marked by midnight: the enemy's heiress-Chapter 32 : cassian a baby tiger?

His words made her heart skip a beat, and without giving herself time to think, she stepped forward and gently pecked his lips.

For a brief second, Cassian froze.

Then something inside him gave way.

He deepened the kiss slowly, deliberately, pulling her closer as relief and contentment washed through him. It felt right, too right, like something he had been missing for years and had finally found again. The kind of right that settled deep in his chest.

After a long moment, his hand slid firmly around her waist, drawing her flush against him, while her fingers instinctively tangled into his hair, grounding him.

"Mmph... Cassian—" she breathed softly.

She pulled back just a little, her forehead resting against his. "I’m sorry," she whispered. "I kept pushing you away... without ever knowing how you really felt."

His expression softened completely.

Instead of answering with words, he kissed her again—slow, unhurried, filled with everything he couldn’t bring himself to say. It was forgiveness and apology wrapped into one, tender yet deeply passionate.

His lips trailed down to her neck, lingering there as his voice brushed against her skin.

"It’s fine," he murmured. "But promise me something."

She went still.

"Promise you won’t push me away again. Or leave," he said quietly. "Because if you do... I’d rather die than breathe without you."

He pulled back just enough to look at her, his eyes intense, raw, unguarded.

"You own every single breath of mine."

Her lips curved into a soft, emotional smile.

"I will never leave you again," she said firmly. "I promise."

He exhaled, deeply, like a man who had finally been allowed to live again.

"And for the record," he added, his tone shifting just enough to sound like himself again, "you’re coming back to Draymond Tower. No arguments."

She lifted a brow in mild surprise.

"I want my kids here," he continued. "Running around my house. Laughing. Making a mess. I want them with me."

She hesitated for only a heartbeat before nodding.

"Fine," she said. "But I have to inform my family. My mom... and—" she paused, then shrugged lightly. "Dad? Well. I don’t care about him."

Cassian’s lips curved into a rare, genuine smile as he pulled her into his arms again, holding her as though he had no intention of ever letting go.

He wanted to ask about Kael Rowan.

The question hovered at the edge of his mind, heavy and unresolved—but Cassian swallowed it back. He didn’t want to fracture this moment. Not now. Not when she was finally here, finally close, finally choosing him.

"Well..." he said instead, brushing his thumb gently against her hand, "should I send Ryan to bring my children here?"

She nodded, smiling softly. "Sure. They’ll love it here."

Then she added, warmth and teasing woven into her voice, "But get ready for the chaos. Twin kids aren’t easy. They fight over the silliest things... and then protect each other like the world is ending."

He chuckled quietly, eyes glowing with something dangerously close to wonder.

"Trust me," he said sincerely, "I’ve waited far too long for this moment."

She studied him for a second before speaking again, her tone gentler now.

"But for now," Mira said softly, "I think it’s better if it’s just the two of us."

Cassian’s lips curved into a slow, knowing smirk.

"Does that mean something?"

"It’s not what you think," she replied quickly, cheeks flushing as she looked away.

He found it adorable.

"Then what is it?" he asked.

She hesitated, then met his gaze again.

"I just want you to hold me tonight," she said quietly. "Nothing more."

Something in his chest loosened.

"I’d like that," he murmured.

Without warning, he scooped her into his arms, making her yelp before laughter spilled from her lips. He carried her effortlessly toward the bedroom, as if she weighed nothing at all.

He laid her gently on the bed, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before settling beside her. His arm wrapped securely around her waist, pulling her closer until her head rested against his chest.

He held her there, steady and protective, as if afraid the world might steal her away again if he loosened his grip even slightly.

They didn’t realize when they drifted off.

Her body relaxed beneath his, fitting perfectly against him, as if no time had passed at all. She nuzzled into his chest, and his arm tightened instinctively around her. Wrapped in each other’s warmth, they slept peacefully—together, at last.

Next morning...

They woke slowly, wrapped in a quiet contentment neither of them had felt in years.

Mira stirred first.

For a moment, she simply lay there, watching him sleep.

Cassian looked different like this—softer, less intimidating. The sharp edges were gone, his expression relaxed, lashes resting against his cheeks. He looked nothing like the man the world feared.

More like a cute baby tiger, sleeping peacefully.

She smiled to herself, warmth spreading through her chest.

I missed this.

I missed you so much.

Carefully, she traced her fingers along his face—his nose, his cheekbones, the faint stubble along his jaw. Her touch lingered, slow and affectionate, drifting toward his lips without her even realizing how close she was.

Then—

One of his eyes opened.

Before she could react, he leaned in and pecked her lips, quick and playful, then rolled over her smoothly, pinning her wrists above her head.

"A cute cub?" he murmured, voice low with amusement. "Me?"

She blinked in surprise.

"Trust me," he continued, smirking, "if you really think I’m a cub then—"

She cut him off immediately.

"You were awake?" she accused, cheeks warming. "Cassian, it’s early morning. I’m not in the mood for dirty talk."

A faint blush betrayed her words.

"Oh?" he hummed, lifting a brow. "Your face says otherwise."

He released her wrists, winked at her, and rolled away before she could reply. He got out of bed casually and headed to the bathroom, leaving her staring after him—flustered and smiling despite herself.

A few minutes later, he emerged, hair damp, sleeves rolled up.

"I’ll call Ryan to bring Lucien and Ivy," he said easily. "You stay in bed. I’ll prepare breakfast for my princess."

She scoffed softly. "Princess? I have kids now. I’m not a princess anymore."

He pretended to consider it.

"Then... my queen?"

"My lady?"

She pulled the blanket over her face. "Shut up and make breakfast," she ordered shyly.

"Yes, ma’am," he replied obediently, grinning as he headed to the kitchen.

He started preparing scrambled eggs and avocado toast, humming quietly.

Not long after, Mira came down wearing his shirt, the fabric hanging loose on her frame, brushing her thighs.

Cassian turned—and froze.

"You wore my shirt?" he said slowly, gaze darkening. "It suits you more than me."

His eyes lingered a second too long. He swallowed, forcing himself to look away before his self-control slipped.

"I’ve already sent Ryan to pick them up," he added. "Get ready. I’m not letting my kids see their mom in their dad’s shirt and start asking questions."

Then he smirked.

"Actually... wear it or don’t. I’d rather answer their cute, weird questions."

They sat together at the table—but Cassian noticed it instantly.

There was still space between them.

Too much space.

"Come here," he said suddenly. "Sit in my lap. There’s a huge distance between us."

"I’m literally beside you, Cassian," she replied.

"Don’t argue," he ordered lightly. "Sit. Now."

She rolled her eyes—but excitement sparkled in her smile as she moved toward him.

"Alright," she muttered.