Chapter 19: The Red Light Special
Author's note: Thank you for all of the support you've shown this work – more than 200 reviews! I am so grateful for your support!
Ages ago, ruxgluk422 sent me a prompt involving the photographer, Ernest J. Bellocq, who posthumously became known for his haunting photos of prostitutes in New Orleans' red light district, Storyville, in the early 1900s. So sorry for the long wait! In this AU Klaroline installment, human! Klaus is a photographer with the lofty ambition of capturing the enigmatic beauty to be found in Storyville's most famous brothel. Along the way, he may learn that not all mysteries should be unraveled...
Warning: Because a New Orleans story demands some smut. Especially a Storyville New Orleans story. :)
"The next time you try to seduce anyone, don't do it with talk, with words. Women know more about words than men ever will. And they know how little they can ever possibly mean."
― William Faulkner
Sweat rolled down Klaus' temples, causing the close-cropped ends of his dirty blonde hair to curl as he hurried down North Basin Street. He was in the heart of Storyville, the famous red light district of New Orleans. Gambling houses and brothels dotted the streets and raucous jazz music poured out of practically every open window. Groups of men and women danced and laughed, flirting and drinking while lounging on wide porches and underneath hanging lanterns. The area certainly lived up to its bawdy reputation for an endless party as he smiled appreciatively at the loud celebrations happening all around him.
His hands shook slightly as he consulted his blue book, a published listing to guide tourists through the best places to go in Storyville for nearly any vice one could imagine. Considered the 'sporting man's' friend, the discrete resource confirmed for Klaus what he had long-heard whispered in the city: For the most sensual debauchery, The Red Lotus was the place to go.
Ran by Caroline Forbes, one of the most famous madams in Storyville, it was a bawdy house that boasted enigmatic women of ethereal beauty who catered to a variety of tastes and appetites. Caroline had built a formidable reputation as being fiercely protective of her girls, and while she encouraged a good time among her guests, she also demanded that everyone play by her rules and above all, respect her workers.
Klaus fiddled with the cracked leather strap of his camera case, worried that Miss Forbes would deny his request to photograph her girls. He had made a name for himself as a commercial photographer in the city, selling his photos of the shipyards, landmarks and industrial machinery, but he yearned for more. He wanted his photography to mean something. He needed it to matter. He wanted to show humanity at its most raw, to somehow expose the innate beauty that resides there, and bring it out for the world to see.
He hesitantly climbed the wide stone steps of the imposing mansion before him, taking in the magnificent marble columns and the exquisitely carved mahogany door. He squinted at the design near the top of the archway, deciding the graceful curves were describing a simple lotus flower. The door suddenly swung open, revealing a tall, lean man with dark hair slicked back who eyed him critically. "Do you have an appointment, mate?"
Clearing his throat, Klaus answered awkwardly, "Actually, I was hoping to see Miss Forbes if it's not too much trouble."
Crossing his arms protectively in front of his chest, the man replied, "Miss Forbes doesn't take appointments, mate. But I'm sure any of her girls would be more than happy to spend some time with you." He made a sweeping gesture, stepping aside to invite him across the threshold. "Why don't you step into the parlor and we can make arrangements?"
Klaus smoothed out the wrinkles on his linen suit jacket, readjusting his camera strap as he followed the man inside. The parlor was richly decorated in sumptuous fabrics of deep jewel tones and sparkling crystal chandeliers that twinkled merrily. He noticed a gentleman sprawled across an emerald green chaise, his clothes rumpled and slightly askew. He was pale and glassy-eyed, but wore a relaxed smile of contentment. It was the signature state of all patrons to The Red Lotus, or so the whispers on the streets went; those who ventured here experienced the height of ecstasy, but near-exhaustion was the apparent price.
Klaus addressed the dark-haired stranger once more. "Actually, I was hoping for permission to see all of Miss Forbes' girls today, once I've seen Miss Forbes, that is."
The stranger raised an eyebrow, whistling low. "My, my that's some stamina you're boasting there, mate."
As Klaus sputtered, trying to explain his true purpose, a melodic voice called out, "Enzo, that's no way to speak to our guest. From the delicious accent, he's clearly come along way; who are we to deny him coming further?" Both men turned toward the grand staircase, watching in admiration as a stunning blonde lightly caressed the polished mahogany bannister as she descended the steps. She was dressed in a blood red gown that dipped a bit too low to be considered modest, and a delicate choker of rubies and diamonds rested at her slender throat.
