Page 87 of Sin & Secrets

“Rocco?”

“Cassandra.”

I look up at him. “I wanted to ask you something.”

“Jesus, Cas. Not like that.”

“Not like what?” I reply innocently before licking my lips to catch any lingering taste of him.

Rocco tugs me upward to join him on the couch. “You could look up at me with those eyes, and I’d burn down the damn planet if you asked.”

“Would you really?” I tease, bringing my feet up and snuggling into his side.

“Would it excite you if I said yes?”

I kiss the skin of his chest. “Maybe.”

“What did you want to say?”

I pause a moment, gathering my nerve. “I was wondering if I might go back to work.”

The arm around me tightens slightly. “Why do you want that?”

“I think I miss singing.”

“You have the recording studio.”

I look up at him, at the tight, irritated line of his jaw. “It’s not the same, Rocco. I think you know that.”

There’s a pause. “Do you…want to see him again?”

It’s my turn to feel irritated. We hadn’t talked about that night beyond my displeasure at Claudio’s lack of sobriety and choice of company.

I thought Rocco had dropped it because it had been a complete waste of time. But the reek of jealousy in his voice gives way to a whole new explanation.

After everything we’ve been through, had I not made my choice in men crystal clear?

With a huff, I shuffle up on my knees and throw one around his waist, straddling him. He doesn’t meet my eye, even when I lower my chest closer to his face.

“Rocco.”

“Cassandra.”

“I don’t want to see him,” I say firmly.

Finally, he glances over at me. “You’re looking at me like that again. It’s distracting from your point.”

“Do you want me to close my eyes?”

“I want you to stay here and be safe.”

My body sags back on my heels. “Rocco, if I have to stay here for another month, I think I’m going to go insane.”

“Then let me take you to South Africa. You’ll love it there.”

“Sure. If you come with me,” I counter.

Rocco’s frown deepens. “You know I wouldn’t be able to stay.”

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