Chapter Nine

DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING!

Music Credits: 'I took a Pill in Ibiza', by Mike Posner

Two weeks later…

I took a pill in Ibiza
To show Avicii I was cool
And when I finally got sober, felt 10 years older
But fuck it, it was something to do
I'm living out in LA
I drive a sports car just to prove
I'm a real big baller 'cause I made a million dollars
And I spend it on girls and shoes

It was a gorgeous, hot summer afternoon. Cassie was jogging and listening to music. She wore a fuchsia colored sports bra, grey running shorts and white sneakers. She was enjoying her jog and Mike Posner's song on her cellphone.

But you don't wanna be high like me
Never really knowing why like me
You don't ever wanna step off that roller coaster and be all alone
You don't wanna ride the bus like this
Never knowing who to trust like this
You don't wanna be stuck up on that stage singing
Stuck up on that stage singing
All I know are sad songs, sad songs
Darling, all I know are sad songs, sad songs

Cassie kept on jogging until she reached a beach. She jogged to the bottom of a wooden pier. She took off her headphones and stood at the shoreline, looking at the beautiful ocean in front of her.

"You know...stalking me is kind of creepy." said Cassie with a smirk on her face.

Wyatt emerged from behind one of the pier columns. He wore a navy tank top. He also wore black combat pants and black combat boots. He wore his cybernetic wristbands.

Cassie turned around, put her hand on her hip and smirked at him.

"H-how? How did you know…?" Wyatt stammered in surprise.

"That you've been stalking me? I'm a solider Wyatt. And part of being a solider is to have excellent awareness of your surroundings at all times." said Cassie, smirking and walking up to him.

"I wasn't stalking you…just…observing you." said Wyatt.

"'Observing' is just a smart way of saying 'stalking.'" said Cassie, smirking.

Wyatt chuckled. Cassie walked up to him and came close to him. She stood near him and stared at him with a smirk on her face. Her face and her body were inches close to him. Wyatt's heart started beating so fast. He tried not to blush but he couldn't help it. He felt butterflies in his stomach, but he tried to keep his cool. He was the Second in Command of the Black Dragons after all. They stared at each other.

"You've been stalking me for the past few days Wyatt." said Cassie. "I wanted to see what your plan was. When you didn't approach me, I decided that I would confront you today."

"If you knew that I was following you, then why didn't you arrest me? You could have called Special Forces and you guys could have apprehended me. But you didn't. Why?"

"Because…because I knew that you wouldn't attack me." said Cassie, staring into his eyes with a serious and sincere look on her face.

"You're right. I wouldn't. I would never." said Wyatt, staring into her eyes as well.

Cassie blushed and looked away. She cleared her throat and started walking towards the shoreline.

"So…" said Wyatt, walking next to her "…you must be happy to be back home huh?"

"Yeah, I am. Thanks again for your help Wyatt."

"You're welcome Cassandra." said Wyatt, smiling.

They walked until they reached the shoreline. Cassie crossed her arms as she stared at the ocean. The cool, refreshing breeze blew on Wyatt and Cassie.

"You love coming to this spot. I can see why. It's so relaxing." said Wyatt.

"Yeah it is." said Cassie, enjoying the breeze blowing on her face and hair. "I've been coming to this area of the beach for years now. I accidentally discovered it."

"How?"

"Years ago, my parents called me to the living room for a family meeting. I thought that they were going to tell me that we were going on vacation to Hawaii or something. But instead, they told me they were getting divorced. I was so upset…so sad and pissed off. I just wanted to go for a jog and clear my head. I kept jogging and jogging…I had no direction. I just kept jogging. Next thing I know, I ended up jogging to this beach. And I kept jogging until I reached the bottom of this pier. After I was done jogging, I sat by the ocean and I cried. I was really sad but…this place was just so peaceful. I was sad but…I dunno, this place made me feel a bit better. So I've been coming here ever since."

Cassie sighed.

"I'm sorry about your parents' divorce." said Wyatt.

Cassie chuckled.

"Thanks. But it's okay…it happened years ago. I'm over it. Okay, maybe not completely over it…but I'm definitely dealing with it better these days." said Cassie, sitting down on the sand. "Anyway I love coming here. It's so quiet. I have so much shit going on in my life. I have a lot of responsibility at work, I train all the time, and I got a busy social life. Life is so hectic and sometimes you just need some quiet. You need some peace and quiet to just…think, you know?"

"I wish I could have some peace and quiet in my life." said Wyatt, who sat down next to her. "My life is so chaotic. It always has been."

"You need to try and find time to relax. You need to find some peace and quiet. It's very important." said Cassie. "Have you tried meditating?"

