Lying Through Her Fangs - Scene Eighteen

Lying Through Her Fangs

Scene Eighteen

Hael P.O.V.

First, a prick gets an invitation to crash my date and then I get reminded that I wasn’t among the living. At least, not on all counts.

“Red dressing,” was thought out loud as I went over what had happened so far.

She bobbed her head with her fork around coated in that very thing and I stared at her silverware.

“Do we need to go?” she asked from her unnaturally still posture.

No breathe escaped. There was no swallowing in that frozen moment. The absence of humanity struck like I was already a victim. Did I run? She had admitted what she was from the get go and I had not hesitated like this then so why should I now? I wasn’t the only human here. My choices were to either excuse myself with a plan for her to get home or stay and see if I was one of the courses that was planned for the evening. Was there another option?

“How do you see this playing out, Xylia?”

Calmly having laid salad fork on the china, “I may have taken away some of your options but I can tell you right now that you have every right to leave if that is what you choose to do. There will be no fall out and we never have to see each other again.”

My gaze speared into hers and I saw it, a flicker of fear. She didn’t want me to leave her here.

“I’m free to go at any time?”

“Yes. You have my word.”

“The word of a beautiful stranger,” I reminded her.

“True. It’s your move.”

Hands in her lap, shoulders stiff with the dejection she sensed was to come. Then she jumped.

“Why the serious faces?”

Neither of us had noticed the arrival of Christianna. Xylia’s eyes still held mine, waiting.

“Everything is fine.” I stated flatly and a slip of life released the visible tension in her graceful shoulders.

A waiter appeared just as Brian pushed Christianna up to the table. She stated what salads they would like and Brian seemed at ease with the control she had taken. I flicked my gaze over him to see if he was a human or a vampire and unless he was faking it, he was like me. Could they act like us and be convincing? I bet it was possible.

 I assumed the salad was good but I hadn’t tasted a bit of what I had chewed up. There was no way I was turning tail when nothing had happened for me to act like a coward. This was manageable.

When the second course was brought out, I worried for a few seconds of being fed raw T-bones on delicate plates but was actually pleased to see steak tartar and glazed duck for our selections. Nothing was asked of us as our same waiter passed around the correct meat for each person.

Christianna murmured over her steak but I wasn’t about to watch the women eat anything that was bleeding. Yup, there were levels to my sanity. If we’d actually been a real couple then maybe I’d be able to see it differently but not this soon. To hell with it. I was going to use the escape offered if things went sideways.

After that course was cleared away, cheesecake with a red sauce and chocolate truffles were passed out. I refused to ask if it was raspberry because I didn’t want to hear the truth. One piece at a time.

It was wonderful tasting the richness of the truffle after the last gulp of wine took the chalky taste of the orange glazed duck away. Whiskey would have been more bracing in my coffee then the thick cream we had been given. I’d nodded along with the conversation but I hadn’t had anything to offer since it was primarily about their work. Somehow I’d picked up that both women had upper level positions in the company.

“Excuse us,” Xylia said as she laid her napkin on her chair before following Christianna out.

“You’re new to the scene. I can tell,” Brian said after the ladies were clear of us.

“So you want me to know that you’re familiar with this particular crowd?”

Brian chuckled, “Absolutely.”

“Hmm,” was my response.

He drank his coffee like it was high tea at an English castle but I swallowed the last of mine while my mood sunk lower.

“Being a caveman isn’t going to gain you any favors with this assortment of people.”

“Meaning?”

I knew he was trying to goad me but I wasn’t about to take the bait so quickly.

“These individuals are either animals or upper crust and you don’t fall into either of those categories. Did you hit on her so you’d get a wild ride and then have stories to tell when you’re drunk and alone?”

Acting bored, I made myself glance around the room that was probably half full of blood sipping beings that were capable of just about anything. That included my date. Was she in the restroom getting meat out of her teeth before repairing her lipstick? I shifted in my seat to hide the shudder that rode up my back.

“More coffee, sir?”

“No but I think that I’ll get myself a drink before the bar closes.” I smiled at the man who cleared the table and I left without a word to my unfortunate companion.

