With Voyeuristic Intention

Chapter 2:

The Marcia Fucking Brady of the Upper East Side

Fuck my fucking life.

Sebastian stands in the middle of the grand staircase and watches bitterly as an army of servant's cart in Kathryn's many pieces of matching luggage. Christ, she wasn't kidding. She really is staying the entire summer. This isn't good.

His stepsister is standing in the middle of the foyer barking instructions. She's dressed up in head to heel designer black, like some beautiful, sinister villainess. As always, he's equally annoyed and disturbingly attracted to her. "Don't pout Sebastian," she calls out to him "It makes you look like a disgruntled toddler."

"Blow me. What are you up to Kathryn?" he demands. "What are you really doing here?"

"Oh, trust me, it wasn't my idea. This is the last place I wanted to spend my summer vacation," she grumbles. "The parentals heard about what went down with the therapist's daughter. Apparently, she's threatening to sue. So, I've been summoned to keep an eye on you. I was supposed to spend the rest of the summer in Spain with Alicia, but here I am. Once again, your undisciplined dick fucks me over."

"Well, was it as good for you as it was for me?"

She smiles sarcastically then struts off. "By the way," she calls over her shoulder. "Your father wanted me to tell you, if you fuck up again, he's impounding the jag."

"Terrific." Groaning, Sebastian trudges after her his gaze falling to her enticing, swaying ass. "What about your plans for the little Caldwell girl?"

"That's been temporarily put on the back burner."

"Oh? Don't tell me you're actually going to let your pathetic little vendetta go and let Court ride off into the sunset with that girl?" Kathryn never lets anything go. She is the undisputed queen of petty.

"Of course not." They enter one of the first floors many parlor rooms and Kathryn goes right for the bar. Snapping her sunglasses off, she gestures for him to close the door. She is also the queen of paranoia.

Fixing herself a drink his stepsister explains, "Apparently little Cecile made a complete embarrassment of herself at the Sanderson wedding last week. She drank a whole bottle of Dom 1985 then proceeded to hurl it all over the cake. Someone filmed it and put it up on YouTube. I'm rather surprised you're just hearing about this."

"I've been busy." He fills his own glass with scotch. "I take it that was your handy work?"

"I may have suggested she'd look more sophisticated if she had a glass of champagne…and super-duper sophisticated if she had five."

Sebastian chuckles. "You're fucking evil."

"In any event it blew up in my face. Mrs. Caldwell is terrified this is going to ruin things with Court, so she shipped the little dingbat off to Europe for the rest of summer until it all blows over."

"Why don't you go along, offer to chaperone? I'm sure there's plenty of Euro-trash around more than willing to pop that cherry for you."

"Monte Carlo, in June?" Kathryn shoots him a look of disgust. "I'd rather wear off the rack to the Met Gala, thank you very much. No, Court's comeuppance is just going to have to wait." Setting her glass down she saunters up to him, tugging at the buttons of her jacket, revealing a black, lace corset underneath. She leans in close, closer than any girl has a right to with someone they call brother.

And just like that, he's hard again. Fucking Kathryn

"On the upside," she purrs at him, "I can now devote all my energies to our little game."

Gazing at the swell of her impressive cleavage (impressive because let's be honest, she's a B-cup at best) he grumbles, "Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of. You better not try any pull anything."

Kathryn lazily toys with the button on his shirt. "Are you suggesting I wouldn't play fair?"

"Baby, I don't think you know how to play any other way."

This makes her grin. "Touché."

She lets out a husky, taunting laugh as she moves past him and heads back to the bar while Sebastian tries to will his erection away. Suddenly all business she asks, "So what's the problem? Why are you losing our bet? Oh god." She sets the decanter down with a thud. "Please don't tell me you caught feelings for this girl. I'd lose all respect for you."

Sebastian turns up his nose in distaste. "Of course not. Truth be told if it wasn't for our little wager, I would have given up days ago. Her horrid little personality far eclipses her attractiveness, believe me."

"Then what's the issue? Nail her, destroy her and move on already."

