Annabel's POV
When I got to the lounge, Daniel was still pacing around. I could still feel how angry he was, like he had been waiting all his life to unleash whatever grudge he had on James.
He stood still immediately when he saw me, he made an attempt to approach me but stopped halfway, then sat on the bed and pressed his face into his hands.
I went to the cabinet and searched for anything to cover up his wound, then I saw a first aid box.
Carrying it, I moved closer to where he sat and offered to help.
Lifting his hands, "Here… let me help you."
But he pulled away without a word.
I squared my shoulders. "Daniel, you are hurt. Let me help you, please."
After a brief pause, he gave in, stretching out his hands. While applying ointment to the bruises, I moved to his face and massaged it gently, but he felt a sharp pain and shifted a little.
I waited a moment before continuing.
My hand was still on his when he held my wrist. Our eyes locked for a moment before he spoke. "Annabel, I'm sorry I acted out of control."
I exhaled deeply. "It's fine, Dan…"
Before I could finish, his mouth found mine, claiming it with a deep kiss. I did not push him away, I returned it. Our lips locked together, leaving us breathless.
It was something different. I felt like he was trying to use the kiss to forget whatever was troubling him. Something in me told me there was more to this, and he knew. He knew I had questions to ask, and maybe this kiss was a way to stop me from asking those questions.
But I gave him a soft push. "Daniel… what's wrong?"
He shifted his gaze from me. "Nothing."
My voice grew firmer. "You can't tell me there's nothing. You almost killed James in that room. I feel like you are hiding something I'm supposed to know. Is there any personal beef you have with him?"
He turned to me, his dark eyes boring into mine. "Annie… whatever I have against James has nothing to do with you." He sighed. "You will not understand."
I held his palms. "Then make me understand." But he pulled away from my touch, shifting his gaze from me.
From his eyes, I saw it. He was never going to open up. "Fine, suit yourself!" I barked, stood up, and left the room, slamming the door behind me.
I stepped out onto the terrace of the villa suite, the evening air brushing my face. A few guests lingered nearby, laughter floating lazily in the air as they sipped wine and spoke in hushed tones.
I closed my eyes, breathing in slowly, letting the gentle atmosphere ease the tightness in my chest.
Not long after I had settled in, a voice called me from behind, pulling me away from the railing I was leaning on.
Turning around, my gaze met Cassian's.
His face ripened into a gentle, soft smile. "Hey… Annabel." Then he moved closer. "Finding it difficult to sleep?"
My body eased. "I just needed air."
He glanced at me for a moment. "I'm so sorry for what happened earlier. They have always been like that."
I stood upright, facing him fully. "Please, can you tell me what they have against each other?"
He narrowed his gaze on me. "Seriously, I don't think I'm in the right position to tell you."
I moved closer to him. "Please…" pleading.
From his eyes, I already knew he was never going to open up that easily. Obviously, whatever the two men had against each other was deeper than I thought.
"Please, I seriously need to know what is going on."
His brow wrinkled. "I have a question to ask you."
"Okay…"
His voice grew curious. "What is the relationship you have with Daniel and James?"
"I…"
My answer hung in my throat, because what should I tell him?
I mean, I can explain my relationship with James, but that of Dan… nah.
James is my ex. And Daniel? he is not just my boss. He is my stepbrother, but he doesn't know yet. And to make it worse, we are beginning to develop real feelings for each other. I was about to say the words.
"Um… James is my ex, and Daniel…" My throat tightened, but I forced my voice to remain steady. "Daniel is just my boss."
His eyes searched mine. "I understand. I'm sorry for the fallout."
My smile was faint. "I'm over it already."
I leaned back against the railing, leaving us in silence with baby questions in my heart.
But before I could control it, the words came out of my mouth. "I would offer anything just to know what they have against each other."
A soft chuckle escaped his lips. "Annabel Green, you don't have to bother yourself about this."
"Then just give me a hint." My voice came out low.
He took a sharp breath before he continued. "We grew up together. Daniel and James were closer because of their family bond, until one day something deep happened between the families, and ever since then, Daniel and James have been like cat and dog."
He stopped. I was waiting to hear more, but he did not go further.
I tilted my head slightly. "So… what is this thing that is deep?"
Cassian shifted his gaze from me. "You will have to find that out by yourself."
Without pressing him further, I remained silent.
I guess this is the time I talk with Daniel. I also have a secret that I have been keeping from him.