Chapter 4: Between September and Vegas.

February 3, 2024, 8 PM. Château des Rêves, first floor, Lila's room.
"…So yeah, after spending all day with him, trying to prop him up like, 'Alex, don't beat yourself up just because your Goddess decided to explore things with her bestie's boyfriend'—he walks out of his old office holding Kate and cheerfully announces he's officially in this whole situation now. It's insane, right?"
Lila sits curled on the large couch in her cozy room, sipping a non-alcoholic cocktail through a straw while talking on Skype with Sarah Cote. She's in a smooth black bra, matching black thong, and a white shirt unbuttoned all the way down.
On the screen, Sarah—thin eyebrows, blue eyes, long chestnut hair—listens as Lila recounts the day's events in detail.
"So, what do you think?" Lila asks, taking another sip.
Sarah lets out a low whistle and leans back. "Jesus Christ, Lila. That's… wow." She exhales. "I mean, I'm happy for them, I guess? But damn. If I had a boyfriend, I wouldn't be so chill."
Lila rolls her eyes, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "Yeah, yeah. But Alex is… Alex. And Kate's like, 'Oh, I'm going to tease him mercilessly for being obsessed with Brian.' She's actively encouraging it." She smirks. "And you know how she gets when she teases him. She loves seeing him squirm."
Sarah chuckles. "Sounds like things are… interesting over there."
"Interesting is one word for it." Lila stares past the screen for a second. "You know how I feel about it. I think it's hilarious. Alex is being such a weird little mess right now. But honestly, I think it's good for him."
Sarah raises an eyebrow. "Good for him? How so?"
Lila sets her drink down and grins. "It's getting him out of his head."
"But he found himself in this situation a few hours ago," Sarah says. "Kate hasn't even with Brian yet… She's just about to…"
Lila snickers, tossing her head back. "I know, I know. But you should see how he's acting. All tense and weird, trying to pretend he's above it while clearly dying inside." She takes another sip, savoring it. "He keeps bringing it up, too. Mentions Brian, then immediately changes the subject when he realizes what he's doing."
Sarah laughs, shaking her head. "That's such Alex. God, I wish I could see it in person." She props her chin on her palm. "So what's he saying exactly? Just that he's… interested?"
Lila shifts on the couch, voice picking up heat. "Oh, it's way worse than 'interested.'" She traces the rim of her glass idly. "He's basically obsessed. Keeps bringing up Brian like he can't help it. Tries to play it off like he's just fact-checking for his books or some shit."
Sarah giggles. "That sounds exactly like Alex. God, he's so transparent." She leans forward. "But wait—so he's just talking about it? Or has he actually looked at Brian?"
Lila bursts out laughing, head thrown back. "So far it's just pictures Kate showed him a couple hours ago. He keeps joking like, 'Eh, nothing special here,' you know, that kind of crap… But… damn…" She laughs again. "He's meeting Brian tomorrow at 3 PM in Beverly Hills. Who knows—maybe he'll get to see it up close then…"
Sarah's eyebrows shoot up. "Oh shit! Really? Beverly Hills? That's serious!" She whistles. "Damn, Alex is really going all in on this, huh?"
Lila leans back, stretching her arms above her head before lacing them behind her neck. "Yeah. It's damning wild. He's acting all casual, like he's just going to hang out. But I know he's freaking out inside."
"Lila, you're such a bitch," Sarah says, grinning. "You must be loving this."
"Hell yeah, I am!" Lila cackles, nudging Sarah playfully. "And about Beverly… yeah! What, you thought I was kidding? Don't make me retell the whole damn thing. I already told you—Aria pushed him into meeting Brian this morning. Alex sort of went along with it, let Aria give him her boyfriend's contact… but then Brian hit him up first, suggesting they meet in Beverly Hills. You know, 'man to man.'"
Lila laughs. "At first Alex totally chickened out. He was like, 'Would it look super pathetic if I showed up with you?' And I told him, 'Nah, it wouldn't look pathetic. But it might look like you're not fully committed. You're the one who's supposed to be into this, right? Showing up with a wingman could kinda undermine that.'"
"So yeah, that's where we're at."
Sarah gasps, hand over her mouth. "Oh my god, Lila. That's so… cruel. And so damning perfect. You're basically making him do this alone just to mess with him."
Lila grins, rolling her shoulders with satisfaction. "Mmm, and I'm loving every second of it. You should see his face every time I mention Beverly Hills or Brian. He looks like he's about to shit himself." She sips her drink, swirls the ice, sets it down. "Best part? He knows I'm doing it on purpose. Gives me this look like he wants to kill me but can't even get mad—because I'm right."
Sarah snickers, shaking her head. "God, Alex really does have the worst luck with girls. First Kate treats him like a toy, now you're torturing him. It's like you two are in some kind of competition." She raises an eyebrow. "You ever think maybe you're being too mean? He's not exactly… handling this well."
Lila scoffs, stretching her arms behind her head. "Too mean? Damn no. I'm just giving him what he wants. Alex is obsessed with this whole situation. He's been writing about it, talking about it… so I'm just encouraging him." She grins wickedly. "But don't make me out to be the villain here, okay?"
