“You didn’t need to come with me to the meeting,” Cassandra insisted as she white knuckled the folder she was holding. Her head was pounding, her heart racing. She wanted to talk with Zach, to find out what the hell was going on. Why didn’t he explain? Why had he just left? She’d been forced to call Rebecca for a lift back to her car. She had no doubt her friend would grill her later. He was terrified he’d hurt her or worse. Why? She continued to think about the painting. She had no idea what it meant, but she was determined to find out.

“I’m not trying to supervise your work, but given the report on the news yesterday and the crap that is on the front page of the local newspaper, I thought you might like some support.” Diego shot her a look as he maneuvered the car around a turn.

“With all due respect, Mr. Myers, as you so aptly made certain you made me aware of, I am part Indian. Apache Indian to be exact. I believe I may be able to handle their oppositions in a much more understanding manner than you can.”

Snorting, he made a wide turn onto a gravel driveway. “Point taken, Cassandra. As I requested, please call me Diego. Whether you like it or not, we are going to be spending some quality time together. This account is important to me.”

She tipped her head, studying his profile and the odd expression on his face. Whatever had changed in one night, had pushed the man’s back against the wall. But why? “If the sale doesn’t go through, there’s no building to design.”

“I’m certain there won’t be any issues, especially since you’re an expert in talking with Tribal Chiefs.”

While she hadn’t expected the sarcasm, or the company for that matter, she refused to allow the man to get under her skin. She was still reeling from the night before, almost unable to sit with any level of comfort given the hard spanking. She closed her eyes, seeing Zach’s haunted face, and the way he reacted to the painting had been so… Tragic. Just like the picture itself.

He’d left moments after his exclamation, but she’d seen the look of utter terror in his eyes. She had to push away the damning event and concentrate on her job.

“We’re here, Cassandra. I see all the players are already waiting.” Diego didn’t wait for her to exit the car.

Breathing out, she clenched her fist as she eyed the group of all men. While there were no Indian leaders, she suspected they would arrive. The moment she climbed out of the car, Zach looked in her direction. While his eyes were covered with dark sunglasses, she didn’t need to see them. He’d walled himself up, refusing to accept who they were. Or perhaps who they should be.

Smoothing down her skirt, she grabbed her notes and walked closer. “Gentlemen.”

“Cassandra. Zach and I are glad you could come and take a look.” Mitchell’s smile was genuine.

“My boss, Diego Myers,” she offered, nodding in Diego’s direction.

“Just wanted to see what all the fuss was about.” Diego smiled, acknowledging the others.

Zach tipped his head but otherwise, remained quiet.

The aura, the electricity between them was as magnetic as the night before and she held her breath as she attempted to push away the dazzling sensations.

“Well, little lady. I’m Marcus Billings and this is our Vice President, Kage Thomas. That’s Kage with a ‘K’, although I know the man’s kinky tastes.” The burly man laughed as he shook her hand.

“What happened to Jeff Parker?” Mitchell asked as he lifted his sunglasses, giving Kage a onceover.

“He’s been real busy with other items in the company. Kage here came all the way in from our Phoenix office to take over this here project,” Marcus stated.

Kage nodded, a wry smile on his face. “Glad I could help.” He glanced up and down Cassandra, concentrating on her shoes before extending his hand. “New to this game?” The question was pointed.

“Not at all. I know exactly what I’m doing.” The moment she shook his hand, she shivered. The way he was leering at her seemed far more than because of any sexual desire. She held the grip, digging her fingers into his skin as she tried to read him, but the moment was gone.

“That’s good to know,” Kage said as he leaned forward, allowing her to see his eyes.

When she let go of his hand, she offered a curt smile then surveyed the land.

“Now, I know what shit the press is saying, but I can assure you, Mr. Rush, that we own this land fair and square.” Marcus directed his full attention to Mitchell.

“That might not matter if a portion is on burial land,” she offered as she walked away from the group.

“Money talks,” Kage stated, the words followed by a condescending laugh.

“You don’t want to cross the Apache nation, Mr. Thomas. The bad press will eat you alive,” Zach said with zero inflection in his voice.

“He’s right. You’ll have to work with them,” she offered then continued walking. A disconcerting feeling remained pitted in her stomach, a gnawing that something was very off.

