Chapter 26

 The Lies Between Us

26 - Spotlight

"Man, I never thought it would turn out like this but if I did, I should've held a live stream." Jimmy huffed looking at his two roommates seated at least three feet apart from each other with ice packs on their faces.

A while after the infamous fight, the seven of them went straight to Tait's penthouse. Saint and Jacey didn't need to but they invited themselves along.

"Oh don't worry about that, TMZ has covered the whole fiasco. All you need to do is connect to the internet." Jacey snickered.

"This isn't funny guys." Nash rebutted sternly. His black phone was turned off because dozens of media outlets were thirsty for headlines.

"What were you two thinking acting like kids in a club?" Nash continued.

"I say, we blame it on the alcohol if we're not going to blame Kingston. But come to think of it this wouldn't even happen if jigglypuff here hadn't send the invites." Saint blabbered talking about Jim.

"Jigglypuff? Jim repeated.

"Yup, he's talking about you." Jacey confirmed not scared to offend Jim.

Before another argument escalates, Nash interrupted. "You two better go home because you ain't helpin."

"Shutting up now." Jacey cleared his throat in submission.

Nash found the situation so difficult that he threw his other purple phone on Tait's lap to do his job for him. It wasn't very professional but he wasn't trying to since he's acting like a big brother now than a manager.

He saw Tait's face frown clueless. "Call Lis."

"Eh?"

Nash tilted his head then faced Hayes. "Do you want to call-"

"Forget it, I'll call her myself." Tait placed his ice pack on the center table and made a call.

After a few rings, Lis finally answered. He bit his lip when he noticed her voice sounded groggy.

"Hey um...so our boyfriend and girlfriend thing..."

"Yeah? What about it?"

Nash gestured his hand like he wants Tait to do this honestly and directly.

"The media will publicized that this week right?"

"I know. You called at this hour just to tell me that?"

"Well..." Tait eyed Hayes and let out a breath. "There's another one coming and before you freak out let me just say that it's not your fault. We didn't fight because it's not about you."

"Fight? What? Did you beat up someone, Tait Kingston?"

"I'm fine. Me and Hayes just had a small misunderstanding."

"Oh my god, tell me you did not throw hands with Hayes."

"I'm sorry. He's sorry too, do you want to talk to him?" Tait gives the phone to Hayes but the latter shoved his hand away not wanting to share the embarrassment.

"Do you know what this could do to the promotion, Tait?" Lisie exclaimed in the phone sounding fully awake now.

"Let's just talk in the morning. I shouldn't have called." Tait scratches the back of his neck feeling guilty.

"Oh, boo you! You and Hayes could go to hell!"

Then the busy tone rang in his ear.

"Let me guess..." Jacey hummed, a glass of cola was in his hand. "She bitched out about it didn't she?"

Tait ignored him and gave the phone back to Nash. The guy was giving him the deadly glare and he knows whatever that's coming next is a strict order.

"Hug it out or no one's sleeping tonight."

Tait rolled his eyes then ignore Saint and Yul who was recording the situation with their smartphones.

"I'm sorry I called you fuck-face." Tait whispered looking at the ground.

Hayes stood up and reached for his hand. "I'm sorry I punched you for calling me fuck-face."

"I loved you first, man."

"Oh, come here."

In the background, Jacey can be heard groaning in pain for he couldn't take what's happening in front of him.

After fixing things with Hayes, Tait was faced with two problems. First, Lisie has gone back to ignoring him and the second one was more of a dilemma. It was easier to handle the second but the thing with Lisie requires more attention.

That was why when he came to London he's let Soo and Saint know how serious he is about Lisie that it's not just about their superficial relationship that matters to him. Because it's more than that.

"I'm sure you're not stupid but I'll assume you're a pro at this already so, I'm not going to say anything."

Tait smirked at Jacey's concern. He couldn't care less about whether or not the stallion was young. What's important to him was that it's a beautiful white stallion that reminded him of Vaia's favorite horse.

"Thanks Jace."

"Whatever."

"I'm really grateful you're a stupid ass that you dropped Lis like that for the best friend. Nice move, bro."

Jace made a face. "Uh, fyi, I did not drop her like it was real easy. She was dear to me, asshole. And even if I only love her as a friend I still don't think you're a good match for her."

