Clenching my fists, I stare down into the alley. Not seeing, but fighting down the thoughts that crawl into my brain and burn like bile. A hesitant voice pipes up from a propped open door. "Miss? Are you ok?"
I turn my face away, knowing the inquisitor will approach. Human nature. That fucking empathy. "I'm not ok." I meant for my words to come out harsh and snarky. The dismay I hear in my own inflection sends me into a frenzy. In flashes and bursts of color, I see myself smashing a middle aged man's face into the brick wall repeatedly. I hear the grating sound when his teeth crush against the mortar. The light spattering of blood from each impact. I watch it, seemingly detached from my own consciousness. The heavy thunk of his skull hitting the bricks. Like the sound of a ripe pumpkin tossed from a high window. By the time I drop the mostly pulverized body onto the concrete, I'm back in my own head.
My hands are shaking.
I wipe at my mouth with the trembling appendage, before staring at the blood splattered and smeared across my knuckles. Transfixed, I almost trip over the drained body of my victim. Somehow I stumble back to my car, my mind elsewhere as I drop into the seat, slamming the old Jetta's door. I glance at the chainsaw resting chummily in the passenger seat. For once, not bemoaning the lack of use I've gotten out of it. Instead, dwelling on the unlikely father figure who gave it to me. Before I can catch myself, my fingers are clenched tight around the steering wheel. At least they can't shake this way. Without warning, I feel the phantom comfort of the Brujah's hand on my shoulder. A hand strong enough to pop my head off without effort. Reassuring. Forgiving, even after my transgressions. Pyotr's bemused expression whenever he directed his attention to the mostly insane, troublesome, murderous teenager he treated like a daughter. Begrudgingly accepting the fact that I cared about the mountainous Russian, despite myself. Now. Another one gone. Yet another loss. Another loss.
My mournful sob reverberates into the night. The silence broken even as the sob is choked off, mid note. I pry a hand off the steering wheel and start the car. The drive home unhindered by the film of red periodically blurring my vision. I reach the empty but familiar house in the woods. I'm out of the car and up on the porch in a flash of motion quick enough to send the few crows on the railing scattering in a flurry of feathers. I block out the recollection the sight of the birds threaten to bring to the forefront of my already distressed thoughts. Curling onto the couch, I try to get a handle of my emotions. Emotions. The word is bitter with distaste. I can't shake it. The empty house holds no assuagement to the swirling crush of dysphoria. For the umpteenth time in this dragging month I pull my cell phone from my boot, tentatively browsing the names. Once again pondering the idea of reaching out to someone.
Simon. Too damn close to... Marcus. Lucy. Testament. Too busy with their new positions. Magnus. Pretty sure he actually hates me. Munin. The fearless viking doesn't need to be bothered with my trivial nonsense. Tommy. My expression goes hard. I can't pinpoint my feelings toward the priest. A friend...a murderer. The room seems to sharpen back into focus. My thumb caresses the call button on my phone as I simultaneously graze my other hand lovingly along the K Bar nestled snugly in my boot. Maybe I should have a talk with my Giovanni friend. I smile a little. Is this wise, Maddie? "Is anything I do wise?" Just a chat. Not a confrontation. Not a showdown. My inquisitiveness once again outweighs my self preservation and I impulsively place the call to Father Maletoni.
Each ring sets my teeth on edge. Finally I'm greeted by the priest's deep voice. "Father Maletoni."
I pause, keeping my tone tranquil. "...it's Madelyn."
Momentary silence. Then, "Hello, Madelyn. I trust this isn't about more training?"
Calm, Mad. Keep calm. "No. Do you have time to chat? Or is there a pressing assassination you're currently busy with?" I fail to keep the bitterness out of my voice.
Another pause, then a sigh."Perchance we should talk face to face. You deserve as much."
My fingers still caressing the hilt of my knife, I reply. "Good. When and where?"
"I'm not in my church, I'm out of town. I will meet you at midnight in Elysium. Is this acceptable?"
"Wonderful." I reply in a flat tone."And for the sake of my sanity..." Sanity? Ha! "..do -not- bring Litanny with you." I say, with the barest hint of ill humor. The line goes dead. I flip my phone closed, tossing it onto the table in front of me. Removing my other hand from it's comforting position on my Ka Bar, I rest my head on my clenched fists. My mind flickers through conflicted thoughts and memories of my Giovanni friend and his murder of the seemingly indestructible Brujah. I rise, and prepare to make my way to the club. I glance at the twin crossbow pistols Mongrel gave to me, but dismiss the idea of bringing them. As if I could even entertain the notion of successfully seeking revenge.
