I don’t remember getting home. When I look up, my eyes fall on Cassie in the kitchen, everything is too surreal. It’s November, almost Christmas and I have just lost my father. As soon as I my gaze locks on Cassandra my fears calm. She’s my family now. I have to make her happy. It’s what he would have wanted. When I rise from the sofa, I walk upstairs into the bedroom and out onto the patio. I inhale a deep breath as I take in the view of the city. The place I grew up. My father loved taking me up onto the hills and telling me stories about growing up in France and Spain. The two places where my legacy lies.

One day I want to take Cassie there. The sun is setting low on the horizon and the sky is taking on an unusual glow, purples, pinks and deep orange. “How am I meant to go on without you? I can’t run the company alone. Dad, you were my guide.” I whisper into the wind. My heart is so heavy with emotion, I need my baby. Tonight I want to take her to my play room and get lost in her. “I love you, dad.”

“Luke?” Her tentative voice behind me, pulls me from my pain. She’s heard me. I don’t care, sharing my heartache and pain with her is part of being in a relationship.

“Baby, come here.” When her footfalls on the carpet come closer, the warmth and love radiating from her make the ache in my chest ease. Out on the patio, she circles her arms around my waist, and I am calmer already. She has an incredible effect on me. “I want to try something tonight. In the play room.”

“Okay.” Turning to face her, she’s nervous. I can tell by the look on her face. With a reassuring soft kiss on her forehead, I hold her body flush with mine. She molds to me in a way that shows how we fit together like perfect pieces of a puzzle. That’s the reason I can never be apart from her. I would be broken, beyond repair.

“Don’t be scared, I need to feel you. Lose myself in you.”

She leans back and looks up at me with those beautiful chocolate eyes. “I’m not scared. I know you won’t hurt me, Luke. I trust you.” Rising up on her toes, she places a soft kiss on my lips and my cock hardens at the thoughts of what I want to do to her tonight. “Do you want to eat?” Her question is innocent enough, but there are deliciously dirty things running through my mind.

“Yes,” lifting her over my shoulder, I walk straight into the play room and set her down. “Get undressed, leave your panties on. Everything else on the floor.” My voice taking on an authoritative tone and the anticipation is etched on her face. “I want you kneeling, legs spread and your hands on your thighs. Eyes on the floor.”

“I thought—”

“Did I ask you to talk?” It’s harsh, but the tremble that courses over her body is evidence that she’s turned on by my dominant nature.

“No, Sir.” Her whisper sends blood straight to my cock and all I can think of is fucking her. Hard. Until she’s coming over my cock, while screaming my name. Her submission, letting me take her is what I need right now. I open the drawer and grab what I need. I turn to face her, she’s in presentation position and she looks incredible. He soft hands are flat on her smooth thighs. Her head dipped and her eyes are on the floor. She’s kneeling for me and those beautiful legs are spread.

“Close your eyes.” She obeys and I tie the blindfold around her head. When it’s secure with a knot, I watch her for a few moments. She’s only wearing a pair of panties and looks good enough to eat. I grasp her hand and pull her up, guiding her onto the bed, letting her lay flat on her back. I grab the blood red rope and which will have her bound to my mercy. “What’s your safe word baby?”

“Summer.”

“Good, remember that.” When both her ankles are secure, I move and tie her wrists to the bedposts, taking in the beautiful sight of my girl, spread before me on the black satin sheet. She is at my mercy. Only for me. Forever. I grab a blade, lifting the material at her hip, I slit the tiny pair of panties she’s wearing. Once the other side is slit, I pull them out from under her. She’s now completely naked.

The rise and fall of her chest is the only sign that she’s nervous. Her nipples have pebbled and I am dying to lick and suck them into my mouth. I pick up the feather which I retrieved from the drawer and trail it across her skin. The movements are slow, light and leave goose bumps in their wake. From her feet, up her beautiful legs, just missing her sweet bare pussy. When I reach the sensitive spot below her breasts, her nipples harden even more. A low whimper escapes her soft plump lips. Her breasts are heaving with every breath. I need to suck them. Fucking beautiful. Her moans are getting louder and my cock is getting harder. With the tip of the feather, I trace a trail from her neck, and I bring it all the way back down between her legs.

“Luke…”

“Shhhh lumiére.”

I step back, watching her writhe on the bed. “Luke.”

“Shhh, baby. I’m here.” I turn on the small vibrator and her breathing hitches. When I sit on the bed her head turns as the bed dips. “I will not hurt you. Just breathe and enjoy the sensations. They will overwhelm you, but you will enjoy every moment. Because when I fuck your tight pussy, you will come harder than you’ve ever come before.” I tease her lips; the soft vibration sending tingles over her mouth. When I move it lower, down the nape of her neck, her breathing hitches. I reach her nipples and her hips buck off the bed. “Still baby, don’t move.”

The teasing must be driving her crazy, tonight she will never forget. Every emotion and every sensation will be magnified right now. Once I have teased her nipples I move the small pink vibrator down her stomach and over her mound. She’s trying so hard not to move. “Good girl. Just relax.”

When it touches her sensitive clit, it sends a pulse through her and she cries out. Just like I wanted her to. I take it off again. “You’re not coming so soon lumiére.” She huffs and I stifle a chuckle. “My sweet, Cassie. Always so eager for me.” Time for the another sensation to send her reeling. I rise from the bed and grab the matches and strike one. She stills on the bed, not sure of what I am doing. I light the red candle on the nightstand and place the burnt out match next to it. “Do you trust me, lumiére?” She gives me a small nod. “Good girl.” I sit on the bed next to her and trace feather light touches over her soft skin. Goose bumps rise in the wake of my touch. Perfect, now you’re ready. I reach for the candle and when the hot wax drips over the rise of her breasts, her nipples pebble further.

“Luke!” Her cry is a plea, of pleasure rather than pain, the fine line between the two is ever present, but her body bucking to the sensation is testament that she’s close to the edge. I watch the cooling wax on her skin. Goose bumps prickle on her smooth silky skin. When I pick up the remote control, I press play on the sound system, the slow melodic piano of Hurricane by Thirty Seconds to Mars starts.

