Dangerous Liaisons
Chapter 4:
A Dish Best Served Cold
"Revenge may be wicked, but it's perfectly natural" - Becky Sharp, Vanity Fair
The incessant knocking just wouldn't let up. Sebastian glared warily over at his bedroom door and sneered at whomever it was disturbing his afternoon of solitude. In his lap sat his prized leather bound journal which he was currently scribbling in furiously. When the pounding continued on he angrily slammed the book shut, threw it across the bed and stormed over to the door, with his silk bathroom flicking after him gracefully.
"WHAT!?"
He opened the door and came face to face with his grinning step sister. "Just wondering if you were still alive." Her concerned eyes lingered over his disheveled form and she added "guess I should call the funeral home after all."
In no mood for playful banter he snapped "I'm fine, good-bye."
Sebastian started to close the door but Annette pushed it back open and stepped past him into the room. Much like its occupant the bedroom was usually neat as a pin but not so anymore. Books, crumpled up newspapers, and dinner trays laid scattered throughout. "Well this proves my theory that you really don't know how to clean up after yourself. You should at least let the maid in."
"Oh don't worry I did" he breezily replied crossing his arms to his chest. "Just the other day I invited Olivia inside. That woman works wonders on her knees."
Valmont's attempts at shocking her with his sexual bravado didn't work. "Well at least you sound like your old self but I'm not buying it Sebastian."
"I'm fine" he replied tightly.
"No you're not. You haven't been fine since she arrived."
It was hard to miss the distaste in Annette's tone as she mentioned Kathryn. If he had been in the right mood Sebastian might have laughed. His sister usually made it a point to like everyone so he found it highly amusing that she at last found herself an enemy. It appeared that finally, the step sibling actually had something in common.
Still Sebastian wasn't in any way ready to have another discussion about his ex and quickly went about trying to ignore Annette's presence. Picking his journal off the floor from where he threw it, he walked over to his desk and cleared a space. As he continued on with his writing Annette paced before his desk, arms crossed to her chest and her pretty blue eyes narrowed in anger. "I cannot believe her. I cannot believe she would actually have the nerve to try to coarse me into helping her after what she did to you."
"Believe it" Sebastian replied flatly.
Leaning over the desk she demanded "how can you let her get away with this?"
He stopped writing but he wouldn't meet her eyes. With a tired sigh he pleaded "Annette, can you just-"
"Look what she's turned you into! You're a prisoner in your own home because you're too afraid to face her."
Meeting her gaze he replied weakly "I am not afraid." When his sister stared him down he insisted "I'm not! We talked at that party and I told her in no uncertain terms that I would never forgive her."
"Was that before or after you slept with her?"
He shrugged lamely "after."
Annette rolled her eyes as she sat back on his messy bed. "Sebastian you can't just hide out until she goes away. From what you've told me about her, Kathryn isn't the type to give up easily. Usually neither are you. Make her see that you don't want her in your life."
Sebastian didn't answer right away. Turning back he looked out the window and thought back to his last confrontation with Kathryn. He hadn't intended to have sex with her. He had gone to that stupid party in hopes of ending things for good but as soon as he got within twenty feet from her it was like another part of him took over. And it wasn't the most obvious part. "It's complicated Annette. I...
"You still love her" she finished for him.
He didn't deny or confirm her claim. "I have no control when it comes to her. I never have."
"And here I thought the great and powerful Sebastian Valmont was all about control."
"Mock me if you wish."
"Are you coming to the charity luncheon this afternoon?"
He looked back at her, curious about the abrupt change in topic. "Why would I?"
"It's for a good cause."
Sebastian turned his nose up at this and grumbled "no thanks."
Annette stepped closer to him and revealed "Kathryn will be there."
His eyes widened slightly and then he shook his head at her. "Why would you invite her?"
"You might be able to let her bad behavior slide but I won't" she replied coyly.
"Meaning?"
"I think Ms. Merteuil needs to be taught a lesson."
Sebastian couldn't help but grin at this. His step sister wasn't exactly the vengeful type so this sudden about face didn't exactly have him convinced she had any idea how to plot revenge. Trying his best to resist the laugh that was suddenly aching to come through, he remarked "you're going to teach Kathryn Merteuil a lesson? Miss charity food drive-bake sale queen-treat everyone as you wish to be treated-forgive us our tresspasses-as God as it is...however the rest of it goes. Well this should be enlightening."
