Society Girls: Rhieve

by Crystal Perkins

  "Yes. Unequivocally, and totally, yes."

  "Then let's see how this plays out. It will be real to us while we're pretending for everyone else."

  He leans over the table, and I meet him halfway, touching my lips to his. We're both smiling as we move back. "I have some things going on at work that I need to deal with, but we should be able to fly to Norwich tomorrow night. In the meantime, you can come to the office and view the tapes. I've already asked my assistant to set up the conference room for you."

  "Thanks. That would be great."

  "We'll find him," he promises, and as I look into his eyes, I believe him.

  We eat the rest of our meal in relative silence, kissing every once in a while, and holding hands, too. Once we're done, I offer to help clean up, but he tells me he'll take care of it. I know I have to start getting ready for landing, so I don't argue.

  "Oh, are we going to the airport straight from the office, or going to your place first?" I ask before I reach the bedroom.

  "Probably the office. Why?"

  "I'll need to grab something from my suitcase to wear to the club tonight."

  "What did you have in mind?" he asks, his voice a little hoarse.

  "I have a nice selection of sexy lingerie," I tell him, feeling a little unsure although Stella told me it would all be perfect. "That's what I should wear, isn't it?"

  He sighs, and looks away. "Yes."

  "Should I go nude?" I ask, not wanting to. Stella had mentioned doing it a few times when she's been similar places, but walking around in lingerie is already pushing it for me.

  "Fuck no! I don't even want other men to see you in lingerie. If you go in naked, I'll be in jail by tomorrow morning."

  "It's a sex club. I can't exactly wear a turtleneck."

  "Since I own the club, I'm very aware of the usual attire. And just to clarify, I've seen a turtleneck or two. You'd be surprised at what people's kinks are."

  "I take it you wouldn't. Be surprised, I mean."

  "Every so often, something will catch me off guard, but I have indeed seen a lot of things most people haven't. Are you ready to see some of those things tomorrow?"

  "Probably not, but I'll deal with it, and they'll never know I'm shocked—or repulsed. I promise."

  "I know you can keep your composure, and I'll try to shield you if I can, but while that ring on your finger, and the anklet you'll receive will get us out of most things, we may have to put on some kind of show."

  I know this. It's one of the things Stella and Tegan discussed with me. Before getting married, they were very sexually free—actually, they probably still are, just with one partner now—and they participated in many group activities in clubs and parties around the world. Both said Calum's club "friends" will probably want a celebration, which in their circle means a public sexual encounter.

  "I trust you. I'll survive whatever we have to do."

  "Survive?" he asks with a smirk. "What if you like it, being watched?"

  "I don't like being watched when I'm fully clothed, so I highly doubt I'll enjoy being watched while I'm having sex."

  "I have a plan that will involve you being as covered as possible, but we won't be able to fake what we're doing."

  "Well then it's a good thing we practiced, so we don't look awkward."

  "Maybe we should practice one more time before you get changed," he says, coming up and putting his arms around me.

  "Practice does make perfect." I say, moving backwards toward the bedroom.

  Calum

  As we walk out onto the tarmac, no one would know that just thirty minutes ago, I was buried deep inside of Rhieve. She looks like she just took a nap, and not a fast and hard fucking. Her hair is pulled back with every strand in place, her white dress with the black lines crossing vertically and horizontally over each other is classy and sophisticated, her black heels with the red soles are understated, and her makeup is flawless. Even the smile she gives to the few photographers who have gathered is polished and demure. If I hadn't heard her cries of passion, I wouldn't believe she's the same woman, and I was there when she came apart yet again for me.

  "So it's really true, Calum? You've finally been tamed?" one of the photographers who catches me on camera regularly asks.

  I lift up Rhieve's left hand so they all get a good look at her ring, kissing her palm for the cameras. "I have indeed."

  "When is the wedding?" another one asks.

  "We haven't gotten that far yet," Rhieve responds with a laugh. "You have to give us some time to enjoy our engagement."

  They all laugh with her, because of course they do. She's got that "it" factor actors, singers, and models would love to buy if they could. People react to her, smile for her, feel for her. It's not something she has to work at, or even cultivate. It's simply Rhieve.

  Once we're done with the photos and a few more questions, I help her into the back of the car waiting for us. I keep a regular driver on my payroll, but I use him less than anyone would think. I find it pretentious to be driven everywhere, and drive myself whenever I can. I make sure my guy knows where we're going, and then raise the privacy glass.

  "Thank you," I tell Rhieve, kissing her hand again, but just for us this time.

  "That was nothing, Cabe. Pictures and questions from the press are no big deal. It's going to be my family, and our social circle that present a challenge. They already look for any chance to catch me slipping up, or doing something wrong. It's a game to them, one they want to win very badly."

  "Being with me will be considered a slip up."

  "To some, yes," she agrees.

  "I don't think people realize how hard it is to be you."

  "Why would they? I'm rich, moderately attractive, smart enough to get by, and I try to be nice to everyone. That's easy, right?"

