Forever Lost

by Laura Morgan

  Cassie was still lost in thought even as they began slowing down. They eventually came to a stop outside a huge building that looked almost like a library, except for the huge cross that towered at the top of the steeple overhead, and Cassie immediately froze.

  “GG, what are we doing here?” she asked, but he didn’t answer. After climbing out, he simply opened the door, took her arm, and led Cassie to the base of the steps that went up to the huge wooden door. She was panting for breath, her eyes wide with fear as they stood there, and her mind raced as she wondered was going to happen inside.

  Chapter 28

  Leo snorted another line of cocaine, and downed the rest of his vodka, sending the empty bottle hurtling toward the wall with a roar. He hadn’t heard anything from Victor since he’d taken Cassie away, and it was killing him. He couldn't stand that she had sacrificed herself for him. He was here, free and alone, while she was down in Mexico at Victor’s command. He knew without any doubt that Victor would’ve expected her to fuck him. Leo imagined her being tortured, beaten, and emotionally manipulated. Visions of her locked up somewhere in his compound, scared to death and alone, haunted him.

  Leo was furious he’d been so foolish. He never should’ve allowed himself to get close to her, and especially not let Cassie sacrifice her freedom for him. He’d known from the moment he chose his criminal existence that he would most likely die young. It was the exact reason he’d never sat on his money all these years. If he wanted to do something, he would. If he wanted to buy something, he did. But now there was only one thing on his mind, and Leo hated knowing there was nothing he could do to stop the awful things he was imagining Victor doing to that beautiful body and spirit.

  Tina hobbled into his office, still relying on a walking stick. Her face was pale and her expression pained. In fact, her entire demeanor had changed since those terrible few days in his home. Victor had beaten and shot her during his interrogation. Leo had watched the entire thing, even as Victor’s men laughed at her pleas for mercy, before some had raped her. She was alive, and that was all that mattered, but he wondered what sort of life it now was. He no longer dominated his assistant the way he had before. In fact he pitied her, and had done everything he could to keep her safe since. Tina placed a fresh bottle of vodka on the desk and sat down opposite him, glancing at her boss timidly.

  “So, what are we going to do?” she asked. “You can’t go on like this. You need to reach out to him.”

  “I know. I’m gonna go down there, see him face to face. I need to know if she’s okay,” Leo replied, running his hands over his face and then up into his messy hair in angst. “Then I’m going to kill the bastard.”

  ***

  Grayson half led, half dragged Cassie up the steps and into the church. Her hands gripped his forearm tightly. She didn’t dare say a word, and Grayson thankfully paid no attention to her unmasked fear. When they were inside, the congregation stood and looked back at her. Their faces seemed pulled into fake smiles, and she barely recognized a single face there. She looked down the incredible length of aisle before them, her eyes settling on the massive grin she found at the end of it—Victor’s. Cassie forced herself to smile back, only managing what she assumed must be more of a petrified smirk, but hoped she looked convincing enough.

  “Don’t you dare let me walk up there alone, GG,” she mumbled, sensing Grayson was trying to pull away so she could walk toward Victor alone. She needed him to keep her steady, but it was no use. He thrust a bouquet into her hands and slid a diamond band into her hair that pinched behind her ear. In one fluid move, he pulled forward a veil attached to the band that covered her face, and went right down to her stomach. The back of the veil was even longer, and trailed down almost to the floor.

  The organist began to play, and Grayson laid a hand at the small of Cassie’s back, pushing her off for her lonely walk to Victor’s side. She stared down the long walkway, taking deep breaths, and desperately tried to stop herself from running or fainting. Cassie hated this, hated him, and everything about what he’d done.

  She mentally kicked herself for not realizing sooner. Nobody wore white dresses to a ball, why hadn’t she picked up on the obvious hint that morning? Cassie knew she’d been so excited about being let out for a shopping trip, and hadn’t thought about it all properly. There would’ve been nothing she could do about it anyway, but at least she would’ve had time to mentally prepare herself. Now, she felt like a cornered animal, afraid and ready to strike, should anything push her further over the edge.

