Arc 3 - Interlude I - The Snake That Eats Itself

Cinder could not recall this fellow's name, but it was of little importance. What mattered more in relation to this fortunate fool, and indeed every other she'd graced, was that he was squealed like a randy warthog as she rode him hard enough to make the bedsprings cry.

He lay spread-eagled like he was laying in a flower field on a bright summer day, marveling wide-eyed at the holistic beauty of the sun. And indeed he was. He let out a great howl as she worked her hips in a rough, yet steady rhythm. Fast to get him worked up, then slow to milk him tender, all while she smirked down on him as a majestic queen looked upon a lowly peasant, pleading her favor. Yes, you like that, don't you? You want more. Beg me, you swine. Beg for me!

What a blessed man, to be chosen by her. To be granted the temporary worthiness of her bed. It was any man's dream, honestly. Oh Cinder, he cried. Oh, I love you! Yes you do, you undeserving worm. Take it. Feel her and beg for mercy. Beg for a release so sweet it would send your soul to the heavens. Only possible through her. She was every man's dream. Every man's blessing.

He was getting close now. His breaths were getting faster, he was trying to growl instead of squeak. She had him by the balls. Literally. Cinder kept her pace, every thrust shooting waves of indescribable pleasure through him. You're amazing, you're a goddess, marry me, I want your children, he begged like his life was at stake, like the world's survival hinged on her answer. Cinder let out a peal of joyous, confident, dominant moans. Yes. Yes… yes?

No, damn it all. This one wasn't working, either.

Generally, the removal of one's fingers from their genitals was an indication that the job was done. A release with varying degrees of intensity, a period of heavy breathing while laying in warm sweat, and a healthy degree of post-climax shame and disgust. Unfortunately for Cinder Fall, she only ever got the latter two.

She lay there in her bed that early morning. Alone, as usual. The shame was creeping in now, especially considering the fact that she had her shirt pulled up over her chest, panty scrunched around one knee, legs spread like she was trying to give a camera a high resolution shot of her genitals, only to come away from the whole exercise with nothing. Less than nothing, really, given all the effort she put in. She felt humiliated, laying there like a parched dog in the summer heat.

That particular fantasy used to get the job done. But it seemed the appeal had run dry, along with any other indulgent scenarios she had tried imagining. Honestly, it was coming to something that she couldn't reliably make herself orgasm in a reasonable amount of time. Milking herself like a damn cow. Pathetic.

Cinder sat up not at all unused to this feeling of disappointment. It had permeated every facet of her life, after all. The gray light of early morning was peeking through the slit in her curtains, and she could imagine the swell of the dew on the lawn already. Needed to cut that damn lawn.

Cinder glanced around her room, like she did almost every morning, glaring at her belongings as if they'd been laughing at her. She'd painted the walls crimson red a year back, hoping to give the room a sense of passion and elegance, yet a touch of danger. Neo had told her to try painting her room a color that represented her best traits, hence the red, but it didn't give her bedroom the spark of personality it had been lacking. In anything, it looked like the room was constantly bleeding. Like the inside of a heart. There was a joke in there somewhere.

Everything else was more tame by comparison. From the mahogany dresser to the elaborate closet, her work desk piled with everything from makeup to old college textbooks and a few novels. A tall oval mirror was perched on the opposite wall, reflecting it all. Her diploma hung on the far wall, easily readable from this distance, and if she tried hard enough she could remember the feeling of pride when she had first received it. Went to a bar with those fools that might have been friends once to celebrate. Simpler times. The memories almost made her smile. Almost.

Cinder blinked at it all like it wasn't real. But it was. Three years of living alone. And one of them after finally being free of the need for her family's money. In a rare instance of kindness, her dear stepmother didn't even ask Cinder to pay the money back. Was that an example of a hidden kindness in her, ready to be awakened? Maybe. Cinder supposed one cannot truly be evil unless they are also capable of good.

She looked at the time. Best to get up now or she never would. With some measure of dignity, she slogged into the bathroom to get ready for work. Once she was showered and dressed, Cinder checked her phone. No new messages. She checked her schedule and everything looked routine, except for one.

Right, she had a date tonight.