The drive to Elysium passes almost unnoticed by me. Getting out of the car, I pointedly avoid looking towards my beloved chainsaw. Let's not start things too confrontational. I walk through the entrance at 11:45. I spy Tommy sitting at the bar, the empty socket of his right eye covered by a innocuous mask. His squadron of Mafiosos flocked close by the priest. Should of known he'd be here early. A murderer with impeccable etiquette. I sigh and approach him silently, taking the stool to his left. Knowing anyone with even slight observation skills could see through my blank facade that barely camouflages the whirlwind of turmoil I'm sure shows through my eyes, I fold my hands on the bar top and stare ahead. Movement, as Tommy pours a draft of whatever he's drinking into a second glass, passing it to me in silence. Reaching for the drink, my hand trembles. I growl quietly at myself, hoping the priest doesn't notice. Wrapping my hand around the glass firmly, I pinch the bridge of my nose with my other hand. Calm. Calm, Maddie. "I'm sorry."Tommy's voice reaches me through my own thoughts. I feel the gaze of his remaining eye centering on me. "There's no excuse you'll accept, but I did what I needed to do." He continues, taking a sip from his glass. In my desperation to pull from my own mixture of emotions I send a stream of awareness into Tommy's mind. Like dipping a toe into a pool to test the water. There's a hefty amount of satisfaction, floundering under guilt and a familiar emotion. Loneliness. I pull back into my own thoughts with a start. That's the last thing I wanted to feel. The anger and need for vengeance wavers and I curse my own empathy. Tommy turns his chair to face me, and in the corner of my eye I see him dismiss his lackeys with a wave of his hand. I let out a shaky sigh and down the drink in front of me in a single gulp. Liquid courage. I twist my chair to return Tommy's gaze, and expectant look on my face.
"Do you care why he's dead?"
I raise my eyebrow at the priest. "...yes." I respond, almost begrudgingly. I wish I didn't care.
"You remember Hanzel's ghoul, Gretel?"
A ghost of a smile touches my lips. "Who could forget?"
"Do you know what became of her?"
"I know she's dead. I'm rarely graced with the information such as why or how."
Tommy smiles, "I was made aware by the former regent that it was he that killed her." His smile is forced, not reaching the remaining eye.
"I'm sure Pyotr killed a lot of people." I reply, indifferent.
"Indeed, he did. I would have little issue if Gretel was not mine to marry."
I cross my arms, leaning back to level a bemused expression at the priest. "I happen to know Pyotr had a tendency to take a lot of things that didn't belong to him." I say bitterly, fighting to keep my head clear.
"I suppose you would. I had no love for the woman, but she was a gift from friends." He pauses to breathe deeply."I do not care for those who break my things."
I find myself feeling almost indignant. "So. You killed him because he...broke your toy?" I fail to keep the hint of a growl out of my voice.
Tommy shakes his head hard enough for his cross to swing about his neck."He was an evil and brutish man. I would not let him be a danger to those around him for any longer. I just needed to wait for Franco's order." His voice raises in volume. "I wish I could have been there.
His one eye stares me down."Have you ever taken the time to look at the face of your victims?""I suppose you would. I had no love for the woman, but she was a gift from friends." He pauses to breathe deeply."I do not care for those who break my things."
I find myself feeling almost indignant. "So. You killed him because he...broke your toy?" I fail to keep the hint of a growl out of my voice.
Tommy shakes his head hard enough for his cross to swing about his neck."He was an evil and brutish man. I would not let him be a danger to those around him for any longer. I just needed to wait for Franco's order." His voice raises in volume. "I wish I could have been there.
This change in topic rattles me. I feel my composure slip, the strain and hysteria that always bubbles beneath the surface showing through. "Yes. I have. Everyone, every time. And unlike most, the vision doesn't end after their death." Haunted by my own monstrosity. "This is irrelevant. I was hand fucking crafted into the monster I am." I say through gritted teeth. "Pyotr wasn't any more of a monster than most of the Kindred in Baltimore. Like myself, for example." I fight the urge to curl into my defensive position.
"We are only as our makers forged us. That, I will not dispute with you." He continues. "But he was not a monster, he was a force of nature. He was much like Serendipity. Unpredictable. Brutish. Destructive."
I clench my fists with a growl, no longer camouflaging the snarl in my voice. "And who picked you to be judge, jury and executioner? You seem to be headed down your own destructive path, Tommy."
He chuckles, looking down at his rings."I've noticed that, myself." Abruptly, his face appears calm and serene."Where is your chainsaw? Will the new Regent let you keep it?"
A flicker of pity crosses my face. Looks like I'm not the only one spiraling into self destruction. I wipe my face clear of emotion. My response is dripping with sarcasm. "It's around. And I can't imagine why he wouldn't."
