“Well,” she says. Pausing for what feels like a long time, she starts walking toward the kitchen, placing my cell phone on the counter. Her hand rests on it for longer than necessary, her eyes meeting mine.
“Let’s eat,” she says in an upbeat tone, stalking back toward me and placing her hand on my shoulder. Leaning into me, she begins speaking, her voice barely a whisper. “For once in your life, let's come together and act like a normal, harmonious family.”
Shocked by her words and her tone, I step to the side, snapping away from the hold on my shoulder.
“So, you mean act…or is it lie? I’m not sure which one?”
Her lips press together and her nostrils flare.
“Liza…Cassie? Is everything okay?” my father asks, his eyes bulging and awaiting a response.
“Fine,” I say, walking over to him and standing behind the seat across from Leo. I know things aren’t fine, but I won’t let him know that. Liza makes me out to be a spoiled brat, and right now, I won’t let her make me look like that person.
I place my hand on his back, leaning in and kissing him lightly on the cheek. “Nice to have you here for dinner. It’s been too long.”
“It has, but it’s such a wonderful occasion. Our helping hand around the house.” He holds out his arm, pointing to Leo who sits opposite. Looking between us, I can see he’s not sure how he should react. “I heard you already met?”
“Yes. I was the one who found him, Father. Nice to see you looking in better shape.” Taking the chair, I pull it out and slide down into the seat. Looking at Leo and the way he watches me causes my breath to hitch. I blink a little faster than normal, my eyes meeting his. But for those few seconds, which truly feel like a thousand, he never breaks the contact.
“Thank you,” he replies, his voice low and raspy. The sound of his voice makes the hairs on my neck stand to attention.
Jesus, what is he doing to me?
Get it together, Cassie.
Liza clears her throat, clicking her fingers as she seats herself beside Leo. Feet click against the wooden floor as the servers scurry toward us.
Two young girls bring over our appetizers, placing them down in front of us. I glance up to the brunette placing my food in front of me.
“Thank you,” I say with a smile.
“Toast,” Liza exclaims. She holds up her empty wine glass and the shorter-haired girl standing beside her lifts the bottle, pouring the red wine into her glass.
Since everyone else is drinking, it would be a shame not to join in. Grabbing the glass, I hold it up, indicating that I would also like wine.
Liza starts to laugh loudly. Annoyingly loud.
“Cassie, I think not.”
Uncontrollably, I roll my eyes and Leo stifles a laugh.
That laugh causes my stomach to tighten. The sound is like music to my ears. That feeling you get when your favorite song is on the radio and you can’t help but turn it up and sing along. Yeah, it’s a similar feeling.
“Oh, Liza, just a small glass. After all, she is eighteen. Which would be legal in a lot of countries, especially Europe,” my father explains.
“But we are not in Europe, dear, we’re in America where the legal limit is twenty-one. I’m surprised at you, Howard, really I am.”
“Oh, lighten up a little,” I add, holding the glass up higher and the girl proceeds to fill the glass. “Let’s all raise a glass to Leo and new beginnings.”
“New beginnings,” he says with a sincere smile. Our glasses touch, making a tinkling sound.
“We are so happy to have you here with us, Leo,” my father adds.
* * *
The evening goes better than I’d expected. Leo is timid but charming. He says very little, but just enough. And the more wine I drink, the more attractive he becomes. In fact, I want to get him alone. Away from Liza the witch who hasn’t stopped touching him. Small, innocent touches. But the more she is tactile with him, the more my mind races. I feel my chest tighten, wishing I was the one touching his muscular forearm.
Shit, I need to stop drinking. My whole body buzzes with the effects of the alcohol. My eyes focus on Liza’s hand which is resting on Leo’s knee. No longer able to watch her touching him inappropriately, I gently place down my wine glass and proceed to step up from the dining chair.
“Father,” I address him, leaning in and placing a gentle kiss to his cheek. “I’m calling it a night. Please excuse me.”
“But the night is young,” he says with a chuckle. “And so are you,” he adds. He begins to belly laugh, placing his hand on his stomach and the other on the table.
“You enjoy yourself.” Gently squeezing his shoulder, I step away, unable to look at Liza or Leo for that matter.
Taking small steps, I make my way over to the kitchen and grab my phone. I check the message from Sasha and laugh.
Sasha: Give the bitch hell and the hunk boy heaven.
Making my way to the foyer, I slowly attempt to climb the stairs. My hand on the rail pulls my weakened legs up the stairs. One glass soon turned into two, then three, then four. I think it was the fourth glass that weakened my legs.
“Hey.” The sound of his voice startles me. I press my hand against my chest as my heart thuds uncontrollably.
“Shit,” I say breathlessly, my eyes fluttering shut as I try to calm myself.
“Sorry,” he says with a chuckle.
“You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that. What is it you want, Leo?”
I’m angry with him and I don’t know why.
My eyes lift to meet his. He looks angry, annoyed even. “Doesn’t matter.” He shakes his head, dropping his eyes from mine. He steps back, ready to make his way down the staircase.
