The Crimson Affair Chapter 7
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters. Sega does. ^^
Gosh, thank you so much for reading this story especially the wonderful reviews! You guys made my day. Here's the 7th.
(Shadow's POV)
Hearing that made me want this session to end so badly to save myself from this torment but a part of me wanted it to last for I might not be able to see her again once this session is over.
I felt a lump in my throat, I was unable to speak while my heart began to skip a beat a couple of times before I completely realize that it's time to change positions. I have no choice but to comply so I laid on my back while avoiding her gaze as she gracefully draped a small towel on me.
I guess all I have to do now is make the most of it while I still can.
"This is your first time, isn't it?" she asked me all of a sudden.
I shot a glance at her, wondering why she asked me such a question then I figured, she must have noticed me fidgeting since I laid on this table.
I just nodded in reply, still in a partially shocked state.
"There's always a first time for everything" I noticed her lowering her lids as a smile formed on her lips. The sight made me gulp. Like a perfect cocktail that would make you go crazy in just a single shot.
Damn, I bet she's teasing me once again on purpose. I guess this is her way of punishing me for not giving up on pursuing her but I'm really impressed with how good she is in playing with her cards.
Careful, precise, fierce and adamant. If this were a game of poker, I'd most probably be the one who folds his cards first.
Bat girl, you are one evil temptress…and I hate how much I'm adoring your little schemes.
I underestimated her, she's not an easy prey but that doesn't mean I can't be a vicious predator as well if it weren't for my moral standards. She's just too damn lucky that I was the predator that found her in this jungle, a predator with a moral code.
The only thing that kept me worried is how far I would go to protect my prey from other lurking predators?
Once again, I was given the opportunity to feel her warm hands working on my limbs, gently kneading every muscle in it.
Her strokes were long and smooth, every touch felt like magic.
It's not doing a good job in helping me relax especially when I could see her curves in every angle in my current position.
Right now, I really wish I was lying on my stomach or maybe I should've gotten a different masseuse if it would only lead to this. I bit my lower lip intensely and avoided sweeping my eyes on her form as my emotions and hormones drive me crazy. I also tried ways to help me relax such as closing my eyes to make things easier but it only made things more difficult for I still keep seeing the two of us in my head in a much more provocative situation.
A situation where she jumps and wraps those slender legs around me, a situation where I corner her as she seductively smiles at me.
For the love of chaos…what the hell is wrong with my mind? It's too much, it's killing me. I admit it, I haven't been with anyone before but why do I have such urges to do these things with her?
Curse the media and those romantic scenes I've read in books, they only contributed to my torment.
This is crazy. If she ever found out what's going on with my head, she'd definitely break my bones in this current session.
Suddenly, I felt the need to touch her hand just to feel her soft, warm and delicate skin. It's tempting especially when she's dangerously close. However, touching a masseuse would most likely get me into trouble for breaching some boundaries.
So here I am, resisting the urge, distracting myself with other things to take my mind away from it.
Unable to take it any further, I gently shook my head, took deep breaths and to my surprise my body finally learned to relax until it gradually got used to her touches.
My well-built walls are partially destroyed but I still didn't let my guard down. I may be penetrable but not anyone could get in unless I allow them to.
Feeling my head clearing and devoid of lewd thoughts, I decided to steal a glance at her eyes like a thief but I got startled when my crimson ones instantly met her teal ones that I have to quickly look elsewhere to avoid her gaze.
Damn, she caught me again stealing a glance at her.
"I thought I've warned you before about stealing" she playfully remarked at my little scheme.
"My apologies, I know it isn't polite to stare but there's one thing that you should know about me; I tend to stare at things that fascinate me. And I won't stop until I have it" I replied in a barely visible smile. For a moment, I could've sworn I saw a blush appear from her muzzle, but I guess it was only my imagination.
Honestly, I didn't made that up just to flirt with her. I have always been like this ever since I was a child. Looking at her reminded me so much of a toy gun that I really liked when I was about 6 years old. Every time our parents would take me and my sister into the city, there wasn't a day that I wouldn't take a peek at it at the toy store until my uncle unexpectedly bought that toy for me as a birthday present. I have treasured that gift even if I don't play with it anymore. Believe it or not, I still have that toy and it's inside the drawer of my private desk.
Would Ms. Anonymous come to me as a present as well? I could only wish for that to happen.
