Center Stage Ch 02

I sat there without saying a word for at least five minutes. I was in complete shock. My entire body felt numb. This is totally not happening! The fact that he was gay was barely even registering in my mind. I was more shocked at the fact that he actually believed that people would think I was his boyfriend. The man is barely able to have a working relationship with someone, and he expects people to believe he is capable of actually being in a relationship?

“Make sure you are ready on time, Cameron. I don’t want to be late.”

From the sound of his voice I knew he was dismissing me, but I still couldn’t move. He gazed up at me with one of his eyebrows raised.

“No.”

I could see confusion quickly cross over his rugged features, but it was quickly replaced with that stone look.

“No, what?”

“No, I am not going. There is no way that I can be your ‘boyfriend’ for the evening. I refuse to play such a childish game. I may work for you, but I am not your slave. You’ll have to find someone else to be your ‘date’….sir.”

I barely remembered to add the ‘sir’ to the end of my comments. I had stood up and was making my way out of his highness’s office. I stopped in my tracks at the sound of his ice-cold voice as it echoed through the room.

“You’re right. You aren’t my slave. I shouldn’t have given you an order like that. At least let me give you some options, Cameron.”

I turned around and the smile on his face made my blood run cold.

“Here are your options. You can either go to the party with me this Saturday, or you can pack up your desk at the end of your shift today. Isn’t that better? Now you at least have a choice.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but the fucker cut me off.

“That is all for now, Mr. Prince.”

I was barely able to stop myself from slamming the door to his fucking office. I stalked back to my desk and flung myself down in my chair. I buried my face in my hands. I couldn’t help the tears of frustration that welled up in my eyes. How dare he do this to me? I’ve been a good employee for him, and he thinks he can just pull shit like this on me? I’ll show him! I started to gather my things together. End of the day my ass! I’ll fucking leave right now God damn it. As I was getting my shit together Ariel walked into the office. I forgot she had a two o’clock meeting with the lord of the underworld.

“Hey Cam, how’s your…what the fuck are you doing?”

I glanced up at her, but continued to get my shit together.

“It seems that Lucifer thinks me can control my life. Either I attend a party this weekend with him as his ‘boyfriend’ or I get to pack up my stuff at the end of the day. I figured I might as well do it now. Let’s see how much fun he has answering his own damn phone. What a fucking piece of shit.”

Shock was written all over her face. She rushed over to my desk and grabbed my hands.

“Cam, you can NOT leave. Do you understand me? You are too fucking good to be replaced. We can’t lose you.”

I couldn’t help the snort that erupted from my mouth.

“Everyone is replaceable, Ariel. Anyone could take over this job and…”

“That is bull shit and you know it!” She exclaimed interrupting me. “Not everyone is replaceable. I fucking hate that saying. You have done more for this company than just answer the phones, Cameron. You have helped this place become a more efficient machine. You kick ass at your job, and you even put up with all of Zachary’s shit. That is a feat in itself. I’ve heard that you’ve even stood up to him, and I can tell you that absolutely no one has done that.”

I gave her a grateful smile.

“Ariel, I appreciate everything you are saying. It means a lot to me, but I shouldn’t have to put with this shit. Why should I waste my time to help him look good in front of his own friends? He could easily find anyone else to do that for him. Besides if they really were his friends, he wouldn’t have to play these games in front of them.”

A thoughtful, serious look appeared on her face and she sighed.

“The problem doesn’t involve all the people that would be there, Cam. It involves just one person. I would bet a thousand bucks that Lucas will be there and that’s why he feels he needs to put up this front.”

I was really confused now.

“Who the hell is Lucas?”

She took a long, slow breath.

“Lucas is Zachary’s evil ex-boyfriend. If you think Zachary’s bad, then wait until you meet Lucas. He’s really a fucking bastard.”

Is nothing a secret in this office? I wouldn’t be surprised if Ariel told me what my GPA in high school was right now.

“How do you know all of this? I’ve been here six months, and I haven’t heard any office gossip about Mr. Grey at all.”

Her eyes locked with mine and I could tell she was debating in her mind how to answer that question.

“It isn’t office gossip, Cameron. I’m the only person in the whole company that knows anything about it, and I would appreciate it if you didn’t repeat any of it. I know I can trust you.”

