Welcome to the Cassadines: Book II of Kismet

Prologue and Chapter One

Prologue

A week later...

Adjusting to his new family proved to be a frustrating endeavor for Zander Smith. As a kid growing up in foster homes and later on the streets, he often wondered about his birth parents and if he had any siblings. Did they know about him? Did his parents think about him? Never in a million years did he consider his parents were Russian Royalty.

Russian Royalty? Damn. He was the only son of the oldest son. He was the Prince, but did he really want the title? He found the idea of it too much and refused to think about it. So, he couldn't be sure... Prince Zander... Damn.

"Zander?" Stefan repeated his name, interrupting the young man's reverie. "The offer is sincere and we hope you will consider it."

"I have considered it," Zander said, turning away from the window in living area of the hotel suite to face his Uncle, "but I'm fine at the room above Kelly's. Once Emily is discharged from the hospital, I'll look for something else, but until then..."

"She would be welcomed, too."

Zander nodded. He'd seen the plans for the home that would replace Wyndemere. The place was gonna be huge with plenty of room for all the Cassadines. He figured he and Em could get lost in there and not see anyone for weeks, but still... "I know, but I don't want to... Look, I appreciate what you're doing, but I just need some more time to get used to everything. You know what I'm saying?"

Stefan's mouth twitched into a faint smile. "Take all the time you need," he advised, "but don't forget that destiny waits for no one."

~**~

Mending a broken heart was not an easy task. Andrèsj wondered if there was a book somewhere on the subject that would make the pain more bearable. He thought of Keesha's smile and decided that no book could take the pain away. Seeing her so frequently with his father and watching the two so happy together was enough to make him want to choke with envy. He hated the feeling! Jealousy was a wasted emotion. His father had taught him that and he knew it to be true. And, yet, he couldn't help but twinge at the sound of Keesha speaking softly to his father and saying his name with such love and tenderness.

It wasn't fair!

Lost in anguish, he didn't see the person coming toward him until he bumped into her. His hands shot out to steady her. "My apologies," he said, looking into the deepest chocolate brown eyes he'd ever seen. His voice was husky as he added, "I did not see you there."

"I know. You were in another zone," the petite brunette commented. "Are you okay?"

Drè shook his head in embarrassment. "I should have asked that of you. I trust I did not injure you."

She smiled. "Um, no. I'm fine. The footprint on my Keds is kinda cool." She extended her leg for his inspection of her shoe. "Dontcha think?"

"I suppose," he said. Her leg was tan and the skin looked silky smooth. Heat flooded his cheeks as he wondered if her flesh was soft and supple or firm and taut. Feeling her gaze boring into him, he tore his eyes from her leg to look at her. Something about her seemed familiar, but he couldn't place her.

"What's your name?" the girl asked, lowering her leg and moving to sit on the edge of the fountain. "I'm starting high school in the fall, but I don't think I've seen you around before. Did you just move here?"

"Yes, I did. My name is Andrèsj."

She frowned. "What kind of name is that?"

"It's Russian," he informed her. "I suppose it's similar to Andrew."