AN: Thank you to everyone who's reading! Thanks especially for the reviews, they make the writing easier. J
Stephenie Meyer is the owner and creator of all things Twilight. I'm having fun playing, though!
I also don't own Wicked Games, The lovely Chris Isaac does, however. Awesome video, btw. Very hot ;)
Chapter 3: Wicked Games
Edward
When we got back in Los Angeles, after a simple West Coast bus tour, I was ready to meet the object of my affection. Jimmy continuously tried to coerce me into at least getting a blow job from one of the groupie whores, but to be honest, that didn't appeal to me anymore. I'm a man and I have needs - but I was way to hyped up to get on with my plans to even think about getting it up for a stranger.
As far as what my plan actually entails? Well, I'm still actually without an outline, per se, but it definitely involves finding out where Bella is, and then somehow being there, too. I'm not going to stalk her, if that's what your thinking - just some preemptive and proactive information hunting should suffice.
We'd been back for a week already, but knowing Aro, our time off couldn't last much longer. That thought was interrupted by a text message alert. From Aro. I shut my laptop of the image of Bella Swan's newest ad campaign for Ketel One Vodka - I already admitted to obsessing, so keep your thoughts to yourself - and grabbed my phone off of my bed.
Meet at my office in an hour. Got numbers from west tour, and Sam wants to talk about direction for the Scream in Silence video. Pls inform J and J as well. - Aro
I was actually amped to work with Sam. Or Samuel Bayer, as he's known in the music video directing world. He was the man back in the days when MTV actually showed music, instead of disgusting, scripted, reality programming like Laguna Beach, and more disappointingly, Jersey Shore. He's worked with Nirvana for christs sake. Fucking amazing.
I responded quickly in the affirmative, grabbed my leather, and keys, and headed to the parking garage where my babies were kept. I decided to take my bike, a fully restored 1970 Triumph Roadster, and headed to Aro's office in West Hollywood. Hoping the whole way that my helmet would keep me inconspicuous. The last thing I fucking needed was a pap swarm. Their like flies on shit, those paparazzi. I appreciate my fans, and understand the importance of being a "public figure" and that essentially, that means I free to the publics scrutiny, but just once, I'd like to go to a regular pub, get a beer and play some fucking pool, without being rushed by screams and camera flashes. I've been deemed as "untouchable" thus far, by the media. Both in relation to women, and interviewers, and I'd like it to stay that way.
Not like I haven't been with women. I mean, that's a fucking joke. I just never do dates… or relationships. I've never been publicly linked to anyone. That fact helps tremendously with the journalists, however, as without any sex drama, they have very little reason to want to talk to me. It doesn't keep them from trying for a million dollar photo, though. The pap to get a shot actually placing me with a woman, will probably be made famous, or win a privacy invasion award of some kind. It's probably a big silver trophy with a cockroach holding a camera - or something like that.
The receptionist, Giana Curerri, waves me back with a smile and a flirtatious lick of her lips. She's an Italian goddess, with long legs, and a gorgeous natural rack, but she's also Aro's daughter in law. When I say daughter-in-law, I use that term loosely, because actually she's Maria's partner. Together, they look like a walking porno. An Italian and Spanish masterpiece of feminine power. Giana and Maria are enough to give any octogenarian suffering from age induced erectile dysfunction a full-fledged boner. And they are very… affectionate. Jasper has tried several times to get a little threesome action with the girls. To no avail, unfortunately. Giana flirts with me, because she likes to fuck with me, but I happen to know that those girls are very serious. And very monogamous.
"Hey G, I'm heading on back," I wave and wink.
"Go ahead, bellissimo, Jimmie and Jasper are already here."
I walked into Aro's pretentious office, to see Jimmy sitting next to Jazz on the plush red leather couch, looking toward the door as if waiting for my presence to begin. Jazz was ringing his hands together in what looked to be excitement. Jimmie had a knowing smirk plastered on his hideous grill, directed at me.
What the hell?
I took a seat next to Jasper, and looked around in confusion. "Okay, I'm here, what's up? Where's Sam?"
Aro glanced up from his computer. "Sam will be here in a few moments, I wanted to discuss the numbers from the west coast tour." And then he droned about venue cost and profit division. Since it was a small bus tour, we made out well, but not nearly what we make on an overseas haul. Just as Aro was finishing up, and handing us our checks, there was a knock on the door.
"Come on in, Sam." Aro stood, and we all followed his direction. In walked Samuel fucking Bayer, in all his genius. We all shook hands, and I actually worried he would detect my nerves. My hands were clammy.
Hey, just because I'm a signed recording artist, and one of the most profound of the last decade, doesn't mean for one second that I don't get star-struck.
He got right to the point after introductions were made.
"Alright guys, I wanted to talk to you about where I see this video going. I want to bring it back to basics. No big cinematography tricks, or CGI. I'm thinking a re-make of an old Chris Isaac classic. Not a remake, actually, more like an 'inspired by' type of thing." he looked to each of us for our reaction. Jimmie just kept that smug ass grin on his stupid face. When none of us spoke, he continued.
"Come on guys, Wicked Games? Hot brunette in her underwear, covered in sand?" I looked at him like he was speaking German.
"With all due respect, Mr. Bayer -" I began, with trepidation. "You seriously think that we should base the video for "Scream in Silence" on a half naked chick rolling around in the sand? Doesn't that seem a bit… I don't know… cheap?"
I wanted to take back the word as soon as it was spoken. I couldn't even look at his face as I waited for a reply to my extremely tactless statement.
"I appreciate your input, and I only want you guys to be satisfied with the end result." he replied with a small smile. Wow, what a cool guy.
"But, I also have a very tasteful vision here. Scream in Silence is essentially a ballad. It's raw, and sensual, and I think we need to put a face to the image we conjure when we hear your voice rasp the chorus. Just like in Wicked Games, the sensuality of the song matched wholeheartedly with that of the video. I also think we should use someone recognizable. A household name. I have it on very good authority, that Bella Swan is interested in participating. Her agent has already gotten back to me," he continued speaking but I was too busy hyperventilating to listen. Jimmie leaned over with an amused twinkle in his eye, and slapped me hard on my back.
"So, what do you think, Edward? You look a bit frantic. Would you rather I find a different model? If you're not comfortable working with Miss Swan, then-"
"No! No, um… I mean, shit!" Sam just raised an eyebrow at my outburst. Cool fucking guy. Jimmy, however, let out a snort and a chuckle. Dirty bastard. I took a breath and squared my shoulders, glancing again at the confused, and in Jimmy's case, amused faces of my band mates. Then I looked directly in the eyes of Samuel Bayer and started, "What I meant to say, Mr. Bayer, is that we look forward to this vision coming to fruition. It's truly an honor to work with you, and would also be an honor to work with the lovely Miss Swan. Just let us know when and where we're needed." I looked once more, this time with confidence and anticipation coloring my stance., to Jasper and Jim for confirmation of my assurances. They both nodded, and stood to shake Sam's hand.
Jumping on my bike to head back to my condo, I looked to the sky and smiled blindingly. I could feel the breeze on my wisdom teeth, I smiled so wide.
Fate just handed me a fucking Royal Flush,
Edward Cullen is going all motherfucking in.
Wicked games indeed.
Let them begin.
End Notes: Okay, I know I said they would meet in this chapter, but it just didn't fit. Next chapter for sure, though! And, I'm willing to knock it out by tomorrow evening since this one was short and filler-esque. Please leave a review guys? I cherish even the shortest acknowledgement, good or bad…
See ya'll tomorrow!
x Susie