“My gorgeous girl.” I reach for the candle again, and drip wax down her soft stomach, stopping at the top of her bare little cunt. Its glistening with her arousal and I am aching to slide into her. “You like that, lumiére?”

“Yes, Sir.”

I place the candle back on the night stand, the next few days will be difficult for both of us. Tonight I need to savor her. My lips pepper soft kisses on her nipples, feather light. Teasing. “Still, lumiére, keep still.” As the song progresses, her breathing hastens and I see the pulse in her neck quicken. I pick up the crop and rise from the bed.

“Luke, please?”

“What do you need, baby?”

“I want...” She quietens, and I am worried I have hurt her. “you.”

“Do you need to use your safe word?” She shakes her head in a quick movement. “Then what, Cassie?” The frustration in my voice is evident. I need to keep calm.

“Fuck me.” Her voice is low as the song starts again.

I bring the crop down on her belly and her back arches. Fuck she’s beautiful. I bring the crop down for a second time and her moans increase in volume. “Luke please?” Stroking the soft leather tip across her nipples, she gasps. The beautiful sight of her back arching off the bed is the most erotic thing I have ever seen. The pleasure on her face is making my control waiver.

“Soon my lumiére. You’re so fucking beautiful.”

This is insane, I need to be inside her. I drop the crop, and undo my pants, tugging my shirt off. I stand at the end of the bed, dropping my boxer briefs. When kneel between her spread legs, I plant soft kisses on her smooth skin, from her knees, up her thighs. Inhaling the sweet musky scent of her arousal. I flatten my tongue, and lap at her bare little cunt. “Oh God!” Her voice is raspy with desire when she cries out.

“Fuck your pussy tastes good, baby!” My voice a low growl. The lyrics wash over us as I feast on her. Sucking her clit into my mouth as she bucks and trembles under me. I slide two fingers inside her tight wet core. She’s so hot inside, as her desire climbs, her pussy clenches around my fingers. Her orgasm is so close and I want her to come on my tongue, to taste those delectable juices. Fuck, I want to drink her in everyday of my life. My fingers set a relentless pace as plunge into her. “Come for me. Now.” When I curl them, touching a sensitive spot inside her, it pushes her over the edge as she screams out her release.

I need to be inside her, right now. Sliding up her body, I grip my steel shaft, it’s so hard. I tease her entrance with the head of my cock. “Is my dirty little sub ready for my cock?”

“Yes!” She hisses through her clenched teeth. With one unrelenting drive I slam into her. “Fuck!!” Her cries magnify the lust inside me. The need to make her feel everything that I feel. All my emotions pour from me, into her. The anger, pain, anguish, and ultimately the pleasure. When the song reaches a crescendo, my body drives harder into her. Her hips buck up into me, accepting me, taking me.

I thrust into her, deeper and faster. “You’re my love. My lumiére. I love you Cassie.” I lower my body over hers, planting soft kisses on her lips and neck. My teeth nip at the sensitive spot behind her ear. I love how her body writhes under mine while my cock is buried deep inside her.

“Oh God, Luke!”

“Don’t come baby, wait for me.”

My relentless pace pins her to the bed. She needs to see me; those chocolate eyes need to look into mine. I reach up and pull the blindfold off. Our gazes lock, the lust between us is palpable. She sucks in her bottom lip, biting down hard. I can’t stop, there is no way I can slow down either. My release surging through me and I fuck her faster and faster. She closes her eyes and I growl. “Open your fucking eyes. Look at me!” She snaps her gaze up. Our eyes lock in a heated stare.

“Come for me lumiére. Give me your light!” Both our bodies tense and her cunt clenches and tightens around me. Milking me for every drop of my seed. Her cries echo through the room as I call out her name. We still as we come down from that intense scene. I have never played out a scene like that before. Intense, but filled with real love, and emotion. Cassandra draws out my darkness, and instead of it being a danger to her, she revels in controlling it. She owns every part of me. When I look into her eyes, there is nothing I can’t do or feel or be. “Fuck.” I can’t muster up anything else, but that one word. Nothing in the world can ever prepare me for sex with Cassie. As I slip out of her, I see her wince. “Did I hurt you?”

“No. You didn’t…” A shy smile plays on her lips. I undo the ropes and flutter soft kisses on her ankles. When I inspect her making sure she isn’t bruised from the strain, showing the same care for her wrists. As I flop onto the bed, I pull her into me. Spooning against her soft body.

“Are you okay baby? I wasn’t too rough.” Cassie rolls over to face me. She plants a chaste kiss on my lips. Her eyes are filled with something. Love? Excitement? Desire?

“That was incredible.” A shy giggle erupts from her throat and I smile. My arms tighten around her, holding her so close she can feel my heart beat in my chest.

“My gorgeous girl.”

“Yes, Sir.” I groan in pain at her words. “What’s wrong?” The concern in her voice is evident and I can only chuckle. She’s so unaware of the effect she has on me.

“You make me hard when you say that.” Another giggle, as we close our eyes. Pulling the soft satin sheet over us as sleep takes over.

* * *

I sat in the office staring into nothing. My mind whirled with the pain Lucien was going through. The funeral would be in a few days; all the arrangements were made. We were still both in shock, this situation was too surreal. The only good thing to come from this was that Lucien had not pushed me away. Quite the opposite, he had pulled me closer. He spent every waking moment with me. This being the exception when he had to be the powerful CEO. Since his father passing the board had to have meetings to decide on what the best way forward was. Lucien was named acting CEO until the annual meeting which was taking place in February. They would then vote, with the shareholders and only then would he become the official CEO. Since we were in November now, we had time to get all the paperwork to prove that Lucien knew the business better than any of the other directors vying for the role. Also, his dad was training him to take over once he had retired, which made Luke the obvious choice. There was no question about it.

I sat back and spun my chair to face the window. My office overlooked a beautiful park and in the distance the ocean looked angry in the glum grey light of the day. Rain fell in heavy sheets, and I shivered. “Cassie,” I spun around to see Jayce. He looked exhausted, being Luke’s best friend, he had been there through the whole ordeal. Dressed in a pair of familiar looking ripped Levi’s and a grey hoodie, he stepped into my office and offered a small smile.

“Jay, what’s up?” I made to get up when he shook his head.

