Society Girls: Rhieve (3 page)

R
hieve

I’m freaking out inside right now. This is supposed to be fake. All of it is supposed to be fake. There aren’t supposed to be flowers floating in the pool with candles all around. Calum shouldn’t be on bended knee while I sit on the diving board. And there definitely isn’t supposed to be a ring I absolutely love and would honestly be my dream ring if I saw it in the jewelry store.

Yet, I’m sitting her as he slides that ring on my finger, while all of my childhood fantasies are coming true. Including the one where I’m getting engaged to Calum, the boy I loved. Past tense. I’ve got to keep reminding myself that he’s not that sweet boy anymore. He’s the man who sleeps with any woman he can, owns sex clubs, and flouts every tradition he comes across. He needs me to make him look good, and it doesn’t matter that he’s doing some nice things for me. It
can’t
matter because none of this is real.

“You need to kiss,” Camari reminds us.

I knew this was coming, and I thought I was ready. All of this romantic stuff has thrown me off my game, and I need to get my head together once we’re done here. I have no hope of it while he’s in front of me with that strong jaw, and piercing blue eyes. I’m lost in him as he leans towards me.

I want to keep my eyes open, and make this not matter, but they flutter closed as his lips brush over mine. He’s still holding my left hand, but he uses his other hand to cup my cheek. It’s too tender, and when he flicks his tongue over the seam of my lips, I open for him, expecting him to get rough. His reputation precedes him, but he surprises me yet again.

His tongue strokes lazily inside my mouth, like he has all the time in the world. He doesn’t. We
don’t.
This is just for pictures, no matter how good it feels.

He’s either not remembering that, or it feels as good to him as it does to me, and he doesn’t care. I’m going to have to be the one to put a stop to this. In a minute…or five. Maybe ten, because his lips are magical, and his tongue is making me forget why this is a bad idea.

“Rhieve.”

It’s just one word whispered against my lips, but it sounds like a prayer as he says it. His accent is almost non-existent, reminding me of the little boy I loved. That shouldn’t be enough to break the spell I’m under, but it is. This isn’t
him
, and I don’t want either of us to pretend it is.

“Was that enough?” I ask, pulling away.

“Not even close,” he whispers, making my heart race even faster.

“Candi?” I ask again.

“Oh yeah. You two nearly burned up my lens. Do you want to touch up your makeup before the formal pictures?”

“Yes,” I say, jumping up and moving away from Calum as fast as I can. “I’ll be right back.”

Jade and Camari follow me into the cabana I choose for my escape. I pull lipstick out of my bag, and start applying it, hoping they’ll let what just happened outside go. I should know better, but I’m in denial about more than just that kiss, apparently.

“That wasn’t fake,” Jade says, stating the obvious.

I hang my head, and try to control my breathing. “I didn’t expect what he did, or the way he kissed me. He’s not romantic. Women talk about sleeping with him, but they never say he’s romantic, or even overly considerate. He satisfies them, but he doesn’t plan out proposals, or buy them jewelry he knows they’ll love.”

“He doesn’t,” Camari agrees. “I’ve heard all the stories, too. Many women have tried to get more than sex from him, but he doesn’t give it.”

“So why is he doing this with me?”

“Maybe you should ask him,” Jade tells me.

Yeah, that’s not going to happen. “No. I’ll just play along like I agreed to.”

“Good luck with that,” she tells me. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.

I can only stall another couple of minutes since Calum didn’t mess up my hair, and even his hand on my cheek was gentle enough to not mess up my makeup too much. With a final glance in the mirror, I nod to my friends, and walk back outside. Calum’s typing furiously on his phone, looking angry.

“Everything okay?” I ask, walking right up to him without him noticing me.

“Not really. I have some things I need to take care of, so we should finish up here.” His tone is dismissive, letting me know his behavior earlier was definitely an act.

“Of course.”

If he’s going to be all business, then so am I. I turn on my heel and move to where Candi motions for me to stand. I feel him at my back, but I don’t acknowledge him until I have to place my hand on his chest, showing off my ring. We both smile for the camera, moving our bodies and faces however Candi needs them. I’m closer to him than I was when we kissed, but there’s nothing intimate about what we’re doing. It’s all for show, and the show must be damn good, because Candi says she’s got her shot only a few minutes later.

