Enigma-IM

I sit up with a large inhale. I scrub at my face, ignoring the ache of the cuts and bruises. "Nope, I'm going." I push off the table, hop off the stool, and wobble to the bar. For futility's sake, I search my pockets for anything. I pull out my keys and a bundle of cards tied together with a rubber band. Maxed out credit cards and an ID. I sigh.

The bartender barely acknowledges me as I sit at the table. I rest on my arms and put on my best 'poor me' face.

The bartender huffs," How much did you lose this time?

"Five hundred," I grumble. He rolls his eyes, slamming the glass on the wood top with a disappointed thunk.

"And where did you get that from?"

"From work," I scowl," What are you insinuating anyway?" I sit up to glare more appropriately. He glances at me as he polishes the next glass.

"I don't need to hint at anything. It looks like Travis gave you all the hints you need," He taps at his cheek with a knowing smirk. The cuts sting for extra spite. I bury my face into my arms. A sourness builds in my stomach, and an ache begins to form. I groan in my poor me act to attempt more sympathy from my favorite bartender.

"How much do you owe anyway?" he asks. I look over my arm.

"15k," I answer. He fiddles with something under the bar as he barks out a laugh.

"Well then, you really need this," He slid me a clear drink," It's on the house." I perk up and snatch the drink. With a cheer, I down the entirety. The familiar burn doesn't tease me; instead, a very unimportant taste replaces it.

"Water?"

He shrugs," The only thing you can afford. Thought I'd treat ya since you're so down tonight. I'm a gentleman like that."

"Ha-ha," I deadpan," I think I'll call it a night."

"Probably for the best."

I saunter off away from the smarmy bastard. My feet can't help but stumble towards the exit as if tied to the place. I trip over nothing but the weight of the poker table's chains, which dig into my ankle. The front door feels like a trap. I can picture Travis's goons waiting outside just to see if I won anything they can take. They don't double-dip on the same day, though. I sigh and push out to the parking lot.

My car is parked out the side. A shitty little Camry with more dents and dings than a kicked can. I can't bring myself to finish the walk of shame. The wall seems like a cooler place to hang out. My back digs into the brick.

"Another shit night it seems," I look up at the stars. The ambient sounds of the casino can still be heard through the wall. I close my eyes and picture myself sitting at the slots. The three wheels are spinning and spinning until one at a time they hit those beautiful 7s. All the lights would dance as the music rings throughout the building. I sigh.

A door opens beside me as the cacophony plays even louder. I lazily roll my head over to look. A deep red door has pealed open. A rainbow of circulating lights blinks from inside.

"What?" I push off the wall. I don't think this door was here before. I've been in here a hundred times, I know the blueprints like the back of my hand. I step closer, grabbing the door as I peek inside. Steps lead downward into some sort of basement. Lights continue to dance and music plays. I take a step down as curiosity leads me by the throat.

I find myself at the bottom of the steps looking into a decent-sized room. There are a few people besides the table workers here. The vibes are decently relaxed. No slots or gimmick games, just the green felt booths with classic card and chance games.

"May I help you, miss?" A man startles me from my musing. I snap toward the chip counter.

"Oh, sorry. I was just-," I squint at the man. He looks funny, sorta like a pig. His nose is upturned, and he even has little ears. "Uhh, I was just looking."

"So you are new here," He asks," Then would you mind taking a moment for me to explain our newcomers package?" I barely register his words as I stare at his pink skin.

"Uh, no. I don't have any money to spend tonight."

"Then you are at the right place. New guests get a complimentary chips package. We offer house funds of a thousand dollars. You can play for real cash and trade in at the end of the night." That snaps me from my investigation.

"Free money?"

"It's house funds, only available for use here. But the amount you win is real cash. We like to give our guests a taste of the facility before investing their own money in it."

I close the gap to the counter, leaning on my elbow. The familiar tingle claws up my spine into my skull.

"How do I sign up?"

The night is a blast. I play rounds at all the go-to spots. Poker, Roulette, Black Jack, Craps. I win some, lose more. But the way they keep the drinks going, I can't be damned to care. The workers all seem to be dressed as animals of some kind. Dogs, monkeys, horses, cheetahs, lizards, you name it. I've been privy to the monkey fellow for the night. Even show off some of my card magic skills as I play poker.

But like most night binge gambling, it must come to an end.

"Ace high, table wins," The monkey dealer calls. I glare up at his smug smile with disdain. He cocks a brow as if to ask my next move. I look at my measly pile of chips. "Another round, Ms. Flits?" The challenge sits before me like a packaged gift. I've never been one to turn down a present.

I throw a chip in, "Just deal the cards."

"As you wish," he shrugs. I sneer at the damned ape in his stupid red and black suit. His dumb little bowtie is kind of adorable. He deals out the card between us and sets up the line face down. I peek at my cards, jack and two. Well, this isn't going to go well.

He runs through the charade of betting and raising. I follow along, a little overly confident in my poker face. The last card is yet to be flipped, and things aren't looking good. A smart woman would have folded already, but sadly, I'm three drinks in and still bitter about getting beaten up this morning.

"All in," I push the sad, pathetic stack forward. He laughs.

"Are you sure about that?"

I glare," Just flip the card, monkey boy."

He grins, the last card flicked to reveal its face like it could ever save me. I have nothing, not even a pair. I still wait for him to show his cards. He rolls his eyes and throws his set onto the table. A pair of queens.

"You don't need to flip yours, save you the embarrassment," he goads. I watch him slide the last chips away. The stupidity boils in me as the only chance I had at taking home some cash leaves my possession without a goodbye. I bang my head on the table.

"For someone who gambles so often, I would assume you were at least decent at it. This was really sad, Sam," he flicks a chip between his fingers. Lying on my cheek, I watch him, feeling sorry for myself.

"Win some, lose some," I try to save face. He throws his head back and laughs.

"That would require you to win at some point for that to be true."

"Fuck you," I stand up, ready to finish this nightmare.

"Hold on, Hold on," He flips the chip onto the table. I watch it bounce around until it lands in front of me. "How about a deal?"

I try to fight it, I swear I do. My brain tells me to turn away, go home, and go to sleep. Try to find a second job and work out a payment plan with Travis. Quit this gambling and actually be a decent human for a second. My heart though...

"What deal?"

He grins big and wide," didn't take you too much persuading, it seems."

"I didn't agree to anything yet," I counter.

"I think we both know you will agree to anything I offer you right now," he says, giving me a once-over. I squirm at the attention, feeling a bit hot to be regarded when I'm so 'underdressed'. My face aches for more than one reason.

"Now, sir, I ain't that type of girl," I blush.

"No, I don't think you fit the bill. Either way, it's not that type of deal."

"When will we get to it already. I don't have all day," I huff.

He hums," Alright. One more game, the winner takes all. If you win, I will reward you with a substantial amount of money. Enough to pay off your debts and still have much more leftover."

"And if I lose?"

He sits down and gestures for me to do the same. Skeptic but engaged, I sat.

"Be honest, Sam, would it really matter if I told you?"

Deep down, I know the answer to be no. Any amount of money would be enough for me to attempt this; his offer of more than I need is too tempting.

"I would say it does."

He thinks for a moment, watching me with an amused glint. The attention is too much. I grab the cards on the table and fiddle with them as I wait for him. He watches as I shuffle the deck. I smile to myself as I show off some acrobatic tricks. I bend the top card and launch it in the air. It performs a small arc as I catch it on top. He chuckles.

"Know a lot of tricks," he asks. I answer with another card throw. The deck is split between my knuckles, and my thumb slides out a single piece. With another bend, I flick it and catch it on top. I juggle the deck around in various flares with practiced ease. He seemed to be enjoying himself enough, leaned back in his chair, admiring.

"What's the rest of the deal?" I ask, flicking a card at his chest. He watches it fall into his lap before snatching it to flick it to me. I add it to the deck and fan out the set. Using the top card, I flick the bottom corner and flip the whole line face up. I peek at him as the silence drags on.

He swats the air," Nothing too serious. Just a little ask, almost like a favor, really. If you win, you get all the money you desire. If I win..." He leans over the table," I get your soul."

I startle away as his eyes flash from black to red like a roulette table," What?" I look around the room at the other animal dealers and notice all the poor souls sitting at the games. Each looks so lost and empty, husks of their former selves. The dealers all look so excited and giddy as they win again and again.

I snap my eyes towards to him," This is a trap."

He smiles as if looking at a child," For them, yes. For you, a normal game of poker. What do you say?"

The clear answer is No. I don't know how, but this is a clear trap. There is no way this will be a fair game. These cards are probably tricked or marked. Certain cards cut down slightly, so when you fan them, it's clear which one to stop on.

A plan forms in my mind.

"I have some ground rules first," I juggle the deck around in my hand, making sure to distract him with the constant movement.

"As you wish."

"I want a brand new deck of cards, to make sure this deck isn't a trick set."

He scoffs," You think I'd need a trick set to beat you? You haven't won anything substantial all night."

I shuffle the deck, accidentally dropping a few cards as I do. " I just want to make sure." I reach under the table for the fallen cards, pocketing two before I clear the edge.

"As you wish," He reaches out a hand," Do we have a deal?"

I carefully observe his outstretched palm, noting how damn hairy he is. The pile now neatly together, I set it to the side before shaking his hand.

"Deal."

He grabs a new deck from under him, making a show of peeling off the plastic. I try to fight the smile as he makes sure I'm watching. He takes the fresh pack out and begins shuffling. I watch him do a few tricks of his own, clearly showing off with that adorable smirk.

"Is this satisfactory for you?" he asks.

I reach out my hand," Lemme look at them first."

He drops the deck in my awaiting palm. I feel the familiar glide of fresh cards, a bit of nerves tingling my spine. New cards slide more easily. I played around with them as he did, making a big show to hide myself, stuffing two cards inside. Satisfied, I plop the stack in front of him.

"Let's play."

He lays the line and then deals our two cards. I look at my hand, a pair of queens. That's good. He doesn't even look at his cards. He flips the first three over. Jack, seven, and an ace. Potentially not good, but the worst that happens is a pair of aces from him. I check my cards again, just in case they changed. He flips the next one, another ace. Ok, probably panic. If he has an ace, he beats me with a three of a kind. Though it's not time to panic. He flips the last one.

Queen.

"Tough luck," he says as he flips his cards. It reveals two queens in his hand. I stare a bit flabbergasted at the odds. He must suck at shuffling. He starts to clean up the play, but I throw my hand down, feeling rather smug at the moment. He glances down and then glares down.

"What?" he snatches the card. One is a bit worn compared to the other. He sneers over to me," You cheated."

"Moi?" I play coy," I'd never. It seems we tied."

"We didn't tie, you cheated," He clarifies.

"How should I know you don't have five queens in a deck? Maybe you have a faulty pack? You weren't trying to pull one over on me, were you?"

