Chapter 34: How to Play a Triple Game.

February 6, 3:00 PM. Cocoavilla, big lounge on the third floor.
Aria sits on the soft yellow couch in a pink midriff-baring top and an ultra-short white miniskirt that shows her white thong underneath. She sips a strawberry non-alcoholic cocktail through a straw.
“Goddamn, you still fuck so insanely good! I seriously don’t get why your parties are worse than Kate’s!” Brian exclaims. He stands in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows with his hands on his hips. He wears loose blue jeans and a white t-shirt. “By the way, how are Corin and Lottie holding up? They aren’t getting tired of running this whole massive place while you hop from party to party in other mansions and estates?”
Corin steps in from the hallway. Her long brown hair sways as she moves. She wears a flowy yellow sundress that shows off her toned legs and leaves little to the imagination about her small breasts.
“Oh, I can handle it, don’t worry,” she says with a light laugh and sets down a tray of fresh drinks. Her hazel eyes flick between Brian and Aria with mild curiosity.
Lottie follows behind her. Her red hair is tied back in a loose ponytail. She wears a cropped black tank top that shows off her toned stomach and white shorts that barely cover her ass.
“Yeah, we got this covered, no probs!”
“Oh, so you girls were right nearby!” Brian turns around. His gaze openly slides over their figures. “How nice!”
He steps away from the window and sits down on the other yellow couch next to Aria’s. The couches form a V shape.
Brian takes Corin by the hand and pulls her onto his lap. “I like sweet drinks, but I like sweet girls even more.” He kisses her hand.
Then he looks at Aria. “Ladies, I think we should all hang out together soon. Next week I’m moving out of my Beverly Hills crib and into Ms. Norwin’s castle. I’m afraid I physically won’t be able to split my time between two mansions.”
He pulls Corin closer and gently wraps his arm around her waist. “Damn, what an amazing dress! That style really suits you, Corin!”
Corin smiles, clearly flattered, though she stays composed. “Thanks, Brian,” she says softly. Her fingers lightly trace the edge of his t-shirt. “I got it on a whim from that boutique in Malibu last month. You have a good eye.”
Lottie crosses her arms. “Yeah, man, you’re leaving Beverly Hills for real? Damn, that’s wild. But I guess when you get an invitation like that…” She trails off with a smirk, her gaze flicking to Aria.
Aria sips her drink slowly and watches the interaction with amusement. “Mmm, yeah, he got the invite of a lifetime.” She stretches slightly and runs her hand along her ponytail. “But I think your plan to charm Madi won’t work out, Brian. Better focus on Kate. Especially since, according to what I know, Dana is going to hide Alex in Cambria to prevent his identity from being exposed during Erodreamarts. That will also affect Château des Rêves. Sogni Nudi always conceals the names of male authors. Especially when it comes to Alex.”
Corin shifts slightly on Brian’s lap. Her fingers play with the hem of his t-shirt. “So, you’re leaving Beverly Hills for good? That’s pretty serious, huh?” She speaks with a playful lilt, though she keeps glancing at Aria.
Brian chuckles. His hand slides up Corin’s thigh. “Yeah, it’s pretty serious. Kate invited me to live in Chateau des Reves full-time. It’s a hell of an opportunity.” He leans back against the couch cushions and pulls Corin with him.
Lottie sits down on the couch next to them. “Damn, that’s crazy. I mean, you were barely here, Dreamside, before, and now you’re moving in?” She raises an eyebrow and looks between Brian and Aria. “That’s… fast.”
Brian grins. His hand rests possessively on Corin’s hip. “Opportunity knocks, baby. And when a girl like Kate Norwin invites you to live in her mansion…” He trails off with a shrug. His fingers trace small circles on Corin’s skin. “Besides, I’ve got a good feeling about it. You know, like I belong there.”
Corin leans her head against his shoulder. Her long brown hair spills over his arm. “I’m happy for you,” she says softly. “It’s just… a big change. Especially after such a short time.”
