"It couldn't have been that bad?" Liz wasn't sure what more she could say. "I mean he loves you so what if you go off like a teenager when he touches you. That's got to be one hell of an ego boost for him." Scarlett still had her head on the table and the waiters were getting concerned by that point, it had been there for sometime. "If you don't pick yourself up they will think you are sick and they will call him down here and you can explain why you are so out of it to him." Scarlett finally moved and slumped back into the plush couch; Liz's threat was a valid one. "I don't think he cares. It didn't look like he did to me and besides it's something you both can work on, your endurance." Liz tried not to laugh; this was a serious issue for her friend and she was also aware that Stephan had the same effect on her labetto when she was around him. It must have been a brother thing they shared she figured.

"I know. You're right. I just can't help to wonder if it's important to him at all or if it's going to be a running joke." The lounge that they were in was in the hotel; neither of them felt like going out, at least not after getting a glimpse of the paparazzi in the lobby. The staff were on their toes even before they had gotten there; they had the rowdy photographers behind some roping and then them, when they appeared at the elevator doors ushered into the private lounge they were in now without too many pictures being taken. Scarlett wasn't impressed with the photographers and their display; it was just over a year ago she was being treated like a slap of meat by her restaurant customers and this was no different to her. She, once her and Liz had avoided them, hoped that her and Vladimir would go somewhere a little bit more remote when they left Paris. "I fell asleep." She felt that her friend also needed to know this fact. "After. We had just finished, I passed out." She shook her head. "I couldn't even look at him for more than a few seconds at a time this morning I was so ashamed. I should have been more slutty before I met him, it might have helped." Her head was still shaking when she saw Yvette; her heart sank abruptly. She seriously considered taking up drinking just then. The vampire made her way to them without the staff so much as blinking; veiled fear disguised as human survival nature had its benefits. Scarlett was puzzled as to why she was out and there in the middle of the afternoon but then recalled the garage in the basement and how it would provide the perfect cover. "Afternoon. I'm surprised to see you here." She wanted to note the time of the day in her address but considered that Liz might question it and that would lead to all other kinds of questions she didn't.

Yvette had heard much of the conversation, all of it in fact after having tunned her hearing to Vladimir's human's voice; she caught all the details. "Well I wouldn't have expected to be here if it were not for the boys wanting to quickly take care of that distribution deal that was struck up the other night. I haven't seen Henri so excited in years over something that wasn't me." She giggled and sat herself down so both of the humans were in her sights. "We didn't have a chance to talk the other day Liz and that should be remedied now." Yvette wanted to talk to Scarlett alone but seeing as this was Stephan's human she couldn't just send her away so easily. "I can't help but think I've seen you somewhere before Liz, in Paris. You're so familiar." She knew exactly where and when she had seen the human down to the hour but as she wasn't in the know as to what she was; she needed to be 'human' in her recollection. "Teacups."

Scarlett watched her friend go as ghostly white as Yvette; Liz was caught off guard, way off guard and for a moment Scarlett thought she was going to break down in tears at the word. Liz would never show such emotion, never in public, never in front of new company. She excused herself to the ladies room quickly leaving her and the leader of the French coven alone. "I'd forgive my friend for her behaviour but I'm not sure what would cause such a response."

Yvette loved how her calculated risk in a comment paid off to her favour. "I see she is still upset over that. No matter." She turned her attentions back to Scarlett. "It will give you two something to talk about, other than the boys. So from your discussions you told him and there was love." Scarlett wasn't appearing to be thrilled over the new reality of her situation. "I'll offer this as a means to settle your concerns, our love is so intense that no mortal can withstand it without becoming unraveled in moments. When two, one mortal and one not share it for each other it's equally as feverish. He might not ever admit it to you because of his ego or whatever they are calling it these days, manhood, but physically he has a slight advantage over you in this department. If he wasn't so already hard to the touch you'd have never known if he'd...you know, and recovered to continue." Scarlett's eyes were like saucers, she understood her clearly. "And I don't think being a slut would have been an advantage. The boys like to talk and they can tell if a woman has been promiscuous or not. How long has it been for you anyway?" The human looked around and held up nine fingers and hesitated on the tenth. "Well. Well…" Even she was taken back. Part of her thought she'd die if she went that long without her lover and the other part of her was glad that her friend had selected this human for his enjoyment. It was odd to her that such an attractive woman such as Scarlett wouldn't have a string of lovers. "I'd think he would be glad you weren't a slut Scarlett. On the contrary. Men like thinking a woman was waiting for just them all that time." Liz wandered back to the table; still a little visibly shaken. "I do regret if I brought up something so upsetting, I will speak nothing more of it." Liz gave her a nod and signalled the bartender for another drink as she sat down. It was promptly made and brought over. Once the waiter left Yvette continued. "On to more pleasant things. How are you and Stephan getting along Liz?"

Liz wasn't sure who this woman was or what business of hers was it about her private life. "Fine. I can't wait to get home actually, a girl could get a bit too spoiled living this kind of life." As much as she liked it she knew it was all for not and it would come to an end in a few short days. She liked Stephan, quite a bit but in this place that had a bit too much history for her it seemed for her, she had to depart from it soon; it wasn't a good time to start afresh with so many ghosts lingering about still. She had hoped that setting down some new, better, memories might alleviate some of her more difficult ones but it wasn't the case at all.

Yvette knew when she was being brushed off and in light of her earlier comment and who this woman was she decided against a more violent resolution to get her to speak more openly. "He seems to like you a great deal, I do hope you two stay in touch once you do go back home. What is it that you do for a living now?"

"I." Nothing was as simple as Liz would have liked it, it seemed, but clearly Yvette was a better friend to the brothers than she first thought. "I'm a manager of sorts. Our customers seek accompaniment to events and select who they think might best fit that need and I manage the contracts and collect payments. I also find new talent and filter out those that are no longer suited for the work." It was hard not to sound like a pimp or a madam of a whore house when she described her job but it wasn't like she was selling sex.

"H'm, well. What a civilized way of finding an escort that won't slit your throat and leave you for dead at the end of the night." Yvette laughed. "I'm a true French woman Liz, there are some that do what you do and are very well respected by many in high society. No one wants to be alone, it's a well known fact of life." Yvette sat back and looked around the place that was more suited to be a men's den than a parlour where a lady might spend a few hours in social discourse. "I should have you two come visit me in the country, it's quite lovely and I'll show you the garden that Henri built me with his own hands." She turned to Liz. "My husband is a farmer. It's his second greatest love after me." Liz looked a little bit more settled. Yvette hated reducing what Henri did to the mortal; they owned half of the richest farming country in France. "Anyway, I'd love the company and we could be a bit more free to enjoy the time without those blasted photographers around every damn corner."

Scarlett had been mulling over things and nodded to the prospect of the invitation and wondered if they lived as high and large as Vladimir did. She wanted to be back with him now but if there was a meeting in their room she really didn't want to interfere. 'Feverish.' Yes, that's exactly how it was between them and Yvette made a whole lot of sense in the him being 'so firm' that she wouldn't have noticed any loss of rigidity during the whole time they were connected. She was now curious as to whether or not if he did come more than the once; she thought he did. As much as she feared Yvette she was thankful now that she had met her and they had talked. If it wasn't for her who knows what she may have concluded and done that may have jeopardized the love between her and Vladimir. He was that important to her now more than ever. "They are awful and what exactly did they hope to take a picture of anyway? I know I'm not all decked out or anything now but would anyone really care what I or Liz looked like. It's all so stupid. They are making me hate this place and I hate them for doing that."

"Rightly so." Yvette thought even the most impoverished and criminal element didn't come close to what was going on in the lobby in alienating visitors. She did have a very good look at each and everyone of them, so, if she got bored one day, she'd have a bit of fun. "Paris should be beautiful and full of love for all that visit."

Liz got up. "I think I need to go lay down. I'm still quite tired from the other day." She noticed that there was a hotel escort waiting for her by the entrance for her instantly. "Let's see if I can make it to my room without losing my temper h'm?" She left her friend and new acquaintance and was brought up to her floor the back way, where the staff moved unnoticed by the guests, to her room. She was glad for the privacy of her room where she could finally break down into tears.

