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While Mark speaks, Abbas’ warning stays like a sharp blade pressed against my throat. They wouldn’t dare to do this to me, would they? This doesn’t make sense. But my heart squeezes in my chest, recalling all those times Helen and Darren tried to bully me into the hands of moguls to gain favor with them. And I know they might try.
My world keeps whirling around me, and my insides twist in a knot, tighter and tighter. I gasp as Mark’s gaze locks on me. Unnamed emotion burrows deep into my chest, adding to my misery. This man is in his own element, ruling his own life, a king of his own kingdom and his own bed, while I’m completely opposite. Someone else is pulling strings and forces me to dance to their tune.
Ovations boom in the room as Mark announces the Fading Ink franchise, and his strength radiates off him in waves. I’m the only one fading. Breaking piece by piece. Falling into the abyss, drowning.
My surroundings blur, and I jump to my feet. The plate clatters down the table as my chest explodes, and I start running. I need to get out of here!
“Cassandra!”
Fear grips me.
Where is the exit?
“Stop!”
I won’t. I can’t.
“Cassandra!” His voice is like sensual strokes against my soul. But his presence is like a catalyst to my emotional tornado. I don’t know if I want to run from him or to him.
Mark seizes me before I can reach the stairs. Pressing me against the wall, he cups my face as shaky sobs burst free. I feel dizzy from his ardent heartbeats drumming against my ribcage, his firm body pressed against mine.
“I’ve got you, Cassandra. Breathe.” Just like that, my world pivots. “Calm down, sweetheart. I’m here with you.” He cups my face, looking straight into my eyes while I’m shaking, wounded from Logan’s parents’ cruel games.
“What happened?”
“I was reminded of my place. I was a fool to think I could change this.”
“You’re breaking away from their hold, that’s why they amped up their games.”
I close my eyes, surprised he knows what I’m talking about.
He pulls out his phone. “I need you. We are on the westside emergency stairs, top floor.” He snaps the order.
“I’m not a bird to be possessed, you know?” I fume, angry tears hanging on the ends of my eyelashes as I look at him, wondering if he’s just like the rest of them. Does he see me as a transaction piece or conquest?
“No. You’re much more than that.” Mark kisses my temple, and my emotional storm dwindles down. “Listen, Higgins will take you to the airport. It’s best the General won’t see you for the rest of the evening. I don’t like his behavior toward you. I better not chance your safety.”
This time around, I won't argue. “And you?”
“I’ll stay. I need to pay my respects.”
Worry snakes into my heart, but before I can try to change his mind, Higgins and a few other men barge in. Moving like one unit, guns out, their expressions are tight and focused as they check the stairs.
“Take Mrs. Cade to my private jet.” He stares at me, stroking his thumb across my bottom lip. “General Abbas won’t be able to retrieve you from there. I need to stay at least two hours before I can leave without insulting his generosity.”
I nod, and he exhales, relieved. Locking his penetrating gaze with his security head, he commands, “Make sure she’s safe.”
“Yes, sir.”
After he leaves, Higgins almost carries me down the stairs from the hotel, avoiding guests and cameras. To my surprise, they scouted the area before the ball and knew all the areas with the blind spots.
“Keep up, miss. We need to hurry. General Abbas and his men are in charge of the security for this event. His people will be swarming this hotel as soon as they realize you aren’t there.”
The car waiting outside drives us straight to the airport. My hands stay coiled into the dress material, leaving wrinkled marks as I watch over my shoulder to see if anyone’s following us. My heart drums with adrenaline and worry, but we reach the jet without any hiccups.
“You should rest, save your energy. The captain’s set to fly as soon as Mark comes back.” Higgins tries to appease me, seeing my distress.
At some point, I doze off.
