Just Us

The sweet melody of her grandmother's humming drifted through the walls.

Cassandra's eyes fluttered open. The room was soft with morning light, warm and golden. She felt the weight of Dante's arm draped across her, heavy and possessive, his breath warm against her neck.

She smiled. The tension from yesterday had melted away. Last night had been... everything. Their words. Their touches. The way he'd held her like she was the only thing in the world that mattered.

She gently lifted his arm, careful not to wake him. He stirred but didn't open his eyes. She slipped out of bed, her feet silent against the floor.

She grabbed a robe and tiptoed to the door, looking back once. He was still asleep, his face peaceful, younger somehow. Her heart swelled.

She left the room quietly.

---

The kitchen was warm, filled with the smell of fresh coffee and something baking.

Evelyn stood at the stove, her gray hair pinned back, her hands moving with practiced ease. She was humming a song Cassandra hadn't heard in years—one her mother used to sing.

Cassandra walked up behind her, wrapping her arms around her grandmother's waist. She pressed her cheek against Evelyn's back.

"Good morning, Gran."

Evelyn laughed softly, covering Cassandra's hands with her own. "Good morning, sweetheart. Sleep well?"

"Mmm." Cassandra squeezed her tighter.

"I heard you two last night," Evelyn said casually, no hint of remorse in her voice.

Cassandra froze. Her face burned. She buried it in her grandmother's shoulder.

"Gran—"

"You don't have to explain." Evelyn's voice was warm. "I'm not judging. You're both adults. You can do whatever you want."

Cassandra hid her face, her voice muffled. "We didn't do anything. I don't know what you heard."

"You just confirmed it, dear." Evelyn turned, beaming at her. "You don't have to lie to me. You two are free to eat each other as lions."

"Gran!" Cassandra's face was crimson. "Don't say that!"

"It's true." Evelyn laughed, her eyes twinkling. "You're both consenting adults. I'm happy for you. He's good to you. That's all that matters."

Cassandra shook her head, still mortified. "I just came to say hi. I know you don't need my help. Let me wash my face. I'll be back."

"Take your time." Evelyn smiled knowingly. "Do your things with him."

Cassandra didn't reply. She was too excited to speak.

She practically floated out of the kitchen.

---

Cassandra returned to the room. The door was still closed.

She crept inside, quiet as a mouse. Dante was still asleep, his face relaxed, his lips slightly parted. The sheet had slipped down, revealing the hard planes of his chest.

She crawled onto the bed, positioning herself beside him. Her eyes traced his face—the sharp jaw, the dark lashes, the faint lines of worry that softened in sleep.

She stared at him, her heart full.

Then his eyes opened.

She laughed, startled. He grabbed her, pulling her close, his arms wrapping around her.

"Good morning, baby," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

He dropped kisses on her neck, soft and warm. His lips found hers.

Cassandra leaned into him, tasting the alcohol that still lingered in his mouth. She didn't care. She just wanted more.

"Is your grandma awake?" Dante asked between kisses.

Cassandra nodded, too occupied to speak.

He kissed her deeper, his hands wandering her body. He touched everything—her waist, her hips, her thighs.

When his hand rested on her waist. Cassandra took it, guiding it to her breast. He worked like a pro, his touch making her crave for more.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered against her lips.

She felt his arousal pressing against her thigh. He took her hand, leading it to his member, showing her how to touch it.

She rubbed the tip until she felt his pleasure pour onto her hands. His fingers found her center, and she fell apart against him.

He licked his fingers. She smiled.

"That was—" she started.

"Just the beginning."

---

They talked about the moment as she led him to the bathroom. The shower water was warm, steam rising around them. They had another session, slow and deep, their bodies moving together.

Afterward, they dressed in a rush. Dante was needed at the office urgently. His phone had been buzzing nonstop.

They hurried through breakfast, Evelyn watching them with a knowing smile. The food was warm, delicious, but Cassandra barely tasted it. She was too focused on the man beside her.

As they were leaving, Cassandra hugged her grandmother tightly.

"Thank you," she whispered. "For everything."

"Always." Evelyn kissed her cheek. "Be safe, sweetheart."

Cassandra waved as she walked out the door.

---

Dante's men were waiting outside. They held a new set of clothes for him—a fresh suit, a clean shirt. They'd anticipated he wouldn't have a change of clothes here.

"How intelligent," Dante muttered quietly.

Cassandra smiled.

"I guess we'll go to the office together today." Dante alarmed.

Cassandra nodded.

She got into the car. Dante slid in beside her, pulling her close.

The driver took off.

The drive to work was smooth and easy.

There was silence.

Cassandra rested her head on his shoulder, her body melting into him. He brought her closer.

She shivered.

"I know you're already soaked," he whispered against her ear.

"You want to see?" she asked, guiding his hand.

His lips curved into a smirk. He took her hand, guiding it to his own arousal.

But the driver halted, turning to announce their arrival. "We're at the office, sir."

Dante dismissed him with a curt nod. He stepped out, holding Cassandra's hand. She followed.

---

The office was sleek, modern, all glass and steel. A few staff members murmured as they walked in, their eyes following them. Cassandra ignored them. She held her head high.

Dante settled her in his office, his arms wrapping around her in a tight hug.

"Wait for me," he said. "I'll be as quick as I can."

She nodded, sinking into the leather chair. He kissed her forehead and left.

The wait was long. Cassandra looked around the office, taking in the space. It was powerful. Controlled. Just like him.

When he finally returned, she rose from the chair, walking toward him. She looked exhausted, but her eyes were warm.

He hugged her back, dropping a file on the table.

"Let's go somewhere," he announced.

Her face was still.

"Both of us. Alone."

She smiled, stepping into his arms.

There she took his lips.