December 17th
Cullen woke to the smell of coffee and a woman softly humming. A memory stirred in the back of his mind and He fought not to open his eyes - the last time someone had been in his place humming and brewing coffee was... he banished the thought, opening his eyes. He knew where he was in an instant. Not in his apartment. The woman humming was a client and not a ghost of his past. There was nothing intimate about this situation. Cold light streamed in from one window where Nevena had opened the curtains, while the rest of the living area was still mostly in darkness.
The couch was more comfortable than Cullen first anticipated, and he was surprised he didn't have a sore neck or pain in his shoulders and back. It was narrow, but soft and deep and he'd slept well. Of course, there were some things even the deepest bed or most comfortable setting could never quite remedy - but that was his own problem. The nightmares and flashes only came twice during the night. They woke him, as they always did. But twice was better than the more usual three to five times.
He considered it a good night's sleep just for that.
Outside of his makeshift bed, the cabin was blissfully warm. So warm, in fact, Cullen realized he had kicked off half his blanket. Not that he would complain about being warm, as it appeared to be snowing or sleeting through the one uncovered window.
He stretched and yawned, a satisfied groan rumbling in his throat as his muscles contracted and relaxed. He sat up slowly rubbing his hands over his face and pushing his fingers through his hair.
"Good morning." Glancing around, he saw Nevena sitting at the table in the kitchen area, tablet in hand and a pot of coffee steaming in front of her. She was wearing glasses. "Coffee." She pointed at the pot. "Mugs." She pointed at a cabinet. "Sugar is over there." Her finger turned to another cupboard. "Milk in the fridge."
"I didn't know you wore glasses." Cullen said. He crossed to the kitchen and followed Nevena's directions to find a mug, after picking up an old sweatshirt from the floor and pulling it over his head and the t-shirt he slept in.
"Why would you?" Her tone was sharp as she looked up at him, blonde hair a tangled mess and half tucked into the grey hooded shirt she wore. "I wear contacts most of the time."
"I'm sorry for mentioning them?" Cullen sat. "I just think they're nice. They suit you." He poured the coffee into his mug and took a sip. The ceramic was warm between the palms of his hands. Nevena gave him a shrewd look. A look he was certain she used on students.
"Thanks," she said eventually. "I'm sorry for snapping."
"That's fine." He sipped his coffee. "How d-"
"Did yo-"
They both faltered and gave matching awkward laughs. He noticed Nevena's cheeks grow slightly pink and Cullen rubbed the back of his neck, diverting his gaze to the ceiling.
"How did you sleep?" asked Nevena after pausing for several seconds.
"Fine." He looked at her.
"Oh?" She arched a brow. "I thought I heard you talking in your sleep." Cullen's stomach turned but he controlled his expression to keep it still and impassive. "And I thought I heard you get up a couple of times." His stomach turned over again. He often did get up after waking. Pacing helped to clear his mind and to calm him down. It helped to relieve the stress and the adrenaline pulsing through him when he woke from the nightmares. He never considered it to be an issue before. But now... He would need to be more discreet. "Everything okay?"
"Everything's fine," he answered a little too quickly. "I used the bathroom. That's all." He felt Nevena staring at him, gauging him and drank deeply from his coffee until he was sure her eyes were no longer boring into him.
"Okay." She shrugged and the collar of her hooded top slipped off a slender shoulder. She left it like that. Her eyes were scanning back and forth on her tablet. She put her mug to her lips, and it hovered there for almost thirty seconds before she put it back on the table without taking a drink.
Cullen smirked a little, "Good read?"
Nevena lowered her tablet, "Sorry. It's getting to a good bit."
"What is it?"
"Don't laugh," Nevena prompted. Cullen leaned back in his chair, stretching his legs out under the table. "It's called 'The Viper's Nest' by Varric Tethras. It's kind of terrible, but I love it."
"I know it," Cullen barely concealed a smirk. I know the author. "You've read it before?"
"Oh, hundreds of times," she smiled–big, genuine. Cullen noticed dimples in her cheeks and a crinkle in her nose. Her smile - her genuine smile - was one of her best features. "I used to have a veritable library in my apartment, but downsized a lot the last time I moved. My copy was falling apart and I wasn't able to find another physical copy since it went out of print." She put her tablet on the table. "I swear I was one of the first people to pay for and download it when it was officially released online." She sighed. "I'd love to have a hard copy again."
