The G.F.B.W.C!
Throughout dinner, Rotham sat quietly thinking to himself. He slowly sipped his wine and listened to everyone else as they spoke. He was not normally this quiet but he had a lot on his mind. He tried to focus as his mother offered him some dessert. He turned it down. He'd barely managed to eat more than a few bites of his dinner. He was so furious.
Liam said something that made everyone at the table laugh. Rotham faked a smile as he took his wine glass in his hand. Once more, he tilted it up to drink. He was really using it as an excuse to stare across the table at the whore he'd been obsessing over for the last few months. The whore who had gone off to the bathroom and never returned.
There wasn't a day that had gone by since that he didn't curse her. He had gone to great lengths to get her back only for her to elude him time any time again. It was almost as if she'd gone to the bathroom that night and vanished from existence. Only to now reappear as his idiot brother's new 'girlfriend.' Rotham ran his tongue over the top row of his teeth as he clenched one of his hands, into a fist, under the table. He set his glass down with the other hand and acted like everything was normal and that he didn't recognize her in the slightest.
It took everything not to fly over the table and attack her for all the trouble she had caused him. He took a deep breath as his fury cooled to a more controllable, calculable rage. No, he would not make his move just yet. He would take his time, think things over clearly and when he moved, he would move with such a wrath the likes she had never known. He smiled laughing at another joke— this time told by his father. Yet his mind, drifted off as he recalled the first time he had seen… Starlight… Andrea Dea Faultin… Shyla Picket. Whatever she called herself these days.
He'd been at some boring art gala. He was not a fan of most art. His wife Petra had dragged him along with her. She'd been invited by several well-known friends. Friends that it would not be appropriate to disappoint. Petra was a social butterfly, always attending or throwing parties. She was often wanted by all the best places and on top of the latest trends. She had valuable connections just about everywhere. Rotham would often stand back as she move around rooms, talking to everyone, catching up on all the latest gossip—gossip she would later disperse to Rotham.
He didn't enjoy social gathering as he knew most people were beneath him— not just in wealth and status, but intellect. Yet despite his disdain for others he knew networking was necessary. One of the reasons he had chosen Petra as his wife was for her attention to detail and propensity for gossip. He needed a socialite who could smooth things over and round them out, depending on his needs. Her little activities while tiresome at times, had their benefits, often and often assisted him in business deals, takeovers and trades.
Personally, he preferred to work whenever possible. He was a workaholic and he didn't deny it. He enjoyed making money and loved the satisfaction that came from hard work. Of course he also didn't mind the prestige and success that came with it. He liked making money —but loved power even more. He had so much of both now that he almost didn't know what to do with it. Almost
At first Rotham had worked hard to make his first few millions. He'd wanted to make his father proud. Then he had continued to surpass his father, proving who the better man was. At the time, Rotham had only been in his early twenties. After that, he continued to work hard in order to surpass others he knew. Every million he made stood as a declaration of his superiority in finances, self-control, and intellect.
Rotham could build up anything from nothing, crushing all in his way. He had a perfect wife, two perfect children, and now used his money for power and influence. At nearly thirty, he was known around the world for being young, successful, and dangerous to have as an enemy. One of the most feared men in the boardroom, a few words from him could topple empires. Financial, or otherwise. Rotham laughed just thinking about it.
And yet, with all his prestige and power, he still had to go to damn art galas. It was important for him to make a public appearance every now and then and show the people that he could do more than just work. Petra made sure to let him know when it was time again. Rotham sighed as he looked around and did his best to act 'entertained'. Every few steps people approached him and tried to spark his interest. However, very few things or people ever really interested him.
He spent most the night slowly walking around bored out of his mind. Sometimes he'd stop in front of a 'work of art' to 'admire' its beauty. Yet all he saw were its flaw. He was used to being able to see the flaws in everything. That painting deviated too far from the era it was trying to mimic. This painting used colors whose brightness detracted from the aesthetics. He would weigh the cost against his level of appreciation and it never added up. It bothered him that anyone would spend their time and money on making this trash, let alone buying it. Yet as he walked around the gallery he knew his wife would be bringing home at least a dozen or so pieces.
Time passed so slow that night, it had felt like an eternity as he continued from room to room. He moved through conversations as he moved from exhibit to exhibit. It was all such a waste...until he saw her. From across the room, a young woman caught his eye. She stood listening to a man go on and on about his appreciation of art. At first, Rotham only saw her back. She was wearing a low cut dress that shimmered faintly in the light. Her hair hung loosely off her right shoulder.
