b a d b o y

bad boy, noun - a man who does not conform to approved standards of behaviour, especially in a particular sphere of activity.

[brynndaniels-blog1]

The obvious flirtatious banter was entertaining to say the least. She could see the appeal that Chuck had. His eyes were beautiful, his face seemed unreal, and his words, god they were so sweet. Any girl that was a romantic would fall at his feet. Lucky for her she had given up on love a while ago. After being cheated on, she thought all men where the same. Eventually they would get bored and move on. Some more quickly than others. For example Chuck. He was never pictured with the same girl more than a couple times. The next girl always considered more beautiful or sexy than the last. It was all superficial really. She couldn’t wait until the day he would fall for a girl that didn’t like him back. Maybe, if she played her cards right, that would be her. With her fingers playing along the stem of the champagne flute, she glanced down at the bubbling liquid. She noted the classy touch of it all. The party screamed luxury. Only the best for Hollywood’s brightest. "I’m a girl of class. I would like to get to know someone before seeing them naked. No doubt you look amazing naked, don’t get me wrong. I just don’t go on having the habit of seeing just anyone naked. And I most certainly don’t get naked in front of strangers.” She hummed as she brought the glass to her lips for another sip.

She knew all the best spots in LA, yet she humored him with a nod. "Is that so? I’m lucky to have you as a guide then. If I’m going to be staying here then I must know the best places to go. I wouldn’t want to get lost.” Running her free hand through her hair, she shot him an innocent smile. She watched as he wrote his number across her hand and didn’t dare move it until she knew it was dry. “For safe keeping, I’ll put it in my phone now.” Pulling her phone out from her clutch, she quickly typed the number into it and hit save. Tucking it back into her purse, her eyes looked back up at him. “All done. I’ll definitely text you to set up something.” Tilting her head to the side, she listened to his words. Her expression showed her interest in what he was saying. Like she was falling over each and every one of his words. “Impressive. I can’t say the same for myself. I’m so forgetful sometimes.” Biting down on her lip, she shrugged. “A few. There isn’t much to do but throw parties. It’s a way of showing off in my circle of friends. Who can throw the best parties! I don’t usually humor them but it comes to my birthday I go all out.”

[chuckxmartin-blog]

Chuck’s eyes never left Brynn’s face even as people circled around them. They weren’t of his concern, not in that particular moment. He had done his hosting duties, welcoming his guests and making them feel special to be in attendance. Now was the time for him to do what he wanted, and that was Stella, though he knew things weren’t as simple as that. "Hmmm.” He hummed in response to her words, eyes twinkling as he did. A challenge. That was the way he viewed her words. Either she was challenging him, or she’d be something to pursue -- time would only tell, and if he was honest to himself, Chuck was interested in seeing which one it was. Most of his past experiences had landed in the ‘all talk, no action’ category. It’d be interesting to see where Stella fell. She was peaking his interest more than anyone had in a long time, but Chuck didn’t see it like that. His head was far too high in the clouds to realise it was his attraction to her keeping them close, rather than her interest in him. “I respect that.” Was all he said in response, a sincere look on his face. “Not many people think that way anymore.”

The words she spoke only added to the air of arrogance that forever surrounded the young man. She was lucky to have his attention, that was how he saw it. He didn’t think that there was anything sinister about the girl, that there was a plot beneath the surface. He was too big headed to think anyone could touch him up on his pedestal. How little he knew. “When I’m done with you, you’ll know the hottest places like the back of your hand.” He said, his voice perhaps a little lower than usual as if to add a double meaning to his words. “I’ll make a point of making some time for you.” He agreed as he watched her with her phone, making it known that he was a busy man, but he’d make an exception for her. He’d make her feel like the only girl in the world, like she was the only one that mattered. It was what he excelled at. Chuck was an actor, after all. He could make anyone believe anything. “I wish I could say the same but this house has seen it’s fair share of parties.” He chuckled, making things about himself once more. Though as he realised what he was saying, he thought quick on his feet to turn to conversation back on Stella. He knew he had to make her think he was focused on her rather than her body. That he was interested in getting to know her mind over anything else. “You got anyone to impress on this side of the country?”

