Its been longer than I wanted since I last updated this and I'm sincerely sorry. I hope that you're still reading and rereading this. Hopefully you guys still enjoy this story. Stay safe and tay tuned.

Chapter Twelve

"Biting your tongue for little ol me?" Karen said just before strolling into the room.

Brooke exhaled and tried not to glare at the older woman. Instead she attempted to hold her tongue and sat down on the chaise nearest to her. "No…I was taught to respect my elders no matter how much of a bitch they can be." Lucas nudged her a little. She then smiled forcefully and asked, "Is there any particular reason why you're standing in my room?"

Karen didn't bat an eye. Instead she smiled and answered frostily, "I only came to inform you both that I will be extending my stay…"

Despite her shock and dismay, Brooke struggled to keep her face neutral as the news echoed in her head. Extending her stay…she's extending her stay. No doubt to torture me…question is: Do I fall for it or do I make a run for it? she thought as she looked at the woman standing before them in her territory looking incredibly smug. There was no way she would be able to stay under the same roof as this woman. Instead of voicing her immense disapproval she remained silent, her posture rigid. No matter how she personally felt it was not up to her whether she stayed or not and there was no way she would ask Lucas to evict his own mother from their family home.

All the while Lucas remained standing there, rubbing the back of his neck, feeling the tension in the room that was so thick that it could be cut with a knife. "How long will you be staying?" He asked, sensing that was the question that was running through his new girlfriend's mind.

"I don't know…maybe a few weeks." She answered with a saccharine smile that was fooling no one in the room. There was a pregnant pause before she added, "Or however long it takes to find out what this girl's really up—her real agenda."

Lucas glared at her, "Mom—"

Brooke finally broke her silence after that little jab and said in the most polite way she could muster, "Okay that is your queue to leave!"

Karen smirked slightly in that superior way then looked at her son and said, "Lucas I want to discuss another matter with you later." She then looked at her with challenging eyes and added, "And I trust I will see you both at dinner." She then walked out of her room before either could give her an answer.

"There's no way that I will live under the same roof as her." Brooke said the instant she was sure that they were alone.

"Brooke—"

"I mean it Lucas! I'm moving out! I'll pay out the nose if need be—but there is no way that I can be under the same roof as that…woman." She gritted out as she walked to the closet and began dragging out her luggage.

Lucas rushed to her side and halted her motions while saying, "Baby stop, please."

"Why? Why should I stop Lucas?" she asked, her anger at the point of over boiling. "Why shouldn't I walk out of that door—"

"No you can't leave."

She shook her head, "I have to—"

"You can't." He closed his eyes briefly and exhaled then continued on to say, "Look I know that you're angry. My mother was way out of line—but you can't run from me because of—"

Brooke went back to dragging the luggage towards her bed. She then began snatching clothes from the dresser and putting them haphazardly in the suitcase. "I have to Lucas! If I stay here with her I would lose my mind—y'know the thing that you love most about me—would be completely gone if I remain here. I must protect my sanity and peace and in order to do that I must leave here as soon as possible—"

Lucas felt true panic after hearing her incredibly rushed words and the way she was packing up he then pleaded, "Baby—Brooke please try and stay…for the boys and Sam."

She paused and looked at him, "For the boys and Sam?"

"Okay—for me. Stay for me. Please." He said softly as he brought her into his arms. "A-and if she's too much for you then I will come with you. My boys and I will come with you and Sam and we'll stay wherever you want. "

She looked into his eyes, eyes that seemed to reach right into her soul and saw sincerity behind those blue irises. Despite that she found herself whispering, "Really?"

"Yes, really." He said meaningfully as he cupped her face in his gentle hands, his thumb stroking her cheekbone softly. "I mean every single word…"

She sighed then smirked playfully, "Way to work the heartstrings by mentioning Jamie and Logan…not to mention my little sister. You don't play fair at all do you?" she asked with a chuckling sigh.

