Femme Fatale: The King's Deadly Temptress

Damien and Katherine sat on the floor, watching the little pupper roll over the carpet while it was playing with his squeaky toy. She checked the internet earlier when she found out from Damien that the cute puppy he brought home was a male Newfoundland[1]. Her mouth hung open when she saw pictures of the adult version — it was a huge dog that could weigh up to 150 pounds! 

The Newfie[2] puppy had a soft dark brown coat and a pair of adorable eyes. Katherine just melted when she carried it in her arms earlier, it looked like a baby bear with a fluffy fur and she fell in love with it instantly. It was still two months old but it was already slightly bigger than an adult Shih Tzu.

Seeing the look on her face, Damien knew that he did a great job getting the puppy for her as a peace offering. During their weekend getaway, they met a St. Bernard near the beach and he saw the way her eyes lit when she gave the dog a pet. He then thought of getting one as it would be nice to have something to bond over and after their argument the day before, he figured it was the best time to do so.

Taking care of a dog wasn't new for him as he grew up having one. Though it had been a long time since he had one, he was sure that he would enjoy it just the same. He watched as the puppy ran to Katherine and snuggled on her lap. He drew a smile on his face and asked, "Have you picked a name for him?"

"I don't know… I'll have to think about it first." She scratched the puppy's neck and shrugged as she turned to face him. "How are we going to take care of him? We're both out during the day."

"I've already hired a helper to take care of everything around the house. She would come here during the weekdays, Mondays to Fridays."

"Do you really have to get a helper? I don't mind doing chores." Katherine didn't know if she liked having a helper around. She had gotten used to having only the two of them in the house. 

"I know, but maintaining a house this big is a huge task. You and I both need help. She had worked in the Park Mansion for several years so she has been trained well. Plus, she loves dogs, so it will work." 

Damien studied her curious expression and thought that she might feel uncomfortable having a stranger around. "You don't need to worry, she only comes during the day and will leave in the afternoon. We've got the house all to ourselves in the evenings and on the weekends." He winked.

Katherine opened and closed her mouth, unsure of how to answer him so she could only scoff. "Who's worried?" She countered before looking away.

"Are you guys kicking me out already?" Alianna exclaimed as she descended the flight of stairs. "I know you're still on your honeymoon phase… and I would understand if you want me gone. You just have to tell me."

"You're welcome to stay anytime, Ali…" Katherine chuckled, releasing the ball of fur after it squirmed in her arms.

"Who's a good boy? You are!" Katherine cooed.

Damien suddenly felt out of place and lonely, thinking that he must have made a mistake getting the dog as all of Katherine's attention was now on it — he felt his brow twitch.

Alianna glanced at the couple and a smile formed on her face, seeing that the two looked like they have already made up. "You guys… this is such a huge step for you. What are you going to name your first baby?"

Katherine's eyes widened upon hearing her question. "What first baby?!"

Damien, on the other hand, had a huge grin on his face. He watched Katherine's panicked expression and laughed with his cousin.

The three of them played and fed their new pet as they thought about what to name it. Somehow, the house had gotten livelier.

…

Later in the evening, Katherine was preparing to go to bed and had just come out of the bathroom when Damien appeared from the walk-in closet already wearing a plain white shirt and comfy shorts. He dove in the bed – laying on his stomach, seemingly tired from all the day's work.

Katherine stood by the bed, crossing her arms as she stared at him. "What are you doing? Why are you here?"

"I'm going to sleep."

"Yeah… on the couch."

She heard him chuckle before he rolled to his back and propped himself on his elbows, returning her stare with a crooked smile. "Nope. I'm sleeping on my bed. You may own the house, Kitten... but I bought this bed." He patted the mattress to stake his claim. "So I'm sleeping here whether you like it or not."

Katherine scoffed and mumbled as she circled to the other side, "And you only thought of that now?" If he said that last night, she wouldn't argue with him. She knew he was smart but he probably let her win first to give her some space. "Tch."

Damien laughed at her reaction. "What?"

"Nothing. Go to sleep."

Just before Katherine could settle herself on the bed, he pulled her down to his arms, causing her to yelp in surprise. He rained kisses on her shoulders and neck, making her giggle as his stubble grazed on her skin. 

"Damien, stop!" She tried to get away but he trapped her in his warm embrace.

He swept her hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear as he asked, "Am I forgiven?"

She pursed her lips and exhaled before she answered, "Fine…" How could she stay mad at him?

"I missed you…" Damien nuzzled on her face just before he cried out because she had playfully pinched his side, "Aw!"

"You better remember what you did wrong. No more expensive gifts," she reminded in a stern voice.

Smiling, Damien gave her a salute. "Yes, ma'am." 

…

The weekend came fast and Alianna begged Katherine to go shopping with her. At first, Katherine wanted to stay at home and rest but after Ali used the "We-need-to-buy-a-dress-for-Nana's-birthday-party" card, she couldn't refuse. 

It would be the first time that she will enter the Park Mansion and she wanted to look her best in front of Damien's grandmother. She also had to buy a gift for her so it was a great time to look around for options. Nana's birthday was on August 12th and she still had two weeks to prepare. 

Inside a posh boutique, Katherine and Alianna browsed some evening gowns and found a few pieces that they took fancy on. After trying them out, they decided to buy them. However, just as they were on their way to the cashier, they bumped into someone they least expect to meet that afternoon.

"Oh! Hi, Ali…" Lexi greeted with a wide smile that almost reached her ears. "I haven't seen you in a while! I saw your show on TV last week though—"

Alianna and Katherine turned their heads at the same time and when Lexi saw that Katherine was there, a scowl instantly formed on her face as she changed the tone of her voice. "It's you." Lexi was feeling enraged and anxious at the same time.

Katherine rolled her eyes, already feeling the urge to punch Lexi on the face. Her blood boiled when she recalled the incident three weeks ago.

"Hmmm." Ali couldn't be bothered and wanted to ignore her so she turned away and placed their dresses on the counter.

"I saw Craig last week too! I read from Celebtalk that you guys are planning to get married. Is that true?" Lexi asked in a singsong voice. "You two are perfect for each other!" she added, thinking that she could win Alianna over. She knew that Damien treated her like a sister and she always sucked up to her whenever she got the chance.

[1] A large dog breed.

[2] Newfoundland dog's other name.