Summary: On the night of the Valmont party disaster is in the air.
Chapter 11: Impending Doom
"Come in" Kathryn called to him from the other side of the door.
"Are you almost rea...my god look at you." Sebastian smiled as he looked over at Kathryn dressed in a simple but elegant beige strapless gown. She looked like absolute perfection to him which only turned his stomach more as he thought about the night ahead.
Turning to him with a smile she replied "thanks. You don't look half bad yourself."
"I mean it" he told her wrapping an arm around her waist. "You look incredible."
Nuzzling her nose seductively against his she whispered "I know. Have the parents left?"
"Yeah a little while ago." Tonight was their parents anniversary party that was being held at the Plaza Hotel. Since Tiffani was such a control freak she insisted on overseeing everything herself and thus insisted on getting there hours in advance. His father had gone along most likely to get ahead start on the hours of drinking that was sure to follow. Kathryn and Sebastian would arrive together at the party but Sebastian had a sneaking suspicion that they wouldn't be leaving together.
If was safe to say that he was beyond having second doubts about this evening. He would give anything not to go through with it but he promised Annette and if he wanted to keep her he would have to destroy Kathryn. So Sebastian continually tried to remind himself that what he was doing was for the best. After all it wasn't like Kathryn and him could ever have a real relationship anyway. Still as he held her in his arms and looked at her in that dress he forgot all the reasons they shouldn't and couldn't be together.
Sliding a hand down her bare arm Sebastian realized Kathryn was shaking just slightly. "What's wrong?"
She shrugged taking a seat on the bed "nothing. What could be wrong?"
"Oh come on Kathryn you're a better liar than that" he replied with a smirk. When Kathryn only shot him a dirty in response Sebastian took a seat next to her and asked "you're worried about tonight, aren't you?"
Sighing she told him "I just can't shake the feeling that something's going to go wrong."
"Like what?" he asked purposely avoiding her eyes.
"I'm not sure. It's just...everything's going so well lately I guess I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop."
"We don't have to do this if you're not sure" Sebastian told her suddenly. He knew what he was doing telling her this, he knew it would fuck up the plan but he didn't care at that moment.
"No I want to go away with you Sebastian." Gently caressing his face she explained "I think I'm just anxious to get it over with. Do you have everything set?"
"Set?"
"Yeah for when we leave"
"Oh yeah, it's taken care of" he lied.
"Good then there's nothing to worry about" she told him before pulling him into a kiss. As Sebastian returned it he desperately tried to tune out that voice in his head that was screaming at him to come clean with her. However as much as he might want to tell her the truth he knew no good would come of it. It might clear his conscience but Kathryn would still hate him.
As their kiss grew more passionate it occurred to Sebastian that this might be the last chance he had to make love to her. The thought made him kiss her even harder as he pulled her down to the bed. At first Kathryn didn't protest when he climbed on top of her and gently squeezed her breast. Letting out a moan she murmured "we can't, we have to go...christ that feels good."
"Please" he whispered letting his hand slide under her dress.
Kathryn answered him by pulling him back into a kiss and then pushing him onto his back. Sebastian watched amazed as she quickly unzipped his pants and then straddled him. "All right but clothes on. It took me fifteen minutes to get into this dress and I'm not going through that again."
"Yes ma'am" he answered before pushing himself inside of her.
* * * * * *
Almost an hour later Kathryn and Sebastian were sitting comfortably side by side on the way to the Plaza. "Well so much for arriving early" Kathryn smirked "or on time."
"Your mother will have a fit" Sebastian muttered as he stared out the limo window lost in thought.
"Let her. So have you thought about where you want to go?"
He looked over at her "when?"
"Tonight, after the party" she reminded him. "I was thinking maybe the Greek islands. What about you?"
Sebastian shrugged "whatever you want."
Kathryn studied him a moment before asking "is something wrong?"
"No everything's fine."
