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CHAPTER 35

C assandra

“Welcome back, stranger,” I said as I threw my arms around Cash’s neck.

“It’s good to be back. In fact, it’s good to be anywhere but that goddamn hospital or the rehabilitation center.”

I was terrified I was hugging him too tightly. He’d had many injuries, including cracked ribs. He was lucky to be alive; the fucking assholes who’d stopped his car under the command of Cain had almost beaten him to death. Thankfully, the two bullets hadn’t hit any major organs.

I’d also experienced zero issues having them arrested since Cash’s memory had been left completely intact and the fuckers hadn’t worn a mask.

They would face a long time in prison, but since I’d been indirectly involved, other attorneys were handling their prosecutions.

I had bigger fish to fry, including the men on Cain’s list. At least he’d managed to do something good in his life. He had kept a detailed list of the men involved, and the women they’d ordered hunted and killed.

“You’re not going to hurt me, Cass. I’m perfectly fine and thrilled to be your second chair.”

“I hope that continues for a long time. Any news on who killed Drew?”

He shook his head and we both sat down, still waiting for the judge to arrive. The room was filling up quickly. I knew every case had turned sensational, the press keeping the men involved front page news, but to open the room to bystanders added extra pressure.

Then again, maybe that’s what the bastards deserved. I could easily handle this with my hands tied behind my back. I remained that angry.

Including with myself.

“I think that’s the least of our worries,” he admitted. “Besides, and don’t tell anyone this, but he got what he deserved in my humble opinion.”

I glanced at my friend. It would seem every one of us had a dark secret or even darker and often brutal desire in our hearts and souls. Had I thought about the role I’d played in being judge and jury for Cain more than once? Yes, but my soul was intact. The man had been the epitome of a monster.

If that made me a bad person, so be it.

I had no regrets.

With a single exception.

Wilder.

He’d insisted I live my life. He’d told me he loved me but couldn’t risk hurting me or my career. My heart still ached. How often had I picked up the phone to call him? More times than I could count. Maybe he was right. I wish my heart would start listening to the logic.

“I heard Mr. Wells finally decided to retire.” Cash loved to tease me, even jabbing me in the ribs with his knowledge of the news.

“Yes, he did.” He’d been pushed into saying nothing years before, the young man he’d been then unable to fight with the power of the men involved. But he’d become an attorney because of them, fighting the good fight, and I continued to respect him tremendously.

“And I heard someone just got promoted to his spot.” He grinned as he turned his head in my direction.

“Shush. No one knows yet.” I laughed. It’s all I’d ever wanted, but the appointment felt hollow. There was still so much pain, so many lives lost and families destroyed.

That had included the Blackwell brothers years before, but at least their lives had changed. I was so happy they were still doing well, their company soaring. Maybe there were additional prosecutions needed or investigations that should be done, but there were certain people who’d be forced to live out the rest of their lives with horrible guilt.

That was a sentence in itself.

“I’m so proud of you! You are on fire.”

I laughed and brushed my hair behind my ear. Suddenly, prickles appeared on my arm. “I do try.”

“I have one question. Do you miss him?”

“Ugh. Don’t ask me that.”

“Answer it or I’ll bug you to death until you do.”

“Fine. Yes. I do. I just don’t think it’s wise to be with him.”

Cash coughed. “Because he’s handsome, rich, or perfect for you? Which one bothers you the most?”

When I tried to smack him playfully, he backed away just enough I was able to catch a better view of the audience behind us.

My heart and world stopped.

Sitting in the back was Wilder. He appeared even sexier than ever before in his charcoal Armani suit, his eyes firmly pinned on me. With the slight smirk on his face, I thought him the most handsome man alive.

I must have been gawking because Cash followed my gaze.

“I think you have a date later,” he whispered.

“Maybe. Maybe not.”

“Don’t be an idiot. You love him. He loves you. Case settled.”

Just then, the judge walked into the room. “It’ll need to wait.”

However, at that moment I sensed destiny had finally found me, karma no longer pissed. I bit my lower lip, every muscle in my body tense while my pussy throbbed.

I couldn’t wait to be in Wilder’s arms again.

“All rise.”

* * *

Disappointment rolled through my system.

It wasn’t because I’d lost the confidence of the grand jury. I was certain the case would go to trial.

It wasn’t because I’d been passed over for the promotion.

My new office awaited my return, the plaque with my new title already on the door.

It wasn’t that my life hadn’t returned to normal.

It had.

The ache in my heart was all about the fact Wilder had left without saying anything to me. He’d just slipped out of the courtroom, disappearing as he’d done one too many times before. There’d been so many things I’d wanted to say to him, so many heartfelt feelings I needed to express, but he didn’t want that to happen.

I waited as long as possible before gathering my things and walking out. At least there were no pesky reporters waiting for me as there’d been so many times before.

After hoisting my briefcase on my shoulder, I headed to the entrance, thankful at least the day was warm and that tomorrow was a Saturday. I planned on taking time for me. Maybe a bath with a book along with a bottle of wine.

