Burning a Hole ((attn Cel))

She was bold, that was for sure thought Alexander as Celeste straddled him and kept him pinned against the couch. Another time and place and he would have been inclined to react more favorably, but Celeste's cool words had chilled any feeling between his legs. If she wanted to make him feel uncomfortable, so would he.

Alexander wrapped his arms around Amberelle, gripping her buttocks tight and pulling him closer to him.

"How did I meet Amberelle? That's no secret. It was at a soirée thrown in honor on a couple of our clan mates. Amberelle's friend Dawn arranged it so that we would be sitting next to each other. We've been seeing each other roughly since then. A month, maybe more."

Celeste revealed nothing, her face may as well have been carved from pale marble. She ran one hand gently down the side of Alexander's face, tracing the outline of his cheek and jawline.

"Amberelle doesn't like talking about her family, and when she does it's mostly in negative terms. There's no love loss between her and Gustav I gather."

Alexander flinched slightly as the long, slender fingers continued to trace lazily over his face.

"Is there anything else you would like to know?"

Fully in a work mentality now, Celeste pushed down the rising response in her to her clanmate's proximity and movements. The Creole studied Alexander and the nuances of his speech, his breathing and his reactions to her both physical and verbal as she weighed what to ask him again. So the little golden one had only mentioned Gustav and had done it negatively.

Mentally she frowned, that would not go over well with their Sire. He'd be aware how easily such tales could leak back to Elder Sorin and would be... well she anticipated some poor soul would suffer greatly when he was briefed on her report. Luckily she would be states away. Slowly sliding her arms over Alex's shoulders she seemed to be almost absent mindedly running her fingers through the hair at the base of his neck. Her expression spoke of boredom and disinterest but she was acutely aware of the man beneath her. She made a soft, sighing, "hmmm" noise in response to his question.

There's so much more I want to know... The brunette's voice was silky and low and she tilted her head as she watched him, looking like someone studying an odd painting at a gallery. Her body may be responding to him as he held her close but she gave no acknowledgement of it. I am having a difficult time understanding what draws you two together. So far I see little that you would have in common with my little cousin. What about her appeals to you, hmm? You seem so much more the.. dark side type. A brow raised with a slight smirk at that comment before she schooled her features back into a visage of smooth polished stone. As much as she was beaten and abused, there is no way Amber could share this.. interest... of yours I've seen. Pausing a moment she honed in to see if he would have any reaction to the youngest De'Espionne's upbringing.

Shifting herself some, she leaned forward and let her mouth hover over his ear. Celeste had to consciously keep her pulse calm and her breathing slow and relaxed. It occured to her that their little play session must have worked her into a much higher fever than she realized. After all it couldn't be because of Alexander, not really. Such thoughts were disloyal to Amberelle and Cel would never do that. She told herself firmly. This next question was important, but she wondered if he would understand the significance. Tell me.. I've walked by and seen the little pink post it pressed to her doorways. How long have they been there, hmm?

It was a system Amby had used for years, post its to remind herself of things she was forgetting. Green was training and pink was feeding. She'd already been told by the staff what an alarming amout of packaged vitae Amber requested and was sure the blonde was not hunting like she should be. But to have the notes up as well? That spoke of a great distraction and she needed to know if that was Alex or something else. If he didn't know she coud tell him, perhaps have him keep an eye to make sure she kept herself nourished. Do you see her feed? Or is she letting herself go days at a time again?

Leaning back and away from him again, which made it much easier to think she acknowledged to herself, some expression finally came to her features as she gave him a hard serious look. You say you give her no promises, but I know Cavalier is ridiculously old fashioned enough to demand you state your intentions. I would suggest you prepare an acceptable answer. Giving him a slight smile, Cel added I'd be happy to act as your sounding board now.

Alexander ran one hand up Celeste's spine while the other caressed her thigh. If you wanted to drive him to distraction she would have to try harder. Self-discipline and restraint had been beaten into him by his Sire, and the potential thrill of a sexual tryst wasn't enough to stop his heart from beating at a slow pace, or his eyes from remaining firmly locked on Celeste's.

Alexander ran his lips gently up Celeste's neck till he met her ear. He softly spoke to her.

"I have no monopoly on Amberelle's time. She is free to come and go as she pleases. If I haven't seen her feed, it's because I wasn't around to witness it. But believe me Amberelle can feed, and she enjoys a headier vintage."

Alexander felt Celeste tense at the implication he had just voiced. He smiled slightly and continued speaking to her.

