Page 6

T he car ride had been filled with laughter and easy conversation, and I found myself enjoying Aldaine's company more than I ever thought possible. He was charming, witty, and had a way of making me feel like I was the only person in the world that mattered.

As we pulled into a fast food restaurant for a late breakfast, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. I had never been on a road trip with someone before, and the idea of spending the day with Aldaine was thrilling.

We ordered our food and found a picnic table outside to sit at. The sun was shining and it was perfect.

As I bit into my hamburger, I let out a happy sigh. The food was delicious, and I couldn't help but make little noises of pleasure as I ate.

Aldaine watched me with a smirk on his face, and I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. I tried to play it off by avoiding his gaze and focusing on my food, but his eyes seemed to follow my every movement .

"What?" I tried to keep my voice light and casual.

"Nothing," his eyes were amused. "It's just that if you keep making those noises, I might have to amend our contract."

I raised my brow at him, feigning confusion. "An amendment? What kind of amendment?"

He leaned in closer, his voice low and seductive. The scent of him wrapped around me, making my heart race. "An amendment that includes taking you over this table right here and now," he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.

I felt a shiver run down my spine, and my cheeks flushed even deeper. I tried to push the thought away, reminding myself that this was just a deal, a way to get back at my stepsister. But there was something about Aldaine that made it difficult to remember that.

I swallowed hard and took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "I think we should stick to the original terms of the contract," my voice shook slightly.

Aldaine chuckled and leaned back in his seat, his smirk never leaving his face. "As you wish."

Aldaine chuckled and winked. I couldn't help but feel a little relieved. I didn't want things to get too serious too quickly, and I was glad that he seemed to be on the same page.

As we finished our lunch, Aldaine began telling me stories from his past. He had lived for centuries and seen and done things that I could only dream of.

He told me about the time he had met a famous artist in Paris and how they had spent the night drinking wine and discussing art. He told me about the time he had traveled to Japan and learned how to meditate with a group of monks.

I was fascinated by his stories. I found myself hanging on his every word. I had never met anyone like him before and I couldn't help but feel drawn to him.

Aldaine glanced over at me, a smile on his face. "What are you thinking about?" he asked .

I smiled back at him. "I'm just thinking about how lucky I am to be here with you. A few days ago I was about to be evicted and no job prospects. Now, you're here." Even if it cost my soul.

He reached over and took my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I feel the same way."

The winding driveway seemed to go on forever, perfectly manicured trees lining both sides.

My stomach twisted into knots as we got closer to the main house.

The pristine landscaping always made me feel inadequate, like I didn't belong here.

Perfectly trimmed hedges created natural walls between different garden areas, and flower beds exploded with color everywhere you looked.

"Well shit," Aldaine muttered as we rounded the final curve. "This is where you grew up?"

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. "Sort of. I mean, after Dad married Jan when I was fourteen."

The mansion loomed ahead of us, its stone facade gleaming in the afternoon sun.

Three stories of architectural perfection with floor-to-ceiling windows and wrap around porches on each level.

The pool house, which was bigger than my apartment, sat off to the right.

Between them stretched the massive pool area with its rock formations creating multiple waterfalls that cascaded into both the main pool and the attached hot tub.

A twisting water slide wound through the rocks, ending in the deep end.

Aldaine let out a low whistle. "And you were facing eviction from a tiny apartment because why?" His voice held genuine confusion as Marcus guided the car toward the circular driveway in front of the main entrance.

My cheeks burned with embarrassment. "It's not my money," I felt like hiding. "Jan comes from old money. Really old money. And she, well, she tolerates me because of Dad, but that' s about it."

"Your father?" Aldaine's voice had taken on an edge I couldn't quite identify.

"He travels a lot for work. Jan convinced him it would be better if I learned to be independent." I tried to keep the bitterness out of my voice. "I didn't tell them about losing my job. Or almost being evicted. They wouldn't understand." I shrugged. "I would have left anyway. It's not my money."

Aldaine's hand covered mine. The warmth of his touch sent tingles up my arm. "You mean they wouldn't care."

It wasn't a question, but I nodded anyway.

"Stephany is the perfect daughter Jan always wanted.

