by Melody Rose
Once she was satisfied that I had properly admired her handiwork, she tugged at the handle of her hand mirror and leapt back. As she did so, she pulled it out to a full-length version so that I could spin around. Rebecca had the talent of a professional stylist when she put her mind to it. I wondered if she preferred to dote on other people instead of thinking about herself. So far, she was entirely enamored by what Theo and I wanted.
“Ya like it?!” Rebecca grinned like a gleeful puppy as though my approval was the best biscuit I could have offered. Theo looked like he could barely contain himself as he brought his knuckles to his mouth. He might have even bitten them to keep his urges and impulses in check.
“It’s perfect! Phenomenal!” I heaped on the praise since it felt as though her delicate but unquestionably well-meaning nature depended upon it. She radiated with pride as soon as I gave her a figurative pat on the head.
Once I stopped gawking at how Rebecca had accomplished the seemingly impossible, transforming me from an ordinary barefaced woman into an alluring vixen who looked like I’d stepped out of the silver screen, I looked over at Theo.
Against my better judgment, I felt myself immediately salivate as I combed my eyes over his dark blue suit. It was tailored to hell and back to accentuate his lean body and broad shoulders. I could tell that he was very discerning about what he put in his body and what he did with it because every bit of him looked like he put special care into it. Even his neck invited me to nibble it since it was not too slender and not too bulky, just perfectly muscular. Rebecca had thrown in some black leather gloves to appease Theo’s old-fashioned tastes and a spicy cologne to captivate me. She really had the art of setting the mood down to a science. She must’ve people-watched a lot of dates.
“I think… you can make yourself scarce, Rebecca.” Theo tried to run Rebecca off as if he thought we were just here to play dress-up and entice each other. It was as though I suddenly forgot that we had a mission in mind.
I lightly punched his arm in irritation to get him back on track. Theo reflexively grabbed my wrist and glared at me with burning eyes that contained a mixture of impatience and predatory intent. I must’ve gone too far toeing the line and finally slammed against the threshold of what he was willing to endure. I shivered at his tight grip and the leather that pressed against my skin. I was fascinated by how he managed to be the most aggressive gentleman that I had ever met. I didn’t know if I wanted to give in to his elegant ferocity or resist it on principle.
“We still need her help to figure out how human tech works here!” I protested. “Plus, who’s going to take the pictures?”
Rebecca’s gaze darted back and forth from the two of us, and then her voice cracked for the first time. As much as she liked to help people out, the prospect of a public display of attention this up-close and personal seemed to squick her out.
“Yeah… uh…” she struggled to articulate herself. “Why don’t I just show you how to set up an account on this email server I use and tell you how to operate the timer function on my camera? Then I could just get out of your hair.”
She waved her wand, and a laptop appeared under the crook of her arm. It didn’t have a blank square inch in sight and was absolutely covered with stickers of brand names, movie franchises, superheroes, popular restaurant chains, and television series from every decade I could think of. She even had an I Dream of Jeannie sticker, with the cartoonish blonde lead shimmying next to an oversized magic lamp.
Across from the fireplace, she magically situated a camera rigged on a tripod aimed at our staging area. It had already blinked to life, and I got the odd feeling that even though it was inanimate, it would be laser-focused onto Theo and me to achieve the intended effect of framing a happy couple just right.
“So, there ya go.” Rebecca nodded with pleasure toward her set-up. “All you have to do is chant ‘picture-perfect,’ and you’ll have about a minute or so to get yourself put together. I’ve tied a timer function into my spell so that you don’t have to worry about your mouth being in some weird expression when you trigger the camera with an incantation.”
Rebecca snapped open her laptop, balanced it on one forearm, and started typing frantically. “And then, here, I’m already logged into my email server,” she explained in a rush, clearly in a big hurry to get out of the room. It was as though the romantic tension was just too much for her to bear, even if it was entirely for show. “And uh, all I need to do is create a username and password for you and you’re all set. You can get Theo to send it back to me when you’re all done. I just use this to play some games.”
