Summary: Sebastian and Kathryn reunite in London but a dark cloud might be looming on the horizon.
Chapter 10: London Calling
I could drink in that stunned look on her face for hours. Her lips usually upturned into a sexy smirk were now openly gapping as her green eyes went wide as saucers and her usually relaxed body became tight with tension. My beloved ice queen was melting before my very eyes and I was loving every second of it.
"Well, don't I even merit a hello?"
"Sebastian" she breathed not bothering to hide her surprise.
"Kathryn" I sighed as I got up from my seat and approached her. "I've just spent the past seven hours on a plan sandwiched between a 300 pound, hygienically challenged man and a snoring old women. In couch. COUCH Kathryn. At the very least I think I deserve-"
I was cut off when she suddenly leapt forward and threw her arms around me. Slowly my arms circled her waist and as I held her to me it was my turn to be stunned. "Or that works too."
"I'm sorry" she murmured as she pulled away in embarrassment. "You just surprised me. What are you doing here Sebastian?"
Well it took her all of a minute to revert to form. Not that this surprised me mind you. If there was one thing Kathryn and I knew it was how to keep one's emotions at bay. Still I'll admit the hug was nice. That unpleasant plane trip really hadn't been for nothing.
We each slipped effortlessly back into our rhythm of keeping one another at arms length. Pretending to be preoccupied with one of her magazines laying out of the hotel coffee table I explained "I didn't like the way we ended things last night."
"So you did the next logically thing and hopped on a plane to London"
"Well what did you expect me to do? You just took off!" I hadn't meant it to sound that harsh or dramatic but I slipped and allowed my emotions get away from me. In a softer tone I added "you didn't say good-bye or anything. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
Kathryn smirked "careful Valmont I might start suspecting you care." Turning away she went back to her shopping bags and said over her shoulder "I'm fine. I just needed to get away for a little while."
I knew she was lying just as I knew last night that she really didn't want to sleep with me. In the back of my mind I cursed myself for putting this whole thing into motion to begin with. Had I not set Jackson up to cheat on Kathryn we would be back in New York and I wouldn't feel this weight of guilt I was feeling at that moment. Then again she'd still be with Jack.
Coming up beside her I put my hand over hers stopping her movements. When she looked up at me expectantly I told her "you know why I couldn't go through with it last night, right?"
Kathryn looked away. "Perhaps it was a little rash. Though I have to say I was rather surprised by your restraint. I thought you found me irresistible?"
I grinned when she started flirting with me and acting like the old Kathryn. The Kathryn before Jackson entered the picture. Leaning forward I pushed her hair aside and placed a delicate kiss on her neck. "You have your moments" I whispered against her skin.
She sighed and leaned her body into me. Gripping her waist I continued devouring her neck, taking great delight in how good she tasted. Kathryn held her breath and her body tensed under my touch. Knowing I had such an effect on her caused me to feel instantly aroused. Something told me I wasn't going to be able to act as gentlemanly as last time.
Kathryn suddenly turned around and before I knew what was happening I was kissing her mouth. Hard, frantic, open mouthed kisses that were doing nothing to discourage the bulge in my pants. She tugged at my jacket, bulging it up in her fists as if nervous. As she fell back against the desk the chair moved and squeaked. Kathryn pulled away then like she just realized what she was doing. Breathing heavily she simply said "Jackson."
"Is he here?"
She shook her head "no but-"
"Did Jackson fly across the Atlantic to find you?" Moving towards her I grabbed hold of her waist. Kathryn seemed to think about what I was saying for a moment. She looked away and I could see a look flash through her eyes that resembled a realization. "Jackson Maguire is nothing more than a vapid, spoiled, Hollywood brat who never deserved you."
Looking at me sharply she asked "and you do?"
"Of course" I replied with an arrogant smirk. "We're two of a kind remember?"
Kathryn cocked an eyebrow and then without a word pushed me against the wall. As my head bumped one of the framed pictures I readied myself for one of her famous tantrums. Much to my surprise though instead of chewing me out for insulting her supposed love she leapt at me crushing her mouth to mine.
Surprised but delighted I spun her around and pressed her against the wall. Kathryn's nails dug into my neck as she pulled me to her with great forcefulness all the while moaning into my mouth. I ripped open the jacket of her suit not paying much attention when a button or two popped off. Hugging my neck she jumped into my arms, wrapping her legs tightly around my waist. "Ooh Mr. Valmont" she cooed, her pelvis grinding into mine. "Am I getting you excited?"
