NINA'S POV

Somewhere between his breath and my heartbeat, the storm outside stills.

Rain drums gently against the window, muffling my moans as I melt in his arms.

I cling to him like he's oxygen, breath ragged as he pulls me closer into him.

He tastes like whiskey and rain.

It's intoxicating — reckless enough to feel like freedom.

His tongue grazes my lips, hot and seeking. I let him in. Let him taste me.

His fingers snake around my throat. He breaks our kiss, eyes glazed with heat.

For a second I can catch my breath. Then he leans in, lips grazing my chin.

“Last chance, Nina. Leave while you still can.”

He says it like he can ruin me. Maybe he can. This man, with his heated gaze and whiskey breath and strong hands around my waist.

“You don’t want me to leave,” I whisper, and maybe I don’t want to either.

Fucked if I run from this. My fingers graze his shirt, trailing down his chest.

I feel him stiffen, muscles rippling under his shirt.

“And what do you want?”

I don't hesitate.

“You. I want you to make me forget.”

Knots form in my throat. Tomorrow I'll go back to my apartment. To the mess that is my life.

But tonight? Tonight I'm his to claim. To own.

He hooks a thumb under my chin, forcing me to meet his fiery gaze.

“Careful what you wish for.” He leans in, voice low “I'm very hard to erase.”

“Oh yeah? How hard?” I whisper.

His hand covers mine, guiding it below his belt.

A gasp escapes me as my palm grazes his hardness.

“How hard do you think?” His voice rumbles low, like a threat.

My belly sings in anticipation — he's going to fill me, completely.

Soon I won't feel this ache anymore. Soon I’ll forget my name and moan his.

His lips claim mine again. Fireworks explode in my belly as he lowers me into the silk sheets.

The air smells of rain and dust and him. I'm intoxicated. I'm alive.

But we're just getting started. I thought I had felt it all — experienced everything with Jason. But when he plants a kiss on my belly, I come undone.

His lips torture me all the way to my inner thighs, and I forget how to breathe.

“Oh…I don't…”

“Easy, my darling. I've got you.” His breath fans hot against my panties.

The words should calm me, but they only make me fall faster.

My heartbeat races. I've never done this before.

I lean up on my elbows. I want to watch him take me.

His eyes gleam up at me.

“Giving up already?” He purrs, thumb grazing my clit.

“I don't —”

A shiver ripples through me. He lifts my legs gently, pressing kisses from my knees to my feet.

Then my legs are on his shoulder, and my panties are coming off.

His eyes never leave mine, like a predator circling its prey. I know he's going to ruin me. The eyes never lie.

My legs part for him. My back arches off the bed when his lips graze my clit.

“Don't you run from me now.” His hands circle my waist, pinning me under his lips.

I can't. I'm writhing, shivering as his tongue moves hot inside me.

I met this man five hours ago and he's eating me out like he's known me forever.

And I'm loving every second of it.

His tongue circles my clit, making it harder to stay calm. My chest heaves, nipples tightening.

Every lap of his tongue, every kiss of his lips draws me closer to the edge.

I'm squealing, damn near tipping over the edge when I say it.

One word. One name.

“Jason…”

My face blooms red. How stupid.

For a moment Cassian's eyes hold no emotion, and I steel myself, ready to leave when he asks me to.

“Who's Jason?”

My mouth goes cotton dry. I should bail out of here. But I don't.

“He's…my ex. I'm sorry. It just —”

“Just what?” His voice darkens.

He's mad at me. He's —

Unzipping his fly. I blink, brain fogging.

He's so big. So thick and veiny.

My body pulses, thighs clenching.

“Tell me something, Nina, does Jason feel like this?” He growls as his dick rubs my clit.

I suck in a breath, heat swirling in my stomach.

“Um…”

“That’s a no?” He chuckles darkly, teasing my wet slit.

“Please…” my voice trembles, breaking between gasps.

He's drawing out my ache, and loving every second of it.

“Use your words, angel. Cat got your tongue?”

My words form in my throat just as he pushes inside me, hard and deep.

I cry out, insides quaking.

He's so hard. So hot.

I can't think.

“Fuck…Cassian —”

“Yes, princess, that is my name.” His fingers snake around my throat, forcing me to look at him. To watch him destroy me.

