I Guess I Do Need the Money Pt. 03

Sorry to everyone who has been waiting patiently for this I wanted a better idea of where I was going with this before I started committing to doing further chapters. Let me know what you think, constructive criticism is always helpful. Further chapters will be posted in the romance category after this.

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It had been three weeks since Cassya had signed the contract with Alaric and thus far, the arrangement had been fine. In the interim her mother had quit her two jobs and found another one in the office of an older businessman. Better hours and better pay. Things were looking up and she didn't look so perpetually tired anymore. There was actually money to be saved at the end of each week. She and her mother could only hope this period of eased stress would continue.

For the last few days she had not been 'serving' Alaric at night for a simple reason. She had had her monthly bleed. She had never been so pleased to be greeted with that chronic irritation in her life, barring when she had it after bedding Aberforth. Yet she had missed Alaric's touch these last few days, he had been out on business most evenings that week. Tonight he was out as well, even though her bleed had finished she doubted he would want 'serving'.

Cassya was sitting in his bed reading, she had chosen the most boring book from his shelf that she could find. 'Intricacies of business and finance law', either she would learn something useful or it would put her to sleep. Hoping for the second but willing to accept the first as a natural byproduct. It was late, Tessa had already gone home and Cassya found sleep evading her, despite the boring book.

She turned out the light and was just laying in the dark and trying to sleep when she heard the front door slam downstairs. The sound of clumsy footsteps making their way upstairs. They eventually approached the bedroom door, the door handle jiggled. Even in the dark she could discern the outline of Alaric as he stumbled in. He noisily trudged over to his side of the bed and began awkwardly removing his clothes. His trousers appeared to be a real struggle and he actually fell over to the floor as he tried to remove his boots.

"Ah, bollocks!" She heard him loudly muttering in the dark.

She stifled a giggle. He clearly had too much to drink. He picked himself up and won the wrestling match with his boots, taking off his trousers before climbing into bed. He sidled over to her side of the bed snuggling up.

"I was as subtle as a herd of elephants, there's no way you're asleep. Sorry if I woke yoooou" He slurred. His breath smelt like wine and whiskey.

She snickered. "I wasn't, I only just put out the light. Had a fun night?"

"Yeah. But I might have drunk more than I should have... I forgot what a punch absinthe has."

"You don't say, I would never have guessed." She said sarcastically, raising an eyebrow.

He chuckled. Nuzzling up to her. "You smell so nice." She felt his erection touching her. "Hmmmm, I want to but you still can't." He lamented.

"I can." She purred. "I would like to as well."

With a little too much enthusiasm he exclaimed. "Yes!" Like a child told they can go play.

He pulled her nightie over her head and drew her close to kiss her. She could taste the dry wine, smokey whiskey and hints of liquorice as their tongues met. His hands travelled over her skin, one playing with a breast while the other slipped between her legs to stroke her folds. She mirrored him, her fingers teasing a nipple while the other hand grasped and stroked his length.

He broke off the kiss, she gave his lower lip a nibble as they parted. They lay there side by side as they teased each other, keeping eye contact. But Alaric's impatience was too much for him to hold back. He pushed her onto her back climbing atop her. His lips grazing her neck and moving down, enthusiastically sucking on a nipple, lightly pressing it between his teeth. It made her let out a sigh, with a slurp he let it go and kept moving down until his face was between her legs.

"Hello cherished friend, I've missed you so much." He affectionately addressed her sex.

She let out a laugh before his lips met her folds, kissing them as tenderly as had her mouth. Her laugh morphing into pleasured sighs, as his tongue caressed her. Languidly investigating her most intimate part, slipping inside, savouring the taste. Then moving up and flicking over her nub. Egged on by her moans he clamped his lips around, sucking on it as he whisked his tongue. Adding two fingers to his attentions he thrust them between her folds. Angling them to massage her sweet spot, her hips slightly jerking in response.

She ran her hands through his hair, she heard and felt him groan. Clearly enjoying burying his face between her legs.

"God you're good at this!" She blurted out between moans.

He growled in response. Her face a picture of relaxed bliss as his tongue and fingers pushed her towards pleasure. She compulsively ground her hips against his face as she let out panting mewls. Eager to accept the joy he was giving her. He soon made her hips tremble and her clit start twitching, her back arch and toes curl.

She grasped his hair, clamping her thighs around his head, squeezing on his fingers and crying out as she came. That delectable bolt of rapture firing up her spine, lighting up her synapses and spreading through her body with bliss, making her tense up before going limp. Releasing his head as she came down.

His face raised between her legs wearing a gloriously dopey grin. He clambered up over her, he rubbed his cock head at her entrance before sinking inside. They both groaned as his length filled her, feeling the meet of their hips. He planted his hands either side, leaning down to give her a passionate kiss as he began rolling his hips. She met his rhythm above and below, settling into a gentle tempo to start.

They stayed like that until Cassya felt her sensitivity lessen, she needed more.

"Harder." She purred in his ear.

He did not need telling twice. He drew his hips back and slapped them into hers. Over and over. She grasped one hand on his ass, while she slid the other between them to tease her nub. He progressively increased his pace, steadily getting faster until he was slamming into her. She moaned for him, while he grunted with the effort. Each thrust sending shivers through her, her insides squeezing him when he reached her depths.

He hooked her legs over his elbows, the new angle grinding him harder against her sweet spot and increasing the volume of her moans. Her legs and hips trembled as he drove himself deep. She kept flicking her nub while her other hand ran her fingers over his jaw, brushing her thumb over his chin. His silver eyes met her blue in the low light. Both of them panting, eyes half lidded glazing over and faces slack.

She had missed him doing this, nothing compared to this feeling. She grew close to her finish, her nub started to twitch again. The world around her falling away as his weight on top of her and where they connected was all that mattered.

Everything went white as her eyes rolled back, spine arching, toes curling. Squealing as her muscles drew taut, and her insides clamping down, shuddering around his cock. He let out a grunt, groaning as he tensed up, burying himself deep with one last thrust. She felt the warmth of his release inside. They remained joined for a minute.

Utterly spent, he fell on the bed next to her, pulling her close as he fell asleep. She soon joined him.

