Queen of the Boardroom

[silvertongue217]

Donnie tried not to glare as he slid into the back seat with Ms. Desmond. Years of detective training had taught him how to be the best bull shit detector in the force.

And this woman was talking bullshit

She was scared, scared of some one that much was clear. No one reacted that way normally and her body langauge screamed victim. This was some one personal an Ex maybe? Though from what he knew of her she had never really been photographed with any man and most certainly didnt have any past men that were cause for concern in his research.

"what are you hiding" he thought as he starred at her and tried to figure it out but he had nothing not unless the finger print hit with some one from his contact.

"Take me home but only for a minute to change. Then I wish to go out to the club."

"With respect Ma'am" he said his voice tighter than he would have liked. He was angry, angry at her for keeping things and for not being able to protect her to the best of her ability.

"Due to the security concern" he said shifting in his seat to look at her "I think the best course of action is to go to your home and bunker down after all we have no idea if this man in your car is following us or is some deranged stalker who might want to hurt you it is my STRONGEST recommendation that you go home and we go from there"

 

[Veroe]

IC: Deana Desmond

"Take me home but only for a minute to change. Then I wish to go out to the club."

There. Deana felt like she needed to go out and reclaim herself and beat the hell out of someone in the process.

Judging by the look on Mr. Vitrioli's face he wasn't a fan of that plan. That was just too bad. He needed to remember just who was the employer and who was the employee here. Deana made no apologies needing what she needed, and if he couldn't understand that he could get the fuck out of her way getting it.

"With respect, Ma'am," He told her letting a little of the irritation he was feeling shade his tone, "Due to the security concern I think the best course of action is to go to your home and bunker down. After all we have no idea if this man in your car is following us or is some deranged stalker who might want to hurt you."

"So your recommendation would be for me to scuttle underneath a rock," She surmised.

He shifted in his seat confirming, "It is my STRONGEST recommendation that you go home and we go from there"

"Your concerns may have some merit," She told him reaching into her purse and pulling out her phone. It took only a second before Dante answered her call.

"I need someone at my penthouse at..." She checked the time, "...Precisely two hours from now."

She listened to Dante's response before replying, "I don't care if it makes you feel like a pimp...I need someone at my place, or do I need to remind you who is your partner, silent or otherwise?"

That killed any argument from Dante. After all while he ran the club Deana was the majority owner. "...Yes Rose again will suffice."

She hung up and tucked her phone back into her purse. "There, Mr. Vitrioli, that should satisfy you." That was as far as she was prepared to compromise however.

It wasn't long before they arrived at her apartment building. She strode with confidence once again into the lobby and the elevator up to her penthouse. She strutted inside stating to him, "Mr. Vitrioli, you may check the room for any miscreant stalker hiding around any corners, but the room behind the red door is locked and you will not be permitted inside."

She headed for the bathroom. "I am going to shower and prepare for Rose's arrival in the meantime." She glanced back at him. "Once you've satisfied your concerns for my security you may go."

She then closed the bathroom door and started undressing for her shower.

 

[silvertongue217]

Donnie let out a slow measured breath he hadnt even known he had been holding. his shoulders relaxed slightly as his employer made her call. He half listened not really caring if she brought some one home as long as she was staying HOME for the evening. He job having been done (for now at least), he remained silent the rest of the ride home his attention split.

What was going on with his employer? He had of course when he accepted this job looked into her as thoroughly as possible but there was nothing to suggest a possible target.

at least none that he could find

Once again Donnie hoped some thing would come back from the finger print. It was a long shot but it was the only way he wouldnt be able to figure out who was in her car. She certainly wasnt going to be telling him where it came from any time soon.

They pulled up at her penthouse and she was off strolling through the lobby with what Donnie was starting to realize was her signature "fuck off" attitude. Donnie scrambled after her trying not to roll his eyes as he nodded at the security agents posted inside. He joined her still keeping silent as they went into her penthouse.

"Mr. Vitrioli, you may check the room for any miscreant stalker hiding around any corners, but the room behind the red door is locked and you will not be permitted inside."

"I am going to shower and prepare for Rose's arrival in the meantime." She glanced back at him. "Once you've satisfied your concerns for my security you may go."

"Yes Ma'am" Donnie said watching her disappear into the bathroom. He had no intention of leaving though not until this Rose woman came in and he confirmed she wasnt a threat. Even if it meant waiting outside he would do his job.

Of that he was certain

He swept through her penthouse making sure not to touch or pry into any thing. Her taste were immaculate but he noted every thing had a sterile presentation like quality. By the time he got back to where he started he had learned nothing more about his boss but every thing at the same time.

