The Cat O'Nine Tales: learning to love

CHAPTER 4.

SCENE 4.

“Myles is so nice, Maxx. And it looks like you and Jaston hit it off pretty well too.”

Carina was not so subtly whispering between sips of champagne, curtesy of the mini fridge built

into the back of the limo they were currently in. Unsurprisingly, it had been waiting for them outside the club on a moment’s notice. One might think the men had planned it.

Further conversation revealed the men were cousins, and also co-owners of the Marques & Kent law firm on the opposite side of town. Being cousins explained their family resemblance, and being lawyers explained their seemingly bottomless wallets.

A girl could consider herself lucky to be counted in the company of these men. Maxx noted how except for when Carina had mentioned him to the bartender, Hickory’s name hadn’t been brought up again. Especially after these men had entered the picture and taken control of their night.

“Just think. We could become actual sisters!” Her roommate giggled, using the champagne flute to shield her mouth.

“Technically…we’d be cousins,” Maxx corrected and shook her head, only slightly embarrassed at the prospective. Her eyes rose and met Jaston’s. He and his cousin were seated across from the girls, and by the amused look on his face, Maxx knew that her roommate’s whispering had been in vain. They could hear everything.

“We’re almost there.” Jaston reassured her when she flashed him a bemused smile. And sure enough, the limo pulled through a pair of soaring wrought iron gates and down a wide street, lit with intricate street lamps. Maxx peered out the windows, her pulse racing as she realized they’d just entered a completely different world. All the homes that lined the street to the left and right were built like Victorian style manors—some properties spanning more than a single block of space.

            The limo finally reached one of the lots closer to the end of the street and pulled into the arched driveway and up to the steps that led to the front double doors. It stopped and the driver stepped out to open the doors for his passengers.

            “Thank you Troy.” Jaston said, nodding at the driver and then turned and offered his arm to Maxx. “Shall we?” Maxx smiled sweetly, to disguise the growing tension that began to form in the pit of her stomach. She’d known the men were rich. But she hadn’t realized just how rich until she caught sight of the house. She could tell even from the outside that her entire apartment would probably be able to fit in just one of the rooms of the mansion before her.

            Carina’s eyes were wide. Having continued her drinking spree during the limo ride, it was easy to see that she couldn’t have hid her awe, even if she’d tried.  “This is where you live?” She gaped at Jaston, and he laughed.

            “Yes. Welcome to my humble abode.”

            “Humble.” Maxx scoffed quietly under her breath. If this qualified as humble, she could only imagine what he would consider extravagant. To her. This was just that. Extravagant. The men didn’t seem to notice her comment and Myles gestured into the darkness.

            “And that’s my house over there.” He said pointing to an almost identical mansion across the street. “Wow.” Carina said, and a sly smile tugged at her lips.

            “Maybe later you can show me yours,” she said, not bothering to disguise her intent; and judging by the receptive grin Myles flashed her, Maxx had no doubt that they would do just that. “And then maybe I’ll show you mi–“

“Let’s go inside!” Maxx cut in. The word mine lingered on a pregnant silence and Jaston finally opened the door with a laugh.

“Jas! You’re finally here!” Came an excited squeal as a beautiful brunette materialized at his side wearing a dress that rivalled the cost of two months’ total rent on the girls’ apartment. She threw her arms around his neck narrowly elbowing Maxx in the face in her haste to hug the host.

“Easy Nyla!” Jaston said and extricated himself from her embrace. “We have guests.” It was only then that the brunette woman stepped back and acknowledged Maxx and Carina’s presence. The sinking feeling that had taken up residence in Maxx’s stomach returned as Nyla scrutinized the two younger girls and frowned. “Where did you find these two?” She sniffed none too kindly and Myles spoke up.

“They’re our…friends, Nyla. Be nice.” He scolded after a second’s contemplation. Maxx breathed a sigh of relief, thankful he hadn’t exposed them as two randoms from the club. Even though that was exactly what they were. She groaned internally, but was surprised when a smile broke across the brunette’s face.

“Okay, well you better hurry upstairs before Bran and Todd finish off all the good liquor. I swear those two never leave anything for the rest of us!” She giggled and Maxx realized that she was probably just as tipsy as Carina—if not more—judging by the way she swayed slightly in her expensive heels.

A door opened on the second floor and the telltale sounds of people chatting and music playing made Maxx think there were a lot more people upstairs than she’d been led to believe. It sounded more like the club had, versus a small gathering of close friends.

“Nyla!” Another woman’s voice called from the top of the stairs, and the brunette instantly perked up at the sound of her name.

“Coming Vivian!” She called back and paused at the base of the stairwell. “You’re not coming upstairs, are you...” She said more as a statement than a question, and the cousins answered with identical shrugs.

“We’re not?” Carina said, a look of disappointment crossing her face. Myles winked and took her hand in his before leading her back out the front doors. “It appears I am needed for some urgent business over at my place.” He told her with a wink. She immediately caught his meaning, having made a similar joke minutes before.

