#choicescreates65

Liam exited the ballroom, fists clenched, searching for the nearest exit.  He was fuming after his interaction with Madeleine, her underhanded insults and reminders that Emma had chosen his best friend over him.  She was a petty, arrogant woman, he knew that ...  and she would always hold a grudge that he had cast their engagement aside at the first opportunity he had.  As if he could have ever actually gone through with that sham of a marriage with a heartless woman anyway.  

His eyes surveyed down one end of the hallway and then to the other, where he noticed a set of ornate double doors leading outside somewhere.  Somewhere, anywhere ... he just needed some air.  He walked briskly toward the exit and pushed one heavy door open, immediately met by a harsh gust of frigid air as he escaped.

He felt the sting of cold against his cheeks as he observed his surroundings.  He had exited onto the terrace which opened up to the gardens.  The once-lush and green landscape were now cast in shadows across the stark white snow.  Given his current state of mind, Liam welcomed the desolate loneliness.  

He meandered aimlessly across the promenade, no trace of life except for the footsteps he left behind him.  He could hear the faint sound of music echoing from the ballroom through the stone of the estate, reminding him where he was supposed to be.  As Liam rounded a corner of the building, he stumbled upon another set of footprints in the snow leading from the nearest exit into the darkness.   His first instinct was alarm, but he soon released a sigh of relief as he followed the delicate prints to the lithe figure leaning against the railing.  She stood in solitude, gleaming under the moonlight, the faint crimson hue cast by the light across her hair making her unmistakable.  Olivia.  

Olivia turned at the sound of his feet crunching in the snow, a look of annoyance spread across her face until she recognized her intruder.  She released her hands from clutching the snowy banister, still wearing nothing but her red sequined gown in the wintry night.

“Shouldn’t the Duchess be inside hosting her own ball?”  Liam asked facetiously.

“Yes, she should ... as well as the King should know better than to play hooky from a royal event.”  She quipped back, arching an eyebrow in his direction.

“Well played.”  Liam chuckled as he settled in next to her, resting his forearms on top of the snowy railing.  “I wonder if I’ll ever get used to hearing that.  The King ...” his voice dropped off as his mind wandered.  “I hear the King and I think of my Father, you know.”

“I know.”  Olivia placed one hand on top of his forearm, continuing to look out across the vast night sky.  They stood there in silence for several minutes, enjoying the comfortable companionship as they stared out at the horizon.  Finally Olivia looked down to Liam beside her, squeezing her hand against his arm.  “How are you doing, Liam?  Really?”

“Hmmph.”  Liam looked down at his hands, carefully tracing once thumb across the other.  “You know, the only other person to ask me that recently is Emma.  And I don’t feel like I can really talk with her ...”

“Because of Drake.”  She finished for him, looking back up to the sky as she raised her hand to his shoulder.  “I get it.”  She didn’t go any further.  Because how do you tell the person grieving beside you that everything they’re feeling, you feel too ... for them?

Liam inhaled deeply, then released a long breath of white mist into the night air.  “Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for Drake ... and for Emma.  I just- “

”Your heart breaks a little every time you see them together?”  Olivia offered solemnly.  

Liam looked up at her face, moonbeams bouncing off her porcelain skin as she stared into the night sky.  “Yeah ... something along those lines.”  His voice faded and he looked back up at the stars.  “But what about you ... are you seriously entertaining marriage prospects like your aunt says?”  He quirked his head to look back over at her, an expression of curiousity spread across his face.

“I know it’s my duty as a Nevrakis to marry and continue the lineage.  For Lythikos and for Cordonia.”  She sighed deeply.  “I’ve just never thought myself the marrying type.  Not the fairytale marriage, at least.  A marriage of the state is far less exciting.”  She shivered as the wind swirled around them, goosebumps forming across her arms.

“Here, you’re cold.”  Liam started removing his jacket, but she pressed a hand against his chest to stop him.

“Please ... I’m a Nevrakis.  A little cold won’t kill me.”  A faint smile spread across her lips.

Liam paused for a moment at her interruption, then proceeded with disrobing and wrapped his navy military jacket around her shoulders. “I know you’re strong, Liv.  But it’s okay to let people in, too.”  He rubbed his hands over his jacket along her upper arms, his blue eyes boring into hers.  “You know, I've seen a change in you lately.  A glimpse of the carefree girl I knew when we were children, before ...” Liam paused and looked down, unwilling to finish his sentence.  “Anyway, I like this version of you ... and I hope to see more of her from now on.”  Olivia opened her mouth, searching for a snarky response ... but was rendered speechless.  She stared back at him, wishing that she could just remain frozen in this moment forever.  