Lila shifts on the couch. "I'm not the one who got his girlfriend all brainwashed over Brian. He's not a bad guy, and yeah, it really is that big like I told you. Aria's shown me a ton of pics. But… it just feels kinda unfair to Alex. Because Alex, he's…"
She lets out a long sigh.
"He's critically dependent on Kate. He's never gonna tell her no. And then there's his fetish. His laptop's full of that kind of porn—mostly blondes. His browser history is a mess. He tries to hide it, but I know. Well… now you do too. So keep that shit to yourself, okay?"
Lila giggles. "Damn, Aria totally nailed it picking a black guy to start tempting Kate with…"
Sarah nods slowly, fingers still pressed to her face. "Yeah… I mean, I don't blame Alex for being scared. Who wouldn't be? But you're really enjoying this, aren't you?"
Lila stretches again, arching her back with a lazy smile. "Oh, absolutely. Like I said, he wants this. He's just too chickenshit to admit it to himself. And now he gets to see it happen for real. No more fantasies. No more imagining what Kate would sound like." She laughs, shaking her head. "Damn, I wish I could be there when he actually sees Brian's power in person."
Lila pauses a couple seconds, lost in thought, then continues.
"But honestly, he doesn't actually want to watch it live. From what he said, it was more Aria pushing for that. So…"
She sighs, then giggles softly.
"Anyway, he talked her into a compromise—that Aria, the most 'skilled photographer in Dreamside,' would take pics and shoot video of Brian and Kate together, and Alex would watch those instead. Doing it live with him right there would just be awkward and embarrassing for both of them."
Lila smiles, a little wicked.
"Though… knowing Aria, she might just force him to watch the whole thing in person anyway."
Sarah exhales sharply, shaking her head. "God, this is messed up. You really think Alex wants to see Brian will be with Kate? Even if he's into the weird thing, that's a whole different level."
Lila shifts, stretching her legs out in front of her. "Oh, he wants it. Deep down. He just won't admit it." She grins, rolling her head back to look at Sarah. "Kate's the only girl he's ever been with, and he's got this… thing. Where he needs to know she's taken care of, even if he's not the one doing it."
"Hmmm…" Sarah murmurs. She shifts in her chair; on Lila's laptop screen you can see her loose light-colored pants and red T-shirt.
"Why didn't he have any girlfriends before Kate? I mean, sure, he's an introvert… I'm kinda introverted too…" Sarah trails off, thinking. "And even though he doesn't go to parties like I do… I wouldn't call him really socially awkward. I talk to him all the time and he's totally fine. So why'd he wait for Kate?"
Lila chuckles, swirling the last of her cocktail before taking a slow sip. "You're sweet to defend him. But Alex isn't just shy—he's picky. And not just about looks. He needs a girl who's… special. Someone who understands his weirdness and plays along with it." She sets the glass down, watching Sarah's image with amusement.
"Kate fits that perfectly. She gets his dorky humor, doesn't mind his quirks, and she's… the type of girl who'd actually enjoy playing this game with him."
Lila's grin turns conspiratorial.
"And let's be real—Alex gets off on knowing Kate gets taken care of, even if it's not by him. That's why he never complains about her going to parties without him, or why he doesn't care that she flirts with other guys. Because deep down, he wants her to be wanted. Desired. Appreciated."
Sarah inhales sharply through her nose, clearly uncomfortable. "Wow. You really think that's what he gets out of it? Like… he just wants to know she's being… satisfied? Even if it's not by him?"
Lila nods slowly, tilting her head as she studies Sarah's reaction. "Yep. And not just satisfied—he wants to know she's getting the best. He's proud of it. Proud that she's got options, that she's wanted by guys who are… better at it than he is."
Sarah's brows lift. "Better at it than him? But he and Kate have been together for… what, like five years? They've got to have a good sex life, right?"
Lila smirks, sprawling back on the couch with her arms behind her head. "Oh, they do. But Alex knows he's… limited, in a way. He's not exactly the most experienced, for one. And he's more of a cuddly type. But he doesn't mind that Kate might like someone who's… more experienced. More aggressive. More competent."
She pauses, watching Sarah carefully.
"And I think he likes knowing that, even if he's not the one giving it to her, she's still his. Still chooses him. Still loves him."
Sarah exhales slowly. On the screen she picks up her phone, glances at it, then keeps talking. "So you're saying… he gets off on the idea of her with other guys? Like, as a fantasy? Or is it just that he's… Okay with it?"
Lila grins, pleased by Sarah's growing curiosity. "Oh, it's both. The watching part—yeah, I think he gets off on that. It's hot for him to see her enjoying someone else. And it's a way to… I don't know… measure himself against whoever she's with. See if he can handle it."
She leans forward slightly, voice dropping. "But it's not just fantasy. It's about knowing she's getting something he can't give her. And I think he likes that she gets it from someone she respects. Someone who's… good at it."
Sarah frowns thoughtfully and glances at Lila on the screen.
"Hmmm… But why does Aria even want all this? I mean, I get that she's into every kind of sexual… probably social-sexual experiment, but…"
She looks down at her phone, taps out a quick reply.
"…Sorry, school stuff. Anyway—what was I saying? Oh right—why is Aria doing this? Kate's been her best friend for years. Feels like way too big a risk to mess with that."
Lila lets out a quiet laugh and shifts to sit cross-legged on the couch. "Oh, that's the fun part. Aria doesn't see it as a risk—she sees it as an opportunity."
