003

Cassandra’s POV

“What? Suddenly not bold anymore?” he asked as his palm landed on my ass. The sharp sting made me shiver, and I shot up from his thigh.

God. No matter how much my body reacted, this was wrong. I couldn’t just fall apart and jump on another man because Nicholas had sold me short. That wasn’t me. Or at least…it wasn’t supposed to be.

“I’m sorry, Sir. I don’t mean to lead you on, but..” My words caught when I noticed his eyes fixed shamelessly on my breasts. Heat rushed to my cheeks as I scrambled for my dress.

Pervert.

“But I can’t go through with this,” I added, clutching the dress to my chest. I expected him to snap or force me, but instead he leaned back, lighting another cigar.

“I know,” he said easily. “You look like the kind of girl who’d moan her ex’s name if we fucked. And I don’t want that.”

His words sliced through me. So raw. So unfiltered. A part of me wanted to laugh, wasn’t he too old to be this blunt? But the joke was on me.

Because he was right.

If it weren’t for Nicholas, I’d probably be crying this man’s name right now. His touch was right. His timing was all wrong. And deep down, I knew revenge sex wasn’t enough. Nicholas deserved far worse than being replaced in bed..he deserved to be ruined.

“Maybe another time,” I muttered.

He chuckled low in his throat. “Is that a promise?”

The smirk on his lips sent a shiver spiraling through me. My thighs pressed together instinctively, trying to ease the ache building between them. What if he hadn’t stopped? What if he hadn’t listened? I hated myself for knowing the truth, I wouldn’t have resisted. I would’ve let him ruin me all night long.

“A promise? Maybe. I can treat you to a meal or..”

He chuckled, and my breath stuttered, betraying me.

“A meal?” His voice rasped like smoke. “Maybe if you’re the meal. I already had the appetizer, didn’t I? The full course only makes sense.”

My pulse thundered as his gaze lingered on my thighs, I hadn't properly worn my dress, and my skin flushed because of his gaze. 

“Perhaps,” I forced out. “But even if I were served, I wouldn’t be appetizing.”

“Trust me,” he said, rising to his feet, unbuttoning his shirt slowly, deliberately. “A table with you wouldn’t be boring. And I don’t waste food.”

His words branded me. And then he pulled off his shirt, and my throat dried. His abs were a map of sin perfectly cut, every muscle lined like it had been carved with intention.

“I’ll shower before bed,” he murmured, turning. My eyes caught the tattoo etched across his broad back. Bold. Intricate. Dangerous. My fingers twitched with the reckless urge to trace it, to dig my nails into him while I moan under..

“Oh my God.” I clapped a hand over my face. What was I thinking?

Stay focused, Cassandra. Survive the night. That’s all.

“Thanks for accommodating me,” I mumbled later, when morning finally came, my voice too shaky to hide it. “And sorry I was such a nuisance.”

“Nuisance?” His brows lifted as he slipped his coat over my shoulders. His scent wrapped me instantly tobacco smoke, warmth, and something darker I couldn’t name. My heart betrayed me, pounding at his nearness.

“If you feel guilty,” he murmured, standing close enough that the air stilled, “you can make it up to me next time we meet.”

“There won’t be a next time,” I said quickly, though my lips almost trembled about the lie.

His smile was infuriating. “There will. That’s a promise. And when we do, be ready to be served.” He caught my hand, brushing his lips across my knuckles. My chest tightened, and my pulse leapt dangerously high.

Who raised this fine man?

“Before you go, one thing.” His eyes softened. “It’s not my place, but…a man who loves you would never put a price tag on you.”

The words knocked something loose in me. “Thank you,” I whispered.

I left before my legs could betray me, but outside, my world crashed back in as I saw him.

Nicholas.

The bastard was pacing by the entrance, muttering to himself. The sight of him lit something ugly in me, and my lips curled into a smile that wasn’t a smile at all.

“Nicholas,” I called sweetly. He turned, relief flooding his face.

“Sandra, I’ve been..”

Before he could finish, I grabbed his hair and yanked it hard.

“You piece of trash!” I roared, clawing at him while he squirmed, only stopping when security pried me off.

“You jerk! Devil reincarnation! Shit of a man!” The words tore from me like blood from a wound.

Nicholas stuttered, “I’m sorry, babe, I don’t know what came over me..”

“Don’t you dare!” My chest heaved. My heart was breaking and boiling all at once. “We’re done, Nicholas. I don’t ever want to touch the filth you’ve become!”

I turned on my heel, ignoring his pleas, ignoring the tears burning my eyes.

That morning I ended two things: the relationship that had swallowed my youth, and the spark that had almost begun with a stranger.

I told myself I was leaving both behind in that hotel room.

But I didn't know better.