I can’t be sure, but if my mother thinks she can oversee my future and expect me to follow her lead, she’s crazy. Those days are over. Fallon is beautiful, but she’s not for me. I’ll prove it. I will never marry someone my mother hand picked out or trained. My wife and my family will be of my choosing.

I decide to call Brittany, a girl I’ve fucked a few times. I need a release tonight. I’ve been so fucking tense since leaving Fallon. I’d like to be fucking her, but Brittany should do. The more I stay away from Fallon, the better. I just need to find someone else to entertain me and keep my mind off her. Lately, she’s all I think about. During the day, and even in my dreams, her smell, her long hair, her fucking eyes, and that body. I want nothing more than to be fucking her. I should and show her she means nothing, but I don’t think I’m strong enough for that. Because as much as I tell myself she means nothing, the more I realize I’m lying to myself. Somehow, she has embedded herself into my mind. If Fallon is here for me, I guess I’ll have to show her, and my mother, I have no problem finding my own women. When and if I want a wife, I won’t need Mommy Dearest to find me one. I can’t believe she would think I would. Shit, I could marry Angelle with no problems. She might not be exactly what I want, but she would make a fine wife. I just never thought of her as mine.

I’m going to come up with a plan. I’ll show them two can play this game. Having Brittany tonight will help me relax, then I can come up with how to play this out.

Later on, Brittany shows up looking sexy as hell in a barely-there dress. I give her some money to play craps while I handle a little business.

I walk through the casino handling random problems from customers. Then slowly make my way to my office at the back of the casino. Once I open the door, I see Zander making a drink.

“I wasn’t sure if you were here. I didn’t see you on the floor, brother.”

“I’ve been here, Gabriel. I’m always here. I see you have Brittany on your arm tonight.”

“So? What’s it to you?”

“Nothing. I just find it interesting, is all,” he says.

“Oh, yeah? Why is that, Zander?”

I walk past him and make my drink, then sit behind my desk.

Zander sits and continues his accusation. “Brittany has always been the girl you call when you need to get some frustration out. So, Gabriel, what has you so frustrated?”

I laugh at his assessment. He’s right: Brittany’s the kind of girl you can fuck till you can’t even think. She takes it no matter how hard you give it. She’s a pro, and the only one I’ve ever hired. I don’t ever need to hire a professional, but when I need to get my rage or anger out and not think of anyone else but myself, Brittany is the girl. She’s a sweet girl, and sometimes I feel sorry I use her this way, but this is her specialty. There’s no one better, and I plan on fucking all my aggression out on her.

“Does it matter, Zander?”

“No, it doesn’t matter. I just wanted to know if I had to worry. I know you like to take the lead on everything, but you can count more on Liam and me. It is a family business after all, and we do have expertise.”

“We are family, but I’m the head of this family. As far as you go, Zander, you are an expert at running the behind the scenes action. With me being the face, you’re the one who is feared; more than even Mother in a lot of ways. Don’t worry, brother, you handle your part of the business, and I’ll handle mine.”

“Should we discuss Liam then?” Zander asks.

“What the fuck, Zander?! You just saw Brittany and know why she’s fucking here, but now you want to add to my stress. Liam needs to grow the fuck up. I’m sick and tired of babying him. You know, we’re the ones who fucked up. We always protected him from everything. Now that it’s time for him to take more of a role in the business, how do we just throw him in, to watch him fucking fail?”

“I know, but Gabriel, he has the same training as we do. Maybe he won’t fail. Maybe we’re underestimating him?”

“Zander, you know as well as I do, he’s not ruthless like us. I don’t know if he will be able to do it. Do you think he’s ready to pull the trigger when needed?”

Zander shakes his head, looking down into his glass, and says, “I don’t know, brother but I guess it’s time for us to find out.”

“Yeah, I want you to start taking him out with you. Take him on your hunts, and don’t hold anything back. Show him all of it, make him understand why he can’t give people more fucking chances. Show him who we fucking are!”

