"Elena," my mother's voice wakes me up. "Elena, we're home!"
I don't move, not processing what's happening. I feel warmth on me. My eyes shoot open as I realize Alastor is sleeping next to me, his left arm wrapped around me. My back is against him as his head is behind mine.
"Are you home, mi amor?" My mother is now at my door.
"Shit!" I whisper.
I fidget a little but Alastor groans and tightens his hold around me.
"Relax…" he mutters. "I locked the door."
"Like that makes this situation any better!" I whisper to him.
"Are you home, Elena?" My mother calls out at my door again.
"Sí, ama!" I respond. "Estoy bien cansada!"
"Mmm, speak Spanish to me…" Alastor purrs into my ear.
"Okay, just checking," my mother says. "Descansa!"
"Gracias!" I call out again.
I glance over at the clock on the nightstand. It's 8:32am.
"They're home early," I'm surprised. "They were supposed to arrive tonight."
"I assume that means I must leave sooner," Alastor says.
"Obviously!" I whisper in panic.
"Don't worry. I'll be out of here swiftly. No one will ever know I was here," he pulls me closer to him.
"Well it's Monday morning," I escape his grasp. "And we've got business to take care of."
"Such a shame," Alastor has a slight grin.
I climb off the bed, snatch my robe off the floor to cover my body, and rush into my bathroom. The thought of Alastor seeing me naked early this morning makes me embarrassed, even after last night. I turn the shower on, tie my hair in a bun, and hop in. After a quick minute of washing myself, I hop out with the shower still on. I wrap a black towel around my body and see Alastor is walking into the bathroom, holding only his clothes at his waist, barely covering his crotch. I freeze as my face burns red upon seeing him.
"What?" He gives me a questionable smirk.
"I'm just…" I avoid his gaze.
"What is it?" He walks closer to me.
"I'm just not used to seeing you naked like this!" I blurt in panic as I maneuver around him.
"Even after our love making last night?" He purposefully brings up which makes me blush even more.
"You're doing this on purpose!" I cover my blushing hot face as he drops his clothes and tries to give me a hug.
"Not so bold and tough now, are you?" He seductively says.
"Everything you need is in the shower!" I quickly say as I escape the bathroom and close the door after me.
Alastor chuckles to himself as he heads for the steaming walk-in shower. I quietly walk to my bed as I let my hair loose from it's bun, still blushing.
"He's got some real nerve…" I grumble to myself. "But here I am, allowing him to shower in my bathroom, after a night of love making…" I smile to myself as I shake my head. "You brought this on yourself, Elena."
I pat my slightly wet hair dry with a towel. The shower turns off and I quickly slip my black bra and panties on. I get dressed into my usual midnight blue high waist jeans and black long sleeve shirt with my black heeled boots. Alastor walks out of the bathroom dressed in his clothes as he dries his hair with a towel.
"So…" I try to keep a straight face. "How are you going to make your great escape?"
"My dear, I have my ways…" he walks closer to me with a devilish smirk.
"No...don't you dare…" I warn as he backs me up into my bed. "We just showered...you gotta get the hell outta here…my parents are here..." I try to resist as he begins to kiss my neck.
"You have to teach me more about sex…" he pins me on my back. "I am new to it, after all…" he purrs into my ear.
"God damn you, Alastor…" I can't resist.
His voice doesn't have the static radio effect every time we're intimate, which makes him sound sexier. I give in as I kiss him back, my hands caressing the sides of his neck and head. He spreads my legs as he supports himself over me, smirking that I'm giving in. I feel him get hard through his pants and I quickly change my mind.
"Nope, nope…" I break away from the kiss. "At this rate, we won't be getting out of here," I push him to the side onto the bed next to me.
"And what's so bad about that?" Alastor plays dumb.
"Um, did you forget that we have a business to open? There's still a lot left to do!" I stand up.
"There's always plenty of time for that…" he keeps a seductive gaze at me as he rests on his elbow.
"I thought you were all about business," I place my hands on my hips.
"And I thought you were too," he retorts. "As you said, sex and business don't mix."
"And this is exactly why," I pout with my arms crossed.
"Fine, fine," he finally gets up and adjusts the front of his pants. "I'm still getting used to my body's...reactions to you."
"Enough," I hold my hand up to him, knowing that any talk of his body will get my own reacting.
"I'll meet you outside your gate," he vanishes in a shadow.
"Oh…" I glance around in surprise. "That was quick."
I finish getting my stuff together and head downstairs.
"Ellie," my father greets me as he stands from the couch. "How is my daughter doing?" He hugs me.
"Good, dad," I smile and hug back. "How was your business trip?"
