The Fancy Pants Club

~ Daniella ~

After our conversation with Rohan, Erik sent me back to my room for reasons unclear to me. His only instruction was to stay there until he fetches me later tonight. I, of course, complained with his boring order. I didn't want to stay and be unproductive. Taking advantage of my words, he smirked and gave me my first assignment and that was to memorize the rooms of each floors of the chateau by heart.

In the end, I stayed in my room for four hours; did some internet surfing through the chateau's excellent WiFi on my laptop, learning the map of the floors and its rooms (yeah, by heart), and ate my lunch alone. When afternoon came however, a knock on my door sounded. It was Suri visiting me with her old-man butler bringing a basket of pastry and tea.

Since the first day I met this sweet angel, I knew already she was a refined lady; wearing European clothes that Vogue would like to put on their magazines and her holding lavish parties and tea times just like what she invited me to do right now. I couldn't say no of course as I was dying for a companion (no, Erik doesn't count) since this morning.

In my living room balcony we took our time. We talked about a lot of things club-related and she gave me all information about the activities of the chateau and the grand parties that we were invited as members of the club. She gave me a crash course on how to become fancy (as per the president's tastes) much to my willingness and she invited me on a shopping sometime this week when I'm vacant.

Additional clothes are what I needed since I wasn't able to pack enough. I didn't expect that I would be staying here for six months in the first place so that was already given.

Suri was very accommodating with me, but what I noticed about her is her subtleness on eluding information about the personal lives of the members. She'd change the subject smoothly whenever I ask her about how the club was established and the basic infos on its current members.

"It would be great to know them more at least to establish rapport and trust," I explained to her and she gave me an understanding smile.

"That's an admirable reason Dani and I would have wanted to help you but for now, maybe it's better if you ask permission on the president first," she answered.

Although it pains me to ask any request from that buffoon, I guess I didn't have a choice. If I want to survive here and create friends along the way, I have to do so. "I guess that's safe enough," I murmured and then finished my tea in one gulp.

Time check, it was already twenty minutes past five. I couldn't believe that our conversation had lasted this long.

Mr. Clyde took care of the plates and teacups while me and Suri exchanged air kisses to say goodbye. Apparently Amano and her are going on a date and she had to prepare herself for it. I too have one (although I wouldn't call it a date) but still I needed to make myself presentable looking.

"I'll see you tomorrow in your unveiling," Suri stated when we were in my doorway.

"My what?" I arched a brow.

She did the same, probably taken aback. "Didn't you know? You have your own private party tomorrow to celebrate your membership into the club. Since this was first established a year ago, we didn't have any outsiders as members at all, so your presence calls for a celebration!"

Now I gaped. "Huh. Erik didn't inform me at all."

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow. You better dress up, okay?" And then, she air-kissed me again. She is really such a cute girl.

"Yes, I will. See you."

Oh, I will alright. I'll show Erik how I look nowhere near a maid.

I'm no femme fatale, but in the back of my head, I was already concocting a plan on how to unsettle Erik and his oh so self-important attitude. He'll regret that he blackmailed me into becoming his slave.

After an hour and a half, I was ready in my black jeans and white blazer. I had a rose quartz necklace around my neck and a matching bracelet on my right wrist. Donning my hair down with soft curls on the tips, I could say that I'm safe from being called a temptress right now.

Believe me, Erik is the last person I would seduce in my lifetime.

My door sounded a batch of knocks again. It was heavy but for the most part, it was unhurried. Intuition told me that it was the president and after that idea came to me, I suddenly felt my heart jump.

Although I loathe the man for blackmailing me, I can't believe I still have this girly reaction towards him!

I opened the door and yes, I was correct. It was Erik in a new attire of dark green trench coat and slim-fit jeans. Damn, this man just knows how to be spiffy. He didn't greet me at all, but he handed me my two cellphones. First, the old one saying: "Discard it." And then the new iPhone saying, "Keep it."

But like hell I would discard my hard-earned gadget. I will just have to secure it in a place where he can't find.

"Thanks," I said and reached for a sofa table near the door to place my old cellphone, while the other I nestled in my rhinestone sling bag.

"Let's go," he said, walking out without waiting for my reply.

I and the president drove to Rohan's workplace situated inside Beverly Hills just some miles away from the chateau. The whole journey was the same as the others: silent, awkward and suffocating not because we had another small cat-fight (no, it didn't happen surprisingly), but it was because Erik had been brooding over something... work related maybe? or in his case, his tiresome responsibilities as the president? I don't know but he sure looked very tired and spent.

I just rounded my attention on the passing scenery outside and dared not make any conversation at all.

It was probably a fifteen-minute drive before we arrived in Rohan's workplace, but what I said about the building being his workplace was just an understatement. In truth, the place was more than that.

First, the moment our car entered the premises, I was awestruck by how decorative the iron-wrought gate looked. Picture peacocks, elephants and lotus flowers made by talented artisans in black and gold colors. Second was the front garden that boasted plants, I bet, came from Asia; partnered with Hindu sculptures and fountains. Third was the structure of the house that I can say is really India's architecture at its best.

A valet awaited us in the front entrance and once we disembarked, Erik handed the keys to him.

"Close your mouth, woman. You might catch flies," said he when we sauntered past the arched doorway of the building.

Tsk. Even though he looked exhausted, his cockiness didn't deplete at all.

I did close my mouth, but not before I frowned at him. Can he just leave me and my silent admiration of the place?

In the spacious lobby, I saw a group of people talking. One of them was Rohan wearing another new colored turban (sky blue), a traditional royal blue kurta that had beautiful embroideries and paired with a white shalwar. When he saw us enter, he quickly excused himself from the group and approached us.

