Frozen Desire

Seraphina stepped into the warmth of the café, the door jingling softly as she entered. She greeted the barista with a cheerful smile, her voice light and warm, despite the lingering chill of the evening outside.

"Good evening, sir! Please, could I have a chai latte with an extra shot of espresso?" she asked, her eyes crinkling with a quiet kindness. She loved the familiar routine, the comfort of the place. "I'll be over here," she added, gesturing toward her usual corner table.

It was her favorite spot, tucked away at the far end of the café, near the window where she could watch the world unfold outside. She loved that view—the way the city moved, its vibrancy alive in the flicker of passing cars and the hum of voices mingling in the streets. The night air had grown cooler, and she could see the leaves outside dancing in the wind, the trees whispering their unspoken song. There was something peaceful about it, about being in the quiet warmth of the café while the world carried on around her.

As she settled into her seat, pulling her coat tighter against her shoulders, her thoughts drifted back to the encounter on the train.

The man. The tall one with the cold eyes. Cassian. She hadn't expected him to leave such an impression on her. Of course, there was the awkwardness, the accident of falling into his lap, but there was more to it than that. His aloofness. The way he'd held her in place without so much as a flicker of emotion. And yet, he hadn't pushed her away, hadn't told her to move. Instead, he'd just watched her, his expression unreadable, and it left her feeling... curious. Intrigued, even.

Her hand absentmindedly picked up the menu from the table, but her gaze was still distant, lost in her thoughts. There was something about him—his indifference, his calm detachment—that made her want to know more, even if she knew it was dangerous to entertain such thoughts. There were too many questions left unanswered. What was it about him that felt so... different?

Her chai latte arrived just then, the sweet scent filling the air, and with it, her thoughts shifted back to the present. She smiled softly, thanking the barista as she wrapped her hands around the warm cup. Taking a sip, she let the rich flavor and the extra shot of espresso ground her, pushing the thoughts of the train and the stranger out of her mind—at least for now.

But, even as she sat there, the evening light shifting outside the window, she couldn't shake the feeling that this wouldn't be the last time their paths would cross.

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Cassian pushed open the door to the café, the warmth inside a sharp contrast to the crisp evening air. His tall, imposing frame instantly drew the attention of the patrons, but his gaze was already locked onto her. There she was, sitting at a small table by the window, the soft glow of the café lights highlighting the delicate features of her face as she sipped from her cup. A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips.

He moved toward her, each step measured and deliberate, weaving through the tables with practiced ease. He towered over her smaller form when he reached her, the air between them crackling with a tension neither could deny. Without a word, he pulled out the chair across from her and lowered himself into it, his intense gaze never leaving her.

"Fancy seeing you here," he said, his voice low and smooth, the words laced with amusement.

Seraphina looked up at him, startled, her eyes widening as recognition flickered in them. "Wait... it's you again?" she stammered, her voice faltering. "Uhm... hi." She quickly dropped her gaze, as if she could hide behind her cup, her cheeks tinged pink with embarrassment.

Cassian leaned back in his chair, his eyes still fixed on her, enjoying the way she fumbled under his attention. A low, husky chuckle rumbled in the back of his throat. "The one and only," he said, his voice dripping with amusement, the corners of his mouth curling into a sly smile.

He signaled to the barista, who was busy behind the counter. "I'll have an Americano," he called out, his tone casual, his gaze still never straying from her. "Without sugar."

As the barista nodded and moved to prepare his coffee, Cassian's focus remained solely on Seraphina. He studied her with that quiet, unnerving intensity, a part of him fascinated by her unease and the way her posture had shifted. There was something about her—something that had drawn him in even more than the randomness of their first meeting. He wasn't quite sure what it was yet, but he was enjoying finding out.

Seraphina stirred her chai latte absently, the warmth of the cup soothing her slightly as she looked at him, the question hanging in the air between them. "Uhm… is there a reason you're here?" She raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with uncertainty but also a hint of curiosity. "I did say sorry." She took another sip, her eyes not leaving him as she waited for his response, her fingers nervously swirling the liquid in the cup. She couldn't help but notice the way his gaze lingered, how his intense demeanor seemed to focus on her every movement.

Was she in trouble? Was she being too forward in wondering why he was sitting there?

Cassian leaned back in his chair, his eyes locked on her lips as she sipped at the latte. His gaze was unyielding, as if he were studying every small, deliberate motion. "No reason," he murmured, his voice low, smooth, and almost teasing. "I'm simply... intrigued."

He took a slow sip of his coffee, the rich liquid slipping down his throat, and then set the cup down with deliberate calm, his fingers lightly tapping against the porcelain. He didn't break eye contact with her. "You piqued my interest on the train," he continued, the smirk on his lips barely noticeable but undeniable. "I couldn't resist the urge to see you again."

Her question hung in the air, but it didn't feel like he was answering it in any way she expected. His words didn't just brush off her apology—they lingered, as though he was testing something, maybe even drawing her in with the mystery of his intentions. The faintest flicker of a smile tugged at his lips, and it only added to the curiosity she felt swirling inside her.

