roman scarrott
the geniex|xoutfitx|x#5890c9
the geniex|xoutfitx|x#5890c9
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"You're one of those weirdos that watches my YouTube and leaves naughty comments, aren't you?" The woman's tone and body language made it very evident that she was making a light joke. And to be honest, even if she wasn't, Roman still might have taken it that way.
He let out a deep hearty laugh, one that would, no doubt, catch the attention of anyone nearby. "You caught me. It is I, MahinMakesMeMoist69." Ok, so the joke was a bit much. Roman hoped he didn't all but scare her away with his lewd humor. He meant nothing by it. Hopefully, she laughed at the joke rather than sneer at him in disgust. After all, she started it. But, it wouldn't be the first time Rome's jokes rubbed someone the wrong way. Some people are just too uptight for their own good.
"Going to order? I just got food myself, and I was thinking of grabbing a table." Mahin pointed towards the waiter as she spoke.
Roman hadn't realized how hungry he actually was until the idea of food was brought up. Instantly his stomach began to growl in protest. He raised his hand to pat the waiter on the shoulder. He obviously acts very appropriately for formal functions. "My guy... I'd kill for a big ass burger, fully decked, with a pint of Guinness." He smiled and gave the guy in the penguin suit a friendly wink as he left to place their orders. Rome was like a bull in a china shop when it came to formal gatherings. He was about as well mannered as a surfer.
Once the waiter was gone, Mahin addressed him once more before offering her right hand. "You can call me Mahin, though."
His hand was giant compared to hers, nearly swallowing it. But Roman still managed to be gentle, yet firm, when shaking it. "Roman Scarrott. But most people call me the Gypsy or that giant hairy guy." He laughed at his own jest. Truth was, most people didn't take the time to get to know his name before he was on the road again. And even then, they rarely ever sought out his attention enough to do anything other than pointing and saying hey you.
Roman's hands slipped into the pockets of his pants as he slowly trailed after Mahin. While she walked at a normal pace, he looked to be strolling leisurely. His long legs carried him at the same pace with fewer strides. "It's nice to be recognized. Didn't think my books reached towns like these."
"That I don't know of. I'm not from here. I'm sort of... A nomad?" His brows furrowed slightly as he tried to think of a better word for it, but came up blank. "I just kind of float from place to place. Live out of my van with my dog, Nan. I think I found your book in a small bookshop somewhere in Seattle."
Eventually the pair found their way to an empty table. "This place has the weirdest things for auction I have ever seen. Did anything catch your interest?" she commented before taking a seat.
Roman took a seat opposite her while his gaze drifted over to the tables filled with the strange array of items. "I can't say I've ever been to an auction. But the movies always make it seem like it'd be priceless art and Faberge eggs." He shrugged his shoulders slightly in confusion. He was not the person to ask when it came to auctions and their customs. "Yeah, I bid on a little oil lamp thing. I don't know," he laughed with a shrug. "I thought it looked neat. You?"
The food arrived with haste and neither one of them wasted any time before digging in. Roman's burger was giant. Luckily, so were his hands. Yet it still managed to be a bit of a challenge keeping it all together and getting it in his mouth. But man, was it delicious. He even offered Mahin a fry. He didn't know if she'd take one, finger foods at a formal event didn't seem very... proper. But it was good and Roman didn't care what people thought about him. He wasn't going to remain in town much longer anyway. Right?
His gaze lingered a bit while his mouth was full and Mahin ate. Roman didn't know much of anyone in the town. He saw the vet who helped with Nan. He smiled but she didn't notice him. He'd probably talk to her at some point in the evening. Then there was Liv and Ben from the diner, which were probably the closest to friends someone like him could get when passing through a town. He also caught glimpse of a mysterious looking guy getting very close with a red head. Roman diverted his gaze towards his glass as he took a big swig of beer. Not his place to have a thought one way or another.
"You don't have a girlfriend, do you?" Roman coughed, choking on a piece of his burger. He was an easy going man and had heard the question before, yes, but that didn't mean he wasn't surprised. It came out of left field. He never quite understood why people always seemed so interested in his relationship status, but he was flattered nonetheless. "Asking just because you know my face, so you must have someone. And also, yes - I am also just wondering just because it's 2021 and I can."
Roman took a sip of his beer to calm his throat before replying. "Is it that hard to believe a man could be a feminist?" He picked up on her implication that the knowledge he has of her and her book had to be because he had a lady friend. And while he could understand someone making that assumption, he might have thought someone as modern as Mahin might have seen it a different way. "I prefer to think of myself as more of an 'equalist'. Some feminist out there are a little too radical for my taste. But I think every deserves to be treated based on their merits as a human being, not by what's between their legs, who they fuck or what they look like."
"And no. I don't have a girlfriend... Or a boyfriend. Life on the road doesn't really give me much of a chance to set down roots." He took a second to eat the last bite of his burger while it was warm and chased it with a drink. "But it does give me time to read." Roman smirked playfully as he brought his glass to his lips. He wasn't chastising or scolding Mahin. Simply poking a little fun at the irony of the situation. It takes much more than that to offend someone like Rome.
"And what about you? Any boyfriends?... Or better yet, girlfriends? I imagine a book like yours might have scared off more than a fair share of men. Not that it'd be much of a loss. I'm sure men like him," Roman pointed his index finger of the hand that held his drink toward Adrien. "Would call your book heresy."