She awoke the next morning with him wrapped around her, nuzzling into her. The sunlight was pouring in, these days she didn't need to get home as early as her mother started work later. She pondered moving and disturbing him but the decision was taken out of her hands by Tessa announcing herself at the door and entering with a tray of coffee. She walked over, placing it on the bedside table, Cassya and her shared a humoured look at Alaric's scruffy form before Tessa left the room.

Alaric stirred, Cassya reached over to the tray to pour herself a cup as he reached consciousness. He had the face of someone who regretted being awake.

She chuckled at him. "How's your head?"

"Pounding." He groaned. "I overdid it."

"Might have been the absinthe." She snickered as she poured him a cup as well.

"I had absinthe? How do you know?" He asked bewildered.

"I tasted it on your breath... and you told me. After you trundled in with all the grace of a three legged rhino." She jibed.

He checked under the sheets seeing the both of them were nude beneath, before accepting a cup from her.

"Last night, did we?" He raised his eyebrows.

She nodded, giggling. "Oh, yeah. You stuck your head between my legs and called it your 'cherished friend' declaring how much you had missed it."

He groaned again, rubbing his hand down his face. "Was I still good?" He asked. A dopey grin forming on his face.

She played coy. "I was satisfied." She gave him a smile as she sipped her coffee.

He returned her smile. "Good, I'd hate to learn I embarrassed myself further." He drank his coffee.

She raised an eyebrow at him. "Do you often get that sozzled? Whilst I found you endearing, is it something I will deal with regularly?"

He seemed a little sheepish. "No. Last night was an exception. The guys I was with were heavy revellers... had to keep up to make a favourable impression." He ran a hand through his hair.

"Who were they?" She asked with ignited curiosity.

He exhaled heavily. "Just some people who will be key to some future plans I have..." He answered noncommittally. "... but we have to even the playing field. I think I need to see you drunk." He smirked. "I bet you're fun."

She let out a disbelieving huff, narrowing her eyes and pulled a smirk. "You're not getting me drunk, there's no amount of money that would inspire me to look after two children with a hangover."

He grinned. "No concerns about me taking advantage of your inebriated state?"

She gave him a wry look with a puckish smirk. "I have no concerns about that. I'm sure we would both enjoy you having your wicked way with me."

It got a subdued chuckle from him. Then they heard a slam of the front door, raised voices, Tessa yelling and several harried sets of footsteps charging up the stairs. As they got closer she could hear Tessa saying, "Your highness he is not decent, let me announce you, so he can get ready." Whoever it was clearly ignored Tessa and barged into the bedroom.

Shortly before he slammed the door behind him she saw two armed guards standing in the hallway barring Tessa from entry. The man standing in the bedroom was impeccably dressed, she had never seen finer clothes. He had blonde hair neatly styled and silver eyes. There was more than a passing resemblance between him and Alaric. He looked like a younger, blonde, less pale version of him. Cassya pulled up the sheets to cover herself up to her chin.

He barked at Alaric. "Viscount Caeranote your presence was expected at the palace last night yet you failed to appear. I hope you have a good explanation." His face furious.

Alaric just laughed at him, then raising his eyebrows addressed the man in a facetious tone. "Good morning to you too. I didn't realise it was compulsory."

"You thought an invitation from father was something you could ignore and spend the night in bed with this whore instead!" He snapped."

Alaric's jaw muscle twitched, but he maintained his tone. "So that's why you felt the need to barge into my house and insult my bed companion? I thought since he made the invitation as a father I could be selective over whether to respond, since all of you are very selective as to when you call me family. Spare!" He practically spat out the last word, the man flinched in response. As though hearing it caused him pain.

The man spoke through gritted teeth. "After the honour of being elevated, you should be more grateful. Your king merely asks that you come and discuss your obligation to this nation, Brother." Saying 'Brother' with barely contained disgust.

Alaric narrowed his eyes, his tone becoming somewhat venomous. "I am not going to marry her. I don't need his validation, I never asked to be elevated. If you think that alliance is so vital Felix, you do it. Actually do something worthwhile as opposed to just showing up and doing the bare minimum like you've always done. Must be so nice getting praise for just existing as the second option whereas I only hear from his majesty when he wants something unreasonable."

Felix sighed. "You say you aren't family, but who else could speak to me like this without facing severe consequences. Regardless, you should take future summons seriously. It will be worse next time, you will be forcibly dragged from the house, clothed or not. In front of your 'bed companion'." He rolled his eyes at the last words.

Alaric chuckled wickedly. "I am sure she would enjoy the show and find it amusing." Cassya held back a smile, as he was right. "You have delivered your message little brother, is there anything else you wanted to do to make my headache worse?"

Felix's attention focused on Cassya, eyeing her up and down. "Who is she, Alaric? Answer me truthfully."

Alaric answered mockingly. "My mistress and no you can't have a turn."

Felix clenched his teeth. "Her name, bastard!"

Alaric took a sip of coffee, rolled his eyes and huffed. "Why don't you ask her, she's right there and is quite an eloquent speaker. You're making a terrible impression."

Felix looked at her, expecting a response. Cassya answered him. "My name is Cassya Wainwright, your highness." Feeling a little cowed.

"From the former merchant family? I don't know what your intentions are, but my brother cannot make an honest woman of you. You should cease this affiliation for your own good." He addressed her imperiously.

Alaric snorted with derision. "Does that mean I should go and warn all the women at Madame Rozen's not to bed you Felix, as they are certain to be underwhelmed. Just wondering if that is the brotherly tradition you wish to start?" A shit eating grin formed on his face.

Felix stammered and became flustered. Growling in frustration. "Alaric you are beyond infuriating. You know what your situation is, yet you refuse to acknowledge it." He huffed. "I've had enough, I'm going. See you at the next dinner. Please just show up. I hate being in your house as much as you detest my presence here."

He walked out the bedroom door slamming it behind him. Alaric and Cassya both lay in bed enduring a full minute of awkward silence before Cassya broke it.

"Can I ask what that was about?" She asked, looking at him keenly.

He let out a world weary sigh. "Long story short. Years of familial resentment boiling over as the royals try to use me as a pawn for their latest gambit. I am unwilling to play their game, so they are applying pressure."

Cassya pulled a pensive expression. "Who are they trying to force you to marry?"

