“The trip was a success. Our clients in Saudi Arabia are beyond happy. You’ve done an amazing job. The launch with our franchise partners was a success too.”
She presses her lips in a line, listening to me.
“Don’t let the negative outweigh the positive. Don’t let them ruin this for you.” We both know whom I’m referring to.
“I’m trying,” she rasps as if her throat’s raw. “But my family isn’t going to let me.”
“You’ll have to fight them. Stand your ground. If your in-laws see you won’t budge, they’ll have to concede.”
“How much do you know about me, Mark?”
I recline deep into the seat, regarding her for a moment. How much can I tell her? How much can she take without breaking?
“I’ve done some research on you,” I admit, omitting the whole truth, afraid she might not understand my obsession with her. “I know the facts.”
“Why?” When I stay silent, she huffs in anger. “You’re just like others.”
“Others?”
“People with ulterior motives. General Abbas just reminded me how information and weaknesses can be wielded to seize power.” Her pale eyes are gleaming with suspicion. “What are you going to do with what you know?”ow How
“Nothing.” I dig my gaze into hers with all the seriousness I can muster.
She blinks and looks away.
“The General got under your skin, didn’t he?”
Cassandra stays silent, her chin touching her shoulder as if in comfort.
“What did he tell you?”
“He scared me. That’s it.”
“No, it’s more than that. You believed him.”
“Maybe.” She breathes out. “He reminded me why I can’t make mistakes like this anymore. Why I need this job. Why I’m doing this.”
“To escape them,” I state as she closes her eyes as if to block the reality.
“Was Logan a mistake?”
Her nostrils flare as she studies me. The phantom pain nips my throat as agony buried deep within her soul flashes at me.
“Logan was precious to me, but I was his mistake. We just didn’t know it back then.”
I fist my hands, watching the chasm of sorrow open, tears rolling down her cheeks in silent torrents.
“And now, I’m paying the price.”
A gasp escapes her lips when I wrap my hand around her knees and shoulders, bringing her petite form on my lap. My mouth lingers close to her ear as I encircle her in my arms.
“I’m not so sure if you can be anyone’s mistake, Cassandra. You are too remarkable, too unique to be a lapse of judgment. Logan Cade saw you for who you are and seized his gem before anyone could steal it from under his nose.”
She jumps to her feet, but I catch her wrist and rise. I can’t bear her anguish.
“Once, you gave me a warning. Today I guess it’s my turn.” She fastens her tearful gaze on me. “Men fall for me, Mark, and then I break them. Bad things happen to those who dare to love me. Don’t let this shell fool you. The more you look at it, the more you’re tempted to save me, the less chance you have to survive it.”
We’re more alike than I thought.
Unable to stop myself, I brush away hair from her wet cheeks. Deep voids look back at me as I search her gaze for the light that disappeared once I mentioned the past. She’s struggling with her fears and perceptions just like me. It must be tormenting to believe loving her is lethal as if she’s the reason for all the loss and devastation.
I know what you’re doing, but you’re wrong to think this will push me away. On the contrary, I want to get closer, to taste your fears, to see if I can make you braver and light you up like stars at night.
Instead, I tell her, meaning every word, “It’s too late. I’m already falling.”
She blinks, searching my gaze for the truth. I pull her closer.
“I’m waiting for you to stop fighting this.”
“And here I thought you were a smart man,” she utters, irritation crossing her features as she looks away from me, probably deliberating her escape. I touch her chin, bringing her face to me.
“Maybe I’m not, but I have seen evil and darkness like you’ve never imagined. And you are not it, sweetheart. No, you are fire, blazing with so much passion it’s capable of lighting the night.”
“You don’t know what you’re asking, what this decision might cost you.” She cups my face, trying to talk me out of this. I press my forehead to hers, watching each other and trying to decide what to do with our feelings. Will it be worth the pain to see where it might take us?
