Queen of My Pitiful Soul - James Patrick March
you can see the previous chapter here IV. A devil's bargain
Melinda let out a sigh of relief as she opened the door to her hotel room. The singing gig had drained her socially, and all she wanted was to take a warm bath and retreat into the silence of her room. As she approached her bed, she noticed a package on the nightstand.
The small cardboard box was wrapped in brown paper and tied with a string, and Melinda's heart fluttered with excitement as she picked it up and untied it. Inside, she found an elegant note with cursive handwriting.
"Ms. Deveraux,
I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. It would be my great pleasure to extend an invitation for dinner with me at the esteemed Room 78, at 9pm, to discuss further our potential partnership. It would be an occasion of utmost importance to me and I hope to you as well.
In light of the occasion, I have taken the liberty of selecting a gown and accompanying jewelry for you to wear. I trust that you will find them to your liking and I eagerly anticipate the sight of you in them. Please do not concern yourself with the specifics, as the staff of the hotel has been briefed to deliver the box directly to your room. May I remind you that this is strictly business and a formal affair and I implore you to dress accordingly.
I shall eagerly await your response.
Yours trully,
J. P. March"
Melinda opened the box eagerly, her eyes shinning in awe as she gazed at the dress inside. It was a beautiful, flowing gown made of delicate white chiffon, adorned with intricate gold embroidery on the bodice and hem. The long, sheer sleeves were adorned with golden feathers at the cuffs, and the back was open, revealing just enough skin to be alluring yet elegant. Melinda couldn't help but admire the dress, although she felt a bit uneasy as the man seemed to know her last name.
As Melinda continued to examine the contents of the box, she discovered a pair of matching golden earrings and a delicate gold bracelet, both sparkling with small diamonds. The jewelry was simple yet elegant, and it perfectly complemented the dress.
After taking a bath, Melinda sat at the vanity in her hotel room, staring at the beautiful gown laid out before her. She couldn't help but feel grateful for Mr. March's thoughtfulness, as the dress was simply breathtaking. She slipped it on and it flowed perfectly around her, the feathered details gliding along her skin as she moved.
The gold jewelry Mr. March had included only added to the elegance of the dress. The simple yet stunning necklace, earrings, and bracelet caught the light and sparkled, accentuating Melinda's natural beauty. She felt like a goddess - well, she was - as she applied her makeup, making sure to highlight her features just enough to complement the dress and jewelry.
With one last glance in the mirror, Melinda took a deep breath and headed towards Room 78. She felt a sense of excitement and anticipation, wondering what the evening had in store for her. She couldn't wait to find out more about the partnership.
Melinda arrived at the 7th floor precisely at 9 pm, where Mr. March was already waiting for her. The room was dimly lit, but candles flickered softly, casting a warm glow over the space. Mr. March stood up as she entered, a charming smile spreading across his face. He complimented her on her attire and jewelry, and she thanked him, feeling a bit flustered but trying her best to maintain her composure.
The dinner was exceptional, with the chef exhibiting their culinary expertise by serving a variety of dishes that pleased both Melinda and Mr. March. Melinda found him to be intelligent, sharp, and charming, and she appreciated the way he expressed his thoughts. They discussed music and their mutual passion for it, and Melinda was pleasantly surprised by Mr. March's depth of knowledge on the subject. He even offered to introduce her to influential people in the industry who could help her career.
As the night progressed, Melinda found herself becoming more comfortable in Mr. March's company. He was an attentive listener, and his observations were both enlightening and insightful. They joked and laughed, and Melinda found herself enjoying his company more than she had anticipated.
As he spoke, Mr. March reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a sleek silver box engraved with the word "Dunhill" in elegant cursive lettering. He flicked open the lid with a satisfying click, revealing a row of neatly arranged cigarettes. The aroma of tobacco wafted out of the box, and he carefully selected one with a delicate pinch between his fingers. Then, he took a matching silver lighter from his pocket, also engraved with the "Dunhill" emblem, and used it to light the cigarette with a quick, practiced motion. The flame flickered and cast a warm glow over his features as he took a long drag.
