"Chuck."

He glanced up as the blonde breezed into his penthouse. The heels of her boots clicked on the floor and grated on his nerves. If that bothered him, he thought, then he needed to start drinking or it would be a long night. She crossed her arms across her chest and put on her best "take me seriously or else" face, which Chuck nearly scoffed at.

"Sister, what a pleasant surprise," he drawled, reaching for the scotch decanter on his wet bar.

Serena sighed. "Do I even need to ask?"

He poured a glass and took a long drink. The liquor burned deliciously; an exquisite kind of pain. "If this is about the girls you heard during Nathaniel's call to you last night-"

"I'm busy, so I'll make this short," she cut him off, itching to tap her foot impatiently. "Whatever it is you're planning, stop. Stay away from Blair."

He was taken aback. No one saw him speak with Blair that morning, he was sure of it. He knew there was a possibility she would call Serena and inform her of their impromptu meeting, but not so quickly. He'd obviously gotten under her skin. The thought made him hopeful. He knew her best friend would have to be placated, however. She was wildly protective of Blair and would do everything in her power to keep him away from her if she considered him a threat. And he couldn't have her jeopardizing his plans of reminding Blair that they were inevitable.

"It was a chance encounter," he began, injecting the tone of his voice with honeyed innocence. "I was on my way to lunch and saw her strolling along 5th. I wanted to ask her how she's doing since I haven't seen her in years."

Serena snorted and rolled her eyes. "You know she's okay. Do you think I don't pick up on your nonchalant inquiries about her at brunch every week? Don't try to deny it, Chuck. She's moved on and is much happier now. Can't you just let her go?"

He nodded as if lost in his thoughts. It would be prudent of him to let Serena think he merely entertained a vague curiosity about Blair rather than a desire to make her his again. She needed to believe that his interest had been satisfied and he had forgotten about her. As if he ever could.

"You're right, sis," he said, moving from behind his wet bar. "I merely wanted to sample a vintage I once enjoyed. Just to ensure the taste hadn't changed, of course."

"Ew."

"But it's obvious that Blair has indeed moved on," he added.

Serena eyed him skeptically but relaxed. She uncrossed her arms and tugged her purse strap higher on her shoulder. "Good. Because she is happy now. It may have taken some time, but she's in a good place. Nicolas is perfect for Blair."

"Nicolas," Chuck repeated softly, testing the name on his tongue. It felt like acid. "Of course. He certainly is."

Serena's phone rang from inside her purse. It took considerable effort to keep himself from growling in frustration at the interruption. She produced it and sighed loudly, looking at Chuck with a tired expression. He gestured for her to take the call, and she answered as she stalked towards the kitchen.

"Mom," she greeted. "Yes, I got the Marchesa gown for next week's benefit. The one on my bed is for tonight…"

As she rounded the corner and her voice faded, Chuck gulped down the remainder of his scotch. He'd known that Blair was seeing someone. Nate had mentioned it a few times in recent months. But the only name that should be uttered before the statement "perfect for Blair" was his. He immediately sent a text to Matthew, his PI, letting him know that he needed an update as soon as possible. Within moments he received word that the information would be couriered over before the hour was up. Satisfied, Chuck's thoughts turned to the plan he had begun formulating in his mind.

Grand gestures had always helped smooth over the problems he and Blair had in the past. This time should be no different, he reasoned. He would fill her apartment with peonies or lavish her with gifts of diamond necklaces- anything to get her attention. Once he achieved that, it would take little effort to get her to agree to dinner. He'd apologize for everything he had done in the past, convince her that his feelings had never changed, and she'd fall back into his arms. He'd make her fairytale romance came true and she wouldn't be able to deny him anymore.

Serena came back into his field of vision, intruding on his plotting. "Sorry about that," she explained. "Mom wanted to-"

Her phone rang again, cutting her off. Her eyes flicked to Chuck as she checked the caller ID. Blair. She stared back at the phone for a beat, wrestling with herself over whether or not to answer it. She could let voicemail pick it up, but what if it was important? Blair seemed to have everything under control. Then again, she was a master at hiding disaster and chaos.

"Hey Blair," she said, smiling brilliantly as she answered the phone. Chuck's eyes snapped to Serena's face. "Is everything okay? No, I got my dress a few days ago. 6:30 for cocktails, right? I'll be on time! No, Nate's coming with his mom- have I seen Chuck?"

Chuck's eyes narrowed faintly at his sister, as if he could listen in on the other end of the call simply by willing it. Blair wanted to know if Serena had seen him, but why?

