Crossed Desires

Brat

I am Brat Guren, son of one of the wealthiest families in the United States of America. My father is Walter Guren, a magnate and one of the most important businessmen in the corporate world.

I work as General Manager at the company my grandfather, Dominick Guren, founded more than forty years ago. This company did not begin in the United States; it was founded in Germany and was originally called Berkshire.

Two years later, I was born here in the United States. My grandfather told me that he created this company with me in mind, hoping that one day it would be mine-his grandson, who at the time didn't yet exist but for whom he was already planning a future.

My mother was the daughter of the second most powerful shareholder in the multinational Berkshire Guren Associates, which is owned by a group of entrepreneurs who hold shares and operate businesses in various industries, including hospitality, tourism, luxury jewelry with diamonds and emeralds worth billions of dollars, as well as brick manufacturing worldwide.

The alliance between these two families turned us into one of the most powerful dynasties in the United States: the Guren-Hatha family.

The shares were consolidated and secured under my name. My future was already guaranteed-even before I was born. I inherited sixty percent of the company shares, a move that was crucial to my grandfather's plans for the business and for me.

When my maternal grandfather died, he left me everything he owned since my mother had already passed away four years earlier from cancer-just as her mother had, when she was only eight years old.

The same story repeated itself with me. Since my mother was an only child, and she was gone, I inherited her entire fortune as her only son. This inheritance was even greater than the company shares. At only twelve years old, I became the richest child in the United States.

But at the same time, I became the loneliest one. My grandfather was the closest thing I had to family, because my father only dedicated himself to his work. With my mother's absence, I grew into a rebellious boy, yet under the strict control of a demanding father.

When I reached adulthood, I rebelled and moved out, buying my own apartment with the money from my grandparents. I spent my days drinking and chasing women.

Even so, I kept studying since I couldn't fully escape my responsibilities. After finishing my studies, I attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study Business Administration, at my grandfather's insistence. Reluctantly, I completed my degree and graduated at twenty years old.

I immediately joined the company. It wasn't a choice-it was an obligation. As the only son and heir, I carry the responsibility of continuing my father's and grandfather's legacy. My grandfather had been clear about this since I was a child: one day, I would have to take charge of the company. And now, I do-though not entirely on my own, since my father and several partners help me make it grow bigger each day.

After a long workday full of meetings and negotiations, at five in the afternoon I'm exhausted and eager to release some stress. I call Miguel to arrange a night out, since I haven't seen him in a while. But lately, it's been hard to meet up with him-he's always busy with his girlfriend. I'm sure he'll say no again, claiming he has plans with her.

What a drag! He's been insisting forever that I should meet her, but honestly, the idea disgusts me. Why would I care to meet her? She matters to him, not me. He keeps telling me he's crazy about her, and frankly, the topic repulses me. I can't picture myself tied down like that, chained to someone else.

That's definitely not for me. I'm a lone wolf who only enjoys female company when I need to let off steam, nothing more.

It's not about being sexist, but those things just don't interest me. I prefer to have fun and not owe explanations to anyone. My freedom means everything to me. Romantic relationships bore me. All that talk of "love" is meaningless to me. I'd rather sleep with someone and move on-I have no interest in commitments.

Miguel, Jon, and I used to be inseparable. Parties, drinks, women-those were always part of our lives. We had a blast together. I was always the wildest of the three, but Miguel tried to keep me in check. Then that girl showed up, and everything ended.

I call Miguel-once, twice, three times-until he finally answers.

"Hey, what a surprise, Brat..." my friend says.

I smile to myself. It's true, we haven't seen each other in a long time, and I'm glad to reconnect.

"Surprise? I'm always available. You're the one who's always busy," I reply.

And it's true-Miguel never even makes time for himself.

"You're right, I barely have time for anything," he admits, laughing on the other end of the line because he knows I'm right.

"Still, friends should always make time for each other," I say seriously.

"You're right again. Sorry about that," he concedes.

"No problem. Anyway, have you finished what I asked you to do?" I ask.

