CHAPTER 136: DESIRE

Cassidy shivers the second Zeke’s tongue slides into her mouth. The kiss turns hotter, deeper—his tongue moving slowly against hers, tasting her like he’s been craving this. Their breaths mingle, growing heavier, more desperate with every passing second. Then he pulls back just enough to suck lightly on her bottom lip, dragging it between his teeth in a slow, teasing motion. A soft moan escapes her lips before she can stop it, her body reacting on its own.

Hearing Cassidy’s soft moan only turns Zeke on even more. His body moves on instinct—hungry, and impatient. Without even realizing it, he’s already on top of her, their lips still locked as he presses her down onto the sofa.

His kisses grow rougher, more desperate, like a man dying of thirst finally tasting water. He devours her mouth, not holding back. One of his hands slides under her blouse, his fingers exploring her soft, warm skin.

The heat of Zeke’s touch snaps Cassidy back to her senses. She suddenly pushes against his chest.

"Zeke, we need to stop," she breathes out between their kisses, fighting the desire that’s quickly taking over her body.

Cassidy can feel Zeke’s arousal pressing hard against her, his erection obvious through the fabric between them. And her own body isn’t any better, there’s a growing heat between her thighs, a pulsing ache that makes her clench her legs without thinking.

Even though he’s lost in the feel of her lips, he hears her. Slowly, he pulls back, his mouth moving to her neck. He kisses her there, slow and lingering—then sucks gently, leaving a mark before finally lifting himself off her.

Zeke, still catching his breath, gently reaches for Cassidy and helps her sit back up. They sit there in silence, breathing hard, trying to calm the rush that had just taken over them.

Neither of them speaks for a moment, only the sound of their heavy breathing fills the space between them. Zeke keeps his eyes on her, the desire still burning, but now mixed with something softer...

"I’m sorry... I couldn’t help myself," he says honestly, his voice low and a little breathless.

Cassidy doesn’t say anything. The truth is, it wasn’t just Zeke who lost control. She almost did too.

If she hadn’t remembered they were in her living room, and that Clara could walk out any second... she didn’t even want to imagine what might’ve happened if they’d kept going.

And worse, what if Claire had woken up and seen them like that? The idea alone made her cheeks flush in embarrassment. God, she would never be able to look her daughter in the eye again.

Maybe it was because they’d finally opened up to each other or because they’d just shared something so intimate—either way, Cassidy suddenly wraps her arms around him and holds him tight. She rests her chin on his shoulder and whispers softly, "It’s okay. Honestly, I enjoyed it. We just need to be more careful... about where we are."

Zeke hugs her back, just as tightly. Her words make his chest feel light, like he’s floating. He tilts his head and presses a gentle kiss to the side of her head. "Okay. I’ll remember that," he murmurs.

They stay like that for a while, quiet, warm, and close, before Zeke finally speaks. "You should shower and get some rest."

Cassidy slowly pulls back from the hug, cups his face in both hands, and gives him a soft kiss on the lips.

"Come on. I’ll walk you downstairs," she says, her voice carrying a quiet happiness.

Zeke chuckles, then quickly grabs Cassidy’s hand as she stands up from the sofa.

Cassidy glances at him and smiles, already knowing what he wants. Still holding hands, they walk down together to the lobby.

"Go. Let me know when you get home," Cassidy says, her hand still wrapped in his.

"Okay. I’ll text you as soon as I get there."

He gently pulls her into his arms and kisses her forehead.

"I’m really happy right now. This feels like a dream," he says, still amazed that Cassidy feels the same way he does.

"This isn’t a dream, Ezekiel. I’m happy too," Cassidy replies from the bottom of her heart. "And I hope... you, me, and Claire can stay like this."

She presses a quick kiss to his lips.

Zeke kisses her back—once, then again, and again—until Cassidy laughs and places her palm gently over his mouth.

"Stop. You’re acting so different when you’re in love," she teases.

Zeke cups her cheek with a soft smile.

