Reckless – Episode 33&34

RECKLESS

Reckless – Episode 33&34

→ Out•Of•Control ←

[Book 1 in The Untamed Duet]

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No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a BOLDLY written permission from ME.

Copyright © 2025

Naomi Cindy B.

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★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

[Five Minutes Earlier]

“Rian? Why are you in my room? Are you…the guest?”

But instead of answering, Dorian took dangerous steps close.

She didn’t want to move before, but seeing the lethality in his eyes made her move back.

Her back smudged the bathroom door, and she stopped.

When he stepped right in front of her, her breaths caught. Water dropped from her wet lashes to her chest.

“Rian?” She whispered.

He lowered his face, his breaths rising than it should as he lifted her wet chin with the curve of his index, closing his eyes.

Stacy’s eyes went up, another drop of water hitting her chest from her lashes. She could feel her throat drying up, and the water on her back drying up faster cos of the air conditioning, but above the two, her fear of intimacy made her want to push him off, but seeing his closed eyes stopped her.

“What are you… doing?” She whispered again.

The response she got to that was a push.

He slightly pushed her shoulder, and with his second hand, he pushed the bathroom door open.

Once she was inside, he shut the door, eyes opened back.

“I’m so fuckin sorry, but I came here cos you agreed last night that I could visit, and your dad told me to come up here. I didn’t expect you to come out looking like that,” he rested his palm gently on the closed door.

“Looking like what?” Stacy’s voice came from the other side.

“Irresistibly s+×y? C’mon, who the hell uses a transparent towel?” He replied, his eyes opening.

He could hear her chuckle from inside, but he didn’t move.

He only smiled.

“You admit I’m irresistible? S+×y? Aw, what a good way to start my afternoon.” She laughed.

His smile widened, and he fumbled intentionally with the door glass.

“So… Miss Montana, I’m gonna go out of this room now, and you’re gonna come out to dress up.” He said.

“No need, I’ll just dress up here in the bathroom. I have a emergency closet and vanity mirror in here,” she quickly responded.

“Typical Stacy Montana style, I get.” He chuckled, and she cracked a soft laughter from the other side.

He waited behind the door, not moving am inch for ten minutes.

It’s obvious she rushed through her dress up cos when she came out after eleven minutes, her hair is still damp, and for the first time ever, her face is free of makeup.

Is it insane that he finds her more attractive without makeup? She has a cute baby face, but she uses makeup to make it look womanly.

She wore a top that’s off one shoulder on blue micro shorts.

She’s also holding the transparent towel from earlier.

The moment he stepped away from the door, she threw the towel at his face, and from his face, it fell to the floor at his feet.

She bit her lip, watching his reaction for a beat. He was looking at the towel on the floor, but then he suddenly took off, coming after her.

She fled too, going for the bed which she jumped on, but luck eluded her cos she got caught.

He caught her by her left ankle, and she screamed as he dragged her by that ankle to the bed edge where he picked her up in his arms.

He whirled her around, her arms around his neck. She screamed at first, but when he threw her in bed, her scream stopped, then he came on top but not directly.

He hovered above her while she just smiled under his frame.

“You’re so beautiful, Stacy” he whispered, his eyes depicting sincerity in it’s purest form.

If she was deeply silent before, then the one after his statement was deeper than that.

She stared back into his bright gold eyes, her fingers stifling by her sides.

And that was when the door peered open. A pair of warmth-free eyes stared inside the room.

His eyes caught the towel on the floor first, and his jaws grinded so hard his face might split.

Stacy pushed Dorian off herself, and they both took different positions. Her top is off two shoulders already, so she quickly pulled it back to cover one shoulder.

Then she got down the bed, wanting to question his presence here, but the look in his eyes gummed her lips.

He looks angry with that bunch below his eye, and she has no idea why. Not like he has ever looked better, but at least not this bad.

“Fabio,” Dorian broke the silence first.

Cove just left without saying a word.

“Hey dude!” Dorian followed him out.

Stacy stayed there as if revelling.

She rubbed her palms awkwardly on her naked laps, sighing.

Despite the air conditioning, she began fanning herself with her palms, breathing in and out.

“You’re good, Stacy. You’re good.” She told herself before leaving the room.

—

[Five Minutes Later, Dinning]

Albert insisted Anita joined them in the lunch, so there are five people eating at the dinning presently.

The aroma of lavish french meals flushed the room, and the soft clattering of cutlery, but Cove is barely eating anything.

He had few forkfuls from the Salade Niçoise, and now he’s just holding his glass of Cheval Blanc wine which he’s sipping occasionally.