Every stroke feels like sin, and yet every thrust convinces me it’s the only thing that’s ever felt right.

My legs circle his waist, pulling him deeper into me.

He leans down to kiss me, lips covering mine as his thrusts get faster.

My moans spill free, and he swallows them all, claiming every gasp like his oxygen.

My body quivers as my orgasm builds up. I'm pulsing hard around him, tears blurring my vision when he slows.

“You're in my gut…” I whimper, toes curling. My nails dig into his back, desperate for balance as I tip over the edge.

“Please don't stop. I'm…”

Coming. Hard.

“Did I give you permission?” He seethes, wrapping both hands around my throat and pounding harder.

I'm begging, pleading, cumming even more. He doesn't stop. He grinds up against my g-spot and it takes everything not to scream.

His cocky smile fades into heated desire when I tighten around him. He's pulsing inside me, breath ragged.

“Nina…”

“Do it. You know you want to.” I tease, brushing my lips against his.

My fingers comb through his hair as his body tenses. I feel him — every inch of him — throbbing inside me, hot as he cums.

He plants kisses to my neck as I purr in satisfaction.

Tomorrow, I'll regret this. But tonight, regret can wait.

I just had sex with this hot stranger to get over my fiancé. That's the best decision I've made this year.

And when Jason sees me again, I'll make sure he knows I'm not the woman he can just break.

Tomorrow, I’ll hate myself for this. But tonight, I learned something Jason never taught me — how it feels to be wanted.

CASSIAN'S POV

I tell myself it’s just another morning, but my body knows better.

The sheets are cold, but I smell her everywhere —soft notes of jasmine and vanilla sitting sweet on my tongue.

I had my night all planned out. When I saw her leaning over that hood drenched in the rain, I couldn't help it.

So I brought her home. Now I have a head full of headache and regret.

I knew I was hooked from the moment she got in my car. I just didn't realise how hellbound I was.

Now I'm sitting up in bed and staring at the bathroom door, every nerve itching to join her.

The shower runs steady. Soft sunlight streaks through the window, and I'm sitting there confused.

What should I do now? Should I make her breakfast? Who am I kidding? I can't even cook.

I’m halfway to convincing myself last night didn’t happen when a dull thud breaks the quiet.

It echoes again. Downstairs. My eyes dart to the bathroom door as I cross to the door.

If Nina is in there, who is downstairs?

My father.

Alexander Cross. My heart drops when I see him standing in the foyer, muttering to himself.

My gut twists, but I steel myself and hurry down to meet him.

“Dad…What a pleasant surprise.”

“Do you know what time it is?” He whispers harshly.

“Time to get my ass up out of here?”

“Exactly. You're late. I'm done covering for you. Get to the meeting. Now.”

My mind fogs. What meeting?

My pulse hammers. His eyes rake over me, jaw ticking.

“You look a mess. What the hell happened here?” he brushes past me.

My chest tightens. He can't be in here, strutting around like he owns the place.

He holds up a glass with a lipstick stain on it.

Nina…

“You have company?”

I move quickly, snatching the glass from his grip.

“None of your business. You can leave now. I'll be there in ten.”

His eyes narrow to slits. Something glints on the counter. A ring.

I palm it before he notices, shoving it in my pocket.

His brows furrow.

“That better be Sloane's ring or I swear to God…”

I feel the colour draining from my face. Sloane. My betrothed.

“I’m not discussing my personal life with you.” My voice hardens.

He advances on me, eyes flashing.

“You better count your words, boy. And get your act together. I'm not losing my company because you can't keep it in your pants.”

“That’s rich—coming from you, of all people.” My jaw grits.

“Are you itching for a beating? You must be, talking all smart.”

“I bet your new whore would pay to watch that.” I spit, fists clenched hard.

His eyes widen. The air stills, tension stretching thin.

In a flash, his hand whips through the air. I catch it midair. The hairs on my neck stand on end. My nails sink into his wrist as I tighten my grip.

He wrestles free, wincing.

“Someone thinks he's all grown up now.” He glares at me.

“You can't hit me. Not anymore.” Rage boils in my chest, lacing every word.

“You're still that little boy I put in the trash can. You're nothing without me. Remember that when you're living in this mansion and spending my money!”

“Your money?” My voice cracks. “I worked hard to get where I am today. You never gave me shit!”

