by Kay Maree
“Please tell me that you plan to hit the town tonight, because I am not sticking around and watching you mope due to that silly Bray chick any longer,” Nate remarked from the door of my office.
“Yes, Nate, I plan to go out,” I replied. “Wait, how did you get in here?” I asked.
“Morgan.” Nate smiled taking a seat opposite my desk.
“You’re sleeping with her, aren’t you?” I inquired, although I knew he was.
“What can I say? You have some hot receptionists, and young ones at that…I just can’t help myself,” he smirked. I had heard that he was sleeping with my assistant, but had brushed it off as work place gossip, now I officially knew the gossip was true.
“I need to get an older receptionist,” I said, signing a last-minute contract for a new British museum display.
“And you think that would stop me?” he replied, raising an eyebrow in question.
Sick bastard.
Nate was a royal dick. We met in my first year at the University of Roehampton. My parents had wanted me to attend a private university, but I had insisted on attending a public university closer to home. I wanted a so called ‘normal school’ upbringing, and although we had money I didn’t want that to define me, or dictate the school I attended.
I believed that it didn’t matter what school you went to, if you put in the hard work, and were willing to learn, you could achieve absolutely anything. Just because we had money I didn’t believe it meant I had to go to private school, beside the girls in the private education system were snobbish prudes, whereas the ones in public schools knew how to have a good time.
“Drinks are at yours. I texted Lexi and the other girls are in,” Nate stated.
“Sounds like we have a messy night ahead,” I responded.
“Indeed,” Nate smirked as I picked up my jacket and headed for the door.
I don’t know if I was looking forward to seeing Lexi, but if she behaved I guess everything would be alright.
CHAPTER TWO
AIDAN
I hated having so many people in my apartment. I had thrown a bash a few months back and ended up with thousands of dollars’ worth of items damaged and stolen. I even found that half of my underwear drawer had been emptied - fucking sick bitches. I was sure that Lexi had invited most those girls, and that they were all still in college. The squealing, ‘secrets in the corner’ type of girls who only ever wanted one thing--they wanted some dirty shit to talk about the next time they all got together for a chat.
“Hello Aidan,” Lexi said, drawing closer.
“Lexi,” I smiled, bending slightly to kiss her on the cheek, because us British didn’t hug, or at least I chose who I hugged and who I didn’t. I had dated Lexi back in university for about a year, during which time she had decided she would rather play the field than sticking it out with me. Cheating, lying, manipulative shrew.
“You’re looking good as always,” she voiced.
“What do you want Lexi?” I barked back. I hated women who continually played coy; who played games like it was second nature to them. Lexi was one of those women, and it just so happened to be the reason for my dislike towards her.
“To the point, as always,” she commented, moving closer still. Lexi was stunning, don’t get me wrong; long blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and legs up to the ceiling. However, she always attracted the wrong men, and she always came to me for help bailing her out. The problem with looks is that they fade, and when you can no longer rely on them your personality is the next trait you need to trade on. Unfortunately for Lexi she’s a cow, a rude annoying bitch.
“What do you want?” I asked again.
“You,” she declared with a smile.
“How many times do I have to tell you Lexi, it’s not happening?” I remarked.
“Come on Aid, you used to love me,” Lexi whispered.
“Lexi, either leave me alone or I’ll have Teddy throw you out,” I warned.
“As you wish,” she pouted, “but we both know you will take me home tonight.” She blew me a kiss as she sauntered away to her group of girls.
Fucking shoot me now.
“What was that about?” Wayne asked, stepping up beside me.
“Lexi being the skank she always is,” I groaned, taking a long mouthful of my beer.
“Figured as much,” he said. “I could put a stop to her harassing you?” he stated. I knew Wayne would have this situation shutdown in a minute, but Lexi had been a friend for a long time. Recently things had changed and she had started to focus on a future, and that future supposedly included me. Which was funny since she hadn’t pictured a future with me while we were dating in Uni. Besides that, she was old news and I wasn’t into her the way that I once was, and I didn’t want or need her in any way.
“It’s fine Wayne,” I replied, giving a half arse smile.
“You boys ready to go?” Nate asked, slapping me on the back. “Teddy has the cars waiting downstairs.” He smiled.
“Yeah, but we’re ditching blondie over there?” Wayne nodded towards Lexi.
“Lexi, you mean?” Nate smiled, admiring her. I swear this guy only ever thought with his cock.
“Correct,” Wayne stated.
“What has she done now?” Nate questioned, turning his focus on me.
“Making a play for Aidan and thinking it’s okay is one thing, but the girl thinks she will be his for life. Aid doesn’t want her and she doesn’t get the picture. So, either we ditch the girl, or Aid and I will ditch the lot of you,” Wayne advised.
Fuck me; I took another swig of the beer finishing it off. I needed to remind myself never to get on Wayne’s bad side. He was ruthless and to the point, I was grateful he had my back and I certainly had his.
“Fine,” Nate groaned, “but I have dibs on the redhead.” I shook my head and laughed, Nate really had no clue.
