A week after the London Film Festival, I returned to the familiar rhythm of work. The whirlwind of the red carpet and the charged moments with James felt like a distant memory, one I was hesitant to revisit in the harsh light of day.

I was reviewing a particularly dense financial report when my phone buzzed with a reminder - Publicist Meeting, 2 PM. I sighed, massaging my temples. These meetings with Clara, while necessary, always left me feeling drained.

At precisely 2 PM, I walked into Clara's office, unsurprised to find James already there, lounging in a chair like he owned the place. He greeted me with a smirk and a once-over that made my skin prickle. I ignored him, turning my attention to Clara.

"Noreen, looking fabulous as always," Clara gushed, air-kissing my cheeks. "Now, let's get down to business, shall we?"

She pulled out a stack of newspapers and magazines, spreading them across her desk. "The response to your appearance at the Film Festival has been phenomenal. Look at these headlines - 'Power Couple Dazzles on Red Carpet,' 'James Maeers Off the Market, Society Ladies Weep.'"

I picked up one of the articles, skimming it quickly. It was strange seeing myself through the media's lens. In their eyes, James and I were the picture of romance, a true fairy tale.

"This is great," James said, leaning forward. "Exactly the kind of buzz we were hoping for."

Clara nodded. "It is. This is why we need another compelling moment to sell. I've been thinking - what better way to capitalise on this than by introducing Noreen's parents to yours, James? A little 'meet the fam' moment, captured for social media, of course."

I stiffened, a knot forming in my stomach. Introducing James to my family, pretending to be head over heels in front of them...it felt like a line I wasn't ready to cross.

"I don't know, Clara," I said slowly. "Using our families to sell our image doesn't sound right."

Clara waved a dismissive hand. "Nonsense. It's the perfect next step. The public wants to see more of this love story, and what better way than by giving them a glimpse into your private lives?"

James was watching me, his expression unreadable. "I think it's a good idea," he said after a beat. "My parents would elated to meet yours, Noreen."

I bit my lip, torn. On one hand, the thought of dragging my family into this sham made my stomach churn. On the other...Clara was right. The Film Festival had given us a considerable boost. It would be foolish not to capitalise on it.

"Fine," I said at last. "But can we agree to keep these...family engagements to a minimum? I don't want this taking over our lives."

Clara clapped her hands, already pulling out her planner. "Of course. Quality over quantity. Now, let me just make a few calls..."

And just like that, it was decided. In two weeks, the Hunter and Maeers would meet for a cosy weekend getaway, a picture-perfect family moment orchestrated for public consumption.

As I left Clara's office, James fell into step beside me. "Well, that was unexpected," he said, his tone light.

I shot him a look. "Unexpected but not entirely unwelcome, it seems. You were awfully quick to agree."

He shrugged. "Why not? It's a good move, strategically speaking. Besides," he added, his voice dropping to a murmur, "it gives me an excuse to spend more time with you."

I rolled my eyes, ignoring the flutter in my stomach. "And I want to keep my distance..."

His eyes glinted. "For now, perhaps."

Before I could respond, he was gone, leaving me standing in the hallway with a racing heart and a sinking feeling that he might be right.

✦﹒✦﹒✦

Two weeks later, I was on a private jet headed to Scotland, James by my side. In her infinite wisdom, Clara had arranged a weekend getaway for our families at a secluded country estate.

"It's perfect," she'd insisted. "Picturesque, private, and plenty of opportunities for candid family moments."

I'd argued that it seemed excessive for a simple photo op, but Clara was adamant. And so, here we were, soaring over the lush green landscape, en route to play happy families.

James seemed utterly at ease, sipping a scotch as he reviewed some documents. I envied his nonchalance. My own stomach was tied in knots, nerves eating away at me.

It wasn't just the prospect of acting in front of our families. It was the sleeping arrangements. After the events at James's family estate, the thought of sharing a room with him again filled me with a heady mix of anxiety and anticipation.

The plane touched down, and we were whisked away to the estate. It was breathtaking, all rolling hills and craggy cliffs. The house was a grand old thing with weathered stone and ivy-covered walls.

James's parents had arrived ahead of us, greeting us warmly in the foyer. My parents would arrive later, and their flight from Southampton was delayed.

"Noreen, sweetheart, welcome!" Evelyne pulled me into a hug. Over her shoulder, I caught James's father studying me, a speculative glint in his eye.

I plastered on a smile as we made small talk, all the while acutely aware of James's presence at my side. Every brush of his arm against mine sent a shudder through my body.

The afternoon passed in a blur of unpacking and exploring the grounds.

