Sirenbuffa

sirenbuffa:

 I think that we should have a fundraiser to encourage more people to come forth, really show them what I can do for the community and the arts.”

The staff member took to his dismissal well. He dipped his head in another bow and slipped silently from the room, leaving the two in peace.

Thomas sat down in the chair adjacent to Elisa’s, and he turned to her as she spoke. He couldn’t help his gaze wandering her features–her cheekbones, her stunning eyes, her soft and delicious lips…

Right, focus.

She spoke of some properties that interested her, but he was only half aware of what she was discussing. Sure, it was important, but there were more fun things to be doing; that was all! Well, maybe not while waiting for dinner, but still!

“Great!” he said, because it all sounded like it was meant to be good news. He smiled at her. “That’s great news. When were you thinking of hosting the fundraiser?” He furrowed his brow. “And where exactly?” Hopefully it would be a building where it wouldn’t be too difficult to keep her safe from stalkers. “Security could be an issue… I’d hate to have anyone try anything.”

A trio of servers chose that moment to arrive, each balancing a gleaming tray in their hands, and they began to silently set a few dishes out that appeared to have closely followed the specifications that Thomas had provided. Another server approached with crystal goblets and a selection of wine bottles.

“Apologies for the interruption,” he said, bowing at the waist. “Could I interest you in some wine? The white pairs quite well with tonight’s selection.”

Elisa nodded when Thomas shared his concerns. “Well, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I want to make sure that it’s an event you feel comfortable escorting me to. Obviously as a benefactor I’ll want to show you off. It can only encourage more people to donate. You have such great style. I’d love to have your help coordinating it all.” She smiled sweetly. It was a tall ask, but she knew he’d come through for her. He always did.

“If we could hold the fundraiser at one of the venues I’m thinking of buying, then that would be all the better. I could walk potential investors through the space and let them get a feel for where their money will be going. I’ll need to line up some performances obviously, but that won’t be a problem. I know plenty of talented artists. Although, speaking of artist. I’d love to have a few paints for the gallery section. I’m not sure how I’ll do that yet.” Still, it was a big city. There were bound to be artists willing to contribute.

sirenbuffa:

Elisa shrugged when Melanthe asked if people found themselves stuck often. “It depends on the time and place really. Class structures exist almost everywhere, but some countries offer more flexibility than others. Although, honestly, everywhere can be stacked against people. Money talks and all that. Oh, but I suppose you haven’t heard that phrase, have you?” Well, maybe she’d still get the gist of it.

Melanthe put together their words about chemicals and drugs in the most peculiar way and Elisa blinked, uncertain what to make of it. “Oh, umm, I think alcohol has something to do with blood? Or what gets to the brain or something? I’m not sure. I’m not a doctor.” She didn’t know much beyond what she’d said about estrogen either. “The estrogen doesn’t make muscles bigger. it does something with fat deposits, though, I think? They’re just different because of what we need to make children, but I’m not that informed about it all.”

She shook her head when Melanthe wondered if she knew anything else about her grandparents. “Just what I’ve already told you. My mother was dropped off in Argentina as a baby. She doesn’t know much of anything about her parents and i only heard the truth about them a few months ago. It’s all very confusing.” Sometimes it felt impossible, but she could only do so much with what she had.

“Ugh, you can’t let them control you,” Elisa stated emphatically, “no matter how handsome they are.” She’d had a world of trouble with men in that department. The women had been a little bit better, but mostly because their methods were less direct. “Trust me, once you’re in a relationship like that, it’s so difficult to get out without everything getting messy.”

The mermaid asked if there was someone Elisa was interested in and she lifted her shoulder in a shrug. “I’m on a bit of a break, if I’m honest. Finding out that I was accidentally influencing people was frightening. I need to figure out a solution before I get invested in a person. i want to make sure that they really like me and I’m not just forcing it on them.”

The more Elisa spoke of class structures and the relatively unchanging nature of land dweller lives, the more Melanthe felt like the system was very restrictive. Part of life was growing and changing, and if one couldn’t do that they ran the risk of stagnation, like a pool of water that did nothing but sit. Eventually, any life that could have been found in that trapped and unchanging puddle would die. A very morbid and depressing thought when applying it to the state of someone’s existence.

