My alarm woke us early on Tuesday morning. I tug Cassie into the curve of my body, feeling her push back against me, my arousal grows. “Good morning, sweetness.” Today is the ball and the end of this shit storm. I can’t believe everything is coming to a head today. There are so many things that could go wrong, but I am not thinking about it. I need to stay positive, our plan will work.

“Good morning handsome.” She rolls over and her brow furrows. “Why do you look so worried?” Mocha eyes glance up at me and I can’t help smiling. When I lean in, I plant a soft kiss on her nose.

“Today is important. I want everything to go according to plan.”

“It will. We can’t keep this charade up. And I need to be with you.” I nod.

“Cass, baby, I need to talk to you about something.” My heart is racing, this is a big step for me, and I am not sure she will say yes.

“What?” I can see the worry in her eyes and her brow creases further. She’s so cute when she’s stressed. There is something I am burning to ask her. Now is a perfect time to do it.

“Well, I was just thinking…” I trail feather light touches down her arm. My heart is hammering in my chest. I have never been so nervous. Why I am stalling, I don’t know. I should just ask her. This is something I never realized I wanted, but with her. I do.

“What Luke?! You’re freaking me out!” She scoots up, and the sheet falls, leaving me face to face with her beautiful breasts. Distracted by her nipples, I almost forget what I am about to say. I know I am completely and hopelessly in love with this girl.

“Will you move in with me?” I look up at her expectantly. A blush spreads across her cheeks. My heart is in my throat while she watches me. Why isn’t she saying anything? Shit! She is going to say no. Fuck, it’s too soon. “Look, Cassie, I mean. We don’t—”

“Yes, Luke. I will move in with you.” She giggles when she realizes she had me freaking out.

“You little minx! That right there earned you a spanking!” She plants a chaste kiss on my lips, swings her feet over the bed and I watch her pad out the bedroom. Where the fuck is she going?

I get up and walk out of the bedroom. “Cassie?” As soon as I pass the guest room, I glance inside and find it empty. Walking over to the play room, I notice the door is cracked. “Baby?” When I push it open, a low growl rumbles in my chest and a smile cracks on my face. Fuck me, she’s perfect. The scene in front of me is like a dream come true. Cassie, kneeling at the foot of the bed. Wearing a pair of white lace panties and nothing else. Her hair is tied back into a ponytail, her hands are behind her back, pushing her perfect tits out and her legs are spread. She’s in a presentation pose and my cock wakes up. She is so perfect. I can’t believe I have such a beautiful girl.

“Baby, do you need me inside that tight little pussy?” My voice takes on a low timbre and I know this turns her on. Her eyes don’t leave the floor and I smile.

“Yes, Sir.” Her voice is low, respectful and shy.

“Did you tease me when I asked you to move in with me?” I am now standing in front of her, my legs are in view of her gaze.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Look at me.” Her eyes flit up, there’s a hint of naughtiness in her expression. She knows this is driving me insane with need. The need to fuck her so hard. I offer her my hand, which she gratefully accepts. She rises gracefully and I notice her body is trembling. “Are you scared?”

“No, Sir.” She breathes. Her lips are soft and pink, and I seal them with mine. My tongue licks the seam of her lips, requesting entrance. She opens for me and I lick into her mouth, tasting her, savoring her essence. My girl. I am overcome with desire for her. Never in my life, have I ever wanted to punish, savor, and fuck anyone the way I do right now. When I pull away, her lips are swollen and sexy. With the pad of my thumb, I swipe it slowly over her mouth. Her eyes are on fire. She opens her sweet mouth, taking my thumb in, sucking in at a slow pace. Such a tease. I groan in agony. My cock needs to be inside her. “Stop.” Her mouth pops off my finger and I push her to her knees. Taking her cue, she hooks her fingers in the waistband of my briefs and tugs them off. She fists my steel erection, pumping it up and down. Her beautiful mocha eyes looking up at me.

I watch her in astonishment as she takes me in her mouth, deeper until the crown hits the back of her throat. Expecting her to pull back, she further astounds me by taking me deeper. A soft gagging sound in her throat has my head dropping back, her throat tightens around the head of my cock and I almost come in her mouth. Jesus fucking Christ, she’s going to kill me!!