Scarlett wasn't sure how or if she should excuse herself from the immortal. "I'm glad to have met you and get a woman's insight into him. Knowing me and my inexperience with men I know I would have presumed something stupid and jeopardize the greatest love I've ever known." She had never spoken more sincere words in all her life to another woman. Perhaps it was her mother that had poisoned her so long ago to her kind and then her ex having done the same for men to her but she knew that in the last year it had taken a few very loving people to right that wrongs that were done to her. She had wanted to ask Yvette, who was looking over a waiter hungerly, how she knew Liz but didn't want to seem too nosey. Her concern was just for her friend being so upset and not to dig up dirt or unpleasant memories.

"I thought her coming back here was a sign that she was resolved in what happened. I was mistaken I see." Yvette recalled the night of the tragedy and the cries she heard emanating from backstage and after when the story broke; it all came together. To see that there was still distress in Liz made her thankful to never have been placed in that situation. "Why did she come to Paris then?"

Scarlett would ask Vladimir about it, teacups, if she couldn't get it out of Liz she thought he might know or even Stephan since he was around Paris more often. "She came looking for me when I went missing after my attack. I didn't check in with her that night and she freaked out." Scarlett grinned. "She's probably the closest thing I have to a family that I've ever had." Yvette looked pensive, probably trying to figure out how to feed on the waiter or whatever vampires thought of. "Did Henri mention how long they would be up there?"

Yvette shrugged. "Men like to talk more than women do." She was still picturing Scarlett covered in blood when the waiter came by to see if they wanted anything else to drink. The human asked for a menu and Yvette internally groaned at the prospect of being present while food was being consumed.

"Sorry, I was told to eat before I go back to the room. Apparently I don't know when

I'm starving myself and need to be told. According to him I didn't eat enough yesterday." It might have been the harshest thing she could say about her lover but if she wasn't in that impossible dress she would have gladly eaten half of the buffet table. "It's a fish day but seeing how much he hates it I imagine you don't want to smell it either. No point in forcing you to suffer." Scarlett looked over the menu that was provided as the waiter stood by. It seemed to take forever for her to figure out what each section was and then to decipher the items. She didn't want to ask Yvette, it would have diminished her status, she thought, so she just sat there. Another waiter came in and she was handed a tablet with translated menu. She picked a pasta dish, it being the most unsmelly of the items and thanked the waiters.

"Good choice, I can tolerate that one." She paused and listened to the kitchen in the distance and smirked. "The chef is not amused. He had something else in mind for you." Scarlett didn't seem concerned at the man's distress and it pleased her; the human knew to not to offend her. The food came for her quickly and Scarlett consumed it just as fast to get it over with. It wasn't as bad as Yvette thought it would be and felt accomplished for getting through it so tolerably well. Yvette lowered the volume of her voice. "So, you are not damaged?"

Scarlett was thankful there was nothing in her mouth because she'd surely have spit it up. "No. I'm fine. He…err had very good control so, I'm fine." She felt her cheeks getting hot. "I can't say more because, well, when I taste him my head goes all funny."

"Ah yes." Yvette smirked. "I recall Henri mentioning that." The first time they had kissed, she recalled, he was still human and she thought she had poisoned him with her kiss when he collapsed from it. "That doesn't change, not too much. It was nice to have the sensation returned though."

And there were the questions populating Scarlett's head again. She hadn't considered what Vladimir was experiencing when they were together. She felt horrible, she felt like a blip to him again. As useful as a source of information as Yvette was she was also the source of much doubt to her mind. He did call her kiss an indulgence so there was that but now, now that he, she hopped, he'd be easier around her she questioned how much of an indulgence they would be if they were more frequent. She could only compare it to the pastels she enjoyed; having the box there for whenever she desired one would make them not as special as a treat. She considered though, she wasn't going to play games, she didn't want to use her kisses or herself over him; he didn't deserve it. She also considered that this wouldn't be a problem if she was his equal, she was nowhere close to that decision now and becoming his equal would involve a huge sacrifice on her part. In that was where the problem lay, Henri came to the decision of being with Yvette quickly but in her own doubt Scarlett questioned her commitment to him. As long as he loved her, as she was, it would be alright. Right? Yvette was watching her closely; she knew she was deep in thought. "Am I enough for him do you think?" She knew she wasn't enough.

"I think he's very smitten with you human. Enough so that he would kill anyone, even our own kind, to protect you from harm." The statement didn't make Scarlett's troubled look vanish. Her concern was deeper than that Yvette preceded. "You should ask him, not me. I think that you wouldn't be sitting here if you weren't enough." Yvette still in her heart believed that Scarlett was Vladimir's mate; he saw it too and pursued her and she wished that the human would find it in her heart to know it as well. "Let's get out of this dungy place and you back to your love." Yvette called the escort over to the human and watched them leave. For her friend's sake she hoped that his human would settle into the decision of eternity as easily as Henri did.

Scarlett was lead through the kitchen where she recognized the chef and up a service elevator to a lower floor where they exited to board the main elevator to the top floor. She had her card key with her but she notice that the escorts card, once waved over a random part of the key panel deleted all the already depressed numbers of the occupants of the elevator and it proceeded directly to the top floor. Scarlett expected them to put up a fuss over their delay in getting to their floor but there was a stunned silence; they knew exactly who she was. This was a first for her, she was feeling their stares all the way up until the doors opened. The escort said a few words and the few people stood aside and he then blocked the door from the others as she got out. Even the doorman didn't open the suit door until the elevator was already on its way down. She imagined that the staff knew better not to allow any guests on the floor; they knew how important Vladimir's privacy was. She found, once inside, him, Henri and a few of the Asians at her dining table and she gave them a general nod before she ducked into the bedroom. She had hoped that it would be over by then but then again, as Liz would often say, nothing was ever as simple as one likes. She stayed quiet and got herself cleaned up and then settled into a plush chair; she felt like she was hiding from him even though he was occupied. It didn't occur to her, until sometime later that they were stalled over something, some issue and that's what was taking this 'simple' negotiation so long. Scarlett decided she didn't want to lay waste in her room all afternoon so she got up, checked what she was wearing and went out into the room. The vampires ignored her but the humans didn't. She first went over to where her snacks were and picked up a small bunch of grapes to hold them up as she lifted her chin up to eat them one at a time off the stem. She heard Henri and then Vladimir speak and when one of the Asians started to reply she tickled underneath part of one of the grapes with her tongue before pulling it off with her lips. She didn't need to look at them at the table because there was a slight stammer in the fellow's voice. When she slowly turned to look at them, on her way to the window she only looked at Vladimir; he was smirking and that was all she needed to see to know that he approved. She felt, in that moment, that she wanted to be alone with him but for now she needed to help the them get their deal so the partners would leave. When she arrived at the window the curtains were mostly drawn closed but she didn't dare touch them, not with the present company in the room, and just glanced out the little opening. It was lovely day out and she regretted that Liz and her were unable to go enjoy it. As she listened she heard Henri speaking and the tone of his rich voice was firm, almost threatening, as it spoke in the Asian's native tongue. It was beyond fascinating to her to hear him speak it with a French accent but truth be told, he was not happy so she turned her attentions away from the view and wandered back to the table to where they were all sitting. Without instruction or waiting for acknowledgment Scarlett knelt down beside Vladimir's chair, face lowered and hands on her lap and tush sitting on her feet; there was silence.

