Her Wicked Ways [3xR - Rated PG-13] 1/?

[Andrea]

<b>Her Wicked Ways </b>
By Andrea Sinisterra
Romance
Rated PG-13 to NC-17
Standard Disclaimers Apply


<b>Author?s Note:</b> First timer! *laughs* My very first non-cannon story! I was a little apprehensive because I?ve never written something like this, but I like how it?s going. This is a Trowa/Relena centric, written from the latter?s perspective. I tried to keep it as truthful and realistic as possible, trying to sort out her thoughts and dilemmas in a normal, simple way. It was a little difficult because it?s tough keeping MY thinking M.O. out of the way and trying to make her seem original, so I hope you like this? Trowa, what can I say; I?m in love.

<b>Warnings:</b> Out-of-character-ness on Relena?s part; I had to keep her true to the story, and her real personality just didn?t quite fit. But she?s still a tough woman! Some business-related mumbo-jumbo, but that, you can skip, it doesn?t alter the plot. What else? Oh, and well, the lemon of course. It IS rated NC-17 for good reason. Not that you are complaining. But that will come in later chapters. For now, it will just be PG-13. ^^?

<b>Special thanks:</b> To Lauren for her incomparable help and input. Thanks for your advice and for detecting the several errors within this? Thanks hon, you?re mah favorite slut! *laughs!* People are going to flame me for that, I know.

Thank you to Melodrama and Gundam Girl for proofreading this for me. You girls are the best and I wouldn?t trade you for anything. I need to go buy more chocolate? and SUGAR-FREE Jolly Ranchers for Mel. Mel, I hope you?re taking things slowly!

Also, thank you to Jess, for helping me focus and for allowing me to babble my heart out. I needed that!


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<b>Part 1</b>

?Where?re you going, sexy legs??

If only men knew how utterly unappealing it was for a woman to be called that. Or anything of the nature.

I ran my hands through my tangled hair, trying to keep the rebellious strands out of my face. They were annoying as they tickled my cheeks and forehead, and I wanted to yank them out or cut them off so they would stop bothering me. I slipped my underwear on automatically, reaching for the rest of my clothing which had been tossed carelessly about the room. His were also strewn everywhere: over chairs, under the bed, I could even make out one sock lying remorselessly on the bedside table.

I felt slick arms grab me around the waist from behind, a moment before I felt his breath on my neck. He trailed his tongue along my left shoulder then up to suck my neck, like a hungry vampire.

?When can I see you again? I want to make a repeat of tonight??

I bit my tongue to keep myself from snorting at his satisfied tone. His proposal made me shiver, and believe me, it wasn?t in anticipation. I slowly extricated myself from him, grabbing and slipping on my black lace brassiere which I found over the armrest of a chair. ?I?m sorry, ?love?.? Though my tone was biting, to my dismay I found it was also breathless, and why wouldn?t it be when I had to almost drag myself under the bed for one of my shoes? ?But I?m busy. I?ll call you.?

I didn?t wait for his answer as I made my way to the front door, keeping my eyes straight ahead. I grabbed my purse which I had left on the small table at the foyer and quickly withdrew my car keys.

?Don?t you need my phone number??

I glanced over my shoulder and saw him standing at the top of the stairs, a dark sheet wrapped around his naked hips. He was handsome; dark eyes, tan skin, ash blond hair? with the sculpted body of a demigod. And a great lay.

I blew him a kiss, smiling as I slowly turned the doorknob. ?No, thanks. But, it was fun.?


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Of course it was fun. It always was. What was wrong with having a little fun now and then? Why do people think that men are the only ones allowed to indulge in some sinful, uninhibited, free sex? Why was it okay for them to practice it casually and not women? It was such a stereotyped hypothesis. And I know this all makes me sound like a deranged feminist, but it?s the whole truth.

And this was the same thing I told the woman in front of me.

She nodded in that slow, understanding way of hers that made me want to grit my teeth and yank my hair out in frustration. She scribbled something in the legal pad on her lap, uncrossing her pantyhose encased legs in a very lazy manner.

I swear? The things I wouldn?t give to know how to read body language.

I moved to a more comfortable position, the motion making the leather cushions hiss out in protest. How could someone be comfortable when they had to lie on these sofas and be under constant scrutiny?

?So, tell me Relena; do you feel you need to prove something??

I couldn?t help as I frowned?the tension sipping into my forehead?at her question. ?Prove something??

She nodded, glancing at me over the silver wire of her glasses.

I shrugged. ?In what sense??

?You tell me.?

This time I couldn?t help myself as I gritted my teeth, my hands forming fists. ?I don?t have to tell you anything.?

She scribbled again. ?Where does all this anger come from??

From the fact that you are driving me nuts!

I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, urging the tension to leave my shoulders. ?I just get easily frustrated. I apologize for being rude. I guess I came here predisposed on disliking you.? I took another breath and let it out just as slowly. ?I don?t feel I need to prove anything to anyone. It?s just the way I am.?

