Page 42 of Captivated

“Nothing to report, Nico,” Rocco says to me as I roll up to his window Wednesday morning.

“Good. Thanks, Rocco. You’re relieved for the day. But be back again tonight at ten.”

“Got it.” He nods and pulls away from the curb while I pull into her driveway.

I’ve had Rocco watching over Cassie’s house every night to make sure no one comes as a surprise to her or her brother. I know those he owes money to wouldn’t be stupid enough to come during the day in a neighborhood like this. It’s at night that no one wants to look out their windows.

I knock on her door, and when she answers a few seconds later, I take note of how tired she looks.

“I should’ve let you sleep longer.”

“Why?” she asks, confused.

“You look tired. I’m sure you have a lot of work to do with this being your last semester.”

“Are you saying I look bad?” she teases, popping her hip out with her hand on her waist.

“Never,” I say quickly. “That’s not what I meant. I just…you know what? Never mind.” I shake my head at my own stupidity. “Are you ready? I have breakfast in the car.”

“Good, I’m starving.”

“I’m going to take you to my favorite spot I like to go to when I’m here.”

“Okay,” she says softly, grabbing her coat from the hook and her keys and small wallet from the dish on the side table to place in her pockets.

I open the passenger door for her and she gifts me with a small smile that I accept as the prize I know it to be.

For as much as I love her sassy and spicy side, I want her to feel safe to show me her soft side, too. It’s the ultimate sign of trust.

“I got you a coffee. Hazelnut with a splash of cream.”

“How did you…?” she starts to ask, a hint of wonder in her voice.

“I have a good memory. I listened when you ordered room service last month. And in case it ever comes up for you, I like my coffee black.”

“That’s easy to remember.”

“But if you want to get specific, I like a really nice Ethiopian blend.”

She laughs and I look over to catch her beautiful smile.

Fuck me. How is she even real?

“Okay. I’ll keep that in mind,” she tells me, then picks up her cup. She blows on the small opening before taking a tentative sip. “Mmm, it’s good.”

“It’s from The Aces. I had them make us a little something for breakfast, too. Of course, if you wake up with me again in my room, then you can order as much of the coffee as you want.”

“Are you trying to bribe me with the best coffee I’ve ever had in exchange for sex?”

“Bribery? Sex? Wow, what a dirty mind you have,” I tease. “I just meant wake up with me. I never said anything about sex.”

“Oh, please,” she draws out, rolling her eyes. “Don’t act like you’re so chaste or clever.”

“Alright, you caught me. I was picturing you drinking coffee in my room in nothing but a robe after a marathon night of fucking. Then your robe happens to slip open and shows me–”

“Okay,” she says, cutting me off. “I get it.”

I look over at her and see her hiding her smile into the lid of her cup as she continues to drink her coffee.

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