The Fancy Pants Club

POV: Erik

"Time's up."

That's what I said to myself vocally before I kissed Daniella.

True, time is already up on my part. It has reached to zero with me willingly surrendering my self-imposed shackles.

I am done with my charade. I am through with lying to myself that Daniella meant nothing to me when in truth she is everything in my dark-clouded life.

Countless of times I am tormented by this bind I have placed upon myself.

For the better... that's what I always chant in my head, but it turned out to be just my fucked up alibi.

I truly yearned for her, and so after craving her lips for what seemed like an eternity after kissing her while sleeping, I have finally tasted it again. Giving her a sample in her tummy wasn't enough.

But even with my shackles released, I still had a residual of doubt, especially when she didn't reciprocate my kisses. With the way I was rudely treating her, I thought she hated what I did, but guess I was wrong...

Now, caught by surprise of what she did to me, I stood staring directly at her as the elevator door closed.

Between running and staying on the spot, I chose the former.

I ran. Ran like a lovesick fool, catching the conveyor before it fully closed.

A little bit of pain lanced through my digits but that didn't divert my attention on Daniella who looked like a frightened mouse. Her confident face seconds ago disappeared.

Brought by my flaming desire that she ignited by her audacity, I charged towards her, pushed her against the mirrored wall and fastened a hand on her waist.

"Erik!" she squeaked just before our lips molded once again.

If there's anything to describe what I feel now, it would be hunger. Hunger for this woman.

I know my kiss would be bruising her lips but it didn't matter anymore. All I ever desired now was to taste more of her. I am a greedy man anyway. Greedy for her.

Putting my hand on her head, I was able to secure our position. I angled my face to the side to gain more access and to delve my tongue deeper into her mouth. She released a soft moan, mixing it with the elevator jazz beats as we rose up the floor. It was music in my ears.

Her hands, from being frozen in the sides, moved to touch my jaw. I honestly thought she'd push my head away, but she didn't. She surprisingly responded to my kiss, caressing my tongue in hot, slow strokes as did I.

My heart fell in jubilee. Immensely.

I didn't need words to convey that I wanted her. She in the other hand didn't need to whisper her submission to me. Our actions were enough. So, so enough.

But then the elevator dinged, hinting new passengers to come.

Frantically, we pulled ourselves free and stood an armslength away from each other a little out of breath. I was very, very conscious of her; her flushed cheeks, her shifty eyes, her swollen lips, and the way she placed a hand to cover them.

When the door opened, three persons revealed themselves. Rohan, Karl and Vincent.

Judging from Rohan's smirk on my way, it was mildly suggestive that he had an idea on what had transpired between me and Daniella inside this blasted elevator.

Judging from Vincent's slight frown, it was safe to say that he was unhappy on whatever thought he had in his mind.

When they entered, it was Vincent who inserted himself in between me and Daniella. Rohan stood next to me taking in much of the space on my right, while Karl shyly stood next to Daniella, blushing in reaction when she awarded him a tight-lipped smile.

"What a nice surprise. We are supposed to go to the gym to see you, Prez, " Rohan spoke first right after the door closed. He looked at me playfully before pressing the fourth floor button.

"I am here now, what is it that you want?" I said, acting cool and composed, but deep inside, my heartbeat was still loudly drumming and I was in heat. No amount of high-temp air conditioner could douse it.

"Karl here has something to discuss with you. Very important, " Vincent highlighted the word, shifting his eyes to the left corner where Daniella was silently lowering her head.

This subtle gesture was enough for me to know that this very important discussion had something to do with our mission.

"I see, " I cleared my throat. "Then let's go to the...club meeting room."

"Of course, " it was Vincent who said that but the three of them nodded in unison.

"Hi Daniella, " Rohan suddenly cut in, sounding in his cheerful voice.

She raised her head up and waved briefly at him. "Oh, hi Rohan." She released a bright smile and then nodded on the other two. "Vincent. Karl."

They both gave her their own handsome smiles.

"How's your training with the President? Was everything in order?" Rohan asked, not at all afraid of questioning her even if I was present.

"Did you have any difficulty?" Vincent added abruptly, face contorted with worry.

"Is Prez here a passionate trainer?" Rohan recaptured her attention.

She, in haste, went to look at them with eyes wide.