***
RUBI
Wow was all I could come up with to describe this city. I had always loved to travel and explore new countries. I had grown up in Sweden and had could travel and see most of Europe because of our open borders; travel was just something us Europeans did. Holidays were a given with my family, and our parents had shipped us off to countries far and near, every chance they got. Being born in Sweden, to an Australian father and a Swedish mother, had it advantages. I was able to study, and completed a lot of my education abroad. I now had a degree in tourism and business management. Lucky for me I also had a nice amount of money in my bank account, which allowed me to take a little hiatus from my life. Daddy was a businessman and CEO of a company in America so he travelled a lot, but mum just stayed at home and enjoyed the sweet life that my father had worked hard to provide for her.
We were a family that wanted for nothing, and I guess that’s how it would always be.
“Are you ready yet?” Sibi groaned.
“I’m coming, give me another minute,” I said, putting on the last touches of makeup I needed to be ready for a night out.
I had arrived in London two days ago. Unfortunately, I had spent the last two days trying to recover from jet lag. My father had flown the whole family over to the U.S. for a family holiday just before I left for the U.K. Of course, he had planned the holiday because he would be staying in the States for another four months, which meant we wouldn’t be seeing him at home for a while; but it was one hell of a trip back across the Atlantic pond to the U.K.
“Finally,” Sibi sighed as I opened the bathroom door, “I thought you would never come out of that bathroom,” she added.
Sybil, or Sibi as we I called her, was my much-loved older cousin; even if only by a few months. She lived in a very expensive, but cute apartment in the heart of London, and of course that was where I’d be staying until I decided I no longer required the get away from my life. To know my cousin Sibi was to know that she was crazy, and had always been slightly out there with her approach to life. She loved to party, and par
ty hard, and tonight she was taking me out on the town as a welcome to London bash.
“It’s hard to know what to wear in this city,” I stated. The weather in London was wild, it was either raining or freezing cold, or both, and occasionally you got a nice sunny day, but that was a rarity.
“The boys are going to love you,” Sibi commented, handing me my clutch purse. I rolled my eyes and slipped my jacket on.
“Don’t roll your eyes…you know it’s true, boys have always loved you. Besides your half Australian, and we all know that everyone loves an Aussie,” she winked. I laughed because it was true. My Australian-born father had met my mother on his travels through Europe; it was love at first sight according to what I had been told, but it didn’t mean that I’d be the flavour of the night.
“Ready to go when you are,” I remarked. Sibi grabbed her clutch and opened the front door, stepping out into the hall.
She lived on the tenth floor of the Jubilee building, which housed some of the city’s most elegant and expensive apartments. These apartments were highly sort after due to the stunning views and prime location, which also made the price of them more luxurious.
Exiting the lift on the ground floor, I smiled again in sheer amazement. This place looked like the damn airport--there were people everywhere, hustling and bustling around the foyer. The Jubilee building also housed a few restaurants and a day spa, which Sibi insisted I had to check out.
“How do you live in this place?” I uttered.
“I love it. Besides, by the time we get home later, this place will be so quiet you wouldn’t even know there were restaurants on this level,” she responded.
I chuckled as we both stepped out onto the sidewalk, the cold air hitting me in an instant. Tonight, London was cool, but luckily it wasn’t raining.
“The restaurant is just around the corner,” Sibi pointed. I wondered why she had not picked a restaurant in the apartment building, but I guessed that since she lived there, she had most likely had been to them several times and wanted to take me somewhere else.
The cute little restaurant she had picked happened to be located three blocks away. Close enough to be within walking distance, so there was no need for a cab which was good, but I was sure that my feet were probably going to hurt at some point. Tonight was slightly nippy, but nothing I couldn’t handle. I must admit that it had been a while since I had gone out, but I was looking forward to letting my hair down and enjoying the fact that for the first time since graduating I was free to do what I wanted to do.
No rules, no parents, and plenty of money…this could quite possibly get ugly.
Bring it on.
CHAPTER THREE
AIDAN
“I thought we’d never ditch them?” Wayne remarked.
“What is your problem with Lexi? Is she too sexual in bed for you Aid?” Nate interjected.
“Fuck off, Nate. You know my problem with her, she won’t take no for an answer, and besides I don’t remember the sex with her being that great.” The sex with Lexi had been okay, but nothing to boast about; the woman had slept with the bulk of London’s bachelors, and was now making for round two with the lot.
“So where are we going?” Wayne inquired.
“I thought we would stick close to home, save having to have Kelvin come out with the car, and Teddy follow us,” I smiled and continued to lead them back towards home. One of my favourite restaurants was only three blocks from home, and provided a great meal, as well as drinks and entertainment.
“You’re taking us to Charley’s?” Wayne groaned.
“Problem?” I asked, turning to look at him. The air was cold tonight and we all knew winter wouldn’t be too far off. The city would be covered in snow soon, and the many tourists would be off to warmer parts of the world for holidays. I would be so busy over the coming weeks, with travel and displays for the new exhibit at the London museum, along with an art gallery or two, that I wouldn’t be able to appreciate the beauty of winter. I needed to at least enjoy the last few weekends of the party life before pulling my head in and focusing on the game.
“I love Charley’s…best beer in town,” Wayne smiled. So, his groan was more in excitement than agony.
