Topic: Business & Pleasure

Layla

Date: 2012-05-28 22:14 EST
Part 1: Dress the Part

Layla had told Kaiden that their next mission would be with some Russian businessmen, who they would have to persuade to take a certain deal offered by the company. The company had offered the deal to the men before to no avail, so they were hoping on there last chance " Layla. She told him to quickly change into something appropriate and meet him at her office. When he got to the building, he entered her office and saw her waiting. She was wearing a skin tight white bandage dress with a v-cut neck that lay on her mid-thighs, accentuating every curve, with red peep toe heels. Countless red and silver bangles covered her arms that jingled with every slight movement, including when she crossed her arms when she saw him. Heavily made up eyes glared at him and she said, "What the hell are you wearing?"

Kaiden had arrived looking sharp enough, in his own opinion; he'd certainly not worn anything as nice in his earlier life, even if his clothes didn't match perfectly. A loose burgundy silk shirt that hung open perhaps too far, especially for a guy, and flaunted his tone; albeit less than the form fitting black slacks. But all thoughts of himself vanished from even his mind's eye as he saw her; and there had been plenty of anticipation building before even that, just from her perfume.

Pausing silently at her question, eyes traveling along the contours of her form, sleek, dangerous....and...."What do you mean?" Snapping reluctantly from his personal reverie, and assuming a chagrined, more business like attitude. "...you didn't expect me to look better than you, did you?" He didn't betray even a hint of a smile as his eyebrow raised ever so slightly.

"Forget it?" She turned to one of the men in her office sitting around a large conference table and said bluntly, "Stephen, go get him some appropriate clothes." The man left and came back a few minutes later with a casual designer shirt and black designer pants, perfectly coordinated, and held them up to show her with a pair of black, business professional, designer men's shoes. She nodded and he handed them to Kaiden. She growled at Kaiden, "Hurry up. Change in the bathroom down the hall. I'll be waiting down in the limo.? As if everything else was not strange enough, Layla going anywhere in a limo seemed even more out of place.

Lightfall

Date: 2012-05-28 22:26 EST
He snapped open the next button of his shirt as he took the package, turning quickly, peeling off his shirt the rest of the way as he walked out of sight of her, turning once before reaching the bathroom at the end of the hall, and upon seeing her - hurried. His thoughts raced for moment as he changed and headed out, asking one of her lackeys, with total respect, what a limo was....and slipping out the door ....and in the door.

His eyes quickly but cautiously taking in their surroundings before settling finally on her....with only minimal trouble keeping eye contact. "...is this" better?" He held his arms out somewhat, long wavy dark hair falling in a curtain to his shoulder, partly obscuring his eyes as he looks from her to himself, and back again. She was inside adding more makeup. A driver was waiting, holding the door open for him and closed it as he got in. "It's fine," she said without looking away from her mascara applicator and small hand mirror. She was trying not to look at him. She was still thinking of his outfit that looked good on him, it just didn't fit what she needed him to wear tonight. Maybe she shouldn't have been so harsh. She didn't mean to be. She was on an assignment tonight; she was in strict business mode.

Layla finished putting on more eye makeup and placed her makeup back in a big bag next to her on her other side. She leaned forward and opened the tiny refrigerator in the back of the limo. She grabbed the two mini-bottles of alcohol and closed the refrigerator as she complained, "What' Were they out last night drinking the night away' I need more than two." She shook her head angrily as she handed one to Kaiden as she ordered, "Here." She then proceeded to open her small bottle and pour the contents into her mouth.

He couldn't help but ask questions, even if they seemed stupid. When it came to her business, it was just that: her business. He hesitated in taking the bottle as in reaching for it his eyes wandered, caressing legs with his eyes, from calves to thighs....and again snapped out of his reverie. Maybe he needed the drink after all, opening it quickly, eyes flickering to hers as she finished applying her makeup. Taking the bottle, with slight confusion....."This job involves mandatory drinking?" He offered a quick toast with the small bottle, as he raised it to his lips and let the potent liquid slide back over his tongue, savoring the flavor for a moment and swallowing quickly; again, clothes like this ....just this style of living that Layla was sometimes accustomed to, it was totally beyond anything Kaiden have ever experienced, so he felt no shame in taking the time to taste it.

Layla

Date: 2012-05-28 22:33 EST
She hadn't meant for him to drink it entire, and in fact once she poured the alcohol into her mouth, she quickly proceeded to spit the contents back into the small bottle. She started to hand the bottle to Kaiden and saw his empty bottle. "What did you do' I needed that too. We only have two different drinks here. We need to smell like as many kinds of alcohol as we can. You shouldn't drink before a mission. Ever! You're lucky there's barely anything in there." She said tersely, "Look, we need to smell like a lot of alcohol. Since we only have two, we need to smell like as much as we can get. So, I need to smell like yours." She quickly pushed herself next to him and within what was just a blink of the eye, she was against him with her lips on his, rubbing her tongue over his to absorb the alcohol as much as possible. As quickly as she was on him, she was off. She quickly rushed back to her seat and looked over and began looking for makeup in her bag" or so it appeared. She hid her face to show how embarrassed she was. She had a job to do and would do it at all costs. Kissing him was not part of the plan, but it had to be done for what she needed to accomplish tonight.

