Gaslight Gatekeep Girl Boss

INTRODUCING CLAUDETTE BIMBEAU. A HUMAN FROM ECHO CREEK.

There was something comforting in all the ways Naveen could make Claudette feel warm and at peace once she spoke to him. Unbeknownst to Claudette their relationship was built on lies. After spending so much time with Naveen though Claudette truly thought she knew who he truly was. He was kind, supportive, and always had a gentle touch, especially when she needed it most like now. The light kiss he left on the top of her head only had her wanting his touch more. She pressed her forehead against his chest for a moment and sighed. She felt so small compared to his height and looked up at him as she reached to wrap her arms around his neck. “I think you misunderstood me. It’s not you who is borrowing my heart. That would make this much less complicated then, wouldn’t they?” She couldn’t help but to smile at him. Maybe in another world, one without Gaston (though that’s not a life she could have ever imagined for herself,) Naveen could have been something more to her. Something different. The idea had crossed her mind before but her heart belonged to Gaston, no matter how many times she tried to see others in that light her mind always wandered back to him. Naveen was one of the only few people that could make her forget though, just for a little bit, and make her feel as if all were well in the world. “I would never think about you like that, Naveen.” She was almost hurt that he would ever think she was insinuating such a thing. “You’re special to me and you always will be.” She pulls herself a bit closer to the other, embracing the warmth he was giving off. “You are right about something though. Once you lend your heart to someone the whole thing is never returned in the same condition it was given.” 

Laurette learned a lot of things from her time away. She learned how to lie better and when it was the right time to show her true colors. So far, she has been patient; letting Claudette think she has an ounce of control over her alleged recovery and that Laurette intended to be better. She let her get the guest room all jazzed up and moved in with not an ounce of fight. On the inside, she was furious. She was mad at Claudette for orchestrating her intervention and sending her away and she was mad that she was being treated like a child when she was not. Instead of letting her rage consume her and come out full force however, she was keeping it in, letting it fester. She was going to use it when the time was right, and that meant playing nice for now. Showing that she was trying to repent for her sins and be a better person. That meant putting on her best face and tolerating Claudette’s bullshit sisterly love. Wonderful. By the time that Claudette went to check on her she was already unpacked and staring around the room with mild distaste. That disappeared the moment she entered though. “Hey. Yeah, I’m all done and all good.” She turned to face her sister properly, wanting to scream at her to get out of her way and that she was going out, but instead she just gave her a shy smile. “I’m starving. I think staying in tonight is a good idea.” We could order Chinese?

~

Claudette knew she was probably treating Laurette a bit too fragile for her sister’s liking, but it was only her first night back and Claudette was trying to be cautious. “Oh, great! You’re already done. Wow, um, that was fast.” It should feel this strange talking to her own sister, Claudette thought to herself. She didn’t want to treat her like a child, but also didn’t want to say or do something that would upset Laurette. “Chinese sounds really good actually.” She smiles at her and pulls her phone out. “There’s this great place I order from around the street. I think you’d like them. Here, you put in what you’d like,” she told Laurette and handed her the phone. “Did you want to watch something tonight? While we eat? We can figure out what to watch while we wait for the food to get here.” Claudette then remembers she had something else for her sister and pulls a key out of her pocket with a little ‘L’ keychain. “Here. You’re going to need a way in and all. Just lock up when you leave.”

“Exactly. I need someone who knows how to run things, for a change.” Hopper answered the woman with the mesmerizing beauty. He could tell that she was gauging him, identifying the right demeanor for a man like him. Hopper wasn’t a ladies’ man of any sort. In fact, he thinks through his choice of women carefully. Colin knew the power women held in the games he played. They were the extra string, the special cards that make or break the mafia rules. Still, he was a man, and he needed them. He needed the relief, the comfort, and the satisfying warmth a woman has on her bosom. Beyond all the excruciating mafia concerns, under the table negotiations and life and death situation, a man has the have a woman who’d make his bed warmer, and his hands occupied. “I see.” He nodded, acknowledging her response. She was playing it safe, and he could understand why. Hopper, on the other hand, was no fool and was no stranger to places like this; he knew what was going on and respected them for it.

