The Scent of Her

CASSIAN'S POV

I tell myself it’s just another morning, but my body knows better.

The sheets are cold, but I smell her everywhere —soft notes of jasmine and vanilla sitting sweet on my tongue.

I had my night all planned out. When I saw her leaning over that hood drenched in the rain, I couldn't help it.

So I brought her home. Now I have a head full of headache and regret.

I knew I was hooked from the moment she got in my car. I just didn't realise how hellbound I was.

Now I'm sitting up in bed and staring at the bathroom door, every nerve itching to join her.

The shower runs steady. Soft sunlight streaks through the window, and I'm sitting there confused.

What should I do now? Should I make her breakfast? Who am I kidding? I can't even cook.

I’m halfway to convincing myself last night didn’t happen when a dull thud breaks the quiet.

It echoes again. Downstairs. My eyes dart to the bathroom door as I cross to the door.

If Nina is in there, who is downstairs?

My father.

Alexander Cross. My heart drops when I see him standing in the foyer, muttering to himself.

My gut twists, but I steel myself and hurry down to meet him.

“Dad…What a pleasant surprise.”

“Do you know what time it is?” He whispers harshly.

“Time to get my ass up out of here?”

“Exactly. You're late. I'm done covering for you. Get to the meeting. Now.”

My mind fogs. What meeting?

My pulse hammers. His eyes rake over me, jaw ticking.

“You look a mess. What the hell happened here?” he brushes past me.

My chest tightens. He can't be in here, strutting around like he owns the place.

He holds up a glass with a lipstick stain on it.

Nina…

“You have company?”

I move quickly, snatching the glass from his grip.

“None of your business. You can leave now. I'll be there in ten.”

His eyes narrow to slits. Something glints on the counter. A ring.

I palm it before he notices, shoving it in my pocket.

His brows furrow.

“That better be Sloane's ring or I swear to God…”

I feel the colour draining from my face. Sloane. My betrothed.

“I’m not discussing my personal life with you.” My voice hardens.

He advances on me, eyes flashing.

“You better count your words, boy. And get your act together. I'm not losing my company because you can't keep it in your pants.”

“That’s rich—coming from you, of all people.” My jaw grits.

“Are you itching for a beating? You must be, talking all smart.”

“I bet your new whore would pay to watch that.” I spit, fists clenched hard.

His eyes widen. The air stills, tension stretching thin.

In a flash, his hand whips through the air. I catch it midair. The hairs on my neck stand on end. My nails sink into his wrist as I tighten my grip.

He wrestles free, wincing.

“Someone thinks he's all grown up now.” He glares at me.

“You can't hit me. Not anymore.” Rage boils in my chest, lacing every word.

“You're still that little boy I put in the trash can. You're nothing without me. Remember that when you're living in this mansion and spending my money!”

“Your money?” My voice cracks. “I worked hard to get where I am today. You never gave me shit!”

“But it's my company, isn't it? You've got such a smart mouth, but your memory gets selective when it comes to how your freaking bills were paid!” He chuckles, rubbing his wrist.

“Sometimes I think it was a mistake. I mean…look at you! You can't do anything right. I made you CEO and you cannot be bothered to show up early for one goddamn meeting. I drive all the way here to see you entertaining some…”

“Don't. Leave her out of this.” My jaw grits. I hate that his words still get to me, but I won't let him drag Nina into my mess.

My eyes dart to the staircase. Big mistake.

“She can hear us, can't she?” His voice lowers.

He moves before I can react.

“Dad, stop!” I move to block him.

“Get out of the way, boy.” He seethes.

“It's Cassian to you. And I'm not letting you spread your poison in MY HOUSE!” If he's asking for a fight, I just might be in the mood.

Something dark crosses his face, but he steps back with a smile.

“Okay then.” He flashes his palms. “It's your life. Ruin it how you see fit. But I won't let you sink my company. Be there in five minutes, or you're out. Don't you dare test me.”

Relief washes over me when his back turns. My shoulders sag at my sides.

I trail behind him to the door. He halts and whirls around.

“Lest I forget, my wedding is this weekend. You will show up with a fat smile on your face and Sloane by your side. If you disobey me, let's just say you'll hate me even more.” A smile tugs at his lips, making my skin crawl.

Then he's gone. I press my forehead to the door, waiting until the hum of his car disappears down the driveway.

Of course he's getting remarried. Anything but actually fixing what he broke with mom. Anything but actually being a good father.

How did he even get in? I need to change my damn locks. Again.

I straighten up, but the yawning hole in my chest spreads even wider. Conversations with that bastard always leave me so drained. So damn hollow.

I can't think about that now. I can't think about Sloane or her father's dubious deal.

I've got…five minutes. Five minutes to get Nina out the house. Maybe I should leave her here…

I bound up the stairs, hoping she didn't overhear my pretty exchange with my dad.

But as I near the bedroom door, something doesn't feel right. I peek inside. It's still empty.

The shower still runs steadily, but when I knock, there's no answer.

Sweat mats my forehead. I push the door open.

She's not here.

My pulse rises. Where could she possibly be?

I call out her name. Silence echoes back to me.

Then I see something.

A note stuck to the bedside table.

I rip it off, reading the words with mounting dread.

“I’m sorry. I'll give it back. Xoxo.”

My brows furrow. Give what back? Where the hell is she?

It better not be what I'm thinking.

I race downstairs, heart pounding. The front door swings open. Gravel digs into my bare feet. Cold air snakes up my spine.

I stumble into the driveway, eyes raking over my cars. The gaping space beside my Ferrari confirms it.

My Range Rover is gone. She fucking stole it.

That little thief. And I still want her?