They say that the best things in life are free, if that's the case then she shouldn't be feeling this happy over purchasing the latest Laurell K. Hamilton book, "A Lick of Frost". Rory was literally jumping for joy as she clutched the bag containing said book close to her chest, though she was slightly put out by the fact that instead of snuggling down to read it with a steaming cup of hot chocolate she was to be smooching with society, these events being the only times when she'd rather be wrapped around a pole taking her clothes off for sleazy men. Though, not all the men were sleazy, some turned out to be decent people, such as Jess, her best friend.

Jess had come in due to the persuasion of his friends, who felt that it was their duty to provide Jess with a little fun now again that quote "didn't involve the use of his own hands" end quote. Rory giggled quietly as she recalled the bored look he'd sported for most of the acts, something that motivated her to engage his interest and wipe that look clean off his face. Something she managed to accomplish as soon as the beat came on and she stepped out onto the stage in an old Victorian era style dress, puffy skirts and all.

Hair done up in tight ringlets, pale face, black beauty mark just above her lips which were painted scarlet... yep she sure as hell caught his attention. The added slits in the dress from floor to thigh made it easier for her to move about on the stage, but it wasn't till she'd shed the dress and was left standing in her heels, corset, suspender belt complete with suspenders and garter did she really capture his attention. Seeing she'd had him hooked was like an adrenaline rush, something that Rory used to give one of her best ever performances.

Afterwards she'd gleefully packed up her belongings and exited the club, stopping as she saw him perched upon the hood of a car, deeply inhaling from the cigarette in his hands. His head came up slowly, not seeming phased by the fact that someone was watching him as he blew out the smoke, only the slight widening of his eyes as they met hers her only indication that he wasn't exactly in his element. Seemingly of their own accord her eyes drifted from his unruly dark brown hair, over his natural lightly tanned, masculine face, lingering on his slightly plump lips and strong chin, before moving on to his dark blue denim shirt, the top two buttons undone and hinting at his muscular chest, the last few buttons also undone, sleeves rolled up past his elbows, showing off his silver watch on one wrist, the other covered by a sweat band and an elastic band.

Her eyes continued on their journey downwards and she took in his black jeans and dark blue converses. His hand moved to grasp his belt buckle, her eyes following the movement automatically, staring for several seconds before realizing what she was doing. Looking back up startled, she realised that he'd done it deliberately and she fought the instinct to blush.

His eyes held a darkened knowledge, a look all men seemed to possess when they knew a woman wouldn't say no. He dropped the cigarette to ground, not bothering to stub it out as he opened the passenger side of his car before casually walking round to driver's side, turning on the engine, his eyes boring into hers, daring her to get in. A quiver of excitement coursed through her body before she made her way over to his car, sliding into the passenger side, the door closing with a resounding click.

No words were exchanged as he drove her to god knows where, her body coiled tight in anticipation of what was to come. The drive was mercifully short and they were barely through the door before their lips had attached themselves to the other person's. The rest of the night had been filled with unbelievable pleasure, both left satisfied when dawn came. The morning brought about its own surprises when they both discovered their connection to a little unknown town called Starshollow through the owner of a diner there named Luke.

It was almost noon when he'd dropped her back at her flat, no promise to ring her anytime despite the two having swapped numbers, so Rory had been nicely surprised when he'd called the next day to meet up for lunch. That phone call had led to a growing friendship and though the sexual awareness of the other person was still there, they ignored it and Jess soon began dating one of her old friends, Louise…. And strangely enough it wasn't awkward. Sighing as she reminisced about the past, Rory continued preparing for the society dinner she was being forced to attend. These diner parties was one of the many reasons she'd broken away from her family, her friends all that time ago. Though she still had to attend two parties a year, so she always opted for New Years day and the closest event after that, leaving her the rest of the year to forget about her past.

Grimacing as she caught sight of the time, Rory dashed outside and hailed down a cab, regretful that she'd been unable to have a least one stiff drink before leaving her apartment, 'coz God knows she was gonna need lots and lots of alcohol to see her through the night.