Kaiden flushed at being scolded, but it soon melted away into confusion as she moved next to him, and was on him before he could truly think about what to do, and his hand moved to her waist as she did so, if only to steady such sudden contact. He'd started to ask what she was doing....but....her tongue, warm, and wet slipped against his and every part of him went rigid and melted at the same time, he was momentarily overpowered by her, in the one way that he was certain no matter how powerful he might become, she would always be able to do; the faint musk of her scent, the smooth glide of her skin against his, and the briefing teasing taste of her mouth....left him at her mercy. "...as you wish, Ms. Tollivar..." his voice was perhaps slightly lower and huskier than usual. "....I'll do whatever y....whatever is required."

Without looking at him she ordered, "Don't call me that. Call me Layla, especially tonight. Damn, you'll ruin the whole operation if you are so formal.?

Lightfall

Date: 2012-05-28 22:36 EST
The limo made a stop at the front of a small night club in a dense, downtown hot spot. There were people lined up down the building and neighboring building waiting to get into the club. She turned and looked at Kaiden. Her face was emotionless. She said, "Ok. Don't speak to anyone unless it's vital, and if you do, don't say more than you have to," she started giving instructions as she opened the first few buttons of his shirt, partially exposing part of his chest, "Don't drink unless I tell you. Don't eat unless I do. Don't stare at anyone. And here?" she handed him a pair of sunglasses from her makeup bag, "Put these on and leave them on even when you get inside. You will be able to see clearly even in the dim light, but you need to look cool and cool people are idiots who wear sunglasses at night. Now, when the driver opens the door, get out, turn back, offer me your hand, and help me out." As she finished speaking, the driver opened the door.

Kaiden took the sunglasses and, flicking them open in a quick gesture, slid them over his eyes, his face becoming stony as she spoke, with the exception of his now veiled eyes; as soon as he felt his eyes were covered, he dared an actual full glance at her, even as she snapped commands. He'd never been around enough sophistication to know how to explain what he saw in her, her beauty in body and mind, both so primal, and yet refined. He nodded once, tersely but with respect just as the door opened and slid out with a liquid, almost feline grace that he didn't always show he was capable of possessing. Turning as she'd instructed and extending his hand, the passion caught in his blood causing him to more than assume the role she'd wanted, as his Presence exuded an air of entrancement and deadly but subtle majesty. His hand snapped down, palm up, offering aid to her, sliding to the perfect level to grant her leverage, all the while his eyes roving everyone else before them, behind his dark glasses.

Layla was stunned for a moment at his exit. She blinked and remembered her job. She elegantly slid over and lowered her long legs down to the ground making contact with her red heels on the sidewalk. She gracefully took his hand and pulled herself out of the limousine. She got up right next to Kaiden's ear and half whispered, "Keep up with me. Stay next to me unless I instruct you otherwise." She turned and seemed to glide up to the bouncer, with complete disregard for the line of people to the side of the club entrance. She whispered something to him and handed him a currency bill. The way their hands were placed, it was impossible to see what it was. The bouncer held the door open for her and she turned to Kaiden and offered her hand to him, motioning that he should lead her inside.

Layla

Date: 2012-05-28 22:41 EST
Part 2: Grab Your Partner

Kaiden watched her. Not everyone had an eye that could discern the subtle predatory nature of her every movement; it was hard not to admire the way she adapted so quickly from one seeming world to another. And Kaiden had heard the old adage somewhere, 'those who adapt survive'. Or had it been Kaiden? The memories tickled against one another and his focus was on her again, his hand ready and waiting to take hers as she offered it and took the lead, if only by a quarter step, just enough that his aura of majesty pulsing from his presence, radiating through his eyes and subtle glances to those in front of them, who with no seeming prodding slide out of their way. As they enter, his grip on her hand tightens for just a moment at the number of people; his thumb sliding across the back of her hand. He maintained his businesslike posture while still making sure....she was there.