Another chuckle from the Giovanni."I don't think he could take it if he tried."
"Don't patronize me." I fail to keep a small smile from my face.
"I wouldn't dare."A returned smile."You know, I never washed away your painting in my temple."
I snicker to myself, remembering the obscene scrawlings I painted in blood during one of my Potence lessons. "Good. It's a one of a kind." Even better than the ones I left in Tybalt's basement not too long ago. My face turns serious. "Not like that will matter if your church is blown up. You know this will turn into a war, don't you?" My thoughts hover around the previous night's unsettling phone call with Curtis, Pyotr's ghoul and son.
"It will not. The Giovanni have already considered a war, but have found it would be less profitable than allowing the Camarilla to exist here." Tommy responds, matter-of-factly. "Also, the Sabbat are poor."
I raise my eyebrow and quickly down another drink. "You Giovanni don't overestimate yourselves at all..."
"You see the Giovanni as the small group here. And although we are all well loved by our people, we are but a small arm. We've already secured a large force to invade if we require it. Pyotr knew this, but chose not to heed it. My people want to leave well enough alone. We want to sit by and do our work without the Camarilla forcing our hand." He shakes his head, pouring another drink for the both of us. "But you, Madelyn, are a friend of ours. Myself, specifically."
I empty the glass, ever the over indulger. "A friend." Rubbing my face vigorously, I respond. "He was like a father to me." I hate the pain in my voice. Tommy reaches for my shoulder. I don't pull away from his touch, but flinch a bit, conflicted by the need for vengeance versus the need for solace. "I came here because I kind of wanted to kill you." I admit.
"I understand that need." He says honestly, squeezing my shoulder comfortingly.
I unsuccessfully try to keep the look of content from my face. The need for assuagment turns my expression to shame. Eyes downcast, I mumble to myself. "...fuck..."
Tommy takes his hand from me."I'm sorry, you looked like you needed it."
I curse the void the lack of contact brings. Still mumbling. "....so much easier when I didn't give a shit about anything." Then, in a regular albeit hesitant tone. "It's...ok." I sigh, shaking my head almost imperceptibly. "I should never drink alcohol." I counter my own words by pushing my empty glass towards Tommy, gesturing for him to fill it. I look away while he replenished to booze and blood mixture. What has happened to me? When did I become such a... I cut my thoughts off, refusing to admit to myself that I'm not as far from humanity as expected. "Well, I'm not going to try to kill you." The words almost taste bitter in my mouth.
Tommy smiles again."I'm sorry for your loss, Madelyn."
I lean against the bar, propping my elbow on the counter, my chin in my hand. "Loss is nothing new to me." I glance at the priest, expecting him to take his leave. "Thanks, I suppose, for taking time to talk to me. I imagine you have things to attend to. Money to count. Corpses to violate..." I snort laughter.
He chuckles."I'm not sure I'm that I've any dead to violate. I'm trying to take it easy on the killings."
Yeah. That. Lucky you. "Heh. Yeah, I tried that for a bit. Unfortunately that left me without a reprieve from my..." I squeeze my eyes shut, briefly. "...myself."
"I'm sorry, I don't understand."The concern in Tommy's eye seems sincere.
I tap my head with my free hand. "Not many other ways to escape from in here."
His hand returns to it's ashamedly comforting spot on my shoulder. "I fear a bar may have been inappropriate for this discussion."
Despite the slight spinning in my brain, I wave a hand dismissively. "It lowered the temptation to bring my chainsaw." I smirk. "...although it is in my car."
A light laugh, and Tommy takes my hand in his. "You're terrifying, you know that. Correct?" His eye betrays no fear and seems to peer deeply
I cast my eyes down, staring at his hand on my own forlornly. "Yeah. I know." For once, there doesn't seem to be pride in my voice.
He squeezes my hand tightly in his cold, pale fingers. "Do you want to be terrifying?"
I keep my eyes down. "Sometimes I'm not so sure."
In my peripheral vision, I see Tommy look up, presumably at his collection of wraiths circling the ceiling. "It's overrated." His hand moves to the back of my neck, stroking gently. "I'm sorry for making you lonely."
Oh, god. I've missed this contact so badly. Before I can help myself, a contented sigh escapes my lips. "You're not really to blame."Despite the slight spinning in my brain, I wave a hand dismissively. "It lowered the temptation to bring my chainsaw." I smirk. "...although it is in my car."
A light laugh, and Tommy takes my hand in his. "You're terrifying, you know that. Correct?" His eye betrays no fear and seems to peer deeply
I cast my eyes down, staring at his hand on my own forlornly. "Yeah. I know." For once, there doesn't seem to be pride in my voice.
He squeezes my hand tightly in his cold, pale fingers. "Do you want to be terrifying?"
