Broken by Desire Read online

  “You take away my darkness.” He murmurs. His right hand gripping my wrists above my head. The brute strength of him restrains me. My body writhing under him, working to take every inch of him inside me. Everything inside me calms, I let go of my fears, my inhibitions. “You are mine now,” he claims me in that moment with his body and words. When he slams into me again, he takes me higher. My eyes fall on him and his face is peaceful, but dark. “Do you understand me Cassandra? I can’t be away from you, not when you make me feel like this.” Lucien’s voice laden with a dark lust I don’t recognize. I nod. My eyes on his, and my orgasm tightens my core. I clench around him, warning him. His devilish smirk appears and his dimples tug the knot in my belly. The green eyed bad boy claiming every part of me. His lips are next to my ear. “Come for me, sweetness, give me your light.” His words are my undoing as I tremble beneath him. His body tenses and is rigid as he comes inside me. An animalistic growl rumbles in his chest. We lay in comfortable silence for a few moments; my heart is pounding against my chest. That was... I have never felt like that with anyone. How can this man make me let go like that?

  “Lucien?” He lifts his head, looking into my eyes with passion. “We may need to get up now.” My voice is barely audible.

  “I wish I could stay inside you all day.” He plants a soft kiss on my lips, rolling over and slipping out of me. I feel empty and whimper. “Did I hurt you?” Concern etched on his handsome face. Why does he always ask me that? After the most amazing sex ever, how could he think he hurt me?

  “No, of course not.” I plant a soft kiss on his lips, then swing my legs over the bed and rise. My muscles are aching, but it’s put a smile on my face. I am happy, sated, and freaked out. To fall in love at this point would be stupid. I turn to watch him get out of bed; the muscles in his back are so sexy. His ass is as sexy naked as it looks in jeans. I suppress a giggle.

  “Do you like the view?” The amusement in his voice makes me blush. How did he know I was staring at him? God, he’s beautiful.

  “I am. The ocean looks incredible from your room.” I tease, walking over to the patio doors.

  “Yes, because that’s what had your attention?” I giggle. Feeling his body behind me, he wraps an arm around my waist. “Cassandra,” turning around in his embrace, I glance up into those hypnotic green eyes. “I shouldn’t be with you. There’s so much darkness in my life. I am bad for you. Do you even realize that?” My heart constricts at his words and the pain in his eyes.

  “Lucien, please don’t, I get it. One night.” I step back, but he doesn’t loosen his hold on me.

  “No, you don’t get it. I said I shouldn’t be with you, but there’s something that makes me ignore that fact. If this is what you want, then I’m not going anywhere.” My stomach flip flops at his words. He wants me? I do want him. Fuck, I want him so much. There’s something about this green eyed man that’s unbound me from my fears of the past, and now, I may just fall over that cliff with him. Ridiculously hard and fast.

  “Then I’m not going anywhere.” I lean up onto tiptoes and plant a kiss on his lips. “Now go get ready. Or we will be late.”

  As I make my way back to my bedroom. I grab my phone from my bed and notice there are five missed calls and the same amount of text messages. All from Kenna, she is freaking out. I giggle because I realize she wants the details on my date last night. A tingle of excitement skitters down my spine when I recall last night, and this morning. I tap the call button. Two rings and she is yelling on the other end.

  “OMG Where have you been??”

  “I was, um…” I am not sure how to tell her. The butterflies in my stomach don’t stop fluttering and I take a deep calming breath.

  “Cassandra Winters! Tell me right now!” She is screaming so loud I am sure Lucien can hear her from the kitchen.

  “Kenna, shh! I spent the night with Lucien.” I whisper hoping he isn't at my door.

  “Ahhhhhh OMG OMG OMG!! Yes!!! Was he good? OMG I am so thrilled!” I giggle into the phone listening to her. This was the exact reaction I expected, this is my best friend in the world.

  “Kenna, babe. I need to go, he’s making breakfast and we have work. I will call you later okay?”

  “Please babe, do not call me! Spend time with that hunk you have in the kitchen. OMG! Do it on the kitchen counter!”

  “Goodbye Kenna.” I laugh into the phone before hanging up and making my way to the kitchen. Not a bad idea, the kitchen counter! I giggle like a schoolgirl as I pad into the kitchen to see Lucien busy with breakfast.