A fellow she'd met a week ago. Aiden or something. She'd been in the city, running some errands and this tall and decent looking fellow had approached her with a poor pickup line. Only natural, Cinder supposed. He had seen her, was enticed by her, and had the confidence to ask her number. And well, why not entertain him? It had certainly been a while.

Cinder put on a cruel smile in the mirror. He had no idea what he was in for. He'd caught her in a less than graceful moment, yet still been bewitched by her. Just wait until she actually made an attempt to impress.

As gathered up her keys, Cinder was already set on a plan for this fortunate man.

He would be but a tool to satisfy her as of late unceasing urges. Nothing more. Oh he'd have his moment of heaven and he'd remember it for the rest of his life. In truth, she was likely going to ruin his love life, as no other woman would be able to satisfy. Oh well, it wouldn't be her problem. Once she got what she needed, she'd discard him and never look back. That was her plan. That was power. She felt a rush of excitement just thinking about it.

Cinder made for the door, pausing short to peek into Emerald's room. There she was, swaddled in a blanket, bare feet poking out. Home and safe, as usual. Honestly Cinder wasn't sure why she checked every time. Emerald never broke curfew and always left the bedroom door creaked, as Cinder had ordered of her. Anything could happen, after all. The girl was safe and, most importantly, smart. Still, Cinder checked. Just to be sure.

Well, on with the rest of her day. Cinder made her way across the living room, through the front door and into the gray morning, and she smiled like it was pure sunshine.

She had a fun night to look forward to.

"Miss Edwards, can you hear me?" Cinder asked her groggy patient.

She was an older woman, nearing her seventies. Hair mostly gray and face wrinkly as old leather. Green eyes so squinty that one could reasonably believe she was still asleep, such were the effects of the midazolam. It had been a tough surgery for her, and there'd be at least a week of rest, healing, and physical therapy coming next. She'd live, though. Even if the woman herself didn't feel like it. Her head drifted to the side, no doubt too sleepy to respond.

"Miss Edwards." Cinder gently turned the woman's head to look at her. Those old eyes looked into her like she was trying to piece her face together. "Do you know me, Miss Edwards?"

"Cinder?" the woman cracked a weak smile, lips dry and white. "Weren't you just here? You came back so quickly."

Or the woman was simply losing time as she fell in and out of sleep. Still, there was no point in telling her that. Best to keep things simple. "It's time to take your medicine."

"Is it?" The woman grimaced. "Oh, but it tastes awful. I hate it so much."

And Cinder hated having to train all her patience on whiny people in hospitals all day. Life was full of bitter, unpleasant things that no one likes to do. It was the very definition. No less, those unhappy things had to be done by someone.

Cinder spoke sternly, but gently. As a parent might to their troublesome child. "I brought you some water to help wash it down. Do you need help, Miss Edwards?"

The old woman did not object as Cinder lifted her head, pressed the medicine cup to her mouth, then the water. She eased her back against the rest, Miss Edwards breathing weakly as though that had been far too much exercise for one day. Cinder was content to simply let her rest while she charted the rest of her updated information, but her patient was in a more talkative mood today than usual.

"Oh, Cinder." she said weakly. "You shouldn't have to spend your time taking care of an old bird like me,"

It was her job so yes, she did have to. Even so, the only one who could be blamed for Cinder's being here was herself. Nursing, caring, seeing to the welfare of those in need, these were not things she was good at, nor cared to be good at. But this job was about two things, money and cover. A stable career to maintain her home and necessities, while doubling as a cover for her work in the Hunters' Church.

Cinder put up a playful pout. "Miss Edwards, you wound me. Are you saying you don't want me to be your nurse anymore?"

"Don't be silly. You're the only good company in this whole damn place."

For all that annoyed her about patients, Miss Edwards often ended up on Cinder's better side with compliments like that. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been gutted."

"I'm afraid that might not go away for a while. Just hang on. You get some rest now. I'll check in on you soon."

Miss Edwards settled more comfortably into bed. "Alright. I will."

Well, that had gone a little more smoothly than usual. Always a good day when her patients were more cooperative. Strange how, in a place you come to be helped, people are often at their most difficult. Cinder made for the door, but only got as far as the handle before Miss Edwards called on her again.