I keep my eyes down. "Sometimes I'm not so sure."
In my peripheral vision, I see Tommy look up, presumably at his collection of wraiths circling the ceiling. "It's overrated." His hand moves to the back of my neck, stroking gently. "I'm sorry for making you lonely."
Tommy mutters something under his breath, forcing his wraiths out of the bar. "I may not be fully to blame, but I took your adopted father from you. I need to make that up to you."
I look at him quizzically. "You..." my brow furrows "No you don't. I can take care of myself." I fear my facial expression gives this away as a blatant lie. My facade has officially slipped. Why the fuck did I have to drink so much?
"I can't hope to bring him back, but there has to be something I can do to kill the pain." the priest insists.
"I've tried a few things to kill the pain. I've so far been unsuccessful. Maybe this is just how I'll have to atone for being such a monster. Pain. Loss. Loneliness." My thoughts are centered on the cool comfort of Tommy's hand on my skin. Nope. No way.
"I've tried a few things to kill the pain. I've so far been unsuccessful. Maybe this is just how I'll have to atone for being such a monster. Pain. Loss. Loneliness." My thoughts are centered on the cool comfort of Tommy's hand on my skin. Nope. No way.
I abruptly jump up from the bar stool. Stumbling a bit, I sputter out: "Y'know I should probably...go or..." I rub my face again.
"Do you have someone to drive you? Last thing we need is a breach of the masquerade. I'd have to hunt you down." He stands and places his hand on my lower back in attempt to stabilize me.
I scoff. "I'm the Scourge, I'd have to hunt myself down..." Trying to keep my head clear, I respond. "And I have my car."
"Do you have someone to drive you? Last thing we need is a breach of the masquerade. I'd have to hunt you down." He stands and places his hand on my lower back in attempt to stabilize me.
I scoff. "I'm the Scourge, I'd have to hunt myself down..." Trying to keep my head clear, I respond. "And I have my car."
"That won't work, if a cop finds someone appearing as young as you with alcohol under their breath? I'll have my men drive you." He scrutinizes me. "And myself. I'll have to make sure you get home alright."
Cops. PFFT. "Well then I'd kill them." I say, baring my teeth in a smile. I lean against the priest's muscular chest. "And while I may be able to cast aside any misgivings about you...I'll be damned if I'd trust your men knowing where my haven is."
Cops. PFFT. "Well then I'd kill them." I say, baring my teeth in a smile. I lean against the priest's muscular chest. "And while I may be able to cast aside any misgivings about you...I'll be damned if I'd trust your men knowing where my haven is."
He seems to come to a conclusion. "I have a better idea." Hands about my waist, he bravely pulls me out of the club.
I huff indignantly, but offer no resistance. "I'm kind of impressed. You're one out of very few people who have ever risked man handling me. And even fewer who have risked handling me at all."
"I've seen what you can do to someones body. If you wanted to, you would have broken me already." He smiles down at me. "I taught you some of that, remember?"
"Good point." A realization crosses my distracted mind. "Um." I halt our progress." I should probably not leave my chainsaw in my car. On the passenger seat. In plain view." I make a face.
"We'll have Marina drive your car."A tall and fit woman in combat gear approaches, extending her hand to me."Your keys, Lady Scourge?" she asks with a light tone.
I huff indignantly, but offer no resistance. "I'm kind of impressed. You're one out of very few people who have ever risked man handling me. And even fewer who have risked handling me at all."
"I've seen what you can do to someones body. If you wanted to, you would have broken me already." He smiles down at me. "I taught you some of that, remember?"
"Good point." A realization crosses my distracted mind. "Um." I halt our progress." I should probably not leave my chainsaw in my car. On the passenger seat. In plain view." I make a face.
"We'll have Marina drive your car."A tall and fit woman in combat gear approaches, extending her hand to me."Your keys, Lady Scourge?" she asks with a light tone.
Oh, hello. Why does Tommy have such tasty ghouls? "Yum. I mean...um..." I sheepishly hand my keys to the woman. "Here."
Marina smiles and takes the keys, briefly tracing her fingers my wrist. Then, with a flourish, walks away. Fuck. I hope I'm not drooling.
Tommy whispers down to me. "I wouldn't suggest trying to eat that one. She'll never let you stop."
HA. "They usually don't have a choice as to if I stop..." Marina's ears prick up at my words and she looks over her shoulder, her face seems hungry, but with frightened eyes. I'm distracted for a moment, looking at the ghoul with more than my average look of ravenous hunger. Almost as if I hunger for something more than a kill.
Tommy's voice breaks me out of my lull."Ready to go, Madelyn?" He says through the open car door. I climb into the back of the dark vehicle.
