Call Me Casanova, Book Three: The Better Man Read online

  Call Me Casanova

  Book Three: The Better Man

  D.C. Chagnon

  PUBLISHED BY:

  D.C. Chagnon

  Copyright © 2014

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced in any format, by any means, electronic or otherwise, without prior consent from the copyright owner and publisher of this book.

  Disclaimer

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in fictitious manny. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Other books in the Call Me Casanova Trilogy

  Call Me Casanova, Book One: What Meets the Eye

  Call Me Casanova, Book Two: An Affair to Forget

  ILoveDPG

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One: In The Cross-Hairs

  Chapter Two: Words Of Regret

  Chapter Three: Unpleasant Outlook

  Chapter Four: Shadows Of The Truth

  Chapter Five: Unwelcome Bedfellow

  Chapter Six: Diamonds And Pearls

  Chapter One: In The Cross-Hairs

  “Come in.”

  Cassandra entered the study with a strong sense of trepidation. Facing down Preston Stanton after being caught in the act with his brother was not on her “Things To Do Before I Die” list. God, how was she supposed to explain her actions? She didn't know what to say to the man or even what he planned to say to her. So she remained silent until he chose to speak.

  “Sit down, Eleonore.” He motioned towards the sofa where, just yesterday afternoon, Gregory had sat as she'd laid down the law. A law she had broken before the night was even through. The memory gave her a funny tingle in her stomach, and she mentally fought it. It had been a mistake, plain and simple.

  She sank down on the edge of the cushion and clasped her hands together, resting them on her knees as she gazed at the floor. She didn't want to look him in the eye. She had betrayed him before they had even said “I Do”. And now he had a look that could kill.

  Preston stood at the tall window, hands clasped behind his back, a rigidness to his shoulders and tightness in his fingers as they squeezed together. Oh God. He cleared his throat but didn't turn around.

  “I'm not going to hold you accountable for that little incident,” he spoke tonelessly. She couldn't tell if he was truly pissed or not. How could he not be? “I am quite familiar with my brother's skill at seducing women. I am aware that a woman such as yourself would not typically lower her standards to such a degree as to bed down with a man like Gregory.”

  The sudden urge to defend Gregory nearly took over, but she vanquished it in time. What was she doing? She was already in enough trouble because of that man.

  Preston finally turned and faced her. “But I trust you are wise to him now. And will behave like the proper woman you were brought up to be.”

  “Yes.” Cassandra stood slowly. “Please forgive me, Preston. I never meant for it to happen.”

  He smiled dryly. “Of course you didn't.” He approached her and touched her arm then leaned in and kissed her. “I forgive you.” His hand tightened just a fraction on her arm. “Just don't let it happen again. I refuse to marry an unfaithful woman.”

  “Of course not.” Cassandra said softly, subdued, despising her submissive tone.

  “There should be no cause for incident,” he said. “I have instructed Gregory to leave in the morning. He won't be bothering you anymore.”

  Cassandra nodded slowly, a strange sick feeling invading her stomach. It was good that he was leaving, wasn't it?

  Preston walked to the door, then let his hand linger on the door handle as he looked at her. “I thought that perhaps tonight we could see each other.” His eyes held hers and she didn't have to ask him what he meant. And how could she refuse? She hadn't refused his brother, and he knew it.

  She forced a smile and nodded slowly. “Of course.”

  “We are going to be married,” he said. “I don't see the wrong in it.” His gaze swept down her body and up again. “Perhaps I can vanquish all traces of Gregory.”

  Heat flushed Cassandra's cheeks as she recalled too vividly all the places Gregory had left traces of himself. She couldn't imagine Preston going in and rooting him out. She nearly grimaced at the imagery of that thought but forced her face to remain inexpressive.

  “We will be having an early dinner,” Preston said, “so that we can discuss the fine details of the business merger with your father afterwards.”