“Be ready to fly out in the morning, Rhieve,” he tells me, jumping right back onto his phone.

“Tomorrow? You couldn’t have given me some warning?”

“I need to get to London, and you’re the one who asked
me
for help. You can fly with me tomorrow, or wait until I can come back again to bring you over with me. Your choice.”

“I could just meet you there.”

“You’re my fiancé now, remember? Why would we travel separately?”

“Because I have a job, and other obligations. Camari can spin it.”

“Listen, Rhieve, I’m a busy man. I’m willing to give you some of my time to help you find Rhys, but I can’t just ignore
my
obligations.”

“Don’t act like you’re not getting something out of this.”

He sighs, and finally looks up at me. “I have to go, Rhieve. I’m sorry if you’re not ready, but this is what I have to offer you. I didn’t mean to be an ass, but I have to go.”

“You’re right. I’ll be ready,” I tell him, because he
is
helping me, even if I’m helping him, too. And if I’m being honest, he’s not asking me anything unreasonable. He has a business to run—well, more than one, but that’s not the point. I’m on
his
schedule now.

“I’ll text you the times, and put your name on the passenger list so you can enter the executive terminal.”

“Thank you, Calum. I mean it.”

“You’re welcome. Oh, and Rhieve, make sure you have some things to wear to the club.”

By “things” I know he means lingerie. Stella’s already helped me shop, so I’ve got what I need, and I let him know that. “Already taken care of.”

“Good. See you tomorrow.”

He walks out, and a part of me is sad that he didn’t kiss me goodbye. The other, smarter part—my brain—knows that’s a good thing. I’m going to have to kiss him again, but I can’t let myself get lost in those kisses, or hope to have another one. I have to protect myself, because if I fall fully for Calum, I know I won’t survive it.

* * *

C
alum

Things are falling apart in London faster than I thought they would. I need to get my Vegas office set up and running, but that’s harder than it should be because no one knows about it. Well, no one but my best friend, Guil. We bonded after both of us moved to London in the same school year, and he came to work with me after my father died two years ago.

Neither one of us was expecting the surprise that came for me a few months ago, but luckily, I was already planning to move operations back to the U.S. My deal with Rhieve should help me achieve what needs to be done, but I need some time to get all the pieces moved into place. I expected to have it, but Guil just let me know I don’t. It’s time to make my move, and I’ve never been more grateful for Rhieve, or the fact that her need for my help intersects with my need for hers.

“We’re leaving in the morning. It’s the earliest I could arrange without making things too suspicious,” I tell my friend once I’m far away from the C&C apartments. I know they could still be monitoring me, but I’ll have to take that chance.

“You’re still not planning on telling her?”

“Not yet.”

“She’s going to find out, and then she just might cut your dick off.”

“With any luck, by the time she learns the truth, she’ll be wanting to do something else with that particular muscle of mine.”

“This is her brother you’re talking about. From what you’ve told me, family is important to her. She lives her life by what her family wants, and she loves her brother. Family isn’t something to mess with, man.”

“You don’t have to remind me of that,” I tell him, coolly.

“Just trying to keep it real for you, but you do you.”

“I Always do. I’ll take care of Rhieve and her brother. You just worry about keeping things together until I get there.”

“On it. See you soon.”

I disconnect as I turn into the JW Marriott. The sprawling resort is far from the lights and glitz of The Strip, but still offers all the luxury I’m accustomed to. Plus, it’s close to both the C&C office building, and the apartments. I’ll need to buy a place here in Vegas soon, but since I’m trying to keep things quiet, I’ve been avoiding it. I can live out of a hotel room for however long it takes to get things sorted once I’m here.

“Good evening, Mr. Benson,” the concierge yells as I walk into the lobby.

I stop in my tracks and glare at her, annoyed that she just announced my presence to the rest of the guests. I don’t get noticed as much in the States as I do in London, and I enjoy the anonymity my unknown face provides.

