Captive of My Heart | Ch 5, pt 2.

The two went their separate ways, each with their security detail following them. 

After pulling into a parking space, Aella decided to get take-out instead of sitting alone in the restaurant. Fishing her phone from her purse, she quickly called Shadow to let him know about her change of plans.

“What's up, Sis?” Shadow answered.

“Hang back. I’m doing a to-go order, so I won't be long."

“You sure?”

“Positive. If I’m not out in ten minutes, feel free to invade my privacy per usual.”

Shadow’s resounding laughter revealed he wasn’t offended by her joke. "Bet. In and out, Elle. You know, normally, I'm not on your case, but I've had a weird ass feeling all day."

"I got you. In and out, I promise."

Ending the call, Aella headed straight for the restaurant doors, keeping her head on a swivel despite knowing Shadow was watching her every move. The to-go station was clear, and she had no issues placing her order. That was until a son of one of her father’s associates spied her on a bench waiting.

“Aella?” He called, capturing her attention.

Looking up, she forced a smile, wishing she’d brought headphones as a distraction.

“Harlan, Hi,” she gave a short wave, hoping he’d leave it at that and go on about his business.

No such luck.

“I thought that was you,” He grinned, occupying the space beside her. “It’s been a while. How are you?”

Fighting the urge to sigh, Aella crossed her legs. “I’m fine. You?”

“It’s always good on my end. I’m glad I caught you. I’ve been meaning to reach out these past few days, but life at the office has been hectic.”

Quirking an eyebrow, she asked, “Reach out to me about what?”

“I thought it’d be a good idea for us to make dinner plans.” As he spoke, his hand made its way to her knee. “I know we’ve only seen each other around here and there, but there’s no denying how beautiful you are, and it might be beneficial for—”

“What would be beneficial is you getting the fuck out of her face,” Cassius’ voice ripped through the air, unnerving Aella. That just his voice had the power to force her body to bend at its command amazed her. She may not have liked him, but there was no denying there was an attraction on her end.

Harlan's head whipped around in surprise as Aella stared at the enraged, handsome man. “I—I’m sorry?”

“I didn’t fuckin’ stutter,” Cassius replied coolly. “Move. Now.”

“Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to?” Harlan inquired indignantly, taking a step closer.

Aella had to give him credit for his bravery. Not only did Cassius appear to be at least thirty pounds heavier, but he cleared Harlan by at least three feet. It wasn’t a fight she would have picked, but she understood Harlan’s desire to defend himself.

In the blink of an eye, Cassius had Harlan pinned to the side door by his collar, his face mashed into the glass.

“You, nigga. What the fuck do you plan to do about it?”

“Cassius,” Aella hissed, noticing several pairs of eyes on them. “Stop. Let him go.”

Thankfully, he obeyed her demand without much of a fight.

“I don’t know who you think you are,” Harlan sputtered, trying to adjust his shirt. “But I—”

“You know exactly who I am. I had to pay your father a visit a few months ago for reneging on a deal with one of our buyers. You both owe me for retaining the luxury of breathing. Do me a favor and remember that the next time you decide to touch my wife.”

This time, it was Aella who sputtered. “You—have you lost your—”

“Move,” Cassius snarled at Harlan, cutting across her argument.

With an angry glance Aella’s way, Harlan stalked away, still adjusting his clothing in the process.

Anger flooded Aella as she stood to her feet. “What is wrong with you?”

Taking her chin between his thumb and forefinger, Cassius produced a heated glare that killed her argument.  “You a’ight?”

“I’m fine. I didn’t need you to step in like a superhero. I had it covered.”

“Yeah, I can tell by the way he was feeling on you.”

She almost laughed. “His hand was on my knee. I’d hardly classify that as feeling me up. And I would have handled the situation had you not decided to butt in.”

“I wouldn’t have had to butt in if your security was doing their job.”

“He’s doing what I asked him to do. So again, you’re minding my business.”

“You are my business, Aella. And I don’t like when people touch what’s mine.”

The way his declaration had her panties flooded should have been a crime. The two stood locked in a trace for what felt like forever until Aella snapped out of her daze, snatching her face from his grip.

“I’m not yours.”

“You are. You just need time to come to grips with it, love.”

