I might have gotten a little carried away with the fluff on this one. Sorry, I couldn't help it.
Chapter 7: Round and Round We Go
Miles's hair was longer, a sliver of gray peeking from underneath as he ran his fingers through his mane. The lines of time had finely etched themselves on his face, but below the surface, in the treacherous tunnels of his mind, the image of Bass standing in the middle of a desolate field and covered in blood still haunted his waking hours. That day had marked the end of what he believed had been Bass's shot at redemption. He had made his choice and now he had to live with it. They both did.
The stomping of quickened feet on the wooden stairs snapped him out of his reverie. Charlie flashed him a smile, so wide that it reached her eyes. But he didn't smile back, at least not right away.
"What's wrong?" She noticed something was bothering him. In his hand was a crumbled piece of paper, likely a note that had been delivered by messenger at dawn.
His eyes flickered to Nora who was making her way back from the kitchen with a cup of hot tea. The mood in the house was gloomy, much like the weather outside. Charlie could clearly see the drizzle falling over the opaque fields from the front window.
"You can't say you're surprised by all this." Nora muttered, failing to realize Charlie was standing just a few feet away.
Miles cleared his throat as a sign, and when Nora saw her she smiled sheepishly, as if the conversation hadn't been meant to be heard by her. Charlie raised her eyebrows and sauntered over to them, her arms making an inquisitive gesture.
"Fifteen men." Miles said, showing her the crumbled piece of paper. "That's how many people Monroe had executed last night."
Charlie felt a pang in the pit of her stomach. The nauseating feeling that followed made her reach for the nearest chair. She sat, staring at Miles with wide eyes. "Why?"
"I'm telling you he killed fifteen men and your first reaction is to why?" He was clearly upset.
Nora lowered her head, the corner of her mouth moving slightly. Did she think this was funny? Her response made Charlie uncomfortable. But then she understood the response. It wasn't that she found it amusing. It was her way of expressing her discomfort as well. While Nora had always agreed with Miles's assessment of Bass, she very rarely spoke ill of him.
"I was wondering if he had a motive, that's all." Charlie answered, biting down on her tongue to keep herself from sounding defensive.
Nora spoke, "He received intel of a possible strike against his regime."
"So, it was retaliation." Charlie looked at Miles, "What would you have done if someone threatened to attack you?"
He narrowed his eyes, not liking her questioning one bit. "It was all hearsay. But did he care to ask questions first?" He shook his head.
"Asking questions could've been the last thing he'd done." Charlie looked off into the distance, trying to decipher the time. She was expected in Austin by noon.
The thought had barely crossed her mind when she rose up like a springboard.
"Where are you going?" Nora sounded more curious than concerned.
"I made plans for today. I'll be gone all day."
Miles chuckled. "This is getting ridiculous, Charlie." He leaned back on the couch, his head tilting his gaze to the ceiling. "Why don't you just bring lover boy over one of these days?"
She smiled faintly, the news of the executions still lingering fresh in her mind like the taste of spoiled milk on the tongue. "I'm fairly certain you'd hate him."
"Come on, he can't be that bad." He said, watching as her hand disappeared from sight behind the door knob.
Her voice rang from outside as the door shut. "You'd hate him so much, you'd probably kill him!"
Charlie believed him. She believed what he'd told her, the sincerity that always accompanied his words, the way in which he expressed himself with his hypnotizing blue eyes. And yet, deep in her gut there was a conflicting range of emotions swirling about like opposing currents. Her heart fluttered at the thought of him, yet her mind imagined the gruesome scenario that had taken place the night before. It was making her sick.
She rode at high velocity, reaching the limits of Austin in record time. The drizzle had been falling ever since she left the house and by now her hair was frizzy with moisture. She reached the front gate, going through the process of entering the premises in a mechanical way. Her mind was still wandering.
The fields and the meadows had began to wither due to the upcoming winter but the lawn and gardens of the estate were anything but shriveled. Walking through the gates was like stepping into a vibrant world of color and light. Charlie forced out a laugh, finding the whole thing ironic.
The maid opened the door, a gentle but joyous smile on her face when she saw Charlie. She guided her upstairs, not bothering to ask any questions about her trip or engage in conversation. She sweetly showed her to a room—its size almost the equivalent of the home she shared with Miles and Nora.
There was a tub by a curtain-dressed window, the vapor came off the water in waves, infusing the air with smells of lavender and sage. "I took the liberty of preparing you a bath as soon as I got word of your arrival."