This time I got the two fingers of scotch since he already had a bottle ready. Half of that had disappeared when Brian came up behind me to request a glass of red wine. Anything red was not being ordered by me tonight. No telling what was in it.

I kept my back to him as I turned to look over the people that had moved around from their tables to join in on small talk with each other. 

“Liquid courage? Do you need that to be with a dame like her?”

I was too close to telling him where to stick his comments when Xylia and Christianna waltzed by our corner as they headed to our table. Most male eyes ate up the picture they made together and I zeroed in on the legs that peeked out from the slit in Xylia’s gown. I’d toss this whole experience aside if I could run my tongue over those curves.

“Yes, she’s stunning.”

“You can have your blonde but I prefer brunettes with smoky eyes,” I said after tossing back the remnants of my drink.

“Who said I was talking about Christianna?” The ass pushed by as he left me with his words and the urge to punch him in his smug face.

***

)))Corset Hugs(((

Ginny Lynn

Wench Writer

Lying Through Her Fangs - Scene Seventeen

Lying Through Her Fangs

SCENE SEVENTEEN

Xylia’s P.O.V.

A range of emotions filtered through me like water winding down a stream bed and the strongest one was utter confusion.

“I have a date so who were you expecting?” I stammered up at Christianna’s face.

“Me,” came a mellow voice from behind the group.

He was the perfect image of a Latin Lothario and the devilry in his eyes showed that this scene was not fazing him one bit. Looking around, he was the only one not affected by this turn of events.

Stepping around my best friend, he extended his hand to me. “I’m Brian, as you now know. And you would be the beautiful Xylia. It’s a pleasure meeting you.” He bowed over our joined hands and fanned his hot breath over my skin in the resemblance of a kiss.

Slowly, I pulled my hand from his and pasted a smile on my face. If he read my eyes then he would know it wasn’t an eager smile, but a polite one.

“I’d like to say that it’s a pleasure but it seems there was a lack of communication somewhere.” Then I captured the gaze of my uncertain best friend. “Did you listen to the voice mails that I’ve left you?”

“Yes but I thought that you were just trying to get me off course so I left things alone. I’m taking it that wasn’t the case?”

“I stated that I was keeping my plans and that is what I meant,” The smile kept the edge off my tone.

“No worries, as there are no other engagements for me this evening and Christianna didn’t bring a date, so I will just be her gentleman for the evening. No sense letting a wonderful evening go to waste when there is food and dancing to enjoy.”

Christianna looked at him then me. Twice. She had the nerve to shrug. “Sounds good to me. Brian, how are you at dancing?”

He answered her but still looked at me, “I’m well trained in the ways of body movement and excel at many of them.”

Christianna cleared her throat, “Let’s get a drink, Brian.” She nodded her head toward the bar and walked off in the expectation that he would follow her. Few men didn’t and tonight should be no exception as she looked like a siren of the sea in her variegated dress of blues and aquas. Her stilettos were nude crystal coated and added four more inches to her already five feet nine inches frame.

Nothing was uttered by Hael until Brian had indeed gone after my blonde friend. “That was not awkward in the least.” He stated with a double portion of sarcasm.

Turning to see him completely, I couldn’t help but laugh.

“At least you know this was not my doing and I am giving you bonus points for handling it so well.”

“Hmm, bonus points?” His features transformed into a slight leer and my laughter sounded more genuine.

“Bring it down a few decibels, Hael,” I replied.

“I better or you’ll take my points back away from me,” was given to me with a simple grin and a meager bit of tension left me. “Why don’t I get us another round of drinks?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

Then he headed off. I took a few moments to analyze my feelings in silence. I wasn’t sure how to take Hael’s flirting, especially after him seeing a good looking man had been preassigned to my dance card. Then Brian’s replies to me were even more to digest as it was just plain out of the ordinary. How do I get through the evening in this current predicament? Not with poise, it would seem as I was struck with a total loss of words on how to wave this whole thing away. Maybe another glass of wine and the distraction of dinner arriving would solve that problem for me. I hoped so.

“He had a different red but he said he preferred this one,” Hael wound his arm around my shoulders with the glass extended in front of my face.