She was utterly alone

He waited his hands crossed behind his back his body turned towards her bedroom as he waited for her to come out.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Deana Desmond

Deana took her shower letting the hot water cascade down over her from the sophisticated rainforest shower she had paid for when she moved in to this penthouse a few years ago. The water washed away her cares, cleansing her past from her, and leaving only the present moment. She was ready.

She got out of the shower and dried herself off. Then began brushing her teeth and then her hair. She had to count each stroke of the brush and then return the brush in exactly the same way. Leaving the bathroom she had to turn off and on and off the lightswitch three times. She crossed over to her huge walk in closet and all the way to the back where she kept her other wardrobe.

She selected a white little pvc corset that covered the hideous cigarette burns climbing up her back but left her breast and pussy bare. Rose had a talented tongue and Deana already had plans for how she'd have the submissive redhead to use it. In the meantime she covered herself with her big fluffy terrycloth robe. It was long enough that it gave no clue to what she wore underneath it.

She checked the time and found Rose still had several minutes before she would arrive. Deana left her bedroom to retrieve a bottle of water from the fridge. In the living room she found Mr. Vitrioli sitting on her sofa.

"I trust you found all is well," She said to him, "Have you satisfied yourself that there's no one else skulking about in my home."

She sat in the chair facing him crossing her legs and taking a sip of her water as she awaited Rose's arrival.

 

[silvertongue217]

Donnie watched as she came out trying very very hard not to stare. The robe luckily covered all of her yet still he was very aware of the fact she might be naked underneath. He shifted on the couch having decided to sit down as he waited for her. He didnt say any thing watching as she got a bottle of water for herself and finally sat down.

"I trust you found all is well,"

"Have you satisfied yourself that there's no one else skulking about in my home."

"I did" Donnie replied ignoring the thinly veiled sarcasm "your home is secure and very nice Ma'am" he said with a slight incline of his head.

"I however am afraid I have to stay until this Rose comes so I can make sure she is no threat" Donnie said shifting once more having taken off his business jacket. The white linen shirt he wore under showed off his muscles and the chest holster holding his gun.

"Then I will leave and be here bright and early to escort you on whatever you are doing tomorrow" He said nodding his head.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Deana Desmond

"I trust you found all is well," She said to him, "Have you satisfied yourself that there's no one else skulking about in my home."

She sat in the chair facing him crossing her legs and taking a sip of her water as she awaited Rose's arrival.

"I did," He replied as she sat down, "Your home is secure and very nice Ma'am."

She arched an eyebrow at the reverential incline of his head, "Thank you," She gestured towards the door. "That will be all Mr. Vitrioli."

"I however am afraid I have to stay until this Rose comes so I can make sure she is no threat," He said shifting forwards giving Deana a good look at the way his clean white shirt stretched across his broad chest.

She leaned back crossing her arms under the swell of her bust, "Rose is harmless. I've known her for years. You will find nothing to worry over."

He nodded at that. "Then I will leave and be here bright and early to escort you on whatever you are doing tomorrow."

"I intend to work from home tomorrow," She informed him, "Though I may decide to go out somewhere."

She lifted her bottle of water to her lips for a sip while checking the clock on the wall. Rose had five more minutes, "Do you live far from here, Mr. Vitrioli?"

 

[silvertongue217]

"Well not far but not close" Donnie said ignoring her defending Rose. Given the security risk he wasnt taking any chances with her safety.

"I live in the bronx" He said shifting slightly trying once again not to stare at her body on display "So not exactly close but with the car it should only take me a few minutes to get home" He said

"As for working from home that is fine I shall make the necessary security arrangements I will be over promptly in the morning and if you wish to go any where I will have the driver on standby and ready to take you I promise not to be much trouble either" he said his eyes flickering to the clock before settling back to her.

"Did you grow up in the city?" He asked "I have to say the file I had on you didnt say I do not mean to pry if you would rather not answer I would understand"

 

[Veroe]

IC: Deana Desmond

She lifted her bottle of water to her lips for a sip while checking the clock on the wall. Rose had five more minutes, "Do you live far from here, Mr. Vitrioli?"

"Well not far but not close," He replied shifting a little on the sofa, "I live in the Bronx." She could feel his eyes roaming over the swell of her breasts. He was trying to hide it, but she had learned to notice it instantly living her life looking as she did. Men, women, it didn't matter-they all invariably ogled her. Deana had learned to make it a source of empowerment.

"I will expect you to be here in the morning at precisely 8am sharp," Deana told him, "I value punctuality greatly, Mr. Vitrioli. So if it means you have to get up early to arrive here on time tomorrow I expect you to do so."

Rose had three more minutes, before she was late. Deana was uncertain whether she wanted the pretext of her tardiness in order to punish her or not, but if she was even a minute late...there'd be hell to pay.

