Escaping Animal State

[deevo]

Vincent

Vincent was only half listening as George rambled on about Jessica. She sounded like the type of severely wound-up shrew that Vincent couldn't stand. Though it gave him the utmost satisfaction when he got them to loosen up and indulge themselves a few of life's pleasures. The important thing about George's description of the woman he planned on calling his wife was that it allowed Vincent to gauge the type of man Whish really was: pleasant, polite, henpecked and rarely assertive. His high-minded morals and general decency had held off Melissa's advances so far, but Vincent couldn't help but feel that George Whish was almost too easy a target for the beautiful temptress.

When George finished, however, Vincent simply smiled and said, "Well, the course of true love never did run smooth, did it? But that's what makes it so exciting." The temptation to sow a few seeds of doubt in Whish's mind was there, but Vincent couldn't help but feel that, if it took three days or three years, eventually George would realise what kind of harpy he was involved with. Besides, why would he want to make things too easy for Melissa?

the waiter arrived to take their order. Vincent chose steak; he had a taste for red meat that evening and thought he might need the protein later on, especially with Melissa giving him those furtive glances. He turned his attention to her as the waiter left and topped up her glass, asking, "What about you, Melissa? A woman as beautiful as you can't be single."

 

[monique_minx]

"Well, the course of true love never did run smooth, did it? But that's what makes it so exciting."

Melissa almost rolled her eyes as Vincent spoke but caught herself, she sipped her wine to cover the distaste in her expression. She gave the waiter her order of a Caesar salad with small chunks of ham and Greek dressing, going for the healthy slimming option to give the best dainty appearance. She watched as both men ordered steak and engaged the waiter in some small talk. Finally the waiter left and Vincent took up her glass to refill it.

"What about you, Melissa? A woman as beautiful as you can't be single."

Melissa tried to appear modest as she smiled but it was clear that being humble was not her forte. She took her wine glass back from Vincent and sipped thoughtfully; she wasn’t quite sure of how to answer.

“Well thank you but I suppose men look at a beautiful woman in a certain way and I’m supposed to be some stupid whore, giggling over silly jokes that aren’t funny. Asking ignorant dumb blonde questions. I suppose you could say I have been stereotyped.” She bowed her head with a smile showing she held no anger over it, “I guess you could say I decided to stop being the game and start playing it.”

Melissa’s eyes sparkled suggestively then, she crossed her legs beneath the table and purposefully brushed her foot against his calf before it dropped. George felt the sudden need to drink like the conversation had just made him seriously uncomfortable, he was looking a little stunned and covered it with his wine glass.

The waiter moved over to their table and handed each of them their orders but Melissa’s eyes never left Vincent’s and George was rather glad for a distraction from the cat and mouse game that seemed to be going on. He felt a little like he was the cheese and he didn’t like that feeling in the least.

 

[deevo]

Vincent/Robert

Vincent could only grin as he felt Melissa's foot touch his leg. So he was the game tonight, eh? He was ready to tell her that she might want to try easier prey, but where was the fun in that? Better to let her try, let her believe she was in full control. How many men had she weaved a spell on? How often had she used her natural assets to get what she wanted, not even having to put forth much of an effort in the process? He couldn't hold it against her.

He wasn't going to play easy, though. He kept eye contact with her as the meals were brought to their table, but very clearly moved his chair a few inches back. If George saw it, he might believe poor Vincent Reeves was trying to keep himself from temptation, as he no doubt had to on a daily basis. But the truth was, Vincent just wanted to see what Melissa would do when her prey didn't immediately take the bait.

"Well, I'm sure you meet all kinds of game in your little store," he said before turning to his steak. The right words were important. He didn't want to offend her to the point where she would leave, but he did want to deflate that ego a little bit. "Little store" would be enough of a knock; Vincent couldn't wait to see what she'd do next.

"George, you know Melissa better than I," he said. "Do you think she breaks the stereotype? Would she be the kind of woman you'd go for - if you were single?"

+++

Far away, the lone wolf was padding along the outskirts of his territory. He could smell danger in the air. A weak creature caught between two ravenous beasts. He snorted and shook; it wasn't a pleasant feeling.

 

[monique_minx]

OOC: Sorry for the wait Deevo! I caught the flu, hope this is up to scratch!

"Well, I'm sure you meet all kinds of game in your little store."

Melissa twirled her fork into the lettuce and her eyes flashed uncertainly, her lips dipping into a sly smirk at his dig; she neglected to comment on the basis that she wasn’t sure as to whether he purposely meant it or not. She bowed her head as an inclination and began to eat her salad.

George was cutting up his own steak and looked up as Vincent asked him a question smoothly.

"George, you know Melissa better than I. Do you think she breaks the stereotype? Would she be the kind of woman you'd go for - if you were single?"

George cleared his throat, almost embarrassed to answer, “Well I know she’s no clueless blonde. She’s very intelligent and uh…pretty.” George’s eyes flickered across to Melissa uncomfortably for a moment, “I guess if I were single, I’d have to be a bit of a madman not to want her, wouldn’t I?”

Melissa’s pearly whites glinted in a dazzling smile as George spoke and pitched the question, her eyebrows raised in challenge as her head turned to Vincent for his response. She clearly enjoyed watching the tennis match type conversation between the edible gentlemen seated with her.

She picked up her salad and slid the fork between her pouty red lips, allowing the greenery to disappear down her delectable throat, she did so with poise and grace, fluid with sexuality. She wanted Vincent to picture himself between her lips, her fingernails were manicured perfectly, painted blood red as they wrapped the wine glass and brought it to her mouth. She sipped slowly, tilting her head a little more than necessary to give him a view of her swan like neck. Melissa set it down again and smiled invitingly to Vincent, she knew how to set George on edge already but now she wanted to know exactly what made Vincent tick.

“So Vincent, you mentioned your fiancé isn’t your usual type, dare I ask who or what is?” Melissa asked casually.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

[OOC: No problem at all! I hope you're feeling better!]