He let out a deep hearty laugh, one that would, no doubt, catch the attention of anyone nearby. "You caught me. It is I, MahinMakesMeMoist69." Ok, so the joke was a bit much. Roman hoped he didn't all but scare her away with his lewd humor. He meant nothing by it. Hopefully, she laughed at the joke rather than sneer at him in disgust. After all, she started it. But, it wouldn't be the first time Rome's jokes rubbed someone the wrong way. Some people are just too uptight for their own good.
"Going to order? I just got food myself, and I was thinking of grabbing a table." Mahin pointed towards the waiter as she spoke.
Roman hadn't realized how hungry he actually was until the idea of food was brought up. Instantly his stomach began to growl in protest. He raised his hand to pat the waiter on the shoulder. He obviously acts very appropriately for formal functions. "My guy... I'd kill for a big ass burger, fully decked, with a pint of Guinness." He smiled and gave the guy in the penguin suit a friendly wink as he left to place their orders. Rome was like a bull in a china shop when it came to formal gatherings. He was about as well mannered as a surfer.
Once the waiter was gone, Mahin addressed him once more before offering her right hand. "You can call me Mahin, though."
His hand was giant compared to hers, nearly swallowing it. But Roman still managed to be gentle, yet firm, when shaking it. "Roman Scarrott. But most people call me the Gypsy or that giant hairy guy." He laughed at his own jest. Truth was, most people didn't take the time to get to know his name before he was on the road again. And even then, they rarely ever sought out his attention enough to do anything other than pointing and saying hey you.
Roman's hands slipped into the pockets of his pants as he slowly trailed after Mahin. While she walked at a normal pace, he looked to be strolling leisurely. His long legs carried him at the same pace with fewer strides. "It's nice to be recognized. Didn't think my books reached towns like these."
"That I don't know of. I'm not from here. I'm sort of... A nomad?" His brows furrowed slightly as he tried to think of a better word for it, but came up blank. "I just kind of float from place to place. Live out of my van with my dog, Nan. I think I found your book in a small bookshop somewhere in Seattle."
Eventually the pair found their way to an empty table. "This place has the weirdest things for auction I have ever seen. Did anything catch your interest?" she commented before taking a seat.
Roman took a seat opposite her while his gaze drifted over to the tables filled with the strange array of items. "I can't say I've ever been to an auction. But the movies always make it seem like it'd be priceless art and Faberge eggs." He shrugged his shoulders slightly in confusion. He was not the person to ask when it came to auctions and their customs. "Yeah, I bid on a little oil lamp thing. I don't know," he laughed with a shrug. "I thought it looked neat. You?"
The food arrived with haste and neither one of them wasted any time before digging in. Roman's burger was giant. Luckily, so were his hands. Yet it still managed to be a bit of a challenge keeping it all together and getting it in his mouth. But man, was it delicious. He even offered Mahin a fry. He didn't know if she'd take one, finger foods at a formal event didn't seem very... proper. But it was good and Roman didn't care what people thought about him. He wasn't going to remain in town much longer anyway. Right?
His gaze lingered a bit while his mouth was full and Mahin ate. Roman didn't know much of anyone in the town. He saw the vet who helped with Nan. He smiled but she didn't notice him. He'd probably talk to her at some point in the evening. Then there was Liv and Ben from the diner, which were probably the closest to friends someone like him could get when passing through a town. He also caught glimpse of a mysterious looking guy getting very close with a red head. Roman diverted his gaze towards his glass as he took a big swig of beer. Not his place to have a thought one way or another.
"You don't have a girlfriend, do you?" Roman coughed, choking on a piece of his burger. He was an easy going man and had heard the question before, yes, but that didn't mean he wasn't surprised. It came out of left field. He never quite understood why people always seemed so interested in his relationship status, but he was flattered nonetheless. "Asking just because you know my face, so you must have someone. And also, yes - I am also just wondering just because it's 2021 and I can."
Roman took a sip of his beer to calm his throat before replying. "Is it that hard to believe a man could be a feminist?" He picked up on her implication that the knowledge he has of her and her book had to be because he had a lady friend. And while he could understand someone making that assumption, he might have thought someone as modern as Mahin might have seen it a different way. "I prefer to think of myself as more of an 'equalist'. Some feminist out there are a little too radical for my taste. But I think every deserves to be treated based on their merits as a human being, not by what's between their legs, who they fuck or what they look like."
"And no. I don't have a girlfriend... Or a boyfriend. Life on the road doesn't really give me much of a chance to set down roots." He took a second to eat the last bite of his burger while it was warm and chased it with a drink. "But it does give me time to read." Roman smirked playfully as he brought his glass to his lips. He wasn't chastising or scolding Mahin. Simply poking a little fun at the irony of the situation. It takes much more than that to offend someone like Rome.
"And what about you? Any boyfriends?... Or better yet, girlfriends? I imagine a book like yours might have scared off more than a fair share of men. Not that it'd be much of a loss. I'm sure men like him," Roman pointed his index finger of the hand that held his drink toward Adrien. "Would call your book heresy."
liesl voigt
black swanx|xoutfitx|x#19244e
black swanx|xoutfitx|x#19244e
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"You're quite a sight yourself, Miss. Voigt." Ever the gentleman. Although Liesl knew his compliment was out of politeness. Sure he meant it, of course he did. Look at her? She was a crimson headed bombshell, and she knew it. Most men in town knew it. But even that wasn't enough to turn Ricardo's attention toward her and not others. The man was an enigma. No one knew much of anything about him besides the fact that he locked himself away in his mansion more often than not. A lonely man like that could use some company.
