Chapter 21: Flames

Cassandra raised her head in defiance. "I'll do what I want, so you have no right to tell me what to do. Now goodnight, Edward," she sarcastically said as she walked away, holding the door open for him.

He stared, his hand on the door.

look down at her "He's going to hurt you."

"No, you're the one causing me pain; please stop controlling my life," she muttered. He growled at her, grabbing her by the shoulders. "Fuck you, Cassandra, listen to me while I'm still in my mood," he said as Cassandra rolled her eyes at him, wanting to cry because she felt suffocated around him and was afraid of getting hurt again, afraid that if she let her guard down around Edward, he would end up hurting her.

He could not stop what he was about to do after seeing the tears in her eyes. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed his lips against hers.

He could hear her moan and feel her arms around his neck. He took it a step further because his woman was kissing him back.

His hand made the journey up her leg, his finger moving the cunt of her undies Over.

But then he came to a halt and pulled away. He wanted her, but he didn't want to take advantage of her when she was highly susceptible.

So he kissed her cheek and exited the room. As he returned to his room, he cursed himself, saying, "Why did I hold back, I'm such a fool."

Cassandra was gasping for air, her chest gasping for air. She was taken aback when he came to a halt and walked away. However, he was relieved that he did the right thing and withdrew. But she couldn't deny that she was wet and that her inner core was pulsing with desire for him.

The next day, they were all in the family room, with Akia painting, Maria watching, and Mrs. Consuelo reading the newspaper. When Mrs. Consuelo sighed loudly, everyone looked up. "I'm still sick, and I was supposed to go to the charity ball tonight, but I don't think I'll be able to make it."

"Then you must stay at home, mom," Edward said.

"Will you take my place, Edward?"

"You know I don't like going to those things, Mom," he complained.

"Oh, please, it would mean a lot to me if you came; someone needs to represent our family and express our gratitude for everything the sponsor has done."

He smiled as he looked at her. "All right, I'll try."

Mrs. Consuelo delightedly clapped her hands. "Thank you, honey, and Cassandra can accompany you."

Cassandra's face had turned pale, and everyone turned to look at her. "I can't," she said flatly.

Mrs. Consuelo spoke up, "Cassandra honey, please,"

Mrs. Consuelo added, "It's just not appropriate for Edward to go out without a date."

"I'm sure he'll find someone else to take," she replied, uncomfortable when she looked over at Edward, who was observing her with a smile on his face.

"It's way too late to ask someone now," Edward chuckled, "but it would help me out if you would decide to be my date," he said as their gazes met.

"I-I have nothing appropriate to wear to a luxurious event like that, so I'm sorry, I can't," she said, smirking at Edward as if she had gotten the better of him.

Mrs. Consuelo then requested that Maria hand her the phone. "Don't worry, honey. I had so many outfits delivered this noon, and you can choose one to dress up," the elderly lady said, smiling at her.

"No, I'm not going to let you do that," Cassandra said awkwardly. She glanced at Edward, who had returned her smirk with his own.

When Mrs. Consuelo set her mind to something, there was no holding back her. She turned and looked at Akia while on the phone, a hidden notification passing between them.

Cassandra later tried on the dresses that had been conveyed prior that day, and she and Akia decided on a white dress with spaghetti drawstring.

a low-cut peplum Sprinkled throughout is gemstone crystals. It also had a thigh-high slit up one side, she wore her hair down, and she wore gold earrings.

Akia held her mother's hand as she made her way downstairs to the family room, where everyone was waiting.

When Cassandra walked into the room, Edward stood up and let out a small gasp. His breath was taken away by her beauty. He could only stand there staring. "Oh Cassandra, my dear, you look so sexy and pretty," Mrs. Consuelo said. "Aren't you right, Edward?"

Cassandra flushed when she realized he was standing there looking at her. Even she admitted that she felt like a damsel in distress and looked captivating in the gown. She'd never dressed so lovely or elegantly before.

Edward approached her and took a position in front of her. "You look beautiful," he said.

After issuing strict orders to Akia to behave and listen to Maria and her grandma. Cassandra and Edward left for the party. When a car arrived to drive them, Edward opened up the door for Cassandra and then sat down next to her.

When he looked down and noticed her long and lean leg where the fabric of her dress had separated, his heart began to race. A set fire to his beasts and burned them. It was a battle not to put his hand on her leg. He yearned to taste her lips, to slip his hand through her gown and feel the heat between her legs.

Cassandra screamed, "Stop staring!"

Her irritated voice rang in his ears. "Stop staring what?" he inquired.

"Stop looking at my legs," Cassandra said, rolling her eyes at him.

"In my defense, I'm only looking at the one that's trying to show," he grinned.

"You know what I mean," she said, distancing because she didn't want him to see her face turn red. She could see the pleasure in his eyes and knew he desired her. Everyone except her desired him. But she was not going to give in to those feelings.

When Edward arrived at the party, he took her arm in his and started walking around, introducing her to some of the other guests. She started to notice how all the ladies were adoring him. Even though she was his date, they did not attempt to hide the fact that they were trying to hook up with him.

The women were also giving their dirty looks and sniggering at one another. She was aware that they were discussing her, but she chose to disregard them.

"Come on, let's dance," he said, holding out his hand and leading her onto the dance floor.

When he held her close to him, he could feel her heartbeat. Cassandra's fragrance was irresistible, and she only wore a hint of body spray. As he ran his finger over her back, her skin felt silken soft.

Cassandra shut her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder as they swayed to the slow intimate song playing. He was so close to her, his fingers tracing her bareback. She was unable to assist in the longing for Edward to return. She drew back, knowing she was on the verge of losing control. "I have to use the ladies' room."