  When Cassie finally reached the altar, Victor stepped forward and took her hand in his. The affectionate gaze and loving smile he gave her made this a little easier, but she was still scared. She wished she felt the same way about him, but she didn’t. There was no doubt about it, regardless of her role-playing having apparently ended, she knew she didn’t love him. Unfortunately there was also no going back, no getting out of this. Cassie took a deep breath and followed Victor’s lead, moving in whatever way he ushered her, and saying the words as he indicated. Before she knew it, the rings were on their fingers, and they were pronounced husband and wife.

  Victor pulled back the veil and kissed Cassie. He kept from performing anything too elaborate in front of the priest, but his show was more than enough to incur a few cheers from the men in the front rows. He chuckled as he pulled away, giving Cassie the happiest look she had ever seen, and she couldn't help but soften. She hoped this meant his infatuation had turned into something stronger. She was convinced she sensed his love and respect for her, and hoped she might have a little more freedom as his wife, but didn’t get her hopes up.

  The pair of them linked hands and walked back down the aisle together, grinning as cheers and calls of encouragement followed. Outside, they posed for photographs while their guests threw rice and cheered for the happy couple. They all seemed overjoyed by their union, and Cassie carried on following Victor’s lead, still in shock. Before climbing into the back of a white limo, Cassie tossed her bouquet into the hands of her eager female guests, none of whom she recognized, but she smiled and waved at the young girl who’d caught it.

  Once inside the car, Victor seemed unable to hold himself back and pounced on his new wife. He kissed every inch of skin he could reach in the short time they had.

  “Why did you keep it a secret, baby?” Cassie asked. Her hands stroked his cheek, and she looked at him with the most affectionate gaze she could manage.

  “I wanted it to be a surprise. I knew you’d be scared, so I put it all together as a gift,” Victor replied, sliding his hand up the slit of her dress. “You’ve been such a good girl, especially this morning when you surrendered to me so entirely. I promised your rewards would be everything you’d ever dreamed of. Now you are married to one of the richest men in the country, Cassie. I belong to you now, just as you belong to me. I want to make you happy.”

  “You already make me happy, Victor. You’ve been so wonderful, and you’ve done everything you promised. Now that I’m your wife, I won’t stop being everything you want me to be. I will love you as much as I can, and I’ll show you every day how grateful I am for your gifts,” she replied, lying through her teeth. She purposely hadn’t said she loved him, but that she would love him as much as she could, which for now was barely a tiny bit.

  It wasn’t long until their limo pulled up outside a posh looking restaurant, and the newlyweds climbed out. They were the first to arrive at what Cassie could only assume was their wedding reception. He led her around the back to a stunning garden. It was already set up with trellises and a white marquee, under which sat elegantly dressed tables and a small dance floor with a stage. It was truly beautiful, and she finally began to appreciate the effort he’d gone to. She leaned in close and kissed Victor’s cheek, smiling across at him affectionately, and he grinned back at her.

  “Who were all those people at the church, baby? I only recognized a few of them,” she asked, wondering who had been part of their ve
ry personal day. None of them had been her guests. Cassie wondered if he’d even bothered looking into her family back home in England, but knew he couldn't have, otherwise they would’ve surely flown over. She was glad. Having to act out her happy role under their eyes would’ve been hard, and she would’ve spent the entire time hoping they were not about to catch her in the act, for their safety as well as her own.

  “Mi familia,” he told her in Spanish. “This is my home, Cassie. I brought you here to marry you in the church where I was baptized, and under the eyes of my people. That’s how much you mean to me. I’ve been planning this for weeks,” Victor told her, making Cassie’s mouth drop open in shock. She quickly laughed it off, kissing her husband in a display worthy of applause.