She taps her fingers against her knee, deciding how much to reveal.
"See, Aria's always pushing boundaries, testing limits. And not just for herself—she loves watching people react to extreme situations." She pauses, studying Sarah's face. "She's been telling Kate for months that she should try something new. That she's missing out. And yeah, part of it was probably about… well, you know… Brian. But Aria thrives on this kind of thing."
On Lila's laptop screen, Sarah looks lost in thought. After a few seconds she speaks again.
"And Kate just lets her say stuff like that? I mean, I've seen it at the parties lately… since fall, when Brian started showing up…"
The screen shows Sarah settling back into her chair.
"…Look, I've noticed that weird dynamic too. Brian was practically glued to Kate, and she was always laughing. Aria was always right there hovering around them. Kate's gotta realize playing with feelings like that can be dangerous, right? I seriously doubt Brian was having purely platonic thoughts about her from the very first time they met…"
Sarah wiggles her eyebrows meaningfully.
Lila's grin widens. Her fingers drum lightly against the edge of her laptop. "Exactly. And Kate knows it—she's not stupid. But here's the thing…"
She leans in, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "She doesn't care. She likes the attention. And let's be real—she knows Brian wants her. The guy's practically drooling every time she walks past him at a party."
She pauses, tapping a nail against her teeth. "And Alex… well, he's not the jealous type. Not in that way, at least. He's just… shy. And I think part of him likes seeing Kate have fun."
Sarah smiles. "Mmm… so who do you actually like more? You know, as a man."
She crosses her arms, giving Lila a sly look.
"Your boss, or Aria's boyfriend? You were so busy defending Alex to Kate earlier today when she came back from the gallery… I kinda wish I could've seen you scolding her. Probably looked adorable."
"And what about Kae? The one who grabbed the pizzas from Kate and left you two alone to talk—does she have any clue what's going on? Have you even talked to her about all this?"
The corner of Lila's mouth twitches upward. She leans back, stretches her arms above her head, then settles them behind her neck.
"Oh, Kae knows. That girl picks up on everything. She just plays dumb when it suits her."
Lila's fingers toy with a loose thread on the couch cushion. Her eyes flick to the side as she chooses her words.
"As for who I like more… hmm. That's tricky." She winks at the screen. "Brian's got that whole tall, dark, and dangerously charming thing going on. Aria's not wrong about that."
Her grin turns wicked. "But Alex?" She lets out a soft hum, tilting her head. "There's something about him that gets under my skin in the best way. That nervous energy. The way he's always thinking ten different things at once. And the way he looks at Kate… like she's the only person in the world who matters. It's cute."
Sarah snorts. "So you're a sucker for the quiet ones, huh?"
Lila shrugs, unapologetic. "They tend to be the most interesting when they finally let go." Her grin widens. "And I know for a fact that Alex can be… very vocal when he wants to be."
Sarah's eyebrows shoot up. "Oh, really?"
Lila nods, fingers tracing idle patterns on the couch arm. "Really. Not that I'm telling you anything you couldn't figure out yourself if you ever got him alone long enough."
She stretches her legs out. "I've heard him with Kate before. Let's just say he's good with her."
Sarah laughs, shaking her head. "Wow. I had no idea he was… like that." She pauses, biting her lip. "But I guess I shouldn't be surprised. He seems so shy on the surface, but he's really confident once you get to know him."
Lila hums in agreement. "Exactly."
She watches Sarah for a moment, smile stretching wider, almost teasing.
Sarah exhales sharply, shaking her head with a smirk. "You're impossible, you know that? But I get what you mean about Alex. There's something… disarming about him."
She glances at the camera, biting her lip. "I mean, I wouldn't mind getting to know him better. He's sweet, and I don't think he gets enough credit for how much he actually cares."
Lila's grin widens. She leans forward, elbows on her knees. "Oh, this is rich," she murmurs, voice light but sharp. "You're interested in him, aren't you?"
Sarah's eyes flick away for a second. Her fingers twist together in her lap.
"I mean… yeah," she admits, almost sheepishly. "I don't know if he'd ever think of me that way, though. He's so wrapped up in Kate."
Lila hums, tapping her fingers against the cushion. "He is," she agrees, "but he notices things. Maybe not as fast as some people, but he notices."
She watches Sarah carefully, lips curling into a small, knowing smile. "And I bet if you gave him a reason to pay attention to you, he would."
Sarah scoffs, shaking her head. "You make it sound so easy."
Lila grips the edges of her laptop and leans in so close her nose nearly touches the screen. Her voice turns playful, drawn out.
"Saaaaaaraaaaah… I can practically smell how wet you're getting over our little writer boy from all the way through this screen… from his broody creative charm, those sharp-but-dumb little sarcasms, and maybe—just maybe—from the thought of him… Even if you haven't seen that side of him yet, trust me—he's downright adorable."
Sarah lets out a breathy laugh, face flushing slightly. "Oh my god, you're insane," she mutters, but there's no real heat behind it. She shifts in her chair, crossing her legs, and Lila's grin only widens at the movement.
"You're not denying it, though," Lila sing-songs, tilting her head. Her fingers tap an easy rhythm against the cushion, posture relaxed yet attentive. "Come on, spill. What exactly about Alex is getting under your skin?"
