Share

A fortress to call home

Author: Voidprime
last update Last Updated: 2025-02-22 19:50:54

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."

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   A target to avoid

    She gingerly sat down on the white sofa closest to her, a few inches from the foot of the bed. She still couldn't push down the pangs of sharing a room, a bed with another person…...a man. She felt the weight of the box on her lap, her eyes looked forward and she bit the side of her lip, curiosity morphing into her features. She wanted to ask what it was but the fronted look Talon gave her showed that he wanted her to open the box herself. Which she did. Her fingers made quick work of the box’s lid as he pulled it off, staring at pile's of neatly stacked files inside the box. Files containing information on Zorro Ashwood. Why did he give her this, and why did this seem important?. Talon saw the confusion on her face and he sat in front of her, crossing his long legs. Dismissing the butler. "Why are you giving your brother's files to me?" Talon paused before leaning towards her, the space between their noses just a little. Halo instinctively leaned backwards, maintaining distance

    Last Updated : 2025-03-11
  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   Take me with

    Talon's lips curved up into a brief smile for a moment, watching as she fumbled for words. The box remained tight against her chest, as if she could use it as a shield between them."You like making me uncomfortable, don’t you?" she muttered.He tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Not at all. I simply like watching you squirm".Halo huffed. "Well, congratulations. If you keep this up you might see a lot of that"Talon chuckled but said nothing more. Instead, he walked toward the minibar at the far side of the bedroom, pouring himself a glass of something brown...... tequila?."Do you drink, I could pour you a glass?" He asked her although he could already assume her response."No, I drank the thing called beer once and it tasted foreign on my taste buds".He said nothing, another smile playing on his lips as he leaned against the wall, watching her. "You just got married to me, won't you at least celebrate?""There's not much to celebrate" she responded without tearing her eyes fro

    Last Updated : 2025-03-12
  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   Upgraded

    Talon leaned against the dresser, arms crossed, watching his own reflection with mild frustration. The brush in his hand felt foreign, the lipstick even more so. He had tried. Really, he had. But after a failed attempt at styling Halo’s hair and smudging her eyeliner in a way that made her look like a sleep-deprived raccoon, he accepted defeat.The last time he had done someone’s makeup or hair aside from his, had been for his mother. And that had been years ago while she was still alive. He had always liked helping her do those little things instead of letting the maids do it.Halo had sat still throughout his efforts, though he didn’t miss the flickers of withheld laughs dancing in her eyes. "I didn’t know you were so......determined" she had commented.Talon exhaled through his nose, throwing the makeup brush onto the dresser. “Your hair isn't just agreeing to bend to my will. Neither is your face"Hair like hers wasn't hair he was used to, and he found it frustrating how tangly he

    Last Updated : 2025-03-13
  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   Fools hath no place here

    'Talon Ashwood, well renowned billionaire and business mogul, Choosing the lesser twin".Ouch, Halo internally winced. Did they really have to put it that way?"The press, stupid as always"Talon scoffed, his voice not low in any way. Halo pinched his arm. They were in front of a lot of cameras clicking lights at them, he had to be careful with what he said. She didn't want this to turn south.Talon didn't care."Who wrote the headline?"He called out, her fingers resting on his arm and his eyes shooting daggers at the camera. A smile murmured slithered through the crowd. He raised his finger up and gestured for the camera's flashing in his face to be lowered."I repeat, who wrote the headline, the lesser twin it says?""Talon please" Halo cautioned, unsure of what he was planning to do next. No one gave a response, and it looked like he was running out of patience for one."We're leaving" he simply said.She arched a brow, "No, we....we only just got here""And I do not like it here

    Last Updated : 2025-03-15
  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   Choosing different

    At the center of the Remington's living room sat Talon Ashwood, calm, composed and utterly in control. Across him sat Scarlet Remington, pen poised above the contract, while she read it with excitement in her eyes. Her glamorous ruby red dress clung to her like a second skin, her nails manicured to match. Her parents, the Remington's, Mr Alfred and his wife Dolores sat beside her with wide smiles. Their eyes, proud and eager.This was it, the deal that would tie the Remington's to the Ashwood's. Both their families and stocks.Two lawyers sat on each side representing the families and overseeing the documents. Talon tugged on his straight black tie impatiently. This contract was a mere formality, this marriage, a necessity. His father had made that much clear, if he scored himself a wife before the stroke of midnight, then he would get the one thing he needed.Scarlet twirled the pen gracefully between her fingers, a smirk on her face as her signature on the paper began to dry. "I

    Last Updated : 2025-02-22
  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   Inked