"Not yet," Serena lied, looking pointedly away from Chuck's determined gaze. "I'm on my way over there now- Blair, I won't. Everything will be fine, he won't cause a scene. Tonight will be amazing. Okay, I'll see you then. Bye."

"Blair doesn't want me to cause a scene?" He asked when Serena dropped her phone back into her purse. "What aren't you telling me?"

"Chuck," she started. "It's understandable. I mean, this is Blair we're talking about here."

"I don't follow."

"That's why I'm here. She told me she saw you this morning and you were...assertive," Serena explained patiently. Chuck smiled to himself; he was sure Blair had used a stronger adjective. "She's put a lot of thought into this, and she's worried it won't go as planned if you're there."

The Blair Waldorf he knew would never take a red-eye from Paris to New York City the morning of a party, no matter how important Serena insisted it was. His fiery brunette liked to be right in the thick of things, ordering people around and making sure her vision came to life before her very eyes. She was not one to let others execute her extensive preparations, lest something go wrong. Besides, what party or event would she absolutely need to host in the States, when her life was an eight-hour flight away? Blair had lived in France for nearly five years and would soon be eligible for citizenship. Any committees or foundations she was involved with would be there. Her career and new friends were there.

It didn't make sense. He was clearly missing important information. If his PI had texted him what he needed to know instead of sending it over, he wouldn't be at the mercy of his sister right now.

Then it hit him: Blair had caught him off guard deliberately, knowing that he hated to feel so powerless. He would even wager that the phone call he'd overheard was meant to ignite this exact conversation. Serena may be an unknowing participant, but his Queen B knew precisely what game she was involved in. She had told everyone to keep the details of her soiree under wraps out of fear that he would spoil it. And everyone had indeed kept it from him, as if their loyalties lay only with her.

The thought infuriated him. But there was something else tugging at the back of his mind, something that was still not adding up. Blair hadn't seen or heard from him in years, so why was she so concerned about his attendance at her fête?

Chuck knew the only way to get what he wanted from Serena was to provoke her. "Fortunately," he speculated, running his fingers along his jaw line. "You don't have to receive an invitation to attend a private affair. After all, the most important parties to attend are the ones you're not invited to."

Serena looked stricken. Blair was explicit in her directions on the phone: Chuck Bass would not, under any circumstances, be allowed to attend. She could feel the anger rolling off of her brother, but she knew she had to do her best to convince him not to go. "If she didn't invite you, then I don't think you should come tonight, Chuck."

"Why not? I heard you tell Blair that you're meeting Nathaniel there, so I'll escort you. She would be upset if you came alone, or with anyone beneath you. Like that Humphrey…"

"But-"

"Cocktails at 6:30, you said? I'll send my limo to pick you up at 6."

"I think it's a bad idea."

He caught the panic in her eyes and saw his opportunity to get the truth. Painting a smirk on his face, he said, "Is it a bad idea because you think I'm harboring secret feelings for her? Or because Blair is still in love with me?"

"Because this is Blair's engagement party, Chuck!" Serena responded forcefully, losing her patience.

He was thrown. He blinked once, twice, and still couldn't find any words. Now he understood the problem. Blair was engaged? Why hadn't she mentioned anything that morning? It seemed like an important thing to tell someone you had known for nearly your entire life, tumultuous past or not. On top of being unaware Blair was back until catching a glimpse of her on the street, he had no idea that she was getting married. The thought incensed him and clouded his vision. He was torn between throwing his now empty tumbler at the wall and informing Matthew that his services were no longer required.

Blair was his, whether she chose to acknowledge it yet or not.

Serena was completely oblivious to the shock she had just delivered. "She hasn't told me why, but she obviously has her reasons for not asking you to come. I'm not sure I would want you there either if I were her, with all of the history you two have together."

He finally managed to growl through tight lips, "She's engaged?"

Serena's eyes widened at his murderous look. "You- you didn't know?" He jerked his head, eyes dangerous and now trained directly on her. The last time she had seen him look so frightening was at his father's funeral. "I'm so sorry, Chuck. I just assumed you knew…why wouldn't she tell you?"

"You said it yourself," he bit. "She doesn't want me to ruin anything."

"I didn't think she would deliberately keep her engagement from you," she responded softly.

Chuck moved to his couch and sat down slowly. "Serena," he began, pinching the bridge of his nose and clamping his eyes shut. He had to control the rage that was building inside him. She needed to believe that he wasn't hurt by the news of Blair's engagement, and losing his temper in front of Serena would only serve to hurt his cause. "I think it's best that you leave. You're right, and I won't go against her wishes. I'll still send the limo for you. Please give Blair my best."