She was snapped out of her entranced state as a strong wind gust pushed against her, unexpectedly knocking her off balance.  “Ahem ... I really should get back.”  

“Alright.”   Liam said, eyes gaze never leaving hers.  She removed his jacket carefully and placed it in his hands.  As she turned to leave, he gripped her by the elbow and pulled her back to face him.  “Olivia, I know you’re a strong, independent woman and have never needed anyone’s shoulder to cry upon ...”  he peered intently into her deep emerald eyes, willing her to listen.  “But I hope you know I’m always here.  That I want to be here.”  

Olivia’s breath hitched at the intensity of his statement, seemingly friendly yet wrought with underlying emotion.  Her heart pounded in her chest as she stared back at him.  “I ... I appreciate that Liam.”  She steadied her breathing as she pulled her arm away, her flesh still tingling from the contact.  “If you’ll please excuse me.”  She turned in a hurry, hiding her flushed cheeks as she scurried back inside to the ballroom.

Liam stood there under the moonlight holding his jacket in his hands, the feeling of blood pumping through his veins as he regarded Olivia walking away.  As the door shut behind her, he turned his face once again to the sky and lingered to enjoy one more brief moment of seclusion.  The air was still as the first snowflakes fell, the quiet natural melody mixing with the sounds of the orchestra inside.  He looked up to the stars one final time, a sense of renewal and hope spread throughout his body.  Just as Olivia had changed, so had he ... and perhaps at last their stars were finally aligning.