Dorian sat beside him at that side of the table, and on the other side, Stacy and Albert sat facing them.

Anita sat one chair away from father and daughter, maintaining her space respectfully.

But the tension in the room is heavy. Stacy could feel it on her shoulders as she chewed the tomatoes into her mouth slowly.

She’s not planning to look up at the other side, but she could feel that pair of eyes on herself.

Dorian is eating healthily and just glancing at her few times, but a particular someone has stopped eating and is now holding a wine cup which he’s staring at her through.

She feels like if he stares at her a little bit harder, he might be able to kill her with his mind.

“With your musical career, one would expect you to study music,” Albert broke the silence, looking at the golden boy. “Or with your mum’s Banking Network, you could study Banking and Finance to take over her in the future, why did you chose Mass Communication?”

Whole time, Anita has been focused on her meal. She never looked up, never raised her lids, but immediately that question happened, she stopped cutting into her tuna.

Her fork stopped on top of the boned fish, and her ears strained.

“Metal music was just something I had a flair for—an hobby I never took serious.” Dorian replied. “In elementary school, I used to love the sound of loud jazz, the strings of the guitar and the soul of metal core. It was supposed to remain untouched, but then I entered highschool and started finding my mum’s Banking Network boring.”

“How so?” Albert gave him full attention now.

“All she talks about is money and money, and when I imagined myself sitting on a mahogany desk talking about money all day of my life, I nearly fell sick,” Dorian continued.

Albert laughed. Seems like he and Anita are the only ones listening to Dorian though Anita ain’t reacting nor looking up from her plate.

Albert called this lunch cos of Cove, but he’s definitely ignoring Cove.

He knows what Albert is trying to do, so he just kept his wine glass on his lips though he has only had two sips, and now, she’s looking at him…

Stacy.

She’s staring back at him from her dad’s side, and she’s holding her glass too, boldly holding eyes with him.

He sipped his wine for the third time.

“I didn’t have to study metal music, it has always been part of me,” Dorian continued. “So I chose something that fits my personality. I chose to be a communicator cos I love communicating.”

“Heard you’re the top Mass Comm student in your year, hope that continues till the end of your studentship.” Albert replied.

Dorian smiled before picking his glass of wine.

Then Albert’s attention went to Cove.

“You’re from the Bronx, Cove. I made checks on you,” he said.

Cove looked at him.

“Your dad was a graveyard guard, and your mum worked in a bathhouse. They survived tightly on their meagre savings, so when they died, there was nothing left to inherit. You came to LA in search of green pasture, then you stumbled on that garage. Matteo took you in as an apprentice, you learnt about cars for just two months and your genius brain got too good you were lucky to meet a sponsor who scholarshiped you to university.” Albert said.

He was straight-faced throughout, as if trying to drive his point home.

“Your findings are clean, I wonder if you’ve been keeping tabs on me all my life, Mr. Montana.” Cove muttered, his smirk light.

He has dropped his glass.

“I still hold the spot of the richest man in this country, Cove. It’d take centuries for anyone to take that spot with how hard I work, so I get whatever I want on a platter. Your info was as easy to get as nothing.” Albert replied straight.

Dorian caught the tensive air inside the room, and he began getting the idea of what Albert is trying to do.

Make Cove feel inferior?

Oh this man surely has no idea who he’s dealing with.

Impenetrable Cove?

Cove’s eyes stayed on Albert. His light smirk is gone now, replaced with blankness.

“Which is why I’m offering you a spot in my LA subsidiary. Work part-time as our programmer, and I’ll make you a millionaire before you graduate, I promise.” Albert said.

“I won’t work for anyone. My programmes are too exquisite to belong to others no matter how much they pay,” Cove stood.

“That’s disappointing. I was doing a good deed now that you and my daughter are on good terms, but too bad you don’t want good.” Albert smiled phonily.

“I’ll be on my way,” Cove muttered, walking out of the house.

Dorian followed him instantly, and Stacy followed them.

Anita finally made a sound, dropping her cutlery.

“I caught what you were trying to do, sir. Make him feel inferior?”

“He has to know his place, and he has to learn that the fact that he’s now cool with Stacy doesn’t mean he can get too close to her. I won’t loan my daughter off to the son of a graveyard guard,” Albert replied, putting some caviar in his mouth.

“Very well,” Anita nodded, standing to start clearing the plates.

“How’s your daughter doing? Been a while since you talked to me about her,” Albert asked.

Anita’s eyes widened a bit, then she smiled at the man slightly.

“She’s doing well. Thanks to your huge salaries, I was able to send her to a good uni.”

