Page 7

As we moved toward the house, Aldaine leaned down to whisper in my ear, "Your stepsister's soul is practically gift-wrapped with spite." His warm breath sent shivers down my spine. "Are you sure I can't add it to my collection?"

I shouldn't have found that funny. I really shouldn't have. But I had to disguise my laugh as a cough when Stephany whirled around to glare at us suspiciously.

"Behave." I bumped his shoulder with mine.

Stephany led us up the grand staircase, her heels clicking against the hardwood in what I was sure was meant to be an intimidating strut.

I'd forgotten how everything in this house was designed to scream old money, from the crystal chandelier overhead to the oil paintings of random landscapes and scenes lining the walls.

The blue room was at the end of the east wing and as Stephany threw open the double doors with a flourish, I had to bite back a snort at how forceful she'd been. The room was exactly as I remembered it, but somehow even more extravagant than in my memories.

Pale blue wallpaper caught the light streaming in from floor-to-ceiling windows.

The king-sized four-poster bed dominated the space, draped in deeper blue velvet with white threading that probably cost more than my car.

A sitting area near the fireplace featured antique Victorian furniture that Jan loved to brag about acquiring at some exclusive auction.

"The en-suite bathroom is through there," Stephany gestured to a door on the right, her voice clipped.

"There are fresh towels, of course, and the shower has six different pressure settings.

" She said this like it was a personal accomplishment as she eyed Aldaine in a way a soon-to-be bride shouldn't be looking at someone other than her groom.

My father squeezed past us with our bags, setting them near an ornate armoire that looked like it belonged in a museum. "Need anything else, sweetheart?"

"We're fine, Dad. Thanks."

Stephany cleared her throat. "Lunch will be served on the back patio in an hour. More guests will be arriving after that." Her smile was so forced it looked painful. "I'm so happy you made it, Rosie." The words practically dripped with insincerity as she air-kissed near my cheek.

Dad gave me one more quick hug before following Stephany out, closing the doors behind them.

That's when I noticed it, the very obvious, huge, very singular bed.

Aldaine's low chuckle in my ear made me jump. "Something wrong, little minx?"

I spun to face him, finding him wearing the wickedest grin I'd ever seen. Heat flooded my cheeks. "I'll take the couch!" The words tumbled out in a rush. "I mean I should take the couch. It looks comfortable enough, and you're so tall, and a guest!"

"Rosie." His voice cut through my rambling. "I will take the couch."

"But—"

"I don't require as much sleep as humans do," Aldaine explained, his voice a low rumble that seemed to reverberate through me.

He moved past me, his shoulder brushing mine in a way that felt deliberate, sending a shiver down my spine.

I watched as he inspected the sitting area, his movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey.

The thought sent a strange thrill through me.

"Besides," he continued, turning to face me with a wicked grin, "what kind of gentleman would I be if I let my 'girlfriend' sleep on the couch?"

The way he said 'girlfriend' made my stomach do a little flip. It was strange, hearing him refer to me like that. We were far from being in a real relationship, but for some reason, the idea of it didn't seem so far-fetched when he said it.

"You don't have to pretend when we're alone," I reminded him, though my voice came out breathier than I intended. I could feel my cheeks growing warm, and I hoped he wouldn't notice.

He turned to face me fully, and for a moment, I saw something flash in his eyes, something hungry and decidedly inhuman. It was gone as quickly as it appeared and I wondered if I had imagined it. But then he blinked, his usual composed expression returned.

"Consider it practice," he walked around the room like a cat as if to inspect it further. "We wouldn't want to slip up in front of your family, would we?"

"No, I suppose not," I replied, my heartbeat quickening as I watched him move. I couldn't help but feel a little nervous, being alone in a bedroom with him. Not that I thought he would do anything to hurt me, but there was something about him that was both intimidating and intoxicating.

And I didn't know if I could trust myself with him.

I was suddenly very aware of how alone we were, and how large the bed was.

It seemed to loom over us, a constant reminder of the arrangement we had made.

I tried to push the thought out of my mind, focusing instead on the task at hand.

We were here to fool my family, after all, and I couldn't afford to get distracted.

