by Anjela Renee
“Am I getting on your nerves?” Jenny asked.
Abby pinched her fingers together. “Just a little bit.”
“I’m sorry; I haven’t seen you much and I’m having a blast helping you. I will let you do the rest. I will sit here with my other best friend, White Zinfandel.”
Abby gave her best friend a peck on the cheek and ran into the bathroom to fix her hair and make-up. Abby took off her glasses and applied her make-up and decided on a simple up-do for her hair. She came out of the bathroom to find Jenny sprawled out on the bed. Obviously she had over indulged with the wine. She smiled drunkenly and jumped off the bed, flinging herself at Abby.
“Abby,” she slurred. “You look so pretty. Your hair and make-up look great.”
Abby had to stifle her laugh. She hadn’t seen Jenny drunk in a while and it was a familiar scene.
“I have an idea. Why don’t you lay in my bed, have more wine, and I can tell you all about my date when I get back?”
“OMG, Abby, that’s a great idea; just like old times when we were roommates. I miss living together,” Jenny declared.
“I know, Sweetie. Me too.”
Jenny hopped into Abby’s bed and then the door buzzer went off. She knew that must be Javon.
Abby suddenly felt sick to her stomach with nerves.
“Hello?” she said into the intercom.
“It's Javon, and I'm here to pick you up.”
“I'll be right down.” Abby walked out the front door of her apartment building.
Javon watched Abby walk out of her building. He knew he wanted her under him in a bad way. It was going to be very difficult not to take her before the date was over. He got a hard on instantly! He closed his eyes and thought about the ninety year old woman who lived next door while he and Sally lived in Switzerland. She liked to dance naked in her backyard at night; and, lucky him, he had a perfect view from several windows. His hard on subsided and he hoped Abby didn't notice.
Chapter 7
“Abby, you look stunning tonight,” Javon said.
“Thank you,” Abby replied as a blush went to her face.
He gave me a compliment. He likes me. This is good. Be confident, she thought, giving herself a mental pep talk. Years of her mother telling her she just wasn’t thin enough, pretty enough, or just good enough had taken its toll. Jenny always said ignore the haters but it was easier said than done.
Javon's car, which was a black Lexus and was by far the nicest car she had ever been in. Javon opened the door and Abby slid inside. The seats had that distinct leather smell. The interior was black with shiny brown trim. Very expensive looking in her opinion. Javon hit a button and the seats instantly warmed up.
“So, where are we going?” Abby asked as her butt got nice and toasty.
“A friend of mine owns a very exclusive club downtown. I thought we could go have a drink.”
“O--Okay. Sure; sounds like fun.” Abby was never really into the club scene, but it would be fun to try something new. It was about a thirty minute drive until they reached the destination. They pulled up to a plain brick building. Abby was surprised. She was expecting something a little flashier. A very plain, small sign on the door read: “Bloodlust”.
Odd name for a club; maybe it's a Goth club, Abby thought. Javon knocked on the door and a very scary bald guy with a bald eagle tattoo covering his neck and shoulder answered the door.
“Hey, Javon. How are ya doing, Buddy?”
“Hey, Pierre. We just came for a drink.”
Pierre. Really? He looks more like a Butch or Killer.
“She looks delicious.” He was looking at Abby like she was dessert on the buffet table. Javon made what sounded like a growl. “Back off, Pierre; she's off limits,” Javon hissed.
“No offense, Man. She's hot and I can't help it.” Pierre gave Abby a smile.
She smiled back, trying to be polite more than anything.
They walked into the club, which wasn't as busy as the ones she had been to in the past. The music was thumping in the background, almost too loud to have a conversation. The decor was very modern in shades of red and black, and there were comfortable looking couches with throw pillows around the place, as well as tables with little black candles in the middle. It was very cozy. Javon led her to the back of the club, and they went through a black curtain. Behind it was a smaller room with several booths. He led her to one in the far corner.