“Good,” Albert nodded, sipping wine slowly as Anita gathered the dishes.

—

[Outside]

Dorian caught up with Cove right in front of the gate, pulling his arm back. “Fabio!”

“What do you want?” Cove faced him instantly.

The ice in his eyes would scare off anyone, but he’s used to it so much he doesn’t even blink.

“I made a modelling gig offer, but you got mad at me and even punished me with her, and now her dad gave you a programming offer but you also declined? Do you know what it means to become a programmer for Outright Medias? You’d be freaking rich even before the end of this year!”

“I don’t wanna do it, is that so hard to comprehend?” Cove said.

“What exactly are you hiding from?” Dorian frowned. “Modelling would get your face on magazines, so you didn’t want it, and programming for Outright Medias would get your face on TV, so you declined too. What are so stubborn about?”

Cove released himself from Dorian’s grip, realizing Stacy has been watching them from the gate door.

She stood there, silent.

“I have too much to do at home, Wesley. I can’t be here,” Cove said, turning around to leave.

“I’m going with you!” Dorian quickly said, rushing back to Stacy.

He took her hands and gave them soft squeezes, then he brought the right one to his lips to kiss.

“Don’t let it become an habit,” she told him with a smile.

“Can’t help it,” he smiled back. “I’ll call you even if I don’t get nightmares.”

“Add my name to your payroll!” She slapped his arm, and he chuckled before leaving to join Cove.

Stacy stood there, till they’re out of sight. She couldn’t take her eyes off his back view, and that question popped up in her mind again…

Who’s Cove Fabio exactly?

Most of all, why did he look so mad when he met Dorian in that position with her earlier in the bedroom?

—

[Studio Apartment]

Dorian came in his car, but Cove would never drive in a car this early after that happened at the Mixer last night in Matteo’s car.

He came in Trinidad’s bike cos it’s still with him. At this rate, he’d have to pay her and take ownership of the bike completely. He likes it.

Dorian took his guitar and songbook out of his car when they arrived.

So when they got inside and Cove began programming, Dorian pulled his guitar strings, singing his upcoming release and feeling the notes on his soul.

It’s the heaviest metal music he’d ever drop, and he could already imagine the world going mad over it.

Surprisingly, this place feels very good for practice he’s getting too immersed in the song.

Intro again: ♪You can scream all you want…
♪But I always take what’s mine.

He could imagine himself inside the song already, but he’s not alone. He’s with someone else who’s under the rain with him, looking at him with the most affectionate eyes ever.

It’s Stacy.

His imagination was a sweet edge to the strings. He stood from the chair he’s sitting on, his vocals soaring which made Cove look up from the programming he’s doing.

He looked back at his singing friend, then he took his songbook that’s lying on the old chair.

He scanned the song for a little while, eyes droopy.

“You could use a little work on the intro,” he said suddenly.

Dorian heard his deep voice over the music, and he stopped singing.

“The intro is bad?” He blinked.

“Not that, but ‘YOU CAN SCREAM ALL YOU WANT’ is a little cliche, and you used it once already in your first release,,” Cove replied.

“You listen to my music?” Dorian gasped.

“Trevor listens, and he’s always blowing up the garage with it,” Cove replied, and Dorian scoffed.

“You have any suggestion for the intro change? I’m gonna start recording next week so my head is kinda blur now. In fact, you can treat the whole song and make changes, then I can put your name with mine as the songwriters. It doesn’t involve picture so you won’t decline this one,” Dorian nudged him.

Cove kept looking at the songbook, sitting and picking a pen to add and remove some points.

He’s not into metal music, but there’s just something about this particular song that if he doesn’t add his few points, he might regret it.

He ended up adding more than a few points though, and when Dorian read the changes, he smiled with a low gasp, tousling Cove’s hair.

“Fabio is there anything you can’t do? Car genius, computer genius, you know mass comm too and you can cook! Now you’re correcting my song for me? I need your brain!” He tousled Cove’s hair again.

“I’ll seriously kill you,” Cove pushed him off, and Dorian laughed as he fell happily on the couch.

But he suddenly stood and pulled something out of his pocket.

Bracelets.

Male expensive metal bracelets.

He threw the black one at Cove, then he wore the brown one on his own wrist.

“Sighted it in my accessories store last night and thought of having a friendship souvenir with you, so I bought it. You don’t have to wear it, just keep it with you.” He said.

Cove kept the bracelet on his palm, examining it like it’s a rare snake.

He didn’t return it like Dorian expected. Instead, he pocketed it.

