Chasing Imperfection (Chasing Series 2) (38 page)

    
Another measure of absurdity was just added to my
chaotic life.

     I pulled out my phone and called my grandfather’s head of security. It’s high time I pay heed to my grandfather’s request and have one for myself. I can’t have another incident of being followed without knowing. I have Sienna to protect and I can’t have her exposed or be in any danger.

     Before I ended the call, I also requested Camilla’s apartment to be swiped clean of any connection to me. I needed her laptop and all other devices to be swiped clean
.

    
I
didn’t want to
take any
more risks. She knew too much about me and about Sienna. That
alone was enough to send alarm bells ringing.

25

Sienna

    
Chad and I decided to meet up for lunch in Locanda Locatelli on Seymour Street. I’ve been in school and spoke to one of my teachers. Classes were soon over and winter break was on the horizon.
T
hat entailed Christmas. Where do I spend it this year?
I wondered in dejectedly.

     Last year, I spent it with Blake, Luce and Toby. Toby’s birthday is on the twenty fourth, the day before Christmas. Toby took us to his
distant
Aunt’s chalet
in
Courchevel in
Tarentaise Valley
or part of the famed The Three Valleys
(
Les Trois Vallées)
in the French Alps.

     The holiday season’s a very sensitive and delicate subject, especially to an orphan like me. I used to spend it with Kyle and his family. I know his family would welcome me with open arms but I couldn’t simply do that to Kyle.
I would
rather
be miserable on Christmas than hurt Kyle again.

    
Last Christmas, Blake and I stargazed
as we
tucked
ourselves
in a heated blanket
. We were
warmed by an outdoor fireplace as we studied the stars. I remembered a moment
where he looked at me weird
, well I thought it weird back then. But now
when
I recalled his face, I think he wanted to kiss me but held back.
I’d give anything to have that man back in my life.

     For two nights in a row, he slept on his side of the bed. He thought I was asleep but I wasn’t. I’ve been waiting up for him and made sure he was fast asleep before I
turn
ed
over and studied
his sleeping face. I am in his life—but
only
a part of it. How long could I possibly endure him treating me like this? Did he find me repugnant and disgusting?

     I knew Chad was already inside the restaurant, so I strolled
in
and looked for my friend. To my surprise, Luke was with him. “Hello, hello!” I greeted both gentlemen with
a
delighted smile.

     “Hello, Sienna! Sorry to intrude but I won’t be long. I needed to see my boyfriend for a second then I head back to work.” Luke took another sip of his wine and stood up.

     “Oh, of course. No need for apologies. We should get together soon.”

    
He kissed Chad and gave me a chaste peck on the cheek.
The dashing blonde
smiled, “
Certainly. I’ll
call
you guys soon.”

    
Luke and Chad make the hottest gay couple. I wasn’t being biased or anything, but the
y
absolutely
do.

     “The poor Luke couldn’t keep his hands off you, babe.” I teased the ever beaming Chad.

    
“I know, right? I truly think he’s my soul mate
,
baby love. I’ve never felt this kind of connection with any of my boytoys before. I feel like I’ve known him all my life—but I’
ve
just met him. It’s weird, but you know what I mean?”

    
I took a copious sip of my wine.
The s
oul mate crap was total
crock
of shit
. But for Chad, I’
d summon my happy face.
“I know what you mean babe. I’m so happy for you!” I reached over and pinched his cheek. I have this odd habit with him and only him. I suppose I love him to bits and he’s just so adorable when
he’s irresistibly
happy.

     “Blake will be joining us by the way. He should be here soon.” My body tensed when he mentioned his name.
Boy
, I got it so bad for him.

    
“Right
,
” I uttered under my breath as the waiter came by and refilled my glass of wine, which was down in half in a quick second.

    
“Oh here comes
—
the mighty Knightly
,
”
Chad announced.
Dressed in his signature all black designer suit, he sauntered
in
with confidence. He looked powerfully hot and dominated
the room
with
clear
authority. Women did a double take and gave him
covetous
stares. Sigh, the daily life of being Blake.

     Must I endure an entire meal with him being indifferent to me?
Maybe I could excuse myself and leave….

     “Chad, Sienna.” He greeted
us
and softly grazed my cheek. His personal de
licious scent enveloped my already hot and screaming senses. He sat across me, next to Chad.

     “Blake
,
” I muttered, a little breathy.

    
Oh yeah
, I had to clench my thighs just looking at him. My body has its own stupid mind and I had no clue how to stop it. He once told me my body knew its master….
could he be right?
B
ecause my body started to melt and simmer
before his eyes.

     “Have you guys ordered?” He casually inquired as he browsed through the menu with total coolness.

    
“We did—I mean I took the liberty in ordering for Sienna
,” Chad said
.
“
She always orders the same thing anyway.” True, I do order the same salmon dish. But I’d rather delve into the dessert section and skip the meal
this time
.