While Liesl ran through the prospects for the night, Ricardo seemed to humor her. His gaze was fixed on hers, intent and engaged, yet never looked towards any of the women she mentioned. Was it her and only her that caught his attention? That would be a change of pace, no doubt. Liesl had been trying to seduce him for sometime, the man was stunning and in need of a little sexual attention. But she wasn't dumb either. He had always seemed less than interested in her advances, so what changed?
As she stood there, adjusting his tie, Ricardo's hand found her side. His fingers wrapped around her waist and pulled her closer until Liesl's chest was against his. She gasped. Her breasts heaved with every breath, pressing against him. He leaned in toward her ear, sweeping away her hair. She swallowed. Cold chills ran down her spine from the touch of his finger tips. "I'm a bit of a sinner myself, Miss. Voigt." A small smirk crossed her lips. She didn't care who saw. They could watch in jealousy for all she cared. "Why have defiled goods when I could have something... untouched? Personally, I think that's much more fun. Don't you?"
Liesl's grin fell. Her head that had been tilting back snapped upright to meet his gaze. Ricardo moved her crimson lock back to where it was before he moved it, then used his other hand on her waist to move her aside. She stood there in a silent shock as she watched him cross the room, beelining straight for her sister. Her gaze didn't move to another, nor did she blink. If anything it turned into daggers as she watched him move to stand right beside Lorelei without a care in the world.
When she went to look away, she nearly missed John looking in her direction. How much did he see? Liesl wasn't usually the type to get embarrassed, but if he saw everything that transpired who else did? She felt cheap and second rate to her pristine sister. But she tried her best to hide what she was feeling. John flashed her wink which made her smile, if only slightly. She pushed down whatever other feelings were boiling inside her and playfully blew him a kiss, before making her way towards the bar.
"I'll have a shot." Her gaze skimmed the bottles. "Whatever's strongest."
"I apologize miss, but are not serving shots."
She sighed. "Then the strongest liquor in a glass with ice and nothing else." The bartender didn't second guess her and quickly got to work on the drink. It was a tequila of some kind, it didn't really matter. Once she was given the drink Liesl downed it in a single gulp and slammed the glass back on the bar. "One more." Her index finger tapped the brim of the glass before she glanced over her shoulder, glaring at her sister.
While Liesl ran through the prospects for the night, Ricardo seemed to humor her. His gaze was fixed on hers, intent and engaged, yet never looked towards any of the women she mentioned. Was it her and only her that caught his attention? That would be a change of pace, no doubt. Liesl had been trying to seduce him for sometime, the man was stunning and in need of a little sexual attention. But she wasn't dumb either. He had always seemed less than interested in her advances, so what changed?
As she stood there, adjusting his tie, Ricardo's hand found her side. His fingers wrapped around her waist and pulled her closer until Liesl's chest was against his. She gasped. Her breasts heaved with every breath, pressing against him. He leaned in toward her ear, sweeping away her hair. She swallowed. Cold chills ran down her spine from the touch of his finger tips. "I'm a bit of a sinner myself, Miss. Voigt." A small smirk crossed her lips. She didn't care who saw. They could watch in jealousy for all she cared. "Why have defiled goods when I could have something... untouched? Personally, I think that's much more fun. Don't you?"
Liesl's grin fell. Her head that had been tilting back snapped upright to meet his gaze. Ricardo moved her crimson lock back to where it was before he moved it, then used his other hand on her waist to move her aside. She stood there in a silent shock as she watched him cross the room, beelining straight for her sister. Her gaze didn't move to another, nor did she blink. If anything it turned into daggers as she watched him move to stand right beside Lorelei without a care in the world.
When she went to look away, she nearly missed John looking in her direction. How much did he see? Liesl wasn't usually the type to get embarrassed, but if he saw everything that transpired who else did? She felt cheap and second rate to her pristine sister. But she tried her best to hide what she was feeling. John flashed her wink which made her smile, if only slightly. She pushed down whatever other feelings were boiling inside her and playfully blew him a kiss, before making her way towards the bar.
"I'll have a shot." Her gaze skimmed the bottles. "Whatever's strongest."
"I apologize miss, but are not serving shots."
She sighed. "Then the strongest liquor in a glass with ice and nothing else." The bartender didn't second guess her and quickly got to work on the drink. It was a tequila of some kind, it didn't really matter. Once she was given the drink Liesl downed it in a single gulp and slammed the glass back on the bar. "One more." Her index finger tapped the brim of the glass before she glanced over her shoulder, glaring at her sister.
grayson hughes
robin hoodx|xoutfitx|x#99bfaa
robin hoodx|xoutfitx|x#99bfaa
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"You look quite nice yourself, I like the suit." Grayson looked down at his suit, subconsciously adjusting his tie and pressing down his collar. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He opened his mouth to respond and thank her, but then another person joined the group. He didn't want to be awkward, but he already was. So rather than make it worse, he turned his attention back towards the hat on the table leaving his back toward the group of women.
"Grayson - like the suit."