"You should freshen up before lunch," he suggested, mercifully breaking the tension. "I have a feeling your stepsister is going to do her best to make this an interesting week."

I groaned. "You have no idea."

His lips curved into that dangerous smile again. "Oh, I think I'm going to enjoy watching you prove her wrong about everything she thinks she knows about you."

Why did that sound like both a promise and a threat? With what I knew from him so far, it was.

Aldaine and I sat on the plush couch in the blue room, our surroundings almost suffocating. He leaned back, his posture relaxed, but I could sense the tension coiled within him after Stephany left. His dark eyes watched me intently as I fidgeted before sighing.

"So, what should I expect from this engagement party?" His voice smooth and deep.

I sighed again, rubbing my temples. "It's going to be an extravagant affair, the whole week. Stephany and Jan love to show off their wealth."

Aldaine raised an eyebrow. "And your father allows this?"

"Dad tries to keep them grounded, but Jan has a way of getting what she wants." I shook my head, remembering the countless arguments I'd witnessed between my father and stepmother. "He's just happy that Stephany is finally settling down."

"And what about you?" Aldaine's gaze softened. "Are you happy for your stepsister?"

I hesitated, then shrugged. "I don't know. I haven't seen her in years, and we were never close. But I guess it's good that she's found someone she loves." I actually didn't care anymore it was my ex-boyfriend.

Aldaine nodded, his expression thoughtful. "What kind of events are planned for this week?"

"Well, today is lunch, and it's going to be over the top since it's when everyone is together for the first time.

They'll probably have a pool day, a game day where they set up games in the field behind the house, a formal night with dancing, and shopping trips.

" I listed the events off, my exhaustion growing with each one.

Aldaine's hand reached out, covering mine. "You seem tired, little minx. Are you sure you're up for this?"

His touch sent a jolt of electricity through me and I looked up to meet his gaze. "I'll be fine. I just need to get through this week, and then I can go back to my normal life. Well, kind of. I'm working for a demon now."

He squeezed my hand gently. "I'm here to help you, remember? We're in this together."

I smiled weakly, grateful for his support. "I know. It's just this is all so overwhelming. I've never been good at pretending to be someone I'm not."

Aldaine's thumb traced circles on the back of my hand. "You don't have to pretend with me. I see you for who you are, Rosie. You're strong, brave, and kind. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."

His words warmed me from the inside out, and I felt a sudden urge to lean into him, to let him wrap his arms around me and protect me from the world. But I knew that wasn't part of our deal. He was here to help me, not to be my knight in shining armor.

"Thank you," my voice thick with emotion. "I don't know what I would do without your help."

Aldaine's eyes darkened, and for a moment, I thought he was going to kiss me. But then he cleared his throat and stood up, releasing my hand. "We should get ready for lunch. I'm sure your family is eager to see us."

I nodded, standing up as well. "You're right. Let's do this."

As we made our way downstairs, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread settling in my stomach. I knew that this week was going to be a challenge, but with Aldaine by my side, I felt a little more confident.

When we entered the dining room, I was immediately struck by the sheer lavishiness of it all.

They weren't holding back it seemed. The table was set with fine china and crystal glasses and a massive floral arrangement dominated the center.

My father and Jan were already seated, along with a few other guests I didn't recognize.

Stephany, however, was nowhere to be seen.

"Ah, there you are!" Jan's voice was like nails on a chalkboard. "We were starting to wonder if you were going to join us." She was annoyed.

I forced a smile, taking the seat next to my father. "Sorry, we got caught up talking."

Aldaine's hand found mine under the table, squeezing it reassuringly. "I apologize. I wanted to have a little more time with Rosie."

Jan's expression softened slightly. "Well, I'm sure Rosie has told you all about our little family."

"She has," Aldaine replied smoothly. "And I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better."

Jan's gaze lingered on Aldaine for a moment longer before she turned her attention to the other guests. "Well, let's eat, shall we?"

As the meal progressed, I found myself growing more and more uncomfortable. The other guests were all wealthy and pretentious, and I felt like an outsider among them. Aldaine, however, seemed to fit right in. He charmed everyone with his wit and charm and I couldn't help but feel a little jealous.