Klaus quickly removed his soft felt homburg, his breath caught in his throat as she came to a stop before him, holding out her small hand for him to kiss. The man called Enzo muttered under his breath and said gruffly, "Gorgeous, this gentleman made an odd request and I don't like the looks of him."
Her ruby lips curved into a knowing grin. "Welcome to The Red Lotus, kind sir, where we specialize in odd requests. My name is Caroline Forbes, proprietor of this fine establishment."
Forcing himself to breathe evenly, he quickly grazed his lips across her knuckles and replied, "Miss Forbes, what a delight to meet you. I am Klaus Mikaelson, a local photographer, and I have a business proposition for you."
She winked at him, her long lashes sweeping prettily across her soft skin. "I've been known to indulge in a good proposition upon occasion, and please call me Caroline." She turned toward Enzo and pointed to the man who was nearly passed out on the chaise. "Enzo, it appears that Annabelle and Victoria were a bit more vigorous with Jeremiah than anticipated. Do be a dear and send for a carriage to take him home." Grumbling under his breath about weak-willed wankers, Enzo slung a companionable arm around Jeremiah's shoulders and moved him out of the room.
Caroline gracefully stepped across the gleaming pine floors and lead Klaus to a cozy alcove that appeared to be a study. Sweeping the long train of her gown behind her, she carefully perched on top of an English leather wingback chair. She gestured for Klaus to sit in the other across from her near a tall, ornately carved bookcase. "So, Mr. Mikaelson, about this fascinating proposition of yours," she teased, resting one hand gently in her lap while the other withdrew an onyx-decorated fan and slowly waved it flirtatiously.
"Please, call me Klaus," he said, finding himself inexplicably growing more relaxed the longer he remained in Caroline's presence. He flashed her his most charming smile, using his dimples to great effect if her slightly widened blue gaze was anything to judge by. "Caroline, I have forged a reputation in this city as a photographer of local landmarks, ships and the like, but I find myself craving more."
Before he could continue, a sharp knock at the paneled door interrupted, and an attractive brunette stepped inside the study, demurely setting down an elegant silver tray holding two crystal goblets and a bottle of wine on the marble-inlaid table between them. Looking expectantly at Caroline, she asked, "Will there be anything else? Any special instructions I should convey to the girls?" Her dark gaze seemed to linger a bit too long upon Klaus, who shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
Seeming to mark the girl's slightly indecorous gaze, Caroline set down her fan and spoke with an edge to her voice, "Thank you, Elena. Privacy for me and my guest would be most appreciated." With a small curtsy, Elena nodded, a small smile upon her face as she held Caroline's unreadable stare before exiting the room.
Caroline poured generous servings of rich red wine into the goblets, handing one to Klaus and delicately clinking their glasses together. "I hope you enjoy Bordeaux — it's from a marvelous year, although not quite as good as the 1899 vintage." At Klaus' nod, they quietly sipped, Caroline adding with a teasing smile, "Now, please tell me more of these cravings you have, dear Klaus."
Chuckling at her boldness, Klaus explained, "Photography is an art form. A successful partnership between an artist and his subject. I must admit I find myself fascinated by the successful society you have carved out of perceived social taboos and I want to learn more. I want the world to experience that unique energy you bring by having you and your girls pose for me." He took another sip of the heady wine, adding, "Please do not mistake me — it is not my goal to sexualize or exploit with my photography. Instead, I want to expose you and your girls' humanity, to have the observer fully realize your individuality and inner strength."
Caroline smiled lazily. "Exposing our humanity. What an admirable goal." She seemed to be considering something, turning her attention to a large painting upon one wall. The gilt frame housed a lovely nude woman with long red hair and a large serpent wrapped strategically around her body.
"I say, what a stunning reproduction of John Collier's Lilith," Klaus commented, his voice full of admiration. "He exhibited more than 100 paintings at the Royal Academy, and the Southport Atkinson Art Gallery is the home of this exquisite piece."