[brynndaniels-blog1]

Brynn was impressed with how much he accomplished. Though she chop most of it up to pure luck. That’s what it took in this industry. If someone was at the right place, at the right time then things happened. What really got to her was that he took advantage of his fame and fortune. He didn’t appreciate it. So many other deserving people could be in his place, yet here was doing everything a stereotypical bad boy did. All the partying, random girls every night, and god knows about drinking and drugs. That was partly what she was trying to find out. If he did drugs then she would be able to expose him. Maybe even send him to rehab where she was sure he’d have a hard time. Until like some other journalists, she wasn’t trying to find excuses for his behavior. She didn’t care about those. Everyone had choices in life and he could have picked a better path. He might have thought of himself above others but she knew all too much about guys like him. She would have him eating out of her hand. It was much like a fame. Tease the prize in front of him. Give him little bits of herself to make him want more. Take it away and make him miss what he could have gotten. Make him work a little to get what he wanted. Once he exerted the effort then he would appreciate what he got. “Shouldn’t I take you to dinner before you offer to take your clothes off for me? Don’t play easy.” She grinned as she winked right back at him.

“If you have time, I’d really love that. Being in a new place all by myself is a little overwhelming. I don’t know which way is which or all the good places to go to. New York and L.A are so different.” She shook her head. Her bright eyes looked up at him like a little lost puppy. Damsel in distress. The appearance of a little vulnerability would appeal to someone like him. As if she ever needed saving from anything. “Sure of course. If you give me your phone number. I’ll text you.” Her plan was to make him wait a few days before receiving a text. He would have to sweat it out wondering why she wasn’t falling all over him. Then at just the right time she would pop back in his life. Taking another sip from her glass, she pulled her hand away from his arm. “Reminds me of the parities I attend. A lot of faces I know but I don’t know their names. Others I have no idea who they are or even have the desire to find out. But you have to keep up appearances so you say your simple hellos and thank yous.” She chuckled as she shrugged her shoulders. Of course she truly had no idea but she could imagine.

[chuckxmartin-blog]

Chuck had had enough experience with women to know when they wanted something. He was well aware of the first meeting, that introduction that was supposed to keep him interested, make him come back for more. He had experienced it all once he shot to stardom, the different ways which people tried to get the same outcome. The women came out of their shells, some threw themselves at him, others had more tact but he was always aware of what they wanted. They wanted a piece of him. A story to sell, or a shot of fame. It was never him they wanted, though - only a version of him they had in their minds. At first Chuck had fallen for it, each and every time. Now, he liked to think of himself as more aware of how to play the game. This time he played the game. Instead of being a pawn they used for their own advantage, he controlled his own moves — or so he thought. With Stella, he thought he was the one in control. Instead he was falling for her ploy without an inkling as to anything more going on than what he saw. "Well, you can. Don’t think I can turn down such an offer.” He said with a smile on his face and a mischievous sparkle in his eyes.

"Don’t worry, we’ll have you knowing the best spots like the back of your hand.” Chuck couldn’t help the quirk of his eyebrow at her words, though he followed them without question. He was impressed by how she was taking charge, even though he was the star in the situation. Most people he talked to fawned over him, waiting for him to call the shots. They’d wait by the phone, but he wouldn’t. It was her loss if she lost his number. Then again, he wasn’t taking that chance. Putting his empty champagne flute on the bar, he leaned over the counter to take the pen they kept to keep on top of supplies, grasping her free hand that she had just removed from his arm and took it in his hand. Turning it over so her palm faced the ceiling, he outlined his number on her soft skin, going over the strokes so the numbers were clear. “It’s always a five, if you get stuck.” He said, finally bringing his gaze back to hers, before giving a light shrug. “It’s harder to find a piece of paper in here than you’d think.” With that, he placed the pen back on the counter and give her another smile, this one softer than the others he had worn all evening - perhaps a little more genuine too. “I may not know them, but the names stick in my mind; actor’s memory.” He commented, tapping his forehead twice before pulling back. It wasn’t exactly true. His manager had followed him around at the beginning of the night, whispering names and positions in his ear as they greeted his guests, but Chuck wouldn’t reveal all his secrets to the redhead. Not just yet. “You throw many of these things?”

