by Dani René
“Mr. Verán, how can I help you?”
“Robert, I need the plane and the pilot back here tonight. I don’t care how late it is.”
“Yes, sir. What is the flight plan?”
“I am flying to Cancun to oversee the shoot. Change of plan.”
“Yes, sir.” I plan to surprise my girl. She will be mine. I can’t give up. Not when the only person that’s ever made me feel like this is out there. I sent Cassie two messages, but I am not surprised that she hasn’t replied to me yet.
Its 3 am when I step onto the plane. The pilot wanted to wait for early morning, but the sooner I can get there, the sooner I get my girl back. Nothing would keep me away from her. Not this time. I needed to get her away from Jayce. It would not be easy to convince her that I loved her. That I wanted her back. I needed her forgiveness, and I needed to earn it. There were so many ways I wanted to earn it. The first way will be to fuck her senseless on the beach.
As soon as we’re in the air, I sit back and close my eyes. I should land as soon as she’s waking up. My plan is to surprise her with breakfast in bed. Actually, I think she will be breakfast. The thought of tasting her again has my cock waking up, throbbing against the confines of my zipper. She is the only woman who can affect me this way. With her or without her, she leaves me with a near constant hard on. There have been numerous meetings where my mind has wandered to her and I have had to finish the meeting early just to get back to the privacy of my office. I picture her, those beautiful chocolate eyes, that long flowing curls, that body, that’s where I find calm. The thought that I will soon be with her makes me smile. Even if I have to spend a lifetime winning her back.
“Mr. Verán.” I wake up to Robert staring at me.
“What are you doing here?”
“I had to pick you up, you’ve landed.” I sit up and realize I am still in the plane. Shit, I am still groggy. Dreams of Cassie and me on the beach have my mind whirling with desire.
“Thanks, Robert.” Making our way down to the car, I ask Robert to take me straight to the hotel. My body is trembling, the desire, and anguish I have lived through this month will end. Robert pulls out into the road and makes his way down to the hotel. “Is she okay, Robert?” His eyes cut to mine in the rear-view mirror and something flickers across them. I know he’s hiding something from me.
“She’s well, sir. Mr Alexander is… Well he’s been very close with her.” I can hear the warning in his voice. I need to stay calm, I walked out. It’s my fault for pushing her into someone else’s arms. Now it’s time to right my wrong. With a slow nod, I acknowledge him. There were no words that I could find to reply to him.
Chapter 22
Cassandra
I wake up deliciously sore. My phone is vibrating from the nightstand, but I don’t remember putting it there. “It’s been going crazy all morning. I told him we arrived safely. Although, I didn’t mention the fucking amazing sex we had last night.” My gaze flits up and falls on Jayce wearing a towel around his taut waist. Water dripping down his chiseled chest and abs. A naughty smile plays on his lips.
“Lucien?” I frown. My head is still foggy from sleep.
“No, I am Jayce, princess.” His face is one of complete amusement and I poke my tongue out at him. I scoot up, grabbing my phone and swiping the screen to stop the alerts.
“Oh right, sorry I was so confused. I had earth shattering sex last night. My mind isn’t all that clear.” I tease him. As I glance down, I notice two messages from Lucien and three from Kenna. When I hit reply to the message from Kenna, I let her know we’re safe. I don’t want to open the messages from Lucien. Not right now. There was no way I was ready.
“You had earth shattering sex? Wow, what a coincidence so did I.” Jayce places a mug of coffee next to me as he sits down. “We have to be on site in about an hour, it’s only a ten-minute drive, so don’t rush.” I nod and pick up the coffee. As I take a sip, I savor the taste.
“So, I um—” I point between the two of us. Not sure how to broach the subject.
“Look, Cassie, we don’t have to do this. We’re adults. Last night was fun, but it doesn’t have to happen again. It’s cool. I meant what I said. I wanted to take your pain away. That’s all.” He gets up and walks into the living room and the zipper of his suitcase echoes through the room. I set my coffee on the nightstand and swing my legs over the bed I pad into the living room. Jay is tugging on his jeans when I come up behind him. My arms wrap around him and pull him into me. I run my hands over his abs, every ridge and dip. His skin is smooth and soft.