Vincent listened to George's reply, slowly nodding his head as he cut himself a piece of his steak. Medium rare, still a little bloody - just the way he liked it.

"I suppose you would, George," he said. "A woman with Melissa's charms is rare, indeed." He glanced at the blonde for a few moments. She was languidly eating her salad and, like everything else she did, turning it into the most alluring sexual act. The woman clearly saw something she liked - either Vincent or George or both of them, for that matter - and was radiating an enticing aura of base lust that would have made the Pope consider sinning.

"I suspect, however," added Vincent, smiling as he picked up his glass, "that she could very well drive you mad, regardless." He chuckled softly and took a sip of his wine, watching Melissa do the same. She pursed her lips and Vincent wondered how they might feel.

“So Vincent, you mentioned your fiancé isn’t your usual type, dare I ask who or what is?”

Vincent cocked his head and considered the question. She only wants to know so she can better tease you, he thought to himself. She's enjoying herself now, her and her little game. The thought did cross Vincent's mind that he could have read Melissa wrong. Perhaps she wasn't interested in sleeping with either of them. What if she just liked to tease? It wouldn't be the first time a girl thought she could raise his blood pressure and then skip away leaving him hot and bothered.

"Well, I suppose I like a girl who can be playful," he said. "Someone who isn't afraid to explore new horizons, push against boundaries, leave themselves open to whatever life might bring their way. Perhaps it's just and adventurous spirit, but I'm always eager for new sights and sounds, aren't you?"

 

[monique_minx]

"Well, I suppose I like a girl who can be playful. Someone who isn't afraid to explore new horizons, push against boundaries, leave themselves open to whatever life might bring their way. Perhaps it's just and adventurous spirit, but I'm always eager for new sights and sounds, aren't you?"

Melissa grinned, “Oh yes, extremely.” Her lashes fluttered suggestively and she shifted in her seat; baring more leg from the slit up her dress.

Her eyes roamed his body without regard; not bothering to hide it as she attempted to make him squirm, trying to uncover what made this man tick. She couldn’t help the small speck of jealousy or hatred she felt for his fiancé though; she had made this game more difficult for Melissa just by existing. Still, she didn’t figure Vincent for the monogamous type; he seemed like the kind to sleep around on this woman and Melissa was rarely wrong about such things - she had a shot with him. She would take it.

Her fork plunged through the leafy greens on her plate, she ate with delicacy; careful not to seem unladylike in any capacity. Melissa even dabbed the corners of her mouth with the serviette in a precautionary measure; it made her uncomfortable to be in such an elegant setting but she took it in her stride. Always the actress.

George merely sawed through his steak in silence, he wasn’t sure what to say at this point. Most of the surface topics had been covered and now there was only the chance to go deeper; he wasn’t sure he wanted to.

“So Vincent, what is it that you do for a living?” George asked before Melissa could manage something of her own, he wanted to settle this into a routine conversation.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

Vincent gave Melissa the slightest of smiles - almost a smirk, really - just enough to let her know she was warm. She wasn't quite there yet, but Reeves couldn't deny she'd be most enjoyable for an hour or two. That she hadn't stopped flirting with him, despite hearing about a fiancée, told him much. Melissa was clearly not the type to take "no" for an answer. He continued to eat, wondering just how many times had she eagerly played the other woman?

George broke Vincent out of this reflection with yet more inanities. The man just wasn't comfortable; Reeves wondered if he ever was. As fun as watching George squirm might be, however, it could only entertain for so long. Vincent was determined to bring Whish out of himself. Even if the good vet stayed true to his shrew of a fiancée, Reeves wanted Whish to at least go home a little less whipped.

"Like I say, I'm something of an entrepreneur," said Vincent. "I've invested in a number of businesses - store, offices, clubs, apartment blocks. It brings me in contact with all types. Usually the clubs cater towards exclusive clientèle.

"Actually," he continued, dabbing his lips clean with the napkin and tossing it on the table, "there's a club not far from here that I've considered investing in. I like to go there myself from time to time. Maybe we could go there, you could tell me if you think it's a sound investment?"

Time to see how far these two can be pushed, Vincent thought. Sienna had shown a mild curiosity, if nothing else. How would these two react? Whatever the result, it would be fun to watch. He felt that Melissa would happily join him (at least until she saw the place, anyway.) But George might need some encouragement. Vincent fixed him with his friendliest smile and said, "What do you say, George? I'm sure you don't much free time with your job. How about letting your hair down, just for tonight?"

 

[monique_minx]

"Like I say, I'm something of an entrepreneur, I've invested in a number of businesses - store, offices, clubs, apartment blocks. It brings me in contact with all types. Usually the clubs cater towards exclusive clientele. Actually there's a club not far from here that I've considered investing in. I like to go there myself from time to time. Maybe we could go there, you could tell me if you think it's a sound investment? What do you say, George? I'm sure you don't much free time with your job. How about letting your hair down, just for tonight?"

Melissa looked delighted while George appeared uncertain and indecisive, Melissa saw this and placed her hand over his reassuringly. She gave an eager nod and pleaded silently with her eyes for him to say yes.

“Come on George, just a bit of fun and if you don’t like then we don’t have to stay. Vincent might even get a better idea of whether or not he should invest in it judging off our reactions…” Her eye contact with George broke so she could flutter her lashes in Vincent’s direction, her body stretched out sexily so that she might touch George’s hand.

George could hardly resist those big blue eyes of hers, damn! He felt like a trapped animal beneath her gaze, her body made him want to leap across the table. He filled his mind with thoughts of Jessica instantly as he nodded.

“Sure then I guess, I’m no expert on clubs or anything but it couldn’t hurt…” George offered weakly as Melissa squeezed his hand and released it to sip her wine.