“Stop, Cassie, I am going to come.” I warn her, but she smiles, at least, she tries to smile. She doesn’t move, she keeps sucking, licking and swallowing my cock. Deep in her throat, when she lets out an appreciative moan, I can’t hold back anymore. “Fuck, baby, I am coming!” I roar, but she keeps up her relentless pace. My release spilling into her warm wet mouth and she swallows every drop. When she finally pops her mouth off my cock, she looks up at me with a satisfied smile on her face. “Baby, that was…” I have no words.

“It was.” She giggles and I can’t help smiling. My girl.

“Get up. I owe you big time for that.” She shakes her head and I frown.

“Later. it’s time for breakfast and then we have work.” I take her hand and pull her to the bed. Letting her sit down, I stare into her eyes.

“Lay back. That’s an order.” Her eyes go wide, but she complies. When she’s comfortable, I take her panties and tug them down her legs. As soon as they hit the floor, I turn and take in the incredible sight. The most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Naked for me, I push her legs open. She’s beautifully splayed in front of me and I can’t help licking my lips. I kneel with my head between her thighs and place soft kisses from her knees to the inside of her left thigh. Then I move to her right leg and do exactly the same. She’s trembling below me already.

My eyes meet hers as I flatten my tongue, and I lap at her entrance. Cassie cries out. Fisting my hair, she tugs and pulls me closer to her. I suck her clit into my mouth as I slide a finger inside her heated little pussy. Fuck she’s so tight. “You’re so wet baby, you taste so good.” She glances up and our eyes lock. Desire is etched on her face. I know she needs the release, but I can’t help keeping her on edge, just for a little longer. Her heated cunt tightens around my finger and her legs are shaking.

“Please, Sir, may I come?” It’s the first time she’s begged and called me sir, and I am suddenly rock hard again. Pulling my finger from her dripping cunt, I lick her arousal from my finger. Kneeling between her legs, I slide into her easily. She tightens around me. Her legs wrap around my waist so tight I can’t breathe.

“Hold on, baby girl.” Her arms lock around my neck, and I lift her. Walking over to the wall, I pin her against it. I drive into her faster, deeper, and harder. My grip on her hips tightens, I lift her off my cock, then slam her back down. When her head drops back, and she cries out her release, I feel mine not far behind. “Fuck you feel incredible, lumiére.” I slam into her again and my orgasm erupts from me, filling her, marking her, making her mine.

* * *

This morning was incredible. It replayed in my mind most of the day. Being with Luke has been a whirlwind, a roller coaster, but I loved every moment, stolen or not. My office is quiet and I think back to the stranger in the coffee shop. Never in my life did I think I would be sitting here, with him as my boyfriend. The final step was moving in together it was huge, but I couldn’t deny him that. After he asked me this morning, the only thing I wanted to do to show him I accept his offer was to completely submit to him. To give him me. He owns me, every part of me, and as scary as that may sound to anyone, it makes perfect sense to me. My life has taken on a path of love, trust, and happiness. Who knew?

A knock at my door interrupts my thoughts. “Come in.” I spin around in my chair, and my whole body freezes when I come face to face with Claudia Verán.

“Cassandra, I came to say goodbye. I trust you to remember your time is limited.” I know I have to play along, Luke told me he has a plan, so I fix her with a glare.

“Claudia, I don’t need reminding. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.” With the hope she will just turn and leave me alone, I glance down at my desk. No such luck, she steps further into the office, but I don’t flinch when she leans on my desk.

“Your fucking mother, came into my life to fuck it up. Well, you will not do that to my daughter. Goodbye, Ms. Winters. I hope New York treats you well.” Her words are dripping with venom and I shiver. The sweet smile I plaster on my face is as fake as hers. I rise from my chair, rounding my desk, I step up to her, my face inches from hers.

“I said, I have work to do. Get. The. Fuck. Out. Of. My. Office.” Grabbing a scissor from my desk, I point it at her. Not sure where the courage came from, maybe it was her insulting my mother, but I was trembling with anger. Her face was a picture before she turned and walked out, slamming the door behind her. A deep breath I was holding whooshes from my lungs, and I slump against my desk. Fucking hell, Cassie, where did that come from? I can’t believe I did that. She riles me up so much. Fuck!

Turning back to my desk, I flop down into my chair. Checking the time. It’s almost three. Not long now. I need to pack up and go have my hair done. Jayce is picking me up at six, from Luke’s apartment. This is all such a fuck up. There’s no time to waste, I pick up the landline and call Kenna.

“Hey, babe! What’s up?”