She wrote something else. I wonder what she wrote. What were her perceptions of me?

?That?s okay. A person?s first instinct when they sit there is resentment. Don?t? worry about it. Why are you here??

?Well, Dr. Monahan,? I smiled charmingly. ?That?s just the thing: I don?t know why exactly I?m here. It was suggested I take Anger Management courses, but I refused, of course.?

?Anger Management? I see.?

<i>?You need to relax, Relena. Take things slowly. The world isn?t coming to an end, you know??</i>

I willed my jaw to relax. ?Yes. So, we reached a compromise by requiring me to attend a few therapy sessions. They said I needed to?take things more calmly.?

She nodded slowly, her eyes looking straight into mine. You see, I?ve never been intimidated before. I?ve always prided myself in my excellent social skills and killer glares, which were indispensable when it came to business. It pleased me when I saw her fidget for a minute and then lower her eyes to her lap, presumably to pretend she was reading what she had scribbled on that notepad of hers.

?Care to enlighten me on that? Why do ?they? think you need to ?take things more calmly??

I sighed. And God, did I know they were right. I almost laughed out loud. ?It?s just the way I am. You see, I work at a financial consulting firm and it?s a very strenuous job. I guess it all comes from being pulled in too many directions.? I sighed, trying to gather my thoughts and put them in a more coherent order. ?I?m the youngest of all the senior partners; and by youngest, I mean the one who precedes me is 52.?

Her brows rose on her forehead, and she nodded her head at me. ?That?s quite an accomplishment, Relena.?

?Thank you. But it also comes with a lot of stress. Plus, I?m the only female, so there?s always the fear of sexual harassment and things of the sort.?

?I understand.?

Did she really? ?Anyway, I?m in charge of oversea affairs. Basically, the whole international purse is under my charge. I have goals set yearly, and I have to meet that budget one way or another or it?s my neck on the line. We?re talking of billions of dollars in just overseas billing.? I sighed. ?What I do is travel around the world to meet or acquire new clients and bring them to us, convincing them to invest in new local businesses as long as we manage their finances. It?s a very bold move, but by working this way, we also get the help from the government since we are helping them by incrementing the local tourism. Of course, our benefits and fees are good and low compared to other companies? But I?m not selling anything to you, so why bother??

The woman laughed, apparently taken by surprise. She shook her head while she jotted something else down. Then she frowned. ?Do you fly alone??

?Usually, I take my assistant and bodyguard with me.?

She wrote down something else. ?Have you ever had any divergences on these trips??

I smiled ruefully. ?There?s always the perverted, depraved old man; the arrogant, snotty business woman and sometimes, the overconfident CEO who thinks he can have anything with the snap of his fingers.?

She nodded. ?Further problems??

?What; like sexual harassment??

?Yes. Or any other problems of the sort??

?Well, let me put it this way: I sometimes have to use my feminine wiles to get the account.?

She nodded as she took another note on her legal pad. ?So, you use sex as a tactic to get your clients??

?It?s not like I use sex, per se.?

?Could you explain yourself??

I crossed my legs as I thought about it. How low it sounded when you talked about it out loud. ?I?ve learned that men, especially businessmen, think that they can sleep with whomever they want, especially when they know they have the upper hand. And I mean, it?s true; they know they have something I need?something I want. And they have no qualms in making me fret over it. Sure, I flirt and dress sexy; there?s nothing wrong in using ?sex? to get business going.?

The woman nodded again, painstakingly slow. ?And do you think this is right??

I snorted, and I couldn?t have stopped myself even if I had wanted to. ?It doesn?t matter if I think it?s right or wrong, Dr. Monahan. Business is business. And no one said business is ?right? or, for that matter, plays fair. You?ll do and say anything to get people to buy you. That?s how the world works; as cruel and deceiving as it sounds, that?s what makes the wheels turn.?

?I understand.?

?Do you really??

She looked at me with a small frown on her face. I knew she had not expected me to retaliate with a question of my own. Especially since it was me, the one sitting on the sofa, and not her. Let the woman fuss about it for a minute.

?I do understand.? She took her glasses off and let them rest over her yellow-paged pad. ?Unfortunately, we all live under ideal pretenses, Relena. We all need things to work by the book??

?But sometimes, most of the time, it?s impossible.?

?I know. But as your psychologist, it?s my job to make you understand that there are other ways of doing things.?

?The ideal way. I know. Believe me, I do. But there?s nothing I can really do about it.?

She nodded again. I was starting to like this Wilhelmina Monahan.


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<b>December 24th, 2005</b>

<i>Over the Pacific Ocean, 2217 hours.</i>


?Mother, really. How many times have we gone over this?? A moment of silence passed where she didn?t utter a single word. ?Countless.?

She sighed and I could just see her roll her eyes at me. ?It?s Christmas Eve, Relena; you?re supposed to be here with your family and not on some escapade around the globe.?

