“Your enthusiasm is duly noted,” I drawl. “Get ready to leave by 7 tomorrow.”

“Okay,” she says softly.

We arrive at the door to her room on the way to mine. Every day, the urge to have her with me, wake up next to me grow stronger. But I also refuse to push. Because I know better than anyone that she feels the pull between us. It’s only a matter of time before she gives in.

She leans against her door, staring at me with her edge of her bottom lip between her teeth. It’s a rather distracting sight. Because I’d very much like to be the one biting down on those lips. Biting, sucking every inch of her skin, driving her wild basically.

But that will happen eventually.

Her eyes never leave mine as she asks, “Are you okay, though? You seem off.”

I hate that even now she can see the shadows that always seem to lurk around me.

“I’ll be alright,mi vida,” I tell her.

As long as I have her.

I leave her, heading into my bedroom.

“Boss,” Luca says, his tone requesting permission to speak.

“I’m listening,” I drawl.

“You gave her permission to attend the board meeting.”

“I did,” I confirm. “Any problems with that?”

“We’re still investigating Miguel Solis. Aren’t you worried about what she might find out?” he questions. “The situation is still too delicate and we have no idea what moves Solis might make.”

I take off my jacket, considering his words.

“In my opinion, Solis is a dog, barking with no teeth.”

“You never underestimate your enemies,” Luca states.

I turn to look at him, arching an eyebrow, “You consider him an enemy?”

“He’s definitely not a friend.”

I lean against the edge of the table in the room, crossing my arms as I regard my bodyguard and my trusted friend.

“And Cassie? What are your thoughts on her,” I ask suddenly curiously.

“She makes you smile, boss,” he replies gruffly. “That’s all I need.”

“Sentimental bastard,” I state with a short chuckle. “Get me the files on the Ruis deal.”

He nods before leaving the room. Once he’s gone, I really think about what he had to say about Cassie and her uncle. They’re too completely separate entities. I’m almost certain Miguel is planning something against her. But I’ll also do everything to protect her and ensure he doesn’t succeed.

By making her my wife, I’ve given her a lot of power and she has no understanding of the depths of it. But she will eventually.

I just don’t want her to sink into it.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CASSIE

The city lights blur past the windows of the black car, the hum of the engine soothing beneath the low murmurs of traffic. Rafael’s driving us, with Luca in the seat beside him. We arrive at the restaurant and it looks pretty amazing. It’s the kind of place that sits like a crown jewel on top of a gleaming high rise.