"What, you don't think I can do it?"
He smiled at her fondly "well let's face it you don't exactly have experience in this area. Kathryn on the other hand considers it her religion." As Sebastian began to think about it he began to realize what a potential disaster in the making this was. "Look whatever you are planning; it's not a good idea. If there's one thing Kathryn is good at it's holding a grudge. Just promise me you won't do anything to instigate her."
"I most certainly will not. I'm not afraid of her and I'm not about to let that little…" she trailed off and Sebastian smirked back at her in amusement as he waited for her to say that naughty word she had likely never uttered before. However, Annette didn't back down and finished "bitch. I'm going to show her she can't just walk over other people. Now are you going to come or not?"
He realized with whatever Annette was planning, he now had no choice. He had to go if only just to make sure Kathryn didn't try to hurt her. Plus he was a little curious to see what his stepsister had planned. Sighing he headed towards the bathroom and called back to her "what time does it start?"
Kathryn hated doing charity. The only charity she believed in helping was herself. She was fully aware that this made her a bad person but frankly she didn't give a fuck. She didn't care about needy children. Never gave a single thought to those poor souls stricken with illness. She didn't give a rat's ass about the environment or the fact that it was going to shit at that very moment. Nope, the only person she cared about was herself. Well that wasn't entirely true. If it was she wouldn't be standing amongst the sea of society women gathered in the Valmont-Hardgrove ballroom. So, yes there was somebody she cared about as much as herself, if not more...but she still hated doing charity.
Doing good for others was for losers, which she supposed was why Annette Hardgrove was so into it. Fingering her diamond droplet neckless Kathryn smirked to herself as she thought about how excited the perky blond girl was when she asked her to attend the benefit for orphaned children. "Oh just think of all the good we can accomplish Kathryn. Please say you'll come!" Annette had gushed to her with more enthusiasm then Kathryn had ever had for anything in her entire life. Still, she was nothing if not a great actress. Of course she would come, after all it was a perfect opportunity to run into Sebastian or at the very least corner him in his bedroom, where she guessed he was hiding right now.
It was taking all of Kathryn's limited resolve to stay in that stuffy ballroom and not head up the back stairs, the same stairs that she used to sneak in and out of Sebastian's bedroom late at night when they were teenagers. Thinking back to those days she felt a wave of nostalgia and something else...anger. What she had missed out on, what she had given up...just thinking about it caused her to ball up her delicate hands into fists. She wanted to scream about the injustice of it all. She wanted to run up those stairs and scream at Sebastian about why she did what she did until she was blue in the face and he finally listened. However, she did still have a tiny speck of pride left and she wasn't about to let it go. Kathryn would let him the truth, when the time was right.
She was still trying to let go of her anger when she noticed Annette heading towards her with that annoyingly friendly smile of hers. Kathryn ignored her though when she spotted Sebastian trailing after her. He looked good, dressed in one of his dark Prada suits and his face filled with the same unwavering boredom it always held. As his eyes lazily swept over the room she impatiently waited for his to notice her. When at last his blue eyes looked in her generally direction she held her breath and then...and then something strange happened. Something, Kathryn could never remember happening before. She was ignored.
He looked right through her and kept walking. Kathryn felt as if she had been punched in the gut. He ignored her. As she processed what just happened she suddenly was transported back to elementary school. All of nine years old and desperately in love with a boy who didn't even know she was alive. Sebastian was behaving just as he had back then. Watching him as he made his way through the crowd and greeted his mother, Kathryn was suddenly filled with the childish urge to go over there and demand that he acknowledge her, admit he still felt something for her. However, that seemed far too much like one of those bad fatal-attraction Lifetime movies. That wasn't her style.
Kathryn was still stewing in her bafflement when Annette came up beside her and embraced her. "Hey! Thank you so much for coming."
Stiffening against the hug, she rolled her eyes over her shoulder. She was so not in the mood to put up with Annette's cheerleader bullshit right now. "Of course, whatever I can do to help the children" she grumbled with a forced smile.
"Hey are you okay? You seem kind of down. Is this about Sebastian?"
Evidently she wasn't as dense as Kathryn originally thought. Looking over at her ex who was currently surrounded by a throng of gushing older women she murmured "he's ignoring me. Just now he looked right past me. Like he didn't even see me."
"Maybe he didn't" she offered.
