Broken by Desire

by Dani René

  Slowly things were falling into place, but that didn’t explain how I have this love for Cassie that’s almost debilitating. “Luca, when you meet a girl that is meant to be with you, there is something in you that shifts. She was yours since you were thirteen. The same thing happened to me. I invited Cassie here because I wanted to see if she was your forever. The polar opposites. Summer and Winter. The fact that after seventeen years, you still love her is precedent enough.” My father was Cassie’s mom’s first love, but why the pendants?

  “I get that dad, but she was engaged before. She told me that her fiancé was killed the same night her parents were. So she didn’t love me in that first moment. And mom wasn’t a Winters? You loved Cassie’s mom?” My eyes fell on him, I needed answers. Now more than ever.

  “You were almost engaged to Sasha, you both moved through life and found your way to each other. Something I can’t explain. Your mom wasn’t a Winters. Cassie’s mom, she was my first love. I always found Deanna, no matter what, but we couldn’t be together. There were obstacles.” I let out a breath I wasn’t sure I was holding. This is like a fucking soap opera.

  “Well, she’s with Jayce now. She’s moved on.”

  “Do you believe that?” I think back to the little girl with the brown curls. How did I not recognize her? It’s so incredible that so many years later, she still has my complete attention.

  “I remember!” Looking up, I see the smile on my father’s face. I remember running after Cassie that day when we played in the park. She was giggling and teasing me about not being able to catch her. I did. After running around the park, I finally caught her. When I looked into her brown eyes, I knew that I one day I would marry her.

  “You will find your way together. Why not come for dinner? This weekend.” My father playing the match maker. It’s a role he enjoyed playing. I nod.

  “I will ask her.”

  When I drove away from my childhood home, I had a plan. There was hope. All I had to do was make sure Cassie wanted me back. That couldn’t be too difficult. Could it?

  Chapter 21

  Cassandra

  “Princess, we’re here.”

  I roll over to meet big blue eyes staring down at me.

  “What?” My voice is croaky. The dreams I had kept me tossing and turning, babies with olive and blue eyes. They seemed to fuse in my mind and I was exhausted.

  “Come darling, we’ve landed in Cancun.” Jayce lifted me off the bed and carried me to the main part of the plane. Once he set me on my feet, I gathered my bag, phone, and laptop. His hand found mine as we disembarked the jet.

  “Ms. Winters,” Robert opened the back door for me and I slipped into the bench seat. He offered me a melancholy glance, and I realized that he learned about Lucien and I. So much had happened, I didn’t think about Robert. Lucien and I hadn’t been together for three weeks and he must have noticed it. I decided to question him when we were alone.

  “Robert, where are we staying?” I called out to him when he slid into the driver’s seat. His eyes darted back to mine.

  “You have the club master suite at the Ritz, Ms. Winters.” His polite nod is quick, and I can tell he’s non too pleased about what’s happened. Then realization hits me. Lucien booked the hotel.

  “And Mr Alexander?” I look at him expectantly.

  “The room next to yours, Ms. Winters, likewise, a club master, with oceanfront views.” His grim nod shows he is finished speaking and I nod.

  “Thank you, Robert.” I sit back and pull my phone from my pocket. I scroll through messages from Kenna, my doctor, and I see one last name on the list that stops my heart for a few seconds. It’s from Lucien. I don’t open it. My decision not to read it tugs at me, but I lock my phone, and slide it into my bag. When I cut a glance over at Jayce, I notice he’s lost in the scenery and I am grateful he didn’t see Lucien’s name on my phone.

  Robert pulls up to the Ritz and opens my door. “Ms. Winters.” He gives me a curt greeting. At the trunk he helps to retrieve mine and Jayce’s luggage.

  “Thank you, Robert, I got it from here.” Jayce grabs our suitcases and we walk towards the entrance. “Come on, princess. Let’s get you to bed.” I cast a brief glance to Robert and I know he overheard Jayce’s comment. We step into the lobby of the hotel. An enormous crystal chandelier hangs from the high ceiling. The décor is beautiful, elegant, and the staff are immaculately dressed. I walk up to the front desk and the polished receptionist smiles.

