Foreign Affairs: The Rewrite
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Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to the Choices universe, including anything in or relating to the world of Foreign Affairs. Enjoy!
Previously on Foreign Affairs...
"Your attempt at flattery is painfully obvious...but I do like a good challenge. What're we working with?"
I leaned closer towards her conspiratively as I continued, "We need to keep Prince Philip busy for at least half an hour. Any ideas?"
She hummed for a minute as she thought. Then she slowly looked back at me, a mischievous gleam in her eyes.
"I think I've got a plan..."
Chapter Fifteen pt. 1: Witch Hunt
"Prince Philip! There you are..." I greeted with a plastered smile. He glanced around over my shoulder, hardly acknowledging my presence at all.
"Have you seen Dionne? I had this time blocked out on my schedule for bonding—at her request, I might add—but she's disappeared."
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. What a dreamboat.
"No, but I thought you should know that Richard Ellison is interested in speaking with you," I continued. Philip finally turned his attention towards me.
Gotcha.
"What does he want?" he asked suspiciously.
"He and Evelyn were just discussing solar and wind farms, and I'd heard you were wanting to increase Ulmeria's green energy. He'd love to discuss it with you."
He tilted his head up as he studied me. After a moment, he gave me a curt nod.
"Very well. I suppose I can hear him out."
As if on cue, Evelyn approached with Mr. Ellison. We said a polite goodbye to the gentlemen as they began to banter. She grinned wickedly at me as we scurried off.
"That should buy us some time. Now, onto phase two. I'll go get Peter," she whispered.
I bit back an excited squeal as she hurried over to the shy prince. In the wise words of John 'Hannibal' Smith, I love it when a plan comes together!
As I moved to head to the back of the boat, a large figure stepped in front of me, blocking my path. I looked up to see the ugly mug of Agent Miller, his arms crossed in front of him and his eyes narrowed.
"What are you doing with Evelyn Kassis?" he asked, sounding suspicious.
I glared up at him. "It's none of your business. Now if you'd excuse me—" I moved to brush past him, but he quickly reached out and grabbed my arm.
"Everything you do is my business. She's not on your approved list of close acquaintances," he said lowly. Tension rolled through my shoulders as I seethed silently, trying my very hardest to not make a scene.
"She's my classmate. I'm approving her. Now get your hands off of me," I spat back, a sharp warning in my tone.
He continued to glare down at me, but reluctantly dropped his hold on my arm. "I think it's clear from the tabloids that your judgement can't be trusted in these matters."
My fists clenched so tightly, I felt as if my nails would draw blood from my palms.
"Miller. Get away from me before I have you dropped off on the nearest island," I growled. This time as I marched past him, he thankfully made no move to stop me. Though I could still feel his angry glower bearing into my back as I made my way to the stern of the ship.
I silently creeped toward where Evelyn was standing by the back railing. We leaned over slightly, managing to catch a glimpse of Dionne and Peter on the deck below.
"Dionne?" Peter asked as he approached, his voice soft and full of concern. "What's going on? Evelyn said you wanted to talk to me in private. Is everything okay?"
She bit her lip as she shook her head.
"No, Peter. Everything is not okay. I...I don't love Philip. I don't even like Philip."
He stared at her with wide, unblinking eyes. "What?" he manage to mutter.
She wrang her fingers nervously. "I thought I could suck it up and go along with this arrangement, but it's making me miserable." He frowned as he laid a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Di. I wish I could help. I...I know how hard it is to feel unhappy with the way things are," he said gently. She looked up at him, meeting his gaze.
"Why do we put up with it, then? Why not do what we want for a change?"
He gulped.
"Meaning...," he trailed off, eyes locked nervously on hers.
She let out a shaky breath as she grabbed ahold of his shoulders.
"Meaning...this."
Dionne pulled him towards her, crashing her lips onto his own. Peter gasped at first, clearly taken off guard, before recovering quickly and returning her embrace. She smiled brightly up at him as they pulled apart.
"Peter..."
His brows suddenly furrowed with worry. "Wait, but what does this mean for our countries?" he asked, sounding panicked. She shrugged.
"I'm still figuring that part out yet. But I'm willing to find a way. Are you?"
He stared down into her eyes lovingly as he pulled her closer.
"Absolutely."
As the two love birds went back to kissing, Evelyn and I silently retreated back. Evelyn bit her lip, fighting back a smile.
"That was...surprisingly sweet."
I smiled back at her before my expression grew more serious.
"You won't tell anyone about this, will you? At least until Dionne and Peter have figured out a plan?" She shook her head fervently.
"Of course I won't. They're playing a dangerous game, but..." She glanced back towards the back railing, where our two lovedope friends were embracing below. "Good for them for trying to be happy."
I linked arms with her as joined back with the rest of the party.
"Thanks, Evelyn. This'll mean a lot to those two crazy kids."
I sipped at my drink as I watched Richard Ellison finally manage to extricate himself from Philip. The poor guy—a casualty to the war of love. Suddenly Dionne came barreling into my side, a huge grin on her face and happy tears brimming in her eyes.
I chuckled as I asked, "So...how'd it go?" She rolled her eyes playfully at me, barely containing her excited shrieks and squeals.
"Do you really have to ask?"
I shook my head proudly. "Nope! But I do wanna know..." I leaned in close as I dropped my voice into a whisper. "Is Peter a good kisser?"
Dionne reeled back with a gasp.