“And how do we do that, little lady? Offer the big cheese some ceremonial package? By all rights, we own this land and we want to sell it.”

“I’m certain you do since every day you keep it means you lose thousands of dollars.” Zach’s words seemed to echo in the light breeze.

Cassandra turned, watching Zach and could tell Mitchell was surprised.

Marcus kicked his large boot into the dirt. When his eyes flashed, there was vile anger, a venomous look that was more of a warning. “I see you’ve done your homework.”

“I always do,” Zach answered.

“What are we talking about here?” Mitchell asked.

“Seems that New Horizons made the kind of loan that puts them in a real bind. Buying out of the loan costs them more every day. Also, given the concerns highlighted from the Apache nation, the value of the land has certainly decreased. If Rush Enterprises continues to consider this purchase, the contract will be altered, the terms at a much lower rate.”

Cassandra shook her head, biting her tongue. Zach was damn good at his job. When the group remained quiet, she walked toward them. “You need to find out if there is any truth to the concept of burial ground. If there is, you can try and offer to move the sacred dirt to a new location, but quite frankly, I doubt the Tribal Council will be interested in the offer.”

Exhaling, finally Marcus cleared his throat and extended the question. “Why is that?”

“The land is considered damned,” Zach stated.

Again, the words seemed to linger as Kage and Marcus shot Diego a look before turning toward Zach. Kage grinned as he moved closer. “Are you telling us that you want to back out of the deal?”

“Not at all. I’m telling you that you have some problems to deal with. I suggest you work with Ms. Jeffries given her understanding of Apache culture. She might be able to resolve the issue. I’ll prepare a new contract.” Zach gave a nod of respect to Cassandra.

“In the meantime, we would like to see some preliminary sketches for our proposed building. Whether we build on this land or somewhere else, we are going to proceed,” Mitchell told her.

The tension in the air was palpable.

“She’ll begin work immediately,” Diego answered for her.

Cassandra held her tongue, unable to take her eyes off Zach as he pulled out his phone. A mere second later he lifted his sunglasses. Unable to mask his expression, he turned away, the phone still in his hand. But she’d seen the look. He was horrified.

* * *

“Do you want to explain what in the hell happened back there?” Mitchell demanded as soon as they were in the car.

“I found out why they’re so eager to sell. Puts us in a much better position,” Zach answered but he wasn’t even certain as to what he’d said. His mind remained reeling from the picture texted to him. The photograph had been taken from inside the café when he and Cassandra were having drinks. Which meant, and there was no way around this, that she was being threatened as well.

“Uh-huh. That’s my attorney talking. What about the rest? You acted as if Cassandra was the last person you wanted to talk to. Then you spaced out or I should say I thought you were going to freak out. What. Is. Going. On?”

“None of your damn concern,” he hissed and looked out the passenger window. Who was threatening him? There was no way of telling.

Mitchell groaned. “I’m your friend here too or did you forget about that? You’re not yourself and haven’t been for some time. Talk to me. Maybe I can help.”

He hadn’t realized the gruff snort left his mouth at first. “Look, you can’t help me. No one can.”

“What have you gotten yourself into, buddy?”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because I know you too well. Remember? Is there some issue you haven’t told me? The way you reacted to that girl being killed, you know, the one on the news report was personal. As if you knew her. I read in the paper this morning that she worked for some kink club. Her second job.”

Zach held his breath and eased his phone from his pocket. “Mitchell. Let it go.” He could tell his friend wanted to retort but hissed under his breath and continued driving. He held the phone so only he could see and slid his finger across, opening the message. The word was there.

Remember…

The poor girl was killed as a warning. A damn warning.

“You did know her.” Mitchell kept his tone even.

Zach shifted in his seat. “Casually. I met her one time.”

“At the by invitation only kink club you frequent?”

Mitchell knew of his tastes and had never commented, especially given the man had a domestic discipline radio show, a dark secret only their closest friends knew. However, for Mitchell to know about his club membership meant he hadn’t been cautious enough.

“I’m no fool, my friend. You forget what circles I run in occasionally,” Mitchell stated, his tone bland.

“Yes. She was my submissive for a night.”

“Interesting. I haven’t been to one of those clubs in almost two years. Maybe I’ll go with you sometime.”

