Her Wicked Ways [3xR - Rated PG-13] 6/?
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2005 12:51 am
Her Wicked Ways
By Andrea Sinisterra
Romance
Rated PG-13
Standard Disclaimers Apply
Author?s Note: Sorry for the delay!! So sorry!! I now have two more people under my charge, and interviewing has taken up a lot of my time, making work more hectic! Also, a new system upgrading has just been installed and it?s been chaos all around. I lost a check requisition for $1,200 and almost went nuts trying to find it? I acquired two new clients (yay me!) and I?ve been trying to seal fair deals with them, but it?s hard. One of them is unwilling to sign the contract unless I fly to where he is and personally monitor his company for a two-month preview to see how we work, before he signs? For free. I can?t travel to another country for TWO months and work for free! I have a life, too, you know! (sigh) Anyway, sorry for the lateness of my update.
Warnings: Well, this chapter has not yet been proofread. I already sent it to GG for beta reading, but I wanted to post it either way to let you know I haven?t given up on it. As soon as I get the revised version back, I?ll take this one down and upload the new one.
EDIT: Thank you to Gundam Girl for proofreading this chappie for me! You're such a sweetheart!!
*
*
*
Part 6
We had returned from Long Island at around 4 o?clock, with Trowa threatening he would be picking me up at 7 and that I had better be ready.
It was barely six thirty and I was ready; I looked at myself in the mirror, scrutinizing every single detail of my appearance. The long Prada hunter green gown hugged my curves in all the right places; it had ruffles down the hem of the deep V-shaped cleavage that crisscrossed to my back where it ended in thin straps that left my back bared from neck to backbone. It flowed in long, romantic waves of silk down my legs; an upside-down V-shaped slit with equal ruffles spread wide enough to reveal my right leg from mid thigh down. It was sexy, yet elegant; Hilde had helped me pick the shoes, choosing intricate golden Manolo Blahnik sandals with in-woven gold gemstones. With large gold chandelier earrings and my hair swept in a loose French twist held up with golden baby pins, I was ready to rock the boat.
I had enjoyed myself earlier today after the ?talk? with Amelia; she had turned out to be quite a witty and charming woman, sprouting stories of her and Trowa?s rather unusual childhood against his will. He had choked and sputtered his soda several times at some of the stories Amelia told?stories that were obviously not meant to be retold.
I loved the kind of relationship she had with Gerard; they bickered constantly, arguing about the most trivial of things but then deciding on some common ground with a kiss and a smile. They had a very perky, comical marriage, but that?s what made it special and long-lasting. They were so in tuned to the other?s needs, completing each other?s sentences and glaring at each other when they, accidentally, stole words from the other?s mouth.
It was midway through lunch when two hurricanes barged out onto the terrace, screaming and complaining as they sold each other out to their parents. It was cute seeing Gerard scolding them and see their subsequent pouting before they spotted Trowa and screamed all over again, hugging the living daylights out of him. He had gushed at how ?grown-up? they were, merely eight years-old each. Twins; the perfect pair?a girl and a boy: Julianne and Logan.
Or Jules and Logs, as they preferred to be called.
We all sat down on the living room?s plush floor after lunch, soda and popcorn our allies as boys paired up and girls did as well for a Battle of the Sexes Monopoly death match. We used gummies and M&M?s when we ran out of hotel pieces, but had to end the game prematurely when Gerard started eating our properties.
Knocking on my door made my hands sweat. I swiftly grabbed my gold-studded clutch purse, checking its contents too see I had everything I needed; I slowly opened my front door. The sight was something to behold as Trowa stood there looking perfectly at ease with the classic black and white tuxedo, and I knew without even looking at its tag, that it had to be from one highly coveted designer like Armani or Oscar de la Renta.
I felt the heat infuse my chest and face when his eyes turned dark and smoldering as they swept over my figure in lustful appreciation.
He reached for my hand and kissed my palm, the tip of his tongue on my skin, shocking and sensual. In a swift moment he had seized his arm around my waist and pulled me to his chest, his lips almost colliding with mine but I turned my head to the side, placing a chaste kiss on the skin below his ear instead.
He chuckled softly, his breath fanning the side of my neck before he pulled back. ?Ready??
I quickly grabbed my long, black evening coat and he helped me into it before I nodded and we were on our way.
I was abnormally aware of his leg brushing mine as we sat side by side in the limousine, the champagne in my glass swirling as the vehicle turned corners here and there.
?You?re awfully quiet tonight; bummed because you lost at Monopoly??
I snorted softly, taking a sip of my drink. ?Hardly. We would have beaten you guys had Gerard not eaten our hotels.?
He laughed, shaking his head. ?Are you aware of how odd that sounds??
I laughed as well, seeing the point to his observation. ?It?s the truth. He ate our houses and our hotels.?
?Serves you right for choosing candy as substitute.?
?It was either that or pebbles, and I was in no mood to go pick those up in the garden.? I shook my head, smiling in remembrance. ?Besides, it wasn?t me who needed to prove herself; it wasn?t my reputation that was tarnished by childhood retelling.?
He sniffed childishly. ?You?ll never forget that, won?t you??
I laughed. ?I will die someday, and believe me the memory will not die with me. I?ll make sure to pass it down generation to generation.?
There was a comfortable silence as we got nearer and nearer to the St. Regis Hotel where the gala was being held.
?I had a great time.? I said softly after a moment, drinking the last drops of my glass.
?I?m glad.? He kept silent for another moment before he spoke again, his voice now having turned grave. ?I saw the paper yesterday.?
I had been wondering about that; not that he had any right to question anything. ?Yeah, so??
He turned on the seat to face me. ?So? you are seeing Winner.? His tone was matter-of-fact, leaving no space for argument.
?I don?t think that?s any of your business.?
His eyes narrowed. ?We had an agreement??
?Exactly; we agreed to??
?No public displays.?
I laughed, not being able to help myself as I reached to rub the skin between my eyebrows. ?Trowa, be careful, you almost sound jealous? you wouldn?t want me to think that, would you??
His eyes narrowed even further to angry emerald slits and for a moment there I thought he would force a kiss on me; it was practically his modus operandi when he got upset with me, thinking anything could be solved with a rumple in the hay.
?Please, get over yourself.?
My eyebrows rose at the angry tone in his voice, but dismissed it. ?I was about to say the same thing to you. Plus, don?t think I don?t know you?re still seeing Krista and frankly, I don?t give a shit. I won?t get in your way if you don?t get in mine. Got it??
He sighed heavily as he slumped back on his seat, running a hand through his unkempt hair. ?Why do we always end up fighting??
?You started it.? I said quickly and immediately regretted it as it sounded childish and confirmed his enquiry.
He laughed nonetheless, shaking his head. ?See??
I couldn?t help the tentative humor and laughed as well. ?We?re hopeless.?
?That, we are. Hopeless, but hot.?
It was so out of the blue, I burst out laughing hard. ?You?re so full of yourself? But yes, I?ll give you that, you are hot. It?s a shame it doesn?t come with a better personality.?
He feigned hurt, a smile still etched to his lips. ?At least you admitted I?m hot? but ouch, woman! Be a little more comprehensive about my poor, troubled heart!?
I raised an eyebrow at that. ?Heart? Where??
He laughed again. ?Ah, now you?re just mocking me.?
?Trowa, I always mock you. It?s the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I think before going to bed.?
He quirked his eyebrows high at that, a devilish glint mixed in with humor. ?Hmm, so you do think about me. I know I?m hard to forget, quite irresistible I?ve gotten from ladies around.?
?Don?t fool yourself. Those ?kinds? of women say anything and everything to get into someone?s bank account.?
?Oh, so you?re saying they only come to me for my money??
I snorted, even as the limousine slowed down as we neared our destination. ?What else for??
?Not you, though.? He turned to look outside his window, peering at the line of limousines dropping off their passengers.
?No, not me, but I?m not ?after you?? I?m trying to ?run away? from you. A totally different situation.?
?You hurt me. I?m impressionable, remember.?
I laughed again as the limousine stopped in front of the hotel. ?You?re just a fool.?
?But of course, foolishly in lust with you.? He smiled sexily before he stepped outside and reached for my hand.
He headed directly to the Versailles Ballroom even though Trowa insisted on heading to the King Cole bar. I mean, sure, I wasn?t in any mood to head to some insipid gala where, might I add, I was to be auctioned off, but just the thought of the my mother and Hilde bitching at me for being overly fashionably late didn?t bode well with me.
I was aware of the several reporters-in-disguise wandering around; cameras and notepads in handy reach, knowing this would be the very first social gathering Trowa and I assisted as an official couple and that any reporter from any high and low profile media would be here to try and hit the breaking news.
I was prepared for the several dozens of stares directed at us upon our entrance. Trowa?s hand lingered over my mostly-bare backbone?a little too low to be considered proper, but I wasn?t in any position to tell him otherwise, not wanting to gather unwanted attention?as he guided me through the several groups, trying to locate our colleagues, while at the same time trying to avoid and dodge various couples who looked more than eager to trap us in their insipid conversation with the sole purpose of interviewing us.