"Meditating? No, we Black Dragons are fearless mercenaries. We fight, we kill. Meditating is not fighting and it's not what Black Dragons do."

"You got a stick up your ass, don't you?"

"What? No! Why would I have a stick up my ass?!"

Cassie laughed so hard. She laughed and laughed and Wyatt looked at her with confusion.

"Oh dude…you're adorable." She said, laughing.

"I am not adorable!" said Wyatt, offended.

"Yeah, yeah you are!" said Cassie, laughing. "I didn't ask if you literally had a stick up your ass. It was just a figure of speech. It means you're uptight."

She kept laughing.

"Are you done?" Wyatt asked, still offended.

"No." said Cassie, still laughing.

Wyatt rolled his eyes and chuckled.

"Okay, now I'm done." She said. "But seriously Wyatt…meditation is important. I'm a fighter and I meditate. Meditation doesn't make you any less of a fighter. In fact, meditation helps to improve your fighting skills."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Meditation helps you channel your energy and calm your anger. After my parents' divorce, meditation really helped me to cope. Kenshi taught me how to meditate and it's amazing."

"Kenshi? Who's that?"

"He's family. Anyway trust me, meditation would be good for you. And it could help you control your rage. Come on, let's meditate right now." said Cassie.

"Seriously?"

"No time like the present. Now cross your legs like this." said Cassie, who sat cross legged.

Wyatt chuckled.

"Hey, you're the one who stalked me here. You got yourself into this buddy. Now cross those legs." said Cassie, smiling.

Wyatt sighed and chuckled. He sat cross legged.

"Okay, now close your eyes." She said.

Wyatt sighed and closed his eyes. Cassie left her eyes open so that she could make sure that he was following instructions.

"Okay, now I want you to breathe in and breathe out."

Wyatt did as she said.

"Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out. Focus on your breathing." She said.

"This is all rather silly." said Wyatt.

"Just shut up and do what I say." said Cassie, smirking.

"Bossy much?" he asked, smiling.

"I get it from my mama. Now focus." said Cassie.

Wyatt chuckled and kept on following her instructions.

"Focus on your breathing Wyatt. Let your mind be clear. Focus your energy." She said.

Wyatt kept meditating. He couldn't believe it, but he was actually feeling…peaceful and calm. He wasn't feeling stressed out and under pressure like he normally felt. He was in this tranquil state of mind. After meditating for twenty minutes, he opened his eyes. He turned to look at Cassie, who smiled at him.

"So, how was it?" she asked.

"I hate to admit it, but that felt…good." He said, smiling. "I felt calm. I don't remember the last time I felt so tranquil."

"Told you it would be good for you."

"It was. Thank you Cassandra."

Cassie smiled at him and he smiled back. Just then, Cassie's cellphone beeped. She got a text from Sonya to come by Special Forces Headquarters.

"I gotta go. Duty calls." said Cassie, standing up. Wyatt stood up as well and they faced each other.

"It was nice talking to you again Cassandra." said Wyatt.

"You still didn't answer my question." said Cassie. "Why were you following me?"

Wyatt came up to her. Their bodies were very close to each other. Cassie was surprised when Wyatt gently put his hand on her cheek. He brought his face close to hers.

"Because…" said Wyatt, staring into her blue eyes, "…you…you get under my skin Cassandra Cage. You get under my skin and I can't help it. You intrigue me. You mesmerize me. You humanize me."

Cassandra stared into his eyes. She had butterflies in her stomach. Wyatt being so close to her, his hand on her cheek, the things he was saying…she felt electricity all over her body. She was so turned on by him. She was panting as she stared at him.

"Wyatt…" she said softly, "…I have to go."

She gently removed his hand from her cheek. She looked at him, turned around and started walking away.

"Until next time Cassandra." said Wyatt.

Cassie turned around.

"If you wanna see me again…well, you know where to meet me." She said. She smiled and kept walking.

Wyatt smiled.

A few weeks later…

Cassie had a stressful day at work, then after work she went to the pier to hang out with Wyatt. After that, she went home. It was 8pm. Cassie unlocked the door of her condo and walked in. She saw Jacqui sitting on one of the bar stools by the kitchen. Jacqui smiled at her.

"Hey Jacqui!" said Cassie, smiling.

"Hey!" she said.

"Dude, I am starving!" groaned Cassie, who closed the door and walked up to Jacqui. "I don't feel like ordering out and I'm way too tired to cook."

"Don't worry…I cooked fried rice and salmon. The rice is in the pot on the stove. The salmon's in the oven." said Jacqui, smiling.