"Brooke I don't want—I can't bear the thought of being apart from you. So if I have to use everything in my arsenal to get you to stay with me then I…will…use everything…I have…" Lucas said as he kissed her lips in pecking kisses. "…to convince you…to stay…"

She melted in his arms like warm chocolate as his drugging kisses made her forget everything, the barbs his mother cruelly threw in her direction, the anger that came with it—well most of it was gone in a puff of smoke. The rest of it however helped fuel her passion like gasoline to a raging fire.

Lucas hands automatically grasped her waist to pull her in closer as the kiss grew in intensity, he breathed her in, tasted her sighs of submission, savored her perfervid desire that turned his brain to mush and his body…hard as iron.

"We shouldn't do this now…" she gasped as his mouth traveled down the column of her neck, moaning as he suckled on her soft skin, her racing pulse beating against his lips causing her blood to run feverishly. "…we should really stop…"

Lucas sighed and gave her a lingering kiss. "…you're right. Round two can wait."

"It can?" she asked just as he parted from her. Lucas eyebrow lifted in question which prompted her to say, "Of course it can!"

"You don't sound convinced." He said with a knowing smirk. Brooke bit her lip then kissed him once more. "That definitely seems like you're having second thoughts."

Brooke nodded then admitted, "Maybe I am…but that doesn't change the fact that I am now starving and dinner would be served soon. Besides I can't add another sin such as being late for dinner on your mothers growing list of things she disapproves about me."

Lucas groaned then nodded, "Alright, point taken."

"Exactly…" she said just before she walked out of the room, leaving him to follow behind her. "Besides I can't wait until we eat our Sex In A Pan."

"That sounds so dirty." He said with a chuckle as they made their way to the dining room.

Brooke snorted, "It does doesn't it? Maybe we should keep the name of it between us."

"I totally agree." He said as his hand thoughtlessly began caressing the small of her back as they walked. Lucas allowed her to enter the dinner room first where the kids and Sam were already seated at the table. Karen, however was nowhere to be found.

"Brooke! Daddy!" Logan exclaimed as soon as he spotted them.

"Hey little dude! How's one of my favorite people in the whole wide world?!" Brooke asked with a cheerful dimpled smile. It was something about the Scott boys that made the world much brighter.

"Hey I thought I was one of your favorite people in the whole entire world!" Jamie grumbled as Brooke bestowed Logan with a kiss on the top of his sandy blonde hair.

"Oh but you are Jamie! I adore you both equally." She said as she bestowed him with a kiss on the top of his spiky blonde hair as well. And guess what—your dad and I made dinner and dessert!"

"Really?!" The twins asked in excitement, automatically knowing whatever they had prepared would be awesome. "You and Brooke made it?"

Lucas ruffled their hair simultaneously and said, "That's right buds. We're having—"

"We had a change of plans for dinner. I called Mathis and he prepared our dinner." Karen announced as she stepped into the room. "Instead of that contaminated Spaghetti and whatever that goop was for dessert—we are having Salmon en papillote and Paris-brest for dessert."

Sam saw Brooke's jaw clench as Mrs. Scott sat down at the table and wondered what she had missed while she and the boys were busy learning and playing throughout the day.

"We worked really hard on that! Why on earth would you—"

Karen tossed him a look that clearly stated Do not question me and then said in that haughty tone she was so gifted in using. "Should I really elaborate why I would in front of the help and the children Lucas? The fact you would plan serving my grandchildren that—" she fell silent for a moment then smiled as she replied, "Never mind. I feel my point has been made perfectly clear by the ones who it's meant for."

"Perfectly." Lucas said coldly even as his hand sought out Brooke's hand underneath the table, wanting her to know that he was on her side.

The children could feel the atmosphere was different, usually there was conversation between the adults and some laughter passed between them as they all enjoyed their meals. Now it was deathly silent. Brooke was tense and not her usual self—she didn't make any sounds as she ate the food in front of her and everyone in the room noticed except Karen, who didn't know about any of Brooke's endearing quirks.

And the food was delicious. The Salmon en papillote was very tender and delicately juicy, the moisture and flavors were locked in by the clever technique of wrapping the fish in paper before cooking. And the dessert—Paris-brest—Cousin to the croquembouche, this custard-frilled choux pastry ring is like a giant chocolate éclair and absolutely divine. But Brooke couldn't enjoy it as she usually would knowing that his mother would find even that a mark against her character.

