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Chapter Text

Gwyn

The bell above the door of Valkyrie Books chimed softly, followed swiftly by Nesta’s scoff of outrage as Gwyn glanced up from the shelf she was stocking to see who had walked in.

To nobody’s surprise, Cassian’s hulking form strode through the door, wearing a satisfied smirk and a compression shirt doing nothing to hide his impressive form.

“Nice to see you too, Ness.” He grinned as he leaned against the cash register, his face in line with Nesta’s scowling one.

Cassian had first entered Gwyn’s bookstore looking for a gift for his cousin’s birthday. Instead, he’d found Nesta, who had taken an immediate dislike to his irreverent charm and boisterous laughs.

For the past three months, Cassian had seemingly had a difficult time leaving Valkyrie Books (as well as his favourite hostile bookseller).

Gwyn stifled a laugh as she watched Cassian and Nesta play their usual game; Cassian’s hand splayed across the counter, gently grazing Nesta’s arm. Nesta’s faint blush as she upheld a mostly-fake look of disdain. The softness beneath Cassian’s playful gaze as he scanned her face.

Gwyn had bet Emerie a copy of her clothbound edition of Pride and Prejudice that they’d be married by the end of the year.

Gwyn’s eyes diverted from the couple, catching another figure trailing behind Cassian.

Gwyn’s breath hitched as she scanned the newcomer’s face, his sharp jawline, his piercing hazel eyes that scanned his surroundings attentively, the straight line of his mouth, dark hair that framed his face like waves of shadows.

He was beautiful. So beautiful he looked like he’d crawled out of one of her favourite romances.

He stood behind Cassian, watching the couple bicker with a raised eyebrow, the only sign of emotion on his otherwise ambivalent expression.

“Gwynnie, you agree with me, right?” The sound of Cassian’s voice brought Gwyn out of her trance. Her head whipped around to focus on Cassian before the stranger could catch her staring.

She walked over to the counter, her eyes darting between Nesta and Cassian as she steadfastly ignored the gorgeous man behind them.

“That Nesta will go on a date with you? I have to disagree there, Cass.” She giggled at his squawk of protest.

“First of all, Ness would totally go on a date with me, one day you’ll see. What I actually asked was if you agree with me about you being the most knowledgeable about giving book recommendations.”

Her raised brow answered his question well enough.

Cassian huffed a laugh. “My apologies for doubting you. Az is looking for a book, I told him you could help.”

Cassian nodded to the man behind him, still stoically silent, watching the interaction like a hawk.

Az. The name fit him perfectly, falling in perfectly with his dark persona. She wondered what it was short for.

She smiled brightly, walking over to the man with her usual enthusiasm. “Of course, I’m happy to help. I’m Gwyn. What are you looking for?”

She stared up at him, Gods he was tall, keeping her attention on his perfectly sculpted face, refusing to let it drop down to his chest, and the broad muscles visible through his shirt.

To her dismay, his expression remained full of stone, as he scanned her face slowly, his gaze drifting down her favourite dress (filled with miniature cats reading books), before rising up again to look into her eyes.

She fought a blush at his attention, however his cold expression quickly leached any warmth from the interaction.

His eyes darted away, like he couldn’t stand to look at her.

He looked at Cassian, turning away to escape through the door as he softly murmured. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll wait for you in the car, Cassian.”

Her heart sank. She couldn’t even appreciate the sonorous cadence of his voice before the bell chimed above the door, her hopes of getting to know the brooding, enigmatic man disappearing through the door as fast as his retreating form.

That was the first time Gwyneth Berdara met Azriel Singer. And it was also the time she realised he despised her.

Chapter Text

Gwyn - Three Months Later

She imagined it was to Azriel’s dismay that he had to see Gwyn again. Regularly.

It took a week before Nesta caved and let Cassian take her on a date. They’d been inseparable and sickeningly adorable since.

Since then, Nesta, Gwyn, and Emerie had integrated into Cassian’s family seamlessly, going so far as to spend a weekend in the Illyrian mountains together, where Cassian’s brother, Rhys, quickly became besotted with Nesta’s sister, Feyre.

The only person who didn’t seem happy with their arrival was Azriel. More specifically, with Gwyn’s arrival.

While not as comatose as the first time she met him, he spoke little, usually only to Rhys or Cassian, never to her. He clung to the shadows of the living room whenever the group met up, blending into the darkness as if to escape their revelry.

He had accompanied a lovesick Cassian to Valkyrie Books many times now (successfully roaming the store instead of fleeing to his vehicle), however he was still quiet, avoiding Gwyn as well as any conversation by browsing one of the far shelves.