I'm just the awkward stepdaughter who doesn't quite fit in with their world.

" I forced a laugh that sounded hollow even to my ears.

"I mean, look at this place. Everything has to be perfect. Including the people."

The car slowed to a stop at the base of the wide stone steps leading to the front door. I could see movement behind the windows and my anxiety kicked up another notch.

"Well then," Aldaine's voice dropped to that dangerous purr that made my insides melt. "Won't they be surprised when they meet your perfect, wealthy, completely devoted boyfriend?"

I turned to look at him, caught off guard by the wicked glint in his eyes. "What are you planning?"

He lifted my hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to my knuckles that sent heat flooding through my body.

"Nothing too terrible, little minx. Just going to show them exactly what they've been overlooking.

" His smile promised trouble. "After all, what kind of demon would I be if I didn't exceed expectations? "

Before I could respond, Aldaine was already out and around the car, offering his hand to help me out. As I stood, smoothing my sundress, I caught sight of the front door opening .

"Game time," Aldaine whispered in my ear, his arm sliding around my waist. "Ready to show them what perfect really looks like?"

Despite my nerves, I found myself smiling. Maybe this week wouldn't be so bad after all.

My stomach was doing somersaults as I took in the familiar sprawling Victorian mansion. Before I could spiral into full panic mode, the front door burst open.

"Rosie!" My dad came bounding down the steps, his face lit up with genuine joy. Despite my nerves, seeing my father brought an immediate smile to my face.

I barely had time to get out of the car before he wrapped me in one of his signature bear hugs, lifting me off my feet. "God, I missed you, my girl!"

"Put me down, dad!" I laughed, but squeezed him back just as tight.

He set me down and immediately turned his attention to Aldaine, who had materialized at my side. Denis's eyes widened slightly as he took in my "boyfriend's" appearance, and I couldn't blame him. Even in casual designer clothes, Aldaine looked like he'd stepped off a magazine cover.

"Dad, this is Aldaine." I grabbed Aldaine's hand, trying to ignore the spark of electricity that shot through me at the contact. "Aldaine, this is my father, Denis."

Dad looked him over for a moment before he stuck out his hand. "Welcome, Aldaine."

Before Aldaine could respond, the temperature seemed to drop several degrees. I looked up to see Stephany and Jan emerging from the house.

"Rosie, darling!" Jan's voice carried across the driveway, sweet as artificial sweetener. She descended the steps with perfect posture, her designer outfit probably worth more than my monthly rent. But her smile for Denis was genuine as she passed him, touching his shoulder affectionately.

Then there was Stephany.

My stepsister glided down the steps like she was on a runway, her blonde hair catching the sunlight. She was reed-thin in her white sundress, looking every bit the blushing bride-to-be. But her eyes, when they landed on Aldaine, they lit up with predatory interest.

"Oh. My. God." Stephany's voice dripped with fake enthusiasm. "Rosie! You didn't tell us your boyfriend was so," she let her eyes drag over Aldaine's form in a way that made me want to step in front of him. "Sophisticated."

I felt Aldaine's hand tighten around mine. "Aldaine, this is my stepmother Jan, and my stepsister Stephany."

"Charmed." Aldaine's voice was smooth as silk as he executed a small bow that somehow managed to be both polite and slightly mocking. "I've heard so much about you both."

"All good things, I hope!" Stephany tittered, but her eyes narrowed slightly. I recognized that look. It was the same one she'd given me right before she'd stolen my high school boyfriend.

"Rosie's descriptions were," Aldaine paused perfectly, "quite accurate."

I bit my lip to hold back a laugh as Stephany's perfectly made-up eye twitched.

"Well!" Jan clapped her hands together. "Let's get you both settled. Denis, help with their bags, darling. Stephany, why don't you show them to the blue room?"

"The blue room?" Stephany's voice went up an octave. "But Mother, that's the nicest guest room! I thought we were saving it for-"

"Nonsense." Jan cut her off with a sharp look. "It's perfect for them."

I watched in fascination as Stephany's face went through several micro-expressions before settling on a plastic smile. "Of course! Follow me!"

It wasn't like I didn't know the house like the back of my palm or anything.