Chapter Thirteen

That was intense

Cassandra

I don't know how long I lay there but when I do come back to myself I am wrapped in Lucian's thick arms. He cuddles me from behind, his muscular chest to my back.

"Are you okay?" he asks.

"I can't feel my legs," I mumble.

His entire body jostles mine as he laughs.

"Not what I meant but thanks for the ego boost."

I take a moment to work through my thoughts and emotions before I answer the question. "Things happen in the heat of the moment."

Moving away he shifts me to my back so he can see my face. I want to hide from him because his words meant everything to me but I won't hold him to them. Just thinking that he may not have meant what he said cracks my heart wide open. I want to be enough for a man like him but taking on a divorced woman with a baby and a ton of baggage is a big ask.

"Listen to me, Cassandra," he says, gripping my chin and forcing me to focus on him. "I didn't say a damn thing I didn't mean. I want you, us. I want a chance to see where this can go."

"Lucian," I start but he cuts me off with a toe-curling kiss.

"I'm not asking you to marry me, yet," he says with a grin once he has kissed me senseless. "All I'm asking is that you keep an open mind."

"I can do that," I say breathlessly.

His smile steals my breath right before he kisses me again. He situates himself between my thighs again and I welcome him, ready for round two.

But we are cut short as Tyler's cry rings through the apartment. Lucian kisses me quickly before jumping from the bed and grabbing his jeans from the floor.

"I'll grab him while you get dressed. I think all of us could use some food."

He doesn't give me a chance to argue, he simply takes charge. Lying on my bed for another minute, I smile to myself. I love that he isn't afraid to handle Tyler and that he is willing to let me put my son first. I know that very few men want to raise someone else's child and I can honestly say I don't see that being a problem here.

Sliding from the bed, I grab a sundress and slip it over my head. It will give me easy access to breastfeed Tyler and it isn't too constricting. I also happen to want to know what Lucian thinks of me in a dress. Stepping into the kitchen, I catch him talking to my son as he cradles him to his bare chest and my heart melts.

"I probably should have talked to you sooner, but the decision is already made. I'm dating your mom now," he explains while Tyler watches him, sucking his thumb. "I'm going to be around a lot, and I hope that you and I can build our own relationship because I really like her. I like you both and I want to keep you. What do you think, buddy?"

Tyler babbles, reaching out to touch Lucian's face and I have to turn away before he sees me. I didn't think he could get any better but the private moment I just witnessed has me melting for this man.

It takes me a moment to get my emotions under control before I walk into the kitchen.

"What are you two guys up to?" I ask with a smile, taking Tyler from Lucian.

"Just chatting," Lucian smiles. "I'm ordering takeout for the non-milk drinkers. Do you want Thai or burgers?"

"I would love some Mexican," I counter.

"A woman after my own heart. I'll make the call."

Taking a seat on the couch, I lower the strap of my dress and push the material away to expose my breast. Tyler latches on immediately and starts drinking. He has always been a healthy eater.

"I feel like an asshole," Lucian says, standing beside the couch watching us.

"Why?" I ask with a frown.

"I'm jealous of our boy."

I don't know if it was a slip of the tongue or if he meant to say it but my heart trips over itself at his words.

I smile to hide my reaction. "Don't worry. There's more where that came from."

Lucian gives me a heated look and I can't hold back my blush. He takes a seat on the couch across from us and grabs his phone. I didn't know I could blush any harder but I do. Watching him, I know he is looking at the photo he took. His gaze darkens as he bites his bottom lip.

"Is it what you had in mind?" I ask softly.

His gaze collides with mine. "Better." He winks at me as someone knocks on the door.

Walking past me, he leans down to kiss my lips before making his way to see who it is. I hear a man's voice. A sudden unsettling feeling wraps around me and I hold my son just a little bit tighter.

"There's a man here," Lucian says as he walks back toward me. "Says his name is Darren."

That's where the feeling came from. I haven't even seen him and already my soul knew he was here. I want Lucian to tell him to fuck off but I know he won't. Luckily, Tyler has already fallen asleep, with my nipple still in his mouth, might I add.

"I'll put Tyler in his crib. Will you let him in?"

Lucian nods but I can see that he isn't happy. In front of my eyes, I have seen him go from happy and carefree to shut down. My chest aches as he turns away from me. He grabs his shirt from the floor before heading down the hallway.

Taking my time, I lay my son in his crib and watch him sleep. I don't know what my ex wants but I know that I want him out of my home as soon as possible. He is ruining this perfect day.

Walking out of Tyler's room, I see Darren in the middle of the lounge looking around with a frown, assessing everything.

He sees me watching him and smiles.

"Cassandra."

The sound of his voice grates on my nerves and I want to plug my ears.

"Where's Lucian?" I ask.

"He left," Darren says with a frown. "I told him we need to spend some time together as a family."

My eyebrows shoot into my hairline. "Family?"

"Yes, family." He seems confused by my reaction. "You are my wife and that child in there is part of my DNA."

A harsh laugh falls from my lips. "You don't even know his name."

"A boy?"

"Don't act like you care," I snap. "You wanted me to get a damn abortion. That boy is mine, not yours."

"Can we just talk about this?" he asks.

"There is nothing to talk about, Darren. You were fucking another woman behind my back!" I'm yelling now but I can't just remain calm anymore. He fucked up my life and he deserves to know it. "You treated me like shit, badmouthed me to our friends, and asked me to kill my fucking son!"

I'm shaking with rage. What I'm not expecting is the hand on my shoulder.

"Tyler is crying," Lucian says in my ear. I have no idea where he came from, but I want to cry I'm so happy. "Go to him. I'll sort this out."