Chapter 47 – That's Going to Be Painful
"Thanks, Abby," I murmured as she efficiently dried me off with one of the hotel's white fluffy towels, and wrapped another into a tight turban around my hair. I looked at her inquisitively. "Do you know where we are going? Have you been there before?"
"No, I haven't been to this rave before. Come. Let's get you dressed."
I followed her out of the bathroom and over to the closet. My eyes flickered to the sitting area to find Myrnin. He was reclined casually, but the intensity of his gaze as it traveled up and down my body; let me know he was anything but relaxed. Gothic-looking black jeans, accessorized with chains, hugged his hips. The only other thing he had on was a pair of black military boots. His chest was bare.
I inhaled sharply, enthralled by the seductive danger pooling in his eyes. My hand twitched. I ached to run my fingertips along the familiar chiseled planes of his chest, knowing how his muscles would respond to each and every one of my touches.
The corners of his mouth turned up in a slow knowing smile. His eyes glittered wickedly. The night of our first kiss, he had whispered in my ear that he could tell when I was wet for him – he knew it then and he knew it now.
Abigail broke me from my trance when she tsk'd at Myrnin, "Stop distracting her like that." She pulled my attention back to her, and extracted a garment bag. She caught my eyes and smiled expectantly as she unzipped the bag, whispering, "What do you think?"
I gasped softly. Wow. She wasn't kidding. The base of the outfit was comprised of a black bra and teeny tiny black boy shorts. The outfit was embellished with embroidered swirls, beaded trim and flowers in gorgeous hues of green, blue and purple. It was adorned with three butterflies, which seem to hover as if in-flight, while sparkling jewels peeked out from the inside of each flower. Sheer purple fabric hung delicately from each hip.
"I know, right?" Abby smirked at my expression of wonder. She handed me the bottoms and instructed, "Go ahead."
I gingerly stepped into the shorts, and then slid my arms through the straps on the bra. Abby moved to my back to clasp it shut. I slipped my feet into my own pair of coordinating fur boots, to complete the look.
A quiet knock on the door caught my attention. Myrnin crossed the room and checked the peephole, before opening the door. Two women bustled in, carrying various containers of supplies. Without hesitation, they made their way over to the desk and briskly began to unpack a flurry of items.
Abigail took my arm and led me toward them, murmuring a quick explanation, "Hair and makeup." I nodded and settled into the chair. Abby and I chatted while I stared at the large mirror on the wall over the desk.
An hour later, the ladies were done and packed up just as quickly as they had unpacked. "Gorgeous," Abby grinned at me. I smiled back at her, incredibly grateful to have another female around, in the midst of this sea of testosterone.
Just as the two ladies took their leave, Trystan appeared at the door. He looked at me appreciatively, but his gaze turned positively smoldering when he took in Abigail. It was obvious he hadn't seen her in the outfit before now. I couldn't help teasing her, "I think he likes what he sees."
"He does," Trystan confirmed huskily.
Abigail practically glowed in pleasure.
Trystan reluctantly released her from his gaze, and turned toward me again. His spoke warmly, "Thank you for being so gentle with her."
"Of course," I responded with an easy smile.
His eyes glittered mischievously as he continued, "And she was quite fond of the extra 'treat' this morning."
Abby blushed and smacked him on the arm. "Try!"
Myrnin chuckled.
I laughed, "Anytime."
Trystan grabbed her around the waist, and held her tight to his chest as he got back to business. "The vehicles are here. Are you ready to go?"
Myrnin nodded affirmatively and took my hand.
….
I sat in the back with Abby, while Trystan drove. Myrnin lightly tapped on a laptop in the front passenger seat. We wound through the streets in the dark, heading toward a large warehouse in the downtown district.
I murmured quietly, knowing Myrnin would hear me, "Any communication from Gwion?" He shook his head mutely; a muscle in his jaw flexed. A surprising amount of anxiety rolled through my belly, when I considered Gwion might be hurt or in danger – or worse. The feeling confused me. One minute, I wanted to strangle the man and then the next, I worried for his safety.
We rode in silence for another twenty minutes, before Trystan navigated the vehicle into a tall parking garage. He found an available parking spot on the seventh level. A short elevator ride later and we found ourselves standing on the street, staring up at a massive warehouse. It was completely featureless. No signs. Nothing to indicate we were even in the right location. But I knew we were. Because even though the music was muted – I suspected with soundproof walls – I could feel the loud bass reverberate through my chest.
