cassxtaylor

[cassxtaylor]

@devlinxtaylor

Still as he had all the proof he needed, right in front of him, Devlin fought back, his mind not wanting to believe it, to accept that the love of his life, the woman who had made him want to change, to become a better man, was a liar. That all they had shared, might be a lie. Did she really love him? Or was it all a game? So many questions and no answers to fill in the blanks. Questioning everything about their relationship from its very beginning. Though of course it made sense, that Charlotte would do anything, including having another seduce him, give his heart, so she could rip it all out from under him when it suited her. The only difference in this scenario was that he had beat his enemies to the punch. However, not early enough, not by a long shot. What type of person agreed to this? Heck, why stay for so long? Why get married and start building a life, all that serious commitment, if it was all a scam? His hands shook violently, unable to keep his gaze on hers for too long he averted his eyes, let them rest on the horizon, the darkening sky above. “Enough to know you’re one of them.” His voce rough and low, showing that weakness, yet only for a split second.

Turning his gaze back to hers there was steel there, a fierce determination that anyone would be foolish to cross. “So should I start asking, or would you like to start talking?” He asked, keeping a tight grip on his burning anger. It was the only emotion that would push him forward, keep him standing. Whatever her story was, her reasons and her choices leading up to this, he needed a complete picture before he could consider where his heart was at. Besides, he was giving her the opportunity to come clean before he solidified his assumptions. Before his brain was let loose to think up and accept the worst. Which he did purely out of love. There was still that flicker of hope left. That she had been coerced. That she had been blackmailed, forced, abused somehow. That her alliance with them was not as much a choice as it was for survival.

“I was one of them” Cassandra countered immediately not knowing why those words flew the way they did but she couldn’t bear the thought of him thinking even worse of her then he must already have. Her throat felt heavy, her eyes burnt with unshed tears as he stood there waiting for her to explain. He’d never love her, never look at her again the way he used to- it was all shattered now. For a moment, Cass tried to put herself in his position and the view was so bleak, she shook the thought away wondering how he hadn’t wrung her neck or done her any harm yet. But she knew the answer, that despite everything that he was and the world thought him to be, to her he had always been a gentleman in every sense of the word, and a man deeply in love- a love she was now about to lose forever.

Leaning against the wall for support, she turned to stare at the ground, finally consenting to share her story “I told you that my family was dead but the fact is, I don’t know about them. My mother was a stripper...I grew up in strip clubs and it was hell. When I began going to school, I used to be bullied, called names and even some of my teachers used to slip their numbers asking me if my mom could visit them. We never really spoke and when she found a rich patron to get married to, I found myself on the streets at the age of fourteen” 

It was a painful tale though Cass surprised herself when her voice hardly wavered lacking any emotion. She wondered if she would be able to feel anything after Devlin would walk away today- perhaps she’d live in the constant irony of feeling everything and nothing all at once.

“There was this lady Agnes who took me in her shelter and for a while I was fine, perhaps even happy but after she died, I lost it completely” she continued flickering a single glance in his direction “I used to sleep on the streets, do drugs and this was when the Royals found me. And-And things went on from there” Her eyes rested on his face and the sight rendered her speechless for a moment. She didn’t know how she’d be able to bear not seeing that face everyday of her life

All you need is love / Cass&Dev

[cassxtaylor]

Her cheeks hurt, the bitter taste of bile a constant in her mouth as Philippe and Charlotte went on and on about their recent conquest and Cass found herself at a dead end for probably the millionth time in her life- almost bone weary with the kind of deceit she had been practising. Her agitation almost over the bounds, she shrugged the arm Philippe had casually thrown over her shoulder, almost as if their conversation in the mall and his death threats were non-existent. Charlotte grinned in her direction before both of them made their retreat, promising a call and lunch and the heavy breath Cass had been carrying released itself as she slagged against the wall, her hands covering her face. Another mission, another shot at deception...she had no idea how long she could carry on, how long she could pretend her loyalties and attempt to turn a blind eye at the hurt she was inflicting on the man she loved.

The sound of footsteps approaching made her look up, almost in consternation at the thought that it could either be Charlotte or Philippe returning with another crazy scheme but the figure that met her eyes made her almost wish that it was them.

Devlin...

Her throat closed off at his words as panic and fear, perhaps for the first time in his presence, flickered across her eyes at his words. Her mouth opened but no words came and she shut them gnawing on her lips unable to meet his eyes. Riveting hardly even began to explain the kind of tale she held but with each passing moment, the realisation that perhaps she would no longer hold his love anymore made her bones freeze 

“H-how much did you hear?” she began her voice devoid of any emotion

All you need is love / Cass&Dev

He couldn’t quite find the words to explain his actions, what it was that had compelled him to spy on his own wife. But lately there had been all these clues. Signs if you like that kept leading back to her. She had known about so many of the intricate details that somehow seemed to find their way into enemy ears. And Devlin could no longer take the suspense, the wondering, the constant churning inside his own mind, and so he had decided to trail her. Simply get it over with and see if there was anything to his suspicions. He kept telling himself though that he had to be absolutely loosing it. That this was his worst own deepest insecurities playing a trick on him and he was out of his mind even entertaining the idea. Though while he watched her from the shadows, around the corner in the dark shades of the alley, which cloaked him almost entirely, he felt ice cold. Chilly to the bone, such a sensation being utterly unfamiliar and disorienting. Because there she was, talking to his enemies, smiling and hugging them and talking as if the entire affair was the most normal one in this fucking world. His stare was hard, his stomach churning, as he listened intently to every word they were saying. The cover of darkness were the only reason he had been able to get this close without being detected. They all seemed blissfully unaware. For a small moment, he wished for that blissful ignorance back. For the strong and secure belief he had held for the woman he loved. For those feelings not to be overshadowed and tainted with a new one now. The fresh feeling of betrayal. 

