[b][color=red][center]FLASHBACK[/center][/color][/b] [color=lightgray][center][h1][color=D0B4EC]Lottie[/color] & [color=lightsteelblue]Cas[/color] Part 11[/h1] [img]https://i.imgur.com/3xLx2dH.png[/img] [b][color=D0B4EC]Time:[/color][/b] Sola 26th [b][color=lightsteelblue]Location:[/color][/b] Rosegate [/center] It was a strange thing—for a man like him to be left speechless. But now, standing here with the taste of her still lingering on his lips, he found himself unwilling to break the silence. Because the silence [i]meant[/i] something. It was charged, humming with everything they weren’t saying but had felt all the same. His pulse was still hammering, wild and unrestrained, but his hands were steady where they rested on her. He could still feel the way she had melted into him, the way she hadn’t pulled away, the way her breath had caught just before his lips met hers. And gods, if that didn’t unravel him. Cassius exhaled slowly, a low chuckle escaping as he let his forehead dip briefly against hers, an uncharacteristic softness overtaking him. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“…Oh…”[/color][/b] He repeated simply, knowingly. Her lashes lowered as their foreheads pressed together, hiding the emotions behind her eyes, before she dared to peek up at him, and then suddenly broke into a breathless giggle. And then, Charlotte poked his chest with one delicate finger and whispered, as if sharing a great secret—[b][color=D0B4EC] “…You taste like whiskey.”[/color][/b] It was soft, almost shy, however, it was almost like she was memorizing the moment, tucking it away somewhere secret. Cassius stilled for half a breath, then a slow, lazy grin curved his lips. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“Well, love,”[/color][/b] he murmured, voice all low, velvet and warm. His hand at her waist flexed, just slightly, thumb sweeping slow over the fabric of her dress, the fingers of his other hand still resting beneath her chin. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“I suppose it suits me,”[/color][/b] he mused. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“A little strong. A little reckless. An acquired taste…Sounds about right.”[/color][/b] [b][color=lightsteelblue]“But you didn’t pull away.”[/color][/b] His voice dipped lower, not quite teasing, not quite questioning—just a quiet observation. His touch skimmed up her spine, barely there, but enough to send a ripple through her. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“So I’d wager even if you weren’t a whiskey girl before…You are now.”[/color][/b] His forehead still brushed against hers, close enough that her breath mingled with his, close enough that he could see the delicate rise and fall of her chest, could feel the warmth of her, soft against him. He didn’t move back even a fraction of an inch. Because, gods help him, he wasn’t ready to. Charlotte lingered close to him, her lashes still low as if the moment was too precious to look at fully. She let her fingertips brush along his chest, barely there and she let her forehead continue to rest against his, letting her eyes flutter shut for half a second. Then, she whispered,[b] [i][color=D0B4EC] "...Maybe I just like the way it tastes on you."[/color][/i][/b] As soon as the words left her, her cheeks flushed a deeper pink, and she ducked her head slightly, tucking herself a little closer like she was hiding her own boldness. And then, just because she could, she slid her head down to rest against his shoulder. His thumb brushed along her cheek, the touch tender and lingering. He tilted his head slightly to meet the soft, sweet scent of her hair as she nestled against him. He could feel the warmth of her, the undeniable pull of her presence, and [i]damn[/i], if that didn’t make his chest tighten with something sharp and unfamiliar. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“You’re killing me, Lottie,”[/color][/b] he admitted softly, his voice betraying an edge of vulnerability he rarely showed. His fingers slid through her hair just enough to pull her even closer, a careful gesture that made her cheeks redden even more if such was possible, yet it felt like a declaration. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“I don’t know what it is about you, but…”[/color][/b] His words trailed off, lost to the space between them. He let the silence stretch for a moment, the weight of it heavy and delicate. His hands found her waist again, pulling her closer still, the way only someone willing to fall could. And damn if he didn’t feel like he was falling. