Dangerous Hero Addict Support Group discussion
Writing Challenge
>
Danielle's Dangerous Hero Writing Challenge Story (Captive/Kidnap): Shadow Tryst
Kathy Anne wrote: "And Danielle,It is so different reading a story where the F word isn`t in every other sentence,without rhyme or reason.
I have enjooyed reading without it for a change."
Hear hear, Kathy Anne!
Its soo good I cant help reading so fast! Its the same with your story Arch!
Mod
Thanks Emily. Be patient. Danielle and I will have more installments up soon.
Mod
message 206:
by
Danielle The Book Huntress , Loves 'Em Lethal
(last edited May 26, 2010 08:09PM)
(new)
Mod
Brigitte pointed Alexei towards a comfortable chair positioned near the corner of the showroom. There was a large mirror along the wall opposite the chair, and a small changing area through curtains. Brigitte looked at Karina. “I speak little English…but enough, I think,” she said, her soft voice heavily flavored with a French accent.
Karina nodded. For some reason, she didn’t want Brigitte to know she spoke French fluently. Looking into the mirror behind Brigitte, she could see a small smile on Alexei’s face, as if he was amused about that.
“I will need you to take off your clothes, so I can get measurements. ” Brigitte pointed towards the curtained off area. "This is here for that purpose." She glanced over Karina’s shoulder at Alexei, who was comfortably sprawled on the chair, his long legs seeming to stretch out miles in front of him, then back at Karina. “You can do that in there, if you’d like.”
“Oh, she’s fine changing in front of me,” Alexei said.
Karina shot dagger eyes in his direction. After his super-PDA stunt just now, no way would Brigitte buy a sudden attack of modesty in front of her boyfriend. She shrugged and started undressing. Brigitte was all business as she surveyed Karina’s body, clad in black cotton bra and panties.
At the same time, both Alexei and Brigitte said, “New underwear.”
Karina crossed her arms over her chest. “What’s wrong with my underwear?” It’s not like her undies were the kind that you didn’t wear outside in case you got hit by a car, and you didn’t want to be found dead wearing them. They were perfectly decent. Bought at Galeries Lafayette department store in Paris. For a girl with size D breasts, buying a good quality bra was a priority. And this had passed the ‘good bra’ test. The panties were a matching brand. They might not drip with lace or ride up North down South, but she’d been pleased with the purchase.
“Oh, my dear. What a lovely body like that, you should wear only the best lingerie to show it off,” Brigitte insisted.
“Exactly,” Alexei said in French. He shot Karina an indulgent look. “So I’ve told her. But, she’s shy. She feels like my buying her underwear is inappropriate,” he added, with a shrug. “You know how Americans are about sexual matters. I’ve told her that I intend to make an honest woman out of her, eventually. “ He laughed then. The deep, naughty sound made Brigitte flush and giggle. Karina felt a desire to hit him. When he did things like that, she forgot that he was an assassin who could probably kill her with his bare hands.
Since Brigitte was intently surveying her body, after prying Karina’s hands off and to her sides, she was able to stare angrily at Alexei in the mirror. Not that he registered it. Presently, his intent gaze was focused south from her gaze. Karina realized he was staring at her butt in the mirror. Eventually he caught on that she had noticed, and returned her look unrepentantly. He crossed his arms and said nothing more.
Eventually Brigitte had taken her measurements. She wrote them down on a posh little pad she pulled out of her pocket. “I’ll have my assistant start gathering some selections.” With another disparaging look at her Karina’s underwear, she added, “Including some lingerie.”
As she excused herself, Alexei said, “Isn’t shopping fun?”
When she left the room, Karina confronted Alexei. Arms crossed over her chest, she stalked over to where he was lounging, standing between his wide-spread legs. “What was the point of that?” she demanded.
Alexei looked up at her, apparently not the least bit fazed by her tone or the look of annoyance on her face. “It seemed like the best route to go.”
“Instead of just letting me choose some clothes and keeping a low profile?”
Alexei shook his head. “Karina, you’re a walking fashion emergency.”
“What does that mean?”
“Exactly what I said. I don’t trust you to pick out the right kind of clothes.”
If anything, her arm wrapped itself even more tightly about her waist. In her mind, she imagined wrapping it around a certain body part of Alexei’s, like his neck. “Because?”
“You would pick more of your boring clothes that hide all your spectacular assets,” he said, with a look directed at her breasts, before adding, “.. downplay your good looks, and make that luscious golden skin of yours look sallow.”
Karina stared back at Alexei, dumbstruck.
And then he said, with all seriousness, “..And you’re much too beautiful for that.”
No words came to Karina, despite speaking five languages fluently. He thought she was beautiful? She asked herself mentally. This gorgeous man liked the way she looked? And then she asked herself why she cared.
Fortunately, Brigitte returned with a gorgeous, size two (if even that), well-dressed Blonde. Both of their arms were full with clothes. Karina had the perfect excuse to move away from Alexei.
Karina looked back at Alexei to see an intense look on his face. His hand came up, brushing her arm. She jerked back at the contact. It was too intense, and her mind was already in turmoil, over everything.
Mod
Love this scene,being able to watch him in the mirror made me feel like it was me seeing him looking south,this man makes me wish I were there watching him do anything.Great episode Danielle
Mod
lol, I don't blame her for wanting to put her arms around his neck, but also remembering that he's an assassin. A killing machine and that if he wanted to, he could kill her.