Sarah groans, dropping her head back against the chair. "I don't know," she admits, voice quieter now. "It's stupid."
"Speak." Lila says firmly, eyes locked on the screen.
"I'm not promising shit, but if our blonde 'boundary explorer' decides to break his heart… well, at least he won't off himself from the grief. Or maybe…"
Lila grins. "Maybe he'll spot something divine and poetic in you before his Kate officially joins the snowbunny club."
She wiggles her brows.
"A sarcastic, smart, kinda shy writer and… a pretty, sweet administrative assistant in the art class at Dreamside High School? That's stupidly cute, you know. I bet he'd totally take your last name if you ever got him under your heel and slapped a wedding ring on his finger."
Lila purrs, letting a soft, erotic little breath slip out in her gentle Franco-Canadian accent.
"Alexander Cote…"
Sarah laughs, but the sound is breathy and uncertain. She shakes her head, trying to fight the heat creeping up her neck. "You're impossible," she mutters, but she's smiling despite herself.
She leans forward, mirroring Lila's posture. For a moment they're close enough that they could almost reach through the screen.
"I don't know, Lila. I just… he's different from the other guys here. He doesn't care about all the flashy stuff. And he's smart. Like, really smart. He actually listens when you talk."
Lila's grin turns gentle, a playful light in her eyes as she leans closer to the screen, clearly enjoying the moment.
"I know exactly how to help you two get closer. But don't worry—it's totally above board. None of that twisted shit Aria's into. You'll just… spend a lot of time together. Actually talk."
Lila's eyes sparkle with mischievous amusement, but there's none of that sly, scheming glint you'd see in Aria or Cheryl. It's clear she genuinely wants to help—both Alex and Sarah.
"I'll say it again—no promises… but you wanna hear it?"
Sarah bites her lip, considering. She knows what Lila's like; she knows better than to expect something simple. But something in Lila's tone makes her lean in anyway.
"I'm listening," she murmurs, fingers tightening slightly around her phone.
Lila hums approvingly. "Alright, here's the deal. You and Alex—you're both kinda awkward, right? You don't throw yourselves at each other. You don't know what the hell to do. But you like each other. I can see it." She winks. "So we fix that."
Sarah inhales sharply. "We?"
"Oh yeah. I'll make sure you two spend time together." Lila giggles, watching Sarah nervously squeeze her phone.
"Relax and just hear me out. You probably won't believe it, but I swear it's true, babe."
Lila sighs, waits a couple seconds, then locks eyes with Sarah—her tension obvious even through the screen.
"You're an administrative assistant in the art class at Dreamside High School, right? You've got a whole background in education. So…you're gonna teach Alex how to actually write proper English. Yes, I'm serious—don't fall out of your chair."
Sarah's mouth drops open slightly, caught between confusion and disbelief. She blinks rapidly, then lets out a short laugh. "You want me to teach Alex proper English?" She shakes her head, amusement breaking through her nerves. "Lila, he's already a writer. A good one, even."
Lila bursts out laughing. "Sarah, Sarah, Sarah! He's an immigrant from Eastern Europe. Gonshorowski—that's already the softened version of his last name; the real one's basically unpronounceable. Their English classes over there are shit, so he mostly taught himself in college—through movies, shows, YouTube, all that. He speaks perfectly, zero accent…but his written English…" She cracks up. "You'd die if you saw it. The longer the text, the worse the panic attacks—and the more disasters pile up in a single sentence."
She laughs harder. "Look, it's actually really delicate, and I'm only telling you because I know you'd never hurt him. You're the third person who knows—after me and Kate. Kate's been hiding this mess from Becky and Aria for four damning years, even though they're all close. Everyone jokes that I'm Alex's shadow, always hovering near him…talking about our incredible 'dynamic.'" Lila snorts. "Our 'dynamic' is just me cleaning up the grammatical horror shows in his books and making sure he never has to publicly write anything longer than his own signature…hahahaha!"
She calms down a bit, still giggling. "I'd teach him myself, but I don't have the teaching background—or the time. I'm constantly busy turning his grammar trainwrecks into erotic bestsellers. He's brilliant…just horrendously illiterate."
Sarah's shoulders shake with silent laughter. She covers her mouth for a moment, eyes bright with mirth. "Oh my God," she breathes. "I can't believe you're serious."
Lila grins, leaning back deeper into the couch and sipping her drink. "Dead serious, babe. You wouldn't be doing this for me or for him—you'd be doing it for the greater good of literature." She winks. "And if you pull it off, you get to see his face when he finally realizes he doesn't need to be terrified of writing anymore. It's gonna be priceless."
Sarah shakes her head, still smiling. "But why me?" She sets her phone down on the counter and props her chin on her hand. "I'm not exactly a professional tutor."
"Because you're sweet and patient," Lila says easily. "And because you actually like him, which is kind of rare around here. Everyone else just sees him as a joke or a paycheck or a damnbuddy." She pauses, swirling the liquid in her glass. "You're not like that. You'd actually care if he was struggling."
Sarah shifts slightly, considering it. It's true—she does like Alex. She admires his work, his dedication, the way he observes the world so carefully. But tutoring him?