END

~~~~~~~~~~

“This is the ‘safehouse’?” - Lily asked as both girls followed Jax’s directions to a run-down warehouse in Hoboken. - “Cuz, uh, it feels like sketch city.”

“This is the address he gave me. If he doesn’t show up in five minutes, we’re going back to the—“

Suddenly a shadow appeared next to Lily and Amy, startling them both. Lily hid behind her friend by instinct.

“Amy.” - the dark haired man said with a low, husky voice. He wore a leather jacket that fitted perfectly into his body.

Damn, he was hot!

“Jax!” - her friend shouted in response, a hand on her chest.

Lily felt Jax’s eyes looking curiously at her ripped gown.

“You’ve got a Clan it seems. So what do you need me for?” - he calmly said as he waved his hand towards the Brand Adrian gave her.

“Uh… it’s kind of a long story…”

“I’m immortal. I’ve got time.” - Jax crossed his arms above his chest, his muscles visibly flexing under his jacket. Hmm.

“We were at the Awakening Ball…”

“Pffft. Elitist wankery.”

“Ha!” - Lily couldn’t contain herself.

“Really, Lily?” - Amy glared at her.

“Sorry. I mean, it was fun, but at the same time I agree. Is that wrong?”

“Please, go on.” - Jax said to her best friend, after nodding at Lily in agreement.

“Well, a bunch of Ferals got in and started attacking everyone. The Council members fought back and killed them, but now tensions are running high while they try to figure out who let them in…”

“And unrest in the Council means unrest for the Clanless.” - Jax scowled. - “Come with me.”

He led them down a side alley where the walls were covered in old posters and ads. He stopped in front of an ancient poster for a movie titled ‘Blood Sacrifice: Dracula’s Revenge’.

“Oh man, this movie’s so good. The part where Dracula rips that dude’s throat out and uses it as a straw…”

“That’s my favorite part too. Always nice to meet a vampire with taste.” - Jax grinned at her and Lily felt her cheeks flushing. He was insanely hot and liked cheesy-looking horror movies full of unnecessary violence and bloodshed like her! Maybe that night wouldn’t end so bad after all. He hooked his hand behind the poster and slid it aside, revealing a ladder descending into darkness. - “After you.”

They took the ladder down into an abandoned subway tunnel. Famous last words. Now they were going to be killed there. To where was this dude taking them again?

“This is it?” - it was eerie and dimly lit, and their words echoed off the walls when they talked.

“Um… how well do you know this guy again, Amy?” - Lily nervously whispered to her friend. Jax gave them both an appraising look before continuing down the tunnel wordlessly. She and Amy shared a look, before following.

“How long ago were you Turned, Lily?” - he asked as they walked further and further.

“Not that long. A couple of days.”

“You seem like you’re adjusting well.”

“I’ve had a lot of help and support.” - she smiled, remembering Adrian’s warm welcome to his Clan and Kamilah helping her adjust with her new super sensitive senses and strength. With her new life, basically.

“Must be nice.”

“She was lucky to get a special approval after her Turning, because Adrian saved her life after she was attacked and left for dead…”

“I’m so grateful to him.”

“Screw the Council.” - Jax scowled.

“What?” - why he was so suddenly mad?

“Why should it be up to six vampires of a secret council to decide which of us lives or dies? Shouldn’t we all have that right?”

“Well…” - Lily didn’t think much about what it meant being a Clan vampire. She was just so excited and overwhelmed by her new life that she never thought about the other side. About what that meant to those who were Clanless. She didn’t even know about them, to be honest. But when Jax said it… - “Actually… yeah. It’s a bunch of bull, isn’t it?” - he took a deep breath.

“I’m glad for you. None of us deserves to die. I just hope you see the injustice of it.” - he said, much calmer.

She did.

Amy and Jax got into a discussion about the Clans and the Clanless, his people… Lily felt her head spinning with all the new information.

“So wait, let me get this straight. You’re like the hot, badass leader of the rebel vampires? That’s an actual thing that you are?” - she asked him.

“Clearly, I need to update my business cards.”

“Amy, why didn’t you tell me you had such interesting friends?” - Lily asked her friend, her eyes longing on that man walking in front of her, looking at him under a new light. Oh, he was so her type.

“Wild times, Lil. In our old lives, I would have just introduced you over drinks, not wandering through some deserted, old…” - Amy stopped short as Jax led them around a corner…

...To a vast, abandoned, Art-Deco style train station that’d been turned into a vibrant underground village.

“This is the Shadow Den.” - he gestured around them with a proud grin on his face.

“This place just went from creepy to amazing in two seconds flat.” - Lily said with her jaw dropped open. - “It’s like a Mediterranean village constructed by Imperator Furiosa!” - the 1920s Deco mosaic ceilings arched over shops, food stands, and elaborately decorated private quarters constructed from found objects... - “But what… what is it?”

“It’s our home.”

“I thought you said that you have to move constantly? This looks pretty darn settled.”

Jax started explaining to them about how the Clanless worked. It was far from ideal and Amy said that Adrian would want to help them if he knew how things were, but Jax didn’t want to risk the Council learning about the Shadow Den and he wouldn’t bet his people’s lives on ‘some CEO’s compassion’.

“So… is it cool if we hang out here? Just until it’s safe for us to go back up.” - Lily thought it was better ask him, since he felt all this hatred towards the whole Clan and Council thing.

