Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband
495 Broken Inside

(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." Something flickers through his eyes. Then they harden again and my heart goes to my throat when he's suddenly in my personal space.

His lips are on mine and my body

reacts on a whole other level to how

it did with Gabriel. Viktor's hand

venet

grips my hair and pulls my head back, as I gasp at the hotness of that his body is pressed hard against mine and his kiss deepens.

His other arm is holding me up. Just as well because my knees are actually weak.

I groan under his dominance and suddenly he pushes me away again like I'm a disease. His eyes full of surprise before they are steel again.

"Sorry, that should not have happened," he says.

"I rest my case."

I walk out to the kitchen then. I'm confused. Something is there for both men but both of them are impossible. I have my career to focus on and I'm not about to start anything. Relationships are not for me. Not again.

Viktor and Gabriel. No way.

I can't consider either of them. I

need to stay controlled. This is a part of my recovery. Being able to live without using anything or

anyone as a crutch. Not using drugs,

alcohol or sex as an outlet from my

problems.

I owe it to myself to maintain my independence and stay on track with my recovery. I want to be independent, and I know I can do it. I've proved myself.

I'll talk to Gabriel Friday night, finally

get it settled with him. And Viktor, well, I think he's just settled any confusion he may have had about me. The way he pushed me away just now; he knows we are wrong together.

I walk into the kitchen and everyone else is at the table.

Jayden is looking at me. "Everything ok?"

"Yes. I'm starved. Did Winona eat anything?"

"She had a little soup, yes." Anne smiles.

"I'm so glad. Bobby and Sarah, how about you take me to the new place tomorrow? I think we can do some tidying up there or something."

"Mom wanted us to start making sure there is a safe area outside for Henry to run about," Bobby tells me.

"Great, let's get some measurements for fences."

"And I'd like to take some things to my room." Sarah smiles.

"I won't be sharing with Sarah anymore," Abby offers.

"Are you sad about that, Abby?"

"A little, but I'll be okay."

"We can have sleepovers in our rooms sometimes, Abby," Sarah says.

"That is a great idea, Sarah. Okay then, we have a plan. We'll swing by the penthouse, grab some things and head out there in the morning."

"I'll let Viktor know," Jayden says.

"It's nothing to do with Viktor, I don't need babysitting, Jayden!"

"Calm down, he's staying at the penthouse, I'll let him know you are dropping in, that's all."

Shit. I read that wrong. "Sorry, I guess I'm just on edge. Okay. Yes, let him know please."

I eat the soup. It's amazing as always. But my insides are mush right now.

I know it's just physical attraction but they are like chalk and cheese, black and white, two men who couldn't be more different.

What does it say about me to be attracted to both.

Clearly, I'm still way to broken inside to know what's good for me.