My entrance is stumbling and graceless, thanks to the influence of the liquor. I compose myself, smoothing my skirt back down my legs before angling my body to face the one eyed priest. "That must hinder your depth perception a bit." I say, referring to the eye patch.
"Thankfully, I have wraiths that can see for me. Even greater is my thanks that some things can be seen without two eyes." There's a strange, but recognizable inflection in his tone. His eye rests its gaze on my neck. My skin seems to tingle under his steady stare. I incline my head to the side slightly, my hair falling behind my shoulder. Smiling innocently, knowing the sparkle of mischief is visible in my face, I reply"I bet."
He moves towards me, and his stare is replaced by the feel of his fangs pressed gently against my flesh. Oh. This is...a change of pace. I feel his cold breath against my neck as he breathes in my scent. Oh. I grow still, my own breath seeming to catch in my throat. My hand moves hesitant towards him, coming to rest against Tommy's chest. My other hand stays to the hem of my skirt. Idly, almost shyly toying with the fabric. The pressure of his fangs are replaced by cool lips that kiss my neck gently. He holds my head with one hand, the other he places against mine on his chest, slowly digging his nails into the back of my hand. He speaks, breath tickling my skin. "We're almost there." I non-chalantly hike my skirt up a few inches before wrapping my hand around the back of his neck. Twisting my fingers in the priest's dark hair, I pull his face away from my throat, bring it close to my own. Widening my eyes and smirking a bit, I speak quietly. "Are we?" Both of his hands grasp my waist as his mouth makes it's way to mine. As if on some sort of undesirable cue, the car squeals to a stop.
The driver's lighthearted voice chimes from the front seat "We're here, sir. Will you require my assistance, further?" Tommy shakes his head, staring intently at me, his eye filled with a need and hunger.
Strangely enough, feeling a similar need throughout my own body, I run my tongue slowly and purposefully over my bottom lip. "Where is here, Father Maletoni?" I ask, quietly.
"Luxury, my Lady Malkavian.
Tommy's voice breaks me out of my lull."Ready to go, Madelyn?" He says through the open car door. I climb into the back of the dark vehicle.
My entrance is stumbling and graceless, thanks to the influence of the liquor. I compose myself, smoothing my skirt back down my legs before angling my body to face the one eyed priest. "That must hinder your depth perception a bit." I say, referring to the eye patch.
"Thankfully, I have wraiths that can see for me. Even greater is my thanks that some things can be seen without two eyes." There's a strange, but recognizable inflection in his tone. His eye rests its gaze on my neck. My skin seems to tingle under his steady stare. I incline my head to the side slightly, my hair falling behind my shoulder. Smiling innocently, knowing the sparkle of mischief is visible in my face, I reply"I bet."
He moves towards me, and his stare is replaced by the feel of his fangs pressed gently against my flesh. Oh. This is...a change of pace. I feel his cold breath against my neck as he breathes in my scent. Oh. I grow still, my own breath seeming to catch in my throat. My hand moves hesitant towards him, coming to rest against Tommy's chest. My other hand stays to the hem of my skirt. Idly, almost shyly toying with the fabric. The pressure of his fangs are replaced by cool lips that kiss my neck gently. He holds my head with one hand, the other he places against mine on his chest, slowly digging his nails into the back of my hand. He speaks, breath tickling my skin. "We're almost there." I non-chalantly hike my skirt up a few inches before wrapping my hand around the back of his neck. Twisting my fingers in the priest's dark hair, I pull his face away from my throat, bring it close to my own. Widening my eyes and smirking a bit, I speak quietly. "Are we?" Both of his hands grasp my waist as his mouth makes it's way to mine. As if on some sort of undesirable cue, the car squeals to a stop.
The driver's lighthearted voice chimes from the front seat "We're here, sir. Will you require my assistance, further?" Tommy shakes his head, staring intently at me, his eye filled with a need and hunger.
Strangely enough, feeling a similar need throughout my own body, I run my tongue slowly and purposefully over my bottom lip. "Where is here, Father Maletoni?" I ask, quietly.
"Luxury, my Lady Malkavian.
Tommy keeps eye contact with me as he steps out of the car. Once outside, I accept his offered hand and climb from the seat. I return his gaze, pointedly not looking at my surroundings."Seems a bit more accommodating than my empty shack in the woods."
The Giovanni looks shocked. "You live, where?"
I follow his lead to the door, rubbing my thumb across his palm and honestly reply: "Shack is a bit modest, I suppose."
He frowns at the statement as he leads me to the elevator. "I enjoy modestly in life, but in undeath...we deserve the simple comforts of luxury."