"I can go for days without feeding, that's not so unusual amongst our kind. Perhaps Amberelle is testing her limits. I know she we test each others. You wonder how it is that she and I are drawn together. I see vitality and promise in her, and companionship. What does she see in me. Someone who accepts without reservation, someone who does not hide his nature, and someone who is willingly to be patient with her. I make no claims to sainthood to Amberelle, and she is under no illusion that my thoughts and opinions differ from hers as hers are to mine. It is not blind acceptance, it is willingly acceptance - faults and all - that binds me to her."

Alexander pulled back till his face was close to Celeste's their noses almost touching. "I promised Amberelle tonight and the promise of tomorrow. I promised her my companionship, friendship and loyalty. And I would promise her my... love."

Celeste was seething, a rising fury that could easily blind her if she let it. Her eyes were burning with it as she stared at Alex. How dare he say her cousin would let anyone feed on her? Far too many times Celeste had been the one who had to go in and help a battered and broken Amber struggle out of Gustav's chambers and to her rooms to recover from his foul attentions. Could the blonde have changed so much? Would she willingly allow herself to indulge in that act? Actually trust someone enough to do that? What good did it serve the Englishman to lie about such a thing, especially knowing already how she felt about that particular activity. One part of her wanted to rage and deny it, but the other was more curious about how it would have, could have come to happen. Were her cousin's scars finally healing? Would that make her happy or envious?

His explanation of their.. arrangement? Understanding? What ever... the odd relationship he described did have her even more curious. Amby would have to have an immense amount of trust in Alexander to accept something like he described. That wasn't something she'd expected the younger vampire to be able to do. But then.. when had any one of them ever just accepted the young woman and not tried to shield her, protect her or push her?

Companionship, friendship and loyalty. All well and good but when Alexander said the last word Cel jerked back from him with a wide eyes look. SHe blinked at him for a moment and then the Anantya laughed, a harsh and bitter sound. Pain flickered in the back of her eyes as she sneered at her clan mate. Trust me Alex, you don't want to love a De'Espionne. We always hurt the ones we love. I tried to teach Amber that, to spare her that pain but I suppose some things you simply have to learn yourself. Her voice was low, and filled with sorrow.

Alexander felt oddly moved by Celeste's outburst. A raw nerve had been touched. And it was personal. She pushed his shoulders against the couch, her nails digging into his flesh, well at least trying to. Alexander gripped her waist just as tightly, he wondered why such emotions seemed to bother the Anantya he had encountered so far. The behavior was almost Evenhet in comparison and worthy of contempt. He could almost hear his Sire berating Celeste for such an outburst.

"Life is experience. Equal parts pain and happiness. Such things are unavoidable. It's how you live each day - well each night in our case - that determines how well you function."

Alexander was quoting his sire now, calmly and coolly. If Celeste couldn't maintain her composure that was her own failing. Something to note. What was the old cliche? Love hurts. Was Celeste speaking from personal experience. It seemed likely.

"I'll take that risk, and that hurt. I'm willing to commit myself to Amberelle De'Espionne. It's not a decision taken lightly or with little thought. For better or worse..."

Alexander stared at Celeste, but her face was an unreadable mask again. But it was a mask that did crack, and wasn't as impenetrable as she appeared to be.

Cel didn't relax her grip on his shoulders. She'd regained her composure and was watching him through faintly slitted eyes now. How she wanted to mock him, but the Creole was no hypocrite. She spoke softly but firmly as she studied him. You would love her, but have no problem leaving her if ordered to do so. I can respect you for that but.. That's a dangerous road to travel Alex. Before you give something special up be certain. Eternity is a long time for regrets. This time she didn't allow any of her own emotions to show but she thought he was astute enough to understand. I'm guessing she's aware of the conditions you place on the relationship? And she accepts them? Really? Sighing softly, Cel worried that Amber wouldn't be able to handle that kind of loss and heartache. She's been through so much, she said quietly more to herself than Alexander.

For better or worse. If he was speaking the truth then Celeste would support them and give him a positive review to both Cavalier and Gustav. Not that either of them would place great weight in that. But Elise would and she could sway both men.

Releasing him, the younger vampire let her hands rest on his forearms as she struggled with what to say. Really there were many things she wanted to tell him about Amber, to help him be better able to understand her and perhaps help her. There are things about her and our family you should know. Some aren't mine to tell you, she shrugged slightly, but I think you should know about her past. I guess first... do you havr any questions?

