Disclaimer: I do not own Gossip Girl or its Characters.

Chapter Eight

Sneaking home and doing the walk of shame was harder than Blair had originally thought. The car service was late, traffic was horrible, and the back entrance had been locked, making her have to find a security guard and embarrassingly explain she didn't have any id on her. Finally she opened their servant entrance only to find Dorota in the kitchen waiting for her.

"Finally! I have been calling!" Dorota yelled in frustration.

"Dorota I…" Blair started stammering.

"Don't even say lie or make up excuse. I know where you were." Dorota said throwing her hands up. "Prince Louie has been waiting for you for half hour. I being good house maid made up excuse."

"What? What does he want?" Blair glared. "He and I have nothing more to say to one another."

"He came alone and wants to talk to you in private." Dorota sighed shaking her head. "He says it's important."

"Fine. I guess I can spare a few minutes." Blair said rolling her eyes.

"I tell him you will be down in few minutes." Dorota smiled turning towards the kitchen door while Blair started up the back stairs.

"Dorota?" Blair yelled out suddenly making her lifetime maid spin around. "Serena isn't up yet is she?"

"She was up early this morning for work, but she will be back for lunch." Dorota frowned.

"Perfect." Blair sighed in relief.

Jenny was really starting to frustrate Dan. Every text message went unanswered and every call sent directly to her voice mail.

He knew she wasn't going to do anything drastic, but he didn't want her to ruin Blair's image before his mother really got to meet her. The person Jenny knew back in high school had now grown into this beautiful, sexy, intelligent woman, who made Dan feel alive and happy. He laughed to himself at the thought. Never did he think Blair Waldorf would have this effect on him, but here he was totally and completely in love with her. Everything about her.

Suddenly Dan's phone buzzed.

Jenny
We can talk at lunch. Meet us at Lily's at 1.

Dan sighed with relief. At least she had texted him back.

Dan
Sounds good. Please don't say a word to anyone until we talk.

The last text message from Dan made Jenny want to throw her phone. Didn't he see that Blair was just using him? She had to be. She was currently engaged to a Prince, and nothing against her brother, but she was finding it very hard to believe the Blair Waldorf she knew to leave a Prince for her brother. No that would be crazy.

Jenny
Fine.

She sent back. Dan deserved better than this, and she would do everything in her power to end Blair's manipulation. No one messed with her brother.

Descending the stairs and seeing Louie waiting for her made Blair more nervous that she cared to admit. In a way it was funny. There sat the man she was convinced she would spend the rest of her life with, but now all that had changed. Looking back from where she was now, she could see the denial she had been in, and was ashamed to even say that she had lost her way.

"Blair." Louie said standing from the couch. "You look beautiful." He smiled.

"What did you want to discuss?" She asked ignoring his compliment. The conversation needed to stay focused. She watched Louie shift uncomfortably.

"First, I wanted to apologize for my behavior last night. It was very unbecoming of me, and I do want you to know I am ashamed for it. I should not have resulted to violence."

"I appreciate that. Thank you Louie." Blair sighed with a small smile.

"With that being said, it was my wish that you would have dinner with me this evening."

"What?" Blair frowned confused.

"I want to have dinner…"

"No I know what you said, I just don't know why…"

"I want us to be able to start fresh. I know I have made mistakes, but Blair, I love you."

"Louie…" Blair sighed shaking her head, "…I don't want to start fresh—I wouldn't be able to."

"Is this because of Dan?"

Blair noticed a shift in Louie's tone and watched as his posture became more rigid.

"Partly, but not all." She admitted.

"So you were having an affair with him?" Louie asked taking a dangerous step forward making her nervous.

"We were in completely different countries Louie! When would we have had an affair? You were going on business trips and sleeping with Anna then coming home to me!" She couldn't help but yell. Even though she had moved on it still hurt. She hated being lied too, especially by those she cared about.

"But you had feelings for him?" Louie pushed dangerously. "Didn't you?"

Blair could feel her cheeks flushing with anger.

"What is this really about Louie?" Blair asked.

"Did you have feelings for Dan during our courtship and engagement?"

"Not at first." She said surprising herself. "He was my friend—my best friend really, but when I read his book I knew that my feelings were more."

"I knew it." Louie said more to himself than to Blair. "I knew you had feelings for him."

