I slipped on the lingerie I bought on our earlier shopping trip. The excitement bubbled inside me; I was never really a fan of corsets, but this was beautiful. Black lace with sparkling rhinestones made it shimmer like stars in the night sky. The sweetheart neckline dipped low between my breasts and it was finished with a stunning lace-up back. The matching panties were sheer lace; it was soft against my skin. I pulled up the thigh-high stockings and clipped the garters to them.

The floor length sleeveless ivory dress looked incredible against my tanned skin. My long brown hair flowed in effortless curls to the middle of my back. I stepped into my silver four-inch heels. The beautiful diamond necklace and earrings that Lucien gave me earlier sparkled in the dim light. I took the pendant that Lucien’s father gave me and had it fastened onto a matching bracelet which adorned my wrist. The beautifully woven silver of vines holding the sun and the snowflake. The polar opposites, summer and winter. Verán and Winters. I smiled, making my way down the staircase to the living room.

Lucien was standing on the patio, dressed in a black tux with a black dress shirt. I walked up to him, wrapping my arms around his taut body. “Mi amore,” turning around in my arms, he pressed a soft kiss on my mouth. When he pulled away, I stepped back.

“Do you like my dress?” His eyes raked over my body appreciatively.

“You are beautiful sweetness, however, I would love to slip it off you.” His lips curved into a devilish smile. The olive green in his eyes flickered with mischievousness.

“Lucien, we have to leave soon, or we will be late.” I giggled and stepped back into the living room. Just then Lucien’s phone rang.

“Might be my dad. Or not.” He frowned, swiping the screen. “Jayce,” he listened for a few minutes. As he spins around, his eyes meet mine. “What?” His eyes sparkled with ferocity and I shivered, whatever Jayce was telling him was not good. “I will sort it out. Thanks man.” With that he hung up. “Come on, sweetness, we need to talk before we get there.” He walked over to the sofa and I followed. Something was wrong, and the tension was rolling off him in waves.

“What was that? Are you okay?” I sat down next to him and placed a hand on his thigh. When he covered mine with his, he gave my hand a squeeze.

“My step-mother, she’s invited someone to the dinner. Jayce called to warn me before we walked in together.” With his index finger and thumb, he pinched the bridge of his nose, as if in pain. I waited for him to continue, my heart hammering in my chest. This has to be bad, or he wouldn’t be so angry. “The girl’s name is Isabel. This is something from my past that doesn’t seem to want to go away, I knew her a long time ago. She was the one who kept calling you at the office.” When his green eyes met mine, I could see the anguish so evident in them. My heart plummeted. Why would she be here? It made little sense.

“Was this Claudia’s doing?” Her name left a foul taste in my mouth. Lucien nodded quickly and my blood ran cold. Why the fuck can’t she leave us alone? “It’s okay babe, we’re together, nothing will come between us.” I reach out to him, lacing my fingers through his. “Let’s go.”

“I just didn’t want you to walk in there, and—”

“Luke, it’s okay. You told me. There’s nothing that will take me away from you again.” I make him a promise I intend to keep. He rises from the sofa, pulling me with him. His fingers grip my hips, tugging me against his body. Every hard ridge of him burns into me.

“I love you Ms. Winters.” His dimples peek out when he flashes me a panty melting smile. Was he always going to have this effect on me?

“And I love you, Mr. Verán.” No sooner has the words left my mouth, do his lips come crashing down on mine. His tongue plunges into me, licking inside me, tasting me. I moan into the kiss as it becomes more urgent. In the back of my mind, I know we have to leave, but right now, all I want to do is spend the night indoors. With my hands on his chest I push back slowly. His teeth tug my bottom lip and I can’t help squeezing my thighs together. With the pad of his thumb, he slowly swipes over my lips. I am tempted to bite his finger, but I know that will ensue more kissing. “Lucien, you’re mine and I am yours. Don’t worry.” He smiles and nods and we make our way outside.