Money spoke? That was such a strange concept! She’d never heard it speak, but perhaps the paper money was different than the plastic card money that people had which was really her only experience with money. “I would like to see this speaking money. I had no idea that it was so complex as to have a voice. I am only familiar with the plastic cards that many people seem to have.”

The very idea that money spoke was exciting, an excitement that only remained on her face and in her eyes as the topic moved to chemicals and drugs. Those were terms she had become familiar with as one of her other friends had explained such things to her. Sadly, her experience with alcohol had not really allowed her to feel much of that first hand, but the way it had been explained - and later confirmed - was that it was much like sykefik.

Estrogen. Good for fat deposits and younglings. “What is a fat deposit? And how are those good for younglings?” The way that Elisa had said the word “doctor” implied that there were people who might know about such things in particular. Perhaps they could find one! The mergirl’s eyes opened a little wider as she smiled brightly, “Is there one of these doctors about that I could ask? Not today, obviously, as we have other things we need to do today, but I have so many questions!”

Questions that it didn’t seem Elisa would be able to answer. But, she’d already stated that doctor was not what she was.

Nor did it seem that the other woman had any more information than what she’d already given regarding her mother. That would make things a little harder, especially when it came to trying to narrow down a clan. If the girl’s grandmother had even been from one of the clans that Melanthe was familiar with. “I… will do my best to find out what I can for you. If anyone will know any lore related to this from our sea, it would be Shezhanti.” Or possibly one of the Old Ones, but the mergirl only knew of them, not where they were. Or what they might want in exchange for such information. Best to start with what she already knew. Other seas brought other dangers through other creatures and other clans. Zhon’di would probably go with her, but he’d not like it.

Nodding a bit as she listened to Elisa, she sighed gently as a very faint smile came to her lips. “Oh, he cannot control me. I do not really think that he would try, at least in the way that others would do. There would be no physical restraint on his part, and I will not allow myself to be made to feel guilty for fulfilling my need to explore and learn. What he wishes for is simply not to be, because I am not what he needs.”

There were those out there who didn’t have the wisdom to see what was before them. Zhon’di didn’t, so the fact that Melanthe did had probably saved the both of them a great deal of drama and heartache.

Something that it seemed Elisa had already discovered for herself, but had the wisdom to refrain from doing what she could potentially do until she knew how to control it. What she did with it after that was up to her. Dark eyes filled with sympathy as she reached out a hand to pat the other girl’s reassuringly even as she offered an encouraging smile. “Ah, but this is in the past, yes? The thing with time and life is that we learn from our mistakes and move forward. Those who do not learn are destined only to fail repeatedly, and there is no room for failure. I am sorry that things have been ill explained,” not at all explained, “in your past, but I am going to teach and you are going to learn so that accidents do not happen in the future, yes?”

Elisa blinked when asked about talking money. “Oh, not I mean, money gives people power. It makes it easier for them to be heard by the people who really matter.”

Then she asked to see a doctor and Elisa shook her head. “Probably best that you don’t. I don’t know any who know about magic and they would be able to tell you aren’t human faster than most. They’re trained to see abnormalities in the human body.” Granted, in this case it’d be a mergirl body. “The internet is probably better. I can research it all and try to make sense of it for you.”

She was going to ask around about her grandmother! “Oh! Thank you! I wish that I could tell you more, but anything you find out would be amazing. I don’t know how I’ll be able to repay you, but I will.”

At least her man troubles were simple, if not easy. “I’m glad that he doesn't’ treat you that way. It’s a terrible feeling. I’d never want you to go through what i have.” But she was going to help her learn. Elise smile and nodded, pleased by this turn of events. “Exactly. I just want to be able to control all of this so I can have a normal life, or something close to it.”

sirenbuffa:

She needed him to be at his best when she showed him off to her parents.

He was sound asleep. Didn’t even know if he dreamed but the next thing he was aware of was the most beautiful voice in the world purring his name into his ear. He smiled in his sleep, blissfully happy. What could be better than this?

But she kept talking, told him it was time to wake up. Dream Elisa was probably just as smart as real Elisa. He decided he better listen. Opened his eyes drowsily, a vacant smile still on his lips. She was there! She was really there. She was looking at him and smiling at him and it was the best feeling ever. To think he could make her smile!