"Apparently, your father thinks it's a good idea to burst out in a drunken performance in the middle of a business dinner," my mother smiles.
"To be fair, they had a beautiful grand piano that was just sitting there," my father defends. "I wasn't going to let it wither away with no purpose!"
"I'd have done the same, dad," I give him a wink.
"That's my girl," he chuckles. "Anyway, where are you off to?"
"Got some stuff Angel needs help with," I reply. "Maybe he and I will grab some breakfast."
"Alright, as long as you don't skip breakfast," my dad lightly pokes my nose.
"I'll make sure of it," I laugh. "Love you guys!"
"Be safe, mi amor!" My mother waves.
I head out the front door and into my car, the engine growling to life. I head out the estate gates and around the corner away from view. There's no sign of Alastor anywhere as I let my car roll on its own.
"What the…" I glance around. "He said he'd be somewhere out here…"
"Elena!" Someone pounds my driver window, causing me to yelp.
"Motherfffff…." I see that it's Alastor. "What is wrong with you?!"
"Can you give me a ride?" He plays dumb with that smile of his.
I facepalm as he scampers around the car and hops in.
"Why thank you," he innocently smiles as he puts his seat belt on.
"You love to give me a heart attack, don't you?" I keep my fingers at my brows.
"I hope to in a loving sense," he jokes.
"Loving? Is that even in your vocabulary?"
"Now you're hurting my feelings."
"That's love for you," I shift my car into gear and drive off.
I drive around a bend and reach a busier street.
"So where to now?" Alastor asks.
"We've got to let the construction crew in to the venue," I reply. "They should be done with the piping repairs this week."
"That should be fun."
"We'll just oversee the repairs. They'll be working on the piping for a few hours today. Then they'll be back tomorrow."
"Sounds like a plan."
After driving for about 15 minutes, we arrive at the venue. The construction crew has also arrived.
"Just in time," I park my car at the curb.
We lead the construction crew in and they set out to work.
It's just past noon and the construction crew is leaving for the day. Alastor and I are still inside the venue after they've left to make sure all the paperwork is set.
"Judging by today's work," I look at a paper. "The crew should be done no later than Thursday!"
"Excellent news!" Alastor exclaims.
"After that, we'll have the venue painted."
"You know, we should really get to performing together. We still haven't had a chance to."
"Oh yeah, you're right. But what kind of song will we perform? You and I have different tastes in music."
"Good question."
"I'm open to anything though, so I can be flexible."
"As am I."
"How about we practice singing duets first? I have some songs in mind."
"Perfect! We're off to a great start!"
"I'm starved though," I feel my stomach growl. "We totally skipped breakfast."
"Let's have lunch at my place. That way we won't have to worry about being seen together."
"True. Even though you just wanna lure me back to your place…" I mutter.
"Lunch at my place it is!" He keeps his grin.
"Would it be possible to still eat breakfast food?" I shyly propose.
"Of course, sweetheart!" He tickles my chin. "I know how to make some fine pancakes!" He puts his arm over my shoulder as he leads us out. "A recipe of my mother's!"
"I'm even more excited now!"
"My pancakes will rival anyone's! Yes indeedy!"
Alastor and I are sitting at his dining table, about to eat our breakfast style lunch. He's made some thick fluffy pancakes, some crispy strips of bacon and sausage, and scrambled eggs and toast. There's a large pitcher of orange juice and a pitcher of milk to wash it all down.
"Mm, these pancakes are delicious!" I speak with my mouth full. "Mixed with syrup and these eggs! Mm!"
"I'm flattered," Alastor chuckles to himself.
"Your mother must've made some amazing food," I say after swallowing.
"Food was much simpler back in my day," Alastor chews his food. "Due to lack of refrigeration, many of our dishes had to be simple. My family couldn't afford a fridge at the time. Nonetheless, my mother still cooked a mean course!"
"It woulda been nice to taste her food too."
"This is as close as you'll get," he winks.
"Thanks again for making the food. It really is delicious," I give him a warm smile.
Alastor stares at my smile and can't help but feel himself melt inside.
'Is this really what love feels like?' He thinks to himself. 'How can I be so sure? Is it too soon?'
"Whatcha thinking about?" I interrupt his thoughts as I chew on some sausage.
"Nothing," he shakes his head. "I'm just glad you're enjoying the meal."
I blink at him a few times before smiling.
I'm laying on Angel's bed as he lays on my left, both of us on our stomachs. I've been here for the past couple of hours for a visit.
"Wow. You banged Smiles at your house," Angel is still in awe.
"Can't believe my parents came home early," I shake my head. "That coulda been a disaster."