     When the waiter took Blake’s order, I hastily added my tiramisu and Amedei cioccolato—to be served along with my entrée.

    
“
Jesus
, Sienna. Are you pregnant or something?” Chad found it funny, but I was mortified. Blake totally looked aghast and shocked.
Great
, this is stupid and so messed up!
I’m going to strangle Chad with my bare hands.

    “
Right, h
ell the fuck no! My uterus is not bothering you
,
or is it
Chad
?
—
if not,
mind your own business!” I
snapped
back. My sarcastic retort made him realize his joke wasn’t at all funny.

    
“I’m sorry
,” Chad apologized
.
“
That was a little rude, forgive me.”

    
You bet you’re sorry ass.
I nodded in annoyance.

    
Blake cleared his throat. I looked at anywhere, but
at
him.
“I actually wanted to speak to you about work, Chad. The Marbella casino design needs a little revision. The design team and I couldn’t agree on anything feasible. I was hoping your artful eye can look into it? If things go
according
to plan, I want you to head the team. Your work is impressive. Each portrait evoked an emotion and I
want
the same
kind of beauty
to surround my
clients
when they enter
the
Casino. If this project succeeds under you, I might just indulge you in doing the hotel as well.”

     “Holy shit, that’
s like mammoth
work!
I
magine
the publicity that could give me! WOW!
I am so qualified for this! Art and design is what I
live
for!
Of course,
I would
so
do it for you!
Are you on crack?
!!!
” 
Chad shrieked with sheer astonishment.

     This kind gesture would revive Chad’s confidence and would undeniably cement his name as an artist. Blake
no doubt needed
help with his hired design team and I’m positive that he could hire anyone he
desired
. But he chose an amateur
,
Chad
,
to do it.
His
confidence in Chad spoke volumes. And the plain fact that he’d take extra measure
s
to ensure Chad is on his way to proper recovery—and what
a
recovery it’ll be!
He looked out for people he cared about. That much was obvious.

     “What’s your going rate?” Blake lightly enquired to the gaping Chad.

     “
Nah uh
, you won’t pay me dude! This is the least I could do for you after what you’
ve done for me. Consider this
labor of love and redemption.”

     “If you’
re quite sure,
I don’t want to take advantage of a recovering friend.”

     The food arrived and my eyes landed squarely on my dolce indulgence.
“Yes, quite
totally sure
!
” Chad smirked at my blissful face. I barely touched my entrée and satiated my gnawing appetite for sweets.

     I finished it with record speed and took the opportunity to excuse myself and leave them both. Being this near with Blake—and wide awake, not asleep—made me anxious. Our relationship is
at
a standstill. But neither he nor I had the
nerve
to bring up the daunting subject. I suppose we’re both cowards in that
respect
.

     I was done with school for the day and had nowhere to go
,
really. So, I decided to be frivolous and treated myself (I needed the works) to the Sanctuary Spa in Covent Garden, a short walk from my flat. I have yet to come back to my own apartment. Since Blake decided that I
had to sleep
with him (more like next to him at this rate), I seem to have forgotten my own life.

    
My
beauty jaunt finally
finished at six and
I
darted to Blake’s in Mayfair.
It took f
our and a half
hours
of
blissful
massages, scrubbing,
waxing, facials (loved the p
ure oxygen blast), and mani/
pedi.

     I checked my phone and smiled when I found a text from Kyle.
Yo! A few peeps from motherland passing through Friday. Let me know if you can join us!

    
Who’s all coming to visit?
I replied. The idea of seeing familiar faces sounded like a good idea right now.

    
It’s Mickey and the gang. Are you coming through or what?
I would love to but I didn’t want to promise and end up not showing up.
I will try. I will get back to you Friday.

     My phone beeped almost immediately.
Come on. You gotta try!
Yeah, I will.

     That’s the tricky part….
Going without having Blake throw a boiling showdown.
I will try Kyle. You know I will, k?

    
I shoved my phone back to my purse as the cab stopped in front of Blake’s building.
I paid and thanked the cabbie.

     When the elevator opened its doors, I knew Luke and Chad were
pattering about in the kitchen. Their loud teasing and constant bickering made it evident as t
hey laughed and teased each other. The smell of dinner cook
ing
permeated the air. Both gents sounded ecstatic. I grinned silly as I passed by the kitchen and entered Blake’s bedroom. My grin instantly vanished when I saw Blake come out of the bathroom, freshly showered
with
only a white towel wrapped around his hips. It hung loosely and the apparent V on his hips that pointed downwards
to his groin
—made me drool on
the
spot. Not to mention his defined chest and chiseled abs made me downright breathless.
Hard, defined, bronze masculine beauty at its
rawest
and
finest
! What a hot piece of….