“You got it, Gabriel. But what happens if he can’t or won’t do what’s needed?”

“Then we’ll let Mother deal with him.”

Zander’s eyes go big. “Fuck!”

“Exactly, fuck! Now get out of here. I have to get back to Brittany.”

As he walks out the door, he turns and says, “Sure, Gabriel. I hope she puts a smile on that face. Lately, you’ve been a miserable fuck. Maybe you should come and join us back at home. Fallon always seems to make me, and Liam, smile.”

I hurdle my drink at his head, which only crashes into the back of the door as he slams it. The bastard...he knew that would get to me. Zander, always the fucking prick!

About an hour goes by while I’m working. The door opens, and Brittany walks in. She’s been given access to my office only when I’ve given permission. Once the door clicks shut, she’s all business. She never says a word when it’s time to work; she knows I don’t want or need to hear anything come out of her mouth. Like I said, she’s a pro, and she knows what I need. She strolls up to me, places herself between my legs and the desk, then leans back and starts taking off her dress slowly. There’s nothing underneath, not even panties. That’s my girl. Once she’s fully undressed, she pushes my chair further back, kneels, and starts working on my pants. She knows I want my cock in her fucking mouth. Brittany’s so good at this, she has a natural deep throat. I don’t even think she has a gag reflex. I let her have control of my cock; I’m going to sit back and enjoy. I close my eyes, and then BAM! Like a fucking hit to the head, visions of Fallon dangle in my subconscious. Teasers playing in my mind, showing me what I truly want, but knowing I shouldn’t. Fuck this shit; I stand up, grab Brittany by the back of her head, and start pushing myself into her, rough and brutal. I abuse her mouth; any other woman would run scared. I fuck her mouth until I see that look. I know she can’t go anymore. She might not want to protest, but I’m not a sadist. I can tell when she’s had enough. I grab her by her arms and pull her up. I stare into her eyes to make sure she’s all right. When I see she is, I start kissing her down her neck and bite at her breast. I’m not an asshole either. I might need her here so I can use her, but I need her to feel good, too. Once I hear her moans, I know she’s ready for more. I flip her around fast and throw her down on my desk. Without even checking to see if she’s wet, I push into her hard. I grab her hair and look at it, but now it’s not hers; it’s Fallon’s long, silky hair I’m holding. I start pounding into her like an enraged beast, one that only a few have seen. With skin slapping and Brittany’s moans, I imagine it’s all Fallon. Shit, I can’t get her out of my head. Brittany is beautiful, but she’s not Fallon, and if Brittany can’t get my mind off Fallon, then I am screwed. I push through, but it’s not Brittany anymore I’m fucking; it’s Fallon. I decide to stop trying to fight the images and go with it. Maybe this is exactly what I need. I pull her up against me and start rubbing her clit hard, pinching the shit out of it; she lets out a loud scream through her orgasm. I push her back down, and while seeing Fallon’s face, I reach my peak and holler out her name, “Fallon!”

Shit! What did I do? Did I just yell out Fallon’s name while fucking Brittany?

Brittany stands to turn around and looks me in the eye with a questioning look. She breaks eye contact and starts dressing.

“I’m sorry, Brittany. I didn’t mean to do that. I don’t know...”

She runs her hand over my face and slides her finger over my lips.

“Don’t, Gabriel. You don’t have to worry; it’s my job to be here for you. If you need to imagine someone else to do what you just did to me, then by all means, think away. I just wish I could have helped more. You don’t seem to be relaxed at all.”

I start rubbing my neck. “No, Brittany, you did an exceptional job. It’s not you, I just don’t know what’s going on with me these days.”

“As I said, don’t worry about it. But can I say, I have never had a man call out another woman’s name before. Maybe she is more important to you than you think. Maybe you should give it a try.”

“It’s not like that; I’ll call you a driver to take you home.”