[brynndaniels-blog1]

Brynn saw the sparkle in his eyes. He was already starting to feel the thrill of the case. Successful she had hooked him and planned on keeping him wanting more for as long as she needed him. Any desire to actually form a type of bond? No. She wouldn’t let herself get that far because her main mission was to expose all his dirty little secrets. One by one she would write about them as their relationship progressed. All while keeping appearances up that she was just the new girl in town. It would be a difficult task, but one she had her sight set on. Hollywood would do better with one less playboy around to abuse his fame and fortune. They needed more genuine guys. The opposite of what Chuck was. “It certainly is shaking up to be a night to remember. At least from my point of view.” She shot him a flirt grin as she licked at her lips. Letting her bright eyes settle on his, she gave him a look of awe. She wanted him to believe she was so taken by him. That her interest was genuine. Maybe even a starstruck fan. It could feed into his ego. Always give men the sense of power when in reality the woman had the grasp of it.

“How do you know I’m not going to steal your underwear? Looks can be very deceiving. You should be careful.” She teased as her fingers ran along the cold marble of the bar too. Unable to hold back her smirk at his next words, she celebrated the small victory on the inside. “A tour guide? Do you even have time for that in your busy schedule? I definitely wouldn’t mind that. As long as it’s not too much trouble.” Nodding her head, she let her eyes shift from his to glance around the room. A few sets of eyes were on the two of them. No doubt someone would snap a picture of the two and she would become his new mystery girl. A necessary evil to achieve what she needed. “I’m doing nothing but unpacking my condo. So I could work around your schedule?” She let a bit of eagerness shine through in her voice to let him understand how interested she was in spending time with him. Taking one of the flutes from his hand, she brought it up to her lips to take a sip. “I don’t know why I would expect anything but the best from you.” Reaching her hand out, she let it rest against his arm before rubbing it a few times. Sometimes a simple touch could do a lot. “You can’t actually know everyone here. That has to be impossible.”

[chuckxmartin-blog]

Chuck’s ego didn’t need inflating any more than it was, yet his head was ballooning at her words. His was a success story at the young age of twenty-five. From filming commercials, to guest star appearances in long running shows, to his big break as a relatively unknown face in a old wartime movie. His career had skyrocketed from there. He was in high demand and was scheduled to start filming the last movie in a young adult, sci-fi trilogy that had broken a number of sale records. After that, his schedule was up in the air, mainly because Chuck had a few scripts to pick from - a few more auditions to attend. From there he’d have his next big hit - so long as he could keep his personal life out of the papers. The studios didn’t mind his work hard, play hard nature. What they did mind however was its potential to make its way into the headlines and ruin the reputation of both Chuck and the studio. But he had managed to keep most of his business close to his chest. Few knew his secrets, and that was the way he planned on keeping it. He may play with these girls, giving them the hope that they would unravel him, but they rarely lasted the week, never mind lasting long enough to find out his deep dark secrets. But he’d let them believe, it was all part of the fun. “If you want to see my underwear, all you have to do is ask.” He said with a wink.

"I’m sure I could make the time.” He said with a smile to match the one she was wearing. It wouldn’t be that hard, if he so wanted to. His next movie wasn’t scheduled to start shooting for another couple of weeks, and even then the filming was to take place in studio lots scattered across LA. That left him with plenty of time for the role of tour guide. Stella’s personal tour guide. It was something most would kill for, even if there was the possibility of him standing them up. “It’s only right you have someone experienced show you around. To take you to the places worth going.” His attention was solely on the girl in front of him verses the other people milling around the party, hoping for another second of his time. Chuck wasn’t interested in them however, only the redhead before him. “We’ll have to exchange numbers, so I can let you know when I’m free.” He said before bringing his own champagne flute to his lips to take a sip. Really, he hated the stuff, but he did have appearances to keep. His eyes fluttered to her hand on his arm for a second and his smile grew that little bit larger. She was definitely interested, a fact that pleased Chuck. “Not everyone, no, though it’s best they think I do. It’s really only the people worth knowing who I like to spend by time with. Everyone else is just background noise.”