Lila lets out a long sigh. "Anyway…now you've got the info. Think it over. If you say yes—I'll set everything up. And don't be scared of him. He'll be way more scared of you. He used to have these brutal panic attacks…Madi's the one who fixed him up."
She smacks her palm to her forehead. "Shit, Madi! She and Amy went to the movies today…I've got no clue what time they got back—but thank damn Alex, Kate, and I didn't run into them. If those two 'Alex's moms' ever find out about Aria and Kate's little adventure with Brian…that's gonna be an actual damning war."
Lila exhales, then gives a half-grin. "So yeah…uh…save us, Sarah."
Sarah thinks. The idea is absurd, and yet—Lila isn't wrong. Alex is talented. She knows this. And if he's genuinely struggling with writing, maybe she could help.
"Okay," she says finally, tilting her head. "I'll do it. But only if you promise he won't think I'm some kind of pity tutor."
Lila barks out a laugh. "Oh, trust me, he's gonna feel about as comfortable as a cat in a bath. But don't let that stop you." She drains the rest of her drink in one go and sets the glass down. "I'll text him right now."
Lila picks up her phone and starts typing quickly, still talking. "So…about the panic attacks—four years ago it was a complete damning disaster. Madi pieced him back together from the wreckage—she's a damn phenomenal GP. Right around then Alex started dating Kate, Dana gave him this mansion… Long story short, Kate fell for him when he was this fragile, terrified, constantly crying mess with zero real prospects. That's where all his worship of Kate comes from."
She pauses, fingers still tapping the screen. "So if Kate really does trade him in for Brian—it'll kill him. You could be his only shot at surviving this. And don't freak out if he ends up crying in front of you or something."
Sarah exhales, rubbing her temples. "Jesus, Lila. I know he's got issues, but this sounds like way more drama than I signed up for."
Lila smirks, still typing. "Seriously, don't stress so much. I'm just giving you the backstory. Alex thinks he's insanely lucky—that Kate showed up when she did, plus Madi and Dana… Oh, and the one who actually tipped Dana off about him? That's a whole other hilarious mess… Anyway—Dana invested in him, gave him the mansion, Madi fixed his head, and Kate…well, that's obvious. So he's got this impostor syndrome shit going on."
She finally looks up from her phone and locks eyes with Sarah through the screen.
"Just talk to him, teach him to write properly…and you'll see a miracle. He's damning incredible, honestly. Just don't overthink it or jump to conclusions about who he is."
Sarah exhales slowly, rubbing her temples again. "Okay. I get it. He's got some serious stuff going on. But…I don't do therapy, Lila. I'm not trying to fix him."
Lila snorts, shaking her head. "God, no. You're just helping him put words together. Nothing more complicated than that." She glances down, types one last thing, then sets the phone aside. "He agreed. He's coming over tomorrow at noon. Try not to scare him too much."
Sarah groans, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I'll try."
February 4, 2024, 1 AM. Château des Rêves, third floor, Alex and Kate's room.
After they demolish a couple of FOODLand pizzas that Kate grabs, Alex and Kate spend the rest of Saturday night together. Brian barely comes up in conversation—Alex mostly cracks jokes about his new status.
Once they catch up on the day and binge a few episodes on the massive wall-mounted TV, Kate sprawls across their giant fold-out couch-bed. They never bother folding it back up. It is their bed—or, as they call it, their little sexodrome.
She wears nothing but a loose white T-shirt, lying on her back with her head propped on an enormous couch pillow that is nearly half her size. She smiles down at her phone, texting someone. Fresh from the shower, she feels amazing, even if Ari's words still loop in her head:
"KAT! Babe, don't even start with that shy-girl bullshit. He's been eyeing you like a starving wolf for months—you gonna keep teasing him forever? 'Cause I kinda want the full highlight reel after you let him sink a few holes-in-one… Don't play the innocent Puritan girl with me. You've been eyeing that guy just as much as he's been eyeing you. I've damn seen it for months now—ever since I introduced you two. Pretty sure Brian only comes to your parties at Château des Rêves for you, you know."
That, and the giant Plant Growth Technologies billboard—"Grow with us, grow beyond yourself"—keep floating through her mind.
Alex slips in wearing a yellow T-shirt and blue shorts. He shuts the door quietly, tiptoes across the huge shared room, then starts crawling over the vast sexodrome, inching toward Kate's bent, bare legs. They hide her legs.
His face twists into a ridiculous expression as he makes a weird little Teletubbies sound.
Kate glances up from her phone, smirking. "Ugh, Alex, what the hell are you doing?" she giggles, watching him climb her body like an oversized, awkward housecat.
He lets out a deep, guttural growl, horror-movie style.
"I'm gonna eat you…" he rasps, pressing his face between her bent legs, trying to worm his way in without using his hands so he can bury himself right against her.
"Alex! Oh my god!" Kate laughs, squirming as his hot breath ghosts over her. She tries to scoot back, but he follows, finally gripping the outsides of her thighs to hold her still. His fingers sink into soft skin, thumbs pressing near her hips as he nuzzles right between her legs.
"You're being so weird!" she says, breathless with amusement, one hand buried in his hair, keeping him there while the other lazily taps at her phone. His tongue darts out, licking gently. Heat blooms between her thighs almost instantly.
"Mmm." Alex keeps licking gently—slow, teasing—while she stays locked on her screen. Her free hand strokes gently through his hair.