“Sounds like we’re on then Vincent.” She grinned, obviously enticed by the idea of going to a club on the arms of these two gentlemen, it was almost a free escort service.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

Vincent smiled broadly and settled the bill, eager to move before George thought better and tried to back out. He believed, however, that Melissa could have asked him to jump off a bridge and he would have been happy to do so. That girl had Whish wrapped around her little finger and he didn't even know it.

A thought flashed through Vincent's mind as they waited for his car. Might Sienna be free later on? If he could convince her to join them later, it would make things even more interesting. As it stood, Melissa was easily working her magic, but what if Vincent threw a new variable into the equation? How would Melissa react to Sienna's presence? How would Sienna react to Melissa's?

He wanted to find out. However, he also knew that he couldn't push Sienna too hard. He thought he had made good ground in the last 24 hours; there was no need to rush things.

He took out his cell phone and sent her a quick text message.

"Sienna, thought your other rescuers would like a drink with Yolanda. Feel free to join us."

She'd know where to find them if she wanted. Perhaps she'd want to talk to Vincent, or maybe her curiosity would take her back to the club. Vincent sort of liked not knowing what Sienna might do. It meant having to plan on the fly, which was always a good mental workout.

The journey didn't take long, a short drive through quiet city streets to the warehouse-cum-club house. What did they prefer to call it? Sex club seemed so... grimy. And besides, it's not like that was the focus of the place. Not the main one, anyway.

No Yolanda at the front door tonight; she probably had the night off, taking full advantage of some misguided college boy. Vincent stood aside and motioned for George and Melissa to walk ahead, saying, "Please, after you."

 

[monique_minx]

Sienna was tired; it had been a long day and the four hour shift was becoming the longest shift she’d had in her life. She’d already spilt three drinks and smashed two glasses nearing the halfway point and her boss was looking at her strangely. She couldn’t decide if she saw concern in the old man’s eyes or the gears turning behind them that said ever so quietly; he should fire her. Finally the third glass crashed in shards to the floor and she grabbed the pan with a body wracking sob, she felt lousy and couldn’t do anything right tonight!

“Sienna…” Her boss’ hand fell on her shoulder, making her blink back tears to look up at him, “Look go home, any idiot can see you’re exhausted and you told me you haven’t slept because of what happened with your car. It’s fine, we’ll manage one night without you. I’m sure Robert would feel better knowing you’re not going to drive dead to the world and I would too.”

She scooped up the shards and dropped them in the trash, standing up swiftly and straightening herself out, “I’m fine Sir, really, I’m not usually like this.”

He’d expected an argument from her, “No Sienna, just go home please? Look I can’t afford the glass repair.” He chuckled, “I know you’re not usually like this, you’re one of my best employees, always on time and you haven’t taken a sick day in the two months you’ve been here even though things have been rough at home. Just go home, it’s only a few hours off and you’ll be paid for them all. I promise.”

He was being so kind to her, Sienna couldn’t argue anymore as another flood of tears threatened to overcome her. She simply nodded and muttered her thanks with a smile as she picked up her purse and fished out her phone, it beeped and her first thought was Robert. Her heart soared at the idea of getting a message from him! But…no, it couldn’t be, Robert was…her heart sank as she remembered he was a wolf running wild this night.

“Vincent…” She muttered as she exited the club, her eyes glued to her cell phone.

"Sienna, thought your other rescuers would like a drink with Yolanda. Feel free to join us."

“Oh dear god! He didn’t! He wouldn’t! They…Jesus, is he out of his fucking mind?!” She scurried to her car a little faster, searching a little while for the little yellow bug before she remembered she’d taken Robert’s jeep to work. Her thumb flew across the keypad of her phone as she responded to his text message.

“Vincent, are you insane?! That’s no place to take those people, don’t play your games with them. They did me a turn of kindness, what are you playing at?”

She hit the send button and jammed the key into the ignition, she was across town from Vincent’s depraved little haunt and it was already going to take some time to get there.

~II~​

Meanwhile George and Melissa were enjoying the short drive over, some people were avid readers but it appeared that Melissa was an avid drinker as she sipped more champagne before they finally pulled up at the club. George was understandably nervous but Melissa was feeling quite bouncy and revitalised by the alcohol; this was her scene.

They slid from the car and headed over to the darkened front door, Melissa was looking around with interest while George looked around far more anxiously. Vincent however seemed as relaxed as always when he gestured to the door.

"Please, after you."

Melissa smiled brightly as George waved her in, she walked inside with him in tow. The first thing to touch on her eyes was the sea of leather and black surrounding her. No to mention the amount of skin showing which left her feeling more than overdressed. George’s eyes were drawn to the caged dancers and Melissa had to cover her mouth as she spied a woman leading an almost naked male around by a leash while he crawled quickly in an attempt to keep up with her. They were barely a metre inside the door and frozen in complete shock.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

[OOC: I'm so sorry this took so long! I must RP faster!]

Distracted for a moment by a familiar face, Vincent almost walked into George and Melissa, who were frozen to the spot. He suppressed his laughter; they looked like deer in headlights, momentarily shocked by the bright (or rather, dark) new world rushing headlong towards them. It was at that moment he felt his cellphone vibrating in his pocket.

Perfect timing, he thought as he saw it was a message from Sienna.

"Vincent, are you insane?! That’s no place to take those people, don’t play your games with them. They did me a turn of kindness, what are you playing at?"

Reeves gave a little sigh. Oh Sienna, did you really expect any less of me? "Playing" was the appropriate word. Life is but a game, and for Vincent it was important to be the one making the rules.

So these two had done a single good deed in the last twenty-four hours - did that make them saints? Far from it. Melissa was a dangerous femme fatale who snared men on a regular basis with her good looks and sultry demeanour. It mattered little to her if a man was married or engaged or in any other way unavailable - once the minx had you in her sights, it was only a matter of time before she struck.

As for Whish? Oh, perhaps George considered himself a good man, but then why allow Melissa to continue making advances if he didn't want them? Why was it so easy for him to go to dinner and leave his fiancée at home with their child? Vincent couldn't remember if George had even tried suggesting she come along, too. And besides, he wouldn't even have found Sienna if he hadn't have just happened across her car.