He can't stop glaring at me, then the cards, then the table. He can't seem to pick where to be mad at. Like a switch, he starts laughing, a true belly laugh. The guests stop and look over at the commotion.

"I didn't even see you do it," He holds his stomach," What a dumb thing to do!"

I shrug," What can I say, I'm optimistic and I figured you were probably card counting. Got to keep the little demon monkey on his toes."

"But it didn't work out for you! That's the funniest part," He smacks the table," Even when you cheat, you can't win."

Unease swells in my belly as he won't stop laughing. Perhaps cheating wasn't my best plan, but it wasn't a fair chance anyway. Maybe stopping would be good right now.

"Well, that was fun and all, but I should be heading out." I slide off the stool and try to inch my way towards the door. As I swing around, I bump into the monkey dealer.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asks, humor gone. I look up at the tall creature, feeling rather small at the moment.

"Home," I wince.

"That's interesting, because I thought we were playing a game."

"We did, we tied. So that's the universe telling me to call it quits, so I'm just going to, "I try to slip past, but he grabs my arm.

"There was no tie, you cheated," he leans down to my ear," I generally punish cheaters, but I have a unique offer for you that may benefit us both."

I gulp.

"Here is your offer. Forfeit your soul or-," he corners me to the table, his hands drop to either side of me as he ducks to meet my eyes," work for me as one of my card dealers." I stumble at the proximity, smelling his brain-fuddling musk.

"Wh-hat," I lean back on my hands to put some space.

"I didn't even see you slip those cards into the deck. I can use someone with-," He looks down at my mouth," quick hands."

My face becomes an inferno as all the attention makes my slightly buzzed brain ring alarms. I hop up on the table and tuck my legs in to get out of his embrace. I drop off the other side of him and take a few steps away.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's start over here," I wave my hands. He rolls his eyes before turning his back to the table, arms crossed. He looks decently annoyed now to be dipped like that.

"It's not that complicated. Work for me as a dealer, help me cheat some poor bastards out of some money. I'll even pay you if that's what you're worried about."

I take a moment to cool my hot face before I consider his offer. At the moment, I work at a shitty diner near my apartment. The customers are generally assholes, and the management isn't any better. I can't keep my cool long enough to deal with flirty bastards or temperamental people to get good tips.

"How much are we talking?" I cross my arms.

He quirks a brow," More than you make at your current job. Quit all the questions and just agree. I have so much to do tonight, and your cheating has set me back on my quota."

"Well, excuse me," I say. Before I can add more sarcasm, he walks over and snatches my hand.

"See you tomorrow, 6pm. Wear a white shirt and black pants," He gives my hand a single shake, "you're cute but not that cute. Let's keep the attitude to a minimum, yes?"

I open my mouth, but with a snap of his fingers, I'm in the parking lot. I stumble on my train of thought as I look around for the room I was just in. The brick wall behind me has no red door, or any door. I scoff and grab my keys.

"He thinks I'm cute," I laugh to myself.

------------------

I show up at the building on the dot in the requested outfit. The door presents magically before my eyes. I can't be bothered to question it and walk inside. Nothing of note has changed, but there are clearly fewer people here- workers or guests. I can't spot the dealer from last night anywhere.

"You're late," a voice makes me jump," And what the hell are you wearing?"

I twist around to the dealer, who is appraising my outfit with disgust. I pull at the ends of my white tee, confused.

"What, you said white shirt and black pants?"

"Yes," he steps over and picks at the shirt," But you aren't working in the back, I thought you would at least have a button up."

"Does it matter? I figure a vest is going over it anyway," I fold my arms, taking a step out of his reach. He frowns.

"It doesn't matter, you need to present yourself in a certain way to display certain," he peeks down at my chest," aspects."

I scoff, turning away. "I am not going to pimp myself out as eye candy."

He laughs," Well, not in that you aren't. Do you even own a nice bra?"

I burn under the scrutiny," I thought I was here to work, not be dressed up."

"You're doing both. Doesn't matter right now, I guess," He walks past towards the back. I follow along into an employee entrance. Lines of lockers sit against the wall. Adjacent is a set of bathrooms. Before I can engage with the room beyond that, which seems to be a break room, I have clothes thrown at my face. I snatch the silky vest away right as another piece blinds me.

"Looks like I have everything you seem to be lacking. Change the shirt, put on the vest."

I watch him as he digs through a locker. He never turns around, so I take the gamble and switch shirts. I pull off the plain T and dress in a white button-up. As I slide on the vest, he turns around. I button the waist and raise my arms to present.

"Better?"

He scoffs as he walks over," Are you a Mormon? Why did you button all the way to the top?" He flicks the buttons with a practiced swish of his hand. Three are undone, enough to show off my cleavage.

"Well, I'm sorry that I'm not used to looking slutty," I seethe. He straightens out the outfit a bit more, tugging me every which way.

"This is hardly slutty, but I see what you mean. When was the last time you tried to seduce someone?"

I don't confirm or deny, instead looking over at the breakroom.

He hums," figured. Don't worry, you look good. Just do your little tricks, and those sad sacks will be eating out of your hand. Ready?"

I blow a strand of hair out of my face," Ready as I'll ever be."

"Great. My name is Vex, and you report only to me. You only have two things to do here. Look pretty and scam suckers. Is that easy enough for you?"

"I know I can do at least half that," I shrug.

"Don't worry, I can teach you how to scam suckers." With that, he twists me away. His hand on my lower back guides me out into the main room. I take a deep breath of the familiar atmosphere that comforts me immediately.

Let's start.

--------

I have been working for Vex for around a month now. I have to say, this job is awesome. It's nice to be on the other side for once, seeing the poor bastards try and try just to succeed at going home empty-handed. Vex helps with some pocketing tricks, but mostly spends his time teaching me card counting. On slow nights, it's not particularly helpful, but when the table is full, I can really get some practice in. Blackjack was the simplest way to learn, as all but one card of each player is revealed. Vex stops by once in a while to watch over my shoulder. He is a little too flirty when he does so, making me lose my concentration when he is near. Hand on my back, hot breath down my neck. I don't know if he is doing it on purpose, but as long as he keeps touching me, I don't really care.

Vex walks up behind me, hand sliding to the small of my back. The chills shoot straight down my legs as I don't recall breathing.

"We have a special guest tomorrow," he whispers," Wear that cute button-up with the top three undone. Then those high-waisted slacks that show off your ass."

I shuffle the deck with a playful smirk," Been paying too much attention to my outfits."

"Not like you don't demand it when you wear those pants," He pets my back," But seriously, my boss is coming tomorrow specifically to meet you. No pressure."

Before I could respond, he was gone. My hands are a little less certain as I pocket a few cards. The boss's boss, how...uncomfortable.

I show up the next day in the appropriate attire. The cold night air makes my nipples ache with how hard they are. I wait by the entrance for the door to show up. My hands seek warmth in my pits as my legs bounce to generate some heat.

"Vex, my nipples can cut glass here. Open the fucking door," I grumble to no one. As if he heard me, the familiar red door clanks into place. "Finally," I praise. I rush in and embrace the almost tropical air. My feet take me down to the nostalgic room where I find Vex rushing around. I pause at the bottom just to watch.

Vex divides out the sets for each table: cards, chips, and chairs. When he finally passes me, he stops, startled to see me. He gives me a once-over as he fully turns to me.

"Are you even wearing a padded bra?" He stares down at my chest. I cross my arms.

"It's 30 outside," I defend. He takes a little too long to look away. I look down at the abundant cleavage and cross my arms a little higher. "Do you need help with anything?"

"Huh," he meets my eyes," No. Go get warm and- I don't know- be not in here." He zips off before I can argue. His tail flicks in quick streaks near his feet. I don't bother trying to talk with him; it is impossible when he is like this.

I walk off to the back and play on my phone. Online poker in a casino would make me laugh at the irony if I weren't too busy losing. You would think a month here learning to count cards would help with something, but I guess not.

"Why are you sitting? Go set up your station," Vex snaps. I glare up at him as he passes towards the lockers. When I don't move, he looks over his shoulder," Today would be great."

"Don't be an ass, it's not cute," I shut off my phone. I get the hell out of dodge before he can start his bitch fit. My station is already set up, thanks to Vex, so I settled for grabbing a cup of water to keep nearby.

The chip station is empty of the typical pig gentleman who works it- Wilbur. I take stock of the room and then the time. Shouldn't everyone be funneling in by now? I grab a plastic cup and fill it with the cooler. Vex bangs on the employee door loud enough to make me jump. I snapped at him, speeding around some more.

"Where is everyone?" I risk asking. He bends down behind a table, then pops his head up.

"The place is rented out tonight. It's just you and me," He answers before dipping away. Since I've started here, I've never seen this place even so much as go short-staffed, let alone be rented out.

"Your boss rented out the place except for us? That seems a bit excessive."

"He owns the place. That's his prerogative. Though he just wanted to meet you," He has to shout when he heads to the back. I watch him, confused. Meet me? Why on earth would his boss want to do that?

"Why?"

He kicks the door open with hands full of cocktail mixes. "You are the only human to work here. He wants to make sure you aren't just a pretty face."

I squint," So he is going to do a review on me? You didn't think to warn me of that?"

He sets the bottles on the bar and begins sorting them into their holders. "Would it matter? You tend to bend under pressure. I figured it gives you less time to overthink it."

He's right, of course. Though I'd never say it. Instead, I finish off the cup and refill, wishing it were a different clear liquid. Getting tested by a demon, no pressure. I finish the drink off again.

I don't notice when Vex walks by. He pushes my spaced-out self to my station. I fit into the cut-out space and watch his hands grip the table on either side. His chin digs into my shoulder.

"You are going to do fine. Now stop being so human and focus on me right now. I have ten minutes to make sure this place looks amazing, or I'm going to the lava pits," He bumps his head to mine before taking off.

I have to impress the boss? How the hell am I going to do that? I'm lucky I impressed Vex that night, and I got to admit, it was pure luck. I grab a pack and begin fidgeting with the deck. The cards glide over my fingers like a lover's touch. My fingers play around with each sheet in a mesmerizing display. I divide, slide, throw, and catch. The familiar beats ease the tension, but only a bit. A word from him alerts me.

"Lava pits," I ask.

The tension is almost palpable as steps are heard from the front door. We both freeze as a very large beast comes into the light. He is an animal hybrid just like everyone I've met here. He clearly struggles to walk, even with his cane doing nothing but enabling him. His head is that of a boar- large tusks and a pig nose. The suit hugs him a bit too snugly, the buttons threatening to pop with a misplaced breath.

"Don Holden," Vex claps," Welcome." His tone is all customer service; it's actually gross to hear it from him.

"Ambivex, always a pleasure," Don removes his coat and hands it to Vex. The sight is humorous, the term 'monkey butler' making me smile. Also, Ambivex? Thank god he goes by Vex, I would never call him that.

