Every day, I see Cassian in my sons. The shape of their faces. The set of their jaws. The way Finn’s mouth curves when he smiles and the intensity in Liam’s gaze when he’s concentrating. They’re growing up looking more like their father every day, and he’ll never know.
“Come play, Mam,” Finn demands, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the blocks.
I sit on the floor and let him show me his creation, but my mind is elsewhere.
13
CASSIAN
The womanat the bar has been watching me for twenty minutes.
She’s beautiful. Dark hair, expensive dress, and confidence that comes from knowing exactly what she wants. When she finally approaches, drink in hand and a fake smile on her lips, I already know what she’s going to say.
“You’re Cassian Rourke.”
“I am.”
“I’m Amanda.” She slides onto the stool beside me, close enough that I can smell her perfume. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“I’m sure you have.”
She laughs like I’ve said something clever. “Can I buy you a drink?”
“I’m good, thanks.”
“Come on. One drink. We could talk, get to know each other.”
I look at her properly for the first time. She’s exactly the type I would have gone home with years ago. No complications, no expectations, just a night that ends when morning comes.
But I haven’t done that since Aurelia.
Not once in six years.
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m not interested.”
Her smile falters. “Oh. Okay. Well, if you change your mind?—”
“I won’t.”
She leaves, and I go back to my drink.
Declan appears a few moments later, sliding into the seat Amanda just vacated. He glances at her retreating figure and raises an eyebrow. “You turned her down.”
“I did.”
“That’s the third one this month.”
“You’ve been counting?”
“I have.” He orders a whiskey and waits until the bartender leaves before continuing. “When’s the last time you actually went home with someone?”
I don’t answer.
“That’s what I thought.” Declan takes a sip and studies me. “It’s been six years, Cassian. Maybe it’s time to move on.”
“I have moved on.”
“Then why do you keep turning down every woman who shows interest?”