I smiled as the faint lights of South Africa appeared through the fog. ?It?s business. Mother, you of all people should understand how it?s like.? My mother, Ericka Donovan Peacecraft was a retired attorney. She had been, like I am now, the youngest member of the firm?s partnership and had never, in her career of 29 years, ever lost a case. I suppose it comes with the genes.

My mother had waited until she was past her mid thirties to get married and settle down; it was the reason why she was almost 62 and I merely 24 years old. I was her only daughter? I suppose that it was because of this that in her old age she had been pestering me about family values and settling down. She sees her life as a sort of mistake; she claims she wasted the time she could?ve used to have more kids and such on work.

What was wrong with a little ambition?

She met my father when she was 29 years old and he, 32. They waited 7 years to get married, and another year to have me. They were both at the top of their careers; he being a successful and highly coveted neurosurgeon with a specialty in neonatal surgery; and she, the youngest senior partner in all of the law firms in Boston. They were the most envied couple in all of old Manhattan, Boston and Washington?the wealthiest neighborhoods on the East Coast.

Ericka Peacecraft is the most goal-oriented, greedy, single-minded person I?ve ever had the pleasure to know, and I am proud to be able to call her mother. Which is why her bugging me to settle down?a recent thing?was starting to grate on my nerves.

?Darling, I don?t want you to lead the life I led back then. It?s a very bitter way of living; you have no idea the things I missed out on when I was younger, things I wish I could get back to. I don?t want you to miss out on life.?

?Mother, what are you talking about?? I asked, a little exasperated. ?You did get to do everything, just a little later than everyone else. You fell in love, you had kids??

?I didn?t fall in love, Relena, and neither did I have kids.?

I frowned at her words; she wasn?t making any sense. I shook my head. ?Mother, please. So, yes, you only had me; what?s this about not falling in love? Didn?t you love Dad when you married him??

Hey, remember when I said I understood how this wasn?t an ideal world? ?Honey, sometimes we get things in different shades of pink. What your father and I had was a mere agreement?a contract. You?re big enough to understand how these things work. We cared deeply for each other, or else we wouldn?t have agreed to anything at all. We just didn?t want to waste our time looking around when we connected so wonderfully. I won?t lie to you, though: along the years we came to respect and care for each other deeper than at first? so, yes, in a way we did learn to love each other.?

I look entranced as the dark, heavy clouds bypassed us; the lit up horizon now a flaming canvas. ?I see.? I could hear my mother?s heavy breathing on the other end of the line, and for a moment I wondered if she was crying. ?Mother. Mom?I don?t understand what you want from me. Do you want me to quit? Do you want me to date? What??

She laughed softly, and my heart melted a little when I heard her sniff delicately. ?It?s your life, Relena. I just miss my daughter.?

I sighed. ?Let?s do something, Mother. I promise I?ll straighten my act. Who knows, maybe next time I see you I?ll bring someone else with me.?

My mother laughed again, this time a little louder. I smiled. ?Don?t get my hopes up for nothing, Relena!? she chided.

I laughed at her words. ?I won?t, Mother.?

?Oh, you know, speaking of which; the other day I was having lunch with Sally and her new baby?what a beautiful kid!?and you?re not going to believe who I saw sitting a few tables away!? She didn?t wait for my reply as she gushed out excitedly. ?Tristan?s son. What was his name, again??

I shook my head derisively, amused at my mother?s tactics. ?Trowa, Mother. And I know where this is going!?

There was a loud, outraged mock-gasp before she replied, half reproaching, and half laughing. ?Sweetie, I?m disappointed in you! Why didn?t you tell me he was so handsome? But that woman he was with,? she chucked her tongue in disapproval, and I knew she had to be shaking her head. ?He could do so much better. I?m very interested??

?Mother, no! Absolutely no! He?s the son of one of my colleagues, and a strong candidate for a senior partnership. I will not jeopardize my job or my reputation by going out with him!?

She sighed, but I knew she wanted to fight this issue. I swear, my Mother sometimes?

?Think about it, Relena! He?s handsome, he comes from a very respectable family, you have many things in common, and he?s very well-off.?

I rubbed circles on the knot between my eyebrows, trying to soothe the tension away. I knew her, and I knew she wasn?t going to let this drop unless I consented to going out with him on at least one date. ?Well, that?s not good enough for me, Mother, and I certainly, certainly, don?t need his money. Nor his name. So, Mom, please, I don?t want you to do anything?anything!? I stressed out, ??about this, okay??

Three, two, one? ?Won?t you at least give it a chance? Come on, honey, just one date, <i>one</i> date and I won?t bother you about it anymore??

??Until you find someone else ?adequate? for me.? I swear I only get this stressed out when I talk with my mother. As intelligent and highly witty and entertaining as she is, she has a way of getting on my nerves so bad that I always?always?find myself agreeing to whatever it is she wants. A clever, sharp woman she is, and this is why I?ve never doubted all the stories I?ve been told about her back in the day when she was still at the top of the world. I sighed. ?Alright. But one date and that?s it.?

?Then don?t bring anyone home for New Year?s; I already arranged with Tristan and that wonderful wife of his, Kara, to spend the holiday at our house in Martha?s Vineyard. It should be fun.?

