A/N: Hi everybody…hope you're ready for some New York Lion. I whipped this chapter out at warp speed for a turtle writer like me. So I won't delay a minute longer. Meet you down below.
Happymess: YOU are my light source.
Caro2lalala& Djsmommie: Thanks for helping this spazz out.
*DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight…I'm just a girl that streaks through Twitter. *
I don't want you, but I hate to lose you. You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea.
- Ella Fitzgerald
"Welcome back, Sir," a distinguished older gentleman with a posh English accent greeted us at the door. "Ms. Swan," he added smoothly, making my name sound so elegant.
Edroar nodded his head as he swiftly walked past him, without so much as glancing his way.
Warmly I smiled at the man. "Hi, I'm Bella." I waved.
"Welcome, Ms. Bella." He bowed.
I chuckled at how formal he was being, like a butler. Then I realized…he was a butler. They really existed. At least in this world they did. When Alice told me Edroar had a penthouse named Chetwin I imagined it as an ostentatious luxury apartment.
I was wrong.
It was two floors of an ostentatious luxury apartment building.
Of course I hadn't seen all of it, hardly any of it really, but the top two buttons in the elevator were engraved with the Cullen logo. I snorted at the sight of them earning an irate glare from the Lion standing next to me.
After four heated phone calls in the limo he was more than a bit testy.
Not having a clue as to where to go I stood still a few moments just soaking in the magnificence of the grand entrance. The butler had run off after the Tyrant and I was left to my own devices.
Before I even took a step I heard a chiming noise directly behind me. I spun around and found it was coming from a computer screen embedded in the wall next to the front door.
My nosey feet made their way over to the display. It was blinking the word lobby on the monitor. Suddenly, a man's face filled the screen.
"Jenks, the courier is on his way up," the strange man's voice rang out loudly causing me to flinch.
"Hello?" I said to the screen.
But he was gone. I didn't dare press any of the buttons that surrounded the display. Instead I went to find Edroar, hurriedly walking though the spacious foyer. It led directly into a massive living area, stunningly beautiful. No surprise there. Though I was quite surprised to find how unique the layout was.
There was a distinct Greek vibe about the place. It was mystical and enchanting, not at all stuffy and cold as I imagined it would be. Panoramic glass walls revealed a view of Manhattan so strikingly picturesque it seemed unreal. My nose was just itching to flatten against it.
"Mr. Cullen?" I yelled into the empty space. I kept walking. "Jenks?" I called out, assuming that was the butler's name.
Silence
I snooped around a bit, calling out their names as I did so, but it was as though they had vanished, which wasn't unfathomable, since the place was designed like a labyrinth.
The courier was most likely coming to deliver the documents the Lion threw a fit over in the limo. I could only imagine the epic hissy Edroar would have if he didn't get that delivery, so I quickly headed back to the foyer.
When I reached the entranceway Jenks was standing there all prim and proper. How the hell he got back there without passing me I had no idea.
He was just opening the front door as I entered the room.
As he stepped away from the door I nearly fell over. Standing before me was a familiar face. He was holding a bicycle helmet in one hand and a large manila envelope in the other.
His hair was much different than I remembered but I'd know those glassy, blood shot, eyes anywhere.
"FUCK ME!" he shouted, as his eyes landed on my face.
Jenks gasped, thoroughly appalled by his crude greeting, but I wasn't surprised in the least. The boy didn't have an ounce of couth in him.
As a matter of fact, the multitude of mind altering drugs he indulged in on a regular basis was usually all that could be found in him at any given moment. He wasn't a bad guy. Believe it or not he was a gifted artist, which was what drew me to him when we first met.
I was always a sucker for a creative mind.
Oh, Tyler, what on earth was he doing in that doorway? We actually dated a few months before I realized I needed someone on the same celestial plane I was.
Vaguely I recalled hearing he moved to New York not long after we broke up, but I hadn't talked to him in nearly a year and now there he stood. Wasn't Manhattan filled with millions of people? Seriously, what were the odds to such a thing?
"Hey Ty," I waved. "Your hair is um…blue." It had at least two different shades of vibrant blue in it. Somehow it fit him perfectly.
He ruffled his hair. "Yeah, it represents water. Hair is a lot like the ocean. You know?" He looked from me to Jenks and back again.
My laughter spilled out as I took in the baffled expression on Jenks face. "What are you doing here?" I asked while walking closer to the door.
"Man, I wish I knew," he tilted his chin sideways. "Does anyone really know why they're here?" He pondered that thought deeply a few moments before his mouth dropped open. "Heavenly tits…it's you." His voice was filled with amazement.
A spark of brown flashed beneath the redness of his eyes. Something big was brewing. Tyler Crowley was many things…hard to read wasn't one of them.
"FUCK ME!" he exclaimed, even louder this time. "You're my muse."
He nearly knocked over poor Jenks in his haste to get to me.
Ty flung his lean, but muscular body across mine. "I had a vision last Saturday night," he whispered in my ear. "A beautiful voice told me my muse was coming." His fingers clung to me for dear life.
I fought hard not to fall over, Tyler was thin, but he was also well over six feet tall.
"What is the meaning of this?" An angry voice growled from behind me.
Somehow I managed to untangle Ty's body from mine and step back. My clothing was completely disheveled and my right shoe had fallen off in the struggle.
The Tyrant stormed into the room like a demon, his intense green eyes accessing the situation before him. I smoothed out my shirt and hair as Tyler stood there gazing at me in awe.
"Ms. Swan," Edroar looked me over carefully. "Did he harm you?"
I shook my head. "No, not at all, he was just...uh, excited to see me."
His eyes shot over to Tyler. "Explain yourself," he demanded.
"Bella is my muse," Tyler stated as though it were a simple fact.
The Lion did not look pleased.
"Actually, I know Tyler, he used to live in Seattle," I interrupted in an attempt to break the tension. "He was so shocked to see me that he got a bit carried away." I grabbed my shoe and slipped it back on.