"No chance of it being re-released for publication?"
"Not likely," Nevena shrugged her shoulders. "Mr. Tethras is focusing more on his 'Hard in Hightown' series, and 'Swords and Shields'. They're good... but I guess I have a special place in my heart for 'The Viper's Nest'."
"At least you can read it on your tablet," offered Cullen. He tilted his head to one side. In doing so, a few strands of tousled, curly hair fell across his eyes. He noticed Nevena's half-smile at that, as he brushed them back into place. "What's the plan for today?" he asked, clearing his throat and leaning forward so his elbows rested on the table.
"My parents are arriving," Nevena said. She got to her feet and started to tidy up. Cullen noticed her pajama bottoms - teal and white striped, reminding him of toothpaste- hung low on her hips. "Ineria has been texting me since about six this morning telling me to dress nicely."
"Why?"
"Because she's Ineria," Nevena emptied the dregs of her coffee into the sink and rinsed the mug under the tap. "She likes things to be just so."
"That would drive me crazy," said Cullen following her example and taking his mug to the sink after draining the last few mouthfuls of coffee.
"Ineria drives everyone crazy," she sighed. Cullen watched as she leaned back against a counter top. Just talking about her sisters, he noticed she had become uneasy. As if what energy there was in her moments before was drained away. She raked the fingers of one hand through her hair and huffed. "After that, she's said something about us going into town. We can pick up some bits and pieces there for the cabin. Just snacks and some basics. She's assured me there's no set itinerary and after today we can do whatever we want. As long as we turn up for family activities, like decorating the Christmas tree, she says she's fine - but we'll see how long that lasts." She shifted her weight. "She did say she'll be making dinner every night if we want to eat at the house. Or we can cook for ourselves here." She looked at Cullen. "What do you think?"
"Going into town doesn't sound like a bad idea," he reasoned, scratching his chin. "We can pick up a few things and maybe see if there's anything around. Any points of interest worth looking at?"
"The nearest town is Edgehall, it's pretty small, but Redcliffe is about an hour's drive away and I know there're more things to do there."
"Well, there's no rush to investigate everything."
"True," Nevena sighed. "Okay, I'll text her and let her know we're up and moving. Give her an estimated time we'll be up at the house."
"Sure." Cullen considered if it would too forward for him to give her a gesture of support. A squeeze on her shoulder or her hand. She looked so very tired and reluctant. Nevena moved out of reach before he could act on his thoughts and she lifted her arms above her head.
"Shower time." She disappeared into the bedroom.
The manor house was full of energy when Cullen and Nevena arrived, a crackling energy that only seemed to grow worse as time drew on. Ineria bustled about, going room-to-room making sure everything was perfect and in place. She commented on people's attire, snapping left and right. At one point Cullen witnessed her escorting her children back to their rooms to change.
Arienne was a bundle of giggling, simmering, excited nerves. Monty spoke to her quietly in the lounge. Cullen could only assume Monty spent most of his time telling Arienne to calm down and to relax. She reminded Cullen of a nervous hound, always ready to bark or bite if someone moved too quickly. Clotilde and Owen were calmer, but there was still an element of unease about them. Clotilde repeatedly smoothed a tufted patch of her son's hair down, growing increasingly annoyed that it wouldn't remain in place. The toddler was whining and wriggling in the smart clothes his parents put him in. More than once, Cullen saw Owen drop to the child's height to talk to him. Josef was relaxed and followed Ineria around the house assuring her over and over everything was fine, though his comments fell on deaf ears.
Conversely, Nevena was the calmest of them all. She slouched on the arm of a sofa, checking the face of the grandfather clock in the foyer several times as if wishing for time to go quicker. She had opted for smart jeans, and a jumper. Ineria's face went almost purple when they turned up at the house in such casual clothing. Cullen felt underdressed. Ineria marched around high heels and a dark green dress with a black cardigan. Arienne and Clotilde were dressed similarly in knee-length, close cut dresses, their husbands in pressed trousers and dress shirts. Their attire better suited for the office than greeting family.
Cullen shifted his weight where he stood beside Nevena and the couch. He jiggled his hands in his pockets. "Why is everyone so..."
"On edge?" Nevena arched a brow when she looked at him. Her mouth curved into a wry smile. "You didn't cotton on to the surname, did you?"
"Trevelyan?" Cullen remarked, puzzled. "Not really. Should I know it?"
