Page 4 of Worthy: Cassius and Faith 3

He arched an eyebrow.

“I mean, it sounds regal,” I explained. “By the way, thanks for that—back in the lobby. That woman looked at me like I had the plague and was infecting her environment.”

“My pleasure,” Cassius said. “I have no tolerance for assholes.”

I briefly wondered what he would make of Darren Payne passing former-platinum-virgin Mia around like a party favor, but I kept my mouth shut. Instead, I realized I should explain my recent behavior, which bordered on asshole-ish. He’d defended me in the lobby, which was chivalrous. I felt I should say something about running out on him. “Listen, I’m sorry about last night…”

The elevator dinged; we’d reached the top floor.

“You don’t owe me an explanation, Faith.” Cassius’s tone turned icy once more. “You made it clear that you wanted to leave. I’d be the last person to make you stay.”

With that, he strode out of the elevator, leaving me feeling bereft and unsure once more.

CHAPTER TWO

the stratum

Faith

The elevator doors opened directly to the penthouse. Since he wasn’t waiting for me, I quickly followed Cassius inside. The apartment was massive, with enormous floor-to-ceiling windows letting in warm sunlight. Dark hardwood floors gleamed beneath a huge couch packed with colorful throw pillows, and bookcases lined the walls. The living room was bigger than the entire apartment I’d shared with my mother and brother growing up.

It was lovely, but I didn’t dare speak. Cassius had made it clear that he didn’t want to hear what I had to say. The billionaire stood in the kitchen, open to the living room, and watched me as I ogled the apartment.

“Have you eaten?” he asked.

“No, Si—no.” I shook my head. Maybe I should just stick to gestures from now on since I was screwing everything else up.

“I had Gigi, the concierge, send up some food for you. There’s fresh fruit and bacon. You need to get your strength up; you haven’t rested much.” He scowled at me. “Do you drink coffee?”

I nodded, fearing I’d accidentally call him Sir again.

He stalked to his enormous, gleaming coffee maker. “Black?”

“Cream, please.” I clamped my mouth shut as soon as the words were out.

“I’m not going to punish you for calling me ‘Sir,’ Faith.” He sighed. “I merely stated that you don’t have to.”

“I understand… Sir.” I couldn’t help myself.

He smirked as he handed me a large mug of coffee, which I accepted gratefully. “I’m sort of surprised you know how to make coffee,” I admitted.

His gaze raked over me. “I’m full of surprises.”

I shivered, remembering everything he’d done to me last night. Yes, yes you are.

“But really, it’s just pressing a button.” His gaze dropped to between my legs. “Nothing to it.”

I almost fanned myself. There was something to it, all right. “If you say so.”

Cassius moved closer—until his face was inches from mine. The familiar electricity crackled between us, and I almost swooned. Oh my God, was he going to touch me again? His lips were close enough to kiss.

I ached for him. But I didn’t dare reach out. Instead, I desperately clutched my coffee, praying the billionaire would close the distance between us.

“I do say so, Faith.” Cassius’s eyes glittered as he looked me up and down, a panther eyeing a juicy steak.

I trembled slightly. Having him so close made me jittery. My body reacted to him on a chemical level, entirely out of my control. I wanted him to hunt me down and devour me, even though I knew it wasn’t in my best interests.

I lifted my chin. “Well, you would know.” And you’re the only one who’d ever had me like that…

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