“Yes. You’re under my protection and welcome to stay here as my guests. Let me show you around…”

He strided deeper into the Shadow Den and she and Amy walked down the main thoroughfare behind him. The residents came running up to him, hugging and greeting him like as if he was some kind of a rockstar. As if he was their God.

“Wow, he’s like the Clanless Beyoncé…And also, like, alarmingly hot.” - Lily murmured with dreamy eyes. Oh boy, she was crushing so hard on him. Amy shushed her. - “What?” - realisation hit her hard. - “Oh my God, did you…?”

“No!” - and then Jax suddenly turned back to them, interrupting their conversation.

“Lily. Have you fed recently?”

“Yeah, but I could eat…”

“We have plenty of blood in our feeding lounge.”

Those were the magic words. Lily suddenly felt her throat dry. She was so thirsty. She was so lost in her mind thinking about the sweet taste of blood, that she didn’t catch up Amy's and Jax's entire chat, just that he could cook something for her best friend.

“You’re good with a sword and you cook?” - what the hell? Where this man had been in her entire life?

“It’s not often I get to cook for guests, but I dabble. I’d like to think I’m pretty good.” - he grinned confidently before turning back to Amy.

“Bad. Ass.” - Lily mouthed to Amy over his shoulder. Her friend rolled her eyes, but she had a smile on her lips. Yep, she was totally fangirling and crushing on that hot cook rebel leader vampire. They both were.

“Or if you prefer, you can find some things to eat in the central square.”

“I’d love to.” - Lily saw a coyly smile on Amy’s face that she knew  very well what it meant. Oh, her girl was getting laid. Hell yeah!

“Excellent! I hope my knife skills aren’t too rusty. That was a joke. I keep my knives sharpened and polished at all times.” - he said as if it wasn’t clear enough.

“I’m sure you do.” - Amy kept smiling at him.

“Lily, I’ll have someone show you to the feeding den.” - Jax said, gesturing to someone to approach them.

“Thanks! You two have fun.” - Lily winked at her best friend, who rolled her eyes again, before wrapping her in a hug.

“You’ll be okay?”

“Yeah, I think so. I’m getting the vibe these are my kind of people.”

And then, a vampire led her towards the center of the Den, into an elegantly canopied tent. But there was this ridiculously long line. The vampire told her to wait, although she didn’t want to. She was hungry to the point to starving, and that would be a problem. Kamilah told her about bloodlust and to be careful about it. She thought about asking as gently as possible to trade places with someone, but everyone glared uneasily and suspiciously at her. Lily didn’t blame them - she was an unknown vampire in their house - and didn’t have the guts to talk to anyone either, so she walked back to the central square.

Moments later, a dark haired figure in a leather jacket that she knew met up with her.

“Oh good, you’re here!” - she didn’t try to sound so excited to see Jax. He was alone. - “Where’s Amy?”

“Sleeping. It’s the dead of the night and she’s a human after all. Did you get to feed?”

“Not yet. I tried, but there was a long line, and I didn’t want to butt in… Plus, everyone was like glaring at me.”

“The residents here can be a bit hostile towards outsiders. I can go with you and make sure that they won’t attack you.”

“Oh, I don’t want to cause any problem—“

“It’s not problem at all. You’re hungry and deserves to feed too. And you’re a guest. Guests should always be a priority.” - and then he led her inside to the feeding lounge.

While Jax talked to someone, Lily took a good look around. The place was a room full of humans sitting quietly on couches and floor pillows, allowing themselves to be fed upon vampires. Her eyes instantly light up at all those exposed necks, at all that dripping blood. She licked her lips hungrily, feeling her tongue slightly touching her now extended fangs.

“Done. They’ll find you a donor soon. We just need to wait for a couple of minutes.” - Jax said, bringing her back to her senses.

“Thanks, I mean it. I can’t thank you enough for doing this for me and for Amy.”

“Please. As I told you before, you are my guests and I’ll personally make sure that you find your staying here as pleasurable as possible.”

Hmm, 'pleasurable'. She knew damn well how he could please her...

“...I imagined the feeding lounge so different from this.” - she shook her head, dismissing those thoughts. That was not the time to be all horny too, she already was feeling hungry! - “I imagined it more like a dungeon where you kept people in cages or whatever.” - Jax laughed beside her.

“You watch too many movies.”

“I guess it is because of the videogames, actually.”

“Oh, I liked playing videogames too. I had a Nintendo Color TV-Game myself.” - her jaw dropped.

“Shut up! It was released in Japan only!” - he grinned at her.

“Another perk of being Japanese, I guess. Part of my family still lives there.”

“This is so cool!” - but before she could ask him which were his favorite animes and mangas, someone approached them saying that they found her a volunteer.

Jax guided her towards a couch, his large and rough hand on the small of her back.

“Uh, hey.” - Lily awkwardly waved to the young woman in front of her.

“Hello.” - she simply said, looking used to it. In fact, she was scrolling through her phone.

Her neck was totally exposed to Lily, but she couldn’t move a single muscle.

“Is there a problem?” - Jax asked beside her.

“Uh… actually, this is the first time that I feed on someone with so many people around… In Kamilah’s place the volunteers were each in one room… you know?”