“This is much better,” Javon stated as they sat down. The music was not as loud. A waitress walked up to them as they were seated to take their orders. She was tall with black hair in a ponytail and had lots of eyeliner. Her uniform, which consisted of skintight leather pants and a T-shirt with “BLOODLUST” on the front, was very revealing.
“I'm Vera, and I'll be your waitress for tonight. What will be your pleasure?”
Normally, Abby would start comparing herself to the hot waitress, but she wouldn't allow it. She knew by the way Javon stared at her, barely glancing at the waitress, that he really liked her.
“I'll have an OJ with a shot of B positive.” He told the waitress too low for Abby to hear. “What would you like, Abby?”
“Rum and Diet Coke, please.”
“I just need your credit card for your tab and your V membership card.”
“Here.” Javon handed the waitress the plastic card with a big red letter V. “Abby isn't a member; she's my guest,” Javon stated.
“I'll have to get it approved by The Master,” Vera replied, as she walked away.
“Who is The Master?”
“It's what they call the owner of the club. It's a Vampire theme,” Javon added to avoid suspicion.
Javon reached over and took Abby's hand. She liked the feel of his hand; it was warm and made her feel all cozy and safe. She thought about their kiss from last night and wanted to kiss him again. They studied each other and nothing else. Abby looked when she noticed a man walking up to the table. He was just above six feet with shoulder length black hair, brown eyes, a goatee. Abby never really liked goatees on men, but thought it suited him well.
“Javon, twice in two days! What brings you back here already?”
“Nice to see you again, Enri. This is my date, Abby. Abby, this is my old friend, Enri. He owns the club.”
Vera put their drinks on the table.
“I love your club, Enri. I love the whole Vampire vibe.”
“Yes; that's what I was going for, a Vampire vibe.” Enri laughed. “You are an absolute delight, Abby. I bet you taste as good as you look.”
Abby looked at Enri strangely. The way he was looking at her like she was a meal and not a person made her uneasy.
“That is a rather rude and personal question. Back off, Enri,” Javon snapped.
“I’m just kidding around. I apologize if I have offended you. Drinks are on the house tonight. Tell Vera I said so,” Enri replied as he slapped Javon on the back and strutted away.
“Your friend is rather odd.”
“I guess that's one way of putting it.” Javon laughed. “I think it’s safe to say my oldest friends are also the most strange. Let’s forget about him and concentrate on each other.”
Abby felt an uncontrollable desire to kiss Javon. She wasn't normally very bold or daring but couldn't help herself. Abby leaned over him and put her lips against his. She kissed him voraciously, tasting him like it was her last kiss. Javon touched her face tentatively, stroking her face as they kissed. His hands were slightly rough and she wished he would touch her all over. His lips were soft and the things he was doing with his tongue were exquisite. She loved it and never wanted it to end. It was very erotic, and she felt her panties get wet. Abby pulled away, out of breath.
“My sweet Abby. You surprise me at every turn,” Javon said with a glint in his eyes.
“Is that a bad thing?” she asked mischievously.
“Of course not; I love surprises. Don't you?”
“I guess it depends on the surprise.” Abby
looked down at her drink and realized it was gone. Javon had barely touched his.
***
“Would you like another, Abby?” he asked. Javon waved down Vera and placed another order. He loved the way Abby looked at him. The heat in her eyes showed him she wanted him just as much as he wanted her. In fact, he loved everything about her. Abby's second drink arrived. He noticed she was looking a little pink in the cheeks. “Are you okay, Abby? You're looking a little flushed.”
“It's the alcohol. It always makes my cheeks red.”
“You wear it quite well; you look lovely. Would you like to dance? I'm not very good, but I think it would be fun.”
“I'm not very good either. Rhythm has eluded me my whole life. But tonight, I don't care. Let's dance.”