Miss Edwards still looked on the verge of passing out, but that pale smile was back. Her eyes had grown a bit wet. "You're a good girl, Cinder. You're so young, and the world can be so cruel. Don't let it beat you, honey."

Cinder put up a grateful smile. This damn old crone. She always got emotional once her medicine kicked in. Cinder had half a mind to set her straight, to tell her truth behind the facade of purity she put on. It existed simply for the job and nothing else. You and everyone else in this building were all less than nothing to her. Mere worms laying in her path. A good girl? A stupid notion. Maybe once she had been.

In this world, virtue and kindness were not just unrewarding, but punished. Morality and goodness did not promise a happy life. To get anywhere, you had to pursue with merciless determination. You had to take what you wanted, from anyone, everyone and by any means necessary. When Cinder did that, she got what she wanted. Maybe she used to be a good girl. But good girls make for easy targets.

And Cinder had promised herself long ago to never become someone's prey again.

For a mute, Neo was quite talkative. And for a girl with such a slight physique, she was a talented Hunter. For such an innocent looking face, one would not believe she was a traitor to the Hunters' Church, and an ally to the rebels.

They were on their lunch break, or rather Cinder was and Neo was simply here to pester her. The hospital cafeteria was filled to capacity with busy people from all walks of life. Made the place almost seem like a mallet. Cinder supposed it made sense, this great equalizer known as a hospital, uniting people under heavy bright lighting, clean white walls, and misery. You didn't come to a hospital unless something was wrong in your life. Unless you worked there. Or maybe even more so. There was a beautiful irony to a woman like Cinder, self-aware enough to know she was well and truly damaged, spending most of her free time seeing to repairing other damaged people. Perhaps she really was a good person.

Neo talked Cinder's head off, or signed, to be more accurate. Living proof that being born without a voice did not mean you had nothing to say. She was one of the few people Cinder cared to listen to, and not solely because of their shared connection to a secret organization. Shame they were technically enemies.

But the good thing about enemies is that they were often easier to manipulate than friends. And Cinder needed information that Neo was sure to have, due to her current position as a Whisper. Cinder waited until there was a lull in Neo's extensive dialogue, then got right to it.

"And how is your other work?"she asked.

Neo shook her head like it was a sorry telling.

"No survivors from the battle?"

She shook her head again.

Well, no one had ever accused the rebels of being merciful. But Cinder had not anticipated a different outcome. The Hunters on the frontier were often the most green. Powers tiers, little mission experience, though making for that with numbers. Meanwhile, the Children of Salem were veterans all with scores to settle. And with the old Vicar Hazel leading them, they had a serious chance. Sometimes, it was hard to believe that a real war was being waged which a fraction of a percentage of the population were aware of. While Cinder sat here spearing her salad with a fork, some poor fool was probably eating an actual spear somewhere in the frontier.

"What became of Arthur Watts?"

Neo slashed across her neck with a butter knife.

Cinder let herself adopt a small, amused smile. Made sense. No point in keeping any captured rebels alive. "And the current Vicar? Have you met them yet?"

Neo shrugged her hands.

Figures. Information on the Vicar was tough to get a hold on even for those in the Church. Their faces and names were not allowed to be known to anyone except the Superior. Not unless they stepped down or died. Hazel had once been a very promising Vicar, but then stepped down and later turned traitor. It was saying something that holding the second most powerful position in the Hunters' Church was not good enough against whatever turned Hazel away. As for the current Vicar, the most Cinder knew was that they were being sought out by the Children, either to kill or convert. Anything else was a mystery. No one even knew if they were a man or a woman. Oh well, that was a dead avenue by now.

Cinder was right about to get to brass tacks, but Neo generously saved her the effort by asking a question which was practically required to be taken advantage of.

Neo leaned toward Cinder, flexing both eyebrows, then pointing at her eyes. It was easy enough to guess what she was asking about. Is it true? Is the silver blood alive?

Cinder had to fight to conceal a grin. "Why Neo, asking that question so openly? The Superior would have your tongue."

Neo scoffed, then handed out the gesture of a handshake to her. A trade, she signed.

