When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 169

Chapter One Hundred And Sixty–Nine: DT

Across the hall, Ray knocked softly on Daisy’s door.

She opened it wearing a short satin robe, hair loose. “Doctor.”

He stepped inside without asking, closing the door behind him. The tension that had been building for days crackled between them.

Ray didn’t speak at first. He simply walked forward until she backed against the wall. His hand came up, cupping her jaw, thumb brushing her lower lip.

“You’ve been driving me crazy all day,” he said, voice low and rough.

Daisy’s breath hitched. “Good.”

He kissed her dominantly, and hungrily, taking control. One hand tangled in her hair, the other gripping her waist, pulling her flush against him.

Daisy melted, hands fisting his shirt, kissing him back with equal heat. She loved how sure he was, how he didn’t ask permission–he took, but always left room for her to push back if she wanted.

When he finally pulled away, both of them breathing hard, he rested his forehead against hers.

“I’m not playing games, Daisy. I know that you don’t do relationships. But I am taking my chances with you.”

She smiled against his lips. “we shall see about that.”

“My free days will be over in a couple of days. I want to know more about you. If you permit me, let’s go on more dates once we get back to the city.*

“Okay, let’s do that.” Daisy replied.

They kissed again, slower this time, but still full of promise. No further that night. Just heat, exploration, and the sweet ache of anticipation.

Outside on the private balcony of the master suite wing, Garry and Aurora stood under the stars. The vineyard stretched dark and quiet below them.

Garry turned to her, moonlight catching in his eyes.

“I don’t want this weekend to end,” he said softly.

Aurora stepped closer. “Neither do I.”

He cupped her face with both hands and kissed her, slow, sweet, full of wonder. She rose onto her toes, arms sliding around his neck. The kiss deepened, but stayed gentle, reverent. When they pulled apart, both smiling, Garry rested his forehead against hers.

Aurora has always admired Garry whenever he shops for clothes in her boutique. She had never known

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Hundred And Sixy Nine. DT

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that she could get this close.

“We’ve got time,” he whispered.

She nodded. “We do.” But she wasn’t satisfied. It looked like he was distancing himself and she was afraid that she might lose him even before they got started.

But before she let go, totally. She kissed him more and he kissed her back with the same energy. This time, he didn’t hold back. He kissed, he touched, and he took.

The next morning, departure came too soon.

They lingered over breakfast, reluctant to leave the peace they had found. Final walks through the vines, last sips of coffee on the terrace, quiet hugs and promises to return soon.

Cassienne stood at the edge of the vineyard one last time, breathing in the scent of earth and grapes, memorizing the feeling of lightness in her chest.

Dreston wrapped his arms around her from behind. “We’ll come back. Often.”

She leaned into him. “I’d like that.”

The customized van waited, gleaming in the morning sun. Garry’s team loaded their bags. Steve and the security SUVs were already running.

As everyone climbed in, laughter and teasing filled the air again, but there was a new warmth underneath -bonds strengthened, hearts opening.

The van pulled away down the long driveway. Cassienne watched the manor disappear in the rear window, a small smile on her lips.

“You know what, DT?” Cassienne said.

Dreston went completely still.

That name. DT. Cassienne noticed immediately. “What’s wrong?” she asked lightly. “You don’t want me calling you that?”

His expression changed. DT was the name Dreston’s childhood love used to call him. Tina was his childhood love, but she had never used that name on him. Now Cassienne was using it. It confused him. and shocked him at the same time.

“How… did you know about that?” he asked quietly.

She frowned slightly.

“You liked it when I called you that when we were children. Remember?”

His heartbeat quickened. And his breathing changed.

Dreston couldn’t reply. His body was vibrating now, and Cassienne saw it.

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“Dreston, you’re scaring me. If you don’t like me calling you-” She didn’t get to finish her sentence before he pulled her toward him.

“What happened to us as children? Can you remember that?”

His sudden change of attitude scared Cassienne, but she tried as much as possible to stay calm.

First, she tilted her head and looked at the others. But everyone was caught up in their own conversations. No one was watching them.

Then she returned her attention to Dreston. “We were kidnapped,” she replied.

Dreston flinched, but he recovered almost immediately. “I gave you something to return to me when we met again. What was that thing, and what did I tell you it was?”

Cassienne felt confused by the sudden intensity.

“You gave me a box,” she said slowly. “Inside was a pen. It had your initials, ‘DT,‘ engraved on it. You said it was a gift from your grandfather.”

She swallowed.

“You told me to keep it safe. And to give it back when we meet again.”

Her voice softened.

“I can’t give it to you now. It was stolen from me.”

Dreston closed his eyes. His jaw tightened, and his hands curled into fists.

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