Fucking idiot. "No, trust me I can tell when I'm getting the cold shoulder."
"Then maybe you should take the hint."
Kathryn was so stunned by the remark she looked back at the blond sure she had heard her wrong. "Excuse me?"
Annette gave her a soft smile, "I meant perhaps you should play hard to get. I mean if there's one thing I know about my step-brother, it's that he loves unavailable women. Ignore him, and when he realizes you aren't paying attention to him he'll suddenly be all over you. Trust me, just leave him alone."
She hated to admit it, but the advice actually sounded good. The best way to get under Sebastian's skin was to ignore him right back. He expected her to fawn all over him and when she didn't, it would freak him out. Kathryn smirked "I think you're right. Thanks Annette."
"No problem. Look Kathryn, I know we don't know each other that well but I feel a connection to you. Like we were fated to meet or something."
Kathryn wonder if her first instincts were correct and Valmonts sister really was a lesbo after all. It would certainly explain all the hugging. "Gee, thanks Annette. I-um-feel the same way."
"All I want is for you to get exactly what you deserve"
"Thanks, you too" she replied distractedly. Had she been paying the slightest bit of attention to the girl in front of her she might have noticed that her tone had a slight bit of menace to it. However, at the moment Kathryn was distracted by the sight of Sebastian talking with Julia Van Holden, an insipid society girl who was pre-law at Harvard. She had met her earlier and the only thing more boring than the drab Calvin Klein dress she was wearing was her personality. What the fuck was Valmont thinking?
Kathryn had forgotten all about her vow to ignore him and was about to storm over there when Annette announced "it's time for your speech."
Once again she snapped back to attention. "Speech?"
"Yes, remember you promised you'd talk for a few minute about the new aditions to St. Agnes's Orphanage. You did remember didn't you?"
Unfortunately she had. "Yes of course the damn orphans" she mumbled.
Annette's blue eyes widened in surprise. Kathryn quickly back peddled "I mean, those poor children. There just never seems to be enough for us to do for them. I hope you don't mind but I sent a donation to St. Agnes this morning so the children can have new computers before the school year starts."
It was a lie of gigantic proportions and it was all Kathryn could do not to burst out laughing in the middle of it, especially when Annette's face lit up. "Mind? Kathryn that's wonderful! I wish everyone could be as generous as you." Once again she pulled her into a hug and once again Kathryn tried to wriggle free.
"It's my pleasure" she remarked with false brightness as she gathered up the index cards from her clutch. "Now, shall we get started?"
As the girls headed to the stage set up in the front of the ball room and the guests took their seats, Annette whispered to her "I hope you don't mind speaking first. Public speaking always makes me nervous."
"Not at all." As Kathryn headed to the stage Annette went to take her seat in the audience. "I'll talk to you later."
"Uh-huh" was all she said.
Public speaking had never bothered Kathryn in the slightest. In fact she fed on it. The thought of all those people watching her, admiring her, she loved it. Hell it turned her on. The ultimate power rush. As she took her seat on the stage, Natasha Valmont got up to say a few words and introduce her. Kathryn's attention however, once again began to drift when she spotted Sebastian in the audience. He was sitting beside Annette and he had his hands all over her. To the untrained eye it might have looked like just typical brotherly affection but Kathryn knew better. The son of a bitch was copping a field with her in full view. Rubbing the pretty blond's shoulders his eyes at last met Merteuil's. He smiled back at her.
Kathryn was so overcome with anger she began to crinkle her note cards in her hands and didn't hear Natasha when she called out her name. It wasn't until the room started applauding that she snapped to attention and got to her feet. Focusing her attention on the audience and not on Sebastian she smiled modestly as she stood at the podium. Pretending to appearer humble was all part of her act. Tucking a piece of hair under her ear (a trick she picked up from watching Annette) she cleared her throat and began. "Thank you Natasha. I'm so happy to be here today, and so happy to be back in New York." Eying Sebastian she added "I truly feel this is where I belong."
This was met with another short round of applause by almost everyone in the audience. "Like I was saying, I'm so happy to be here today for this special cause. To me there is nothing more important right now then bringing awareness to the plight of the children at St. Agnes Orphanage. These children, who have either lost or been abandoned by their families deserve all all love support and of course all the charitable contributions we can get."