While the words were meant to lighten the mood, Zach could only exhale.

“Jesus Christ. Did you like this girl or something?”

“I’d only met her and once. However, she didn’t belong at the club.”

“You’re right.” Mitchell darted a look. “She was going to college as well as holding down a job as a legal assistant. Before you ask, I have a friend at the police department. The murder was heinous, with no real clues. The murderer was in and out quickly. Damn shame. And I gotta ask. Why did it affect you that way?”

“You’re keeping tabs on me?” Zach was pissed.

Mitchell tapped on the steering wheel before answering. “I like to take care of my friends. You know that.”

There were so many reasons he should keep quiet, keep Mitchell and Camden out of this but he felt boxed in, no idea of where to turn. “I’m being threatened. I think Sandra Mullins was merely a casualty.”

“Uh. What?” Mitchell slammed on the breaks at a traffic light, almost careening into the car in front. “Casualty? As in she was murdered because of your acquaintance?”

“Maybe. I know it sounds crazy.”

“You bet it does, but I can tell you’re out of it. Terrified. Did you tell the police?”

“And say what? That I’m a sadist who enjoys beating women? That will go over well in the investigation.” Zach clenched his fist.

“What else happened, and why do you think this murder is about you?”

Zach fingered the phone again before pulling up the text and holding the phone in front of Mitchell’s face. “I’ve received a couple of pictures. This isn’t the first time, but this is as close as they’ve come.”

“That’s Cassandra. Shit.” Mitchell’s voice faded. “Wait a minute. Does that mean that you and Ms. Jeffries have more than just a professional relationship?”

“Don’t judge me.”

“I’m not judging, dude. You’re serious about this. Does Cassandra know?”

He shook his head. “We were together last night. I couldn’t stay. She doesn’t know anything about this.”

“Then you better damn well tell her.” Mitchell groaned. “This has something to do with those assholes running you off the road. Doesn’t it?”

“I think it does, but no, I haven’t told anyone about the threats and I’m not ready to tell her anything. The less she knows the better. I’m just going to stay away from her.” Zach sounded pathetic even to himself.

Mitchell remained quiet for several seconds. “You like this girl. Cassandra, I mean.”

A moment of emotion swelled. “Yeah, I do. We have this amazing connection. I can’t explain it but she’s everything I’ve ever wanted, and I just met her.”

“Sounds like you really care about her. Did you just blow her off?”

“In a way but for her own protection.” Zach rubbed his eyes and shoved his phone back into his pocket. There was no way anyone could understand, and he certainly wasn’t ready to confess any more of his sins.

“Women have a funny way of not understanding that shit. You need to talk to her and you need to go to the police. You’re an attorney for Christ’s sake. You’ll know what to tell them. If that girl died for some insane reason, you have to help bring the monster to justice.”

“I don’t know who to point fingers at,” Zach said between clenched teeth.

Mitchell issued a long breath. “What are you involved in?”

“Nothing that I know of.”

A quiet tension settled between them.

“What else? You said there’s more?”

“Yeah.”

“Zach. I don’t know what you might be involved in, but don’t take any chances. I care about you. What about this other girl? What exactly makes you thinks she was killed because of you?”

“The word ‘remember’ was carved on her chest. Just like in the text. Just like…” Zach purposely allowed his words to trail off.

Mitchell pulled into a parking lot of the office and shoved the gear into park. Jerking off the seatbelt, he turned to face his friend. “Does this have anything to do with your past?”

Zach eyed him carefully, studying the way his eyes didn’t blink. His friend had been meddling, searching for information. “What do you know about my past?”

“More than you’ve wanted to tell me.” Mitchell half smiled. “I’m on your side. Whenever you want a friend to listen, I am here. No condemnation. No judgment. We’ve all done things in our past.”

“There’s no way you could understand.” He snapped the seatbelt and threw open the door.

Mitchell grabbed his arm. “One thing I do know is if you have found a woman you care about, really care about, find a way to be with her. You’ve been alone for far too long. Maybe you were brought together for a reason.”

“Like what, getting her killed?”

“Saving your soul.”

While the sentiment was one he’d already thought of, he had to find a way to keep Cassandra safe. “Can you handle the meetings with Myers and Logan Associates from now on?”