Everyone noticed but were too afraid to ask what was going on with her. Instead they ate and the maids served in complete silence.

By the time dinner was over everyone was glad to leave the matriarch's presence—everyone except Lucas and later Brooke who Karen had asked to meet her in Lucas' office. Brooke struggled internally with the notion of being alone with her but she wasn't one to be afraid of anything so she forced herself to meet her—one step at a time. Steeling herself Brooke placed her hand on the doorknob of his office door just as Lucas was walking out.

Lucas allowed the door to close behind him just before he said, "You don't have to go in there if you don't want to. We can go upstairs to our special place and just mellow out."

"As tempting as that sounds…I have to show her that I'm no wilting flower and I can take whatever she dishes out. Earlier was…regrettable but it's not me. I don't run—often." She amended, which made Lucas chuckle. Brooke smiled in response to his light laughter as she looked at him then asked curiously, "What is your version of mellowing out by the way?"

He shrugged, "Talking…drinking a glass of wine…just hanging out, listening to music." He answered as he leaned against the wall.

She smiled fondly and said, "Same thing Haley and I do when we need to de-stress from a long day."

"And today was a long day." He sighed, his fingers seeking her hand until he was gently holding it. "Well I would gladly be a stand-in for her if you want—"

Brooke shook her head and said, "No…no stand-in's. We can deepen our relationship by having our own mellow sessions—but no stand-in's. I need you both for different reasons—and I want to keep it that way."

"Understood." He then leaned to her and whispered in her ear, "How about after your talk with my mother—meet me in the upstairs apartment. We can de-stress from today together…"

"Sounds like a plan. Meet you up there." She said before their hands broke contact. He brushed a kiss across her cheek before he walked away, leaving her to face his mother—per her choice. She then opened the door and walked in saying, "You wanted to see me?"

"Well rehearsed. Poorly acted." Karen said as she at down in Lucas' office chair.

Brooke blinked in confusion as she asked, "Excuse me?"

"That little charade you put on with my grandkids? All an act."

She scoffed softly then exhaled, praying for the patience she needed to deal with this woman. "I didn't even know you saw that but I assure you—what you saw was every bit as real as the gold in this mansion. I adore those boys and they adore me back. Just like your son cares for me and I for damned sure care for him—and there's nothing you can do about it."

Karen smirked coldly then replied, "Want to bet? Affection has no place in our world. How long do you think he's going to amuse himself with you? Passion fizzles. But power and wealth—if you play smart—can last a lifetime."

"I cannot believe that Lucas came from you. That he shares your blood—" she stopped the stream of words aching to leave her mouth. Instead she exhaled, "You know what I discovered about your son Lucas…he has layers. The first layer is the business asshole that no one in their right mind would want to get to know. The second layer—I found was a genuinely helpful man, stubborn but helpful. The third layer he showed me his dreams for his business and how my business could and will enhance his to the point where I believed in it too. His dream became mine. The fourth layer…his heart for his kids. How much he tries to make it home to them each night to tuck them in, how he would give them the world but knows its time that they really want…then he showed me his passion. Not only for his business, his children but for me. Lucas is important to me for who he is—not what he has. I didn't even know who you or your family were when he and I first met. So you can drop that invisible label from my forehead that says gold digger and bury it somewhere deep because I'm not going anywhere as long as he wants me here—and let me ensure you, he really does want me here."

"If you're still here for the RSF event then and only then would I believe that he's serious about you. If you're not—you're just another notch on his bedpost. Like I knew you were."

Brooke mentally counted to ten then asked, "What's RSF?"

"The Royal Scott Foundation. It's a charity event focused on shelter and homeless services, that also centers around food banks, food pantries and food distribution as well as youth development services. The project has always been very important to our family. Which is why Lucas has a cut off point just before September 17th."

Brooke cocked her head and asked, "Is that all?"

Karen nodded. "For now. Goodnight Brooke."