Cinder forked another helping of salad. "You really wish to know?"

Neo gave her a flat look.

"Fine. But first, my question." Cinder leaned toward her. "Does the Superior have any plans for Master Peach? Or her current apprentice?"

Neo's face steadily grew hard, cold. No longer the playful creature she was moments ago. Slowly and deliberately, she shook her head in the negative.

"What? Are you worried I'll tell someone?"

Neo pointed at her, then held out her open palm, saying. "Why do you want to know?"

"I am terminally curious. I also have to be certain I am not potentially counted amongst Peach's subordinates in case… well, in case the Superior decides to take further action against her. You would know, Neo. Well?"

Neo looked suspicious, but eventually gave in. I am told the boy will be tested.

"Tested? In what way?"

Neo shrugged. I am not privy to the details.

Cinder got a grave feeling from that. "Who does he intend to send?"

Neo looked about ready to answer, and likely would have, if not for the sudden interruption. A big meaty hand slammed down on the table, shocking both women sitting up. Cinder at least knew right away that it couldn't be Oobleck or any other agent of the Church, but she quickly wished it was. She looked up into the arrogant face of Doctor Harland, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"Ladies," he greeted.

"Doctor Harland." said Cinder, ensuring her tone oozed unmistakable disinterest. "I'm sure a simple hello would have gotten our attention."

"Thought I'd make an entrance. You left me hanging on your answer about our date."

This foolishness again. "I distinctly remember saying that I am not interested."

"I don't recall that. What do you say now?"

"I'm afraid I will have to disappoint you once again."

He scoffed like this was all a game and she was just delaying the inevitable. "Oh come on, don't be like that. What, you worried about what people will say? Let them talk. They already think we're, well, involved. Why leave it as a rumor?"

And Cinder did not doubt such rumors had started based entirely on Harland's own fabrications. She heard the gossip from some of her coworkers. That Cinder? I heard she'll let anyone get at her. She is easy picking. Heard she had three guys in the supply closet throughout the day. Heard she fucked one of her patients. People loved their stories.

Cinder raised her chin and gave him her iciest glare. "Once again, Doctor Harland, I will have to say no."

Harland frowned. That kind of childish frown like his mother had denied him a piece of candy. That was how Cinder was viewed by him, by many. And people said she was blessed to be so beautiful. Certainly it had its advantages. But no one ever talked about the downsides. Beautiful people certainly could not have problems, apparently.

The doctor put a cocky grin and shrugged then, trying to seem like he didn't care. "Fine, fine. I'll get outta your hair. But I'm telling you Miss Fall. You don't know what you're missing here. One night with me and you won't have any regrets."

Cinder had already gone back to her lunch. "I shall lament over your generosity for the rest of my days, surely. Have a good afternoon, Doctor."

Harland's frown fell again and he turned and stormed off, Cinder did not miss the many vile words he muttered under his breath.

Cinder shook her head. Taking another forkful bitterly. Some people simply did not register the word or concept of no. Cinder could respect any man for having the guts to ask, but some truly believed that pestering the object of one's affections enough times would result in a yes.

Neo grinned, entirely amused at the doctor's little tantrum. She could find amusement out of anything, the little psychopath. He sounds like a keeper.

"Don't flatter him. You'll find more substance in an empty bucket." Cinder leaned toward Neo again. "Now, where were we?"

It was a fancy place, this restaurant. One she'd been to once before, on a particularly shitty date that hadn't progressed past the appetizer. If Aiden had any intentions on getting to dessert tonight, he'd best not disappoint her like that one. Or else hope Cinder was in a forgiving mood.

Cinder pulled a hand mirror to check her makeup a third time. Her hair was in good order, washed and combed until not a single knot was left. Black curls framed her face, curled over her shoulders. Golden earrings to match her eyes. Mascara was still sharp, no leakage. Lashes curled and eyebrows plucked to perfection, a touch of blush applied just so. Cinder put up a smile. No, too wide. Showed too many teeth. She tried a more uneven one. Higher on one side, all blood-red lips. That was it. Daring, devilish, cunning, tempting. Perfect.