I spotted Hilde on the other side of the dance floor, and winked at her when she saw me.
?I?m headed for the bar, want something to drink?? He asked when he also saw Hilde.
?God, a beer would be heavenly right about now? But champagne?s fine.?
He laughed as he shook his head. He lowered his head to whisper in my ear, his fingers moving aside a few stray hairs from my neck. I shivered involuntarily when his breath fanned my skin. ?There?s this little seaside restaurant near the pier? How does lobster and beer sound? We could leave this stupid shindig a little early and head out??
I smiled, still looking away from him, trying hard to ignore the pleasure of his husky words against my skin. ?I?m in.?
?Deal,? he said before he straightened up and headed to one of the bars.
That man was going to be the death of me. However, I should be amazed at my own self-control.
I shook my head, trying to dispel the memory of his breath on my skin as I headed towards Hilde, trying my damnedest to ignore the wicked, knowing smile on her lips. Her ebony hair contrasted heavenly with the bright red Yigal Azrouel jersey dress; it hugged her body down until it reached the top of her thighs before it flared out in waves upon waves of elegant fabric around her legs and feet. Several strings of sparkling onyx gems adorned her neck and fell over her chest, and the effect of her black silk pumps, black jewelry and black hair against the crimson of her dress was striking; she really was turning heads.
And then I noticed the handsome man with long brown hair tied in a silky braid standing beside her. It would have been comical seeing any man with long hair wearing a tux, but his poise and attractive features made the ensemble look daring and dark, in an enticingly dangerous kind of way.
?Gold achiever?? I asked as soon as I reached her, implying if her dress had met its purpose.
She understood perfectly even if my words were rather cryptic. ?One-hundred percent smitten. Yours??
I smiled. ?One-hundred percent perfect.?
Hilde smiled as well, nodding. She then turned to her side and linked her arm with the braided-man beside her, her smile turning adoring and her eyes sparkling?and I knew right there that this was the man. I felt contradiction fill me inside; I felt elated at my best friend?s obvious happiness, yet at the same time felt sad and almost envious. I stopped the wistful sigh before it left my lips.
?Relena, this is him.?
I laughed at the funny quirk of his eyebrows at her words.
?Duo Maxwell,? he said as he filled the missing information, extending his hand to shake it with mine.
?Relena Peacecraft, a plea??, but I was interrupted? rather rudely, in my opinion.
?Duo? This is a surprise!? Trowa said as he passed me a flute of sparkling champagne before he shook Duo?s hand and half-hugged him.
Duo laughed. ?Surprise, indeed! What are you doing here? Wait?? He turned to look at me and then back at Trowa. ?Hold on? Hold on!?
Trowa smiled before he snaked an arm around my waist, pulling me flush to his side. ?I see you?ve met my fianc?, Relena.?
Duo laughed again as he copied Trowa?s move and pulled Hilde to his side, kissing her temple sweetly. ?Man, this is too weird. You? Engaged?? He stopped for a moment before he looked at me and quickly corrected himself in an almost desperate jest. ?It?s nothing personal, but I just never thought? Congratulations!? He said dejectedly after stumbling over his words.
?Thank you.? I said, trying to ignore Hilde?s suggestive winks and looks.
?Relena?? I turned at the new voice only to find Tristan Barton standing behind us. ?May we have a word??
I nodded before I turned to excuse myself from the group. ?If you?ll excuse me.?
?What does he want?? Trowa asked me softly, looking over my head at his father?s waiting figure.
I shrugged but knowing full well what he wanted to talk about. ?How should I know? I?ll be right back.?
I didn?t wait for a reply as I turned to leave to join Tristan who extended his arm as soon as I reached him. I took it and we walked away, but I could feel Trowa?s green glare resting heavily on us.
?Mrs. Vanderbilt was thrilled with the news,? he said when we were out of earshot. ?She thought it was an excellent idea.?
I laughed, thrilled at this. ?Excellent. Payback?s a bitch, isn?t it??
He laughed along with me, before he took a sip of his whiskey. ?And you just can?t wait to collect your bill, right??
I nodded as I looked around at the attendees. ?Got to keep the business ethics intact.?
?Business ethics??
?Of course; it?s a dog-eat-dog world. I will not hurt your ears with the rather? crude, yet original slogan.?
? ?You fuck me, I?ll fuck you twice over?? It?s catchy, I?ll give you that.?
I laughed. ?Now, why couldn?t your son inherit your charming personality??
?Give him some time, he?ll come around. It takes a while to master perfection.?
?Well, he does have ?cockiness? down to a tee.?
He laughed as we walked back to Trowa, Hilde and Duo. ?Well, that?s a start. I?m looking forward to this auction.?
I nodded, smiling as I returned to my group. ?Same here; can?t wait.?
He laughed, shaking his head derisively as he walked away.
?I see you and my father get along pretty well. Mind telling what you two are plotting?? Trowa said as soon as I stopped to stand beside him, humor tinting his words; a sexy, curious smile etching his lips.
?Now, wouldn?t you just love to know??
I fought the frown that threatened to narrow my eyes when I spotted Krista McKenzie standing a little way behind Trowa, obviously looking at our interaction. Hmm?
I wounded both my arms around his waist, relishing in the sensation of feeling him draw a shaky breath into his lungs at my sudden move, elated I could cause havoc in his world, if only in small measures.
?Let?s dance,? I said before he could question my actions.
His eyes darkened to burning jade, narrowing as they looked directly into mine before he nodded and grabbed my hand to lead me to the dance floor.
Waltz.
Waltz? When would people realize waltz is out-dated?
?Ah, this is going to be fun.? He uttered silkily before he placed his left hand over my right shoulder blade and sprinted? yes, sprinted?into step.
We joined the few other couples?around eight or nine other couples?in the synchronized go-around circle. Now, waltzing is fun, don?t get me wrong, but I just happen to think it?s too old-fashioned. Luckily my mother had made it a point I learned how to properly waltz when I was a child. Pagan had also been adamant in my lessons, saying any proper lady knew how to dance the waltz.
I preferred swing dancing, but hey, that?s just me.
After a couple more pieces, the orchestra changed the tune to some melodious romantic music, and Trowa presented no qualms in pulling me closer to him, his lips breathing softly as they rested on my temple. I fought the urge to close my eyes at this, my hands climbing up his arms to wound around his neck without any prior thought of the action.
His hands burned my skin as they touched my bare back, and I shivered before I could stop myself.
?Cold??
?Yes,? I said quickly, knowing that if I said I wasn?t cold, he would know he was affecting me.
?May I cut in??
We both turned sharply towards the new voice; Quatre looked handsome and impeccable in his standard black and white tuxedo, his hair was styled neatly even if a few bangs rebelled and partially covered his deep blue-green eyes.
I looked back at Trowa, sensing the hesitation in him before he nodded slowly, never taking his eyes away from Quatre. They stood facing each other for what seemed hours before Trowa moved to walk away but not before he placed a sweet-looking kiss, even though it carried its courier-purpose bare and devoid of any code for Quatre to decipher. I was his?Asshole. I felt like a piece of meat as they glared at each other, but not surprisingly, felt thrill at having two incredibly handsome men ?contesting for my affections?.
I smiled at Quatre when Trowa finally turned to walk away, and I felt a silent breath leave my lungs with my relief. For a moment there I thought I would have to play at being referee to these two. I had the sudden feeling that if I wasn?t careful, I could get these two in trouble. Emotionally and professionally-wise.
?The auction is to commence in 20 minutes.? He said quietly, smiling as he guided me in slow circles around the dance floor in tune to the strings quartet symphony. ?You seem awfully calm about it, too.?
I smiled at him, shaking my head as I turned to look at the auctioneer looking through some papers, standing on a small stage located to the left-opposite corner of the entrance. The stage had a small four meter-long runway attached to it. Peachy, just peachy.
?How did you know I was being auctioned off? I didn?t find out until yesterday morning.?
His smiled widened with that ?I know something you don?t? glint in it, and he looked so irresistibly boyish I wanted to crush my lips to his and never let him go. I shook my head imperceptibly, trying not to call extra attention. Stupid thoughts that would get me nowhere, all they did were cause me headaches. I resisted the urge to rub the bridge of my nose.
?I?ve got my ways.?
I narrowed my eyes at him, even if I continued to smile, awfully amused. ?You just like teasing innocent women, Mr. Winner. It?s an awful habit, let me tell you.?
?Awful habits are biting your nails or speaking through a mouthful. Teasing is just??
He stopped abruptly, one blond eyebrow arching slightly.
?Is, what??
?Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Good evening!? Screeched the over-enthusiastic auctioneer on the microphone. ?Welcome to the 24th annual New Yorker Community Fundraiser, One Step Closer to a Better World.?
Everyone stopped dancing and turned to the small red and silver stage; the runway suddenly lit up with hundreds of small light bulbs and I was tempted to run as far and away as possible. I tried to ignore the way my hands started sweating as I got suddenly nervous, but Quatre?s voice beside me steered my attention back to him.
?I need to go get some slips; if you?ll excuse me.?
I nodded and he turned to walk away; it wasn?t even five seconds later that I felt Trowa?s arm snake around my waist.