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“Maybe I should stick around long enough to find out,”[/color][/b] he murmured, pressing a soft kiss against the crown of her head. There was a quiet finality to it, a moment of surrender, like he was willing to let the rest of the world wait for him to figure this out. To figure [i]her[/i] out. But for now, just for now, he didn’t need to know everything. He just needed her to stay close. Just as he took in a slow breath, still savoring the feel of Charlotte’s warmth against him, a couple brushed past them, jostling him roughly as they moved by, oblivious to the tension they’d just interrupted. At first, Cassius stiffened, the muscle in his jaw tightening as his eyes flicked to the man who had bumped into him. He could feel the surge of irritation in his chest as he was torn from that perfect moment, but as his gaze locked onto the man, the anger faded—softened—by something that felt like a sudden, ridiculous realization. He almost couldn’t help it. Cassius let out a short laugh, shaking his head, the fire in his chest dying away, replaced with the comfortable cynicism that only a moment like this could breed. His eyes drifted back to Charlotte, the tension between them still palpable, though the world outside had already started to rush back in. He gave her a smirk, his voice smooth and teasing as he ran a hand through his hair. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“Damn…I was quite enjoying that little moment.”[/color][/b] He winked at her, his expression still playful despite the irritation that had almost been there a moment ago. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“But we’re probably better off getting out of the way of people who can’t watch where they’re going.”[/color][/b] His gaze softened as he looked back to her, a gentle pull of his lips shifting into something more sincere. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“C’mon. Let’s get back to the table.”[/color][/b] His hand found hers again, his fingers threading through her own. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“And hey—seem, I still owe you a little bit of info anyways, don’t I?”[/color][/b] Charlotte, still reeling from the moment they shared, picked up her head and met his gaze with a smile. Her lashes fluttered as she tried to focus on him, her fingers curling lazily around his hand as she leaned just a bit too close, her breath warm against his skin. [color=D0B4EC] “Yes, sir…” [/color] she teased, her voice light, but her finger poking him again with every word. [color=D0B4EC] “You owe me all the info!”[/color] She let out a little giggle that broke apart as she turned away, stumbling toward her seat. She slumped into the chair, her fingers curling tightly around the edge, her shoulders heavy with something that wasn’t quite as playful as it seemed. Her eyes found his, pleading as she forced the smile to remain on her face. [color=D0B4EC] “If you tell me…”[/color] she paused, her voice small, almost childlike, [color=D0B4EC] “you won’t leave me after, right?”[/color] The words barely escaped her lips, faltering, almost desperate in the way she asked For a moment, Cassius just stared at her. The words hit him harder than any punch, any blade, any wound he’d ever taken. It wasn’t just what she said—it was the way she said it. Soft. Small. Like she already expected the answer to be yes. Like she was bracing for it. And [i]damn[/i] if that didn’t tear something open inside him. His usual smirk was gone, stripped away by the rawness of her voice, by the way her fingers curled tightly around the edge of the table like she was holding herself together. His hand was still warm from holding hers, but she had already pulled away. Like she was waiting for the inevitable. Waiting for [i]him[/i] to leave. Cassius exhaled, slow and steady, but there was no easy way to navigate this moment, no witty remark that could smooth over the weight of what she’d just asked. So, instead, he did the only thing he could… Answer from the heart. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“Lottie.”[/color][/b] His voice was quiet, steady, but there was an edge to it. He leaned in slightly, resting his forearms against the table, closing the space between them without touching her. His storm-gray eyes locked onto hers, searching. [i]Pleading[/i]. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“I’m not going anywhere.”