Forever Loved (Forever Lost Book 2) (3 page)

They eventually moved into the living room, where Cassie showed him the photographs of the renovations she’d done to the theater, and of Hanna’s recent visit with her daughter, Sandi. He seemed to enjoy seeing the happily captured moments for himself, and stopped her when Cassie went to put the albums away.

“I want to see more,” he said, looking at the shelf, which had three more volumes on it.

“There aren’t any more. Those albums are empty. I bought them because I know I’m going to make lots of new memories, and those are the ones I want to capture forever.”

“We can make them together.” He smiled, looking up at her tenderly in the dim light. Cassie leaned down and placed a gentle kiss against Leo’s lips, and adored it that he didn’t press her into him to deepen it, he just let the softness be. They let the delicate kiss go on for a while, and Cassie liked how tender he was being with her. He’d been a true gentleman when she’d needed him to be after they’d first met, and seemed to be doing it again without her even needing to ask. It was marvelous how in control he was of his once so domineering sexual prowess, and she appreciated the chance to take things slower.

After she pulled back and relaxed into her seat, Leo excused himself and headed to the bathroom, leaving Cassie alone with her thoughts. She wanted to push away every doubt and fear and enjoy this reunion in the most wonderful way she could imagine, naked and between her sheets with this man—her man.

The last person she’d had sex with had been Victor. He’d forced her down and fucked her, while Leo had watched from the shadows. At the time, she’d had no idea he was there simply biding time until the police arrived. She’d thought he was there to watch Victor force himself on her for some sick thrill, but had gotten it all so profoundly wrong. He’d watched to save her, to protect her. Leo had taken charge of her fate that night, and ensured her freedom come the end.

Raw, unadulterated heat swept over her body, and Cassie pulled off her jacket. Regardless of how demoralizing that experience had been, just minutes after Victor had finished taking her, she’d murdered him in cold blood. Strangely, that memory didn’t bring with it fear. Instead, it brought her an animalistic desire to feel that power again.

As her blazer hit the floor, Cassie quickly set about sending the rest of her clothes cascading to the ground around her feet. When she was standing buck naked, she grabbed Leo’s jacket and slid it over her skin. She loved how it was so big it hung off her, and how it smelled of him.

Doubt flared inside. Was this right? Was she rushing things? Both sides of the argument were buzzing through her mind so loudly that it took her a moment to realize she was no longer alone.

“What are you doing?” Leo asked from right beside Cassie’s ear and she sucked in a breath. His voice was so low, deep, and gruff. Full of desire and passion. “I asked you a question,” he growled, and Cassie was immediately reminded of their one and only night together so very long ago. She’d given herself to him at last, but only after he’d taken the lead, and Cassie knew she needed that from him again. She needed for Leo to push her over that cliff she knew she would teeter on forever if he left her there.

“I wanted to feel something of yours against my skin,” she replied, her voice breathy and ragged.

“Take it off,” he demanded, and grabbed at the collar from behind before sliding the jacket down her arms and to the ground. Leo took a sharp intake of breath at the sight of her nakedness and then gripped her bare shoulders in his hands, pulling her into him, and Cassie could feel his need pressing against her ass from inside his pants. “Tell me what you want, Cassie. Tell me everything you want me to do to you.”

“I want you, Leo. I want you to own me.” Cassie was shocked at her words. After forcing herself to submit to Victor, here she now was, asking for exactly the same thing from Leo. She’d promised herself she’d never let a man possess her in that way ever again, but now she wanted nothing more than for him to take every inch of her body and claim it for his own.

Cassie reached back and gripped Leo’s waist with her tiny hands, pulling him even closer. “I want you to take away the pain of the past and leave me with only you, Leo. Will you do that for me?”

“Abso-fucking-lutely,” he replied, and nibbled her earlobe as his hands slid down to her voluptuous breasts. He traced circles around her already hardened nipples before gripping each tightly and massaging them into soft peaks of heightened sensitivity. Leo then answered her unspoken pleas for more as he turned Cassie to face him and captured one of the tender buds in his mouth. He fell to his knees, trailing his kisses over her belly and down to her bare mound. “This is mine, Cassie. Do you understand?” She nodded profusely.

