The Demon’s Claim

"You should be more careful," Cassiano whispered, his hands still wrapped on Odetta's waist.

Odetta's eyes narrowed, her voice barely above a whisper, "you did that on purpose."

Cassiano's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes burning with intensity. Odetta felt lost in them, her pulse racing.

His breath fanned against her lips, sending shivers down her spine. Their lips were an inch away from touching.

Without warning, Cassisno closed the gap, his lips crashing against hers. The moment their skin touched, it was as if the string holding them back snapped.

He kissed her harshly, his mouth claiming hers with a fierce passion. Odetta's lips parted, inviting him in. Their tongues clashed, sparks flying as they devoured each other.

Cassiano's lips still claimed Odetta's as they moved backward, his hands guiding her until

she felt the table against her hips. He pushed her against it, his body pinning hers, still kissing her harshly.

Odetta's arm wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer. She moaned into his mouth, the sound fueling Cassiano's passion.

He used one hand to sweep the drinks and food off the table, the glasses and plates clinking loudly as they hit the floor. The action was swift and decisive, clearing the surface.

The kiss deepened, their tongues fighting for dominance. He lifted her onto the table, his hand grasping the back of her thigh. She wrapped her legs around him pulling him closer.

Their bodies pressed together, the table creaking beneath them. Cassiano's free hand roamed over her, tracing the curves of her body.

Odetta's fingers dug into his hair, her nails scrapping against his scalp.

Their kiss deepened, their tongues entwined. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the fervor of their passion.

Odetta's back arched, as Cassiano's hand slid under her dress, his touch sending sparks through her body.

As he parted from her lips, they both were breathing heavily. He began planting kisses on her neck, tracing the curves of her collarbone.

Her eyes fluttered close, her head tilting back. His lips danced around her skin, sending shivers down her spine. He found her sweet spot, the sensitive spot just below her collarbone. Odetta moaned loudly, her body arching into his touch.

"Cassiano," she whispered, her voice husky with desire.

His name on her lips was like fuel to his fire. Cassiano's kisses grew more intense. Her fingers dug into his shoulders, her nails biting into his skin . The sensation only heightened his passion.

Suddenly, Cassiano's phone blared to life, shattering the moment. He cursed under his breath, his lips pausing on Odetta's skin.

His eyes narrowed as he checked the caller ID. Emanuele. His brother's timing couldn't be worse. "Sorry, I need to take this," he said,his voice low and irritated.

Odetta nodded, her chest still heaving from their passionate moment. She was relieved, if a bit embarrassed, by the interruption.

As Cassiano stepped away to answer the call, Odetta collected her thoughts. She had been seconds away from giving into someone she barely knew. How could she be so stupid.

Cassiano's deep voice murmured in the background, his conversation with Emanuele hushed but intense.

Odetta took the opportunity to slide off the table, smoothing her dress and attempting to compose herself.

When Cassiano returned, his eyes locked onto hers, still burning with desire. "Sorry about that, I'll drop you off."

She nodded, gathering her belongings.

As they walked to the car, the silence between them was thick with unspoken emotions. Cassiano opened the door for her, his hand brushing against hers.

The drive was quiet, the only sound was the soft hum of the engine. Odetta stared out the window, her thoughts reeling.

Cassiano's gaze drifted to her, his eyes lingering on her profile. He couldn't help but wonder what would've happened if Emanuele hadn't called.

He pulled up in front of Odetta's apartment, putting the car in park. He got out and opened the door for her.

She smiled, appreciating the chivalry, as she stepped out.

"Tonight was….." he paused, his eyes locking onto hers. "Would you like to go out with me again someday?"

Her heart skipped a bit, she hadn't expected the direct question. "Maybe."

Cassiano's smile grew wider, "I'll take that as a yes."

He leaned in, his face inches from hers. Odetta's pulse quickened, anticipating a kiss.

But instead, Cassiano merely whispered, "good night, Odetta." He straightened, his eyes still holding hers.

She smiled politely, her expression masking the flutter in her chest. Deep down, she was mad that he didn't kiss her.

The anticipation had built up, and the sudden absence of his lips on hers left her feeling frustrated. But she didn't show it. Instead, she nodded graciously. "Goodnight Cass."

Cassiano's eyes lingered on hers, as if searching for something. Seemingly satisfied, he stepped back. "I'll call you soon."

Odetta nodded again, her smile still plastered on her face.

As Cassiano returned to his car, Odetta turned and walked into her mansion. The door closed behind her with a soft click. Only then did she allow her expression to falter, revealing the mix of emotions swirling inside.

Why hadn't he kissed her?

And why did she care so much?

...

The next day, Odetta sat in her living room, lost in thoughts, replaying her electrifying encounter with Cassiano. The sound of the door opening broke her reverie.

Saskia walked in, her eyes fixed on her phone, a mixture of shock and sadness etched on her face.

"Odie, have you seen this?" Saskia asked, her voice trembling.

Odetta's gaze shifted to the phone screen, reading the headline. "Alessandro Rossi found dead. Body discovered two days ago."

Saskia's eyes welled up with tears, "Alessandro. We used to be together, before he left me for Teresa Morano."

Odetta's expression softened. She remembered the painful breakup Saskia had gone through. That's why she'd become a bit of a player- to protect herself from getting hurt again.

Odetta wrapped a comforting arm around Saskia's shoulders, "you're strong, sas. You'll get through this."

Saskia's eyes widened as Odetta's words cut through the air. "He chose Teresa over you…and now he's dead….rotting in hell, where he belongs."

Saskia gasped taken aback by Odetta's harsh tone. It wasn't the first time Odetta's words had left Saskia shocked. Her friend's mood could shift like the wind, one moment sweet and kind, the next dark and unsettling.

Odetta's behavior was erratic. She would destroy things, break glasses, she scream in the dead of the night. But whenever Saskia approached her about it when she was calm, Odetta had no recollection of the events. It was as if she had no memory of her outbursts.

Moreover, Saskia had caught Odetta talking to herself on several occasions. Sometimes, she would come home at midnight through the window.

It puzzled Saskia that Odetta never seemed to recall her strange actions. It was as if she had no memory of the disturbing things she said and did.

Saskia could feel the tension and Odetta's arm around her tighten. To break the awkward silence, she spoke up. "Oh girl, your date? Spill the tea! But first, let me tell you, I was wasted last night, I think I had one too many shots."

Odetta snapped out of her thoughts, and released her arm around Saskia. "You were definitely feeling the music when I got home."

Saskia giggled, "yeah, I was dancing on the table, right? Anyway, enough about my embarrassing night. Tell me about Cassiano. Did he sweep you off your fit?"

"Maybe," Odetta's cheek flushed, making Saskia groan.

"Odie, you and this 'maybe' every damn time…maybe, maybe, maybe!" Saskia teased, "spill! What happened?"

Odetta hesitated, before launching into a detail account of her evening with Cassiano, leaving out the more intimate moment.

Saskia's expression turned serious. "Be careful, Odie. We don't know much about him."

"I'll be fine."