Chapter Four: "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"

Seeing through the eyes of Davis's sister, Dani, you get a peek into their rough past.

Black Oval

Chapter Four

"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"

My feet felt the stinging bite of my four inch stilettos.  This is what I get for trying to squeeze into heels half a size too small for my feet.  I pulled down the satin red skirt of my couture cocktail dress self-consciously.  I was surrounded by big name celebrities; I had never been to a party this large or this important as long as I could remember.  My silver-blonde hair was straight and pulled back in a sleek stylish ponytail, with the smallest hint of a teased bump on the top of my head.  It was pure luck I was able to find a last minute V.I.P. ticket to the sold out show, and I just knew I would be questioned about the ridiculous charge to the account.

“Well look who is is, Dani Vinson.  Not five minutes ago your brother informed me that you were back at home studying,” the handsome onyx haired man told me, kissing my hand.

“I won’t tell if you don’t Mr. Anderson!” my voice playful, as I placed a smile on my delicate face.  I wouldn't usually flirt shamelessly like this, but I always felt an odd sense of comfort around Clive.

“Please, call me Clive.  I insist”.  He was only thirty-two and already so successful.  Only a handful of people could pull off the climb he made from the bottom to the top, much less in that timeframe.

“Your dress is breathtaking!” the blonde model on his arm told me with her sing-song accented voice.

“Thank you! But I am nothing compared to how you look,” I told her, completely genuinely.  She was stunning.

“You do not give yourself enough credit, dear,” she told me, her voice like candy to the ears.  “You must join us later for cocktails”.

“She’s only nineteen, love,” Clive said soothingly to his date, as if he acctually cared about underage drinking.

“Oh, I always forget that Dani!  You just look like you fit in with the crowd”.  I smiled at that.  She was always so kind to me.

“We will talk to you later, sweetie.  We need to go talk to The Secret’s CEO,” Clive informed me with a wink.  Clive and Aurianne would give Brangalina a run for their money if there was a sexiest couple contest.

I turned around and ran smack dab into someone’s muscular chest.  “What exactly are you doing here, you naughty girl?”  I looked up Mathis’s six foot frame right into his vibrant blue eyes, a combination of Petunia and Cornflower blue starburst. My eyes scanned down to his angled jawline.  Somehow he always managed to have the perfect dusting of stubble on his jaw.  He wore a charcoal grey suit, fitted to his lean body; he looked rather dashing in it.  His usual spiked brown hair was styled a bit more conservative today.  It had been a while since I had seen him dressed up first-hand.

I glanced around him quickly to see if my brother had caught me.  I had been avoiding him like he was the Black Death in fourteenth century England.

“Don't worry, your cover hasn’t been blown,” he informed me, an amused smile dancing on his lips.  “Davis is over by the fountain probably about to make a fool of himself with Miss Alexander,” he told me, his eyes rolling to the side showing his annoyance.

“Oh boy!” I exclaimed in agreement.  We both knew how he could get sometimes.

“Where is Mr. tall, dark, and cold hearted?”

“He is not cold hearted!” I shot at him, dagger in my eyes.  Vergil was not cold hearted.  He was very sweet, and tender.  “You are just only around him when Davis is around too,” I added defensively.

“Yes, well, Davis does have an impeccable habit of bringing the worst out in people,” he glanced down at me with a twinkle in his eye.  “How about I help your cover by taking you across the room to the dance floor?”

“That would be great!” my voice going up a bit in pitch.  I loved dancing almost as much as I enjoyed singing.  “I haven’t been on the dance floor yet tonight”.

“Well come on,” he grabbed my hand and led me out on the dance floor.  He was a very smooth dancer.  I mean he ought to be, his mother was singer and dancer on broadway before she retired from that and helped run her own fragrance line.

“You are going to be in big time trouble when Davis catches you,” he warned me, then spun me.

I twirled back into his arms with grace.  “Well then, I better not get caught!” I smiled brightly at him as I spoke, “It’s not like I had any real homework; I just had to study and I needed a break”.

“It’s a school night,” Mathis scolded me.  I was pretty sure he was just teasing me.  He knew I did not take my studies lightly.

