Eighty Eight

Cassandra woke up slowly, her eyelids still heavy with sleep. But her consciousness stirred the moment she felt the warmth surrounding her body.

Antonio’s strong arm was wrapped tightly around her waist, as if making sure she wouldn't slip away from his side. His breath fanned softly against her neck, sending a shiver down her spine, making her heart pound in a chaotic rhythm.

Last night…

How did she get caught in the heat of their passion again? How did Antonio’s every touch and kiss push her to her second climax, making her surrender to the intoxicating pull she should’ve resisted? She was supposed to hate him. She was supposed to keep her distance. So why did she feel even more entangled than before?

Cassandra let out a slow breath, trying to gather the strength to pull away. But before she could move, Antonio’s grip tightened around her, and his deep, husky voice brushed against her ear.

“Stay a little longer.”

She tensed when he pressed a soft kiss against her shoulder, his lips lingering, dragging lazily against her skin, as if he wasn’t ready to let go of the moment.

“Antonio…” Her voice was barely a whisper, struggling to find the firmness she desperately needed. But he only hummed in response, his refusal to accept rejection clear.

“Don’t start running away, Cass…” His half-lidded eyes met hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch.

“You can’t pretend you don’t want me.” Cassandra swallowed hard.

She wanted to deny it. Wanted to say that last night had been a mistake. But her body had already betrayed her, and Antonio knew it all too well. A knowing smirk tugged at his lips as he traced a slow path along her jawline, down to her neck, stopping just above her collarbone.

“I heard the way you called my name last night,” he murmured, his voice laced with wicked amusement.

“And I can feel it now.” Cassandra shut her eyes, trying to summon whatever self-control she had left.

“This shouldn’t have happened…” she whispered.

“But it did,” Antonio cut in smoothly, his voice laced with certainty. He sat up slightly, his strong arm still keeping her close.

“You can lie to everyone else, Cass… but not to me.” Her heart clenched.

He was right, and that terrified her. Antonio was playing his game again, and he played it so well. But if this was just a game, then why did he touch her with such dangerous tenderness? Taking a deep breath, Cassandra finally pushed against his chest, trying to create some distance.

“I have to go,” she said, forcing her voice to sound steady.

Antonio studied her for a moment, then, without warning, his fingers slipped behind her neck, pulling her into a kiss—soft, deep, unhurried. He wasn’t forcing her. He was giving her a choice. But she didn’t pull away. Seconds passed before she finally pressed her hands against his chest, breaking the kiss with a shaky breath. Her pulse was erratic, her face burning with emotions she couldn’t untangle. Antonio smirked.

“Go, if you can, Cass.” She glared at him, then hurriedly slid out of bed, grabbing her clothes.

But as she reached the door, his next words stopped her in her tracks.

“But you’ll come back.” His voice was calm, confident.

“Because you can’t run from me.” Her fingers curled into fists, unwilling to acknowledge the truth in his words. Because deep down, she was afraid Antonio was right. Taking a steadying breath, she stepped out of the room. She needed space. She needed to clear her head. But as she descended the stairs, she heard his voice coming from his office, the steel in his tone unmistakable.

“Viktor has crossed the line. If he thinks he can touch what’s mine, he’s dead wrong.”

Cassandra froze near the slightly open door. She shouldn’t care. But the tightening in her chest told her otherwise. Cassandra tensed. Inside the room, Antonio sat with a dark expression, while Marcus and Ben stood before him, their faces just as serious.

“What are your orders, boss?” Marcus asked.

Antonio tapped his fingers against the desk, the rhythm slow but carrying undeniable weight.

“We trap him. I want to know his every move—who he’s with, where he’s hiding. If necessary, set a bait and force him out of the shadows.” Ben nodded.

“We’ve got a few people at the port who might have some intel. Viktor has ties with the Russian cartel, and I’m sure he’ll try to reach out to them.” Antonio’s eyes narrowed, his face cold and calculating.

“We’ll let him think he’s in control. But in the end, he’ll walk straight into the trap we’ve laid for him.”

Cassandra’s heartbeat quickened. This wasn’t just a threat—this was a war in the making. She swallowed hard, realizing that if Antonio had truly marked Viktor as his target, bloodshed was inevitable. And if she stayed by his side, sooner or later, she would be pulled even deeper into the darkness.

Then Antonio’s voice dropped lower, but the danger in it was unmistakable. “Make sure there are no loose ends. I want this done cleanly.” Cassandra held her breath.

She had lingered too long outside the door, and as she turned to leave, Antonio’s voice cut through the air, sharper this time.

“If you’re that curious, wife, why don’t I tell you directly?” Her heart nearly leaped out of her chest.

She froze, then slowly turned back. Antonio was already standing at the doorway, leaning against the frame with deceptive ease. But his eyes—his eyes were sharp, like a predator that had just caught its prey.

“Eavesdropping is a bad habit, Cass,” he said, his tone playful, but she knew there was something far more dangerous lurking beneath his words.