Vladimir did his best to not let his beauties presence distract him but with all that had happened in the last twentyfour hours he felt just as susceptible to her charms as the humans. "You were saying Sir, the delivery time for shipment was one week but not allowing for transport by boat, at the price you are willing to pay and not allowing on route inspections will cause a delay and incurred costs for both of us and possible loss of perishable product. Ether an extension in time or an increased fee for delivery by another method is required here as my friend is not willing to lose money selling to you or product that his farmers work very hard to produce." Henri went on to explain how he wished to expand his farms and increase production to lower overall costs and within a few seasons be able to pass the discount along to them or at the very least not increase costs due to inflation. It was all a calculated expenditure that he could pay for without them but why not get a little bit more money out of them. With Scarlett by his side they were plenty distracted, heart rates were rising and attention spans on their devices that they were using to calculate costs and profits were being reduced or interrupted substantially. He would need to reward her even if in her efforts there was no progress. Henri would glance at Scarlett and back at him repeatedly; there was a silent communication going on between them, Henri understood what S was doing and Vladimir sensed his approval of it. They continued for several more minutes, the partners brought up a few non issues that were not substantial and in time they, after Henri gave his allowance for them, they in turn having their 'dignity' kept intact agreed to extensions for deliveries allowing for seasonal interruptions and inconsistencies. Henri and Vladimir were pleased, the humans were happy and his Scarlett knelt by him silently unaware that her presence was a catalyst for it all.

The humans left and Henri remained with them. "So that's what Stephan meant when he said they can't think straight with her around." He laughed out as he watched his friend help the woman up and hold her in his arms. Yvette had told him of how much his friend was enraptured by her but now he saw it first hand, it was genuine. "I had gathered that there was more to it but now I see how weak they truly are."

Once Scarlett was up he held her in his arms as his friend spoke; the compliment was acceptable. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't also affected by her but then again, we are more capable of controlling ourselves around beautiful woman." The woman in his arms held him a little tighter. It was a stark contrast from when she had left him before lunch

"Speaking of control, yours is rather impressive, the pain must be unbearable. Yvette would get very cross with me if I had let myself get to where you are." Henri watched Scarlett lift her head up and take note of how dark her master's eyes had gotten but she did not move away from him; rather she frowned and continued to hold on to him without fear, her head returning to rest on his shoulder . As much as he would have liked to see how she handled a thirsting vampire he decided the right thing to do was leave. "I must be getting back to my wife." Henri let himself out and into the elevator.

Scarlette shifted in Vladimir's arms slightly but didn't pull herself away from him. She started speaking quietly. "I was upset this morning," He didn't budge a muscle, not that she could tell what was happening underneath any of the surfaces she was in contact with. "I realized, when I woke up that I fell asleep on you." She shook her head slightly. "I felt so ashamed. I was scared, not finding you beside me and I thought that I had upset you or made you think that I didn't enjoy, no, loved making love with you."

The sides of Vladimir's lips rose slightly. Such a creature in his arms was truly precious. "You were exhausted. I should have been there when you woke but Henri had already called me three times to arrange the meeting. I didn't want you here when they showed up, I know you don't care for them so I had Liz drag you out." He felt her tension ease slightly. "I loved making love you Scarlett. I thought, by your coldness that I had done something wrong or had hurt you and with them coming so soon I didn't wish to press you as to what was it was without having time to properly resolve it." He tilted her chin up so he was looking her in the eyes. "Let's endeavour to not let our imaginations of the other get the better of us h'm?" She nodded and just looked back and forth between the two dark pools looking down on her. "The pain is bearable, don't worry yourself over it. I've gone longer than a mere day like this but I will go out at sundown to take care of it."

"I thought you went out before the party and it's been less than a day?" Scarlett knew she wasn't mistaken after have seeing his eyes glowing so brightly before the entourage had shown up to get her ready. Vladimir looked so sly just then and she wondered what she had asked that would illicit such a look. "I'll never know any better unless you tell me or I will have to hope to see Yvette again so I can ask her." The treat was a mild one but it did prompt his response.

"Since you asked," He had them sitting on a nearby couch in a second, his speed not phasing the women one bit. "I expelled a great deal of venom last night and I'm quite certain that it is still being consumed…" He grinned and waited for Scarlett's mind to catch up; it was very noticeable when it did. "when a certain someone passed out I was very concerned about hurting them as they were still holding on to me rather tightly so I had to wait until I was allowed to go." Scarlett's eyes were wide, she hadn't realized how deeply she had fell asleep. "All of what I left behind was allowed to then, 'settle in' as it were and there it stayed." He cradled her in his arms. "There are no complaints on my part over my discomfort today, on the contrary, I'd gladly spend the day and days hungry if my evenings are to be that enjoyable." Her cheeks were slightly flushed, it was adorable to him to see her that way. "Do tell, are there any discomforts with you today?"

How Vladimir so easily worked in his question to her made Scarlett wonder how long he had been waiting to ask it, and then, when comprehending what he truly meant made her grow quiet. She eyed him as he watched her and she then realized he wanted an answer. "I, um, am fine. It's all good, no harm done. I guess if there was, venom fixed it?" Her cheeks were getting hot thinking about what his venom doing inside of her; she then recalled how good he felt moving in her. "You won't be gone very long then?" Was she that obvious? Probably, but it had been nearly a decade for her and she had fallen in love with a man with an infinite amount of knowledge on the subject and she had needs that needed attending to. She wasn't as naive as Jenna thought she was either. Her cheeks were still hot; he was watching her closely. "I mean, you know, your unexpected meeting today separated us today and now that…" She buried her face into Vladimir's neck. "I'm so not good at talking about anything, I think that's why I'm so quiet."

It was like watching a verbal train wreck happening in slow motion. At least she knew of her self stated verbal deficiency but it was an asset as far as he was concerned as she never spoke unless it was important; this he already assessed about her. Vladimir, despite the verbal mess he had to translate, thought she was already waiting for him to return; anticipating their evening. "I shouldn't be too long, there are places I can go that are faster than others to get what I need." In his present state, even he knew it would have been too risky to do more with her than he already was. "I'm glad to hear that you are not inconvenient by any negative physical distractions." Yes he was congratulating himself profusely on his success with her. He knew he could but never had he tried to keep a woman alive past daybreak, at least not one he cared for. He inhaled her scent; yes she had eaten but there was a subtle scent that was new. "You smell like me Scarlett, even more so than ever before." She kept her head buried at his neck. "If you stay there any longer I'll suspect you are deciding whether or not to bite me." She pulled away with wide eyes and he chuckled as she got up and dashed to the bathroom. Scarlett was a funny creature now, he mused, a new creation to be explored now that her heart was his.

