Her Guardians Lost(46)

I saw the hurt in his eyes and it nearly set off my tears. I had to hold on. It was killing me, but I had to do this for Luana. For them both.

“You know that was never why I did all those things. I don’t expect anything from you, other than respect. You come into my home and disrespect me and someone I love and care about.”

I shook my head and laughed. “I see how it is now. I’m not going to stick around here while you insult me.”

I edged myself towards the door, turning around to face Luana. I know she asked me to slap her, but I couldn’t find myself to do it. My palm itched to do it, but my body wouldn’t allow it. Instead, I raised my finger at her. “And as for you, coming in here thinking you could take over…” I poked her for good measure. At least I could offer her that. She staggered back with a gasp. Guess I caught her off-guard with that. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Michael getting nearer to where I stood so I knew I had to act fast. “There’s a word for women like you.”

“Cassie!” Michael bellowed, grabbing my arm. “Get out!” He guided me to the front door, opened it, and gently pushed me out. Even though I was being a bitch, he still couldn’t find it in him to be rough with me.

I heard the door slam behind me and it made me jump. I walked a few steps away from the house, conscious that Michael might still be watching me. Once I was out of view, I found the nearest wall and sank to the ground.

I buried my head in my hands and took some deep breaths. I wasn’t sure how I managed it, but it obviously worked. I didn’t mean to hurt Michael in the process, but my words just ran away with me.

I shook my head. “Will he ever forgive me, Stephen?” I whispered. I felt the familiar tingles and I knew he was here with me, offering me his support.

“You know I didn’t mean anything I said, right? I would never do anything to hurt Michael. I was just doing what I thought was right.”

The tingles washed over me more and I took my time absorbing its calming effect. I was so busy with my thoughts, I didn’t even realise someone was watching me.

“Are you all right, miss?”

With a gasp, my head snapped up to man in a suit and tie. He looked to be all business with his perfect hair and shiny Brogues.

“Yes, I’m fine. Thank you,” I answered, trying to get back up.

“Here, let me help.” He eased me up and I rewarded him with a smile.

“Thank you. I just broke up with my boyfriend. You know how it is.” I was trying to be nonchalant now, but I was still hurting inside.

“Yes, I do. I’m sorry.”

“I just need to get home, but I’m not that familiar with the area. Could you tell me where the local train station is?”

The stranger smiled, putting his hands in his pockets. “I was going that way myself. Why don’t you walk with me?”

I was quite shocked at this. He looked to be all business, but used the train. I don’t know why, but I had visions of him having his own private driver to take him wherever he wanted to go.

“Thank you. That would be kind.”

We walked for about ten minutes, just having idle chitchat. Once at the station, we went our separate ways, and I was left shaking my head at the realisation I never once asked him his name.

I got back to Fulham in around a half-hour, and I was glad to be back. The argument with Michael was still coursing through my veins, making the guilt stronger. I felt horrible for what I did.

On the walk home, my phone alerted me to a message. Fishing it out as quickly as possible, I opened up a message from Michael and held my breath.



Everything going well here, Cassie. Thank you for all your help. You did really well. Luana. xx



Somehow she had managed to get hold of Michael’s phone. I was glad she did. At least I knew she didn’t hold anything against me. Now all I had to do was beg Michael’s forgiveness next time I saw him…if he would ever want to see me again.





Chapter 12



Suddenly, I felt warm, almost like heat radiating from something—or someone—to me. I didn’t know what it was, but I embraced it. My eyes still closed, I smiled as I focused on how wonderful the feeling really was.

I suddenly felt a movement behind me in the bed and the soft caress of a strong hand. “Cassie…,” the voice whispered in my ear. Just this one word and this one touch had the moans reverberating all around me.

“Stephen…?” I whispered back as his caress intensified. I knew it was him. I could feel it.

Turning around, I managed to open my eyes to gaze upon the most breathtaking sight. “Stephen, you’re really here?” My smile widened as I took in every single inch of him.