Cassandra forced herself to stay calm.

“I was just passing by.” Antonio smirked, as if amused by the lie she had just told.

In the span of a few heartbeats, he had already closed the distance between them. And before she could step away, his hand was at her waist, pulling her close—so close that the heat of his body seeped into hers.

“You want to know what I plan to do to Viktor?” he murmured near her ear. Cassandra swallowed, trying to step back, but Antonio wasn’t giving her space.

“Or maybe…” His thumb brushed her lower lip, his gaze daring.

“…you’re afraid I’ll destroy him before you can report me to your little friends in law enforcement?” Her blood ran cold.

Did he know?

Was he just playing with her, or did he truly suspect her?

One thing was clear—her role in this game was becoming harder to maintain. After what felt like an eternity, Antonio finally released her, though his calculating stare didn’t waver.

“I have business to take care of,” he said simply.

Cassandra only nodded, doing her best to keep her expression neutral. Antonio studied her for another moment before turning away, striding out of the office with Marcus and Ben following close behind. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the vast mansion, until the heavy front doors shut behind them. This was her chance.

Without hesitation, Cassandra grabbed her coat and snatched the car keys from a nearby table. Leaving the mansion without Antonio’s permission was reckless—dangerous. But she couldn’t let this opportunity slip away. Slipping past the gates, she scanned the area to make sure no one was watching before driving off, heading straight for the meeting place she had arranged with Alexander.

Cassandra arrived at an old warehouse on the outskirts of the city, a place where she and Alexander used to meet in secret before everything became… complicated.

Stepping out of the car cautiously, her eyes swept over the darkened surroundings. A shadow emerged from the gloom.

“You came,” Alexander’s voice was tense.

Cassandra turned to face him. He stood with a serious expression, his gaze sharp, as if trying to assess whether she was still someone he could trust.

“I don’t have much time,” she said quietly.

“You said this was important?” Alexander exhaled deeply before pulling a brown envelope from inside his coat.

“We have new evidence, Cassandra,” he said, his voice steady.

“Proof that ties Antonio to Cale Callaghan’s murder.” Cassandra’s breath caught. That name. She knew it all too well.

“Are you sure?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexander nodded.

“We found forensic reports confirming that blood on one of Antonio’s clothes matched Cale’s DNA. If this holds up in court, Antonio won’t be able to walk away this time.” A wave of fear crashed over her.

If this was true, then Antonio wasn’t just a ruthless mafia leader—he was a murderer.

“You can’t stay with him, Cassandra,” Alexander pressed, urgency in his tone.

“We’re making a move soon. This is your last chance to get out before you’re dragged down with him.” Cassandra clenched her fists at her sides.

“Do I really have a choice?” she whispered.

“You always have a choice.” Alexander held her gaze.

“Help us. Give us the information we need to take him down. I know you’re not fully on his side, Cass. There’s still good in you.” Her chest tightened.

Still good in her?

She wasn’t so sure anymore. She had come into this world with the sole purpose of bringing Antonio down.

But now… now she couldn’t imagine life without him. How could she betray the man who had protected her more than anyone ever had?

And yet, if she stayed… she would never escape this darkness.

“I…” She opened her mouth, but the words wouldn’t come.

Alexander watched her intently, waiting. “This is your chance, Cass. Choose before it’s too late.” Cassandra took a shaky breath, meeting his eyes.

But in the end, she slowly shook her head.

“I don’t know, Alex… I really don’t.” A flicker of disappointment crossed his face. His jaw tightened.

“If you stay with him, Cass… you won’t just lose our trust,” Alexander said quietly.

“You’ll lose yourself.” The weight of his words pressed down on her, but she still had no answer.

Without another word, Cassandra turned and slipped back into her car. By the time she returned to the mansion, the night had grown late. The lights were still on, which made her assume Antonio hadn’t come back yet.

Cassandra sat in her car for several minutes, her thoughts running in endless circles. But when she finally stepped out and walked inside, she was met with something she hadn’t expected. Antonio stood in the center of the living room, his expression cold, his eyes sharp—like a hawk watching its prey. Her heart pounded.

He knew. Her steps slowed, but Antonio didn’t move. Silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating. Cassandra forced herself to stay calm, meeting Antonio’s gaze without giving away any sign of guilt.

“You’re still up?” she asked softly, hoping to divert his attention.

But Antonio only stared at her. Then, in one swift motion, he pulled her into his arms. Cassandra gasped as her body was pressed firmly against his. She could feel his steady heartbeat, but there was tension in his hold—something unspoken, something dangerous.

“You’ll never leave me, will you?” Antonio’s voice was low, almost a whisper, but she could hear the hidden threat behind it.

Cassandra swallowed hard, her chest tightening.

Was that a question? Or a warning?