"Yeah? Like you're good enough for your girlfriend? Nah, didn't think so." Tait snapped back.

"I hope you fall down your horse, double over and roll later."

"Impossible," Tait chuckled.

And fell, he did.

Back in the present, Tait explained to Lisie that his fall wasn't really critical. He knew exactly what to do in case his stallion go ballistic, and that includes landing safely. However, it was a few months ago since he last rode a horse so his fall came as a shock to him as well.

It wasn't that difficult making Lisie understand. Tait was grateful that she's starting to listen to him. He was convinced that after what happened in the field ten minutes ago, something changed.

He was holding hands with Lisie going up to his hotel room suite. They've talked about the party that's happening tonight at Mahiki which Lisie was anxious to attend.

"Am I required to give you present?"

Tait only chuckled when Lisie looked at him innocently.

"It's not your birthday but your fans are celebrating." She spoke more to herself. "What would you want for a gift?"

Tait bit his lip when the question seemed sexy coming from her. "Want me to answer that seriously?"

"Of course." By this time, they've already reached his door.

Tait asked Lisie's help to prepare his outfit for tonight but he'd be a liar if he won't admit that he's not expecting things to get heated thinking that they're going to be alone in his room.

"I only want you, dearest Lily." He whispered seductively burying his face to her neck.

"Tait!" She giggled but was cut off when Tait's lips found hers.

But their moment of bliss was cut short when someone cleared his throat.

Lisie gasped pulling away from him but he held her waist closely. Her eyes widened in disbelief when a two familiar faces stood up from the velvet couch. A legendary actor who's now famous as one of the world's most successful and rich businessman is Tait's father. The younger one who cleared his throat remained seated displaying a smug on his face very much similar to Tait's.

"Dad?" Tait calmed himself while holding on to Lis who was bewildered watching the older man as he pours a scotch on a cold glass.

Tait looked around and realized it wasn't only his dad but also his younger brother and some bodyguards in the room were present as well.

"How in Satan's world did you guys get in here?"

"London is my turf." Tait's brother answered.

"Aren't you supposed to be in school?"

"Aren't you supposed to be single?" His brother raised a brow.

Tait saw his father smirk. "Are you supposed to be introducing us?"

Tait looked at Lisie who's face was now red as a tomato.

Long silence filled the room as Tait seemed to be loss for words. Yes they were boyfriend and girlfriend on screen but they haven't really talked about what's their real status is so it boggled his head.

"Forgive us, Ms. Moore, I didn't know we'll catch you and my son in...a bad time. I didn't think he'd take his co-stars in his room at least that's what he keeps telling us before."

"Dad, Lily's special. Our status is a bit complicated because we haven't talked about it yet but we could've hadn't you interfered and trespassed in my room!" Tait convinced his family much to their amusement. His father mostly entertained, scanning Tait's muse from head to toe.

"Ah, all those fooling around had made your brother tired of the game." Mr. Kingston teased, "I just hope she won't be like the last one though."

Tait couldn't believe his family talked about his past like Lisie wasn't there. "Dad, what the f-"

"We don't know Dad, maybe she's playing too." Nicky shrugged.

"Yannick Kingston shut your mouth or else!"

"Tait...maybe I should go-"

"No, wait." Tait sighed getting more annoyed when he hears his naughty brother chuckling at his struggle. "Dad, Nicky, this is Lisette Moore my future girlfriend. Lily, the Kingston men. Now can you all go?"

"Oh but we want to hear what Lisie would think about you quitting Princetown." His brother said casually blurting a secret.

"You're quitting?" Lisie exclaimed trying to process what she just heard.

"Oops, she didn't know."

Tait felt his head was going to explode when his brother activated his evil mode again.

"We'll talk about that later." Tait said biting his lip. He's got family stuff unsettled and he thought it was best kept in the down low until he's figured it out but then, if he's going to date Lisie, then it might be best to let her know of his plans. "Um, can someone please take my girlfriend to her suite." Tait eyed someone but his grip on Lisie's hand was getting tighter.

"You better give me a good reason for this, Kingston."

Tait can only nod. "I promise. I'll pick you up at 8."

When Lis has gone, Tait faced his family with a stern face. The friendly aura disappeared now that their guest had exited. "Now, where were we?"