"Feelings I couldn't even admit to myself until recently Louie! Don't even start to think you can compare your situation to mine."

"But that's just it. I might have been having a physical affair, but you were having an emotional one, and in my eyes that is just as dangerous, if not more."

Blair couldn't help but laugh lightly.

"Louie." She started with a sigh. "You came to New York to look for me right after Anna had rejected your proposal of marriage. If you want to talk emotional affair, you were already in one when you came to court me."

Louie looked at her in confusion.

"I wasn't…" He started.

"So by your explanation and definition of affairs, you were already having one when you started dating me."

She could tell she had him. The anger and frustration was apparent on his face.

"The one thing I know, the one thing that keeps me here in New York, is the fact that I love you. Yes my actions might have been fueled by complicated circumstances, but I did fall in love with you."

His tone was soft and pleading, tugging at her heart a little.

"I thought I loved you too." She answered honestly. "But, apparently it wasn't enough."

"I believe it is enough." He said surprising her. "If you had those feelings for me then you could…"

"Louie." She said cutting him off. "It's over. I'm done."

His pain filled eyes met hers.

"I need you to try." Louie said firmly. "So you will go to dinner with me tonight. The press…"

"I will not, and I do not care about the press anymore. Our engagement is off."

"Not officially."

Blair glared at him.

"You are going to make it official."

"So you can date Dan?" Louie snided.

"This conversation is over." Blair said turning to leave.

"We are still engaged!" Louie yelled, making Blair turn back around. "We will get married and you will love me someday. It might not be now but you will learn."

Blair took a deep breath to calm her nerves and anger.

"We are not engaged. I will not marry you, and I could never learn to love a controlling, cheating, angry man who allows his pride and fear to cloud his judgment. I won't let you use me any longer."

"Use you? Blair I love you."

"Stop saying that! Stop lying to me!" She couldn't help but yell. "You might have cared about me, but the reason you came to New York was to punish Anna, to make her jealous-"

"That is not true!" Louie yelled back.

"We both know it is! You are still so angry and hurt—I can see it!" Blair yelled. "That combined with your raging pride results in your blind denial."

"You are the one in denial Blair! If you think your life will be any better with this Dan Humphrey!"

"Blair? Is everything alright?"

Louie and Blair turned to see Serena getting off the elevator, worry on her face as she took in the scene in front of her.

"Yes." Blair said calmly. "Louie was just leaving."

Louie grabbed his jacket and brushed past Serena entering the elevator she had just come out of. Blair grabbed onto the stair railing and sat down on the steps emotionally drained.

"B are you okay? I could hear you two 5 floors down." Serena said sitting next to her best friend.

"No, I'm not." Blair sighed heavily. "Louie was horrible."

"So calling off the engagement…?"

"…Is going to be harder than I thought." Blair frowned.

On his way up to Lily and his dad's penthouse, Dan still wasn't sure what he was going to say to Jenny. He had been practicing all day and had only come up with cheesy lines and sarcastic remarks, none of which were gentle enough to coast his sister into the reality of his current relationship with Blair.

The real truth? Dan wasn't sure when he fell in love with Blair; sure he had realized his denial of his feelings towards her after their awkward kiss last year, but there hadn't been a time, a place, or even a significant event. No, the truth was that they had slowly fallen for one another over time, and to be honest he loved that. It was as if every path in his life had taken him right to her.

The elevator doors opened and with a deep breath Dan bravely walked into the living room where his Dad and Lily were seated.

"Dan." Lily smiled putting her paper down. "I glad you came."

"Hey son." Rufus grinned standing taking Dan into his arms.

"Hey." Dan smiled hugging him back.

"Thanks for coming." Rufus sighed. "I feel a little nervous."

"You and me both, but mom seemed to be just as nervous when I saw her this morning." Dan laughed.

"Well I have been looking forward to this all day." Lily beamed. "I have missed Jenny. How did she look Dan?"

"Good." Dan nodded. "She seems happier."

"That's nice to hear." Rufus sighed. "It was a hard decision sending her to Hudson."

The elevator doors gave out a ding announcing more company, and Lily being the professional hostess she was, quickly made her way over to the foyer.

"Alison! Jenny!" Lily welcomed. "I'm so glad you could come!"

"Here let me take your jackets." Rufus smiled.