The kills were quick, they had to be as Vladimir had a need that was greater than enjoying his meals; he needed to get back to his Scarlett. When he left her it was more painful than being with her while the fire raged in his throat. One day, he thought, for some reason he believed she would find it within herself to accompany him so they would not need to ever be apart from one another; he didn't need for her to be immortal, he only needed her to be with him. The path back to his room was cleared by his staff and no one dared to stop or slow him down, not with the determined look on his face. He was angry not at the staff or anyone but at the painfully slow pace his footsteps needed to be taken to seem 'human' and at the dismal pace of accent of the elevator to his room; how he'd had wished he could scale the building without being seen, it would have been faster. As he passed the doorman into the room he ordered him to leave the floor and not return until morning and to stop anyone from visiting him. His mate was well fed and had rested the entire day for him and after their talk he was positive that she wanted him that night. He stepped into a darkened room, only the light at the door was lit and it took him less than a moment to find where she was; he froze when he saw her. Past a single lit candle on an end table she was posed in nothing but a slip and blindfold leaning up against the window, all the blinds were pulled to the side so it was just her silhouette that blocked out the city lights below. He could see her perfectly, the light from the candle lit up the place like a sunny day for him but he appreciated the mood she tried to set for him. But still there she was and he heard her heart beats had started to quicken for him; she knew he was there and was waiting for him. The mournful sound he made, he couldn't go to her instantly so he took the vision of her to the bathroom. He was showered and back out to her instantly with only a towel around his waist; presumption was a faulty characteristic and even with what was before him he refused to adopt it. He watched his prize shifting as she responded to his approach, she was listening intently and the hunter in him was abuzz with anticipation; did she know how she was tapping into his primal nature. Once he was within reach he took the vision of her in; she was perfection. The slip she wore was transparent in his eyes and he could see every detail of her body though it from the crest of her breasts to her pert buds down to her bare sex. "My love, you are so lovely." Scarlett's chin rose up and she gave him a little smirk but remained silent for him; she knew him so well. He saw the white of her eyes then, she could see him before her; she was being selfish herself in wanting to see him. Vladimir looked her in the eyes, "We will leave that on, for now, but as flimsy as the rest is, it will need to go." his eyes dropped to her shoulder and he raised his finger to her neck and slid it along her shoulder to ease the one little strap off and did the same with the other; she only lifted herself off of the glass to let the slip fall to her feet. Before her hands returned to their resting place on the glass behind her he watched her lift one of them up to where his towel was tucked into place and tug it free so it joined her slip at their feet. The action was aggressive, he thought, and it made him love her even more for it for wanting him exposed. Vladimir leaned in, forearms against the glass to slowly kiss her softly. They had all evening and all night until she passed out on him again so he was in no rush now to bring her to her rapture. Their kiss was slow and steady as he eased in against her body and it was him who lifted her arms up, one at a time to rest on each of his shoulders. She moved to his desires and was unselfish in her kiss or movements and he was in the process of appreciating all of her charms, thanking the gods and anything else he could think of for that perfect moment when she pulled her lips away from his and husky asked, 'Tell me what you want Vladimir.'. Her lips hovered at his as her hand caressed the back of his neck; he froze. He was ready to ask her the same or just hoist her up onto him to take her against the glass so this was unexpected. "Only you my love." She hesitated then smirked; what he would give to know what was going on in her mind. Her lips pressed against his chin and then his jaw to his throat and down his shoulder to his chest. Vladimir's jaw dropped slightly as he drew in a breath, tempted to tell her to stop, that what she had in mind wasn't necessary for him. Her rapid descent down his torso to a kneeling position and her fingers wrapping around his shaft so tightly made his words fail to rise as she held him in a state of awe. It was when her tongue licked his tip when he made a sound, a deep groan, escaped him as her lips parted again and she took him in her mouth a few inched as one hand pumped him and the other looped around to cup his rear. Was this heaven or hell? Each stroke of her hand, each swirl of her tongue, each rise and descent of her tightly wound fingers around his shaft made him believe he was in each place simultaneously. His angel, his temptress, there was no distinguishing them now in this creature at her knees before him giving him so much pleasure and him not able to move a muscle in response for fear of hurting her. It was cruel. He loved her so violently in that moment that he lost the immense focus that it was taking hold himself back from rapture that he erupted in her mouth. He had to regain focus immediately in the the next moment when her heard her swallowing deeply; his haze filled eyes then found her licking the last trace of his outflow before she started her ascent back up. He wasn't going to ask her what she wished in return; her abundant scent of arousal was thick in the air. With one quick motion he had her up and pressed up against the glass and in the next he pushed into her core. The little crease on Scarlett's forehead deepened and her head fell back on the glass; her mouth agape slightly until he was fully sheathed by her. He held her there for the next moment, he wanted her eyes back on his and when her head rolled around to them and she whimpered softly. "I only want you my love." His hands on her rear held her there as his hips started thrusting his length into her at a dizzying pace. It didn't take her long to muffle out his name in a scream; the sound was like sweetest music to him and he joined in with her in chorus. Her love for him was perfect as was her submitting herself to his desires as he knew it would be but it was deeper than mere satisfaction to him; his very existence was bound to her now. Scarlett panted against his neck, holding on to him with tightly wound arms around his neck; she trusted him in not letting her fall in her exhaustion and he knew he'd never let her go. Vladimir pulled her off of the glass, the imprint of her dampened form on the clear surface was a fine piece of art he mused as he took a few steps back to sit on the nearby couch. He would have her rest on him but he would still be selfish, he wouldn't allow her to become disconnected from him. She rested on him easily, her body draped on him like a golden shroud, legs neatly at either side of his; she was his prize, he was her pedestal. His head fell back and he held her closely against him. She was so fevered she needed his coolness to come down from her high; she needed to rest. Twice satisfied by her he needed no more but then her lips feathered on his neck and that's when she startled him. He held himself steady as her lips moved and her tongue licked but it was her teeth scraping against his skin that made his length twitch inside of her; she felt him and she hummed in contentment as she continued. Her rousings were getting too much for him but he knew he had to be fair and return the favour back. Scarlett's hair had been a tousled mess since she was on her knees and bless her she still couldn't put on a blindfold neatly for him even when given the time; it would continue to stay on her but it was her hair that he would carefully grasp to pull her off of him. Vladimir made two titching sounds, "No teeth my love, I don't want to need to return the action." She smirked at him, the vixen, she smirked. He tugged at her hair to draw her from his torso and her arms fell to her sides; there was no resistance, only trust. Vladimir rolled his hips ever so slowly up into her, watching her eyes from behind the flimsy fabric over her eyes to see them rolling back in pleasure and her heard her groaning ever so softly. She was rested enough he thought, she was ready and he swallowed back venom that was collecting in his mouth before he took her nipple into it. She gasped but still didn't resist him so he rolled his hips up again into her and she rolled hers into him. Vladimir opened his mouth widely and pulled in as much of her breast into his mouth as he dared, his lips over his teeth shielding them, and then he sucked lightly at first. The sensation made his Scarlett pause and then she drew in a deep breath and nudged her chest towards him in offering; she wanted more. Vladimir's hips rolled up into her, her's into him and he sucked more firmly and then swirled his tongue around the ripened bud. He heard a whispered 'yes' and his fingers in her hair tightened, another 'yes' and his hips rolled up now at a slow steady pace. Their dance now was perfectly timed, hips rolling, his mouth sucking, tongue swirling and her heart pounding a steadily increasing rhythm and her breaths erratically giving way to praises. 'Deeper. I want you coming in me deeply.' She was demanding him and he obeyed her. He detached his lips from her breast; he would have return there and to the other and pay them every bit of admiration they deserved at another time. She was close and fighting him now, the selfish creature didn't want the dance to end and he didn't blame her but he needed to end it, he needed to obey her wishes so with a few deep thrusts he pumped her vigorously until her defence was shattered and she cried out. A few more deep thrusts and holding her firmly against him he released deeply within her trembling core; he shook for several moments as his seed left him. Scarlett collapsed on to him and wound her arms back around him, she was breathing hard on his neck and his hands left her hips where he had held her down to wrap around her. She needed to rest again, she needed his coolness to temper her heat; he only needed her. Vladimir did get them to bed eventually to hold her as she slept. Her sleep was a deep exhausted one; she hardly moved and breathed so shallowly that it was only her heart that made any loud sound. He praised each of the gods by name and begged their continued favour; this was living for him, not mere survival. It was several hours past sunrise when she finally stirred and woke.

Things between them would be different again; different was just that and it was the unknown element that was difficult to predict that Scarlett didn't care for. It was the moments when sleep was on its way out and reality was coming in when she found clarity. Vladimir was holding her close to his body; they were still naked from the night before. Her eyes focused on the candle she lit before he returned that was in the room; it was burned down to a pool of hardened wax. The light streaming in from the opened bedroom door was blinding. Her eyes closed, it was too bright. Her body, as muscles started to wake, they ached. A decision needed to be made, a few of them. One was to fully wake; she wished it only to be with her lover that had waited so patiently for her to rise so her eyes opened and let the light rouse her. Next, how open to be about the resulting pain in her body due to V's handling of her last night; she wanted it all so there was to be no complaining on her part, another decision. Honesty was always the best policy with her lover. He didn't fail to please her for a moment last night and the visions of what they did combined with the intensity of what she felt brought a smirk to her lips. "Morning? Did I oversleep, am keeping you love?" The word seemed so alien to her still, never had she referred to anyone as such but he was to her, her first real love and from what she had before she realized he, her ex, wasn't even in the running. The words still felt alien to her though because even as lovers she she didn't feel anything like his equal in using the term.

