Note: This is a sort of Uber, Faith is in Cruel Intentions universe. Kathryn Merteuil and the rest of the characters of Cruel Intention belonged to their respective owner, and that's not me. Only borrowed them for a while.

Feedback : Xavierv13@crypticrain.com

Update: January 13, 2006

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Different Light
-Xavier-

Faith strode down the corridor at a casual pace, minding her own business and paid no attention to the other students that mingling about in the corridor. It had been over a week in this new school that she transferred into two weeks after the school year started.

The first week had been rather quiet for her, then again this was a very high class and expensive private school. Students that could afford to attend the school were the rich and high class and most of them act accordingly. Which was a good thing, it meant that they would leave her alone to maintain their air of superiority, hiding their curiosity inside.

Yes, it was very good thing.

Faith had been in many school, public and private alike. And she knew for a fact that even though this was a very expensive school it did not mean that there wouldn’t be any cliques. The fact held true anywhere; there was always the royalty, the popular, the athletes and others smaller groups, the only different was that, here it took her a bit longer to identify them.

Must be all the uniform, she thought with annoyance.

Though being a new kid, it meant that she would stand out. Someone along the way would give her a hard time sooner or later. She would rather be somewhere that allowed her to use her own strength and carried her own weight than mom and dad’s money.

And here –clearly—money made the different. Faith had absolutely no doubt that the status in the social clique here had everything to do with family and money. Royalty was probably the richest, most popular. The tall brunette had not yet met any bully, but royalty… well, that she had the pleasure of meeting the first day of school.

Kathryn Merteuil.

The most popular girl in Manchester Prep, and apparently – as Faith had found out a day or so ago—was the president of student body. The overly goody two shoes. Faith suppressed the urge to roll her eyes at that thought. The girl was pretty, very, even by Faith’s standard, and Faith’s standard was very high. She was also, surprisingly, small. At first Faith was ready to dismiss her, but something about her forced the tall brunette to take a second look.

There was definitely something more underneath that façade, underneath all that niceness and confident she exuded Faith was sure of it.

Coming to a stop in front of her locker, Faith dropped the backpack down before she reached for the lock, from the corner of her eye she caught a sight of the small brunette in question. Kathryn Merteuil was holding court with a group of her entourage, and Faith couldn’t help but smirk as her deep brown eyes caught the clear green ones.

The smirk just got bigger as she saw something flickered across those green eyes before Kathryn turned away from her.

Snickered to herself, the tall brunette pulled the door of her locker open, then pulled out the text book before tossing her crimson leather jacket inside. She actually thought about taking out her motorcycle, but then decided against it. It had only been the second week after all.

Good impression still needed.

Besides the parental would have a heart attack if they ever had an inkling of her taking her favorite bike to school. Slamming the locker shut, Faith picked up her backpack and made her way toward the first class of the day. The class of which has the queen in it.

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Kathryn laughed at some lame joke, the entire group laughed with her, they were such sheep, she thought to herself. None of them seemed to be able to do anything on their own, thus they following her around and imitated what her, doing what she told them to do. It was fun at first, but now it was just a bore. It was so easy to manipulate them, too easy.

Sebastian, her step-brother, often agreed that their little playground that was Manchester Prep was getting more and more boring. And Kathryn had expected this school year to be just like every other before, snobbish kids, more old money and some new ones sending their children here, hoping they would learn the way of the rich and the famous and maybe getting a little bit of education along the way.

Two weeks into new school year, Kathryn did not expect anything until someone waltzed in her first period English Literature class, a new student. A new girl to top that off. At first glance Kathryn thought she was just another sheep but five seconds into the girl’s introduction, in that husky voice, she knew better.

This girl was like no other.

There was something about, something dark, and it wasn’t just the dark hair and eyes. In fact her long hair was only a few shades darker that of Kathryn herself. Dark brown hair with auburn high light where the lights hit it, the brown eyes had twinkles in them, like she knew something that the rest of the world didn’t know. Something amusing, something dark with a touch of danger.

And that caught her attention.

Faith Spencer was certainly someone different from the rest of these morons that hung around her and knew only to follow the crowd. She remember the way the taller brunette seemed to be unaffected by her. And there was something else. Kathryn remembered the way that the other girl looked at her, there was something almost primal in those dark eyes. Untamed and wild.

She certainly was not someone that would surrender to anything.

Then from the corner of her eye there was the brunette, standing tall by the locker. Red leather jacket in hand. The jacket was very much out of place, among all the plait skirt, white socks, white shirt around this place. And Kathryn felt the urge to run her hand on the leather, wanting to see the other girl in it. The image of Faith Spencer in red leather jacket, and possibly leather pants and black boots was strangely appealing to her.

Then Faith turned, and their eyes caught. The dark brown eyes had glints of amusement in them.

Caught, Kathryn quickly looked away and pretended to laugh at something that one of the other students had said. She felt those eyes remained on her. Then the bell rang and the crowd dispersed and headed for their respective classes and the tiny brunette gave out a small sigh, before heading toward her English Literature class as well, knowing that Faith was probably right behind her. She felt almost giddy and knew that the feeling had nothing to do with the class and what they were studying, and everything to do with the new girl.

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“How was your day?”

Strolling through the front door, a voice of her mother greeted her. Faith was surprised, she couldn’t remember the last time one of her parents ever been home when she got back from school. She didn’t let the surprise show on her face, however, only lifted one brow at the question. “Fine.” She answered and headed up the stairs.

The new house was nice, though she had liked the old house where the street was further away from the front door and there was big yard, this one house was right up the main street, upper east side, and as high class as could be. Took her less than thirty second to walk from the street up to the house and she didn’t like that one bit.

“Anyone interesting? Making any friends?”

Seemed like she would not be able to just disappeared into her room like usual, Faith sighed and dropped her backpack. “Friends?” She repeated, “not really, someone interesting, definitely.”

“Oh really?”

Faith internally groaned, her mom was on a roll now and she wouldn’t leave, it wasn’t hard to tell from the way that she settled into one of the chairs in her room.

“Yeah, the queen bee herself.” Faith answered, unbuttoning her navy blue sweater and tossed it aside, somewhere, she didn’t really care where it landed. “Kathryn Merteuil. You probably know her parents or something.”

“Merteuil,” Watching her mom tapping the arm of a chair that she was sitting on Faith settled into another. “Oh, Merteuil, that would be the Valmont.”

The younger Spencer shrugged, not caring either way.

“We invited them for the party this weekend.”

“Sure, mother.”

Dear god, a party with a bunch of snobs, granted I’m a snob, too. But to have them all gather in one place, talking about nothing, but how rich they are, what they have… that is just a pure torture. Faith wanted to scream. Or maybe I can pretend to forget and just run out before the first of them get here. Oh yeah, I can do that. Run out and disappear till midnight, there, leave my cell phone too so they can’t reach me, Yup..

And the weekend arrived; Saturday morning, the youngest Spencer, and the least enthusiastic about the party got up extra early, she raced through her closet, pulling out her favorite leather pants and leather jacket, tossed them on her bed then quickly changed. She had to get out of the house before her mother and father decided to exit their bedroom, before they had the chance to check on their only daughter.

Faith was caught trying to leave just before the appointed time for the party. Her mom had caught on what she was trying to do while she raced down the stairs and grabbed her helmet on the way out. Now here she was, standing next to the entrance with a fake smile plastered to her face, greeting each of the guests that arrived. Being a good host, like her mom had wanted her to be.

And there, walking down the corridor leading to the great room, where the party was being held, was Kathryn Merteuil and – Faith assumed—her parents and her brother. Though, her brother didn’t seem to be looking anything like her. He was blonde, curly hair, while Kathryn was a brunette -- though, Faith couldn’t be sure, the only person that would be able to tell what her exact real hair color was probably her hairdresser – with straight hair.

The lithe brunette was dressed in small black dress with matching heels and handbag. Faith smirked at the image, it was so much like what she thought the smaller girl would be wearing that it was funny. Faith schooled her feature into the pleasant mask as the family came closer to her. She could feel her mother came closer to her, and glad that she would not be the one that had to face them all alone.

She didn’t like the thought of having to introduce them to anyone.

Kathryn smiled pleasantly as her parents talked to each other, beside her, Sebastian, her step-brother, didn’t even pretend to be interest in anything their parents were talking about, he looked down right bored. In actuality, Kathryn did not want to be here, and she would have come up with some excuse not to be here, except that this was Spencer’s house.

Once it hit her that this would be the new rich in town, the Spencer, Faith Spencer, she changed her mind.

There she was; Kathryn could see her as she walked toward the room ahead of them, her parents were paying no attention to anything else, or so they seemed, but she knew better. Her mother would be looking for the hosts and probably try to charm them later, get them to join her club and such. It was the same old routine. And she had seen it done millions time already. Kathryn felt strange stirring inside as she took in the host.

Faith was dressed in black slack and black silk top, both form fitting, just enough to show off her figure, but not too tight to be in bad taste. Her long dark hair waved and tumbled down her back, her full lips were painted dark red the corners lifted up in a smile, dark eyes expressive and at the moment looking at them as they slowly approaching her.

“Good afternoon,” Faith greeted them, a smile fixed firmly on her face, trying hard not to wince. Oh god, I think I pulled a muscle.

Kathryn eyes were on her, smile dripping with honey and Faith stared back, refused to look at away, well aware that her mother wasn’t going to be pleased about this, but did not care. She didn’t have to wait long for her mother to take the guests inside, well aware that her classmate was still there with her.

“So,” Faith started.

“You know my step-brother Sebastian.” Kathryn gestured behind her, where a taller teenager stood, dressed in dark suit with sunglasses still on his nose.

Faith smirked at the way he seemed to stretch taller and a look that came to his face. “No, I don’t believe we’ve met.”

“Sebastian Valmont,” he offered a hand for a handshake. “Nice to meet you.”

Faith took his hand, squeezed and shook it firmly three times. “Likewise,” then she let go, turning her attention to the small brunette standing next to her.

Sebastian had met a lot of women, and most if not all of them bored him. They were easily played, couldn’t seem to resist his charm and he usually could capture their attention with just a smile. But here was a girl, new in town, knew nothing of his reputation, yet she paid him no attention, cared not for the way he smiled at her. Instead she turned away and dismissed him entirely.

As if he was nothing of consequence.

Rubbing his hand lightly, he noticed the sting he felt after his hand had been let go and frowned. What the hell? He thought to himself as he made a fist and then stretched out his fingers a couple of times, working out the sting he felt.

He stood there while his step-sister and the taller brunette walked away from him. Watching the way Kathryn seemed to be laying it thick on the flirtation and the charm as she seemed to be leaning toward the taller girl with a hand resting on her forearm while they talked, and he wondered why.

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Walking through the door into the great room where people were everywhere, talking, laughing at something or the other, acting as if they were the best of friends. It was like some sort of reunion, except none of them had known anyone for that long, with the exception of the old money. Those were the ones that been friends or at least acquaintances. Faith grabbed a glass of champagne from the waiter nearby, and handed it to Kathryn, then another for herself. She guided the smaller brunette out the door open into the courtyard, greeting at the guests along the way.

People seemed to be staying inside and she was glad. Too many people just set her teeth on edge. Not that Faith was claustrophobic; she just didn’t like the type of conversation that would be flowing in the room. From beside her Kathryn Merteuil looked like she was in her element and even a little surprised that the taller girl led her out into the garden. She assumed that they would be inside, mingling about.

“It’s stifling inside.” Husky voice answered her unasked question.

“Yes it is.” Kathryn agreed readily.

Faith took a long zip of her drink, her eyes trailed from her companion to the inside, distaste came over briefly on her brown eyes and she turned back. Kathryn seemed amused at her expression. “You like party,” it wasn’t a question, it was a statement.

A smile was the only thing she got from the smaller girl.

In truth, Kathryn didn’t really care for them, but she was raise in the middle of all this, her world was a whirl wind of high society gatherings, parties, brunches, country clubs. Nothing about this was new to her, she had taught herself to except it, and eventually used it to her advantage. After all, one’s status in society depended as much on money as how many people one knew.

Apparently the other, taller brunette did not feel the same way, and showed it by staying as far away from it all as possible. She suspected that Faith Spencer probably tried some sort of get away already. Didn’t seem to work, Kathryn stifled a giggle that came.

Faith was about to ask what Kathryn seemed to be amused about. Nothing interesting was happened, let alone funny, and yet the smaller girl had this amused glint in her clear green eyes, like there was a private comedy on the show just for her and no one else could understand. Faith certainly couldn’t.

But before she could say anything someone else walked right toward them.

It was Sebastian.

“Staying away from the crowd?”

The boy did not seem to notice that he was interrupting something, else he did not care.

Now that she thought about it, she had heard of him, or rather his reputation. Considered that she was only there not even a month yet and she even heard about this was amazing, it amused her, for someone to be so careless in their endeavors.

It was like putting their dirty laundry out for the world to see.

What even funnier was that, he seemed to boasted it with his posture, his attitude. Faith was having inkling that he may thought he had a shot with her. Only because she was new, not only in school but to the city itself, she supposed he thought if he was charming he could earn a spot in her bed.

Not a chance in hell. She thought wryly. The boy needs to get a clue.

“So, what are you ladies doing out here and not inside?” Sebastian started conversationally, grinning widely; eyes sparkled in the way that he knew girls would fall all over themselves for him whenever he directed them their way. He had watched his step-sister followed their host into the room, then out the double door that seemed to be open into some sort of courtyard. He only lingered long enough to say hello to a few people that his father knew, behaving himself.

Like he was expected to by his parents.

And as soon as he could get away from those people he tried to follow them outside, if only to annoy Kathryn. He knew her better than anyone, he knew what made her tick, well, most of the time he knew what made her tick, and the other time, he couldn’t really tell what she was thinking, like right now.

When they learned of the invitation to the Spencer’s party Kathryn had rolled her eyes and snorted-- in that elegant way that only her knew how-- and expressed her disdain of yet another mindless social gathering and with their parents no less. Then after the name was being read again, by him –only because he loved her expression—that she gave a noticeable pause, and said she would go.

He couldn’t figure out why then, but now, he starting to see the reason, though still not understood.

She had taken longer to get ready, well, she usually took a while to get ready to go anywhere, there would never be time that Kathryn Merteuil showed her face outside that she was not perfect, but this time she was meticulously dressed in her best, not a single hair out of place, her jewelry was tasteful and understatedly elegant. Sebastian couldn’t remember the last time that she made that much effort for anything.

Then as soon as they arrived, Kathryn was noticeably excited, he could see that, and it was strange. For someone that kept her emotions as closed off as his step-sister to show anything as such. And it wasn’t to manipulate anyone to top that off. A matter of fact was that, he had never seen her like that, in all the time that they first met till now, and he reduced from the conversations that flew around them during the ride that the Spencer had a daughter who was attending at Manchester.

He wasn’t aware of that.

That until his step-sister mentioned Faith, then he remembered how Kathryn had been talking about a new girl with an attitude the third week of school. He sort of tuned her out after the initial mention; he wasn’t interested in her politic after all, what did it matter if a new student was in Kathryn’s flock or not.

As soon as they got inside and he saw the focus of Kathryn’s excitement, his curiosity piqued. Well, he had a reason for that. The girl was beautiful, in the dark and with a hint of danger, with a killer body – and he noticed in the first few moments—she had attitude to support the dark look, whether or not it was what she was going for.

He intended to follow them outside, as soon as they walked away from him, but he was intercepted by none other than his own aunt. Sebastian nearly bit his own tongue out in an effort not to swear in front of her. To her he was a sweetest nephew, never did anything wrong, her favorite. So he couldn’t just walk away, instead he stood there, chatted with her and as soon as her attention was caught by someone else he made an excuse and left.

And quickly.

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Kathryn gave her step-brother a glare; she knew what he was doing. He was assessing the situation and trying to see if he could score with Faith. Of anyone, she knew him the best, probably better than himself, and she could play him like a finely tune piano. It was easy to see with Sebastian, everything was a joke to him, there wasn’t much he lived for in life, and one of them was his conquest.

He wasn’t going to score with Faith Spencer; she’d made sure of it.

“Just getting some fresh air,” Faith answered his question after a moment.

Almost imperceptibly, she rolled her eyes at the eagerness in his eyes.

“Was that your aunt I saw you talking to?” Kathryn gave him a look that was telling him to get back inside so she could be alone with Faith, but it seemed that he wasn’t going to budge.

“Yeah, she’s talking to you parents now,” he turned and told Faith.

Faith just gave him a nod and took a last drink of her champagne. This was getting old really, really fast and she lowered her empty flute down, saw that Sebastian was noticing the emptiness of it. “Could you get me another, please?”

“Of course,” grabbing the empty flute out of Faith’s hand, he quickly ran inside, being the perfect gentlemen.

Kathryn gave out a snort, this was just typical of Sebastian, and now she knew for sure what he was starting to plan in that head of his. Crossing her arms over her chest and frowned, she wanted to get out of there, and fast. She felt a tuck on her arm and looked at the taller brunette.

Faith looked amused. “What to see the rest of the house?” She asked with just a hint of suggestive leer.

The huskiness of her voice sent shiver down the small brunette’s spine. It was like Faith was caressing her with it, it was warm, soft, promised something more. It was as if the question was not just the offer to show the place, but and invitation, to what she wasn’t sure, but she was going to find out. Swallowing hard, something was shifting inside of her, and Kathryn could only nod.

“Come on.” Faith grabbed hold of Kathryn’s smaller hand and pulled her toward the door opposite of the one they came out of, heading for the other side of the house, where there would not be any party-goers around. The smaller brunette quickened her stride to keep up with Faith’s longer ones.

They disappeared inside.

A few minutes later a tall teenager walked through the door opposite side of the courtyard with two champagne flutes in hands wearing confusion on his face at the empty garden.

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Faith brought Kathryn through various part of the house that had no guests, after all the party was restricted to several rooms only, leaving the rest of the house quiet. And after twenty minutes of walking around and showing the place to the smaller brunette, Faith led the girl into her private sanctuary.

“And here,” she trailed off; throwing the double doors open with one hand “is my room.”

Kathryn walked in then waited while Faith was closing the doors behind them, her eyes narrowed slightly, trying to detect something in the taller girl’s posture, to see if she had an ulterior motive for bringing her up to her own bedroom, or was it just the last stop of the tour and a way to get away from the people and nothing more.

Looking around her, the room was large, probably larger than her own at home, but it was more than possible that it seemed so only because the room was painted white for the most part, and it was practically bare except for the few essentials.

Her eyes strayed onto the bed, a large bed cover with black silk sheets; color matched that of the heavy curtains in the room. Actually the furniture in the room --however few there was – were either black, white or gray. Very monochromatic, Kathryn smirked. On top of the neatly made bed were a pair of black leather pants, leather jacket and dark red tank top. Something that Kathryn imagining Faith would always be wearing had she not have to attend the party this afternoon.

And from the look of the clothing, they were what the taller brunette intended to wear.

She suspicious from earlier seemed to be supported, Faith wasn’t intending on the party as much as she intended to skip it.

“Getting ready to go somewhere?”

Faith looked at the smaller girl with confused expression on her face, then she followed the girl’s line of sight to the clothes she changed out of earlier today. A smirk came on her face then she walked toward her bed then more or less flopped onto it.

“Getting away clothes, caught before I could make a break for it, though.”

With a smile, Kathryn sauntered over to the large bed and sank gracefully next to Faith, who lifted one brow up in surprise. After all there were several chairs in the room and one of them were close enough to her bed that it’d be perfectly all right to sit in it and still have a conversation without the need for anyone’s voice being raise.

After the initial surprise Faith’s smirk grew larger as she noticed the proximity of the smaller girl to her. This was something that she didn’t expect, actually she didn’t really expect the queen to actually follow her throughout the house and right into her own bedroom, after all, there’d got to be some rule against the badass new student and the most popular girl in school associated, especially in the bedroom.

But then if there was a rule as such, Faith wouldn’t care about it anyway.

Kathryn laughed at the comment, and the taller brunette smiled then sat up.

“So, do you want to hide here till they come looking for us?” She asked, grinning. “Or do you think we could sneak out and go somewhere?”

The small beauty tilted her head to the side with an unreadable expression on her face, as if she was weighting the options in her head. “You drive?” She finally asked.

Faith nodded. “Don’t you?”

“Only when I have to.” Kathryn turned up her nose. “I have a driver you know.”

“Of course,” Faith replied. “So, what do you want to do?”

“Won’t you get in trouble if we sneak out?”

The taller brunette shrugged, she didn’t really care either way, by the time her parents realized that she was missing – with one of the guest’s daughter it would be too late, or maybe they would be happy that she actually made friend.

“Nah, they got to show me off to the guests now that the gathering is in session, I don’t think they will ever notice that I’m gone,” Faith said with a laughter rung in her voice. “You, on the other hand might be a bit of a problem. Will your parents notice that you were gone?”

“I don’t think they will,” Kathryn smirked. “Though, Sebastian might.”

“Your step-brother.”

“The one and only.”

“Not a good reputation the boy has.”

“You’ve heard.”

“Kinda hard to miss.”

“I know; he just has to brag about everything. Not the most gentlemanly thing to do.” Kathryn wrinkled her nose in mock disgust.

In truth, she didn’t really care either way. She knew Sebastian better than anyone, had heard of everything he had ever done, he always told her about it, in details if she was bored with everything else and had nothing to do other than listening to his conquest, though most of the time she had tuned that out and let him rambling on. After he told her about it, he would go into his room and write them down into his journal.

His price procession.

She had often telling him that he couldn’t be any queerer than that.

Out of curiosity, she had wanted to read it, wanting to know what he had written, if he wrote about her, things that they talked about, things they had done. Or was it all just his own sexual exploits. For some reason, Kathryn knew that he would be writing about her. After all, he was in love with her.

It was nothing new; she had known that ever since their parents got married. It had been so long and it seemed the fact that she was the only person in the world that he couldn’t have only made it worse. And that little fact gave her power over him, the power of which no one else would ever have over Sebastian Velmont, because he would never allow it.

“True gentleman never kiss and tell.” Faith said, almost to herself with a smirk fixed to her face.

Kathryn looked at her, letting the surprise crossed her face for a heartbeat and school her expression back to its normal pleasantness. Then Faith winked at her.

This time she was really surprised though she knew she shouldn’t be.

“You wanna go for a ride? Being new in town and all, would be nice to have someone to show me around.”

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Faith bent lower, grinning from ear to ear as she revealed in the soft weight that rested on her, gripping the handles a little tighter she sped up her silver Suzuki SV1000S. Exhilaration spread through her, adrenaline was pumping, the same feelings that she got everytime she rode her bike down the street, like there was not a care and all the world was to her was blurry images along her line of sight.

The tight hold around her mid section also did a lot to thrill her on this ride as well.

Faith would’ve bet good money that this was the first time the small beauty that was holding on to her tightly ever done anything like this. Hopping on the back of a sportbike that was owned and operated by another girl, and all on impulse. No planning, no thinking about how it would look.

Yeah, this is definitely the first.

They had been riding around for almost an hour, stopping here and there for the smaller brunette to catch her breath, and for something or another. At first when they left her bedroom and made their way to the garage without being caught by any party goers and Faith grabbed the helmet from one of the shelves that lined along the side of the room and tossed it to Kathryn, whom expressed her feeling regard the idea rather clearly with the outrageous expression on her pretty face, but said nothing as her host strode purposefully over to the silver sport bike.

She knew then that she should’ve asked why the taller girl had changed from her suit into the outfit that had been abandoned on the mattress. At the time she only assumed that Faith was more comfortable that way and didn’t think that the outfit was for a purpose. Now she knew and she wasn’t sure if she should back out of it.

Then Faith gave her a look with a glint of challenge in her deep brown eyes and a mocking smile. Like she knew that Kathryn would decline the ride and tried telling her to take one of the cars instead. The look stopped her from attempting anything and she simply walked over to where Faith was standing.

Faith was waiting, knowing that the queen of the Manchester Prep would not be too happy if she suggested they ride on her bike. To her surprise, Kathryn did not object even though her displeasure was clear on her face, and she let a wide grin appeared on her own face as she pulled on her helmet and mounted her bike. And after a moment she felt a soft weight settled behind her.

And they left the house.

Faith glanced at the mirror, to see if the smaller girl was all right, then she pulled to the side of the road, the last thing she wanted was an accident and to be communicate while riding in high speed, let’s just say that it wasn’t a good idea.

As the bike came to a stop on the side of the road Faith turned around, pushing up her visor. “Are you all right?”

Kathryn gave her a nod.

“Think we should head back now.” Faith stated, seeing the disarrayed in the smaller girl, she suppressed a chuckle that threatened to come out, she was sure that this was the messiest Kathryn Merteuil would ever let herself be.

It took them less time to get back, and as Faith pulled into the garage she saw some guests were leaving, their limos waiting out front for their respective owner. Letting Kathryn get off of the bike, Faith pushed it inside, listening to the sound of traffic and footsteps behind her, following her.

After putting things away, Faith, again, led the smaller girl inside the main house and into the great room, where party was still going on, though a lot of the guest had left. As soon as she stepped clear of the threshold a tall teenager headed for them.

“Where have you been?”

From beside her, Kathryn waved her hand, indicated that it was none of his business as she pushed pass her step-brother into the room.

Sebastian had been wandering around the room, wanting to go to the other part of the house, and at one point he did, he walked the entire first floor, and almost snug up the second, but he changed his mind. He didn’t know where they went and this was someone else’s house he wasn’t going to go look through people’s bedrooms, it’d leave bad impression if he got caught.

Faith just looked at him and smirked, then followed the small brunette inside, again leaving him standing by himself.

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Sebastian leaned back against the soft leather seat, watching his step-sister closely. Kathryn was sitting by the window, looking out, her chin in the palm of her hand, seemingly lost in thought. She paid absolutely no attention to him at all, which was nothing new, seemed to be something she did often, because she knew she could. It was one of the things he hated about her, how she always able to shut him out and not talk to him at the drop of a hat.

But he couldn’t do the same to her.

No, he never could. One look from her usually rendered him helpless and he would give her what she wanted. She had always had that power over him. And now she was ignoring him, ever since they got to the party, she had disappeared with the other brunette, came back just before that had to leave, and the entire time stayed close to their host, who seemed to be ignoring him also.

He had resisted following them all over the room; that was just too ridiculous for him to be doing, like some puppy followed its owner. And Kathryn would be that owner, except that he wasn’t, and she did not own him. But now he had all these questions inside of him, he wanted to ask what was going on. Even though they argued and fought, they were closer to each other than to anyone else, and she would tell him a lot of thing that she would never breathe to another soul. And sooner or later she would tell him what she was doing, what she was planning, but he wanted it to be now, not later.

Kathryn had never completely and utterly ignored him like this before, when she ignored him, it was with a hint of awareness; that she was aware of what he was trying to do, not like this. It was strange and he felt something shifting between them.

The small brunette could feel eyes on her, she might be thinking about something, but she wasn’t entirely unaware of her surrounding, not to the point that her step-brother seemed to believe that she could get. She knew he was watching her, could feel the curious gaze following her while she was with the rest of the guests, knew that he would demand she answer whatever question he might have. He was just waiting till they get home, and then the questioning would start. She wasn’t going to give the answer that he wanted. Even after all the time they had known each other, Sebastian still could be so naïve; still thought that she would crumble.

It would never happen, though her dear step-brother didn’t seem to catch that one. And she didn’t know if he ever would.

Moments later they arrived, and the driver came around to open the door for her, she stepped out without looking back. Sebastian footsteps followed her inside. Took off her jacket, Kathryn folded it over her arm and walked straight to her own room, on the way gave out order to her maid to bring her a drink and walked by without waiting to see if her order had been received.

Sebastian took the advantage of being taller, with longer legs to catch up with Kathryn’s quick stride. He knew she had every intention of just disappeared into her room and never come out until it was dinner time, even that. And once she was inside and close the door there was no way he was going to get anything out of her, not now, not ever. So, as soon as she stepped clear of the threshold, he leaped forward and grabbed hold of the door frame, making sure she couldn’t close the door.

“What do you want, Sebastian?”

Kathryn turned around, her bag and jacket still in hand, a frown appeared on her pretty face. She knew this was going to happen, and now that it did, she was displeased.

“Where did you go?” He asked, vaguely aware that he sounded like a thirteen year old wanting to know where his playmate went, except Kathryn wasn’t his playmate, and ever though they got along most of the time, they weren’t exactly best friends.

“I don’t think it’s any of your business where I went, Sebastian.” Kathryn sat on the couch, throwing one arm over the back, leaning against it, with her legs cross, looking up at her step-brother, her posture screaming royalty, just like her status at school, she was the queen. Everyone bowed before her, everyone except one person and it wasn’t Sebastian.

“I…” He trailed off, flustered at her icy stare.

“If you don’t mind, Sebastian, I’d like to have some quiet time,” she stared at him a little longer when he made no move to get out of the room. “By myself.”

Still he didn’t move.

“Please,” she gestured at the still opening door, wanting him to get out and quickly, she had things to do and wasn’t about to let him stand there like an idiot and wasted her time.

Finally, the tall teenager seemed to come back to himself and slowly back out of the room, closing the door behind him. Kathryn settled back against the couch, with her eyes close she thought back to the party, the taller girl, little ride that they took, how it had been so much unlike her to have agreed to be on the back of some motorcycle, no matter who was doing the riding.

She couldn’t believe she let someone else in charge, and that was what the ride symbolized to her, someone else was controlling the machine, true that the same could be said for her having a driver, with a driver, she was ultimately in charge of the destination and the length of time she would be traveling. She could tell him to stop at anytime and he would have no other choice but to stop, but was different with her no knowing the destination, or how long it would last, going on a bike with Faith was just something she would never considered doing.

But there she was, getting on the bike, then held on as tight as she could. And if she was pressed hard enough she would admit that she enjoyed every moment of it.

-----------------------------------------------------------

“So where have you gone to?”

Faith looked up from the book she was reading, her father was sitting down beside her on the couch, shrugging. “No where.”

“I didn’t see you at all during the party, then you reappeared with Valmont’s daughter, in your leather getup. Now, don’t tell me you didn’t go anywhere.” He grinned, giving her a I-know-you-well look. “So, where did you go?”

Faith just gave him a smirk, unlike with her mother, she got along well with her father, Richard W. Spencer was a softie to his only daughter, what she wanted he would give to her, he understood her rebellious attitude at times and would let her get away with reasonably number of things, that or until his wife stepped in.

“I took the queen for a ride.” She carefully marked her book and put it down, giving her father full attention. “Did mom notice?”

“She might have.” He nodded. “Queen?”

“Kathryn Merteuil.” The brunette replied with a smirk, “she acts like one at school.”

“You mean the daughter of Valmont.” It wasn’t a question, and Faith was a bit surprised, they seemed to throw the name Valmont around and when she said Merteuil she actually expected her father to ask her who that was. But then her father had always paid more attention to the details and not so much of the façade, too bad that the same thing could not be said about her dear mother. Not that she was all that bad, considered what she had seen with a lot of the parents, hers were downright pleasant.

“Step-daughter by marriage I think. But yes, that’s her.”

Richard nodded at his daughter approvingly. She was always such a firecracker, and that was a source of the clash between her and his wife more often than not. The way that his daughter wanted to do things her way and damned all others, while his wife wanted her to act like a lady would. As for him, he’d rather stand on the sideline and not getting shot down while they were at it.

So far it worked well.

“Well, as long as you make friend, honey, and I don’t think your mother notice that you were gone...”

“Or if she did she didn’t really care, since she seemed to get on well with the Valmont.” Faith laughed. “I know dad.”

“My little firecracker,” he ruffled her hair before getting up to leave the room.

“Hey, watch the hair!”

Her father’s laughter echoed the high ceiling as he left the room, Faith knew where he was going, he was going back to work, like always. She was glad that as busy as he was, he still made time to have silly conversation with her whenever he could. He was the one insisting that she moved with them, instead of staying aboard at Phillips Academy then only see them over the holiday breaks. Her mother had not been so insistence, seeing no point in moving her from where she was, not when the school was one of the best.

Faith herself didn’t care.

They insisted that she came, so she did. New school wasn’t bad, and now that there seemed to be something between her and the queen of Manchester Prep, she didn’t think there was going to be problem, unless Kathryn Merteuil considered picking on her interest was a way to a girl’s heart.

Somehow Faith doubted that they would be interacted much in school, or at all. The brunette wasn’t one to fit within the social structure that the other girl seemed to be building around herself, like protective wall, no, she certainly did not fit in anywhere in that little group. But it wouldn’t matter, she was sure that Kathryn would seek her out in someway.

Sooner or later… besides, the queen knew where she lived.

-----------------------------------------------------------

And she didn’t have to wait long.

Faith was standing at her locker in the deserted hallway, the school was out, and everyone seemed to be outside, waiting for their respective rides, cars, limos were coming in and going out, so here she was leisurely putting her books away and grabbed a different backpack that she had brought to school out of the locker, as she shrugged on her jacket, footsteps were coming closer.

In an empty hallway with only din noise from the outside, normal footsteps sounded so loud in Faith’s ear, echoing off the walls and metal lockers aligning them, Faith didn’t bother looking, she felt it, knowing even before the sound started, who it was that headed this way.

She waited.

Kathryn Merteuil came to a stop beside her, and the tall brunette closed her locker.

“Hey,” She said, her voice low, slightly seductive.

“Hey yourself.” Faith smirked.

They were completely alone in the hallway, all of Kathryn’s usual entourage was no where to be seen and Faith assumed that they were off doing other things or on their way back home.

Faith leaned against her locker, a backpack lay forgotten at her feet. Kathryn Merteuil smiled as the taller brunette crossed her arms and smirked. “Haven’t seen you around today.” She started as the smaller girl moved closer to her, and stopped only when they were a few inches apart.

“I happen to be a president of the student body, and there had been some pressing matter needed attending.” She looked up at Faith through her lashes, her green eyes glittered.

“All day?” Faith asked, playing along.

“Um hmmm...” Kathryn moved just a little closer, placing her small hand on Faith’s forearm.

“Sounds boring.” The taller girl commented.

“Well, someone has to do it.” The queen of Manchester Prep pouted, “and yes, it was very boring.”

Aren’t we laying it thick today, Faith thought to herself, her smirked just gotten bigger by the minute.

Monday schedule dictated that they would’ve had three classes together, and Queen Kathryn had missed all of them. She had thought that the smaller girl was absent from school today, but then she had caught a glimpse of her during lunch time and knew that it wasn’t the case, not that she cared whether or not she would be in class, they probably wouldn’t be talking anyhow.

Kathryn started to trace a circle on the taller girl’s arm as they talked, voice low, more intimate than they, perhaps, should be in the school’s empty hallway, but neither cared at the moment. Faith rested her weight more on the locker as she listened to the Queen talked about how boring her day had been while battering her clear green eyes up at the deep brown ones.

She had been doing some of the work that she usually have piled up as a student body president, that normally would’ve only taken her lunch hour and maybe her free period, but she didn’t feel like being stuck in the class today, and so she used it as an excuse. And it was a legitimate one for her to skip all her classes, and being praised for it. None of the teachers even question what it was that she needed to do, they simply agreed and excused her from class. It was just one of the perks.

Over the weekend she had been tempted to call Spencer’s house, but stopped herself, she certainly did not want to be too obvious in her interest. Instead, she spent it ignoring Sebastian and shopping, putting a bit of a dent in her allowance account, just to be away from the house. She could, of course, call up one of her usual boy toys and have herself a little playtime, but she didn’t feel like it, didn’t feel like having some meaningless encounter that may or may not leave her satisfied.