“I appreciate it. I’m sorry for all of this.”

“You have nothing to apologize for since this wasn’t your doing. We’ll just agree to go with the flow and see what happens.”

Letting the sincerity of his words take hold, I raised my glass to his. “Here’s to chance encounters.”

“And the beauty of fate,” Hael added with a look in his eyes that made me want to shiver.

I inclined my head to him and tapped my glass with his. What else could I say?  If he’d been a man I had been dating for a while then this moment would flow with the ease of being on familiar ground.

We silently took in the mingling people and the few more who came in before the doors to the ballroom were closed by attendants. A second gong sounded and a stream of wait staff waded through the linen covered tables. The salad course was set at our place settings and the staff was gazing at the cards in front of each of us before leaving each item. I nodded at the one given to me with the red dressing and the gentleman looked at me then at Hael.

“The other, sir.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he acknowledged as a plate greens with a creamy white dressing was slid into place for Hael.

It was handled so well that only few would pick up on what had happened. As I’d never brought a human to a work event before, it had never stuck in my mind.

After that course was settled, I felt him slip closer to me.

“Do I ask why you picked out my salad for me?”

“Remember how I said there would be choices for dinner?”

He nodded at me.

“You got the human course,” I answered very quietly.

***

)))Corset Hugs(((

Ginny Lynn

Wench Writer

Lying Through Her Fangs - Scene Fifteen

Lying Through Her Fangs

Scene Fifteen

Xylia’s P.O.V.

The next night had me thinking of the melting sexual gaze of the man who had been mere feet from my naked form as I had tried on dresses that his friend had expertly picked out for me. They had been lavish and flattering but that last one had the man seeming like starved man at a sumptuous dinner. If lustful eyes could actually raise the temperature of a cold blooded mammal then his were the ones to burn into my very core.

I’d hugged Hael before leaving the mall and he had held me longer than was customary but my body had leaned into his as if craving part of the passion he had shown me behind his long lashes. His work honed physique made me feel momentarily feminine and frail but my vampiric senses were in full command as the blood pumped under the neck that was just above my up turned face. His woodsy scent held a hint of musk and it made my mouth water to taste him but he was not part of my meal plan.

We’d texted a few times since then but only a couple of  lines and a confirmation of the coming date. Apprehension weighed down my soul as I had spent a majority of the daylight hours in my bed wishing he was in it with me then to what a nightmare the date could be. It was random, sensual, and all part of my mixed emotions while the event drew closer. Not in twenty years had I been this drawn to a man who had the potential of being more than a mild dalliance in sex and blood. The last one had not been worth the effort but this one seemed different.

“You’ve been nursing your Bloody Mary for an hour. What gives?” Inquired Wanda who stood in my softly lit corner of the bar.

“A battle of the mind” I answered quietly.

“Need an unbiased opinion?” She inquired with a soft smile.

“I’m not ready to discuss it yet but you can grab a seat if you have the time.” I waved to the seat opposite mine.

“Being part owner gives me the right to tell everyone to kiss off for a couple of minutes.” She added as she joined me.

“As long as they all have a beverage in front of them, right?”

“Bingo.”

“How are things panning out for the gala? Got your helpers picked out?” I diverted the subject from my sad aura.

“It’s all sorted out and I’ve got the menu from the caterer, so we’ve gotten an approved list of drinks to make to compliment it all. Thanks for suggesting us to your boss.”

“Stop thanking me and just make some connections for yourself.”

“I plan to. Got your dress or is that why you look so long in the tooth today?”
            A smile crept on my face. “The dress is a true creation and all the accessories are ready to go.”
            “Then why do I sense dissatisfaction?”

“Your grandmother being a Seer only feeds your curiosity, Wanda,” I offered without offense in my tone.

“Indeed and the only people who would hear more drama than a bar maid is a hairdresser and a therapist. I can’t even trim my bangs in a straight line so this works for me.”

“I’m glad that you’ll be there,” I stated without realizing the truth of it until the words had been released into the air.

“You want me to drool over your new man as I serve shrimp balls to people on a constant fluid diet.”

“Right, you keep thinking that.”

“Your date have a tux?”

