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  Cassandra sighed, but her nerves still rattled. She ate half of her pizza but knowing someone was after her, caused her appetite to dwindle. She offered the plate to Anthony, who took it and guzzled it down.

  "Are you really helping me because of a promise you made fifteen years ago?" Cassandra couldn't help but think there was more to it.

  Anthony didn't answer right away, and she assumed he ignored her. She stood to take the dishes back to the kitchen. Anthony reached for her forearm and she sat back down. "Yes and no," he answered. "I've said this before, this is a job. My boss has big connections and can have me pardoned if I succeed at keeping you safe."

  Cassandra realized she was aiding an escaped felon. She done nothing wrong in her life. A week before, if she knew the whereabouts of a con, she'd call the cops. Times changed. She needed this man in so many ways.

  She yawned. It had been another hard day, but at least she would have the comfort of her own bed. "I'm tired," Cassandra told him. "I'll be up in my room."

  Anthony stood up and walked behind her. "Not alone, you won't be."

  "What?"

  "Both of our lives depend on me watching you. To play it safe, we're sleeping together."

  Cassandra's knees turned into jelly as she stood. The pizza in her stomach turned and threatened to come back up if she didn't control herself. He slept beside her in the basement and nothing happened. That was different, she told herself. Anthony was the enemy then, now he was putting his life on the line for her. Cassandra wasn't sure if she could keep her hands to herself.

  She turned to face him. Her cheeks burned, and she prayed he couldn't see them. "Alright," she moaned, but it sounded too much like pleasure.

  "Don't worry," he grinned. "You'll be in good hands."

  Chapter 12

  Anthony found it hard to sleep next to Cassandra's soft body. She had her back turned toward him, her leg bent and lifted over the other one. He glanced down at the round flesh peeking out of her shorts and his dick hardened. Anthony wanted nothing more than to roll her over and pull her into his hardness.

  The sun came through the window when he woke. He wasn't sure how long he slept, but knew she slept longer. Cassandra inched closer to him at some point. Her arm stretched and rested on his chest. Anthony watched her, but not for long. Blood flowed between his legs and there was no way he could take advantage of the girl.

  He knew if he gave into his desires, his focus would shift, and he wouldn't be on high alert for the killers. The boss would see Anthony dead if anything happened to Cassandra. It was best to keep his eyes, and hands, off her.

  Anthony slipped out of the bed, but she heard him. "Good morning," Cassandra whispered. Fuck, he thought, she was too freaking sexy.

  He didn't reply, just stood up and walked toward the window. The sun glistened on the lake. Anthony never seen green water sparkle like that. Cassandra stood behind him, a little too close for comfort, and pressed her head against the window.

  "You probably take this view for granted," he said.

  "Actually," she corrected him, "No I don't. I love nature and being outdoors. Can we swim?"

  Her question threw Anthony off guard. Those goons could've been anywhere. "I can't answer that right now," he told her. She looked down and frowned.

  Anthony locked her in the room while he checked the perimeter of the property. Cassandra understood. All the doors and windows to the house were locked, the garage was tight too. He tucked his gun into his shorts and slinked around the property. There was no sign of trespassers.

  He locked the door behind him as he walked back inside. The flip phone vibrated, and he answered. "Yeah, we're good here. Any leads on those bastards?"

  "Seems they had a slight problem catching a flight back from Greece," the boss informed. Anthony was sure he pulled a few strings. "We have their locations locked in. You're safe for at least another day or two, maybe less, so always be on alert. Their leader is in the area, but I don't think he has the balls to do the job himself. Too much at risk."

  "You think he'll come here?" Anthony gulped as he thought about it. There was always the possibility and unlike the boss, Anthony didn't trust that their leader wouldn't try to kill Cassandra himself.

  The boss paused before answering. "No, he's at a conference. Word has it, he planned it to cover his ass. Alibi."

  Anthony sighed. It all made sense, he wouldn't want an association with the murder of Cassandra Frame. "And what about the police?"

  "Haven't you seen the television?"

  They spared the use of electricity in fear of being seen, but now that daylight arrived, Anthony saw no reason not to turn the television on. He stepped into the living room and picked up the remote. "What channel," he asked.

