Chapter Text
“I said we’re fucking done!” She screamed. Then she felt an arm grab her and throw her into the wall.
Nesta jerked awake, breathing heavy and sweating. She took a few deep breaths to calm her racing heart. Opening her eyes she saw that it as just past dawn, with a tiny bit of sunlight beginning to show through the clouds. Looking at the clock next to her bed she couldn't help but feel a tiny bit of pride that she was able to get more than 3 hours of sleep tonight, that the nightmares hit her later than they usually do. Knowing that there was no way and no point of going back to sleep Nesta go up to stretch her limbs in bed a little bit She liked this, waking up early, not having to interact with anyone, no one to bother her leaving her to the solitude she's come to appreciate. Getting up she went and put on her clothes for her early morning run. Running. It wasn’t something she would have ever thought she’d do, she detested physical activity, but that was before. Her therapist said that running might help her find a way to release her rage and guilt. That plus making a routine would help as well. She didn’t know how much it helped but she did notice she was being less cruel to her sisters. She found that she enjoyed to solitude that running early in the morning brought, almost like she found a level a peace that she could only find in running.
Nesta ran, but was always watching her surroundings. After what had happened with Tomas…. She just watched everywhere she went. She observed out of self preservation, and she was thankful that what she felt was a necessity for her safety helped her in her career in the long run. That was how she noticed, out of the corner of her eye, that there was someone who was following her. Close enough to keep an eye on, but far away enough where someone who didn’t pay attention to every minuscule detail in their surroundings would miss. So instead of stopping ear the lake like she always did to stretch, she pushed herself to go a little harder and get home faster.
She made it home in record time, letting her anxiety of potentially being followed take hold and push her faster. She practically fell into the apartment she shared with her sisters, that she paid for so that they had a nice roof over their head.
She showered in her in-suite bathroom, and got ready for the day. She slipped on a simple navy blue dress that was fitted to accentuate her narrow waist, and generous curves. She gave herself a braid crown, nodding at her reflection before slipping on heels and getting to work.
Nesta was reading over the files her lower level associates had given her trying to make a good, pliable defense for her client. Being just 26 she was the youngest person to be named Junior Partner at her firm, practically steamrolling over the other older lawyers for the position. She had guns pointing at her back, people waiting for her to mess up so they could steal her position.
She was pouring over notes when her phone rang, “What?!” she didn’t care who was on the phone, just that they interrupted her train of thought. “Your sisters are here, they said that they need to speak with you.” The front desk girls meek voice rang through the line.
“Send them up.” Nesta was not one to be nervous, but this set her on edge. Something happened and there was no way it was good. Her sisters never showed interest in her work, never came to stop by, they barely even spoke on a regular day with them all in the house. Was it their father? Is Tamlin trying to get back into Feyre’s life again? Did Graysen do something and now Nesta was going to have to commit murder?
She went to the elevator to wait for them. But as soon as it opened she saw that Ferye and Elain were not alone. No, Feyre brought her….she wasn’t exactly sure what Rhysand Starr was to her youngest sister, other than utterly in love with her, and it made her more frustrated. He probably wanted some kind of favor from her, even though he's shown her nothing but distaste since they met. Narrowing her eyes at them, she knew she needed to get into the office before she exploded on them. Then she also observed that there were two other men getting off the elevator with her sisters, looking like they also were part of the group. What is going on? The thought fluttered through her mind.
She looked over the two men, seeing that both equally beautiful in their individual ways, but for someone reason her eyes were drawn to the larger of the two. He was rugged looking, hair pulled back into a bun, full lips that had a little scar on the top lip, scruff that told her hasn’t saved in at least a day, with deep hazel eyes with a body of solid muscle. And he was the tallest of the 3, meaning he towered over her by at least a head, so she'd have to look up to him to speak.
Turning her attention to her sisters, she had them follow her to her office, closing the door behind them.
“What is this about?” Getting straight to the point. Nesta hated unnecessary conversations.
Rhysand looked at Feyre, receiving a small nod from her before speaking “There has been some...issues that have come up recently. As you might know we have been working on trying to take down Hybern.” Nesta stiffened at the mention of Hybern more specifically who works for him, Tomas. So no, she did not know her sister was about to be entrenched in one of the worst white collar criminals in the country.
Nesta crossed her arms, not speaking but mentally urging him to get to the point. “As a result, there have been threats made against Feyre, Elain and you.” Hearing this made her stiffen her spine. This idiot was putting her sisters in danger.
