Page 11 of Legally Yours
“Believe it, buddy, she’s mine now.” I take Cassandra’s left hand with mine and flash the ring on her finger. It’s not incredibly impressive, a blue diamond rock on a soft-rose-colored band. She proudly wiggles her fingers before lacing them with mine.
Our first day of marriage is definitely starting offinteresting.David is left gawking at the rings, his bulging eyes staring between our faces and our hands.
“How could you do this to me!” He glares directly at her, pushing Emma out of his arms as he steps closer. I pull Cassandra tighter against my chest, trying to protect her. She flicks between our hands and my face, her gaze lost.
I never really realized it, but this is the first time we’re in such close proximity to each other. On the plane ride, we had a comfortable amount of space. At the ceremony, it was just a small peck, still wholly unfamiliar with the idea of getting married and actually beingtogether.
Even in the midst of all this, I like how her body feels pressed against mine. She fits in my arms perfectly, and I want to keep her there. But I’ll have to explore that later. Right now, these two in front of us need finishing.
“Don’t yell at my wife like that! You had your chance with her, and you blew it.” I glare straight down at David, and he seems to shrink under my look. Good. He doesn’t respond, just staring up at me. It’s time to end this.
“By the way, whatever position you had here, consider yourself fired. Toying with our models will not be tolerated here. Pack your shit and get out.” I end my statement by stepping back, and I feel Cass’s body step with me. I take her hand and lean down closer to her.
“Are you okay?” I mumble, close enough to her ear that only she can hear. I feel her hair brush my cheek as she nods, and I take her hand. Together, we start to walk out of the room. From behind me, David starts to speak up again.
“How can you just fire me? I’m their manager!” he hollers after us, the other girl that was clinging to him cursing him out in a hushed voice.
The higher-pitched redhead pipes up again. “He has all the right to fire you! He’s the President and CEO of Anderson Modeling Agency!” She claps her hands together, her voice absolutelyelated.I stifle a laugh as I hear a bunch of fast-paced steps following us outside.
“What!” David and Emma both yell at the same time. Cassandra and I don’t bother holding it in, our laughter bouncing off the walls of the studio. Everyone is packing up to leave and as we walk together, she squeezes my hand tighter. Whenever she looks up at me, though, there’s an extra little something hidden in the back of her gaze.
11
CASSANDRA
Oh my God, I can’t believe I just did that!
My head feels like it’s swimming.The look on David’s face when Liam walked in and grabbed my hand – it felt straight out of a rom-com!I’m still holding Liam’s hand, and the feeling is exciting as we walk right out of the studio.
I barely notice Leslie behind me, the poor girl having to witness all of that and get shell-shocked. “Okay! Well, I have to go home! I’ll see you around, Miss. Cassandra! Nice to see you, too, Mr. Anderson!” And with that she skips off, her hair bouncing.What a girl.
I look up at Liam, and he’s watching her leave. But when he notices me, his eyes fall to meet mine. I still can’t get over just howdeepthe green is, like pools I could happily drown in.
My happiness is faltering, giving away to the realization that this is real.I just broke up with my fiance, and I’m already married to a random man I mettoday.My strides stop, and I stand in place as Liam comes to a halt by my hand, jerking him back.
“Are you okay?” He turns to face me, and our bodies are close.
I step back, shaking my head. “No. I’m not! What did I do?” My voice sounds shrill, and Liam looks concerned before he starts to chuckle. “What’s so funny?” I ask. I don’t want to feel like he’s laughing at me, but it definitely feels like he is.
“You did what’s right. Your jerk fiance deserved all of that and more!” He sounds happy. Excited, even. Like this is a rush, but he doesn’t get it.
“No! I mean, what did I do to my life?”
Liam’s chuckle grows until he’s practically bellowing out a rich, deep laugh that makes me want to smile. But I don’t. I’m too upset and frustrated.
“C’mon. Remember David’s reaction? Wasn’t that totally worth it?” His charming eyes bore into mine and eventually, I can’t stop the smile that grows on my face. I roll my eyes and hold his hand tightly.
“I guess…” I mutter, now grinning like a fool.
“Let’s go home,” Liam says assuredly.
I tilt my head. “Home? Home where?” I don’t know what his idea of home is, but it better be at least close to mine.
“To my penthouse,ourhome.”
I stare at him. Us, living together?
“Hey, now, we made a deal. Your ex is traumatized by our relationship now, but I still have someone I need to get back at.”