Lia had never done anything like this before. Lucas only ever bossed her around, never giving her any hope for something more.
Work? Did she now consider this intimate act as part of her job?
Cassius parted his lips slightly as he accepted the grape, his soft lips brushing her fingers in a way that sent a tingling sensation through her. Startled, she quickly pulled her hand back.
Yet, she continued peeling the grapes, and he continued eating them, accepting each one without hesitation.
As she reached for another, his voice broke the silence. "Since you're so dedicated, why not come work for my company?"
Lia paused, lifting her eyes to meet his. "Mr. Cassius, I used to work for Valen. Aren't you concerned I might leak company secrets?"
After all, Ravencroft and Valen were fierce competitors, both powerhouses in the industry. They didn't take risks when it came to hiring people from rival companies.
"If that's true," he said with a smirk, "then Lucas is quite generous to give you to me."
Before she could respond, Cassius swiftly lifted her from the sofa. Lia's legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, and her hands found their way to his neck, though she hesitated to fully touch him.
"Mr. Cassius, aren't you still eating?" she stammered, trying to distract herself from the sudden intimacy.
"I want you more…" he replied, his voice low as he carried her toward the bed.
His words might have sounded sweet in a different context, but right now, they were difficult for her to interpret. Was this all just a game to him?
He gently laid her on the bed, his tall frame leaning over her, but instead of moving closer, he just looked at her. Lia, nervous and unsure, closed her eyes, waiting.
After a long moment of nothing happening, she opened one eye cautiously. Cassius was still watching her, his gaze intense but calm.
"Are you scared?" he asked quietly.
"There's still grape juice on my hands," she replied, holding up her sticky fingers, hoping to avoid the real answer.
He smiled slightly, catching her hand and gently bringing her index finger to his lips, his tongue tracing over it in a way that sent a shiver through her.
Lia's face flushed deep red. "Mr. Cassius, it's dirty."
"It's sweet," he countered, his voice soft but teasing.
How could he say such things so easily?
"Are you still scared?" he asked again, his tone light but probing.
Lia shook her head. "No, but… we haven't showered yet."
He raised an eyebrow. "Ah, I forgot. Do you want to go first, or should I?"
She hesitated for a second. "I suppose… we could go together."
Cassius chuckled, clearly amused. Without hesitation, he scooped her up again and carried her toward the bathroom.
They stood face to face, both of them fully aware of the situation, yet he seemed completely at ease, as if they were discussing something as mundane as the weather.
"Would you like me to help you?" he asked, his voice casual but suggestive.
"No, I can manage," Lia replied, her nerves creeping back in.
Cassius didn't wait. He began unbuttoning his shirt, each button revealing more of his well-defined chest. Lia's eyes involuntarily lingered on his toned muscles—his body was sculpted, lean, with clear evidence of regular exercise.
Realizing she was staring, she quickly averted her gaze. But when she hesitated to remove her own clothes, he stepped closer, his arm wrapping around her waist, pulling her gently against him.
"Why aren't you taking yours off?" he murmured, his breath warm against her neck.
"I—" Lia's voice faltered. She turned her face away, feeling overwhelmed.
His skin was hot under her palm as her hand brushed against his chest, and she awkwardly tried to pull away.
Cassius chuckled again, his fingers tilting her chin upward, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Miss Lia, are you satisfied with what you see?"
Caught off guard, she stammered, "... Satisfied."
The atmosphere between them became increasingly charged. His eyes roamed over her face, then trailed downward—lingering on her neck, her collarbone, and finally the delicate pink bow that adorned her chest.
With deliberate care, his slender fingers undid the bow, as if unwrapping a gift, and Lia felt the weight of the moment deepen.
Her skin prickled as it was exposed to the cool air. Instinctively, she hugged her body, trying to maintain some semblance of control.
But Cassius gently pulled her hands away, circling her in his arms. Lia closed her eyes, knowing she couldn't back down now, not after everything.
The bathtub was large—large enough to hold several people, but at this moment, it felt too small for the two of them. While Cassius seemed relaxed, Lia remained tense, her body stiff.
"Why are you so nervous?" he asked, his hand resting on her waist.
Before she could answer, he lifted her effortlessly and placed her on his lap. Though her back was to him, the physical closeness made it impossible to forget what was about to happen.
She exhaled slowly, trying to relax, but it was no use.
"Is this your first time?" he whispered, his voice vibrating softly in her ear.
Lia coughed, startled by the question.
When she didn't respond, Cassius turned her around to face him. The steam from the hot water had made her skin glow with a soft pink hue, and her eyes were misted with uncertainty.
He traced a hand down her back, his touch gentle. "Why are you coughing? Are you cold?"
Before she could answer, he leaned in closer, his warmth enveloping her completely.
The tension, the uncertainty—it all weighed heavily in the air, but as his touch grew softer and more patient, Lia felt herself slowly give in, unable to resist the moment any longer.
Cassius's hand lingered on her back, his touch gentle, as if giving her time to adjust. Lia could feel her breath quickening, but she tried to steady herself, tried to push through the overwhelming sense of vulnerability.
His warmth surrounded her, and in the stillness of the moment, her mind began to quiet, but her body betrayed her—tension still rippled through her muscles, making it hard to fully relax.
He leaned in, closing the distance between them, his lips brushing against hers in a slow, deliberate kiss. There was nothing hurried or forceful about it. It was soft, patient—an invitation, not a demand.