“Just tea.” He added, “No, make that whiskey.” Hopper changed his mind, thinking it was best to act like most of the crowd. He didn’t want to scare away the girl in front of him without even trying to converse his way through. In all honesty, Hopper wanted to meet the women, find one he fancies enough to keep their ordeal to themselves. He doesn’t need love; he doesn’t believe in love. Yet the body craves intimacy, much like any man does. “Triplets? That’s interesting. Lucky for us. Thrice the charm.” He chuckled, blowing some smoke off. “Ah, Gaston. Quite a formidable man, is he? I admire his…” Hopper paused for a second, trying to find a better word but failing miserably. “Gang.” He noted. “He has made quite a name for himself in this Tavern, so it seems. I’m interested in his plans, as I’m quite the businessman myself. Will you be able to help me with that?”

~

“Well, then I suppose you’ve found the right person.” Claudette looks up at him, trying to take in every little detail about him she could to memorize. If this was a man Gaston trusted then surely she would as well, but something told her not to be sure of that yet and to try and figure him out in the meantime. “Why the need for someone with leadership skills? You looking for something specific here?” she asked as she got his whiskey and served it to him. She leans against the bar top, placing her chin in her palm as she continues to talk to the strange man. “Yes, triplets. I’m the eldest, actually. I suppose that doesn’t mean something to everyone though.” She raises an eyebrow as he comments about Gaston, curious if the man knows anything about Gaston’s business ventures outside of the tavern. “Gang?” she repeated. “I certainly think a man of your caliber could think of something a bit better than ‘gang.’ Posse would even be better,” she joked, but as he continues she meets his piercing blue eyes with her own. “That all depends,” she said. “Are you going to have to tell me your name or will I have to beg? I don’t really do the whole blind business deal thing.” She let the hint of a smirk cross her lips as she poured herself a drink and walked around to the other side of the bar to sit with him. “And,” she continued, “on what type of business you plan to do here. Surely I can’t just go to my boss with an empty offer.” She takes a sip from her glass, looking over the rim at him as she does. Once she sets the glass down she leans a little closer to him. “what exactly is it you’re looking to get out of this conversation?”

Laurette had been gone for a long while. Claudette would be lying if she said she didn’t miss her sister, but she had. She was worried for the youngest of the three of them and it was herself this time that sent Laurette to get treatment for her vices. Claudette was no stranger to partying, but she knew there was a fine line and Laurette had crossed it a long time ago. She knew when to intervene and she certainly had. Now that Laurette was doing better Claudette was having her sister stay with her. She’d fixed up the spare bedroom nice and comfortable for her and had a cleaning service come in and make the whole place sparkling clean. She wasn’t sure if she should have alcohol in the house at the time so she locked it up in her own bedroom. When all was settled and well she knocked on the door to Laurette’s room and poked her head in. “Hey,” she said with a warm, yet concerned, smile. “How’s unpacking going? Did you want any help? I, uh, I cleared out the closet and the dresser drawers so there should be space for all your things. Bathroom down the hall is basically yours. All my stuff is in the one in my room. I made space in there too for makeup and such.” She bit on the inside of her cheek. “Were you hungry? We could order something and eat in? Unless you wanna get out and go somewhere. Get fresh air and all. Choice is yours.” 

//closed starter @bossbitchclaudette​

Gaston was at the Tavern when Claudette came in with red hands and blood dripping from her nose. He immediately went to her, taking her hand from her face to see the damage done. The first question that came to his mind was, “Who did this to you?” to which he asked her while her sisters suddenly came running to her. Gaston ordered LeFou to call in their personal doctor, making sure that Claudette didn’t have any more injuries that he should be worried about. He had no idea how this happened, but he already had that deadly look on his face while he watched as her sisters cared for her. Whoever did this to Claudette was dead meat, and Gaston was going to make sure of it.

“Tell me what happened.” He told her, his face flushed with repressed rage. Gaston doesn’t take likely people who mess with those he care about, especially with Claudette. LeFou came with an ice bucket and a towel to which Gaston took. He wrapped the ice in the towel and crouched down, placing the ice on her nose. “I’ll get this straightened out for you. Claudette. I promise.”

~

The first place Claudette thought to go to was Gaston. She was humiliated and upset on all sorts of levels. The bar she had been at was on the same stretch as the tavern so she bolted there as fast as she could. Her bleeding had slowed, but she felt lightheaded. The moment she burst into the tavern and was noticed a chair was given to her and she couldn’t be more thankful. All that was going through her mind though was how upset Gaston and how scared she was to tell him the truth. Lying wouldn’t do any good and she didn’t know how he would react. “I’m fine!” she shouted out as everyone around her tried to help. She felt claustrophobic and needed to just speak to Gaston alone. When he placed the ice on her nose she hadn’t expected it and winced. “Ouch!” she let out. But moments later the pain was already beginning to numb and she relaxed a little bit. 