  "Seven."

  "Authorities tell us that a man fitting the description of Anthony Flint boarded a plane to Mexico late last night. Local police are working with the FBI to attain the man once they locate him. For now, residents can rest easy knowing the convicted killer is not in the area."

  "No shit," he exclaimed into the phone. "How did you pull that off?"

  The boss doesn't answer. He never told Anthony the big details, only what he needed to know to keep Cassandra safe. "Always be on the lookout," the boss scolded, "and keep a low profile. I'll contact you as soon as I have any word."

  ~~~~

  Cassandra startled when Anthony unlocked the bedroom door. She smiled when she realized it was him. He couldn't help but smile back. "Breakfast is ready, are you hungry?"

  She stepped closer, a wave of sweet perfume invaded his nostrils. Every little thing she did drove Anthony crazy. "You have to ask?" Cassandra's laugh echoed in the room. She brushed her hand against his as she passed.

  Anthony led the way to the back deck where the table was set. Cassandra couldn't take her eyes off it. He pulled a chair out for her and then sat opposite. She grabbed the carafe and poured two cups of coffee. Anthony knew she preferred chai, but he couldn't find any. Cassandra didn't seem to mind.

  They ate pancakes and bacon, the only meat he could find in the freezer, in the morning sun. Birds were singing in the distance, but Anthony listened to the sound of crickets near the water. "Do you like to fish?" he asked her, but thought it was a stupid question to ask a rich girl.

  Cassandra wiggled her nose, just like he expected her to answer. "No, why?"

  "Dinner," he told her. He figured since they were out on the lake for a day or two, they might as well take advantage of it. "You eat it, right?"

  Cassandra laughed again, this time he joined her. "Yes, but I don't know how to cook it."

  They finished breakfast and cleaned up. Cassandra reclined on an Adirondack chair as Anthony snooped around for fishing gear. He found two poles and laid them on the deck. She shook her head and read a book. He stepped off the deck and moved rocks around. After a few minutes, he collected a handful of worms.

  Anthony dangled one in front of Cassandra and she screeched. As he got closer, she covered her face with her hands and tried to move away. "Come on," he teased her. "It's just a worm."

  "It's disgusting," she snapped at him, but he laughed.

  He reached for her hand and pulled her off the chair. She wanted to read but he couldn't leave her alone. She reluctantly followed him down a path toward the water. Cassandra sat on the ground while he stood. The worm wiggled as Anthony stabbed it with the hook. "You're gonna have to get a little closer," he said to Cassandra.

  "Oh, no," she said and shook her head. Her chestnut hair landed on her shoulder. "I'll watch."

  He took her hands and brought her up to her feet. He knew she didn't know what she was missing and, he wanted to be the one who introduced her to new things. Anthony placed the rod in her hand and stood close behind her as he showed her how to hold it. He felt her skin against his as he held her hand in place. She faced him and grinned, like she knew what he thought. Anthony helped her cast the line into the water.

  The line flew out. "Great,"
he told her. "Now keep it there. Stay still."

  Anthony tended to his pole. He could barely hook it before she got excited. "Something is happening," she gleamed.

  Cassandra's pole arched, and she almost dropped it. Anthony ran and stood behind her. Her hair blew in his nose and blood rushed south again. They stood close as he reached his arms around her to help her control her fishing pole. "Feels like a big one," Anthony said.

  "It sure does," she replied.

  Chapter 13

  Anthony filleted the fish as Cassandra gathered towels. She glanced at him and could have sworn she saw a pout on his face. It wasn't her fault she caught more fish than him, she thought. She never thought she'd like to fish but couldn't contain her excitement every time she caught one. He smirked when Cassandra caught her fifth and said they had enough.

  The sun beat down on her as she opened a can of soda. Cassandra watched him clean the fish and was glad he didn't make her help. "Do you want one?" she asked, lifting the can.

  "When I'm done," he told her without looking up.

  When he was on the last fish, Cassandra walked inside to grab another can. She looked at the landline and thought about her father. He must have wondered where she was, she thought. Cassandra picked up the receiver and placed her finger on the first button. Anthony's hand collapsed on hers and forced her to put the phone down. He growled as he yanked the cord out of the wall. "I wanted my father to know I'm not hurt."

