Gerhard watched the skyline longly from the boxed balcony connected to his room. He took in the sickly sight of the perfectly manicured gardens and pompous blossoms that grew in abundance.

The resort was the peak of fine living which strangled him with its eccentric luxuries.

Rich nobles and aristocrats walked around airily, laughing mindlessly at what he thought were empty headed comments.

Something about the families nibbled at his insides. He couldn't quite put his finger on it.

The flowery atmosphere of happy families and newlyweds tempted the urge to run away.

Goldilocks felt suffocated at having to live in such a place. His lip curled up in distaste.

'Why am I stuck in this merry making ? I should be at head quarters helping with real work...' He thought.

"Sir Gerhard?" Her voice prompted him from his annoyed thoughts.

Turning his back he rejected the tawdry scenery and entered his private lounge that came with the suite.

Angelico was seated on Serinas lap, laughing cheerily, his little cheeks puffed up with pure elation.

An odd feeling passed through Gerhard at the sight of Serina protectively holding Angelico while he coloured at the table.

She spoke tenderly to him, engaging in a conversation that seemed to ease the boy. His son had taken to her immediately, clutching her skirts and following her around.

Angelico hadn't cried not once since Serina joined them. The toddler blushed adoringly at her and was obedient

'How is she doing that? What kind of sorcery is this!? That's my son and yet he listens more to her!'

Gerhard's lip thinned into a bitter frown, his brows drawn tight together.

An odd emotion curled around his stomach and clenched tight until his eyes crinkle up and fists clenched in frustration.

The golden haired Lord joined them at the table again, watching his son enjoy Serina's company. His thoughts travelled back to the day before and the extravagant way she entered.

Serina arrived late that previous night, unceremoniously wrapping on the door of his suite.

Gerhard ignored the sound at first, hoping that whoever it was, would get the message and go away.

But the tapping of the brass door knocker persisted, demanding the presence of him.

Finally relenting albeit somewhat disgruntled, he woke up from his seat and ripped the door open intent on dismissing the person with a firm scolding.

He found her standing fresh as a daisy in a red gown that fitted her waist and flared out. Her black glossy hair was pinned up in a faux bob, that flattered her neckline.

His retort dried up on his tongue, leaving him stunned. Gerhard blinked a couple times before collecting his sense.

"Just what are you doing here?" He asked in a harsh whisper.

She smirked, enjoying the reaction he gave her.

"I might tell you if you let me in." She quipped, red lips lifting up in a whimsical smile. His insides squeezed and fluttered, to his chagrin.

Gerhard slammed the door shut, irritated with her quixotic attitude.

The knocking on his door began once more, now fervently. Gerhard let out a haggard breath, pressing the heels of his palms to his eyes.

A few guests walked past, glancing at the scene with curiosity. Serina smirked, continuing dramatically with her show.

Pressing herself to the door, she tapped her palms madly.

"Oh please let me in. I am sorry that I was late!" She pleaded in a weak, demure tone.

She drew the attention of the staff and guests that walked past, all of them whispering to each other.

He rolled his eyes, preparing himself for whatever drama she brought with.

Twisting the doorknob he pulled the door open violently not expecting to have her flush against it.

Losing her balance she wobbled forward, falling onto him. Both of them crashed to the floor of the entryway, creating a good scene for those who walked past.

Gerhard lay on the floor with Serina pressed intimately to him, her legs tangled with his and her face landing into the crook of his shoulder.

Her breath tickled his neck, loose tendrils of her hair flying into his mouth.

Gerhard sputtered, suppressing the hard words he wanted to let out on her. Instead he shifted to get up, at the same time she did. Serina knelt up and pressed her soft palms to his chest.

She simpered and gasped dramatically, swooninging over the handsome aristocrat.

"Oh my Lord, how I've missed you! I am so glad we came here!" Serina exclaimed like a besotted woman.

Gerhard grimaced at the attention and pushed her off, slamming the door close, to hide them from the onlookers.

Turning around he pinned her with an expectant glare, to find her standing up, dusting her skirts. A soft smile on her face.

"How was my acting?" She asked in a sober, gloating tone void of the endearing saccharine tinge that was present moments ago.

"Excuse me?"

"Don't get all flustered now. It was acting. I don't mean all of that." She stated distractedly.

"Flustered!? Me? Can you simply explain what you're doing in my suite at this hour?"

"Our suite." She corrected.

"WHAT!?" He yelled, his voice breaking up to a hoarse squeak for a second.

"Hush, little Angelico is asleep. You'll wake him up." She scolded, placing her finger to her lip, silencing him.

"Which room is the little sweetheart in?"

She asked sweeping past a befuddled Gerhard, inviting herself into his room to check on the boy as if Angelico were her son as well.