Brooke chuckled ironically then walked out of the room. As soon as she closed the door her phone vibrated in her pocket.

"Hello?"

"Hey B I just got your message. How are you doing?"

It was seven thirty now. Which means Reverie would be deadlocked at this time—or not. "Is it slow there? You guys should be prepping for the afternoon rush—"

"Everything's fine Brooke! The profits are booming and the artistry is flowing…Reverie is booming—as always. Now back to you—what's going on?"

"Why didn't you tell me how bitchy Karen was? I feel like I was fed to a great white shark!" Brooke said as she walked further and further away from Lucas' office door. Brooke went into great detail of her conversations with Karen Scott.

"She actually said that?!"

"Yeah…she makes Lucas when you first introduced him look like a saint! I can not believe that she gave birth to a man like Lucas…" she said as she entered the elevator. "I almostpacked my bags and ran to the nearest hotel."

Haley sighed, "Thank God you didn't—"

She pressed the top floor and felt the elevator move up. "I did say almost. Hell I'm still tempted."

"Well don't. You guys didn't come this far only to come this far. Stick it out as best as you can." She then hissed and said in a rush, "Ooh I gotta go—the rush is beginning. I will talk to you later. Love you."

"Love you too." She said as she reached the top floor to find Lucas there waiting for her with two glasses of wine as soon as the doors opened. She grinned as she walked out of the lift and walked to him. "How long were you waiting for me?"

He handed her a glass and replied, "Give or take ten minutes." He gave her one assessing look and asked, "Want to talk about it?"

"Thank you." She said as she accepted the wine glass from his hand. "And yes…I kinda do." He led her inside and closed the door behind them.

Lucas settled down in one of the overstuffed chairs in the sitting room and grabbed her hand to pull her down in his lap. "Tell me what's wrong."

Brooke chuckled sardonically and admitted, "I gotta say your mother is a real piece of work. She downright accused me of faking my interaction with your children!"

"You have got to be kidding me! What else happened?" Brooke told him everything that was shared between her and his mother and the more she elaborated the more disgusted he looked. "Obviously I don't share her views."

"Obviously." She agreed before sipping the Chardonnay which was quite tasty—papaya and pineapple with notes of vanilla and perfectly aged oak. "It's not like I plan to retire now that we're together. And I never cared about your money—"

Lucas looked at her sincerely. "I know that…otherwise we wouldn't have made it this far. I wouldn't feel half the feelings I feel for you now."

Brooke played with the silky strands of his longish blonde hair and asked, "And how do you feel about me?"

"You are like an exquisite painting, you're not only beautiful but you give my life color."

"That's one of the sweetest things I've ever heard." She then leaned down and kissed him slowly and affectionately. "So what did your mother want with you?"

"Oh that." He then sighed and replied, "There's this important black tie event—gala—that I will have to host here with her a few nights from now and I had completely forgotten about it. So she reminded me and told me that she had already taken care of the details—all I have to do is host it." He then kissed her knuckles and asked, "Do you want to accompany me?"

Brooke sighed, "Your mother would love that idea."

Lucas chuckled then admitted, "I'm sure she would sprout horns but…I want you by my side."

She pursed her lips for a second then replied playfully, "How about you convince me first?"

"I have to convince you?" he asked teasingly.

"Yes…you do." Brooke said with a sensual grin, her finger trailing along his neck, fingering the slight curl at the nape of his neck. "Convince me—" He then kissed her into silence as his hands settled on her waist, his fingers softly stroking her sides. Brooke exhaled as she melted, his lips weaving a spell on her. Just as the kiss was getting really interesting his phone started ringing. "Ignore it!" she said before taking his lips in a slow burning kiss.

It stopped ringing eventually—only to start ringing again. Lucas groaned as he tore his lips from hers as he gasped out, "Baby I have to answer it."

"Fine…take the call." She said on a sigh.

"Just hang on to that thought…" he said before giving her a peck on her lips. "Hello?"

"Lucas…it's your mother. I just called to tell you that your sons are asking for you."