“This is no problem. We have individual rooms for the shyer ones.” - he grinned at her, teasingly. - “I just never thought that you were one of them.”

“Shut up.” - she rolled her eyes, her cheeks flushing. - “Can we go there?”

“Of course. If it’s no problem for you too.” - he asked the girl in front of them, who simply shrugged and followed them towards an adjoining tent.

The rooms were separated by curtains, but Lily noticed that they probably were the only ones there, since the rest was in the main lounge.

The donor plopped down onto the couch comfortably. Lily sat by her side, her finger tracing her jugular.

“Do you know how to do this?” - Jax asked, watching her tensely. He decided to stay close, ready to stop her if necessary. He knew that recently Turned vampires didn’t know when to stop.

“I guess so…” - Lily murmured, her eyes already shining red and her fangs extended.

“Just go slow, Lily.” - he said, standing behind her.

And then, with a swift move, she sank her fangs into the girl’s neck, who gasped in shock, before moaning with delight.

Her blood was so sweet and delicious. Lily groaned against the woman’s neck, her eyes closed, taking in the sensation of the blood running down her throat. She held the donor closer, tightening the grip on her waist, and the girl moaned again, waves of pleasure hitting them both. It was so intoxicating, so delirious. She felt a shiver running throughout the girl's body as her own body started feeling hotter and hotter.

“...Okay, that is enough.” - she felt Jax’s hand on her shoulder. Lily didn’t want to let her go, it felt so damn good… - “Lily.” - she heard his firm voice again.

Reluctantly, she pulled away from the girl and sealed the punctures in her neck. Lily’s tongue ran over her lips, caressing her own fangs, trying to taste any last drop of blood.

“Wow, that was… that was something else.” - Lily grinned at the girl.

"Yeah… It was." - the volunteer had this look of total bliss on her face.

“Thanks for your donor.” - Jax told the stranger as a vampire came into the tent and walked the still looking blissed girl out of there, leaving Lily and Jax alone.

“Damn, that was so good!” - Lily squealed, slumping back down, her hands running over her thighs. She looked up to Jax, still standing up beside the couch. - “Thanks, Ja—“ - her voice died when her eyes locked with his, that were shining bright red.

Lily felt goosebumps all over her body by the way he hungrily glared to her. She could feel the electrified air between them.

“I’m impressed. You’re very good at feeding on people.” - he said, his voice low and husky. She giggled, but he kept saying: - “...I won’t say ‘no’ if you want to do it.”

Her heart leapt inside her chest, and her eyes faded to red again, her fangs back, arousal running throughout her body.

“Is Amy going to be okay with this?” - she asked as Jax sat beside her.

“Why shouldn’t she? I care about her, but it’s not like we’re exclusive or something. This is just the second time we met each other.”

“Yeah, but you already fucked.” - Jax chuckled.

“The flesh is weak, the tensions are high and we should relax, don’t you think? Plus, she never mentioned it, but I know she has feelings towards Adrian Raines. The way she talks about him is much more than just a ‘professional admiration’.” - it was Lily’s turn to laugh. Jax was right, Amy was so into her boss.

She couldn’t blame her best friend, thought. Adrian was a super kind and nice dude and he was her Maker, so she would always have a special connection with him, but… Lily never had the hots for the crazy rich CEOs… and she was as horny as scared of Kamilah. That woman was something out of this world and so out of her league.

But Jax… Jax was totally her type. She would never be able to deny him.

Without saying anything else, Jax leaned in and kissed her lips. Lily felt his fangs brushing on her mouth as they kissed each other urgently and passionately, none of them thinking anymore, just being led by their own lust.

She slid his jacket off his shoulders and Jax tugged of his shirt too. Her hands immediately started caressing his strong chest and powerful arms. With her ultra sensitive senses, she could feel every scar on his smooth skin, his smell enveloping her, his heart beating fast and heavy on his chest.

“Wow, you’re just… wow.” - Jax chuckled with her remark.

“You’re too. But I guess I feel a little undressed now.” - he pointed to the fancy gown she still was wearing.

“Oh, I might need some help getting off of it… will you help me?”

“It’d be my pleasure.” - Jax grinned, his fangs exposed. Lily turned her back to him.

He slowly undid the fastenings of her dress, his hands caressing the soft skin of her back and his fangs gently scraping her neck, clearly teasing her.

God, she wanted him so bad. She was so hungry for him.

As soon as Lily was free from her dress, she impatiently discarded the rest of her clothes, under Jax’s gaze.

“Now, you’re overdressed.” - she said, before leaning in and meeting his lips in a lustful kiss. He kissed her back with the same intensity while he tugged off his pants and boxer briefs in one swift move.

She suddenly shoved him and Jax chuckled softly when he felt his back hitting the couch beneath him. Lily climbed on top of him, her hands clinging onto his broad shoulders, her tongue trancing from his collarbone to his jugular.

“I want you. Now.” - she purred, practically ordering him.

She saw the glance of Jax’s smile before he slid inside her. Lily groaned with the sensation of him filling her, her nails digging into the flesh of his chest.

“So good…” - he murmured, his rough hands around her waist, holding her tight as he thrusted in her. Lily moaned as she rode him.

The sensation of him all around her was so overwhelming. She wanted more. So much more.