“I am leaving work in thirty minutes to get my hair done. Are you coming to Luke’s? Or is Jayce picking you up at the apartment?”

“He said he’s picking me up at 5:45, so I am guessing I will see you later.”

“Listen K, there’s something I need to tell you.” I sit back, calming my nerves. I am not sure if she will be happy.

“What babe?”

“I am moving in with Luke… Full time.” Her screech on the other end of the line says she’s excited. “So, I wanted to know if you want my apartment?” And another screech has me shaking my head. I laugh at her shouting. Her colleagues must wonder what on earth is going on.

“That’s so fucking awesome babe!! Yes! I want the apartment. You do not understand how happy I am for you.” She’s giggling now.

“Okay, okay. I will see you later.” I hang up and power off my laptop. Making my way out to the elevator, I take one last look around. I may or may not be back here tomorrow. It all depended on what happens tonight.

* * *

“Is there anything else, Mr. Verán?” Stacy got up.

“No, that’s all. You can finish up and go get ready for this evening.” She nodded and rose from the seat opposite my desk.

“Thank you, sir. Would it be okay if I brought my boyfriend this evening?”

“Yes, sure, that shouldn’t be a problem.” Her smile brightened her whole face. I didn’t even realize she had a boyfriend. Not that I gave her much time.

“Thank you.” She turned and walked out of the office. My phone buzzed with an unknown number and I knew who it was.

“Deanna.”

“Luca. How are you?” I could tell she was smiling. There was so much that was happening tonight. I wished she could be there. Maybe she could?

“I am well. The plan is in place for tonight. Would you like to be there? I mean, you helped. So, please say yes?” She sighed, and I knew she was contemplating my request. I would like her to be there for Cassie, but I wanted her to see Claudia get shoved out of the company.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, please?”

“Okay. I will be there.” I smiled. This will be an incredible evening. I wanted nothing more than Claudia out of my fucking life. I said my goodbyes to Deanna and hung up. When I powered off my computer, I had a smile on my face. I pulled on my jacket and made my out of the office. Everyone had left already. The ball was one of the most famous of industry parties and this was the first year without my father. I knew I needed to be strong, this was not a time to break down over this. The elevator was waiting on the top floor and I stepped in, pushing the basement button. The car descended and my mind was reeling with all that was planned for tonight.

I text message buzzed on my phone, as soon as I saw it was from Cassie, I unlocked the screen. My smile couldn’t be bigger when I read it.

She really was incredible. I wonder what I did to get so lucky. Hitting reply immediately.

In the garage, I slid into my Aston, the engine purred to life and I made my way home. There was a time when I thought I would be a bachelor forever, but having Cassie live with me makes my heart soar. Fuck, Verán you’re a sappy idiot. I wanted to spend my life, with her, next to her, inside her. Feeling her body underneath me, writhing in pleasure. When she whimpers in the pained pleasure, I can give her. Shit, now I have a fucking hard on.

Pulling into my garage, I make my way upstairs. The penthouse already feels different. In the bedroom there is a stack of suitcases, Robert must have brought Cassie’s clothes from her old apartment. There is nothing that can distract me from what I am about to do tonight. I walk into the bathroom, I turn on the shower, and step into the hot spray. The fact that I asked Cassie’s mom will be one surprise for my baby, but there’s another surprise. A much bigger one. Let’s just hope she likes it? If she doesn’t, I’m screwed.

By the time I get out of the shower and enter the room, Cassie is sitting on a stool at the dressing table. Her makeup and hair are done, and she looks like she’s about to step onto a catwalk. “Baby, my God, you’re beautiful.” She giggles and turns to face me. When she stands I take in the whole ensemble. She’s wearing a deep red and black corset. The tiny matching thong leaves very little to the imagination, and I am picturing tearing it off with my teeth.

“Do you like?” She smiles, twirling in front of me. Her soft silky skin is glowing in the dim light and I lick my lips. I am utterly speechless. I nod when she looks at me again. “Has the cat got your tongue?” She walks up to me and smiles. Her body flush with mine, she leans up on her tiptoes and whispers in my ear. “Sir.” My towel tents in 0.5 seconds flat. I can see this being a problem tonight.

“Cassandra, baby. We don’t have time. Tonight, though, you will pay for that.”

“I look forward to it.” She strides past me and grabs the hanger with her red dress draped over it. I get ready, thinking of my plan to distract myself from my fucking hard on.

