Chapter 2

CASSIE

“Jake, I don’t get why you’re being so difficult about this.” I pouted, crossing my arms. Instead of his place, he brought me home. My home!

He let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair. The last time I remembered, his hair had these highlights and was a darker shade of brown, but now his hair was as black as the raven’s. “Don’t you mind about what people might say about you staying in a man’s place? You’re not thirteen anymore.”

I knew I was messing with fire, but I didn’t care if I got burned. “Why do I need to mind their business? We haven’t seen each other in years. I just want to stay with you.” I nibbled on my inner cheek, hoping he would give in.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to contain his exasperation. “That’s exactly why I can’t let you stay over. I’m protecting both of us from making a mess of things. Staying with me is not a good idea, Cassie.”

I knew my eyes flashed with irritation despite my effort not to show it. “Then stay with me then. We’re here in my place, and people don’t have to mind about me staying in your place. You stay in my place instead.”

The next thing he did surprised me. Jake laughed. He laughed so hard I thought he had gone crazy. “Ahh, Cassie...Cassie...Cassie,” he chuckled, shaking his head, he stopped the engine and cleared his throat. “Why did I spoil you?”

Warmth enveloped me as I met his grey eyes and the fondness I saw in them tugged at my heart. It felt like I was a child again, in his arms, being consoled and comforted when bullies hurt me. Unfastening my seatbelt, I crossed the gap and sat on his lap, hearing him take a sharp breath and groan.

He leaned back in his seat. “Cassie, you’ve always been impulsive. I’m trying to be responsible here.”

I buried my face in his neck, inhaling the scent that I missed so much. A mixture of nostalgia and desire swirled in my core. I thought I felt him flinch, but his irritated groan reached my ears. I didn’t care though. If he didn’t want me, I would make him want me. “I won’t do anything. I promise. Just stay with me tonight.”

“Fine,” he hissed, and I marveled.

“One more thing,” I said, watching him roll his eyes.

“What again?” his lips thinned.

“Carry me inside the house.” I softly laughed as I wrapped my arms around his neck, not willing to let go.

“You’re a trouble.” He scolded.

“A sweet one,”

Jake was already in his room. It was one of the guest rooms he used to sleep in when he came to visit me before. He still had his clothes and other stuff inside the room. Rosa was out for the whole week because her daughter was sick. She was personally hired by Jake. He introduced me to her when I was just nine – practically a second mother to me.

I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, seeing the woman who had changed a lot through tough times. Life’s been a rollercoaster, mostly on the emotional front. I flopped down on the bed, the softness of the covers soothing my sensitive skin. Staring up at the ceiling, I couldn’t shake the feeling of excitement in my stomach. Jake was here...alone with me.

I love Jake. I have loved him since I was ten.He was my knight in shining armor; he’d fought my battles and I survived with his help. He had shown me tenderness and a dash of affection, which was something I secretly longed for when I was in foster care. He was there for me when I thought no one would even care for a lost girl like me. When I thought I was unwanted, he found a way so I could stay. I loved him, but I knew he couldn’t love me back.

He did not even come to see me for five years. If you loved someone, you would find a way to see that person, right? He didn’t. I wanted to see him, but I couldn’t. He was good at hiding from me.

A scoff escaped me, remembering our last encounter, and then a smile tugged my lips. I was thirteen when I tried to seduce him. I know. I was crazy. I’d be dammed but I was so attracted to him. He was gorgeous beyond my imagination. We were not blood-related, so why couldn’t I be attracted to him? I remembered how he responded to my touch then. He was asleep and I was still awake. I had his length in my hand, twitching and he was groaning as if in pain. Yeah, and it woke him up before I could even relish in the feeling, and Jake...he was livid.

Getting up, I huffed a nervous breath. I would go to his room to annoy him again.

I gave the door a gentle tap, and all I got in response was a lazy grunt. I twisted the doorknob, sneaking a peek inside. Jake was standing by the window, deep in some conversation on the phone. He was rocking in sweatpants and a plain white tee. His hair was still kinda of damp. Someday, I would have my fingers laced through those beautiful dark locks.

Walking inside, I noticed he shaved his face clean. I liked his stubble though, rough but soft on my skin if he’d... stop right there, Cassie!

“Yeah,” he hummed, not throwing me a glance as I sat on the edge of his bed. “I’ll call you back.” He hung up, finally turning to face me. His grey eyes were unreadable but it always felt as if he could see right through me and every time, I felt my stomach do a flip. “You want to share the bed?” His voice was icy cold.

I shrugged and smiled sweetly. “Yes,” and smacked my lips together, showing the dimples he used to adore when I was young.

He let out a deep sigh. “We’ll put some distance. The bed is big enough.” His voice was gruff and I could see the frustration in his eyes.

“You genuinely don’t want me here,” I said, suddenly feeling the heat of my tears.

“Cassie, the last time, you...” he wouldn’t even say it. He was trying to be gentle, but I could see that he was still searching for a way to make me understand.

“I won’t do anything. I won’t do it again, Jake. I promise. I want to be here with you.” I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice.

He sighed, staring at me.

I looked down at myself. “Don't you see this? I’m too wrapped. I sleep naked,” his eyes slightly squinted, “but I’m wearing these hideous pajamas like I’m in Alaska.”

The tension lingered for a beat and with an exasperated sigh, he finally gave in. He flopped down on the bed, the mattress groaning in protest. “Look, Cassie. Don’t do anything stupid. I’m tired. I need sleep.”

“I get it, Jake,” I replied earnestly, wiping away a stray tear as I lay next to him, my hair sprawled on the pillow. I was happy.

“We’re just two people sharing a space. Got it?”

I nodded, smiling. “Got it, Jake. No drama, no crazy games. Just two people, sharing a space.”

But I couldn’t sleep. The silence was strained and I lay there, staring at the ceiling, my mind racing with different thoughts, particularly about this man next to me. There was no pillow, but only that very little space between our skin. Jake was finally drifting into sleep. His breathing became slow and steady, and I could hear only the subtle rustle of the sheets as I moved.

Unable to quiet my racing thoughts, I shifted my body, now facing him. His eyes were closed, his breathing even. I swallowed softly as if the mere sound of it might awaken him, but he remained seemingly serene. He was really handsome. So crazy handsome. His straight nose added a touch to the ruggedness that defined the rest of his features. Thick brown lashes rested against his cheeks and his brows, furrowed even in sleep, like he was deep in his own thoughts.

“Do you have a girlfriend, Jake? But if you had, you wouldn’t have allowed me to sleep next to you. You would have refused no matter how badly I insisted on this.” I thought.

Scooting closer to him, I held my breath waiting for him to open his eyes to scold me, but he didn’t move. I badly wanted to hug him.

Just a hug.

I felt like a criminal, a very naughty criminal, as I gently wrapped my arm around his waist and lay my head on his shoulder.

Breathe Cassie...

Lifting my leg to rest on his legs, I stiffened. Shit! My leg just rested on top of his cock!

I shouldn’t move now. His hard steel would be disturbed.

“Cassie,” he growled, not so happy.

Dammit!