As he stood there, it almost felt like she was waiting for him to come to her. He quickly made an excuse to get out of the conversation he was in and made his way through the crowd. His excitement grew greater as he drew closer to her, until finally he was right beside her. For a moment he pretended to stare at the piece she was now staring at, but his attention was all on her. She stared at a painting, her big eyes fixated, her lips moist and slightly parted. She was unlike anyone Rotham had ever seen.
She seemed to radiate a glow about her as she examined the painting, taking in every color and facet of it. She seemed almost in awe of it. Rotham smiled to himself, then at her after he read the artists' name. He knew it and casually spoke about the artist. Thanks to Petra, he knew more than he wanted about most of the artists showing here. The mysterious woman smiled at him when he told her what he knew.
For a second she turned all of her attention to him and their eyes connected. His heart began to beat faster. His palms began to sweat as she asked him some question. His eyes never left her lush, perfect lips. He realized that it had been years since something made him feel like this...if ever.
Rotham was supposed to be attending the gallery with his wife so he knew better than to approach her openly, but he thought he might learn her name for another day. Yet before he could utter a single word, the woman's date stepped up with wine glasses. Rotham still thought he might have a chance to spark up a conversation but he was called away by his wife from across the room.
Rotham begrudgingly went to her and Petra introduced him to some very important people who were interested in investing in one of Rotham's smaller companies. He, of course, gave them a little speech that quickly won them over. Come Monday, he would have them signing away a few million each.
When he turned back towards the woman again, she was gone. He tried to find her again. He casually walked around the entire building for nearly twenty minutes, but she wasn't anywhere to be found. He felt an unaccustomed wave of disappointment, and purchased the painting she had stared at. He hung it in his office at first but it just reminded him of a missed opportunity. So he'd moved it to his lake house. He didn't think much more about it until a few weeks later when he was at a golf tournament.
He was playing with another wealthy gentleman he was trying to make a trade with. They bet each other on a few holes. Their bets were rather large and quickly drew in people from all around the club to watch. In the end, Rotham won. The game netted him yet another sports car, some cash, and a rather reasonable trade deal. And, once again, he proved his superiority over a competitor.
As a few dozen people, who'd been watching the match, applauded him, Rotham turned and saw her once again. She was drinking a lemonade. She had this grace...this glow about her that immediately caught him. She was dressed in golf gear, and in the company of an older man he didn't know. Her father perhaps?
He still needed to take care of a few minor details with his golf partner but couldn't take his eyes off her. He kept glancing over at her and she noticed him staring. She smiled and waved at him. He waved back wanting to find out who she was. As he took care of what he needed to, he asked around about her as she and the older man, who turned out to be her date, mingled with others.
Someone said her name was Frances, another Gena, and another Wendy. It frustrated Rotham. He tried to think of something he could say, someway he could approach her and her date but he had too many people crowding him, wanting him to buy them a beer to celebrate his win.
When he was finally able to get free of the crowd, she was gone— again! This time it unnerved him. It felt like he'd had the air knocked out of his lungs as he scoured the area for her. Usually if he wanted something, be it information, an item, or in this case a person, he could get it. Rotham tried for days to learn her name. He even went as far as to approach the man she'd been with. The man was just visiting the area and claimed he had no idea who Rotham was talking about. It was maddening!
Nearly a month passed then and Rotham was at a charity auction. His wife had scheduled two events tonight and he was stuck on his own. He didn't mind. He'd get it over with. He talked with all the right people and took full advantage of the photo opportunity. He posed with several well-known and popular actors, politicians, and performers. He knew it would help later, if he needed to be seen in a good light. Rotham even brought some work along to do on his handheld. At one point after he finished some statistics on a new venture, he went outside to smoke a cigarette.
He made some phone calls and looked at his watch, getting annoyed. He'd been there nearly two hours and nothing had been put up for bid. He came inside, considering whether or not it was worth the time to find the host and have the auctions started. However, before he could make his way across the room to the host, he saw her.
His feet kept going while his eyes refused to look away from her. He nearly ran into someone's table, and excused himself. For a few seconds he watched her as she sat next to a man he assumed was her latest date. This time he knew the man, Barsel Bowendow. He old money they met over a ship auction oddly enough. He was enough of a casual acquaintance that he could easily approach him. Rotham went to the table then almost at a run, vowing that she would not escape him tonight.