"Are you thinking about Annette?"
The question surprised Sebastian to say the least because Kathryn rarely if ever mentioned Annette. "What makes you think that?"
Kathryn shrugged "she'll be there tonight. Have you thought about what you are going to say to her? About us I mean."
"Not really"
"You still care about her" she told him. "Are you having second thoughts about leaving with me?"
"No Kathryn" he gently touched her cheek "I love you. I want my life to be with you."
"Good" she whispered as she rested her head on his shoulder.
They rode to the party in silence both lost in there thoughts. When the limo stopped in front of the hotel Kathryn sat up "we better get in there."
However as the driver opened the door Sebastian quickly shut it. On a sudden urge he whipped around and kissed Kathryn. When they pulled away he told her "I have to tell you something."
"What?"
For a split second Sebastian was tempted to tell her everything. However something stopped him, namely his fear at how she would react. Instead he told her "what every happens in there tonight I want you to know I love you."
"I know you do" Kathryn said giving him a small smile. "Now can we go?"
Sebastian got out and helped his step sister out of the car. When they arrived at the large ball room it was clear the party was already in full swing. Looking around Kathryn commented "well I guess mother went all out. Half of Manhattan must be here."
"Typical Tiffani" Sebastian muttered. As he glanced across the room his eyes fell upon Annette who was standing on the opposite side of the room chatting with her father. When her eyes locked on his she gave him a small smile that he uneasily returned.
"We should probably mingle" Kathryn said interrupting his thoughts. "I'm not suppose to make my little speech to the happy couple for another half hour."
"Ok" he agreed "I have to go greet Annette anyway."
Kathryn eyed the pretty blond and smiled sarcastically "have fun."
Sebastian smiled sadly as he watched her walk away. Turning around he noticed Annette heading his way wearing a pale pink dress. "You look lovely" he told her as he leaned down and kissed her cheek.
"Thank you. So how is everything going?"
"Fine, just like we planned" he told her stiffly.
"That's good" Annette eyed him slightly concerned. "Are you ok?"
"I just want to get this over with" he sighed.
"I know what you mean" Annette replied.
Actually you haven't a fucking clue what I mean, Sebastian wanted to yell back at her. However he stayed silent and only nodded in agreement. "Oh there's you aunt" she smiled pointing past him to his aunt Helen. "We should go say hello."
"You go I'm going to get a drink."
"Ok" turning back to him she reminded him "don't worry Sebastian everything will be ok."
Sebastian nodded dully as he walked over to the bar and ordered a scotch. "Hello Sebastian"
At the sound of his name Sebastian turned to see Annette's father standing behind him with a friendly grin. Forcing a smile Sebastian greeted him "hello sir, are you enjoying yourself this evening?"
"Yes I am. Your step mother sure knows how to throw a party."
"That she does" he said with a hint of nastiness in his voice.
"Is something the matter Sebastian?"
"No, I'm just fine" he told him finishing off his drink. "So have you heard back from the school board yet?"
Mr. Hardgrove looked at him confused "about what?"
"Your job. Actually I wanted to apologize for that, it's namely my fault-"
"Sebastian what are you talking about? What's this about my job?"
"You know the school board placing you under review, possibly moving back to Kansas." As Sebastian studied the confused mans expression a realization hit him. "And you have no idea what I'm taking about do you?"
"Can't say I do"
Closing his eyes he muttered "it figures. You're job was never in danger?"
Mr. Hardgrove laughed "well I certainly hope not. Where would you ever get the idea that it was Sebastian?"
Sebastian was tempted only for a moment to tell him his darling daughter was behind the lie. However as he scanned the room for Annette he told said "just someone with some wrong information." When he spotted Annette talking with one of Tiffani's friends he told the headmaster "will you excuse me for a moment."