And the entire weekend her phone had been strangely quiet, and what calls she received were not from whom she wanted to hear from. It was the first for her. And strangely enough she was a little nervous; normally she was never one to feel nervous, not in things like this. She was always the one to go after what she wanted, and she expected it to be quite easy, since the other party seemed to be into this as well.

Today, she had expected Faith to seek her out, during lunch at least, but the taller girl didn’t and she was disappointed, even now she seemed complete unfazed by her charm. Though she was more than certain that Faith was interested, Kathryn was never wrong.

“Your ride’s not here yet?” Finally, after carried on a conversation till the noise outside gave to silent, Faith picking up her backpack and slugged it casually over her shoulder.

Kathryn shrugged elegantly, indicated that she did not care. “Probably waiting outside.” She replied, standing closer, still.

“I’m touched; you stayed to talk to me.” Faiths exclaimed with exaggerate astonishment, brown eyes widened.

A flash of something crossed the clear green orbs, and the flirtation was gone, Kathryn was stepping away with every intention to cross this encounter out as a waste of her time, she turned her nose, taking steps away from the taller girl, walking away. But Faith stopped her with a hand on her arm.

“Tell him to go home, come for a ride with me.”

It was a demand as much as a request.

Kathryn frowned at that, no one order her around, no one dared, and here was a new girl, interest or not, already made a demand, and she considered declining.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Kathryn found herself following the tall brunette out to the, now, empty parking lot and led to the silver sport car. And a few minutes later they were driving down the road, and the small brunette asked herself, not for the first time why she did not just walked away. She couldn’t believe that she gave in, with a soft look from those dark brown eyes and a smile she gave in.

At least it’s a car, she thought to herself. Faith didn’t really say if they were going riding the bike again or not, she only took her by the hand and walked out of the building, wasn’t really sure what she was feeling. The first for her. There had been a lot of first lately and Kathryn Merteuil didn’t know if she liked the changes.

“Don’t be so tense, Princess.” Faith murmured as she shifted the car into higher gear.

Kathryn glared at her for the nickname, no one had ever dared calling her anything other than her given name before, and if they did it wasn’t to her face, she didn’t like nickname, she was beyond it, and she let people know just as much.

“What?” Noticing the frown, Faith asked with a curious note in her voice. “Don’t like the music?”

She had been listening to the Nine Inch Nails on the way to school this morning, just something to get her start the day at the preppy school, with a bunch of preppy snobs, and the too clean cut set of people, just something to get her going. She didn’t think Kathryn would be too keen on her music, but then unless the girl said something about it, she wasn’t going to change. A little bit of rough, industrial music wouldn’t hurt the prissy brunette’s image, besides there was no one else but the two of them.

“How could you like this…” Kathryn gestured at the CD player as she tried to come up with something to describe the sound Faith called music, “…noise.” She finally said.

“What is your type of music anyway? Mozart?” Faith mocked. “Something more proper, softer? Would Enya suite your taste?”

Kathryn just snorted but made no comment further, the softer –if industrial music could be soft – tune had come on and her eardrums stopped protesting.

”Where are we going?”

“Oh you know; I figure since I’m courting you, a dinner would be nice, what do you think?”

Faith waited for the smaller girl to comment on her choice of word, to see how she would react, if not by word, by her expression, she had expected something, something for her to gauge the other girl’s thought on what they were doing. Though it was not possible – in Faith’s mind – for them to be flirting this much for it to be accidental, especially that Kathryn choose the place and time for their little flirtatious contacts, it could not have been accident.

But there was no reaction to the word she had used to describe her course of action.

“I’m still in school uniform.”

Only a protest of inappropriate outfit.

“So am I, who gives a shit.”

“Faith…”

“Yeah?”

“I need to get change.” Kathryn said with an expression resemble a patient adult speaking to a child.

Faith just laughed and changed her CD, she had no intention of wasting time going back and fort. She was only going to take them to a restaurant; it wasn’t as if they had any dress code that it would be illegal if they showed up in school uniform.

“No you don’t,” Faith said firmly.

“Yes, I do, I am not going to show up anywhere in this uniform.”

Unlike some of the other student that had no problem going out after school in their plaid skirt and navy blue sweater, Kathryn Merteuil would never be seen in it, she pride herself in the way she dressed and the way she held herself in public, and here was Faith, interest or not, refusing to let her change. She had thought that they were only going for a ride and not really stopping anywhere, and that Faith’s ulterior motive was like anyone else that was trying to date her, if they could they would jump right to the goods, and that required no dressing up, because she would’ve ended up not needing them anyway.

She didn’t even know why she let Faith talked her into this, actually the other girl didn’t even say much, only a look and a small smile, and she was following her to her car without looking back. What is wrong with me?

“Come on, Princess, you look good in uniform.” The taller brunette told her, reaching over to touch her cheek. “You’d look good in anything, or out of it.” A mischievous grin appeared on her face.

Kathryn gave out a snort and rolled her eyes.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Sebastian leaned against the balcony of his room, looking down at the street, smoking, he exhaled smoke into the night air, the street below was rather quiet, it was already ten in the evening, he had been out, cruising, ended with another conquest and made entry in his journal, it was easy, no challenge at all, the girl just followed him like some love sick puppy, when he left afterward she had been so eager to write down her phone number for him, making him promise to call later, and he did, smiling putting the number carelessly away, he had no intention of seeing her ever again, she was boring. The entire episode was boring.

He came home to find that the parental units were out at some benefit party and the house was empty save for the servants and the helps. He didn’t talk to any of them, simply went straight for his room, before he enter his own room though, he glimpsed the door across the hall, his step-sister’s bedroom, the door was ajar, and so he went over and sneaked a peek.

It was empty.

He called for someone and asked if she came home and went out, Mei-Lei, who were holding some vase in her hand, shook her head, telling Sebastian in heavily accent English that Miss Kathryn had not returned home with the limo. So he dismissed her. He figured that she must’ve been meeting someone; Kathryn normally did not bring any of her boy toy home. She kept it separate; it was the side of her that no one at Manchester Prep knew about. To them she was the most popular, Miss Perfect, the Queen, no one knew about her life outside, not even their parents, though he suspected that even if they knew they ignored it, as long as she did not make her little affair the first page of the social section of the papers, they didn’t care.

Flicking the butt of his cigarette he watched the ashes dropped to the ground below as a silver sport car pulled up in front of the townhouse, Sebastian leaned over the railing in curiosity, he didn’t recognize the car, and he knew that his parents were not home, so no one would be visiting anyone, then he saw a girl stepped out from the driver side, he definitely did not know her, and her long dark hair was all he could see. She stepped around the opened the passenger side door.

His eyes budged out as he saw Kathryn stepped out of the passenger seat, he squinted his eyes, focusing on the taller girl, they were both in school uniform, still. He couldn’t really tell who it was that was dropping Kathryn off; she was keeping the back his way.

He watched them walked up to the front door, where the doorman opened the door for them. A few minutes later, he watched the long hair brunette walked back to her car and drove off.

Kathryn leaned back in her seat, she spared a few side glances toward her ‘date’ this evening. Faith was humming along with the noise that she insisted was music, but by now she got used to it and did not mind it as much as she did when she first got into the car and heard it being played. The afternoon had been enjoyable, she couldn’t remember the last time she had fun on an outing, her last official boyfriend was as dull as they come, the only reason she dated him was because it suited her status at school. Dates with him were so boring that she occasionally wanted to rip his head off just so she had something to do.

They had been to Japanese restaurant, the one that she hadn’t been to before, and was surprised that the food and service was excellent, what surprised her even more was that Faith knew the place, seeing how she had only been in town for a short period of time.

“I get around,” Faith had told her grinning when Kathryn asked about it.

They were in there for quite a while longer than it normally took, then Faith had wanted to go for ice-cream, something that the she protested, the dinner was already more than she usually eat, and the taller brunette, whom had eaten more than anyone Kathryn had ever seen in one sitting wanted to go for more, it was entirely impossible for Kathryn to figure out where she had kept all that she consumed.

And then Faith explained about her metabolism and how much she really worked out each day. “Training burned up everything I put in,” she snapped her fingers. “Just like that. Don’t have much left afterwards.”

With that Kathryn glared at her, envious of how freely Faith could eat and how much she did not worry about it. For most of her teenage life, she spent so much time on special diet and even to the extreme to keep her figure trim, everything she put in she had to watch and calculate and sometimes what went in, had to come out, the same way, it was unpleasant but sometimes it was necessary, no one would’ve understood though, and so no one knew. Except Sebastian.

Then here was Faith, whom apparently did not need to watch the amount of food she consumed at all.

They ended up going for desert, which meant ice-cream for Faith and non-fat yogurt for Kathryn. It was strange, to be doing this seemingly normal, but entirely unfamiliar thing with another girl. They walked around in the park, and Kathryn was aware of people looking at them, being in uniform and all.

It was the very first time Kathryn Merteuil ever felt that she didn’t have to hide, didn’t have to try to please anyone. No one was judging her by what she was doing, how she was acting. When she made comment about something that was, by any standard, rather rude, her companion seemed to take it in stride, and even laughed.

It was strange, but Kathryn liked how it felt.

As Faith pulled to a stop in front of the townhouse, she didn’t feel like getting out, didn’t feel like letting the evening end. Then the taller girl did something she didn’t expect her to, she gave her a kiss. It was nothing more than just a peck on her lips, but it was enough to stun her, and she sat there, watching the other brunette got out of the car, came around and open the door for her.

Faith even walked her up to the front door, and while Kathryn asked if she wanted to come in, she declined.

“I had fun,” Kathryn said, feeling a bit awkward. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, and it will not be the last time.” Faith winked. “Promise.”

“Call me,” Kathryn called out and gave a little wave as the other girl turned and jogged back to her car.

-----------------------------------------------------------

As she made her way up to her own room she could almost count the minutes that her step-brother would pop out of his room to catch her, Mei-Lei already told her that he was asking for her when he got back home a few hours ago, and so when he stepped through his own door and into hers she wasn’t surprise, merely annoyed.

Sebastian acted more and more like love-sick puppy lately, and she didn’t really know why, not that she would want to. She had seen him at school, being the usual playboy self. She even saw him eyeing Faith, thinking that he could probably get on with her, since she was new the school, even though she showed nothing but contempt toward him during the party on Saturday. She knew what he was thinking, without having to think about it, Sebastian was nothing if not predictable.

Faith was a challenge to him.

And Kathryn didn’t know if she liked that fact or not. But now she knew for certain that Sebastian had no prayer with her. Like he had no prayer with Kathryn herself. True that they were step bother and sister, it didn’t seem to stop the boy from flirting with her whenever he could, and Kathryn had played along, amused by his attempt more than anything else.

Right now though, his attempts weren’t as amusing as they once were.

“Who was that?” A voice broke her out of her muse.

Sebastian stood at the top of the stairs, waiting with a boyish grin on his face, the one he always thought that was charming and always work with the girls, however, it didn’t work right now. He was all decked out in his dark suit, but the tie that probably been neatly tied earlier now was at half mask, first bottom undone. He leaned against the banister casually, looking at his step-sibling up and down.

The small brunette growled internally, wondering if her step-brother spent his time just waiting to pounce on her.

“None of your business, I believe,” Kathryn said coldly. “And don’t you have anything else to do other than bothering me? I would’ve thought that you would be writing in your little journal about your boring little conquest for the day.”

“I already did that and I think I got something better for my talent.” He grinned, following her to the sitting room. “Do you want to know what it is?”

“Oh, I’m dying to know.” Kathryn mocked, as she sat down in one of the chair, crossing her leg and looked at him with bored expression. “Enlighten me.”

Sebastian followed suit, “well, you remember the new girl.” He watched her closely. “You know, Faith Spencer.”

“I don’t think so, Sebastian.”

“What? I didn’t even tell you what I’m going to do yet.” He tilted his head, pretending to be confused. “And I’m pretty sure you remember her, seeing how you were with her the entire Saturday afternoon.”

“I know what you’re thinking.” The small brunette hissed, ignoring the last remark. “And I can tell you right now that it’s not going to happen; you don’t stand a chance with her.”

“Care to make a wager on that?” He challenged, leaning forward in his seat, looking at the small brunette right in the eye.

He was startled at the sudden bark of laughter from his step-sister and narrowed his eyes as she threw her head back and let out a full laugh, he had never seen her laughed like that, ever. It was almost a lost of control, and Kathryn Merteuil never ever lost control. It took her a few moments to calm down, and when she finally did she looked right in his eyes and told him.

“Never make a bet on something you can’t win, Sebastian.”

With that she got up and strode down the hallway then disappeared inside her own room.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Faith whistled a tune that popped into her head, making her way up to her own room. No one was home, except for the servants, her parents were out at some benefit party and would probably be gone for the rest of the night. Not that it made any different. She shed her jacket and tossed it into the walk-in closet, not bothering to hang it up.

It was a good night, worth skipping anything that she originally planed for the afternoon. She had expected Kathryn to play a role, to pretend to be the sweetest girl, that or be a complete bitch persona and declined her offer for a ride, not that it was an offer, it was more like a request and demand, that alone surprised her. Then the smaller brunette seemed to let go of what she thought she should be while they bickered and bantered throughout the afternoon. It was fun, as Kathryn had said.

It was worth skipping the training for, besides she could always make that up on Saturday afternoon for it, she didn’t think her sensei would have problem. Not when she showed up practically five days a week, like it was her requirement. No, that wasn’t her requirement, not in the educational sense, but she enjoyed it, to train until every part of her body ache, to sweat it all out, and it had help with her sanity ever since she started. Made her less reckless less prone to fly at the seat of her pants and calm her down. A good thing all around.

Rested her hand over her shirt pocket, Faith smiled at the quiet rustled sound of a piece of paper inside. Kathryn had given her the numbers to her private line and her cellphone. It was nothing much really, she could’ve gotten them some other way, it wasn’t difficult, especially seeing how popular the other girl was. But she hadn’t wanted to, it was much better to get it from the owner of it than from someone else. It was like an acknowledgement that they were, more or less, on the same wavelength.

And after tonight Faith was pretty sure that they were dating.

Pulling out the piece of paper that had been neatly folded, Faith walked over to her desk, the surface had been cleaned and the books arranged, but her notebook was there, her computer set to the side of the large corner station and she put the paper carefully next to the keyboard, made mental note to write them down in her address book and save the numbers on her cellphone.

Faith started to strip as she made her way across the room to her bathroom. Once inside she turned on the shower and stripped completely nude while the room was filling up with steam from the shower. She looked at herself in the full length mirror, noting off handedly how many people would fine her attractive and smirked.

Oh yeah, I’m on fire. Faith snickered at the thought then entered the shower stall.

-----------------------------------------------------------

“If you don’t think I can’t possibly win, why won’t you agree to a bet? I mean if you’re that sure then it’s an easy win.”

“Because I am not interested.” Kathryn tossed over her shoulder dismissively while making her way down the stairs, buttoning up her navy blue, school sweater, making sure that the collar of her white button-up open just right.

It had been almost a week after she had that first ‘date’ with Faith Spencer, though they had been talking, after school and on the phone everyday after, they had yet to gone out again. Sebastian had been after her about the date ever since she got back, not that he knew it was a date and whom it was that she went out with, he only knew that it was a girl, and that was only because he was watching.

And he had been baiting her about Faith, saying he could get her in the sack with him. She gave him her piece of mind on that topic and left it at that. The boy did not seem to understand, or if he did, he was doing a great job of ignoring everything she had said to him.

He had challenged her, baiting her into making a wager on that, she told him what she thought and now he would not stop trying to make a bet with her.

Will the annoyance ever cease? Kathryn wondered, it’s been a week for crying out loud and he’s still at it.

“Come on, Kathryn.”

God, dog with a bone.

“Give it a rest, ‘Bastian.” She rolled her eyes and got into her limo, letting the driver close the door after her, ended of conversation. She watched him puffing as the car pulled away.

Sebastian stood and watched the limo pulled into the early morning traffic, something about the way his step-sister was responding to his baiting was out of the norm. They had had a lot of bets in the past; mostly it was of the same ole thing, and never once she said no, especially when he was on a mission for her to accept like this.

Kathryn had been acting quite odd lately, she went out less with her normal group of friends, didn’t go out for some ‘playtime’ with her boy toys. Instead she spent her time in her room, and from the sound of it, on the phone. He was curious as to what she was doing, if there was something new with her that she wasn’t sharing with him.

Walking back into the house and headed for the garage to get his own car, another one of his prize possession, 1956 Jaguar Roadster, he still couldn’t shake the frustration that he felt at not being able to get Kathryn to go along with his wager. But it didn’t matter; he’d go ahead with his own plan anyway. Sebastian slipped into his car and started it up, as soon as the door cleared he sped out, ignoring the sound of tires screeching behind him, instead he went over his plan for Faith Spencer.

As an after thought he picked up the phone and pressed speed dial, wait a few moments for the click indicated that someone had picked up.

“Hello, Aunt Helen?” He said sweetly. "It's Sebastian."

-----------------------------------------------------------

“Faith, honey?”

A voice called out as Faith made her way pass the dining room, grabbing a piece of toast and a glass of orange juice on her way with no intention of sitting down and eat, she didn’t really notice that her mother was sitting there with a morning paper and a plate of healthy breakfast in front of her, mostly fruit all cut up into bite-size pieces and arranged just so.

The dark beauty stopped in her track and turned around to look at her mother, her brows raised toward her hairline in questioning, “what’s up, mom?”

“Well, good morning to you, too.”

Her mother seemed to be in a good mood this morning, and Faith took it in stride. “Morning, mom.” She said finally, if a bit sheepishly.

“How are you this morning?”

“Five by five.” She replied with a chuckle, leaning her hip against the table, and bit into her toast.

“Are you in a hurry?” Her mother ignored her respond, the one that usually get her into a long lecture about proper speech and what she should say, instead of the obscure references.

Her mother was leaning back against the backrest of the chair now, giving her full attention, her father was no where to be seen, not that she expected him to be here, he was always a morning bird and off doing his business, leaving her and her mother who were hardly a morning person to drag themselves around trying to wake up. Usually, about the time she was leaving for school her mother would still be in bed, waking up and more often than not, take hers in bed and not at the table. Something was up, and Faith could just feel it.

“Yeah, mom.” She mumbled around her glass. “School and all that, you know.”

“Oh, then you should get going then.” As if she didn’t realize what day it was.

Faith gave her a nod and put the now empty glass of orange juice down, brushing the crumbs off of her hand she started out of the room and her mother called after her. “Oh and I hope you don’t have any plan for Saturday, you are going to a brunch with Mrs. Rosemond.”

“Who?” Faith’s head snapped around.

“She’s one of the very respectable and very influential, honey and she’d really like to meet you.” The older Spencer told her sweetly. Like it should’ve been a dream come true for Faith to be invited to some snob’s house for a brunch, and a snob that she didn’t know, no less.

No, that wasn’t a dream come true, especially when she already had something else in mind for Saturday, and it did not include her sitting with some old lady trying to tell her all about the gossips in the city.

“But mother…”

“No buts, darling, you are going.” Her mother said with the finality, indicating that any argument would not be appreciated at this point. Faith grumbled in displeasure and headed out the door.

She grabbed the key to her bike instead of the car then tucked on the leather jacket. The weather was still warm enough for her to be riding on her bike and right now she needed that. Pulling at the straps of her backpack, making sure that it was secured around herself and she hopped on her bike. Speeding off before the door even clear and into the traffic.

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Kathryn looked out the window as her limo pulled up to the front of the main entrance, she waited till her driver came around and open the door for her, cars and limos were lined up and students were getting out of their rides and into the building. Then she heard a smooth rumbling sound of an engine and she stopped on the top of the steps, turning to look in the direction of the sound. A silver sport bike was slowing down and she could see the person who was riding it.

And she wasn’t the only one that was looking; just about every other person that was arriving was looking in the same direction. The whispering started and Kathryn could only roll her eyes. Faith was making an entrance, whether she intended to or not and by the end of the day everyone would know about it. And she could just predict what the hot topic of the week would be.

She would never hear the end of it from the sheep that would be following her throughout the day. They would be talking about the new student who has the audacity to show up on campus with a big shiny bike. The thought made her smile a little, not long ago she was on the back of that very same bike, holding on to the same girl that was riding it.

Tearing her gaze away from the direction of the parking lot, Kathryn Merteuil straightened and the Queen of Manchester Prep entered her playground.

Faith maneuvered her motorcycle into the parking slot. She was more than aware of the looks she received from the other student, but she ignored them. She didn’t really plan on riding her bike here this morning, actually she hadn’t planed on riding her bike to school at all in the foreseeable future, but her short conversation –if it could be called a conversation—just pissed her off, hence the bike ride, the only thing that she had to calm her down, she would’ve done something else had it been any other time, except it was morning, and on school day, beating the stuffing out of her punching bag wasn’t an option.

And the ride had calmed her.

Dismounted the bike, Faith pulled off her helmet, she shook out her dark hair and ran her hand through it a couple of time, getting it out of her face. She then locked her helmet at the back of the bike, making sure that it was secure, and while she was focusing on locking up her vehicle a tall figure walked up to her from behind.

Sebastian Valmont was amazed at what he was seeing, There ahead of him was a girl, in school uniform which made up of short plaid skirt and white socks, black shoes, in crimson leather jacket, silver and blue helmet and was riding a sleek looking sport bike.

He had followed her into the school and up to the parking lot, wanting to know who it was.

He pulled his own black Jaguar Roadster into the slot nearby; he leaned out of his car, not wanting to miss the identity of the girl on the bike. He watched her pulled off her silver/blue helmet and shake out her long dark hair. His eye nearly pop out of their sockets as she turned slightly to face his way, his mouth dropped open.

He couldn’t believe it.

It was Faith Spencer.

And he had to force himself to close his mouth, she was… a thought form in his head, Faith Spencer looked hot standing there in her leather jacket next to her motorcycle. As she loosened the straps of her backpack and starting to lock up her silver monster, he collected himself enough to grab his own bag and exited his car. He didn’t know any girl in school that ride a scooter, let alone owned and operated a large sport bike like the one that he’d seen Faith did.

He was impressed, though he would never admit it to anyone.

Well, unless it would let him score some points off of her, anyway. That he could do, admit to her that he was impressed with her.

Sebastian walked over to her with quick, long strides. Putting on the most charming smile on his face he approached her quietly. “Good morning.” He greeted; his voice cheerful and friendly.

Then he waited, while she straightened up and turned to face him. He smiled, turning on his charm on high. “Nice motorcycle you have here.”

“Valmont,” Faith narrowed her eyes slightly, then nodding in acceptance of his compliment over her baby. “Thanks.”

Faith threw her backpack over her shoulder and tucked her key into her pocket, one thing she hated about these uniforms was that the pocket wasn’t big enough to hold anything substantial, but at the very least it held her key for the moment. She turned to walk away, but it seemed that the playboy of Manchester Prep wasn’t going to let her do that, so he started following her.

“Nice entrance though, I’m sure some of the teachers are having a heart attack right now.” He said conversationally. “What a statement.”

Faith just gave him a side way glance and said nothing. Entrance wasn’t what she was trying to make, neither did she try to make any statement. Her stride maintain the same speed as she entered the building, keeping her uncaring expression as the boy beside her kept babbling on about one thing or another. She wasn’t really paying attention.

When she arrived at her locker she could see a crowd gathering a few yards away, and she had no doubt that the queen was right in the middle of it, she caught a few words drifting her way and even a few glances, actually just about everyone that she walked by seemed to look at her longer than necessary, it didn’t bother her, she knew why. Now she just wanted Valmont to shut up and leave. His talking was getting on her nerve.

“Listen, Valmont.” She said after a moment, coming to a conclusion that if she let him talked, he would be standing there talking her ear off. “I’m sure you have a few things to do, like hitting on some girls.” She gestured at the hallway and a few students that were loitering around. “So, why don’t you go and do that.”

Grinning like a Cheshire cat he leaned against the locker beside hers, placing himself well within her personal space. “Who’s to say that I’m not doing that right now?”

Faith shoved the bag into the locker and turned to face him with a smile fixed on her face. “Of course,” she said with a sickeningly sweet voice, and reached out with her free hand, grabbing him by the tie and pulled his face toward hers till their noses were merely an inch apart, a smile turned into a dangerous grin. “But I don’t play with boys.” She said slowly and clearly. Then pushed him away lightly.

Then she walked away.

Sebastian was beyond surprise when she pushed him, it looked as if she didn’t exert much of her strength at all, but then he found himself winded and flattened against the lockers on the opposite side of the hallway, stunned he opened his mouth to protest, nothing came out but a few gasps, he then closed it and opened it again, making him look incredibly like a fish out of the water.

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With the commotion that was going on around her, Kathryn turned away from the crowd around her, she had been keeping an eye on Faith’s locker, knowing that the owner would be there, but then she saw the image that she didn’t like. Sebastian was following her girl down the hall, from where she could see, Faith wasn’t interested in what the boy was talking about, there was a bored expression on her face.

She had never seen her step-brother out of his element before, but this time it was clear that he was definitely far from his usual self-assured, arrogant, playboy self as he would ever get. She had never seen anyone as disinterested in him and his effort as Faith was right now. It was almost funny that he was after somebody that as so obviously not attracted to him and it was even funnier to think that the only two girls that he couldn’t have were together.

She almost wanted to tell him that little fact just to see the look on his face.

But she wanted to keep that for herself, for right now. There were many ways to break the news to him; there were so many better ways. In the mean time she hoped he got a clue and stop bothering her about the damn bet already. Apparently even though she didn’t agree to it, he was still going to go through with it. Not the smartest move the boy had ever made.

And the queen couldn’t help but smile at that, amused at how predictable her step-brother was, and she was sure that he didn’t realize it, if she ever told him he would’ve disagree, she kept her eye on the scene that was playing out a few yards away from where she stood, that till someone called her name.

“Kathryn.”

“What?”

Turning her attention back, she asked in annoyance. She was bored to tear with these people around her, but they were necessary for her image, so she tolerated them, but right now she wanted nothing more than to just walk away from them, though most likely they were going to follow her wherever she went.

“I was saying; did you see that new girl?”

“Yeah, I saw her rode in; I was actually right behind her. Think the teacher might have something to say about that.”

Kathryn rolled her eyes at that, she knew for certain that Faith would get away with pretty much anything; after all, her father had recently made a large donation for the school, that was a ticket for Faith to rebel as much as she wanted. No consequences will follow her behavior, not from the school board anyway.

Someone else was giving their opinion, something Kathryn didn’t care to listen to, her eyes were back at Faith, who was standing at her locker right now with Sebastian standing beside her, a little too close for her liking, it appeared that she wasn’t the only one feeling that way. She didn’t know what they were talking about, but a few minutes later Faith took the boy by his tie and pulled him close to her face, and the small beauty frowned, wanting to walk in between them and break it up.

But then she nearly laughed at the way Faith pushed her step-brother and just walked away. The expression on the playboy’s face was priceless. Every head in the hallway turned at the sound of Sebastian being slammed into the locker, a few laughter could be heard.

“Wow, what the hell just happen?”

“Sebastian got his.” Kathryn said shortly with a smirk then the bell rang.

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“What’s up with the stunt you pulled the other day?” Kathryn asked casually as she leaned into the taller girl, looking at what she was doing.

Faith was stuffing her gi into her black duffle bag, then she looked around the room for something else. “What stunt?” She asked absentmindedly, having unable to locate her gear.

She had just gotten out of the shower after her lesson in the afternoon, Kathryn had been waiting for her at home when she got back and she couldn’t be happier, they had been talking on the phone mostly, both had different priority in their social calendar, namely, Kathryn, being one of the most popular girls in school and student body president having to do some of her social appearance and such, while Faith kept mostly to the small group of friends that she had made and she didn’t even hang out with them that much during the week.

Kathryn had been more than surprised to learn of Faith extra curricular activity. When she found out that Faith trained in martial art, Karate, the name of the style itself lost on her and she didn’t really care to remember that much, all she knew was that the taller girl could easily beat down someone twice her size without breaking a sweat and with a style, that was enough for her.

“The motorcycle stunt; and what are you looking for?” Kathryn let her eyes sweep the immediate area around them.

They were in Faith’s bedroom, and Kathryn was dressed in her black Gucci dress, her jacket slung over the back of a chair, left her with black, sheer camisole over her black bra her feet bare, her heels lay forgotten on the side of the bed where she was sitting. She was a picture of seduction, from the clothes to the make up to the way she was lounging on the king size bed, her pale skin a stark contrast to the dark sheets and clothing she favored.

The owner of the room on the other hand, was in her track pants and tank top, hair damp in wet tendrils around her face.

“It wasn’t a stunt, I was just pissed,” Faith paused. “And I’m looking for my sparring gear.” Then she made a show of looking around the room, turning her head this and that way before her eyes came to stop at the queen before her. “It’s not like I did a superman stunt on that bike or anything.”

“Well, you’re a hot topic this week, in case you didn’t know.” Kathryn pouted. “Everyone was talking about how you practically flew down the street and into the parking lot, not that you did, I saw you. And I think I saw a few girls look at you.”

Faith looked at her, her dark browed lifted high on her forehead, she had noticed, of course, that a few more girls came up and tried to talk to her, and she talked to them, just to be polite but that was it, it was kind of strange to suddenly have a bunch of people watching her while she walked down the hallway, and more guys leered at her, not to forget a few more girls as well.

She stopped with the searching of her gear then leaned over the prone form of Kathryn Merteuil with a leering grin on her face; she placed her hands on each side of the smaller brunette and leaned in close. “And do I detect a little bit of jealousy in those green eyes of yours, Miss Merteuil?”

Kathryn snorted then turned up her nose, as if to suggest that it was a ridiculous assumption on the other girl’s part, even though it was the truth. “As if I would be jealous of those debutants.” Then she rolled her eyes, smiling slightly as the other girl leaned even closer.

“Oh really,” Faith licked her lips. “Not jealous, huh.”

“Never,” Kathryn voice came out a whisper her pupils dilated then trailed down to the full lips as they came closer to her own.

“Found them!” Faith exclaimed, and reached behind Kathryn, her hand came away with a pair of black gloves.

“You’re such a fucking tease, Faith.” Kathryn smacked her arm; hard enough to sting, but not hard enough to really hurt then she pushed her away.

Tossing her gloves into the open duffle bag, the taller brunette flopped onto the mattress beside her girlfriend, and rolled over so that they were facing each other. Faith reached up with one hand and pulled Kathryn’s face and kissed her, the small beauty rolled on top of her and snaked her hand into the still damp hair, took a hold of it, opening her mouth when she felt the very tip of Faith’s tongue ran across her bottom lip, teasing, tasting.

They stayed like that for a while, just kissing, until the need for air broke them apart.

Sighing, Kathryn rested her head down, and a hand came up to stroke her back, finger tracing a small circle on her lower back. “I don’t think I’ll be looking at anyone else, Princess.” Faith murmured quietly with laughter in her voice.

“Good,” Kathryn responded. “So what pissed you off enough that you need to ride your bike to school?”

“Mom, and some brunch with a snob, and I actually prefer to beat the shit out of something to get rid of my anger, didn’t have the time for it, though.”

“As if you’re not a snob yourself.” Kathryn giggled.

“I am, but I’m not an old snob,” Faith protested. “I have no desire to be stuck out in the country having tea with some old hag ‘cause she was important to the school.”

“Who?”

“Mrs. Rosemond, or some name like that.” Faith shrugged.

Kathryn frowned at that, now she knew that her dear step-brother had something to do with this. “You’re going with your mother?” He had no shame about using his dear old aunt in his scheme.

“No, apparently it was just me, she said nothing of her going, of course she’d be busy with her usual tea party and what not, not that I ever care. Maybe it’s a bunch of students going.” The taller brunette trailed off as she saw the frowned marring the pretty face above hers. “What’s the matter, princess?”

“Nothing, now are you too tired to go out with me?”

“Go where?” Faith pulled her down for a kiss, “is this why you got all dressed up?” Another kiss. “And here I thought you dressed up just for me.”

“So, you’re too tired to go out?”

“Nah, I just need to get change, unless you don’t mind me going in this.” Faith gestured at her red tank top and track pants.

“You’re not going anywhere with me in those.” Kathryn growled.

“Well then,” the taller brunette slapped her behind, chuckling at the small yelp it produced, and lifted her up then rolled them over. “You will have to be patient.”

Faith set the queen of Manchester Prep down on the mattress before getting up and headed for the closet, it didn’t take long for her to appear decked out in dark red leather pants and crimson tank top, in her hand a matching leather duster.

“You and your leather.” Kathryn rolled her eyes.

“Gotta have something to define myself with, Princess, besides, tell me you don’t like to look at me in these.” Faith gestured at herself, sweeping her hand up and down.

Kathryn gave another snort and threw a pillow at her. “Bitch!”

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“Don’t your parents wonder where you went on a school night?” Faith asked conversationally, as they walked up to the front of the currently the most trendy club on this side of the city. The most trendy club and the only people that got in were the rich and the famous.

“They are too busy traveling to care what I do.” Kathryn replied breezily, like it was the most normal thing in the world; and for her, it was. It had always been that way ever since she could remember, waking up in almost empty house safe for the servants, having breakfast alone in a big dining room, got back from school to find an equally empty house as when she left. She had stopped asking herself why her parents were never there, or at the very least her mother, it was a waste of her time to be questioning things like that.

Her parent’s presence in her life was non-existence.

“And yours? Won’t they be worried that their little firecracker’s out late?” Kathryn mocked the nickname that she had heard Richard Spencer called his only daughter. The nickname was affectionate, and very much Faith. It was one of the things that was different about Faith, the other girl never seemed to be bother by her attitude, the way she could insult anything in sight, instead she would gave her a grin and shrugged like it was nothing.

As if she wasn’t aware of the actual malice behind the words, the small beauty knew that she was well aware, and sometimes she could see something flicker in those brown eyes, but they weren’t any emotions that she could recognize, and sometimes it scared her.

“Oh they’ll ask alright, but then, I’m allowed.” Faith chuckled as she led Kathryn to the front of the line that seemed to go on forever by the hand. People that were in line were looking at them, half were looking at Faith, checking her out and the other half were looking at herself. They made a stunning couple and Kathryn knew it.

They both also smelled of money.

Kathryn returned her eyes to the taller brunette who seemed to be taking all the attention in stride, her grip on the smaller hand tightened slightly and she pulled her forward. They walked right up to the front of the line, the bouncer bowed slightly first at Faith then at Kathryn, gesturing for them to go inside.

They knew who she was, but she was unaware that they knew of Faith. It was, after all, her first time at this club, but she wasn’t going to ask. They entered amidst the protests from the waiting crowd outside.

Immediately they met with loud music, and large crowd, which the taller brunette had absolutely no trouble elbowing her way through it, and Kathryn found herself being pressed against her, their hands still linked, though with the people pressing into them, there was very little chance that would change. When they finally made it to the bar on the far side of the room, Faith quickly ordered herself and Kathryn a drink without asking what she wanted. No need anyway, she knew better.

After they finished their drinks, Faith pulled her into the dance floor and let themselves lost into the music, feeling the beat pulsated through their blood, and all the while, the queen of Manchester Prep had only eye on her partner tonight, as they danced close, their bodies touching. Their hands were linked and Faith held both above their heads, then trailed down to rest Kathryn’s smaller one on her shoulder. Then a song came on.

