Author's note: installment #2 I've tried to add in a little more *fun* but bear with me, it's harder to write then I thought it'd be. Also, I'm going to try really hard to stick to one point of view.
Special thanks to my editor, Visioneer. I'd be lost in a sea of sees without you.
Thanks for all the love and as always let me know what you think.
Xoxo -lizalicious
*****
Elizabeth returns to find an unpleasant surprise
The lights on the stage when out and the room lights became brighter.
It was only then that I realized just how wet I'd become. I'd never seen anything quite like that before, even in my late night trolling. I shifted, squeezing my thighs together, trying to dull the slow ache coming from my lower regions, and turned to face the man in the booth next to me. The low chuckle from Erik made goosebumps pop out all over my body.
"I see you enjoyed the show," he purred.
Narrowing my eyes I quipped back, "It was quite informative, but I take it you were watching something else?"
"Indeed." His smile broadened and the hair on the back of my neck stood up.
My instincts told me that I should keep my thoughts to myself around this man, but it seemed my mouth intended to get the better of me.
"Well," I blurted. "Is it common practice here to corner the newbie, or do I need to use my defense skills on you as well?"
Erik gave another low chuckle as he took my chin in his hand again, stroking his thumb over my lower lip. "Although it would be entertaining to have you pressed up against me, I can think of several better ways." His eyes twinkled. "Besides, I think you like being cornered with me. And I think you should be more careful of what comes out of that pretty little mouth of yours or I think we can find something better to do with that as well."
His thumb kept brushing my lower lip and my tongue flicked out of its own volition, but before I made contact his hand was gone. The quickness with which he released my chin made me sway forward slightly. Damn, what the hell was wrong with me? Why was I swooning under this strange man's attention? Yah he was attractive the guy looked like a frickin movie star but... Hell, he'd hardly touched me. I blushed crimson and decided to change the topic.
"So," I said. "I take it that was one of the demonstrations Frank was talking about? Roz was amazing. Do they do that often?"
"So many questions," he smirked. "Tell me, princess, why did you really come here tonight?" The hand that had been on the back of the booth started softly playing with my blond hair.
"You know it's rude to answer a question with a question," I said.
His hand tightened in my hair bending my neck back ever so slightly, forcing me to stair directly into his ice blue eyes.
"Yes," he said, "but mine was so much more interesting." His voice was a low rumble that caused my muscles to clench as it reverberated through me. "If this is what you want, why do you fight so?" My scalp tingled as he tightened his grip further.
"I don't know." My voice was breathy as I panted out my reply. He bent my neck back further and leaned in close. His lips brushed against the tender flesh of my neck and his reply sent shivers down my spine.
"And wearing such a sweet invitation too..." His voice trailed off as he tugged on the tails of the bow around my neck.
He planted little kisses and nibbles on my neck and I reached up to push him off. He collected my hands in his free hand then pinned them against the table.
"Tsk, tsk. Stop pretending to be so modest," he whispered as he sucked my ear lobe into his mouth, nibbling gently. Then he pulled back, looking down into my eyes. "Keep your hands on the table, unless you want me to stop."
"OK," I stammered. He cocked an eyebrow at me as if in warning. Then I let out a whimper as he gave a little tug on my hair. "Y... ye... yes, sir."
"Good girl."
His lips continued their slow, tortuous route over my neck, alternating between soft kisses, licks, and nibbles. And his now free hand trailed up my arm before gently encircling the front of my neck. He squeezed then released to trail down the top of my breast. God I wanted to turn, to move my arms and relieve the awkward positioning. Hell, I wanted to allow him better access along his slow route of discovery.
His head dipped lower and he gently sucked on the delicate skin above my collarbone. A soft moan escaped my lips. And he began to trace along to top of my corset with his finger, searching for the rosy bud that was his next target.
I shifted toward him, then, not thinking, I turned more toward him to allow better access and placed my hand on his thigh. I whimpered as he released me so quickly. My eyes snapped open and my head was spinning at what had happened.
"No," I whispered.
Erik simply smiled and replied, "You broke the rule." And he slid out of the booth. "Besides I think it's time you head home before..." He gave me a devilish smile. "Well, before your first time becomes too interesting."
