House Warming.(Reira)

[Charles Bass]

Many people flooded him large loft. Expensive champagne was spread across the expansion of the large table. Appetizers fit for the rich accompanied the wines on silver platters.

Charles Bass. This was his idea of a house warming. Many people here that were just attending to kiss his ass. He didn't have real friends, he didn't need them, especially when he was rich enough to buy them.

Bart, Charles' father, was at this house warming; so, many of the guests were also here for him. He was one of the greatest business men and kept Charles well connected. Which brings them to one of their very special guests. Demetri Morino. He had traveled from Venice and was now living in California. It would be a great time to seal any deals and make their business ties stronger. They invited him, and hoped he would attend the party. He was a pleasure to have.

As Bart made is rounds welcoming guests and the like, Charles was charming the caterers. They had uniforms that left nothing to image. Though this sparked his interest of course. He leaned against the wall casually, a scarf hanging from his shoulders and his pale purple suit. The men who were making fun of his apparel were not making fun of him now that he had two women around his shoulders.

"I can show you two, lovely birds, my room later...When ever your shift ends...Or we can schedule before hand, after all you will be serving me and I am paying you to be here and all..." he gave the two girls a dashing smile and wink and they giggled precariously.

[Reira DeMorvick]

“Do you understand Reira?,” Demetri said nevously, “Best behaviour.” He was sitting casually in his leather seat, a cigarette burning out in between his fingers. Demetri was dressed to impress, in a designer white tux. He even shaved and gelled his hair. Nervous much?

Reira rolled her eyes and crossed one leg over the other. Since regaining her memories, her and Demetri were finally on good terms again…after a rather emotional chat. But now she was wishing that maybe this ‘chat’ didn’t happen so soon. Because if they weren’t on speaking terms, she wouldn’t have felt obligated to accompany him to this house warming party for people she didn’t even know. She liked parties, sure, but not business parties, as she knew this was. Why else was the infamous Demetri Marino nervous to see, what were their names again?…right the Bass’. The answer was obvious, the Bass’ had just a teency bit more money than them. It was such a man thing.

“Yes Dem, I won‘t say a word all evening,” she responded sarcastically, looking up at the exquisite building their stretch limo had just parked in front of. “Sounds like a plan,” he chuckled, stepping out of the vehicle once the door man opened it for him. Demetri would then hold a hand out for Reira to take and the two of them were off. They door guard let them in and pointed them in the direction of the elevator that would take them directly to the Bass Loft. And she thought she lived like a Queen. These people lived like a fucking generation of royal families. It was all the more apparent when they stepped right into the center of the party.

The place was booming and Demetri knew exactly where he wanted to be. Dragging Reira along with him, through throngs of finely dressed people, he finally stopped beside an older looking man. Old, but sophisticated almost to the puking state. “Bart Bass!,” Demetri said to the guy, with a big smile on his face. “It’s been too long!” Demetri would incline to shake his hand and then he would introduce Reira. “This is my daughter Reira.” As if her name was a cue line, Reira played the perfect angel. “It’s nice to meet you. Demetri speaks nothing but good things about you,” she said sweetly. She looked over to him and say him mouthing a secretive ‘Thank you’. “How about we talk over a drink, catch up a little?” With that, Demetri left Reira alone. Well this sucked.

As soon as she was left alone, random people began to come up to her and began boring conversations about her family, where she lived…basically how much money do you have and what’s your social status? She wanted to tear their eyes out. Reira needed some air…if this body infested flat even had a place to get air, perhaps a balcony? Looking around, she spotted one with relief and made her way to it. As she did, she just so happened to pass a man dressed in a purple dress shirt, with two girls clinging off of him…and a scarf. She only stole a glance, but from that glance she could tell he was very handsome. The folds of her dress trailing somewhat behind her, she continued onto the secluded balcony.

[Charles Bass]

He was becoming aroused, though...it all came to a halt when a foxy vixen walked on by. Her scent running through his nose, his eyes trailing down the length of her curvaceous body. She would not be a victim... but she would be a conquest. She looked at him, but only for amount.. that was enough to lead him on.

