For Her Protection

STEFENO-2

Chapter Seven

"Excuse me? Have you lost your f*****g mind?" Elijah bursts out. "Explain." I simply stated. Iven clears his throat, a sign that he is about to either say something completely life changing or something that could enrage the devil inside me. "We have no idea who sent this message. Whoever is trying to f**k with us clearly knows Cassie has no protection. In a world like ours, reputation is everything. We can not be seen as weak. If one person knows about Cassie, then surely enough someone else will find out. And that person could try to persuade her to their side or worse use her against us. We need to ensure she is within hands reach at all times. We need loyalty and what better way then making her Stefeno's wife. Surely no one is dumb enough to go after the Devil's Bride." Iven chuckles.

I lean back against my chair, with my thumb on my chin and think. This could work. It would ensure her safety. It would also give me a reason to be around her again. "Maybe." I state. This completely enrages Elijah and he lets me know. "Stefeno, you can't be serious? You know there is no way in hell Cassie will go for this! Dad and I haven't spoken to her in four years. How am I supposed to get her to agree with this?" Iven cuts in, "Simply tell her Carmine was in an accident and he needs her to come help take care of him. Cassie is a good girl, she wouldn't let her father suffer without trying to help him. She was a very loving little girl.l I'm sure she still is."

I have known Cassie her entire life. I remember when she was born. Everyone was shocked when her parents were pregnant with her. She was their little surprise. But the most surprising part about her was how she shined like the sun. Her heart was so pure and her smile would brighten any day! She loved with everything in her. Which is why this world her brother and I grew up in was not the world for her. So, when the war started brewing fifteen years ago, everyone sat down and came to an agreement. We promised ourselves she would never step foot into this cold and devastating place we reside. Iven gave Carmine permission to "retire". Only calling upon him in instances where only he could do the job. I promised myself to stay away from Cassie forever.

No one knows this, but I have always had a thing for Cassie. BUT, I am eight years older than her and it was inappropriate to have any kind of connection with her. But there is something that draws you to her. She has is aura that sucks you in. And once you're sucked in, you end up going down this rabbit hole questioning every and anything you are. She makes you WANT to be a better person. And that is something I could never be. So, without anyone's knowledge, I've been tracking her since she turned eighteen. I kept up with her graduating high school, all the way through college, and even the job she has now. I've run background checks on any and everyone she comes into contact with. I thought I was being careful, so how did I not notice someone getting to close to her?

Iven and Elijah sit there, staring at me, waiting for me to say something. To say anything. I keep going over the options. I'm torn. Do I bring her here and protect her from our emenies, but not from me or do I protect her from me, and not our enemies? Decisions, decisions.