Alaric took a long draft of his coffee before answering. "A princess of a kingdom across the sea. Marrying for politics would be bad enough, but she is twice my age, was born deformed and possesses the mind of a child. While I pity her condition, the idea of taking her as a wife fills me with nausea for many reasons. My father has been dangling the carrot of declaring me 'legitimate' if I do it. He doesn't understand that it doesn't matter to me, and I have long ago stopped chasing his acknowledgement."

Cassya took this in. "My sympathies, and I thought my father was awful. Forgive me for asking but... where does that put our arrangement?" Her attention pointed at his face, studying.

He took a deep breath. "It's why I put the clause in our contract for the dissolution of the debt if I have to end it. I am making moves to prevent it but there's always a chance my plans could fail. Hopefully the contacts I made last night will be helpful to my goal but we'll see." He rubbed the bridge of his nose with his fingers. "Well... hopefully this hasn't been too jarring for you. I don't normally have people barging into my bedroom first thing in the morning."

Cassya smirked. "Oh, does it happen at other times of day instead." She said playfully.

He chuckled. "Sadly yes, but not in my own home."

Cassya raised a curious eyebrow at that one. Inviting clarification.

Alaric half smiled, rolling his eyes. "Let's just say that if anyone invites me to their homes to stay the night I always insist on having a lock on my door."

"Nocturnal visitors?" Cassya asked.

"The idea of being pounced on by a woman in the middle of the night... is far more preferable to the reality." He replied with a smirk.

Cassya finished her coffee and got out of bed. Locating her clothes while Alaric sat back and watched her get dressed. Once she finished she walked over to Alaric's side of the bed and gave him a peck on the cheek.

"I'll leave you to nurse your hangover in peace. I'll see you later." She said soothingly as she made her way to the door.

"Certainly, I'm spending the evening in. Let's have some fun, we'll both remember." He smiled flirtatiously.

Cassya gave him her own, before she walked out and descended the stairs. Seeing Tessa when she reached the bottom. Who pulled her to the side.

"Is everything alright with the master? Is he angry that I could not stop their entry?" She asked with concern.

Cassya answered her warmly. "He's not angry at you. I think we all know there was no way you were going to stop that from happening. At the moment he's just hungover and pissed off with his brother from what I could tell. You're fine."

Tessa let out the breath she had been holding, the tension visibly leaving her. She nodded then went to check on Alaric upstairs.

Cassya left out the front door to be taken home by Bradford in the Carriage. She made it back in time to help with the final preparations for breakfast. Her mother was in good spirits and the twins were excited to see her.

"Have a good night at work dear?" Her mother asked. She and her never discussed the specifics of her job, quite understandably. Most information was relayed in generalities or euphemisms.

"It was fine I suppose. There was an unexpected visitor and I learned something interesting." Cassya hinted in veiled terms.

Her mother's eyebrows and ears pricked up in interest. She was still a very comely woman in her early forties, Cassya's features almost mirrored her own.

"Oh... does it affect your job or something else?"

"Both." Cassya answered with a smile. So her mother was aware it wasn't bad.

It was something that would have to be discussed later. The twins were now paying attention. Nothing sensitive could be discussed in front of them, as much as they loved them, she and her mother couldn't trust them to keep quiet on certain things. They couldn't keep a secret to save their lives. Breakfast was served and eaten. Her mother was clearly burning with curiosity but knowing they would have to wait until she came back from work to discuss it.

Her mother soon left and went to her new job. Cassya had a usual day with her siblings, the pair of them doing their best to be helpful with the upkeep of the house, going to school then helping with dinner. When her mother returned.

She had an odd air about her, that Cassya couldn't put her finger on. She walked in and spoke to the twins.

"Me and Cassya need to check on something, I need you two to keep a watch on dinner. Call upstairs if it starts to boil over."

The duo nodded and watched the pot like their lives depended on it. They had recently learned the phrase 'a watched pot never boils' and had taken it literally, despite Cassya's attempts to explain otherwise. Cassya held back a giggle as her mother left her upstairs for them to chat in private.

Once she was certain they were out of earshot of the twins her mother turned to her and spoke.

"Okay, what happened? I'm dying to know."

Cassya chuckled. "My 'patron' had an unexpected guest, a family member barge in this morning leading to an argument, while we were in the same room. An argument about a marriage they are trying to force him into."

"Official family or 'unofficial family'?" Her mother queried.

"Unofficial. If he can't prevent that, it will end our arrangement early. The debt gets fully written off." Cassya explained.

Her mother looked intrigued then concerned. "Are you eager for this contract to end early?"

She asked.

Cassya gave her a reassuring smile. "I have no issues with him or... my duties, it's just... we have made it through this month with... no extra additions to the family. That might not be the case for the next five."

Her mother nodded. "We have to hope luck stays on our side, but remember... you can stop if you want, we can find another way. It's already a good chunk of the debt you've knocked off."

Cassya sighed. "I'll see this through, we'll deal with the issue if it comes up. But what about you? Something happened today?"

Her mother's face scrunched up. She hesitated before speaking. "I wasn't sure if I should mention it, it could just be worthless gossip, a baseless rumour."

"Mother, keeping back something that other people should know is something father would do." Cassya insisted.

Her mother's cheek twitched. "Funny you should mention him... he was the object of the rumour." Cassya blanched, but listened. "Someone at the office mentioned that he had been seen in the city. I find it hard to believe but... there's a part of me that wonders. He did have a tendency to be stupidly brazen at times. Yet it might be a case of mistaken identity?"

Cassya sighed as she chewed this over. "Hopefully it's false. Otherwise he'd better stay far away from us. It's been two years, the nerve of him if he showed up now."

"I know, not sure what I feel. Nothing good though. I've warned you now. Not much else I can do about it at this point." Her mother lamented.

They ended the conversation and went back downstairs. The twins were still intently staring at the pot. It brought a smile back to her and her mother's faces. They ate dinner soon after, both she and her mother trying to bury the apprehension they felt at the rumour. Keeping the atmosphere as pleasant as they could for the twins who couldn't detect their feelings as they prattled on about what had happened at school that day.

