Lisette watched as Mila’s entire demeanor changed, a look of conceited pride written across her dark, marble features. The older woman sauntered forward, an air of dominance and intrigue about her as she approached the struggling woman with a charm that impressed even Lisette. A few hundred years of practice could do that for a person. Watching with growing fascination, she found herself leaning forward, hands placed imperiously on her hips. She was a woman of culture, despite her more sardonic pass times, and she could appreciate fine art when she noticed it. There was no doubt in her methodical mind that Mila’s enchanting performance was anything less then fine artistry at work. [i]You’re going to have trouble on your hands...[/i] The thought crossed her mind briefly, causing a sly smirk to creep onto her lips. She [i]lived[/i] for trouble. She laughed aloud at the human’s compliancy. They were all so supine, so easily coaxed and prodded. Like toys, complacent, weak and rather amusing. [i]“Do you own this store?”[/i] Lisette could see past the cursory act that Mila played, to the blood lust deep in her eyes. It was positively endearing, and made Lisette feel a sting of disdain and jealousy. [i]“Y-Yes,”[/i] She couldn’t help but notice how cool Mila kept herself, her self control was rather impressive as she pushed the woman against the door and gently pressed her lips to the thin skin of the lady’s neck. Lisette shuddered a bit at the thought of it, as Mila swiftly turned with the woman in her arms and caught her eye. Smirking, Lisette indolently waved. Yet the pleasure mixed with smug preeminence in Mila’s face made her stomach clench. Especially when Mila’s teeth finally pierced the surface of the woman’s slender neck. With the right eye, it was a beautiful thing to watch. Enjoyable, even. Her lips parted unconsciously as her head tilted slightly upwards, her gaze drifting over her nose. In her eyes was a look of eager anticipation and morbid desire, Lisette looked like a person, completely engrossed in a fascinating television show, lost in a world of fantasy and make believe. And when Mila finally drew away, letting the woman’s body drop to the ground, Lisette began to clap. [i]“Admit that you missed seeing performances like that one,”[/i] The gliding older vampire threw her hand lethargically over Lisette’s shoulders, who widened her eyes in response. “And boost your ego even more? I think not.” She winked devilishly, only feeling slightly over-powered by Mila’s arm, which was heavy against her shoulders. [i]“I know how to bring out the flavor.”[/i] Lisette laughed aloud at this one, her eyes sparkling with sinister delight. “Oh do you n-” She was interrupted by the feel of Mila’s lips on hers. Not gentle or teasing, but harsh and almost sensual. She could taste the human’s blood on her tongue and a lazy smile grew on her lips as she embraced the kiss, one hand unconsciously cupping Mila’s hip. [i]“See?”[/i] Lisette chose to ignore the taunting look in Mila’s eyes as she pulled away. “I suppose so.” It wasn’t [i]exactly[/i] a compliment. Against her will, Lisette was pulled forward by her dress. It was a proprieting action on Mila’s part, that made Lisette grit her teeth although her dark eyes gleamed with beguilement. “Well hello there...” Her giggling voice held a vicious hint, yet she didn’t dare pull away. She wasn’t going to show Mila how much she hated being dominated, at least not anymore than she already knew. [i]“Come on, let’s go before the streets get too crowded.”[/i] In a swift motion, Lisette pulled away from Mila’s imperious hold on her dress and instead stood next to her so that their shoulders brushed gently. She grasped the other woman’s hand, a little too tightly for it to be a friendly gesture. “I agree, darling.” Her voice drawled out the last word as her grip on Mila’s hand tightened. “Why don’t you lead the way.” She gestured with her free hand, not taking her eyes off of Mila’s features. “No detours either, please. I am rather tired. It’s been a full night, don’t you think?” She paused for a moment, letting Mila lead them down them down the street. “I wonder how Booker and Charlie are doing.” Her voice was teasing as her thumb lightly caressed Mila’s hand. “I must say, I’m curious! I wonder if they are having as much fun as you and that shopkeep did.” She was still studying Mila’s face as she said it, testing the woman’s limits. Although she valued control so very much, the younger vampire enjoyed the exhilaration of playing with that power. Measuring how far she could push a person before they snapped, and this game had always been played best with her current opponent. They neared a small hotel, it was a very discreet place set in a less dense part of the city. Only a few cars filled the parking lot as the two bare-footed women walked quickly towards the main doors and into a simple lobby. It was comfortable, far from the best place that Lisette had ever been in yet even farther from the worse. “Quaint.” She murmured, finally breaking her fierce gaze at Mila to take in her surroundings. “Quiet.” Her murmurs were conversationally as they meandered through the hall, still gripping hands with bone breaking strength. The two stopped before a door with slightly chipped paint and an old, metal number nailed into it. “Aw! Perfect,” as the door was pushed open, Lisette abruptly let go of Mila’s hand and hurried into the room. She flopped onto one of the double beds that were neatly made, most certainly never used by the room’s current occupant. “My, to sleep again.” Lisette murmured, lying flat on her back and looking up at the yellowing ceiling. “That