Chap 3 Episode 3CLAIM ME NOW

Catherine Hilton doesn't exactly know how to feel. The thought of going back to the party was there, but at the same time, she promised herself that once she left, there was no way that she would look back again.

It was like she was in the middle of life and death, but this situation she was in was much worse.

Even though she was confused, Catherine just decided to shrug it all off.

"Oh fuck it, I'm going in," she whispered.

There isn't any emotion written on Cassian's face as he just watches her walking towards where he is.

"I never expected that you'd be this easy."

"Can you just quit talking and take me far away from here?"

Cassian just sighed and opened the door for her. As soon as both of them got inside and were finally settled. He didn't hesitate and finally started the engine to begin hitting the road.

"Don't you wanna try to bite the dust?"

Catherine paused and looked at him. She was finally done crying and was now just catching her breath.

"What do you mean? Wouldn't you appreciate it more if I don't marry your nephew in the first place?"

Cassian scoffed and shrugged his head. Catherine noticed how his hold on the steering wheel tightened as he didn't spare her any of his stares. Catherine took time to examine and appreciate his features. This was the first time that she got to look at him this close.

It was scary... yet, enchanting at the same time.

He was already in his mid-20s, and yet, he still looked young and desirable for any woman younger than his age. Catherine took in a sharp breath and decided to snap out of the dirty thoughts.

"You never failed to remind me that I'm no good for him, and yet, look at him. Won't you just be too proud to give him a clap? He fucking cheated on me."

Cassian didn't say anything. Soon enough, Catherine grew tired waiting for whatever his reply would be, she just decided to finally lean back on the passenger seat and just relax.

One thing's for sure, she doesn't know what will happen after this.

She doesn't even know what has gotten in her that made her go with him, but she doesn't care anymore. She would even be thankful if he'd take her life at any given moment. It's just that... she doesn't have any will to live anymore.

"How did you get my number by the way?"

"From Alastar–"

"Oh fuck it," she blurted out.

Cassian didn't say anything after that while Catherine rolled her eyes. She's feeling so miserable earlier, but now, she could swear that she's a bitch who could slap her now ex-boyfriend anytime she wants.

"Where do you plan to go now?"

Catherine looked at the man who took her away, his jaw tightened as his Adam's apple moved when he swallowed hard.

It was undeniable that it was already getting dark. Celebrating one's debut at night and then running away after doesn't sound like a good idea.

"Take me to your condo."

And shoot, that successfully got his attention. A ghost of a smirk went on Catherine's face when she noticed how he looked at her for a short second before focusing again on the road.

"I couldn't take you there," he said.

"If that's so, then just drop me off here. I could carry on by myself for tonight, but don't be too surprised if–"

"Fine, you can stay in my condominium," he sighed. "It'll be much safer 'cause I could keep an eye on you there. But it's only for tonight though."

The sweet victory of success conquered Catherine's system. She was smiling brightly as she looked out of the window.

"That's what I thought," she whispered.

"What?" he asked. But she didn't give him the satisfaction of not replying.

Soon enough, both of them finally reached the parking lot. Catherine was the first one to leave the car while Cassian hurried to get a hold of her arm.

"Why are you moving too fast? Do you even have any idea where exactly my room is?"

"This is crazy."

"What?"

Catherine hugged herself as soon as they entered the building. She immediately felt cold. It was like all the eyes were on her as she continued to walk by Cassian's side. Meanwhile, he was just quiet while looking at her.

"Fuck, I really hate wearing gowns. And my damn makeup's smudged."

There are a lot of large mirrors scattered around the walls of the hallway. It helps Catherine get to look exactly how she looks right now.

Cassian sighed as he removed his coat and put it around Catherine. She was immediately stopped as she looked at him, but he wasn't looking. She wants to express her appreciation for what he did, but she can't find the strength to do so.

The both of them just kept quiet until they finally reached his room.

As soon as they entered inside, Catherine's jaw dropped to the ground. It was large and majestic. His room was triple the size of her apartment as a whole. Its living room is even air-conditioned and has a carpet. The style was a mixture of baroque and modern.

The walls were painted with the color of white and gold while the furniture was mostly under the color of beige.

It was neat and pleasing to the eyes.

"I have two bedrooms, don't worry."

"I want to take a bath," she let out, completely ignoring what he just said.