So perhaps Vincent thought little of their kindness. Perhaps he was playing a game with them. But the game was the same one he played with everyone, a little something he called "Who Are You?" That oaf Robert was a lumbering beast under his supposed kindness and Vincent felt the same was probably true of George. The devious serpent in Melissa was simple to see, but Vincent wanted to bring her face to face with a little piece of Sodom and see just how dark her mind really was.

Of course, he kept on the pleasant mask, the cheerful demeanour, injecting a little shame into the mix, as if he was embarrassed to be there himself. He placed a hand on their shoulders and said, "It's a little, uh... different, isn't it? But as you can see, quite popular with a niche crowd. How about we try the bar? You both look like you could use a drink."

He glanced back towards the entrance once, half hoping to spot Sienna before they disappeared into the crowd. She was coming ostensibly to save George and Melissa. In his own way, Vincent was trying to do the same.

 

[monique_minx]

((OOC: I don't know what you mean hun! I always make you wait so long, no need to apologize to me ))

"It's a little, uh... different, isn't it? But as you can see, quite popular with a niche crowd. How about we try the bar? You both look like you could use a drink."

George nodded as he gawked, barely noticing or hearing Vincent as he came up behind them both. Melissa on the other hand seemed to smarten up as Vincent spoke, her game face slid into place and she nodded with a smile, gesturing to Vincent to lead the way. When the man’s back was turned, Melissa grabbed George’s jacket sleeve less than gently and pulled him away as if she knew it would take a fair few drinks before George would have motor functions again.

Melissa’s eyes narrowed perceptibly however as she spotted Vincent’s backward glances towards the door, was he expecting someone? Her face cleared a moment later as they reached the bar, Melissa avoided pressing her skin into nearly naked, scantily clad forms that surrounded the bar area. George had managed to shut his mouth but he was still aghast over the whole place and the obvious sin occurring. George wasn’t a church going man but it was certainly enough to make him reconsider!

“Uh better get George a scotch and dry, make it a double.” Melissa murmured to Vincent, shooting George an anxious look that clearly defined her concern and the humour she’d found in the whole situation.

“Vodka and orange for me, I think.” Melissa smiled at Vincent, “It’s a nice club I suppose but George…well he’s pretty….I mean, Jessica is very conservative and proper. If he even suggested taking her here, she’d up and leave him. Though…I think she’s fit right in with the dick whipping dominatrix’s.” Melissa giggled and took her drink with a nod to the bartender.

She tugged George down onto a bar stool and slid his drink into his hand, giving him a comforting smile as he looked around nervously. The first sip of his drink made his throat burn, he coughed and spluttered as he looked at Melissa in surprise - obviously the man had not expected the double. Melissa gave him a thought-you-could-use-it shrug and patted his hand which laid flat on the bar. George finally managed to smile in return and Melissa was reassured he wouldn’t faint from the shock.

She turned back to Vincent, “Don’t suppose they have tables and chairs or something somewhere here do they? I think it would be a little cosier and more…comforting for George…” She stuck her thumb back at George who was now studying the bar’s set up and noting the various BDSM symbols and signs that lined the walls, George scrutinized them with a bizarre fascination until Melissa finally pulled him away to follow Vincent again.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

The drinks arrived quickly - and by the look on George's face, that was a blessed relief. Vincent hadn't seen someone this shocked since that time he came across a prominent politician making out with his young, male aide. Hopefully this occasion would be as profitable as that one.

He ordered himself a whiskey and Coke and laughed at Melissa's joke. There was a flash of an image in his mind of Melissa herself poured into a tight leather catsuit and swinging a whip over her head. Vincent didn't doubt for a second that a girl as aggressive as she wouldn't mind that at all.

"Don’t suppose they have tables and chairs or something somewhere here do they? I think it would be a little cosier and more…comforting for George…"

Vincent sipped his drink and nodded his head toward a flight of stairs leading to an upper floor.

"Why don't we go up there?," he suggested. "It'll be less crowded and you can see the entire club from there."

Well, he thought, as much as the club as they probably needed to see just yet. He led them across the dance floor and up the stairs, quickly greeting several familiar faces along the way. No one was in the mood for small talk just then, though - the hour was getting late and Vincent knew it wouldn't be long before many retreated to the other room.

He found them a table near the edge of the balcony, overlooking the floor below. He took a seat facing the door so he could keep an eye out for Sienna. He knew if he didn't call her, she would most likely come to confront him in person. Of course, her presence was equally welcome and unwanted. She could, after all, jeopardise his entire night. But then he had an ace up his sleeve. Sienna could ruin his fun, but he would have the last laugh come sunrise.

 

[monique_minx]

"Why don't we go up there? It'll be less crowded and you can see the entire club from there."

Melissa lifted her eyes to where Vincent was gesturing and she smiled, nodding to him in return. She pinched George’s jacket and dragged him from the bar, her drink carefully balanced so as not to slosh over the sides. They made their way up the stairs and found a small booth to sit in, George seemed to pull himself together at last and found his voice.

“Very…ummm interesting place Vincent. Not sure it’s my…ah scene really.” He said somewhat uncomfortably, “Would you be keeping it this way if you did decide to buy it?”

Melissa seemed disinterested at this point in the conversation but she was rather intrigued as to whether this was merely a business venture for Vincent or if he had more invested in the club than he let on.

~ II ~​

Across town, Sienna was finding traffic wonderfully light and she was grateful to speed through green lights, weaving her way with ease and cutting the normal amount of time in half. Sienna fumbled with her cell phone in her hand and tapped it against her chin anxiously, she couldn’t decide if she should call him or not but as she checked the screen for the millionth time in ten minutes to see nothing; she knew Vincent wasn’t texting her back.