“Why would he confide in you, Ariel? I don’t mean any offense, but he’s really not the type of person to go to just anyone and complain about his social life.”

“You’re right, Cam. It’s not the thing a boss would do, but it is something a brother would tell his sister about.”

My eyes narrowed at her and I pulled my hands away.

“Why didn’t you tell me that you were his sister? Most of our conversations have focused on bitching about what a prick he is. This entire time you’ve let me go on and on about him.”

She pulled a chair from the other side of the desk over and sat down next to me.

“We didn’t want anyone to know we were related, Cam. I wanted to be judged on my work, not by who I am related to. If people knew I was his sister then I would be treated differently. I used our mother’s maiden name Bennett instead of Grey. I wouldn’t be able to be friends with anyone because they would be afraid I would repeat what they say about him. Everyone would think I got the job because of him and not because of my talent. Besides, everything you’ve said about him is true. I agree with you completely. Zachary is an egotistical bastard.”

She reached over and grabbed my hands again.

“I was going to tell you, Cameron. In fact I talked about it with Zack last night. He agreed that you should know. He trusts you. That is why he asked you to go to the party this weekend. He knows that you won’t repeat anything you see or hear. He’ll need someone on his side. Lucas is a total fucking prick. Even if you don’t go to the party you have to stand up for yourself and not let him fire you. I was serious about your work. You are the best damn assistant he’s ever had and he won’t be able to replace you. No matter what, you need to stay. Everyone needs you here.”

The sound of the intercom buzzing interrupted our conversation.

“Yes, sir?” I asked as I grabbed the headset.

“Has Miss Bennett arrived for our meeting?”

I looked over at Ariel and gave her a smile. She wanted me to stand up for myself. I could do that.

“Yes, sir. Your sister just arrived. Should I send her in?”

Ariel looked at me and I could barely hear the giggle that passed her lips. There was a pause on the other end of the line before he answered.

“Yes, Cameron. Please send my sister in.”

He disconnected the line before I could respond.

“His evilness awaits your presence, my lady.” I said as I kissed her hand.

“Think about what I said, Cam, okay?”

I nodded my head.

She leaned down and gave me a kiss on the cheek and winked.

“I better go see if I can help him pry loose that stick he’s got stuck up his ass.”

We both laughed. I watched her head back towards the dungeon. What am I going to do?

* * *

It’s about 6:30 p.m. and I was just about done getting ready for the party. Why was I going to the damn party? It was Ariel’s fault. After her meeting she stopped by my desk for another chat. She definitely boosted my self-confidence about my job performance some more. Ariel ended the conversation by asking me to go to the party as a personal favor to her. She had the nerve to pout and give me a classic puppy dogface. I realized just how good of a casting agent she was at that moment. She had her negotiations skills down to a very fine art. I couldn’t help it when I finally caved in and agreed. She is going to owe me for the rest of her damn natural life!

I stood in front of the full-length mirror that hung on the back of my closet. I cast a critical eye on my reflection. I knew that I had to look great tonight. I did the best I could. I put on a pair of black jeans that were tight in all the right places. The jeans showed off my tight bubble ass and my ample basket. I had on a white t-shirt and a black short sleeved button down top. I didn’t bother to button the shirt though. By leaving it open I was able to display my firm chest and the flat stomach I gained from swimming and running track in high school. I still went to the gym three times a week to keep in shape. I should say that I try to get there three times a week. Half of the time I got stuck at work or had a function to attend. My blonde hair was cut close to my head and spiked on the top. I took one final glance at my reflection and closed the closet door. I sprayed some of my Candies for Men cologne on and headed into the living room. I just finished putting on my shoes when the console on the wall buzzed. I looked at the clock. It was 7 p.m. on the dot. I pressed the button on the console.

“Yes?”

“Mr. Grey is waiting for you, sir.”

“Thank you. I will be right down.”

I grabbed my wallet and keys and headed out the door. On the elevator ride down I tried to remain calm and prepare myself for what was sure to be a night of utter hell. I exited the elevator to find my ‘boyfriend’ waiting by the front desk. My apartment building was a secure building, but it didn’t have the normal apartment buzzers in the front. Instead there was a front desk where you could have the desk clerk ring up to the apartment for you. Once given permission the clerk would press a button that unlocked the door into the lobby.