His brows furrowed, a little confused as he looked down at his outfit. Grayson did a double take before looking back at Ricardo briefly. "Thanks." He tried to find something else to say but came up blank. What else could he say? You too? Of course Ricardo's suit was perfect. He was one of the richest people in Essex. The man probably bought a new suit for the event. Gray couldn't help but wonder if the compliment was genuine or a jest on his behalf. Ricardo didn't seem like the type to make him the butt of the joke, so he accepted the compliment and turned his attention back toward the hat.
While he wasn't necessarily part of the conversation, Grayson couldn't help but overhear what was said as he stood right beside them. He was easily able to make out John's voice as he joined the growing group. "Maybe this isn't interesting to everyone but I was wondering about your next novel. Is it going to be just as 'steamy' as the last and if so who is going to be the titular characters?" It sounded like he was talking to Paisley. Gray knew she wrote, but he hadn't asked her about her next book. Maybe it was because it wasn't his type of reading. Either way, he turned slightly to see what she might say.
John's gaze then moved to Liana and Grayson. "Maybe it's about a couple who can't be together because of extenuating circumstances . . ." Taken by surprise, Gray coughed. His hands fumbled with the hat, dropping it on the table before managing to anxiously shove it back on its stand. He missed whatever else John said as he tugged at his tie, loosening it slightly.
"Perhaps it's more of an adventurous story. Paisley loves adventures." It took a lot of self control for Grayson to keep himself from looking back towards the group. His hand nervously shook. He unbuttoned his sports coat trying to keep his fingers busy so no one noticed. "If you all will excuse me, I believe I’m in need of a new drink and I might check out the rest of the night's activities."
Out of the corner of his eyes he watched her leave the group and head in one direction. Grayson waited another beat or two before he left the table, heading in the opposite direction of Liana. He didn't dare put stock into John's words. Instead he headed outside for a bit of fresh air. The hall was getting far too hot and crowded for his liking.
Once he stepped out into the cool night's air, Grayson felt like he could breathe. He never liked being the center of attention, especially not when he felt like someone was airing secrets that even he hadn't come to terms with. He already felt bad enough for having feelings he couldn't explain for a woman who was engaged... But knowing other people saw it too made him nauseous. It wasn't his place. She wasn't his and he knew it. Gray tried his best to keep his feelings buried. He was stupid. He shouldn't spend so much time with her. It didn't help those feelings subside. Since they've started their morning coffees his feelings only seemed to grow.
Gray's hands rested on the railing that surrounded the raised entrance to city hall. His head fell slightly as he sighed. Why did she get nervous? Did she feel something for him too? No. No. He couldn't think like that. His hands pushed off the stone before he started pacing back and forth. Greg and him already were at odds since High School, that's all he needed was for rumors to get back to him that Gray wanted his fiancée. Shit. He rubbed the back of his neck with a sigh. God damn it, John.
"Grayson - like the suit."
His brows furrowed, a little confused as he looked down at his outfit. Grayson did a double take before looking back at Ricardo briefly. "Thanks." He tried to find something else to say but came up blank. What else could he say? You too? Of course Ricardo's suit was perfect. He was one of the richest people in Essex. The man probably bought a new suit for the event. Gray couldn't help but wonder if the compliment was genuine or a jest on his behalf. Ricardo didn't seem like the type to make him the butt of the joke, so he accepted the compliment and turned his attention back toward the hat.
While he wasn't necessarily part of the conversation, Grayson couldn't help but overhear what was said as he stood right beside them. He was easily able to make out John's voice as he joined the growing group. "Maybe this isn't interesting to everyone but I was wondering about your next novel. Is it going to be just as 'steamy' as the last and if so who is going to be the titular characters?" It sounded like he was talking to Paisley. Gray knew she wrote, but he hadn't asked her about her next book. Maybe it was because it wasn't his type of reading. Either way, he turned slightly to see what she might say.
John's gaze then moved to Liana and Grayson. "Maybe it's about a couple who can't be together because of extenuating circumstances . . ." Taken by surprise, Gray coughed. His hands fumbled with the hat, dropping it on the table before managing to anxiously shove it back on its stand. He missed whatever else John said as he tugged at his tie, loosening it slightly.
"Perhaps it's more of an adventurous story. Paisley loves adventures." It took a lot of self control for Grayson to keep himself from looking back towards the group. His hand nervously shook. He unbuttoned his sports coat trying to keep his fingers busy so no one noticed. "If you all will excuse me, I believe I’m in need of a new drink and I might check out the rest of the night's activities."
Out of the corner of his eyes he watched her leave the group and head in one direction. Grayson waited another beat or two before he left the table, heading in the opposite direction of Liana. He didn't dare put stock into John's words. Instead he headed outside for a bit of fresh air. The hall was getting far too hot and crowded for his liking.
Once he stepped out into the cool night's air, Grayson felt like he could breathe. He never liked being the center of attention, especially not when he felt like someone was airing secrets that even he hadn't come to terms with. He already felt bad enough for having feelings he couldn't explain for a woman who was engaged... But knowing other people saw it too made him nauseous. It wasn't his place. She wasn't his and he knew it. Gray tried his best to keep his feelings buried. He was stupid. He shouldn't spend so much time with her. It didn't help those feelings subside. Since they've started their morning coffees his feelings only seemed to grow.
