Faux Vows, True Desires

Stefan glanced up from the pile of documents he had been pretending to read and caught Owen's gaze fixed intently upon him. With a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, he teased, "What's with the stare, Owen? Jealous that I've got the edge in looks and luck?"

He gave a narcissistic chuckle and added, "Always thought I had the upper hand

- in looks, in success, and definitely in good fortune."

Owen winced internally. It hurt because Stefan was right.

Wasn't Stefan always the one with the better luck, the charmed life?

Envy clouded Owen's eyes as he looked at Stefan.

Stefan raised an eyebrow. "Out with it. What brings you to my office? You're back from your business trip, and you come straight to me instead of running to Cecilia? I'm flattered."

Swallowing his jealousy - years of it, enough to turn grapes into the sourest wine - Owen said, "I need to talk to you, Stefan."

"Shoot," Stefan replied, his tone surprisingly mellow.

Owen stood up, poured himself a glass of lukewarm water, and downed it in one

go, as if hydrating could somehow bolster his courage.

Stefan watched patiently, waiting for him to spill the beans.

Owen then walked to the office door, peeked out to make sure the coast was clear, and when Iris, the assistant, approached with a polite, "Mr. Martinez, do you need any help?" he quickly shooed her away.

"I need to discuss some big-time stuff with the boss man here," he told her. "Keep everyone out, even if it's the president himself."

Iris smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Mr. Martinez. Your conversation with our boss won't be disturbed."

door, sat down across from Stefan, and asked, "Your office

as a church on Sunday. Now, spill it.

what could make Owen blush like a

you all tied up in knots?"

"I

Owen, impotent?

up, leaned over the desk, and peered down as if he could just look and

Owen clamped his

do you think you're doing?"

offer sympathy. Eventually, he opted for the latter, saying, "I'll ask around, see which doc's the best for this sort of

to help himself, Stefan asked, "How did you even find

the topic, especially coming from his lifelong rival. He once claimed Stefan had the same problem to undermine him in front of

Owen confessed the

reminded of his own awkward first night

"You've been pining after Ruby for years, and

and whispered some advice into Owen's ear. His

with a smirk. "And about Cecilia, weren't you always

business,"

scoffed, "As if I'm dying to meddle. You've been here what, twenty-six minutes? Let's say a hundred grand a minute, that's two and a half million

account number on a piece of paper and

jaw clenched. "Your consulting fees

old you, I'd charge more. You're lucky I'm friends with Cecilia. Oh, and do you need me to keep this

course. This stays between you, me, and the heavens. If a third

million a year for a lifetime of

was incredulous. "Stefan, you might as

remember? You've been gunning for me since we were kids. Why would I do you any favors?