  “I truly am a very lucky lady. Thank you for doing all of this for me. Do they know I was married before? And that I’m not Catholic?” she asked, and Victor shook his head.

  “Absolutely not, and you’re never to tell. As far as they know, I’m just a businessman. They have no idea how I make my money, or how I live my life. Luis’s death was put down to a motorcycle accident, in case anyone says anything. They barely speak a word of English, so I’m sure the conversation won’t be plentiful.” He laughed, pulling her closer for another kiss.

  “Not like you, your English is perfect,” she replied, and he seemed to enjoy the compliment.

  “Luis taught me well.” Victor tailed off, obviously not wanting to talk about him, and his face turned serious. “I expect you to stay on my arm. Do not ever leave my sight, Cassie. Rest assured, I have not dropped my guard where you’re concerned. Grayson will not hesitate to slip you a sleeping pill and stuff you in the back of the car if you try anything silly. I’ll just tell everybody you’ve gone to prepare for our wedding night.” He held Cassie’s arm a little too tightly for her liking, and she peered up into his eyes.

  “You don’t need to threaten me, Victor. I’m here aren’t I? I just became your wife, surely you don’t think I was lying up there in the eyes of God?” She felt sure she was going to Hell for having done just that. “There’s no need to worry about anything other than having fun, and giving your wife the perfect wedding day. Did you at least buy me some sexy lingerie to wear for you later?” Cassie added, turning his attention away from the threats, and it seemed to work. Victor’s features softened, and he released his hold. He leaned in, kissing her cheek and neck softly.

  “You don’t need any. With or without clothes, you’re the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen. This dress is the most sublime thing you’ve ever worn, and I can’t wait to rip it off you when we’re alone tonight,” Victor whispered, his voice a haughty groan, and she grinned. Deep down she sensed something change between them. It was a sudden awareness that he might finally have given her some power over him, and Cassie wondered to herself if Victor even realized how much.

  Chapter 29

  Victor wrapped one arm around Cassie’s back, holding onto her tightly, and she immediately snuggled into him in an attempt to show her husband he needn’t worry. She didn’t know how many times he needed her to declare her promises, but wondered if he could tell she wasn’t being sincere. Cassie almost felt a little guilty, but couldn't change the way she felt, no matter how hard she tried.

  He pulled them back slightly to the entryway, ready to greet the guests. Before Cassie knew it, she was shaking hands and receiving hugs from various men and women. They all fussed over her affectionately, commented on her beauty, and complimented her pale skin. She’d learned enough Spanish to understand that much, but still had no eloquence when it came to speaking the language, so just smiled politely and let Victor speak for them both.

  He explained how she spoke no Spanish, but was learning, and they all seemed pleased. They were clearly impressed when she showed understanding. Victor’s mother, a chubby, dark haired woman, hugged her so tightly Cassie thought she might pop. She laughed when Mrs. Sanchez dropped her and nodded in appreciation.

  “Good bones, many babies,” she told her in pidgin English, making Cassie’s cheeks burn, and Victor grinned. He spoke to his mother softly, and Cassie saw his even gentler side as he regarded her, seemingly pleased she’d given Cassie her approval.

  “Gracias Señora,” Cassie replied, sliding back into her spot beside Victor, and he placed his protective hand at the small of her back again.

  “Mama,” Victor’s mother corrected her, the sentiment in her tone making Cassie’s eyes fill with tears. She gulped, desperately trying to fight them. The old woman noticed and immediately pulled her into a proper hug, running her hands over her back affectionately, and she wrapped her hands around the rotund woman. When they pulled back, Mama Sanchez kissed Cassie’s cheek and placed her back in Victor’s arms with a warm smile. She then spoke to her son, and Cassie understood every word. They made her smile so wide her tears were soon forgotten.

  Mrs. Sanchez had, in no uncertain terms, told her son to take care of his lovely wife, and he’d better make her the happiest woman alive, or else she would take him across her knee.

