CHAPTER 5 ~ THE PRYING EYES

 ~ CASSANDRA~

<AFTER A WEEK>

It’s been a week and I’ve settled down in London without having any contact with that idiot Michale Santorum and If I say it honestly I’m really liking this place. And my brother has come to meet me here and now we are having breakfast together.

“So Cassy, I had an interesting call last night” Izan pipes up.

“Oh,” I asked, ``please don't have anything to do with Michale,” I prayed inwardly...

“Yeah, Michale Santorum, he’s one of my clients,” Izan said.

“Great,” I mumbled as I could see where this conversation was heading, I sighed and leaned back in my chair.

“What did he want?” I asked, unpleasantly.

“He wanted me to talk to you about his job offer,” Izan said.

“Job Offer?” Aiden asked, so surprised.

“What?’ Aaron asked, nearly choking on his meal.

“Cassy, you didn't tell me this” Cindy Scolded.

“There is nothing to tell. You can tell Mr. Michael Santorum can shove his job up his arse, and make sure you use those exact words” I said angrily.

The whole table goes quiet.

“Ahhh Okay?” Aaron says confused.

“Cassandra, a job from Michael Santorum is huge, why wouldn't you consider it?” Aiden says.

“I don’t need Michael Santorum to make my career, I want to work from the bottom and I want to work somewhere I want to, besides, the guy is a big ass dick,” I said and Cindy and Aaron laughed While Aiden and Izan shared a look.

“He said you wouldn't even consider the job Cassandra, what happened?” Izan asked.

“Wait, you've met him, you've spoken to him?” Aaron asked.

“Yeah so what, Izan sees him all the time, it wasn't all that awesome. I don't even know why there is so much fuss over him, so he owns a construction business, big deal, he's an up himself prick and so many other industries are under his feet” I said as I crossed my arms against my chest.

“Language kid” Aiden scolded.

“What happened?” Aaron asked.

“Well, I ran into him at graduation and then again at a party of Cindy’s the other night, he was nice and really cute and I liked him, I didn't know he owned a huge company or anything. I just liked him, I dunno there was this connection there. Anyway, it doesn't matter, he picked me up the other day after work, took me back to his apartment, offered me food, and propositioned me” I told them in one breathe.

“What do you mean propositioned you?” Aiden asked angrily.

I don't like anger Aiden and the last thing I need is my brothers getting involved with this, I just want to move to London and prove to my brothers that I can handle it. I know they worry and think I won’t cope, I need to prove them wrong so I backtrack a little.

“Ummm well he just wanted me to take a job with him, said he thought my talent was wasted at ALBERTO AND CO., I got angry and left” I shrugged. leaving the sex bit out not wanting to anger Aiden further.

“That's not really propositioning you Cassandra, that's offering you a job, you'd get a lot more money. Michale wants to offer you a starting salary of 120k a year, which's unheard of for the first year, what are you being offered at Alberto and co., 22k?” Izan said.

I was so upset, if Michale thinks he can buy me, I’ve got another thing coming.

“I would rather earn a measly 22k a year and love my job than work for an arse like Michale who thinks he can buy anyone he wants. I'm not doing it and you can't make me, it's my life and I refuse to even consider the offer” I declared.

“You go kid, I'm proud of you,” Aaron said and I smiled slightly.

“Me too, you don't need Michale, Cassandra, your talent will get you where you need to go” Cindy got my back as always.

“I guess I’ll tell him no then” Izan sighed...

“Thanks,” I said.

I  know my brothers aren't convinced there isn't more to this story but they don't want to push me on it. They all go back to eating and when the evening ends they all say a teary goodbye, the boys promising to be up for dinner in a fortnight.

~ MICHAEL~

I don't contact Cassandra for an entire week, don't try to see her and it’s driving me crazy.

Just being apart from her has me on edge, I was short-tempered, got angered easily, and carries weight in my chest that I can’t shake. My mind is constantly on the blue-eyed girl and I feel like I’m deprived of oxygen.

I was upset I made her cry, I thought of Cassandra in the way I usually see women, as a

quick fuck, with no emotional attachment. It’s clear to me that Cassandra is different. I was

overwhelmed by my feelings but wants to apologize to Cassandra for how I acted, I just don't know how, I was so mad at myself. How could I not see how special Cassandra is, not see how much more she is than anyone I had before, she means so much to me already. It’s scary and confusing but I feel at peace like I can breathe again when I’m near Cassandra and I will do everything I can to get Cassandra to forgive me.