He offered Melinda a cigarette, saying, "Care for one? They're imported, the finest you'll ever smoke," as he extended the box towards her with a small smile playing on his lips.
Melinda took one and examined it carefully, saying, "I suppose this will do." She placed it between her lips and James lit it for her.
As the smoke filled the air, James leaned back in his chair and took a long drag from his own cigarette. He watched Melinda intently, taking in every detail of her features, the way she held the cigarette, and the way she exhaled the smoke.
But like a turn of a key, Melinda's patience ran out as James had said that the meeting would be strictly business, yet nothing on the subject had yet come out of his mouth.
Melinda leaned forward in her chair, her eyes fixed on James. She was a woman of action and hated wasting time on small talk.
"Get to the point, Mr. March," she said firmly. "What kind of partnership do you have in mind? And more importantly, what are the advantages for me?"
James smiled, not at all put off by Melinda's directness. He had a feeling she was a woman who appreciated honesty and brevity.
"You know, Melinda, I've been watching you for quite some time now," he said with a sly grin playing at the corners of his mouth. "And I've come to realize that we share a lot in common. The same hobbies, the same passions, we're moved by the same thing. We are kindred spirits, you and I."
Melinda arched an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "And what might that be?"
The gentleman leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Blood," he said simply. "I suppose I should clarify that for you, my dear Melinda. When I said 'blood,' I meant it in a more...figurative sense. After all, my interests may differ slightly from yours." He grinned mischievously and added, "But I'm sure we can still find some common ground in our pursuits."
Melinda mulled over his words, taking a long sip of her drink. "I suppose you have a point, sir," she said slowly.
"It's what drives us, what we thrive on. I can see it in your eyes, the hunger for something more," James said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Two sides of the same coin, as it were. I think we could make a formidable team, if you're willing to give it a try."
"Please, continue," Melinda replied, intrigued as to where this conversation was leading.
James chuckled softly. "My apologies, I didn't properly introduce myself. I'm James Patrick March, the founder of this hotel."
Melinda raised an eyebrow and rolled her eyes. "Impressive. So, what exactly do you want from me, Mr. March?"
James leaned in closer, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "I want us to be partners in this hotel. While I am bound to this place, you have the ability to bring people into the hotel. Melinda, my dear, you have the looks, the allure, the seductiveness to bring anyone and anything within these walls. You have no idea how much power you hold," he said, letting out a wry chuckle. "Why, if I were still among the living, I'd be at your mercy."
"I still don't see what benefits I stand to gain from this," she replied, crossing her arms and taking a drag from her cigarette. "I am fully aware of the power I hold, and I can do this on my own, like I always have."
"Of course, you could do it on your own, but consider this, my love."James rose from his seat, parallel to Melinda, and crossed the table to face her closely. "Together, we could create something truly special. With your abilities and my resources, we could transform this hotel into a destination for all sorts of creatures, mortal and otherwise. Imagine the pleasure of having access to all the secrets and hidden knowledge my murder palace holds. It could be a playground for you, my dear."
He stood face to face with her, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Think about it."
"And what would you get out of this partnership?" she asked.
James took a long drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around his face. "Satisfaction, my dear. The thrill of the hunt, the joy of the kill. It's what we both live for, isn't it?"
Melinda nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing in thought. She took another drag of her cigarette, considering his words. It was true, she had been feeling restless lately, as if something was missing. Maybe this was the answer. "All right," she said finally, "I'm in. But there's one condition."
James raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what's that?"
Melinda leaned forward, her eyes glittering. "I call the shots. You're just along for the ride."
A smirk spread across James' face. "Excellent. I knew you would see reason, my dear."