"Easier said than done. It appears someone has been poisoning the well against me. She's been receiving letters detailing my nefarious exploits, warning her against me. Most infuriating, she refuses to divulge who the sender is."

"Huh. Any suspects?"

He throws her a look. "Gee I don't know. Half of Manhattan comes to mind. It's impossible."

"Poor baby, you are frustrated." Kathryn comes up behind him, running her fingers through his hair, before pressing herself against him once again. Little tease. "You know, if you want to forfeit, I'll completely understand. No judgement." As Sebastian's gaze once again falls to her tits, she snakes a hand into his pants pockets, fishing for her prize. However, it's not a prize he has any intention of handing over. "Do you mind if I take my new car for a ride?"

Sebastian grabs her wrist and abruptly shoves it behind her back, lurching her tightly against him. Kathryn releases a huff of surprise. "Nice try, but I'm not forfeiting shit."

"You're just going to lose with dignity, is that it?"

"I'm not losing anything. It may take a little time, but I'll get it done. I'm going to fuck the wholesomeness out of that little virgin and when I'm done, she'll be nothing more than a whimpering little cum slut, just like all the rest."

"Impressive"

"Oh, it's not nearly as impressive as what I have planned for you, sis."

"Do tell." She's trying to act indifferent, but her eyes are lit with excitement. She wants this just as badly as he does.

"You said I could put it anywhere, right?" Sebastian reaches around with his free hand and squeezes her ass, tugging her even closer to him. She feels so deliciously fragile and female in his arms. "I fully intend on taking you up on that offer. I'm going to put it everywhere sweetheart and when I'm done, you'll feel me in you for days." Sebastian bows his head, letting his teeth scrap tauntingly against the sensitive skin of her neck as he whispers, "You won't be able to cum without picturing my cock."

Kathryn tilts her head back, finding his gaze. "Promise?"

"Most definitely."

Her lips curl up in a serpent grin before she leans in and flicks that wicked tongue of her against his lips. In a flash she removes herself from his grip and struts away onto the veranda, leaving him a panting, flushed mess of unfulfilled desire.

This, this right here was why he wishes she had just stayed in the city. Kathryn is far too much of a distraction.

After giving himself a second to pull his shit together, her joins her outside on the terrace. He's about to make some quip about her cock tease skills still being up to par when he notices something has caught her attention on the back lawn. Aunt Helen and Annette have returned.

"Is that her?"

"Yep"

"God, is she wearing Old Navy?"

"I don't know but she looks hot in it." Smiling meanly, he adds, "You always were jealous of anyone who could pull of pastels."

Her expression is mostly hidden once again behind her large oval shades, but he imagines she was sending him one of her more fearsome expressions.

"Kathryn dear, is that you?!" Aunt Helen let's out a loud squeal of excitement before making her way up the stairs to greet them, with a dutiful Annette following behind.

Kathryn grimaces as she fixes her jacket and her face. "Aunt Helen!" she greets her with a phony burst of enthusiasm. "I've missed you so much." She grimaces over her shoulder at him as the older woman embraces her in a tight embrace. He suppresses a laugh. There is nothing his dear sister loathes more than hugs.

Sebastian gazes over at Annette to find her watching them with curiosity. Aunt Helen quickly makes the introductions. "Annette this is my very favorite niece in the world, Kathryn Merteuil. Kathryn, this is Annette Hargrove. She's staying with me for the summer. Annette's father is the new headmaster at Manchester."

"Oh course. Annette I've heard so much about you." She offers a hand and a smile filled with artificial warmth. "It's so nice to finally meet you."

"You to," Annette replies and almost immediately Sebastian recognizes that look in her eyes, it's the same one everyone gets when they meet his stepsister. She was in the midst of being dazzled. Shit.

"Annette, Kathryn is the student body president of Manchester, along with president of the French club, head of the student volunteer initiative and the chairwoman of the junior Whitney committee." As his aunt lists off her accomplishments Kathryn silently beams. Sebastian bets she's likely creaming her panties over it.

"Wow that's impressive," Annette gushes.