"Shall I show you to our table tonight?"

"What game are we playing?" Don waddles in my direction as he chats it up with Vex. I straighten, finding myself looking over my attire. My cleavage is out more than I'm comfortable with, but I understand the need. If I'm going to impress him, I think I can take what I can get.

"I was thinking of a classic game of poker. Did you have something else in mind?"

Don makes it to the table in a huff. He looks at me, forgetting about Vex. His eyes feel greasy as they wander over my body. My skin pebbles as the urge to shower comes over me. I keep on my smile and continue to fiddle with the deck.

"Samantha Flits, I've heard very little of you," Don greets. Vex pulls out his chair. He struggles to lift himself into the high seat but never looks away from me, to my dismay. The pig seems rather excited to be here tonight.

"Well, I hope what you have heard is all good things," I lay it on as thick as syrup. Let the old bastard drown in it.

Once he is firmly seated, Vex cuts around the table to stand behind me. I expect him to crowd me into the table, but he stands politely off to the right.

"I've heard some interesting things that I wish to see for myself tonight," Don smiles," Would you mind a little game of poker?"

"Poker? Why, that's my favorite," I butter him up. I make a show of shuffling the cards, trying to forget about the eyes on me. With dramatic flares and over-the-top tricks, I begin dealing. Two cards each and the deck by my side. The pig doesn't look at his cards, though his eyes dip more than once to my chest. I want to sneer, but instead take a peek at my set.

"How about we make this game more interesting?" He gleamed. I look up from the table to stare off into space. A tingle goes through my head as his words muddle around. A hand is splayed on my back, but I don't pay it mind. My body feels like it's betraying me as I ponder the offer. Surely it wouldn't hurt to up the stakes for our esteemed guest? Though I was specifically told NOT to.

"What are you offering-," I can't finish as my hair is yanked. I see silently," If you wish to make a deal, feel free to talk with Vex. I am not allowed to barter during work." Vex pets his knuckles down my spine, and I shiver.

"Very well," Don frowns," Then just a friendly game will do. And don't go easy on me, dear."

We play the first round with minor meddling. The line does little to help my hand, and I can't seem to focus enough to figure out the odds. With all the cards flipped, he reveals his, a pair with an ace high. I flip mine, a pair, jack high. Don frowns as he throws the cards to me. The knuckles at my spine dig into my skin. A clear message is being sent.

Do better.

I shuffle the deck and take a breath. I ignore the reprimand at my back. I ignore the slimy eyes staring down my shirt. I ignore that I'm even in a casino. Deep inhale, slow exhale. I got this.

I deal the next set while sneaking select cards into my sleeves. We play the next round and end in a tie. Don huffs, annoyed and bored. Vex's finger tugs a little on my vest. I nudged his foot with mine with a little message, I got this.

I shuffle once more and show off some dramatics. As I toss a card into the air, I slide my card on top. I catch the other and slide it in the middle. Another deal, and this one is going in my favor. I grab the 4th card in line and, with a flick of my fingers, trade it for the last card hidden away. Before I can reach for the next card, Don stops me.

"Dear, this has been a failed endeavor, but I believe it's best to call it a night," He tosses his cards face up towards me as he struggles out of the chair. "You are a sexy young thing, but I believe Vex has made a mistake with your other talents." I want to roll my eyes at all this. Vex's hand claws at my vest, gripping it tight enough to strain on my stomach. I nudged his foot again.

"Leaving before the game has ended. Seems rather impolite," I bait, though I haven't a clue if it would work. What would a demon care about being 'polite'?

Don huffs," If only to humor you." He turns back and prompts me to flip the last card. I do as such, and no one is surprised by the reveal. "As expected, three of a kind for me. You have either a pair or a sad attempt at a straight." I quirk a brow, he furrows his. Vex tugs me accidentally, and I falter a step. I scold him over my shoulder, but just see how nervous he looks. I ignored him for a moment longer.

"So certain, Mr. Holden?"

He glares," I'm almost certain."

I flip my set to reveal a full house. He scoffs.

"Now, how did you come about that?" He looks over the cards, seeing a repeat of a seven of clubs," Did you add extra cards?"

I shrug," Are you accusing me of cheating?"

He looks up at me with an amused quirk of his brow," Now, how did you throw in some more when I was looking?"

I grab one of the cards off the table. With a flick of my fingers, I switch it for one hidden behind," Magic."

Don laughs. He laughs a true belly laugh that reminds me of Vex a bit. The hand on my back snakes around to my hips, and I have to fight a blush.

"Now that's some neat trick. I didn't know we hired magicians," He laughs with a slap to the table," No wonder profits have been great!"

Don waddles off while laughing towards the door. Vex jumps out from behind me to walk him out. With Don's coat in hand, he meets him at the steps.

"You did well, Ambivex," he reaches up and slaps him kindly on the cheek. Vex bows and helps him adorn his jacket. With a final wave and another laugh at me, Don is gone.

Vex straightens his tie and walks over. He has a smirk on his cheek as he stops half an arm's length away.

"That went well, I think," I smile. He hums before grabbing my face and laying a big kiss on me. I stumble from it, catching myself on the table.

"You just helped me get a raise." He switches his hold to my back and neck as he dips me, laying another kiss on me. I'm slow to trot, a bit drunk on him as I try to compute an ounce of what's happening. He leans away to look at me, annoyed," If you don't kiss me back, I'm going to feel a certain way about it."

"Oh," my hand shakes as I grab his collar, "sorry." He meets me in a more interactive dance of lips. I tug him close, though I'm incredibly out of my element here. He leads, groping at my side and threading his fingers through my hair. I feel light and dizzy. He crowds me until the wood digs into my waist. Without preamble, he hugs me close to lift me onto the table. I gasp, my hand flies out to catch myself as he presses me to my back.

"Whoa," I break away to catch my breath. He diverts to my neck for open-mouth kisses. I can't breathe or think. My insides feel like jumping beans as a vibration rolls in waves. I tilt my head, and he fills the space, sucking on my skin towards my breast. I'm shaking by the time he presses his face in.

"Oh my god," I pant. He drags my hips towards him. My hand slips off the table, and I collapse onto the felt top. He crawls up with me, hands fiddling with the buttons leading up to my bust. I stop him when I have a second to think.

"What," he growls. I can't answer yet, too busy trying to remember how to exhale. He looked down at me, and I could combust. His face looks so needy.

"Hold on a second," I bang my head back," What is going on?"

He laughs," I feel it's pretty obvious what's happening. If you want me to spell it out, I can." He bends to kiss my hands on his. He grabs a finger with his teeth and guides it away from my stomach. I'd find it funny if I weren't so overwhelmed. The ache in my crotch tells me to let him keep going. He slowly unbuttons, kissing the skin as it's revealed. My eyes flutter shut, a groan getting caught in my throat.

"It's been a while," I warn.

"I can tell," he teases. The final button undone, he splits the fabric apart. He sits up to admire his reward. I peek at his face, so excited. My hips flex as a spark of want curls around my pussy. "It's been a while for me, too."

Before I can ask, he drags me back into an intoxicating kiss. Between us, he undoes his bowtie and shirt. I pet his face, then sneak a hand down his chest to help separate the piece. He is incredibly hairy, so much so that I turn away to look at him. He doesn't mind, instead licking and sucking on my neck. I pet over his chest and admire how heavy he is breathing. I feel a bit smug, but it's drowned out by this raging need I haven't felt in months.

"I need you," he grunts in my ear. My heart stutters. He sits up and grabs at my pants' hem. With the card dealer's hands, he undoes the button and zipper. I help him get rid of my pants. As I kick it off my ankle, he works on his pants. I watch as he pulls his cock out and jerks himself.

"Oh," I gasp. My clit nearly stings from neglect. He looks down at my slit as he pumps himself. A decent-sized cock, very human-looking to no one's surprise. His large hands thumb over his tip as he reaches out and slides a finger against me. Slick coats his fingers, but I barely notice as I fall onto my back. My hips move on their own to meet his hand.

"You're so wet," he moans. A finger squelches as he presses in. I clench around him, hands reaching down as if to help, but pausing over my stomach. I grope at the skin and roll into him. Though it's not enough.

"Please," I whimper without consent. I know I'll be embarrassed by that later, but that look on his face makes me not give a damn.

"Please, what?" He smiles. Another finger gets engulfed by my heat. I can't think.

"Please," I say again as I ride his hand. He curls the pads to my walls and plays me like a fiddle. I pant and writhe, my clit burning with need.

"I'm going to die," he removes his hand," I have to be in you. Sorry."

He grabs my hips in a flash and presses his cock to my entrance. I only have enough time to look up as his face pinches in pleasure. I'm stuffed as he nudges further and further in. My hips bounce to meet him until he bottoms out.

"Fuck," he spits," Don't say a word, I'll explode."

"What?" I wrap my legs around him, nudging him in more. He swallows hard, a death grip on my hips.

"I said don't talk," he says, panicked. I can't help it, I truly can't. I dig my heels into his hips and squeeze tight. My walls flutter as a spark tries to burn us both alive. His hips stutter as if he tried to run away but was snatched back. He pants quickly, looking up at the ceiling. "F-fuck," he tries to bark, but it loses most of its bite. He fucks into me in unpracticed thrusts, like he is fighting himself.

I choke on moans, rather happy to be stuffed and watch him lose his cool. He peeks down through his lashes with bared teeth. I grin a bit smugly.

"Screw it," he says. His fingers dig into my thighs as he pulls out. He slams in hard enough to compress my lungs. Teasing might have been a bad idea.

Vex fucks me like his life depends on it. He pistons in with deep growls that have me in awe. I writhe and squirm under him as my pleasure is being ripped from me without a care. I give up on subtlety and cry out into the empty casino. My hands search around for purchase. Cards are splayed around, chips kicked over. I feel so free at this moment. In my element with this beastly man.

"Vex," I groan. His hips stumble, I say it again. He lets out a quick breath before holding it again. Watching him so wound tight, tettering closer and closer to the precipice does things to me. I embrace the feeling of his cock, his hands, his breath. It is a comforting fire that shreds through me as if I'm on a winning streak that can't be beat. I don't see it coming, but neither does he.

I arch off the table as I squeeze around him. I grit my teeth and bear it to the ceiling. My hands clench around a handful of cards, bending them every which way in my grip. Vex cries out, but stamps it down quickly. I milk him, almost demanding his cum. He finishes with his head back, sputtering into the room. His hips jerk in short bursts as warmth floods my inside.

"Ah," he pants," Fucking hell." He freezes. I watch him, his fingers still digging into my skin. Before I can ask him to let go, he pulls out and collapses beside me. His arm goes around my middle as he hums. I look him over, a content smile on his face. His generally well-groomed hair is a mess. His bowtie hangs off his neck, stuck in the collar of his shirt. I grab it and toss it aside.

