“Tell me about that Catherine, Gabriel. The mothering side of her.”
I think on it and say, “Growing up with her was intense. She would be gone for a couple of days here and there, but she always called us to tell us goodnight and say how much she loved us. Most nights, she was home, and those nights were the best. She would send all the nannies home, take us on herself, and trust me, four boys was not an easy job. She even cooked and baked for us all the nights she was home. Can you imagine Catherine as a baker? I remember her covered in flour, baking for hours so we could have the right batch of cookies. She tried to make our home as normal as possible. There was never a time we didn’t feel her love, almost to the point of suffocating.”
Fallon scrunches her face. “Suffocating how? She sounds like an amazing mother.”
“Like I said, growing up with Catherine was intense. She instilled the power of family over and over. She taught us how to be strong men and leaders. I’m sure other moms didn’t teach most of the things she taught us. She didn’t teach us how to be good, honest men. She taught us how to be ruthless and deceitful. She even had our bodyguards teach us how not only to defend ourselves, but take a man down, beat the shit out of him, and even kill. As we got older, we saw all the looks she got and the way she played men to her advantage. She was so beautiful; still is. Back then, she could turn any head she wanted and did so effortlessly. When I was a child, I asked her once why she liked getting so much attention from other men. She said it was all for us, that she would do anything for us. I knew she was telling the truth, and it scared me. Even with all her beauty, she couldn’t fool me; I saw the unhappiness in her eyes. I didn’t want my mother to suffer for me, but she did. I know she did. Now that we’re grown, she is having a hard time letting go. Sometimes it’s suffocating, but I feel like we owe her something – but what, what price do you pay for Catherine’s love?”
“Gabriel, you mentioned four boys are you referring to Vin?”
“Yes, he came to live with us when we were younger. My mother raised him like he was one of hers and we never questioned it. He is my brother just as much as Zander or Liam are.
Fallon looks off and says, “To answer your question about what price you pay for Catherine’s love. I think she would want what every mother wants. For her children to be happy and loved. To continue to grow the family business and maybe her joy would come in the form of grandchildren. You know, to build on her legacy.”
“Is that why you’re here, Fallon?”
“Maybe. Would you want that, Gabriel?”
I grab her wrist and make her look at me to make sure she understands.
“Don’t play with me, Fallon. I am not a man to be played with. Your flirtations will get you nowhere with me. I’m in control of my destiny, not my mother, and I don’t plan on settling down anytime soon.”
“Then why are you here, Gabriel? Why do you care so much about me?”
Her question throws me completely off. Why am I here? Why do I care to find out all about her?
“Don’t worry, Gabriel; I know you have Angelle, and she is more than likely your future. Besides, don’t flatter yourself. If I were here for the future of the Stern family, what makes you think it would be you, and not one of your brothers?”
What the fuck? She can’t be serious! I throw her wrist down with a growl and storm away from her. I can’t even think about her being with one of my brothers. What the fuck is wrong with me? In an instant, I’m pissed, and all I want is to grab and throw her to the ground, so I can show her what the fuck I can do to her. If my mother did send her here for us, I would show her who the fuck I truly am. She will leave soon enough. I will decide when and if I ever choose a woman. It will be my choice, not hers. No woman will control me. Not Catherine, and not Fallon. Fuck them!
10
Fallon
Gabriel storms off, leaving me in his dust. Shit, did I go too far? Did I give away too much? I’ll have to talk to Catherine and see what should be done now.
I go back to meet Frederick and Catherine. They have now finished all their business dealings and are drinking more champagne.
“I guess things went well for the two of you,” I say as I enter.
Catherine replies, “Yes, we just finished, and Frederick was telling me how much he enjoyed the day.”
Fredrick quickly stands. “I did, but sadly I have to get to another meeting tonight, so if you ladies don’t mind, I’ll have my driver bring the two of you back home. Fallon, I hope you will allow me to see you again when I’m able to return?”
“I think I can do that, Frederick. Call me.”
He kisses me on the cheek and walks us to the limo. Once we’ve settled into the limo, Catherine raises the screen between the driver and us.
She asks, “How did it go with Gabriel?”
“How did you know I was with Gabriel?”
“I didn’t know for sure until I spoke to Vin, but I had a feeling he was going to find you once he left. He had no reason to be at the races, except he knew we were going to be there. Once he came into the box, he immediately asked for you. I told him you and Frederick decided to join the other spectators. I could tell the minute he spotted you. His body language changed, and he became tense. It seems like your actions got to him. Then once he saw you come into the room, everything else for him seemed to vanish.”
“I don’t think it went that great. Gabriel called me out for handling Frederick. He said he recognized the moves.”
With a shake of her head, Catherine says, “That’s nothing to worry about. He grew up around me performing moves like that. I’m surprised it took him that long. What I saw from him was not recognition, but jealousy.”
“Well, that’s not all. Gabriel asked if you brought me here for him.”
Catherine smiles. “And how did you answer him?”
“I didn’t give him a yes or no answer. Instead, I asked him if that’s what he wanted, and then I told him not to flatter himself. That who was to say I was here for him, and not one of your other sons?”