Hesitating, he shook his head before speaking. “I can, but that’s not going to solve this. I could see the look in her eyes, the way she wanted so desperately to speak to you. And you freaking ignored her. Talk to her. Tell her it’s not safe or that you can’t get involved at this point in time, but tell her something.”

“Yeah, I know.” Zach dropped his head, the weight of the world crushing his last resolve. “I went to law school to fight the bad guys. I never knew I’d come so close to becoming one.”

Mitchell didn’t respond for a full minute. “You’ve never been up front about your family and I get why. Mine, as you are well aware, was no picnic, but the evil deeds my father implemented and condoned aren’t about me. I had to learn that the hard way. I hope you can before it’s too late.”

Zach had a wretched feeling that it was already too late.

“All right. Come out with me tonight and have a drink. Danielle is out with friends. Just us guys. I won’t bug you to death, but I think you need a friend.”

“I have a lot of work to do.”

Mitchell glared at him. “A couple of drinks. Might get your mind off the shit. It’s Friday.”

Sighing, he realized getting away from the case, his phone and perhaps the rest of the world might not be a bad idea. “One drink.”

“Maybe two.”

Chuckling, Zach nodded and as he exited the car, he looked around the perimeter. He could swear he was being watched.

* * *

Cassandra called Zach’s phone for the second time. Getting voice mail, she decided not to leave another message. He didn’t want to talk with her. She’d come back to the office and done little more than pace for several hours, getting nothing done. Her phone call to the Tribal Council had been met with an efficient but terse receptionist, the call going nowhere. If Chief Whitehorse wanted to talk with her, he’d call her at some point.

Her guess? The powerful man had no desire to avoid conflict.

She heard a noise and turned around, exhaling when she saw Diego.

“I thought you wanted me to get right to work.” Cassandra wasn’t thrilled about her boss following her into the office. She was on edge, uncertain of what was going on and she had a sick feeling that created waves of nausea. The entire meeting had been more of a clusterfuck than anything else. Except for whatever phone call Zach had received. He’d tried to mask his expression, but she’d noticed how angry and upset he’d been.

Diego closed the door and moved toward her desk. “I do, and I appreciate your enthusiasm. As you could tell by the meeting, Rush is determined to go forward no matter the outcome of the sale, but that’s not why I’m here.”

“Then why are you here?”

He seemed uncomfortable, as if finding the right words difficult. “I’d like to ask you to have a drink with me tonight. Ken and I are meeting some potential clients and I think having you there would be a good idea.”

She would never have anticipated the question, the request. “I don’t know. I just—”

“One drink. You can drive yourself and leave after. I would appreciate your help. Ken can be difficult around women.” His laughed held an air of nervousness. “I hate to admit this, but these are very influential women and I think your presence would give them comfort.” When she hesitated, he laughed. “As I said, I hate to admit and express concerns, but you have a way about you. I learned that today.”

Was this supposed to be an actual compliment? The way he looked at her was more about his desires, but at this point, she didn’t want to be alone at the house. “Okay. One drink.”

“Excellent and I’m very pleased with your productivity and the fact you’re willing to help. We should be there around seven. I’ll send you the address of the restaurant. I think you’ll enjoy it.” Diego gave her a heated smile before walking out of her office, closing her door with a hard thud.

A drink with her boss, no, both bosses. Why did she have a feeling there was a hidden agenda? Because she’d seen his face, the way he’d projected anger at Zach’s words. A perfect setting to grill her. For all she knew, the women were along for the ride. She rubbed her eyes, conscious of the fact she’d offered her help with the Tribal Council. Another discussion to hold with Zach.

Her thoughts shifted back to the night before. She sagged against her desk and contemplated what to do. One thing was for certain. She wanted to find out what he meant by killing her. As she sat down, determined to try and accomplish something before the end of the day, she broke out in a cold sweat. Placing her head into her hands, she groaned as the feeling and multiple sensations continued.

She thought about the painting, being lost in the moment. Lost wasn’t the word. She’d been driven to paint, to capture the vision playing in her mind over and over again. A rush of unforeseen cold air gave her goose bumps. A wave of energy was in the room, floating all around her. Why here? Because she couldn’t get her mind off of the electricity shared with Zach. Was this a visit from a spirit or a premonition of some kind? “No.”