“Goddamn it! He’s…ooo! He’s fucking infuriating!” Even as Sienna growled through her clenched teeth, a stunningly paranoid thought entered her mind, “What if this is…no…he wouldn’t really trick me…he helped me…today, I…and he…” She released a sound of pure frustration and indicated left, spinning around the corner as fast as ever.

Sienna sped the rest of the way and pulled up in the car park in record time, though of course, she’d made at least sixty traffic violations to do so. She threw her seatbelt off and grabbed her purse, throwing her cell phone into it as she made her way to the door. Her slinky black dress made her very uncomfortable in this place, it was the one place she wished she’d chosen to overdress for…with say an Eskimo jacket and six pairs of jeans!

Sienna pushed through the entrance, trying to avoid contact with others as she searched through the slowly thinning crowd for Vincent. Finally she got fed up looking for him and started to wonder if he was even at the club, her paranoia returned; perhaps he had lied? She started to open her purse, fishing through it to find her cell phone while she muttered in a soft annoyed tone to herself.

“Where is he?” Her frustration was barely audible, her hands fumbling for a grip on the tiny silver touch screen that was her cell phone.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

“Very…ummm interesting place Vincent. Not sure it’s my…ah scene really.”

Well of course it isn't, thought Vincent. That was kind of the point, after all. Watching George try to keep his cool was almost as much fun as Melissa's increasing interest in their surroundings. AT least, that's how it seemed to Vincent. If anything, the blonde had quickly learned to relax in this new environment. He found that rather interesting.

“Would you be keeping it this way if you did decide to buy it?”

Vincent cocked his head and shrugged at George's question. Finally he said, "Well, I know it's hardly the most mainstream of clubs, but then that's part of the appeal. There aren't many places where people with interests like this can mingle in public - there may be only one or two other clubs just like this in town, if any. It's a supplier's market. Demand far outstrips supply - and demand is growing."

Vincent chuckled and took a sip of his drink. He suddenly felt a vibration in his pocket. The ring of his cell phone was almost inaudible but he fished it out of his pocket. He smiled and said, "Excuse me," before turning slightly and checking the caller ID.

Sienna. Vincent wondered if he should answer before he spotted her through a gap in the crowd below. He accepted the call and cheerfully said, "Sienna! Look up." He waved slowly at her, waiting to see if she'd respond. At the same time, he glanced back at the others and declared, "Guess who's here!," then turned back to look down at the the gorgeous brunette below. She was dressed in a figure hugging little black number - it was perhaps too much to hope she had dressed up just for him.

 

[monique_minx]

George was surprised to hear there was a demand for this kind of club in the first place while Melissa was eying the doors to the back room with curiosity when Vincent’s phone rang.

"Excuse me…Sienna! Look up."

Sienna’s eyes lifted and she saw Vincent wave to her, she frowned and snapped her phone shut, depositing it into her purse before she made her way to the stairs, tugging her short black dress down a little.

"Guess who's here!"

Melissa and George both looked over to where Vincent’s eyes were directed, the brunette wearing a scandalously short, strapless dress with a gold chain link belt which hugged her just beneath her breasts. She was making her way up the stairs and Melissa felt a stab of jealousy, it must’ve been Vincent’s fiancé. Was she involved in this lifestyle with Vincent? His…Mistress? No, Melissa didn’t think that’d be his style, he’d definitely have to be the one holding the leash. She smirked over the idea of Vincent walking all over his fiancé, did the woman have no self respect? No drive?

“Your fiancé, I presume, Vincent?” Melissa asked, still smiling just as sweetly at him as she brushed her blonde waves back from her face.

Sienna stepped onto the platform, her jaw set as she was prepared for him this time. She sauntered over, seeing the head of a blonde woman and another man seated where Vincent was standing. She recalled them both but couldn’t say as much when she reached their little booth.

“Vincent.” She nodded to him and turned to them, offering her hand to the woman, “Hi, I’m Sienna.”

“Melissa.” She smiled and shook Sienna’s hand.

“George.” He shook her hand and had to give it to Vincent, the man did have good taste.

Sienna turned back to Vincent then and she grabbed his jacket, pulling him aside, “You texted me on purpose. You wanted me here so why? You did me a favour; I’ve not forgotten but I know you better than to think I could get shit from you for free Vincent.” Sienna hissed quietly, “What do you want?”

 

[deevo]

Vincent

Vincent couldn't help but think all eyes were on Sienna as she approached the table. Who wouldn't offer such a beautiful woman at least a quick glance, even in a place like this? Although the clientèle were a little more respectful than your average idiot on the street, there was no denying that Sienna turned heads wherever she went. It was one of her many qualities he found alluring.

He watched her make her introductions to George and Melissa. He wondered how much she remembered from her adventures as a cat? He'd have to ask her some time, but from the fiery glint in her eye Vincent realised now wouldn't be a good idea. He gave the others a cheerful shrug as Sienna dragged him away.

“You texted me on purpose. You wanted me here so why? You did me a favour; I’ve not forgotten but I know you better than to think I could get shit from you for free Vincent.” Sienna hissed quietly, “What do you want?”

"It isn't enough that I wanted to see you?," said Vincent with a smile. "OK, OK, maybe there's more to it than that. If it's any consolation, you have the night off. I'm not looking to play with your head this evening. Rather, I want to get inside theirs." He cocked his head back to the table, where George and Melissa were still busy sipping their drinks.

"Look at them," he continued with a frown. "Both wearing these stifling masks. I want to get through them. I want to see if they're the type who take control or if they're just another pair of easily manipulated sheep. I like to think the former, but I can't be sure. Take George. Is he really ready for a life of domesticity? If that was the case, why do his eyes keep trailing back to Melissa's cleavage? I want to see what kind of a man he is. I want to gauge his resolve.

"And Melissa? Well, just take one look at her. She's been busy flirting with both of us all night. She's certainly got the looks but you know me - I'm not really interested in that which falls into my lap. She's been in control, but what happens if we bring another woman into the mix? How will she react? Will we see a little more of the darkness inside her?" He leaned against the railing and glanced down at the crowd below before turning back to Sienna.