* * *

Robert was waiting at the car for us. He opened the door with a quick nod to Cassie, “Ms. Winters,” a small smile cracks on his face which leaves me shocked. He’s normally so serious. She offered him one of her sweet smiles and my heart swelled with pride to have such a beautiful woman on my arm.

“Thank you Robert.” Slipping into the bench seat, I watch her curves as she slides over and I can’t help myself wanting her. It’s a constant ache I have, and she’s the only one who can satisfy me. Her smile, her eyes, her body. Her face is priceless when she sees the bottle of champagne chilling on ice. I glance at her as I join her, giving a smile. “What’s this for?” Her question is guarded, she hates surprises, but I can’t help myself. I needed to celebrate the fact that she’s with me again.

“We’re celebrating, sweetness. I finally have the woman I love and I need to make sure she knows just how much she means to me.” I lift the bottle and pop the cork. Her giggle is like music to my ears and I want to make sure she spends her life smiling and laughing.

“Grab the glasses for me please, baby?” The two flutes on the shelf are sparkling in the light of the limo. Cassie grabs them and holds them up for me. I fill each of them with the clear bubbly liquid. I place the bottle back in the ice bucket, grabbing my glass, I touch it lightly to hers. “To you coming back to me. My lumiére, my love, my sweetness, my angel. I am so glad you’re back in my life, my arms and most importantly in my bed.” Giving her a cheeky wink, I notice her cheeks pink. She looks so fucking beautiful. “And you look breathtaking love, I can’t explain how much you take me by surprise everyday.”

“Lucien, you are the one who has taken me by surprise. You’ve broken me, but you’ve also fixed me. I am finally whole.” I tug her into the crook of my arm, holding her close and inhaling her scent. That sweet lavender scent of Cassie that I can never tire of.

By the time we arrive at my childhood home, I am relaxed and happy. Deep down, I realize something is off when I see two other cars in the drive. Jayce mentioned that Claudia has something up her sleeve. My mind needs to stay focused, I need to be alert for her. Tonight I am not in the mood to deal with her shit.

I let Robert open Cassie’s door, when she rounds the car, I lace my fingers in hers and we make our way to the large door that may hold all my secrets just beyond. As soon as we reach the door it opens with a soft whoosh and we are greeted by Greta, she’s been with the family for years and I remember how she used to make the best peanut butter and jam sandwiches.

“Mr. Verán, your father is in his study. He would like to see you and Ms. Winters.” She gave a quick curtsey, and I smiled, she always does that. I use to tell her not to do that, I wasn’t her boss, but she never listened. The staff always showed the utmost respect.

“Thank you Greta.” My hand fell possessively on Cassie’s lower back. I guide her through the foyer and we make our way towards the right, the study has double doors of beautiful mahogany. The gold doorknob sparkles, I twist it and allow Cassie to step through first.

Claudia wasn’t around, but I am sure she’s sitting in front of her cauldron somewhere cooking up some fucking shit to throw at me at the dinner table. “Son.” My dad gets up and makes his way towards us. He is looking a lot better than the last time we saw him. He glances at Cassie and his smile brightens.

“The gorgeous, Cassandra,” he leans in and gives her a kiss on the cheek, and pulls her into a tight embrace. When he steps back he takes in her appearance and I can tell he is as floored by her as I am on a daily basis, “You look beautiful!”

He turns his stare to me and pulls me into a warm embrace. There’s something different about him, I can’t quite put my finger on it. “Come you two, we have lots to talk about. Sit.” He points to two ornate wingback chairs opposite his desk.

I let Cassie slip into the closest one, the slit on her dress glides open and my eyes rake in her smooth skin. Fuck! Did she have to wear that dress? Before I sit, I need to readjust the front of my pants I notice her stifling a giggle. Oooh, you will pay for that little one, with a nice handprint on your peachy ass! I cut a glance over to my father, thankfully he missed the exchange. I mouth “later” to her, watching her eyes widen in shock.

“Okay, I wanted to talk to you both, since you’re both an integral part of Verán Publishing. After much consideration, I will retire. I wanted you both here, since I see my son is very much in love with you, Cassandra,” he gives us both a bright smile, like it was the best news he’s heard in a long time.

