One Hundred Two

Cassandra sat beside Alexander’s stretcher, her hands gripping his blood-covered fingers tightly. Her heart pounded painfully in her chest as she stared at Alexander’s face, which was growing paler by the second.

"Alex… hold on. We’re almost at the hospital,"

her voice trembled, thick with panic and guilt that tore through her like a storm. Alexander smiled weakly, despite his labored breathing.

"I’m fine, Cass… just a scratch…"

"A scratch?!"

Cassandra nearly screamed, her eyes filling with tears as she stared at the blood still oozing from his arm.

"If you hadn’t pushed me out of the way, that bullet—"

Alexander shook his head weakly, his cold fingers tightening around hers, as if he were the one comforting her.

"Don’t blame yourself, Cass. I wasn’t going to let them hurt you… I’d do it again and again if it meant keeping you safe."

Cassandra bit her lip, her vision blurring with unshed tears.

"You idiot… you shouldn’t have done that. I… I can’t lose you."

Alexander looked into her eyes, despite his pain, his gentle smile never fading.

"I’d rather feel this pain than watch something happen to you."

His words ripped through her chest, leaving her breathless. A mix of guilt and something deeper—something she was too afraid to name—twisted inside her.

Why does he always put himself in danger for me? Why didn’t I realize it sooner? Cassandra brushed his sweat-dampened hair away from his forehead, her hands trembling.

"Don’t talk too much… save your strength."

Alexander chuckled weakly, his eyes growing heavier.

"I’m not dying yet, Cass… I still want to see you smile."

That was the moment Cassandra lost the battle against her tears.

"You always do this… always put me first. I don’t deserve this, Alex."

Alexander lifted his uninjured hand, his cold fingers brushing gently against her cheek.

"Of course you do… I’m not doing this because I have to. I’m doing it because I want to. Because I…"

He stopped himself. He held her gaze, his eyes filled with emotions he had buried for years. Cassandra froze, her chest tightening. He didn’t say it. But she knew what he wanted to say.

"Because I love you."

But he didn’t let the words escape. Instead, he just looked at her, silently hoping she would finally understand. The Hospital The moment the ambulance doors swung open, the paramedics rushed Alexander inside.

"Doctor! Gunshot wound to the arm! Heavy blood loss!" one of them shouted.

Cassandra followed closely, her hands covered in his blood, but before she could enter the emergency room— A nurse blocked her path.

"I’m sorry, miss, but you have to wait outside."

"But—"

Cassandra tried to argue, desperate to stay with him. But before she could fight back, the ER doors slammed shut in front of her. She stood there, frozen. Her body felt weak. For the first time in a long time, she was truly terrified. Not because of mafia threats. Not because of the danger surrounding her life. But because someone she truly cared about was now fighting for his life. She staggered toward a chair in the waiting area, her hands gripping her hair tightly.

"God… please don’t take him from me."

Her mind raced with images of Alexander— The way he always stood by her side. The way he protected her without hesitation. The way he looked at her—with a kind of love she had ignored for too long. And now, he was lying on an operating table, wounded because of her. If something happened to him, she would never forgive herself. Inside the dimly lit private room of Antonio Franches’ mansion, the soft clinking of ice in a glass of bourbon filled the silence. But no one dared to touch the drink. Antonio sat motionless in his chair, his gaze piercing as he read through the report Marcus had just handed him. The air in the room was thick with tension, heavy enough to choke anyone who dared to breathe too loudly. Marcus stood near the desk, his hands clasped in front of him, his expression unreadable.

"There was an attack at Manhattan Private Bank," Marcus reported, his voice low.

"Not just an ordinary robbery. It was an execution. Multiple casualties." Antonio didn’t react at first.

But his eyes darkened. Marcus hesitated before continuing, knowing the next part could set off an explosion. Antonio slowly lifted his gaze.

"And?" His voice was calm.

Too calm. Which made it even more terrifying. Marcus took a deep breath.

"Two police officers got caught in the crossfire. Cassandra… and Alexander."

