Authors: Priscilla Poole Rainwater
“Uhh, I don't think I'll meet the dress code.” she mumbled, clearly disappointed.
Chuckling, he replied, “Of course you don't remember this, yet, but we had this exact same conversation, when we first met. Cassandra, you're the wife of Granger Mortensen, and if you wanted to walk in there in that ratty pink house robe you love so much, they'll still tell you how nice you look, and give you the best seat in the place.”
Rolling her eyes, she allowed herself a small smile. “You, Granger, are a snob.”
Shrugging his shoulders, he didn't even attempt to deny it, and instead, laced his hand through hers. He had been wanting to touch her all day, and he wanted her to be comfortable with intimacy again.
********************************************************
Arriving at the Inn, she couldn't help but look around, gawking like a country bumpkin on her first trip to the big city. The place was absolutely breathtaking. Still holding her hand, he led her through the beautiful lobby. She had read in the local lifestyle page in the newspaper that the chandeliers hanging in the lobby were the original ones from when the place was first built in the early 1920's. The entire building, in fact, had been renovated after changing hands several times throughout the decades, it had been ran down almost to a state of disrepair. The marble floors in the lobby were covered with floral rugs, and adorning the walls were elaborate tapestries and ornate mirrors. The sitting areas were tastefully decorated with antique furniture, and the center piece of it all was a huge fireplace.
“I hope you like it here. There's a spa if you would like that, and from what the young hostess told me the other day, they have a wonderful boutique, if you’d like to do some shopping.”
She looked at him like he had lost his mind, knowing full well she couldn't afford anything for sale in a place such as this.
“Ahhh, Mr. Mortensen, welcome back to the Magnolia!” a young, lovely, bubbly blond greeted him.
As only another woman could, Cassandra instantly picked up the predatory gleam in the woman's eyes.
Nodding at the woman absently and giving her a perfunctory smile, Granger looked at Cassandra and favored her with the genuine article. “Thank you, could you provide a nice table for me and my lovely wife?”
A cool look passed quickly over the young woman's face, and was replaced instantly by what Cassandra knew was a phony million-dollar smile. “Certainly sir, follow me.” she replied, never once gracing Cassandra with so much as a glance.
She led them to an area that looked like a botanical garden encased in a glass enclosure, and the room was filled with the most exotic flowers Cassandra had ever seen. “Your waiter will be with you momentarily." the hostess said somewhat stiffly, then hurried off.
Pulling a chair out for her in a chivalrous manner, Granger waited until Cassandra was seated, then sat down on the opposite side of the table, so he could maintain eye contact with her.
Looking around the beautiful room, she suddenly frowned and pointed. “Granger, why is Malcolm sitting over there alone? We could ask for a bigger table, and have him join us.” she said, still pointing in his direction.
“He wanted to give us some privacy, he told me earlier. You don't really think I would deliberately snub him, do you? That man has been my right arm and confidant' for years. Besides, if he was in an ornery mood, he would be over here right now, pestering us, trust me.” he laughed.
*********************************************************
Martina couldn't believe it when she spotted Granger walking in with Cassandra, holding her hand, and a jealous rage burned deep within her when he released her hand and wrapped his arm possessively around the woman's waist. Eyes burning with hatred, she watched as the couple followed the hostess.
He walked right by me, and didn't give me a second glance. She'll pay for making him hurt me like this....
she vowed silently.
“That the little sugar you want me to take care of?” the man seated at the table with her asked. Martina had supplied him earlier with a recent photo of Cassandra (one she had lifted from Brett's photo album) and he had noticed the look of anger on the red head's face when the couple had walked in.
Turning to face Zeke McCabe, she was silent for a moment. McCabe was a former State Trooper, and had been doing her family's dirty work for years.
Although in appearance he looked to be a polished professional, she knew that he was a hardened criminal to the core.
Looking into the man's green eyes, she saw the familiar, blood-thirsty look. “Just her, not Granger.” she finally answered. “He's is not to be touched, under any circumstances, understand? And I'll pay you a handsome bonus if you record her death. A very slow and painful one, of course.” she hissed softly, then looked around furtively.
Zeke took one final look at the couple, and the huge black man trailing behind them. While he realized that killing such a powerful man's wife could get himself killed, he thrived on danger, living life on the edge. And his love for money, of course. Shaking down drug dealers was what had gotten him fired as a police officer. “100 K for the kill, and ten for the video footage, up front. Call me when you get the cash.” he said as he gulped down the remainder of his Heineken, then stood and left.
Wiping her red lips with her napkin, Martina tossed it down on the table angrily, still watching Granger and Cassandra. Her eyes narrowed and her blood boiled as she watched the bitch say something apparently witty that had Granger laughing out loud.
Balling her fists at her side, she stood and began making her way towards them. As she slowly approached, she heard Granger speak as he lifted his fork towards her mouth and teased her.
