the airport.

The plane comes to a halt a few minutes later, and the single stewardess bids us an enjoyable vacation. We thank her as well as the pilot, collecting our things and walking off the plane onto the tarmac.

A man with a black SUV awaits us by the trunk. I roll our bags toward him and go to lift them in, but he stops me.

"Allow me, sir."

"Thank you." I nod, making a mental note to tip him well, and send a gift to Alessandro for the VIP treatment. The less worrying about details I have to do, the better for both of us.

I join Dakota in the car, waiting for the gentleman to whisk us off to my Notting Hill apartment.

"Excited to see your babies?" she asks.

I feel a weight lift when her words sink in—I'm going to see my little girls.

"You have no idea."

"I've missed them, too."

"An overdue visit from their Kota."

She caresses my knee, assuming her earlier position and resting her head on my shoulder from the middle seat.

I lift her hand to kiss her knuckles. I'm grateful this woman has not only opened up an opportunity to see my daughters sooner, but also to take them on an adventure and make new memories just the four of us.

***

Dakota and I have showered, had sex in said shower, and she's changed into my clothes by the time the doorbell rings.

"They're here." She claps, her face lighting up, and it causes mine to do the same.

"About time," I say, rushing out of the living room to answer it.

"Daddyyy!" Dulcie yells the moment she sees me.

"Hi, baby girl." She leaps into my arms, and I can't help but swing her back-and-forth. I'm elated to hold her again. "Daddy missed you so much, you have no idea."

"I miss you." She hugs my neck tight and I tickle hers with my beard. She roars in laughter before ceasing suddenly.

"Kotaaa!" She yells when she appears.

"A surprise visitor," I say, setting her down.

She sprints toward Dakota, and my heart jumps as she jumps into Dakota's awaiting embrace. My girls.

I'm still standing in the doorway when I hear Markus talking to the little one. "It's your Dada," he says, walking up to me.

"Hi, sweet pea." I take her from him and kiss her plump cheeks. She has the fresh baby smell I adore. I breathe her in, thankful my three leading ladies are all together under the same roof.

Markus steps in, and when he does my heart that was beating rapidly stops at the sight of her. Fuck.

"Hello, James," Amelia says.

"Surprised to see you for a change," I respond, trying to disguise the lump I just swallowed, but not trying hard to mask my sarcasm.

"Kota, guess what?" Dulcie says behind me, and I watch Amelia's eyes widen.

"I knew it!" she says, pushing past me. "I fucking knew it."

"Language!" I yell.

Dakota stands, Dulcie holding onto her finger. I can't let them see us fight, because I sense that's what's about to go down. I don't think there's a way around this one—we're going to have to face it head on.

She continues her berating. "I knew she was the reason you were here early and wanted to take OUR daughters to Paris. It was never because you wanted to be Daddy-of-the-year."

"Excuse you?" Dakota says. "How do you get off saying such a thing?"

"Uncle Markus, please take the girls to the other room for a bit." I try not to grind my teeth as I say it, handing over the baby. He isn't their fucking uncle, he's a leech.

He nods, escorting them both out of ear shot so one of us can explode.

"I don't want to hear from you," Amelia spits at Dakota. "This is between us."

She huffs. "Apparently it's not, because I'm the one you have a problem with. You were fine with him getting them early when you didn't think I was involved. Oh wait, you did know. So if that's the case, why is it suddenly an issue?"

I go to intervene before the hair pulling starts, but I don't find a breath before Amelia is back at it.

"You're not taking OUR daughters anywhere."

Dakota held a hand up. "You keep emphasizing 'our' like I don't fucking know who they belong to. I get it, okay? They're not mine and they never will be. What you can't seem to understand is I'm not trying to be their mom. I love them because I love Jamie, and you're going to have to accept that one way or another."

"Love." Amelia snorts. "You're not in love with each other. You got naked to film a movie together, and decided to screw each other's brains out on the side."

"That's enough," I finally say. "You're out of line. Those girls are in no danger under my watch or Dakota's. And yes, we're in love, what a concept. I won't apologize anymore for how it ended between us, that's over. We're over. The games are fucking over, got it? She isn't going anywhere, and my daughters will grow up with her in their lives."

"That's all fine and good, James. Do your dance. But they won't be going to Paris with you or her. Maybe I need to go over the paperwork to see if you can have guests stay the night during visitation."

"Don't threaten me." I glare at her. "I've given you more than you deserved, and you will not fight me for anything else."

She rolls her eyes. "Miss Thing here can sleep on the couch then. I'm not going to let our children be scarred by your sexual romps."

"Jesus Christ, you're ridiculous," Dakota says. "You were more than willing to fake your tolerance of me for the cameras. You should extend the same effort for your girls."

"Don't you dare tell me how to raise my daughters."

"I need you to leave," I say, cutting her off. "We're getting nowhere, and I won't have you in my apartment disrespecting my girlfriend or me. Go, now."

She laughs when I point at the door. "Markus! We're leaving! Or being thrown out," she mumbles.

"It'll be a cold day in hell before I let you come between our happiness again, is that clear?" Dakota asks.

"I don't care who you sleep with, sweetie. Besides, he's been rode hard and put away wet. Enjoy the sloppy seconds."

"Are you fuc-"

Dakota lunges, but I grab her as soon as Markus re-enters the room and steps between the women. For once in his life he's useful.

"Get her out of here," I tell him.

He shakes his head, but remains silent, which proves to be a smart move. They both exit and I can feel Dakota shaking. I turn her in my arms to look her over, and she collapses into my chest.

"I'm so sorry, baby."