“Did you need something, or were you just trying to let everyone know I’m staying here?” I ask as I walk up to her desk, and lean forward on the counter, crowding into her personal space.

“I-I just wanted to see if you needed anything.”

“I can assure you that if I was interested in any
services
, I’d ask for them.”

“Oh. Of course.” She’s flustered, and she damn well should be. I wouldn’t ask a concierge to set up sex for me, and she looks too sweet to offer, but now I’ve put those thoughts in her head.

“I value my privacy, so I’d appreciate it if you didn’t announce my presence again.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Apology accepted.”

I step away, and walk to the elevators, knowing I was a bit of an ass. It’s what most people expect from me, and I would hate to break character, and disappoint them all. Of course, with Rhieve by my side, I’ll have to try and behave. She’s probably horrified by some of the behavior she’s seen from me over the years, but there’s nothing I can do about the past. The present is a different story, and I vow to make it the best I can for her.

Entering my room, I strip out of my suit and into a t-shirt and lounge pants. I have work to do, and I’d rather be comfortable. Even after all of these years, I still feel like my tie is choking me every time I have one on. My custom suits are a necessary disguise in both my lines of work, and I’ve come to think of them as my armor, but that doesn’t mean I like them.

The sun has long since descended before I look up from my work, and I realize I need to eat. I call room service, and order what Calum Benson is expected to order—the most expensive items on the menu. I’d rather have a burger, but again, image is everything.

I should probably take a shower, but I feel like that would erase Rhieve from me. I know it’s been hours, but I can still feel the press of her lips on mine, and the way she leaned into my hand when I placed it on her cheek. I don’t know when I’ll have the chance to kiss and touch her like that again, so I’m going to savor her imprint on me for a little longer.

A psychiatrist would probably have a field day with that, so it’s a good thing my family has never been the type to approve of them. If I won’t tell Rhieve the truth, I’m sure as hell not going to tell some head shrinker my deep, dark secrets. I’ll just have to do what I’ve been doing for the past two decades, and let the world think I don’t care.

R
hieve

Reina and Jade are riding with me to the airport this morning, trying to finish briefing me on everything I need to know. I don’t know that anyone’s ever completely ready for their first mission, because people are not wholly predictable. But ready or not, I have to find my brother.

“I wish I could be there with you,” Jade tells me.

“I’ll be okay,” I reassure her. “Calum said he’ll protect me, and I believe him.”

“He’s helped us out, but I don’t completely trust him, Rhieve. There’s something off about this whole thing. If I thought I could talk you out of it, I’d try, but I know better,” Reina tells me.

“I appreciate your concern, but you’re right—you can’t change my mind. This handy dandy implant will allow you to keep track of me, so I feel safer than if I was going in alone.” I turn my forearm over, and marvel at how there’s no trace of what was put inside of me, even though it can do so much.

“Ainsley’s team will also be monitoring any cameras in places you go with him. Not to mention that Darcy will be in London with Brayden for another couple of days if you need her.”

“I’ll be okay, Rei.”

“We have to talk about the sex club,” Jade says, and I inwardly groan. I knew this was coming, but I’m not happy to talk about it.

“I know I may have to put on a show.”

“Yes,” Reina agrees. “I’ve already said I don’t completely trust him, so I can’t assure you he won’t expect you to have sex with him. Can you do that?”

Well, since he’s starred in my sexual fantasies for years, yeah, I can. “Yes,” is all I tell her. No one else needs to know the extent of my issues with my feelings about Calum.

“Then you need to practice,” Jade tells me. “Kissing, touching, and sex. You have to be comfortable with all of that before you’re there. If you flinch or look stiff, you’ll blow your cover.”

“Did I look stiff in the engagement photos?”

“The first ones, yes. When he kissed you, it looked real,” Reina says.

It
was
real, at least for me. “Good. So I guess when we get to London, we can practice.”

“Why wait? You have a ten-hour flight,” Jade reminds me.

My phone rings, ending our conversation for the moment. I glance at it, already knowing who it is even though I don’t have any special ringtones assigned to people. I somehow always know when it’s my mother calling. I close my eyes, take the most calming breath I can manage, and accept the call.