Erik offered me his hand and I looked down and noticed the sizable bulge in his pants. I took his hand, smiling coyly. Apparently, I wasn't the only one affected by what had happened in our booth. I took Erik's hand and, with that, he escorted me to the door.
"Think about what happened tonight and if you're still interested, come back next week."
Erik helped me into my coat then leaned in to kiss my cheek and whisper in my ear. "Oh, and if you are still interested, don't touch that pretty little pussy of yours till then."
I flushed at his comment and hoped that the two entry men hadn't heard.
"Um, thank you, for the drink." I managed to mumble. "And, until next time."
Erik gave me a wolfish smile, which made me blush again. I turned on my heel, trying to regain some of the dignity I entered this club with, and walked toward the door. Erik gave my ass a parting swat and I turned to glare at him as I walked out the door.
****
The next week seemed to drag on. I was plenty busy at the office but my mind was contemplating other things. I decided to meet up with Roz for brunch, hoping that would help me process the confusion about my experience with Erik.
Roz waved brightly and I joined her at a small corner table on the patio at Screen Door. I had been a little nervous about meeting in such an open location. I was scanning the patio when Roz broke through my reverie.
"Oh, calm down already," she said. "To anyone listening we're just two girls talking about men. Now come on, dish the dirty details."
I relaxed a little and we chatted about what had happened at the club. But if I'm being perfectly honest I don't know why I was drawn to Erik. Was what he did any different than what Daemon did? Was it the danger of what Erik's perfectly crooked smile promised? Or was it something else entirely?
"So do you ever worry about... well the show affecting your job or anything?" I asked.
"Not really. I used to but not anymore. I just make a point not to sign a morality agreement wherever I work."
"I wish it were that simple," I said. "Somehow, I doubt my patients would view it the same way if they found out."
"Well, you don't really have to worry about the community telling anyone. Everyone is a little at risk when you think about it. I mean there are a few lawyers, nurses, and high ups from Intel. It's not good for anyone if someone gets lippy about it, and that person would end up an outcast in an already outsider group."
I contemplated that while I filled her in on what had happened with Erik and we munched away on our meals.
"You know, I'm a little worried about you," Roz said while sipping her Bloody Mary.
"Really, why?"
"Well..." She drew out the word and took a deep breath. "Daemon and Erik aren't exactly friendly. And they're both a little like a dog with a bone when they're interested in someone."
My brows shot up.
Roz continued. "Just be sure you know what you want before you get too involved with either one. OK?"
"Because that isn't vague at all." I responded, dripping sarcasm.
Roz gave me a stern look. "Well, Daemon likes the fight and Erik likes to get back at Daemon any way he can. I just think you need to be careful to not get pulled into being a pawn. That's all."
After brunching with Roz I decided next weekend I should go to the club and figure out what Erik's game was. It was pointless sitting around and stewing about a man I hardly knew.
***
I sat on my Harley for a long time working up the courage to go confront Erik. I had just finished donning my mask when a sultry voice from behind me made me jump.
"Back for another taste?" Daemon was leaning casually against a wall; his white button up shirt had the sleeves rolled up. The material seemed to strain against the tan skin of his overly strong arms.
"Damn it! You scared the shit out of me." My voice was icy and my eyes narrowed as I swung my leg over my bike. "How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough to appreciate those tight leather pants. But don't worry." He held his hands up. "I didn't see your face. Really though, what's the big secret, princess?"
"Well, it's really none of your business." I tousled out my hair then started walking towards the club. Daemon fell in step next to me.
"You know..." I said.
Daemon cut me off. "Easy, I just wanted to apologize for being an ass last week." He ran a hand through his messy mahogany hair. "Really I'm not a terrible guy." He gave me a slight, crooked smile. "Unless you'd like me to be."
I rolled my eyes and stopped to face him. "Really can we just drop it? I've been warned about you and I'm really not in the mood tonight. OK?"
He shrugged and we continued walking to the club. Daemon opened the door for me. What a man of contradictions...
I stepped into the entry and heard a bark of laughter from Frank.
"I thought we'd..." Frank's mood immediately changed from jovial surprise to speculation. Frank folded his arms across his chest as he gave Daemon a withering look. "Not exactly who I'd expect you to walk in the door with."
I could see the muscles in Frank's jaw clinch. I gave a dismissive wave of my hand towards Daemon. "He was lurking around in the shadows near where I parked. That's all."
