CASSANDRA
“Your words say one thing, but your body tells a different story.” Emilio’s fingers lightly touch the pulse at the base of her neck. “Your body can’t lie. His fingertips trace a path down her neck to the curves of her breasts, and Cassandra shivers, her breath coming out in soft gasps.
She meets Emilio’s gaze as he says, “Every time I’m close to you, you feel the spark between us, just like the first time we met. Even now, I can feel your body craving my touch. I see you trying to resist me, but soon you’ll give in.”
Emilio whispers in her ear, “This deep, raw, and powerful desire we have for each other won’t fade until we both get what our bodies are begging for…satisfaction.”
Snapping back to reality, Cassandra retorts, “Enough!” Emilio has the audacity to grin at her. He’s too much. “This arrangement will be strictly platonic. We don’t need to be husband and wife in every sense to be good parents to Alex.”
“Cassie, Cassie, Cassie,” he drawls. “I do have needs as a man. Would you rather your husband seek satisfaction from other women?”
“I don’t love you, so it won’t matter to me as long as you’re discreet about it. The same goes
for me.
Emilio’s 1
splayful demeanor disappears. “I don’t share, especially when it comes to my women. There will only be one man who’ll have the right to touch you, and it will be me…your husband. Do you understand?””
Cassandra looks away from him. Even if she could say “no,” she knows in her heart it would be a lie. He’s right… Whenever she’s near him, she feels something, a pull so strong it scares her. She’s never felt this way about any man before.
To make matters worse, she doesn’t know what to do. She wants him, and denying it won’t help because he could prove her wrong right here and now.
Cassandra needs to figure out how to handle her wild hormones when she’s around him. If she can’t control herself, then she’ll have to avoid him at all costs. But that’s impossible no woman in her right mind could resist such a handsome man. Women are always falling
at his feet.
Before they head to dinner, Emilio stops to give the media his statement about their relationship and upcoming wedding in his home country. Then he takes her to the hotel restaurant where he’s meeting some business associates.
“I could’ve stayed at home,” Cassandra mutters. “Why do I need to be here?”
“You seem a bit tense” Emilio pulls her into him “want me to help you relax? I don’t think anyone will notice if we’re a few minutes Tale.”
“No,” she whispers.
“Then I suggest you stop complaining and try to at least look like a happy bride–to–be. Smile, my beautiful fiancée; people are watching.”
Emilio bends his head and brushes his lips on Cassandra’s cheek, and her whole body tingles with anticipation. “Remember,” he says, “we’re in love and can’t wait to get married. Think about Alex -you said you’re doing this for him, so pretend I’m the only man for
you.”
Slowly, Cassandra lets her body relax under his touch.
That’s more like it. See, it’s not so hard when you let your body do the thinking instead of letting your mind cloud your judgment.”
With his arm resting heavily around her waist, they enter the hotel. He leads her to the restaurant inside, and a waiter quickly comes to
assist them.
“Mr. Rodriguez, always a pleasure having you here. The usual?“”
“Yes,” he replies, and the man leads the way to a rooftop lounge.
The restaurant is spacious and comfortable, not too crowded but filled with men in suits and women in gowns. Cassandra admires the cathedral dome ceiling, ornate spiral staircase, and dark wooden floors, all of which give off a charm and elegance of a bygone era.
Once outside, Cassandra is grateful for the cool air on her skin. She’s warm from Emilio’s touch. To her right is a long leather couch. and a bar with twinkling lights and tall stools is set up against another wall. The round tables scattered across the rooftop lounge are all surrounded by black leather chairs as well.
The waiter heads back downstairs, and Cassandra slips her arm through Emilio’s again. All eves are on them, and she glances at him and Chapter 10 of 57 Chapter 10
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smiles mischievously. The look he gives her tells her that she caught him off guard.
Emilio guides Cassandra to the bar and asks what she’d like to drink.
“Anything that doesn’t have alcohol in it.”
He chuckles. “Scared you might do something you’ll regret when you’re drunk?” He slides his hand slowly up her back..
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not afraid of anything.” Despite her words, Cassandra’s body trembles under his touch. Her heart pounds in her chest.
“Give the lady a glass of red wine cabernet sauvignon and a scotch for me,” Emilio tells the bartender, twirling a strand of her hair around his finger. “You look beautiful.”
Cassandra glares back at him.
“I’m just telling the truth,” he says, handing her the glass that was placed on the counter.
She takes a big gulp.
“Easy, the night is
is still young, and I like my women to be conscious when I make them mine.”
“I’m not sleeping with you. Emilio,” Cassandra says firmly.
“It’s inevitable.”
Just then, Dr. Perez from the Hospital approaches, along with an elderly gentleman.
“Uncle, Beth.” Emilio greets. “You’re becoming more beautiful by the day.”
“Quite the smooth talker,” the doctor responds. Turning to Cassandra, she adds, “Good to see you again.”
“Same here. Thanks again.”
Emilio’s uncle reaches out to Cassandra. “You must be the bride. Congratulations! I’m Luis Perez, Emiliano’s uncle. I was taken aback when I heard he was getting hitched… It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Cassandra takes his hand. “You too. Cassandra Miller.”
He turns to Emilio, “She’s a beauty and not your usual type. But then again, your type never made you settle down. She must be something special.”
Emilio’s grip around her waist tightens. “Yes, she is unique, Uncle. She holds a special place in my heart, and that’s why I’m marrying her. Isn’t that right, darling?”
The pet name makes Cassandra blush. This isn’t real, she reminds herself. He’s just putting on a show. Don’t fool yourself into thinking a man like him could ever full for someone like you. Play your role, and don’t get emotionally involved.
She nods. “Even I couldn’t resist his charm.“
“What brings you here, Uncle Emilio asks,
Mr. Perez grins. “Why don’t we let the ladies chat? I need to talk to you about something.”
Emilio
plants a
sa soft kiss on her cheek and follows his uncle.
“How’s the little one doing?” Dr. Perez asks.
“Much better–all thanks to you,
doctor.”
“Please, call me Beth. You’re making me feel ancient.”
Cassandra chuckles. “Beth.”
“That’s better.” They settle down at the bar, and Beth orders a glass of wine. “So, how did you and Emiliano cross paths?“”
**We met at a company event, but lost touch soon after. We bumped into each other again a few weeks ago.” Cassandra hates lying, but what else can she say? At least part of her story is true.
Chapter 10 of 57 Chapter 10.
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Boss’s Secret Baby
Serene
“Luis is right; you’re not his usual type. Don’t get me wrong–you’re stunning–we were just a bit shocked to hear about the wedding.” She pauses. “Do you have any family here?”
“No, I never knew my parents. I was raised in foster homes.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.“”
“It’s fine. I have nothing to hide.” Cassandra says. “Can I ask you something? I hope I’m not crossing a line.”
“Go ahead.”
“Your husband’s last name is Perez, but Emiliano’s is Rodriguez.”
“Emiliano’s mother and uncle are siblings. She married Emiliano’s father, who sadly passed away a few years ago.”
“Oh. I’m sorry.” Cassandra recalls reading about that online.
“It’s okay, dear. Let’s toast.” They both lift their glasses. “To you and Emiliano.”
“To us.” Cassandra murmurs, wondering how she’s going to keep up the pretense that their relationship is genuine.
B