It was a good waking Vladimir thought, not that even a bad waking was necessary bad ether; he did love her when she had a bit of edge in her mood. "Morning love. You did, slightly and you are most definitely keeping me for quite some time." He waited for the realization of her poorly phrased question to set in and then on cue she huffed at him. He chuckled as she inched her way to turn on to her back and he noted her discomfort. He expected it complexly, he would have been surprised if he hadn't done some damage to her frail body in some way last night but as it was she didn't complain at the time so this now wasn't anything too severe. "No work until after lunch and that's a few hours off still." There was her grin as she nestled into his side. There was trust even now from his beauty even as his eye were as black a empty moon again. She didn't' need to fear him, not ever now as her demise would bring him too much anguish that even the beast inside him had realized and it remained dormant. "I must tell you about my night love." She stirred a little. "When I got back here I stumbled upon the most exautic creature that I have ever beheld. She seduced me Scarlett, so easily that there was no way I could fight her off even if I wanted to, her spell over me was just too strong." He held on the the woman in his arms, he could feel her smiling on him. "I know it'd be too much to ask to see her every night, that would truly be selfish on my part as I know it takes quite a bit of luck to see such a creature but I do hope she realizes how much I was honored by her picking me to spend some time with." She inched away from him to show him her grin, her ego was sufficiently stroked but he'd never be content if he'd leave her ever wanting for a compliment; he was truly impressed with her boldness. "Do tell, how was your evening?" There was a moment of pause, he knew he was asking her for quite a bit so soon after her waking.

"H'm let's see. I was just hanging around the place, you know, like I tend to do and it was then when I felt what I was wearing slip off." She shrugged. "I went to go find it and what I did find, after I gnawed on it a little, was so very good." Scarlett licked her lips. "I'll have to hunt around to find it again." He was playing with her hair, listening but not pressing her either. "I may have left a few prints on the window, um and that couch by it I think is my new favorite, I loved sitting there. There are a few new places around here that I think I'll remember quite fondly." Scarlett was remis, she wasn't as good as a storyteller as she wished to be, not after the second most incredible night of her life. "I should get up I guess."

Vladimir blamed only himself for upsetting her, he immediately saw it in her eyes; he held her down from moving and she didn't resist. "None of that now." He moved on top of her and had a good mind to kiss her so deeply until his venom made her desperate for his love just to get the feeling he invoked out of her. "The evening you gave me was a dream if I were to ever have one. Everything up to a few months ago was me surviving Scarlett and last night I truly lived for the first time in a century. If you think now that I'm at all upset with you you are very mistaken, I'm beside myself trying to figure out a way to return the favour, to show you how much it meant to me and have you accept my gratitude." Her eyes swelled up slightly and he felt a real panic overtake him.

"I just wanted to do something nice that I knew you'd like." His weight wasn't completely on her but she could feel him pressing on her. She had his love, she knew it but was still desperate for it for some reason; she felt like it wasn't enough. "It was incredible to me that I could be that way with you, have you move us from place to place as if it were nothing, it, it makes me feel like I can do anything with you and I want to."

He glowed down at her. "See. It's not so hard to talk." He had to remind himself yet again of her inexperienced ways and limited knowledge; it could all change he hoped, in time. He allowed her to get up and take care of her morning needs; he got himself dressed for the day. His eyes never left her trotting about unclothed as she gathered what she was going to wear that day. "Your going out today S." He was met with a stern look. She clearly didn't wish to be sent off into the Paris jungle. "You received many invitations that can't be ignored. Liz can accompany you if you wish but you must go." The crease on her forehead made a brief appearance and Vladimir smirked as it was becoming one of his favorite feature on her. "It will be fine, I have security arranged and you will go by car, not taxi." She was silent so he knew she was brooding but he followed her out of the bedroom where her brunch was waiting. There was a paper rolled up and he opened it to find her image on the the cover. He recognized it as the vestibule of the grand ballroom; as grainy as the image was she was still stunning. He let her see it and the crease on her forehead deepened. "The other pictures turned out a lot better." She sat and started eating, at least her appetite had grown leaps and bounds since their nightly activities had commenced. He caught her looking at the article but there was only more frustration written on her. "I'll read it to you as you eat h'm?"

The other day, at the Grand Landing a new gem on the Paris landscape was revealed. Decked out in a gown by Mia this lady was considered the best dressed at the affair that saw some of the more elite of the business world come out to mingle. It was said that the President himself was even present and lent a helping hand to this lady who, after reclining on the ledge of the fountain needed one. Not that she needed the President's aide her to be spotlighted, she was the belle of the ball to be sure. Not much is known of her but it was told to us by many sources that she was the date of billionaire Vladimir Lonescu. His brother, whom many had rumored to be his lover, also had date with him none other than Pair's own Elizabeth De Lacombe. She had not been seen since her debut and final show on the same night of her tragic loss. Stephan had been seen with the ballerina at a fundraiser earlier that week at one of his schools. Back to the mystery woman on Vladimir's arm. It was earlier in the week that he was seen carrying her into one of his many grand hotels in the early hours of the morning. Not much was said by staff about the matter as they remain as tight lipped as ever regarding their employer and his mistress but they do say that she is a true delight. Sources only tell us she goes by the name 'S' and everything about her is a mystery. Her and the ballerina were seen at Chanel but the visit was short lived as the fiery blond tore a strip out of the store owner for reasons still unknown. At the ball the couple were inseparable and it was a shame that that there was no dancing to really show off this well suited couple. Paris hopes to see more of S as we know for a fact that Vladimir prefers to stay in the shadows.

"I'm your mistress. Well how about that. I guess we should be thankful they can't see up here or through the windows, that'd be one hell of a story." Scarlett kept eating as Vladimir watched her. She wondered about Liz a bit more now and the tragedy she suffered. "That was the President of France. Well." She snorted. "He had clammy hands and smelled like mothballs."

Vladimir laughed and tossed the paper aside. "Mia was thrilled, she sent me the photos and begged to let me have her dress you again." He got the equivalent of a death glare from the woman and had to stop himself from taking her right there on the table. He did love her when she was angry and not at him.

"I'm not letting her come near me with another corset." Scarlett grumbled. "Where are you sending me off to today anyway. I'd rather not go if you haven't figured it out yet." She knew she sounded like a spoiled snob but didn't care, she wanted to be with him even if he was in pain for a meal. "This is for work isn't it," She sighed. "I shouldn't be upset then."

Vladimir almost changed his mind about sending her out, her heart wanted to stay with him. "Just a few places, all very nice and I will only ask you to buy one item at each of them. They want you to be seen there supporting them." She clued in he wanted her to shop and it wasn't going over well. He leaned in and flicked her ear with his tongue. "Now be a good little girl and do as I wish and we will go out tonight. You asked to see my favorite place in Paris and I wish to share it with you." She grinned. All was good in the world now; she was glowing. He let her finish her meal and allowed her to get ready for her outing. Her purse was stacked with the usual items, key card, lip loss and his note; the one item still perplexed him but he didn't question it. An escort showed up for her on time but he was also curious as to why she didn't ask to go out with Liz that day; he would need to keep his ears open on that one to be sure but he imagined that she believed it could go faster without her. Once he kissed her good day and she left he felt a cloud shadow him just like the day before but it seemed worse. He trudged along with the tasks he needed to do and flatly ignored the humans that came to tend to his suite and clean up the dishes. He saw them looking at him, his grim expression and took to heart that they seemingly, with their silence to the press, cared for him on some level; they certainly did for Scarlett.