Gray's hands rested on the railing that surrounded the raised entrance to city hall. His head fell slightly as he sighed. Why did she get nervous? Did she feel something for him too? No. No. He couldn't think like that. His hands pushed off the stone before he started pacing back and forth. Greg and him already were at odds since High School, that's all he needed was for rumors to get back to him that Gray wanted his fiancée. Shit. He rubbed the back of his neck with a sigh. God damn it, John.
lorelei voigt
white swanx|xoutfitx|x#b1aecb
white swanx|xoutfitx|x#b1aecb
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"Do not listen to that wretched man, your dress is beautiful, but only someone like you could make it shine the way it does."
Lorelei smiled softly at Liana's words, but before she could respond Paisley also came in with her own comment. "I said Mr. Duval was 'positively odious' and he took it as a compliment. I would take anything he said with a grain of salt."
She laughed. Paisley's comment brought a genuine smile to her lips as she looked between the two girls. "I guess we should be thankful. If he was pretty, rich, and smart... I think we'd all be in danger." Adrien was a powerful enough man in Essex, heaven knows how much worse it would be if he actually had enough brains cells to rub together. And to be honest, he did... To some extent. No, he wasn't book smarts and the longest words he knew have three syllables but his street smarts could be scary. Lorelei knew how much his hands were in. He touched everything in their town and was managing to get away with it.
Whatever fun Lorelei was trying to have when it came to Paisley and John was quickly shot down. "I don't think I am his type. I happen to think Mr. Waldmann and I are good friends enough to acknowledge one another. No?"
Before she reply or pry further, Liana chimed in. "Lorelei, stop living through people and live for yourself a little." Paisley didn't say anything, but she pointed in silent agreement.
Lorelei sighed, rolling her eyes slightly. That was always what the conversation boiled down to at one point or another. They both knew it wasn't that simple not with family like hers or working for Adrien. Maybe someone else would tell them all to shove it and go about their lives by themselves. Maybe that's what she should do. But this was all that Lorelei knew. She was frightened of what her father, sister or even Adrien would do if one day she decided to stop and live her own life. While none of them have ever physically harmed her, it was something subconscious deep inside that kept her unmoving. Like she was a prisoner in her own life and there was nothing she could do about it.
The conversation died as more people quickly began to join their small group. Lorelei's gaze slowly drifted about the room. She idly looked at different gatherings of towns people but her eyes still found their way back to her sister. Now Liesl stood chest to chest with Ricardo. She watched as his head leaned in towards her sister's neck. But before anything else could happen she looked away and put on a smile, hoping no one saw what she did.
She watched as Grayson complimented Liana. Lorelei hadn't heard much about him beyond what Liana told her, mostly that the two of them have coffee together every morning in the diner. The Officer had always seemed like a kind and friendly man. So did Greg. She didn't quite know what was going on between the men and Liana. Her friend was never quite forthcoming. But something about Greg never quite sat right with her. She couldn't put her finger on it and she dare not say anything to her friend. In the end, whatever happened was Liana's choice. Lorelei just hoped she did what was right for her.
"Grayson - like the suit." She inhaled softly as she looked over her shoulder to see Ricardo. It seemed that recently, Lorelei had been running into him more and more around town. Or, at least, as much as she could for someone who rarely came out of his house. They never really spoke, just exchanged brief smiles or he'd hold the door for her. But on occasion, she'd notice his gaze lingering on her. He never tried to strike up a conversation and if she managed to catch him looking, he'd promptly leave and she wouldn't see him for several days.
But there he was. Ricardo joined their small group like it was no big deal. Like he did it all the time. Not a minute ago he looked two seconds from spiriting Liesl away into his limo for a good time and now he stood behind her. Lorelei was confused, but she tried her best not to show it. Still, there was a small knot that twisted in her gut. Jealousy. Her sister always made a game of going after any man that held her attention for more than a fleeting moment. Lorelei didn't even know how she felt about Ricardo... Just that he was handsome and polite... And he looked at her rather than Liesl. Or so she thought.
"You ladies are looking lovely tonight." Lorelei, just like the rest of the ladies, smiled and thanked him for the compliment. But she grew the faintest bit stiff as Ricardo made his way into the small circle standing so close that her shoulder brushed his arm. She tried not to look up at him, but every so often her gaze peeked up at him from the corner of her eyes. He confused her.
"Anything interesting?" Even though this question still seemed posed to the group, she couldn't help but feel like he was asking her.
Liana took the opportunity to speak up and put even more of the attention on Lorelei. "Lorelei was just looking at this swan’s quill. I’ve been trying to convince her she should get it, what do you think of it?"
Lorelei looked down at her hands, realizing the small quill was still cradled between her index fingers and thumbs. She gave Ricardo a slightly awkward smile as she felt a flush rush to her cheeks. "It's nothing. I just liked the feather," she said softly before she quickly set the quill back down on the table next to the ink well. "I'm not a writer anyway." Her gaze fell slightly as she brushed her hair behind her ears.
She hardly even noticed John as he joined the ever growing group. Everyone shifted making room for him as he promptly stood beside Paisley. "Maybe this isn't interesting to everyone but I was wondering about your next novel. Is it going to be just as 'steamy' as the last and if so who is going to be the titular characters?" His gaze then moved to Liana and Grayson, whose back was toward the group as he inspected an item on the table. "Maybe it's about a couple who can't be together because of extenuating circumstances . . ."