Dorian smiled, and for a second, he wished for Stacy’s presence here.

That baby face is addictive.

“I have a feeling this song will be my biggest ever. I trust your influence, Fabio.” He said suddenly.

They’re both standing some inches apart, and Cove is still holding the songbook.

“The song title?” He asked.

“That’s the most interesting part yunno…” Dorian’s eyes glinted. “I’m giving the song a latin title.”

“Why? Cos Stacy is latina?” Cove looked up.

“Yup, it’s worth it. The English title is What I Want Is Mine.” Dorian said.

Cove’s fingers tightened around the songbook he’s holding.

“Latin title is—” Dorian said, but he couldn’t finish it before Cove talked…

“Quod volo, meum est.”

“Yeah, that’s it.” Dorian smiled handsomely. “I found out I genuinely have feelings for her. I was screaming at my heart not to beat too loud when I was hovering atop of her earlier in her room. Fabio, I think…”

He came closer, and Cove’s secretive eyes stayed still.

“I’m in love with Stacy Montana.” Dorian confessed plainly.

—

[8PM, Bel-Air City]

It’s the opening of a new French restaurant tonight, and the city people decided to turn it into a small night carnival, knowing that RIDE students will show up.

They weren’t wrong, cos the carnival has barely started when students swooned the area with indigenes.

Latin music flooded out of the speakers, fireworks made patters in the sky, a small pyre burned brightly in the middle of the ground.

There’s a bad traffic congestion on the road cos of it, but who cares? The nightlife of this place has always been extraordinarily wild.

Also nepo babies are too many there for anyone to complain about the heavy traffic.

Elmira looks like all her lifelong wishes just came true, so she’s beaming so bright on the brick she sat on with Roxy.

“Girl, you look like you’re having a blast…” Roxy commented.

“Of course I am. You know what Maxwell said? He was like…..I’ll give you the best Massacre Party next week, don’t worry. I can’t wait!” Elmira stood, grinning with her solo cup of alcohol.

“Your Massacre Parties are always a bomb, but this year’s will probably be a Missile—an explosion.” Roxy hyped, clinking her cup with Elmira’s.

“Kehlani only has to wait for Monday, her disgrace is on it’s way. She should know RIDE students never forget. They’ll drag her especially with the flat board and peanuts like my Max said,” Elmira grinned.

“I know, right?” Roxy drank to it.

By that road, a billboard was hoisted that night, and when Elmira’s eyes caught what was written on it, she scoffed obviously.

It’s Dorian, teasing his upcoming music drop with a picture.

“What’s with the picture teasers everywhere?” Elmira cringed.

“It’s not just the billboard. He’s everywhere in all countries. Only his pictures teasers are out and everywhere is already so filled, so what happens when the video teaser comes out or when the music drops? Sometimes, I get jealous of his fame. His label is doing a good job.” Roxy said.

“Doesn’t he own his own label? Heard his mother Kaylee would never allow him under any company, so he has his own studio… Nyte Labels.” Elmira muttered.

“For someone who dislikes him, you know too much,” Roxy gave her a suspicious look.

Elmira shrugged. “His info is online, for all eyes.

“Exactly my point,” Roxy scoffed. “Why would you go online to make searches about who you hate?”

Elmira hasn’t replied when the sudden whispers of students around them made them turn.

Trinidad is just coming, and she definitely looks like a mafia in her black suit and hat and black shades.

• She’s handsome.

• And I have a feeling she’s be so darn hot if she dresses girly.

• Gawd, I promise I’m straight! I can’t be crushing on a fellow girl!

• I love her a lot, I’ve always liked her over Tania.

• No don’t go there. I like Tania better. Have you seen Tania’s shape?

Even before Trinidad got to Elmira and Roxy, they were already grinning

“Damn, who wears suit to a carnival? Trinidad Brooke!” Roxy laughed.

Trinidad took off her hat and shades, flashing a smile.

“I followed my dad to an investment conference, damn boring shii. I can’t imagine myself sitting through such meetings in the future,” she said with a sour face, taking Roxy’s drink.

She downed it.

“Didn’t you already tell your dad that you’re venturing completely into computer and football in the future? He better not set his mind on you becoming the heiress to his investments shii,” Elmira said.

“He better not,” Trinidad nodded, drinking the remaining beer in the solo cup before disposing it.

“So you were with Cove in the afternoon like you said?” Elmira asked. “Then you should have snapped his pictures and post on your IG then wait and see how your followers skyrocket. He has an unforgettable face,.”

“I don’t do invasion of privacy, Mira,” Trinidad frowned. “Why would I wanna post him when I’m not one of those obsessing over him?”