Gwyn replayed their initial interaction over and over in her head, wondering what she did wrong.

Did he catch her staring? Did he think her smile was fake? Did he hate the sliver of her personality that he saw?

The most logical conclusion that she could come up with is that the poor man couldn’t read and he was deathly jealous of her literacy.

She was stumped.

She had tried to converse with him again upon their second meeting, but he had been just as aloof so she had, rightfully, given up trying.

❣

Thoughts of Azriel were currently far from her head as she glanced down at the Valkyrie Books sales revenue for the month. It was getting lower and lower every month.

She had tried everything to bring more traction to the store but with big online companies, it was impossible to compete.

She’d refused to close. She’d refused to quit. The store was her life, her dream. She didn’t have a plan B.

At this rate, however, she would need one soon.

Her head was in her hands as Nesta walked into the office for her shift. “Hey- Gwyn, what’s wrong?”

The dam burst.

She pressed her fists into her eyes, but nothing could stem the tears of frustration and hopelessness from falling down her face.

Nesta rushed to her side, crouching down as she rubbed Gwyn’s back soothingly.

“Nesta- I- we have to-” She took a calming breath, playing with the fraying friendship bracelet on her wrist as she stared ahead dejectedly. “I think we have to close the store.”

“What?”

“I’ve tried to keep it from you and Em so you didn’t worry, but we’re not doing so great. We haven’t broken even in months, Nesta. We can’t afford to remain open. I’ve tried everything; social media, online orders, everything.”

Nesta sat beside her, silently contemplating. A spark lit her eyes as she dragged Gwyn from her chair, phone in hand.

“I have an idea.”

Gwyn groaned as Nesta dragged her upstairs into their shared apartment (which was mostly Gwyn’s, apart from Nesta’s sporadic visits when she could bare to be away from Cassian), calling Emerie on the way up.

❣

Gwyn was curled up in an armchair, with Emerie perched on the arm of it, as Cassian sat on the couch, all of them focused on Nesta pacing before them.

Finally, Nesta came to a halt, her eyes immediately going to Gwyn.

“I’m gonna need you to listen to this, and really consider it, before you say no.”

Gwyn raised a brow, already knowing she wasn’t going to enjoy this.

“I think I know how we can save the store.” This had them all sitting up, eager for Nesta to continue. “Do you remember that book we read for book club, where the girl fake dated that guy to further her social media profile?”

Gwyn and Emerie nodded, frowning.

“Well- what if we did something like that? Gwyn could fake date someone, post about it on our social media. You can’t tell me our romance readers aren’t going to love it. Drama of this kind is like pollen to bees. A real-life bookstore romance. It will not only bring popularity to our store, but making this narrative a real life situation could inspire readers who are looking for their own romance to come here in search of it.”

Nesta grinned at them, but only Cassian halfheartedly returned it.

Gwyn and Emerie stared at Nesta blank faced until Emerie responded. “Less than three months with this one and suddenly the world is sunshine and rainbows, huh?”

“Oh come on! Like you aren’t the same around Morrigan.” Emerie lowered her head, hiding her blush as Gwyn snickered.

Gwyn collected herself, addressing Nesta’s proposal, with her soft-let-down voice. “It’s a nice vision. But how on earth would it work in reality? People might be interested, yeah, but who is really going to travel all the way here to possibly get a glimpse of a relationship they saw on social media?”

“You’d be surprised.” Cassian murmured.

“Even if they did, half the reason the girl in that book gained so many followers from her fake relationship was because the guy was a millionaire and really popular. Unless you have one of those in your back pocket, I don’t think people are going to be invested in a normal boy dating a normal girl who just happens to own a bookstore.”

The room was silent for a moment before Cassian burst into laughter. Gwyn whipped her head around, frowning. “What?”

Cassian could barely respond, staring at Nesta with a look of awe and adoration. “Well, Ness, tell her.”

Nesta looked down at her shoes, hiding a wince as she replied. “I do, actually.”

Gwyn’s eyes widened, sitting forward. “What? Who?”

Nesta’s eyes narrowed, darting to Cassian. “Before I say, if I do actually happen to know a millionaire, who is good looking and nice and would definitely gain you some attention on social media… would you agree to give this a try?”

Gwyn looked between Nesta and Cassian, her suspicions rising. She pushed them to the back of her mind, alongside her swelling hope. She knew she would do anything for the chance to keep the store. “...fine, yes, I’d try it. Who is it?”

Cassian huffed a laugh, as Nesta reluctantly responded. “Azriel.”