He greeted Barsel and as luck would have it he was having an argument with another man he knew, Ted Drusen. Another old money brat his family came from a long line of ship manufactures and their argument, was of course was about ships. They pulled him into their argument and he quickly finessed his way out of it, giving him an opportunity to take a seat a the table.
She looked so bored at the table, tapping her fingers on the fine tablecloth. He smiled at her when she raised her head to look at him. He put the charm on full force and quickly had her laughing. He offered her a drink then a dance. She wouldn't have either but he persisted. He found out that she was working, an escort. He couldn't believe his luck. He hoped to get her in his bed that night. He tried to get her escort services' name. He'd pay them to cancel her current date and they'd leave together.
However before she could give it to him, the auction finally started and her date whisked her away. Once again he vowed he would not let her get away tonight. At the auction, he decided to put on a small show for her. With a smile, he began outbidding everyone else there. Item after item, he won every one. He could see she was impressed. He nodded and winked at her after every win. At one point, he even outbid Barsel.
Barsel was so furious that they left on the spot. Rotham had to run out to catch them. He pulled Barsel off to the side and offered the item he so desired in exchange for his dates escort service and name. From there out, his weekend had been bliss. He loved the way she laughed. The way her eyes sparkled the first time she took him in all his glory. He enjoyed how her lush lips would wrap around his hard cock and suck him.
He was disappointed that she required him to wear a condom. He wanted the full experience to feel her skin quake against his. Yet he humored her. He knew that in time he would do away with condoms, when she was his complete. The first night when she had curled up sleeping next to him, he had laid awake sating at her for hours, touching and smelling her. He ran his hands through her hair and traced the lines of her body. He wanted to know everything about her and he kept trying the next day he asked her name and where she lived but she eluded him time and time again.
He had been so wrapped up in her that he'd completely forgotten his daughter's birthday party. He just couldn't pull himself away. She was siren and had stolen his heart. He knew then that he couldn't let her go. He made a few calls while she napped. He was able to find a nice downtown apartment close enough to his work and home so that he could stop by for a little company whenever he wanted. Monday came far too quickly. It took some coaxing but he eventually got her to tell him her name and address. She gave into him yet still had such defiance in her eyes. He couldn't wait to break her to his whims. He got a little carried away and the condom burst. He kept going and it was magnificent.
Her warmth was so magnificent that he didn't last long inside her. He dropped a solid load and she suddenly got upset. That's when he learned she'd never had anyone cum inside her before. She claimed she was 'saving it.' He didn't think she was serious. It was ridiculous, she was a whore who knew how many men she'd been with and yet the way she said it was so…pure. Her reaction seemed genuine and he realized it might just be true.
She rushed to the bathroom to clean herself up and he kept thinking about it. He knew it might be some ploy she told all her john's but the more he through about it the more consumed he got. She'd told told truth when it came to anal. He'd throws of sex he'd thoroughly checked her her out and it was untouched. Another first he would take.
Brittan arrived with the key to her downtown apartment. Rotham gave him what he thought was her name and her address at the time. He told him he wouldn't need to stay the night after all and that he would miss his daughter's birthday to get her settled in. He could tell Brittan was surprised but also hadn't seen him this happy in years. He left and would call him with the details in the morning.
Then it was just a matter of time. He waited for her to come out toying with just how he'd do it. He couldn't wait to see her face. He kept expecting her to step out when she didn't he got concerned then she came out and he couldn't wait. He gave it to her but she wasn't satisfied...he could see why now... the greedy bitch wanted more. At the time, she acted like she was offended by his offer as if someone like her didn't live for this. She told him she'd eavesdropped on her earlier and brought up his wife.
He hated to admit it, but he'd lost his temper. He had foolishly lowered his guard during the weekend with her, and her reticence and offense struck him to the core. He began berating her. He was upset that she would even think to tell him no. Then the whore struck him! He nearly hit her back. No, that wasn't quite right. He nearly destroyed her but instead settled for a 'correctional' tap.
No one had ever hit him, not his parents, nor his wife and definitely not some hired whore! He'd wanted to teach her a lesson right then and there. To drive it so deeply into her core that even the concept of denying him again would never occur to her. However, she seemed to see the error in her ways and quickly apologized. He knew she would clearly need more 'correction' but in that moment he didn't have complete control of the situation. Once she was under his thumb he'd put her in her place.
