Chapter 44

CASSIAN

The smell of garlic butter and rosemary filled my nose the moment I walked into Azalea’s apartment. The warm scent made my mouth water.

Azalea came out of the kitchen wearing an apron over her soft purple dress. Her hair was pulled back in a loose bun, with small pieces falling around her face. When she looked up at me and smiled, my heart started beating faster.

“You’re right on time,” she said, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel.

I leaned in and kissed her cheek softly. “You look beautiful, darling.”

Her eyes sparkled, but I could see something darker hiding behind them. “Are you okay?” she asked, studying my face.

I nodded and forced a smile. “Just tired from work.”

She didn’t ask more questions, and I was thankful for that. I wasn’t ready to talk about what had really happened today.

“Come eat,” she said, leading me to the table.

We sat down together. She had made grilled steak, mashed potatoes, and cooked vegetables. She poured me a glass of red wine and sat across from me. I watched her move around, taking care of me like I was the most important person in the world.

“How was your day?” she asked, resting her chin on her hand as she looked at me.

I stabbed a piece of steak with my fork, not meeting her eyes. “Stressful. But being here with you... it makes everything better.”

Azalea’s cheeks turned pink and she looked down at her plate. “I’m glad I can help.”

She had no idea that while she was cooking this meal for me, I had been in bed with another woman.

What an innocent puppy she was.

We ate without talking much, but it felt comfortable. After dinner, I helped her wash the dishes. The simple task helped me forget about my problems for a while. When we finished, she turned to face me, drying her hands on the towel again.

“I wanted to talk to you,” she said, her voice suddenly serious.

My heart skipped a beat. Did she know? “What is it?”

“I... I’ve been thinking about us.”

I stepped closer to her. “Yeah?”

She nodded, looking nervous. “You’ve been so patient with me. So kind. I appreciate it more than you know. But I don’t want to keep holding back anymore.”

I held my breath, waiting for her to continue.

“I’m ready,” she whispered. “If you still want me.”

I stared into her eyes, not believing what I was hearing. She was offering me everything I had been waiting for—her heart, her trust, and her body. I wanted it all, but not for the reasons she thought.

“I’ve never stopped wanting you,” I said softly. “Not for a single second.”

Azalea reached up and touched my face gently. I closed the space between us and kissed her. It started soft and sweet, then became hungry and desperate. Like a man who had been cold for too long and finally found warmth.

“Mm,” she moaned against my lips. Azalea was different from Chiara in every way. She didn’t wear perfume, but she still smelled amazing. Clean and sweet, like flowers.

I pulled back slightly, letting her catch her breath.

“Ah,” she breathed out. “Cassian.”

I looked into her eyes and saw so many emotions there—desire, love, and complete trust. She wanted me so badly, and I could use that.

“Azalea,” I whispered, pulling her into my arms. I could feel her shaking against me. “I love you.”

The lie came out so easily.

“I love you too, Cassian,” she replied, relaxing in my arms. “More than you could ever imagine.”

I kissed her again, my hands moving over her body. She was like medicine to me, helping me forget what had happened between me and Chiara at the hotel. In one quick movement, I pushed her against the wall and lifted one of her legs up, kissing her deeply.

My lips moved from her mouth down to her neck. Her moans got louder, making me want her more. Yes, I wanted her. I lusted after this woman in front of me. I wasn’t supposed to feel this way, but having sex with her was different from love. The only feeling I had for her was lust, nothing more.

“Ah, Cassian,” she moaned. Her voice sounded like music to my ears.

I slowly unzipped her dress and unhooked her bra, then touched her breasts. I felt her body shake as I caressed her, and she let out a soft moan.

Her skin was warm and smooth under my hands, and I could feel her heart racing as I continued to explore her body. She was mine, even if I didn’t love her the way she loved me.

My hands moved over her soft skin as I kissed her neck, feeling her body tremble with excitement.

“Mm,” she moaned softly. I could feel myself getting harder.

In one movement, I lifted her up and carried her to the bedroom. I placed her gently on the bed and then started taking off my clothes.

Her eyes were full of desire as she watched me undress. She looked at my body like she was seeing something incredible.

“So big,” she whispered when I finished undressing. “That...”

“That what?” I asked, smiling.

“That isn’t going to fit,” she said quietly, looking worried.

“It will,” I said, moving closer to her. “Trust me.”

“But...” she hesitated. “I’m scared.”

I started stroking her hair gently. “Why? Are you changing your mind?”

“No.” I could tell she was shy. “I’m not. I’m only scared because this is my first time.”

“Your first time.”

I was shocked and couldn’t speak for a moment. She was Adriano’s woman. So how was she still a virgin? I felt so happy. Getting to have Adriano’s woman before he did felt like winning a prize.

“Yes.”

“You don’t have to worry about anything.” I took her hand and guided it to my cock. “Touch it. It won’t hurt you.”