A techno mix of Closer.

And if the queen couldn’t take her eyes off of the taller brunette before, she certainly more than drawn in now, like a moth to flame, and Faith was the flame, the taller girl had her eyes close, her body moved suggestively against her in time with the aggressive beat of the music, and Kathryn wasn’t the only one on the dance floor to notice this, and not even for the tenth time this night, guys were trying to come in between them, dance with them, but they found themselves being pushed away and guarded by Faith, as she made it clear to all who looked that they were here together.

Then Faith open her eyes, and Kathryn moved even closer to her, if that was even possible, their eyes met and locked, the fire burn brightly in the dept of the dark brown eyes, she let her thigh slipped between her own, and she found herself practically rode her for the rest of the night, coming close to losing it, but her tall knight didn’t let it happen, she would pull away just when it was about to happen and stepped right back in when she knew that it was enough.

She let her eyes roamed over the petite girl in front of her, Kathryn looked good tonight, actually, the queen of Manchester Prep was nothing if not well dressed, all in black, short skirt that was ridden up high on her thigh as Faith pressed her leather clad one between those supple thighs, and she could feel the heat. It was the reaction she had expected and she wondered how long she could get away with this before the queen pushed her away, the position they were in weren’t exactly decent.

Actually from other people’s point of view, their position was probably looking down right obscene, but Faith didn’t really care.

And from the way the small body pressed against her, and how those arms pulling her closer, harder, she could tell what the small beauty wanted, and she pulled away slightly, held herself against the pull, and there, flash in the emerald green eyes were frustration.

“Bitch,” Kathryn hissed with a hint of frustration against her ear, and Faith laughed. “You’re such a fucking tease, you know that?”

“Don’t I?” Faith whispered back, nibbling at her earlobe, gripping her ass tighter. “But you like me this way, admit it, Princess.”

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Sebastian looked up from the book he was reading, the cheerleaders that he had over for the evening were long gone his playtime was over and he considered just drink himself to oblivion, but decided against it. So he settled on a joint and a book. Sitting up straight, he wondered –in his muddled mind – what made him stop reading.

Then a sound of heels click against the floor reminded him. He immediately knew who it was that made the noise, the parental unit were once again, off on some trip, so there was no way that would be them, besides it would make more noise than that. His father knew nothing of being quiet.

He had spent the entire day figuring out his plan, he had already set up for his aunt to invite Faith Spencer for a brunch, and being the good nephew, he was going to drop by, to see his sweet dear aunt Helen, and played a perfect gentlemen. He knew that the normal act would never get anywhere with this new girl. It would required more effort than anyone else he knew, well, maybe except one.

He grinned slyly to himself, Faith Spencer was, well, to put it mildly, hot. She was unlike any other girl he had ever met, and she probably had more intellect in her fingernail than all of the rest of the female population of the upper east side combine. She didn’t seem to care of the cliques, or the class system that was going on in Manchester Prep, more specifically, she didn’t seem to be bother by the way Kathryn strutted around with her crowd of sheep. And his very own step-sister hadn’t tried to recruit her, not that he could see.

“Speak of the devil,” he murmured to himself and stood up, checking the time on the antique clock on his desk, it was well past one in the morning. Nothing really new, Kathryn had been out at all hour before, actually they both had, but lately, he found himself hanging around the house, trying to catch her attention, with the reason even himself couldn’t fathom.

“Hello, sis.” He poked his head out the door and called.

“Shouldn’t you be in bed?” Kathryn pivoted around on her stiletto heels. “It’s way past your bed time, dear brother.” Her voice mocking; conveniently made an insult of his maturity and conveyed her annoyance in one shot.

“Oh, I was,” Sebastian replied unfazed, he exited his own room and entered her room across the hall right at her heel, “all afternoon, in fact. And seeing how you’ve been out slutting around till late, I figured we need to have some quality time, dear sis.” A smiled fixed widely on his handsome face.

Kathryn tossed her jacket over the couch and sat down on her bed; she crossed her legs and looked at him. Faith had yet again walked her up to the front door, even gave her a kiss, told her goodnight and took off. Their time at the club was exciting, not because of the club, she knew, it was her companion of the evening that made everything so exciting. At the time she didn’t even bother to think about what would happen if someone from school had seen the way they danced together, the way she practically rub herself off on the leather clad girl. What rumor it would start at school had anyone knew.

Of course those thoughts didn’t cross her mind till she was well within the house. She wanted Faith to come in and spend the night, with sex in mind, of course, the taller brunette decline, saying that could wait, and promise to make it special. They did some heavy petting, and the small beauty even got off a time or two, but she was more than just a little frustrated, it was a wonder she didn’t go out and just get herself a good time with some college boys.

A part of her said she should, and the other part… well, the other part of her, the part that she wasn’t aware of before this, shot the idea down before it even rise far enough.

“So, what brainless debutant did you have in your bed this time?” She asked in a bore tone. “Charlotte the cheerleader?”

“Half of the squad actually, but that’s not important.” He waved his hand while settling himself into the chair. His eyes roamed over the body of his step-sister. She was certainly dressed to kill, what caught his eye was the normally flawless make up on her face, the dark red paint on her lips seemed to be smeared a little, her cheeks flushed beyond the color of the blush.

“And what’s the scene I saw at school the other day? You got thrown across the hall by a girl.”

Sebastian felt a blush rise in his cheeks, immediately forgot his observations. He was hoping she didn’t see it, or not bringing it up, but then this was the ice queen, of course she would. “Couldn’t resist your charm, could she? I mean she must’ve really liked you to be throwing you around like that.” Kathryn laughed; her voice cold, filled with mocking, and malice.

“Shut up,” he hissed.

“Aw, what’s the matter ‘Bastian? Embarrassed?”

He hated when she called him that, she made him feel like he was only five year old. “I’ll let you know that I already have my plan in working this weekend.”

“Do tell, Sebastian, what could you possibly plan to do, when it’s clear that the girl dislikes you.” She snickered, with a hand to cover her wide smile.

He grinned at her. “I gave my dear old aunt Helen a call and she agreed to invite our Faith Spencer to a brunch at her house on the island to talk to her about school this Saturday. And I, the sweet nephew that I am, will show up there to show her around the place, she’s not buying my routine, then I’m going to have to convince her that I really am a sweet guy.”

“Except that you are not.”

“So, are you going to rethink that bet?”

“You don’t have anything that I want, Sebastian; will be a waste of time for me.”

“What about the car?”

“What about it?” Kathryn started to study her perfect manicure, paying less and less attention to his eager face.

“If I lose your get the car,” he said in a rush.

“And if you win?” She let the question hung in the air, knowing what his answer would be; it was more than obvious, as with his attempt to get into her pants ever since they met.

“You.”

“Dream on, Sebastian.” She laughed, her head thrown back.

Sebastian Valmont found-- not for the first time-- himself fascinated by her laughter, the way her voice filled the air, the way her body shake, the twinkle in her eyes, the white of her teeth… he was fascinated by everything that was Kathryn Merteuil, had always been. And right now he had less desire to get into the new girl’s pants than into the girl in front of him, the one untouchable.

He was going to get her to agree, and he was going to win.

“Then why don’t you come and watch my performance?”

Kathryn snorted in disgust. “I just might, dear brother.”

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“Hey, wake up!”

“What? Who?? Huh??”

“Hey, Red,” Faith nearly shouted into the phone, it was almost ten o’clock, on Saturday morning, and she would’ve loved to stay in bed until noon, but instead she was driving out to the island in her silver BMW Z8.

It was a nice day the sun was out, the top of her car was down, and not for the first time she was glad she wasn’t in Boston, this time of the year up there it would already started to get cold and there was no way she could be driving around in the convertible. Though, soon it’d be just as cold here as it would be up there, in the mean time she wanted to soak up as much sun as she could.

“Faith?” the voice grumbled through the line. “Do you know what time it is?”

“Yeah, I’m well aware of the time, Red, but I have to go to some old hag’s house for a brunch, wish I was still in bed.”

“Old hag? Your mom set up some meeting for you again?”

Willow was one of her very good friend back in Andover, though they were a bit different in their taste in things, personalities and what not, but Faith liked her and trusted her, and for the past month they hadn’t been in contact much, due to Faith’s increase in activities and Willow’s study, the girl was smart and took her education very seriously, and the brunette had always respect that, besides whenever there was some paper or homework that she needed help with the redhead always there to help.

This was the first chance she got to call her in several weeks other than e-mailing her, so she took it, besides, if she was going to be up and awake on Saturday morning she was going to torture her friend by bugging her early as well.

“Yeah, you know it, I wish she would just let me be, I mean I’m here and go to the school she wanted me to go to, ain’t that enough?”

“Oh well, you know how your mom is, so… you should’ve expected it. I mean she always does that to you, so why are you surprised that she suddenly set this up.”

“I know, just that she didn’t set this one up, apparently Mrs. Rosemond, or whatever her name is, called her up and asked, I should be more than pissed that she didn’t even have to sacrifice her social to come with me I should at least demand she waste Saturday morning with me.” Faith complained. “It’s going to be wicked boring, I just knew it.”

“So, what are you up to? Any cute girl caught your eyes at the new school yet? I mean, you’ve been there over a month now there’s gotta be someone, tell me there’s someone cute there in the new school, cause you know these girls you left behind still trying to get your number off of me, Jesse was all, oh I’m so tired of fending them off, though I’m sure he wasn’t, I think he was just saying that… ”

“Whoa, slow down, Red.” Faith gave out a laugh, “And, you have no idea.”

And for the entire drive she filled her friend in of the going on in her life, from the time she arrived in New York up to and included Kathryn Merteuil. She told Willow all about the first day of school and how the queen of Manchester Prep gave her a once over and how the teacher had suggested that Kathryn showed her around the school and the reluctant host did, with barely concealed reluctance, and how funny it had been to follow her around and watched her fuming on the inside and tried to show a pleasant face to her.

Faith went over how she realized a little later that everyone in the school, student and teachers alike, worshipped the tiny brunette. She even told her friend how in actuality, Kathryn Merteuil wasn’t the angel they thought her to be.

“She can be such a bitch; you wouldn’t believe some of the things she said.”

“Really? Such a bitch, huh? And why do I get the feeling that you’d like her regardless, and had she been the angel that everyone thought her to be, you probably wouldn’t look at her twice.”

“Well, I might still look at her twice, Red, you don’t know that.”

“So, you’re what? Pursuing her?”

“We’re beyond pursuing,” Faith grinned proudly, even though her friend couldn’t possibly see her. “We’ve been out a couple of times, and some other stuff, though I think she probably won’t last this long with anyone else.”

“Somebody has an ego. That high a confidence, someone should smack you to bring you down to Earth with the rest of us, you know.” Willowed laughed. “How do you know that anyway? Ask around?”

“There’s no one to ask. But I can tell,” Faith said firmly. “Well, I’m almost there, I gotta let you go, Red. I will call you later.”

“Yeah,” came the reply. “Miss you.”

“Yeah, talk to you later, Red.”

Hung up the phone she turned up her radio loud and sped up.

A few minutes later she pulled through the gate which had been open. The drive had been nice, though she didn’t really pay too much attention to her surrounding, only on the road and the conversation. It took her a few more minutes to get to the front gate of the house. It was a beautiful place, and she wouldn’t mind being here, except that she wasn’t here for fun and relaxation, she was here because her mother hoped that she would suck up to some old snob. Something that wasn’t going to happen, all she was going to do would be, be nice and polite and that was the extend of it. Nothing more and nothing less.

There was a 1956 Jag already parked up front, Faith narrowed her eyes slightly, the car looked familiar and she was trying to remember where she had seen it before, but couldn’t. As soon as she pulled in a middle age man dressed in black suit, a butler; ran out. She watched him did a double take at the music she was playing, and chuckled to herself. As soon as she came to a complete stop and killed the engine he ran over and open the door for her with a small bow, she gave him a nod in thank and a smile.

“Good morning, you’re Miss Spencer, I presumed.”

“That’ll be me, yes.” She tucked the key into her pocket.

“My name is Robert and I’m Mrs. Roasmond’s butler. If you would follow me this way Miss, Madam’s waiting.” He gestured with a flourish move of his hand toward the entrance of the house.

Faith followed the middle age butler into the house, she looked around as they made their way through, she assumed that it being such a nice day they would probably be sitting outside and they were making a cut through the house and out with no other stop.

“Who else is here?” She asked idly, not really caring.

“Master Valmont and Miss Kathryn got here a little earlier, Miss.” He answered her still walking ahead of her.

That gave her a pause, now she remember where she had seen the Jag before, it was Sebastian Valmont’s car, she saw it the day she rode her motorcycle to school and he had been parking near by before approached and annoyed her. Internally, she groaned, thinking that it was going to be a long morning. At least Kathryn is here, maybe we can just sneak out, or I’ll stick with her, seeing how he at least can’t do a lot of things that way. She considered to herself.

She sighed inwardly as they made their way down the stairs and into the yard, far ahead she saw a thee people sitting at a table, the fourth chair was empty, presumably for her, and a cart of food set aside, they were waiting for her, she realized, and there probably would not be anyone else to join them either. And as she got closer she could almost see the bore expression on Queen Kathryn’s face, while Valmont seemed amused. The older lady said something to him, she assumed that it was Mrs. Rosemond.

And she wondered, what were their relations?

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Kathryn rolled her eyes while sipping on her tea, it was early and she would’ve loved to be in bed, but then she did say that she wanted to see what Sebastian would do, he had yet to stop bugging her about the bet, and she had yet to agree with him. Actually she didn’t even know why she cared what he would do, when she knew that Faith wasn’t interested. And she believed Sebastian had no prayer with the girl.

She supposed that she was just here because she wanted to see the taller brunette.

It was strange really, for her to be concentrated on any one person for this long, of all the relationships that she had had in the past, she constantly look for someone new, for anything that would excite her, the same old guy tend to bore her quickly, and even though she pretend to be happy she would go out, pick up some college boy and had herself a party, all discreetly, of course, no one would suspect the perfect Kathryn Merteuil to do any of it.

Everyone in Manchester loved her and she intended to keep it that way.

Looking at the silver watch, she noted the time, it was almost ten-thirty, just as she was about to remark that to their host, she saw two figures walking toward them and she smiled.

Sebastian had been charming his aunt all morning, telling her all about school, most of them made up, he hadn’t really paid attention to any of his classes, the only his saving grace was his above average intelligence, otherwise there was no hope for him, he could usually get through classes without paying any of them too much attention, he had better things to do.

Stealing glances toward his step-sister, he was a little surprised that Kathryn decided to come along, seeing how she didn’t really like the country, well, no more than he did, and she didn’t seem to care about his proposal from earlier, she still would not accept his bet, even when he tried throwing his prize Jag into it.

When she was waiting for him with a cup of coffee, reading the magazine when he left his room this morning he couldn’t help but checked her out, she was dressed, not in her usual black, but in soft blue sundress with flower prints, her normal stiletto heels were exchanged for white open toe heels her hair was down, the rich brown brushed her shoulders. Even her make-up was light.

In short, she looked amazing.

Then he thought about, he didn’t know she owned something like that, something in soft color. Normally the small brunette’s clothing had always been sophisticate, in dark color, it was almost as if it had been less about clothing, and more about shape, they all flattered her figure and showed it off to its full advantage.

And it worked.

He stole another quick glance and noticed that she was looking toward the house, and he followed her eye. Walking toward them was one of his aunt’s butlers, and right behind was a brunette. He didn’t need to guess to know who it was. He looked back at Kathryn and noticed a smile on her lips, a smile warmer than any he had ever seen, and he felt flushed, in her emerald green eyes he saw twinkles, the ones that appeared whenever she was pleased with something.

But there was no one else here, no one that she should be too happy seeing anyway. Something inside his head started to moved, a small piece of a puzzle, but he was still confused. Faith was closer now, her stride was quick, but no hurry, she was taking her time, not caring that there were people waiting for her. Her dark eyes were hidden behind a pair of sporty looking sunglasses, the lenses were fiery red.

What she was wearing though, surprised him. He had expected her to be in dress of some sort, or some pants suit even, that seemed to be what people in their society wear, regardless of the fact that they were still teenager. Even Sebastian himself was wearing his dark suit. Faith was dressed in black cargo pants, black graphic baby-T, her dark chestnut hair loose, the strands seemed to be twisted together, a bit like dreadlocks.

From beside him his aunt Helen smiled and said to him in a low voice that she seemed like a lovely girl, but made no comment of her outfit. Helen Rosemond was a bit on the eccentric side, everyone knew this, she preferred her time at the estate with her horses, and occasional tea party that she held, other than that, the only thing that she seemed to do anymore was the charities and hidden out here. She was a sweet old lady whom loved her only nephew dearly, and pretty much do what he asked.

“Good morning,” she greeted his aunt sweetly, taking her sunglasses off and tucked them on the collar of her shirt. “I’m Faith.” She offered a hand to the old lady. “It’s a nice place you have here.”

“Hello, I’m Mrs. Rosemond and thank you, the house’s been in my family for over a hundred years.” She said proudly. “And you probably knew Kathryn and Sebastian already.” She said brightly to the girl, seemingly delighted for her company.

“Yes.” Then she turned to Sebastian giving him a nod, and a soft hello to Kathryn, whom returned it coolly.

“Well, then have a seat.” Helen Rosemond gestured at the only empty seat at the round table, putting her next to Kathryn, and Faith had no complaint.

“So, how do you like Manchester so far? Do you do any extra curricular activities after school?”

Faith blinked, once. Then she grinned, a patent grin that Kathryn had seen before, the one that seemed to come up often, and even though the questions seemed too quick and even a bit odd to start a conversation with, the taller brunette didn’t seem to be bothered by it.

“It’s a nice school, but I still miss my old school back in Andover, I’m making friends, so it’s not as bad.” She winked at the smaller girl beside her at this as she leaned back and let one of the maids placed a plate of pastry and a cup of tea she had asked for in front of her. “I don’t do any extra curricular activity with school, but I train four to five times a week under Sensei Gary.”

Kathryn smiled and took a sip of her coffee, her eyes alternated between her step-sibling and her love interest.

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The brunch had gone on smoothly, Sebastian turned up his charm to the fullest, and he was holding court on the conversation department while the rest of them listening, and interjecting on occasions, mostly it was Helen Rosemond. While Sebastian did his best to entertain them, Faith had been stealing glances at the girl next to her and Kathryn had been doing the same, both had amused look on their faces.

As soon as the meal was over, the table was cleared, carts of food had been wheeled away, their host excused herself, stating that there was something that she needed to attend to, and got up. Sebastian gave his aunt a kiss on the cheek and thanked her, while Faith stood up, gave a little bow as the older woman stepped away, she also gave a thank, with a big smile plastered on her face, trying hard not to let her contempt showed. She thought the old woman was nice, but there was really no reason why she should be here in the first place.

Helen Rosemond told them to stay longer and that Sebastian and Kathryn could show her around the estate if she would like, or they could go for a ride, Faith gave an appreciative sound for the offer and another big smile, finally the older woman walked away, the maid trailed behind her.

“What was that?” Kathryn asked with a small frown as soon as Mrs. Rosemond walked out of their earshot.

“What was what?” Faith asked, sitting down.

“You, standing.” The small beauty didn’t even try to make her question sound polite, Sebastian eyebrows shot up toward his hairline.

“Now, now sis…” he started, but Faith cut him off.

“Respect thing, dojo etiquette. Do it often enough it became habit.” She reached for the grape and popped one into her mouth. “You wouldn’t understand.” Then she flung a grape at her.

Kathryn moved out of the shot, she looked positively outrage, for a moment she looked as if she was going to pick up her coffee cup and chuck at the brunette next to her, but she didn’t, instead she settled on looking indignant. Apparently, Sebastian thought that she would retaliate as well, so he moved backward, out of the line of fire, and at the same time amazed at what his target was doing.

Faith looked completely unconcerned, and he felt the need to warn her of what Kathryn could do to her for that simple action; anyone else might see it as amusing, or annoying, but Kathryn Merteuil wasn’t anyone else, she reacted to most thing differently from other people, she would do something about this, after all, his step-sister was nothing if not vindictive.

“So, how about a tour?” He quickly said. “I’ll show you around the house and maybe we could do a little horse back riding.”

Faith gave Kathryn a big grin and then turned to Sebastian. “Sure, why not.” And she stood up, pulling the sunglasses out and put them on before turned toward the small brunette. “Are you coming, Princess?”

“Of course, I wouldn’t want you two children to get into trouble.”

“Well then,” Faith gave her an elaborate bow and offered a hand.

The tall boy watched the exchanged with some expectations; he expected his step-sister to stand up without taking the offered hand and turned her nose at the obvious flirting. He also expected some sort of come back for the grape flinging earlier.

To his surprise, neither happened. And suddenly he remembered the party at Spencer’s townhouse, and how they were side by side, how they ignored him together. He was starting to see something here, but dismissed it. He had never known Kathryn Merteuil to even look at another woman with interest, or rather with the interest in the positive kind, only the negative, when she looked at another woman, it was to plan an attack, to use them, befriend and destroy, that was how she worked, so it was completely impossible that she would ever flirt with Faith Spencer.

Never happened.

Then it dawned on him that maybe this was what it was about. Befriend and destroy, just as she had done countless time before. What he couldn’t figure was what it was that would motivate her, usually it was something the other girl had that Kathryn wanted, boyfriend, positions, reputation, something, but he couldn’t really see it here. Faith Spencer clearly associate with different group of people, she was new to Manchester, so there was no position that she could hold to be of interest of his step-sibling, she had no boyfriend to speak of, not one that he knew of, so if she it, whoever it was would definitely not be around here, and if so, then Kathryn wouldn’t be interested in that either.

What the fuck, it was bothering him now.

Then it occurred to him that, even though Kathryn wouldn’t be interested in a woman, it probably wasn’t beyond her to sleep with them to get what she wanted, then he could understand why she would turn down the wager that he was trying to make with her, even when he put his car up as a payment if he lose. Well, then, whatever it was that she wanted he was going to do his best to see that she had a hard time getting.

It was for nothing more than the satisfaction of doing something that would mess up her perfect world.

Faith let the playboy walked ahead of her, letting him play the tour guide that he seemed so eager in being. She smirked as the smaller brunette matched her stride, instead of walking ahead of her, now she walked beside her. She felt Kathryn came closer to her, their hands brushed and Faith grasped the smaller one, gave it a brief squeeze then let go. And Kathryn brushed up against her again, Faith turned to her, a tiny smile on her lips.

Kathryn looked beautiful today, well, she always did look beautiful, but today it was a bit different, to see her in soft blue sundress, white open toe heels, her hair down, framing her gorgeous face with rich brown strands. There was barely a stitch of make up on her; the tiny chain around her neck was probably the only thing that didn’t change.

“I’ll get you back for that grape.” Queen Kathryn murmured softly, it was only loud enough for her to hear.

The taller brunette grinned widely. “Oh, really?” She returned with a lift of her brow.

“What?” Sebastian asked from ahead of them.

Faith pressed her lips together, she had completely forgotten about her ‘guide.’ “Nothing,” she told him. “Just wondering if it’d be all right to go riding now and skip the whole touring thing.”

“Um… sure come on.” Sebastian smiled at her and led the way.

“I can’t really ride in this.” Kathryn muttered under her breath loud enough for them to hear, though she mostly directed it at the taller brunette.

“Well, you don’t really have to ride with us, Kathryn.” Sebastian started. “You can just sit at the terrace and have a cocktail.” He gave her a wide smile, teeth and all.

The tall brunette watched Kathryn huffed slightly at her step-brother’s response and with several quick strides she caught up with him and got in his face.

“Don’t even think about it, Sebastian.” She hissed.

“Whatever are you talking about, sis?” He replied, a lazy smile on his face, he thought he had caught on to her and he was quite pleased. Then he turned his attention to Faith and waved her to follow him, and started walking off toward the stable. “Besides, she’s a free game.”

“What was that about?” Faith came up behind her and asked.

“Nothing.” Kathryn nearly snapped.

“We don’t have to go riding,” Faith told the small brunette, “I don’t really care anyway.” She shrugged lightly. “With him, might turn out to be wicked boring.”

“No, go ride.” Then she gave her a small, if a bit strained smile.

-----------------------------------------------------------

After an hour or so of riding and being chased by Sebastian Valmont, Faith was bored. She had her filled of horse back riding for a while, especially one with some moron chasing after her all over the place. The unwanted attention was getting old fast, so as soon as she could, she stopped and dismounted, giving the rein over to the caretaker, she headed for the house, not caring if the playboy Valmont was following her.

She had already spotted Kathryn on the terrace when they rode by a few minutes before, so she headed that way. And she wasn’t disappointed; the small beauty was lounging in the chair with a cocktail in one hand, sunglasses and white wide brim hat, she took her by the hand and headed inside the building, cared not for the servant that was standing in waiting.

Faith said nothing, opening the door to the first room she came across; she pulled the small beauty in behind her.

“Faith, what?” Kathryn laughed.

And before she could say anything else she was silenced by a forceful kiss that left her breathless and speechless at the same time. Kathryn threw her arms around the taller brunette’s neck and pulled her down, their lips met again, and again, her hands tangled in the dark locks, while Faith’s were roaming down the smooth back and her tight ass, taking a firm grip, she lifted the tiny queen up and placed her on the desk nearby.

“Faith,” Kathryn murmured against her mouth, smiling.

Faith busily running one hand down the outside of her thigh then the inside of it, pushing the soft fabric up high, then she stroke her inner thigh gently. A soft sigh from Kathryn sounded sweet in her ear as she made her way higher, she let her thumb strayed over to the nearly transparent pair of white silk underwear, smiling.

“Think you just ruined your panties, Princess.” She murmured rubbing her thumb over her clit; the only thing prevented Kathryn to feel it fully was the fabric.

“Fuck the panties.” Kathryn hissed and reached down to grab the larger hand in her smaller one.

“Not yet,” Faith pulled away slightly a wicked smile on her face.

“Fuck me,” Kathryn pulled at her hand. “Faith.”

“Slow down, Princess.” She whispered, nibbling at her ear. “I’ll get there.”

“No,” the small beauty whimpered. “Faith, now, I need you… now, Faith!”

Finally, Faith slipped her hand inside, ran her index finger pass her clit, then down and touched just the entrance, teasing, as she circle lightly before come up to rub the sensitive flesh, giving her enough pressure that she would make her feel good and gave her the release without ever penetrating her. It was just something she stopped herself from doing, in part to torture Kathryn a little, and another, she wanted to wait a little when they can actually throw down and seriously pay attention to what they were doing and not a quickie in someone else’s house. When she actually threw down the tiny brunette on the mattress and really take her, she wanted it to be in her own bed with everything she wanted within her reach.

So now she circled around the engorged bundle of nerve and rubbed against it in rhythm that make the small body quivered, and inched closer to the released that she had been waiting for, and Faith’s little Princess shifted her position and moved her hip forward to the edge of the desk that her knight in black placed her. Her breath came out in short gasps and pants, fingernails dug into the skin of her neck and shoulder, leaving marks, but she didn’t care. And Faith didn’t care.

“Just a little…” She groaned. “More… I… I’m almost… Oh God.”

Faith smiled when she heard Kathryn groaned, and the way she tried to bite back her cry. “Come for me, Princess.” Whispering into the delicate shell of her ear, then turned to captured her lips in a kiss, swallowing the cry from the small beauty.

Kathryn squeezed her eyes shut tight, fireworks exploded behind her eyelids as her orgasm hit her. This was far from the first sexual encounter for her, but it was intense, the truth was, just about everytime that Faith touched her this way it was intense, the fact that they didn’t even really get down to sex made it very strange for her. And she couldn’t wait for them to get to that point, which was another surprising factor, the fact that they had yet to get down and dirty, instead of all these quickies that had been doing.

“Oh God, I’m… Faith, I’m… right there… Oh God….”

“I got you, Princess, it’s ok,” Faith told her, kissing her mouth and her cheeks. “It’s ok, baby.”

She felt the hand stilled and her entire body relaxed against the strong hold Faith had on her, shivering slightly she let out a shaky breath. Eyes still close, she felt a finger brushed against her lips and she parted them, letting her knight slip the tip of the digit that had been giving her pleasure inside, and Kathryn proceeded to clean the stickiness off of it, tasting herself as Faith kissed the corner of her mouth, loved the feel of velvety tongue on her fingertip.

“I still can’t get over how hard you make me cum just by doing this.” The tiny brunette said quietly afterward.

“I aim to please.”

They stayed quiet for a moment, neither said anything for a while, till Kathryn gathered herself and Faith let her slid off of the desktop and fixed herself as best she could.

“Think Sebastian’s probably looking for you.”

“I was about to ask, what’s up with the damn flirting?” Faith rolled her eyes. “Do I have to throw him into the wall everytime for him to leave me alone? And wouldn’t he be looking for both of us, instead of just me?”

“Oh, he won’t care where I went, but he’ll be looking for you.”

“Whatever, he should use some of the money in his trust fund to buy himself a clue.” The taller brunette quipped. And Kathryn gave a laugh as they made their way out of the room that they had been occupying.

“There you are.”

Two heads turned to see a tall teenager in a dark suit walking quickly toward him. Faith resisted the urge to roll her eyes and Kathryn said something under her breath, with voice so low that even Faith couldn’t hear her, but could guess that it was probably some colorful choice of cursing.

“I’ve been looking all over for you…” He trailed off and looked at his step-sister. “Guys.” He finished, giving a grin that he thought was charming.

It was the truth, after Faith ran from him, he had been walking all over the house looking for her, he noticed that the table had been set up on the terrace, and since his aunt was busy with her usual charity he assumed it was for his step-sibling, but she was no where in sight, however, he had no interest in knowing where she was. His attention was solely on the Spencer girl. She clearly did not care for his company, only meant that he would have to work harder, and maybe give her a little space, so she wouldn’t feel threatened.

From the look of how she could throw him across the room, he thought that he should be the one that felt threatened by her and not the other way around. At that moment he decided that he was going to back off a little, but he was going to try to get Kathryn away from her whenever he could. Something he didn’t see as a problem, as far as he knew, the queen did not hang out with her, because if she did, he would’ve known about it. So, it shouldn’t be too hard.

He had warned her about Kathryn, well, not how much of a manipulative and vindictive she could be, he could never just betray her confident just like that, but he had told her that throwing grape at her wasn’t a very good idea, hinting at how some might see it as playful gesture, his step-sister wasn’t just anyone, that she didn’t react the same way as most people, and all he got for his trouble was a rich laughter from the brunette, she was completely unconcerned.

“It’s a big place, and I was afraid you might be lost.” He told her, letting concern colored his voice. In the mean time his eye asset the image before him, he noticed that Kathryn seemed a bit flushed, like she had been doing something that required some exertion. Had she brought someone he would’ve thought that she left to have a little bit of afternoon fun in one of the rooms. But as it was, there was only Faith, and he didn’t think they got that far yet, if Faith was into that.

“Well, I’m leaving right now anyway. I have other things to attend to. So, you need not worry.” Faith shrugged, and then turned to Kathryn who was glaring dagger at the boy. “You said you want a ride back right?”

Kathryn was startled, but she didn’t let it show, instead she gave Faith a smile and a nod in confirmation.

“You’re going home with her?” Sebastian exclaimed. “You came with me, and I’m about to leave, too, so why would you need a ride?”

“Hey, it’s five by five, I’ll drop her off safe and sound, and I think your aunt wanted to see you, so if you could thank her for her hospitality for me, I’d appreciate it, thanks.” Faith started to walk away, and the smaller brunette turned to give him a sweet smile, “see you at home, ‘Bastian.”

With that, they walked away, leaving Sebastian feeling like he had just been run over, his brain muddled with responses that he couldn’t pull out fast enough for the entire exchange. “Fuck,” he muttered to himself and decided to go look for his aunt and see what she wanted, after all he had been the only that asked her to set this little brunch up, and it wouldn’t do if he just leave without saying goodbye, if for nothing else but appearance sake.

“What the hell is five by five?”

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Faith drove in silent for a little while, the music was playing, not as loud as it was when she arrived, but it was enough that they would have to shout over the music and sound of the wind that pass them, as soon as they cleared the front gate, Faith lower the volume of the music then glanced at Kathryn, who seemed to be quite content right now. There was a soft smile on her beautiful face and Faith couldn’t help but smile with her.

“You didn’t answer my question.” She started.

“What question?” Kathryn returned; looking at her, her eyebrows raised high over her dark sunglasses.

“When I asked what it was with your step-brother, I mean, did he not learn how to take hint?”

“He’s on a mission.” Kathryn replied shortly, not wanting to tell the taller brunette much, actually she didn’t know if she could explain it, so she opted not to try.

“What mission?” Faith asked, “and don’t tell me that it’s me, cause then I will have to seriously kick his ass in. And trust me, it won’t be pretty.”

“Then I’m afraid you’re going to have to kick his ass in.” The small beauty smirked.

Faith laughed, thinking that if it came to that then she was going to enjoy kicking the boy’s ass into the next century. She hated when people didn’t get the hint, it annoyed her, and when it annoyed her enough she was going to have to tell them to back off, verbally or otherwise, and since Sebastian Valmont didn’t seem to be getting the hint any other way, she might just try violent.

“So, are you going to drop me off at home like you said?”

“Who said anything about dropping anyone off at home?” Faith leered. “I don’t want to be answering mother’s questions and I’m thinking you probably don’t want to go home and face that annoying little boy either.”

Kathryn smirked. “Just because you drop me off at home, doesn’t mean I will stay home.”

“Fair enough, but how about just stay out, what would you like to do this afternoon, Princess?” Faith smiled at her courteously, taking her small, soft hand and kissed the knuckles.

Charmed, Kathryn Merteuil smile wider, couldn’t remember the last time anyone asked what she wanted, at least not the way Faith was asking her now. She could tell that there was no ulterior motive. There was no price to pay after the afternoon of fun. No one she had ever dated would do things for her, just because, they wanted something from her in the end, something that required her on her back.

With Faith everything just was, if she said they were going to just hang out, then that was what they would be doing, not that she was complaining, it wad certainly refreshing, but at the same time she wanted to just get to business already, she didn’t know how long she would be able to handle just the heavy petting, certainly they could move up now.

It was about control, with everyone else, sex was just that, a tool to control others, mostly male and some female, but here and now it wasn’t. Faith couldn’t be controlled; it didn’t take her long to figure that one out, but she didn’t need to control her.

She really did not feel the need.

“Let’s go shopping.” Kathryn purred, leaning closer to Faith who was keeping an eye on the road and then on her passenger.

“Sure, Princess.”

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“Kathryn.” Faith moaned from where she sat, in one of the overstuffed chairs waiting for the small beauty to try on dresses, and she was starting to have a second thought about ever going shopping with her ever again. She was bored out of her mind, this was a familiar scene, from the time that her mother would drag her out for shopping, that up until she learned to say a firm no to the woman.

As for herself, she would get in, get what she wanted and then out as soon as the item had been paid for, there was no other way to shop, she just never could understand why it took so long to pick out stuff, let alone this long to try them on and see how they looked, like Kathryn was doing right now. Granted she was here to indulge her girlfriend, but there was a thin line between indulging her and letting herself be tortured.

Gave an exaggeratedly loud sigh, Faith slumped back against the chair even more. This wasn’t how she planned her Saturday afternoon. Again the sale clerk walked back to where she sat, looking to see if she could suck up some more to Miss Merteuil and gave Faith a curious look, as if to ask what someone that dressed like she did doing in a place like this with someone like Kathryn Merteuil.