Expecting to be met with a few applauds of agreement Kathryn was taken aback when she looked out at the audience and noticed people murmuring to each other and giving her strange looks. She couldn't believe these ingrates actually had the nerve to sit there and talk while she was speaking! They could at least wait 'til the Brownie Queen got up to speak before they started gossiping amongst themselves.
Still, determined not to be derailed from the task at hand she continued on. "Since many of these children are too old to be adopted and St. Agnes's will likely be their home until their legally of age to live alone, I propose that we use our resources to make St. Agnes the best it can be. We can build another..." Kathryn began to trail off when the murmuring in the crowd grew louder and some people actually began to snicker. Looking towards Annette for answers she simply shrugged and motioned for her to go on. However when she looked over at Sebastian and saw a cool amused smirk on his lips she knew something was up. She had a momentary pang of panic as she stared down at her cards and fumbled with the words. "By...creating a-a...new wing for the childre..." Finally, after a particularly loud snicker Kathryn lost it and yelled out "what's wrong with you people? Don't you have any respect!?"
Her outburst was met by a few short gasps of shock. Looking out into the crowd, trying to piece together what the fuck was going on, Kathryn was about to storm off the stage when Natasha came up beside her and delicately whispered in her ear "dear, someone must have gotten their signals crossed. The benefit isn't for the children's orphanage. It's for the Peruvian Pelican."
Forgetting for a moment that there was a room full of people watching her Kathryn demanded "what the fuck is a Peruvian Pelican?"
"It's a very important, endangered bird in Central Park" Natasha explained. "See?"
Turning around she pointed towards the poster behind them of a big ugly bird that sure enough was being sponsored by the Valmont charter with Annette Hardgrove as co-chairman. Staring at that stupid bird Kathryn's heart seemed to stop for a moment as she began to realize what a complete idiot she just made of herself. Now all of New York's upper crust was laughing at her including Sebastian and...everything became clear.
"All I want is for you to get exactly what you deserve"
As Natasha once again took the podium to announce a short break in the proceedings, Kathryn's eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on Annette. Gone was her sweet as apple pie, wholesome smile and in it's place was a smug grin of satisfaction. She had done it, she had set the whole thing up. She couldn't believe it, all this time Annette had been playing her. HER! Staring into those laughing blue eyes of hers, Kathryn was overcome with rage. When the room began to break up and undoubtedly go off to gossip about what a complete ass she made of herself, she strode off the stage and made an immediate bee-line for Annette.
The little bitch was quicker than she looked and before Kathryn could reach her she turned and walked off in the opposite direction. However, she had no intentions of letting her get away and pushing past the luncheon ladies she followed after. Not surprisingly Sebastian seeing what was about to happen stepped into her path. "Don't, let it go" he ordered her.
Without a second thought Kathryn kicked him in the shin with her Manolo Blahnik strappy sandal and hissed "move."
Cursing under his breath Valmont was forced to move aside and Kathryn continued to follow after the petite blond who had made her way out of the ball room. Perfect, Kathryn thought, now there will be no witnesses when I kill her. She followed her down the hall to the solarium which housed the Valmont-Hardgrove's indoor pool. Pushing past the glass doors into the steamy room she spotted Annette standing by the edge of the pool with her arms folded in front of her chest as if she had been waiting for Kathryn to show up. "Well I have to admit, I mis-calculated. I completely underestimated you" she announced as she came up beside her.
"Don't worry about it" Annette replied in a tone as smooth as silk. "You aren't the first person and I doubt you'll be the last."
"That sweet smile, those big doe eyes, and all the fucking hugging. I totally bought it, I'm betting Valmont has too" Kathryn added icily.
"Whatever are you talking about Kathryn?" Her tone suddenly darkening she repeated "all I want is for you to get exactly what you deserve."
Shaking her head stunned at this new side she was seeing she sneered "you evil little cunt."
Annette snickered "oh you'd like that wouldn't you, make me the villain in this scenario? The only person you have to blame for this is yourself. You're the one who betrayed Sebastian, with his own father no less, and you're the one who actually had the gal to think you could use me to manipulate him to come back to you. Everything that's happened to you, you brought upon yourself Kathryn."
"You self-righteous little...you don't know the first thing about me or Sebastian!"
"Actually, he told me everything." Kathryn was taken aback by this and it must have shown on her face. "You think you're the only person he's ever confided in? I love my brother and there's no way on earth I'm going to allow you the chance to destroy him again. From here on in stay the fuck away from him."