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the door opening with a crack. The woman's entrance was calculated and controlled, her eyes scanning the room before settling on Melinda. Her expression betrayed no emotion, but the tension in the air was palpable. James cleared his throat and stood up, his eyes flicking between his wife and Melinda. The shift in the atmosphere could be felt from miles away. The air grew thick with tension, and Melinda could almost see the daggers shooting from those emerald eyes towards her. She had seen jealousy before, but there was something different about that woman. She exuded an aura of calculated malice.
She appeared as an enchanting vision in a white lace gown, adorned with pearls, and her hair was styled in a perfect chignon. She glided towards James with the elegance of a swan, her emerald eyes sparkling with a mix of anger and envy. "Jimmy, darling," she purred, placing a hand on his shoulder and a quick peck on his lips, "I wasn't aware you had company."
"My dear," he replied, his tone strained. "What a surprise to see you here." Melinda observed as James stiffened under her touch, his eyes quickly flickering towards her before settling on the white demon. "Melinda is a guest in my hotel," he spoke calmly, "we were just discussing some business matters."
The woman smiled tightly, tightening her grip on James' shoulder. "I see," she spoke, her voice oozing with honeyed venom. "Well, allow me to introduce myself. I am The Countess. Perhaps you and your guest could take your discussion elsewhere. I'm sure Melinda has other things to attend to."
Melinda's lips curled into a sly smile as she locked eyes with The Countess, a silent challenge passing between them. She knew that The Countess was attempting to assert her dominance, to make it crystal clear that James belonged solely to her. However, Melinda was not one to back down easily. "As a matter of fact, James and I have some very important matters to discuss," she stated, her voice composed and collected. "If you'll excuse us, Countess."
The Countess' smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "Of course, my dear," she said, her voice saccharine sweet. "I wouldn't dream of keeping you from your business."
As The Countess left the room, Melinda caught a whiff of her blood and knew from afar that she was infected with the virus. She felt The Countess' eyes on her back, burning with a fierce intensity. Melinda had faced demons, gods, and monsters, so a little bit of jealousy from a cocky woman was nothing she couldn't handle.
It was just at that moment that she looked down at James' ring finger and noticed a ring made of the finest gold she had ever seen. Of course, he was married.
"Does my marital status bother you, my dear?" James stepped closer. "I warned you, love, this is strictly business," he said, a self-satisfied smile spreading across his face.
"Don't flatter yourself, Mr. March." Melinda smiled at him pityingly. "I am well aware this is a professional arrangement. In fact, it seems to me that you have been the one doing the flirting ever since I laid eyes on you." She sipped from her glass of red wine. "Please, respect your marriage, sir. I may be many things, but I am no slut."
James' chuckle resonated in the room, his voice low and smooth. "Ah, but you do have a way with words, my dear Melinda. And don't worry about my marriage, it's just a formality. My wife has been long gone, may she rest in peace." He took a long drag from his cigarette before continuing, "But let's get back to business, shall we?" Leaning forward, his eyes glinted with excitement. "I have an extraordinary collection of machines, weapons, and contraptions in my chambers. I think you would find them quite fascinating. Would you care to join me tomorrow for a little tour?"
Melinda raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious," she admitted. "Consider me intrigued. I'll take you up on that offer."
"Excellent," James replied, a grin spreading across his face. "I'll send over the details. And who knows? Maybe we'll discover new ways to have fun together."
Melinda's lips curved into a small smile. "This is a business partnership, nothing more. And if you cross the line at any point, I won't hesitate to end it."
"Ah, we'll see, my dear. Now, let's seal the deal with a toast." He raised his glass in the air, and Melinda followed suit.
"To new beginnings!" he said, his voice ringing out in the empty dining room.
"To new beginnings." Melinda repeated, clinking her glass against his. As she took a sip of the wine, she couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement run through her.
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not proofread! If you see anything that might be wrong or doesn't make sense, feel free to point it out!