"Women must be screaming for joy whenever you say that line" she may have sound sarcastic but I could have sworn that was a compliment coming from her stubborn self.
"I doubt it" I answered and she gave me a questioned look "Because you're the first one who heard it and you didn't even scream" with that, I felt her thumb pressing deeper into the spot in between my index finger and thumb.
"Ow!" I yelped. The slight pain from the deep pressure startled me a bit but the painful feeling soon subsided afterwards. I can only conclude two things: One, she wanted to shut me up; two, I guess I'm still not used enough to feel some satisfaction from that type of pressure.
And heaven must be smiling at me when I was granted with another one of her sweet laughter.
Damn, I wish I have my phone right now so I could make a discreet recording of that laugh.
"You almost got me there. I never thought you could pull something like that."
It got me surprised that she was engaging a conversation with me all of a sudden. I guess she didn't loathe me that much after all or maybe she liked it better when she's initiating the conversation.
I heard her sigh, then she continued "I hate to admit it but for all the years working here, you're my first male client who is well-mannered" she remarked.
Her statement made me intrigued. Knowing the nature of her job, I know she must have encountered a lot of people, especially males, in this establishment but from the way she made it sound, I started to wonder about her previous clients.
"I see. Were most of your male clients rude?" I asked. The thought alone made me a little bit resentful.
"Well, you could say rude but that word alone isn't even enough to describe it" I noticed a hint of resentment within her voice.
"How would you describe it, if you don't mind my asking?" I attempted to probe despite knowing that her chances of opening up to me was close to zero.
"L-let's not go there" she stammered, avoiding my gaze.
What was I thinking? We just met and I'm already expecting that she would trust me enough for her to open up to me. I guess I'm either desperate or just curious but the sound of her voice caught my attention, it's like she's concealing a part of her that she doesn't want anyone to know about.
Then she decided to take the matter aside and introduced another topic instead.
"Anyway, enough about me. Let's talk about you for a change"
Nice save, but I'll be able to figure that out when the time comes, the time when she starts to trust me. However, I wasn't that comfortable with the current topic at the moment. The truth is, I'm not fond of talking about myself in front of other people and to top it all that, I've ran out of pleasant memories for me to share about my life and I didn't have any reason to shout to the world who I was and what I have since the focus would only be with my father and he's had enough spotlight on his hands already.
"There's…nothing much to tell. I'm just a mere hedgehog, living and breathing just like you" I calmly retorted, concealing my inner struggle from being asked that type of query.
"Really? You're not going to brag about how big your house is or how many cars and yachts you own or how expensive your clothes and shoes are?" sarcasm is evident in her voice.
Frankly, I never thought about those things as something worth talking about. Bragging felt like an insult to me and I think it's one of those lame tactics to attract attention. It's like eating a gourmet meal in front of a homeless man. It's pathetic.
"Hmph, don't compare me with those fools" I disagreed with her statement with a huff but I was rewarded with a chuckle of amusement.
"Oh, no need to be a grump about it. I'm just…surprised how different you are from the other caviar eating jerks. No offense…" her voice softened as though she had established a connection with me. Her aura felt like she was gradually lifting her barriers.
"Caviar is a luxurious commodity but I never liked it, so no offense taken" I smiled at her honest remark.
She rose a brow at me in doubt "You're just saying that to make me feel better"
"I'm not bluffing. I'd prefer eating escargot and Japanese fermented soybeans than be forced to eat caviar" I answered in a frown.
I dislike caviar but both of my parents love it. I don't care how rare and expensive it is, I hate it just as I hate how people of high social status look down upon the less fortunate ones. It makes me sick.
As we went on with our little debate, I began to notice that she had a strange resentment against high status people.
Was that the reason why she was hostile towards me on our first meeting because I was one of them? I guess she must have met one or knew someone with such a status and ended up giving her a bad time.
A couple of business associates once told me that "Money and Power are the Ultimate Aphrodisiacs."
But for me, it was only "money" and "power" itself that attracted people, not the person himself. Lose them both and you'll be left on your own, I guarantee it.
This girl seem to prove that statement wrong as well. I guess we'll get along just fine.
"Alright, Mr. Grumpy, I believe you" she sighed in defeat, putting our bickering to an end.
So, from 'Handsome' to 'Mr. Grumpy'
Just a day ago and I already have two nicknames. It won't be long before I start having another one.
"It's Shadow" I prompted. I decided to let her know my name before more nicknames start coming out.