Charlie tilted her head in amusement, "You mean you knew I was here before I knocked on the door?"
The woman smiled. "General Monroe's orders."
Charlie nodded, "Of course." Her eyes scanned the rest of the room, a familiar thump made her chest tremble when she noticed the vase full of roses atop the dresser.
"Also per his request." The maid said, winking at Charlie. "Alright, Miss. Why don't you go ahead and bathe while I go fetch your dress?"
Charlie's mouth opened but she failed to produce a sound. She nodded once and with that, the little, old lady went on her way.
The calming and delicious scent of the warm water put Charlie at ease. Her body felt light as a feather as she submerged herself in the depths of the tub. She leaned back, allowing her head to dip below the surface. As she came back up for air and wiped her eyes with her hands, she heard the sound of the door again.
She reached for the folded wash cloth sitting atop the rim of the bath tub and began trailing it over her legs, thanking God she'd come across a razor the day before.
"You're as beautiful as a Greek siren." His voice was smooth like sweet, warm honey.
Charlie jumped, bringing her knees up to her chest as she instinctively shielded her breasts.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
"I wasn't expecting you." Charlie muttered, her hands relaxing over her knees.
His gaze made her body heat rise, the feel of her legs against her breasts suddenly became pleasurable. She could feel her nipples pressing against soft skin, her center pulsing in an aching manner as a result.
Bass licked his lips and then looked away.
"I wanted to deliver the dress myself." He said, focusing his attention on nothing in particular. "I'm sure it will be of your liking." His feet twirled in the opposite direction, averting his eyes from her.
He'd only taken a few steps when Charlie called out to him.
"Bass." She paused, "Why does it make you so uncomfortable?"
Charlie smiled as she heard him clear his throat. "Excuse me?" Against his better judgement, he turned to look at her again.
Her knees peered from underneath the water but her legs no longer pushed against her naked chest. Bass could clearly see her form, the long milky legs that led to places he longed to explore, her cute, perfect belly button, her plump breasts and hard nipples half submerged in water. They broke the surface as she beckoned him to come back.
There was a smile on his face. Charlie could've sworn he was flustered.
"Charlie–"
With a tilt of the head she coaxed him further.
His expression shifted. The look of desire in his eyes caused the ache between her legs to grow. Bass's expression was stern, hunger and thirst evident in his eyes as he approached her.
"You're not intimidated by me, are you?" She asked teasingly, her hand taking a hold of his as he stood close to her.
He smiled again, feeling a slight tug on his fingers. Bass crouched down, until he was at eye level with her. His eyes traced over her body. He replied, "Of course not."
Charlie bit down on her lip, the craving pent up inside her was making her want to say things she knew would mortify her later. "Then why are you so afraid to touch me?" A shiver ran through her body.
She was usually only this courageous after a few drinks.
Bass gulped, watching as she placed his hand between her breasts. A little exhale left her lips as she arched her back ever so slightly. "Don't you want to?" The sound of her voice made his cock stiffen in his pants.
He wanted nothing more.
"I don't want you to regret anything." He muttered, allowing his hand to slowly slide over her right breast. The firmness of her nipple grazed his fingertips.
Charlie's eyes looked sleepy, like the bedroom eyes of a temptress luring him into sin. He began plucking her nipple teasingly.
"I won't." Charlie moaned. Her whole body reveling in pleasure.
His fingers continued their exploration, her body relishing in his touch. He was breathing a little heavy as he watched her expressions in response to his stroking. Bass muttered in her ear, asking if she liked what he was doing to her, even though her sounds were confirmation enough.
"Do me a favor," she whimpered, "If you're not going to fuck me, please do something to relieve my frustration. It's the least you can do." She said between breaths.
Bass chuckled, his cock throbbing against the tightness of his pants. His fingers glided over her stomach and over the swollen tissue of her sex. He placed a heated kiss on her lips, and slowly pushed an index inside her opening before adding a second. The water splashed furiously as he penetrated her repeatedly, his thumb satiating her clit.
His lips moved over her mouth and down to her breasts. Tongues darted as his fingers stroked her folds. Charlie responded with sounds of fulfillment.
Her hands clasped to the curls of his hair, "Don't stop." She begged.
Pump after pump, her body kept basking in endless pleasure, until his fingers became encased in heated release. Charlie's face was flushed as she reached her peak. Her whole body felt like a warm blanket, glowing in satisfaction and expelling labored breathes.
She stared at Bass and he looked back at her in silence. His eyes burning with need.
