Chapter 41 CASSANDRA Cassandra drags herself out of the bathroom and collapses onto the bed. Morning sickness is really kicking her ass, not to mention the stress of keeping her secret from Emilio. Six weeks ago, she took a pregnancy test and it came back positive. She thought it was a mistake, so she got a blood test. The results confirmed itshe was pregnant. Two weeks later, the nausea hit. Emilio doesnt know shes seven-and-a-half weeks pregnant. He thinks her prenatal vitamins are birth control pills. Shes tired of lying to him, but every day, they grow closer. Every day, hes more affectionate. If she didnt know better, shed think he was falling in love. She doesnt want to ruin that. Running late for work, Cassandra gets up and grabs her bag. Shes grateful Emilio offered to take Alex to daycare this morning. He even bought her a new car a few weeks ago, which has made her commute much shorter. When she gets to work, her boss, Mr. Kyle Jensen, isnt there yet. She settles into her desk and starts scheduling his meetings for the day, hoping he wont ask her to sit in and take notes. Shes exhausted from the pregnancyand from Emilio keeping her up all night. His sex drive has ramped up in the past few weeks, but her body is wearing out. She hopes he hasnt noticed. Her job at the law firm is great, and being Mr. Jensens PA is even better. Hes kind, down-to-earth, and treats everyone with respect. He owns half the firm and is one of the best lawyers in town. Hes also happily married with three beautiful kids. His wife even drops by to visit him sometimes. During her lunch break, her handsome husband calls. Shouldnt you be working? she asks. I can spare a few minutes. I missed my wife and wanted to hear her voice. Is that so wrong? Tears prick at Cassandras eyes. No…no, she whispers, wiping her cheek when a tear slips out. Dont you miss me? he asks. Of course, I do, Emilio.More than you could ever know. But some of us have work to do. Im not my own boss; I have to answer to someone. I hate that, he says, not for the first time. Why dont you come work for me? Be my personal assistant. Cassandra laughs softly. You and I both know that wouldnt work. You wouldnt get anything done, and I wouldnt be able to focus because youd be distracting me. That wouldnt be so bad. Youd get paid for doing nothing. No, youd be paying me to sleep with you. Thats not how it is now, Emilio says. No, its not, but it would be if I worked for you. Oh, Cassie. I have to go now; my lunch break is almost over. Lets go out tonight, he suggests. Cassandra would love to, but shes been feeling so sick today, she knows she wont be up for it. Can we reschedule? Im really tired and want to get to bed early; I didnt sleep much last night. Whatever you want. Ill see you at home. Cassie…, Emilio starts. Yes? She waits, but he doesnt say anything for a full two minutes. Take care, he finally says. Then he hangs up. Why does she feel like that wasnt what he really wanted to say? Cassandra shakes off the strange conversation and gets back to work. *** The day goes by relatively quickly, and when its time to leave, Cassandra is relieved. She picks up Alex from daycare and hurries home. She feeds him dinner, gives him a bath, and puts him to bed. As soon as Alexs head hits the pillow, Cassandra goes to take a bath. She sinks into the tub and relaxes, only stirring when she hears movement. Emilio is undressing nearby. When he joins her in the tub, Cassandra welcomes the weight of his large body. Despite her exhaustion, her body responds to him. She can feel his erection pressing against her, and she grows wet with desire. Shell never understand why she cant resist this man. Do you know what you do to me? Emilio murmurs in her ear as he kisses her neck. No, enlighten me. Cassie wraps her arms around his neck. God, Cassie, I cant stop thinking about touching you, tasting you, feeling you, smelling you. His hands cup her ass and squeeze gently. His hips press into hers, his hard length brushing against her throbbing center. Cassandra gasps. Emilio brushes his lips against hers. You have the sweetest mouth, he murmurs, peppering her face with soft kisses. Its so kissable. Cassandra thinks she might explode if he keeps whispering sweet things in her ear. If he keeps turning her on with every touch, every kiss. Emilio groans and kisses her deeply. His tongue explores her mouth, and Cassandras world stops. His scent, his tasteits pure, erotic pleasure. Emilio… Cassandra gasps for air, clutching his shoulders as a wave of dizziness hits her. Nausea follows. Oh no, she thinks. Not when were about to make love.~ Emilios fingers are kneading her breast. Your breasts are fuller, firmer. I cant keep my hands off them, he murmurs. Cassandra needs to get to the bathroomright now . The nausea is too much. His weight was comforting before, but now its suffocating. Her vision is blurring. She gathers her strength and pushes against his chest. Their eyes meet, and she sees his confusion, which quickly turns into worry and surprise. Emilio lifts himself off her. Cassie? Whats going on? You look like youre about to pass out. Instead of responding, she bolts from the tub and makes a beeline for the toilet, her lunch from earlier making a reappearance. Five minutes later, Cassandra comes back to find Emilio dressed in his pants, her robe in his hands. She puts on the robe and heads to rinse her mouth and brush her teeth. She can sense his need to understand whats happening, but shes at a loss for words. Whats wrong with you? His question echoes in her mind. Nothing, she fibs. Mustve been the cake I had at work. It was someones birthday. She hates lying, especially to him. She can only hope he buys her weak excuse. A moment later, Cassandra feels his hands on her shoulders. Emilio turns her to face him. Do we need to see a doctor? No! she blurts out, avoiding his eyes. Now hes definitely going to suspect shes keeping something from him. I mean, theres no needI saw a doctor earlier. Its just a stomach bug… Itll pass in a few days. She forces a smile. Let me know if it doesnt improve. Cassandra nods, and Emilio kisses her forehead. Finish cleaning up, and Ill order dinner. What do you feel like eating? She doubts she can stomach anything, but she tries to lighten the mood. Anythings fine as long as its not cake. Once Emilio leaves, Cassandra lets out the breath shes been holding.Please God, let him believe me until I can figure out how to tell him. Its getting harder to hide the truth, and Emilio isnt a fool. Title: A Tangle of Love (English-dubbed) In "A Tangle of Love," a captivating romance unfolds within a unique observation show where participants navigate intricate relationships, love triangles, and power dynamics. 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