She asked him if he wanted anything and said something about being out of the car. He sat up slowly, blinking sleep from his eyes. Looked out of the open door to see a gas station. He didn’t know how much time had passed. He felt kind of hungry though. But mostly thirsty.

“Water would be good.” He frowned, undoing the seatbelt and moving his legs gingerly out of the car. They felt kind of sore. Must have been in the same position for a couple hours or so probably. “Um. But you don’t have to get it. I can do it. And get you stuff if you want?”

Didn’t feel right if she went and did stuff for him. He was supposed to do stuff for her. She deserved better than running errands for him. He didn’t really wanna start interacting with people in public but he still had his gloves. Was worth it to save her the effort.

He slid all the way out of the car and stretched. The weather was pretty good still. Better than he expected. Wasn’t snowing or pouring rain. He realized he didn’t know how much more was left of the drive. “Are we close now?”

Stefan offered to get them their things and Elisa grinned at him, pleased by his initiative. “A water will be fine. You can get some nuts too, bit of a snack.” They probably didn’t have much that was local and organic at a place like this, so prepackaged buts would have to do. Who said that she couldn’t rough it?

“No,” she replies when he asked if they were close. She wanted to get this stop finished and get back on the road. They still had a long drive ahead of them.

However, to her delight the ride passed smoothly and it was just a little after dinner that she pulled into her parent’s driveway. It was a long, winding thing, but it would be nothing after all of the road she’d covered already. Elisa wearily input the code to the gate and drove through as it opened.

It was a shame that Stefan couldn’t see the grounds of their family estate properly. The apple trees were covered in snow and sometimes caught in the headlights, but their property was largely shrouded in darkness.

The house wasn’t much by the standards of the people she knew here, but it had been in their family for generations, and her parents weren’t keen to change much about it. it was only two stories tall, but had elegant white columns in front of it and a garage that was plenty large enough to hold all of their cars easily. 

sirenbuffa:

Elisa wondered if she’d live enough to learn it all. Wouldn’t that be something?

Sometimes, it might have seemed impossible to change one’s position or place in life, but was that necessarily always the case? Just as the tides changed, so did the way people’s lives moved. At least, it did with her people. There were some things that didn’t change often or easily, but one who was more of a gatherer didn’t need to remain as such forever. They could become one of the warriors if they so chose. 

Maybe it was different with land dwellers. There so many more of them, after all. “I see. And do your people find themselves locked into something and unchanging very often? That has to be rather disheartening for them if they are ready to grow into something different, but cannot.” 

Elisa’s explanation seemed to help some, but then only served to confuse the mergirl a little more. Chemical? The word was familiar… dark brows drew down a little as she thought back to where she’d heard that. “Chemical… drug.” Melanthe’s eyes shifted back to the other woman’s face, suddenly bright. “Alcohol is a drug, but it is also a chemical. Is alcohol in the brain as well? Is that why it seems to affect land dwellers the way it does?” Too much of a good thing, and all that. 

“Estrogen. This is another chemical, like a drug? Why is it different in females than in males? Does this ‘estrogen’ not make muscles big? Or increase aggression?” 

The land dweller woman’s face grew a little distant as Melanthe spoke, and the mergirl was unable to keep a soft smile from her lips. She didn’t really know what Elisa was thinking about, but she could take a guess. After all, it probably wasn’t often that one was told their ancestors had been a part of a very unlikely, and very rare pairing. “Well, if there is anything that you can tell me about them, that would be helpful. I cannot make any promises, but I can certainly ask to see if this is something that my mentor has heard of in recent Cycles.” Elisa’s age indicated that probably not too many hundreds of Cycles had passed. Child’s play for Shezhanti, if the Lorekeeper actually knew anything. 

An absent shrug  was the response to the other woman’s confident statement that they’d find someone eventually. “I suppose…” she replied slowly, then smiled brightly. “But really? I am in no hurry. I do not fit well with my people, most of the time so finding someone that understands and who will not try to change me on some level will be very difficult.” The smile remained on her lips, but Melanthe’s expression became a little sheepish as her head ducked a little to one side. “Zhon’di is very attractive. Extremely attractive, actually. But, we were younglings together and he tries too hard to be a protector. His heart is in the right place., but I am afraid that he would smother me. I have offered to bring him to this side and he’s always refused. I am uncertain if it is because he’s afraid or afraid for me.” 