“A username?” Theo questioned.
“Yeah, just two or so words to describe Joan and make her recognizable, so she’s not sent to a spam filter,” Rebecca explained. “That’s basically a graveyard for unwanted messages. Like how we try to banish curses!”
“How about… ‘Theo’s Pet?’ You know, a play on our… little tryst… and her love for animals,” he suggested. Rebecca began to type his idea into the proper format.
I was horrified. “You can’t put that! Then they’ll really think I was kidnapped! It’s so domineering. Also, it doesn’t even give me any type of identity! Thanks for that!”
His eyes widened a bit as though he was a bit stung by my rejection. “Fine,” he relented, “what do you suggest?”
I knew that Rebecca wanted to make a quick exit, so I tried not to waste too much time deliberating over an alternative. “Joan_of_Bark? You know, like ‘Joan of Arc,’ but instead of getting burned at the stake, I collect foster animals all over the world? Go big or go home, right?”
“Awesome! Sounds good to me,” Rebecca remarked, but either she wasn’t as interested in my world’s history as she was in human pop culture or she had just hit her limit because she didn’t sound like she really got the reference. Her fingers raced to create my account as soon as possible, and then she shoved the laptop into my hands. “Here you go! The computer isn’t password protected because I don’t have anything sensitive on there. Alright, see ya later!”
“Yes, bye.” As if on cue, Theo cast her out of the room as soon as he had gotten everything he needed from her without so much as a ‘goodnight.’
I set the laptop onto an end table by one of his velvet sofas and turned to him. I was disappointed to not have had the last word to thank Rebecca for all that she’d done, but since I was so close to the finish line here, I didn’t want to push my luck.
“So, want to get started? You’re the one with an eye for style. What do you think would look best?” I asked politely. I don’t know if it was the calming warmth of the fireplace, his appealing suit, or the sense of confidence Rebecca’s impromptu makeover gave me, but I wasn’t feeling my usual agitation around Theo. I actually played with the idea of softening up and melting into the moment.
“It gladdens me that you are seeking my judgment. You will see that you will have much more ease and enjoyment in your life if you continue with that.” Theo really did seem to be in better spirits when he was hailed as an authority figure. He lightly rubbed my bare shoulder in tender endearment. This must have been his way of signaling that he approved of my question and my agreeable compliance.
“If you would truly like to convey that you are in safe hands,” he continued, “then you must mind your body language. Don’t shudder or freeze up like a swan maiden stolen away from the lake. You would do well to look pleased with my touch.”
He strode with graceful confidence to the rug laid out before his fireplace and used a flourish of magic to levitate an armchair and place it right where he wanted it. The tripod of Rebecca’s camera raised itself to perfect its focus upon the seat as if by, well, magic. He settled into a comfortable position with a casual air and spread his legs apart, patting his upper thigh as he looked up at me with a languid gaze.
Theo gave the impression that he was offering up a dare, but not one that he thought he had to put a great deal of effort into. He was nearly expec
tant of my willingness, my unforced desire to answer his call and let my guard down. Once I was in his clutches, so to speak, could I really turn back?
It all felt very natural, but in a way that might end up dangerous. Some footage from a biology class came to mind as I stood there contemplating my next move, how a salmon fish would follow its instinct to swim upstream, even if that meant pouncing right into a bear’s hungry maw. Would I end up in the same situation if I was led by Theo’s lure? I felt an unfamiliar warmth begin to blossom despite the risk.
“Alright,” I agreed without resistance and walked to him. That was probably the first time I had consented to one of his proposals without a snide comment. I lowered myself onto him, incredibly conscious of how my very soft, round backside met with the firm muscle of his thigh. I was one shift in position away from a much more compromising spot. He placed his warm, gloved palm onto the cool silk of my gown and brushed his thumb against the outline of my inner leg, causing me to twitch.
“Um, so, wanna take a few shots?”