She is texting Ariel.
Ariel: "Seriously? Lol. And Alex was totally okay with that? 😳 Damn, you two were such a sweet couple…😭 Like one of those picture-perfect pairs from a 1950s show! Are you sure? Ari did go hard on him… 🥵 And how's Brian taking it? Careful—Black guys can get real possessive! 😏"
Kate giggles. Her fingers tighten in his hair for a second before she keeps typing, hips shifting slightly under his tongue.
Kate: "Alex was… complicated about it at first. But we worked it out. 😉 Brian's actually been super respectful. I think he gets that I need to be careful. He just… really wants me. 🔥 And he's sooo good at showing it! 😈"
She bites her lip as his tongue circles her entrance, his grip on her thighs firm but careful.
"Mmm… Alex is being so good right now…"
Alex stays focused—slow, deliberate, giving her pleasure without pulling her attention from the phone.
Years ago he got full-body laser hair removal, everything below the neck. No stubble, no scratchiness—just warm, wet lips and a patient tongue tracing soft shapes along her folds.
Ariel: "Yeah, super respectful… 😏 Girl, Brian was all over you at those parties the last few months, lol 😆
But hey—props to Alex for taking it like a champ this Saturday… eventually 😆
So wait—does this mean Brian's gonna be with you and Ari now? 👱🏽‍♀️👦🏿👩🏻
You two gonna be competing over him ⚔️ while your Baby Boy goes on a romantic date with his own hand? 🤚💘
Alsoooo… what's Alex doing right now? 👀"
Kate giggles again. Her free hand tightens in Alex's hair as his tongue finds a sensitive spot. She does not stop him—just shifts her hips to give him better access while her thumbs fly.
Kate: "He's… oh god. He's eating me out right now. Like, properly focused, between my legs and everything.
😌 Just… super attentive and patient. You know how he is when he wants to please me. 🥰❤️ He's eating me out like a champ. 😉✨ Using his whole face."
Alex takes his time—gently sucking her sensitive spot, gliding lips and tongue along her. Slow.
Careful. Attentive. The same way she moves her paintbrush when she is lost in a canvas—precise, loving, fully immersed.
No stubble, no chest hair, nothing below the neck. Just soft hair between her thighs now, and her fingers lazily playing with it as she texts.
Ariel: "Hey… you still haven't said anything about the dynamic 😏
Have you figured out how you're gonna split your time between them? 🤨
'Cause I know your Alex isn't gonna be okay with any kind of threesome or whatever… and Brian?
Total control freak, according to Ari 😈
Oh, and don't forget—Ari's definitely gonna start coaching you on how to please Brian 📝
You better be ready to take your oral exams for the both of them! 😝"
Kate's breath catches as Alex's tongue flicks slow, deliberate circles between her legs. She angles her hips, thighs squeezing lightly around his head. Her fingers tighten in his hair—just enough to feel him—while his tongue keeps working.
Kate: "Mmm… Alex is really good at this. 😌✨
But you're right… I haven't figured out the logistics yet. 🤔
Alex knows Brian's into me, and he trusts me… but I think he still gets jealous sometimes. Even if he doesn't say it. 😬
As for Brian…"
Her breath hitches again as his tongue dips lower, tracing every contour before flicking back up. Her fingers flex in his hair as he holds his steady, relentless pace.
Kate: "Brian's… intense. 🔥✨
Like, I can feel how much he wants me whenever he talks to me. His eyes are always… just… always on me. 👀
And when he touches me—"
She lets out a soft moan, hips rolling slightly as Alex's tongue moves faster.
"—it's like he's claiming me."
Alex picks up the rhythm—still slow, but deeper, more eager—working between her folds while Kate keeps texting, clearly turned on but holding the phone steady.
Ariel: "Girl, you have to figure this out 🤔 Just split the duties: let Alex go down on you 👅 and let Brian be with you. You've seen Brian, right? I swear Ari's shown that monster to half the girls in Dreamside—it's insane.
Didn't you say Ari offered to let Alex watch? 💀 But he said no, and only agreed to pics and videos… 😅 Is that true?
Like, was Ari actually serious or just messing with him again? 🤨 I'm starting to lose track of your whole dynamic with that little Italian drama queen… 🍷"
Kate's breath comes faster now. Her hips roll in slow, rhythmic circles against Alex's mouth. The way he licks her—so focused, so devoted—makes her want to melt. Still, her fingers keep flying over the screen.
Kate: "Yeah... I did see Brian's… stuff. 😯✨
And you're right—it's insane. 🤯
Like, I can't even imagine what it'd feel like inside me. 😳
But yeah, Ari did offer. She said I could... you know... let Alex watch. Alex said no. And I agree with him. It's stupid. Photos and videos for Alex will be enough."
Alex does not even know who Kate is texting. Meanwhile, Ariel replies.
Ariel: "Hmm... Yes, you're right. Photos and videos for Alex are even cooler. You can be with Brian whenever you want, and Alex gets to watch from his phone... or his laptop... or even the big TV. 😈
And honestly, from what I've heard, Brian would be so good you'd forget all about Alex. 💀 Not that there's anything wrong with Alex... 🤔 just saying. 💦"
Kate's breath comes in quick little gasps now, her thighs tensing around Alex's head as his tongue keeps its relentless pace. She is close—she can feel the coil tightening low in her belly.
