Page 13 of Kane

‘Well, you could start by making sure that in future your equipment is switched off when you leave your apartment,’ Kane said, barking out his words. ‘The bad electrics weren’t your fault. But you could have done more to prevent this. Understand?’

Cassie was clearly taken aback.

For a moment, Kane wondered if he had gone too far.

But no, it seemed that his words hit home.

In a good way.

‘Yes, I do understand,’ Cassie said. ‘I did leave in a bit of a hurry. Usually, I take the time to switch everything off.’

Kane noticed Sydney gently squeezing Cassie, showing moral support. It couldn’t be easy to own up to something like this. To take responsibility.

Every Daddy sense in Kane’s body was flaring up. Cassie had taken his words on board, processed them, and responded well.

‘That’s not all though,’ Kane said, sensing that he could press on and bring the point home. ‘I think you need a course on fire safety. Not a quick Google on the subject. An official course. One that you have to pass to get a certificate at the end.’

‘Um, okay,’ Cassie said, clearly not entirely sure but going along with it. ‘I guess it could help make sure this never happens again.’

Kane nodded and took out his phone.

‘I’m booking you on it right now,’ Kane said, tapping Cassie’s details onto the online booking form. ‘The course is at my fire station. You’ll show up on time. And by on time, I mean ten minutes before the course begins. Got it?’

Cassie nodded.

Kane could sense that Cassie was excited. Thrilled even. It was as if Kane’s stern instructions were really doing something for Cassie.

Then, suddenly, Cassie looked downbeat again.

Kane worried it was something he’d said.

Maybe he had come on too strong after all.

‘Hey, what’s up?’ Sydney asked, evidently also seeing that Cassie was upset.

‘I’ve just realized,’ Cassie said, a little teary eyed again. ‘I’ve got nowhere to stay. My place won’t be safe to move back into for weeks. There’s no way I can afford to stay in a hotel or anything like that. And I know your place is too small, Sydney.’

Kane felt his heart thumping inside his chest.

It was killing him to see Cassie sad and emotional.

That was when Sydney stepped in.

‘Way ahead of you,’ Sydney said, a big grin on her face. ‘I messaged Katie when we were in line for the gelato. She says you can stay at her place with her and Cage for a few days at least. Just until you work everything out.’

Cassie smiled and hugged Sydney.

‘I can’t believe it,’ Cassie said. ‘I’m so lucky to have a friend like you. And Katie too. And that Katie has such a considerate Daddy!’

Wait, did I just hear that right?

Daddy? That means Cassie must be a Little…

If Kane’s heart rate was up previously, it was off the scale now. Hearing Cassie mention a Daddy was confirmation.

Cassie wasdefinitelya Little.

She had to be.