Her body began to shake, her legs quivering at first then moving up to her torso and arms. She gritted her teeth as the wave of unsettlement swept through every cell, every muscle. This couldn’t happen now. Not…

“At last, my friend. At last we meet again. You have no idea how long I’ve wanted this to happen. You’re exactly the man I thought you’d be, but I always knew you were a smart boy.” The voice was gruff, the smile laced with evil. He held the gun in his hand, pointing it directly at Zach’s chest.

Zach stood where he was, unflinching as the man continued to walk closer. “What the hell do you want?”

“What do I want? You have to know after all these years.” The swagger continued, his eyes darting back and forth. “Where is it?”

Zach shook his head repeatedly. “I don’t have it and never did. That’s blood from too many innocent souls.”

“None of them were innocent,” he said then laughed. “Tell me your hiding place and maybe this can all be over with.”

“You’re a fool! I’m not a part of this disgusting world.” Incensed, Zach hissed.

“Have it your way. You can’t get away from me this time, you motherfucker.”

“I don’t know you.”

“Oh, come on, don’t you recognize me? Sure, a few years have gone by but hell, we were very close you and I. Very close indeed.”

As the recognition settled in, the understanding, the complete horror registering, Zach held up his arms. “Not now. Not like this.”

“Oh, exactly like this. You destroyed my life. I’ve done everything to rip yours to shreds. But you know what? That wasn’t enough. I. Want. More.”

Yelping, Cassandra slapped her hands down on top of her desk. The images, the story was so vivid, so real. Panting, her throat was constricted, cutting off her air supply. “Help. Me.” There would be no one to hear her cry, to guide her away from the vision. As panic settled in, she blinked away the heated tears, pulling herself away, but the hold was strong. The spirits wanted to show her more.

“I didn’t do anything to you,” Zach insisted as he backed away, glancing over both shoulders.

“There’s nowhere to run, you fucking coward. You can’t get away from me this time. You’re a monster.”

“You know exactly what happened. I had no choice.”

“No choice?” the man scoffed, swinging the pistol, his rage increasing. “You had every choice.”

“No. That’s where you’re wrong.”

Puffing up, he took two purposeful steps toward Zach and cocked the gun. “Get ready to meet your maker. May you burn in Hell.”

Bam!

“No!” The cry was only whispered, and she jerked away from the desk, finally able to stand, her legs shaking. This couldn’t be happening. This couldn’t be true. For the entire time the play by play occurred, she could read their minds, knew what both men were thinking, what they wanted to do.

This wasn’t possible. Catching her breath, she had to stop this. Only she could alter the future. Only she could unveil the truth. She grabbed her purse and keys, and headed for the door, her legs continuing to shake. Fumbling, she managed to open the door, and for a few seconds had no idea where she was going.

When she finally made it outside, she drank in the humid air, breathing in and out as she tried to control her breathing. This was insane. There was no way Zach could be held responsible for some unknown wretched deed. He was a good man, an honorable man.

She found herself in her car, no idea where she was going. After finding her voice, she almost shouted at her cell phone, praying the mechanism and GPS would guide her on her way.

“Go. Go!” She screamed when she hit a traffic jam, her nerves remaining on edge. Calm down. You have to calm down. But her heart continued to race, her mind trying to put the pieces together. Nothing made any sense. This was only part of the story.

She guided the car around the stopped vehicles, concentrating on where she was going. When she hit the interstate, she floored the accelerator, weaving in and out of cars and trucks, exceeding the speed limit. But she no longer cared what happened to her. She had to save him. She had to help him understand.

If only Zach would listen to her.

Cassandra was to the point of hyperventilating when she roared down the street leading to Rush Enterprises. The time was close enough to five that the parking lot contained only a couple dozen cars. She prayed to God Zach’s was one of them. After finding a spot, she jammed the gear into park and raced toward the building.

The dream, the damning vision seemed impending, as if the killer was waiting for him, planning on murdering him in cold blood at any time. She slapped her hand on the elevator button, swaying back and forth as she waited.

When she was finally inside, she hovered in the corner, flashes of the premonition floating in front of her. The images were grayed out, as if she would soon forget them, details lost forever. There was no way to see the murderer’s face. She could only see his back and little else. No tattoos. No distinguishing marks. He was a stranger. Was he? He knew Zach as if from the past.