Lucas sighed heavily then nodded, "Okay tell them I'm coming…"

He disconnected the call and groaned, "Apparently my kids need me—I'm sorry. I have to go." Brooke let out a heavy sigh of disappointment and removed herself from his lap, allowing him to stand to his feet. He kissed her softly yet briefly and told her, "I'll be back—"

She shook her head and replied, "No, no…it's okay. We can do this another night. The kids obviously need you."

The couple walked out together and rode the elevator back downstairs holding hands. It wasn't until they walked toward the rooms that they stopped. Brooke still followed after him to see if the twins were alright. Karen was of course there waiting, holding a crying Logan in her arms.

"What happened?" he asked as soon as he was close enough to them.

"He woke up like this…I tried everything to calm him—but all he wants is you…" Karen said as Lucas took Logan from her arms. She then saw Brooke and said in the most insincere voice Brooke had ever heard, "I'm sorry if I interrupted you…"

Brooke ignored her and walked to Lucas and stroked Logan's head comfortingly as she asked, "What's wrong buddy?"

Logan looked at her with tearful eyes and answered in whimpering voice as he tightly held onto his father, "I-I h-had a n-nightmare…a-about a monster. H-he a-attacked d-daddy—" he stuttered then cried harder, obviously recalling the details of his horrific dream.

"Oh Lo…it's alright…it was just a dream son." Lucas soothed as he rocked him gently.

"Sweetheart…I'm so sorry that you had a dream like that but everything's fine…it was just a dream. Your daddy's fine…" Brooke said soothingly, still stroking his silky sandy blonde head. At Lucas gentle rocking and her soothing voice calmed the little boy as he sniffled. He then reached out to Brooke wanting to be held by her.

Karen saw this and ached to say: this is a family matter your presence is not needed. But withheld the acid words, not waning to set the child back into hysterics—considering that he was obviously very comforted by her embrace.

"How about a bedtime story?" Lucas suggested, knowing that usually made both of his sons feel better. Logan nodded and snuggled further into the crook of Brooke's neck, his arms holding her tightly. "Do you mind carrying him back to his bed?"

"No I don't mind at all."

Jamie sat up the moment the couple entered their bedroom. Brooke laid Logan down in his bed, chuckling when Jamie climbed in his brothers bed as well. She ruffled their heads before turning around to walk away. She was about to leave when Logan sat up and asked, "Where're you going?"

Brooke saw the daggers Karen was subtly sending her and answered, "I figured that you guys would like to be alone—"

"Can you stay? Please?" Logan asked with those adorable blue eyes of his.

"Yeah Brooke…stay—" Jamie pleaded, also sending her adorable puppy dog eyes.

Brooke looked at Lucas and asked, "Is that okay with you?"

Lucas nodded, "Yeah, of course you can stay…" He then dragged two seats towards the bed. He then looked for a story that the boys would enjoy. He chose Pirate Ship Adventure and sat down beside her. "Okay guys I have the perfect bedtime story for ya…it's called Pirate Ship Adventure by Uncle Amon." He said as he displayed the book cover to his audience. He then opened the book and began reading, "Sammy was a six year old little boy who lived in an imaginary world with his imaginary friends. One day, Sammy was pondering what he wanted to do for an adventure. He decided that he wanted to go on an adventure on a pirate ship and he wanted to find some buried treasure… 'Oh yes,' dreamed Sammy. 'An adventure on a pirate would be just the adventure I need.' Sammy thought long and hard about the new adventure he wanted to go on. He thought about how much fun it would be to actually meet up with some pirates…"

Brooke watched the nightly ritual in awe as Lucas's voice changed to fit the character, how involved he was in the story and how he captured the attention of his boys. Before long though their little heads began to nod again, their lids slowly but surely closing in sleep. Lucas stood to his feet and kissed each of their foreheads.

Brooke had also stood to her feet before kissing their cheeks, and said softly, "Goodnight Lo, goodnight Jimmy Jam."

"Goodnight Daddy…goodnight Brooke…" Logan said drowsily before nodding off again.

"Goodnight…" Brooke said a final time her heart warming over as she watched him snuggle with his favorite plush toy. Lucas grasped her hand softly before walking out of their room together.