“Oh come on, try some of my steak. Now this is a
REAL
meal, not that bird food you eat.” he taunted.
Giggling, Cassandra shook her head and wrinkled her nose. “Ewww, gross! That meat isn't even warmed, it's raw! I like my food cooked, burned to a crisp, in fact. You're gonna' catch some nasty mad cow disease!”
“ Come on....please, try it...for me?” he pouted, and Martina's vision swam as the little tramp licked her full lips, then leaned forward to sample the morsel.
Why can't it be him treating ME like that? How can he be so oblivious, so callous, about my feelings for him?
She
wondered, feeling a yearning like she had never felt before. Glancing quickly in the direction of Malcolm's table, she saw he had spotted her, but didn't care.
No matter what he thinks of me, very soon I'll be Granger's wife, and I'll make that bastard beg for his job.....
She
thought.
Squaring her shoulders confidently, she moved in for the kill, her dark green eyes glittering dangerously. “ Oh my goodness, Cassandra! What a surprise!” she called as she took the last few steps to the table, then stopped, glaring at her nemesis.
*****************************************
Granger shot to his feet, giving Martina a cold look that would have made anyone else back off immediately.
Cassandra slowly stood up beside him, studying the woman closely. She took an instant dislike to the woman, without even knowing who she was, and that fact alone made her leery, simply because she knew it was not in her nature to judge someone immediately. In fact, she suddenly felt downright belligerent, which both confused and frightened her.
What's wrong with me, why would I feel the need to attack this woman for no reason?
She
wondered.
“Martina, what do you want?” Granger hissed with a thunderous scowl, then moved closer to Cassandra and wrapped a protective arm around her waist.
Martina's eyes narrowed even further as bile roiled in her stomach.
So, he feels he has to protect the precious little bitch!
She
thought, then put on her best smile and purred, “Granger, darling, I was here having lunch with a buyer, and saw you come in. I tell you, I just couldn't believe what I was seeing.” she trailed off as she looked Cassandra up and down disdainfully, making it apparent she didn't approve of such casual dress for such an expensive place.
Look at her, she doesn't even know how to dress, what does he see in her?
She
thought bitterly. “Well, I had to come over to see if it really was Cassandra who was with you! After all, she did abandon you and that sweet child of yours, Regan. You told me so yourself, remember? On one of those nights I was there to comfort you? I thought you said you never wanted to see her again?”
Cassandra stiffened and now openly glared at the beautiful redhead. She knew the woman was implying that she and Granger had been lovers, and judging from the sudden tightening grip of Granger's arm around her waist, the woman was telling the truth. Her own brown eyes narrowing as well, she sneered at the woman jealously, and turned to her husband. Putting her hand on his chest, she looked into his eyes and said, “Darling, I'm so sorry you had to.....settle, for something like
THAT
.” she finished as she looked back at Martina with a faint, mocking smile. “I know it was hard on you during my absence, and you had to settle for whatever you could get. Well, now I understand why you were so desperately seeking me. After all, once you've had the best, the real thing, a cheap knockoff would be so disappointing.”
Face flushing with humiliation and barely suppressed rage, Martina took one menacing step forward,
and then
stopped as she saw Malcolm rise from his seat several feet away and approach them.
Stepping out Granger's embrace, Cassandra gave him a saucy smile, then gave Martina a look that was pure alpha female.
What the hell, wolves piss and mark their territory, I might as well mark my man in front of this bitch...
she thought. Standing on her toes, she kissed Granger full on the lips, and let it linger. “I'll have Malcolm escort me to the suite. While you deal with...with
THAT
.” she murmured when she finally broke the kiss, not even gracing Martina with another glance.
With Malcolm in tow, she turned and walked away with a regal grace that would have captured any man's attention.
Watching her leave, Granger was stunned speechless.
That sexy vixen is my wife? My Cassandra has changed....
he thought as he felt his manhood coming to life. The old Cassandra would have never been so brazen, so possessive, especially in a public place, and it was a surprising, unexpected turn-on for him.
The dazed and pleasant look on Granger's face enraged Martina further, and she sputtered, “Granger how could you allow that bi.....” she trailed off as he finally looked at her with murder in his eyes. Lowering her voice an octave, she put on her best wounded look. “Darling, she's making you look foolish and weak. A man like you should not seem so soft in public.” she implored as she reached out to touch him.
Batting her hand away like a pesky mosquito, he looked down at her and sneered, “Weak and foolish? You know, that describes you perfectly. Martina, I know pride isn't high on your priority list, but for the love of God, have some for once, and just leave me alone. It's over, you dig? There was never anything there to begin with anyway.”
Genuinely hurt, her eyes misted and she whined, “How can you be so cruel, so callous to me? Granger, you know how much I love...”