is mayhap the only thing about humanity I miss. To just be oblivious for a couple hours, unaware of the world. It’s a true gift, taken so for granted.” She rambled, uncharacteristically sentimental. “But then again, I could never miss the weakness of it all. Human’s are so frail. It’s pitiful.” She had never made it a secret to her spiteful hatred for humanity. She was no better than the common slave master, back in her day, looking down on humans like a lesser to her, the only difference? She actually was the more powerful being. Lisette pulled herself lethargically into a sitting position and settled her almost sensuous gaze on Mila. “So tell me, darling, do [i]you[/i] miss humanity?” Her fingers drummed against the ugly comforter while she let herself relax for just one second longer. Languorously, she slid off the bed. Standing so that she could survey the small room that was crowded with two double beds both comforted with ugly, patchwork sheets. A small dresser was pushed against the opposing wall and several tacky pictures hung on the walls. There was even the luxury of a small television in the corner, playing a late night comedy show softly. She only glanced at the small box before turning her face away in disgust. “I never did understand the excitement over those things, they only serve to make people drooling idiots.” She sighed and shook her head turning to do one last once-over of the place before turning her attention to Mila. “I’m assuming those aren’t the only clothes you own.” She murmured, gesturing to the outfit that Mila was wearing. “I’d like to change, it feels like I’ve been in this gown forever.” She turned pulling her dark hair over her shoulder and peeking at her companion. “Unzip me, love...” It wasn’t a question, but an expectation as she grinned wickedly and winked. --- [i]“You poor thing,”[/i] She tried not to stiffen when his cold fingers brushed the hair from her face, halfly because she didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing that she was absolutely terrified and also because every time she moved, her body flared up painfully and it was hard for her to breath. [i]“What was it that you whispered to me while I carried you just now? Take me home? You know, I think I could do that, if that’s what you really want. But first, you should rest for a bit. They really did a number on you, didn’t they..”[/i] Her sarcastic laugh faded into a round of soft moans as she looked up into his concerned face. She could almost believe it, she [i]wanted[/i] to believe it. There was a part of Charlie that made sure, no matter how many times she got hurt, that she was still a willingly trusting person. And this case was no different as she gazed up at him, her eyes pleading and pathetic. “Take me to a hospital, I can rest there.” Her cracking voice murmured hopefully. “I want a doctor..” Yet she wasn’t sure if he heard that, or perhaps it was that he just didn’t care as his own gaze flickered to Char’s midsection. [i]“May I?”[/i] She didn’t try and protest, mostly because it hurt too badly to move, when his hand started to drag the hem of her shirt upwards, exposing the mess of bruises. They were like a map across her belly, giving chaotic directions to nowhere. She was repulsed yet intrigued as his icy hands brushed over top of the mosaic bruising, making her shiver. It did feel good, and she murmured a low “Yes,” in response as she let her head fall back against the pillow and closed her eyes, trying to regulate her unsteady breaths. A small reverberation of pain through her body jolted her back to awareness, though, and she realized that she was falling right into his trap. Her thick voice squeaked out a pathetic, half-hearted attempt at defiance. “You know, she’ll come for you.” To which she was loath to notice the small jerk of his lips into a grin as he continued to ceaselessly caress her stomach. She gasped in surprise when his fingers brushed over the sensitive skin of her hip. [i]“Are you sure about that?”[/i] No, not at all. But she didn’t say that aloud, just stared at him with glowering eyes. [i]“You don’t know her like I do. You don’t know her very well at all, actually. Well, you know that she almost killed you.”[/i] Charlie flinched, her breath catching as she looked away from Booker and at the wall. “That was an accident...” She didn’t know why, exactly, she was defending her. Booker was right, she didn’t really know Mila, not like he did at least, and she [i]had[/i] almost killed her. It was morally wrong for her to be coming to her defence right then, yet Charlie did anyways. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” [i]“She gets obsessive about certain people, certain pets, but it’s always short lived. Trust me. The stories I could tell you about some of her exploits. She’s very good.”[/i] Charlie shuddered and shut her eyes tightly, trying to keep the quiver from her lip. He was right, more than right. Charlie had the tendency to attach herself to people, to concoct ideas in her head that were very loosely based off reality. There was no way that Mila was coming to save her, nobody saved her. She wasn’t a beautiful damsel in distress, and there was no hero coming to her rescue. She was all she had. These sour feelings boiled in her stomach, yet she was still reluctant to believe them. [i]“You really think she’s coming for you don’t you?”