As she waved goodbye, and her dear friends departed, Devlin stepped out of the shadows, hands digging deep into his hoodie front pocket to hide that they were clenched into angry fists, dark blue eyes seeking hers as he stepped right out in her path. “Been quite busy today haven’t you? Now color me a fool, or wait, bet you have for what, years now? I’m rather intrigued.. how do you explain all of this? Being chummy pals with the Royals and married to me.. I’m sure its a riveting story.” Some words more sarcastic than others, unable to mask the hurt underneath though giving it a fair shot. The underlying message however was the same. Either she came clean here and now, or.. well what? Could he really treat her like he would a regular spy caught in his ranks? Lock her in a room and use all those pesky interrogation skills the military had all but drilled into him.. Dev didn’t know. And he would rather not be pushed to find out. 

@cassxtaylor

[cassxtaylor]

The retort was utterly ready on her lips in response to his request but a glance at the chaos ensuing told her she simply couldn’t argue and waste precious time. She remembered the last time she had argued with him and though in a way she knew he did it out of utter love and concern for her, Cass felt like a liability, like a person stripped of all power. In reality however, she held the power, the power to hurt him, to destroy his gang and his effort and unless she found a way to manoeuvre out of it, it felt smart to follow him...externally. Placing the phone back in her bag, she took a deep breath and looked at him “Very well. If that’s what you want, I shall go home” Her worried eyes flickered at the  sight around him before moving closer and giving him a hug “You stay safe alright. There is no guarantee that this was the only bomb they planted and I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to you.” Pressing her lips against his in a firm kiss, she pulled away and with a single backward glance began walking towards their car. Cassandra of course, had no intention of actually following his order, her mind already preoccupied with the thoughts of just who could have done it. She had her suspicions alright but it stunned her that the Royals would actually blow a place where many of their members were present. There were questions swirling in her mind and she intended to get answers for them.

[cassxtaylor]

She was certainly no stranger to death. Living first in the orphanage and then on the streets had taught her a certain indifference to loss and death. She had seen it all with a hardened eye, her heart hardly twitching on that experience. But that was all before she had gotten herself tangled in love. These were the times, Cassandra somedays wished she’d never have a heart, never feel that gut-wrenching panic of things getting out of control, almost wanting to go back to being the girl that cared nothing for feelings or relationships, but a glance at her family would bring her back from those dark thoughts. Looking at all she had gained, she knew the pain was worth it, work every curve her lips made in delight and she now saw another person struggle with the same conflict, Cass couldn’t help but lightly place her hand on her shoulders, giving it a friendly squeeze “I am sure he’d be alright. The doctors here are very experienced and as you said..he is young enough to fight it and make a speedy recovery. You should probably get coffee or something” she continued with a soft smile “Seems like a long night. Wouldn’t do well if you fell sick too right?”

[cassxtaylor]

It was chaos within and without, as the media clamoured outside to get information on the blast and patients and families went in and out, doctors and nurses scrambling to keep up and answer things in a calm manner. Cassandra had been chewing on a much needed bar of chocolate, her eyes fluttering close as tiredness consumed her. It wasn’t just about the night, it was how her thoughtless actions had gotten her to this point. The conversation with Philippe was still fresh in her mind and her fingers pressed her temples trying to ease the million frayed thoughts playing on her mind. It was then that a voice addressed her and opening her eyes, she blinked for a moment registering what the woman in front was asking her. “Yes, yes I do” Cass replied snapping out of her haze and removing one from her purse and handing it over to her “Tough night. Here for a relative?” she inquired finding nothing else to say.

“Excuse me do you have a pen? Yes an ordinary pen..” she asked the person next to her eyebrows raised in inquiry, attempting not to sound tired or short or as if she was about to crumble. No. She was not that girl or sister. The one who broke apart the second things got tough. Actually she was quite the opposite. The one who carried whatever burden asked of her, the one who never faltered or let her loved ones down. Now she could be a crumbling mess on the inside, but not a damn person in this hospital, with maybe the exception of the doctors she had snapped at earlier, should be able to tell. “Mine’s run out..” she added, almost apologetically, running a hand trough her long auburn locks, fisting her hands to keep them from shaking. Just keep going Shona. Keep going. 

