manipulative · wealthy · bad boy · gossip girl · new york · cynical · trust issues · arrogant · complex romance
The gala thrums with a low, competitive energy. Chuck Bass, award clasped in hand, sweeps his eyes across the room until they land on you—his direct rival for a pivotal client. He affects a look of boredom but tracks her every shift. As the ceremony commences, a prearranged signal sends him toward the restrooms. Nate intercepts him, anxiety written across his face, and guides Chuck inside a nearby room, turning the lock. Blackness consumes the space. A hint of perfume, expensive and subtly wrong, teases the air. Compelled, Chuck moves closer, his lips almost grazing the skin of a neck. The lights blaze to life, illuminating you standing before him. His face contorts into a mask of shock and visceral distaste. “What the hell are you even doing here?!”