Ty's eyes darted over to mine. "I wasn't carried away. I was carried in…to you. It's destiny. You're my Goddess of Light. I always knew it. Just when I needed your energy the most you appeared," he dropped down to his knees. "I need you tonight," he begged.
I rolled my eyes at his crazy theatrics. He was always very eccentric, but equally kind. The guy didn't have a mean bone in his body.
"I'm here on business, Tyler. It's been great seeing you though," my tone was soft, but dismissive.
He grabbed my hand like a lifeline and looked up at me pleadingly. "Come to The Box tonight. It's my premiere show. Without you there it will be a dark vortex of endless pain."
I exhaled deeply as I pushed him away. "Stop being so dramatic, your show will be amazing no matter who's there."
He shook his head vehemently. "I'm not having a show unless you're there. It's kismet. This morning I scratched a note in my bathroom door as a reminder to call you tomorrow for your birthday, but now I won't need to because here you are…my savior."
The boy leaned down and kissed my foot.
Kissed it.
Who does that?
Damn that pill popping Smurf. How could I say no to him? It wasn't like I had plans and honestly I didn't know anyone else in New York. Plus, it was a sure bet whatever his show was it would be incredible, he was a brilliant artist.
I let out a heavy sigh. "Alright, I'll be there. What time?"
He jumped up and grabbed me, pulling me flat against his chest in a crushing hug before releasing me.
"Show starts at midnight…if you're there, 189 Chrystie Street. I've got to get back to my studio. You've got my juices flowing." He tossed me the manila envelope and darted out the door.
Edroar walked over to the door and slammed it shut. "You're not seriously considering going out with that maniac?" He threw a disgusted look over his shoulder.
I nodded as I handed him the envelope. "He's not a maniac he's just a little eccentric, but completely harmless." A light bulb suddenly went off above my head. "Hey, why don't you come with me? We'll have fun." Perhaps I found the cookie I was searching for.
He snorted obnoxiously. "I highly doubt that. I can only imagine the type of place a low life like him would fester." His nose was in the air.
My feet moved closer to him. "Ty is not a low life. He's a gifted artist I'll have you know."
For some reason this enraged him.
"You're not going. I forbid it," the words dripped off his tongue venomously.
My mouth hung open. "You forbid it? You can't be serious." The man was insane.
His eyes firmly held mine. "This is not a joke, Ms. Swan. I won't have you flitting around New York City at all hours of the night with a mentally unstable drug addict. When you're here with me you represent my company at all times," he spoke in his most commanding tone.
"What I do in my private time is none of your concern." A lone finger shot up in the air. "You do not own me, Mr. Cullen."
In one swift move he was dangerously close to me, so close that his tightly pursed lips grazed the tip of my extended finger.
Lion's breath burned like fire, it brushed across my skin, causing the fine hairs at the base of my neck to stand at attention, like tiny soldiers preparing for battle.
"Why must you always push me?" A low growl underlined each word he spoke.
I sensed a roar coming on and was ashamed to admit it thrilled me.
My eyes lingered on his fury filled face as I contemplated my response. "You give me no choice," the faint quiver in my voice startled me. Suddenly my thoughts were scrambled. The room was closing in on all sides.
Damn it... that bastard was trying to frazzle me.
He shook his head. "Untrue. You always have a choice, but there are consequences for your actions," he warned.
There was a heavy silence as I pulled myself from his trap.
I lowered my hand, placing it on my hip. "Just my actions, are there no consequences for yours?"
His body stiffened. "Yes," he admitted before looking away, "Deep consequences." An unguarded frown appeared on his face.
Raw pain polluted his angelic features. Darkness engulfed his light, black as night, cold as ice, it surrounded him…imprisoned him. It made me ache. My body was highly responsive to his pain, it felt like my own and I had no idea why.
Not that I was a heartless person, but I'd spent plenty of time around emotionally wounded people and not once had I felt that level of empathy.
How bizarre.
I let out a frustrated sigh. "Why can't you ever just let go and have fun? You know there are consequences for not taking time to enjoy your life."
He was silent a few moments before his torment laden eyes found mine. "If hanging around a spaced out courier is your idea of fun I'd rather pay the consequences," he barked, angrily.
My eyes rolled at his stubborn attitude. The man was utterly impossible. What made me think I could ever get through to him?
I swiped the air before me. "Fine, whatever, stay here and drown in your gloom. You know most situations have the potential for fun…if you let it." I'd read that in a greeting card, but it was true.
He didn't respond, he just stared at me menacingly, causing me to sigh in defeat.
A quick glance over my shoulder revealed a statuesque looking Jenks standing expressionlessly at the door.
I turned to face him. "Could you show me where my room is?" I asked, sweetly.
He bowed at my request. "Of course, Ms. Bella, follow me." He bowed again to Edroar before walking past us.
It was the strangest ritual, probably some sort of neurotic tic, had to be hell on his back, the poor guy.
I didn't even glance at the Lion before leaving the room. What a fool I was for thinking I could put a chip in his armor…and with a cookie of all things. Must have been all those damn episodes of the Brady Bunch I watched growing up.
No issue ever lasted more than thirty minutes and it wasn't uncommon for your entire family to sing the problem away in perfect harmony.
Does it get any better than that?
Perhaps I'd been using the wrong show for inspiration…Lost would be a much better fit because I seriously had no idea what the hell was going on with that maddening Fat Cat.
He was a complicated man that much was clear. I couldn't help but wonder if Edroar were stranded on that crazy island…what would be found in his flashbacks?
The scowl wasn't easily swiped from my face as I followed Jenks to my room. My pig headed boss thoroughly frustrated me, but I did my best to brush it off, determined not to let him rain on my parade.
Tyler was definitely a freak.
Hell, even freaks found him unusual. Most people just weren't comfortable around such an abnormal creature. I understood that.
Edroar's close mindedness didn't bother me nearly as much as his audacity to think he could forbid me from going to Ty's premiere…or anywhere for that matter. Just the gall of it angered me so much that I fought the urge to track his tyrant ass down and dive in for round two.