I know that Alexei is going to set her skin of fire, when he tells Bridgette to bring out the lingerie.
Mod
Mod
No words came to Karina, despite speaking five languages fluently. He thought she was beautiful? She asked herself mentally. This gorgeous man liked the way she looked? And then she asked herself why she cared.
Fortunately, Brigitte returned with a gorgeous, size two (if even that), well-dressed Blonde. Both of their arms were full with clothes. Karina had the perfect excuse to move away from Alexei.
Karina looked back at Alexei to see an intense look on his face. His hand came up, brushing her arm. She jerked back at the contact. It was too intense for right now, and her mind was already in turmoil, over everything.
A quick look at his face revealed a concentration on her that increased her anxiety. His gaze promised that she’d have to deal with him, sooner or later. She broke eye contact and focused on the somewhat daunting stack of clothing to try on that was accumulating.
“I brought anything I thought would complement the mademoiselle,” Brigitte said, seemingly unaware of the heavy throb of tension in the room between Karina and Alexei; whereas, Karina could feel the weight of Alexei’s attention as she walked over to the racks where Brigitte and her assistant were hanging the clothes.
Showing confidence she didn’t feel, she smiled at Brigitte. “Thank you.”
Ignoring Alexei was proving to be difficult. His eyes on her skin registered like a thousand tiny pinpricks. Karina didn’t understand why she was acutely sensitive to this man. He was not a good man. He was the opposite of her father in almost every way. Yet, more and more, she was having trouble fighting this pull of attraction he had from her. She was determined to push her awareness of him out of her mind, and focus on choosing clothing, so she could move on to more important business at hand. Her feelings were in turmoil to such a degree, that she felt like she was on a roller coaster ride. She couldn’t handle dealing with Alexei and his games. But, she really had no choice in the matter.
Karina deliberately avoided looking at Alexei, although Brigitte talked about the clothes as she showed them to her, including Alexei in the discussion. She was getting tired of being a pawn for others to play with. The hurt inside at knowing that she’d been played by Sullivan was like a knife slicing deep to her soul. A living, physical pain that throbbed with each beat of her heart. And apparently, this man was enjoying makings things more complicated by playing his sexual games, while he made it clear she was nothing more than a tool for him. The girl she’d been before had been raised by highly educated, ethical parents with strong values. They’d taught her to be rational, but believing, and to evaluate everything with an open mind.
In other words, Cara Bridgestock hadn’t been raised to be a fool. But she’d acted as one. Believing that people were basically good. What a fairy tale. Allowing herself to trust that Sullivan’s friendship with her father since they’d been schoolboys in England had meant something. Turning to him for comfort, when it was looking like he was behind her parents’ deaths. The thought made her nauseous.
And now, she had to deal with a man like Alexei, who clearly operated in a world with entirely different rules. Worse yet, she was attracted to him. A man who represented nothing that she’d thought was of value to her. There were times when she felt there was something inside of him that was good. But, she couldn’t trust herself to believe it.
She wasn’t going to trust any instincts she had to believe good of this man. She’d be ruthless, just like he was. Alexei was determined to use her to get revenge on Sullivan, and she was going to use Alexei in the same manner. She knew first hand, just how dangerous he was. If Sullivan was behind her parents’ murder, and plotted to use her to get rid of his competition, then he was going to pay for it. When Sullivan had been dealt with, she’d get the heck away from men and their sick games for power.
With that determination made, Karina focused on the clothes that Brigitte had selected. They truly were beautiful, in a rainbow of bright shades, as Alexei directed. The first outfit to get her attention was a dress in a rich cerulean. The urge to touch the dress was too strong to resist. The fabric was soft and silky against her hands, shimmering in its beauty. The feel of it was a sensual delight under her fingers.
Brigitte nodded encouragingly. “You’ll try this one first?” Nodding at Karina, she pulled the dress of the hanger.
Karina took the dress off the hanger, noting it had a deep v-neckline.
Brigitte made a ‘tsking’ noise. “I think we will have to get the cups for you.”
“Cups?” Karina asked, clueless.
“Oui. For wearing the strapless, deep cut dresses,” Brigitte clarified. She spoke to her assistant, who reached in a drawer of a vanity against the wall, pulling out a small package.
“You can take off your bra and I’ll help you put these on.”
Karina walked over to the curtained-off changing area. She wasn’t getting naked in front of Alexei again. He could just get over himself, if he didn’t like it. He didn’t say anything, and she didn’t look back for his approval. Within a few minutes, Brigitte had applied the cups. The Frenchwoman was a consummate professional, although she had her hands on areas that Karina would have preferred untouched by another person so casually. But, she knew there was no way she would have applied the self-sticking cups that held her breasts up in place of a bra. They were quite ingenious. And utterly necessary for a busty woman who was wearing strapless, sleeveless shirts or dresses. Those applied, Brigitte walked out for a moment, and came back, handing Karina the dress.
She put it on, and it looked fantastic. The sleeves were an inch wide, and gathered at the bodice by a silver-colored metal diamond broach. The dress was backless, skimming her waist and gently brushing down her wide hips and slim but curvy thighs, to fall in soft waves a few inches above her knees. Brigitte turned her towards a smaller mirror in the changing area. The dress made her skin glow, and brought out the green in her eyes.
“Tres belle.” A look of approval spread over the Frenchwoman’s face and filled her green eyes. She pulled the curtain. “Let’s show him,” she said excitedly.
Karina walked out and across the room, determined to get this over with. It was going to be a long day.
