A fortress to call home

The engine's hum pulled Halo from her thoughts. The lawyer came out of the driver's seat and held the door open for both of them. Talon ushered her in before moving inside himself, placing the envelope beside him.

"Do you know where we are headed?" He asked the quiet girl. Sitting at the far end of the seat, away from him. That wouldn't do, his goal was to make her warm up to him. Talon had an important task to allocate to Halo and that constituted part of the reason why he chose her instead of Scarlet.

"I do not know" she responded stiffly, curled into one corner. Her legs resting on the car seats instead of the floor. The pleasant scent of his perfume wafting in the air.

"Minutes ago you didn't mind my hand on your back, now you act like one touch or even looking at me will turn you to stone"

She raised her head up, still avoiding eye contact with him.

What could she possibly do if she pushed at consummating the marriage. She hadn't even considered that beforehand.

"There's something I would like us to discuss when we get to our next destination. In private, please"

Talon's eyes narrowed but he nodded nonetheless, wondering what it could be. Judging by the expression on her face while they were waiting outside. It seemed like something had indeed startled his new bride.

••••••••

The drive was long and Halo had drifted off. A tap on her cheek woke her and she nearly jumped. Her head was resting on Talon's shoulder.

"We're here" He announced, arranging the sleeve of his suit where slight traces of drool could be seen.

Halo went mortified with embarrassment. Although he simply waved it off. He pushed open the car door and alighted, with her following behind.

The mansion loomed ahead, grand and imposing, surrounded by an expanse of land that stretched endlessly. Tall iron gates parted as they approached, revealing a beautifully paved driveway lined with neatly trimmed hedges.

As a Remington, she had known luxury, but this? Talon was the utter definition of wealth.

"Welcome home". He announced in a welcoming manner.

The house staff emerged, bowing. She partially hid behind him. "Is your family here?" Her current attire wasn’t fit for an Ashwood’s wife. A terrible first impression.

"No. You’ll meet them when Father requests it." She exhaled in relief. "Besides, this isn't the family estate. It’s ours. No one intrudes without prior notice."

As they entered, staff greeted her at every turn. They weren’t ignoring her, they weren't avoiding her. They acknowledged her. She smiled, a real, toothy grin. Talon was taken aback. Against her gleaming dark skin, the sight was........not bad.

Halo followed Talon inside, her steps cautious as she took in the grandeur of the space. Marble floors gleamed beneath her. Everything was polished, curated.

Halo swallowed. She had expected luxury, but this was something else entirely. The house seemed like a fortress and a home at the same time.

Talon walked a few steps ahead, glancing back when he realized she had slowed down. "Impressed?"

She hesitated, then nodded. "It is tastefully furnished"

A chuckle escaped his lips. "You’ll get used to it."

A butler approached, bowing slightly. "Sir, the interior company has successfully renovated the master's bedroom to your adequate instructions"

He nodded and proceeded to lead the way to his bedroom.

She followed in silence, her mind tangled with questions. The butler didn't mention two different rooms, he referred to renovating Talon's room only. Would she be sleeping on the couch, in the basement?.

He stopped in front of a large, double-door suite. And with a gentle push, the door opened.

Halo's lips formed an 'O' for the third time in a row.

The room was breathtaking. A canopy bed with silk sheets stood at the center, its frame crafted from deep mahogany. To the side, floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the space in soft evening light, overlooking the vast gardens below. A vanity sat against the wall, beside an en-suite bathroom with a massive tub she could probably drown in. The decor was elegant, neutral, yet undeniably sophisticated.

It was a spacious, comfortable, and Halo friendly environment.

She turned to him, her fingers curling into her palms. "This isn’t what I expected at all."

He studied her, his gaze sharp yet unreadable. "What did you expect?"

"Something colder. Less personal." She responded quickly, pressing her lips together as soon as the words left his lips. She didn't want to offend him by referring to his demeanor as cold.

Although, the Ashwood's were too much a feared family. Especially what she had read and heard about their son's, painting them to be the stereotypical ruthless men in dark romance novels.

She had expected Talon's bedroom to be all black with a dragon figurine looming above the bed frame.

Talon smirked, stepping closer.

"It initially had a few splashes of gloomy colours as I like a little black and red for myself. But I had to re arrange that, as I have a new roommate"

She nodded, feeling grateful but at the same time anxious about sharing a room with him. But before she could piece the words together to say something, he straightened. "Now, about that thing you wanted to discuss?"

Halo stiffened. Right. The question that had been haunting her since they left the courthouse.

She cleared her throat and prepared to speak.

"I don't that we should-"

A knock sounded on the door, cutting her off.

Talon’s turned, guessing who it was.

"Come in"

The butler entered the room, holding a sleek black box. "Sir, the package you requested for has arrived."

Talon’s expression grew serious as he took the box. He then turned back to Halo, holding it out to her.

"Before we talk, open this first."

Halo blinked, hesitating before reaching for the box. The moment her fingers brushed against it, she felt the weight of whatever was inside.

She glanced up at him, confused.

Talon only smirked.

"You might want to sit down for this."