Savannah got home later that night, heels in her hands and a buzz humming through her veins.
The lights of LA flickered through her penthouse window as she collapsed onto the couch, her body warm from the alcohol but her thoughts hotter from something..... someone else.
Cassian had burrowed int her thoughts like a drug. His eyes, his voice, the way his hand lingered on her waist and his lips brushed her cheek like he had every right to touch her. All of it played in her head like a reel on loop.
She exhaled sharply and leaned back, her eyes shut.
"Fuck!" She whispered to no one.
Her legs crossed as she imagined what she might have done if she stayed longer.
Maybe his mouth would have traveled down her neck, his fingers sliding up her thigh, under her dress. Maybe he'd have her pinned against the wall and made her forget her name.
The thought alone made her bite her lips. Her fingers brushed her neck where his lips had barely touched.
A heat curled deep in her belly. She needed to snap out of it before she did something reckless.
She got up from the couch, stripping her dress on the way to the shower. The water was hot and steamy, just the way she liked it .It washed the smell of smoke, champagne and lust that clung to her skin, but it didn't erase the image of Cassian's intense gaze.
Later in bed, freshly moisturized and wrapped in silk sheets, she brought out the business card Cassian had given her. Her lips curled into a soft smile.
"Cocky bastard." She whispered, flipping the card over between her fingers until she drifted into sleep.
The sun over LA was unforgiving the next morning, but Savannah rose early.
Her body was rested but her mind was alert with anticipation. She slid into a champagne colored wrap dress, a pair of heels and pulled her curls into a high bun.
At Red Muse Group's LA headquarters, the building was buzzing with energy. Savannah's day was packed. A high stake presentation with a French couture house, calls with Milan and Tokyo and an investor pitch for a new, sustainable line.
In the glass walled boardroom, she stood with effortless poise in front of her international clientele. Her assistant, Gina, clicked through a presentation, showcasing the company's expansion plans and collaborations with global icons.
The clients were impressed.
Two hours later, the applause was thunderous. Savannah shook hands, her smile dazzling and business came easy to her.
After the day's work, she walked back to her car in the private parking garage, her fingers slid in her bag, wrapped around Cassian's card.
She stared at it for a moment. Then without overthinking it, she dialed his number.
"Savannah" His voice came through.
"I wasn't sure you'd remember me." She said
"Hard to forget someone who looks that fucking good in red."
She laughed. "Well I figured you might owe me a drink."
"How about dinner instead? Tonight, Eight. I'll send a car."
She hesitated then smirked. "Text me the address."
The restaurant was called Léon Noir, a rooftop spot known for its panoramic views of LA and its exclusive customers and celebrities dined there to escape the spotlight.
Savannah dressed like she belonged there, a long black fitted dress, diamonds in her ears and dark red lips.
When the driver opened the car door, Cassian was already waiting at the entrance.
"Shit" He said, eyes slowly devouring her from head to toe.
She smirked. "Nice to see you too."
Dinner was delicious, both the food and the tension.
They sipped on Crystal Brut Gold, laughed over truffled laced dishes and flirted shamelessly.
"So tell me, Cassian Virelli." Savannah said, twirling her glass of wine. "Do you make it a habit of picking women up at your clubs?"
"Only the ones who look like trouble." He replied, leaning closer.
"And you? You walked in looking like sin in heels."
She raised an eyebrow. "And you looked like the kind of man who ruins women on purpose."
"Just the women who beg me to." He said.
Her breath hitched slightly, but she masked it with a laugh. "You're dangerous."
"Very" He said, eyes locked on hers.
"But you like danger, don't you?"
She sipped her wine slowly. "Maybe."
After dinner, Cassian took her hand. "Let me drop you off."
"I drove." She lied.
"No you didn't. I sent a car, remember?"
She groaned, smiling. "Damn! Fine. But no funny business."
He leaned close, brushing his lips bear her ear. "I only do dirty business."
In the back of the Black Escalade, they sat close but didn't touch. The tension was very visible
His hand brushed against her thigh once, casually, but it lingered enough to make her gasp softly. He didn't apologize.
When they pulled up to her building, Cassian stepped out and opened the door.
"Walk me in?" She asked, suddenly breathless.
He smiled and nodded.
The silence was deafening inside the elevator. He turned to her. "You sure about this?"
"No" she whispered. "But I want it." He leaned in and their lips hovered, just enough to burn but not enough to satisfy.
"Not yet." He said softly, brushing her jaw. "Next time, when you're ready to beg."
The elevator dinged. Cassian stepped back, the smirk on his face maddening.
"Goodnight, Savannah." She was left standing there, breathless and pissed off in the best way.
"Fuck" She said and she couldn't wait for more.