Chapter 40
CASSIDY
It’s back!
I sit at the small bistro table in my new kitchen, the morning sun catching the vibrant pink of my hair reflected in my coffee mug. It’s a color that used to feel like a disguise, but now, simply feels like me.
Max said he wanted me to be pink. That he’d even leave the morally gray behind to be pink with me. The memory makes me let out a soft laugh.
I’ve never been happier. That’s the terrifying part. My life with Max is a blur of late-night tech talk, shared quiet moments, and a devotion that feels so steady it’s almost implausible.
He’s worked so hard to prove he can overcome his demons to build a healthy life with me. But as I stare at the glowing COMPLETED status on my final online certification, the reality of my world starts to bleed into his.
I’m a sworn officer of the law. I’ve officially finished my courses and can apply to any number of high-profile agencies.
It’s the career I’ve dreamed of since I was a girl.
One I was worried was lost forever after that awful day.
I’ve fought hard to reclaim my dreams after everything was stripped from me.
And I’m even more proud of this achievement than living on my own again.
I’d managed to graduate from the police academy and was doing mandatory field training in the jail when the attack occurred.
I have no interest in ever returning to that environment.
But honestly, my love of digital forensics has opened a host of law enforcement career opportunities I never imagined before. One that lights my soul on fire.
But the situation with Max hasn’t changed. He’s still operating in the shadows. I know his heart is in the right place, but the law doesn’t care about Robin Hood justice.
How do I knowingly work for an agency sworn to uphold the law when my partner is potentially committing crimes?
How do I arrest others for the very things he does?
It’s a line I’m toeing, and it’s getting thinner every day.
Once I accept a position, especially one more high-profile than my last, I’ll have to make a choice.
Do I walk toward the career of my dreams knowing I might have to walk away from the man I love?
Because there is no doubt. I love him.
Yet I can’t live in the gray forever. I just need to talk to him.
To know if his commitment to a life of vengeance is stronger than his commitment to us.
If we are really going to be in this for the long haul, we can’t have secrets that could put either one of us behind bars.
I need to lay it all out. And if his compulsion for staying in the dark web is greater than my need for living in the light, at least I can walk away with my head held high.
Heartbroken or not, I won’t compromise the badge I worked so hard for.
The air in my small apartment is thick with the scent of roasted garlic and a slightly singed cheese crust. I’ve spent the last three hours hovering over a Pinterest recipe for the World’s Best Lasagna, following every step with the precision of a crime scene tech.
It’s a far cry from the five-course tasting menus Max has treated me to, or even the effortless stir-fry he made that first night at his place.
My cooking abilities are questionable at best, but I needed him here. On my turf. Where his persuasive, alpha billionaire persona has to contend with a cramped kitchen and mismatched silverware.
Even when he’s trying to be casual Max, the power he possesses clings to him like a second skin. It’s in the way he fills a room, the sheer weight of his influence. I need to ensure there’s room for what’s important to me.
Dinner is a quiet affair. To my surprise, the lasagna is actually edible, though Max eats it with such genuine enthusiasm I suspect he’s either starving or a really good actor.
He lifts his wine for a toast. “I’m so proud of you, baby. I can’t believe after all you’ve endured, you managed to come out the other side so strong. And with your certification in digital forensics. You’re the strongest woman I know.”
We clink our glasses, and I remain quiet, contemplating if this is the opening I need to dive in to this conversation.
So, once the plates are cleared and the wine is nearly gone, I decide to lay it all out there.
I discuss my completed certifications, the dreams of working for a high-profile agency, and the impossible conflict of loving a man who dances on the edge of legality.
“I can’t arrest people for doing what you do, Max,” I say, my voice steady despite the hammering in my chest. “I love you, but I won’t compromise who I am.”
Max doesn’t even flinch. He reaches across the small table, his eyes burning with an intensity that makes the room feel smaller.
“I will always choose you, Cassidy. Always.” He lifts my hand to his lips.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while now.
I don’t want you to walk away from your career.
I want you to bring your expertise to Secure Sphere. ”
He leans forward, his expression serious and hopeful.
“I’d like you to consider adding the position of Cyber and Privacy Investigations, Enforcement Manager at Secure Sphere to your list of possible contenders.
I need someone who can manage compliance with search warrants, subpoenas… anything legal.”
I blink, the terminology clicking into place. “A law enforcement liaison?”
“Exactly,” Max says, his hand finding mine.
“You’d be the point of contact for every agency seeking data or cooperation.
You’d ensure every request is legitimate and legal.
Even my Robin Hood agenda.” He chuckles.
“You wouldn’t be hiding the work I do, but verifying it holds up in a courtroom.
You’d be the bridge, Cass. My legal compass. ”
I stare at him, dumbfounded. The possibility of such a role springs to life in my mind. It’s actually genius. “Max, that could be perfect.”
Then I pull back, a small cynical laugh escapes. “Do you really think we could work together without driving each other crazy?”
“I’m already crazy, remember?” he snorts.
“Max, I’m serious—”
“I am too.” His expression softens into something profoundly tender. “Just give it a chance, Cass. If you can’t hack the hacker, I’ll understand if you decide to leave Secure Sphere. Just...” He squeezes my hand, his voice dropping to a vulnerable rasp. “Just don’t ever leave me.”
I blink up at him. This man. Never in a million years would I have believed this when he hypnotized me with that powerful stare at the club all of those months ago. Reaching for his hand, I pull him down the hall behind me.