"Is it," she asked, delicately sipping her wine. "I had no idea you were so well-educated. Tell, me have you studied John's, I mean Mr. Collier's work extensively?"
He excitedly set down his glass, moving closer to gaze upon the painting. "Not as well as I would like, but Lilith is a one of my favorites of his work. Folklore always has fascinated me, and the story of Lilith is quite compelling. The idea of a woman refusing to be submissive to the role for which she was created, her defiance and strength are legendary. The manner in which she was punished, demonized in mythology and how supposedly all demonic creatures originated with her, demands our empathy as humans." He resisted the urge to reach out and touch the painting, and turned his curly head to regard the beautiful woman behind him. "Don't you agree," he asked earnestly.
Caroline took another drink from her goblet, her blue eyes regarding him with warmth. "Of course I agree. One cannot possibly be in my position without admiring and empathizing with a woman who fell from grace because she refused to play by restrictions a cruel and indifferent society had placed upon her."
She chuckled, adding cheerfully, "Of course, if mythology is to be believed, one good jab with an iron weapon could save one from the nefarious clutches of Lilith's demonic spawn." She gazed fondly at the lovely face of the red-haired maiden and added, "My girls and I consider Lilith a sort of patron saint, if you will."
Klaus nodded in understanding, his gray eyes alight as an idea struck him. "Is that why you call this house The Red Lotus and have the lotus carved upon your front door?" At Caroline's surprised expression, he continued, "In mythology, Lilith is associated with the lotus. A symbol representing extraordinary beauty that grows in the darkest of places. A call to humanity to examine our darkness and bring it into the light."
"Well-said, my dear Klaus," Caroline smoothly proclaimed, standing gracefully. "I heartily support your artistic vision and you may photograph me and my girls at your leisure. However, I have one requirement." At Klaus' questioning brow, she impishly winked, "I demand you do me the honor of photographing me first."
Klaus gave her a short bow, his dimples flashing as he replied in a low voice, "As the lady commands." He reached down to gather his heavy camera case once more, following Caroline as she led him back into the parlor where a jazz band had started to set up. The first plaintive notes flowed out of the trumpet and trombone with the clarinet embellishing the melody. The rollicking sounds filled Klaus with a renewed sense of energy, and he found himself eagerly anticipating the additional time he was about to spend alone with Caroline.
An alluring woman with brunette curls piled on top of her head stopped them, and at first, he mistook her for Elena, but the wicked smirk she wore gave him pause and he decided that this must be her twin. His gray eyes widened in alarm as he realized she had a large diamondback rattlesnake draped about her shoulders, cooing at it sweetly. She paused to give Klaus a quick onceover. "Oh my, I heard you had company, Caroline, but I had no idea the package was this appealing."
"Yes, and I've claimed this package, Katherine," Caroline said sweetly, a hint of iron to her voice that caused Katherine to lower her gaze to the floor respectfully at the madam's pointed words. "Later on, he'll be along to photograph the girls." Lowering her voice, she nodded to the rattlesnake and commanded, "Kindly take Elena and convey my wishes to everyone."
"Very well," Katherine readily agreed. She slyly winked at Caroline and added, "I have plenty to keep me occupied...such as poor Mr. Donovan. He pines for me, you know. But I suspect he'll have pleasant dreams for the next few nights."
Caroline sighed in exasperation and warned, "But have a care that it's not too many nights, Katherine."
Nodding, Katherine sauntered away, still stroking her pet snake. Klaus, who had watched the peculiar exchange with the air of a hapless tourist thrust headfirst into a culture he did not understand, asked in confusion, "Katherine named the rattlesnake after her twin, Elena?"
Smirking, Caroline motioned with one index finger, beckoning him to follow her up the grand staircase. She breezily answered, "Dear Klaus, you didn't come all his way to inquire about my girls' eccentricities." She tossed back her long blonde curls gathered at her crown with several ruby-encrusted hair combs. "Permit me to show you what you did come for."
He trailed helplessly up the stairs after her, his heart speeding up as he watched how her slim hips seemed to undulate underneath the tight red silk of her gown. At the top of the staircase, she led him down a long hallway, pausing at the end to throw open heavy wooden doors that enclosed a large bedroom with light pouring from bay windows. He sat his camera case on the canopied bed in the center of the room, assembling the tripod with shaking fingers and mentally chastising himself for behaving like an inexperienced schoolboy.