What a crazy situation, I was torn between wanting to simultaneously attack and save the man. It was completely irrational. No wonder I was frazzled around him. Just when I thought he might let me in he slammed the door in my face.
My body stilled as I refocused my attention on the moment at hand. Quietly I took in my surroundings. The ethereal structure and distinct character that was Chetwin could not easily be described. That stuffy old name certainly didn't do it any justice.
It was an exceptional architectural masterpiece in my opinion.
After walking down several long winding hallways, Jenks stopped in front of a wide set of double doors.
"Your chambers, Ms. Bella," the Bobbing Butler announced before opening the doors, he stepped aside and bowed at me.
Chambers, I chuckled at the word. Really, what century was the man from?
"Thanks." I bowed back. I just couldn't resist.
He scowled disapprovingly at my action. "I hope it is to your liking."
Upon stepping into the room I may have had a mild orgasm. A slight groan left my lips. It wasn't at all the opulent display of sickening wealth I expected it to be.
"Your belongings have been placed away for you," he advised in his dignified accent. "Please summon Carmen if you should require anything at all."
"Carmen?" I asked, as my eyes scanned the room in awe.
He didn't respond, instead he walked over to a touch screen on the wall right next to the bed. He pointed to the name Carmen. "Press here and she'll arrive in minutes."
My face scrunched up a little as I stared at the screen. It looked like a glorified iPad with far too many bells and whistles for me to even comprehend at that moment.
I nodded my head. "Uh...okay, thanks."
He bowed, of course, and then stiffly made his way out of the room.
The idea that someone went through my luggage was more than a bit unnerving to me. I snooped around and found my clothing neatly organized in the walk in closet, which was twice the size of my bedroom in Seattle.
How ridiculous.
Never was I the type of girl that worried about what to wear. You wouldn't find me staring into my closet in deep thought like most women might do before a night out.
But honestly, I had no idea how to dress for Ty's show.
After contemplating my options several moments my inner rock star suddenly emerged…and she was looking to play.
So, with a devious grin I grabbed my black leather mini dress. Ange said it was my most dangerous article of clothing. I laughed at how worried she looked anytime I wore it.
The dress was form fitting and strapless with tiny studs decorating the hemline.
Jasper called it my whoop ass dress…because that's exactly what he ended up doing to the dirty boys that wouldn't take no for an answer whenever I had it on. Not that I couldn't take care of them myself, I could, but Jazz was the ultimate bad ass big brother. That boy would throw it down before I even blinked.
Normally, I'd wear my red converse sneakers for optimum comfort, but instead my eyes landed on the only pair of heels I owned.
I found them at a vintage thrift shop around the corner from my apartment. The sight of them was about as close as I'd ever come to squealing over a pair of god damn shoes.
I didn't, of course, but I may have discretely yelped when I first held them in my hands.
It was rare that I wore them, but New York was a special occasion in my book. Hell, I was turning twenty-five in just a few hours. The reasons just went on and on in my mind.
Tonight was going to be memorable.
I could just feel it.
By ten o'clock I was showered, dressed and ready to go. Surprisingly, I spent some time on my hair, straightening it before putting it up in a high ponytail.
I even applied a little makeup.
Charcoal eyes and light shimmering lip gloss was as far as I went. I cringed at chicks that wore loads of makeup. It looked so uncomfortable. I always wanted to scrub their faces and see what lurked beneath all that goop.
My hand cupped my mouth as I spotted my reflection in the full length mirror.
I never considered myself sexy, not that I cared. I didn't spend much time thinking about the way I looked. Sex appeal certainly wasn't something I placed any value on. But as I stood there in that moment…I felt sexy. Not in a cheap bimbo sort of way. It was more of a 'Damn it feels good to be a woman' realization.
There was strength to femininity that I sensed I strongly underestimated. Was there more to sex appeal than I had previously thought?
Intrigued by the concept I decided to explore the idea.
As I made my way across the room I noticed a subtle change in my movements. It was the most peculiar thing. The new sexier me moved seductively, it wasn't a conscious decision. It just felt natural.
How odd.
I smirked wickedly at my new found ability. Perhaps twenty-five was going to be a year of self discovery for me.
As I strutted my sexy ass down the hall the sound of my killer shoes on the marble floor echoed loudly. I rounded several corners before realizing I was lost.
"Shit!" I huffed in frustration.
It would be just my luck to spend the entire night wandering around aimlessly in the Lion's labyrinth. I walked in circles grumbling under my breath for what felt like hours. There were so many doors that led to hallways filled with more doors.
For Christ's sake it was pure madness. I tried calling out for help, but all I got in response was silence. Roaming abandoned halls singing Swing Low Sweet Chariot was not at all how I imagined my first night in New York.
Just as I was about to give up and pop a squat I heard a distant noise coming from behind one of the doors. Darting over to it, I plastered my ear up real close. It was muffled, but I definitely heard a voice.
"Oh thank God!" I shouted as my fists pounded manically on the hard surface.
I turned the knob, but it was locked.
"HELP! I'M LOST!" I called at the top of my lungs, still banging on the unyielding barrier.
"Go away!" came a distinctive growl from the other side of the door.
"Edroar," I whispered to myself bitterly. I started kicking the sturdy blockade with force. "Open this damn door right now!" I demanded.
He didn't respond. I waited a few moments before putting my ear to the door once again, but this time heard nothing.
Damn that stubborn tyrant. I clenched my fists tightly and pounded on the door with all my might, calling him an assortment of very colorful words while doing so.
Still no response came.
I huffed and puffed, completely out of breath. My knuckles throbbed, my blood boiled and my voice was getting hoarse from all the shouting.
I lifted my leg and for some odd reason thought it was a good idea to smash my knee against the thick, wooden door. It only took a second for me to realize my mistake.
It was a second too late.
After letting out an ear piercing howl I dropped to the floor in agony. Then laid there whimpering like a baby.
It hurt like a bitch.
