Lahat ng Kabanata ng Dumped by the Heir, Claimed by his Brother : Kabanata 31 - Kabanata 40

The lead photographer, a weaselly man with a telephoto lens, smirked. "Public street, Mr. Hale. We have a right to—"Dom took a step forward and the photographer actually stumbled backward. Someone else captured the moment, this looked like little but just wait until the blogs generate juicy stories about Dom fighting for cassie on the streets of Brooklyn. "I said back off.” Dom repeated. “ We're not doing this tonight.""Dom," Cassie said quietly, touching his arm. "Let's just go."But Dom was staring at the photographer with an intensity that made even Cassie nervous. "If you follow us or even as much as publish those photos, I will make it my personal mission to destroy your entire career. Do you understand me?"The photographer paled but held his ground. "Mr Hale are you threat—""It's a promise. Now get the hell out of here before I do something we'll both regret."He took Cassie's hand and practically dragged her to the car. The photographers followed for a block but Dom's exp

Cassie wanted to argue, suggest the other room maybe, but she was too tired. "Okay," she whispered.She climbed into Dom's bed, and he pulled the covers up around her. He went into his closet and came back wearing fresh clothes, then to her surprise, he started to leave."Where are you going?" Cassie asked."Sleeping on the couch. You need the space.""Dom." Cassie's voice was small. "Please don't leave me alone tonight."He hesitated for a moment, then he kicked off his crocs and climbed in beside her, staying on top of the covers."Better?" he asked."Better."They lay there in the dark, Cassie's breathing gradually evening out as exhaustion pulled her in. Just before she fell asleep, she felt Dom's hand find hers under the blanket.Cassie woke up to the sound of rain still hammering against the windows. For a moment, she was disoriented, wrapped in blankets that smelled like Dom, in a bed that wasn't hers.Then slowly, she remembered everything that happened. She turned her head a

Cassie pressed her hands over her face. He was right. God, he was so right and she hated it."I can't do this," she whispered."Can't do what? Can't feel something real or can't let yourself be happy, which one?""I can't lose myself in you!" Cassie's voice rose. "I can't become one of those women who throws away everything for a man. I can't be weak like that.""Loving someone doesn't make you weak, Cassie. It makes you human.""You don't understand—""I understand perfectly." Dom's voice sounded pretty lose, leaning against the other side of the door. "You're scared that if you let yourself love me, you'll lose the power you've worked so hard to build and feeling something makes you vulnerable.""Doesn't it?""Maybe. But being alone makes you empty." Dom was quiet for a moment. "And I will rather be vulnerable with you than powerful without you."Cassie felt tears sliding down her cheeks."I'm going to give you space," Dom said softly. "I will leave this apartment for a few hours so

Cassie's heart was pounding. "Dom—""I know it's too much.” He looked at her, vulnerable and fierce all at once. "But I can't pretend I'm okay with sharing you. Even in the smallest way."Cassie crossed to him and took his face in her hands. "I don't want anyone else. Not Julian, not anyone. Just you.""Then prove it." Dom's voice was rough. "Tell him to stop."Cassie pulled out her phone and typed a quick message.Thank you for the flowers, but I'm engaged and happy. Please don't contact me again. - CassieShe showed Dom the message before hitting send."There… good enough?" she asked.Dom pulled her against him and kissed her hard. "Perfect."When they broke apart, Cassie laughed breathlessly. "You're insane, you know that?""Only about you." Dom's smile was soft. "Only about you."……….The charity gala was the last place Cassie wanted to be, but Margot had insisted. "You need to show up. People are talking."So Cassie found herself in another designer dress and another pair of heel

The penthouse felt different when they returned. The atmosphere was heavy with emotions and it began to feel as if they were standing on the precipice of something massive and completely irreversible.Dom went straight to his office and started making calls and Cassie watched from the doorway as he worked. His voice was calm but the stress was evident in every line of his body."I need everything we have on my brother put together in one document" he said into the phone. "I don't care how many hours it's going to take to compile, I want it all on my desk by tomorrow morning."He hung up and immediately dialed another number."Sarah, it's Dom. We're moving forward with the plan. Start reaching out to contacts at the Times and Wall Street Journal. Tell them we have a story that's going to shake this city to its foundation."Cassie listened as he continued working . When he finally finished, he looked up at her."We need to talk about how you are handling this," Cassie said, walking into