-Rose-

Soft almost light kisses trail up my back. I smile sleepily as Dan kissed up to my neck and then.

1...2...3... Doorbell pushes. Dan groans and I laugh

"Who can that be?"

"Eric, that is his signal that he's coming in." I lift myself up and grab Dan's discarded t-shirt and my discarded knickers and legend and but them on. I head downstairs.

"Good Morning Eric." I smile

"Hey, I hope it's okay me coming here. And your phone is buzzing." he pointed to it on the coffee table I check it

"Aww fuck!"

"What?" he asks

"Mom and Chuck organised a brunch with the Thorpes and because i've been so adamant on being apart of things I'm joining."

"Go. I get you a car service." he ushered me and i ran upstairs to get ready. I washed, dried, brushed teeth, make up, dressed, packed my bag for the day.

"By boys." I kissed both their cheeks.

"Bye." I was taken to VDW and headed up. Once I stepped out of the elevator, Chuck and Mom were already there.

"We've been calling you for two hours." Mom sighed

"I know, I left my phone downstairs, the the only reason I knew was cause Eric stopped by and then I had to get ready. But I'm here and I'm decent and before the devil and daughter arrive. Not bad for a rush job."

"Not bad." mom smiled "I hope having this brunch will prove to you once and for all that I have the company's best interest at heart."

"It also elegantly forces the enemy to come to you." Chuck commented

"Yes. Sun Tzu is right beside Emily Post on my bookshelf."

"Brother do me a favour, don't let your feelings for Raina affect your judgment. We have to be careful of the Thorpes."

"Don't worry, sister. I'm not banking on their sympathy." He moved past the two of us "Welcome." The two dropped of their coats

"So is anyone hungry?" Mom asks.

-------------

Once brunch was over the five of us sat in the living area. Rufus had joined us I tapped my finger against my leg counting forwards and backwards from ten because I was trying to keep myself in check

"Lily, everything was delicious, especially the eggs. Spanish Tortilla. That's perfect after a late night or a breakfast in bed after to much Rioja..."

"Thank you, Russell." Mom cut him off "Um, here in America we call it a frittata." Russell laughed and I reached for my coffee. smile be nice, don't rip anyone's face off.

"Mr Thorpe we're all very grateful we have found a buyer for Bass Industries that most of us can approve of." I felt my brothers eyes draw to me and I smirked removing a speck of lint from my dress.

"Though it maybe you instinct to keep the company under the Thorpe umbrella, should my sister finally agree, that might be a mistake. The Bass name has equity I'd like the chance to prove that all in one night. Tomorrow to be exact . I've leased a landmark mansion outside the city. It's destination. Travel to get there reservations are made before.

"And what do they get before?"

"Imagine you're at a club. Forget the year, the continent. You don't want the night to end. In this case it doesn't have to. When the time is right, you drift upstairs to a private room. Spend the night or just a few hours it's up to you."

"But what makes you think people will show up?" I rolled my eyes "Sound like you need a big marketing push just to get the word out."

"No marketing, we say where and when people show up. If I can prove to you that the Bass brand has a quantifiable worth will you look at my business plan?"

"I don't even have the company, your sister has seen to that."

"I know that all Rosalie cares about..." I cut him off

"Rosalie has a voice. The reason, Mr Thorpe that you haven't been accepted is that I don't trust you. Neither do I like you, your daughter is tolerable. You however, well let's just say if you were on fire, it wouldn't be a happy ending. While my brother is trying to prove to you, if you want me to sign on the dotted line, you have to prove to me. And I think my family can attest that I'm not easy to sway." I stood up

"You want the company yes?"

"Of course." I look at my brother

"The two of you have 36 hours to prove me wrong, you fail? Well let's just say I will show you who has the bigger balls. Mom, Rufus, Chuck." I blew them a kiss. I was given my coat and bag the elevator doors opened and out stepped Serena.

"Hey, S."

"Rosie." we swapped places and I left