For the first time that afternoon Kathryn cracked a genuine smile. "I'll give you this Gidget you have balls but do you honestly think you can intimidate me?" She laughed evilly and took a menacing step towards her opponent. "You stupid, country bumpkin, you have no idea what you're messing with. I might have let what happened today pass, but to think you can keep Sebastian from me...well now you're just asking for it. You want a war Annette you got one, although I promise you what I have in mind will make what you pulled on me today look like the juvenile, amateurish prank it was."
Taking a step back from her Annette warned "don't threaten me."
Kathryn grinned "or what, you'll-"
Before she could finish her sentence Annette stepped forward and with one hard shove pushed Kathryn back into the pool. The brunette let out a loud, surprised shriek as she hit the cold water. As she surfaced Annette stood at the edge of the pool and sighed "sorry Kathryn, but it's beyond my control."
Sebastian was getting anxious, they had been gone for far too long. Grabbing another glass of champagne off a passing waiter's tray he stared at the exit Annette went through and Kathryn followed. He never should have let her go after his sister. Not that she gave him much choice. Scowling Valmont rubbed his leg where he was sure he'd find a big unattractive bruise tomorrow morning. Bitch. If she'd kick him for just standing in her way he could only imagine what she was doing to Annette at that very moment.
Then again his sister had proved she could more than hold her own when it came to Kathryn. He was still in shock that Annette had managed to pull one over on Kathryn in such a diabolical and ingenious way. The brunette had completely humiliated herself in front of nearly all of the Upper East Side. People would be talking about it for weeks. There was already whispers going around that she was hopped up on some kind of drug. Still, as amusing as the situation was he couldn't help but feel a slight-very slight- pang of sympathy for his ex. After all her reputation was everything to her and although it wasn't completely down the shitter, Annette had managed to put a few dings in it. And yet, she deserved it.
He was just about to go see what was going on when Annette suddenly came walking back into the ballroom. She was wearing her typical easy going smile and there was no Kathryn in sight. She started to walk right past Sebastian when he demanded "what happened?"
"I took care of it" she replied confidently before strutting away to mingle.
Sebastian watched her leave too stunned to ask for details. He expected to see Kathryn come strutting in their smug and confident with Annette following behind with a bruised and battered face. What the hell happened to Kathryn?
He got his answer when he looked back at the same exit Annette had came through only moments before and saw Kathryn walk past. She was soaking wet and limping on one leg.
So this is what rock bottom feels like.
Hiding in the Valmont-Hardgrove's decadent west wing sitting room, Kathryn sat huddled on Natasha's antique chaise lounge shivering. She was dripping wet from head to toe and for once in her life was at a complete loss as what to do. There were two exits out of the house and in order to get to them she would have to cross the ballroom and that was most definitely not an option. She had already humiliated herself once in front of those women she would be damned if she did it again. So she sat there shaking and sniveling with the same thought running over and over again in her head on a continuous loop:
I'm nine years old again.
It's the fifth grade, she was standing in front of the whole school covered in pig's blood with everyone laughing at her and at the center of it all was the only boy she would ever love. Evidently not much changes in eleven years. Once again she was wet, humiliated, alone and it was all on account of that same boy. Well almost. Kathryn could not allow herself to process the fact that a nobody, hick had gotten the best of her. She'd think about that later, then she would get her revenge.
Right now she just needed to find a way out.
"I warned you to let it go"
When Sebastian stepped into the room he was struck by what he found. There was Kathryn huddled in a ball, shaking against the fainting couch, dripping wet. She looked so tiny and fragile that he suddenly felt guilty for laughing when Annette told him she pushed Kathryn into the pool. For a moment he forgot about the present and he thought back to the last time he saw her like this when they were children. Back then she was surrounded by people to care for her but now she was alone and although he knew she deserved it he couldn't ignore that nagging need to protect her. That's why he had gone and grabbed a towel even though he had promised Annette and himself that he would stay away from her.
As he approached her, her green eyes widened in surprise and confusion. Sebastian wrapped the towel around her shoulders and took a seat beside her. Kathryn gripped the terrycloth fabric to her shaking body and murmured "thanks."
"Why are you sitting in here by yourself?"
"The only way out of this place is past those doors and I'm in no mood for one more humiliation."
He shrugged "it wasn't that bad."
"Really?"