“Hello, Mother. How are you?”

“I was fine until I saw pictures of you getting engaged to Calum Benson. Please tell me it was just a photo shoot for a magazine.”

If only I could. “No. It’s real. Calum and I are getting married.”

“No you are not.”

“It’s my choice, Mother,” I tell her on a sigh.

“He is not suitable, and besides, I haven’t seen the two of you interact at any events you’ve been at together. There is something else going on here, and I want to know what it is.”

“We were best friends once,” I remind her. “We ran into each other recently, and started talking. One thing led to another, and here we are. You had to have seen the other pictures of us out together.”

“So the rumors are true. I’d heard he was a god in bed, and you falling for him after an apparent interlude proves it.”

“It’s not like that, and I don’t want to discuss his sexual prowess with you.” Especially because I have no idea if those rumors are true. Although, after that kiss yesterday, I wouldn’t be surprised.

“Have your fun with him, Rhieve, but you will not marry him.”

“Again, Mother. That is not your decision to make.”

“We shall see about that. I feel a migraine coming on, so I’ll call you later to discuss this further.”

“I’ll be on a plane. Calum and I are headed to London.”

“You are embarrassing this family, and I will not stand for it.”

“Go lie down, and I’ll talk to you when you’re ready to let me be happy.”

I hang up, knowing this is far from over. There was never any doubt that my family would be horrified by this engagement, and I’ll have to deal with it later. I have too many other things to worry about right now. Namely, how I’m going to make things look real with Calum.

"That sounded fun," Jade says.

"My mother expects nothing less than perfection. Calum is definitely not perfect."

"No one is, Rhieve. I know you do everything you can to please your family, but I also know pretending to be someone you're not isn't worth it."

I know she was in Witness Protection, and lied to almost everyone in the Society about who she really was. I also know her husband, Nate, was part of her past, but
she
didn't know that. Admittedly, neither did he. It sounds like a crazy mess, but they worked it all out despite their problems, so I know she understands about keeping up appearances. Reina does, too.

"You both had to hide from your pasts. My problem is that I've been hiding from my present, or at least the person I really am in the present."

"It's a good cover," Reina says, and I can hear the apology in her tone. I would like to think I would've been chosen regardless of my status, but I know it's a big part of why they recruited me.

"The difference between you and my mother is that you allow me to be who I am when I'm not in public. She demands her "proper daughter" to be present at all times. Doesn't matter if it's just family, and no staff."

"I couldn't do it. You're one tough chick, Rhieve. I have mad respect for you."

"Thanks, Jade."

Reina squeezes my hand as we pull up to the plane. "We're all here if you need to talk, or vent, or just for anything."

"Thanks. I have a feeling I'll be taking you up on that."

"You better," Jade tells me.

I hug them both, and then get out of the car when the door is opened for me. I'm still not ready for this, but I have to be. My brother
needs
me to be. And truthfully, I want to prove to Jade and Reina and everyone else that I'm not just the pretty girl in the designer clothes. They say they know I'm more than what everyone else sees, and I want to believe them, but I've lived without real friends for so long that it's hard to trust anyone. Proving I'm valuable for more than my money is on me, and I fully intend to do just that, starting with this trip to London.

* * *

C
alum

I've already got a glass of Scotch in my hand when I hear Rhieve boarding the plane. I'm going to need several more, because after that kiss yesterday, I don't know how I'll keep my hands to myself for the next ten hours. I want to make her fall apart in my arms, but I know I can't. I can't touch her, or kiss her, unless this act we're putting on calls for it. I love her too much to destroy her, because I know damn well that's all I can give her—pain and destruction. I walked away from her years ago, because I knew where my life was headed, and I'll be damned if I screw her up now.

"Who is she?" My flight attendant, Katie, asks. There's venom in her tone, and I don't like it. Yeah, we've fucked on some flights, but she has no claim on me, and she never will.

"Mind yourself. If I so much as hear that kind of tone to your voice when you speak to Ms. Madison, this will be your last flight. As for your question, she is my fiancé."

"No. You can't...but we'll still."

"We most definitely will not."