“WHAT” Gwyn and Emerie gaped at her.

It was Cassian's turn to respond, “The humble bastard is pretty quiet about it, but he owns a massive tech company. Bit of a celebrity in the technology world. Fake dating him would most definitely go viral enough to help.”

“His face doesn’t hurt the case either.” Emerie mumbled, and Gwyn could feel her face redden by the second.

She laughed, somewhat hysterically, getting out of her seat to pace. “Azriel? One small problem there, Nesta. I’m pretty sure he’d rather fall off a cliff than talk to me, nevermind agree to fake date me.”

Cassian frowned up at Gwyn. “What are you talking abo-”

Gwyn glanced at Cassian in confusion as Nesta silenced him with a look. “The man hates my guts, he’s never said a word to me. I know he likes you and Nesta and basically everyone else but me, but he despises me, Cass. He wouldn’t help with this.”

Gwyn can’t read the look in Cassian’s eyes as he grins at her. “Sure, despite how much he… hates you, he would definitely agree to help. He knows how much this store means to the three of you.”

She sighed, scanning the assured look on their faces. Before groaning. “Fine! If- IF he agrees, tell him I’m willing to give it a go. For the store.”

She watched as the trio’s faces lit up like kids on Christmas.

Cassian jumped up elatedly, grabbing his phone and dialing a number, bringing it to his ear. “Hey Az, how would you like to fake date our favourite redhead?”

Chapter Text

Azriel

It was only in his dreams that Azriel was ever invited into Gwyneth Berdara’s apartment.

Those dreams usually consisted of them together; cooking, sitting on her couch reading, dancing in her kitchen at midnight. Sometimes they’d be in her bedroom with her above him or below him sc-

However, his dreams never consisted of sitting in Gwyneth Berdara’s living room alongside their meddling friends as they concocted a plan for how he was going to fake date her.

It had taken embarrassingly little context or coercion from Cassian before Azriel was leaving his office early to meet the group at Gwyn’s.

He wished he had thought it through more. Wished he’d given himself time to truly consider what fake dating would mean.

Talking to Gwyn. Spending time with Gwyn. Touching Gwyn.

All things he was horrifically bad at.

Hell, the first time they’d met he’d been so starstruck he hadn’t been able to get a word out. He had just stood there, staring at her like an idiot, before he had to excuse himself to his car to freak out.

Cassian had teased him endlessly about the hearts in his eyes. However, he ate his words the week after when Azriel caught him giggling over a picture of Nesta on his phone.

He was dragged back to the conversation by the sound of Gwyn’s laugh, a musical one that had him practically melting. He wanted a private concert with her laugh, to hoard each sound like the treasure they were.

Cassian and Nesta were sat before them on the floor, a giant piece of paper between them, the heading ‘Saving Valkyrie Books’ in bubble letters at the top, followed in a smaller text by, ‘A.K.A Gwynriel’s Fake Dating Plan’.

Gwyn looked between the two. “Gywnriel?”

Cassian nodded, glancing at Azriel with a smirk. “Yeah. Gwyn and Azriel? People will fall at their knees for it, trust me.”

Azriel closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. He was already regretting this.

When he opened his eyes, he was met with Gwyn’s teal ones. Just like every other time, he felt like he was drowning in her attention, the morsel it may be. He looked away quickly, feeling every fibre of his being protest against the act.

Nesta clapped her hands together, gaining his attention again. “Okay, step one. We need to action this plan out as quickly as possible. But it can’t look like it happened overnight, people will get suspicious.”

The words were out of Azriel’s mouth before he thought them through. “I have a business dinner tomorrow night. Lots of high profile names. A gossip minefield. Gwyneth could be my date.”

He ducked his head at the look of surprise on everyone’s faces from his contribution. Cassian quickly moved on, nodding as he wrote it down. “Okay, good. Business dinner. That should get people in your world talking. But that’s only so good as long as we get regular people talking as well.”

Emerie piped up. “My friend, Suri, works for a celebrity news column. I’m sure they would be happy to write an article on your appearance at the dinner. Add in some notes about where Gwyn works to get the ball rolling.”

Nesta and Cassian nodded along but Azriel could only sit there.

This was really happening. He was datin- fake dating Gwyn. The world would believe they were a couple. Meaning they’d have to sell the act.

How was he supposed to do that when he couldn’t even address her in a conversation? Gods, he was hopeless.

Nesta turned to face him. “Do you post on your instagram?”

He frowned. “Do I look like a person who posts on instagram?”

Nesta’s smirk caused a pit of dread to open in his stomach. “You do now.”