[cassxtaylor]

It took a minute for her to come to terms with just what had happened. Her eyes moving across the decorations that had taken them ages to plan. She could still remember sitting with the assistants and laughing about it, agreeing and disagreeing over pages and pages of hard-worked ideas and baam! Within a fraction of a second, it all lay shattered like their peace of mind  and contentment ripped apart. Devlin’s voice brought her out of her thoughts and she nodded as they began making their way outside. Her shaking hands whipped out her phone as they got outside and away from the scrambling crowd, fingers already dialling for the ambulance. After briefing speaking with them, Cassandra put it away finally turning to her husband “I explained the situation and they assured me they’d all be here immediately. They told me they could send 10 ambulances for the others were occupied. You should call the police. I’ll call Sara and tell her to deal with the press. The media would be here soon, hell I think they might already be on their way. What should we do next?” She asked carefully fragmenting her emotions in an attempt to be calm and rational. She’d deal with everything later-the anger, the sadness, the guilt...but right now, she needed her head in the game. 

[cassxtaylor]

Her heart was breaking with each passing minute, the nails on her fingers absolutely non-existent as she tried to bite on whatever was felt there. It had been a harrowing evening, trying to get the guests to safety, answering the questions of the police, dodging the ever present camera of the media..no doubt the tragedy would be splashed across newspapers in the morning and like each time, investigations would be carried on and an arrest or two would be made but nothing else. Pockets were paid, loyalties purchased and a feeling on intense remorse and guilt assailed her, almost as if she had set the bomb there. Looking at him from across the room, that familiar feeling of not belonging anywhere settled deeply in her heart again. Those three were family and here she stood, though carrying the name,knowing she’d never really belong, not until this thing with the Royals end. And she knew when it did end, Devlin would want nothing to do with her. Her eyes cast a glance in his direction again, her heart shattering at the torment that lay behind his eyes. At his words she nodded before holding his hands firmly in her own, willing to do anything to ease his pain and giving him a tight side hug before turning to face him. “It wasn’t your fault” Cass began staring into his eyes intently “Nothing that happened today was your fault. Please don’t beat yourself up for this”

Broken wings | Cass&Dev

At some point, he’d just decided that sitting still was not an option anymore. And so Devlin paced, up and down the rows of the chairs in the waiting room, barley seeing the room itself. His mind was a jumbled mess, chest filled up with guilt so thick he could feel himself running out of air, slowly but surely. If Reagan didn’t come out of this okay.. if one of his members didn’t make it.. He couldn’t even begin to contemplate what to do. Which, in truth he had no leeway to not do. In times like these he was the one supposed to come up with a plan. The one that ought to be holding it all together, to step up and take charge. But for once his brother was more fit to lead than Devlin was. Better at finding that switch to shut out emotions and think. What kind of a leader was he really? He had put them all in a room, all exposed targets for their enemy to strike at. Without second thought. Of course he was to blame.. who else. Which was why Dev couldn’t focus on anything else than this. Reagan was having some tests, they hadn’t been allowed to go with her. Catching a worried look from his wife across the room he felt down right ready to crumble, tears pressing on his eyeballs though he refused to let them fall. “I need a smoke..” he declared, knowing she would not approve, but seeing no other way to handle some of this stress. Digging the pack he always had on him out of his coat pocket, he glanced back over at her. “You coming?” 

@cassxtaylor

[cassxtaylor]

The Blackmail (A Post-Para): Philippe & Cassandra

@philippexlinwood

Philippe Linwood: Philippe leisurely strolled around Harvey Nichols, his fingers gently trailing upon the racks of high-end branded clothing fabulously displayed. The luxurious store only catered to the high society of London, which was why he found himself drawn to the place, as it served as the perfect setting for his mischievous plan. The best part of it all was that he knew the place was foolproof, and it would allow him to get some shopping down as well. Two birds with one stone, always.

No doubt she would be here, he thought, as he walked around at a relaxed pace. The Masquerade event was in three days, and she surely would need to pick up a few items from one of her favourite shops. And right on cue, he found her by the accessories area, looking all pristine and as gorgeous as ever. Indeed, it was show time.

Without hesitation, he walked up to her, a bright smile on his face, before speaking out, “Oh, Cassandra. It’s been ages…”

 Cassandra Taylor: The planning had been both a learning and a yawning experience. She was thankful that Devlin held the same views about the society soiree as her for if Cass had to keeping planning for events to entertain his acquaintances, she’d have surely lost her mind. Nevertheless, the masquerade ball did have her shred her disdain for pointless interactions and as she strolled around Harvey Nichols, she could even confess that she was actually looking forward to it.

Finding herself in the accessories area, her eyes catching sight of a gorgeous earring, she couldn’t resist the impulse to look at it closely. Its intricate pattern was a piece of art and though a year ago, Cass wouldn’t even have walked in this extravagant store, she now found herself craving for that purchase. Though rarely allowing her own indulgence, even she knew the need to enjoy and pamper herself once a while.

The earring was certainly to be blamed though, as being focused on it made her unaware of just who was approaching from a distance. By the time he came upon her, it was too late to escape and resisting the impulse to bolt, she turned around plastering a bright smile of her own “Philippe. It has. I almost thought you had fallen off the planet. What an unexpected surprise” And an unwanted one too. But she didn’t air that thought

 Philippe Linwood: “My dear Cassie,” Philippe greeted her, a glint of evil twinkle in his eyes as he smiled, “that would be Charlotte who have vanished. I, however, remain here.” It had been ages since the last two had spoken, and the time span had not changed the ill feelings he had towards her. Glancing at the gorgeous pair of earrings she had been looking at, the man could not resist but take a closer look, peering down at the display case. “Ah, they’re lovely. They would look beautiful on those ears of yours, Cass.” He said, slowly straightening up. “I’m sure Devlin would be more than happy to get his wife such an exquisite beauty.”