"Yes, I just did. But I'm going to stay a bit longer at the office to get ahead on work. In a month I want to take a few days off and go to my mom's country house in Barú with Gaby, Jon, and a friend he's seeing. I'd love for you to come along too-bring someone so you won't get bored," he says.

Poor guy-he's been caught. That's not for me, though. I'm not into countryside getaways, so I pass on the plan.

"No, I'll skip it," I reply.

Miguel goes quiet for a moment, then says, "Brat, don't let me down. It's a really special day for me, and I want you there. Please, say yes-and you'll finally get to meet my girlfriend."

"What's so special about that day?" I ask, though I already have a bad feeling about the answer.

"I'm going to propose to Gaby. But I want it to be a surprise. Come on, don't say no. Bring someone with you so you won't feel out of place."

Well, what a shocker. I figured it was only a matter of time. Poor Miguel-he's been trapped.

Dear readers, don't forget to vote and leave your comments-it motivates me to keep writing for you. With love, Francia.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter of Brat, Beautiful Doll.Stay tuned for the next ones-they're going to be even more intense.

Brat

Miguel, I don't know... honestly, being at a country estate bores me. What could I possibly do at a place like that? You know that's not my thing, and bringing someone along, even less. You know very well I don't go out with anyone, because taking someone would mean giving them hopes of a commitment, and you know perfectly well that commitment isn't for me. That's just not who I am. I only like to have a good time, and that's it... you know me.

No, Miguel, that's not my thing. I don't know what he's trying to do with this, but he knows I don't like that. I'm not into country estates - what would I even do there? The perfect plan for me is locking myself in a hotel room with a girl, or even several, and spending the day f***ing without commitments, that's it.

I stay quiet for a while, thinking, but no - that's definitely not for me. I'm different, and no matter how much I think about it, that's just not who I am, and so I answer:

-No, no way, that's not my thing, you know me... I tell him.

And he keeps giving me arguments, trying to make me change my mind, but that doesn't work with me.

-And what's the fear of her thinking something? If it happens, fine, and if it doesn't, then it doesn't. Besides, it's about time you settled down. You can't just keep living that way forever... he tells me.

No, never. That's not going to happen. I'm not the type for commitments. My friend is very wrong about me, because that will never happen - not in this life, nor in the next. And I tell him so.



-Ohhh my friend, that's not going to happen. You know how I am - I'm not interested in anything other than f***ing and moving on... I tell him.

And honestly, I don't know what he's trying to do, because I'm never going to change.

-Well, think about it. Maybe later you'll feel like it, and you'll bring someone along... or just go by yourself, he says.

Pfff, yeah right. Maybe in a hundred or two hundred years, or when it starts raining upwards, like his mother says. Hahaha! Sometimes it feels like he doesn't even know me.

-No, better yet, why don't you postpone your trip and we go party in Vegas with a couple of girls I know - they're really hot... I tell him.

Because what he really needs is a couple of gorgeous women to take him, please him, and make him forget about those absurd ideas of marriage.

-Hahaha, Brat, you'll never change, will you... he says.

Why should I change? This is the life I love. Who in their right mind would get bored of having fun with whoever they want, whenever they want? Anyone who does must be insane. The one who needs to change his way of thinking is him, not me. He's the one in a relationship, not me. -Nooo, you know I won't. And it pisses me off that you try to change me... you know I like my life the way it is, doing whatever I feel like with whoever I want. I don't see the problem. You used to be just like me, so why now are you filling my head with cheap words? ... I tell him, irritated.

Because now he thinks he's perfect, just because he's in love. But before, we lived a life without limits.

-Yes, my friend, I used to. But not anymore. I've changed. I'm sorry to say this, but I'm deeply, truly in love, and I believe this is the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. These aren't cheap words - it's reality. We're no longer kids. It's time to grow up and settle down... he says.

Settle down? What's that supposed to mean? My friend says things I don't understand. Of course, his mother is Latina, so she has a bunch of sayings I don't get. And about us "not being kids anymore," I don't know what he's talking about. It's not like we're seventy. Besides, I'll never get married. So I answer him:

-What the hell are you talking about? I'm only twenty-eight years old. I'm not old for you to talk that way. I'm in the prime of my life - and so are you... I reply, using one of his mother's sayings.

