Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 495

(Cass)

He steps forward and takes my hand in his. “And I regret it every day,” he says. His touch burns into me, but I know I can’t be betrayed by this physical attraction again.

I pull my hand from his. “Enough. You don’t get to touch me. I’m here for my family. Go back to your business. I’m not interested.”

Gabriel moves into my personal space again.

Viktor moves lethally, placing himself directly between us. “She said enough,” he says, his voice is cold steel.

It shouldn’t, but Viktor’s level of protectiveness sends a thrill down my spine. Fuck, I’m so wrong. Stop it.

Gabriel’s jaw tightens, and for a moment, I think he’s going to push back.

But then he steps away, his hands raised in mock surrender. “Fine. I’ll back off. But only because Cass asked me too. It was wrong of me to barge in with expectations.”

“You’re damn right it was,” I say.

“I hope Winona recovers well. Perhaps you can spare me some time one evening. For me to apologize properly…”

“What part of the word no, don’t you understand?” Viktor says.

“Actually, I’m free Friday night if you’re still in town?” I offer. Viktor doesn’t call my shots for me either.

“I can be. I’ll pick you up here at eight?”

“Sounds great.”

“The watchdog isn’t invited,” Gabriel adds as he turns to leave.

Henry begins a solid cry. “Sorry, I’ll take him to the kitchen for his dinner. Welcome to join us, Viktor, Gabriel…?”

I glare at Jayden and he grins back at me.

“I’ll take a raincheck.” Gabriel says. “See you Friday, mi reina.” And he’s gone as quickly as he arrived.

“I have dinner organized thanks,” Viktor says.

“Okay.” Jayden takes Henry to the kitchen.

I stare at Viktor. “What the hell was that all about?”

“Protecting you,” he says simply.

“From what? My ex?”

Viktor doesn’t move, his calm gaze meeting mine. “You’re welcome,” he says, his tone infuriatingly neutral.

I throw my hands up. “You’re not my damn bodyguard.”

“Maybe not, but when the need arises, I will react.”

“There was no need. I’m not your project, Viktor.”

“You aren’t okay, Cass. You know that.”

“Just because I panicked over Winona’s fall and let my guard down with you, doesn’t mean you own me.” I’m angry at him now for using my vulnerability against me.

“Just because you act tough, doesn’t mean you are.”

“And what are you going to do about it? You’ve nothing to offer me. Your walls aren’t just high, Viktor, they’re topped with radioactive razor wire.”

He stares at me.

I’m not even sure what I’m asking from him at this point but I need to reel it back in. “Any woman would be out of her mind to consider you relationship material. You were born without feelings, I swear.”