“Tomorrow is Thursday, I don’t have class until noon.  Plenty of time to study still”.  Mathis gave me a skeptical look, but he did not scold me any further.

“I’m going to go relieve your brother from his staring contest with blondie over there,” he paused for a moment.  “Who would win a staring contest, the douchebag singer-songwriter, or the blond bombshell British actor?” he asked in wondered amusement.

I giggled, “I would put my money on the actor.  More practice”.

“I better go save Davis then from the inevitable.  You look stunning by the way,” then he was gone.

I pulled out my phone.  I had felt a tedious buzzing in my clutch as I danced.  I had two missed calls and a text from Vergil.  He was wondering what I was doing and where I was.  I thought he was working late tonight.  Apparently not.  I let him know that I was hanging out with some friends tonight and that I would call him when I got home.  Technically that was true.

Moving off the dance floor as the music changed to something more upbeat, I glanced over at my brother’s friend.  Clive was surrounded by Aurianne and a few of her coworkers dancing to the music.  They looked to be having a really good time.  It would be amazing to have coworkers and friends like that.  I grew up in the lifestyle of the famous from not longer after i was born, unlike my brother.  Telling the difference between real friends, and people who just wanted to be seen with you, was hard.

I was not necessarily complaining; I completely understand and I appreciate the privileged lifestyle I have, and I do mean privileged.  I was not entitled to anything I had.  I did not earn any of it, it was a tremendous privilege that I had it.  It was just sometimes lonely.

Ever since my father passed away when i was younger, Davis took it upon himself to step up as a big brother and take on the manly responsibilities in the family.  He wasn’t perfect, but he did try.  Then when my mother went into rehab a few years later battling a cocaine addiction and substance abuse, I moved in with Davis and he took on more of a parental role.  He has done really well for himself, but I was still finding myself, finding my own path.  I just wish sometimes that Davis would back off of his “parental” role and realize that I was growing up.  After all I was approaching twenty.

Okay, so I was being a little irresponsible sneaking into a party when I had school the next day, but it’s not any worse than anything he ever did.  Besides, it was not a bad party with drugs and alcohol lying around for any minor to just get into.  It was a very classy, safe party.

