Hey people!!! I'm completely overwhelmed with all your support, I'm so glad that all of you are enjoying this story and I hope you'll continue to do so. Many people picked up on the historical inaccuracies of my story. Let me explain, I'm currently researching a novel-which means half of the day I'm bent over history books. So I started this story so I could still write while doing my other research. That's why there are bits were its inaccurate. However, if any of you pick up on anything wrong, please don't hesitate to let me know so I don't make the same mistake in the following chapters. As for the Medici family, I now know that they were centred in Florence, I think I've found a way to overcome this-but I'm not sure about it's accuracy. Anyway, love you all heaps and enjoy!
To Sere Emberwave, Edens-MoonlightAngel, JaminJellyBean, totallysweet, moonprincess565, Crystal-Winter, koldy, serena79, LISA, Becx: Thanks heaps for reviewing you guys, as always your comments about my writing were humbling. I recognise many of you from Tourniquet and I promise this will have a happier ending. I hope I haven't kept you waiting to long for this chapter, so enjoy it and definitely tell me what you think.
To janey: I wish you had leave me an e-mail address so I could have contacted you. I don't mind in the least if you also write a story with a courtesan, I'm sure the plot lines will be different and hey-a little competition never hurt anyone right? I think it would also give us a chance to talk about our stories and for you to give me advice about what was period and what wasn't. So start your story my dear I look forward to reading it. Oh and thanks for pointing out the little quirks, I'll take more care with the architecture in future chapters.
To Amethyst-Heart: always a pleasure to read your reviews my dear. I know, I read over the story and I know what you mean about the long sentences-I've tried to fix it but point it out if it's still happening in this chapter. Don't worry, Seiya will re-appear in later chapters, although I haven't decided if he'll be evil yet. Thankyou, I tried so hard with Serenity to explain the way her mind works, so you guys could so how much of an impact Seiya was having on her. As for Andrew, well he is an enigma isn't he. I think he's just perceptive and has a knack for identifying trouble. His character will unravel shortly. Thankyou heaps for all your support my dear.
To curliesapphire18: Thankyou for reviewing, but I'm sorry to say their won't be much descriptions of Italy. I've never been to the country so I really wouldn't know how to describe it in a way that would give it justice. However I do hope that you enjoy the rest of the story.
To EmeraldSong: Well, your fears were well founded, as after Tourniquet I had every intention of retiring from fan ficdom. But as I got more into my research I started burning to write, and I when I did and the story made sense I thought it deserved a shot. So yeah. The title is a reference to both Serenity and Courtesans in general. There always seems to be something very intriguing about the Courtesans so I'm referring to the mystery in them. While Serenity's character is a complex one and I'm referring to the mystery surrounding her as well..so yeah. I'm not sure if that answered your question, if it didn't let me know.
To Serene Amethyst: I'm sorry but there won't be a sequel to Tourniquet, however if any other writer chooses to write one they have my full consent. Please read my notes in chapter 16 of Tourniquet I've explained why there can't be a sequel. I'm sorry. Thankyou for your kind words about my writing, enjoy!
To CookyButtButt: may I just point out that you have the most amusing pen name? It's truly an honour for me to read that I'm one of your favourite fan fic writers. Your comments about my writing meant more to me than perhaps you'll ever know. Thankyou, many people weren't happy about the ending of Tourniquet-but I'm glad that you appreciate it. As for your comments about the character of Serenity I can definitely see where your coming from. I've tried to incorporate more of her background to this chapter so please get back to me and tell me what you think. Thankyou for everything my dear.
To Deadly Diva: You are rapidly becoming my shining star my dear. I'm so glad and enormously relieved to know that your with me on this story to. I don't think I could survive without your reviews and your encouragement. They have got me through many a writers block, believe me. As for Seiya, very perceptive he will be making another appearance in the story. Thankyou for everything my friend. Thankyou.
Now on with the story!
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Andrew leaned back in his velvet-lined chair and placed a cigar to his sensual lips, inhaling deeply. Opposite him sat Sir Alan with straight dirty blonde hair and angular features. He was one the closest associates of Lorenzo the Magnificent. Alan had travelled from Florence to participate in his monthly meeting with Andrew. Meetings designed for him to gain information on the state of their so-called investments in Venice. He was dressed in the high fashion of the day with lavish velvets, plush colours and intricate golden embroidery. The Medici family were famous (especially after Lorenzo's rule) for their dominance and patronage of the Arts in Florence. However they kept their less tasteful business in Venice in order to avoid too great a tarnish on the family name.
