Treat

I banged my head gently against my desk. This creeping tide of email just wasn't getting any smaller. For every one I sent out, three more seemed to spring up in its place like a damned hydra.

My eyes were starting to cross. I needed a break. I needed a treat, dammit, or I was going to lose it completely and run screaming from the room. Okay, maybe more like shamble mumbling from the room, but still.

I folded my arms on my desk and dropped my head onto them. Just a few blessed moments of reprieve, of not staring at a goddamned screen, of just letting my mind wander...

In the darkness behind my eyelids, there were shoes. Supple derby laceup shoes in a brilliant purple scaled leather, shiny as hell and gorgeous as sin. Men's shoes, in fact, attached to some very fine masculine legs encased in tailored grey pinstripe trousers and stretched out sensuously on a familiar leather ottoman.

Sometimes I really loved my subconscious.

As do I, Sarah mine. Jareth's voice cascaded through my mind like liquid velvet. Wherever did you find these shoes?

I think they're based on some John Fluevogs I saw. They suit you.

We shall have to order some. He crossed his legs, bobbing one purple shoe up and down. Now, when are you coming home?

I sighed, holding the long, lean shape of him in mind. You know I have to finish this email up before I can. Just like always.

Something I've been meaning to discuss. Exactly why must you finish that, hmmm?

We've been through this. You know the Labyrinth can't hold a reliable wireless or cellular signal. Hence, no email access.

Mmhmm. But why must you finish it now?

A whisper of breath heated the back of my neck, sending shivers down my spine.

Stop that! I'll be home soon. The more you distract me, the longer this will take.

The heat ran slowly along the length of my shoulder, along with the phantom press of lips. You will come home now.

Jareth, I can't!

Another breath of heat along my neck, just below my ear. Tell me, Sarah mine, what exactly would happen if you simply couldn't finish those emails right now. If you had to wait till tomorrow for them.

I'd be behind. People waiting for me wouldn't have an answer.

Mmm. Heat along my jawline now, with the barest hint of sharp teeth. So other people would have to wait a little longer for you. Do tell why you prefer your beloved husband to wait instead of other people you care less for.

Oh, hell...when you put it like that…

I surely do. Phantom hands caressed along my collar bone, moving lower with achingly slow precision. Come home, love. I promise I'll make it worth your while.

I smiled despite myself. I love you, you know. You manipulative bastard.

Your manipulative bastard.

Oh, most definitely.