For Her Protection

STEFENO-6

Chapter Eleven

While we are standing outside, another car pulls up. Cautiously, a woman gets out and shuts the door. Elijah turns his head in her direction and mutters, "f*****g hell." I recognize the woman from the pictures with Cassie in the living room. I'm going to assume this is the famous Aunt Clara. She's the one who took Cassie in when all this s**t went down eight years ago after their mom passed. Elijah was never close to her, but she was a second mom to Cassie. And she there for her when Cassie needed her most, so I can respect that. She reaches out and pulls Elijah into a mama bear type hug and he instantly relaxes. "Hey Clara." He says into her shoulder. She lets go of him, places her hand on each side of his face and smiles. "Elijah, you look like s**t, sweetie." He laughs, "It's good to see you too." He turns to me and says, "This is Stefeno." She sticks her hand out, "Nice to meet you. You're Iven's son I take it." I simply nod. She sighs, "I'm guessing if you boys are here, something bad has happened." Now, Elijah nods, and she continues. "I'm also going to guess, if you're out here, it means you've already spoken to Cassie and things didn't go so well?" Elijah looks at the ground. "Alright, come inside. I'm make some coffee and you both can tell me whats going on."

We make our way into the kitchen. Clara starts making the coffee, grabbing mugs and leaning against the counter. "Spill it." She says while looking at Elijah. Elijah takes a deep breath and readies himself. "Dad was attacked a couple of weeks ago. We didn't think anything of it until we received a message and photos of Cassie. Whoever attacked dad is coming after us and her." He calmly says, but he if fidgeting. "You're kidding me, right?" Clara asks in disbelief. When neither Elijah nor myself say anything, she gets to the point. "The whole point of allowing her to come here was to get her away from that s**t, and here you are bringing it right to her doorstep. What the f**k did you do?" Clara whisper yells. My guess is she doesn't want Cassie to hear. Elijah cuts in, "We didn't do anything Clara. That's the f*****g problem. We haven't had any issues with anyone. No big wars. Things between the families are neutral right now." "Then explain to me how anyone found out about Cassie? We were careful. We hid everything from her!" Clara is really worried now. "I know. That's why she needs to come home. Why you both need to come home! We have no idea who we are up against." Elijah sounds defeated. I think its my turn to step in.

I clear my throat, which brings both of their attention to me. "Cassie will come home. You will accompany her. She will marry me. She will receive protection. End of story." Clara's eyes go wide, "Marry? Did you just say marry? Jesus f*****g Christ. Are you both mental?" Clara snaps. I glare at her, which makes her change her tune. "I'm sorry Stefeno, that was no way to speak to me. It's just...Cassie...is going to flip the f**k out. You do realize that? She isn't the same little girl from eight years ago guys! She knows what she wants and she isn't shy about telling you what that is." I simply say, "She will get over it." Clara sags her shoulders. "Where is she?" She knows this is not up for discussion. "Upstairs." I look up as I say. She sighs, then walks out of the kitchen.

Clara comes back down after fifteen minutes. Elijah jumps to his feet. While Clara went upstairs, Elijah and I made our way back to the living room and are sitting on the couch. Clara sits in the chair I was sitting in earlier and turns to us and says, "I talked to her. She's really upset, Elijah. I haven't seen her this broken since your mom died. I told her to come down here and talk to you. Whether or not she does is entirely up to her." Five minutes pass, still no Cassie. Ten minutes pass, still no Cassie. Fifteen minutes pass, no Cassie. After thirty minutes, everyone is getting anxious. After an hour has passed and Clara made dinner, there is still no Cassie. "Maybe I should go check on her?" Elijah turns to Clara. "I think you are the LAST person she wants to speak to right now." Clara states while wiping her hands on a towel. "I'll go get her." I stand up and push my chair back, "Stay." I decided maybe I should try talking to her.

I make my way through the living room, up the stairs and am now standing outside her bedroom. I can smell the intoxicating scent of vanilla coming through the slightly ajar door. I very slowing push the door open and look around. It's dark and there isn't a single light on except for the vague light of a small nightlight in the far corner of her room. I don't see anyone. Getting slightly annoyed, thinking she ran off, I step completely in the room. Once there, I noticed a small figure, in a ball, on the floor. Stepping closer to the figure, I realize it's Cassie. She's sound asleep. I bend down and pick her up, cradling her small figure against my chest. She snuggles closers and it sends a pang to my d**k. I slowly stand up, taking in every feature of her face. From her swollen eyes, tear stained cheeks, and messy hair. Still, she looks breathtaking. I still can't believe I get to call her my wife. Taking a couple of steps, I lay her down in her bed and cover her up. She snuggles against her pillow and I get this overwhelming need to kiss her. I bend down and softly brush my lips to her forhead, "Sleep, my love." I turn away and make my way to the door. I turn around one last time, shake my head, and shut her door. Standing outside her door, "What are you doing to me, Cassie?" Then I turn and walk back downstairs to let her aunt and brother know she's alseep.

A couple of days later, we are in my private jet on our way back to New York. On our way back home. Let the adventure begin.....