“Sometimes you’re too disciplined,” Elmira scoffed.

“I have an interesting news on my side though,” Roxy stood. “I met hippo’s gym instructor.”

“So fast?” Trinidad said.

“Trust me, and the instructor said hippo was expecting a miracle of some sort… like she was expecting to lose all her fats at once. So she asked for any drug that’d make her lose pounds of flesh within one week.”

“Wait…I think she’s actually ready to die,” Trinidad smirked. “Within one week? Bitch, is there even a drug like that? Is she that love-starved? Why go that length for ice prince who doesn’t even know her name?”

“You’re too empathic, Trini. Just leave her alone and await results, we’ll all be here when it backfires, and I seriously can’t wait!” Elmira laughed.

Someone walked past them, and the elbow of the person hit Trinidad by the side.

“What the…” Trinidad turned around with her girls, only to see Tasha.

But Tasha didn’t even stop to say sorry. She kept going to where her friends are at.

“So now if I drag her back and beat the shit out of her, people will say I’m evil and being unnecessarily violent cos she’s my rival’s twin?” Trinidad muttered angrily.

“Drag her back, Trini! Beat her face to the ground I’m behind you!” Roxy hyped her up.

But Trinidad just went to a stand, grabbed a bottle of martini and drank

Elmira received a text from her mum, and she stepped back to reply.

—

At another part of the carnival, glitz girls are standing. There’s no chair at the carnival except bricks, and no one felt compelled to sit.

They don’t usually come to this kinda place, but Max has been to the clubhouse with Kehlani too many times, and taking her clubbing would be insensitive, so they came here.

Zendaya isn’t in sight though.

“I saw what you did there,” Stacy chuckled when Tasha got back.

She actually went to get them drinks.

“How I stabbed Trinidad with my elbow?” Tasha grinned.

“Yup, you should have seen her face when you left without apologizing,” Tania laughed.

“I knew you’d be the happiest you crook!” Tasha kissed her chin.

Tania returned the kiss to Tasha’s chin too,.

“Are you getting into the mood, Lani?” Stacy asked Kehlani who’s all romped up in her thick sweater.

Tasha got them all chilled drinks, but she made sure Kehlani’s champagne is warm cos she looks cold.

The weather is cold too, a sign of an impending rain.

“I’m better,” Kehlani forced a smile. “But you know I’m far from free. I’ll be disgraced on Monday. I can’t escape the disgrace culture after breakup in RIDE, and I’m so not ready to walk the hallways at all.”

“Aren’t we here?” Tania scoffed. “I’ll wound anyone who tries in the slightest to come close to you.”

Kehlani smiled, and a cold breeze touched their bodies, blowing Stacy’s hair to her face.

She didn’t tie it in a ponytail tonight cos she was busy browsing the internet for information about Covey Fabio, and all she got was what was already known.

Mother; worked in a bathhouse.

Father; a graveyard guard.

He’s their only son before they both died mysteriously.

But something in her tells her he goes beyond that.

No one with that small life story can be as distant as he is to everyone.

And….that look in his eyes when he saw Dorian hovering above her in the morning. She hasn’t forgotten, and it’s bothering her more than it should.

Dorian said she’s beautiful, and she likes it. She has heard it from thousands of people, but Dorian’s compliment hits difference everytime.

So why is she bothered about the look in the eyes of a guy who gives no fûck about anyone including her?

She was still on the thoughts when Zendaya finally joined them.

“We thought you stood us up!” Tasha said cheerfully.

“I couldn’t let y’all babysit Lani without me,” Zendaya smiled, stroking Kehlani’s hair.

The latter pouted, and Zendaya laughed before hugging Tania and Tasha, then she stroked Stacy’s hair.

“Oh now we’re cool?” Stacy frowned.

“C’mon we were never gonna fall off,” Zendaya smiled again.

“Oh… tonight Zen isn’t sulking about Cove, and it deserves a commemoration!” Tania shouted, getting more drinks for them.

They stood in a circle, and the music got louder as they all raised their bottles.

Stacy’s alcohol is always mixed with juice since she gets drink easily, so her lips tastes like fruit juice with a mix of mojito.

“To Zendaya’s comeback!” Tasha shouted, bottles still raised.

“To the fact that the moment we know whoever Max dumped Lani for, we’re killing the bîtch!” Zendaya shouted.

“To the fact that I’m so happy I have y’all my babies as friends! Y’all are the best friends ever!” Kehlani shouted.

“To the fact that in next week football march, I’m gonna outplay Trinidad!” Tania shouted.