  "First of all, you are gorgeous, and extremely intelligent, so don't sell yourself short. And I don't think most people would be able to survive what you do on a daily basis. I know the cost being involved with me will bring you, and I want to let you out of this. I can't be real with you in private, and blackmail you like this."

  "It's not blackmail if I want to be with you. I don't mind faking an engagement when everything else about it is real."

  "I already told you it's real for me."

  "Me too, so stop worrying about using me, and let's find my brother, and make you seem respectable."

  "'Seem' respectable?"

  "Are you changing your ways?"

  For her, I just might, but I can't tell her that yet. "Probably not."

  "Didn't think so, but it's okay. I still lo-like you as you are."

  Was she about to say "love"? Does she love me? I can't let myself even hope that could be true, but I want to believe it. Believe that no matter how much I hurt her all those years ago, she still cares. I let it go for now, because I don't want to push her, but I know I won’t get it out of my mind.

  We're at my office building all too soon, and I'm helping her from the car. There are a few photographers here, and we pose for a few minutes before walking inside. I get her pass from the security desk, and lead her to the elevators, using my own badge to choose the top floor.

  "This doesn't say it's a visitors pass."

  "You have access to the entire building. Whatever you need is yours."

  "You trust me with all your secrets?"

  "The ones in this building are all yours to discover," I tell her.

  It's not a lie. She can know anything she wants about my business. The demons that plague me in the personal side of my life are mine alone to battle, so she can't know those. Only Guil knows what I've been through, and he'll never tell. I know she wouldn't either, but she'd never look at me the same way, and I can't risk that happening.

  Once she's settled in the conference room with all of the passwords and codes she needs, I settle behind my desk, and prepare for the battle I have to face today. It's not going to be pretty, but I will prevail. There's no other option.
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  7

  Rhieve

  My brother is a dumb-ass. I love him, but what the hell was he thinking? I sent most of the footage I was able to access to Ainsley's team, but I had to go through some of it myself, despite the gross-out factor of seeing my brother get his sex on. I saw far too much of him, but that last night really pushed me past the point of no return where he's concerned.

  Yes, the girls who were rubbing themselves on him, and licking and um, sucking, his body parts were hot, but come on dude. They were obviously wanting more than a little slap and tickle. Even on video, I could see the predatory look in their eyes.

  He's going to owe me big once we find him. Not just for saving him from whatever they took him to, but also for making me see his "orgasm face." I seriously wanted to puke. Since I didn't, I have renewed faith in myself, and my ability to do this spy thing.

  Right now, I need to confront Calum, because there's no way he doesn't know who these women are, or that my brother left with them. He said he's watched the tapes, so he knew, and didn't tell me. I know he's keeping other secrets from me, but this...this is different. He knows how desperate I am to find Rhys, and he purposely held the information from me.

  As I approach his office, I hear the raised voices. His assistant, Kaela, is pointedly ignoring the commotion. "What's going on in there?"

  "Nothing that's any of our business."

  "Anything that has to do with Calum is definitely my business," I tell her, pulling the fiancé card.

  "Suit yourself, but it's only gotten louder and nastier in the last few minutes. If I could just sneak out of there now, I would."

  "Go ahead and go. I'll tell him it's my fault if he gets upset. You shouldn't have to listen to this. Just buzz me in first, please."

  She's so grateful, she gets up and pulls me into a hug. "Thank you."

  I hug her back, and then walk in the office once I hear the lock click, letting me know she unlocked the door for me. Standing before me is one of my ex-boyfriends, Chet. His face is red, but Calum's is even redder. His grey eyes are like pieces of frozen seas, and I should be scared to approach. I'm not, because I know he'd never hurt me. At least not physically.

  "What is going on in here?" I ask, as I go to his side and take his hand in mine.

  He looks down at our hands, and his face brightens as he smiles at me. "Just a brotherly spat."

  "Brotherly?" My eyes are wide as I look between them, and notice the subtle similarities in their appearance.

  While Calum is blonde and grey-eyed, Chet has dark hair, and equally dark eyes. Yet, looking closely, I see their similar jawlines, and noses. They could definitely be related.

  "My father was apparently fucking his mother before we moved over here. He thinks he can just walk in and have part of the company since dear old dad is dead."

  "I deserve it."

  "Really? Because I don't remember you working your way up the ranks here, or living with that bastard for most of your life. Oh wait, you are the bastard."

  "The letters between my mother and our father prove who I am. I have rights."

  "Do you now? We'll have to let the courts decide, and I'm certain they'll side with me."

  "With your reputation?"

  And there it is. The reason Calum needed me enough to trick me into being his fiancé. Chet is about as straight-laced as they come as far as those in our circle are concerned. While the courts of law probably would side with Calum, or at least give him the majority of everything, the court of public opinion would be solidly with Chet. The scandal could cause Calum to lose clients, but it could also cost Chet.

  "Wouldn't your business be harmed if this came out, Chet? I mean, knowing your father was cuckolded for years and never did anything about it would make him look weak. Who wants to work with a company founded by a weak man?"

  "Listen Ice Queen, I took pity on you and took you to bed a few times, but you stay out of my business."