Seraphina waited, her heart fluttering uncertainly in her chest, unsure of what this strange, almost predatory, encounter was really about. What exactly did he want from her?

Seraphina hesitated, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup as her gaze fell to the swirling chai latte. She couldn't help but feel a little flustered under his steady stare. "Well, thank you," she finally said, her voice soft and unsure, but still polite. "Unfortunately, I didn't get your name, or couldn't stay longer to chat…" She trailed off, looking down at her latte, trying to avoid meeting his eyes. A warm blush crept up her neck and onto her cheeks, making her feel self-conscious.

Cassian watched her, his gaze steady and intense, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He noticed the blush that had risen to her cheeks, and for a brief moment, he felt a strange pull—a temptation to reach out and touch her. But he remained still, the distance between them almost palpable.

"Cassian," he said, his voice low and smooth, carrying an undertone of something more—something that lingered in the air between them. "I'm Cassian. And I'd like to think… this isn't the end of our conversation."

He leaned forward then, his elbows resting casually on the table, his eyes locking onto hers with such intensity that it felt as though no one else existed in the room. There was something possessive in the way he regarded her, something that seemed to make her feel like she was the only person who mattered to him in that moment.

Seraphina's heart skipped a beat. "I'm Seraphina," she replied, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. She looked at him, wondering if she was overthinking this interaction.

Cassian's eyes softened for the briefest of moments before he offered a quick, fleeting compliment. "Seraphina… it suits you," he said, a slight smile curling on his lips.

Seraphina blinked, caught off guard by his words, and took another sip of her latte to compose herself. But her hand trembled slightly, and before she could catch it, a small splutter of latte escaped her lips, splashing onto her white shirt.

"Oh no!" she muttered under her breath, cursing herself. "Nice one, Sera…" She gasped, then jumped to her feet in a panic. "I just need to run to the ladies quickly before this stains!" Her words were rushed as she grabbed a napkin to dab at the spill, but the damage was already done.

With an awkward, hurried motion, she bolted towards the back of the café, rushing to the bathrooms, her heart still racing from the unexpected encounter.

Cassian watched her rush off, a hint of a smile still playing at the corners of his lips. The slight tension in his posture relaxed, as if he were satisfied with how things had unfolded. He leaned back in his chair, eyes following the empty spot where Seraphina had been sitting, and a sense of satisfaction settled over him like a quiet victory. It wasn't the grand moments or the words exchanged that intrigued him, but the nervousness he'd stirred in her—the subtle way she'd reacted to his presence, to his gaze.

His thoughts wandered, replaying the encounter, and for a moment, he found himself pondering the girl who seemed to flinch at every glance. How easy it was to make her so self-conscious, to make her feel out of place. It was a curious thing, one that made him want to learn more, to unravel what lay beneath that shy exterior.

Cassian paused, taking a slow sip of his coffee, the hot liquid soothing his mind as his eyes scanned the room. He glanced down at his watch, his brow furrowing slightly when he realized she had been gone for a while. She'd run off rather quickly, almost too quickly.

He leaned back, his expression unreadable for a moment, then a quiet murmur escaped his lips. "Perhaps I should join you," he said to himself, his voice low and smooth, the words almost like a plan rather than an afterthought.

Standing up, his tall form casting a long shadow across the café, he slipped his jacket on and made his way towards the back of the café. The slow, deliberate steps echoed in the quiet space as he headed for the bathrooms, a strange feeling of anticipation growing with every step he took.

Seraphina stood in front of the bathroom mirror, rubbing at the stubborn stain on her shirt, muttering to herself. "Great job, Sera… Couldn't have waited to make a fool of myself, huh?" She sighed in frustration, dabbing the fabric again. It wasn't like her to be so clumsy—especially not in front of someone like him. She glanced at her reflection, her cheeks still flushed from the encounter, and couldn't help but wonder what was going on. What was his deal?

Cassian had this way about him—hot and cold all at once. One moment, he was distant, aloof, practically impossible to read, and the next, he was giving her these small, unexpected compliments that sent a strange shiver down her spine. The way he'd looked at her in the café, the way he'd leaned forward like he was about to say something deeper… it made her head spin.

Why was he so different? Why did she care so much about how he treated her when she didn't get nervous around men? She usually had no problem holding her own, standing tall and confident. But with him? It was like her composure was slipping away with every word, every look.

Her fingers gripped the fabric a little harder, feeling the faint sting of frustration again. She wasn't supposed to feel this way—nervous, unsure of herself. And yet… there it was.

Realizing she'd been gone for longer than she intended, she sighed and gave one last quick dab at the stain. "Alright, enough," she muttered to herself. "He's probably waiting." She adjusted her shirt, straightened her shoulders, and took a deep breath before walking toward the door.

As soon as she stepped out, her eyes met his. Cassian was standing just outside the bathroom, his tall frame leaning casually against the wall, his intense gaze lifting to meet hers. That smoldering look in his eyes? It made her heart flutter in a way that was completely unwelcome.

