A High so Sweet (Thornes & Roses #2) - Dani Rene Page 0,73
all those years ago. When he was ready to do something bad, he would always offer up the cold shoulder.
“Cartel?!” Shock is evident in my voice, and he nods. “No. You cannot take these people on. They’ll hurt you.”
“I have to.” This time, when he looks at me, I realize it’s not a choice. He’s not choosing to go into the lion’s den; he’s driven to do it because he loves me. He may not have said it, but it’s burning through his gaze into mine. My mouth opens, but I can’t argue. “It’s happening. The plans are in place, and when I get back, I’m taking you away.”
“Cassian—”
He cups my cheeks, both hands holding my face steady. “I’ll always come back for you.” His words settle my nerves somewhat, but still, anxiety tingles through me, reminding me that even though he may promise to return, nothing in life is guaranteed.
I don’t know what to say to him, so I don’t say anything more. Instead, I nestle in his hold and close my eyes. My hands are still trembling. My stomach still whirls, and my mind is still dancing with thoughts. It’s as if I’m about to dive into the rabbit hole if I were to close my eyes.
I want nothing more than to get lost in a high, but I have to fight it. The addiction may be strong, but I have to do this. My future depends on it. Not only with Cassian, but my life. The person I want to be is at war with the person I am.
“He did it on purpose,” Cassian says, but I’m too weak to look at him. “Paulo fed you this shit because he needed you hooked. It’s how their operation works.” I don’t know why Cassian is telling me this, but I allow him to speak. “He wanted to see you become a toy for some sick, rich bastard who would’ve purchased you and used you.”
The venom in his tone is nothing short of violent, and it causes me to shudder. Not from the addiction but from disgust for what Cassian is telling me. For a long while, I suspected Paulo was doing something bad, but never did I think it was anything close to what Cassian just confessed.
“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.