“I’ll die before I let another man touch me ever again,” she promised, and cried out when Leo’s tongue lapped at the already throbbing bead atop her thighs. She didn’t care about her scars, or her old hang-ups. She didn’t care that he might still be one of the bad guys. All Cassie cared about was her violent need to become Leo’s one and only—forever. It’d kill her if he let her go again, she just knew it. She wouldn’t survive having her heart broken again, but she let all of that fear go. Trust was the only thing she could cling to. Cassie knew she had to learn to trust Leo before they could even begin to find their way, and she would start right now.

Her hands fisted in his hair, pulling him closer to her aching core, and he groaned in response. He nibbled at her clit and then thrust two fingers inside her soaking body. Years of pent-up emotion came flooding out of her when she came, and Cassie’s knees gave out. Luckily, Leo was ready to catch her, and he lifted her straight into his powerful arms.

“I’ve got you, Cassie. I’ll always be here to catch you,” he promised, kissing her neck as he laid her down on the sofa. He climbed over her, still fully dressed, and continued his kisses while his hands roved over every inch of her body.

Cassie made quick work of the buttons on Leo’s shirt, and her hands were at his belt before he could even finish pulling it off. She was desperate to feel him inside of her, and craved the stretching resistance she knew she’d feel to his presence within. It was a welcome end to her chaste life since leaving the States, and the anticipation was driving her wild.

With his pants around his ankles, Cassie lifted her hips and guided his rock-hard cock inside. She didn’t care about anything other than getting her fix of him, and Leo immediately began thrusting hard. He was like a man possessed, seemingly on a mission to claim her as well, and it wasn’t long before he pulled himself free and came on her belly.

“I’m sorry, love. I couldn’t hold on. It’s been so long,” he groaned, kicking off his boxer shorts, which he used to clean her up with. Cassie laughed, grinning up at him. She didn’t care in the slightest, and knew they’d be going again within minutes. She guessed they both should’ve known their first time back together would be frantic and over too quickly. The suppressed sexual tension that had built up for years wouldn’t take its time to release, and she loved that they’d had to have one another in such an animalistic way.

“All I care about is having you with me again,” she whispered, kissing him deeply and pulling him back into her embrace. His body melted into hers. Their lips collided, and as soon as he was ready again, Leo slid inside her wet opening without any need for her to ask. He thrust into her slowly this time, watching her as he moved, and Cassie surrendered to the sweet passion with a greed for him she couldn’t hide. She felt whole at last.

Cassie burned for him, hotter and hotter, until a climax exploded out of her and she saw stars. When she opened her eyes again, she saw how Leo had climbed up into a push-up position so he could watch her as she surrendered to her ecstasy. He grinned, but shook his head when she grabbed his forearms and tried to pull him back down against her.

Leo then reached down and lifted her hips up off the sofa, his eyes roving over her body as he made love to her, and he pressed himself deeper into Cassie’s still throbbing core, taking his time while she continued to unravel beneath him. He watched every slow, sensuous thrust, and bit his lip.

“You’re so beautiful,” he sighed, stroking her clit with his fingertip, and she bucked in response to his touch against her sensitive bead. “I want to watch you take me all night, love. I need to see this perfection,” he said, before finally leaning back down to give Cassie a deep, longing kiss.

“I’m far from perfect, Leo,” she mumbled, finding it hard that he could love what she still considered to be a mutilated body.

“Perfect. Even if you don’t see it, you’re absolutely fucking flawless, Cassie. I love you,” he whispered in her ear, nibbling his way down to her throat and back up to her swollen lips. “I’m never leaving you again, baby. Never, ever.” He thrust deep and emptied into her, shuddering and panting for breath when he was finally spent.