Colours swirled before her eyes, bodies twisting and turning under the chandelier lights, voices rising and lowering like the tide. As she made her way towards the bar, Rory couldn't help but wonder whether she'd be like the rest of them if she hadn't left; would she be cold and hollow inside or fake and plastic, ignoring her husband's fidelities and drowning in glass after glass of the finest port sherry. Shaking her head, Rory ordered herself a vodka and red bull, sipping it slowly as she observed those around her. They were the height of society: the rich bitches and the cocky bastards. Well most of them anyway. With a weary smile Rory recalled that Paris was attending tonight's function something she was overjoyed about.

Paris had been everything from her enemy to her best friend, passing through the stages of first lesbian kiss and most trusted advocate along the way. As Rory thought about her she heard a familiar voice calling her name and she quickly spun round to watch as her best friend forcefully made her way through the crowded room to her side. Beaming happily, the two girls embraced, neither willing to let go after having not seen each other for the past couple of weeks.

"O.M.G. Paris, you look amazing." And she did, her classic little black dress showing a tasteful amount of slightly tanned skin and flattering her womanly curves, her make up was flawless and her honey brown hair was pulled back into a loose bun at the nape of her neck. She seemed to radiate with happiness, something Rory hadn't seen from Paris since the days when she'd hooked up with Jamie.

"I look good? We both no I look hot, now as for you, you look stunning."

A small flush crossed Rory's cheeks as she contemplated her choice of outfit: her dress was floor length, the material a shiny light pink, the front of the dress dipped low to the empire style waist that clung to her body enticingly. Her make up was simple, her hair curled and pinned back from her face to flow down around her shoulders. Smiling at Paris, the two engaged in a fast paced conversation, eager to catch up on all the latest happenings in each others life. It was during the middle of this that Paris' attention was caught elsewhere and a cheshire cat like grin took over the bottom half of her face. Before Rory could tease Paris about it, her friend began making frantic gestures for whomever was behind Rory to hurry up and join them.

Finishing off her drink, Rory turned in time to hear Paris' introduction of "Rory, this is my fiancé, Tristan Dugrey. Tris, this is my best friend, Rory Gilmore-Hayden." Her society smile plastered on her face, Rory turned around to face the man in her friend's life, feeling her smile slip slightly as she gazed upon the icy familiar eyes of Michael… her lover. Regaining her composure, she held out her hand to shake his, non-pulsed when he caught it up in his and placed a kiss on the back, his eyes unfathomable as they held hers, watching as a small shiver quaked through her body. Straightening back up, Tristan slipped his arm around Paris' waist, cursing every God he'd ever heard of at being placed in this situation. I mean what were the odds that the woman he'd asked to marry him was friends with the woman who was his lover and someone, he suspiciously felt, he was falling in love with, plus the fact that they weren't friends as in "I'll talk to you occasionally when I see you, but won't seek you out friends"… no, they were best friends.

And to top it all off she looked absolutely amazing stood there in her pink dress, the clingy material allowing him the view of a body that he was all too familiar with. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he heard Rory excuse herself, her eyes darting to his briefly before she hurried away from the two of them, though not briefly enough to hid the hurt she was feeling from him. Looking questionably at Paris, who shrugged as she shook her head, he excused himself, hurry after Rory as she weaved her way across the dance floor and up the elegantly winding stairs opposite the front door. He climbed up after her, his hurried steps breaking into a jog as he struggled to keep her in his sight as she navigated her way down the various hallways. Reaching out, he managed grasp her arm, pulling her to a halt. Startled, Rory spun around, forgetting about the tears that were streaming down her face, until she saw who had grabbed her and the betrayal she felt she'd dealt to her friend turned into righteous anger at the man standing before her.

Tristan saw the change in her emotions too late, his head snapping to the side as the palm of her small right hand connected with his cheek. Turning back, he watched as she took in angry breaths, her cheeks flushing a deep pink as she glared up at him, her hands clenched in fists at her side.