"Lorelai!" she hissed. I let out a laugh as I playfully pushed her shoulder.
"Oh, come on. You know you wanna tell me!"
She glanced around suspiciously to make sure nobody was listening, then she leaned in close to my ear.
"Life-changingly good," she breathed. I held in a happy scream as I turned to give her a big hug.
"I'm so happy for you, Di. And I promise, I'm going to do everything I can to help find a way out of this betrothal for you two."
She wrapped her arms around me, hugging me just as tight. "Thank you, Lorelai. This meant...everything," she whispered, her voice full of emotion. "You're the best friend I've ever had." I shrugged nonchalantly as we pulled away.
"It was nothing. It doesn't even come close to everything you've done for me."
She gave me a lopsided smile.
"I don't know about that. But either way...thanks."
As we made our way back towards the other dignitaries, my stomach grumbled loudly. Oh, yeah. In all the excitement of today, I hadn't had time to eat any of the hors d'oeuvres. I licked my lips as a waiter passed by with a tray of oysters.
"Mmm, thank you!" I said as I plucked one from the tray. Before I had the chance to bring it to my mouth, a blur reached out and snatched it out of my hand.
"Hey!" I shouted as I turned to look at the culprit. "Miller, why did—"
He held up a hand to stop me. "You can't eat this."
I raised an eyebrow at him.
"What? Why not?"
He narrowed his eyes at me. "Because you should let me taste all your food for you. Poisoning is the leading method of political assassinations." I placed my hands firmly on my hips.
"I only grabbed one. If you taste it, I can't eat it," I stated flatly.
Without another word, he brought the oyster to his lips and threw it back, swallowing it in one gulp. Then, he dropped the shell back into my hand with a smile.
"And you don't die," he finally replied.
I rolled my eyes at him as I dropped my hands back to my sides. "And? Are you dying? Can I go chase the waiter down for another one now?" I nearly snarled, making zero effort to hide the annoyance in my voice.
He shook his head back at me. "You'll need to wait at least an hour to be sure." My jaw dropped as I stared at him in disbelief.
"I am gonna murder you with my bare hands," I grumbled under my breath as I glowered up at him.
"Hey, new guy?" Blaine asked, suddenly jumping between the two of us. "Are you who I should talk to about the shady dude by the champagne crates?"
Miller's head immediately swiveled over the crowd as he scanned the area.
"Where?" he asked gruffly.
Blaine motioned with his head as he said, "Portside." Without another word, Miller stomped off to investigate. My blood continued to boil as I watched the maniac leave. Blaine turned to me with a smirk.
"You're welcome," he said quietly.
I let out a deep exhale as I smiled at him.
"You just saved my life. Or Miller's. One of the two, for sure."
He bowed mockingly as he said, "Happy to be of service. Besides it seemed like the only way to get you a well-deserved break." I raised an eyebrow as I settled against the rail next to him, my arm brushing his.
"And how do you suggest I spend that break?" I asked, feigning innocence. His smirk widened at me.
"Doing whatever it is you want. Though I did have a few ideas..." He waggled his eyebrows suggestively, eliciting a laugh from me.
"Of course you do."
A small silence fell over us as we watched the crowd of important people rubbing elbows with the other important people. "So...," he started. "Your mom seems to be in a good mood. Or is her campaign face just that good?" I shrugged.
"Probably both. It's hard to crack her facade, but as far as I can tell, the fundraiser is going well."
He smiled genuinely at me.
"Good. You could use a win."
I let out a heavy sigh as I watched the sun begin to dip towards the horizon.
"I just hope we can keep up the momentum with the Peace Summit in a few days. A day on the water won't mean much if we lose there." The many different fears and worries that had been plaguing me all semester came swirling back into my brain—full force.
Until Blaine nudged me with his elbow, pulling me out of my trance. "Just because you've still got work ahead doesn't mean you can't celebrate the little victories along the way. And I know the perfect way to blow off some steam," he said slyly. I cocked a suspicious eyebrow at him.
"What did you have in mind?"
He flashed me another smirk as he pushed off from the railing. "Just meet us all down on the lower deck in five. You'll see."
As Blaine trotted off to who knows where, I turned around to face the ocean, resting my hands on the railing. I closed my eyes briefly as I breathed in the scent of the salty air.
"What do you see?" Mom's voice asked from behind me. I opened my eyes and turned to glance at her as she stood next to me. "When you look out there, what do you see?" she repeated.
I concentrated hard on the view before us. The lights of the approaching port twinkled off in the distance, the sky had started to turn a purplish hue, and I could hear the waves crashing against the side of the boat.
But most importantly—I saw peace.
"The bigger picture," I answered simply. Mom cracked a smile as a short silence fell over us, the air filling with the sounds of laughter behind us and lapping waves in front of us.
"You were brilliant today," she continued. "Everyone was so impressed with you, especially me."
I smiled as I tucked my hair behind my ear. "Thanks, Mom." She wrapped an arm around my shoulder and leaned her head against mine.
"Thank you. This has been the most successful fundraiser of my campaign. We've made up a lot of that ground we lost over the last few weeks."
I nodded in agreement.
"Did you get the support you wanted for the Peace Summit?" I asked.
"We're get there." She pulled back to flash me a small smile. "And I know a large part of the reason why is because of you. With the election only a few weeks away, I just hope it's enough to sway the voters."
I reached up to where her hand rested on my shoulder and gave her hand a squeeze.
"I'll do whatever I can to help."