She accepted his gifts and he expected her to show him some fucking gratitude. He wanted to get past the memory of their first fight quickly, and disappear between the folds of her skin. He thought he'd save her first anal experience for when she moved into her new place but now…now he would take it tonight, in exchange for her slight.
Yet she suddenly needed to use the bathroom again. She dashed off and he was left waiting once more. He got a phone call, something needed his attention. The oversea markets were just opening. He recalled her eavesdropping on him earlier and decided to take it into the next room. Brittan could tell he was upset but he kept it to himself. He handled his business then returned to find her still in the bathroom. He got into bed and called for her to hurry up.
He waited for a few minutes then decided he was done waiting. She needed to understand he waited for no one, especially not some ungrateful whore. He wasn't a barbarian and knocked but she didn't answer. He burst in then only to find she was gone. He didn't understand where was she! He slolwy backed out of the bathroom and looked around the room. He quickly spotted it, her clutch was gone from the mantle. Then the missing sheet...his expensive one of a kind custom sheets! He opened the french doors to see drag marks and foot print. THIS BITCH!
He stormed into the night but didn't find her. He got in the car and drove around. When he still didn't spot her he got on the phone. He didn't want to but two eyes were better then one. He had Brittan turn around. They both looked but she wasn't to be found. She'd up and vanished into the night. He called her service but they claimed they had no contact with her and assumed she was still on their date. He looked until sunrise and then they contacted him informing him the date had been canceled early.
They refunded him a full day but he didn't care. He demanded they put her on the phone right now. No, that she be brought to him! When they didn't comply he threatened all sorts of legal action claiming she had stolen his designer sheets, jewelry and a key. He demanded a sit down with her. He wanted an apology, the return of the items and for her to finish their date. They said they would look into it but didn't respond fast enough. He knew her name and address so decided to 'collect' her himself.
He ordered the chopper and they went to her apartment. The guy inside had no idea who Andrea was. That is when he learned the fucking bitch whore had lied to him. He felt so foolish…he had given Brittan the details and would have found out eventually but how was he to know she'd suddenly take off. Brittan suggested he take the chopper and go home. He in turn would go to every single Exquisite escorts location until he found her. Rotham liked the idea and insisted on going with him. They went to every single one in the city but not a one would give him any information.
Petra was blowing up his phone at that point but he didn't answer. He refused to give up. He completely missed his daughters birthday searching for her the entire day. The next day he had some fliers printed up. He plastered them everywhere with a number to call for information and a reward. It took resources and he was near exhaustion but he was sure this would get her. He kept calling the service coming up with every excuse he could find to get them in the same room but it was no use.
After he passed out and got some solid sleep, he changed his tactics, realizing he'd come on too 'aggressive'. He sent apologizes to the escort staff then filled the lobby with flowers, candies and assorted gifts. He sent countless hand written letters of apology and offered to buy her out at twice her price. They said they'd pass it on but she declined him.
They offered him up other escorts in her place. He took the opportunity only to interrogate them. He offered them money and gifts if they would just give him the information he wanted but none of them knew her real name. He settled for getting a few personal items that belonged to her from her work locker. He ran her prints but nothing came up in the system not even with her DNA. The escort service ultimately blacklisted him when they caught one of their escorts snooping around, but he didn't give you.
You didn't give up when you found the woman of your dreams even if she was a fucking bitch. He could fix that! He was sure of it, any behavior could be corrected! If he could just get his hands on her! He created false personas and tried to set up dates with her but she wasn't taking on any new clients. Brittan could see how important this was to him and spent hours digging up dirt on the service and hired men to stand outside with pictures of her.
When they got enough information they went to the higher ups at the service and threatened to have some very important people disrupt their service, yet they said they could do nothing because she'd quit and had moved on. He had someone hack into their system but they had deleted all trace of here.
It really was as if she had disappeared from the face of the planet. If not for her pictures and the smell of her dress and undergarments he might have thought he'd made her up. He carried her underwear in his pocket even to this day. Even though there had been nothing for months, he still held out a shred of hope that one day they would be reunited. As chance would have it that day was today.