  Lucien

  I set up the coffee machine and start breakfast. My mind drifts back to the last twenty-four hours and I am not sure what the fuck is going on. She’s got me whipped. No question. The thought of her with someone else burns into me like a motherfucker. What the fuck was I thinking marking her? Or claiming her? She’s not designed to be in my world, but fuck it if I am letting her go now. There is no way I can stay away from her. Not now. I wanted her, only her. The realization hits me, hard. Can I give her what she needs? Is the man in my past dead and buried? Can I find my soul again? The only thing that’s clear now is that no other man should touch her. I claimed her this morning, every part of her.

  My mind is all over the place when she joins me in the kitchen. “Wow, this looks amazing!” The smile she brings to my face is nothing short of shocking. I set her breakfast down on the table and grab the coffee. When I slide into the seat opposite her, I drink in her appearance.

  “So much for a morning run.” I mumble. She giggles at me and blushes.

  “Well, we got quite a workout this morning.” My favorite type of workout darling. Her expression is adorable. How can she be embarrassed talking about what we just did? Her innocence makes me want to rethink this, but my heart hurts at the thought of walking away from her. Your heart? You don’t have one Lucien. Remember, no love, no hearts. She’s so fucking cute. That’s why she makes my cock so hard. That innocence in her eyes.

  “Oh sweetness, trust me, there’s plenty more where that came from.” I raise my eyebrows and give her a mischievous wink. She’s so sweet and innocent, my cheeky words have her choking and spluttering on her breakfast. I can’t fall in love, that’s out of the question, but I can certainly enjoy her. We need to get out of this house, or I will carry her back to the bedroom right now.

  Once we’re finished with breakfast, I clear up the table, making sure the dishes are in the dishwasher. I turn it on and turn to her. “Come on, sweetness, we have to get to work.” I grab my keys and mobile from the table and we walk out to the car. My eyes rake over her and the amount of skin she’s showing off today makes my possessiveness flare. Her long legs look stunning in the shorts and I recall them wrapped around my waist, pulling me into her.

  Once we’re in the car, I turn to her. “So, what did you want to do for dinner tonight? I can cook?”

  What the actual fuck Luke? Jayce will have a good laugh at me acting like a lovesick pussy. He knows I am not the type to make dinner and buy flowers, but Cassie makes me want to do that and so much more. I am out of my comfort zone, out of control and I don’t like it. The last time I was out of control, I did something so bad that I could never forgive myself. No more. Do I walk away from Cassie? Even after I know how she makes me feel? As soon as the thought hits me that I can’t have her I feel sick.

  “You cook?” She looks at me stunned that I offered to make her dinner. Don’t worry darling, I am as shocked at the offer as you are. This is so wrong on so many fucking levels.

  “Yes, Ms. Winters, I can cook!” I pull her to me. The ache in my body to touch her, be near her, inhale her soft sweet scent is bearing down on me.

  “Well, I better take full advantage having my boss cook for me.” She still sees us as employer and employee. After the way I just fucked you darling? No way!

  I release her and turn her face to me. “Can we not be employer and employee tonight?” Not tonight at least. My eyes on hers gives to
o much away. She stares at me, unnerving me, like she can see my dark soul. I wish you could fix me darling. Maybe she can? I felt it earlier. Yes, she can. I want her to.

  “Sure we can. I mean. After…” Her words are unsure. Realization hits me, this is new to her. It’s new to me as well. I have no idea how to do this, but her doubt frustrates me. At that moment, next to one of the most incredible women I have ever laid eyes on, I make a choice. Even if it kills me.

  “Cassandra,” my index finger pulls her chin up, forcing her to look at me. “Please don’t doubt this?”

  Her expression shows how much she wants this; how much she wants me. “Lucien…” She breathes my name and I want to pin her down on the seat and have my wicked way with her.

  My finger on her lips is warm and when she bites my finger, my cock wakes up with a ferocious throb. Fuck! I would love to see her lips wrapped around my cock. I want to fuck my cock into that sassy mouth.

