The white and gold building loomed over Callista Genovese. Once again, she had found herself in another branch of Castle. This time it was located at the Hamptons. Thomas had insisted to accompany her despite her raging protests. As punishment, she had sent him with her luggage to her hotel room while she searched for Delilah.

She found the girl by the beach, basking in the sun. Her usual fair skin had become flushed. Caly sauntered to her spot, flip flops sinking in the sand with her every step.

"Delilah!" She peeked at her resting form, blocking the sun in the process.

The Gallo heiress had called her over with excitement. Caly had to cut off her sleep and travel to the Hamptons in a hurry. Between Castor's fervid confession, her marketing duties, and now, Delilah's predicament, Callista was at the end of her wits. Nevertheless, she smiled like the pretender she was. "Hi!"

"You're here!" Delilah sat up from her blanket, pushing up her white retro cat-eye sunglasses. "I had a great idea to make Franco like me!"

Caly hid her exasperation. "What do you mean?"

"I got the idea that night we had dinner. You know, what Castor said." Delilah stood up, tying a knot on her black cover-up. Her giddiness was apparent as she squeezed the other girl's shoulder. "I will seduce him."

Callista's face displayed surprise. "Oh?"

"What? Is it a bad idea?" Delilah worried her bottom lip, seeking Caly's eyes for approval. "I just thought that sex will eventually turn to love. And I'd like it if my marriage had a little warmth to it."

Callista's throat burned with remorse. Everyone wanted to be loved. That primal instinct that was inscribed in the soul that couldn't be erased no matter what. Even the bratty party girl yearned for it. God, she wished this would be over soon.

"No, no. It's a great idea." Caly linked her arms with Delilah. "How about we go shopping for sexy lingerie? Franco won't be able to say no."

"Right?" Delilah's face beamed at her suggestion. "Franco is still resting in his room. So I need to be ready before evening."

They decided to shop near East Hampton. Delilah tried every nightgown as Caly made judgments. She sighed after saying no to a blue backless dress that Delilah chose. It was her sixteenth try.

Caly brushed her raven locks backward, fanning herself from the heat. Her white off shoulder lace dress helped her more than the air conditioner. She leaned on the couch just as her phone rang, Victoria's caller id flashing on the screen. "Hello, Tori."

"Are you alone?" The girl's voice was above a whisper.

"No. I'm in public."

"What?" Tori hissed. "At least go to a secluded place, Caly. My information is sensitive. Ears have walls. I mean, news has wings. Do you get me?"

Callista chuckled. "You're ridiculous. Come on. Tell me its good news."

"I've finished what you asked me to do so I'll fudging get out of here now." Victoria's voice elevated in anxiousness. "And don't forget our deal, Caly! My milkshakes better be at my house when I come home."

"Thanks, Tori. I'll bring the milkshakes to you myself."

"Oh no, you won't." Light footsteps could be heard on the phone. "You'll only get between me and Dean Winchester's eyes."

"Who?" Caly muttered.

"It's the hot guy from—"

"Never mind. " She cut her off at the same Tori grumbled a 'hey'. "There's still one thing I need you to do. It's ASAP." Callista texted her the request just as Delilah strolled out of the dressing room in another revealing nightgown. "Thanks, Tori."

"Were you talking to someone?" Delilah questioned.

"Yes. Someone from work. Wait here." Callista stood up, disappearing between the rack of clothes. Her notification sounded with Victoria's message. Caly opened the mail which revealed several pictures of a brunette with blue innocent eyes. Her fair skin made her look like a real-life Snow White. "So, this is Franco's type?"

Victoria sent another link which led to an article about Franco's fianceé. It stated that she had died in a shooting spree at a bar. Caly frowned at the information. There was no mention of the Luciano family at all.

Callista filed the knowledge in her brain as she grabbed a white lace nightgown. She showed it to Delilah who's face crumpled in confusion. "But that's... so simple."