"Hi Lily." Jenny smiled hugging her. Dan could tell she felt a little awkward, but not as out of place as his mother. Her eyes were wide as she took in the entire penthouse.

"This is a beautiful place Lily." Alison smiled politely handing her jacket to Rufus. "Thank you for having us over."

"Thank you for coming! Lunch is almost ready, but in the meantime can I offer you any coffee, tea..."

"Tea would be wonderful." Alison said politely following Lily to the living room.

"I'm glad you decided to visit." Rufus smiled pulling Jenny into his arms. "I've missed you so much."

Dan watched his sisters smile turn into a grin as she returned her father's hug.

"I've missed you too." She admitted.

"How was NYU?" Rufus asked.

"I really liked it." Jenny sighed. "But I don't know. Being back in the city is a little scary."

"You would be fine." Rufus smiled. "Besides, I've missed having you around."

"What about you Dan? Have you missed me?" Jenny teased.

"Of course." He smiled.

"Well, I'm gonna hang up these jackets. I'll be back." Rufus sighed excusing himself.

Dan waited until his dad was far enough away, and then turned to his sister. She was already giving him an accusing glare.

"What?" He whispered.

"You know what!" She whispered back. "Blair Waldorf? Are you serious Dan?"

"Yes Jenny I am." He sighed.

"How did this even happen? And isn't she engaged? To a Prince?"

"Jenny…" Dan started but stopped when his sisters eyes widened, glancing behind him. He turned around to see Serena and Blair walking off the elevator. He never thought it was possible to be so happy yet so afraid to see someone.

She looked beautiful of course dressed in a pink sweater, black flowy skirt, and black pumps. He couldn't help himself as he looked her up and down, familiar lust stirring. Her expression was one a shock and slight panic as she took in the sight of Dan and Jenny.

"Serena! Blair!" Lily gushed seeing them. "What a lovely surprise! Blair I didn't know you came back with Serena!"

"Yes." Blair smiled politely.

"Jenny?" Serena beamed upon seeing her step sister. She rushed over and hugged her tightly. "How have you been? I didn't know you were going to be here!"

"Hi Serena." Jenny smiled hugging her back. Dan stole a glance at Blair, who was slowly following behind Serena.

"Are you just back for the day?" Serena asked.

"Yeah. Mom and I were looking at NYU."

"That's so fun! Did you like it?"

"Yeah, but I don't know I still have a couple to consider." Jenny shrugged.

"Well lunch is just about ready everyone." Lily announced. "Serena. Blair. You should stay. Catch up."

"Is that okay B? We can go shopping after?"

"Umm…" Blair hesitated, meeting Jenny's knowing glance. "…Sure. That's fine."

"You have to tell me all about Hudson!" Serena smiled turning towards the table with Jenny. Dan took his opportunity and walked over to Blair.

"We were supposed to be going shopping and S needed to stop for another purse. I didn't know how to tell her I couldn't." She whispered.

"It's okay." He smiled.

"And Jenny?"

"Still haven't had the chance to explain things, but I will."

"You don't think she will say anything?"

"I don't think." He frowned.

"I don't know Dan…"

"Can I tell you how hard it is for me not to kiss you right now?" Dan whispered longingly.

"Don't talk like that right now." Blair smiled nervously. She could feel the heat flushing her cheeks.

"Why not?" Dan grinned playfully.

"Because I don't trust myself to have self control." She teased bitting her bottom lip.

"Dan? Blair?" Lily called.

"I'll be right back…" Blair smiled politely making a quick dash for Serena's room. "Just have to hang my jacket up."

"Serena!" Dan smiled politely. "Can I take your jacket?"

Serena gave Dan a knowing glare but handed her jacket over anyway.

"Don't be too long." She whispered.

Dan winked at her then quickly took off after Blair, his sister watching suspiciously.

Blair entered Serena's bedroom, followed shortly by Dan.

"Dan…we can't…" She started in attempt to protest but Dan was on a mission.

Shutting Serena's door, he took two steps towards Blair and crushed his lips against hers hungrily. She couldn't help but return the kiss with equal desperation, as he spun her around pinning her to the wall. She knew it was wrong, with Dan's family and her best friend waiting for them, but all she cared about now was the feeling of Dan's arousal against her thigh, and the feeling of his leg between her thighs applying that wonderful pressure to her warm core.

