It's gonna be fine, Anastasia repeats her mom's words to herself, trying to calm down her nerves a little, and she automatically reaches for the pendant hanging around her neck. Yet her fingers jump away as soon as she touches the cold metal, the scales symbol turning into a burning reminder.

Her mom clearly doesn't know what she has done; otherwise, maybe she would be as worried as Anastasia is right now.

With each step she takes, a new knot appears in her stomach, and the weight of it all might be the reason why her feet are so slow, her walk to the Matchmaker department starting to feel more like a death row. Maybe it is? If the authorities find out about what she has done, it surely will.

But let's not be paranoid. She knows that a lot of young people – well, maybe not a lot, but some, especially rebellious teens – have romantic or sexual interactions before being matched, and as long as no one knows, it is fine. 

To think that she has always told herself she would be intransigent and would never accept if her husband hadn't respected the law before the match, and now, she is praying to marry someone who will be understanding and indulgent of her breach. And with whom will she be matched?

Her questions are left pending when she arrives in front of the big glass doors. 

The architecture isn't as imposing as the Armed Forces' building, yet there is still a heavy weight falling on her shoulders as she takes a deep breath and quickly checks her reflection.

It could be better, but it's not too bad. Luckily, the make-up is hiding the hickeys all over her skin and the marks of the last two sleepless nights. She surely isn't looking at her best, but how could she sleep when her mind is battling with guilt and what-ifs? Moreover, every time she closes her eyes, she gets flashbacks of this mysterious stranger, leaving her restless.

It has been two days, and this forbidden steamy encounter is still haunting her vividly: his penetrating gaze, his sinful lips, his expert hands... and all the things he has made her feel.

She catches a glimpse of her wide eyes in the shiny glass doors as she realizes where her mind has been trailing again, and she grabs the handle to chase everything away, or at least, to try to escape those thoughts and the same burning shivers always following on her skin.

She has to forget him. She is about to meet her future husband. 

She is instantly hit by this reality when she steps inside the waiting room. 

The decoration is minimalist with only a few chairs here and there, yet the room is filled, filled with excitement and nervousness. There are just a few other young women around Anastasia's age, but as they are all here for the same reason, their emotions and reactions seem to be infinite from wide smiles, to tensed jaws, hushed whispers, and wriggling hands, and Anastasia is suffocating, standing here without knowing what to do, and even less what she is feeling.

"Anastasia Fisher?"

Luckily, she doesn't have time to sit down, nor less analyze the chaos inside her stomach as her name is already called. 

She takes a deep breath, which seems to only bring her more of the tensions around than oxygen, and she follows the not-smiling woman in charge of the match, trying to keep up with her fast pace through the many hallways. Yet the distance between her gray heels and Anastasia's black flats keeps growing as Anastasia's legs are heavier and heavier, and as the woman doesn't even turn for a word or a glance, Anastasia is left alone to battle with her heart trying to escape her ribcage and run away somewhere far.

She is so lost in this struggle that she barely catches sight of the inscription 'Matching room' before the state employee opens the door, and she has no time to prepare as she is almost pushed inside. Though maybe it is for the best, or the worst?

At least, her heart shuts down as she steps inside the empty room, her eyes blinking around and quickly setting on the only moving figure around.

Anastasia has never really fantasized about that day like some other girls do, even if she has obviously thought about it before, and the man standing in front of her is exactly as she has imagined him: tall but not too much, lean and fit, with dark blond hair and beautiful hazel-green eyes shining at her. Then, what is this pinch of disappointment adding the final weight to make her stomach drop slowly?

"Nice to meet you." He offers her a wide smile, which does nothing to help her answer her questions inside.

"Nice to meet you too." She shakes shyly the hand he is extending for her, and her eyebrows furrow at the sensation of his skin on hers, or more exactly the lack of sensation.

Three days ago, she wouldn't have minded it, but it is like all of her senses have awakened in that steam room, and now they are left dangling.

"Let's sign the contract. There are still lots of people waiting after," the state employee declares without even the slightest sympathy, before they can even add another word. Though Anastasia wouldn't find anything to say anyway.

They both obediently follow the woman to the desk in the center of the room, her sharp voice being the only sound echoing in the heavy silence. Well, maybe it is just heavy for Anastasia, as the man next to her is still wearing the same warm smile, making her avert her frown down.

"Anastasia Mary Fisher, Fergus Rowell, please show me your papers and sign the certificates right there." 

Fergus Rowell, as he is grabbing the touchscreen the employee is handing him, Anastasia gives him a quick glance, now taking in the familiarity of his features. 