Brian squeezes her thigh gently. Aria rolls her eyes. “Come on, Lottie! Brian almost hasn’t left Château des Rêves since September. He shows up at every single one of their parties! Well, more precisely, I dragged him there. Because right from the start I decided to set him up with Kate the moment he admitted she turned him on!”
Brian laughs and squeezes Corin’s hip. “Damn, Aria, you’re something else. Setting me up with Kate like I was some… I don’t know, some piece of meat.” He grins, clearly amused. “But I guess I should thank you. It worked out pretty well, didn’t it?”
Aria sips her drink and crosses one leg over the other. “Of course it did. I know what I’m doing. And I know what Kate likes.” Her gaze flicks to Brian. “I can tell she’s fascinated by you. Your size, your confidence… she’s curious.”
Corin shifts slightly on Brian’s lap, but she doesn’t seem uncomfortable. “If you say so,” Brian says with a cocky smirk. “I just know what I want, and I don’t stop until I get it.” He runs his hand up Corin’s thigh. His fingers tease the hem of her dress. “And right now, what I want is to spend more time getting to know all the amazing women at Chateau des Reves.”
Lottie leans forward. “So, wait, are you gonna be like… Kate’s official boyfriend now? Or what?”
Brian chuckles. His hand still rests possessively on Corin’s hip. “I don’t know about ‘official’ anything. But I’m definitely not going to be hiding in the shadows anymore.” He gives Corin a playful squeeze. “I think Kate and I are going to have a lot of fun exploring what this can be.”
Aria smirks and sips her drink. “Oh, I think we all know exactly what it is. Or at least what it’s going to be.” She crosses her legs. The fabric of her short skirt rides up slightly.
Lottie leans back against the couch and stretches her arms across the back of it. “So, you’re just gonna be like… another dude in the house now? I mean, I get that you and Kate are… whatever you two are. But like, what about Alex? Won’t he have a problem with this?” She gestures vaguely between Brian and the others.
Brian’s grin widens as he shifts Corin slightly in his lap. “Alex is a big boy. I think he can handle it.” There’s a challenging edge to his tone, though he speaks lightly. “Besides, Kate made it pretty clear from the start that she’s interested in exploring things.”
Aria chuckles and swirls her strawberry non-alcoholic cocktail with the straw. “Oh, Lottie, you’re so sweet to worry. But let me tell you, Alex is already handling it just fine.” She sips slowly and watches Brian with amusement. “In fact, I think he’s handling it better than some of us expected.”
Lottie raises an eyebrow. “Well, it means… he’s cool with it or something?” She gestures vaguely between Brian and the others again.
Brian laughs, his fingers tracing small circles on Corin’s hip. “I wouldn’t say ‘cool’ exactly, but yeah, he’s handling it. I think he’s adapting.” A knowing smirk crosses his face as he glances at Aria.
Aria smirks and sets down her strawberry non-alcoholic cocktail. “Adapting is one word for it. He’s also exploring his own limits.” She crosses her legs, her ultra-short white miniskirt riding higher on her thighs. “It’s fascinating how he’s reacting to all this.”
Brian laughs, his hand sliding farther up Corin’s thigh. “That’s one way to put it. I think Alex is realizing some things about himself.” He speaks with a knowing smirk, glancing at Aria.
Aria tilts her head, her high ponytail swaying as she crosses her legs tighter. “Oh, he’s realizing plenty. Like how much he gets off on the idea of Kate with someone else.” She watches Brian’s fingers creep higher on Corin’s thigh. “And I don’t think it’s just the idea. He likes knowing she’s going to experience things with you that he can’t give her.”
Brian chuckles and pulls Corin closer, his hand resting firmly on her hip. “Yeah, I get that feeling too. Like he’s excited about the possibilities.” A self-satisfied grin spreads across his face. “I’m not gonna lie, Kate’s got some unique tastes. And I’m more than happy to help her explore them.”
Aria slaps her hand on the pillow of her yellow couch. “Alright! To the point. According to my sources, Alex leaves for Cambria on February 28 for the entire duration of Erodreamarts. So Brian will have several months…” Aria pauses, thinking. “Yes, several months to completely charm Kate. I think after a few months of Brian therapy her intimate life with Alex will drop to statistical error level.” Aria giggles.