The bland exterior gave away none of the unique world contained inside. The initial doors led us into a nondescript foyer. A second set of doors revealed yet another foyer, but this one was fully decorated with murals on the walls, depicting fantasy steampunk worlds. I was mesmerized by their beauty. Two giant doors waited for us in the middle.
We made our way through the crowd of people. As we emerged through the majestic doors, into the belly of the building, my mouth dropped open. Giant sculptural trees, flowers and mushrooms reached twenty feet into the air. The landscape was a stunning mix of dark inspiration and whimsy. It looked like we just stepped into a very Tim Burton-ish Alice in Wonderland movie.
Abigail breathed, "Holy shit!"
She echoed my thoughts exactly. The onslaught to my senses was a bit overwhelming. Myrnin tightened his grip around my waist, and led the way to an available spot on the dance floor. I noticed only Trystan and Abigail stayed with us. The rest of the vampires discreetly disappeared. I knew they were searching for the club's owner Ashton Milan.
Myrnin wrapped his body around mine, as the music beat out a pulsating sexual rhythm. Instantly the rest of the world lost focus. The only thing I could see was the black of Myrnin's pupils as they dilated completely. My fingertips traveled over his bare chest, reveling in his strength and power. He truly was stunning.
From the corner of my eye, I could see Abby nestled in Trystan's arms. She thrummed with excitement in the back of her throat. The sound was drowned out by the music, but I could still hear her with my heightened vampire senses.
Minutes went by. Or maybe it was days. Time was difficult to keep track of with Myrnin so close. Suddenly, Trystan murmured, "South wall." He wasn't looking in our direction, but I knew he was speaking to Myrnin. Myrnin took my hand and walked out of the throng of people. I recognized the four vampires waiting for us at the edge of the crowd. A burly vampire covered in tattoos over his bare chest, reported to Myrnin, "Basement."
Myrnin nodded hard and turned to me. "Stay here with Trystan. I will be right back."
A wave of fear crashed over me, as I contemplated the obvious risk he was taking. But more than my fear, anger surged stronger right behind it. I hissed, "What the fuck are you saying? You are crazy if you think I am going to stand around here, while you put yourself in danger."
"Cariad…" He began.
My eyes flashed.
He hesitated, knowing I did not like it when he used my term of endearment improperly. He was only allowed to call me Cariad in sweet moments of intimacy – and this certainly did not qualify.
He started again carefully, trying to keep me calm, "I will be perfectly safe with the five of us." He nodded toward the four intimidating-looking, vampires.
But I wasn't convinced.
"But…" I started.
He cut me off harshly, "No! I cannot do that again. I cannot lose you." Raw pain colored his words.
I stopped. I wanted to make it better, but he wasn't the only one who had lost. We had both lost each other during that time. And I wasn't prepared to experience the devastation of being without him either. I replied pointedly, "It goes both ways. Do you really think it would be any easier for me to lose you instead?"
He refused to answer my question. I could tell from the hard glint in his eyes that he had no intention of backing down. I knew it was useless to argue with him when he was in this mindset.
"Fine," I responded through clenched teeth.
He quickly kissed my cheek and disappeared through the crowd with the other four vampires.
Seeing the obvious frustration on my face, Abby grasped my hand and yelled over the music, "Dance with me!" As if punctuating her request, a neon light show began. Rods of green and blue light lit up the atmosphere above us, further highlighting the gorgeous fantasy scape.
My chest was tight. I appreciated her attempt and enthusiasm, but I couldn't dance now. Not knowing that Myrnin was headed toward potential – well, almost certain – danger. "No thanks. I'm just going to find the bathroom to freshen up," I responded sourly and made my way toward the closest female restroom sign.
"I'll go with you," she spoke hurriedly.
"No! I don't need a babysitter," I snarled.
Her expression faltered.
Immediately I felt guilty. I reached for her hand and pleaded with her to understand, "I just need…A minute…To get myself back together."
Her features softened with concern. She squeezed my hand and assured me, "Okay. We'll be right here."
I walked into the bathroom, my pupils immediately adjusting to the harsh difference in brightness. I stared at my angry reflection in the mirror, trying to get my chaotic emotions back under control. Stress and worry boiled inside of me. I felt it hum from my core as my anxiety continued to spiral out of control.