She shrugged again, this time with more feeling than just absent even as a bright smile lit her features once again. “But, that is neither here nor there and certainly not something I am going to be concerned with. His lack of learning is his loss. What of you? Do you have a male or female you are interested in?” 

Elisa shrugged when Melanthe asked if people found themselves stuck often. “It depends on the time and place really. Class structures exist almost everywhere, but some countries offer more flexibility than others. Although, honestly, everywhere can be stacked against people. Money talks and all that. Oh, but I suppose you haven’t heard that phrase, have you?” Well, maybe she’d still get the gist of it.

Melanthe put together their words about chemicals and drugs in the most peculiar way and Elisa blinked, uncertain what to make of it. “Oh, umm, I think alcohol has something to do with blood? Or what gets to the brain or something? I’m not sure. I’m not a doctor.” She didn’t know much beyond what she’d said about estrogen either. “The estrogen doesn’t make muscles bigger. it does something with fat deposits, though, I think? They’re just different because of what we need to make children, but I’m not that informed about it all.”

She shook her head when Melanthe wondered if she knew anything else about her grandparents. “Just what I’ve already told you. My mother was dropped off in Argentina as a baby. She doesn’t know much of anything about her parents and i only heard the truth about them a few months ago. It’s all very confusing.” Sometimes it felt impossible, but she could only do so much with what she had.

“Ugh, you can’t let them control you,” Elisa stated emphatically, “no matter how handsome they are.” She’d had a world of trouble with men in that department. The women had been a little bit better, but mostly because their methods were less direct. “Trust me, once you’re in a relationship like that, it’s so difficult to get out without everything getting messy.”

Elisa actually smiled when these flowers arrived. So many others had sent reds and pinks, but she knew that these had to be from Thomas. His gifts were always so classy and elegant.

There was a box as well and she opened it the moment that she got inside. Her smile widened at the jewelry, immediately clasping the bracelet around her wrist before she set the flowers on her dinning room table, a centerpiece for tonight’s festivities. Other bouquets were strewn haphazardly around her apartment, but they weren’t important.

Hmm, unless she wanted to spread rose petals around before this evening… she’d give it some thought. For now she took our her phone to send Thomas his reward. 

[Text] Your taste is as exceptional as ever [Text] I’m indisposed for the next several days, but I’ll expect your company over the weekend. [Text] I trust that won’t be an issue?

[text] I’m glad you liked it!

[text] I will be there!

sirenbuffa:

[Text] It’s valentine’s day. [Text] You may not celebrate, but I still expect roses.

[text] But of course! I hope you enjoy them!

Sure enough, several hours later, a magnificent display of white roses arrives at Elisa’s door, accompanied by a small box containing an expensive gold bracelet from which an equally expensive heart charm dangles prettily. An attached note simply reads:

Happy Valentines Day, Elisa!

Love, Thomas

Elisa actually smiled when these flowers arrived. So many others had sent reds and pinks, but she knew that these had to be from Thomas. His gifts were always so classy and elegant.

There was a box as well and she opened it the moment that she got inside. Her smile widened at the jewelry, immediately clasping the bracelet around her wrist before she set the flowers on her dinning room table, a centerpiece for tonight’s festivities. Other bouquets were strewn haphazardly around her apartment, but they weren’t important.

Hmm, unless she wanted to spread rose petals around before this evening... she’d give it some thought. For now she took our her phone to send Thomas his reward. 

sirenbuffa:

[Text] I have enough flower arrangements at the moment. Don’t waste your money, but you’re welcome to buy me a stuffed animal if the mood strikes you.

[text] Okay I will see if I find something that you will like.

[text] I can’t wait to see you! I hope you have a good day until then.

[text] Oops and also after then of course.

sirenbuffa:

[Text] You’re making me dinner tonight [Text] I’ll provide the wine but you’ll need to bring chocolates

[text] I was just thinking about you!

He frowned slightly. Always thought about her. Did that make it less special? She deserved special though. And if she wanted chocolates he would get her chocolates. Would go to every shop in town if he had to. To find her the best ones.

[text] I will bring you the best chocolates I can get. Would you like flowers also?

[Text] Were you? That’s so sweet!