"Yes!" Cassie cheered, hugging Jacqui. Jacqui smiled and hugged her back. They released their hug and Cassie walked to the kitchen.

"What would I do without you?" Cassie said, grabbing a plate from the cabinet.

Jacqui's face became sad, but Cassie didn't notice because she was busy scooping fried rice from the pot into her plate.

"Hey um, Cassie...I need to tell you something." said Jacqui.

"You're pregnant, you don't know if Jin or Takeda is the dad and now you're going on 'The Maury Show' for a paternity test?" Cassie said. "The episode will be called: 'Who's the daddy? My boyfriend or my gay friend?'"

"Girl, how the hell do you come up with such random shit?!" Jacqui exclaimed, laughing.

"I dunno...I'm just talented like that." said Cassie, smiling. She put her plate of food and glass of water on the dining room table. She pulled out a dining chair and sat down.

"Okay seriously though...what's up? You okay?" said Cassie, picking up a piece of salmon with her fork.

Jacqui sighed.

"Cassie...we're not just best friends...we're sisters. Life changes...a lot. But no matter how much life changes, even if it's major changes...we'll always be there for each other. We'll always be best friends and we'll always be sisters. Remember that."

Cassie raised her eyebrow at Jacqui as she chewed and swallowed her food.

"Okay...um...that's some pretty deep shit you're talking about." said Cassie. "You're kind of scaring me here. You sure everything's okay?"

Jacqui sighed.

"Um..."

"Jacqui...what's going on? Just spit it out." said Cassie, concerned.

"TakedaandIaremovingintogether." Jacqui said quickly. She looked nervously at Cassie.

"What?!" Cassie exclaimed, her face in shock.

"Yeah. Takeda asked me if I wanted to move in with him and I said yes." said Jacqui, smiling.

Cassie was still in shock and she didn't say anything.

"I know that this is a huge change, but Takeda and I…we're in love. I've never loved any guy as much as I love Takeda. We're best friends…soulmates. We're in a very serious, committed relationship so we decided to take it to the next level. I mean, why wait right?"

Cassie still didn't say anything.

"I wanted to tell you for some time now, but I just didn't know the right time to tell you." said Jacqui.

"When are you guys planning on moving in together?" Cassie asked.

"This weekend."

"This weekend?!"

"Takeda asked me to move in with him a few months ago. I wanted to tell you, but so much shit happened, you know? With Kano escaping, and you getting kidnapped…and everyone's been so stressed with all the trouble the Black Dragons have been causing. I'm sorry to spring this huge news on you. But there just never seemed to be the right time to tell you."

Cassie sighed and kept quiet for many seconds. Jacqui scoffed.

"Okay I know that this is a big surprise for you. But it's no reason for you to be mad at me Cassie."

"Why shouldn't I be mad? I'm fucking pissed at you and Takeda for being inconsiderate." said Cassie, raising her voice.

"Being inconsiderate?!" Jacqui said, "To who?"

"To Jin! He and Takeda are roommates. You're gonna move into their condo and invade Jin's space! If Takeda was moving here, I would be pissed because he would invade my space! That's exactly what you're going to do to Jin! Or are you guys kicking Jin out of the condo so that your ass can move in?"

"I'm not moving into Takeda and Jin's condo dumbass!" Jacqui said, raising her voice. She stood up and went up to Cassie. "Takeda and I bought a house together and that's where we're going to live. What the hell is your problem anyway Cassie? Why aren't you happy for me?"

"What do want from me Jacqui? A fucking parade?" Cassie asked.

Jacqui scoffed.

"You know what Cassie…screw you. Screw you!" Jacqui yelled. "I'm far from perfect, but I have been nothing but a good friend to you! I have been nothing but supportive! I've always been there for you. Through your constant drama with your mom…through your parents' divorce, your breakups…every time you bitch and complain about how much pressure you're under at work…I have always been there. Always!"

Cassie and Jacqui glared angrily at each other.

"And now that I'm making this important step in my life…" said Jacqui, tears starting to form in her eyes "…you can't be there for me?"

Cassie continued to give Jacqui an angry stare and didn't say anything.

"Fuck you." said Jacqui, who looked Cassie up and down and stormed to her room. She slammed the door.

Cassie scoffed.

"Whatever." said Cassie to herself.

The next day…

Cassie crossed her arms as she stood by the shoreline. She wore a white top, ripped denim jeans and she was barefoot. The ocean waves splashed on her feet. She stared at the sky and the ocean, deep in thought. She and Jacqui hadn't talked to each other since their fight last night. They normally drove to work together in either Cassie's car or Jacqui's car. However they drove to work separately today. They didn't talk to each other at work.