"As for working from home that is fine I shall make the necessary security arrangements," He said, "I will be over promptly in the morning and if you wish to go any where I will have the driver on standby and ready to take you I promise not to be much trouble either."

"Excellent," She stated. Rose had two more minutes.

"Did you grow up in the city," He suddenly asked her, "I have to say the file I had on you didn't say. I do not mean to pry. If you would rather not answer I would understand"

She froze for a moment at the question uncertain how to answer or even what to answer. To cover she took a good sip of water before answering bluntly, "No I am not from the city...I moved here when I started to work at the company a few years ago."

Thankfully she was saved from any follow-up questions Mr. Vitrioli may have had by the doorbell.

"That would be Rose," She said putting her bottle of water down to rise for the door.

When she opened it she revealed a redheaded woman in a red dress.

"You're right on time, Rose," She told the woman, "I am pleased."

She bowed her head to Deana, "Thank you mistress."

Deana turned to Mr. Vitrioli. "Well as you can see now Rose is no threat. You can go now. I will have no further need of you tonight."

 

[silvertongue217]

"Thank you mistress."

The realization of what Rose was hit Donnie like a shotguns kick.

He turned moving his eyes away from the beautiful woman in the red dress and taking his employer in in an entirely new light. Her commanding tone, the way she took charge, and her drive suddenly had a contrast to it.

A sexual one

She expressed and desired control in her life both in the bedroom and not. It now made sense why the woman was not seen in public with many dates. Another piece of the puzzle that was his employer had fallen into place.

And why did he find what he was seeing to be so alluring?

"Well as you can see now Rose is no threat. You can go now. I will have no further need of you tonight."

"Understood Ma'am" Donnie said shaking his shock off and nodding at her. He had a job to do and that was not to gawk at his employer and what she did with her personal time. He turned biding them both a fairwell and left making his leave after making sure her buildings security team was aware of the security threat.

He called a cab for the ride back to the office to pick up his mustang and after that drove home to his small apartment in the bronx. His mind tossed and turned the events of the day trying to make sense of it all as he went about his night time routine. Deana Desmond was in a lot of ways like a case from back in his detective days. She showed signs of having been a victim yet every thing he saw made it hard for him to imagine her ever having been in a vulnerable position.

Had some thing happened to her at a younger age? The mysterious past it seemed impossible to find? Or was he paying to much attention trying to find a case for some kind of familiarity.

A way to distance himself from a woman he was clearly attracted to?

He wrestled with those thoughts even as he ate his leftovers and watched his standard television. They haunted him following him into his shower and finally into his bed. He fell asleep thinking about her and in a moment of weakness wondered if she was his last thought before bed like she was his.

..........................

THE NEXT DAY

Donnie pulled his car into the visitors parking and stepped out adjusting his aviators. He buttoned his jacket and went inside hitting the penthouse button and keeping the tray of drinks and bagels he had brought. After the mess up of the previous night Donnie was determined to put his best foot forward and show her he was a capable security man and would not be interfering with her life. The doors slid open and he stepped out knocking at her door and waiting for her to answer.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Deana Desmond

As was her custom Deana awoke early that morning. She always slept in fits in starts anyway...the nightmares awakened her regularly. It was something she had learned to live with and work around. She got up out of bed pleased to see Rose had already awakened and finishing up in the shower.

She crossed over to the kitchen tying her warm and fluffy bathrobe closed back as she heard the Rose shut the water off. A glass of orange juice later she came out of the bathroom and started for her over night bag. She stopped wincing with the motion. "Ouch, you really did a number on me last night."

Deana put down the empty glass into the kitchen sink to be washed later. "Thank you for the compliment...are you finished with the shower?"

"Yeah," She answered pulling out her suit for work, "I'll need the mirror though."

"Then you will have ten minutes in the restroom," Deana told her sternly, "I expect you to be dressed and ready to go by then."

"You can't order me around. We aren't in play now, Mistress," She protested, "And you shouldn't need to worry I've seen the scars...They looked terribly painful, but they also looked old...I'm so sorr-"

"You are now down to nine minutes and forty-five seconds," She said sternly. Underneath Deana felt a thread of fear course through her. She had been unforgivably careless. She'd always been so cautious about what she revealed of herself to anyone, but last night her need for Rose's subservience overrode her usual caution.

"Oh fine," Rose muttered rushing back into the restroom for the fastest putting clothes and makeup on in human history. "Then just tell me who was the cutie that was with you when I arrived."

That took Deana aback, "He was just my new head of security...why do you ask?"

"Just checking to see if he wasn't your boyfriend or something before trying to get his attention." She replied practically jumping into her pantsuit.

"A slut like you would be bored to death with him after the first date," Deana told her with a hint of annoyed possessiveness to her voice, "Mr. Vitrioli is as vanilla as an ice cream cone."