Cassie let a tear escape her eye and fall down her temple into her hair, but it wasn’t a sad tear, it was the happiest one she’d ever shed in all her life.

Chapter Three

Leo didn’t leave Cassie’s apartment until three days later. They simply couldn’t give each other up, and blocked out the world while they reconnected again, both physically and emotionally. Leo pushed every one of his meetings back, and she ignored her calls for as long as she could, but they knew the time was coming when they’d have to be apart again. The bittersweet knowledge that he’d always come back made it easier for her to let him go, though, and Cassie couldn’t hide her constant smile.

Cassie flushed, thinking back to all their hot and steamy antics, and she felt bad for having ignored the world outside. They’d had no choice other than to let their hearts and bodies become one in the only way they could, through pure and endless love. Letting him see her naked after so long took some getting used to, especially seeing as they’d only actually spent one night together after months of dating and tiptoeing around her hang-ups when they were together before. Even with everything that’d happened between them, the scars from her first husband’s frenzied and addiction-fueled attack made her hate her body. Her dominative second husband had helped cure her of her insecurities regarding those scars, but by sheer force more than compassion. Through Victor, she’d lost her modesty, but not her fear, and it was hard letting go, even for Leo.

She hadn’t had much luck when it came to men, but she hoped her luck might just be about to change. She had Leo back and their whole setup was far different to how it’d once been. Neither of them had the upper hand, except where the other let them, and she saw it as the fresh start they both desperately needed.

She also had a new man, and friend, in her life—Roger. Despite Cassie’s regular text messages informing him that she was okay, he’d turned up halfway through the second day to check on her, and she felt her cheeks burn at the memory of him finding them the way he had. He was furious at her for not having kept him properly up to date, but after seeing her happy face, it was clear he couldn’t stay mad. He’d simply reminded her to answer her calls in future, and went on his way again. It’d seemed as if he didn’t want to be the one to burst their happy bubble and she’d been grateful for his discretion.

“What’s next for us?” Cassie asked as she watched Leo pulling on the only clothes he had at her apartment—his suit from the night of the play. She knew he had to go. He had his empire to get set up, and had already kept his associates waiting long enough, but it didn’t make it any easier contemplating spending the rest of the day alone. Cassie had already decided to touch base with Siobhan and Roger, though. They’d overseen the aftermath of the theater’s opening night for her, and she owed them both an explanation as well as a huge thank you.

“Everything,” Leo replied with a wide smile. He leaned down onto the bed and kissed Cassie with everything he had, driving her wild. She was tender, satiated, and exhausted, but her body still responded to his kiss like it was the first time, and she had to force herself to rein it in. “The world’s our oyster, Cassie. I’m gonna do everything in my power to make you the happiest woman alive, I promise. I’ll die before I let anyone hurt you or take you away again.”

“You and me against the world?”

“Absolutely,” Leo agreed, sliding away and blowing her a kiss before he shut the door behind him. Cassie flopped back with a sigh, and could tell without even checking in the mirror that she had the cheesiest grin on her face.

***

“Let’s call it fifty grand and you’ve got a deal,” Leo offered the man sat opposite him, who, although he clearly hated accepting the low offer, accepted. Dennis Sampson, current owner of
Sampson’s Billiards Hall
, shuffled forward in his seat and stretched out his hand. Leo took it and grinned across at his aging companion. Not only had he finalized his first purchase of a casino that morning, but he’d also gotten wind of a certain pool-hall owner with some serious gambling debts owed to his newest establishment. Leo had then made a point of visiting Mr. Sampson in person to discuss the full repayment. He didn’t want to inherit bad debtors after all, so focused on cleaning up their balance sheets from the get-go.

As it happened, Dennis was so far under that his only option had been to sell Leo his business. The pool hall was worth a few hundred thousand pounds, minus his debt of course, so he was lucky to even have the opportunity to walk away with money in his pocket at all. “Don’t screw me over on this, Dennis, otherwise I’ll be visiting your home next time. What is it, two sons you’ve got?” he said, and Dennis paled as he gave a slight nod of his head. “Seeing as I’m in a good mood, you’ve got until the end of the week. Get your shit together, the paperwork signed, and leave my lawyer the keys. Got it?”