Lottie laughs. “Damn, you literally sound like a villain! Alex and Kate have been together for four years. You’re sure she’ll switch her entire focus to Brian in just a few months?”
Brian chuckles, pulling Corin closer as his hand rests comfortably on her thigh. “Aria’s right. I can be persuasive.” He smirks, glancing at Kate’s friend. “And I’m not just talking about the obvious.” He gestures vaguely toward his crotch, but his grin stays self-assured. “Kate’s got a certain type. And I fit it pretty well.”
Aria nods and sips her strawberry non-alcoholic cocktail through a straw. “Exactly. She likes confident men who aren’t afraid to take charge.” She shifts on the couch, her ultra-short white miniskirt riding up even higher as she crosses her legs.
Lottie rolls her eyes, adjusting her cropped black tank top and white shorts. “Yeah, sure. That’s exactly why Kate was in an exclusive relationship with Alex for four years.”
Aria giggles, the sound light but smug. “Four years doesn’t mean forever, Lottie. And let’s be honest—Alex was never the type to satisfy her completely.” She gestures with her cocktail glass. “That’s not a criticism, just a fact. Some girls need more intensity than most men can give them.”
Brian shifts Corin slightly in his lap, his hand now firmly gripping her inner thigh. “Yeah, and I don’t see any problem with being that for her.” His smile turns wolfish. “Alex knows what he is to Kate. And I know what I can be.”
Lottie giggles. “Hmm…” She looks at Aria. “And what about that thing where you supposedly talked his publisher Dana into piling more shit on him? Like, to make him burn out creatively. You were joking about wanting to strip him of his money and the mansion, right? Or were you not?” Lottie asks provocatively. “You’ve been acting so weird lately that I don’t even know what’s real anymore.”
Aria swirls her cocktail glass, the strawberry liquid catching the light as she smirks. “Oh, Lottie,” she purrs. “What can I say? Sometimes I just like to shake things up a little.” She leans forward slightly, her ponytail swinging over one shoulder. “And if I happen to push Alex into a situation where he has to choose between his creative projects and his relationship with Kate… well, that’s just a happy coincidence, isn’t it?” Her brown eyes spark with mischief.
Brian chuckles, nuzzling Corin’s ear before he turns to Lottie. “Don’t sound so surprised, Lottie. I’ve told you before—Aria gets what she wants. And right now, she wants to see how far Kate and I can take this.” He meets Lottie’s gaze with a challenging stare. “And from what I hear, we’re just getting started.”
Lottie rolls her eyes. “Oh, sure. Fine.” She looks at Aria. “So what did you want to tell us? About that idea Cheryl has with her game where you’re all gonna search for an exit from the tunnels under some long-abandoned military base—you’ve been buzzing our ears about it all morning already. When did you say it was gonna be? Friday the 16th of February? I don’t even know why—by then Brian and Kate will probably already be a real couple anyway…” Lottie giggles. “Or do you have something else in mind?”
Aria’s grin widens, her pink lips curling as she sips her strawberry non-alcoholic cocktail. “Oh, Lottie,” she murmurs, her voice dripping with playfulness. “You’re so cute when you try to play dumb.” She leans back into the couch, her fingers tracing idle patterns along the rim of her glass. “Cheryl’s Escape Game? Yeah, it’s gonna be fun. But that’s not what I wanted to talk about.” She shifts, crossing her legs the other way, the movement making her ultra-short white miniskirt ride up even more.
Brian’s hand tightens slightly on Corin’s thigh as he watches Aria with undisguised interest. Aria’s brown eyes glint as she looks from Lottie to Brian and Corin and back again. “I wanted to talk about how this new arrangement is going to work,” she says, gesturing between Brian and the others. “Kate’s going to move Brian into the main house this month, right before Alex heads to Cambria for Erodreamarts.” She taps a finger against her glass. “So we need to establish some ground rules.” Her tone stays light, but tension simmers beneath it. “For example—how much does Alex get to see? What’s off-limits for him to watch? And…” She pauses for effect. “Just how much of this is Alex really okay with?” She finishes with a sly smile, her ponytail swaying as she shifts again.