Faith rolled her eyes and called again. “Come on, Kathryn.” If she had to wait this long then she could at least get to see what was the fuzz was all about instead of sitting out and twirled her thumb.

Before she could say anything else, the girl inside poked her head out of the dressing room. “Stop.” She told Faith with a small frown.

“You’ve been in there for wicked long; tell me you pick a dress, already.”

“Faith,” Kathryn uttered with a sigh.

“What?”

“You’re whining.”

“I’m not.” And now Faith was pouting, too.

“Don’t you know how to shop?” She questioned with just a glint of teasing in here green eyes.

“I know how to shop,” Faith retorted.

The small beauty chuckled softly and crooked her finger, telling Faith to come to her. The dark beauty made a show of rolling her eyes but got up and went over anyway, then a small hand grabbed hers and pulled her inside the room. She dragged the taller girl over and sat her down on the leather chair in the corner of the dressing room. Dressing room, despite what it was called, had the size that was easily bigger than most people’s bathroom, several chairs were set inside, the walls were all mirror, so the customer could see how they look.

Faith could see several dresses hung over one of the chairs, including Kathryn’s sundress. The small beauty herself was in only her underwear. She came over and straddled her lap, “you’re whining, and now you’re pouting.” She kissed her. “Now, you’re going to tell me if I look good in this.” She broke away and picked up one of the dresses that had yet to be tried on.

Faith watched as her girl slipped on the dress, ready to give her whatever compliment that would get them out of there the fastest. As soon as the dress was on and adjust, queen Kathryn twirled around a few times, making sure that the taller brunette had seen her from every angled then she went over to her and sat on her lap.

“So, what do you think?” Her voice was low and seductive.

“Beautiful.” Faith breathed and nibbled her ear. Her hands roamed downward, rubbing small circles down the tiny brunette’s lower back and to her tight behind, listening to the laughter and felt it vibrate against her lips where she had been kissing. “And I like how it feels, too.”

But before they could go any further, the door to the dressing room open and the clerk from up front walked in with a load of dresses in her arms. “Miss. Merteuil, I thought maybe you’d like to try these on…” She trailed off as she looked up and noticed that her customer was rather occupied at the moment.

“Thank you Alicia, if you don’t mind we’re in the middle of something, as you can see.” Kathryn spoke coldly, her green eyes flashed, she made no move to change the position that she was in, her hands were still rested on Faith’s shoulder, and Faith’s were still on her ass. “You can put those down and leave now, I’ll call if I need something.”

Face flushed bright red, the clerk stammered her apologies and back out of the room as fast as she could, nearly tripped on her own feet and close the door.

Faith’s shoulders shook with laughter after she got over the initial shock of having someone walked in on them. Then the tiny brunette slapped her shoulder once and got up and off of her lap. Quickly she protested by grabbing on to her waist and pulled her back.

“Hey, where are you going?” Faith asked, an amused smile still on her face.

“Changing,” Kathryn pulled herself away completely and headed for the piled of dresses that had just been deposit by the girl.

“Do they always do that? I mean don’t they knock, just barged in like that and get an eyeful. I don’t think I like you shopping here too often.”

“Jealous?”

“Of course,” Faith smirked. “I have no desire for someone to walk in on my girl while she’s walking around in nothing but her underwear.”

“So I am your girl.” Kathryn gave her a grin then turned back to pick up one of the outfits and examined the fabric.

Faith got up from where she was sitting and with two quick strides she had the smaller brunette in her arms. “You’re my girl,” she told her seriously. “Why would I ever spend time with you otherwise? I certainly can do without the whole prissiness and all that. Shopping is wicked boring, I can never understand why it takes people so long to pick something out, it either fits or doesn’t. But you’re my girl and you wanted to shop, then we shop.” The taller brunette internally groaned and told herself to shut up, felt like she should just slap herself silly for saying things like that, she sounded like a sap.

“Good to know.” Kathryn leaned back, holding the dress up to herself and looking at the reflection, pretended to pay no attention to what Faith was telling her whatsoever. “I like this one.”

Faith just rolled her eyes and told her to try it on, then she stepped away so the queen could slip on the dress but she was stopped by a hand on her arm. She was surprised when the tiny beauty spun around and gave her a quick kiss on her lips. “You’re my girl.” She told her with a predatory grin. “Now go sit.”

And Faith did, for the next twenty minutes there were dresses, kisses and caresses before queen Kathryn was satisfied and they left the dressing room with only one dress out of countless ones to be paid for.

“Can’t believe you only pick one out of all of those.” Faith groaned pulling out her credit card from her wallet. “I mean, we spent almost an hour in there, and you only get one.”

“I can go back and get some other ones you know.” Kathryn tilted her head to the side and gave a sweet smile. “I mean there were a few I wanted to try on for a second look.” She gestured at the changing room where the rest of the dresses still resided.

“Oh, hell no.” Faith protested quickly placing her card down and the dress to be ring up. “I’m not spending another hour in here.”

The clerk eyed them curiously, she had seen Kathryn Merteuil before, many times and knew who she was, knew her by reputation, she couldn’t remember her ever come with anyone before, let alone another girl. And the way they she found them in the dressing room, she figure they weren’t just normal friends, besides the other brunette didn’t seem to fit what the prissy girl would have as friend. Besides this –she looked down at the platinum card in her hand—Faith Spencer, was the one paying for the dress that was clearly for the prissy prep school queen.

She rang up the purchase and handed the card back with the receipt, Faith paid the merest attention to it while she scripted down a quick signature, still talking to the queen. She handed over the bag with the item and watched them walked out of the store, still chatting.

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“Wicked.” Faith exclaimed as she stepped through the threshold after the small brunette, and closed the door behind her. She turned and surveyed the room, this was the first time she actually entered the room. Kathryn’s bedroom. The previous time the tiny beauty usually ready for her when she came and pick her up and so she never really walked pass the sitting room of the Valmont’s house. And a lot of time she never really entered the townhouse.

The walls were painted dark blue with gold trim, Faith could see glass everywhere, objects were either crystals or silver in color, it was like ice. She looked over to the bed which was set in an alcove with sheer gold curtains, which were tied to the side at the moment, she couldn’t really see beyond the curtains but assumed that the bed was probably covered with something dark, and there was probably more pillows than needed, it was just something that her tiny beauty would have, unlike Faith who liked her bed uncluttered.

Kathryn was already settled on the couch, that too was gold in color, the upholstery was silk, settle back, the small beauty crossed her legs and threw an arm over the back rest, looking at her guest still standing in the middle of the room, head turned this and that way, surveying the surrounding.

“Ice princess.” Faith said with a chuckle. “The room suits you.”

“Why, thank you.” Kathryn replied sarcastically. “Are you done?”

“Almost.” The taller brunette replied, unconcerned with the fact that the tiny queen was throwing a dark look her way. “It’s the first time I’ve ever been in your room after all, I better look around, who knows when I’m going to get another chance.”

The tiny queen rolled her eyes at the statement, she wasn’t exactly all that particular about who coming into her bedroom, god knows Sebastian liked to barge in enough time already, whether she wanted him to or not, and she also did the same to him, mostly because it would piss him off. While her barging into his room pissed him off, his doing the same thing only annoyed and inconvenient her, especially when she was entertaining, but most of the time she acted like she didn’t notice it, and that frustrated him, more than he liked to admit. The boy just never learned.

She really didn’t have any reason why Faith had never been in her room before, except they never really spend time in her townhouse, they were always out doing things and mostly they were over at Faith’s. Away from her step-brother’s annoying presence.

Faith looked over to the smaller girl, smirked at the way she seated and how regal she looked in her own element. Then she remembered the bag that she was carrying still and she walked over and dropped it on the queen’s lap, causing Kathryn to jump slightly. She wasn’t expecting it, she thought Faith was just going to drop it on the floor and sit down instead. Then she felt the cushion gave and Faith was beside her.

“So, what are you planning for whatever left of the weekend?”

“Um… I think I’ll spend it with this hot brunette.” Kathryn murmured as Faith leaned close, she dropped the bag onto the floor beside the couch then reached out and pulled the taller brunette’s face closer, she wrapped both her arms around her neck, feeling hands on her hip, the hem of her dress was pushed up and Kathryn found herself straddled Faith yet again.

“Yeah?”

“Uh-huh, she has this hot little car and she took me on the back of her bike once.” The petite brunette replied in sing-song voice, as she brought her face closer, their noses brushing.

“Do I know her?” Faith asked in mocked outrage tone.

“Um…” Their lips met. “You might.”

Their lips met again and again, neither held their hands still, both roaming over each other with their hands, and occasionally Faith would slipped her hands underneath the hem of the dress and pushed it up high enough that she could touch soft skin on the back.

A sudden knock on the door broke them apart.

“Kathryn,” A muffled sound came through.

“Fuck,” Kathryn muttered darkly and slid off of Faith’s lap. “It’s my mother.”

Faith nodded as she straightened herself while the tiny queen did the same, they fixed themselves quickly, as the small beauty called out to her mother. “Yes, mother.”

The door crack open just when they were ready, and not a minute too soon. Faith watched as the tiny brunette stood straight with her head held high, her shoulders stiffened, like she was expecting something unpleasant. Mrs. Valmont poked her head inside then stepped through.

“When did you come back, I thought you were spending the day out in the country.” She asked, her tone bored, her eyes cold as she inspected her only daughter, the scrutiny didn’t escape anyone, least of all Kathryn herself. “I haven’t seen you dress like that,” she gestured at the blue sundress with her well manicured fingers. “Since you were… Oh I don’t even remember.” Her voice was light, but there was something else in her eyes.

Then she turned, as if she noticed for the first time that there was someone else in the room. “And who is your guest?” Her eyes ranked over the darkly dressed Faith, who was sitting very still, patiently waiting the inspection to be over. She didn’t really like the way she was being looked at by this woman, she was willing to bet that had she dressed in Armani suit, the woman probably gave a better respond than this, but not by much.

Kathryn had noticed the way her mother gave the dark beauty a once over and she felt anger, she knew the woman, she knew what Tiffani Merteuil was thinking and she didn’t like it. It wasn’t the first time and probably would not be the last, not by a long shot, she had seen it and heard it every time she brought someone home, none could ever match up to her mother’s standard.

“Hello,” Faith unfolded herself from the couch and went over, her hand out stretched. “Faith Spencer, I believed we’ve met at my parent’s party.” The taller brunette introduced herself, knowing that she would need to pull out her family name for this woman to stop looking down at her.

“Oh, you’re Richard Spencer’s daughter.” She laughed, her voice high, and Faith cringed, she felt like sticking some cotton balls in her ears. “I didn’t know you and Kathryn were close. Well, good to see you again.”

“Likewise.” Inclining her head a bit as they shook hand and stepped away from each other as soon as it was over.

Then she turned to her daughter. “Now, Kathryn, you have a party to attend to tomorrow night with Edward and I, I want you to be ready by seven. And I want you to dress appropriately.”

“When am I not, mother?” Kathryn asked, her voice still, showed nothing, like she would answer some stranger, her expression closed.

“Of course, Kathryn.” With that Tiffani Merteuil-Valmont left the room.

“I felt the room’s temperature dropped a few degrees.” The taller of the two commented dryly after the door close.

“Yes, that’s the effect my mother has on places.” Kathryn pressed her lips firmly together forming a thin line, she was frowning, her hands clenched tightly into fists. “She’s all about appearance, did you hear the way she comment the dress?”

The tiny queen was getting upset and Faith quickly pulled her close and guided her over to the couch. “Princess.” She spoke softly in her ear.

“She didn’t have to say it, I know what she was thinking, nothing was ever good enough, I was never good enough, why can’t she just leave me alone.” It started to pour out. “She would’ve try to put you down, too, would’ve made some comment about you and your clothes, the way you dressed.” She said bitterly. “But you’re Faith Spencer; that made you good enough to be here, you have money. So, she didn’t do it in front of you, she’ll keep that for later.”

Faith didn’t really know what to do, she was never good at comforting anyone, and being in the situation like this usually left her feeling awkward and made her want to get out as soon as possible. But not now, the thought of getting up and leave didn’t cross her mind. Still, she didn’t really know what to do, so she did the only thing she could think of, she pulled the tiny figure onto her lap and held her while listen.

“I haven’t even seen her all week and the first thing she worried about was how I should dress for that fucking party that I don’t even care about. That’s all she cares about, how I look to other people, as long as I look perfect, have perfect reputation, perfect grade in good school, she doesn’t give a flying fuck what I do to get there.”

“Shh…” Faith whispered in her ear. “Don’t pay attention to her, Princess.” And she watched helplessly as the ranting gave way to tears.

Just in the back of her mind, the part that was detached to the entire experience of Kathryn Merteuil was wondering how she got there, never once break down in front of anyone she wasn’t the type to cry over what her mother said. She should’ve gotten used to the way she was being picked apart at everything she did by her own mother, her worse critic. She felt a little panic rising up as well, panicking over the way she broke down in front of Faith, all because her mother’s words, and it wasn’t even the worse that had ever been thrown at her.

Faith was holding her tightly, hand stroking her back and hair, while Kathryn buried her face at the crook of her neck, the ranting stop, but the tears continued to flow, dampening the fabric underneath her cheek. For a while they stayed that way, then the tears stopped, the taller brunette felt the body went limp in her arms, breathing in her ear even out and she knew that the tiny queen fell asleep.

Then she wondered how in the hell did their afternoon that started out so nice turn into this.

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“And she just blew me off, like that!”

“Tell me again, who are you talking about?” Blain Tuttle leaned back in his chair, watching his friend pacing back and fort, Sebastian arrived several hours ago, just showed up on his door step, lucky that he didn’t really have company or anything planned for the afternoon, otherwise he would have to kick him out.

“Kathryn,” Sebastian shouted.

“All right,” Blain held up both hands, “no need to shout, I can hear you just fine.”

Sebastian had been his friend for a long time, but he had been Kathryn’s friend for longer, and both were his clients, they came to him when they needed something, whether it would be information or drugs just to light up their day. And he was more than happy to provide, anything at all. Right now though, he was getting annoyed at the way Valmont was going on and on about some girl and Kathryn, and at time he couldn’t tell which one he was talking about.

Yes, he had heard about Faith Spencer, who hadn’t. She was new in town after all, moved from Boston, the family was wealthy, and all the social lights were talking about the Spencer, mostly it was Mrs. Spencer, nothing new there. Though, most of the daughters and sons of the rich and the powerful would be out, lighting up the town everynight, Kathryn and Sebastian were no exception, he had expected Faith to be doing rounds, but so far she had yet to appear.

Maybe on his next party he would invite her.

Speaking of lighting up the town, he hadn’t seen Kathryn in parties lately. He spoke to her, of course, and she was being her usual bitchy self, the Kathryn Merteuil that he had known for years, but strangely enough, she hadn’t mentioned any boy toys lately.

“And she just laughed, completely unconcerned, and here I was trying to tell her that mess with Kathryn was a bad idea. I mean she’s just…”

“What did she do again?”

“She fucking flung a grape at Kathryn, called her princess and everything.” Sebastian threw his hands up.

“What did Kathryn do, I mean she hated when people called her anything but her proper name, she’s got to be planning to destroy her for that.” Blain commented with a curious lift of his eyebrows.

“She did absolutely nothing. She just looked at her, and it wasn’t the look she usually gave people, it was just looking, I swear the bitch even smiled when Spencer showed up. I didn’t know hell frozen over already. Fucking Kathryn Merteuil smiled because someone else showed up.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah, wow, and Faith wanted to go riding and then the ice princess went on about how she couldn’t ride in her dress and all that. I still couldn’t figure out why the fuck she wanted to ride, oh and get this, she warned me not to do anything with the new girl. I mean, come on, if I didn’t know better I would think she’s jealous.”

“Jealous of whom?”

This was interesting, there was no one that knew the real Kathryn Merteuil, except himself and Sebastian, and he could say for a certain that in some aspect, he knew Kathryn better than Sebastian, and he knew that mostly it was because there was no hold between them, Kathryn had a hold on her step-brother, the kind that would make people think twice about their unhealthy relationship. Sebastian would’ve denied this till his last breath, but it was true.

Kathryn was the girl he could never have, and so it drove him crazy, to know that he could never have her, but he was at her service if she ever wanted.

For someone with ego the size that Sebastian Valmont had, it would certainly be a hard one to swallow.

“Then she went and rode back with Spencer, I mean, come on. I already went home and guess what she didn’t even come back.” He was ignoring his friend’s question. He didn’t really want to think about it, it was true, had he not knew better he would’ve thought that his step-sister was jealous of him. He could’ve sworn that he heard Faith offered not to go ride, but then he couldn’t be sure, all he knew was that Kathryn definitely told her that it was all right and go ride.

“Blain, did she tell you anything?” Suddenly he asked, turning around to face him.

Blain separated his merchandise carefully from its pile and weight it, not answering.

“Come on, you know something, don’t you.”

“You know, Valmont, even if I know something I still can’t tell you.”

“You mean, you do know something.” The playboy persisted.

“Nope, not a thing, sorry, man.”

“All right, what is this going to cost?” The playboy reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet, realizing that he should’ve done this in the first place. He should’ve come to his oldest friend and get the information from him. It would cost, a lot, but then Blain had always been reliable source of information and what he did not know he could always find out.

And right now he didn’t care how much it was going to cost him if he could get a little edge on his step-sister and the ever so elusive Faith Spencer.

“Nothing,” Blain rolled his eyes. “Because I have nothing to sell to you, Valmont. And why are you getting your panties into a twist over what Kathryn’s doing or not doing.” Pushing himself away from the desk, he turned to face the still standing playboy. The Sebastian he knew would’ve played it cool and not be this anxious, but then he usually go after the normal society girls who had looks, but not brain, the type of girl that would flop on their backs once he promised his sweet nothing to them.

“Who she’s doing, you mean?”

“Well, that too. But really, I don’t have anything to tell you, and why such interest in this new girl anyway, I mean there’s got to be those freshmen that would fall for your usual bullshit. Obsession over one girl might just slow down the use of your journal.”

“I made a bet with Kathryn.”

“Did you now?”

“Well, I tried, but she didn’t want to play, and said that she’d win so there’s no point at all in playing. And so I’m proving her wrong.”

“Sure, Valmont, keep telling yourself that.”

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It amazed her.

This amazed her.

After letting the tiny brunette cry on her shoulder till she fell asleep Faith had carried her over to the bed, it wasn’t what she imagined. She had pictured herself carried Kathryn to bed a time or two, but that certainly was more of a sexual nature and not because she cried herself out.

Actually, she never thought that she would ever see her cry, certainly not the ice princess. Too much of a control freak to ever let anything like that loose, she could tell that it was a rare thing, Kathryn Merteuil crying, and ever rarer, Kathryn Merteuil crying with an audience.

It was a task carrying her, not because she was heavy, in fact Kathryn was much too lithe to be healthy, but because of the way the bed was, the large king size bed was set into an alcove and the only way to get into it was from the foot of the bed, made it such a task that she had to carefully crawl up on her knees to get to where she could put her down the way she would be comfortable, pillows and all. But she did it.

And here she was lying down besides her, listening to the even breathing, watching the tears track on flushed cheeks, Kathryn looked young, as young as she should be. Without the mask and the carefully controlled emotions. Then something occurred to Faith to worry about the reaction from the smaller brunette after she woke up.

There were several things that went through her mind, but two stood out the most, one was positive, and one was well, not quite so positive.

It was entirely possible that the tiny queen would wake up and pretend that nothing had happened and they would go on with their lives, continued with the way they were going, and on the other hand, she might react badly to the way she broke down in front of someone, especially Faith. For someone like Kathryn Merteuil, who would see this as weakness and might try to bury it by pushing people away, and in this case it was Faith.

And knowing her like she did, she could guess which was more likely would be the case.

Second, not the first.

Fuck, I gotta do something before that happen. But what??

She knew that before anything else she would have to assure her that it was all right, after all she had seen it happened before. Not with her own friends but she had seen a few of the girls she knew been treat like they were nothing but a body and face, and for them to do exactly what they were told, though she had never seen the immediate effect before, not this up close, and not with someone she cared about.

Let out a long sigh, Faith turned her attention back to the sleeping girl, Kathryn looked so small like this, her porcelain skin glow against the dark blue sheets, reaching out with a finger, she traced the tracks that tears made on those cheeks. Wondering what it was that made the ice princess broke down, something that she probably could never ask, because Kathryn would never tell her.

Faith had seen the look in Tiffani Merteuil’s eyes, and she knew what that meant. The appraising look, to see if she was worthy of attention that was being granted to her, if her presence was dirtying the place up, if she had money to be associated with them. In truth, it was pissing her off, and she would’ve said something, but it was Kathryn’s mother and she didn’t want to make it so that she couldn’t step a foot into this place again.

She felt bad for the tiny brunette, she saw her reaction while the original ice queen was still in the room, in that short exchange, she could see so much, and with that came the understanding, she understood now the way that Kathryn had to be to live up to her mother’s demands, and everyone else. And now she knew why the tiny queen was such a bitch, and why her mask was so complete that no one knew to look underneath. Faith could never do it. Not that she would even considering being a puppet for anyone. She would soon gouge her eyes out with a rusty fork before that, and it would’ve been more entertaining anyway.

Resisted the urge to groan aloud Faith dropped her head down onto the pillow and wait.

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Resting her head on the back of the leather seat of her limo, Kathryn didn’t feel like going to school today, she didn’t even feel like waking up. Just one of those days that she wished she could stay in bed all day without any interruption and just sleep the day away.

Wish it was Friday already, she thought to herself as she spot a familiar building out of the corner of her eye.

But despite her wish otherwise it was only Wednesday, and the week hadn’t been all that pleasant. Oh, everyone, student body and faculty alike, still fell all over themselves to accommodate her and do what she told them to do, but she wasn’t feeling it. Didn’t really want to be around people, but she still had to put on the mask and keep going like it was just another day.

The party on Sunday night had been unbearable, to say the least. Kathryn could barely stand being in the room with that many people who had nothing better to do than talked about themselves and flaunted their possessions, gathering in one place for the show of their generosity. It was nauseating, she practically ran out as soon as she could.

Her mother was not happy about that.

But she had enough of playing nice and she said as much.

Tiffani Merteuil was a lot of things, but Kathryn did not think that her mother was ever intentionally being a bitch toward her, she just wasn’t much of a parental figure, and her critical nature did not help. Always had to be perfect to other’s eye, she drove her daughter hard to be just that, picking on every little thing, when it could be view by outsider as improper.

And she immediately remembered the event on Saturday afternoon.

Remembering how she woke up with the biggest headache she could ever remember having, even in comparison with all the hung over that she had after partying so hard that she passed out, and then as soon as her eyes focused she found a pair of dark browns looking at her with concern.

It was awkward.

Faith didn’t really say anything though, when she wanted the taller brunette to leave, she did, after kisses and embrace. Despite the embarrassment and awkwardness, the tiny beauty felt a sense of warmth that the girl didn’t just leave her on the sofa, instead, tucked her in and stayed there until she woke up. The dark beauty seemed to understand what she was feeling; even when she didn’t know it herself, and she made no comment about the whole episode, only a few well chosen words of reassurance before kissed her goodnight and left.

Still, Kathryn didn’t know if she should act as if nothing had happened, and just went on with life, or if she should deal with it, her indecision was the reason why she had not talked to the other girl even since that night. Faith had called, several times, but she chose not to talk to her. And so far she didn’t try to seek her out at school, even though it was probably the only place she could get her cornered.

The tiny brunette was lost in thought as she made her way into the building, she was pretty much on autopilot as she stopped at her own locker and got the books she needed for her classes. People started to gather around her and once again she felt suffocated, but had no choice but smiled at them and played nice. Even when she was screaming on the inside for them to leave her alone.

Then she saw Faith walking toward her own locker, the other girl looked good, with her wild chestnut locks tumbled down her shoulders, her backpack slung over one shoulder while one hand busily opening the locker. It was a familiar sight by now, she had seen it every morning ever since Faith started attending Manchester Prep.

Their eyes met and held for a moment, Faith’s dark eyes bore into her green ones. The taller brunette’s expression was unreadable, as they stared at each other, vaguely Kathryn could hear the conversation around her, part of it registered in her mind, but she thought none of it, she could tell that Faith wanted to approach her, and she wanted her to.

Then the queen of Manchester Prep looked away.

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It was seven thirty and Faith had just arrived home from the dojo, she carried a dark blue duffle bag over one shoulder while opening the door to her room with the other, the class had been good for her, there was a lot of thing that she needed to work out, and so far she had sweat a lot of it off, but it wasn’t really enough.

When did I get to be this much into worrying about one girl? She wondered, stepping into her room, the bag dropped next to the door unnoticed. She wanted a shower, her hair was plastered to her face and her tank top showed dark spot from sweat soaking through, still in her black, heavy gi bottom and sneakers, the dark beauty didn’t even bother changing when she was leaving, figure it would’ve to clean up anyway, why waste the time.

Just as she was heading for the bathroom her eyes strayed over to the phone and answering machine, she knew that there would be nothing there, but still, she was hoping that Kathryn would get over her funk and give her a call back.

No such luck.

Growling in frustration, Faith kicked at the nearest thing and pivoted on her heel before stalked out of the room. Slamming the door on her way out, she left a startled maids in her wake. In record time Faith made her way down to the workout room, the room itself had just been finished a week or so ago, and it had been a good place for her to vent out her frustration, better than the dojo, after all she was there to learn and train not beat the crap out of people because she was in the bad mood, though sometimes she’d love to.

As soon as she got to the room and turned on the light, Faith felt the satisfaction of seeing all her workout equipments set in just the way she liked it, she knew for a fact that the only other person that would ever use the room was her father, and he would be using the treadmill and weight machine and not the punching bag and even stray anywhere near the blue mat that she used when she could get someone to come over and sparred with her.

The room was hers.

Faith pulled her hair back into ponytail before wrapping her hands up and headed toward the heavy bag setting in the corner. With remote control she turned on the music and turned up the volume. Then she tossed it aside and started her round.

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Kathryn Merteuil stepped out of the town car as soon as the door being open for her, the door man gave her a smiled, he recognized her from her previous visits with the his boss’s daughter. Standing straight as soon as her head cleared the roof, Kathryn tucked at her coat while the door was being close behind her.

“Good evening, Miss Merteuil.”

She gave him a nod and asked. “Is Faith in?”

“Miss Spencer came back about thirty minutes ago, Miss.” He replied walking up ahead to open the front door for her.

The queen of Manchester Prep frowned at the answer, wondering if Faith already started looking for a new playmate, after all she hadn’t talked to her all week, due to what happened over the weekend. The truth of the matter was that she didn’t know what she should do, or how she should react after the initial reaction worn off. She felt embarrassed for breaking down in front of a girl she was just starting to get close to. And the other girl’s reaction confused her, she knew a lot of people that would use what they saw against her.

If anyone saw her as weak… she couldn’t even begin to imagine what that would do to her reputation. And if Sebastian knew about it, it would’ve been worse; he would use the information as leverage against her. He might not do it right now but he would sometime in the future and it would be when it was most damning and rest assured it would be something that hurt her the most.

After all, the boy actually had a brain to go with that devious mind of his.

At least he seemed to be backing off, for now. She knew him better than to expect him to leave it completely alone, besides Blain Tuttle, her dealer and her only friend had already warned her about his conversation with the playboy. Kathryn had known Blain for a lot longer than she had known Sebastian, he was her best friend, if she ever had any, and he was the one she turned to if she needed anything. The fact that the boy was gay also helped, there was no sex to clutter up their relationship or complicate it like it did with anyone else.

He was loyal to her.

And he reported to her about his conversation with Sebastian, not everything, she knew, but enough that she could guess the rest on her own. They were information that she would’ve come across later anyway, with or without his help.

Entering the foyer, the tiny brunette made her way over to the stairs, it was much easier than getting to the elevator, which located at the end of the hall, made the trip twice as long and the sound of it would warn Faith about her arrival. Something which she never could figure out.

Before she could take a step someone called out to her, and she swiftly turned on her heel to see one of the maids standing near the entrance to one of the back rooms. “Miss Spencer is in the workout room, Miss.”

Murmured her thank, Kathryn turned toward the room that she had only seen once and never really go inside.

Sure enough, as soon as she went near she could hear muffled sound of rock came through, considered how the room was built, she could just guess how loud the music inside actually was. Scrunching up her nose, she never understood her girlfriend’s need to have the music loud enough to be heard all the way to Connecticut.

Kathryn didn’t bother knocking on the door Faith would not have heard it anyway. The tiny brunette braced herself against the loud music that was blaring, her green eyes swept the room and found the object of her search in the corner beating the stuffing out of the heavy punching bag.

‘You make me hard when I’m all soft inside,
I see the truth when I’m all stupid eyed
The arrow goes straight to my heart
Without you everything just fall apart

My blood wants to say hello to you
My feelings want to get inside of you
My soul is so afraid to realize
Every little word is a lack of me

And I want you’

Her strikes seemed almost in sync with the beat of the music.

The bag was almost as tall as the brunette that was abusing it and probably several times heavier, Kathryn watched the other girl took a swing at it, hitting so hard that the bag swung back and fort on the chain before she shift and pivot on one foot, bringing up her leg for a roundhouse, her leg connected even before the bag came swung back toward her. The sweat beading her exposed neck and shoulder, even down her arms, her dark tank top was almost completely drenched in sweat.

‘You are the perfect drug, the perfect drug, the perfect drug
you are the perfect drug, the perfect drug, the perfect drug’

After watching another series of punches and kicks, the tiny queen went over slowly, she also knew better than to surprise the taller brunette, especially when she was all pumped up, she heard stories before and they weren’t pretty, the last thing she wanted from this little visit was a black eye.

With one finger, Kathryn pressed stop on the stereo and suddenly the entire room fell silent, one last thud of a punch echoed in the deafening silence.

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Faith had been absorbed in beating the bag that she barely notice the opening and closing of the door, she assumed it was either one of the maids or maybe her mother coming to tell her to turn down the music, and made a note to have her father get some people in to soundproof the room for her.

The Perfect Drug still blazing loud in the room, whoever that entered did not try to stop her from her activity, and she knew it was due to the fact that it would be bad for one’s health, severely bad. So, she continued to lash out, if she wasn’t directly interrupted then she wasn’t going to stop. She needed to unleash all her frustrations, otherwise she would end up doing something that she might regret later. Granted she probably be quite happy when she did it, but afterward she would regret it.

Just when the song ended the stereo was shut off, the room sudden plunged into silent and she pivoted around with one last spinning hook kick, the bag reared back with the impact and out of the corner of her eye, a small petite figure approached.

“Faith,” Kathryn started as she watched the taller brunette turned to face her. She couldn’t help but let her eyes roamed the fine muscles and the beads of sweats that covering in a light sheen over the silky skin. Even from where she was she could see the intricate play of each muscle as Faith started to strip off the wraps on her hand.

“Good evening, Kathryn.” The taller of the two greeted coolly.

Really, she had been trying to talk to her from the beginning of the week and it had been her source of frustration when the tiny brunette refused to even come to the phone, and now she didn’t really know if she should be angry, or happy that she was here.

So for now, she was going to just roll with it.

Faith stood where she was and let Kathryn come to her. The tiny brunette made her way over with a proud stride, like always, her head held high, back straight, arms swinging loosely at her sides, but there was something else in her expression, something other than her normal icy mask with false pleasantness she wore for everyone else’s benefit.

Instead the expression on Kathryn Merteuil’s face was that of apologetic and apprehension. Something that was completely new. Then she masked it with a curious look as if to buy her more time.

“Enough workout for today?” She eyed the damp shirt and hair that came loose of its binding and plastered on the sweaty skin.

“Not quite,” a shrug. “I needed something to lash out at.”

Kathryn was in front of her now, with the help of her heels, she was almost the same height as the other brunette, her black dress was elegant and expensive, her image refined, in contrast to Faith who stood there with the black gi bottom and black tank top that soaked through with her own sweat.

“Angry?” The tiny queen asked, her voice soft she looked up at her through her long lashes, her green eyes shining.

“You could say that.” Faith replied her eyes dark, unreadable.

“With me?” Kathryn questioned further, her voice small.

They were standing close, but careful not to touch each other and neither tried. There was silent for a few moments the question hung in the air, and the tiny brunette felt dread and she braced herself for the answer that probably wasn’t going to be pleasant. Then another part of her mind was asking her what she was doing here, why was the queen, the one everyone bowed to, grovel, like this. If Faith was angry, then let her be, she could always find someone else that asked no question, and leave when she told them to.

Since when did she become this, and why the hell did she not notice before?

Why in the hell did she even care if this girl in front of her never talked to her again, she had all these people falling all over themselves to be with her, why?

Finally Faith shook her head, the tendril of her dark hair stuck to her sweaty face and she watched the relief washed over the angelic face. “I’m frustrated with you.” She stated then tossed the wrapped down on the floor. “I’ve been trying to talk to you, Kathryn.”

The used of full name startled the tiny girl slightly, from the moment that she noticed there was something between them Faith had not used her full name, instead called her princess, even sometimes ‘my queen’ to annoy her, the usage of her name conveyed the frustration well.

“Well, I’m here now, aren’t I?” And with that she pouted, one of the weapons in her arsenal, the taller brunette had never been able to resist her, yet. But with her mood right now, she couldn’t really tell if it would work. She hoped it would.

Shit, Faith thought to herself, why did she have to go and pout? With a sigh, she said. “Yeah, it’s about time.” And she took her by the elbow and led her out of the small gym.

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Kathryn sat on the large mattress, her hand lightly brushed against the midnight blue comforter, waiting. Faith had gone to take her shower, after they talked. It wasn’t a long talk, not by any standard, it was more of an apology from the tiny brunette over the fact that she had been incommunicable for almost a week and the other girl graciously accepted without a mention of her breakdown, not once.

Kathryn let herself fall back onto the soft cushion, she realized that she felt better, far better than she had in the past week. Stressed level went down several notches after she talked to Faith, and she was glad that she didn’t really have to keep mask on around the other girl.

Her mother had asked if she and Faith were good friends now, since it would’ve been beneficial to them, business wise and for her mother social wise. It was just one of those things that she expected her mother to come up with, she was beyond surprised that the woman didn’t even try to pick on what her girlfriend was wearing that night, a dark cargo pants and baby-T. Something that she had always turned her nose upon seeing.

She supposed that it was because the new rich in town was more important than her mother originally thought and anything to do with them was all well and good. At least she didn’t have to listen to the criticism toward Faith, it would’ve been too much to add to her usual number. She would hate to have another breakdown.

Rolling her head to the side, she saw a phone lay on the floor; like it had been thrown there beside it was a dark blue duffle bag, the one Faith used for her gear: that too, had been thrown half hazard on the floor. Everything else in the room seemed untouched enough.

“Faith.” The tiny queen called out, noticing that it was taking a bit too long already, the shower was still running, and there was no answer. So, she slipped off her shoes and made her way toward the bathroom, noticing that it hadn’t been fully close, so she pushed the door open and went inside.

The room was filled with hot steam from the shower, Kathryn simply headed toward the shower stall, the frosted glass was fogged up so much that she could only see outline but barely. She watched for a moment the way Faith placed both her hands on the wall and leaned in underneath, the tiny brunette felt her breath catch and she slowly opening the glass door. At first the other girl didn’t seem to notice that someone else was watching. And Kathryn was given a few moments to just observe the other girl’s profile.