"Not really," Kathryn feigns modesty.

"Kathryn will be staying for the summer as well."

Sebastian audibly groans. Aunt Helen winks at Kathryn. "Was he surprised?"

His stepsister shoots a smirk in his direction. "I'd say so."

A servant appears, momentarily distracting his aunt. Before Sebastian can usher Annette away, Kathryn grabs her attention. "So, Annette, tell me, has my brother been behaving himself?"

Annette gave him a side long look but smiles. "Yeah, he's been a perfect gentleman."

"Somehow I doubt that. Like all men of his class, Sebastian's predisposed to wanting what he can't have."

"It's okay, my two-year-old cousin has the same problem," Annette replies with a wry smile.

The girls erupt in laughter. Sebastian smiles sarcastically. "Sis, don't you have some unpacking to do?"

"It can wait. Annette, how about I walk you through the Manchester curriculum?"

"Oh, I'd love that."

Kathryn loops her arm around the unsuspecting blond and leads her away. Sebastian quickly follows. "Why don't I join you."

"Oh, Sebastian I need a favor," Aunt Helen takes him by the arm and leads him in the other direction. Whispering conspiratorially, she says, "Let's let the girls get to know each other. I think it would be good for Annette to make some female friends."

The hell is would. Sebastian's answering smile is sharp and brittle. "Of course, whatever you say Aunt Helen."

Fucking Kathryn.

Within ten minutes of meeting her, Kathryn figures out why Sebastian hasn't been making any headway with the headmaster's daughter. The answer is simple, but none the less surprising. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Annette is not a moron.

Naïve? Sure. Self-righteous? Most definitely. Boring? Without question. But stupid, no. In fact, Kathryn would go so far as to call her intelligent, clever and most unexpectedly, confident.

In hindsight, this should have been obvious from the beginning. After all, for a teenager in this day in age to write about her less than fashionable views took some balls. There was also a small part of her that clearly craved the limelight. Why else would you shout your beliefs so loudly if you didn't want to be heard? This intrigues Kathryn. There might be something worthwhile here after all. Of course, little Annette has the courage of her convictions. It's going to take more than a few pretty compliments and smiles to make this girl roll over and play fetch.

Which is fine. Kathryn loves a challenge.

They spend the afternoon discussing Manchester. Kathryn gives her the lay of the land while subtly trying to suss out whether or not Sebastian has a shot in hell with her. While Annette seems to have no problem chatting about school and her former life on the farm, she delicately dodges even the slightest inquiry about her romantic life. After an hour of getting nowhere Kathryn decides a more intimate setting is called for.

When Gregory, the seventy-year-old butler, is bent over refilling their tea, Kathryn discretely elbows him in the gut. Immediately he stumbles, spilling a heaping cup full all over poor unsuspecting Annette's cheap lavender dress. She bolts upright with a squeal while he apologizes profusely, looking slightly baffled.

"Really Gregory," Kathryn admonishes him, "You could have scalded her."

"I'm sorry Miss."

"It's fine, no big deal," Annette assures him while trying to ring out her dress. "Accidents happen. I should probably go change."

"I'll come with."

She leads her back to her bedroom, babbling the whole time about how she hoped Gregory was okay. Kathryn rolls her eyes so hard they threaten to fall out of her head. Fuck, maybe she overestimated her after all.

"I'm just going to change." Annette disappears into the bathroom but leaves the door half open so they can talk.

"You know he actually reminds me a lot of my own grandfather," Annette sighs wistfully.

"Yeah, me too." Kathryn snoops around the room, her fingers tracing over the few drugstore cosmetics she has laid out on the vanity. She picks up a bottle of unmarked perfume and sprays it. Not bad.

"Are you close with your grandparents Kathryn?"

"Of course." Her one living grandparent, Grandmother Eloise is a cranky old bitch who is due to kick off this mortal coil any day now. She promised to leave Kathryn all her vintage Chanel when she dies. She is counting the days.

Annette's reminiscing about her boring childhood, while Kathryn's going through her cheap jewelry. At the bottom of the jewelry box is a neatly folded letter. She discreetly pulls it out and reads. Kathryn notes the signature at the bottom and grins.

