42. Cassie

My gamble paid off. Every guard and soldier worth employing must be trying to round up Corbin’s men. WIth guilt squeezing at my chest I hoped they got away. This whole heist was driven by me, and I’ve run away.

Because I’m finally choosing happiness. The life I want. It’s going to be me and Ayr. I’m already imagining being back in his packhouse.

That huge bed, drowning in cushions and caresses. Or the cliff packhouse, once I’ve had everything of Elle’s burned and thrown out..

I just need Ayr. The rough, primal conquering of my body bound me to him. But it was his tender, understanding patience, which brought me to my knees.

Holding my hand against his chest, gently bathing me and holding me while I slept. His fingers trailing over my skin. Treasuring me. But to get to that blissful state again, I need to move an awkward, crooked-nosed obstacle.

My sister. The plotting, snakelike creature who killed her own father for a shot at the throne.

I tethered Pepper back where I first fou