I hand Brittany an envelope, in which while she gathered her things I slipped in an extra thousand for hurting her feelings. I don’t care what she says; no woman deserves that. I open the door for her, and she kisses me on my lips and tells me to call her whenever I need. She then apologized again for not helping more. See, like I said, Brittany really is a sweet girl.

The rest of the night is no better; I couldn’t sleep again. Fallon’s always in my dreams now.

That next day, I have a scheduled dinner date with Angelle. She calls me to let me know she’ll meet me at the restaurant. I arrive on time to find her already seated and looking at the menu. The hostess walks me up to the table where I’m announced.

“Ms. Rollins, your dinner date, Mr. Stern, is here.”

“Gabriel, always on time.”

She stands, and I walk up to her and kiss her cheek. Very formal, just like Angelle.

I state, “I see you beat me here, though.”

“Well, I was in the city, meeting with my father. He sends his regards.”

“How is the Senator?” I ask, not really giving a shit.

“He’s fine. He talked about the party, the one your mother threw for that young girl...what’s her name again?”

“Fallon.”

“Yes, Fallon. My brother was very smitten by her. How is she?”

I clear my throat before responding, “I don’t know. I haven’t thought much about her.”

“Haven’t you?”

“Okay, Angelle, what is that supposed to mean?”

“You know what it means. I saw the way you were. You couldn’t take your eyes off her. By the way, I tried to get in touch with you yesterday. Where were you? With her?”

“First, I didn’t call you because I was busy. Second, it is none of your business what I do. But I won’t lie to you, I had a date with my friend Brittany.”

“Ah, yes, the hooker.”

“Don’t, Angelle. Don’t call her that. She is my friend I call from time to time. I’m not your husband, and I won’t have you speaking ill of my friends. I hope you understand me.”

“How much did she run you this time? And why do you even need her? You can call me; I’m here for you when you need.”

“Angelle, don’t misunderstand me. I care for you, but you and I both know this won’t work. Besides, I don’t think you want me calling you instead of Brittany. Let’s just say, you wouldn’t like me very much after.”

“Why won’t you try harder, Gabriel? I’m willing to overcome your shortcomings. Plus, our families like each other. We can be happy if you just let us be. You could learn to love me, and a marriage between us would benefit all.”

I look at her and study her face. She, too, is very beautiful, but again not Fallon. Shit, I must quit comparing everyone to her. Angelle’s right; our relationship could work. Maybe not with the same passion I feel towards another, but it would be convenient and smart. Tying her father’s politics with our family’s money and power is a win-win for all of us. Plus, I do need Angelle right now. She keeps the image of me being off limits to Fallon going.

“You’re right, Angelle; I haven’t tried as hard as you have, but I’ve never lied to you. I don’t love you, and this is only a matter of convenience. Can you continue to live like that?”

“If I have no other choice. But Gabriel, I won’t wait forever.”

“I pray you don’t, Angelle,” I answer her honestly.

“So, I’ll ask: what is it about Fallon that has you in a tizzy? I don’t see anything special with that girl. I don’t like her being around you, because you obviously can’t handle yourself around her.”

“Angelle, that’s it! Leave it the fuck alone! I have nothing to do with her, so don’t fucking push me. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to leave. I don’t appreciate you trying to control me. Mind your business, Angelle.”

“So, you don’t mind the fact that my brother has called and made plans with Fallon this weekend?”

She throws a dagger straight at me. “What did you say?”

“Don’t tell me you didn’t hear me, Gabriel. We both know you did.”

That’s it. I turn and storm out of the restaurant. I can’t believe Fallon accepted a date with Miles. I know she went to the races with Frederick, but that was for business. Why would she go out with Miles? There is nothing to be gained by it. There is nothing my mother would want from him. What is she up to? She couldn’t possibly like him, could she? He’s a pretty boy, and nothing else. He’s not even out of college yet, still in to get his master’s degree in business and political science. What the hell? I am so stressed out. I need to get some relief, and Brittany didn’t work, so now I need to try Zander. He will have someone for me. Not a call girl, but a piece of shit guy I can take my aggression out on.