"What ever possessed you to adopt this new girl?" Allan asked, casually leaning back in his chair and gazing at his colleague curiously.
"Her physical beauty was quite striking, but it was something more than that, there's subtle strength in that girl, it made her seem worth the risk." He shrugged his shoulders dismissively. "If all else fails than I'll take her as my personal mistress."
Andrew was a wise businessman and it surprised no one that the girl of his choosing would indeed turn out to be a success. On entry to the Courtesan house Serenity was quite the fish out of water. However when her training in academic matters began she absorbed information with a passion and interest that was most unexpected. Although this quality was universally admired it endeared her to no one. Least of all her class mates who interpreted her increasing favour among the teachers as signs of a growing threat. Serenity was not blind to their sneers or heated whispers as she walked past. Although at first such vulgar behaviour distressed her to no end it, unbeknown to her it began to work in her favour. Slowly what was left of Serenity's naïve spirit disappeared. This change began to spread with a cancer like speed to every aspect of her mind.
Now as she recalled the many months that Seiya courted her she was no longer overcome with grief. Memories of the moonlight strolls, of delicately wrapped presents and the whisperings of sweet nothings brought neither a smile nor frown to her lips. Such memories filled her with anger and made her thirsty for revenge. Seiya's betrayal had caused something deep inside her to stir. It gave the rational part of her mind to finally defeat the romantic ideals of her mind and dominate her thinking. From her heartbreak was born a strength that at times amazed even Serenity herself. As time past the changes of her personality began to impact on her physical appearance. Her eyes became harder while her smile lacked its previous warmth. Of one thing Serenity was sure, no man would ever play her for a fool the way Seiya had.
No man would ever again have the chance.
As always the most detrimental moment of her education came at the most unexpected of times. It occurred during what seemed like a typical summer afternoon. Most of the so-called students were gathered in small circles engaged in gossip. Serenity was not among them, choosing to sit in a shaded area with a book of poetry. Within moments she was immersed whole-heartedly in the words of what seemed to be a very talented poet. However after a short duration the gasps and excited whispers of the other girls caught her attention. As she glanced around the event that had caused the other girls so much excitement was only too clear. Before her stood one of the most famous courtesans produced by the Medici.
Lunaris de Barbaraq (she had altered her name to sound slightly more French in order to accommodate the trend of the day.) The silk Lunaris was wearing was absolutely exquisite and unlike anything Serenity had ever witnessed before. Furthermore the jewels around her neck could put many a Queen to shame. She soaked up Lunaris's appearance entirely, everything from the sharp dark eyes to the long black ringlets. The women seemed not only to have a cat like grace when walking but an overall feline quality.
To Serenity's great surprise Lunaris not only detected her awe inspired gaze but also began moving towards her. Serenity hurriedly got to her feet, her heart beating rapidly against her chest. On reaching her Lunaris extended her hand and Serenity took it without hesitation, squeezing it warmly.
"What's your name child?" Lunaris's did not hold the pretentious air that was commonly attached to most women of her profession. Furthermore she had uttered the words while ever so slightly flicking her hair, causing the ringlets to dance mesmerising.
"Serenity" She answered, her chin held high. Yet her tone was a sweet one, indicating a desire to create friendship. Lunaris was clearly satisfied with this response and smiled in return.
"You may call me Luna, would you like to accompany me to my room?" Luna asked with what seemed genuine good humour. Serenity once again smiled and nodded indicating her consent. As they walked through the garden Serenity was all to pleased to hear the sneers of the other girls. She smiled triumphantly and didn't spare them a glance or even a second thought.
On reaching Luna's chambers Luna fell into a plush crimson chair and then with a gesture of the hand indicated Serenity to take a seat too. Luna opened her fan and began using it slowly, her movements slow and rhythmic. Serenity stared at her mystified, for even the simplest of her actions seemed to ooze sensuality. Luna took a deep breath and gently placed a hand on her upper abdomen before chuckling softly.
"I do believe that however invented these ridiculous contraptions was under the impression that women have learned not to breathe." Serenity smiled, and blushed slightly turning her head away with sudden inexplicable embarrassment. Yet she could still feel Luna's steady gaze to the very depth of her bones.
"You are new I assume?" Luna asked her tone now serious.