 Cassandra Taylor: A string of curses clouded her mind. If only she had been paying more attention, she could have easily dodged him. Nothing good could come out of this encounter, especially not if he was smiling in that way and a flicker of unease rested on her heart though her polite was as friendly as it possibly could be “Charlotte yes. Where is she?” Cass inquired resisting the urge to bite her lips. Nothing made sense anymore, nothing had since she had gone behind their back and committed the cardinal sin of falling in love with their enemy. “Well thank you! I should really get these and be on my way. Lots of things to do you know. With the upcoming event and all” Her eyes flickered to see if there was any shop assistant around but none seemed close enough. Pulling her eyes back closer, she inched further away from him “I am sure you have your own shopping to do. See you later Philippe”

 Philippe Linwood: When Cassandra posed the question on Charlotte’s whereabouts his way, the man merely smiled. He was not going to be answering her question, lest she relayed it onto Devlin. He was definitely not letting their enemy know that the Red Queen was currently preoccupied elsewhere. Plus, it was she who needed to do some answering, and not the other way around. Noting her attempt to evade him, Philippe casually stepped to block her path, using his whole body to prevent her from taking another step. “What’s the rush, Cass?” He asked her, before dropping his tone. “Scared of your own past?”

 Cassandra Taylor: His smile was beginning to grate on her nerves. Of course he wouldn’t tell her, she wasn’t one of them now. And she wasn’t one of the Strix either. It wasn’t the first time she threw that existential question of just where she belonged up in the air, only to have tangled webs thrown at her in response. She could almost feel her sandcastle starting to crumble and being powerless to do anything about it shattered her soul. She had never not wanted power, a simple tool to decide her own destiny and when she had finally found it, the price she had payed suddenly seemed too much, too final, too irrevocable. Cass wasn’t all that surprised when Philippe blocked her way and not letting the chaos of emotions show on her face at his words, she laughed quietly “My past was me living on the streets with garbage and poverty and drugs and mindless passing faces for company. Why would I be scared of that?” She knew he didn’t mean that past but the past he was referring to had become her current present nightmare

 Philippe Linwood: Her feeble attempt at lying was laughable. Poor Cassandra never did quite have that dark side inside of her, never knew how to stand up for herself. She was always only pretty, clever, maybe, but dark? Definitely not. “We all know that that’s not the past I’m referring to.” He sweetly replied, before turning to the rest of the jewels behind the display case. “Say, how about you pretend that you’re browsing still, and maybe, just maybe,” producing his iPhone from his pocket, he showed her the screen, “I won’t hit send on this photo of us to your dear husband.” On the screen was a photo of the three of them, Charlotte, Cassandra and Philippe, hugging each other tightly in a candid shot, the trio mid-laugh on the frame. “Can you just imagine if he sees this?” Philippe taunted.

 Cassandra Taylor: She had been gearing to physically push the man out of the way to get away from the situation when his words stopped her cold and her eyes flicked towards the screen. It seemed almost like that scene never happened, like that closeness had never existed, like that once tight friendship had not blown away in this manner. She could still remember Philippe and her arguing with Charlotte over her decision to send her out as a spy, but Charlotte won the debate, she always did. Cass wondered for a moment what would have happened if she hadn’t been on the mission. Would they have now been plotting against destroying and ripping the Taylors apart? That reality was too grim to contemplate and instead she turned towards another earring with a slight shrug “What of it? Anyone could say it was photoshopped. No one really knows except us and I think my dear husband would have a good laugh at that picture” she retorted nonchalantly. She really didn’t know if Dev would actually be laughing at the photo but one thing was certain, showing Philippe Linwood fear was never a good idea

 Philippe Linwood: Of course she would not go down without a fight. But Philippe knew her all too well, as he simply swiped on the screen, before tapping it so, thus playing the video. On his screen played this: Cassandra and Charlotte, gleefully laughing, the same setting and the same day of the previous shot, while Philippe spoke on the background. A song played on, the two girls dancing around, before Charlotte made a reach for the camera, such that she vanished into the frame, and Philippe entered, his arms wrapped around Cass’ as the two giggled, before he planted a swift peck on her cheek, with Cass sticking her tongue out at the camera. The video halted then, as the man raised a brow in her direction. “Still think it’s Photoshop?”