I don’t answer, the shock is written over my face and I am speechless. “Lucien, you are to take over from me. The next 3 months will be busy, many late nights, but I think you both will handle it with grace. Cassie, you needed to be here because I want you to handle the publishing house while I get Lucien up to speed on the rest of the holdings.” His words slowly sink in and I am left in utter disbelief.

My gaze flits to Cassie who is as shocked as I am. She lifts her hand to her mouth when I notice the bracelet on her wrist. Dad notices it as well. “It looks perfect on you, ma chérie.” He says with a smile.

“Thank you, Mr. Verán, but is this a good idea? I mean, I have no idea how to run a business.” Her words drift into my mind, I realize she would do an incredible job. She shouldn’t question herself.

“Dad, I… This is…”

“Cassandra, hush child, you will be perfect. Lucien, I want to go back home for a while. To see the family. So I need you to look after everything here. Can you do that?” The tone in his voice says that he isn’t asking permission but rather telling me. A small nod confirms that I will take over Verán Industries, this pushes me to be the youngest billionaire, in the country.

“I don’t know what to say dad,” this is out of my depth. I mean running the publishing company is one thing, but the holdings? His gaze meets mine, there’s something else he’s not telling me. Something deep down tugs at my heart and my concern is for his health. The doctor said he needed rest. Maybe this is why he is now taking the time off.

“Say yes, you and Cassandra together will be a formidable force.” He stares at me and I nod. I could never deny my father. “Good! Now, there is another thing I need to speak with you about. Your step-mother and I are getting a divorce. I can’t live this life anymore, she will fight for half of everything, but thankfully there is a prenuptial agreement in place that will stop her from even trying.” My heart speeds up at the news; this is what I was thinking about earlier. A divorce. She will not like this one bit. “With that said, let’s get to dinner. Oh, and Cassandra, I am glad you’re back with Lucien.” His voice is amused, and Cassie’s face is a picture to be hold.

* * *

I stare at this man, my mouth agape. How did he know? Lucien didn’t mention that he told his father!

He chuckles at my shocked expression. “I could see it in his face when he was here this past week. I lost my love, once, I recognized the emptiness I had in my eyes, in his. Then I forced him to tell me what happened.” We all stand, and Mr. Verán walks around his desk, making his way to the door as I glance at Lucien. The tingles travel down my spine when he places his hand on my lower back.

We hear voices in the dining room, Claudia, Sasha and a young brunette are laughing as we walk in. Her eyes fall on me and they chill when her gaze turns icy. “Lucien, darling. So good to see you. You’ve brought a friend? I thought this was a family dinner?” She turns to Lucien’s dad, and his reply stuns me and the rest of the room.

“Cassandra is family. Now can we have dinner?” He spins on his heel and walks over to his seat. We all stare at him dumbfounded as he slips into the chair at the head of the table.

“Lucien, Cassandra, I hope you’re both well.” Sasha steps up to greet us. She plants a quick kiss on Lucien’s cheek and turns to me. Her smile seems genuine and I return it. She leans in for a quick hug and I am once again stumped, I didn’t think she liked me. “My brother told me you’re back with Luke, I am happy for you.” She whispers in my ear and straightens.

“Thanks.” My voice barely audible.

“Cassandra, this is Isabel. She has known Lucien for years.” Claudia’s icy voice sends chills over my skin. I glance at the girl. That’s her. This is the girl who’s been threatening me. I smile and nod. There is so much venom on my tongue, but I bite back. I will not lower myself to their level.

Lucien ignores them, helping me into the empty seat next to him and takes his seat. He places his hand protectively on my thigh. The slit in my dress falls open and his thumb massages circles over my heated skin. I can’t help squeezing my thighs together to dull the ache that he’s suddenly produced. I glance up at him and the knowing smirk on his face is obvious. He knows what he does to me. I so much want him to move his hand higher, to calm the tingles his touch is sending through me. My brain is foggy with desire, I reach for my glass and take a small sip of water, hoping it will cool me down.

