The crowd slowly disperses, but not before everyone snaps a few photos. I finally let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Cass turns to me, a wry smile on his face. “Well, that was fun.”

“Is that what fun looks like in your world?” I ask, my voice tinged with worry. “Because I think it was a disaster. That guy had no right to say those things–and he tried to hit you!”

Sam laughs, shaking his head. “That’s just a day in the life of Cass Wild. But honestly, man,” he turns to Cass, “you handled that well. That could have gotten ugly fast.”

Cass sighs, running a hand through his hair. “It’s part of the deal, I guess. But sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it.”

He catches my eye, and I see the weariness there, the weight of years spent under the scrutiny of fans and critics alike. Fame has given him so much, but it’s also taken a lot from him, too.

I reach out, placing my hand over his. “Tonight, let’s just focus on the good parts, okay? Like being here together. The rest… it’s just noise.”

He gives me a small, grateful smile. “You always know what to say, Kendrick.”

As we finish our drinks, the tension from the encounter fades, replaced by a comfortable silence. But a part of me can’t shake the feeling that this is only a glimpse of what life with Cass entails—a constant balance between public adoration and private disarray. And as much as I love him, I wonder if I’m truly prepared for all that comes with it.

Once back in our room, a tense energy radiates off Cass. As soon as the door closes, he takes me in his arms, giving me a rough kiss. We urgently come together, our hands busy taking off each other’s clothing. By the time we’re both naked, Cass is hard as a rock. I kneel in front of him. I feel his hands in my hair as I take him into my mouth.

“Kendrick–damn. That feels good.”

Cupping his balls in my hand, I caress him with my mouth and hand from root to tip. My tongue sliding over the slotted tip.

Cass tightens his grip on my hair as he moves his hips, throwing back his head. “Kendrick,” he growls.

Not stopping, I continue working him, bringing him right to the edge of his desire. He gives a guttural groan as I suddenly deep-throat him, pushing him over the edge. His hands tighten even more, but the slight sting only heightens my own arousal. When it’s over, I lean back, giving him a womanly smile. His blue eyes blazing as he looks down at me, helping me to my feet.

“That was–damn, Kendrick,” he says huskily, pulling me close against his bare chest. Quicker than I thought possible, I feel hisshaft lengthening against my hip. Startled, I glance up at him. He smirks. “Your turn.”

Pulling me over to the bed, he falls backward, taking me with him. He pulls me on top of him, then raises me up so I can slowly lower myself onto his hard cock. Once he’s fully inside of me, I pause just to enjoy the feeling of fullness. His hands tighten around my waist, urging me on. I slowly start to move, rocking back and forth and occasionally in a slow, sensuous circle, just to change things up.

Without increasing the tempo, I throw my head back, letting my long hair brush the tops of his thighs, and Cass gives a low guttural groan.

“You like that?” I whisper, doing it again, then leaning forward to see his eyes, balancing my hands on his chiseled chest.

“Yes,” he states gruffly, his blue eyes intense. His broad hands drop from my waist lower, around my hips, and then he takes over, guiding me into a faster rhythm.

“That’s it, baby,” Cass says as he squeezes his hands. Our eyes lock as I continue to move above him. Suddenly, his hands go again to my waist, and he rolls until he’s above me.

Grinning down at me, he mutters, “Too slow.” He pulls out and then surges back in with more force, steadily increasing the pace. Without warning, my entire body clenches, clamping down on him as my orgasm takes over. It’s so intense I see stars asI practically touch the heavens. I vaguely hear Cass give a low groan as his body stiffens and follows me.

Cass collapses beside me, pulling me close and my head resting on his shoulder. As our breathing evens out, a realization washes over me—right now, in this moment, I want to be his sanctuary. I can offer him refuge from the chaos, a place where he can truly be himself. I can give him the peace and tranquility he deserves, no matter what the world throws our way.

When I glance over, his eyes are closed, and he’s sleeping. I give a soft, contented smile as I snuggle closer, falling asleep securely in his arms.

The next morning, as we’re getting ready to head to the sound studio, an angry Derrick calls Cass. With a grimace, Cass answers his phone. “Yes, Derrick?”

Cassidy and I can both hear Derrick’s loud voice coming through the phone. “What the hell happened last night?”

Cass sighs. “A drunk guy didn’t like that his girlfriend asked for my autograph and photo.”

“Well, her friend caught the whole thing on her phone and posted the video on social media. It’s gone viral,” Derrick states in a harsh voice.

“Don’t you always say that any publicity is good publicity? I didn’t do anything to provoke him. It can only show that the other guy was in the wrong,” Cass points out calmly.

“He called you a washed-up family man, has-been,” Derrick fires back. “That is not good publicity.”

“What would you have had me do? The guy was drunk, unreasonable, and looking for a fight,” Cass mumbles wearily. “He even threw a punch. Personally, I think I handled it as well as could be expected.”

Silence greets him on the other end of the phone. Finally, Cass states, “Goodbye, Derrick.” And disconnects the call.