The Devil's Daughter

Because I Care

Michael

The next morning I woke up with a smile on my face. I looked down to see Cassie fast asleep in my arms. She was wrapped in one of my shirts, blanketed with the comforter on top of us. I stared out of the window to see the sun shining brightly and hearing the birds chirping melodically. It was such a peaceful sound and the feeling it brought to me was indescribable. I heard the sound of my phone buzzing. I lifted Cassie's arm off of my chest before setting it back down in comfort. I reached over to the nightstand and grabbed my phone before walking out of the bedroom quietly.

"Jackson."

"It's Mayfair. Listen, I know you're off this weekend, but we got something that I think you should know about." I edged closer to the patio as I waited for her response.

"Okay, go on."

"Apparently last night there was a break in at one of Parker Chandlers' warehouses. A lot of his products were taken and word has it that Tobias Jones had something to do with it." My heart plummeted at the news.

"How do you know?" I asked curiously.

If Tobias is ballsy enough to make break-in's like this, then who knows what he's capable of doing next.

"We had some officers called to the scene after reports came in of gunfire around ten last night. Several were shot, majority of them being Parker Chandlers' men and a few that were identified as workers for Tobias." I ran a hand through my hair as I let this sink in.

"How many were killed in total?" She sighed deeply.

"At least forty-seven."

"Shit. Okay, well, I'll do some digging while I'm off and let you know what I find. In the meantime, keep me updated on anything else you find." I instructed.

"Will do." She hung up on me as I continued to sit on one of the chairs underneath the awning.

I wondered if that was what was taking place last night when Cassie left me on the couch for a bit. I didn't want to question her and I didn't really have the time to question her, but if things like this are happening then she's not as safe as what she believes. I worry about her and the sad part is I can't do anything about this because she would get exposed.

"Leaving me alone seems to be quite a routine for you."

I turned to see Cassie standing in my button down. A few buttons were loose, revealing her bare chest beneath the cloth. I shivered at the sight of her, not even feeling guilty about the grin curling up against my cheeks.

"It just gives me more of an opportunity for you to come and find me." I leaned back in my chair as she waltzed towards me.

"It's unusual for me to be playing on this side of the cat and mouse game. However, chasing you gives me more of an opportunity to dress more provocatively for your benefit."

She sunk down on my lap as her legs straddled each side of me. I let my hands travel up her thighs, making direct contact with the surface of her smooth skin.

"A benefit, indeed."

I pecked her lips slowly before gradually speeding the kiss into a passionate make-out session. Her hands entangled themselves in my hair as mine traveled underneath her shirt, grazing the lace material of her undergarments. It wasn't until we were interrupted by one of the staff members grabbing our attention.

"Excuse me madam, but breakfast is ready. Shall we bring it out here to the patio?" Cassie shook her head.

"No, the dining room will do. Thank you Matilda." The older woman bowed her head slightly before turning on her heels to head back inside.

"Sorry about that little interruption." She said sweetly.

"It's okay. This just means more time to make up later." I winked at her as she lifted herself from my lap.

We entered the dining room to see two plates filled with food while more surrounded the end of the table that we were seated at. She had such a large dining room, even for one person. It just made me even more curious as to why? I glanced over at her to see her picking at her food, barely touching it.

"Everything okay?"

I asked her, placing my hand on top of hers. She gave it a gentle squeeze, giving me half a smile in return.

"Absolutely." I knew she was lying and I knew what she was lying about.

"Okay, for a second I thought you were stressing over the fact that Tobias broke into one of your warehouse's and stole from you." She looked at me with an unreadable expression.

"How'd you find that out?" She questioned monotonously.

"One of my detectives called me and broke the news. Why didn't you tell me? Is that what the mysterious call was about last night?" She sighed deeply, taking a sip of her orange juice.

"I didn't tell you because this isn't your war to fight. Besides, I'm handling it." Cassie took a bite of a piece of toast to fill the silence between us.

"It is my war to fight when it involves you and your safety. And what do you mean that you're handling it?" She gave me a look before bringing her knee to her chest.

"I'm taking care of the situation, that's all."

"I thought you were going to end this?" She sighed deeply, running a hand through her hair.

"I was, I mean, I am. It's a lot easier said than done. The last thing I need is for my people to find out I'm dating a cop, because that would not be good for me or you. I told you I would end it and I will, but only under my terms." Her voice of purity was replaced with that of vexation.

"I know, I know. I just care a lot about you and I just don't want to see you get hurt." She nodded her head, placing her hand on top of mine again.

"I know and I appreciate it. Trust me, this is nothing. I've been in worse situations."

"I'm taking care of this situation, that's all you need to know. You just have to trust me." I sighed deeply.

"All I'm asking is that you just let me know when there's trouble. I don't care about what I'm doing or where I'm at. You need me, I'm there."

A small smile formed upon her lips, instantly making me smile in response.

"I'm sorry for getting upset at you like that." Her voice softened as she spoke.

"It's okay, I understand that you have a lot on you and I do trust you. I just worry."

"I know that, but that still doesn't justify my actions. I'm so used to putting up barriers with people and I just forget that I can let those down when I'm with you. I just want to keep you safe. I failed in the past but I won't let it happen again."

I instantly remembered the story she told me of her ex, Luke. I cupped her cheek with my hand and stroked my thumb against it slowly.

"Cassie, you didn't fail Luke and I'm sure he knows that. You didn't set him up for that. You did everything you possibly could. I know that, and I'm sure he knows that. You can't beat yourself up over this."

Cassie turned her face away from me before walking towards the window that faced the backyard.

"It's a lot different when the person who killed your first love was your father. I wouldn't expect you to understand because you've never been in my shoes, let alone been with someone like me. I've seen a lot of fucked up shit and committed a lot of inhumane crimes, but that will forever scar me."

The air around us stayed silent. I wasn't sure if she needed space or if I needed to go to her. It wasn't until I heard soft sobs coming from her. I instantly got up from my chair and placed my arms around her.

"It's okay, I'm here. I always will be."

I knew I couldn't promise that to her, because you never know when your last moment will arrive. However, I will die trying to protect her. Even if it means losing everything.