“Don’t, I need to show you something.” He placed a folder on my desk. When I pick it up, I glance at him. The list is full of phone numbers I don’t recognize, but there are photo’s in the folder too.

“Fuck!” My eyes snap up to Jayce, his face confirms my suspicion. “We have to tell Luke. This could be something that might hinder him getting CEO. That bitch is going to try to take the company from him.” I slam the folder shut, unable to bring myself to look at it anymore. The photo’s show that Claudia was meeting with the Verán family lawyer not long before Luke’s dad fell ill. This is evidence she must have had something to do with it. Why else would she be meeting with the lawyer? This is spiraling out of control.

“It’s up to you Cass, he will lose it when he sees this. Is that a good idea before the meeting? It’s only a few months away, but he needs to keep his wits about him.” Jayce makes sense, but Luke needs to see this. He’s up against this and he can’t be alone. Next week will be the reading of the will and if Claudia had anything to do with it, I am sure she’s got Mr. Verán to give her something. Anything. A feeling that something bad will happen takes hold of me, and I can’t shake it.

“You’re right Jayce, I don’t want him blindsided.”

“Who is blindsided?” Jayce spins around and my eyes dart to the door to find Lucien standing there with a quizzical look on his face. As he steps inside his eyes immediately fall to my desk and zero in on the folder. “What’s that?” I glance down and pick up the manila folder. My eyes flit to Jayce as I hand it to Luke.

“Jayce brought it. There’s been meetings between your family lawyer and Claudia.” The temperature in the office is Arctic. Luke is radiating anger.

“She’s fucking responsible. Who got this?” He turned on Jayce.

“The team we set up a few days ago. It’s legit, Luke.”

“I need to call him to find out what the hell she was doing there. Jesus Christ, this fucking woman is a bitch. Cass, baby, I am going up to my office, pack up here. We need to leave in an hour, I need to go to the house and get a few things from my dad’s study.” I nod. There wasn’t a chance I could argue that I had work to do. “Jayce, can you come by my place later? We need to talk about what we will do. And if your sister is involved. I am not sparing anybody if they’re working together. I have had enough shit to deal with.” Lucien’s eyes flit between me and Jayce, guilt tugs at my heart and mind.

“Yea, anything you need Luke.” When Lucien closes my office door, I glance up at Jayce and I see the concern in his eyes, sky-blue shining with emotion. “I better go; I guess I will see you later?”

“Yes, I will be there.” I offer a small smile. Watching him close my door, I pick up my phone and call Kenna. I needed her to be there tonight. There will be way too much tension.

“Cass, babe! How are you?”

“I am okay; are you busy tonight?”

“Unfortunately, yes. I have a late night we have an important show this weekend so I need to work. Why what do you need?”

I slump into my chair, trying to find the words.

“Well it looks like Claudia was meeting with Luke’s dad’s lawyer. Jayce and Luke will be at his apartment later and there is no question Luke wants me there.”

“Ouch. Um, I will try to finish early, but I can’t promise anything babe. I am sorry. Just stand between them, they both love you so they can’t hurt you.” The fact that she’s trying to make light of the conversation makes me smile, but then her words sink in. She’s right, Jayce looks at me the same way Lucien does.

“Kenna, that’s not even a tiny bit funny.” I admonish her. “Can’t you distract Jayce? I mean he’s really hot, and good in bed.”

She chuckles on the other end of the line and I realize she’s considering it when her reply isn’t immediate. “I do think he’s rather sexy. Maybe. Let me have a think about it. Good in bed you say?”

I nod. “Yes.” I giggle at her gasp.

“I am sure I can tear him away for a while, a day, maybe more. How good? Does his cock hit the right spot? Like earth shattering?”

“Kenna!” She didn’t have a filter sometimes, and that’s why I love her.

“Ugh fine, don’t tell me. I will find out for myself.” Her giggle is obvious even though she’s trying to hide it. “I better go; these idiots have no idea how to drape material. Call me later, Cass.”

“I will. Don’t work too hard.”

“Not a chance in hell.” She laughs and I hang up.

* * *

I hit send on my last email and sit back, this will be a difficult time. The only thing keeping me sane as I prepare for my father’s funeral was spending time with Cassie. The knock on my office door pulls me out of my thoughts. “Come in.”

“Mr. Verán.” Robert steps into my office. He walks around the office, and I watch him with confusion. With my head cocked to the side, I stare at him.

“Robert—” He silences me with a stare. I stand up, following Robert to the small bookshelf at the corner of the office. He points to the shelf and I see exactly what he’s showing me. They can hear everything in the office. I should have known. So Claudia knows that Cassie’s mom is alive. Shit! This will be a disaster if Claudia tells Cassie, I need to talk to her, explain everything.

I mouth, “follow me” to Robert and we make our way into the en suite bathroom. Once I have opened the tap and closed the door, I turn. “Robert, I need to get Cassie home.”

“Yes sir, I will take her, but with the agreement in place with the lawyer, you need to make sure Claudia knows that you’re sticking to it.” The paperwork that’s laying on my desk from the lawyer, states I need to be single to be named CEO. This is ridiculous. I can’t lose Cassie. The worst part is the clause added by the bitch trying to take my father’s company. It’s a threat to everything I worked so hard to build, that once I am named CEO I am to marry Isabel.

“We need to find the original papers. Please, Robert.”

“We will sir, trust me.” I nod. Once we’re back in the main office, Robert leaves and I stare out of the window. My mind is whirling with thoughts of everything they’ve heard so far.

I can’t believe I have to do this. I hope she doesn’t hate me. The pain my heart rips into me, leaving me breathless. This is more than I can bear right now. Cassie may never let me forget this. Robert will explain it. I know he will, but will she be able to stand by me through this? As soon as my office door opens, I realize it’s show time. My back is to the door, but I can smell her perfume from where I am standing. The sweet scent of her lavender perfume fills my office.

“Luke?” I turn to face her, hoping she can see the pain that is so clearly etched on my face. I need her to see into my soul for the first time I am opening myself to her. “What’s wrong?” Her voice trembles and I need to hold her.

“We have a problem.” In two strides I am in front of her tugging her into my embrace. Her heart is racing, and I hope she can feel mine. “I love you so much darling. So much.” My whisper is a plea for her to understand, if not now, once she walks out of the office.