"I am, I arrived but six months ago." Serenity replied straightening her already rigid posture.
"I'm sure your wondering why I summoned you here to my room" It seemed that the statement was a rhetorical question as she continued without allowing Serenity to answer. "I am to retire within a month. I'm getting too old for all the intrigues and games of a courtesan. But I have a vast amount of knowledge and since I never had a child I feel that I must have an heir of some sort. I was foolish, I acquired a very admirable amount of wealth but I squandered it. An heir would provide most advantageous in old age." It took all of Serenity's self control to not openly gape at the woman. It took a few moments for Serenity's brain to re-establish contact with her tongue.
"I am honoured."
"Good, for in exchange of my knowledge I expect loyalty from you. When you acquire wealth you are to make sure that I spend the rest of my days in comfort."
"Of course." Serenity replied, expecting Luna's terms without hesitation. A smile began to form on Luna's lips as she looked over Serenity's form.
"Oh and you shall acquire wealth. You have the face of a child but the body of a very well endowed woman. With a little guidance you will become the raining Venus." Serenity blushed once more although she knew what she was training to be her fate had not seemed so real as it did now.
"You were hurt, and I will wager it was by a man." Luna asked her eyes narrowing. Serenity looked at her sharply, memories of Seiya rushed to her mind. Yet instead of tears her eyes hardened and her jaw clenched.
"Defiantly a man." Luna concluded on seeing Serenity's reaction. "I can see it in your eyes, the anger and the betrayal. You have much to learn, but we shall not start on this afternoon. Visit me tomorrow at noon, and we shall begin your real education."
As the weeks passed Luna taught Serenity many things about men and seduction. Slowly Serenity mastered the art of flirtation. For she knew that a single well timed look could cause greater reactions in men than parting with half of one's clothing. Luna taught her that she would have to use different methods when attempting to seduce different men. Thus Luna spent much time sharpening Serenity's wit as well as teaching her how to mask her emotions. Serenity could now transform within minutes from a bold well-versed woman to an innocent girl who knew nothing of the ways of the world. However the key to all men was flattering, even when being bold one must always take care to not step on a man's pride.
Luna's teachings killed in Serenity the last remnants of the teachings of the church. Her romantic ideals were now non existent. Her anger and resentment combined with Luna's teachings made her believe that love was a mere bed time story to fascinate children with. The only way to gain a glimpse of Serenity as she was a year ago before Seiya ever tarnished her was when she was acting like an innocent. A role she believed was quite foolish, a sentiment which also applied to her former self.
Of course there was always the physical aspect of a courtesan's duties. Andrew was only too willing to educate her in these matters. Serenity entered his chamber ever so quietly. The first thing that gained her attention was the positively enormous bed that lay in the centre of the room. She started passing, almost attempting to outrun her anxiety. For the first time in months her morality had come to haunt her. The last time she had had a sexual encounter was with Seiya, and well that was excusable because of their so-called love. No matter how misguided it was. But this? It was a sin through and through. She could not help but wonder if God would punish her for doing such a thing. For continuing to do it as her profession demanded. She almost ran out of the room twice. However on both occasions the rational part of her mind stoped her. People did this sort of thing out of wed lock all the time and if God had not punished them why should he punish her? If indeed he existed at all.
The sound of the door opening caused her to jump. She placed a hand over her mouth and took a deep breath attempting to calm her nerves. Andrew merely nodded in her direction then walked to the other side of the room, pouring out a glass of red wine. He walked back towards her glass in hand.
"Drink it, it will help you relax." She thanked him and drowned the contents of the wine quickly. The gesture caused him to chuckle and shake his head in a bemused fashion.
"Is this your first time?" he asked gently, his eyes kind. She shook her head indicating that it was not. "Are you scared?"
"No" She replied, her voice not wavering in the least. A new respect grew in him at her reply. For even though her voice was steel, her body was trembling ever so slightly. Andrew moved closer to her and cupped her face between his hands.
"I will not hurt you. If you don't wish to do this you don't have too. You can leave with the knowledge that I shall not take offence." She gazed up at him questioningly. While a part of her felt ever so relieved by his declaration she could not bring herself to believe he cared for her. In reply to his statement she moved closer to him and gently pressed her lips against his.