I swear this girl was going to kill me someday.
"You haven't seen excited yet" I groaned. "Where's the fucking bedroom?"
* * * * * *
"These oysters are exquisite. See aren't you glad we went out?"
Glancing at her over the rim of my wine glass I replied dryly "no not really."
"We've spent the past twenty four hours cooped up in my hotel room. Don't you want to see any of London while you're here?"
"I've already seen it." Leaning across the table I reached out and lightly caressed her hand. "I much rather be home in bed seeing more of you."
Kathryn sat down the empty oyster she had been feasting on and then licked her lips. "Valmont" she said sweetly "tell me, is it at all possible for you to not think with your cock for five minutes?"
I smirked "I really like the way you say cock."
"I'll take that as a no then" she sighed reaching for her wine glass. "We'll have to work on that."
I didn't bother defending myself because I know she's not entirely wrong. I did want to go back to her suite where I could spend endless hours ravishing her body but at the same time I didn't mind this so much. Truth me told I never held much stock in dating namely because the women I normally chose to go out with weren't very interesting outside of the bedroom. They were beautiful but normally just too inarticulate or shallow to engage in any interesting conversation.
Going out with Kathryn though was a different thing all together. I enjoyed our snark filled conversation and listening to her witty comebacks. She made interesting observations about the people around us and made me laugh with her bitchy reactions. Strangely enough though the thing I liked the most was simply observing her. Watching her walk into a room, noticing how others admired her beauty and poise. Just watching her sip her wine as she sat across from me was almost intoxicating as laying in bed beside her.
The fact that we were on what most would consider a date was enough to fill me with an overwhelming sense of joy. However there was just one cloud hovering over this whole experience and like some kind of masochist I was about to bring it up. "Have you heard from Jackson?" I inquired casually.
Kathryn looked over at me in surprise. The topic of her former boyfriend hadn't come up since the night before and she had probably thought it a moot subject but I needed to know where I stood. Averting my eyes Kathryn replied "no not since that night."
I nodded "so it's over between you two for good then?"
"I don't..." She trailed off and then looked up at me accusingly. "Why are you so interested?"
"Why am I so interested? Why do you think?"
Her eyes narrowed at me and I could practically see her transformation back into the ice princess. The wall was most definitely coming up. "Because you want to know if you've won yet" she hissed at me. "Isn't that what this is all about? Who has the most women, the biggest boat, the prettiest toy? It's like a never ending pissing contest between the two of you."
"That's not fair" I spat. Leaning over the table to her I remarked "you cannot honestly believe that. You have nothing to do with my rivalry with Jack."
Even as I said it I knew it wasn't completely true but at the same time I was aware that my feelings for Kathryn had developed way beyond Jackson. However she wasn't buying it. Shifting away from me she grumbled "yeah right. It's what started this whole thing."
"What whole thing? You mean the bet?"
"Amongst other things" she replied cryptically.
I wasn't sure what she was referring to exactly but I put it aside for now. Reaching under the table I rested my hand on her bare knee. "I don't give a shit about Jackson. He doesn't matter to me all I care about is you." Kathryn turned back to me and I explained "the only reason I brought him up was because I wanted to make sure you were here with me and not thinking about him. When I'm with you you're all I can think about but I know it's not the same for you."
"What makes you think that?" she asked softly.
"Just a feeling I get." Pulling away from her I added "it's okay though. I know you still love him."
Kathryn surprised me when I felt her hand reach under the table and grasp mine. "Don't presume to know what I think and feel. I'm not replacing you for Jackson if that's what you're getting at."
"Are you sure?"
Her other hand came out and cupped my face. Kathryn's eyes softened and she smiled, not smirked back at me. "I'm glad you're here Sebastian. I've missed our friendship."
Friendship? I could feel my gut drop at that word. Of all the words I would use to describe my new found feelings for Kathryn friendship was not one of them. Still I choked back my disappointment and remarked "yeah so did I."
Drawing me in closer she purred "what do you say we get out of here and go back to the hotel?" Suddenly I felt my hand being led to someplace soft, warm and if I wasn't mistaken a little damp. "Apparently that myth about oysters is true."