“Of course, Mr. Solomon. Thank you,” he replied, and squirmed in his seat. Leo had made it quite clear he wasn’t against sending in the heavies, and how he would be happy to teach Dennis a lesson with his fists if necessary. Although his days of whores and drugs were behind him, Leo figured there were only so many new tricks an old dog could learn.

In just one morning’s work, Leo knew he was already establishing himself in the city as someone not to be messed with, and he liked it. He’d had associates in London for years, as well as his extended family, so walking into his role as business mogul had been relatively easy, but he wasn’t going to waste a moment not enjoying his spoils. People all across the city had apparently heard of him and his US empire, and foolish nobodies like Dennis Sampson were already cowering before him, which Leo loved. According to his new right hand man and cousin, Brian, stories of his time spent as gangster-turned-crime-lord in prison had preceded him. Leo was the notorious drug-lord who’d taken on the Mexican cartel and won, and he knew he could use his notoriety to his advantage.

He left the pool-hall and climbed into his new ride. His wheels were a flashy black sports car with every added extra, and more than a fair share of horses under the bonnet. Leo’s days of being driven around by his men might be behind him for now, but he was going to enjoy the in-between time with another of his new toys.

“Brian, have the manager in my office waiting for me, will you?” Leo barked into his cell phone as he parked in the lot behind his new casino. He was eager to show his new employees he meant business, but that he was also approachable. Brian had been there all morning, and had made sure everything was already set up for his sit-down with the manager, Stuart Smith.

“Sure thing, boss. I’ll grab him now,” his steady voice replied via his hands-free speakers, and Leo ended the call without another word.

Although he was family, Brian was still a relative stranger after all Leo’s years spent in the States, and it’d still be a while until he was more comfortable with the guy. For now, though, his cousin was the closest thing he had to a trustworthy ally, so he’d have to do.

Leo locked up and headed inside, keeping a watchful eye on everything going on around the lobby area of what would soon be renamed
Solomon’s Casino and Bar.
He nodded to the reception staff, and had to laugh when one of the women went to stop him as he pressed the button to call the elevator reserved only for management. Her colleague shushed her and whispered in her ear, clearly informing the young woman that he was the new boss. The poor girl went a deep shade of crimson, and Leo found himself amused by it all the way up to his new office.

“Mr. Smith, it’s a pleasure to meet you in person at last,” Leo said as he came inside, and Stuart started, but quickly stood to greet him. “I get that there will have to be a transitional period, but know this—I’m no fool. I understand this business better than anyone. Do not teach me to suck eggs and never lie to me,” he added, taking his seat.

“Absolutely not, Mr. Solomon,” Stuart replied shakily. “I would never,” he began, but halted when Leo raised a hand for him to stop. He wasn’t interested in Stuart’s ass-kissing routine. In fact, he’d only said it because he wanted to deliver a warning to his new employee right from the start.
Let it be known, you do not fuck with Leonardo Solomon,
he thought with a smile.

“Tell me about this place. Do you have any issues with the staff? What repairs or updates are required? I need specifics.” Leo went straight into figuring out his new establishment from the inside out, and Stuart seemed shocked that he was even interested.

“Most other owners haven’t bothered learning my name, let alone cared about the rest of the employees,” he said, his eyes widening. “Since before I took over, the owner’s office has only ever been used once a month for financial meetings, nothing more.” Leo couldn’t tell if Stuart appreciated his promise of a more regular presence or not, but he didn’t care. This office was going to be his daily base of operations from now on, regardless of whether his manager and the others were used to things working that way.

“Well, that’s not how I like to run my business. I’ll be using this office every day, so get used to seeing me around. You’re welcome to come in and speak with me about anything, anytime,” Leo said, dangling the proverbial carrot after his initial threat. “But I want to know everything about everything first, understand? No cutting corners. If someone fucks up, including you, they need to come clean right away or they’re out. I’ve no time for weakness.”