The carriage rolled up out front and Cassya stepped out of the house to be taken to Alaric's. Bradford tipping his cap at her and she nodded back as she climbed in. A short ride bringing her to his front door and going upstairs to his office. Where she would normally find him. He looked up at her as she entered, a smile spreading across his face.

Cassya's smile appeared weak by comparison. Which wasn't unnoticed by Alaric, he looked at her speculatively, before pulling out a bottle of whiskey pouring two glasses and pushing one to the edge of the desk. Gesturing for her to sit. She joined him, sitting down, taking the glass and having a large gulp.

"What happened? I know Felix can ruin anybody's mood but a few hours outside of his vicinity usually fixes it. I assume it's something else." He asked, trying to keep his tone light.

She let out a deep sigh. "I shouldn't bother you with it. It might be nothing."

"You listened to me and my half brother have a pissing match this morning with extraordinarily good grace. I can spare some time to listen to your woes." He gave her a warm sympathetic smile. Having a sip from his glass.

She chastened herself before she spoke. "As I said it's probably nothing but... my mother heard a rumour that my father has been seen in the city. It might not even be true but... the thought he might be somewhere nearby is... unsettling."

"I know the broad overview with regards to your father, the debt and him taking off with the last of the gold. I guess there's more to it though." He gazed at her, attention affixed.

She finished her glass and held it out for him to fill. Which he did with a hefty serving. Cassya began to recall the events leading up to their family's decline.

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Two years and three months earlier.

Cassya sat in the drawing room of their family home. The sun was shining through the window and she was reading her favourite book.

Her father walked in. A man of average height, mousy brown hair and faint blue eyes, his face becoming pink and his gut expanding from his profuse drinking that he had been engaging in the last few months. He had a fake smile welded on his face to hide his tension.

"Cassya, Sweetpea, Aberforth sent you a letter. Why haven't you responded?" He asked in a strained tone.

Cassya sighed as she answered. "I know I should send a reply but... I really don't like him, Father. I'm not sure I can marry him. There's something about him... I can't put my finger on it... but he sets me on edge."

Her father knelt down in front of her, placing his hands on her knees. "It's just jitters, Sweetpea. As you get to know him more, those will go away. Once you're married it will be fine."

Cassya cast her eyes down. "I don't agree Father. When we are alone he's... I just don't think I will be happy with him. We aren't a good match, we don't share any interests and conversation is so forced. I felt nothing when he tried to kiss me."

Her Father grew impatient. "This marriage is about more than your happiness. Our family depends on it! Now you are going to do everything you can to ensure he puts that ring on your finger! You hear me!" He had grabbed a hand around her hair, forcing her to look him in the eye. Dragging her to her feet as he stood up.

Her large blue eyes looking up at him, wide in disbelief at this switch in behaviour. His hand painfully yanked on her roots, while the other squeezed around her throat. Her own hands pawed at them ineffectually to try and get him to let her go.

"Please Father, you're hurting me." She gasped.

"Good! You selfish little bitch!" He hissed. "You're going to go upstairs and write to him accepting his invitation to spend the weekend at his estate. You're going to be charming and demure, laugh at his dull witted jokes and pretend you find him enticing. Then you're going to let him bed you and 'seal the deal'. We will be out on the street without his money!"

"I can't breathe!" She choked out. "Please let me go."

"You are going to do this and your mother is not to know!" He barked at her. "Do you understand!?"

Cassya's vision was starting to cloud over and she felt faint. "Yes... please... let... go." She wheezed as she begged.

He finally let her go, she collapsed to the floor frantically taking in air. Who was this man? Where had her father gone? This must be a stranger who looked like him, her father would never do this to her. He leaned down, giving her condescending pats on the cheek.

"Good girl, it's for the best you'll see that in time." He said almost lovingly before leaving the room and closing the door behind him.

Cassya curled up into the fetal position and cried. Pinching herself trying to wake up from this nightmare. She picked herself up from the floor, wiped her tears and composed herself before going to write the letter her father had commanded her to do. She resigned herself to the sad reality, something was very wrong and it was down to her to fix it. Girding herself to the unappealing prospect of going to Aberforth's bed and securing their marriage.

Four weeks later Cassya had done what was ordered but it was all for naught. Her Father was a liar. He ran into her bedroom screaming at her, thrusting a letter in her face in Aberforth's hand. Calling off their engagement, the reason... her Father's enormous debts that he had hidden from all of them. Aberforth, furious that his wife to be, was not just virtually penniless but an active drain on his wealth. The letter was scathing, condescending and at points actively insulting.

Her Father yelling as he grabbed her, refusing to accept his faults. Hurling spite her way, blaming her for this. Her mother coming to investigate the noise, finding her husband throttling their daughter. Cassya unable to breathe, desperately scrabbling to remove his hands from her neck. Her father unyielding, blinded by rage determined to squeeze the life out of her for the failings he imagined her to be guilty of. Her mother screamed, grabbing a nearby vase and smashing it over his head. Briefly knocking some sense into him. The truth comes out, her mother horrified, looking at her husband like he was a stranger as he tried to justify himself. Her mother refusing to accept his excuses, him punching her in the face as rage overtook him again.

Cassya grabbing one of the fire pokers and commencing to strike him to drive him away from her mother. Him shrieking at them as he stormed out of the house.

This was the last time Cassya saw her father. He cleared out the last of their accounts and left. Disappearing from their lives and running from the consequences of his actions.

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Present Day

Alaric had listened with rapt attention, not interrupting and waiting until she finished speaking. Cassya was welling up at the corner of her eyes by her tale's finale. A moment of silence was shared. Cassya finishing her glass and offering it up to Alaric to be filled again. Which he did without question.

"I fully understand why even the thought of him being nearby is perturbing."

He let that hang in the air a while, Cassya giving him the ghost of a smile.

"While I am not going to pretend I can solve all your problems, there is one I can alleviate easily."

He scribbled a name and address on a piece of paper and handed it to her.

"That's my lawyer, hand that to your mother and he can get started on the divorce process. Also emancipation and termination of his parental rights for you and your siblings. To make sure he can't push any more debt your way. I'll foot the bill."

Cassya looked at the paper, then folded it tightly and secured it in her pocket.

"Thank you." She said sincerely.

"Don't worry about it, don't think of it as charity if it helps. Just securing my investment." He smiled.