Claudette looked up at Gaston with fearful eyes as he promised to take care of this all. “I don’t know if you’ll want to,” she said nervously. After shooing everyone away she took the ice from him and held it to her face. “Well, I’m afraid you’re not going to like the answer to your question though.” She bit on the inside of her cheek as she prepared for what to say next. “It was this girl. Meg or something. She’s, uh, well...she’s Blaise’s girlfriend.” She glances back up at Gaston for a brief moment. “And I may have kissed him the other night and she found out. She attacked me out of no where though. I didn’t do anything to warrant being assaulted! It’s not my fault she chose someone who can’t keep it in their pants.” She sighed. “I’m...sorry. I just...I don’t ever want to see him again after this. That woman is insane. I don’t want to be involved in that.” She finally looks back up at him to meet his gaze, a frown on her face. “Are you upset with me?”

@bossbitchclaudette​

It’d been a pretty average night at the bar besides the fact she was drinking with purpose. Most of the time when she wandered in for a drink it was however many she felt like having, maybe one or two and never enough for her to feel anything more than a hum. This was different, she didn’t care this time. That’s why she’d started off strong and by now it was starting to slow back down as she came off the dance floor, pushing between the bodies before breaking free at the back. “Whiskey shots, 2 please,” she said to the bartender with a small wave of her first two fingers. As she waited her eye caught onto a bleached blonde that she remembered from stalking her social media, curiosity killing the cat. “You’re Claudette, right?” She said over the music as she scooted over at the bar. The bartender delivered her shots and Meg gave the woman a cheers into the air before taking them one after the other. Her eyes shut for a moment as the slight rush kicked in, the exhale stinging her throat. “You kissed Blaise a few nights ago right? At the bar?” Her voice turned a little more sour. “Hi tramp, I’m his girlfriend.” That’s when she threw a right hook straight to her nose. “Now keep it out of other people’s relationships.” 

~

Claudette’s little night with Blaise had come and gone and she’d felt no repercussions from it thus bar. She didn’t really think anything would have came of it so she carried on as normal. She was just out, enjoying herself when she heard her name. Claudette turned to face the other woman and before she knew it she was being hit at all angles. She heard Blaise’s name, girlfriend, and most importantly tramp. Claudette did not take lightly to insults like that but before she could even clap back she felt a fist collide with her nose. She let out a shriek from the pain and her hand immediately went to clasp her nose that began bleeding. The pain was rough and once the initial shock wore off she really felt it. Claudette looked back up at the other woman and without so much as thinking, grabbed a fistful of her hair and slammed her head into the bar. When she looked down at her hand and saw the blood from her nose though she sat into the barstool and felt shaky. There were already napkins being offered to her as people began to take notice of what was happening and she grabbed a random stack and hold them there. She was more pissed that her new dress was ruined. “Listen here, you fucking back alley whore. I don’t want your fucking boyfriend.” Claudette was seeing red, both literally and figuratively and was already a bit lightheaded. She wasn’t going to let this bitch just come up to her and assault her. It was purely self defense as everyone could see.

“Do you now?” Claudette questioned as she leaned closer to Blaise. He was taller than her by enough and she was thankful she wore the shoe with a little extra heel to it that night. Her arms draped around his neck and she tilted her head towards his ear. Claudette was no stranger to flirting. She’d been flirting with Blaise all evening, despite the fact she knew she should not be for multiple reasons. Those worries meant nothing to her right now. She was focused on the prize at hand and tonight that was Blaise. With a smirk on her face she whispered, “I would be more than delighted than to give you what you want.” She pulled back to look up at him. For a moment she thought his eyes were dreamy, but she was more concerned with what was under his clothes. She pressed herself against him, chest to chest, before her lips kissed his. She tangled her hand in his hair immediately, pulling him even closer if possible. It’d been too long since she’d found her lips on any part of Blaise’s body. She missed the thrill and taste of him. Claudette knew Blaise was practically putty in her hand. She would be a little surprised if he chose not to continue on their evening like this, but chose not to think about any negatives in the moment. Her only focus was her lips on his.