Suddenly the door swung open. Footsteps made their way to my side. It was the Lion. He lifted me off the floor in one quick movement.
"Put me down!" I yelled.
He ignored my request. Instead of putting me down he carried me through the door and into the room.
My best friend smelled like tobacco and cinnamon, but Edroar…his scent was unique. I sniffed the air under his chin, definitely masculine, fresh and clean, but there was something…more.
I sniffed again…ah, it was danger. There was a tinge of untamed danger to that Lion's aroma. My nose was nearly flat against his throat as I inhaled deeply, trying to wrap my brain around that dangerous smell of his.
It was faint, but unmistakable.
Then I felt softness. I hadn't even realized my eyes were closed until that moment. The second he placed me down I also felt searing pain. How strange that I hadn't felt a thing as he carried me.
Slowly I lifted my head, my eyes fluttered open. I was lying on an extremely plush mattress. Not only was it plush, but the bed itself was a work of art. Long silk curtains draped along the sides of the massive structure.
The bedroom was dimly lit, only the light from an adjourning room illuminated my surroundings, but I could tell immediately this room was even more amazing than my…chambers.
I really didn't think that was possible.
Before I could say a word he was gone. As I sat up I brought my hands to my face, sighing as I examined the damage I inflicted upon myself. My knuckles were slightly swollen, but I'd had worse. I raised my knee closer to my face, a little red, but not puffy or bruised.
I poked at it and yelped in pain. "Stupid door," I grumbled.
"Untrue," a velvety voice entered the room. "My door is quite intelligent as far as doors go." I felt his smirk. I didn't need to see it.
"I suppose you're going to tell me this is my fault?" My tone was a few octaves higher than any human voice should go.
"No, I figured that would be obvious," he sniped from across the room.
And then there was light.
The abrupt change caused my eyes to squint. He was at my side by the time I focused properly, standing directly over me with an odd look on his face.
"What's wrong?" I asked, concerned by his serious expression.
He glanced away a moment before turning back to me. "I just…why are you dressed that way?"
My brow furrowed. "Dressed what way?" I looked down and saw my dress…my whoop ass dress.
Did he like it?
He raked his fingers through his thick, bronze hair. "You look so…different." He kept glancing away from me and back again. It was totally unlike him to be so flustered.
"Well, it's not something I'd wear to work." I laughed. "Do you like it?" I had no idea why I cared.
Searing, green lasers roamed the entire length of my body, piercing my skin with their heat, such a powerful sensation feeling his eyes on me in that way.
His jaw tightened. "Not if you plan on going out with that ridiculous lunatic looking like that."
"Ty is not a lunatic." I folded my arms. "He's just a little eccentric…because of his immense talent."
He shot me a nasty glare. "You really need to raise your standards, Ms. Swan. It's pathetic how easily you're impressed." He scowled with disgust as he reached for something on the table beside me.
My brow rose. "Really, how high should I raise them Mr. Cullen?" I matched his glare. "Because I find it pathetic that you're only impressed with yourself."
The air around us thickened immediately, electrifying my senses with a staggering amount of tension. It was palpable. I was headed into dangerous waters, I knew that, but I just couldn't stop swimming.
The tyrant's upper lip curled. "Are you suggesting I lower my standards?" He placed his hand on my wounded knee.
Instantly my body shivered from the coldness of the ice he pressed against my sensitive skin. I bit down on my lip, a simple ice pack, yet it felt amazing.
"Yes," I uttered, softly.
He wasn't looking at my face. His eyes were tightly focused on my knee, but I nodded my head at him regardless.
"How low?" he was speaking to my legs.
I swallowed thickly. "Excuse me?" my voice was strained.
Dark eyes found mine. "How low should I go, Ms. Swan?" he seemed hesitant.
"Come with me," I blurted out, far louder than necessary, attempting to speak over my thunderous heartbeat.
"Come with you," his silky voice flowed smoothly.
I nodded my head slowly, this time he was watching.
"Yes, I want you to come with me." I couldn't fight off a grin. "To Tyler's show," I added hearing the eagerness in my voice, talk about pathetic.
Confusion filled his features. "Why on earth would I do such a thing?"
"You asked how low I wanted you to go. I'd like to start there. I'm sure it's way beneath your standards," which made it exactly where I wanted him to be. A large part of my job was helping him learn to unwind. Getting Edroar to Tyler's show would be an amazing first step.
A scowl swept across his face. "You can't be serious."
My hand covered his on my knee. I paused, my eyes on his intently. "I'm very serious," lifting his fingers I tossed the heavenly ice pack aside, "Unless…you're too afraid to go." I smirked.
Edroar smiled at my words. "Is that supposed to be a threat?" the melodic sound of his laughter surprised me. It was so pleasant, almost boyish. "A bit juvenile wouldn't you say?"
I shrugged. "Perhaps. Did it work?" My face broke into a wide grin.
"Definitely not," he said, firmly.
Unaffected by his words I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and jumped down. My knee was feeling well enough. I glanced at the clock, it was quarter after eleven.
Time to go.
I started for the door, glancing back at the Tyrant midway across the room.
"Come with me. I know you want to," my voice was light and playful.
He shook his head stubbornly. "No."
I sighed impatiently. "Maybe you should change into something more comfortable before we go. Do you even have something more comfortable?" A vision of him sleeping in his designer suit caused me to break into a fit of giggles.
He glared at me angrily. "Get out!"
I stomped over to him. "Why must you be so difficult?"
He moved in closer, a menacing look on his face. "Why must you be so impossible?"
We stood there glaring at each other for quite some time.
"I'm not impossible." I said breaking the silence. "As a matter of fact I'd be willing to compromise…if you are." I baited him.
"I'm listening." He continued glaring at me.
Of course I hadn't actually come up with a compromise before offering it, so I had to make one up as I went along.
"Well…if you don't like it there we can leave and do something you enjoy…like counting money or yelling at people." Honestly, I wasn't trying to be obnoxious, I just had no idea what appealed to the man.
He was amused by my offer. I could see it in his eyes.
