Chapter One

CASSY

As usual, the entire mansion felt quiet after that mini party my father just threw. Except for the pitter, patter and rumbling of the rain in the distance. It might have been mini but gosh was it so damn loud. I couldn't get a thought straight near that hall every time I neared it.

I was used to how silent the night gets, now getting out of it was a bit difficult whenever he held events. Well, it will happen when you live on a huge stretch of land with nobody around for what feels like miles. It would be hell for anyone but I barely am alone except for when I'm in the bathroom and my bedroom. Tch. Typical lifestyle.

It annoys me everytime. But it didn't stop me from sneaking a few drinks during the party. I feel warm and happy. I haven't felt this way since forever. I've never even had a taste of alcohol before I got here and now, sneaking it once in a while makes me a bit free.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. Well, I am. A lot of girls would die to be in my shoes. I mean, waking up on the day of my finals, stepping out of exam hall after being attacked and whisked away by my “father” that same day.

I always lived a normal life in Manhattan with my mother. I finished high school quite earlier than everyone else, finishing college before twenty. Mum wasn't poor, she was well off and worked to take care of me and pay my bills. Father sent her a lot of money which I wasn't told about but I see the receipts everytime. She spent it lavishly but not before she settled me.

I didn't grow up lacking a thing. Well, except my father whom she told me was busy traveling the world to even visit us. I never asked a question about him and just focused on my growth till I lost my mother a few days before my finals. I haven't recovered from it when my head was almost blown off by some shady dudes but luckily, my “father” came down to Manhattan himself to save me. Before whisking me off to Russia where I've been with him for a year now.

Apparently, it got leaked to the underworld that he had a daughter from his mistress… my mother. I suspected they had something to do with my mother's early death even if she had a brain tumor before then. It couldn't have gotten worse, could it?

I always thought living with my rich father would make me any princess who had everything when I was a kid, but it was a funking pain in the neck. A princess had to be guarded tightly around the neck even when she's alone.

And here I was, seated on the balcony, staring at the rain pitter and patter against the glass coverage walls with my bodyguard seated there, a book in hand. I don't know his problem. I know from his attitude that he wasn't happy to “babysit” a twenty year old, but he could have just ended his contract.

He never paid me a single attention and was always reading but strangely, he was always alert. I was the abomination he must never look at. And it made my blood boil. But not for long though. Because every time I set eyes on him, I melt. Drake was dressed in his usual style, black pants and black body hug shirt. One tight enough to outline every single one of the rippling muscles on his body.

What would he think when he knew of all the dark fantasies I've had about him? About ripping those shirts off and being tied with the pieces. Or having his veiny hands wrapping around my neck and those piercing gaze looking down on me.

“You'd catch a cold if you don't put a sweater on.” I said to him, turning my full attention to him.

He glanced up to finally look at me. His gray eyes pierced into mine from the other side of the balcony, before looking back down at his book. “Thank you very much for your care, my lady. I'm fine.”

Of course you're fine. And oh my goodness, that deep voice. Would it be bad to ask him to yell at me? Get a grip, Cassy. Don't act like a man hungry slut. Too late.

“But you'll catch a cold.” I pouted slightly.

He finally placed his book on his lap, removing his glasses as if to take a better look at me. Gosh, he looks so heavenly. “And why do you care?” He asked, his voice melting my insides.

I wished my body wouldn't get so hot and prickly from just hearing his voice. It was like his gaze was undressing me even if it did nothing of such. Oh goodness, I can't even remember how I went from resenting having him with me every fucking second now to craving his touch. Even if it was just once.

“I figured that shirt is too light to even keep you warm. Unless you wanna get sick. And you don't get days off do you?” I asked, staring at him intently and I could tell my eyes were taking him in more than before and I couldn't help it. I mean, you can't blame me.

I swung my feet off the sunbed, slipping it into my slippers as I walked in his direction. “Unless you'd prefer a hug. It'll be warmer than some extra layers of clothes.” I gave him a coy smile. Even though he tried so much to ignore me, I've noticed his glances from time to time. The way his eyes briefly sweep over me, especially when I step out of my room to peek downstairs through the windows in my bum shorts and singlets, or even panties at times. No man would ever resist a beauty like me.

“Or I could just give you my sweater.” I reached up to my neck, pulling down the zipper of my sweater. I saw the slight shift in difference in his face asI let it slip down my shoulders slightly, my tits staring at him as my nipples go hard from the soft breeze.

He can't pretend he isn't interested otherwise, why are his eyes glued to my tits. Yeah they were well proportioned but maybe more than others. I use a G cup but either way, no man wouldn't be drawn to it.

I don't know if it was the few drinks making me this bold or I've completely lost it.

“Don’t…”

“Come on, I'm a grown woman.” I said, slipping it off, leaning forward as I handed the sweater over to him with a slight smile. If father was to see us now, he wouldn't hesitate to kill me, maybe give Drake a much worse death.

But who cares. I'm not a kid or a teenager and sooner or later I'll have a man anyways so why not seduce the one in my fantasies. I was close enough to him and I could almost feel his hot breath on my skin. It wouldn't take him anything to lift his hands and roam them over my body.

He stood up abruptly, the ice in his eyes settling in more than before. I could literally feel the chill from him with his towering body over me.

“Get your clothes on.”