I smirked as my lips brushed against hers. "What myth is that?"
"You know how they make you..." Kathryn flicked her tongue over my lips "horny."
I groaned, my dick becoming hard as my fingers continued to probe her flesh. "I think we better leave and do a more scientific study of your hypothesis."
Kathryn laughed and she moved in to kiss me when we were rudely interrupted by someone clearing there throat. Without looking over to see who it was I order "fuck off."
"Um, sir I'm afraid I can't do that."
Groaning I pulled away from my date to find our waiter standing beside us with a perturbed look on his face. "What is it?" I asked with little interest.
"I ran your credit card through the machine but there was a problem. It was reported stolen."
"Excuse me? That's impossible"
The old man's beady eyes narrowed at me as he spat "no I'm afraid it's not."
Rolling my eyes I reached into my jacket pocket and produced my wallet. "Fine I'll just use another card."
"I'm afraid there's a bigger issue sir." Moving aside he gestured to the front of the restaurant where two uniformed police officers were standing. "Those men would like to have a word with you."
Well apparently the great experiment was going to be put on hold for a bit. Shit.
* * * * * *
Of all the many scenarios I had imagined for tonight, ending up in a London jail with Kathryn wasn't one of them. Encased in our small, gray, windowless cell I paced back and forth trying to block out the wretched smell of urine mixed with body odor, while I pondered just how the hell this happened.
"I cannot believe this" Kathryn spat as she leaned back against the opposite wall.
"Well believe it sweetheart" I grumbled back. Stopping momentarily it my steps I looked over at her and for a moment I almost felt like laughing. Kathryn looked absolutely ridiculous and out of place in her black designer dress. Had this been happening to anyone else I would have found it all quite amusing but since I too was stuck in this disgustingly filthy cell it was another matter entirely. "Any ideas as to how this happened?"
"How should I know?" she huffed. "It was YOUR credit card."
"Actually it was a stolen credit card" I reminded her. "Do know how it could have ended up in my wallet?"
Kathryn rolled her eyes "of course not."
As she walked past me I grabbed her by the arm. "Do you know of anyone who would find it amusing to have us arrested?"
She stared back at me confused and shook her head. "What are you-oh no. There's no way Valmont!"
"Jackson" I sneered gripping her arm even tighter. "He's the reason we're in here. The son of a bitch set us up!"
Kathryn pulled her arm out of my grasp and her green eyes flashed in anger. "You're crazy! There's no way Jackson would do this. Especially not to me!"
I would like to say that I was surprised that she was jumping to his defense but I wasn't. Not in the least. The knowledge that she was still hung up on that asshole coupled with the fact I was stuck in a cage caused me to lash out at her more than normal. "Wake the fuck up! You cheated on him, with ME. Jack wouldn't think twice about getting a little revenge on you!"
Taking a step away from me she shook her head "you're wrong. And even if he did, how the hell would he have pulled it off? We're on another continent for crying out loud!"
"Who knows? Maybe he swapped my card earlier, maybe he's in London, who the fuck cares? All that matters is he's the one responsible."
"You're wrong" was all she said as she turned away from me.
Her obvious state of denial was just making my anger double. "Did you leave your brain at the door when they arrested us or are you so deluded that you can't see this for what it is? He hates you Kathryn for sleeping with me. When he found out you left town and I was with you of course he wanted to teach you a lesson. Jesus, the old Kathryn would have seen right through this and-"
"Shut up!" she screamed turning back to me her body quaking. In a weaker tone she repeated "just shut up." Kathryn turned back around and rested her head against the metal bars. "Forget about Jackson do you have any idea how much trouble I'm going to be in? When my mother finds out, and trust me she will, she'll keep me in the house for the rest of the summer. Not to mention I'm suppose to be going to an ivy school next year. They find out I have a record and there's no way they'll let me in."
Realizing that perhaps I was being a little too harsh with her I came up beside Kathryn and rested a hand on her back. "Hey you know my parents aren't going to be any happier."
"Oh please" she scoffed looking up at me. "You're a fuck up Valmont. They expect this kind of shit from you."
So much for a sympathetic moment. Pulling my hand back I crossed my arms to my chest and sneered "gee thanks."