Alexei attention was on her from the minute she walked out of the changing area. His eyes surveyed every inch of her form, lingering on the cleft between her breasts and the deep cleavage exposed by the neck of her dress. He twirled his finger, indicating that he wanted her to turn around. Karina played along.
“We’ll take that one,” he said shortly afterwards, black stare intent on her. Karina felt naked under the fierce concentration of his look.
Brigitte gave Karina a knowing glance. She also looked a bit jealous. You can have him, Karina thought. He’s way too much for me to handle.
That was the routine. Except, Alexei suggested that she stay out in the room to change next time and thereafter. Karina rolled her eyes at this. She was determined to go along with his charade, and get this shopping excursion finished so they could leave.
She probably tried on twenty dresses. To her surprise, Karina generally liked the choices that Brigitte and Alexei seemed to prefer. She wasn’t in love with clothes like her mother had been. But, generally she had a concept of what was good and what wasn’t. And she was determined to prove she wasn’t the fashion emergency Alexei had labeled her has. He didn’t seem to understand that a woman on the run didn’t draw attention. She deflected it. But, that seemed to be a lost option. She was going to show him that she could hold her own.
One dress, a tight-fitting sheath in black, was horrible on her hippy lower body. Before she could say no, Alexei shook his head, saying, “Not that one.” Just to be contrary, she thought about insisting on buying it. But truth be told, it looked awful, and she wouldn’t be caught dead wearing it.
Brigitte nodded fervently. “Non. It is not right for her body.”
By the time Alexei was satisfied, she had about ten dresses, five skirts, and seven blouses. He reluctantly agreed to a few pairs of slacks, that Karina insisted on. They were fitted and exquisitely tailored. And comfortable, better yet. Who knew what situation she’d be in the next couple days. Better to be prepared for a possible quick get-away. And a skirt and high heels probably wouldn’t work for that. A couple pair of jeans completed the ensemble. Brigitte also arranged to have shoes for Karina to try on. She eschewed the stilettos, in favor of lower-heeled pumps. “I’m not about to break my neck walking around in those things,” she said. And, at 5’7”, she wasn’t hurting for a few more inches in height.
Strangely, Alexei didn’t contradict her. She picked out a half a dozen pairs that she could mix and matched with the outfit, and some good quality, comfortable walking shoes.
“My assistant has selected some lingerie for you. Normally we don’t allow those to be tried on.” She looked at Alexei with a polite smile. “But I could make an exception in your case.”
“No, that’s alright,” Karina said quickly. “I’m sure they’re fine since you have my measurements.” She felt a blush rising on her cheeks at the thought of parading in from of Alexei in lingerie. Technically, he had seen her naked last night. When he’d gotten her so angry, she’d done the Full Monty in defiance. But she wasn’t operating under a haze of shock and anger right now. After that kiss outside in the lobby, the last thing she wanted was to be more exposed to Alexei, her body practically bare under his gaze. She always felt naked around him, anyway. He left disarmed and defenseless with a mere look.
“I’ll take a look over them when my lady goes to have her hair styled,” Alexei said.
Karina raised an eyebrow at the sensual heat he seemed to imbue the term, “my lady” with. He would have everyone believing they were going at it like bunny rabbits, the way he talked about her, and with his over the top PDAs.
Mod
Brigitte, ever the cunning businesswoman, glanced at Karina’s hair. She hid a hopeless look behind a graceful smile. “I can suggest the best salon in the area. It is a few doors down. Marie is a genius with hair. And she could give a few tips on makeup, as well.”
“That sounds good,” Alexei said. He pointed towards the clothing they had selected.
“We will get the clothes packed up to go, and Camille can show you the lingerie when you come back, Monsieur…”
“St. Julien,” Alexei said.
Brigitte’s face filled with recognition. If at all possible, her gaze became even more adoring. “It’s an honor, Monsieur St. Julien.”
Karina shot a glance between the two, completely lost. Who was St. Julien? Was that his real name?
“We carry some of your best pieces here. Perhaps I could bring those out for her to try on.”
Alexei waved a hand. “I’ll pick some out of her while she’s at the salon.”
By this time, Karina was starting to feel annoyed at being treated like a mannequin. She opened her mouth to say so, but Brigitte spoke first. “Bien. Marie can show you to the salon.”
“Take her old clothes and donate them or something,” Alexei said. He looked at Karina in the last outfit she’d tried on, a basic black dress with a sweetheart neckline, as if he was trying to forget how she’d looked in her old clothes. “She won’t be wearing them again.”
A rebellious urge overcame Karina. She was about to put the clothes back on just show Alexei he wasn’t her boss. When she opened her mouth to tell him that, Brigitte placed a calming hand on her shoulder.
The smile on the saleswoman’s face made it clear that she could see Karina was getting hot under the color. “You will get to wear some of your new clothes, how fun,” she said, clapping her hands. “Something a little more casual, I think.” At the same time, she gestured Camille towards the folded clothes Karina had worn into the shop. Camille quickly grabbed them and exited the showroom. Karina watched her depart with a shrug. It was probably best not to cause a scene. She’d have the opportunity to set Alexei straight. She’d been in shock last night and part of this morning. But, she was getting her bearing in the craziness that had overtaken her life, he playing a big role in it.
Determined to have some say here, Karina glanced over at the rack of clothes they’d selected for purchase. She looked at a light-weave wool pencil skirt in burgundy with short-sleeved cardigan in a lighter cerise. “I’ll wear that.”