Cass nodded in agreement, once again writing it down. “We can set up a little photo shoot in the store to launch your relationship online. It’ll promote your relationship and Valkyrie Books at the same time.”

Nesta smiled at Cassian, causing the man to stare at her with lovestruck wonder. Azriel rolled his eyes, ignoring the pang of jealousy that roiled through his stomach, calling for him to look at Gwyn.

“Okay great. First step: business dinner. Then the article. We can post on your social media after the article’s blown up. You can claim there was no point keeping it a secret anymore.”

Emerie nodded at Nesta’s words, before chiming in “Next up, we need to discuss how you guys will act in public. You need to convince everyone you’re maddeningly in love. Think Rhys and Feyre at dinner last week.”

Azriel swore he could hear Cassian snicker as he clenched his fists.

Touching Gwyn would be the most exquisite form of torture. Dangling everything he wants right in front of him, a mirage in a desert.

“You know what?” Azriel had no idea what Cassian was about to say, but he was sure he would kill him later for it. “Maybe we should leave this bit up to Gwyn and Az to discuss between themselves. Give them some time to create their act. We’ll catch you guys after the dinner tomorrow.”

His jaw clenched, his gaze determinedly focused out the window as their friends exited Gwyn’s apartment, smirks on their faces.

The silence between him and Gwyn was permeated with awkwardness.

Gwyn cleared her throat, and he painfully wrenched his gaze from the window to her.

She smiled when their gazes met; a strained one, but a smile all the same.

His brain sadly forgot how to return the sentiment.

Gwyn’s smile wavered at whatever expression was stuck on his face. He wanted to die almost as much as he wished she didn’t turn him into an awkward mess.

“Look, I’m really thankful you’re willing to do all this. I wouldn’t have asked you unless I was desperate, but I really want to keep the store. It means everything to me. But if you want to back out, say the word. At any point, Azriel.”

She’d said his name.

Five letters, three syllables, one second.

That’s all it took for his heart to crumble into a million pieces, reforming to shape the letters of her name.

It took him a minute to realise she was waiting for a response.

“Yeah.” The words came out soft, the last of the oxygen in his lungs leaving with it. Gods, he was an idiot.

She smiled despite it. “So, Cassian was right. We probably should discuss how tomorrow will go. I don’t want to do anything you’re not comfortable with.”

He managed to compose himself enough to reply. Gwyn deserved someone who was actually able to be competent when speaking to her. Therefore she deserved anyone but him.

“I’m good with anything. I know we need to get people talking, so whatever you’re comfortable doing, I’ll be fine with.”

She nodded, and his heart rate increased at the idea that this time tomorrow, she would be touching him.

He stood up, needing some air before he accidentally did something stupid like confessing his feelings for her.

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow at six. The dress code is formal.”

With that, he nodded at her before walking straight out the door before she could reply.

Once far enough away from her building, he leaned his head against the wall, closing his eyes as he wondered how he was supposed to survive tomorrow night, nevermind the next few months.

Chapter Text

Gwyn

Gwyn stared down at the ribbon-wrapped package that had just arrived at her apartment.

She had been mid-way through panicking over what to wear when the knock on the door had distracted her.

The midnight-blue box itself looked expensive enough that she knew she hadn’t ordered it herself.

Curiosity bloomed inside her, quickly morphing into shock as she opened the box, revealing the most exquisite dress she’d ever seen.

The fabric was a rich cobalt blue, with yards of silk spilling to the floor when she lifted the dress from the box by its thin straps.

Gwyn rushed to her room, giddy with excitement to try the garment on.

It was beautiful. More importantly, it made her feel beautiful.

With a tight fit that accentuated her curves and a slit up her right leg allowing her to show off the muscles she had earned from countless hours at Cassian’s gym. The neckline cut low enough to feel daring without making her feel uncomfortable.

She loved it.

She finished curling her hair, pinning half of the strands up into an elegant updo, before finishing up with some light makeup and her favourite dagger necklace.

She hesitated before deciding her friendship bracelet would remain on. Call her superstitious, but she believed it was bad luck to take it off. And from how yesterday went with Azriel, she would need all the luck she could get tonight.

At the thought of him, she realised that no note had accompanied the dress. She had her suspicions on him having sent it, especially considering how expensive the material felt.

Gwyn still had half an hour before Azriel was due to pick her up, and anxiety was starting to run through her veins at the thought of tonight.

She was going to be fake-dating the handsome, brooding, apparently-extremely-rich Azriel Singer.

It would be just the two of them tonight. For hours. She wasn’t sure if he could handle it.