"My dad is Nevan Trevelyan," she paused, expression moving to one of expectation. Cullen shrugged. "You've never heard of him?"
Cullen's spine shivered uncomfortably and he was sure he felt the cold slither of sweat drip down his back. Suddenly he felt out of his depth. Though the name 'Trevelyan' did not ring any bells beyond it being Nevena's surname, the fact she believed he should have known or heard of her father or the name at least caused his stomach to coil. His throat closed a little and he struggled to swallow.
"Makes a change," Nevena snorted. "He developed some kind of processor years and years ago. It's used in practically every phone, tablet, computer, laptop... It's everywhere." She pursed her lips. "He's... Our family is..."
"You're wealthy."
"He's wealthy," Nevena corrected. She met Cullen's gaze, a small bite to her smile. "Understand now why everyone is so on edge?" She stood and shifted close enough that their bodies were touching and Cullen was the only one who would hear her. "Where dad goes, so does his wallet," she whispered. "How do you think Ineria affords this place? Or my sisters manage their lifestyles without working?"
"I see," Cullen exhaled deeply. "So, do I need to grovel or...?"
Nevena laughed, "Don't you dare. I haven't asked my dad for a penny my entire life, and I don't intend to start now."
Somehow that knowledge caused Cullen to relax a little. He was not born into wealth. His family struggled to get by when he was a child and into his adult life. Even now he was frugal with his income and was not one for spoiling himself or buying something unless it was completely necessary. His friends called him a miser for it. Cullen simply considered it good sense. He believed money lost its value when it was given to you. The fact that Nevena had access to money, yet said she never asked for it - he considered that a positive thing.
"They're here!" Ineria almost bleated. Her cheeks were scarlet and the neat style she had put her hair up into was coming loose. "Everyone be on your best behavior. Oh, Maker. I hope everything is alright for them..."
Nevena slouched back on the arm of the sofa, a contrast to everyone else who stood to attention as soon as Ineria opened the front door. They looked like soldiers waiting for inspection from their commanding officer. Cullen's hands dangled by his sides and he was surprised when he felt Nevena's fingers slide into his palm and between his fingers. Thus far every intimate interaction was initated by him. He wondered if she was feeling more comfortable but did not say anything, rather he ran his thumb over her knuckles and tried to ignore how nice her hand felt in his. Not that he was particularly successful. Her hands were small and smooth, and her fingers slotted so easily between his it felt completely natural.
"Hi, Daddy," Ineria swept back from the front door to allow Josef in. He carried two large suitcases and two figures followed him in. "How was the trip up? Not too treacherous, I hope?"
"Fine, Ineria. Fine. Stop fussing." Nevan Trevelyan was a man well into his late-sixties or early-seventies - He was dressed in casual yet expensive-looking attire. Pressed beige trousers, and a maroon blazer over a white shirt. Ineria helped him remove his winter coat once he was inside. Despite his apparent age he stood straight and with no sign of feebleness to him. He was clearly fit and looked after himself but the years had taken their toll on his face. He did not have a warm or even remotely friendly face. It was stern, hard and weathered. He had a head of thick grey hair and a neatly trimmed moustache across his top lip.
Following him was a woman Cullen could only assume to be Nevena's mother. Cullen could see hints of Clotilde, Ineria, and Arienne in her face at just a glance. Her face was severe and angular. She was not an unattractive woman by any means, but she did not give Cullen the impression that she smiled much. Much of her appearance was down to the clothing she wore. Like Nevan, expensive, and cut to accentuate what remained of her frail figure.
He struggled not to compare Nevena's parents to his own. His mother was a kind woman, in face as well as personality. He remembered her as always laughing and always doing something. She never had a mean thing to say about anyone unless they deserved it. She did not always dress the best, but she always made the best of what she had. His father was the same. Warm and welcoming, a big personality that was inherited by Cullen's brother, Branson. Just from looking at them, his parents and Nevena's could not be any more different.
Nevan greeted everyone in turn, his wife too, making polite greetings to his daughters as though they were strangers and only ever shaking the hands of his son-in-laws, not hugging them. Their mother hugged, though they were brief and never lasted very long. Neither of them said anything to their grandchildren. Everyone parted once Nevan greeted them and Nevena slid off the arm of the sofa and stood straight. She dropped Cullen's hand and he saw her smile at her father.
