Chapter 2

The black iron gates of Seraphina’s estate swung open like the jaws of a predator.

Cassian’s Maybach rolled up the long, tree-lined driveway toward a sleek, modernist mansion perched on the cliffs overlooking Puget Sound. The house was all glass and dark steel, glowing softly against the rainy evening. It screamed new money earned the hard way — elegant, cold, and untouchable. Much like its owner.

He had come alone, as she demanded. No lawyers. No security. Just the clothes on his back and the bitter knowledge that he was walking straight into her trap.

A uniformed staff member greeted him at the entrance and led him through marble halls to a spacious private study on the second floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the stormy water below. A fire crackled in a modern fireplace. On the wide oak desk lay a single document — thick, professional, and undoubtedly brutal.

Seraphina stood by the windows in a silk robe the color of midnight, her auburn hair now loose and falling down her back. She looked softer than she had in the office… and infinitely more dangerous.

“You came,” she said without turning around. “I almost expected you to send your lawyers and run.”

“I don’t run.” Cassian stepped deeper into the room, loosening his tie. “Let’s get this over with.”

She finally faced him. A slow smile curved her lips as she gestured to the documents. “Read every word. I had my team make it ironclad. You taught me that much.”

Cassian picked up the contract and began reading. The terms were exactly as she had stated — and worse.

Ninety days.

Full cohabitation in her primary residence.

Public appearances as her devoted husband.

Unlimited access to his body, on her terms.

No other women. No arguments in public.

Complete discretion about their arrangement.

At the end of ninety days, if all conditions were met and the merger/saving of Vale Dynamics was complete, she would provide the full capital and technology package. He would then sign new divorce papers — this time prepared by her.

There was also a clause about the past.

Both parties agree to never speak of events occurring on the night of June 12, 2018, in exchange for mutual silence.

Cassian’s jaw tightened. She had covered her own ass too.

He looked up. “You really think I’ll agree to be your personal whore for ninety days?”

Seraphina walked toward him, robe whispering against her skin. “You already did worse to me for four years. Consider this karma with interest.” She stopped inches away. “Sign it, Cassian. Or leave and watch your empire die.”

For a long moment, their eyes locked — years of pain, fury, and dark, twisted hunger swirling between them.

He picked up the pen and signed with a sharp, angry stroke.

The moment the ink dried, the temperature in the room shifted.

Seraphina took the contract, placed it in a drawer, and turned the key. Then she looked at him like a queen about to claim her tribute.

“On your knees.”

Cassian’s entire body went rigid. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”

“I’m not.” Her voice dropped, low and commanding. “You want my money? My technology? My protection? Then you start tonight. Get on your knees, Cassian.”

The air thickened. Something dark and primal uncoiled low in his stomach. He hated her for this. He wanted her more than he had ever wanted anything in his life.

Slowly, deliberately, he lowered himself to his knees on the thick rug.

Seraphina stepped closer until the silk of her robe brushed his face. She untied the belt and let the robe fall open, revealing nothing underneath but smooth skin, full breasts, and the soft curve of her hips.

“Look at me,” she ordered.

He did. His gaze traveled up her body with raw hunger.

She threaded her fingers into his hair and tugged his head back. “You’re going to worship me tonight. And you’re going to do it exactly how I say.”

What followed was not gentle.

Seraphina guided his mouth to her breast. Cassian groaned against her skin as he took her nipple between his lips, sucking hard. She gasped, tightening her grip in his hair. He poured six years of frustration, regret, and furious desire into every touch — licking, biting, kneading her breasts until she was breathing raggedly.

“Lower,” she commanded.

He obeyed, kissing down her stomach until his mouth reached the apex of her thighs. She was already wet. The scent of her arousal hit him like a drug. He spread her with his fingers and dragged his tongue through her folds in one long, slow stroke.

“Fuck…” Sera moaned, hips jerking forward.

Cassian devoured her like a starving man. He licked and sucked her clit with ruthless focus, sliding two thick fingers deep inside her. She rode his face shamelessly, grinding against his tongue while soft, filthy sounds spilled from her lips.

When she came, it was violent — thighs clamping around his head, her cry echoing through the study as she shuddered and flooded his mouth.

Before she could fully recover, Cassian rose to his feet, lifted her onto the desk, and kissed her hard. The kiss was angry, biting, tasting of her own pleasure. Sera bit his lower lip in retaliation, drawing blood.

“Inside me,” she demanded against his mouth. “Now.”

He didn’t need to be told twice.

Cassian freed his aching cock — thick, hard, and leaking — and thrust into her in one brutal stroke. Sera cried out, nails digging into his shoulders through his shirt. She was tight, scorching hot, and perfect.

“Harder,” she gasped. “Don’t you dare hold back.”

He fucked her like he hated her.

Deep, punishing strokes that slammed the heavy desk against the wall. The sound of skin slapping skin mixed with their ragged breathing. Cassian gripped her hips hard enough to bruise, driving into her again and again while she met every thrust with equal fury.

“You feel so fucking good,” he growled against her neck. “Even after all these years, this pussy still belongs to me.”

“Wrong,” Sera moaned, clenching around him deliberately. “You belong to me now.”

She came again with a broken cry, walls pulsing around his cock. The sensation dragged him over the edge right after her. Cassian buried himself to the hilt and spilled deep inside her with a guttural groan, hips jerking as wave after wave of pleasure tore through him.

For several long moments, they stayed locked together — panting, sweat-slicked, and trembling.

Then reality crashed back in.

Sera pushed at his chest. He stepped back, cock slipping from her. She slid off the desk on shaky legs, closed her robe, and looked at him with eyes that were suddenly cold again.

“Staff will show you to your room,” she said, voice steady despite the flush on her cheeks. “We share the master bedroom starting tomorrow. Tonight, you sleep alone and think about what you’ve agreed to.”

She turned toward the door.

“Sera,” he called quietly.

She paused but didn’t look back.

“This isn’t over,” Cassian said, voice rough. “Not even close.”

A soft, dangerous laugh escaped her.

“No, Cassian. It’s only just beginning.”