He laughs. I don't. I don't find it funny. In fact, it disgusts me. I'm not old. He's crazy if he thinks I'm going to listen to that nonsense.

-My friend, but you've been living that same life for so long, don't you get bored? ... he asks.

Bored? I laugh. He's insane. Why would I get bored? Who gets tired of having fun with whoever they want? I ask him.

-No. And don't you get bored of always sleeping with the same woman? ... I ask.

Because honestly, I couldn't imagine myself always with the same one. What a drag.

-No. When you're in love like I am, that doesn't happen. And someday the right woman will come along and change your mind. Don't you think it's time to settle down? ... he says.

I don't really know what that word means, but I guess he's talking about changing. Even so, that's not going to happen. I'm not going to fall in love. Ha! I laugh. Never. I'm not the marrying type. Same old story, like my father used to say. Boring. Can't they talk about something else? So I answer, fed up with the subject:

-Never. I'm not crazy like you... I tell him.

And he laughs at what I say, but I don't find it funny at all.

-Yes, I'm crazy, I won't deny it. But crazy about her. And I want you to meet her. I've been with her for three years now, and you still refuse to meet her... he says.

Again with the same thing. What a drag. Why should I? I'm not interested. In fact, it makes me angry that he lets himself get distracted by that nonsense.

That woman has put ideas in his head, when we should be out enjoying ourselves with fun, uncomplicated girls. What a drag. Why did she have to show up with her absurd ideas of love and all that nonsense? I frown in annoyance.

-My friend, why would I want to meet her? You're the one who should care, not me. I'll meet her in due time - like on the day you get married, for example... if you ever do... I tell him.

Though to be honest, I hope he never gets married. Why bother? If it's about sex, they already do it. Why complicate life with such nonsense? To me, it makes no sense.

-I will. That I can assure you. Well, then I won't insist anymore... for now, he says.

Ohhh, good. I laugh to myself. Finally.

Dear readers, don't forget to vote and leave your comments - it motivates me to keep writing for you, with much affection, Francia. I hope you've enjoyed this chapter of Brat.

Don't miss the next chapters - they're going to be on fire!

Brat

So I decide to talk to him about the outing I've been wanting for days.

-We're going to a bar tonight... I ask him.

He stays silent for a while, thinking, to the point where I almost believe he'll say no, but finally he answers:

-Fine, but I'll be late, like I told you. I have work to catch up on... he says.

The word catch up makes me frown, but that's on him. I'm no slave like he is.

-Fine then, see you tonight at my apartment. I'll call some girls.

He gets worked up, which makes me laugh.

-Hey, Brat, nooo! We're going as friends, I'm bringing Jon, okay?... he tells me.

I laugh at his response because I already knew he'd say that. I only wanted to tease him - Miguel is so predictable.

-Ahhh, you've become boring... fine, just us then. See you tonight.

-Okay... he answers.

-So it's settled then... I tell him.

And I hang up. I check my watch - it's past six already. I leave the office, tired of so much work. As I head out through reception, the receptionist stares at me flirtatiously. I laugh; the idea crosses my mind, but I dismiss it immediately. I wouldn't be able to get rid of her afterward.

I know it's not easy for anyone to ignore someone like me. Not to sound arrogant, but let's face it - I'm a man who draws women's attention at first glance. Handsome, athletic, 1.90 tall, and wealthy - every woman desires me.

I can say I have the luxury of choosing any woman I want. Women have never been scarce for me. I can take anyone I want to bed - I don't even have to go looking, because they always come to me. Still, I'm selective. I like women without drama, women I can easily brush off, because honestly, I have too many options to complicate my life.

I don't sleep with just anyone, because I hate complaints afterward and all the drama - that's not for me. I'd rather pay girls to enjoy myself, and when it's over, they leave. Though sometimes there are bold ones who want to have fun with me, and I'll admit it happens often.

