Rox POV

I found myself uncharacteristically shy under his scrutiny. I fiddled with the edge of my napkin, my cheeks flushed as I avoided his gaze.

Cassian’s lips curved into a faint smirk as he watched me. “Are you always this quiet, Rox?” His deep voice carried a teasing edge, making her heart skip a beat.

I glanced up at him briefly before looking back at my hands. “Not usually,” I admitted, my voice soft. “It’s just… you’re a lot.”

Cassian chuckled, low and warm, leaning back in his chair. “I get that a lot. Though I don’t hear it often from people brave enough to say it to my face.”

I peeked up at him again, my lips twitching into a small smile. “I’m not afraid of you.”

“Good,” he said, his voice dropping slightly, a glint of approval in his eyes. “Because I’d hate for you to run off before dinner’s even started.”

The waiter arrived with our drinks, momentarily breaking the tension. Cassian thanked him with a nod before turning his attention back to me.

“So,” he began, his tone softer but still laced with authority, “what do you like to do when you’re not sitting across from kings and avoiding eye contact?”

I hesitated, then shrugged, my cheeks coloring. “I’m really not that exciting. I spend a lot of time experimenting with skincare. Trying new products, learning about ingredients... It’s relaxing.”

“Skincare?” Cassian repeated, arching a brow. “I didn’t expect that.”

My brow furrowed slightly. “Why not?”

“I thought you’d say something more…” He paused, his smirk widening. “Adventurous.”

My lips twitched, the teasing note in his voice easing some of my nerves. “I.. I don’t do spontaneous. I like routines. Predictability.”

Cassian leaned forward slightly, his gaze holding mine. “You don’t like surprises?”

“Not really,” she admitted. “I like to know what’s coming. Surprises make me anxious.”

He nodded thoughtfully, swirling the drink in his glass. “Fair enough. But you’re here tonight. That’s a little spontaneous, isn’t it?”

I glanced down, smiling faintly. “I’m trying to be open to new things.”

Cassian’s smirk softened into something more genuine. “Good. I like that.”

The conversation flowed more easily as our appetizers arrived. Cassian, although dominant, steered the discussion with confidence but gave me space to open up.

“What about you?” I asked, growing bolder as the evening went on. “What do you do for fun?”

Cassian’s smirk returned, sharp and amused. “Cars. Fast ones. I’ve probably owned more in the past year than most people do in a lifetime.”

I blinked. “That’s… a lot. Why so many?”

“Each one has its own personality,” he said simply, his deep voice filled with passion. “I like the thrill. The control. Nothing beats the feeling of commanding something that powerful.”

My lips curved slightly. “You really like control, don’t you?”

“Would you expect anything less from a king?” he countered smoothly, his eyes glinting with humor.

I couldn’t help but laugh, my initial shyness fading. “Fair point. But it sounds a little excessive.”

“Maybe,” he admitted, his smirk never faltering. “But everyone has their vices. Mine just happens to come with four wheels and a roaring engine.”

“Life isn’t fair,” I teased, my smile growing.

“No, it isn’t,” he agreed, his voice lowering. “But sometimes, it surprises you. Gives you something—or someone—you didn’t expect.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, making my cheeks heat. I looked down, unsure how to respond.

“You’re quiet again,” he noted, his tone teasing.

“You’re intense,” I countered, meeting his gaze briefly before looking away again.

Cassian chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “And you’re cute when you’re flustered.”

I groaned softly, hiding my face in my hands. “I don’t think I can win with you.”

“You already are,” he said smoothly, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

The food arrived, Cassian’s steak looking mouthwatering, and my seafood platter was just as exquisite. We raised our glasses in an unspoken toast before diving into the meal.

Halfway through, I set down my utensils, meeting his gaze. "Cassian, does being your erastaí mean I’ll have to leave everything behind?"

He put down his knife and fork, his expression gentle but firm as he leaned closer.

"It means you’re mine, Rox. And I’m yours. You’ll always have a place by my side. I have responsibilities, but you’re a part of that now. And if you’re ever in harm’s way, I’ll move mountains to keep you safe."

