"You're my brother. I would never betray you."
"I need your help to leave the city. I messed up real bad."
"Let's talk face to face when you get here."
Cas opened his eyes. Jack's words replayed in his mind, haunting him even in his dreams. He sat up and glanced out the window—still dark, long before daybreak.
He went over to the table where he had plugged his phone to charge. Switching it on, it was just four am. His stomach growled, he had been too tired to honor Janet's dinner invitation last night.
Cas sat on the bed and scrolled through his contacts to dial Jack's number, hoping he would pick up. No answer. Dead signal. Frustrated, he called one of his men instead, who picked up almost immediately
"Boss! We've been worried. You were in the news."
"I'm okay, Max," He said, rubbing his forehead, a faint headache nagged him "Jack is a traitor. He lured me down here. Make sure to inform all our men to look out for him. Put a bounty on him in town. He must be brought to me alive."
"Yes, boss. Boss! What about you?" Max asked with concern.
"I'll be here for some time. Don't know how long." Cas's stomach growled again, he knew he couldn't ignore the pangs of hunger for much longer. "Max,"
"Yes boss"
"Bring my best men—and yourself—down to Rose town. Be here first thing tomorrow morning. You'll all stay at my hotel on Cupid Street, uptown. It's closest to my location. Clear?"
"Got it, boss."
Cas hung up the phone. His hand brushed against a fabric he had not noticed earlier—a beige furry robe, folded neatly beside where he slept. It was a considerate thought from Janet; he assumed his clothes were too filthy to wear after he showered. He sighed. It was her house after all, and looking around he didn't see any other options besides the robe. He slipped it on, and went outside the room, hoping to find his way to the kitchen.
Cas walked toward the living room, keeping in mind the early details of her house he had caught with his side eye—a door slightly ajar, revealing a glimpse of a fridge in the corner of her living room. He assumed that was her kitchen and moved toward it. He heard noises. Could she already be up? or… Cas' senses sharpened as he lightened his steps, approaching the living room carefully, just in case it wasn't Janet inside.
He was caught by surprise when he saw Janet in an awkward position, sipping coffee and watching television. The volume was low, so he didn't hear it, and for a moment, he thought the light coming from the living room was the neighbor's security light.
Cas gulped as he observed Janet, who was bent over the back of the longest sofa directly facing the television, wearing a baggy polo shirt and underwear. Orange underwear peeking between her thighs, she shifted slightly as she sipped her coffee, lost in whatever was on television.
He felt his pleasure build as he watched her, wanting not to interrupt the show she was putting up on unconsciously, before clearing his throat.
Janet shot to her feet, nearly spilling her tea as she tugged on the hem of her polo down to hide her underwear.
"Didn't expect you to be up this early." She said.
Cas' eyes stayed on her "I'm hungry." His gaze dropped to her chest, where her nipples pressed against the thin cotton. "So hungry I could eat a horse."
Janet had followed his gaze, hesitating —should she pull her polo lower or shield her chest? "The kitchen's right over there," she pointed with her chin to the door he had guessed to be the kitchen earlier. But his eyes never left her. "Blue cover plastic plate, first thing you'll spot when you open the fridge. You won't miss it."
"Mmmhmm" he murmured, eyes sliding off her as he headed for the kitchen.
Janet hurried to her room to slip into more modest bottoms.
* *
Janet felt very bashful as she imagined what Cas thought when he saw her in such a strange position. She was sure he must have gotten a good view before she noticed he was standing there. Oh right—He had cleared his throat to alert her of his presence.
She placed a hand on her forehead, she was a little old to be acting this way around a man. She wondered if she could really blame herself for the effect he had on her. He looked majestic in the robe she offered him, especially with the way he wore it loosely. It was a good thing she had an L-sized robe.
After putting on a pair of bottoms, she swapped the polo for a loose tank top, then went back into the living room.
Cas was already settled on the dining table eating and scrolling on his phone. She joined him and sat opposite. It was a small dining area—four chairs around a square table. Cas seemed to dwarf the furniture as he ate. His plate was nearly empty.
He raised his face to her "This is a good meal."
Janet blushed at the compliment "Thank you. I try my best."
She watched him, struck by how he could be two men at once. Right now he was the calmer one. He leaned back in his chair sliding his phone aside to focus on her. "So…care to enlighten me on what leads you've got on HENNEDY?"
She spoke, bracing herself as if the question might be meant to intimidate her efforts. "I know he frequents Diamond Casino. My sources were able to confirm that." Her voice tightened with confidence. "I'm sure you know a lot about Diamond Casino."
Cas chuckled "Why were your sources limited? Couldn't they take pictures of him? Going into Diamond Casino is enough to implicate your suspect."
"Going into Diamond Casino is not enough evidence," Janet sighed "We need to get inside."
"And do what…interview him over poker?" he cut in.