??hosted by Bright Lights, Marketing Solutions and BWBP International Consulting??
?Nervous?? He asked in a low whisper against my ear, his soft lips teasing.
?Far from it.? I smiled as I looked at the people around us, trying my hardest to keep my cool. Oh, what I had in store for him. ?You?? I retaliated as I turned my head slightly to my left to regard his reaction.
He frowned faintly, his eyes flicking to the runway for a second before he turned his eyes back to me. ?Why should I??
I shrugged, the smile still etched on my lips. I rose on my tiptoes to reach his ear, drawing the lobe softly between my lips and applying small pressure with my teeth. I smiled wider when he shivered slightly; the small, blonde hairs at the back of his neck prickling lightly as Goosebumps rocked through his nerve ends. ?Payback.?
He smirked at me? The arrogant asshole has the balls to smirk at me? He should be feeling nervous, apprehensive, scared shitless! Daredevil.
?Excuse me, Miss Peacecraft? I?m so sorry to interrupt like this, but if you?d please come with me, the auction is about to start.? One of the staff?s crew interrupted us in one single, nervous breath, fidgeting as if he was scared he would have his head severed for interrupting our conversation.
I smiled at the man, amused when his face noticeably relaxed. (I) let him lead me away, not bothering to say another word to Trowa, but I was extremely happy when I heard his exclamation of surprise and briefly turned to look over my shoulder to see another staff member, this one much more aggressive, leading him away.
I spotted Dorothy standing by a potted plant to one side of the small stage, arms crossed and fingers tapping restlessly against her arms. She had a ticked off expression creasing her face, eyes glaring at any staff member that dared come her way.
Now I understood why the kid had looked like he was about to piss his pants; he had probably gone through Dorothy first before he reached me. Poor soul.
I laughed quietly to myself, walking to stand beside her. I heard her sigh softly when I stopped at her side, her blue eyes looking wearily at the men gathered around the runway. I was starting to get nervous, too; my hands sweating cold as I did my best not to rub them on my dress.
?Let?s make a run for it, I think that if we?re fast enough, no one will notice it until it?s too late.? Dorothy whispered conspiratorially, looking at the three emergency exits. ?I better open a new bank account; I?ll need some bail money. If I find out whose idea it was to do this stupid auction??
I laughed at Dorothy as the auctioneer began reading the names of the participants, the rules and such for the auction, readying the public for the show. Techno music filled the room as the lights dimmed and the crowd started cheering, the men whistling like wolves after their prey.
??And our first participant is? Anna Sedelmeier! Auction starts at $2,000!?
?That man is way into this.?
?I think he needs to get laid? urgently.? Dorothy smiled back, before she continued. ?I mean, what?s so bad about it, anyway? We just have to spend tomorrow with our ?buyer? from 10 to 5??
?Eight.? I corrected. And it wasn?t bad, really, and it was for a really good cause; it was just the thought that we hadn?t even been asked. We had to spend tomorrow from 10 am to 8 pm with a complete stranger, and I was in no mood to be an entertaining hostess for 10 hours. Thank god I had it all taken care of.
Anna Sedelmeier was sold at $8,500. Not bad, except that she was ?bought? by some creep who probably couldn?t walk a straight line without a cane. Next came Stephanie Mayer and Delia Peters who were auctioned off at $7,000 and $9,800 respectively.
I felt my heart pitter-patter crazily in my ribcage when my name boomed through the speakers, and I climbed up the small stairs to the runway, walking to its end where it overlooked dozens of spectators and buyers. I forced a smile to my lips as I gave a small turn to show the back of my dress, stopping to clasp my hands behind my back, trying to keep the public from seeing me fidget nervously.
?Starting at $2,000. Who offers $2,000 for the lovely lady??
?$2,000!? Offered a man, raising his pallet with a ?28? on it. I couldn?t see his face clearly, since he was standing behind an old lady with a feathered hat on her head.
?We have $2,000! Who offers $3,000??
?Three thousand dollars.? This time it was Quatre Winner, and I couldn?t help but smile at his wink.
?Three thousand dollars! Anyone up for $4,000??
?Six thousand dollars!? Claimed Mr. Twenty-Eight.
?Six thousand dollars! We have $6,000!?
?Eight thousand dollars!? Quatre?s pallet with a 16 on it rose above his head, and I felt dread overcome me as I cast glances around the crowd. We were about to break the record, where the hell was my predetermined buyer?!
?Ten thousand dollars!? Number twenty-eight said again. Who was that guy!
The auctioneer looked back and forth as if he was watching a tennis match, smirking widely. ?We have ten thousand dollars, ladies and gentlemen! Ten thousand dollars at one; ten thousand dollars at two!?
?Fifteen thousand dollars!? and ?Twenty-five thousand dollars!? were offered simultaneously, followed by a silence before the auctioneer boomed excitedly. ?Sold! Relena Peacecraft at $25,000 to the lady in the red dress!?
I laughed when Quatre?who was the one who had offered the fifteen grand? looked across the room and spotted Hilde grinning. I imagined he understood this had all been planned from the beginning by the way he was shaking his head while smiling at Hilde, making his way to kiss her hand charmingly.
Soon after that, Kate Borrows was sold at $8,000 to a nice-looking guy who worked at Marketing Solutions; she looked pretty happy with it, so I imagined someone will be getting very lucky tonight. Linda Winslow, the company slut, caused uproar, showing up in a dress that barely covered her essentials, reminiscing a Courtney Love-styled dress. The black thing barely reached her thighs; it was an off-the-shoulder slip of a thing, with a severe cleavage that dipped between her breasts, topped off with silver sandals that were too high to be considered safe. Scandalous would?ve been the word my mother would have used had she been here to see it.
Not surprisingly, though, she was sold at $15,500 when the five initial bidders were cut down to two and then to one winner.
And last came Dorothy who for all her self-assertiveness and cockiness looked as nervous as a little kid on his first day at school. She looked regal in her imperial-cut black chiffon dress, the lightness of her loose, blond hair a striking contrast to the dark richness of her dress. Bidding started at $2,000 and rapidly climbed to $8,000 as three men shouted sums and raised their pallets high in the air in a synchronized choreography.
Imagine everyone?s surprise when Quatre raised his pallet and offered $35,000. Dorothy looked shocked, her eyes gone wide in their surprise. The auctioneer wasted no time and sealed the bidding with a resounding thud of his wooded mallet, a brief, deep silence filling the room before everyone broke in applause.
I had finally made my way to where Hilde was standing, and upon my arrival, I felt a heavy, friendly arm drape around my shoulder.
?I told her to wait.? Duo said with a mild pout, half glaring, half winking at Hilde who could only laugh and shake her head.
?Wait for what??
Hilde cleared he throat, regarding her boyfriend through half-lidded eyes. ?He wanted to buy you, but we couldn?t have that. Imagine my boyfriend dating my best friend who also happens to be engaged??
I laughed as Duo?s arms tightened around my shoulder and be moved forward a little to encircle his girlfriend with this other arm, capturing us in his tender, teasing embrace. ?Well, if I didn?t act fast, someone else would?ve bought you off! Winner had his mind set on buying you, not to mention half the ballroom? but I imagine everyone?s too shy when having to compete against someone as filthy rich as Quatre Winner.?
I raised my eyebrow at his long speech, barely noticing how the mood in the crowd had suddenly changed and all the audience had suddenly switched to up the female nature. Aah? It was time.
?So, it was you? I was wondering who was the man who had dared go against Hilde. I hope you realize what a fiery, bitchy German she can be from time to time.?
Hilde snorted unladylike, crossing her arms over the red bodice covering her stomach as we made our way to the small counter they had set up for the auction. I could only smile at her as sarcasm dripped off her tongue smoothly. ?I don?t know what I would do without you, Relena. You are such a charmer.?
I laughed at the deadly tint in her tone, catching the mocking curve of her eyebrows. ?Aw, but you know it?s all out of love.? I signed my name in the dotted line and took the pallet I was given.
?Yeah, thank god you love me?what?s going on?? She asked suddenly, casting curious glances at the runway and at the several female heads that had suddenly overtaken the audience. We stepped closed, but still at a relatively safe distance in case there was some elbowing, vicious stepping heels, scratching or any other thing of the sort. Society women were prompt for cat-fighting.
?And now, it?s time for some eye candy for the ladies in the house.? There was a roar as all the women screamed and squealed and clapped and whistled as the men dropped back to linger by the bars, keeping a close eye on their partners. ?Now, I few minutes ago, I got a new donation from BWBP International Consulting intended specially to treat the ladies in attendance.?
There was another round of applause and catcalls as the booming music restarted and the lights dimmed to indicate the show was about to begin.
?Let me present you all to Trowa Barton, of BWBP International Consulting. Bidding starts at $2,000! Come on, ladies! This is your chance!?
I could only laugh as Trowa ascended the three-stepped stairs with a rigidness proper of a funeral, back ramrod straight, eyes looking straight ahead? until they stopped on me and the look turned to a glare.
?Payback,? I mouthed, smiling at his obvious discomfort. Whoever said I rolled down and played dead?