  Anthony grabbed the drink and pushed her onto the deck. "Do you ever think?" He yelled and all of a sudden, Cassandra felt like his captive again. "They have the phone line bugged."

  "How do you know?" she couldn't help but ask. Cassandra hadn't seen him that angry since he told her the truth.

  He grunted and grabbed the towels she laid on the table. Cassandra followed his quick steps to the dock. He paused half way and his face softened as he looked at her. She tried to keep up. "Cassandra, they're trained assassins. Trust me, they know everything there is about you."

  "I'm sorry," she told him. She wanted them to relax again, like they have been doing all morning.

  Anthony put the towels and his drink down. Cassandra's mouth watered as he pulled his shirt over his head. She wanted an excuse to touch him as the devil in her came to life. He didn't notice her step closer to him, or see her hands stretch out to push him. Splash! Cassandra didn't think of the consequences beforehand.

  Anthony resurfaced, and she buckled over in laughter. "Oh, game on, girl," he laughed as he pulled himself up the latter. Cassandra realized she was in trouble and ran down the dock. Anthony caught her and lifted her up in the air. She begged him to stop. "Please don't," she panted.

  His wet body held her tight. Cassandra wrapped her arms around his neck and assumed he couldn't throw her. "You're nothing but trouble," he chuckled. "And troubled girls need a lesson about cold water."

  There was no time to plead her case. He jumped with her in his arms. "Oh. Em. Gee. The water is freezing." Cassandra squealed when she came up for air. His hands let go of her and they swam to the shore. She tried to stand up, but he pulled her back in.

  Cassandra shivered in the waist-high water. Anthony splashed her, and she covered her face from his wrath. He wrapped his hands around her hips and lifted her in the air before tossing her back under water.

  She came up, gasping for air, as he laughed. Anthony stood close to her. "You didn't give me a chance to take my shirt off." Cassandra crossed her arms and struggled with the wet T-shirt. Anthony leaned in to help her and her nipples perked up. There was no way she could hide them. Anthony grinned. His warm hands slid across her back and pulled her close to him. Cassandra hoped he'd kiss her. She leaned her head back and stretched her neck, expecting his lips on hers.

  "That's what you get for pushing me." Anthony said as he submerged her in the water.

  An hour passed, and they still swum. The sun burned on their skin, causing the water to feel good instead of cold. Cassandra pulled herself up onto the dock and plopped down on the wood. "I need a drink," she said. Anthony followed and sat beside her.

  He took her can and swallowed the rest of it. Cassandra attempted to protest, but he leaned back, and she fell onto his chest. Her pulse raged. He reached up and pulled her closer. Cassandra studied his face and admired the way the sun sparkled in his blue eyes.

  His hand crept up her thigh; his grip hard. He adjusted her until she was on top of him. Cassandra leaned down and his mouth met hers. This time, she knew he wanted her as bad as she wanted him. Cassandra opened for him and Anthony's tongue explored the depths of her.

  He flipped her and leaned over her. Cassandra's legs wrapped around his waist. His hand held hers above her head. Her lips trailed to his ear and traced his lobes. She felt him press into her and she breathlessly quivered. He ran his lips over her face and made his way down her neck.

  Cassandra shifted below him as he nibbled on her bikini top and exposed her breast. Anthony arched his back then circled her nipple. "Anthony," she cried out with pleasure. He didn't stop, just repeated the same pattern on the other breast.

  Cassandra's hands were still above her and she couldn't break free. "Shhh," he breathed into her ear. The hand that wasn't holding hers, moved and slid down her torso. Cassandra never felt more alive. He touched every inch of her side, sending chills down her spine.

  Anthony rubbed her inner thigh as her legs spread further apart. He rested his forehead on hers and kissed her as he fumbled with her bathing suit bottoms. The strings were easy to untie, leaving Cassandra naked beneath him.