“Jayce, don’t do this?” I don’t know what I want from him. I don’t even know what I want from myself, but I don't want lose him. He’s been a constant I am not ready to let go of just yet.
When he turns around in my arms, his index finger traces a path from my ear down to my chin. He lifts my face until my eyes find his. “I am not going anywhere. Just giving you space, princess.” He peppers small kisses on my lips. “Now, get ready. Or we may never leave this room, and then the boss man will have our heads!” I giggle, knowing that the boss man will most definitely have Jayce’s head.
In the bathroom, I turn on the shower and step in immediately. The cool water calms my muscles, but it doesn’t stop the turmoil in my head. I turn up the heat and take a deep breath. As I stand under the hot spray the knots in my neck ease. I am not sure what is going on between Jayce and me, but whatever it is I am better than I have been in weeks. The soft scent of patchouli hits my senses as I lather up.
When I turn off the water, I step out of the shower and wrap a towel around me. I make my way into the bedroom. Jay has set my suitcase on the bed. I pull out my blue linen pants and a silver halter neck top. While I rummage through the clothes I packed, my mind wanders to Lucien. I grab underwear, and dry off. Then pulling on a black thong and matching bra, I hear an audible groan behind me. I turn to Jayce standing in the doorway watching me. “Jesus, Cassie. You look so fucking good. I have to work all day knowing that’s what you're wearing under your clothes?” He points at my black underwear and the hard ridge in his jeans is evident, straining against his zipper.
“Behave, Jayce and yes I will most definitely be wearing this under my clothes. Would it bother you?” I twirl around, tormenting him further. The look on his face tells me he’s barely holding on to his restraint. I can’t help giggling.
“Cassandra.” My name, a warning on his lips. Jayce takes two long strides towards me, clutching my hips, he tugs me towards him. Our bodies flush against each other. My breath hitches and I don’t think we will be on time for work. “Do you enjoy tormenting me?” Tightening his grip, he pushes his groin into me and I whimper. “I think you enjoy making me hard, don’t you Cassie?” I open my mouth to speak when his lips come crashing down on mine. My fingers run through his messy brown hair and I tug him into me. Our tongues dance together; I suck on his tongue hard. His fingers are digging into my hips painfully, but the pleasure coursing through my body is undeniable. He tugs my lower lip between his teeth and I whimper at the pleasure it sends through my body.
When Jayce finally breaks the kiss, we were both breathless. “I guess I have to work with a hard-on today.” He releases his grip on my hips and rearranges himself and I giggle.
“Poor Jay. Maybe if you behave I can take care of it later.” I tease. He chuckles as I grab my pants and step into them. I draw the string at my waist and slip the top over my head.
“If you behave, maybe I will let you.” A cheeky grin spreads on his face. He turns and leaves me in the bedroom. I grab my phone and unlock the screen and open the first message from Lucien.
*Just checking if you arrived safely*
I hit delete and open the second.
*We need to talk when you’re back*
I exit out of my messages and lock my phone. There is no way I am in the mood to reply right now. With a hair tie, I pull my curls into a messy bun, and make my way into the living room. “I’m ready.�
�� He looks up, raking in my appearance and gives me an appreciative smile.
“Awesome, let’s go, princess.”
Lucien
When the car stops in front of the entrance to the hotel, I walk into the lobby and head straight for reception. “Good morning Sir, how may I help you?” The receptionist is perky for this early in the morning and I offer a small smile.
“Ms. Winter’s room please?”
“I apologize, sir, I am not at liability to give out such information.”
“I am Mr. Verán, I am paying you for the room. So either you can give me the information or I can call your supervisor and get it from him.”
Worry flickers over her face and she nods. I watch her tap away on the keyboard and wait. It’s like minutes are stretching into hours by the time she finds the room number.
