Warm light filtered through her curtains, painting Savannah's ceiling in soft gold as she lay still, letting the quiet of the morning wrap around her like a fragile shield. For once, she didn't wake to dread or tangled thoughts. Just calm.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. Savannah blinked against the light, reaching for it. The name on her screen brought a rush of something she didn't want to define.
Cassian Virelli
His message was longer than usual, but she read every word slowly, like it was something sacred.
>Morning, beautiful. I booked us a table at Solstice for lunch, private rooftop, best view of the city. I miss you. And I couldn't resist… I had something made for you. You'll have it soon. You'll look like the goddess you are. I can't wait to see you.
Her lips curved Into a real smile, the kind she hadn't felt in days.
>You're dangerous, you know that? I should be furious with you.
But somehow you always know how to pull me back in.
His reply came almost immediately.
>I only want to pull you closer. Can't wait to see you in that dress.
A knock on her door around eleven pulled her from her thoughts. The driver stood there, polite, holding a black garment bag.
"For you, Miss Quinn From Mr. Virelli."
She accepted it, fingers already itching to unzip it.
Inside was the dress. A gold slip of silk so soft it felt like water beneath her hands. The fabric caught the light with every shift, promising to cling completely to her body. High slit, delicate straps, low back and seductive elegance.
"Wow, Cassian…" she whispered, holding it against herself in the mirror.
She let herself enjoy the ritual of getting ready, the scalding shower that chased away sleep, the slow glide of lotion over her skin. She chose soft waves for her hair, swept over one shoulder. Minimal makeup, just enough to highlight the glow she felt when she thought of him.
When the dress finally slipped over her head and settled against her skin, Savannah barely recognized the woman staring back. She looked untouchable.
Cassian waited outside Solstice, the city breeze ruffling his dark hair. Black pants hugged his hips perfectly, his white shirt unbuttoned, his sleeves were rolled to his forearms, the casual power of him making her heart skip.
His eyes darkened the second he saw her.
"Fuck," he breathed, closing the distance between them. "You're going to be the death of me."
"And you planned this," she teased, unable to help the blush creeping up her cheeks.
"Every second."
The rooftop was theirs alone. Soft breeze carried the scent of wildflowers planted in minimalist beds along the perimeter.
They barely noticed the server who brought their champagne and the menus.
Cassian leaned in, hands wrapped around his glass but eyes fixed only on her. "Tell me. Are you okay?"
Savannah hesitated, fighting the lump in her throat. "Not really. But I don't want to talk about it right now. I don't want to ruin this."
Respect flashed in his gaze. "Alright. We won't talk about it."
So they didn't. Instead, they spoke of simpler things. Savannah vented about the endless string of meetings she'd had to sit through, decisions about partnerships, annoying executives who wouldn't stop second-guessing her plans. Cassian listened, truly listened, nodding, asking questions, sharing his own frustrations with board politics and tech deals gone sideways.
"We should trade lives for a day," she joked, sipping champagne.
"Wouldn't survive in yours," he said. "I'd end up in jail."
She laughed, warmth filling her chest at the ease between them.
When the meal ended, filet mignon for him, citrus-glazed salmon for her, Cassian wasn't ready to let her go.
"Let me take you shopping," he said, resting his hand over hers. "Let's just lose ourselves for a little while."
Savannah smiled. "Perfect! I've been needing it."
They roamed the boutiques, laughing as she tried on everything from pantsuits to dresses. Cassian insisted on paying, ignoring her protests. He picked out jewelry, ran his fingers over fabrics before urging her into fitting rooms.
"You're going to spoil me," she warned.
"I want to," he said simply, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Bags piled up. They ended up at a cozy café inside the mall, sharing Boba tea, his thumb tracing circles on her wrist.
"Let me take you home," he said when they finished. "Please."
And she let him.
Her apartment glowed in the low light of evening. Cassian set the bags down and turned to her.
"You needed this today," he said, stepping closer, fingers brushing the strap of her dress.
"I needed you," she admitted, voice soft.
His mouth found hers, deep. His hands slipped beneath the gold silk, pulling it up and over her head, letting it fall forgotten to the floor.
"Fuck," he groaned, eyes drinking in every inch of her. "Look at you."
Her fingers tugged his shirt free, unbuttoning it with shaky hands, desperate for skin on skin. When it was gone, she kissed his chest, tasted salt and heat, felt his shiver beneath her mouth.
Cassian lifted her effortlessly, laying her on the bed, settling between her thighs. His lips trailed fire across her neck, down to her breasts, tongue teasing her nipple until she arched into him.
"Cassian…" she gasped, nails scraping lightly down his back.
"Say it again."
"Cassian."
He slid into her in an aching thrust, filling her completely. His breath hitched against her throat as he held still for a moment, savoring it.
"Fuck, Savannah…"
They moved together, every stroke drawing them tighter, closer, until there was nothing but heat, skin, need. He kissed her like he was drowning, like she was the air he craved. His hands roamed everywhere, hips, thighs, the curve of her back, like he couldn't get enough.
She came first, his name on her lips like a mantra. He followed with a curse, burying his face against her neck, trembling with the force of it.
They stayed tangled like that, hearts pounding in sync, his fingers in her hair, hers tracing lazy circles on his shoulder.
"I needed this so much," she whispered.
"Me too," Cassian said, kissing her forehead, her cheek, her lips. "You have no idea." And sleep found them still wrapped around each other.