“So, Lucien, I want to talk to you and Sash about the charity. Since you’re both named partners on it I would like to step down. Your father has mentioned going to Spain, and I would have to accompany him.” She glances over at Lucien’s father and I see his face still, amusement in his eyes. He hasn’t told her yet that much is obvious.

“Mother, I doubt I would be capable of handling something like that. I am sure Sasha would be more than happy to do it. To be honest, I think it’s time I step down.” Reaching for his wine glass he brings it to his mouth and takes a long sip. His tongue flicks out and wets his lips and I bite back a moan.

“Claudia, I think Lucien will be kept busy with the Verán Industries, I told you I am retiring. He will need to put all his focus on there. I have spoken to both him and Cassandra. She will help Lucien with Verán Publishers.”

“What?!” Her perfect façade slips as she glares at her husband. The staff enter bringing in our dinner, interrupting her spewing obscenities. Roasted lamb with grilled asparagus, a dark onion gravy and crispy roast potatoes with mint sauce was served. We sat and ate in silence. Lucien stole glances at me whenever I drank my wine, his gaze fixed on my mouth. A naughty glint in his eye told me exactly what he was thinking. I could feel the ice of Isabel’s gaze. It took everything inside me to ignore her. The fact that I was sitting here with Lucien was testament enough she had no claim on him. He was mine now, and forever.

The rest of dinner was much the same, after the blow Mr. Verán delivered, Claudia was silent. I think she was plotting revenge, her sneer was evident, and I was thankful for Lucien being next to me.

With the plates cleared away, Mr. Verán requested coffees to be brought out.

“Dad, I want to show Cassie the rest of the house and gardens.” As he pushes his chair out, Lucien offers me his hand. I slip mine into his.

“Good idea, I need a minute with Claudia.” His gaze cuts to her, and I realize what he means. This is definitely not going to be a quiet evening. “Don’t be too long, I want to chat to you before you leave.” Sasha, Isabel and Claudia are wrapped up in a conversation about mink coats when we walk through to the foyer and up the sweeping staircase.

“Where are we going? I thought you said the gardens?” I turn to Lucien, his eyes have darkened and his hooded gaze sends spirals of pleasure to my core.

He leans in and whispers. “I need to be inside you. Do you realize I have been rock hard all fucking night?” The desire dripping from his words have my brand new panties wet. He tugs me into a bedroom that looks like a teenage boy’s room, he pins me against the wall and seals his mouth on mine. I whimper into the kiss and arch my body to his. His erection poking into my belly and I am aching to have him inside me. His hand slips the material of my dress aside, opening the slit to gain access to my moist entrance. The lace of my panties are suddenly ripped away with a quick tug and I gasp.

“Those were new!” I gasp and he winks. Lucien shoves them into his pocket and finds my slick folds, plunging a finger inside me, I bite back a moan.

“Fuck, you’re so wet, Cassie.” His groan is loud and I stifle a giggle.

“Shhh.” I whisper.

“I don’t fucking care.” My hands come down and I tug at his pants and zipper, freeing his impressive erection. He is rock hard in my hand as I slowly stroke him up and down. “Put me inside you.” He growls and I wrap a leg around his taut waist.

He lifts my dress, making sure not to rip it as he grabs my ass. My legs lock around his waist I position him at my heated sex and he drives inside me in one swift move. This will be hard and fast, and I love every second. “That’s it baby, open up and take me.” His thrusts are relentless and I am climbing into a state of delirium that only he can take me to. I tighten my grip on his neck, my back is flush against the wall as he fucks me deep and hard. “Give me your pleasure Cassie, come for me, lumiére!” His words a hiss between his teeth as my release shatters me. My body tenses and I tighten around him. With another final long hard thrust Lucien growls his release deep inside me.

* * *

“Cassandra,” I glance up when my office door opens. Cassie walks into my office with a devilish smirk on her lips. We haven’t spent a lot of time together recently, with me taking over the company, I have been so busy. She had taken so well to running Verán Publishers and the pride I have for her was incredible. “What have I done to deserve this beautiful surprise?”