“Whenever I’m around you, I long for the things I thought I would never need or want.” It is not her beauty alone that draws me in, but her flaws and profound loneliness that are so familiar to me. “I can’t walk away from you. From us. I tried to ignore it. But it’s much stronger than me or my poor excuses.”
“Mark.” She smiles through the tears, shaking her head at me. “You’re a delusional fool if you think dating me is going to be easy.”
And I know I won’t be walking away from her even if her warning rings true. The family’s already playing their cards, but I might have an ace up my sleeve.
I envelop her wrist in mine and bring her scarred palm to my mouth. A surprised gasp leaves her lips as I kiss the wound. If this is what Logan saw, I know why he fell for her and risked his life for a fleeting moment of happiness. Because seeing that spark of joy in her sad soul is pure bliss. I could sip it from her plump lips for the rest of my life if she allowed me.
By the time the stewardess brings us food and coffee, our moods are lighter and the energy’s electric. Whatever General Abbas told her burrowed deep in her mind. But I won’t allow anyone to hurt her. I made a promise, and I will keep it.
“Let me take you on a date and prove to you how it could be.” My lips tug in a grin as I see her eyes sparkle. We both know she can’t deny me.
“No,” she simply states, sipping her coffee and closing her eyes in bliss.
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.
“And here I thought you wanted to take me to bed first,” I tease him back, needing a distraction right now. I grab a water glass from the table and chug the entire contents.
“Oh, we’re going to get there, but first I want to get to know you before eating my dessert,” he intimately breathes into my ear.
A knock sounds on the other side of my office door, and I stand to answer it. Smoothing out my hair and dress, I check my reflection in a window. When I open the door, I find Mark’s tall, well-built frame in a black suit propped against the wall, and his whiskey eyes blazing down at me with grasping intensity.
“Missed me?” He smiles, eyes ablaze, leisurely caressing my body as he disconnects the call. The raw sexual magnetism his lithe form emits should be illegal.
“Didn’t have time.” I force my shaking legs to move away from the entrance, putting an extra swing into my hips. His hot gaze burns through my clothes like a fire I can’t quench.
Before I can turn around to greet him, I feel his silent presence crowding me from behind. “You shouldn’t torment a hungry man, Lovebird.”
His sinful lips linger close to my jumping pulse and I’m tempted to melt into his muscular chest. I don’t need to wait long. His palms envelop my waist and pull me back to him. I gasp, tilting my head to the side to give him access.
“Maybe—” I swallow, my desire thick in my veins as his heat absorbs the rest of the world from my mind until nothing else matters. Or perhaps I’m done being afraid—“I’m the starved one who lured you in for a taste.”
Mark twirls me around, winding his fingers into my hair. Exhilaration fills me until I feel I might explode if he won’t touch me and release the pressure off my chest. His dilated irises lock on me, full of intense desire and intelligence.
“I bet you’d taste sweet like rapture.” A low, rasping sound rattles deep in his throat and makes me tremble as he claims my lips, stealing the air I need to breathe.
The energy like wildfire spreads through me as he devours my moans. I want to claw through the layers of his clothes to get to his skin and explore every inch of his maleness. My fingers dig into his scalp, hard enough to leave marks.
My tights clench as he hikes me up to the desk and wraps them around his waist. Desire spikes deep in my belly as I come in contact with his already steel hard cock.
I’m almost sure he can handle the dark weight of despair living inside of me and turn it into wild need, coursing like a stream of fire. My lungs are about to explode as his hands push my dress up my legs until his fingers graze the edge of my soaking panties.
“Have you ever experienced the thrill of being caught at work?”
“Mark, don’t.” But my voice sounds thick with need and my chest rises and falls fast as I think about his mouth on my center. “I can’t risk this job.”
A slow smile emerges on his handsome face, knowing I’m lying to myself.
“I’ll keep you safe.”
My traitorous heart skips a beat.
“Take a leap with me, Cassandra. Let me show you what else is out there.” Maybe I need him to erase all the logical thoughts torturing me, all the fears breaking me, more than keeping my modesty.