"I want you…" She whispered longingly as he sucked and bit at her neck, "Dan…" She moaned.

She felt him shiver at his name left her lips, lifting her so she could wrap her legs around his waist pushing his erection against her warm core. She cried out but was quickly silenced by his lips over hers again.

"Shhh." He said against her lips. "We have to be quiet."

"I can't be quiet when…Ohhhh…when you're doing that…" She answered breathlessly pulling him closer, her nails sinking down his back.

"Doing what?" He teased circling his hips against hers. She glared but couldn't help throwing her head back in a breathless moan. He smiled pleased with himself.

Suddenly they heard Serena and Alison laughing, bringing them back to reality.

"Dan…" Blair stared.

"I know…" Dan sighed lowering her back to the ground.

"Later." Blair promised giving him a quick kiss.

Awkwardly they made their way over to the table and sat next to each other. Serena next to Blair and Jenny next to Dan….

As the food was served, drinks poured, and conversation started, Blair felt herself slowly relaxing and actually enjoying herself. Alison spoke of her new art store in Hudson and then of her and Jenny's visit to NYU, while Lily shifted the conversation to Columbia asking Serena and Blair for their opinions.

Blair found Dan's mother to be sweet and kind. Nothing like what she remembered years ago. But that had been a difficult time for everyone back then. Divorce always was difficult. Blair felt her memory drifting back to that Thanksgiving she ended up in the Humphrey loft with Serena. She laughed to herself. Everything had changed so much and for the better. Now Rufus, Lily, and Alison were all able to be civil to one another. She couldn't wait for that day for her and Dan.

"So Dan, when am I going to meet that mystery girl?" Alison smiled from across the table. Dan coughed loudly, spitting up most of his iced tea.

"What mystery girl?" Rufus asked with a grin.

"Oh, well Jenny and I popped in on him this morning and he had a girl in his room." Alison teased.

"Really?" Rufus laughed.

Blair could feel Serena's stares but kept looking forward. She felt Dan grasp her hand under the table and squeeze it gently. It was a kind gesture but not enough to calm her nerves.

"It's actually really funny dad." Jenny spoke up ignoring Dan's glares. "I walk in to find a beautiful green jacket and a purse lying on the ground in front of door and then Dan tries to tell me she is gone."

The entire table erupted in laughter—except for Blair and Dan.

"I guess I forgot about the jacket and purse." Dan joked nervously.

"I honestly didn't even notice them on the ground until Jenny and I were leaving." Alison laughed.

"That's right you didn't!" Jenny laughed.

"Do we know her Daniel?" Lily asked.

"Good luck Lily." Alison teased. "He wouldn't even tell me, but there were initials in her coat…"

"Mom don't…" Dan started.

"…B.W. I believe." She finished.

"B.W…." Lily said thinking out loud. "Well of course there is the most obvious choice sitting here with us. Blair Waldorf." She laughed.

Blair stole a glance at Serena who was frowning at her.

"Yes…hilarious…" Blair smiled politely.

"That's what I thought too Lily!" Jenny laughed. "And she has a green jacket too."

Dan turned to his sister.

"Jenny. Stop. I know what you're doing." He growled.

"Serena are you ready to go?" Blair asked anxiously.

"Sure." Serena answered standing. "It was nice to catch up"

"Wait I'm lost. Who are you all talking about?" Alison asked her daughter.

"Jenny is implying that Blair Waldorf was the girl at Dan's this morning. Which is completely inappropriate since she is engaged." Rufus answered glaring at his daughter.

"Do you see a ring on her finger?" Jenny asked surprising the entire table as well as Blair.

All the air left her lungs as she looked down at her naked hand. She had forgotten to put the ring back on. She looked up at Serena who shrugged at her.

"Oh shush Jenny. She is probably getting it cleaned." Lily whispered across the table.

Blair turned and looked at Dan. He wasn't looking at her but at her hand, wearing a smug grin. She couldn't help but laugh. Suddenly she didn't care anymore about announcements and official statements.

"Actually I'm not getting it cleaned…" Blair started softy. "…I'm not engaged anymore."

"Oh Blair I'm so sorry dear." Lily frowned.

"I'm not." Blair laughed surprising the table.