"He sounds like he's really pussy whipped, though."
"Ya think so?"
"Sounds like it from what you told me. And you took his virginity so he's pretty hooked to having sex with you."
"Making love is what we call it…" I shyly say.
"You're really falling for him, huh?" Angel sees the twinkle in my eyes.
"Maybe it's too soon to tell… But I'm telling you, Angel, he makes me feel things my ex never did. Alastor makes me feel more appreciated and, dare I say it, loved."
"Didn't think I'd ever hear the word love in the same sentence with Smiles."
"Neither did I. But even he's said it too. He's never felt this way with anyone – ever."
"Sounds too romantic for me," Angel jokes.
"Oh, but the fact that he's so inexperienced makes it even more fun in bed."
"Which positions have you tried so far?"
"So far? Mainly missionary and cowgirl once…"
"Yeah, you definitely gotta teach him."
"He's more personal, so missionary is his preferred position because of how intimate it is. He enjoys the eye contact and how close our faces are."
"That's pretty cute."
"But he does like it rough sometimes," I smirk. "I want to get him more comfortable with more positions."
"Sounds fun. You should introduce sex toys."
"Nah. Even I'm not into that. Alastor is much more old-fashioned and probably wouldn't be into the sex toys anyway."
"It's been a long time since I've seen you this happy, Ellie. I guess Smiles really is growing on you. I'm really happy for you," he holds my hand.
"Thanks, Angie," I smile at him.
"I just hope he doesn't hurt you in any way. It won't be just me comin' after him. Your dad will reign his wrath on him."
"The thought terrifies me," I cover my eyes.
"Based on what you've told me though, he does sound genuine."
"Even so…" I gaze down at the bed. "I still don't know everything about him."
"And that's the point of a relationship, right? You guys will get to know each other more as time goes on. I'm sure you have your own skeletons in your closet."
"Hopefully he doesn't have any real ones in his," I joke.
"Are you seein' him tonight?"
"He's supposed to meet me here at 7pm," I glance at the clock that reads 6:59pm. "We'll be having dinner at his place."
"Won't your parents get suspicious of why you're gone from home for too long?"
"That's why I'm using you as my scapegoat," I give him a sheepish smile. "I hope you don't mind."
"Just don't get me in trouble with your dad."
There's a knock on the door. Angel gets up to unlock it, and as soon as he does, the door swings wide open, hitting Angel and pushing him out of the way.
"Ah! My face!" Angel pouts.
"So sorry I'm late," Alastor walks in.
"Late?" I glance at the clock that says 7pm. "You're right on the dot."
"Could you be more gentle when openin' my door, please?" Angel pouts as he closes the door.
"Until Elena's gunshot wound fully heals," Alastor replies with his smirk. "After all, she got it for your sake."
"Fine. Hmph," Angel pouts as he rubs his cheek.
"Until then, I shall show no mercy to your door!" Alastor chuckles as he holds his cane up proudly.
"You guys are funny," I giggle while still laying on Angel's bed.
"Let's go, sweetheart!" Alastor smiles at me. "I've got a casserole cooking in the oven! Can't let it burn!"
"Sounds delicious," I excitedly walk over to him.
"You better take good care of my Ellie," Angel pouts.
"She's in good hands, Angie boy!" Alastor gives him his usual smile.
"Have a good night," Angel begins but is cut off by Alastor swinging the door on his face again.
"Ow!" Angel pouts.
"We bid you farewell!" Alastor leads me out the door with my arm around his.
"Sorry, Angie!" I look back at him. "Have a good night! Love you!"
Alastor closes the door after us.
I'm relaxing on Alastor's red sofa, my head tilted back as I'm slouching. Alastor is close to my left as he reads a book.
"Oh...I'm so stuffed…" I groan. "But the food...was delicious…"
"I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed it that much," Alastor chuckles as he continues to read.
I pat a rhythm on my stomach for a bit before glancing at Alastor. He's not wearing his suit jacket, and his shirt isn't buttoned up all the way to his high collar, comfortable with me knowing about his scars now. His eyes stay on the pages as he peers through his red monocle.
"Whatcha reading about?" I ask.
"Voodoo," Alastor keeps his gaze on the book.
"Voodoo?" I lean closer to peek at the book.
I get a glimpse of the pages and see phrases of an unfamiliar language with symbols I'm not familiar with. Alastor sees my curious yet questioning gaze.
"It's voodoo religion that was practiced in New Orleans," Alastor explains. "During my lifetime, I practiced it a vast amount."
"New Orleans voodoo," I'm curious.
