Chapter 131

Back in Vegas

What Have You Done?

Rhi POV

Hanging up I glance around and see everyone looking at me, jaws dropped open and eyes wide. Brushing my hands together, like I'm wiping dust of my hands, "There. Problem solved." No one says anything so I continue. "You heard the man. You have his permission to relax, have a few drinks and enjoy your mini vacation."

They're all silent and I watch as they look at each other, making eye contact with everyone but me. There's a strange tension snapping between them. I wish I could say I was confused but I'm not. I can feel their concern and it's quite obvious on their faces. I roll my eyes at the thought of someone thinking they can rule the lives of people.

Clearing my throat to get their attention, I give them the opportunity to make their choice. "So, you guys have two options. You can either turn off your phones or leave them on. Either way, you will not have your phones tonight. Kate? Ana? You too. Phones stay here." Raising my eyebrows, I wait for a response that doesn't come. "The only phone we're going to have available tonight is mine, and no one has that number. This is about having fun, not being connected to your fucking boss. I told him about the phones as a courtesy. You know, wouldn't want to worry him." I spit out like venom.

"Rhi…" Kong starts but I cut him off.

"OK guys, phones go on the table and if you touch them or try to sneak them I'll make your life hell." I watch as they all turn their phones off and set them in the center of the table. Satisfaction burns to life in my stomach and rises up into a smile.

God that's satisfying! I'll be damned if I'm going to let some asshole snoop into my life, fuck up my vacation and try to control everything. I don't care how rich and powerful he is. It's not happening. NO WAY.

The worry and uncertainty on their faces pulls at something inside and I can't completely pull a stunt like their boss did. "I tell you what. Even though he was there and heard everything, I'll send a message to Elliot to let him know no one has their phones except for me. He has my number and if there's anyone I can trust, it's him. He'll never betray me."

No one says anything, they just watch as I pull out my phone and send a message to Elliot.

R: Hey just a reminder, my phone is the only one we're going to have tonight. Everyone else's is staying in our suite. We're off to have fun! Don't wait up for us! ;p

"Come on, we're having a drink." Looking at them expectantly, I raise my eyebrows as I pull out four more tumblers." I have to laugh. They look like they're sitting in the electric chair. "Fuck guys, you need to relax. Which is why we're having a shot or two." Or five.

Retro and Lurch have smiles they're trying to hide, Kong looks stunned and Scrooge looks absolutely mortified. I can't help but laugh again as I turn to Ana and Kate, who look a bit shocked too, but not as bad as the guys. Probably because they expect stuff like this from me.

Ana opens her mouth to speak and says, "Rhi, do you have any idea what you just did?"

Pointedly, I look at her and say, "I know EXACTLY what I did. I took back control of MY vacation so I could enjoy it with the people who are right here. There's been too much shit happening TO ME and no one KNOWS me!" My blood is starting to boil and I can feel the flush lighting up my skin. "I don't care if your boss is the fucking President! He can just deal with me in person when I see him. Let's be honest, if no one knew about me all these years, and he couldn't find information on me, the only way he's going to find me is through you." I point to everyone. "The only reason you're here is because I already know you'll follow us and I don't really want to deal with the feeling of being watched again." I glare at the guys, making sure they all know I'm still pissed, despite forgiving them. "You'll appreciate what I just did and if not it'll give you something to remember me by." I mutter under my breath, "If you ever see me again."

No one says anything as I pour the drinks, making sure to fill every glass to the top, and pass them out. "Now, down it. No sipping. If you guys think I'm going to let you get away with not drinking you're sadly mistaken. I'm sure you can't hang with me so I'll cut you a break." A grin spreads across my face at the thought. "I won't make you drink all night but I'll be damned if I'm going to let you enjoy your night and hang out with me without alcohol. Kate? Ana? What shall we toast to?"

They're all still silently watching me and it's driving me crazy that I have to take things into my own hands all the time. Rolling my eyes, "Oh for fuck's sake! Do I have to do everything? If you're not going to participate you're just going to have to go along for the ride and deal with my ideas…" I leave that statement hanging as bait.