He was leaning up against the desk speaking to George, the normal night clerk. I had to admit he looked good. He had on a pair of faded blue jeans and a dark green polo top. His face didn’t have the normal five o’clock shadow so he must have shaved right before leaving his place. I walked up to him and his eyes widened for a second, but then that calm mask of his settled back into place.

“I’m glad to see that you were ready on time.”

I gave him a polite smile.

“Have a good night, Mr. Prince.”

“Thank you, George. You have a good night yourself.”

Without another word I walked out onto the sidewalk. The bastard was right behind me. I had to put on a good show tonight, but that didn’t mean I had to do it when we were alone. He stepped ahead of me and raised his hand in an attempt to hail a taxi. The only problem was that no one was stopping for him. It only took a few minutes before he was pissed off.

“Damn it! What does it take to get a fucking cab in this city?”

I rolled my eyes and let out a sigh. God forbid if everything doesn’t go exactly the way he wants it. I crossed my arms and watched him as he tried to wave down another cab. It didn’t stop either. I couldn’t help but smile. He turned around and glared at me.

“What?”

I couldn’t help the giggle the escaped my mouth. My hand clamped down over my mouth in attempt to mute it, but it didn’t work. His glare intensified.

“You think this is funny?” He walked over and stood next to me. “Okay, smart ass. You get us a cab then.”

He crossed his arms and gave me a sarcastic smile.

I raised my eyebrow at him. I shot back a sarcastic smile of my own. Without saying a word I lifted my fingers to my mouth and let out an ear-piercing whistle. Ten seconds later a cab pulled up right in front of us. Shock was written all over his face. He glanced at the cab, and then at me.

“Are we just going to stand here all night, sir?” I asked in a very polite voice. “Didn’t you want to be at the party by eight?”

He mumbled something under his breath and stormed off towards the cab. I couldn’t help the smile that crossed my face. This night might turn out to be fun after all!

* * *

The taxi dropped us off about twenty minutes later. There was no conversation at all during the cab ride. He just stared out the window and pretty much ignored me the whole time. That was fine by me. It gave me the opportunity to prepare myself for the charade that was about to take place. I followed him up about five flights of steps. He walked down the hallway and stopped in front of one of the doors. His hand grasped the doorknob. You could hear voices laughing and talking in the apartment. Please don’t let this night turn out as bad as I think it will. Right before he opened the door I felt his arm as it snaked around my waist. I shot him a questioning look and started to back up. He pulled me firmly against his side.

“It’s show time.”

He led me into one of the most beautiful apartments I had ever seen. It was a classic New York style loft. It was an open and comforting place. There were people all over the place. He shut the door behind us and I felt his arm around my waist again. My body tensed up. I couldn’t help it. It’s been a long time since I was used to having someone against me. He leaned over and whispered in my ear.

“I am not going to bite you, Cameron. Please relax. I am really depending on you to help me out tonight.”

I must have been dreaming. There is no way that sincere sounding voice came from that pig’s mouth. Before I could reply though a man approached us.

“Zack!! I am so glad you were actually able to make it! I was worried you wouldn’t be able to get out of work!”

The man was an attractive guy. He was a few inches shorter than me. He had shoulder length black hair and a great smile. He also had a firm, muscular body. He was definitely hot.

“Hi Dale. I was able to rearrange a few things so I could have tonight off.”

Bullshit! The man didn’t have a damn thing on his schedule tonight. It didn’t surprise me though that he would have used work as an excuse. What did surprise me was that he grabbed Dale and gave him a hug! When did the Prince of Darkness start giving out hugs? I couldn’t believe his face either. There was an actual genuine smile there. My God, the man could be even more dangerous if he smiled like that more often. The smile completely transformed his face. Before I could dwell on that any longer though Dale turned to me.

“Is this the mystery man you’ve been talking about for weeks?” Dale asked as he reached out his hand. “Hi. I am Dale.”

I took his hand and shook it.

“I’m Cameron. It’s nice to meet you, Dale.”

Dale’s smile broke out in a super sexy grin. Oh the things I could do that boy!

“It’s great to meet you too. I’m glad to finally know your name. Zack wasn’t very forth coming when he talked about you. I can see why though. If I had a stud like you I wouldn’t want anyone to know either.”