She gave him a wry expression. "Aww, at this rate I'm going to start thinking of you as a generous helpful soul."

He pulled a face of mock horror. "Perish the thought! I am a ruthless, lecherous, 'tricksy beast', through and through."

She chuckled. "You are that too." He smirked in response. "Since you've learned how terrible my father is, it feels fair that you share about yours." She asked, intensely curious.

He tittered as he refilled his glass. "Difference is, being honest about all the ways my father is terrible is technically treasonous."

"I promise not to say a word, I believe the contract covered that anyway. Come on, I am so curious." She grinned at him.

He pondered for a moment rolling his tongue around his mouth. "It's not nearly as interesting as you believe it to be." He took a sip of whiskey. "My mother was a dedicated social climber, who seduced the then crown prince, my father and became his mistress until I was conceived. Having secured the link with the royal family my grandfather asked for, she ended her relationship with the prince. Quickly seeking out a beneficial marriage after I was born, and left me behind never looking back. My father wanted nothing to do with me and that was how it stayed until about five years ago when my grandfather died. My father established a limited relationship, where he just dangled his approval on a string, expecting me to jump for it like a dog. I have very much enjoyed disappointing him in that regard." He said it all so dispassionately. Almost like he was relaying what happened to someone else.

Cassya was intrigued. "If neither of your parents were involved, who raised you?"

"On paper my grandfather, in reality, I was bounced around various wealthy and noble houses. Whoever enjoyed the novelty or was trying to curry favour." He tensed.

"That sounds... awful." She empathized.

"It had its benefits. I made connections in virtually all the houses and it taught me some very valuable lessons."

"... Like what?" Cassya asked. Looking at him differently now.

"Always keep three steps ahead, very few people are worthy of trust... and never ever underestimate the power of good tailoring." He raised his eyebrows, smirking.

She giggled. "what?!"

"You heard me, think about how many jaws were on the floor at the Farnsworth's when you walked in wearing that red dress. I have many fond memories of it. I'm sure others do too." His smirk became lascivious.

She laughed. "Here's me thinking your favourite part of the evening was getting me out of it."

He chuckled. "A man rarely buys any clothing for a woman without imagining taking it off her. Perhaps I should buy you another dress just for that purpose?"

She cocked an eyebrow. Feeling bold after finishing her third glass of whiskey. "If the goal is to get me naked you don't need to put me in an expensive dress for that."

His lips formed that familiar wolfish grin. "Are you saying that if I bought you some obscenely expensive silk lingerie you wouldn't wear it? Because I would like to see you model it for me before I peel it off and enjoy your naked body."

She played along. "If you insist, it's your money."

He chuckled. "Come with me." He got up, finished his drink and gestured for her to follow him to the bedroom.

As they both entered he closed the door behind them, walking over to the wardrobe where he pulled out a largish fancy looking box and placed it on the bed. Opening it up for her to see the contents. Inside was a set of light pink silk lingerie. Consisting of a half stay, a tiny pair of bloomers barely more covering than her loincloth at the gambling hall and a garter belt with stockings. As she looked at the ensemble while it was undeniably beautiful it was not something that anyone would wear casually. It was made to be seen, not for comfort.

He watched her go through it all. "I'll go and pour us both another drink while you put this on."

She resisted the impulse to roll her eyes. He closed the bedroom door behind her leaving her to change. She disrobed and began dressing herself in the lingerie, starting with the garter belt and stockings, then pulling up the bloomers, finishing by stringing up the stay. Not tight enough to be uncomfortable but pushing her breasts up in a way she knew he liked. A couple minutes later he walked back in with the bottle of whiskey and two glasses, a beaming wolfish grin when he saw her.

"Worth every penny." He said as he filled a glass and handed it to her.

She took it, sitting on the bed cross legged. Doing her best to look alluring she asked. "So how do you determine if you got your money's worth? Is there a set amount of time I need to spend in each garment?" She imperiously sipped from her glass.

He stood in front of her eyeing her from head to toe. "Oh, now that I see it on, I'm reluctant to take it off when I don't have to."

She smirked as she took a sip. "How is that supposed to work?"

He removed his boots and shirt before taking her glass and putting it to the side. Pushing her further onto the bed and climbing on top of her. He freed her breasts so they rested on top of the stay, then started to tweak her nipples. They quickly hardened under his touch.

"This lingerie doesn't stop me from playing with any of your sensitive spots. Even your bloomers can be just pushed to the side when I want to be between your legs."

He wrapped his mouth around her nipple, sucking and nipping it between his teeth. Causing her to let out little sighs and gasps. He relished sucking, rolling his tongue over the nub while his fingers teased and pinched the other. As the minutes went by he alternated between the two, nurturing the need forming between her legs.

He eventually snaked his hand from her breast between her legs. His fingers caressing over the telltale wet spot on her underwear. He pulled his mouth away from her nipple and flashed that wolfish grin.

"All I did was play with your nipples and you've soaked these."

He teased her clit over the fabric in circles. As he pressed his lips into hers, she eagerly massaged her tongue against his. Running her hands across his chest, with one sliding over his trousers to squeeze his bulge. He let out a deep sigh into her mouth. He slipped his hand under the fabric, his fingers rubbed her folds before entering her, seeking her sweet spot while his thumb flicked over her nub.

She writhed and whimpered. Unfastening his trousers to touch him directly, stroking her hands along his length, teasing his tip between her fingers. She wanted him between her legs. She broke off the kiss, and wrapped her legs around his hips, trying to encourage him to escalate. Running her hands up his chest as she looked up at him biting her lower lip.

He took the hint, pulling his trousers down, sweeping her underwear to the side as he rubbed his cock tip against her folds before sinking inside. Looking down at her with that wolfish grin as he thrust in and out, their hips meeting. She let out moans as he filled her, her insides hugging around him as he reached deep within.

He rolled them over so she was on top. She enthusiastically rocked her hips into him, raising herself up and dropping down, over and over. He slid his fingers over her nub, rubbing it as she rode him. Both of them groaning from their mutual efforts. A hint of his wolfish grin present as his face slackened watching her on top of him.

He placed a hand on her ass and aggressively thrust upwards, bouncing her on his lap. She pushed her hands to his shoulders to hold herself up, against his vigorous motions. Moans profused from her as pleasure took over. That feeling she came to associate with him building within.