I was really a fool to bring a random girl in the club when that girl Sophia showed me Cassandra's picture with her friend Cindy. I was super excited to meet her in the club, I was expecting to see more shocking expressions on her face when she had seen me in that club with Sophia but to my surprise, she was calm and even shook her hand with me and danced on me like a stranger. 

After that day I had my team bodyguards following her, I know where she lives, where she works as well as her walking route to work. I watch her walk some mornings from my car, just so I can make it through the day, just so I can see her face. The protection I feel towards her is insane, I need her and will find a way to get her.

~ CASSANDRA ~

My second week in London is everything I thought it would be, the city is gorgeous and the rush is refreshing in a way. I haven't heard from Michale and I can’t help the dull ache in my chest about it. I really thought Michal liked me and was excited about a potential relationship. Michale is attractive and smart and I feel alive and safe around him and he misses it. Even though Michale was a jerk, he played with girls so often and even brought Sophia to the Club intentionally when he saw my picture which Cindy sent to Sophia on that day. Well, you guys might be thinking how I know this, Cindy told me about this or how would I know. Still can’t help but feel upset that I can’t be what Michale wants, or that Michale can’t be what I need.

The second week at Alberto and Co. goes amazingly, the people I worked with are so wonderful and I considered myself so lucky. My boss Cody is a hoot and treats me like one of them like I worked there for years. I was accepted and I couldn't be happier. I shadow Cody all day and watching him work is enthralling. Even though The firm is only new and not many people know them yet, I have followed Cody and his Designs for a long time and look up to him as a mentor.

“Work drinks tonight at 6 Cassy? Celebrate an awesome first week” Cody comes in to ask as I was finishing up for the day, it's ten to six on a Friday and I don't have any plans tonight.

“Sure, I’d love too” I smiled out.

“Great, grab your coat and we will walk out together, we all usually go to the Bar across the street

‘To benjamin?” Cody Suggested.

“Okay,” I smiled agreeing as I grabbed my black coat and we headed out together.

The bar across the street is packed and everyone from the office is already there, we hand over our coats at the door. it’s warm inside, I was in my skinny black jeans and military-colored button-up, I rolled the sleeves up messily to my elbows as we walked in. I could feel some Eyes are already on me. Cody leads us to our booth at the side.

“What would you like to drink, Cassy?” Cody asked...

I don't really want to drink but I wanted to fit in.

“Oh um Anything is fine thanks,” I said and Cody nodded as he went to the bar.

“So how was your first week, Cassandra?” Mac asks as I stand at the booth next to everyone who’s sitting down. Mac is Cody’s business partner.

“Yeah, really good thanks,” I replied, smiling.

“You’re doing so well, Cody can't stop raving about you,” Mac said fondly.

“Really?” I asked with surprise.

“Yeah, you're really talented Cassandra, I'm looking forward to working closely with you,” Mac said and I could sense a bit of flirting.

I was not sure if Mac was making a move on me or not, I was a little uncomfortable but smiled my way through and made conversation with my work friends. I never missed the looks Mac sends me all night though.

I had two beers that taste like crap but I wanted to impress my workmates, they are all drinking it.

It's 8 pm when I wanted to leave, I was tired and just wanted to get home and go to bed, it's been a very long week.

“I might head out,” I told them.

“Ohh no Cassandra, stay a while longer” Cody and Mac try to stop me and I suddenly feel a presence behind him and an arm slid around my waist.

“Sorry boys, but I've got to get this one home,” Michael’s sexy voice said as he grabbed the beer from my hand and put it on the table.

“Hello Darling,” Michael said sexily as he kissed me on the side of the head.

“Umm hi?” I was confused.

Michael was dressed impeccably and my heart rate picks up, he’s so beautiful and the whole bar is staring at us.

“Go get your coat please” Michale ordered...

I was so taken back but I complied, I Walked to get my coat from the cloakroom while Michael talked to my work friends. What is Michale doing here, I don't understand.