Her smile broadened. "Just keep up what you've been doing. I'll handle the rest." With a quick kiss to my cheek, she walked away to rejoin her guests. I glanced around for any sign of Miller before quickly sneaking off to join my friends on the lower deck.
"Ah! The lady of the hour!" Blaine announced with a smirk as I approached. I bowed mockingly as my friends whooped and hollered.
"Thank you, thank you," I joked. "I'll be here all evening." I plopped down on the seat next to Dionne, feeling suddenly exhausted.
"Lorelai, settle a debate for us," Henri started, readjusting in his seat to face me. "What is the better appetizer? Crab puffs or escargot?"
I pulled a disgusted face at him. "Oh, crab puffs, absolutely. I don't do snails."
Zaira cheered triumphantly at my answer.
"Ha! I told you!"
Henri slumped back in his seat, now looking pouty and defeated.
"I swear, none of you have any taste," he grumbled. We laughed as Blaine handed me a glass of sparkling wine. I took it gratefully. After the night I'd had with my new head of security, I was going to need about thirty more of these.
"You read my mind," I muttered as I immediately took a large gulp.
Alexei laughed as he tossed an hors d'oeuvre into the air and caught it easily in his mouth. "You know, I've been to a lot of political yacht parties. And while they're usually incredibly dull, I gotta say, this one wasn't half bad," he praised.
Blaine smirked over at me.
"Yeah, who knew Rutherlandians knew how to party?"
Zaira rolled her eyes at him as she laughed. "Ha! Like your parents' parties are such thrillers!" I smiled at the two of them before downing the rest of my flute.
"Another round, please!" I called as I raised my empty glass in the air. Peter grimaced sheepishly as he held up the empty bottle.
"Sorry, Lorelai. This was the last of it." Oh no, no, no. That simply won't do. I pursed my lips as I thought. The kitchen was bound to have a few extra bottles, right? But that was all the way back inside...
With a heavy groan, I reluctantly climbed back to my feet. "Back in a flash...with a lot more sparkling wine."
My crowd of friends cheered after me as I ducked back into the interior of the boat. Now, if I was a kitchen, where would I be? I meandered my way through the tight hallways. It had to be around here somewhere...
As I moved to turn the corner, a familiar voice stopped me short.
"I can't believe they hired him. He's already pissed off everyone on the team by extending our hours," I heard Demarco grumble. I pressed a hand against the wall as I leaned in closer to listen. They were talking about Miller, and from the sounds of it, they were as fond of him as I was.
"An old buddy of mine worked with him on a job in Doswa last year. Apparently he's a real tyrant," another bodyguard added.
I jumped as the loud sound of a glass slamming down on a bar top rang out. "We all want to keep the First Daughter safe, but this guy seems to think he's the only one who can do it," Demarco continued, sounding increasingly irritated.
"What happened to Mendoza? He seemed like he had the job under control."
My heart sank at the mention of Tatum.
"He put in for a transfer months ago. Thing is, by the time it came through, he'd changed his mind."
My lungs suddenly stopped breathing and my heart stopped beating. The air around me felt thinner as the hallway got smaller. I stood, frozen, staring off into space in horror.
...What?
"So why'd he take it?"
Yeah! Why'd he take it?!
"Lorelai told him to," Demarco said with a heavy sigh. I felt as if I'd just been punched in the gut, my lunch lurching to my throat.
Tatum wasn't going to tell me he wanted the military job... He was going to tell me he wanted to stay! I dropped my face into my hands as I inwardly kicked myself. I can't believe he only left because I told him to! Because I thought that was his dream.
The world around me felt as if it was spinning and I felt like I was suffocating. I just needed to get outside—get some fresh, open air. I turned to make my way back towards the deck, all the promises of wine forgotten. I rested a hand on the wall to keep myself upright as I walked.
I stumbled out of the door and stopped short, my eyes still wide. Dionne caught my eye immediately. As the others continued to laugh and joke, she raced over towards me.
"Lorelai? What's wrong?" she asked, brows furrowed with worry. I opened my mouth to talk, but nothing would come out. I shook my head in disbelief as I finally managed to force out the words.
"It's...Tatum. He wanted to stay. He thought I was asking him to leave." Dionne's eyes widened as understanding dawned on her. The world around me moved in slow motion...until it started to very, very rapidly speed up. The panic began to well in me as the numbing shock started to wear off.
"So this whole thing was avoidable!" I exclaimed. "I was just trying to be supportive! I didn't realize he'd take it as a dismissal!"
Dionne quickly moved to push me inside away from the others and out of earshot.
"Well, what's with the sad face?" she asked. "It's not too late until he sets food on that military base. Go after him!" All I could do was stare at her, my feet feeling like they were planted to the ground beneath me. For all I knew, he was already on his flight and was long gone.
Her surprised expression melted into a soft, loving one as she continued, "It's a day for no regrets, after all. You showed me that." I just gaped at her. Like a fish out of water.
"I—"
She shook her head as she placed her hands on my shoulders. "I said go, Lorelai!"
I wasn't sure if it was the liquid courage from the glass of sparkling wine I had downed just minutes earlier or if it was Dionne's pep talk, but before I knew it, my feet were walking out from under me back towards where I'd overhead Demarco talking with the other guards.
"Demarco!" I called. His attention snapped over to me as he hurried over on high alert.
"What is it, Miss Monroe?" he asked.