Looking up and laughing, Catherine says, “Good, Fallon. That was very good. How did he respond?”
“He became angry, he grabbed my wrist and told me he wasn’t settling down anytime soon. Also, if he did, it would be his choice, and neither his mother nor I would control him. He said he was his own man.”
“You did quite good, Fallon. He is trying to convince himself he’s in control, which means somewhere you have gained some control over him. It’s becoming a game of cat and mouse now.”
“What do you mean?”
“He wants to feel in charge of his life. He’s determined not to have his mom be right, so he is now going to do anything to prove that. From now on, you must take a tighter hold on the reigns. Show him you are not interested, and make him come to you, but on his own of course. Trust me, he will come to you. He just needs a reason.”
“And what reason can we give him?”
“The attention of other men you are not playing. Give him competition, without the moves. Show him an actual interest in someone else, and he will come running back.”
“But I have no other interest in a man, besides to play them.”
“Be yourself, more natural in front of some of the suitors you have. Don’t manipulate them, but make them want you just the same. Gabriel showed jealous today; use it to your advantage.”
I thought about what Catherine said, and I wonder who I could have a genuine effect on. It can’t be Frederick; he’s already seen me play him. I guess I’ll have to play it by ear and see who comes sniffing around.
11
Gabriel
I can’t be sure, but if my mother thinks she can oversee my future and expect me to follow her lead, she’s crazy. Those days are over. Fallon is beautiful, but she’s not for me. I’ll prove it. I will never marry someone my mother hand picked out or trained. My wife and my family will be of my choosing.
I decide to call Brittany, a girl I’ve
fucked a few times. I need a release tonight. I’ve been so fucking tense since leaving Fallon. I’d like to be fucking her, but Brittany should do. The more I stay away from Fallon, the better. I just need to find someone else to entertain me and keep my mind off her. Lately, she’s all I think about. During the day, and even in my dreams, her smell, her long hair, her fucking eyes, and that body. I want nothing more than to be fucking her. I should and show her she means nothing, but I don’t think I’m strong enough for that. Because as much as I tell myself she means nothing, the more I realize I’m lying to myself. Somehow, she has embedded herself into my mind. If Fallon is here for me, I guess I’ll have to show her, and my mother, I have no problem finding my own women. When and if I want a wife, I won’t need Mommy Dearest to find me one. I can’t believe she would think I would. Shit, I could marry Angelle with no problems. She might not be exactly what I want, but she would make a fine wife. I just never thought of her as mine.
I’m going to come up with a plan. I’ll show them two can play this game. Having Brittany tonight will help me relax, then I can come up with how to play this out.
Later on, Brittany shows up looking sexy as hell in a barely-there dress. I give her some money to play craps while I handle a little business.
I walk through the casino handling random problems from customers. Then slowly make my way to my office at the back of the casino. Once I open the door, I see Zander making a drink.
“I wasn’t sure if you were here. I didn’t see you on the floor, brother.”
“I’ve been here, Gabriel. I’m always here. I see you have Brittany on your arm tonight.”
“So? What’s it to you?”
“Nothing. I just find it interesting, is all,” he says.
“Oh, yeah? Why is that, Zander?”
I walk past him and make my drink, then sit behind my desk.
Zander sits and continues his accusation. “Brittany has always been the girl you call when you need to get some frustration out. So, Gabriel, what has you so frustrated?”
I laugh at his assessment. He’s right: Brittany’s the kind of girl you can fuck till you can’t even think. She takes it no matter how hard you give it. She’s a pro, and the only one I’ve ever hired. I don’t ever need to hire a professional, but when I need to get my rage or anger out and not think of anyone else but myself, Brittany is the girl. She’s a sweet girl, and sometimes I feel sorry I use her this way, but this is her specialty. There’s no one better, and I plan on fucking all my aggression out on her.
“Does it matter, Zander?”
“No, it doesn’t matter. I just wanted to know if I had to worry. I know you like to take the lead on everything, but you can count more on Liam and me. It is a family business after all, and we do have expertise.”
“We are family, but I’m the head of this family. As far as you go, Zander, you are an expert at running the behind the scenes action. With me being the face, you’re the one who is feared; more than even Mother in a lot of ways. Don’t worry, brother, you handle your part of the business, and I’ll handle mine.”
“Should we discuss Liam then?” Zander asks.
“What the fuck, Zander?! You just saw Brittany and know why she’s fucking here, but now you want to add to my stress. Liam needs to grow the fuck up. I’m sick and tired of babying him. You know, we’re the ones who fucked up. We always protected him from everything. Now that it’s time for him to take more of a role in the business, how do we just throw him in, to watch him fucking fail?”
“I know, but Gabriel, he has the same training as we do. Maybe he won’t fail. Maybe we’re underestimating him?”
“Zander, you know as well as I do, he’s not ruthless like us. I don’t know if he will be able to do it. Do you think he’s ready to pull the trigger when needed?”
Zander shakes his head, looking down into his glass, and says, “I don’t know, brother but I guess it’s time for us to find out.”
“Yeah, I want you to start taking him out with you. Take him on your hunts, and don’t hold anything back. Show him all of it, make him understand why he can’t give people more fucking chances. Show him who we fucking are!”