Scarlett started to question her whole liking for being outside in general by the time she got to her first stop. There were a few people gathered, some took pictures and there was security preventing anyone from getting too close to her. Her internal voice pressed her to go on, to be that bold woman that V wished her to be, the woman she realized she herself should be. As it was her escort was her translator too so at the first greeting of the anxious store manager it was all deciphered for her. She did as Liz told her to do but tried to be warmer to her hosts; she didn't want to insult their hospitality to V. She smiled warmly at the most important person she was introduced to; Liz would approve so she felt alright doing it. Scarlett kept her eyes open as well as her ear to what her guide was telling her; they wanted to make an impression but they quickly found out that she wasn't there to be plied with edibles. The memory of her first week of her 'dating' was still too fresh on her mind and now she felt that there was even a bigger target on her back now. It was the vulnerability she was feeling without having Vladimir around was now her focus. She pressed on into the place, whose name she couldn't even pronounce, and discovered it was a jewelry store; her internal cringe was threatening to come to the surface. 'One thing.' After all the formalities of introductions was over with she was allowed to wander around with her escort. No one else dared followed her; clearly V had given them rules so there would be no upsets it seemed. She heard a few voices in the distance and glanced to her escort. 'They said they never dreamed of meeting someone from the papers so quickly. They also said you don't seem at all snobby.' "Well damn, I was doing my best snob impression." They both laughed softly and she felt the edge being taken off slightly; she needed this person to be her ears for her, her true unfiltered ears. Scarlett's eye caught a pendant and matching earrings in a deep blue that reminded her of Liz's dress. The centre stone was encircled with little diamonds on both the pendant and little studs. Her finger tapped on the glass and the attendant was over in an instant and had it out for her. Vladimir didn't specify that she had to get things for herself. She sighed. He'd see right through her and then she reasoned he'd send her out again. "I'll take it and have it sent directly to the hotel. It is to be given to Elizabeth De Lacombe." Off it went to be wrapped; it was too easy spending money she discovered. It was odd saying Liz's full proper name as well. She moved along the display counters, everyone had scattered again and she went around silently. Shopping like this was nice but her inner voice was telling her persistently how she really didn't need any of the items before her; V's bracelet on her wrist was enough, it was just perfect. They must have picked up on her despair, yes she was easy to read. She circled around several times when a simple pair of diamond earrings caught her eye. She loved the ones she had on at the party; she felt the want for them and how they made her feel. Her finger tapped on the glass and out they came. "These too please." The manager looked happy but it wasn't him she cared to please. "Ask if I need to sign for my purchases." She knew the question would signal her inexperience but the alternative would have them chasing after her or them needing to contact V. Not even a signature was needed; good she thought, less of a chance her name getting out too soon. The interpreter passed along the request that they wished for a pose or two and since they asked she agreed. It was over with quickly and she was off to the next shop. The car stopped outside another oddly named place that she didn't recognize and the same security detail was there along with more people. Cringe. Scarlet held herself steadfast as she entered and the place and waited for her escort to introduce her to the manager. This store was an extremely high end lingerie store she regretted not bringing Liz with her. The manager, a woman was her only attendant along with her escort. She was seated between them when the 'show' started; a line of scantily clad women paraded in front of them. Scarlett 'got it' right away on what was happening and had to stop herself from giggling; it'd be like a buffet for any man and it would be a literal one for the brothers she imagined. She paused to wonder why that particular thought would come to mind; it disturbed her slightly that she saw these women this way but in a sense, she reasoned, they were no different than the freelancers that she looked down on, the ones she recalled the brothers preyed on. They these and those women had no value to her other than being empty shells; she was an empty shell, once, or was she in his eyes. "I like that set." She pointed it out to manager and she ticked it off on her list. The same process of being shown something worn on a model went on for almost an hour before she was offered some refreshments; she refused as did her escort following her lead. By the time they were done, after she was measured, she had bought ten sets of underwear and other lacy items. Vladimir would like them she imagined, he'd like that she bought a few things as she recalled what happened to the one pair of panties she had. The heat rose to her cheeks; she got a look from her translator. "I'm fine." They arrived at the last stop that appeared to be a men's store; her cringe was replaced by one of confusion and then terror; she had no clue what he was expecting her to buy there. They proceeded in and were met by the manager; a tall extremely good looking older man. When he motioned to take her hand to kiss it she hesitated before allowing it. After a bit of chatting between her translator, who she learned was called Jess and him she was told that Vladimir often comes only to this store in Paris to buy his suits. Scarlett imagined that they would know his tastes so this might not be so bad. They proceeded into the store and she had to quickly asses things once inside; what appeared to be mannequins were in fact real models as well, she heard her translator sigh softly, at least she was having fun. Scarlett was still clueless as to what to buy so she wandered around them and the various tables. She thought of V's perfectly organized closets, he had dozens of suites already, there was no way she could pick a new one for him. The place was silent despite the number of people in it, all of them motionless, as she walked around and then she spied a table of accessories. Small things. Better. Scarves, gloves, handkerchiefs and ties in every colour and pattern imaginable made from the finest of materials. It stuck her how V didn't need any of these things because of his nature but he had to possess them to fit into the role he was in. Scarlett selected out several sets of things in a few colours all ranging in the red to burgundy and then she found one in the same blue as the jewelry she had found for Liz and asked it be packed separate. "Do you have any sleepwear?" The manager said a few words out and all the living mannequins bolted out of the room. Within a literally three minutes they were all back dressed in various pieces sleepwear. Scarlett's translator was speechless as was she. They made their way around the men, the exceptionally buff men. "This feels so wrong, I don't feel good at all… No. No. Make them go." There were a few words and the men cleared away. The manager was beside himself in apologies to her but it wasn't him; she made sure he knew it. She still managed to get what she was looking for but it was under a shadow of dread. They departed after a few photos and were in the car. Jess must have picked up on how upset she still was and was starting to tell her what the models were saying, Scarlett admitted to herself that she didn't even think she's heard them talking. 'They were very taken with you and wondered what it would take above their good looks to get a woman like you.' Scarlett laughed, it was truly funny. "I'll tell you something. If they met me a year and a half ago they wouldn't look at me twice. People always want what others have. Outside of the money the difference between those men and mine is that mine wanted me when no one else did." 'Impossible.' "It's true. I wouldn't lie about something like that. I was poor then," She omitted the little fact that it was V that made her rich now. "And working at a very terrible job where I was never looked at twice and if I was it was out of want for something." Scarlett left Jess behind in the lobby of the hotel with the photographers and went up to the room. She was torn between dread and joy at the thought of seeing V; what would she tell him? She put on her best face as the doors opened, she was going to be honest with him and that would have to do. He was at his desk with Stephan when she entered and talking, their eyes weren't concealed so she figured it was a phone call kind of meeting. V curled his finger at her becoming her over and she did without hesitation. The box containing what she had bought for Stephan was placed beside him and she let Vladimir pull her into his arms; how she missed him for those few hours. He held her as he and and his brother talked in a language she thought was Russian but wasn't at all sure. He let her go after a few minutes and kissed the back of her hand before she left to go to the bedroom. She stayed as quiet as she could be as she changed into something more casual before going back out and finding a spot to curl up on the couch and wait for the men to be finished. They were still a marvel when they talked, it was like a skillful dance of sorts and at one point seemed almost rehearsed because it was that flawless.

All was right in the world; his brother was at his side and his love was back in his sights. Few men could boast at being successful but he regarded himself as one now. He listened as his brother made a few points and then he added in his own thoughts; the call was going as they expected. It ended soon enough and they were ahead as they wished to be. "We will need to go there eventually." He looked over to Scarlett who hadn't moved from where she was watching them. He didn't want to take her anywhere where they didn't have a solid alie that could keep an eye on her should he need to leave her alone; he just didn't trust them, he'd need to leave her behind. "Let's see if we can not make that happen unless it's completely necessary."

Stephan knew what his brother was thinking after the first statement, he could see it in his eye as he looked on to his human. The bond between them was now cemented in his mind after he picked up his scent radiating off of the woman's skin as she set a box before him. "I don't care for that place, they have too many surveillance cameras and whatnot. Let's set up a residence there first and find some locals we can trust to keep the place free from that and host the meetings there if needed." This was something that they had done in the past with an exceptional amount of success. As one was being visible the other was already in the place making sure that it wasn't compromised by prying eyes who wanted insiders information into their business dealings and then perhaps getting more than they bargained for. Stephan's thoughts went down to the box the woman gave him and he opened it to find her offering. He recognized the same blue that Liz wore the other night and pulled out the scarf and noticed the other matching items. "A very thoughtful gift Scarlett, thank you. I look forward to an opportunity in wearing it." Her smile from where she was lit up the room; he then noticed how it radiated from her heart though her eyes. It was a sight that he was thankful his brother let him witness. "I should get going," He closed up his box and donned a set of contacts. "I will see you tomorrow if not sooner or later then." He was quick to vacate the room and leave his brother to his mate; it wouldn't be long, he imagined, that he would have someone he could call his sister.