Layla swallowed hard at his extra touches, but she maintained her professional demeanor. As he led her inside, they could see the huge dance floor in the center of the large two story room. Around the dance floor there were booths and tables, full of people. The dance floor was full of people, including dancers. Multi-colored lights shone on the dance floor, creating a kaleidoscope effect over the people. Servers were scattered everywhere handing out drinks. To the right was a large bar so packed with people, it was hard to see the bartenders. To the left was a half story step up overlooking the floor with a small VIP section with once small set of stairs guarded by two bouncers. The VIP section was scattered with hot women dancing and men standing back. It wasn't difficult to determine the men were there to protect the two heavier Russian men in the largest booth. They were the only two real VIPs there, which was clear from the attention they were getting from the servers and the women. Layla had hoped that Kaiden could quickly analyze all of this. This was as much a test for him as it was for her. She let him lead her inside the door and then dancingly lead him as she stumbled and wobbled drunkenly towards the dance floor, laughing hysterically with a higher tone to very naturally harsh voice. This was definitely a change from the elegant woman that stepped out of the limousine.

Kaiden's first step after her was awkward, as he didn't expect such a sudden change in her demeanor, but he quickly managed to pick up on it. He'd never been much one for drink, but he'd watched lots of people become drunk, and quickly let his gait loosen as he flowed with her to the dance floor. He didn't stagger as she did, but the tension visibly drained from his shoulders, and steps, albeit by force. Despite his mirroring her change in demeanor, his eyes still flickered across the crowd and he'd watched the direction of her gaze carefully upon entering. He'd taken note of the heavyset Russian men, and all those gathered around them. In part, as he grew more into his role, he found he didn't have need of drink to loosen him at all; even though he knew it was an act, seeing Layla act so....in-congruent to her normal persona was....exhilarating, as she revealed even more of her depth.

Lightfall

Date: 2012-05-28 22:44 EST
As Layla stepped onto the dance floor, the colored lights hit her. The black lights waving about caused her white bandage dress and cream skin to glow. The silver bangles intermingled with red covering her arms sparkled brightly in the lights. It was almost as if she purposefully wore the outfit to gain as much attention as possible. With a step, she began to dance, subtly bringing back her elegance. She playfully motioned for him to follow her deeper onto the floor.

Kaiden bit his lip at her gesture. It was just an act. The tip of his fang bit ever so slightly, causing a slight red upwelling but nothing more as he self consciously and subtly hid them again, a crooked smile playing on his lips which were much fuller and more wholly red now, as he moved towards her. It was just an act. He wasn't much of a dancer either, but he loved music and it had begun to have an effect on him as soon as he entered. He'd never danced much, especially to this but....he was a blade dancer....and the muscles and grace bespoke of at least that much training. It was all an act. And he slipped forward against her, not making the first move to come too close - she had the lead in the mission, and in the dance they did here and when they were alone, but he moved well and smoothly to the music. The effects of her dress, like a second delicious skin, covering her and needing to eventually come off, coupled by her smile when she beckoned him towards her. It was all....an act....But his heart raced anyway.

In rhythm with the techno music, Layla turned to him and placed a light wrist over his shoulder and started to sway her hips lower as she dropped her hips slowly to the floor, letting her hand slide down his shirt lightly. When she got to his belt, she grabbed hold and slowly started to rise as if she was pulling herself up, swaying her hips slowly back up. When she rose to a standing position, her eyes met his. She quickly let go of his belt, her eyes became uncomfortable, and she quickly turned from him.

He didn't miss a beat, although with his eyes mesmerized by the subtle, sensual sway of her hips, it was impossible to say how. His own hips hadn't stopped their subtle swaying even as she'd grabbed at his buckle, and the touch of her hands ....anywhere on him sent sparks through every inch of him....but....he was supposed to keep up that charade, if he'd read her right....after all, it was all....an act. As she turned from him he stepped in behind her, one hand on her hip, the other sliding onto her waist. His fingers almost slid across her taut stomach, the dress was indeed like a second skin after all. As he pulled her close, he leaned forward from behind her, lips brushing her ear as he swayed her to one side, causing a cascade of her hair in the other direction. "...don't break character." His voice was low, soft and husky, even under the intense beat of the music. He subtly swayed form side to side, pulling her back against him and sliding down inch by inch, letting his hands slide down her sides until they touched the top of her bare thighs before stepping back. It...."was all....an act. But his heart was a slow, incredibly strong hammer, against his chest. Her abdomen went rigid as he began to touch her. She didn't know why it was bothering her since she was doing the same to him. She should be proud, he was blending in nicely. She held her breath as he touched her skin. But she was still angry. She spun around and fell into him as she said exceedingly coldly, "I told you not to speak.?

