Chapter 3 Are You Two Dating

Rosalie Gaston POV

Daniel walked in with quiet steps, his chest lifted high, his voice calm but full of pride.

"I told my father about your problem. He'll take care of finding you a job that suits you, one where you don't need to push yourself too hard, just like you wanted."

I held back a bitter laugh. My brother? Wanting an easy job? Daniel and humility are two lines that will never meet. He wants a job with a fat paycheck, but of course, he doesn't want to actually work hard for it. Just selfish. Just arrogant.

Are you serious, boy?

He rose from his seat and stepped closer, but I didn't back away. We locked eyes, cold and sharp.

"Sit down, Daniel."

He bowed slightly, not out of respect but just politeness, then sat again.

Daemon's stern gaze cut through me like a command, ordering me upstairs. I pulled back from the cramped living room, heading to the attic my little room. I left the door cracked open just enough so I could hear their voices below.

"Go on, finish what you were saying," Daemon said with a wide grin.

"I told you about the job, Mr. Gaston. I handled it for you when I asked my father to use his influence."

Silence stretched for a few moments. My brother was thinking. No doubt weighing his response.

"What kind of job is it? I want details. Tell me everything you know."

Daniel cleared his throat. "You'll be guarding the plastic factory at night."

I couldn't hold my laughter anymore, so I pressed both hands over my mouth to muffle it.

"At night only?"

Daniel nodded, his voice calm and maddeningly serious. "From eight in the evening until about five in the morning."

Silence again. And then I heard Genevière call my name from downstairs. She probably wanted me to serve Daniel a cup of coffee.

"I'm coming!"

I answered quickly, then walked carefully down the creaky wooden steps. My eyes met Daniel's he winked in triumph. I shot him a smile, pride tugging at my lips.

"I don't mind guarding any place," my brother said flatly. "I've done jobs like this before. But... I'll need some time to get used to being awake all night."

Then he added, half-joking: "I'm lazy by nature."

I froze with the tray in my hands. Did he just admit he was lazy? Out loud?

"What are you waiting for? Should I push you inside?"

Genevière's voice stabbed into me, making me swallow hard. Slowly, carefully, I carried the tray toward Daniel. He smiled kindly and lifted the cup.

"Thank you, Rosalie."

His lips wrapped around my name. Quick, casual, but intentional just so I couldn't slip away. My lips parted shyly, my blush betraying me.

"You'll have to learn to stay awake, Daniel," Daemon warned, "because you'll be well paid."

Daniel straightened his back, confidence filling his voice. "Then let me take Rosalie with me sometimes. She needs a break. Exams are coming soon, and if she doesn't relax a little, she won't give you the results you're hoping for."

The frown on my brother's face told me he hated the idea. My chest tightened.

"Where will you take her? Are you two dating?"

My tongue froze in fear, but Daniel jumped in fast. "No. But if I were to date someone, Rosalie would be my first choice."

Daemon rubbed his jaw, annoyed, while Daniel kept going.

"I want to show her the streets of France. She deserves more than this quiet little neighborhood. From now on, she's my responsibility. And I promise I won't let you down."

Daemon sighed, uneasy. "Those streets will be crowded. My sister will get too excited, and she'll embarrass you. She's never been out there before."

Shame burned me inside. He always had to cut me down, to make me look small and foolish in front of him.

Daniel brushed it off. "What matters is that she comes back safe, isn't that right?"

My fingers twisted together nervously, but his steady gaze found mine. Somehow, it calmed me down.

"Thank your father for me," Daemon muttered at last. "I didn't expect to find work this soon."

"Of course, Mr. Gaston."

He leaned back, staring at the ceiling, exhaustion weighing down his voice. "You can take her. But don't be late. Be back by six, before the sun sets."

My lips pressed tight around the joy bursting inside me. I wanted to jump like a child.

"We won't be late. I promise."

He lifted his head slightly, his hollow eyes on me. I could feel it, he didn't want me to go. But Daniel's charm had cornered him.

"Get dressed. Don't just stand there like a post."

I nodded and hurried back to the attic. I changed into something simple but nice a pink blouse with long sleeves and white trousers.

"Consider yourself lucky today, Rosalie," Genevière sneered when she slipped inside. "I never thought Daemon would let you wander off with strangers so easily."

I brushed my hair again, steadying my voice. "All I wanted was a little fun. And Daniel is a good man. I trust him. He thinks of me more than my brother, who beats me every time I make the smallest mistake."

Her brows pinched tight. "Your brother cares too, stupid girl. He just remembers his own pain whenever he looks at you. That's why he treats you that way."