“What kind of threats have been made against my sisters?” Threats she could handle. She has gotten more than a few threats throughout her short career. It never hindered or scared her away. But her sisters, for her gentle Elaine, and for Feyre who she never took care of until it was too late- well that was a different story.
“Nothing verbal, yet. But they sent pictures to let us know they’re following you, even though the pictures look like they've been taken from a distance, and that is enough.” He handed her pictures of her going to and from work, walking on a Saturday to get coffee. That wasn't as large a threat as she was expecting. Nesta watched as Rhysand stood a little taller as he spoke. Like he was about to say something he knew she wouldn't like but would also not back down.
Clenching her fists, “So what are you planning on doing to protect my sisters?” Because she she would deal with what happened as long as her sisters were safe. She kept her face formed into her usual icy scowl to cover up the inner turmoil she was feeling. Knowing that Hybern...and potentially Tomas might try and force their way into her life, her sisters lived made her blood boil, it made her see red.
“You each will have a bodyguard, they will stay with you. Go wherever you go. Protection detail if you will. Set up new security systems in your condo. The works really.” Then Feyre stepped up to look at her with worry in her eyes, she knew Nesta hated when people invaded her space, hence why they never brought their friends over.
“There is one thing though. We each will uhm..move in with our detail so they’re with us 24/7.” An icy chill went down her back at the thought. The last time she almost lived in close quarters with a man ended….like a nightmare. She glared at Feyre, who gave her the same unwavering glare back.
“What are you saying exactly? Elaborate on the details.” She knew she shouldn’t be angry and Feyre, it wasn’t entirely her fault for what was going on, but she also couldn’t help but feel anger at the thought she also brought this on. They were just starting to live somewhat peacefully.
“ They will be moving in with us. Or us with them. I will be staying with Rhys” Nesta raised her eyebrow at the man who tried not to look to excited about that particular bit of the situation, “Az will be taking care of Elain and Cassian will be with you.” Nesta looked at the two men who had yet to utter a single word. Nesta watched as Elain absentmindedly gravitated toward the shorter one, which meant Cassian was the one she had noticed. And he would be staying with her for cauldron knew how long. Fucking Great.
“I do not think that they can both fit in the condo, but we will try.” She sized the man, Cassian, up. Ignoring the shrill that went up her spine that she didn't understand as he held her gaze intently. Challenging her.
Then Elain finally spoke “Oh no Nesta. I will be staying over at Az’s house. It’s closer to school anyways. I've already brought my stuff to his apartment and re-made Feyre’s room for Cassian to stay in.” Nesta whipped her head back to her sister, wondering what Graysen would say about this, but then she noticed how her sister’s eyes had a sadness to them.
Nesta moved to reach for her sisters hand “I assume you told him, and he wasn’t happy?” The silver that lined her eyes told her all she needed to know. Speaking softly to the soft sister who caouldn't hurt a fly “Tell me what you need. I can kill him, maim him, take a part his body. I can make him poor in a matter of days, living on the street. Whichever option would make you happiest.” She watched as a small watery smile graced Elain’s lips.
“It's ok. I will be ok. After I told him about Az he uhm, broke it off with me, called me a few names.” Nesta felt an utter silent rage at that. “He said he was happier it ended this way because he’s father was pressuring him to end it and take up with someone else.” She saw the man, Azriel's jaw feather, like he too wanted to kill this man child. At least she knew she'd get some help.
“That bigoted pig. I’ll find a way that will make him hurt, it promise. He deserves it” Because whether it was physical, financial, or emotional he was going to be sorry the day he ever crossed her sweet sister. She silently promised herself and Elain that. Elain just nodded in response, looking at her ‘bodyguard’. The level of affection in his eyes made her almost do a double take. What am I missing here?
Cassian watched the entire interaction silently. He knew Rhys was suspicious when he quickly volunteered himself to be Nesta’s protection detail. And yes maybe he jumped out of his seat when the opportunity arose. And yes, maybe it might have gave him a bit of satisfaction when he caught her checking him out when he got off the elevator.
He had watched her from afar a few times, but not many. Never approaching her, not because he was scared or nervous, but because he saw Nesta cut men down who approached her at all times. He was there in the courtroom with a few clients and he watched Nesta treated the courtroom like a battle and she was the top strategist, always knowing when to go in for the kill and win. He saw her cunning mind a mile away and it intrigued him, more so than I think he was willing to admit. Aloud or to himself.