“Mr. Verán, I think you need a quick lunch break.” My name on her lips, and the fact that I haven’t been with her in a few days has my cock twitching in my pants already. She twists the lock on my office door, steps further into the office and rounds my desk. Perching on the edge. My eyes rake over her appearance. She’s dressed in a black knee-length skirt and powder blue spaghetti strap top with black pumps. The most difficult thing I have to do everyday is leave her in bed. I watch her push up further onto the desk and I realize exactly what she has planned.

I roll my chair back, and she positions herself between my legs. My cock is straining to be let loose and slide inside her, but this is for her. “Open for me.” I demand with a low growl and she’s squirming already. With my hands on either of her thighs I push her skirt up. When I see the stockings and garters my cock pulses against my zipper. I almost come in my pants. Grinding my teeth to keep calm, I sit back and watch her. She complies and spreads her legs, I slide my hands up her thighs slowly. As soon as I reach her moist panties my lust kicks in and I give her a smirk that has her gasping. “Did my dirty girl come in here to tease me? Cassandra, did you come here to get fucked?” My words are crude, and she whimpers. Nodding.

“Tell me.”

“Yes, Sir. I want you to make me come.” Her words are a low whisper that shoots to my groin. I press my hands on the inside of her thighs and splay her open. The tiny satin panties she’s wearing are soaked and I can smell her arousal. Fuck me, she’s beautiful! I lean forward and I hear her breath hitch. That’s it baby, you will do more than gasp when I am done with you. I push the flimsy material to the side and flatten my tongue over her bare pussy. God she tastes amazing; fuck I can’t get enough of her. My eyes lock on hers, “God, I missed you baby,” flicking my tongue over her little clit, sending a spasm through her body.

I slide a finger inside her warm tight cunt, licking in slow measured strokes. “This what you wanted baby?” I whisper up to her and see her nod. When I add a second finger, her heated tunnel tightens around me. She’s close, but I am moving so slow that I keep her on the edge. I want her to beg. I fucking need her to beg. Come on baby, beg me to fuck you. Please? Because I am going out of my mind! “I do love tasting you, baby.”

“Please, Luke, please I need you. I fucking need you.” Her words are like music to my ears. That’s my girl, begging for my cock inside her. I fucking own you baby. I rise and pull my fingers from her core. My gaze locked on hers, I licking her sweet honey. “Jesus, Lucien. Please?!” Desperation drips from her words. Unbuckling my pants, I pull out my cock. The strain on my zipper was killing me.

When I lean over I plant a soft kiss on her lips, her tongue darts out and I suck on it. When I pull back, I grip the tiny thong and rip it from her body. “Take off your top, I want to see your tits.” My words are raspy, this will not be romantic, I am going to fuck her. Hard. When the soft material drops to the floor so does my jaw. She’s wearing a tight black corset the seems to push her breasts up and I just about come from the sight. “Fuck, Cassandra!” The words come out as a growl. This is most definitely going to be a hard fuck. I guarantee it!

Cassie reaches down and slowly strokes me. “Put me inside you baby, now!” My words come out harsher than I expect, but she’s got me so fucking hard it hurts. Once I am positioned at her entrance, all my thoughts disappear, all that matters right now, me, my lumiére and how hard I am about to fuck her. She’s so fucking ready I am about to lose it completely. “Hold on tight, this will be fast and hard.”

“I was counting on it. I need you.” Her moans are more than enough to spur me on and I drive in to the hilt. I watch her bite down on her bottom lip to keep from alerting everyone outside my office to what I am having for lunch. Once I am inside her, I move faster, deeper, and harder. Thrusting into her. She’s pinned below me against the mahogany. I grip her hips and plunge inside her wet heat. Deep measured strokes as we both climb into the abyss of our passion.

