Chapter 26
TWENTY-SIX
CASSIE
How can rage and anger turn into desire on the edge of a softly spoken word and a gentle touch? I couldn’t stop kissing Frankie if I tried because I am seduced by him, his words and the lengths he went to to get what he wants.
He has pursued me and won and despite my anger at losing, it’s still a sweet defeat. If I’m honest with myself, Frankie is the only guy at Rockwell that interests me because I am drawn to his dark, twisted soul, which says a lot about me.
So, I kiss him back, matching his hunger and as I lose myself in his possession, it’s almost a relief.
His hand holds the back of my head in place as he deepens the kiss and a shiver of desire ripples through my body. I am more surprised to find this kiss isn’t enough. I want more of him. I want to experience what it’s like to be the center of his world. I accept the inevitable, welcome it even and as we kiss with a desperation borne from sexual tension, I’d agree to just about anything he asked for right now.
Voices somehow infiltrate my mind and as we pull apart, the smile we share is an easy one. This may even work and so it’s with a great sense of relief that we leave the laundry and I don’t miss Jack’s surprise as we join him in the hallway.
“I’m not gonna ask.” He shakes his head, but I don’t miss his concern as he studies me with deep interest. I shrug slightly, causing him to huff, “I’m gonna walk Siri home. Are you coming, Cassie?”
There is a slight edge to his voice as he asks the question, and I nod, shaking away the surprising urge to say no.
Siri bounds downstairs in Jack’s t-shirt and it reminds me of my own adventure with the man standing beside me, silent but most definitely scheming.
I’m beginning to realize that he has the most conniving mind and I’m guessing is already three steps ahead of the rest of us as he plans his next move. I suppose that’s what intrigues me the most about him and, without consulting him first, I smile at Siri.
“It’s been an eventful evening and I’m beat. Are you feeling okay?”
I nod to the dressing on her arm and she makes a face.
“It hurts like hell, but I’ll take a painkiller and sleep will help.”
She smiles at Frankie.
“Don’t tell my folks. I can do without their fussing and the wound will have healed before the holidays.”
“I wasn’t going to.” Frankie shrugs. “I tell my folks nothing at all, so why would I start with yours?”
“Good point.”
Siri shakes her head. “Come on. I’ve had enough for one night.”
She turns to Frankie. “You will tell us if Abigail turns up. I’m worried about her.”
“Of course.”
As Jack and Siri turn to go, I hesitate and then lean in and whisper, “This changes nothing. I’m still pissed at you.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way, baby girl.”
His lips brush against mine and, with a wicked glint in his eye, he angles his head toward the door.
“See you tomorrow, Cassie, and then the fun really begins.”
I say nothing and merely smile as I walk away, flipping him the bird behind my back as I leave, his soft chuckle following me. As we hit the fresh air outside, I hate that I’m already missing him and as Siri chats to Jack all the way home, I wonder if this could be the start of something good for all of us.
* * *
My first thought when I wake is Abigail. Siri is still sleeping peacefully, her gentle breathing echoing in the morning light. It was a lot yesterday and I am still coming to terms with it and I hope more than anything that Abigail made it home.
It’s early and the weekend, so there are no lessons today. Siri had suggested heading into the nearby town, which I’m excited to do. I need some space from Rockwell and could use some supplies and would like to check out our surroundings.
Rather than disturb Siri, I pull on my running shorts and a top and slip out of the dorm, noting how quiet it is—unusually so. I envy Jack living in a house because the dorm is always full of activity and the walls are paper thin.
However, this morning I am the only person awake it seems and as I slip out of the side door, I drag in deep breaths of the fresh morning air.
I set off at a gentle jog and my journey takes me into the woods where the dungeon is hidden. Not many people come here because its path is overgrown and some way from the academy, but I’m curious to see it the day after the event.
The path makes it difficult to jog, and as I move through the trees, I relish the sound of nature accompanying me. This is what I love. Solitude. It allows me to regroup, to breathe easier and to work problems out in my head and I have a big one that goes by the name of Frankie Majerio.
A shiver passes through me when I remember his kiss. It wasn’t expected, butI liked it. He was surprisingly gentle, which was unexpected. It was as if he truly cared about me and I wonder about that. He gives off a ruthless vibe and is so secretive it’s as if he has no emotion. However, last night he demonstrated more emotion than he ever has before. He is a dark soul hiding a lighter one and I’m guessing not many people get access to that.
I stop and take a minute, gasping in some much needed oxygen and a twig breaking nearby heightens my senses.
I stiffen at the sound of footsteps that sound human, and I quickly dart behind a neighboring tree.
Since an early age, I have been taught the power of surprise and if there is somebody out here, I want to see who they are before they reach me. Standard protection procedure that comes as easily as breathing to me and as the person moves into my eye line, I heave a sigh of relief.
“Jack.”
I step out from the tree and his easy smile stretches across his handsome face.
