I saw several emotions pass over Cassi's face; her internal conflict was now fully visible. "It's not that simple, Ian!" she eventually managed to force out. "We still have to have a working relationship!"

"It is that simple. And here's what's going to happen. Unless you tell me 'no' right now, I'm going to kiss you." I closed the last remaining distance between us so that my face was directly above hers. Her eyes seemed to plead with me, begging me to end her torment.

"Ian, please..." Cassi said breathlessly.

"That wasn't a no," I grinned, pressing my lips against hers.

Cassi sat there passively as I kissed her, not...