Layla

Date: 2012-05-28 22:51 EST
She made sure not to look at him as she placed one hand on his arm and pushing it onto her hips, trying to quickly indicate that he should hold onto her. She threw one hand over her as she slowly began to lay back, arching her back and extending her arm to elongate herself as she went back. Her bangles glittered in the light catching quite a few people's eyes. By the time her hand hovered a few inches above the floor and rose as slowly as she went down, she had picked up a few more gazes. She spun around as if dancing, but was quickly taking survey of her progress. Most of the men around her were trying to get closer to her. As a result, she backed up directly against Kaiden to indicate she was with him and to leave her alone" "Kaiden's real purpose for being there. His arms flexed easily as his fingers slipped surely onto her hips; his grip was strong, but dextrous enough so as to not even bunch her ....dress. Yes....that's what it was. His eyes were treated to the same scene as the rest of the dancers, watching her lithe body stretched out in all its glory, now truly able to see and feel how ever contour of the form fitting material clung to her own curves, both soft and firm, in all the places any man would find desirable. But, at least for now, she was with him. And as she stood back up and pressed against him, it didn't take any supernatural ability to get his point across to the other onlookers, as his glasses slid down just enough that he could look over the dark lenses and fix any who were too appreciative with a baleful glare. Generated purely from ....allowing himself to feel for a moment what any man would feel in his position. Jealous. As she back against him, his hands stayed on her hips for a moment, one slipping up just enough to lightly brush her abdomen again and pull her back against him; letting the physical tension between them be shared for just one moment, when everyone on the floor had no choice but to face their own hidden thoughts. His look and the way he was touching her told the too attentive males he glanced at one thing: "Not for you, boys".

Layla's concentration broke as he brushed her abdomen.

What was she doing"

She told herself to focus. She had a job to do.

With her back turned from him, she looked to the VIP section. The two Russians were watching her now, but she had to improve her performance. She turned around to face Kaiden and danced completely pressed against him with her lips next to his ear, so close he could feel her warm breaths on his neck. She said in her usual terse tone, but there was something slightly softer about it, "Spin me back from you and let me go' I'll come back to you.?

Lightfall

Date: 2012-05-28 22:55 EST
As she pressed against him, one hand strayed from her hips, sliding subtly to the small of her back as she spoke into his ear. Her voice" "was? different but...still....all....all an act....The placement of his hands, even taking the initiative to guide her hips, working fluidly with her as she was speaking, only exaggerated the sensuality and sexuality that she was already bringing attention to. Allowing himself one husky, whispered breath before his hand found hers, and he would send her spinning away with no chance to scold him, "As you wish..." And with that he did as she requested, sliding himself back slowly a step or two, only to again enhance the visual of the move. She spun back elegantly performing perfectly timed footwork in her red heels. She began dancing a few feet from Kaiden, keeping constant eye contact him with to indicate she was clearly with him. As she stood back from him, he could see the black light focused above her, dropping its light over her chest and hips, causing them to glow with a chaos of colors from other lights around her. She did a few twirls and rocked her hips with stunning steps as she slowly made her way back to him. As the song began to end she quickly took a slight jump in her last step to him and made a kick high in the air as she lightly brought her ankle over his shoulder, holding her self up by laying against him. She stood standing for a moment to allow people to see her essentially completing a standing split. She was embarrassed only for a moment until she was sure that her dress still covered her where Kaiden's body didn't. Lucky for her that her dress was so tight it barely moved from its position on her body.

And Kaiden had been watching. All this time at the club; He watched everyone, and everything. His senses were razor sharp, for her protection. Her dancing was hard not to focus on; in fact, he justified it with the fact that it was her he was here for. His mind fought a constant battle, and hoped she just took it ....well, took no offense. But when her thighs parted and one was suddenly pressed against him, one hand slipping instinctively to her back to steady her, breathing heavier, deeper as he looked down into her eyes and his other hand slowly slid up her back, gathering in her hair, enough to let her aware of its presence, but gentle enough not to disturb anything so that it wouldn't simply fall back into place when he released. An act....He could feel the muscles of her legs as he held her close, making sure she stayed as close as he could possibly bring her against him, until the fine material of his shirt brushed softly against her exposed inner thighs, closer still until she pressed completely against him, albeit with him moving just slightly forward to allow it without causing her discomfort - not consciously, just....on urgent instinct; looking downward ever so slightly to her eyes as his dark lenses slid a fraction lower, revealing....at least until he noticed he could be seen, a lovers longing gaze. His arms holding her in place blocking all view to anyone merely beside them as well....Not for them.

She was panting heavily, not so much from dancing, but from his touching, pulling her against him. She was more scared there against him than she had been in a long time. Her eyes met Kaiden's and she was horrified at her current position. She quickly lifted her leg off of him and returned to a standing position.