Stephan was already down a few floors when Vladimir spoke, "Did you do as I asked S?" He knew she did from the updates he saw on her credit card account but he loved having that little bit of authoritative edge over her. There came a 'Yes' from her as she remained motionless; he was suspicious of something but didn't want to press her in his current famished state. "Good girl." He rose and was looking down on where she lay in a tenth of a second, her notice took a second to catch up to him. He kneeled down and flicked open a few buttons on her blouse and opened it up to expose her chest; the marks from his kisses were still evident beneath the surface of her skin. "I want you to rest S, we will have a full evening together." She nodded. Vladimir eased off the strap of her bra and peeled back the bit of fabric to expose her nipple; her heart beats picked up their pace. He leaned in to take the bud into his mouth and swirled his tongue around it and suck and pull on it carefully as his hand softly kneaded the mound around it; he had been wanting to do this since she had gotten back. After a few moments the woman began to stir with desire beneath him and her breathing became more erratic. He pulled away from her breast after several more minutes of teasing and taunting it with his tongue and partially covered her back up. "Rest love." Their was a little huff but a 'yes' too; he knew he was being cruel to her but he needed to work on his own restraint from her while hungry. He was back at his desk and working on data analysis in the next second. It needed doing as well as several other tasks before the evening; he wanted to have several hours with her that night, he wanted to keep her awake and be inside of her for as long as possible.

Scarlett didn't for a moment think she fooled him; not V. As she lay there she must have dozed off a few times only to be woken by the tapping on a keyboard or a few softly words spoken over the phone. Patience wasn't one of her strong suits but she did try to have it as she waited for the evening to arrive so her lover could feed and she could be close to him again; the earlier suckling did make her anxious about getting back to be so. "How many?" His eyes looked up from his screen to her.

He knew where her mind was when her eyes fixed on his darkened ones."At least two, three if I can manage easily and have time." The question was going to be the start of conversation he hoped; he deeply desired her to not only know his nature but him. "I try for those that are a nuisance to others and easily forgotten." There was a little nod; wheels were turning. "Transients are good to find. They come and go and no one knows if they are missing or have moved on." Understanding in the woman's eyes registered. "Illegals are the best however, no one wants to prove they were there to be missed, no one wants to admit that they knew of laws being broken and never report them. There are no records to consult if they are found weeks, months, after the fact." He wasn't ready to tell her how he frequented many websites on the dark web to locate such treasure troves of blood to be harvested. Another time perhaps if she had the mindfulness to ask.

She didn't feel like she cared. They were people, someone's child once but if they seemed to care so little for their own lives, she reasoned, why should she care for them now? She did have a heart, it was joyfully engaged to the man across the room and it was he who sparked it back to life for her. There were few in her life that cared for her, now that she really thought about it, less than five in the bunch; less than ten if she really extended herself. "Kids?" He solemnly shook his head; even he had his limits she figured. "I don't want you to go out without me tonight if that's alright, I hated being separated from you, I hated being around strangers wanting to be nice to me that otherwise wouldn't be." He gave her a nod. She now had a sense of how he felt when she was being quiet. "I'm not asking to watch. I've had my fill of that already."

He was smirking to himself on the inside. "I understand." Progress. The added task of keeping her with him wouldn't pose any difficulty; he too wanted her with him as much as possible. The sun took the lazy way down it seemed that day and with the absence of clouds he had to wait. She was watching as well and still remained silent; she wanted him to finish what he needed to do so they could enjoy the evening. An email caught his eye before he shutdown his computer; Scarlett had already been off getting herself ready by then. He called down to the front desk and asked that the item that the email informed him of be held there; they would be down within the half hour. Scarlett emerged from the bedroom and Vladimir felt his hunger brooding; no, he thought, he would not rush where he was taking her tonight just so they could get back to their room.

"Is this alright?" Scarlett wasn't sure what the dress code was for where they were going, she was guessing; she was also wished that V had selected her outfit for her. She watched him lick his lip at her. She smirked. "Good." She was in a halter top of sorts that enhanced her chest without exposing it openly. The top was fitted all the way down to her waist where a knee length flowing skirt took over and flowed to her knees and if you didn't look too closely you didn't see that it was a pair of shorts; the illusion of it was compelling. She liked it, she could move, sit and stand without having to worry about it unlike a typical skirt. "This top isn't the easiest to get into."

"Rest assured madam I will be at your service to help you remove it." He watched her then proceed to cover herself up with a coat; it was cruel but it was going to be chilly for her. They proceeded down to the lobby where the staff, by then, had erected screens and posted two bellboys to limit who could further enter the lobby; as a 'public' space the photographers had every right to be there but they were now becoming a nuisance to the guests. Vladimir took a moment and dialled his phone. "Good evening Chief. I'm very distressed to be calling you at this hour but these paparazzi are becoming an irritation to my very distinguished and highly sought after valued guests. My staff are doing everything they can to keep the peace but even they have their limits. Could you spare a few mindful officers to come ask them to respectfully leave? I would greatly appreciate it." He didn't have to say there would be a pay off, he knew how these things worked. The desk clerk, who he wished to overhear the conversation, looked a little relieved as they handed over the parcel that had arrived. Scarlett was still ducked behind him when he brought it to her attention. "It looks like you have an admirer from today love."

"Oh no." There was a moment of pure terror that ran though her until she saw the little box in Vladimir's hand. "I don't want it, send it back." She thought the matter she settled was settled. "Please send it back."

Her look was so pitiful that he almost, almost, wanted to. "I'm curious love." The box was slipped into a pocket of his long coat. He allowed her to take his arm and back to the elevator and down to the parkaid they went. The humans were clearing away the ropes that had his car sectioned off from the rest of the vehicles. He noticed that Scarlett saw the signs with the picture of lightning bolts that warned away anyone that thought they could touch his vehicle. Out came his keys and a series of beeps disarmed the alarm. "The exterior has a charge on it. Not enough to kill but it's enough of a jolt that they think twice about touching it again." She was silent, her head tilting as she looked. Processing. He opened the door for her and still no movement. "It's safe now S, you can get in." There was a moment of hesitation and then she moved slowly and navigated her way in. No she would have never been in such a masterpiece of a vehicle before. Another first he was able to give her. He got in himself and pushed several buttons that adjusted her seat to the perfect fit around her body; the look on her face was priceless at that and then the engine roared to life.

"I should have known you could drive I guess." The price of such a vehicle was beyond her comprehension, let alone one that could deter someone from even touching it. As intimidated as she felt at the wealth she was sitting in she did feel safe, she didn't feel that this 'thing' improved her opinion of V; nor did it diminish it. It was his way just like his residences. Scarlett quickly noticed how tinted the windows were and how it didn't impact V's operation of the car out of the lower levels of the parkaid and onto the streets. No one would be able to see them and she figured that he would be able to drive during the day with the windows so dark. Once they were out on more open road and there were fewer people around V pushed a button and the windows lightened up so she could see the surroundings more easier. "Of course they would be able to do that." V chuckled beside her. They drove for some time before V pulled into a garage and a door closed behind them. It was dark and from what she could see, and it was very rundown.

"You will stay here while I go. I'll have the outside electrified and if it's set off the car will alert me and I will be back here immediately." She nodded, she knew he was off to kill. "Thirty minutes tops, less if I can. If you weren't so recognizable I'd of rather left you sitting in a cafe." He'd of prefered it but this way he knew his prized position was safe inside his former prized possession. He exited the vehicle and set the alarm; she would be safe. He slipped out the door and was off to what he knew was a common place where he had found many before using the shelter as a place of refuge. There was always two if not three humans in the little space for his taking; speed was the key tonight, no drawn out hunt taunting his victim. His reward, his love wouldn't be made to wait.