[/i] She looked at him then, catching the look of pity in his eyes. It made her blush hard, her face burning a bright, hot red, she didn’t want anyone's pity, [i]especially[/i] his. Booker’s hand was laying flat against her bruised, swollen stomach now, and he was pressing on the marks lightly. Enough to make her chest jerk upwards as she cried out in pain. “Stop it! Stop!” Tears formed in her irises as agony flashed through her body. [i]“Maybe this will speed things up then,”[/i] another protesting cry as she tried to twist away from him, only causing herself more gut wrenching pain. [i]“Am I hurting you?”[/i] Her breathless moan was answer enough as tears slipped onto her cheeks. Her entire body felt like it had been dunked in a pot of boiling water, and was slowly melting from the inside out. [i]“How about now? This will make her come running.”[/i] Charlie was crying then, pitiful sobs that racked her body as she tried to push his arms away. He was pinching her skin in a way that was painful enough [i]without[/i] the bruises. “You’ve made your point!” She blurted, pushing against his python like arm with her hands. “Just, please stop...” This was a pathetic murmur that turned into a sigh of relief as his fingers finally released her skin and went back to gently stroking her stomach. She tried to control her sobs. [i]“The best thing you could do right now is relax. And forget about her because she’s already forgotten about you.”[/i] Booker spoke as if they were having just a casual, everyday conversation despite the words that came out of his mouth and the fact that he was capable of inflicting unimaginable pain with just the flick of his fingers. “No big surprise there...” She hiccuped, tears streaking down her cheeks. [i]“In fact, she has a thing for Lisette. It’s so obvious!”[/i] Charlie nodded sadly, lifting her fist to her face so that she could attempt to dry her tears. She didn’t try to talk anymore as he continued to strip away any last remnants of hope she had in her. [i]“A little presumptuous of you to think she would throw herself at the feet of a mortal, don’t you think? Not when she has everything. What can you offer her?”[/i] She felt his fingers against her neck, where her pulse thudded quickly. [i]“Besides this? And for how long?”[/i] Charlie looked away, pursuing her lips. “You don’t have to keep talking, I get it.” She murmured, feeling her heart break just a small bit in her chest. She just wanted to sleep then, to forget about the world for at least a little while. Glancing up at his lips, she realized that there was another way to do that. An easier way... a weaker way. Her dry lips parted slightly when a quiet knock on the door shook her from her musings. She head twisted to the side to watch a young man, just as ill looking as all of the other pets, rush towards a beckoning Booker and press a pitcher of water into his hand. Without waiting for her to respond to his ever-so-polite offering of water, Booker pressed the container of cool liquid to her lips, it felt blessed against her dry mouth. [i]“Now, now, don’t be reserved. I promise there are no strings attached to this. Just my way of apologizing on behalf of my guests. If I had known they would do this to you…”[/i] She mostly ignored him as she lapped up the water eagerly, before he pulled the jug away and set it on the nearby night table. [i]“You know, if you really are in pain…”[/i] He flashed his teeth at her, making Charlie’s gut clench because she knew [i]exactly[/i] what was coming. [i]“I could make you feel a lot better. And fast.”[/i] She shuddered slightly at the thought. Yes, she knew that he could. It was getting tiresome, fighting him off, resisting the urge to just give in and feel that ecstasy that she had so craved since that night with Mila. His voice was deep in her ear, making promises that she wanted so badly for him to fulfil. Her eyes closed instinctively and her weak hand fluttered unconsciously to gently place itself on his cool forearm, before she realized what she was doing and pulled away quickly. Her eyes shot open to stare into his dark ones. “No...” Her moaning voice was pleading with him to stop, because she didn’t trust herself anymore. [i]“You know how good could it feels. Imagine it.”[/i] With another whimpering moan, Charlie tried to press herself deeper into the mattress, farther away from him. Yet there wasn’t much space for her to retreat to, and the feeling of his cold breath against her neck made her toes feel numb. She really could imagine it, especially when the throbbing in her stomach flared again for no reason. Yes, he could take her away from all of this, from both the physical and emotional pain that boiled inside of her. She could remember little bits of the way it felt, like floating and dying all at the same time. The perfect mixture of morbidity and ecstasy that made her legs shake and her heart clench in anticipation. She could almost feel Booker’s canines against the nape of her neck, pressing against her skin, breaking the surface - [i]No.[/i] [i]“All you have to do is ask me.”[/i] She gazed up at him with wide, conflicted eyes that sparkled with tears yet at the same time told of her yearning. She wanted so badly to say the words that would most certainly give her the relief she desperately needed. “I don’t want...” But even she knew now that the words were worthless, she was going to give in eventually. Her humanity, selfish and pathetic, would force her to give in and let him bite her like the parasite he was. The worse part about it was, even though she knew just how wrong it was, she wouldn’t dislike the intoxicating feeling, in fact she would love it. Later on she would regret her decision, but now she couldn’t fight anymore. She was too tired. Her eyes fluttered shut for a few moments and a look of complex confliction made her facial features twitch before she let out a shallow breath. “Just... do it.”