"I don't know about that...I usually have a pretty good spider-sense when it comes to the kinky and don't know it type of hunk," Rose told her pulling her blazer on and quickly combing through that unruly mass of long crimson hair.

This put Deana on edge, "Finish up, Rose. I won't be needing your services for a while after last night."

"What...that really pissed you off, didn't it," Rose looked up from the mirror to her then, "If I knew he was the way to break through the infamous Ice Queen's shell of control I would've asked about your security stud last night when you could really punish my ass for it."

Gritting her teeth Deana announced, "Four minutes and twelve seconds."

"Oh shit," Rose cried, "Hang on...I still need to start putting on my makeup."

Deana just stood there arms crossed waiting out the minutes watching Rose rush through her makeup.

Finally time was up and Rose was hurrying out. "Look if you don't want me making a move on tall bald and sexy, I won't."

Thankfully it was then that there came a knocking at her door. A glance at the clock told her that it had to be Mr. Vitrioli arriving right on time just like she had dictated to him. Good.

She and Rose crossed the penthouse to the door. It opened letting him inside. "I am running behind schedule," She informed him turning to head back to shower, "Rose is just leaving for her work."

Rose in turn offered her hand to him, "Hi, we didn't get to talk last night. I'm Rose."

She shut the door worrying over what Rose was going to do or say to him, and worrying why did she care. The shower came on and Deana stood underneath the spray hoping it would wash everything from her.

 

[silvertongue217]

So she had spent the night

Donnie wasnt sure why he was so surprised after all the girl had come late at night in a tight dress showing off her assets and Ms. Desmond had made it clear she wasnt going back out. Even though he had not seen any thing it had been clear what they were going to be doing.

However seeing it......

"I am running behind schedule,"

"Rose is just leaving for her work."

"Very good Ma'am" Donnie called watching her move away "I shall wait then"

He turned getting ready to move in before Rose caught his attention

"Hi, we didn't get to talk last night. I'm Rose."

"Donnie" He said holding out his hand and shaking hers "If you dont mind me saying Rose you looked lovely last night"

She blushed and Donnie spent a few minutes talking (and flirting) with her before making his way inside. Before he went inside they exchanged numbers, he didnt know if any thing would come out of it but it had been a while since he went out on a date and had some fun.

He moved into the kitchen placing the bagels he had gotten her on the counter top. After getting her schedule from her secretary he knew she would probably want a work out after her shower so he set his gym clothes in the kitchen as well before turning to the sound of the shower running. A wicked thought began to form in his mind one he should under NO circumstances entertain.

Yet he found himself moving to the door anyways

He reached the cracked bedroom door and peeked in curious despite himself. Only for a second he told himself angling his eye to see the bathroom curious despite himself.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Deana Desmond

She shut the door worrying over what Rose was going to do or say to him, and worrying why did she care. The shower came on and Deana stood underneath the spray hoping it would wash everything from her.

Deana hadn't realized that when she had shut the door it hadn't closed completely and as she stood underneath the water it gradually shifted open so anyone could look through the narrow crack at her full bathroom mirror and see in its reflection her standing in the middle of the shower. Any peeping tom wouldn't see much since she had her back turned, but what could be seen was the terrible cluster of circular burnscars ranging from her shoulder blades down her back to the flare of her hips and the upper part of the swell of her buttocks. They were old, healed, but still visible-they'd never leave her like the memory each one was a reminder of.

After her night with Rose Deana felt more stabilized, and now as she began to rinse the shampoo from her hair she was beginning to think on the myriad things she'd have to do today. First she'd start her morning routine by hitting her gym, then check up on the office over skype for the ten o clock board meeting. She finished with the conditioner and began using a loofah to spread her sophisticated French body wash over her body starting with her legs and working her way up to her stomach and breasts.

After the board meeting she'd be hungry...so perhaps some delivery or a trip out for some lunch at the deli down the street. Finally she'd make some calls to check on certain matters that concerned her.

She turned off the shower once more the queen of her kingdom and stepped out for the towel to dry herself off. She padded out of the bathroom and into her bedroom to quickly blow dry and brush through her long golden blonde hair. Then pull on her tight grey yoga pants that fitted snugly over every curve and detail of her legs and ass. Over the sports bra trying to contain her breasts she pulled on a baggy white T-shirt that proclaimed "I heart NYC".

She went out of her bedroom and found Mr. Vitrioli waiting for her by the kitchen. "You brought bagels?"

 

[silvertongue217]

"You brought bagels?"

"I did indeed" Donnie said taking a slow breath before turning to face her.

He shouldnt have looked

Not only was it disrespectful what with her being his boss but what he had seen spoke volumes about a past that he know knew was best left forgotten. Some one and he didnt know who but he had a good idea who it might be had hurt her.