I really should be getting home.  The fashion show was fantastic, but it was getting late.  I heaved a sigh and slipped through the crowd hoping to go unnoticed.  I smiled pleasantly at the people who made eye contact with me as I made my way back to the front of the building.
I knew there would be a few pictures taken of me as I walked in and out of the after party.  I just hoped none of the paparazzi deemed me important enough to put me in a news article so that Davis did not know I was here; although, I was pretty sure that was inevitable.
I did not hate the media like Davis did.  I enjoyed socializing, posing for pictures, and taking interviews.  I was just kind of amazed anyone would be interested in my life.  I knew most of it came from being Davis’s sister and because I lived with him, while the rest of it came from my formerly semi-famous parents.
One of the valets flagged a cab for me.  We traveled South down Hudson Street in the general direction of my home.  The light from my phone cast the back seat of the cab in a dim blue and white glow as I sent Vergil a text message.   I let him know he could meet me at my place in twenty.  I knew it was kind of late, but I really wanted to see him.  By the time I sent the text and checked my Twitter, we were already on Morton Street.  My hands waved as I told the cabbie where to drop me.
No sooner than my heels hit the concrete and my clutch was firmly in my hand did the cab driver hit the gas.  How rude!  The door almost hit me as it closed from the momentum of the car.  I scurried up to the front door, jammed the key into the lock, and stepped into our two story Brownstone home.
I liked our home.  It wasn’t too large like a lot of hollywood stars seemed to buy now days, but was the perfect amount of space for Davis and I.  It was classy, but did not feel cold.  I hated going into a home and feeling like you couldn’t move without the owner eyeballing you for putting a smudge on something.
I kicked my heels off and lounged on our goose down leather couch.  I wasn’t sure how much time went by as I jerked awake from the sound of the doorbell.  I hopped up with more energy than I thought I currently possessed, felt the grin grow on my face, and threw open the front door.
A smile brushed his lips as Vergil’s mahogany eyes took in my attire.  I looked upon the handsome features of his face, his creamy skin seeming to glow under the streetlights.   I felt like swooning every time I saw him.  My arm wrapped around his broad shoulders, while my fingers tangled themselves in his short black hair.  My lips were not chaste as I kissed him.
He moved us over the threshold of my home then closed the door behind us. “Sorry I am late, I had some work to finish up.  You look absolutely breathtaking Dani,” he informed me, eyes roaming over my outfit.  “Where have you been hiding yourself tonight?”
“Just out with some friends, like I said,” I said matter of factly.  He started at me waiting to hear more.  I did not elaborate further.
When I said nothing more he changed the subject, “It is awfully late for you to be inviting me over.  I noticed your brother is not around to hound me”.
I smiled at him, “He went to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show tonight”.
“Of course he would.”
“He probably won’t be heading home for a little while longer,” I said even though I really was not sure how long I had slept on the couch.  Vergil did say he was late getting here.  “Then most likely he will go to Mathis’s penthouse for a bit, possibly even stay the night,” I felt like my mouth just wouldn’t stop talking for some odd reason.  Vergil always made me flustered.
A smile creeped across his attractive lips, “I see,” and with nothing further he swooped me up into his arms.
I gasped a little surprised as my legs involuntarily wrapped themselves around his waist.  I was not expecting that at all.  My skirt was too tight and a bit shorter than I was use to, it bunched up around my hips.  I tugged at the satiny material trying to cover my lower regions.  Heat flushed to my face.
Vergil did not seem to notice my blush as he put his lips to mine.  My body warmed as we deepened the kiss.  His hand moved from my thighs up to cup my bottom.  I squirmed a bit uncomfortably in his arms.  We had only been dating a couple of months and this close of contact was a little more than I wanted.
His tongue probed my mouth, running it along my own tongue.  My mind went a bit fuzzy as my mind and body were battling against one another.  I gasped a bit as he plopped me onto the couch.
He smiled down at me as I caught my breath.  “You are so beautiful,” he said to me, disarming my previous thoughts.  He was so sweet, so tender.
My breath caught again as he pulled off his shirt and I marveled at his marbled chest.  He was the beautiful one, not me.  I tentatively touched his chest with my fingertips in wonder.  His lips found my throat and I swooned at his tender caresses, and soothing sounds.
I tensed as he joined me on the couch, settling between my legs, and thrust his hand under my dress to play with my bra strap.
“Vergil,” I said, my voice small and timid to my ears.
He pulled his lips away from my neck and gently pressed them against my own lips, “It’s okay, Love.  No worries”.
My body relaxed at his words, though something in my brain still protested.  I felt my bra snap and loosen, and his hand slipped around to cup my bare breast.  
“Vergil, stop!” I gasped sitting up and squirming away from him.  I wasn’t ready for this with him.
He looked down at me, slight annoyance on his face, and in his voice, “What is wrong with you Dani?  You invite me over at this time of night, tell me we have the place to ourselves, sending signals that this was what you wanted.  What were you expecting to happen?”
“I. . .I don’t know,” I said shyly, dropping my gaze from his eyes, noticing that my dress had ridden up past my hips again.  I felt warm tears sting at my eyes as I pulled my dress down to cover me.  I was being silly and I knew it, this just wasn’t what I was expecting.  I suppose he was right, it was late.  What had I expected to happen?
His fingertips touched my cheeks, and wiped the tears away softly, “I’m sorry, Dani.  Forgive me.”
I made it clear that I wanted him to leave.  I really did not want to be around him right now, I was so confused.  I went upstairs to my room, crawled into bed, pulled the crocheted blanket my mom made for me around myself, and started to sob.  I wasn’t sure what to do.  Party of me wanted to cry myself to sleep, and part of me wanted to shower.  Instead, I reached for my phone.

Author's Note

Leave a comment please! :D Would love to hear some feedback!

Original Image: http://kimir-ra.deviantart.com/art/Commission-ashesonfire-227497698

Reviews

[A. H. Pinley]

And the artwork is really nice. I checked out the website, is that your work too?