After stepping onto the floor, she stood in front of the receptionist’s desk for what seemed like ten minutes. No one came. “Think. Find him.” She walked down the first hallway, the majority of the offices empty. She continued moving down a second then third hallway until she noticed that the offices were getting larger.

The burnished brass plate had his name. Zach Goodman. She didn’t knock, refusing to be announced and opened his door.

The two men inside tipped their heads in her direction. “I’m sorry for the interruption but I need to speak with you, Zach. It’s urgent.” She clenched her fists and could do nothing but stare at Zach. His face was pinched, his body tense.

Mitchell eased out of the chair and gave her a half smile. “Good to see you again, Ms. Jeffries. I’ll leave you two alone. Remember what I said, Zach.”

Zach nodded once, his expression remaining tense.

She was cognizant of the door closing and blinked several times. She was going to sound like a crazy person, but Zach knew she had visions because he had the same. “Zach.”

“You shouldn’t be here,” he whispered.

“Why? Because of what you said seconds before you left my house?” She kept the words even but could hear the heightened level of frustration.

He breathed in and out, glancing up and down before speaking. “I’m sorry. I was a coward, but I had my reasons. What’s wrong? Why are you here?”

“I need to know. Why did you say those words to me? Why are you so concerned about my safety?” When he drew back, she walked closer. “What aren’t you telling me? Don’t you trust me?”

Zach raised a single eyebrow. “There are aspects of my life you don’t and can’t know about me.”

“Why? What we shared last night was amazing and very open. I’ve never been like that with another man. Never. Were you just using me?”

“Using you?” He looked away. “What we shared was real, albeit unexpected.”

Dear God, his words were stilted. Practiced. “Don’t you dare say you don’t want to hurt me. I can’t, and I won’t hear that again. Tell me the truth. What’s going on? What terrible secrets are you running from?” Cassandra inched closer, anger and almost desperate fear stilting her words.

“Running from? I’m not—”

“Bullshit.” Folding her arms, she stood her ground and could see the utter fear in his eyes. “I’ve always had visions, since I was a child. Some would call them premonitions. The majority came true, at least those I followed up on. After a few years, I ran away from them, pushing a boundary up to the point I was free of them for a peaceful few years. Then, recently, they came back with a vengeance. The painting was unexpected, much like many of them are. I don’t know how to explain what I see, except what my ancestors have told me. I had no idea who I was painting. I don’t hear names whispered to me or try and find out who the men and women portrayed are any longer. I just can’t tolerate the worry, the fear for them.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Let me finish!” she huffed. “You were brought into my life for some hidden reason. I’m certain of it. When I saw you at the café, I was shocked. I didn’t know what to expect and I certainly didn’t think we would get close. At all.” The words were difficult to say.

“What we shared was very special,” he whispered.

She shook her head. “Then you ran.”

“For your protection, which is why we can’t continue to see each other.”

Anger rushed into every cell, creating a blinding wave. She stormed toward his desk, slapping her hands against the top. “I had a vision, Zach. You’re going to be killed. Whoever it is you’re running from, well, he’s coming for you. I don’t know when and I don’t understand why, but I know what I saw. You will die by his hands.”

Zach moved around the desk, walking slowly at first until her body slumped, swaying back and forth. “Whoa. Slow down. What are you talking about?” He held her as he guided her toward a chair, but she pushed him away.

“I don’t want to sit. I understand you don’t want to see me, but you need to listen to what I have to say. You’re in danger. You need to leave town or maybe the country. Hell, I don’t know but you’re being hunted.”

“Hunted.” Exhaling, he shook his head several times then rubbed both hands through his hair. “What exactly did you see in this premonition?”

“A man holding a gun. He blamed you for some wretched deed in your past, something you’re hiding. Then he simply pulled the trigger.”

He seemed to crumple, as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. “Just a vision.”

“And you know they’re real. You understand because I saw you in that club, with the redhead. You know that because you were connected to me that very night. You could feel what I was feeling, understand what I was thinking. We were drawn together for a reason and I think it’s to save your life.”

A moment of raw tension floated between them.