"Hey, Dad." She hugged him and Cullen was surprised to see Nevan hug her back. Not a brief hug of politeness, but a hard, strong hug. Nevena was small against her father, practically buried into his chest until the embrace came to an end.
"I'm glad to see you," he said, holding her shoulders. "What have you been doing with yourself?"
"Just life." Nevena shrugged. She looked beyond him to her mother. "Hi, Mum."
"Nevena." Her mother offered a thin smile. "You're looking well." Nevena's mother did not move to hug her, unlike she had with her other daughters. Cullen sensed a deep seated strain between the two of them, possibily something Nevena's father was the cause of, given his treatment of her in comparison to her sisters.
"You too."
Cullen felt the gazes of the others in the room. Ineria's jaw was tightly clenched, contorting her expression a little. There was a tension in her shoulders too, the way she held herself was stiff and Cullen noticed her cheeks growing redder and redder. Clotilde was distracting herself with her son, an uneasy expression on her face and Arienne had her arms crossed and was frowning.
He snapped from his observations when Nevena took his hand again. "This is Cullen." She introduced him, primarily to Nevan. "Cullen, this is my dad, Nevan Trevelyan. And my mum, Katrin."
"Nice to meet you both." Cullen offered his hand and smiled. Up close he could see Nevan Trevelyan had a shrewd face, and his eyes were a dark brown, almost black and the warmth in his face disappeared in an instant. Katrin didn't move from her place a few paces behind her husband and Cullen's hand hung in the air unshaken.
"What's your angle?" Nevan bit out. "Another insipid gold digger, like the others." He glanced distastefully in the direction of Monty, the son-in-law closest to him. "Interested in the name only? In the money?"
"E-Excuse me?" Cullen dropped his hand.
"What's this one like?" Nevan turned to Nevena. "What was wrong with young Richard?"
"Dad," Nevena shook her head. "It's been three years." She looked weary again. "Let it go, please. I told you my reasons for-"
"What reasons!?" Nevan snapped. "He was my oldest friend's son. You were a perfect match."
"Dad..."
"With respect, I didn't know anything about your family or what money you might have until today." Cullen stated, his tone rough. "Nevena's been very guarded about it since the beginning. There's no ulterior motive for me being with her."
"I'm sure," Nevan sneered. He was a different person from the one who had hugged Nevena so tightlyand kindly mere moments ago. It was like a switch was suddenly flipped. "We'll see. You'll be asking for money just like the rest of them before the week is out."
"Nevan," Katrin snapped waspishly, "remember what the doctor said!"
"Bloody quack. What does he know!?" hissed Nevan. "Ordering unnecessary tests. Everyone trying to bleed me dry before my time is up. Money is all anyone cares about nowad-"
Ineria swept in between Cullen and Nevan. She slipped an arm around her father's shoulders tossing Nevena an irritated glance over her shoulder. "Don't get upset Daddy, you just got here." She maneuvered him through the reception and towards the stairs. "I've got your room all ready here in the house, I'll show you."
They disappeared up the stairs and the atmosphere in the reception room fizzled a little. Anger throbbed in Cullen's chest. Anger, at the insult thrown at him by a man he only just met. As if he would be with anyone for money. He was not that shallow, and even if the situation with Nevena were different - if it was real - her father's money and the family name wouldn't make a difference.
"Excuse me." He left the reception room and walked through the lounge to the dining room where he remembered there being a door leading out into the garden. The sleet had stopped before Cullen and Nevena arrived at the house, and it was now simply cold with a soft wind bringing the temperature even lower. The gardens of the house were sprawling and vast. The doors of the dining room led out onto an elevated patio lined with decorative stone walls. There were plants in pots dotted around, and a thin layer of frost on the grass.
Cullen pressed his hands to the stonework and breathed deep. His breath turned to steam with each exhale and he watched the steam vanish into the air. He let the cold of the stone seep into his hands until it almost hurt to keep them on the surface. His face was hot and he fought to control the anger streaming around his body.
He jumped when he heard the sliding doors close, though was not surprised to see Nevena was the one who closed them and how she now approached him. He turned his gaze out over the garden, brows low and a pain developing in his jaw where he clenched his teeth together. Nevena stood beside him and placed her hands on the stone just as he had done.
They stood in silence for more than a minute. Cullen kept his breathing deep to calm himself, determined not to be the one to speak first.