“He got sized for one before I got my dress,” my eyes strayed back down to the half empty glass in front of me.

“Shit, I see it now,” Wanda whispered.

My eyes shot to hers, “What?”
“It’s a human you’re dating isn’t it?”

Breathing an unnecessary sigh, I prayed that she wouldn’t figure anything else out. Like my lie to everyone.

I made a mental note not to touch her as it gave her gift a boost. My hands left the glass I was toying with and clasped in my lap under the scarred table.

“Yes, he’s human. His name is Hael and he owns his own landscaping company.”

“Tell me how gorgeous he is? Is he more Chris Evans or closer to Robert Downey Jr?”

“Neither, he’s a touch of Alexander Skarsgard with a large cup of Jason Lewis."

“What I wouldn’t give to spend about two hours with each of them in a room with a big brass bed?” She sighed.

“Romero knows a good Voodoo priest if you’re serious,” I wagged my eyebrows at her.

“Not a chance in the underworld. Now, how serious is the relationship? Does he know what you are?”

“He knows only the pieces I’ve thrown to him but we aren’t all hot and heavy.”

“Why the hell not?”

“It’s complicated,” I answered.

“No wonder. How did you meet?”

“At the mall. It’s so cliché that it hurts.” I grinned.

“I’m sure he’s fantastic if he got your attention. Was he a meal you decided to keep?”

“No but that would have been an interesting way to start things off. He’s more rugged than I’m used to but that is a bonus. You know how much I hate dating vamps so I tried something a bit off the beaten path.”

“I’d say. You’ve never dated a human before. At least, not that I’ve heard about.”

“He’s the first and this gala will either make or break our future relationship. It’s intimidating.”

“You could zap any man that you wanted and live the life that movie stars dream of but instead you go after a human that could be the hottest midnight snack of all time. You never go for the ordinary.”

“After years of pluming birds that only focus on their own needs, this might be just what I need.”

“What you need is a stress free affair with a man who would sex you six ways to Sunday and put a spark in your dull life as an immortal.”

“We’ve talked about this before. Being what I am doesn’t mean I can live without consequences in a world where a simply click of a phone camera can have me in jail or a looney bin.”

Wanda sighed, “I know but it sounds good on paper.”

I fought the urge to pat her hand.

“I’m lucky to have you and we can talk more about Hael after you see him in person tomorrow night.”

“If I was a witch then I’d have a spell waiting for you on the bar because you need a swallow of happiness in your empty existence.”

“I’m not alone. I have you.”

“Yeah, a girl who can listen to your worries and give you booze to soothe over the rough edges.”

“That’s a wonderful recipe for friendship, dear.”

“I’m serious about the spell though,” she said when someone called out for another beer.

I waved at her as she waltzed away. I had no doubt that she would in fact weave a bit of magic for me and I loved her even more for that.  Friends were more rare than lovers.

)))Corset Hugs(((

Ginny Lynn

Wench Writer

Lying Through Her Fangs - Scene Twelve

Lying Through Her Fangs

Scene Twelve

Hael’s P.O.V.

She’d been standing there with her little pink tongue in a white mound of whipped cream and my gut had clenched at the mere sight. Being around her was like an episode of The Twilight Zone and a walking wet dream. Why did this woman not have a man in her life? Was I walking into a nightmare driven by high heels and jaw dropping legs? But I’d take many more hours of unexpected conversations to get the chance to feel those sinful looking lips on mine.

She was surprised to see me but had covered it well. My questioned hadn’t been answered but I currently had her on my arm as we headed back into the land of racks and annoying sales clerks. I directed her to a back corner where sequins glittered like damned Christmas trees but she stopped in her tracks.

“What’s wrong?” I asked when we stopped rocking on our heels at the abrupt stop.

“I’ve already been in here and nothing struck my fancy.” Her eyes scanned the expanse as if looking for something new to focus on.

“Wanna head to a different store or keep looking around here?”

“Either one but I’m just not thinking I’m going to find anything suitable at this late of a date.”

“The other night you were very gung ho and had me agreeing to wear a tux for you.” I made a scene at looking all around her. “Where did she go?”