His words were a balm to my worries, but I couldn’t resist teasing him. "You know I can protect myself, right?"

He smirked, his eyes glinting with playful dominance. "You’re my ticking time bomb, Rox. But even so, I’ll always have your back."

As the conversation lulled again, a question weighed heavily on my mind.

I set down my fork, meeting his gaze. “Cassian,” I began hesitantly, “about the guy who attacked me… What happened to him?”

His expression darkened instantly, his jaw tightening. “He’s been dealt with,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“But—” I started, wanting to press for details.

“No ‘but,’ Rox.” His voice softened as he reached for my hand again. “He won’t hurt you—or anyone—ever again. That’s all you need to know.” He squeezed my hand, his thumb brushing over my skin. “Let’s not let him ruin tonight, okay?”

I nodded, though curiosity still burned within me. But as his gaze softened, I felt my resolve melt away.

As the evening wound down, Cassian studied me with a satisfied expression. “So, Rox. Was this spontaneous enough for you?”

I smiled, the tension in my shoulders gone. “It wasn’t so bad.”

“Good,” he said, raising his glass in a toast. “To more ‘not so bad’ evenings. And to whatever comes next.”

As dinner ended and we walked to the car, his hand slipped to my waist, his fingers brushing against my bare back. The warmth of his touch sent shivers down my spine. When he stopped abruptly, I turned to question him, only for his lips to capture mine in a kiss that was as tender as it was consuming.

When we finally broke apart, his voice was a husky whisper against my lips. "Rox, will you be my girlfriend?"

My breath hitched, and Mist practically leapt with excitement. "Yes," I replied, my voice trembling with emotion. "Just... be easy on me, okay?"

His smile was radiant as he pulled me into his arms again. "You’ve made me the happiest man alive, Rox. And tonight is just the beginning."

With a playful squeeze to my ass, he kissed me once more before guiding me into the car, the promise of more to come lingering in the air between us.

The low hum of the car's engine filled the space as Cassian’s hand rested firmly on my thigh. The weight of it was deliberate, possessive. His fingers traced lazy patterns against my skin, each stroke sending a shiver of excitement through me. The mate bond had a way of intensifying every touch, every glance, making desire almost unbearable. I leaned into him, savoring the sensation.

“You’ve got good taste in music,” I remarked, attempting to focus on anything but the heat pooling low in my belly.

Cassian’s deep chuckle vibrated through the car. His gaze flicked toward me, a mischievous glint in his eyes that spoke volumes.

“I have good taste in everything,” he said, his voice a low, teasing rumble that made my breath hitch.

I laughed, though my cheeks flushed at his boldness. “Oh? Is that so?” I shot back, my tone light but daring.

His eyes lingered on me, tracing the lines of my face, down my neck, and further still. He didn’t bother hiding the way he drank me in. “Absolutely,” he murmured, his voice huskier now, heavy with intent.

As he pulled up in front of my house, Cassian’s smoldering gaze trailed over me again, lingering in a way that made me squirm. He reached for something, but his attention was wholly fixed on me.

“And speaking of good taste…” he trailed off, his eyes sweeping over me. “That dress… you wear it so well. It’s hard to resist.”

My pulse quickened, a mixture of arousal and nervousness bubbling inside me. “W..What are you looking at?” I asked, though the teasing edge in my voice betrayed my anticipation.

Cassian’s lips quirked into a wicked grin as he leaned closer, his presence overwhelming. “Just admiring my dessert,” he replied, his tone dripping with suggestion. “You know exactly what you’re doing to me, Rox.”

Heat flooded my cheeks. I could hardly form words under the weight of his gaze. “Well, I… I like what I see, too,” I managed, my voice faltering as his intensity wrapped around me like a cocoon.

He stepped out of the car with his usual commanding ease, rounding to my side in seconds. Opening the door, he helped me out, his grip firm and protective. His hand lingered on mine as we walked to my door, the tension between us crackling like electricity.