“Don’t let me crash.”
“I’ll catch you.” His fingers trace my bottom lip. “Hold on to the desk.”
At his sensual command, my pussy thrums with acute lust like it has a pulse of its own. My teeth rake my swollen lip as he kneels in front of me and pulls my legs until I hover on the edge. Mark’s hands hook around my lacy underwear and pull them down my legs as soon as I spread them. His gaze, like a predator’s, locks on me, holding me prisoner far better than any chains ever could. Once he removes my panties, he shoves them in his pocket, smirking at my flaming cheeks.
“Those are mine,” I protest, afraid he might not return them.
“You won’t need them,” he declares and then grasps my legs, spreading them wide until his mouth aligns with my pussy. “Fuck, you’re soaking, baby.”
And just like that he dives straight for my clit, sucking, kissing, and nibbling to the maddening peak. My throat feels raw from the pleasure zinging through my body. His groans vibrate through me.
Star constellations explode under my eyes as my greedy fingers coil in his hair, guiding his mouth until every last bit of my orgasm subdues, leaving me sated.
My back hits the desk as I try to catch my breath. Mark’s teeth rub my clit, and I almost come off the table from how sensitive it is.
“Mark, don’t . . . I can’t anymore.” But my words fade as his two fingers thrust into my wet channel, filling me.
I arch my back, tempted to weep with how incredible he makes me feel. My body trembles, and whimpers of pleasure leave my throat.
A new orgasm slams into me without warning like a potent tsunami washing over me. Unable to tame myself, I cry out Mark’s name as I come, loud enough for Robert to hear. After it subdues, Mark straightens my clothes, smooths out my hair, and cradles me in his embrace. His features are sharp with possessiveness as he claims my lips with a kiss full of erotic promise.
“I told you I keep my promises, Cassandra.”
I chuckle, biting his lip in a warning and soothing it with my tongue.
“You also promised to wine and dine me before eating your dessert,” I breathe out.
“Does this mean we aren’t going on a date since we broke the rules?” He strokes my cheek, concerned I might back down, and pulls me on my shaky feet.
“We crossed the line. If you fire me for seducing you, I should use all the p
ros of dating a man in charge before leaving.”
“No, my little rebel, you’re not leaving. Besides, you should enjoy everything life has to offer and kick it in the balls while doing it.” He leans to kiss me, holding me like he’s protecting me from what’s to come. “You should know I don’t share my personal life with the press or my employees. If we hit the wall, we’re going to make the entrance. Otherwise, I’m not obligated to explain my dating life to anyone. Does it bother you?”
“Not at all. I’m a private person too.”
“Then it’s decided. I’ll pick you up after work.”
I nod, but he lingers, holding me in his embrace for a moment longer, and then captures my lips in a soothing kiss before leaving me alone.
Just like that, we both punched our penalty card without the knowledge of what this decision will cost us. But as my scent of arousal lingers in the room, I’m less concerned about the indecent behavior but more about my family’s reaction. They won’t let it stand.
My phone rings, jerking me from my thoughts. “Cassandra . . .”
“We have a situation.” My sister's voice sounds panicked.
“What’s happening?” I ask while sorting through the emails to save time.
“Helen Cade’s happening.”
I freeze, waiting for her to explain.
“They’re coming to London and planning to stay over. Guess where they’re camping.”
No. My eyebrows touch my hairline as I breathe out horrified, “No.”
“Yep, you guessed it right, your house!”
“Are you sure they own a residence not far from us?”
“I spoke with Helen herself, so yeah, I’m sure. Get ready, you got seventy-two hours before her plane touches the ground. She either sensed you got a job at the publishing house or that I left my sweet angel with her son to work at mine. We both are screwed!”
“Dammit, her timing sucks.” I chew my lip, pondering my choices. “Aisha, I need to ask you a favor.” I shut my eyes.
“I’m listening.”
Tangled IN LIES (Book#3, IN YOU) Page 11