"This is boring." She said and in a moment soft music started to play. "Well isn't that something, it heard me." She grinned and thought of what else she could make the car do. "How about something classical, no singing, a few instruments, soft and relaxing?" There was a pause and a piece started to play that was perfectly lovely. "How do I recline my seat car?" Her seat inched back slowly. "Stop there." She abruptly said and it did. She breathed deeply and closed her eyes and listened to the music as she waited. "This is better than sitting in a cafe, much better." The lights in the car dimmed and she felt her seat warm up slightly. She lost all thought of where she was or what V was doing and rested. If this was to be her life now so be it but she was still concerned about the box that had come for her. She knew she didn't do anything wrong but it was not what was concerning her, it was the feeling she felt that brought on her meltdown. It was when the lights in the car started to brighten and the door that was before them lifted up slightly and the engine coming back to life that made her jolt up. A few moments later the car beeped the door opened and V slipped into his seat with the most devilish of grins. He just sat there brooding, of so she thought until she noticed that his hand was on his stomach; digesting she imagined.

He had taken three souls and if he could have the room for it, a fourth. The bunch were well sedated with liquor so he could take his time and draw all they had to offer; it was good. He would be well sustained for the evening's pleasures. "Now S, do tell me why my good friend thought he needed to make amends with you." He cracked his eyelid open to see her shrinking in her seat; it wasn't the response he wished from her, he didn't want her fearing him, ever. His hand found the box and he brought it out and opened it. "It suits you very well, I will thank him for us for such a token." The lapel pin was of a daisy formed with soft pearl stones as petals and a light tiger's eye as the centre. She glanced at it but there was no response for some time so he waited.

It was the silence that was deafening to her, it made her want to break it and end the tension. "There were models there, men and I didn't think much of them at first, hardly noticed them really. When I asked to see the night wear they all went to get changed and came back wearing things to show me." Scarlette could feel her heart racing by then. "I was looking at them and it's when I saw them looking at me. I felt like I was the one on display and that's when I lost it and had them go away. I hated that they were looking at me wanting my approval, it felt so wrong, like I was betraying you by letting it happen. I tried to reason that it was no different than when we were at the party but you were there so I was okay with it but you weren't so…." She dared a glance at him, he wasn't upset. "Then the translator told me that they were wondering how to get a woman like me, as if I was something they could win or something. It was was so insulting, like I based my love on material possessions." Scarlett felt like she wanted to ask Vladimir to go back to the hotel by then; she didn't feel worthy to see his favorite place in Paris. "They'd never have noticed me as a waitress, I'd never have cared what they would have thought of me as one." He was so reserved in how he was looking at her; she couldn't make anything out. "I told her that they only were looking at me that way because I was with you," He smirked at her.. "Because you wanted me."

He could piece together what had happened now; he knew she had not done anything wrong, he trusted her implicitly. "They were jealous love, jealous of what I have and what they can never possess." Vladimir eased the car out of its shelter and back on to the streets that were now lit by streetlights; he lightened the windows for her so she could see through them more easily. "If I were there there would be no survivors love. I'm very territorial," He glanced over to her. "Of what l love." There was a nod and she grinned softly. The car was easily maneuvered through the streets to the gallery. "You did something similar before if you can recall. You covered yourself up and said you didn't want to be seen by the help. I didn't know it then, but you were telling me that you loved me. I was so blinded by your beauty that I didn't hear your heart speaking to me." Vladimir pulled into the reserved spot that was waiting for their arrival and in went the contacts. There was no one around and they could slip into the gallery discreetly. He had them out of the car, to the doors and inside as quickly as he could so they weren't seen and to not let Scarlett get cold. "How did I find such a complicated and deeply thoughtful woman in a sea of millions... I'll never know." He was slipping off her coat by then and handing it off to the attendant. "I can only imagine it was meant to be." Out came the lapel pin; his fingers lingered under the tight hem of Scarlett's top over her breast as he took his time fastening it. She gave him a smirk and huffed at his over attentiveness; he returned the look with one of coyness.

She recalled the event he spoke of; it was something that, at the time, made her worry about being sent away. She did realize she loved him by then and wanted to remain near him even if she was blindfolded. "I'm not that complicated." Scarlett whispered it as the curator approached them and brought them into the main gallery. He and Vladimir were speaking as she looked around at the nearby pieces. There were waiters there and she hoped there would be little food if not any at all; she wasn't that hungry. She was being tugged along past several masterpieces and was about to ask why they weren't stopping to look when they came to a sectioned off part of the gallery. The curator moved aside the ropes and they entered without him.

The gallery had spent the better part of three days pulling out all of his art and they were glad to do it as it meant that they could leave it up for the regular guests for a little time before it went back into storage. "These are all my favorites S." The walls were covered as he did have decades upon decades of time to wait out owners to procure what he wanted if not kill them and their entire families off to get what he wanted. He watched her look around and released his hold of her as she wandered off to the nearest wall. It was only them now in this space so the contacts came out so he could see his masterpieces in their full glory; he'd hear of anyone approaching easily in the silence. Scarlett took her time glancing at each of them and he amused himself at watching her and sensing her responses. Some she clearly didn't like; there was a quick definite response with little time spent on the piece. Some got more time, her body became relaxed and she stepped closer to them to look at details. "You are complicated as you do not respond to the usual things most women do S." He got a sour look from her. "It took a good sum of money to attract you to me but no more to keep you and nothing at all to have you stay with me. Your love was difficult to acquire and you want nothing for it. The more I try to give you the harder you resist and less you want." She huffed at him.

"I needed to survive, not indulge and for what you wanted I couldn't accept more. I did want less but Liz would have killed me." Scarlett stopped at a canvas to admire it. "Most women are taught to want things, I never was and now can say I'm thankful for it as it makes me not easily bought...as you say, it's freeing." The scene before her was of a woman sitting on a cluster of stones by a raging sea. "You are confusing material wants with emotion." She paused, she reminded herself of the centuries old man she was addressing but then recalled how he wanted her to speak freely with him when they were alone. "You are taking care of the material things, the essentials and I don't have the typical need for the other stuff as most women do because you more than satisfy, excel really, at what I want. What I want is what I already have and that's you so why would I want any more?" She glanced back at him; he looked as if he was ready to take her where she stood and the thought of that made her blush. "I'm new at this loving someone completely with all my heart and I'll probably make a ton of mistakes but here you are all happy about me sending those guys away because I didn't like how they were looking at me. I thought I had don't something wrong and you saw it as, I think, of me saying that I loved you. You're the complicated one by the way." Her eyes returned to the canvas, on the women who looked like she was sunning herself. "You are so much more than anyone I'll ever meet and it's hard for me, as person who hasn't loved before, to know how to love you so you know you are loved. I know I'm already at a limited capacity physically." She felt his hand slip around her waist and she grinned. "I love you completely and no gift you can give me will make me feel it more so there is no point of them to me." She felt her hair being brushed aside and his lips pressing on her neck. "All I ever wanted was to be safe and you've kept me safe without even asking me, you just did it as if you knew." For a moment, if she focused she could see herself sitting in the scene before her; she was that woman sitting on the rocks by the raging sea in the flowing dress sunniner herself with the wind whipping through her hair. "When you came into my restaurant who were you waiting for?"

Such a remarkable creature she was and he possessed her; her value was inconceivable even by him. He recalled the night he first saw her behind the glass carrying a tray of drinks to a table; the intrigue he felt was strong. The next night and several following nights he would spend watching her move and if he was lucky he would see a hint of a smirk from her. He learned that her shift was a long one and by the time he would get there she would have been already exhausted but the light in her eyes was always bright even though, he now knew, she was merely surviving. "I didn't know it at the time but I now realize it was you. I was waiting for you to show up for me. I'm not the same person as I was then, you've changed me in that respect. I wasn't ready to meet you then either." It wasn't long before he hatched and executed the plan in meeting her formally that he realized how timid she was; how carefully she conducted herself. The customer that struck her ass and caused her to drop a glass and then cut her finger as she picked up the pieces raised such a rage in him; he recalled it well. "We may have physically met in that place but we didn't actually meet, see, each other until recently. The wait was worth every second Scarlett, agonizing but worth it."

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