Arielle's POV
Cassian slipped into the driver's seat like he owned the world.
He glanced over at me with a small smile, then at Nelly still awkwardly hovering by the sidewalk.
"You coming?" he asked her politely, nodding toward the backseat.
Nelly blinked like she wasn't sure if this was real life, then scrambled into the back without a word.
Once the doors closed, the car filled with a faint hum of luxury — that new-leather smell, the purr of the engine, and Cassian's quiet presence beside me.
As he pulled away from campus, Nelly finally found her voice.
"So, uh, where are we going exactly?" she asked, clearing her throat.
I turned slightly in my seat to look at her.
"I'm coming with you," I said. "I want to see Lily."
It had been too long since I last held that tiny bundle of energy in my arms.
Nelly smiled warmly, the initial shock fading from her face.
"She's going to be so happy to see you," she said.
Cassian threw a glance at me.
"You didn't tell me you had plans with a little one," he teased softly.
I laughed.
"Spontaneous plans," I admitted. "You don't mind dropping us off first, do you?"
He shook his head.
"Anything you want, princess," he said simply, like it was the easiest thing in the world.
Something about the way he said it made my chest feel tight — in a good way.
The ride was smooth and quiet, except for Nelly occasionally mumbling to herself about how insane this car was.
I caught her in the mirror once, running her fingers over the leather seats like she was touching a museum piece.
Cassian's playlist played softly in the background — low, chill music that made everything feel surreal.
When we finally pulled up in front of Nelly's apartment building, she turned to me.
"You wanna come up now?" she asked.
I nodded eagerly.
Cassian parked smoothly at the curb and turned off the engine.
"You two go ahead," he said. "I'll wait here. Take your time."
His tone was calm, but his hand brushed my thigh lightly before I opened the door — a silent promise that he wasn't going anywhere.
Nelly and I got out, and I led the way up the few flights of stairs to her place.
As soon as she unlocked the door, a high-pitched squeal filled the air.
"Mama! Mama!"
Lily came toddling out, her little arms pumping in excitement.
Her tiny pink dress was rumpled, and her dark curls bounced with every step.
The second she saw me, she gasped.
"Awi!"
My heart melted.
I crouched down and opened my arms wide.
She barreled into me with a force that knocked me off balance, her giggles loud and pure.
I scooped her up, hugging her tightly.
"Hey, my baby," I whispered, pressing kisses all over her cheeks.
She giggled harder, squirming but not letting go.
Behind me, Nelly wiped her eyes dramatically.
"Look at her. She missed you too much," she said with a sniff, making me laugh.
I spent a few minutes cuddling Lily, letting her babble nonsense stories at me, her little hands clutching my hoodie like she never wanted me to leave.
Part of me didn't want to leave either.
But Cassian was waiting.
I kissed Lily's forehead one last time and handed her back to Nelly.
"Tell Auntie Riri goodbye, baby," Nelly prompted.
"Bye, Awi!" Lily squealed, blowing me a sloppy kiss.
I caught it with a smile and stood up.
"I'll come visit again soon," I promised.
Nelly hugged me tightly at the door.
"Thanks for coming. And uh…" she lowered her voice. "Tell your mystery man I said thanks for the ride. And that his car is ridiculous."
I laughed and promised I would.
When I got back down, Cassian was still leaned back in the driver's seat, sunglasses pushed up into his hair now, scrolling lazily through his phone.
When he saw me, he immediately straightened.
"How's the little princess?" he asked as I climbed back in.
"She's perfect," I said, heart still full.
Cassian smiled — and this time, it was a real, genuine smile that made my stomach do a full somersault.
He started the car again and pulled away from the curb, the city blurring around us.
"Now," he said, voice low and smooth, "how about I steal you away for the rest of the evening?"
And in that moment, I didn't even have to think.
I knew the answer was yes.
The drive to Cassian's place felt different.
The city lights blurred past us, but inside the car, the tension was thick.
Unspoken.
Electric.
He didn't speak much, just kept one hand loosely on the wheel and the other occasionally brushing my thigh — innocent touches that set my skin on fire.
My heart thudded so loud I was sure he could hear it.
When we pulled up, I stared at the building in awe.
It wasn't a normal apartment — it was a penthouse.
Tall. Expensive. Private.
Cassian parked underground and led me through a private elevator that went straight to the top.
The whole ride up, his hand never left the small of my back.
It was protective. Possessive.
It made my stomach twist deliciously.
When the elevator doors opened, I gasped softly.
His home was stunning — minimalist but warm, all sleek lines and soft lighting.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city skyline.
A rich, woodsy scent hung in the air — probably him — mixed with the faint aroma of food.
He dropped his keys on a marble counter and turned to me, that slow, predatory smile curving his mouth.
"I made dinner," he said, his voice a low rumble.
"But…" he stepped closer, his hand curling around my waist, pulling me into his chest, "…I figured we could warm it up later."
My breath caught as I tilted my head back to look at him.
His eyes were dark, hungry — like he was barely holding himself together.
I felt the tension, the need, vibrating off him.
I swallowed hard.
"And what do we do… now?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
His thumb traced the curve of my jawline, feather-light.
He leaned in, his breath brushing my ear as he whispered,
"Now, I show you what you do to me, Arielle."
Before I could answer, he kissed me.
Hard.
No hesitation, no careful testing — just raw, undeniable want.
It knocked the air out of my lungs.
I clutched at his shirt, pulling him closer instinctively.
Cassian groaned low in his throat and deepened the kiss, his hands moving — tracing the curve of my hips, my back, up my sides like he was trying to memorize every inch of me.
Without breaking the kiss, he walked us backward toward the massive living room.
I barely noticed my jacket fall to the floor.
Barely noticed when his hands slid under my top, fingertips scorching my skin.
He pulled away just enough to look at me, his forehead resting against mine.
"Tell me to stop," he murmured, voice rough, strained. "If you want me to."
I stared up at him — at this man who could have anyone, who chose me — and I knew.
I didn't want him to stop.
Not tonight.
I shook my head slowly.
"I don't want you to stop,make me yours" I whispered.
Something fierce flashed through his eyes, and then he was on me again — mouth, hands, body, overwhelming and perfect.
He lifted me effortlessly, carrying me across the room without breaking contact.
I felt the heat, the strength of him — and it made me ache in ways I didn't know were possible.
Cassian laid me down gently on the master bed, hovering over me, his hands braced beside my head.
His lips traveled down my neck, slow and teasing, sending shivers racing through my entire body.
"You're so beautiful," he said hoarsely against my skin.
"More than I ever deserved."
I threaded my fingers into his hair, tugging gently, needing him closer, needing more.
He growled low — a sound of surrender and possession all at once — and then there was no space between us anymore.
No fear.
No hesitation.
Just us — tangled, breathless, lost in each other — and the night stretched endlessly ahead.
And somewhere, forgotten on the kitchen counter, the dinner grew cold.