“Very, urgent business.” She repeated and Maxx watched as they disappeared into the mansion across the street. And that was their friendship. Neither of them over-stepped or tried to control the other. Carina was a big girl and could take care of herself, and vice versa. So Maxx didn’t have any doubt that she would be able to find her own way back home. Whenever that may be.

Jaston cleared his throat, drawing her attention back to him, and fixed her with a blue gaze.

“Thought I’d never get you alone.”

“Is that right?”

He nodded his head and shrugged out of his suit coat, dropping it on a bench by the door, to reveal a well-fitted white button-up shirt, and silk tie underneath. He smiled at Maxx as she watched him, and motioned for her to follow him.

            “Perks of being the host. I know where we keep the real good stuff.”

            “Wine, I hope.” Maxx hinted, playing along with his game. She had to admit she was enjoying herself despite the night’s turn of events. What had begun as a simple congrats-you-dumped-your-douchebag-ex-let’s-get-wasted celebration, had quickly turned into a completely different adventure.

“Wine you say? Just follow me, my lady.”

He led her through a series of doors that eventually connected to the kitchen, and down a narrow staircase to an underground wine cellar.

“Take your pick.” Jaston said, and motioned around the various shelves in the room. “There’s reds over here, whites over there, rosé’s in that corner, and vintage bottles along that wall.”

“Color me impressed.” Maxx stated and appraised the cellar appreciatively. “I don’t even know where to begin.”

“Do you trust me?” The man asked, and selected a bottle without waiting for her to answer.

“I guess I have no choice.” She said, shrugging and waited for him to pour her a glass of a rich looking red blend.

“Hopefully, this will satisfy your pallet sufficiently.” Maxx accepted the wine glass and took a sip, rolling the liquid around her tongue before swallowing.

“I approve.” She said, genuinely pleased with the selection. He smiled and tucked an extra bottle under his arm before leading her back upstairs.

***

Hours later, Maxx rolled over in bed and blinked bleary eyes at the clock glowing on the night stand beside her. The little green numbers read 7:02am and she sat upright in bed.

           Where the f**k am I? She thought frantically and peered around the room. It was huge, and most definitely not hers. The pillows were way too fluffy, the sheets way too soft and–

            “Maxx?”

She screamed.

            “Maxx calm down. It’s okay it’s just me.” A bedside lamp flicked on and a warm hand reached out to steady her. “It’s me. Jaston Marques.” He said and she turned to look at the handsome man belonging to the voice.

            “Jaston?” She said, slightly unsure and then her eyes widened. “Jaston.” She said again, only this time with more assertion as the events from the night before came flooding back to her.

            “Yes hi. You’re okay. You’re safe.” The blonde man said again, his voice soft and reassuring.

            “I’m sorry,” Maxx began. “I didn’t realize I’d fallen asleep. What even happened?” She turned and crossed her arms over her chest, only then realizing she wasn’t wearing her clubbing dress. In its place was the soft gray fabric of a large T-shirt, identical to the one currently adorning the man beside her. Wow, he was pretty hot in casual clothes. She mused, and couldn’t help but wonder what he’d look like without any clothes at all…

            “We didn’t have s*x, if that’s what you’re thinking.” Jaston said helpfully, making Maxx chuckle. You have no idea buddy. She smirked, but held her tongue.

            “We didn’t?” He shook his head again.

            “No. We shared two bottles of wine in the kitchen. Raided the pantry, and then you ended up throwing up in the kitchen sink.”

Maxx’s eyes widened.

“s**t. I did?” Jaston nodded with a chuckle. “Yes, and unfortunately you missed the sink the first time and your dress took the brunt of it.” He gestured toward the shirt.

“I carried you up to my room, helped you into my shirt and then tucked you in. You’ve been asleep since then.

            Maxx blinked gratefully up at him, even though she was secretly wishing she’d been awake for the undressing part. Yes, he undoubtedly could have taken her to one of the mansions many guest bedrooms. But then she remembered he’d been entertaining last night. She thought it was odd really. How he’d hosted a party, but then went to the club with his cousin instead. Then once he’d finally returned, he never actually made it to said party, of which he apparently was hosting.

            “Oh but your guests…” Maxx began.

            “It’s fine.” Jaston supplied. “I texted Nyla before we went upstairs. Told her what had happened, and she took care of it.”

Maxx blinked, a little bit in disbelief.

            “I didn’t want you to roll over and choke on your vomit in case you weren’t done.” He explained when he saw the skeptical look cross her face. “So I stayed up here to watch over you.”

What a sweetie. Geez.

            Under normal circumstances, the thought of some strange man watching her while she slept off her drunken stupor would have creeped her out. But these weren’t normal circumstances and she’d kind of signed up for it the moment she’d agreed to go home with him.

