Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

519 Fanning Flames

(Cass)

I stride through the penthouse, my stiletto heels clicking against the marble floor with purpose.

I know I look good-stunning, actually. This dress hugs every curve just right, and the deep emerald green makes my eyes pop.

Tonight is about reminding myself that I have a feminine side and I'm not afraid to use it. Gabriel may have been part of my past, but I'm going to show him just how irresistible the present me is.

But as I head towards the elevator, Viktor steps out, his tall frame filling the space and his expression hard as stone. He crosses his arms and plants himself directly in front of the doors. "Ready for your date then??" he asks, his voice low, almost a growl.

"You know I am," I reply, refusing to let him intimidate me. "Unless you plan to stand there all night."

His eyes rake over me, lingering just a second too long on the neckline of my dress before snapping back to my face. "You're really going out with Gabriel." It's not a question. "Yes, I am." I tilt my chin up defiantly. "And you're going to step aside so I don't keep him waiting."

He doesn't move. "Cass, you're playing with fire. Do not mention what you told us."

I roll my eyes. "Save the lectures, Viktor. I'm a big girl. I can handle myself."

He leans closer, his voice dropping. "This isn't a game."

"No, but Gus said to go about my normal life. So, I am. Also, none of your business," I snap, brushing past him to hit the elevator button. "Just stay out of my life, Viktor." "We're leaving tomorrow evening. Be ready."

"Noted," I say, turning back to the elevator. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date to get to."

As the elevator doors slide shut, I catch his reflection in the polished metal. He's still watching me, his fists clenched at his sides.

Good. Let him stew.

***

The restaurant is breathtaking.

soft glow over the room, the clink of crystal and the murmur of conversation creating an ambiance of elegance. Gabriel guides me to our table

he says. "You look...

chair as he pushes my chair underneath me. The

patrons and it can't have been cheap to secure this

my glass, his gaze never leaving mine. "You are sexier than ever," he says, his voice

the outside," I say, taking a sip. "But don't think you know me, Gabriel. I'm not the same girl I used

assume," he replies, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "I like

flirtation and nostalgia. Gabriel's charm is intoxicating, but there's a new edge to him now-a confidence

the warmth of his words, the way his voice

exactly what to say, how to look at me, how to make me feel like the only woman in the world. It's perfect to end my stay here before I go and bury myself in the piles of dirty dishes I know are waiting

of me I didn't know existed. Something I'm really good at. It's

mind. I know that. I'm very proud of

business, your green card. Brennan Industries. I can see you've become the man you always knew you

holds up his glass

my gaze and I know the heat I feel isn't from the weather. Gabriel was my first serious boyfriend. No one ever

me from a girl into a woman in the most

***

city hums with life. Gabriel stands close, his hand brushing mine as we linger on the

perfect,"

I admit, my voice barely

his eyes

then he

way he makes me feel. My back presses against the coolstone wall, his hands framing my face as if I

but we can't go back to the penthouse. His kisses deepen. He knows all the right buttons to push and his hand is particularly close

push him away and he chuckles. His

family there. But this isn't over,

tomorrow," I say, my voice steady despite the desire inside