Elisa grinned at her phone, pleased by her pet’s readiness to accommodate her. The others were involved with various women, she already knew that, but Stefan kept himself available for her. He was much more single minded and she admired his devotion.

sirenbuffa:

She’d wake him up whenever she needed help staying awake.

She offered to get him a ticket, or even a backstage spot. He smiled, feeling blissfully, ecstatically happy. She was so good to him. He could definitely keep her company if she wanted. Was a great idea.

“If I can hear you sing, I’m happy.” He would still be able to hear backstage, probably. If not, she could always sing for him anytime. He didn’t care. Whatever she wanted was perfect. She was so perfect.

Everything felt like a haze in his head. Like the world was so confusing and didn’t make sense. Only thing that made sense was her. Her words cut through all the fuzzy stuff. Made everything clear. Everything was perfect.

Her hand was so soft on his skin. So perfectly soft. He loved her touch. Wanted to feel it all the time. Some part of him kept trying to tell him something about skin and touch but he didn’t think it was important. Nothing was important. Only her. She was the most important of all.

She told him to sleep and she was right. He was tired. When did he get so tired. How did she always know these things before he did? He cast her a dreamy, drunken smile and tilted his head back, a mumbled assent on his lips. His eyes felt so heavy. He couldn’t keep them open and he felt the world slipping into blackness. He was so tired…

Stefan slept fitfully through the first several hours of the drive, but eventually Elisa needed to pull over for gas and use of the facilities. She found a place that looked clean, but she still shuddered that the thought of public toilets. She had little alternative just now, so she got an attendant to start filling the car and then came around the side to wake her pet.

“Stefan, She murmured, leaning in to speak the word against his hair. “It’s time to wake up. Are you hungry? Do you need anything? Let me take care of you.” Elisa smiled as his eyes opened, pleased to be the first thing he saw upon waking.

sirenbuffa:

That’s supposed to come before pleasure, isn’t it?”

“If we use tables,” Thomas agreed with a grin. “There are always other places we could have dessert, though. Cozy rug in front of the fireplace. Hot tub. By the fish pond. Maybe not the sauna… Whatever you prefer.”

He found all of the locations equally appealing. The fun was in the playing, after all, rather than in the specific location.

Elisa recommended discussing business before dinner, and that was mildly disappointing, but he didn’t know exactly what business she wanted to cover. Well, they could get that out of the way and move on to more enjoyable topics, so he didn’t mind. They had plenty of time.

“Sure,” he agreed, leading her into the dining room where a large, elegant table beneath equally elegant yellow mood lighting awaited them. He pulled a seat out for her before sitting beside her, but he’d barely even touched her chair before one of the staff came in, looking pleasant and expectant.

“Ah, welcome,” he greeted them, bowing slightly to them. “Your food will be ready shortly. If you have need of anything at any time, please use the intercom located near most of the doors in the suite and someone will be there to assist you.”

Elisa’s blush darkened when Thomas told her that they might share their dessert wherever she preferred. He was so accommodating, not that she anticipated anything less. He was just coming along so nicely! “The fireplace does sound romantic,” she decided, eager to see how the flickering light played across Thomas’ body.

They relocated to the dining room in order to wait for dinner. Elisa hoped that it wouldn’t take long, but she was sure that they could make conversation until the food arrived. Thomas was an excellent conversationalist and he always made the time pass quickly.

He pulled out her chair and she began to thank him, but they were interrupted by one of the staff coming to tell them how they might be summoned. “Mmm, yes thank you,” Elisa murmured, dismissing them as she might one of her own minions. Her attention was focused on Thomas just now and she wasn’t very interested in what this little worker might offer her.

sirenbuffa:

What praise would he bestow upon her this time?

Her compliment made him feel all warm and fluttery inside. He didn’t think he was going to be able to stop smiling at this rate. She was so kind to him all the time. And he knew she didn’t compliment people a lot, so it meant so much when she did. He relished it. He wanted to memorize it so he could play it back in his head when she wasn’t around and think of her.

And she trusted him so much, too! He said he would do his best for her and she always believed him. She never questioned him or doubted him. She was such a good person. She was everything he could possibly have asked for. No, she was more than that. He knew he didn’t deserve her. Knew he was the luckiest man alive.