  “Hello, we should have two bookings under the Verán Publications name.” She nods and turns her attention to the computer screen. A few taps on the keyboard, and she offers a glance to both Jayce and me.

  “Yes, I have two rooms reserved, with sea views. They’re both on the first floor. Breakfast is from 7 am and dinner is served from 7 pm. There are also private casitas along the beach. They’re charming, and you can watch the sunset from them if you’re so inclined.” Her gaze wanders over to Jayce. I am positive she’s struggling to determine if we’re together or not. Since we’re in different rooms, it’s evident we’re not. I cast a quick glance to Jayce, but he hasn’t even noticed her.

  “Thank you.” I snatch the keys from the desk and note the numbers. It seems they are next to each other. The concierge comes over to take our suitcases, but Jayce declines his offer.

  “I got this thank you.”

  We walk over to the elevator and I press the call button. “This place is incredible!” I glance over at Jayce and take in his naughty smirk. “What?”

  “We can have a secret tryst in one of the casitas.” He winks and the prospect of what he’s just proposed sends a pulse of need between my legs.

  “Jayce!” He shrugs as the doors of the elevator open. We step inside and I push the button for the first floor. There is no doubt, I am still owned. One man in this world owns me, and it’s not the one standing next to me right now. It’s the man that’s a few hundred miles away.

  “I wouldn’t mind taking you to my room right now and fucking you until we fall asleep.” Jayce rasps and the knot in my core tightens. The doors slide open and we make our way down the hall.

  “You’re very sure of yourself, Jayce.” He chuckles behind me. We stop outside my room and I hand Jayce’s key to him. I turn to unlock my door and step inside. Without a word Jay follows me inside and sets my suitcase down on the sofa in the living room. There’s a separate bedroom with en-suite bathroom.

  I stare out at the view from the living room. The ocean is black, and the sky is filled with stars. The full moon hangs low and I can see the waves crashing on the beach. “I don’t recall you complaining this passed weekend.” His voice at my ear sends a tingle down my spine. With my eyes closed I take in the sensation of his fingers trailing feather light touches from my shoulders down to my wrists.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I breathe, my voice is ragged.

  “You don’t?” There is amusement in his voice. “Should I jog your memory?” He moves my hair over my right shoulder, exposing the side of my neck to his mouth. His lips leave heated kisses on my skin. My body is on fire and the ache between my legs increases. His other hand snakes its way over my belly, pulling me back into his rock hard body. His arousal pressing into my ass. “Anything coming back to you yet?” His teeth tug at my sensitive earlobe.

  “No, not yet.” My voice barely audible. Goose bumps rise on my skin and I am trembling. His left hand moves down my belly, into the waistband of the sweatpants. I whimper when his fingers find the apex between my thighs. He moves them above my panties in small circles around the bundle of nerves, aching for release. The slow stroking movements send me spiraling with need. Lust. Desire.

  “What about now, princess?” His voice is dark, gravelly, and sends electricity skittering over my body. His right hand moves around to my breasts. With a rough tweak on my nipples, they pebble, pushing against the flimsy material of my tank top.

  “I…” My voice trails off as his fin
gers push my panties aside and slide along my slick sex.

  “I think your memory is coming back.” He plunges to fingers inside me. I cry out as pleasure rips through me and the smile on his lips is at my cheek. “Isn’t it, Cassie?” Jayce licks the sensitive skin behind my ear. “I asked you a question, princess?” His voice controlled, dangerous, causing my knees to buckle. The prospect of him taking me rough and hard made me tingle in all the right places.

  “Yes,” I murmur, barely recognizing my own voice. He had me at his mercy. When he pulls his fingers from my panties, it causes me to whimper at the empty feeling. I needed him. Craved for him to take the pain away, the ache of Lucien. “Please Jayce?” I plead. He knew what I needed, there wasn’t a question. Only Jayce could ease my pain, in the only way he knew how.

