Chapter 1

Six Months Ago – MGM Grand Detroit Hotel

Cassy pressed her fingers against the cool glass window, staring at the breathtaking city lights below. “Oh my God,” she whispered. “I’ve never been in a five-star hotel before. This is beautiful.”

From behind, Bryan’s warm hands slid around her waist, pulling her gently into his embrace. His lips brushed against the side of her neck, sending a wave of heat down her spine.

Her breath caught.

The scent of his expensive cologne mixed with the intoxicating warmth of his skin, a lethal combination that made her lightheaded.

Every inch of her body was suddenly aware of him—too aware.

He turned her around slowly, his emerald-green eyes locking onto hers.

He handed her a glass of champagne.

“Drink.” His voice was smooth.

Cassy took a small sip, grateful for the distraction. .

Bryan tilted his head, studying her. “God, you’re beautiful.”

She swallowed hard, feeling heat rush to her cheeks. She could not hold his gaze.

He chuckled. “Are you shy?”

She nodded quickly.

A slow, knowing smirk tugged at his lips.

“Your father must be very rich,” she blurted, desperate to shift the conversation.

He leaned back slightly, sipping his own drink. “Yeah, he is.”

“Where is he now?” she asked, her voice steadier now.

Bryan sighed. “On a date with some gold digger who’s probably already planning what car she wants next.” He set his glass down, his piercing gaze trapping her again. “But enough about my dad.”

Cassy sucked in a breath.

Bryan set his glass on the table and took a slow step forward.

Instinctively, she stepped back.

Another step.

She stepped back again.

And then—her back hit the window.

A quiet gasp left her lips. She was trapped.

Bryan pressed his hands against the glass, caging her in. His body was so close.

“Won’t your mom look for you?” he asked softly.

Cassy forced herself to focus. “She’s out with her fiancé. She won’t be back anytime soon.”

Bryan smirked. “Good.”

Her stomach flipped.

How did she even get here?

One minute, she was walking to her friend’s house. The next, a sleek sports car pulled up, and this drop-dead gorgeous guy had flashed her a devastating smile, practically begging her to be his guide around the city.

Normal Cassy would have said no.

But something about Bryan pulled her in. It felt like gravity, like fate—like she was meant to know him.

And now?

Now she couldn’t breathe.

Bryan leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear. “Tell me about yourself, Cassy.”

His voice sent chills down her spine.

“There’s not much to tell,” she murmured. “I live with my mom. My dad left before I was born. It’s just been the two of us my whole life.”

Bryan hummed, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on the glass beside her head.

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

Cassy froze.

Her heart stuttered.

“Yes,” she admitted softly.

Bryan’s gaze darkened slightly. “But…?”

Her throat felt dry. “We’re not speaking right now.”

A slow smirk curved his lips. “What did he do?”

Cassy let out a shaky breath. “He… kissed another girl at a party.”

Bryan exhaled sharply, shaking his head.

“Did he at least have a good excuse?”

“He said he was drunk,” she whispered.

He let out a low, amused laugh. “Classic.”

His fingers found a loose strand of her hair, twirling it between his fingers. “So… are you gonna forgive him?”

Cassy swallowed. “Maybe. I don’t know.”

He leaned in—so close his lips nearly brushed hers. “Don’t forgive him.”

Her pulse skipped.

Then he smiled—really smiled—and it hit her like a wrecking ball.

How could anyone be this devastatingly beautiful?

How could someone she just met make her feel things she had never felt before?

“I want you,” Bryan whispered, his voice thick with hunger.

He cupped her face, tilting her chin up until their eyes met. “Can I have your permission?” he asked.

Cassy's heart slammed against her ribs.

She should stop this. She should.

But the word left her lips before she could think.

“Yes.”

Bryan didn’t hesitate. His lips crashed onto hers, stealing her breath.

Slow, deliberate, demanding—he kissed her like he owned her.

A moan escaped as his hands tangled in her hair, pulling her closer.