Layla

Date: 2012-05-28 23:02 EST
Part 3: The Business Deal

As they finished dancing, a server came up to Layla and said as if instructed, "You have been invited to the VIP section." He pointed to the steps leading up to the area, then quickly left as if he hated even wasting his time running messages. That was what she was waiting for. She quickly grabbed Kaiden's hand and pulled him towards the stairs. One of the bouncers stopped her before she could run up. He said bluntly, "No dudes." She looked over to the two Russians who were still watching her. She turned back to the bouncer and said sweetly, "I'm sure I can just bring my friend. I'm sure your bosses won't mind." She and the two bouncers turned to look at the Russians. One of them looked at her, and she stared at him. His eyed glazed over slightly and he nodded to the bouncers to let them pass. She squeezed Kaiden's hand and pulled him behind her as she gracefully went up the small flight. She led him to the Russian's large round booth with no center table. They each had a woman on both sides of them. One of the Russians motioned for Kaiden and Layla to sit across from him as he said to Layla gruffly and in a think Russian accent, "You are lucky my friend allowed your man to accompany you." She smiled and batted her eyelashes teasingly as she said in a high playful tone, "Well, I certainly appreciate it." She looked at Kaiden and looked at the place she wanted him to sit in the circular booth. It was clear she wanted him to sit first.

Kaiden was suddenly more than glad for the dark glasses she'd given him coming in; his face was a mask, unchanging from the persona he'd shown in arriving and on the floor, but now he was twice as disoriented. Already a stranger in a strange land in the club, he had little option but to wait, watch, listen, and learn. He slid smoothly into the indicated seat, after a sidelong glance of confirmation to Layla, his eyes seeking hers in the periphery of his vision. The sound of his own blood was a dull roar in his ears, if only for the power that that blood held, much similar to Layla's own. He didn't know quite what it meant, but somehow he felt for anything....at the ready.

She playfully jumped onto his lap and placed her arm around his neck and lightly laid her hand over his shoulder. She turned and watched the Russians. The second looked to the first and asked him something in Russian and the first responded in the same manner, with a slight sense of confusion. They both turned to Layla. She playfully said to them, "I think you should tell your girls to leave so we may conduct business." The two Russians looked at each other and laughed heartedly. The one turned to her and said in his thick accent, "And why should we do this?" Still sitting on Kaiden's lap she responded gruffly, her tone in authentic Russian. The two men stared at her for a moment and then quickly excused their women. As the women got up and left and the Russians took a moment to watch them leave, Layla took the opportunity to turn to Kaiden and tucked herself in close to him as if hugging him. She got close to his ear and said, "Don't speak unless it's necessary."

Lightfall

Date: 2012-05-28 23:05 EST
The need of her advice was arguable, no matter how sound; to some degree he was clearly out of his depth. While predatory, he was not....businesslike, except for that which he'd gleaned in proximity to Layla. Somehow in the entire thing, he managed to make a very real embrace look as though he had no invested interest in it, at least to the gentlemen across the table, returning it with only one arm as he did, and offering the slightest nod of his head at her whispered words, catching the slightest hint of her hair and perfume.

The few guards in the VIP section got closer to the table when they saw something was wrong, but they held back, waiting for a signal from their bosses. Layla hoped it wouldn't need to get that far. With more of the seats empty, Layla started to slide off of Kaiden's lap, closer to the men, but still seated next to Kaiden. The men started speaking to her and Kaiden in Russian and Layla responded in the same dialect. Every once in a while they spoke in English. "And what is his part in this deal?" one of them said harshly to Layla. She quickly responded before Kaiden had a chance, "You see, he isn't even here to negotiate. He is just here to accept the deal for the company. I thought I would come and have the decency to negotiate with you." The other said to her harshly, "And just who are you?" She smiled and said frankly, "My name is Layla." Both of the men started talking angrily in Russian. "Hey, hey," Layla interrupted them, "The last time I did business with your partner was an accident. He simply tripped out of his penthouse window." The men began talking even more heatedly in Russian, and she interrupted again saying tersely, "Ok, ok. So he may have fell on a few bullets on his way down." The three then continued to argue in Russian until one of the Russians said, "тишина." The Russians turned to Kaiden and one said gruffly about Layla, "And you, Mr. Dealmaker, what do you think of this negotiator" Would you trust her?? Layla's eyes grew wide. She couldn't answer for him this time and she knew it. She didn't look at him because she could no longer help him anyway. She stared at the Russians to gauge whether they liked his answer.

His hand never left the small of her back as she slid off, though he made no effort to specifically keep it there, it was a matter of comfort and of social positioning that came....instinctively. He'd watched the way these mens physiques and postures had been around the women on their own arms, and though he knew his own situation was different - if they wanted to address him as if it weren't, so be it. Keeping an easy posture and breathing slow and deep, he inclined his head just enough to cause his dark glasses to slide forward a mere fraction of an inch, just enough to reveal jade eyes behind them, looking all the more amicable for the potent vampiric vitae flowing through his veins. Though not as elder as hers, it was enough to at least reestablish a sense of neutrality between them through his entrancement before he deigned speak. "...Gentlemen." His voice began soft, but sure. "....I'll be....as succinct as possible in answering that. Look around you. Just look, all around." And giving them a moment to do so, whether they would or not. "Clearly ....I trust her enough to escort me to a place whose reputation precedes it in shall we say, seriousness and....enjoyment. To be candid, but polite." This was punctuated by a crooked half smile, implying some shared joke, or common thought between them. "....Let's just say I trust her, and leave it at that. As she said, I'm only here to accept."