CRACK!

The glass of bourbon shattered in Antonio’s hand. Golden liquid spilled over the table, mixing with the fresh cuts on his palm from the broken shards. The room fell into dead silence. Marcus remained still, but he could see something dangerous shift in Antonio’s expression. There was no yelling. No outburst of rage. But that was worse. His cold, murderous gaze was enough to make any man tremble.

"Where are they now?" Antonio asked, his voice low and sharp like a knife against the throat.

"Alexander is in surgery at the hospital. Cassandra is unharmed… she’s still there, waiting for him."

Antonio’s fingers curled tightly around the edge of his desk. Cassandra... in the hospital?

Something inside him snapped. A feeling he hated. Jealousy. And rage. A deadly mix. Marcus stayed silent, watching his boss with caution. Then Antonio stood up slowly, wiping the blood from his palm as if it was nothing more than an inconvenience.

"Prepare the car."

Marcus nodded once, turning toward the door. Before leaving, he took one last glance at Antonio. His expression was unreadable, but one thing was clear— Someone was about to pay for this. And Antonio Franches was about to remind the world why no one dared to touch what was his. Marcus, aware of how dangerous the situation was, immediately spoke up, his voice firm yet careful.

"Boss, I know you want to act now. But you can’t be reckless. This isn’t just about Cassandra. This is about a much bigger war."

Antonio stood up slowly, then walked toward the window, gazing at the dark sky stretching over New York City.

"I’ve been patient enough, Marcus."

His voice was low but laced with an undeniable threat. Marcus clenched his fists, trying to keep his calm.

"Boss, I understand your anger. Cassandra got caught in the crossfire again, and this isn’t the first time she’s been a target. But we have to stick to the strategy." Antonio turned his sharp gaze toward him.

"Strategy? How much longer do I have to wait until they realize I’m not someone they can fuck with?" Marcus stood his ground.

"We’re close to finding out who's behind Nuovo Ordine. If we attack them blindly now, we’ll lose the chance to take them down completely. And you know that, Antonio."

Antonio clenched his jaw. He knew Marcus was right. But deep inside him, something was boiling uncontrollably. Cassandra was in danger again. And this time, he wasn’t there to protect her. His eyes narrowed, his jaw tightened.

"We speed up the plan. I don’t care how. I want them all dead."

Marcus watched him cautiously. "I’ll set everything up. But, Boss… please, don’t let your emotions take over this fight."

Antonio smirked, but there was no warmth in it.

"Marcus… I’m not letting my emotions control this war."

"I’m using my rage to destroy them."

Marcus exhaled heavily, knowing this was no longer just about the mafia war. This was about someone who dared to touch Antonio Franches’ woman. The hospital room was quiet, only the steady beeping of the heart monitor filled the air. The dim lighting cast soft shadows on Alexander’s pale face, but in his eyes, there was still a spark of warmth—a spark that only appeared when Cassandra was by his side. Cassandra sat on the edge of his hospital bed, her fingers still gripping his cold hand. She couldn’t look away from the man who had just risked his life for her. Slowly, Alexander opened his eyes, his vision blurry at first before finally focusing on her. A weak yet genuine smile spread across his lips.

"Hey..."

His voice was hoarse, but still held its gentle warmth. Cassandra immediately leaned closer, gripping his hand even tighter.

"Alex… you’re awake."

Alexander chuckled softly, even though his breathing was still strained.

"Still alive, huh? And the first thing I see is a beautiful woman worrying about me."

Cassandra sighed, her eyes still red from hours of anxiety.

"You have no idea how scared I was, Alex… I don’t know what I would’ve done if something happened to you."

Alexander gazed at her, then squeezed her hand tighter.

"I don’t want you to feel guilty, Cass. I didn’t do this because I had to. I did it because I wanted to."

Cassandra felt her chest tighten even more. Why is he always like this? Why does he always put me first? Alexander took a deep breath, then with a more serious voice, he said,

"Cass… there’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you for a long time."

Cassandra blinked, suddenly feeling her heartbeat pick up speed.