Brigitte nodded her approval. “That looks lovely with your skin. Can you get dressed by yourself? I could call ahead to Marie’s Salon.”
“Sure,” Karina said.
“And I’m here to help, if she needs it,” Alexei added. Somehow, he made the words sound wicked. Brigitte looked like she was going to swoon, as she darted another quick hero-worshipping glance at Alexei.
Mod
Sounds perfect to me-like bunny rabbits huh?He ,or should I say the author, must be a lot like my hubs,he likes dresses and skirts if need be.
I can tell you love clothes too because I am a true clothes crazy woman-the more the better too.
Mod
I have to admit I don't wear skirts or dresses hardly at all. But I think they are gorgeous.
Mod
No words came to Karina, despite speaking five languages fluently. He thought she was beautiful? She asked herself mentally. This gorgeous man liked the way she look..."
I knew that Alexei had to be bad and insist that she change in the front of him. He seen that dress and was jealous that his eyes weren't on her, while she was trying it on.
He wants to examine her lingerie while she's getting her hair done. Why? So, if he doesn't like one or two, he can have Brigitte replace them with ones that he likes?
It's normal for a bad guy to claim a woman without her approval. lol, poor Karina. She's his lady.
Mod
Brigitte, ever the cunning businesswoman, glanced at Karina’s hair. She hid a hopeless look behind a graceful smile. “I can suggest the best salon in the area. It is ..."
I would have been hot too, if my kidnapper suggested that my clothes - old clothes to him should be giving away. Stating that I will not be wearing them again.
How dare a bad boy do that to the hero? :)
Danielle,You certainly do describe them beautifully,makes me want to grab the car keys and head for the nearest shop.
Do you think that shop lady that told him he could see the underwear(I can`t spell the lawn-ger-a word you guys)while she is at the salon is going to throw some moves on him? Bad sales lady !!!
Mod
Thanks, Kathy Anne. :)
Brigitte will probably do some flirting, but she sees Alexei as a man in love.
when are you going to write more me need to know what happens!
I don`t want to go thru cyber space to the doldrums again.Hey,it`s scary!In fact I have to go there now and look for Rae`s,I didn`t get finished.
Mod
Mod
Take your time. :)
Danielle,Yes take your time.I don`t think writing is an on demand type of thing,if it were we would all be doing it.
Mod
Mod
Sometimes a time out is what it takes. I know. :)
Mod
I can't wait until you add to this story, Danielle. Such great suspense and hot chemistry. For now I'll just reread the chaps so I'm ready when the next part comes. :-D
Mod
message 231:
by
Danielle The Book Huntress , Loves 'Em Lethal
(last edited Jul 03, 2010 09:57AM)
(new)
Mod
Camille personally escorted Karina down to the styling salon. The Frenchwoman's walk exhibited a confident manner, suggesting she knew her place in the world, and felt utterly at home in this urbane province, despite the fact that it was full to the brim with beautifully groomed creatures and stylists who looked like they had no problem rejecting clients they felt beneath them. She spoke to the woman at the front desk, who swiftly left her post, leading them further into the salon.
The stylist who had been appointed with the Herculean task of making over Karina, was a tall, thin woman, with short, spiked blonde hair, and retro-cat’s eye-shaped glasses that framed lively and perceptive brown eyes. She gave Karina a tight, quick once-over, firming her lips as though she was marshaling her forces for a battle. “As bad as she said,” she muttered in French under her breath. Karina pretended she didn’t understand.
In English, she said to Karina, “Hello, Mademoiselle.” She smiled and gestured towards the seat in her station. “I’m Adele. I’ll take care of you today.” Her voice was brisk, yet friendly. She radiated a high energy level and a confidence that Karina had always envied.
“Hi,” Karina said. She settled down in the chair.
Adele walked in a circle around Karina, running her fingers through Karina’s bleached hair. She muttered a few times. “You are a lovely woman, but this shade of hair looks too artificial for you. What color was your hair before?”
“Black.”
“Yes, I can see that. We could go back to that shade, or perhaps red or brown?”
Camille, who had not left yet, spoke up. “Her boyfriend, Monsieur St. Julien, wanted her hair to be blue-black. Like a raven, he said.”
Adele seemed to snap to a higher level of attention at the sound of St. Julien’s name. Again, Karina wondered at the significance of it. Why was St. Julien such a powerful person around here?
Adele tapped her sharp, but not unattractive chin. “Oui.” She stepped forward again, rifling through Karina’s straight locks. “Her hair is quite damaged from the poor quality of the dye. I think I’ll have to cut it.”
“Do it,” Karina said. She felt as though she needed to shed her skin, as a chameleon. To change herself yet again. She had hidden from the truth, walking in a semi-aware state, as the grief of her parents settled over her like a dark, obscuring cloud. She’d run from her destiny. Facing those who killed those that she loved. And Alexei had entered her life, like a dark angel. At first, she’d feared him. Well, she still did. But now, she realized that he could be her instrument. The way to achieve vengeance against the man who’d lied to her all along. Pretended to be her friend when he was the one who’d ordered her parents’ execution. Yes, she could doubt his role in their death. But deep down, she did not doubt it. She remembered his sly way of looking at her mother. His Irish-blue eyes not quite respectful. How he couched his resentment towards her dad in jocular statements. He wasn’t right. She knew that now.
Adele smiled at her. She was clearly excited. “I know just the style.”
