EMILIANO

Just a week ago, Emiliano had to jet off to Italy to soothe some of his investors, assuring them that the fraud scandal was just a blip on the radar. He’s still unsure of when he’ll be able to return home. He’s missing his wife and son something fierce.

Truth be told, Cassie and Alex have become a part of him. He’s grown accustomed to coming home after a grueling day at work to find them playing in the living room. He can’t imagine his life without them now.

God, he misses Cassie’s radiant smile, her gentle voice, every inch of her. Cold showers have become his nightly ritual since he left.

Emiliano can’t help but wonder how she’ll react when she discovers he’s the reason her job interviews have been going south. He hates himself for it, but he can’t bear the thought of his wife working. He also doesn’t trust anyone else around her.

He’s not sure when or why he became so protective of her, but he made a vow on their wedding day to protect her with his life, and he intends to keep it.

Emiliano pulls out his phone and dials Cassie, but it just rings and rings. He tries four times, but each time he’s met with her voicemail. Worried something might be wrong with her or Alex, he calls José.

“I’ve been trying to reach Mrs. Rodriguez, but she’s not picking up. Do you know where she is?”

“Mrs. Rodriguez went out, sir.”

“Out? Where to?”

“With a friend, sir. That’s all she told me.”

“It’s late, damn it!” He shouts into the phone. “Who is this friend?”

“She didn’t say.”

“And where is Alex?” he demands.

“She took him with her.”

Frustration surges through Emiliano. Where could they be? What could they be doing? Why isn’t she answering her phone?

“The moment she gets back, tell her to call me right away.”

Emiliano ends the call. How is he supposed to focus on work when he has no idea where his wife and son are?

CASSANDRA

Cassandra kicks off her heels in the living room. It’s been ages since she last went out with a girlfriend, and Emily was a blast. She even brought Jake along, and the three of them had a great time.

Just as Cassandra is about to head upstairs, she hears the elevator ping open. ~Could it be Emilio?~ she wonders.

A wave of excitement washes over her, but then she sees it’s just José.

“Sorry to disturb you, Mrs. Rodriguez, but Mr. Rodriguez asked you to call him as soon as you got home.”

“Thanks for letting me know, José. Goodnight.”

Once he’s gone, Cassandra checks her phone and finds five missed calls. Damn! She had put her phone on silent at the restaurant. He must be furious. He’ll definitely give her an earful if she calls now.

Deciding to call Emilio first thing in the morning, Cassandra heads upstairs for a hot bath before going to bed.

Early the next morning, Cassandra feels a pair of warm hands exploring her body and moans. She must be really missing Emilio if she’s dreaming about him touching her like this.

Emilio’s warm lips nuzzle her neck and throat. His hands cup her breasts, thumbs lightly brushing over her erect nipples. Cassandra shivers with pleasure, her own hands tangling in his hair.

She doesn’t want this wonderful dream to end. If she can’t have him here in person, then at least she can enjoy him in her sleep.

In her dream, Emilio’s lips trail hot, wet kisses down to her breasts, finally drawing one hard nipple into his eager mouth. She gasps, her back arching, as his hands greedily roam over her body. She can feel how wet she is between her thighs.

Oh, how she’s missed him. How she needs him.

Her hands explore his body, and she smiles when she finds he’s naked. His hand slowly travels under her nightdress until he finds her panties, and then his fingers stroke and tease her. It doesn’t take long before she’s writhing under his touch.

Cassandra longs to taste his kiss, but he’s too busy lavishing attention on her nipple. She groans lowly, and then he cups her butt from between her thighs. She nearly loses it at the contact—she’s been waiting for him.

After what feels like forever, Emilio’s firm lips finally claim Cassandra’s. Instantly, her eyes snap open. She wasn’t dreaming at all; he’s actually here, lying on top of her.

His mouth coaxes hers open, and her confusion fades away as she greedily drinks him in…all of him. When was the last time she touched him? Kissed him? Held him? A week feels like an eternity now.

Not wasting another second, Emilio discards Cassandra’s nightdress and underwear. He kneels between her thighs.

“Are you ready for me?” he asks, his voice hoarse.

“You know I am.”

EMILIANO

Cassie is so hot and wet that Emiliano nearly loses it the moment he thrusts into her. Her softness welcomes him, and he struggles to maintain control.

He begins to move within her, claiming every inch of her sexy, luscious body. She is his and always will be.

Cassie matches his rhythm, and a few minutes later, he hears her cry out in pleasure as she climaxes. He lets go too, spilling into her.

Afterwards, Emiliano stays inside her, needing to feel her softness. He’s missed her and their nights together, and it drove him crazy not knowing where she was. When she didn’t call, he immediately hopped on a flight home, not caring about the meeting he was supposed to attend tomorrow.

Damn this woman for having such a hold over him, and damn her twice for making him drop everything and rush back to her.

Emiliano holds Cassie tightly for a few more seconds before pulling out and lying next to her. When he does, she rests her head on his chest.

“Didn’t think you’d be back so soon,” Cassie says after a moment.

“Why didn’t you pick up your phone?” Emilio counters.

“It was on silent. I didn’t hear it.”

“And why didn’t you call back when José passed on my message?”

“I figured you’d be mad. Thought I’d wait till morning when you might be less heated.”

“And what makes you think I’m less heated now?”

Cassie sits up straight. “I’m sorry I didn’t call back, Emilio. But there’s no need for you to be this angry.”

“I have every right to be angry! You were out late with my son, ignoring my calls—what did you expect?”

“Alex was safe. We barely left the house, and I wasn’t alone.” Cassie takes a breath. “Do you know how dull it is here all day with no one to talk to? I needed to get out, get some fresh air.”

“Guess your fresh air stopped you from answering a simple call.”

She stands up. “Emilio…”

“From now on, you tell José where you’re going whenever you leave the house.”

“What?” Cassie gasps. “That’s unreasonable.”

“It’s for your safety. You pushed me to this. I can’t always be here to protect you, and I won’t risk you or Alex getting hurt.”

Cassie pulls on her robe, tying the belt with a jerk. “I can’t believe what I’m hearing. You’ve lost it. I’m not reporting to anyone over a missed phone call.”

“Watch your mouth,” Emilio warns, standing up too. They lock eyes. “Where were you last night?”

“Nowhere. I’m going to shower.”

Cassie starts to walk toward the bathroom, but she doesn’t get far before Emilio grabs her arm, spinning her around to press her against him. Her body reacts to his, but she keeps her glare steady.

“I won’t ask again, Cassie,” he murmurs.

“I was with Emily. Satisfied?”

Emilio brushes a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Does she understand how worried he gets when he doesn’t know where she is or how to reach her? Does she realize how much she means to him? How much fear grips him when he can’t contact her? He’s never known such terror.

What’s happening to him?

Cassie frowns, looking at him. “Emilio…?”

Could it be…? No! It can’t be… This isn’t happening.

Emilio releases her. “I have a meeting,” he mutters, hurrying into the bathroom.