* * *

I slip my dress on. The soft material is beautiful. A rich alluring crimson, that has a slight shimmer. “Please help me with the zipper, handsome?” I turn to Luke, who’s fascinated with my movements. I have to chuckle, he looks like a man swept away, and I have done nothing. He strides up behind me and I feel his fingertips brush my skin. The slow movement of the zipper and the heat of his touch ignites me skin. By the time Lucien steps back my whole body is on fire. I glance in the mirror. It’s perfect. The mermaid sweetheart neckline with spaghetti straps is exquisite. A tight fit that hugs all my curves. It’s simple, elegant and makes me feel like a princess. My hair is pinned in a messy updo with stray curls framing my face and neck. With the diamond earrings the Luke gave me, the outfit is perfect.

“I got you a present, baby.” I turn to face Lucien, who is dressed in a black Tom Ford suit, a white crisp dress shirt and a deep crimson tie that matches my dress perfectly. His messy spikes are standing in all directions and I am breathless. He looks unbelievable and I wonder how a man like him could ever want an average girl like me.

“Why? What is it? I don’t need more gifts.” A smile on his face makes me curious.

“It’s a special one. Go stand at the mirror.” I turn and make my way to the mirror. He steps up behind me and brings his arms over my head, he’s holding a diamond choker with the pendant hanging from a clasp in the center.

“Oh my God, Luke. This is way too much!” I gasp when he’s hooked the clasp behind my neck.

“It’s never enough. This is my way of promising you forever baby. Think of it as a sign of ownership. You are mine. Collared. Owned. Every part of you.” I spin around and lock my arms around his neck. My eyes gaze into his, those green eyes that can have me melting with one glance.

“All of me,” I whisper. A smile curls his lips and his dimples deepen. His eyes twinkle with mischief and I know he’s thinking about something naughty.

“Forever.” The words from his lips sends shivers over my body. He’s promising me forever. I wonder if he will ever want to get married? I can’t think about that now. The doorbell interrupts the moment and the earlier tension is back. I know he was nervous about the outcome of tonight, so was I. “You better get going baby.” Giving me a soft kiss, he walks me to the door. Jayce is waiting in the living room, dressed in a silver Calvin Klein suit with a black shirt, the first few buttons of his shirt are undone. He’s hair is in a messy state, just like his best friend’s. They both look like they stepped off the pages of GQ magazine.

“Cassie, my God.” Jayce’s eyes rake over me and I suddenly feel self-conscious.

“Thank you?” I giggle and he shakes his head.

“Come on princess. We need to get going.” I nod and we all walk to the door. Luke leans down and gives me a soft kiss.

“It will all be over soon. See you there. I love you forever.”

“I love you too. Forever.” I turn to walk out the door and my heart feels heavy. Leaving Lucien here while I head off to the party makes me anxious. I slip into the limo; Jayce immediately hands me a glass of champagne. Thankful for the liquid courage, I take a small sip and sit back.

“Don’t worry so much Cass, it will work out. Luke won’t lose you.” I nod and smile, but somehow I can’t bring myself to say anything.

* * *

The most difficult thing was watching her get in the car. I should be the one sitting in there with her. As soon as I grab the documents, I make sure everything is in the folder. Robert is waiting at the car when I get there. I hand to him the folder that holds my future. Down the driveway, I notice two other cars parked in my driveway. Daniel is driving one and Brax is in the other. The two men that had helped Robert finalize tonight’s details.

Our three cars pull out onto the road and we make our way down to the hotel where the event is being held. There will be press swarming outside the venue; they will have a field day with this. When we arrive, the two other cars pass by, parking at the back so they are not seen by the press.

As soon as I step out of the car, they descend like vultures. Questions about my father, Cassie, Sasha, anything they could get their hands on. I stop for a few photos, but I answer none of their questions. When I get to the entrance, I notice Jayce, Kenna and Cassie are already here. They’re near the bar, but I can’t go to her. My body yearning to be with her. Close to her. “Luke darling.” Turning to face Claudia, I don’t make any move to greet her. My glare is enough to put her off asking me anything.

She gives me a smirk and I notice Isabel is behind her. Perfect, the mother and daughter can be chucked out later. Together. You will soon get what's coming to you. The only thing you deserve. Nothing. “Luca.” Isabel’s voice cuts through my thoughts and I glance at her.

“What?”

“Would you like to dance?” I laugh so hard that a few people around us look in my direction.