I couldn't help the smile on my face as I replied, "As soon as this ship docks, you're driving me to the airport. We're not coming back until Tatum comes back home with us."
He stared at me, eyes wide and jaw slack. That expression really seemed to be the theme of the night.
"I-I'd be happy to, but Agent Miller is my superior officer. If he doesn't authorize the travel plan—"
I shook my head, effectively cutting him off. "Let me deal with Miller. Just be ready." He stared at me for a moment longer. Then his expression cleared and his eyes lit up. I raced back to the upper deck to find the lights of the port growing closer and closer.
Demarco raced up after me and bolted for the gangway. Like some kind of virus, Miller appeared at my side out of nowhere. Right on schedule.
"We'll disembark the way we arrived. Then, we're going straight to your suite on campus to make curfew," he stated immediately. "Tomorrow, I'll speak to the dean about having Princess Serrano reassigned to a separate suite."
That does it.
"Like hell you will," I snarled up at him. "You're fired."
This time, Miller was the one left sputtering. He stared at me with wide, disbelieving eyes. "What? You can't—"
"Watch me," I spat. As I shoved past Miller—hard, he staggered back. His arms flailed wildly as he tipped over the side of the gangway, landing in the water with a heavy splash.
"Oh no! Agent Miller fell in!" I yelled in mock surprise.
Mom gasped as she ran over to where I stood near the railing. "How did that happen?!" she asked. One of her bodyguards cleared his throat as he stepped forward.
"I think I saw him drinking a little champagne on the job, Madam President. He insisted he 'poison test' everything for Miss Lorelai. But not to worry, we'll fish him out."
Mom's eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms and looked down to where Miller was flailing in the water.
"Good. After you do, I'm dismissing him. 'Poison test' your drinks? We're on a yacht I hired."
Demarco quickly stepped forward. "I'll just see Miss Lorelai home then, Madam President." She nodded in approval at him.
"Please do. I should have known Agent Miller wouldn't be a good fit...," she grumbled as she turned to storm off. I spun around to face Demarco, a wildly happy grin on both of our faces.
Then together, we raced down the gangway, leaving a drenched and sputtering Miller behind on the docks.
Let's go get my man.
The forty-five minute drive to the airport was the longest forty-five minutes of my life. Demarco barely had time to throw the car in park before we were racing inside. With a few flashes of his badge, he quickly skirted me past security. It was getting late, so the airport was fairly empty.
I hurried down the different terminals, my eyes searching at the different destination signs above each gate. Come on, come on, come on...That one! The only flight to Rutherland!
A deep sense of fear gripped my heart as I watched the flight attendants hurry along the dwindling line of boarding passengers. I hurried closer to the gate, my heart pounding in my ears as I scanned every face in the boarding line. My heart skipped a beat as I laid eyes on a certain dark-haired, muscular stud in his classic leather jacket.
I breathed out a quick sigh of relief before yelling out, "Tatum!"
His head whipped around to face me, eyes wide. I panted as I ran over to him, Demarco following right behind me. My lungs burned for air and my leg was starting to ache, but I didn't care. All that mattered was that I'd made it on time.
"Lorelai? Demarco?" he asked, looking completely shellshocked. "What are you doing here?!"
"I came...," I panted, "to ask you...not...to go."
He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion at me. "But last night you said..."
I held up a hand to stop him as I shook my head, willing my ragged breathing to slow.
"I never wanted you go to. I only said what I did because it's what I thought you wanted. I didn't want you to feel like I was standing in your way."
He took a step forward, and for a second, looked as if he was about to reach out to me. "You could never be in my way...," he said quietly back. Regret washed over his features as his head hung low. "But Winston's already sent off the paperwork. They know I'm coming."
I shook my head furiously.
"Screw the military, Tatum! You have a presidential pardon," I replied, my voice pleading. "My mom will sign whatever she needs to in order to undo it, you know she would in a heartbeat."
He frowned at me. "It doesn't work like that. There are rules, systems of rank..."
"I'm pretty sure as Commander-in-Chief, she outranks everyone in the entire frickin' country," I countered.
I watched him hesitate, his expression a mask. Even still, I knew him well enough to see the thoughts that were whirring just beneath.
"Listen, I appreciate you coming out here and finding me, I really do...," he started. I felt a spike of fear in my wildly thumping heart as I took a step closer, taking his hands in mine.
"Then stay...please," I whispered.
He looked at me with heartbreak in his eyes. "I want to, Lorelai. But..."
"Tatum," I said abruptly, staring deep into his big, warm, beautiful brown eyes. "I love you."
His jaw slacked open. He stared at me, unblinking, as if he was afraid this was all a dream. "Say it again," I barely heard him breathe. The corner of my lips quirked up into a small, lopsided smile as I gave his hands a soft squeeze.
"I love you, Tatum Mendoza."
A ragged breath escaped his throat as his eyes flitted across my face. Like he was trying to memorize everything about this moment. "Lorelai...do you mean that?" I nodded as I lifted a hand to cup his cheek.
"Of course I do. Ever since we were kids. With everything we've been through...how could I not fall for you?"
The broadest smile I'd ever seen from him slipped onto his lips as he wrapped his arms around my waist and lifted me in the air, spinning us around in a circle with a hearty, delighted laugh.
I giggled as I stared down at him. Slowly, he set me back down on the ground, looking back deeply into my eyes.
"I can think of a million reasons how you couldn't...but I'd much rather believe you," he said, impossibly softly.