Karen could see that the bond was genuine between the foursome as story-time came to a close and had for once felt like an outcast. But she wasn't going to admit that to a soul. Instead she waited her turn to say goodnight to her grandchildren. "Goodnight sweethearts…granny loves you very much." She said as she stroked each of their soft cheeks before she also left their presence.

"We should call it a night. We have a big day ahead of us." Lucas said grudgingly as he had her pressed against the wall, his fingers toying with her soft chocolate colored hair.

"We should…but not before you give me a—" she said as she grasped his tie, reeling him in for a kiss.

"Goodnight you two!" Karen said with a faux cheeriness that set Brooke's teeth on edge.

The couple broke apart unwillingly and said a grudging, "Goodnight." in return. For a strange moment neither party moved, as if willing the other to go first. In the end Lucas escorted Brooke to her room where he gave her a slow sensuous kiss. "See you in the morning." He said after he broke away from her kiss plumped lips.

"See you in the morning…" she said breathlessly just before she watched him walk in the direction of his room. She bit her lip, her eyes hungrily devouring his retreating form and sighed, "He looks way too good walking away. Ugh…" she then walked inside and closed the door behind her and prepared for bed. Starting with a cold, invigorating libido killing shower…

-x-

After a busy day in the office, as well as making sure the construction was going according to plan at the site the couple rushed home early to help prepare for the charity gala. Karen hadn't been kidding that she had taken care of all the details! There were vans parked outside, a red carpet leading to the estate with feather flag banners alongside it. There were men and women coming and going—it was a madhouse with servants and caterers bringing tables and countless pans of food in, decorators placing flowers, candles, lighting and curtains in the grand hall as well as building a stage and a dance floor.

By the time everything was set up—the mansion looked completely different. Like something you'd see in Cosmopolitan magazine event pages instead of Home & Garden as it usually is. Lucas gave Sam and the boys strict instructions to stay in their quarters while the gala was underway and that Esmée would serve them their food there.

Lucas had called his trusted stylist a day in advance to pick out a dress for Brooke as well as a tux for him and had instructed that the dress would be awaiting her on her bed on the day of the event, along with jewels to accompany it.

When Lucas knocked on her door and said, "Come on Brooke…we're already behind schedule!" he said as he peeked at his watch.

"Okay, okay I'm coming out now!" she said behind the door. When she opened it his mouth dropped automatically. Brooke smiled bashfully as she said, "I'll take that as a good sign."

Lucas eyes took her in greedily, wearing a vintage figure-skimming ivory satin slip dress from Christian Dior by John Galliano. The dress was slinky and simple, except for a tie detail which fell off the hip and down to the floor, offsetting the rest of the seemingly simple dress. The impeccable cut and draping of the cowl neckline perfected it which was complimented by the diamond and pearl wreath necklace that adorned her neck and the matching earrings that draped from her ears. Her hair was styled in pretty, casual ringlets. Lovely, shiny strands falling over the sides of her face, highlighting her lovely hazel eyes and perfect dimpled smile beautifully. The lower lengths were styled in fat, loose ringlets and tousled to break up the curls and add lots of natural volume.

"You look… absolutely stunning Brooke. You…take my breath away." He said, taken completely off guard. Brooke has always been a stunning woman in his eyes—but in this moment she was more than stunning—she quite literally was breathtakingly beautiful.

She blushed at his compliments and replied, "Thank you. And you look really, really handsome in that tux."

Lucas wore a very dapper slim fit classic black tuxedo, the jacket had a sleek shawl collar design, pure white button down shirt and a bow tie. His hair was slicked back for the occasion which made his blue eyes all the more noticeable. He grinned at her praise and said, "Thank you. I'm glad you like it. It's made of 100% Italian merino wool. The collar is made of pure silk."

"Impressive. Shall we?" she asked with a beaming grin.

"Yes we shall…" Lucas joked as he took her arm in his and escorted her downstairs to the festivities.