"Uh, y-yes, yes, " she stammered. "He is." And then her eyes fell on me briefly. I felt the suddenness of renewed heat rush over me.

Shit. If these men weren't here, I would have ravished her again.

"I have just started learning different styles of punches. They are good stuff, " she explained.

"I hope it is worth a knock-out then, " Rohan remarked, eyeing me with suspicion.

"It is, " I supplied to him. My gaze fell back on Daniella where we instantly have our own set of understanding what the word knock-out meant.

"Good for you Prez, " butted Vincent appearing too casual for my liking.

I played along instead and gave him a refreshed smile. "Why thank you Mr. VP."

"By the way Prez, what's that oily thing in the corner of your lips?" Karl, in his innocent self, asked suddenly. He looked so curious, staring at my mouth without blinking. It was not only him though, Vincent and Rohan were too.

"Lip balm, " I replied quickly, my heartbeat leaped altogether when I trained my eyes on Daniella's lips that had a pink dull shimmer.

'Interesting, ' I heard Rohan mumble to himself, while Vincent audibly cleared his throat.

We had a short uncomfortable silence before the elevator dinged again, telling us that we have reached the fourth floor.

"Uhm, I will go before you guys, " Daniella announced looking at all of the occupants except me.

"Go ahead Daniella, " Vincent answered for all of us.

She nodded then exited the elevator with her arms tightly bound together against her chest.

Once she wasn't in sight, Rohan asked me with his eyes narrowed, "Now, what did you do this time Prez?"

I smirked at him and answered, "Nothing, " before stepping out first with a commanding stride.

POV: Daniella

If there is anything I expect from Erik, it would be his text or call, but as the night got older I didn't receive one message or a miscall from him (not that I was actually waiting), but I found it odd especially after what happened to us.

Knowing him, I am sure he wouldn't apologize for taking my first kiss without my consent, but there were some instances in the past few days that he slipped and became repentant, so I had some hope to hold onto.

In the end, I had a sleepless night after working my brains out. Series of flashbacks kept popping in my head especially the way that he held me in his arms and the way his mouth molded with mine. The way his soft lips sent me in a feverish state and the way his tongue slid brazenly inside that ultimately pooled desire into my belly.

Both of those events - in the gym and inside the elevator - I could feel his desire on me, palpable through his caress. It astonished me greatly for I thought that an aloof man like him knew nothing of gentleness and passion.

Yet, he potently showered me that and the hickey below my navel was an undeniable evidence of it.

Gone was my confident self. Gone was my dislike of him. What replaced was my willingness to respond to him and with the way it was going, I would have probably surrendered my whole self, virginity be damned.

Vincent, Rohan and Karl's interruption had me breathing in relief in the end. It made me realize that what took place was just us in battle, fighting to show who's the victor. Nothing more... nothing less.

The next day, Erik didn't make his presence known through the phone and neither did he check on me on my room. Since I had the freedom to do as I wanted and as a good diversion, I decided to head out and toured the chateau on my own. Suri texted come lunch telling that she wanted to dine with me in the chateau's five-star restaurant, 'The Mona Lisa, ' on the first floor.

We had a great time together once there, eating and talking about our likes and dislikes and other girly things.

"What's your favorite color Daniella?" she asked after I answered her my favorite snack spread which was TJ's Speculoos cookie butter.

"Green. Yours?" I replied whilst forking my lettuce.

"Guess it, " she dared, "It's quite pretty obvious, you know, " and shoved an silky lock behind her ear.

I gave her a cheeky grin and said, "Pink."

"Exactly, " she nodded, pleased. "How about your favorite flower? And your choice of music?"

"Amaryllis. I love how pure the white petals are and its heavenly scent. When it comes to music, I don't really have a favorite. Just as long as the lyrics and the beat are good that's enough for me, but I enjoy listening to songs played by the violin and piano as it had been what I was exposed to over and over again during my childhood years. You know, business-related."

She nodded again. "Yeah, I can see. Vincent would probably be happy to hear this piece of information."

I dared not think too much about what she just said about Vincent, but clasped my hands I did when I remembered something. "Oh, right! Since you mentioned about him, I gotta say, he is one superb musician Suri."

"Yes he is, " she affirmed. Her voice sounded jovial, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes when she added, "But he doesn't play much on public. It is his...personal choice."