  “My father has been experiencing more fatigue lately,” she said. “Please don't expect too much of him at once.”

  “It is imperative that we finalize this merger on paper as soon as possible,” he informed. “But we will keep in mind your father's state of health.” He opened the door. “Perhaps when we meet tonight, we can discuss the details of the marriage.”

  Cassandra nodded. “Of course.”

  “Until tomorrow morning,” Preston added. “I trust you will avoid my brother. He will be gone soon enough.”

  “Yes, of course.” She was beginning to feel like a parrot, simply repeating what she'd been taught to speak. When Preston finally left, Cassandra released a long, slow breath she hadn't even known she'd been suppressing.

  The thought of remaining in the manor under Preston's scrutinizing watch only enhanced Cassandra's stress and anxiety. She didn't know where Gregory was but had no desire to encounter him either. The house seemed filled with men who filled her with tension. Even being near her father, seeing the visible deterioration of his health, caused its own unrest.

  She didn't really know where she was going when she left the manor house, but she found herself back at the stables. Spending time with horses was soothing, and she'd developed an instant affection for Wiley. But when she approached his stall, he was gone. Perhaps turned out into the pasture.

  Other horses popped their heads from various stalls, and she moved from one to the other, rubbing their faces, talking to them.

  “Shall I tack up one of the horses for you, Ms. Kirkland?”

  Cassandra glanced around to see a man in his late thirties walking towards her. A pleasant smile graced his face. Obviously he was one of the trainers or possible stable hands. She started to decline the offer, then reconsidered; a long ride away from everyone actually sounded wonderful, with the promise of a moment of peace.

  “Yes, please,” she smiled. “Thank you . . .”

  “Nicholas.”

  She nodded. “Thank you, Nicholas.”

  He walked to the stall across the corridor from her and brought out a sleek, blood bay mare. Cassandra looked doubtful.

  “I haven't ridden in a while. She may be too much for me to handle.”

  Nicholas chuckled softly. “Looks can be deceiving, Ms. Kirkland,” he said. “Roseline has a much gentler nature than meets the eye.”

  “Okay.” Cassandra wasn't entirely convinced. “I'll trust your judgment.”

  The older man chuckled again. “She will take care of you.”

  Once the horse was tacked up, Cassandra mounted up with hesitation. Nicholas took her out to the paddock and had her ride around the small enclosure a few times as she got a feel for the animal. The mare responded to her commands exquisitely without resistance or any indication she had intentions of bolting or turning reactive.

  By the time Nicholas opened the gate for her to bring the mare out of the paddock, Cassandra had gained her confidence with the horse and felt more at ease. She thanked the man then guided the horse to
wards the trails at the back side of the immense stables.

  Chapter Two: Words Of Regret

  She didn't know how much time had passed as she walked the mare down the immaculate trail, just ambling along in no hurry to get anywhere and certainly in no hurry to get back to the manor. Before she could prevent the line of thought, she wondered where Gregory was. Holed up in his room, trying to avoid his family until morning so he could be out of there? Was he glad to be going? Perhaps she had simply been a source of entertainment for him until his brother and father had arrived. No doubt it fed his ego to know he'd fucked his brother's fiancée—twice. Would've been thrice if Preston hadn't arrived early.

  Groaning, Cassandra shook her head. “What is wrong with me, Roseline?” she mumbled aloud. “Why do I keep . . . getting drawn in? It doesn't make sense. The man is so . . .” Hot. Sexy. Fantastic in bed. Charming. “Frustrating. And certainly not charming.”

  The mare's head came up suddenly, and Cassandra felt it ripple with a slight tension beneath her. She tightened the reins a bit. “Easy, girl. No need to get excited.”

  Roseline's ears pricked forward and air rushed through her nostrils. Cassandra looked around quick; what was she sensing? Surely there were no dangerous animals out here. The mare moved forward more quickly, eagerly.