The entire room went into an awkward silence—all except for Dan.

"Blair?" He whispered. "Are you sure…?"

"Yes. I don't care anymore." She smiled confidently wrapping her hands in his.

"Oh my…" Lily inquired observing Blair's gesture towards Dan.

"Mom…" Serena warned.

"Oh my god…" Rufus whispered under his breath.

"So did you call off your engagement before or after sleeping with my brother?" Jenny glared.

"Jenny!" Alison and Rufus scolded in unison.

"What? I just find it hard to believe that Blair Waldorf would leave a Prince for Dan Humphrey of Brooklyn." She argued.

"I know this is going to be hard for you to understand Jenny, but your brother and I…we…"

"Blair…you don't have to explain anything…"Dan soothed.

"Does this have to do with Dan's book?" Alison spoke up from across the table.

Blair looked up surprised by the question, but greatful for it.

"Actually yes. A lot to do with it."

"She is Claire in the book right?" Alison asked Dan.

"Yes." Dan smiled. Alison nodded then smiled at Blair, much to her surprise.

"Well we all knew that Alison. It was quite obvious, but that doesn't explain how…" Lily smiled politely pointing to Blair and Dan.

"It was the last thing I expected as well." Blair sighed, but couldn't help but smile at Dan beside her. "It happened slowly over time..."

"From scheming, to coffee, to movies, to secretly hanging out…" Dan added with a smile.

"Dan went from annoying to intriguing…" Blair grinned.

"Oh god please stop…" Jenny moaned next to Dan.

"My son is in love with you, and has been for some time." Alison said suddenly surprising them all.

Blair couldn't help the huge smile that lit her face as she looked at Dan, taking his hand in hers, desperate for some kind of connection. If his family wasn't there she would have thanked him properly.

"Mom what are you talking about?" Jenny glared.

"Dan asked me to proof read a couple pages years ago—before your father and I…" Alison sighed awkwardly glancing at Lily, "…anyway when I read them I got him to confess that the leading lady had captured his attention." She laughed lightly.

"So this wasn't something that just started?" Rufus asked turning to Dan.

"No." Dan answered with a smile.

"And you feel the same way about Dan, Blair?" Lily asked.

"Yes." She smiled softly.

"But you were just engaged?" Rufus asked. "Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for you two, but I'm just confused by the series of events."

"I second that." Lily frowned. "I mean we knew Dan was in love with you Blair, but I didn't think you returned the feelings."

"I was in denial about my feelings for a long time pushing them off as friendship, but…" Blair hesitated looking at Dan, "…when Dan's book came out, you could say that the flood gates opened, and suddenly a life without him seemed…like no life at all."

"How wonderful." Alison said beaming at the two of them.

"And how do you feel about this Serena?" Lily asked turning to her quiet daughter.

"I'm happy for them." Serena smiled weakly. Lily gave her daughter a questioning look but let it drop.

"I'm sorry if I'm the only one who doesn't believe this bull shit." Jenny spouted getting up from the table.

"Jenny where are you going?" Alison sighed.

"I'll be waiting in the lobby. I've had enough of this alternate reality."

"Well that's my cue." Alison joked standing. "But really…" She smiled walking around the table. "…I'm so happy for the two of you."

Jenny stood and waited impatiently for the elevator to drop the 20 floors to the lobby. She couldn't remember the last time she had been so mad. In what universe was Blair Waldorf capable of loving her brother? What the hell was Dan thinking? Was he really that much of an idiot to believe that Blair would ever think of him that way?

The scene of them holding hands flashed once again in her mind and she grimaced just thinking of it.

And her mother! Approving of it! It was like she woke up in some parallel universe!

She had to help her brother. She had to do something or else Dan was going to end up with his heart broken and Blair was going to walk away clean handed.

Walking out of the elevator doors her eye caught the news screen above the lobby desk. Apparently Prince Louie was in town…and staying at a nearby first class hotel.

Suddenly Jenny's head started to swarm with pieces of a plan. A plan that would free his brother and expose Blair once and for all.

She was going to pay Prince Louie a little visit.

Finally after saying their goodbyes, Dan and Blair found themselves in a taxi on their way to Brooklyn. Blair relaxed in the arms of the man that loved her. Breathing in his cologne and closing her eyes, she basked in the realization that she was finally happy.