[ashesonfire]

No, the two pictures I use for this book are from two different friends of mine :D

[A. H. Pinley]

“That would be great!” voice going up in pitch. I love dancing almost as much as I enjoy singing. “I haven’t been on the dance floor yet tonight”. Write as if you're there…

“Well come on,” grabbing me by the hand, leading me out onto the dance floor. Mathis was a very smooth on his feet. I mean, he ought to be, his mother was a singer/dancer on broadway before she retiring to running her own fragrance line.

Not necessarily complaining; I'm completely aware and appreciate the privileged lifestyle I enjoy, and I do mean privileged. Not entitled to anything I had. I did not earn any of it, it was a tremendous privilege that I had it. It was just sometimes lonely.

Just did some rewording. I suggest getting rid the many "I" in your writing. Other than that the story moves well. After getting the words just right, then you can add some meat to the bones. No pun intended.

[ashesonfire]

I appreciate the re-wordings. I know a lot of my work needs editing (as most of this is first or second draft), so any edits are appreciated. "meat to the bones" Haha, thank you very much, as always, for your reviews and support.

[A. H. Pinley]

“Please, call me Clive," staring deep into my eyes, "I insist”. He was only thirty-two and already so successful. Only a handful of people could pull off the climb he made from the bottom to the top, much less in that time frame.
“My dear, you don't give yourself enough credit,” her flattering words tickle the eardrums, “You just have to join us later for cocktails.”
Black Plague
I'll read more later. I like the setting. I feel like it's a very glamorous atmosphere.
I have a story idea dealing with music. It's called When I Get Big - The Life of a Garage Band Bassist.
ANYWAYS, you produce great work. Stay at it.

[ashesonfire]

Thank you! I sometimes struggles with setting up an atmosphere, and describing surroundings, so I am glad I got this through how I planned.

Oh, I cannot wait until you write that one! :D Definitely right up my alley. My other story "Vicious Dawn" is about a (retired) bassist. I'll have to keep an eye out for when you post that!

Thanks again :D

[Stefanie Holmes]

First off, you have great details and I love that. It makes your writing so easy to read.
Second, I loved being able to read from his sister Dani's point of view. It definitely gave a different twist to the story and I got to learn more about their background. It gave more depth to your characters.
There is something about Virgil that creeps me out... Haha. I really like Mathis and I hope something happens between him and Dani.
Another great chapter ashes!

~Stefanie

[ashesonfire]

Thanks so much Stefanie!

Haha, I'm glad people pick up on Vergil's creepiness, and Dani and Mathis's connection early on. It means I'm getting my message across :D

Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for reading and the review!

[char]

I like the story from Dani's perspective. She's so innocent. But not annoyingly innocent. And I see something between her and Mathis. Vergil's just creepy. Maybe, Mathis will be the white knight later on?

[ashesonfire]

Hmmmm... maybe Mathis will ;) I'm glad she's not annoyingly innocent. To be honest I was afraid that she might be, so this is good to hear. Let me know if that changes later, I honestly worry about it :D

Vergil is not exactly suppose to be likable XD He definitely gives off the creeper vibe doesn't he? lol

[Bella Luna]

I loved seeing things from Dani's point of view! She seems so sweet and innocent. I really liked that we got to learn a little more about their parents and their background. I'm not sure how I feel about Vergil. He seems to come off all sweet and caring, but I feel like there is something shady about him. Great chapter! Can't wait for the next! :)

[ashesonfire]

Very perceptive of you! I won't spoil anything, but you are on the right track.

Yes, despite Davis being very.... NOT innocent, Dani is very sweet and naive.

The story will switch back and forth between Davis and Dani. They each have separate stories that intertwine with each other.

Thanks so much for your feedback! :-D

[Bella Luna]

I can't wait! This is so good! Send me a RR when the next chapter comes out! :)

[ashesonfire]

I'm not sure what an RR is.. Still very new o this sight! Is that what the mess engine system is called? I plan o revise and post my next chapter tomorrow at some point. :-D

[Bella Luna]

Awesome! An RR is a read request. Usually have you publish your chapter, if you click on it to view it, in the upper right hand corner is the read request option and you can send it to your friends to request that they read it! It comes in handy :)

[ashesonfire]

Oh, okay! Cool. :D I'll do that.