"What won't you do?" Rhieve asks, entering the rear cabin.

"Fuck," I answer honestly. I need her to realize I'm the bad guy in this situation, and while there's not a chance I'll cheat on her, I've slept with just as many women as she thinks I have.

"Oh, well, I certainly hope not."

Damn. She didn't even blink. "Rhieve, this is Katie. She'll take care of anything you need. You can give her your bag, and she'll put it in the bedroom for you."

She raises an eyebrow, and looks pointedly between Katie and I, and the bedroom door. I laugh. "Nope. You're the only woman who's been allowed in my beds.
Any of them.
Katie and I had our fun on the dining room table." She reacts to that, and not favorably. "Don't worry. I had her bleach her juices off there. I was wearing a condom when we did the deeds, and she swallowed it all when I was in her mouth."

"TMI, Calum. I don't need to know your sexual history. All that matters to me is right now."

"You're going to picture me and him on that table every time you see it. You should; we had lots of fun times on there. Lots," Katie tells her, ignoring my earlier warning, and pissing me off. Yes, I want Rhieve to know I'm not a saint, but I told this woman not to be disrespectful, and that's the first thing she did.

"Get off the plane."

"What?" she asks, her eyes wide.

"Get. Off. My. Plane.
Now
."

"You need a flight attendant."

"I'm sure Rhieve and I can manage without you. Collect your things, and go before I have you escorted off the plane."

She looks like she wants to say more, but the look on my face must stop her. I don't miss the tears in her eyes as she turns to go, but I don't feel bad; I warned her, after all. I pick up the phone on the table next to me, and call into the cockpit.

"Katie has been relieved of her duties. I'm sure we can handle anything we need, but you are trained back here as well aren't you?" I ask, Todd, the co-pilot.

"Yes, sir. I'm capable of helping with anything you require."

I'm tempted to tell him I won't be requiring his normal services, but I don't need Rhieve to know that he partook in most of my escapades with Katie. He's smart enough to realize that Katie being thrown off the plane signals this isn't business as usual. If not, he'll find out soon.

"Thank you."

"The Ice Queen isn't going to do it for you. You'll be sorry," Katie says as she wheels her carry-on bag out.

"Bye," Rhieve says, looking bored as she gives her a little finger wave.

If I wasn't watching so close, I would've missed the fact that she bent her other fingers slightly, allowing her middle one to stick out. I don't even try to suppress my laugh, although Katie looks at me like I'm insane, while Rhieve just smirks and gives me a wink.

"Didn't know you had it in you," I tell her one we're alone.

"There's a lot you don't know about me. That's what happens when you pretend your friend doesn't exist for two decades."

Ouch. I deserved that, but it still feels like I was stabbed in an area close to my heart. "I never did that." Not really.

"Close enough."

"I'm sorry, Rhi. I want to learn everything about you. Will you let me?"

"If you want me to be that vulnerable to you, you'll have to let me in as well."

"I don't let anyone in, but for you I'll try. I owe you at least that much."

"I don't think you owe me anything, and I don't want you to feel that way, either. If you tell me things, it should be because you want to, and not because you're trying to make up for all those years. You can't, by the way."

"Don't say that."

"It's the truth. We can maybe move forward, but the past isn't something you can fix by kicking your former fuck buddy off the plane, or being sweet to me. Those years...they were really hard, and my heart was broken."

"They were hard for me too," I admit. That's all I'm willing to admit right now, even to her. She deserves whatever I can give her, and though this seems small, it's a big thing for me.

"We could've helped each other. Why did you just cut me off? Was I not cool enough?"

She can't think that. Yet, when I look in her eyes and see the pain, I know she does. She honestly thinks I abandoned our friendship because of her. It was all because of me, but like I said, I can't tell her that.

"I don't want to talk about it. You already said we can't go back, so let's try and live in the moment, okay?"

I can see she wants to argue, but Todd comes over the intercom, telling us to take our seats. Saved by the co-pilot, at least for now. I have a feeling Rhieve isn't going to move forward as easily as she says she is. I can't give her the answers she wants, but I want her in every way possible. This is going to either be amazing, or it's going to end our friendship forever.