She sank her fangs into his neck, sucking his blood. He gasped under her, but melt into it, the sharp pain quickly turning into something much more pleasurable. Lily moaned again. Somehow, it felt even better than that girl’s blood. It felt as dense as a full bodied red wine. So, so good.

“I’m not food, Lily.” - Jax said, although he didn’t sound angry at her.

“Oh shut up. I know you’re enjoying it as much as I am.” - she whispered when she finally pulled out of his neck, licking the blood dripping from her lips.

He grinned at her and pulled her face against his, his fangs deliciously biting her lower lip and he tasted his own blood. She moaned when his hips started pushing assertively forward at her, faster and deeper, bringing her close to the edge. Lily moaned louder and louder until those hallucinating waves of pleasure hit both of them as they came almost at the same time.

Lily laid on top of him, both of them panting, their skins hot and sweaty against each other. She could feel his heart pounding under her fingers, her head resting on his shoulders. His neck was already completely healed.

“Wow.” - she murmured and he chuckled underneath her.

“I’m pretty sure everyone heard your moans from the feeding lounge. And they know that it wasn’t just because of the feeding.” - he said, twirling her purple hair around his fingers.

“Let them hear. This was just…”

“‘Wow’?” - Jax finished her phrase, chuckling again. She felt his other hand running up and down her back.

“This too. But mostly, hot and incredible. Like you.”

“You flatter me.” - he pulled her chin towards his and kissed her tenderly, but passionately. - “But as I said, the satisfaction of my guests is my priority.” - he smirked at her, and Lily giggled.

“You’re a very damn good host, Jax.” - they stayed like that in each other’s arms for a few more minutes, until he finally sighed.

“As much as I wished I could stay here the whole day, I need to take care of some things and do my errands.”

“Of course, I wouldn’t want to take more of your time, hot-badass-rebel-leader.” - she said as they sat on the couch. He grinned at her before starting dressing himself up. She did as well.

“Ugh, is there any place where I can find new clothes? Corsets are awesome, but also, I like breathing.” - she asked as he helped her with the fastenings of her gown.

“Oh, I know the right place.” - he found a pen and draw a map on the palm of her hand. It tickled. - “Look for ‘Elena’. You should take Amy there too.”

“Alright, thanks!”

“I wish I could go with you.” - his dark eyes searched hers. - “Please, be careful. If my people find out that you’re a Clan vampire…” - she nodded at him, brushing her thumb on his worried face.

“I will. Thank you for your help, Jax. And for everything. And for this warm welcome.” - she mischievously smiled at him.

He grinned back at her and they walked out of the tent. Lily felt the vampires and humans eyes all over them as they walked back to the central square of the Shadow Den. Oh, they had definitely heard them.

And she didn’t give a fuck.

Jax gave her the directions to his private quarters and winked at her before going to do whatever he needed to do. As she walked there, she looked around the Den, the vampires laughing and talking to each other and the kids were playing. She got this feeling of a real community, where everyone got each other’s backs, where everyone was as important as the other. They were her kind of people and although she’s been there less than a day, she felt like the Clanless was where she belonged.

But she would think more about it later.

Lily found a peacefully asleep and naked Amy on Jax’s mattress.

“Amy, wake up!” - she plopped down next to her, startling her best friend.

“Lily!” - Amy squealed wide awake as Lily tossed her clothes at her.

“Let’s get us free from these clothes! I’m starting to feel my lungs aching inside this corset!” - her friend rolled her eyes.

“You’re so dramatic, Lil.” - Amy started to dress herself. - “Did you get to feed?”

“Oh yeah, I’m satisfied. There was this long line, but Jax helped me as a guest.”

“Jax is a great host, isn’t he?” - Amy said, with a dreamy smile on her face.

               _A walk? – he raised an eyebrow. That would be the first time they would hang out just the two of them. Was she saying what he thought she was saying? No, she never demonstrated it before – where?

               _I don’t know, let’s just walk for a while, and then I’ll leave you at home.

               _No way. I’ll leave you at home. A gentleman never could allow a lady to walk alone in a big city like this – they giggled and he thought how her laugh was cute – so, lead the way, Dani.

               _Okay – as they started walking, she linked her arm with his and he was startled again. Often, her intensity could crash with his calm – sometimes Mark and I used to walk like this in college.

               _You must miss this.

               _A lot. I used to joke we’re siblings from different moms. Until today he sees me as a sister.

               _And…you see him like that too?

               _Yes. Sometimes I thought it could be more than a strong friendship, he confessed me he felt the same, but we’re cool with being just BFFs, and nothing more – Horatio couldn’t be hypocritical and say he didn’t like to hear that. And he could understand Mark. Dani was the kind of girl everyone likes to be close. Gorgeous, intelligent, sincere, she had a fantastic ability to charm everyone around her. So falling in love with her wasn’t difficult, he could tell. Horatio just realized he was smiling to himself when he noticed Dani gazing at him and smiling too.

