“Holy shit, Cassian! You’re getting played!”

Yinsen slammed on the brakes and pointed frantically toward the hotel entrance.

Before the car had even stopped, Cassian was already jumping out and sprinting toward Anastasia.

“Jasper, you’re fucking crazy! Get off me!”

Anastasia was fighting like hell, her face twisted with rage and humiliation. Out of desperation, she sank her teeth into Jasper’s shoulder.

“Goddamnit!” Jasper shoved her away hard. “Are you part vampire or something?”

Anastasia hadn’t expected such a violent push. She stumbled backward, bracing for a nasty fall, but instead of hitting concrete, she caught a familiar scent of bergamot and cedar.

She looked up, stunned, to find Cassian’s arms around her.

Something about seeing him broke down all her defenses. Her throat tightened and tears stung her eyes.

“Cassian,” she whispered, melting into his chest.

“I’ve got you. You’re safe now,” Cassian murmured, holding her close.

Watching their reunion, Jasper’s eyes went bloodshot with fury.

“Cut the act, Ana. I know you still love me. If you didn’t, you would’ve fought harder back there.”

Anastasia stared at him like he’d lost his mind. Was he serious? He was twice her size and she wasn’t exactly a trained fighter. How the hell was she supposed to overpower him?

The guy looked absolutely unhinged!

Cassian gently moved Anastasia behind him and said quietly, “Turn around, sweetheart.”

“Okay,” Anastasia said, facing away.

Cassian turned and drove his fist straight into Jasper’s face.

The impact sent Jasper staggering backward, blood immediately streaming from his nose.

“You fucking-” Jasper swung wildly at Cassian, but he was seeing stars and missed completely.

Cassian, fueled by pure rage, landed three more brutal punches.

Jasper hit the pavement hard, but still glared up at Cassian with defiance.

“Go ahead, kill me! You’re so desperate because you know Ana’s heart still belongs to me! Beat me to death—she’ll never get over me then!”

Cassian’s fist froze mid-swing.

Jasper’s bloody mouth curved into a satisfied smirk.

That’s when Cassian felt arms wrap around his waist from behind.

He turned to see Anastasia holding him, shaking her head gently.

Cassian went completely rigid, thinking she was telling him to stop.

Chapter 255

Jasper obviously thought the same thing and grinned even wider.

But then Anastasia kept talking: “No, that’s not it. He’s nothing to me anymore. You’re the only one I care about now. Don’t waste your energy on him—he’s not worth getting your hands dirty.”

Cassian’s emotions went on a complete rollercoaster ride—crashing, then soaring to the clouds.

But right now, he was absolutely certain of one thing: he felt fucking amazing, like his whole chest was filled with warm honey.

“You’re right.”

“Well, well… Cassian.”

A woman strutted toward them in sky-high red stilettos and a barely-there slip dress. Massive designer sunglasses covered half her face, and her long beach waves bounced with each step like she was walking a runway.