The Gentleman's Intoxicating Devotion (Series #1)

Chapter 5

As we pulled into the school parking lot, I parked the car and turned to Cassi, my expression softening. "Seriously though, about what happened last night... I liked it. A lot."

Cassi's cheeks turned pink, but she didn't look away.

"Me too," she admitted softly.

I reached out and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

My heart fluttered, and she squeezed my hand back.

I noticed the doubt in her eyes and tilted my head slightly. "You didn't think I cared, did you?"

Cassi bit her lip, hesitating. "I just... I thought maybe it didn't mean as much to you. I didn't want to assume."

My eyes softened further, and I leaned in closer. "Why would you think that?"

Cassi looked down, fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "I don't know. I guess I just thought... maybe it was just a kiss to you."

I lifted her chin gently, forcing her to meet my gaze.

"Cassi, that kiss meant the world to me." I paused, searching her eyes, and confessed, "And I want you to know just how much I like you."

Without another word, I closed the distance between us, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.

It was long and full of love, and I couldn't stop myself, lost in the softness and sweetness of her lips.

Time seemed to stand still, and I couldn't remember how many minutes had passed until Cassi pulled back, her eyes wide with worry.

"Kalix, what if someone sees us?" she whispered, glancing around.

I chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Don't worry. The car windows are tinted. We're safe."

Cassi sighed in relief but couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. "You care, don't you?"

"More than you know," I replied, my voice sincere. "I don't want you to ever doubt that again."

Cassi's eyes sparkled with emotion, and she leaned in to kiss me once more, this time a gentle, lingering peck. "I won't. I promise."

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Alright, let's get to class before we're late."

We got out of the car and walked towards the school entrance together, our fingers intertwined.

As we walked through the school doors, side by side, I couldn't help but notice the curious glances from some of the other students.

She squeezed my hand.

"Kalix, everyone's staring," she whispered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

I looked around a playful smile on my lips. "Let them stare. They already think we're dating anyway."

Cassi raised an eyebrow, a mixture of surprise and amusement. "They do?"

I nodded, my grip on her hand tightening slightly. "Yeah, but it's okay. What matters is how we feel about each other."

Cassi couldn't help but smile at my reassuring words. "You're right. I guess it doesn't matter what others think."

"Exactly," I said, giving her hand another squeeze before we continued walking towards our first class.

Later that day, we found ourselves in the library, seated at a secluded table with books and notes spread out in front of us.

We were supposed to be studying, but our minds were elsewhere.

I leaned closer to Cassi, my voice a low whisper. "You know, your lips were really sweet."