"I'm sorry about that," Nevena said. She tucked her hands inside the sleeves of her jumper
Cullen snorted, "it's not you who should be apologising."
"My dad..." She ran her hands over her face. "I have no excuses. I'm just sorry he said those things."
"Why?" snapped Cullen."Why did he? He's just met me!"
"I know, I know." She turned to face him. "You heard him. My ex, the one in that photo, was the son of his best friend. They've known each other since they were boys. When I broke things off... I think I caused in rift in their friendship that couldn't be repaired."
"So?"
"So..." Nevena gave an uncertain shrug. "He was attached. Really attached to Rick. I assume you noticed I have three sisters and no brothers? That my name is Nevena?"
"Yeah."
"My father was named after his father. His father was named after his father. There's been a Nevan in the Trevelyan family for generations. I got lumped with the name because of the lack of boys. Mum had a hysterectomy for her health, so no more kids, and my dad doesn't really like any of the men my sisters married... He'd probably only like them if he got to choose them. I... I think Rick was the son my dad always wanted, and never got. When I broke it off... I guess my dad felt betrayed? Like he lost a son?" Nevena shook her head. "I don't know. He was attached to him. Far more than I was."
"So? What's that got to do with me?" asked Cullen. He felt calmer, though he was still brimming with adrenaline. He wanted to go for a run, or do something to let off the energy. "What was all that," he gestured to the house, "about?"
"My dad is... protective."
"Of you, or his money?" Cullen's words were more savage than he anticipated and he could see the shock on Nevena's face at his harshness. He was more emotional than he expected, too. He hadn't expected to react so strongly to his intentions and integrity being questioned so brutally.
"That's not fair," she said after a moment. Her brows furrowed and she squared her shoulders. "You don't know my dad. At all. You can't make that kind of judgment."
"Can't I?" he scoffed. "He just made almost the same exact judgment about me. That I'm here because your family has money. That really doesn't matter to me, at all."
"I know."
"It wouldn't. Even if this was real."
"I know."
With a grunt of frustration Cullen raked his hands through his hair, pausing to scratch the back of his neck. He paced a few steps one way and then the other. Nevena's whole body was leaning on the stonework now. She appeared small and tired, weary. Looking at her, he felt annoyed at himself for getting angry.
"I can't explain fully why my dad reacted the way he did to you," Nevena said, breaking the silence. "He was attached to my ex, and it will take time for him to warm up to you - if he ever does. I just..." She lifted her eyes to meet his. "I wanted to apologize on his behalf. It wasn't fair what he said, and I'm sorry that he was so rude to you." She hesitated for a moment before placing her hand on his. "I'll leave you alone." He watched her turn and begin walking back towards the door.
Cullen huffed.
He turned his eyes out over the garden once more and stayed silent. Maybe this whole situation was more than he could handle. An evening pretending to be someone's partner or a day, that was easy. He thought he could do it with Nevena for a long period. It wouldn't be that hard. But now he had met her family, seen the chaos and the dysfunction for himself. He wasn't sure he could get through almost a full month putting up with them and continuing the pretense.
He knew he could leave - but that would be like leaving a lamb to the wolves. He was sure Nevena could defend herself, after all, she'd grown up with these people and was still alive, but witnessing her with them, even as briefly as he had already, something didn't feel right. It was too hard to put his finger on, but he knew if he left, if he told her that he couldn't fulfill the contract they agreed on, he would regret it. He would feel guilty for it.
"Nevena," Cullen caught up to her in three strides. She stopped and he took her hand - certain there were probably members of her family watching from the windows. "It's not your place to apologize for your dad's comments."
"I know. But-"
"I appreciate that you did."
She shrugged. "My family is ... difficult. I know that better than most."
"I'm getting that feeling." Cullen went to her side, still clasping her hand. "Are we going into town then?" He asked, wanting to clear the air and leave the tension behind.
"I think so. Shortly. Mum and Dad are staying at the house to unpack."
"Great," Cullen breathed an exaggerated sigh of relief.
"I am sorry," Nevena said as he reached for the sliding door. "For what it's worth."
"I know." He opened the door. "Any more surprises I should know about?" he asked, looking at her with a wry smile.
"None that should crop up while we're here." Nevena shrugged and stepped past him into the house.
Hi guys!
Thank you again for reading the previous chapter, and reading this one. I appreciate you doing so. Please don't hesitate to let me know what you think in the comments.
See you soon for the next chapter! LessThanThree