He saw the viciousness that sprung out of her upon hearing the threat, making sure that her sisters were taken care of before herself. That’s unexpected, he thought she was much more selfish from the stories Feyre told her of her childhood. Maybe there was more than Feyre didn’t know. More than she didn't share with him.
But then he saw a softness he never expected when she address Elain. Yeah I wondered who would have killed that idiot, Az or her. He laughed internally I’d put money on her . But then all too quickly her cold glare was on him again. She raised an eyebrow beckoning him to say something.
“Hello, sweetheart.” Smirking at her. He should have known that she would be glaring daggers at him. That the grin that work on women, young or old. would not work here with her.
“Do not call me that.” Narrowing her eyes at him, daring him to do it again. Let's play.
“Why so tense sweetheart? This can be a lot of fun.” He pulled out his smirk to a full on grin, when he watched as Nesta did not even spare him a glance. It was a dismiss if he’d ever have one, and fuck did it bother him. He's never been so blatantly turned down without words before.
Feyre sent him an apologetic glare, and Cassian shrugged a tiny bit. She had no idea that Cassian had been looking forward to meeting her sister for a while now. Whether it was to get a peek into that cunning mind or rip her to shreds for her treatment of Feyre in her younger years, he wasn’t sure. He just knew that he felt this pull towards her despite never speaking to her.
“Well, since you brought us into this Feyre you should know, someone followed me on my run this morning.” She said it so nonchalantly, with a hint of bite, like she was talking about the weather. Cassian went on high alert, shoulders tensing. Too son, too soon.
He looked to his brothers, who then looked to their respective Archeron sisters, worried. Had they been followed like this, beyond someone with a fancy camera taking pictures at where they work and Nesta was just the first to take notice?
“Feyre, Elain, can you please excuse us. There is some sensitive information I have to give about a past case and…. I unfortunately cannot have you be in the room.” Nesta gave her sisters a hard glare to get her point across, to not argue with her. The two looked around, and left. Which made Cassian more tense he was a barely a few seconds ago.
“What do I need to know exactly? I am sure you know I have gone up against Hybern’s business in a number of different suit, winning them all. I have costs him a lot of money.”
“About 4.23 million actually.” Cassian didn’t mean to blurt it out, but he never thought before he spoke, why start now? He looked over at Rhys who raised an eyebrow to him and Az who looked a bit amused. He shrugged, like they didn't expect him to come up with a file and memorize everything in it about her.
Nesta moved her icy glare to him for a moment, like she was finally sizing him up, but he felt more like prey than predator in that moment. Faster than he liked Nesta turned her attention back to Rhys. “Are you sure that this has nothing to do with me pissing him off, and whatever you’re doing? Why would you think to get Feyre into this mess? She just got out of one with that springtime beast.” Nesta moved toward Rhys as she spoke, which in turn made Az and Cassian move closer to Rhys. Nesta was a viper and Cassian didn’t know how she bit….yet.
“Let me be very clear. If they come after my sisters because of your inability to protect them, I will come for you and everything you hold dear. I don’t trust you. But it looks like you’ve given me no choice. If you need my help on anything I suppose you can send correspondents through the brute.” Jutting her chin towards him making him all the more irritated that shouldn't address him by his name.
“And what about you?” Again he spoke without thinking, but he had to know. After all the stories he had heard from Feyre, the woman in front of him was not what he was exactly expecting. Yes she was as cold as ice, but saw a fire deep in her. Probably ice fire , he chuckled to himself at the Game of Thrones reference.
“Something funny?” Those storm grey eyes were upon him once more. Analyzing him like prey again, and fuck did he hate the feeling. Looking for a chink in his armor. He could see the thoughts swirling through her mind and he needed to have the last say in this, or all hope was lost.
“Just a nice chuckle at how selfish you are. Trying to pretend like you care now when they needed you then. “ His eyes blazed into hers. He watched with satisfaction as her eyes widened almost imperceptibly, for anyone who hasn’t watched her like Cassian has. I can bite too, sweetheart, just like you. And then he can a smug smirk, just knowing that it would get under her skin.
“If I was you I’d be careful about speaking on things you know nothing about.” Then she turned and walked back behind her desk to signal that the conversation was done. It made his blood boil how she wouldn’t even deign to say a goodbye. It was just a shift of attention. It was on him and then it was like he practically didn’t exist.