He grinded his teeth as he watched her lick some ice cream off the back of a spoon, not two feet away from him. The fucking bitch, whore, cunt! He would make her pay. She would suffer for every day...no hour they had been apart. He glared down at the tablecloth as his plate of food was taken away. His mind raced with thoughts of her the past and then the present.
Just what was she doing here? Was she on a date? Surely not he knew his brother despised sex workers after an incident with an ex. So then just what was she doing here? It suddenly occurred to him that she must have seen pictures at his lake house. She must have seen a picture of Liam! Yes! Though they weren't all that close these days Rotham figured he must have at least one picture of him lying around.
The little whore must have saw him as a target. Why settle for being a mistress when she could be a wife. That must be it! She wanted more then a down town apartment and an allowance. She wanted the whole damn pot. The greedy fucking, bitch, whore cunt! He tried his best not to glare at her. He even took off his glasses and took a moment to polish them.
When he put them back on, he noticed her giving a loving look to his brother while his mother droned on about something. Rotham thought he was going to be sick. How dare she look at anyone but him like that! His chest ached and he got even angrier if it were possible. It upset him that a single look from her should affect him so. He clench both his fists under the table and thought he was going to have to excuse himself but dinner was finally over. His father stood and everyone began to get up.
He looked to Petra and she understood at once. She rushed to meet him at the end of the table. His parents were old fashioned and he knew the men and women would soon go to their separate sitting rooms for an after dinner cocktail and cigar. He acted as I he wanted to give his wife a little peck on the cheek but quickly instructed her. "Find out all you can about this Shyla. Focus on the hard facts, names, addresses, birth date, anything that can be used to trace her."
"How do you know her?" hissed Petra, pretending to give him back a loving kiss on the cheek.
"Later." said Rotham as they pulled apart.
He squeezed his wife's arm giving her a look. She knew that look and nodded. Then he excused himself real quick, to freshen up. He called Brittan informing him of the situation. Then gave him her latest name. Brittan got the team working on it. Surely anything his wife didn't get they would.
Shyla was still hungry after dinner but the ice cream had been nice. She was hoping she could put some distance between her and Rotham and spend some time with Liam but quickly found out his family liked to separate into groups, after dinner, for a light cocktail and cigar. Shyla could honestly use a drink but didn't want to let her guard down. She hesitantly walked into the sitting room with Claire and Petra. She wasn't happy to be alone with them but supposed it was better then being in the same room as Rotham.
The sitting room was colder than she remembered. She rubbed her arms as she went to sit on a couch. Petra sat in a chair to her left and Claire took a chair facing across from her.
"Are you chilled?" asked Claire.
"A little." said Shyla.
From her seat, Claire reached over and pulled a small cord. Within moments, a member of the household staff entered the room. She asked them to prepare a fire. The staff quickly and efficiently started a moderate fire in the fireplace. While it warmed up the room, the three women began to chat. Mostly it was just Petra and Claire catching up. They talking about where they had traveled and what trips they had planned to take. Petra was redoing a bathroom while Claire had nearly finished remodeling her third living room. Shyla found she couldn't relate but was glad they weren't talking to her. She had a lot on her mind.
She was starting to feel tired but didn't know if she'd be able to sleep now...knowing he was under the same roof. It was already going to suck without Liam. She hoped he would come see her before bed. Maybe she could talk him into leaving early or at least not leaving her alone for a second. Maybe they could get lost in the hills for a few days instead of hours.
She started to warm up and took a second to look at Peta. She was still just as gorgeous as her picture. Shyla felt strange knowing that she had slept with her husband. As Petra talked, Shyla noticed all of her expensive jewelry, rings, earrings, and necklaces, they all match. She seemed so well spoken and in great shape for a mother of two. Again, Shyla didn't understand how Rotham could mess around when he was married to someone like her.
Then, as if Petra could hear her thoughts, she turned and stared at Shyla. She felt her heart skip a beat. It was as if the whole room somehow darkened as Petra began to speak. "So, Shyla, what is your last name?"
"My last name? Oh, uhh, it's Picket."
"Picket? That's an interesting last name. Where is it from?"
"Uhh, I don't really know. My parents never told me." said Shyla, shrugging her shoulders. She'd never really thought about it before.
Claire looked at her disapprovingly. "Don't you know the lineage of your family? It's very important, you know."
"Sounds Normandy." said Petra. "What are your parents names."
"My parents?"
"Yes,"
"Uh Robin and Ruth,
"Where did you grow up?"
"I grew up in the city." said Shyla.
