He shouldn’t be doing this, but how could he refrain? Cassie’s beauty, combined with her intellect, sharp wit, and devout loyalty to family and country were more than he could resist. Now that he had a sample of what she could do to him, he knew he was going to want more.

His fingers tightened on the back of Cassie’s neck, kneading gently until he felt the worry and stress she carried there easing away.

He wanted her to forget everything in that moment except for the sensations they created together, but the warning in the back of his mind chimed like a foghorn in the distance.

A knock sounded at the door. They broke apart, Cassie’s eyes wide, her hand lifting to her lips. A faint blush crept into her cheeks, a reaction Levi couldn’t help but find endearing.

He put his hand on her knee and leaned in to kiss her cheek. “I’ll see who it is.”

Cassie stood as soon as he did. “I’d better freshen up.”

Levi nodded as she rushed into her bedroom and closed the door.

CHAPTER 16

Cassie didn’t have to look in the mirror to know her cheeks were flushed, her lipstick faded. She pressed her fingers against her lips again. They still tingled from Levi’s kiss. Then again, so did the rest of her body. That man was potent.

She touched up her makeup and applied a fresh coat of lipstick before she returned to her sitting room. Levi sat on the couch across from Garrett and Janessa.

The men stood.

Levi motioned to the new arrivals. “Garrett and Janessa stopped by to check on you.”

“I hope you have been comfortable here,” Garrett said.

“I have. Thank you,” Cassie sat on the couch. “Everyone has been very kind.”

“Janessa and I thought you might want to join us for dinner tonight.” Garrett reclaimed his seat.

Cassie glanced at Levi, who now sat beside her. She caught the concern in his expression and turned her attention once more to Garrett. “I would love to, but wouldn’t that draw attention to who I really am?”

“Does the staff still believe you are a new employee?” Janessa asked.

“Actually, we changed that up.” Levi took Cassie’s hand. “Meet Cassie, my new girlfriend.”

“I didn’t expect that,” Janessa admitted.

“Sounds like we need to spend some time together,” Garrett added. “I’d like to at least hear the latest of what has happened while we were gone. Has there been any progress on finding who was behind the assassination attempt?”

“They appear to be hired guns. No ties to any particular group yet,” Levi said. “Our staff is following up on a few leads.”

“I assume you heard about the string of bank robberies yesterday,” Janessa said.

“Yes. We’re looking into those as well in case there is a connection,” Levi said.

“Let us know if you find anything.” Garrett stood. “I have some calls to make.”

“I should get some work done too,” Janessa said. “Join us for dinner tonight, both of you. No one will think twice about us entertaining a valuable member of our staff and his girlfriend.”