"So what was that about?" I ask. I curl to my side, wincing at the wetness between my legs. He opens a single eye.

"What do you mean? What was that about?"

"Well, you kinda jumped me there."

He huffs," I think I was romantic enough. Don't paint me as some beast who attacked you."

"Uh-huh." He scolds me with a bite to my shoulder. I jerk away and playfully swat his back.

We cuddle on the uncomfortable table, perhaps falling asleep at some point. I wake up with a crick in my neck.

"I think I should head home, it's a bit late." I grab his arm to toss to the side. He grumbles a bit but puts up no fight. I don my pants and redo my shirt. Vex continues to be lost to the land of the living, having fallen asleep on the table. I wait for him to wake, to say something. A light snore comes from him.

"Well, I'll be going," I take a few steps away towards the door. It stings a little, I won't deny it. To be fair, he is a demon.

I head up the steps and out into the cold parking lot. The cars are mostly gone, though mine is left alone on the far side. With a click, the door shuts behind me. As I turn around, it fades from view. The chilly air feels a bit colder.

"Hey," A familiar voice greets. I look down towards the edge of the building. Someone I would potentially call a friend is smoking at the end.

"Hey," I call out to the bartender.

"Haven't seen you in a few weeks," He says, pulling a drag frm his cigarette. I walk over.

"Been busy."

"Cheating on this casino with another," he teases.

"Something like that. I got a new job," I tuck my hands into my pits as the chill starts to get to me. The bartender looks me over, perhaps noticing the disheveled vest and clothes.

"I can't tell if you work as a magician or as a role-playing prostitute."

I roll my eyes," Ha-Ha, I work as a dealer."

"Of drugs?"

"Ok," I start to walk off," I'm having a weird night, I don't need this from you."

"Wait," He calls after," I'm sorry. How's your new job?"

I pause," It's fine."

"Been keeping the money you are making?"

I prepare to counter with a defensive jab, but it strikes me, I actually have money. My bank account actually has something in it, enough something. I've been gambling, but it's chump change online. Vex frowns against betting at work, but still playing the game with the company's chips has fulfilled the rush for some. Though not completely, enough to take the edge off.

"Yeah," I say with a true smile," I have been saving some."

"Enough to pay off Travis," He laughs. I remember why I don't really talk to him.

"Ok, I'm going home now. Goodnight."

The bartender tosses the bud as I walk to my car. I drive home, and the sense of pride I felt wears off as the soreness between my legs jabs at my chest. I guess some vices just switch.

It feels like a walk of shame as I ascend to my apartment. The keys clink against one another before I shove one into the door. I think about work tomorrow night and how I'm going to face Vex. The sex was good, but his lying there like that made me feel so used. I press onward like a zombie.

"I think the reason you suck at poker is because you are impatient," Vex stumbles me from my stupor. I snap around the room that isn't my own. A bedroom with red and black decor. Very clearly not mine. Vex walks out of a bathroom near a large bed. He is in boxers and nothing else.

"W-what," I try to get my bearings. He stands with arms folded, rather annoyed.

"I felt like a dame waking up alone like that. I would even say I felt violated," he fakes offense with a hand to his chest before he glares. My hackles raised, the switching room concern is tossed aside. I cross my arms.

"Excuse me. I wasn't the one who passed out two seconds after finishing."

"I said it's been a while," he throws his hands in the air," Also, my night was very stressful, sue me for napping."

"Whatever, can I go home now? I need a shower and my bed."

He scoffs," No. You are staying with me tonight."

"The hell I am. You don't get to do whatever just because we had sex. I am about- what are you doing?" Vex saunters over during my rant. I take a step back, but he snatches me around the waist. Hoisting me up, flush against his chest, he twirls me towards the bed. I lamely try to fight him off, but the attention is making me swoon. He drops me into the softest cushion I have ever felt. I sink into the mattress.

"I think I need to teach you patience," he says as he rests on his forearms over me. His breath mingles with mine, a content smile gleaming on his face.

"I think I need to teach you stamina," I tease.

"I said it's been a while. Give me another chance and I'll show you the true power of a demon," He growls, a puff of energy blowing his hair up. I wrap my arms around his neck.

"Wanna bet on it?"

"Damn addict," he kisses my cheek," I think I should play you for it. We both know I always win."

"Not so sure, maybe if I wait long enough, you will just fall asleep."

He bites my cheek," You aren't going to let me live that down, huh? At least I don't have to cheat to win a game of poker."

I wrap my legs around his waist and whisper in his ear," What are you going to do about it?"

He sits up to look me in the eyes, that playful smile slapped on his face. "I think I'm going to keep you."

"Like me that much?"

"Not in this Mormon shit, but I think I can get over it," he pops the top three buttons again. The air is thick between us, a tasty, rich thrum starting to grow. Throwing caution to the wind, I pull him down for a kiss. He plays eagerly, hands roaming down my sides. My hips curl into his with need.

He hums," You definitely aren't leaving my side again."

----------------------------

Was this potentially inspired by Husk from Hazbin Hotel? You have to talk to my lawyer because I ain't saying shit without a court order.

And no, it was actually Vox for some reason. I dont get it either.

I grab the recording of the lights and replay to the start. Calculating the date and stars I can figure out a general area of where it's coming from. Now the radiowaves. They begin a few months before the lights which can mean anything. I hold up the printed scan and furrow my brows.

What if they come from the same place? Together they make one message.

It all clicks. The lights, the radiowaves, the alarms. It all connects. Not just from one source but from the same output. Together they are a full story. I hop off my desk chair and begin charting the occurrences together until a message starts to become clear. Full dialect and complete thoughts.

"Oh my god," I flip through the start of a coded message in awe. "The Greys are real." The math and logic leaps finally pay off to this string of messages. The only thing left is to translate it. I hop into a star pose.

"I fucking did it! Suck it, Neil."

I continue my research into the night as I collect more information to form letters and words. I see the patterns and identify common lettering. It's a start and I can't stop. To be so close to true proof of aliens is its own form of caffeine. I can't rest. The thirst for knowledge is as deep as the ocean. I must keep go…

Knock Knock

I freeze at the intrusion. Did someone knock on my door? A quick glance around the room brings no clearer answer to this very obvious knocking. I listen for a moment. For shuffling, creaking boards, a brazen owl, anything.

Silence.

Twisting my chair towards the door I debate the chance of another night away from my bed is starting to actually fry my brain. Wouldn't be the first time, probably won't be the last. I begin to smile, this cooky old noggin starting to fry my wires.

Another knock.

I jump to my feet, heart a flutter. That was definitely a knock and very intentional. No wayward branches out here in the fields. Definitely not some frisky owl. They are truly a menace this far out of the city.

Searching the room I grab a hold of my tripod leaning against the desk. Wielding it as a bat I creep towards the door. The floorboards strain with my weight despite my best efforts. This house is older than I, there is no avoiding the creaks. Inching closer and closer I steadily reach for the handle. The warm summer breeze coaxes in from the open window. Firmly grasping the metal I take a breath.

I yank open the door in a flash, holding the tripod at the ready.

Before me is a sight I can't begin to predict. Three tall figures, standing imposing in the dark hall. The lights within the room cast a spotlight onto them. Rich dark purple skin with deep navy uniforms. Long faces with unsettling eyes. The leading man cocks his head at my choice of weapon. I give him a once over with a new judgmental filter. Yep, an alien. I drop the weapon and pout.

"You aren't the Greys, what the hell do you want?"

The leading man snorts as the two behind him gawk.

------

"How did you get this information?" The leading man sits at my kitchen table with some simplistic tablet. What ever happened to pen and paper? His goons raid my house while we talk. Funny enough, I don't feel like talking while these jerks steal my research.

"The sky," I answer honestly.

"With what tools," he clarifies.

"Telescope," I mock. He drops the tablet to the table with a heavy thunk. I bite my cheek to not smile. He rubs his face then cards his fingers through his hair. Darkest hair I've ever seen. It almost eats the light that threatens to touch it. My eyes still struggle to truly witness it.

"Annabeth, how about we talk outside." He doesn't wait for an answer when he stands. It's not really a request based on the loud banging coming from my bedroom. I huff and slap my thighs.

We walk out to the front yard in the early morning. The porch light paints long shadows onto the lawn. He steps past the front steps and struts down the footpath. I stop at the steps. He looks up to the grand expanse of space above him. Out here there is no one. Hence the cooperation. But more importantly, no one here to light pollute. I can see everything.

"You are a smart woman, Annabeth. You would have to be to get this far in translating our signals the way you did. We aren't here to hurt you," he looks over his shoulder," as long as you aren't a threat." The macho routine isn't cute. I fold my arms and quirk a brow. He smiles, but is quick to look back to the sky.

"There are very dangerous people up there and it would be beneficial to know how you broke our security so we can effectively secure our lines. If someone got ahold of your research down here then I would say that could cause many deaths. I was told to get this research by any means possible, but I don't want to do that. You humans don't pose a true threat and I find it insulting to strut our power like a bunch of barbarians. So I ask kindly, please tell me how you got this information."

He talks nice, definitely a good way into his years by human standards. He is proper if not a bit bored of the whole social game. I couldn't find an overbearing ego or threatening undercurrent. He just looks...tired. That's useful to me. He turns around and watches. A few feet separating us. This small moment holds a weight I can't describe. I look him over again just in case I missed something. He matches my posture, awaiting my answer.

"No." I step back for the potential blow up. He smiles and then does something unexpected...

he laughs.

--------

I see a lot more of the dipshit than I anticipated. His group took all my info and tools, even my microwave. Not that the damn thing works much anymore. My office has never looked so barren until now. He gave promises of returning anything deemed ‘safe’ but I have my doubts. Which leads me to the constant annoyance of Security Officer Maximus Le'Devy, lord of the intrusive assholes.

He swings on the back porch when I step out for some morning air. I jump when the chains squeal from his weight. He only looks over the dew covered field, not paying me much of mind.

"Do you own all this," he asks. I scoff and straighten my cardigan.

"Of course I do."

He hums," It's very peaceful."

"I know." I head back inside.

–-------------

He is hanging out on my couch when I get back from grocery shopping. I set the bags on the table while he plays around with a desk toy. I groan at the intrusion.

"Don't you have a home or something," I bark.

"Yes, don't you have family or anything up here or are you alone?"

I throw my hands up at an absurd question. He is the species who traveled space and he is asking that? Can't they just use their big fancy tech to find my relatives? Or better yet, check out any of the items they stole from me. I'm sure my cell would give them all the information they need.

"I'm not going to answer, do your own research." Why do I have to give these creeps anymore answers? I have important research to get back to about the CORRECT alien species. Not some upgraded humans. I bet they haven't even abducted any cows.

"Are you always this snippy? I know humans are abrasive but you seem to do it on purpose."

