Against Porcelain and Better Judgement

NINA'S POV

Trust fate to take my broken engagement and shove it in my face. This time on Sloane’s perfectly manicured finger.

Sloane Whitmore, she said. Cassian's fiance.

Something bubbles in my throat and I realize I'm laughing. Not a soft chuckle, but an almost wheezing kind.

Cassian frowns, Sloane clutches her imaginary pearls, and I'm just half bent over when I should be asking for answers.

“Something funny?” Sloane asks, voice sharp.

Oh honey, if only you knew.

“No. Not really. It was really nice to meet you, Sloane.” I extend a shaky hand.

My fingertips brush against the diamond stud of the ring when she takes my hand. I should yank it off her and tell her what a cheating jerk she's marrying.

Cheating hot jerk, nonetheless.

But I say nothing. I just let it simmer. Cassian has gone rigid, a thousand yard stare lighting his eyes. Like he's…disconnected.

Well he better connect quick and give me back my fucking ring.

“I'll go mingle with the other guests. You two have fun.” A smile stretches my lips as I turn.

My heart is pounding so hard I'm worried I might have a heart attack.

This is stupid.

Men.

My throat burns, but I hold it all in, strutting across the hall to the restroom with a sweet smile on my face.

Nausea builds in my throat as I push into an empty stall. I lock the door and rest my forehead against the cold metal.

I went from being cheated on to being a paramour for some stoic Prince charming and I want out. I'm tired.

Yet somehow, I just know this universe isn't done chewing me up.

Despite my best efforts, a tear trails down my cheeks.

I suck in a sharp breath as the bathroom door bursts open.

Heavy footsteps thud against the tiled floor. My hand flies to my throat and I smell him before I even hear his voice.

“I know you're in there, Nina.”

My lungs ache for oxygen, but I don't breathe. I don't move.

He can't be here.

I wait with mounting dread as his shadow covers my stall.

“We need to talk. And I hope you're not pants down. We're not having that kind of conversation.”

Now I want nothing more than to wipe this smugness off him.

My fingers fumble the locks and the door swings open.

I don't realize how close he is standing until I almost walk straight into him. Almost. I'm not falling for that trick again.

He backs up considerably and I slither out, suddenly so conscious of the mascara stained trail down my cheek.

“What are you doing here?” My voice shakes. I put distance between us, clutching my purse hard.

“You shouldn't be in here. That's a violation of—”

“It's a unisex bathroom.” His eyes never leave my face. “I'm not doing anything wrong. At least not yet.”

“I'll stop you there, Mr. Fiancè. Maybe this is routine for you, but I'm not that type of girl. And frankly, I don't give a fuck. But my ring? You gave her my ring?”

“It's not as simple as it looks.” He presses a palm to his temple.

“Then by all means, explain to me how my engagement ring is on your fiancè's finger.” I fold my arms and lean away from him. Away from his sweet scent and sleek lines.

But he doesn't explain. Far from it. Instead he steps closer and towers over me.

“Let me make one thing clear, Nina. 42 rings. 42 fucking diamond rings…that's what it'll take to get me a new car. You can't take what belongs to me and just get away with it.” He snarls, but the heat of his gaze travels hungrily down my body and now I'm thinking he's not just talking about the car.

“If I don't get my ring back by the end of today, I'll march over to your perfect fiancèe and pop her bubble. Tell her what a cheat her dream man is.”

His smile drops, eyes going dark.

“You won't do that.”

“Yes, I will.”

“You won't. And you know why? Because you're a horrible liar. She'll ask how you know and your perfect cover will fall apart. Sloane is vicious. You don't want that.”

Heat flares in my chest, but I know he's right. We already got off on the wrong foot. I don't want to see the side of her that knows I slept with her fiancè.

I whirl around and clutch the porcelain sink. My reflection stares back at me, eyes watery.

I won't cry for this man. It was just one night. My eyes meet his in the mirror. He steps closer, and his cologne fills my nose.

“Nina, If you'll let me explain—”

“I should leave.” I mutter, but I don't. I can't. His hands rest on either side of me, trapping me between him and the cold porcelain.

My throat clamps shut.

“What are you doing?” My voice falters.

“Getting your attention. You won't get an answer if you keep talking over me. Will that happen again?” His voice is so low, almost a whisper.

His breath fans hot against my neck and I feel my knees buckle.

I should be angry at him. I should hate him. But right now, even in my anger, heat pools between my legs.

“You're either very brave, or very stupid. Given your situation, I guess it the latter. Get off me, Cassian.” My eyes never leave our reflection.

He sighs into my hair and I squirm at the tingles rushing through me.

“You stole from me, Nina. You shouldn't have done that. Now I own you.”

My cheeks flush, knuckles white from gripping the sink. Whatever that means, it doesn't sound good.

“You don't own me. Nobody owns me. I'll give you your stupid keys back and you can get your car. Now get the fuck off.” I try to sound harsh but the quiver in my voice gives me away.

His gaze meets mine in the mirror. I force myself not to look away. I won't let him win.

He lifts a brow, then slowly, his hand snakes around my waist and pull me into him.

His eyes never leave mine, daring me to say something. To resist him.

This is wrong on so many levels. Someone could walk right in and see us.

Somehow, he doesn't seem to care. He can put me over this counter and fuck me senseless right now and I won't move a muscle to stop him.

I'm so dirty. So shameless. No moral compass whatsoever.

This has to stop.

Gently, I pry free from his grip. He doesn't stop me. I clutch my purse between us, chest heaving.

“This has to stop.” My voice croaks.

“You don't get to decide that. You know why? Because you're mine now. You stole from me, Nina. This is how you repay your debt.”

I should say something. I should fight this.

But he's already at the door.

“I'll see you soon, princess.” He says, and the door clicks shut.

I want to run after him and tell him what a jerk he is and spill wine on his perfect white shirt, but I can't. Not with my hard nipples jutting out through my dress.

Like I said, the universe isn't done chewing me up.