"I see." said Petra. "Do you work there?"
Claire smiled at Petra. "Oh, no dear, she's still in college."
"What College."
"Same Liam I thin," said Clair.
"Right, Casp," said Shyla, "We both got to Casp."
Petra looked Shyla over. "You don't say. I would have never guessed." Her eyes grew distant. "I remember college. Those were some of the most interesting times." She refocused on Shyla. "Are you living on campus, or do you have your own place?"
"I have my own place." said Shyla. She worried she might ask her where. She didn't want it getting back to Rotham. It was enough he knew he name. She still didn't know what she was going to do about it. Hopefully it wouldn't cause her too much trouble.
"Do you live alone, or do you share it with a roommate?" asked Petra.
Shyla was relieved she hadn't asked where but answering would be tricky. Technically she lived along but Liam practically lived there. She doubted Claire would be happy knowing about that given she wouldn't even let them share a room. She swallowed but answered. "I have a small studio apartment."
"Really that must be nice. Is it near your college? Some of those can be so expensive." said Petra.
"I know." said Claire, finally getting a word in edgewise. She turned towards Petra. "Richard and I just purchased a condo. You wouldn't believe how much they wanted for it! Still, at least we've got the floor to ourselves. Can you believe we had to pay for the personal elevator too and maintenance. Our Condo in Sacton had that all covered in the purchase. And after how much they charged us for the condo itself, it's absolutely horrid.! Why, if we hadn't needed the tax deduction, we've never agreed!"
Petra didn't even respond to Claire, instead going on to ask Shyla. "What are you going to do for a living? Once you graduate"
"I think she does art." Claire turned towards Shyla again. "Don't you do art like Liam?"
"Yes." said Shyla.
Before she could say anything else Claire went on, "Richard's so upset. He wants Liam to intern this summer but Liam wants to travel."
"Travel?" asked Shyla. This was the first she'd heard of it. Though, they didn't really talk about the future or the past. Liam and her mostly lived in the present.
"Did he not tell you?" asked Claire, raising an eyebrow and smiling as if that was some sort of sign.
"Oh, that's interesting! What a coincidence, the two of you both being artists! Is that how the two of you met?" asked Petra.
"Actually, we met at a coffee shop, near my place" said Shyla. She recalled it once more and smiled.
Petra tilted her head up then leaned in and asked, "How long have you two been dating?"
"About four months." said Shyla, covering a yawn. "Sorry I'm a little tired." She wondered why Petra was so curious about her. She knew she might get some questions meeting Liam's family but expected them to come from Claire.
"Really? Has it been four months already? It feels like he just met you yesterday." said Claire. Shyla didn't like the tone in her voice but didn't have time to really think about it as Petra shot out another questions.
"Four months, have you two." Petra trailed off giving her a look.
Shyla looked at her, then LOOKED at her realizing what she was asking. She turned beat red. She couldn't believe she'd ask her that especially in front of his mom.
Thankfully she didn't have to respond as Claire caught on a second later and loudly coughed, then cleared her throat."You did say you were tired, Shyla dear didn't you?"
"Yes." said Shyla, standing up. "If I may be excused?"
"By all means, go. Go." said Claire, scowling at Petra. She simply smiled at she stood up and got herself a drink.
Shyla left the room and found some stairs to the second floor. She didn't get what Petra's deal was, with all the questions. You think having been an outsider herself to the family she would have had more sympathy for Shyla. She supposed she was just curious but it had almost felt like an interrogation and that last question, she couldn't have asked a worst one.
Well no, she knew that wasn't true, she could have. Shyla literally would have died if she'd turned to her and asked, 'How do you know my husband?' or worse, 'Did you fuck my husband?' especially in front of Claire. She hung her head in shame, hoping Rotham wouldn't recognize her this weekend and that Petra would never ever find out. She didn't know what she'd do if she did. She'd never been good with confrontation. She'd always been more of the run and hide type. Something she wished she could do right now.
Petra and Claire shared a cocktail and some polite conversation before Petra called it a night. She hugged Claire then went to check on the children. Richard turned in next and Claire joined her boys for a stronger drink as they had a lively debate. Rotham was trying to keep Liam from seeing Shyla before bed.
"I don't understand how you can view the world that way." said Liam. "There's so much more to it then making money."
"Well maybe if you ever made any you'd understand." said Rotham swirling his drink in his glass.