Her legs and hips and nub started their telltale trembling. Each breath rushing from her leaving mewling above him, eager to be sent to her finish. After a few more thrusts that delectable sensation surged from within, spreading through her, sending a delicious jolt up her spine, lighting up her synapses. Her eyes rolled back, eyelids fluttering as her muscles contracted. Her insides wringing out Alaric's release, feeling his warmth spread inside her as he drew taut, his face scrunching up. Both of them melting in a sweaty heap together on the bed.

He eventually rolled back on top of her. Quickly yanking her underwear off after he withdrew, watching his seed drip out of her as he tossed her underwear to the side.

She gave him a curious look at this action. He caught her expression and answered the unspoken question.

"I don't want it to be stained after one wearing," The wolfish grin back up. "I plan to see you in this again."

She tittered. "Any particular occasion or just when the mood takes you?"

"Oh, I'm sure something will come to me." He chuckled.

He pulled off his trousers before undoing the front laces on the half stay, pulling it over her head. He pulled back the bedcovers and lay them beneath.

She raised an eyebrow at him. "Is that all the 'serving' you require tonight?" She asked.

He laughed pulling her close to him. "Are you about to tell me you were unsatisfied? Or is your appetite just that voracious these days? You naughty thing." He purred in her ear.

She blushed. "Just checking."

He nuzzled her neck. "There's always tomorrow."

He closed his eyes and settled down to sleep, she soon joined him.

Alaric was gone by the time she awoke the next morning. Leaving her to be escorted back home with Dickenson. While she had initially chafed at this escort at the beginning of her and Alaric's relationship. Having a large intimidating man walking next to her as she made her way home always discouraged any chancers who might try and bother her. She would see eyes look her up and down with interest, then think better of it when they saw Dickenson. If only it didn't require another man to enforce that courtesy.

She thanked him and bid him goodbye when she reached her front door and went inside, getting started with breakfast with her siblings bounding around and her mother soon joining. As they sat down and ate there, was a knock at the door. Cassya got up and answered it to be greeted with a man well dressed yet not expensively so.

He addressed her quietly. "Cassya Wainwright?" She nodded. "I have a letter for you."

He passed her an envelope, gave her a nod and promptly left. Cassya felt slightly bewildered by the interaction. Who was sending her post? She closed the door, when she studied the envelope there was a crest with an 'M' intricately emblazoned next to it. It then dawned on Cassya who it probably was.

The twins' interest was piqued. Bombarding her with questions.

"Who was that, he's not the usual postman?" Asked Ash.

"What about that letter? It looks fancy, what does it say?" Willow practically bounced as she asked the question.

Cassya shut them both down. Sounding as nonchalant and as unenthused as she could. "Boring adult stuff. It's just a different postman today, finish your breakfast."

She marched upstairs and closed her bedroom door. Calling it a bedroom was charitable, it was a small room that could fit a bed in it. But it was at least her own space that she didn't have to share with the twins. She opened up the envelope and looked at the contents, it was an invitation.

'I, Lady Claudette Marlberg cordially invite you to a gathering I shall be holding. It would be lovely if you could attend 'Winnifred Carstark'. I'm sure it will be a memorable evening.'

The details of when and where were written below. Winifred Carstark was written in obvious quotation marks. She would have to show this to Alaric later, there was no way she would be attending this by herself. She put it in her pocket and went back down to breakfast.

Her mother raised an eyebrow at her as she sat down. "Work related?"

Cassya nodded, sighing.

When the twin's finished eating and left the table Cassya handed the slip of paper with the details of Alaric's lawyer written to her mother.

"What's this?" She asked.

"Alaric's lawyer. I mentioned yesterday's rumour to him, he thought it best to start the legal process to make sure he can't financially hurt us further. He'll compensate the lawyer."

Her mother took this in then nodded, putting the paper in her pocket. "I'll get on that today. I'm not even going to ask what he wanted in return."

She soon left for work, Cassya spent her day normally, only briefly stepping out to go to the market while the twins were at school. She wandered around the stalls finding the best prices for what was needed to refill the pantry. She found herself gazing at the butcher's stall pondering if she could afford to buy meat. Thinking how long it had been since the twins had any. As she stood there trying to decide, a familiar voice disturbed her.

"What meal are you planning to cook? I'm sure it will be delicious." He asked warmly.

Cassya turned to look at the source. Giving him a polite smile. "Whatever I can afford, if I can, Doctor."

He was a man of average height, brown hair and eyes with a close trimmed beard and glasses.

"Well, as a bachelor who's both too busy to cook and a disaster in the kitchen, why don't you do me the favour of cooking it for me if I buy some. Keep part of it for yourself as compensation, perhaps I could join you for dinner."

"Oh I couldn't possibly, doctor, that's far too generous of you. I would hate to abuse your kindness." Cassya tried to keep her smile friendly. Wanting to evade the undercurrent of his request.

"Please call me Anselm. Besides, you would be doing me a favour. I haven't had a home cooked meal in so long, isn't it the twin's birthday soon? I'm sure having meat for dinner would make it special." He insisted, giving her an inviting grin.

She tried to keep the smile on her face. She wanted to refuse, but it would put meat on the table and she didn't want to offend him. He was the only doctor in the area who didn't charge extortionate prices.

"If you're sure, perhaps just some oxtail. That's not too much, assuming you like stew?"

He flashed her a smile. "Certainly I'd love some." He purchased some from the stall and handed the parcel to her. "I'll pop by tomorrow evening, looking forward to it. Good Day to you Miss Wainwright."

"Good Day, Anselm." She bid him goodbye.

He tipped his hat at her and went on his way. Cassya sighed internally, this was an extra complication she didn't need. She needed to find a way to nip this in the bud without causing upset. She returned home adding her haul to the pantry. Before going to collect the twin's from school. Passing time until dinner and her mother got home.

As she prepared supper her mother returned.

"Mother, we have a guest for dinner tomorrow." Cassya announced.

"Who, why?" Her mother inquired.

"Doctor Anselm. He made it hard for me to deny him. He bought us meat and asked to enjoy some of it cooked." Cassya answered.