Her grip on the desk is tight, her knuckles are turning white. My hold on her hips will leave bruises, but I can’t stop myself from the orgasm that’s so close. Her pussy tightens and clenches around me sending lust through every inch of my body. “That’s my lumiére, come on my hard cock baby.” My release shoots down my spine and straight to my balls. Cassie’s tight little pussy squeezes around me again and I slam into her with my release as she comes around my cock. Her body convulses under me, and I hold her. I ride out her orgasm until she stills and her eyes meet mine.

“I love you, baby.” My whisper is low, and I collapse on top of her, holding her against me. When I feather soft kisses on her lips, down her neck, and nibble her ear, it awards me a soft giggle.

“I love you too. Now, I need to get back to work.” I groan in agony of having to move. Wishing I could spend the whole afternoon inside her. We straighten up, I reach out and help Cassie to her feet. She’s adorable and beautiful and I can’t get enough of her. I place a soft kiss on her lips and walk with her to the door of the office. “Later, Verán.” She giggles, opening the door and shutting it on my shocked expression. That woman will be the death of me. When I walk to my desk, I can’t help smiling. The picture in my mind of her on my desk will forever be etched in my mind. Now how the fuck am I going to concentrate on work for the rest of the afternoon?

* * *

When I get back to my office, Jayce is sitting in the plush armchair. “Alexander, what are you doing in my office?”

“I need you darling!” He chuckles when I slap him on the bicep. “Just kidding, we need to go over the details for winter shoot coming up and I wanted to know when you’re free.” As I round my desk, I slip into the comfortable black leather chair and glance into intense blue eyes. Jayce had been amazing when Lucien and I broke up and since we’re back together, Jayce hadn’t moved on as he said he would.

“Let me have a look, probably tomorrow afternoon? I am not in the management meeting so you can come down then.”

“Perfect. So, how’s Luke?” His gaze is expectant and I am not sure if he wants good or bad news, somehow it’s unlikely he wants me to tell him we’re happy.

“He’s fine, trying to make up for everything. It’s been difficult, things are still tense sometimes, but we’re getting there.” When my gaze meets his I see a flicker in his sky-blue eyes. They remind me of a clear blue ocean, on a tropical island, my cheeks flush when I recall our time in Cancun.

“Cass?” Jayce pulls me from my dirty thoughts.

“Yes? Sorry, I am exhausted.”

“It’s okay, I need to go. See you tomorrow.” He rounds my desk and tugs me into a hug. The soft material of his grey hoodie smells like him. “You’re amazing, remember that.” He plants a quick kiss on my forehead and leaves without another word. What the hell was that?

A knock on my door startles me from the peculiar visit from Jayce. “Come in.” I call out. As the door opens, I peer up to see my assistant, who Luke’s dad so graciously hired for me.

“Ms. Winters, this package arrived for you about ten minutes ago. I didn’t want to interrupt Mr. Alexander’s visit.” When I offer him a smile and nod, he steps further into the office.

“Thank you Paul, it’s not a problem. Leave it on the table, I will have a look at it later. Can you please make sure my diary is clear tomorrow afternoon I have a meeting with Mr Alexander at 2:30 pm, send him the request as well? Also please get me a black coffee?” With a small nod, he wanders off down the corridor. As soon as I hit send on an email, I rise and round my desk. The silver envelope is sealed, and I tear it open. I wonder if Lucien bought me a gift. He didn’t mention it earlier, not that I gave him an opportunity to. When I slide out the card, I turn it over, there’s an elegant script on the one side. Not recognizing the handwriting, I frown. That’s strange. Luke didn’t mention he’s working late.

Meet me in my office at 6 pm. I have a surprise. Love you baby.

Just before six, I shut down my computer and grab my bag. With the envelope in hand, I make my way out of the office. The floor is so quiet, everyone has left for the day and I can’t wait to get home. When I push the call button, I don’t have to wait for the elevator, and step inside as soon as the car stops on my floor. Still finding it strange that Luke delivered an envelope, rather than calling me. I step out onto the top floor and make my way to his office. The door is slightly ajar when I walk up to it. As soon as my hand grips the handle I hear voices. “Luca, please. I love you. I always have!” A girl’s voice cuts through the silence. My heart unravels and shatters slowly and suddenly it’s too difficult to breathe. What the fuck is going on? That’s the voice of the girl who’s been harassing me! Isabel!

