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 with his hand in the small of my back. He pulls out my chair but before I sit he takes

says. "You

me. The

and it can't have been cheap to secure this table at short

leaving mine. "You are

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

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

nostalgia. Gabriel's charm is intoxicating, but there's a new edge to

into the warmth of his

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

really am. I found a part of me I didn't

you put your mind. I

Industries. I can see you've

I, for you." He holds up his glass and we toast each

Gabriel was my first serious boyfriend. No one ever agreed with us being

He changed me from a girl into a woman in the most wonderful way.

***

Gabriel stands close, his hand brushing

perfect," he says

voice barely

closer, his eyes

then he

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 the coolstone wall, his hands framing my face as if I

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

away and he chuckles. His

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

I say, my voice steady despite the desire inside