  “Well, we can always test your oral skills tonight.” I give her a naughty wink. Her cheeks are crimson by my suggestion and I chuckle. When we get out of the car, the staff are already running around like crazy. Nothing ever gets done properly if I am not on location. As much as I love being here, my mind is stuck on the thought of Cassandra with her mouth on me. This is going to be a long fucking day. Might as well get it over with.

  Cassandra

  “Hey, there’s my main model!” Jayce grabs me into a bear hug. He lifts me, whirling around as I clutch onto his shoulders. Lucien’s icy gaze is on us, sending a cold shiver over my skin, even in the heat of Jayce’s arms.

  “Jayce!” Lucien’s voice thunders through the crowded tent.

  “Chill Luke! No need to get your boxers in a twist.” He lets me down and flashes a smirk at me, giving me a cheeky wink.

  “Can you attempt being professional?” Lucien and Jayce stand face to face, the air heavy with tension. Something significant must have taken place between the two. I resolve to find out what, having never seen that kind of fire in Lucien's eyes. It seems to come out particularly when he's around Jayce.

  “Lucien, let’s go take a look at the set.” I tug him towards the water. As soon as we’re out of earshot I round on him. “What’s wrong with you?” He meets my gaze with the irritation clear on his handsome face. My body thrumming with annoyance and frustration.

  “I don’t want you near him,” his body radiating anger. When I reach out and touch his hand he let’s me, I draw him towards me. I lean up on my tip toes and plant a kiss on his cheek. “I am sorry Cassandra but I prefer not to share.” His voice is low as he hisses in my ear.

  “Luke darling!” Lucien goes rigid and pulls away from me. We both stare at the tall blonde standing glaring at our exchange. Talk about sharing! Why does she always turn up every time we’re having a moment together?

  He strolls over to her, leaving me standing with my mouth gaped in dismay. “Sasha thanks for being here.” Lucien leans in kissing her on the cheek. My body ignites with jealousy and fear. This is his ex, which makes it ten times worse. I can’t stand here and watch them. Without a word I stalk off towards the tent. Lucien’s voice is loud when he calls to me. “Cassandra!” I ignore him. His attempt to call me annoys me further. I don't like to share either. I don’t wish to be anywhere near that blonde.

  I walk back into the tent and see Jayce, he’s working on his laptop; I slide into the chair next to him. His blue gaze falls on me. “Jayce, you need help?” My eyes roam his arms and I spot a tattoo, it looks like Lucien’s. He smiles and nods.

  “Yea babe, can you arrange the images for each model? I am doing the cover shoot with blondie now, so I need to set up before the lighting changes.” He grins and hands me the file with the names of the models along with their biographies. “You okay with this?”

  “Yes, this is easy. I should have it finished for you by the time you’re done with the shoot.” Jayce leans down and gives me a bear hug.

  “You’re an angel! Thank you!” I give him a smile. He’s a really sweet guy, but there isn’t a fire inside when he holds me. Nothing like the attraction I have for Lucien. I just don’t understand it. How is it even possible that I have known him all of five seconds and I am jealous? There is no reason for me to be, we’re not an official couple.

  Lucien

  I was about to lay a kiss on Cassie’s lips when the voice that sends cold ice water into my veins comes from behind me. Sasha! Oh, for the love of God, why can’t she leave me the fuck alone? Sasha enjoys fucking up my life. Although I can’t blame her, I was a dick to her, but I don’t want her to fuck up this thing I have. When Cassie stormed passed us, my body shuddered with frustration. “What the fuck are you doing here?” I hiss at her, the fury in my eyes must be evident. When she doesn’t answer I walk around her, but she grabs my arm. “I need to speak to you.”

  “What? I was with my girlfriend.” The words are out of my mouth before I have time to think about it. Girlfriend? You’re a fucking goner, Verán, you’ve known this girl all of about six seconds and you’ve already laid claim to her. I look at Sasha and I can see the hurt on her face. She always hoped that I will one day take her back, but there is no chance of that happening, ever. After our rocky past, there will never be a way to get back anything good that we shared. Actually, I don’t think we ever shared anything good.

  “Girlfriend, Luke? Really?” I nod. “Fine, I need you to know that I will be working on the charity now. Claudia and I have been talking, and I need to have a more active role.” I run my hand through my hair in frustration. This is a bad idea, I don’t want her near it, but I have no choice.