He let Rhys and Az leave first before turning on his heels and marching back to Nesta. He rounded the desk, pulling out the chair she was in and twisting it to face him. He placed a hand on each arm rest, leaning over her slightly.
“Listen Ice Princess. You do not have to like what’s happening right now but you do need to except it. I’m going to be going with you everywhere. Staying with you in your apartment, going out when you do. We will be attached at the hip, so get used to it.” He paused to give her a fiery glare to match the cold one she was sending him. “I am going to keep you safe, because it would break Feyre if anything happened to you. So we can do this the easy way, where you don’t fight me every step, or the hard way- where I throw you over my shoulder and carry you around to make sure you’re safe. Take. Your. Pick.” He ground out the last words with a clenched jaw. He knew she was angry,probably figuring out the best way to kill him He liked that idea for some reason, knowing that he was able to get under her skin like she did with him.
“If you want this to work you will stay out of my way. Stay in the shadows. I never needed a man to follow and take care of me. I will not start now. If you can’t handle it than leave me be. I can handle someone chasing me down, following me, or threatening me. It won’t be the first and it certainly will not be the last. So either get with what I need or leave and you can explain to Feyre why I need a new ‘bodyguard’’. She was standing now, practically breathing fire out of her nose. And even though she was almost a solid foot shorter than her, the attitude she held onto was that of a giants. They were standing almost chest to chest and it was taking every fiber in Cassian to keep his eyes pouring into Nesta’s and not down her body to oogle her like his body was dying to do.
“Oh sweetheart this is going to be fun.” He backed away chuckling, moving to the door.
“Come back at 6. I might be finished with work by than.”
Cassian responded with a chuckle, opening the door grabbing his duffle bag and moved to the couch to sit.
“What are you doing?”
“I already have my stuff over to your condo. So I will just handle some of my work over here while you do yours over there. And when you want to go home, we will go home.”
He watched as Nesta glared at him, but realizing that he was not going anywhere. She turned to do her work and Cassian took to his work.
His phone buzzed, lookng down he saw it was Az
< How long do you think that it’ll take Rhys to get Feyre to fall in love with him now? >
<< I say 2 weeks before he beds her. 3 before she accepts that she’s been in love with him for the past 2 months.>> He texted back.
< He’s never had to try this hard. It’s almost sad to watch him be like a wounded puppy to get her to pay him any mind. >
Cassian couldn’t help but chuckle. Of course it was then that he received a text from Kolette the leggy blonde that he sometimes stumbled into bed with, although it has been a few months since he’s seen her. A picture of her in a tiny bit of lace to cover her ample breasts. With a caption “bed is cold, want to come warm it up/ ;)”
Of course it was then that Nesta moved and wretched the phone from his hands. Looking at the picture she made a look of utter disgust and threw it back to him.
“You are an absolute pig.”
“Woah there Nes,” He was going to explain that it was just something that the girl did, always unwarranted as he didn't need a picture to remember her. “Calm down. It's just a nice picture. No biggie.”
“What and who you spend time with is none of my business. However i feel sorry for the women who feel like they need to send messages like that in order to gain or keep your attention.” He could taste the disgust she felt from here, although he sensed it was geared toward him than the girl on the phone.
“How does your girlfriend feel about you possibly spending every waking moment with another woman? You should tell her she needn’t worry about anything like that here.” Did she think that Kolette is my girlfriend?
The thought of Cassian having a girlfriend made him laugh, loudly, doubling over. “And here I thought you weren’t going to be entertaining.” He managed to choke out the words through his fits of laughs. “I do not have a girlfriend. I have women I enjoy spending my time with. But nothing serious. They know it, I make it clear so that I do not intentionally or otherwise hurt them.”
“Men are not honest. You all lie to some varying degree to keep the women you like closer than others, fooling them into thinking that you’ll commit soon, just not right now. So that you don’t have to face any blow back or drama when you find another pretty leggy blonde to chase after.” Nesta spoke, looking through files like she had practice saying the words that it was practically second nature. Like thoughts were just flowing out of her head without her having to think twice.
“No sweetheart, not every man is like that.” Cassian received a scoff and then silence. He had to admit, she sounded like a woman scorned, just a tiny bit.
They worked in what Cassian thought might be companionable silence, with interns and associates fluttering in and out of the office. Before he knew it the time was 7 pm and Nesta was standing getting ready to leave.
Silently Nesta grabbed her bag, stuffing files into it and walked out the door, Cassian following behind.