Throwing one hand up to silence her, he closed his eyes and muttered, “Martina, I'm sorry if that hurts you, but it would have been much more cruel in the long term if I had ever led you on. My wife was right, once I experienced her love and came to appreciate it, from that moment on, no other woman could ever make me feel what I do for her.”
***************************************************
Dropping her 'cool chick' act, Cassandra slumped against the elevator wall.
Why did I act so aggressive? Jealousy, that's why, because you know she slept with Granger...
she thought miserably.
Malcolm clipped his Blackberry to his trim waist, then pressed the button for the eighth floor. Casting a sideways glance at Cassandra, he chuckled.
“Why are you laughing?” she asked, close to tears. “I guess I made a complete fool out of myself, huh? Playing the role of alpha-bitch.”
“Hey, for what it's worth, I thought it was priceless. I've never seen that insufferable bitch Martina rendered speechless, until a few moments ago. Look, you've obviously been through a lot, and you have changed in some ways. But it's for the better, Mrs. Mortensen, at least I think so.” he said as he winked and gave her a smile of approval.
“Please, call me Cassandra.” she replied. Her curiosity piqued, she couldn't help but ask, “What do you mean, how have I changed?”
Silent for a moment, he seemed to be considering his reply carefully. “Before you left....” he finally replied, unable to bring himself to use the term
before you were attacked..
.“Granger's mother nearly forced you off the estate. You allowed her to bully you, even though you had every right to be there. You could have sent her packing, but you were always meek around both her and Martina. You never stood up for yourself, not once did you ever act like or say anything like you did today. You took all your hurt and humiliation out on Granger. You threw tantrums, and towards the...uhhh...well, right before you left, you're behavior seemed...unbalanced, at best. It was a touchy subject with him too, even discussing it with me.”
Grateful for the man's honesty, she gave him a small, sad smile. “Guess it took a few whacks on the head to make me grow up, huh?”
With a grave expression, he replied, “Mrs. Mort...Cassandra, the last night you were on the estate you were demanding to leave with your son, Regan. You were rambling nearly incoherently, your speech was slurred, and you were stumbling around. It was almost as if, well, you were high on something. I couldn't, I didn't, allow you to take Regan off the estate.”
“I don't remember any of it.” she nearly whispered, feeling numb.
Running a hand over his face, his shoulders slumped from the weight of his guilt. “I allowed you to have the chauffeur take you off the estate, knowing you were in distress. But at the time, I figured, she's the boss's wife, I can't keep her here against her will. Well, when the chauffeur returned, he said you had had him drive you to a local hotel. From that point on we never knew your whereabouts. I failed you, Cassandra. I failed your husband, my friend, and most of all, I failed Regan. God help whoever it was who hurt you, because when I find out who did it, I will personally put a bullet between their eyes.”
Understanding for the first time how much of an impact her attack had had on everyone dear to her, she blinked back tears that suddenly threatened to overflow. Reaching out, she touched his arm in a comforting gesture. “Malcolm, listen to me, you did nothing wrong. Thanks to you, my child may very well have been saved, because whoever it was that hurt me, they would have surely
done
the same to him. You saved my child.” she said as she squeezed his muscular arm. “Malcolm, please don't kill anyone. I wouldn't want you to carry that burden for the rest of your life because of me. Whoever hurt me will have to answer for what they did, and they'll have to answer to a higher power. Believe me, they will be punished.”
Smiling at her with a rare look of genuine warmth, he replied, “You're still a bit of a softy. You honestly believe they'll pay, don't you?”
Nodding her head, she reflected on the fact she could never live with the death of someone
on her conscious, not even the person, or persons, who had hurt her.
The elevator came to a stop, and the doors opened with a quiet
whoosh
.
Placing a large hand on her shoulder gently, he stepped out with her and led her to Granger's suite. Reaching into his jacket
pocket
, he pulled the key card out, opened the door, then her handed the key to her. “This is an extra key. I'm just across the hall, number 806, if you need me.” he said as he pointed to the door on the opposite side.
“Thank you, Malcolm. Thanks for everything.”
“That's what I'm here for.” he replied, then looked at her in silence for a moment. “Cassandra, he loves you, he always has. Give him a chance.” he finally said in a soft voice. That said, he turned and entered his own suite, closing the door quietly behind him.
Stepping inside herself, Cassandra shut the door and threw the lock into place, then turned and surveyed her surroundings. The sitting room was done in royal blue and cream, there was an ornamental fireplace, and she thought that it was decorated nearly as eloquently as the lobby itself.
Kicking her sneakers off, her feet sank into the plush carpet as she walked towards the circular balcony. Opening the door and stepping outside, she was both humbled and awestruck by the scenic view of the beautiful valley below. Closing her eyes, she breathed in the fresh mountain air.