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!
CASSIEScanning my eyes, this cafe was not so crowded roughly this time but at eleven, students would begin to occupy seats for their business.“So, that’s it? He stormed out of your room?” Sasha asked, laughing. She knew everything about Jake. She was my best friend.“No. He stormed out of the house.” I sighed, leaning my chin on the book I had no interest in reading. Jake got mad and left me despite my pleas and apologies. His anger even boiled within reason when I couldn’t stop staring at his saluting soldier inside his sweatpants.“Seriously, Cass, you’re like stuck in this endless loop of emotional ping pong. Why don’t you give up? Jake is not for you. Yes, he’s hot, but there are other guys. Look at Carl. Give him a date already. He’s handsome.”“He’s just a friend. Carl is a good man. I can’t give him false hope. That won’t be fair to him.”“Yet, you’re keeping false hope yourself. Don’t force yourself on Jake. You’ll only get hurt. That night you cried your heart out, did he c
CASSIE“What are you doing? People are staring,” I protested, trying to wrestle my hands from his firm grip, but it was like wrestling with a brick wall. Curious onlookers were openly casting their eyes our way.“Let them stare,” he retorted, his tone icy and angry.“Caleb. He’s still inside. I have to go back,” I insisted, feeling his grip tighten as he pulled me along, trying to match his strides.I was scared. I could feel the anger radiating off him, the heat rising with every step toward the elevator at the back of the mall, leading to the basement. We were walking quickly, attracting more stares.Jake ignored my pleas, dragging me forcefully. All I could do was match his speed, avoiding eye contact with anyone who dared to watch us pass. Finally, we reached the elevator.“Why are you doing this? What will Caleb think?” I protested as he practically shoved me inside.“Do I look like I fucking care what the boy thinks?!” Jake snapped, his voice cutting through the air.“But I care
CASSIEI reached home.“She’s here,” I heard Rosa say on the phone before she hung up and walked to me, worry plastered on her face. “It was Jake asking—what happened?”The mention of his name, coupled with the realization that he hadn’t followed me home, hurt even more. “Trouble at school, Rosa,” I said weakly, hoping she wouldn’t ask further.“Trouble at school? Bloodshot eyes, red nose, look at yourself, I don’t buy that. Jake called so I knew it was about Jake this time,” she said, her concern deepening.Even to her, my feelings for Jake were not a secret. Like a mother, she had that instinct I couldn’t understand. I couldn’t lie to her. “She’s with someone else, Rosa.” Even though I tried to hold it, I still couldn't. Sniffling, I cried again, tears flowing, my throat aching. My knees couldn’t hold me anymore. I felt weak.“Oh, little Cassie,” Rosa murmured, wrapping her arms around me in a comforting hug. “Don’t you think it’s time to let it go? You deserve so much better, mi qu
CASSIESasha made a snorting sound, her eyes adorned with pretty long lashes, rolled to the roof. “If I knew, you would only sulk at home, Cass. Tonight’s a good night to have fun. The examination has ended, and we’re free for the whole week.“But I’m tired. I need sleep,” I said, glancing at my phone where there were no messages or calls from Jake. The hurt simmered beneath the surface, threatening to spill over.“No ‘buts,’ Cassie. You need to get out of your head. Let loose. Have a little fun. You need a distraction, something to take your mind off the mess with Jake. Maybe a night out with Carl or Caleb would help.” She grinned and I nodded, offering her a small smile.“You won’t believe it, but I’m telling you I’m okay, really. Two days? I got over it, Sash. Believe me. Why don’t you go with Carl and Caleb instead? It will be fun.” I raised a brow before giving her a challenging look. She blushed. “You think I didn’t notice, huh?”“What? Notice what?” her eyes looked innocently d
“This baby girl is lost,” said the man behind me, making the hair on my neck stand. I shuddered, taking a step as if that could save me from these men’s leering eyes.“Kruger!” Jake’s voice bellowed.I gasped as I looked at the man, Kruger, taking a hesitant step back, recognizing the danger in Jake’s voice. That makes us two. I thought. I turned to face Jake, and the fury in his eyes was unmistakable. Jaw clenched, muscles taut, Jake advanced towards me, pushing through the crowd like a predator closing in on its prey.“Touch her and you won’t see the sun for days.” Jake snarled, his voice low and threatening.Kruger stammered, “I-I didn’t know, Crusher. She just came—”“I don’t give a damn! You stay away from her,” Jake roared, his anger pulsating through the air.I stood frozen, caught between Jake’s fury and the uneasy glances of onlookers. The crowd hushed and Jake gave me a look that made me wish I hadn’t come here.His anger wasn’t just directed at Kruger; it was aimed at me. B
Yawning, I slowly opened my eyes. I loved this morning. I loved the night too. Jake stayed and slept with me on the same bed. He cuddled me all night, and although he was out like dead and snoring because of the fights he had, I was beyond ecstatic.I reached out my hand, holding my breath, expecting to feel his warm body next to mine, but to my dismay, he was gone. All that lingered was his intoxicating scent, a reminder that he wasn’t a dream.Sighing, I dragged myself out of bed and beelined it to the bathroom. I needed a shower. Last night was a beautiful kind of torture. I caught myself just staring at him while he slept. Just his presence was enough to send me into a frenzy. At one point, the wicked side of me wanted to devour him while sleeping. But, I mean, molesting a sleeping Jake? Come on. I burst out laughing at the mental image.The shower hit my body, giving me that jolt of cold freshness. Being so close to Jake and not doing anything was taking some serious self-control
His voice dropped in a sexy octave. “Beautiful. Now spread your legs,”I gasped silently, my chest heaving from his command. After placing me on my bed, he took just a step back and just watched me...naked and panting.“Do you like what you see, Jake?” I asked in a seductive voice, if I were shy, I wasn’t showing it. He’s mine at the moment.“Been dreaming of this many many nights. And I was right,” I shuddered when he sucked his fingers that were just inside me a minute ago. “You taste sweet.” And then, he smelled them, making me all hot and red with embarrassment.I couldn’t believe Jake was doing this, but I didn’t wanna dare question. I liked this very much.“Smelled just how I imagined you to smell.” He sucked them one more time. “You have a beautiful pussy, little mouse.” He said, watching the very center of me which I knew was leaking, while I tried to stop myself from closing my legs together, covered away from his dark eyes. He leaned on his hands, each on my side.I couldn’t
“What?” My mouth dropped open at the sight, my eyes widening in shock.“Close your mouth; it’s tempting,” he said with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with amusement.I snapped my jaw shut, realizing that my expression had given away more than I intended. Moans, groans, and grunts filled the air. My whole brain froze at the sight of people in very intimate scenes, pleasuring each other, lost in their own world.“What is this place?” I asked incredulously, finally finding my voice again.“Are we forgetting something,” he said with a firm tone, making me swallow the fluid in my mouth. I know. I know. We walked through the room, and the intensity of the scenes unfolded like a surreal tapestry around us. Every step felt like a deliberate choice. As we made our way through the crowd, I couldn’t help but feel aroused. I shouldn’t, right? This was all too overwhelming for me, but at the same time, there was something oddly alluring about this place.He stopped at a wide sofa, sat down, and pat t