Chapter 6 EMILIANO Emiliano has just finished reading a detailed report about the woman upstairs. She introduced herself as Cassie about fifteen months ago, but her full name is Cassandra Miller. She was raised in foster homes and never knew her biological parents. She doesnt have any known family or friends, except for her son, Alex… His son. Emiliano takes a few minutes to let the information sink in. Hes a fathersomething he never imagined he would be. Cassie is twenty-four, but she looks like shes only nineteen. Her petite stature might make you think shes too young to have a child, but Emiliano knows that beneath her small frame is a woman full of passion and desire. A woman who gave herself to him so freely one night that hes spent countless sleepless nights since, thinking about her enticing body. Just thinking about her makes him hard. Emiliano cant believe how much Cassie has affected him. Shes not his usual type; he prefers tall, slim, blonde women, while Cassie is short and curvy, with vibrant green eyes and fiery red hairhair that makes her fair skin glow. Hes not sure what hell do once its confirmed that hes the father. But he knows his mother will finally get what shes been yearning for: a grandchild, the next Rodriguez in line. Emiliano heads upstairs to his office and safely stows the file in one of the top drawers. He then returns to the bedroom, where he finds Cassie lying next to Alex, gently stroking his hair with the same small hands that once eagerly pulled at his clothes and explored every inch of his body. Emiliano feels himself harden at the memory.Damn! Whats wrong with me? Im not some horny teenager. Im a grown man who can have any woman he wants to keep his bed warm for a few hours. Sensing Emilianos presence, Cassie rises from the bed. The pins holding her hair fall out, and her hair cascades around her face, framing it. Emiliano takes a sharp breath. Cassie looks even more stunning with her long, loose hair; it shines. He doesnt often encounter natural redheads, but shes the real deal. He catches a faint whiff of her floral scent, and it makes his nostrils flare. He grows hard again as she tries to tie her hair back and her shirt tightens around her breasts, revealing that she isnt wearing a bra. God! Emiliano groans and looks away. He really needs to get laid before he makes the mistake of sleeping with this woman again. After what feels like an eternity, Cassie finally gives up on trying to tie her hair and lets it hang loose on the side of her face. She then picks up a pen and notepad, jotting down whatever the baby might need. Their fingers brush lightly when she hands him the paper, sending an electric charge up his arm and through his entire body. Their eyes meet, and he can tell she feels it too. He tucks the paper into the inner pocket of his jacket. Are you breastfeeding? Emiliano asks, imagining how much he would love to taste her breasts. Cassies cheeks turn redshes blushing! Hes never seen a woman blush so openly. She wears her emotions on her face. That innocence should be a warning to Emiliano not to sleep with her again, but when Cassie bites her bottom lip, it feels like a punch in his gut. He yearns to bite that pink lip himself and find out if she still tastes as sweet as before. No, Cassie replies. He drinks formula. What kind? Emiliano asks, forcing himself to concentrate instead of fantasizing about throwing her on the bed and stripping her naked. She tells him. How long will I be here? Four days. Five at most. Im going to need my clothes and some personal stuff. He wouldnt mind if she walked around naked. José will… Cassie interrupts him. Im not comfortable with a man going through my drawers. Im going to need underwear too, so it would be best if I get it myself. She has a point. Emiliano doesnt want any other man to see what Cassie wears under her clothes eitherunless that man is him. Well go when Alex wakes up. Just then, the baby stirs. Hes going to need his bottle, Cassie murmurs, half to herself, as she picks up her son. Can I use your kitchen to warm it up? Emiliano nods, and she follows him downstairs, retrieving a pre-made bottle from Alexs daycare bag before heading to the kitchen. He shows her where everything is. Hes about to leave when Cassie softly says, Wait. Could you hold him for a second? Emiliano hesitates, but then he takes Alex, allowing Cassie to sit him down on the couch and show him how to hold the baby so his neck is supported. Alex gazes up at him, and Emiliano feels an immediate tug on his heart and a surge of protectiveness for this tiny baby; its hisresponsibility to ensure no harm comes to him. Looking into the childs big, round eyes, Emiliano strokes his soft cheek. Alex smiles, and Emilianos