And they had hurt her bad

So bad that the evidence even though it had to have been ages ago still marred her body. Donnie's heart clenched at the thought his mind refusing to think or dwell on what each of those marks meant. She was another victim and even though it was in the past.

He was determined not to make her one again

"Your assistant said you like them" He said finally turning to her and making no moves to oggle her (even though he was more than tempted). He pushed them over to her before grabbing his own duffel bag containing his sports gear.

"I also was told you like to work out" Donnie said noting her work out gear "I took the liberty of bringing my stuff if you allow me to go get changed while you eat we can set out and you can show me your usual routine"

He pulled off the jacket of his suit revealing a pale blue button shirt that matched well with his tan skin, his chest holster holding his 1911 was secured snuggly to his muscular chest. He gently placed his suit on the high back of the chair and moved past her as he did his cologne masculine in nature moved past her wrapping around her.

He walked into her bathroom keeping the door ajar so she could talk to him and so he could listen out. He began to strip pulling off his shirt and his pants until soon he was in a pair of black skin tight boxers molded to his frame.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Deana Desmond

She went out of her bedroom and found Mr. Vitrioli waiting for her by the kitchen. "You brought bagels?"

"I did indeed," He said turning towards her. Deana noted how he averted his gaze from her, and she was speculative about why. She couldn't believe he had stopped finding her attractive. She'd never met a heterosexual male that ever had anyway.

Eyeing him she settled down on a stool at the kitchen's island realizing that she was rather hungry for some breakfast. "These are from my favorite Deli, but it's over in midtown..."

"Your assistant said you like them," He answered pushing the bag towards her.

Deana eyed him for a moment as he reached down for a duffel bag. Why wasn't he ogling her? The question was starting to bother her. He was trying to specifically avoid it. It made her want to go back to her room and put on a tighter T-shirt. Then she'd see if he had the fortitude not to gawk at her assets.

Yet it wasn't about her vanity really. Deana could tell something was causing him to be ultra-aware of not objectifying her. Which she would have normally found to be the ideal situation, but oddly it was making her miss having his eyes on her breasts instead.

She began to pull out one of the bagels and the lox and schmear. She kept an eye on her figure for health and fitness reasons so she couldn't indulge as often as she found herself craving the taste of cream cheese and smoked salmon and capers of an excellent bagel.

"I also was told you like to work out," He continued pointing out the yoga pants, sneakers, and T-shirt she was wearing.

"Every morning," She confirmed unwrapping one of the aforesaid bagels, "I prefer to keep my training razor sharp."

"I took the liberty of bringing my stuff," He told her lifting his duffel bag over his shoulder, "If you'll allow me to go get changed while you eat. We can set out and you can show me your usual routine."

"You want to train with me," She looked at him skeptically, "I would remind you that I am not one of those women who thinks just pilates or hot yoga constitute working out. I have mastered eight different martial arts and spar with only opponents who can keep up with me."

In answer to that he removed his jacket and she noted how his blue button-down shirt fit over the lean muscular chest and shoulders accentuated by the presence of the holster hanging beneath an armpit. He walked past on his way to the bathroom to change. He came close by her, close enough she could get a good whiff of the cologne he wore. It was a warm and welcoming scent and Deana found it oddly comforting.

She ate the bagel as he changed considering his proposition. She doubted he'd be able to give her a good match, but she had to admit to herself the prospect of knocking Donnie Vitrioli on his ass for the disruption in her life he caused her had a great deal of appeal to her.

So when he came out of the bathroom she smiled to him wickedly, "I have decided to accept your offer to spar with me, Mr. Vitrioli."

With that she grabbed her vintage leather jacket and they left the penthouse. They began walking down the street to her gym the hustle and bustle of pedestrians of a Manhattan in the morning flowing around them on the way.

 

[silvertongue217]

"I would remind you that I am not one of those women who thinks just pilates or hot yoga constitute working out. I have mastered eight different martial arts and spar with only opponents who can keep up with me."

The line stuck with him even as he changed from his suit to a simple sports compression T shirt and matching running pants. Now that he knew more about her it made sense that she was so well trained in fighting. While some people loved to fight and the workout from it, the fact that she had said it that way and was so prideful of it only added to his overall assessment of her.

She was a victim

Not that he would treat her any differently but it would mean that security would be taken more seriously when it came to her. The whole business with the car the night before meant that some one even if it wasnt the person them selves knew her ticks and who had hurt her. Donnie was still waiting to hear back from his guys on who might have been in the car but without the information to her past he was grasping at straws.

Which meant he would keep digging

"I have decided to accept your offer to spar with me, Mr. Vitrioli."

