Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Yolanda had just made it through the first round of auditions for the lead female role in a period drama, along with two other actresses. The director had arranged a three-day intensive workshop on period- specific body language. Following this, a second round of auditions would determine the final choice for the leading lady.

Yolanda was worried about her friend Lizetta, almost to the point of giving up, especially after Lizetta had been rushed out of the hospital. After a long day of training, Yolanda returned to her hotel room and finally checked her phone, only to be greeted by that photo.

She immediately called Cassius, but the call was abruptly disconnected. Frowning slightly, Yolanda was distracted by the timely ring of the doorbell. Turning to open it, she was met by a towering figure pushing his way in.

In the next moment, Yolanda found herself pinned against the wall, her shoulders held firmly as a large hand easily encircled her slender waist. A voice, both familiar and menacing, whispered from behind her. "Nice dress."

Yolanda was still in her costume from the period drama set, a dress designed to accentuate the era's style, which she hadn't had the chance to change out of. Though not tall, Yolanda's proportions were impeccable. Her body was not the typical thinness seen in many actresses but rather lean and well-muscled, with curves in all the right places. Pinned against the wall like this, her figure was irresistibly enticing.

Cassius tightened his grip on her waist, forcing her to arch her back and press closer to him. As he was about to act on his desire, Yolanda's clear voice cut through.

"Hogan has been into Liz for years, and now that she's finally divorced, how could he possibly..."

The cold reality hit Cassius like a bucket of ice water, deflating his ego.

Snap!

A sharp slap sounded as Cassius's hand came down hard on her buttocks. Before Yolanda could react, he was nipping at the sensitive skin behind her ear, his breath hot and heavy. "Yolanda, thinking of another man while you're with me? Are you looking for trouble?"

Cassius's

words were cut short by a sharp pain in his foot, the result of Yolanda's high heel grinding down mercilessly. Retreating a few steps, Cassius was seething when Yolanda turned and launched herself at him.

He caught her instinctively, her high-slit dress revealing slender, fair legs as she wrapped them around his arm, her gaze bold and teasing.

"So now you're the one beneath me,"

she taunted. Tell me, was that photo from Badass RemingtonP? Can't he stand seeing Liz with

someone else? Kicked to the net

curb

and now slinking around in the shadows, is that it?"

Cassius's eyes were fixed on her lips, his gaze burning with intensity.

"Whether Remi's up to something, I don't care. Right now, it's about you and me!"

With that, he carried her to the couch, tossing her onto it with intent. Yolanda quickly grabbed his wrist.

"Don't rip it! I need to wear this tomorrow."

"Troublesome," Cassius muttered, his patience wearing thin. He moved her hands to the buttons at the neckline. "If you don't want to explain yourself to the director tomorrow, take it off yourself!" The tension between them was palpable as Cassius covered her mouth with his, silencing any protests with a kiss that allowed only muffled sounds to escape.

Hours later, Yolanda lay exhausted

and drenched in sweat beside him. Cassius lit a cigarette, the smoke swirling around him in contented curls. His other hand lazily traced the sweat-slick curve of her back, his votee husky.

"Anything you want to ask me?"Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

Yolanda lifted her head slightly, "Is that photo real?"