“What is it?” I snap, my voice louder than I intended. Thanks, alcohol.
“Like I said, it doesn't matter.”
“Well, it obviously does, or you wouldn’t have followed me now, would you?”
“Jesus,” he says, exhaling loudly.
My eyes bug out, focused on him.
“Are you always this difficult?” he asks.
“Are you kidding?”
“What?” He looks at me with a surprised expression.
“You sat there for the past two hours letting her, that...that woman, touch you. Is there something happening between you? Are you like the new plaything?”
“Plaything?” His eyes narrow on me and his nose scrunches. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“Are you screwing her in return for a roof over your head and a job?”
“Jesus, no!”
“Then what? What was that?”
“She’s friendly. Don’t you think your father would’ve said something if it was inappropriate? What’s really going on here?” He steps closer until there is no longer any space between us. “Jealous?”
I screw up my face. “As if.”
A smirk pulls at the corner of his lip, his hand slowly reaching for my cheek. His thumb caresses my jawline and I can’t help but swallow hard. My eyes meet his and I can’t stop myself from leaning into him. His face comes closer and the pulse in my neck feels like it’s about to rip from my skin. My eyes flutter shut as I anticipate his touch. The warmth of his breath on my ear is almost too much. Moisture grows between my legs and I’m suddenly pressing my thighs together, trying to control the effect he’s having on me.
“I just…”
“Just what?” I ask, eager to know more, to feel more. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. My whole body feels alive and I can’t believe this is happening.
“Wondered if you had a spare phone charger?”
My eyes fly open and I force my feet backward.
Fuck! I’m such an idiot.
My hand flies out, pressing against his chest and forcing him back. I don’t say anything. Feeling too embarrassed, I turn on my heel forcing myself up the remaining steps before stumbling down the hall and away from Leo. Finding the handle on the door, I forc
e it open and slam it closed behind me.
Wait…what the hell just happened? Is he toying with me, or did I just imagine what just happened? The heat between us. The intensity. The tension.
Was that all a figment of my imagination?
Good one, Cassie. Real smooth.
Chapter Five
Leo
Walking out of the main house, I make my way down the walkway to the office.
Home.
What was supposed to be a welcome meal turned into something that made me feel like a dick. A complete and utter jerk.
Did I miss a huge red flag? Is Liza up to something or is Cassie just pissed and reading into something that isn’t there? I know Liza is a flirt, but surely that’s all it is. Why would a woman so wealthy, so fortunate be interested in a loser like me?
So many questions buzz through my mind as I enter the office and close the door behind me.
Leaning back against the wooden door, I reach for the light switch, flicking it on. The huge floor-to-ceiling window that lines the office overlooks the outdoor pool. The lights that span the interior of the pool shimmer as the water ripples. I squint, wondering what the hell is going on…then I realize something. Someone is in the pool. Strolling over to the window, I glance a look, only to see that it is Liza in the pool. Quickly, not wanting to be seen, I close the blinds.
I make my way over to the bed and perch myself on the edge. Leaning forward, I rest my elbows on my knees, and hold my head in my hands.
Was I so stupid to believe that this would work? Starting a new life, depending on this family. A family that has no idea about who I am, or what I’ve done.
A family with a daughter who makes my heart race and my dick hard.
This is dangerous.
So fucking dangerous.
Stay here for a while, make some money. Get some experience. Start fresh.
Then move on.
Don’t get attached.
Stay inconspicuous.
I have to make this plan work.
It’s what Mom would’ve wanted.
Lying back on the bed, I close my eyes. Images of Cassie and the memory of her scent invades my senses. She’s one hundred percent my type. I’ve never met anyone like Cassie before. Athletic but sexy as hell. Naturally gorgeous, even without a speck of makeup. Those kinds of girls are one in a million.
Unobtainable.
And right now, that suits me just fine. She may be a thing of beauty, but staying unattached is what will make my plan work.
Cassie, in another life, maybe.
Because I saw the way she looked at me. The feel of her heartbeat when she leaned into me was sweet temptation. She wanted me, just as much as I wanted her. But I had to rein in whatever I was feeling between us—an unknown connection. Her wide eyes framed with thick black lashes watched me all night. But those eyes looked devastated the minute I had to contain myself and ask for the charger.
I noticed when Liza snatched the phone from her that it was the same as mine.
I’m desperate to hear from my friends.
To see if they are looking for me.
I miss my friends and my life before it was ruined.
A knock on the door startles me. My eyes fly open and I urge my body up from the most comfortable bed I’ve ever lain upon.
“Coming,” I boom, hurrying to make my way over.
Opening the door, my eyes are met with Liza’s. She flutters her eyelashes flirtatiously and the words Cassie blurted out whirl over in my mind.
“Leo,” she says seductively. Water drips from her hair and she has a towel loosely wrapped around her. My eyes are instantly drawn to the large cross that rests against her cleavage.
“Liza,” I say offering her a smile.
“Come swim with me.”
Her hands rest against the doorframe causing the towel to fall to the floor.
“No, thank you,” I reply politely. Dropping to my knees, I grab the towel and hold it out to her.