Cassie sighed as she kept staring at the ocean. Cassie knew she was wrong. She should have been happy for Jacqui, but instead she acted like a huge bitch. There was something on Cassie's mind that was really bothering her. She didn't want to admit it to herself, but she couldn't deny the truth. She was falling in love with Wyatt.

She tried so hard to ignore her feelings for him, but she couldn't and she felt a bit guilty. She didn't understand what the hell was wrong with her. She got to know Wyatt, and she saw that he was a good person deep down. However, Wyatt was still the enemy. He was the Second in Command to the Black Dragons. He was the son of her mother's mortal enemy. Her parents, her friends, her organization despised everything about Kano and the Black Dragons. And yet she, Cassie Cage, the good guy was in love with the bad guy.

She didn't have to keep hanging out with him, but she wanted to. She enjoyed hanging out with him. She loved talking to him. She loved how strong, intelligent, charming and genuine Wyatt was. She loved how they were both comfortable around each other. She loved that Wyatt could just relax around her. She loved him. She really fucking loved him. She loved him and she was frustrated that she loved him. The enemy.

When Jacqui gave her big announcement last night, Cassie took out her frustration on her. Aside from the whole Wyatt situation, Cassie wasn't happy about Jacqui leaving because she felt that she was losing her best friend.

She really was happy for Jacqui and Takeda, really she was. Cassie wished she could tell Jacqui what was going on with her…but she couldn't. She just couldn't.

"Hey." said Wyatt, who approached Cassie.

Cassie turned around with an angry look on her face.

"Uh…you okay?" Wyatt asked.

"What are the Black Dragons planning next?" said Cassie. She poked her finger on his chest. "Tell me!"

"You know I can't do that."

Cassie shoved him.

"Woah Cassie, what the hell?" Wyatt exclaimed.

"Tell me! Now!"

Wyatt chuckled.

"What's so funny?" Cassie asked, with an angry look still on her face.

"You wanna know what the Black Dragons are planning next?" Wyatt asked, smirking.

"Yes, I do."

"I'll tell you what…" said Wyatt, cracking his knuckles, "…if you want me to give you info, you're gonna have to beat it out of me. How about a match, right here, right now. If you win, I'll tell you. If I win…my lips are sealed."

"If you win? That's not gonna happen." said Cassie, who got into a fighting stance.

"That's one of the things I admire about you Cassandra…I love your confidence."

"Stop blabbing so I can hurry up and kick your ass."

Wyatt chuckled and got into a fighting stance.

Wyatt shot out a holographic boulder at Cassie. Cassie jumped out of the way and the boulder disappeared. As soon as Cassie jumped and landed back on the ground, Wyatt quickly shot out another boulder. Cassie didn't have time to dodge and the boulder hit her stomach, knocking her to the ground. Cassie quickly did a kick up and saw Wyatt charging at full speed towards her. Before Cassie could do anything, Wyatt grabbed her waist, about to do a slam on her. Cassie quickly punched him in the face and then she elbowed his face as well. Wyatt in pain, released Cassie from his grip. Cassie punched him then grabbed his arm. She raised his arm and then upper cut his inner elbow. She then did her glow kick on Wyatt, which flung him high in the air. Wyatt landed hard on the ground.

Cassie got on top of him, about to punch him, but he quickly grabbed her hand. He squeezed her fist so hard that Cassie screamed in pain. She was about to punch him with her other hand, but he grabbed it and also squeezed it hard. Cassie screamed in pain as she tried to escape from Wyatt's grip. She felt like her fists would explode. Wyatt twisted her wrists and let go off her arms. He stood up and got into a fighting stance. Cassie groaned in pain and she glared angrily at him. Wyatt smirked at her, which pissed Cassie off even more. She charged at him with a kick but he was able to block her attack. Wyatt tried punching her but she blocked his punch. They kept punching and kicking, but they weren't able to hit each other because they were both blocking their attacks.

Cassie was finally able to uppercut Wyatt. Wyatt fell to the ground and quickly did a kick up. Before Cassie could attack, Wyatt did a cannonball at her. She got knocked hard to the ground. Wyatt was about to do an elbow drop on her, but Cassie quickly rolled out of the way and did a kick up. Wyatt threw a punch at her, but she quickly did a split and hit him hard in the nuts. Wyatt screamed in pain. Cassie then did a cartwheel kick, knocking Wyatt high in the air. He landed hard on the ground. He groaned in pain as Cassie got on top of him. She was about to punch him but he was groaning in pain. He tried to get up but he couldn't. Cassie smirked. She won.

"Told you I would kick your ass." She said, smirking.

Wyatt chuckled.

"Good fight. But did you have to hit my balls? I need those you know." He said, smiling.