She smirked. “I think she got befuddled by a hot guy and lost her marbles.”

That was something I wanted to hear. We both felt the pull of our chemistry and I wouldn’t lie that it wasn’t good to know.

“Let’s walk around to see if there’s anything worthy in here and then we’ll head to another store.”

She nodded and her waves bounced around her face. It would look great spread across my pillows, if I was lucky enough to see it.

When she didn’t seem to be getting enthusiastic about any dresses that we passed, I veered her off that track and down a few doors.

“Do I need to buy you another coffee? That last one left a sexy smile on your face.”

“If I don’t find a dress soon then I’ll need severe amounts of caffeine to get myself together.”

“That’s a bald-faced lie, woman. Looking at you, I’d say you’ve never had a hair out of place that didn’t look amazing. Why do women put themselves into these situations over looks anyway?”

By the time the words got out of my mouth, I had walked a couple of steps passed her unmoving body. She had an eerie way of resembling a statue when she did that.

“I wasn’t trying to offend you. I really do want to know why women feel the need to outdo all other women in the same area code. Why can’t you be more like men?”

“Women are vain. Yea, I’ll give you that. But most of us want to feel beautiful, not make every woman in the room hate each other. We’re our own worst critics and women can be cattier than the lion’s den at the zoo.”

“Maybe it’s my lack of estrogen. I still don’t get it.” I shrugged.

“When your lady walks into a room and your jaw drops, don’t you like that?”

“Sure, what guy doesn’t?”

“Then you should understand why we do these things.”

The gleam in her eye told me she wasn’t pissed at my questioning and she waved me ahead to the store we had stopped at. Then something hit me like lighting.

“I have an idea. You may not know me very well but just trust me on this. Hold on.” I don’t know why I didn’t think of it earlier.

I thumbed through the business cards in my wallet and found what I was looking for. This was a long shot but worth the effort. Dialing the number, there was an answer on the third ring.

“Fran, are you working tonight? Are you booked? Wonderful. I’ll see you in five with two clients.”

I shut the phone and looked at the sexy thing next to me. “Wanna try your luck with a stranger?”

Her eyebrows shot up and her emotions of fear and surprise rolled across her face.

“I don’t know how to answer that.”

“What if I came up with a way for you to not only get a dress but have the whole outfit practically plotted out for you?”

“I’d have to kiss you, but that’s not likely to happen. The event is this coming weekend and I’m in a mall with one third of my options used up.”

“Is a moment of trust too much to ask? Come on. What do you have to lose?”

 His innocent boy next door look he shot her way must have won her over. I’m a guy with a decent sales pitch when I’m totally committed to a great looking item.

“So, what’s this big secret and where do we go?”

“Down to the end of the walkway and through a few departments. Let’s go.”

I offered my hand and when she slowly accepted with her cool palm,  a jolt of awareness shot through my body.

“Lady, prepare to strip because I have you a personal shopper.”

*** 

)))Corset Hugs(((

Ginny Lynn

Wench Writer

Lying Through Her Fangs - Scene 11

Lying Through Her Fangs

Scene Eleven

Xylia’s P.O.V.

A few days later, I was back at the mall to shop for my dress.  

What look did you shoot for when you paid a man to act as if he likes you?

He was so devastatingly hot that I hated myself for having enough of a conscience to uncompel him. If this was an ordinary date then I would have honed in on the sexiest dress that the mall could produce. It wasn’t fair that I met such a great guy to ruin it all with being what I am. The fates were laughing out loud at my romantic endeavors, no doubt.

If I kept shaking my head every time I went over the ridiculousness of my situation, I’d have the adult version of shaken baby syndrome. I could have gone to the large chain bridal shop for my evening gown, but I didn’t have the guts to tell anyone the reason for my last minute shopping excursion. My plan had been to hit the major stores and then the coffee shop if I needed reinforcements.

Vampires need to make a night time coffee shop. It would need a name like Fang’s Frapps or Crypt Coffee Cafe. 

I’d like an Iced Coffin Bait with non-fat O positive please.

That needs to be what I do when I lose my accountant job for being a liar and total fake.