She looked at him expectantly, as though awaiting his instructions. Clearing his throat, he pointed toward the cushioned window seat and said, "Perhaps you could lounge at the window. I'd like you to be as comfortable as possible." His brow furrowed as he added worriedly, "We can stop if at any time you feel uncomfortable, sweetheart."
Caroline smiled brightly at his term of endearment and relaxed on top of the window seat, allowing her boot-clad feet to dangle over the polished pine floors as she turned her blue gaze upon him once more. "Is this to your liking?"
"Very much so," he answered hoarsely, neck reddening as he realized what he said. "I mean..." He sighed, muttering, "You know exactly what I mean. You're too beautiful not to be used to compliments."
She licked her red lips slightly, pausing to consider her words. "Yes, but rarely is there any sincerity behind those compliments. Your words mean more, my dear Klaus."
He gripped the pebble-grained leather covering of his camera, holding his breath as he prayed he adequately captured the oddly confident yet wistful expression that graced this enchantress' beautiful face. He inwardly bemoaned the fact that she was the most exquisite creature he had ever encountered and he could never hope to be worthy of such an extraordinary woman.
Something seemed to awaken within Caroline and she startled, shooting out of her relaxed pose to stride purposefully toward him while he was still framing the next shot. "You aren't the first to tell me these things, you know." She whispered huskily as she curled her hands around his wrists, "But you may be the first man to mean them. And that makes you extraordinary."
He briefly wondered if he had spoken his thoughts aloud, but was quickly distracted by the press of her sweet lips upon his, a surprisingly gentle kiss given her past boldness. It felt as though she was testing his willingness and didn't want to assume his consent. When he lost his head and responded eagerly to her, opening his mouth to caress her tongue with his own, she slid her hands from his wrists to his shoulders, gripping the lapels of his jacket to shrug it off.
He pulled away slightly to carefully brush his fingers across the black lace trim that caressed the tops of her silk-covered breasts. "I didn't want to assume that what you said downstairs about claiming me meant..." he trailed off hesitantly, his gray gaze burning brightly as he regarded her with reverence.
Caroline pressed a finger to his lips that were swollen from their feverish kisses. "Shhh. Cast aside your doubts and just feel. We will discuss my claim another time."
Klaus felt himself sink into her musical voice, allowing the soothing vibrations to guide him to what he desired. He had never felt so free before, and he suddenly was imbued with a confidence that surprised him. "From the moment I saw you on that staircase and you teased me with your brashness, I wanted you," he confessed, staring deeply into her blue eyes that had grown dark with want. He trailed kisses down the column of her throat, the sparkling rubies and diamonds of her choker winking at him in the sunlight. He let out a small growl as he added possessively, "I claim you, Caroline."
A flicker of amusement crossed her lovely features as she asked, "Is that so?" She buried her nails in his curls and commanded, "Then show me."
With a sly grin, he deftly popped open the buttons of her dress, bunching the red silk of her gown in his fists until he could easily toss it to the pine floor. His breath caught in his throat as he studied the blonde goddess before him, clad in a sinful black lace and red satin corset.
She raised one shapely leg, rubbing his calf seductively. Stealing his hand, she slid two of his fingers underneath her lacey garter, encouraging him to pluck at the delicate fabric until it snapped delightfully against her ivory skin.
At her hum of approval, he eagerly caught on, using the tiny bit of fabric to deliver pleasure with a sliver of pain. He grasped her shoulders, spinning her around forcefully so that he could pull apart the strings of her corset, anxious to expose more of her creamy skin. She bent slightly at the waist to unclip her stockings and remove her garters, but with a possessive snarl, he pulled her hips against the hard lines of his body and ordered, "Leave them be, love. I want you clad in nothing save these."
A note of approval entered her husky voice as she responded with, "Tell me more of what pleases you." She wiggled her ass against his crotch, outlining his obvious erection with enthusiasm.
He picked her up by the waist, taking pleasure in the surprised squeal he pulled from her. He quickly deposited her in front of the window seat and whispered roughly in her ear, "Bend over, sweetheart. I want everyone on the street below to watch me stake my claim." The dominating words that easily tumbled from his lips felt foreign to him, but they also felt right. Being with Caroline had awoken a beast within him and he eagerly embraced this newfound sense freedom.