Brian’s fingers trace slow circles on Corin’s inner thigh as he considers Aria’s words. “I don’t think we should put too many restrictions on it,” he says finally. “Alex agreed to this. He knows what he’s getting into.” His free hand gestures vaguely. “It’s not like we’re hiding anything from him. If he wants to watch, he should be able to watch.”
Lottie wrinkles her nose. “Alex turned that down, even though you offered. I mean, watching Kate and Brian fuck live. But he wasn’t against photos or videos, right? And why did you decide Kate would put Brian in the main house and not in the guest one? Alex only leaves for Cambria on February 28, and Erodreamarts starts in March. I think she’ll definitely keep him in her room for a while.” Lottie leans back. “And who’s feeding you this info from Sogni Nudi anyway? I mean, where they’re sending Alex.”
Aria hums thoughtfully, swirling the straw in her glass before she takes another sip. “Oh, Lottie,” she says, smiling as she crosses her legs again. “You act like I need a source. Dana just tells me things because she knows I’m curious. And I know things because I listen.” She looks at Lottie before she turns back to Brian. “But yeah, Alex turned down live streaming. He said he’d rather keep some things private.”
Brian chuckles, his fingers tracing idle patterns on Corin’s body. “I can respect that. I mean, I wouldn’t want a camera watching me and Kate either.”
Lottie groans and rolls her eyes, adjusting her cropped black tank top. “Oh, got it, Ari. So you’ll be feeding him controlled doses of some material. And that’s it? That’s why you gathered us here? You’re losing your touch, Ari.” She stares Aria down with a challenge in her eyes.
Aria’s grin doesn’t falter, but her fingers tighten slightly around her glass. “Oh, Lottie,” she coos. “You think I’m done? Please.” She sips slowly, then meets Lottie’s stare with sharp focus. “I just wanted to get the boring logistics out of the way first. Now for the fun part.”
She angles her body toward Brian, who still has his hand lazily stroking Corin’s thigh. “So, Brian,” she says smoothly, “have you talked to Kate about how this is all gonna work?”
Brian looks at Aria. “She said she wanted me to move in.” His fingers trail along Corin’s hip absentmindedly. “But she’s got the whole place. Me in the main house, Alex in his office, staff everywhere. It’s not like I’m crowding him out.”
Aria hums, tilting her head. “Mmm, not yet. But give it time.” She sips again, watching Brian over the rim of her glass. “Kate’s got rules though. The house is big enough for you to be close but not in each other’s faces unless she says so. She wants the freedom to be with you when she wants, without having to sneak around.”
Brian leans back, stretching his arms behind Corin’s back and pulling her closer into his chest. “She ain’t gotta sneak anywhere. I ain’t looking to push Alex out. Dude’s got his space. I got mine.” His thumb rubs slow circles against Corin’s stomach. “But yeah, I’ll be in her space. A lot. And you know she likes that.” He glances at Aria with a smirk. “You set this up nice, Ari. I just gotta show up and fuck her right.” He chuckles. “And you already know I will.”
Lottie snorts. “You already fucked her in Topanga. Or do you call that a ‘free trial’ or some shit like that? You wanna hook her on the ‘paid subscription’? And of course you don’t need to push Alex out, because thanks to our mayor and Dana he’s gonna be in Cambria for months anyway.”
Brian shifts Corin in his lap, smirking as he traces her hipbone. “You know me, Lottie. I don’t need to push anyone out. I just want to slide right in.” His laugh is rich and warm, his fingers dancing across Corin’s skin with practiced ease. “And yeah, I already hit it in Topanga. But that was just the appetizer. Now I get the full-course meal.”