As I had prognosticated, the bidding went sky high as women fought to win. It was all in good jest and for an honest reason. I wasn?t even listening to what the auctioneer was saying, raising my pallet at random times just to pretend I was fighting for my fianc?.
?What are you doing tomorrow?? Hilde asked; her face contorting slightly as she suppressed a tired, bored yawn.
?Busy time last night?? I asked, winking at her yawning. ?Seems like someone had lots of action and no sleep.?
She laughed while I raised my pallet again, glancing at Trowa briefly. Our eyes collided and the intensity in his emerald stare caused shivers to run down my spine. I promptly turned back to what Hilde was saying.
?..too soon, but for the first time in my life I actually find myself craving to be in that kind of relationship. He?s different than the rest, Relena; I swear that I can totally see myself committed to him.?
I could only stare at her, barely blinking and mouth agape. ?Wait, what? What? Are you for real??
She had a glazed over look in her eyes, and I took the opportunity to glance at Duo?s dark head by the bar talking to some other guys. He had an easy smile and a beautiful laugh; it was bubbly and spontaneous and loud, like he didn?t care if people thought it was rude or improper.
I was jerked out of my current stupor as Hilde jerked my arm up into the air by my elbow, flagging the pallet in plain view above everyone?s head before I could even jerk it back down.
?Sold! To Miss Peacecraft in $58,000!?
I heard the loud murmuring as everyone turned to look back at me, heard Hilde?s bubbling voice as she laughed at my expense, but most importantly, I was glaringly aware of Trowa?s amused, arrogant pleased smile as he bowed at me, winking flirtingly for the entire world to see.
I had never felt the urge to choke him to death as much as I did now. Or kiss him. Asshole.
Well, now he owed me fifty-eight grand.
*
*
*
It was almost an hour after the auction, the party was still going strong; Hilde had left a while ago, a beaming and obviously inebriated Duo behind her. I had never been as happy for my friend as I was now, seeing her obviously in love with this guy whom she had just met a few weeks ago. When it hit, it hit fast and hard, that was for sure.
I hadn?t seen or heard of Trowa ever since the auction and I was starting to get angry, especially after endorsing the check I had been cheated into spending. It was for a good cause, it was for a good cause, I kept repeating to myself, trying to see the bright side of things. Well, after this, he better pay for that lobster and beer he promised!
What I hated the most was, unwillingly, the fact that I currently found myself missing his company, seeing as Hilde and Duo had already left, and Tristan and Quatre were nowhere to be found. It sucked not having too many friends, especially when one was at these things.
I gasped loudly, my body going rigid at once when I felt an open-mouthed kiss on my neck, followed by arms being draped around my waist from behind. My pulse doubled and then tripled in record time. ?Now, smile and look like you?re having the best time in the world; people are looking at us, especially after that surprisingly charitable display of humbleness you pulled.?
I forced an extra charm to my smile, surreptitiously looking at the people around us to see that, as expected, they were all casting curious, sort of subtle looks at us. I let my head drop back to his shoulder and turned my head to kiss the edge of his chiseled yaw, enjoying his surprised indrawn of breath and the almost lascivious sparkle that stole its way into his eyes.
?How about that beer and lobster you promised me? I think it?s only fair seeing as I just spent $58,000 on you.?
?Ooh, blackmail.?
?It?s not blackmail, I?m just rectifying my current situation. Unless you want to pay me those fifty eight grand back???
He laughed, his large hand enveloping mine as we started making our way to the lobby. ?Lobster and beer it is, then!?
*
*
*
?Wow.?
I laughed at the shock written all over his face. ?Yeah, but don?t ever tell her I told you this; she would have me accused, trialed, and hung before the next day.?
?Drastic, drastic.? Trowa laughed before he took a swig of his beer, straight out of the bottle as I liked.
?She?s touchy when it comes to age. But then again, don?t all women get that way??
?And you??
I smiled, ignoring the depth of his stare. ?I?m just 23; I imagine when I reach 62 I?ll be the same way. I?m not even allowed to call her mother in public places. It?s Erica this, Erica that??
Trowa laughed, shaking his head. ?So, this party is next week? Why haven?t I gotten an invitation? Are we gate-crashing??
?You only wish.?
?I have many, many wishes, Relena, and none of which include crashing a society matron?s birthday party. They go more along the lines of you in??
?Why do all our conversations revolve around sex??
He shrugged, slumping against the backrest of his chair. ?It?s something you do to me.?
It?ll always be about sex, and just that. I don?t know why I felt a sudden sense of sadness fill me inside. Perhaps finding out about Hilde?s thoughts on her new relationship has confused me a bit.
?So, are you available??
An easygoing, honest smile spread across his face, relaxing his features in a boyish caress. ?Of course. It should be fun; interesting things always happen at these shindigs.?
?That they do.? I felt pleasantly full; the lobster had been utterly delicious and I found myself dreading the night?s end. ?So, about tomorrow??
?Right, right! Tomorrow you owe me a date.? He laughed, taking another long drink of his beer.
?Yeah? I was thinking maybe we could skip it and just pretend??
?No, no, no? You owe me a date.? He smiled arrogantly, letting his long arms hand freely and weightlessly over the armrests of his chair.
I snorted. ?Let?s analyze the situation more clearly. I paid for you. If I were to chose not to do anything, then that?s allowed. It?s my money.?
He regarded me with a funny look, a small, sexy smile adorning his lips before he surged forward quite suddenly and unexpectedly, almost closing the gap between us over the very small, round table, his hand behind my neck as he pulled me to meet him halfway. Our breaths mingled softly, his was hot as it fanned against my lips in sensual strokes of heat and power. I was instantly overwhelmed by the sheer masculinity and possession of his grasp on my neck, and stopped myself from wanting to close the gap between our mouths.
I was, however, surprised by the seriousness and deepness of his eyes as they regarded me thoughtfully, his fingers absently teasing the hairs at the back of my head.
?You intrigue me.? He whispered huskily, his eyes never wandering from mine.
I was speechless; I had lost all sense of rationality and could only stare at him. It was so out of character, this intensity in his eyes that had nothing sexual in them; it was pure, rational curiosity combined with a possessive passion that was true and unadulterated.
?You are beautiful and? different.?
?I?? What was a girl to say? I mean, really? I still had my reservations about this fake relationship; and even with the safety net of this being a false engagement and that everything we did would remain fake and emotionless, I still could not bring myself to submit myself to our desires. What was wrong with me? ?I? don?t know what to say.?
Well, at least I was being truthful.
The most beautiful smile broke over his face, accentuating expression lines along his forehead and around his mouth, lines that denoted warmth and caring and tenderness. ?You don?t have to say anything. I wasn?t expecting a reply; I just wanted you to know my opinion.?
We were still inches away from each other, and his smile was slowly turning even more and more beautiful even though he hadn?t moved a faction of a millimeter.
Before I could stop myself I closed the gap between our lips.
I could taste the beer fresh on his tongue, it added to the already intoxicating taste of him. It was ambrosia, like a vice you never wanted to get rid of. His lips were a combination of sin and heaven; knowing it wasn?t right to allow myself to appear this weak in front of him, yet at the same time, not being able to contain myself. I have no resolve when it comes to him; he knows it, I?m sure.
His tongue was subtle and almost shy as it caressed my lips in askance, and I took a breath in surprise, a gap in space he took to his ultimate advantage.
I wasn?t aware of time or sound; relativity was nonexistent as the minutes left me confounded?I couldn?t even make out if they crawled slowly like a moment frozen in time, or if they sped away to the rhythm of my beating heart.
His hands were hot and cold against my cheeks, or maybe it was my skin which was cold, or vice versa; it seemed like reason and logic had been drowned and smothered by our lips; our heavy, gasping breaths hushing the voices in my head, hiding them from any rational, straight thought process.
?You?re amazing?? He uttered huskily, his voice swift and deadly like a devil?s blade as it encased me in its powerful haze.
His lips trailed a path of fire from the corner of my lips, across my cheek to lay a tender kiss on my left temple, just over my hairline. And all I could do was close my eyes and savor the moment.
?Tomorrow? I?ll take you out on a date.? He smiled softly, barely a whisper, though his eyes shone with all the brilliance of a promise in them.
?But I paid for you.?
He laughed softly, shaking his head while he continued to tuck loose stands of hair behind my ears. ?Do you have any idea how odd and? perverse that sounds??
I smiled. ?Don?t tell me you?re complaining.?
He snorted lightly, one eyebrow high on his forehead. ?Are you kidding me? I love the idea of being bought. It sounds really nice.?
I laughed, the intensity of our kiss slowly evaporating into a more laid back atmosphere. ?Somehow, I don?t think ?nice? is the description you would normally go for.?
He winked at me, pulling slightly back, and I was relieved by the sudden, although unwanted, space.
?You know me too well. I should sue you. It?s not good for business.?
?You?re still in business or are you planning on going back to business after all this is over??
Unconsciously, I held my breath, waiting for his reply, knowing that either possible answer would be a shock. Not even when I?m on my period am I this contradictory and confusing.
?Neither.?
Hell, I think I?m in deep shit.
*
*
*
To be continued...