Bunny Caldwell

Ha. Isn't irony fun? It's too bad she didn't discover this little nugget of information before she asked for Sebastian's help with Cecile. It would have come in handy. Oh well. The letter is bound to be useful later on. However, it gives Kathryn an idea.

"You know I read your manifesto," she tells her, edging closer to the door, she peaks through the crack. Annette, standing with her back to her, removes her dress.

There's a long, tell tale pause before she answers almost tentatively, "Oh? You did?"

Kathryn watches mildly amused as the blonde stands still, waiting for a reply. Like she's afraid to hear her thoughts. She gets a sharp pleasurable pang of schadenfreude as she drags the moment out before telling her, "Yes and I have to admit I'm rather…impressed. It's so rare to hear someone our age speak that eloquently about such a serious topic."

Annette's head is turned just enough for Kathryn to see the barest hint of a smile. "Thanks for saying that, Kathryn. Not everyone has been as supportive."

"Let me guess, would one of those people be my brother?"

"You do know him well."

"I do at that." Annette shimmies out of her panties and Kathryn tilts her head drinking in her backside. Very nice.

Honestly, she really had no intention of seducing little Dorothy. Virgins are too much work, too messy. She leaves that sort of thing to Sebastian. But perhaps she is being rash. There might be some fun to be had in seducing Sebastian's prize out from under him.

And then she can't help it, she's picturing it. Coming up behind the blonde, grasping those hips and pressing against her. She nips at her neck as her hand slips down to touch her between the legs. She's already dripping and so very tight. Annette lets out the sweetest little gasp…

"Don't you agree Kathryn? Kathryn?"

She blinks, coming back to reality. "Um…of course."

"I'm so glad you feel that way too. Honestly, I was a little nervous coming to New York after writing it. I mean everyone back home was great about it, but people here…"

"Yeah, I know what you mean. And truth be told you might not be altogether wrong about your concerns."

Annette steps out of the bathroom, now in jeans and a t-shirt. Ugh. "What do you mean?"

Kathryn pretends to pick her words carefully. "It's just that some of the students at Manchester might be more…sophisticated than what you're used to."

"Sophisticated?" Annette repeats sounding offended. She crosses her arms to her chest. "Are you saying my beliefs are childish Kathryn?"

To put it nicely.

"Oh no, of course not! You're absolutely right. People should wait until they're in love before they make love or better yet, married. However, not everyone shares that view. Manchester is a great school but there's more than a few people who think it's a mark of status to sleep around. I just want you to be forewarned."

She nods, taking a seat at the vanity. "Thank you, but honestly I've never cared what people think of me before and I'm not going to start now just because they might be more" she actually used finger quotes, "sophisticated, than me. I won't base my belief system on other people's lack of morality. I couldn't care less how uncool that makes me."

Oh, for Christ sakes, there goes my hard-on.

No lay, however titillating, was worth listening to this kind of inane self-righteous bullshit. Kathryn decides then and there she'll leave the seduction to Sebastian. He has a stronger stomach for it than she does.

However, that doesn't mean she intends to make it easy for him either.

"That's very admirable Annette." Kathryn comes up behind her and picks up the brush. She begins stroking her hair. Annette doesn't object but she sees a flash of surprise in her pale blue eyes, like she's not sure what to make of the sudden intimate act. Good. Kathryn likes the idea of keeping her slightly off balance. "I suspect you'll do very well at Manchester."

"I hope you're right."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

Once again, she pretends to pick her words carefully. "Has my brother made any kind of pass at you?"

Immediately a light pink colors her cheeks as she looks down at her hands folded in her lap. "Yeah, um, he might have."

Kathryn frowns. "I thought as much."

Annette meets her reflection in the mirror. "Nothing has happened between us," she tells her firmly. "Your brother—"

"Stepbrother," Kathryn corrects though she's not all together sure why.