“But it's my company, isn't it? You've got such a smart mouth, but your memory gets selective when it comes to how your freaking bills were paid!” He chuckles, rubbing his wrist.

“Sometimes I think it was a mistake. I mean…look at you! You can't do anything right. I made you CEO and you cannot be bothered to show up early for one goddamn meeting. I drive all the way here to see you entertaining some…”

“Don't. Leave her out of this.” My jaw grits. I hate that his words still get to me, but I won't let him drag Nina into my mess.

My eyes dart to the staircase. Big mistake.

“She can hear us, can't she?” His voice lowers.

He moves before I can react.

“Dad, stop!” I move to block him.

“Get out of the way, boy.” He seethes.

“It's Cassian to you. And I'm not letting you spread your poison in MY HOUSE!” If he's asking for a fight, I just might be in the mood.

Something dark crosses his face, but he steps back with a smile.

“Okay then.” He flashes his palms. “It's your life. Ruin it how you see fit. But I won't let you sink my company. Be there in five minutes, or you're out. Don't you dare test me.”

Relief washes over me when his back turns. My shoulders sag at my sides.

I trail behind him to the door. He halts and whirls around.

“Lest I forget, my wedding is this weekend. You will show up with a fat smile on your face and Sloane by your side. If you disobey me, let's just say you'll hate me even more.” A smile tugs at his lips, making my skin crawl.

Then he's gone. I press my forehead to the door, waiting until the hum of his car disappears down the driveway.

Of course he's getting remarried. Anything but actually fixing what he broke with mom. Anything but actually being a good father.

How did he even get in? I need to change my damn locks. Again.

I straighten up, but the yawning hole in my chest spreads even wider. Conversations with that bastard always leave me so drained. So damn hollow.

I can't think about that now. I can't think about Sloane or her father's dubious deal.

I've got…five minutes. Five minutes to get Nina out the house. Maybe I should leave her here…

I bound up the stairs, hoping she didn't overhear my pretty exchange with my dad.

But as I near the bedroom door, something doesn't feel right. I peek inside. It's still empty.

The shower still runs steadily, but when I knock, there's no answer.

Sweat mats my forehead. I push the door open.

She's not here.

My pulse rises. Where could she possibly be?

I call out her name. Silence echoes back to me.

Then I see something.

A note stuck to the bedside table.

I rip it off, reading the words with mounting dread.

“I’m sorry. I'll give it back. Xoxo.”

My brows furrow. Give what back? Where the hell is she?

It better not be what I'm thinking.

I race downstairs, heart pounding. The front door swings open. Gravel digs into my bare feet. Cold air snakes up my spine.

I stumble into the driveway, eyes raking over my cars. The gaping space beside my Ferrari confirms it.

My Range Rover is gone. She fucking stole it.

That little thief. And I still want her?

NINA'S POV

My mother glows in her white gown, the picture of everything I used to believe in.

Sunlight streams in through the open window, casting a golden glow on her veil.

I should be happy for her. Instead, I’m remembering how Cassian’s hands felt when I stopped believing in anything at all.

I lean against the doorframe and watch her twirl before the mirror, a huge smile plastered on her face.

She just gets to move on. To forget about everything. About dad.

If he was still alive, would she have been so happy? Maybe not, but we would have been a family.

My brother didn't show up as usual. Ever since dad died, everything just…

I won't think about that now. For now I will put my fake face on and eat cake. I can cry in my room later. Nobody will notice. Nobody cares...

Nobody but Cassian.

The man who rules my days and haunts my nights.

I don't blame him. Not with eyes that search and hands that break.

God…what was I thinking stealing his car? He must really hate me now.

“Nina? Are you ready?” My mom's voice breaks through the haze. I look up to find her standing before me, eyes fixed on my face, searching.

“Everything okay, honey?”

No, mom. I'm tired. Jason cheated. I slept with a stranger and stole his car and to top it off, my ring is missing.

“Yeah…I'm fine. You just…look so beautiful.”

“Well buckle up, because it'll be you in a few months. I'm just sad Jason couldn't make it…”

Please shut up. Just shut up and let me walk you down the aisle to your perfect husband and your pitch perfect life.

