Chapter 200
Anastasia stood up, giggling uncontrollably, and every time she wobbled, Cassian’s heart nearly stopped. It felt like someone had their fist wrapped around his chest, making it impossible to breathe.
“Baby, don’t move,” he pleaded.
The second the words left his mouth, Anastasia threw her arms wide and declared, “I’m gonna jump now!”
Cassian lunged forward just as she leaped, catching her perfectly in his arms.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, still giggling. “That was so cool! Did you see that?”
"Cool" was not the word Cassian would use. He’d almost had a stroke.
“Oh my God, that was amazing! Can we do it again?” she asked excitedly.
Again? Cassian’s heart couldn’t take another round of that insanity.
“Mr. Rhodes, the car’s ready—” the driver started to say.
“SUPERMAN’S HERE!” Anastasia suddenly screamed. “RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!”
The driver’s glasses caught the streetlight, creating a reflective glare. Apparently, drunk Anastasia had decided this made him Superman.
If the driver was Superman and they needed to run, what did that make them?
Cassian had a sinking feeling he knew where this was headed, but he couldn’t help asking, “We can’t fight back?”
“Are you crazy? You’re like… Lamp Post Man and I’m Bird Girl! We’re totally outmatched! Come on!”
Before he could protest, Anastasia grabbed his hand and took off running.
Cassian stared down at her small, soft hand clutching his desperately.
His eyes traveled up her arm to her face, just as she turned to look back at him. Under the warm glow of the streetlights, her smile was radiant—like her whole face was lit from within.
The bare winter trees lining the street suddenly seemed full of life and possibility. His heart felt like it might burst.
Cassian tightened his grip on her hand. She was like some kind of beautiful, chaotic fairy who’d crash-landed in his perfectly ordered world.
If he let go for even a second, she might disappear forever.
God, he never wanted this moment to end.
They made it to the car and climbed into the backseat.
Anastasia immediately curled up against his chest. When he looked down, he could smell the sweet scent of alcohol on her breath.
Cassian frowned. Elisabeth’s homemade peach wine had seemed so innocent—sweet and fruity—but it was clearly stronger than it tasted.
Well, at least now he knew what drunk Anastasia was like. This was definitely never happening again.
She settled back against the leather seat and gradually went quiet, her breathing evening out as she drifted off.
Both Cassian and the driver let out relieved sighs.
Then Anastasia started mumbling something under her breath.
Cassian leaned closer and caught the name “Jasper Hale…”
The warmth drained from his face, his expression going cold.
So she was still hung up on her ex.
Cassian felt like someone had dropped a boulder in his chest.
“Get away from me, you asshole!” Anastasia suddenly yelled, making them both jump. “Jasper Hale, Sharpson—you’re all trash! Just leave me alone!”
She must have gotten herself worked up, because her eyes flew open.
Cassian wasn’t expecting her to wake up so suddenly. For a moment, they just stared at each other.
Anastasia squinted, trying to focus on his face. When recognition dawned, she launched herself at him.
“Oh my God, you’re gorgeous! My beautiful, beautiful man!”
She pulled back slightly, studying his features with the intense concentration of the very drunk. "Super familiar… like, exactly like my amazing husband."
The crushing weight in Cassian’s chest started to lift, warmth flooding back through his veins. "What did you just say?"
Anastasia leaned in and planted a sloppy kiss on his cheek. “I love my husband so freaking much. Like so much it’s not even normal…”
His heart practically exploded with joy.
In the span of two minutes, Cassian had experienced the emotional equivalent of bungee jumping. His poor heart was still trying to catch up.
“Baby,” Anastasia said, her voice soft and dreamy, “I want more kisses.”