Annette flinches at this but continues, "Stepbrother, he's um, very charming, but I have no interest in him like that. Besides, I have a boyfriend. Trevor. He's backpacking through Europe this summer. He's great. We share a lot of the same beliefs."

Ten to one Trevor is sucking dick as they speak.

"I'm happy to hear that." Setting down the brush Kathryn takes a seat on the bed. "Honestly, when I heard you were staying here this summer, I was sure he had already…" She trails off and shakes her head.

"Kathryn what is it?"

"You must know Sebastian being here the same time as you isn't a coincidence."

Annette surprises her when she replies, "I assumed as much."

"You've heard about his reputation then?"

"I've been informed…by a friend."

"I'm afraid everything you've heard is true. Please don't get the wrong idea. I love my brother very much, but his reputation is well earned. Sebastian is brilliant and he can be very charming but unfortunately, when it comes to girls there's only one thing he's interested in. I'm sure I don't have to elaborate on what that is. To make matters worse he seems to take great pleasure in humiliating them when he's finished. I'd hate for you to suffer the fate of so many other girls."

Annette was staring off in thought as she spoke. Coming back to herself she shook her head. "You have nothing to worry about Kathryn. As far as your brother is concerned, I have no interest in him."

"That's good to hear, but fair warning, I'm afraid he sees you as some kind of challenge. He's not going to take no for an answer."

"Well, it's the only answer he's going to get." Annette let's out a light laugh as she stands up. "To be honest Kathryn, Sebastian's hardly the first boy who thought he could flash a smile, lay on some charm and I'd instantly fall at his if I were to compromise my morals and beliefs, it would never be for someone as clearly dishonest and manipulative like that. Honestly, I don't even think he's that cute. You have nothing to worry about. Trust me, I can handle myself."

Kathryn grins. "I'm happy to hear it."

Of course, she's heard this all before. There was a long list of similarly uptight, prudish girls who thought they were too smart to fall for Sebastian's charms only to inevitably be proven wrong. However, something about little Hargrove told her she might not be as easy a target as originally thought. She had a depth of character that was lacking in the others. An inner strength. For once it appeared her dear Sebastian was in for a genuine challenge.

That car is as good as hers.

"Are you having a good time sweetheart?"

Annette's not quite sure how to answer her mother. The estate is lovely, and Mrs. Rosemond is so kind and welcoming. However, she's not sure she would constitute the last week or so as a 'good time'. Annette feels off somehow, like she can't quite catch her bearings. It could just be a new environment, maybe she's homesick. Or maybe not.

As much as she'd like to unload, she doesn't want to worry her mother. She also doesn't want to lie, so she pivots.

"Mrs. Rosemond's niece Kathryn arrived today. She's staying for the rest of the summer."

As always, her mother reacts with excitement. "Oh really? What's she like?" Annette hesitates before naming off her long list of accomplishments. "Wow she sounds impressive."

"Yeah," she agrees, "She's very nice and friendly, but also a little intimidating."

"Well, I'm sure you two will become good friends."

Annette hums in agreement even though she isn't so sure. Kathryn is indeed all the things she said, but there is something about her she just can't put her finger on. Something Annette doesn't trust.

"And what about that nephew of hers, Sebastian? Has he been behaving himself?"

Rolling her eyes, she curses herself for telling her mother about Sebastian and his reputation. She was so used to telling her everything if felt weird not to tell her about this. Now, though she won't stop bringing it up every time they talk. Her mother lives in fear he'll steal her virtue or something. "Mom," she sighs, "It's fine. Honestly I barely even see him." At far as today was concerned that much is true. "You have nothing to worry about with him."

"I know," Jessica Hargrove sighs, "It's just, I worry about you on your own in that big city without me and your father around."

"I'm seventeen, I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Besides, I'm not by myself. Greg is actually taking me on a tour of the city tomorrow, you know museums, time square, show me how to ride the subway."

"Oh, that will be fun! I think…oh wait, honey your father just walked in. He wants to speak to you."

"Wait mom, I can't—"

"Hey honey how are you doing? How's New York?"

At the sound of her father's familiar warm greeting, Annette's semi-decent mood evaporates. She picks irritably at the duvet cover and manages an icy, "It's fine."