“Oh, I was just in the neighborhood, saw that you hadn’t left yet but knew you would be leaving soon,” he responds as she walks up. “Just wanted to say hi.” Which wasn’t… completely true. He’d come by to drop off something for Gaston for their little arrangement. When he saw that Claudette was still here, he didn’t really want to deal with any of those dealings in front of her, so he just decided to play it off like this was the plan. Like she was why he was here. In a way, it was because of her, but also it was mostly because Gaston was more arrogant and hotheaded than they were. “No, I’m terrified,” he jokes, smiling at Claudette. That was maybe a little truer than his tone would indicate, though. Though there wasn’t much Gaston could do to him that was worse than what he was already going through in his life, he didn’t really want to get hit in the face or something. “What a coincidence, I’m also free for the evening,” he says, even though he knows he should just say he was stopping by to say hi, drop off what he needed to, and then move on with his evening. He shouldn’t keep digging himself deeper into this. But when it came to Claudette, he could barely help himself. Not to mention, there was a little fear there that if he did upset her, she would tell Gaston and things would get so much worse for them than they were ready for. “I’m always happy to be in your company, my dear. But if you’re tired from work and don’t want to go out and do anything with me, I totally understand.” 

~

Claudette’s eyes brightened as Naveen told her that he was indeed there to see her. Sure, it was technically a lie but Claudette didn’t know that. She was more focused on the attention she was getting. She couldn’t help the smile on her face and draped her arms around their neck. She knew no one would see them but she didn’t really give a damn if anyone did. Still, sometimes the less Gaston knew the better. “I’m never too tired for you,” she assured him. She leans up as far as she could to reach his cheek and pressed a light kiss. “Since you took the time to see me did you have something in particular you’d like to do together?” she asked, leaning her chin against his chest but her head angled up so she can look at him. “Or were you feeling spontaneous?” Regardless, Claudette knew any time spent with Naveen was time well spent. She enjoyed being around him and there were parts of her that cared deeply about him. “If you were feeling spontaneous we could stop at my place so I can change and see where our evening takes us from there.”

//closed starter @bossbitchclaudette​

Hopper had noticed that Gaston’s Tavern was one of his hot spots. He had surveyed the books, and it was apparent that his drug dealings were higher in one particular location than in another. He had his stakes in Wonderland, and yet somehow, Gaston’s Tavern beat its records. “Interesting.” He said with a sly smile, closing the books and burning it once read. He didn’t keep evidence if his memory could serve him well. Of course, per usual, he went on to visit the place—a form of gratitude to the location that serves him best.

Entering the wooden doors, Hopper and his men settled down, and his people were more than excited to enjoy all the booze and women swarming around. He could tell that it was a macho-man den, a heaven for those who needed their mothers to love them back. Hopper sat in the middle, unbothered by distraction, while he pulled a cigarette from his pocket. He was there to find answers and to keep the business going as long as he could. A certain blonde woman came up to him, and he could tell from the get-go that she held some power over the place. “You look like someone worth my time.” He nodded to acknowledge her presence. “A fine place this is. Good business and quite the crowd. I wonder if this is all there is…” Hopper hinted, trying to confirm his suspicions. 

~

Claudette was working the bar. She’d sent her sisters off to work on other business and knew that the other bartenders and servers would help pick up the slack at her command. So, she didn’t feel guilty about indulging the men inside the tavern, flirting with them relentlessly only to shut them down in the end. She was definitely a tease and took pride in that. When the wooden doors to the tavern opened up and a gust of wind came flying in Claudette looked over to the entrance and saw what seemed like a very powerful man dressed in sharp clothing. Claudette felt like she had maybe seen his face once or twice but couldn’t quite place who he was. She shrugged it off as there were many men that came into the tavern of all types. She was leaning against the counter as she shooed away a different customer and made her way over to where he stood. With her back straight and her chin up she looked at him. “Define ‘worth your time’ because I’m pretty busy. I’ve got a bar to run if you hadn’t noticed.” Her eyes trailed over him and analyzed his outfit before back up to his face. Something about her told her she wasn’t sure if she should trust him. She wasn’t intimidated by him but she was definitely curious. And so it seemed he was as well.

“I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re insinuating,” she finally responded to his curiosity. “There’s always more than what meets the eye. Every place like this has it’s quirks. Like, the regulars or how nights get crazy sometimes. You’d be surprised how business here works.” She wasn’t going to say anything more on the manner. Not now at least. She wasn’t sure if she could make this a business deal of sorts yet. The man in front of her was very attractive and stood taller than her even in heels. Most people wore regular shoes to work but Claudette had no problem mixing it up every once in a while and just dressing a little nicer than normal and some cute shoes. Usually on weekends. “Can I get you a drink?” she finally offered. “It’s on me,” she winked at him and smirked. “I’m Claudette. Not to be confused with my sisters, Paulette and Laurette. We’re triplets. They’re around somewhere.” Almost instinctively her hand went up to fiddle with the gold and diamond ‘C’ necklace around her neck that Gaston had gifted the three of them. “Or are you looking for Gaston? You seem like the type of company he might keep around. I’m afraid he’s real busy right now and you’re stuck with me.”