“You got it, Gabriel. But what happens if he can’t or won’t do what’s needed?”
“Then we’ll let Mother deal with him.”
Zander’s eyes go big. “Fuck!”
“Exactly, fuck! Now get out of here. I have to get back to Brittany.”
As he walks out the door, he turns and says, “Sure, Gabriel. I hope she puts a smile on that face. Lately, you’ve been a miserable fuck. Maybe you should come and join us back at home. Fallon always seems to make me, and Liam, smile.”
I hurdle my drink at his head, which only crashes into the back of the door as he slams it. The bastard...he knew that would get to me. Zander, always the fucking prick!
About an hour goes by while I’m working. The door opens, and Brittany walks in. She’s been given access to my office only when I’ve given permission. Once the door clicks shut, she’s all business. She never says a word when it’s time to work; she knows I don’t want or need to hear anything come out of her mouth. Like I said, she’s a pro, and she knows what I need. She strolls up to me, places herself between my legs and the desk, then leans back and starts taking off her dress slowly. There’s nothing underneath, not even panties. That’s my girl. Once she’s fully undressed, she pushes my chair further back, kneels, and starts working on my pants. She knows I want my cock in her fucking mouth. Brittany’s so good at this, she has a natural deep throat. I don’t even think she has a gag reflex. I let her have control of my cock; I’m going to sit back and enjoy. I close my eyes, and then BAM! Like a fucking hit to the head, visions of Fallon dangle in my subconscious. Teasers playing in my mind, showing me what I truly want, but knowing I shouldn’t. Fuck this shit; I stand up, grab Brittany by the back of her head, and start pushing myself into her, rough and brutal. I abuse her mouth; any other woman would run scared. I fuck her mouth until I see that look. I know she can’t go anymore. She might not want to protest, but I’m not a sadist. I can tell when she’s had enough. I grab her by her arms and pull her up. I stare into her eyes to make sure she’s all right. When I see she is, I start kissing her down her neck and bite at her breast. I’m not an asshole either. I might need her here so I can use her, but I need her to feel good, too. Once I hear her moans, I know she’s ready for more. I flip her around fast and throw her down on my desk. Without even checking to see if she’s wet, I push into her hard. I grab her hair and look at it, but now it’s not hers; it’s Fallon’s long, silky hair I’m holding. I start pounding into her like an enraged beast, one that only a few have seen. With skin slapping and Brittany’s moans, I imagine it’s all Fallon. Shit, I can’t get her out of my head. Brittany is beautiful, but she’s not Fallon, and if Brittany can’t get my mind off Fallon, then I am screwed. I push through, but it’s not Brittany anymore I’m fucking; it’s Fallon. I decide to stop trying to fight the images and go with it. Maybe this is exactly what I need. I pull her up against me and start rubbing her clit hard, pinching the shit out of it; she lets out a loud scream through her orgasm. I push her back down, and while seeing Fallon’s face, I reach my peak and holler out her name, “Fallon!”
Shit! What did I do? Did I just yell out Fallon’s name while fucking Brittany?
Brittany stands to turn around and looks me in the eye with a questioning look. She breaks eye contact and starts dressing.
“I’m sorry, Brittany. I didn’t mean to do that. I don’t know...”
She runs her hand over my face and slides her finger over my lips.
“Don’t, Gabriel. You don’t have to worry; it’s my job to be here for you. If you need to imagine someone else to do what you just did to me, then by all means, think away. I just wish I could have helped more. You don’t seem to be relaxed at all.”
I start rubbing my neck. “No, Brittany, you did an exceptional job. It’s not you, I just
don’t know what’s going on with me these days.”
“As I said, don’t worry about it. But can I say, I have never had a man call out another woman’s name before. Maybe she is more important to you than you think. Maybe you should give it a try.”
“It’s not like that; I’ll call you a driver to take you home.”
I hand Brittany an envelope, in which while she gathered her things I slipped in an extra thousand for hurting her feelings. I don’t care what she says; no woman deserves that. I open the door for her, and she kisses me on my lips and tells me to call her whenever I need. She then apologized again for not helping more. See, like I said, Brittany really is a sweet girl.
The rest of the night is no better; I couldn’t sleep again. Fallon’s always in my dreams now.
That next day, I have a scheduled dinner date with Angelle. She calls me to let me know she’ll meet me at the restaurant. I arrive on time to find her already seated and looking at the menu. The hostess walks me up to the table where I’m announced.
“Ms. Rollins, your dinner date, Mr. Stern, is here.”
“Gabriel, always on time.”
She stands, and I walk up to her and kiss her cheek. Very formal, just like Angelle.
I state, “I see you beat me here, though.”
“Well, I was in the city, meeting with my father. He sends his regards.”
“How is the Senator?” I ask, not really giving a shit.
“He’s fine. He talked about the party, the one your mother threw for that young girl...what’s her name again?”
“Fallon.”
“Yes, Fallon. My brother was very smitten by her. How is she?”
I clear my throat before responding, “I don’t know. I haven’t thought much about her.”
“Haven’t you?”
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