[brynndaniels-blog1]

An expected gesture. Brynn had heard all about his charm. Not many girls resisted his sweet works and kind gestures. It had ended up in more than a few heartbreaks. She knew better and wasn’t going to fall for it. However, she smiled sweetly, let her cheeks flush a shade of pink. She wanted to give the impression that she appreciated it. “Nice to meet you too. Didn’t think I would get the pleasure of actually meeting you. It must be my lucky night.” Giggling softly, she looked down at her feet to give off a shy exterior. As she followed the lead of his hand, she found herself getting lost in his eyes for a moment. Suddenly she couldn’t blame all those girls who fell at his feet. He was absolutely hypnotizing. Poor girls who didn’t have enough brain to see right through it. Forgetting all about his offered refill, she furrowed her eyebrows as he led her through the party. She could see the questioning looks from the guests. Probably wondering the same thing he had about who she wasn’t. Obviously she wasn’t a fixture at these types of parties.

“You could say that. My family is very influential in Manhattan. I guess it extends to Los Angeles too.” She grinned up at him. Her hand running through her red hair. Everything had been rehearsed over and over again. Each answer led to more questions. That was how she wanted it. She wanted him to wonder about her enough to keep her around. “Pleasure. Change of scenery, if you will. I heard about how great this city can be and decided to find out for myself. I have the luxury of being able to do that. Think of it as my last chance at being wild and free before settling down with a job and a career. I want to experience life.” She shrugged her shoulders, acting nonchalantly. Socialites always remained calm, or at least should be. Drama always occurred from what she had seen. She, on the other hand, had to play it cool. High maintenance enough to convince him she lived a posh life style, but not too much that he thought she wasn’t worth pursuing. It was a balance she had to figure out along the way. “Champagne, please. Whatever kind they are serving is delicious.”

[chuckxmartin-blog]

He’d done this countless times before. Different night, different girl, same story. He picked a girl out from the crowd who sparked his interest and then he would try to strike up conversation. His stature within Hollywood usually helped his case; the girls he spoke to always wanted to be seen with a man of rising success like him. From his experience, they looked to ride to the top with him, but his interest always faded long before that. He was like a child that way, always looking for something newer, something shinier. It never offended cars or material items, but the women he had briefly dated weren’t happy for him to have the last word and so they always bit back. “And the night has only just begun, Stel.” Chuck replied with his signature smirk. He was surprised at just how well the nickname rolled off his tongue, though his face remained a mask. It may have been his birthday and his party, but now the night would be spent making her feel comfortable — feel welcome. Like they were old friends catching up.

Already he could tell a difference between the redhead and his usual pursuits. She held his interest, his attention, and just as a question of his was answered, a million more sprung to mind. She intrigued him more than most, but their conversation was just starting and so Chuck didn’t think too much into it. He just followed his desire to know more. “I guess so. They don’t tend to let just anyone into these things. They worry someone might try steal my underwear or something.” He chuckled. Resting an elbow against the bar, he signaled to the bartender that he’d take two flutes of champagne before returning his attention to Stella. “If you ever need a tour guide, let me know. I’d be more than happy to keep you company around the sights.” If the two didn’t get along tonight - at least in his opinion - Chuck would have no issue standing up the redhead. Yet, if he wanted to, he figured spending the day together would be the best way to get all of his questions answered about the unknown girl at his side. The champagne flutes appearing on the counter at his side, Chuck stands right once more, taking both in his hands to offer one to Stella. “The finest from France. Cheers.”

[brynndaniels-blog1]

Brynn hadn’t planned on making such a scene at the party. She just couldn’t help herself when someone was disrespecting her. However, it all did work out when she spotted the one person that she had wanted to find. Pretending as though she didn’t notice him approaching, she turned her head back to the rude man. “Watch your mouth if you don’t want to get in trouble.” She hissed as she remained glued to her place, fully determined not to back down. Once she heard Chuck’s voice, she turned to look at him. Momentarily she was stuck by how handsome he was. Sure she had seen him in pictures and on tv, but it didn’t do him justice. Smiling as she heard him come to her defense, she crossed her arms over her chest. Her eyes begged the man to challenge her now that she had the man of the party by her side. A huff escaped her lips once he turned to move away. A sense of pride came over her as he defeated. At least the uncomfortable exchanged landed her in the exact situation she wanted to be. She had her target’s attention and she turned back right into her persona.