There's a long sigh. "Annie, please talk to me. I know you're upset—"

"I'm fine."

"It's fine, I'm fine," he echoes back, "Clearly you're not. Look sweetheart, I'm so sorry about what happened—"

Annette can't take one more apology, she'll scream. "I have to go to bed. It's late. I'll talk to you guys later."

She hangs up before he can reply.

As soon as she sets her phone down, she frows. Maybe I was too harsh. I should have talked to him. God, she hates feeling guilty. She is a girl who was raised to respect her parents. She knows she shouldn't talk to her father that way. It wasn't her place to pass judgement, according to her mother, but Annette can't help it. She's pissed and she shouldn't be made to feel guilty for it. After all, she's not the one who did anything wrong.

She never should have taken the call in the first place, but she is feeling off after her afternoon with Kathryn. Sebastian's sister is beautiful, smart and clearly driven but something wasn't adding up to Annette. Her BS detector was going off, the same way it did the first time she met Sebastian. For one thing, girls who looked like Kathryn Merteuil, don't carry around rosary's and happily discuss being close to God. It just doesn't compute.

Then again, all this business with her dad was making her second guess everyone. Annette doesn't want to become cynical or jaded. Kathryn is nice and wants to be her friend. That's all that matters.

Annette wants to go to sleep, put the day behind her, but she's not tired. Instead, she decides to go to the kitchen for some warm milk. She slips out of her room and down the main staircase. The beautiful old home is spooky at night, with the lights off and no servants scurrying about. She feels like she could be in a horror film.

Wandering around a bit she gets a little lost on her way to the kitchen. This place was so big, how did Mrs. Rosemond not get constantly lost? She's about to turn around and go back where she started when she hears them, voices drifting down the hallway like ominous ghosts. Annette doesn't recognize them right away, only when she approaches the open drawing room does she realize it's Kathryn and Sebastian. She peaks her head it to find the room dark, save for the fire illuminating the space. The stepsiblings are curled up on the backless settee, Sebastian in a long satin robe, Kathryn is green and black silk. There is something strangely intimate about the scene that makes Annette hesitate to enter.

"So, let's hear it," Sebastian says. "I know you're dying to tell me."

"What?"

"You're afternoon with Annette. Tell me everything."

"Do you honestly think I'd betray her confidence like that?"

"Baby, I think you'd rat out your own mother to the devil for a bottle of cheap vodka."

"The vodka's more useful."

"Very true."

A serpent like smile spreads across Kathryn's face and Annette realizes she's seeing her true face. She watches with rapt fascination as the other girl leans across the couch to her brother and proclaims, "God, are you fucked."

Sebastian groans, his head falls to the back of the settee. "How bad?"

"The little twit spent the whole afternoon babbling on about the family farm and her lame ass friends back home. When I finally got her to talk about you, she delivered a sermon on the evils of teenage sexuality and how people our age are too driven by their hormones to be productive. Christ, that bitch is locked up so tight it's going to take a pickaxe and some industrial sized machinery to get anywhere near her pussy."

"Fantastic."

Annette flinches at hearing her crude language. This is most definitely not the girl she met that afternoon.

Kathryn mocks her with a high, simpering tone. "I feel sorry for girls our age who sleep around. They clearly suffer from low self-esteem and have no self-respect. Holier than thou bitch. I can't wait for Manchester to eat her alive."

"Did that one hit a little too close to home sis?" Sebastian snickers. "What did she say about me?"

"Namely that she's not attracted to you and you don't have a chance in hell."

"Bullshit"

"Even if I were to compromise my morals and beliefs, it would never be for someone as clearly dishonest and manipulative like your brother. Honestly, I don't even think he's that cute." Kathryn tips her head back and releases a melodic and sinister chuckle. "Face it, brother dear, you have a better chance at getting into a nunnery than that girls dried up twat. You might as well give up now."

"Never." Sebastian jumps up from the sofa and begins to pace furiously, only stopping to light a cigarette. "I take it you didn't put in a good word for me."