By Andrea Sinisterra
Romance
Rated PG-13
Standard Disclaimers Apply
Author?s Note: Sorry for the delay!! So sorry!! I now have two more people under my charge, and interviewing has taken up a lot of my time, making work more hectic! Also, a new system upgrading has just been installed and it?s been chaos all around. I lost a check requisition for $1,200 and almost went nuts trying to find it? I acquired two new clients (yay me!) and I?ve been trying to seal fair deals with them, but it?s hard. One of them is unwilling to sign the contract unless I fly to where he is and personally monitor his company for a two-month preview to see how we work, before he signs? For free. I can?t travel to another country for TWO months and work for free! I have a life, too, you know! (sigh) Anyway, sorry for the lateness of my update.
Warnings: Well, this chapter has not yet been proofread. I already sent it to GG for beta reading, but I wanted to post it either way to let you know I haven?t given up on it. As soon as I get the revised version back, I?ll take this one down and upload the new one.
EDIT: Thank you to Gundam Girl for proofreading this chappie for me! You're such a sweetheart!!
*
*
*
Part 6
We had returned from Long Island at around 4 o?clock, with Trowa threatening he would be picking me up at 7 and that I had better be ready.
It was barely six thirty and I was ready; I looked at myself in the mirror, scrutinizing every single detail of my appearance. The long Prada hunter green gown hugged my curves in all the right places; it had ruffles down the hem of the deep V-shaped cleavage that crisscrossed to my back where it ended in thin straps that left my back bared from neck to backbone. It flowed in long, romantic waves of silk down my legs; an upside-down V-shaped slit with equal ruffles spread wide enough to reveal my right leg from mid thigh down. It was sexy, yet elegant; Hilde had helped me pick the shoes, choosing intricate golden Manolo Blahnik sandals with in-woven gold gemstones. With large gold chandelier earrings and my hair swept in a loose French twist held up with golden baby pins, I was ready to rock the boat.
I had enjoyed myself earlier today after the ?talk? with Amelia; she had turned out to be quite a witty and charming woman, sprouting stories of her and Trowa?s rather unusual childhood against his will. He had choked and sputtered his soda several times at some of the stories Amelia told?stories that were obviously not meant to be retold.
I loved the kind of relationship she had with Gerard; they bickered constantly, arguing about the most trivial of things but then deciding on some common ground with a kiss and a smile. They had a very perky, comical marriage, but that?s what made it special and long-lasting. They were so in tuned to the other?s needs, completing each other?s sentences and glaring at each other when they, accidentally, stole words from the other?s mouth.
It was midway through lunch when two hurricanes barged out onto the terrace, screaming and complaining as they sold each other out to their parents. It was cute seeing Gerard scolding them and see their subsequent pouting before they spotted Trowa and screamed all over again, hugging the living daylights out of him. He had gushed at how ?grown-up? they were, merely eight years-old each. Twins; the perfect pair?a girl and a boy: Julianne and Logan.
Or Jules and Logs, as they preferred to be called.
We all sat down on the living room?s plush floor after lunch, soda and popcorn our allies as boys paired up and girls did as well for a Battle of the Sexes Monopoly death match. We used gummies and M&M?s when we ran out of hotel pieces, but had to end the game prematurely when Gerard started eating our properties.
Knocking on my door made my hands sweat. I swiftly grabbed my gold-studded clutch purse, checking its contents too see I had everything I needed; I slowly opened my front door. The sight was something to behold as Trowa stood there looking perfectly at ease with the classic black and white tuxedo, and I knew without even looking at its tag, that it had to be from one highly coveted designer like Armani or Oscar de la Renta.
I felt the heat infuse my chest and face when his eyes turned dark and smoldering as they swept over my figure in lustful appreciation.
He reached for my hand and kissed my palm, the tip of his tongue on my skin, shocking and sensual. In a swift moment he had seized his arm around my waist and pulled me to his chest, his lips almost colliding with mine but I turned my head to the side, placing a chaste kiss on the skin below his ear instead.
He chuckled softly, his breath fanning the side of my neck before he pulled back. ?Ready??
I quickly grabbed my long, black evening coat and he helped me into it before I nodded and we were on our way.
I was abnormally aware of his leg brushing mine as we sat side by side in the limousine, the champagne in my glass swirling as the vehicle turned corners here and there.
?You?re awfully quiet tonight; bummed because you lost at Monopoly??
I snorted softly, taking a sip of my drink. ?Hardly. We would have beaten you guys had Gerard not eaten our hotels.?
He laughed, shaking his head. ?Are you aware of how odd that sounds??
I laughed as well, seeing the point to his observation. ?It?s the truth. He ate our houses and our hotels.?
?Serves you right for choosing candy as substitute.?
?It was either that or pebbles, and I was in no mood to go pick those up in the garden.? I shook my head, smiling in remembrance. ?Besides, it wasn?t me who needed to prove herself; it wasn?t my reputation that was tarnished by childhood retelling.?
He sniffed childishly. ?You?ll never forget that, won?t you??
I laughed. ?I will die someday, and believe me the memory will not die with me. I?ll make sure to pass it down generation to generation.?
There was a comfortable silence as we got nearer and nearer to the St. Regis Hotel where the gala was being held.
?I had a great time.? I said softly after a moment, drinking the last drops of my glass.
?I?m glad.? He kept silent for another moment before he spoke again, his voice now having turned grave. ?I saw the paper yesterday.?
I had been wondering about that; not that he had any right to question anything. ?Yeah, so??
He turned on the seat to face me. ?So? you are seeing Winner.? His tone was matter-of-fact, leaving no space for argument.
?I don?t think that?s any of your business.?
His eyes narrowed. ?We had an agreement??
?Exactly; we agreed to??
?No public displays.?
I laughed, not being able to help myself as I reached to rub the skin between my eyebrows. ?Trowa, be careful, you almost sound jealous? you wouldn?t want me to think that, would you??
His eyes narrowed even further to angry emerald slits and for a moment there I thought he would force a kiss on me; it was practically his modus operandi when he got upset with me, thinking anything could be solved with a rumple in the hay.
?Please, get over yourself.?
My eyebrows rose at the angry tone in his voice, but dismissed it. ?I was about to say the same thing to you. Plus, don?t think I don?t know you?re still seeing Krista and frankly, I don?t give a shit. I won?t get in your way if you don?t get in mine. Got it??
He sighed heavily as he slumped back on his seat, running a hand through his unkempt hair. ?Why do we always end up fighting??
?You started it.? I said quickly and immediately regretted it as it sounded childish and confirmed his enquiry.
He laughed nonetheless, shaking his head. ?See??
I couldn?t help the tentative humor and laughed as well. ?We?re hopeless.?
?That, we are. Hopeless, but hot.?
It was so out of the blue, I burst out laughing hard. ?You?re so full of yourself? But yes, I?ll give you that, you are hot. It?s a shame it doesn?t come with a better personality.?
He feigned hurt, a smile still etched to his lips. ?At least you admitted I?m hot? but ouch, woman! Be a little more comprehensive about my poor, troubled heart!?
I raised an eyebrow at that. ?Heart? Where??
He laughed again. ?Ah, now you?re just mocking me.?
?Trowa, I always mock you. It?s the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I think before going to bed.?
He quirked his eyebrows high at that, a devilish glint mixed in with humor. ?Hmm, so you do think about me. I know I?m hard to forget, quite irresistible I?ve gotten from ladies around.?
?Don?t fool yourself. Those ?kinds? of women say anything and everything to get into someone?s bank account.?
?Oh, so you?re saying they only come to me for my money??
I snorted, even as the limousine slowed down as we neared our destination. ?What else for??
?Not you, though.? He turned to look outside his window, peering at the line of limousines dropping off their passengers.
?No, not me, but I?m not ?after you?? I?m trying to ?run away? from you. A totally different situation.?
?You hurt me. I?m impressionable, remember.?
I laughed again as the limousine stopped in front of the hotel. ?You?re just a fool.?
?But of course, foolishly in lust with you.? He smiled sexily before he stepped outside and reached for my hand.
He headed directly to the Versailles Ballroom even though Trowa insisted on heading to the King Cole bar. I mean, sure, I wasn?t in any mood to head to some insipid gala where, might I add, I was to be auctioned off, but just the thought of the my mother and Hilde bitching at me for being overly fashionably late didn?t bode well with me.
I was aware of the several reporters-in-disguise wandering around; cameras and notepads in handy reach, knowing this would be the very first social gathering Trowa and I assisted as an official couple and that any reporter from any high and low profile media would be here to try and hit the breaking news.
I was prepared for the several dozens of stares directed at us upon our entrance. Trowa?s hand lingered over my mostly-bare backbone?a little too low to be considered proper, but I wasn?t in any position to tell him otherwise, not wanting to gather unwanted attention?as he guided me through the several groups, trying to locate our colleagues, while at the same time trying to avoid and dodge various couples who looked more than eager to trap us in their insipid conversation with the sole purpose of interviewing us.
I spotted Hilde on the other side of the dance floor, and winked at her when she saw me.
?I?m headed for the bar, want something to drink?? He asked when he also saw Hilde.