            But enough procrastinating. I shoved myself from my warm leather upholstery and out in the mild night. I’d parked at the entrance closest to the women’s department this time and waltzed into the atmosphere of woven cotton and rose based perfumes.

            My eyes were drawn to the far left where sparkles reigned on an assortment of metal racks. I knew I wanted a long gown so I avoided the shorter dresses made for teens. Closer to the dressing room was a selection of more mature dresses with ritzy price tags. I flipped through sequins, gold lame, chiffon, and taffeta, but none seemed spectacular enough to wow a gigolo who had probably seen it all. And because it was work related, I couldn’t go all diva pop star. I at least wanted to appear as a confident, attractive woman with business savoir faire.

            The next thirty minutes were spent discarding dress after dress for lack of sex appeal. I scrutinized the rest of that department but found absolutely nothing. The cosmetics department barely got a polite nod as I stomped past them and their blending powders and eye primer.

            The coffee shop was a few doors from the next department store so I indulged myself in a large java chip frappe. Instant mood lift. I strolled past a lovely shoe store that had high heels of all colors on glass shelves in the display window. Once I got my hands on a suitable evening gown, I’d hit that place up for coordinating shoes. I guess my mind had been focused on getting a date, instead of getting together a whole look for the benefit. Geez.

            “Well, hello Xylia Natouri.” A deep voice behind me jolted me, mid-lap, out of the whipped cream on my beverage.

            I swallowed and quickly wiped my bottom lip.

Please don’t’ let me have any smeared on my face. Please, please, please.

            “Hael? What are you doing here?” I snapped the plastic lid back on my drink so it wouldn’t slosh on my sky blue skinny jeans.

            I’m such an idiot!

            “Do I ask if you come here often?” He looked at me with questions in his gaze.

            “Um, I’ve still got to get my outfit for the benefit so here I am.”

            I should have had him forget me altogether when I took the compulsion back. Had I fucked this up?

            “Weren’t you supposed to contact me? Or did I misunderstand?” His brow wrinkled and he has fidgeting with his belt loops.

            Shit!

            I stared at my cup like it had all the answers that I needed. I was a vampire, not a psychic. Auras didn’t do crap for this particular problem, other than inform me that Hael was cautious about this situation. Well, that made both of us. I was clueless as to how I had screwed this up so badly.

            “Didn’t I talk to you about that, before we left? You know, in my car?” I was stammering like an idiot.

“I thought you were kidding. I kept telling you I wasn’t pushed into anything no matter how charming your ways of persuasion were. If you hadn’t been so cute about it, I would’ve argued till the sun came up. Either way, I’m here and you’re here so let’s get this going.” Hael extended his elbow to me.

If I could have been floored, then I would have but my vampire senses were working against my adopted human habits. Vampires don’t faint but it would have been an interesting way out of this mess.

His aura changed to light pink with an edge of teal. His eyes lasered into mine in determination. A muscle twitched up at the top of his neck, by his ear.

“You’re set on this. Going with me.” It was an affirmation, not a question. Even his scent changed with the increase in his pulse.

I linked my arm and enjoyed the warmth of his body.

“I’m a man of my word. Unless you got a better offer from someone else?”

I shook my head at him, causing some of my hair to land in my eyes. His calloused hand brushed it out of my way and the skim of touch against my cheekbone caused me to shiver.

The truth was best. “No. No better offers.”

I’d have to leave Christianna a message to call off the dog from the escort pound.

***

)))Corset Hugs(((

Ginny Lynn

Wench Writer

Lying Through Her Fangs - Scene 9

Lying Through Her Fangs

Scene Nine

Xylia P.O.V.

Hael walked me to the entrance nearest my car. Then, as I turned to say goodbye, guilt slammed into me like a football player. How could I play the part of a puppet master by making someone jump through all these hoops just for my own vanity? A human being a meal was a use on a small scale as things go but this was taking over a good chunk of a stranger’s life. Looking at this gorgeous and kind man, I couldn’t justify being that self-absorbed and greedy.

“We need to talk. I think I’ve made a mistake.” A trio of people dodged around my still form as I stood by the doorway.

“What did I do? We were just okay not three minutes ago.” Hael looked as puzzled as I felt.