His father was the first one to make a move. Thomas Kingston went farther to the huge windows viewing the busy streets of London. "Son, I've been thinking about your proposal..."

Tait sighed plopping himself on the couch across his brother.

"I can understand now why you couldn't just leave the franchise. If you're making such a big fuss about leading the company because of a woman then maybe you should rethink your decision."

Tait shook his head, "Dad, I don't think I'm fit to be a businessman, Jane...and Nicky-"

"Is still a minor." His father intercepted. His brother, however, exploded.

"For Chrissakes bro, stop passing me and Jane all the responsibilities you should be doing just because you're scared!"

"What the hell do you know!? Just 'cause you earned millions you think you can yell at me now, huh?" Tait stood up, his anger getting into him.

"Oh I know everything! I should right?" Nicky huffed. "Imagine growing up in your shadows. If only the whole world knows how much of a coward you are!"

"Yannick, enough." Their father scolded the youngest.

"No, Dad! It's about time he face this. I'm so tired of being on the receiving end of his failures. I should get out there, party and meet some girls!" Nicky ranted. "I'm 17 and what do I do in my free time? I'm training people about management shit! God, I hate you!"

A loud bang on the door erupted followed by the cold silence.

Tait could hear his father sigh as he considers his brother's situation.

"I'm sorry." He huffed.

"Tell that to him and I'll forget about your debt." His father proposed.

Tait smirked. "I was never your favorite, right. Everyone's wrong about that."

"You have everything you've ever wanted, son. Ever since you were young your mother and I did our best to provide you with all the things you've ever asked for."

Tait looked away, slowly realizing the blessings and how lucky he is to be able to do everything he wanted. But at the back of his mind, he knew what could make him happy the most.

"I know about the farm you're developing in New Zealand. I know of the stocks you acquired from production companies and the painting collection you've been storing in your penthouse." His father confessed. "I'm so proud of you, son." His father smiled warmly. "I used to think that maybe acting was really you're passion even though you hated the public life."

"It pained me to see you lose yourself just to stay in the spotlight. And I'm sorry to say this but if that costar of yours lead you to the same path as the one you went through before then I'll be the one pulling you out in this mad world you call your career."

Tait gritted his teeth furious about the threat of his father. But thinking about Lily hurting him just made him smile. Because the mere thought of her doing so felt impossible.

"Tell you what old man, if I do this right assuming I'll marry that girl in the long run, then I want you to leave me alone, and find someone to head the company other than Nicky."

"If you're so confident, then make up your mind and decide. Clock's ticking, Vincent. I'm serious about what I said and if I get impatient, I wouldn't even wait until that woman ends up dumping you."

The talk with his family exhausted Tait so much that he slept for four hours before finally waking up to someone kicking him off the couch.

Nash had woken him up pissed off that he was two hours late for his own party.

"Lisie's fine at least that's what she's been showing to everyone. She's alright, I think. But her mood still depends after she sees you." Nash said in the car while Tait tousled his hair effortlessly with a gel.

"Damn, I don't think she'll want to see me now." He bowed his head in defeat.

"Hey, focus." Nash snapped a finger on him. "This is a day for your fans. Set your personal matters aside just for this night, okay?"

Tait nodded unwillingly. He faced the view from the black tinted window and admired the lights from the city at night. He was thinking about his conversation with his dad and that maybe they were right about him. He knows for sure that his time under the spotlight was coming to an end. But even after knowing that, he's still afraid of facing the consequences of the unknown.

When they reached the venue, the club was packed and his fans greeted him warmly. He was being a sport when it comes to pictures and selfies but he couldn't bring himself to enjoy the party not when his eyes couldn't spot his muse.

A moment passed and he finally went to the VIP room where his celebrity guests were present. That one girl didn't do much but his eyes automatically attached to her like a magnet. The warm purple and red lights only complimented her look. She was sitting quietly on the bar staring at her phone. It was an ordinary sight but just everything about her seems too much for Tait.

And just like it was before, it happened again.

The slow-motion thing.

Tait smiled. He was making his way to her when a sloppy kiss met his mouth. He pushed the young and bratty child star off of him, not wanting to cause attention but it already caught Lis's.

"What are you doing?" He grimaced trying to keep his cool.

"Please T, I don't believe for a sec that you and that model are an item."

