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Cassie sank deeper into the plush leather seat of the taxi, the soft hum of the engine blending with the muted sounds of the city nightlife. Streetlights blurred past the window in long golden streaks as she gave the driver a quiet address.
"Just to the pharmacy, please," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her fingers trembling slightly with anticipation.
Only Jazmine knew she was sneaking out tonight. After dinner, while the others were distracted with television and snacks, Cassie had quietly slipped away, pretending she was tired. She didn't want the others questioning her. Only Jazmine had been pulled aside and told in a hurried whisper, "I'm going over to Joseph's place. Cover for me if anyone asks." Jazmine's knowing smirk had been her only answer.
Now, as the cab wove through the busy streets, Cassie's thoughts spun with nerves and excitement. She couldn't stop thinking about Joseph—his warm brown eyes, that crooked smile that undid her, the way he looked at her like she was the only girl in the world. Their relationship had always burned hot, but lately, it had deepened into something she hadn't expected... something terrifyingly real.
Thirty minutes later, a small bag clutched in her hand, she stood in front of Joseph's building. She hesitated for a heartbeat before buzzing up, feeling a rush of warmth and want crash through her chest.
When he opened the door, Joseph was standing there barefoot, wearing a casual gray t-shirt that clung to his lean muscles and a pair of worn jeans slung low on his hips. His dark hair was slightly tousled, like he had run his hands through it while waiting for her. The soft lighting in his apartment made his brown eyes glow, warm and inviting.
"Cassie," he breathed, his voice rough with emotion as he reached for her.
Without hesitation, Cassie closed the distance between them, their lips crashing together in a kiss so full of urgency it stole her breath away. Joseph's hands roamed her body hungrily, finding her waist and lifting her effortlessly. Cassie let out a small gasp as her back hit the wall, Joseph's body pressing firmly into hers.
Their kiss deepened, hot and desperate, as Cassie's hands slid down, tugging at his belt buckle. The clink of the metal echoed in the stillness of the room, a delicious sound that sent shivers down her spine. She smirked against his lips as she unhooked it, feeling a surge of boldness she hadn't known she had.
"Cassie…" Joseph groaned, his voice sending a jolt of pleasure through her as her hand brushed over the hard length beneath his jeans. His hips jerked slightly into her touch, and a low moan rumbled from his throat.
Joseph's hands found her curves, exploring every inch with reverence and need. He kissed down her neck, nipping and sucking gently, leaving a heated trail that made her whimper. Cassie tangled her fingers in his hair, pulling him closer, needing more.
In one swift motion, Joseph scooped her into his arms, carrying her to his bedroom like she weighed nothing. He set her down on the bed, hovering over her for a moment, their breaths mingling in the charged air. His eyes searched hers, asking for silent permission.
Cassie cupped his cheek, smiling up at him with all the trust she could give. "I'm sure," she whispered, her voice trembling with need.
That was all Joseph needed. He kissed her deeply, peeling away their clothes with growing urgency until there was nothing left between them but skin and heat. His hands were everywhere, caressing, exploring, setting every nerve on fire. Cassie arched into him, her body aching for his touch.
Joseph's lips found her breasts, worshiping her with slow, deliberate movements that made her toes curl. Cassie's hands were everywhere—scraping down his back, pulling him closer, guiding him with desperate urgency.
When he finally slid into her, Cassie gasped, clinging to him. They moved together slowly at first, savoring every inch, every heartbeat. Joseph's hands cradled her face, his forehead resting against hers as he whispered her name like a prayer.
"Cassie… Cassie…" he breathed, his thrusts deepening, the connection between them sparking brighter than anything she'd ever felt before.
The rhythm built gradually, the pleasure curling tighter, higher. The room filled with soft moans and whispered promises, the bed creaking beneath their frantic need. Cassie's nails dug into his back as she whimpered, "Yes, Joseph… don't stop…"
Their world collapsed into a dizzying spiral of sensation, until finally, with a shared gasp, they reached the peak together—an explosion of pleasure so intense it left them trembling in each other's arms.