Next she checked her dress. A scarlet bodycon, thin straps and a square neck, just a touch of cleavage. Tight but not too much. Last thing she wanted was to struggle out of the damn thing. Matching pumps, and damned expensive too. They'd better be worth it or they were going right in the fire. Was that everything?

Cinder took a deep breath, steadied her heart, calmed her nerves. She was a queen. She was the one in control. When this night was over, this fool would be eating out of her hands. Begging and submitting to her. This unsuspecting fool had not the faintest clue about the storm that was about to hit him.

Cinder exited her car, purse hanging off her elbow, swaying gently with her every calculated step. She confidently raised her chin, but not too high. A balance of humility and pride. She confidently strode into the restaurant, confidence like she owned the place. The host certainly thought so, for his jaw dropped like he'd never seen anyone like her before. Indeed, because he hadn't.

He awkwardly adjusted his tie. "Reservation, ma'am?"

Cinder graces with a kind smile. "A mister Aiden Blanc?"

The boy nodded nervously. "Yes, right this way."

Aiden saw her before she had even gotten close, which was good. All the more to enjoy his dumbstruck expression. He nearly jumped out of his seat in his haste to stand, no doubt to ensure Cinder came toward him, and not the other men gawking at her.

Cinder put on her trademark smirk as she stopped at their table, relishing the thoughts which were written so plainly on his face. I'm dreaming, surely. This can't be real. She can't be real. But if she is, I am the luckiest man on the planet. Cinder gave him a knowing, innocent smile, so as to confirm his thoughts. She held out her hand toward him. Finely manicured, of course. Aiden made quite the gentlemanly impression, bending to kiss her hand rather than a simple friendly shake.

"Cinder, you… you're stunning," Aiden breathed. "I feel underdressed."

Cinder looked him up and down. A long dress shirt and tie, no creases. Sleek black trousers and matching cap toe shoes. His brown hair was combed fine, curled to one side, a few hairs hanging above the right side of his eye. She caught just the faintest hint of cologne. It was rare, but Cinder actually found herself impressed. "Oh, I don't know. I think I like what I see. "

The man broke into an elated grin. "I've heard good things about this place. Let's hope I haven't ruined our date yet on the account of hearsay." Aiden came over and pulled the chair out for her, which Cinder gladly took. It was nice to see he already had gentlemanly behavior. If he proved favorable in other areas, she might have to think about keeping him.

"So," Aiden began as he took his seat opposite her, smiling like the lucky fool he was. "Where do we start?"

Well, he had good manners, good posture, and cleaned up elegantly, but otherwise he was painfully dull. No real edge to him. Nothing which tickled her curiosity. Still, it wasn't the worst downside. So Cinder continued to feign interest, if only in anticipation of the night's conclusion. A dull personality didn't directly correlate to a dull performance in bed. That could be his saving grace.

They were having a stroll through the Forever Fall park now, and night was already well settled. Only the tall lamplights and the dim moonlight kept the path clear, and while there weren't many, there were a few people out and about. A few joggers, dog walkers, a group of teens, even an officer on patrol. Still, while Cinder could reasonably defeat anyone in the Heart Worlds, in the real world she was still a woman. And a woman, even one who knew martial arts, had to be prepared for any potential dangers.

Still, Aiden did not seem the type to have to worry about. He was very considerate of her space and never even tried to touch her. That could have been a potential sign of a lack of confidence, but that wasn't the feeling she got. A dull fellow, yes, but he was safe.

"So I stopped doing construction. Wanted my back to still be working in my thirties, so long as nothing else goes wrong." chuckled Aiden.

Cinder amused his attempt at humor with her own little titter. "I could not say I blame you. What work do you find yourself in now?"

"Accounting. I know, big shift. My brother was able to help me out there. Finally got myself to some measure of stability. In my younger days, I partied all the time and didn't think much about saving my money. I didn't think too hard about my future. I was kinda reckless back then."

"It's the nature of the young to be reckless," Cinder said. "I suppose we all want to enjoy that period of invincibility, before it is shattered."

"Geez. That's a brutal way to put it… but yeah." Aiden looked at her. "What about you? What was Cinder Fall up to in her period of invincibility?"