“Oh,” she replies, her mouth slightly agape as though she can’t believe I’ve declined her offer. “I saw you with Cassie earlier. Everything okay?” She tilts her head to the side, her eyes fixed on me as she holds the towel against her chest.
“Just looking for a phone charger.”
“You think that’s a good idea, dear?”
“Just a few old friends that might be wondering where I am. I wanted to let them know I’m okay.”
“Well, why didn’t you say? I’ll have one for you first thing in the morning.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
“My pleasure. You need anything you come to me, got it?”
“Sure, thanks again,” I say stepping back, ready to close the door. As I step back, she counteracts my movement, stepping closer. “I just want to help you, Leo. I think we could help each other.” She places her damp hand against my wrist, gently stroking my arm. I do something I hadn’t done before now. I pull my arm away and start to squeeze the back of my neck. Liza’s eyes go wide and she glares at me as if waiting for me to say something.
“Well, good night,” I all but whisper as I start to close the door. Liza steps back, her lips now pressed together, forming a tight line. I don’t want to piss her off, but I also don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea. Liza is flirtatious and tactile, but that’s where it has to stop. I can’t let this become something it can’t be. Not that I see her that way at all.
With a flash of a smile, I close the door and drop the lock. I hope that Liza comes through with the charger. My friend Tristan has been my rock. The best friend a guy could ever ask for.
And I disappeared without a word. I’ve wanted to let him know I’m okay for the longest time.
But with no money, no phone battery, and guilt chewing up my insides, I failed. Miserably.
* * *
I toss and turn, unable to sleep, or shut off my goddamn mind. Pushing back the sheet, I let my legs drop over the edge of the bed, stand, and stretch out my weary body.
I’m beyond exhausted, yet my mind won’t let my body rest.
I thought the wine would help, but it didn’t. Grabbing a pair of sweatpants, I pull them on and head over to the door. Unlocking it, I pull it open and head outside.
It’s dark, but the cool night air is strangely comforting. I slide down onto the step and glance up at the sky. My eyes scan the vast blackness, a sprinkling of stars twinkle and I can’t help but smile. Despite the conflict and darkness within my mind, the brightness of those stars gives me hope. As I snap my eyes downward, my attention is drawn to a single light shining from the rear of the Conway house.
With my hands clasped together in front of me, I focus on the dining room window. The drapes are open and Cassie is standing in the window, staring out.
I wonder what has her up at this time? She looks sad, lonely even.
Part of me wants to reach out to her and comfort her in some way. Get to know what’s eating her.
The other tells me to keep my distance. Knowing that I can’t get involved, and more than anything, I know that I’d only end up hurting her.
If, or should I say when, she finds out who I really am.
Chapter Six
Cassie
Rolling over, I feel around on the bedside table for my phone. The alarm beeps so loudly that I’m frantic to stop it. Locating it, I hit snooze and turn my face into the softness of the pillow.
Ugh, I’m so tired. It feels like I just fell asleep when the alarm decided to deafen me. My mind thinks back to seeing Leo sitting on the step of the office building. Neither of us able to sleep. Questions about him race through my mind. I still feel like I know nothing. But the one thing I do know is that he stirs something deep inside that I’ve never felt before.
A want.
A need.
A desire.
A pull…a physical attraction I’ve never experienced before.
Last night, for some reason, in the split second we were close I thought he fel
t the same way. Only I was stupid to believe that this beautiful stranger would see me as anything other than the spoiled little rich girl that everyone believes I am. For once though, I’d love for someone to see me as more than that.
Throwing on something to wear, I head downstairs, hoping to catch my father before he heads out to work.
As I reach the bottom of the staircase, Liza’s giggles can be heard, echoing around the expansive space.
Warily, I step inside the dining room where the source of the noise can be heard. Liza sits on my father’s lap, her head thrown back and my father’s hand is somewhere inside her silky robe.
“Ewww,” I say loud enough for the pair to hear. My father’s hands can suddenly be seen and lie flat on the table. Liza doesn’t bother to offer me a glance.
“Cassie, good morning,” my father acknowledges me.
“Can we talk?”
“Of course. Come, sit.” He pulls out the chair beside him, patting it with the palm of his hand.
“In private,” I add.
I watch as Dad glances to Liza and she rolls her eyes. Sliding off his lap, she makes her way out of the room slowly, swaying from side to side, glaring at me as she does.
“What is it, dear?”
“My friend Sasha. Her mom is in a bad way. She’s depressed after what happened in the accident.”
“Only to be expected,” he replies turning in his seat and pulling one leg over the other. I slide down into the chair beside him.
“They need help. Her mom needs therapy but it isn’t covered under their insurance policy.”
“That’s so unfortunate.” Reaching for my hand, he squeezes gently. “But you know I’m a surgeon, right, sweetie.”
“Of course,” I say before exhaling loudly. “But with your connections, there must be someone you know who could help. After all, it would be the Christian thing to do.”
I pull out the bullshit religion card, since Liza uses it all too often.
Bound to Break: Books one in the Bound to series Page 4