Easy for a Giovanni to say. My thoughts are distracted by the feel of his nail dragging against my flesh. I shiver almost imperceptibly. We enter the elevator and I lean casually against the wall. "It's what I have.." I try not to sound ungrateful. "...besides. Luxury can be found in other ways." I let the corners of my lips curl into a smile.
Tommy leans his arm against the wall behind me. Angling towards my body, he inhales deeply, seeming to analyze my scent. "For instance?"
Biting my lip and peering up at the priest through the fringe of my bangs, I find my craving for contact maddening. I need... I curl my hand into his waistband, pulling his body flush against mine. "Creature...comforts."
He presses a key on the wall without taking his gaze off of me. "I suggest a compromise." His hands grip at my hips, squeezing tightly.
"Compromise?" I fail to keep the pleased whimper from my voice.
He breaks eye contact, bringing his cold lips to my ear. "Physical comfort, accentuated with the luxuries only a heavy wallet could procure." I feel his fangs grazing the ridge of my ear.
Tilting my head back as I snake my left hand over his chest, I follow along his throat before settling my fingers along the priest's collarbone, digging my nails in ever so slightly. "Perhaps one of the most generous compromises I've ever been offered, Father Maletoni." My right hand tightens on his waistband.
As Tommy's lips close in on my own, a bell rings and the elevator opens, revealing a penthouse style lounge, over looking the Camden Yards stadium. "Welcome to my current haven, Lady Madelyn."
Well, this really does make my house look like a shack. I glance wide-eyed around the lavish room. Wiping the impressed look off my face, I smirk as I return my gaze to Tommy. "How quaint." He moves quickly, grabbing a handful of my hair and exposing my neck with a brisk pull. His lips meet my throat and his hand slips down my spine to rest at the small of my back. A gasp escapes my lips and my fingers tighten on his shoulder hard enough to draw blood. I arch my back under his hand, pressing my hips against his. At the drawing of his blood, he slides his hand down my thigh. His fingers pull my skirt up my legs and higher as a deep growl issues from his chest. Mmm, there it is. There's his beast. I smile, trailing my hand along his inner waistband, gently exploring the cool skin before settling on his belt. Unnaturally quick, I unbuckle it and whip the belt through it's loops, discarding it on the floor at his feet. Making sure his eyes are still on me, I bring my other hand between us, to my lips. The tips of my nails are lightly painted in his blood. Keeping eye contact, I luxuriously lick the crimson fluid from each fingertip. He watches the blood meet my lips and with a growl, he lunges forward, latching his mouth to mine. His hand presses against the back of my head, preventing escape from the kiss. Relishing the feel of Tommy's cold lips against my own, I exhale a quiet moan into his open mouth. Nipping at his tongue, I pluck open the button on his pants, teasing my finger along the teeth of the zipper. Tommy's slides his suit jacket down his muscular arms, dropping it on the floor to join his belt. His hand returns to my chin as he grazes his front teeth over my bottom lip. I reach up to the collar of his shirt, gently loosening his tie before jerking the sides of his shirt open hard enough to send the buttons flying every which way. I run my nails down the smooth skin of his chest, stopping to hook my thumbs under his waistband, gently tugging the pants downward.
A smirk crosses the priest's face. "No no, dear Madelyn. I'll not be caught less dressed than you." His fingers once again hike my skirt to my waist, then pull my ridiculously chaste panties down to my knees. Tommy leans downward, keeping his eye on me as he pulls the lace fully down my legs to the floor. I reach down and grab his tie, wrapping the fabric around my fist and bringing him to his feet. I graze my fangs along his neck teasingly before abruptly turning around. Tommy's tie still in my hand, I move further into the penthouse, pulling him behind me. He rushes forward and fiercely grasps my hips. His mouth meets my neck and I feel his sharp, extended fangs prick my collar. "You shouldn't turn your back to me, Scourge."
I halt my progress, stiffening a bit. Releasing his tie, I place a hand on either of his wrists, squeezing lightly. Not turning to face him, I respond. "And why is that, Father? I hold no fear of you." I can almost sense his smile from behind me, and I feel his hand on my back, gently pushing me towards the window overlooking the field. I smirk to myself, showing a bit of resistance. "Oh, I'm sorry, am I hindering your progress?" Laughing a little, I continue. "Is it a Giovanni thing? Needing to control all situations?"
A deep chuckle from the priest."If I gave you some control, would you know what to do with it?"
I lean against him, aware that for once my physical age must be apparent. "No. I probably wouldn't." A brief burst of laughter escapes me.
His lips meet my ear, breathing heavily."Should we see what happens?"
I turn to face him in a quick movement. Running my tongue along one of the scars on his mouth, I respond "Should we?" I draw his bottom lip in between my teeth, giving it a sharp bite.