Cinder thought about that. It was hard to say. Her stepsisters were probably more typical in regards to a wild teen phase. Or at least Mirabelle was. She had taken to every influence that crossed her path like she was living out her final days. Cinder couldn't say she had absolutely no interest in the things her stepsisters got up to. She'd attended a few parties, a few clubs, drank and even smoked once but neither habit had stuck. But on the whole? Cinder would hardly call that wild or adventurous. In many ways, she had probably been a far more vanilla girl than she was now. Perhaps now she was in her wild phase and had simply gotten a late start.

"Those days are behind me,." Cinder said, "I find the future more interesting."

"I'm with you there." Aiden agreed.

Their conversation went on as they walked. Topics on their interests and dislikes, a few embarrassing stories on Aiden's end. Cinder had to admit he was winning her over a little. Just a little. Dull, yes. But the willingness to laugh at his own misfortunes, readily emotional, and again such good manners. Positives all around.

Too bad for him, she supposed. He was but another conquest to her. To be used and discarded. Cinder needed a tool to slake her physical needs. Not a lover to cater to and care for. She had no need for such foolishness.

"So I've told you about my crazy family. What about yours? Do you have any siblings?"

Cinder tried not to frown. "My family and I are not close."

"Oh," Aiden adopted a look of pity. Points off for that. "I'm sorry. If it's not too much, may I ask why?"

Cinder raised an eyebrow at him. "You seem oddly interested in my family when it is I you chose to spend your time with."

"I'm sorry, I just thought—"

That was his problem. Thinking. She needed him to do what she told him, not assume what she wanted or needed. Idiot. He was lucky to be so handsome. Honestly, why had she accepted his offer to go on a walk? This was no romantic affair, not on her end anyway. Perhaps she felt she should give him something before eventually crushing his heart. What a mistake that now seemed.

Thankfully, Aiden was just about satisfied with their little adventure. By now, Emerald would be setting down for bed. It was time to get what she'd come for. Once they returned to their cars, Aiden beamed like she had given him the best night of his life. "I had a good time, Cinder. A really good time. Sorry if it's a little forward, but do you think we can do this again?"

Cinder stepped a little closer to him. Making sure to look right up at him and bat her eyelashes. "Well, the night is young." she purred, "I had in mind that you follow me home tonight. Perhaps we might have coffee?"

She saw it in his eyes. The shock, the disbelief, the elation. Is that what I think it means? Is this really happening? No doubt the blood was stirring in his loins already. She had him hooked, all that was left was to draw him in.

"Perhaps we might talk a little more. Somewhere more… comfortable."

Arian's voice came out almost a shudder. "Yeah. I'd… I'd love to."

Cinder barely concealed an eager grin as she pushed her door open, feeling Aiden follow close behind like a loyal dog. She flicked on the lights and nodded at the rack by the door. "You may leave your shoes there."

After getting out of his shoes, Aiden looked about her living room curiously. "Wow, you have a lovely home, Cinder. You said you're twenty one."

"I am." Cinder said, slipping out of her heels.

Aiden chuckled. "At twenty one, I was still living in my parents' basement. I didn't have much drive back then. You already own a house, though. I'm… that's incredible."

He spent more time looking interested in Cinder's house than Cinder herself, which was getting irritating very quickly. Especially since he had to know they were about to get up to. Honestly, why feign all this childish interest in her personal life? It was pathetic.

"No pictures on the walls." He said. "I guess you really aren't close to your family."

"I believe I said as much. Why don't we—"

"What are these?" Arian picked up something off her coffee table. Cinder knew right away what they were. Why the hell hadn't she put them away? He read from the label of a VCR tape. "My recitals," His eyes lit up as he turned to her. "Ballet?"

Cinder sighed. "Yes."

He didn't laugh like Emerald had when she first found out. Instead he smiled, like it had brought him a fond memory. "My little sister did ballet. She wasn't very good, but she loved it. She doesn't do it anymore though. She's all about tattoos and heavy metal." Aiden looked through the rest of the tapes. "Salsa. Samba. Belly dancing." He gawked at her. "You belly dance?"

Cinder tried to reign in her annoyance. "I used to. Maybe I will show you one day."