Grayson coughed and Liana quickly grew awkward and flushed. Even Lorelei felt uncomfortable at the comment. She tried to give her friend as sympathetic smile to reassure her, but it seemed that wasn't John's only suggestion. ". . . Or perhaps it's about a love rivalry between identical twins."
Her heart skipped a beat. She felt the blood rush from her head as she grew dizzy. Lorelei looked ghostly. She tried her best to remain calm and act unaffected, all the while her head was spinning. She put on a fake smile and even managed a convincing laugh. "No. Neither one of us know the first thing about love. You can't call it a rivalry if she always wins."
Before anyone could try to delve into that conversation further, Lorelei nodded her head with a smile. "If you'll excuse me." As she parted from the group her gaze found Ricardo's once more, but the second they locked she looked away.
Lorelei found her way to the nearest empty table. Her heart was pounding in her ears and she felt like the room was spinning. She nearly stumbled into the chair, sighing once her feet were off the ground. She couldn't figure out who handled John's exposure worse, Lorelei, Liana or Grayson. Considering she nearly passed out from embarrassment, money was on herself. Her elbows rested on the table while her hand held her forehead. Why did Ricardo have to come over there? Liesl was already putty in his hands. She would have slept with him in the middle of the dance floor for the whole town to see if that's what he wanted.
As she sat alone at the table, she dared not look up. Lorelei didn't want to see the faces of the people she left behind, judging her less that exquisite exit. Rather, she kept her gaze focused anywhere but them, instead content on watching someone who arrived late that nearly knocked over Mrs. Picket. She probably would have done the same if she wore heels that high, but luckily her butt was firmly planted in a seat so she wouldn't make the same mistake. Lorelei couldn't help but hope the auction would be coming to an end... soon.
Lorelei smiled softly at Liana's words, but before she could respond Paisley also came in with her own comment. "I said Mr. Duval was 'positively odious' and he took it as a compliment. I would take anything he said with a grain of salt."
She laughed. Paisley's comment brought a genuine smile to her lips as she looked between the two girls. "I guess we should be thankful. If he was pretty, rich, and smart... I think we'd all be in danger." Adrien was a powerful enough man in Essex, heaven knows how much worse it would be if he actually had enough brains cells to rub together. And to be honest, he did... To some extent. No, he wasn't book smarts and the longest words he knew have three syllables but his street smarts could be scary. Lorelei knew how much his hands were in. He touched everything in their town and was managing to get away with it.
Whatever fun Lorelei was trying to have when it came to Paisley and John was quickly shot down. "I don't think I am his type. I happen to think Mr. Waldmann and I are good friends enough to acknowledge one another. No?"
Before she reply or pry further, Liana chimed in. "Lorelei, stop living through people and live for yourself a little." Paisley didn't say anything, but she pointed in silent agreement.
Lorelei sighed, rolling her eyes slightly. That was always what the conversation boiled down to at one point or another. They both knew it wasn't that simple not with family like hers or working for Adrien. Maybe someone else would tell them all to shove it and go about their lives by themselves. Maybe that's what she should do. But this was all that Lorelei knew. She was frightened of what her father, sister or even Adrien would do if one day she decided to stop and live her own life. While none of them have ever physically harmed her, it was something subconscious deep inside that kept her unmoving. Like she was a prisoner in her own life and there was nothing she could do about it.
The conversation died as more people quickly began to join their small group. Lorelei's gaze slowly drifted about the room. She idly looked at different gatherings of towns people but her eyes still found their way back to her sister. Now Liesl stood chest to chest with Ricardo. She watched as his head leaned in towards her sister's neck. But before anything else could happen she looked away and put on a smile, hoping no one saw what she did.
She watched as Grayson complimented Liana. Lorelei hadn't heard much about him beyond what Liana told her, mostly that the two of them have coffee together every morning in the diner. The Officer had always seemed like a kind and friendly man. So did Greg. She didn't quite know what was going on between the men and Liana. Her friend was never quite forthcoming. But something about Greg never quite sat right with her. She couldn't put her finger on it and she dare not say anything to her friend. In the end, whatever happened was Liana's choice. Lorelei just hoped she did what was right for her.
"Grayson - like the suit." She inhaled softly as she looked over her shoulder to see Ricardo. It seemed that recently, Lorelei had been running into him more and more around town. Or, at least, as much as she could for someone who rarely came out of his house. They never really spoke, just exchanged brief smiles or he'd hold the door for her. But on occasion, she'd notice his gaze lingering on her. He never tried to strike up a conversation and if she managed to catch him looking, he'd promptly leave and she wouldn't see him for several days.
But there he was. Ricardo joined their small group like it was no big deal. Like he did it all the time. Not a minute ago he looked two seconds from spiriting Liesl away into his limo for a good time and now he stood behind her. Lorelei was confused, but she tried her best not to show it. Still, there was a small knot that twisted in her gut. Jealousy. Her sister always made a game of going after any man that held her attention for more than a fleeting moment. Lorelei didn't even know how she felt about Ricardo... Just that he was handsome and polite... And he looked at her rather than Liesl. Or so she thought.
"You ladies are looking lovely tonight." Lorelei, just like the rest of the ladies, smiled and thanked him for the compliment. But she grew the faintest bit stiff as Ricardo made his way into the small circle standing so close that her shoulder brushed his arm. She tried not to look up at him, but every so often her gaze peeked up at him from the corner of her eyes. He confused her.
"Anything interesting?" Even though this question still seemed posed to the group, she couldn't help but feel like he was asking her.
