The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 37

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane**

**Chapter 37**

**Gemma**

A low groan escapes my lips as I grit my teeth, the tension in my jaw mirroring the turmoil in my heart.

Of course, Cassian is here, his presence as inescapable as a looming storm. Naturally, he will see whatever he chooses to see, and that knowledge does little to prepare me for the jarring moment when he strides over, his intentions clear, and yanks me from Jace’s grasp.

“Ow!” I exclaim, a sharp gasp escaping me as pain radiates from my ankle. But the sting is almost forgotten as I’m suddenly pulled flush against Cassian’s solid frame.

His strength envelops me, and the heat radiating from his body is intoxicating. I can feel the taut muscles of his biceps beneath my hands, and a fierce spark ignites within me, urging me to lean into him, to surrender to the fire that threatens to consume us both.

What is wrong with me? I scold myself silently. Why do I react to him in ways I never did with Jace?

What kind of hold does Cassian have over me that a mere touch can ignite such a blaze within? Even in my pain, he manages to make me forget everything else.

Jace, watching this unfold, pivots toward Cassian, his posture tense and defensive.

“Let her go! You’re hurting her!” His voice is laced with concern, and I can see the determination in his eyes as he steps forward, ready to confront Cassian.

Cassian’s response is a low growl, rough and possessive. “She’s mine to worry about, not yours.”

A wave of unease washes over me. I don’t want Jace to suffer, and in this moment, Cassian seems all too capable of inflicting harm if provoked.

“It’s all right,” I reassure Jace, my voice steady despite the chaos swirling around us. “You can go.”

He glances between me and Cassian, his brow furrowing with worry. “Are you sure you’re safe?” he asks, the concern etched on his features.

Cassian’s scowl deepens, and I dig my fingers into his arms, as if my grip could anchor him in place. It’s almost laughable, yet as I tighten my hold, his gaze drops to meet mine, dark and heavy with an undeniable desire.

“He’s not challenging you,” I murmur, attempting to diffuse the tension.

“If he did, he would be dead,” Cassian replies softly, his words directed solely at me, a warning cloaked in intimacy.

“I’m sure,” I say, raising my voice slightly for Jace’s benefit.

And I am sure. I feel safe in this moment. I’m not afraid for myself; my heart is not heavy with dread. I’m not urging Jace to leave out of some grand gesture of self-sacrifice.

I’ve been married to Cassian for three years, and while he’s angered me and broken my heart on occasion, he has never laid a hand on me in violence. After all, it’s a husband’s duty to protect his wife, and as the head of a mafia family, it’s his responsibility to safeguard those who belong to him.

Cassian always fulfills his duties. And as long as I wear his ring, I belong to him. I am safe.

But Jace doesn’t share that same certainty.

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