She watched the way Faith’s muscle flexed slightly as she leaned a bit forward underneath the steam of water, her dark hair curled in wet tendrils covered her face, down to her side, washboard stomach, the muscle in her back sleek down to her tight butt and shapely thigh, the muscle in her calf then the body shifted toward her.

“You’re getting wet, princess.” Faith told her with a smile, finally noticed that she wasn’t alone in the shower anymore. “And your dress will get ruined.”

“I’m sure you’ll get me a new dress.” Kathryn replied her voice deep as she stepped fully into the shower, sprayed water instantly wet her from head to toe.

Faith stood there, wearing a thin layer of water and a smile as she watched the thin material of the tiny girl turned translucent and clung tightly to the body, green eyes darkened, her normally perfectly styled hair hung wet around her pale face. She waited for the tiny brunette to come to her and made no other move. The water still cascading around them, like warm rain. “I’m sure I will.” She told her with a small smile. Kathryn looked so good, so natural, wild, with her usually impeccable dress and hair all rumpled up with water, her green eyes looked impossibly dark and wide.

They stood looking at each other for a moment then Faith placed her hands on soft cheeks and pulled her close, kissing her. For a moment she felt soft lips parted and she let her tongue delved inside, tasting her, feeling Kathryn’s reciprocated and questing inside her own mouth, the tiny hands came around her waist sliding up her lower back.

Kathryn marveled at how soft Faith felt, she let her palms pressed flat against the skin, running both palms upward, sliding, feeling the muscle played underneath her hands, she was surprised at how strong the muscle felt, at yet, her skin was soft. The tiny brunette let out a soft moan when Faith’s mouth left her own and moved to her cheek, to her ear, nibbling, kissing, licking droplets of water off of her skin.

She felt a smile against her neck when shiver ran down her spine, a pair of larger hands running up and down her back, to settle at her ass before taking hold of her tightly and lifted her up, pressing her against the wall. Quickly, Kathryn threw both her arms over the strong shoulders and held on. Last thing she wanted right now was for any of them to slip and fall, it would’ve been embarrassing as well as a trying time to explain to whomever that would have to come in a help them.

Faith let out a chuckle when she heard the startle gasp, with the wall gave her leverage she moved her way down, the wet material of the dress showed the outline of her breasts, Faith nuzzled between them before taking one erect bud between her lips. The tiny brunette gave a low moan, her arms wrapped tighter around the strong shoulders, her hand work its way into the dark, wet tresses, clinging tight.

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Leaving the trail of wet spots on the carpet behind, the pair found themselves tangled up in each other on the large expand of the mattress. Kathryn was on her back, naked, laid out on top of the midnight blue satin sheets her pale skin a sharp contrast, the comforter lay crumpled on the floor beside the bed. Reaching up with her slim arms she wrapped them around Faith’s neck, her head thrown back, soft lips and sharp teeth nibbled and kissed down the line of her jaw to her throat.

“Faith.” Kathryn moaned softly, tightening her arms.

“Princess,” Faith answered, licking the droplets of moisture that clung to the soft skin still.

Kathryn’s expensive outfit was left in a wet heap in the shower, after Faith thoroughly teased her, leaving her in a stage of arousal, and the tiny girl felt as if her entire body was raw exposed nerve, any small touch would’ve sent her off, leaving her breathless and oblivion.

But the taller brunette didn’t let her, instead she teased her over and over and over again, with no intention of giving in to her demand for release. “Not yet, princess,” she whispered again and again every time she came close, and she backed off. After what seemed like never ending foreplay, they exited the ensuit and Kathryn found herself being lifted up and carried over to the mattress.

Faith’s touches felt amazing on her damp skin.

Holding herself up with one arm, the dark beauty made her way down, placing her weight down, just enough to cover the tiny, pale body beneath her, but careful not to smother, Kathryn looked much too fragile. Letting her teeth grazed across one hard, and sensitive bud, she pulled it in the warmth of her mouth and sucked on it, circling it with the tip of her tongue while letting her free hand played with the other. She worked her body lightly, feeling two slim things part and Faith placed one leg in between, pressing down with her hip; she smiled at the sharp groan the movement elicited.

Switching between the two mounds, Faith played and teased and occasionally bit down just a bit harder, pulling just a bit further, hurting just a little, making it that much more pleasurable for her princess. Then she would switch and started again on the other.

Their play in the shower had worked the tiny brunette into frenzy, and Faith could feel the liquid heat pressed up against her bare skin and rotated her hip in a small circle, slow and sturdy, the body underneath her started moving, undulating against her, taking pleasure in the touches, both on her breasts and where she needed most. Then Kathryn pulled her knee up, and she let out a gasp as her sensitive center being pressed up against.

“Faith, please.” Kathryn groaned, moving harder, but their proximity made it hard for her to move any faster, or harder like she wanted. “Oh god.” She bit out a cry.

Wasting time no more, Faith made her way down, liquid heat leaving trail across her stomach, placing kisses and licks on her way, lingered only briefly at the indentation in the mid of flat plain that was Kathryn’s abdomen, feeling the body underneath her jerked at the first touch of the tip of her tongue, she let out a laugh.

“Fuck…”

Closer now, she could smell the heady scent, nuzzling the soft down between her leg, Faith hand still played with one pink nipple, with her thumb and index finger she pinched and tucked at it her action joined by another small hand, covering her own, squeezing down, another small hand reached down, fingers tangled themselves in her still wet hair.

“Kathryn…” Faith whispered against the soft skin of her inner thigh.

“Don’t tease.” The tiny queen begged, unaware that she was doing so: she pulled at the dark hair, trying to get her to where she wanted desperately to be touched. “I need you.”

Taking pity on the smaller girl, Faith moved, holding herself up on one elbow, her hand long gone from the place it had been, she parted the swollen lips with her fingers, taking that small bundle of nerve between her soft lips, resulting in a scream, she could see how worked up Kathryn was, and knew without a doubt that with just the right touch, in the right pressure would give her what she so desperately desire.

“Fuck me,” the small beauty demanded. “God, Faith…. Just fuck me!”

And she did.

Pushing two fingers within the tight opening swiftly with one fluid move, feeling the soft warmth envelop the two digits, she lifted herself, moving up, watching in awe at the wild abandon on beautiful face. Kathryn’s eyes were squeezed shut, her lips part, her breath came out in short busts, letting out a sharp moan, she arched her back, trying to feel it as deep inside of her as possible.

Exquisite…

“More…” she groaned.

And the dark beauty complied, adding another finger and rubbed her clit with her thumb. She placed her own body down, and moved with her, claiming her swollen lips with her own, the kiss was hard, savage, tiny hands gripping the muscular back, perfectly manicured fingernails dug into the soft flesh, dragging, leaving trails of scratches, blood slowly welled up.

Pain didn’t register.

“Harder…. Oh god… fuck…” Spreading her legs further apart, Kathryn wrapped them around the dark beauty’s waist, pulling her close, their hips moved together, and she took the clef bottom lips in between her teeth, pulling it slightly, the tiny queen sucked on it, mumbling her pleasure and demands into warm, wet mouth. The warmth in her belly spread like forest fire, making her cling tighter, bit down harder. “Faith,” she whimpered. “Faith, oh god, Faith… Faith…”

Faith knew that the tiny beauty was close, she, herself, wasn’t far behind, her own knuckles pressed against her clit, giving her just what she needed and she thrust down harder, her nipples brushed across Kathryn’s, sending sparks of pleasure through them both.

Her moans swallowed by the mouth beneath hers, it was so close, she pulled her mouth away. “Princess.” Faith called, “Kathryn,” and waited, till the green eyes peered up into her dark brown ones. Faith smiled, and thrust down firmly. “That’s it, princess.” Faith leaned down and whispered in one delicate ear, hearing moan as an answer. “Come for me, baby.”

“Fai…”

“Come for me.” Faith whispered harshly, her own release was near.

Kathryn screamed her name, and what they had been building since they first met came crashing down.

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They laid there, limps tangled, sweat slowly drying, their breathing returning to normal, slowly. Faith was on her back, with Kathryn draped casually over her, soft dark hair brushed her cheek, her head rested on her girlfriend’s upper chest, her hand curled into a fist tucked underneath her breast.

After a few minutes of just laying there, Faith rolled them over, so now the tiny brunette was on her back. Her green eyes wide with surprise, and fluttered shut as her lover pressed down with a heated kiss. But too soon the kiss ended and Faith got up, without saying anything she left the bed and headed for her walk in closet.

“Where are you going?” The tiny queen called after her.

No answer.

Faith ignored the question and disappeared inside her closet, she turned on the light, and went for the drawers set in the far side of the small room that was her closet, racks of clothing set on both sides loaded with leather jackets, and pants in various colors, her shoes, set in the racks going up as high as the ceiling, she walked by everything else and stopped at the last set of drawers, opening the middle one she took out a box and removed the content inside, turning around, she exited the closet, and turned off the light.

Kathryn sat up, the satin sheet pooled at her lap, upper half of her body on displayed in the dim light provided by one single bedside lamp. Watching her girlfriend strutted back toward her with something in her hand. She couldn’t really see what she was carrying, but considering what they had been doing, she didn’t think Faith would go and take out board games or make up for some sort of make over.

No, she could make an educated guess of what she was carrying.

Faith gave the tiny girl a predatory smile, watching the green eyes widened just a little more at the sight of what she was holding, a leather harness, and attached to it, an eight inch, black leather, dildo. Then she slid onto the mattress on her knees, handed over the strap-on for the queen’s inspection.

“I’m starting to think that you have a leather fetish.” Kathryn murmured with appreciation, her green eyes darkened as they flickered from the object in her hand and the girl who was going to fuck her with it.

“What if I do?” Faith smirked.

“Then I’d say good for you.” The tiny brunette chuckled low, turning the strap-on in her small hand. “Should I be afraid to ask how many girl you’ve use this on?”

“Why?” One dark brow lifted in questioning.

The small beauty shrugged slightly, then she sat up, the sheet fell further down her lap, and Faith took the harness back to strap it on herself, emerald green eyes followed every movement she made, tiny hands reached out and assisted. The taller of the two smiled and held the soft hands with her own while the tiny queen tightened each fastener. She gave a small groan as the dildo was tucked, slight movement sent a jolt through her.

The dark beauty was on her knees still while Kathryn rose up like a goddess, satin sheets fell away, unveiling the rest of her body once again to Faith appreciative gaze.

Faith sat on her heels watching her lover reached up, placing two small hands on her shoulders to hold herself sturdy, then with a smile, she straddled her lap, lips claiming hers, hands slipping around her neck, holding her tight, and she reached down, grabbing two tight globes and pulled up, the leather phallus got pressed between their bodies.

Kathryn freed one hand from around her girlfriend’s neck and reached down between them, taking hold of the extra appendage and raised herself up just enough before guided it where she wanted it to go the most. She settled herself down, eyes closed, her lips parted, moaning softly as the leather shaft entered, and stretched her. Her breath came out in short gasps by the time it was all the way inside.

Faith watched the expression that pass on Kathryn’s face intently, with one hand she massaged her breast, played with her nipple, pulling at it until it came to a hard peak once again, then switched over to the other one, giving it equal attention. Then suddenly Kathryn’s mouth was on hers, tongue seeking entrance, and Faith gave, gladly, letting their tongue dueling, dancing to their imaginary tune, while the smaller girls started moving against her.

The dark beauty arched up slightly, pushing the strap-on deeper inside, with one hand at Kathryn’s tight ass, she helped her along. They rocked their hips together, matching move for move. Faith inhaled sharply as their hips came together, one end of the dildo pressed into her clit, making her shivered.

Then she laid her out on her back, and pressed down on her while holding herself up on one elbow, her hips thrust firmly, the pressure on her own nerve ending was exquisite, she forced her eyes to stay open, to watch what she created on the body underneath her, the tiny brunette was moving with her, thrusting back just as hard, then she wrapped her legs around her waist.

Kathryn was moaning, calling her name and encouragement, telling her to go faster, harder.

And never to stop.

It felt good to have Faith inside of her, as many lovers as she had before, none seemed to come to mind now in comparison. She moaned against her mouth, her nails digging into any thing she could hold on to as the pleasure peaked.

Faith was loving it, loving the way Kathryn cried out her name breathlessly, the way smaller girl fitted into her arms, the way her body moved against her, their breasts rubbed together, the hot, wet mouth pressing against her own, biting her bottom lip, pulling till it hurt, and the nails that dug into the skin of her back, she knew it would bleed, and it would hurt for several days after, but it was worth it.

Her dark eyes flashed as she thrust down sharply, jarring the girl in her arm, and Kathryn screamed, the move gave her enough for her to reach the released that she seek with a loud cry, her back arched, head thrown back, on her face was wild abandon.

And Faith fell in love with it.

Fell in love with the beauty in her expression, the rupture…

Fell in love with her.

For a fracture of eternity, they held still, heartbeat stopped, breath none existed.

There was just that perfect stillness, all things stopped, nothing else mattered.

Just them.

Frozen in time.

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The dark beauty shifted slightly, one hand stroking, drawing circles on Kathryn’s back and down to her buttock, then back up again, placing kisses on the crown of her head, she pulled up the satin sheet to cover their naked bodies. The silent was comfortable, they said nothing, and the small beauty would’ve thought that her lover had fallen asleep if not for the slow circles drawn on the small of her back.

After a while, Kathryn felt drowsy, there was no other sound in the room other their own breathing and occasional movement from one of them, she was comfortable, and warm. Sighing softly, she snuggled deeper into the strong but unmistakably feminine arms. She was sated and satisfied, and very much content than she had ever been in her entire life.

“Um…. Princess..” Faith breathed, placing kisses on her forehead and tucked the comforter up around them. “Sleep now…”

Kathryn smiled lightly at the nickname, from anyone else she would’ve planned a way to utterly destroy whoever dare called her that, but from Faith, she kind of liked how it sounded. From Faith it made her smile. Rolling over so that the taller frame could spoon her from behind, she took another deep breath and let it out slowly.

It didn’t take long for her to feel the breath that had been tickling the back of her head turned deep and regular, Faith was asleep, but the hold of her arms did not loosen, just the opposite, it seemed that the taller brunette held her tighter, as if had no intention of ever letting go.

And the lithe brunette was surprised at how comfortable she felt with this. She didn’t feel like getting up and out the door, so she could go back home and run into the shower and then get a drink. Instead all she wanted to do was just laid here, and sleep. This was different that any other time with anyone else, it wasn’t just sex, though; the sex itself was just indescribable. It was simply better than she ever had. This was more, I guess this is what they called making love and not just fucking, complete with feelings and all the trimming. And Kathryn Merteuil loved every second of it. Loved the way the other girl could just reduced her into quivering body of need with a mere touch.

And what a touch, Faith sent her into frenzy and out of control, and Kathryn had never, ever been out of control in her life. She had always been the one in power, in control, and when she wasn’t she would play, talk, and manipulate her way so that she would be the one controlling the situation and not being controlled by anyone.

Always the one on top.

But tonight, she wasn’t, wasn’t the one in control, though she wasn’t being controlled either. It was kind of like equal partnership.

And it wasn’t unpleasant.

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“Where have you been?” Sebastian asked from the shadow as his step sister strolled through the sitting room, it was already late afternoon and the brunette had just arrived from wherever she had been the previous night. He assumed that she was probably out with the date of the week. And he had fully expected her to be back sometime near dawn and stayed in bed for most of the day.

Of course, he was wrong when he barged into her bedroom, like he usually did, just to annoy her, and found the room empty, her bed neatly made, liked it hadn’t been slept in. And here she was strolling in, looking like a cat that just ate the canary that it’d been after for so long.

He had tried to bribe Blain once again, upped his reward by triple and still he got nothing, which was abnormal for the dealer, which led him to the conclusion that his friend wasn’t lying when he said that he did not know anything, otherwise with the amount of money being offered he would’ve spilt it already. So, he went around and talked to her friend, or rather her followers, from school, and none of them noticed anything out of ordinary for Kathryn Merteuil.

The queen of Manchester Prep was still the queen, no one crossed her as of late, no plan was being made, of course, she hadn’t been attending her usual party either.

Kathryn continued to stroll down the hallway, completely ignored the question. She had had a great night and even a better day, she wasn’t going to let a little pest like Sebastian Valmont ruin it for her.

Last night she had spent at Spencer’s house, or more accurately, in Faith’s bed, after they made love, she didn’t bother to get up, or even get dress for that matter. They simply stayed there, where they were, curled up around each other and just drifted off.

Best night sleep she had ever had for as long as she could remember.

And to think that she had always felt smothered whenever any of her previous boyfriends decided that they wanted to cuddle, this was just so different. Faith had felt so different, and not just because she was a girl, though that was a factor. To be held against soft, smooth skin, sweet smelling of expensive body products that were not girlish, but unmistakably female surrounded her, it was very much different from being trapped with large biceps, and surrounded by smell of sweat especially if she was dating some football jocks.

They hardly moved throughout the night, and woke up in almost the same position, except Kathryn found herself with her arms wrapped around the other girl tightly, her face buried at the crook of her neck

Shocking really, considering how she always moved away from whoever that happened to be her bedmate had she been too drunk or too high to get out of the bed afterward, which was rare.

She had been reluctant to leave the warm bed, and it took her and Faith half a day to eventually dragged themselves out. And now she was home, where she really didn’t want to be, but then they were going out again in the evening, but before that she had something else she needed to do.

One of them was to get rid of the pest that was still following her steps.

“Out,” she tossed over her shoulder and pushed open the door with every intention of just closing the door in his face.

“Oh yeah? Well, you’d be happy to know that the parental unit is again off to some vacation, again.” Sebastian said in a conversational tone, he knew that she would slam the door in his face, so he stepped close to her.

“Good for them.”

She didn’t care.

“Don’t you want to know where they are going?”

“Not particularly.”

“Your mother asked for you before they left, by the way, something about being friend with Faith Spencer.” He said quickly while trying to maintain that air of indifferent. Wasn’t very successful as he had hoped, though, but he was succeeded in getting her attention. “I volunteered for the best friend position.”

Kathryn narrowed her eyes, wanting very much to smack that smug look off of his face, but settled on verbal instead. “Fuck of, Sebastian, she doesn’t even like you. Don’t push your luck with her.”

“Why are you so concern about her, sis?”

“I am not concerned about her, though you should be, she’d thrown you across the hall once, and I wager she might do more than just pushing this time around if you mess with her.” She sneered. “She might break something this time and I’d be more than happy to be there and tell you ‘I told you so.’”

“I doubt that very much.” Sebastian replied smugly.

He did actually talked to Kathryn’s mother before the woman and his father left for their next vacation somewhere that he didn’t care to know. He was surprised that she even remembered who Faith was more than just a name, and mostly it was the last name. Apparently, the Spencer was his father’s new business perspective, and in that meant that they would have to socialize and as usual, going through the children seemed to be just another way.

Then Tiffani went and told him to tell Kathryn, in case she did not get to talk to her only daughter, to be nice to Faith, and do things with her, invited her over more often and such, implying that Faith had been over before, something that he didn’t know about.

Kathryn rolled her eyes at him. “Whatever, now if you’ll excuse me, I have to a warm bath and a new dress waiting for me.”

Then she slammed the door in his face.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Whistling the tune that had been stuck in her head ever since she left the house, Faith pulled her BMW Z8 to park at the empty spot, right across from Valmont’s townhouse. Exited her vehicle and crossed the street with a quick jog, the doorman stepped toward her, with the intention of asking who she was, and she gave him a smile, telling him that she was here to see Miss Merteuil, and not to announce her.

He looked at her for a moment before giving her a nod and allowed her to enter the house. Faith didn’t bother to ask if the annoying playboy was around, she didn’t even think that he would be around on a day like this, seeing how he seemed to be having a quota for his conquest that he needed to fill.

Actually she didn’t think about anyone else at all.

Ascending the stairs she let her hand trailing along the rail, listening to the sound of any movement, and she couldn’t really hear anything else other than her own boots on the floor: the sound which quieted down to dull thud as soon as she stepped onto the plush carpet. Entering the sitting room, no one was there, not even a maid to be seen, and Faith made her way across the room and down the hallway where she knew Kathryn’s room was.

Quietly she opened the door, there was a sound of water running, but otherwise the room was quiet. Closing the door behind her the dark beauty completely missed the door across the hallway open and a head poked out, in time to see her entering and closing the door behind.

Sebastian’s blue eyes widened as the image registered in his brain, it was Faith Spencer, he was certain of it. He would remember that ass anywhere. But what was she doing here, unannounced and walked right into Kathryn’s room nonetheless.

The action spoke of familiarity between the two if the dark beauty just walked in like that, not even knocking the door. Now he started to reevaluate his belief about his step-sister and the other brunette. He replayed everything that he had seen that one afternoon at his aunt’s estate, and the first meeting.

He remembered thinking that they seemed familiar with each other and how they seemed to be checking each other out, and flirting. The way Faith Spencer seemed completely unfazed by his warning. But he had assumed that she just didn’t know any better, but Kathryn would’ve fixed that soon enough. It had been months since then and still he had heard nothing of retaliation that Kathryn was capable of.

He had seen a lot had been done to retaliate over something smaller than the arrogant attitude that Faith gave. The nickname that Kathryn never tolerate from anyone was used, he, as the only person that ever able to match anything she could come up with, still did not dare to call her anything else other than her given name.

Then it was the warning, for him not to pursued Faith Spencer, there was a look in her eyes that he had seen before, but it was never under this circumstance, the look that spoke of possession.

Maybe Kathryn was playing at something.

Maybe in that pretty head of hers was a plan on using the other brunette for some personal gain that she was known for.

He was going to find that out.

Right now though, he had someone he needed to call to arrange something.

No time like the present.

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Kathryn leaned back in the tub, the warm water and bubble came up to her chin, her eyes half close, feeling relaxed and content. Her little run in with Sebastian bothered her, more than she would ever admit to anyone. She understood what her mother had wanted, and she had no doubt in her mind that her mother would’ve hinted to the playboy that he should be on his best behavior as well.

And he would’ve been his usual nonchalant self and ignored her.

She wondered what her mother would say if she had known what was actually going on. If she had known that her only daughter had been beyond just being friends with the girl, and they had spent the night together with sleep being the last thing on their mind.

Her mother was so unpredictable in certain things that she couldn’t really tell what she would say.

However if the Spencer was that important she might just tell her to go ahead and take it as far as possible and as long as possible. Provided that the Spencer knew their daughter’s preference. It was just a vicious cycle that she went through many times and just about all of her so-called-friends at school went through the same thing, well, mostly.

Told by the parents that it was all for their own good.

Kathryn disagreed, but it wasn’t something she could control, not right now at any rate, she could only manipulate, and navigate her way through. Sinking deeper into the tub, the tiny queen lifted one leg clear of the water and dropped with a big splash, knowing that her maid would have to clean the water later, not that she cared. They certainly got paid enough.

Lost in her musing, the tiny brunette missed the soft click of her bathroom door being open completely.

Faith closed the door as quietly as possible, the room was quiet. She couldn’t see the tiny queen anywhere, she even walked into the walk-in closet, even though she could see that the light inside was off and the door to it was firmly close, clearly shown her that no one was inside at the moment, but then she was told that Miss Kathryn was in her bedroom.

The she heard a loud splash.

A mischievous grin came on her beautiful face and Faith quickly pulled off her black boots and placed them carefully by the closet door, followed by her socks. Then she headed toward the closed bathroom door, her grin deepened.

With the help of plush carpet, she didn’t really need to fear that the tiny girl might hear her before she got the chance to really surprise her.

Carefully, Faith open the door and stepped inside, she could see beyond the large dressing area where the tub was, and her target. Kathryn didn’t turn around, gave no indication that she heard anything. Then water splashed some more and she crept closer.

Plant each steps carefully, the water seemed to have spilt over to the floor and the last thing she wanted was to slip on some water and hit her head, it would’ve been a bad entrance. The dark beauty moved closer with ease and leaned over to kiss the top of dark, wet tresses.

“Hello, princess.”

She almost laughed when Kathryn jumped nearly a foot into the air and screamed.

-----------------------------------------------------------

“So, what is this I heard about the new girl, Faith Spencer.” Blain grinned with a glass of something in his hand, gesturing at the tiny brunette who was sitting on his bed at the moment, on his face a knowing look.

“What about her?” Kathryn Merteuil took a sip of her drink, appearing completely disinterested.

“Heard from Sebastian that you’re all chummy with her these days, didn’t come home at all the other night.” He leaned closer to her “Come on, Kathryn, you know you can tell me. I always keep your secret.”

The tiny beauty rolled her eyes but let a small smirk touched her lips. “I occasionally stayed out and do my things , and so does he. That doesn’t mean anything.”

“Right, so… who’s the new boy toy, why haven’t I heard anything about him? Or are you dating some guy that we all didn’t know about?” He dragged the chair over and sat down, still leaning close to his old friend.

Kathryn had shown up unexpectedly telling him that she needed some new supply for her stash, and he was more than happy to supply her, she was dressed in her black, Gucci number with black heels that gave her a few more inches added to her height. Compared to him, she was tiny, but the girl had that presence that could fill the room, and most people knew it.

He had always admired her and her perfect image that everyone known and loved, while her actual person was so much more, and no where near perfect. He knew the real her, even better than perhaps, Sebastian, and he knew that the playboy pride himself in knowing her better than anyone. So Blain let him keep that illusion, there was no need to make Sebastian feel like an idiot more than he already did.

Besides, there was more business to be had if he kept his customer happy.

“Because,” the queen of Manchester Prep started. “There is no boy toy, and why should you hear anything.”

“Oh but, of course, Kathryn.” He exclaimed. “I know you better, there’s always something going on, come on now. Spill.”

Once again, she rolled her eyes, appearing entirely annoyed with her friend, but she wanted to tell him. If there was someone that would listen to her without judging, or using the information it would be Blain, it had always been Blain.

But now there was Faith, also.

And she wanted to tell him, he would understand. If no one else ever did, Blain would understand.

“Since you’re so insistence.” Kathryn frowned, letting him know that she wasn’t happy about telling him, but she would anyway, because he was her friend.

“Yes, I insisted.” He grinned devilishly at her, waiting for the juicy details that he could already see it coming. “And I will continue to bug you until I get every little detail out of you, and you know it. So, who’s the stud?”

“Faith.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard of her, but we’re talking about you here, or is she your rivalry, that’s why you’ve been all friendly with her.”

Blain seemed to miss her point completely, like he sometimes did, at times she had that suspicious that he just did it to annoy her. Just to see her reaction and more of her explanation, to amused himself, she would guess, and in the process, it usually pissed her off.

“The stud,” she said slowly, as if speaking to a child. “Faith. Is the stud, there’s no one else.”

Then she watched the expression on her old friend’s face as the meaning of her words sunk in.

“Oh. My. God.”

“Yeah, surprising, isn’t it?” The tiny beauty snapped.

“What’s the plan?”

“There is no plan.” Kathryn replied. “It just happened, and we’ve been…” She trailed off.

“Been what?” Blain prompted, leaning close to her.

“Dating. I mean, we’ve been out to dinner, shopping, spent the day together.” The ice princess looked lost for a moment, like she wasn’t sure if she understood what she had just said. “I enjoyed all of them. She was so… she was different from everyone I’ve known, and it just happened.”

Blain sat there, wide eye, he had seen and heard a lot of things that would surprise the majority of the population, but not him, he didn’t think that there was anything in this world that would jarred him as much as the next sentence that was coming out of his mouth right now.

“Oh my God, Kathryn, you’re in love!”

-----------------------------------------------------------

Kathryn Merteuil sat back into the leather seat of her limo, thinking about her conversation with the oldest friend she had, and what he had said to her. Blain had been completely non-judgmental about the entire thing, he seemed down right ecstatic, in his flaming queen way that she was familiar with. He even congratulated her for finally found that one person that accepted her for all her royalty attitude, and could care less about her Mary-Sunshine act that everyone seemed to buy.

She didn’t know if she agreed with him or not.

But she was glad she could tell someone about it. She never really asked Faith if anyone knew about them, if Faith ever told anyone. The girl was pretty kept to herself at school that Kathryn rarely ever saw more than one or two people around her.

Sometimes, Kathryn wanted to walk up to her and sit with her.

The urge she tightly reined.

She didn’t think people would be too thrilled to know that their shining example, president of student body had more than friendly interest toward another female student. On the other hand, it would just start a rumor mill, people would look into anything, with or without any truth, they would talk. Except that this time there was something that they would be more than happy to talk about and she didn’t need that.

And Faith certainly didn’t need that.

The day following their first time together was more or less a blur, until Faith decided to pay her an unprompted visit, caught her in her bath, scared her half to dead. That had, of course, followed with very wet foreplay, and an amazing sex in her very own bed. The same bed that she had had a lot of her own conquests.

Kathryn had never felt like a child in her entire life.

But when she spent time with Faith, when they did nothing but cuddling and chatted about nothing in particular, Kathryn felt like a school girl that she was. Later that afternoon they were out again, candle lit dinner and another shopping trip, the thing that the dark beauty had been reluctant to go until she promised to be brief.

That turned out to be several hours and Faith nearly screamed running out of the department store, the only thing that kept her there was the fact that she had sat on her lap in between changing. When she returned home, to find no one was around other than the servants, and that was just how she liked it.

Not even the annoying playboy to bother her, until her mother called her up from wherever they were on the trip to this time.

That hadn’t been pleasant, she even confirmed what Sebastian told her earlier about befriended with the Spencer’s only daughter. Then Edward Valmont got on the phone and tried sweet talk her into doing the exact same thing her mother was demanding of her, the only different was that, he tried to make it sound nicer than her mother ever would.

It took everything she had not to tell them what they had been doing. She was very tempted, only to give her mother a heart attack, that would’ve gotten her trust fund sooner, too. Once she thought about it, it sounded better all the time.

Digging through her purse, she pulled out a cellphone and dialed a familiar number, the only number that she used lately.

After a few rings a small click told her that the phone was picked up.

“Hello, Princess.”

“Hi, baby.”

-----------------------------------------------------------

“Miss Merteuil.” The manager of Tiffani&Co greeted her with a big smile and obvious pleasure in his voice as soon as the tiny brunette stepped through the door. He quickly walked out from behind the counter, a hand held out in front of him to take her own small one and shook it, then Kathryn pulled away.

The tiny brunette gave the man a small, fake, smile. “Hello.”

“How can we be of service today?” The man stood at full height grinning, hands clasped together in front of him, waiting for any command from here.

He knew who she was, just as the rest of the staff in any high class store in the city. The brunette was one of his prissy, social light customers who had more money than they knew what to do with and often bought things just because they had time to kill and money to spend.

All the other staff in the store looked at each other, mustering up a pleasant smile on their faces as her green eyes swept the selection in the store. She was a familiar face, though some of them were surprised that she was here by herself.

Normally, Kathryn Merteuil would never shop in the store by herself, more often than not she was on the arm of some other trust fund baby whom was her boy for the moment, coming in to impress her with their money and taste. Needless to say, she was in the store quite often.

“I’d like to see your ring selection,” Kathryn said breezily as she made her way around the store with the manager followed her like a puppy.

“Yes, of course.” He guided her over to the chair and ordered one of the sale associates to get her a cup of coffee while she was waiting.

Kathryn rolled her eyes as she saw the way he rushed into the back room, presumably to bring her the collection of rings for her to look at, at the same time, one of the associates placed a cup of coffee in front of her. The tiny queen re-crossed her legs, her hands folded in her lap, as she noticed a few of the sale associates looked her way while they pretended not to be looking.

Usually, she would be in here because someone was buying her some new piece of jewelry, her mother had an account with them and they knew her mother well and knew that it would be in their best interest to kiss the ground she walked on. She had the money and they wanted it, simple as that.

Within minutes the manager came out with tray in his hand, he sat across from her and set the tray down carefully. Kathryn looked over it didn’t bother to pick them up, they were feminine, fragile looking and not what she had in mind. After all, this shopping trip wasn’t for her.

“No,” she said after a moment. “I’m looking for something more along the line of a platinum band.” With a finger she pushed the ring in front of her away.

“Is this for yourself?”

“No,” Kathryn replied shortly. “I want something more neutral.”

She could see that he was waiting for her to elaborate, but she wasn’t going to, the tiny brunette simply leaned back in her chair and waited for him to get a new selection of rings for her to look at. He linger for a moment longer and picked up the ring tray and left.

A few minutes later another selection of rings was placed before her.

Kathryn Merteuil looked through them without any real interest; none of them were what she was looking for. She wanted something a bit more masculine, but not overly so. It wasn’t for a guy, after all.

As the tiny queen looked through the collection, there was no one else in the store, all the associates were standing around, waiting for commands from either their boss or their only customer. They were looking at each other, while watching the privileged child, whom barely reached legal age playing with things that easily cost more than any of their salary combined.

They watched the way she fingered each ring, then discarded each one of them, one after the other, the way their boss practically kissing her feet, and obeyed her every whim. Till she declared that none of the current selection was what she wanted, then he got up and ran back to get yet another set for her to take a look.

Finally, after almost an hour of what starting to become a routine…

Kathryn’s eye stopped at one particular ring, the platinum band was simple looking, but no less elegant than the rest of them, the shiny band of platinum was thicker on the bottom, and leveled down slightly toward the top. The top of the band itself was cut to look like a top of the castle wall.

Delighted, the tiny brunette picked it up and examined it from every angle, then she decided that it would fit nicely, all she needed was for it to be in the correct size and a description to be etched on the inside of the band.

“I’ll take this.” She held it up.

“Of course, Miss Merteuil.” The manager quickly and eagerly reached out then she dropped it in his cloth covered palm.

“I need a size seven and a half.” She instructed. “And I want ‘aeternus’ inscribed on the inside, cursive, then a ‘K.’ Capitalized.” Her order crisp and to the point.

“Of course.” The man nodded, writing down the instruction as quickly as she ordered, and took the ring, putting it in the small box with the instruction, ready to go to the goldsmith.

It took her a few more minutes to pay for her purchase and left, the ring would be ready for her in a short time, considering the amount of money that she was dropping in this place, it should. However she wasn’t going to sit around and wait. There were, after all, other places she could be spending her time, she had already spent enough time in one place.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Sebastian laid back in his bed, a cigarette dangling from his lips while his hand was busily scripting down things into his leather bound journal. Another meaningless conquest to add to the rest of them, he was getting bored already, and more than that, annoyed.

A pretty redhead ran one pale hand up and down his abs and chest, purring like a cat, trying to get his attention. He didn’t give her any, she was a decent fuck, but the interest was already gone, like the cheap thrill he got from the fucking itself.

He was much too occupied these days and he thought that maybe a bit of a distraction would be a good thing. Anything to distract himself from the one constant thought in his head, and two girls. One was Kathryn Merteuil, his step-sister, and his one and only girl he had ever wanted and could never have, though it didn’t stop him from trying. And he imagined that she would feel so good in bed. Imagining the way her pale skin would look against his sheets and how good she woudl look, wearing nothing but a smile.

She was his ultimate fantasy.

And two was Faith Spencer.

Ever since he saw the dark beauty disappeared into his step-sister’s bedroom, he couldn’t get the image of them together out of his head, especially when they didn’t come out at all for the rest of the afternoon. Didn’t take a genius to guess what was going on in that bedroom. They certainly wouldn’t be studying.

He also clearly remembered the glow on Kathryn’s face the day after, and how good of a mood she was in.

If he didn’t know her better he would’ve thought that she might be in love, but Kathryn Merteuil did not do ‘love.’ For all the time he had known her, she had never expressed any interest in anyone unless it benefited her in someway, and she did not love anyone other than herself.