"Yes. But do you know that Franco's ex was exactly like that?" She pushed Delilah back to the dressing room. "Franco likes them pure."

The Gallo heiress shook her head in amusement. "Alright."

Delilah tried a few more of the same style of nightgown before they decided to end their shopping. The scented paper bags were already on the blonde woman's hands as she waited for her card.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am. This card's maxed out."

Callista's ears perked at the cashier's statement. Soon, her plan would reach its climax.

"What?" Delilah jerked to Caly's direction. "This never happened before."

"Well, you always go all out when shopping. I'm sure you failed to notice it." Caly dug through her wallet, giving her platinum card to the cashier. "I'll pay for now."

Delilah tucked a stray curl at her ear, lips pursed. "Thanks."

Caly smiled as they left the store. "Let's dye your hair next."

"What?"

"Come on. We'll go all out," Callista insisted, her stormy eyes glistening in elation. "You'll take Franco to a memory lane. He's cold and insensitive but melts in front of the girl he admires. You can pull it off."

Delilah nodded, anticipation rolling off her. "Okay. But how should I act in bed, Caly? Like a virgin? I should moan less, right?"

Callista laughed out loud, a hand to her stomach.

"Caly!" Delilah shushed her to no avail.

Callista wiped at the tears in her eyes. She realized it was the first time she had enjoyed Delilah's company. The Genovese heiress bit her lip, guilt seeping through the cracks of her shield.

"Gosh. My concerns are valid." Delilah pouted, arms crossed.

"I know. I apologize." Caly let out a strained smile. "You don't need to fake the sex, Del."

'Cause it'll never happen.

✘✘

"You're late," Callista muttered, creating a vortex on her cucumber lemonade drink. The pool bar was quiet except for the little splashes she deliberately made. It had been three hours since Delilah went to her room to prepare for her stunt. Caly had also three hours to prepare for hers.

"I'm not your errand boy." Ethan Ainsley sat at the edge of the pool, carefully yanking his shorts upwards. Despite his dark skin, he had a thick British accent. "Bloody hell! I'm wet! Look at that."

Caly rolled her eyes and tugged him downwards. "Come sit beside me."

"You're bonkers." Ethan fixed his bonnet that covered his eyebrows, disregarding his now soaked shorts. "If Castellano finds out I'm here, I'm dead!"

"I'm pretty sure Castor will do the same if you keep screaming in my ear." Caly shrugged and gestured the bartender for a watermelon smoothie. Just like Vince, he knew Ethan through Castor. The two had often accompanied Cas when he was on vacation. "Here. I know you like it."

Ethan glared between the girl and the red smoothie. "Is this a bribe?" he asked, crossing his arms. "'Cause its working."

The boy sat next to the heiress, ignoring the shallow water on his legs. He relished a few sips from the smoothie. "I've set it up as you asked."

"Oh?" She grinned at the boy. "So, you successfully placed it in the archangel's room without him knowing?"

"That's because I'm brilliant!" He took a leisure sip from his shake, a smug smile curving his lips. Ethan was adept in hacking and spy tech. He used to work in the government before trying to hack into The Pentagon's database which led him into prison. And eventually, into Castor's family.

"But your majesty?" Ethan waited for an acknowledgment before he continued, "Do you want to be in a sex scandal?"

"Why not?"

Ethan let out a horrified gasp. "What? The boss will kill me!"

Callista's nude lips curled into a cunning smile as she tilted her head. "Hmm?"

"Yep," Ethan mumbled. "I'm pretty sure I'm dead."

✘✘

hi! thank you so much for the response to the previous chapter. it's been a while since I updated but I still have readers? omg!

so, any thoughts on what Caly is planning?

p.s. i change Castor's cast. i still love andy tho I originally chose him cause he has videos for my trailer but the image Cas have is that of jord liddel. hehe.

hope you like this chapter. see you next time! stay safe everyone.

xx, lucci