Smoothing his hair away from his face, she smiled serenely, pulling the covers over the child before closing the door of the room.

"What an angel. The perfect name for him, Angelico." She whispered softly.

"Come sit Gerhard, there's much to explain and scarce time." She said in an important tone,oblivious to how he blushed at her calling him by his first name.

Pulling a chair out she sat at the dining table, looking at him expectantly.

"Well?" She urged, dark haughty brows lifted up.

Still in outrage, he gritted his teeth and complied, not liking her bossy behavior.

"I've been dispatched by Lord Johannes to accompany you on this mission. There's been illegal imports and dealings of jewels and narcotics and the owner of this place is the suspect." She explained.

Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a stack of documents and reports.

"The police that patrol the docks at night noticed an unregistered boat a few months ago and have been investigating. They found that items are being smuggled into our area, but- there are some things exported as well." She said in a clear soothing voice.

Gerhard calmed down to a simmer, his disgruntled frown still in place while he listened.

"So we have to find out where they are hiding it and monitor their behavior I am guessing." He asked, transitioning into his alert, formal self.

She nodded licking her dry lips. Her eyes darted about, zeroing in on the drink kept temptingly on the cabinet opposite them.

Gerhard waved his hand unbothered, skimming over the documents she left.

"Help yourself." He waved his hands unbothered.

Serina got up with a huff and marched over to where the deep garnet coloured liquor sat in a curvy crystal decanter.

Grabbing a ball glass she filled it to the brim, taking a healthy sip before topping her glass up.

Making her way back to the table, she sat down with a soft sigh, casually sipping her drink.

Glancing up, Gerhard blanched at the amount of alcohol Serina had poured for herself.

"Normally people pour the drink till a quarter way. This is strong liquor." He stated in amazement.

"Yes normally, but I have a high tolerance so it doesn't affect me in the lesst. Helps stimulate my brain when I work." She said smacking her lips after taking another healthy sip.

The Lord froze, amazed at the willpower of this woman.
It annoyed him that her habits were the same as his and Gerhard had to suppress the urge to let her know that he was the same.

Clearing his throat he set the documents down, getting up to pour himself a small drink.

"You still haven't explained what you're doing in my suite." He stated, sipping his drink.

"Ours." She corrected.

Gerhard stiffened, narrowing his eyes on her. With a huff she pushed off her seat and stood up.

"My Lord, how many rooms does this suite have?" She asked a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

"Three." He answered, still mildly confused.

"Mhm. The agency booked this suite for us to use. You rushed out of Lord Johanness' office and didn't hear the full plan. Time was something we were running out of so it fell in me to fill you in." She added, the sharp edge in her voice softening a little.

"This place only takes bookings for families and couples. So naturally..." She fell silent, embarrassed to admit the obvious.

"So they sent you to play the part of wife. It's thoughtful but unnecessary. Angelico and I should have been enough." He stated with a frown.

"How many single parents holiday with their kids in places like these? Besides everyone knows it's unlikely that you'd do so. Lord Johannes was desperate and thought it best to have us pair up."

Gerhard avoided eye contact, his face stiffening with emotion he tried to hold back.

'Why didn't I notice the pattern on only families and couples sooner.'

Gerhard didn't dare admit it, but knew all too well that Serina had saved them. He suddenly felt grateful for her arrival.

"We can play a new family getting to know each other. We're both agents so investigating would be easier. There's your answer Lord Fra."

Gerhard sighed heavily, after a few moments he nodded.

"That explains a lot. All of your drama at the least." He huffed out, pressing a hand to his temple witheringly.

Serina smirked studying the Lord silently.

✵✵✵

"Why don't you propose marriage to her once this is all over?" Dali asked, giving Dino a contemplative look.

Dino smirked darkly, his yellow sapphire gaze flicking over to Dali for a second before turning back to look out of the window.

"It appears my feelings couldn't be hidden. But while I don't deny them, I won't be doing much about them." He replied with a non-committal tone.

"But she's perfect for you. If it feels right then why not?" Dali persisted.

"It appears that my past taints any possible future. I've long given up. I've dedicated the rest of my life to the council." Dino replied in a robotic voice that suppressed his hurt.

"But she'd be the perfect mother for Theodore. You both complement each other in perfect synchronization. I saw it at the dinner at Lord Johanness' estate! Dino you're being irrational! Your son is still young, you need a wife damnit!" Dali shouted his emotions raising the volume of his voice.

Dino lifted a brow giving Dali a haughty, distasteful look.

"I'd like to remind you Dali Delico, that we are both single parents. Why not take the same advice for yourself. You have two children to grow up. Theodore is already growing up just fine. He understands the situation." Dino replied in a clipped tone, a faint sneer on his face.

The smile from Dali's face fell, he straightened himself. The Lord of the Delico house was silent for many moments.