I looked up at him hopefully as I asked, "Does that mean you'll stay?" He nodded, smiling brightly down at me. My heart soared against my ribcage and my cheeks ached at my impossibly wide smile.
"Yes, Lorelai, I'll stay. Because I love you, too. I've loved you since the moment I first laid eyes on you," he said adoringly. Happy tears welled up in my eyes as I threw my arms around his neck and pulled him into the tightest hug I'd ever given. He chuckled as his strong arms snaked back around me protectively.
"Oh, thank God!" Demarco shouted from beside us.
We both jumped at the sound of his voice, having completely forgotten that he'd been standing right there. He quickly covered his mouth, barely suppressing a giddy laugh as he began to back away.
"Sorry, I mean, I'm gonna go...patrol the perimeter, now that Agent Mendoza is back on duty," he finished with a smile.
As Demarco made himself scarce, I looked back up at Tatum, and the rest of the world melted away, leaving just the two of us behind.
"If I'm being honest, there were a few times that I almost told you," he muttered, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. My eyes widened as I pulled away slightly to gape up at him.
"What? When?"
He brought up a hand to rub the back of his neck as he said, "Well, not counting the hundreds of times in high school that I chickened out of..., I almost told you right after our first kiss at the lake,...the time we made snow angels up at the resort,...and then once again when I spent the night with you after your attack..."
He gently wiped at a stray tear that streaked down my cheek, before resting his forehead against mine.
"I never told you because...," he whispered, "well, because I was afraid I'd just be a burden to you." I shook my head as I furrowed my eyebrows up at him.
"Tatum, you could never be a burden to me," I whispered back honestly.
He smirked a little. "Even when I make you chase me down in an airport like in some kind of rom-com?" I let out a small giggle.
"You didn't make me do anything. I made that choice. And that's why you'll never feel like a 'burden' to me. Because I'm always going to choose you."
We smiled adoringly at each other, like two goofs that were impossibly in love. The sound of the flight attendant announcing the last boarding call rang out above us, but neither of us noticed.
"I choose you, too."
As I tilted my head up, he met me halfway, capturing my lips with his. Fireworks exploded behind my closed eyes, lighting up the usual darkness with every color imaginable.
It was the most storybook, toe-curling, foot-popping kiss I'd ever had.
"Lorelai...," he whispered as he pulled back the slightest bit, sending a shiver down my spine. "I love you...I love you so unbelievably much..." I smiled as I gently rested my forehead against his. He brought a hand up to gently stroke my cheek.
"I love you, too, Tatum. Always have."
His lips came crashing against mine again, this time with a whole new wave of passion. My toes curled as I sighed contently against him. I don't think there's ever been a time in my life that I was happier than I was right this second. I deepened the kiss as the world around us continued to fade into just the distant rumblings of planes taking off overhead.
I pulled back again, only for the sake of oxygen, as I muttered, "I'm never letting you leave my arms again." He smiled as he pressed a sweet, tender kiss to my lips.
"As you wish."
I let out a gasp as he guided me backward, until I was trapped between his hard body and the wall. His tender kisses rapidly turned fiery as he coaxed my mouth open so his tongue could sweep inside. I let myself get lost in his embrace, blissfully unaware...
Until someone nearby pointedly cleared their throat.
We broke apart and slowly turned our gazes towards Demarco.
"Sorry to interrupt, but the rest of the team is expecting us back soon," he said, desperately trying to hide his smile. "But, uh, welcome back, boss."
Tatum chuckled as he reached out to clap a hand on the agent's shoulder. "Thanks, Demarco."
I slipped my hand into his, intertwining our fingers together. As we left the airport, hand and hand, I couldn't help but feel like I was bursting with confidence now that Tatum was back where he belonged—right by my side.
In the days following, we'd fallen back into our old routine with Tatum back at the helm. Mom was ecstatic to hear that Tatum had changed his mind about the transfer and immediately welcomed him back with open arms. Demarco had promised to keep our secret safe. Apparently, the rest of my security detail had all placed bets behind Tatum's back for when we'd finally get together—Murphy included.
And while we'd finally admitted our true feelings for each other after all these years, things still had to be on the down-low. Tatum literally just gotten his job back. We couldn't risk him losing it again so quickly.
Everything seemed like it was starting to turn up. Until one morning, I heard a frantic knock at my door.
"Lorelai! Lorelai, please let me in!" Ayna shouted from the other side.
Tatum ripped open the door and looked down at her, absolutely seething.
"You have three seconds before I make you leave," he threatened lowly. I stood behind Tatum, looking over his shoulder at her pleading face.
"Please!" she begged. "The Peace Summit is tomorrow, and I'm here to help!"
I crossed my arms tightly in front of my chest. "What could you possibly have to offer?"
"I think I can give you the guy who hired me."
My eyes widened a bit before I steeled my expression back into a stony glare.
"You said you had no idea who he was. Or were you lying about that too?"
She shook her head vehemently. "I wasn't lying! But I think I can trick him into revealing himself." I studied her for a moment. Really, what did I have to lose? Tatum was here, she seemed genuinely remorseful, and right now, we could use all the clues we could get.
"Fine," I grumbled. "I'll give you five minutes."
Tatum very reluctantly let her past, his eyes fixed on her intently as she settled inside.
I turned to Ayna with my arms crossed, looking skeptical. "So?" I asked. "What's this plan of yours?"
"Well—" she started.