Catherine turned to the man beside her. Cassian locked the door and just nodded.

"The bathroom's there," he pointed at the left corner of his room. "I also have a walk-in closet just near the bathroom, you could pick your clothes there after you're finished."

"Wait... so you keep women's clothing here?" Catherine raised an eyebrow. "For what? Do you wear it?"

Cassian smirked as he chuckled and disagreed. "It serves another purpose, Catherine. You shouldn't be asking me about it."

"Huh–"

He ignored her and just went to sit on the couch. Catherine swallowed hard as she finally realized that she's actually in his place right now. It was crazy.

Feeling overwhelmed but not wanting to just stay in one place and look stupid, she decides to just finally head towards the bathroom.

And just like her reaction the first time she saw his big living room, his comfort room was just as big as her bedroom. And it's even prettier with its darker shades and warm lights.

"I already know that he's got money, but damn, how much money does he have to afford all of this?"

Inside also lies a big jacuzzi, a shower, and a toilet in the corner, parted by glass walls.

She went ahead and opened the faucets for the water to gather in the jacuzzi.

After that, she stepped back and focused on her reflection in the mirror, she opened the faucet and let the water run out.

She looks dead. Dead inside. Her lips were pale and heavy tears completely washed away her makeup from earlier. Her eyes couldn't even hide the weariness she was feeling.

She looked like a mess.

Slowly, she washed her face with the cold running water before she closed it. Feeling bland, she went ahead and started removing her dress. She jumped in the half-full warm water of the jacuzzi as she slowly began to relax.

"Where will I find myself after this?" Catherine whispered in a low breath. "I'm damned."

As she opened her eyes and sat properly, she became horrified when her vision fixated on a large tarantula spider crawling on the right side of the jacuzzi.

"AGGGHHHH!"

Catherine's irritational fear of spiders immediately drove her crazy. Instantly, her screams filled the place while Cassian broke inside ruthlessly.

"Fuck! Get out!" Catherine immediately got down in the water to help cover her naked body. But it didn't help especially when the spider jumped into the water to scare her even more.

"AAAAAHHHHH!"

"Damn it, get here," with little to no effort, Cassian picked her up and covered her up with the towel he pulled from the corner.

Catherine was shivering as she leaned on his hard chiseled chest. Cassian carried her and put her down in the sink.

"Are you alright?"

He was standing so close, making it hard for her to breathe. It was like she was about to go hysterical. She doesn't know exactly what to say.

"I need to leave," Catherine pushed him away.

But before she could even make any more movements, Ashton immediately cornered her by putting his arms on her sides. Both of them swallowed hard as they met each other's gazes.

An intense foreign but addictive feeling rushed towards Catherine's system.

"You should stay here, Catherine."

"I said I need to leave. Let me go."

Ashton refused and even drew his face closer.

"Why are you even doing this?" Catherine cried. " I thought you hated me?"

Ashton paused and shrugged his head slowly.

"You wouldn't understand. I want to prove something since I first laid my eyes on you."

"W-What?"

His face hardened as he looked away.

"You're my nephew's girlfriend at the time, and it was so wrong. I thought the strange feeling might go away somehow, but now, I could confirm it."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

Ashton's eyes changed color as his pupils dilated. It was almost like it was glowing when he looked back at her again.

Catherine was breathless as she looked at his half-opened lips. Intense and undesirable thoughts formed in her mind as she ran out of breath.

"I'm sure you could also feel it too, Catherine..." Ashton stated. "You're my mate."

Catherine shrugged as she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Feeling overthrown, she stared at him dead serious in the eyes. "Stop spitting out nonsense, I need to go."

"You don't believe me?"

She pushed him hard enough for her to escape, but before she could reach the door, Ashton became successful in capturing her and pinning her against the wall.

She couldn't believe what was happening, she could feel her own heart beating so loud, but the way his heart beat for her was even louder. And when their lips touched, it felt like there'd be no tomorrow.

The way his tongue swiftly and smoothly moved inside of her mouth made her feel things. Catherine's eyes closed as she found herself pulling him in.

"A-Are... are you really my mate?" Catherine whispered under her breath.

"Are you still in denial?" Ashton replied.

Catherine shook her head relentlessly. She went ahead and kissed him back which caught him off guard.

"If you really are..."

Catherine licked her lower lip.

"... claim me now."