Karina smiled back. “I bet you do.” She settled back, and let her work.
It was lovely, getting the star treatment. The soothing feel of warm water running through her hair as they shampooed and conditioned her hair. She felt her whole body relax. Karina watched as Adele did her magic, her scissors moving at the speed of light. Finally, she was done, and Karina’s hair was a blue-black, the exact shade she’d been born with. Adele had cut it down to the new growth, which formed its natural curly state.
“Lovely,” Adele said. “You have just the face for this cut. But, damn you, I think you will pull off the longer curls when it grows out, if you like.”
Karina laughed. She felt lighter, as if she’d shed a ton of weight, as her hair had been shorn away. “Thank you, really,” she said earnestly.
“No need to thank me. It’s what I do,” Adele replied. There was an arrogance there, but it was well-earned.
“I guess I’m done then.” Karina prepared to leave.
“Not quite,” Adele said. She spoke into an intercom system, designed as a neat broach on her smock. “Next you’ll see Liane. She’ll do you face, while the girls give you a mani and pedi.” Adele smiled. “Your boyfriend said you are to get the whole treatment.” Adele winked at her. “Camille says he’s scrumptious. And more than willing to spend his money on you. I’d let him.”
Karina had every intention of paying Alexei back for the makeover and the clothes, but she couldn’t blow her cover now and make a big deal over it. She shrugged. “Whatever my man wants,” she said, affecting what she thought was a besotted giggle.
More hours passed, and Karina was primped and prodded within an inch of her life. Liane tought her how to skillfully apply makeup for every occasion. Beauty secrets her mother had tried to teach her, but she’d always shrugged off, saying she didn’t have time for that. Back then, Karina was a late bloomer, more focused on her education than boys. The few dates she’d had were more time-passers, or because she felt bad saying no when nice guys asked her out. She had her own style for clothing, and it was casual, and almost gypsyish. Her uniform one of cargo pants, jeans, and peasant blouses, or flower-patterned t-shirts she could buy at Target or Wal-mart, or gifts from her parents.
But these Frenchwomen were in a whole other league. They oozed style. Mom would have fit in well here, although she was all about understated elegance. Her husband was wealthy, and she’d made him wealthier with her good financial brain. However, her parents had espoused a non-materialistic lifestyle. There were a few luxuries, but always on a modest scale. They supported charities and gave generously to them, of time and money. Even so, the estate at their death was in the millions. Money that was being held in trust for her, after the will had been read. That money was still in the bank, even now. Karina was using funds that her parents had put in off-shore accounts. When and if she went back to the states, she would go back as a very rich woman. Right now, that seemed like a distant possibility, one couldn’t even consider right now. She could only think about today, and possibly a week from now. Maybe, after this was over, if she was still alive, she’d think about the future.
Finally, they had primped her within an inch of her life, and Karina stood, surveying the results in a floor-length mirror. She looked….like her mother and her father. The pain of it struck her like a blow. Gathering her emotions under tight control, she looked again, as dispassionate as she could manage. She viewed the tall, elegant, and yes…beautiful woman she saw there as an asset. A weapon. A smile spread across lips painted a shiny burgundy that matched her outfit.
Mod
The women are making Karina look beautiful for Alexei. His heart is going to jump out of his chest, when he sees her.
:), I hope Karina don't be too hard on him.
“Whatever my man wants,”
Does Karina realize those are powerful words. :)
Alexei is a bad boy. Too bad he didn't hear those words.
Mod
Mod
You are welcome.
The women might bring him the words.
I could see Alexei using the words on Karina.
So true, Arch! I can't wait to see what Alexei will think of Karina's beautiful new look. :-)
Mod
Mod
Instead of being escorted back down to Tres Fantastique, Karina walked out to the reception area to see Alexei standing there, looking out the large, Art Deco-designed stained glass window. Even though his back was to her, she recognized him instantly. She saw him before he saw her. Her senses jolted at the sight of him, which surely wasn’t a good sign. He’d changed clothes, as well, donning silk trousers that faithfully skimmed his beautifully-muscled legs. It came as no surprise that they were black, although his shirt was a dark charcoal, also in silk. His thick black hair had been trimmed, but was still flirting with his shoulders. Those broad shoulders stiffened, and Karina was aware that he had seen her. Leisurely pivoting until he faced her, Alexei gave her a thorough onceover. Karina stopped walking, caught off balance by the intensity his dark eyes. Some girly part of her wanted to pose to give maximum impact. For a brief second, those inky eyes flared with emotion, and his jaw clenched. But that was all the response she got. That and a sardonic smile that spread across lips that were almost too luscious for a man with such a ruggedly-planed face, and a killer, no less. Karina was reminded of that moment when he kissed her. However brief it was, the feel of his lips against hers seemed indelibly imprinted into her memory. Karina shook her head, a futile attempt to wipe away that moment. The realization that his kiss had been the best one in her twenty-five years. Coaxing her features into casual awareness that he was here, she walked towards him, stopping a respectable few feet from Alexei. The force of his personality negated those feet. His pull destroyed that sense of distance from him.
He examined her closely, from head to toe. Karina felt as though he couldn’t have missed a single detail. She worried that he found flaws that she’d missed. His words brought a betraying sense of relief.
“Very nice.” Alexei raised his hand to touch her. Karina locked her knees to prevent herself from backing way. It truly didn’t matter if he touched her. It was so innocent anyway, a mere gentle brush of his fingers through the short curls of her hair. It didn’t feel innocent. It felt intimate.