  As soon as he turns me around, he uses his wet fingers to trace the seam of my lips. With a naughty smirk on my face, I flick my tongue out to lick them and I taste my arousal. His eyes darken as he watches me. “Please what, Cassie?” He licks his index finger, savoring me. “Do you want this?” He grasps my wrist and places my hand on his rock hard erection. I nod. Thankfully I am standing against a desk, or I may have fallen over.

  He tugs my tank top, pulling it over my head. It finds a spot on the carpet next to us. With a rough tug of my sweatpants, he pulls them down and they pool at my feet. Jayce was still kneeling in front of me. “You smell so good.” The desire making his voice ragged. His index finger moves my panties aside, and his tongue flicks out, lapping at my soaked entrance. I grip his shoulders and moan his name. His fists grab my panties and rip them clean off. “Open for me,” I spread my legs, and Jayce licks into me, his tongue drives inside me and my knees wobble. When he rises, his mouth crashes onto mine, his tongue plunges into my mouth. When I suck his tongue into my mouth, a groan escapes his chest. I tug at his T-shirt and he breaks the kiss long enough to pull it off.

  My hands fumble with the button of his jeans. He smiles into the kiss and takes over from my shaky hands. When he steps back, his eyes meet mine. “I will make you forget.” His promise embraces me in a warmth I haven't felt since Lucien left. Did I want to forget? Was it really over with Lucien? Was this it? Cassie, you love Lucien! He is your soul mate! But, he doesn’t want me. Jayce does. My inner dialogue was furious.

  “I don’t want to forget.” The words were out of my mouth before I could think. Jayce froze, turning to me, he straightened. My eyes glance up, standing in front of me in his tight blue briefs. His solid body, sculpted abs, and beautiful v muscles sending desire coursing through me.

  “Then I will take your pain away. For now.” He pulls me into his arms and holds me, kissing the top of my head. “I am sorry Cassie, for taking advantage. I shouldn’t have.” The tension between us was palpable. I glance up at him, pulling his face to mine. His lips warmed me.

  “You didn’t take advantage, I did.” The need to put space between us grows and I step back. “I was using you to forget about him, but I can’t. You’re wonderful, Jayce.”

  “Cassie, I care about you and if offering you a few earth shattering orgasms will make you smile, then I am your man.” Our laughter echoes through the room. The smile on his face creases the edges of his cerulean eyes.

  “Earth shattering? So you’re willing to be my boy toy?” I ask amused at the turn this conversation has taken. It’s no joke, what I am asking him, but this man in front of me is offering me a way out. I will be a fucking idiot if I don’t grab it with both hands. So there, in that heated moment. I do.

  “Any day, princess.” Within seconds he’s scooping me up in his arms, he walks into the bedroom and lays me down. “Now will you let me pleasure you?” How can I refuse an offer like that?

  “Jayce,” I mumble. He’s hovering over me, leaning on his elbows. His steel erection pressing between my legs. My hips buck to meet his as I shamelessly grind myself on him. The release I need turning me into a wanton woman writhing below him.

  Jayce kneels between my legs and tugs his briefs down. His impressive cock springing free. With a smirk on his lips, he grabs the foil wrapper, but I stop him. “It’s okay. I’m…” My cheeks heat in embarrassment. Why? I don’t know. He smiles and nods. A soft whoosh interrupts us as he drops the condom on the floor. Not wasting a moment. His eyes lock on mine as he lowers himself over me again. The head of his cock teasing me. As I reach between us and position him at my slick folds, his hips buck involuntarily.

  “Tell me what you want, Cassie?”

  I peer up into his eyes. “I want you to fuck my pain away.” He slams into me. I cry out as the pain sends pleasure ripping through me. He pulls almost all the way out and slams back into me. My nails dig into his back, my heels pushing his toned ass, trying to draw him in deeper. My back arches as he continues to slam into me. Harder and deeper. There was never a doubt that we were making love, this was pure, dirty fucking.