Donnie said nothing but he did note her wicked smile and the undertone of glee in her voice. She was excited at the prospect of fighting him! Probably because she had no doubt she would be able to win and knock him on his ass. Donnie felt the challenge but said nothing instead nodding his head at her and letting her lead the way as his own wicked smirk crossed his face.

He was by no means a purveyor of eight different styles of martial arts but he was an old champion boxer. He had even been given the chance to go pro! Before he decided to be a cop. He kept up the training though and won a few tournaments here and there when he had the time. Either way she would not be expecting that so even if she did win he intended to make her work for it.

And work hard

"Who trained you?" He asked following her to the gym and keeping his eyes peeled on the area and people around them "Did you go abroad to receive the training? I know its hard to find a wide assortment of martial arts here not when boxing is in the cities blood"

He was probably giving away the game but he was curious and if he was being honest a little bit of a tease. Wether she figured it out or not he would have to see once they got in the ring but either way it wouldnt be as easy as she thought.

Not if he had any say in it

 

[Veroe]

IC: Deana Desmond

"I have decided to accept your offer to spar with me, Mr. Vitrioli."

With that she grabbed her vintage leather jacket and they left the penthouse. They began walking down the street to her gym the hustle and bustle of pedestrians of a Manhattan in the morning flowing around them on the way.

She always enjoyed the busy sidewalks of manhattan with bustling press of people coming to and fro in their own lives. It was a beautiful chaos she could lose herself within. It was another way to forget herself and just become another person, another pedestrian just busily rushing on through their day.

"Who trained you," Mr. Vitrioli asked beside her, "Did you go abroad to receive the training?"

"A few experts from around the world here and there like Sifu Yeoh in Hong Kong, Sensei Matsumoto in Kyoto to name a couple." She shrugged, "And a couple here in the city though."

"I know its hard to find a wide assortment of martial arts here not when boxing is in the cities blood" He continued.

"Spoken like a boxer," She sniffed, "There's other traditions here in this city than just boxing."

She stopped and gestured to a door. "We're here."

The sign above the door read Miguel Ferrera Jr. MMA Gym. She was interested if Donnie would recognize the name. Miguel was a nine time UFC champion, and a large reason for the boom in the sport's popularity in recent years, a veritable legend and a decent sparring partner.

She made for the door, "Shall we, Mr. Vitrioli?"

 

[silvertongue217]

"Spoken like a boxer,"

"There's other traditions here in this city than just boxing."

Donnie heard the disdain in her voice and smirked unable to help himself from rising to the bait she had put out there.

"Are there" He said his voice devoid of emotion "I wasnt aware"

He went into the gym with her a smirk on his face and winked at her as he came in (making sure to open the door for her). He swung his gym bag over his shoulder looking around as he basked in the smell of sweat blood and chalk.

"I suppose it shouldnt surprise me you train at Miguels gym" Donnie said turning to her and unable to stop himself from grinning "I cant tell you how many of the boys and some of the men back on my street would kill to be in here"

Donnie turned to her eyeing her up and down "Do you want me help stretching out first?" He asked the professional tone he had more or less used to talk to her falling away. He was more friendly now that he was in his element and his voice had kind of taken a sexy lit that hadnt been there before.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Deana Desmond

She made for the door, "Shall we, Mr. Vitrioli?"

Yet he reached the doorknob first and pulled it open for her. She looked up at him about to remind him that she had hands and if she wanted his help opening doors for her she'd ask him for it, but the look on his face and the wink he gave her mollified her anger. Or rather delayed it. She'd remind him about keeping proper decorum in the ring.

He followed inside after her gymbag slung cockily over his shoulder. Yes, somebody was cruising for a bruising of their pride among other things too.

"I suppose it shouldn't surprised me you train at Miguel's gym," He told her with an irrepressible grin crossing his face, "I can't tell you how many of the boys and some of the men back on my street would kill to be in here."

"He's a good teacher," She agreed, "Your friends back home should be envious."

She approached a middle aged latino man with a buzzcut turning fully grey, his nose broken in at least two places and knuckles of his hands thick and calloused from the many competitions he'd fought in his illustrious past.

"Sorry Miguel," She said gesturing to Donnie, "My new security man has kindly volunteered to be my sparring partner this morning."

The 8-time UFC champion eyed Mr. Vitrioli up and down, "You got a death wish, Loco?"

As he spoke with Miguel she reached her locker and pulled out her own sparring gear and stashing her leather jacket inside.

She came back overhearing Miguel giving Donnie some advice, "...And don't let her in close, kid. Keep your distance and don't get cornered."

He looked back to her saying, "Do you want me to help stretching out first?"

She noted the somewhat seductive confident lilt to his voice. To his question she raised an eyebrow and stretched her arms out, "Very well. You may begin now."