Or perhaps an entire carton of ice cream while I watched several movies.

Whatever I wanted to do.

Because I would be all alone.

Again.

I headed to the sidewalk, shocked to see a full-length limo parted along the curb. What fucking celebrity had gotten themselves into trouble now?

As soon as I took a few steps, the driver exited the driver’s side. What was he doing? He was heading right for me.

“Ms. Penticoff?” he asked.

“Um. Yes. What is this?”

“This is for you. I’ll be waiting.”

He handed me a black envelope and I immediately glanced toward the back passenger seat. The windows were blacked out, but I could feel a pair of eyes on me.

I accepted it and as soon as I did, I realized my hands were shaking. When I opened it, seeing the black card inside brought a smile to my face.

Lady Butterfly

Once upon a time there was a man considered so ruthless he couldn’t see the good in anyone.

Especially himself.

Until a beautiful woman came into his life.

While he struggled with his desires, longing to continue wallowing in the darkness.

Her light always seemed to shine through.

And that man finally realized that he couldn’t live his life without her.

This is his way of apologizing…

I took a deep breath, reading the card again. This was my decision to make. The driver was waiting and the moment I made my decision, he seemed to know, instantly heading toward the back door.

My pulse was racing as I took careful steps toward the sleek vehicle. By the time the chauffeur opened the door, I could barely breathe.

I didn’t dare look at the seat across from me as I was guided inside, fearful I’d lose control.

But as fate would have it, a strong hand pulled me closer until I was firmly placed in a man’s lap.

A very hard man and not just in body.

As he pulled my briefcase free, gingerly tossing it aside, I finally lifted my head. “You can’t live without me, huh?”

“No, I can’t. So I’ve decided to keep you.” His voice was raspy, filled with lust and the sound created another wave of tingles.

My pulse raced and I dragged my tongue across my bottom lip on purpose.

“You have? Do I get any say in the matter?”

He slid a strand of hair behind my ear. “You don’t. I always get what I want.”

“Well, then. I guess I’m your captive.” I noticed the obsidian ring was missing from his finger.

He laughed and lifted his hand, wiggling his fingers. “I don’t think I need to play any games for a while. Perhaps the rest of my life. Besides, I think I’ll have my hands full with you. You are a very bad girl.”

I tugged at his tie, the sweep of desire keeping me breathless. “How bad am I?”

“Bad enough you need a hard spanking.” He grinned as he reached over, raising the window between the driver and where we were sitting.

“Oh, I think what you witnessed in that courtroom negates your statement.”

“Hmmm… Let’s see. You broke free from the room where I tried to keep you safe.”

“You mean prison.”

“Semantics. You disobeyed my orders. That almost got you killed.”

I shrugged. “But it didn’t.”

“I think you need to be taught a lesson or two.”

Just as the chauffeur pulled away from the curb, he flipped me until I was face down on his lap. The man never wasted any time, jerking up my pencil thin skirt with ease and bringing his hand down on my bottom several times.

“That’s not fair.” I wiggled. With his hard cock pressing into me, my panties were already damp. I moaned as he continued. He was so relaxed, taking full control of me. The pain was a welcome feeling, the sensations cascading in wave after wave bringing a series of electric vibrations.

“Wasn’t it a beautiful woman who once told me life wasn’t fair?”

“To hell with her.”

He laughed and brought his hand down repetitively, obviously enjoying the moment. I struggled in his arms, although there was no place else I’d rather be.

After a few additional strikes of his palm, he shifted his hand between my legs.

“I see my sweet butterfly is wet for me.”

“As always.”

“Does that mean she’s hungry?”

“Maybe.”

He pulled his hand away and I crawled into a different position, taking a single look outside as I pulled my skirt up to my waist. When he pushed the thin lace of my thong aside, I wrapped my arms around his neck.

“Where are we going?” I purred.

“Somewhere special. After we head to a Dark Nights tournament. I heard someone had learned how to play.”

Laughing, I felt heat rising on my face. “Maybe a game would be nice.” He pinched my clit and I bit back a moan.

“Only I play to win.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. So where is this special place?”

Wilder drove two fingers inside my tight channel and I shuddered in his hold.

“Well, I purchased an island. You did say you wanted to own beachfront property. Right?”

“It depends on who else lives there.”

He pulled his fingers free, shoving them into my mouth for a few seconds. His eyes were glistening. “Let’s just say you’ll never be free of that very bad man who found the light.”

There was such a feeling of sheer joy as he brought me down, guiding his thick cock into my wet pussy. I closed my eyes, thankful that the darkness hadn’t captured his soul for all eternity.

Wilder was a man of power, a man holding darkness deep inside, but I’d seen his heart and his soul and neither were black, merely shades of gray.

Did I think the Obsidian Society would never return? In truth, I hoped it would.

Because one day, one star-filled night, I wanted to go hunting.

But this time with him by my side.

The End