"You know what I mean" she sighed as she took a seat on what passed for a cot in this place. "I don't know how we ended up here or who's responsible. All I care about is getting out of here and going home."
"Well that might take awhile. According to the charming cop who arrested us our bail hearing isn't until tomorrow. I tried calling my parents but no answer."
"I don't even know where my mother is"
Watching Kathryn sit on that pathetic little cot looking not her usual confident self I was suddenly filled with the overwhelming desire to protect her. Putting all my anger aside I took a seat beside her and put my arm around her. A sappy sense of warmth overcame me when she rested her head on my shoulder and curled her hand into mine. Brushing her hair away I kissed Kathryn's forehead and assured her "every thing will be fine."
"How do you know?"
"I'm a Valmont" I explained pompously. "I know everything."
Kathryn laughed lightly "you're an ass."
"Well isn't this the pretty picture."
My head shot up at the sound of that familiar cat like purr. I was filled with both relief and revulsion at the sight of Tiffani Merteuil standing on the other side of the bars with a smug smile on her face. Getting to her feet Kathryn voiced her surprise "mother, what are you doing here?"
"Well darling I was staying in town with a friend when I got a message on my voice mail. Something about you being arrested for credit card theft." Looking past her daughter to me she said "hello Sebastian."
"Tiff" I replied with saccharine sweetness.
Fixing her gaze back on Kathryn she asked "so what exactly happened?"
Kathryn's eyes met mine for a moment and then she quickly looked away. "It was-"
"Completely my fault" I volunteered suddenly. I wasn't really sure why I was taking the blame but this surely had to be a first. In the end though Kathryn was right. I was the fuck up and it was expected of me. Striding up to the bars casually I explained "it was just a bitter ex of mine playing a joke on me or getting a little revenge. Either way Kathryn's not at fault. She was just at the wrong place, wrong time."
Even though my eyes were on her mother I could feel Kathryn staring at me with obvious curiosity. It did occur to me that this would probably prove to her that I wasn't full of shit when I said I cared for her. It was very heroic of me I have to admit. However I wasn't sure Tiffani would agree. The old bitch didn't say anything for a long moment as she stared me down, obviously trying to figure out it I was full of shit or not. Finally she sighed "well all right let me see what I can do about getting you two released."
* * * * * *
Of course she was able to get us released. In ten minutes flat she came back with a skinny little Englishman in toe ready to unlock the door. There would be no bail hearing, no charges pressed and to my knowledge no fine paid. We just walked out of there as if they had just decided a big mistake had been made. I'm sure Tiffani paid off, threatened, or fucked somebody to get us released but I didn't want to know the details.
On the way home Kathryn sat sandwiched between mommy dearest and me. Never once did the subject of our imprisonment or the reason I was with Kathryn in London came up. Instead I sat by the window quietly brooding while mother and daughter talked in dull tones about Tiffani's trip to Florence and her latest boyfriend. I was tempted to lean over and ask if this 'boyfriend' is married but I bit my cheek and kept quiet.
When we arrived back at Kathryn's suite her mother apparently didn't plan on leaving right away. I could tell by the annoyed looks her daughter kept throwing my way that she was anxious to get rid of her. Finally Kathryn decided she's going to go take a shower to get rid of the 'prison stench'. Actually I suspected the real reason was that she knew if she left me and her mother alone long enough I would insult her and she would leave. Tricky bitch.
"So Sebastian what are you doing in London?"
That took all of a minute. Sitting across from her my fingers dug into the arm chair as I searched for something equal parts shocking and crude to say. It didn't take long. "I'm just in town to screw your daughter."
At the very least I expected her to flinch, scowl or curse me out but no the bitch didn't even blink. Instead the confident smirk she was wearing widened as she sat down beside me and mused "interesting. I knew it was only a matter of time before the two of you got together."
I scowled at her "come again?"
"I've know you've had your eye on my daughter for quite some time now" she explained confidently. "It's obvious to anyone who looks at you what your feelings for Kathryn are. I was quite pleased to here of all the time you two have been spending together this past summer. And now that, that ridiculous boy is out of her life, well she's free to be...with whomever she wants."
Well this has to be a first. A mother actually wants me with her daughter. "What's wrong with Jackson? I figured you'd be dying for your daughter to end up like a guy like him."