She pushes back against me, when our eyes lock, I try to tell her how much I love her with a glance. “What is wrong? You left my office a few minutes ago.” I can’t meet her intense stare. The air is thick and I can’t find the words to tell her what I need to. “Is it me? You can’t deal with the fact I was with Jayce? It wasn’t anything Luke. I love you. You’re my soul mate, my other half.”

“Cassie, stop.” My tone comes out harsher than I expect. She doesn’t understand, but I can’t mess this up. I need Cassie safe. That’s the only thing that matters.

“No, I will not stop. Do you not want me because I moved on when you pushed me away? You’ve done this before Luke. I am sorry about everything.” Tears spill from her eyes and it takes all my fucking restraint to not pull her into me and hold her. “Lucien, you can’t push me away, you said you love me. I was there when your father died Luke!” I grip her hips, my stare imploring her to understand. I mouth the word ‘please’, but she shakes her head.

“Cassandra, you need to go home. Robert will escort you.” I lean in and whisper in her ear. “I don’t want you alone right now. There will be a member of the team watching your apartment.” Her pulse thrums against my lips. Before I lose control, I step away, with my back towards her. I take a deep steady breath. Cassie drops her bags on the chair and suddenly she’s behind me. Her hand on my shoulder almost breaks all my resolve. She rounds on me, looking into my face. Steeling myself to her intense gaze, I need to keep emotion from showing. This needs to sound as real as possible.

“Does this have to do with the past? I told you all my secrets Luke.” Her voice is so soft. I can barely hear her. I need her to leave, or this plan will not work. If they’re listening, which I am sure they are, they need to hear that I am leaving Cassie. The bug is picking up every word. Before my resolve crumbles, I tell her to go.

“Cassandra, I suggest you leave now. I can’t do this anymore. It’s best that you forget about me. I can’t give you what you want.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I turn to her, my eyes never meeting hers. I hope to God that she can see I am lying. My eyes rake over her face, the realization in her features calms me somewhat and I offer a small nod.

* * *

Under any other circumstances I would have believed his words, but at that exact moment I realized he was lying. The reason I knew that was because he wouldn’t meet my gaze, not once. Lucien has never lied to me. He always looked into my eyes when he spoke. It made little sense for him to push me away after the last few days. This was a complete contradiction. I held on to the hope he wasn’t looking at me because he was lying. I challenged him on it.

“You’re lying, you don’t even believe the shit you’re spewing, so I suggest you look into my eyes and tell me that. If you can do that, then I will leave, and when I walk out, I will never come back.” When he turns again my heart constricts. Sure I have just blown it when he shakes his head. He places a finger on my lips to silence me. Cocking my head to the side, I fix him with a questioning glare.

“Cassandra, like I said, you need to leave. Don’t make this harder on yourself.” A frown creases my brow, and he offers me a small smile. Turning to the desk he picks up a piece of paper and his fountain pen. In his neat script he writes the words ‘Will explain later, trust me.’

Those green eyes that disarm me every time finally lock on mine, he’s hurting as much as I am. There is a flicker of pain in his eyes and I recognize a mix of emotion. When he reaches out, my anger fades, and he tugs me into his arms again, holding me close he plants a silent kiss on my head. A knock at the door startles me and Lucien steps back. “Come in.”

“Mr. Verán, the car is ready to escort Ms. Winters back to her apartment.” Something passes between the two men and now I am confused and intrigued. Robert needs to explain what’s going on, or I might explode.

“Thank you Robert, she’s ready. Goodbye, Cassandra.” His eyes don’t meet mine and his words hold nothing, no emotion. I turn to retrieve my bags from the chair and walk towards Robert. When my backward glance falls on the man I love, I realize that there is something wrong and I need to be strong. My decision is made when I see tears brim in his beautiful eyes. He’s playing a game, but I will have the last word.

“Don’t you dare come near me again.” I spit the words at him and I can see his heart shattering into tiny pieces. The pain on his face makes me falter, and he shakes his head.

“Ms. Winters, we need to leave.” Robert’s voice pulls my gaze from the man I love and I follow him to the elevator. As soon as we step into the car and it descends, I round on Robert. I don’t care if he works for Lucien. He will tell me what the hell is going on.

“What the fuck just happened?” His trained gaze falls on me and he shifts.

“Mr. Verán spoke with the lawyer. There is a clause in place to take the company from him. Certain conditions have been added to the new paperwork, that Lucien is to marry Isabel. We realize that this is Claudia’s doing, since we know that she met with the lawyer on numerous occasions. The original will and testament is missing. We need to locate it before next week when the new one that the lawyer has, is read. We can push the reading out to January if we need more time, but there is another condition in place that Lucien has to be a single man before being named as CEO, if he is not, the role will fall to his step-mother. She will then retain control of Verán Industries.” When Robert finishes the elevator has stopped at the basement parking and I am reeling. This was her plan all along, she wants me out of the picture, I still don’t understand why she hates me so much.

“But, what was that in the office, why didn’t he tell me?”

“The office is bugged. We need to play along for now. If they figure out we know, they might force our hand and push up the timeline. Lucien will lose control of his father’s company. I will now escort you to the apartment, you will use the back entrance and wait for him there. Please do not leave at the front, there might be people watching the building.” Robert opens the door and I slip inside. My head hurts and so does my heart.

I pull out my phone and see a message from Luke.

 

*Most difficult thing I ever did. See you soon baby. Robert will explain. Love you forever*

 

My heart soars and I realize that it was all an act. The only problem is, he was too convincing and even though I know he didn’t mean it, my heart was still in shreds.

Robert pulls up to the apartment moments later and helps me into the apartment. It’s so quiet and cold without Lucien here. My mind replaying what happened at the office. The first place I stop is the bar, grabbing a glass and pouring a whiskey, I down it in a quick gulp. The burn intensifies all the way down and I pour a second shot.

I hear the garage door opening and closing. Luke is home. I slip into the chair and wait, the two shots of whiskey I had, have my body buzzing in frustration and sadness at this whole situation we are forced into. “Baby?” His voice echoes through the penthouse.