"Look at you two, my boys, men talking finance." said Claire. She brushed her hand along Liam's shoulder, kissed his cheek then went to sit next to Rotham on the couch. He leaned so she could give him a kiss then she went on, "It's so nice to have you both home again."
"Is Shyla still up?" asked Liam.
"Oh no, dear. She was absolutely exhausted. I sent her off to bed ages ago," said Claire before taking a sip of her scotch.
"I hope you and Petra weren't too hard on her." said Liam.
Claire looked insulted. "Of course not. Whatever in the world would give you that idea?"
"Oh, I don' know." Liam said sarcastically. "Maybe because you're hard on every girlfriend I bring over. You always find some flaw and tear them apart.
Claire waved a hand through the air acting even more offended. "Oh, I do not. Honestly Rotham your brother has such a wild imagination."
Rotham nodded but didn't say anything taking a sip of his drink
Liam got frustrated with the both of them. "Oh I'm imagining things. Really? Do you remember Sarah? She left crying! And Marie? She wouldn't speak to me again! I still don't know what you said to her. And let's not forget Gracie slapping me after something Petra said"
Claire looked at Liam incredulously. "Well don't ask me what got into those girls! If you ask me, they had problems long before we met them. Can I help it if they can't handle a little constructive criticism?"
Rotham snickered as he got up and poured himself another drink. Liam wished he could pour one as well, but he knew better than to do so in front of his brother and mother. A few years ago, he'd nearly flunked out of college after he'd been introduced to alcohol. He'd been drinking so much that it had quickly taken over his life. He had to spend a summer in rehab. Now every time he drank, they criticized him.
Rotham stared into his glass. "I think this one seems nice enough. How did she meet you?"
"She didn't meet me. She's not one of those girls. She's not after my money."
Claire scoffed, rolled her eyes, took another drink then said, "Really my sweet, you can be so naïve sometimes."
"I'm not naïve, mother. Shyla didn't even know I was rich until today.
Rotham scoffed this time then sat back down, crossed his legs and said, "Really, then how did you two meet."
"At a coffee shop near her place. I was working on some homework and we got to talking.
"I bet," said Rotham swirling his drink. He could still remember how they had first met. How she had tasted. Sunday night they had even bathed together. It all felt so long away now… distant… cruel. He wondered if she had bathed with his brother and what else they had done.
"She's honestly a good person. She's an artist and doesn't care about money."
She was an artist alright, a con artist! Rotham scoffed yet again, "Everyone cares about money Liam, especially 'artists'.
"Honestly I doubt she's that good. If she were, I would have heard of her," said Claire shaking her head.
"She's in college." spat Liam. He hung his head and let out a sigh of frustration, "I knew I shouldn't have brought her here. She's not fake! She's not after anything! She's just a kind, sweet person who cares about me. And I swear if you run her off I wont forgive you this time."
"Oh please." said Claire, "We honestly haven't done anything."
Rotham smiled. "Actually, I agree with you brother. I don't think she is after anything. Frankly you don't have anything to offer. Now the family on the other hand..."He trailed off
"Fuck you Rotham!," spat Liam. "You wouldn't know a real woman if she was sitting next to you." said Liam.
Rotham chuckled but squeezed his glass so hard it began to crack.
"Boys, don't start." pouted Claire.
"What it's true! He's never been with anyone who's done a real days' work!"
"Perhaps because by the time I could date, I was already worth several million," sneered Rotham.
"Money doesn't matter Rotham!" spat Liam, leaning forward in his chair "You can have all the money in the world but it wouldn't matter because you don't know real substance when you see it. My plans... my life doesn't require me to be rich."
Rotham ran his tongue across the top row of his teeth."Money doesn't matter! Really then tell me Liam, how are you going to support anyone when you can't even support yourself? Are you going to build yourself a dream house, for your dream wife and kids. Why you could even splurge and get yourself little dream dog! You might as well dream big bother since that is all it will ever be. A dream! You say I can't recognize substance, that's funny, coming from a child who can't even run two cents together."
"Screw you, ROTHAM" said Liam standing up. "I'm not a child! You don't know me, you never have! You don't know what my plans are! You forget Rotham I'm father's son too! Just because I don't do things the way you want me to, doesn't mean they wont work out!"
"Really," said Rotham standing up. "Then go on, tell us brother what is your 'big plan' I'm sure mother and I would just love to hear it! If you even have one!"