He had made a few phone calls, even paid someone to go to Spencer’s old school and see if they could dig anything up on her, anything that would give him a clue as to what she was capable of, and why Kathryn Merteuil, the Manchester Prep’s royalty, would be interested in playing with her.

“Sebastian,” the redhead whined softly as she continued to stroke his body.

“Can’t you see that I’m busy at the moment.” He snapped, not taking his eye away from what he was writing.

“I can think of a better thing you could be spending your time on, instead of writing.” She tried making her voice low and husky, hoping to entice him into playing with her.

“Really?” He spared her a single glance. “I don’t.”

The redhead pouted, he didn’t care.

Sebastian continued to record his most recent conquest, the most recent and probably the most boring. Taking the last drag of his cigarette, he put it out and closed the journal. All the while, his bedmate for the moment, just watched him, probably wondering why he was being so cold, after all, they had had a good time.

Rolling off of the mattress, he headed off to his own bathroom.

“Hey, where are you going?!” She cried, outraged at being ignored.

“I’m taking a shower, be kind and please leave before I come back out.” He tossed over his shoulder and slammed the door behind him.

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The phone was ringing when she entered her bedroom, quickly dropped her backpack by her desk Faith picked up the handset, on the LCD screen showed a familiar number and area code, smiling brightly, the wariness from the day faded, the dark beauty pressed ‘talk’ button and placed it against her ear.

“Yo, Red.”

“Hey Faith, what’s up?”

“Not much, what are you up to?” Faith walked over to her bed, she sat down on the mattress, tossing her navy blue, school’s blazer to one side and kicked off her shoes, the phone tucked between her ear and shoulder.

“Oh you know, the usual, school… school… and school. We don’t really get into any trouble now that you’re not here.”

“Sounds like you’re happy about that, Red.” Laughing, the dark beauty replied.

“Well, it gets kinda boring. I want you back here with us, then I can try to talk you out of gluing Ms. Veatch’s hat to his head or something, you know, filling my free hour with lots of pointing out of badness you about to do.”

“Ah, one of those free times we hung out together. I can tell Jess to start doing it, then you can try to talk him down.”

“But he’s so easy, I mean… not that kind of easy, but he’s so easy persuaded; it won’t be the same.”

“I know, so what’s up other than school?”

“Nothing much, listen I figure for the long weekend I could come down and visit you, if you’re not too busy with your girlfriend that is, are you busy with your girlfriend? ‘Cause I really would like to visit and hang out with you and do stuff, you know. Like friendly stuff, and I can meet your girl, too. I mean, it’d be nice to meet with Kathryn, that’s her name right? Kathryn… something. What’s her last name? I know I shouldn’t forget, but I did so.. sorry….”

“Whoa, Red!!!!” Faith said quickly, cutting her friend off before she could continue any further. “Slow down, and breathe…” Déjà vu. It seemed like she had to say this every time she talked to her friend.

“Ok,” Willow replied quickly. “Breathing now… see… breathing.”

It had been a while that Willow got to call her friend, ever since Faith moved, they hadn’t really been in contact… well, they had, but mostly it was through e-mail, and it was not the same as seeing face to face or hang out in person. The redhead tried to call but found that school work just not permitted, Faith also tried, but met with unsuccessful attempt at leaving messages and running out to whatever activity that had been planned.

Especially now that she was dating, it was hard to find the decent time to talk to Willow, the redhead had been one to prefer an early night, while Faith was a night owl, the time that she deemed appropriate to call anyone wasn’t the same as the redhead’s.

“Good, try stop occasionally and breathe next time, Ok, Red? I don’t want you to pass out on me, it’s hard enough to get you on the phone.” Faith chuckled, flopping back, one hand pulling the tail of her white shirt from the waistband of her skirt.

She so hated the uniform, but got no choice in the matter, so she tolerated it, but drawn the line at knee high socks; she would not be caught dead in one of them, and if she could get away with it she would’ve worn her steel toe boots, with the tail of her shirt out of her waistband and half of the buttons undone, not because she wanted to show off, but to piss off the teachers.

“So, do you have plan for your long weekend? Can I come visit? I miss you, and it’s been kinda boring here without you around to cause any disaster.”

Faith laughed again. She did miss Willow, there was no one else that could babble for that long and without breathing.

“Yeah, Red, come on over, I’ll tell mom and dad, they’ll be happy to see you, if they are around that is, and I’m sure Kathryn wouldn’t mind meeting you.”

“Yeah? Cool, think she’ll like me?”

“Who? Kathryn? I can’t say Red, I can’t say if you’re gonna like her either. So, we’ll just have to wait and see.”

And Faith filled her friend in of what had been going on, and Willow did the same. They agreed on the plan and the redhead announced that she would cut a day of school to come down, so she could spend more time with her and Faith was impressed, she had never known Willow to cut a class, let alone skipping the entire day.

The redhead must’ve really missed her.

“Call me with the time and flight number I’ll pick you up.”

“Will do.”

“All right, later, Red.”

“Bye Faith.”

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Pulling on her gym shirt, Kathryn made a face in distaste. She didn’t like gym, and it wasn’t because she was not competence in sport -- in fact she could do well when she wanted to, which she usually did whenever it meant that her grade would be A instead of B in class, which helped with her GPA – but because she absolutely horrified by the thought of sweating in front of other people.

Sweat that didn’t come from the activity that she enjoyed and in front of the people that she considered beneath her.

It was simply distasteful to her.

Suddenly the door to the locker room open once more and a group of female student entered the room, adding to the original group that was Kathryn Merteuil’s class.

Turning from her locker and poked her head out into the doorway, she saw a different class entered and wondering what was going on. Then a familiar face came into her view.

Faith Spencer.

The dark beauty looking as nonchalant as ever as she followed the rest of her group in. In her hand a backpack hung limply, it was a different one from what she carried everyday; then Kathryn frowned at how much she noticed about the other girl lately. It was frightening, how much she watched her, how much she cared, and she wondered what the hell happened to the ice queen whom cared about nothing and no one.

Not that she would ever changed anything.

“Kathryn.”

Growling silently to herself, the tiny queen closed her eyes briefly then turned toward the source of the voice.

Great.

It was one of the sheep, Rachel.

“What?”

“Nothing,” the girl stumbled over her own words. “I was just… I was just about to ask if you are finish getting dress… I mean, if you are… maybe I…”

“Would you just shut up.” The tiny brunette said with irritant.

“Sorry,” the girl mumbled with embarrassment.

Faith glanced over as soon as she heard the voice of her girlfriend. A grin threatened to spread across her face as she heard the irritation in that voice. She noted the girl that stood beside the tiny queen and the expression on her face. Whoever that girl was, she was about to received the wrath of Kathryn Merteuil, the dark beauty could tell. Then the emerald green eyes turned her way.

For a brief moment their eyes caught, and Faith winked at her, grinning when she saw a pleased smile came over the gorgeous face of the tiny brunette for a second before turning into a scold as she told the girl to go away.

Chuckling to herself. This is gonna be an interesting class, Faith thought, and turned to shrug off her white shirt and short skirt before pulling on the track pants and t-shirt.

Normally, she would’ve had her gym earlier in the day and not with Kathryn’s class, but apparently one of the teacher was out sick and here they were, two classes were put together and schedule changed. Which really was not a big problem. Faith didn’t hate the class itself, she was athletic by nature, anything that burn out the excess energy that she seemed to have endless of was a good thing.

The thought of seeing the tiny beauty sweat was a good one, as well.

And she wasn’t disappointed.

The first thing they did was ten minutes of jogging around the gym, which left most of the students huffing and puffing out of breath. Then they were stretching, getting ready for a workout, the routine so familiar to Faith that she could’ve run through all of them in her sleep. And compared to what she did every day after school this was nothing. The additional workout in PE did not make much different to her training.

The entire time her eyes strayed over to where Kathryn was. The tiny brunette was just as sweaty as the rest of them, Faith watched her tried to breathe deeply and wiped her face with a small towel, carefully not to appear like every other female student in class.

The dark beauty found that adorable.

It didn’t take long before they all picked up fencing gear.

-----------------------------------------------------------

The good thing about Manchester Prep -- Kathryn rolled her eyes as another pair of male students went up in front of her group and started a match – was that in Physical Education they got to do things like this, fencing, archery, among other finer sports, depends on the week, she couldn’t imagine running around playing things like soccer, not that the school did not have the team, but she would never ever get down to the field and kicked around a ball.

And to be tackled, there was no way in hell.

She gave out a snort of laughter as one of them managed to get another point without hitting the other guy over the head then started to preen like a peacock while his opponent unhooked himself from the scoring machine and walked down from the mat and sat among the boys, head guard between his knees.

“Spencer!” Voice of her PE teacher, Miss Harris called out loudly.

Kathryn turned to look at her girl friend stood up from where she sat, behind the majority of the student. She had almost forgotten that Faith was called to be in their group instead of with the other three groups that were occupied rest of the gym space. She had been trying so hard not to look at her, and pretended that she wasn’t in the same class in fear of not being able to control herself.

She noticed the girl sitting next to Faith nudged her leg and gave her a thumb up.

And the dark beauty winked at her.

Kathryn Merteuil frowned, her green eyes flashed.

Faith was too busy watching the tiny girl that was sitting up front with a group of girls to pay attention to what was going on. Like the rest of them she was wearing the white, padded jacket, though at the moment she let hers unfastened and hung open, showing her white t-shirt underneath. She wished that they didn’t have to wear the complete suit, she’d rather geared up in ‘bogu’ than parade around in this garb.

And she certainly did not want to see more than a few of the boys and girls in one of those. This’d give her nightmare for a month.

Resting her chin in her palm, she let the glove rest on her thighs, the epee tucked between her knees. She considered twirl it around in her hand, but she knew that it would not be appreciated by anyone that was sitting anywhere near her. And she was pretty sure that one of her few friends that she actually hang out with, Tasha—who was a blonde with gray eyes and a vicious competitor if she wanted to be, which was how they became friends-- would not hesitate to give her a warning or wing her a really hairy eyeball with something else on the side.

Sitting up straight at the name call Tasha gave her a nudge and gestured that it was her turn to go up.

Almost immediately, the brunette stood up, gloves in hand, epee tucked under her arm and head guard in the other hand, her friend gave her another nudge on the leg, Faith looked down seeing the thumb up.

“Beat the shit out of him.” Tasha mouthed.

Faith winked at her and strutted up to the blue mat, suiting herself up as she did.

Smirking, she glanced at the tiny queen of Manchester Prep, whom, to her surprise, frowned at her.

“Today, Spencer.” Miss Harris said with exasperate breathe as she saw the girl hesitated. Assuming that it was because she wasn’t much into the sport itself, and even though some of them had the experience, a lot of them did not, to her, Faith Spencer was probably one of the ones that did not.

“Yeah, hold your horses.” Faith muttered under hear breath as she slip the head gear on after plugging herself in for the scoring machine.

Standing tall on one end of the mat, Faith lifted the foil up and saluted with a florist sweep of her hand. She watched her opponent did the same. Unaware that from the side line every pair of eyes were mostly on her. She was only aware of the large green eyes that followed her.

“On guard!” Miss Harris yelled.

They got into positions, as soon as the signal was given to start the match, the tall boy opposite her launched himself at her like a bull running toward the red fabric. With a roll of her shoulder Faith simply side stepped and let him fall forward, nearly into the lights. With amusement she watched him huff and puff and started the same tactic over again. She vaguely aware of the cheering and booing that was going on. As her opponent went back to the start point she bent her knees, readied herself.

With the first twitch of his muscle, indicated the movement, she was on him.

One point at his chest.

Two point at his solar plexus.

Three over his heart.

Four on the upper chest.

And five right in the middle of his body.

Match over.

The entire group looked at her in stunned silent, Faith took off her head gear after she gave a quick salute and walked down, waiting for no one. Her eyes met the emerald greens looking up at her with a proud smirk, whatever it was that had Kathryn in bad mood earlier was forgotten.

Faith winked back.

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“That was great, Jeez, man, where did you learn how to do that?” Tasha was still gushing when they were all dismissed to go change and get ready for the next class.

“Here and there,” Faith shrugged as she slipped the white padded jacket off of her. The class was over and they filed into the changing room.

Tasha opened her mouth to say something else but was cut off by a yell from Miss Harris. “Spencer!”

Faith stopped and pivoted around to look at the PE teacher, whom, at the moment was at the entrance to the changing room with her hands on her hips, staring straight at her. And when she didn’t move the older woman made a ‘get over here’ gesture.

“Uh-oh,” Tasha whispered from beside her. “What did you do now?”

“What did I do?” Faith exclaimed. “You were with me the entire fucking class, what do you think?”

“Well, whatever it was, you might wanna move right now, ‘cause she might just come over and drag you out.”

Faith gave a sigh before she walked toward the waiting teacher.

From the other end of the room, Kathryn watched with keen eye as her girlfriend walked toward the teacher’s office right by the entrance of the locker room. She wondered why Miss Harris called on Faith into her office; after all, the dark beauty had exceeded the performance of everyone in class. And that including Kathryn herself, she was more than surprised when their teacher called out Faith’s name again, once Kathryn beaten another girl soundly.

She could almost see Faith grin that patent grin as they saluted each other. The tiny brunette knew without a doubt that the taller girl was toying with her as she rolled her shoulders and side stepped each lunge Kathryn made and guided the rubber tip of her epee away from her body, preventing any point to be made.

For almost three minutes the dark beauty made no move to attack, simply defended her position. Until the queen gave out a small growl in frustration that she allowed a point to be made, the rubber tip made contact on her body.

Right over her heart.

The light went on.

She could’ve sworn she saw her girlfriend gave her a small, but gentle smile then.

And she had made several points more against her girlfriend, but ultimately, the taller girl had won by two points. And everyone seemed to be impressed, even their PE teacher.

Someone nudged the tiny brunette on her elbow and she turned with a growl.

“That’s the Faith Spencer, right?” Amy, one of the cheerleaders asked her, a look of interest in her eyes, ignoring completely the murderous look in the clear green eyes.

“Yeah, that’s her. Haven’t you seen her before?” Sarcasm was thick.

“No, not really, I heard about her, I’ve seen her mother, but she hadn’t been to any of the party.” Amy shrugged, still not noticing the note in her classmate’s voice. She was too busy looking at the retreating back of the dark beauty that was quickly disappearing into the teacher’s office.

Kathryn rolled her eyes, at the next question. “I’ve seen your mom and hers are close, so have you ever socialize with her?”

“Once or twice.” The tiny brunette tried to make her tone non-committed. Though, she wanted to tell this airhead exactly how often they saw each other, and how intimately Kathryn knew Faith Spencer.

Like how many pair of leather pants the girl had hanging in her closet, how many leather jacket, the size of her shoes, her tendencies to scream along with the music no matter how many time Kathryn asked her not to. How she would whine and pout, but insisted that she never did.

She wanted to tell the blonde, bimbo that was making eye toward her girlfriend’s way all of that and more.

Like how hot the dark beauty was after their love making, how her voice low and husky when she woke up.

But she held her tongue.

“I didn’t know you’re into girls, Amy.” Instead she asked with a smirk.

Gray eyes turned to her, and the blonde gave her a seductive grin and lower her voice. “Well, for a body and attitude like that, I’d make exception.” Then she leaned a little closer to the tiny brunette, brushing her lips a little too close to Kathryn's ear.

“And for yours as well.”

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“Well, Spencer.” Miss Harris started as the girl that followed her into her office stood in front of her desk, looking at her with curiosity in the dark brown eyes. “Have a seat.” She gestured at one of the chairs as the brunette closed the door to her office.

Faith looked at it and settled herself down, not really get comfortable, she didn’t really want to be here, after all. And hopefully, she would not be here too long. Besides, she didn’t even know what she did to deserve being called into the office like that.

As far as she could remember, she didn’t hit anyone over the head or tried to take anyone’s head off, even though she wanted to.

Looking expectantly at the older woman sitting across the desk from her, Faith remained silent, her hands clasped together in front of her, waiting.

“I was just wondering if you doing any extra curricular activities at all.” The PE teacher started, leaning over with her elbows rested on the desktop.

“Not in school, no.” Faith replied with a lift of her eyebrow, starting to get an inkling of where the line of questioning was going. But she wasn’t going to indulge anyone.

The dark beauty was still in her fencing gab, with the white padded jacket open in the front, the last match – the best match – of the class lasted longer than the rest of them, only because it was Kathryn that she fenced with, and even though that didn’t tired her out, she was still sweating from it.

Now she just wanted a quick shower.

“You’re doing something outside?”

And that was the clue for Faith to start elaborate.

But she didn’t.

“That would be corrected.” Trying to keep her sarcasm down, this was worse than she originally thought.

“What?”

Sandra Harris frowned at the fact that the girl was not being fort coming with the information at all. Instead she only gave her the shortest answer possible, she had the feeling that this girl did it only to annoy her and possibly get off whatever hook she was putting her on.

She had been impressed with the performance that Faith Spencer showed during the class. Her movements and skills spoke of some training, and she wanted to add her onto the school’s team, it would certainly bring more trophies, though at the moment the young brunette did not look too excited.

If anything, the dark brown eyes held a hint of boredom.

“Karate.” Again, short, and to the point answer.

“Would you consider joining the fencing team?”

“Ummm…. I don’t know.” Faith shrugged. “I don’t think I have the time.”

“Oh, come on, Spencer.” Miss Harris drawled. “At least come and try out. Maybe you’ll like it.”

The brunette gave a non-committed shrug.

“Good, then I can expect you after school tomorrow then.”

Faith blinked once and gave her the barest of a nod. “Can I go now?”

“Sure.” The PE teacher gestured at the door, satisfied that she get at least a somewhat committed answer.

She watched as the young brunette exited her office.

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By the time she exited the office most of the girls had already finished with their shower and left. It was lunch hour, after all. Something which Faith was grateful, she couldn’t imagine trying to get a shower and changed then run to the next class, it would’ve been late.

Not that it would be much of a problem.

But she had hoped to at least be able to catch Kathryn before they all left.

Now that the entire locker room seemed to have cleared out, there was no hope of that. Kathryn Merteuil was probably in the cafeteria by now, surrounded by her entourage and looked on by the adoring student body as usual.

Sighing, Faith took off the padded jacket and slung it over her shoulder as she headed for her own locker. Spending ninety minutes in the same class barely ten feet away from each other was a bit much, especially when adrenaline was pumping and her getting the chance to show off some. She kind of wanting to connect to the smaller girl, other than letting her scored on their match.

Looking up as she closing in on her destination, someone was standing by her locker. The brunette narrowed her eyes slightly as she saw a tiny figure leaning against the door in her vision field.

It was Kathryn.

Manchester Prep queen was already changed into her school uniform of short plaid skirt, navy blue sweater, the collar of her white shirt unbuttoned just enough to show the beginning of her cleavage, a familiar whispered fine gold chain around her neck. The harsh light of locker room did nothing to blemish her fair complexion and her dark hair.

Smiling Faith walked faster, “hey, princess.” She said lightly as they were close enough. “Thought you left for lunch, already.”

The tiny queen shrugged slightly, leaning back against the metal doors, watching as her girlfriend opening hers. Her green eyes never left Faith’s slightly flushed face. “So, what did Miss Harris want?”

“Me joining the fencing team or something.”

“Yeah? What did you tell her then?” Kathryn lifted one perfectly shaped brow in questioning. She already guessed that it would be the reason, after all, the dark beauty had performed better than anyone else in class.

“I said I don’t know, and she asked me to come for a trial out at least. I said ok.” The taller girl wrapped one arm around the tiny frame of Manchester Prep’s queen then pulled her close, chuckling lightly as she saw her wrinkled her nose in distaste at the sweaty t-shirt.

Faith leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose, Kathryn pushed at her. “Yuck, you’re all sweaty.” She grumbled and pouted with mock disgust.

The taller girl chuckled deep in her throat and leaned in to nuzzle soft pale throat then up to the line of her jaw, nibbled at delicate shell of her ear, smiling when she heard the giggle and a hand pressed at her upper chest.

“You need to get a shower.” Kathryn said breathlessly, green eyes fluttered shut as Faith’s soft full lips made their way across her cheek and claimed her mouth. The tiny queen let her hands trailed from the taller girl’s upper chest to her shoulders to bury themselves in long, dark hair.

Kathryn Merteuil forgot completely where she was as her girlfriend pressed her against the locker, one thigh pressed firmly between her legs, creating the kind of pressure that made her head spin. Anyone could’ve walk in on them, anyone could’ve seen what they were doing and the damage to her reputation would’ve been devastating, but she didn’t care at the moment.

Only the feel of Faith.

“Care to join me in the shower, princess?” Faith questioned against her mouth.

“Tempting,” the smaller girl murmured, then kissed her. “I’m afraid I’ll have to pass on that.”

Small hands that had been pressing up against the white gym shirt ran up and over her shoulders, the dark beauty smiled and nuzzled her way over to a diamond stud, pleased at the giggling sound that entered her ear.

“I’ll see you tonight then?” Pulling back slightly the taller one asked, there was no need to pursue this. Just them being here, in a compromising position like this would be enough to do damage if someone happened to come across them.

“I wouldn’t miss it.” Kathryn gave her girlfriend a sweet smile. “Pick me up?”

“As you wish.” Faith chuckled lightly, brushing her darkly painted lips to the ruby red ones and stepped away, giving the Manchester Prep student body president an exit.

And she leaned against the locker, watching as the tiny girl walked away, her dark eyes roamed the perfect body clad in navy blue sweater, hips swaying, drinking in the sight.

Before Kathryn disappeared out the door, she pivoted around and gave a little wave with a seductive grin.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Tasha made her way back to the locker room after she had left, figuring that her friend would come out and follow her soon. When they didn’t happen she came back, thinking that maybe Faith was in trouble, she didn’t know how it would be, but she assumed that it was possible, after all, Miss Harris could be a hard ass sometimes.

Regardless that someone like Faith Spencer could put her out of a job quicker than she could open her mouth.

Anyways, she just wanted to check to see where her friend went.

Maybe she’d have to do a little rescuing.

And if Faith was any later than this, she would miss lunch, and that would’ve been disaster of an epic proportion, after all, the girl ate as if she had not seen food in weeks.

The blonde girl had known Faith Spencer from the first week that she transferred into Manchester Prep. They were in the same Physical Ed class, and fell into the same group just about everytime the class broke up into section so that everyone got to do fair amount of exercise and no one got to stand around and twirled their thumbs.

The activity of that week was archery.

In their group, Natasha Patrick was the best, so, she had been for the first two weeks of school.

Then Faith breezed in, holding her bow loosely in one hand while watching the rest of them shoot.

She remembered smirking at the new girl, thinking she was lost at what to do.

That until the PE teacher called out for Spencer to step up and start shooting, or her grade would go down dramatically before the first week even half over. Tasha had watched the brunette cocked her head to the side like a naughty puppy and sneered slightly at the target.

Then stepped up and took her place.

And the next thing they all knew was an arrow shot out and embedded itself right in the middle.

Then their little competition was on.

By the end of that week, they were friends.

And now Tasha considered Faith to be her best friend, much, much better than the rest of the snobs in this expensive private school. They hung out during breaks and before morning session, but she hadn’t really been to Spencer’s townhouse or do anything much without her outside the school, she didn’t mind too much and she was starting to get a feeling that it took a lot more than just a semester in school together to know more about Faith Spencer.

And right now she was wondering what the hell the brunette was doing that was taking her so long as she came closer to the entrance of the locker room.

Before she got there, she glimpsed a tiny figure of their student body president exiting the double door.

-----------------------------------------------------------

“You need a rescue?”

“Huh?”

“Tomorrow. Do you need a rescue?” The question repeated. “I can just show up and tell her you are needed else where, and she’ll probably let you go.”

“One of those perks of having a girlfriend that is a Student Body President.” Faith smirked. “But nah… I can manage, princess. No need to get your hand dirty.” She turned a smile to shine at the tiny girl who was sitting across from her. “Besides, I’m the one that does the rescuing, not you.”

Kathryn shrugged. “Just thought I’d offer.” Then she took a sip of her wine, pretending that the smile didn’t affect her at all. But behind the glass, her cheeks were flushed and that was mistaken for the result of alcohol, instead of the sight of the dark beauty in front of her.

The taller girl smirked at the sight.

“By the way, my friend is coming down this weekend.”

The tiny brunette lifted up one perfectly shaped eyebrow with that statement as she put down the glass. “Your friend from Andover?”

“Willow, she’s coming down for the weekend, meet the infamous Kathryn Merteuil, and hang out with yours truly.” The taller one bowed then spread her hand out with a florist movement. “She’ll even skip a day of school.”

The tiny girl pressed her lips together, forming a thin line, her brows furrowed slightly. She wasn’t sure she liked the idea of someone that was Faith’s friend, someone that her girlfriend would spend time with when she knew for a fact that Faith did not do that with just about anyone.

Maybe it was time for her to get someone to check out every person Faith Spencer had ever known.

“Princess?” Faith ducked her head to catch the green eyes. “Where did you go?”

Kathryn shrugged. “No where. Anyway, do you want to cancel our date this weekend then?”

The dark beauty could tell that Queen Kathryn wasn’t happy about this, there was that look in her eyes again, and she could tell, by now, what it actually meant, even when her face was so still that not even a muscle twitch, a perfect mask that she wore was on.

“Aw… are you jealous, princess?”

The look she got was as if to say that she was delusional.

Somewhere along the line, Kathryn Merteuil had lost that icy mask she had perfected over a life time of being in the society where appearance was everything while she was with Faith. The taller girl seemed to have that effect on her. She couldn’t act like she should, but how she really felt, couldn’t hide any feelings from her.

Even when she tried.

And right now she knew that the little look she just gave did not fool her one little bit.

“Red’s my best friend, babe.” Faith looked back to her plate and stuffed another forkful into her mouth, chewing slowly. Then swallowed. “She wanna come up and hang out for a day or two and she wanted to see who the girl that managed to reel me in is.”

“Is that so?”

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Faith leaned back against the bleacher, hand balancing the epee while watching the practice session of the Fencing club. To any casual eye, the brunette looked bored, and she was. It was already after three and she had been early, hoping she could get it over with quickly and get out of here.

Didn’t happen.

Instead she was told to wait for Miss Harris while the members were practicing.

That annoyed her to no end, when she didn’t want to be here in the first place, this was going to be a long afternoon. Then she remembered the offer of rescuing from Kathryn and then she regretted not taking her up on it in the first place. After all, she didn’t want to join the Fencing club, or any club for that matter.

She had better things to do with her afternoon.

Like right now, she could’ve been at the dojo early and do some workout or just hang out with her girlfriend.

A grin came on her face as she thought of the petite girl. Kathryn was so different from the girl that she normally dated, she had so many layers to her that she didn’t think she would ever be bored with the smaller girl. There was always one more bitchy comment, one more things that surprised her, just when she thought she had seen everything.

Captain of the Fencing team, Jared Barcsay stood back and watched his fellow team mate, Miss Harris had told him of a girl that was going to tryout for the team this afternoon, he had protested, of course, it was a little too late in the semester to be bringing someone new into the team, but his coach ignored him.

He was the captain, it was his team, he looked up to see a dark haired girl standing away from them, looking bored and playing with the epee, he had seen her, he knew of her, knew of her parents. His first thought was that, here was another athlete without talent and only tried to get into the sport team so they could have something to talk about at dinner table and pretend there was something that they do more than just shopping and spending money one something useless.

Fencing club had always been the only one that resisted any student that wanted to buy their way into joining. And this time it would not be any different. Everyone in the team got in on their talent and skill, Jared wasn’t about to let anyone just waltz in.

Sound of the door open, he looked up to see their coach entering, heading their way. Straightened himself up, he started to walk toward her, to let her know about the girl that was waiting, but stopped mid stride when he saw that his coach immediately headed for the girl as soon as she saw her.

Narrowing his eyes, he watched.

“Spencer,” Miss Harris called out. “Glad you could make it.”

Faith shrugged and pushed herself off of the surface that she had been leaning against, the PE teacher gestured for her to join the group that were practicing and the brunette did without a word.

Elyse Harris wasn’t going to say anything, knowing with certainty that this girl wasn’t going to make it easy, but she didn’t care, they needed a new blood that had both talent and skills, and so far she had seen the skill from the girl, in the midst of the mindless class, now she wanted to see how she would hold up against these students.

With a few directions, the group broke up and Faith was on the mat, waiting for the match to begin.

Looking at her opponent, she assumed that he was one of the best, and tried to decide if she wanted to beat him and create more trouble for herself, or just pretend to lose and then get this over with. Then she noticed the smirk that the boy sent her way just before he slip on his headgear.

Frowning, the dark beauty put on her own headgear and right then she decided that she wanted to wipe that smirk off of his face, it would worth a few trouble.

Match soon began, and just as quickly it was over.

This was nothing, to her, she had a harder time trying to get her girlfriend to try on a dress was harder than this. Sneering behind her headgear, she watched her opponent and the rest of his team mate stood in stunned silent as she took him out in less than two minutes.

A sound of the door closing took her attention away from the boy in front of her and directed it to the entrance to the gym, a familiar slim brunette entered the room quietly. None of the fencing team seemed to notice that their esteem student body president was walking toward them.

“On guard.” Miss Harris yelled, and Faith straightened up, noticing that a new guy was standing in front of her.

Sighing to herself, she hoped that Kathryn Merteuil was here to do the rescuing like she offered instead of here for some official reason.

She didn’t think she could take anymore of this.

-----------------------------------------------------------

The tiny brunette made her way over to the gym, where she knew the fencing team would be practicing. But that wasn’t her concern, personally, she only made an appearance at sporting events when it was required of her. It wasn’t something she did because she wanted it, it was more of a show of school spirit that she didn’t really feel most of the time.

No, she wasn’t here to see that the Fencing team would meet the challenge at the next tournament. In fact she was here just in case Faith needed the rescuing, even though the offer had been declined earlier, she still wanted to see.

This was another new thing for her, but she had long stopped wondering why she wanted to go out of her way to do these little things for this girl, whom, still a mystery to her now as she was when they first laid eyes on each other. A girl that probably just as spoiled as she was, and yet, cared not for the socialite status that anyone in the same social circle would.

A girl who could pull off a tough girl with leather and motorcycle just as well as Armani suit and heels.

A girl who could make her screamed like no other.

Pushing the door to the gymnasium open, and quietly entering. She could see that the tryout seemed to be in progress already. Faith was in the white garb that was required for fencing, the white padded jacket did nothing to show off anyone’s figure, but with Faith… and with her stance at the moment, it looked as if she could take anyone’s head off at the moment notice.

A smile came unbidden on her lips. Kathryn was unaware that anyone notice her presence and she would rather it remained that way until she could read the situation.

Then she felt an eye on her.

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Willow Rosenberg exited the gate quickly, after being stuck behind some businessman type that blocked her way completely and annoyingly loud as he chatted up the woman from across the isle she couldn’t wait to get out. A small backpack clung tightly in her hand, the redhead quickened her steps when she saw the gate.

Just beyond the machines and the security and a throng of people that was coming in and going out, a familiar brunette was there, waiting, leaning against the wall, watching her.

A grin broke out on her face, Willow almost broke out into a run.

Faith looked just as she remembered her. The brunette still preferred leather, and she looked good in them, just like she was now, all decked out in black leather pants over her steel toe boots and black duster. Her friend was looking the other way when Willow approached.

“Hey Red.” Faith waved as soon as she caught a sight of her friend approaching.

She had been standing here for the better part of ten minutes, not one for waiting, the brunette was getting bored. Her parents knew that Willow was coming for a visit, and so they allowed her to take the day off today and come to the airport and pick her friend up instead of the driver.

Not that it would stop her from being here herself anyhow.

It was just easier to not have any opposition.

She had checked repeatedly for the arrival time of Willow’s flight and noted that it was on time, however she didn’t really see any familiar face that belonged to her friend just yet. Assuming that the redhead was probably waiting till the last person left the plane before she did herself. Which could take forever, and in that case Faith considered just letting her walk.

Which was becoming a possibility until she saw Willow running toward her with a backpack in hand, dressing in her normal, jeans and sweater with girlie looking jacket folded in one hand.

“Faith!” Willow squealed, opening her arms for a hug.

The brunette let her, hugging back with one arm, then let go almost immediately. “Really, Red… You know I don’t do the touchy feely crap.”

“Ok, done now.” The redhead looked embarrassed for a moment, “so, no Kathryn?”

“School, I skipped ‘cause I’m picking you up. Besides, I would think you wanna hang out for a while, ya know, get some breakfast and stuff, I’m starving.”

The redhead laughed aloud and suggested that maybe they should hurry it up and pick up her bag so they could get out of there and feed the monster.

They started walking toward baggage claim together, the crowd of people moving around them, hurried to their own destinations while the two girls taking their time, feeling no need to keep up with the pace.

Faith had taken the backpack from Willow, slinging it over her shoulder as the redhead chatted away about school and their friends and how much more fun certain situation would’ve been had Faith been there.

“Sounds like fun.” The dark beauty commented.

“Oh it was.”

An hour later they found themselves in one of the trendy coffee shops that spread all over the city, getting a mocha fix for the redhead. Armed with a large mocha each and some pastry for Faith, the two found a place to sit and enjoy their late breakfast while watching the pedestrians moving about outside and chatted.

There were so many things Willow wanted to tell her friend and she proceeded to get the brunette caught up with at least half of the going on while Faith, being more of an action girl, didn’t have much of the narration to her stories. And the redhead questioned her for details relentlessly, making puppy dog eye as she did so, until the dark beauty reluctantly caved and gave her the details that she wanted.

“So, you wow them all with your skill didn’t ya?”

“You could say that.” Faith nodded, swallowing the last of her chocolate chip cookies.

“Did you go to tryout then?”

“Yeah, wicked annoying teacher made me. I told her I would, so I did. And before you ask, I made it, but I didn’t decide to join or anything. Have better things to do, ya know.”

Willow nodded in understanding and drained her cup before suggesting that they should go. She wanted to drop of her bag and they could hang out.

“Sure thing, Red. Come on.”

-----------------------------------------------------------

Kathryn Merteuil stood in front of the mirror in the girl’s bathroom, arranging the collar of her white shirt, so that her upper chest and a part of her cleavage were shown enough to her liking. From the corner of her eye she could see another girl left the room, affectively leaving her all by herself.

So she pulled out the ornate cross from the inside of her jacket then unscrewed the top and took a small amount of white powder, she brought it up to her nose and inhaled quickly, before putting the cross away, and washed her hands.

She could feel the hit of the drug, and already, it made her feel much, much better.

After the day that she had, a few hit of coke was what she needed to deal with all the idiotic student body and the teachers. Especially, when her usual break from the mundane did not even show up with an excuse of picking up her friend from the airport.

The tiny brunette did not like that at all, there was nothing wrong with letting the driver go picking someone up from the airport and bring them to the house instead of having to go and miss the entire day of school –not that the school was such a big deal to either of them-- thus, Kathryn couldn’t even sneak a look or a smile at her. Something she had come to look forward to during the boring school day.

Already, the Manchester Prep queen did not think that she would like this Willow girl.

Just as she was wiping the tip of her nose with a small white handkerchief, someone entered the bathroom and came to a stop behind her.

“Amy,” the queen greeted, not a muscle on her face twitch.

“Oh, hello, Kathryn.” The tall blonde girl smiled brightly at her through the reflection of the mirror. “I didn’t know you were in here.”