"You know what I'm capable of," he said. "All it takes is the right words and the right elements and I could have them do whatever I commanded. But what would be the point? They intrigue me and I want to know their true nature. If you stay for a couple of drinks, you can leave straight after. They think we're a couple, so I'm sure you've got enough anger towards me to start a believable lover's quarrel." He grinned and added, "Besides, you need to show off that dress. So, shall we return to the table?"

 

[monique_minx]

"It isn't enough that I wanted to see you? OK, OK, maybe there's more to it than that. If it's any consolation, you have the night off. I'm not looking to play with your head this evening. Rather, I want to get inside theirs."

Sienna’s eyes followed his casual gesture to Melissa and George, she looked at Vincent with reproachful confusion over this. He wanted to get inside their heads and do what with them exactly? She knew him to be manipulative but now he wasn’t just playing with her but those who had helped her.

"Look at them. Both wearing these stifling masks. I want to get through them. I want to see if they're the type who take control or if they're just another pair of easily manipulated sheep. I like to think the former, but I can't be sure. Take George. Is he really ready for a life of domesticity? If that was the case, why do his eyes keep trailing back to Melissa's cleavage? I want to see what kind of a man he is. I want to gauge his resolve. And Melissa? Well, just take one look at her. She's been busy flirting with both of us all night. She's certainly got the looks but you know me - I'm not really interested in that which falls into my lap. She's been in control, but what happens if we bring another woman into the mix? How will she react? Will we see a little more of the darkness inside her?"

Sienna looked at him in surprise, he’d truly gotten to know these people but it hadn’t changed him in the least. Instead of revelling in their possible friendship, he still wanted to play games with them. Sienna felt a stab of guilt for them having been caught in this crossfire but she still held her ‘better them than me’ mentality because she knew Vincent could and would do worse to her and Robert than he’d bother doing with either of these people. Sure enough, Vincent brought that up himself as he continued.

"You know what I'm capable of. All it takes is the right words and the right elements and I could have them do whatever I commanded. But what would be the point? They intrigue me and I want to know their true nature. If you stay for a couple of drinks, you can leave straight after. They think we're a couple, so I'm sure you've got enough anger towards me to start a believable lover's quarrel. Besides, you need to show off that dress. So, shall we return to the table?"

Sienna was shocked that he’d told them they were a couple, in all honesty; she knew she ought not have been so surprised, this was Vincent after all. She shook her head in disgust, he wanted her to pretend to break up with him for whatever reason. Sienna’s eyes flitted across to the beautiful Melissa; of course Vincent just wanted in her pants or something and somehow Sienna doubted that a spouse would be much of a barrier for the femme fatale.

“Fine Vincent, I’ll play your stupid little games but don’t pretend to tell me I have the night off when I have to act the part of your girlfriend.” She snapped at him quietly, “I shouldn’t even be here.” She said in a low irritated tone of voice.

Sienna wandered back to the table with him, pasting a smile on her lips for Melissa and George’s sake, “Sorry about that, Vincent was just…filling me in.”

Sienna glanced meaningfully at Vincent when Melissa piped up, “Not a problem, Vincent has told us a lot about you including your more ah…alternative tastes.” Melissa smiled disarmingly but her words were almost intended as a polite stab at Sienna.

“Oh?” Sienna looked at Vincent beside her, taking his hand and making the squeeze she gave it appear affectionate while in reality it was far more painful than it looked, “Exactly what have you been telling them, darling?” Sienna forced a smile, her teeth gritted as she suppressed her anger.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

She seemed upset. Well, that was her concern, not his. He had let her have the last word, but he could have easily asked her why she had come if she "shouldn't" be there. Not that it mattered. Sienna would do as he asked and she would be rewarded for it. That's what it was all about, after all; she had come to the club because she thought she could get something out of it. Why else bother? These people had done nothing more than take her far away from Robert and offered her no chance to get back to him before she changed. What did she owe them?

And that was the truth of it. Acts of altruism never really were. Human beings, at the heart of it, were animals. Oh, they put on the cloak of shame and civility, feigned empathy and sympathy as well as any household pet. But at the end of the day, that wasn't what people really wanted. People like George, Melissa and Sienna - they would never confess what they really desired and they would shun him for being honest. He put on many guises just to deal with them, but he longed for a day when he could be as he was any time he stepped into this club - honest, real. In a place like this he was naked (figuratively speaking, usually) and completely at peace. This honesty scared George and intrigued Melissa. Perhaps it also intrigued Sienna?

Regardless, Vincent wanted them all to break through those restraints that kept the beasts inside locked up. That, apparently, made him the bad guy. He could live with that - in a world of animals, obsolete concepts like "good" and "evil" were of little importance.

Sienna, to her credit, played her role well, if under duress. He bit his tongue to stifle a wince when she dug her nails into his hand. Whatever she needed to do to get that frustration out, he thought to himself. He'd suffered worse, that was for certain.

“Exactly what have you been telling them, darling?” Vincent gave them an almost embarrassed smile and cleared his throat.

"I was simply telling them about your artistic temperament," he said. He turned his eyes to George and Melissa and continued: "Sienna is really a remarkable woman - passionate, strong-willed... and occasionally, one with a fiery temper." He chuckled softly and added, "Not that there's anything wrong with that - if only more people had her honesty. It's one of the many things I admire about her."

The compliments weren't entirely empty. He really did admire her honesty, even if it was just her honest appraisal of him, which was never pleasant. He just wished she'd be a little more honest with herself. All in good time, he supposed.

Vincent ordered another round of drinks and sat back, swirling whiskey slowly in his glass. "I trust the two of you are feeling a little less uncomfortable?," he asked George and Melissa. "The beauty of a place like this is that nobody really stares at anybody. In a room like this, who's stranger than anyone else?"