"Yeah well, I don't look all grim and unhappy. You could use some cheering up." Dali commented with a pout.

"I openly show my sorrow. You hide behind bubbly behaviour. I dare say you are hurting far more than I am, at least I have come to terms with my misery." Dino stated plainly, crossing his arms.

Dali was quiet, a frown creasing his brows. He thought about Freida and how lonely he was. He'd never admit it but having a wife, it added a colour and brightness that nothing else could.

Dino was right and the fact that he could see through him made Dali wonder just how well he hid his own misery.

For all it's joy, watching his kids grow up only reminded him of her. What she'd think, how she'd react to their antics, kept him up at night. He really wished he had someone to share these moments with but Freida was gone.

Dali was saved from the black whole of sorrow when Dino spoke again.

"I can't marry Catherine as much as I'd like to. I've lived a long life thus far. I doubt she'd want to mix up with a widower who has been divorced so many times that women simply scurry at the sight of me." Dino confided bitterly after any minutes.

"Being with her isn't like any of my exwives, but what if living with me and my standards is truly an impossible task?" Dino added, glancing earnestly at Dali, fear and pain swirling in his eyes.

Dali shook his head determined to make Dino see sense.

"I feel like Catherine is the one for you. Just like Freida was for me..." He trailed off in a soft voice.

"I understand why you can't remarry, but just as you have your reasons, I have mine. I won't stand to see her hurt Lord Delico." Dino stated strongly.

Dali nodded, dropping the matter for now. They remained silent for the remainder of the journey.

The carriage halted a few meters before the estate began, Dali and Dino jumped off, and ducked their way to the back entry.

"You distract the guards I'll knock them out and slip in to search the area." Dino said decidedly.

"Why is it I always have to be decoy." Dali asked disgruntled.

"Because you're good at this and we need this to go well. Also Esmerelda is one of my exwives." Dino stated plainly.

Resigning himself to his fate Dali approached the guards while Dino ducked behind the manicured hedges that flanked the entryway.

Dali cleared his throat and approached the guards with a charming smile.

"Good day to you, fine gentlemen. Is the lady of the house here?" He asked, jumping to the point.

"Who are you?" One of them asked.

"Ahh ha ha, just a friend of Lady Esmerelda's. We go way back." He said grinning at them.

"We're uhh, somewhat close friends. You know." Dali winked suggestively at them.

The guards gave a startled look at him. They glanced at each other in disbelief before turning their angry firm, seemingly angry gaze on him.

"The Lady is currently engaged my Lord. You'd have to wait your turn." The guard replied, eyeing him pitifully.

Dali's composure faltered for a moment, his facial expression blanching with confusion.

"Huh? Wait my turn?" He repeated, their meaning dawning on him belatedly.

His eyes widened, Dali found himself at a loss of what to say. Esmerelda was no less debauched than her husband.

Swallowing thickly, he flexed his fingers, thinking of what to say next.

Dino face palmed himself, cringing at how the exchange was going.

'God! Dali Delico, couldn't you have thought of another excuse!?' Dino thought to himself.

"Y-You mean? In there?" Dali pointed a shaky finger to the manor. His face the perfect facade of disbelief and heartbreak.

Dino's face morphed into a quizzical look.

'What is he doing?'

"Ohh my sweet Esmerelda! How could you!?" Dali wailed dramatically pressing a palm to his face in mock grief.

The guards shifted awkwardly, looking at Dali sympathetically.

Dino peeped out to see what was happening and rolled his eyes heavenwards.

"Don't over do it Dali Delico." Dino whispered irritably.

Dali cried, dropping to his knees. The guards approached him out of sympathy, urging him to get up. He flailed his hands, pushing them away.

"Sir, if it helps, you're just one of many..."
The guard said in an apologetic tone.

Dali's eyes widened, he let out a strangled scream of despair clutching his face. The guards seemed alarmed and unsure of how to comfort him.

Growing impatient, Dino crept to the entrance approaching one of the distracted guards. Bringing his elbow down hard, he hit his into the crook of the guards shoulder.

Dali sprang up, incapacitating the other.

Both guards crumpled to the floor, knocked out senseless by their blow.

Dino stalked in, leaving Dali to catch up to him.

"How was that?" Dali asked marveling at his own acting.

"It's worrying that you could pull a stunt that detailed off." Dino commented, making his way to the further end of the estate.

"Heh one of my many talents." Dali preened.

"I'll search the back." Dino stated ignoring the Lords self praise. He stalked off, leaving Dali to check the front of the estate.

Dino followed his gut, trailing toward the ricochety doors to a mouldy shed.

Yellowed windows, tinted with grime and sunlight, blocked his view from inside.

The crusty wooden door fell of it's hinges with a single nudge from Dino.