"Great that you were able to come Daniella!" he exclaimed and then without hesitation, planted a kiss on my cheek. I accepted it thinking nothing of the gesture as other than a normal greeting.

"And I am glad that I did. I am really happy to see the magnificence of your abode, Rohan." I smiled up to my ears.

"Good evening Erik," he said once we pulled away. "I almost thought that you'd back out after what happened this afternoon."

What happened this afternoon? What is he talking about?

"When is this dinner party of yours happening Rohan? I want to get this over with so that we can return to the chateau," Erik stated sounding disinterested.

"Oh no." Rohan shook his head in response and patted his shoulder. "Don't be hasty, Prez. Enjoy the evening. You have to show Daniella that you're a good companion."

Huh, I doubt it.

I saw Erik shift his eyes on me and in my panic, I gave him a fake smile. His expressionless face was all I saw before he walked ahead of us. What a prick.

"This way, Sweet. Dinner will be served in the dining room," said Rohan.

It seems Erik had been here before because he knew already where he was going, leading the path and leaving me to fend off for myself. Luckily, Rohan showed me the way which was very kind of him to do so as a host.

"Where is Ms. Elaine, Rohan?" I asked as I didn't see any sign of her in the lobby.

"She'll be here later for her session. She and Mr. Roslin doesn't need to join the seminar since they are already pros," he answered me with a smile but he was looking forward.

Somehow I find his words believable, but I couldn't fathom how knowing as many sex positions as possible could be called a pro.

"Oh," I muttered, feeling my cheeks warm.

In the banquet table, excluding me and Erik, I counted five couples all in all. One couple was wearing traditional Indian attires which fitted the theme of the building, while another couple looked Asian in modern Asian clothes. The remaining ones were recognizable as rich and high-statured people for they recognized the Fancy Pants Club president immediately. Their attention was glued on him who was acting like a hospitable host himself.

My God. I can't believe he is pulling on that gentlemanly face again!

He was smiling, showing his bright teeth for all to see and answering business questions thrown by Rohan's guests.

I felt a pang of insecurity then. The hell, why can't he show me the same treatment as them? Why does he act so callous and overbearing once we are alone?

To show proper decorum, I couldn't frown in my seat, but Rohan who sat on the center chair next to Erik released a smirk, no doubt seeing my silent irritation.

~ Rohan ~

The dinner party went without a hitch. I see that my guests have enjoyed themselves and the food, Daniella included amidst showing a slight discomfort of Erik's best-actor composure and inattention of her. It may not be that clear and both of them hasn't acknowledged it, but there is something going on between these two that I can see as me being a love specialist.

Yeah, I consider myself that since in the first place Kama Sutra is guided by that principle.

After dinner, I directed them to what I call my 'Awakening Room'. This room is designed to be darkly lit since this is where I host my projector-assisted talk and mini slideshow. Another reason for it was so that I can create a romantic atmosphere between my couples. There are no chairs in their private sitting arrangements. Instead, they can sit down in the velvet carpet with plush pillows divided by a tea table set up with aphrodisiac fruits and wine.

I should say this is a well-laid trap for Erik since I know he hates these sorts of things. But with Daniella in his side now, who's to say that he wasn't silently glad inside?

"Here. Sit here Daniella. I reserved this seat for both you and the President," I said as I pointed the floor seats in the front section.

Daniella, who looked nervous since we entered the Awakening Room, stiffed for a moment. "Do—do we have to sit together?" she asked shifting her eyes to the acting-insensitive president.

I smiled on her way. "Yes, you have to. You are to accompany him right? It's not good for the president to be alone in a place like this. Those couples—" I discreetly shifted my eyes on my rich guests who was talking to Erik earlier, "—might get the wrong idea, and besides where else should you sit if not here?"

~ Daniella ~

Where indeed. I asked myself in frustration.

"Looks like I don't have a choice," I grumbled low enough for Rohan to only hear.

"Great! Now, if you may sit down, we will start with the slideshows," he informed and I nodded.

Once I arranged myself in one of the pillow seats, Erik joined me without a word. He heavily dragged himself into a corner where his head can rest against an elephant statue and crossed his legs in a relaxed position. Gone was his gallant act earlier. Since we are alone in our private space and the lights are dim, he can actually act back to the cold man that he is.

I just rolled my eyes and as much as I could, dragged myself as far away from him as possible. Well... at least as far as our private space could give me. I didn't start a conversation with him still, anyway it wasn't going to happen since in the periphery of my vision, I noticed him closing his eyes.

Huh, he really is tired.

Rohan started with a greeting, then a short introduction of his work followed by the Kama Sutra history and facts slideshow.

'Written by Vātsyāyana, a portion of the work consists of practical advice on sexual intercourse. "Kāma" which is one of the four goals of Hindu life, means desire including sexual desire the latter being the subject of the textbook, and "sūtra" literally means a thread or line that holds things together, and more metaphorically refers to an aphorism (or line, rule, formula), or a collection of such aphorisms in the form of a manual. As noted by Jacob Levy, the majority of the book is about the philosophy and theory of love, what triggers desire, what sustains it, how and when it is good or bad.'

After listening to the male narrator, I couldn't help myself but glance at Erik again.

He is...sleeping.

His face was calm. The rise and fall of his chest wasn't labored. He looked even childish in his position — his head leaning against the elephant's face and his fingers raking his hair.

Damn... My heart is going to explode because of this sexy cuteness!

I'm glad that he is sleeping though for I don't like to watch this Kama Sutra history (complete with erotic pictures) with him. It won't do well on both our parts at all.