"You bastard!"

"Look… let me explain…"

"Explain? What the fuck is there to explain? You're engaged… engaged to my best friend Michael… or should I say Tristan." The laugh that came from her mouth was anything but humored.

"Oh don't give me that bull. Like I knew your real name Rory and if you'd only let me explain..."

"Don't you listen? There's nothing to explain."

"Bull-fucking-shit." Out of all the things happening at that moment, him getting angry at her was the most surreal. Scoffing, she whirled round, stomping down the hallway, eager to leave his presence before she was charged for GBH… not that he didn't deserve it. Though her efforts to escape were once again thwarted by his hand clamping onto her arm.

"What!"

"We need talk."

"No we really don't. I mean what is there to talk about? You have a fiancée, so this, whatever this is, stops. Simple."

Again trying to escape Rory was spun back round to face a furious Tristan.

"No. It's not simple!"

"Oh and prey tell, why not?" Her tone was thick with sarcasm and scorn, her raised eyebrow adding to the effect.

"Because I fucking love you that's why not. And I'll be damned if you tell me you don't feel the same way."

Breathing hard, Tristan let go of Rory's arm, watching intently as his words sunk into her stubborn brain and the shock at his declaration sunk in. There was silence for a few moments before Rory exploded,

"You fucking bastard!"

"Excuse me?"

"You heard. As if it wasn't enough that your screwing around behind Paris' back, you have the audacity to tell someone else other than your fiancée that you love them. I mean what type of sick game are you playing here!"

The smirk that came across Tristan's face was cold, emotionless, his words a whisper, "No game, and I thinks that's what has you so angry. Yeah I cheated and I shouldn't have, but I saw you and there was an instant attraction. I tried to fight it, heck I behaved myself amicably the first time you gave me a private dance…"

"You should have fought it harder!"

"Like you were doing any better."

"Excuse me? I wasn't the one who knew I had a fucking fiancée back home waiting for me!"…"Why come to me? I know Paris, she can certainly cater to your every nee…… O.M.G!"

Nodding his head at Rory's stunned look he murmured his agreement,

"Paris is very strict about the wedding and its traditions… all of its traditions, including the "no sex before the wedding night" clause where all brides should be virtuous for their husbands."

"That's stupid, I mean it's not as if she's a virgin."

"That's what I said."

Shaking her head sharply Rory tired to focus on the situation at hand. "That makes things worse you know. You cheated because you weren't getting any at home."

"NO! I never intended to cheat. It wasn't a conscious choice you know, I didn't think 'oh I find someone else to fuck seeing as my fiancée's holding out.'"

Rory snorted at his words, watching as his hand ran through his hair in obvious frustration. Things had gotten out of hand too quickly, this was only meant to be quick fuck, no emotions involved what-so-ever.

"This needs to stop Tristan…"

"Don't you think I fucking know that. Do you think I go home happy knowing I've just spent another evening with another woman other than my fiancée. Do you think I don't try to stop calling you, wanting you, needing you!"

She could see his frustration boiling over, his words igniting her own frustration at the way things were going.

"Well, like I said before, you just need to try harder."

"And what about you huh? I wasn't the only one making those calls you know."

Rory stiffened at the reminder that she'd sought him out as many times as he had her. Looking up into his eyes, Rory smiled angrily, sadly.

"Fuck you."

"If your offering sure, though I doubt Paris would approve."

Tristan regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth, his eyes watching warily for Rory's reaction.. and she didn't disappoint. Once again heat flared up in his cheek from the force of her slap. He saw her hand coming back for another one and he grabbed her wrist, forcing it above her head as he pushed her backwards until she collided with the wall. He couldn't control himself as he dipped his head low to capture her lips in a bruising kiss, venting his frustrations, his anger, his apology for putting her in this situation, pouring it all into the kiss. His hand dropped from her wrist to join the other one as they sunk into her hair, pulling her face closer to his as her own hands cradled his face. They pulled apart, both panting as they tried to catch their breath, before once again becoming lost in a kiss, his body flush up against hers as he tried to forget the last couple of minutes.