?God, a beer would be heavenly right about now? But champagne?s fine.?
He laughed as he shook his head. He lowered his head to whisper in my ear, his fingers moving aside a few stray hairs from my neck. I shivered involuntarily when his breath fanned my skin. ?There?s this little seaside restaurant near the pier? How does lobster and beer sound? We could leave this stupid shindig a little early and head out??
I smiled, still looking away from him, trying hard to ignore the pleasure of his husky words against my skin. ?I?m in.?
?Deal,? he said before he straightened up and headed to one of the bars.
That man was going to be the death of me. However, I should be amazed at my own self-control.
I shook my head, trying to dispel the memory of his breath on my skin as I headed towards Hilde, trying my damnedest to ignore the wicked, knowing smile on her lips. Her ebony hair contrasted heavenly with the bright red Yigal Azrouel jersey dress; it hugged her body down until it reached the top of her thighs before it flared out in waves upon waves of elegant fabric around her legs and feet. Several strings of sparkling onyx gems adorned her neck and fell over her chest, and the effect of her black silk pumps, black jewelry and black hair against the crimson of her dress was striking; she really was turning heads.
And then I noticed the handsome man with long brown hair tied in a silky braid standing beside her. It would have been comical seeing any man with long hair wearing a tux, but his poise and attractive features made the ensemble look daring and dark, in an enticingly dangerous kind of way.
?Gold achiever?? I asked as soon as I reached her, implying if her dress had met its purpose.
She understood perfectly even if my words were rather cryptic. ?One-hundred percent smitten. Yours??
I smiled. ?One-hundred percent perfect.?
Hilde smiled as well, nodding. She then turned to her side and linked her arm with the braided-man beside her, her smile turning adoring and her eyes sparkling?and I knew right there that this was the man. I felt contradiction fill me inside; I felt elated at my best friend?s obvious happiness, yet at the same time felt sad and almost envious. I stopped the wistful sigh before it left my lips.
?Relena, this is him.?
I laughed at the funny quirk of his eyebrows at her words.
?Duo Maxwell,? he said as he filled the missing information, extending his hand to shake it with mine.
?Relena Peacecraft, a plea??, but I was interrupted? rather rudely, in my opinion.
?Duo? This is a surprise!? Trowa said as he passed me a flute of sparkling champagne before he shook Duo?s hand and half-hugged him.
Duo laughed. ?Surprise, indeed! What are you doing here? Wait?? He turned to look at me and then back at Trowa. ?Hold on? Hold on!?
Trowa smiled before he snaked an arm around my waist, pulling me flush to his side. ?I see you?ve met my fianc?, Relena.?
Duo laughed again as he copied Trowa?s move and pulled Hilde to his side, kissing her temple sweetly. ?Man, this is too weird. You? Engaged?? He stopped for a moment before he looked at me and quickly corrected himself in an almost desperate jest. ?It?s nothing personal, but I just never thought? Congratulations!? He said dejectedly after stumbling over his words.
?Thank you.? I said, trying to ignore Hilde?s suggestive winks and looks.
?Relena?? I turned at the new voice only to find Tristan Barton standing behind us. ?May we have a word??
I nodded before I turned to excuse myself from the group. ?If you?ll excuse me.?
?What does he want?? Trowa asked me softly, looking over my head at his father?s waiting figure.
I shrugged but knowing full well what he wanted to talk about. ?How should I know? I?ll be right back.?
I didn?t wait for a reply as I turned to leave to join Tristan who extended his arm as soon as I reached him. I took it and we walked away, but I could feel Trowa?s green glare resting heavily on us.
?Mrs. Vanderbilt was thrilled with the news,? he said when we were out of earshot. ?She thought it was an excellent idea.?
I laughed, thrilled at this. ?Excellent. Payback?s a bitch, isn?t it??
He laughed along with me, before he took a sip of his whiskey. ?And you just can?t wait to collect your bill, right??
I nodded as I looked around at the attendees. ?Got to keep the business ethics intact.?
?Business ethics??
?Of course; it?s a dog-eat-dog world. I will not hurt your ears with the rather? crude, yet original slogan.?
? ?You fuck me, I?ll fuck you twice over?? It?s catchy, I?ll give you that.?
I laughed. ?Now, why couldn?t your son inherit your charming personality??
?Give him some time, he?ll come around. It takes a while to master perfection.?
?Well, he does have ?cockiness? down to a tee.?
He laughed as we walked back to Trowa, Hilde and Duo. ?Well, that?s a start. I?m looking forward to this auction.?
I nodded, smiling as I returned to my group. ?Same here; can?t wait.?
He laughed, shaking his head derisively as he walked away.
?I see you and my father get along pretty well. Mind telling what you two are plotting?? Trowa said as soon as I stopped to stand beside him, humor tinting his words; a sexy, curious smile etching his lips.
?Now, wouldn?t you just love to know??
I fought the frown that threatened to narrow my eyes when I spotted Krista McKenzie standing a little way behind Trowa, obviously looking at our interaction. Hmm?
I wounded both my arms around his waist, relishing in the sensation of feeling him draw a shaky breath into his lungs at my sudden move, elated I could cause havoc in his world, if only in small measures.
?Let?s dance,? I said before he could question my actions.
His eyes darkened to burning jade, narrowing as they looked directly into mine before he nodded and grabbed my hand to lead me to the dance floor.
Waltz.
Waltz? When would people realize waltz is out-dated?
?Ah, this is going to be fun.? He uttered silkily before he placed his left hand over my right shoulder blade and sprinted? yes, sprinted?into step.
We joined the few other couples?around eight or nine other couples?in the synchronized go-around circle. Now, waltzing is fun, don?t get me wrong, but I just happen to think it?s too old-fashioned. Luckily my mother had made it a point I learned how to properly waltz when I was a child. Pagan had also been adamant in my lessons, saying any proper lady knew how to dance the waltz.
I preferred swing dancing, but hey, that?s just me.
After a couple more pieces, the orchestra changed the tune to some melodious romantic music, and Trowa presented no qualms in pulling me closer to him, his lips breathing softly as they rested on my temple. I fought the urge to close my eyes at this, my hands climbing up his arms to wound around his neck without any prior thought of the action.
His hands burned my skin as they touched my bare back, and I shivered before I could stop myself.
?Cold??
?Yes,? I said quickly, knowing that if I said I wasn?t cold, he would know he was affecting me.
?May I cut in??
We both turned sharply towards the new voice; Quatre looked handsome and impeccable in his standard black and white tuxedo, his hair was styled neatly even if a few bangs rebelled and partially covered his deep blue-green eyes.
I looked back at Trowa, sensing the hesitation in him before he nodded slowly, never taking his eyes away from Quatre. They stood facing each other for what seemed hours before Trowa moved to walk away but not before he placed a sweet-looking kiss, even though it carried its courier-purpose bare and devoid of any code for Quatre to decipher. I was his?Asshole. I felt like a piece of meat as they glared at each other, but not surprisingly, felt thrill at having two incredibly handsome men ?contesting for my affections?.
I smiled at Quatre when Trowa finally turned to walk away, and I felt a silent breath leave my lungs with my relief. For a moment there I thought I would have to play at being referee to these two. I had the sudden feeling that if I wasn?t careful, I could get these two in trouble. Emotionally and professionally-wise.
?The auction is to commence in 20 minutes.? He said quietly, smiling as he guided me in slow circles around the dance floor in tune to the strings quartet symphony. ?You seem awfully calm about it, too.?
I smiled at him, shaking my head as I turned to look at the auctioneer looking through some papers, standing on a small stage located to the left-opposite corner of the entrance. The stage had a small four meter-long runway attached to it. Peachy, just peachy.
?How did you know I was being auctioned off? I didn?t find out until yesterday morning.?
His smiled widened with that ?I know something you don?t? glint in it, and he looked so irresistibly boyish I wanted to crush my lips to his and never let him go. I shook my head imperceptibly, trying not to call extra attention. Stupid thoughts that would get me nowhere, all they did were cause me headaches. I resisted the urge to rub the bridge of my nose.
?I?ve got my ways.?
I narrowed my eyes at him, even if I continued to smile, awfully amused. ?You just like teasing innocent women, Mr. Winner. It?s an awful habit, let me tell you.?
?Awful habits are biting your nails or speaking through a mouthful. Teasing is just??
He stopped abruptly, one blond eyebrow arching slightly.
?Is, what??
?Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Good evening!? Screeched the over-enthusiastic auctioneer on the microphone. ?Welcome to the 24th annual New Yorker Community Fundraiser, One Step Closer to a Better World.?
Everyone stopped dancing and turned to the small red and silver stage; the runway suddenly lit up with hundreds of small light bulbs and I was tempted to run as far and away as possible. I tried to ignore the way my hands started sweating as I got suddenly nervous, but Quatre?s voice beside me steered my attention back to him.
?I need to go get some slips; if you?ll excuse me.?
I nodded and he turned to walk away; it wasn?t even five seconds later that I felt Trowa?s arm snake around my waist.
??hosted by Bright Lights, Marketing Solutions and BWBP International Consulting??
