Call Me Casanova, Book One: What Meets the Eye
Page 4
He sat on the comfortable leather sofa and rested one ankle on his knee and propped his temple against his fingertips, gazing at her inquiringly. “You wished to speak with me?”
“Yes.” She could play calm, cool and collected as well. Rather than taking a seat, she walked to the tall multi-paned window and stared out through the thin wispy curtains a moment before facing him. “In light of these . . . unexpected events,” she said, “I think we need to get something straight.”
Gregory just gazed at her, unmoving but for a flick of his fingertips and a raised eyebrow, urging her to elaborate.
A low sigh seeped out. “Last night was . . .” Amazing. “Clearly a mistake.” She clasped her hands in front of her and moved slowly away from the window. “I think we need to be reasonable and rational about it and make as if it never happened.”
Her last words were barely out before Gregory was on his feet, startling her. “Not a problem.” he said, his eyes cool. “It isn't my custom to contemplate the events of a previous night. No worries, darling. Everything is copasetic.”
Cassandra just stared at him. Just like that? No resistance at all? Isn't that what you wanted? You should be thrilled he isn't fighting it. She had expected a battle and received cooperation instead.
Gregory walked to the door then paused and faced her. “By the way.” he said smoothly. “When we must address one another . . . what name should I use?”
“Either is fine.” she replied.
“So Cassandra wasn't an alias?”
“No.” she said. “It's my middle name. The one I prefer to use. Father and select others continue to use Eleonore.”
“I think I'll stick with Cassandra.” He started to leave, then paused once more. “Is there any particular reason you chose to fuck me the night before you were to meet with my father and brother about your impending marriage?”
Cassandra met his stare with veiled eyes. “None that I will be discussing with you.”
Releasing the door-handle, rather than opening the door, Gregory moved back toward Cassandra. She tensed, uncertain just what to expect of the man. He stopped just a foot or so away. “I'm not sure I like the idea of my brother marrying a woman who is cheating on him before they're even married.”
“This is merely a marriage of convenience.”
“Even so.” Gregory said.
“Are you close to your brother?”
“Can't stand the prick.”
“Then why do you care?” Cassandra wondered.
“Maybe it's a family thing.”
“Is it, or isn't it?” Cassandra cocked an eyebrow.
Gregory chuckled. “It isn't.” His eyes crawled over her face. “If this is simply a marriage of convenience . . . does that mean there won't be any...consummating?”
“Preston will be my husband.” Cassandra said, a twisting in her gut. “I suppose there will be some. He is a man, after all.”
“Is he?” Gregory smiled dryly. “From what I understand, he prefers to discuss business in bed rather than fuck.” He leaned closer, and she could feel his breath on her lips. “I foresee many indiscretions in your future.”
She trembled. “Perhaps.” she admitted. “But not with you.” she added without conviction.
“We'll see.” he whispered, his lips raking ever so lightly over her mouth. Reflexively, her fingertips reached for the front of his shirt, barely scraping the fabric as her neck arched for the kiss . . . when he stepped back and walked away, leaving the study.
Cassandra trembled, then hugged herself.
Girl, you're in serious trouble.
......................................
Gregory was pissed and didn't really know why. Was it because she was so quick and ready to forget last night?
Who cares? It was just another one-night fuck! You never expected to see her again anyway.
But he had wanted to. He couldn't deny it. And to find out she belonged to Preston—of all people? Is that why you want her so bad now?
Gregory forced his hand not to slam his bedroom door. He'd walked away with the upper hand; he didn't need her discovering how on-edge she had him. She had been right there, ready for his kiss and no doubt whatever else he wanted after she had just suggested they forget about the previous night's events. She wasn't as uninterested as she tried to make him believe.
“Play like you don't want me all you want, darling Cassandra,” he muttered low, “but when I decide I want you . . . I will have you—with your consent.”
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Other Books by This Author
Please check your favorite eBook retailer for the other books of D.C. Chagnon
Other books in the Call Me Casanova Trilogy
Call Me Casanova, Book Two: An Affair To Forget
Call Me Casanova, Book Three: The Better Man
Books in The Fairytale Ending Trilogy
The Fairytale Ending, Book One
The Fairytale Ending, Book Two: Reality Crashing Down
The Fairytale Ending, Book Three: Once Upon a Time
The Arabian Billionaire Series
Book One: Arabian Seduction
Butterfly Candles Series
Book One: Fluttering
Off the Treadmill Series
Book one: The Depression Machine