Her mother sighed, sidling up to her and speaking to her in hushed tones. "What if he's still here when Dickenson or the carriage come for you?"

"We lie or try to get him out of here beforehand. I couldn't risk offending him Mother, you know we can't afford any of the other doctors around." Cassya reasoned.

Her mother groaned. "No, you're right. We just don't want him to start asking questions. Nothing to be done about it now." She said resigned.

They ate dinner, both she and her mother poking at their food in frustration. Cassya ate what she could before Dickinson arrived to pick her up. Walking to Alaric's with the invitation in her pocket. Arriving and walking upstairs to his office. Him greeting her with a smile as she walked in closing the door behind him.

"Evening." She greeted him. "I received this, this morning. Delivered right to my door." She handed him the invite for his perusal.

He looked it over, laughing. "She's such a cheeky bitch. I got one too, I have my excuse to buy you another dress."

"Do I have to? I feel we barely got away with it last time." Cassya asked with reluctance.

"After the effort Claudette put in to ask you personally? It would be quite rude not to show up." He teased.

"Is this just a roundabout way for her to have another chance to seduce me? Because I'm not interested." Cassya huffed.

Alaric raised his eyebrows. "Are you sure about that? She is stunning." He jibed.

Cassya narrowed her eyes, pouting at him. He chuckled. "If she was trying to get up close and personal she would invite you to a more private occasion, not a large public party. She's got something else in mind."

"I'm not sure I want to be involved in whatever she's got planned, regardless." Cassya huffed.

"Aww, I'll be there to hold your hand. Claudette is a very good person to have in your corner. Getting her favour can only be to your benefit. Besides..." he pulled a mock attempt at puppy dog eyes. "... I need you again to protect me from the rabid ladies of high society. They'll eat me alive." He said in a facetious tone.

It earned a chuckle from her. "Fine, but I'm going to hate it."

He grinned. "And that is your right to do so."

She sighed, pinching her fingers over the bridge of her nose. "There's way too much to think about."

He smirked. "Sounds like you need to have some distracting fun."

She cocked an eyebrow at him, he got up and walked to the door. "Stay here for the time being." He walked through it, she heard him walk downstairs.

A few minutes later he returned, the wolfish grin on his face. "How about we play a game?"

She looked at him curiously. "What kind of game?"

He kept grinning. "Think of it as a variation of hide and seek. Take off everything except your underwear."

She eyed him speculatively before obliging. Stripping down to just her bloomers and petticoat.

He continued. "I've dismissed the servants for the night and turned out the lights. You have the time it takes me to finish a glass of whiskey to find a good hiding spot. If you manage to evade me for half an hour I'll give you a bag of gold." He walked over to her and spoke in a low sultry tone. "If I catch you I'll do whatever I like to you... within reason."

She smirked. "I'm looking forward to my bag of gold."

His grin became wider. "That's the spirit..." he poured himself a glass of whiskey and picked it up. "... run, run, little red riding hood." He purred.

She instinctively squeezed between her legs, before dashing out of the door into the darkened house. She moved as softly as she could searching for the perfect hiding spot. Moving downstairs, she searched through his spare bedrooms, finding none of them suitable. Then contemplated the full length closets, but realised she would be found as soon as he opened them. She was moving through the kitchen on the ground floor, when she heard footsteps upstairs. Rushing as quietly as she could, she lunged under the dining room table, hoping the tablecloth would obscure her from view. He reached the bottom of the stairs, turning into the bedroom to the right of them to check there first. Then moved into the living room, before marching to the kitchen.

She silently shuffled across the floor to the living room before he would inevitably check the dining room and the most obvious hiding spot. Obscuring herself behind one of the sofas as he pulled up the cloth on the dining table. He moved up to the next floor, she covertly crawled across the floor, to the bedroom he had already checked. Hiding under the bed and feeling pleased with herself.

He was unlikely to come and check somewhere he had already searched. She lay under it, a smug self-satisfied grin on her face. After a few minutes she realised she couldn't hear any of his boot steps upstairs. Had he given up or was he just too far away to hear? She wondered how she was going to be able to tell when the half hour was up. She kept her attention focused on the door, just in case he decided to come back down and check again.

She heard his voice behind her. "Found you!"

She startled, looking back to see him leaning under the bed looking at her. She scrambled out as he tried to reach for her, narrowly missing. She quickly stood up, pulling open the door and running through. She sprinted up the stairs, trying to think which room she could lose him in but he closed the distance between them in seconds. Grabbing her from behind and pulling her close as she reached the landing.

"Caught you... I win." he growled in her ear.

He drew her wrists behind her back, binding them with a length of silk ribbon. Then turned her around, lowering her to her knees. Cassya kneeled before him, quavering with anticipation. Moistness forming between her legs and her nipples hardening whilst he looked down at her with a victorious hint to his wolfish grin. Dragging his thumb across her lower lip.

With his other hand he unfastened his trousers pushing them down to his thighs before he replaced his thumb with his cock head, fully tumescent as he made her kiss it, rubbing it against her lips.

"Open your mouth and suck it." He ordered, his tone somewhere between a purr and a growl.

Cassya obeyed, eager to do as he said. Parting her lips and letting him inside. Caressing her tongue underneath and tenderly sucking on him. Watching him bite his lip, his expression ecstatic as she bobbed her head along him, up and down. Running both of his hands through her hair, keeping it out of her face and guiding her to a depth he was happy with. Her mouth was full but it was not reaching her throat, only swallowing half his length. Him lightly rocking his hips into her. She could feel him pulsing in her mouth. When he began to thrust deeper he triggered her gag reflex.

He immediately pulled out, seeing her cough on her knees beneath him, he had an almost feral look on his face. He pulled her back to her feet, pushing her against the wall. He slipped his fingers into her bloomers to find her folds dripping wet. He tore them off her. Sticking his face between her legs, sucking and nipping on her nub. Unstoppable pants and gasps came from Cassya as she sank into joy. He grasped her inner thighs, keeping her legs spread. When he felt her nub start to twitch he paused, giving her a couple of teasing licks before pulling his lips away.