?Nervous?? He asked in a low whisper against my ear, his soft lips teasing.
?Far from it.? I smiled as I looked at the people around us, trying my hardest to keep my cool. Oh, what I had in store for him. ?You?? I retaliated as I turned my head slightly to my left to regard his reaction.
He frowned faintly, his eyes flicking to the runway for a second before he turned his eyes back to me. ?Why should I??
I shrugged, the smile still etched on my lips. I rose on my tiptoes to reach his ear, drawing the lobe softly between my lips and applying small pressure with my teeth. I smiled wider when he shivered slightly; the small, blonde hairs at the back of his neck prickling lightly as Goosebumps rocked through his nerve ends. ?Payback.?
He smirked at me? The arrogant asshole has the balls to smirk at me? He should be feeling nervous, apprehensive, scared shitless! Daredevil.
?Excuse me, Miss Peacecraft? I?m so sorry to interrupt like this, but if you?d please come with me, the auction is about to start.? One of the staff?s crew interrupted us in one single, nervous breath, fidgeting as if he was scared he would have his head severed for interrupting our conversation.
I smiled at the man, amused when his face noticeably relaxed. (I) let him lead me away, not bothering to say another word to Trowa, but I was extremely happy when I heard his exclamation of surprise and briefly turned to look over my shoulder to see another staff member, this one much more aggressive, leading him away.
I spotted Dorothy standing by a potted plant to one side of the small stage, arms crossed and fingers tapping restlessly against her arms. She had a ticked off expression creasing her face, eyes glaring at any staff member that dared come her way.
Now I understood why the kid had looked like he was about to piss his pants; he had probably gone through Dorothy first before he reached me. Poor soul.
I laughed quietly to myself, walking to stand beside her. I heard her sigh softly when I stopped at her side, her blue eyes looking wearily at the men gathered around the runway. I was starting to get nervous, too; my hands sweating cold as I did my best not to rub them on my dress.
?Let?s make a run for it, I think that if we?re fast enough, no one will notice it until it?s too late.? Dorothy whispered conspiratorially, looking at the three emergency exits. ?I better open a new bank account; I?ll need some bail money. If I find out whose idea it was to do this stupid auction??
I laughed at Dorothy as the auctioneer began reading the names of the participants, the rules and such for the auction, readying the public for the show. Techno music filled the room as the lights dimmed and the crowd started cheering, the men whistling like wolves after their prey.
??And our first participant is? Anna Sedelmeier! Auction starts at $2,000!?
?That man is way into this.?
?I think he needs to get laid? urgently.? Dorothy smiled back, before she continued. ?I mean, what?s so bad about it, anyway? We just have to spend tomorrow with our ?buyer? from 10 to 5??
?Eight.? I corrected. And it wasn?t bad, really, and it was for a really good cause; it was just the thought that we hadn?t even been asked. We had to spend tomorrow from 10 am to 8 pm with a complete stranger, and I was in no mood to be an entertaining hostess for 10 hours. Thank god I had it all taken care of.
Anna Sedelmeier was sold at $8,500. Not bad, except that she was ?bought? by some creep who probably couldn?t walk a straight line without a cane. Next came Stephanie Mayer and Delia Peters who were auctioned off at $7,000 and $9,800 respectively.
I felt my heart pitter-patter crazily in my ribcage when my name boomed through the speakers, and I climbed up the small stairs to the runway, walking to its end where it overlooked dozens of spectators and buyers. I forced a smile to my lips as I gave a small turn to show the back of my dress, stopping to clasp my hands behind my back, trying to keep the public from seeing me fidget nervously.
?Starting at $2,000. Who offers $2,000 for the lovely lady??
?$2,000!? Offered a man, raising his pallet with a ?28? on it. I couldn?t see his face clearly, since he was standing behind an old lady with a feathered hat on her head.
?We have $2,000! Who offers $3,000??
?Three thousand dollars.? This time it was Quatre Winner, and I couldn?t help but smile at his wink.
?Three thousand dollars! Anyone up for $4,000??
?Six thousand dollars!? Claimed Mr. Twenty-Eight.
?Six thousand dollars! We have $6,000!?
?Eight thousand dollars!? Quatre?s pallet with a 16 on it rose above his head, and I felt dread overcome me as I cast glances around the crowd. We were about to break the record, where the hell was my predetermined buyer?!
?Ten thousand dollars!? Number twenty-eight said again. Who was that guy!
The auctioneer looked back and forth as if he was watching a tennis match, smirking widely. ?We have ten thousand dollars, ladies and gentlemen! Ten thousand dollars at one; ten thousand dollars at two!?
?Fifteen thousand dollars!? and ?Twenty-five thousand dollars!? were offered simultaneously, followed by a silence before the auctioneer boomed excitedly. ?Sold! Relena Peacecraft at $25,000 to the lady in the red dress!?
I laughed when Quatre?who was the one who had offered the fifteen grand? looked across the room and spotted Hilde grinning. I imagined he understood this had all been planned from the beginning by the way he was shaking his head while smiling at Hilde, making his way to kiss her hand charmingly.
Soon after that, Kate Borrows was sold at $8,000 to a nice-looking guy who worked at Marketing Solutions; she looked pretty happy with it, so I imagined someone will be getting very lucky tonight. Linda Winslow, the company slut, caused uproar, showing up in a dress that barely covered her essentials, reminiscing a Courtney Love-styled dress. The black thing barely reached her thighs; it was an off-the-shoulder slip of a thing, with a severe cleavage that dipped between her breasts, topped off with silver sandals that were too high to be considered safe. Scandalous would?ve been the word my mother would have used had she been here to see it.
Not surprisingly, though, she was sold at $15,500 when the five initial bidders were cut down to two and then to one winner.
And last came Dorothy who for all her self-assertiveness and cockiness looked as nervous as a little kid on his first day at school. She looked regal in her imperial-cut black chiffon dress, the lightness of her loose, blond hair a striking contrast to the dark richness of her dress. Bidding started at $2,000 and rapidly climbed to $8,000 as three men shouted sums and raised their pallets high in the air in a synchronized choreography.
Imagine everyone?s surprise when Quatre raised his pallet and offered $35,000. Dorothy looked shocked, her eyes gone wide in their surprise. The auctioneer wasted no time and sealed the bidding with a resounding thud of his wooded mallet, a brief, deep silence filling the room before everyone broke in applause.
I had finally made my way to where Hilde was standing, and upon my arrival, I felt a heavy, friendly arm drape around my shoulder.
?I told her to wait.? Duo said with a mild pout, half glaring, half winking at Hilde who could only laugh and shake her head.
?Wait for what??
Hilde cleared he throat, regarding her boyfriend through half-lidded eyes. ?He wanted to buy you, but we couldn?t have that. Imagine my boyfriend dating my best friend who also happens to be engaged??
I laughed as Duo?s arms tightened around my shoulder and be moved forward a little to encircle his girlfriend with this other arm, capturing us in his tender, teasing embrace. ?Well, if I didn?t act fast, someone else would?ve bought you off! Winner had his mind set on buying you, not to mention half the ballroom? but I imagine everyone?s too shy when having to compete against someone as filthy rich as Quatre Winner.?
I raised my eyebrow at his long speech, barely noticing how the mood in the crowd had suddenly changed and all the audience had suddenly switched to up the female nature. Aah? It was time.
?So, it was you? I was wondering who was the man who had dared go against Hilde. I hope you realize what a fiery, bitchy German she can be from time to time.?
Hilde snorted unladylike, crossing her arms over the red bodice covering her stomach as we made our way to the small counter they had set up for the auction. I could only smile at her as sarcasm dripped off her tongue smoothly. ?I don?t know what I would do without you, Relena. You are such a charmer.?
I laughed at the deadly tint in her tone, catching the mocking curve of her eyebrows. ?Aw, but you know it?s all out of love.? I signed my name in the dotted line and took the pallet I was given.
?Yeah, thank god you love me?what?s going on?? She asked suddenly, casting curious glances at the runway and at the several female heads that had suddenly overtaken the audience. We stepped closed, but still at a relatively safe distance in case there was some elbowing, vicious stepping heels, scratching or any other thing of the sort. Society women were prompt for cat-fighting.
?And now, it?s time for some eye candy for the ladies in the house.? There was a roar as all the women screamed and squealed and clapped and whistled as the men dropped back to linger by the bars, keeping a close eye on their partners. ?Now, I few minutes ago, I got a new donation from BWBP International Consulting intended specially to treat the ladies in attendance.?
There was another round of applause and catcalls as the booming music restarted and the lights dimmed to indicate the show was about to begin.
?Let me present you all to Trowa Barton, of BWBP International Consulting. Bidding starts at $2,000! Come on, ladies! This is your chance!?
I could only laugh as Trowa ascended the three-stepped stairs with a rigidness proper of a funeral, back ramrod straight, eyes looking straight ahead? until they stopped on me and the look turned to a glare.
?Payback,? I mouthed, smiling at his obvious discomfort. Whoever said I rolled down and played dead?
As I had prognosticated, the bidding went sky high as women fought to win. It was all in good jest and for an honest reason. I wasn?t even listening to what the auctioneer was saying, raising my pallet at random times just to pretend I was fighting for my fianc?.