Stuart paled at Leo’s harsh words, but then sat taller in his seat, clearly appreciating his chance to be heard by the new boss. He proceeded to tell Leo all the ins and outs of his new venture, the positive and negative, as well as outlining the members of staff who he’d had his eye on for one reason or another. Leo wrote notes the entire time, staying quiet while Stuart spoke.

“And lastly, there’s Suzie, the barmaid and receptionist,” he said, his expression turning darker. “She’s a fucking tease. All short skirts and smiles, and she isn’t a team player. I’ve had to keep her late numerous times for not doing her share of the work.”

Leo stared at his employee, reading between the lines, and he didn’t like what he found. He considered himself quite an expert at reading people. In fact, it was one of the ways he’d survived so long in a profession most ordinary guys would only last five-minutes in. If a predatory manager was exploiting his employees, he wasn’t against using every tool in his box of tricks to nip it in the bud. Having spent years taking care of his girls back in New York, he knew exactly how to handle situations where men thought it was acceptable to take advantage. The location and type business he was in had changed, but Leo could still bring out the big guns if necessary.

“Now then, Stu. You wouldn’t be trying to get this girl into trouble would you? I wonder if perhaps she wasn’t interested in showing you personally just how much she wanted to keep her job, am I close?” he asked coolly, his dark brown eyes boring into his employees. “I don’t want to walk in here and find a sexual harassment case on my hands.”

“No, of course not!” Stuart’s voice was a little too high-pitched to be the whole truth. “She won’t be any trouble, I’m sure. I was just making you aware.”

Leo slammed his hand down on his desk and stood, making Stuart jump.

“Very well then, let’s go and you can introduce me to everyone,” he told him, walking out into the hall, and his eager new helper quickly followed.
Here boy, be good and you’ll get a treat,
Leo joked to himself, but also had to admit he enjoyed having his new lackey hot on his heels.

Leo spent the next few hours meeting the staff and memorizing their faces and names. He chatted with them all in relaxed and calm tones, ensuring they felt comfortable with him as a first impression, but he also ensured he let them know he wasn’t going to put up with any nonsense. It went well, and by the end of his first afternoon, Leo already knew he was going to enjoy having a busy new project to focus on. He began making plans for gala events and other revenue enhancers, and his mind wandered over which other businesses might be worth his money and effort now that he was finally back in the swing of things. London was his now, and Leo was planning on taking her for everything she had to offer him.

***

Cassie spent her entire day catching up with the reviews and follow-ups from their opening night, and was overwhelmed by the positive response to both the play and her theater. The playwright, Alex, had left her a basket filled with gifts as a thank you for helping his dream become such a success, and she beamed as she opened them. He’d been incredibly observant and had given Cassie a bottle of the perfume she wore every day, some posh wine, a stunning silver necklace from her favorite jeweler, and a gift card for a massage at an amazing Thai place around the corner from the theater. They were each the sorts of things she’d treat herself to here and there, but he’d chosen them all with such care and attention to detail that she simply had to ring him up and thank him profusely. They’d both been in tears by the end of the call, and she loved how she had only cried happy tears in such a long time.

Siobhan skipped in and out of her office with messages, coffee, and even a fresh baguette at lunch when she’d lost all track of time. Cassie had to admit, she enjoyed being busy. It stopped her thinking of Leo too much, and helped calm her overwrought thoughts about how scarily wonderful it was to have him back in her life. She’d worked hard to stop the nightmares from creeping back in the past year, and the worry from invading her everyday thoughts and emotions, but now that Leo was back she had a whole new set of fears to add to her already huge load. She wasn’t scared of him, but was frightened to lose him. Cassie was terrified that he might change his mind or find someone new, and a huge part of her wanted to turn full-blown stalker and find out everything about his new life in London in order to try and settle those worries.