The two stared each other down for a moment before Liam stormed out of the room without another word. Rotham remained tense for a few sections longer but eventually sat back down. His
glass was beginning to leak. He set it off to the side as his mother rubbed a hand over his back.
"Really Roth, you didn't have to be so hard on him. You know how hard it is to get Liam to gatherings these days. Maybe we should try to be a little nicer to his little 'friend.'
"I don't think so mother. Father's already goes easy on him, letting him attend that college. Someone has to be hard on him and straighten him out before it's too late. As for his 'friend," I doubt that will go anywhere. Something tells me she is not the commitment type."
Claire noticed a strange tone in her son's voice. She had a sense that something else was going on here but didn't know what just yet. Rotham got up and kissed his mother goodnight before heading up stairs in a sour mood.
Shyla stared off into space as she brushed her hair then put it into a simple braid so it wouldn't get tangled while she slept. She let out big yawn when she was finished then set down her brush and turned out her bathroom light. She thought she heard a sound just outside her door and rushed to open it, hoping it was Liam.
The hallway was dark and cold. She was only wearing a simple nightgown that clung to her features. She crossed her arms and strained her eyes but could see nothing. Perhaps she had just imagined the sound. She pulled back but before she could shut the door a shadowy figure sprang seemly out of nowhere and garbed her. They wrapped their arms around her and pressed their lips tightly against hers. She nearly let out a scream but realized at the last second it was Liam. She pushed him away and playfully hit him.
"Sorry." he said embracing her. "I thought you'd want me to come tuck you in."
"Uh, I did, I do." She said burying the side of her face against his chest. "This weekend, this place is an utter nightmare! Is there anyway we could leave early like tomorrow or even right now. I'll throw on my a coat!"
Liam chuckled and apologized again "I'm sorry but I doubt mother would let me sneak off so soon. I am sorry I sprung this on you and that it's so bad."
She could tell he was sad and pulled back slightly trying to cheer him up. She lovingly brushed his cheek and said. "It's not that awful. I just don't know what to say or how to act. Your mother seems to judge every other thing I do or say, no matter what it is. And your sister-in-law asked me like twenty questions. Also your mother said something about you going traveling this summer?"
He let out a heavy sigh. "I was going to talk to you about that. I want to experience more of the world. I was thinking it would help my art, you know. As they say, to go there is to know there. I've been thinking that since this is my last year, I might travel while I still can."
"Oh." said Shyla.
"We'll talk about it later, alright? I promise." said Liam.
"Could we talk about it tonight?" asked Shyla. "Couldn't you stay with me and sneak out in the morning before anyone notices? Come on, tuck me in properly."
She rubbed her body up against his, and seductively kissed him. He smiled and let out a chuckle as she took his hand and started to pull him into her room. They suddenly heard a floorboard loudly squeak and froze. They looked around but couldn't see anyone. Liam worried it might be his mother and Shyla worried it might be Rotham.
"We should probably hold off," said Liam "My mother has a thing about sex under her roof. She didn't even allow Rotham and Petra to share a room until after their daughter was born."
"Right, I got that feeling." said Shyla. "When she put us in separate rooms."
"Yeah, its best we be careful and not risk it. I'm really hoping my parents will warm up to you. They had a really hard time with Petra at first too but now she's part of the family. You just have to hang in there."
She sighed, "Yeah, well, Petra seems like she can handle her own. I'm not sure I'll survive this weekend."
"You will." said Liam, kissing the top of Shyla's head. "I believe in you. You're a fighter you just don't know it yet"
Shyla smiled up at him. He could always make her feel good. She hoped she did the same or that she at least put a dent in his sadness. They held hands for a moment longer then he slowly slipped away. Shyla stood in the doorway until he was out of sight. Before she went back into her room she looked around. She...couldn't help but feel someone was out there watching her from the shadows. She hoped she as wrong. She pulled back into her room shutting and then locking her door. For good measure she also put a chair in front of it. She used to do that whenever she stayed at a hotel she didn't trust
Rotham slipped out the shadows and stepped up to her door. He stared at it wanting to confront her, more then anything he really wanted to 'tuck' her in, but couldn't risk it just yet. He wanted to find out what his wife and Brittan had learned. Still he stood there and waited for the light under her door to disappear. Once he was certain she had gone to bed he let out a sigh then slowly walked back to his room.
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