“In here.” I slip off the stool and walk towards the entrance. Luke scoops me in his arms

“I am so sorry, I had no time to warn you. It was the most devastating thing I have ever had to do. I am so fucking sorry baby.” He seals my mouth with his and the pain and anguish wash away. His tongue licks along the seam of my lips, requesting entry and I give it to him. When my mouth opens, I tease his tongue with mine, earning the sexy growl I want. My fingers tangle in his messy hair, holding him against me, savoring him. His fingers stroke my spine, placing a hand at the small of my back, he presses my body into him. His arousal is evident as it pushes against my stomach.

Lucien breaks the kiss and stares into my eyes. “I need a drink and we need to sort this out.” He rounds the bar, grabs a tumbler and pours a generous amount of whiskey for himself, then fills my glass. “Let’s go to the living room gorgeous.”

Once we’re seated on the sofa, I cross my legs under me and face him. “So what happened?”

“Well, I spoke to the lawyer. He’s got the paperwork in place for my step-mother to gain control of Verán Industries if I don’t comply. I am supposed to be single the months leading up to the board meeting that will name me as CEO. Then,” the gulp he takes of his whiskey makes me shudder, I know this is the worst part. “There is a clause, that I have to marry Isabel. If I don’t Claudia will gain control of the company and be named CEO.” His gaze falls on me again. “I know my father had a will drawn up which had none of this shit in it. So I need to find it. I have got Robert and his team working on it. Until they can find it, I basically need to appear single. The office is bugged that’s why I had to say those things to you. I meant none of it.”

“I see.” Knocking back the whiskey, it burns on its way down and I am breathless for a moment. My thoughts are filled with what Luke has just told me. Why would anyone do this?

“Baby, I am not letting you go, we will just have to be discreet. Just until Robert can find the original will, I doubt it will take that long, but, I need you to know I am not letting you go ever.” Lucien pulls me to him. He lifts me allowing me to straddle him. I cup his face in my hands and lean down, placing a kiss on his lips. His hands stroke my back in slow circles, calming me. My top is soon tugged from my pants and finds its way onto the floor. A low growl rumbles in his chest when he sees my sheer black lace bra. My nipples pebble against the soft fabric. With the pads of his thumbs, he teases them, tugging them gently, sending delicious waves of pleasure straight to my core. My head drops back, I close my eyes and a small whimper escapes my lips when his mouth comes down on them sucking them through the fabric into his warm mouth. “Luke, I need you, please?” I whisper. His fingers deftly unclasp my bra; he drops it on the floor along with my top.

“Stand, baby.” I stand in front of him, his fingers undo the zipper of my pants and tugs them down. A wicked smirk curls his lips when he sees my sheer thong. “God, you’re fucking beautiful.” His thumbs grip my panties, and he shreds them from my body. He strokes my slick sex with the pad of his thumb. “I need you baby, I want to be inside you.” I glance down into his green eyes and nod.

His fingers unbutton his shirt quickly, and he shrugs it off. He rises and his body is flush with mine. I hear his zipper and the shuffle of material. I can’t tear my eyes away from his. Without looking, I reach out, and feel his hard cock, gripping it in my fist, stroking him up and down. His eyes darken with lust and I smile. “Hold on baby.” He rasps. My hands grip his shoulders, his hands grab my ass, lifting me against him and I wrap my legs around his taut waist.

He turns and walks up the staircase into the bedroom, laying me on the bed, he kisses his way down my body. His hands press my inner thighs open, splaying me to his hungry gaze. I glance down and see his eyes shining with lust. His thumbs open my slick folds and his tongue is at my core. I watch his tongue laving me, his lips are glistening. I am so turned on. “I love when you’re open for me and so fucking wet.” His words are laced with primal hunger. I cry out when his tongue slides into me, taunting my wet pussy. He continues his assault on me as my release coats his probing tongue. “Mmmm, like fucking honey.” His voice is hoarse as he licks every drop I have to give him. “I love tasting your cunt, baby.” He releases my thighs and sits back watching me with a hooded gaze.

“You want this baby?” His hand grasping his rigid erection is one of the most erotic things I have ever seen and words fail me. I watch him stroke it, and I buck my hips as an invitation to him. A deep chuckle rumbles in his chest and I watch his glistening lips curl into a sexy smirk. His lips glistening with my arousal has my body trembling.

“I need you, Mr. Verán.” My voice a whisper.

“On your hands and knees.” I roll over and kneel in front of him. Suddenly Lucien drives into me, and I cry out. Filled with the man who fits in me like no one else can or does. He stills inside me, allowing me to get used to the feel of him. “Look at me.” Turning my gaze back, our eyes lock and I arch my back. His hips roll into me, pushing him deeper. When he slides almost all the way out, I whimper. He slams back in leaving me breathless.

“I love you, Lucien.” My words falter when he drives in hitting the spot inside me that has my core tightening and I clench around him. His grip on my hips tighten.

“I love you, baby, I always will.” He moves slower, the torturous movements keep me on edge and I need to find my release. I push back against him. “Slow baby. I love having you on my cock.” His slow unrelenting drives are taking me to the precipice and I need to jump.

He reaches around, gripping my neck, and pulls me up against him. My back is flush with his chest. When his teeth tug at ear, my core tightens again, and he growls in response. “Come for me lumiére, give me your light.” His growl in my ear shatters me as my orgasm surges through my body. Lucien stills inside me, but his grip doesn’t relent. “Now, you’re going to cum again, with me again.”

His thrusts start again and this time they’re fast and I know he’s close. Placing soft wet kisses on my neck, his lips find the sweet spot behind my ear and he sucks my sensitive skin into his mouth. My back arches again, this time another orgasm is just out of my reach. “My lumiére, mine. Forever.” He slams into me, “Come for me.” He grunts as his body tenses behind me, my heated pussy tightens and my body spasms again as another orgasm splinters me and Lucien’s hot release fills me. Nothing could have pulled us apart, the connection was tangible. The love I had for this man was dangerous, dark and all consuming.

In the quiet of the room, we lay in each other’s arms. “Cassie, I am never letting you go. I want you to trust me. Saying those things to you ripped my soul apart. My love for you is all consuming.” Can he read my mind? Our legs are intertwined and my head is on his chest, I hear the steady rhythm of his heart. I trace the tattoo that covers half his bicep, a large dragon. The intricate design is beautiful.