He looked over at the girls with a smile that seemed inviting, yet had venom as deadly as it came.

"On the other hand. Get to work." he slapped their asses and they didn't seem to happy when he shuffled them off. He cautiously followed the brunette out to the balcony. The warm air kissed his skin as he was now out on the patio.

He flicked on the switch so the lanterns above them glowed in dim reds and blues. He walked up to her, yet keeping a respectable distance from her.

"Why would a dove such as you, be hiding from the flock?" his calm, cool voice would hymn in the silence. If he caught her attention, he would reach for her hand, and press a gentle kiss on the back of it, whilst staring up into her ocean, blue eyes. "Charles Bass." he introduced himself, putting on some of his charm.

"Will I be getting the pleasures of knowing your name?"

[Reira DeMorvick]

Reira leaned against the balcony railing, the evening sky sparkling brilliantly above her, while below her the constant flashing of vehicles raced by. It was a pretty sight and out here she could actually breath. As the wind gently tousled her curled hair, the lighting changed, from a natural hue to alluring reds and blues. Privacy gone, she took her elbows off the railing and turned around. What she saw made her grin. Look what the fox reeled in. It was the man that she had passed previously.

“Well maybe this dove isn’t so innocent and pure like the rest,” Reira said, her cerulean eyes staring at him intensely. She had a good look over and he really was quite the catch. There was a rugged sexiness about him, but of course her eyes were only for Gabriel. “Though I’m sure most of those people in there aren’t so innocent themselves.” She was just going to leave, when he took her hand in his and kissed it. This only brought a pleasant amused giggle out of her. Maybe he was worth playing with?

Then he introduced himself. Oh boy, was she ever playing with a big catch. This was the son of Bart Bass…the man that Demetri was so desperately trying to impress. Which could only mean that she would have to act at least a little bit civilly towards Chuck. No fun. Demetri totally owed her. She hated holding herself back for social standards. With a mischievous, yet darkly tainted look in her eyes she answered.

“You’re quite the charmer, Chuck. I’m Reira Marino.” Once again leaning against the railing she grinned. “Are all your parties this boring?”

[Charles Bass]

What she said enticed him. She was either playing with him or she seemed quite interested in him. He got her name and it made him all the more excited to play along with the little minx. He also enjoyed the little pet name she was oh so ready to hand to him.

“Are all your parties this boring?” he laughed a little, still keeping his cool. He would present his arm out for her to hook hers in with his. A charming smile still on his face.

"I make great parties, but you see; When the corrupt aren't attending, it gets a little.... dull." his voice sounded as if it carried high amounts of grace and thought. "And if you aren't so innocent, and you are out here... with me. That subtracts the two souls of the party and leaves all the boring people inside. Thusly, making a tedious party." if she took his arm, he would lead her back into the loft. He would look around, making his expression obvious to all that he was bored.

"I can suggest we make our own party somewhere else?" he would walk by and swipe two glasses, and put them in the hand that would be hooked around Reira's if she dared so to take it. Now leaving his other hand free he would grabb a $275,000 bottle of Shipwrecked 1907 Heidsieck. Charles did have expensive taste.

He had a feeling, Reira was going to be set at a very high price.

[Reira DeMorvick]

And thus Reira came to a cornerstone. She could either take his arm, or politely excuse herself, in a signature Reira way. But where would be the thrill in that? She came to this little get together, looking at nothing but a boring night and to her luck the devil was offering her a proposal to spice things up a notch. The old Reira would have declined, but this Reira, was a lot harder to tie down. A smile on her lips, she linked her arm in his and let Chuck Bass take the reigns.

“I have to say, I’m impressed with your choice of words Mr. Bass,” she said in a rich tone, openly following him into the crowd. A lot of the people stared at them, mostly girls with glares in their eyes. All the more to feed Reira’s ego. Even Demetri glanced over at them. That could be trouble, after all he was obsessing over her being on the best behavior. Yet to her surprise, Demetri nodded in a weird way and gave her the thumbs up. She gave him the tongue and immediately went back to being ‘pleasant’. Chuck then mentioned something about making another party elsewhere.