 

[monique_minx]

"I was simply telling them about your artistic temperament, Sienna is really a remarkable woman - passionate, strong-willed... and occasionally, one with a fiery temper. Not that there's anything wrong with that - if only more people had her honesty. It's one of the many things I admire about her."

Sienna struggled to cover her surprise and her blushing cheeks, turning her face away from the other three as she fought the electrical surge that came with Vincent’s compliments. She was able to turn back when he ordered another round, George seemed to feel a little more comfortable with Sienna there, Vincent’s compliments for her put him at ease within the strange surroundings of the club.

Sienna’s eyes flitted to the VIP doors as a waitress delivered their drinks; her uniform more scant than covering. Sienna was watching people vanish beyond the doors, she figured there was now more people behind them than there was in the main part of the club by this time and her curiosity was starting to itch at her again. She longed to ask Vincent what occurred behind those big red doors but it was her pride that sealed her mouth shut. She turned back, blinking as Vincent asked the other two a question.

"I trust the two of you are feeling a little less uncomfortable? The beauty of a place like this is that nobody really stares at anybody. In a room like this, who's stranger than anyone else?"

Melissa smiled and George inclined his head, he couldn’t deny that he felt relatively normal in comparison to the people here but he did not want to be thought of as shallow and thus kept his mouth shut. Sienna realized she was still gripping Vincent’s hand and her fingers pried open slowly; releasing him as she took up her own glass of bourbon and coke, sliding the straw between delicately painted lips, sipping with a grace and seductive quality that sent a surge of jealousy through Melissa. She could seduce but she could never be as dainty and elegantly agile as Sienna was, she had a fragile kitten feature that Melissa would never be able to pull off.

“So what does go on in this club anyway Vincent?” Melissa broke into conversation suddenly, inclining her head to the doors that Sienna had eyed not five minutes before, “I’m guessing there’s not a whole lot of dancing behind door number one.” She giggled.

Sienna tried to hide her intrigue for Vincent’s response to this, she brought her glass to her mouth and held it close as she struggled to seem uninterested in the doors or what lay behind them. George seemed curious but cared a lot less than either of the women did, he’d never bring Jess here so there seemed to be no point in even knowing for him.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

Vincent had managed to remain stoic but he was relieved when Sienna finally let go of his hand. He glanced down to see the white marks where her nails had dug into his flesh. He'd always known the kitty had claws, but he hadn't thought he'd feel them.

He observed the change in shade on Sienna pale cheeks and the flash of envy that crossed Melissa's eyes for a moment. As any poker player will tell you, even the most hardened player has certain tells. Vincent simply smiled gently and enjoyed his drink. He was well aware that he was showing his own hand, the feeling of control over the situation.

But then, why shouldn't he? This was technically still his world alone.

He was happy to see George relax a little more. Vincent couldn't help but wonder what the other man was thinking, or if he was thinking at all.

While Vincent was lost in thought and slowly shaking his hand under the table to get the blood flowing again, Melissa suddenly spoke over the din of the crowd.

“So what does go on in this club anyway Vincent?” She cocked her head towards the double doors and said, “I’m guessing there’s not a whole lot of dancing behind door number one."

Vincent laughed quietly in response. That minx knew well what happened behind closed doors in this place. Sienna must have, as well, if only from their last visit. But here was a dilemma. He could be frank and honest and possibly scare their "noble" sensibilities, but if he was too shy it might be even harder to pull these people out from behind their masks.

He finally decided to make a stab for the best of both worlds. Give them enough to get the imagination going, but leave it up to them to decide how far down the rabbit hole they really want to go. They couldn't accuse him of coercion or force if they made the decision themselves. Vincent cleared his throat and said, "Yes, well, we're all grown-ups here. I hardly think I need to tell you that the PVC and leather isn't just for show. It's one of the more unique elements of the club, but as you can see, it all takes place behind closed doors, so you only see what you want to see."

He had the question "What do you want to see?" on the tip of his tongue, but he swallowed it back. For all their delusions, these were smart people; the question had been ever so gently implied.

 

[monique_minx]

"Yes, well, we're all grown-ups here. I hardly think I need to tell you that the PVC and leather isn't just for show. It's one of the more unique elements of the club, but as you can see, it all takes place behind closed doors, so you only see what you want to see."

Vincent chuckled quietly in response and answered Melissa’s question in a very roundabout type of way, it left Sienna warring with herself over asking further questions. She couldn’t of course, she would give away the fact that she wasn’t Vincent’s fiancé which would ruin his game and cost her far too much. It gnawed at her that these people had no idea how under thumb she was and how much power Vincent had over her and could have over them if he wished it.

“And if we wanted to see more?” Melissa enquired with a devilish smile painted on her ruby lips, George shifted uncomfortably and hid his surprise over Melissa’s kinky side as it started to show.

Sienna tried to seem bored with the whole conversation but her ears were pricked to hear Vincent’s response to the question. Her curiosity was eating her alive and the fact that she had to suppress the questions she wanted to ask just made it more difficult. She sipped the rest of her drink and checked the time anxiously, it was getting late and she would need to be leaving them soon if she didn’t want sunrise to catch up with her. Getting home with plenty of time to spare was a personal goal now due to the issue of the car overheating on her the day before; she’d been caught unawares then and vowed not to be again.

Her fingers tightened around Vincent’s hand again as her thumb flew over the keypad of her phone and she hit ’send’. Vincent’s phone vibrated with a message that read ’Dawn. Home soon, please?’

George was also looking at his watch and thinking about getting home to Jessica while Melissa had no home commitments to anyone but herself and no shape shifting curfew to be wary of so she was the only one truly at ease with the exception of perhaps Vincent.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

"And if we wanted to see more?"

Vincent couldn't help but chuckle; Melissa was certainly a much wilder one than he'd expected. Contrary to what porn might say, big-titted blondes weren't all eager to get ploughed by three men at a time while having their nipples twisted by a set of clamps. But Melissa could be the exception.

