We're going places you never dreamed of

“I don’t think that’s what he’s trying to do. I think he’s just trying to be nice and sweet.” She really didn’t think he tried to treat them like girls. “But if it really bother you, you should talk to him about it.”  

“I’m an only child.” she began. “I do consider Dhani as my brother. He’s my closest friend and he knows everything about me. I’m very lucky to have him in my life.” she said to her. He met the world to her. “Did you come here to be with them?” she asked her. 

Kylie lead the way to the bakery. She went there so many times that all the employees knew her order. Everyone was so sweet including the owner. “Hi-” she smiled sweetly at the girl behind the counter. “One coffee and a croissant?” the employee asked her. “Yes and whatever she’s taking. My treat.” she smiled.

“Well, you know, old men, I guess...” Cherry shrugged, giving Kylie a cheeky smile and glanced back as they left to make sure mr. Fletcher, with his vampire powers, didn’t hear. Or if he did, he didn’t yell out towards them that he could, like he normally might. Cherry looked to Kylie again, smiling as she mentioned Dhani, and how close they were.

She gave another shrug, “I guess I kinda did. I heard about the place and... well, I was missing them, so I figured this was a chance to get closer... After their papa died we kinda, um, drifted, I guess.”

“Well I’m glad that I have average ears,” he said with a chuckle. He watched her and she was so close, he could almost taste her. He watched her, his eyes roaming over her features. 

“It’s nice,” he murmured. “My mistress is very good to me. We take care of one another,” he said. “But we also live our own lives and are actually pretty independent of one another.”

He paused. “Do you know Lexi? Alexandrea?”

Cherry wasn’t sure if she ever wanted to be claimed. On occasion, when she was mostly terrified of this place, she’d think about asking Lily. But she didn’t know if that was even permitted because they were family. And Lily wouldn’t refuse her, so Cherry didn’t want to take advantage. Daisy hadn’t and they were sisters.

“That’s good. I’m glad.” Cherry smiled, having wanted to ask if he was happy in his claim but thinking it might be a stupid question, or presumptuous.

Damien watched her every move, listened to her every word. And, not only did he listen to the words, but he listened to the tone in her voice. He paused as soon as she said she wasn’t sure. “Hey,” he said gently, using his free hand to stroke the side of her face. “If it’s not for you, it’s not for you.” 

He pulled it away, and set it to the side for now. “You don’t have to get used to anything, if you don’t want to,” he assured her. “But, now I have a very important question,” he chuckled. “What is for you?” he asked her curiously.

Cherry looked up at Damien as he stroked her face, grateful for his words and assurances. She felt a bit silly for wanting, and telling him, she wanted to be more adventurous. And who was more adventurous than the guy covered with tattoos?

Frankie listened and watched intently, her lips forming into a wide grin as Cherry strummed on the banjo. She nodded her head and moved along to the music just a bit.

“What about ready to love? Or is that too simple?” she asked her, cocking her head to the side.

“That works...” Cherry reached for her notebook, picking up her pen and writing down the words she’d thought up. “I don’t mind simple. Sometimes simple is pretty great.” Cherry gave a smile, strumming along, but not offering any more lyrics.

“Frankie, you ever been in love?”

“Really now?” He replied in an almost bored tone. With a disinterest look, he’d half expected the girl to comply, seeing that the spectrum these slaves falls on usually comes in the form of compliance and resistance. When she did pulled back, the glass and plate both fell, and Kane in a slacken state lowered his gaze to the ground. Brushing his suit off with the back of his hand, he let out a loud sigh when the tips of his fingers flicked off the droplets.

Without looking at the slave, he spoke in a lazy voice, “Now why would ya do somethin’ like this?”

“You’re a bully!” She was starting to shake, rage and fear all rolled into one. The way he’d grabbed her was terrifying, the way he spoke as if nothing mattered to him was infuriating. She took another step back. She didn’t bother to wipe the icing from her arm or the drink from her dress. She didn’t bother picking up anything from the ground, too scared it would just give him the opportunity to grab at her again, really hurt her this time.

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