Tait smirked, squinting at the B-list actress. "Who are you again?"

The young blood's jaw dropped in embarrassment but she recovered fast. She laughed flirtatiously before hooking an arm around his neck. "I'll help you remember."

Tait made a huge effort just to pull away and in doing so, he saw from behind who was coming.

Lisie pulled the girl away from him and mercilessly slapped her drunken face.

Before they knew it, phones were out and bouncers were ready.

Tait took Lisie away from the crowd while the latter kept rubbing his lips with a hanky. Lisie was furious because she wanted to claw that bitch's face. She didn't know what came to her and the urge of physically hurting someone because it involved Tait was just too strong.

"You think he'll respect you! Wait til he breaks your heart and dump you just like the rest of us!" The Korean-American actress roared.

"He already did and yet he's still after me! Don't you dare touch my boyfriend with your disgusting hands again" Lisie fired back trying to get off Tait's long arms. "Let me go! Where are you taking me!"

"Enough Lisette, we're going home!" Tait barked but she continued to twist in his arms.

Lisie kept complaining until they reached the elevator where Tait ordered his bodyguards to back off.

"Your job here is done. I'll take it from here."

"B-but this is-"Lisie tried to argue.

"Shh." Tait hissed then faced the two massive men in front. "We'll go first."

Her notorious heart-breaker costar assisted her outside the club and down to the parking lot where his sleek black Bugatti was found.

Lisie was still feeling the anger but the idea that they're leaving his own party was starting to bother her.

"It was her fault, she was telling me information I didn't need before you arrive." Lisie tried to reason out but Tait kept walking.

"She told me how I was below the standards of your usual type, that she's sure you'll end up in bed with her before morning comes! I was looking up your past exes and I noticed I'm more beautiful than them but they surely have perfect bust to hips proportions!"

Tait's restrained and hard composure was enough for Lisie to shut up. She was rendered speechless even when he was opening the door for her to get in. Then she tried another topic.

"Hey, you still owe me an explanation about earlier with your dad!"

"Get in the car, Lisie."

"Now you're calling me Lisie!?"

Tait closed his eyes trying to be patient with her because he wanted so bad to shut her up in his own naughty ways. "Get in or I'll do it myself."

The anger and alcohol that occupied her system was slowly wearing off that she was now thinking rationally. "A-alright."

Tait took her to their ancestral house in Westminster and lead Lisie inside his room. He was feeling a surge of relief finding the place quiet and mostly empty. 

"W-why are we talking in here?" She asks wondering why of all the places in this mansion, he brought her in his room.

"I don't want anyone disturbing us." He said calmly getting a bottle of water in his wooden stylish mini fridge. His eyes were hawk-like never leaving his prey as Lisie makes herself comfortable sitting on his bed.

Setting the cold glass on his corner table, Tait paced a few feet away from her. The silence was getting heavy laced with undeniable tension between the two.

"So...you're quitting?" She broke the ice. Her brows sexily rising up much to Tait's liking.

"It didn't come without a price." He replied.

"So it's true then."

Tait wet his lips, his eyes trailing her mile long legs. "I'm still thinking about it."

"Tch." Lisie pouted. "Look, I'm a simple girl. I know what I want and what I like. And if you don't like me, just tell me."

Tait smirked, his feet wandering towards her.

"I get that I'm different from all the girls you've been with but I won't be like them when you leave a-and decide to drop me like a hot potato." She was panting in between because Tait kept getting closer and closer until he's beside her.

"Hmm?" His arms enveloped her small waist while his mouth stops on her favorite spot on her neck.

"Because if you leave, I w-won't bother you...hmm..."

Tait smirked when he heard her moan.

"-anymore. Y-you can have all the girls you like."

Tait chuckled sexily. "I never thought I'd like you being jealous."

"I'm not jealous!" Lisie retorted but it came out like a sigh.

"Good. You don't have any reason to be." He assures her while his hands have their way with her under her clothes. He watches her as his hand caresses her flat stomach while the other was on her neck traveling down to unbutton her blouse.

"I was stupid to hurt you like that." He kisses her with a promise. "Now I'm paying for all of my lies."

To Be Continued....

A/N

Nicky - Riki Nishimura

Will start an Enhypen fanfic soon~