Ripley’s pov “This wasn’t so bad,” I said as Cas walked me to a cab. Driving wasn’t an option, not after the many drinks we had. I knew alcohol was the only way I would survive tonight’s date, although it had gone much better than I thought it would. He was actually kind of nice… Nope. Don’t go there. It was the amazing restaurant, the dress, and the gifts. It wasn’t Cas that made tonight tolerable. Right? And even if it was, it was probably fake. He was being nice to get me into bed. Yet somehow we still had a nice time, even after I told him to stop acting. “You sound surprised.” Cas replied, leaning against the wall. Did he do this on purpose? Nah, he probably doesn’t even have a social media app on his phone. He might not know about the trend of men leaning against things. He is hot, though. I’d give him that. Standing there with his pressed shirt, his beard combed perfectly, not a hair out of place. He smelled good, too. Not like that axe body kind of scent. But musky, m

Cas’ pov “Mommy? Who is that?” A tiny voice asked, waking me up. How the fuck did I fall asleep on that horrible sofa? It was so uncomfortable and mind-blowingly tiny, too. Who even makes sofas this fucking small? God, what the hell was I thinking coming here? At least Ripley let me touch her. And she opened up, kind of. Which meant she was getting used to me? Or maybe she was starting to like me? “Shit.” Ripley mumbled under her breath, looking up at me. We had dozed off on that tiny ass sofa. The whole place was tiny. One room, which held the kitchen and living room. It was filled with toys and cushions. Like, how many cushions does a small sofa need? And then crap everywhere. Picture frames, flowers, toys, and even more toys and papers. Just shit everywhere. It looked sort of clean last night, but in the light of day, it dawned on me what a crap apartment this was. Do people actually live like this? “This is my friend, um. Mr. Hemming.” Ripley said, standing up from the sofa

Cas’ pov Was this real? Was I real? Maybe I was. I wasn’t trying to be nice or act like the perfect gentleman. I wasn’t even thinking. I just wanted a break from life, from responsibilities, and from just everything really. I wanted to have a fun day with a great woman and two wonderful kids, like a regular family. And I know how fucked up that makes me look. I made a damn contract, not just that. I made a whole damn plan to ruin Ripley’s life, and now I was acting like I was part of her happy little family. Given them everything they wanted. In reality, I knew this wouldn’t last. But I also knew that I couldn’t go through with my plan. Even if we didn’t go on these ten dates, I wouldn’t fire Ripley or ruin her life. I couldn’t do that to her or the girls. God, these kids were fucking adorable. Even now, River had crawled into my lap to eat, and she had fallen asleep half way through. Her little, warm body was leaning back against mine. I had no clue why River seemed so drawn t

Cas' pov While I didn’t want to leave, I knew I couldn’t stay in this fantasy world we created. A world where I could date Ripley and be a part of her family. A world where I didn’t have any responsibly or where I didn’t offer myself up for some goddamn shares. Up until now, the deal we made with Kennedy’s parents didn’t bother me, but now I regret ever saying yes. Although I needed those shares to be free of my parents' control, right now it feels like I have given up too much. “So, I’ll see you tomorrow?” Ripley told me, after giving me a hug, to say goodbye. “I have a breakfast meeting, but I’ll try to see you at work. Otherwise, I’ll see you at lunch.” I would rip up the contract and tell Ripley the deal was off. But I would pay for her lawyer's fees and provide a new one. She could get whatever she needed from me while I thought of a way to fix everything I had started with that damn deal. Maybe Ripley was willing to wait until I had found a way out of this fucking mess. Ei

Cas’ pov It’s been a week since I’ve been home, and all I’ve done is focus on work while Kennedy and my mother have been busy redesigning the living room and main bedroom. It doesn’t fucking matter anyway. She can have my bedroom. I am not sleeping in there with that bitch. When she first rang the doorbell at my villa near the beach, I threw the door back in her face. “Cassius, we are getting married. You’re being petty.” She had said. “Petty… Fucking petty?” I scoffed. “You were cruel. There were many ways to make sure I stopped seeing Ripley, and you chose the one that hurt the most. You’re fucking evil.” Emmy looked at me through the glass door. “Open the door, Cassius. Once we get married, this will be my home too. Or do you want me to get your parents involved?” Like I was a fucking child. So I walked off, went back to my office, and started work. But true to her damn word, Emmy did indeed involve my mom. And mother dearest was happy to help. I thought about canceling th