I ignore him in favor of putting groceries away. Screw him. I play him like a bully, don't engage. When he finds me the crazy old woman living alone in the farmer's house then he will leave. I mean how long can this really last? A month, tops? Just ignore him until he gets bored.

Ignoring only does so much.

It was a useful plan when it started. He would pester me until he grew bored and left. I do take what I need from the interaction, gauging what sort of information he needs from me to stay around. Is he testing me? Waiting for me to slip up and reveal some unknown secret to lock me away? Based on how often he keeps eating my cereal I have my doubts.

Whenever he is being a nosy nobody, I observe. I didn't graduate with a Masters in Astronomy AND Astrophysics for nothing. I can sniff out whatever this pest is digging for. He watches me just as much as I watch him. It has begun a new rapport.

He waltzes into my kitchen from the back porch as if he has lived here his whole life. Ever the pest. I follow him with my eyes. He hops a squat down at the dining table.

“Evening,” he nods. I turn away, sipping on some lemonade. “Are we going to keep doing this?”

I ignore him.

“You know none of this is my choice, right?”

I pick at my teeth with my tongue. The fridge has so many smudges on it. With the setting sun illuminating the stainless steel I can see every fingerprint.

He hums,” You humans have such greasy fingers.”

I snap towards him before catching myself. I stare blankly ahead towards the living room as if I meant to do that. Out the corner of my eye I can see the prick smile. He leans on his hand, watching me.

“We don't have any of these issues at home, nothing in the kitchen will accept a smudge. Even children's sticky hands are no match to Melomite.”

“Melomite? What a stupid na-,” I groan at the mishap. I shut my eyes, hearing him snicker under his breath. My hand fists the handle of the mug as I debate my next move.

He waits patiently, amused as always by me. Damn him, and his whole species. I down the rest of my drink and shove off to another room. He huffs, annoyed.

“Goodbye again, Annabeth,” he grumbles.

A part of me feels bad, an incredibly small part. So small that it would fit between molecules of a solid. Screw him and the spaceship he rode in on. Poor thing is bored? Not my problem.

I still take a look back when I reach my bedroom. He sits crossarmed in the old wooden chair, staring blankly at the tabletop. His age shines through at this moment. The sun casts a glow that reflects off the white countertops. It's picturesque. He looks so…handsome.

He turns, glancing out the corner of his eye towards me. I quickly jump beyond the door, shutting it with a loud bang.

—----------------------- I wake up with company. I sit up in bed after a fruitless sleep feeling off kiltered. When I look over the room I see the damned alien laying in his uniform over the blankets. I flinch, banging my back into the headboard.

"Jesus," I grab my head," you cannot scare an old woman like that."

He turns his head," old? Are you not middle aged?"

"Fifty is considered old here."

He gives me a once over," Hm, you look good for fifty then."

"Well," I flounder. The morning has already started crazy enough for me. This has got to stop. "What are you even doing here? You have all my life's work, what else can you need? I'm not writing a step by step guide if that's what you are waiting for. Do your own research."

He turns to his side, looking mighty ridiculous all dressed up for bed.

"Just have to make sure you aren't a threat. It's the higher up's protocols. I know you are just batshit," he answers so easily. Batshit? What sort of saying would an alien know?

"What?"

"I'm not writing out a step by step guide, do your own thinking," he jokes. Already bored he twists onto his back and stares up at the ceiling. The morning sun glows on his purple skin, giving it a more starburst look. I'm momentarily in awe. I would begrudgingly admit that he is rather handsome, in an otherworldly way. There is a calmness that just radiates off him. It's refreshing, though I'd never say that aloud. These little moments of admiration have been happening too often for comfort. Perhaps I should look into this…

He breaks me from the stupor when he looks up. He squints, sitting up a bit to evaluate. I squint back.

"What was that," he points at me. I look around for clues to what he is on about.

"Huh?"

He is quick to sit up and spin onto all fours. I watch him slowly appraise me as he crawls slowly closer. I take the time to appraise him too. In a few shifts he is in my bubble with his hands framing my lap. His eyes look a little milky.

"Uh," I blush," What are you doing?" His natural scent charges through my defenses. He smells comforting, a cozy male stench. It peaks my interest which he notes immediately. He stops nearly nose to nose. My back presses flush to the wooden headboard. Am I sweating? Is it hot in here?

His eyes scan over my face with a focus that makes me nervous. He is confused about something and I haven't a clue what that is. Slowly he inches ever closer, twisting his head slightly to the side. I can't breathe, he isn't going to? Would I let him? Ridiculous…

I stare down at his lips, they look mighty soft. They are so close, what would they taste like? Timidly he presses them against mine and I can only stare blankly ahead. What is happening right now? As quick as it happens he creates a modicum of space between us. He hums, unsatisfied with his experiment. I raise my brows, confused. He squints and tries again. It's more certain, molding to mine and moving to suckle on my skin. I cautiously follow along, ever the scientist.

He shifts closer, palm cupping my cheek as he finds a new rhythm. I'm but a puppet, pulled along by strings in a familiar dance. We make out like some teenagers in my bed. I fiddle with the sheet, very content to let him lead. His tongue darts out, shockingly cold. I flinch away from the sudden temperature difference. We part and stare at one another.

The air is still, waiting for the change of winds. He juggles his thoughts openly. A crease at his brow, his eyes looking like they are literally swirling in the milky glaze. It's kinda gross looking. He finishes his conclusion with an inquisitive frown. Is that a bad thing?

"Hmm," he nods," can I try that again?"

I chuckle," If you must."

We grab onto one another as he jumps back in for another kiss. The winds change for something unexpected. I guide him over me and fiddle with his shirt. He plays with my night gown, splayed hands exploring. The stupid buttons of his clothes are ridiculous. He finds my thighs and tugs me further below him and presses me in half.

"Holy hell," I pant as he begins grinding his crotch to mine. My nightgown catches on my hips while my legs frame his waist. A thrill I haven't felt since my youth brings a new lightness to being around him. Who expected this, ha.

I keep trying his shirt but it's not working. The damn buttons don’t go through holes like normal buttons! He growls into my mouth before sitting up. With practiced fingers he slides his nail down and undoes the clasps. I huff.

"Well I didn't know it was that easy."

He smiles then begins undoing his pants. I toss aside the embarrassment for this new sight. He parts the top flap and shoves his hand in. His cock is tugged out to lay in his palm. He sighs as he strokes himself. His cock is purple like the rest of him. It's decent size and girth, the only difference is the way it writhes. I try not to think about it too much. The interesting- and less gross- part of him is the line of bumps trailing from his stomach.

Before I can start my new experiment of exploring his body he folds me back in half and spreads my legs. He pushes my nightgown up until he discovers my chest. From the look on his face I guess he isn't familiar with these. I grab his hand and press his warmth to my tit. He gives an inquisitive squeeze then laughs.

"This feels strange," he says. He thumbs my nipple and grows more fascinated as it hardens. "Strange indeed."

"I don't want to hear it, you are purple," I try to tease. He pinches my nipple as punishment but It only does good to make me arch into him. I gasp and grab his hand. He does it again.

"I think I like these," he smiles.

"Yeah," I pant," try this then." I grab his hand and lead him to the throbbing between my legs. He cups me through my underwear. My toes splay at the shock of contact but I melt as he tries to figure out what he is feeling. He hums thoughtfully.

He reaches around to my ass and tugs the underwear off. Settling back between my legs he grabs my calves to spread me farther. My hip stings and my thighs ache.

"Calm down," I snag my leg back," I'm not flexible anymore."

He pets the calf in his hand but doesn't look away from the sight before him. Men, I huff. I rest my leg against his shoulder but the other is propped on his thigh.

His fingers reach out to prod at my pussy, utterly lost at what he is seeing. It’s a little cute, in a boyish way. He is gentle while stroking my folds. I still jump when he finds my clit. He freezes, reaching out again much softer. My breath cinches in my throat but melts back into my muscles. He grins wide. As a man with a new toy he pets the area again, enjoying the way I react. I melt into his touch, soft moans parting my lips.

He reaches down his own body and begins stroking his cock to the view of himself petting me. I groan at the sight, stealing his attention for a moment. He pauses to stare, the confused look back on his face. I can't figure out what he is trying to decipher but as long as he keeps touching me, I don't care.

I nudge my hips into him and he regains his main priority. He pets downward until he finds my entrance, his finger fulfilling a fraction of the need.

"I get it now," he adds another finger with a squelch.

I grind into his hand," Glad you do, now do something about it."

He smiles to himself. He removes his fingers and aligns his cock. I'm stuck between watching and looking away. Sex with an alien, Barbara would never believe this. He presses forward, parting my folds. He sucks in a breath as he is engulfed. I shiver at the intrusion, having been a while. More than a while if I'm being truthful here. His cock glides in, that undulating motion coming out rather satisfying as I take more of him. He bottoms out with a strange clicking gurgle.

"Stars," he curses. His mouth is parted and eyes lidded as he watches where we meet. Completely surrounded he blows a puff of air. "This is..." he trails off. He starts to pull out, his breath audible as if it's all too much. I relish the stroke of his cock as he slowly retreats and then pushes back in. "Stars," he grunts out again.

He careens forward and collapses onto his forearms over me. His lips find mine with feverish intent. I struggle to keep up while he finds a favorable position. With our hips together and legs around his waist he takes off. Thrusting into me as he groans into my mouth. We hold one another like we aren't strangers. We fuck like he isn't an alien from another planet. Just two people in for a nice lay.

A very nice lay.

The little nub on his stomach bumps my clit with little kisses. I try to grind into it when he bucks. His short cries of pleasure become too much that I have to part from his mouth. He finds refuge against my neck, hissing into my hair.

"How the hell," he stumbles," do you feel this good?"

"Born this way," I laugh. He huffs along with me with a big dumb smile. His thrusts become shallow as he groans into my hair. unclear of the nature of alien climax signs I just hold on. He kisses along my neck before opening wide and grasping a large chunk between his teeth. I stiffen. Is he going to chomp down? I'll kill him if he...

Something starts vibrating. The little nub that was stamping my clit is now buzzing. His thrusts shorten to small bucks so the nub is firmly resting on me now.

"Oh," I gasp. I claw onto his back for purchase as my climax digs through me. He demands it from me as his teeth dimple my skin. His clicks grow as does the buzzing. I writhe in his arms feeling like prey caught in a trap. I suck in a breath and hold it until I'm careening off the edge.

I cum on this alien. My pussy pulses around him and his short bucks. The buzzing has me losing my mind as the pleasure eeks towards pain. He gurgles and then stills, warmth bathes my insides as he too reaches his end.

The buzzing subsides to low pulses like a heartbeat. He licks over my neck for a short moment until he lets go. I pet along his clothed back as we both try to come back to our bodies.

He pulls out and flops onto the bed..

"We are doing that again," he grunts.

I grin," absolutely."