“Here you are, Mr. Verán. This is a second key for the room.”
“Thank you.” I offer her a curt nod and practically run towards the elevators. As the car ascends I am suddenly unsure of what I will do. What if she doesn’t want to see me? The doors slide open slowly and I step out into the hallway when her voice echoes down towards me. She’s giggling. I find a small alcove in the hallway and watch her and Jayce come out of the same room. He’s got his arm snaked around her waist and she’s molded to his body. The way she is meant to be in my arms. Anger courses through me. My blood is boiling. I have never been a jealous person, but right now, I am ready to kill. They step into the elevator and the doors slide closed. I wait a minute before walking to her room.
The click of the key card in the slot is loud as it unlocks. As soon as I step into the room my senses are assaulted with her perfume. The soft scent of lavender. My gaze takes in the appearance of the room; I see two sets of suitcases. Jayce is staying in here with her. He’s going to fucking die and I will make it fucking slow, and painful.
My heart constricts when my eyes fall on the bed, the rumpled sheets. It’s been almost a month we’ve been apart, of course she’s moved on. I mean, I don’t blame her. Actually, I do. We’re soul mates. I will right my mistakes, but I will do it when she’s home. Right there in the midst of the disheveled hotel room I make my decision.
I leave the room and head back downstairs. There is no sign of them when I hand in the keycard to the receptionist. She gives me an odd look, but I don’t entertain any questions. I will fly back today. Then I will complete my plan to get Cassie back where she belongs. In my arms and my bed.
I arrive back in LA with more than enough time to get into the office and start my preparations for when she gets back. The first thing I need is to make sure I don’t have to see Jayce for at least a few months because I want to rip his balls off and making sure he bleeds to death. That will be merciful. There are so many other ways I can think of making him suffer.
When I pick up the phone, I dial the one person I realize can help me. The question is, will she? “What do you want?” Ever the friendly disposition. The knowledge that she is the only person who can help, I keep calm, and speak the words I never thought I would ever say to her.
“Kenna, I need your help?”
“What makes you think I want to or will help you?” With my thumb and index finger, I pinch the bridge of my nose. I close my eyes, picturing Cassie in Jayce’s arms and I realize I have to do this.
“Because you want her happy. That’s all I want. I am fighting for her. The mistake I made is something I can’t live with. I need her in my life. I love her. I am drowning without her. Please Kenna?” I am begging. There was never a time I have ever begged for anything, not even as a child. This is so new to me, but if it gets me the girl I love, I will do it every day forever. “My life means nothing without her. There are things I have done that I am not proud of, but this, it’s killing me.”
She’s silent, I realize she’s mulling over my words. It’s the most honest I have ever been. I have never truly been in love. Until Cassie. The love that envelopes you, holds you in a warm embrace until you can’t breathe without that person near you. That’s how I am without her. I can’t breathe. The pain of missing her comes in waves, and I am constantly drowning, and I don’t want to learn to swim. I need her back.
“Fine. What do you need?” There’s a smile that curls my lips threatens to crack my face in two. She will not know what hit her. There is no way she can refuse me.
Cassandra
The day has been long, and by the time the sun is on the horizon the crew are packing up. It’s so beautiful out here. This has to be one of my favorite places we have been. I stifle a yawn as I slip my laptop into the backpack and power down Jayce’s laptop. It’s perched on the bench next to me, so I can help with reviewing the shots. We completed most of the first day photos by 3 pm, but we had to preview the images to make certain we were happy with them.
It was a great day, I only thought about Lucien once and that was only because someone suggested calling him about a problem with one of our suppliers. That’s when I slipped into my thoughts, remembering Hawaii, how different things were then. The weekend that changed my life forever. The time that brought me to the man who will forever hold my heart.