She didn’t answer. She couldn’t. Instead, she let Antonio hold her closer. His fingers threaded through her hair, stroking it gently—almost reverently, as if she were something precious, something he refused to let go of.

“I’ll protect you from anyone who tries to take you away from me,” Antonio murmured, his tone soft but resolute.

“No matter who they are.” Cassandra bit her lip, trying to fight the emotions tightening their grip on her.

She knew she should be afraid. She knew that the deeper she was pulled into Antonio’s world, the harder it would be to escape.

And yet…

why did she feel safer in his arms than anywhere else? Antonio held her gaze for a long moment before his grip loosened, his hand sliding down to take hers.

“Come with me,” he said. He led her outside, through the garden behind the mansion. The stone pathway was illuminated by small, warm lights, and the cool night air brushed against Cassandra’s skin. At the far end of the garden stood a wooden gazebo, nestled beneath a canopy of trees. Antonio sat on one of the benches inside, then patted the space beside him. Cassandra hesitated before finally sitting down. They sat in silence, gazing up at the sky scattered with stars. Antonio leaned back, his expression distant.

“When I was a kid, I used to love watching the stars.” Cassandra turned to him, surprised by the nostalgic tone in his voice.

“Why?” A small smile ghosted his lips—something rare, something fleeting.

“Because it was the one thing no one could control,” he said.

“No matter how powerful someone was, they could never change the way the stars shined in the sky.” Cassandra listened quietly.

“I used to think… if only I could be like the stars,” Antonio continued, his voice lower, more contemplative.

“Shining above all the chaos down below.”

For the first time, Cassandra saw him differently. Not as a dangerous man. Not as a mafia leader. But as someone who once had dreams.

“And now?” she asked.

Antonio chuckled softly, but there was a bitter edge to it.

“Now?” He turned to look at her, his dark eyes filled with something unreadable.

“Now, I think I’m more like the moon.” He paused.

“Beautiful on the outside, but surrounded by darkness.” Cassandra’s breath caught in her throat.

Antonio reached out, his fingers grazing her cheek. “But you…” he murmured.

“You’re like the stars, Cass. Bright, untouchable, untouched by a world like mine.” She couldn’t move.

She couldn’t deny the way her heart was sinking deeper into his gravity.

Was this love? Or was it just another trap—one she hadn’t realized she was falling into? She didn’t know. Silence wrapped around them, the only sound was the whisper of the wind rustling through the leaves.

Antonio’s gaze lingered on her, intense, unrelenting, as if trapping her in a moment she couldn’t escape. But all of it shattered when the sharp vibration of a phone cut through the night air.

Cassandra flinched. Her pulse quickened as she pulled her phone from her pocket, and the moment she saw the name on the screen, her blood ran cold. Viktor Reznov. Her mind spun. Viktor wouldn’t contact her unless it was important—and that meant it wasn’t good. With slightly trembling hands, Cassandra opened the message. Cassandra, you have no idea who you’re dealing with. Antonio isn’t someone you can trust. He’s not just the mafia—he’s the executioner.

He kills without hesitation, and I have proof that will destroy him.

Her body went rigid. But before she could process the words, another message followed. If you stay with him, I guarantee you’ll be his next target. Don’t think you can survive this game. Leave while you still can. Her fingers went numb, the air around her suddenly turning colder.

The warning was clear, hitting her chest like a punch. His next target? Viktor wasn’t the type to throw meaningless words. If he said something, he meant it. So was this a warning… or a trap? Her thoughts raced, searching for another possibility, but there was only one thing she was certain of—this situation was far worse than she had imagined.

Unconsciously, her grip on her phone loosened. It nearly slipped from her hands, but she quickly locked the screen, forcing herself to keep her expression neutral. But she had made one crucial mistake. She had forgotten who the man beside her was. Antonio never missed the smallest details.

“Cass.” His tone was quiet. Too quiet. And that was what made her panic rise.

Slowly, she lifted her gaze to meet his, struggling to maintain her composure. But her eyes… her eyes couldn’t lie. Antonio studied her, his gaze assessing, watching—like a predator deciding whether its prey was worth the chase. Then, without warning, his hand moved. His fingers tilted her chin up, forcing her to look at him, leaving her with no escape.

“What are you hiding, Cass?” Her heartbeat slammed against her ribs.

She was trapped. And she knew that if she made the wrong move now, everything could come crashing down in an instant. Her mind scrambled for answers. Should she pretend she didn’t know anything? Should she tell the truth? Or should she try to deflect?

But Antonio wasn’t someone who could be deceived easily. His presence was suffocating, his warmth dangerously close, his scent wrapping around her like a trap she couldn’t break free from. His gaze never wavered, pinning her in place. And his grip on her chin, though gentle, was firm enough to remind her—she couldn’t lie to him. Her mind screamed for a way out.

If she told him the truth…

what would he do? And if she kept silent, how long did she have before Antonio found out for himself? The night that once felt so peaceful had now become a battlefield she wasn’t sure she could win.