Their Lover

By Barbara Sheridan

Danger brought handsome American Ken O'Neill into the lives of ChildsPrey drummer Kyoru Tanihara and his wife, actress Sasao Miyamoto. Once the need for a full time bodyguard ends Ken stays on as both an employee and friend.

After the men share a scripted kiss in a music video, the trio's relationship takes an unusual turn.

While old desires awaken within Kyoru, new fantasies in Sasao, and Ken is afraid his presence may jeopardize his friends' marriage.

Reluctantly, Ken leaves the couple's employ but when another frightening situation draws him back into their lives, Kyoru and Sasao will do all they can to hang on to their friend and convince him they're good for each another in every way imaginable.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbara Sheridan
• Release date: Oct 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223950349

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Belize

Sasao Miyamoto sipped vintage wine and soaked in the warm breeze blowing up from the beach. She was glad she’d done those commercials for the new luxury resort here and taken the resort’s owner up on his offer of a free vacation. It was wonderful to be away from the hustle and bustle of life in Tokyo and the frantic last minute planning she’d been doing for an upcoming job in Hollywood. She scanned the lovely orange-tinted horizon then turned her gaze toward the surf until she saw her husband resurface after his swim. Kyoru needed this vacation, too. He’d been pushing himself incredibly hard these past months with late night recording sessions, video shoots and rehearsals for his band’s new record and forthcoming US tour.

Entering their second decade as a top band in Japan, ChildsPrey had found an increasingly large audience in the west the past few years and Sasao knew Kyoru wasn’t alone in working harder than ever to keep on top of the charts on both sides of the Pacific. Her husband’s bandmates, Toru, Jun, Koji and Imai were all equally dedicated to making each song and every stage performance stronger than the last. But sometimes, more often of late, Sasao wondered if they—if Kyoru was pushing too hard . . . hard enough to reach a breaking point.

Sasao willed the vague worries away when Kyoru grabbed his towel and glanced toward the verandah, seeking her out. She raised her wine glass and smiled. He waved then turned to gaze back at the beauty of the setting sun as he toweled himself dry. Sasao started to get up and go to him but stopped herself. She’d let him have his space and relax. They were here together and had spent more than enough time with one another this week sightseeing, touring Mayan ruins, playing tennis. After dinner they’d walk on the beach together, perhaps find a secluded little spot.

Laughter broke into Sasao’s fantasy as a group of young men came around the side of the terrace. They paused by the steps leading to the beach and Sasao couldn’t help but overhear her husband’s name. She breathed a quiet sigh as they bounded down the steps and headed toward Kyoru, who sat quietly, gazing at the waves. She hoped they weren’t the annoying type of fans who didn’t respect personal boundaries.

They weren’t. Kyoru stood, greeted them, spoke a few moments and they bid him farewell and ran for the waves to get a swim in before dark. Still, the brief encounter had been enough to disrupt Kyoru’s solitude and he picked up his towel and came up to the verandah. Sasao offered him a sip of her wine and he gave her a small smile as he sat across the table from her.

Enjoy your swim?

It was all right. You should have joined me.

I was too tired after the way you beat me at tennis. Sasao gave him a mock pout. You have an unfair advantage you know. She reached out and squeezed his well-toned bicep. Your arms are stronger than mine from all that drumming. She trailed her finger up to his bare shoulder and along the taut muscle, tracing a droplet of water that fell from his long hair. He pulled back.

But you always beat me at that video game so it evens out. He finished her wine then stood, draping the towel over his shoulders. I’m going up to the room.

I’ll come, too. Sasao smiled and followed him into the hotel.

Once inside the elevator, she sidled up to Kyoru’s side. I thought we’d have room service bring us dinner and then we could take a walk . . . .

Kyoru stood motionless. After a long pause, he nodded. Um, all right then.

Sasao backed off. The elevator stopped at their floor and she followed Kyoru out. He cleared his throat as they walked down the corridor and paused while Sasao unlocked their door with her keycard. I met a couple guys. They’re playing in the lounge. The bassist is from Osaka, actually. He asked if I’d sit in for a couple songs. He said being a fan of Toru’s is what got him into music.

Oh. Sasao dropped her purse onto the nightstand then sat and picked up the room service menu even though her appetite was fading.

I don’t have to. I’ll tell him we have plans.

Sasao looked up. He was clearly disappointed and she felt selfish for denying him this one small thing. She smiled. It’s fine, really. I don’t mind.

You’re sure?

She nodded though she was anything but. I’m sure. After all, you did pack your drumsticks.

Kyoru replied with an embarrassed grin and a guilty look toward the sticks poking from their toiletries bag on the desk. Force of habit. Sorry.

They did have a quiet, enjoyable dinner on the balcony outside their room and the long head-to-toe look Kyoru gave her when she changed into a slinky red dress and stiletto heels gave her hope they’d have that romantic interlude in the sand she’d been thinking of. But then, in the lounge, when Kyoru took his place behind the drum kit and tapped out the starting rhythm with his sticks, she saw passion flare in his eyes that she hadn’t seen in a long time. Well, that wasn’t entirely correct. She’d seen that look at the recording studio and in the new videos, but she hadn’t seen that passionate look directed at her in a long time.

CHAPTER 1

Tokyo

Sasao is coming to take the kids back to their mom tomorrow, yeah? Koji Takasoto asked as he wandered into the kitchen of the condo he shared with his fellow guitarist, Jun Doi.

Jun nodded and put the last of the groceries away. I'll miss having them here.

Koji smiled and rubbed Jun's shoulder. Me, too.

Miiiinnnneeee! Jun’s daughter, Yuuka, wailed from the living room. Gimme!

Stop kicking me! her brother Kaoru yelled back.

Gimme!

With a muffled groan, Jun rushed out to deal with his children.

Koji grinned and turned to follow Jun. Then again, after a month spent playing referee, a return to the usual peace and quiet will be nice.

Jun