"Well of course not, where would the fun in that be. I of course did the right thing and warned her against you. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't."

"Bitch"

"She was ever so grateful. I think we're going to be the best of friends."

"God you just had to butt in and play welcome wagon."

"What do you expect? I'm the Marcia fucking Brady of the Upper East Side. It's my job to make her feel welcomed. Just like all the other morons, he ate up every word of it."

Listening to this Annette begins to feel physical ill. The way they spoke about her like she wasn't even a person, but someone to be used and played with like a toy is humiliating not to mention disgusting. She wants more than anything to run in there and call them out on their appalling behavior, but something keeps her rooted to her hiding spot, some need to see how far their depravity goes.

It turns out she doesn't have to wait long.

Annette is absolutely gob smacked when Kathryn pulls out the rosary, she had shown off earlier and unscrews the bottom. She has no idea what it is, until she observes the brunette lift it to her nose and inhale. Cocaine. Annette's mouth falls open. Hard drugs like that are a complete foreign concept to her. They're something people in movies or TV do. She can't imagine anyone in real life using them.

And Sebastian doesn't even seem to notice. He paces.

"There's got to be some angle with this chick I'm missing."

"Well, she's not a complete idiot, morally simplistic and boring as sin, but not stupid." Kathryn stretches out, her head lolling back. "Actually, she's kind of cute."

Sebastian pauses, looks down at his stepsister. "Oh?"

"I'll admit, there was a moment I did consider seducing her myself." She runs a hand down her chest and pauses. "She has a great ass."

"You noticed that too, huh?"

Annette's brain was too stunned to compute. She remembers leaving open the bathroom door as she changed. God, had she watched her? Observing her closely, Annette wonders if Kathryn is gay.

"Unfortunately, she opened her mouth and I was reminded of my limited patients for girls like that. She's all yours…assuming of course you somehow manage to convince her you aren't a delinquent pervert."

"If only I could find out who's been writing to her…"

"The letters aren't your problem. The cat's out of the bag—she knows you're an asshole. What you have to do is convince her otherwise."

"How do you propose I do that?"

"Do what you do best—lie. Tell her you're a changed man, that her goodness is rubbing off on you. You want this girl you're going to have to play it earnest. She wants true love remember?"

Sebastian groans, flopping down on the sofa opposite his sister. "True love? God this is going to suck. I don't think I can last the whole summer."

"That reputation of yours is in serious danger if this little enterprise takes you longer than a month."

"Thanks for your support."

Kathryn sits up and leans towards her stepbrother, her hand on his knee. "Keep your eyes on the prize Valmont," she purrs. "Concentrate on your reward."

He's looking at her very intently now. "I am."

The siblings stare at each other for one long, loaded beat. There's something about it that's unsettling to Annette. This whole scene is way too intimate. Annette is an only child, but she can't imagine any scenario where she would openly discuss her sex life with a relative, even one not blood related. It was strange, but the way they're staring at each other, it is like they want to eat each other alive.

Then again maybe it's just all in her imagination.

Suddenly Kathryn gets up, but rather than leave the couch she turns around and slides, slow and deliberate into her brother's lap. As she settles against him Sebastian releases a grunt and bites his bottom lip. "At least you have a challenge to look forward to," Kathryn tells him, "I'm going to be so bored."

Sebastian's hands rest on to his sister's slender shoulders and he begins to massage them. "I'm sure we can find something to keep you amused," he remarks.

"I knew I could count on you." Kathryn lets out a low moan, her eyes flutter shut as she arches into his touch. "Ah, that feels so good."

Yeah, there is definitely something wrong here. Annette can't believe her eyes. This is so sick and twisted. They're siblings…

Almost as if he knows she is listening and wants to remind her of their familial relation, Sebastian calls playfully, "Oh sis, you're so tense."

"I know," she sighs, and she begins grind subtly against him, "I hate it when things don't go my way. It makes me so horny."

"I know the feeling."

"Has that mousy little blonde got you all worked up?"

"Someone has."