  Victor laughed at her threat, politely reminding his mother he was no longer a boy. He did promise not to disappoint her, planting a passionate kiss on Cassie’s lips that earned them a loud cheer from the other waiting guests.

  The party that soon ensued was wonderful. They cut the huge cake, had their first dance, and there were many speeches from Victor’s family. Everyone wished them well and instructed Victor to take good care of her, and bring Cassie home more regularly so they might get to know his new bride better. When it was Victor’s turn, he stood and raised a glass. He asked the crowd to toast his new wife, and they all did, while Cassie felt herself blush, but smiled up at him affectionately.

  “This woman has stolen my heart and soul for all eternity. Forever mine, as I am hers. I will love her for as long as she will allow, and then longer,” he said, surprising Cassie by talking in English first, and then repeating the speech in Spanish. The crowd before them cheered loudly and toasted the happy couple one last time. Mama Sanchez started crying, as did Luis’s widow, and Victor held his hand out to Cassie, ushering for her to stand beside him. She smiled while Victor showed off his prize with a clear sense of pride.

  At the end of their wonderful wedding reception, Victor led Cassie out to the waiting limo, and they said their goodbyes. Cassie already felt like part of his family in some strange way, even though this entire thing still felt so surreal. She hoped in time she would come to love Victor, but for now she would settle for knowing he loved her, and would do anything to make her happy. This was a far better position than Cassie had thought she’d find herself in down here, and she was determined to keep things this way.

  She followed his lead, climbing into the limo and sliding over to let him join her, and the driver whisked them away. Cassie assumed they would return to the complex, but instead the car pulled into a private driveway just a few minutes down the road, and large iron gates opened to let them pass.

  A stunning house sat before them. It was quaint, yet beautiful in terracotta brick, and most importantly, it was all theirs. Victor led Cassie inside, his men having prepared and secured the place before disappearing again. Cassie knew they wouldn’t be far and would keep watch, but no one would be permitted inside the house now that the newlyweds had arrived.

  Cassie giggled loudly as Victor swept her into his arms and carried her across the threshold. He kissed her lips before settling his wife back on the ground. She took it all in. The house was lovely and homely, the size far from that of his huge mansion, and she liked the feel of it. Floor-to-ceiling windows looked out onto the garden, showing a pool and terrace outside. Cassie desperately wanted to take a dip, and realized it would be the first swim she’d had since arriving in Mexico.

  Victor stepped close behind her, looking out at the night’s sky over his wife’s shoulder. He moved her long hair to one side so he could kiss her neck, while his hands pulled at the zipper on her dress. When th
e gown was off, he placed it carefully to one side, apparently having decided against ripping it off her, and Cassie grinned. She watched as he eyed her white satin bra and panties with an appreciative stare. They matched the material of her dress perfectly, and she felt amazing.

  After kicking off her shoes, she wandered over to him, climbing up into his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist while he carried his bride up to the bedroom.

  “You make me so happy, Cassie. How can I make you happy tonight?” he asked, setting her down on the bed and slipping off her underwear. She sensed his desperate need to touch and taste her, and cried out as he stroked her folds. Victor slid his tongue inside her aching cleft, his thumb rubbing her clit with just the right amount of pressure. It was just a few seconds before a wave of pure ecstasy washed over her, gushing her juices into his mouth, and he groaned appreciatively. “Yes, baby,” he whispered, his tongue sliding up over Cassie’s stomach as he placed his wet kisses all over her torso.

  “I want you hard and deep, Victor. Don’t stop, even if I ask you to,” she said, looking down at him with a cheeky smile. Cassie’s core tensed as she remembered saying the same words the morning she’d spent with Leo, but of course, Victor had no idea. He stood and slowly removed his suit, placing it neatly over a chair, all the while watching her with a dark and brooding look. She loved it, especially the sly smile curling at his lips as he seemed to be thinking it over.