?Yes, I bet. Mother, you truly are something, you know that? But I have to go now; we?re landing in a few minutes.?

?Call me to confirm, sweetie. I love you; take care.?

?Yeah, you, too, Mother.?


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So, that only left me six days ?til New Year?s Eve. Less than a week to get used to the fact that I was going to be seeing Tristan Barton and his family soon to spend New Year?s, no less, at our house. The troubles I go through to please my mother. Didn?t she understand I wasn?t really ready for the whole ?settling down? issue? No, I agreed to this whole charade of hers, but I wasn?t going to let her manipulate my love life? Well, not that I?ve ever been in love? But that wasn?t her problem!

Again, what is wrong with being a little ambitious? Is it wrong to desire independence? Is it wrong of me to want to be self-sufficient? And can she really blame me, or criticize my lifestyle? I blame her! It?s because of her I?m the way I am!

I never said I was going to get married!

My rambling was interrupted by a low, pleased ?hum? before me, and I raised an annoyed glare to my business associate, Dorothy Catalonia, who was busy trying to look over my shoulder at God knows what or who. And knowing Dorothy, the subject at hand was bound to be an amazingly handsome, daringly fine-looking, strikingly beautiful, remorselessly attractive male specimen.

There had always been an open, unguarded, not-so-honest rivalry between the two of us, ever since the time we were hired by Barton/Wales/Burnham?and now Peacecraft, I added to my profound satisfaction. Of course, our mutual hatred had only been fed further when I was offered Seniority and she was to remain stuck in her small, small office until?and if?they decided to vote for someone else. Well? Not ?they?, but if <i>we</i> decided to vote for someone else.

And her hoping to become a Senior Partner was just that?wishful thinking, since the next candidate for the position looked very promising? After all, he was just the only son of the firm?s eldest member and founder, Tristan Barton.

?Now, Relena? Why didn?t you tell me this Quatre Raberba Winner was going to be so despairingly handsome? This great avarice of yours will kill you one of these days.? Her tone was admonishing, but the effect was brutally lessened by the fact that her eyes were still focused somewhere over my shoulder. I almost had to bite my tongue to keep from snapping at her.

She really gets under my skin.

We were standing in the small lobby of one of Cape Town?s most expensive, high-profile restaurants. It?s ironic how the majority of the most famous, expensive restaurants around the world are so small. Talk about exclusivity.

?I apologize for making you wait.? His smooth voice floated over the din of the people as I turned around to welcome one of our largest clients. ?Relena, it?s always a pleasure to see you.? He reached for my hand and softly caressed his lips over my knuckles. ?You look as stunning as ever.?

My smile was wide as I saw him straighten up. He was still as handsome as the day I met him, two years ago. Tall and lean, but you could still distinct the play of sinewy muscles under the soft fabric of his shirt. White skin under always flushed, chiseled cheeks; with a mop of longish, straight blond hair always tidied up to perfection, and eyes with the most unusual color that made you wonder if they were dark blue, or deep, sea green.

I moved aside to let Dorothy step forward. ?You know the pleasure is all mine. Mr. Winner, meet one of our associates, Dorothy Catalonia; she will be the one in charge of handling your affairs from now on.?

?A pleasure, Ms. Catalonia.? He said as he also bent over to kiss the back of her hand.

Dorothy smiled as she withdrew her hand back. ?So chivalrous. And please, call me ?Dorothy?.?

I had the imperative urge to roll my eyes and slap her silly. She was so obvious.

?Do you have a reservation?? The hostess asked lightly, smiling at us.

She propelled me into action; I can?t believe I had been standing there, uselessly, thinking about Mr. Winner?s good looks. ?Oh, yes. Relena Peacecraft.?

We were promptly led to a table by the ma?tre d?, as he helped Dorothy into her chair, and Mr. Winner did the same with me.

Business was settled down even before the main course was brought to the table, with Mr. Winner agreeing in letting us accompany some of his men to survey a location where he planned on building a five-star, small, luxury hotel, exclusive for businesspeople right down in Port Elizabeth. The idea in itself was extraordinary, and I knew that with Mr. Winner, the hotel could?and would?be built and finished in less than a year.

And that is one of the reasons why I loved doing business with him; if anything, he?s reliable and ambitious, two traits I admire.

The talk was easy and light-hearted as we nursed our coffees, and by the time the bill was brought by a beaming waitress whose eyes lingered on Mr. Winner for far more than was appropriate, we had consumed over $400.00.

?Relena?? Dorothy had leaned over to whisper in my ear as Mr. Winner was busy attending an urgent business call on his cell-phone. ?What?s this? ZAR 2,963.43??

I leaned over the bill check she held in her hand and simply shrugged at it. ?That?s the local currency. Just pay with your Visa, it really doesn?t matter either way.?

She shrugged as well as she reached for her wallet to take out her corporate Visa. ?I sure hope their currency is a very weak one.? She muttered under her breath as the waitress took the leather bound pocket booklet and Dorothy?s Visa with her.

