The room erupts in whispers, murmurs, and applause. Everyone’s trying to piece together the puzzle. Are the rumors true? Are Cass and I more than just friends? I suddenly feel the weight of a thousand eyes turning toward me. But instead of panicking, I lift my chin, meeting their gazes with quiet confidence.

The after-party is a blur of handshakes, compliments, and endless introductions. Mingling with other celebrities, I feel a surge of excitement and nervousness. The spotlight is on us, and I’m determined to embrace it. I smile and laugh, making small talk, but my mind is racing. Am I ready for this level of attention? Am I ready to be the woman beside Cass, the woman who can handle the scrutiny and the pressure? There will always be Derrick’s and Pixie’s in this world.

As if thinking her name conjured her up, Pixie Cane materializes before me, a vision in a sleek, barely there, shimmering gown. A flicker of lingering unease twists in my stomach, but I push it aside, taking a steadying breath.

Remembering our truce, I step forward as she approaches.

“Pixie, congratulations on your award,” I say sincerely, meeting her gaze and extending my hand.

“Thank you.” She glances from me to Cass, a mischievous look in her dark eyes, as she casually shakes my hand. “Congratulations to you too, Cass darlin’.”

The weight of the room’s attention bears down on us as dozens of eyes follow our exchange. I feel Cass’s arm tighten around my waist, pulling me closer to his side.

Cass and Pixie exchange casual smiles, their interaction so effortless it feels rehearsed. My skin prickles from all the attention, but I force myself to keep my expression neutral, even as a faint whisper of insecurity stirs in my chest.

Pixie leans toward me, a twinkle in her eye, and whispers, “Come on, Kendrick, let’s give ’em something to talk about.” My startled eyes fly to her’s. “I can’t wait to see what headlines the vultures spin about this.” Then she gives me a wink before she cooly steps back, her face a smooth mask of haughty indifference, as she abruptly turns her back on us and walks away.

Cass leans in slightly, his voice low and calm. “That’s Pixie. Let’s keep moving,” he murmurs, steering me through the crowd with his hand resting possessively on the small of my back.

As we weave through the sea of people, he bends his head closer to mine, his breath warm against my ear. “You handled that like a pro.”

I let out a soft laugh, leaning into his touch. “I’ve had good coaching,” I reply, my voice light, though my heart still beats a little too fast.

By the time we return to our hotel room, my head is spinning from the whirlwind of the evening. But as Cass pulls me into his arms, all the turmoil fades away.

“You were incredible tonight,” he says, his voice low and filled with admiration.

“So were you,” I reply, resting my head against his chest and feeling his broad hands circle my waist.

“You know what I was thinking about all night?” he asks me, his voice husky.

I silently shake my head.

“I couldn’t stop thinking of what you’d look like when I finally got to undress you.”

The heated look in his eyes makes my breath catch and my panties dampen. I practically sway in his arms.

“Strip for me, Kendrick,” he commands, leaning casually against the door, his arms crossed, his eyes dark with intent.

Swallowing because my throat is suddenly dry, I slowly turn to face him. At the pleased anticipation gleaming in his eyes, I suddenly feel sexy instead of shy. Giving him a womanly smile, I lift my arms to my hair, draping it over one shoulder. Reaching behind me, I grasp the zipper and lower it. Glancing at Cass, I almost falter as his gaze intensifies. Twisting, I manage to lower the zipper all the way.

Slowly, I ease the red fabric off one shoulder, then the other, letting the gown glide down my body with a soft, silky rustle before pooling at my feet. Now I stand before Cass, clad only in red lace and high heels, his smoldering gaze making my pulse race.

Stepping carefully away from the dress, I lean over, picking it up, giving Cass a tantalizing glimpse of my full breasts, barely encased in red lace. Turning, I carefully place the gown over a chair. I hear Cass’s abrupt intake of breath when he notices I’m wearing a thong.

Glancing coyly over my shoulder, I give a satisfied smile as I see Cass is no longer leaning against the door but standing tall. A flame burns hotly in his eyes as he stares at my nearly nude form.

Clearing his throat, he reaches up and loosens his tie, quickly removing his jacket and throwing it over the closest piece of furniture. His eyes never waver from my body clad in only the red lingerie. His expression hardens, and he approaches like a lion stalking his prey.

Quivering in anticipation as he leans down. He unexpectedly lifts me, and my legs automatically wrap around his waist. He carries me to the table and then sets me down, my long legs hanging over the side. He immediately steps between my thighs, spreading them wide. My eyes fly to his.

He gives me a dark, sexy smile as he lifts my legs, placing them over his shoulders. He leans in, staring deeply into my eyes, and I shiver in anticipation of what will come next.

Bending forward, I feel his hot breath at my most intimate place. Cass leans in and gives me a long, wet lick of his tongue, and my hips come up off the tabletop. He presses down on my hip bone, anchoring me in place for the next swipe of his tongue. My hands make their way down to his dark hair, and I grasp it with my fingers. Hanging on for dear life as he continues his deliberate motions.

He expertly licks and nibbles, working me and occasionally murmuring soft words of praise against my inner thigh. My hands tighten in his hair, tugging him desperately closer as my body starts to writhe against the smooth surface of the table involuntarily. My body clenches, my legs tightening around his shoulders, and I give a shuddering cry as I climax. Hard.

Raising his head, he wears a smug smile. “Enjoyed that. Did you?” he asks softly, a satisfied masculine gleam in his eyes.