He beamed at her, always eager to please, as she spoke of lessons before going out in public. “Of course. Don’t want to make you look bad. Not that I could. You never look bad. You’re always the most beautiful person in the room. But you deserve someone who isn’t gonna embarrass you like that. I’ll make sure I learn.”

Wasn’t really something he ever thought about learning before. Didn’t think he would be especially good at it. But he would work as hard as he could. Hopefully it would be enough. If not, maybe he could find some other way to make it up to her. He knew he couldn’t be good at everything no matter how hard he tried to work on stuff.

She agreed to sing what she liked performing. Said it probably wouldn’t be as good as normal. He grinned and nodded his agreement. Like he could ever judge her! He couldn’t sing great anyway. Wasn’t like he was a good critic or anything.

And then the music filled his ears and it was like nothing else in the world even existed. He couldn’t focus on anything else. She was his whole world. She was always his whole world. She always had been. Everything was black and white and muted without her. He didn’t even see the car or anything outside of it. Only saw her, radiant as always, drowning out the rest of reality with her brilliance.

He couldn’t speak right away when she was done. He realized almost too late he hadn’t heard any of the words she sang, only the sound of her voice. Had it even been in English? Wished he could recall but it felt like he had just woken up from the most amazing dream.

“It’s so beautiful,” he breathed, still a little dazed. He couldn’t even think of anything else except her. Except how deeply he loved her. “What a perfect song. I’ve never heard anything like it before. I want to go to your shows. Every one of them. I want to hear you sing all the time.”

Elisa laughed brightly at Stefan’s compliments, drinking them in and basking in their glow. He was so good for her. he knew just what to say to make her happy.

When she finished singing Stefan gushed over the performance, still sounding a bit dazed from the magic. She grinned at his desires, thinking that they could probably accomplish some of that. “I’ll get you some tickets, or maybe I can keep a spot for you back stage. You can keep me company between scenes.” Yes, it would be nice to have a pet present. She hated boredom.

sirenbuffa:

“Were you?”

Thomas could feel the way Elisa’s body responded to him, and it felt so natural, as if it were made for this. As far as he was concerned, it ought to have been. They both loved it, and if something felt so good, how could it possibly be wrong? She belonged with him; anybody could see that. Only he could truly understand everything that she had to go through, the problems her voice caused mortals. Only he could be there for her through all of it.

She assured him that he could have film opportunities if he sought them out, and he smiled because he knew that, but the prospect just wasn’t at all appealing to him. He had no real desire to flaunt himself like that. It just didn’t seem all that much fun to him when it was just for show. This was better–this with Elisa, being here alone with her. The intimacy, the privacy, the ability to do anything they desired without a script. It was real, not staged.

The bit about live theatre didn’t seem to connect with the rest of the conversation, but she was probably just feeling a little defensive about her own chosen career, and he didn’t want her to think that he looked down on her choice.

“Yeah, I guess that’s true,” he acknowledged. “You perform live for your audience and get the feedback right away. With film and TV, you just kind of have to wait for reviews to come in. I can see why you would prefer this.”

He couldn’t resist tasting of her essence just a little as he kissed her, and taking a little wasn’t at all difficult with the intensity of her own emotions, nearly tangible to him. She seemed to love it just as much as he did, and that had him grinning as she whispered her own admission against his lips. Her tone was nearly enough to shatter his willpower to pieces. He thought that if she had asked him then, he couldn’t possibly have denied her.

But she agreed that they ought to eat first, and he couldn’t help but notice with some scheming delight that she didn’t specify how long after dinner they ought to wait.

“Maybe we can have the chef bring us some dessert after dinner and have some fun with it,” he suggested, a glint in his eye as he headed down the hall with her to where he had spotted the dining room–or at least one of them. There it was, up ahead. He shook his head at her question as he led her inside. “I had no plans.” He grinned. “I wasn’t sure how much sleep I should be planning for, either. I figured we would just take this all as it comes instead of planning out a full schedule ahead of time.”

Elisa smiled, pleased that Thomas realized the merit of live entertainment. She didn’t know how those actors in movies could stand to wait so long to see their finished product. She’d go crazy.