?Is there a problem?? Mr. Winner?s voice was concerned as he peered at us, slipping his cell-phone back into his suit?s inner pocket.

Dorothy smiled charmingly at him, shaking her head. ?No. I was just wondering what the currency exchange rate is.?

Mr. Winner laughed, shaking his head as he withdrew a small device from one of his suit?s pockets. ?When I first got here, I was amazed by the differences, as well. These things come in handy when you?re in a country like South Africa.? He said as he showed us his currency converter. ?One American dollar equals? 6.054 South African Rands.?

I smiled, and couldn?t help myself as I shook my head at this. Imagine the profit margin of this new development by Winner Ltd. For every ZAR 6 he spent, he was saving $5, or so to speak. The costs had to be incredibly low due to the economic decline of countries such as this. ?You sure do your homework, Mr. Winner.?

His smile was disarmingly sexy as he put his elbows on the table and leaned forward a bit, the light dancing in his clear eyes. ?Relena, how long have we known each other? I think it?s been two years already? When are you going to start calling me ?Quatre???

I could see Dorothy?s eyes narrow from the corner of my vision, but I simply ignored her. Either way, the waitress had come back with the receipt and Dorothy was busy signing the slip. ?Formalities are my rule #1 in business negotiations, Mr. Winner. You know that.?

He made a low humming sound as he nodded once; his elbows slipping from the table as he leaned back in his chair. ?I can accept that. After all, you?ve always been very thorough, Relena.? His face scrunched up in a boyish grin. ?So, that?s a definite ?no???

I gathered the files and my briefcase lying on the empty chair beside me. ?An infallible ?no??

He laughed, and the sound was so spontaneous, it attracted many interested eyes from the diners around us. ?Lady, you sure don?t beat about the bush.?

?Have you ever known me to be ambiguous, Mr. Winner??

He rose to his feet and walked behind Dorothy?s chair to help her, and then made his way to do the same for mine. Such a gentleman.

?I can?t say I have.?


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We were staying at the Cape Grace, this beautiful hotel overlooking the yacht marina and the Table Mountain? and I dreaded the moment Dorothy would find out about our sleeping arrangements.

We rode in silence in the black stretch limousine the hotel manager kindly offered, a thoughtful courtesy.

I ignored the woman beside me, focusing once again on the scattered files in my lap, and checking any pending appointments I had on my Palm. I could practically see the steam coming out from her ears as she quietly seethed for reasons I didn?t really know, or even cared about. I was starting to think letting Dorothy scout the Winner account was a major mistake. She couldn?t let herself be biased by anything. We needed someone cold-hearted, ruthless for this job, and if she was going to let petty feelings over something as insignificant as a unreciprocated attraction predispose her thinking and decision making, then she had to be replaced.

Having any sort of feelings towards a client or anything related to an account was a risk, and right now, she is rapidly turning into a liability that had to be disposed of.

We slowly made our way across the lobby and into the elevator, hitting the button to my floor. ?Come to my room, we have business to discuss.?

She crossed her arms defiantly over her chest, turning her head to regard me silently before she spoke. ?Can?t it wait until tomorrow??

?No.? The elevator chime announced our arrival, and I stepped into the plush flooring as I reached into my purse for my card key. I opened the door to my suite without any problems and walked into my room, the lights automatically turning on as our presence was picked by the sensors. I walked to the end of the room to the double-glazed French doors that led to the terrace, taking out my pack of cigarettes from my purse and lighting one, peering at Dorothy through the glass.

She stood in the space between the dining table and the living room, a dazed expression on her face, before she snapped back into action and stomped her way outside.

?What did you want to talk to me about??

I narrowed my eyes at her frosty tone. ?I just wanted to warn you.?

Her light-blue eyes turned to ice as she narrowed them, glaring at me. ?Warn me??

?Yes. If you do anything to jeopardize this contract, or endanger our dealings with Winner, prepare yourself for one major lawsuit, Ms. Catalonia. I hope you?re aware of how important Winner Ltd is; I know Michael assigned you to this; he trusts in your professional capabilities, and I don?t question his judgment, but this is my account. You?re just a scout. I consented in taking you in and bringing you here to meet Mr. Winner; but just as easily, I can kick you off it, and do this by myself as I?ve always done.?

Her glare had only intensified, and she fisted her hands so tight I was afraid she would sprain something. ?Mr. Burnham will not let you??

I laughed; this girl, truly, was something. ?I couldn?t care less what Michael Burnham does or doesn?t do. You should probably scout one of his accounts if you believe in him so much.? I took a drag on my rapidly burning out cigarette, letting the smoke out in a dark stream.

?What? You feel threatened?? She sneered, venom spilling from her tongue. ?How long have you been fucking Quatre??

I stared at her for a moment or two, letting her words sink in before I started laughing so hard I thought I would pull something. ?Oh, Dorothy, Dorothy, Dorothy? You flatter me. I know Mr. Winner has some ulterior motives; I?m aware of every word, every look, every movement he makes that can be interpreted as inappropriate.?