---------- I can't decide if sleeping with him was a bad thing or an amazing thing. Let's break it down a bit, as the scientist I pride myself on being. I stir my tea that has begun its descent to ice tea around twenty minutes ago.

On the one hand I have this annoying pest who began his reign of terror on my home nearing a month ago now. He has uprooted my life’s work for the sake of “security” and nearly lived here rent free for the duration. It's been an uphill battle of will.

I freeze my stirring when the back door creaks open. It's not some great mystery of who it is. I don't even have to turn around because he is already in view opening my fridge. I shut my eyes and take a deep breath.

On the other hand… I peek my eyes open enough to look at his body. A thrill gives me a headrush, that stubborn frown melting away into a smile. He is very handsome. Ok, incredibly sexy is a better word but that's probably the vibrating nub on his belly talking. What a glorious thing that is.

He struts away with a carton of orange juice, only stopping to smile and wave. I watch him cut the corner towards the living room. Probably going to continue messing with the television. I hear the damned thing begin playing a tune from some commercial.

“Annoying pest,” I scowl down at my cold tea. For the fun of it I stir the wasted drink and fight back the memories. Such fond memories.

I shove the tea away.

–---------------

The morning is hard. Old bones, old injuries, old everything adds up to a slow start to my day. Just rolling out of bed was a sisyphean task. I wobble onto my feet to begin the trek to the bathroom. I hobble to the hallway then past my office. The door is wide open and different. I manage two more steps before I back track.

“What,” I mumble. I hang onto the doorframe while sorting the very changed office. My telescopes, computers, printer, microwave, notes, everything is back. My brain races the possibilities of it being a trap. Maybe a dream?

A weight sits on my head as well as a warmth on my back. I try to look up but the stubborn creature behind me won't relent.

“Morning,” he greets, chipper than usual. It irks me.

“What's all this?” I gesture wildly to the stocked room.

“I don't know human household nomenclatures well but I will guess an office, maybe a garage? You people have a lot of working rooms.”

I swat him away to charge headfirst into this new dilemma. He snatches my waist and tugs me back against his front.

I scoff,” you're cuddly this morning.” I say more as an after thought.

“Warm,” he hums. I still swat him away in favor of the task at hand. He relents, an aggravated huff blowing at my hair before I'm out of reach.

“What is all this? My telescope, my research, my damned microwave,” I ask as I gesture to each. I stop at him,” Explain yourself, Pest.”

“Are you asking me why you have YOUR items back? Is it not kind to return your property to you,” He plays obtuse. He does it well. That damned annoying smile with his hands in his pockets. Not a care in the world. I squint at him.

“I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth but you are no horse, you are a roach. Is this some test? Trying to see if I will relent my vow of silence?” I think about it some more. It clicks, rolling in my gut so sour. I grimace at the idea.

“I can't say I like that look,” he teases.

“You didn't give this back because we had sex? I'm not in the business of doing quid pro quo.” I shake off the disgust of it all.

“I don't know what that means but no. You were deemed not a threat and your items were released. We still kept some of your findings, specifically the messages you discovered. That falls under classified information and cannot be in your care. Otherwise you have been downgraded on our threat scale.” He does the proper thing of over explaining. I can see a shiver of discomfort. It doesn't appease me one bit. There is no way they figured out enough of my research to declare such a thing. This must be a favor, or some test.

I waggle my finger at him,” You think that you can buy my kindness back with some pulled favors? You better think again, Pest. It's too convenient, few days after we fuck and miraculously my stuff is back? Try again buster, I wasn't born yesterday.”

He smiles, rolling his eyes as he does. “You are very fascinating, human. As you aren't in the business of sex for favors, neither am I.” He saunters over with those damn long legs. I stand firm, fist closed at my sides. He reaches down to my waist and pulls me in close. I lean away, bending over his hand placed at the small of my back. He looks me over, his smile growing. “No, sex was just because I like you.”

I scoff and turn away. “Now I know you're lying.” Even still, a warmth radiates from my chest that has my heart doing little flips. Being swept up in his allure, so easily might I add. I push away from him.

“Your flattery will get you nowhere. Don't think for a second I'm trusting you for all this. Some great sex and kind words won't sand down years of experience. I'm watching you.” Before he can grab for me again I rush out the room to the bathroom. He gets in a single sentence before I slam the door shut.

“Great sex?”

I put more muscle into shutting the door just to ignore the rush of agreement. It was pretty great sex. —-----------------

"How can you afford all this equipment? I never see you work," Maximus asks. I turn around to see him poking at my Infra telescope. He scoffs, unimpressed. “How cute.”

"Don't touch that," I snap," and I'm loaded."

"What?"

I write down the time of the rolling sheet before grabbing my stand and heading to the backyard. I don't stop to check if he is following, the curious twat is always following. Ever since he gave me my things back I will admit I've melted a bit to him. Frustrating human instincts to trust the being you bed. Another quick roll in the hay and he is already burrowing into my brain. Damn him.

I kick open the backdoor, struggling to get the long telescope through. Maximus holds the door. As thanks, I elaborate.

"I got injured at Dodger stadium in my 30s. With the fractured cheek bone and swollen eye the court rewarded me around 500k for damages. I invested it quickly into some growing tech companies my old coworkers knew about, now I have nearly 1.3 million in my account."

I open the tripod legs and set them into the muddy ground. Maximus stands off to the side with his hands in his pockets.

"I'm assuming that's a lot. Your human money doesn't make sense. There are so many different currencies that vary drastically. Yen, dollars, rupees. It's tiresome."

"Lets just say for someone like me I could live off it for the rest of my life and still have a good payout to my beneficiary." I peek through the lense and adjust accordingly.

"I would say you are smart but that honestly sounds like luck. I will not give you credit for that," He steps closer," What are you looking for?" He tries to nudge me out of the way. His girth gives him a decent advantage on little old me. Him being persistent, I relent. He looks through the lense and then back up to the sky. Spinning in a short circle he falls back to the lens and rotates to the direction he was before. Small adjustments and he steps back. He nods to the tool when I don't move.

I eagerly lean to the eyepiece, finding myself seeing a small pin of yellow, or maybe orange.

"What am I looking at?" I try to adjust the focus but it's just too far away to make out.

"Take a guess."

I look over the cap to scowl at him. I'm really eating my words as of late. But in my defense, he is an alien with space travel. Why should I have to be a genius? I look back for more clues. There is nothing around and obviously it's too far. So the clues are in front of me, not observable. Oh, how stupid.

"Is this your planet?" I scoff. Why is he wasting my time with this?

"See, I knew you were smart. Yes, that is my home. It's impressive you can even see it at all from here."

"I wouldn't notice it."

He hums.

Bored with the needle point dot in the sky I flip back to my real exploration. I don't care about his planet or whatever his people are up to. I'm looking for the Greys.

I stand out there for a while longer as he has pulled up a chair to enjoy the quiet night.

"You know the Greys, as you refer to them, aren't real?"

I scoff, not falling for his trap.

"I saw in one of your notes a picture and we don't have those bulbous head creatures with big oval eyes. There are the Buvarians. They are a lot fuller but they have that tight grey skin. Those guys are a bunch of druggies though as their planet is soaked in fumes that popped up from a pocket underground. It caused them to lose their hair but they have amazing metabolism and muscle growth. They have to eat so much and have since started colonizing new planets to farm food."

"You talk a lot," I reply. He barks a laugh.

"You don't talk enough. Come on, you have a real life alien in your backyard and all you want to do is just stand there? I'm giving you a free pass to ask me anything," He nearly begs. I look over my shoulder at his relaxed smile. The only thing he is missing is a beer and a cigarette and he would be just like my ex boyfriend. I huff.

"I don't want you around, it's not my fault you keep wandering back for some nookie and free food."

"I come back because I have to, nothing wrong with enjoying the added benefits."

I snort as I finally stand straight. My back pops from the strain and I groan. The muscle pinches and I choose to rest in the extra chair by Maximus. I try to easily lower myself but only collapse with a grunt. Maximus watches with that damn smile.

"Find anything good?" he teases. I glare at him.

"Don't you have some other old ladies to pester?"

He shrugs," none that are cute enough to kiss."

"Shameless flirt. I ain't sleeping with you tonight. There is work to be done."

He tosses his head back and groans loud and exaggerated. "Ann, let's just go inside and watch that stupid show you like. Maybe makeout a little."

I wave him off," Makeout with someone else." I try to stand up but he is quick to snatch my hand. I roll my eyes as he drags me back towards him. My head lulls to the side to watch.

"Popcorn, movie, quickie, and then bed?"

I blow some hair out of my face, trying to reason with myself to stay out here. It's already morning so the prime time is gone. His smile grows before I can answer.

"Fine but I'm picking the movie."

"As long as you are on top, you can pick whatever you want, love."

I grimace," Don't call me that, make it sound like we are dating."

I step away as he rises," Aren't we?"

He folds up the chair as I grab the other," Heavens no. I'm too old for dating and all the nonsense."

He grabs the chair from my hand before I can take a few steps away. "You are barely middle-aged."

"Women my age are grandmothers," I bark as I hold the door open for him. He sets the chairs to the side of the door before heading inside.

He pauses in front of me and bends at the waist," I don't know, you got a pussy like a young woman. I say if you can bring a man to heaven then you have plenty of life in you."

I pop his cheek with a cackle," hush all the praisin’, I already said I'll sleep with you."

He twists and kisses my palm, " Sorry, I just gush around my mate."

He rushes inside before I can slap him again. I chase after him through the kitchen but he is in the living room before I get past the fridge. He drops onto the couch.

"Start the popcorn!"

I stop at the archway and swat my hand in the air at him. Aliens got no respect. I circle back and start the popcorn.

—------------ I stare down at the multicolored shapes scattered around in a small tin. The colors stay in the range of pastel, a few stripes of black on a few of them. I'd guess these are some sort of paperweight or maybe toys?

“Ok, I give up. What am I looking at?” Maximus hums, amused. He reaches for the tin, snatching an easter theme cube. I watch him guide it towards my face where I lean away. He huffs.

“Open,” he says. I look from him then to the confusing object. I glare back up at him. If this is some prank, I swear to god. I timidly open my mouth. Before I can think better he quickly drops the snack onto my tongue. I shut my mouth and wait. Do I chew? Do I let it dissolve? What the hell did he put in my mouth?

The first flavor to permeate is a soft lemony taste. It's not overwhelming, more refreshing? I flick my tongue around, the coating melting away for more of the easy going citrus. Ever the scientist I bite down. It’s incredibly soft, spongy even. The inside is like a very bouncy cake. Not really marshmallow, perhaps like those devil's food cake cookies. It's very good.

The lemon mixes into an amaretto, giving a slight bitter taste. It's definitely something I can see myself chowing down on while snuggled up on the couch watching my shows. If I had any shows. For this perfect scenario, I'll find one.

I look up to Maximus, smiling proudly to himself. His eyebrow quirks.