“Might have the best beer, but we know why you’re in love with Charley’s?” Nate joked.
Wayne had been in love with Charley’s from the first day he had walked in there and laid eyes on Charlie, the owner of the bar. She was a tall, beautiful redhead, with killer hazel eyes and an even better looking body. She was totally the whole package, sweet, kind, and knew how to work her business to the fullest. Wayne was sweet and kind also, and knew how to run a business, but he was very much a shy man when it came to women; and I know I shouldn’t be saying it, but he became an adorable mess when it came to flirting, or at least that’s what I heard a few of the ladies at work call him.
“Alright, I admit it, Charlie is sexy and I like her, but she doesn’t like me that way. She is too interested in Mr Tycoon here to think of me,” Wayne gestured.
I laughed. Charlie was a stunner with her high cheekbones, red hair, and curvy body, but she wasn’t my type. Wayne was certainly up her alley, and if he just took the plunge and asked her out I bet she would jump at the chance. Besides, Wayne was fucking rich, loaded enough to score himself any pretty girl he wanted.
I knew money wasn’t everything, and personality was the key to a good relationship along with honesty and trust, but Wayne was like my brother and I’d support him in anything, which included pushing him to pursue Charlie.
“I wish women would take the hint…Charlie is hot and I would sleep with her in an instant, but she ain’t my type, so she’s all yours Wayne,” I commented.
“I thought just being a woman was your type,” Wayne joshed.
“Laugh it up, dick,” I replied.
“What is your type, Aid?” Nate asked.
I smiled, “When I know, I’ll be sure to point her out.”
***
RUBI
Charley’s was amazing. The place was packed, and the people here were so friendly it was daunting. The owner, Charlie, was a stunner with her beautiful looks and long red hair. I could see why she had many male admirers. Sibi, the sneaky bitch, had walked in and within minutes had secured us a back booth, away from a lot of the noise and commotion of the live band. They were playing old nineties pop covers, and had the crowd up and dancing.
“So, you told me you wanted to experience everything this city has to offer. The food at Charley’s must be tried before you leave here. It’s amazing, and the beer is the best in the city,” Sibi stated as the waiter placed two pints of Charlie’s finest beer on the table in front of us. I had never been one for this particular beverage, but I guess, as the saying goes when in Rome…so, when in London. I smiled and took a sip.
“What do you have planned for the weekend?” Sibi asked as she took a mouthful of her beer.
“My tours don’t start until Monday, which means I have a free weekend. I was hoping you would show me around, and maybe we could do a bit of shopping?” I smiled, taking another sip of beer. I had to admit, for someone who wasn’t a fan of beer, that this stuff was quite nice.
“I’d love to go shopping, I’m free tomorrow during the day,” she replied. “Oh, that reminds me, I have dinner plans tomorrow night with a friend, but I am sure you can order dinner from one of the restaurants downstairs, and I have pay TV,” she added.
I knew she wouldn’t have much time to spend with me this weekend, or during the week either. She had mentioned to me before I arrived that she had plans and would be busy for the majority of my time here, but that was due to work. I was fine with her doing her own thing, because I’d be happy to do my own thing while I was here. Besides, the idea of lazing around in my PJ’s, with some takeout and TV movies was blissful. I rarely got to watch TV, let alone snuggle up in my PJ’s.
“Hello beautiful,” a voice called out. I look
ed up from Charlie’s menu to see a stunning looking gentleman staring down at Sibi, a smile plastered to his lips.
“Nate,” Sibi squealed and leapt up out of her seat, throwing her arms around him.
Alright, am I missing something? These two clearly knew each other, and Sibi seemed extremely fond of the gentleman; who, by the way, was fucking divine.
“It’s been a while,” he said, hugging her back affectionately.
“Hey, you know where I live,” she scolded him with one of her glares. “There’s no need to be a stranger. You’re always welcome,” she cooed.
This man was gorgeous; tall, broad shoulders, big brown eyes, and lush hair. Handsomely English, with a croon-worthy accent and good strong facial features. Bitting my tongue to stop myself from moaning like some love sick schoolgirl, I returned my focus to my menu. What to eat...what to eat? Fuck it; it was too hard to concentrate when this gorgeous man was distracting me.
Sibi had attended Roehampton University, and I remember her bragging to me about the many attractive men she went to parties with. It seemed that this guy Nate, maybe one of them.
“Who’s this beauty?” Nate’s words broke through my thoughts, and I looked up again to see that more guys had joined us and now we were surrounded by men.
“Nate, this is my cousin Rubi,” Sibi introduced me as Nate looked me up and down.
“Don’t I get a hug?” he asked, making me swallow the lump in the back of my throat.
“I don’t really know you; wouldn’t you think it wildly inappropriate to hug a stranger?” I replied, unaware that the words were slipping through my lips. I bit my tongue again and looked down at my menu; this guy made me nervous.
“Feisty…she’s playing hard to get, I like it,” he commented more to Sibi than to me.
“I’d say try your luck, but I doubt you will get far with her,” Sibi joked. She knew I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to start up any form of relationship, and that included a one-night stand.
“What’re you doing after dinner?” Nate asked.