"What the hell is she doing here?" Dionne yelled as she, Blaine and Murphy all stood in the doorway, all their eyes angrily trained on Ayna.
Blaine switched his gaze over to Tatum and narrowed his eyes. "That's some bodyguard you've got there, Rutherland. Lets a known traitor just waltz right in." A low growl escaped Tatum's throat as he stepped closer to him.
"Don't make me—"
I jumped in front of him, placing a hand on his chest to stop him. He froze, but his eyes remained fixed in a hateful glower at Blaine.
"Okay, if everyone could just calm down!" I exclaimed. "Ayna was just about to tell us how to catch the person behind all this." Blaine fixed his glare back over to Ayna.
"And how do we know it's not a trap?" he asked.
I let out a heavy sigh as I said, "I don't, but what other option do I have? Ayna's the only connection we have to this guy. If she can help us..." Dionne crossed her arms angrily in front of her as she stormed over to one of the kitchen barstools.
"This plan had better work," she mumbled bitterly.
Everyone's attention zeroed in on Ayna as she took a deep breath.
"After your attackers were taken into custody, I never told my contact that you'd found me out. He told me to lie low. I'm only supposed to be in touch if I have something really good." She started to shift in her seat nervously. "Something that would cause the public to completely turn on Lorelai and her mother."
Tatum took a protective step in front of me. "So you want to involve her in another scandal? Absolutely not." Ayna threw her hands up in defense.
"Not a real one! Just something that looks enough like one to get my contact to show his face." The room fell silent for a moment as we all pondered over the plan.
"What's the catch?" Blaine finally asked.
Ayna bit her lip nervously as she said, "It has to look authentic. I tried to fake him out last week, after you both confronted me, but he didn't bite. Not without concrete evidence."
She let out a shaky breath before continuing, "I told him I knew that Lorelai was hooking up with someone, but I wouldn't tell him more unless he agreed to meet with me and increase my payment. He said he'd meet up if I had footage. So I thought..."
I gaped at her with wide, unblinking eyes.
"You want me to shoot a sex tape? That's just playing with fire!" I shouted. "The press already thinks I'm out of control. If they got a hold of this—"
"They won't!" Ayna interjected.
Blaine sighed as he leaned against the wall behind him. "I guess on the plus side, even if they do get their hands on it, it won't change anyone's perception of you." Ayna quickly shuffled through her bag next to her.
"I know asking you to trust me is almost impossible. Which is why I brought these." She pulled out a stack of papers and handed them to me. I rifled through them with furrowed brows.
"Screenshots of your messages with your contact?" I asked slowly.
She nodded. "If I betray you again, you can leak them. Use them to get me fired, destroy my reputation, whatever you think is fair." Her eyes dropped to her lap sadly. "I deserve worse."
Dionne moved to peer over my shoulder to take a look at the printed-out messages, then leaned closer towards me.
"You know, you wouldn't have to make a literal sex tape. A lot of it could be faked pretty easily," she whispered. I bit my lip as I mulled it over. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I turned back towards Ayna.
"Alright, I'll do it."
She breathed out a heavy, relieved exhale. "I'm glad you'll let me help you catch this guy...but there is one tiny detail you should know..." she said hesitantly. I groaned inwardly. What now? She smoothed out her skirt nervously as her eyes flitted over towards Blaine.
"I told him I suspected your mystery lover was Blaine Hayes..."
My eyes widened in shock. Of course. I glanced over at Blaine, then Tatum. Blaine had an infuriatingly large smirk on his face, and Tatum was looking extremely uncomfortable.
"What? Why would you say that?" I asked, fighting the flush of blood rushing to my face.
Ayna grimaced. "I was desperate! I thought for sure just name-dropping Blaine would be enough to get him to bite. I got a nibble, but we need more..."
I swallowed hard as I turned towards Blaine. His eyes gleamed at me wickedly.
"Well, how 'bout it, Ardona? Help me film a sex tape?"
"Why, Rutherland, it would be my pleasure."
I paced in the doorway of my bedroom nervously. I've never filmed a fake sex tape before. I've never filmed a real sex tape before. Dionne and Ayna were setting up the latter's cellphone to look like it'd been shot right outside my window. Just in time for a little afternoon delight...
"I really don't like this," Tatum grumbled, his eyes fixed on Blaine, who was casually—and smugly, waiting for me on my bed. I bit my lip as a came to a stop in front of him, a great big ball of guilt rolling around in my chest.
"Tatum, I'm sorry," I said quietly. "If I'd had a choice in this, I'd absolutely have chosen you. But my hands are tied. Plus, Ayna's probably right. A fake sex tape with Blaine would be the most scandalous. He'll definitely take the bait."
His gaze flickered to me, softening almost immediately. He exhaled deeply as he stared down at me.
"I don't blame you, Lorelai. And I know you need to do this...I just don't like it, is all."
I couldn't help but smile a little at the adorable pout on his lips. In all honesty, I couldn't blame him for his jealousy either. I doubt I would be as calm and collected as he was if the tables were turned.
His eyes darkened a bit as I took a step closer, sliding my hands slowly up his muscular chest.
"You know you don't have anything to worry about, right?" I asked, my tone low and sultry. "I love you. Not Blaine." His hands gripped tightly on my hips and my pulse quickened at his touch.
He simply stared at me, completely silent, as the world around us felt like it was moving in slow motion. Finally, he let out another deep breath as he gritted his teeth.