"Well, okay...maybe it sort of was. On the upside everyone is blaming it on the drugs."
Kathryn's eyes widened "drugs?"
"Yeah, Mrs. Caldwell is telling everyone you're strung out on ecstasy."
Groaning she fell back against the lounge as if in pain. "That's just fabulous. God I can't believe that sister of yours."
Sebastian smiled in agreement. "Yes I guess I underestimated her, apparently we both did. She's a lot tougher than I gave her credit for. It looks like you've finally met your match Kathryn."
"Spare me" she hissed back at him. "And what are you doing here anyway? I thought you were ignoring me?"
"I am" he sighed in a board tone. "It's just I can't have you dripping all over mothers antique furniture."
Kathryn snickered "you're such a Mommy's boy Valmont."
His face darkening he volleyed back "gee Kathryn I didn't know you were so committed to helping children. Why don't you tell me more about it."
"Fuck you"
They both smiled at each other fondly as they fell into their old pattern of verbal sparing. Sebastian hated to admit it but he missed this. Leaning back against the opposite end of the couch he asked "what were you thinking about before I walked in?"
"Fifth grade" she sighed.
Sebastian grinned "I was a nasty little bastard wasn't I?"
Kathryn scowled "you completely traumatized me."
"Little over dramatic don't you think?"
"No, I was completely humiliated and all at the hands of the boy I was in love with."
Looking back at her somewhat amused he asked "in love with?"
She rolled her eyes "yes, you knew that."
"No, no I didn't" he said sitting up suddenly excited. "Little Kathryn had a crush on me?"
"Shut up"
"No I want to hear more about how you were in love with me" he snickered.
Grabbing the pillow behind her she began to swat it at his head. "Stop laughing, it was very traumatic for me!"
"Traumatic for you?" he laughed as he blocked her hits. "I was the one being stalked by a love struck sexual predator. I was just defending myself!"
"I was nine!"
Sebastian grabbed the pillow out of her hands, propelling Kathryn forward. He fell back against the couch and she fell on top of him, her head resting on his shoulder. She stopped laughing but didn't move. Almost on instinct Sebastian reached around and placed his hands on her back, pulling her closer. Valmont closed his eyes and took in her smell, a strange heady mixture on Channel #5 and chlorine. Perhaps it was the pheromones or bringing up their childhood together but Sebastian didn't pull away when she kissed his neck. Once, twice, until her mouth found his. By that point his eyes were already closed and he was kissing her back. His mind wandered to...her eyes when he was losing his virginity to her...her eyes when she first told him she loved him...her eyes when he found her in his fathers bed...
Pulling away from her abruptly, Sebastian got out from underneath her and quickly got to his feet. Wiping his mouth, he felt guilty for once again giving into her. Kathryn was calling out to him but all he could think about was that afternoon when he found her, when he found them...together. "Sebastian" she said as she now stood beside him. Taking his hands she asked gently "what's wrong?"
Sebastian looked over his shoulder at the hallway he stood in when he begged and pleaded with her to tell him why she had done it, why she didn't love him anymore. He had been so pathetic and weak, all because of her. "DON'T touch me" he barked pushing he away.
Kathryn looked back at him surprised "what is it? What did I do?"
"What did you do?" he repeated incredulously. "What did you do? Well let's start with you fucking my father!"
"Sebastian I-"
"Is that not enough? How about when you walked out on me when I was begging you on my hands and knees to tell me why you did it!?"
"I know I hurt you-"
"NO sweetheart you don't have a fucking clue what you did to me" he sneered. "If you did you'd know that I never want to look at your face again."
"Really?" Kathryn asked not backing down an inch "It didn't seem like it a moment ago, when you had your hands all over me."
He shook his head "it was a mistake."
"You seem to make a lot of those around me lately." Stepping closer to him she ran a hand down his chest "the pool house comes to mind."
Sebastian grabbed her by the wrist and stared down at her coldly. "I can close my eyes Kathryn and fuck you, no problem but do you know what I see when I open my eyes? I see nothing but a whore. I see you for the heartless, spoiled, oversexed brat you are and I thank god you're no longer in my life. Now kindly get the fuck out of my house."
As Valmont turned on his heel he started towards his room when Kathryn called out to him "You son of a bitch, I'm starting to wonder why I ever bothered with you in the first place."
So stunned by her words he turned around and demanded "come again?"
