Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 119

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Chapter 119

Cassie fell silent, her mind going completely blank.

She had never expected this–never imagined that Zandrie, of all people, would confess something like this to her. The man. who was always teasing, always light, always easy to be around… was now sitting across from her with an expression so serious it unsettled her.

There was no mischief in his eyes. No playfulness.

Only years of something he had quietly kept to himself.

“Drie…” she whispered, her chest tightening.

A strange heaviness settled inside her, a quiet misery she hadn’t been prepared for. This wasn’t a conversation she ever thought they would have.

“If I were given a chance,” Zandrie continued softly, his voice losing its usual steadiness, “after all these years we’ve been together… after everything we’ve gone through…” He held her gaze, searching her face.

“Is there a place for me in your life, Cass?”

The question carried a quiet plea.

“Drie…” she said again, her voice weaker this time, her heart twisting with conflict.

“Can I be the man,” he went on gently, “who doesn’t just help you make your business plans succeed… but the man who stands beside you when everything else falls apart?” His eyes softened further.

“The one who keeps you safe. Who’s there when the nights get heavy. Who holds you so you don’t have to carry everything alone.” He didn’t look away.

“I want your honesty, Cassie,” he added, a faint, sad smile appearing.

“We’ve survived everything because we’ve always been truthful with each other. I’d rather be hurt by the truth… than comforted by something you don’t really mean.”

Silence stretched between them.

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Their eyes remained locked, the air heavy with years of friendship balanced on the edge of something that could change everything.

Cassie searched for the right words, but they refused to come. Her thoughts were tangled, her emotions heavier than she expected.

“Drie…” she murmured again.

She closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath, steadying herself.

“Just the truth, Cass,” he said quietly, though this time there was a firmness beneath the gentleness.

She opened her eyes and looked at him.

“You’re a good man,” she began slowly. “A very good man… even with your strange habits.”

A small, weary breath left her.

“Any woman would fall for you easily. You’re dependable. You’re patient. You’re kind in ways most people don’t even notice.” Her gaze softened.

“You treat Kai like he’s your own. You’ve always been there for him… for me. And the way you are with your children…” She shook her head faintly.

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Chapter 119

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“You’re the kind of man most women hope to have.” Her voice grew quieter.

“You’re someone anyone would feel safe with, Drie.”

She paused, the weight of what she was about to say settling heavily between them.

But…”

Zandrie lifted a brow slightly, the single word enough to make Cassie give a small, bitter smile.

“But I’m not that woman,” she finished quietly.

There was apology in her expression, in the softness of her eyes as she looked at him.

“I only see you as a brother,” she continued gently.

“As my family. As the only family Kai and I truly have.” Her smile trembled faintly.

“And anything beyond that… feels wrong. Forced. Like something that isn’t meant to exist between us.”

She held his gaze, wanting him to see there was no rejection in her heart–only truth.

“I don’t see you romantically, Drie,” she said softly.

“I see you as someone I treasure. Someone I rely on. Someone who belongs in my life in a way that no one else does.”

Her voice dropped.

“But as family.”

Zandrie watched her closely, his expression unreadable.

“Even after all these years?” he asked, testing the edges of hope.

“Even after you’ve seen me half–naked more times than you should have?”

Cassie let out an awkward little laugh and shook her head.

“Nothing,” she admitted honestly.

He stared at her for a moment, then suddenly pushed his chair back and stood.

“Maybe that’s the problem,” he said matter–of–factly.

“Maybe you just need stronger stimulation.” His hands went to the button of his pants. “Zandrie Wallace!” Cassie shot to her feet immediately, rushing forward with wide eyes.

“That is completely unnecessary!” She grabbed his wrist to stop him, glaring up at him.

“I told you, I don’t see you that way. Not romantically. Not sexually. It would feel like…” She made a face, visibly cringing.

“Like seeing my own brother naked. That’s just gross.”

Zandrie froze, slowly lowering his hands.

“Are you insulting me, Cassidy?” he asked, narrowing his eyes at her.