Breathe!I commanded myself harshly.
In. Out. In. Out. In. Out.I silently chanted.
I was coiled so tightly that my body involuntarily jolted when I suddenly felt a presence behind me – Gwion! I spun around in a blur, my eyes searching for him.
But he wasn't there.
Confusion rippled through me. All of my senses were on alert, as I tried to figure out what was happening. My unrelenting stare focused on a second door toward the back. I hadn't noticed it when I first came in, but it must be a secondary exit. In a flash, I crossed the room and wrenched the door open. The exit led to a dark hallway.
I still felt him. He had to be close.
I lithely ventured along the pathway and up a set of stairs that led to a balcony. I hesitated and looked back. I wasn't sure what I was walking into. I needed Trystan. I hated to leave the trail, but it would only take mere seconds to get Trystan and return. Hopefully, I would still be able to feel Gwion's presence when we got back. I turned to head back down the stairs and almost smacked right into the very imposing figure of a vampire.
Where in the hell had he come from?!
Adrenaline flooded through my veins.
"Hello, gorgeous. Are you lost?" he purred, advancing steadily on me. He reeked of alcohol. I recoiled, stepping back to put some distance between us. Three half-steps later and my back thudded against the wall. I could go no farther.
I was trapped.
His expression lit up knowingly. He pressed the bottom half of his body against mine to keep me in place. I knew I would lose if I tried to fight him. His biceps were the size of my thighs.
I just prayed he would take no for an answer.
"I think you have the wrong girl," I hissed with my palms pressed against his chest, trying futilely to keep a tiny bit of distance between us.
Suddenly, he grasped both of my hands into one of his large paws and held them captive over my head. "No…I think you are exactly the right girl I am looking for," he growled and licked his lips. The fingers of his free hand traced the skin along the ridges of my bra.
I froze.
Did he know me? Was he working for Ciro?!
A light sheen of sweat broke out along the surface of my skin. It didn't matter if I couldn't win. I had to try. I writhed desperately to break his hold, fiercely turning and twisting my body.
He chuckled and just waited for me to stop.
It was useless. I was no match for him physically. I panted breathlessly.
His gaze intensified.
My stomach dropped. I realized my failed attempt to free myself had only succeeded in turning him on more. His hips pinned me tighter, while he dipped his fingers into my bra, brushing my nipple lightly. He never mentioned Ciro, and his actions seemed to clearly indicate he wanted to keep me for himself; to satisfy whatever sick fantasies were running through his mind.
"Please don't do this," I pleaded, hoping to stall him. My eyebrows furrowed in concentration as I tried to evoke Amelie's power. It wasn't working. Shit, right now, I would be happy to just be able to use Myrnin's gifted power of compulsion, but I couldn't seem to 'turn it on'. What the fuck good was it for me to have 'unlimited power', but not be able to access it when I wanted to? I snarled mentally.
"You are so beautiful," he whispered. His offensive hand retreated from my nipple and began to outline one of the butterflies adorning my chest. He stared as if mesmerized. His words were slow and seductive, "My beautiful butterfly."
And then I snapped.
It was the same thing that Ciro had said.
Amelie's power coiled through me hard and strong, leaving me a little breathless under the onslaught. I giggled.
Confusion and uncertainty crossed his features, at my unexpected outburst.
I smirked and slowly violated his mind, allowing the tendrils of my thoughts to ravage his brain, like fingers ready to crush it in my fist, if I so much as flexed. I took my time. I wanted him to feel me intimately, deeper than he had ever felt anyone before.
His eyes shot open wide in fear. He didn't move.
"Take your hands off of me," I whispered, smiling lethally.
He automatically released me, unable to resist my mental command.
I could have walked away.
I had full control of the situation now. He wasn't a threat to me anymore. If I had been in my right mind, I probably would have.
But I wasn't in my right mind.
And Amelie's power demanded to feel his pain.
A maniacal grin curled my lips. I regretted not having the tools on hand to kill him. But I would make damn sure he never forgot me. In the next five seconds, I gleefully shattered bone after bone in his body, all while compelling him to silence, so that he couldn't scream the agony that was plastered all over his face. As he lay in a crumpled heap on the floor, I crouched down and brought his chin up to look at me. I smiled cruelly, "Wrong girl."