    It was news to Talon that the Remington family, although wealthy and of high standards, had recently dipped themselves in a pothole full of muddy water. In summary, an uncalculated investment had plunged them into jeopardy.Their funds were at the lowest it had ever been in decades and that was why Talon's marital offer was welcomed with open arms by the Remington's.Mr Alfred's hands slightly shook, if Talon had already found out about it then it meant that little by little the news could leak and it wouldn't take long before a blazing headline carrying the near bankruptcy of the Remington family would be splashed all over news channels. He needed to salvage the situation."Scarlet....," he said turning to his golden child "I think you should let your sister sign""Dad!" Scarlet shouted, her fists..balled.Mrs Dolores shook her head and moved towards her daughter's side, holding Scarlet's arm in order to calm her down."Mr Ashwood, you are making a mistake choosing my other daughter"

    Last Updated : 2025-02-22
  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   A daughter, for a deal

    "No hard feelings anywhere, this is purely business. A daughter from you to me and in exchange, an investment from me to you. You should even be grateful, because her signature on these papers mean that you get to keep your funds, our ties, and your family name"He handed the documents to the lawyer he came with while the Remington's lawyer just stood there, in front of him sat the paper that had previously been signed by Scarlet, utterly meaningless.Scarlet took another step forward, her composure finally cracking. “Halo,” she snapped. “You don’t even know what you’re getting yourself into. You aren't fit for him”“I know enough,” Halo replied, her voice softer but firm. “And I know that he didn’t want you.”Scarlet recoiled as though she had been slapped.Dolores opened her mouth to speak, but Talon was already turning away, pulling Halo along with him as if dismissing the entire conversation. His movements were smooth, decisive, leaving no room for argument.“The car,” he said sim

    Last Updated : 2025-02-22
  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   Bound in law

    "We will now proceed."A young clerk stepped forward, holding a thin stack of papers. She adjusted her glasses before speaking. "The marriage will be legally recognized once both parties consent, sign, and declare their vows in the presence of the judge and appointed witnesses." She paused, then glanced between them. "Do you wish to recite personal vows or proceed with the standard declaration?"Talon opened his mouth to speak but paused, giving Halo the opportunity to. He slightly tapped her back signaling for her to say something."I......uh, standard, yes i'd prefer standard"Talon nodded in agreement. He wasn't big on the whole kissing at the altar or court thingy anyways. The clerk barely reacted to her response before continuing. "In accordance with the law, do both parties understand that this union is legally binding and requires a formal dissolution should either party choose to part ways?""Yes," Talon answered.Halo hesitated, then whispered in agreement, "Yes."Mr. Vikram

    Last Updated : 2025-02-22

Latest chapter

  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   Fools hath no place here

    'Talon Ashwood, well renowned billionaire and business mogul, Choosing the lesser twin".Ouch, Halo internally winced. Did they really have to put it that way?"The press, stupid as always"Talon scoffed, his voice not low in any way. Halo pinched his arm. They were in front of a lot of cameras clicking lights at them, he had to be careful with what he said. She didn't want this to turn south.Talon didn't care."Who wrote the headline?"He called out, her fingers resting on his arm and his eyes shooting daggers at the camera. A smile murmured slithered through the crowd. He raised his finger up and gestured for the camera's flashing in his face to be lowered."I repeat, who wrote the headline, the lesser twin it says?""Talon please" Halo cautioned, unsure of what he was planning to do next. No one gave a response, and it looked like he was running out of patience for one."We're leaving" he simply said.She arched a brow, "No, we....we only just got here""And I do not like it here

  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   Upgraded

    Talon leaned against the dresser, arms crossed, watching his own reflection with mild frustration. The brush in his hand felt foreign, the lipstick even more so. He had tried. Really, he had. But after a failed attempt at styling Halo’s hair and smudging her eyeliner in a way that made her look like a sleep-deprived raccoon, he accepted defeat.The last time he had done someone’s makeup or hair aside from his, had been for his mother. And that had been years ago while she was still alive. He had always liked helping her do those little things instead of letting the maids do it.Halo had sat still throughout his efforts, though he didn’t miss the flickers of withheld laughs dancing in her eyes. "I didn’t know you were so......determined" she had commented.Talon exhaled through his nose, throwing the makeup brush onto the dresser. “Your hair isn't just agreeing to bend to my will. Neither is your face"Hair like hers wasn't hair he was used to, and he found it frustrating how tangly he

