Everything had fallen into place with unsettling simplicity. Now, as the pieces aligned, a chilling truth emerged: he hadn't been the one orchestrating the game. He had been a pawn.
First, there was Bianca. Cassidy had assumed it would take far more effort to win her over, to exploit her resentment and draw her into his plans. Instead, she had succumbed effortlessly. At the time, he had attributed it to her own dissatisfaction and longing for validation.
Then came the invitation to Italy. She had sounded like she would combust out of need without seeing him.
He slowed his pace, a cold dread settling deep within his chest. "It was all a set up," he murmured to himself as he remembered Veronica dropped at his front door, with his assumption that she had taken to alcohol.
