Chapter 146
"As Cassie came around front to dry off his handsome face, their eyes met, and his gaze became intense. Her cheeks colored under his scrutiny, and she quickly lowered her gaze, not realizing how inviting she looked in that moment.
Something in Joseph snapped, and he suddenly grasped her waist. ""Are you over your period?""
Cassie was bewildered, barely nodding in confirmation before she knew what she was acknowledging.
Next thing she knew, she was swept off her feet in a bridal carry.
""What are you doing?"" she exclaimed, instinctively clinging to his neck.
""Cassie, I must admit, you've certainly upped your game,"" Joseph Hernandez murmured huskily as he picked her up, making his way up to the bedroom.
Cassie's mind reeled. When had she ever seduced anyone? For crying out loud, he was the one who'd asked her to rub his back. Wasn't he supposed to be Mr. Self-Control? Wasn't he the one who found her repulsive?
She trembled as he gently set her onto the bed. She knew from the day she signed that contract that this moment would come, but it didn't stop the fear. The shadows of her past loomed too deep.
Joseph pinched her nose playfully, his actions teasing.
Cassie was at a loss for words.
""Wait."" Cassie pressed against his chest, her eyes brimming with tears, anguish written all over her face. ""Joey, we can't do this, I'm not worthy of you.""
""Pretty self-aware, aren't you?"" Joseph paused, his tone laced with intrigue.
Cassie choked on her words, but kept up her sorrowful facade.
""Ever since I found out who you really are, you—a revered lawyer, and me—just a designer with nobody to lean on. We're worlds apart. I can't drag you down from your pedestal with my meager self. That would be sacrilege. An insult.""
""Weren't you quite eager to get into my bed before?"" Joseph raised an eyebrow.
Silence.
She had thought he was Arthur Lewis's rich aunt, of all people!
But Cassie dared not speak the truth. She weakly continued, ""Back then, I knew nothing. I thought if I conquered your body, I'd have your heart, but I realize now how wrong I was.""
""You were wrong.""
Joseph rubbed her chin repeatedly, his laugh deep and resonant. ""I hate being played by women, but I am a man after all. Seems like you've come along at the perfect time; I'll give you a chance.""
Cassie's eyes bulged, every pore on her body screaming in silent protest.
As he leaned in closer, she was on the verge of closing her eyes in helpless submission when Joseph suddenly stopped. ""Stay here. I need a shower.""
Considering he had just finished swimming, he wanted a fresh shower before they got any closer.
After Joseph gracefully entered the bathroom, Cassie lay on the bed, deep in thought. She had told herself over and over to be brave, but now that it was actually happening, the fear was crippling.
After a long struggle, she finally gave in to her fears and fled.
When Joseph emerged from his shower, the bedroom was empty, the echo of her absence loud in the quiet air.
His mood darkened as he searched the house. The housekeeper, puzzled, remarked, ""Dinner is almost ready, where did the missus go?""
It didn’t take long for Joseph to catch the hint of her reluctance from earlier."
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