“I trust you with my heart and soul.” Kissing the top of my head, his fingers stroke my arm and I shiver. I trace the lines of his sculpted body. He is so delicious. The toned muscles of his chest and stomach, smooth tanned skin. I dip my finger in the ridges of his v muscles, his breath hitches as I hit a spot on his v line that is particularly sensitive. “Are you ticklish, Mr. Verán?” I ask playfully. When I sit up and lean forward tracing the same spot with my tongue and his gaze becomes dark and dangerous. The mossy green shines with a mischievous glint.

“Ms. Winters, may I remind you, that you shouldn’t tease me, there will be consequences.” His playful smile is back and I giggle. Kneeling at his stomach, I trace my tongue along the ridges of his abs. My eyes lock on his and I see them darken. His erection hardening in response to my mouth, close, but just not where he needs it.

“I enjoy the consequences so much, Mr. Verán,” smiling up at him as my tongue flicks over the tip of his cock. His arousal on my tongue, and I savor the taste. I grasp him in my hand and stroke him from base to tip, as I suck him into my mouth.

“Jesus, Cassie,” his head drops back onto the pillow and his eyes close. He reaches down and his hands tangle in my hair, gripping and tugging, moving me deeper onto his cock. I swallow him till the tip of him hits the back of my throat. “Fuck, your mouth is amazing. Just like that baby, suck me deep. Take my cock into your throat, baby.” His dirty words spur me on and I move faster, my need growing and I am soaked from pleasuring him. “Shit, Cassie, yes. I am close, if you don’t want me to come you need to stop.” He warns me, but I want to taste him. The ache inside me calls for him to fill my mouth with his come. A grunt of satisfaction emanates from him and he curses his release into my throat, “Fuck.” I feel his hot seed coating my mouth and I swallow every drop. “My God woman, you will kill me.” When he looks up at me again I notice the green has returned to normal and he has a sated smile on his lips.

As soon as I sit back we hear the elevator ping. “Fuck sake!” Groaning Lucien rises and plants a soft warm kiss on my lips. “You’re a goddess.” Tugging his briefs on, I giggle as he tries to rearrange himself inside the tight confines of the material. I get up and grab a pair of sweats, tugging them on along with a t-shirt. Lucien takes in my appearance and frowning that I am not wearing underwear.

“Luke!” Jayce is in the living room.

“Be right out!” Lucien winks. When his eyes widen and he whispers. “Your clothes are in the living room.” He turns and makes for the door, rushing downstairs. The thought of Jayce sitting on the sofa where my bra and top are laying has a heated flush burning my cheeks. When Luke runs back into the bedroom carrying my clothes I release a sigh of relief. “He was at the bar.” Smirking he leans in to kiss me again. “Meet us in the living room when you’re properly dressed.” Handing me a bra I notice that the T-shirt leaves little to the imagination.

“Yes, Sir.” His eyes darken and a tingle shoots through me, heading straight for my core.

“You would do well to remember that baby.” A playful swat on my ass has me quivering in all the right places as Luke leaves me in the bedroom.

* * *

As soon as I leave Cassie in the bedroom I miss her. I find my best friend at my bar. “Jayce, did you find anything?” When he’s eyes cut to mine, I know there’s something in the paperwork he has that could get me out of this shit with Claudia.

“There’s info here. Robert and Daniel dropped it off at the office. I was working late, but haven’t went through it yet. Thought you would like to have the honor.” I watch him pour another shot for himself, and raise an eyebrow.

“And that?” I gesture to him knocking back the whiskey like its water.

“Long day man.”

“Why? Kenna not putting out?” I chuckle, but his stare is hard. What the fuck?

“Cassie upstairs?” His voice is strained. I nod. Then I see it. He still has feelings for her. Well too fucking bad because she’s mine. I grab the bottle, pouring myself three fingers, picking up the folder and making my way into the living room. When I get comfortable on the sofa, I open the manila folder and spread the papers over the coffee table. “I’m sorry man.” As my gaze falls on him, I see his expression.

“Don’t mention it. Shit happens. She’s taken.”

“I know. There’s no way I would come between you. Just don’t hurt her again.” My glare cuts to him and I fix him with a hard stare. I sit upright and wait for him to say more. When he doesn’t, I sit back.

“Why do you think I would hurt her? She’s mine, Jayce. I claimed her a long time ago.” A small shrug tugs his shoulders and he drops it. I decid to let it go because I know it will turn into an argument. When I pick up the papers I have laid on the table, nothing more is said. We read through the information in silence. That’s what we’re like. A few words, everything in the gestures. He’s looking out for Cassie, but with me, he needs to know he doesn’t have to. My phone buzzes from my pocket, puling it out I see a message from an unknown number.

* The old will isn’t gone. I have a copy. We need to talk. Ms. W *

My body is on high alert, and my heart is racing. Cassie’s mother asked me not to tell her she’s alive, but I can’t keep something like this from her. She deserves to know the truth. Lies almost broke us apart last time. I glance at Jayce, but he’s too absorbed in whatever he’s reading to notice my dilemma. Shit! What am I meant to do? I need that will. One meeting. That’s it. Then I can tell Cassie. I hit reply.

* When and where? *

“Fuck!” I am pulled from my thoughts by Jayce cursing so loud it echoes through the large room.

“What?” He hands me the sheet of paper and my eyes fall on the paragraph with the name of the one person who hates me more than anything. His sister. That fucking bitch, Sasha Alexander is definitely working with Claudia. Why would she want me to marry someone else if she still wants me back? None of this makes fucking sense. I am about to round on him when Cassie walks in looking incredible with my T-shirt and a pair of tight yoga pants. They’re too tight, the curves of her legs and ass look incredible. It doesn’t go unnoticed to me that Jayce’s eyes drink her in a little too closely.

* * *

When I join the boys in the living room, they’re both poring over documents. “Hey Jayce,” when he glances up I notice him take in every inch of my appearance. Well Cassie, this isn’t awkward at all. I mean both the men who want you in the same room. What more could you want!