Tiffani chuckled as if I had just made a little joke. "Jackson Maguire in a charming young man but I have no desire for my only child to end up as the trophy wife of some actor. No I would like someone more suited to her. Someone who will understand her, love her, jump to her defense much like you did tonight."
I wasn't buying it. Getting to my feet I strolled over to the bar and called out to her over my shoulder "don't you mean someone with money? Lets be honest here Tiff, the Valmont's have more status and money than the Maguires. That's why you prefer me and I imagine that's why you tried to steal my father away from my mother."
Sitting back in her chair Tiffani frowned and looked away. "What happened between your father and I was a long time ago Sebastian. It's long past. Your mother has managed to overlook it so I would-"
My fists shook with rage as I spun around on my heels and yelled at her "don't you dare mention my mother you fucking bitch! You don't know her, you're not friends with her so don't talk about her like you are."
"Actually we are" she reveled. "Your mother knows all about what happened between your father and I. She forgave me a long time ago and in fact we've become good friends."
I shook my head "you're lying."
"Fine think what you will" she sighed getting to her feet. "However I think you should know I wasn't the only one hoping Kathryn and you would eventually get together. In fact it was your mother who suggested the idea to me. She has long since hoped you'd get over this rebellious trouble making phase and settle down with one girl. Kathryn."
"Settle down?" I repeated. "You don't mean..."
Tiffani snickered "she's practically made up the guest list. Of course it's your decision. You and Kathryn are free to do what you like but it's just something to think about. I know it would please your mother and I greatly if you decided to eventually plan a future together." Gathering up her coat she headed towards the door. "Well I have to be on my way. Tell Kathryn good night for me and I'll talk to her tomorrow. Good bye Sebastian."
As she exited I was left gawking at the door completely speechless. I wasn't sure what rattled me more: the fact that my mother was apparently best buddies with my fathers ex-mistress or that they were planning my wedding to Kathryn. Turning back to the bar I poured my glass of water down the drain and replaced it with vodka. Straight.
After gulping it down I walked back to the bedroom as if in a daze. Kathryn was still in the shower so I took a seat on the bed and considered this new information. Marriage. Marrying Kathryn. Wife. Marriage. Kathryn.
There wasn't enough alcohol in the western hemisphere to make me forget that idea.
Eventually the bathroom door opened and Kathryn came out in a silk robe drying her damp hair with a towel. "Hey, I take it she left?"
"Yeah" I muttered my head still focused on that very frightening idea.
She snickered "so what did you have to say to her to make her leave?" When I didn't respond Kathryn asked "Sebastian?"
"What?"
"What's wrong with you? Did she say something to you?"
I nodded dully "yeah you could say that."
"Well what was it?"
I studied her a moment trying to decide whether or not I should tell her. Finally I realized there was no way I could keep it to my self. Leaning closer towards her I took a deep breath and explained "according to your mother, she's like best friends with my mom and apparently, you're not going to believe this." I waited a beat before dropping the bomb. "They are practically planning our wedding."
Kathryn's face fell. "Oh that."
My eyebrows shot up as I pulled away from her. "Wait a minute you knew about this?"
"Yes" she sighed as she fixed her hair in the mirror.
I wasn't sure whether to be angry or fall over in stunned disbelief that she had kept this bit of information to herself. Trying my best to keep calm I asked "why didn't you bother to tell me this?"
"Well I had a feeling you'd act like a petulant child and throw a tantrum. Sort of like you're doing now."
Grabbing hold of the chair she was sitting in I spun her around to face me. My teeth clenched I hissed "how long have you know about this?"
Kathryn let out a tired sigh, "about a year."
"A YEAR?!" I stood over her and screamed.
"Oh calm the fuck down Valmont." Getting to her feet she crossed her arms to her chest and explained. "You want to know why I never told you about this? Well for starters every time I bring up the subject of my mother you go off on a tirade. Second did it ever occur to you that I might not WANT to marry you?"
Strangely enough it hadn't. "Well why not?"
Kathryn rolled her eyes and sat back down. "Sebastian no one is dragging you off to Tiffany's to buy me a diamond ring so just relax."
Even though I knew she had a point I was still annoyed she knew about this and never told me. Loosening the tie around my neck I began to get undressed and get into bed. "The only person who will be deciding my future is me. Not you or my mother and especially not your mother. Now I'm going to sleep."