Just as he was beginning to think she was starting to regret it, Charlie's mouth split into a huge smile, and then she let out a small satisfied laugh.
Charlie felt like a character from one of those storybooks she'd once heard about. The gorgeous gown complemented the color of her sun kissed skin, flowing with her movements like pages of a book against the breeze. She'd never been the kind of girl to care about lady-like manners or dressing the part, on the contrary, it bored her to death. But seeing Bass at the bottom of the stairs like a prince waiting in the wings gave her the butterfly feelings of a teenager in full bloom. Charlie could hardly contain her emotions.
She beamed.
Bass watched her in awe, admiring her flawless features which were usually partly overshadowed by her long tresses. This time, the dirty blonde locks were nicely held up in a delicate knot, allowing only a few loose strands to move freely. Bass took back his earlier assessment. She didn't look like a Greek siren, she was one.
He didn't have any other choice but to look at her with an idiotic smile on his face. She was the stuff dreams were made of, and she was all his. The thought made his chest tighten. At least for now.
"I don't know if you're just a really good guesser or a very creepy stalker, but this gown fits me perfectly." She said with a smile, reaching the end of the staircase.
Bass laughed. "I guess I'm just that good."
"Or just lucky." She replied.
"I can assure you, it was made especially for you, Charlotte."
Charlie didn't know if she believed that. But it was better than thinking the gown had belonged to one of his previous conquests.
He extended his hand to her, like a gentleman does to a lady of high class. It was all too surreal for Charlie, who was used to guys hitting on her at the bar, or whistling at her in the streets. She placed her hand over his, as poised and elegantly as possible, and he guided her out the door.
The evening so far was off to a magical start.
She just hoped that unlike the storybooks, the spell wouldn't be broken at midnight.
The Symphony Center—or what was left of it—had held various gatherings since the end of the Patriot War. It was the epicenter in Dallas for the leaders of each of the regions to come together and speak business, which most of the time just meant a fifteen-minute meeting followed by a night of drinking and partying that usually went until the early hours of the morning.
Charlie had heard her fair share of stories. Men of that caliber were no strangers to the depravity of which Miles had once accused Bass of participating in. However, that evening's meeting seemed especially important to Bass. Charlie could tell by the way he constantly checked his appearance, wiggling his bow tie around and smoothing out his dress pants every chance he got.
"Is the great General Monroe nervous?" She teased, as the carriage vibrated its way to the front of the hall.
"President Affleck will be there. Nervous is a bit of an understatement."
Charlie was starting to feel the jitters as well. "Should I be worried?"
He shook his head and smiled. "It's not like that, Charlie. Whatever is discussed in the meeting has everything to do with me and not necessarily with the well-being of you or your family. A deal with him would mean a loss for Neville, whose become determined to take over the region that now constitutes the Republic."
Her eyebrows shot up, "That sounds to me like it has everything to do with the well-being of my family. I don't know if you remember but we live on territory bordering the Republic. As a matter of fact, I'm surprised that chunk of land hasn't been disputed as heatedly as others."
Bass put a hand on her lap, rubbing it gently. "That's because cabbage fields and apple orchards aren't exactly a commodity." He joked.
"Ass." She muttered, pushing him away.
They both laughed.
Still, Charlie couldn't help being worried for him. The possibility of losing the Republic to Neville was not something to be taken lightly.
The evening hours passed, between the clashing of fine wine glasses and the tune of a live orchestra, Charlie found herself immersed in a life she had only ever dreamed of before. This was the life of the elite, a world that was foreign, frightening and thrilling all at once. Charlie had thought Bass's parties were extravagant but this was on another level.
She wanted to belong and at the same time, she wanted nothing to do with it. Seeing how some of the guests laughed, cheered, and shamelessly paraded themselves, while the real world was plagued with poverty, hunger and death made her skin crawl. No. She wanted to be different. Charlie didn't want to be sucked into such a pitiful life.
Bass pulled her in close, their feet moving in perfect sync to the melodies permeating the air. He stared at her like one looks at a precious jewel, his hand caressing her side, drawing her body into him.
Charlie really liked him, she'd even go as far as saying she felt more for him than simple attraction. But she was afraid of calling it anything more. She couldn't quite figure out how she could want someone so much, even after knowing the wrongdoings of which he was accused. The obvious response to someone who takes lives is disgust, then why didn't she feel that towards him? She thought.
He could read the uncertainty in her eyes. Whatever was going through her mind wasn't letting her enjoy the evening in its entirety.