I raised a finger in the air. "But, we can't leave until Tyler starts his show. That's the deal. Take it or leave it." My arms folded, affirming my statement.
"I'll leave it," he stated, bluntly. "I couldn't care less if that imbecile starts his show or not."
My throat let out a mangled growl. "You may not care…but I do. It's called a compromise for a reason. God, haven't you ever had to compromise with anyone before?" I yelled directly in his face.
Then I thought about it and realized he probably hadn't ever had to compromise with anyone in his life and no doubt liked it that way.
Why was I even trying to get through to such a person?
It was crazy. I was crazy.
He was silent as I stood there doubting my own sanity. Obviously I was wasting my time, that realization annoyed the living hell out of me.
"Oh forget it." I huffed. "I give up. Clearly, you're not capable of compromise." I threw my hands up in frustration as I stormed out of the room.
After leaving the Lion's lair I was so heated I plowed directly into poor Jenks as he quietly strolled the hall. It was a godsend really.
Lord knows I'd never find my way out of there on my own.
He offered to call Mr. Cullen's private chauffeur to escort me out for the night, but I politely declined. Limousines weren't my style.
As my boss pointed out…my standards were way lower than that.
I made it to the address Ty had given me with plenty of time to spare, thanks to the warp speed and erratic swerving ability of my insane taxi driver. Mentioning that I needed to get there quickly was definitely a mistake on my part.
After paying the crazy cabbie I glanced around at my surroundings. The street was lively, music and laughter floated in the air. Horns honking, people swearing, dogs barking, sirens blaring. Ah, New York…such a delicate flower.
The entrance to the place was covered in graffiti. I expected it to be a dive bar or perhaps an old, abandoned industrial space. It was neither. Seriously, it was like stepping back in time, way back in time…to the Victorian era.
The name of the place was The Box, and I could tell immediately that this particular box was filled with uninhibited mayhem.
A naked woman swung high above the bartenders' heads in a silver hoop. Naked ballerinas, naked aerialists and a naked man playing the violin entertained the crowd as they piled in through the inconspicuous little entrance.
Not that I was a prude, but damn there was a lot of naked going on around me. I could only imagine what Ty was going to add to the mix. The crowd was rowdy and a bit over friendly in my opinion, again, not a prude, but they were awfully touchy-feely with each other.
An orange tinted man in a powder blue tuxedo requested to see my ID. After handing him my driver's license I watched as he carefully examined it.
He smiled widely while handing it back to me. "Light of all that is good, I welcome you to The Box." His eyes had the same spaced out look as Ty's.
"Uh, thanks," I smiled back awkwardly.
Thankfully the flow of people pulled me away from the peculiar man at the door.
I headed straight to the bar for a much needed drink. It was almost midnight and suddenly the urge to ring my birthday in with a strong buzz seemed vital.
Damn it. I missed Jazz.
We always spent our birthdays together. He was right. I was alone in a strange place without a friend for hundreds of miles. Well there was Tyler, but he was always light years away so he didn't count. Just as I was about to order my drink a strange hand firmly cupped my…uh cooch. Instinctively my fist swung, hitting the cooch cupper square in the jaw.
He was the devil.
No, literally, the man was dressed as the devil. And not some cheap party store disposable costume either. The Satan standing before me was an elaborate detailed creation.
Lucifer rubbed his jaw. "Nice right hook, Legs." He winked flirtatiously.
"Fuck off, Perv," I snapped, hands on my hips.
Satan Laughed devilishly. "That's the plan sugar lips. I bet you like it rough, don't you?"
I smacked him across the face full force right before kneeing him in the groin. His steel covered groin.
Of course I used my bad knee and hit the floor seconds later.
The slew of heinous obscenities I shouted was drowned out by the chaotic crowd around me. Every time I tried standing up I was knocked back down by the oblivious party goers. Just as I was about to give up…an angel saved me.
Yes, literally, the chick was dressed as an angel. Equally elaborate was her costume. She wrapped me in her fluffy, white wings, shielding me from the rambunctious crowd while lifting me up from the floor.
"Thank you for helping me," I sputtered out gratefully.
Could the night get any weirder?
"It is my duty, Goddess." She replied, answering my unasked question.
Choosing to ignore her strange words, I held out my hand in greeting. "I'm Bella."
Her smile was radiant. "Yes, I know. We've been waiting for you. Come." She took my hand and guided me away from the bar.
As we walked past a cluster of red, velvet lined booths my view of center stage became clear. The Box must have been an old theater. Everything from the elaborate décor to the vintage wallpaper was remarkably restored.
"My savior!" a familiar voice yelled from behind me. "I knew you'd come." Tyler's arms were wide open.
I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself. "Goddesses don't miss such things. It's in our code." My face was serious, but my laughter rang out seconds later.
He nodded in agreement and then turned his attention to the angel beside me. "Eleanor, you've found my muse." His eyes lingered over to me, as did hers.
"You're description made it easy." Her face tightened. "Unfortunately, Walter got to her first."
His smile dropped. "Cock snot!" he yelled in aggravation. "I warned him to stay away from her until after the show."
"Wait…you know that pervert?" I snapped at them, fully disgusted.
Ty nodded. "Yeah, he's a fucking animal, but Boo Boo won't perform without him."
"Boo Boo?" I asked, while noticing the lights dimming slightly.
"Yes, Boo Boo Pussycat." Eleanor said as though that should explain it all.
"What is that?" My voice lowered as the crowd hushed the moment the blue tuxedo man took to the stage.
Tyler glanced at his watch. "You'll find out very soon." He grabbed a half naked waitress as she walked by. "Irina, this is my muse." His hands cupped my face. "Give her anything she desires."
The stunning blonde smirked at his words. "Of course," her eyes landed on me. "What do you desire, Muse?" Her thick Russian accent made the word sound more like mouse, or at least I thought it was from the accent.
"Alabama Slammer please," I said without thinking, probably unwise, but it was my favorite party drink.