At Chuck's words, Serena's eyes grew soft. She had hoped his feelings were simply residual, given there was really no closure for her two friends, but the tone in his voice told her otherwise. Her heart ached for him. Even after years had gone by with no communication between the two of them, he still cared deeply for her. Serena's anger at her stepbrother from earlier had completely evaporated, though she still worried what he would do now that he knew the truth. Would he fight for Blair even knowing that she was officially spoken for, or would he decide to move on?

"I'll go. I'm sorry," Serena whispered sincerely. "But everything will be alright, I promise. I'll see you at brunch this weekend, okay?" She leaned in to kiss him on his cheek and put her hand on his arm in reassurance. "She's really happy now. She and Nicolas belong together, you'll see. Goodbye, Chuck."

He forced a half-hearted smile at his sister as the elevator doors opened with a soft ding. She walked in, pressed the floor button, and then reached out to hold the door as it was closing.

"By the way, Chuck," she said sweetly. "I know all about last night and the strippers. You're not the only one with spies." She winked at him and let the doors slide closed.

His smile was genuine as he walked to his bedroom. Serena could occasionally be a stereotypical blonde, but she was unwaveringly loyal and more intelligent than she let on. She played the role she had been cast in by the world around her perfectly: a golden-haired heiress with a provocative style and sugary disposition. Serena could have anything she wanted as long as she remained beautiful. Chuck was amused by the masks that she wore- temptress, airheaded blonde, revenge-seeking Queen- especially when they affected the outcome of various schemes over the years.

Schemes that he and Blair were unmatched at designing and executing.

Seeing Blair that morning had certainly stirred his passions, but hearing Serena tell him of her engagement split open wounds he thought had scarred long ago. He knew Blair would become serious about someone eventually- now that he thought about it, he wondered why it had taken her this long- he just assumed that "someone" would be him. His feelings for Blair had never been extradited, only repressed.

He dated frequently since she left the country. Most of his liaisons lasted weeks, but a few were more prolonged. One relationship managed to survive seven months. When it was speculated by the tabloids that Chuck Bass would take a wife, the rumor was put to rest within the week.

The beauties that captured his attention quickly lost it- they gave in too easily or they made the mistake of chasing him in return. He immediately dismissed any woman who bore a slight resemblance to Blair. Most nights, he was seen at openings of restaurants or art galleries draped in expensive suits and beautiful women. His natural charm ensured that he would never have to spend a night alone. This he counted on for more than just satisfying his sexual urges.

Chuck knew that Blair, wherever she was in the world, made sure she was up-to-date on the happenings in her beloved city. New York City was constantly changing- a club bursting at the seams one night lost its patrons to a new establishment the next. He knew she could still rattle off the names of the twenty hottest places on the Upper East Side without blinking an eye, simply out of habit.

However, being privy to the latest gossip was paramount to being cognizant of the next best Asian cuisine restaurant. And Blair was like him: she prided herself on knowing everything before it became public knowledge.

He was the city's richest bachelor, young and sinfully handsome. His personal style set him apart from everyone else. He could fill a library with pictures the press had taken of him since he was an adolescent, thanks to his high-profile family. His presence was demanded at events across the city: from attending a gallery opening to being a distinguished guest speaker at a fundraiser. He practically owned Manhattan and had expanded considerably to the remaining boroughs of the city as well as the rest of the state. Simply put, he was New York royalty.

When he smirked for photographers with his arm around a breathtaking model, he was imagining the look on her face when she saw it the next day in the papers. She would feel stabs of jealousy every time, realize she still loved him and then beg to be his again. He would have staked his fortune against any other outcome.

His scheme may have been working, but he hadn't bargained for another man stepping in. Nicolas. It was difficult for Chuck to think his name without sneering; this Frenchman had completely derailed his master plan. Blair would have come back to him, he was sure of it. Now it wasn't enough to be Chuck Bass, billionaire and extraordinary lover. He had to become better than Blair's fiancé.

Fiancé.

He shook his head in disgust, feeling the bile creeping up his throat. He felt nauseous, and Chuck Bass was never weak. His eyes found the bar in the corner of his penthouse and he considered it for a moment. Another drink would grant him a brief peace, but would also hinder his ability to think, to analyze the angles of this new development. He needed to be on top of his game for this.

No more for now, thought Chuck.

His elevator door opened again and a short man in slacks and a polo shirt entered. Chuck mentally shuddered at the plain attire; he would never own such pedestrian garb.