Liana took the opportunity to speak up and put even more of the attention on Lorelei. "Lorelei was just looking at this swan’s quill. I’ve been trying to convince her she should get it, what do you think of it?"
Lorelei looked down at her hands, realizing the small quill was still cradled between her index fingers and thumbs. She gave Ricardo a slightly awkward smile as she felt a flush rush to her cheeks. "It's nothing. I just liked the feather," she said softly before she quickly set the quill back down on the table next to the ink well. "I'm not a writer anyway." Her gaze fell slightly as she brushed her hair behind her ears.
She hardly even noticed John as he joined the ever growing group. Everyone shifted making room for him as he promptly stood beside Paisley. "Maybe this isn't interesting to everyone but I was wondering about your next novel. Is it going to be just as 'steamy' as the last and if so who is going to be the titular characters?" His gaze then moved to Liana and Grayson, whose back was toward the group as he inspected an item on the table. "Maybe it's about a couple who can't be together because of extenuating circumstances . . ."
Grayson coughed and Liana quickly grew awkward and flushed. Even Lorelei felt uncomfortable at the comment. She tried to give her friend as sympathetic smile to reassure her, but it seemed that wasn't John's only suggestion. ". . . Or perhaps it's about a love rivalry between identical twins."
Her heart skipped a beat. She felt the blood rush from her head as she grew dizzy. Lorelei looked ghostly. She tried her best to remain calm and act unaffected, all the while her head was spinning. She put on a fake smile and even managed a convincing laugh. "No. Neither one of us know the first thing about love. You can't call it a rivalry if she always wins."
Before anyone could try to delve into that conversation further, Lorelei nodded her head with a smile. "If you'll excuse me." As she parted from the group her gaze found Ricardo's once more, but the second they locked she looked away.
Lorelei found her way to the nearest empty table. Her heart was pounding in her ears and she felt like the room was spinning. She nearly stumbled into the chair, sighing once her feet were off the ground. She couldn't figure out who handled John's exposure worse, Lorelei, Liana or Grayson. Considering she nearly passed out from embarrassment, money was on herself. Her elbows rested on the table while her hand held her forehead. Why did Ricardo have to come over there? Liesl was already putty in his hands. She would have slept with him in the middle of the dance floor for the whole town to see if that's what he wanted.
As she sat alone at the table, she dared not look up. Lorelei didn't want to see the faces of the people she left behind, judging her less that exquisite exit. Rather, she kept her gaze focused anywhere but them, instead content on watching someone who arrived late that nearly knocked over Mrs. Picket. She probably would have done the same if she wore heels that high, but luckily her butt was firmly planted in a seat so she wouldn't make the same mistake. Lorelei couldn't help but hope the auction would be coming to an end... soon.
adrien duval
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Hugo smiled at Adrien's question, seeming relieved to be free of the woman's presence for the time being. "Elena. Just moved to town, she’s a teacher or something" He shrugged his shoulders. "Truth be told, she’s a little dull, but I get the sense that she’s eager to please."
Adrien chuckled as he sipped from his drink. "The quiet ones usually are. But they're always so damn clingy." He has had more than his fair of clingy run ins. The shy quiet girls were always the best when it came to sex, often virgins and willing to do whatever to make you happy. But they fall in love so quick that it's nearly impossible to get out unscathed. I mean, he isn't scared to break some hearts in the conquest of good sex. But really, it was just too much effort and a waste of time. Whoever told women that love was the end all be all obviously never had a mind blowing blow job.
"And what about you? You and Liesl looked pretty cozy."
He smirked, pausing as he brought his glass to his lips. "Well... We all know how Liesl is." Hell, all of Essex knew at this point. The list of men she hasn't slept with was shorter than the ones she has at that point. Surprisingly, Adrien hadn't jumped onto that bandwagon just yet. Perhaps part of him was hoping to crack Lorelei first. That would be a trophy that no one has touched. But the woman has proven to be quite the prude. He has needs. And from what he's heard from Hugo, Liesl is more than capable to fill them... In every position.
Adrien's gaze searched the room until it found the familiar mane of red hair. But to his horror, she was sidled up to none other than Ricardo Trujillo. He watched, with furrowed brows and a clenched jaw. Liesl wasn't his. Hell, she was the resident whore who bounced around or got passed around as she saw fit. But he was like a child with a toy he stopped playing with. Once he saw someone else playing with it, he wanted it back. That's how it went with Ricardo. Anything he had, Adrien wanted it and would do anything to take it from him. But it was worse seeing someone he claimed first slither her way into his enemies arms.
Then, like pouring salt in a wound, when Trujillo was done with one twin he went to the next. The man had no shame flitting from one woman to another. Adrien was not a protective type. He wouldn't give a rat ass who Lorelei spread her legs for. It was the fact that she wouldn't give him a second glance, yet Ricardo could stand right beside her and make a move on her? Lorelei wasn't his woman, but she was his property. Donovan Voigt gave her to him. Trujillo had the gall to make a move on something that wasn't his.
"Well isn’t that interesting."
Adrien's knuckles went white as his grip on his glass tightened. He might have crushed it in his grasp if Liesl hadn't walked past them. Before she was out of reach, he reached out with his free hand and grabbed a hold of her arm. "What the fuck do you think you were doing with him?" He hissed while nodding his head toward Ricardo.