The room filled with a zesty upbeat melody. A full orchestra had somehow snuck in, their sound was unmistakable. Eleanor grabbed my hand, pulling me into a booth to the left of the bar. The orange faced man, still at center stage, danced around to the infectious beat.
When the music softened he clapped his hands exuberantly to which the crowd quickly followed. My drink arrived moments later and I found myself eagerly pouring it down my throat.
Eleanor softly chuckled at my side. "Somebody's thirsty," she noted with a sweet smile.
"Not really," I smiled back. "Just looking for a buzz." It was the truth.
Even though my best friend was far far away I still felt compelled to ring in my personal new year feeling a bit tipsy…alright a lot tipsy.
If you're gonna do it do it right.
Irina was quite the attentive waitress, my glass was never empty. She even brought over a plate of cookies for us to snack on. As the liquor overtook my senses so did the acts on the stage. They were all erotic in nature, an artistically opulent den of sin.
Eleanor watched over me protectively, which I teased her about relentlessly. Tyler had disappeared, most likely getting ready for his performance. Glancing down at the cookies on the table I noticed they were also erotic in nature. I snickered at the assortment of naughty little shapes.
As I munched away on a perfectly formed penis, tuxedo man took to the stage once again.
His arms waved around theatrically. "And now…my greedy little minions" he announced into the microphone. "I present to you a collaboration conceived in heaven, but born in hell."
The crowd immediately went wild, and for an already rambunctious group of people that was saying a lot.
A spicy jazz number swirled through the air as a beautiful woman was lowered to the stage on a giant sea anchor. It took a few seconds for me to recognize the song.
It was one of Ty's favorites.
I turned to ask Eleanor if this was Tyler's performance, but she was gone. At that precise moment a heavenly sound filled the theater. Eleanor was on stage singing…and she had the voice of an angel.
The beautiful woman hopped off the anchor with finesse. The crowd began chanting 'Boo Boo!" She smiled seductively and blew them a kiss.
She moved like a siren.
Intoxicated by the bewitching energy she gave off…and the generous amount of alcohol I consumed, I found myself floating closer. There was a crowd of people that had gathered at the foot of the stage to worship her, they welcomed me in. It felt lovely.
We swayed in unison, so free, and uninhibited. If only I could bottle that feeling. I never wanted it to end. My eyes wandered the room slowly, oh it was so out of control, on some level I saw that, yet I couldn't stop myself from dancing and laughing, I was giggling like a child.
Then I felt it.
His eyes, they were on me…that much I was sure of. There was no other feeling like it.
I broke away from the human cocoon I was embedded in and drifted around aimlessly searching through countless faces until I spotted him. Even in a darkened theater his emerald green eyes blazed brightly, strongly declaring his presence.
He stood at the bar watching me intently.
Seconds later I was standing before him. "You're here." I stated in awe, staring up at him as though he might vanish at any moment.
"That makes one of us." He noted dryly. "How much have you had to drink?" He wasn't happy. He was never happy.
"It's my birthday," I retorted. "I'm celebrating."
"I can see that," he glared, disapprovingly. "Ms. Swan, I-"
My finger landed on his lips, effectively silencing him. Slowly I shook my head from side to side.
"Did you come all this way to scold me?" Knowing him he probably did.
He scowled irritably. "No, but now that I'm here it's unavoidable."
"So why are you here?" Truthfully, I was confused by how delighted I was to see him.
His jaw tightened. "You said I was incapable of compromise." He huffed at my gall. "That is untrue."
"Oh, yeah." My smirk was fiendish. "Prove it."
"I'm here aren't I?" He glanced around impatiently, thoroughly repulsed by his surroundings.
"You are." I agreed. It was a huge first step and I didn't' want to argue with him. "Come have a drink with me and if you don't want to stay we can go, alright?" my smile was sincere.
He contemplated my offer a moment before reluctantly nodding his head. Since the crowd was so thick I grabbed hold of his hand as I led him over to my booth.
Just as we sat down Irina appeared. "Welcome to The Box," her eyes devoured the Lion shamelessly. "What do you desire tonight, Handsome?"
"Scotch on the rocks." Edroar replied curtly, barely glancing her way.
"I'll have another Slammer," I called out as she walked away. "Thanks for asking," I added obnoxiously.
The Tyrant stood out like a sore thumb as he sat there with his perfectly tailored suit, angry eyes and ruffled bronze hair. I picked up a cookie from the plate and held it up to his pursed lips.
He looked down at the treat and then his eyes grabbed mine.
"Take a bite." I ordered and to my surprise he complied.
The cookie was a remarkable mini replica of a female breast, with a bright red cherry at the center. I held his penetrating stare as he bit down into the flesh colored pastry.
He liked it. I saw a spark of pleasure cross his features as he swallowed the first bite. I was so mesmerized by this that I hadn't even noticed Irina standing beside me with our drinks on a tray.
"Tasty titties, yes?" she asked suggestively.
He swallowed the rest of the cookie whole, entrancing both me and the damn waitress.
"Delicious." He licked the tips of his fingers.
"Mmm, a breast man," her smile was flirtatious. "There's plenty more where that came from." She placed down a fresh plate of goodies before walking away.
After grabbing myself a chocolate covered penis I focused my eyes on the stage. Tyler was up there with that Pussycat chick and the perverted devil.
Honestly, the woman was sex in heels, just pure sensuality. While I was busy with the Tyrant, Boo Boo had stripped down from her slinky sailor uniform into a retro, one piece nautical bustier.
Like a provocative panther she slinked across the stage using the boys as her willing prey.
Tyler's bright blue hair immediately caught my attention as did the matching electric blue harp he was masterfully playing. Say what you will, but the boy had talent.
His tan pants and aqua blue shirt gave him a serene look. However, it was Satan's hulking black wings that were the most striking of all. Though it killed me to admit it, he was a gifted dancer.
I tried to make sense of the performance, I really did, but I was totally baffled. Then it hit me, the song Eleanor was singing, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, it was right there in front of me.
Literally.
