A/N I know some of you probably would like this to move in a faster pace. But I really would like to make it a little bit more organic than usual. Just bear with me...:)
Chapter 4. The Amber Palace
The conversation that followed was no more than : "Yes", "no," "well"", sure" - probably because of the person at the other end.
In fact, Blair was not interested in the whole conversation. She was far more interested in Chuck, standing with his back turned towards her, and his athletic tanned body covered with a small water droplets.
Only slightly fearful to be seen, she caressed a guy with a look from head to toe, then the legs and head, finally stopping at the firm buttocks.
Chuck suddenly turned and Blair blushed as a poppy.
- I have to go back - said Chuck looking into Blair's eyes whilst trying to suppress rebellious smile which was shamelessly trying to escape his lips. - Restless boss. I have some things to prepare and couple of emails to send... It seems that swimming will have to wait for another time. You are right, water is rather cold. I'll just take a shower.
- Yes, of course - agreed Blair. - Go. You said you are on holiday?
- Well, the holidays just started – Chuck quickly began to explain whilst putting clothes on. - I left only on condition that, if necessary I will be accessible all times. Apparently, I am an irreplaceable. – He shrugged shoulders and carelessly ran fingers through the hair. - A hearty thank you for the water. You have saved my life. I hope to see you again- added Chuck walking away.
And after he was no longer seen in the horizon Blair wanted to scream, scream wave arms in the air and kick her own ass.
- Stupid, stupid, fool! – raged girl, kicking sand, as if it would be to blame for everything. - One might think that I have not seen the semi-naked men. Well, maybe I haven't seen as gorgeous as this one, but it was terribly rude just stand there and stare. What would he think about me? That I am a sex-starved provincial, looking for an opportunity to jump a big city guy? Let us hope that we never meet again!
As she was finishing her tirade she casually brushed her thigh and felt something hard in the pocket. She put her hand inside and grasped something. Her hand stilled frozen.
- Yeah, right ... My wish, it seems, will not come true ... After all, I still have his Rolex.
Blair's fingers stroked the neat jewellery and her heart was flooded with kind of a strange feeling that this handsome stranger will significantly destabilize her small, cosy universe. Who knows what will happen, but it certainly will not be the same way as before.
Light jogging towards the house Chuck could not believe a pleasant surprise.
Bright hope sparked in his mind - vacation will not be as dull as originally thought.
After all, he did not plan on anything specific. In contrast, after several years of endless work, he wanted tranquillity and fresh air. He certainly was not attracted to foreign countries and exotic resorts. Not because Bass lacked the money to travel abroad. It was her thing. It was his sweetheart's interest in foreign lands and... Besides one of the largest corporations in New York stood in challenging times. Lilly released her main pillar for the vacation, but only on the condition that, if necessary Chuck will introduce himself to the fore front within twenty-four hours .
- This is not a house this is an impregnable fortress - said to himself whilst entering the gate code. - Place was really great, Nate didn't lie. Modern house surrounded by nature. Everything would be ideal, unfortunately...
As he entered the house Chuck rushed to the laptop, quickly gathered a short message to the board, attached few documents and hit sent. He sent it and immediately forgotten about it, because his mind was dominated by a charming young woman.
Chuck was smiling, standing under a stream of refreshing shower.
– The brunette has something to frizzle about. Not a blinding beauty, but very attractive. Slender, though not too skinny - with all pre-requisite womanly shape. Low, probably will take me a little over the shoulder. And the eyes ... painfully brown, and piercing... And who would have thought that such beauty exist in the province? None the worse than those who live in Manhattan ...Princesses and Queens of UES... The ones who easily undermine the other's feelings and dreams, - Chuck thought bitterly and harshly shut off the tap.
The next morning Blair left her easel with paint at home, and hurried to the sea.
She kept telling to herself that she only wished to return the watch, in fact , what she really wanted was to spend more time looking at the dark amber coloured eyes.
The sea breeze was rather harsh, but Blair was not rescued from the rising heat. Dipping her feet in cool water, she feverishly tried to calm down, hopping not to stutter as a first grader, when she sees him.
- Were you waiting for me?– Out of nowhere came the familiar voice.
- Yes. How do you know?– Blair turned her whole body to his side.
- I saw how you were looking at me yesterday. As if I was something to eat.
Blair raised her index finger in anger and waved it in front of Chuck's nose
- You believe in yourself a little bit too much. Who do you think you are? Male standard of beauty? Did you fall on your head as a child?
