Chapter 23

Cassian turned to study Anastasia’s pale face, his brow creasing with immediate concern. Sensing something was seriously wrong, his voice dropped to that protective register that made her heart skip. “What happened back there?”

Anastasia shook her head. “Nothing serious. Just family drama.”

Instead of pushing for details, Cassian reached over and intertwined their fingers, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her palm. The intimate gesture sent warmth shooting straight to her core. “You know you can tell me anything, right?” His voice was low and reassuring, making her feel safer than she had in years.

Looking into his intense gaze, Anastasia felt her walls crumbling. “I know. Those toxic assholes are in my rearview mirror now.”

Cassian understood immediately—her father and his replacement family were clearly the “toxic assholes.” “Good. They don’t deserve another second of your thoughts.” He lifted their joined hands and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles. “Let me take you somewhere that’ll make you forget all about them.”

The unexpected tenderness of the gesture made Anastasia’s breath catch. “I’d like that.”

Suddenly, an SUV swerved into their lane without warning. Their driver slammed the brakes, sending Anastasia flying forward. She gasped in shock as strong arms immediately wrapped around her, pulling her against Cassian’s solid chest. The car’s ambient lighting cast everything in an intimate glow, highlighting the sharp angles of his face as he looked down at her with concern. Anastasia’s face went bright red as she realized how intimately they were positioned.

Her heart was absolutely racing—not from the near-accident, but from being pressed against his warm, muscular body. She could feel his steady heartbeat beneath her palm, inhale his intoxicating scent, and see every detail of his perfect features from this close. Cassian’s eyes darkened as he studied her flushed face, his hands still steady at her waist. “You hurt?” His voice was rougher than usual, and she noticed his pulse had quickened too.

“I’m… no, I’m fine,” she whispered, making no move to pull away despite her embarrassment. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air between them crackling with unspoken tension. Cassian’s gaze dropped briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes. “You sure?”

The way he was looking at her made her feel like she might spontaneously combust. “Yeah, I’m sure.” When she finally pulled back, it was reluctantly, and she noticed he seemed equally reluctant to let her go.

The driver was apologizing profusely. “Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes, I’m so sorry! That idiot came out of nowhere—”

“Don’t worry about it,” Cassian said smoothly, though his eyes remained fixed on Anastasia. “Just get us there safely.”

The next morning, Anastasia walked into J&A to find Jasper lurking by her office. She expected to see the signed buyout papers in his hands, but they were conspicuously empty.

“Jasper, if those contracts aren’t signed by end of day, I’m selling my shares to Cartier. I’m sure they’d love to poach some of your top designers.” Her tone was pure business ice. She wanted this over with—every minute of connection to him felt toxic. Plus, she’d promised Cassian that once this was resolved, she’d officially meet his family.

Jasper’s jaw tightened. “I’ll sign, but there’s one final client dinner tonight. Marco Parker specifically asked for you to handle the account.”

Anastasia’s eyes narrowed. “Your word?”

“You have it,” he ground out.

“Fine. One last performance, then we’re done forever.” Her contempt was unmistakable.

Jasper could barely contain his rage. He’d lost her completely, and it was eating him alive. The old Anastasia would’ve done anything to please him, forgiven any betrayal. This new version was like dealing with a completely different person. Fine. If he couldn’t keep her, he’d at least make her final assignment as unpleasant as possible. Marco Parker was notorious for being a sleazy predator. None of their other designers would go near him. Throwing Anastasia to that particular wolf seemed like poetic justice.

After work, Anastasia texted Cassian about the business obligation. Rather than sit home alone, Cassian decided to grab drinks with his old friend Yinsen Hunter and a few other guys. Leaving the office, Anastasia was joined by a colleague—and unexpectedly, Valeria.

“I’m coming to this dinner too,” Valeria announced like she had any authority.

Anastasia’s expression darkened. “Since when do you handle client relations?”

“I’m supervising,” Valeria replied with fake importance. “Marco Parker is a major account—we can’t afford any screw-ups.”

She’d volunteered specifically to watch Anastasia squirm. Parker was famously handsy with attractive women. This would be entertaining.

Anastasia ignored the parasite and headed for the car. At the upscale restaurant’s private dining room, Anastasia had just finished ordering when Marco Parker arrived with his assistant.

“Mr. Parker, Anastasia Kingsley from J&A.” She extended her hand professionally.

Parker’s eyes immediately raked over her body before taking her hand—and holding it way too long while his thumb traced her palm. “Ms. Kingsley, the pleasure is definitely all mine.”

Her skin crawled, but his expression seemed innocuous enough. Maybe she was being paranoid. Once seated, the waitstaff began serving their courses efficiently. Anastasia pulled out the contract to begin negotiations.

Parker waved her off with a lecherous smile. “Business can wait, sweetheart. Let’s get properly acquainted first.” He immediately filled her wine glass to the brim. Not wanting to torpedo the deal, Anastasia reluctantly took a sip.

“That’s what I like—a woman who knows how to have fun!” Parker’s commentary was peppered with “accidental” touches that made her want to shower. “Brains, beauty, and a body that could stop traffic. You’re quite the package, Ms. Kingsley.”

Anastasia subtly moved away from his wandering hands. His increasingly predatory behavior was making her nauseous. Now she understood exactly why Jasper had stuck her with this account. The bastard had fed her to a wolf.

“Mr. Parker, perhaps we could review the contract details?” she tried redirecting.

“All in good time, gorgeous,” Parker deflected with a sleazy grin.

Meanwhile, Valeria excused herself to “coordinate with the kitchen staff.” Since Anastasia wanted to act all pure and innocent, she’d give Parker a little pharmaceutical assistance. Soon everyone would see what kind of slut Anastasia really was underneath that classy facade.