Aria sips her cocktail, her tongue darting out to catch a stray droplet. “Relax, Lottie. This isn’t some big conspiracy. Kate knows what she wants. Alex knows what’s happening. And honestly?” She leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees, fingers trailing along the rim of her glass. “Alex is handling it better than I expected. He’s a writer, right? Always looking for new angles, new perspectives.” She glances at Brian, her smirk widening. “And he knows Kate’s not some wilting flower who needs to be protected. She can handle herself.”
Brian chuckles, pulling Corin closer. “Damn right she can. And she knows what she likes. That’s why she’s got me.” His thumb traces slow circles on Corin’s thigh. “I’m not here to break anything up. Just… add to it. Spice it up a little.”
Lottie giggles. “And? You ready to finally tell us why you gathered us here, Ari?” She turns to Aria. “Too long an intro, honestly. So get to the point. You got a new idea, or are we just gonna keep running the same shit in circles?”
Aria rolls her eyes dramatically, tossing her ponytail over one shoulder. “Patience, Lottie. I’m setting the stage.” She taps her nails against her glass before she takes a slow sip, savoring the strawberry sweetness. “Alright, here it is. Brian’s moving into the main house. Like, for real. Before Alex leaves for Cambria.”
Brian shifts Corin again, his grin widening as he feels her squirm in his lap. “Damn right I am. Kate said the Sexodrome is mine until Alex comes back. And that gives us plenty of time to—“ He winks at Aria. “—get acquainted with each other. Really acquainted.”
Lottie smirks. “Sexodrome? That’s what they call their bed? Or rather, couch-bed. Whatever. Get to the point, Ari.”
Aria lets out a dramatic sigh, setting her glass down with a clink. “Alright, alright. The point is, while Alex will be in Cambria, Brian gets the Château des Rêves.” She gestures lazily toward Brian. “So, you get to move in, do your thing, and start turning Kate into a proper nympho.”
Brian chuckles, shifting Corin slightly as he leans forward. “I don’t gotta ‘turn her into’ anything. She already is. I just get to show her how good it can be with me.”
Aria smirks, tapping her fingers against the armrest of her chair. “Alright, fine. I got a plan. We’re gonna make sure Brian gets what he wants, and Kate gets what she needs. And Alex? Well, he’s gonna watch. Maybe not in person, but he’ll know exactly what’s happening.”
Brian chuckles, sliding a hand up Corin’s side. “Yeah? And what’s that mean for me?”
Aria grins, sipping her cocktail before she continues. “It means you get Kate whenever you want. The main house is yours. She’s yours. But… I want you to be loud about it.”
Lottie raises an eyebrow. “Loud?” She leans forward. “Come on, just say it straight, Ari. What did you come up with? Is it something interesting?”
Aria’s lips twitch with that infuriating smirk that always means she’s about to drop something juicy. “We’re turning this whole thing into a game,” she says, stretching the words out like she’s savoring them. “Like a live one. No rules. Just reality TV meets bedroom Olympics.”
Brian groans and rolls his eyes, but his hand keeps moving against Corin’s skin. “You always make things so complicated, Ari. Just say it plain. What do you want from me?”
“I want you to own Château des Rêves,” Aria says simply. “I want you walking around like you belong there, like Alex is just furniture. Background noise.”
Lottie snorts. “That’s harsh.” Aria waves a hand dismissively. “It’s reality. Alex is going to Cambria. Brian is staying. And Kate? She’s torn. So we need to make sure she doesn’t miss him.”
Brian hums and taps Corin’s thigh in a slow rhythm. “You saying I gotta put on a show for him?”
“Exactly.” Aria’s grin widens. “Make yourself at home. Sleep in their bed, fuck Kate whenever she lets you—because she will. And when Alex asks about it? Tell him.”
Lottie nods thoughtfully. “And what does that achieve besides the obvious conflict? Kate is still attached to Alex for now. I don’t think Brian needs to do anything like that before February 28. He isn’t some thug.”
Brian laughs, a low rich sound that vibrates through Corin’s body on his lap. “See, that’s what I like about Ari,” he says, lazily trailing a hand up Corin’s thigh. “She thinks ahead. You don’t gotta be a thug to own a place, Lottie. You just gotta make sure everyone knows it’s yours.”