Finally, Kate recovers from the shock and says something. Chuckling, she says, "You better say something or live with the consequences. Consider this your only warning."

She must have actually listened and heard what I said earlier. FINALLY!

Ana smiles, "She's right guys. You've been warned. You witnessed what she just did to Christian. What else do you think she's capable of?"

There's no reaction from Kong or Scrooge and Retro and Lurch smirk but remain silent.

Smirking, eyebrows raised, I call them out, "Retro? Lurch? One of you want to show the other two how it's done?"

Retro and Lurch share a glace and Retro says, "I'll take this one." He looks at Kong and Scrooge, "Guys, raise your glasses." Pausing briefly, "LET THE GAMES BEGIN!"

We clink glasses and I down mine in seconds. I watch as Kate and Ana down theirs in three swallows. Retro, Lurch and Kong in two and Scrooge surprises me and downs his in one, just a second or two slower than me.

"Impressive, Scrooge. Maybe you DO have a little party boy in you!" I smirk, laughing, and he rolls his eyes. Finally a reaction from Mr. Stoic. "OK. Ana? Kate? We'll leave one bottle out here with the guys and take one with us to get ready." Looking at the guys again, I add, "Oh, and by the way? I'm going to be monitoring the bottle. I expect you all to have at least one more glass. Not shots, GLASS." Eyes widen and Retro and Lurch chuckle.

Turning to Kate and Ana, "I'll go get my things and meet you in your room." Heading into my room, I gather what I need but leave my dress. I want to surprise the girls. They're going to die of shock.

By this time, it's 8pm and we've not even begun to get ready so we have to rush a little. Luckily, none of us wear a lot of makeup and our hair is pretty dry. I need to blow dry mine just a little, maybe Kate and Ana do too. Hmm… How am I going to manage this?

"Guys, I need to blow dry my hair. I'm going to my bathroom to do it and I'll have one of the guys stand by in case I need help. I'll be right back." They nod and continue what they're doing.

As I'm walking out to the kitchen, I'm trying to decide who should I choose for this next chore? Do I dare give Kong or Scrooge a chance or stick with Retro and Lurch? I guess, to play nice, I should give the other two a chance. I SUPPOSE I could have Kong help me. He's been suffering long enough. For now. I know nothing about Scrooge so I'll pull him in last. He's not been very vocal since he got here. And, quite frankly, it's really irritating.

When I get to the kitchen, the guys are sitting on the couches again and they look over at me.

"OK boys, gather round. Time for another drink!" Sharing a look, Lurch and Retro have smug smiles while Kong shrugs and Scrooge scowls. I laugh, "You guys seriously didn't think I wouldn't follow through with my threat, did you?"

"Taylor did. Luke was undecided. Ryan and I pretty much knew you wouldn't. We were expecting one every time you passed through here." Lurch laughs, calling everyone out.

"Hey! You've got a great idea there! I didn't even think about that!" I grin at him.

Scrooge and Kong groan, "Thanks a lot Reynolds! Fuck, we're going to be drunk before we get to dinner!" Kong laughs and Scrooge still looks like a grouch. I'd call him Oscar the Grouch but that's my dad's name and I'm not about to ruin that. He doesn't deserve it. Scrooge still fits him and his grumpy attitude. Maybe Grumpy is better.

They continue to groan as they walk over to the table where their drinks are waiting.

"Fuck, Rhi. How can you NOT be drunk? I don't get it. You should be shit faced by now. How many glasses have you had so far?" Kong asks, eyebrows raised.

Laughing, "This will be number seven. I told you I can drink most people under the table." I pause, "Maybe one day you'll get to see me in action. IF you're lucky." I wink and smile wickedly.

Picking up my glass, I raise it, "OK guys, drink up! I need to finish getting ready and I'll need someone's help since the girls are busy themselves." I down my drink again and watch the guys drink theirs. Lurch and Retro are the only ones who actually seem to be enjoying this. Kong and Scrooge still seem reluctant.