So their nightly escapades began. Andrew taught her the different ways to which she could bring a man pleasure. He also enjoyed making her practice the method again and again. It was done for her to perfect her technique, or so he told himself. However during those long sweaty nights he never once neglected her needs. He made sure that she always had a pleasurable experience as well. The more and more Serenity indulged in the sinful luxury the less her conscious wore apon her. The act was no longer considered an expression of love but simply a pleasurable experience. One she could use to gain what she wanted from men. She did not know, or she did not allow herself to admit that she had already achieved this with Andrew.
On one such night, as they lay in each other's arms with nothing but the crumpled sheets around them did Andrew turn to her a worried look playing on his features. She returned his gaze, her eyebrows coming together in a gesture of curiosity. Andrew reached out and began playing with her hair, before beginning his tone quite distracted.
"A messenger came to our door today seeking that I use the best Courtesan of my house, albeit a relatively unknown one to help demolish the house of Loredan. I accepted, for the messenger had a very nice sum of money. After all they want us to destroy a rival-something that I would have done gladly for free." Serenity took up this information instantly, she bit her lip in anticipation. If only Andrew would choose her. For such a task would provide her with the perfect opportunity to launch herself in society. It might also create an opportunity to exact her revenge on Seiya. An event she had been planing for quite some time now. Andrew looked at her for many moments, his eyes grim, his mouth stern. A great sigh escaped his lips before he resumed.
"You are my best Courtesan Serenity, do you feel up to the task?" He asked, she gazed at him sharply, her features almost lighting up with excitement.
"Yes, of course." She replied, before kissing Andrew passionately.
"That was what I was afraid of" Andrew whispered, the sombre look never leaving his eyes.
The next day Serenity eagerly sought out Luna in order to extract from her what information she could. Serenity told Luna of what had occurred and she only smiled complacently as Serenity told her tale. She gazed up at Serenity curiously a look of foreboding in her eyes.
"This will take a lot more than mere seduction my dear. To accomplish this you must posses pure genius." Luna cried, thinking that she would definitely have a word with Andrew.
"I can and will do it." Serenity replied with a tone that caught Luna's attention. Serenity was gazing at her with a look of pure steel. Luna glared at Serenity, her concern turning into red-hot anger.
"You do not even know who is funding this affair. There are many intrigues and feuds in the court and you do not want to step into one Serenity!" Luna snapped, the volume of her voice almost that of a yell.
"This is an opportunity that I shall not for go for anyone." She replied. Luna glared at her for many moments then she sighed in a defeated manner. She silently cursed herself for ever picking Serenity to be her heir. She knew Serenity well enough to know that it was useless talking sense to her once she had made up her mind.
"The house of Loredan is funded by five separate individuals. The first is Nephrite, a priest, his reasons for being involved in such activities are unbeknown to me. Then we have Jadeite, a spit fire if I ever saw one. Yet he is one of the most charming men that ever graced me with his presence. He's a merchant, but he thinks with his head-even though many would argue that he does not posses one. Zoicite is a scholar. I imagine that the others tricked him into the business but that is a different story. Malachite is a well-respected general with a head of ice. Finally, the main investor is Endymion. Beautiful is the only word that comes to mind. The devil in an angels body is the best way to describe him." Luna had acquired this knowledge from conducting a long affair with the previous head of the Loredan family. An affair that had ended months before, shortly before he died.
"This shall certainly be entertaining." Serenity replied, her mind already planning how she would make each man fall.
"Stay away from Endymion. No one knows exactly what he does or where his miraculous wealth comes from. He is a man without weakness, fire and ice welded into one extraordinary being. Stay away from him."
"But you've made him sound so appealing." Serenity replied cheekily. Luna glared at her in such a ferocious fashion that Serenity agreed to avoid the man like the plague.
"The only way for you to succeed in this little mission is to take down the other four. Not even Endymion can fund the Loredan alone." Serenity smiled wickedly already knowing who her first victim would be. After all she felt that her religious side had been suffering as of late.
The very next day she was at church, kneeling before a large statue of Christ seeming to pray sincerely. She had chosen the exact hour of her visit with painstaking research. She wanted to be certain that few people would be in residence while she was there, and that Nephrite too would be present. She slowly stood up and marked herself with the sign of the cross. From the corner of her eye she spotted Nephrite and began walking towards him.
"May I help you child?" He asked gently, his voice as rich as wine. For a moment she was taken aback by the mysticism present in his eyes. However her resolve did not waver. After all how could any truly religious person invest in a whorehouse? With that in mind she began her plan. She looked at the floor and pretended to blush. She then looked up at him slowly, making sure her eyes were large and innocent.