He didn't wait for a reply and instead charged over to Annette. Sebastian's head was spinning with all this new information. How could Annette, the most honest person he knew, tell him such a colossal lie? She had purposely made him doubt Kathryn the question was why? Without a word he took Annette's arm and told her "we need to talk, now."
Before Annette could protest Sebastian dragged her out of the room determined to get some answers. When they were alone she pulled away from him and looked up at him like he was crazy. "What is wrong with you? I was talking with someone."
"I don't care" he told her coldly.
"Sebastian what's going on?"
Trying to control his temper the best he could he said "I just had the most interesting chat with your father. Guess what he told me?"
She shrugged "I have no idea."
Stepping closer to her he hissed "his job was never in danger. Kathryn never talked with the school board and she certainly didn't order them to fire him. You lied to me and I would like to know why, now!"
For a second Annette looked like she was about to protest or deny it but then she told him in a cold tone that matched his own "why do you think?"
"I have no fucking clue!"
"I know what's going on between you two"
The news shocked Sebastian but he wasn't about to admit anything yet. "What are you talking about?"
"Do you think I'm an idiot?" She nearly screamed "I know you're fucking her! So go ahead deny it, tell me I'm wrong."
He shook his head "no you're right I am sleeping with her. How long have you known?"
"Does it matter?" Annette's eyes welled up with tears as she whispered "I knew you would sleep with her. So tell me Sebastian was that the real plan all along? Was this whole thing just an elaborate way to get her into bed?"
"What are you talking about?"
"It's all about her. It always has been. You loved her and then you hated her. So what do you love her again?"
Avoiding the question he said "this isn't what this is about. It's about you lying to me-"
"Oh right because you haven't been lying to me for weeks right?" She laughed coldly through her tears. "You're right I did lie because I wanted her out of our lives. Isn't that what you wanted too?"
"It was"
Annette flinched "but it's not anymore, right?"
"I don't want to see her hurt. The plan ends now, I should have ended it awhile ago" with that Sebastian turned away from her and headed back to the party.
However Annette grabbed his arm and pulled him back "what are you going to do? Tell her not to go threw with it?"
It was then Sebastian made a split second decision. "No I'm going to let her tell everyone about us."
Annette looked at him confused "but-"
"After Kathryn makes her speech I'm leaving with her"
"No Sebastian, don't do this please" she begged.
Sebastian felt only a slight pang of guilt for what he was doing to her. If she hadn't lied things might not have gone this far but they had. Pulling away from her he told her "let it go Annette, it's finished." Then without a second look back he left her.
* * * * * *
A few minutes after Sebastian headed back to the party Annette did as well. First however she had gone to the ladies room where she cried and then tried her best to compose herself. As she walked back to the ballroom she vowed she wasn't about to let Sebastian leave town with that tramp. If he did he would be making the biggest mistake of his life. Sebastian was just far too infatuated with Kathryn to see that.
Annette had planned for all of this in advance. It wasn't like she thought Sebastian would figure out she was lying or actual threaten to leave town with Kathryn. She just knew things had a way of not always working out so she brought with her a little insurance in the form of a certain signed document.
Clutching the contract she walked into the now crowded ballroom and looked around for Kathryn. She quickly spotted the beautiful brunette surrounded by her adoring public. Standing at a distance Annette watched her for a moment trying to see what it was about her that Sebastian found so appealing. Was it that she was beautiful? No it wasn't just that there were thousands of other girls who were prettier. It was that she was bad and she was a challenge to him. Annette quit being a challenge to Sebastian as soon as she spread her legs.
The thought made her even angrier. Annette headed right for Kathryn and waited for the crowd to depart. When they did she approached her from behind. "We need to talk."
Turning around Kathryn gave her a cold smirk and said "no I don't think so."
Annette grabbed her wrist "oh I do. Now Kathryn."
She looked like she was about to protest but then decided against it. "Ok fine but make it quick."
Kathryn followed her out of the ballroom and into one of the empty rooms where the Valmont's were keeping all their gifts. Once alone she turned to her and asked in a typical bored tone "what the fuck's so urgent?"