Rolling her eyes, she turned away from him so he wouldn’t see her blushed and folded her arms. “Whatever. What are you doing here? Other than stalking me.”

“You’re cute, but you ain’t that damn cute,” he chuckled. “I’m picking something up for my mom. You?”

“I was supposed to have lunch with my sister, but she’s in her feelings about something, so plans changed. I’m grabbing food and heading back to the house.”

“Hmm, if I wasn’t on a mission myself, I’d say you should chill and kick it with me.”

Aella fought the grin dying to creep onto her face. “A request I’d have to respectfully deny. I told you I have things to do today.”

“An excuse I feel you used to duck me, but it’s all good.”

Slowing craning her neck to face him, she asked, “Haven’t you been ducking me?”

Cassius’ chuckles evolved into full-blown laughter. “I guess, in a way, you can say that.”

“Huh,” Aella tapped her chin. “You’d think hearing the truth would make me feel better, but it doesn’t.”

“Don’t be offended, Elle. You aren’t the problem. It’s me.”

She looked him up and down as the to-go cashier called her name, holding up her order.

“Trust me, that was never a question. I never once thought I was the problem. I’ve always known it was you.”

Cassius brought a hand to his chest. “Damn. If I weren’t the man I was, your mouth would cut a nigga to shreds.”

“Good,” Aella tossed over her shoulder. “Something tells me that ego of yours could stand to be brought down a notch or two.”

Though part of her was still thoroughly annoyed by Cassius, she felt a slight satisfaction from his following her out of the restaurant.

“So what I’m hearing is, you like hurting my feelings,” he teased, matching her stride.

“That is not what I said,” Aella giggled.

“That’s what I heard.”

Whirling around, she smiled. “Why do you insist on harassing me whenever we cross paths? Why can’t you just ignore me and go about your business?”

“Harass is a strong word. And call me a simp but, I love seeing your smile. I could never be in the same room with you and pretend as if you don’t exist. You shine too brightly for that.”

Aella released an airy sigh. “Cassius Farina. Always with the pretty yet meaningless words and flattery.”

“They’re not meaningless, Elle.”

“They are when there’s no effort behind them,” she shot back. “Listen, I won’t lie. I do get a tiny kick out of our banter, but if that’s all it’s going to be, please leave me alone. We both know I have no time for games, and your little jealous streak is liable to run off someone who actually could be my future husband.”

“Your husband is standing in front of you. You can dead any other thoughts about that.”

“Yeah, okay.”

“You said you’re busy tonight, right?”

“I am,” Aella confirmed.

“With the Gavington Gala?” Cassius smirked as their eyes met.

“Do I even want to know how you know that?”

“Relax, I’m not clocking you. My family receives an invitation every year.”

“That’s funny, I’ve never seen you there before.”

“I’ve never had an interesting enough reason to make an appearance.”

Aella’s cheeks hurt from hiding her smile. “I’m sorry the less fortunate or orphans don’t move you enough to sacrifice one night.”

“My money flows whether I’m in the building or not, sweetheart. I don’t have to be present to write a check.”

“I hope you know how much of an inconsiderate, arrogant asshole you sound like.”

Cassius held up his arms in surrender. “Maybe my wife can teach me some manners.”

“You’re using that word extremely loosely.”

“Just getting used to letting it roll off my tongue.”

The way his actual tongue traced his bottom lip after his statement let Aella know it was time for her to exit the conversation.

“Whatever, negro. I have to go. You’re throwing off the timeline of my day. I told you I have things to do.”

“Yes, you do. Like being ready and waiting for me to pick you up at eight o'clock for the gala.”

“If you think I’ll be sitting around all night waiting on you to show up when you’ve already proven you don’t keep your word, you’re a damn fool.”

“To be fair, I’ve never given you my word until now. I’ll be there, Aella. I promise.”

Something about the conviction in his words made her believe him, despite her common sense screaming at her to do better. Aella stood for a few seconds, battling with herself before finally responding.

“If you’re not there by 8:01, I’m gone. And I promise this will be the last conversation we’ll ever have.”

“Then that’s more than enough incentive for me to have my black ass there on time. I’ll see you at eight, Elle.”

“We’ll see, Cass.”