  “Easy,” Cassandra said again, drawing back on the reins. The horse obeyed and slowed, but she strained at the bit, clearly anxious to move ahead. She didn't seem frightened, but something was amiss. Cassandra eased up on the reins just a little. “Okay, show me what's got you all worked up.”

  The trail though the sparse trees broke out onto an expansive meadow. The mare's ears flicked, and she blew air through her nostrils with more purpose.

  “What's out there—” Cassandra squawked when the horse moved forward suddenly, not bolting but moving of her own will nonetheless, her walk quickening to a trot. “Whoa, girl. Easy now!” Drawing back on the reins only discouraged the mare a fraction, causing her slow a bit, but she still moved forward, determined, ears pricked and eyes wide with interest.

  A loud neigh erupted out of her, startling Cassandra. The mare was met with another neighing further out. Cassandra frowned and squinted, searching for the other horse. It neighed again, and she pinpointed it coming from a small clump of trees. This wasn't part of the pastures where the horses were turned out. Was someone else out here?

  The mare jerked forward, and Cassandra let her go, though retaining enough control to prevent the animal from rushing too quickly.

  They approached the trees, and Cassandra pulled up on the reins when she spotted Wiley tethered to a tree, his feet shifting and dancing when he saw the mare. “All that fuss over a boy?” she scolded the mare with amusement. She glanced around, but saw no rider, then dismounted. Rubbing Wiley's face as she walked the mare over to him, she tethered her mount to the same tree and looked around again.

  Was Gregory out here? Had he taken Wiley out? She had gotten the impression Wiley was his horse. You don't need this. Ride out of here before he comes back.

  “Damn, woman, you're persistent,” Gregory spoke low from behind her. Cassandra gasped and spun around. The man cocked an eyebrow and smirked. “Don't tell me you hunted me down to finish what we started in the pool?”

  Heat rushed to Cassandra's face. “I didn't know you were out here,” she said defensively.

  “Of course not.” Gregory smiled wryly.

  “I didn't,” she insisted. “I just wanted to get away—” She cut herself off just a little too late.

  Gregory gazed at her with amused interest. “Get away? From who?”

  “No one,” she lied. “I just felt like taking a ride, getting out of the house.”

  Chuckling, Gregory nodded. “I take it Preston gave you a talking to about hobnobbing with the likes of me.”

  “A talking to?” Cassandra replied tightly. “I'm not a child.”

  “So he didn't spank you for being a bad girl?” He smirked, then shook his head. “No, he probably wouldn't. You would surely enjoy it and that would be no punishment.”

  “Ugh! You're so . . .” she growled, her lips tightening.

  “What, darling?”

  “Incorrigible!” she fumed. Why was she getting so upset?

  “Damn,” Gregory mused. “Preston's got you all riled up.”

  Cassandra forced herself to calm. “What?”

  “Just wait until you're married. Then the fun will really begin.”

  Her stomach tightening, Cassandra glanced away. Just wait until you're married. The prospect of marrying Preston Stanton hadn't appealed to her from the start but even less so now. But why is that the case?

  She looked at Gregory as the man gazed back at her. Though amusement twisted his lips and played around his eyes, deeper inside those depths was something more. Something that reached out and coiled around her heart, trying to pull her in. But it frightened her, though she wasn't certain why. Was it because it was coming from Gregory and she knew what kind of man Gregory was?

  ______________________

  Abbott was a good father. He adored his daughter. Gregory knew the man was merely trying to do what was best for Cassandra, providing her security before he passed away and also supplying a source of comfort in her time of grief. But did the man truly believe Preston could fulfill these roles? His brother was about as warm as an arctic breeze.

  The notable flinch in the woman when he mentioned marriage to his brother didn't escape Gregory's radar. This was a hot-blooded woman who craved passion and heat. And surely someone to sincerely care for her. Duty to her father would cause her to fulfill the plan and marry Preston. And then you will be miserable for the rest of your life. Gregory's chest tightened unexpectedly. For reasons he couldn't quite nail down he hated the idea of Cassandra being locked in such a hopeless, dead relationship that would eventually break her spirit.