“I saw you heading this way.”
I’m not surprised that he followed me and welcome it.
“I couldn’t sleep and was drawn back to the scene of the crime.”
He nods, understanding in his eyes.
“Last night was a lot.”
“It sure was.”
We fall into step beside one another and I love how familiar this is. It’s something we do often at home and I’m glad that he followed me.
“Are you okay, Cassie?”
I sense his concern and guess the reason.
“I lost, Jack. That doesn’t sit well with me.”
“It was an impossible challenge.”
“Especially when Frankie withheld the rules until the last minute.”
“You’re referring to the hood and the fact they spun you around.”
“Of course. That was a genius move because I was disorientated and could have missed the tunnel completely and been a sitting duck for the centurions when they were released.”
“Which is why he didn’t mind giving you the guided tour in advance.”
Jack chuckles. “To be honest, I kind of love that guy. He has a calculating mind, and that makes him interesting.”
I keep to myself the fact he is also drop dead gorgeous, from his dark sexy eyes and rippling body, the wicked smile that is almost devilish and the lazy way he drags his hooded gaze over you as if you are the only thing in his world. I don’t tell Jack about my growing feelings for him and I’m not sure why.
I change the subject.
“Tell me what happened with Siri.”
“Once I saw Frankie had caught up with you, I reverted to our Plan B. The fact Siri was injured was the deciding factor in that.”
My heart softens because Jack always was a gentleman and he hates the thought of anything injured, be it an animal or a bird. I’m not certain how he’ll work out as a soldier, but understand his reasons behind wanting to enlist.
“I followed her into the tunnel and it didn’t take me long to catch up with her. She was obviously in pain and I reassured her it was me behind her.”
He shakes his head. “I don’t know what tore at her arm, but it was obviously sharp and as we made our way to the end of the tunnel, my only concern was for her safety.”
“Thanks, Jack.” I reach for his hand and squeeze it softly. “I’m glad you were there.”
My hand falls away, and he nods, saying quickly, “It was obvious she couldn’t swim because the river is wider than it looks and so I instructed her to get on my back and wrap her arms around my neck. I would carry her to safety and it was tough, but not impossible.”
Jack is one of the fittest guys I know and I have no doubt it was an easy task. Siri is light and would have weighed less than the Bergen that Jack practises with at home, under the instruction of whatever Reaper happens to want to put him through his paces that day.
We are lucky to be surrounded by ex-military assassins who were good soldiers. They want Jack to succeed, so taught him everything required to excel in training when he enlists at the end of college.
I am sad about losing him to the military, but realize it’s in his DNA and hope he excels and comes back to live out his dream of becoming a Reaper. I am envious of his future and would love more than anything to join him, but that would be against my father’s dead body, so I don’t rate my chances.
My heart softens when I think of my father and know he would be all over what happened last night with Abigail.
It spurs me into action and as we reach the entrance to the dungeon, it doesn’t appear half as chilling as it did last night.
“We should search it again for clues.” I blurt out impulsively and Jack nods.
“I had a feeling you’d say that.” He rolls his eyes and with a grin I reach above the door for the key, but it’s gone.
“Bother, they must have locked up already.”
I’m disappointed and Jack shrugs. “It makes sense.”
I test the door with frustration and yet it doesn’t budge and Jack huffs. “We’ll grab the key from the house and come back later. Nothing will change inside during that time.”
I fight my disappointment. “I guess so.”
As we move away, I point to the path running on the other side of the dungeon. “Let’s head to the riverbank. We may come across another way in if we scoot around the side.”
As we walk, I must ask, “What are your thoughts on Siri?”
“She’s a nice girl.”
“Who is now your girl.”
I wonder why that tastes so bitter in my mouth.
Jack shrugs. “In name only. If that’s the result of last night, I won’t hold her to anything.”
“Frankie will be good with that.” I chuckle softly. “Poor Siri. She wanted her freedom and Frankie’s challenge has played right into his family’s hands. Siri won’t have the freedom she wants unless–” I hold my breath, hating the direction my thoughts have taken me.
“Unless what?” Jack turns to me and I choke on my words.
“What if you, well–” I can’t even say the words and he shakes his head.
“You want me to date her?”
For a second, we stare at one another and I wonder why we’re so awkward about this. I’m guessing it’s because of that night in the past and I push the memory firmly back into its box and shrug, forcing a lightness into my voice that is somehow against what I’m feeling inside.
“Why not? She’s a beautiful girl and you obviously get along. I mean–” My words trip over themselves in my haste. “Is there anyone you would rather be with if you think about it?”
For a second our gazes collide and our past swirls around us and then a passing bird calls out loudly, breaking the moment and Jack shrugs. “Not really.”
He lowers his gaze and my heart pounds as we choose the unfamiliar and I wonder why I suddenly hate the idea of Jack and Siri, despite the fact it was my suggestion.