As soon as I push the door open I come face to face with green eyes. My gaze flits down to his hands on her hips. She’s stroking his chest. There’s no doubt about what is going on. Their faces are so close I am sure he was about to kiss her.

“Cassie!” Spinning on my heel, I run towards the elevator and push the button for the car to take me away. “Baby!” As soon as he reaches me I step into the waiting car. I can’t do this. Lucien stops the elevator with his hand and the doors slide open. “Please? I was telling her to leave. Believe me, please?”

“Let me go.” Those were the only words I could utter. My breath had stopped, and I knew that if he put his hands on me I would waiver, but he was about to kiss another woman. “Just let me go.”

Those were the last words I uttered, and he stepped back as the doors slid closed, to my heart and my soul. The only person that I have ever given everything to and now it was gone.

* * *

As soon as I walk back into the office, I glare at Isabel’s face. “Do you even fucking realize what you just did!?” I am shouting, but I don’t give a fuck. The woman of my dreams, the love of my life just walked out the door, or into an elevator and asked me to let her go. What the fuck was I meant to do now?

“She will forgive you Luca. Trust me.” My glare cuts to her again and I round on her. My hand is on her neck suddenly and I have her pinned against the wall. Her breath is short as she struggles, but I don’t care. The pain she’s just put me through is more than I can even fucking imagine and no one will come out of this alive. Not her or Claudia!

“Trust you!? Are you fucking crazy? Get the fuck out of my life. Vous me dégoûtez putain!” Her eyes are as big as dinner plates at the words I have just spat at her. When I release my hold on her neck, I see the surprise on her face. She didn’t know what I am capable of, but she better fucking learn quickly. Nothing, I swear on my fucking life, nothing will take Cassie from me!

As soon as Isabel is out of my sight I call Robert. I need him to source the original contact between Claudia and Isabel. I need proof and I need to take it to Cassie. She won’t take me back now, but once I can prove nothing happened, I know she will see it my way. At least, I fucking hope she does.

“Robert, I need you to pull records.”

“Yes sir, I can have Daniel on that. Who’s?”

“Claudia. Isabel” I hear his sharp intake of breath and I know what he’s thinking before he even says anything. My heart constricts at her expression as those goddamn doors closed.

“Mr. Verán.”

“Robert please?”

“Yes, sir.”

Once I hang up, I slide into my office chair. The memory of her sitting here only a few hours ago is burnt into my mind. How the fuck does life fuck you so hard? Fuck! I slam my hand on the desk in frustration. This is the fucking point isn’t it? I mean. Isn’t this why people fall in love? To feel the pain and anguish. No, they fall in love to feel the happiness! I unlock my phone and call Jayce; he will know what to do. The fact that he knows how to make my girl happy angers me so much, but deep down I know he’s probably the only one who can get through to her. Voicemail. I leave a message for him to call me urgently, mentioning Isabel and Claudia. He hates them as much as I do. I close my eyes, trying to think of some way to make her come back to me. She needs to know what happened. The truth. Not what she saw. My eyes snap open as my phone rings, thinking it’s Jayce, I slide the answer screen. It’s the hospital. Immediately my mind is on Cassie. “Mr. Verán?” The question has my blood running cold. Please don’t let Cassie be hurt!

“Yes, this is Lucien Verán,” I listen for a few moments before shock cuts in. The news shocks me into panic. “I will be right there.” There is only one person I need right now, scrolling down to her number, I hit the call button. Her voice calms me, even though she’s angry. “What, Lucien?”

“My father. Hospital.” Those are the only words I can mumble.

“Pick me up.” My heart fills with more love for this woman than I thought was possible. As angry as she is with me, she’s willing to be by my side. I don’t know what’s wrong with my father, but I sure as hell don’t want to find out without her next to me.

I call Robert to bring the car immediately, quickly filling him in. As I make my way down to the reception, I step onto the sidewalk and out to the car. My mind is all over the place. I only need Cassie.