A wave of humid, balmy air smacked him in the face, the contrasting temperatures of the shed and outside mixing together.

A feeling of foreboding and dread filled his chest, Dino pushed his panic aside and stepped into the darkened room.

The heated air made is constricting and difficult to breath.

Dino covered his face with his forearm, forging further into the room littered with debri and old broken objects from the manor.

A lumpy bundle lay in a dark corner, the package oddly shaped.

Stepping closer he found Catherine laying meekly on the floor, just barely breathing, neck lolling at an odd angle.

His gasp jolted her awake, hazy eyes lifted up to meet his.

"D-Di....no...?" She whispered in a bruised voice.

His heart thrummed loudly in his ears like an official drumroll that announced Lord Bergs eminent doom.

✵✵✵

Kate Lorca was busy at her desk, deep in her work, when a knock sounded on her door.

"Come in." She called distractedly, head still down, her hand racing through the page as she wrote a report out.

"Good day Mrs Lorca. Have a moment?"
Lifitng her head up she found Lord Johnsen Berg smiling at her.

"Ah, I am quite busy at the moment. What do you need?" She replied honestly, waiting for his reply.

"I needed some records for a case I am working on." He said smoothly, coming round to perch himself on the edge of her desk.

Kate shifted in her seat, uncomfortable with how close he was.

"You're so beautiful Miss Kate." He said, ducking his head down to stare into her eyes.

"It's Mrs. Now if you'd please state your business clearly, I'd be happy to help." She replied in a clipped voice.

"Oh I meant no offense. You just look so tired and so... lonely." He replied, leaning in closer.

"Things at home fine? I heard that your marriage with Sir Henrique was arranged, dare I say, things are cold between you two." He pried, giving her a suggestive look.

"You are stepping out of line Lord Berg." She enforced in a deepened voice.

Johnsen shifted in his seat, sliding closer. He lifted his hands up in surrender.

"Apologies, it's just that you're so beautiful. Your strong demeanor is headily attractive." He moved to trail his fingers down her arm, she slapped his arm away, putting more distance between them.

Just as she opened her mouth to speak, a sharp voice cut through.

"I believe Kate has already asked you to desist such vulgor, repugnant behavior." Henrique's crisp, angry voice sounded behind them.

Johnsen jumped off the desk, shifting nervously on his feet as Henrique entered the room, each step echoing ominously.

"I don't appreciate your approach regarding my wife." Henrique sneered, his eyes hardening on the Lord Berg.

"You're mistaken." Johnsen tried, waving his hands out.

Kate glanced at Johnsen with a disgruntled look. Looking at her husband's ire, she sat routed in her place, watching him size up the Lord who now quivered in fear.

"I-I was just complementing your wife on how lovely she is." Johnsen tried half heartedly, knowing that hid words were weak.

"That's my job." Henrique snipped in a hard dismissing tone.

"Not doing to well though..."

"It's best for you to leave before I lose my cool." Henrique warned. His eyes pinning the vampire with a disgusted look.

"Husband or not, I have come for work purposes, so to chase me out would be infringement." Johnsen pressed indignantly.

"Ohh? That's what you call work huh? Then this is what I call diligency." Henrique commented, rearing his arm back before socking Johnsen in the jaw.

His head snapped back, the disrespectful man's perfect face reddened, he clutched his face protectively.

"I don't think prying into someone elses marriage is work." Henrique stated with a cross frown on his face.

Just as Johnsen opened his mouth to retort, Henrique pushed him by the shoulders, slamming him into a cabinet.
Closing his grip around Lord Bergs wrist he twisted and jerked it out of its socket.

The man wailed out in pain, his limp arm swaying at an odd angle. Johnsen ambled out of her office as fast as he could.

Henrique turned his concerned gaze on Kate, who blinked up at him in surprise.

"Are you okay Katie?" He asked huffing out his breaths.

She swallowed and nodded silently, admiring the feral look in his usually playful face.

"I had a hunch. Just as well I came to check on you." He explained.

Pressing his palms to the desk behind him, he leaned against her desk, letting out a sigh of relief.

"Katie..."

"Huh... Uh yes?"

"We may not be smittenly in love and while our marriage was a political arrangement, remember I do care for you. Greatly so." His voice thick with emotion.

"Thank you for that." Kate replied, a pink tinge to her cheeks. Henrique leaned in closer and pressed his forehead to hers.

"I won't let anything happen to my wife." He vowed, closing his eyes.

✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵

A/n: Happy New Year guys 🤗 ♥

Hope you liked this chapter, I tried to add in a bit of humour and fun. What did you think of Henrique's part, I am curious?

I have no idea why but my spacing and stuff keeps going off. I apologize for the tight spaced paragraphs.

Thanks for reading have a great week 🌸