Chapter Four

Blair went back to the bar. Serena was talking to someone who had his back turned. He was wearing pink polo shirt. There was no doubt who it was.

''Bass.''

''Blair'' he said, looking somehow flabbergasted.

''You're in my seat.'' Her tone of voice was cold. Chuck didn't move. He just kept looking at her straight in the eyes, his mouth half open.

''Fine'' she sighed after a moment of silence, looking at Serena.''Stay. I'll go.'' Blair turned around and walked away.

''Blair?!'' Serena yelled after her ''Blair, wait!'' She caught her elbow, turning her best friend around to face.

''What, Serena?! This was really low, even for you! I come here to see my best friend and spend some quality time with you in peace and you set me up with him?''

Serena was shocked. ''I swear I didn't know where he was! I just met him. He didn't even know you were here until you came back from the bathroom.''

''Enough! I don't care about your stupid excuses! I'm sorry but I'm tired, I think I'll just go home.''

Blair was angry and in the mood to lash out on someone. Few minutes ago, she firmly decided to delete Chuck Bass out of her life and Serena just pushed him in again. Blair didn't know if she was strong enough to fight him off. She needed more time.

''Okay. Do what you want. But you two are going to work out your issues one way or another. I will not be standing in the middle anymore.''

Blair exited the hotel irritated. She didn't care if Serena was lying or not. Chuck Bass was nothing but a disease in her life. He had to be put out immediately. Her time was too precious to be wasted on players as him. She stepped on a pavement and half raised hand to hail a cab, when Blair remembered she had no money. She couldn't pay a ride home. The street was gloomy looking. It got pretty late and nobody normal wandered outside at this hour. Walking was dangerous and her house wasn't that close. Creepy feeling slithered up her back. Brutal scenes replayed in her head, targeting Blair as victim. They chilled her to the bone.

She was left with no other option. Blair went back inside to ask Serena for some money. It took her one prep talk to herself and bitten lip to get over the pride. It would be done halfheartedly since they just had a fight, but Serena would never refuse her best friend. Blair scanned the bar. Blonde hair was nowhere in sight. Only Chuck was sitting alone with a glass of scotch in his hand.

His eyes seemed sad, staring at the half full glass of amber liquid. He closed them for a moment, as if remembering some far distant memory. His mouth turned up a little then quickly pouted again, as if that happy memory only made him sadder. Blair felt strong urge to come and comfort him.

''Where is Serena?''

Chuck turned around surprised at the sound of her voice. His eyes seemed to maintain that sorrowful expression for a moment. It quickly vanished and arrogant smirk came in it's usual place. He heavily exhaled.

''Oh, I don't know. She could be anywhere.''

''Chuck, stop playing games with me. I need her. Now.'' She wanted to be done with him as soon as possible.

''Why? What happened?'' he asked concerned.

''Do you know where she is or not?'' Blair burst. She couldn't deal with him being all good and protective now. She persuaded herself to believe he is nothing more than a manipulative liar.

''No. I'm sorry, I don't.''

''Great'' Blair muttered. She turned around to go.

''Where are you going?'' he asked anxiously.

''Home.''

''Have a drink with me.''

His dark eyes gazed longingly at her. She felt like she could stare into their depths forever. There was something warm and inviting inside. Did she really want to have a drink with Chuck Bass? Yes, she did. Blair wanted to tell him all of her secrets and hear all about his little flaws and quirks. She wanted to make him laugh. She wanted him to make her blush again.

''Maybe I should get a boyfriend so we can double date with you and your girlfriend'' Blair instead said. She once again turned around and walked away. Her steps echoed in the empty hotel lobby. She was indeed now left with no choice and forced to walk home.

It was chilly outside. She rubbed her hands over forearms to get warm, they were hotter than rest of the body once again. She was bit scared, surely not indifferent. Her senses were all hyped up. Adrenalin made her super aware of her surroundings. She had a distinct feeling that someone was following her. It made her uneasy.

Blair only got around the block when black limo approached, slowing down. Window rolled down.

''What are you doing?'' Chuck said furiously.

''I told you I'm going home.'' She replied looking forward. Her house didn't seem that far away now.

''Get in.''

She ignored him. There was no way she would ever ride with him. Owing a favor to Chuck Bass was like signing a contract with the devil himself. He always had tricks up in his sleeve and was ready to play dirty. Besides, if someone saw her entering Chuck Bass' limo by night, it only meant one thing. One thing that Blair was ready to fight with all of her strength.

He opened the doors and got out. Blair picked up her pace. She had a feeling he was going to do something. Chuck walked towards her, his eyes flashing fire. She tried to run away but he quickly grabbed her arm and flipped her over his shoulder.

''Let me go!'' she screamed, kicking him in the back with her tiny fists.

Chuck lowered her down and into the car. She grabbed door handle immediately, but it was locked. Blair shook it, demanding to be released. He calmly sat next to her and ordered the chauffeur to drive. After seeing he wasn't going to let her go, Blair noticed how heat spread all the way from tips of finger to the rest of body. It was like a current, she felt every wave. She fluttered her hand back and forth to cool herself.

''I knew some women falling unconscious over me, but I honestly never expected to have that impact on you'' Chuck said teasingly. Though his eyes had a dubious glint for a moment, it quickly disappeared.

''It's like in a sauna here, open the window. This is called kidnapping. I could sue you!''

''Go ahead, please. I wonder what are you going to tell the jury why you walked alone at 3 am. This is is not Wisteria Lane.''

''Well I wasn't going to beg you to give me ride home.'' This sentence seemed to anger Chuck. His upper lip curled.

''Beg? All you had to do was ask!''

''And you'd want what in return precisely? Sex? A hand job? Like you did when we were at Serena's?''

He looked at Blair in disbelief. ''I can't believe you're bringing that up! That was a joke. This is different.'' He rubbed his forehead with his hand. His voice was only a whisper now. ''I don't care about that. I just want you to be safe.''

Blair knew he was right. It was reckless to walk about the city in devil's hour. Strange things have already happened to her in last few days. It seemed she turned into magnet for trouble. Chuck once again managed to bring her back to reality, to the level that is way above her pride and right under the clouds. It was foolish of her not to ask for help just because she couldn't handle him. When limo pulled over in front of her house, Blair managed enough dignity to thank him, but he was already at her side opening the doors. Chuck escorted her to the front of her house.

''I think I can manage by myself now'' she said bit timidly.

He smiled at her. They were silent for a moment.

''Is this the part where I kiss you goodnight?'' Chuck said cheekily.

''Ugh'' she pushed his shoulder away.

Just as she was to retreat it, he took her tiny hand in his. Blair froze. He was playing with her fingers so easily, as if it was most natural thing in the world. She fought shivers that threatened to break free. He looked into her eyes and left, but not before gently kissing the top of her hand.

As Blair put keys in the lock, tires of limo silently echoing, the creepy feeling came back. It licked her skin, leaving menacing flames behind. She was certain someone was watching her. Blair straightened her back and slowly entered the house as if nothing happened. She sighed in relief as she locked the doors again. Blair lifted her hand in affection and kissed the spot his lips touched. It was still burning hot.

A/N: Like it? Let me know what you think! (: