Chapter 67

After sifting through nearly everything she had with her, Tahlia finally went with an off the shoulder short-sleeved amber top. It had three pieces of material going across the chest area, but still left plenty to the imagination and shimmered. Not knowing what he had planned, she opted for dark blue jeans instead of shorts. Texas nights were surprisingly chilly since the heat was all dry, no humidity. Sighing, she brushed her hair out and then blow-dried it, styling it the best she could. There really was nothing to do with it since it was cut so short. Some foundation, black liner and gloss made up the makeup before she slipped on a pair of black knee-high boots that zipped up the side. Giving herself one more glance in the mirror, Tahlia was satisfied with her appearance and walked out into the kitchen, smiling at the sight of Gunner.

"Wow…Tahlia, you look…"

"Weird, I know." She winked at Gunner when he turned around to survey her and grabbed a bottled water out of the fridge.

Taker had brushed his hair and pulled it back at the sides, trimmed and shaved a bit, including downstairs because nobody wanted to floss their teeth on pubes. Some cologne, deodorant and then he actually had to pick out something to wear. Black was his go-to color and worked for everything, but… tonight he went with a pair of new dark blue jeans that fit him like a second skin and a green, long sleeved button up shirt. The shade matched his eyes perfectly and he smirked at himself as he rolled up the sleeves just a little. He cleaned up quite nicely. A silver watch was added and some black dress shoes along with a silver chain around his neck.

"Oh my…" Amanda whispered when Mark walked into the kitchen, noting his eyes were firmly fastened on Tahlia's backside as she got her drink. He did clean up good… too big for her tastes and she didn't dig long hair, but… he was a handsome one.

"Dad?"

Tahlia turned around while sucking some water down and felt her amber eyes nearly shoot out of their sockets at the site of Taker. She swallowed down the gulp of water harshly, surprised she hadn't spit it out and set the water on the counter. He did more than clean up nice…he looked stunning and the green really brought out his eyes. Those sleeves rolled up and the few buttons undone on top set her blood on fire. Tahlia didn't want to go out anymore, she just wanted to stay in with him in bed naked. His son was in the room along with other people, so Tahlia quickly shook herself mentally and smiled, walking toward him.

"I don't have words. Handsome does not do you justice." It really didn't.

"You look mighty gorgeous, Mark." Amanda had plenty of words and nudged at Tahlia with her hip, passing over a towel. "You got some on your lips, honey." She staged whispered.

He might've had the same reaction if he had been drinking something. As it was, his eyes were raking over Tahlia appreciatively, a slow smile spreading across his lips. "You are beautiful."

Gunner mimed gagging behind his textbook, though he was smiling.

"What exactly are we doing tonight? I didn't know how to dress, but judging by how you look, I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say it's some place fancy, or at least semi-casual."

Were jeans allowed? Tahlia smiled at Amanda, silently thanking her and set the towel on the counter after dabbing her mouth with it. She smirked at Gunner, shaking her head and walked over to ruffle his hand, kissing the top of his head.

"None of that now. You'll be head over heels for girls in no time, baby boy."

"UGH, heck no I won't!"

"Just wait, before you know it you'll be asked to your first dance and then…"

"Middle school dances…Prom…" Amanda became emotional, dabbing her eyes with a tissue. "Sorry, just can't believe how big he's getting."

"Enough, stop fawnin' over me and go on your date already." He grumbled good-naturedly, going back to doing his homework.

Taker ruffled Gunner's hair, smirking. "Just think, one day, little Suzie is going to be trying to kiss you." When Gunner's ears turned bright red and his head bent further down, his eyes widened. "Oh really now? Did she?"

"Go away, Dad."

"Come on darlin'," Laughing, he looped an arm around Tahlia and guided her out. "You're fine the way you are. You're beautiful." He'd have to keep other men from her, that was for damn sure.

"Not as beautiful as you."

Tahlia felt his arm tighten around her waist a little more and she snuggled against his side. They were taking the truck – how interesting. She would've guessed Taker would want to take the motorcycle on a date, but then again he wasn't exactly dressed for riding. He helped her up into the truck and Tahlia buckled herself in, admiring him for a minute while he adjusted himself behind the wheel. Instantaneously, his hand found hers and their fingers laced together, making a soft smile curve her glossy lips. A minute later, Taker drove away from the ranch and they were on their way for a night out completely alone.

Dinner and a movie was cliché. He preferred dinner and a show. So, he decided to take her to a cabaret, one that specialized in… darkness. He knew Tahlia had, like him, been stifling that side of her. If she was anything like him, and she was his female counterpart, she would definitely appreciate this. There would be fine dining, wine, and live entertainment of a decidedly macabre theme. And then, well… he knew a little spot overlooking a lake, and he had a mattress and cooler in the back of his truck.