Boo Boo was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea…also known as Walter the fucking animal and Tyler the spaced out Smurf. Just as I made that realization Ms. Pussycat pulled off her bustier revealing a pair of shimmering, sea blue nipple pasties with tiny anchor tassels.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph did that girl know how to toss her tassels.
Leave it to Ty to turn a whimsical jazz song into a peculiar burlesque performance. Based on the crowd's reaction it was a smashing success. That made me smile for him.
I felt so warm and well a bit sappy…which was totally unlike me. Slowly my gaze moved to the Lion sitting by my side. He was munching away on a boob cookie, eyes glued to the stage.
Oh yeah…definitely a breast man.
I snickered to myself. The irony that I actually fed him a cookie was not lost on me, although I would've never guessed it needed to be a freaking tit.
He turned to me with one brow lifted inquisitively. "Is something funny?"
"You," I held back a laugh.
"Me?" Confusion touched his features. He was holding a half eaten boob in his hand. Was he for real? Who wouldn't find that funny?
Laughter shot out of my mouth at an obnoxiously loud decibel.
Tears blotted my cheeks. "You like eating boobs." I snorted in his face. Good Lord, it was even funnier out loud.
Instantly, his eyes dropped down to my hands, which to my surprise each held a half eaten penis pastry. I should have been mortified by that, but it just made me laugh harder.
He moved in a little closer to me. "Do you need me to say it?" His smirk was downright scandalous.
My hips slid in closer to his. "Say what…" a grin erupted on my face, "that I like stuffing my mouth with sweet tasting-"
"Goddess!" Ty's deep voice interrupted me as he stood there beaming brightly.
Eleanor stood to his left, smiling her sweet smile, while Satan lurked to his right looking utterly demonic.
Like a true sex kitten Boo Boo abruptly pounced between her boys.
"You were amazing!" I shouted out to them from across the table.
"Everyone, this is my Muse, my Goddess, my savior." Ty pointed at me with pride.
My eyes rolled. "Oh please, I didn't' do anything but show up." I chuckled at his ridiculousness.
"That's all that was needed." Eleanor said kindly. "Sometimes a person's mere presence sparks deliverance." Oddly enough her eyes landed on Edroar.
"So true, Ellie," Boo Boo nodded. "A girl could go blind from all the sparks flying around our pretty little muse," as she spoke her perfect bow lips were impossible not to stare at.
"Thank you," I said feeling a bit awkward by the unwarranted praise. "It's my pleasure to be here."
"We have yet to meet your friend," Eleanor said sweetly, pointing out my rudeness.
"Oh, right. I'm sorry. This is Edward Cullen." I flailed my hands at him as though he were some sort of a museum exhibit.
He stiffened before giving a slight head nod to no one in particular. He came off as uninterested and aloof, which he probably was.
Yet something about his starchy demeanor made me wonder if perhaps he was uncomfortable in social situations and not just a snobby Fat Cat as I had originally thought.
"Tonight we celebrate the birth of my light source!" Tyler shouted out with conviction.
I hadn't a clue what he meant by that, but it seemed to rile up our group so I smiled along brightly.
Boo Boo looked from side to side. "I'd like to celebrate the birth of my drink source. Where the hell is the waitress?"
And just like that Irina appeared with a tray full of drinks…and just like that she re-appeared quite frequently thereafter.
To my surprise Edroar loosened up a bit as the night progressed. He had yet to actually speak to anyone other than me, but he hadn't requested we leave so I took that as a good thing.
The Tyrant actually seemed dare I say more laid back, almost relaxed, for him anyway. I kept stealing glances his way. He devoured nearly an entire plate of cookies, leaving only the penises behind, which I quickly polished off for him.
I hadn't eaten since lunch and was totally famished. Then I remembered Edroar didn't eat his lunch. Based on the way he was chowing down on the cookies it was a safe bet he hadn't eaten a thing all day.
A cheesy smile was soon plastered to my face and I felt a strong urge to hug everyone I saw, which was really strange because alcohol never made me warm and fuzzy like that.
New York liquor was no joke.
I looked at the Lion sitting beside me. He hadn't even finished his first drink, yet he seemed just as intoxicated as I was. His eyes were glassy and bloodshot, although it could have been from fatigue. It was very late.
Deeper into the night the mood of The Box became salacious. Discarded clothing was scattered all about. Boo Boo actually seemed a tad overdressed in her nautical pasties and g-string.
Random men bowed at her feet in adoration as she playfully swung her tassels. Oh yes, there was definitely power to sex appeal. Boo Boo was a masterful seductress and I among many was in awe of her.
"Man, there are a lot of ugly old bags here tonight." Walter noted as his eyes swept the room. "Look at that one," he pointed to a silver haired woman dancing freely on a table top. "Her tits are hanging lower than my cock," he laughed wickedly.
Eleanor glared at him. "There is beauty in every human being. The fact that you refuse to see it is the true essence of ugliness." She huffed, her pretty round face burning bright red.
"Bella has beautiful tits," Tyler stated casually, as though he were talking about my eyes.
"I bet she does," Walter smirked. "Whip those lovelies out for us, Legs." Walter hedged.
"She will do no such thing," growled the voice of the Lion. He lunged before I could even blink. His furious eyes stared the devil down.
"Oh, so he speaks," Walter said tauntingly. "I thought you were mute."
"Hardly," Edroar spat out, "I just refrain from speaking to primitive barbarians."
"Hell yeah I'm primitive," Walter grinned maliciously. "Just like you. I've got two basic needs, eating and fucking. Any man that says differently is a god damn liar."
Edroar's eyes became frighteningly dark. "Your vile existence is not comparable to civilized mankind in any manner."
He looked murderous. I'd never seen him so angry before and that was saying a lot. I thought I was pretty good at ruffling his fur, but apparently I was no match for the devil.
Boo Boo frowned at Satan. "Walter, apologize to Bella and her friend for being so disrespectful."
"Fuck no!" he yelled. "He called me uncivilized." Walter balked.