  Was that really what Abbott wanted for her? After having spent a little time with the older man, Gregory just couldn't believe that it was.

  “So.,” Gregory posed, “is there a honeymoon planned?” He didn't know really why he was taking jabs at her about the marriage—a result of his own jealousy over his brother? Or perhaps because even though the woman seemed to have no problems crawling into his bed, she didn't seem interested in anything else concerning him? Or maybe he thought if he rattled her cage about the marriage, she would eventually come to her senses and just be honest with her father about how unhappy all this made her?

  Cassandra stared at him with cool eyes, but she couldn't entirely veil the anxiety seeping out. “The focus, at the moment, is on the business merger.”

  “You are aware,” Gregory said, rubbing his mouth, “that Preston has only agreed to marry you to gain control of your family's fortune and business?”

  “He won't be in control,” Cassandra informed. “We will be partners. My father will award me controlling interest. He has already stated that to Preston and your father as well as to myself.”

  Gregory nodded slowly and raked his hand over his mouth a second time, gazing at the ground thoughtfully. “And you don't think that both Preston and my father will pressure you, even manipulate you, into making decisions that might not be in your best interest? These are businessmen, first and foremost.” Gregory released a hard sigh and met her eyes. “And trust me when I say, family will never take precedence over business.”

  “And perhaps you simply have a jaded view of your family,” Cassandra posed stiffly. “Is it possible that their show of responsibility simply makes you feel guilty for doing nothing and squandering what they work so hard for?”

  Anger simmered, and Gregory opened his mouth to cut loose on her but clamped it closed again. What the fuck did he care what she thought? She would figure out the truth soon enough, albeit too late. Gregory released a controlled breath. “Maybe I was wrong,” he said tightly. “I believe you will fit right in. The perfect self-important bitch for my self-fulfilling prick of a brother.”


  Cassandra sucked in a sharp breath, clearly shocked by Gregory's raw hit. Her next reaction was expected, and Gregory squeezed his eyes closed as she slapped him hard, leaving a stinging in his cheek. When he opened his eyes, she was glaring at him, fuming.

  He massaged his face. “Feel better?”

  Tears burned in her eyes. “Don't ever call me that again.”

  Rubbing his cheek harder, he murmured, “My mistake.”

  “Don't presume to know what kind of person I am simply because we fucked a couple times.” she snapped. “You don't know anything about me.”

  “I see,” Gregory returned dryly. “But you are free to make assumptions concerning me? Tell me, darling, what do you know about me, really? I mean other than what you've read in the tabloids?”

  “I don't read the tabloids,” Cassandra said coldly. “I don't need to. I can see for myself that you don't give a shit about anyone but yourself. Have you ever made a sacrifice for someone else in your entire life?”

  Gregory stepped forward, looming over her. “Yes.” He bit hard. “When I agreed to babysit your spoiled ass!”

  Swallowing hard, Cassandra's lips tightened into a thin line, tears swelling. “Oh I'm the spoiled one? When have you ever not gotten whatever the hell you wanted?”

  Gregory stared at her. Right now. He refused the words freedom. She didn't need to know how fucking jealous and envious he was of Preston that he was the one who would be getting her for life. He shook his head slowly, his throat knotting. “You think I get everything I want?” He laughed, cold. “You don't have fucking clue about me, Eleonore. I have never gotten what I wanted.” He shoved past her and walked towards the black horse. “And that obviously isn't going to start changing now.”

  “What are you talking about?” Cassandra followed him.

  “Nothing,” he muttered. Wiley sidestepped when Gregory nudged him to move over, then began loosening the reins from the tree.

  ______________________

  You shouldn't have slapped him. Why did you do that?

  But he had deserved it, calling her a—