**Title: Before Rain Touches Earth, Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
Gemma
No matter how hard I try to focus on my thoughts, I find myself constantly distracted by the strikingly handsome figure of Cassian. Lately, it feels like an invisible force pulls me toward him, especially during those tumultuous moments when my emotions spiral out of control.
Just when I think I’ve managed to regain my composure, Cassian reaches over me to grab a pair of pajama pants from the nearby chair.
“I need my clothes. Is that a problem?” He raises an eyebrow, his demeanor cool and collected, as if we’re discussing the weather rather than the fact that he’s practically half-naked. “What? Did you think I was going to kiss you?”
My cheeks flush bright red, igniting like fireworks on the Fourth of July. I quickly avert my gaze, feeling flustered. “Wh-who said that?! Stop talking nonsense.”
The effect he has on me is far more potent than I’m willing to admit, and it sends a rush of conflicting emotions coursing through me.
“Can you at least put on some clothes after your shower before coming out here?” I mumble, my voice barely above a whisper.
Honestly, it feels like he’s intentionally trying to flaunt his body in front of me.
I mean, here he is, strutting around with nothing but a small towel wrapped around his waist, and I can’t help but feel a mix of annoyance and undeniable attraction.
Cassian shrugs, as if my discomfort is of no consequence. “We’ve been married for years. It’s not like you haven’t seen it before.”
What is he even talking about?
“We’re getting divorced soon. Maybe we should start drawing some boundaries.” My voice carries a hint of frustration, but deep down, I know that if it weren’t for Donovan, I wouldn’t even be sharing this space with him.
Cassian remains silent, turning away and walking out of the room without a word, leaving me to grapple with my feelings.
I sit on the edge of the bed, taking a deep breath, and then I grab a fresh towel and a nightgown, heading toward the bathroom.
Instead of a quick shower, I decide to draw a bath. As I sink into the hot water, I let the steam envelop me, hoping it will wash away my worries, if only for a moment.
I need to move out—soon. Staying here isn’t an option anymore; the thought of sharing a bedroom with Cassian for the rest of the year feels suffocating.
After my bath, I curl up on the massive bed, deliberately keeping as much distance between us as possible, as though the space can shield me from the tension that hangs thick in the air.
“We need to figure out how to move out,” I propose, my voice steady. “We just need to convince Grandpa.”
Cassian is flipping through a magazine, but at my suggestion, he frowns, clearly displeased by the idea.
When he doesn’t respond, I gently nudge his arm with my elbow, trying to get his attention.
“Did you hear me?”
But the moment my skin makes contact with his, he grabs my wrist, his grip firm and unyielding.
Then, in a swift motion, he rolls over, pinning me beneath him.
His eyes bore into mine, intense and enigmatic in the dim light.
“Did you forget?” he murmurs, his voice low and husky. “Grandpa wants us to have a baby.”
I stare at him, our faces mere inches apart, and swallow hard. “We’re just playing along. No one’s actually having a baby. And let me go!”
I squirm beneath him, my breath catching in my throat. Cassian raises an eyebrow, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “Maybe having a baby is the way to get out of this.”
He pins my hands above my head, leaning in closer. The proximity makes my heart race; I can feel his breath on my lips, his chest brushing against mine… and the undeniable heat radiating from him presses against my stomach.
I attempt to kick him off, but my efforts are half-hearted at best.
He’s too quick, grabbing my ankle and hooking my leg around his waist, putting me in a precarious position that sends shivers of desire racing through my body.
“Cassian… Let me go.” I glare up at him, but there’s a treacherous little voice in my head whispering, “Rip me apart.”
Desperately, I try to twist away, fighting against the chaos of my own feelings. I don’t want to face the disappointment that will inevitably follow when Cassian runs after Reyna or does something else to hurt me.
Not only is he assisting me with new business, but he’s even included notes on the clients’ preferences and habits. Honestly? It’s invaluable.
Recruiting him to the team a few years ago was undoubtedly one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made.
“So… where are you living now?” Jace asks cautiously after taking a sip of his coffee, his eyes searching mine.
“I’m staying at the Blackwell estate. Donovan Blackwell’s place.”
His frown deepens. “I thought you and Cassian were divorced.”
There’s an edge to his voice that I can’t ignore. I blink, caught off guard by his tone. He seems to realize it too, quickly biting his lip.
“We’re not officially divorced yet. I signed a one-year agreement with him. Once Grandpa’s health stabilizes, I plan to file again next year.”
Something flickers in Jace’s expression—maybe disappointment? I can’t quite tell. But he quickly masks it with a neutral look.
“Anyway, thanks for bringing all this to me today. Do you have time to stay for dinner?”
Jace’s eyes brighten at the suggestion. He nods eagerly. “Gemma, you know I’ll always be here for you.”
His gaze is so warm, so full of emotion, it nearly makes me melt.
“Thanks, Jace…” I murmur, unsure of what else to say.
He has this uncanny ability to show up just when I need someone the most. Always.
As we leave the café and head toward the restaurant, we unexpectedly run into—
Cassian.
And standing right next to him is Reyna.

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