"You're somewhere else tonight." He noted as he twirled her around.
Charlie bit her lip. "Was it Neville's men? The fifteen you killed?"
He turned away, taking a beat. "Are you repulsed by my actions? By me?"
No, she thought. And that's what bothered her the most.
She shook her head. "I just want to know if what they say about you is true."
"They? Whose they? People in town? Miles and Nora?" He asked. "Look, Charlie. When you're in a position like mine, you have to make decisions that aren't always morally correct. We've already been over this."
They were the only couple standing still in the dance floor.
"If Miles told you I killed people, if he told you that I've shed blood to get to where I am now, he's right. But none of those deaths were for nothing. I was attacked, in my own turf. I had to do something about it."
He took her face between his hands. "You don't have to be afraid of me."
A ghost of a smile formed on her lips. "I'm not."
They were interrupted by Baker, the Major's eyes taking in Charlie's beauty for an instant before delivering his message. "He's here."
Bass gave Charlie a lingering kiss on the lips, taking her by surprise. "Duty calls. I'll be back as soon as it's over."
Minutes later and there was still no sign of Bass anywhere in the hall. Charlie hoped that whatever arrangement he had going on with President Affleck would finally come to fruition. She walked the tables lined with food, picked up a glass of red wine and then walked along the entrance corridor, admiring the architecture.
Her gaze fell upon a familiar face. The petite blonde looked in her direction, her mouth opening in surprise and excitement when she saw Charlie. They both walked towards each other like two stray magnets finding their polar opposite. While they were very different, there was something about her that Charlie found relatable.
"Hi, Isabelle. It's Charlie." She said, trying to save the girl the embarrassment of having to ask her name again.
"You look gorgeous!" She exclaimed. She'd already been drinking.
Charlie was flattered. "Thank you, so do you."
Isabelle drank her wine, all the while criticizing people left and right. It was amusing. Charlie couldn't recall the last time she'd heard so much gossip from a single person. Once Isabelle started talking, it was hard to get her to stop. She was like an endless fountain of dirty—and often useless—information. The non-electrical world's very own gossip column in the flesh.
"So, you're here with Sebastian Monroe?" How she had managed to make such a simple question sound so sexual was beyond her.
Charlie laughed. "The one and only." She sipped. "I guess the thing I heard about business meetings only lasting a few minutes is bullshit?"
The girl finished her drink and then picked up another glass from the nearby table. "They're usually short and sweet. I can't imagine this one lasting much longer." She eyed Charlie as if teasing her, "You eager to get out of here with your date?"
"Very funny."
She grinned. "I'm just saying. If I had that sexy hunk to myself, I'd want to get him alone too."
Charlie said no more, opting to drink from her glass instead.
Isabelle noticed some of the men walking back to the hall from the back room, Neville being the first one Charlie recognized.
"Looks like meeting is adjourned," the spunky blonde noted.
"Why does Neville always look like he's out for blood? Those snake eyes of his are terrifying, don't you think?"
Isabelle agreed. "He's definitely one to watch, especially now that my father is close to reaching an agreement with your boyfriend. I can't imagine that will sit well with him."
Charlie almost choked on her wine and it wasn't because Isabelle had called Bass her boyfriend. "You're President Affleck's daughter?" She kind of felt ashamed for not knowing sooner. No wonder the girl looked familiar to her the first time they'd met.
"Yeah." She admitted. "I figured you didn't know and I kind of regret telling you because you're the only person who hasn't tried to kiss my ass just to get on my dad's good side. Everyone's always out for themselves"
Charlie felt sympathy for the girl. "I had no idea. I'm sorry."
"I know what you're thinking, poor little rich girl." She chuckled, "But don't feel bad, just try not to treat me any differently." Isabelle knew that was nearly impossible now, but she figured there was no harm in asking.
A nod from Charlie seemed to reassure her. "I'll try my best."
They both smiled and looked over at the men walking back to the hall. They could see Bass and President Affleck still engaged in conversation. Neville was busy with his own discussion, all the while keeping close tabs on the two men. Charlie could tell that whatever he was telling his companion was anything but courteous.
"He's cute, huh?" Isabelle remarked, referring to the militant to whom Neville was speaking.
"Neville Junior?" Charlie asked, unsure if she'd gotten it right.
