Page 78 of Broken Prince

“I don’t think Luca will be able to come. He’s going to be very busy with me tonight.”

I turned toward her. “How about no? Francesca, let me make it clear to you. There’s about zero percent chance of me ever touching you again. You were a goal, a body I had to make do with to satisfy my father, but as you said yourself when I was at the hospital. I’m a beast now and I can do what the hell I want and you, sweetheart, are not on the list.”

“Come on, Luca. I knew you before Hell when you were the king—before the darkness.”

“Yes, you did, and you left. And I have to admit I'm so grateful for that.”

She shook her head. “It’s because of the girl, isn’t it?”

“I already said—”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, the hell with what you said.” She took a step back. “I know you, Luca, and I’m not as stupid as your cousin. I see the way you look when you talk about her. She may be Dom’s but you want her.”

I turned to see that Savio was gone and two things hit me then. One, even if I wanted to free her, Cassie was now on everyone’s radar because I was as smooth as an elephant in a china store, and secondly, I was way,waypast caring for her. This woman cared for me despite the darkness; she followed me there and took my hand, and it would cost me too much to say goodbye.

I exited the office and followed Savio’s voice to the first floor. I’d tell him to fuck right off, that the girl was not his to touch.

My heart stopped when I found him leaning on Cassie’s doorframe, talking to her inside.

That man was going to die.

I stomped downstairs, ready for murder. How dare he invade my girl's privacy. I knew her well enough; she would have never opened the door to him like that.

“Fuck me sideways; you were right.”

That stopped me dead in my tracks.

“I usually am, why this time?”

He pointed to the bedroom and when I looked in I saw Cassie and Dom on her bed, both propped against the headboard, his arms around her shoulders, her head leaning against him.

I knew it was platonic between them and yet I couldn't help the pang of envy I felt. I envied how easily it was for him to bond with her despite all of his traumas and scars and how easily she trusted him despite how terrifying he was.

“Dom’s off this afternoon.” I turned to Savio—pointedly ignoring Francesca. “He can do what he pleases.”

“Or who he pleases,” Dom added with emphasis, pulling Cassie closer to him. I knew he was just playing along, telling Savio to piss off, and yet part of me still wanted to kill him for claiming what was mine—even if it was all pretend.

Also, she is not yours, my conscience reminded me.Not yet, but soon.

Something was off with Cassie. I could see it in the way she was avoiding my eyes. I wasn’t sure what it was, but I felt it and I desperately wanted a moment alone with her to talk.

“I wanted to see if you wanted to go for a drink.”

Dom threw me a side-look and I gave him a small nod, something Savio missed but not Francesca. No, she didn't, because she knew. She knew everything.

Dom nodded. “Sure. I know a great bar; let’s go.” He kissed Cassie once more on the forehead and got up.

“There are hot girls at the bar, right?”

I rolled my eyes as Dom chuckled. “The hottest, bro, except for you, babe,” he added to Cassie’s attention.

I sighed, pointing at Francesca. “Take her away, please.”

“Luca…” she started with her annoying whine.

I shook my head. “Nope, not hearing it. I want you gone.” I looked steadily at Savio. “You better take her with you and make sure she never comes back. Understood?”

Savio snapped his fingers to Francesca before pointing at the stairs.

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