Page 12 of Crushed Vow
It rang once. Then—
“You’ve got your arms crossed,” Cassian said. “You’re nervous. But still beautiful.”
My throat closed.
“I meant what I said, Charlotte,” he went on. “You really think just because I walked out that door, I’d stop watching? You think I’d leave you unguarded again?”
“This isn’t protection. This is surveillance,” I snapped. “You can’t stalk me.”
“I’m keeping eyes on what belongs to me,” he said calmly. “That’s not stalking. That’s responsibility.”
“You’re not my keeper anymore.”
“No,” he agreed. “But I’m still your husband. And that boy inside? The one touching you? That ends now.”
“He’s not touching me like that,” I hissed. “He’s helping me—because you’re the reason I needed help in the first place.”
“You’re confusing comfort with safety,” Cassian said, his voice cooling to ice. “I’ve looked into him. There’s no history between you two. It’s just friendship—for now. But if that changes... if he even thinks about crossing that line, I will put him down.”
I covered my mouth, bile rising in my throat. “Cassian, you’re sick.”
“I’m obsessed,” he corrected. “Don’t twist it into something weaker than it is.”
I stood in the middle of the driveway, turning in slow circles, trying to see him—on a roof, behind a tree, in a passing car. But there was nothing. Just empty space and the cold press of his voice in my ear.
“You need help,” I whispered.
“So do you,” he said. “We’re both damaged. You think I don’t know that? But damaged doesn’t mean disposable. I told you—I’m not losing you again. So if I have to track your every move to keep you safe, I will.”
“I need privacy, Cassian. I need peace.”
“You want peace with another man’s eyes on you? With his hands anywhere near your skin?” His voice dipped lower. “No. Not while I’m still breathing.”
“You can’t earn my forgiveness like this.”
“Forgiveness isn’t my priority. You are. Forgiveness can come later—after I’ve kept you alive.”
“Alive?” I echoed. “No one’s killing me!”
“Your father tried. That ward nearly succeeded. You think I’m the danger? I’m the only reason you’re still here.”
“You’re delusional.”
“I’m determined,” he said coldly. “And if you care at all about that boy’s life—keep him at a distance. Don’t test me, Charlotte.”
I was shaking.
“I’m hanging up now.”
“No, you’re not.”
“I am.”
“Say it first,” he said.
“Say what?”
“That you miss me.”