"Yes we shall…" Lucas joked as he took her proffered arm into his and escorted her downstairs to the festivities. Within moments Lucas had introduced her to his millionaire friends—which included Rachel Gatina—world renown actress, super model and philanthropist, praising her restaurant endlessly while downplaying his role in their joint venture. And she rather enjoyed the attention he brought to her independent business which he had revealed would remain in Illinois as well as the merging of their two businesses.

It wasn't long before they were separated by Karen and Lucas was dragged to get mic'd backstage. His friends had stayed for a few seconds before being dragged off themselves until Brooke was left at the bar by her lonesome. "Can I get a Sidecar cocktail?"

"Sure thing Miss." The bartender replied before whipping up her order for her.

"Thank you…" she said with a brief smile as she accepted the glass.

A tall dark and handsome stranger saddled next to her with a fifth of whisky in his glass. He towered over easily, his dark eyes assessing her slowly. "Excuse me…could you please step away from the bar? You're melting all the ice!" The man beside her said with a serious face and a wink at the end that was designed to make the pulse quicken but somehow did nothing for her.

Brooke however paid him no attention instead she sipped her drink, her eyes locked on the man on the stage alongside his mother who were raising money for The Secours Populaire Français—or French Popular Relief—is a French non-profit organization founded in 1945, dedicated to fighting poverty and discrimination in public life. According to Lucas it was a charity that the Scott family had long supported with deeds as well as funds and had asked the room to dig deep in their pockets and purses to support a worthy cause. He ended the speech with the charity's motto: All that is Human is Ours.

"I find it hard to believe that someone as beautiful as you doesn't have a date tonight." He said smoothly, his eyes taking in her curves.

Brooke turned and looked at him before answering, "Actually I do…he's getting off the stage as we speak."

"Oh? So Scott is your date?"

She looked at him with bored expression. "Yes he is."

"That can't be easy…" he said with a chuckle before lifting the glass to his lips.

Brooke kinked her eyebrows and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

The mystery man leaned on the bar and answered, "I refuse to divulge until you tell me your name."

She paused for a minute then held out her hand to him and replied, "Brooke Davis."

He nodded with a slight smile, "Brooke Davis…what a lovely name. I'm Owen Morello—nice to meet you." he said as he brought her hand to his lips.

"Nice to meet you too. So what did you mean when you said that can't be easy?" she asked, leaning her hip against the bar.

"I did say that…" he said as if suddenly remembering what he had said only moments ago.

She looked at him, "You're stalling…"

"Do you blame me?" he asked with a flirtatious wink.

Brooke chuckled and shook her head, knowing that she was sucker for giving him a second longer in her presence. "It was nice meeting you—" she told him as before turning away from him.

Owen grasped her wrist gently to halt her and said, "Wait a minute…please."

"No, I really should be going—"

Owen exhaled and halted her again then said, "I'm sorry…it's just that I like hanging around you and that was the first thing that I thought of. And besides you're the most interesting person at this benefit."

She cocked her head and narrowed her eyes then asked, "How would you know? You don't even know me…"

"Doesn't change the fact that I want to." He said with sincerity. "So how about a dance?"

As if on queue a somewhat upbeat tune began flowing through the speakers. Brooke's eyes tried to locate Lucas in the crowd but found that it was impossible with 175 attendees milling about so she shrugged, "Sure, why not."

Owen led her on the dance floor and brought her in his arms, their bodies a respectable distance away from each other as they began dancing to the music, . "You have some serious moves Brooke Davis."

Brooke chuckled, "Yeah right. You're just saying that."

"May I cut in?" Rachel asked s she eyed Owen with unabashed interest.

Brooke nodded and willingly moved aside so that Rachel could take her place. She walked to the side of the dance floor and watched Owen and Rachel dance the merengue, making it look sexy and fun. She sighed and wished that it were her and Lucas—

"Spicy dancing out there huh…" she heard in her ear a few minutes later, his warm breath tickling her sensitive skin. "but we could do better."