Claudette hadn’t really ventured out to Coolsville as of late. She needed a change of scenery from the tavern or other places she normally frequented in Echo Creek. The Faux Ghost seemed a bit intimidating but also enticing at the same time. The crowd there was a bit of a rougher bunch, but Claudette knew how to handle herself considering her line of work. When she walked in she let her eyes scan the building before taking a seat near the end of the bar. There was a man behind the bar, facing the shelves of bottles, whom Claudette was assuming was the bartender. “Excuse me?” When he turned around and her eyes fell on his face she gave him a flirtatious smile. “I’d love a drink if you’re not too busy.” She leans over the bar a little bit, scanning the names on the bottles. “I suppose I’ll just start off with a Tito’s and lemonade. Keep it simple for now.”

Another day had gone by at the tavern and Claudette let out a sigh of relief as she was grabbing her things to go. It hadn’t necessarily been a slow or bad day, but she was happy to be off and left to do her own thing for the rest of the evening. After she was ready to go she bid everyone goodbye and headed out. She was walking towards her car when she noticed a familiar face standing next to it. Curious as to why Naveen was there she approached them and rose an eyebrow. “What brings you here?” she asked. “I know you’re not here waiting for lil ‘ol me,” she teased with a bat of her eyelashes. “I’m surprised you’re here actually. You’re not scared of Gaston seeing you?” She couldn’t help but smirk. “Lucky for you I’m free from work and able to do whatever I’d like for the rest of the evening.” She pulled her hair tie out of her hair to let it down, shaking her head a little to let it fall into place. “If you’re looking for my company, that is.”

//closed starter @bossbitchclaudette​

Gaston held Anastasia’s hand as the two walked towards the doors of the party. The two always had a complex relationship with each other, but they were of similar status enough that being seen with each other wasn’t something he’d mind. Anastasia was pretty and wealthy, and the two were already hooking up. It didn’t hurt his reputation to have someone by his side. They stood at the corner observing the party until Drizella pulled her sister away from him, excusing her for some influencer thing to do. Gaston simply nodded and allowed her to go, enjoying the rest of the night alone at the bar.

While he downed some drinks, he happened to see the familiar blondes coming in. The triplets arrived at the party, catching everyone’s attention due to their fashionable lateness. Gaston only had to look at Claudette, catching her eyes while the rest of the crowd attempted to get their attention. He tilted his head to one side, motioning that she follow him out. He didn’t even need to say a word; Gaston simply knew she’d understand what he meant. Once they were outside, he waited for a couple of minutes before the door to the balcony opened, and Claudette was already standing in front of him. “Close the door behind you.” He spoke, turning her and kissing her so forcefully that she leaned on the doors. “You kept me waiting.” He spoke against her lips. “I don’t like waiting.” Gaston smirked, placing his hand on the side of her face. 

~

Claudette was already frustrated that her sisters were making her late. She was the first to be ready and was quite impatient when it came to them. When the three were finally ready Claudette made sure they were quick to get there and make an entrance before midnight. The first person she spotted when she walked in was Gaston, of course. She’d caught his eyes and resisted the urge to smirk at him when he gestured for her to meet him outside. After telling her sisters she’d be back she slipped out to the balcony to meet Gaston outside. The cold air was a little cruel as the wind blew against her mostly bare body. She hadn’t even been able to get a word out before Gaston’s lips were on hers and she was pushed against the door. Her arms immediately snaked around his neck to pull him down a little closer. “I know you don’t,” she mumbled against his lips. “You can blame my sister for that.” She pulled away just enough to look up at him, leaning into his hand on her face. “Don’t tell me that you were just waiting for me though when there are plenty of other pretty ladies here for you to kiss,” she teased. Though the idea of him kissing someone else stung a bit. “I’m here now though, and yours for the rest of the evening. If that’s something you’re interested in.” She leaned back up and pressed her lips back to his, pulling herself close to him to stay a bit warmer.

.