"You ARE uncivilized!" Eleanor, Ty and Boo Boo shouted at him in unison.
"Then why the fuck would I apologize?" he yelled back angrily. "That's not something uncivilized people do." His fists slammed down on the table before he stormed away.
Boo Boo rolled her eyes. "He's such a bad boy." She shook her head causing her shiny black hair to sway from side to side. "Please don't allow him to spoil your fun."
"Let us drink to the birth of our Goddess," Tyler announced exuberantly as he waved Irina over.
There were more drinks…and more cookies. I couldn't stop eating the little buggers, well penises to be exact. I left the boobs for my mammary gobbling boss.
Not long after that I began losing track of time.
My memory became a bit foggy, though I do recall giggling…a lot. It was as though I were watching a movie. Images flickered before my eyes and then disappeared in an instant.
Tyler playing his harp while I sang along with Eleanor, as Boo Boo danced seductively on our table for the crowd that had formed a large circle around us.
Edroar smiling and laughing at words I whispered in his ear. Good Lord, what was I saying to him? I floated in and out of reality for quite some time before finally gaining some control over my senses.
"I want to save you with my boobs," I whispered the words into the Lion's ear as though it were a secret.
He laughed and shook his head. "Save me. From what?" his smile was dazzling, it filled me with warmth.
"From yourself," I said sadly.
"With your boobs?" he looked confused, which I didn't understand. It made perfect sense to me.
"Yes, just like on the Brady Bunch," I explained as though it should have been obvious.
The Tyrant looked even more perplexed by that bit of information.
He closed his eyes briefly and then reopened them. "I've never seen that show, but it sounds fascinating." His gaze kept drifting away from me and up to the ceiling.
"It is fascinating." I agreed.
Hazy green irises found mine. "You're fascinating," he spoke so quietly I barely heard him.
"I thought I was pathetic?" Oh how I loved teasing the man.
He contemplated briefly and nodded. "Yes, your standards are beyond pathetic," his words were a bit slurred.
I smirked. "Well, now that you're here with me so are yours."
He ran both hands through his unruly mess of hair while slowly exhaling a deep breath. "I shouldn't be here."
I rolled my eyes at him. "Don't worry, slumming it for one night isn't going to defile your precious upper class breeding."
He snorted resentfully. "There was nothing precious about my breeding." His lips moved in closer to mine with each word he spoke.
Warm cookie breath swept across my face, I inhaled the sweet scent. He was so close to me, our lips practically touching. The sound of our heavy breathing filled my ears.
My eyes ran over his face inquisitively.
His cheeks were bright pink. Lashes that looked like black lace framed the exotic shape of his torment filled eyes. A battle was raging in them and I wanted to know why.
Smoothly his tongue ran across his bottom lip, causing it to glisten. "Tell your boobs I'm not worthy." It was a firm statement.
I lifted my hand up to his face. "It's alright. You don't have to be a Brady." I said with sincerity. "Just show me your flashbacks so I can get you off the island."
His brow furrowed in confusion, which caused mine to do the same. What didn't he understand? How much clearer could I possibly be?
My fingertips softly brushed along the length of his jaw. His skin was on fire. He was burning up.
The Lion's eyelids became very heavy. He was struggling hard to keep them open. His mossy green gaze was completely spaced out…just like Tyler and the Orange man. It was worse actually and that fact scared the living hell out of me.
"I don't feel good," his words were so garbled I could barely make them out.
Edroar's head swiftly dropped onto my bosom. He was mumbling incoherently, though I did hear the word beautiful quite clearly.
Oddly enough he was talking to my breasts.
I glanced down at his half empty glass of scotch. How did he get so wasted? My mind was a bit fuzzy but I didn't recall him drinking very much at all. I looked down at the cookie crumbs scattered all over our table.
Why couldn't I focus? Damn that crazy New York liquor.
That shit was potent.
My eyes searched through the darkened room for a familiar face. Good Lord, the atmosphere at The Box had gone from wild to perverse.
Tyler was eagerly licking Boo Boo's bare feet, which were perched on top of the bar like a meal for him. She sat on a stool holding a bright red leash in her hands. I followed it to the floor and found a very disgruntled looking Walter sitting on all fours, like a dog. He really was a fucking animal.
Quietly I called upon the holy family not knowing what else to do.
The next thing I knew Eleanor was at my side. "Oh dear, is everything alright?" she sounded paralyzed with worry.
"No, not really," my eyes squinted as I tried focusing on her white form.
Edroar was still mumbling into my boobs, talking to them in some unknown language.
"We're not used to New York liquor," I slurred profusely.
My words weren't coming out right at all and my damn eyelids were closing without my consent. I struggled hard to keep them open but it was a losing battle.
Eleanor cleared her throat nervously. "I think perhaps it was the space cakes that you're not used to my Goddess."
Her sweet voice was the last thing I heard before blacking out.
A/N: Uh oh…Lion down! Up next: More from New York. Can Bella's boobs save Edroar? How low should that Tyrant go? How low will Jenks go before he needs a chiropractor?
Huge Love to DiamondHeart78 and the Boubie Network for an amazing Edroar review. You've spoiled that Lion with praise and he LOVES it!
Fun Fact: The Box is real. I found it while researching this chapter and now my hubby is planning to go there (link on profile). Looks like a mighty good time. Just please…beware of Russian waitresses baring naughty treats.
Funnier fact: Boo Boo Pussycat is created in honor of my beloved beta Happymess…and uh, Walter and Eleanor in honor of the two puppies she cares for.
Warm Hugs to the sweet goddess that voted this crazy fic for a Giggle Snort award. How freaking awesome is that? Edroar didn't win, but I was so excited to be nom'd. Thanks so much. You guys ROCK!
Slurpy Kisses to AgoodWITCH for inspiring me with her heartwarming tale of being cooch cupped. She's an incredibly talented writer so please check out her fics. Her Edwards are seriously swoon worthy.
That's all for now folks. Let me know what you think…it fascinates me.