Aria leans back and crosses one leg over the other as she watches Brian’s hand creep higher. “Exactly,” she purrs. “Brian doesn’t need to be rude or aggressive. He just needs to be present. Always. In every corner of Château des Rêves, in every part of Kate’s life. When Alex calls? Brian’s there. When Kate walks into a room? Brian’s the first thing she sees. And the last.”
Lottie’s smirk returns. “Yeah, that’s basically it. Just dressed up in all your usual drama.” She gestures at Aria with her drink. “You make it sound like some big psychological game, but we all know what you’re really after. You want Kate for yourself, and you’re using Brian to get there.”
Aria feigns mock offense and presses a hand to her chest. “Please. I’m not using anyone. I’m just orchestrating. Creating an environment where everyone gets what they want.” She winks at Brian. “And Brian wants Kate. And Kate… well, let’s just say she’s been a little lonely with Alex. So predictable. So vanilla.”
Brian chuckles, his hand still moving idly against Corin’s thigh. “Damn right. And I’m here to give her something a little extra.”
Lottie giggles and rubs her forehead. “So basically, your whole plan boils down to this: during Erodreamarts, while Alex is away, Kate gets used to Brian and dumps him, right?”
Brian laughs again, a sharp sound that echoes off the high ceilings. “Lottie, babe, you always gotta make it sound like some soap opera plot.” He nudges Corin’s hip lightly and glances at Aria. “But yeah. Basically. Ari’s just giving it the fancy name.”
Aria swirls her drink and watches the strawberry cocktail cling to the glass. “Fancy names make reality palatable,” she says, then looks at Lottie. “And for the record, I’m not trying to break them up. I’m just helping Kate figure out what she wants. She’s been so locked down with Alex for years. It’s good for her to explore.”
Lottie stretches out on the couch. “And? I still haven’t heard anything concrete about your idea, Ari. Brian will give Kate gifts, fuck her, and spend time with her—and in a few months she’ll dump Alex? You got any aces up your sleeve? Something specific, not just ‘Brian will spend all his time with her.’ You’re risking shitting yourself, Ari.”
Aria smirks and sets her drink down with deliberate slowness. “Oh, I have plenty of ideas.” She looks at Brian with that familiar glint of mischief. “For starters, I’m moving into Château des Rêves too. Not right away, but soon. And I’m bringing some special friends.”
Lottie raises an eyebrow. “And who exactly are you planning to drag in for Kate during Erodreamarts?”
Aria smiles. “Latricia Howard.”
Lottie nearly chokes on her drink. “Latricia? Are you fucking kidding me? The blonde who talks about black cock twenty-four-seven?” She looks at Brian, then back to Aria. “You want to bring a crazed fetishist into Château des Rêves to turn Kate into some black-dick-worshipping snowbunny?”
Brian looks surprised for a second, his hand pausing on Corin’s hip. “Latricia? Damn, Ari, that’s ambitious.”
Aria just smiles wider. “Oh please. You know Kate loves a good extreme experience. And Latricia knows exactly how to guide someone through that. I think it’s perfect.”
Lottie raises an eyebrow. “You do realize how racist and cringy this whole thing is, right? Brian is awesome because he’s Brian. Not because he’s black. And this Latricia chick is just a walking pile of complexes she’s dumping into her black dick cult. She’s unhinged, Ari.”
Aria shrugs, unbothered. “I don’t care if it’s racist or cringy. I care if it works.” She leans forward, elbows on her knees. “And trust me, it will work. Kate loves being pushed. She loves being overwhelmed. And Latricia knows exactly how to do that. When Alex leaves for Cambria, I’m going to make sure Kate gets exposed to a side of herself she hasn’t seen before.” She looks at Brian. “And Brian will be right there to help her process it.”
Brian nods, a slow smirk spreading across his face. “Damn right. I’m not just some dick for hire, Ari. I’m gonna show Kate what real connection feels like.” He turns to Corin. “Ain’t that right, baby?”