I couldn’t help, but blush at his comment. He was a pretty charming guy. I was sure though that Satan hadn’t been talking about me specifically. He probably thought he would never have to appear in public with this ‘boyfriend’. While Dale laughed at his own joke mister personality slid up beside me and I found his arm around my waist again. Suddenly I felt him tense up. Another man appeared at Dale’s side.

“Well it seems that Lord Zachary decided to grace the humble peasants with his presence after all. What do we owe this momentous occasion too? Has hell finally frozen over?”

Dale sighed and looked at the man.

“You are supposed to be on good behavior tonight, Lucas.”

So this is the infamous Lucas. Ariel was right. The man could have been drop dead gorgeous if it wasn’t for the snobbish attitude he carried around with him. Lucas Ridgeton used to be a very famous soap opera actor. Once Ariel mentioned his last name I knew exactly who he was. He probably still would have been a star if it weren’t for his diva attitude. He got fired after causing too many scenes on the set.

“And who is your little friend, Zachary? Is he the flavor of the month?”

His arm tensed so much I thought he was going to snap me right in half. It looks like it definitely was show time. I reached out and offered to shake his hand.

“Hi. I’m Cameron Prince and you are?”

I flashed my best smile at him. He took my hand and shook it, but looked a bit offended that I didn’t recognize him. If he was offended just from that, then the man didn’t know what was going to hit him.

“I’m Lucas. Lucas Ridgeton. I am sure you’ve heard Zachary talk about me before.”

I looked as confused as I could.

“Actually, Grey never mentioned you before.”

Lucas looked so shocked that you would have sworn I hit him. Zack and Dale looked a bit confused themselves. I am sure they were curious as to why I referred him by his last name. I might have to be his ‘boyfriend’ tonight, but I refuse to be on a first name basis with the pig. So I figured ‘boyfriends’ usually have pet names for each other. His pet name just happened to be his last name. I thought it was a stroke of genius actually. Not only did I not have to use his first name, but it also made us appear closer than we were.

“Isn’t that cute. Zack has a new nickname…”

His smug voice irritated me to no end and I just had to interrupt him.

“Well cute isn’t the word I was thinking of.” I said as glanced at Grey. “I was thinking more along the lines of sexy.”

I nuzzled my face against his cheek a little bit. He turned to look at me and I gazed into his eyes. I gently ran the tip of my tongue over my lips. I shook my head a little and looked back at Dale and Lucas. I acted like I forgot they were there. I might as well play this up as well as I can right? I had taken an instant dislike to Lucas and that gave me an even better reason to play the game. Lucas looked shocked, but Dale had a smile on his face.

“Besides, Lucas,” I began with a grin. “Sexy is the new flavor of the month or hadn’t you heard?”

I looked as concerned as I could as I asked the question. He smiled, but I could tell from his eyes that I was getting to him. Dale still looked pretty amused with my conversation with Lucas. I could see Grey out of the corner of my eye and he looked kind of impressed. If this impressed him, then shit he hasn’t seen anything yet. I laughed to myself. Time to turn it up a notch.

“Oh my god!” I gasped out and pointed at Lucas. “I recognize you now. I feel so stupid.”

A very conceited smile appeared on his face. This man was such an ass. All I had to do was open the door and he walked right through it. This was going to be like taking candy from a baby.

“I do have to admit that people usually do recognize me faster than you did but…”

I interrupted him a second time.

“Didn’t you use to be famous or something?” I asked in an excited voice. I turned to my ‘man’. “Grey you never told me you knew someone famous! You are in trouble when we get home!”

I leaned into him and gently nipped his ear with my teeth. I chuckled deep in my throat and rubbed my nose against his cheek again. I wrapped my arm around his waist and grinned at him. Thank god I had some acting ability. My stomach was clenching just being this close to him. I couldn’t wait to get home and take a shower.

“Look, Zachary, I don’t know where you hired this little tart from but I think your charade has lasted long enough. I will not stand here and be offended by this, this thing anymore.”

You could hear the contempt and sarcasm roll off of every word that came out of his mouth. My face tightened into cold, calculating stare.

“Look, Lucas,” I used every ounce of venom I had when I said his name. “Grey would never have to pay anyone to spend time with him, but I understand why you would say that. I am sure you are used to situations like that aren’t you? If you don’t believe I am with him, then prove me wrong. Ask me something that only his boyfriend would know. Try and stump me.”