Chapter 13

Saturday afternoon, Cassian arrived carrying an impressive collection of luxury gifts: premium aged Scotch, organic honey from New Zealand, artisanal olive oil from Tuscany, and a selection of gourmet teas—thoughtful presents that showed respect without being ostentatious. When Cassian stood at the front door, his dark eyes caught the afternoon light like polished steel. Anastasia’s heart immediately went into overdrive.

“Nervous?” Cassian noticed her flushed cheeks and rapid breathing. “Give me your hand.”

“What?” Anastasia blinked in confusion.

His clean, masculine scent—something expensive and understated—surrounded her, making her pulse spike even higher.

“Your hand,” he repeated with patient amusement.

Anastasia obediently extended her hand, and Cassian immediately captured it in his warm grip. His palm was strong and reassuring, his thumb tracing gentle circles against her skin that sent electric shivers up her arm. Her heart hammered against her ribs as heat flooded her face and crept down her neck.

“Cassian, what are you…” Her voice came out shaky as she tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened. He looked down at her with laser focus, a slight smile tugging at his lips. “Hold still. I’ve got something for you.”

He reached into his jacket pocket and placed a small wrapped peppermint in her palm. Anastasia stared at it, completely bewildered. “This is…”

“For when you’re stressed. Peppermint helps with anxiety.” His voice was completely serious, his gaze so intense it seemed to see straight through her. The warmth from his hand felt like it was flowing directly into her bloodstream. Anastasia felt like her heart might actually explode from her chest. She was too flustered to wonder why someone like Cassian Rhodes would carry candy around like some kind of considerate Boy Scout.

“Thanks,” she managed, clutching the mint. “Come on, Grandma’s waiting.”

Cassian followed her inside, immediately spotting the elderly woman seated on the living room sofa. He approached with perfect manners. “Mrs. Paige, it’s wonderful to meet you. I’m Cassian Rhodes, and I’m completely crazy about your granddaughter.”

Elisabeth looked up, her breath catching slightly. The man before her was tall, devastatingly handsome, and radiated the kind of quiet confidence that came with serious power. His respectful demeanor was night and day compared to Jasper’s barely concealed impatience during his rare visits.

“So you’re the one Ana mentioned?” Elisabeth’s tone carried healthy skepticism. This man seemed almost too good to be true—she needed to gauge his sincerity.

Cassian stepped closer and intertwined his fingers with Anastasia’s. “Yes, ma’am. Honestly, I’ve had feelings for Ana for a while now. I respected her previous relationship, but now that she’s available, I’m hoping you’ll give me the chance to prove I can make her happy.”

Anastasia felt like she’d been hit by lightning. She stole a glance at Cassian’s profile, noting his completely earnest expression. If she didn’t know their actual story, she’d believe every word.

Elisabeth studied them both carefully, then nodded slowly. “Cassian, I can tell you’re a decent man. If you genuinely care for our Ana, then you better treat her right. She’s got a soft heart—don’t you dare break it.”

Cassian’s response was immediate and solemn. “You have my word, Mrs. Paige. I’ll take care of her.”

Anastasia stood listening to this exchange, emotions swirling through her chest like a tornado. She peeked at Cassian again, watching him make what sounded like genuine promises to her grandmother. Part of her felt off-balance, but another part felt unexpectedly secure.

Elisabeth smiled and patted Cassian’s hand. “Good. I trust you. Now sit down—I’m making my famous pot roast and mashed potatoes. Hope you’re hungry.” She headed toward the kitchen, leaving them alone.

“Thank you,” Anastasia said quietly, knowing her grandmother’s approval meant everything.

“Don’t thank me.” Cassian’s voice was surprisingly gentle. “We’re married now. And I wasn’t just feeding your grandmother a line—I meant what I said.”

The sincerity in his eyes made her breath catch all over again.