She looked perplexed for a moment, before she frowned. ?Why do you lead him on??

I shrugged as I pulled out another cigarette and offered her one. ?I can?t just put him off? It could endanger our negotiations. And Mr. Winner is our most influential client.? I sighed, rubbing the space between my eyebrows. ?Listen, Dorothy, I know we?ve never gotten along; I don?t like you, and I know you don?t like me. At least, we?ve always been honest about our feelings for each other. But I can?t let you ruin this deal for me. I need to know you will take this seriously, with all the formalities it needs. I think it?s great Michael trusts you enough to ask me to give you this assignment, it?s an asset for when the board meets again? But this is my account, my baby. It?s the biggest one we have, and it?s all mine. I can?t let something as insignificant as this hatred between us?or your attraction to Mr. Winner?endanger it.?

She sat there on one of the heavy, gray iron chairs, silent, as if contemplating my words. ?I realize what you say, Relena, and I?m aware of all this. I?m sorry I was so hasty in judging you. You don?t have to worry about it; sure, I think he?s very hot, I?m sure you think so too, but I?m not going to do anything to risk this deal. This is a big step for me, and I would kill myself if I do anything to jeopardize my future in the company.? She took a drag on her cigarette, letting out the smoke slowly. ?How did you get him??

I shrugged; the story wasn?t really that interesting. ?I went to boarding school with four of his sisters; his family and my family have always been close friends, though I never really met Quatre. When I found out his parents passed away after that accident and the company was passed down to him, I knew it was my chance to go in for the kill.? I sat down on a chair, crossing my legs. ?It took me some doing to get an appointment; since it was still really hectic with him getting used to his new position, he never really had time to spare. But I finally got to meet him. I knew he was attracted to me; as you already saw, he?s kind of obvious. I don?t think he cares what people think of him. You know, at that time I was still just a regular associate? But I got him to consent to give me access to a small hotel he was remodeling, and well? the rest is history. I think one of the major advantages I had was that we became friends. He trusted me, that?s why he refused to let anyone else handle his affairs.?

??That?s the reason why they made you a partner.?

Her tone held no menace; it was just an innocent inquiry. I was amazed we were having a normal conversation, without the pressure of confrontation. This was a side of Dorothy Catalonia I had never seen. ?I imagine. Quatre didn?t want Tristan, Michael or Roderick handling his accounts, so that left them with two choices??

??Losing the account or promoting you.?

I nodded. It wasn?t rocket science. That?s how businesses like this work; influence. Prestige. No associate can handle accounts, only partners could. Associates could only scout and analyze? Basically, associates do all the work, and the partners get all the credit. A system I?ve never followed; I?ve always taken care of Winner Ltd and no one but me has access to it. Until now. ?Simple, huh??

?Yeah?? Her voice was faint, and after a few minutes of a very comfortable silence, she spoke again, indignation clear in her voice. ?Why is your room so much bigger than mine??


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<b>December 30th, 2005</b>

We headed to Cape Town International Airport at the ungodly hour of 5 a.m., ready to board our jet back to America. The week had gone by fast; we had a meeting with Mr. Winner and his lawyers so they could go over the contract that gave us access to the new hotel?s administration, allowing us to partially run the business by granting us supervision of every decision they make regarding its management.

Mr. Winner hadn?t even let his lawyer finish reading through the contract when he was already uncapping his pen and signing his name across the dotted line, officially closing the deal.

I felt more at ease now that I had finally gotten around talking to Dorothy about this, since she had to take care of this new project. Mr. Winner had been a little hesitant in letting someone else take care of his affairs, but I reassured him Dorothy would only be watching that everything progressed as it should, reporting back to me. She would have no choice whatsoever over the finances and marketing strategies of this new hotel?this had put him at ease.

The supervision of the construction sight had gone by without any anomalies; the hotel?s location was ideal, just as Port Elizabeth. The engineer and architect in charge of the project had detailed every single aspect of the blueprints, while Mr. Winner fired ideas, seemingly, off the top of his head, regarding how he wanted to target his market and promote his new project.

I had let Dorothy take charge, since it was really her job now, to see everything flow without a glitch. She was proficient and callous as she inquired about this and that, small bits and pieces that got her attention. Seeing her with her small notebook, taking notes of whatever she thought needed attention, made me think of Dr. Monahan scribbling nonsense on her yellow-paged legal pad. I planned on seeing her again; it was alleviating to be able to talk to someone who wouldn?t judge or question me. If anything, that woman was a good listener.

Now, all my concerns were centered on the fact that we were now on our way back to New York, a day from New Year?s Eve and from enduring an entire weekend of torturous prodding and ?subtleties? from my mother.

And it?s not that I?ve never considered Trowa as attractive; a woman would have to be blind not to notice him? I just had this feeling that getting involved with Trowa would be dangerous; and not just professionally-wise, but on an emotional level, too. I?ve known him for five years now, and I?ve always gotten the allusion of him being too deep, too intense? I could easily get way over my head without noticing it. He was that passionate.

