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Shaking my head, I give him a self-righteous smile. "I do pro bono work for a large firm," I explain. "It's average pay, but I get to work with people who can't afford a lawyer. I can choose cases I'm passionate about."
"Oh, Dom," Cassidy gushes. She steps closer and reaches for my hand, not even thinking of her actions as she smiles at me happily. "I'm so glad you found something like that. I always knew you would be great helping people."
"Like I helped you?" I can't help but asking, my voice straining against the words, like my own body is trying to stop me from uttering the stupid question.
Cassidy looks away, blushing as she lets my hand slip from hers. She steps right back into Adrian's arms and it fucking hurts to see them together. This girl – this woman – should have been mine.
I'm about to tell her as much, but she looks so tired, so broken all of a sudden. Adrian strokes her back to soothe her and he gives me an evil look. "Let's get you to lie down for a second," he soothes Cassidy, shooting daggers at me with his eyes as he leads her away.
Cassidy waves at me and I watch them go. She's back to her formal act, as if she has developed a whole new personality over the past four years.
I realize the girl I had the pleasure of being with no longer exists. While I can't deny that this sexy businesswoman look she has going on is hot as hell, I hate that she can't be herself around that prick. Like she was with me, even if it was for such a short amount of time. She deserves to be whoever she wants.
I wonder what's holding her back.
I sigh. I'm really tired from the trip, and the godawful conversation. My mind is filled with images and thoughts of Cassidy.
It's fucking strange to be back here, knowing another man has taken my place. My fists clench and I know I'll do whatever it takes to get my place back.
This isn't about pride or some goddamned bet, it's not even about my cock's appetite. This is about what my heart, body and soul all want, and they're all chanting the one word flowing through my veins.
Cassidy.
Chapter 24
CASSIDY
It takes me a long time to calm down after the episode with Dom. Adrian is great, bringing me my pills and a glass of water, and I know I'll fall asleep after taking them, just like always.
I'm not saying it's the best solution, but at least I get to sleep off the terrible forbidden feelings that are starting to rise in me again.
Waking up two hours later, I feel like a new person. Adrian's off doing some work, so I get up and change into more casual attire – silky wide-leg white trousers and a skin-tight camisole. I leave my feet bare, my flame-red hair a halo around my head.
I pad around the kitchen, making myself a cup of coffee to make sure I'll stay up for a good while longer. I have some work to finish up today, and I can't let Dom's return spoil all my plans.
I sit down at the kitchen table, the very one where I used to eat meals with Dad, Valerie and Dom when I was younger. I try to ignore the painful memories and focus on the work ahead of me.
I don't think anyone expected I'd ever get a job. I guess my mom kind of assumed I'd drop out of college in the first week. I surprised everyone by being a good student after Daddy's death. I finished high school and completed a private college course for Fashion Studies. Then, I did a course in interior design, and this is now my job. I've had my fair share of clients and I love what I do.
What could be better than renovating houses, making them beautiful and putting a personal touch in every home I work on? – there's a special feeling I get every time I finish and show the place to the family.
My mom is married again. She found love when she least expected it, and she kind of forgot about me after it happened. It hurt a lot, I won't lie, but I found an unlikely ally.
Valerie.
After my father's passing, we could have drifted apart. But she surprised me by keeping in touch for all these years. There was something comforting about having her in my life, like the last remnant of the life I could have had if Daddy had stayed with us.
Sighing, I move the scrapbook away from me. I can't focus on work right now, my mind swimming with too many things.
"Busy?" a voice interrupts and I turn around to see Dom standing in the doorway. I furrow my brow, unsure if I like seeing him back in the beach house. I'd prefer if he'd just keep to himself in the guest house, which is like a blank slate, not full of hurtful memories.