"You look ravishing, darlin'." He rumbled, bringing her hand over and bending down to kiss the top of it, his eyes never leaving the road.

And ravish her he would.

Amber eyes glittered back at him in the darkness of the truck, the sun having gone down just a bit ago. The sky was painted all different colors, but now nightfall had arrived, her favorite time of the day. "You do too." All she wanted to do was ravish him, not caring where he was taking her or what they did because, at the end of the night, they both would be naked and tearing into each other. "You look stunning, actually." She voiced her earlier thoughts and gave his body a slow onceover, drinking every bit of him in.

"Yeah I know." He teased, catching her hand when she went to smack him, squeezing gently. "Thank you."

Taker rarely got compliments these days, probably because he was rarely out in actual public anymore. He had retired his… nightlife, so to speak, a long time ago. Her fault. He pulled up once they were in the city, at the theater and stepped out, passing off his keys to the valet. Walking around, Taker helped Tahlia down and linked her arm in his, like the gentleman he could be. He stared down at her, watching as her eyes took in the old, gothic building and the marquee.

"Ready?"

Loving the gothic architecture and dark feel it had, her smile widened as Taker guided her inside. The room was lit by candlelight and very dim fixtures on the wall. They were seated in one of the balconies for privacy at a small table. Looking down, there was a huge black velvet curtain drawn closed and Tahlia looked back at Taker, who looked rather smug. What was this? Where were they?

"This place is incredible." She murmured while Taker took care of their orders, too engrossed with the scenery around her to notice. Even the tables were decked out in black velvet, giving it a gothic feel. "I had no idea Houston had a place like this."

"There's a lot in Houston people don't seem to know about… mind you, most people tend to avoid, or overlook the strange and unusual." They, to quote Beetlejuice, were strange and unusual. If she had explored the city, she would have found it on her own. "I'd imagine New York has places like this as well." When a waiter appeared, he ordered wine for the both of them, waving a hand to dismiss the man. He tapped her menu. "You'll love the food."

Tahlia had taken him to that place when they had been in New York and that had been to die for. This was him showing off his own little slice of hell. His eyes drifted to the stage, hearing music, knowing whatever show was up next would be starting soon and then she'd really be in for a treat.

Maybe Houston wasn't as bad as she thought, especially if it had places like this to attend for entertainment. "I'm definitely going to explore the city better now."

Opening her menu, after studying the different designs on the walls a few minutes longer, Tahlia turned her attention to what they had food wise. It was all gothic themed, there was even an entrée with a severed head and brains were some kind of dipping sauce. This was strange and, yet, she loved every bit of it. Finally, she settled on the filet mignon, as rare as they could get it, with a baked potato and steamed vegetables. After the waiter took their order and poured them both a glass of blood red wine, Tahlia and Taker toasted to new beginnings before taking the first sip.

"Wow, I wonder what flavor that is." This was a slice of heaven, in her eyes.

He ordered the same, though he informed them he wanted his blue. At her look, he grinned. "Blue is when they sear the outside quick as hell, but the inside is… basically raw. A lot of places want you to sign a waiver for it, just in case, but I haven't gotten food poisoning from this place yet." Taker gestured for the man's ear, also ordering her a special dessert. "The wine? You like it?" Because they also sold it by the bottle to take home; he made a mental note to grab one or two on their way out.

Blinking at his explanation of the steak, Tahlia hoped he didn't get food poisoning. That would completely ruin their amazing evening. She trusted him though, always had and her devotion to him hadn't faltered. Her broken shoulder blade was proof of that. Tahlia was willing to put herself at risk, in harm's way, to protect this man and it wouldn't change once they were back to work.

"Love it."

This was officially her new favorite wine, though Tahlia wasn't a big wine drinker to begin with. Hell, with this miraculous flavor, she damn sure could turn into one. When the curtains opened and a violinist began to play, Tahlia felt a shiver rush down her spine. She'd always loved the haunting sound of a violin.

String instruments were par for the course, along with the brass for when emphasis was needed. Taker pulled back when their food was brought out, smiling at the presentation. Simple. Effective. Just a hint of their theme. He had forgotten how much he enjoyed this place and looked at Tahlia across the table. If there was anyone he would want to share this with, it was her. Tahlia was the only woman he could think of that would appreciate something like this, take it for what it was and not be turned off by it. She was one of a kind.