"I hope it doesn't creep you out if I say I'll count the days until." He set the tapes down finally. "I guess… we should have that coffee now?"

Cinder stood, bare feet on the cold floor and came up to him. She dragged a finger across his chest until it hooked him by the tie. "Perhaps later. Let's talk more in my room."

Aiden's eagerness was apparent as he followed her to the back. Cinder glanced into Emerald's room first, was relieved to see her there and fast asleep.

"Someone live with you?"

"My little sister. My room is back here."

They entered and Cinder let him have his chance to look around, familiarize himself. Cinder could already feel her own excitement starting to flare up. It wouldn't be long now. She'd been patient all night and worked her magic to its fullest extent. Now it was time to reap the reward.

"You don't decorate much, do you?" Aiden asked.

Cinder shrugged. "Well, most of my time is spent at the hospital. I prefer my home to be simple. I'm a minimalist at heart."

He chuckled. "Guess we're opposites in that. I have two full bookshelves and they're a pain to pack every time I move."

"That sounds stressful." And Cinder did not give a damn. She needed to keep him from getting distracted. Best to be direct.

"Yeah, like this one time, my brother and I…" Aiden trailed off.

Probably because Cinder had sat on the bed, turned her back to him and pulled her hair aside to show him the zipper. "I don't suppose you'd help me with this?"

She smirked as he practically rushed over. Taking the zipper almost too fast, then calming himself to pull it down gently. Once it was, Cinder slowly turned to him. Her shoulder straps rolled smoothly down her upper arm, but she kept the bodice up just to tempt him. She looked into his big, wanting eyes and said, "I lied to you."

"Y-you did?" Aiden whispered.

"I did not bring you to my home for coffee. Perhaps that is obvious now."

"I don't really drink the stuff."

"I also had no intention of talking."

He had nothing to say to that, certainly not when he was drawn to her, and she reached up to touch his face. "What did you bring me here for?"

Cinder began to slowly loosen his tie. "Oh, I think you have an idea."

Cinder had no time for a slow make out session or any awkward forewarnings about bedroom preferences. It was all a waste of energy. And the prize of tonight would already require a great deal of that.

She hopped onto Aiden's lap and, without warning, mashed her lips against his. Must have done it too hard, because the poor man nearly lost his balance. Had to put both hands on the bed to keep himself upright.

She felt him reach up to take her waist, shivered at it, but not in the way she wanted to. Too gentle, damn him. That was not what she needed. Cinder took his hand and moved it down to her ass, making him squeeze her buttock. Thankfully he got the picture and did the same with his other hand. Squeezing, squeezing like stress balls. Cinder grunted. But it was hard to say if it was out of pleasure, pain, both, or neither.

For her part, Cinder grabbed two fistfulls of his collar, like a bouncer might yoke up a rowdy bar-hopper. She pressed at his mouth, practically trying to fuse them together. It didn't quite get her as excited as she expected, but it was still early. They were just warming up.

Eventually they both knew their clothes would have to come out of this equation. They parted so Aiden could slip out of his shirt and pants, while Cinder simply pulled up her skirt and pulled down her bodice. Too antsy to take it all off. She hesitated at removing her bra. Maybe that was too much, too quick. No, she had to conquer this. She pulled it off, the cool air prickling at her nipples, but it got Aiden looking so it was well worth it.

He came at her this time, but she was already ahead of him. He did not realize who he was in bed with. Cinder pushed him onto the bed, forcing a confident smirk on his face and relishing the excited fear on his. The bulge in his boxers was just the icing on the cake. This was what she loved. This power, this control. It didn't exactly contribute to the stimulation of her own loins but still, they were just getting started.

Cinder jumped him, straddling his stomach as she grabbed his face, nails digging into his cheeks as she pressed her mouth to his again. The audible wet smack of their lips did not carry the same romantic weight as in a movie or even in the many adult videos she'd seen, but sex could be gross in many ways. Though it really wasn't supposed to be when you wanted it. Usually the disgust came afterward. Nonetheless, she pressed on, kissing and sucking and tonguing, all at random. No method to it. Just madness.

