Song Rec': Golden Hour — JVKE
༺═──────────────═༻
The ride home was silent. I kept picking at my dress, wondering what they would think of us — of me.
People were rarely grateful. First, I was accused of throwing myself at different men, and now that I had provided a partner and potential father for my daughter, they accused me of trapping him with pregnancy.
Women always seemed to be on the receiving end of judgments. I'm not being sexist; I'm simply stating the facts.
I was grateful to Castiel for standing up for me and for playing the role of the perfect fiancé, even with his reputation hanging by a thread. From what I observed, the wealthy cared more about appearances than anything else — desperately trying to maintain their good names and riches.
"Thank you for tonight," I finally spoke as he parked in front of the house.
"It's nothing," he replied, letting out a deep breath.
"Why did you do it, though? That wasn't part of our agreement. You were only supposed to act as my fiancé, not my bodyguard," I said, trying to make sense of his actions.
Castiel said nothing, but gazed deeply at me, his usual stern expression softening. He took my hand, his thumb gently stroking my skin. A shiver traveled down my spine, and my stomach fluttered, my heartbeat quickening.
"You were beautiful tonight," he murmured, catching me off guard. His voice was low and thick with something more than simple admiration.
Without warning, he leaned across the driver's seat. His fingers slid from my hand to the back of my neck, warm and firm. He held me gently, his thumb grazing the sensitive spot beneath my ear, drawing me closer.
For a moment, time stood still, the air between us heavy with anticipation. My mind screamed to resist, but my body had already surrendered. I closed my eyes, parting my lips as his mouth captured mine. His lips were soft yet demanding, tasting of red wine, and his breath sent heat surging through me.
I felt his other hand trail down my arm, resting on my waist, pulling me into him and deepening the kiss. His scent wrapped around me — woodsy with a hint of spice — intoxicatingly drowsy. The warmth of his lips against mine sent a rush of desire through me, making my knees weak, even while seated.
His tongue explored my mouth, slow and deliberate, savoring every moment. I responded without hesitation, kissing him back with a hunger that surprised me. My hands instinctively moved up, gripping his shirt as I held on tightly.
This kiss was nothing like the last; it was more intense and filled with emotions I couldn't fathom, making my head spin. I couldn't get enough of him, as if I had been starved for this, for him.
Suddenly, he pulled away, leaving me breathless. My fingers, still tangled in his shirt, slowly loosened. I dropped my hands onto my lap, my pulse racing as I tried to calm the storm of emotions inside me.
Still breathing heavily, he chuckled after a moment, "Now we're even."
Was that his way of getting back at me for the kiss? I frowned, cursing myself inwardly for being so foolish. Maybe I was as loose as they said, or perhaps he had drugged or cast a spell on me.
I glared at him and opened the car door. "Jerk," I slurred, slamming the door shut as I stepped out.
Reese was already asleep, and Stella offered to stay the next morning. I didn't turn her down; I needed her around the house too.
Later that night, Castiel sent me his address, requesting that I meet him to draft the contract.
I did my best to push aside what had happened in the car, scolding myself for letting him get to me. Maybe I deserved it, but at least now we were even, and he wouldn't bring up the kiss incident again.
My thoughts fizzled when Darwin replied to my apology text, promising to commence our deal after the wedding since it would be best for me to plan carefully. One thing was clear: we needed to get this done quickly.
The next morning, I left Reese with Stella at 9 AM and drove to Castiel's chateau in Chesterfield. How had I missed it before? A regular substitute teacher couldn't afford this kind of luxury unless they had a side gig that brought in extra cash.
I told the security guards my name, and they let me in. Moments later, Castiel appeared at the entrance with a cup of coffee in hand.
"Good morning, darling," he greeted as I approached.
I rolled my eyes. "Good morning, Mr. Stepanov," I replied.
"What can I offer you?" he asked as we stepped inside.
I expected a more gothic setting, but this house was surprisingly warm and inviting. It had a white, gold, and cream theme, with large arched windows and elegant curtains cascading down to the marble floor.
He led me into the kitchen, where sunlight spilled through the windows, bathing the space in a soft, golden glow. I couldn't help but run my fingers along the smooth marble countertops, marveling at how perfect everything was.
The smell of fresh coffee lingered in the air, and for a moment, I imagined what it would be like to start every morning here, in this cozy yet elegant home.
After pouring me a cup of coffee, Castiel guided me to the dining room, where a few files sat comfortably on a large white table. He took a seat opposite me and cleared his throat while adjusting his glasses.
I pulled out my contract draft, along with my journal, a pen, and a plain sheet of A4 paper.
"So, how are you going to deal with accommodation?" he began.
"What do you mean?"
"Are we going to live together or live apart and ruin your chances of getting Darwin to invest?"
"Well… you could stay at my place on the weekends and leave on Monday."
He arched a brow. "No. Since I'm not gaining anything from this, you'll move in with Reese."
I sighed. "Where's your domestic staff? I'd like to meet them and see if they're accommodating enough."
"They don't live here; they only come during the weekends. I don't like too much company."
"Then who cooks your meals?"
"I do."
I gulped hard. "I can't cook…" I murmured. The only meals Reese and I had eaten since leaving home were from restaurants, except for the ones Stella had packed for me and the one she made yesterday.
"It's fine; I'll handle it. There are just three of us after all."
"Thank you." I smiled at him.
We discussed other household arrangements, like sleeping in different rooms, and Castiel offered to look after Reese while he worked from home, since I didn't want a babysitter.
After that, we moved on to the provisions of the contract.
"No kissing or body contact in private," I quickly pointed out.
He chuckled. "If you stay away, I will."
Rolling my eyes, I read the extra terms, which included dealing with various fiancés and the paternity agreement. I stared at him. "What will happen to Reese's last name?"
"She could use mine," he shrugged.
"My last name holds as much power as yours, Mr. Stepanov."
"Fine. Let's go with a joint last name; it's only temporary after all. Probably hyphenate it."
I nodded in agreement. "Lastly, we'll keep feelings out of this—"
"You're seriously adding that cliché rule?" He grinned.
"Well… yes."
"And what if you fall for me?"
"Not happening. It would take a million years to give me that idea, let alone three months."
He rested his chin on his hand and stared deeply at me. "And what if I fall for you?"