A High so Sweet (Thornes & Roses 2)

“I don’t… I don’t want to know more.” I close my eyes and allow Cassian’s warmth to calm me. “I just need to know you’ll be there, coming home afterward because I can’t do this without you.”

His hand trails over my back, rubbing small circles from the base of my spine to my neck and back again. Round and round until I’m close to falling asleep. My lashes feel heavy. I can’t open my eyes anymore.

Cassian’s lips find my forehead, and I feel the warmth of his kiss. It’s a gentle, affectionate action, and I can’t stop the smile that curls on my lips.

“I’ll always be here for you.”

His promise sends me to sleep.

30

Cassian

It’s time.

Even with the briefing I gave to Finn and Damien, along with Harris, I’m anxious. I’ve never been so scared of someone hurting Kalyn as I am right now. Paulo is here, beaten and bruised, but I don’t give a shit. He’ll be leaving with Manny soon.

The meeting I called was merely to negotiate Kalyn’s release from Paulo’s clutches. The ring she wore was nothing more than a ruse, so it won’t take long to sort this out. But then again, a man like Manny Lopez isn’t someone to be fucked with.

I know when I’m in too deep, and this time, the tide is washing over me. I’m about to go under; the only thing keeping my head above water is the thought of keeping Kalyn safe.

“He’s here.” Those two words send my mind reeling with all the possibilities. I glance at Paulo, who’s glaring at me. The hatred in his eyes is enough to confirm he’ll never let this go. If he walks out of here today—alive and well—he’ll come back to seek revenge.

My gaze trails to Harris, and I offer a small nod. A sign that confirms what I want done. If Paulo does walk out of here, he won’t walk very far. The man I’ve known all my life doesn’t move, but his eyes confirm he knows what I want. The expressive nature of someone’s gaze is like a window; it shows you their true nature—what they’re feeling, what they’re thinking, and most of all, what they’re about to do.

And as the patio doors slide open and three men darken the threshold, I pull in a deep breath, filling my lungs with air before I exhale, praying that it can calm me and keep me relaxed through this.

“Mr. Lopez,” I say as I take in the older man. His dark hair has a smattering of silver, offering up a salt and pepper style. His face is creased with wrinkles, confirming his age. The dark eyes that hold far too much violence land on me.

He’s dressed in a black suit, gray button-up, and matching tie. He doesn’t greet me; he merely offers a nod. There’s nothing about this man that confirms he won’t kill at any moment. Even the men who appeared with him don’t set me at ease.

I didn’t expect it. But I thought he would be less… intimidating. He isn’t. This is the first time I’ve come face-to-face with someone who runs a criminal organization. It’s alarming.

All those movies you see as a kid, thinking that’s how men in the mafia or cartels look, are exactly right. Old. Ugly. Fucking scary. I don’t doubt Manny Lopez could take us all out with a look.

But when he glances around the room, I stare, taking in every motion, every flinch and blink, and I realize he’s out of his depth. He’s threatened because when he sees Paulo, he realizes we’re not a couple of kids wanting a girl.

We mean fucking business.

And that’s when I find my confidence rearing up, straightening my spine and tipping my head. I don’t cower to the bastard at my door; I show him I’m a worthy fucking adversary, one who can easily take him down. One who isn’t afraid to annihilate him.

The man in question steps forward, his two goons flanking him, but he doesn’t scare me. Men like him live to intimidate, but I don’t give a shit. This is my home, my territory. He takes me in, from head to toe, before a smirk curls his lips.

“So, this is the thorn in my side,” he remarks, looking at me and chuckling. I don’t move. Keeping my expression schooled, I arch a brow at him, but nothing more. “Paulo tells me you have an interest in one of his projects.” His words rankle me, but still, I don’t move, I don’t respond.

“He has taken her,” Paulo says, stepping forward, his gaze locked on the boss man. “I was getting some headway in when we returned to Thorne Haven, where she grew up, and then this bastard decided he’s going to come between us.”

“Oh, Paulo,” Manny says, the smile still on his face. “Don’t worry. A whore is just a whore.” He’s goading me. If I play into his plan, I’ll fuck this up. Damien is on edge, watching, waiting. Finn stares at me; I can feel his gaze burning a hole through me.