She was still uncertain about him, but Donnie-Mr. Vitrioli-was starting to integrate himself more and more into her routine. And the distance she had felt between them during the bagels was starting to evaporate. Now his presence beginning to feel no longer out of place in her life.

 

[silvertongue217]

"...And don't let her in close, kid. Keep your distance and don't get cornered."


"Very well. You may begin now."

"Thank you for the advice" Donnie said clapping the man on his back before turning to her "If you follow me"

He walked over to one of the matts set out to stretch on and gestured for her to come up.

"If you lift your arms up Ma'am" He said that glint still in his eyes as he assessed her. Once she had done so he ran his hands up her side his fingers messaging the skin as he ran up to her arms.

"Okay here we go" He said sliding up behind her his voice by her ear. He ran his hands up her own hands rubbing her shoulder blades and then pulling her arms back slightly to stretch. He had her hold the position for a few minutes before he brought her down having her touch her toes as he ran his hands up and down her back and worked to loosen her muscles. For a man with rough hands and a life time of being a cop he was surprisingly good at giving massages. His hands danced on the knots on her back loosening them up easily.

He continued to stretch her for a few minutes always touching her always keeping her loose. He slipped into a state of being more.... Friend or lover than under her employment. He touched her freely always of course to help her stretch but not holding back in any aspect.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Deana Desmond

She noted the somewhat seductive confident lilt to his voice. To his question she raised an eyebrow and stretched her arms out, "Very well. You may begin now."

She watched him approach. Deana wasn't sure why she was allowing this. She usually stretched out before sparring Miguel on her own, but for some reason she wasn't sure of she was humoring Donnie now. It was probably the cute little smile in his eyes as he led her over to one of the mats set aside on the floor.

"If you lift your arms up Ma'am," He said gesturing her towards the center of the mat.

Deana stepped onto it and raised her arms over her head. Then he came up before her reaching out his hands for her. She had to stop herself from flinching and reacting violently when his hands made contact with her sides just under her armpits. She sighed when his hands moved up, fingers massaging so lightly.

She should stop this. Push him away. Put him back in his proper place. But then he moved around behind her. "Okay, here we go."

She sighed again as his hands raised up to hers pulling back to stretch her shoulders. Then bending her over to touch her toes. Her eyes widened when in the process her rear neatly bumped into his crotch, but they slowly drifted closed as Deana felt his hands trace over her back massaging gently.

Was this what it was like stretching with someone else? Had she been missing out on this or was it just stretching with Donnie's assistance. Or perhaps that there was a distinct sexual air without crossing over into vulgarity she was getting from this.

Deana couldn't help but wonder what those rough but gentle hands could do on other areas of her body.

Eventually though she announced, "Enough, Mr. Vitrioli." She gestured to the MMA octagon in the center of the room. "It is time to see what you are made of."

 

[silvertongue217]

"Enough, Mr. Vitrioli."

"It is time to see what you are made of."

Just like that the flirting Donnie was gone replaced by a man of serious concentration. She was not an easy opponent and Donnie knew that if he went into the ring over confident he would get his ass handed to him and then some. He wasnt even sure if he could win the fight given her more extensive fighting training but he also knew if he could get beaten by her than she would use it to further remind him she did not need a body guard.

Which would make his job that much harder

He moved with her to the ring stopping and getting strapped up. He eyed her as he did trying to gauge her fighting stance and any information he could use. His best option would be to strike fast and hard to try and take her down while he still had the element of surprise. It was a risky gamble because it would leave him dangerously exposed but if he prolonged the fight he would run out of moves before she did.

He hoped into the ring and moved toward her holding his gloves out.

"Bump before the fight?" He asked her eyes narrowed focused as he watched one of the coaches climb up to monitor them.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Deana Desmond

Eventually though she announced, "Enough, Mr. Vitrioli." She gestured to the MMA octagon in the center of the room. "It is time to see what you are made of."

Deana watched him warily step up onto the ring. She was not certain why she had humored him just now. Normally she did her stretching exercises alone. She began strapping on her gloves and headgear as she contemplated why she was allowing Donnie this latitude.

Ever since meeting him she'd been vacillating in her behavior towards him. One minute taking him in by a firm hand and the next allowing him shocking freedom with her. Why?

He was only a man, afterall. For all their complexity they were essentially simple creatures in her experience and easily controlled to doing as she wished. She had made her life's pursuit in doing just that-to both sexes but men especially. So why was she finding this one man so disruptive to her usual domineering state.

There was just something about him that found chinks in her armor. It unnerved her how she allowed him to do so without trying.

"Bump before the fight?" He asked her as she set herself for their match.

Deana recognized that he was trying to gauge her ability so she held out her fists for him. "Very well, Mr. Vitrioli, approach and bump away."