            “So where’s my dress now?” Maxx asked, glancing over at the clock again. The situation was starting to make her feel a little bit out of control and she figured she had outworn her welcome. It was rare that a man would pick up a chic at a bar and take her home only to take care of her and not expect anything in return. Jaston, however, had apparently been nothing but a perfect gentleman the entire night. Even though she hadn’t been lucid enough to remember it. Regardless, she didn’t want to push her luck.

            “I couldn’t find the tag, and I didn’t want to ruin the material. So I had Mrs. Finch take it with my dry cleaning this morning.” Spoken like a true gentleman.

            “Mrs. Finch?”

            “The housekeeper.”

Oh right. He’s a fancy rich billionaire. Of course he has a housekeeper. 

“It would have been fine in the normal wash.” Maxx told him. “It’s just a cheap old thing.” She lied. In fact it hadn’t been a cheap dress. To be honest it had cost her at least $60 bucks; and with every penny she earned from the strip club going toward school, her mother’s rehab, and living expenses, $60 dollars was a lot to her. But a man like Jaston couldn’t relate.

Again, as if he could somehow read her mind, the blonde man got up and handed her a stack of clothes that had been neatly folded on a chair across the room.

            “They’re Nyla’s.” He clarified. “She’s always leaving her things here, and never comes to claim them.” To Maxx’s surprise and relief, the pile consisted of a pair of fitted blue jeans, a lace camisole, and a pretty green cardigan. She’d been half expecting the clothes to be some expensive name brand items.

But no. Jeans and a cardigan were perfect.

            “Thank you,” she said gratefully. “I’ll just change and then be out of your hair.”

            “Unless…” the blonde man began, and slid back down on the bed until their legs were touching. He was leaning toward Maxx with a mischievous glint lighting his blue eyes, his gaze unwavering. f**k. I’m in trouble.

            “Unless…what?” Maxx breathed out, unable to look away. He was so dreamy. Even having just woken up. Blonde stubble lined his jaw and upper lip, and his hair was slightly tousled, but other than that, he looked like perfection in pajamas.

            “You could stay?” Jaston hinted, teasing her with the smallest of smiles. “For breakfast…” She bit her lip, all too aware of the effect he was having on her, highlighted by the fact that she was very much pants-less.  He was still looking at her with a suggestive expression and she didn’t miss when his gaze dropped to the column of her neck, where her collarbone created a hollow.  “That is, If you want to.”  Jaston continued, this time dipping his head and whispering the words, his breath hot against her skin.

Maxx shivered, and the smallest of moans left her lips. She found herself leaning into his touch. She couldn’t help it. There was just something about him that made her feel comfortable. Safe. And she craved it. 

“I mean…” Maxx began as his lips connected to her skin. “I should probably…” His tongue flicked out to taste her.  “I should…”

“Hmm?” Was all he murmured in answer as he began trailing whisper soft kisses up her neck to the sensitive area behind her ear. Oh f**k that’s hot.

“I should probably go!” Maxx blurted out finally, before completely losing herself in the sensations he was causing to shoot through her c**t. There was a split second of silence as the blonde man pulled away. But to Maxx’s surprise, he didn’t seem to mind at all.

            “I’ll have Troy pull the limo around to take you back to your place.” Jaston nodded without missing a beat and then squeezed her knee before exiting the room to give her some privacy. Not that it would have mattered really. Especially considering she’d been two seconds away from ripping his clothes off, climbing on top of him, and—get a grip Maxx! She mentally scolded and reached for the stack of clothes instead.

            Maxx changed as quickly as she could, hopping up on her toes as she shimmied into the jeans. It was pretty obvious, she was bit more endowed in the ass and hips department than Nyla, which was surprising considering her own frame was quite petite. Thankfully the woman believed in jeggings and they stretched enough to slide on. Once she was fully clothed, Maxx located her heels and purse and headed downstairs, only getting lost few times before finding the correct stairwell.

            “Until we meet again.” Jaston told her, and pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek before sending her out the door. It was almost as if their heated exchange upstairs had never happened.  

“And Maxx,” the blonde man added. “Take advantage of the waters in the mini fridge.” He winked and her eyes widened. No doubt she looked a mess. Clean clothes would do very little to hide her bedhead and hangover face, and she groaned inwardly. But also thanked herself for stopping a potential makeout session with a stranger for the first time while sporting post-vomit morning breath.

            “I will.” She managed, laughing it off, and headed to the limo. It was waiting out front as promised.

            The street was eerily quiet given the early hour. The sounds of the usual morning traffic a mere lull in the distance. The only people outside were herself and Troy—the limo driver.  

Just then, the sound of a taxi cab honking broke the stillness and Maxx looked up in time to see a tall blonde girl in a red trench coat exit the house next door. She was walking with her head down, carrying a pair of heels in one hand, and an envelope in the other. It wasn’t until she reached the cab and looked up, that Maxx recognized her.

            “Trixie?”