Then, she drank her fruit punch to probably clear her throat.

"That's why I was shocked when I heard from Rohan that he actually played in Ms. McKenzie's wedding reception that you organized. But... I guess it was to be expected since Prez pleaded him to do it."

"Wait, what?" My jaw dropped and my crouton literally fell on my plate. "You mean to say that the President was the one who asked Vincent to play?"

"Yes, didn't you know?" she blinked her eyes.

"N-no..." was my breathy answer. Never. Never have I expected that Erik would do that for me. He was all rude that time yet he actually pleaded on my account? Why?

"Shoot, me and my good mouth, " I heard Suri complain to herself whilst putting a hand on her forehead. It reminded me right then and there about how they were secretive of certain information about the club and the members in general.

"Listen, " I started anxiously, "You-you guys don't really need to keep secrets from me." I placed a hand in my opposite shoulder as if to console myself. "I know I am still new in the club, but you can trust me with anything."

She sighed and gave me a lopsided smile. "Oh Dani. I'm sorry we made you feel left out." Her hand stretched across the table and opened her palm for me to hold. I did and felt the warmth of it, just like how warm her smile was.

"It's okay, " I managed to say, dipping my eyes on my half-finished plate.

"I am not supposed to say this, but just think that what we keep from you is for your own good okay? There are a lot of things that can't be properly explained through words Dani. It is that complicated."

My sadness was lifted at least because of this. "I understand, " I gave her a brief genuine smile. "Don't worry. I will just be patient until then."

"Thank you, Dani, " her shoulders relaxed as if a weight had been taken out from her back. Then, her eyes beamed with mirth and pulled my hand up. "Hey, how about we go to shopping now? Let's drown ourselves with shoes, bags and gowns!"

I released a slight giggle. "Aren't you supposed to be with Amano now?"

"Uh, no, " she sank back in her seat and shifted her eyes on the floor. "He is...he is with the others today."

"Where are they anyway?" I asked, sincerely wanting to know their whereabouts are since so far, starting this morning, I haven't seen at least one of them (namely the President).

"They are...they are not in Beverly Hills right now Dani, that's all that I can tell you since it is classified information. I'm really sorry." She pressed her palms together and stared at me apologetically.

I knew it, this information is restricted, but I have a feeling that it connects to the one they were talking about in the elevator last night.

"Okay, not a problem at all, " I answered her as sympathetic as I could. I may still be disappointed of this classified information thingy but I can understand her decision to zip her mouth.

"Let's go then?" she managed to say once I beamed her a smile.

"Yes, yes sure." I returned to finishing my plate and juice before we headed out.

Together with her, I learned a lot of the club rules and the fanciness of it. This was the content of most of our conversation in the remaining afternoon while doing our shopping. When nightfall came, I took my dinner with her in the club dining room. Mr. Ian was there with us who took the liberty of telling me that I had a kickboxing session to attend to with my personal trainer. Apparently, Erik had hired a female kickboxing champion to train me.

I didn't care to know the reason behind it though. All I thought was that I am lucky to be spared by another awkward training with him.

'It is for the best, ' I told to myself hundreds of times that evening while punching on the dummy he used last night.

After my fruitful session with Armelia (my trainer), I headed straight to my bedroom to rest. I had hoped to have a peaceful sleep this time, but thoughts of Erik and his kiss flashed in my mind again and again and this persisted for a very long time....

***

'Do keep my room clean, Daniella.'

Was Erik's first message to me after three weeks had passed. I repeat, three fucking weeks.

A party will be held this evening in the chateau of course, celebrated by a wealthy politician for his daughter's debut in society. Me and Suri were invited as special guests. Because almost all of the members are absent, especially the President and his Vice, we were the ones who had to sit in for them. In effect with these, we were also left to manage the chateau. I was able to stamp a good name for myself in the Club through this and I feel happy and proud about it.

All dolled up in a metallic green cocktail dress, I was ready to leave my bedroom when Erik's text message interrupted me. Pissed off by the fact that he didn't care to call or text me during the passing days, I pressed my lips firmly and typed my reply with heavy fingers.

'That's all you want to say?'

'Yes.'

The hell is wrong with him? I huffed and furrowed my brows.

'Where are you, Mas-ter?'

I typed back, adding mockery in his title.