Corin giggles nervously. “I-I guess so…”
Lottie looks at Aria. “And what are you gonna do about the Madi and Amy factor? Or Becky? Or Lila? What if shit doesn’t go according to plan?”
Aria leans back against the couch cushions and crosses her legs with casual confidence. “I have contingencies for everything, Lottie. Becky’s been distracted with her own shit lately. I heard she started her feud with Marisol again, but I don’t know the details. And Lila… well, she’s too busy playing therapist to Alex to be a real threat.” She sips her drink slowly. “As for Madi and Amy… let’s just say I know a few things about both of them that might make them more cooperative.”
Lottie narrows her eyes. “Blackmail? Seriously?”
Brian chuckles, his fingers tracing idle patterns on Corin’s thigh. “Ari’s always got something up her sleeve, baby. Don’t act surprised.” He looks at Aria. “So what’s your move with Madi and Amy? They’ve been talking to Alex about this shit?”
Aria sets her glass down with deliberate slowness. “Oh, they’ve been talking to Alex, all right. I’m sure of it.”
Lottie leans forward with interest. “Okay, let’s say everything’s clear with Becky and Lila. Everyone knows Madi and Amy are Alex’s ‘mommies’. But what exactly do you have on them?”
Aria smirks, her fingers playing with the edge of her cocktail glass. “Well, Madi… let’s just say her little secret about why she really started working at Château des Rêves? I wouldn’t want that getting out.” She lets the statement hang for a moment. “And Amy… well, you know how she likes to ‘relax’ after long days? The kind of equipment she keeps in her room? I might have some very detailed video footage of her using certain items.”
Lottie snorts. “Madi is one of Chase Runker, Dana, and Kate’s friends. She moved into Château des Rêves to help Alex with his panic attacks. That was four years ago—when Dana gifted Alex the place and his relationship with Kate started. Everyone in the circle knows this.”
Aria shrugs. “Madi’s reason was never just about Alex. She had her own complicated history with Kate before Alex ever came into the picture.” She turns her head slightly and fixes Lottie with a knowing look. “And I don’t think Alex knows everything about how Madi and Kate first met.”
Brian whistles low. “Damn. You really dug deep on this one, Ari.” He squeezes Corin’s thigh lightly. “So Madi’s got a skeleton in the closet? What about Amy?”
Aria’s smile turns almost feral. “Amy? Oh, she’s just a horny little slut who can’t stop touching herself.”
Lottie rolls her eyes. “Oh, back to Amy again… Yeah, everyone knows she’s got that massive collection of vibrators, dildos, and who knows what else. And she still denies it all. So what? If you’re planning to dig up and leak her private videos online, that’s straight-up criminal. Especially here. You do remember why this gated town even exists, right? To shield us from all the paparazzi bullshit and privacy leaks.”
Aria doesn’t flinch. “Oh, I’m not planning to leak anything. That would be messy. No, I’m just ensuring Amy understands her position. I’ll show her the footage. Let her know I have it. And then she’ll help make this transition as smooth as possible for Brian.” She spreads her arms slightly. “You act like I’m some villain, Lottie. I’m just removing obstacles. Amy’s little kink collection? That’s not really a secret. But having it officially documented? That could complicate things for her, especially if certain people found out.”
Brian laughs and shakes his head. “Damn, Ari. You really thought this through.”
Lottie snorts. “This is gonna complicate shit for you, Ari. We’ve got this French guy from DreamArts College who openly fucks his students left and right.” She’s obviously talking about Danton. “Back in the 90s outside this town it would’ve caused a massive scandal, I bet…” She frowns. “But now… I don’t know. Neither I nor Corin wants to stick our noses into your Château des Rêves plans with Kate and Alex… but you’re pushing it way too far.”
Lottie adjusts her cropped black tank top and glances at Brian with Corin still on his lap. Then she looks back at Aria. “I mean, Brian already got Kate. If you start pressuring Alex too hard, you’re gonna burn yourself. Or did you fall for Alex?”