His tongue teased, tasted, claimed.

And she let him.

When he finally pulled away, Cassy gasped, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

She was trembling.

“You’re delicious,” he murmured, lips grazing her ear. “I can’t control myself.”

His fingers trailed down her arm, slow, deliberate.

“You can run,” he whispered against her neck. “This is your only chance.”

Cassy’s body begged to stay. Her mind screamed to run.

She didn’t move.

Didn’t want to.

Bryan smirked. “Good girl,” he murmured before claiming her mouth again.

This time, the kiss was deep, hungry—a silent demand. Cassy gripped his shoulders, grounding herself as his hands wandered, tracing fire down her skin.

Then—his fingers slipped beneath her dress.

She gasped, thighs parting instinctively as his touch teased, explored, then pressed firmly, igniting a slow, aching burn. A moan caught in her throat as his fingers found her heat, stroking in lazy circles.

“Already so wet for me,” he murmured, voice thick with approval.

Her breathing hitched. The fire built—higher, tighter—until—

He stopped.

Cassy whimpered, her body throbbing with need.

Bryan chuckled darkly. “Not yet.”

Before she could protest, he lifted her onto the bed, stripping away his clothes with deliberate slowness. Her breath hitched as he stood bare before her—strong, commanding, devastatingly male.

With trembling hands, she shed her dress, her lingerie following in a whisper of fabric.

Bryan’s gaze darkened. “You fascinate me,” he murmured before pressing her down, his weight delicious against her.

His mouth found her skin—teasing, tormenting—until she was trembling beneath him, his name a breathless plea.

Then—he claimed her.

A sharp gasp, a deep stretch—pure, consuming pleasure.

She would never forget this. Not in a week. Not in a lifetime.

A Painful Goodbye

The drive was silent.

By the time they reached her house, Bryan pulled up to the driveway and got out, opening her door like he hadn’t just spent the night ruining her.

They walked to the doorstep, the weight of unspoken words heavy between them.

“So… I guess this is goodbye,” he said.

Cassy nodded. They had always known this wouldn’t last.

“You know, Hidden Pines isn’t that far,” he murmured.

“No.” Her voice wavered. “You’re from a different world. Besides… I have a boyfriend.”

Bryan studied her, then smiled—a sad, knowing smile.

“Maybe you’re right. But maybe, one day, I’ll see you again.”

He kissed her, soft and lingering—then turned and walked away.

Cassy stood frozen as his car disappeared into the night, her heart sinking.

He was gone.

And he would only ever be a reckless, forbidden memory.

The Shock of a Lifetime

The reception buzzed with laughter, clinking glasses, and the scent of roses. Betty glowed in her wedding gown, but Cassy barely paid attention.

Her mother’s fifth wedding. Another stepfather. Another disaster waiting to happen.

Especially with him—Hugo’s arrogant, condescending son, the one who forced her mom to sign a prenup.

And from what Hugo had said, Bryan wasn’t even coming. He hated this marriage.

But then—

Hugo’s phone rang.

Everyone turned as he answered, his expression shifting from shock to excitement.

“Bryan just landed—he’s on his way!”

Cassy’s stomach twisted. Great. The spoiled brat was coming after all.

And then—the doors swung open.

Hugo beamed. “Bryan! You’re here!”

Cassy turned, ready to glare at the rich snob—

And her world stopped.

Because standing there, breathtakingly infuriating as ever—Was Bryan.

Her Bryan.

The same Bryan who had kissed her, touched her, made her feel things she still couldn’t forget.

No. No. No.

“Cassy,” Hugo said proudly, oblivious to her horror. “Meet my son, Bryan.”

Her stepbrother.

Her mind reeled—until Hugo dropped one last bombshell.

“He’s seventeen, just like you.”

Seventeen?!

She had thought he was older.

But before she could even process it, Bryan looked straight at her—And snubbed her.

No smirk. No recognition. Nothing.

As if their night together had never happened.

Cassy’s fists clenched.

Oh, hell no.