“Cassie,” he flashes me his panty dropping smile. I wish Kenna was here right now. I flop onto the sofa next to Lucien and glance at the paperwork he’s looking through. They’ve got phone records and emails, everything pointing to Claudia, Isabel, and Sasha, but nothing incriminating enough. Nothing giving us a sign of where the original documents are.

“This is fucking insane. Why is your sister doing this?!” When Lucien chucks the papers back on the table, he turns and the frustration is evident on his face. “Baby, do you mind getting us a drink?” I shake my head and rise from the sofa, grabbing the two empty tumblers. Once I am at the bar, I grab the whiskey, pouring a double measure in each glass. My glance falls on the boys and there seems to be tension between them so thick, you could cut it with a knife. I was waiting for this. When I get back to the living room the air is thick.

“It’s your sister Jay!” Luke hisses and I realize it’s something to do with Sasha. I place the glasses on the table and sink back into the cushions of the sofa. “This is ridiculous, why the fuck is she doing this? I don’t love her. She has to get over me not wanting her!” Luke’s words are spat out with pure disgust and something flickers in Jayce’s eyes. This is his sister. I realize it must hurt hearing someone talk like that about your family.

“Luke, I can’t explain why my sister is doing this. I don’t know. She knows you don’t want her, it’s obvious. It’s been years since she’s even talked about you.” Jayce downs the whiskey in one gulp and rises. “I need to go.” He walks up to the chair, grabbing his hoodie, he shrugs it on. “Cassie, have a good day. Luke.” He walks out to the door. Before he can open it and walk out, I run up to him, I can’t explain why but I needed to see if he was okay.

“Jayce, he’s just tense. I mean he didn’t mean to—”

“Cass, princess. Don’t make excuses for him and you have no reason to look after me. It’s my job to look after you remember. I will be okay.” He offers me a cheeky wink and steps out, shutting the door behind him. The door closes, and his intense blue is gone.

Turning back to the living room I sink back into the cushions and glance at Lucien. “He loves you, I can see it.” His voice is low. This will come up at some point, it might as well be now.

“He cares about me Luke, we’re friends. There’s nothing—”

“Cassandra, please don’t, he loves you.” When he fixes me with a stare, I can see the anguish marring his handsome face. What does he want me to say? I mean I love him. Why can’t he see that? I am here with him. There is no one else I can or want to be with, Lucien is my forever, and he doesn’t want to accept it.

“Well that’s too fucking bad Lucien, because guess what, I am in love with you. And if you can’t get that into your head then I have no fucking idea what else to say to you.” I make to get up when he grabs my wrist, tugging me down. Before I have time to think, he is hovering over me and my body responds to him in the only way it always does. The heat knots in my stomach, travelling to the bundle of nerves between my thighs. The need for him never calms and I know it never will.

“Cassandra, do you think talking to me like that is respectful?” His stare is so intense, I tremble and a small whimper escapes my lips.

“No, Mr. Verán.” The devilish smirk on his face deepens the dimples on his cheeks.

“And what pray tell do you think I should do to make you respect me, Ms. Winters?” His voice drops to a raspy whisper, his lips on my neck. My pulse skittering across his lips as they curl into a smile.

“I don’t know, Mr. Verán, what would you like to do to me?” My voice a soft whisper.

“Right now, I would like to take you across my lap and mark that soft smooth ass of yours with my hand.” The lust in his voice sends shivers over my body. My body squirming below him now, and his rigid erection is pushing into my stomach. With a smooth roll of his hips, he makes me fully aware of his cock. “See what you do to me, Cassandra?” I nod. “I asked you a question and I expect an answer.” The rasp of his voice in my ear, and his teeth tugging at the lobe makes the butterflies in my stomach flutter.

“Yes, Sir.” As soon as the word leaves my mouth, he shifts back and his hooded gaze meets mine. The wicked smile on his mouth shows the approval of me using the word.

“Come, I think you need to be shown exactly what happens when you talk to me like that.” He stands before me, reaching his hand out and I slip mine in his. I can’t help giggling when he tugs me up the stairs to the play room. “Get undressed. Leave your panties on.” There is nowhere else I would rather be, giving him all of me, my body, heart and soul. This is what I want. As soon as the words leave his beautiful mouth, I obey the order. My fingers tug on my yoga pants and I slide them down, watching them pool at my ankles. I step out of them and place them on the small chair in the corner of the room. The T-shirt and bra joins them. I turn to face him, waiting on my next instruction. “Lay down, on your back. Close your eyes.” He’s standing at the chest of drawers that hold secrets I can only imagine, and some I can’t. I crawl onto the large four poster bed and lay down. My eyes flutter closed in anticipation.

“Lift your head. And not a squeak from you.” I lift my head and give a small nod. The soft fabric of the blindfold covers my eyes. Once it’s secured Lucien rests my head back on the soft pillow. He continues to tie my ankles to the bedposts with the softest fabric I have ever felt. “Are you okay, baby?” I nod. “Good. What’s your safe word?”

“Summer.” A hint of a smile on my lips, the English translation of Lucien’s last name.

“Good girl.” The amusement in his voice is evident and I giggle. “Shh, baby.”

The room goes quiet for a few moments and I wonder if he’s left, but then shuffle of material grabs my attention. I realize he must have taken his top off. Then the rasp of the zipper of his jeans fills the room. The shuffle again and I am sure he’s now naked. When the faint scratch of a match sounds, my senses are on high alert. I smell the lavender immediately. Then I recall the candles on the chest of drawers. The last time we played like this I came so hard. A soft thud of a heavy candle on the nightstand has me turning my head towards the sound.

“I want to watch you, baby. Touch yourself.” I small gasp escapes my lips at his request. “Now.” I run my hands over breasts, down my stomach. My compliancy has Lucien groaning in approval, my legs are spread and I know his gaze is raking over my body. The heat of it sizzles on my skin, goose bumps rise over every inch of my body. The intensity of me laying splayed for him makes me squirm.

My hand slips into my panties, I stroke myself. My fingers flick over the bundle of nerves throbbing under my touch. “That’s it baby.” I feel the cold blade against my hot skin as Lucien slices my panties from my body and I moan. His words fuel my confidence, I slide a finger into my heated pussy. His groan is low and sexy; his restraint is impeccable. “Fuck you’re beautiful.” My release tightens in my belly. “Stop.” His command is dark and sexy, and I obey.