"Just...don't make it too convincing?" he pleaded. I smiled as I stood on my tip-toes to give him a quick peck on the nose.
"I'll do my best."
Dionne suddenly poked her head out into the hall, bursting our little bubble. "You ready, Lorelai?"
I let out a shaky breath as I nodded, then followed inside with Tatum in tow. I turned to my 'partner-in-crime' as he propped himself up on his elbow.
"Ready to pretend to blow my mind?" I asked.
He smirked. "And then some."
I heard a disgruntled grunt from behind me, and glanced back just in time to see Tatum glaring intensely at the man on my bed. I knew this was probably torture for him, but I couldn't help but enjoy the spark of jealousy in his eyes as he clenched his jaw.
Ayna climbed back through the window, her phone safely propped against the fire escape outside at just the right angle. Dionne smiled at their handiwork.
"That should do it. Plus, the camera won't pick up any sound from there. All of the creepiness with way less actual voyeurism."
Tatum shook his head roughly as he turned on his heel to leave. "I'm getting out of here before this conversation continues," he muttered gruffly. Dionne watched his retreating form, then flashed me a knowing smile before departing after him with Ayna.
I closed the door behind them, then nervously turned back to a smirking Blaine. He was enjoying this way too much.
"I think that's our cue to get naked," he said, a glint in his eyes. I raised an eyebrow at him.
"You know we're not really going to have sex, right?"
He chuckled as he stood and began to slowly make his way over to me. "I know. But that doesn't mean I won't enjoy every second of this. Plus, driving that absolute sourhead bodyguard of yours crazy is just the icing on the cake."
I rolled my eyes at him as I gave him a playful shove. He chuckled again as he caught my wrist, pulling me closer to him. I gasped as our chests collided.
"Now, for some authenticity," he whispered huskily into my ear. He shrugged off his jacket with a devilish smile, then leaned in close as he kissed down my neck, slowly peeling off my clothes one layer at a time.
I fought the shiver that ran down my spine as his hands roamed my body. Blaine was no Tatum, but he was a pretty close second. After a few moments, both of us were completely shed of our clothes, only our underwear remaining.
"These stay on," I warned him quietly. He faked a disappointed frown at me, then quickly dropped it in favor of a light chuckle.
"As you wish," he whispered, his arms snaking around my exposed body as he dipped his head back down into the crook of my neck. I let out a soft, fake moan.
An all too real feeling shiver racked through Blaine's body at the sound. He quickly spun me around and roughly pulled my back against his chest. I couldn't help the small, surprised gasp as his hand slid down my stomach, almost dipping down between my legs.
My breathing began to involuntarily quicken as he quickly snaked his hand back up. I could feel his trademark smirk against my neck as I glanced back at him. There was a hungry, smug look in his eye. He was obviously quite pleased with himself for catching me off guard.
Alright, Hayes. Two can play at this game.
I reached a hand back behind me and made quick work of tangling my fingers in his hair. He let out a low, pleasured groan as I tugged hard. Surprise flashed in his eyes as a satisfied smile tugged at the corners of my own lips.
"Didn't think you could be so aggressive," he teased. I winked at him.
"I guess you don't know me as well as you thought," I shot back.
Instantly, he spun me again to face him. He gripped at my waist as he backed me up against the edge of my bed. As soon as the back of my knees hit, I went down, and Blaine came tumbling after.
He captured my lips with his as he hoovered gently over me, careful not to crush me under his weight.
Goosebumps trailed across his skin as I slid a hand up his shoulders and across his upper back. He threw his head back as I raked my nails down his toned muscles.
"Ohhh, Lorelai," he moaned, sounding all too real. I bit back a giggle as his dazed eyes found their way back towards me. "If you keep that up, I'll start to think this isn't really that fake."
I shrugged. "Gotta play it up for the camera."
He trailed fiery kisses down my neck and across my collarbone. I writhed underneath him. My hands continued to roam every dip and crevice of his muscles. Slowly, he trailed his way back up to my jaw before coming to a stop at my ear.
"You know," he whispered, "we might just be making history right now. Ardona and Rutherland, literally in bed together."
I chuckled as I tangled my legs with his. "Can we consider the historical impact of this after Ayna's contact is put away?"
With one quick move, I managed to flip Blaine onto his back and rolled on top of him. His eyes widened in delighted surprise as I pinned his wrists down to the mattress on either side of his head.
I bit my lip bashfully.
"Too much?"
He shook his head with a smile, "Not nearly enough." He adjusted underneath me, managing to stealthily place a pillow between both of our legs as I draped my bedsheet over us. I mimed a slow rocking of my hips, my breathing hard and heavy. Blaine threw his head back against the pillow, mouth wide open in fake ecstasy.
"Yes, Lorelai..." he moaned even louder. "Yes!" We locked eyes again as our hips rocked against each other.
He reached up a hand and pulled me down on him, his breath tickling my ear as he whispered, "Ready for the big finale?" I nodded against him as I let out a series of moans, each increasing in volume.
"Do your worst," I breathed back at him. I felt his chest rumble against my skin as he chuckled.
"You got it."
One hand splayed across my back and the other snaked up my body and into my hair. He tangled his fingers and pulled roughly. I exaggeratedly arched my back as a pulse of brief pleasure spiked through me.
"Ohhh, Blaine!" I groaned. I barely heard a curse escape his lips as he stared up at me, an intense fire in his eyes.
