Ambergris Locakboxes Traveled Salt Routes by Hugh Calder 41

Chapter Forty–One: Tell Him You Want To Fuck Him.

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Everything around Cassienne felt unreal, as though time itself had slowed down just to mock her. The music in the background became distant, the laughter faded, and even the lights in the room seemed too bright. For a moment, she could only hear the loud beating of her own heart.

Dreston was holding her.

Not just holding her–he was holding her tightly and protectively, as though she was the most important person in his life. One of his hands was firmly around her waist, the other steadying her shoulder. Cassienne could feel the warmth of his body through the thin fabric of her dress, and that alone made her head spin.

What shocked her even more was her own reaction.

Her hands were pressed flat against his chest, gripping his shirt like she was afraid of falling again. Her fingers curled instinctively, clinging to him without thought or shame. It was only when her mind finally caught up with her body that embarrassment crashed into her like a wave.

This was wrong.

Very wrong.

They were divorced. They were supposed to be strangers now. Yet here she was, pressed against him, breathing the same air, staring into the same familiar grey eyes that once ruled her entire world.

Their eyes locked.

For a few seconds, neither of them moved. Dreston looked stunned, almost frozen, as if he had forgotten where he was. Cassienne saw something in his eyes that made her chest tighten–confusion, longing, and something dangerously close to regret.

Her heart betrayed her again.

Just like that, memories rushed back. Late nights. Silent dinners. The way she once waited for him to notice her. The man she loved for years was standing right in front of her, holding her as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

She hated herself for how much she wanted to stay right there.

Then a sharp, bitter voice cut through the moment.

“Aren’t you shameless?”

Tina.

The single word shattered the illusion.

Cassienne blinked, reality rushing back all at once. Heat flooded her face as she suddenly became aware of where she was and how she looked. People were staring at them. They had been staring the whole time.

She pulled herself together and spoke, her voice came out steady.

“Thanks. You can let go now.”

Dreston stiffened as if he had just realized what he was doing. His hands loosened immediately, though he made sure she was steady on her feet before fully stepping back. His concern was obvious, written clearly on his face.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly.

Chapter Forty–One Tell Him You Wont To Fuck Him

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His voice was gentle. Cassienne recognised that tone. It almost hurt to hear it again.

Cassienne nodded quickly. “Yes. I’m fine.

She forced herself to step back completely, creating distance between them. Her eyes moved around the table, and that was when she noticed everyone watching her in open shock. Some looked curious. She was sure they had questions. Then her gaze landed on Corren.

He was staring at her, his expression dark and unreadable.

Something about that look made her uncomfortable. No–worse than uncomfortable. It made her chest tighten. She didn’t understand why his reaction mattered to her at all, but it did.

Before she could say anything else, Tina stepped forward, her face twisted with anger.

“May I remind you,” Tina snapped, “that he is no longer married to you? You have no right to act like this—”

“All of this would not have happened,” Cassienne interrupted calmly, “if you didn’t intentionally bump into me, Tina.”

The room went quiet.

Cassienne’s voice wasn’t loud, but it carried a lot of weight. Tina’s mouth fell open in shock.

“So please,” Cassienne continued, her tone controlled, “take your drama elsewhere. No one here cares for it.”

Tina looked as though she had been slapped.

“And for the record,” Cassienne added, her eyes flicking briefly to Dreston, “I didn’t ask him to save me. But I’m glad he did. At least he did something commendable this time.”

That was it.

She didn’t wait for anyone’s response. She turned away from both of them and walked back to her table, her head held high even though her heart was racing. The only available seat was beside Corren, and she sat down quietly.

Dreston remained standing.

He didn’t speak, and he didn’t move. His eyes followed Cassienne as she took her seat next to another man. Only then did realization hit him fully.

Cassienne worked at Coralreach.

The thought stunned him. It had never crossed his mind. Merrick must have been the one who brought her in. Without a word, Dreston turned and walked away, his bodyguards following him closely.

He didn’t even look at Tina.

Tina stood there, shocked and humiliated. She glared at Cassienne one last time before storming off after him.

Cassienne took a deep breath and turned back to her team.

“I’m sorry for that little drama,” she said sincerely. “And I’m sorry for coming late. Please forgive me.”

Becca, already tipsy, leaned forward with a grin. “Miss Rhodes, you are amazing. Do you know that man is one of the hottest men in Southvale? I think he likes you.”

Daisy burst into laughter. “Oh please, shut up, Becca. That hot man was Cassienne’s-”

Chapter Forty One Tell Him You Want To Fuck Him

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Merrick moved fast, slapping Daisy lightly on the cheek before she could finish.

“Ouch!” Daisy protested, rubbing her face.

Cassienne smiled softly, understanding what Merrick had just prevented. Merrick smiled back and winked at her.

“Mia Rhodes, you’re beautiful,” Matthew said boldly. “That woman earlier was just jealous.

Cassienne smiled politely, but Matthew wasn’t done.

“If you don’t have a boyfriend, Miss Rhodes, I’m interested.”

Becca slapped the back of his head.

“Ouch!”

“Stop talking nonsense,” she scolded.

Corren shot Matthew a sharp glare, a silent warning. Then he cleared his throat.

“Alright, everyone,” Corren said firmly. “Now that Cassienne is here, let the celebration begin.”

Champagne was poured. Merrick raised his glass.

“To another win and a beautiful beginning.”

Everyone echoed the toast and drank.

Gradually, the tension eased. Laughter finally returned and the atmosphere became lively again. Some people decided to dance, while the others talked in groups. Cassienne sat quietly, listening to Merrick talk about work, but her eyes kept drifting to Corren.

He hadn’t said much since she arrived.

Was he upset? Angry? Or was she imagining things?

Finally, she turned to him.

“Mr Thornwyck?”

“Yes, Miss Rhodes?” Corren turned his gaze on her.

“Is there a problem?” she asked gently.

Corren raised one brow. “Is Miss Rhodes concerned about me?” He let out a small smirk.

Her cheeks warmed instantly. Before she could respond, Daisy suddenly leaned forward.

“Cassienne,” Daisy slurred, “don’t be shy. Just tell him you want to fuck him.”

The world stopped.

Everyone froze.

Cassienne’s mouth opened in shock. Corren’s eyes widened in disbelief. And Merrick? Merrick shot Daisy a warning glare.

“Daisy!”

Daisy shrugged. “I only told the truth. Cassienne wants to live. She doesn’t want a relationship. Corren does. It’s

Chapter Forty–One Tell Him You Want To Fuck Him

simple.”

If the ground could open and swallow her, Cassienne would gladly step into it.

The silence that followed was thick and unbearable.

And just like that, everything changed.

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