“To the fact that I’m gonna start doing better in my studies soon. To the fact that we five are back once again. To Glitz!” Stacy finished.

“To Glitz!!” The girls chorused.

They clinked bottles, then they drank and screamed.

More fireworks in the sky, more music, the burning pyre burned brighter.

A photoshoot session started immediately. Zendaya brought her tripod and Stacy brought her camera so they did it easy.

Snapping pictures, flooding their IG with the pictures, drinking, snacking and chatting and rapping their favorite music together.

It’s like the carnival was planned for them cos at a point, other students watched their show and filmed their expensive faces.

Kehlani forgot her worries so fast, and now she’s mo@ning playfully as Tania gave her fake back shots.

Stacy has never been this happy in months. It’s genuine, and she could leapt to the moon to touch it.

Her phone buzzed repeatedly.

It’s Rian on a video call, and she happily picked.

His face filled the screen at first, but then he shifted back. He’s in his Studio, obviously.

She could see his foreign crew members walking to and fro, and she could see Angela.

“Looks like a lotta fun over there,” he strained his eyes.

“Yup! I’m having the time of my life with my babies!” Stacy gushed.

“While I’m here recording my upcoming,” Dorian said.

“You own next week all-over the world. Your teaser pictures are already everywhere and I love the extra dark concept. They say the song will be your heaviest darkest metal release ever, and I can wait. Might just become a fan afterwards.” She said with a comfortable chuckle.

“You’d love it, I promise you, Snowdrop.” He smiled.

“Snowdrop?” She frowned.

Before he could start explaining the meaning of the nickname, she lowered her phone cos she saw someone down the place.

Cove!

Inside the traffic, he’s currently fixing the tyres of a car.

Stacy moved immediately.

“Stace?” Dorian’s voice croaked cos all he’s seeing right now is her legs. The phone is hanging low in her hand as she walked fast.

She didn’t look away from the road—from Cove who’s now standing.

He’s wearing his garage gear, leather covering his palms, and so many people are filming him on that road despite the little grease stain on his face. He’s still so fuckin hot.

But before Stacy could get to the road, he’s already on his motorbike.

He snatched two phones of the people filming him and smashed them before speeding off.

Stacy stopped, watching as his bike zoomed past the traffic cars.

“Always impatient,,” she muttered, watching as the two people with the smashed phones gathered their broken phones from the tar.

“Stace?” Dorian’s voice made her lift the phone to her face.

She gasped when she saw he’s still on screen.

“Are you ok?” He asked with a crunch between his brows.

“I’m.. I’m good…” She breathed.

From the middle of the girls, Zendaya is staring at her, her expression so darkly malicious.

—

[Sunday, Young Mansion-Scott’s Room]

The little throbbing sensation on Scott’s arm made his eyes open to the light of the sunny morning, but when he saw Kane sitting beside him in bed, he tried sitting up.

“Don’t do that, or your wound is gonna get worse,” Kane said, focusing on what he’s doing—treating Scott’s arm stab wound.

Scott relaxed. So this is where the throb was coming from.

His head pressed back on the pillow, and he stared a bit at Kane.

Now he’s noticing his girly features. Long lashes, perfect teeth set. Soft hair and gorgeous collarbones.

Scott closed his eyes to stop the ogling, and Kane smirked slowly.

He knows he’s staring.

He’s currently tying a new bandage to the wound.

“Why are tending to the wound anyways?” Scott asked. “You gave me the stab, so why?”

“If we’re gonna act like a couple,” Kane looked at him. “Then we’re gonna have to make it real”

Scott sat up, and Kane dragged him down from the bed.

“I haven’t said yes to your proposal you crazy thing!” He spat.

“Crazy thing?” Kane smiled. “I like it, freckled sin. Call me that more often. It turns me on when people acknowledge my craziness.”

Scott’s eyes dipped. “You’re—”

“Gay?” Kane grinned. “I thought that was obvious?”

Then he yanked the door open, pulling Scott out.

Scott stopped getting stubborn. He just followed him to the staircase, and at the middle, Kane held his hand, interlocking their fingers.

Scott looked at him, and Kane gave him a lopsided smile.

They they proceeded downstairs.

Silas is religious, so he goes to church, and he’s ready for church with Owen who’s wearing one of her frilly white long sleeves again.

She’s following him to the St. James Catholic church. A devoted wife who shares her husband’s beliefs.

Seeing their tightly interlocked hands, Silas and Owen frowned.

“What’s going on?” Silas went.

Scott didn’t talk. Kane didn’t talk, too.

