Page 93 of Sinful Obsession

His hands tightened on my waist, his voice raw. “I was in a coma for most of it, Charlotte. Cancer’s a beast—I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I was in and out of hospitals, fighting to survive, but my heart was always with you. It wasn’t on purpose. I have medical records, proof if you need it. Six years is too long, I know, but I love you. I hate how fate’s screwed us over.”

I rested my forehead against his chest, the steady beat of his heart grounding me as his hand caressed my back, gentle and warm. “I don’t know if I can love again,” I whispered, the admission heavy.

“It’s okay,” he said softly. “Just give me one more chance, in your heart of hearts.”

I swallowed, tears pricking my eyes. “I never stopped loving you, Cassian. It’s messy and painful, but it’s true.”

He kissed my forehead, the gesture tender, and led me to his bedroom.

It was my first time stepping inside, the space a blend of modern elegance and warmth.

He guided me to the bed, sitting beside me, pulling me into his arms.

I curled against him, the weight of everything softening in his embrace.

“I got you your father’s inheritance,” he said quietly.

I pulled back, sitting upright, my heart racing. “How?” The only way was to marry a Moretti or win theHouse of Devilscompetition, which he’d pulled me from six years ago.

“After I took you from the competition, I sent someone to represent you, using your name and identity. They won, Charlotte. Your grandfather’s vault and gold are unlocked.There’s information in there that could crown you the Grayson family’s mafia boss, stripping your father and brother of their titles.”

I stared at him, joy tempered by caution. “That’s been my goal,” I said, “but I don’t know if I believe you.”

He nodded, as if expecting my doubt. “When you’re ready, I’ll take you to New York. Only your fingerprints can open the vault.”

I nodded, my mind torn. Revenge against my father had driven me for years, but with Asher and Aria, the stakes were higher. “What about the kids?” I asked.

“We’ll get a nanny for them while we’re gone,” he said. “Three days, max, and we’ll be back in Moscow. But you need to know—after this year, your access to the vault expires.”

My eyes widened, shock rippling through me.

One year?

“Is it dangerous? What if Luca and Artem are waiting for me?”

“I have plans to protect you,” he said, his voice firm. “You’re not alone anymore.”

“Okay,” I sighed, leaning back against his chest, his warmth steadying me. “Make the arrangements. It’s my inheritance—now or never.”

Chapter 16

CHARLOTTE

The underground vault in New York was a labyrinth of danger, a cold, electrified maze buried beneath the city’s pulse.

Cassian and I descended a spiral steel staircase, our footsteps echoing in the cavernous silence.

The walls were lined with reinforced titanium doors, each secured with biometric scanners that glowed faintly in the dim light.

Security cameras blinked like predatory eyes.

We’d left Asher and Aria in Moscow with a trusted nanny, a former operative with a gentle smile but a concealed Glock.

If all went well, we’d be back by tomorrow night, but the weight of leaving them gnawed at me.

Each door required my fingerprint, the scanners beeping as they recognized my identity.

My hands trembled as I pressed my thumb to the final panel, the heavy vault door groaning open to reveal a sight that stole my breath.