Cody and Mac and the others are actually so surprised Michael Santorum was standing in front of them that they are speechless. They make quick introductions, I could see that Michael not wanting to hang around more than he has to.

“So how do you know Cassandra?” Mac asked and I could tell that doesn’t like Michael.

“We’re together,” Michael said darkly, staring Mac down.

“Together?” Mac was shocked.

“That’s right, she’s mine, I suggest you remember that” Michael spit with venom.

Mac is intimidated by Michael but tries not to show it, Cody turns to Michael then, missing the Interaction between him and Mac. He starts making small talk, Michael was actually somewhat interested in Cody.

“Um, I’m ready,” I interrupted as I reached the table after grabbing my coat.

“Good boy, let's go,” Michale said...

“It was nice meeting you Cody,” Michael said shaking his hand, not even acknowledging Mac, and Mac was instantly angered.

“You too Michael, see you Monday Cassy” Cody smiled

“Um Yeah.. okay Bye,” I said shocked as I was led out of the Bar, Michael’s hand never leaving my waist.

I was led to Michael’s Bentley, I sighed and got in. Michale climbed in after me and shut the door. I notice there is a partition up and I can’t see Michale’s driver.

“Why are you here Michale?” I asked slightly upset.

“I’m rescuing you from prying eyes” He replied flatly.

“What? I work with those guys” I replied back.

“I know, believe me, I'm trying to deal with that,” He said.

“Michael, how did you know where I was?” I asked.

“I have my ways, Cassandra, you shouldn't be drinking either,” Michale said.

“Says who?”I ask, upset.

“Your medical records for one” Michael raised his voice slightly.

“What? How did you know that, You're seriously creeping me out” I said and I also yelled at him, '' This guy got to be kidding me?

“I told you, I know a lot about you,” Michale said.

“Except how to get me into bed, you’re a dick, let me out” I sneered as he smirked.

“I'm not letting you out on the streets of London this late, Cassandra” His voice was authoritative.

“You are so frustrating,” I said as I went to try the Bentley door myself.

Michael let out a growl and then captured me in his arms, he brings me in close and I struggled. Michael has me straddling him in no time, being twice my size and muscly, I had no chance.

“Why are you being so hostile with me?” He asked.

I stopped my movements and he grabbed me around the waist, we stared at each other and he cupped my cheeks.

“How can you ask that, you offered me a job and asked for sex in return. I don't see how you think that's okay” I said upset.

“Cassandra, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you,” His voice was low.

“No, you're sorry I was offended, not that you offended me. If I had said yes I'd have a job that's overpaid, reporting to an asshole who would have kicked me to the curb after he got what he wanted” I said angrily.

“You’re right I'm sorry, please, just give me a chance, I know you’re special Cassandra and I’m sorry, please just give me a chance,” Michael said and it was the first time I had seen him slightly earnest.

“A chance at what?” I asked, tilting my head as I was confused.

“A chance at you” He quickly replied.

I sighed, I’ve been wanting this from Michael for the past week, hoping he would appear and tell me that he was wrong and wants a relationship. I wanted to say yes to him so badly but I just can’t trust him.

“I can't be what you want Michael, I don't want a one-night stand, I don't want to be a conquest. I want love, a relationship, I've been through too much to be nothing to someone. You'll hurt me and I will let you because I know I will fall hard for you, hoping that someday you'll return the feelings but you won’t, you'll play with me and when you get what you want I will be nothing to you... but I'll be broken and I can’t do it” I said...

“No Cassandra” He stared as he looked at me seriously, he then gripped the back of my neck and leans in... his lips melt me instantly and I tried to fight it, tried to fight the attraction, but Michael’s lips on mine are like fire like a flame has been ignited and I have fire in my belly.

I can’t believe how amazing he tastes, it feels like an eternity since I first touched him, first spoke to him and I never wanted to let him go. My feelings take over and I end up returning the kiss, I give in and it turns heated. Michael makes me feel amazing, the world seems to stop for me.

“See baby, I can be what you need, I can be what you want, please,” He said as he leaned back and we pant into each other's mouths.

I felt the car come to a slow stop and I scramble to get up.

“I'm not giving up, Cassandra” I heard him say this when he saw me getting up...

“Why are you being so cruel,” I asked and I opened the car, jumped out, and ran up to my apartment, not looking back once.