Layla

Date: 2012-05-28 23:08 EST
She looked down from the Russians and couldn't help but smile slightly. She quickly container herself and returned her blank stare to the men. The Russians seemed to accept his answer. They turned to Layla and spoke to her in Russian. She responded in turn, and they eventually shook hands after a polite Russian dialog. She turned to Kaiden and sighed softly, silently grateful for his help. Even though she had been speaking their language, quite literally, it was his words that seemed to do the trick. She was impressed and it took a lot to impress her. After they shook her hand, they both offered their hands to Kaiden. She looked at Kaiden finally. Her eyes betrayed the smile her lips were hiding. She nodded subtly, indicating he should finalize the deal.

His eyes never left her for long from behind those dark lenses and at seeing her agreement he fixed his eyes more carefully on the Russians and accepted each hand in turn with a curt nod. Concordantly, this was also the first moment since she'd perched in his lap that his left hand left the small of her back, though its stay there hadn't been conscious....merely....natural. His peripheral still sought her out after the shake, he wasn't actually sure what the deal had been, and was still watching her for cues. Of course, watching her for ....any reason, was not as onerous a chore as one might be lead to believe...

Layla turned to the men and requested something in Russian. They both nodded. She turned to Kaiden and said in her normal blunt tone, "What do you like better, blondes, brunettes, or red heads" Take your pick of a girl." She motioned to all the girls hanging around talking and dancing in the VIP section, and any eventual expectations Kaiden had for the evening were, if not completely brushed aside, at least much changed in complexity. He glanced from Layla to the VIP section, letting his gaze linger for a moment before turning back to her, his eyes still veiled, now to his advantage by those dark glasses as he looked into her eyes. "I prefer dark hair, dark eyes, and full lips." ....and his eyes never left her face as he said so, but his tone was so....oh so even....had he been suggesting something ....implied" Or had he just been answering the question. Whichever it was, he betrayed not a hint more of himself, maintaining the rather posture towards her he'd been requested to throughout the night. Except for a faint smile that brushed his lips when he first turned to her. He studied her for a moment more, and whether deliberate or not waited until she was about to urge him on again before opening his mouth and finalizing his thoughts, "Fine....second choice it is then..." Turning smartly and quickly back towards the VIP room and extending a hand, gesturing to a tall, well toned specimen, whose black hair was a waterfall just above her shoulders, and whose eyes were a Caribbean blue, and unfortunately not the stormy, dark tumult that really attracted him. "Her. She'll....do." He hid his reluctance, and hadn't wanted to choose, but since the thing was forced on him, he might as well choose something he didn't have to hide looking at, even if it was only an image that would inspire his imagination elsewhere and not have any effect on his like or dislike of the creature chosen.

Layla's jaw dropped slightly for a moment at his statement. Her dark blue eyes flashed at him. One of the Russians motioned and quickly the blonde and the black haired girl came to the booth. Layla turned to the men and said in her harsh tone, "Have a good evening, gentlemen." She stood and walked up to the two women. They looked at her as she stood and as she said to them, "You will follow me." Layla turned to Kaiden and said in a purposefully professional manner, "We are done here. We'll return to the office."

Layla

Date: 2012-05-28 23:15 EST
Part 4: Closing Time

Layla stood and walked up to the two women. They looked at her as she said to them, "You will follow me." Layla turned to Kaiden and said in a purposefully professional manner, "We are done here. We'll return to the office." She was trying so hard to act professionally. She was almost visibly upset by his pick of a black haired beauty. She would glare at the poor girl constantly.

Although he'd picked a girl that looked similar to Layla, that didn't mean that his eyes were on her from behind those dark glasses. No, they were still on the date he'd walked in with, sparing his new escort only enough attention and thought that he wouldn't be thought completely ignorant, nor stumble over his own feet. Yet somewhere, there was a source of unidentifiable confusion within him at the sight of her constant glare at his companion - hadn't she insisted he choose one" He wasn't totally unfamiliar with women, but he couldn't understand her sudden apparent dislike; not consciously, he'd chosen someone ....as similar as he could in looks to Layla, but she was at best an imitation of an imitation.

Layla lead them all back through the front door, where the limo was waiting. The driver came and opened the door for her. She gracefully sat in the limo and slid over to the rear seat and expected Kaiden to sit next to her. She didn't look at him the whole time, purposefully diverting her eyes elsewhere.

There wasn't much to think about, as again, the escort was an afterthought and now that she was closer than the VIP room away, he was second guessing his choice anyway, though he didn't know the purpose of her to begin with and was vaguely ....uncomfortable. While he was usually comfortable around women, he didn't like the thought of a 'working girl' or any equivalent being requested for him. He'd had chance often enough for that, and he wasn't interested; just to begin with, in a purely aesthetic sense, Layla had made herself look sensual, and sexual and completely attractive. The black haired beauty entering the limo behind them, while attractive certainly, still....at least felt like a whore, in her unfamiliarity to Kaiden.

