Chapter 244

Cassie

Work was busier than usual and that was a good thing because it kept me from mulling over my own thoughts too closely. Not that I managed to banish Julian out of my mind completely. I'd never been good at that. He was always there in the back of my mind and today was no different.

Still it was good to be busy and that's what I was. There was a nasty stomach bug and cough going through the town and it felt like half of the population under twelve were coming down with it.

I just hoped Niall and Noah didn't. And I was sure they wouldn't. As shifters they had stronger immune systems then most of their peers.

By the time six pm chimed and the receptionist called their goodbyes I was exhausted. Kicking off my shoes under the desk I leant back on the chair and closed my eyes. I may have even drifted off because I didn't hear Ian come in before he cleared his throat.

"Are you ready to go?"

My eyes snapped open. He looked better and had clearly washed up and slept but there was a wariness in his voice. Almost like he didn't know how to treat me and I couldn't blame him for that.

I had told him I was done with Julian and my old life and he had risked everything to get me away and now he knew- no we both knew I wasn't done at all.

"Where are we going?" A headache was starting and I pinched the skin between my eyebrows to try and stop it.

His eyes widened. "You asked if I would take you out so that's what I am going to do. I've packed a bag and dropped the boys off at Yannas. She's going to have them for a few days."

Opening my mouth to ask the burning question in my mind which was huh? I snapped it shut again. "I completely forgot." I admitted and watched as a smile tugged at his lips.

"I thought you might and that's why the actual date." He air quoted. "Is tomorrow."

"Then why did you take the boys-"

He strode forward and again I was floored with how masculine he was. A true protector. Yanna was going to be a very lucky woman. When they sorted their shit out anyway.

"Because your exhausted Cassie. So tonight we will go to a hotel. A nice one. I've made the reservations already. We can eat out at the restaurant or you can order room service and just kick back and relax."

I studied him for a second. My heart beating painfully fast in my chest. "Me and you in a hotel room?" I whispered.

Yes we shared a bed most nights but that didn't mean anything. Going away to a hotel and sharing a bed seemed a lot more intimate.

Dirty nights away were what real couples did.

And we weren't a real couple.

Catching my look, his grin widened. "The look on your face is a picture Cassie. I'm not trying my luck with you." His eyes crinkled. "I mean you're a great looking woman but you aren't interested in me." He held up a hand to silence me before I could even speak. "I've booked two hotel rooms. We have been in each others pockets a lot lately and I think we both need some space." A look I couldn't read flickered across his face. "If you know what I mean."

At first I didn't and then it hit me in a rush. Blushing I ducked my head and his laughter met my nervous giggle.

"I'm sorry I didn't even think about your-" I stuttered. "Needs."

He shrugged. "I think we had more important things to think about but -" another shrug. "Unless of course you think we would be best sharing a room after all. I mean we are both adults," he left the rest unsaid.

I did a double take.

Ian laughter bubbled up. "Exactly, neither one of us wants to fuck the other. It's what makes this ruse work."

"It's not that I don't find you handsome." I added quickly. "Because anyone with eyes and a working vagina would."

He laughed even harder. "Well thanks I think and same for you but we both know I'm not the one your vagina wants,"

I blushed harder. Why exactly were we talking about my vagina like it was a separate entity?

" So I have got you this." Reaching into his pocket he slid an old cracked phone across the desk towards me.

"What is it?"

"It's a phone Cassie." He said patiently. "It's seen better days but the line is secure. There's only one number programmed in. And that one is also secure."

He stared at me and waited for me to catch up and I got it, I really did but I still didn't move to pick up the phone.

"You can use it in the hotel room I have booked for you. If you wanted to call and talk to the man who you want in your bed." He said quietly.

Not that I needed him to spell it out.

"Tomorrow we are going to the ballet. Scarlett's dance school are part of a much bigger production and I thought you might enjoy it but tonight-"

Slowly I reached out and drew the phone towards me. "Thank you."

"I mean it Cassie. Tonight in that hotel room you can do whatever you want to. There's no judgement from me?"

I met his eyes. "There isn't?"

He gave a one shoulder shrug. "Ok I'm judging hard but your life is yours to mess up. Just try not to make more work for me please. I quite like it here."

"I like it here as well." I admitted. "I won't do anything to jeopardise us, I promise. I might not even phone him and if I do I will keep it short and to the point."

"Really?" He chuckled.

"Not like that Ian. I meant I'll talk to him about the kids and-"

Ian shook his head. "What a waste of a phone call Cassie. What I giant waste."

"What? I don't know what you mean."

"Of course you don't Cassie," he rolled his eyes. "Of course you don't."