Disclaimer: I do not own the show or the characters. Takes place after Gossip Girl episode 2.03, "The Dark Night."
Nate slid the key card into the door of Catherine's hotel room and was disappointed to see the light turn green and hear the automatic unclicking of the door. Turning the knob, he entered to find a very scantily clad Catherine reclining on the suite's king size bed. Just a month ago, he would have found the whole thing sexy as hell. Now, he was having a hard time masking his discomfort. His heart just wasn't in it. Of course, there was another part of him that was "in it" so damn far that it was hard to think straight.
"Nate!" Catherine said, her voice pleasant but firm. "I'm glad to see that you've arrived on time. I would have hated to charge you a late fee." She grinned a feral grin, one that Nate had come to know all too well. "I hope you like champagne... be a good boy and open the bottle for us, will you?"
"Absolutely," Nate said, mustering up a smile. As soon as his back was turned, his pleasant demeanor slipped away. What the hell was he doing? And how had he possibly ended up here, he asked himself as the champagne cork went flying across the room. He brought Catherine her glass and hesitantly sat down next to her on the bed.
"Now, now, Nate, cheer up. I've been trying to decide all morning what I might be in the mood for, and I'm hoping my choice might inspire some enthusiasm on your part." Nate remained silent, gulping his champagne and avoiding Catherine's gaze. "As exquisite as that shirt looks on you, I'm afraid it's going to have to come off for the next hour or so." Nate still hadn't moved, prompting Catherine to grasp his shirt collar between her well-manicured nails. "Perhaps you didn't hear me, but I think you should start taking this shirt off. Right now."
Nate shrugged her off and turned around as he began to unbutton his shirt. "Turn around, please," Catherine stated. "You know I like to watch." Obligingly, Nate got up from the bed and spun to face her as he slowly finished unbuttoning his shirt. "Undershirt too," Catherine urged. In one quick motion, Nate slid his cotton undershirt over his head and stood before Catherine, naked from the waist up.
Catherine looked at him expectantly, her expression darkening when he made no motion to continue with his undressing. "Is something wrong?"
Crossing his arms defensively across his newly exposed chest, he looked to the floor, then to the Duchess. "Do you mind if I ask you a question?"
Catherine paused. "Well, I might mind, but go ahead."
"Why me? I mean, this..." Nate swallowed hard, "um, thing that I'm giving you, you could get it from anybody, or at least a lot of people... why me?
"I like the packaging," Catherine responded, her lips curving into a smile.
Nate shook his head, wanting more of an explanation. "Come on though... I'm sure there are plenty of young, good-looking guys who would be more than happy to do for you what I'm doing. For free."
"Look at me," Catherine demanded sharply. "Do you think I want cheap? Absolutely not." She gestured to the finely appointed hotel room. "Everything about my life is of the highest caliber, and that includes you."
Nate rolled his eyes. "Please."
"Seriously, Nathaniel," she intoned, stepping closer while looking him up and down, "few people come as pretty as you. Even for a woman of my position, quality this high is hard to find. So is pedigree." And desperation, she thought. "Anyway," she continued, "I'd say you've maxed out your question quotient for today." Gently, she pushed him down onto the bed. "Now, how about you put that mouth of yours to better use?"
More to come later. Thanks for reading! - AE