"What is it?" Alexander looked at her with eyes full of sincerity.

"I love you, Cass."

The world seemed to stop. Cassandra’s eyes widened, her mind going completely blank. Her heart pounded so fast, but she couldn’t tell if it was from shock, confusion, or something much deeper.

"I..."

she tried to speak, but her voice got caught in her throat.

"Since we were kids,"

Alexander continued, never looking away from her,

"I’ve always known you were different. Since the first time you stood between me and those bullies… I knew I wanted to always be by your side."

Cassandra remained silent, her thoughts in complete chaos. Why does this feel so right… yet so wrong at the same time?

"I never said it because I was afraid of losing you," Alexander admitted, his lips curving into a sad, soft smile.

"But after what happened today… I don’t want to have regrets anymore."

His weak hand lifted, his fingers brushing against Cassandra’s cheek.

"I love you, Cassandra. And I’ll wait for you, no matter how long it takes."

Cassandra’s body stiffened. Her heart and mind were at war. She couldn’t deny it—Alexander was the one person who had always been there for her. He was the first man who made her feel safe, protected, and cherished…

And before all of this—before Antonio entered her life— Cassandra loved Alexander too. Alexander leaned in, his face just inches away from hers. Their eyes locked. Their breaths mingled. Cassandra could feel his warmth, feel the same pull she once felt when they were younger. And just as their lips were about to touch— Cassandra pulled away. Alexander’s expression fell, his eyes clouding with confusion and hurt.

"Cass… why?" Cassandra looked down, trying to steady her breathing.

"I… I need time, Alex."

"Time?" he whispered, his voice barely audible. Cassandra met his gaze, her eyes filled with uncertainty.

"I don’t know… I don’t know what I feel right now. I need time to figure out my own heart."

Alexander held her stare for a long moment, then finally, he gave her a small, sad smile.

"I understand."

But Cassandra knew— That wasn’t a happy smile. That was the smile of a man waiting for something that might never come.

"But…" Cassandra tightened her grip on his hand.

"I don’t want this to end, Alex. I don’t want to lose you."

Alexander studied her, then slowly nodded. "If that’s what you want, Cass… I’ll wait."

Cassandra exhaled in relief. "Thank you, Alex."

But deep inside, she wondered— Could she ever truly let go of Antonio?

Or had she fallen too deep into the arms of the devil?

The air outside the hospital was eerily quiet. The cool night breeze brushed through Cassandra’s slightly disheveled hair, a reminder of the long hours she had spent by Alexander’s side. She had just stepped out of the room when a black car pulled up in front of the hospital entrance. Cassandra didn’t have to guess who was inside. Before she could even take a step back, the car door swung open, and Antonio stepped out swiftly.

"Cassandra!" His deep voice carried something she rarely heard from him—fear.

And in an instant, she was wrapped in his arms. His embrace was tight, warm, and desperate—as if he had just found something priceless that he had almost lost forever. Cassandra froze. This was different. This wasn’t Antonio’s usual possessive embrace, the one filled with dominance and control. This was the embrace of a man who was genuinely afraid of losing her.

"Are you okay?" His voice had softened, but there was tension underneath it.

Cassandra was still too shocked to respond. He really came for me? Antonio pulled back slightly, just enough to look at her face. His sharp eyes scanned every inch of her skin, searching for any sign of bruises or injuries.

"Did they hurt you?" His voice was lower now, but the edge was unmistakable.

Cassandra shook her head slowly.

"I’m fine, Antonio…" But he wasn’t convinced.

His rough yet gentle hand cupped her cheek, his thumb grazing the corner of her lips as if ensuring she wasn’t hurt anywhere. And at that moment, Cassandra saw something in his eyes that made her chest tighten. Fear. Not rage. Not anger. Not cold calculation. Just pure, undeniable fear.

"I can’t lose you again," Antonio murmured, almost as if he were whispering to himself.

Cassandra swallowed hard, her heart in turmoil. Why does this make me feel so different?

Why can’t I pull away?