We're standing behind the huge double doors, waiting for the orchestra to slow when she leans in and says “This reminds me of your father. We were so happy, even in our worst moments. But Alex? he’s made me the happiest woman alive. I just hope Jason makes you feel the same.”

My fake smile stretches thin. If only she knew.

Then the doors fly open. All eyes shift to her. To us.

A hush falls over the hall.

But it's not the stares that make my heart quake.

Standing just behind the groom with a polite smile is him.

My nightmare. My walking wet dream.

Cassian Cross.

My throat clamps shut.

I don't like this. Why does he bear an uncanny resemblance to the groom?

Oh god…

He's my new stepbrother.

*************

Vows are exchanged. Kisses are shared. The lovestruck couple walk down the aisle.

But all I can do is stand there and pray I don't combust under his stare.

It takes everything in me not to turn and run through those doors.

I put one foot before the other and soon I'm outside, cold air snaking up my arms.

Cameras flash. Voices stir. The world moves fast, while I stagger behind.

Then my mom calls me over to “introduce myself” to my new family. Like I wasn't tangled in the sheets with her step son three nights ago.

I force my gaze to meet his. His eyes don't waver. If he's in shock, he's doing a damn good job at hiding it.

He looks at me like we've never met. Maybe that stormy night meant nothing.

I shouldn't even be thinking like this. He's my stepbrother. It's so weird. So wrong.

So I avoid him at the reception. Until I'm standing at the buffet table and I smell him behind me.

“You.” He stands behind me, chest brushing my back lightly.

My body fires to life. I twist around, putting distance between us so he doesn't notice the red in my face.

“Oh…hi…” My words stop when I look at him.

His gray suit fits like a second skin. So sharp, too deliberate, so…him.

He towers over me, all six feet of forbidden treasure.

His eyes glint with…rage? Lust? Mischief?

Silence stretches thin between us, and I'm clutching the paper plates so hard I hear them crinkle.

“I should have you arrested. Dragged out of here like a petty thief.” He frowns.

My pulse spikes, but a smile tugs at my lips.

“But you won't do that. Because then you'll have to explain how exactly your car was stolen.”

“I don't care about the fucking car.” His voice lowers. “Why did you run?”

Good question. But I wish I had the answer. Maybe I was scared. Maybe a part of me felt like I was betraying Jason.

I turn with a sigh and set down the plates. I need a strong drink.

My eyes scan the hall and I try to convince myself that Cassian isn't standing here.

“Pink looks perfect on you.” He says, eyes raking over my flowery gown. Heat rushes to my face again.

Stop it, Nina. It's just a compliment. No big deal.

Soft tunes filter from the orchestra. A waiter passes by with drinks balanced perfectly on a tray.

He takes two glasses, and the steward blushes hard when he compliments her hairdo.

Something dark stirs inside me. Why does he have to be so sweet on everyone?

He hands me my drink and watches the glass touch my lips.

“We should talk. In private.”

I almost choke on my drink. I'll be damned if I get any alone time with this man.

“Don't worry, cupcake. I won't touch you,” his voice lowers “Only if you beg me to.”

Heat swirls in my stomach.

I have to put a stop to this. There are lines that I just can't cross.

“Look, Cassian, that night was—”

“Unforgettable.” His smile darkens.

My mouth feels cottony.

“Indeed, but it can't happen again.”

“I can't promise that.” he says, gaze dropping to my lips.

“What? Why?” My voice stutters.

“Because,” he says, closing the distance between us “We’ll see each other almost everyday. And everytime I look at you, you'll remember what it felt like to have me in your guts.”

My chest heaves, and I feel my nipples hardening in my bra.

No. I need to stand on business. I—

“There you are, baby. I've been looking all over for you.” A sultry voice echoes behind him and I watch him retreat into this…shell.

His poker face slips back on as a slender arm snakes around his elbow.

Red hair, blue eyes and a body that can bring a thousand men to their knees.

She scans my face, then Cassian's. Then she leans into his chest like she belongs there.

“Won’t you introduce me to your stepsister?” She mutters, then extends a hand.

“Hi, I'm Sloane. Cassian's fiancé. It's good to finally meet you in person.”

But I'm not listening. My breath stops in my chest.

Cassian has a fiancé?

My eyes fall to her ring, and my world stops.

Now I know my engagement ring isn’t missing.

Because Cassian's fiancé is wearing it.