I shrug.” It's fine.” I answer stubbornly. He merely laughs and passes me another one. I stare daggers at him in protest but pop it into my mouth.

“Maybe a little more than fine,” I relent.

“If you don't like them, I can take them back,” he offers. He even slowly leans to grab the tin. I'm faster to the draw, snatching them away.

“Hasn't anyone told you not to get in between a woman and her sweets?” I huff and flip my hair. Without another word I walk out of the kitchen, ignoring the warming smile he has while he watches me leave.

“Glad you like them, Darling.”

I grumble to myself, snacking on another candy. Ever annoyed at the presumptuous prick, it's gone with every chew. The orange ones are even better.

“Jesus, Barbara would get a kick out of these little devils,” I mumble.

–----------- "No, you don't understand. I've been tracking communications between these two constellations." I begin laying out my notes for Barbara. The stacks of notes and pictures spill out my folder. I point to a timestamped photo. "Here you can see the morse code light blinking in between the big dipper. Then on this one on Ursa Major. It all tracks to the exact time of night."

Barbara watches me as if I'm crazy, but I know I'm not crazy. I hold up the photo for her to look at again. It's all right there in front of her.

"Ann, I think you need to get out of the house once in a while. Staying so far out here alone can't be good for you," she pleads. I wave her concern off.

"There is much to do here and I will find the proof of the existence of the greys," I vow.

Before Barbara can continue her pleas, Maximus rolls in from the backdoor. I look up just for a moment and funnel back into explaining. Though when I look up at Barbara she is staring slackjawed at Maximus.

lifting her finger she points," I-I-Is that?"

"That's Maximus. Pay him no mind," I wave him off," Now the Greys have left the same line of messaging since April but- Are you listening?" Barbara can't take her eyes off him. I mean he is attractive enough but not THAT good looking. Maybe Barbara needs to get out more. I snap my fingers in front of her.

"Barbara, now isn't the time to get distracted by some eye candy. Stay with me now." She still doesn't budge. Maximus walks beside me to observe the scattering of pages. Using his finger he slides one over. I snatch it away. "Do you mind?"

"That's a satellite. That one is an airplane and that one is me? It's fuzzy, you humans need better cameras," he snatches the photo to look closer. "Yea, that's my ship."

I collect all the evidence back into a pile with a huff. I step around Barbara to stuff the folder into the bookcase. Maximus looks up at Barbara with a polite smile.

"Hello," he greets. She flinches.

"H-Hi," she does her best to not freak out, failing miserably. I grab her by the shoulders.

"I said pay him no mind," I scold her then look at Maximus," Don't you have some humans to probe?"

"Today's a holiday. I only probe people during working hours but," he looks me over," I'd be happy to make an exception."

A blossoming flush rolls from my chest. I only react with a huff, turning my friend away from this annoying pest.

"Pig," I turn us towards the living room," And don't eat my Chex Mix."

"No promises," he calls after me.

"Dick," I pout.

I sit Barbara in the living room. Her stunned posture remains stiff even on the cushion. I quirk a brow at her attitude of the last few minutes. She looks fine, did she eat something bad?

"What the fuck," She finally exclaims.

"What?"

It's her turn to be the crazy one.

"What do you mean? There is an honest to god alien in your kitchen and I'm the weird one for noticing. Isn't that your life's work? There is an alien right there!"

I wave her off," I'm looking for the Greys, not some administrative alien. I'm not worried about him."

Barbara stares in disbelief. I look around for a clue to her concern.

"What?"

She frowns.

–----------- Sweet tea is a southern staple. No self respecting southern would snub their nose up at the stuff. Though the line for sweet to overly sweet is debated greatly. I am under the philosophy of ‘turn that bitch into icing’ levels of sugar. My doctor would disagree, but what does she know?

I stir the pot of sugar water when the backdoor opens. Knowing fully well what beast uses the backdoor, I don't bother to look. I just push the melting sugar around to avoid burning.

“Afternoon, Maximus,” I greet. It's always an internal debate to greet him or not. Despite his constant intrusions he has yet to be actually invited in. Always the pest.

Maximus says nothing. His boots click firmly up towards me. The tempo and weight is precise, creeping, nearly intimidating. I find myself frozen, staring off at the backsplash. He pauses just behind me. The few seconds feel strange, nearly predatory.

“Uhh, Maximus,” I ask warily. I see his hands clasp the edge of the counter and oven, framing me. I look at his knuckles pulling taunt. Is he mad? The warmth of his chest touches my shoulder. I suck in a breath. I feel like prey being trapped. Am I sure this is even Maximus?

He lowers himself down until I can hear an alarming timber of his breathing. Heat runs down my blouse bringing chills to my skin. There is a low growl that mixes with a clicking that rarely comes from him. It's startling, appealing, sexy?

“Maxim-,” I jump when he attacks. He latches onto my neck with those sharp teeth, dimpling my skin. His hands encompass my waist and hold me tightly to his chest. The clicking growls amp up volume as well as intensity. His tongue lathers me in his spit and I can only melt in his attention.

Maximus lifts me easily. Being so kind he flips the burner off before carting me out of the kitchen. His hands grope and squeeze my stomach, mouth decorating my neck in spit and bruises. It's intoxicating to be so desired, so needed. He barely makes it down the hall, stopping to spin me in his hold. Facing one another I'm in awe at the glazed over look in his eyes. He is panting through his parted lips.

I begin to speak but he silences me with a fierce kiss. His hands fiddle with my pants, relenting to just tug them off. I help, utterly at his whims at the moment. He wants hallway sex, he gets hallway sex. As long as he keeps doing this with his tongue. Heaven help me, this alien will be the death of me.

With the pants away he crouches and grips my thighs. The wall does well to keep me upright as I'm swept off my feet. Legs around his waist he allows me to keep myself up while he paws at my ass and digs himself out with the free hand. I feel like I'm in a riptide the way he pulls me further and further from shore. His fingers trails towards my cunt, prodding enough to find a steady tap. He grunts in approval.

He hikes me up a bit more to then lower me down onto himself. It's a rough go, lots of stretching and a bit of resistance. The man gave me three seconds, give me a break. Even still, I'm enjoying the discomfort. He bottoms out and sits there for a second. Leaning on his forearms against the wall his breath is ragged. He acts like he ran a marathon.

I try to speak but he is off to the races. Plowing into me with abandon, he fucks me like he will die without it. My head bangs against the wall with a rather harsh uptilt. I latch onto him, terrified but debauched.

"Jesus, Maximus. Are you trying to kill me?" I bark at him when my head bangs to the wall a third time. He huffs between breaths before slapping the wall near my head. His other hand shifts me back up for a better angle.

"Time dilation," he groans, finally speaking," it's been a minute since I've seen you. Though for me- blazing suns, you feel amazing- for me it's been a few months."

My hips ache against the cold wall. I shift to hold myself up on his shoulders. It helps a bit, I can finally focus on his undulating cock writhing within me. He gurgles as he lowers his mouth over my neck. His teeth clasp kindly around my throat. I've asked about this peculiar behavior in the past but his answer makes no sense.

A submissive move of his people, what the hell even is that?

Reaching his end before mine he is kind enough to begin that oh so amazing buzzing. It's really the only reason I keep him around. A small bundle of muscle over his cock that shivers like a vibrating phone. I dig my nails into his shoulders and show off my neck. Quid Pro Quo and all that nonsense.

He buries deep and clicks against my skin. Short thrusts and teeth dangerously close to collapsing my esophagus. It only adds to the vibration below. I squeeze him tight and reach my own end. A good start to a visit If I ever seen one.

He releases my neck and rests his head on the wall. I wriggle out of his grip to slide off him. His cum tends to cause an annoying burning when I let it sit. I leave him catching his breath in the hallway while I start a shower.

I only now remember my sweet tea.

–------------------ I walk into the kitchen in search of those damned sweets he has been hiding from me. With him outside I know I can quickly get a look around. It's probably up high. Damn his height. I search for the stool when I notice a person outside.

Maximus is on the swing while Barbara rests nearby. When did she get here? Has she been here? She is just looking off to the field.

“Why do you hang around here, if you don't mind me asking," Barbara asks from the porch. I perk up at the question. I duck out of the way as she does a quick scan of the area. I'd scold myself for being nosey but- who am I kidding, I don't care.

"It's nice here. Big open space, clean air, good food. What's not to enjoy?" Maximus' familiar timber solidifies my snooping. I creep closer to the back door just out of sight.

"But nothing else?" Barbara asks. I bristle at the insinuation, surely she isn't asking about me.

"I'm assuming you are trying to pry into the relationship I have with the human," he asks. The humor is not lost in his tone. He is strict when he works but a relaxed creature otherwise. Now that I think of it, he has been incredibly relaxed here. Probably all the sex, the pig.

"With Ann, yes."

Maximus hums before answering. I stare off at the floor, nibbling my cheek. Just a few seconds of eavesdropping won't hurt.

"I request you to ask more specific questions. I'm not one for monologing my history," he replies. The asshole. I can't help but smile. The answer is so...Maximus.

Barbara blows air from her teeth," hmm, how did you guys meet?"

"From work. She was causing a bit of a ruckus with her alien talk and I was requested to check her out for potential security risks. You may find her eccentric but she is rather smart. Her direction is just very net like," he answers. I swallow hard, heat rushing to my cheeks. He thinks I'm smart. But of course, I am smart.

"Is she a risk?"

Maximus scoffs," She couldn't hurt a fly. The issue was more security risks for us. If she can figure out our messaging system with prehistoric tools like yours then we had to find out how and why. That information in the hands of our enemies could kill hundreds to thousands."

"Jesus," Barbara winces. I nibble on my finger remembering that night.

"I told you, she is smart. Took us a bit to figure it all out but she was kind enough to explain after a bit."

"So you just stuck around after that for more help?"

"Stars, no. Once we realized she wasn't a risk and we found out how she learned this we packed up and left. Your planet is far from being a threat to us. I believe the most dangerous thing you own is atomic bombs. We use that energy to power our kitchen supplies. It's not even the start of a problem."

"Well that's reassuring," Barbara says like a question. "But why did you stick around?"

"For fun," I can hear a smile in his voice," I've grown attached to this human. She has a lot of energy despite her age and I'd like to potentially settle down here even if just to watch her."

I gasp. Stay here, with me?

"Settle down? How old are you," Barbara asks.

"In human, probably a little older than you both. Why do you ask?"

"I'd hate for you to break her heart as some young 20 something trying to fornicate the cosmos," Barbara weaves a grand tale. Maximus laughs, a full stomach laugh.

"She has me handled enough. I don't need to do all that," he chuckles. I smile around my finger.

There is a lull in the conversation. The laughter dies down and I ponder leaving the eavesdropping behind. My feet refuse to move. Thankfully, Barbara begins speaking.

"Do you love her?"

