Cass smiles, then pushes out a heavy breath. “And I fucking hate that I wasn’t given the chance to warn the next asshole.” His thumb presses lightly into my hip. “But it doesn’t matter,” he adds. “He’s gone. And I’m still here.”
“I’m glad you’re here,” I say, and the words surprise me as much as they seem to surprise him. The rational part of my brain flares up, shouting warnings, but it’s already too late. My bond with Cass hums warm and steady, biology winning out over logic.
And for now, I let it.
Cass studies me for a beat, something soft breaking his thoughtful expression. “You’re happy I’m here?” His mouth curves into an unmistakably pleased smile.
I press my lips together, fighting one of my own. “I’d be happier if I had some breakfast,” I say, teasing him.
That only makes the alpha’s smile widen as he leans in and cups my face, his thumb stroking my cheekbone. “Such a brat.” Then he kisses me.
Cass’s lips move against mine with a surprising gentleness, but it's undeniably sexy, a slow burn that ignites a fire low in my belly. My body reacts instantly, liquid heat pooling between my legs as I become acutely aware of the hard muscle of his thigh pressed directly against my bare pussy.
I shift, a tiny, involuntary movement, and the friction sends a jolt straight through me.
Cass feels it, letting out a low groan from his chest.
His tongue traces the seam of my lips, and I open for him without a thought. The kiss deepens, becoming a slow, sensual dance. He explores my mouth with a thoroughness that makes my head spin, and when he gently sucks my tongue into his mouth, a soft moan escapes me, raw and wanting.
After several dizzying moments, he finally pulls back, breaking the kiss with a soft, wet sound.
We're both breathing heavily, the air between us thick and charged. His dark eyes fix on my swollen lips, and for a moment, we just stare at each other, the world narrowed down to this single, breathless moment.
Then, the corner of his mouth ticks up. "Fuck breakfast," he growls, his voice a low, gravelly rumble that vibrates straight through me. "Lay down and spread those legs. I’m going to bury my face in that pretty little pussy, and lick you clean.”
A fresh wave of heat floods my system, so intense it makes me sway.
Cass’s fingers tangle in my hair, and my insides clench with a desperate, empty ache. Every coherent thought evaporates, replaced by the single, overwhelming command to obey. My muscles go liquid, ready to do exactly as he says, to lie back and let him devour me.
But before I can move a single muscle, a gentle knock sounds at the door.
It's followed by the distinct, metallic click of the door handle turning. My body, which had just melted in anticipation, goes rigid with a fresh jolt of panic.Not again.
“Wait!” Cass barks, then he shifts, reaching for the blanket at the foot of the bed. He wraps it around my shoulders, tucking it close to my body. “Come in,” he calls, once he’s sure I’m covered.
The door opens, and Beck peeks inside, already half-grimacing like he knows he’s interrupting something important. “Hey,” he says quietly. “Sorry. Dr. Pace is here.”
Cass’s brow furrows slightly. “Pace? Why is he here? I thought we were starting physical therapy.”
Beck scratches the back of his neck, glancing betweenus. “Yeah. That’s what this is, I think,” he says. “He wants to introduce you to the therapist.”
Cass exhales, slow and measured, like he’s already bracing himself for something he’s not looking forward to. His hand tightens briefly on my shoulder through the blanket, grounding us both.
“Alright,” he says at last. “Give us a minute.”
Beck nods and slips back out, pulling the door closed behind him.
The room goes quiet again, softer this time as Cass leans in, his eyes dark and focused on my mouth. His hands are already moving, one sliding around my waist to pull me closer while the other traces the curve of my hip, his touch a possessive promise. He clearly intends to kiss me again, but I tilt my head away before he can, his lips brushing against my cheek instead.
“What are you doing?” I ask, leaning further back.
Cass pulls back just enough to look at me, his brow furrowed in confusion. "I'm trying to kiss my mate,” he says, as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. "Then I'm going to crawl back into this bed and bury my face between your legs until you scream or I suffocate. Whichever comes first.”
Heat floods my cheeks, but I shake my head, my resolve hardening. "No, you're not."
He actually chuckles, a low, disbelieving sound. "I’m not?" His grip on my waist tightens.
"You have physical therapy," I say, shutting him down flat. "I can literally feel the pain in your knee. You're not going to make it worse by... by doing that." I gesture vaguely between us, my cheeks burning. “Get dressed.”