Cassandra Taylor: She swore under her breath almost reaching out to snatch that offending device off his hand. Of course he had a plan. He was nothing if not efficient and while at the Royals, she had appreciated that quality, now it simply brought a bitter taste to her mouth. Cass tried seeing it through Dev’s eyes, seeing his wife being on super friendly terms with his enemy. Could her past be downplayed? Could she tell him they had all been friends at one point and had a falling out because Cass did not agree with Charlotte’s ideals? It sounded like a believable explanation. Expertly covering up the rising unease in her expression, she turned to give Philippe almost a nonchalant look “Okay well not Photoshop but not everyone’s past is stellar. Devlin will think I probably had a few questionable connections. That’s all”

 Philippe Linwood: He had to give it to her, the lady had grown tougher under Devlin’s care. Normally, she would have cracked by now, but it seemed as if the Taylors had influenced Cassie to be unfazed, unlike before. “Really? You think Devlin wouldn’t think twice about his wife singing along and hugging the Red Queen and the Royal Prince?” The man commented, sliding his phone back into his pocket. “What about the hundreds more of photos and videos that we have, Cass? What about the messages, e-mails, and phone calls to your phone? What about the file folder we have of you detailing everything there is to know about you, Cassandra De Salva?” Philippe hissed the last two words, leaning in ever so slightly.

Cassandra Taylor: She should have known it was a lost case but she wouldn’t back down without a fight. It was why instead of revealing fear, she simply crossed her arms, bristling and a tiny bit unnerved at the use of her maiden name. It had been ages since anyone had called her that, but she knew he had won this round. There were e-mails and she didn’t think Devlin would take it lightly. He not just loved her, he trusted her and to have that rug pulled away from his feet would be a fall she really didn’t want to witness.  “What do you want Philippe?” Cass almost growled “You do know it goes both ways don’t you? If you attempt to destroy me, I have the equal amount of ammunition to destroy you. State your purpose and go your merry way”

 Philippe Linwood: That simple act of her crossing her arms was the confirmation he needed. She may not show it, but the man was successful in finding a detail to get under her skin. Straightening up, he smoothed his outerwear jacket, casually going on as if he was not threatening the woman just now. “I know, but you won’t use it now, will you?” Glancing up to her, he rested his hands behind him, standing in a power stance. “My sources tell me that the Strix had a new shipment of weapons. How on Earth you lot managed to find another weapons dealer is beyond me,” Philippe shrugged, uncaring, “but, the question remains: where is it? Where are the weapons, Mrs. Taylor?”

Cassandra Taylor:  You Lot That just spoke of where he considered her to be. A part of the Strix and she would have perhaps if she didn’t have a death knell of a mission hanging over her head. She didn’t reply to his rhetorical question, merely raised her eyebrow enough to indicate that she could and she would. Even if it killed her. If they attempted to destroy her, she would not go down without a fight. At his inquiry, her brows furrowed in confusion “Weapons? What are you talking about? Last I know they had signed a deal for TM and are celebrating the success. Devlin trusts me yes, but I am not an official member of the gang to be privy to all information. Sorry I couldn’t help” she deadpanned and turned to try on an earring. Where on earth were the staff members when you needed them?

Philippe Linwood: “Cass, don’t lie to me.” The man pouted, feigning the innocence of that of a child’s. “You know, Charlotte may think that you’re still on our side, but I damn well know that you’ve fallen for that husband of yours.” Philippe could see it, because he knew the look of love when he saw it. Heck, she wore the same look that he used to wear around Marie. You could just pick up on it, even from miles away. “See, I wonder what happens if we just cancel your mission right here, right now. You know, since you’re obviously working for them now by refusing to give me the information you were sent for.” Truth be told, he was getting sick and tired of how long this exchange was going. The Taylors had succeeded in influencing Cassandra, by turning her into one of them. She could deny it all she wanted, but he saw right through her act. “I’m getting tired.” He told her, his tone dangerously dropping to an undesirable level.

Cassandra Taylor: “I am not lying. I honestly have no clue what weapons or dealers you are talking about Philippe. Maybe you should ask your source for more information. If they got it once, they’d get it again” She turned to look right in his eye willing him to believe she was being honest, neither blinking nor covering in fear or uncertainty. Her face still had its polite friendliness, not even reacting to his very correct observation of just how much she had fallen for her husband nor to his comment about cancelling her mission. She wanted to get away but their destinies now were so tangled, she doubted any of them would come out of it unscarred. “So am I. Look here…if you want to know who the guests are for the event, I can give you that list. That’s the only information I have in hand. Now if you’ll excuse me” she pushed past him cursing that she couldn’t make a run for it

Philippe Linwood: No longer amused with their little charade, Philippe grabbed Cassandra’s arm, a tight grip on the delicate limb underneath. “Frankly, you’re still working for us. So it’s either you cough up the information, or you’re fired.” He seethed, his chocolate-hued eyes no longer kind, as they roared with fire. “And trust me, you know what happens to ex-employees who are too much of a liability to the gang.” Narrowing his eyes, he kept his hold on her, completely confident despite the public setting they were in. “Are you sure your husband can protect you the moment you step out of this building’s doors? You might not even be able to step one foot out, Cass.” Because he never travelled alone, the man had managed to secure three of the Royal assassins, positioned just outside at various points, waiting for his cue. “I’d start talking if I were you.” He was not above killing her anymore.