“Take a few shots?” he mused and smiled with relaxed gratification. “Why, is that an invitation, Joan? Where may I begin?” One of his hands slid to the small of my back, while the other grabbed my hip. I was shocked but strangely proud. For all his bravado, he was curious about my comfort level in this matter, even if he totally misread my question.
“That’s not what I mean.” I fidgeted on his lap while willing myself not to inch to the area between his legs. I didn’t remove his hands from me, but I wasn’t entirely sure how I wanted to proceed with this situation.
A glimmer of disappointment shone through his eyes, but it didn’t remain for very long when he realized that parts of me seemed to be fair game. I trained my eyes on the camera and sat up straight to compensate for my nervousness, which resulted in arching my back and probably giving him a better view of my curves, although I would have sworn up and down that wasn’t the effect I was going for.
He became emboldened by this eye-catching movement and brushed my now-curly locks over my shoulder to expose the nape of my neck. In between the exquisitely feather-soft kisses that he peppered it with, he asked, “Well, then what do you mean, Joan? Use your words while you can still speak, as I have far better plans for that mouth. I have amends to collect, after all.”
My eyes shot open at that suggestion, and my mouth watered, almost as though I could imagine it filled with him. I didn’t know if that was a natural reaction to hearing that since no one had spoken to me in that manner before.
I felt my cheeks burn as I stammered, “What… I… mean… is that it’s time to do what we were here for! ‘Shots’ are what my world calls the pictures people take together. Are you ready?”
“Ah,” he remarked curtly. “Nearly.”
Then, Theo guided my position with expert hands, adjusting me so that I was sitting sideways on his lap rather than with my back to him. He slid his hand underneath my voluminous hair and grabbed a fistful of it. I closed my eyes and parted my lips with a surprised moan, which he took advantage of with a hungry kiss. I wasn’t a fan of his running commentary of all my fuck-ups, but apparently, I was keen on a bit of well-timed roughness. Still, my brain felt like it was short circuiting as I looked at him with dumb, glassy eyes. He seemed darkly satisfied with this response and slapped me sportingly on my thigh.
“Well!” he remarked chipperly like we were a couple of pals about to watch a baseball game instead of any situation remotely hot and heavy. “Now I’m ready! Let’s toy with your easily deceived lamb’s bloods.”
I was disoriented by how quickly he shifted gears and even a little hurt. He had batted me around like a cat with a stuffed mouse and decided that I was not fit for his discerning palate, just a bunch of knocked out cotton. I certainly thought I had enough meat on me to satisfy his appetite. I mean, he seemed quite caught up with exploring my body earlier.
I heaved a sigh and tried to mask my shame. I felt a moistness between my legs and wanted to cast a glance between his to see if he was as indifferent as he let on to be, but I didn’t want him to notice. I also didn’t know where I’d find myself if I went down that route.
On the bright side, all of his teasing and sensuous touches helped to limber me up and loosen out my knotted tension over being alone in a room with him. I wondered if that was all part of his master plan and that he knew how to execute a good show. Maybe he was several steps ahead of me and was just playing the part expected of him. I was sure had plenty of rehearsals in the past with other “leading ladies,” but he probably actually made it to the final act with them.
Since I didn’t want to look like I was sending out a bunch of softcore porn, I decided to make use of the newly acquired comfort level by throwing my arms around his neck. To sweeten the deal and go for the “couple goals” effect, I pressed my cheek against his. A gleeful feeling fluttered in my stomach when I thought about how much of a catch Theo was, even though this wasn’t strictly real. I bet I looked like an appreciative girlfriend, and I could almost taste Jasmine’s and Iris’ jealousy when they caught wind that my “sugar daddy” looked more like a runway model than an old coot looking for some younger arm candy.
We both felt how ideal and sickening cute we looked because we both uttered “picture-perfect” with identical timing. Theo’s usual intimidating expression dissipated into a prince-charming grin that really made him look like the man you’d bring home for dinner. The two of us were suspended in a moment of storybook bliss as we temporarily swept away any grudge or resentment to give our all to this task. The longest, but admittedly entertaining, minute of my life finally ticked by, and the camera shutter clicked loudly in the silent room.