"Ya'll are slow. I thought you tough guys would be impressive drinking." I giggle, "You're going to let a 5'3" girl out drink you? Fuck, I'm beginning to wonder if you guys can hang with us at all. How many glasses have you hand so far? Two?" Glancing at Lurch and Retro, "Did you have any while I was in the other room?" I watch them, waiting for their answer.

Retro looks at me and smiles, "Honestly, we've only had the two with you."

Rolling my eyes, "I can see that ya'll can't be trusted with this but at least you're honest. OK, let's have another one right now." Filling their glasses again. "Let's go guys, show me you can hang with me. Kate and Ana actually had four glasses with me last night. Though they did pass out shortly after but they still did it." I continue to goad them, waiting for them to finish their drinks. "Good job guys! I'm so proud of you!" I laugh. "OK, I need help with something…"

Out of the corner of my eye, Retro and Lurch open their eyes wide, eyebrows raised with slightly shocked expressions. A snort escapes me as I double over laughing. Looking back up, I see their expressions haven't changed and tears start falling down my cheeks I'm laughing so hard.

Struggling to catch my breath I try to put their minds at ease. "Relax guys, it's nothing like earlier." I give them a secret smile and a wink. "That was just for you two."

Kong looks at them with what appears to be jealousy. "OK Kong, you're up. I need your assistance. I'm going to check on the girls first." Looking at Retro and Lurch, "Make sure they have another drink. Please." I grin, "I'll be right back."

Walking into the room, I see they've had a couple of drinks. "How are you feeling?

"We're great! We have a warm fuzzy feeling happening! We had a couple while you were gone. Have you seen the guys? Are they drunk yet? Your hair is too damp to go out. Didn't you dry it?" Kate is spitting out words so fast I can't help but laugh. I don't even think she took a breath.

"Not yet. I made the guys have another drink. They need to loosen the fuck up, especially Scrooge. He's driving me insane so he's my target for a while." Wiggling my eyebrows I laugh devilishly.

Kate rolls her eyes. "You really have a twisted sense of humor. Though, I don't know if you'll be able to break him. He's been stiff and straight since I've known him." She laughs, "As a matter of fact, this is the first time I've ever seen him drink. Who knows? Maybe you WILL be able to loosen him up. I mean really, can anyone actually resist the Rhi charm?"

"Doubt it." We all laugh, "I see you are almost ready. What do you have left to do?"

Ana checks herself in the mirror and smiles, "I just have to get dressed. What about you guys?"

Kate follows suit. "Same here." Glancing at me with a frown, "Rhi, I see you haven't done anything yet. You better hurry up. We need to leave soon, our reservations are at 9pm."

Sighing, "I know. I've just been making sure they loosen up. My vacation has been ruined enough and I don't want any 'Debbie Downer's' out with us. I know I'm not going about it the right way but I'm tired of someone trying to control what I want to do." Laughing, "I'll let the drinking go, for now. I think I've forced enough on them for the time being. I was actually surprised Scrooge was able to slam a drink faster than the others. Who would've guessed?"

"Gotta jet!" Whirling around like a tornado spinning out of control, I fly through the kitchen, stopping briefly to look at the guys. They are looking at me wide-eyed and eyebrows raised. "Kong, I need your help. Can you come in here please?" He looks relieved. "Lurch? Did you guys have any more drinks like I asked?" OK, more like demanded.

He smirks, "Sure did! Wouldn't want to disappoint." He winks and he and Retro laugh.

Grinning, "I KNEW I could count on you!" Looking at Kong, "C'mon, shake a tailfeather!"

Sighing, he reluctantly rises from his seat and follows me.

As I blast through my room, I'm pulling my hair that somehow got caught inside my robe so I can start this chore. Good grief I have a lot of hair! This is going to take forever! Picking up my brush, I try to pull it through my hair. It's not too terribly tangled but I still can't get it through my mane and it gets stuck again.

This is going to be the worst part of having this stupid cast, using a brush and hairdryer together. My left arm will be more steady and controlled, not that the combat skills I've trained in didn't strengthen it, but it's not my dominant hand so it's still less coordinated doing the smallest tasks.

Sighing, I lay my head down on the counter again and start to pick my hair out of the brush, strand by strand, when I hear Kong coming.

"Come in Kong…"