“Just as I pictured your hair looking.” His hands lingered until she felt his touch down to her scalp. But he wasn’t done disarming her. Alexei’s gaze lingered on her lips, making them tingle in a way that was entirely inappropriate. “You didn’t need much. This is just gilding the natural beauty of the lily.”
Karina felt the impact of his words. He thought she was naturally beautiful. She sighed inwardly, as though it mattered to her. But it did. Too much. Gilding the lily, he’d said. Instead of being some sort of “My Fair Lady” makeover, turning a hopeless wretch into a passable instrument of his vengeance. She was being dramatic of course. It made her angry that she cared. Raising her chin, she shrugged off the compliment, as if it hadn’t meant anywhere near as much as it did. “They did all the work,” she said in a voice that sounded far too breathless to her ears.
With an effort, Karina broke eye contact and smiled at the receptionist, who gave her a wave. “I guess their work is done.” She thought about Adele and the other ladies who’d ‘gilded the lily,’ looking up at Alexei. “I should tip them.”
“Already done,” he said. “The bill is settled.” Karina was sure it had been considerable. But, the receptionist looked content, so she guessed Alexei had tipped her as well. He offered his arm, which Karina automatically accepted.
Karina ignored all the speculative gazes of the women sitting and waiting for their turns. She ignored the feel of the hard, toned muscles of his arm, focusing in on the objective. Get to Ireland, prove that Sullivan was her man, finish him. Hope to get away with her life. Nothing more, nothing less, she reminded herself. This man proved a very potent distraction, one she couldn’t afford. After all, it could very well prove fatal. “Where to next?” she asked, hating the trembling undertone to her voice.
“I’ve arranged for us to catch a flight out of Lyon International Airport,” Alexei said. He held the door for her, ignoring the inviting glances of the two fashion plates who walked in the open door. His gaze was focused on her instead, as if she was the only woman in the shop. The only woman in the world. So she couldn’t run off, she told herself. It had nothing to do with any real feeling for her. Other than a means to an end. She had best remind herself of that fact, and frequently. It wasn’t as if she wanted it any other way. After all, she was determined to use him the same way. He’d take care of Sullivan for her. And then she’d walk away when it was done and her parents were avenged.
Karina nodded. “Au revoir, Lyon,” she said under her breath, feeling his eyes on her as she walked past him out of the door.
message 238:
by
Danielle The Book Huntress , Loves 'Em Lethal
(last edited Jul 08, 2010 07:02PM)
(new)
Mod
When Alexei went to pick up Karina, he thought he had prepared himself for how she would look out of her drab disguise. He’d lied to himself. She was more gorgeous than he’d imagined. But this was her. Not the dyed, poorly-styled blond hair, the baggy clothes, the ugly glasses. This was her. The real woman.
Alexei thought he liked long hair on women. He was wrong about that. Well, at least he was wrong about liking it on Karina. The short, thick, glossy curls provided the perfect frame for the graceful shape of her head. Short hair emphasized her high cheekbones, which in turned showcased her changeable eyes, which seemed more green right now. Her makeup was light and discreet touches, making the most of what God had given her; from full, eminently kissable lips, a nose that was elegantly curvaceous at its base, blending in well with the rest of her features, to long eyelashes that framed those eyes that reminded him of how summer bled into fall. With the smart camisole and pencil skirt in their bright, warm colors, Karina was dressed to kill. More devastating than he was loaded for bear. And it wasn’t just her looks. It was her whole demeanor. Karina stood up taller, easily five foot, ten in those modest heels. She walked towards him with a confidence that she’d lacked before. It looked good on her. Too good for his own protection. It was easier to deal with thes unfortunate feelings towards this woman when she was cowed and afraid of her own shadow. It made him sound like an opportunistic bastard, but Alexei had no illusions about himself. He’d tossed most higher feelings out with the trash when he left behind his old life and embarked into a life as a professional killer. Sentimentality was an obstacle at best, and a asinine pretence that could get him killed at the worst.
He was he, and she was she. That was bad enough. He wasn’t about to soft-pedal the way he’d treated this woman. He was grateful that he didn’t have to torture her physically, but he’d stopped just short of it. Now, he was about to dangle her like a carrot in front of a hungry elephant with Sullivan. If he ahd a conscience, he’d be disgusted with himself.
Alexei escorted Karina to his SUV, which he’d parked on the curb. While she was getting her salon day, he’d finished up some shopping tasks, buying luggage for them both, matching, of course. He’d also picked out lingerie, the kind he wanted to see her wearing, and some jewels that he knew would glow against her rich skin. He’d wondered how she’d look wearing nothing but the literal family jewels. And he was determined to find out. That sight was for him alone. Alexei counseled himself against his possessive feelings towards this woman. She didn’t belong to him. She wasn’t his. But deep down, every time he touched her, when he’d seen her walking towards him in the salon, she’d felt all his. Pride like he’d rarely ever felt filled him. Proud that this beautiful, unexpectedly strong woman was with him. And then there was the ever more urgent desire to find the nearest private place and horizontal surface, where he’d show her who she belonged to, and how much he appreciated how delectable she was. In every way. Karina was looking down, and his gaze was drawn to her smooth neck, naked now that her hair was short. Bared for the touch of his lips. The thought caused his pants to become a lot less uncomfortable, but he’d just have to deal with it.
He pulled his eyes away from the woman and onto the view in front of the Land Rover. As Alexei maneuvered the vehicle away from the curb and into the flow of traffic on the busy street, he felt Karina looking at him.