               _So, uh…I haven’t congratulated you yet for winning that award – he dropped the subject before it got worse.

               _Oh, thanks, Horatio! That night was awesome…I was nervous with this award and a decision I had to make, but everything went well.

               _A decision, huh? I don’t know why, but I felt a halo of mystery – he winked and she laughed – something that bothered your heart for a while but now you’re happy with your decision – Dani loved his sensibility. Based on their talks so far, she felt he could read her better than herself sometimes.

               _And I bet you could make a drink based on it.

               _Sounds like a challenge, Dani – he beamed – if you tell me what it was, who knows…

               _Well, it was related to my love life – why she was so determined to talk about it? – I had three potential dates for that night, and I could go steady with one of them. But Mark’s like a brother to me, Leah’s a great friend and an incredible co-worker, and Ben’s a cutie, but I never could see him as more than a friend, you know – Horatio listened carefully. He also noticed how Leah and Ben looked at Dani. She had a bunch of admirers, and he was just one more.

               _So, you had three people wanting you that night, and you chose to be single?

               _Yeah, I know it’s crazy, but I had to be honest with myself and them, of course.

               _I don’t think it’s crazy. Love is an enigmatic strength, Dani. Sometimes you have a reason, and sometimes no. What matters is being honest, exactly like you did – he sighed – and like I did with Tara.

               _Oh, I was about to ask about her – Dani frowned to his sad expression.

               _I wasn’t happy with our relationship. Don’t get me wrong, Tara’s a beautiful human being, inside and out, but we just…didn’t work as a couple. She’s so amazing, she understood my side and also said she wouldn’t want to be with someone who didn’t love her.

               _ Sometimes you have a reason, and sometimes no, right? – Dani nudged Horatio. They shared a giggle and looked at each other’s eyes for a while, then she saw they reached a bridge – I’ve discovered here’s a good place to stop and think when I’m stressed or upset– she let out his arm, but took his hand and guided him to the grid. He felt a chill in his stomach again.

               _I can see why – they leaned slightly on the grid and admired a privileged view of the city of San Francisco, the buildings, the streets, the lights and the sound of the nightlife – when you come in a place like that, your problems seem nothing to the greatness of the universe.

               _Exactly! – Dani faced him, smiling broadly, and Horatio smiled back – I knew you’d understand! Only a person with this poetic soul like yours could see it!

               _Oh, Dani, you’re so sweet – Horatio was interrupted by Dani, who took his face between her hands and brought him down to a kiss. He was caught off guard, but was taken by the sensation of her lips against his and responded eagerly, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closer. After a long, breathless kiss, he pulled back, still trying to figure out what just happened.

               _There was a reason why I said no to them that day – she caressed his cheek – it’s you, Horatio.

               _W-what? – he looked quizzically at her.

               _I’ve been feeling this way for some time. But I just recognized it when I came here to think in that decision. And when I was admiring this place, I realized that you would be the only one who would share this opinion with me. There was also a reason for me to bring you here, the place where I realized I was in love with you – Dani smiled slightly, but frowned when Horatio said nothing, an unreadable expression on his face – uh, Horatio, now might be a good time for you to say something – she knew it was risky, and the fear of hearing a no haunted her.

               _Sorry, Dani, but…wow, I can’t believe you feel the same – he finally grinned and her face lightened up.

               _Really?

               _Yeah. I can’t take you off my mind since I met you, but I knew Mark liked you too, and then Leah and Ben, I didn’t want to be just another one disputing your heart, and I thought you always saw me as a friend. And then Tara appeared in my life, and I tried to focus on someone I knew who liked me, but I didn’t like her in the same way, so… - he took her hands – you’re the reason I broke up with Tara, Dani. I’m also in love with you – she jumped and put her arms around his neck, and he hugged her, laughing and lifting her off the floor – yeah, I’m also happy to know that you correspond to my feelings.

               _I know! – she kissed him again and he put her back on the floor – but why did you take so long to tell me that?

               _I didn’t want to screw my friendship with Mark. He talked about you a lot, and when I finally met you in person, I could see why he liked you so much – he kissed her cheek – but he’s one of my best friends, I didn’t want to get in his way. Actually, I don’t know what he would think about us together.

               _As I said, we have a brother-sister friendship, and he also considers you a great friend, so I’m pretty sure he’d be happy for us – Dani hit his chest playfully – and you want it? Us together?

               _This’s what you want too, right? Now that I know how you feel, I don’t want to waste a second away from you, Dani – Horatio leaned in and caught her lips again, slowly and tenderly – and I think this waiting increased my desire for you – he kissed her again, longer this time – because I can’t stop kissing you – she smiled against his lips.