?What are you doing tomorrow?? Hilde asked; her face contorting slightly as she suppressed a tired, bored yawn.
?Busy time last night?? I asked, winking at her yawning. ?Seems like someone had lots of action and no sleep.?
She laughed while I raised my pallet again, glancing at Trowa briefly. Our eyes collided and the intensity in his emerald stare caused shivers to run down my spine. I promptly turned back to what Hilde was saying.
?..too soon, but for the first time in my life I actually find myself craving to be in that kind of relationship. He?s different than the rest, Relena; I swear that I can totally see myself committed to him.?
I could only stare at her, barely blinking and mouth agape. ?Wait, what? What? Are you for real??
She had a glazed over look in her eyes, and I took the opportunity to glance at Duo?s dark head by the bar talking to some other guys. He had an easy smile and a beautiful laugh; it was bubbly and spontaneous and loud, like he didn?t care if people thought it was rude or improper.
I was jerked out of my current stupor as Hilde jerked my arm up into the air by my elbow, flagging the pallet in plain view above everyone?s head before I could even jerk it back down.
?Sold! To Miss Peacecraft in $58,000!?
I heard the loud murmuring as everyone turned to look back at me, heard Hilde?s bubbling voice as she laughed at my expense, but most importantly, I was glaringly aware of Trowa?s amused, arrogant pleased smile as he bowed at me, winking flirtingly for the entire world to see.
I had never felt the urge to choke him to death as much as I did now. Or kiss him. Asshole.
Well, now he owed me fifty-eight grand.
*
*
*
It was almost an hour after the auction, the party was still going strong; Hilde had left a while ago, a beaming and obviously inebriated Duo behind her. I had never been as happy for my friend as I was now, seeing her obviously in love with this guy whom she had just met a few weeks ago. When it hit, it hit fast and hard, that was for sure.
I hadn?t seen or heard of Trowa ever since the auction and I was starting to get angry, especially after endorsing the check I had been cheated into spending. It was for a good cause, it was for a good cause, I kept repeating to myself, trying to see the bright side of things. Well, after this, he better pay for that lobster and beer he promised!
What I hated the most was, unwillingly, the fact that I currently found myself missing his company, seeing as Hilde and Duo had already left, and Tristan and Quatre were nowhere to be found. It sucked not having too many friends, especially when one was at these things.
I gasped loudly, my body going rigid at once when I felt an open-mouthed kiss on my neck, followed by arms being draped around my waist from behind. My pulse doubled and then tripled in record time. ?Now, smile and look like you?re having the best time in the world; people are looking at us, especially after that surprisingly charitable display of humbleness you pulled.?
I forced an extra charm to my smile, surreptitiously looking at the people around us to see that, as expected, they were all casting curious, sort of subtle looks at us. I let my head drop back to his shoulder and turned my head to kiss the edge of his chiseled yaw, enjoying his surprised indrawn of breath and the almost lascivious sparkle that stole its way into his eyes.
?How about that beer and lobster you promised me? I think it?s only fair seeing as I just spent $58,000 on you.?
?Ooh, blackmail.?
?It?s not blackmail, I?m just rectifying my current situation. Unless you want to pay me those fifty eight grand back???
He laughed, his large hand enveloping mine as we started making our way to the lobby. ?Lobster and beer it is, then!?
*
*
*
?Wow.?
I laughed at the shock written all over his face. ?Yeah, but don?t ever tell her I told you this; she would have me accused, trialed, and hung before the next day.?
?Drastic, drastic.? Trowa laughed before he took a swig of his beer, straight out of the bottle as I liked.
?She?s touchy when it comes to age. But then again, don?t all women get that way??
?And you??
I smiled, ignoring the depth of his stare. ?I?m just 23; I imagine when I reach 62 I?ll be the same way. I?m not even allowed to call her mother in public places. It?s Erica this, Erica that??
Trowa laughed, shaking his head. ?So, this party is next week? Why haven?t I gotten an invitation? Are we gate-crashing??
?You only wish.?
?I have many, many wishes, Relena, and none of which include crashing a society matron?s birthday party. They go more along the lines of you in??
?Why do all our conversations revolve around sex??
He shrugged, slumping against the backrest of his chair. ?It?s something you do to me.?
It?ll always be about sex, and just that. I don?t know why I felt a sudden sense of sadness fill me inside. Perhaps finding out about Hilde?s thoughts on her new relationship has confused me a bit.
?So, are you available??
An easygoing, honest smile spread across his face, relaxing his features in a boyish caress. ?Of course. It should be fun; interesting things always happen at these shindigs.?
?That they do.? I felt pleasantly full; the lobster had been utterly delicious and I found myself dreading the night?s end. ?So, about tomorrow??
?Right, right! Tomorrow you owe me a date.? He laughed, taking another long drink of his beer.
?Yeah? I was thinking maybe we could skip it and just pretend??
?No, no, no? You owe me a date.? He smiled arrogantly, letting his long arms hand freely and weightlessly over the armrests of his chair.
I snorted. ?Let?s analyze the situation more clearly. I paid for you. If I were to chose not to do anything, then that?s allowed. It?s my money.?
He regarded me with a funny look, a small, sexy smile adorning his lips before he surged forward quite suddenly and unexpectedly, almost closing the gap between us over the very small, round table, his hand behind my neck as he pulled me to meet him halfway. Our breaths mingled softly, his was hot as it fanned against my lips in sensual strokes of heat and power. I was instantly overwhelmed by the sheer masculinity and possession of his grasp on my neck, and stopped myself from wanting to close the gap between our mouths.
I was, however, surprised by the seriousness and deepness of his eyes as they regarded me thoughtfully, his fingers absently teasing the hairs at the back of my head.
?You intrigue me.? He whispered huskily, his eyes never wandering from mine.
I was speechless; I had lost all sense of rationality and could only stare at him. It was so out of character, this intensity in his eyes that had nothing sexual in them; it was pure, rational curiosity combined with a possessive passion that was true and unadulterated.
?You are beautiful and? different.?
?I?? What was a girl to say? I mean, really? I still had my reservations about this fake relationship; and even with the safety net of this being a false engagement and that everything we did would remain fake and emotionless, I still could not bring myself to submit myself to our desires. What was wrong with me? ?I? don?t know what to say.?
Well, at least I was being truthful.
The most beautiful smile broke over his face, accentuating expression lines along his forehead and around his mouth, lines that denoted warmth and caring and tenderness. ?You don?t have to say anything. I wasn?t expecting a reply; I just wanted you to know my opinion.?
We were still inches away from each other, and his smile was slowly turning even more and more beautiful even though he hadn?t moved a faction of a millimeter.
Before I could stop myself I closed the gap between our lips.
I could taste the beer fresh on his tongue, it added to the already intoxicating taste of him. It was ambrosia, like a vice you never wanted to get rid of. His lips were a combination of sin and heaven; knowing it wasn?t right to allow myself to appear this weak in front of him, yet at the same time, not being able to contain myself. I have no resolve when it comes to him; he knows it, I?m sure.
His tongue was subtle and almost shy as it caressed my lips in askance, and I took a breath in surprise, a gap in space he took to his ultimate advantage.
I wasn?t aware of time or sound; relativity was nonexistent as the minutes left me confounded?I couldn?t even make out if they crawled slowly like a moment frozen in time, or if they sped away to the rhythm of my beating heart.
His hands were hot and cold against my cheeks, or maybe it was my skin which was cold, or vice versa; it seemed like reason and logic had been drowned and smothered by our lips; our heavy, gasping breaths hushing the voices in my head, hiding them from any rational, straight thought process.
?You?re amazing?? He uttered huskily, his voice swift and deadly like a devil?s blade as it encased me in its powerful haze.
His lips trailed a path of fire from the corner of my lips, across my cheek to lay a tender kiss on my left temple, just over my hairline. And all I could do was close my eyes and savor the moment.
?Tomorrow? I?ll take you out on a date.? He smiled softly, barely a whisper, though his eyes shone with all the brilliance of a promise in them.
?But I paid for you.?
He laughed softly, shaking his head while he continued to tuck loose stands of hair behind my ears. ?Do you have any idea how odd and? perverse that sounds??
I smiled. ?Don?t tell me you?re complaining.?
He snorted lightly, one eyebrow high on his forehead. ?Are you kidding me? I love the idea of being bought. It sounds really nice.?
I laughed, the intensity of our kiss slowly evaporating into a more laid back atmosphere. ?Somehow, I don?t think ?nice? is the description you would normally go for.?
He winked at me, pulling slightly back, and I was relieved by the sudden, although unwanted, space.
?You know me too well. I should sue you. It?s not good for business.?
?You?re still in business or are you planning on going back to business after all this is over??
Unconsciously, I held my breath, waiting for his reply, knowing that either possible answer would be a shock. Not even when I?m on my period am I this contradictory and confusing.
?Neither.?
Hell, I think I?m in deep shit.
*
*
*
To be continued...
Woo-wee!!
Anyway, another winning chapter from our winning lady. This is a sassy, feel-good story!! Such a relief from life's blunders