 Cassandra Taylor: Her eyes widened momentarily not expecting to hear what she was hearing. She had always been under the impression that no matter what, Charlotte or Philippe wouldn’t kill her. She wasn’t like any other member on their payroll. She had been their closest friend but now, looking into his furious eyes, she knew the lines had been crossed and frankly she couldn’t even blame them. But the fact that she could be killed rested heavily on her head, though she simply didn’t know how to react to that. Her eyes looked away from a moment trying to spot where their cams would be. What kind of high security shop wouldn’t have assistants all around? Biting her bottom lip she looked at him trying to be as earnest as possible “What happens if you fire me? I have no clue about the weapons. Why on earth would Devlin tell me??” She knew how important that was to him, he had talked of nothing else for days and her heart twisted at the thought of sabotaging it all

 Philippe Linwood: Philippe’s brow quirked, as if daring her to challenge him even more. Ever since Charlotte had decided to go away and leave it all behind to him, it was safe to say that the man had succumbed to the role he played, acting more and more like the evil genius of a leader he always ambitioned himself to be. “Fired employees make for dead employees.” He merely stated, a twitch of the corner of his mouth turning upright. “Now, let me ask you again: tell me where the location of the weapons is, Cassandra.” This time, his voice was stronger, more forceful, as his grip on her arm tightened.

Cassandra Taylor: She visibly flinched at his grip, knowing it would bruise and knowing she’d have to come up with another spew of lies to hide just what was happening. “I don’t know the location. I swear of my mother I don’t” Cass erupted trying to pull away. The fact that she had even mentioned her mother Catalina should be proof enough that she wasn’t lying “I know the date. That’s all I know. He keeps all information in his safe. No one knows the combination except him. I am not lying. I just know the date. It’s the 21st of July. Whatever is happening will happen then. That’s all I know…having me killed won’t serve any purpose” she insisted quietly tugging at her arms. Granted she had lied about the date too but Philippe would never really know that. Philippe Linwood: She was fighting, struggling to get out of his grip, but Philippe was far stronger than she was when it came down to it. “Well, well, well.” She was starting to cough up facts now. “A safe? Where is this safe? I know for a fact that you know where it is, Cass. Come on. Spill it out.” He sing-songed, boring his intense gaze into hers. “You know I won’t stop or tell them to back down lest you tell me.”

Cassandra Taylor: His grip was really starting to hurt and she contemplated screaming bloody murder for a moment but one look at his thunderous expression and she knew he’d quick likely kill her and pay people for their silence. She was digging into her lips almost drawing blood thinking fast. Devlin always locked his office and there was security everywhere plus she could warn him to keep more security around too. Philippe would get the information but he won’t be able to do anything with it “His office! Underneath the couch cushion” another lie who Philippe wouldn’t know that “Now let me go!!”

Philippe Linwood: Maybe it was because he knew that he was hurting her enough, or that he had threatened her life, or the fact that under duress, he knew Cassandra could not lie, but either way, Philippe finally loosened his hold, before completely letting go. “See, that wasn’t so bad.” He murmured, as he straightened up, before taking another peek at the display case they had been peering at a while ago. “Really, Cass, you must get those earrings.” With a turn of his heel, the man began to walk away, speaking into his earpiece for the assassins to back off. “Ta-ta, De Salva. ‘Till next time!” He waved good bye, back towards her still, as he strolled off into the exit, particularly pleased with himself, as he got what he came for.

 Cassandra Taylor: Her knees almost buckled as she clutched the counter and shut her eyes tightly. This had to end. She couldn’t go on at all, hurting the ones she loved and that safe contained almost all secrets Dev ever stored. She would have to think of something, anything to salvage the situation, her eyes darkening at Philippe’s happy exit. She wouldn’t let the Royals win, they were her friends…correction, they had been her friends but now that was well and truly over. Almost slamming the earring on the counter, she rushed towards the car and to that one person whose trust she didn’t deserve but was hell bent on preserving. Even if it killed her.

[cassxtaylor]

It was easy to forget. It was absolutely easy to forget that this was supposed to be her playing a role, that her loyalties had already been long ago purchased, a move she couldn’t undo, a decision she was regretting with each passing day. Her heart stopped and then fluttered at the way he said she had him wrapped around her finger. She still couldn’t fathom it, that this man who almost everyone feared, respected had such a side to him that not many knew, and the fact that he chose to show it to her, made her all the more ashamed of her position. There were days when she simply wanted to tell him, bite the bullet and reveal that she had been sent as the Royal’s spy but that she had no interest in doing her duty anymore. But it was a wilful fancy if she thought Devlin might look at her again in the way he was looking now, as if she was his whole world. Her lips parted in reply but before she could speak a word, a loud explosion rocked the halls, her hands instinctively grabbing his, her face burrowing in his jacket. It took a moment for everyone to even understand what was going on and within minutes the place was covered in chaos with people screaming and running, tables upturned, window panes broken and her eyes quickly went to Devlin to check if he was okay before moving around once again, the anger and distress evident. Where they never to have an event when things didn’t end on such a bleak note? Her heart reached out to the man in front of her, knowing his night of nightmares had just started and fear assailed her as she moved away a tiny bit searching the room for all the people she knew

[cassxtaylor]

@victoria-saint

Victoria’s eyes finally met the face of the body that she felt present beside her. The brunette let her eyes trace the outlines of the dress delicately hanging on the woman beside her. Judging a book by the cover was something most children were taught not to do. In her upbringing appearance was everything. From what she saw Victoria did not detest the woman beside her. “Well look at him.” Her hand gestured back towards her future husband. “Good looking, yes. Expensive suit, yes. But look at the people around him. All he is probably talking about is fiance and corporate spending. He is probably acting like a pompous ass. No one looks like they enjoy his presence.” Her shoulders raised in a shrug before she leaned back against the wall. “He is probably the epitome of misogyny.” Victoria ignored all questions about why she had to marry the man. She ignored anything she did not want to speak upon.