  He flicked his thumb against her nub and the sky above them changed from blue to pink and orange, she thought. He stretched a finger along Cassandra's already moist folds and weighed his mouth harder on hers. Cassandra's ass lifted off the dock as Anthony's magical hands dug deep inside of her.

  Cassandra's hands grabbed onto Anthony's shoulders, as soon as he released them. He twisted himself inside of her and she saw stars in the daytime. Her lips attacked his neck and then kissed him all over his torso. Cassandra felt her foot sliding up his leg, opening further for him.

  "Ready for another lesson?" he panted. Sweat dripped off him and melted on her skin. Her body scorched and desired all he offered. She smiled and nodded, words were momentarily foreign to her.

  Anthony reached down and held himself. She could feel his knuckles rub against her stomach as he aimed his hard dick in her direction. He teased her for a few minutes. Cassandra took a deep breath and tossed her head. Between the hot sun and his sexuality, she was at a loss. "Oh God yes," she answered.

  He pushed forward and tore into Cassandra. She gasped for air as his fingers gripped her ass harder than before. "Holy shit, Cassandra. Are you a virgin?"

  "Was." She answered, her body mixed with agony and pleasure. "There's more than one reason for a girl to be on birth control."

  Anthony froze and looked down. She wanted his sex and he needed to know that. She smiled and reached up to kiss him again. He held her tight and pulled her to his chest. "I didn't mean to hurt you. It will feel much better, really soon."

  "I'm ok," she assured him.

  Anthony rocked himself. His hardness inched deeper into her. A whirlwind of emotions raced through Cassandra, causing her body to react to him. He put his hand on her hip and guided her to rock with him. Cassandra raised her bottom again and followed his lead.

  The pain lessened a few minutes later. Anthony sucked on her nipple again as she ran her hand up and down his back. He moaned in delight and Cassandra hoped he wouldn't finish. She never wanted the moment to end.

  He couldn't control himself and she felt him shake. Anthony thrusted hard, causing Cassandra more pain. His body convulsed as he squeezed her ass. "I'm gonna come," he told her. A hot fire burned inside of her. Cassandra's head hit the dock. She wanted more, much more.

  Chapter 14

  Anthony didn't regret a thing after having sex with Cassandra. He knew it wasn't just lust, there was so
mething else about her that captivated him. He'd been locked up for years and in some strange way, so had she, only she didn't realize it. Anthony had been a prisoner of the state while she'd been a prisoner of her father. Cassandra's father shipped her off to boarding schools across the world, away from her loved ones, and that alone determined Anthony's thoughts on her freedom.

  Although they came from complete different backgrounds, he could tell that she understood him and saw him for who he truly was. Sure, he thought, she'd been difficult, but her soul called him. Anthony already decided he would claim her when the rocky road ahead of them calmed. He wanted her, in every way, and he knew she'd accept him.

  The boss would have a conniption fit when he found out about their affair. Anthony's job was to protect her, hide her from the men who wanted to kill her, and when the true culprits were caught, he'd get a pardon for his crimes.

  As he fried the morning's catch, Cassandra swayed in front of him. Anthony grinned at her flirtatious body language but cursed himself for being stupid and careless. It wasn't the sex he cursed himself about, but he took her right out on the dock where they could have been targets like sitting ducks.

  She set the table and microwaved a bag of frozen vegetables. There wasn't much food in the house, but they weren't starving. As Anthony placed the fish on a serving dish, Cassandra wrapped her arms around him from behind and cupped his groin. "Not now," he complained and pushed her away. Blood rushed to the area, but he needed to be on guard to protect her. Cassandra batted her eyelashes and looked down. She looked hurt and he couldn't handle upsetting her. He reached for her hand and pulled her close to him. "It's not that I don't want you. I just need to be more careful. They're still out there and I won't let anything happen to you."

  Cassandra rested her head on his shoulder for a second, then reached up and kissed his cheek. "You once told me I'd be begging you to fuck me senseless, and you were right. I get it though and appreciate it." He squeezed her tight and kissed her forehead. "Just know, I'm not done begging yet." They both laughed, then continued preparing for dinner.