heart feels like its going to burst with love. To think he might never have known him. If Emiliano hadnt offered Cassie that ride and followed her into the daycare, he wouldve never known he had a son. She couldve told him sooner, but she kept quiet in his office, which proved she wouldve never told him. Cassie returns to the living room with Alexs bottle, and Emiliano hands the baby back to her. The moment she puts the bottle in his mouth, he drinks eagerly. He was really thirsty, Emiliano thinks. His medicines are on the kitchen counter, he tells her. I saw them. Ill give them to him once hes finished drinking. Thank you. Dont thank me. Hes my son, after all. Emilianos words hang in the air, but Cassie doesnt challenge them this time. I dont think its a good idea for him to go out with his fever. Ill have José pick up Alexs things, and we can get your clothes another day. She doesnt respond. I have to leave. Ill be back later. Make yourself at home, and if you get hungry, call room service. Theres a list of restaurants in the hotel next to the phone. Just tell them to bill it to my room. With that, Emiliano walks away, leaving them alone. CASSANDRA Cassandra gives Alex his medicine and then draws a lukewarm bath. His fever seems to have broken, and hes no longer irritable or restless. Once Alex falls back asleep, Cassandra decides to take a shower. Shes sweaty from taking care of him. In the bathroom, she undresses and eyes the large bathtub. She yearns to soak, but its not the right time or place. Stepping into the shower, Cassandra realizes this must be Emilios bathroom. Its filled with mens shower gel and hair products. Why did he bring them to this room? Why not put them in a guest room? She needs to finish up before he finds her in here. Given his sour mood, he probably wont be pleased. A few minutes later, Cassandra has washed her hair and feels much bettershe feelsalive . She wraps herself in one of Emilios soft, plush cotton towels and picks up her clothes from the floor. When she leaves the bathroom, Alex is still sleeping peacefully between the pillows she had placed on either side of him. No clothes, no underwearwhat is she supposed to wear? She cant walk around in a towel the entire time shes here. Maybe Emilio wont mind if she borrows one of his shirts… The walk-in closet next to the bathroom is enormous. How can one man need such a large closet? All his clothes are neatly organized, not a single shoe or tie out of place. She finds a shirt and puts it on, his scent surrounding her. What am I doing? This man isnt mine to fantasize about. I see youve made yourself comfortable in my clothes. Emilios voice startles her, and her heart starts to race. Im… Im sorry. I dont have anything to wear. I hope you dont mind. His gaze travels up and down her body, making her skin tingle. Even if I did, youre already wearing my shirt. EMILIANO Emiliano cant take his eyes off Cassie. From the pile of clothes near his bed, he knows shes naked under his shirt, and that thought isnt helping his throbbing arousal. Her legs look so smooth, and all he wants to do is run his hand up them until he reaches her softness. Excuse me, she mumbles, moving past him. Her floral scent, mixed with his shower gel, fills his nostrils, and he almost pulls her back to do something he knows he shouldnt. He thought being away from her sensual body and beautiful face would help him regain control, but it hasnt. Instead, he wants her more. He wants to be near her, to touch her, to make love to her. These next four days are going to be long, he thinks as he heads to take a cold shower. 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. Immerse yourself in a tale of deception, vengeance, and intrigue as Misty navigates through the shadows of betrayal and unearths shocking truths that threaten to unravel her very existence. With themes of secrecy, retribution, and dramatic revelations interwoven seamlessly, "Crimson Revenge: Bride Sacrifice" captivates with its modern twist on traditional narratives. Explore the depths of Misty's character as she grapples with dual identities and faces moral dilemmas that challenge her convictions. Witness the unfolding drama against the backdrop of a clandestine world where nothing is as it seems, keeping you on edge with each unexpected revelation. Dive into this ongoing saga that sets itself apart with its intricate plot intricacies and complex character dynamics. Discover what makes "Crimson Revenge: Bride Sacrifice" a compelling must-read for fans of modern dramas infused with elements of mystery and suspense. For those seeking an immersive experience, "Crimson Revenge: Bride Sacrifice" awaits your exploration at CrushReel for an unforgettable literary adventure.