Ambergris Locakboxes Traveled Salt Routes by Hugh Calder 142
Chapter One Hundred And Forty–Two: Finish What We Started.
It was Saturday morning. Everywhere in Dreston’s mansion looked peaceful.
Inside, beneath the cream–colored duvet, two bodies lay tangled in warmth.
Dreston’s arm was wrapped firmly around Cassienne’s waist, his palm resting possessively against the curve of her hip. And his other hand rested behind the back of her head.
Cassienne’s face pressed against his chest, as though she had found her safest place in the world.
Her leg was lazily draped over his thigh. And his chin rested against her hair.
They looked less like a couple pretending for the sake of her mother and more like two people who had forgotten how to exist without touching.
Cassienne stirred. A soft breath escaped her lips as consciousness returned slowly. She shifted slightly, and immediately felt the solid warmth around her.stomach.
Dreston tightened his hold instinctively, as if afraid she would disappear if he didn’t.
“Mmm…” he murmured sleepily, burying his face into her hair.
Cassienne smiled faintly.
“Good morning,” she whispered.
He didn’t reply immediately. Instead, he pressed a slow kiss to her temple.
Then another. And another.
“Dreston…” she warned lightly.
His voice was rough with sleep. “It’s Saturday.”
“And?”
“And I refuse to let my wife get out of this bed.”
She rolled her eyes, but she was smiling.
“Your wife has somewhere to be,”
He opened one eye lazily. “Cancel it.”
“I can’t.”
He tightened his arm again and rolled her gently onto her back so he could settle in between her legs properly.
Her hair was slightly messy from sleep. He brushed a strand away from her cheek.
“You’re beautiful like this,” he said softly, pressing himself on her, forcing a moan out of her mouth.
“Dreston stop.”
“No, I want you.”
Cassienne’s heart fluttered against her will.
“Stop distracting me,” she muttered.
“Oh, I haven’t even started.”
Chapter One Hundred And Forty–Two Finish What We Started
+30 Bonus
Before she could react, he leaned down and kissed her. She melted for a moment. Then she remembered.
“Jessica,” she gasped, pulling back. “I promised her I’d attend her match.”
Dreston frowned faintly.
“That’s today?”
“Yes.”
He leaned down again, kissing the corner of her mouth. “You can still be late.”
“Dreston,” she laughed, pushing at his shoulders.
He ignored her and began kissing along her jawline, down to her neck.
“Five more minutes,” he bargained.
“You said that yesterday.”
“And it worked.”
She laughed again, the sound filling the quiet room like music.
Eventually, with considerable effort, she slipped out of his hold and sat up.
Dreston groaned dramatically.
“This is cruelty.”
She stood and stretched lightly, the oversized sleep shirt sliding slightly along her thighs.
His eyes darkened. But Cassienne saw his plan.
“Don’t even think about it,” she warned.
“I wasn’t thinking,” he replied smoothly. “I was admiring.”
She threw him a look and headed toward the bathroom, and he followed behind her.
Of course he did.
Inside the bathroom, they brushed their teeth side by side at the marble vanity, bumping shoulders occasionally. Dreston deliberately leaned closer than necessary.
Cassienne tried to stay focused, but every time she glanced at him in the mirror, she found him staring at her instead.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” she mumbled, toothbrush still in her mouth.
He shrugged. “I’m memorizing you.”
She nearly choked on her toothpaste.
After rinsing, she reached for the shower controls. Dreston stepped in first.
“No,” she said immediately.
“Yes.”
“No.”
He pulled her gently into him before she could protest, trapping her lightly between him and the sink.
Chapter One Hundred And Forty–Two. Finish What We Started
+30 Bonus
“Dreston…”
His hands slid to her waist again.
“You can’t keep running away from me,” he murmured.
“I’m not running,” she insisted.
“You are.”
“I have somewhere to be.”
He kissed her again, deeper this time, hands roaming the delicate parts of her body, enough to make her knees weaken.
Her resistance wasn’t because she didn’t want him. It was because she wanted him too much. And if she didn’t stop now, she would forget the time entirely.
She pushed at his chest, breathless.
“You are impossible.”
“And you love it.”
She bit her lip, and he noticed it. They were both on fire. But before he could escalate things further, she used a strategic move- she turned the shower fully on, sending a spray of cold water in his direction.
He yelped.
“Cassienne!”
She burst into laughter and darted out of his reach.
“Out!” she ordered, pointing to the door.
“You’re evil.”
“Out!”
Reluctantly, very reluctantly, he stepped out of the bathroom, shaking his head.
“You owe me,” he warned.
“We’ll negotiate later,” she called back.
Laughter filled the space between them.
–
An hour later, Cassienne stood before the mirror fully dressed.
She chose something simple but striking, high–waisted black fitted jeans, a soft white silk blouse tucked in neatly, and a cropped tailored blazer in deep emerald green. Her hair was styled into a sleek low ponytail, elegant yet practical.
Minimal jewelry like a confident woman.
When she stepped out of the dressing area, Dreston was already dressed, charcoal trousers and a fitted navy knit shirt that
accentuated his frame.
He paused when he saw her.
“You’re going to steal the spotlight at that arena,” he said.
She smiled. “I’m just a guest.”
Chapter One Hundred And Forty- Two Finish What We Started
“Not anymore.”
He walked closer and adjusted her blazer collar gently, fingers lingering just a second longer than necessary.
“You look incredible.”
She softened. “Thank you.”
He kissed her forehead, restraining himself this time. “Be careful,” he added quietly.
She understood what he meant. Ever since her identity was revealed, public appearances were no longer simple.
“I will.”
As she picked up her bag, he caught her hand briefly.
“Tonight,” he said.
She raised a brow.
“We finish what you started this morning.”
Her cheeks warmed. “We’ll see.”
And he smirked.
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