"Sorry, I got a bit carried away." said Cassie, smirking. Her face then became serious. "Alright, we had a deal. I won, so tell me what I want to know."

Wyatt chuckled.

"I did give you my word, so fine…I'll tell you. My father wants the Black Dragons to make a new ally."

"A new ally? Who?"

"I don't know. Kano didn't tell me. He didn't give me any specifics."

"Bullshit Wyatt. You know who the ally is. Tell me!" Cassie demanded.

"Kano didn't tell me Cassandra. I swear I don't know who the ally is. I wouldn't lie to you."

Cassie sighed.

"Alright fine. I believe you. Thanks for the Intel."

Cassie was about to get off him, but Wyatt quickly grabbed her waist and flipped her over. He got on top of her.

"I was kind of enjoying you on top of me." said Wyatt, smirking.

"Pervert." She said, chuckling.

They stared into each other's eyes. They were both panting, tired from their fight and also because they hungered for each other. They craved each other. Their hearts were both beating so fast. They both felt so flushed. They both had butterflies in their stomachs.

"Wyatt…" Cassie said softly.

"Yes?" Wyatt replied gently.

"You know when you said…that I get under your skin? Well, you get under my skin too." She said.

Wyatt slowly moved his lips towards hers. He pressed his lips against her lips and kissed her. Cassie kissed him back, and she felt electricity all over her body. Cassie was pleasantly surprised at how gently he was kissing her. For a strong, deadly mercenary, his kisses were so gentle and sweet. He kissed her so softly. They were both enjoying their kissing. After many seconds, Wyatt gently released the kiss.

"I'm sorry."

Cassie smiled.

"Don't be." She said.

Wyatt smiled and she wrapped her arms around his neck. She pulled him to her and they continued kissing passionately.

An hour later…

Jacqui was sitting down on the sofa. She was on her cellphone talking with her dad.

"Work is going good dad. I mean, it's good, but stressful. Especially with those annoying Black Dragons causing trouble."

"Don't worry. I know you and the rest of Special Forces will take those assholes down." said Jax.

"Thanks daddy." said Jacqui, smiling.

"You're welcome baby girl." said Jax, smiling.

Just then, the door opened and Cassie walked in. She went up to Jacqui. Jacqui gave her a mean look.

"Hey um dad…can I call you back? I gotta go."

"Not a problem baby girl."

"Oh and don't forget…Takeda and I are coming to you and mom's house for dinner tomorrow."

"Takeda…the boy who has influenced my daughter to live in sin with him. He ain't getting any food tomorrow."

"Dad, you really need to let that go." said Jacqui, chuckling. "Why do you keep forgetting I'm a grown ass woman?"

"Because no matter how old you are…you'll always be my baby girl."

Jacqui smiled.

"I know dad. I love you."

"I love you too."

"Takeda and I will see you and mom tomorrow."

"Damn that Takeda!"

Jacqui laughed and hung up the phone. She looked at Cassie and she stopped laughing. She gave Cassie an angry glare.

"So…how's Uncle Jax and Aunt Vera doing?"

"They're good." said Jacqui, crossing her arms and angrily staring at her.

"Okay, Jacqui...um…" said Cassie, scratching the back of her neck. Cassie always found it hard to apologize. "Look um…you were right, okay? When you told me about you and Takeda, I should have been supportive. I should have been happy for you. But instead I was being a total bitch."

Jacqui kept crossing her arms, but she didn't have an angry look on her face anymore. Her face was serious, stern…but not angry.

"You're right…you're always there for me. You've always been there for me. I don't know what I would do without your friendship Jacqui. I guess…I guess I was just mad because…well, because I don't wanna lose my best friend."

Cassie sighed sadly.

"Anyway I'm…I'm sorry Jacqui. I'm sorry for the way I acted."

"Cassie…" said Jacqui, who stood up and went up to her. She grabbed her hands and faced her "…I told you no matter what, we'll always be sisters. You're never going to lose me. No matter what."

Cassie smiled and gave Jacqui a hug. Jacqui hugged her back. They released their hug.

"And besides, me and Takeda's house is like twenty minutes away from here. We're not far away at all."

"I'm still gonna miss you though."

"I'm gonna miss you too. I will not however, miss you always making a mess in the microwave and never doing the dishes." said Jacqui, chuckling.

"Oh yeah? Well I won't miss your smelly farts! I feel so bad for Takeda having to deal with your farts. He's in for a rude awakening!" said Cassie, joking.

Jacqui laughed.

"Again…how do you come up with such random shit? You are such a crazy bitch."

"And that's why you love me."

"Indeed." said Jacqui, smiling.