“I’m about to leave.” Finally the smaller girl twirled around to face the blonde with a predatory smile.

A smile that said to leave her alone and there would be no harm to anyone.

Her blonde classmate did not seem to take a hint however, and Kathryn didn’t care, she simply side step the girl and started to walk toward the door, before Amy stopped her.

“I’ve heard that you went and pulled Faith Spencer out of Fencing team tryout the other day. I heard Miss Harris wasn’t too pleased with that.”

“So?” The tiny brunette didn’t turn around, but she didn’t walk away either.

“Well, I was just wondering what would you need with her anyway, I mean, I thought you two weren’t close.”

The implication was clear in her voice.

“I believe that is none of your business, and I’m sure you can find some other things to gossip about other than who I do and do not associate with. Besides, you said yourself that her mother and mine are close. Do you think that I would be opposed to spending time with her every now and again?”

“I didn’t know you swing that way, Kathryn.” Amy pressed a hand to her chest with mock surprise. “Did her parents know?”

The last part was said to a closing door.

And a tall blonde stared at the door long after it swung shut, a mysterious smile on her lips.

-----------------------------------------------------------

The city traffic made the journey back to Spencer’s townhouse longer than it should’ve been. But the two friends didn’t mind it too much, they used the time to chat and catch up, relating more and more stuff to each other, especially from the redhead to her friend.

Faith was the one that left, so there were stories from her classmates, her friends to be heard, while Willow didn’t know anyone at Manchester Prep for Faith to relate the story back to her, except maybe stories about Kathryn. For as long as she knew the brunette, Willow couldn’t remember the time that her friend was with someone for this long.

And this fascinated her.

And as far as she could tell, Kathryn Merteuil was someone different. Very, very different.

She couldn’t wait to see what this girl looked like, couldn’t wait to actually talk to her.

Soon they arrived at their destiny, Looking out the window Willow surveyed the building. It was big, but not as big as the Spencer’s house back in Andover, and it was right up to the street. She could even see the doorman at the front door. She could just guess Faith’s reaction at the first look of the house, knowing her as well as she did. Soon pulled into the underground garage of the Spencer’s house.

“We’re here…” Faith announced, mimicking the sound same tone as the little girl from the horror movie, Poltergeist.

The redhead turned to look at her dark hair friend and they burst out laughing together. It was time like this that Willow felt as if Faith had never left.

“Too bad Jess couldn’t come with me. He would’ve loved tagging along to all the clubs that you could show him.”

“Yeah, too bad. Maybe he’ll get lucky that way, ‘cause he certainly couldn’t pick anyone up himself.”

They exited the car at the same time, Faith hadn’t bothered locking the doors, she went around and opened the trunk, pulling out the suitcase that Willow had brought with her, tossing it over her shoulder she led the redhead to the elevator, riding it up to the main floor of the house.

“Nice.” The redhead commented.

“But?”

“But I think I like your old house better.”

“I do, too, Red.” Faith said faintly, “you’re not the only one.”

The brunette led her up the stairs, taking the chance to show Willow around the house as they made their way up each level of the place. While she made the introduction, and pointed at the various thing, making her best impression of a prissy tour guide, making the redhead laughed and make noises at the appropriate time and correction comments all at the right time.

“Here is the sitting room, where all the socialite in New York City showed up and graced us with their presence at one time or another.” Faith practically danced over to the sofa and sat down, crossing her legs, back straight, her fingers spread out as she pressed her hand to her chest. “This is fabulous, darling. Who’s the decorator?” Her voice lilted a little at the end of the sentence as she lifted her nose up high,

Willow started laughing so hard she doubled over.

“But you know, Kathryn would do a better job of these poses than I ever could.”

“Well, I’ll get the chance to see that, won’t I?”

“That you will, Red.” Faith grinned.

“That you will.”

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The two girls were going through the redhead stuff as soon as Willow settled in. Opening the backpack that she had been carrying all morning, she pulled out a picture album. “Figure you might wanna see how much we changed… not.” She held it up and laughed as Faith snatched it out of her hand.

She had missed the space she had in Andover and the friends that she had back there, true that even though she wasn’t there anymore did not mean that she was no longer their friends, or they hers. It was just hard to keep in touch when they all had things that needed to get done and school to worry about, well, not so much school.

At least Willow as here now, visiting.

Faith had always had some difficulty letting people get close, certainly took them a long time to be as close as they were right now.

They went through them together, with Willow explaining each posses and situations. Several of them caught their mutual friend, Jesse in a pretty embarrassing light, something that Faith had often witnessed during her time at Philips Academy.

It seemed that no one had really changed from the time that she had left till now.

Just as they were turning to the last page of the album and the narration by Willow Rosenberg was finished the phone started ringing. With a quick look, Faith instantly knew who it was that was calling.

“Hello Princess.” The brunette answered the phone as soon as she glanced at the caller ID. The redhead looked up at her greeting, blinking at the nickname. She had heard a lot of nicknames Faith gave people, and mostly it didn’t mean anything other than pointing out what the brunette saw standing out in the person, and she guessed that the first thing that jumped out to Faith about her was the color of her hair.

She remembered how she felt the first time that Faith called her Red.

Willow felt like she was being made fun of. But then she got used to it and came to love the way her friend called her, and also learned that there was no malice behind that name, it wasn’t meant to ridicule, that it was just something that Faith did.

Rarely, the brunette ever called her by her name or even Will, now she appreciated it, no one else would call her anything but her given name, it gave her that feeling that it was special, that they were really friends.

Faith sounded different right now, though, as the redhead watched her usual smirk turned into a smile.

So she sat back and watched.

“Really? That boring?”

Listening to the one side conversation, noting how the normally husky voice of her friend got huskier, and at the same time softer, if that was possible.

And there was also expression on her face, that half amused smile instead of the usual sardonic smirk.

The brunette had walked away from her and settled herself into a large stuffed chair at one corner of the sitting room, leaning into the softness of the chair, she crossed her long legs, one hand cradled the phone, the other trailing across the soft leather.

It was already noon, they had been chatting all morning ever since the airport. The redhead had been impressed at the townhouse, though not quite the location, though she knew that a place like this in the middle of a city would cost more than any big houses out in the country would, but she didn’t think Faith was that impressed with it. Her friend valued her space more so than anyone she knew.

The brunette could be loud and abrasive a lot of times, and normally had no trouble speaking her mind whatsoever, but she was rather private in her feelings.

Back in Andover, Faith spent as much time in her own private quarter as much as outside practicing within her vase property and plenty of trees and bushes around hiding her from the passing bys. Willow had been there, watching and just hanging out a lot of times to see that. But here in this new place, the lack of yard and distance from the street made up in spacious living area and beautiful interior.

She had seen just about every part of the house, except maybe the workout room that her friend spoke of fondly, because it was built just the way she wanted, compliment all to her father, whom went all out and made his only beloved daughter happy with all the top of the line equipments.

“So, are you going to join us for dinner tonight?”

“Of course, I wouldn’t miss the chance to meet with your friend, besides…”

“Besides?”

“Nothing, just really bored with all this I wish I could just get out of here.” Kathryn’s voice carried just a little hint of whining, something Faith had come to know by heart and knew that she did not just do it with anyone. To everyone else, Kathryn Merteuil was the exemplary Student Body President, loved school, loved school’s spirit. Something like she had just said would shock everyone else.

That thought brought a bigger smile to her face.

She had some apprehension in tonight’s dinner, that the meeting of Willow and Kathryn might not go as smoothly. Certainly, because Red was her friend, she wanted her to like the first girl that she wanted… someone she had a relationship with.

And if pressed hard enough, she would admit that, Kathryn Merteuil was someone that she loved, and it wasn’t because of sex, though it was incredible, the girl certainly has the stamina and skill to match her own, it was more than that.

And that Kathryn could always surprise her.

“I’ll pick you up at seven.”

“I’ll be ready.”

“Good, see you at seven, princess.”

“Bye baby.”

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“Yeah, thanks, man. I’ll have the cash for you tomorrow, meet me at the town house at five.” With a press of a button, Sebastian Valmont hung up the phone and leaned back in his leather chair, a big grin formed on his lips. Finally, he got some information on Faith Spencer.

It seemed that there was something about Faith that his step sister probably was not aware of, but he was going to make sure that she knew. Someone that value reputation as much as Kathryn, it would be a crucial information, after all, he had seen her out with the girl a couple of times, and even though their parents wanted the two of them to be friends, he didn’t think that after this little piece of gem he came across was make known Kathryn would still follow the demand.

And there also was a matter of something he had heard from Amy Allen.

Pushing open the door of her room open, he called out. “Oh, Kathryn!”

His long legs carried him into the sitting room, where his beautiful step sister sat reading a magazine, dressing as if she was going out somewhere, as always. Her feet clad in black, high heeled boots, her black designer dress fell open at the slit just enough for him to want to put his hands on her legs and run them up and pushed the hem of the dress up higher, high enough for him to get to where he had wanted for so long.

Green eyes flickered up in his direction for a mere second then they were back onto what she was reading, paying no mind of his presence. This was starting to become an epidemic to him. He felt that whatever they once had was slipping away at a rapid pace.

He used to be able to get her attention, even when she pretended that she didn’t care, with some outrageous comments she would respond to him, now there was just nothing. She barely said two words to him, even when he was more than eager to do anything for her.

And he wanted that back, even though it would mean he would never get what he wanted from her and that they would be playing games and tormented each other for the rest of their lives. Anything was better than that icy demeanor she was treating him with.

He already got the confirmation that Faith Spencer was certainly the type to go after the hard to catch ones and her preference was clear to anyone who had two eyes, but he couldn’t remember anything special in which she interacted with his step sibling. Sure she had been courteous, and flirtatious with Kathryn Merteuil, but then, who wouldn’t be.

He knew a lot of guy who would give everything to be with her, they just didn’t know that it wasn’t hard to get into her bed, but to have her completely, that was another story entirely. No one ever had Kathryn Merteuil, no one ever come close. It was always the other way around.

And on the back of his mind, when he actually listen, occasionally, Sebastian knew that he was also one of the guys that she owned. It just wasn’t something he’d like to admit to.

But he hadn’t seen the Spencer girl showing up at the townhouse before that one time, didn’t seem to be going out of her way to see Kathryn, while his stepsister had been out and about just about every evening, and he knew for a fact that she hadn’t been at her usual haunt, either. There was no party or gathering that was hosted by any of the ‘somebody’ in the city that he did not know about and none of them was visited by Kathryn Mertueil.

It was as if she stopped suddenly and had something else that no one knew about going on.

Not even Blaine.

“Kathryn?” He called her again, coming to sit across from where she was.

“What is it this time, Sebastian?” Green eyes looked up with annoyance. “I’m sure whatever you are about to tell me is something I already knew, so don’t bother.”

Again she dismissed him, without letting him even tell her what he was about to say. And he was so sure that it was something she would want to know.

“Well,” he swallowed whatever his initial reaction that was pushing forward down. “What if I tell you that it has something to do with Faith Spencer.”

“Not interested.”

“Come on Kathryn.” He started whining.

For the umpteenth times, the tiny brunette had the urge to tell her step brother, Sebastian to just get lost and go play somewhere else. She knew he was trying to bait her to tell him something he’s been trying to figure out on his own and could not. He had done it before, she also had done it to him more often than she cared to remember, the different was that it was usually when she was ready to give him the information that she pretended to let it slip.

Unlike him.

He was still pretty much that spoiled brat she had met years ago. Back then she thought it was charming, that he was the only one that would understand her. Now… now she found someone that accepted her the way she never thought possible.

Someone that allowed her to be, and didn’t have to pretend to be anything other than herself.

It didn’t take long for Kathryn to figure out that Sebastian suspect something, that was why he had been bugging her and went as far as having someone go dig up some information from Boston. He didn’t think that she knew, and that was what she was going to let him think.

The tiny brunette knew that sooner or later he would figure out what was going on, and she – as well as she knew him -- couldn’t really tell what kind of reaction that would illicit. For right now, though, she would not feed his curiosity.

“I don’t remember ever agree to that bet of yours, so why are you still so hung up on Faith?” The petite girl tossed it out there. “And I have a date.” She looked at her watch before putting down the magazine that she had been flipping through, at that same exact moment her maid stepped into the room, announcing the arrival of her ‘date.’

“Have a nice evening, Sebastian.”

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Willow watched with just a little amusement and just a touch of fear at the couple that was sitting at the same table as her. Faith was still Faith, just as she remembered her dark haired friend to be, cool as an iceberg and completely in her element, anywhere.

Something that the redhead had always wanted to be, but never could.

Kathryn was… Beautiful, dark hair, green eyes, perfect figure, well refined and with class. She was someone with money and the upbringing. The type of girl that usually did not go out of the box they had been brought up in and ventured out to something else. The type that would date football stars and then went on to marry someone with just as big of a fortune.

But then what did she really expect?

Faith had always been the one that get the girl. Didn’t matter who they were, if the brunette went after them, she’d get them. But she went through them quickly and tossed them aside like yesterday newspaper, that, however, didn’t seem to stop girls from following her around, happy to be her playmate for however long Faith wanted. But then, the brunette always left them smiling afterwards.

Actually, it was just that Willow didn’t see someone like Kathryn Merteuil dating another girl. Even though, the other girl was Faith.

But there was something between the two girls, the redhead could see that.

When they first pulled up in front of the Valmont townhouse, and Kathryn exited the front door with her doorman held the door open for her, dressed in long coat, high heel boots, strutting to the car and Faith went and open the door for her. The redhead had watched the way she carried herself, as she walked and got into the car.

Then when Faith kissed her hello the way the petite girl threw both arms around her friend and prolonged the kiss, as if it had been such a long time that she had been apart from the taller brunette. It seemed innocent enough as she blushed prettily when she finally noticed the redhead, and Faith introduced them.

Kathryn smiled then, a beautiful and bright smile. She was polite and gracious, but then Willow could see that glint of danger in her clear green eyes. She couldn’t really tell what it meant.

Willow was called out of her muse as her friend asked her a question. “Huh, what?”

“I said: you’re wicked quiet, usually it takes the lack of oxygen to get you to stop.” The comment accompanied by a smirk.

“I’m just trying to chew. See, here chewing, chewing is good. ‘Cause otherwise I’d choke on my food and we might have to do the Heimlich and that would be embarrassing in the restaurant like this. ‘Cause you know, learn how to chew.” She said the last part with a tilt of her head and a mock frown, holding up her index finger like their English teacher, Mr. McCormick used to do while emphasizing the main point during his lesson.

Faith started to crack up.

Then they started relating the stories back and fort while the small brunette watched their exchange in silent, not commenting on anything, only took that time appraising. Willow looked like one of the girls that would get picked on with that nerdy quality in her demeanor, though she dressed better than some of the geek she had known and got to work for her at one time or another. She wondered how the redhead had come to be, as Faith called her, a very good friend, seeing how they seemed to be on a completely opposite end of the social spectrum.

But that was a question to be asked later, if she had any intention in asking at all. There were many other ways she could go about finding that out, and they didn’t need for her to ever asking Faith.

“You alright, princess?”

Kathryn looked over to her girlfriend and smiled at her sweetly, assuring her that she was all right and that she just didn’t want to interrupt them, since they hadn’t seen each other for a while. Faith gave her a knowing smile and accepted the reasoning without comment.

Because she knew better.

Reaching underneath the table, Faith grasped the small, soft hand in her own and squeezed briefly.

-----------------------------------------------------------

After dinner Faith half wanted to continue their night out, prolonging it by taking both Willow and Kathryn to the club and maybe just dance the night away but then she saw the yawn that the redhead tried to stifle unsuccessfully so, she decided against it.

Remembering suddenly that Willow had to get up at the ungodly hour of the morning to get to the airport for her flight, especially, when the redhead flew out of Logan, not Manchester. She remembered the last time she as there. It wasn’t a pretty sight, Logan International Airport was one of the busiest ones, everything took longer than it should there, and she never liked it one bit.

The combination of early morning flight and stayed up late to pack must’ve put the redhead in exhaustion.

So, she opted to just take them back home and have a night in, instead.

As they left and waited for the valet to bring the car around, Faith turned to the tiny beauty beside her and asked if she wanted to spend the rest of the night hanging out with them.

Kathryn remained watchful and said very little other than what was being asked, absorbing all the information and history between the two friends. There were so much she didn’t know about Faith, but she had deemed lot of them insignificant, and that she didn’t really need to know.

After all, there were a lot of things about her that Faith didn’t know and even though she didn’t care if the other girl found out in the beginning, she starting to feel that it would be better for her not to know at all.

But she did wonder what Sebastian could possibly get on Faith, and would they interest her. At first reaction she didn’t care what he had and what he wanted to tell her, the bait he dangled in front of her. But whatever it was she could certainly find out herself without his help.

But did she want to?

All evening she had been listening to everything the two girls said, she remembered them and probably could recite everything back to whomever curious enough to ask, and even though her attention was focused on the conversation that pass throughout the dinner, she focused her attention on Faith even more.

The taller girl was, as always, relaxed and casual, her presence was enough to command attention, the presence that rival Kathryn’s own. And while she observed them and the room, she noticed that there were just as many guys looking at her girlfriend as much as they were looking at her. They all were probably wondering why there were three teenagers sitting in one of the most exclusive restaurant in the city.

All eyes were on them as they exit just as all eyes were on them when they made their entrance.

Pulling the coat tighter around herself, the petite brunette shivered slightly at the wind blowing their way.

“You’re all right?” Faith stepped closer, asking, her voice low, intimate.

Kathryn shrugged, the move caused the collar of her coat to fall open just a little, and from the taller brunette’s sight, pale throat and the beginning of her cleavage was showing. “You’re up for some fun tonight?” The tiny queen asked coyly.

Chuckled deep in her throat, the dark beauty leaned down slightly, the tip of her nose grazed one smooth cheek. “If you’re interested in a little of girls night out and we can have some fun later… like after.”

“After?”

“Uh-huh…”

Just then the redhead called out, telling them that the car was here.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Against her better judgment, Kathryn agreed to spend the night with them, although, not the kind of night she was used to.

And she regretted it almost immediately.

Not in her wildest dream she would have thought that Kathryn Merteuil would be spending a night resemble a girl’s night in with her girlfriend and her girlfriend’s bestfriend. She never would’ve thought that she would be spending a night at anyone’s without sex being the number one thing in both parties’ minds. It was just not done.

So here she was curled up on her side, waiting for Faith to come out of the shower. Pulling at the silk pajama top in distaste, she tucked the hem of the shirt down a little more, covering her upper thighs, considering that the redhead could probably show up at any moment now, she wouldn’t want to flash her anything.

Not when she didn’t mean to.

“Don’t look so bored, princess.” Husky voice startled her out of her muse.

She didn’t hear Faith coming out of the shower at all, the next thing she knew the other girl was already beside her on the mattress. “I know it isn’t your thing and all that, but I do wanna spend sometime with you and Willow’s gonna only be here for another two days.”

The tiny brunette rolled her eyes and sat up.

“Come on.” Faith moved in closer, placing her lips close to the soft spot behind a delicate earlobe. “We’ll have fun, I promise.” Then she proceeded to kiss her way down from that soft spot to the pale column of her neck to her shoulder, with one hand the taller brunette pulled petite body onto her lap, and used the other hand to guide the silk material out of her way.

Kathryn rested her head against Faith’s, her eyes heavy lidded.

Just then someone was knocking the door, and a few seconds later, open it.

“Hey guys.”

Faith looked up at her friend, but she made no move to change her position, and neither did the petite brunette. Biting the inside of her cheek, their host tried to contain the laughter that quickly rising up as the redhead’s face turning almost as red as her hair.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t.. I mean, I didn’t know you guys were busy I’ll come back in a minute I was just gonna ask if we gonna watch movie in here or in the rec room I mean.. I didn’t mean to…”

“Whoa! It’s ok Red.” Faith called out. “I was just yanking your chain, you can come in.”

“Oh, Ok.”

With great caution, Willow stepped into the room, closing the door behind her lightly, she walked as if there could be landmines hidden underneath the plush carpet and she could step into them at any moment.

Kathryn tucked her nightshirt down a little, now she knew for certain that the redhead was very much innocent. Again, how did the two became friends was a mind boggling thing.

-----------------------------------------------------------

The dark beauty stretched her back, her arms reached high above her head with the intention of dislodging that kink in her back coming from sitting on the couch, watching movie for a little too long, in her lap, dark hair spread out, covering one pale cheek, normally clear green eyes were hidden underneath hooded eyelids and long lashes.

The redhead had retired for the evening, seeing how it was already 3 A.M. And it had certainly been a long day.

“You awake, princess?” Faith leaned down, whispering the question.

Emerald green slowly revealed, blurry from sleep.

The taller of the two chuckled deep in her throat and slid off of her soft leather. “No pelvic action tonight then.” Faith smirked and slip her arms underneath Kathryn’s shoulder and knees, picking her up. “What do you eat, princess, you hardly weight anything.”

Not answering, the tiny queen rested her head on one strong shoulder. She still can feel a little of the buzz of that tiny amount of white powder she inhaled an hour or so earlier. It had been –just as she expected—boring, her idea of a good time never involved girl friends, movies and junk food before, and this night certainly did not change that.

She didn’t know when she drifted off, not that she cared.

Before she knew it, her back hit the soft span of a mattress and comforter was tucked around her.

Then Faith disappeared.

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Willow slipped into warm and comfortable bed. It had been a really long day and had it been her way she would’ve been in bed several hours ago. But she also knew that had it been completely Faith’s way they would still be out in some club somewhere dancing the night away.

So, this was the compromise that they both were happy with.

Well, at least for two out of three anyway.

So far, Kathryn was unlike anything her friend had told her. The petite brunette had been quiet throughout the evening, barely said anything, which was completely different from what Faith told her and what she thought the other girl would be.

All in all she pretty much like any other girl that came from wealthy family, raise in a square box. Like any other girls that had been with Faith before. Any other girl that Faith, sometimes, chased, but mostly, they chased the dark beauty like the hot commodity that she was.

Her friend told her that Kathryn Merteuil was anything but.

Then she surmised that it might be because of her presence.

Rolling to herself, Willow reached over to the bedside lamp, but before she could turn off the light, there was a knock on the door. “Yeah?” She knew who it was before the door was open. Who else would be awake at this time of the night, all the house’s staffs were retired by midnight, and the only people that were awake were the three – no, two—of them.

“Hey, Red.”

“Hey, Faith.”

“Why aren’t you in bed yet?” The redhead sat up as her friend came over to sit on the mattress.

“I was gonna, but then I figure I’ll see if you need anything.” The dark beauty sat crossed leg, facing her friend, her dark hair loose around her almost bare shoulder, Faith was dress with the silk pajama bottom, pants from the same set of pajama that her girlfriend now wore. While the tiny brunette got the silk shirt, she had the pants and wore a white wife beater instead.

“Just sleep. How’s Kathryn?” There was a grin, and Faith could see it.

“Sleepy.” The brunette chuckled. “I know she’s not too keen on the movie thing, maybe I shouldn’t ask her to spend the night, but then…”

“You wanted her to, I know. She’s nothing like what you told me.” Finally the redhead voiced her thought on the petite brunette.

“That, Red.” The dark haired girl grinned darkly. “Because, you ain’t seeing nothing yet.”

“She reminds me of someone.” Willow pulled up her knees, wrapping both arms around them and rest her chin on top. “Can’t really put my finger on it though. She is certainly your type.”

“What did I tell ya.” The brunette laughed. “But it’s so much more, Red.”

Willow watched with utter fascination as her friend’s eyes softened slightly.

“She’s the first that actually caught my attention. Kinda weird really, cause she’s such a bitch sometimes.” The dark beauty stated with a crooked grin on her beautiful face.

‘Well, that’s definitely the first.’ Willow blinked.

-----------------------------------------------------------

A warm body slipped right behind her and Kathryn stirred lightly. “Faith?” she called out softly.

The sound of her name being called out from the tiny girl brought a smile to her lips. “Hey princess.” Faith kissed her ear gently, slipping an arm underneath the crook of her neck.

Petite body rolled over and faced her, their lips came together, kissing, fingers tangling in locks of hair.

“You’re awake.” The taller one said with just a touch of amusement in her voice when they broke apart.

“And you were missing.” There was just a hint of accusation in that.

Faith smile got wider and she leaned in close, their noses touching. She knew what the petite girl was thinking and thought that it was rather cute, something she wasn’t ever going to tell her, only because the queen would probably deny it till her last breath.

“Well, I’m here now.” The dark beauty whispered back, captured her lips again in a kiss.

And the petite beauty returned it brutally; small hands came around her shoulders tangling in her hair and tightened their grip. Teeth scrapping against her own, then nibbling at her bottom lip, pulling, biting. Kisses that hurt just a little.

The intensity of which surprised the dark beauty.

But only a little.

She knew that Kathryn could be aggressive in bed, just like she was anywhere else. Though mostly, the petite girl seemed to be enjoying going along with her, especially when whatever Faith came up with was mostly lavished upon her anyway.

That did not mean she wasn’t demanding.

Oh, Kathryn Merteuil was very much demanding, but the dark beauty was only happy to comply.

This time it was different, though. The taller girl thought as she felt the tiny body tried to maneuver her to the bottom, then it dawn on her as a pair of soft lips decent on her once again, pressing into hers with rough kisses.

The petite girl was trying to be dominant.

Grinning inwardly, Faith allowed herself to be maneuvered onto her back and readied for the soft weight that rested upon her. Soon her clothes were gone, how, she couldn’t really tell, she wasn’t really paying attention to them. She felt soft skin pressed down against her own.

Pressing down hard, Kathryn, felt the taller girl yield to her effort, then she fell onto her, hard muscle covered with velvety soft skin, and the queen reveal in it and the fact that she could do this, could press so tight against the soft skin and feel the muscles, could be closer than any of those people that wanted this gorgeous brunette. Except, she probably wasn’t the only girl Faith ever held.

And that the other girl might just be in the same house as them right this minute.

She couldn’t stand it.

Raising herself up on her elbow, she looked down at the face below her, took in the cleft on her chin, pouty lower lip, then the dark eyes half close with thick lashes.

“Princess?”

Faith voice brought her out of her muse.

“Fuck me.” Kathryn hissed, dropping her head down so that their lips were almost touching. “Fuck me, Faith.” She repeated again, this time it was not much more than a breathe.

-----------------------------------------------------------

The dark beauty watched with fascination at the petite form moving above her, small, firm breasts bounced enticingly, pale, porcelain skin almost glow with sweat. Kathryn was a sight to behold. Especially when she was lost in her own pleasure, her expression….

Faith couldn’t describe it, there was just something about watching her lover’s face, the way her lips parted, her eyes squeezed tightly shut, her brow furrowed, it made her wanting to the petite girl more and more. She curled up her fingers, finding that little spot inside of the other girl that would set her off. The body above her rose up and sat back down, riding hard, small tremor started and Faith circled the tiny, hard nub with her thumb while keeping her fingers curled on the inside.

Kathryn rode her, her core tightened around those long fingers, she was close, so close.

“Faith…. Faith…” Repeating her name like a mantra.

Letting her tongue extended out, she ran it around her lips, still tasting the flavor of the dark beauty on them, the taste fueled her even more, groaning loudly she rotated her hips, feeling her inside being pressed just right, and then firework exploded behind her eyelids.

“Oh Faith…”

With a cry, the petite girl held herself still as wave after wave of orgasm shook her. For a moment she sat up, her back arched, head thrown back, her hands gripping tightly at Faith’s forearms, where one rested around her waist. Her petite frame held taunt for several heartbeats before her entire body relax and she fell forward.

Faith caught her with one arm, while her other hand slowly withdraw from Kathryn’s dept, her soft breath panting in her ear. Her small body trembling in her arms.

The petite brunette reached out with one shaky hand, taking the larger one that had been inside of her in her own and brought it to her lips, she licked them, first one and then two, making sure she got every little drop of her own secretion, her nipples still painfully hard, pressing into her lover’s chest. A husky groan sent tiny vibration against her.

“Oh baby…” Kathryn murmured lovingly, breathlessly. “Faith.” She kissed her palm now, then down her wrist, open mouth kisses, caressing her lover’s skin feverishly with her lips and tongue. Slowly she made her way to the taller girl’s shoulder, placing kisses on the collar bone before licking at the dip at the base of her throat tasting salt from the sweat that they, together, made.

The dark beauty groaned deeply in her chest, soft lips on her skin was making her hotter, the heat between her legs that had been sated only moment before became inferno once again. Clearly, that little nap that the petite girl took help rejuvenated her.

Kathryn made her way lower, kissing and licking every little spot that she found on Faith’s tight body, she had since memorized every little details about her, like that little spot behind her ear, another between her breasts and here, the petite queen pressed her lips down at that spot a little above Faith’s belly button, then she extended her tongue out, licking it, kissing it like she would her mouth, feeling the shudder ran through the tightly packed abs against her cheek.

“Ah…” The taller of the two gave a soft gasp of surprise as another sensitive spot on her body was being teased. Her body tensed and her back arched involuntarily, her fingers digging into the sheets and mattress beneath her, gripping it tight in her hand, Faith silently urged her petite lover to go lower and faster, infinitely faster, to where she needed her touch the most.

Kathryn didn’t seem to receive her mental request, however. If anything she seemed to be moving even slowly, taking her time to thoroughly tease the little indentation on her belly before ranging her teeth all the way down to just above the neatly trim pubic hair.

“Kat.” Faith hissed, letting go to the fistful sheet in one hand, instead she took hold of her love’s head, fingers tangled in the fine silky strands, pushing her down gently, persuaded her to go lower, where she needed the touch and at this point she knew she was soaked down her inner thighs. She could feel it.

When the touch finally came, Faith nearly screamed.

All she could hear then was her blood pounding in her ears, and all she could feel was the supple tongue.

Kathryn grinned wickedly as she surveyed her handy work. Faith was soaked, there was no question about it, she could see the glistening of the moisture down her inner thighs, she blew softly onto the quivering flesh in front of her, satisfied at the shudder that her little action cause, the petite girl waited a moment, until the hand that gripped the back of her head pulled her forward.

Gladly she pushed two strong thighs apart, spreading the swollen lips in front of her with her thumb and forefinger, she placed the flat of her tongue at the very opening that the moisture spilt from and dragged it all the way up to that tiny nerve ending, making Faith cry out.

Not missing a beat, two slim fingers made their way deep into the wet heat and the rhythm started. In, out, in out. Roughly, Kathryn moved her fingers, curling them upward, knowing that she would be hitting just the right spot, as the writhing body was attesting to the fact. With her other hand, the smaller girl anchored herself and wrapped her lips around the tiny bundle of nerve and sucked on it, as a result Faith was writhing so hard that she had a hard time holding on.

“Oh fuck… Kat..” Faith groaned. “That’s it, harder… faster… Kathryn…”

The petite brunette grinned at the sound her girlfriend’s produced and pumped her fingers faster, slamming into her, then she paused for a moment to add another.

“Fuck!” The taller girl screamed, her body held taut, her back arched off of the bed, her hand gripping tightly on the fine strands of her lover’s head.

Then she slowly relaxed and let go.

Panting still, she tucked at the tiny girl, pulling her up then kissing her.

“I think I see stars.” The dark beauty commented breathlessly, her voice hoarse. “Actually, I think I see a few solar systems.”

The petite one laughed smugly, snuggling against her feeling their sweaty skin sticking together, and strangely, she didn’t mind that at all. She felt the opposite, in fact, she felt contentment

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“It is a compliment, Princess.” Placing a kiss on her forehead, she continued. “I’m not even gonna ask what brought this on.”

“Why do you think anything has to bring this on?” Kathryn retorted, lifting her head from its resting place, she frowned slightly, pretending that she didn’t know what the other girl was talking about.

Faith chuckled softly as she tucked the girl back down, she didn’t say anything more, and neither did the tiny brunette who seemed to settle down some, no words were needed, really, they both knew better. “Green eye.” She murmured against her hair. “Go to sleep, baby.”

Kathryn rolled her eyes, but she let the comment go, it was something that they would definitely be discussed in a future time, and she settled closer, requesting to be tucked in tightly and let the steady heartbeat lulled her to slumber.

Faith sighed quietly, pulling the petite girl a little tighter in her arms revealed in her soft skin. They didn’t bother putting their nightclothes back on afterward. It took too much effort. Her eyes slowly slip close. She couldn’t really say that everything was all unexpected, after all, the petite girl could be quite a jealous fiend, and she had seen it a few times already, but she only expected a few words maybe, not really expecting the sex part, not after the tiny queen fell asleep while watching the movie anyway. It was partly why she went and chatted with Willow, and also she didn’t want her friend to feel neglected after coming all the way to New York City to see her for the weekend.

Beside she wanted them to at least know who the other was. Or at least for Kathryn to know Willow, after all, she told the redhead a lot about her already. Well, not everything, she didn’t think Willow could wrap her mind around some of the things the queen did. She suspected that all her friend would be was mortified at some of the things Kathryn did.

She noticed the digital clock on her nightstand, telling her that it was already past 5AM. She really needed the sleep if she was going to survive the weekend.

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Before she knew it, it was already Sunday afternoon, and Willow was packing her bag. “Man, time flies when you’re having fun.” The brunette commented lightly as she flopped onto the mattress, her crisp white button up shirt pulled taut on her flat stomach as she stretched her arms over her head. “Wish you can stay longer.” The last part she turned and directed at her redheaded friend.

“Me too.” Willow frowned, pausing in her stuffing of the suitcase. “Did Kathryn leave, already?” There was just a note of disbelief in that.

All weekend, Willow had gotten to spend time with her best friend, and at the same time, her best friend’s girlfriend as well. She couldn’t say that she didn’t like Kathryn Merteuil, because even now, the petite brunette had done nothing to her, but there was just a feeling she got from her that Kathryn did not like her very much.

“Yeah, she has to make an appearance at some cocktail party her parents threw or something like that.” Faith grinned. “Why? You want her to send you off?”

“Well, I don’t think she likes me very much, so that would be a no. I mean, I think she sent me evil eye when you’re not looking at her, which wasn’t that often, but it still make me feel kinda weird, so the no with the sending off. I want to live, still. ‘Cause I’m still young and all.”

“She did not give you evil eye.” Faith laughed, picking up the pillow and tossed at the redhead. “Green maybe.”

“Uh-huh!” Willow held up her index finger exclaiming as if something suddenly occurred to her. It was a good thing that the pillow missed her by an inch.

“What?”

“Nothing, just.. you know.. I get it now.” And she knew that she did. The whole glaring when Faith wasn’t looking thing from Kathryn, now she knew for certain that the petite girl was jealous. Of what, Willow wasn’t sure; after all, Faith was her friend. Maybe it was the fact that she knew Faith for longer.

“Good for you, red.” Faith smirked. “I’d hate to think that you got stuck on something and not understanding.”

The redhead spent the next fifteen minutes packing and making sure she didn’t forget anything, even though she could’ve easily have her friend send whatever item to her without much of a problem. In the mean time they were chatting about their weekend spent together, and when they would be able to see each other again, and promises were extracted on both sides.

“Ready?” The brunette asked picking up the suitcase and went to wait by the door.

“I think so.” Willow nodded, already, the sadness settled in her stomach. She did so hate to leave.

“Come on, Red,” Faith gestured for her friend to exit the room ahead of her. “We wouldn’t want you to miss your flight.”

Then the two friends left.

Destination: airport.