And then—without warning—Antonio’s lips crashed against hers. But this time, it was different. His kiss wasn’t rough, wasn’t filled with raw desire like before. It was slow, deep, and full of emotions she couldn’t decipher. It wasn’t lust. It was a promise. A vow that he would never let anything happen to her again. When Antonio finally pulled away, his breathing was ragged. "I’m going to kill them, Cassandra." Cassandra blinked, still dazed from his touch.

"Antonio…" His eyes turned cold, burning with pure hatred.

"They hurt you. They touched something that belongs to me. I won’t let them get away with it."

Cassandra bit her lip, not knowing what to say. She knew how serious Antonio was when he made a declaration like that. Before she could respond, Antonio grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the car.

"We’re going home."

Back at the Mansion Cassandra expected Antonio to take her to his bedroom immediately, like he usually did after nights like this. But instead, he led her to the dining room. A beautifully set table awaited them, candles flickering softly, the aroma of freshly cooked food lingering in the air. Cassandra blinked in confusion.

"What is this?" Antonio pulled out a chair for her. "

You haven’t eaten, have you?"

She frowned slightly.

"I’m not hungry…"

Antonio sighed, then gently took her hand and guided her into the chair.

"Eat a little. I don’t want you getting weak."

Cassandra just stared at him, realizing something. Antonio was acting different tonight. Normally, when he brought her back to the mansion, they wouldn’t be having dinner like this. It was usually a night filled with heat, passion, and dominance.

But tonight…

was different. Antonio sat across from her, watching her in silence, as if he just wanted to make sure she was really there. As Cassandra finally picked up the fork and took a bite, Antonio reached across the table, touching her hand. Cassandra looked up, meeting his intense gaze.

"I don’t want this to happen again."

His voice was low but full of meaning. Cassandra sighed.

"I can take care of myself, Antonio."

He shook his head.

"I know you can. But I don’t want you to do it alone."

She froze. His hand tightened around hers.

"I want you to stay here tonight."

Cassandra hesitated.

"Antonio, I can’t—"

He smirked slightly, but it wasn’t his usual smug smirk.

"I’m not going to touch you tonight, Cass."

Her heart clenched. Why does that make me feel weaker than his wildest touch?

"I just want you here."

Cassandra swallowed hard, then finally nodded. That night, for the first time, Antonio didn’t claim her with hunger and passion. Instead, he just held her, their bodies wrapped in nothing but warmth and silence. And as Cassandra closed her eyes, she realized one thing. Her heart was getting harder and harder to understand. The cool night breeze swept through the rooftop of Antonio’s mansion, carrying the soft scent of flowers from the gardens below. From up here, the New York City skyline looked like a sea of fallen stars, breathtakingly beautiful yet hiding something dark beneath. Cassandra sat on a luxurious lounge chair, wearing the deep red silk nightgown Antonio had given her after dinner. In her hand, she held a half-filled glass of wine, while across from her, Antonio sat calmly, watching her with a gaze that was sharp and unreadable. The silence stretched between them.

"You’re thinking about something,"

Antonio finally said, his deep voice cutting through the quiet. Cassandra took a slow sip of wine.

"Of course I am."

Antonio leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his dark eyes never leaving hers.

"About what?"

Cassandra hesitated, then finally said,

"About us."

Antonio’s expression didn’t change, but something flickered in his gaze.

"And?"

She sighed, looking down at the swirling liquid in her glass.

"I don’t know what this is anymore, Antonio."

Antonio stood up slowly, walking toward her. Cassandra’s breath hitched as he reached down, taking the glass from her hand and setting it aside. Then, he cupped her face, forcing her to look up at him.

"Then let me remind you."

Before she could respond, his lips crashed against hers again— Hard. Deep. Desperate. This wasn’t gentle. This was Antonio reminding her who she belonged to. And this time, Cassandra didn’t fight it. Antonio took a slow sip of his wine before speaking in a low, unreadable tone.

“So, tell me about the gangsters who attacked you at the bank.”