Kate: "Alex isn't... little... he just…"
She tries to type, but her arousal makes it hard. Alex's tongue presses firmly between her legs, moving in tight circles. Her hips jerk up, back arching off the giant fold-out couch-bed. Finally, she sends it. The reply is instant.
Ariel: "Ohhh? So it's not little? 😏 That's good news.
But even if it's not little... 🤔 you can still get excited thinking about Brian, right?
Isn't that why you're getting so wet right now? Not just from Alex's mouth... but from the idea of Brian? 😘"
Kate gasps as Alex's tongue flicks faster, his hands gripping her thighs to hold her steady. She is right on the edge, muscles strung tight like a bow. Still, she types back—fingers clumsy but stubborn.
Kate: "🤔 yeah... I guess... 🤷‍♀️
But I don't... oh god... Alex is doing really good right now... 😳"
Her back arches again, a high whine slipping out as Alex works between her legs, moving fast. Her phone slips, landing beside her hip. Ariel's next text vibrates against the leather.
Ariel: "Mmm, you sound like you're enjoying yourself. Is Alex making you feel good?"
Kate moans openly now, thighs squeezing Alex's head as his mouth works her without mercy. She grabs his hair, fingers tangling in the short strands, thrusting her hips up against his face.
A few seconds later, she finishes intensely.
Thirty seconds after that, still flat on her back on the giant fold-out couch-bed, she hears Alex's voice.
"You okay? Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt your texting, but… didn't quite make it," he says softly, chuckling.
Kate wipes her phone on the sheets, unlocks it again. Her breathing is still ragged, body buzzing. Alex wipes his face with a paper towel—he always keeps them close for this—green eyes glinting with amusement as he watches her type.
"Just... uh... talking with Ariel about..." She glances at him, biting her lip. "...stuff."
Alex speaks slowly.
"Text her I want more of those three-person hangouts, like we had in November. We could go to Las Vegas together—you, me, and her. Or four of us, if she brings someone. But no more than that."
When he finishes cleaning her up, he looks up with puppy eyes and murmurs, "Can I keep going back there?"—tongue already out.
Kate giggles. She rolls onto her side, turning onto her side with a playful smile.
"Only if you promise to go slow at first," she says, glancing back over her shoulder. Her blonde hair spills around her face as she props her head on one hand. "And don't tease me too much, Alex."
Alex grins, hands already spreading her cheeks.
"Um... I'll try…"
His breath is hot against her skin. His tongue traces slow circles around her sensitive spot.
Kate lies on her stomach now, still texting Ariel. She bites her lip, thumb tapping slowly. Her other hand tugs the loose sleeve of her white T-shirt back over her shoulder.
Meanwhile, Alex is face-deep between her cheeks—breath steady, tongue impossibly gentle as it explores every soft fold with practiced care. His lips move slowly, wetly; his nose nestles right in, like he is trying to breathe her in.
Kate types.
Kate: "Alex just said that he wants you, me, and him to come somewhere again. He suggests Vegas."
Ariel: "OMG Vegas would be so fun! We could do a little photoshoot, maybe film an episode of Hot and
Delicious, get wild at the clubs... you know, the usual suspects. 😉"
Kate giggles quietly as Alex's tongue moves over her with careful attention. She shifts, moving against him without thinking.
Kate: "Sounds perfect. I'd love to do another episode of your cooking show with you."
Ariel: "Yes please! I'd love to see what kind of trouble we could get into.
You and Alex are such a fun pair... and now with Brian in the mix, it's even more interesting. 😏"
Then Kate remembers—Alex has that one-on-one with Brian tomorrow. Beverly Hills. Just the two of them. Talking about her. About whatever this is becoming. Their first real face-to-face.
Crazy to think Alex did not even know the guy until yesterday morning. Now this could change everything—any plans they are building, even their little everyday rituals.
A small shiver runs through her. Alex's tongue is still moving in slow, careful circles around her, breath warm against her skin. His hands spread her wider now, fingertips pressing into soft flesh. His nose brushes her lower back as he shifts, mouth opening to take in more.
Kate's fingers tighten on her phone. She hovers, then types.
Kate: "Yeah, it would be nice. I've been wanting to spend more time with Alex…
Though with everything changing, I don't really know how often that'll be possible—or what it'll look like…
You know, he's got a one-on-one meeting with Brian today at 3 PM in Beverly Hills…"
Alex hums softly against her, the vibration sending a shiver through her. His tongue continues its slow movements. His hands hold her gently.
Ariel does not reply right away. Kate wonders if she is processing. The phone stays silent while Alex drags his tongue slowly upward along her back.
Finally—
Ariel: "Omg, that meeting is happening? 😳✨"
A pause, then another text.
"I can't even imagine what they're going to talk about…"
Alex's hands slide up her back now, fingertips tracing her spine as his tongue moves slowly as he feels her body respond, her body responding even as she types. He does not stop—he presses closer, breath hot, mouth steady.
Ariel: "So Aria really pushed for it, huh? And that fast?
I mean—she dropped that bomb on him Saturday morning, then Lila spent the whole day calming him down…
You came back from the gallery and things kinda settled…
And now today, Sunday afternoon—he's meeting with Brian at 3 PM.