Joseph collapsed beside her, gathering her against his chest as their breathing slowed. The room was warm, the air thick with the scent of sex and something sweeter—something fragile and real.
Cassie curled into him, feeling the steady beat of his heart against her cheek. She pressed a soft kiss to his chest, closing her eyes against the onslaught of feelings.
For now, it was just them—no expectations, no outside world—only the slow, steady thrum of something dangerously close to love.
---
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The morning light was barely creeping through the windows when Cassie slipped quietly through the front door, her shoes in one hand and her jacket bundled under her arm. She tiptoed through the house, hoping to make it upstairs unseen.
But the murmur of voices and the clatter of silverware from the kitchen told her she was too late.
Everyone was already awake — and having breakfast.
"Cassie?" Maddie called out, her voice laced with curiosity.
Cassie froze mid-step, plastering on a casual smile before stepping into view.
"Morning," she said breezily, trying to act like nothing was out of the ordinary.
Jazmine arched an eyebrow, sipping her coffee far too innocently.
"Where have you been?" Maddie asked, frowning. "You weren't in your room last night."
Cassie shrugged, heading for the stairs as nonchalantly as possible.
"I was at Joseph's," she said over her shoulder. "It was... unplanned."
There was a sharp clatter as Caleb dropped his fork onto his plate.
"Who's Joseph?" Caleb demanded, his tone instantly shifting into full big brother mode. He pushed his chair back like he was ready to hunt this Joseph down right then and there.
Cassie rolled her eyes, a teasing grin playing at her lips.
"Mind your business, Caleb," she said sweetly, shooting him a wink before disappearing upstairs, leaving him grumbling in protest.
As she climbed the stairs two at a time, her heart still thudding from the close call, her mind wandered back to the night before — the last conversation she'd had with Joseph before she left his apartment.
---
They had been lying tangled together in his bed, the air still heavy with the remnants of their intimacy. Joseph's fingers absentmindedly traced patterns along her bare back, a frown creasing his brow.
"Cass," he said quietly, his voice serious in a way that made her heart ache. "We need to talk."
Cassie shifted, propping herself up on one elbow to look at him, a nervous flutter twisting in her chest.
"The only time you text me or call or come over... it's when you need sex," Joseph said, not unkindly. "And you leave almost immediately afterward." His brown eyes searched hers. "I need to know why, Cassie. You know I love you. You know how much I like you. I just..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "I need to understand."
Guilt flooded her. Cassie reached out, brushing her fingers along his jaw.
"I'm sorry for making you feel that way, Jo," she whispered. "I am interested in you. I just…" She hesitated, the words heavy in her mouth. "I don't want to rush into feelings. I'm scared, okay? I'm sorry for taking things like this. It's okay if you want us to stop."
She tried to sit up, feeling suddenly exposed, but Joseph caught her wrist gently, pulling her back down into his arms.
"No," he said firmly, his voice rough with emotion. "I don't want to stop. We'll go at your pace — however you want. As long as I get to see you, Cassie, I'm fine."
Relief and tenderness bloomed inside her. Without thinking, she leaned down and kissed him — soft, slow, full of everything she couldn't quite say yet.
---
Back in the present, Cassie sat on the edge of her bed for a long moment, staring at her reflection in the vanity mirror across the room.
The girl staring back at her looked the same — wild hair, flushed cheeks — but something deep in her chest had shifted.
Pushing herself up, she crossed to the bathroom and flicked on the light. The mirror above the sink reflected her tired but thoughtful expression.
She placed her hands on the cool marble countertop, staring herself down.
"What are you doing, Cass?" she whispered to her reflection, her voice heavy with the weight of her own uncertainty.
She sighed, dropping her head, the fear and longing tangled so tightly inside her it was hard to tell where one ended and the other began.
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