Scott nudged Kane with his shoulder, and Kane sighed.

“What? Isn’t it your wish for us to get closer?” He said, a shit-eating grin spreading across his features.

Then he held Scott’s hand tighter. Scott felt the tightness in his bones.

“From now on, we do everything together. I and my stepbrother,” Kane continued, caressing Scott’s knuckles deeply with his thumb.

Scott gulped.

Owen and Silas exchanged glances.

—

[Max’s Mansion]

“I was planning to take two days break from school and visit San Francisco to fûck Kaylee, but guess what? I got news from a secret source that she’s coming to LA today. See? Things are working in my favor!” Remo laughed, phone in hand.

He’s sitting on top of the unplugged kitchen freezer, and naked older women filled the kitchen, cooking breakfast for the boys.

Remo shipped them here, obviously.

Frank is sitting on the kitchen island, smoking, and Max?

He’s by the door—with Elmira.

Elmira spent the night here, and though they still can’t f+k cos of his arm, at least she had his dîck in her mouth till daybreak.

By tomorrow, his stab would relieve him, and their s+xes can continue.

She’s all-over him, touching his pants, face, chest, rubbing his skin.

“Kaylee?” Frank replied from the sleek kitchen island. “You mean Dorian’s mum?”

“Who else bears Kaylee in this country? Such a corny name for a corny woman. I bet her p+xxy is corny too but I’ll break the jinx!” Remo laughed again.

He’s wearing only his boxers, nothing again on his darkly tattoed body.

“And you think the great Kaylee would lay down on her back for your dîvk?” Max scoffed.

“Look at the women in this kitchen, aren’t they influential too?” Remo jumped down from the freezer, going to one of the n+ked cooking women.

“What do you do?” He asked, grabbing her tight by the neck.

“I own a shipment harem, baby. I oversee shipments in this borough,” she replied, kissing him.

Remo let her go, laughing again. “See? This is exactly how all of my old bitçhes are rich! How else do you think they pay for my cóvk?”

“But they’re all still nothing compared to Kaylee. Kaylee is the richest woman in the country presently.” Elmira said.

“Yeah but her husband is dead! I am going to fûck Kaylee, anyone wants to bet with me?” Remo insisted adamantly, a vein crossing his forehead as he swivelled.

“I’m not betting on you, Remo, but we’ll all be here to see if you’re real or not.” Frank said through smokes.

“Cool, now it’s time to go catch a glimpse of Kaylee herself. She’s arriving at 11. Gotta go!” Remo got serious as he went for the door.

“When Scott arrives, tell him to kneel down inside that kitchen for me. I’m hating that dude these days!” He shouted as he exited.

Elmira laughed on Max’s chest. “Is Remo always like this? He’s so fuckin funny.”

“Remo is not funny, Mira.” Max said seriously.

Elmira blinked.

“He’s gonna do what he said, don’t underestimate him.” Frank added.

“And why is Scott absent?” Elmira asked, kissing Max’s chest.

“Scott is probably handling his stepbrother’s mania right now, but he’ll soon be here.” Max replied.

“Are we about to start another dramatic week? Gawd, this semester will be long.” Frank chuckled.

—

[LAX Airport]

How DIAMONDS found out about Kaylee’s coming is still a mystery. Even Angela has no idea.

It was supposed to be a discreet pick-up, but when they arrived at the airport, it’s full of DIAMONDS with huge placards bearing messages like…

WELCOME BACK, METAL GOD’S MOTHER!

BEST MOTHER EVER!

SAN FRANSISCO MUMMY!

GLAD TO HAVE YOU IN LA!

WE LOVE YOU!!

Dorian isn’t mad with the fans, but with Angela and his management who allowed the news to leak again just like the first time he landed in RIDE airfield. A news monger is definitely part of the crew.

They need weeding at this point.

When Kaylee emerged from her gate, she was shocked at the number of fans awaiting her.

They’re held back by barricades, so they respectfully kept their distance, but it’s still overwhelming.

Their screams made her take off her shades, her red suit blinging.

She looks too expensive, and beautiful.

Dorian moved closer to the exit with Angela and the guards.

Kaylee smiled largely immediately she sighted her son, and she opened her warm arms.

Dorian hugged her.

“Aw, it’s been less than a month and I already miss you this much.” She muttered.

“I can’t say the same,” Dorian replied, and she broke the hug with a slight smirk, then he handed her the bouquet he brought her.

She took it with a bigger smile, bringing it to her nose.

“You’re the best, son.”

Cameras captured that from different seem and unseen angles.

The hug, smiles, happiness, the bouquet and compliments.