Although less aloof yesterday, he had still acted like it was painful to even speak to her.

Gods, he was probably only doing this to please Cassian and Nesta. How he must pity her.

Time passed in a whirl of emotional turmoil, until a knock at the door interrupted Gwyn’s musings.
5:58 p.m.

Gwyn smoothed out her dress as she opened the door with a smile.

Azriel looked as gorgeous as ever, outfitted in a white shirt, black trousers and suit jacket, all fitted to his figure flawlessly. His tie was the same shade of blue as her dress. He was clutching a bouquet of wildflowers like they were a lifeline in his left hand.

He stood there silently, so she threw him a bone. “Good evening, Azriel. How are you?.”

He made an incomprehensible sound in response, his eyes trailing down her dress as he replied, “You look… fine. Ready to leave?”

Her heart dropped slightly, but she ignored it, nodding as he practically threw the flowers at her before fleeing down the stairs.

After placing the bouquet in her apartment, she followed him downstairs and into the passenger seat of his priceless-looking convertible.

They drove in silence, low music accompanying the tense atmosphere as they travelled down the busy roads of San Francisco.

“So… what’s this business dinner for, exactly?”

Azriel’s knuckles tightened on the steering wheel, his gaze focused on the road.

Apparently he was already sick of her presence.

“Once a month, most of the tech firms in the city come together to ‘discuss business’. It’s just an excuse for mindless bragging and gossip, really. Although if you play your cards right, you can come out with quite a bit of worthy blackmail on competitors.”

Gwyn’s brows raised in surprise, a smile blooming on her face. “You resort to spying on your adversaries? I didn’t expect that from you.”

“Usually I bring my assistants, Nuala and Cerridwen, to do the ‘spying’ for me, but yes, I suppose it’s spycraft of a sort.”

It was the most information he’d ever willingly shared with her, and the miniscule crack in his armour was making Gwyn heady with the need to uncover more.

“What would that make you? A spymaster?”

Although his face remained stoic, Gwyn could swear his eyes lit with humour, causing her grin to widen until her cheeks ached.

Before he could respond, a car sped in front of them.

Azriel swore, quickly braking as their car screeched to a halt, narrowly avoiding a collision.

Gwyn’s heart pounded as she rested her head against the leather of the head rest, breathing hard.

She didn’t even notice Azriel pulling into the side of the road until he placed his hand on her thigh.

Her eyes darted to meet his mesmerising hazel ones, shocked at the feel of his calloused hand resting against the bare skin of her leg. She wasn’t sure if he realised his thumb was tracing lazy circles across her skin or not.

“Gwyn? Are you okay?” His eyes were filled with concern as he scanned her face.

She nodded, incapable of forming the words to tell him so. Their skin-to-skin contact seemed to send a signal straight to her brain, ordering her to forget everything but the need for more contiguity.

He stared at her for a moment longer, his voice softer than she’d ever heard it as he asked, “May I start driving again?”

Once again, she could only nod.

He must’ve associated her silence with shock, because he spent the rest of the drive going five miles below the speed limit.

He also spent the rest of the ride unconscious to the fact his hand remained on her thigh.

❣

They had been at this dinner party for approximately three minutes, and Gwyn was starting to realise Azriel’s description of a ‘gossip minefield’ was downselling it.

The second Gywn and Azriel walked in, her arm nestled securely in the crook of his elbow, all heads turned to gawk at them before quickly turning back to their friends, whispers permeating the opulent air. Nobody was even trying to hide the fact they were talking about the couple.

Gwyn found it disconcerting, and she was fairly certain Azriel’s grip on her arm was the only thing tethering her to this godsforsaken room.

The guests made their way into the dining hall, sitting down at a long table filled with lavish place settings.

Gwyn thanked Azriel as he pulled her chair out, before taking the seat beside her.

They were silent as everyone around them took their seats.

She glanced around, noting the inordinate amount of attention they were gaining, realising they were supposed to be playing the part of a devoted couple.
Gwyn leaned in, her body flush against Azriel’s side, as she murmured in his ear. “I thought you usually brought your assistants to this thing with you?”

Azriel’s body didn’t move an inch, excluding the almost imperceptible nod of his head. She wouldn’t have even noticed the motion unless she felt the tiny shift of his ear against her lips.

“So why is everyone so invested in our presence? I’m just another girl.”

“You’re not just another girl.” She frowned at his murmured answer. “I mean- they are familiar with Nuala and Cerridwen as my assistants. They know you do not fit into the same category. My romantic interests are usually more conspicuous.”