Kathryn went back into the bathroom to dry her hair. Try as I might I couldn't fall asleep. The events of the previous two days weighted heavily on my mind. I couldn't imagine being married to anyone let alone Kathryn. I was only eighteen for Christ's sake.
I was still wide awake when Kathryn came out of the bathroom. Dressed in a white night gown made of lace and satin she pulled her dark locks into a pony tail as she approached the bed. "Are you still pouting?" she teased.
"Fuck off" I huffed.
She climbed into bed and got on top of me. Even though my mind was very much on other things I still got hard when her weight rested atop me. Running a finger down my face she asked "what you thinking about? Wedding cakes?"
Avoiding her eyes I stared up at the ceiling and told her coldly "I'm not in the mood for your shit. I'm going to sleep."
"Not until I'm done playing with you, you aren't." Kathryn bent her head down and began to gently kiss my neck and collar bone. As her wet tongue flicked against my skin her hands wandered down to my chest.
"Stop it" I protested half heartedly.
"No" she laughed as she scooted further down my body. Her mouth danced across my chest planting kisses here and there. Kathryn stoped at my nipples and circled her tongue around the pink bud. Without warning she bit down hard. My body arched involuntarily and I let out a hiss. She looked up at me with a predatory glint in her eye. She definitely wanted to play.
Still I didn't want to give her the satisfaction of playing along. I let my face fall into a mask of indifference as I pretend to be interested by something out the window. Kathryn didn't let this stop her though. She continued on her journey down my body and then much to my annoyance she began to hum the wedding march. "Dum, dum, da dum" she giggled. "Dum, dum, da dum."
"You're not funny"
At last she arrived at my underwear. Pealing the fabric from my body slowly she tossed it aside with careless grace, as my erection sprung free betraying my supposed lack of interest. Kathryn pretended to study it as if it's the first time she's seen a cock. She moveed her face in real close and begins to breath against me. "Hmm, now correct me if I'm wrong but when a boy isn't interested in you does in dick usually get this big and hard?"
Oh fuck you. I scowled at her but she just grinned back at me mischievously. For a moment I was tempted to cum right there, all over her pretty face. That would certainly wipe off that smug grin. However the prospect of her mouth around me was just too tempting to pass up. Instead I sneered "if you are going to insist on being a tease can you please just get on with -oh."
I was immediately silenced when she suddenly engulfed my cock into her mouth. When I say engulf I mean she swallowed the whole god damn thing. Apparently the concept of a gag reflex was lost on this girl and I for one was quite pleased. Kathryn took me into the back of her throat and right away she began sucking like crazy. I started to gently thrust my hips as my hands reached down for something to grab a hold of. I squeezed her bobbing shoulders and then clumsily tugged at her hair.
My mind was both working at warp speed and not at all. I wondered why we hadn't done this before and why I was protesting it to begin with. Kathryn was most definitely in her element. I grit my teeth and grimaced trying hard not to yell out. In the back of my head I was still trying to make believe I was not into this even though it had become flagrantly apparent that I was. Then she did it. Her tongue began to lick the sensitive skin underneath my prick as her free hand fondled my balls. Reaching back I gripped the bed post and groaned "oh shit. There, right there."
As she slid me back into her throat I could feel her laughing or moaning or both. Kathryn was obviously enjoying her victory over me and truth be told so was I. A second later I couldn't hold back any more so with by eyes squeezed tight I thrust one final time and emptied myself into her mouth. My orgasm riped through me as I trembled and shook not caring for once how vulnerable this made me appear.
Slowly my body relaxed and an immediate sense of bliss washed over me. I felt content and happy, all the anger from earlier seemingly melted away. Now I could definitely fall asleep.
I thought she would want me to return the favor but she didn't move further up the bed to join me. Instead she rested her head on my abdomen. Reaching down I gently touched her face and she looked up at me. I gave her a genuine smile, a gesture that only seems possible when I'm with her. When my fingers slid across her lips she kissed them and said "so marriage, perhaps it wouldn't be so bad."
Strangely enough I find myself agreeing with her. "No it wouldn't" I whisper back hoarsely.
Kathryn laid her face against my stomach and I caressed her hair as I listened to her breath. Eventually she fell asleep but I laid wide awake watching her. With stunning clarity I realize for the first time in my life I was content. I was happy.