“Oh darling, that’s the only reason I agreed leaving with you in the first place,” she smiled then, so as not to seem too rude. She was honestly having a very hard time keeping her mouth filtered. After Chuck grabbed a bottle of expensive looking wine, Reira took over and led him at a much quicker pace into the elevator. She took once last look at the people in the room and the doors closed. It was just her and Chuck.

“Oh finally,” she said letting out a relived sigh. Her hands would then reach for the clip in her hair and pull it out, letting her long brown lock cascade over her shoulders. “No offense, but I can’t stand that atmosphere.” Not knowing how far she could be herself with him without ruining Demetri’s reputation, she guessed she could start with stealing the champagne bottle. Opening the bottle, she poured herself a glass and shot it down, then smiled cockily at Chuck.

“I hope you’re ready…I’m really hard to entertain.”

[Charles Bass]

She seemed quite eager to leave the party with him. She even lead the way to the elevator at a pace set faster than his. Her delicate finger pressed the button and the elevator came almost instantly.

Charles let her enter first and when she did, he followed shortly behind with a mischievous smile spread across his face.

“Oh finally,” he watched with hungry eyes as Reira pulled the clip from her hair. She was a naughty little thing now wasn't she?

Once she commented poorly upon his guests, he smiled, his mouth closed, and it was a crooked grin. The girl snatched the champagne and he watched in awe as she poured herself a glass and downed it right there. Now, this was expensive and old champagne. It would hit her fast. Though, he did like his women, he just felt that his victories were better completed on a more...sober level.

"I am the party host of this century, Beautiful." he poured his own glass, cocking a brow and with the same smile. "I can keep you entertained all night."

The elevator would have reached the floor by then and he would lead her out. The door man, letting them out and nodded a good-bye to the both. The man was soon to find out this won't be the only time a girl leaves with him.

They followed the side walk to an area where the building was built around a small field, full of flowers, trees, paths, fountains, and benches. Yes, it was a garden. The black street lamps, styled like the good old days, were glowing white lights.

His hand would gesture to a bench, hidden from the streets due to strategically trimmed hedges "Have a seat." Charles would not sit before the lady did so first.

[Reira DeMorvick]

Perhaps she misjudged Chuck Bass…a lot. There was probably no need to continue playing her charade. Chuck Bass was on the exact same level as her. Most likely a womanizer and a spoiled little brat that had much too much allowance to spend. Then again she had a lot of money herself, but Reira was not a player. Flirtatious maybe, but she was committed solely to Gabriel. Though she had to admit, Chuck’s little crooked grin was to die for.

“I’ll be the judge of that,” she replied, matching his stride to the exit of the building. The door man held the door for them and off they went, sipping on their champagne like it was nothing. At least to Reira it was nothing, she became a rather experienced drinker over the years. She followed along and to her surprise he took her to a secluded bench in a nearby park. It was romantic, if they were on a date, which they were not, so she thought leaving with him was going to be a disappointment after all.

Accepting his offer for her to sit, she stared at him, an eyebrow raising speculatively. “I thought you said a party, not a date,” she said, crossing one leg over the other, the fabric of her dress rising an inch or two higher. “I must warn you though--” Her voice was dark and alluring. Leaning in closer to him, her luscious lips were just inches from his own. In a seductive whisper, she continued “--I’m already taken.” Just like that she pulled away and casually poured herself another drink, like the little stunt she just played didn’t happen. “This is really good champagne.”

He’d have to work to get this one…but she was already taken so he’d work so hard for absolutely nothing. It was a good thing she loved Gabriel, because if she didn’t, Chuck Bass would be in a run for him money…in a very energy burning and time consuming way.

[Charles Bass]

What she said about the date didn't catch him off guard. He was going to reply with a...

"If you want a party... you are looking at him...You can get on it?"

Though he subsided from the reply as she got close... oh so close. Then blue ballsed him. He didn't flinch from her little charade and he leaned back, his arms sprawled atop the back rest of the bench. His hands casually, and gently stroking her hair.

He ignored her compliment on his champagne...

"You have a lucky man? Well, I guess that hasn't stopped me before."