Aria smirks and tilts her head. “Oh Lottie, you’re so dramatic. I’m not trying to hurt Alex. I’m just making sure things happen the way they should.” She sips her drink slowly and savors the strawberry taste. “Brian’s gonna be great for Kate. And Alex… he needs to understand that his place is secondary now.”
Lottie giggles. “You’re planning to bring that crazy snowbunny Latricia Howard into their mansion so she can influence Kate. You’re telling Brian to openly ‘push’ Alex aside in his own house. And you and Brian both want Kate to dump Alex after Erodreamarts. Now you’re sitting here saying, ‘I’m not trying to hurt Alex.’ You’re literally contradicting yourself every other sentence. And this has been going on for weeks now.”
Aria’s fingers tap against her glass in a slow rhythm. Her face betrays no emotion. “I don’t have to hurt Alex to make this work. He’s already hurting himself by clinging to something that’s not his anymore.” She glances at Brian, who gives her a small nod. “Alex agreed to let Kate explore things. That’s all this is. An exploration.” She swirls her drink lazily. “Besides, Lottie, you don’t know how this ends. Maybe Alex and Kate will work it out after Erodreamarts. Maybe they won’t. But either way, Alex gets to keep his money, his mansion, and his reputation. I’m just helping things along.”
Silence falls. Corin and Brian focus entirely on each other. Brian runs his hand along her flowy yellow sundress and long brown hair. Then they melt into a long, deep kiss.
Aria finishes her strawberry non-alcoholic cocktail in one long pull and leans back on the soft yellow couch, watching them on the identical couch opposite hers.
Lottie stands up and quietly walks around the big lounge. She gazes at the Cocoavilla gardens visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows. She turns and looks at Aria, who strokes her ponytail.
“Seriously though… why do you actually need this Latricia Howard?” she asks Aria. “Kate’s not stupid. She’s not gonna play along with these racist fetish games.” Lottie pauses. “I remember her, that Latricia. She comes to our Cocoavilla party last year. She’s completely fucking unhinged.”
Aria smirks and sets her empty glass on the marble coffee table. “Kate might not be stupid, but she’s curious. And Latricia knows exactly what buttons to push.” She spreads her hands. “This isn’t about race, Lottie. It’s about power dynamics. Kate’s always wanted to be dominated. She just needs the right teacher.”
Brian breaks his kiss with Corin and laughs softly. “Damn, Ari. You sound like a cult leader recruiting.” Corin giggles and nuzzles against his chest. “Or a pimp setting up his girls,” she adds, shooting a playful glance at Aria.
Aria shrugs, unoffended. “Maybe a little of both.” She grins. “But mostly just a friend helping a friend explore her potential. Kate’s been playing it safe with Alex for years. This is her chance to really let go.”
Lottie shakes her head and turns to gaze out the window again. “You’re talking about her like she’s some kind of sexual project. Like she’s a fucking puzzle you need to solve.” She looks back at Aria. “Kate’s not a virgin who needs corrupting, Ari. She’s a grown woman who can make her own choices.”
Aria leans forward and rests her elbows on her knees. “I know exactly what Kate is. That’s why I’m doing this.” Lottie smirks. “Yeah, ‘cause you and her have been friends since college.” She sits down on the couch next to Aria.
“Fine, have it your way. I’m just worried about you. And I’m your friend too.” She wraps an arm around Aria. “So what are our plans for Abraham Lincoln’s birthday? And the upcoming Erodreamarts?”
Aria shifts and rests her head against Lottie’s shoulder. Her high ponytail brushes the fabric of Lottie’s cropped tank top. She considers the question with a thoughtful expression. “Plenty. For the parade, I’m thinking we do something wild. Maybe have Brian dress up as Lincoln, complete with top hat and fake beard.” She grins up at Lottie. “Kate would love that. And for Erodreamarts…” She pulls away slightly and sits up straight to face Lottie properly. “I’ve got a few ideas. My guys from our agency are already working on content for my channel. Showing off Cocoavilla, obviously.”