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Willow hugged her brunette friend tightly; they were standing at the security gate, and from this point on, the redhead would have to go on to the gate by herself.

That sadness that settled in her stomach was now tightening it, making it harder for her to breathe normally without wanting to let the tear flow.

“Hey, come on, red.” Faith patted her back gently. “It’s not like you never gonna see me again.”

“I know.” Willow sniffled. “But I won’t get to see you everyday. And even when you’re all stubborn and annoying, I still wanna hang out with you.”

“Is that a compliment, red?” The brunette said with a wry grin. “I promise to call, and the next long weekend I’m gonna go see you.”

“Ok.” The redhead nodded like a child.

Faith gave her friend one last hug and gently ushered her toward the security gate.

“Call me as soon as you get there.” She called out after her.

“I will.” Willow waved goodbye and stepped up to the security, putting her back on the machine and stepped through.

Faith Spencer stepped back to lean against the concrete wall, the very same spot that she was the day Willow arrived, hands tucked in the pocket of her tight, black leather pants, her legs crossed at the ankles, her black boots gleamed as she watched till her friend disappeared down the hallway toward the gate

Then she turned around herself and left.

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“Oh, Kathryn.”

The petite girl rolled her eyes at her name being called as soon as she entered the house. She took a second to compose herself before turning around to face her step-father and her mother coming toward her.

“Hello.” She smiled that same well-practiced smile that she gave everyone when she did not particularly want to. Not that anyone would know the different. With the exception of Faith, as she was caught by her a few times.

“Where have you been?” Her mother questioned, and her step-father was looking directly at her. “We’ve been back since last night, but you were no where to be found.”

“I was out.” The tiny girl said casually, knowing that neither of them really wanted to know the answer to that question.

She didn’t give them the time to say anything else as she turned on her heels and started to walk away. Her mother never really gave a damn about where she went or how she spent her empty days before, and she didn’t expect her to now. Her step-father… well, he didn’t really care either, Kathryn suspected that the only reason he talked to her at all would be to try to get a glimpse of her cleavage.

Well, lately it was also because of the Spencer.

Ever since they learned that Faith Spencer was her classmate, he had been on her case on making friend with the only daughter of Richard Spencer in hope of some business advantage.

“Sebastian said you were gone all weekend.”

The tiny queen gave out a snort of laughter, and it wasn’t of the pleasant kind. If they only knew what she had been up to, although there were a lot of things she had done in the past that would probably rated even more outrageous to the parental than what she had been doing lately.

Looking at them, she was surprised that they seemed to be looking at her expectantly, unlike the usual question in passing, where her answer didn’t matter. This time they were waiting for her. And she wondered what in the hell the little pest of a step-brother told them.

“I’m surprise he notice.” She said slowly, “but if you must know, I was out with Faith.” There was only Faith they any of them knew, there was no need to elaborate any further, Kathryn was certain that it would be enough to stop anymore question and she could now go to her room and get a long hot bath.

That seemed to do the trick, her step-father looked happy almost immediately.

And surprisingly, so did her mother, the ice queen.

‘Well, there’s the first, my mother looks happy about anything.’ She thought to herself, on the outside, Kathryn asked. “May I please go to my room, now?” Her tone was honeyed sweet, and sarcastic.

“Of course, darling.” Her step father said quickly, waving his hand, “oh, and I’ll be sure to increase your allowance, maybe you could go shopping with Faith.”

She stopped only for a moment to smile at him with that well practice sweet smile before disappearing down the hallway, and out of their sight.

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Leaning back in the tub full of bubbles Kathryn closed her eyes and sighed deeply. The warmth of the bath water felt good on her tired muscles, she had never thought that she could be this sore, in places she didn’t think it was possible for her muscles to get exercise.

But when she thought of the exercise in question, a grin appeared on her beautiful face.

It didn’t matter that she was so sore she could barely move; all that matter was that she wanted to do it all over again.

Sex with Faith was amazing, she had thought that she had a great sex life before, and most of her partners were pretty good at pleasuring her, there were some that she would consider carry on the relationship with for a while, and some that she would never even talk to again.

But, Faith just surpassed them all.

The petite girl ran one hand from the slop of her chest down to her own small breasts; one small, pink nipple pressed tight into the middle of her palm, her skin tingled at the memories of Faith. Faith’s mouth, Faith’s lips, her finely muscled body, her dark hair, and eyes.

Those dimples, when she smiled...

When their bodies tangled together, her dark eyes so deep, penetrating when they gazed into her own green one, she felt like Faith could read her every thought.

Her hand made its way down to her soft tummy, so different, she thought, so different from the tightly muscle, washboard abs that her girlfriend had. They both were so different, and yet…

Kathryn ran her hand lower, stopping just above her well trimmed pubic hair, imagining it was Faith’s she moved lower, thinking about all the things that the taller girl would do to her. All the things that she very much enjoyed.

And queen Kathryn touched herself thinking of a beautiful, dark hair girl with intense dark eyes as she pressed two fingers inside herself.

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Sebastian sat at his desk, fuming. Minutes before he had been at the balcony, watching his step-sister, Kathryn, entering the townhouse with that usual confident strut that she often used. She was positively glowing, even he, from the second level of the house looking down on her, could see that.

He had finally wrung the information from Blain, although not everything, he could always tell when his dealer of a friend didn’t tell him everything he wanted to know. Finally, he knew why she had been out and about just about every evening and yet she was no where to be seen in the parties and whatever get together the Manchester Prep’s student population usually attend.

She was dating.

But Blain refused to tell him who it was that his bitch of a step-sister was dating.

Even after all the money that he offered, the bleached blonde refused to give him anymore than that, although he could probably made an educated guess at whom it was she was dating, there were several people, and one of them seemed to stand out.

However, one afternoon of good roll in the hay would never be considered dating, even in his world, and one afternoon that he had seen them together was all he had for the evident.

So, unless he got something more he could never be sure.

They might be fucking, but that didn’t mean there would be enough to keep the queen out of her social light.

He had thought about blackmailing, however, had he gone to that route there would be no more cooperation from Blain, and their relationship –whatever kind there were-- would be no more. Besides, as much as he knew about Blain Tuttle, his dealer friend knew just as much about him, maybe more. There were so many times that he requested the guy’s help for some things, most were not quite legal.

He couldn’t really do anything against his friend now.

Certainly, when this was involve Kathryn.

Sometimes, he just could never win.

Suddenly, his cellphone rang, startling him out of his muse. He paused only long enough to look at the screen, noting the name and number that appeared, he answered it.

“Yeah.”

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Momentarily sated, Kathryn laid back and let herself slid down further into the tub and under the water until her nose was only slightly clear of the surface. The water was getting less than warm, lifting her hand up, her fingertips were all wrinkled.

Frowning in disgust, the petite brunette decided that it was time for her to get out of the tub, least she would get a preview of what she would look like some thirty, forty years from now, something she had absolutely no intention of ever seeing.

She was more than well aware of the fact that her own current lifestyle would be a major help in that little wish.

Kathryn sighed deeply, the feeling of content and satisfaction from her own hand earlier fading away she pulled herself up and cleared the lukewarm water. Grabbing the nearby towel, she wrapped it around herself, not bothering to even dry herself up as she left the specious bathroom and entering her bedroom.

Just as she stepped onto the plush carpet the phone rang loudly in the quiet room.

‘Better be Faith. ’ She thought to herself as her legs carried her over to the antique desk sat in the far corner to pick up the cordless handset.

“Hello.”

“Kathryn?”

Rolling her eyes as she recognized the voice, cursing herself that she didn’t bother to check the caller ID screen on the phone before answering the phone, she hadn’t been talking to Blaine lately, she wasn’t really sure why, but it seemed that she could find something better to do than hanging out with all those people that seemed to be in and out of the bleached blonde boy’s house.

A reason named Faith.

“Yes, Blaine .”

“Oh good, I finally get a hold of you, have even been screening your calls? I’ve been calling you for days on your phone you never answer and I have to resort to calling the house. Your maid said you’re not home. Where have you been?”

“Jesus, Blain, when did you become my mother?” Kathryn asked sarcastically, then added. “Wait, no, my mother doesn’t give a fuck where I am.”

“Of course, darling.” The boy replied. “We all know that your mother only care if you get yourself into the front page of social section of New York Times. I, on the other hand, as your friend, always wondering where you are. So, let me make a guess here, you’ve been spending time with one Faith Spencer?”

“Is there a point to this call, Blain? Because, I need to at least get dress sometime in the next century.”

“You mean I can’t just call to chat with my best friend and favorite client ?” His voice sounded hurt.

The petite brunette shredded her large, white towel, leaving her body exposed to the chill air in the room and Kathryn felt the effect immediately, her nipples tightened, shiver running down her lithe body. She was a little cold. And she missed Faith.

The other girl would, no doubt, happily taking Kathryn in her arms and kissed her all over. Taking away the chill.

The thought made something lower in her tightened, she didn’t feel cold anymore.

Before her mind could really wander the voice of Blain calling her name with outrage startled her back. He had been talking about something that she hadn’t really paid attention to.

“Are you even listening to me, Kathryn?”

“Yes, Blain, I am listening to you.” She rolled her eyes, even though her friend wasn’t going to see. “Now what is this about Sebastian you are telling me?”

And Blain Tuttle

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For the last week Faith had noticed that one of the cheerleaders had been a little too friendly toward her. The same one that she kept bumping into whenever she turned the corner. She couldn’t, of course, remember if they were introduced, or even have the same classes.

Not that she cared.

Though, she was kind of cute, with long blonde hair and gray eyes. At first when she ran into her first couple of times she didn’t think anything of it. Until it became a little too frequent, especially when it didn’t happen before.

Turning the corner from the hallway toward the assembly, she almost ran head first into someone. “Excuse me.” She muttered feeling the irritation kicking in, all day she seemed to be running into people, or rather one girl in particular and it wasn’t the girl that she wanted to run into.

Without looking at whoever it was that she nearly collided with, Faith side stepped and started to walk away when she was stopped with a cheerful voice.

“Oh, hey, are you going to the café?”

Looking up, Faith stifled her frustration at the now becoming a familiar sight, once again she had managed to run into the same blonde cheerleader.

“I’m Amy.” The blonde quickly introduced herself and smiled sweetly. “You’re Faith Spencer right?”

”Yeah.” Faith started to frown.

“My parents and I’ve just been invited to the party at your house next week.” She informed the brunette with a sweet smile. As if the prospect of spending time with a bunch of parental, snobbish type was the best thing she had ever heard.

“That’s great.” The brunette said dryly, ready to move on, already.

Dismissing the blonde, Faith started to walk away again. Amy however, had a different idea, as she started to talk to her again. The dark beauty completely missed what she was trying to say for a petite form of Kathryn Merteuil appeared beside them.

“Oh Kathryn,” Amy smile had gotten sickeningly sweet as she greeted the Student body president.

“Amy, shouldn’t you be at the squad meeting? I thought they started in a few minutes. You wouldn’t want to miss that.” Queen Kathryn said, her voice gave nothing away.

Looking startled, Amy’s pale eyes widened, a hand covered her mouth she let out a soft ‘oh’ and turned to run the other way, but before she left the two girls she gave the dark beauty a wink. “See you later,” she said. “Faith.” With the last word pronounced in the way that a seductress would.

Except Faith wasn’t seduced.

Rolling her eyes, the Manchester Prep queen turned back to her girlfriend. “What was that about?”

“Don’t know, and don’t care.”

The taller girl shrugged, appeared to be without care.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Faith let her eyes roamed the petite form in front of her for a moment, then looked down the hall way, both way. Unsurprisingly, it was empty, considering it was lunch break and student tend not to stay in the areas that they should be.

Just like the two of them now.

Or rather like Faith, because Kathryn Merteuil was likely to have a reason to be here and not with the rest of her entourage somewhere else. But in any case, this was just perfect for what she had in mind for the petite girl.

Kathryn watched those dark eyes sweeping up and down the hallway, and she felt thrill shot through her. She could almost see the wheel turning in Faith’s head. And she knew that she would agree to it, whatever the dark beauty wanted to do.

There was this glint in the dark brown eyes she saw that let her guess what Faith was thinking and she knew whatever naughty thought the taller girl coming up with in her head she would enjoy it immensely. Then the dark brown came back to the clear green ones.

Faith looked at the petite girl’s eyes and felt her heart catch for a fracture of a second. Kathryn’s emerald green eyes seemed deeper, if that was possible.

“Come on, princess.” The dark beauty husked, she took the smaller hand in her own and tucked gently, leading the other girl to an empty room she spotted a few minutes before the annoying blonde cheerleader stopped her.

Kathryn Merteuil willingly let herself being led into the empty room, thoughts turning in her head as what the other girl could be thinking at this moment. There were just so many possibilities that she could come up with, at the time and place like this in the mood she was in.

Oh yes, the possibilities.

And Faith didn’t disappoint her as she found herself being backed up and suddenly being lifted by the waist and settled to perch on the cold edge of a teacher’s desk.

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Faith leaned over the prone body of Manchester Prep’s Student Body President, grinning like a cat that had just gotten a canary. Her hand was busily stroking in and out of Kathryn while the girl was tossing her head from side to side, she was biting her lower lip hard enough to draw blood as she tried to stop herself from crying out.

What picture they both would’ve made, the dark beauty thought to herself as she took a moment to really look at the position they were in. Kathryn laying down flat on her back on the desktop with her legs hung down the edge, she was expose from waist down with her plaid skirt ridden up over her belly, her white silk panties were down around one ankle, the only reason they were not on the floor was the fact that she still had her socks and shoes on.

With her elbow, Faith nudged her legs a little further apart, giving herself some room which she could maneuver. And she pressed herself down a bit more, put her mouth close to flushed cheek, she whispered sweet nothing to her, encouraging her to move, to push herself up against her.

“God Faith…” Kathryn groaned, her control was nearing breaking point and she couldn’t keep silent anymore. “Ah…. Faith… Fuck!” She hissed. “Harder… fuck me, harder… just a little… Oh yes… god, baby.”

The petite girl was getting louder, and Faith quickly covered her mouth with her own, muffled all her words and swallowed them down and she worked her fingers faster. Under the normal circumstance she liked to hear the moans, the groans, and the screams. Especially when it was her name that was being screamed out, but right now, any loud noise was a bad thing.

Although, the need for them to be quiet seemed to add to the whole experience as she came up and let them get much needed oxygen. “You need to keep it down, princess.” Faith whispered into her ear. “We don’t need any audience.”

Kathryn nodded in understanding and bit down on her own bottom lip hard, hard enough that the skin was actually starting to break. Faith was rubbing her clit faster, thrusting in and out of her harder, the combination was getting to be too much and she was close, oh so close. The taller one of the two knew all the signs well, and she could tell without a doubt that the petite girl was coming and it was going to be hard. She leaned up and captured her mouth in a brutal kiss. She tasted blood on top of that cherry lip gloss.

Her hips bucked hard, but the dark beauty was able to hold her down. Kathryn torn her mouth away as her back arched with a grasp, a finger pressed hard over her sensitive clit, giving her the final touch that she needed.

“Fuck!”

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Sounds of the bell signaling the end of the lunch hour echoed through the mostly empty classrooms and one occupied one.

The two occupants in one of those rooms gave out a simultaneous groan and they started to untangle themselves out of the compromising position that they were in.

“This sucks.” The taller of the two muttered darkly.

“I couldn’t agree more.” The petite one purred, her tone was the complete opposite of her companion, but the sentiment that she conveyed with her green eyes were the same. They didn’t like the fact that they were interrupted. But they didn’t really have a choice least they got caught together, ruining their reputations.

Well, maybe not theirs, the only reputation that was going to be ruined was Kathryn’s, since Faith didn’t really have any that she cared to save.

Faith couldn’t care less of what people would think of her, but she also knew that reputation was very important to the other girl, and she could understand it, after all she had seen what a bitch of a mother the petite girl had. With a mother like that she could only imagine what would happen if something of this were to be known.

The result would be devastating to the petite girl.

“We better get out of here.”

Dressing herself up quickly, the queen tucked at her sweater, smoothing out any wrinkle she could see, making sure that everything was right where they belonged, and nothing was out of place. Already in her head she planned on the image of this. Planned on how they would make their exit, in case someone decided to get an early start on their class. She would have to make it look like they weren’t in here together.

Something that could be done quite easily if they hurried it up and not linger too long that most of students were out of the lunch hall and heading back to their respective classes.

“You first, or should I?” The petite queen asked as soon as she straightened the last wrinkle out.

Faith lifted one eyebrow, it still amazed her how fast Kathryn could get that mask of Student Body President back on, and she understood why no one ever known of the other side of Kathryn Merteuil. Most of the time she was impressed, but the other times it made her wonder.

“Faith?”

Her mused was cut short, and she blinked, her large brown eyes refocused on the green ones in front of her.

“Lady first.” The dark beauty made a gallant gesture toward the door.

A sly grin was thrown her way as the petite girl turned, an extra spin made the attractive little movement with her hips and Faith just want to grab her and pulled her right back where she was, so she could ravish her all over again.

She resisted, of course.

And she watched her girlfriend disappeared out the door before she was leaving herself.

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The petite queen’s exit of the science lab was inconspicuous enough that no one gave her any mind at all, no one wondered what she was doing in the room and with the look of someone with every right to be where she wanted to be, no one was going to question it. No one was going to question the Student Body President of Manchester Prep.

Except, maybe one.

Amy narrowed her eyes as she watched -- as discreetly as possible – a petite brunette exited the classroom and walked down the empty corridor in an opposite direction from where she was standing, half hidden behind a roll of lockers.

She waited long enough for the petite girl to disappeared down the long hallway, presumably to next class, before stepping out from the little alcove she had been hiding. As she was cleared of the lockers the door of the lab open once again and Amy quickly jumped back. She wouldn’t want to be caught right now, not that it would damage anything. It might offer up some opportunities for her, if she played it right. But right now though, she just wanted to observe.

Her eyes widened as she saw none other than Faith Spencer.

She suspected it, had even tried to get a rise out of Kathryn Merteuil about it once, but she didn’t think it happened in reality, after all, someone like the Student Body President, whom dated no one but the best looking guy, a captain of some sport team or the other, someone with status in the social circle they were in couldn’t possibly be doing something with a girl behind close door, not even if that girl was Faith Spencer.

In the middle of all this, she neglected to remind herself that she herself had been flirting with the dark beauty, or tried to, without success.

Amy suppressed the urge to squeak or making any sound that could alert Faith of her presence.

This was gold.

Pleased with herself, Amy started for her next class of the day, all the while thinking of how she was going to use it to her advantage. She certainly was going to milk it for all it was worth; after all, she didn’t think Manchester Prep’s Queen would want what she saw today to become public knowledge, and even if she didn’t see with her own eyes what went on in that room just their exits was just as good.

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Sebastian laid back in his bed, a cigarette dangled from the corner of his mouth while his hand was busily scribbling in his only precious possession, his journal. From the pillow beside him dark hair spread out over the navy blue cloth of his pillowcase, his partner was asleep already, quite soon after their activity, but he didn’t care, she might as well not be there. Just another fuck, another way for him to spend his free time; so, he could add it to the list of his conquests. His pen stroke was swift and quick, he took no pleasure in recording this encounter. A few months ago, he would’ve been very satisfy with bedding a daughter of his therapist, the latest in his long line of the counselors that he had. Even if the girl hadn’t been very good in bed, just the fact that he had her would’ve been enough.

But not now.

Right now, he was too occupied with one thought, one girl.

His stepsister, Kathryn.

She’d changed, from the Kathryn he knew ever since they were barely teenagers. They were always in on what the other was doing, she knew what he was doing, what he was planning and the same went for her. He would tell her, often in details, of his conquests, of the girls he planned on humiliating, of their parents. And she would let him in on her scheming, of the next stepping stone on her way to being on top.

They were two of a kind.

But now, it seemed she had found something else, a brand new world.

And he wasn’t a part of it.

Pausing in his writing, he was practically out of things to record for this little conquest of his. After all, there wasn’t much that he wanted to remember, the girl wasn’t experience and it was like sleeping with a log, he even had to put her in positions that he wanted just so he wouldn’t fall asleep during the act. But from the look on the brunette’s face afterward, all red cheeks and smiling, he was doing her very good. Now if it was Kathryn Merteuil he would’ve been out of his mind with pleasure, he was sure of it.

And with that last thought he began describing his thought on his step-sister just like he had done many, many entries before. After all she was the one that gave him the journal to begin with.

Lately he barely get to see her beyond breakfast let alone get to talk to her at anytime. He had waited for her to come back from wherever she was late into the night, sometimes she didn’t even come home, the other time she just told him off and disappeared into her room, she even locked the door behind her, barring him from entering her room at all.

In the past when he barged into her room Kathryn always regarded his intrusion with amusement, even if she had someone with her, or however compromising positions they were in. They even laughed about it later when they talked. And they used to talk a lot.

Or maybe he was just being jealous that she didn’t want to play with him anymore.

No, that wasn’t it, he shook his head at the ridiculous thought. He wasn’t jealous, he wasn’t some five-year old that had his playmate taken away.

No, he definitely wasn’t jealous.

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No one was home this afternoon, and he didn't expect them to, his father was on a business trip somewhere, his stepmother was vacationing in Europe , which was the usual. He could remember how they would be vacationing together when they first got married but after that first year, he suspected that they rarely even in the same corner of the Globe let alone on the same vacation. In all honesty he didn't know why they were still married to each other, seeing how they couldn't stand the sight of one another.

Well, actually he knew why his father was still married to Tiffany Merteuil, social standing and money. His father was a business tycoon, true, but the real money came from the Merteuil, that and the class that no amount of money could buy.

His stepmother on the other hand, he didn't think she stayed with his father out of love; the woman couldn't possibly love anyone but herself. Sebastian knew how she treated Kathryn, her only daughter, and how Kathryn both seek and resent her attention.

He had seen first hand to how Kathryn's green eyes shone with that resentment -- and if he looked closely enough he knew he could find tears in them – whenever she had a conversation with her mother. In those occasions he felt only anger toward the woman. Sebastian knew where his stepsister got all her manipulative ways from, there was no doubt about it.

Most of the time Tiffany did not have time for anyone else but herself, and he was thankful, the woman could make some of the things he did seem like a charity ball. He wondered, for the thousand times, what made his father – as bad a father that he was—stayed with the woman, surely an old name and money wasn't worth the vile that the Ice Queen ditched out on a regular basis.

Then his thoughts came back to Kathryn, he remembered the first time he saw her. It was just before he started his first year at Manchester Prep, before their parents married. It was at one of his aunt's brunches. He saw her sitting next to his aunt, with her shoulder length dark, shinny hair, red lips and rosy cheeks. He was late, as always, swaggering into the middle of the conversation, he didn't care, there was definitely no one there that afternoon for him to impress, but he was wrong.

The moment he sat down with a half-heart apology to his aunt, he saw her green eyes swept over him appraisingly, he knew he was preening, he knew he looked good, his record was a testimony to that, but then she dismissed him so completely that he just had to get her attention.

Suddenly, his musing was interrupted by a ringing sound from his pocket.

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“Did you notice that the bubbly blonde cheerleader that seem to be popping up from everywhere lately?”

“Huh?”

Confused brown eyes looked up from the dark blue pillow in front of her and met the intense greens, not really knowing where the question came from, Faith could only blink her eyes, looking up at her girlfriend whom presently laying on the top of her back. The question really was rather out of place and completely out of the left field that the dark beauty didn't know what her girlfriend meant at first, and she was waiting for clarification, even though she had an idea what it was all about.

“A blonde cheerleader?” Kathryn looked at her expectantly.

“Princess, half of the squad are blondes.” Faith pointed out. “And they certainly are everywhere, most of my classes have at least one of them in it.” The dark beauty already knew which blonde the petite girl meant, but she really didn't want to get into that. She couldn't have guess that Kathryn could be a jealous. Although the green eye thing was pretty much a handicap. Her eyes were already green, and what pretty eyes, too.

“Faith, don't be so obtuse, you know which blonde I'm talking about.”

“Oh you mean,” Faith trailed off. “I can't say I give her much thought.” The taller brunette shrugged. “But she does annoy the hell out of me recently. I'm not interested in fencing team, or any team for that matter, I can't believe Miss Harris stick her to me like that.”

She rolled over slightly, indicated to the petite girl that had been comfortably warming her back to get down so she could fully roll over and have this conversation that the Queen started.

Kathryn rolled her eyes as she lay on her side watching Faith resituated herself, she knew that there was no way the gym teacher, Miss Harris would be sending any cheerleader, let alone Amy Allen, after Faith for her to join any sport teams. Amy definitely had a motive, and the queen knew what it was.

Actually, Kathryn had been waiting for some kind of action from the cheerleader, after the little encounter in the locker room after gym class and what was said. She also knew that Amy was after Faith, even though the brunette didn't respond to any of her usual seduction plan.

She just couldn't believe that the blonde bimbo would use that kind of a rather ridiculous excuse to come after her girlfriend like that.

“I don't think Miss Harris is the one that send Amy after you.” Green eyes flashed. “After all, Amy is her own agent.”

“Is that so?” Faith shrugged, on the inside she was grinning. It was fun to see the petite girl almost seething with jealousy. She had seen how much Kathryn did not like cheerleaders; she didn't really understand it anymore than it was some sort of politic power play, something she really did not care to know.

“Well, as much as I like seeing you all worked up with jealousy, Princess…”

“I am NOT jealous!”

“Oh yes, you are.” Faith teased and captured her lips in a kiss.

And she did so love seeing the ice princess façade cracked so she could see underneath the mask, she loved seeing Kathryn's face flushed red with some sort of emotion, any emotion, may it be anger, or passion, but she especially loved laughter. It was like pulling a tiger's tooth to get Kathryn to laugh, a full fledge laugh. It always made her feel that little thing in her belly.

The taller girl rolled them both over so that she ended up on top, pressing her entire body down lightly, feeling the soft skin and curve molded into her own, Faith couldn't help but grinning wildly while bearing down slightly, getting themselves even more intimately connected, her lips seek out a column of pale flesh that was suddenly presented to her. And she knew just where she needed to go. All conversation forgotten.

A soft moan escaped reluctant lips and Faith renewed her attack. “Princess,” she murmured against soft throat.

Kathryn closed her eyes and arched her back, she knew how much it turned her girlfriend on to hear a soft breathe with her name and she did it whenever she deemed appropriate. Although, right now it wasn't a conscious choice, just as it wasn't most of the time when she was with the dark beauty, Faith just brought out all the natural reaction from her.

“Faith…”

Pouty lips left her throat and she felt Faith's jeans pressed directly against her, the petite girl spread her legs so she could feel it even more keenly. There were a lot of things she liked about her choice of attire, the perfect fit, tailored only for her body, but not now. Right now she could find many things wrong with this dress, tight and hard to take off was on top.

Finally, after some struggle, they managed to lose all their clothes, naked flesh pressed together, hot enough to burn, the connection of their lips didn't break when the petite one got maneuvered onto her back. Faith reached down with one hand, while raising herself up with another, a roaming hand moved downward mapping hot, slick skin, marveling at how smooth and soft Kathryn was.

Faith often wondered, when she saw Kathryn at school, if the other girl had ice water running through her vein, but at times like this she knew with absolute certainty that the petite girl was not the ice princess everyone thought she was. She was passionate, she was wild, and she was hot.

When she came, it was nothing short of a volcanic eruption.

The dark beauty caught the back of one smooth thigh in her hand and lifted it up, Kathryn was flexible enough that she could get her into a split, but the split wasn't what on her mind right now. Pressing her knee to her chest, Faith pressed herself down, their clits met each other in slick heat.

“Princess,” Faith murmured against her lips before moving down to her chin and throat, receiving a groan in return.

Then they started a rhythm so familiar they didn't need to think about.

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“Faith.”

“Umm hmm?”

The dark beauty open one eye to look at her girlfriend, Kathryn was almost invisible in the near darkness of the room, but Faith managed to see a pair of green eyes looking at her. For a second she thought that she saw something akin to worry in those eyes. When Kathryn failed to continue once she had her full attention, Faith prompted her.

“What is it princess?”

“I think Sebastian is on to something.”

“And I'm suppose to be scared?” the dark beauty chuckled lightly at the seemingly trivial matter that suddenly occupied her girlfriend's mind. “He can't do anything to me, or you, for that matter.”

“He is capable of a lot of things Faith.” Kathryn stated, knowing full well what her step-brother could do, once he set his mind to it. And right now, she knew what he wanted, and where his determination lied.

It had always been their long understanding, ever since they first met and knew that they would become reluctant siblings, that above and beyond any relationships, theirs would be the most unique.

And it had been.

No matter what they had done to each other, no one was more important to them than each other. If there was anything sacred to them, it would be this, their relationship. No one else would understand them better than they understood each other. Although Kathryn knew that her interest in Sebastian was more of a kindred spirit kind, she had seen him as someone equal to her intellectual level. Unlike what he felt for her, oh, it was that she matched him in everyway she knew how he thinks, but there was something else that he felt for her, deep down inside. Kathryn knew that he loved her. He would never admit to her though, probably not until his very last breath. That was one thing she didn't feel for him, and never would.

In all honestly, she didn't think she would ever love anyone. So, what they had was more important than anything else. So whenever they did something to hurt each other, they always forgive if not totally forget about it.

But now…

Now her priority had changed.

She had found someone more important than what she had with Sebastian.

As unbelievable as that may sound, especially to her own ears, she found something so precious to her now than anything ever was in her life.

“A penny for your thought.” Faith broke her musing with a grin. And the dark beauty watched emerald green eyes came into focus on her face.

“As much as I love watching you thinking about something very hard, ‘cause that look of concentration on your face is such a turn-on for me, I think we were talking before you were lost in your own world.”

“Faith…”

“Yes, princess.”

Kathryn Merteuil stared into the eyes of the girl she came to care about and possibly loved, and wondered if she told this girl everything, would she be able to handle the truth, like Sebastian could. But when she thought about it, the only reason Sebastian could handle the truth of who she was because he was no better, or maybe he just wanted to get into her panties bad enough that nothing could faze him. And maybe the way she was only encouraged him more.

Would Faith be able to take what she wanted to tell her?

Would what they feel for each other, if anything at all, be able to stand it.

“There're a lot of things you don't know about me.”

“I do realize that, believe it or not.” Faith replied with just a touch of curiosity in her eyes, “but I figure that you will tell me whenever you are ready, or maybe never, but it's up to you.”

The dark beauty knew that the girl in her arms right now wasn't the Virgin Marry, and there were a lot that she was hiding but not only to Faith, but probably to everyone else in her life. She was well aware of what a lot of money and a lot of free time without much of adult supervision could do to a person. She had seen plenty, some good results, mostly bad. Even herself, whom seen her parents not even an hour each day, she still saw them a hell of a lot more than most of her friends.

As for Kathryn, she didn't know what it was that the Queen was hiding but if she wanted, she could've find that out, that wasn't a problem, but she didn't want to know that way. Besides, there were a lot of things that she had done and didn't think anyone else needed to know either. Everybody had something to hide.

“Whenever you decide, Princess.” She grinned giving Kathryn a perfect way out and kissed her.

And Princess Kathryn opted to remain silent and let herself drift off to sleep.

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Faith wanted to stab herself with a fork as more and more of the honorable guests entering the formal dining room, or better yet, maybe she should stick them with the fork instead and that would probably be very enjoyable. Sighing quietly to herself as another person approached her with a big red smile. Assuming that she probably should know this person, the dark beauty mustered up a smile in return.

And hoping really hard that a smile would be enough for this person to just walk by.

And as a middle age lady that apparently had been under the knife of a doctor enough time that the actual age was probably more than what she appeared headed straight toward her.

Oh shit!

Apparently a smile wasn't enough.

Faith wrecked her brain, trying to come up with a name to put to a face, a part feast, seeing how she couldn't even place the face, let alone coming up with a name to go with it.

“Faithy!” The middle-aged lady exclaimed rather loudly, several people that had already entered the room turned to look at them, Faith cringed with embarrassment with the loudness and the nickname that she hated. Not a lot of people called her that, only those that had known her since she was little, a good thing was that she hadn't met a lot of her parents' friends that were that ancient. Usually they were in New England and most were too busy to show up at one of her mother's gathering.

Unfortunately, this wasn't one of them.

“Oh, honey, how you've grown!” The lady continued. “I haven't seen you in so long, how have you been?!”

“Ah… I'm fine, thank you.” She could feel the blush traveling up her neck to her ears, wishing nothing more than to just disappear.

“Come here! give your aunty a hug!”

And it just worsen from there on in, after an awkward hugs and air kisses, Faith tried and tried to resist the urge of throwing the woman into the room so she would just move on, especially when she could see a new group of people entering the house. People inside were too busy talking about themselves to notice the embarrassing scene happening at the entrance, but the ones that were arriving were treated to the entire show.

Even worse, she could see the Merteuil-Valmont couple coming toward her with a petite girl in tow.

Faith quickly dislodged herself from a vise like grip and gently but firmly pushing the supposed aunt into the room.

“It's good to see you too, but I got some new arrivals I need to meet and greet, or my mother would have a fit…” she endured another kiss on her cheek. “I'll see you around, have fun now.”

And as quickly as she possibly could, readjusting her black dress shirt and wiped off the smudges on her cheeks. Faith tried to look dignified when the new arrival approached.

“Oh hello,” the older Merteuil greeted her with a warm smile, the kind that took a lot of practice in front of an expensive full length mirror, she was sure.

“Hello,” Faith smiled back at her, then turned to shake hand with an older Valmont, from here she could see resemblance between this man and the annoying boy, she surmised that some of the good looks probably came from the mother side of his family, especially the blond hair and blue eyes. Since his father was all dark haired and hazel eye.

“We hadn't seen you around our house lately, you should stop by more often. You two should spend more time with each other.” She gestured at the two girls. “Kathryn could be so anti-social sometimes.” Tiffany said the last part with a pretentious laugh.

The dark beauty raised one brow at the comment. She knew for a fact that the older Merteuil had no idea, and if they spend anymore time together they would have been joined at the hips. When she saw a strange expression crossed the woman's face while Richard Valmont looked on with polite interest but clueless expression, Faith quickly schooled her face into agreement and gave a solemn nod.

“I'll be sure to do that.” She gestured them inside, spotting more and more people coming in, she quickly stopped Kathryn with a touch of her hand. “Hey, how's it going?” A casual greeting with more than just a casual look in her dark eyes. She took the opportunity to get away from her meet and greet duty, knowing that her parents would be happy with the amount of guests she had seen already, and beside, her ‘friend' was here.

“Good.” Kathryn Merteuil answered with a smile.

Today the petite girl was all dressed up in a – no doubt – very expensive number, of black, strapless knee length dress, matching stiletto heels on her dainty feet; the whole effect of dark wisp of fabric against the pale, even silkier skin was very dramatic and very, very attractive. She supposed that was the reason why the other girl seemed to like dark colored clothes.

Always dress for impact. Faith thought with a smirk.

Kathryn gave a covert glance toward the taller brunette, and liked what she saw. Not that Faith dressed any different than what she usually would wear everytime there was this kind of gathering, always in the pant suit, always dark in color, and even though Faith wasn't as pale as she was, it was still a very nice contrast with her skin and dark, unruly hair falling about her shoulder and dark red lipstick. Dark red lipstick that wouldn't be there for too long; as soon as they could get away from these people the color on those lips would surely be transferred to hers.

She hoped that Faith had the same color lipstick in her pocket for a spare, because she would definitely need it.

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