Again he had that crooked smile. His eyes deepening and staring straight into hers. "You hold a certain.. interest... to me. I would really like it if you would accompany me to brunch at the Palace sometime in the near future. Persuade you to change your mind away from whom you are already seeing, perhaps?"

He smiled an innocent and cute way. The puppy dog stare.

"Don't let me down now."

[Reira DeMorvick]

Her eyes were studying his every move. Kudos went to him for being good at his sport. However, Reira wasn’t stupid. She knew what he was trying to do, for she unfortunately had experience in the field as well. Keira was to blame for that. She thanked whatever god that loved her still for keeping that vile thing away. Everyman had a heart and even though Chuck was very good at concealing his ’inner turmoil’ she knew that he was probably hurting…at least she liked to believe she had that affect on people.

She was still waiting for an answer, when his fingers found her hair. Oh crap, crap, crap. Weakness right there! Reira loved when someone played with her hair. So much in fact that her body involuntarily shivered from his touch. But only for a moment. She managed to control her bodily instincts.

“Why yes,” she answered, shifting her body so that he could no longer touch her hair. “You may have heard of his family before, they are quite powerful in the business world. His name is Gabriel Seran.” Chuck seemed to consider this and answered her with a long, deep gaze into her eyes. She had to get out of here. One, she was in a creepy park with a man she hardly knew, and two she could’ve swore he got closer to her with every passing second. Reira laughed mockingly at what he said next. “I’m sorry, but that’s not going to happen. I happen to love him very much. Besides, I hate brunch.” Getting up she made it clear their little night was over.

“As for letting you down, I’m pretty sure I’ve already done that.” A huge grin on her face, she began to walk back to the Palace. Not only was Reira good at playing this game, she was also very good at playing damn hard to get. As for Chuck? Charming, yes, but telling her to forget about Gabriel so casually, well that rather irritated her. Not bothering to see if he was following or not, she was in the building, on the elevator, and back to the loft, in record time. The party was still in full swing…not like they left for a long time.

“Hey Demetri, there you are!,” she said to her father-like figure, whom was refilling his drink at the mini bar. “Can we go now?” Upon seeing his daughter, Demetri, put an arm around her and brought her in for a half-hug. “I see you’ve met Charles, he’s a good guy you know.” Reira suppressed the urge to laugh. “Yeah just great! Ha- Charles, such a keeper.” Demetri gave her a stern look as if to shun her for judging someone so soon. “Give it time, I’m sure you’ll grow to love him.”

Reira just smiled fakely. “Right.”

[Charles Bass]

When he touched her hair she managed a small shiver. The girl covered it up quite well and tried moving away from him. Little did she know, she was playing with the best of the best. Charles kept mental note on the little fetish she had with hair.

Again, his efforts fell flat on their faces as she turned him down with the "love" with Gabriel. He could almost laugh inside his head.

We will see about that...

And after his proposal of brunch, he was so easily turned down. Now, Him being Chuck Bass, Girls don't turn him down. She got up and started walking away. This was fun, a little chase.

He smiled and caught up with her slightly, his hands in his pockets. He managed to reach her before the elevator closed on them and they returned to the loft just in time for anyone to not fully recognize their absence.

He watched as Reira graciously walked over to Dietrich. Now, time for his plan to come in to play.

He walked up to Bart with a smile. "Father... have you met Reira?"

"Yes, she is Demetri's daughter. What of her?"

"She is...beautiful, absolutely breath taking. I feel entranced by her very presence. Though... It was a shame I couldn't get close to her.. She doesn't like brunch and I offered her to one. She had to turn me down." Charles shrugged, pretending he was just going to let her go. Bart then would not take no for an answer. He didn't like giving up and wanted Chuck to man up. That and he felt it would be good for their business ties.

"We can work something out." he headed towards the two, Chuck following close behind, with a smile that may look shy to Demetri, but to Reira, it was a smile to show he won.

"Demetri! I was wondering if we can talk investments at brunch tomorrow. I would love it if you brought along Reira. Charles can tag along as well."

Charles looked a little hurt.. though it was fake, "Oh don't bother Reira, Father... she told me deliberately she doesn't eat breakfast..."