"Oh, um…" She cleared her throat, feeling heat rise in her cheeks again. "Sorry I took so long. The stain was being stubborn…" She winced slightly, feeling silly for being so self-conscious, but she couldn't help it.

Cassian raised an eyebrow, watching her fluster as she stumbled over her words. The nervousness that flickered across her face didn't go unnoticed. A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of his lips. The way she tried to hide the flush on her cheeks… it was endearing in its own way, even though she probably didn't realize it.

He leaned against the doorframe, his gaze never leaving her, his eyes studying the subtle shifts in her expression. "Stubborn stains," he mused with a touch of amusement in his voice, his tone smooth and even, "seem to have a habit of lingering longer than expected."

He didn't let his smile grow, but inside, something stirred. It was that same curiosity, that pull to unravel her. But it wasn't just that. There was something else. She wasn't like anyone he had encountered before. There was a quiet strength to her, something more than just the shy exterior she wore. And yet, beneath it, she was just… different.

He watched as she quickly moved past him, heading back toward the table. Her haste didn't escape him. He wondered what she was trying to avoid—was it him, or simply the awkwardness she seemed to feel in his presence?

His gaze followed her, a thought flickering in his mind, but it was fleeting, almost like it was something he wasn't ready to admit. Whatever it was, he knew one thing: he wasn't done with her.

Seraphina made her way back to the table, trying to ignore the fluttering in her stomach. Her mind raced with thoughts of how awkward she must've seemed, how she'd blushed too much, probably stammered too much. She had to get out of there before she made it worse.

She glanced at the clock on the wall, her eyes briefly lingering on the time. "Well, it's getting pretty late," she said, her voice light but with an air of forced casualness. "I should probably get going soon." She smiled, doing her best to make it look natural, though inside, she felt like she was making a hasty exit from a situation she couldn't quite figure out. "It was lovely, though…," she added, more to fill the silence than anything else.

She glanced at Cassian, who seemed as calm and composed as ever, and wondered if he even realized how out of place she felt.

She stood up and, before he could say anything, moved over to the barista, planning to quickly pay for her latte. But she couldn't help herself—she added his Americano to the tab too, a gesture she hoped would deflect some of the awkwardness.

When she returned to the table, she saw Cassian reaching for his wallet. His brow furrowed slightly as he looked up, his lips curling into a smirk. "I was just about to pay," he said, his voice smooth, his eyes still on her. "Are you trying to run away so fast that you don't even let me buy you a drink?"

Seraphina couldn't help but chuckle, the sound light and genuine despite the nerves still crawling under her skin. "I didn't want to seem like I was overstaying my welcome," she replied, offering a sheepish grin. "So I thought I'd take care of it before I disappeared completely."

Cassian raised an eyebrow, his amusement evident. "You're just full of surprises," he said, his gaze softening slightly. "I'll admit, I wasn't expecting that. But now, I'm curious—what's your game here? Planning to make a clean getaway or are you trying to avoid something?"

Seraphina met his gaze with a playful look, her nerves momentarily settling. "No game," she said, her voice light. "Just trying to leave without embarrassing myself any further." She smiled, turning toward the door. "But it was a pleasure, Cassian. Really."

Before he could respond, she gave a small wave and made her way out of the café, the door chiming softly behind her. Her heart was still racing, but as she stepped out into the cool night air, she couldn't help but wonder just how much she'd really learned about him. And what she had yet to uncover.

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Cassian watched as Seraphina left, feeling a strange pull in his chest. The cool detachment he'd built over the years hadn't failed him—until now. Watching her pay for the drinks was unexpected, a pleasant surprise, but more than that, there was something else, something he couldn't quite place. It was that damn smile of hers, her shy attempt to cover up her own discomfort. It stirred something in him he hadn't felt in... well, a long time.

He caught himself smiling, just a little. It was fleeting, almost imperceptible, but it was there. His lips twitched upward before he could stop it.

Damn it.

Shaking his head slightly, he leaned back in his chair, trying to shake off the feeling. This wasn't supposed to matter. She wasn't supposed to matter. Cassian had lived by one rule—never let anyone get too close, never let anyone distract him from the path he was on. Yet here she was, throwing him off course with every glance, every unguarded word.

He exhaled sharply, reaching for his phone.

He needed to focus, to clear his head. He'd indulged this encounter longer than he should've already. With a swipe of his finger, he dialed his driver's number. As the line rang, his thoughts kept drifting back to her—her smile, the way she'd held herself in that café, how she was the only person who had made him feel...something.

The call connected, and he spoke quickly, his voice controlled, emotionless. "I'm sending you my location. Come pick me up. Now."

After he ended the call, Cassian stood and adjusted the collar of his jacket, his gaze following her through the window. He was trying to remind himself that he didn't have time for this, that there were other things, more important things, waiting for him. But as the door closed behind her and she disappeared into the night, he felt a brief flicker of something he couldn't ignore.

He turned sharply, trying to shake off the strange unease in his chest. He wasn't going to let her throw him off track.