And he was also a prime-time player. Not that I wasn?t one, either, but I couldn?t let my mother drag me into a relationship based on lies and deceit. Marriage was one big part of the little idealism I still believed in. And I don?t mean Prince Charming?he could kiss my ass. I mean that desire every woman, young and old, has of living the life of a cheesy, romance novel protagonist. We all have idyllic dreams and hopes; I suppose we should feel happy with what we can get.

My mother? I wonder how my father could have put up with such a thick-headed woman. I always thought my parents had had that sort of fairy tale; I always thought they had agreed to wait for the sake of their careers?I mean, who would wait for someone for 7 years? Unless you really loved them, then it would seem a little crazy. I guess I <i>have</i> been too idealistic after all. Impractical me.

I curse my mother for making me think all this! I had been fine; now I feel like all this pressure has been put on my shoulders. Who says I need to settle down? And why should I settle down? It?s one thing to date periodically, maybe even in a very platonic level?but to date someone so seriously, you?re considering marrying them? Unheard of! At least to me, that is.

All this thinking was starting to give me a migraine. I lay back on my chair, trying to focus on the scenery outside my window. I had so much running through my head, I thought it would explode. My eyes felt droopy, and I reached a hand to drag over my face, trying to wake myself up. The ocean seemed so dark, mysterious and infinite. The Pacific Ocean?s dimension is greater than all the lands in the world put together? We should drop Dorothy right here. And maybe even Trowa; they would never find them. Fewer things in my list that I have to worry over? Quatre, my mother, dating, marriage, Plato, careers? Prince Charming? cheesy? romance? novels?

I was roused from my sleep an unknown time later?it was already nightfall?by a gentle prodding on my arm, and I had to blink my eyes several times to bring focus back to my vision. The single flight attendant?s face was apologetic as he looked down at me, telling me to get ready for landing. I swiftly buckled my seatbelt, bringing my seat back to its original position as I saw the runway come closer and closer through the glass panel of my window? Bringing me closer to home and my mother? and to Trowa Barton.


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To be continued...


AN: I hope you liked this! This was just a big introduction to the story. I'm already halfway through chapter four, so the wait won't be long between updates. Please review, I'd like to know what you think.

Hugs!

[Sissi]

Hi Andrea!

This was a lovely chapter, I loved it! Have I mentioned how I love your writing style? It?s neat, simple and catches the readers? eyes immediately. Relena is OOC here, I agree, but I love her anyway. She?s strong, stubborn and ambitious here, and it?s a nice change, to be sincere. Trowa is... well, he hasn?t appeared yet, but from what you?ve described of him... hmmm... i can?t wait to see how they will react to each other. I can see lots of sparks in the future. And Quatre... He?s so sexy here, it?s a pity that he won?t get Relena in this story, but oh well, it?s life, I guess. :razz: Rlena?s mother is hilarious, I must say. She reminds me of Bridget Jone?s mother.

BTW, when I started reading this story, it reminded me of Sex and the City, and because of this, I know I will enjoy this story very much.

I can?t wait for more chapters!! Oh, but take your time, girl. =]

Oh, and welcome to the 3xR family!!

[takisha16]

Man, just when I thought people couldn't come up with a better storyline than the already used, you do it again!!!
Relena was awesome, me being a budding business women, I can see how Relena gets what she wants!
Quatre is sooooo dreammy here! Dorothy better get him at the end, but I hope she doesn't jeopardize any of Relena's plans!
I wonder where is Heero in this story? Rel mentioned a bodyguard? hmmmmm?
Even though I am a diehard fan of 1*R I'm still intrigued by Trowa's appearance and his upcoming meeting with Relena! Very exciting, I wonder if this situation calls for an affair?
Can hardly wait for then next ch.!

[The Angry Angel]

Facial Expression: *outrage*


HURRY UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow - o - wow. You've built up this momentum with only the first chapter, and then you leave us hanging for the all-important event of New Year's.............

It was a great first chapter. You really ironed out all the gray areas in Relena's personality....and what a sinister big-city shark she is....with all the New York family royalty to boot.......I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

I am thoroughly impressed and as impatient as ever for updates.

Fabulous. Fabulous. Fabulous.

Hats off, and kisses

[krzkid]

so i was just browsing through and found this fic... i thought it was an oneshot so i thought it would be nice to get away from all the anticipations and obsessiveness with chapter fics...and then you go and got me hooked even more on gw.....

wow...ur stories are just amazing...

[teardropdangel]

I must say, Andrea, that this was beautifully written. I loved the bits you added to Relena's personality. It fits the plot to the T. I just loved the session with the therepist.

Next Chap, please?

[Andrea]

Hi Andrea!