Turning her attention to the man in question, Cass took a moment to make her own observation. Her companion was off the mark when she called him the epitome of misogyny as she noticed his eyes flicker across the room to where a lady was standing in a sort of revealing attitude and his gaze made her bristle slightly. She felt for the woman besides her for although everything in her life was messy currently, she did have the best marriage anyone could dream off. Noticing her non-reply to her bevy of questions, Cassandra decided to reign in her curiosity for once “Can’t you piss him off. Make him not want the marriage more than you? I can’t think he’d want to be saddled to anyone he can’t stand, despite whatever it is that is forcing you to marry him. He doesn’t seem poor so can’t be the money” 

[cassxtaylor]

She had certainly been on an edge since the time they had walked into the place, unable to forget how the last event had ended. Cass couldn’t help but hope that for once things would be peaceful but ever the realist, even she recognised that such wishful thinking could never be realised especially when conflicting gang members were in the same room. But for now, in his arms she could almost pretend that the mess of the world outside did not exist. If there was one thing she absolutely loathed about these events was the easy accessibility that certain people had to approach and talk to her, especially when she hadn’t returned their calls. Cassandra knew she had put herself in a precarious position though it was certainly too late to push back or move forward. At his words, she kissed his chin lightly before gazing up at his profile “Neither. The necessity for social interactions at this level shouldn’t be the norm but we all certainly outdid ourselves. This place looks beautiful” she confessed observing the decorations and the guests moving about “Though I’m not really certain about the mask..this ability to conceal seems..dangerous” With a small shake of her head, she turned to lightly stroke his cheeks trying to lighten his mood “ Three more hours and we can make our escape and maybe you can take a day off tomorrow. My persuasive skills are no match for you afterall” 

With her eyes as a reflection, every other part of the room seemed to dissipate into nothingness. He could stare into those beautiful baby blue eyes all night and that alone would make him a very happy, very content and relaxed man. Oh if it were but that easy. Giving a small sigh, Devlin let his head fall forward until his forehead connected with Cass’s, aware that their masks were a bit in the way. Now of course, he was only swaying to the music with her in his arms, where they stood in the middle of the dance floor, with no chance of escape from the rest of the crowd. In small moments though, it was possible to feel as if they were the only two on the dance floor. In others, he was reminded of the fact that he was indeed hosting this shindig, and quietly waiting for something, the smallest of things, to go wrong. “I honestly can’t wait for this evening to be over and done with.” He murmured, their faces so close that he was sure she could hear him despite the music. 

@cassxtaylor

[cassxtaylor]

~Masquerade Ball~

[cassxtaylor]

Each time she stepped into one of these events, it felt like a fairy-tale and nightmare rolled into one. Arm in arm with her own devil prince she had descended down the steps, looking at the arrangements in awe. She had been a part of the planning committee but putting the ideas on page and actually encountering it’s personal manifestation were two completely different things. Having made her way to greet her friends and acquaintances, Cass took a glass of champagne from a passing server and moved towards the corner of the room in order to take a break and..to hide. She was quite certain Philippe or Charlotte herself could be attending the event and the last thing she wanted to do was to stumble upon one of them. It was no secret that she had not responded back to Philippe’s text and Cassandra wasn’t ready to face the consequence or the questioning of those actions yet. She had just taken a sip when a low voice addressed her. Glancing at the man in question, she turned towards the girl who had spoken “You don’t really sound excited about the prospect” she began “And it’s not difficult to miss that you said you ‘have’ to marry him, not that you ‘want’ too. What’s stopping you from breaking it off?”

The state of Victoria’s mental health was worthy of concern. Over the past couple of months - since finding out about the gangs - she had been in a downward spiral. Now she had reached rock bottom ever since returning from her Paris business trip. Her father had grown considerably stricter - threatening her place in the family, which caused a complete mental breakdown on Victoria’s part. The meltdown itself happened in front of Philippe Linwood which allowed the man much closer to her than she had ever intended. The latest news in Victoria Saint’s life had really kicked her while she was down. Her father had given her an ultimatum: marry in a year or become forgotten. Of course it wasn’t as simple as that. Victoria could not simply marry anyone. Leaning against the wall of the room her eyes were glued to a man in a expensive suit. “That’s the man I have to marry.” She muttered to the person next to her.

