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.

NINA'S POV

Trust fate to take my broken engagement and shove it in my face. This time on Sloane's perfectly manicured finger.

Sloane Whitmore, she said. Cassian's fiance.

Something bubbles in my throat and I realize I'm laughing. Not a soft chuckle, but an almost wheezing kind.

Cassian frowns, Sloane clutches her imaginary pearls, and I'm just half bent over when I should be asking for answers.

"Something funny?" Sloane asks, voice sharp.

Oh honey, if only you knew.

"No. Not really. It was really nice to meet you, Sloane." I extend a shaky hand.

My fingertips brush against the diamond stud of the ring when she takes my hand. I should yank it off her and tell her what a cheating jerk she's marrying.

Cheating hot jerk, nonetheless.

But I say nothing. I just let it simmer. Cassian has gone rigid, a thousand yard stare lighting his eyes. Like he's...disconnected.

Well he better connect quick and give me back my fucking ring.

"I'll go mingle with the other guests. You two have fun." A smile stretches my lips as I turn.

My heart is pounding so hard I'm worried I might have a heart attack.

This is stupid.

Men.

My throat burns, but I hold it all in, strutting across the hall to the restroom with a sweet smile on my face.

Nausea builds in my throat as I push into an empty stall. I lock the door and rest my forehead against the cold metal.

I went from being cheated on to being a paramour for some stoic Prince charming and I want out. I'm tired.

Yet somehow, I just know this universe isn't done chewing me up.

Despite my best efforts, a tear trails down my cheeks.

I suck in a sharp breath as the bathroom door bursts open.

Heavy footsteps thud against the tiled floor. My hand flies to my throat and I smell him before I even hear his voice.

"I know you're in there, Nina."

My lungs ache for oxygen, but I don't breathe. I don't move.

He can't be here.

I wait with mounting dread as his shadow covers my stall.

"We need to talk. And I hope you're not pants down. We're not having that kind of conversation."

Now I want nothing more than to wipe this smugness off him.

My fingers fumble the locks and the door swings open.

I don't realize how close he is standing until I almost walk straight into him. Almost. I'm not falling for that trick again.

He backs up considerably and I slither out, suddenly so conscious of the mascara stained trail down my cheek.

"What are you doing here?" My voice shakes. I put distance between us, clutching my purse hard.

"You shouldn't be in here. That's a violation of-"

"It's a unisex bathroom." His eyes never leave my face. "I'm not doing anything wrong. At least not yet."

"I'll stop you there, Mr. Fiancè. Maybe this is routine for you, but I'm not that type of girl. And frankly, I don't give a fuck. But my ring? You gave her my ring?"

"It's not as simple as it looks." He presses a palm to his temple.

"Then by all means, explain to me how my engagement ring is on your fiancè's finger." I fold my arms and lean away from him. Away from his sweet scent and sleek lines.

But he doesn't explain. Far from it. Instead he steps closer and towers over me.

"Let me make one thing clear, Nina. 42 rings. 42 fucking diamond rings...that's what it'll take to get me a new car. You can't take what belongs to me and just get away with it." He snarls, but the heat of his gaze travels hungrily down my body and now I'm thinking he's not just talking about the car.

"If I don't get my ring back by the end of today, I'll march over to your perfect fiancèe and pop her bubble. Tell her what a cheat her dream man is."

His smile drops, eyes going dark.

"You won't do that."

"Yes, I will."

"You won't. And you know why? Because you're a horrible liar. She'll ask how you know and your perfect cover will fall apart. Sloane is vicious. You don't want that."

Heat flares in my chest, but I know he's right. We already got off on the wrong foot. I don't want to see the side of her that knows I slept with her fiancè.

I whirl around and clutch the porcelain sink. My reflection stares back at me, eyes watery.

I won't cry for this man. It was just one night. My eyes meet his in the mirror. He steps closer, and his cologne fills my nose.

"Nina, If you'll let me explain-"

"I should leave." I mutter, but I don't. I can't. His hands rest on either side of me, trapping me between him and the cold porcelain.

My throat clamps shut.

"What are you doing?" My voice falters.

"Getting your attention. You won't get an answer if you keep talking over me. Will that happen again?" His voice is so low, almost a whisper.

His breath fans hot against my neck and I feel my knees buckle.

I should be angry at him. I should hate him. But right now, even in my anger, heat pools between my legs.

"You're either very brave, or very stupid. Given your situation, I guess it's the latter. Get off me, Cassian." My eyes never leave our reflection.

He sighs into my hair and I squirm at the tingles rushing through me.

"You stole from me, Nina. You shouldn't have done that. Now I own you."

My cheeks flush, knuckles white from gripping the sink. Whatever that means, it doesn't sound good.

"You don't own me. Nobody owns me. I'll give you your stupid keys back and you can get your car. Now get the fuck off." I try to sound harsh but the quiver in my voice gives me away.

His gaze meets mine in the mirror. I force myself not to look away. I won't let him win.

He lifts a brow, then slowly, his hand snakes around my waist and pull me into him.

His eyes never leave mine, daring me to say something. To resist him.

This is wrong on so many levels. Someone could walk right in and see us.

Somehow, he doesn't seem to care. He can put me over this counter and fuck me senseless right now and I won't move a muscle to stop him.

I'm so dirty. So shameless. No moral compass whatsoever.

This has to stop.

Gently, I pry free from his grip. He doesn't stop me. I clutch my purse between us, chest heaving.

"This has to stop." My voice croaks.

"You don't get to decide that. You know why? Because you're mine now. You stole from me, Nina. This is how you repay your debt."

I should say something. I should fight this.

But he's already at the door.

"I'll see you soon, princess." He says, and the door clicks shut.

I want to run after him and tell him what a jerk he is and spill wine on his perfect white shirt, but I can't. Not with my hard nipples jutting out through my dress.

Like I said, the universe isn't done chewing me up.