The two girls got into the limo after them. The blonde sat next to Layla and the black haired girl sat next to Kaiden. The two girls looked at Layla and Layla said calmly, "Sit still." Layla turned to Kaiden, but looked at the window as she said almost reluctantly, "You did well tonight. You seem to be progressing." She then looked at him and said, "But you have a lot more to learn. Right now, you need to learn how to feed. It's not right to kill just to feed. You have to learn to hold back. We'll practice with these girls." She stared at his choice for a moment and chose to overlook its similarities. She turned back to him. ?"and take those stupid sunglasses off. Are you trying to impress your prize?? she snapped as she motioned to the black haired beauty.

Lightfall

Date: 2012-05-28 23:19 EST
His face remained stoic at the snarkiness of her remark. Why couldn't she....he stopped midway in thought to offering something negative towards her, but really it was his own fault. It's not like he'd openly spoken to her of how he felt. But how could he" The moment he broken the mien of being all business with her....she was just so....He sighed and snapped the glasses off quickly, his eyes averted from hers and spoke softly, too low for human ears. "....no." And he added as an afterthought, "you don't try to impress consolation prizes."

She glared at him briefly, then grabbed her blonde by the arm and said, "Come." She drew the girl closer to herself and positioned the girl with the side of her neck extended. Layla said to Kaiden, "I'm sure you can sense where the blood is most accessible. You can subtly attack at the neck. When you bite and drink, don't let it overwhelm you? you may easily drain them. For your first time, just take one drink, one sip. That will help you gauge yourself." She lowered her head to the girl's neck and slowly, sensually, kissed her neck once with her lips. She then opened her mouth slightly and bit down on the flesh. Her mouth stayed on the girl's neck and he couldn't even see her fangs as she did so. As it appeared, she was merely kissing the girls neck. He could see her swallow and let go with her mouth. As she released, her tongue stroked against the girl's neck seductively, but she was just wiping up any blood. When she was done, there were just two small flesh colored wounds on the girl's neck. No blood was even visible, but her lips seemed fuller and a brighter red.

His mouth suddenly feeling distinctly dry as a flush crept up his neck to his cheeks and his fangs came more openly into view; something that could be inspired by either hunger....or arousal. He watched her for a moment, unable to take his eyes from the fullness of her lips as they pressed against her escort's neck, his awakening lust for Layla, becoming more obvious though he only let it show as much as he did because he believed her focused in feeding. Squirming slightly, very subtle gestures and waiting until she was finished, blinking slowly, momentarily unable to draw his eyes from her lips, before finding himself looking into her eyes again.

"Like....this...?" His voice soft and slightly husky as he took his date in hand, quite literally, leaning her slightly but comfortably over his lap so that his eyes still met Layla's through most of what was about to happen as he lightly ran two fingers along her neck, finding his spot, before leaning and pausing, his tongue lightly flicking against the exposed skin, as if tasting, before slowly lowering his lips to her neck, as he'd just seen done. As his fangs pierced her skin, his eyes closed for a moment, savoring the first rush of life's sweet nectar past his lips before raising them again to meet hers in mid thirst, breaking the grip and swallowing, perhaps harder than was necessary for the physical aspect of the act. A single bead of ruby red remaining on his lower lip as his jade eyes met her eyes from within an even more flushed face. "...like....that..?" If possible, his voice was even huskier, lower and slightly broken with arousal of sharing something so ....intimate.

Layla

Date: 2012-05-28 23:27 EST
She watched him intently mimicking her sensual movements" too perfectly. She glared at him with anger and jealousy in her eyes. Her anger came out in her tone as she snapped, "Don't be messy and lose any of the blood. It's just a waste." She thought something else was more of a waste" but she wouldn't fall victim to her own emotions. She said tersely, "Drink what you need, but don't kill her. If you need more, take from mine. I need little tonight."

"Sorry....I'll.......I'm satiated....for now...but....I guess I didn't finish like....you showed me." His words were halting, his mind a miasma of powerful emotions surging through him, and perhaps more aptly his entire body than merely his mind. Embarrassment. Arousal. Duty, and the desire to please by doing well. And something else, deep and abiding, and forbidden to speak of by the burning look in her eyes....a look matched within himself in the intensity of its heat, although in a different way. In saying that, he leaned down and gently ran his tongue over the puncture marks in his victim's neck, still absent minded of the single drop on his bottom lip which now slowly crept into the cleft of his chin. His eye's never left hers, and afforded her a perfect view of his actions; the student desiring to impress the teacher. In passing, his hand lightly skirted the edges of the wound as he helped her upright again, and in their touch....even the little red marks had vanished.