"I can't believe you told everyone." Dan chuckled to himself.

She lifted her head slightly and smiled at him.

"I guess I was tired of hiding and I just want us to be able to start."

"I want that too but we can't really relax until Louie makes that announcement."

Blair sighed deeply.

"I know. I'm afraid he won't though."

"What do you mean?"

"He was waiting for me when I got home this morning."

"Oh no…"

"Yeah, Dorota covered thank God, but still."

"What did he want?"

"He wants us to still get married and I'm afraid he may not make the announcement. He basically said that."

"He what?"

Dan's tone turned dark and she felt his body tense against her.

"It's okay Dan. I handled it."

"Why don't you call it off?"

"I will, but only if I have too. If I make the announcement that our engagement is off that really could hurt Louie and humiliate him publically, which I would like to avoid."

"It could result in consequences from Monaco…" Dan sighed in realization.

"Lawsuits, lawyers, negative press, no private life…"

"The beginning of our relationship…"

"Could be in the public eye." Blair frowned. "And we don't want that."

"No, but I would face anything with you Blair, as long as your by my side I could care less."

She looked up at him and smiled. No man had ever been like this with her. She felt so loved, adored, and safe. She met his eyes and saw the love for her there, but there was also a fire as his eyes traveled to her lips.

"It's only been 6 hours since…" she grinned wickedly.

"That's way too long."

His embrace tightened as he pulled her closer, his lips finding hers. She sighed contently as the kiss deepened, her hand running up the inside of his thigh stirring his arousal.

"Blair…" He moaned into her mouth.

She smiled pleased with herself continuing her explorations, rubbing and stroking. Fueled by desire, Dan pulled her onto his lap pulling her firmly against him, making her gasp. Rebounding quickly she rotated her hips against him making his head fall back against the seat in pure bliss. She leaned forward kissing and nipping at his neck until she took his ear into her mouth sucking and licking, only making him grow harder under her.

"How badly do you want me Dan?" She whispered seductively.

Instead of an answer she felt his right hand move from her waist, and slowly make its way down her thigh, under her dress making her buck against him as his fingers found her warm core, stroking and circling.

"How badly do you want me Blair?" He whispered back making her whimper softly.

Suddenly the car stopped. He slowly came back to earth and realized that outside they were in front of his building, and when he glanced at the taxi driver he found him glaring back. Blair laughed nervously climbing off of Dan excusing herself out of the cab, while Dan smiled awkwardly and paid the man leaving him a good tip.

He got out of the taxi to find her gone and the door to his building closing. Smiling to himself he ran after her catching her on the stairs. She screamed in delight as he pushed her against the wall in the hallway outside his front door. Pushing his leg between her thighs he used his knee to apply pressure to her hot center pinning her, she whimpered into his mouth as he crashed his lips against hers. He continued his torcher started in the taxi and let his hand drift down over her stomach and under her skirt. Her hand raked through his hair and gripped it tightly pulling roughly as she grinded against his hand hungry for more.

"Dan…" She moaned, "Please…"

Dan about lost it as she begged, and without another thought, scooped her in his arms, entered the loft, and made his way to the bedroom, as she kissed and nipped at his neck.

Lowering her onto the bed, she pulled him with her, rolling him over so she was on top. She rolled her hips smiling wickedly, pulling off her top. Dan sat up and pulled her bra down to take her breast into his mouth making her cry out, running her hands through his hair pulling him closer, while grinding her hips against his.

Clothes began to pile of the floor as they fought for dominancy, pushing each other to the brink of sexual desperation. Managing to flip her over, Dan pulled off Blair's skirt and panties throwing it with the growing pile of the floor and pulled her roughly towards him, and without another thought bent down to taste her.

Her sighs, moans, and soft tender cries all fueled him as he sucked and licked, only deciding to insert his fingers when he finally felt her nearing her release making her scream. She grabbed for him kissing him furiously as Dan finally ended his torcher and entered her, making them moan in unison. He teased her moving slowly, making sure to savor every gasp, every whimper, and just when had her where he wanted; he shifted their position picking up pace sending them both over the edge.

Blair snuggled to his side as he pulled the sheets around them, both of them drifting comfortable off to a deep sleep.

Thank you for reading! What would you like to see happen next? Or what do you think will happen next? Reviews Welcomed!