He gave her a questioning glance.
“I’m going to pay you back for the clothes and everything,” she said.
Alexei waved his hand. “After your last commission, I’m certainly not hurting for money.” He shrugged. Besides, I think of it as expenses for the next mission.”
He saw her eyes harden at the reminder of why they were together, and what it meant. Part of him hated the dawning awareness, the wall coming up between them. It made him want to say or do something to break it down.
“Sullivan’s not going to know what hit him.”He felt her looking at him. Her gaze burned like lasers on his skin.
“It’s not like that,” she replied. “I was just a kid to him. He didn’t really have much time for me, growing up. Whenever he came over, it was a quick hello, and he was off with my father to his workshop.” Under her breath she added, “Or trying to flirt with my mother.”
They hit a stoplight, and Alexei to the opportunity to look at Karina. He catalogued all the features he knew by heart, practically. “Don’t you look like her?”
Karina didn’t answer at first. He watched the turmoil that always flooded her when she thought of her parents, fill her eyes, making them a dark and murky. Finally she did. “Yes. I look like both of my parents.”
Exactly, Alexei thought, but he didn’t say it aloud. “You could exploit that resemblance, you know. Have him eating out of your hands.”
“Why?” Karina asked.
He glanced over at Karina. “So that you can twist the knife when I kill him,” Alexei said casually, as if he was discussing what they should have for dinner, fish or steak.
Karina was left at a loss for words at that. He realized that Karina had no idea how to deal with the fact that he was a predator, and nothing less. The things he did, the things he said still managed to shock her, despite the manner of their acquaintance, and the fact that he had abducted her, threatened torture, mentally abused her, and dangled the threat on her life over her head. But, she still treated him as though he was worthy of expecting the best of him. She was so innocent in that regard.
“You underestimate your charm, dulce.” Charming in so many ways, all sharp and potent enough to find the miniscule chinks in his armor.
“Do I?” Karina asked. “And don’t call me that.”
Although he was quite sure that Karina didn’t mean it to sound funny, but as a demand he was supposed to accede to, Alexei smiled. She really did hate being called ‘dulce.’ She probably thought him calling her sweet in Spanish was insincere. But it was not. She was very sweet to him. Too sweet, reminding him of all the things he could never have. “Yes. You do,” he insisted. “I’m sure you used that allure on your boyfriends, with much success.”
Alexei looked over to see Karina roll her eyes. “Yes, exactly. My irresistible allure had a legion of men at my feet.”
“I’m sure having to go in hiding put a real crimp in your social life.”
“That’s the worst part.”
“Having to go without is pretty tough,” Alexei said. No it wasn’t. He’d been without for five years. And it wasn’t that big a deal, until she’d walked into his life, that was.
“Without?” she inquired.
“Sex,” he answered succinctly. The thought of her dating other men was bad enough, living normal lives, doing things that plebeians took for granted. Yes, it needled him more than he cared to admit. But the thought of her having sex with other men pissed him off to no end.
“Oh, yes. It’s terrible,” she said. Although Alexei was focusing on the road, his hands so tight on the steering wheel they were white, he could hear an emotional tone to her voice he wasn’t quite sure of. Perhaps she was a little wistful of her sex and the city days. Smiling at the memory of all the sex she’d had with other men. It renewed his determination to show her what sex with him would be like. He resolved to wipe the memory of those other men out of her mind. He’d make up for all her lost time. And when he walked away, sex with those other men would have all the appeal washing a sinkful of dishes. That thought made him smile widely.
Mod
Instead of being escorted back down to Tres Fantastique, Karina walked out to the reception area to see Alexei standing there, looking out the large, Art Deco-design..."
Alexei is admiring how Karina looks. He knows that she's beautiful, but seeing her in another light than from the first time he seen her - he sees a more beautiful woman.
Karina is sweet to give the ladies all the credit.
Mod
When Alexei went to pick up Karina, he thought he had prepared himself for how she would look out of her drab disguise. He’d lied to himself. She was more gorgeous than he’d imag..."
"He glanced over at Karina. “So that you can twist the knife when I kill him,” Alexei said casually, as if he was discussing what they should have for dinner, fish or steak"
Yes, Alexei is a bad boy! :)
"“Sex,” he answered succinctly. The thought of her dating other men was bad enough, living normal lives, doing things that plebeians took for granted. Yes, it needled him more than he cared to admit. But the thought of her having sex with other men pissed him off to no end."
Bad boys never want to imagine "their woman" with another man.
Alexei would kill a man. I know Cop would. :)
Mod
Alexei is definitely showing his possessive, jealous side. She's getting to him!
Mod
Alexei is definitely showing his possessive, jealous side. She's getting to him!"
Thats okay Danielle.
A bad guy has to mark his territory and that's what Alexei has done. Karina belongs to him.
Mod
Dare I say, I can't wait to see what tricks Alexei has up his sleeve for Karina. Hehe. I love that metaphor for the other men in her life. Lol.
Mod
message 246:
by
Danielle The Book Huntress , Loves 'Em Lethal
(last edited Aug 14, 2010 07:16PM)
(new)
Mod
At the airport, while they waited in a small bar for their flight, Alexei had Karina check her email. He situated them where they could easily get to the exit, and he could watch their back. Of course, he wasn’t able to bring his gun or knives into the airport, but that provided protection to them, since any possible assailants couldn’t do so either. And even without a weapon, he could take care of himself and Karina.