I freeze deep into my bones. Ice rolls into my arms and legs as breathing ceases all together. Nothing could move me from this moment except the almighty herself. The drawn out silence splits my cells in half.

"Hmm," Maximus starts," love. I never put too much thought into it. Many joys in life are fleeting that you must sit in the now or you miss it all. I guess at the core of it, I do love her."

My hands shoot up to steady myself. Did he just? And right here? and...what?

"Well do you think she loves you back?"

"Great question, could ask her. Hey, Ann," he shouts towards the backdoor. I flinch, twisting around to run but only succeeding in knocking the fruit bowl over.

"Shit," I spit as I rush to pick up the assorted fruits. The back door creaks open. I look over my shoulder to Maximus. "Hey," I startle, "accidentally knocked the bowl. Don't pay me any mind."

"When you are done being nosy, come on the back porch with us," he teases. He heads back out the way he came, leaving me to my embarrassment. I huff, blowing a strand of grey hair from my face.

I meet the duo outside, lounging on the door instead of being part of the pack. Maximus relaxes on the porch swing with an easy going smile. He watches the setting sun over my field. Barbara leans, half sitting, on the railing. She gives me a once over then checks on Maximus.

"So what do you think, Ann," Maximus breaks the silence. Barbara eagerly snaps to attention, the fresh story playing out in front of her. What's more exciting than the romantic woes of starcrossed lovers?

"What do I think of ?" I play dumb. I know Maximus won't fall for it but maybe I can pretend I'm not a Nosy Nancy with Barbara. Max tosses me a glance that makes me roll my eyes.

"Max and I were just talking," Barbara cuts in," I was curious how you two met. I don't mean to intrude, it's just fascinating to hear about life beyond the stars."

"Our story isn't that interesting. Cops showed up when I got too close to their little game and now he checks up on me from time to time," I simplify. Max chuckles.

"Check up, is that what you call it," he quirks a brow. I blush, as does Barbara.

"It's a step down from house arrest but what would you call it," I bite back.

He shrugs," I don't like the word your people use for these rendezvous. I'd say it's just a couple having a date night."

I stand straight," We are not a couple."

"What," Barbara flounders,"You don't think you guys are a couple?"

Max holds up his hand," it's a long going argument. I wouldn't try to jump in."

I point a vengeful finger at him," We are not a couple. We just sleep together."

Barbara covers her face while Maximus and I stare off.

"Are to."

"Are not."

"Are to."

"Are not."

"Are-"

"Alright. I think it's getting late," Barbara cuts in," I'm going to head home. I'm sure that cat has eaten half the kitchen already. Max, it's been a pleasure. Ann, please take care of yourself."

I continue to stare down Maximus," Drive safe."

Maximus looks over to Barbara and waves her off back into the house. We are alone on the back porch with the sun quickly fading. He meets my glare with that damned relaxed smile.

"She seems nice," he says.

"Why are you telling her lies? We are not a couple and you aren't retiring here," I scowl to emphasize my empty point. He knows it, he always does.

"Ann," he stands," you wound me."

"Good," I fold my arms," bleed out."

He crowds me, I step back. He fills the space until I'm against the screen door. I'm not blushing, I'm definitely not enjoying the musk coming off him. He presses his hand over my head to lean into my personal bubble.

"Stop that," I scold. He presses his lips to my cheek.

"Stop what?" another kiss, to the corner of my mouth.

"That. We are not together and I'd appreciate it if you acted like it. What will the neighbors think of an unwed woman with a strange man?" A moot point, I have no neighbors. He kisses again as he snatches my waist to pull me against him. I can see the proud smile from the corner of my eye. I gasp as our chest meets. The air is stolen every time he is near.

"Let them gossip," he purrs," the only opinion that matters to me is yours."

I get dizzy," you shameless flirt." my hand pats at his chest, admiring the texture of his casual wear.

"Kiss me," he begs. As if under his spell I look up, ready to comply. I freeze, a stubborn part of me not wanting to melt so quickly. Yet, his deep eyes corrupt me to the core. I wrap my arm around him and pull him in.

He lifts me like I'm a young woman again. Sweeping me away into the house we kiss into the kitchen, down the hall, and into the bedroom. I squeal with delight when he throws me onto the bed like I weigh nothing. He climbs over me, taking my leg with him to hook over his waist. His hand plays up my thigh and around my hips to grind with promise.

"You are so beautiful," he moans between presses of lips," I need you." I arch into him, undulating my hips with his. His cock strains in his pants, his desire drives mine.

"Then take me," I answer. His reply is to tear off my shirt. He splits the buttoned fabric in two just because he can. My smile rivals the fourth of July fireworks. His lips descend onto my chest, pleased as a peach between my tits. He kisses and nibbles, sucks and licks. I pet along his hair.

He trails down to my pants where he sits up to remove his shirt. I take the opportunity to remove my remaining clothes. He assists with the ankles then tugs me flush with him. Standing on his knees he looks so proud up above me. His eyes can't settle on one spot and it boosts my ego.

"Take a picture, it lasts longer," I joke. He growls as he lowers himself onto his forearm, rubbing his cheek to mine. I can feel him fiddling with his pants as he digs his cock out. My excitement grows with anticipation. His nose buries in my neck as he takes a lungful of me.

"You are devine," he seethes. I can't take it much longer. He has to touch me soon or I will combust. I urge him by wrapping my legs and arms around him. His cock nudges my mound. He adjusts accordingly with that wriggling dick of his at my entrance. He pauses.

"I need you to say it," he grunts out. I sober for a moment, confused.

"What?"

He switches tactics and grinds his cock between my folds. The sensation placates me enough to figure out what he is asking me.

"Say you want me. Say you are mine."

I swallow, "I want you."

He hums. I relish the feeling of his warmth gliding so sweetly between my folds. I try to make him squirm, to forgo saying the rest. He sits up enough to watch me and new pressure is added to the already tense moment. He furrows his brow and flares his nostrils. An attitude I've seen enough with him. He cocks his head.

"Annabeth Townsend," here we go," you are a stubborn woman, ignoring what is right in front of you. You are my mate, there is no denying that fact. I am fully yours, now tell me you are mine."

I pant at the declaration. I may be a crazy old hermit but every woman loves to hear such proclamations of love. The hopeless romantic in me frollocks in the plentiful fields. My heart swells until near bursting. But, the crazy old hermit in me is stubborn.

"Why do I have to say it if you already know," I pet his chest. He purses his lips.

"Say it or I won't bring anymore of those overly sweet cubes you love."

I gawk," you wouldn't dare."

"Oh I will. To finally have you, I'd dance naked in the volcanic pits of my home planet."

"Jesus," I smile," You don't have to do all that."

He hovers over my cheek," Say it."

Put on the spot I feel even more pressure to perform. My sweets and his body are on the line.

"Ugh," I slap his back," fine, I'm yours."

He tsks,” Do better than that. I do like being wanted too."

"My bad." I grab his face and make him look down at me. I make a show of clearing my throat and taking a breath. "Maximus, I am thoroughly and irrevocably yours to cherish and adore til the inevitable supernova of my nearest sun burns me to a crisp. Now ravish me, my space Romeo."

"Stars, you are dramatic," he teases," I guess that will do."

"Shut up," I grab him and kiss him. There is something different about this kiss. The taste, the texture, the overall feeling? Something is new. My lips tingle and then my tongue. I gasp as my body begins to strain and stir. My skin feels electric everywhere he touches me. I'm panting and writhing against him.

"Jesus," I arch to meet his hips. The pulsing need finally reaches my pussy and it has me crazed. "Jesus," I say even louder, "What did you do?"

"You didn't think I showed you all my tricks, did you?" He slides his cock down to my entrance where he glides in with ease. No doubt I'm wetter than a swimmer in a rainstorm. I can't breathe as hundreds of nerve endings fire at once to drown my brain.

"Jesus," I grunt in a strained breath. He places his hand on my chest to keep me on the bed. I grab ahold of his wrist just to anchor myself.

"Good luck," he says. Before I can question it he starts bucking wildly into me. The all around overstimulation has me screeching like a pop singer. I dig my nails into his arm as my ears ring. I fight against kicking him off or pulling him closer. The pure unfiltered pleasure has me skydiving towards my end. It's all so much at once. The overload will surely kill me.

I cum so hard that I think I've gone blind. I can't see anything but stars. Echoing sounds of Maximus' own cries of pleasure spiral outwards to the inky black void. I am a ball of pure light.

"Fuckin 'ell," I bite out. I don't know where he begins and I end. What year is it, now that I'm thinking about it? How long have we been having sex? I was only joking about the sun going supernova but with how slow and fast time is moving, it could be a real problem.

I wake up shortly after with a start. I bolt upright in bed. My breath is strangled waves that have me gripping my hair to stabilize.

"Did I die," I ask the room. Maximus sits up beside me with a smug grin.

"Bet your human males can't make you say that."

I grip my chest to feel my racing heart. "I think I'm having a heart attack."

"You are being dramatic, lay down." He guides me back to bed to relax in the sheets. I focus on slowing my entire body. Easy breaths in and out. I pet my stampeding heart. Slowly the room stops spinning and I feel light. I take stock of my aching limbs and feel nothing of the sort. That's new.

Maximus watches propped up on his elbow. The blanket hangs over his waist and he too seems lighter. I reach up to touch him but think better of it. Changing course I slap him in the chest.

"I could have died," I scold," What the hell was that and when can we do it again?"

He rubs his chest and laughs. "It was mating venom. I can't control it so I have no idea."

"Mating venom? What are you, a snake? That sounds made up." I touch my lips as I recall the sensation starting there. He shrugs then falls onto his back. We both stare up at the ceiling.

"Are you alright? I heard it's intense but I never heard of anyone acting like you."

I bristle," That's not a bad thing, right? I can't control how I react to sex cocaine."

"You were amazing, I've never cum so hard before. You always surprise me with these things," he turns to look at me. I turn to face him and feel like a normal couple for a second. Then I remember I nearly died from his toxic spittle.

"You have to warn a girl before you roofie her like that. My heart could have exploded or my pussy could have clenched your dick so hard it would pop." I try to scare him a bit but he only laughs again.

"I don't doubt it. You are already so tight. When you came I think that was a true possibility if I wasn't so flexible," he puff air out his cheeks," that was amazing."

I shake my head," it was."

We sit in comfortable silence. I find his hand on the sheet and thread my fingers through his. He hums.

"Maximus?"

"Ann."

"I think I love you."

I don't know if it was the sex cocaine or the passing out level orgasm but I really like this guy. He squeezes my hand.

"I love you, too, Ann."

We fall asleep. Which is only fair after that whole ordeal. I mean, he honestly could have killed me. Never date an alien, rule number fucking one. I smile as I drift to sleep, tucking myself into his side.

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I have a computer now. I can actually post this story instead of a link!

Bonus chapter HERE.