Cassandra stared at her own glass for a moment before finally lifting her gaze.

"They all had the Silver Rose emblem on their arms."

Antonio’s eyes narrowed immediately, his expression sharpening like a blade. He swirled the wine in his glass with his long, strong fingers, exhaling slowly.

"Of course they did."

Cassandra tilted her head slightly.

"What do you mean?"

Antonio studied her for a long moment before answering, “They’re not my men, Cassandra. They’re my enemies, trying to impersonate The Silver Thorn to make it look like I’m the one behind all this chaos.”

Cassandra frowned. “So they’re framing you?”

Antonio nodded, his gaze darkening with quiet rage.

“And they almost succeeded.”

Cassandra bit her lip, her mind racing with even more questions.

"Antonio… why are they so desperate to destroy you?"

Antonio took another sip of his wine before leaning back in his chair. His voice was calm, but heavy with power.

"Because I'm the last obstacle standing in their way. If I fall, the underworld becomes a free-for-all for them."

Cassandra swallowed hard.

"And what about my father?"

Antonio’s head snapped toward her, his entire body going rigid. His sharp eyes were suddenly filled with caution and something else—something darker.

"What do you mean?"

Cassandra opened her mouth, wanting to ask about her father’s name appearing on the list of mafia associates in The Silver Thorn. But the effect of the wine was hitting her fast. Shit… I’m getting drunk. Her vision was blurring slightly, but there was still one thing she could see with absolute clarity—Antonio. The man sat there, exuding his usual aura of danger and raw masculinity. The rooftop lighting cast shadows over his sharp features, highlighting his strong jawline and impossibly tempting lips. Cassandra swallowed again. Why the hell does he look even more irresistible tonight?

Antonio was still watching her, waiting for an answer, but Cassandra could no longer focus on their conversation. Her body was heating up, a slow fire spreading through her veins. The wine was making her reckless. And the only thought in her mind now… was Antonio. This man is so fucking dangerous… and I can’t resist him anymore. Cassandra set her glass down on the small side table, then slowly stood up. Antonio raised an eyebrow, watching her every move with quiet intrigue.

"Cassandra…?"

She walked toward him, trailing her fingers along the glass surface of the table beside his chair, before straddling his lap, wrapping her legs around his waist. Antonio didn’t move, but his eyes darkened instantly.

"What are you doing?"

His voice had dropped even lower, filled with something dangerous and primal. Cassandra bit her lip, her fingers sliding up Antonio’s chest, feeling his steady, controlled heartbeat beneath her touch.

"I want to forget everything tonight," she whispered.

Antonio gave a slow, knowing smirk, but his gaze stayed locked on hers.

"Is this the wine talking? Or is it me?"

Cassandra leaned in, brushing her lips against his ear before whispering,

"Maybe both?"

Then she bit down softly on his earlobe. Antonio let out a deep, low growl, his grip tightening around her waist, pulling her even closer against him.

"Careful, Cassandra…"

His breath was hot against her skin.

"You have no idea how wild I can get."

Cassandra chuckled, her eyes now filled with something wicked.

"I want to see it."

Antonio didn’t hesitate any longer. He crushed his lips against hers, claiming her mouth in a kiss that was nothing but fire and need. Their tongues tangled, their breaths mingling, their hands grasping and taking. Cassandra moaned softly, her fingers tangling in Antonio’s dark hair, while his hands moved over her back, gripping her with possessive intensity. Antonio pulled back slightly, his breath heavy as he stared at her.

"I don’t want to hurt you tonight."

Cassandra smirked, her fingers tracing his jaw before pulling him back into another kiss.

"I don’t want you to hold back."

Antonio growled again, then flipped them over, pressing Cassandra against the soft cushions of the rooftop lounge sofa. She looked up at him, her lips red and swollen from his kiss, her dress slipping off her shoulders, exposing more of her silky skin.

"What are you going to do?"

she teased. Antonio’s gaze burned into her, full of pure possession.

"I’m going to make sure you never forget tonight, baby." And then, the night became theirs.