When my parents and my younger brother Nathan arrived, I was more than ready for a buffer. But to my surprise, they took to the Maeers immediately, bonding over shared stories of James and my childhood antics.

"He's a keeper, Noreen!" my mother, a petite brunette, stage-whispered after a particularly embarrassing tale about a disastrous school play.

I caught my father's gaze. He was tall and stern-looking, but his blue eyes were soft as they met mine. "You look good, Nori," he said gruffly. "Happy."

I swallowed around the sudden lump in my throat.

At dinner, we were joined by the private chef Clara had hired for the weekend. "To allow you to focus on family bonding," she'd said with a wink.

As the wine flowed, I felt myself begin to relax. James's father was in his element, playing mixologist and keeping everyone's glasses full. He was charming in a roguish sort of way. I could see where James got it from.

I had appointed Nathan as the weekend photographer. The black-haired nineteen-year-old flitted about, snapping candids and cajoling us into group shots.

"Smile, sis!" he called, aiming his lens at me. "Pretend you actually like your fiancé!"

I rolled my eyes but obliged, leaning into James. His arm slipped around my waist, pulling me close. I fought back a blush as his thumb stroked my hip.

Under the table, his other hand found my thigh, giving it a squeeze. I shot him a warning glare, but he merely smirked, his eyes dancing with mischief.

James's father grew increasingly gregarious as the evening wore on, his booming laugh echoing through the dining room. He cornered me as I was refilling my wine, his gaze intent.

"You know, Noreen," he said, his words slightly slurred, "you must be quite special to have captured my James's heart."

I shifted, uncomfortable under his scrutiny. "Oh, I don't know about that..."

He waved off my protest. "Nonsense! I've never seen him like this before. Smitten. You're amazing, my dear. He's never brought a girl home to meet the family before." I swallowed, guilt twisting in my gut.

But as the hour grew late and we all retired to our rooms, my nerves returned full force. James and I bid the others goodnight, climbing the stairs hand-in-hand.

The air grew thick with tension when the bedroom door closed behind us. James turned to me, his eyes dark.

"Alone at last," he murmured, reaching for me.

I stepped back, my heart pounding. "James, don't."

He cocked a brow, amused. "Don't what? I was only going to suggest we get ready for bed."

My cheeks heated. Get your mind out of the gutter, Noreen.

We moved around each other awkwardly, taking turns in the en suite. James was already under the covers when I emerged from the bathroom in my nightgown, his chest bare.

I hesitated, my hand on the light switch. "I can sleep on the couch," I offered. I didn't trust James or myself in the same bed.

James rolled his eyes. "The bed is big enough for both of us." He patted the space beside him. "I promise to be a perfect gentleman."

Doubtful, I thought, but I slid in beside him anyway. I lay straight, acutely aware of his proximity. The heat of his body radiated across the scant inches between us.

"Relax, Noreen," James murmured, his voice rough with sleep. "I don't bite. Unless you ask me to." I could hear the smirk in his voice.

I huffed, rolling away from him. "Goodnight, James."

His low chuckle followed me into my dreams.

The next day dawned bright and clear, perfect for the nature walk James's father had planned. He and my father set off early, eager to get in some hunting.

The rest of us followed more sedately, Nathan snapping photos of the stunning scenery. James kept close to my side, his hand finding mine.

"What a beautiful day," he remarked, squinting at the clear blue sky.

I hummed in agreement, tilting my face up to the sun. It was peaceful out here, away from the city and the constant scrutiny.

James tugged me closer. "Though not nearly as beautiful as the sight I woke up to this morning."

I flushed, remembering how I'd woken to find myself snuggled against James's chest, our legs tangled together.

"Behave," I hissed, glancing around to ensure no one had overheard.

James just grinned, unrepentant. He leaned in again, his voice low. "Just wait until tonight. I have plans for you."

I shivered despite the warm sun, my imagination running wild. But I tamped down on the flare of desire, reminding myself sternly of our sex clause.

James's teasing remarks grew bolder and more suggestive as the day wore on. I was humming with frustration when we sat down to dinner that night.

James's father had outdone himself, breaking out the good scotch and insisting on lavish toasts. We were all pleasantly buzzed by the time we moved to the drawing room, a lively game of charades in full swing.

I was partnered with James's mother, the two of us giggling helplessly as we tried to act out 'Pride and Prejudice.' Across the room, James watched me, his gaze heavy with intent.

When our turn ended, he crooked a finger at me, beckoning me over. I went willingly, the alcohol making me bold.

"Having fun?" he asked, his hand settling on my hip.