She nodded in understanding, placing her hand on top of his own, fidgeting with his fingers as she looked at him playfully. She could practically feel the myriad gazes burning into the places they touched.

“You know, if you’re in need of some blackmail tonight, I’m sure I would be a great spy.” Azriel glanced down at where they touched, and Gwyn had the sinking feeling that he was uncomfortable with her touch.

Before she had a chance to remove her hand, Azriel turned his own within hers, clasping their fingers together as he brought their conjoined hands to his mouth, pressing his lips to her skin as he murmured, “I’m sure you would. But we have more important things to focus on tonight, my love.”

Gwyn was trapped by Azriel’s eyes, molten pools of hazel boring into her as the velvet cadence of his voice stroked against her skin, reminiscent of silk sheets and moonlit nights.

“As fun as this little show is to watch, we’re all waiting with baited breath to discover who your lady friend is, Azriel dearest.” Gwyn wouldn’t consider herself a violent person, but the interruption of the man’s sly, lilting voice almost made her reconsider her morality.

Azriel stilled, pulling away to address the man stiffly. “Eris. Always a pleasure.”

Gwyn turned to face the red-head as his eyes skimmed her figure, taking her in. She was still reeling from Azriel’s closeness, barely remembering to smile politely. “I’m Gwyneth Berdara. Nice to meet you.”

Eris smirked, leaning back in his seat as he glanced between the two of them, his eyes catching on their entwined hands. “No ring on her finger so she can’t be that important, eh Singer?”

Gwyn’s eyes narrowed at the man as she felt Azriel’s hand squeeze her own.

“Careful, Eris. Do I need to remind you what happened the last time you insulted someone I love?” Azriel’s voice was dark, the promise of vengeance tainting every word, dripping from each syllable.

Gwyn didn’t hear Eris’ reply, too focused on Azriel’s words.

Love.

She knew it was fake, an act, another figment of their ruse.

Yet she seemed to swallow the word, felt the warmth of it curling into her heart, creating a space there for it. For him.

A thing of secret, lovely beauty.

Chapter Text

Gwyn

“I spoke to Suri and they said the article would be published early tomorrow.” Emerie spoke, walking into a closed Valkyrie Books, to be greeted by Gwyn, Nesta, Cassian, and Azriel.

Gwyn was left to restock the shelves by herself, as Cassian had quickly distracted Nesta from her job by wrapping her in his arms and refusing to relinquish his hold.

Azriel leaned against the counter silently, staring at his dress shoes, the dark blue blazer he had worn to work slung over his right shoulder.

It allowed Gwyn the perfect view of his sculpted arms, hardened biceps prominent against tanned skin as he crossed his arms over an equally impressive torso.

Nesta turned to Azriel, “What was the general consensus from last night? Are people in your world talking?”

Azriel nodded, catching Gywn’s eye before she averted hers back to the shelves. “As far as I can tell, it was promising. Nuala is already reporting several of her contacts asking after a certain ‘redhead’s’ presence at dinner last night.”

Gwyn nodded, still stocking the shelves as she spoke over her shoulder. “I talked to a few people last night who seemed interested when I told them where I worked. Whether they action that interest or not, who knows.”

Emerie smiled, seeming pleased. “This is good. The article should bring in more attention and popularity towards not just the two of you, but the bookstore as well.”

Cassian smirked. “I guess that means we should get working on your little social media…” He turned to Nesta with a frown. “What’s the word you used, Ness?”
“Hard launch.”

“Right!” Cassian kissed Nesta’s hand in thanks before turning back to the group. “We need to get that social media hard launch up and running after the article. The sooner people have this relationship confirmed, the more interested they’ll be.” He waggled his brows. “So cosy up, you two.”

Nesta looked down at her phone, “I met this girl at my dance class. Her name’s Bryce and she told me she’s into photography. I texted her and she said she’s free tomorrow for a ‘couples shoot’.”

Cassian clapped his hands in glee. “You’ll need to pull out all the stops for this, Gwynriel. We want people writing fanfiction by the time this post is uploaded.”

Gwyn rolled her eyes, but remained silent, nodding as she glanced over at Azriel, who was staring intently at the floor.

❣

A Novel Love Story

News of San Francisco's favourite bachelor is currently running rampant through the tech industry, with sightings of him and a gorgeous teal-eyed, red-headed woman on Saturday evening attending a dinner party being recorded.
Research has found this woman he looked to be so enamoured with named Gwyneth Berdara, the owner of not only the quaint but atmospheric Valkyrie Books, but also Azriel Singer’s heart.
Will this be part one of an epic love story? Or is the third-act breakup looming upon us?
Stay tuned to find out!

by Suri Elles

❣

Gwyn had read the article four times; she could practically recite it from memory at this point.
There was no turning back now, she was officially, undeniably fake-dating Azriel.