When he ran his tongue over his date's neck, Layla shoved her blonde over onto the seat next to her. She said disgustedly, "Do I have to clean up your messes now?" She couldn't handle the drop of blood he missed. When he helped his date up, she quickly leaned against him, grabbed his chin, and lightly licked the drop on his chin. She let her tongue run up against his lips as she closed her eyes, savoring it. She was trying to absorb the blood he missed? so she told herself.

Lightfall

Date: 2012-05-28 23:34 EST
Time seemed to stand still, just for that one moment as an ache built with him from the moment her tongue lashed his chin and made its tantalizing but all too quick progress to his lips, unable to hold himself back, and acting....on a totally different kind of instinct and on unfamiliar and dangerous ground....his lips parted slightly, granting her tongue access to slip so....almost accidentally against his, even though it was deeply intentional. His senses were....overflowing with her scent, the electricity of her touch, his arousal, the coppery warm wetness of her mouth on his....and for a moment, he was lost to everything in the world but her.

She leaned into him more and let her tongue slide gracefully against his and pressed her lips against his until she" What was she doing" Her eyes shot open and she pushed against him to push herself back up into her seat. Her eyes were filled with panic. She blinked and her eyes flashed at him as she growled, "What were you doing?" She obviously left out the fact that she was just as guilty. Before he got a chance to speak, her claws came out and she hauled off and slapped him hard across the face with the same effort as a punch, but with an open hand. Her claws left superficial cuts on his cheek. She stared at him angrily and said harshly, "Don't you ever try anything like that again!"

His head snapped to the side, unprepared as the raking slap left red cuts down the side of his cheek, and his nostrils flared for a moment as the scent of his own blood filled the compartment of the limo. He kept facing away from her, the cuts slowly knitting even as he left that cheek exposed, with the little lines of ruby liquid running down unchecked. "Don't ....what?" His voice surprisingly calm, though it might have been the shock of the blow that caused it as easily as his own self composure, as the slap had sent all those tumbling emotions veering wildly out of control; the mental and emotional equivalent of having the wind knocked out of you. "...kiss you back?" He turned to her slowly, his eyes completely without malice or anything other than ....affection which he could no longer try to hide, not when they were alone, not after that.

Layla

Date: 2012-05-28 23:39 EST
Layla was more upset with herself for returning his interest, but she was determined to take it on him. She growled, "Don't play games. I never kissed you. I was only taking the blood you missed. You shouldn't have been so sloppy." She was heated. The affection he continued to show was making it worse.

He simply....couldn't help himself anymore, he knew how angry she was but....he smiled. It was a smile that was rarely seen, in that coupled with the look he was giving her, could only be taken for one of genuine love, affection, and acceptance; he didn't even entirely understand why she was so upset, but he accepted it and loved her despite her violence against him. The smile didn't vanish, but there was seriousness in his eyes as he spoke now, "I'm not playing games. The business we do....for people....god, is that even right for us" For people like us....like I am now at least, our business, what we do, the work of it - that's a game." His voice softened. "...I kissed you back. And that means you did kiss me. And "that's not a game. It's not, because I..." the word seemed to hang in the air an eternity.

She was so shook up from the whole thing. Her emotions were flooding her usually business focused mind. But this wasn't business. She was out of her element now, and that scared her. This young inexperienced vampire scared her. She couldn't let him finish that word. She looked at him and almost screamed, "Quiet!"

Lightfall

Date: 2012-05-28 23:41 EST
His head snapped back, recoiling as though her bare fist had slapped him again, but perhaps lighter and on the forehead. He sighed, and as vampire Dominance was predicated upon the victim's subconscious understanding of the commands, the sigh was allowed to escape audibly. He met her eyes for one more moment, his will building within him. He realized what she'd wanted left unsaid, so he wouldn't say it. But his voice wouldn't be left totally unheard either. Summoning everything within himself, he met her gaze for one more moment and quietly spoke one more sentence before falling silent for the ride home. "As you wish," there was still affection in that much quieted voice, and perhaps a sense of loss for not being able to make her understand that it was no threat. Turning toward the window, he finalized what he had to say in a soft whisper, audible, but more spoken to himself, "Ms. Tollivar."

At his first statement, she gasped, and on his last, she forcibly exhaled. She was confused as how he could break against her words, but she was too stunned by his words to be concerned for long. She stared at him briefly, wondering what she had gotten herself into. The driver could not get them to the office quick enough for her. Luckily he was used to her picking up victims during the night. He knew to have the team help him find out who the girls were so they could be safely taken home.

Kaiden felt the weight of her eyes upon him as he stared out the window.

Her Command had been Quiet, but that didn't preclude finishing a thought in his mind, and the thought had been too far along not to finish, as it was only three little words to begin with. I love you.