He stared at me in stark fear, visibly shaking while he waited for my next assault. I caressed his trembling cheek with my fingertips. "It is really too bad that I have somewhere I have to be. I would have liked to play with you for hours," I purred wistfully.
Violent shudders rocked through his massive frame.
I sighed and stood to my feet. Now that Amelie's powers were roaring inside of me, the pull I felt toward Gwion was almost tangible. I quickly shot down the dark hall. I had no doubt where I was going, as I efficiently navigated winding hallways and a second set of stairs. When I finally reached the door, I thrust it open. The sight in front of me was so confusing, that I stepped lightly into the room and let the door click shut behind me, without saying a word.
Gwion was casually reclined on a green velvet couch, with a scantily clad woman on either side of him. The woman on his right released his lips at my intrusion, and looked at me in equal confusion. The woman on his left didn't bother to stop kissing his neck. She also didn't bother to release her firm grip on his exposed manhood, as she stroked him slowly.
From the smirk on his face, I could only imagine what she had been doing to him, in the minutes before I arrived. Gwion did not appear startled by my abrupt entrance. He didn't bother to move, nor did he even care to cover himself. If anything, he appeared eager for my company, eager for me to see him.
"Where the hell have you been?!" I hissed angrily.
"Careful, little minx. If I didn't know better, I might just think you cared about me," he teased provocatively.
I ground my teeth together. I had worried about him. Only to find the jackass sandwiched between two unmistakably-silicone-enhanced women. I snarled, "Obviously, any concern I may have had was clearly not warranted, seeing as how you have your hands full with…this." I waved dismissively toward them.
Don't do it, don't do it, I told myself fiercely. But I couldn't seem to force my wayward body into submission. My eyes drifted down to focus on his rather generous erection, hating myself when heat immediately pooled between my thighs. When I could finally tear my attention away and brought my gaze back to his face, I found him staring at me with an intensity that caused a jolt to my entire system.
"They are just distractions, love…Not what I want. I'll tell them to leave in an instant, if you agree to stay," he promised me seductively.
I blinked silently.
"Say the words…Tell me you want them to go," he murmured huskily.
I got lost in his dark liquid eyes and whispered, "Tell them to go."
Immediately, both women stood and walked out. The door clicked shut softly. Gwion carefully tucked himself back into his pants and zipped up his zipper.
I looked at him in confusion.
He didn't answer the obvious question in my eyes. Instead, he commanded silkily, "Come here."
I hesitantly walked to stand in front of him. He leaned forward and tugged one my wrists, motioning for me to climb onto his lap. Hmmm…all the more confusing for him to choose to cover himself, if he wanted me to sit on him. I gave up trying to understand his game, and moved forward to settle myself astride him. My legs bracketed him on either side of his hips.
I couldn't stop the deep moan that released from my throat when I came into intimate contact with the still hard bulge in his pants. Instinct took over and I ground myself against him, causing him to hiss. Both of his hands grasped my hips in an unbreakable hold, restricting my movement. "You don't know what you do to me," he growled low. "Now, hold still so that I don't make a mess."
I giggled, "I hardly think your control is such that you are at any risk of coming any moment before you want to. Not that I wouldn't mind watching you," I added, licking my lips.
He groaned, "Fuck, little minx. I wasn't lying when I said you don't know what you do to me. But what I am more interested in right this moment, is what I do to you…Do you want me to fuck you?" he purred, nuzzling into my neck.
I moaned, "You know I do."
"Will you let me take you...right here…right now?"
I hesitated, unsure. I couldn't quite make my mouth form a proper sentence and I doubted grunting a response was very sexy.
His tongue traveled down my throat to run along the curves of my chest. "You haven't given me an answer," he reminded me huskily.
He filled my consciousness. I had to have more of him…I wouldn't be satisfied until I had all of him. I exhaled, "Yes."
His lips never left my chest as he murmured, "That's what I wanted to hear...But I won't take you now. When you are finally ready to choose me – and you will choose me – I want an unlimited amount of time to pleasure you." His smoldering gaze came up to capture my eyes.
I inhaled sharply. "So, you were willing to let them both go, just so that you could not get off with me?" I arched an eyebrow at him. My eyes flickered down to his rock hard unsatisfied erection and pointed out, "That's going to be painful."
"I'll take care of that later," he smirked and then added wryly, "Of course, it may take me ten times to fully get you out of my system tonight."
