Aurora
We are now sitting in a cafe just a few blocks from my office. Klaus holds a cup of espresso close to his lips, his eyes still searching mine.
"Well, that was one unexpected request. What's going on?"
I fiddle with my fingers, "I.. well.." I hang my head, thinking of the best answer to give him.
"I actually.." I suck in some air before I go on, "I don't want to bother you or sound so petty, but if I get married to you, I can get back at Zuriel."
Klaus puts down his cup, his eyes slowly widening in disbelief.
"That is the most straightforward answer someone has ever given me," he leans back into his seat.
"That's because I don't have the time and energy to cut corners with you. I don't want to base anything on lies."
He arches his brow, and looks away for a moment before looking back at me.
"Is that the only reason? Getting back at Zuriel?" He clears his throat.
I nod, "Just that. Oh, our business relationship will not be affected by this. If you wish, we can proceed."
He rubs his chin, his eyes falling on the table.
My heart races as I wait patiently for his answer. I don't know why, but I feel this is just the beginning of Zuriel's madness. I will have to step up the game when next I come in contact with him.
Klaus' eyes meet mine, "Well.."
His signature grin plays with his lips again, "Yes."
My heart leaps at his answer, "Oh! That's lovely," I grab his hand.
"I know this is sudden, and too rushed, but this is the best way we can probably teach him a lesson. I know he must have offended you, together we can do this!" I grin from ear to ear.
He laughs softly, "Whenever you are ready, we can conclude the arrangements," his hand retracts from mine.
He wraps his hand around his cup, and brings it back to his lips.
I nod, "I will prepare the documents soon, and send them to you by tomorrow evening at the latest."
He arches his brow, then lowers his cup, "Oh, I didn't know we were going this fast."
My smile falters, "I can slow down if that's–"
He raises his hand, "It's fine. I wasn't prepared for the date, that's all."
I exhale deeply. Partly from relief, and partly from overwhelming joy.
I can get back at all of them, and not only Zuriel. Oh, I can't wait to see the look on their faces when–
"Does this contract have a time limit?" His voice breaks my chain of thoughts.
Dazed, I raise my brows, "What?"
"Does this have some kind of time limit? I mean, how long is this marriage supposed to last?"
I suck in my lower lip, slightly squinting my eyes.
I never thought of a time limit.
"Uh.." I swallow, "Let's say a year?"
I look at him to see if he's fine with it. He doesn't say anything, he just stares at me, his eyes twinkling.
"You are a very beautiful, young woman. I wonder why Zuriel was so stupid he couldn't see that."
My cheeks, and my chest warm up at his words. The blood in my face grows hotter, and I immediately avoid eye contact.
"We.. were probably not meant to be," I mutter under my breath.
"Even if it meant bending, and weaving fate, I just wouldn't let you go."
Tingly sensations courses through my chest, traveling all the way down to my stomach.
"You don't mean.."
"I am a man of my words. I don't say what I don't mean," he sips from his drink.
A nervous smile is etched on my face. Beads of perspiration begin to form on my head.
Is this a mistake? Is there a chance he already–
No Aurora, snap out of it.
I clear my throat, "We probably shouldn't talk about him," I laugh.
"That's the reason we are here, right?" He retorts, that lazy grin ever etched on his face.
I roll my eyes, "We're talking about us."
He downs his coffee in one gulp, and places the cup on the table, "Of course. That's.. another thing we're here for."
Ugh, what is he? Some smartass?
"That's all for now. I don't think there's anything left to say," I rest back on the chair.
He smacks his lips, "mmh-mmh."
I can't help but notice how attractive his lips are. The moisture on his lips seems to make them shimmer under the light.
"Don't worry, you can have them all to yourself when we are married."
"Oh shut up," I get to my feet, feeling embarrassed because he caught me staring.
He imitates me, "Let me walk you off," he shoves his hands into his coat pockets.
"That wouldn't be necessary," I try to refuse, but he brings out a hand from his pocket, and wraps it around my hand.
"I'm 'practicing.'"
He looks down at me with a side eye, while I just give him an unamused look.
"Why do I feel you'll have terrible dad jokes?" I snort.
"I do have the best jokes, though," he guides me out of the Cafe, "They're not as terrible as my dad's."
I bend my head, feeling tickled. He seems like a genuinely nice person, maybe this isn't a mistake after all.
"Thank you for agreeing to this. This will help me in the long run."
"It would help me too. That's why it's a contract, you know?"
"You're correct."
He gently squeezes my hand, then lets go of it gently, leaving the cold air to rush back at it.
"I'll send a car to pick you up tomorrow. Just do well to send me your address. We can both sign the papers at once tomorrow," he continues, walking me back to my car.
"Of course–" my eyes dilate when I remember something.
"Klaus?"
"Hm?"
"You don't mind the fact that I have a kid. Do you? Well.. he is Zuriel's son, but Zuriel wanted him dead." I hold my breath.
Klaus gives me the most heartfelt smile I've seen in a while.
"We can't drag the boy into his father's mess, he's still precious. Of course, I don't mind."
I wrap my arms around his waist, "Thank you."
He pats my back, "Welcome.. soon to be wife."
"Tsk," I scoff playfully, disengaging from the hug.
"I'll see you around," he turns around, and walks in the opposite direction.
"This will go a long way," I mutter, getting into my car.