Cassie’s POVShock ran through me, taking my breath away when I gazed into the cold, hard eyes of Andrew. My best friend, the man with whom I had been so trusting, stood next to Claire, a gun steadily aimed at Jeffery and me."Why, Andrew?" A shock laced my words, ringing through each syllable. My thudding heart hit my chest hard, fear writhing through each nerve.Andrew's lips twisted into a cold smile. You never underestimated what I wanted, Cassie. Edward's wealth bought something greater than loyalty—freedom. Friendship could not buy that.Jeffrey's big frame shifted slightly, standing squarely in front of me in the path of perceived danger. Determination oozed from him, his broad, brawny back tensing through his skimpy gown."You're lying, Andrew," sneered Jeffery, his artificially even tone in the presence of danger. "Edward's words are empty. He'll use you and discard you,"Andrew's smile flickered momentarily before his jaw clenched obstinately. "I know what I'm doing. It is t
Jeffery’s POVSunlight filtered through the hospital's windows, illuminating her reclining form in a warm, golden glow. I froze, my own gaze fixed upon her, amazed at how the soft morning sun brought forth each luscious curve of her complete, sensual form. Her dark hair fell down her shoulder in a tumble, framing her face in a halo. Her lips were slightly open even in slumber, inviting and tempting, stirring hunger in the depths of myself.My chest throbbed where the bullet hit it, a searing pain slicing through me in shock at losing her. Cassie had been what had motivated me to fight, to want to continue living. My gaze roamed over the entire shape of her figure under the level sheet, a sense of gratitude welling in my chest. She had granted me a second chance—her bravery had been something that had never previously been a part of my life.She shifted, opening her eyelids. Her dark eyes met mine, sparkling in that moment as she did so, relief and warmth crossing her face."Jeffery,"
Cassie’s POVThe smell of antiseptic and the whir of machinery awakened me from fitful sleep. My heart leaped, and my eyes snapped open in an instant, taking in the room in a single flicker to see the dark outline of the lifeless body of Jeffery in the next bed.Larger-than-life-size Jeffery, whose big personality had long kept me in check—now appeared frail, almost ready to shatter. Tubing encircled his massive biceps, monitors ticked off in time, reporting each reassuring beat that let me know he was still with me.I traced the sharp edge of his chiseled jawline, taking in the heat of his skin against my fingertips. Pale but still beautiful—firm, stoic, achingly handsome. Tears perched on the borders of my eyelashes, but I brutally suppressed them."Don't go," I trembled, my voice barely a whisper. "I just can't make it without you, Jeffery."I was jolted back to the real world by the sound of a soft knock on the door. Andrew stood awkwardly in the doorway, a worried expression on h
Cassie’s POVI was drawn into the warmth and stiffness of Jeffrey's chest as his firm arms were around my waist. My own dread, relief, and unwavering love were reflected by the rhythm of his thudding heart as it pounded against my hand. Having been beaten and bruised as he stood, I needed his body to shield me, stabilize my breathing, and keep my feet steady during the violent storms.He touched my cheek with his fingers, his dark green irises gleaming with desperate hunger. I spent some time immersed in their depths, defenseless but safe in his embrace.His dark green irises were glowing with intense need as he clasped my cheek in his fingers. For a while, helpless yet secure in the protection of his arms, I was lost in their depths."Cassie," he said in a raspy voice that cracked, his tone full of an emotion he had been fighting so hard to keep to himself."Cassie," his rough voice cracked, his tone full of an emotion he had struggled so much to suppress.I shook my head weakly, and
Jeffery’s POVThe flash of the black car disappearing into the night made my own heart tremble, as though it were being ripped out of my life and Cassie was taken away. The lines on her beautiful, expressive face brutally ridiculed her unconditional bravery and devotion. As Cassie's entire body, so delicate and wild in its sensuality, tore itself from my arms, I felt empty and angry.My entire body shook with anger that I had repressed. I yelled her name in a hoarse, screechy voice, my hands gripping so firmly that my knuckles turned white. I felt like acid running through my body from the inside out as a result of Miranda's betrayal. When I witnessed Cassie's beautiful figure being savagely wrenched from under my protective arms, together with her strong but terrified face, I was half-mad."Cassie!" I screamed once more, my voice resonating hollowly in the darkness.With my muscles failing me, I collapsed to the damp, chilly ground, trembling violently in my chest. I had vowed to kee
Cassie’s POVWith the moon's dim lights peeking through the leaves above, darkness engulfed us like a shroud as we ventured into the dense woodland. Jeffery's fingers closed firmly around mine, pulling seductively as his big body moved over the tangled underbrush with ease and without hesitation. The only solace amid our despair was the solid pressure of his broad shoulders and the comforting stretch of muscles beneath the ripped cloth.Fear and adrenaline hammered at my chest, causing me to pant and gasp with short, desperate breaths. The ruthless reminder of Edward's relentless pursuit was the screaming that cut through the atmosphere behind us. Friends and adversaries had the same face, and the world was suddenly suspicious. My conscience was plagued with mistrust following Andrew's death, which paralyzed my entire being. Jeffery was the only constant in the chaos, so I clung to him.Jeffery abruptly halted and quickly dragged me around behind the enormous fallen tree trunk. The en