“This isn’t the place. Walk me to my car.” I led the way to my sedan and I heaved a sigh of relief when I noticed not many cars parked around it.

I clicked the fob for the doors to automatically open and slid into the driver’s seat without even looking to see if he was coming around the other side. Once in, I took a few moments in the hopes that would make this easier, but it didn’t.

The car lowered when his weight was added to the seat beside me. I opened my eyes and looked at him once he stopped moving in the passenger seat.

“Is this where you say it’s not you, it’s me?” Hael asked before the words had gathered in my head.

That was better than the breath exercise but not by much.

“Yes and let me tell you why.” Then I paused. Where the hell do I start in this scenario?

He slumped into the leather upholstery. “It can’t be that you’re afraid of me. You just invited me to sit in your car.”

“Point to you.” I stated flatly. He was right on the fact that I had invited him in my car but he didn’t know that he should be the one afraid. I leaned my head against the head rest for a moment. “I’m not afraid. It’s so complicated that the right descriptions elude me.”

“Okay, we’ll baby step it and see if it all makes sense.” He calmly ran his fingers over the dustless dash of my car.

“Steps, well, let’s see.” I had a hard time keeping eye contact all of a sudden so I looked at my nails on the steering wheel.

“I’m alone in my life. I work and then I go home except for work related night events or the days I go to the local bar to unwind.”

“You’re an alcoholic?” He offered in a soft tone.

“I drink but I don’t have an actual drinking problem.”

“Most alcoholics don’t think they have a problem.”

Yes, I have a drinking problem but it’s for blood and not spirits.

No way in hell was I saying that when I was about to rip the compulsion away. It would be a waste of words that were already hard to form in my boggled mind of guilt.

“Wrong start, back to being alone.”

“Okay, you’ve established that you’re independent and a workaholic. Is that fair?”

“Yes but after many years of being like this, my friends and coworkers all wonder if I’m turning into the cliché of being a crazy old cat lady. Literally.”

“So you’ve had enough of the comments and want to bring someone in to shut them all up.”

“Exactly but it’s all a freaking lie!” My hands smacked the steering wheel.

“Not if you are actually dating someone, it’s not. You just made it happen instead of it being a natural thing. What’s the problem with that?”
            “Seriously, I’m making you rework any plans you may have and shoe horning my way in for my own benefit. That’s just plain wrong.” I met his eyes and he seemed so calm. How could he be this blasé about the whole thing? Was he normally this way or was it due to my compulsion being in the elevator?

“Not if I allow it.”

“I’m making you do this. You had a life of your own until I clotheslined you in the store. You can’t deny that.”

“I’m still a consenting adult.”

“Not when I compelled you to be accepting of my plan. Once that happened, you lost all rights to your own persona as long as it interferes with my agenda.”

“You asked and I agreed. Seems simple to me.”

“Because I took your free will away from you!” Damn, I was frustrated with this nonsense.

“Whatever. You said what you wanted and I am going along for the ride so why not just fly with it?”

“Ugh, how can you tell me it’s fine when I made it so you couldn’t be anything BUT fine with it?”

He shrugged and I didn’t know if I wanted to shake him or kiss him. Was this what it was like for other people? Of course not because I’m a freaking blood sucker and a wimp.

I counted to ten and then took the only action that my guilt would allow me.

“Hael,” he met my gaze. “You have your free will and don’t have to go out with me. In fact, you can forget any of this if you want. You’re a sexy hot man that I’d love to have met under other circumstances but I just can’t do this to you. I can’t be selfish and step into your life like I belong there. You’re a great guy and I appreciate you putting up with my insanity.”

Then I blinked the power away.

“You can go about your night, Hael.” I patted the hand he had on his left thigh and wished I was doing the right thing.

“Alright and know that this will all look better after a night of sleep. Try to have a great night.” He answered before he got out of the car.

Once he walked back into the mall, I hit the speed dial on my phone.

“Christianna, I bombed out at the mall. Hit up whoever you have at the escort agency and give me a call later when you have a moment.”

May the odds be in my favor.

***

)))Corset Hugs(((

Ginny Lynn

Wench Writer