I gave him a jokey peck on the cheek and then hopped off his lap to take a look at what we got, see if we’d need a retake. It wouldn’t have been the worst-case scenario I could think of if we did. However, once I peered into the viewfinder, we looked like a damn magazine cover. Rebecca must have enchanted it with more than just a special timer function because the lighting was on the level of a professional studio. I wouldn’t need to edit it at all. I knew girls who would kill for this technology! If it weren’t for Bouclier rules, Rebecca could have made a fortune with it.
I heard Theo’s footsteps behind me, and when he noticed the picture, he placed a hand on my waist. Maybe he was getting sentimental… or maybe he was just really shallow and warmed up to me only because we were photogenic together.
“They’re quite nice,” he commented in a smooth voice that wasn’t entirely disinterested.
“Agreed!” I hastily remarked and rushed to grab my borrowed laptop from his end table. I paused to think, and then I also grabbed the chemise that was left behind. I didn’t have much in the way of sleepwear, and I’d take what I could get. A bit of frustration crossed over his face at me, ruining the moment with my straight-to-business approach.
“Well, I gotta head out,” I explained. “I have to send out these emails while I can still think straight enough to type.”
I scampered over to the door, my speed impeded a bit by my tight evening gown. I cocked my hip to the side and looked over my shoulder. I must have looked really mysterious with my Bond girl hairdo.
“And, hey,” I murmured throatily, “if you ever want a copy, let me know, and I’ll see if I can get it printed. I know you love pictures of yourself.”
With that, I gave a saucy smirk, opened the door, and shut it to stalk off to my room.
15
Joan
So, as you can see, I have had a whirlwind romance that began when he tasted my peach pie last winter and decided that he had to have me. I wasn’t ready yet for a big commitment or to leave my hometown, which is why he was distraught when he visited me to try and convince me yet again that he would make relocating worth my while. I told him my conditions for traveling the world with him, including fostering animals during every stay at a new location and indulging in desserts from the best-rated restaurants and bak
eries of each country we fly to. Also, first-class tickets, because I can’t stand a measly bag of peanuts and bland saltine crackers. A girl’s gotta eat!
We’re not planning on settling down anywhere in particular because we want a taste of everything, so if you ever want to stay in touch, just use this email address. I don’t know when I’ll be back, if ever, so I encourage you to send out inquiries for another cook. Best of luck! - Joan
I sat cross-legged on my four-poster bed and smirked at the laptop screen, completely certain of how much this would piss off my stepfamily. The very thought of me luxuriating in success and satisfaction was enough to drive them all up the wall, but the adorable picture was going to be the finishing blow. Even though I claimed to be reachable via email, I knew I’d put whatever I did get in a spam folder because it’d just be a bunch of snotty guilt trips.
Now that I’d made my point and my job was done, I shut down the laptop, closed its lid, then stowed it into the drawer of my bed stand for safekeeping. I had written both of the messages I needed to, although the one sent to Olivia at Evergreen was much sappier and romantic, all sweet courtesy and none of the mild arrogance I spared for Deirdre and my step-sisters.
The drowsiness was really kicking in, and I rubbed my eyes. I got up to brush my teeth and wipe my face clean when I heard an odd pattering noise on my bedroom window. It sounded like the old trick of throwing pebbles at the glass to get a girl’s attention, but why would anyone need to do that here? Theo could have just knocked if he liked. I walked up and pulled up the pane to see what the fuss was.
A cold gust of wind caused me to stagger backward, temporarily blinded by the dry flash of air. When I blinked back to sight, Lydia was standing in front of me in a transparent cape and lace lingerie complete with garters, stockings, and lethally high heels. Her entire ensemble was black and complemented both her raven locks and now dark red lips. This girl really seemed intent on one-upping me tonight. Still, I stood my ground and felt more confident than ever before. Rebecca’s styling had endowed me with so much security that Lydia’s silencing spells weren’t even working.