"Mr. Bass?" the man asked, trying unsuccessfully not to look around the penthouse in wonderment. It wasn't every day that someone like him got to see where the Upper East Side's notorious playboy lived and…played. He held a thick envelope in his hands. Chuck got to his feet and took it from him, signaling that his job was done and he could leave. Relief flooded him as he grasped the information sent by his PI. He pointedly ignored the sounds of the courier marveling at his décor as he shuffled out.

Once he had torn open the envelope, an assortment of newspaper and magazine clippings, documents, and photographs spilled onto his hands. He scanned the contents, searching for the most important information first. A photo filled with brown hair in perfect curls caught his eye.

It was Blair, shown walking with a dark haired man down a busy street. The time stamp showed that it was taken that morning, before he saw her, and he took a brief moment to appreciate the tantalizing dress she wore once more. His eyes narrowed as he reached her face and took in the way Blair smiled at the man that held her hand. Only his profile was visible, but Chuck already knew he would be handsome. Blair never dated beneath her. She certainly would never agree to marry anyone unfortunate looking.

She looked radiant. She looked lighthearted and incredibly happy. He nearly crumpled up the photo in disgust.

God, he was jealous.

Envy was an irregular emotion for him, and one he would perhaps never be able to control. Growing up as the son of a self-made billionaire, he hadn't wanted for anything. Toys, clothes, the latest technologies; as he grew older, lavish vacations, perfectly aged scotch, priceless information- he was rich enough to have it all. Chuck Bass knew not how to want. Actual need was a foreign concept to him.

Until Blair.

Chuck had secretly coveted her since he met her as a child. As they grew up, his feelings increased and came to a head when her relationship with Nathaniel was falling apart. She was his toughest critic next to his father and a schemer at heart. She was his equal. But it was more than that. He wanted her to want something from him that she couldn't get anywhere else. She finally did come to him the night she broke up with Nate. But as she surrendered her virginity to him in the back of his limousine, he couldn't have known just how much things would change. How much he would change.

After that night, he couldn't contain his need for her. He needed her writhing underneath his touch, he needed her scathing looks in his direction, he needed her sharp tongue and quick wit. She drove him to the brink of insanity and had been maddeningly close to pushing him off many times. They completed each other. There was no one else in the world that would understand and love them both for exactly who they are.

Since he melted the Ice Queen, his emotionless life had become intimately familiar with want and need. The difference between them; the deranged things each drove him to do.

He wanted her because he needed her. Chuck and Blair. Blair and Chuck. Inevitable. It was that simple. And he needed to strengthen that sacred bond between them before he lost her forever.

To Nicolas.

Chuck stiffened. He had been picking through the documents on the table when he came across a small French newspaper article.

M. Nicolas Faria Takes Wife in Private Ceremony at Country Home

The article was short, but included a grainy picture. The brunette facing a tall, dark haired man at the end of an aisle couldn't have been anyone but Blair. He was dumbfounded for the third time that day, and it was only mid-afternoon. He was never caught unawares that frequently. Blair must have done everything in her power to keep her secrets from him. But if she was already married, then why was she hosting an engagement party that evening? And why wouldn't she have told Serena about it?

He rifled through the remainder of the file's contents, but found nothing else. The article was dated six months ago. He had no qualms with being the reason she got a divorce, but he knew it would be difficult to persuade her to do so. However, he needed to drive himself between them before their marriage progressed further. A limited time frame just meant grander and bolder gestures. No woman could resist him once he focused all of his energy on her. Not even Blair Waldorf.

It was a good thing he had stopped at Cartier on his way back to the office that morning. Even better that he had the foresight to send his gift straight to her apartment.

Chuck smirked to himself as he crossed to his bedroom and pulled his Armani tuxedo from his closet. Serena and Blair were fooling themselves if they thought he would stay away from Blair's engagement party. He would be on his best behavior tonight to prove that she had nothing to fear from him.

And starting tomorrow, he would work ruthlessly to win back her heart.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to those who reviewed my story: maryl, epicCHAIR, LY33, LisaLevine, QueenBee10, mlharper, ain, TriGemini, tiff xoxo, LeftWriter224, Curious Blonde, obsessed, 3 wishes and ChairLoveK. Also a special thanks to those who added me to your alerts- I'm beside myself with joy. There aren't any words to express how grateful I am for your support in my first fanfiction effort.

I hope that you continue to enjoy the story I have planned. Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, suggestions...anything. (I promise to respond as quickly as possible!) This chapter came a little early- from here on out I'm thinking weekly updates.