"This is my fault," she says.

"No, it's not. Not at all." I kiss her temple and she pushes herself from my embrace.

"I have to go. This isn't right."

I narrow my gaze. "What? No, you aren't leaving. You can't let her win."

She shakes her head. "She's not winning, but I shouldn't be here like this. Sneaking around, hoping she doesn't catch us. We shouldn't do that anymore. I was the one who asked you not to say anything, and that has proven to be a childish mistake on my part."

"Baby, don't take the blame for this. Please."

"Kota! Kota!" Dulcie comes running up to attack her leg.

Dakota kneels. "What's up, buttercup?"

"You not happy?"

Dakota's eyes meet mine briefly. "I'm just tired, sweet pea. Daddy and I had a long flight."

"You can sleep in my bed," Dulcie offers.

Dakota kisses her blonde curls. "Aww, thank you, but Kota isn't staying here tonight. I just came to see you girls, but I have to go to work."

"Work? Why?"

"I told someone I would, so I have to keep my promise, right?"

"A pinky promise?"

She chuckles at my daughter. "Yes, sort of the same thing."

"You can't break a pinky promise," Dulcie tells her.

She laughs before standing and looking at me. "Smart girl you got here."

I nod. "You're really leaving?" My stomach in absolute knots over what is happening.

"I came here for work," she states.

"I realize that, but I thought you would stay here until then and come back after."

I look down and notice Dulcie is listening intently to our conversation. I can hear the little one banging on toys in the other room, realizing we can't stand here and talk in circles for much longer. My attempt to convince her will have to be quick.

I lower to Dulcie's level. "I need you to entertain your sister for five minutes. Can you do that for me, baby girl?"

She eyes me suspiciously, and I know her curiosity is killing her. "Otay, Daddy. I will."

"Thank you, darlin'." I kiss her forehead. "Daddy and Kota need to have a grown-up chat real quick."

"Then we play?"

"Absolutely. Pick a game for us."

I stand and we both wait for her to take off through the apartment, yelling her sister's name. When I turn to Dakota, she's on her phone.

"What are you doing?"

"Ordering an Uber." Her eyes never rise as her fingers type in the information.

"Dakota, don't go. Please," I beg.

"Jamie, I have to respect the boundaries."

"Fuck the boundaries!" I say louder than I should. I don't want the girls to hear me upset again, because God knows they already heard enough.

"This is my fault," she says and I try to interrupt but she goes on. "I talked you into coming and now it's backfired. I can't get you in any more trouble."

"There is no trouble, baby. I'm their father. I have rights and the best lawyers in the business. She can't take them away from me over jealousy."

"Well, I'm not going to be the one to get in the way of your visitation."

"We are together. She can't change that. You're entitled to be near my children."

She nods, clearly trying to hold back her emotions. "And I will be, but we have to ease into it. I shouldn't have asked you to come and I'm so sorry this blew up in your face. I never meant that. I shouldn't have mixed business with pleasure."

I go to reach for her, but she resists me. "Don't," I plead. "Don't blame yourself, don't leave us, and don't avoid me."

She takes a deep breath. "Enjoy your time with your babies, that's what's important here. I'll catch you on the other side."

"What does that mean?" She's heading toward the door, grabbing her bag that still sits beside it, and I'm right behind her. "Are you coming back after Paris?"

She's on the other side before she stops to turn. I expect her to answer me, but instead she stands on her toes to kiss my cheek.

"Bye, babe," she whispers.

I know she's at her breaking point. She lost her cool, and I have to give her space then we can work it out. It's just a minor mishap that I can fix.

"I love you," I say when a car pulls up to the curb.

She keeps walking, ignoring my sentiment and now I'm at my breaking point.

She stops and meets my gaze. "That was never in question. You know I love you." She winks and steps into the back of the car.

It's everything I can do to keep from running down the road, chasing her to wherever she's asked him to take her. Fuck, for all I know she'll be in Paris before the night ends. What I do know is I'm a helpless man.

I go back in the house and force myself to put on a brave face for my babies. I've missed them beyond belief, and I have to be here for them. I did this for our happiness, and for some damn reason can't seem to make everyone happy.

"Daddy's back!" Dulcie claps when I enter their play area.

"Here I am," I say as cheerfully as I can muster. "What are we playing?"

"We're playing wif dollies right now, Daddy."

I chuckle. "How about I watch?"

She giggles as I take a seat on the floor with them. I find solace in the two of them playing pretend with their Barbie's. The little one garbles as Dulcie dances with her doll.

"Where's Kota?" she asks, never ceasing her play.

"Kota left," I choke out. "She has to work, remember?"

"Where?"

"In Paris."

Her eyes shoot to mine. "Ooh, can we go?"

I feel my shoulders slump at her innocent question. "No, baby girl, we have to stay here."

"Why?"

"Because Daddy came to see you here, okay?"

She's taken aback by my short answer and I go to apologize, but she responds.

"Why you sad, Daddy?"

I can't form an adequate response when she sets her tiny hand on my knee. I cover it with mine, and give it a gentle squeeze.

"I'm okay, sweet pea. Don't you worry."

"Will Kota come back?"

Somehow she knows something is wrong between us. I don't know how much she comprehended of the conversations she overheard; however, she knows Dakota is supposed to be here with us right now. And I'm torn up, because I don't know how I let it go wrong, but I need to make it right.

"I don't think so," I whisper.

***

Yikes, I love you all, and I'm sorry!!! You asked for a catfight, and here it is. Please don't forget to vote and leave me some feedback before departing, but take it easy on me lol I don't enjoy writing fights! Xo