“Not your fault. You shouldn’t be apologizing. The jerk should.” She smiled and shrugged off the situation. Truly it was no one’s fault but the asshole. “Sorry to make a scene at your birthday. I was just trying to teach him a lesson.” With a chuckle, she tucked some of her red hair behind her ear. In different circumstances she would have entertained an idea of something between the two of them, but with all the knowledge she had about him it was impossible. She could tell that he was intrigued about her. “A refill would be lovely. Thank you.” With her bright smile on display, she held her hand out for him. “I’m Stella. Stella Hayes.” Her voice sounded eloquent considering she was supposed to be a socialite. “Happy birthday, by the way. You’re probably wondering how I got an invite to your party when you’ve never met me before. I’m from Manhattan. I’ve just moved her to LA.” Just enough of an explanation to suffice while still keeping most of her made up background was still a mystery. The rest he could figure out, the more they hung out.

[chuckxmartin-blog]

Perhaps he should have left their exchange at that. He was ready to party, not meet yet another guest, but it was true that Chuck had more plans than that in mind for the redhead. Whether he achieved them that night or another was all to be worked out, but he’d lay whatever ground work he could now. There would always be another party. Taking her hand, he brought it to his lips, pressing a kiss on the back of her hand. It was corny, yes, but in his experience the ladies fell for the move each and every time. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Stella.” He said, not bothering to introduce himself. It was his house, his party, his name featured in every headline. Why state the obvious when she already knew? Keeping hold of her hand, he tugged her forward towards him slightly, staying still for a moment or two as he looked down at her. Then, he dropped her hand and placed his own on the small of her back in order to navigate through the crowd. It was easy enough, with people side stepping for the birthday boy, but Chuck enjoyed the contact with the redhead. 

“It was one of the many questions on my mind.” He admitted, though he didn’t bother to elaborate on any of the others. “ You must have some important friends” This was no interrogation. His plan wasn’t to sit her down with a drink in hand and play twenty questions. It simply wasn’t how he worked. “Business or pleasure?” Chuck asked, tilting his head to the side as he looked down at the redhead once more. He had met many people,from many cities, all coming to LA for one thing or another, though most were to do with work. Chuck had been in their shoes years before, moving from Seattle to the Golden State. From there he had worked his socks off - and had a number of lucky breaks - to get to where he was. Many people asked him for advice but he always shrugged his shoulders at them. Not everyone could do what he did. Finally navigating their way through the party, Chuck brought them to a halt in front of the bar he had just left. “What can I interest you in?”

[brynndaniels-blog1]

Brynn had a budding career. She wanted to be a serious journalist but somehow ended up writing for a tabloid. It was just a stepping stone in her mind for more professional things. Whatever she had her hand in, she took it with determination, which was why she had jumped at the opportunity to do one risky assignment. It was almost like going undercover. “The Hot” had created an entirely new identity for her and gotten her into one of the hottest parties. There she would pose as a socialite from New York who just planted her feet in LA. Her mission was to get close to Chuck in order to get the dirt about his life. He was the hottest actor of the moment and everyone wanted to know every bit of his secrets. She just wanted to expose the entitled party boy who seemed to do nothing but throw his money around and play with girls. That absolutely irked her. He was the type of guy she despised. Yet she had the look that the tabloid thought would reel in Chuck in no time. Out to prove herself she took the challenge and ran with it. She had studied her persona over the course of a week. Her new name was Stella Hayes and she was the daughter of a businessman. She had decided to move out to LA for an adventure. The rest would be up to her to make up on the spot. Something she thought she could easily do.

With her name on the guest list, it took no time at all to walk through the doors. The place was packed with celebrities, most she was familiar with. Normally this wasn’t her type of scene. She prefer staying in during nights but she put on her best smile and acted as if it were just another day in her life. Within minutes a glass of champagne was offered to her and she took it before thanking the man. Her eyes scanned the room trying to find her target. The only thing on the agenda that night was luring in Chuck and getting close to him. For her to do that she would need to find him in the sea of people. Something that was moving a lot more difficult than she thought it would be. “Hey pretty lady.” A voice sounded from her left and her head turned to see a brunette man standing next to her. “Sorry, I’m not interested.” She mumbled, moving to snake through the crowd. “Woah, woah, where are you going? I didn’t even catch your name.” The man insisted as he ripped at her arm. “I said I wasn’t interested.” She hissed, her words taking on a more firm tone. It didn’t seem to deter the man at all. “I see your playing hard to get. Just tell me your name. You’re stunning.” Loosing her cool completely, she tossed her drink into his face and yanked her hand away. “You bitch!” His deep voice erupted as he wiped his eyes clean of the champagne. Great way to start the night.