"Yeah. Now, if there's someone you want to feel sorry for, it's that guy. Ever since he lost his mom, he's been bent on nothing but revenge. It's sad, really." She sighed. "That amongst other politics is what led them to split from the Republic and form their own army. Now they're picking fights all over the place, especially with Monroe. Don't you just love living in this fucked up world?" Her cynicism was spot on.
When they both looked back the Nevilles had already lost themselves in the crowd.
A few moments later, Charlie caught sight of Jason. His gaze was transfixed on her. He smiled at her coyly, and then he started walking in her direction.
"Hi." He said, his smile wide and cheeky.
Isabelle raised her eyebrows and excused herself. "Good luck." She muttered between gritted teeth.
Charlie smiled back at the stranger, "Hi." She looked around the room, searching for Bass. Out of all people at the party, the last person she wanted to be talking to was a Neville.
"Why do you look so nervous? I don't bite." What a lame attempt at flirting, Charlie thought.
She pursed her lips, unimpressed.
"Look if you don't want to talk to me, just say it." He crossed his arms over his chest as if offended by her lack of amiability. "You won't hurt my feelings."
From the corner of her eye she spotted Bass. His pace quickened when he noticed Charlie talking to Neville's boy.
"I'm actually here with someone." She said, cocking her head towards Bass.
Jason chuckled when he saw him. "You're here with Monroe? Of course you are." He leaned into her, whispering in her ear. "Look, I know your uncle. He would not approve of this."
Charlie pulled away, a bewildered expression on her face. Bass came to her side, wrapping her fingers around her arm. "Time to go, Charlie."
They began walking away.
"Leaving the party so soon?" Jason mocked. "Why? Afraid I might say something that will bring your little charade crashing down?" He laughed just like his father. "You're the closest he'll ever get to your uncle. That's why he's playing you. He's a twisted fuck."
The boy was clearly inebriated but that didn't lessen the impact of his words.
They didn't talk the whole way back to the estate. Charlie was angry but she didn't know towards whom her angry should've been directed. Did she have Miles to blame for Bass's silence? Was Jason just being an A-class asshole, sputtering bullshit? Was Bass really just using her to get to Miles?
As soon as the carriage came to a stop in front of the entrance to the house, she ran out, pulling at her hair and undoing the knotted bun. If she could have ripped off her dress without ending up naked, she would've done that as well. Perhaps her fears had been right all along. Her fairytale fantasy was shattering into a million pieces.
The carriage drove off, the two of them left alone in the poorly lit darkness of the night.
"Charlie, calm down." Bass seemed fine. Nothing about the situation seemed to have bothered him. "He's a stupid boy who will say anything to destroy what I have. He knows nothing."
"I don't know if I want to do this anymore." She said, "All I've been getting from you are half stories and partial version of the truth. You never tell me what I want to know."
"So, you're going to believe a drunk over me?" That was the trigger he needed. His calm appearance began taking a more irritated form.
A few steps in her direction and Charlie found herself between him and the door. "You don't know what you're saying, Charlotte. What you need to do is go home and sleep on it. We'll talk about it when I see you next week."
She sneered, "There we go again. It's like an endless carousel with you." Her eyes were glued to his as she tilted her head back, "I've done everything you've asked. Followed your instructions to the T. Why can't you just tell me the truth? What more do you want from me?"
"I want you to believe me when I say I'm being honest." He replied, his voice rough and demanding. "I want you to trust me when I say you need to be eased into it."
Her back pressed against the door and her heart pounded in her chest. Charlie was speechless. She had no words to express everything she was feeling. His breathe blew warmly over her lips, infiltrating her senses like toxic gas. She wanted nothing and everything from him all at once.
"Don't give up on me now." Bass pleaded.
Charlie's whole being felt ignited, burning for him like embers in a fire. She didn't know how or why she believed in him so blindly. It was like a natural instinct she had no control over.
Her voice was small, "Please, don't let me down."
"I wouldn't dream of it." He replied.
The touch of his lips eased her mind. His tongue wrapped around hers, claiming what he considered his and reminding her that she also had claim on him. Quickened breaths followed by gliding hands, an expression of their undying need for each other. Charlie's senses were going wild as his hand slipped underneath the skirt of her dress. She gasped for air and then hungrily bit into his lips, feeling the warmth of his fingers as they traced her thigh and reached the hollow they'd invaded earlier that day.
Charlie let herself succumb to her feelings.
Bass felt like home to her.
If you have a chance, please review. Once again, thank you so much for reading and sticking around to find out where the hell this story is going! Don't worry, I already know... and soon, you will too! xoxo