Javon and Abby walked out on the dance floor as the song turned slow. Javon pulled Abby close to him and took her hand. She laid her head against his chest. Javon felt his chest tightening. Every touch of his just ignited her passion and was becoming more difficult to control. Javon swayed with her until the song ended. Abby looked up at him and he thought they might kiss but then the music started again; a fast pumping beat. The other dancers danced wildly and Abby tried her best to mimic what she saw around her. They danced a few more songs until Abby was out of breath. She looked up into his eyes.
“I want to leave and be alone with you.” Abby said to Javon, but as soon as the words left her mouth, he could tell she felt embarrassed as she blushed and looked away.
Javon smiled. “I thought you'd never ask.”
Chapter 8
France 1634
“Do you really have to go?” Lady Mary Gentry asked, fluttering her eyelashes. She knew giving him that look almost always worked to get her way. Mary and Maurice sat outside under a tree with a picnic lunch, enjoying each other's company. It was a pleasant spring day and they were enjoying the outdoors.
“Mary, I would love nothing more than to sit with you all day. You love me, and that is an amazing thing, but I am not of your class. I need to make a good impression on your father.”
Maurice knew he was a lucky man to have found a woman of such standing to accept him, even though he could not afford the luxury she was used to. How would she feel if they were married and she gave up all her finery?
“But hunting is so uncivilized. This is the 1634; surely we are beyond killing for sport.”
“It's not just about killing for sport; it's about skill, and I need to go—your Father invited me. If I offend him, he will never let us get married.” Mary knew he was right, but she worried for Maurice. Mary's father had a nasty habit of “accidentally” getting rid of people he didn't like.
“You promise to be careful, my love?” Mary looked upset as she worried for Maurice.
“As always you are my life, sweet Mary. I will always return to you.” Mary loved when he talked to her like that; it made her feel safe, something she had always longed for. Maurice kissed Mary, pressing his lips against hers. They kissed and he reached to caress her breast. Her corset and several layers of clothing prevented him from feeling how hard her nipples had become. Mary pulled away suddenly. “Maurice, I am sorry but I can’t do things like that. It’s wrong.”
“I am sorry, Mary; I shouldn’t try and push things that far.”
“It's okay; it was my fault. You must know I love you, Maurice, and don't ever doubt that. No matter what my father says.”
“I would never doubt you. I have seen the way other men look at you. You see no one but me. I don't understand why, but you have always accepted and loved me. It’s getting late. I have to go now.”
Maurice changed and walked toward the stable where Mary's father had asked him to meet up for their hunting trip. He had borrowed some riding clothes from a friend so he would look good. He wanted to make a good impression on her Father. He loved Mary more than anything and wanted her father's permission to marry her. As he walked toward the stable, he overheard Mary's father talking to his friend.
He would never dream of eavesdropping, but he heard his name mentioned in their conversation.
“I will never allow my only daughter to marry that low class nobody,” Lord Herald Gentry declared.
“Aren't you being a little tough on the lad, Herald?” Edward replied.
“Hell no! If that little greedy bastard thinks that he's going to marry my sweet little girl and get his dirty hands on my money, he has another thing coming.”
“Look: I'm not saying that you should give the young man all your hard earned money, but just keep an open mind. You know I'm right, Herald.”
“I will try,” Herald grumbled.
“That's all I ask. Besides, it wasn't too long ago that your Father-in-law had a similar conversation about you.”
“Oh you sneaky bastard, that was a low blow.”
Maurice took the momentary pause to approach Herald and Edward. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. Mary's father would never agree to let them marry. Maurice had to change his mind; that was the only way. Mary wasn't the type to just run off without her father's consent.
“Lord Gentry, thank you for allowing me the privilege of riding along with you on this hunt.”
“Hum—yes, well, Maurice, this is Lord Edward Holmes, a good friend of mine.”
“Looks like the weather will be quite pleasant don't you think, Herald?” Edward cheerfully asked.