Tommy reaches down, prodding and teasing me through the fabric of my skirt. He presses his fingers against my inner thighs and grips them tightly. "I think so. It may break me of my need for..." He brings his fingers up quickly against my lips. "Control."
I growl quietly, nipping at his fingers, my hand reaching down under his pants to grip him tightly. "I'm certainly proficient at breaking people." My lips curl into a smile under his fingers.
The Giovanni looks shocked. "You live, where?"
I follow his lead to the door, rubbing my thumb across his palm and honestly reply: "Shack is a bit modest, I suppose."
He frowns at the statement as he leads me to the elevator. "I enjoy modestly in life, but in undeath...we deserve the simple comforts of luxury."
Easy for a Giovanni to say. My thoughts are distracted by the feel of his nail dragging against my flesh. I shiver almost imperceptibly. We enter the elevator and I lean casually against the wall. "It's what I have.." I try not to sound ungrateful. "...besides. Luxury can be found in other ways." I let the corners of my lips curl into a smile.
Tommy leans his arm against the wall behind me. Angling towards my body, he inhales deeply, seeming to analyze my scent. "For instance?"
Biting my lip and peering up at the priest through the fringe of my bangs, I find my craving for contact maddening. I need... I curl my hand into his waistband, pulling his body flush against mine. "Creature...comforts."
He presses a key on the wall without taking his gaze off of me. "I suggest a compromise." His hands grip at my hips, squeezing tightly.
"Compromise?" I fail to keep the pleased whimper from my voice.
He breaks eye contact, bringing his cold lips to my ear. "Physical comfort, accentuated with the luxuries only a heavy wallet could procure." I feel his fangs grazing the ridge of my ear.
Tilting my head back as I snake my left hand over his chest, I follow along his throat before settling my fingers along the priest's collarbone, digging my nails in ever so slightly. "Perhaps one of the most generous compromises I've ever been offered, Father Maletoni." My right hand tightens on his waistband.
As Tommy's lips close in on my own, a bell rings and the elevator opens, revealing a penthouse style lounge, over looking the Camden Yards stadium. "Welcome to my current haven, Lady Madelyn."
Well, this really does make my house look like a shack. I glance wide-eyed around the lavish room. Wiping the impressed look off my face, I smirk as I return my gaze to Tommy. "How quaint." He moves quickly, grabbing a handful of my hair and exposing my neck with a brisk pull. His lips meet my throat and his hand slips down my spine to rest at the small of my back. A gasp escapes my lips and my fingers tighten on his shoulder hard enough to draw blood. I arch my back under his hand, pressing my hips against his. At the drawing of his blood, he slides his hand down my thigh. His fingers pull my skirt up my legs and higher as a deep growl issues from his chest. Mmm, there it is. There's his beast. I smile, trailing my hand along his inner waistband, gently exploring the cool skin before settling on his belt. Unnaturally quick, I unbuckle it and whip the belt through it's loops, discarding it on the floor at his feet. Making sure his eyes are still on me, I bring my other hand between us, to my lips. The tips of my nails are lightly painted in his blood. Keeping eye contact, I luxuriously lick the crimson fluid from each fingertip. He watches the blood meet my lips and with a growl, he lunges forward, latching his mouth to mine. His hand presses against the back of my head, preventing escape from the kiss. Relishing the feel of Tommy's cold lips against my own, I exhale a quiet moan into his open mouth. Nipping at his tongue, I pluck open the button on his pants, teasing my finger along the teeth of the zipper. Tommy's slides his suit jacket down his muscular arms, dropping it on the floor to join his belt. His hand returns to my chin as he grazes his front teeth over my bottom lip. I reach up to the collar of his shirt, gently loosening his tie before jerking the sides of his shirt open hard enough to send the buttons flying every which way. I run my nails down the smooth skin of his chest, stopping to hook my thumbs under his waistband, gently tugging the pants downward.
A smirk crosses the priest's face. "No no, dear Madelyn. I'll not be caught less dressed than you." His fingers once again hike my skirt to my waist, then pull my ridiculously chaste panties down to my knees. Tommy leans downward, keeping his eye on me as he pulls the lace fully down my legs to the floor. I reach down and grab his tie, wrapping the fabric around my fist and bringing him to his feet. I graze my fangs along his neck teasingly before abruptly turning around. Tommy's tie still in my hand, I move further into the penthouse, pulling him behind me. He rushes forward and fiercely grasps my hips. His mouth meets my neck and I feel his sharp, extended fangs prick my collar. "You shouldn't turn your back to me, Scourge."