He alternated between watching her and watching the door. And it was very difficult for him to pull his eyes away from Karina. She’d been attractive before, in her shell she wore back in Paris. But now, there was a glow from within. A fire that drew him. He wanted to touch and experience it. Even as his instincts told him with a terrible idea that was. His hand fingered the box in his pocket. Why he’d selected it, he had no clue. It was like his mind told him that he had to give it to her, to mark her in some way. It certainly wasn’t crucial for their mission, but it would help. It would serve to rile Sullivan up, if Alexei was correct in his suspicions about the man.
“He emailed me back,” Karina said, her soft voice touching his nerve endings like raw silk. She made eye contact as she added, “He’s told me to come to his house. He offered to have me picked up at the airport.”
“Write him back. Tell him exactly this.” Alexei looked at his watch, then back at Karina. 'No need for a pickup. I’ll arrive at your house at 10pm tonight. I’m sorry it will be so late. Thank you.' Then sign your name, your real name."
Karina gave him a long look. He could tell she was coming to life, and her malleability to following his orders was fading. He was trying to decide what he should do about that, although part of him liked her feisty, if he was honest with himself about it. “Do it,” he said.
With a flash of those hypnotic eyes, she turned and typed in the message, word for word. Alexei smiled. He reached into his pocket, pulling out the box. He sat it on the bar next to Karina’s right hand. “You’ll need to wear this.”
Karina pressed the ‘sent’ button in the email program, then she glanced down at the box. He felt her go still. Her small, elegant hand hovered over the small, square, black velvet-covered box. She opened it, and stared at the object there.
Alexei could recite the specifications of the piece of jewelry in his sleep. After all, jewelry had been his grandmother’s stock in trade. She’d drilled that information into him as young boy, as he’d accompanied her to work during those long summers he stayed with him as a child. The most salient facts were these: the diamond was two carat, solitaire, deeply set into a platinum ring. It would fit her finger perfectly.
“Why?” Karina breathed the question so quietly, he could have almost missed the word.
Alexei smiled then. What woman protested being given an engagement ring that cost, well, a lot? Only Karina. “Simple. It marks you as mine. Which means that Sullivan will want you even more.”
Karina took a shuddery breath. “You’re reading way too much into all this.”
Alexei took her hand. With his other hand, he lifted the ring out of the box and slid into to her finger. The overhead light caught in the facets of the ring, giving that glitter that made diamonds so irresistible. But the glow had nothing on the way Karina’s eyes were sparking at him right now. “Since when did you start giving orders around here?”
She jerked at that. Alexei knew that his words had the desired effect. She pulled her hand away, and just to emphasize her point, he took her hand back, caressing the center of her palm. He turned her hand around, and kissed her right in the same spot. It was a move calculated to disarm her, but the effect on him was a lot more dramatic. “I never thought I’d have to force a woman to wear my ring.”
“There’s a first time for everything.” Karina’s voice was cold. Her hand twitched in his hold, but she didn’t pull away. Her body language made it clear she wanted to do that. However, he felt the way she shivered when his lips made contact with her hand. It was not a shiver of revulsion. She could lie to herself all she wanted about that. As cold as her voice sounded, she wasn’t cold to him. Her eyes were burning. He could see the banked flames of her anger towards him. He wanted to kiss her and see if that fire would be just as hot, her lips against his. He didn’t. Because he wasn’t sure he could stop with one polite kiss.
Instead, he smiled coldly. “Just remember that it’s only more window dressing.” The words sounded assured, designed to deliver a message he wasn’t sure he felt. That ring on her finger, knowing he put it there felt real. He didn’t like it.
“I might not be an actress, but I’m sure I can play along. So long as it means that I can get away from you,” she said.
“My feelings are hurt, Karina.” Alexei didn’t bother to hide his amusement.
“What a shame,” she said. “But, I know you probably feel exactly the same way.”
“Not really,” Alexei said. “I’ve found you to be a fascinating companion.”
Her voice was low so that she didn’t attract unwanted attention. “I bet. It’s been so fun tormenting me.”
Actually it wasn’t fun. No, fun didn’t describe it. The barriers he’d had against everyone else in the world didn’t seem to keep her out very well. She was beautiful and her body was tailor-made for a red-blooded male who liked women. But, there was more to it than that. Everything about her drew him to her. When he hurt her, it seemed like he felt the pain too. A man who could kill without remorse felt bad about scaring a woman. It was ridiculous and he knew it. Alexei was finding it increasingly hard to keep the distance between him and his captor. She wasn’t deserving of this. Even a man with no sense of honor or morals realized that. She needed a safe, secure place in this crazy world. Where a man who put a ring on her finger did it for no hidden agenda other than the legal right to call her his and have sex with her every night. She might not realize the significance of the ring on her finger, but it offered her protection from Sullivan. It said, that a man was ready and willing to watch out for her. She didn’t see it that way. At the end of the day, it was better than she just saw it as another one of his sick games. His reputation wouldn’t suffer. He knew she’d walk away from him hating him. But, until then, he was going to take advantage of the opportunity to bask in her light. As ridiculous as it sounded.
Mod
Alexei better not try to give Karina a polite kiss. :)
Nice installment Danielle. I can't wait to read the next installment.
Mod
OOh Alexei's defenses are slooowly coming down hehe.Great couple and Alexei just oozes yumminess. :-)
So true Arch! I loved that about him. :-D