And now she had to be downstairs in an hour for a photoshoot. A professional one. Of her and Azriel. Touching.

She inhaled deeply, reminding herself what this was all for. The store. Herself. Catrin.

It was hard for her to think of her twin, but years of therapy had taught her the only true way for her sister to die was for Gwyn to forget.

So she forged on. She made friends and smiled and laughed and opened her bookstore, all the while keeping the bright memory of Catrin tucked close to her heart, influencing all her decisions.

She was confident that Cat was having the time of her life watching Gwyn stumble through this unlikely alliance.

Any hostility that Azriel still carried for her was kept on a much tighter leash these days, to the point she couldn’t tell if he even harboured that enigmatic dislike of her any longer.

However that didn’t mean they were friends; partners in crime was the most acceptable term she had come up with.

She continued to get ready as her thoughts strayed to Azriel.

She thought of the way his arm had splayed over her chair at dinner as she curled her hair. She thought of the tantalising dip of his mouth, the tease of a dimple, as she applied her makeup. She thought of the rigid muscles of his arms and chest as she slipped on her deep emerald sundress. She thought of his hand on her thigh as the silk caressed her legs, falling to below her knees, as the corset-like fit cinched against her chest.

Gwyn was wrenched from her flustered state by a knock on the door. She glanced at the time, seeing there was still twenty minutes before she was supposed to meet Bryce and Azriel downstairs.

She opened the door, greeted by a desperate-looking Azriel.

His slacks were midnight black, his shirt a contrasting white that clung to hard edges she didn’t even realise men could cultivate. It took all her effort to stop her hands from reaching forward to undo the buttons on his shirt, to stop her from dipping her hand underneath to see if his chest felt as hard as it looked.

Thankfully, Azriel didn’t seem to notice her treacherous thoughts, running a hand through his hair, mussing the perfectly controlled strands. It made him look softer, more boy than man. She wanted to follow the path of his hand with her own, fix the soft strand that had fallen over his eye, feel the softness beneath her fingertips.

“You’re early.” Azriel nodded absentmindedly, his mind seemingly still miles away. “Is everything okay?”

There was no nod. No shake of the head. His eyes met hers, piercing her to the bone as he swept his eyes down her figure, back up to her eyes, his gaze catching on the emerald bow holding up the top half of her hair.

“Hi.” The word was as quiet as a whisper.

“Hello, Azriel. Are you okay?” He nodded. Paused. Shook his head.

“Bryce sent me some photos of couples she’s photographed before. For inspiration.” Gwyn nodded, staying silent to allow him to finish. “And it occurred to me… stupidly, that we will probably end up having to kiss.”

Her heart dropped at the sordid resignation in his tone. Was the idea of kissing her that repulsive?

“I’ve never kissed you before.” He mumbled, his eyes tracing her face, catching on her lips. Gods, had her lipstick smudged?

“I know. Did you want to practice?” The words were supposed to be said in jest, but the contemplative look on Azriel’s face had her stopping in her tracks.

He placed a hand on her face, stroking his thumb over her cheekbone as he stepped so close that she could feel the heat radiating off of him. Her breath hitched imperceptibly.

“Maybe. We wouldn’t want our first kiss to be in front of a camera. It could be awkward. What if I’m a terrible kisser and you can’t hide your disgust?” His words held no humour, like they were a genuine cause for concern. Somehow she doubted he was a bad kisser. She doubted he was bad at anything.

“One way to find out.” She murmured, her eyes glued to his lips, entranced by the fullness of them.

Despite her words, Azriel made no attempt to move closer, simply stared down at her.

She decided to take matters into her own hands, rising onto her toes as she pressed her lips gently against his own.

She hadn't realised perfection could be found in something so customary. That she could have spent all her life searching for magic just to find it between two lips, one word, three syllables.

She breathed him in, the scent of night-chilled mist and cedar enveloping her like a blanket on stormy nights.

She knew she needed to pull away, needed to stop kissing him before she opened her mouth and let him have his way with her. This was a practice, a chemistry test. This meant nothing to him, and she needed to act like it meant even less to her.

The thought sobered her enough to pull away. Azriel seemed to follow her as she stepped back, however that could have just been a result of the iron-clad grip she had on his shirt.