I halt my progress, stiffening a bit. Releasing his tie, I place a hand on either of his wrists, squeezing lightly. Not turning to face him, I respond. "And why is that, Father? I hold no fear of you." I can almost sense his smile from behind me, and I feel his hand on my back, gently pushing me towards the window overlooking the field. I smirk to myself, showing a bit of resistance. "Oh, I'm sorry, am I hindering your progress?" Laughing a little, I continue. "Is it a Giovanni thing? Needing to control all situations?"
A deep chuckle from the priest."If I gave you some control, would you know what to do with it?"
I lean against him, aware that for once my physical age must be apparent. "No. I probably wouldn't." A brief burst of laughter escapes me.
His lips meet my ear, breathing heavily."Should we see what happens?"
I turn to face him in a quick movement. Running my tongue along one of the scars on his mouth, I respond "Should we?" I draw his bottom lip in between my teeth, giving it a sharp bite.
Tommy reaches down, prodding and teasing me through the fabric of my skirt. He presses his fingers against my inner thighs and grips them tightly. "I think so. It may break me of my need for..." He brings his fingers up quickly against my lips. "Control."
I growl quietly, nipping at his fingers, my hand reaching down under his pants to grip him tightly. "I'm certainly proficient at breaking people." My lips curl into a smile under his fingers.
He shudders, leaning an arm against me."I can see how, Lady Maddie." My smile freezes. His eyebrows raise as he smiles a devilish grin. "I'm sorry, did I say 'Maddie?'" Tommy really is self destructive. My eyes widen and I snarl at the priest. Removing my hand from below his waist, I wrap my fingers around his throat roughly, nails digging in. Staring intently into his eye, I force him back towards the dinner table. He stumbles, seeming amazed by my strength, but unafraid. Moans fill his chest and he grips my wrist near his neck. I stop as we reach the table. Squeezing his throat enough to draw blood once more, I shove Tommy down onto the polished wood. Staring at him from the foot of the table, I curl both hands around his waistband, dragging the pants down his legs. Pausing to take in the sight of the priest's pale skin, I leap upon the table. A foot on either side of his waist, I smirk down at Tommy. I bend at the knees, squatting over Tommy, not touching him. I rest my elbows on my thighs, chin resting on my linked hands as I continue staring, a half smile upon my lips. The Giovanni seems shocked to find himself on the table. He smiles tentatively as he attempts to be snarky. "Was that a bad idea to say?" He looks nervously around the room.
"That depends, Father Maletoni. My normal reaction may differ due to my current state of mind." I lower myself so our bodies touch.
Tommy reaches between us without hesitation, feeling the bare flesh between my legs."And what is this state of mind, Lady Maddie?"
"Needy." I respond with a growl, moving hips against his hand.
He follows my hips motions with his fingers, sliding in and out and over my most sensitive areas."You have an interesting idea of control, Lady Malkavian. Are you sure you're as horrible as they say you are?" He leans up and kisses my cheek playfully.
I moan in a subdued way and put a hand on the back of his neck. Lips brushing his earlobe, I whisper "No. I'm some ways I'm really not." Turning his face to mine, I lock my mouth onto his in a fierce kiss. He matches the movement of his tongue to that of his fingers, pumping as he kisses her hungrily. I can feel a moan coming deep from his chest. I remove my hands from him only long enough to pull my shirt over my head and toss it to the floor. Replacing my hand on the back of his neck, I turn his face to the side, grazing my fangs along his throat teasingly. My other hand moves between them, positioning Tommy's hardness at my entrance. Both of his hands return to my hips, as he pulls with all of his strength to enter me. He seems to be resisting the urge to bite down, but tears into my hips with his nails.
"That depends, Father Maletoni. My normal reaction may differ due to my current state of mind." I lower myself so our bodies touch.
Tommy reaches between us without hesitation, feeling the bare flesh between my legs."And what is this state of mind, Lady Maddie?"
"Needy." I respond with a growl, moving hips against his hand.
He follows my hips motions with his fingers, sliding in and out and over my most sensitive areas."You have an interesting idea of control, Lady Malkavian. Are you sure you're as horrible as they say you are?" He leans up and kisses my cheek playfully.
I moan in a subdued way and put a hand on the back of his neck. Lips brushing his earlobe, I whisper "No. I'm some ways I'm really not." Turning his face to mine, I lock my mouth onto his in a fierce kiss. He matches the movement of his tongue to that of his fingers, pumping as he kisses her hungrily. I can feel a moan coming deep from his chest. I remove my hands from him only long enough to pull my shirt over my head and toss it to the floor. Replacing my hand on the back of his neck, I turn his face to the side, grazing my fangs along his throat teasingly. My other hand moves between them, positioning Tommy's hardness at my entrance. Both of his hands return to my hips, as he pulls with all of his strength to enter me. He seems to be resisting the urge to bite down, but tears into my hips with his nails.