"I may be all those things you said" she hissed as she strode up to him "but you're kidding yourself if you think you're any better Sebastian. Have you ever stopped once to think about why I did it or are you too caught up in your own self pity to care about the facts?"
"I don't care what your reasons were Kathryn." It was a lie of course but his pride wouldn't allow him to give in and ask. "Just stay away from me."
"Gladly" she replied icily.
He started to leave again then stopped. "And stay away from Annette."
A smirk spread across Kathryn's lips and she purred "do you honestly think I would do anything to harm the little lamb?"
"I mean it Kathryn!"
"I'm sure you do" she replied calmly. "Now you better run along before you make another...mistake."
Shaking his head he let out a frustrated yell as he tore off down the hall and into his bedroom. Kathryn watched and as his door slammed shut her cool, confident demeanor began to melt away. Falling back on the chaise she wonder what she'd just done. She was furious at him for treating her like that but at the same time she knew she couldn't stay away from him. She still loved him no matter how many nasty names he called her. Banging her head back against the cushion she tried to think of what to do next.
"So you and Valmont go way back, huh?"
Kathryn opened her eyes to find a cute, tall, blond guy about her age standing not ten feet away. She knew most of the guys in their circle and he most definitely wasn't one of them. He was a little too bland looking and dressed too shabbily to ever be anyone important. Irritated she demanded "who the hell are you?"
"I'm, um, Steven Hardgrove. I'm Sebastian's stepbrother."
"How unfortunate for you" she brittled. Thinking back she recalled Tuttle saying something about Annette having a brother. Kathryn could see the family resemblance in the hair color, blue eyes and of course their fashion victim clothing. Noticing him staring at her she barked "can I help you with something?"
"Maybe we can help each other Kathryn."
Sitting up she raised an eyebrow at the statement and the fact he knew her name. "Been eavesdropping Steven?"
He blushed and shrugged "not really. I only heard enough to gather you and Sebastian use to be involved and that you're obviously threatened by my sister."
Rolling her eyes Kathryn got to her feet and tried to appearer as menacing as she could which was difficult seeing as Steven was at least a foot taller than her and she was still soaking wet. "Sweetie, I may threaten but I certainly am never threatened. Especially not by someone like your sister." With a phony smile she added "no offense."
Steven took a step towards her, his eyes burned into hers as he revealed "he likes her you know and he's not going to stop until he gets her." Kathryn was aware of this fact and it must have shown on her face because he stepped closer and remarked "you probably know him better than anyone and you know I'm right."
"I never said you were wrong."
"I can't let him do it, I won't. I'm not going to stand by and let Valmont take advantage of my sister the way he has to so many other girls. I need to stop him and I need your help."
Kathryn let out a throaty laugh "my help? What makes you think I'm offering it?"
"Because you still love him, I can tell and I'm guessing the last person you want him with is Annette."
"You're right"
"Then do you want to partner up? Help me keep them apart?"
Giving him a quick once over she replied "not a chance."
Walking past him Kathryn headed for the door. "Wait a minute" he called out. "Why not?"
Spinning back around she smirked "look no offense Skipper-"
"It's Steven"
"Like it matters" she sighed. "I don't work with armatures, especially one's I don't trust. I'll make sure Valmont never gets through your sisters sacred chastity belt but I'll do it alone."
"Fine, have it your way." Kathryn nodded and once again headed for the door when he called back to her "are you sure you want to go out there? I mean I'm sure they're finished talking about you by now. Hey is it true you've been in rehab for the past four years?"
"Shit" Kathryn cursed under her breath. She knew she couldn't go out there. Not now when she looked like this. Taking a deep breath she turned back to Steven and asked "do you have any bright ideas?"
He shrugged "I might have something you can change into and then I can sneak you out the back if you want."
"In exchange for what?"
Steven shook his head as he got to his feet. "I don't want anything from you Kathryn."
"In my experience men always want something" she replied as she followed after him down the hall.
"Perhaps you've just been hanging around Valmont too long"
Opening the bedroom door Kathryn followed him inside and looked around, thoroughly unimpressed. The room was neat but boring. There was a four poster bed in the center, a dresser, book shelves lined with classics and a sitting area set up in the far corner. Nothing was out of place and nothing stood out. It was all Kathryn could do not to yawn. "Um, I think I might have some sweat pants and a shirt that might fit you."