"I am afraid that as a child I was never given a religious education, I was wondering if you could educate me in the scriptures?" His face seemed to be overcome with a sudden joy and he nodded silently. However Serenity did not miss the mischievous twinkle in his eye. He told her to meet him in two days hence, and every week after on the same day. Of course she agreed readily.
Serenity made sure to wear her most low cut gowns to her meetings with Nephrite. However out of respect she would always cover her bare flesh with a scarf. The fact that it was always the thinnest and most translucent scarves was beside the point. The room which he taught her in, was if anything small. The furniture were all antiques-their prime well past. Everything seemed to be coated with a thick layer of dust. As they were reading their hands always seemed to brush, accidentally of course. On such occasions Nephrite would throw a look at Serenity. A look Serenity had been trained to identify as lust.
During one session where Nephrite had been listing what was not acceptable under the Christian code, Serenity made her definite move. She looked up at him with one brow raised and the corners of her mouth turning in a delicate smile.
"So kissing is not a sin?" She asked innocently, casually leaning forward. This action not only brought the two into closer proximity but also caused her scarf to ride up. Giving Nephrite a view of her ample cleavage. Nephrite cleared his throat loudly before answering.
"It is not advised between unmarried men and woman." He replied, trying hard to keep his eyes on her face.
"Is that any form of kissing?" She asked tilting her head innocently, her tone airy and care free.
"What do you mean?"
"Well." She said, raising her eyebrows and turning to him. Her sweet smile suddenly seductive. "There's the type of kiss a brother gives to a sister, a peck on the cheek really." She flicked her hair in apparent indecision, causing her ringlets to dance. She then seemed to blush and looked up at Nephrite in a shy manner. "Or there is the passionate kiss shared between two lovers, most indecent." Nephrite made no reply instantly. He could not, for it took great concentration on his part to remember how to breathe. He once again cleared his throat.
"Well, the first would be appropriate, but not the second." He replied, cursing the male body and its forms of expressing excitement.
"So there would be no harm in you kissing me?" She asked the question in the same way one would inquire about the weather. Nephrite almost chocked at the suggestion. He attempted to reply many times, but each time his voice seemed to fail him.
"No, not if the intent was chaste." He replied, his eyes burning holes into her cleavage. Serenity seeing that the opportune moment had come slowly leaned closer and allowed her silky lips to ever so gently press against his. He drew breath suddenly at the unexpected contact. However before he had a chance to react further she pulled away, a horrified expression on her face.
"Forgive me, I-I" She stammered, tears in her eyes. Nephrite got to his feet, yet surprisingly there was no remorse in his features.
"I am to blame." Nephrite replied simply. He moved closer to her and gently took hold of her shoulders. "You see, I've wanted to do much more than kiss you from the first moment I saw you." Serenity looked at him sharply. Although inside she was thoroughly amused and somewhat relieved she pretended to be horrified and ran out of the room. On her way out she noticed a bishop walking the church grounds. She smiled at her own luck, the bishop was all she needed to commence the next part of her plan. She ran towards him, making sure that she looked most distraught.
"Bishop, oh I have sinned, I must rid myself of its weight for I am not sure how I will survive with it." The bishop nodded, and quickly led her to the confessional. Serenity sat slowly and waited for him to begin.
"Tell me your sin my child." He asked, his voice conveying the wisdom that is so often associated with ordained men.
"I have fallen for a priest. I made indecent advances towards him and" She stopped pretending to be most distraught. "I kissed him" For long moments the bishop was silent.
"Which priest?" He asked, his voice grim and riddled with anger.
"Father Nephrite."
"Did he respond to your advances." The bishop asked, his tone bordering on fury.
"Yes."
"Your sins are forgiven child. Take care to never repeat them again." Serenity left the confessional and felt more than a little triumphant when she saw the bishop waddling towards Nephrite's chambers. He could not tell Nephrite that he gained the information from her in a confessional because of the secrecy by which he was bound. Serenity left the church, grinning like the cat that had caught the mouse.
A few days later she heard of a rumour that Nephrite was being transferred to Florence. However it was not enough to simply ruin the man, she had to make certain that he no longer invested in the Loredans. She once again made her way to the church. On seeing Nephrite she asked, quite demurely, if they could have a private audience, he agreed.