She doesn't know him personally, but she must have seen him a few times in town, and she has heard of him. His family owns a big farm on the outskirts of town, and he is known for being a perfect citizen, participating and helping out in various activities and causes in the community. Another of the criteria she has checked in the matchmaking test.

She remembers too well each question because she hasn't taken it lightly, yet when the same World Nations logo appears on the touchscreen in front of her, her mind is going blank.

"You gotta sign your name," the woman repeats, tapping her nails on the metal desk.

Her name, Anastasia has almost forgotten it as only one memory is flashing in her mind, and her fingers are forming shaky, almost illegible letters under the expectant eyes on her. However, it seems to be enough for the employee, who practically shoves them out of the room.

"You're going to get all the information and procedure for the marriage by email." 

The deal is sealed on those words, and Anastasia finds herself by the same glass doors with her 'fiancé'.

She tries to breathe in the cold air to clear her mind, and she takes the opportunity to look at Fergus more closely. He is handsome – she notes the simple yet elegant blue shirt he has chosen for the 'occasion' – and he seems really nice, still wearing the same friendly smile. Nevertheless, she remains unmoved and cold. 

But again, why is it bothering her so much? She has never got carried away for a man before. Of course, she appreciates handsome men, yet she has never burned before, before him.

"Do you have time for a coffee or something to get to know each other a little?" 

Once more, she is pulled out of her steamy memories, and the contrast between the tenebrous eyes haunting all her thoughts and Fergus's hazel ones expectantly fixing her makes her blink a few times.

"Yes, it's a nice idea." She gives him a small smile, the best she can as her muscles are tensing slightly under his bright gaze roaming all over her.

"Do you know the Cloak Cafe?"

"You know it?! It's my favorite! Not a lot of people like to go there," she almost gasps, the words catching her attention.

"I guessed you would like it, knowing that we're matching at 98%." He offers her the same smooth smile, and this time, she returns it with a genuine one.

"We can go by foot, it isn't far," he adds, and she nods, as she knows the way by heart.

She should give him a chance. After all, he is right; they have been matched for a reason, and he is going to be her husband. She follows him with this new state of mind, hearing her mom's voice in the back of her head. It's gonna be fine... 

The walk to the cafe is going fine indeed, and almost in a blink as they talk easily about random things, from which most are what they have in common.

When he holds the door for her, she also notices satisfied that he is considerate and a gentleman, another one of her criteria.

She is about to ask him about another of her important criteria: work and studies, when a phone ringing interrupts them.

"Sorry, I have to take it." Fergus offers her an embarrassed smile as he pulls out his phone. "Go find us a nice seat you like," he still proposes before going out to answer his phone, and Anastasia instantly heads to her usual corner, letting the well-known cozy atmosphere soothe her.

She remembers each detail of the luminous room, yet her gaze still wanders around, taking in all the mismatching and secondhand pieces of furniture arranged around natural and recycled materials like to make sure everything is still the same at least here. It is, quiet and peaceful like always.

"Ana, don't tell me you've been matched with Fergus Rowell?!"

Well, quiet and peaceful most of the time, Anastasia muses as Sienna, the waitress, appears by her table with her usual green apron and loud voice, maybe even louder than usual actually.

Since Anastasia comes here quite often and Sienna is around her age, they have befriended a little, Sienna's cheery and friendly attitude making everyone feel at home.

"Yes, why?" Anastasia replies much quieter, her eyebrows creasing again at the sound of her friend's words. 

'Matched with Fergus Rowell', he is her fiancé now. She will need some time to get used to this.

"Lucky you! You'll leave a lot of girls jealous!" Sienna sighs, dreamily putting a hand over her chest, even though the ring on her finger is showing obviously.

Anastasia doesn't know what to reply to this, but luckily, Fergus is coming back, and Sienna leaves her with a wink, which leaves Anastasia even more bewildered by this quick encounter and Sienna's enthusiasm. 

"Sorry, I had to take it. It was for work." Fergus smiles apologetically, putting his phone away and focusing all his attention on her again.

"It's okay, I totally understand."

"Let me guess: you're really professional and take work to heart too?" He chuckles, and she gulps as he sits down close, flashbacks of her not-so-professional first day of work rushing in her mind like the blood to her cheeks.

"Yeah, maybe I take it a little too much to heart..." she mumbles, searching for anything that could divert the attention, as much Fergus's as hers, and she finds it, quickly grabbing a wooden piece serving as the menu and hiding behind it. "What do you want to order?" 