Kathryn didn't do sweat pants. "A shirt is fine." Steven pulled out a tee-shirt but she turned her nose up at it and instead headed to his closet. Going through his mostly labeless clothes she pushed past them uninterestedly until she found a Gucci suit. Pulling the blue, neatly pressed dress shirt off the hanger she emerged from the closet and announced "I'm borrowing this." Kathryn didn't think he'd object, she had a feeling little Stevie liked her.
For once her assumption was right. Steven thought Kathryn was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen and as far as he was concerned she was welcomed to anything in his room, even his only good dress shirt which cost a fortune. She was rude, snotty, and arrogant but he found her fascinating for some reason. He had a feeling she wasn't as bitchy as she acted. He could tell when he watched her after Sebastian walked out on her.
Taking a seat on his bed he picked up a copy of National Geographic and pretended to be leafing through it as she changed. Steven expected Kathryn to go change in the bathroom so he was floored when she stripped off her dress right in front of him without a hint of modesty. She wore a skimpy black lace bra and panties, the kind that Steven had only seen girls in magazines wear. Blushing he looked away again and she laughed. "Don't get many girls in your room huh, Stevie?"
Looking back over at her he tried to appear nonchalant. "I'm not use to strangers walking around my room in their underwear."
She cocked an eyebrow and smirked "my, you and Sebastian really are different aren't you? I take it you two don't get along?"
"You're not wrong"
Kathryn nodded as she turned back around and walked to the dresser where her purse was sitting. As she looked through it with her back to him, Steven couldn't help stare at her ass and how perfect it was. Her underwear left little to the imagination. "So, um, how long have you know Valmont?"
Turning back around she lit a cigarette and replied "since we were kids. We sort of grew up together."
"Were you guys like high school sweethearts or something?"
Kathryn smirked at this. "Not exactly, we were never sweet."
He nodded trying not to look at her breasts but finding he couldn't look away. "I believe that. So why did you break up?"
"Jesus, do you always ask so many questions?" She asked irritably as she took a long drag off her cigarette and marched over to the window. Steven decided he'd be quiet for the time being until Kathryn remarked "so let me guess why you two don't get along, he slept with your girlfriend?"
"How did you know?"
She winked at him "it's what he does."
Sitting up he grumbled "Valmont's an asshole, I don't understand what girls see in him.What did you see in him?"
"Never underestimate the charm of the asshole" she remarked distractedly. Something out the window had caught Kathryn's attention. "Hey, Kentucky."
Steven rolled his eyes "Kansas, I'm from Kansas."
Kathryn looked back at him annoyed "like it matters. Who is that?"
"Who?" Getting up he looked out the window and down below where his sister was talking and laughing with Trevor. "Oh that's Annette's boyfriend, Trevor."
Looking back at him with a beaming, almost blinding smile she asked "boyfriend? Your sister has a boyfriend."
"Yeah they've been going out for years."
"Well then, this is something I can work with." Twirling around she scooped up the borrowed shirt from the bed and put it on.
Steven looked back at her confused. "What are you talking about? Work with what?"
She didn't answer him. Kathryn just shook her head and laughed as she caressed his cheek. "Congratulations Steven, it appears you may be useful after all."
And just like that she was back in the game.
- to be continued (Please Review)
A/N: So um, yeah it's been awhile. Almost five months to be exact. Sorry about that, but like I've explained to my Yahoo group and those who've e-mailed me I've been busy with school and work. Also the whole muse thing got away from me for awhile. It wasn't until I started making a few CI video's that I felt inspired to write again. In any event it feels good to finally finish this chapter, which just seemed to drag on for weeks (if it seems that way when reading it I apologize). I'd like to thanks those of you who wrote me and encouraged me to keep writing, especially Amanda and Bebeluvspikey. Thanks for giving me that kick in the ass to start up again!
In regards to the chapter, well I think Kathryn needed to be taken down a peg or two. Trust me this is just the tip of the iceberg. Her relationship with Steven will be interesting and something I've never done before (don't worry it's still all about K&S). It won't be an easy journey and if I haven't mentioned it before this story is really two parts. The first part is the K&S relationship and the second part which kicks in about chapter 10 will be about a mystery that involves all the characters and will impact Annette in a big way. I hope to get the next chapter up soon, but I can't make any promises. Please tell me what you think, any suggestions, and if you're still interested!
Next Chapter 5: A Tightly Woven Web