He felt her shiver in anticipation below him, and he smoothed his palms across the ivory globes of her ass, reveling in how she exposed herself to him. He reached underneath to cup her mound possessively, drawing a small moan from her. She encouraged his exploration by parting her thighs even more, welcoming his burning touch. He brushed his fingertips along the edges of her folds, gasping when he felt the moisture gathered there. He could feel her desire for him and the pleasure that illicit knowledge gave him sent a jolt throughout his body.
"Try me," Caroline whispered urgently. "Feel my need for you."
Losing his head at her husky command, he inserted two fingers into her warmth, groaning at how tightly she clung to him. He stroked her walls, feeling her quiver at his touch, and he clumsily unbuttoned his linen trousers to grasp his aching cock.
Her blue eyes seemed to burn a hole through the window as he caught her reflection. She watched him with obvious interest as he twisted his palm over his throbbing erection, while his other hand continued to pump his fingers within her. She invited him with her heated stare, the way she tilted her body just so against his. He quickly replaced his fingers with his eager cock, filling her to the hilt as she gasped out his name.
He dug his fingers into her shapely hips, pulling her up and down his length. He moaned as he felt her walls bear down upon him, and he knew he wouldn't last long with the sensual picture she made as she panted underneath him. He gazed longingly at the miles of creamy skin before him, and an overwhelming urge to strike it, to mark it as his own came over him.
"Perhaps you should chastise me for my forwardness," she gasped out, licking her red lips as his thrusts became harder. "Take me as you desire," she implored.
He wondered again briefly if he had spoken his sensual wish aloud, but soon became enraptured with the beauty writhing beneath him. He began to lightly smack her bouncing cheeks, contrasting his touch with that of the punishing force of his thrusts. One of her ruby hair combs tumbled from her long blonde curls, clattering to the floor. Her moans of appreciation as her body began to contract around his pulled his desire from him and he felt every aching spasm as it was siphoned from his body. He wrapped one hand around his cock, withdrawing enough to rub his essence along her crevice, marking her with his scent.
As Klaus came down from his high, he watched Caroline turn over and perch upon the edge of the window seat, regarding him with a knowing smile. He was having a difficult time catching his breath and worried that she would think him a weak chap with questionable stamina. She ran her hands down her thighs, stroking her silk stockings and fondling the black lace of her garters as he watched hungrily. She surprised him when she roughly spread her legs, planting her boot-clad feet as widely apart as she could. "I hunger for more, dear Klaus." Her confession tumbled so sweetly from those seductive red lips, he didn't question her need. Cocking her blonde head to the side, she asked, "Don't you?"
He gratefully sank to his knees before her, secretly relieved that he no longer needed to stand. His limbs, while sated from their delightful romp, felt oddly heavy. As he placed his mouth upon her dripping center, his senses were overwhelmed by the heady scent of their mixed arousal. He lapped at her sensitive skin like a man possessed, wanting to bathe in the evidence of their combined desire. She sighed in approval, enticing him to taste every drop of the feast before him.
Just as her thighs began to shake once more, Klaus could feel himself growing inexplicably drowsy. He took one last plaintive lick before he collapsed to the floor, utterly spent. He struggled to form an apology, but found he was having a difficult time keeping his eyes open.
Unconcerned, Caroline stood over him, her blue eyes glowing in an unnatural manner that led Klaus to believe his exhausted mind was playing tricks upon him. She bent over to easily pick him up, displaying a stunning feat of strength as she carried him to the carved mahogany bed. She gently lay him in the center, kneeling over him as she brushed his sweaty blonde curls from his forehead. "Sleep for now, my dear Klaus. We'll have much to discuss when you wake."
Klaus felt the delicate caress of her lips upon his and he mumbled somewhat incoherently, "Lovely bed." He felt the room spin as he glimpsed one of the tall wooden bedposts swimming in his blurred vision. "Thought it would be ornate wrought iron, like White Oak House down the way."
An amused chuckle escaped Caroline's lips as she replied in a casual tone, "Oh, I'm not one for iron. It spoils my appetite," she explained, favoring him with an enigmatic smile.