[/color][/b] The words came low, firm. A promise. He let them sit there, let the words settle between them like a weight lifted, like something [i]solid[/i] to hold onto. And maybe it scared him too—how much he meant it. How much he needed her to believe it. His fingers twitched slightly against the tabletop before he reached out, brushing his knuckles against the back of her hand—tentative, uncharacteristically gentle. He wanted to say more…to make grand proclamations, to prove to her that he had no ill intent. But what was his intent, exactly? And were those intentions something that could even be [i]real[/i]? He wasn’t sure he knew the answer, yet he knew that he meant what he had said. And so, again, he repeated the only words that he could—and he spoke those words like a vow. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“I’m not going anywhere.”[/color][/b] Charlotte’s searching gaze moved over his face, as if trying to memorize the weight of his words. For a moment her expression softened and she gently smiled. Her head then lowered onto her arm, her lashes casting shadows against her cheeks as she rested against the table. Yet, even then, she didn’t look away. [color=D0B4EC] “Okie dokie…” [/color] Her light voice shifted into something more casual as she added with higher volume, [color=D0B4EC] “ … Sooo… Violet…” [/color] Cassius exhaled slowly, the weight of her question still lingering in his chest, even as she shifted gears so effortlessly. He almost smirked at the casual [color=D0B4EC] “Okie dokie” [/color]—almost. But the truth was, he was still reeling. Still feeling the way her voice had cracked just moments ago. Still hearing the way she had asked that question like she already knew the answer. Still feeling like there was a million things he had to say. But instead, he let her have this. Let her steer them somewhere lighter, even if his heart was still catching up. He leaned back in his chair, running a hand down his face before finally giving her a crooked smile. [b][color=lightsteelblue] Alright, then.[/color][/b] [b][color=lightsteelblue] “Violet.” [/color][/b] His voice was still low, still touched with something softer, but his teasing edge was beginning to creep back in. [b][color=lightsteelblue] “Right. Well… let’s just say she’s got a bit of a… condition. One that is a little…[i]weirder[/i] than most.” [/color][/b] He hesitated, once again questioning how wise it would be to share the kind of knowledge about his family that he knew without a shadow of a doubt would bring his, still newly found, father to a fumingV boil. But this was for Charlotte. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“She’s a vampire, Lottie.[/color][/b] Charlotte’s lashes fluttered, her gaze drifting unfocused over Cassius as a slow, sleepy smile curled at her lips. [b][color=D0B4EC] “I beg your pardon, “[/color][/b] Her voice was softened by her intoxication, her thoughts drowsily tangled. [b][color=D0B4EC] She’s a..”[/color][/b]She exhaled a breath as if gathering the energy to finish her thought, but instead, a yawn escaped her lips. Her lashes lowered once, twice…and then did not lift again. Her posture slackened as her body relaxed fully, her breathing slow and even. One last murmured whisper drifted between them, barely audible— [b][color=D0B4EC] “…Entirely too preposterous…”[/color][/b] And with that, Charlotte Vikena succumbed to sleep, blissfully unaware of the revelation she had just missed. Cassius paused, his heart caught somewhere between concern and disbelief. He stared at Charlotte for a moment longer than necessary, her soft breathing filling the silence. She’d fallen asleep so suddenly, so unexpectedly. A soft chuckle rumbled in his chest as he shook his head, still a little bewildered by everything that had just transpired. [i]What the hell was he supposed to do now?[/i] His hand moved gently toward her shoulder, brushing the hair from her face before letting it linger for just a second longer than necessary. His fingers curled slightly into the fabric of her dress, hesitant. [i][color=lightsteelblue]She really just passed out on me. Mid-conversation. While talking about bloody vampires. [b]Great[/b]. [/color][/i] Cassius exhaled, this time with purpose. It was time to move. The night was still young—too young to let her stay here in a place like this. He could already sense the way the club's atmosphere pulsed with something darker, the air thick with whispered exchanges and the scent of danger lurking just beneath the surface. Something about this place felt more menacing the longer he was there. It was not at all what he had expected when planning this date. Even the best club held it’s [i]secrets[/i], but something about the crowd here felt different than when they arrived. His gaze swept the room one more time, scanning for threats, before it returned to Charlotte. He gently placed his hands under her shoulders, testing her weight. [i][color=lightsteelblue]Okay, this is gonna be tricky. [/color][/i] His mouth quirked upward despite himself, his usual sarcasm slipping out: [b][color=lightsteelblue]“I guess that’s one way to get out of an awkward conversation.”