               _I love seeing how passionate and decided you are, Horatio. And of course I want to be with you – they couldn’t stop smiling, and he rested his forehead on hers, holding her hands.

               _You’re also a passionate woman, Dani, who puts your soul in everything you do. That’s one of the things I admire about you – she giggled, kissing him quickly, before he deepened the kiss again – I still can’t believe in it, I must be dreaming. No, this’s better than a dream, because it’s real.

               _I know. I was afraid you wouldn’t feel the same, but I needed to say it, or I would explode – she moved closer to him and encircled his waist with her arms, and he wrapped her around as well. She melted against his embrace while he kissed the top of her head – can we stay here forever, boyfriend? – he chuckled.

               _We can stay here for as long as you want. I also want to enjoy this moment with you, girlfriend – she grinned and tightened her arms. They remained there for a few moments feeling their warmth contrasting with the cold night air – Dani?

               _Yeah?

               _I love you – she tilted her head to face him.

Chris stood up. "I need to get going. I'm meeting up with Darren, Logan, and Madison."

Emily cringed at the mention of Logan and Madison. They were the last thing that Tripp needed to be thinking about. To distract him, she pulled him closer and placed her other hand on his thigh. She wanted him to think about her, not Madison. Why did Chris have to bring her up? It was just as well that he was leaving, though. She still felt a little uncomfortable around Chris, although they were on friendly terms. She didn't have feelings for him any more, but he had hurt her when he dropped her for Becca. Even though he had ended things with Becca and they tried again, she hadn't been able to get past what had happened. Now that she was trying to move on, it was better not to have him right there in the room.

She cuddled with Tripp on the couch as they watched The Crown and the Flame. Kenna, Raydan, and Annelyse were sneaking into the Masquerade Ball in Lykos. Emily was thrilled by the scene with Kenna and Raydan dancing together, especially the part where they kissed. "They make such a cute couple!" she said.

"Dom is cooler," Tripp replied. "He has fire powers!"

"Definitely!" Tyler agreed.

"Dom and Kenna make a great couple, but Raydan is cute too," Abbie responded.

"Yeah, Raydan's a sexy guy," added Zack.

"Kenna belongs with Val," stated Kaitlyn.

After the episode was over, Emily stood up, holding Tripp's hand and pulling him up with her. "That was so good! That ballroom scene was so romantic."

"And what an ending! Dom versus Shadow Dom!"

Emily reached for the door to her bedroom and turned the knob. "I'll be right back." She walked in and closed the door behind her, then opened her closet and began rummaging through a box. She pulled out a black mask and put it on, then walked to the door and opened it.

"I need an escort for the ball. Would you do the honors?"

"It would be my great pleasure." Tripp took her hand and led her into the bedroom, then closed the door behind them.

Emily wrapped her arms around Tripp and began kissing him passionately. She guided him towards her bed, then sat down, bringing him with her.

"Time to unmask you!" Tripp lifted her mask and pulled it off. "You look lovely tonight, my queen."

Emily placed her hand on Tripp's thigh and moved it upward until she reached his crotch. "I see you brought your sword with you."

"Ah, yes, I never go anywhere without my trusty sword. Would you like to play with it?"

Emily grinned as she unzipped his fly. "That sounds like fun."

Tripp pulled Emily's dress over her head, then unhooked her bra and tugged it off. "Ah, the crown jewels! They're beautiful," he said as he cupped her breasts in his hands.

Emily undressed Tripp and reached between his legs, grasping him. "Your sword is magnificent."

"Thank you, my queen. It's quite powerful, too."

"I bet. Did you know that I've mastered the art of sword swallowing?" Emily lowered her head and opened her mouth, taking in the tip of his member.

"Show me," Tripp groaned. Emily sank her mouth down onto him, taking in more, until he was all the way inside her. Tripp moved his hands to her waist and slid her panties down. As they reached her ankles, she kicked them off. He placed his hand between her legs and rubbed her clit. As she sucked him harder, he slipped a finger inside her.

Emily raised her head and pulled him to her, kissing him again. He flipped her over so she was on her back, then lowered his head. "It's my turn to serve you, my queen." He began kissing her breasts, then lower, until his head was between her legs. His tongue traced her folds and moved over her clit. Emily felt the heat rising within her. He moved lower, his tongue entering her. His fingers joined in, massaging her clit as his mouth explored her.

When Tripp finally raised his head, Emily sat up, opened the top drawer of her nightstand, and took out a condom. She tore open the wrapping, then rolled the condom over his hardness.

"I command you to take me," she ordered him. Tripp positioned himself over her, pressed close, and thrust himself inside her. She grabbed onto his ass, pulling him in deeper as he moved against her. The heat grew more and more intense, until her passion finally exploded and she cried out in ecstasy.

"Oh God, Emily!" Tripp groaned as he thrust into her one last time, then collapsed against her. He rolled off her, and she snuggled up to him.

"That was fun," she said as she gazed into his eyes and smiled at him.

"Yeah, it was," he grinned back.

"You can stay over. If you want to, I mean."