Chapter Twenty-three

“What the hell was that, Cassie?” Derek asked the supermodel after Rachel left. “What’s the meaning of that stunt you just pulled?”

“I don’t know what you are upset about,” said Cassie nonchalantly. “Weren’t you the one that invited me?”

“Again, that was last week,” said Derek with forced patience. “Besides, you should have called me before showing up here unannounced. Now see what you’ve caused.”

Cassie scoffed in disbelief. “Oh, please. Don’t tell me you’re pissed with me because of that baby elephant that just stormed out of here.”

Derek saw red. His face hardened and his hands clenched into fists. “Don’t you ever talk about Rachel in that manner again, do you hear me? Let this be the last time you refer to her as such.”

Cassie was shocked by Derek’s reaction. She took one step back, not out of fear, but from bewilderment at his response. “Good gracious, Derek. Calm down. Who is she by the way?”

“She’s none of your business,” he said dismissively. “You have to leave now.”

“Are you