Liesl turned to face him, yanking her arm free from his hold. "Whatever the hell I want!" While he towered over her, Liesl didn't back down. She wasn't scared of Adrien like the rest of Essex was. She sought him out for his power and prowess. He could threaten her all he wanted, hell she kinda liked it, but she was not some sheep who'd bend to his will.
"I don't take Trujillo's seconds." The last thing he wanted was to share the same woman that Ricardo had.
"No? But you'll take everyone else's seconds?" Liesl challenged him. She had humility when it came to her own reputation. She wasn't insulted when someone called her a slut. She was one and she knew it. So, rather than letting Adrien take it and try to throw it in her face, she took her own reputation and threw it in his. "He doesn't want me. He wants my untouched sister. So go fight over her if you're going to be a bitch about it."
Liesl reached up and took Adrien's whiskey. She didn't need his permission and she didn't care if she pissed him off. Part of her knew that men like Adrien loved when women didn't melt into puddles for them. It was the whole thrill of the chase and Liesl was no damsel in need of saving. She downed what remained of his drink then shoved the glass back in his hand. "Hugo and I are going to go dance," she said while taking Hugo's hand in hers. "While you get over yourself."
She started retreating back towards the dance floor with Hugo in tow, her gaze locked with Adrien. Liesl blew him a kiss before pivoting in a bit of a flourish. She took his hand and guided it towards her waist as they moved out onto the floor. "Can I just say," Liesl began as she pulled Hugo close, pressing their bodies together as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "Sex shouldn't be complicated by feuds."
Adrien chuckled as he sipped from his drink. "The quiet ones usually are. But they're always so damn clingy." He has had more than his fair of clingy run ins. The shy quiet girls were always the best when it came to sex, often virgins and willing to do whatever to make you happy. But they fall in love so quick that it's nearly impossible to get out unscathed. I mean, he isn't scared to break some hearts in the conquest of good sex. But really, it was just too much effort and a waste of time. Whoever told women that love was the end all be all obviously never had a mind blowing blow job.
"And what about you? You and Liesl looked pretty cozy."
He smirked, pausing as he brought his glass to his lips. "Well... We all know how Liesl is." Hell, all of Essex knew at this point. The list of men she hasn't slept with was shorter than the ones she has at that point. Surprisingly, Adrien hadn't jumped onto that bandwagon just yet. Perhaps part of him was hoping to crack Lorelei first. That would be a trophy that no one has touched. But the woman has proven to be quite the prude. He has needs. And from what he's heard from Hugo, Liesl is more than capable to fill them... In every position.
Adrien's gaze searched the room until it found the familiar mane of red hair. But to his horror, she was sidled up to none other than Ricardo Trujillo. He watched, with furrowed brows and a clenched jaw. Liesl wasn't his. Hell, she was the resident whore who bounced around or got passed around as she saw fit. But he was like a child with a toy he stopped playing with. Once he saw someone else playing with it, he wanted it back. That's how it went with Ricardo. Anything he had, Adrien wanted it and would do anything to take it from him. But it was worse seeing someone he claimed first slither her way into his enemies arms.
Then, like pouring salt in a wound, when Trujillo was done with one twin he went to the next. The man had no shame flitting from one woman to another. Adrien was not a protective type. He wouldn't give a rat ass who Lorelei spread her legs for. It was the fact that she wouldn't give him a second glance, yet Ricardo could stand right beside her and make a move on her? Lorelei wasn't his woman, but she was his property. Donovan Voigt gave her to him. Trujillo had the gall to make a move on something that wasn't his.
"Well isn’t that interesting."
Adrien's knuckles went white as his grip on his glass tightened. He might have crushed it in his grasp if Liesl hadn't walked past them. Before she was out of reach, he reached out with his free hand and grabbed a hold of her arm. "What the fuck do you think you were doing with him?" He hissed while nodding his head toward Ricardo.
Liesl turned to face him, yanking her arm free from his hold. "Whatever the hell I want!" While he towered over her, Liesl didn't back down. She wasn't scared of Adrien like the rest of Essex was. She sought him out for his power and prowess. He could threaten her all he wanted, hell she kinda liked it, but she was not some sheep who'd bend to his will.
"I don't take Trujillo's seconds." The last thing he wanted was to share the same woman that Ricardo had.
"No? But you'll take everyone else's seconds?" Liesl challenged him. She had humility when it came to her own reputation. She wasn't insulted when someone called her a slut. She was one and she knew it. So, rather than letting Adrien take it and try to throw it in her face, she took her own reputation and threw it in his. "He doesn't want me. He wants my untouched sister. So go fight over her if you're going to be a bitch about it."
Liesl reached up and took Adrien's whiskey. She didn't need his permission and she didn't care if she pissed him off. Part of her knew that men like Adrien loved when women didn't melt into puddles for them. It was the whole thrill of the chase and Liesl was no damsel in need of saving. She downed what remained of his drink then shoved the glass back in his hand. "Hugo and I are going to go dance," she said while taking Hugo's hand in hers. "While you get over yourself."
She started retreating back towards the dance floor with Hugo in tow, her gaze locked with Adrien. Liesl blew him a kiss before pivoting in a bit of a flourish. She took his hand and guided it towards her waist as they moved out onto the floor. "Can I just say," Liesl began as she pulled Hugo close, pressing their bodies together as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "Sex shouldn't be complicated by feuds."