George seemed uncomfortable, but Vincent was absolutely ready to push him - and Sienna - further than they'd probably have liked. But he felt Sienna's grip tighten on his hand and the short, urgent text message that lit up his phone.

The urge to forget about her problems was overwhelming. He was having far too much with George and Melissa to stop now. But he knew he had to tread carefully. He had gained a little over the last day or two and, though his actions tonight didn't play in his favour, showing a little sympathy for her plight couldn't hurt.

Plus, she had written, "Please." He couldn't remember the last time any message from her sounded so... well, needy. Normally he would have expected her to demand that he let her go, and if she was really eager to leave she could have followed his suggestion of sparking an argument. But she hadn't done anything of the sort. Instead, Sienna just finished her drink and passed him pleading little messages. He could show a little mercy and reap the benefits.

"Well, I certainly wouldn't mind being your guide, Melissa," he said. "But I've noticed that the night is getting on and I have a long day tomorrow. How about this? We all come back tomorrow night, a little earlier, and I'll show you what this club is really all about. I want your guarantee that the two of you will come, though."

He turned his smiling face to George and said, "I know you're a little nervous, George, but I won't take no for an answer! You won't have to stay, but at least see it for yoruself. Don't you agree that life requires a little adventure, Melissa?"

 

[monique_minx]

Sienna was feeling her exhaustion and was more than ready to go home after more than 24 hours without sleep but as Vincent’s phone lit up and his eyes dropped to read the screen; she recalled Robert’s letter about the book in Vincent’s office. She frowned immediately, she could stay with Vincent in spite of her exhaustion and risk the sun rise as she sprouted fur all over her skin or she could go home. Of course, staying with Vincent would be no guarantee that she would be able to get inside his office at all. Sienna hadn’t quite figured out how she was going to manage that when he would be out of his office by the time she became human again so she would be unable to meet him there.

"Well, I certainly wouldn't mind being your guide, Melissa."

Vincent’s voice broke Sienna from her thoughts and she looked up to see Melissa’s eyes glittering with anticipation; something that made Sienna’s stomach turn. If only this Barbie brained bimbo had any idea at all of what the man she was so uninhibitedly lusting after was capable of. Sienna suddenly placed Melissa’s head on an Owl’s body with those thoughts and smirked in silence, she’d sure look pretty then.

Sienna’s eyes drifted over to Vincent, but he’d never do it to her, she thought to herself sadly; Vincent only wants what he can’t have and Melissa would never be enough of a competition to bother. She sighed to herself and returned to the conversation at hand.

"But I've noticed that the night is getting on and I have a long day tomorrow. How about this? We all come back tomorrow night, a little earlier, and I'll show you what this club is really all about. I want your guarantee that the two of you will come, though."

While Melissa’s eyes dulled for a moment, they lit up again at the idea of returning the following evening, George however, did not look as pleased. His expression showed a fair amount of concern and Vincent must have noticed as he turned what Sienna would call his ‘Jackal’ smile on George. It was predatory and Vincent was most certainly hunting for game.

"I know you're a little nervous, George, but I won't take no for an answer! You won't have to stay, but at least see it for yourself. Don't you agree that life requires a little adventure, Melissa?"

Melissa nodded and smiled broadly, “Absolutely!” She turned to George who looked a little more pale than usual, she knew that look because it meant George was about to say no, “oh come on George, you never go out and I don’t think Jess would be all that bothered over two nights in your whole life!”

“Uh, heh.” George gave her a weak smile, tearing his eyes from Vincent to look at Melissa, “I’m not sure, she might be annoyed that I keep leaving her at home.”

“So bring her with you.” Sienna piped up from where she lounged next to Vincent, having leaned back to save her aching muscles. Melissa looked ready to kill Sienna over that suggestion but Sienna was unconcerned as she shot Vincent a challenging grin.

“I’m not sure this is the right club for Jess, she’s a bit more…proper than this. She’d probably freak out.” Melissa swallowed and prayed George would agree before Sienna could push the idea.

“Oh nonsense.” Sienna cut in before George could do just that, she waved her hand dismissively, “My dear Vincent here is simply wonderful at making people feel at ease. He would surely take Jess’s…propriety in his stride. Wouldn’t you…darling?” Sienna smirked at Vincent and batted her lashes, clearly trying to prove she could play games and ruin his just as easily.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

George's fiancée, not to mention his own inhibitions, were always going to be a problem. It was why Vincent had addressed him before the poor fool could get in a word on the matter. Vincent was certain that with Melissa there to help him, he could break George's defences just enough to convince him to join them the next night.

But Vincent hadn't expected Sienna to pipe up. After all, wasn't this the type of thing she would abhor? If anything, he had expected her to side with George, her compassionate nature meaning Vincent would lose out on one of his new playthings. But as Sienna suggested George bring Jess along, reassuring him all the time that they would be well taken care of, Vincent had to hide his surprise.

He glanced to one side and saw the sly smile creep across Sienna's lips as their eyes met. Ah, so she wanted to play, did she? The truth was, Vincent was interested to see just who this women could be that kept George from throwing himself at a bombshell like Melissa; he just didn't think he'd get a chance any time soon. But to have her here, in this club, facing her limits with the rest of them? Sienna might have been baiting him, but on this occasion Vincent was willing to bite.

"Of course," he said happily. He stroked Sienna's cheek once with the back of his fingers and grinned, knowing just how much such a gentle touch must have unnerved her. "Excellent idea, dear," he added.

Vincent motioned for a waitress and handed her his credit card to settle the tab. He leaned forward and placed a hand on Melissa's, squeezing gently as he looked at George and asked, "Well, George? Surely you won't leave Melissa to come back here all on her own? I assure you, if you or Jessica feel uncomfortable, I'll have my car take you straight home." His eyes looked as kind as they ever did, his placid expression hopefully hiding the excitement he was beginning to feel.