"What?" she had a confused look drawn all over her face. I must have startled her with my sudden reaction.
"Just call me Shadow" I repeated.
She gave me another one of her smiles. I guess she'll never reveal her name just yet…
"Well, Shadow, I…apologize for pushing you last night…I guess I've misjudged you. I didn't know that you are well-mannered and…nice" I was dumbstruck when I heard her apologize. Her voice sounded shaky and full of mixed emotions piling up. If I wasn't paying attention, I wouldn't be able to feel the subtle trembling of her hands.
"Let's just put it behind us" I calmly told her, reassuring her that her little stunt didn't offend me at all. Now I'm starting to wonder if this is the same bat girl last night that pushed me out of anger into a cold pool. I never expected that she would have an acquiescent and timid side. I hate to admit it but I really love this side of her.
Feeling her hands trembling again, I felt another urge to reach for her hand to stop its trembling but decided to go against it to avoid the risk of getting kicked out from this room.
As usual, she remained like a collectible in display that I could only watch and admire from a distance. It's a shame how life is unfair sometimes.
I felt her hands working its way towards my abdominal muscles then she gradually went towards my thighs. The distracting feeling returned once again. I felt myself shivering at her touch especially when her hands are lightly grazing my inner thighs.
My fists clenched, the burning feeling in my muzzles didn't cease this time and my breathing is starting to become irregular once again.
Then I heard a soft giggle coming from her. She must have noticed me suffering from my inner struggle. I've never felt more embarrassed in my entire life.
Damn, what the hell is she doing to me?
"Should I…continue?" she calmly asked me, her eyes briefly shifting from my thighs then to my eyes.
I froze, I was unable to respond at first but soon found the strength to do so.
"Yes, please do" I replied without hesitation.
"Your girlfriend would probably hunt me down after this session" her voice lowered, almost in a whisper.
"Just so you know, I'm not seeing anyone..." I replied, my voice almost straining, trying to give her a decent reply.
"So…you've never been this close with a girl before?" she asked, curiosity filled her voice.
I almost choked on her query. I guess my constant shuddering didn't help me that much in concealing that fact.
"No" I answered straight.
She just smiled at me in response. There she goes again, torturing me in my most vulnerable state as the tension began to build between us every time her delicate hands glide through my thigh and leg muscles. My blood boiled in every stroke, my mind is starting to get hazy.
I can't take it, this is too much. I feel like I'm going to detonate any minute now.
Just as her hands were about to go a little bit higher, I instantly held both of her wrists into a stop.
"I…think that's…enough…for today" I said in between breaths "I forgot…I have some things to attend to...I-I must go"
She just looked at me with startled eyes as her mouth gaped in shock.
I quickly stood from the table and walked towards the hamper were my belongings were. My eyes not even dared to take a look at her as I frantically wore my clothes.
I lied. The truth is, I wanted to get away from those skillful hands of hers as quick as possible. I was close to the point where my body wouldn't listen to me anymore. If I spend another time on that table, I would definitely leave a terrible scar in her memories.
I closed my eyes and took a couple of deep breaths until my head started to clear. The warm feeling within me gradually subsided and I'm thankful it did.
"My apologies for…ending the session earlier" I spoke without looking at her.
I almost lost it back there, if I wasn't careful, this might be the last time that I would see her for I would be too ashamed to even show my face.
"N-no, it's alright…I-I understand that you're busy…" there's a hint of disappointment in her voice.
Feelings of regret pestered me the moment I heard her speak. Perhaps leaving too soon isn't such a good idea. But there's no turning back now, is there?
Fully clothed, I looked behind me to see her standing there with a faraway gaze.
I walked a bit closer to her and handed her a tip for the session.
"T-thank you for the massage…it was…revitalizing" were my only words as I attempted to leave the room until I felt a strong tug in my arm.
Looking back, I was met with a very angry masseuse. There she is again, the aggressive bat girl is back.
"You idiot! You're out of your mind! I can't accept this!" she yelled at me, holding the 500 dollars I gave her "It's too much for a 30 minute session…if my boss finds out, I-"
I raised my eyebrows at her for denying a large tip like that.
"Keep it, then. Don't tell your boss" I insisted
"It's…no, this isn't right…You are one crazy hedgehog, you know that?"
She is one stubborn bat but I liked her fighting spirit.
An idea suddenly stroke me.
"I'll take that tip back in one condition…Accept my invitation to take you out to dinner tonight at 7pm"