This was a lovely chapter, I loved it! Have I mentioned how I love your writing style? It?s neat, simple and catches the readers? eyes immediately. Relena is OOC here, I agree, but I love her anyway. She?s strong, stubborn and ambitious here, and it?s a nice change, to be sincere. Trowa is... well, he hasn?t appeared yet, but from what you?ve described of him... hmmm... i can?t wait to see how they will react to each other. I can see lots of sparks in the future. And Quatre... He?s so sexy here, it?s a pity that he won?t get Relena in this story, but oh well, it?s life, I guess. Rlena?s mother is hilarious, I must say. She reminds me of Bridget Jone?s mother.

BTW, when I started reading this story, it reminded me of Sex and the City, and because of this, I know I will enjoy this story very much.

I can?t wait for more chapters!! Oh, but take your time, girl. =]

Oh, and welcome to the 3xR family!!

Thanks for all the complimenting, Sissi, you've made my heart go ga-ga.

This story, if anything, will be full of sparks and hot affairs. So, who knows, don't give up yet, Quatre might just get lucky. I'm still not sure, but you never know, right? ^^"

About Relena's mother... Would you believe me if I tell you Ericka is MY mom? In fact, I couldn't stop snickering when I was writing their conversation... It hit too close to reality.

This story does have a tinge of Sex and The City, and this is why Relena is all stubborn, ambitious, bitchy, etc. It wouldn't work any other way. I am aware she is extremely out of character, but I've never made it a point to keep them IN-character. Especially when the story is set in an alternate universe; it just wouldn't make sense. I just warn my readers because I'm aware some people don't like AUs, and/or out-of-characterness.

What else... Oh! Trowa! *drool* Yes, what can I tell you about Trowa... Nothing! *laughs* Just wait for the next chappie, I'm sure most of your questions will be answered.

Thanks again for the review, sweetie!

Man, just when I thought people couldn't come up with a better storyline than the already used, you do it again!!!
Relena was awesome, me being a budding business women, I can see how Relena gets what she wants!
Quatre is sooooo dreammy here! Dorothy better get him at the end, but I hope she doesn't jeopardize any of Relena's plans!
I wonder where is Heero in this story? Rel mentioned a bodyguard? hmmmmm?
Even though I am a diehard fan of 1*R I'm still intrigued by Trowa's appearance and his upcoming meeting with Relena! Very exciting, I wonder if this situation calls for an affair?
Can hardly wait for then next ch.!

Heero won't appear in this fic. You see, I'm still a 1xR die-hard fan, so bringing Heero into the picture just wouldn't go well with my sensible heart. The bodyguard Relena mentioned doesn't make a difference in the story; it's something trivial and won't alter the plot. The bodyguard is quite irrelevant.

Trowa will be appearing in the next chapter, so I hope you stay tuned. I'm sure it won't be long in coming.

And Quatre... Yes, I've never seen him as a mama's boy. I believe that in order for him to be a businessman, he just can't be the boy-next-door who lets everyone step on him just because it's fun. Nah, he has to have some hard backbone. Damn it!

*laughs*

Facial Expression: *outrage*


HURRY UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow - o - wow. You've built up this momentum with only the first chapter, and then you leave us hanging for the all-important event of New Year's.............

It was a great first chapter. You really ironed out all the gray areas in Relena's personality....and what a sinister big-city shark she is....with all the New York family royalty to boot.......I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

I am thoroughly impressed and as impatient as ever for updates.

Fabulous. Fabulous. Fabulous.

Hats off, and kisses

*laughs!* Wow, thanks for all the enthusiasm! I'm glad you liked this chapter even though not much happened. I wanted this one to be the prologue, but when I hit 6,000 words, I figured it was too long.

This chapter was just to focus on Relena as a woman, a daughter and as business person. I'm glad you enjoyed it and could -see- the point to this chapter.

Thanks for dropping all those kind, awesome words; I appreciate them very much.

so i was just browsing through and found this fic... i thought it was an oneshot so i thought it would be nice to get away from all the anticipations and obsessiveness with chapter fics...and then you go and got me hooked even more on gw.....

wow...ur stories are just amazing...

Yikes! Sorry! I know how that is. But I'm not sorry I got you hooked on MY story. *evil cackle....giggle*

I must say, Andrea, that this was beautifully written. I loved the bits you added to Relena's personality. It fits the plot to the T. I just loved the session with the therepist.

Next Chap, please?

Wasn't that scene fun? I loved it! Did I ever say I was modest?

Thanks for the praise, sweetie! I'll work fast on posting the next chapter.

Thanks, girls, for reviewing and being so darn nice! *sniff*

[lilac310]

WOw...that was quite a change from Relena's usually timid yet headstrong personality....lol..does that personality even exist?...anyway, I can't wait for when Relena meets Trowa...I do believe that there's a lot of potential between the two of them in order to create a steamy hot lemon chappie!!!...hah!...I really admire her personality in this one...her attitude would definitely make this story incredibly interesting and would stir things up a bit....now, on with the next chapter!!!

[darky]

Wow, Relena is so different than all the stories I have read, but she is still strong. I wonder who her bodyguard is, you never mentioned it. I liked your writing and I can?t wait to read the next chapters.


Darky