“Hey gorgeous!” I shift to see Jayce and his newest apprentice. One of the early graduates that joined the team two weeks ago. Jayce leans down to kiss me. It’s such a strange gesture, that I am surprised. We aren’t dating, we both agreed, and that kiss was for a couple. For some reason I suddenly miss Lucien more than I can explain. Like a physical pain that seems to tug at me.
“Hey, I have just packed up. You need to put your camera away so we can get dinner.”
“Great, I need to make a call.” I turn to watch him walk out of the tent while holding the phone to his ear. “Lu—” His voice cuts off, but I am positive I heard him say Lucien’s name. I wander over to the end of the tent and to eavesdrop. “Yes, she’s fine.” His voice drops and all I pick up are the last words before he hangs up. “Get over it.” I quickly make my way back to our bags just as Jay walks back in. He packs his camera in the bag and looks up at me. “I’m ready. Let’s go gorgeous.” He shoulders his backpack; we make our way up to the car.
“Who was that?” I turn to him as soon as we’re seated.
“Luke.” His eyes don’t meet mine, the tension radiating through him.
“Jayce? Why did you call Luke?” Turning his head to face me, I see resignation on his face.
“He sent me a message earlier asking about you wanting feedback on how you were doing.”
“He has no right to ask you, he shouldn’t even care. This was his choice.” My words come out harsher than I expect and Jayce stares at me.
“He loves you Cassandra and I can see you still love him. No matter what develops between us, I realize one day you will go back to him. I just can’t see you hurting.” The weight of his words crash down on me with sudden ferocity.
“You don’t know what I will do. I don’t even know.” A frown creases my eyebrows and I am so uncertain of the future I have no idea what will happen after we get back from Cancun. Do I still love him? Would I take him back if he asked me? If he apologized. Whatever happens I need to put me first.
“Yes, I realize that gorgeous; I mean I can see you love him.” Jayce places a hand on mine giving it a comforting squeeze. All I needed, was to enjoy Cancun and not think about Lucien. At least, for now.
Robert pulled up the hotel, and we made our way up to the room. Jay followed me into mine without challenge. It was an unspoken agreement between us he was staying. “What time did you want to go for dinner? They’re open till midnight.” I ask as I place my bags on the sofa. When I glance at him, the thoughts in his head are obvious.
“Let’s go down at 8, that gives us two hours to work up an appetite.” The salacious wink he gives me has my body responding. Jayce takes two strides towards me and a shiver runs down my spine.
“What makes you think I would allow such behavior, Jayce?” Folding my arms across my chest, I see h
is eyes dart to my breasts. My nipples pebble under his intense gaze.
“Princess, may I remind you that you spent the whole day teasing me. Do you realize how difficult it is to take photographs with a raging hard-on?” His lips lingering over mine, his hot breath fans over my face and the anticipation is unbearable. I giggle at his words, and I realize that I am in for some delicious punishment.
“Well, it's not my fault you were ogling the models. And no I don’t know because I don’t have a cock.” I breathe the last word and his eyes darken with lust. He stares at me with a hooded expression.
“The only model I was ogling was you. Let me show you how you tormented me today.” He pulls out a soft ribbon from his jeans pocket, which I recognize as the ribbon we used on location. He grips my wrists and ties them together behind my back.
“Where did—”
“Shhhh, not another sound.” He hushes me by pressing his index finger to my lips. His strong hands grip the flimsy material of my top, he shreds it from my body. I gasp at his primal behavior. At this rate I wont have any clothes left! The knot in my stomach tightens and my thong is soaked. Jayce grips my hair and tugs my head back. His tongue licking from the sweet spot behind my ear down my neck in a hot, wet trail which elicits a whimper from me. “I will be inside you, Cassie. And when your tight little pussy comes around my cock, you will be screaming my name.”
His words are deliciously dirty. I squeeze my thighs together needing to dull the ache at my core. Jayce releases the grip on my hair and I see him move his mouth over my breasts. Pulling the cups of my black lace bra down exposing my hardened buds. He flicks his tongue over them in small circles, waves of pleasure jolt through me. I grip the wall behind me trying to steady myself.