Remaining as calm as she could under the circumstances Annette told her simply "I hear you and my boyfriend are going away together."
A flicker of surprise crossed Kathryn's face that was soon replaced with a wicked grin. "Did Sebastian tell you that?"
"Yes he did...about three weeks ago"
"What are you talking about?" With a snicker she said "well I suppose it doesn't matter anymore. You're right Annette Sebastian and I are going away together. You see he's finally gotten over his boring little virgin fetish. He loves me, he has all along and nothing you say or do can change that."
"Care to make a wager on that?" Annette replied with a smile. "You know it's funny, I would have figured you were smarter than that Kathryn."
Kathryn sighed "what are you babbling about?"
"Didn't you think it was strange how he was suddenly being so nice to you? I mean after everything you did to him he forgave you, just like that."
Like Annette expected Kathryn seemed taken aback by the question. Still she held her ground and demanded "what are you talking about?"
"I know everything that went on between you two and you know how I know?" Annette waited a beat before revealing her secret "he told me. You see this whole supposed relationship between the two of you is a lie."
"Oh please" Kathryn exclaimed.
"Sebastian was so sick of you he came to me one night with this elaborate scheme. He devised this plan to get you to fall in love with him by slowly seducing you and low and behold it worked. It actual turned out to be surprisingly simple. We faked a few fights, he showed up at the same clubs and charity events as you, and he even got Pamela Bateman to seduce Lucas away and for you to walk in on it. Then when you were vulnerable enough he confessed his undying love and you of course bought every word."
Kathryn was staring at Annette in complete shock but still she refused to buy any of it. "You're unbelievable, you'd say anything to keep him with you wouldn't you?"
Annette stepped closer to her as she asked "you're suppose to give a speech in a few minutes right?"
"Yes"
"And in it you're going to toast your parents and then tell everyone about you and Sebastian. You see that was part of the plan as well. Sebastian would manipulate you into telling everyone you're in love with your stepbrother. After your big speech you're suppose to go away together only he's really going to deny the whole thing afterwards. He's planning on leaving you completely humiliated and disgraced Kathryn. So you still think he loves only you?"
Shaking her head Kathryn whispered "you're lying. He loves me"
"It's all an act Kathryn"
"Do you actually expect me to believe one thing you say you stupid little bitch? I don't think so. Now if you'll excuse me I have a speech to make."
"I do have proof"
Kathryn stopped at the door and turned around. "What proof?"
Annette held up the contract "this. It details the whole plan to the letter. We both signed it, see for yourself."
Hesitantly Kathryn approached her and looked at the paper in her hand a moment before grabbing it. Annette watched as Kathryn began to read it. Her face was blank as usual but as she got farther down the page her expression began to fall and her hands began to shake. In fact her expression was so sad Annette thought she might actually start to cry. For a second she felt bad about what she was doing until she remembered who Kathryn was. She cared for nothing and no one, least of all Sebastian. Kathryn deserved what was coming to her.
Watching Kathryn fall quietly from grace Annette suddenly recalled something Kathryn said to her on their first meeting and she couldn't help but throw it back in her face. "So Kathryn how does it feel to love someone knowing it was all based on a lie?"
Slowly Kathryn looked up at her but said nothing. Smiling just slightly Annette quipped "what no quick comeback or insult, how unlike you."
Just then the door behind them opened and Sebastian appeared. "Hey Kathryn there you are." Noticing Annette his smile fell and he asked "what's going on?"
Annette looked over at Kathryn who's back was turned away from Sebastian "should you tell him or should I?"
Kathryn said nothing she only turned around and dropped the contract on the floor as she brushed past Sebastian and ran out of the room.
"Kathryn!" Sebastian yelled after her. Turning to Annette suddenly he hissed "what did you say to her?"
"The truth"
- to be continued (Please Review)