"Nonsense, Charles! Reira... you like breakfast don't you? Who doesn't eat breakfast!" he said in a joyous tone, hopefully winning over Demetri.

[Reira DeMorvick]

Mental alarms were going off in her head when she saw Chuck and his father approach her and Demetri. Of course Demetri was oblivious to Chuck and how corrupt he was. And omg, was he playing the helpless puppy dog card? Demetri obviously brightened at Bart’s offer to brunch, meanwhile Reira was swearing in every language she could think of mentally. One hand on her hip, she gave Chuck the most intense stare, one that was a mixture of all things evil in Reira.

“I think that’s a great idea! Reira would love to come, right R?”

If Chuck thought he’d win that easily he was wrong. There was no way she was going to up and say, ‘Why of course I’d go’. Instead she gave Bart her best apologetic look. “I don’t think I can attend, I promised I’d do volunteer work for my favourite charity.” She could just see the look on Demetri’s face right now. Probably something along the lines of ‘When the hell did you give a damn about charity?!’ Instead he just laughed and placed an arm on her shoulder, giving her a tight, motivational squeeze. It hurt.

"Oh don't bother with Reira, Father... she told me deliberately she doesn't eat breakfast..."

That was it. Time stood still. At that precise moment, she made direct, unfaltering eye contact with Chuck. Oh he wanted to play like that did he? Well he would sourly regret ever…ever trying to manipulate Reira M. DeMorvick. Ladies and Gentlemen, may the battle begin.

With a sudden change of heart and the most sugar coated voice ever Reira smiled at Bart. “Chuck must have misheard me,” she said giving him the eye. “I told him I didn’t eat breakfast because I don’t, I have meal supplements, like a nutritional shake for breakfast, so in a sense I do have breakfast, or rather I drink it.” Demetri started the nervous chuckling and Reira joined in, but her was pure malice towards a certain someone. “But I’d be a fool to miss dining with you Mr. Bass. I’ll talk to my charity and reschedule, I’m sure they’ll understand.”

Demetri, not knowing what the hell had gotten into Reira, figured it was time to get out of there while they were still in a clear zone. “Brunch tomorrow then! It’s been a pleasure.” Giving Bart a departing handshake, Demetri gestured that it was time to get the heck out of hot water. That was fine by Reira, there was just one more thing she wanted to do. Approaching Chuck, she gave him a friendly hug, her lips parted at his ear, whispering something that only he would hear. “Let’s see how well you play the game.” Smiling at Bart, she departed with Demetri.

“The hell was that?!”
“You know I don’t like brunch!! What if I had plans with Gabriel? And what, I’m supposed to tell him sorry but I have to go eat breakfast with a guy I only knew for three hours?!”
“You can spend the next four months with Gabriel, for all I care, tomorrow is just too important to miss. I’m sorry Reira, I really am, but this could be a bring break for me. Bart and Chuck seem to like you, fuck Bart invited you in person! So please, just this once more, make a presence. For me?”
“Oh don’t worry I plan to go.” She smirked, thinking about winning against Chuck. “Can’t wait.”
“…I’ll never understand females…”

[Charles Bass]

After close to no work at all, Chuck got Reira to attend brunch. Sure it will be supervised, but at least he won that small round. He only had to keep in mind though, this was one more step closer to her. If he could keep doing something like this, it would give him more time to get to her.

That, and he liked they way Reira squirmed when found in a corner. A glare? A girl's only defense mechanism. Shame Chuck only knows looks of pleasure.. not of hate.

Bart looked at the two. "Good to hear." and Demetri shook Bart's hand as Reira came to give Chuck a delightful hug.

“Let’s see how well you play the game.” he smiled, turning his head slightly to get close to her ear.

"So you admitted you wanted to play with me?" and with that said, she pulled away smiling at Chuck's dad and began departing with hers.

As he watched them go, Chuck smiled and nodded. "Thank you, father."

Bart patted his back with a look of pride, "I'm glad to help you. It is about time you found someone you would want to settle down with... to be more responsible."

Little did Bart know... Chuck wanted to be the least bit responsible with that foxy devil.

(End)