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Aren’t you infuriating, Lovebird? I chuckle internally.
“How about a date in a broken elevator and foot rub?” I tease her, determined to win her over.
She bites her lip, trying to hide a beam from me, but I see it anyway.
“I’m not into Prince of Darkness with a fetish for feet.”
“I also have other fetishes. I promise, in daylight, I’m even more charming,” I tease her in return. “Say yes, Cassandra, don’t overthink it.”
“You are my boss . . .”
“And here I thought the woman who lived through so much would appreciate life more. Instead, you’re playing it safe.”
“There are too many complications, too much at stake.”
“I’ll make it worth your while.” I grin as her cheeks start to glow, hearing the longing in my raspy promise.
“Mark, my answer is still no.” She snickers as my lips stretch into a slow grin.
I haven’t met a woman so broken and yet strong, so vulnerable and yet invincible all at once. I thought I knew who she was. After all, my people watched over her for all these years. But, as I study her while she eats, I can feel the endless vault of secrets written within those scars she hides. And I want to own the key and unlock the mystery she is.
“Come here.” I dab the corners of my mouth with a cloth, patting the seat next to me. Cassandra hesitates at first, but then rises from the chair and snuggles next to me.
Drawing her fresh scent into my lungs, I brush my lips against her forehead. “Too late, I saw your desire for me. I won’t take no for an answer. I can’t wait to free you from your fears and bring you sweet rapture.”
“So self-assured, aren’t you?” She looks like sin in a dress hugging her curves in all the right places, and so much denial burning in her ocean blues, kindling me to prove her wrong.
“Can’t wait, sweetheart, to see how wild and unrestrained, brave and fearsome in my arms you’ll become,” I whisp
er, determined to bare her soul to me and strip it off her demons.
9
Resonance
~Cassandra~
After the weekend spent with my kids and my sister, I arrive at Fading Ink. Sorting through the emails, I try to finish the project I was assigned before the trip. My gut tightens as I see Darren’s name flashing on the screen. I steel myself and answer.
“If you continue working at Fading Ink, your monthly funds will be reduced,” He grouses into the phone.
“Do what you need to do, Darren, but your attempts to control me need to stop.” I couldn’t care less about the money. I’d rather live as a beggar than as their pawn. And by the way General Abbas spoke about my duties, I must make my stand clear.
“Be careful, Cassandra, we tolerated your behavior so far, but our patience’s stretching thin.”
“Get used to it, Darren. I’m not going to dance to your tune anymore.” I disconnect the call before my control slips and I say something else.
Pain and guilt made me forget my own ambitions and dreams, but I’m no longer blind, and my judgment isn’t clouded by remorse. My heart gallops in my chest, thinking about Mark. He hit a chord deep within me when he challenged me. Mark is right. I have to start calling the shots or Logan’s parents will.
The way he held me and spoke about being with me made my blood run hot like molten lava. In his embrace, I felt so delicate and helpless to deny him anything, and yet, so damn alive and powerful.
But can I risk a fresh start here, at Fading Ink, for this undeniable connection? I tried it once, and we ended up battling my pain and mental issues until it all destroyed us at the end. But I crave to escape from this pretentious life, holding me captive, choking me. And Mark makes me feel like with him I could. My heart, even now, ardently stutters in my chest, thinking about him stripping me naked until the world disappears in his sensual embrace and only the two of us remain, battling flames of passion.
My office phone rings. “Cassandra Night’s office. How can I help?” I hold my breath to stop emotions about to burst free.
“You definitely can help me to figure out where to take the most stubborn woman I know for dinner.”
My heart fills up with warmth hearing his husky voice, flirting with me regardless of the consequences. He’s a man who takes what life has to offer and asks no permissions. Perhaps I should do the same and stop letting others shape my life.