He felt her pushing back against him, her hands moving from his face to his chest, pushing him away from her body. Dazed from the kiss, Tristan didn't fight her wishes, giving Rory the chance to try and escape for the final time before she gave in completely. Recovering his senses, Tristan snagged his arms around her waist, pulling her back into his raging body as he pushed her front up against the wall, her hands pressing flat as she tried to fight his hold, only causing the heat between the two to surge as she continuously brushed against his arousal.

One of his hands fisted itself in her hair, using it as an anchor to pull her head back and expose her slender neck to his searching lips, his mouth placing kiss after kiss over her fluttering pulse, biting down occasionally while he listened to the encouraging moans floating out of her mouth at his actions. Their breathing was ragged as his hand moved down to bunch up the skirt of her dress, repeating the action over and over again until he was able to slid his hand up along her bare thigh. He felt her pushing back against him and he responded in kind, his mouth slamming down onto hers when she turned her head to face him. The kiss was messy as she half turned in his arms, allowing her arms to reach his belt and swiftly unbuckle it, the sound of the zip getting lost amongst their sounds of their harsh breathing and occasional moan and groan.

Frustrated at how long it was taking to unzip his trousers, his hands roughly shoved hers out of the way as he finished the job, once again repeatedly bunching her dress up till he was able to rip her knickers from her body. Rory let out a small gasp as her body jerking forward with the force of his actions. The sight of her knickers laying there in the middle of the hallway for all to see penetrated the lust induced fog clouding Rory's brain and she once again began to fight his hold on her body, her head trashing from side to side in an attempt to dislodge his lips from the highly sensitive skin of her neck. She felt him growl before she heard it, the vibrations buzzing through her body and tingling along her spine. She felt him fiddle with something behind her before he thrust up into her in one long powerful move. Shudders ran through both of their bodies as he paused whilst inside her, both taking the time to adjust accordingly.

When he moved the pace was hard and fast, his hands almost painful as he squeezed her breasts, Rory's body instinctually moving back against his to establish as double rhythm that had them both soaring higher and higher. Tristan felt her orgasm come quickly, her body clamping down onto his as she released, but he kept up the pace, forcing her to rise with him again as he sought out his own release. His breathing sped up to match the thumping of his heart as he used one of his hands to moved her slightly damp hair way from her face. Her body jerked with every thrust of his hips, sending him deep within her body. Her head twisted and turned as cry after cry escaped her lips. Listening to her cries was only spurring him on and Tristan used them to fuel his desire for her, only to remember that they weren't only the ones around at the moment. Shaking off his jacket he used his teeth to pull his sleeve back and pressed his bare arm to Rory's lips. Getting the hint, Rory closed her lips around the flesh of his arm in an effort to silence her cries, only to bite down harder than she'd intended as her second orgasm took them both by surprise.

She could feel his thrusts becoming less smooth, more uncontrolled as he too reached his peak, his teeth sinking into her arched neck as she came down from her high. Panting, the two stood joined in the most intimate of ways as they tried to regain their breath, tried to not think about the woman down stairs probably waiting for one or both of them to return. Pulling out of her, Tristan removed the condom he'd thankfully remembered to put on before redressed himself; wincing slightly as his fingers brushed against the bruise she'd left from biting down. He bent to pick up his discarded jacket, watching as she scooped up her knickers, verifying the damage inflicted to them in his desperation to be inside her.

She was shaking; tremors jutting round her body on a continuous loop. She'd done it again, cheated with her best friend's fiancé, but this time, she knew exactly what she was doing. She could no longer claim innocence and hold the moral high ground of being ignorant to his status within her friends life. They were screwed, especially when she plucked up the courage to look up and meet his eyes and saw the same thing in his stormy eyes that was in hers… absolutely no regrets.