While the violin played along with the rest of the orchestra, dancers dressed as what looked like mummies took the stage, the lighting flashing repeatedly down on them. Since they were facing the stage, they could eat dinner and watch the show at the same time. This was absolutely perfect. Tahlia had never seen a show like this in her life. She sipped her wine while eating, stealing glances at Taker every now and then to see him thoroughly enjoying the entertainment. After the dancers were finished, then came the acrobats, again in gothic attire, the stage billowing with smoke. Some of things these people did made her heart leap in her throat because one mistake could've ended their life. It was enthralling to watch, captivating and mesmerizing. Fire spitting, sword swallowing, blood and 'injuries' eventually started occurring as the hour grew late and the actual customers continued coming in. The mild stuff was for the tourists, the thrill seekers that would come in for a quick meal and a show and be content with child's play and call it a night.

"Watch." He pointed, draping an arm over her neck gently. "Death, right? That usually means everything is about to pick up." She was loving this; her cheeks were flushed and he was smiling.

Tahlia was breathless, hearing a shrill scream echo around the room, which was through the speakers, as Death came on the stage to perform. Following him were what looked like servants coated in blood, the entertainment taking a very dark twisted turn. How could Taker be two completely different men? The loving, supportive family man and then her dark Lord? She still thought of him as that, it would never change no matter how far their relationship progressed this time around. His arm snaked around her waist to pull her closer to him as they both watched the show and her hand slid up his pant covered leg to squeeze his thigh, amber eyes never once turning away from the spectacle.

Quietly, as not to disturb anyone who might overhear them, even in their private box, Taker began explaining what was being said to her. It was in Latin. Of course, the actions with the words did a fine job of explaining the scene, but… some of the finer nuances were definitely lost in translation. He had caught her speculative stares, ignoring them, figuring whatever was on her mind she'd bring up sooner or later or he'd just wheedle them out of her later in the night.

"Show is almost done." He whispered in her ear, an hour or so later.

Latin…the 'tongue' language he used in the Ministry had been used in the show. It fascinated her and she wondered where Taker had learned it. He was very intelligent; people thought wrestlers didn't have brains, but this man certainly did. He never ceased to amaze her with his wit, intellect and listened to every word he translated to her. She nodded at him, letting him know she understood and heard everything, her eyes never leaving the stage. As much as she wanted to stare in Taker's eyes, the show had her captivated and drawn her in. With a spectacular and gruesome ending, the show was over as they stood up to applaud the performers, the entire room filled to capacity.

He wasn't about to try fighting other people to leave, figuring they'd sit and wait while it cleared out a bit. To that end… Taker pushed his chair back and reached out for Tahlia, pulling her onto his lap. Sadly, she had to sit sideways due to the arms on the chair. Taker wrapped his arms around her and bent down, claiming her lips with his. She tasted like the wine and he doubly promised himself they were getting a few bottles before they left. He could get drunk on her lips. The feeling was mutual. Tahlia caressed his face and neck, also tasting the wine along with him, becoming instantly intoxicated. She moaned softly, melting against him and only broke the kiss when she needed air to breathe. As far as she was concerned, Taker was the air she breathed and she'd been slowly dying for the past year without his touch, kisses, everything.

"Thank you for bringing me here tonight." She murmured, sliding her tongue out to wet her slightly swollen lips and wiped the gloss from his with the pad of her thumb.

"You are very welcome."

He had already known from the get-go that she would appreciate this spectacle, but it was always nice to be vindicated. Taker looked over the balcony and nodded, standing her up on her feet before rising out of the chair, sighing. It was almost like rising out of his custom-made throne from his Ministry days, that feeling… he felt something surging in him. Shaking it off for now, he threaded his fingers with Tahlia's and led the way out. He did stop to purchase two bottles of that wine, not surprised at all by the expensive price tag. Anything that delicious was not cheap. Then he spotted the absinthe and purchased a bottle of that as well, eyeing it thoughtfully before smirking down at her.

"Ever try this before?" He gestured for a box of sugar cubes to go with it.

"No, I haven't. Is it good?"

At his evil grin, Tahlia had her answer and figured it couldn't hurt to try something new. She trusted Taker explicitly, he would never steer her wrong. Though she was ecstatic he'd purchased two bottles of that delicious blood red wine, still tasting it on her tongue. They walked out of the theater as the Silverado pulled up and both got in before driving away. Taker had put the alcohol in the backseat on the floorboard, just in case they were pulled over by the police for whatever reason. A lot of people would've had nightmares for weeks from the show they'd just watched, but not them. If anything, that show had enticed Tahlia and made her blood boil, her body surge with new life and invigoration.