A delighted smile graced her face as she recognized the voice. Brooke subtly bit her lip and continued looking at the super model and on the dance floor as she said, "Maybe—it would depend on how good you are—"

He chuckled and answered, "You know that I'm the best in everything I do." He then leaned in and asked in a gentle smoky voice, "So how about we show them what we're made of…"

She met his eyes then looked around furtively and said nervously, "But I never danced like that before—"

"Just follow my lead…" he said with a wink and a quick grin as he held out his hand.

Brooke licked her lips—again subtly—and took his hand, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor. Lucas brought her body close to his, and she couldn't help but inhale the tantalizing dark and sensual scent of his cologne and wanted to melt as soon as he drew her in. Before she knew they were dancing sultry steps of the salsa and feeling the age old strong connections between partners. Brooke closed her eyes and allowed the passion, the fire, the energy of the dance to consume her. Latin dances are known for their sultry steps and the strong connections between partners—and they completely embodied the Salsa.

The music then changed to a slower tempo and they slow danced, their bodies pressed closely together. "Do you think I have panties on right now?" she whispered teasingly into his ear.

Lucas practically groaned aloud but whispered, "God, I really want to find out. And you know if we weren't hosting a gala right now, you'd have absolutely no chance of keeping your clothes on." He taunted quietly as they danced together.

Brooke's pulse began racing at his words, the feel of his hands on her back—the fabric not enough to shield her from his heated touch. She was pretty sure that her panties were ruined by how wet she was. Every time she shifted, she felt the soaked material rub against her in a way that made her body shudder in need. It took her a few seconds to get a hold of herself. It was certainly not the time nor the place for her to be acting the way she was.

"Why can't I have you right now? None of these people need to know." Brooke whined/whispered as he continued to skillfully dance with her to the slow, sensual music that was playing, the feel of his body so close—but not close enough—was doing a number on her neglected libido. And that was due to his mother always calling and interrupting them with the details of this very event.

"Because…I unfortunately have an obligation to 'uphold'…otherwise I would love to take you up on that offer." He answered regretfully in that low husky voice that drove her absolutely crazy.

Brooke smiled, "I know you would…which is why it's a shame that you can't abandon your duties to tend to something more…" she then pressed her body closer to his until she could feel his hardening member against her thigh. "Pressing."

Lucas half chuckled and half groaned as he inhaled her warm sensual and decadent scent, "You are not making it easy to do the right thing."

She met his charming blue eyes and asked, "Was I supposed to make it easy?"

Before he could answer her, Karen walked to them and said in the most insincere tone Brooke had ever heard, "Lucas…darling. Sorry to interrupt but I have someone important for you to meet. Come on."

Lucas looked at her apologetically and exhaled as he followed after his mother. Brooke sighed once more, feeling more out of place than ever and decided she needed a reprieve.

Brooke made her way upstairs to her room then kicked off her heels and carried them to the closet only to hear knocking on the door. Groaning she turned and walked to the door and opened it to find Lucas standing outside the door, his tie already untied and hanging on his neck.

"What are you doing here?!" she hissed, looking around him to see if anyone was out in the hall. "Aren't you supposed to be rubbing elbows with the important people right now?"

"I am…but even hosts need a breather." He replied as he hurried inside her room. "And to answer your other question I followed you up here. I wanted to make sure you were okay."

Brooke smiled and said, "I will be." She then pulled him in by his tie and kissed him. "Please pin me against the wall and fuck me like I've never been fucked before." She panted against his lips before kissing him hungrily once more.

Lucas proceeded to do just that.

-x-

After the most intoxicating spectacular quickie known to man Brooke straightened herself up and made her way back downstairs to the event. None were the wiser…except she couldn't stop smiling. The endorphins coursing through her veins had her on an incredible high. She was surprised that she could even walk from the way Lucas had just—

"You keep smiling like that and everyone is gonna wonder what you did a few minutes ago…" Lucas whispered just above her ear, having just arrived a few minutes later than her. Brooke quickly hid her smile. Even as the memories of their impromptu tryst swamped her mind, she could still feel the imprint of him inside her, could still feel his hands on her body. Never mind that his intoxicating scent lingered on her skin…

Unfortunately the smile came back as she thought of the fact that the scent of her perfume lingered on him as well, effectively marking him as hers.