Gwyn stared at him, controlling her breathing as she tried to retain a mask of indifference. He stared right back, a nameless expression on his face. She was sure he’d kissed hundreds of girls, that such a juvenile press of the lips meant little to him.

“Well… I wouldn’t call myself disgusted.” She smiled, trying to lighten the somber mood.

Before he could reply, a knock from downstairs cut through the silence.

Bryce was here. The next phase was about to begin.

Chapter Text

Azriel

He was leaning against one of the mahogany shelves watching Gwyn greet Bryce enthusiastically, but his head was still upstairs, caught in the disbelief that Gwyn had kissed him.

Gwyn had kissed him.

The kiss had been short, too short, yet he’d spent every second of it attempting to memorise the feel of her soft lips against his. How her top lip had slipped between his like it was made to be there. How the press of her lips against his had been tentative, before growing in confidence when he had kissed back.

He thought of the slight hitch in her breath, the press of her soft curves against him.

It made him wonder what she would be like in a more intense situation. One where there was no barrier of clothes keeping her from him. Where he had hours to touch and tease and taste without interruption.

The images were stuck in his mind, an inescapable loop of torture.

He adjusted himself, trying desperately to escape these thoughts.

However, if he wasn’t thinking of fucking Gwyn, then he was thinking of kissing her. And if he wasn’t thinking of kissing Gwyn, he was thinking of holding her hand, sitting beside her, wrapping his arms around her small, lithe body… basically, he was always thinking about Gwyn.

“Alright! It looks like we’re ready to start.”

The pitch of Bryce’s voice finally drew him from his thoughts as the two women moved towards him. He slipped on a mask of carefully controlled coolness, praying neither of them could tell where his thoughts had drifted to.

Not as if it would be strange for a boyfriend to view his girlfriend in such a way. They were technically supposed to be keeping up the ruse in front of Bryce as well.

Or at least that’s what he told himself to justify the arm he slipped around Gwyn’s waist the second she reached his side.

Gwyn shifted beside him, but made no move to escape his hold. He had to suppress a giddy smile. Gods, he needed to get over this infatuation. Maybe a lobotomy would do it.

Bryce clapped her hands, making Azriel realise he’d been caught up in staring at Gwyn. Again.

“All right, lovebirds, I’m going to get you to try some different poses out for me and once we’re done, I’ll edit the best ones and send them over to you. We’re going for a more natural and comfortable look today, so act how you would normally, I guess.” Bryce smiled as she positioned herself and her camera, occasionally calling out commands on how Azriel and Gwyn should move.

They started out simple; Gwyn leaning against the bookshelf, holding a bouquet of flowers as Azriel leaned over her, one hand resting over her head as the other held her waist.

Then, he was behind her, his chin resting on her shoulder as she pretended to read.

The poses went on and on, a million different situations he yearned to experience with her forever, not just as a ruse.

“One more and we should be good! How about we up the stakes a little?”

Azriel inhaled, trying to calm his racing heart. He knew what Bryce meant. Knew he was supposed to kiss Gwyn now.

He could do this. Just as they had practised upstairs.

Gwyn was leaning against the bookshelf again, seemingly waiting for him to make the first move.

He stepped closer, repressing a physical shudder as her hands came to rest around his neck.

In turn, he wrapped his hands around her waist, sliding them along until they rested on her lower back, absentmindedly stroking the fabric there. He told himself it was for the camera.

Azriel leaned down, his face a hairsbreath from Gwyn’s as he stared into her mesmerising teal eyes. His gaze darted from those eyes to her gorgeous freckles to her equally as perfect lips, his eyes darting between her features, wishing he could focus on all of them at once.

Eventually, he settled on her lips.

Yes, he’d already kissed Gwyn. It hadn’t helped anything. Just made him realise that he was selfish and greedy; because once he kissed her again, he wasn’t sure he would ever be able to stop.

Gwyn must have interpreted his reticence as nerves, because she gently pulled his head down, meeting his lips with her own.

The kiss was soft and sweet, one that was definitely camera-appropriate. It wrecked him nonetheless.

Envy made him sick to his stomach. Knowing someone would get to steal this from her one day. Would have her kisses and laughs and thoughts. Someone that wasn’t him.

How could he ever move on from this? This undiluted want- no, need that consumed him with nothing more than a brush of lips.

His musings were interrupted by Gwyn pulling away slightly, her face still close to his, her breath soft against his face.

Bryce’s voice caused him to open his eyes, moving away from Gwyn.

He didn’t hear a word Bryce said. Because, although his body was parted from Gwyn’s, his heart would remain in that kiss, that moment, that joining of breath. Forever.