Chapter 10: Blood in the VIP  

Everything seemed to freeze.  

The beating of my heart echoed in my ears, and my legs trembled. Harry released me, and I fell to the floor, my eyes fixed on the scene before me as I tried to process what was happening. A murder had just taken place right in front of me, in a crowded club.  

I glanced at the door, expecting someone to come check, but nothing happened.  

The man, on his knees, fell backward, trembling, his pants growing wet.  

“Did you really think I wouldn’t find out about your schemes?” Cassian approached the man, who tried to crawl away but was stopped by Cassian’s men. “Take him away.”  

Both the man and the body were removed from the room, leaving only one guest still seated, paralyzed. The man’s face was pale, and he gripped his knees with his hands. Cassian holstered his gun, sitting back in his armchair.  

“I must congratulate you on your promotion.” The man looked shocked. “I hope we won’t have similar issues, Thomas, and that everything will be resolved as quickly as possible.”  

“Yes, Boss,” the man quickly replied, lowering his head.  

“Now that we’ve addressed the main problem, let’s make it clear how things should operate under your management. First, you will stop the drug sales within the club, as well as the forced prostitution. If they wish to continue, offer them the security they need. It’s their choice.”  

I never imagined I’d hear something like that from a mobster. I always thought the bulk of these groups’ profits came from the sale and distribution of illicit goods, as well as sexual exploitation, but Cassian was clearly going against those practices.  

Cassian and Thomas talked for a few more minutes, though it felt like hours. During that time, I composed myself, calming my heart and setting a rule in my mind: I must never get more involved with Cassian or anything related to the mafia than absolutely necessary.  

“I’ll handle everything, Boss. You don’t need to worry. My loyalty is fully with you.” Cassian smiled coldly as the man seemed to gain a bit more confidence after their tense conversation.  

“We’re done. My lieutenant will take you to the club for a more relaxed moment.”  

With a snap of his fingers, Harry stepped forward, gesturing for the man to leave the room. I was ready to follow them and catch my breath, but the sound of the door locking put me on edge.  

“I don’t recall dismissing you, little squirrel,” Cassian said. I turned, and he raised his empty glass. “Serve me another.”  

I frowned. The amount of alcohol he’d consumed during the meeting had already exceeded what was tolerable, yet he asked for more.  

I observed his reactions.  

He didn’t seem affected at all. His eyes were clear and alert, his hands steady without a trace of tremor. I approached, but didn’t take his glass, just stood there staring at him.  

“Forgive my boldness, sir, but I believe you’ve had enough to drink.” Cassian smiled, setting his glass down.  

“I didn’t ask for your opinion, girl. I ordered you to serve me another.” Though his words were harsh, his tone sounded amused. I bit my lip and took a deep breath.  

For some reason, I was worried about the amount of alcohol the man in front of me was consuming, something I’d never considered with other club patrons. Perhaps after witnessing two deaths by Cassian’s hands, something inside me feared the number might rise with him drunk.  

I clenched my hands in the small apron of my uniform and maintained a firm posture, though inside I was panicking.  

“Excess alcohol can lead to serious illnesses, damaging vital organs like your liver. That’s why I think it’s wiser to stop for today, sir.”  

“Well, well…” Setting the glass on the table, Cassian raised a hand to his lips, covering the growing smile. “I’m flattered that you’re concerned about my health, Nurse Reed.”  

Hearing him call me by a title I didn’t yet have irked me.  

“I’m not a nurse yet, sir. I’m still in my fourth semester.”  

With elegance, Cassian stood and poured himself another drink. He walked relaxed through the empty room, one hand in his pocket, taking small sips of the amber liquid.  

Sitting on the armrest of his armchair, Cassian watched me as if expecting something. The intensity of his silver eyes made me uncomfortable. My body burned, as if my skin were being scorched by his gaze.  

“You seem uncomfortable, little squirrel.” His tone was lower and more intense, almost a soft caress to my ears. A slight shiver ran through me, and I felt my face grow hot.  

He extended his hand, beckoning me closer. My body froze for a moment. I didn’t want to get near him; I was still shaken by everything I’d seen in that room. But rejecting him could make things worse.  

“You don’t need to fear me, little one. I won’t hurt you.” I narrowed my eyes, making Cassian laugh loudly.  

“I’m not young enough to be called little or little squirrel,” I protested.  

Cassian’s fingers touched my wrist gently, sending a shiver through my skin as his hand slid up my arm to my elbow. Suddenly, I was pulled in. My chest slammed hard against his, and I tried to pull back, pushing my chest away, but he held me firm.  

I heard the sharp sound of the glass hitting the floor, shattering, the smell of the spilled drink mixing with the dried blood on the floor, and the fresh scent of Cassian’s perfume. My heart pounded from the surprise.  

He gripped my chin, lifting my face and preventing me from pulling away or turning.  

“If we’re comparing, yes, you are, but I don’t really care about that anyway.”  

“What are you talking about, sir? I think we’re close in age.” Cassian let out a loud laugh.  

“When you were selling lemonade at your front door, I already had half of London in my hands.”  

I couldn’t help but be shocked by Cassian’s words. If what he said was true, he would be at least ten years older than I, though he didn’t look it.  

As I took too long to respond, Cassian smiled, pulling me closer to his body.  

“If you’re curious, it’s a twelve-year difference. I’m thirty-five.”  

“No way!” Realizing what I’d said, I covered my mouth with my hands. “I’m sorry, I didn’t…”  

Cassian’s lips crashed against mine. His hand gripped the back of my neck firmly as he sucked and nibbled my lower lip.  

I gasped, struggling to breathe amid that intense kiss.  

My hands gripped his shoulders, clutching the fabric of his shirt.  

It was frustrating that this man elicited such reactions in me. Daniel’s face flashed in my mind, guilt filling my chest until I reacted, biting Cassian’s lip hard, drawing blood, and stopping the kiss.  

Casually, he ran his thumb over the cut and licked the small drop of blood, a smile on his lips. His eyes seemed to gain a new gleam that put me on alert.  

I tried to pull away, but he was much stronger, pinning me in place.  

“You’re proving to be more fun than I imagined, little squirrel. But it’s good not to forget one thing.” His hand slid into my hair, grabbing it and pulling back hard. “I’m the one in charge. You belong to me.”  

His lips closed on my neck, and I felt the pressure of his teeth on my skin. It was impossible to push him away. When Cassian released me, I fell to the floor, bringing my hand to the spot where he had bitten me.  

I was left there as Cassian stood and walked out, stepping on the glass shards as if they meant nothing. Just like me.  

A cold chill seemed to envelop my body, the sense of helplessness under Cassian’s influence pressing down on me, keeping me from standing until I was completely alone.  

“Damn it…” I whispered, running one hand through my hair while the other pressed the sore spot on my neck. “I need to figure out this debt, escape this man’s clutches, and disappear forever.”