"I always have the Underground shake."

This draws her out of her menu as she looks back at him with wide eyes. "Me too!"

"Wow! I think you're the first person I know to like it too!"

"I know! Usually, people don't even want to try anything because it's made with roots and veggies." She shakes her head, barely noticing as he slightly leans closer.

"They don't understand!"

But he apparently understands her, she thinks, the more they agree and get to know each other.

"It was really a delicious moment," Fergus tells her, holding the door after a few minutes, or maybe more, as it is easy to lose track of time in this unique place.

"Yeah, it–" She doesn't get to finish, stumbling over the small step of the doorway. It has always been there, yet she still manages to miss it half the time.

Except this time she doesn't meet the ground as Fergus catches her smoothly.

"Are you okay?" He keeps his arms around her a little bit more than necessary, letting her time to feel that he is naturally strong, probably from hours of manual labor outside, which also explains his tan.

It is exactly what she likes. She has never liked too muscular guys who spend hours at the gym; it is a waste of time in her opinion. Then, why is she searching for more and she keeps comparing him to her mysterious savior? Those strong, powerful muscles that yet have made her feel warm and safe.

"Yeah, thank you." She pulls back, almost jumping as those same shivers are coming back along her skin, but they don't dissipate, and she realizes it is uneasiness crawling up her skin as Fergus keeps an arm around her.

She doesn't dare to pull away, not wanting to offend her 'fiancé', and even less appear suspect, so she tries to focus on the surroundings as they take a few steps in the backyard of the cafe.

"It's beautiful here." She smiles, the unique atmosphere of the cafe still present on the outside, and actually, it is her favorite spot with all the masks arranged in the plants around. There are always new details to catch between the fresh buds and all the intricate details

"Yeah," Fergus replies, barely giving a glance around as he turns to face her, taking a big breath. "Can I kiss you?"

Just when she has been about to relax, getting lost in all the details around, she is brought back to reality, and the harsh fall must be written all over her wide eyes as she looks at Fergus because he quickly adds,

"I mean, unless you think it's too soon."

Indeed, 'too soon' is one of the arguments her heart is raising loudly against her ribcage, but if she thinks clearly about it, maybe it is a good idea. Maybe it will help erase the taste burning her lips and her memories since two days. Besides, it will happen sooner or later, anyway.

"No, I mean... yes, you can," she replies, adding a small smile to try to sound more assured, and he doesn't need more.

He is already leaning in, and she doesn't have time to breathe. She just closes her eyes, preparing for it the best she can, and ... nothing.

Of course, there is the contact of their lips colliding, his lips rather soft on hers, but nothing else, no fire, no thirst for more, not even a spark of desire.

The only thing happening with the touch of Fergus's lips are the same flashes of those sinful lips and everything they have made her feel in that steam room. They have been so ardent, imprinting their burn all over her, and their unique taste of something between coffee, mint, and an intoxicating sweetness is still on the tip of her tongue. It makes her kiss Fergus a little harder to maybe try to find the taste of his Underground Shake, maybe feel something, or just to dispel the memories. But nothing works.

When they pull apart, she is in a daze, though not for the same reasons as two days ago.

"Was it your first kiss?" she speaks out her question, wanting to swallow it as soon as it leaves her lips and makes Fergus's smile turn into a confused frown.

"Yes, why? Not you?"

Maybe, that's why. She can't even convince herself.

"No," she admits, going for honesty. After all, he is going to be her husband, and trust and sincerity are part of the agreement. 

"When?"

Regret, it isn't included in the marriage principles, but it is all she feels, along with a cold shiver, when his eyes turn a shade darker.

"Oh... it was a long time ago... when I was 13, a classmate stole me a kiss in the schoolyard."

It isn't a lie. She still remembers this awkward kiss with the metallic taste of his brace and mostly the bitterness that he has made her break the law. She just doesn't mention the ones she has shared willingly two days ago, and everything else she has offered.

"Ah, it's okay! It wasn't really you." Fergus's look softens a little, yet the shade she has glimpsed for a second is already sneaking under her skin like the shudder it has created, and it is quickly reaching the hole growing inside with guilt and a bad sensation on which she can't really put words.

Here we are, Anastasia has met her match! What do you think of Fergus? He seems perfect for her, doesn't he? ;)

I hope you like this story so far! Let me know what you think in the comments and vote if you like it! :)

And also add the story to your reading lists/library to get notifs when I update new chapters because you don't wanna miss what will happen in the next chapters... ;)