“Maybe you can. But you’re not really making the greatest case for yourself right now,” he hums a chuckle, his other hand going to rest on her knee as she moves in closer. Maybe he shouldn’t be so bold in being around Claudette since everything with Gaston had happened. But when was he ever know for making the best decisions? “It definitely is,” he agrees, settling in against her, pulling her in closer. “You know I will, Claudette.” Naveen kisses the side of her neck, slowly and gently moving over her pulse.

~

Gaston listened as she spoke, though the words were muffled by the toxins circulating in his blood stream. Though she objects to his need to “become more”, he was adamant that his life could only become better because he was simply born for it. For someone like Gaston, more is better. Perfection is necessary, and excess only exists for the weak at heart. A man can only provide through different means he is suited for, and Gaston wanted all the means for himself. He is a man of ambition, as much as he thinks that he is entitled to every luxury in life. “You’ll never understand what it’s like to be a man.” He confessed, clearing his throat as he sighed beside her. A man’s game is ruthless, with a gun pointing at him with every move. Gaston had to be tough, manipulative, decisive, and combative to get to where he is now. Even then, it wasn’t enough, and it will never be enough. “We are in a better place.” He agreed. “But this isn’t our destination, Claudette. We’ve got more to do, more to conquer. You and me, we can do this.” He mumbled, eyes closed from the drunken haze.

It was this rare occurrence that made Gaston feel vulnerable, and he felt shameful about it, though he wouldn’t admit it. His body had grown weary from the amount of alcohol, and if anybody wanted to start a fight, he’d definitely get knocked down, though he wouldn’t back out due to his pride. Luckily, this was no fight, but instead a gentle caress from a woman he cared about. Perhaps it’s acceptable to lay down his defenses, even for a moment, even just for tonight. Claudette asked him what he was doing with his towering body over her slender frame. “I’m thirsty.” He repeated, though he wasn’t aiming for the bottle anymore. She was warm, and soft like a Christmas chimney after a daylong hike in the snow. His hands brushed against her skin, lifting her nightgown ever so slightly to expose her legs. “You taste sweet.” He chuckled slightly, mumbling under his breath. “Have you always been sweet?” Gaston asked, pushing his elbow on the couch as his other hand carried her above him. “Then let morning come.” She had much to say, but Gaston wasn’t exactly in the mood for a talk. Everything about her felt right now. “You can keep a secret, can you?” He paused to ask.

~

Claudette didn’t quite understand what Gaston meant when he told her she would ‘never understand what it’s like to be a man.’ The fact that he’d said it though bothered her. She felt a head rush suddenly from the wine, and didn’t have the energy to fight him on it other than to say, “you’ll never understand what it’s like to be a woman.” So, she gave into his words and his touch. Hearing him talk about how they had more to do and accomplish together made her heart pound. She couldn’t imagine a world without her standing loyally beside Gaston. She would follow him to the sun despite the fact it would burn her to a crisp. “I know we can,” she agreed, looking up at him only to be met with closed eyes. “I will be beside you for everything we accomplish. I will never turn my back on you, Gaston.” 

Her hand reached up and gently rubbed his cheek. He had such a rough exterior but Claudette knew better than to take that to heart. She knew he had a soft side, just as soft as his skin felt beneath her hand-- if not more. His hands felt cold against her skin as he pushed her nightgown up, provoking goosebumps to rise on her skin and a shiver down her spine. “I hope I’ve always been this sweet,” she uttered out. Her heart was pounding and every fiber of her being was screaming. All of this felt right, like things were falling into place, but in the back of her drunken mind there was apart of her saying this was going to end in disaster. In the moment she didn’t care. Gaston was her whole world and she wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize this moment. “Have I ever given you a reason to believe I wouldn’t keep a secret you told me?” she ran her hand down from his cheek to his neck then the collar of his shirt. “Why, is this going to be a secret?” she asked, glancing up at him. The thought that he’d want to keep this, keep them a secret stung a bit. That much she would admit. Still, it would have been a secret she brought to her gave had he asked her to. “Stop worrying about little things for now.” She undid the first few buttons of his shirt and wrapped her bare legs around him. “Stop letting so much trouble your mind. I’m right here. I would never let anything go wrong between us. I promise you.” She continued on the buttons and pulled him down closer with her legs so close that their noses were nearly touching. “Tell me, Gaston, do you trust me?” Her eyes meet his and she has a small, sultry smile on her face. “Because I have never trusted anyone more than I trust you,” she said before pressing her lips to his.