"You're a little too convincing," he muttered, voice sounded rough and husky.
I smiled as I dipped down to leave a trail of hot, open-mouthed kisses across his chest. "Sounds like you need to get on my level," I replied lowly.
Blaine gripped my hips tightly and started to buck his faster and faster. I threw my head back, writhing in Blaine's arms as exaggerated, pleasured sounds continued to fill the room around us.
"Blaine!" I shouted as I tensed up my body. Blaine threw his head back into the pillow once more.
"Yes, Lorelai, yeeeees!"
Finally, we slumped together, panting. Despite the fact that it was all faked, we'd both managed to work up a sweat. Through the haze, Blaine smirked at me.
"What do you think?" he asked. "Good enough?"
I chuckled as I started to untangle myself from him. "Blaine, your pillow talk needs some serious work." He laughed as I climbed out of the bed and moved to pick up our discarded clothing.
After we were both dressed and presentable, we retrieved Ayna's phone from the window and made our way out into the living room. Dionne sat on the couch filing her nails and Ayna stood nervously in the kitchen with a mug of coffee.
She quickly straightened as her eyes fell on us. "How'd it go?"
I shrugged.
"As good as any fake sex tape filming, I guess?" I replied. I glanced around the room, and my brows furrowed at the surprising lack of bodyguard. "Where'd Tatum go?"
Dionne smirked a little up at me. "At the sound of your first moan, he suddenly had to go 'patrol the perimeter'." An embarrassed wave of heat crashed against my face. I'd really, really hoped they hadn't been able to hear anything.
"Well, in other news," Blaine said before tossing the phone to Dionne. Upon catching it, she immediately started to scroll through the footage. I peered down over her shoulder at the screen. The video was a little dark and our loud moans were muffled, but there was no mistaking our identities or what very adult activity we were engaged in.
"How's it look?" I asked nervously.
A sly smile split across her face. "Like it was obtained without consent."
After Tatum had finished 'patrolling the perimeter', we all made our way to Ayna's office to make the call. "Don't forget to insist on meeting him tonight," I instructed. Dionne crossed her arms in front of her angrily, keeping her narrowed gaze trained intently on the TA.
"And put it on speaker," she demanded. Ayna nodded as she pulled out her phone and dialed the number. As her finger hovered over the call button, she let out a shaky breath.
"I'm...kind of nervous..." she admitted.
A spike of panic shot through me. "Ayna, you're not having second thoughts, are you?" She shook her head firmly.
"No. I told you I wanted to help, and I meant it," she replied, before twisting her features back into a timid frown. "I'm just worried I'm going to say the wrong thing."
Blaine eyed her as he leaned casually against the wall. "We'll make sure you don't."
She nodded wordlessly, then took another slow breath before hitting the call button. A heavy tension settled around us as the sound of ringing filled the room. I held my breath as we waited...and waited...and waited...
Then finally...
"I thought I told you to lay low," a very deep, gravely voice said. I closed my eyes briefly as my ears strained to listen for any sort of recognition in the voice. So far, I was coming up short.
"Unless I had something juicy. Well...I do. And I got it on tape."
Her eyes drifted up to me. Worry was etched on her features, but determination shown in her eyes. There was a torturously long pause on the line.
"...Fine. Send it in an email to the usual address."
She swallowed hard. "I'm only willing to deliver it to you in person. Tonight. Once we've discussed increasing my fee." A short, dark chuckle sounded over the phone.
"No."
Ayna's gaze snapped back up at me, startled. I quickly hit the 'mute' button on her screen so the blackmailer couldn't hear me. "Tell him what you got on tape," I whispered. She nodded, then unmuted the call.
"You do realize that you're turning down actual footage of Lorelai Monroe in bed with the First Son of Ardona?" she asked, her voice unwavering. "I told you there was something going on between them."
A heavy silence filled the room as we all held our breaths. After what felt like an eternity, he finally responded.
"Fine. Meet me at 48th and Newport at midnight." The call abruptly ended and Ayna slumped back in her seat. Her eyes were wide with adrenaline as she breathed heavily.
"My hands are shaking!" she exclaimed, mostly to herself. Tatum crossed his arms from his spot against the door.
"It didn't show."
Blaine nodded, looking somewhat impressed. "Yeah. You actually sounded kind of badass." Dionne glanced over at me.
"Did the voice sound familiar at all?" she asked.
I shook my head sadly. "Nope. He was working way too hard to disguise it." Blaine pushed off his spot on the wall, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets.
"At least he took the bait."
My fists clenched as a furious fire stoked in my stomach. "Now we just need to catch the scumbag red-handed."
This chapter was a little shorter for once! But I thought this was a good place to stop, so I'll post the pt 2 to chapter 15 soon. So, keep an eye out! I loved, loved, loved, LOVED writing the airport scene. Hands down, my favorite scene I've written so far. I'm such a sappy romantic.
Also, as much as I love jealous Tatum, I ultimately made the decision to have Blaine be the one to make the sex tape because that really seems like the best way to go about ensuring that he'd take the bate. So I tried to not make it too steamy. Keep in mind, Lorelai and Tatum are still not officially together yet! I felt pretty guilty having them kiss, but honestly, it needed to look real.
Side note, did anyone happen to catch the A-Team reference? I tried to make it pretty obvious...
The final chapters are among us and I am SO excited. I hoped you've enjoyed reading as much as I have writing.
Catch you on the flippity, flip.
XOXO
-MusicToMe