  “Fine, just don’t expect my help.” I stalk off in search of Cassandra, leaving my past behind me as I do so. As soon as I step into the tent, I find Cassie and Jayce together, they weren’t doing anything, but it bugged me. She’s fucking giggling! Are you serious?

  “Jayce, I assume you need to get started.” There is no question in my voice that I want him gone. His expression is serious, with a wink at Cassie, he rises. Fuck you, I am in charge here! She’s mine. He does it to rile me up and he’s good at it, because he’s known me all my life. I step up to him and our gazes lock. In my own way, I communicate to him that he needs to back off. The recognition flits across his features, he understands. The confirmation of me claiming Cassie.

  “Okay Luke, I am coming. Later babe!” He’s concerned, but he has no reason to be. “Let’s get you in a swimsuit blondie.” He pulls Sasha off to the change area and I am left with Cassie. I can tell she’s angry, its rolling off her in waves.

  “What the hell, Cassandra, you ran off?” I am beyond agitated now. Why the hell would she run off? She’s jealous! Seriously? Of Sasha?

  “You looked like you were busy, Lucien. I didn’t want to get in the middle of—” She’s mumbling and I want to shut her up. Sealing her mouth with mine, I lick into her. Her taste is addictive, and I groan into the kiss. She’s so responsive to me, her lips part without any nudging. When she tugs on my hair, I realize the anger has dissipated, and replaced with fire, desire, and yearning. I need her to see that she’s the only one I want right now. When I pull away, we’re both breathless. My gaze locks with her mocha colored eyes; they’re glistening with emotion. A dangerous mix of lust and something else.

  “You drive me crazy woman! I told you, don’t doubt this. Please, Cassandra?” The pleading tone of my voice is obvious, her doubts need to be erased. Even though I am doubting myself, she doesn’t need to know that. Not right now.

  “Lucien, she is your ex. What am I supposed to do or think? I don't like sharing either.” The truth stumbles from her lips. She thinks I am a player. The jealousy is becoming on her. It makes me feel good, someone as incredible as Cassandra wants me.

  “You’re not sharing, trust me! Far from it!” Darling, I wish you could see how you consume my mind. Every fucking moment of the day, you’re there, in my thoughts and in the evening you’re in my fantasies and dreams. “Cassand
ra, I wanted you since the first day I saw you in that coffee shop.” My honesty is rewarded with a smile.

  “Okay, okay. I trust you, but Lucien, I need to work now.” The resolve in her eyes makes me smile. You’re falling, Verán. There’s no fucking way I can fall in love. She doesn’t know me. I don’t know her. There isn’t a chance for that, but I can have fun. That’s all this is, or can ever be. Fun.

  She’s disarming me, one word at a time. “Fine, I am going to get coffee over there. There’s an important call I need to make.” I leave her to work and walk up to grab a coffee from the catering tent. The coffee is fresh and I fill a mug. I slip into the bench seat and pull out my phone. There is something I want to do before we leave here, I hit call and Robert answers on the second ring. “Mr. Verán.”

  “Robert, I need to set up a day with Ms. Winters on Tuesday. I want to make it special. Food, champagne, the works. Tomorrow is our last work day, and I want to do something before going back to Los Angeles.”

  “Yes, sir. Do you want to go to the Cove?”

  “Please. Can you set it up? I don’t want to leave her here alone since it’s her first time on location. Can you also get the flight manifest, ready to fly out on Tuesday evening?” I finish my coffee and glance over at her. She’s concentrating on the task that Jayce gave her. Her teeth bite into her thumb, and I recall this morning when she bit my finger. Instantly my cock is rock hard.

  “Mr. Verán?” Robert pulls me from my dirty thoughts.

  “Yes, sorry, just sort that out for me. I will let you know if there’s anything else. Pick us up at 3 pm today. There are a few things I need from the store.”

  “Sir.”

  The excitement of what I have planned makes me smile, I hang up and take in the view. The ocean is sparkling under the hot sun and I watch Jayce work. He’s good, fucking brilliant to be honest. I trust him with my life, and now, since I have claimed her as mine. I trust him with Cassie. As I am about to get up my phone buzzes, fuck. “Mother.”