Chapter 40

“If your sister really can’t behave herself, maybe keep her locked up at home and teach her some basic manners. Don’t let her run around acting like a psychobitch.”

Cassian gave Jasper one ice-cold look, a smirk tugging at his lips. Jasper’s face went dark immediately, his hands balling into fists. But he knew he couldn’t afford to cross Cassian Rhodes. He forced himself to take a deep breath and swallow his rage.

“You’re absolutely right, Mr. Rhodes.”

Cassian and Anastasia didn’t spare him another glance. Cassian slipped his arm around Anastasia’s waist, and they walked away. Jasper stood there watching them leave, something painful twisting in his chest.

Cassian felt Anastasia’s shoulders tense and glanced down at her, his voice gentle. “Hey, don’t let her get to you. I’ve got your back. Want me to have someone teach her a real lesson? Might make you feel better.”

Anastasia actually laughed. “Are you kidding? Did you see what just happened? I totally destroyed her. I’m the one who slapped the shit out of her.”

Cassian couldn’t help grinning. His girl had some serious backbone. Everyone had seen the whole showdown and was now speculating like crazy about Cassian and Anastasia’s relationship. They looked way too comfortable together. Nobody had ever seen Cassian give a damn about any woman before. The way people were looking at Anastasia had completely changed—mostly pure jealousy now.

Chapter 40

Anastasia stayed totally cool. She’d thought running into Jasper might rattle her, but looking at him now was like looking at some random stranger. Since Cassian barely ever showed up to these things, people immediately started pulling him aside for business talk. Anastasia could tell he had stuff to handle, so she waved him off and headed for the food. Cassian shot her one last protective look before getting dragged into conversation.

Anastasia was starving anyway. She’d heard the desserts here were incredible—some world-famous French pastry chef making these amazing mousse cakes. She grabbed a plate and was just taking her first bite when a shadow fell over her. Anastasia looked up, annoyed, and there was Jasper’s stupid face hovering over her. Her appetite died instantly. The mousse suddenly tasted like cardboard.

“Move. You’re blocking my light,” Anastasia said flatly.

Jasper’s expression turned ugly.

“What’s your problem, Ana?”

“My problem is you standing there like a creep. You’re killing my vibe.” Anastasia set down her fork, her voice sharp. “Look, Mr. Hale, we have nothing to discuss. Get lost.”

Jasper’s temper flared at her dismissive tone. “Ana, don’t think hooking up with Cassian Rhodes makes you hot shit! That guy’s dangerous—he’s probably just using you!”

Anastasia laughed coldly. “Jasper, did you forget? You’re the one who screwed me over. Who I’m with now is none of your fucking business.”

That shut Jasper up for a second, his face getting even darker.

Chapter 40

“Ana, don’t get too comfortable! You think Cassian actually cares about you? He’s just having fun—you’re nothing special!” Jasper’s voice was getting louder, frustration bleeding through.

Anastasia was done with this bullshit. “Jasper, my relationship with Cassian isn’t your concern. Maybe worry about your own train wreck.”

She walked around him and headed away. Jasper stood there watching her go, this weird mix of anger and emptiness eating at him. He’d gotten what he wanted with Valeria, so why did seeing Anastasia walk away make him feel like crap? What the hell was wrong with him?

Even while Cassian was deep in business conversations across the room, his eyes kept finding their way back to Anastasia.