Chapter 11

Cassian’s POV 

 I walked Drasa into my building even though she had refused to follow me. But I tricked her, told her the street was dangerous, exaggerated threats that didn’t even exist

I knew she didn’t want to come with me, but I found a way to get my words stuck in her senses.

She stepped inside the house. Her eyes scanned every corner before darting back to me. I could tell she had something to say, but she swallowed hard instead.

I guided her to the couch and let her sit down. I wanted to ask what she was doing in that place where I found her… but I decided to let it go.

Without a word, I rushed upstairs to get her some clothes. The ones she had on were soaked, especially on the arms.

I searched through my closet and pulled out a large black top. I stared at it for a moment, wondering what she’d say if I gave it to her.

I knew she’d probably refuse, but I was ready to try and change her mind.

I walked back to the living room and found her standing by the window. My eyes were drawn to her silhouette — the shape of her back, the curve of her waist. I don’t know why I suddenly noticed her body like that.

She looked like a goddess.

I shook my head, confused. This wasn’t like me. I didn’t usually fantasize over women, but here I was — over-caring, even though it was obvious she didn’t want me near her.

Still, I wasn’t ready to let go. Not until I figured out why I felt so different whenever I was near her.

I cleared my throat, catching her attention. Her head snapped toward me.

She took a step back, her hands trembling at her sides.

“You’re here,” she muttered, walking over to sit down.

“Yeah. I got you something to change into.” I stretched the shirt toward her.

Her eyes shifted to the fabric, and she swallowed hard. Clearly surprised. Maybe especially coming from someone like me.

“Why would I need to change into your clothes?” she raised an eyebrow.

“Because yours are damp,” I smiled.

She looked down at herself like she just realized I was right.

“Oh… I’m fine. I’ll be going home soon anyway,” her voice faltered.

“You’re planning to leave even with the rain pouring like this?” I gestured toward the window.

“The rain will stop soon.”

“Says who?”

“Me,” she murmured. “At least when we were coming, it stopped for a while.”

She had a point. But how sure could she be that it’d stop again?

I didn’t want to press further. Instead, I stepped forward, grabbed her wrist, and gently pulled her up. Her chest bumped against mine and her eyes widened.

I hadn’t meant for it to end like this… but I didn’t regret it. I could hear her heart pounding faster by the second. Her body stiffened.

“Just change into it,” I said quietly.

As if my words snapped her back to reality, she stepped back and took the shirt from me.

“I’ll change now.” I nodded, expecting her to head upstairs, but she raised her arms, ready to undress right there.

I quickly turned around. “Don’t do that here,” I muttered under my breath. But I was sure she heard, because she gasped — probably realizing her mistake.

“Follow me,” I said and walked upstairs. She followed immediately.

The silence between us was heavy, awkward. I could barely stop myself from screaming.

Why didn’t I just let her undress in front of me?

God, I messed up.

We got to my room. I opened the door and gestured for her to go in. She stepped inside, and as soon as she did, I shut the door and bolted up the stairs.

I gasped for air, clutching my chest like it would help steady my racing heart.

It took over three minutes for me to get myself together.

I walked to the kitchen and started making her a hot cup of tea.

I was in the middle of it when I heard footsteps. I looked up and saw Drasa coming down the stairs.

The top I gave her barely covered her thighs. Her hair was tied up messily, and for a few moments, her eyes locked onto mine. Then she looked away.

I cleared my throat, reminding myself not to devour her with my eyes.

She walked toward me and leaned against the counter, her fingers resting near the shelf while her eyes fixed on the teacup.

I had made the tea for her — but just looking at her made me forget everything I intended to do.

“You’re staring,” she whispered, but it was enough to snap me back.

“I made this for you,” I said, handing her the cup.

She hesitated for a moment before clasping it.

“Thank you,” she said, giving me a half-smile.

I led her back to the living room. I watched her sip the tea, the movement of her throat somehow in sync with the rhythm of my own breathing.

When she finished, she placed the cup on the center table and began fidgeting with her fingers.

“So…” she started, and I raised an eyebrow, waiting. “About the relationship…”

Her words drew me closer, piquing my interest. What did she have to say?

“Can you stop talking about it?”

What? That’s it? Just when I thought she was finally opening up…

“No. I can’t stop talking about it,” I replied, holding her gaze firmly.

“But why?”

“I don’t know,” I said honestly. I just… I feel different whenever I’m around her. I’ve never really been interested in girls. But this—this is different.

She stared at me, confused.

“But I know one thing,” I continued, “I want you to be my girlfriend.”

I smiled and reached for her hand, but she pulled back.

“I’m not asking for anything official,” I added quickly, standing to my feet. “Just be my acting girlfriend for now. It’ll help you too. No more bullies if you agree to be mine.”

I walked over to the window and stared at the dark sky.

“I’ve never been bullied,” she said softly behind me.

I turned back and met her eyes. “Are you sure?” I asked, watching her swallow hard as her gaze flickered away.

“You sure you don’t want to be my girlfriend?” I stepped toward her again, closing the distance. My hands landed on either side of her.

“O-of course I’m sure…” her voice trembled.

I stared at her, then gently grabbed her wrist and pulled her to her feet. One hand held her waist, the other stayed on her wrist.

“Are you really sure you don’t want to be my acting girlfriend?” I moved my face closer to hers. Her breath warmed my face, but I didn’t care. I was sure mine touched hers too.

I could hear her heartbeat thundering, her body trembling. She swallowed hard. Her eyes locked onto mine.

“Even when your heart beats like this… You still don’t want to be mine?”

“I… I… I’m scared…” That’s all she said. I could hear the fear in her voice. I could feel it.

“You don’t have to be,” I replied softly. “Just say yes. Be my girlfriend, and I’ll be your protector.”