Page 31 of Vows of Deceit
Back at the hotel, Cassie stood on the rooftop, the city glittering below.
Grayson appeared behind her, silent until she turned.
“You watched it?” she asked.
He nodded. “You were spectacular. But I think you’re dancing with fire.”
Cassie met his gaze. “Then let it burn.”
Chapter Twenty Three
Grayson's Guard
The crowd outside the Kings Grand was louder than usual. Paparazzi lined the barriers, their lenses long and eager. A rumor had leaked that Cassie was about to announce something that could shake the elite social stratosphere.
Cassie stepped out of the black SUV in a crisp white pantsuit, flanked by Jared and Harper, head high and expression composed. She was heading into an industry brunch hosted by Elite Affairs magazine, expecting controlled press.
But it wasn’t controlled. A wall of camera flashes exploded in her face.
“Cassie! Is the renewal a cover-up?”
“Are you divorcing Damien after the party?”
“Is it true about your sister—”
Before the words could finish, a strong arm slipped around her waist.
Grayson Collin.
He stepped in front of her, calm but commanding. “Back off,” he said coolly, shielding her body with his.
The reporters faltered.
“Who’s the mystery man?” someone called.
“Your new lover, Cassie?”
Cassie didn’t answer. She kept her eyes forward as Grayson led her through the hotel entrance and into the private elevator. Inside, the doors closed and the quiet rushed in. Her chest heaved.
Grayson turned to face her. “You alright?”
She nodded. “I didn’t think they’d come at me like that.”
“You lit the match, darling,” he said gently. “Now you’re walking through fire.”
She met his eyes, vulnerable now, her mask slipping.
“I didn’t expect you.”
He shrugged, soft smile playing on his lips. “Didn’t want you to walk alone.”
Silence stretched between them, tense and tender.
Cassie reached out, fingers brushing the lapel of his jacket. “You always show up when it matters.”
Grayson leaned in slightly. “Because you matter.”
Her breath caught.