I laughed, "Another tale I find hard to believe."
He leaned toward me and his tone shifted intensity. His lips just barely touched mine as he spoke, "The scent of your arousal is driving me mad. When we are finally together, I am going to taste your delicious heat." His tongue flickered into my mouth as if illustrating the motion he intended to use. I whined loudly, my breathing shallow, my chest heaving to keep up. I tried to shift against his grip on my hips, to no avail. His hands were unmovable.
Gwion relentlessly continued, "I watched your eyes as you looked at me…You want my cock inside of you. Nudging you so deep that you won't know where I end and you begin. Slowly at first, but by the end, slamming into you hard. Because, I would bet one of my cars, that you would allow for nothing less." He teased my lips, using his tongue to punctuate and emphasize his words.
Damn, how did he know that?I was reeling from the graphic mental images he was conjuring in my mind. Yeah, if he felt like he was going to deny me now, he had another thing coming. I ran my hands up his chest and grasped the sides of his face tightly to keep him exactly where I wanted him. I was done playing games and roughly captured his lower lip between my teeth, letting him know I wanted to take control. I wanted more.
It was obvious that he felt my determination because he snaked his steel arm around me to lock me firmly in his grasp. His other hand came up between our bodies, searing a path across my flesh as it roamed up the center of my chest. His fingertip traced the contours of my lips, as he murmured gruffly, "Not now."
I caught his finger in my mouth and sucked it, moving in a slow purposeful motion that couldn't be mistaken for anything other than a promise. I held his heated gaze, challenging him...daring him to take me.
His eyes dilated completely and a low growl released from his chest in response. "I'm going to fuck that pretty little mouth of yours. I've seen it and I sure as fuck, want it."
A matching growl of desire slipped from my throat. His hold lessened just a little and I took full advantage by pushing down hard with my hips.
Suddenly, Gwion stiffened and pulled back.
I froze at his unexpected response.
In less than a second I knew why, when a voice I had hoped never to hear again, sneered from behind me, "What do we have here?"
Noooo!
Ciro!
I didn't turn to face him. Instead Gwion held my gaze, silently promising me everything would be all right. I just wasn't sure he could keep that promise. I had felt the impact of Ciro's chemical weapons.
"Hello again my exotic butterfly. If you wouldn't mind removing yourself from his lap, I would greatly appreciate it. We wouldn't want you to get hit by mistake," His tone was casual and unaffected; as if he had just asked me to crack open a window instead of threatening to kill Gwion.
I didn't move.
There was no doubt in my mind that Ciro came equipped with chemical dart guns; concoctions sufficient enough to drop a vampire to their knees. They were likely pointed toward us now. I wasn't strong enough to fight our way out of here – but Gwion was.
That meant it would be better for me to be hit rather than him. I remained where I was. Gwion understood my intention and murmured low, "I won't let you do that."
Ciro huffed impatiently, "Are you really willing to die for him? Because I promise you, he won't return the favor."
I didn't budge.
Gwion held my gaze and silently asked me to trust him. He spoke hypnotically, "You need to get off of me."
I finally relented and stood to my feet slowly. I stepped to the side, but stayed close. When I laid eyes on Ciro, my stomach churned into a tight knot. Nausea crashed through me. It took every bit of self-control for me not to wretch right then and there.
Five equally ugly looking vampires flanked him. Surprisingly, only Ciro and one other vampire held dart guns. I breathed a tiny sigh of relief. We weren't out of the woods yet, but not having more weapons helped even the odds. I wondered if we had destroyed most of their local stock when we torched the cabin.
Gwion remained casually reclined on the couch, but I had never seen him look more like a predator as he calculated the prey in front of him.
Ciro looked at Gwion and then back up to me. "You just can't make up your mind, can you?" He seemed distracted for a moment; as if he just realized what I was wearing. His gaze slowly traveled up and down my body as he leered with undisguised lust, "You know when this is all done, you and I will continue where we left off."
Anger washed through me. I spat, "Only men with pencil dicks and shitty performance have to force themselves on a woman."
Ciro flushed red with fury and hissed, "When I am done listening to your screams of pleasure – and you will scream – we will go back to your favorite part."
I trembled as vivid memories of him electrocuting me flashed through my brain. The pain had been unimaginable. I had wanted to die.
