Velvet Roses Ch. 05

He was deeply disappointed in himself and felt weak for giving into temptation, but he badly needed something to take the edge off his anxiety.

With a faraway look in her eyes, Cassie blew out a puff of smoke, then said, "Whoever this sicko is, he can't hide from us. Give me a day, and I'll trace that text message."

"No," he firmly said. "I do not want you getting involved, so just stay out of this."

"I don't give a damn what you say. I'm doing it anyways."

Before he could say a word in response, Cassie grabbed their mugs from the coffee table, then rose to her feet and headed out of the living room.

Dane followed closely behind her, and as they entered the kitchen, he watched her place the mugs into the dishwasher. She then tried to walk past him so she could go back into the living room, but Dane blocked her path.

"Get out of my way," she said.

"No."

She tried to squeeze past him and go out the door, but he sidestepped to block her from evading him.

"I can handle this on my own." His dark eyes blazed into her icy blue ones as he continued to speak. "I don't want your help, and I don't need it."

"Then why did you come over here today? What was the purpose?"

Although he knew full well what the answer was, he hesitated, not wanting to admit that he still felt some sort of connection to her.

"Because I needed someone to talk to."

"Exactly. I'm the only person who understands what you're going through, so why wouldn't you want me to help you?"

"Because It's dangerous. And if he finds out you're involved, he'll come after you."

"I'm only tracing a text message. It's not like I'm gonna go on a stake out, or try and follow him around or anything. I'm not stupid, you know."

"I didn't say you were."

"So just chill and let me do this. Okay?"

He exhaled deeply through his nose, then reluctantly gave a response. "Fine. But after you dig up this information on him, you're no longer involved. That means no matter what happens, I handle this on my own."

"Okay."

Knowing how headstrong Cassie was, he knew she would continue to do whatever she wanted, regardless of what he told her. This only enhanced the anxiety he felt, and now, more than ever, he realized how crucial it was that he rapidly put an end to the dangerous situation.

"I don't want this guy coming after you, Cassie. So *please* do as I say. Alright?"

His eyes implored her to heed his request, yet instead of agreeing, she placed her hands on his chest, then slowly ran her palms down it. Her eyes took on that predatory look he knew so well, and she didn't need to speak a word for him to understand just what was on her mind.

To say he wasn't tempted by Cassie's advances would be a bold faced lie, because she was definitely alluring, but he knew if he caved in and slept with her, he'd deeply regret it.

Besides, he had another woman in his life now, and although they weren't yet at the point of officially being a couple, he'd like to think they were on their way to becoming one.

Grabbing Cassie's hands in his, Dane gently removed them from his chest, then without saying a word, he turned on his heel and headed out of the kitchen. Cassie followed behind him, and as he reached the door, she gave him a look of disappointment.

"You leaving already?"

"Yep, I've got things to take care of."

"Alright. Well be safe, okay?"

He nodded and opened the door, yet before he could leave, she spoke once again.

"Dane?"

He turned to face her, casting his eyes on her worried face.

"I'll see you again soon, right?"

He nodded and gave a weak smile, then without a word in parting he turned and crossed the threshold, heading out of the door.