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.

over the room, the clink of crystal and the murmur of conversation creating an ambiance of elegance. Gabriel guides me to our table with his hand in

he says. "You

as he pushes my chair underneath me. The table is secluded, tucked away behind a partition that

noticed some very exclusive patrons and it can't have been cheap to secure

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

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

wouldn't dare assume," he replies, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "I like the

flows effortlessly, our conversation a mix of flirtation and nostalgia. Gabriel's charm is intoxicating, but there's a new edge to him now-a confidence that wasn't

into the warmth of his words, the way his voice wraps around me like a favorite

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 in Europe. "Are you happy over

am. I found a part of me I didn't know existed. Something I'm really good at.

put your mind. I know

have really got it going on now. Your business, your green card. Brennan Industries. I can see you've become the man you always

for you." He holds up his glass and

Brennan eyes hold my gaze and I know the heat I feel isn't from the weather. Gabriel was my first serious boyfriend. No one ever agreed with us being together because of

wouldn't change a thing. He changed me from a girl into a woman in

***

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

perfect," he says

I admit, my voice

his eyes searching mine.

then he kisses

a kiss that burns away every doubt, every thought, until there's only him and the way he makes me feel. My back presses against

take this further, but we can't go back to the penthouse. His kisses deepen. He knows all the right buttons to push and his

and he chuckles. His eyes spark with

there. But this isn't over, Cass. Not by a long

tomorrow," I say, my voice steady despite