The bed shifts and there’s a sound to my right. Lucien unties my ankles. “Turn over, on your hands and knees.” I kneel on the bed, holding myself up on shaky arms. My body humming in anticipation. I was so close earlier. Lucien moves and then the soft leather of a paddle traces over my skin, its flat and feels big against my back. He traces a line along my spine. As he moves it down to my ass, goose bumps rise in its wake.

“Now, tell me Cassandra, do you like disrespecting me?”

“No, Sir.” My voice is barely audible. My senses are on high alert and my core is dripping with desire. The paddle leaves my ass and I wait for it. The sting comes hard and my toes curl. My breathing hitches and the tingle left on my ass is indescribable.

“How many would you like, Cassandra?” His voice is low and as he growls my name, the ache of desire coils tighter. My blood is racing through my body, and I shiver.

“I don’t know, sir.”

“Six would suffice. Can you handle that?” I nod. Unable to speak because I know it would be a whisper. A swat comes down hard and I whimper and squeak. “Count.” His voice is demanding, sexy, and guttural.

“One.”

A second.

“Two.” I whimper, but it’s loud enough to keep him going.

Then a third.

“Three.” I am sure I am having an out of body experience. Never have I ever been so turned on, the heat on my ass is stinging, but my body is thrumming with ache and need.

The fourth one stings and the knot in my stomach is wound so tight. My arms are shaking, and I don’t think I can hold myself up for much longer. “Four.” The fifth has my eyes rolling back in my head and I am close to the edge. So damn close and I know I can’t come without his permission. “Five.” I don’t recognize my voice.

“Last one, are you ready baby?” My nod is quick.

The sixth one comes down, nipping at my exposed core and I cry out as my release shreds into me. He drops the paddle with a thud. The scent of the lavender candle somehow calms me. It wasn’t meant to be dripped on me like last time. The room is filled with a euphoric mix of sex, lust and lavender.

He kneels behind me now. Something cold drips on my tingling ass and his hands massage the soothing cream into my heated skin. “You’re such a good girl, Cassie. You look so beautiful, your skin marked with my paddle.”

“Thank you, Sir.” His hands are firm but his touch is gentle. The soothing cream eases the tingling. When his hand dips between my thighs I gasp. His finger stroking from my pussy up to my puckered hole. His touch has me wriggling against him. I push my ass back trying to get his fingers inside me.

“You look so fucking gorgeous wriggling for me.” He leans down and whispers in my ear, “You’re so fucking perfect Cassie, so wet and needy for me. Aren’t you dirty girl?”

“Yesssss.” A hiss escapes my lips and my legs open to him, hoping he will take me now.

“So eager, I can smell you, Cassandra. That sweet honey dripping from your cunt is intoxicating.” His rude words never fail to make me gasp and I chew on my lip. The head of his cock is teasing my pussy and I push against him, but he moves back, keeping me on the edge. The teasing slow strokes up and down my bare lips sends me spiraling. He moves away and I whimper, and shamelessly spread my legs further hoping to entice him. When his mouth seals my entrance, I cry out pushing back, chasing my release that is just out of my reach. “Come for me.” His tongue laps and flicks at my core, as he plunges two fingers inside me, and a sudden orgasm shatters me. My arms are shaking and I am struggling to hold myself up. A blinding white light explodes behind my eyelids as my pulse soars. His tongue rides out my orgasm as he savors the flavor of my arousal. “Do you want my cock inside your tight little cunt?”

“Please, Lucien? Please, yes, fuck me?” I beg him. I need him more than I need my next breath. The bed dips and he has left me again. Lucien pulls the blindfold off and I blink in the sudden brightness of the room. “Get up, baby.” His voice is strained. When I move the sting on my ass is still present. I slip my hand in his offered one and we walk over to a chair near the full length mirror. Lucien sits down and pulls me to him. “Now, will you disrespect me again, Cassandra?”

“No, Sir.” His smile is devilish. The dimples and his sparkling eyes are ever present making my pulse race. “Sit on me baby.” He turns me around as I straddle him, my back to his chest. I can see us in the mirror, watching him slide inside me is erotic.

“You’re so fucking tight; I love being inside you.” When he moves his hips, I moan. His grip on my hips is vice-like, he moves me up and down slowly. He’s so deep, stretching me open wide. I am so full. Nothing comes close to what he’s making me feel. “Touch yourself, baby. I want to watch.” My hand moves down between my legs where we’re joined and I strum the pulsing bundle of nerves, bringing myself closer to another intense release. My head falls back and my eyes close in pleasure.

“Open your eyes. Watch. I want you to see me inside you.” I bring my head back up and our eyes lock, his hooded gaze darkens, the green of his eyes are black with lust. “Come for me, my lumiére, give everything to me.” Laying claim to my body, heart, mind and soul, Lucien stills inside me as my core clenches around him. “That’s it baby, every fucking part of you, I own.” My orgasm tightens every muscle of my body as is shreds me. I am at breaking point as tears roll down my cheeks, from the pure intense pleasure. He drives in again, with a growl as his own release fills me with warmth. He watches every second of my release with a satisfied smile on his lips. When our breathing returns to normal, his voice is laced with concern. “Are you okay baby? I didn’t hurt you did I?” I smile at his reflection in the mirror completely sated.

“No, not even one bit. That was…” I can’t form a coherent sentence that will explain what I am feeling for him right now. The thought of what’s hanging over our heads brings me crashing down and more tears slip from my eyes.

“Cassie? Baby, what’s wrong?” He slips from me and I wince. I hate not having him inside my body. When he scoops me up, he carries me to the bed and lays me down gently. Our bodies so close, it’s like we’re one person. Our connection is so deep; I believe nothing will tear us apart, but deep down the fear still haunts me. Tears fall now, and he wipes my cheeks with the pads of his thumbs and pulls me into his embrace. The gentle thump of his heart lulls me and I take a deep breath.

“This situation, it’s so fucked up. I am hiding here because of some stupid fucking clause on a piece of paper.” When I glance up at him, I see the anguish on his face.

“I love you, we will find a way past this. That is my vow to you. There will never be a day where we are apart again.” His promise makes my heart flutter. I just hope that things will work out.