“It’s not worth saving.”

The words were whispered, as if the admittance had haunted him for years. “What is going on, Zach? Talk to me.” She inched closer, longing to touch him, to help guide him through this nightmare.

He held out his hand. “Don’t. You can’t be with me. Take yourself off this job and never call me again.”

“I refuse.” She inched closer.

“I don’t want you. Can you understand? I have to keep you…” Zach didn’t finish the sentence. Turning away, he walked toward the window. “I’m not the man you think I am.”

Cassandra swallowed. “Then who are you?”

He remained silent, his body statuesque.

There was no way she was running from this, not when she’d found the man she’d spent her entire life looking for. She moved around his desk, placing the palms of her hands on his back, kneading the rippling muscles. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m tougher than you think and damn it, I refuse to allow you out of my life. I’m right here.”

Dropping his head, a long breath pushed past his mouth. “Please. Just leave. I don’t want you in the way. I have to see this through without worrying about you.”

She continued touching, her hands caressing as she leaned against him, pressing her face against his back. “Let me in. You own me. Remember?”

He groaned then dropped his head. “Cassandra. Don’t.”

“Yes.” Walking around him, she took his hand, intertwining their fingers. “Yes. Unless you lied to me.” She could sense his anger, confusion, but his need and hunger for her remained just under the surface. “I don’t want to let this go.”

Zach narrowed his eyes as he stared at her. “I can’t. I just...” His breathing ragged, he slowly lifted his head, the look in his eyes shifting, becoming the man from the night before. “God, I want you.” Jerking her forward, he wrapped his hand around the back of her neck, his fingers digging into her skin as he lowered his head. His mouth hovered over hers, his lips parted. Tilting back her head, he crushed her lips, thrusting his tongue inside.

Shivering, she pressed her hand against his chest, kneading his jacket and moaned into the kiss. He refused to let go, the intense passion creating a wave of heat. Her pussy muscles clenched as his tongue moved back and forth across hers. When he slid his arm under her buttocks, lifting and shoving her against the wall, she was overwhelmed with a kinetic energy.

He kicked her legs apart and slid his hand under her skirt, the touch rough and full of impassioned need. His fingers squeezed her inner thigh, the force shoving the skirt up several inches. Cupping her pussy, he wiggled the palm of his hand, pushing her lace panties against her pussy lips.

The friction spiraled, and she clawed at his jacket, fighting to slip the material off his shoulders.

Zach broke the kiss as he shoved two fingers through the thin lace, swirling the tips around her clit.

“Oh God…”

Moving his head under her chin, he pushed up and sucked on her neck, licking and biting her skin. His actions were unbridled, wild as he continued ripping her thong, plunging three then four fingers inside her cunt.

Panting, her chest heaving, she slapped her hand against the wall as the muscles of his arm, the pressure of his fingers, drove her up onto her tiptoes. Stars floated in front of her eyes as he continued finger fucking her and was lost to the rapture.

Zach licked up and down her neck, mouthing her flesh as he reached her chin, then the side of her mouth. “Do you want to come for me?”

“Oh, yes. God…” Her entire body was wet, drained as her legs began to quiver.

Yanking at her blouse, he pulled it up and over her head, dark and dangerous growls erupting from his throat. Reaching around her, he unfastened and removed her bra then tugged her arms over her head, wrapping one hand around her wrists.

She arched her back as he mouthed down the length of her neck, licking between the swell of her breasts. He fingered her nipple as his lips moved down to her other breast, sucking until the bud was rock hard. The second he pinched the other between his thumb and forefinger, she bit back a squeal. “Ah… Zach.”

“Shh… No talking. Keep your hands over your head.” He continued peppering kisses against her skin as he dropped to the ground, fumbling with the button and zipper on her skirt. Grunting, he yanked down the material, ripping away her panties until she was standing naked.

Her breathing came in short pants and she tilted her head toward the office door, a smile crossing her face.

He widened her legs, gripping her thighs, and buried his face in her pussy, thrusting his tongue inside.

“Ooohhh…” The moan escaped her mouth and she struggled to keep her arms in position. She was tingling and aching all over, her entire body shaking as he feasted on her cunt. She was so wet. So hot.