  Calum starts to pull away from me, and I know he's going to punch Chet if I don't hold him back. "Haven't you heard that Calum and I are engaged?"

  "What? How?" he asks, his eyes widening when I place my left hand on Calum's chest.

  "You know we were once best friends," I remind him.

  "That was years ago, and he...he doesn't go for cold fish."

  "Insult her one more time, Chet. One fucking more time, and they'll be taking you to the hospital," Calum tells him, his tone of voice leaving no doubt he's serious about his threat.

  "You're serious? I mean, I guess you could have a piece or two on the side to satisfy you."

  My mouth drops open, because like I said, he's always been seen as totally classy, and above reproach. He was even methodical in bed, although now that I think about it, he never waited for me. Hmm, the things you ignore when you don't know what good sex is like.

  "You obviously didn't know what you were doing when you were with Rhieve. She nearly set my sheets on fire the first time we were together, and it's only gotten better. Plus, seeing the look on her face when I make her come hard is beyond sexy."

  Chet looks at me like he's never seen me before, and then his eyes move up and down my body. I fight the urge to squirm, because he's making me feel dirty, but I refuse to let him see he's getting to me. "Interesting."

  "Yes, she is," Calum says, and then he's kissing me.

  It's different than our other kisses, and I kind of love it. He's claiming me with his mouth, kissing me long and deep. Even when that kiss ends, he still sips at my lips, pulling my bottom one between his teeth before letting go and smiling at me. I smile back.

  "I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it, but there's nothing fake about that. Congratulations, I guess. It doesn't change anything, though. Think about my offer, Calum, and I'll be in touch."

  "Why didn't you tell me?" I ask, as the door closes behind him.

  "Would it have made a difference? We had an agreement."

  "Yes, dammit, it would've made a difference!"

  "So you still care about him?"

  What? "Yeah, I care so much that I just put him in his place. Defending you, I might add."

  I need to get away from Calum right now. I'm already angry that he knew who my brother left the club with, and now this. If I can't trust him, none of this will ever work. I was stupid to believe there could be something real between us.

  "Rhi, wait," he yells as I pull my hand from his and walk to the door.

  "For what? Another surprise from you? Who will you bring out next, my mother?"

  "God, no."

  "I have to get away from you right now. I'm going to take the train to Norwich. You can meet me there. Oh, and I know you knew about the girls, so you better not be protecting them."

  "I'm not. I swear. I said I'd help you, and I mean it. I'm sorry, Rhieve."

  "So am I."

  Calum

  I should've told her. I was going to tell her. Eventually. I knew Chet was going to show up here today, but I thought things would remain civil, and she wouldn't find out yet. Instead, we scared away my assistant, and blindsided my woman.

  And she knows I could've told her who Rhys left with, and saved her the time it took for her to figure it out herself. I'm really batting a thousand here. All I know is that I need to help her tonight. With the girls, and with the public display we're definitely going to have to make now.

  Working with no assistant for the rest of the day is not exactly easy, but I did it to myself, so I can't be angry. I text Rhieve before I board my plane, and she tells me I can pick her up at one of the local hotels. I'll be damned if she's going to stay there tonight, but we can discuss that later.

  The flight is short, but gives me enough time to fix my hair and clothes. I have a persona to uphold in the club. I'm the calm, cool, and collected business man who never has a hair out of place, or a tie that's not perfectly straight. Sure, I partake in the treats that are offered, but either my pants are just unzipped, or my clothes are completely off, and
folded neatly on a chair. Tonight, it will be the latter, because I need as much attention off of Rhieve as possible.

  I take a cab to my house, and immediately take my Aston Martin out of the garage to pick up Rhieve. She's waiting outside her hotel, wearing a wrap dress, and heels. There's lace covering her throat, but no other hint of what's underneath that dress. She ignores me as I grab her small bag.

  "Did you have a nice train ride?" I ask, trying to get her to talk about anything with me.

  "Yes."

  "You can't be tense or angry with me when we get to the club."

  "I know," she says, leaning her head back and rubbing her neck. "I just didn't expect this from you after—after the plane ride."

  "I'm not used to letting anyone in, Rhieve. I guard my life and my secrets very carefully. I want to be different with you, but I can't change overnight."

  "I don't expect you to change, but we agreed to help each other. Do you know how gross it was looking at my brother do those things? And I could've been more prepared for Chet."

  "You slayed Chet," I tell her, wincing because of what else she said. "As for the girls, I could've told you, but I was still trying to protect my clients. Stupid, I know, since you were going to find out by looking. I guess I just thought if it wasn't me telling you, I could pretend I wasn't going against my own rules."

  Her voice softens as she replies. "I get it, Cabe. But I'm still angry, because I need you to trust me if any of this is going to work."

  By "any" I know she means what's going on with us personally as well as they things we agreed on. "I will—I do. I'm an asshole."

  "Yes, but for right now at least, you're my asshole. I've got your back, and I'm going to trust that you'll keep your promise and have mine."

  "I will. I know words are for shit, but I'll show you I mean it."

  "Good, because I want this to work."

  "So do I."