[/color][/b] He muttered under his breath, humored by the whole situation. He moved to adjust her, carefully lifting her into his arms. She barely stirred, her head resting against him with a soft, unknowing trust that made something tighten in his chest. For a moment, he hesitated—staring down at her peaceful face. Then, with a deep breath, he began to carry her out of the club, each step measured and steady, determined. The weight of her felt like nothing compared to the quiet promise he’d made to her. [b]I’m not going anywhere.[/b] As he made his way toward the exit, Cassius was fully aware of the subtle shift in the atmosphere as the patrons of the Crimson Veil regarded him and Charlotte—whispers barely suppressed, eyes tracking their every movement. But Cassius didn’t care. Not tonight. That’s when he heard it—a voice, smooth and slithering through the air like honey. [b][color=LightSalmon]“Cassius.”[/color][/b] Lucian D’Arcy’s voice, charming as ever, carried across the room before he stepped into their path. His presence, that unsettling mixture of grace and enigmatic flair, made Cassius stiffen just slightly, but not enough to show it. [b][color=LightSalmon]“How lovely it is to see you again.”[/color][/b] Lucian’s eyes flicked to Charlotte in his arms, a flash of interest in those eyes. [b][color=LightSalmon]“And what a beautiful woman you’ve brought with you this time. You really are a lucky man.”[/color][/b] Cassius’ jaw clenched at the intrusion, his posture rigid as he glanced down at Charlotte, not wanting Lucian to get any closer. The way Lucian’s gaze lingered on her made something cold coil in Cassius’ stomach. His protective instincts flared. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“She’s not mine to offer your compliments to, Lucian,”[/color][/b] Cassius said, his voice flat, a growl beneath the surface. His irritation was palpable, but he kept it controlled. Charlotte, still unaware of the conversation, remained nestled against him, and for a split second, his grip tightened just a little. [b][color=LightSalmon]“Oh, but that kiss, dear Cassius…that kiss said otherwise.”[/color][/b] Lucian’s lips curled into a knowing smile. [b][color=LightSalmon]“But you should know... She's an intriguing one. I’d love to get to know her better, do bring her back, won’t you?”[/color][/b] He moved in closer to Charlotte, his fingers brushing against the fabric of her bag. Somehow without Cassius noticing, he slipped a sleek, crimson business card inside. He was [i]damn[/i] good at what he did. Cassius barely suppressed the urge to snap. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“I’m starting to gather that it was a mistake to bring her here at all.”[/color][/b] His voice was cold, dangerous, and he took a deliberate step forward, placing himself between Lucian and Charlotte. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“Goodnight, Lucian.”[/color][/b] His words were clipped, sharp, and without waiting for a response, Cassius turned on his heel and began walking away. Lucian watched them go, the smile never leaving his lips as he stood there for a moment, eyes following their retreating figures. His gaze flicked briefly to the woman standing at his side—Deva, a striking woman with raven-black hair and midnight eyes. She was dressed in an ensemble that commanded attention, and the moment her gaze met Lucian’s, there was an unspoken understanding. [b][color=Crimson]“I know that look...”[/color][/b] she murmured, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of her lips. [b][color=Crimson]“You have plans for them, don’t you boss?”[/color][/b] Lucian’s eyes remained locked on the door even after exited, his voice low and almost amused. [b][color=LightSalmon]“Not them... Just her.”[/color][/b] As Cassius carried Charlotte through the Crimson Veil’s gilded doors, the weight of unseen eyes followed him into the street, but he didn’t spare a single glance back. His strides were steady, purposeful. She remained a quiet warmth in his arms, her breath featherlight against his collarbone, completely unaware of the storm raging beneath his skin.[/color]