Page 18

The knock on my door jolted me upright. I’d been sprawled on the bed for the last hour, trying to sober up and make sense of what had happened tonight. My phone rang just as I stood; I knew it was nobody but Naomi. I was putting her on pause for a minute. I knew what she was trying to do by setting up the whole fiasco that had happened, but I didn’t like being embarrassed. She could have given me a warning or something. Tightening my towel around my body, I glanced through the peephole. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Cassius standing there.

Not considering my near-naked state, I swung the door open. His gaze swept over me, and a smile curled his lips, causing an involuntary step back from me. He stepped forward, closing the space between us.

“Cassius, why are you here?” I stammered, my voice barely steady.

He raised a cup of coffee and waved my key card at me. His silence was deafening, his eyes fixed on my exposed skin.

“I forgot to give you these,” he finally said after looking his fill. His voice was low as he stepped into my apartment, pushing me back. He shut the door behind him and moved closer, invading my personal space.

I fought the urge to retreat, planting my feet firmly. The old Angel would have, but I was determined to stand my ground. This was my space. His proximity allowed me to catch the scent of mint on his breath. He leaned in, his lips a breath away from mine.

Tilting my head back to avoid his kiss, I blurted, “Where is Keisha?”

His brow rose. “Are you really worried about Keisha?” Leaning in, he whispered, “Tell the truth,” in my ear before biting into my shoulder, his teeth sinking into my neck just enough to make me gasp.

“I—no, I'm not,” I managed to say, my voice trembling.

“Good,” he murmured, his tongue tracing the spot where his teeth had been, then trailing my cheek. His lips claimed mine. My arms, almost of their own volition, wrapped around his neck. His kisses moved from my lips to my chin, then trailed down my neck to the tops of my breasts. I shivered and pulled back when he started tugging at my towel.

“I can’t do this, Cassius. Please leave.” I turned to head into my room, but his arms encircled me from behind, pulling me against his chest.

“Do you really want me to go?” he whispered, his voice rough in my ear. His hands tightened on my waist. Unable to speak, I nodded.

“Okay,” he murmured, but he didn’t let me go. His tongue slid over the back of my neck. “Tell me then—say, leave, Cassius. ”

He pressed his lips against my skin again. Each kiss he planted on my neck sent shockwaves through my body. I fought to resist the sensations he stirred between my legs, but it was a losing battle. I was so wet I could feel the stickiness on my thighs.

I couldn’t think, let alone form a sentence.

He turned me around to face him, his eyes dark with desire and something more—something raw. “Tonight, when I saw the look on your face when you saw me with her, I realized what I really wanted.”

I swallowed hard, the intensity in his eyes making it difficult to breathe. “Cassius, this is crazy. You were just on a date with somebody.”

He nodded, his expression softening slightly. “You know what that is. I spend every night with you or talking with you. I ain’t had no time for her since you.” His fingers traced the outline of my jaw, and I leaned into his touch despite myself.

“Cassius...” I whispered. I could feel myself about to give in.

“Just let me stay for a while,” he pleaded, his voice husky.

I knew if I said yes, we were going to cross the line. I needed a distraction and a minute to compose myself. I pulled away and turned to put some space between us. He moved fast, grabbing me from behind, digging his nails into my hips. I could feel every inch of him, hard and thick. I felt faint as my mouth went dry.

“I won’t stay long,” he caressed my waist. My skin exploded in goosebumps.

“Shit,” I cursed, shivering. I knew what saying yes meant, but I couldn’t bring myself to say no.

“Please, baby,” he breathed, as he gripped my chin, forcing me to crane my head. He forced his tongue into my mouth. I pulled away. “You make me feel confused.”

“Get out of your head.”

"I can't," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"You can," he insisted, his breath hot against my skin. "Just let go, Angel."

His lips found mine again, and this time I didn't resist.