Once he had done that she backed off keeping her guard up. Both of them waiting for the other to close the distance and make the first move. After several moments where the tension stretched taut between them to the point of snapping. She used her training in Muy Thai to throw some jabs at him since she knew his experience was in the form of traditional boxing. This would set him in a familiar pattern so much he'd be unprepared for the kick for his ribs she was launching.

 

[silvertongue217]

The bell rang out the match starting as the two began to dance around each other. She wasted no time quickly moving into a complex series of moves that were outside the traditional boxing norm. He detected the Muy Thai in her technique and danced out of the way counting on his agility to surprise her. She was good.... good enough that she would beat him in a matter of moments if he let the fight go on for to long. OF course she might still win any ways but Donnie understood it was important to make it as hard a fight for her as possible. He was her body guard which meant that he needed to show her he could protect her. Being beaten by your charge was just bad business and it could very easily make him the laughing stock of the private security world.

So he launched his counter attack with every thing in him

She moved to kick him in the ribs and he feinted to let her think she had him. He dodged at the last second rolling to her left and missing the knee by a hair. It came close enough for him to kiss it!

But he refrained

He popped up and laid into her with all he had. It was a dangerous gamble because if he over committed it would be over in a second. He kept his guard up but began peppering her with blows jabs and one two combos that were sure to hit. Every thing in him said to end it right then and there to throw some power at her that she couldn't recover from but he didnt as he noticed her recovering from the surprise.

So he danced back keeping his guard up as he moved back. The same trick wouldnt work twice but at least he had managed to surprise her.

And he was still in the fight.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Deana Desmond

"Very well, Mr. Vitrioli, approach and bump away."

Once he had done that she backed off keeping her guard up. Both of them waiting for the other to close the distance and make the first move. After several moments where the tension stretched taut between them to the point of snapping. She used her training in Muy Thai to throw some jabs at him since she knew his experience was in the form of traditional boxing. This would set him in a familiar pattern so much he'd be unprepared for the kick for his ribs she was launching.

They seemed to both be feeling the other out right now with exploratory attacks and feints meant to draw the other into over-committing. Such as the case of her kick for his midsection. Somehow Donnie managed to duck and slither underneath it so she missed making contact by inches. It was so close he could have kissed the inside of her leg.

Deana despite herself was impressed. Mr. Vitrioli had some good reflexes and flexibility. It was difficult not to go into imagining just what those reflexes and flexibility would imply in the setting of her playroom. A little surprised she attempted to regain her footing before he could press the advantage.

It only half worked.

He pressed the attack peppering her with jabs meant to chisel away at her defenses followed by some wicked one, two combinations. He was starting to get serious here. It was pressing her, but she kept her hands up taking what he had to dish out. Deana took everything he had, the jabs, the combos, all of it.

Typical man tactic, really. Keep throwing punches until their opponent is a bloody mess on the floor. She could use that. His advantage in surprising her was decreasing with every swing he made. She readied herself to launch a devastating counter-attack.

Then he backed off.

Deana eyes widened watching him give up his assault.

It seems Mr. Vitrioli was full of more surprises than she had given him credit for.

This time she pressed the advantage going after him with another set of jabs, but it was another feint, and when he tried to counter. She wrapped up his arm in an armlock that brought him to his knees.

It wasn't a perfect submission lock if he acted quickly he'd be able shuck her off of him before she could really inflict the pain on him. Deana wondered whether Donnie would have the intelligence to realize that and the skill to turn the situation to his favor here.

 

[silvertongue217]

He was still in the game

And it felt like a game as much as it did an audition. Oh sure he was taking it seriously (and so was she) but there was a surprise to her a hint of a playful demeanor that cut through the electric air of their fight. She was enjoying her self though he doubted she would admit it and that was enough to make him smile to.

It was also enough to distract him

She was back jabbing at him and causing him to sloppily recover. He gritted his teeth and focused ducking and weaving as he watched her carefully.

Not carefully enough though

Suddenly she was wrapped around him grabbing his arm and twisting it into an arm lock that made him hiss in pain. He felt his shoulders knit and his muscles strain and he bit his lip fighting through the pain as he focused on what she was doing. If he let her get a good hold it would be over.

"Focus" He thought to himself as he dropped to his knees. He felt her on top of him and gritted his teeth focusing as she felt his muscles coil and bulge.

Then he moved

He pushed himself up lifting her off the ground and standing. He hung there for a split second. Moments within moments as he looked up and saw her. He felt bold and he smiled blowing her a kiss as time rushed back to greet them both.

He rolled dropping them both back onto the mat. She hit it first and he kept the roll up pushing her off of him as he jumped up and back onto her. He straddled her pinning her down as his hands grabbed her arms and pushed them above her head.

"Had enough?" He asked her panting his eyes locking with hers as sweat dripped from his body.