“Like fuck.” I stalk away from both women and make a beeline for the bar. The barman is at my service in an instant. “Laphroaig, 12yr, three fingers.” He turns to pour the drink, as soon as he places it on the bar I down it in one swallow and order another.

“Dude, slow down.” I turn to look at Jayce, the two girls have him flanked and I can’t deal with Cassie standing next to him. She should be next to me.

“Cassandra, would you care to dance?” She nods. I gulp my second whiskey down and feel the burn. My hand falls on her lower back and the electric current shoots up my arm as I guide her to the dance floor. The song changes, it’s one I recognize the voice of Jon McLaughlin, the song is called Before You. I couldn’t have picked a better song for us to dance to.

“I love you,” I whisper. A blush pinks her cheeks and the only thing I can do is smile. As the song ends, I realize I have to step away before I kiss her. It’s time for the speeches, and I see Robert at the side of the platform they set up as a stage. He has everything I need. Glancing at the exit, I notice Daniel, he’s standing in front of Deanna. Everything is perfect. “Trust me.” Cassie nods and I leave her in the center of the dance floor. Jayce and Kenna flank her and I step onto the podium.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Firstly, I need to welcome you all to the Annual Verán Industries Christmas Ball. As all of you know, this is our way of thanking the staff for their hard work, commitment, and ultimately support. There is one person, however, that isn’t with us tonight. The most important of all.” The festive decorations that trimmed the room felt wrong without my dad here. Brax brings the easel with my father’s portrait on it. Placing is just behind me. This is for you, dad. “My father, Claude Verán started this business from the ground up. He worked hard all his life, but he never once neglected me. He taught me so much, ever since I can recall, he was constantly showing me new things, making me aware of the world. When I wanted to take over Verán Publishers, he supported me. He also told me to fight for what I want, and what I love. As you all know, he had decided to retire and I would have taken over the holdings from him. When he…” I faltered, and my eyes fell on Cassie, her smile gave me the strength to carry on.

“When he passed away, I thought my life was over. Things were difficult, dark, but I found a light. My father taught me a very important lesson not long before he passed. He taught me that true love is for a lifetime, not for a moment.” My eyes cut to where Daniel was standing, and I saw Deanna, she was smiling. “I thank him now, for teaching me to appreciate when you find that one special person, to never let her go. I will be eternally grateful to him for that. Now, I want to tell you about my true love. I first saw her when I was thirteen. She bewitched me, and since that day, we were connected. And with my father playing matchmaker, he brought us together.” Everyone chuckled, but I had everyone’s attention. Claudia walked up to me then and her voice was a low hiss. She was seething with anger. it took all my strength not to laugh in her face.

“What the fuck are you doing? You will lose the company.” Ignoring her, I continued.

“Life has been full of ups and downs, and I never expected I would actually say these words. But because of this extraordinary girl, I am saying them now.” I make my way off the podium, I strode straight to Cassie, everyone formed a circle around us. I dropped to my knee. “Cassandra Winters, you’re my love, my life, and my lumiére, the light in my future that can never be dulled. No matter who tries. Fate brought you to me, a long time ago. Destiny brought you back now. So, in saying that. I need you to spend the rest of your life with me.” I pulled the little black box from my pocket and snapped it open. Her expression was priceless, just like I knew it would be. “Will you be my forever, Cassie?” My heart was hammering so hard, threatening to burst through my chest. I peered up into those mocha eyes and she nodded, with tears spilling down her face. I slipped the ring on her finger and rose. Pulling her into an embrace. With applause all around us. I couldn’t help but grin.

When the commotion alerted people to turn around, I stepped backward and looked at Claudia and Isabel being ushered out by the police. People gasped watching the spectacle unfold behind them. I lifted the mic and finished my speech. “Each of you will receive an email once I finish my speech to explain what has happened with Claudia Verán, who will be stripped of the Verán name. She is no longer part of this family. Now, after all that drama, let’s enjoy the evening.” I placed the mic back on the podium, to applause all around. The DJ started the music then. Taking my baby in my arms, we swayed to the music.

“So soon-to-be Mrs Verán, when would you like to marry me?” She giggled, a melody that was music to my ears. My lumiére.

“Well, Mr. Verán. I guess we should have our wedding in June, in Hawaii.” It will be our one-year anniversary. It was perfect. Cassie was perfect. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Thank you, dad. You’ve given me a gift I could never have known I wanted. Now I have it. I will never let it go.