"Cut it out." Janet snapped at him. "I know more about this case than anyone. There's a scheduled time HENNEDY enters the casino. All we need is someone who can gain access and follow him."
Cas leaned across the table, very interested. Janet felt motivated "I think he might have a hideout where he keeps the kids—somewhere in Diamond Casino. Then we move in on him and apprehend him before the cops get there."
An awkward silence followed. Janet eyed him "So, what do you think?"
Cas relaxed back into his seat and gave her a neutral stare "You plan to stroll into HENNEDY'S lair and play supergirl?"
"Well not technically—" she scrunched her face "We'd have backups."
"And people will die." Cas said "Do you even know the extent of how dangerous this man is? He moves like he's got nothing to lose. If that is indeed his lair, the kids become hostages. By the time the police arrive, HENNEDY will be gone." His eyes narrowed and studying her. She was beginning to understand why he had such a reputation in the underworld.
She began to reply "My sister will have the place surrounded—"
"You really think HENNEDY has no combat skills or do you only think that because he used to be your neighbor?" he interrupted, jeering.
Janet felt speechless. That hurt her, but he'd never understand why—he didn't deserve to. It was clear he hated her guts.
Cas gave her a break; his voice softened, perhaps he realized he had been too harsh.
"I don't want to intrude on your secrets, Janet. But you need to face reality—HENNEDY isn't some street thug. He's a mafia boss. If he's selling body parts, he's got money and money buys the best weapons. Trust me this plan of yours won't cut it."
Janet stared at him. He smiled keeping that knowing look, then his voice dipped "I see the way you're fighting to control this case. What I don't see is why."
Janet frowned and started to stand. Cas ordered "Sit."
She shot him a defiant look but obeyed, fully aware of the consequences.
Cas smirked, "You're fragile, light…with the survival instincts of a kitten. You couldn't even resist me earlier when I had you against the wall. It's a good thing none of your little team of heroes made it inside Diamond Casino. You'd already be dead. And wouldn't that be a waste—letting a beauty like you die?"
Janet felt offended, at this point, she really hated the way she found him so unpredictable, though he was right. Her sister was always better with the combat skills; she'd never bothered to learn to defend herself. Until now.
She met his burning stare "What are you proposing?"
Cas smiled and Janet wondered how triumphant he felt seeing her bend to his will.
"A couple of my men are coming into the state tomorrow. They'll meet me here for a briefing, but they'll stay in a hotel while they're in town."
Janet gave him a stinging look "What? You're not going to discuss your plan with me until they get here?"
Cas arched a brow "The only things I have to discuss with you are how to shoot a gun and how to hit a man in the guts."
Janet flushed with embarrassment at the jab at her weakness. Angrily she said, "How dare you? I am still the lawyer who got you out of a dire situation in court and I deserve some respect."
Cas held her gaze "Respect from me is earned, Janet. I don't just hand it out."
Janet boiled; her knuckles clenched and teeth ground. Who exactly did this man think he was? It was infuriating how he shredded her plan with cold logic. She needed air, away from him. "I need to go to my room," She said, avoiding his eyes.
Cas glanced out the window, "It's daybreak already." Then he turned to her, "Are you joining the raid on HENNEDY?"
Janet nodded, still looking away.
"A lawyer isn't supposed to be involved in this sort of thing. Am I correct?"
He leaned on the table, making sure she felt the weight of his stare. "Does the police know you'll be there? Or…" he clicked his tongue "Your sister's giving you a pass to go without her colleagues' consent?"
Janet's face shifted from anger to confusion. Her eyes had a mix of frustration and doubt.
"It's classified." She sighed " I have to go inside."
"The thing about learning to defend yourself wasn't a question." Cas said, "If we're raiding HENNEDY together. You should learn to defend yourself beyond wriggling and pleading."
Janet was sure now— she hated him. She was scared to stand, unsure what he might do to her if she defied him.
"Run along Janet— your room's waiting. Go on, cry it out," he said, amusement in his voice.
Janet sniffed and stood "You're a bully. I wondered why I thought I could work with you."
"Yes, Janet. I'm a mafia lord. Your lord from the moment you brought me on this case. Pity you thought I was a pushover." Cas stood up and walked toward her. Janet hesitated as he closed the distance, feeling a small wave of anticipation. The robe amplified his masculinity, his ruffled hair did nothing to dull the sexiness he carried.
He reached her, lowering his face until it hovered just inches from hers. "Cross me again and I'll give you a spanking you won't forget."
Janet's eyes widened "How dare y…"
"I dare—because I can." He fixed her with a harder stare, "Don't underestimate me, Janet."
Janet swallowed hard, but her eyes didn't leave his. "Then don't underestimate me either, Cas."
With that, she turned and walked toward her room.
Cas leaned back, watching her movements as she disappeared down the passage. A slow smirk tugged at his lips. He loved a challenge.