Roll For Initiative

78. Cassie

2 Weeks Later

T hese last two weeks have been insane. Our lives are packed away into a mountain of boxes in the living room. A semi is coming to pick up everything, and a hauler will take both our cars to California. Lucian tried convincing me to sell my car and said he would get me a new one, but I don’t want one. I like my beat-up lil shit box. She was the first car I bought with my own money after I got my license. I’m snapped from my thoughts as a pair of strong arms wrap around me from behind.

"Are we doing tacos and margaritas tonight?" He says as he kisses that toe-curling spot below my ear.

"I could go for tacos and margs. One last hoorah before we leave this place. What time are the movers coming tomorrow?”

"6 am. Our flight leaves at 2 PM. Jayme has dinner plans set up for your birthday tomorrow if you are up to it." It will be a rough few days to get used to the time changes.

"Sure, as long as we aren’t too jetlagged. I can’t believe I turn 25 tomorrow!" It’s nuts. I still feel like we are those little kids pretending to play pretend house together. It's crazy to think it’s been almost 16 years that we’ve been friends.

The house looks so empty, with all the boxes piled in the living room. The only things left on the island counter are my margarita machine from Sunny, the D our balcony is on the beach, so I can get up every morning and look out over the water. Then, at night, I can watch the sunset.

"I’m going to run to the store and get everything we need. Did you wanna come with me?" Lucian asks as he slips on his shoes.

"Nah, I will just chill here if you don’t mind. Ash said she might come over early anyway."

He walks over and kisses me. It’s never just a quick peck with him; his kisses are deep and passionate no matter when they are. A flush spreads across my entire body, warm and tingly. Honestly, I could rip his clothes off right now. He smirks as he pulls away, fully aware of his effect on me.

"Behave, Mi Amor. We will have fun later." He growls against my neck. Damn him being able to tell exactly what I’m thinking. He turns to walk toward the door.

"Mmm, or maybe I won’t wait, Sir.” I make sure to let the word Sir come out as a purr. If you wanna get me all hot and bothered before you leave, I’ll do the same to you. He turns and closes the distance between us in 3 strides. Grabbing me by the throat, he spins us and presses me to the wall, nudging his leg between my thighs. He growls against my neck.

"If you don’t behave, I’ll bend you over the table right now, and we can forget about dinner because I’ll be feasting on you."

My eyes dilate, and my pulse races. I’m straddling his thigh, and he grinds it against my core. Tingles are sent all over my body. God, he knows exactly what to do to put me right at the edge. I simply smile and nod. He releases my throat and lightly smacks my cheek.

"Good girl."

He gives me one more kiss, pinning me against the wall, before walking away. Leaving me a soaked, hot mess leaning against the wall for support. Damn, what does this man do to me?

Ash shows up an hour before we are supposed to start.

"Hey, biatch. I brought tequila. Lucian texted, saying it was a final taco and marg night, so I got the good stuff." She smiles, handing me a big bottle of Roca Patron Silver. Fucking delicious.

"Thanks, girl. This stuff is fantastic."

"No problem. We need a going-away treat. Fuck I’m going to miss you. I know we will still talk every day, but it’s not the same as being able to just come over and crash with you any time." She sits on the couch and pulls out her phone. It’s been buzzing since she walked through the door.

"It will all be ok. Jayme said I can use his jet whenever I want to come home." Her face blushes at the mention of his name. "By the way, Ash, who is blowing up your phone?" Her eyes bulge, and she puts her phone face down.

"No one. Just a friend."

Liar!

She turns to grab her purse, and I snatch her phone. Unlocking it, I see Jayme’s name and photo flash on the screen, as well as a very racy text. "Holy shit. So you are talking to Jayme? How long has this been going on!" I can’t believe it. "I knew something was going on between you two, but I thought it was just flirting."

"Ok, OK. You caught me. Yes, we have been texting on and off since they rescued you. A lot, actually. And we kind of hooked up after your party. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you; you know how I usually am with guys, no strings, just sex, but... I don’t know... with Jayme, it felt different... but I guess it wasn’t since he said it was just a one-time thing and meant nothing." She laughs, but I can tell she is sad.

"Girl, it is fine. I’m not judging. He is pretty hot, so I don’t blame you. Unfortunately, Lucian said he is a major playboy, so I’m not surprised. Want me to kick his ass?” This causes her to laugh. I can’t tell her why he is probably pushing her away without revealing his actual profession, so I’ll leave it at him being a playboy.

"I know. We were taking things slow up until your party. And then, apparently, I caught feelings. Eww.” She shakes her hands like she is shooing away cooties.

“One day, catching feelings won’t be so bad. You will find your forever.” I tell her, putting my arm around her shoulders.

“Yeah, easy for you to say. You’ve known your prince charming forever, but you two were too dumb to realize it.” She laughs.

"Mi amor, I’m home!" Lucian calls from the front hall. "Have you been a good girl, or do I have to punish... Ash! You’re here early." practically choking on his words as he rounds the corner and sees her next to me on the couch. Ash, however, is dying of laughter.

"Please don’t let me stop you. If she’s misbehaving, go right ahead and punish her. I just never took you for a sadist, Lucian. It’s kind of hot." Ash can’t stop laughing. I’m bright red from embarrassment. Good lord, if she only knew.

"Hey bitches, party is here!” Sunny comes bursting into the room. He must have come in during Ash's laughing fit.

"Come on, Ash, let’s get the stuff ready for dinner." I pull her to her feet and drag her to the kitchen. As we pass Lucian, he playfully slaps my ass before kissing me hello.

We all pile in the kitchen to eat our tacos, and each makes a margarita. Then, I make another pitcher for the table—time to continue the campaign.