Rivaled Affections
Kace played the part of the besotted, dotting husband to perfection.
Ethan even began to think that Cassie had lied to him and led him to believe that Kace was the big bad wolf. But after spending several months alone with her on the island, he knew that she hadn't fabricated anything that she had told him.
Kace could have won an EGOT for his outstanding acting skills. He was always at the hospital and catered to Cassie's every whim. He would even go as far as feeding her and helping her put on her shoes when she wanted to go to the bathroom.
No matter how hard Ethan tried to see her, he wouldn't relent.
"Hospital policy states that its strictly family hunter and you don't fall into that category Hunter." He allayed with that light, snarling, evident sinister note.
"I think I've put up with your charade for long enough Miles," Ethan faced him, as a venomous glance was thrown in his direction.
"She's my wife-"
"Ah, ah, ah...not quite yet you delusional snake." Ethan sighed, irritated.
"How dare you!" he hissed under his breath as he saw Cassie's parents approaching from behind.
"I know what you did to Cassie and I'm going to make sure you're going to pay." He informed him in a matter of fact way.
"You and who's army, Hunter?" Kace snorted. "Besides, I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Don't ever make the mistake of underestimating me, Miles," a warning laced through every word.
"Good morning boys." Mrs. Winters shrilled. "Is everything okay? You both seem a bit tense?" Her eyes bounced back and forth between them.
"We were just arguing about who's going to go in first. So Kace was kind enough to allow me, since I haven't been afforded the opportunity to do so." Ethan brows rose slowly. "Isn't that right Kace?"
"Why haven't you seen her? She's been asking for you and I told the doctor it was completely fine." Mr. Winters narrowed his eyes and frowned. "I think I'll have another word with him."
"That won't be necessary!" Kace pulled his arm back. "Rather let me handle it."
"Thank you Kace but I need to set him straight," Mr. Winters ranted. "If it wasn't for Ethan, our daughter wouldn't be here with us today."
"I appreciate your kind words Mr. Winters but I owe my life to your daughter. She's the one that saved me." Ethan replied with unhinged humility.
"Why don't you go ahead and see Cassie. She will be so glad to finally see you," her mother urged. "Kace had to keep telling her that you were busy with work." She touched his shoulder lightly and guided him to the ward.
"I should thank him for covering for me but I've been quite anxious to see her myself," Ethan smirked at Kace before he stepped in Cassie's room.
With a stab of pleasure, he walked towards the bed, a nurse was administering a drip. The nurse propped her up slightly and tucked her in before leaving them alone.
Her eyes lit up when she saw him. "Hey..."
"Hey, sweetheart." Ethan smiled as he perched on the edge of the mattress.
"I thought you'd forgotten all about me." She smiled warmly.
"What? After that romantic getaway?" Ethan gasped as he placed his hand against his chest dramatically. "What do you take me for?"
They fell against one another laughing helplessly until Cassie started coughing. "Here you go," Ethan said he handed her a glass of water.
"Thank you..."
"Anything for you Cassandra..." he drawled, but with a smile.
Their eyes locked as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Her golden curls spilled down over her shoulders just as they had in his wildest fantasies. He brushed her hair back, but the curls fell forward again.
"I was so worried about you Cass..."
"I don't even remember leaving the island..."
"What?!" he gasped. "Does that mean you don't remember our wild night of passion Miss Winters?"
"Nooo.." Cassie covered her mouth and shook hard with laughter.
"And here I thought we had a connection," he pouted and feigned disappointment.
"Just aim to do better next time Mr. Hunter," she grinned widely.
"I missed you." He admitted as he reached for her hand.
"Me too." April sank back onto her pillow and smiled.
Ethan felt himself growing hot as she looked at him. She licked her lips slowly and he wondered how she could look so appealing even though she was sick and in a hospital gown. He scooted closer to her and began trailing her delicate jawline with his fingers. Her cheeks pinked and her breathing hitched a few knots. He pushed her hair back out of her eyes, let his fingers linger, and then brushed over her cheek. Now she couldn't help but look at him, and it seemed as though she couldn't breathe. Her rosy cheeks and shining eyes caused his heart to skip in his chest. Her lips parted and he took that as an invitation that they were begging to be kissed.
He drew closer and closer, casting a shadow over her and stared at her for a moment, as she closed her eyes. Cassie felt a shiver as she struggled with her feelings. His large hands closed over her slim shoulders, and she felt herself growing warm and very still.
She could feel his hot breath fanning her face as his lips drew nearer, but then she heard someone clearing his throat.
"Am I disturbing something?" Kace broke in, ruining the moment.
Cassie moved back slightly but Ethan held her fast. "Yes. I'm sure you noticed that."
"You seem to be forgetting that Cassie is my fiance-"
"Was."
"Get away from her!" Kace lunged forward and grabbed Ethan, pushing him aside.
"STOP IT!" Cassie shouted as she covered her face.
"What's going on here?!" Mr. Winters charged into the room, ready to commit murder.
"Hunter was trying to take advantage of Cassie-"
"The only person doing that is you." Ethan cut in.
"It's okay Dad. Let me handle it." Cassie sighed.
"If you're sure?" Her father glanced back as he walked out.
"I want you to leave," Cassie said. "Both of you."
"Cassie honey, don't let-" Kace interjected.
"Goodbye Kace," she gritted her teeth. Kace looked like he was about to stomp his foot like the spoiled brat that he is but he just scowled at his rival and marched out in a huff.
"I'll see you later sweetheart," Ethan leaned forward and kissed Cassie on the forehead.
"If you going to come and bicker with Kace then don't."
"I'm sorry for upsetting you," he apologized. "I shouldn't have let him get to me."
"Just go, Hunter. I need to think without you stifling me," she shooed him away with a wave of her hand.
"I'll be back," Ethan stated before he left.
Cassie dug her fingers into her hair and sighed as she fell back on her pillow.
"Looks like we have a love triangle on our hands..." her mother smiled as she came in and sat on the chair by the bedside. "The look on your face gave it all away by the way."
"Well... not really..."
"What do you mean dear?" her mother asked as she moved to the edge of her seat. "I can tell there's undeniable chemistry between you and Ethan. And you kept calling out his name when you were delirious-"
"What?!" her eyes widened as she sat up.
"Yes dear. It's obvious you two formed a solid bond while you were marooned on the island," she continued, "Even Kace can see that." "To be honest we did. Ethan is like my best friend now."
"Friend? I wasn't expecting that at all," her mother laughed.
"Okay, a little more but.."
"Kace?" she lifted her brow.
Cassie took a deep breath before she said, "Mom... there's something you need to know..."