I leaned into him, enjoying the solid warmth of his body. "Mmmm. Your family certainly knows how to throw a party."

James chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Just wait until the dancing starts."

The first strains of music filled the air as if on cue, a lively swing tune. James's father grabbed his wife, twirling her into an enthusiastic lindy hop.

James took my hand, pulling me closer. "Dance with me," he murmured, his eyes glinting with challenge.

And so we danced, our bodies moving together like they were made for each other. James spun and dipped me, his hands sure and strong. We enacted the Pulp Fiction dance scene, and I laughed, dizzy with the rush of being close to him.

As the night wore on and the music slowed, James pulled me closer, his lips grazing my temple. "God, Noreen," he groaned, "you have no idea what you do to me."

I looked up at him from under my lashes, emboldened by the desire coursing through me. "Show me," I breathed.

James's eyes flashed, swiftly pulling me out of the room and into the hallway. Then his mouth was on mine, hot and demanding. I melted into the kiss, my fingers tangling in his hair.

We stumbled up the stairs, our hands roaming urgently. The moment the bedroom door closed behind us, James had me pressed against it, his body hard against mine.

"I've wanted this since the moment I saw you in that sinful red dress," he growled, nipping at my neck. "You looked good enough to eat."

I gasped as his hand found my breast, kneading it roughly. "James, please..."

He silenced me with another searing kiss, his tongue sliding against mine. We tore at each other's clothes, desperate for skin on skin.

James walked me backwards to the bed, pressing me down onto the mattress. He hovered over me, his eyes dark with lust.

I writhed impatiently, aching for him. "James, I need you. Now."

He obliged, sinking into me with one hard thrust. I cried out, my back arching off the bed.

James set a punishing pace, driving into me again and again. The bedframe slammed against the wall, the headboard rattling. I was mindless with pleasure, my nails digging into his skin and raking down his back. I bet that would leave a mark, but I couldn't care.

"Fuck, Noreen," James panted, his hips snapping frantically. "You feel so fucking good."

I could only moan in response, too lost in sensation to form words. James's hand slipped between us, finding my clit. I shattered at his touch, my climax crashing over me in a tidal wave of ecstasy.

James followed a moment later, spilling deep inside me with a guttural groan. He collapsed on top of me, his weight delicious.

We lay tangled together, hearts pounding, skin slick with sweat. As the haze of lust slowly cleared.

"Well," James said, his lips quirking, "that just happened."

I bit my lip, still riding the rush, cursing through my veins. "It does seem like it..." Turning to face him, my hand traced his collarbone and chest and kept snaking down. "What do you say to keep it up until we are sated and spent?"

My eyes shone with lust, wanting to relieve all the pent-up frustration. James smirked, his thumb freeing my lip before kissing them passionately. "Sounds lovely..."

✦﹒✦﹒✦

The following day, I woke slowly, my body deliciously sore. James was wrapped around me, his face buried in my neck.

As I lay there, memories of the night before came flooding. The desperate way we'd come together, the scandalous sounds.

Shame heated my cheeks. Hope no one heard that...

Beside me, James stirred, his hand sliding up my thigh. "Morning, beautiful," he murmured, nuzzling my cheek.

I stiffened, suddenly acutely aware of our nakedness. "James..."

But he was already kissing his way down my body, his intent clear. When his head disappeared beneath the sheets, I forgot about my reservations.

His tongue found my centre, and I arched into his mouth, fisting my hands in his hair. The image of him between my legs, looking up with that ravenous gaze, was a heady vision.

He licked and sucked until I was shaking, my climax building.

"James..." I sighed at the delicious feeling of his work.

He slid two fingers inside me as his tongue circled my clit. I came with a silent scream, my body trembling.

James crawled back up my body, his expression smug. "The best way to start the day," he said, giving me a quick peck.

I swatted at him half-heartedly, too sated to muster much indignation. We lounged in bed for a while longer. A soft smile spread on my lips as I took the vision of him, all tousled hair and naked - So gloriously naked.

I moved my hand to brush some of the hair away from his handsome face. "Wouldn't mind waking up like this every day..." I confessed absentmindedly, not registering the words that had just come out of my mouth.

James's eyes traced my face, a mix of surprise and confusion dancing in those deep blue pools. He said nothing. Instead, he smirked, taking my mouth in his and starting our sensual dance anew.

Eventually, hunger drove us from the warmth of our bed. We dressed quickly, James sneaking playful gropes that had me and slapping his hands away in annoyance.

We went downstairs, following the scent of coffee, bacon and toast.