"No, you will never forget my touch, will you?" he gloated at my response. "And when I have a collar around your pretty little neck again, I will make you mine in every way I know how."
Fury rolled through me again. That little fucker had gotten off more on my pain than anything else. And it was obvious what he had on his mind now, with a prominent bulge showing in his pants. I sneered at him, "Do you need a minute to relieve yourself of your little obsession with me?"
He laughed, "It seems that all men react that way to you. You should be used to it by now."
Cruel anticipation crept onto Gwion's lips. His tone was hypnotic as he promised, "Enjoy it…for these few moments…you won't have it much longer. Because I'm going to break it off with my bare hands."
Gwion winked at Ciro knowingly as he continued, "And I'll let you in on a little secret. I know for a fact…That shit doesn't grow back."
I inhaled sharply. There was no doubt in my mind that Gwion had done it before. Just the mental picture of him so fiercely emasculating someone, was enough to make me shudder from head to toe. Ciro must have been pulling up his own mental image, because he stared at Gwion with wide eyes. He knew Gwion wasn't making an empty threat, and for the first time, he seemed genuinely afraid.
And then the moment was gone.
Ciro's steely eyes grew cold.
Gwion continued derisively, "Always somebody's bitch…So, whose dick are you sucking now? It must be giant, to make you think you can come after me and win." Gwion goaded him, pushing for information.
Ciro turned positively purple with fury. I saw it coming then. I lashed out with my mind, trying to stop his fingers from releasing the trigger of the dart gun aimed at Gwion's chest. Ciro hesitated for only a millimeter of the second, as he pushed past my compulsion. Shit, he must've taken a huge dose of whatever anti-compulsion concoction he had.
Time seemed to slow down.
I couldn't let Gwion get hit. My muscles released, propelling my body forward. In the background, I heard Gwion growl viciously, "No!"
But he was too late. The dart sank deep into my chest.
I felt the effect immediately, staggering slightly, fighting to stay on my feet. As hoped for, Gwion had disappeared from the couch and already ripped one of the vampires heads from his body, before I sank down to the floor.
I heard the terrible hiss as the dart guns released more ammunition and screamed when I saw three of them hit Gwion. From my hazy vision, my brain cataloged the images in front of me. Three vampires were obviously dead. That just left Ciro and two others.
And holy fuck, Gwion was still standing – even after being shot three times! I could tell that his response time was significantly affected, but as he stalked purposefully toward Ciro, Ciro must have realized he was outmatched because he suddenly ran, disappearing out of the back door. Both vampires followed suit.
The room spun as I focused on staying conscious. I wondered if Gwion would go after them and then was appalled when he dropped to his knees, clearly more weak than he had led on.
"Little minx," he groaned, holding my eye contact.
Suddenly, the room exploded with activity. The front door was torn completely off of its hinges, allowing for a brute force attack with Myrnin and Trystan in the lead.
Tears of relief slid down my cheeks when Myrnin fell next to me on the floor and gathered me against his chest. He murmured primal reassurances, just sounds, no words.
"Let me close to her," I heard a female voice demand.
Myrnin growled fiercely in response, tightening his hold over me.
The female voice spoke softer, soothingly. I finally recognized it was Abby. "She needs me...Let me have her."
Myrnin reigned in his feral response to protect me, realizing she was right. He backed away. Abby dropped to her knees in front of me and pulled me onto her lap, so that I was straddling her. My limbs felt like jelly. I shook my head. I didn't want to hurt her.
"Come on. You need to eat. You will feel so much better," she coaxed me. Somehow she knew my reservations, because she murmured reassuringly, "You won't hurt me." And then she added with a smirk, teasing me, "Just try not to give me an orgasm this time."
From the corner of my eye, I saw Gwion snap his head toward me, clearly having heard her. And even in his obvious pain and weakness, I couldn't miss the devastating desire in his black eyes.
.
Hmmm...this chapter ended up being 5400+ words, but it really didn't 'feel' that long when I was writing it. Funny how that happened. I am releasing it without the normal amount of editing, so if you see stuff I need to fix, please DO let me know.
And, yeah, I know some of the language was stronger than I've used before, but Gwion is pretty much unfiltered and raw in his approach, so that required a bit more creativity and realism in his verbage.
As always, I so, so appreciate everyone's kind words and reviews. You guys have no idea how much it means to me when you take a minute just to say hello. You are all awesome!