Gazing up at her blissful face tinged with disappointment. He grinned mischievously, before pulling back her hood, blowing on her nub making her shiver before tantalisingly flicking his tongue over again. Waiting until it started twitching, repeating the process. Watching the frustration return on her face, by the time he had teased her to the edge the third time and snatched it away, she was trembling with need. Aching for it. At the fourth time she was a quivering mess.

"You look like you want something, why don't you tell me what it is?" He asked teasingly, wearing the wolfish grin.

"Please let me come." She begged. Her chest heaving.

"How? Tongue, fingers or me deep inside." He returned to giving her torturous licks on her nub as she made her choice.

She writhed and moaned, his touch making it hard to think. As good as his tongue felt she wanted more.

"You... deep... inside." She answered shakily between breaths.

He stood up, parting her legs with his knees bending them as he angled himself at her entrance, coating his tip in her wetness as he rubbed against her. Teasing her further before he finally sank inside. Grasping her ass and lifting her as he straightened his knees, pinning her against the wall. He thrust in, hammering his hips against her. She wrapped her legs around him, holding him close as he reached deep inside. Guttural moans leaving her every time he filled her depths, they clung to him desperately as he pumped ecstasy into her. Watching her panting face as those blue eyes begged him for release.

When he snaked his fingers down to her nub, flicking it, she saw white. Her eyes rolled back as she devolved into a creature letting out needful mewls and whines as she trembled around him. She finally let out a scream, her toes curling as her whole body tensed up. Her insides pulsed and clenched around him, demanding his seed. He nipped the base of her neck, burying himself to the hilt as he drew taut, allowing himself to snap and leave a trace of himself behind. Grunting with the glorious sensation of her lower half clinging to him.

She leaned against him, dazed. He walked them away from the wall, pulling her off him. He unhooked her legs from around him and hoisted her over his shoulder. He gave her ass a playful slap, making her yelp before reaching down to grab the torn remains of her underwear before carrying her upstairs to his bedroom. When they got there he threw her onto the bed and took off his clothes, his boots were not present. She finally found the focus to speak.

"You cheated somehow didn't you?" She said in an accusatory manner, narrowing her eyes at him.

He laughed, beaming. "Using a tactical advantage that the other person isn't aware of is not cheating. It's just good sense, there was no rule against it. You just didn't think of it."

"Wait... but how? The door didn't move and I heard you go upstairs" She was puzzled.

He began to tease her nipples between his fingers, wearing that wolfish grin. "Maybe you'll work it out by the next time we play. For now, accept your defeat and your role as my captured prey for the night."

He brushed his lips against hers, opening them for a kiss, massaging his tongue against hers and sending a tingle between her legs. He deepened the kiss as he pinched her nipples, making her writhe beneath him. He nibbled her lower lip before he broke it off. He parted her thighs, using his knees to keep them separated so she couldn't close them if she tried. Then trailed his hands down from her breasts, teasing her nub and thrusting his fingers inside.

Quickly driving that pleasant sensation into her. It didn't take long for his skilled fingers to push her towards the edge, her nub twitching, her insides squeezing his digits and hips rocking, trying to take him deeper and increase the feeling.

Then he stopped. Leaving her frustrated and needy, giving her a smug look.

"Are you playing this game again?" She asked with irritation.

He chucked, then continued his ministrations, making her moan. "It's so much fun, you can't do anything like this. You are completely at my mercy, be stubborn if you want. Makes it more entertaining when you inevitably beg me to let you come." His wolfish grin spread wide.

He kept playing with her, irked at the destruction of her undergarments and whatever underhanded method he used to win the game. She considered holding out and being obstinate but soon started to weaken as he brought her close again. Her body giving him signals, letting him know.

Yet again he stopped, giving her a smug look, waiting for her to recede from the edge before recommencing his teasing. Her body was getting hotter and more eager.

His caresses felt more intense, making her writhe beneath him. Her hips frantically jerked against his fingers, leaving her panting and mewling. Getting so close again, only for him to sadistically stop, wearing that same grin.

She growled in frustration, narrowing her eyes at him.

Her attempt at anger melted away as he moved his fingers again.

"I am happy to make you come, you just need to say the words. Or perhaps you're happier to beg for it when you're hot and wet from being chased?" He taunted, wearing that grin.

This time, he pushed her to the edge instead of allowing her to pull back and he balanced her there. Keeping his touch so teasing and tantalising. It was torture. Her body was shaking, it felt like she was a piece of thread pulled tight, neither allowed to snap nor relax. It created a need like nothing else before. She wanted to come, feeling him pounding deep within.

She caved.

"I beg you... Alaric please... make me come."

"With pleasure." He purred.

He flipped her over onto her knees. Pulling her up and holding her by wrists so she was bent over in front of him. She felt him rub himself against her folds then penetrate her, slapping his hips against her ass. She let out a delighted groan. He raised her up further so her head rested against his shoulder, wrapping his arms around her chest to hold her there. Then he began relentlessly hammering himself into her. She let out mewls, whines and squeals of delight.

"Yesss!" She moaned.

Loving the feeling each thrust inspired, like she was sinking into a deliciously hot bath where the water made her tingle. She felt his breath on her neck, and he let out little grunts and growls next to her ear. Her sweet spot inside being ground into, sending jolts of bliss throughout. Her depths irresistibly hugged him as he pounded inside. Her bound hands could feel his stomach muscles contracting as he worked his hips, feeling them move under her finger tips.

He slid a hand down, massaging her nub in circles. Her breath became fevered and shaky, her eyes glazing over before rolling back. She needed it, so close, it was coming, it wouldn't be denied. She screamed as it took her, an intense explosion of euphoria swept through every part of her body. It made her violently tremble, her internal muscles hungrily milking the cock offered to them.

Alaric groaned next to her ear, his own finish taking him as her insides spasmed around him. A wondrous surge flowing up his spine as he let out a gush of warmth deep within her.

Both of them, feeling depleted. He untied her wrists, then kissed her neck and cheek. She pulled her hands from behind her back, running her fingers across the arms he had wrapped around her. He lowered them both onto the bed, holding each other in the afterglow.

"You owe me new underwear." Cassya said quietly, too tired to make a fuss.

He answered with a similar level of energy. "There's spares in the drawer you can grab them in the morning."

She made an affirmative noise in acknowledgement. They shuffled under the covers, cuddling up and going to sleep.