“Yes, quite. Let's get going,” he said grumpily.
“Yes sir,” Maurice replied.
Maurice mounted the horse and was ready to get this over and done with. He knew Mary's father didn't like him, but he needed to change his mind. He needed to find common ground; surely they must have something in common.
“Okay Gentlemen, let's not waste time and get on with this trip!” Maurice stated. He kicked his horse and began riding at a leisurely pace.
Herald and Edward did the same. Two servants and two hunting dogs followed them. Maurice couldn't believe that they would make such a fuss out of a hunting trip. Well, they were of the upper class. He, too, would often go hunting with his father, but they went on foot with a single hunting dog and nothing else.
“Lord Gentry, I just want to say that I love Mary very much.”
“So you say,” Herald responded.
The men had been riding for a while when Herald stopped.
“There is deer ahead! Maurice, would you like to have the honor of the first kill?” Herald asked.
“My Lord, it would be a pleasure.”
Maurice walked ahead with his rifle ready for the kill. He was walking further and further into the woods. He didn't want to fail Mary's father; he had to find this deer. He could probably kill a dozen animals and still not impress the old bastard, but he needed to give it everything he had. He had to try, for Mary’s sake.
***
Herald jumped off his horse, impatiently. “I'll walk ahead and see if I can find the deer.”
“Be careful. Maurice might think you’re the deer and shoot you.”
“You worry too much, Edward.”
Herald walked ahead and further into the woods. He heard a snapping of a twig and saw something in the distance. Herald aimed his gun carefully; then, slowly pulling the trigger, the gun fired and smoke came from the gun. “Got it!” he yelled and ran ahead. As Herald walked deeper into the woods and closer to his kill, all the color drained from his face. It wasn't a deer at all; he had shot Maurice, who was lying on the ground in a pool of blood. He was moaning, and looked like he was on the brink of death.
“Please, my Lord, help me,” Maurice begged.
Herald backed away, turning around and running back toward the horses.
“Edward, we're heading back,” Herald shouted.
“What about Maurice? I heard a gunshot.”
“It was a miss. Maurice and I had a disagreement; he decided to walk back. Let's go.”
“Are you sure he'll make it back alright?
“He'll be fine. Let's go.”
Herald and Edward rode their horses back to the stables. It had never been Herald’s intention to kill Maurice, but what was done was done. At least Mary could now move on, hopefully to someone who was more worthy of her.
Chapter 9
As Abby walked into Javon's house, she couldn't believe her eyes. It was the biggest house she had ever been in, with a grand staircase and a crystal chandelier that glittered above them from the high ceiling, His home was quite intimidating.
“You have a beautiful home,” Abby said as she took in all the opulent furniture. The house must have been professionally decorated.
“It's too large for me. I've thought about downgrading to something smaller but I love the lake, and it's nice and secluded.”
“Such a big home for one man,” she stated
“My sister, Sally, lives here also. She would love you. Let me show you around.” Javon took Abby around the many rooms in the house: the game room, the movie room, and the sitting room. The house had more rooms than a person could possibly use. She couldn't believe he lived here.
“Would you like to go upstairs? My sister has a room full of Swarovski crystals that is quite impressive.”
“I would love to see it!”
Javon led Abby to a room next to the upstairs living room. The room was small compared to the others that she had seen, but she was shocked at how many crystals his sister had.
Abby had always loved looking at crystals, but could never afford anything bigger than one the size of a penny.
“This is incredible, Javon. Your sister must have taken a long time to collect all of these.”
“She has been at it a very long time; some are antiques.”
As Abby looked at all the different shapes, sizes, and colors of the crystals, she spotted a purple cat on the shelf. She was carefully looking at it and wanted to pick it up, but she knew that it wouldn't be very polite.
“You can pick it up.”
“Your sister won't mind?”
“She doesn't even come in here anymore,” Javon assured her. He picked up the small crystal and handed it to Abby.