[chuckxmartin-blog]

Gazing down at the party below him made up Chuck’s mind. It was his party - people were celebrating him - and now was the time to join them. He was never one to miss out on a chance to party, especially not if it was in his honour. That seemed like a waste in his mind. The night was another in a long list of occasions for Chuck to celebrate in the only way he knew how. Alcohol, girls and perhaps some illegal highs if he felt the need. It didn’t matter to him what the party goers may make of him and his actions. He simply didn’t care of their opinion. They were there to catch a glimpse of one of Hollywood’s hottest stars in all his glory — and they wouldn’t be disappointed. So the young actor descended into the party by the stairs that lead to his garden. It was there he caught sight of the unknown red head, one Chuck was sure he hadn’t met whilst making his rounds earlier, nor had he seen her around his usual circles. The girl’s brilliant hair attracted his eye in the light and his attention was instantly caught. 

Who was she? The question circled around his mind as he made his way towards the girl, only pausing when he saw the exchange between her and another man. A smile graced Chuck’s face as he watched her feisty retaliation  — he always liked a girl who could handle herself. Though as the man’s reaction escalated, Chuck snapped back to the task at hand and stepped between the two. “Woah, easy man. There are bathrooms all over the place, no need to go on yourself.” A look of disgust shone on Chuck’s face, which only seemed to anger the man more. However, the attention brought by Chuck joining the disagreement lead to spectators laughing at the man’s soaking outfit, causing him to turn on his heel and leave. “Sorry about that, Doll,” Chuck said, turning to face the red head. “Some men have no class.” A brilliant smile making its way onto his features, Chuck couldn’t help as his gaze moved down the length of her body before making their way back to meet her eyes. She was definitely his type, but what intrigued him more than that was the unknown air around her. In the circles he traveled in, he knew anyone worth knowing. Most in attendance of the bash were those kinds of people, it was how they sealed their invitation. He knew he hadn’t laid eyes on her before, though, he was certain he’d remember. “Can I interest you in a refill?”

[chuckxmartin-blog]

BIRTHDAY BASH | CHUCK & BRYNN @brynndaniels

The day had centered around him —  though that was the norm for him. It was his day, his birthday, and Chuck was happy for all the attention to be focused on him. He had grown used to that in his twenty-four - now twenty-five - years of life. The fans screamed his name; directors and producers were looking for a piece of him; the magazines kept his name in the headlines. But if he was honest, he could do without the latter. His life was a complicated mess without his stories in the press, or what they thought to be his stories. For the most part he didn’t pay attention to the headlines, the vicious gossip they spread, because for the most part, they weren’t true. They didn’t know him, they just knew his persona. They knew ‘Chuck Martin’, bad boy of Hollywood and star of one of the biggest movie franchises Hollywood had the pleasure of creating. What they didn’t know however, were the secrets he held close to him. The ones he trusted to a select few friends who had been with him through thick and thin. Those were the people he was spending his night with. Well, those and perhaps a hundred or so acquaintances who had managed to snag an invitation from his PR team to the young actors home.

He’d been moving from guest to guest, thanking them for the gifts they brought even though he’d probably never look at them, for hours. His manager had been one step behind him, feeding the names and presents in his ear. A couple of rounds and a few stops on the dance floor, he had finally found his way to the bar. Even though the party had been going for hours, in Chuck’s mind the long night was just getting started —  and it wouldn’t be a real celebration if Chuck could remember all of the details in the morning. A whiskey on the rocks placed in front of him, Chuck downed the contents of the glass before making his way to the balcony that overlooked his garden where the main festivities were taking place. He had finished his host duties for the night and now he was ready to would join the party, to blow off steam in the only way he knew how. For the time being however, he was content to stand above the rest and watch. It made him feel like a God amongst men. Like nothing could touch him on his pedestal. He was a man with the world at his feet and a bright future ahead of him. He felt like right here, in that moment, nothing could touch him, and so the celebrations began.