His tongue wiggled back and forth, sucking on her cream. He pivoted his hand, driving his fingers in beside his tongue, thrusting in hard and fast.

Her head lolled down, strands of hair sliding into the beads of perspiration trickling down both sides of her face. She could no longer focus, no longer think clearly as he continued. Writhing, she could feel the climax rushing, creating ripples as the desire built. Increasing. She could no longer hold back. “Oh. Oh!”

He dug his fingers into her leg as he continued to lick, nipping her clit and rolling his tongue around the swollen tissue.

“I can’t…” The words slipped from her mouth and the moment her entire body tensed, she could no longer hold back the wave. “Ah!” Exploding into his mouth, her body jerked, swaying forward and backward.

His fingers continued to thrust, his thumb replacing his tongue, swirling around her clit.

When she was reduced to only quivering, he wiped his mouth across her upper thigh before standing, his eyes deep and penetrating. “You disobeyed me.”

“Yes… Yes, sir.” The words were barely audible. She blinked and lifted her head, studying his pensive face. “I’m sorry.”

He raised a single eyebrow then grabbed her wrist, pulling her forward and over the edge of his desk.

Leaning over, he planted his hands on either side, allowing his hot breath to cascade across her shoulders. He used a single finger to ease her hair from her neck, pushing it to one side then pressed a series of kisses along the base. “You will learn.”

“Yes, sir.” She placed her face onto the cool wood, gripping the other edge of his desk, as he eased back.

He rubbed his fingers down the crack of her ass then patted both ass cheeks.

Smack! Pop!

Using his naked hand, he slapped her ass, one cheek after the other.

She bit back a yelp and closed her eyes, envisioning everyone in his office seeing them, exposed to their kinky games.

Crack! Pop!

“Disobedient. You came without asking.”

The husk in his voice was sexy, yet demanding. He was in another zone, embracing the darkness.

Smack! Slap! Pop!

She shivered, her head jerking up as he peppered her ass with hard spanks, yet the sound of his hand slapping her skin was so powerful, a breathless aphrodisiac. And she wanted more.

Crack! Pop! Slap!

He continued, smacking one then the other.

The pain was delicious, anguished and she was lulled into her special place.

Pop! Smack!

“Are you going to learn to obey me?” he asked as he rubbed his fingers across her ass.

“Yes, sir. I…”

He wrapped his hand around her hair, pulling back as he continued, his hand moving rapidly.

Smack! Crack!

“Oh!”

Pop! Slap! Crack!

The sound seemed to reverberate, creating an echo in her ears.

Whap! Smack!

A slow growl escaped his mouth as he rolled her over. “Open your legs for me. Wide.”

Obeying without question, she wiggled when he rubbed his fingers down her pussy. She could smell her own sex, the wetness slickening her thighs.

Smack!

“Oh!” The slap on her cunt was unexpected, leaving her tingling, her heart racing.

Slap! Pop!

“Such a bad girl.” He bent down, nipping her lower lips.

Smack! Whap!

Opening her mouth, she panted and darted her eyes back and forth. This pain was intense, shocking but she was so alive.

Crack! Smack!

His eyes never left her as he unfastened his belt, slipping the leather from the buckle, then unbuttoned and unzipped. He yanked her ass until it was off the edge of the desk then crouched over her. Thrusting the entire length of his cock inside her pussy, he hung his head, his entire upper body trembling.

She allowed her hands to drape off the desk and as he bent down, capturing her mouth, she clenched her eyes shut.

He drove in and out, his legs slapping against her ass. The kiss was soft, gentle as he began to pump harder, the force pushing her up further on his desk. He slid his tongue inside, French kissing her as his hands squeezed her legs.

The feel of him inside, the forbidden aspect of their heated event drove her into a wonderful and freeing moment of bliss.

Sliding her legs over his shoulders, he broke the kiss and leaned back, grunting as he continued. He fucked her hard and fast, growls roaring from his throat.

She wiggled, her pussy clenching. When he was close to coming, she clamped down.

The moment she did, he shuddered then his entire body tensed. “Fuck!”

As he fell on top of her, the weight of his body on hers, she realized there were tears in her eyes. There was nothing she could do to stop what would occur. There were no homages to the Gods to cease the inevitable.

Zach Goodman, the most amazing man she’d ever met was going to die.