Umm… I mean, I get what it's about, but why? 🤨
Does Brian want his permission or something? 🤨
Did you already talk to Brian about it? 🤨 Like on the phone? 🤨 Or texted him? 🤨"
Kate shifts under Alex's attention, fingers tightening on her phone as she reads.
"Alex," she murmurs, voice thick. "Slow down a little, Baby Boy."
Alex makes a low, pleased sound, tongue pulling back to continue its slow movements. His fingers flex, gripping her hips.
Kate whimpers softly as his tongue laps upward until his nose presses against the small of her back. His breath is warm, uneven.
She types, struggling to focus.
"Yeah, I talked to him yesterday," she sends to Ariel. "He said he's looking forward to meeting with Alex."
Her body tenses as Alex drags back down, circling before pressing inside again—firmer this time.
"He sounded... excited."
Ariel: "Hmm... What do you mean? 🤨"
Kate: "Like... he was really eager to talk. Kept asking questions about Alex."
Her breath catches. Her hips jerk forward, thighs squeezing tight. She twists the sheets in her free hand.
"He kept saying how much he was looking forward to meeting him... and how much he wants to…"
She trails off, biting her lip as Alex's hands slide around to her front, fingertips brushing her inner thighs.
Ariel: "Lol, wow... He's not even shy about it, huh?
By the way—he could've done it anytime.
You were talking to him downstairs at the party, and Alex was up on the third floor in his office. 🤭
Same thing every party. 😝"
Kate: "...I know. But this way felt... more respectful. Alex deserves to know what's going on before Brian's around more often."
Her breath quickens as Alex's tongue drags back up, pressing with insistent pressure. His fingers trace light circles on her inner thighs, teasing close to her but without touching.
Ariel: "Hmm... respectful. Right. 😉
So what are you guys doing right now? 😈
It's not like you two to be this quiet. 🤔"
Kate: "Alex is... mmm... really focused back there."
Her hips move back slightly against him as a small, breathy moan slips out. Alex's hands slide up to grip her waist.
Ariel: "Ooooh, that sounds hot. Is he good at it? 🤔"
Kate: "So good... he's really focused on me now... Alex... yeah... right there…"
Her words fracture as Alex's tongue drives deeper, nose pressed to her lower back while he focuses on her completely.
Ariel: "Mmm... tell me more. I want details. 😏"
Her thumbs hover over the keyboard, eager.
Kate: "He's... oh damn... he's got his hands on my hips now. Holding me close... oh god... Alex... yeah... just like that."
Her words come in ragged bursts as she moves against him. One hand drops the phone to reach back, fingers tangling in Alex's hair, holding him tight.
Ariel: "You sound like you're enjoying it a lot. Is he using his fingers too?"
Kate: "Damn... he's using his fingers now... hitting the right spot... oh god... Alex... yes…"
Her back arches as pleasure builds quickly.
Ariel: "Wow, this is getting me excited just reading it. He's really good, huh?"
Kate: "Y-yeah... Alex knows exactly where to touch me... he's so good... Alex... don't stop... please don't stop…"
Her body shakes. Alex does not let up—tongue still pressing, licking, even as she shakes through it.
Ariel: "Damn girl, you came hard. 😍 Is he still going? 👀"
Kate: "H-he... mmm... he's not stopping... oh damn... he's still focused on me…"
Then he drops his head onto her small, firm buttocks and groans:
"So perfect! Every single time! This feels incredible!"
Kate lets out a breathy laugh, still quivering, and rolls onto her side to face him. She tucks the phone under her cheek, grinning with half-lidded eyes as the screen lights up again.
"Look at you," she murmurs, brushing a thumb across his flushed face. "All worked up over me."
Alex nuzzles into her touch like an affectionate pet, breathing still uneven. "I can't help it," he admits, voice rough. "It's so addictive."
His hand drifts up to squeeze her thigh, thumb stroking little circles on sensitive skin.
Ariel: "Damn, Kate. You're lucky to have him. 😘 Most guys wouldn't be that attentive."
Kate: "I know. 😉 He's... incredible. So generous with his time…"
She nuzzles his cheek, fingers tracing lazy patterns across his collarbone. "He's still flushed," she teases softly, watching his ears turn pink.
"...you like that," Alex counters with a smirk, pulling her closer until their bodies press tight.
His lips brush her temple as he holds her, breathing gradually slowing. They lay together, catching their breath. Kate nestles deeper, fingers tracing idle lines along his arm as she gazes up through her lashes.
"Sometimes I think you enjoy this too much," she murmurs with a lazy smile. "The way you talk about me... like I'm some kind of treasure."
Alex hums quietly, thumb rubbing slow circles on her hip. "You are," he says simply, voice rough with leftover arousal and affection.
Kate reaches out, touching his hair as his head rests on her buttocks again. He hums contentedly, nuzzling into her fingers. Breathing steady now, though his body still thrums with heat.
"You know how much I love you," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to her hip. His hands slide up to cup her ass, squeezing gently as he savors how she fits against him.
Kate sighs softly and shifts, rolling onto her back. Alex lifts his head just in time, letting her move, then settles beside her, still touching, still warm.
"I know," she says quietly, reaching up to trace his jaw. "And I love you too."