'Somewhere you don't need to know.'

And there it goes again. The classified information thingy.

I was beginning to explode with it since this is the usual alibi Suri, Alec and Mr. Ian kept on telling me the whole fucking three weeks.

'When are you coming back?'

I typed in nonchalantly, never thinking of whatever idea would come in his head, but he only replied with this:

'Don't know.'

What an insensitive bastard.

'Is our contract still binding? Just so you know, I won't allow you to add the days of my services just because you are not in the chateau.'

I sat on the chaise lounge in my receiving room and waited for his reply, which he did but had me gaping in shock.

'I could always tell you where I kept your ring so that you can go back to New York.'

I typed a yes hurriedly but deleted it instead after staring at the word for an unbearable second. If his idea of a joke is this, then I would probably give him a good sermon when he returns, but if he really meant what he just said, then I am in for a lucky day. Our contract would be void. I don't have to work for him for the next five months and I won't have to bear his lofty attitude every single day. But somehow... a part of me didn't like this easy way out. A part of me didn't like to leave the chateau yet.

'You really want to do that? Because I would take the challenge.'

I asked him after thinking it thoroughly. He replied after I counted to three minutes with a message that spoke of a much deeper meaning.

'Do you not want to see me again?'

The proud smirk that I had been wearing for a long time disappeared. Since he wasn't in my front, I couldn't tell if he was just jesting with me or he was really sincere with this question. Either way, I thought that a safe reply would be better than giving him a yes or no.

'I refuse to answer that question, Erik.'

Was my reply instead.

'Just wait for me. I'll finish killing all these pests as quickly as I could.'

Pests? What does he mean by pests I wonder?

'I am not an obedient servant you know.'

I sent almost immediately. He replied not a second past.

'I know.'

Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I decided not to reply anymore. Since it was already ten minutes past six, I stood up and went towards the main door. Before I twisted the knob however, I noticed my cellphone vibrate again.

'Daniella?'

For some reason, I imagined him rolling out my name softly...tenderly.

'What?'

I replied, controlling the goosebumps that had threatened to manifest in my arms.

'I'm imagining our kiss right now.'

Shit. Of all things, why that?!

It is good that he's not around; otherwise, he would have seen me blush furiously.

'You mean your sexual assault on your maid?'

I corrected. I leaned against the door and raised a brow. After a few moments he replied again with words that chilled me because it was true.

'I don't consider it an assault when you yourself was open to it.'

'........'

'Don't give me ellipses Daniella. Say something.'

I huffed and closed my eyes after I pressed the send button.

'Kissing was never on my maid contract.'

I pointed out.

'It is.'

Was his short but concise reply.

'You are funny...AND blind.'

If he was standing in my front, he would have seen the sarcasm in my face. If I recall correctly, the word kiss was never written on the contract that I signed but defiled with a big X mark.

'I did say that you should please me. Kissing was a good way to do it.'

Came his reply.

'Stop toying with me Erik.'

I warned. If he keeps on advancing, my heart won't be able to take the damage.

I jerked my spine straight when my phone buzzed with a call which came from him of course, but I chose not to answer it being a confused coward that I am at the moment. His call persisted for about five times until he decided to send me another text message.

'Did you think that the reason why I kissed you back in the gym was just because I was toying with you?'

I hauled a deep breath and typed a reasonable reply.

'Yes. It was your challenge and I accepted it.'

'How can you explain what happened to us in the elevator then?'

My mouth dropped the second time. I can't believe we are having this conversation through the phone! And after three weeks had passed!

'Just the heat of the moment.'

I replied easily, but if I were to vocally express this in front of him, I would have stammered a hundred times.

'Oh really?'

'Yes, really.'

'Wait 'til I get back.........'

I didn't reply anymore. My heart was thumping so loudly, I thought it would almost burst out of my chest.

Had I just provoked him? I hope I didn't but judging from his last text message and the many ellipses accompanying it, it was a threat and a promise of pleasure all at the same time. I shuddered. I really shuddered.

After two deep calming breaths, I tucked in my phone inside my matching green purse. I believe I am already late now, so I chose to push Erik's words at the back of my head and focused more on my Club responsibility. I twisted the knob open with renewed determination but then I was left speechless when I saw the man in my front.

"Good evening, my beautiful rose. May I be your escort for this evening?"