Aiden pulled away to catch his breath. "Cinder, aren't you—"

"Quiet," Cinder growled, grabbing him by the hair and dragging him back to her. She squeaked as he cupped one of her breasts in one hand, tried a gentle caress, the fool. "Harder," she commanded.

"You sure?" He questioned.

"Harder, I said."

So he did. That was their game. Almost fighting more than making love. She liked his hesitation, but only in degrees. He needed to give her some sort of challenge. Because that would make her conquering of him all the sweeter.

She felt his cock press against her ass and decided then that she had teased him long enough. This lucky man, this fool. He was about to receive the night of his life, and from a woman he had no realistic chance with. She was a god to him and he was lucky to get her attention. The thought was enough to get Cinder excited. Tonight she conquered him, and tonight she conquered herself.

Unfortunately, that was when Aiden suddenly awakened.

He flipped her over, and rather roughly, Cinder felt the air get knocked out of her. Just like that, he was on top of her, legs on either side of her hips, hands holding down her wrists. He was kissing her furiously, licking and biting her lip. Cinder was suddenly very aware of how big and tall and strong he was, and how if he willed it, she would not be able to escape from him. She was already trembling. No, no this was a good thing. She had to take back control. That was how she'd win.

She tried to turn him over, but it was for nothing. He was too strong, too motivated. He grabbed her thigh and pulled it up, hand squeezing her buttock. It hurt now. All pain, no pleasure. Cinder couldn't help but whimper, but with their mouths glued together, she barely heard herself. Her blood was ice. She was scared. Terrified. But she couldn't say anything, or even move. Not even when Aiden had got up to remove his boxers.

Help. Someone.

Back on top of her again, only this time he was pulling at her underwear. Quickly pulling it up her thigh, over her knees, down to her ankles. As though he was in control. He was the one to take. He was the one in power. It wasn't supposed to be like this.

Mother? Rhodes? Please.

"Hey, you ready?" Aiden was on top of her again, but now he was waiting on her. Cinder's vision was watery. She could not read his face. All she could hear was the concern in his voice. "Cinder, what's wrong? I'm sorry, did I hurt you?"

"Out." Cinder whispered shakily.

"What?"

Cinder did not look at him. She turned her head away and closed her eyes. "Get the fuck out of my house." she hissed.

There was no way to know what kind of face he wore now. But she imagined he was hurt, afraid, maybe even felt guilty, like he had done something wrong. Which he certainly had. He'd ruined her night. He'd gotten ahead of himself and spoiled it all. Cinder had done everything right. That oaf of a man just hadn't been worth it. She heard him get dressed without another word, then pad on out of her room, seconds later she heard the door shut.

Cinder lay here now, half naked, panty hanging on one ankle, just like she had that morning. And many mornings and nights before. She wiped away the tears in her eyes, sniffled, whimpered. Another failure. Just like every other. It seemed she'd been wrong. Tonight was not the night she overcame herself.

Burning wrath quickly started to replace bitter disappointment. It stoked her more than any sexual encounter had, and likely ever would. It was her fucking family's fault. Every one of them. She'd kill them all. She'd destroy them all. Slowly, painfully, she would make them suffer. Cinder would have their screams even if it was the only thing she accomplished. She swore it on her life.

Until then…

Cinder managed to conjure up a fantasy that had gotten her off more often lately, so at least that was something. Slow and sensual, loving and passionate, it all got her in the right mood and quickly. The man wasn't the most handsome or the most strong, not the most compassionate nor too sensitive. But he had iron in him. He had fire in him, just like her. Their wrathful flames blazed together with incredible passion. Indescribably harmonic. He was just like Cinder. Broken and battered, but strong and unwilling to back down.

Ah, she was there now. Just a little more.

His eyes. They were ice and flame both. Hard and battered. Just right for her.

Cinder arched her back as the memory of their lips brushing in that forest by the stream resulted in a sweet release. Her entire body shook with it. At the thought of those cold eyes.

Cold enough to freeze time.

The oddest thing about this chapter is that this arc was not going to feature Cinder much, and it still won't. But I ended up accidentally creating a slightly bigger role for her. Nothing that extends the arc, just fleshes it out better.

Cinder never fails to get herself involved even in an arc where she has no business.

ISA