Chapter 10 CASSANDRA Your words say one thing, but your body tells a different story. Emilios fingers lightly touch the pulse at the base of her neck. Your body cant lie. His fingertips trace a path down her neck to the curves of her breasts, and Cassandra shivers, her breath coming out in soft gasps. She meets Emilios gaze as he says, Every time Im close to you, you feel the spark between us, just like the first time we met. Even now, I can feel your body craving my touch. I see you trying to resist me, but soon youll give in. Emilio whispers in her ear, This deep, raw, and powerful desire we have for each other wont fade until we both get what our bodies are begging for…satisfaction. Snapping back to reality, Cassandra retorts, Enough! Emilio has the audacity to grin at her. Hes too much. This arrangement will be strictly platonic. We dont need to be husband and wife in every sense to be good parents to Alex. Cassie, Cassie, Cassie, he drawls. I do have needs as a man. Would you rather your husband seek satisfaction from other women? I dont love you, so it wont matter to me as long as youre discreet about it. The same goes for me. Emilios playful demeanor disappears. I dont share, especially when it comes to my women. There will only be one man wholl have the right to touch you, and it will be me…your husband. Do you understand? Cassandra looks away from him. Even if she could say no, she knows in her heart it would be a lie. Hes right… Whenever shes near him, she feels something, a pull so strong it scares her. Shes never felt this way about any man before. To make matters worse, she doesnt know what to do. She wants him, and denying it wont help because he could prove her wrong right here and now. Cassandra needs to figure out how to handle her wild hormones when shes around him. If she cant control herself, then shell have to avoid him at all costs. But thats impossibleno woman in her right mind could resist such a handsome man. Women are always falling at his feet. Before they head to dinner, Emilio stops to give the media his statement about their relationship and upcoming wedding in his home country. Then he takes her to the hotel restaurant where hes meeting some business associates. I couldve stayed at home, Cassandra mutters. Why do I need to be here? You seem a bit tenseEmilio pulls her into himwant me to help you relax? I dont think anyone will notice if were a few minutes late. No, she whispers. Then I suggest you stop complaining and try to at least look like a happy bride-to-be. Smile, my beautiful fiancée; people are watching. Emilio bends his head and brushes his lips on Cassandras cheek, and her whole body tingles with anticipation. Remember, he says, were in love and cant wait to get married. Think about Alexyou said youre doing this for him, so pretend Im the only man for you. Slowly, Cassandra lets her body relax under his touch. Thats more like it. See, its not so hard when you let your body do the thinking instead of letting your mind cloud your judgment. With his arm resting heavily around her waist, they enter the hotel. He leads her to the restaurant inside, and a waiter quickly comes to assist them. Rodriguez, always a pleasure having you here. The usual? Yes, he replies, and the man leads the way to a rooftop lounge. The restaurant is spacious and comfortable, not too crowded but filled with men in suits and women in gowns. Cassandra admires the cathedral dome ceiling, ornate spiral staircase, and dark wooden floors, all of which give off a charm and elegance of a bygone era. Once outside, Cassandra is grateful for the cool air on her skin. Shes warm from Emilios touch. To her right is a long leather couch, and a bar with twinkling lights and tall stools is set up against another wall. The round tables scattered across the rooftop lounge are all surrounded by black leather chairs as well. The waiter heads back downstairs, and Cassandra slips her arm through Emilios again. All eyes are on them, and she glances at him and smiles mischievously. The look he gives her tells her that she caught him off guard. Emilio guides Cassandra to the bar and asks what shed like to drink. Anything that doesnt have alcohol in it. He chuckles. Scared you might do something youll regret when youre drunk? He slides his hand slowly up her back. Dont be ridiculous. Im not afraid of anything. Despite her words, Cassandras body trembles under his touch. Her heart pounds in her chest. Give the lady a glass of red wine cabernet sauvignon and a scotch for me, Emilio tells the bartender, twirling a strand of her hair around his finger. You look beautiful. Cassandra glares back at him. Im just telling the truth, he says, handing her the glass that was placed on the counter. She takes a big gulp. Easy, the night is still young, and I like my women to be conscious when I make them mine. Im not sleeping with you, Emilio, Cassandra says firmly. Its inevitable. Just then, Dr. Perez from the Hospital approaches, along with an elderly gentleman. Uncle, Beth, Emilio greets. Youre becoming more beautiful by the day. Quite the smooth talker, the doctor responds. Turning to Cassandra, she adds, Good to see you again. Same here. Thanks again. Emilios uncle reaches out to Cassandra. You must be the bride. Congratulations! Im Luis Perez, Emilianos uncle. I was taken aback when I heard he was getting hitched… Its a pleasure to meet you. Cassandra takes his hand. Cassandra Miller. He turns to Emilio, Shes a beauty and not your usual type. But then again, your type never made you settle down. She must be something special. Emilios grip around her waist tightens. Yes, she is unique, Uncle. She holds a special place in my heart, and thats why Im marrying her. Isnt that right, darling? The pet name makes Cassandra blush.This isnt real, she reminds herself. ~Hes just putting on a show. Dont fool yourself into thinking a man like him could ever fall for someone like you. Play your role, and dont get emotionally involved.~ She nods. Even I couldnt resist his charm. What brings you here, Uncle? Emilio asks. Perez grins. Why dont we let the ladies chat? I need to talk to you about something. Emilio plants a soft kiss on her cheek and follows his uncle. Hows the little one doing? Dr. Perez asks. Much betterall thanks to you, doctor. Please, call me Beth. Youre making me feel ancient. Cassandra chuckles. Thats better. They settle down at the bar, and Beth orders a glass of wine. So, how did you and Emiliano cross paths? We met at a company event, but lost touch soon after. We bumped into each other again a few weeks ago. Cassandra hates lying, but what else can she say? At least part of her story is true. Luis is right; youre not his usual type. Dont get me wrongyoure stunningwe were just a bit shocked to hear about the wedding. She pauses. Do you have any family here? No, I never knew my parents. I was raised in foster homes. Im sorry, I didnt mean to pry. I have nothing to hide, Cassandra says. Can I ask you something? I hope Im not crossing a line. Your husbands last name is Perez, but Emilianos is Rodriguez. Emilianos mother and uncle are siblings. She married Emilianos father, who sadly passed away a few years ago. Oh, Im sorry. Cassandra recalls reading about that online. Its okay, dear. Lets toast. They both lift their glasses. To you and Emiliano. To us, Cassandra murmurs, wondering how shes going to keep up the pretense that their relationship is genuine. Title: Crimson Revenge: Bride Sacrifice (English-dubbed) Embark on a riveting journey with Misty, a fresh police academy graduate, as she fearlessly undertakes a perilous mission to infiltrate the enigmatic 'Divine Marriage' ritual in Florals Village. Disguised as a Florals Maiden, she plunges into the depths of the mysterious Florals Cave with secrets lurking at every turn. 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