She giggles. "Poor baby." Kathryn's hand slips low then disappears behind her back. Annette isn't sure what she's doing but, suddenly a gasp falls from Sebastian's mouth and his eyes close in pleasure. "Is that better?"

"Y-yeah," he stutters, "Much better."

"You really think you're going to pull it off, with her I mean?"

"Without question. She'll be my greatest victory." Sebastian's right hand is sliding down, down, down, until it's slipping underneath the front of his sisters' negligee. He squeezes her breast and Kathryn's lips curl up in a grin. "Second to you of course."

Watching them in stupefied horror, Annette wonders if they have sex. Her experience is so limited, she's not even sure what she's seeing. She only knows it's clearly very wrong. God, she should just run back to her room, hell, run back to Kansas and never look back. This is so messed up. But like any good car crash, she can't look away.

Kathryn reaches back and tugs at her brother's hair, making him whimper. Annette leans in further. "Don't get ahead of yourself." Kathryn tilts her head and nips at his jaw. "Concentrate on the task at hand."

"I can do that." Sebastian removes his hand from his sister's nightgown and slides it down her body. Annette has to hold back a gasp as she watches him crudely rub her between the legs.

Kathryn lets out low cry, her eyes falling shut. This time it's she who fumbles for words. "Just…think about…how wet she'll be…how tight…"

He kisses her neck. "She'll want it so badly."

"She'll practically beg for it."

Sebastian's movements became a little more vigorous, as if their words were spurring him on. "I'm going to pump that pussy wide open."

"I have no doubt," Kathryn replies. They're both openly panting now, with Sebastian's normally aloof expression replaced with a hard grimace as if he's in pain. But Annette, even with her limited knowledge knows that's far from the truth. He's getting off on this. They both are.

"Well, keep me abreast of your progress," she pants, working against him harder. "And let me know when you succeed. Until then…" Abruptly Kathryn sits up and removes his hand from her body and hers from his. Turning around, she eyes her stepbrother's tented pants and whispers, "Down boy."

Sebastian looks at his sister with a mix of disbelief and fury. "You've got to be shitting me."

"Afraid not." Kathryn stands up and Annette, fearful of being seen finally snaps out of the daze she's been in and tries to hide further in the shadows. In doing so, her hand hits a picture, and it scraps against the wall. Kathryn looks in her direction. "What was that?"

Annette whips back holding tight against the wall praying she isn't found, which is ridiculous. She's not the one who did anything wrong. Still, she stands in the dark, trembling, wide eyed, trying to control her breathing.

Sebastian could care less. "It's probably a servant, who care? Finish what you started."

"I don't think so. I'm rather tired…"

Hearing Kathryn approach the door, Annette takes off down the dark hall and doesn't stop running till she makes it back to her bedroom and is under the safety of the covers. She lays there panting for several long minutes, trying to process what she's just witnessed.

This was all so unbelievable. She knew Kathryn wasn't who she pretended to be, but she could never imagine she was this awful. And Sebastian? He's a cad sure, but his own sister? That is just sick. The way they talked to each other, the way they touched…it was appalling.

And worse still, was the way they discussed her. It was beyond offensive. She wasn't a human being to them but a toy, something to play with to keep themselves amused. God, how is she going to make it through a summer with the two of them? Annette fantasizes calling them out, but that would likely only embarrass Mrs. Rosemond who has been nothing but lovely to her. She doesn't know what she's going to do. Maybe she should just leave, she could go stay with Sabrina and her family…

But you've don't run away from things, she reminds herself. That's not who you are.

Eventually Annette's anxiety gives way to sleep. It is anything but restful. She tosses and turns all night, with Kathryn and Sebastian's crude, vulgar words echoing in her ears. She can't escape that look of pained pleasure on Sebastian's face or the sound of Kathryn's malicious laugh.

I'm going to pump that pussy wide open.

It's sick and wrong, and she wishes to god she had never seen any of it. She can't escape the feeling that last night has changed something within her, something fundamental. She just isn't sure what that is yet.

The following morning Annette awakes tired, cranky and strangely enough, slick between her legs.