Thomas suggested that they play with their dessert and her cheeks turned a light shade of pink. “Certainly, if that’s what you’d like. They’ll clean the tables afterwards, won’t they?” Really, Thomas was so creative. Being at the dinner table was a scandalous place to- engage. How did he think of these things?

sirenbuffa:

For now just the taste of him was enough though and she pressed against him, keen on enthralling him further.

Elisa stayed close just as he had suggested, and Thomas grinned at her, relishing her presence at his side. It felt so good to have her near. Something about it struck him distantly as a little strange, given how slowly things had progressed between them at the start, but it was all too easy to dismiss any misgivings. It just felt right. It felt like she belonged right where she was.

Her finger slid along the skin of his arm, and he suppressed a slight shiver. Her touch felt so good. He could imagine it all too plainly everywhere else on his body, the memories still vivid and fresh in his mind. Her scent grew maddening, the more he thought about it. He wanted to turn around and head straight back into the bedroom with her, but it really was a good time for dinner and they’d already given the chef instructions and everything.

It could wait, he tried to remind himself. He would be here with her for some time yet. There was no need to exhaust her thoroughly on the very first day. They still had so much to see and do together, and he was determined to show her a good time.

“Well, we should take full advantage of being here,” he decided, smiling at her. “We can try a little of everything. We’ll see some cool shows, check out a nice club, anything you don’t like we can just stop doing and head somewhere else. It’s not like there’s a shortage of things to do.”

I’d go with you there to protect me.

His breath caught at those words. He loved the way they sounded in his ears. Yes, he wanted to protect her. He wanted to keep her safe. He loved the thought of her relying on him, wanting him to be there for her. He wanted to keep everyone else from her. It was such a profoundly appealing notion.

“I won’t let anything happen to you,” he murmured, his voice a little lower. He turned his head slightly to nuzzle against her, breathing in her scent like a lion savoring its kill. “Nobody’s going to touch you but me.”

The thought of performing in art films almost made him laugh, but he could understand the confusion. He chuckled. “Well, thank you. These films in particular are probably not quite as artistic as you’re thinking, although I guess that’s a decent description. There’d be a lot more nudity involved, though. On screen it just feels impersonal and staged. Never seemed appealing to me.”

Her mouth tasted delicious, and it was truly beginning to fracture his self-control, especially the way she pressed her body against his. He groaned low in his throat, and it took far too long before he could force himself to pull his mouth away. She was just so stunning and so flawless, and every time she kissed him it was a fresh reminder that made him crave her more.

“I want you,” he murmured against her lips, trying to resist the urge to continue to kiss her. “I always want you.” He hesitated. “But I don’t want you to be too tired to have some fun later. It would be a waste if you didn’t get to enjoy yourself as much as possible here.”

Thomas suggested that they try the things she’d missed out on and she was quick to agree. He was right, they didn’t need to stay and she had no idea when the next time she’d be able to take a vacation like this again.

She worked so hard.

She deserved a break.

Then Thomas made her a promise and her lips split into a grin that would make the Chesire Cat blush. That was precisely what she wanted to hear. her breath caught, the smile wipes away as Thomas brushed at her neck. Her body felt taut, anxious for more than his passing affection.

No one would touch her here except for him. Good. That was what she’d wanted.

They didn’t have time for more and it was frustrating. She wasn’t used to desiring, and she was even less used to not receiving what she wanted, but she told herself that she could wait until after dinner. She wasn’t an animal; she could be patient.

He thought that the films would be beneath him and she could understand that. He didn’t want to compromise his ideals as an artist. If he did that then others wouldn’t ever take him seriously. “You’ll have opportunities if you want them. I agree, live theatre is the purest form of art. You get a real connection with your audience.” She might even be able to provide some, she had connections, after all.

His kiss made everything else flee her mind. She swore that she wasn’t even touching the ground anymore. He’d lifted her into heaven and they were embracing among the clouds. And those sounds, how had she ever imagined that this might be a bad idea?

She’d entertained many foolish notions in her previous life, but things were different now.

By the time he pulled away she was flushed and breathless, all too clearly remembering the feelings he’d introduced her to. His confession made her knees weak and she was glad that he was already supporting her. “I want you too.” Her voice was a whisper, even now she wasn’t sure if she was speaking a declaration, command, or confession.

His concerns were reasonable. She had had a long day and she knew that she was exhausted after entertaining him.

She was also keenly aware that he hadn’t yet had her.