"It describes a set of spiritual beliefs and practices developed from the traditions of the African diaspora in Louisiana."
"Do you poke needles into dolls as they say?"
"That's a common misconception, actually. The misconception led many to believe that the principal elements of voodoo are hexing and sticking pins into dolls. During my time, some exploited the tradition and sold fake potions and powders. It was a business of superstitions, if you will."
"I bet some suckers bought into it – literally."
"Indeed they did."
"And what do those symbols mean?" I gaze at the pages. "They look pretty elaborate."
"These are called veve," he shows me the symbols on the pages. "These religious symbols are commonly used in different branches of vodun."
"And like all religions, I assume there are both good and evil aspects."
"Right you are. People either practiced good voodoo or evil voodoo."
"And which one did you practice?"
"I'm sure the answer is fairly clear," he closes the book and sets it on the coffee table.
I stare at the book for a moment and then glance up at the animal skulls that are mounted above the fireplace. Alastor sees I'm connecting the dots.
"Is that how you got your powerful abilities when you arrived in Hell?" I flat out ask.
"Right you are again," Alastor gives me an intrigued smile.
"So...you sacrificed animals when you practiced voodoo?"
"Animals were some of the sacrifices…" Alastor trails off but doesn't continue.
I see that he avoids my gaze, not wanting to get into the rest of his explanation. I decide not to pry any further and figure I wait until he's ready to share that with me.
"Any ideas on what songs we should learn together?" I finally change the subject.
Alastor sees I'm respectful by not prying into his business and appreciates it. He feels he's not ready to share the darkest parts of how he acquired his abilities, perhaps afraid of how I'll react.
"So there's this movie called The Mask of Zorro…" I pull out my phone. "And there's this dance scene that I think would be fun for us to learn. It'll give us a chance to practice together."
After finding the video, I play it and hold the phone for both of us to watch.
"This is one of my favorite movies," I say as the video plays. "The world of the living has such great films."
"I'm not too familiar with these more modern films," Alastor watches the video.
"Oh yeah. You're a 20s guy," I laugh a bit.
The scene continues with actors Catherine-Zeta Jones and Antonio Banderas dancing.
"This is tango flamenco," Alastor notes. "This will be easy to learn because you already know how to dance the tango. This one is more...sensual, if you will."
"Exactly! It's so passionate," I'm excited.
"Let's start learning it tonight," Alastor sees how excited I am about the dance.
"Really?"
"It's a fairly short dance. I'm sure we can get it down to a T by just watching this scene."
"Let's do it!"
I sit on the floor of the music hall and lay on my back, catching my breath. Alastor also catches his breath as we've been practicing the dance scene for at least an hour straight.
"I'm...burned out…" I breathe.
"We've got the beginning down," Alastor stays positive.
"Yes we did!" I hold up my index finger in triumph.
I wipe the sweat off my forehead as I continue to catch my breath.
"I wonder where we'd be able to make our big debut with this dance," Alastor wonders.
"Wherever and whenever it may be," I say. "It will be a show stopper!"
I stand up and adjust my hair.
"I need some water…" I fan myself.
"Go rest on the sofa," Alastor says. "I'll bring you a glass of water."
I nod and make my way out of the music hall and into the living area. After plopping myself down on the sofa, I continue to catch my breath. Alastor soon comes back with two tall glasses of water.
"Thank you," I take a glass from him.
"I don't want you fainting on me now," he jokes.
"I'm good," I give him a thumbs up as I continue to catch my breath.
I drink from my water as Alastor takes a seat to my left fairly close to me. The clock across the living room reads 10:45pm.
"I can't wait until we master this dance," I hold my glass of water.
"It'll take some time considering our schedules," Alastor says before drinking some water.
"But we'll get it right," I sleepily say.
I yawn as I have a sleepy gaze.
"But we'll...kick ass when we do...dance…" I sleepily blink a few times.
Alastor sees how sleepy I am.
"You really are a great dancer," I smile as I gradually lean on him. "Your mother taught you well."
I close my eyes while still holding my glass of water. Alastor sees I've fallen asleep on him, looking down at my sleepy face.
'She really does overwork herself…' He thinks to himself. 'She's so peaceful when she sleeps…' he continues to look down at me.
He takes my glass of water with his and places them on the coffee table. He slips his arm around me as he gently pulls me closer to him. I snuggle closer to him as I continue to sleep.
'To think I planned on deceiving you…' Alastor thinks to himself. 'I planned on gaining a lot from you for my own benefit.'
He kisses the top of my head as he leans his head back on the sofa, closing his eyes.
'It seems I've definitely gotten more than I bargained for…' he thinks.
