Page 194 of Beyond the Temptation: Vol 2

“My study,” Lazarus said. “We’re just off Cassius’s library.”

Cassius took her by the hand and walked her towards the door. When she appeared outside, she saw that they were opposite all his books. She also noticed then a large window off to the left behind the one case of books. She had been so focused on following Cassius and then the books that she never noticed the fact that the entire back of the penthouse was floor-to-ceiling windows with an unobstructed view of the city.

“Come,” Cassius said as he led her to the windows.

“Thank you,” Amelia said, glancing back to Lazarus who nodded silently, his eyes looking her up and down before he slowly closed his studies door. Amelia wasn’t sure if he was checking her out or measuring her up to try and get a picture of who she was. For all she knew, he probably thought she was a gold digger trying to get in with their family or trying to take her brother away from him, which of course none of those situations could be further from the truth.

Cassius led Amelia over to the windows. The night was in full swing and the sun was long gone. The city’s lights twinkled in the dark and littered the landscape. Hundreds of little cars drove around below like little ants. People were almost impossible to see.

“I just wanted to say thank you for today. It was very nice, and I want to make sure that you’re okay. I can have Marcus take you downstairs and have our driver take you home. I’ll understand.”

Amelia, still focused on the view, placed a hand on the glass as she looked out across the city. “I’m okay, I promise,” she reassured. “It’s just a lot to take in. I’ve never experienced such humility and hospitality before. Your home,” she said as she turned and looked around, stopping as she came to face Cassius. “It’s the most beautiful home I’ve ever seen. And your collection? I have no words for that. And you? You’re everything any woman could ever want in a man. Handsome, charming, chivalrous, and more. I just feel like I’m living in a dream and like somehow none of this is real.”

Cassius’s eyes looked around before coming back to Amelia’s. He stared long and hard into her eyes before he began to study her face. He then began to lean in, slowly.

Amelia wasn’t sure if what was happening was real or not. Maybe now the wine was kicking in? Maybe the building was swaying? Maybe it was just her legs? Was he actually leaning in, or was she leaning into him? She hadn’t a clue, but before her brain could even process what was going on, she found her lips against his, and her eyes closed as she felt his hands pull her closer to him.

His lips were soft, warm, and silky. His hands were firmly on her hips, but not in a painful way. He was just as gentle as he was strong. As they kissed, she could hear his breathing in sync with hers.

After a few quick seconds, they leaned away from one another. Amelia could feel the blood rushing to her head as she blushed. Cassius, too, appeared to be blushing.

“Is that real enough for you?” he asked her, as the two stared into one another’s eyes. A smile slowly stretched out across their faces before their lips moved in and embraced once more.

The End

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