I live this way by choice, not because I can't hold a relationship - but because I don't want to. In bed, I perform well; I'm insatiable, and I like rough encounters. Nature blessed me generously, and my size is something women would kill for. Of course, they always want to repeat, but for me that's not an option. I prefer it this way - one night only, nothing more.

My life is reduced to work and pleasure, nothing else, because nothing else matters to me. Even though my father nags me day and night about giving him an heir, I couldn't care less.

I'd have to be insane to share my life with someone. I'm happy this way - no explanations, just having fun with whoever I want and letting go when I please. That's how I want to live my life.

My phone rings. I look at the screen, surprised - it's a number I don't know. Who the hell is calling me, and why? Suspiciously, I answer, thinking it could be a new investor no one has told me about.

-Hello... I answer.

I wait for the voice on the other end.

-Hi, darling, how are you?... a woman answers.

Darling? I frown. I don't have a "darling." Who the hell is this? Why is she calling me?

-Sorry, do I know you?... I ask.

I'm stunned. Maybe it's a mistake, because as far as I know, no woman has access to my number, and least of all someone calling me with such words that mean nothing to me.

-Oh, don't tell me you forgot about me... she says, reproachful.

What the hell? She's crazy. I don't know her. Who does she think she is, calling me "love"? And who gave her my number? Hopefully not Iván, because if he did, we'll have a problem. I frown even more.

-No, I don't know you, and in fact, I never give my number to strangers... I tell her.

She laughs on the other end and replies:

-Well, darling, actually I got it from your friend Iván... she says.

What?! I knew it. That idiot is going to hear it from me. I made it crystal clear he was never to give my number to anyone. Now I'm furious - so angry I can barely speak. And she keeps talking.

-Don't you remember? We went out two weeks ago with your friend Iván... she says.

Ah, the threesome. Why would I remember her? She meant nothing to me. It was just fun, nothing more. I don't know why some people can't grasp that.

-Ohhh, right, the threesome... I say.

What could she possibly want? This is exactly why I never give out my number. I don't need anyone bothering me, wasting my time with nonsense. Iván's going to hear it from me.

-Yesss... she answers, thrilled.

Too bad she is, because I'm not interested. I didn't even remember her.

-What was your name again?... I ask.

She answers, excited:

-Carla.

-Look, Carla, we had a good time the other night, but the truth is, I don't do repeats. I think Iván already told you. And before you feel offended or anything, I believe we made it clear that night. So let's skip the unpleasant sermons and leave it at that, okay?... I tell her.

-Darling, I'm not asking you to marry me. I just want to repeat what we did that night, nothing more, no commitments... she says.

Darling again. The word disgusts me. I'm not her darling, nor do I want to be. Who does she think she is?

Still... I think about it. Truth is, I am in the mood, and that night wasn't bad. Besides, I don't have time today to look for someone new.

-No commitments, really?... I ask.

Because I don't want things getting messy later, with scandals and drama I can't stand.

-Of course... she answers.

Well, if that's the case, fine. I just hope I don't regret it.

-Alright then, if so, I'll see you today at six-thirty at my apartment... I tell her.

-Okay... she replies.

-I'll send you the address. And let me be clear - I can't stay long, I have plans with some friends... I tell her.

I like to make things clear from the start, so no one can pretend to be offended when I send them off. I may be a son of a bitch, but I don't deceive anyone. Whoever comes to me knows exactly what to expect.

-With Iván?... she asks.

This is already a bad idea. I hate being questioned. I don't give explanations even to my father, much less to a stranger.

-Nooo. And it's none of your business, understood?... I snap.

That irritates me. She quickly tries to calm me down.

-Okay, don't get mad, darling. Send me the address... she says.

-Fine, I'll send it... I reply curtly.

Don't get mad? Who does she think she is? I hang up, frowning.

Dear readers, don't forget to vote and leave your comments - it motivates me to keep writing for you, with much affection, Francia. I hope you've enjoyed this chapter of Brat.

Don't miss the upcoming chapters - they're going to be on fire!