  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   Take me with

    Talon's lips curved up into a brief smile for a moment, watching as she fumbled for words. The box remained tight against her chest, as if she could use it as a shield between them."You like making me uncomfortable, don’t you?" she muttered.He tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Not at all. I simply like watching you squirm".Halo huffed. "Well, congratulations. If you keep this up you might see a lot of that"Talon chuckled but said nothing more. Instead, he walked toward the minibar at the far side of the bedroom, pouring himself a glass of something brown...... tequila?."Do you drink, I could pour you a glass?" He asked her although he could already assume her response."No, I drank the thing called beer once and it tasted foreign on my taste buds".He said nothing, another smile playing on his lips as he leaned against the wall, watching her. "You just got married to me, won't you at least celebrate?""There's not much to celebrate" she responded without tearing her eyes fro

  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   A target to avoid

    She gingerly sat down on the white sofa closest to her, a few inches from the foot of the bed. She still couldn't push down the pangs of sharing a room, a bed with another person…...a man. She felt the weight of the box on her lap, her eyes looked forward and she bit the side of her lip, curiosity morphing into her features. She wanted to ask what it was but the fronted look Talon gave her showed that he wanted her to open the box herself. Which she did. Her fingers made quick work of the box’s lid as he pulled it off, staring at pile's of neatly stacked files inside the box. Files containing information on Zorro Ashwood. Why did he give her this, and why did this seem important?. Talon saw the confusion on her face and he sat in front of her, crossing his long legs. Dismissing the butler. "Why are you giving your brother's files to me?" Talon paused before leaning towards her, the space between their noses just a little. Halo instinctively leaned backwards, maintaining distance

  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   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 somethi

  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   Bound in law

    "We will now proceed."A young clerk stepped forward, holding a thin stack of papers. She adjusted her glasses before speaking. "The marriage will be legally recognized once both parties consent, sign, and declare their vows in the presence of the judge and appointed witnesses." She paused, then glanced between them. "Do you wish to recite personal vows or proceed with the standard declaration?"Talon opened his mouth to speak but paused, giving Halo the opportunity to. He slightly tapped her back signaling for her to say something."I......uh, standard, yes i'd prefer standard"Talon nodded in agreement. He wasn't big on the whole kissing at the altar or court thingy anyways. The clerk barely reacted to her response before continuing. "In accordance with the law, do both parties understand that this union is legally binding and requires a formal dissolution should either party choose to part ways?""Yes," Talon answered.Halo hesitated, then whispered in agreement, "Yes."Mr. Vikram

  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   A daughter, for a deal

    "No hard feelings anywhere, this is purely business. A daughter from you to me and in exchange, an investment from me to you. You should even be grateful, because her signature on these papers mean that you get to keep your funds, our ties, and your family name"He handed the documents to the lawyer he came with while the Remington's lawyer just stood there, in front of him sat the paper that had previously been signed by Scarlet, utterly meaningless.Scarlet took another step forward, her composure finally cracking. “Halo,” she snapped. “You don’t even know what you’re getting yourself into. You aren't fit for him”“I know enough,” Halo replied, her voice softer but firm. “And I know that he didn’t want you.”Scarlet recoiled as though she had been slapped.Dolores opened her mouth to speak, but Talon was already turning away, pulling Halo along with him as if dismissing the entire conversation. His movements were smooth, decisive, leaving no room for argument.“The car,” he said sim

  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   Inked

    It was news to Talon that the Remington family, although wealthy and of high standards, had recently dipped themselves in a pothole full of muddy water. In summary, an uncalculated investment had plunged them into jeopardy.Their funds were at the lowest it had ever been in decades and that was why Talon's marital offer was welcomed with open arms by the Remington's.Mr Alfred's hands slightly shook, if Talon had already found out about it then it meant that little by little the news could leak and it wouldn't take long before a blazing headline carrying the near bankruptcy of the Remington family would be splashed all over news channels. He needed to salvage the situation."Scarlet....," he said turning to his golden child "I think you should let your sister sign""Dad!" Scarlet shouted, her fists..balled.Mrs Dolores shook her head and moved towards her daughter's side, holding Scarlet's arm in order to calm her down."Mr Ashwood, you are making a mistake choosing my other daughter"

  • A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride   Choosing different

    At the center of the Remington's living room sat Talon Ashwood, calm, composed and utterly in control. Across him sat Scarlet Remington, pen poised above the contract, while she read it with excitement in her eyes. Her glamorous ruby red dress clung to her like a second skin, her nails manicured to match. Her parents, the Remington's, Mr Alfred and his wife Dolores sat beside her with wide smiles. Their eyes, proud and eager.This was it, the deal that would tie the Remington's to the Ashwood's. Both their families and stocks.Two lawyers sat on each side representing the families and overseeing the documents. Talon tugged on his straight black tie impatiently. This contract was a mere formality, this marriage, a necessity. His father had made that much clear, if he scored himself a wife before the stroke of midnight, then he would get the one thing he needed.Scarlet twirled the pen gracefully between her fingers, a smirk on her face as her signature on the paper began to dry. "I

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status