  His mouth on my sensitive nipples, flicking his tongue in tiny circles. He sucks one into his mouth, biting down sending jolts of pleasure through me. When he releases the one he turns his attention to the other. “You are fucking gorgeous.” His hoarse whisper in my ear. “I will fuck the pleasure straight from your core.” His words taking me into a pleasurable delirium. Nothing outside this room matters. My pussy clenches around him. His dirty words taking me to the edge of my release. “Let go of your pain, princess. Let go!” He growls in my ear, as an earth shattering orgasm rips from my very core, just as he promised. “That’s it, more, give me more!” I cry out so loud, without a doubt the whole of Cancun heard me. He continues to roll his hips, plunging into me, riding my orgasm. Waves of pleasure wash over me, but Jayce is relentless, pulling every ounce of pleasure from me as a second orgasm shudders through me. Another two thrusts and his own release is filling me. His body tenses above me, and he slows. “Fuck me.” He breathes, he’s as exhausted as I am.

  I open my eyes and find him watching me. “Wasn’t that what we just did?” I giggle.

  “Yea, I guess it was.” He slips out of me slowly and I wince. “Did I hurt you?”

  Shaking my head. “No, you were…” I am not sure how to describe what just happened but it was absolutely incredible. As always the pain is gone. For now.

  “So were you.” He gives me a swift kiss. “Can I stay the night?” He smirks.

  “I expected you would.” He settles back and tugs me into him. My eyes close and sleep takes me over. That night, there weren’t any babies, no pain and no memories. To be honest, that night, I dreamed that Lucien came back, he asked me to marry him. Even laying in someone else’s arms I couldn’t stop Lucien being there. Was I the ultimate bitch? Maybe, but I was a woman who had found her soul mate and couldn’t let go. Have you ever loved someone so much that when they walked out the room, you felt like your breath was gone? Do you know the feeling of watching someone you love walk away and it feels like they had ripped out your heart and soul and left you gaping with pain? Yea, now you know how it feels.

  Lucien

  As soon as I get home, I grab my new phone and text Cassie. We need to talk when she’s back. I am giving her this week, she’s working, but when she’s back I am not letting her out of my sight. As soon as I have sent the message to her, I send one to Jayce.

  * I suggest you keep your hands off my girl. I am fighting for her. *

  When I sit back, a smirk slowly curving my lips. She will not let me win easily. I expect a challenge, and I don’t doubt we will have a huge fight, but she will submit to me. That is one thing I will make sure of. I walk over to my bar and pour myself a double whiskey. This is cause for celebration. I will get her back. Jayce’s reply comes moments later.

  * Maybe she doesn’t want you back. Have you thought of that? *

  He knows better than to fuck with me. I am not in the mood for his shit. When I hit the call button, he answers on the second ring. “Luke.” Him using my nickname irks me even more. My blood is at boiling point.

  “Jay
, what was that message about?”

  “I was just saying man. If she’s moved on, are you going to force her to go back to you?”

  “What are you saying? She wants you?” My laugh is deep. He’s toying with me; I can hear it in his voice. There’s years of understanding between us.

  “I am saying, you can’t force her to do anything she doesn’t want to.” When I nod, I realize he can’t see me so my reply is a low growl.

  “She wants me. Look into those dark brown eyes the next time you’re with her, or better yet, look into her eyes when you’re touching her, when you’re deep inside her and tell me she doesn’t love me.” He is silent for such a long time; I think the line cut out. When I hear him sigh, I realize he is still there. He knows I am right. It doesn’t matter that they’ve fucked. That’s all it was and will ever be.

  “Yes, she loves you. More than you’re worthy of, but let me get one thing out. If she wants me while we’re here. I will give her what she wants.” It’s a threat. Not one to annoy me, but one to make me want to smash his face into a wall.

  “The only time she will ever beg for your cock is if I tell her to and you know that will never happen, even when I am dead.” I hang up before I say something I will regret. What the fuck is wrong with Jayce? He needs to get the fuck away from my girl. I scroll down my screen and hit the call button again.