While it’s a trap for popularity, it’s also another way of promoting the upcoming music.

Angela and Kaylee shared a hug too, but she held her son’s arm as they walked to the car.

She shot beautiful smiles at the fans, and their screams went higher when she waved at them.

“DIAMONDS are insane. I’ve never seen fans who come to the airport to welcome their celebrity mum before,” Angela chuckled immediately they entered the car.

Among the crowd, Remo stood hidden with his Yankee cap on his head, smiling creepily.

“She’s beautiful… Kaylee.” His smile broadened.

—

“Drive straight to that boy’s garage,” Kaylee said immediately the car left the airport road”

“I knew you came to the city to stir trouble, now what the fûck are you going to the garage to do? To harass Fabio?” Dorian glared.

“Why the f+k would I not go! No tell me why? You invited him to your concert, went to his house and brought him to your mansion! I didn’t bring you up to make friends with beggars! I didn’t make that much sacrifice for you to ruin your hard-earned reputation!”

Angela choose to keep quiet. She’s just studying the clouds outside. This morning started sunny, but now the sun is back in the clouds, and the clouds are darkening more than they should. One will think it’s dusk now.

It’s gonna rain.

“Every damn time, your sacrifice, every f+kin time!” Dorian shouted.

“Yeah cos you need that constant reminder! I know the lengths I went to build you! You think it’s easy to be the most followed metal singer? Fifth most followed artist? The most loved? Yes I’ll remind you, and I’ll remind him too so I’m gonna go to his garage and tell him to keep his distance!” Kaylee replied.

“It’s gonna rain, Kaylee. The clouds are getting too dark.” Angela said.

“I don’t care, we’re going to the garage…” Kaylee insisted.

Angrily, Dorian pulled a cigar, smoking like death.

—

[No Sleep Garage, 11:50AM]

Sensing the coming rain, Cove began lowering the trampolines.

Trevor began gathering the repair tools on the ground, and Matteo just sat, making a call.

“I love rainy mornings!” Trevor gushed as heavy wind slammed the open garage gate.

Cove got rid of his gloves and washed his hands before going to the gate to close it, but someone else entered before he could

Unexpected, but his eyes didn’t change as she stepped in.

“Hey,” Stacy raised her hand, waving awkwardly at him.

He grabbed the wrist of hand she waved, and she let out a unplanned squirm when he pulled her to a open corner between the gate and the toolhouse.

He squeezed her in, holding her n+ked shoulders. Her small handbag fell from her to the ground.

“Why the f+k are you here?” He demanded in an unfriendly whisper, his gaze stabbing hers.

She squirmed again under his tight, devilish hold on her bare shoulders, but he pushed her to the wall, trapping her like a mouse.

“Mm! You’re pushing too hard! I know you’re more than Covey Fabio! I can just feel it!” She blurted.

Cove went mute for a beat, then his smirk grew. “So…you came here to confirm who I really am?”

“I know you’re keeping it for a reason, but I can’t help my curiousness,” she muttered.

He let go of her shoulders, and silent breaths left her nostrils.

He left her in that corner, walking off, but before he could step out…

“Yesterday,.. with Rian.” She said.

He didn’t stop.

“He didn’t kiss me! He was only hovering on top of me before you entered!” She rushed.

And he stopped.

She lifted herself from the wall, watching as his back muscles flexed under his gear, then he turned.

She didn’t get much time to prepare when he marched back to her. It wasn’t her shoulder this time.

He slipped his right arm around her, shoving her close by her slim waist. His left hand rested on the wall behind them, and her breathings went out of line as their faces met.

His hair rubbed her face with how close they are cos he’s staring down, and she’s looking up.

The corner is completely dark now. The rain strokes are starting to hit the roof one by one.

“So…you came here to get kissed? Is that it?” He whispered. “Is that why you’re explaining to me?”

“N—”

“You’ve never been kissed, have you?” He lower his head again, his breaths hitting her breaths.

She tried pushing at his chest, but his hold on her waist turned unrelenting, reaching her waist chains.

She held her breaths, the corner suddenly so darn suffocating.

In the dark, she suddenly felt something pressing on her lips, and her suffocation worsened when she figured out what it is.

His finger.

He’s pressing her bottom lip, caressing it, rubbing it with his finger.

“Cov—”

She couldn’t finish, cos he inserted two fingers into her mouth.

And instantly, Dorian’s car with Kaylee drove into the garage.

The rain started, wetting Stacy and Cove in that corner.

He rested his body on hers, his fingers still in her mouth.

He began fingering her throat.

TBC.