I was in love.
* * * * * *
I should never have left her. It was only for a moment, just to run down the street to the drug store for a pack of cigarette's. I was only gone for twenty minutes but it was plenty of time for everything to fall to shit.
Returning to the hotel I stepped into the elevator and admired the bundle of pink roses in my hand that I had picked up at the florist for Kathryn. I plucked a few as I hummed merrily in my head. When the elevator operator smiled at me I didn't scowl back as I normally would have. Instead I smiled back and slipped a fifty into his pocket.
My almost intoxicatingly good mood came to an abrupt halt when I stepped off the elevator and saw Jackson coming towards me. He was smiling happily, almost triumphantly as he approached. "Hey Valmont" he greeted my pleasantly as he passed by. "Nice flowers."
I was too stunned to reply I only stared back in confusion as he got onto the elevator and vanished. Right away I knew something was up. Jackson looked far too pleased with himself for things to be okay. Immediately I strode down the hall to Kathryn's suit. As I entered I was greeted by the harsh sounds of drawers slamming and feet stomping around. "Kathryn" I called out as I headed towards the bedroom.
She was inside all right running around the room throwing things into the open suitcase on the bed. Kathryn didn't bother to fold anything she just pushed it down and slammed it shut. When I walked in her head shot up and I noticed right away that her eyes were puffy and red like she had just got done crying. "Kathryn" I exclaimed rushing to her side. "What the hell happened? I just saw Jackson. What did he do to you?"
To my utter astonishment she tossed off the hand I had placed on her shoulder and looked up at ME with accusing eyes. "Don't touch me" she hissed.
She attempted she move past me but I blocked her and grabbed hold of her arm. "Wait a minute."
"Keep your fucking hands off me Valmont!" she screamed.
"What the hell is going on? What did Jackson do?"
"Jackson hasn't done anything. It's what you've done"
For the life of me I couldn't figure out what's going on. All I knew was I had never seen Kathryn that angry or upset in my entire life. Moving towards her I asked "what did I do?"
"What did you do?" she hisses at me with such malevolence I took a step back from her. "Jackson told me the truth! He's in love with me!" Kathryn began to slowly advance on me as I continued to step back. "He's been in love with me all this time. He told you that, the night of your parents party but you talked him out of telling me. YOU filled his head with all this bullshit just so you could get me into bed. Well was it worth it Sebastian? Was I worth it? Was getting inside me worth destroying the only happiness I've ever had?"
"Kathryn I-"
Before I could get out my excuse, which lets face it was non existent, Kathryn hit me hard across the face sending me stumbling back into the desk. As I looked back at her in surprise she shook her head and sneered "I don't want to hear your bullshit excuses. We both know the only reason you did it was to win our bet, which by the way you didn't. You knew the only way to win was to cheat. Your victory was hollow just like you." Stepping towards me she grabbed me gruffly by the shirt and hissed "you're nothing more than an empty, shallow playboy. The only thing you're good for Sebastian is giving girls a decent fuck, if that. You're nothing."
Pushing me away she turned and grabbed her suitcase from off the bed. I watched her too stunned to know how to respond. Suddenly I remembered something and with shaky legs I darted over to my own bag. I fished around until I found the famous leather bound book. Running up to Kathryn I placed it in her hands and told her "take it. I never cared about it anyway. It doesn't matter now. You're the only thing that matters to me Kathryn" I pleaded with her. "Please you have to understand. Just read it and it will explain everything."
She looked down at the book in her hands and then back at me her eyes filled with disgust. Without a word she turned and tossed the book in the fireplace. I watched stupefied for a moment as my cherished book slowly burned. I looked up just in time to see Kathryn head for the door. I ran after her so desperate at this point I didn't care how pathetic I looked. Grabbing her arm I beg "please Kathryn just listen to me. I love you!"
Turning around she pushed me off of her and I fell to the floor. Looking down at me she sneered "you're pathetic. I never loved you. It was always Jackson. He's the one I love. It will never be you."
Without another word Kathryn charged out of the hotel room slamming the door behind her. With no more strength left I collapsed against the chair and let the only thing I ever truly cared about walk out of my life. There was nothing to say, there was nothing to be done. I had lost. It was with that final thought that every emotional wall I had ever put up began to crumble and I began to cry.
- to be continued (Please Review)