“Um, Cass.”
“Yes?”
“Where are we going?” His voice is playful with a heavy dose of optimism.
“I want dessert.”
“What?”
Once we cross the threshold into my bedroom, I turn to face him before dropping to my knees. Reaching up for his zipper, I carefully lower it and drag my tongue along my bottom lip.
“Holy shit. Is this for real?” Max reaches out to stroke my hair.
I nod, lowering his pants. “I’ve been waiting a long time, sir.”
He groans. “For what, Miss Truman?”
“To suck your cock.”
“Jesus.”
In all honesty, I’ve been shocked at how patient Max has been.
He’s made it clear he wanted to prove himself worthy before pushing to make our relationship more intimate.
But remembering how he made me feel, our one and only night together has played on a loop.
And I never had the opportunity to give him this.
I only hope I can live up to his expectations.
From this angle, I can see his hungry eyes staring down at me. I’m so turned on right now, I’d give him almost anything.
“Slide your panties off and lift your dress up for me, baby. Spread those beautiful legs. I need to see that sweet, wet pussy while your luscious pink lips are wrapped around my dick.”
Holy crow, this man and his dirty talk. If it wasn’t wet before, it is now.
I do as I’m told and glance up to see his pupils darken.
His bright blue eyes are practically black.
He pulls out his thick cock, and my mouth begins to water.
He strokes it in front of me, the sight of his veiny length causing me to whimper.
His long, hard cock hangs so close to my mouth, I instinctively lick the tip, causing him to release a string of curses.
“Open that pouty mouth,” he directs as he gives his swollen shaft another firm tug. Holy hell, this man is so freaking hot.
I reach up to stroke him, and he bats my hands away. “Link them behind your back and open your mouth.”
I do as he says, and look up at him obediently, knowing it gets him hot. “Yes, sir.” I dart my tongue out to taste him before opening my mouth wide.
Max pushes himself to the back of my throat and groans. His head drops back as he bucks his hips forward. The noises he’s making cause my lower belly to ache with need. I wriggle in place, needing to touch myself. I’m so wet.
He grabs my hair, holding my head tight in his hands as he glides his cock in and out of my mouth. His lusty sounds raining down upon me sound as if he’s starting to come undone.
He smiles down at me, reaching to stroke my cheek. “Stop wriggling, baby, I’m going to take care of you.” He pulls his hand back from my cheek, moving it to stroke my hair. “But first, I need you to suck my cock like a good girl.”
I groan, sliding my mouth down the length of him. Max lets out a grunt and thrusts himself deeper into my throat.
My legs tighten, my core relentlessly pulsating with need. With each pass down his hard cock, I try to breathe through my nose and take him further back into my throat.
He thrusts forward, causing my eyes to water. “That’s it, baby. Such a good girl.”
His words make me suck harder as I bob up and down on him.
“Play with your pretty pussy.”
I gratefully comply. I’m so turned on it’s maddening.
“Spread your legs wider. I need to see how swollen and wet you are.”
Max holds onto my hair as he fucks my face. Tears are tracking down my cheeks. I never knew I would love this type of dominance. Suddenly, Max withdraws before reaching down to lift me up by my shoulders. “I’ve waited so long, baby. Can I sink inside you?”
“Yes, Max. Please.”
He pushes me down so I’m bent over the edge of the bed, and I hold my breath, unsure if he’ll slam into me or turn my ass pink like before. I jolt in surprise as I feel his tongue connect with my aching center.
“Max,” I whimper.
He continues to lick me from behind until I feel him stand.
Looking over my shoulder, I watch as he retrieves his wallet from his pants, pulling out a condom.
Tearing the packet open with his teeth, he quickly rolls it on before swiping the tip through my dripping sex.
Max lets out a loud growl before grabbing my hips and pulling me back toward him.
He slams into me with a forceful thrust and stills.
God, how I’ve missed the feel of him stretching me. I rock my hips from side to side, trying to accommodate him.
His body lies flush against mine, his arm reaching around me to tease my clit as he starts to move.
There’s no containing the unintelligible noises falling from my lips. I’m so close, it won’t take much to push me over the edge. The sound of wet skin connecting with skin is making me crazy as he pounds into me.
“Fuck, Cass,” he groans.
The familiar tightening of my thighs signals my impending orgasm is near, and I hold onto my bed linens for dear life.
Max’s fingers push down harder on my clit as he thrusts into me. It doesn’t take long before the much-needed friction causes my climax to hit me full force.
“Max!” I cry out as he continues to pound into me, and I clench around him as white dots dance behind my eyelids.
“Fuck, baby. Fuck.” He gives a few more strong pumps of his hips. “You’re going to make me come so hard. Is that what you want?”
“Yes. Please,” I beg.
With three more pumps, he lets out a roar and stills, groaning out his release.
We lie frozen in place, trying to catch our breath.
Max reaches up to move my hair away from my neck, placing soft kisses there, continuing to glide his cock in and out of me.
“I had no idea sex could be like this,” I whisper into the bed.
“Neither did I,” he replies, reaching down to flip me over, pulling me against his chest. “I know this isn’t very romantic, but…”
I narrow my eyes, wondering where on earth he’s going with this conversation.
“I plan on making you cry out my name for the rest of my life.”
I giggle. Sounds just fine by me.