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“Let me drive you home.” His stern tone sends a bolt of lightning through me. I know he doesn’t like this situation, but neither do I. I’m sure I can handle my in-laws. He doesn’t need to get involved. I just need to lay down the law. The bell rings again. “Cassandra, let me meet your family. Let’s put this introduction to rest.”
“Okay,” I breathe out, knowing Mark isn’t going to relent. Besides, I might need someone by my side to deal with them.
They have done similar things in the past. I thought it was because of the press following me around, sometimes provoking dangerous situations on the road. But that was in America. This is here. My home, my rules, my life.
“I guess we should. The cat is out of the bag anyway,” I agree.
When we open the door, we find two tall, unfamiliar, military-looking men in black suits waiting for me.
“Ma’am, please follow me.”
My heart jumps to my throat and my hand clutches around the bag handle for support. They can’t do this.
Mark shifts protectively in front of me. He widens his stance like he’s ready to fight them. “Mrs. Cade isn’t going anywhere with you. Remove yourselves from my property or I’ll do it for you.” Mark’s order cuts like a blade between my ribs and my heart stutters, responding to the weight he sinks in his demand.
“Ma’am, please, come with us,” one of them insists, not even acknowledging Mark’s remark. “The car’s waiting for you downstairs.”
Before I can say anything, another three men dressed in black suits appear in the hallway, caging them in between us. My shaking hand touches Mark’s back for reassurance as I swallow the lump of adrenaline coursing through my system.
“Please help these men out,” Mark firmly demands the new arrivals, and they nod, moving toward them like soldiers. I hold my breath as if willing this encounter not to end in a bloody fight. To my relief, they don’t challenge Mark’s bodyguards. Instead, they leave without a single word.
Mark turns around and pulls me into his embrace, stroking my back in reassurance. I finally draw in a shaky breath, filling my deprived lungs.
“Let’s get it over with,” he whispers, kissing my temple as unease snakes its way up my body.
~Mark~
My hands tighten around the wheel, thinking about Darren’s bold move. He made sure I know he figured out what’s going on between us. Well, if he changed the game, I’m going to respond accordingly. He’s a fool to think I’ll allow him to dictate our lives or stand in my way. Not anymore.
My gaze travels to Cassandra, lost in her head. I bet she didn’t know her driver is a safety detail ordered to act to protect the family’s interests. Not hers but theirs. I’m not planning to let her deal with them on her own.
When we turn into the driveway, she sits straighter, wringing the edge of her dress as she looks at the entrance, chewing her lip. So, I interlace our fingers, bringing her hand to my mouth to absorb some of her edginess.
“Ready?”
She forces a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes and nods. We both exit the car, and I guide her to the entrance as another male in suit opens the door for us. She falters seeing him, but then her spine snaps straight like a rod, and she steps into her house, determined.
“Come on in, Mark,” she softly demands, searching my gaze for a sliver of uncertainty. But she finds none. I’ve made up my mind.
Once I help her out of her coat, we both move into the open living space. I take in the burned wood hardwood floors, off white walls decorated with vivid abstract art and family photos. The modern glass fireplace with a massive clock mounted at the top, separating the living space. The industrial style furniture paired with other smart design pieces, creating a cozy atmosphere. It makes me relax, knowing she chose her home to be functional instead of encased in an abundance of wealth.
“Good evening,” Cassandra greets everyone, and her kids holler hellos as she bends to kiss their heads.
I catch sight of Darren by the fireplace, resting against the mantle with his back to us. Hearing her voice, he turns around. His hard gaze locks on me and his lips press in a tight line until his jaw pops sharply against his cheeks.
“Good evening, Darren, I didn’t know you were coming to London. I would have cleaned my calendar to properly prepare for your arrival.” Cassandra saunters to greet him with a defined formality that sounds cold and sharp like the edge of the blade. At this moment, her manners remind me of Helen’s.
“There were a few things I needed to take care of,” he gravely responds, not giving away his cards yet. His hawk-like gaze travels to me, but I ignore it, so he guides her farther into the dining area to speak.
While they chat, my gaze settles on Leif, playing with Cassandra’s twins on the PlayStation. He looks different since I saw him over three years ago, just before he married Cassandra’s youngest sister. He never was as refined as the rest of the Cade men, but it seems to me, someone polished his sharp edges. We were the family rebels back when we were young. I wonder if it’s still true. Perhaps family life changed him for the better. We’ve never bonded, even if we both hated family legacy and wanted the life outside of it.
Aisha stops feeding her baby girl and twists to look at me. Her full lips stretch into a wide smile and her eyes sparkle with excitement. “You must be Mark.” After cleaning the little beauty’s face and hiking her onto her hip, she stands and walks toward me.
“And you must be her beautiful sister.” I beam at them.
“I’m Aisha Cade, and this is our little girl, Maya.” The little human hides her face into her mother’s chest, watching me with childlike curiosity. She chews her tiny fingers, cracking a shy smile at me.
“It’s my pleasure to meet you, ladies.” I kiss Aisha on the cheek, not missing the fact she’s scrutinizing me with the shrewd intensity of a protective cheetah. If I make a mistake, she’ll cut my throat and leave me bleeding. Instead, I turn and beam at her little angel in her arms, hoping to win over her daughter’s affection.