-I am ... And you are even prettier when angry. - He then haphazardly stretched out his hand and put loose tress behind Blair's ear. - Fell down on my head, huh? But here's coast after all, not private property. Is it only you who have a right to walk in these places? – He teased further. He could clearly see the effect on her, and he enjoyed every moment of it.
- Yes, well.. ...– Blair opened her mouth to say something else, but a Chuck suddenly leaned over and looked her straight in the eye.
- Maybe you care to share your name, daughter of the sea? – Boldly requested Chuck.
Blair was certainly not the one to fish for words in her pocket, but this time she couldn't reply at once. This guy was making her flush, stutter and forget who she was. Blair had to win the game he had audacity to offer.
- So, are you going to tell me your name, or..? By the way, are you here on vacation?
- Blair. Blair Waldorf., - she said with her chin lifted so high: - And I live here since few years ago.
- I would like to know something else - he said suddenly disturbed by her answer. - How old are you? Well, cannot guess exactly, eighteen, I say?
- Eighteen? - Blair chuckled. - You must be kidding.
- I am asking seriously. I do not want to be accused seducing underage girl
- You're going to seduce me? - Squinted Blair. – Though if i may add, you will not be successful
- Leave it to me - casually waved Chuck – So are you eighteen or older? Are you still at school?
- Calm down. I celebrated my eighteenth birthday few years ago. You going to try and rob me of my virtue but for some reason forgot to tell me your name?
- You did not ask.
- I am asking now..
- Well, if you are asking ... I am Charles. Charles Bartholomew Bass - slowly repeated. - Friends call me Chuck. I'm twenty four, from New York UES. I am on vacation, but as you probably already gathered I am working too. Looking after a villa nearby. In other words, trying to merge pleasure with the benefits. Was that detailed enough for you?
- Beautiful name for a king-Blair said in a mysterious voice.
- King of what? – Chuck pretended to be genuinely surprised. Even Europeans knew who Chuck Bass was, he smirked to himself .
- Do not pretend you do not know. You know very well what I am talking about. The Basses and the force to reckon with.
- Who told you that I was some sort of a king? After all, I told you: I am guardian. I would love to know about the person you just mentioned.- He tried to look serious, but his dark eyes were smiling sheepishly.
- Well, well. - Blair sighed and looked wary of his comments. – The Basses own the largest corporation in the US. As far as I remember the main owner is now dead but his son looking after the firm. There is a lot of controversy surrounding this family.. I cannot recall exactly why..
- Ok. Thanks for the introduction. And now can I request to return the watch, I left you to guard yesterday?
- Left? – Suddenly posed Blair, searching for the Rolex in Bermuda's pocket. - I thought you forgot?
- No, I deliberately left so that I have a reason to see you again- He casually uttered and Blair heart started beating restlessly.
- This is a very expensive watch, - said Blair observing how carelessly Chuck was putting it on. - I do not think that the guard salary you would be able to afford it.
- Well, sometimes security guards can earn a lot. And besides is it important to you how one makes the living and what his financial situation is? – Blair could feel sudden frost in his voice.
- No, it does not bother me one bit. But I viciously hate liars. Anyways, i need to go back. My mother is waiting for me.
- The two of us are alike. And I hate when people think of one, say second and do completely opposite of the two - quickly assured Chuck. - Can I accompany you? We already met and it seems we are close neighbours. I would like to know where you live, in case disaster struck or something. Yesterday you pulled me out from the jaws of death after all.
- So you are working in Baiz Villa? - Blair asked again. - Their house is beautiful!
- Have you ever been there?
- No, - Blair felt herself blush. - I have seen only from afar. Do you know them well?
- No, they are my friend's Nate friends. Skiing in the Alps somewhere and I am looking after their house. I am stuck here for three weeks. Unexpected and unplanned.
- Do you plan everything in your life?
- I try - Chuck said distracted. - Listen, if you want to I can show you the house from the inside. Take this opportunity while I'm here - waved his hand towards Baizen homestead.
- No thanks, maybe next time – Blair shook her head. – Ok, you do not need to walk me anymore, I'm almost home.
- No. I want to see where you live. And make sure that you are a simple mortal, not the Sea Goddess, who lives in an Amber Palace.
Blair warmly laughed at the prospect of her own Amber Palace in the ocean.