Chapter 25 EMILIANO Its been a week since Emiliano last saw Cassie. A phone call during their honeymoon had pulled him away. It was about a client, Brad Armstrong, who had some suspicious activity on his account. The client was successful, but that didnt explain the large sums of money being moved around every week. Emiliano couldnt risk Rodriguez International being linked to anything illegal, so theyd started an internal investigation. Brad Armstrong claimed he was clueless, but Emiliano didnt buy it. Hed worked too hard to let anyone tarnish his banks reputation. Thats why Armstrongs accounts were frozen until they could figure out what was going on. The banks tech guy was tracing the money, and Emiliano was hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. He needed to get this sorted out before the media caught wind of it. Sleep had been elusive for Emiliano, and his nightmares werent helping. They were the reason hed always sent past lovers home. But now, he was married to Cassie, and he knew shed want to know why he wouldnt share a bed with her. He wasnt sure what hed tell her. Hed never let anyone in before. Now, Emiliano was on his way home, eager to see his sonand Cassie. He was looking forward to making love to her. But he had to admit, he missed more than just Cassies soft body. He missed how he could lose himself in her. How she made him forget his nightmares. How he felt at peace when he was with her. Hed even bought her a necklace on this trip, though he wasnt sure why. CASSANDRA Cassandra hadnt heard from Emilio in a week. He hadnt even called his mother. She missed him desperately, wondering what could be so important that he hadnt reached out. She was just putting Alex down for his nap when she heard voices at the front door. She went downstairs and saw Rafael and his sister, Isabell, who shed met at the wedding. Cassie, Rafael greeted her smoothly. Isabell, she replied. How are you, Cassandra? Isabell asked. Ive had better days. What brings you two here? We came to check on our aunt and make sure shes following the doctors orders, Rafael said. Emilia crossed her arms. Im sure you two have better things to do than to come and bother me. Wheres Emiliano? Rafael asked, changing the subject. We wanted to invite him and his lovely wife out for the night. Hes not here, Emilia answered. Hes in New York on business. Thats too bad, but Cassie can join us if she wants. Itll just be us cousins having a good time. Thanks for the offer, Cassandra started, but Shed love to go out, Emilia interrupted. She needs some fresh air and a change of scenery. Shes been cooped up in here since Emiliano left. To Cassandra, she added, Have fun and dont worry. Alex is in good hands. Cassandra didnt know when Emiliano would be back, but a night out couldnt hurt. What time should I be ready? she asked. Well pick you up at eight, Isabell said. And dont be shy about dressing up. Where are we going? Cassandra asked, a bit nervous. Surprise, was all Isabell said. An hour later, Rafael and Isabell left. After they were gone, Emilia said, Rafael is a party animal. All he thinks about is girls and having fun. He seems to forget theres more to life than partying and drinking. I got that impression when we first met, Cassandra said, but he seems nice. He is, Emilia agreed. Just relax and enjoy yourself. Who knows when Emiliano will be back, but it must be important for him to be away this long. Thats what Cassandra had thought, until she saw him on TV with a tall, beautiful blonde.A week of marriage, and hes already bored. She tried to brush it off, telling herself the woman could be a business associate, but she didnt look like one, and Emiliano not calling only fueled her doubts and fears. Are you alright? Emilia asked, lightly touching her arm. Cassandra forced a smile. I miss him too, Emilia told her before leaving. Cassandra realized she was getting sloppy at hiding her feelings. If Emilia could see through her so easily, then Emilio certainly would. She needed to get a grip. *** Cassandra put Alex to bed and went to take a bath. Rafael and Isabell would be here in thirty minutes. After her bath, she chose a purple lace dress that hugged her figure and fell above her knees. She blow-dried her hair and left it loose, then kept her makeup simple with peachy eyeshadow, white shadow on her upper lash line, soft brown shadow for the outer-V, and mascara. Instead of lipstick, she opted for gloss, and she finished the look with black high heels and a small evening purse. Emilia was waiting for her downstairs, sipping tea on the couch. You look beautiful, she said. Thank you, but I feel guilty about going out without Emilio, Cassandra admitted. She wondered whyafter all, he was probably having a great time in New York without her. Emilia smiled. Youre allowed to enjoy yourself from time to time. The doorbell rang. That must be Isabell and Rafael, Emilia said, standing up. Im off to bed. Have fun, and be safe. The moment Cassandra swings the door open, her emerald eyes meet Emilios dark ones. She gasps, her breath hitching in her throat.Why is he here? This is his home, a voice in her head reminds her. Emilios gaze is intense, stripping her bare, and she feels a flush of heat. Emilio…? Were you expecting someone else, sweetheart? He doesnt wait for her response. Instead, he strides past her and collapses onto the couch, leaving her to watch him.He looks so tired. She shuts the door and follows him into the living room. EMILIANO The sight of Cassie in the doorway, looking so beautiful, had Emiliano fighting the urge to take her right there. His body aches with desire, and all he wants is to lose himself in her. Her dress and heels arent helping, making her long, sexy legs look even more enticing. Even with his eyes closed, he can feel Cassies gaze on him. Dont you have anything to say for yourself? she asks. His eyes fly open, but instead of meeting Cassies, they land on her full, tempting lips. God, he wants to kiss her. Emiliano gets up and heads to the bar to pour himself a drink. Can we talk about this later? The doorbell rings. Fine, Cassie says, walking off to answer the door. She greets the maid, Thanks, Annah. Ive got it from here. He hears his cousin Isabells voice when the door opens. Ready to go? she asks. Yes, Cassandra replies. I hope Im dressed appropriately for wherever were going. You look amazing. Emiliano calls out, Where are you going? Hey, cuz, Isabell greets him. When did you get here? Just a bit ago. Where are you taking my wife? Just out to show her the nightlife in Barcelona. You can come too; Rafael is coming along. So thats why shes all dressed up, Emiliano thinks. Maybe next time, he says. Im tired, and I was hoping to spend some time alone with my wife. Ive been stuck in here for a week, Cassie interrupts. I need some fresh air, and a night out sounds perfect. Emiliano gives her a stern look, his fingers curling around her slender wrist. Give us a minute, Isabell. He pulls Cassie into his study and shuts the door behind them. CASSANDRA What are you doing? Cassandra demands. Emilios body heat is stirring her senses, but she refuses to back down. Why should he be the only one having fun? Youre not going anywhere. I dont like the idea of you being out there without me. What? You cant control me. Im going, and you cant stop me. Cassandra tries to leave, but he blocks her path. Emilio, move. Isabell is waiting for me. I think Ive made myself clear. I wont say it again. Who gave you the right to control my life? Im going out to have funsomething you seem to have no problem doing. What are you talking about? he asks, his brow furrowing. Now youre playing dumb. Weve been married less than a week, and youre already flaunting your mistress. So, tell me why I cant go out and have fun. You have no right to question me or anything I do. The room falls silent. Cassandra reaches for the door handle, but Emilio grabs her hand and kisses her palm. Stay strong, Cass, she tells herself. Shes a family friend, Cassie. Like Id believe that. Let go of me; I need to leave. Emilio pulls out his phone and makes a quick call in Spanish. They left, he tells her. Like I said, I wanted to spend some time alone with my wife. Cassandra is speechless, and the gentle circles his finger is tracing on her wrist arent helping. Since you ruined my evening, she says, Im going to bed. Goodnight. Cassandra tries to leave, but Emilio pulls her back into his arms. Her heart races as his hand brushes her hair aside and his lips find her pulse. Her nipples harden as he presses against her, and her hands find their way into his hair. She shivers and melts into him. Damn her body for not being able to resist his charm. 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