"Nephrite, are they really transferring you to Florence?" She asked, her voice creating the illusion of distress brilliantly.
"Yes." She turned her head away as if to prevent him from seeing her tears. "However that is not why I came today. I heard, oh it can't be true." She muttered shaking her head.
"What is it?" Nephrite asked gently, his brows coming together in concern.
"You know of my profession Nephrite, I've disclosed it to you before. I am good friends with one of the Loredan girls, and she boasted to me that you were one of their investors." Nephrite sighed and moved away from her slightly.
"It is true."
"Oh Nephrite, I don't care. I can't bear the thought of you being banished to Florence." She uttered the words dismissively, as if truly overcome by grief. However she had made the statement in order to remind Nephrite of his current position, and hint at what might occur if the information were made public. It seemed to work, for Nephrite's features were suddenly marred by worry.
"You are right, it is most indecent. Rest assured Serenity, that they shall be no more by tomorrow." Serenity kept her eyes on the floor in order to prevent him from seeing the triumphant look in her eyes.
Nephrite was true to his word, within the week Andrew came up to her and informed her that Nephrite had indeed pulled out of the Loredan family. He knew this for the messenger had brought him another sack full of gold. Andrew gently placed the gold in Serenity's hand. However to her surprise his eyes did not hold pride, nor did he congratulate her. He still had the tired look in his eyes. Serenity desperately wanted to ask him what was wrong-but something always held her back.
After her victory over Nephrite, Serenity began attending more and more social parties. She would drink the finest wine and amuse the men with her wit. Every night she'd have a dozen offers-all of whom she would reject. It was best to keep them waiting, in hopes that a better client would come along.
One such night as Serenity adorned in what was to become her characteristic red silk a most unexpected event occurred. Her heart started hammering in her chest while her breath suddenly seemed strained. At the door stood the most ravishing man she had ever encountered. His deep sapphire eyes were mesmerising, while the straight nose and slightly tanned skin were positively sinful. She opened her fan and started fanning herself slowly, rhythmically, erotically. She gave him a piercing look and immediately he walked towards her.
However instead of taking her hand and kissing it, he moved behind her and gently kissed the bare skin of her shoulders. A shiver went down her spine as she closed her eyes. It took all of her self-control not to moan under his touch. He slowly moved his kisses higher, reaching her ear. The shadows obscured him partially and thus no one else in the room was aware of what was occurring.
"What's your name beautiful?" He asked, his voice as rich as wine. Assured, confident, seductive.
"What's yours?" She replied, turning around to glare at him, challenging him to continue.
"Ahh Endymion darling, I see you've meet the newest courtesan of the medici, Serenity." A charming young lady stated, winking at Endymion. Both of them suddenly froze, and threw each other heated glares. Serenity excused herself and started to make her way to the exit.
She was no more than a few paces away when she felt a strong hand grab her wrist. Within seconds she found herself pressed against a very hard, muscular chest. She glared back at him, his piercing gaze causing her to tremble slightly. At least that was what she told herself, she would not believe that being plastered against his firm body was causing such a reaction.
"Do not think for a second madam, that I do not know who you are or what you're attempting to achieve." Serenity threw a flirtatious glance at him and slowly flicked her hair.
"I'm sure I have no idea what you are referring to. I am a courtesan sir, no more no less." His eyes darkened, yet she could not decipher the emotion behind them.
"I know what you did to Nephrite, rest assured that I shall warn the others before you have a chance to put your claws in them."
"What happened to Nephrite was unfortunate, and wholly unrelated to me." She answered simply, looking anywhere but at him. She took a deep breath. Was he getting closer to her?
"You have two options my lady, you surrender yourself to me, or you force us to go to war. Although I assure you the first option is a lot more pleasurable." At the last words his voice turned husky and he slowly ran his fingers up her thigh. She gently leaned closer to him, so that her lips were pressed against his ear.
"Fine" She whispered breathlessly, before throwing him a look of utter vulnerability. Just as a smug smile began to dance on his lips her expression changed. The vulnerability disappeared and was replaced by a combination of charm and anger.
"War." With that she pushed him off and started walking down the road, her hips swaying side to side.
"Serenity." He called out, his voice sounding almost like a pur. She stopped but she did not look back.
"Just remember I warned you, within a month you'll not only be in my bed but your little schemes will be no more." When he heard her laugh at his words a smile grew on his lips.
Finally, he had met his equal.