[cassxtaylor]

@oliviamastromarco

Olivia smirked as the female sat down at the table. A new person to speak with, how interesting. As the blonde spoke in agreement of the importance of written word, Olivia nodded lightly. She had rarely met anyone who did not immediately find her strange for enjoying her journals. When asked of her occupation, she smiled politely before carefully replying, “I am a writer by trade. I have enjoyed it ever since I could hold a pen,” she jokes as if to distract from her over-generalization. She did not know this woman’s ties to the two leading gangs of the city and she was not about to run her off by bluntly referring to herself as a freelance journalist. “Forgive my manners, I am Olivia,” she says extending her hand to the young blonde across from her.

From what little resources she had garnered over the years, Cassandra had always invested in books, from spending hours in the library to her first indulgent spend on a copy of her favourite classics. There was something about the magic of those pages, the power to transport you to a different world, live within the mind of those characters, be a part of their life and when it all ends in a symphony, it becomes a cathartic experience. To now realise that the stranger in front of her belonged to that world did get her excited. “A writer! Then I am most certainly glad to meet you. What do you write? Have you published anything so far” she questioned her features delighted. Her smile only widened as the woman introduced herself. “It’s a pleasure Olivia. I’m Cassandra.” Cass replied genially shaking her offered hand. 

Just a little Coffee

[cassxtaylor]

At his reassurance, the last tinges of distress dispersed from her mind for the moment as the sudden awareness of his very naked form told the centre stage. With a charming grin, she moved backwards from him till she came right underneath the shower. With a single flick, her bra was dropped on the ground, her panties followed and starting the shower, Cassandra enjoyed the feeling of droplets cascading all over her body. Her heated gaze moved towards him, almost as if beckoning him “I won’t worry any more especially if you kiss me...everywhere” she replied with a tiny grin and reaching out tugged him closer to her, enjoying the simple act of touching his warm skin and peppering soft kisses over his chest. A thought of perhaps he might actually be tired from all the chaos of the day entered her mind and she ceased her action for a moment “Are you sure you are not too tired? You could stop..maybe have dinner first” Cass observed half serious, half in jest stroking his face. His strength was something that never ceased to amaze her and though she knew he would be able to keep up, a tiny part of her was worried if everything would actually prove to be too much for the day. The natural way her emotions tangled around him was something she doubted she’d ever get used to. It wasn’t always like this, Cass wouldn’t always feel such concern for someone, but ever since his presence in her life, it was like that dormant part of her was finally awakened.

Reckless behavior | Cass&Dev

[cassxtaylor]

She had gotten lucky. As he now stood in front of her, Cassandra could hardly believe she had the privileged of calling him her husband. He loved her, she knew that for certain, a gift that both exhilarated and tormented her every waking moment. She couldn’t turn a blind eye to the position she had gotten herself into, couldn’t undo the damage that had already occurred. All Cass could hope and wish for was that somehow he’d never know the real reason of just why their paths had crossed in the first place. It therefore became imperative to live every single moment as if it were the last she’d experience with him, for with a future as uncertain as hers, there was simply no telling just what would happen. Pushing those distressing thoughts away, Cassandra simply looked at him before slowly taking her top off and attempting to concentrate on undoing the tiny buttons of her pants leaving her in just her lingerie. He was certainly distracting-his physique, his smirk, the battle scars she had traced with her lips-a familiar sight indeed but it had never lost it’s charm. With a mischievous sultry grin matching his own she approached him, her hands caressing his chest and pushed him back against the wall “I love you” the confession sudden but utterly sincere erupted from her lips as she pressed them against his, pouring all her emotions and affection in that kiss, nibbling on his bottom lip before pulling away and moving along his neck. Her eyes flicked for a second across the fresh wound from today’s actions and Cass paused for a moment, her eyes clashing with his “Promise me!” she demanded “Promise me you won’t hurt yourself ever again. I-I can’t bear it. I just can’t” Her arms wound around his waist and she hugged him tight, never wanting the moment to end, never wanting the unwelcome dose of reality that no matter what, she’d always be the spy and he’d always be the person whose trust she had unwittingly betrayed.

Reckless behavior | Cass&Dev

[cassxtaylor]

@oliviamastromarco

Not having registered the new occupant of the space, Olivia gave out a heavy sigh and ran her hand through her thick blonde locks. The woman’s voice registered in Olivia’s mind and sparked her to turn her head towards the woman. A quick assessment of her allowed Olivia to know she was the business type; however, her business itself was unknown to her. Smirking at her comment she shrugged her shoulders, “Call me old-fashioned, but I enjoy writing out my thoughts before typing them down. Having to focus on the written word helps me concentrate harder on just what it is I wish to say.” she explains and closes several journals to stack them, making the seat diagonal from her cleared, “Take a seat if you would like,” she offers.

At that offer Cassandra placed her tray on the table and sat down with a smile. While her old self would have avoided any human contact whatsoever, feeling interactions to be a tedious waste of time and energy, she had been lately finding those connections to be rather refreshing. Cass had most certainly opened up, cleaned herself of the madness that had assailed her habits during those harsh times on the street and it did help her observe and gather insights into the varied working ways of the human mind. “I couldn’t agree more” she agreed taking a bite of her cookie “Although technology seems to be the hassle free way, there is certainly something to be said about actually placing the pen on that paper-it’s a whole different level of satisfaction. Are you in the publishing industry. I haven’t really seen anyone with a better love for stationary.”

Just a little Coffee