"This is the first time I’ve ever felt like this," he says honestly. "And you’re the only woman who can make me act this crazy. But I like it. I like being like this with you."

Cassidy looks at him with soft, loving eyes and replies, "Me too. So now, Mr. Salvador, you need to go home... because I really want to take a shower and go to bed."

She chuckles as she says it.

"Understood, ma’am," Zeke says with a laugh of his own, leaning in to kiss her one last time before turning and walking away.

All the way back to his villa, a happy smile never leaves Zeke’s face.

From the front seat, Nolan notices it immediately. His boss, usually serious and unreadable, looks like a man who just won the lottery.

Something definitely happened in Madam’s apartment, Nolan thinks, smirking to himself. And it must’ve been really good.

Even the driver glances at Zeke through the rearview mirror, clearly picking up on the shift in energy. Whatever it was, both men know one thing: their boss is in an unusually good mood tonight.

As soon as they arrive at the villa, even before stepping inside, Zeke already has his phone out—eager to call Cassidy.

He knows it hasn’t been long since they said goodbye, but he already misses hearing her voice. So instead of texting, he hits the call button without hesitation.

Is this what it feels like to be in love? he wonders, chuckling to himself.

Cassidy doesn’t pick up.

Zeke frowns slightly, wondering, Is she still in the shower? Or already asleep?

He puts his phone away and steps into the villa, his mood still light. He even starts whistling as he walks in.

"Evening, sir."

Mr. Nelson, the butler, greets him politely—though he’s a little surprised when Zeke actually returns the greeting with a bright smile.

"Evening, Mr. Nelson."

Zeke then asks if the interior designer and renovation team had arrived earlier to start working on Claire’s room.

Mr. Nelson nods. "Yes, sir. They came this afternoon. The young miss’s room is currently being taken apart for renovation."

Zeke nods in understanding.

After asking Andrew to find an interior designer just the other day, he had immediately reported back the next morning with a recommendation. That very same day, Zeke met with the designer himself.

***

After Zeke finished his shower, he grabbed his phone from the bed and noticed a missed call from Cass.

Without wasting time, he quickly called her back.

"Hey, sorry—I just got out of the shower. Were you about to sleep?" he asked the moment the call connected, his voice soft and a little rushed.

"Yeah, I was just trying to fall asleep when you called. I was in the shower earlier, so I couldn’t answer," Cass explained, her tone tired but warm.

Zeke let out a quiet sigh of relief, then asked with a hint of longing, "Can we switch to FaceTime? I want to see your face."

Cassidy chuckled softly. "Of course."

Zeke smiled, unable to hide the happiness spreading across his face, even though he was alone in his room. He ended the call and quickly switched to FaceTime.

As soon as Cassidy answered, she let out a little gasp, surprised by what she saw on the screen.

"Put your shirt on," she scolded, eyes widening slightly.

Zeke chuckled, clearly amused, and teased, "Why? Haven’t you seen it before? Feeling shy now?"

"You..." Cassidy stammered, her face beginning to flush.

Seeing how flustered she was, Zeke stopped teasing. "Okay, okay, I’ll get dressed," he said, heading to his walk-in closet.

Once he had a shirt on, he returned to the call, his expression softer now. "Are you about to sleep?"

"Mmm," Cassidy hummed, sounding sleepy.

"I’ll stay on FaceTime with you until you fall asleep," Zeke said casually, like it was no big deal.

Cassidy gave a small smile. "Aren’t you sleepy yet?"

"Not yet," he replied, walking into his home office.

"You know, I’ve sung for you before. How about it’s your turn now?" she said, shifting slightly and looking at him through the screen. "I want to hear you sing."

Zeke’s lips twitched at her request. In his entire life, he had never serenaded a woman. But if Cassidy wanted him to sing... he’d do it.

"What song do you want to hear?" he asked.

"Surprise me."

"Okay." Zeke set his phone on the desk, adjusting it so his face was clearly visible.

He cleared his throat, then started singing Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley.

***