Alexander listened to Celeste in silence, keeping his face neutral as she questioned his commitment to her and what would happen if the Clan did place demands that would put her at odds with Amberelle. Alexander had accepted that, and made no pretensions of lying to Amberelle about how he thought. He would cherish her as long as he could, as long it lasted. He couldn't promise her forever, who could?

Was she really as fragile as what Celeste was implying? Alexander had seen great strength and resilience in Amberelle, and the potential to be so much more than she was now. But it was her family that was like an Albatross around Amberelle's neck and that would have to be resolved one way or another.

Alexander rested his hands on Celeste's thighs. "Tell me what you can. You have my undivided attention."

His hands burned her skin and Celeste blinked at him, agitated for a moment before squashing down the thoughts he'd triggered. Mulling over where to begin she figured it best to start with the most important factor. It wasn't like they had all night here, she realized with a bit of annoyance. Or was that just annoyance at herself for wanting to stay?

Her voice was soft as she spoke, half thinking aloud and half remembering. Gustav. I'm sure you know of the type.. Lived far too long and has completely lost touch with anything remotely close to humanity. She sneered faintly. He's a fucking pig. And he delights in tormenting us all, but her especially. His tastes are.. Searching for a moment Cel wasn't sure how to describe the man's vileness. Sighing she switched her train of thought. Back in the day he was a huge patron of DeSade. Giving him a look that said 'so you know what that means,' she continued. Over the years we all spent time under his lash but it was Amber and I who were there the most. Me it was my own fault, I was.. rebellious. Celeste shrugged, not appologizing for her actions.

Amber did her best to be good and not stand out but he just seemed to enjoy making her suffer the most. The light drawing the darkness, like I said. The girl was always withdrawn, she had no real friends.. If it wasn't for her dancing I think she wouldn't have been able to handle it. And then he decided when she was barely a teen to send her on a job. She was the only option, it had to be a young girl to get close enough. It was... Cel frowned, her teeth grinding as she remembered that time. Amby was not a killer, she always just wanted to be normal. But that was never an option, you know? But.. She's good, she did good.. But it was hard on her. The brunette's blue eyes held pride and some guilt. At fourteen she was able to kill a vampire. A fledgling but still. Sadly, Cel shook her head. But it affected her a lot. And each subsequent one did too.

Pausing, Cel looked at Alex. He was listening intently, his face unreadable. What you said about the two of you.. I would never have believed. Considering she used to have to feed him, we all did, and he made sure it was agony.. Cel shuddered as she remembered her own experiences. I guess maybe I don't know her as well as I think.

Alexander considered Celeste's words. They matched with what Amberelle had mentioned about Gustav, even more of a monster than she had described. One who delighted in crushing people - vampires - underfoot and then scraping them off when he needed a job done. Alexander had done his fair share of killing, but he had always done it with a detached, rationale manner. That was how he was trained. And before the turning he'd been an officer since a young age, having to show the same detachment on the battlefield as he led men slowly onwards through cannon fire and musket volley.

But Amberelle had been a dancer and Gustav had twirled her into a killer. What had Celeste been like, he wondered.

Alexander smiled at Celeste. "There is pleasure in feeding. It seems Gustav denied that to Amberelle, denied that to you. What can I say? It's better than sex, euphoric, exhilarating, powerful. And I willingly share my own blood with Amberelle as she does hers. An exchange of equals, of lovers. Perhaps one night you will find yourself enraptured enough to forgo your past and try it for yourself."

He gently squeezed Celeste's thighs and ran his hands down her legs.

"The past can drown you if you let it, Celeste. I might come off as detached and unemotional but I do feel, and I do remember. My Sire was a hard task master but he taught me well. I accept the past, I live in today, and I await tomorrow."

Snorting, Celeste strongly doubted she would even willingly let any kindred take from her. It made you vulnerable. If it was as good an experience as Alexander described well, then, it was just too bad but she'd have to skip it. There wasn't room in her life for that type of relationship anyways. Her mouth went dry when he slid his hands down her legs and she glowered at him before shifting her eyes down.

I'm glad for you that you can be so calm about your path in this life. The Creole looked up at him though her lashes and gave him a hard, cold smile. The only things I continue to exist for is my family, my clan., my honor.. 'And the belief that one day Gustav will die a horrible and gruesome death. Hopefully at my hands.' she added to herself with a twisted smile.

You need to keep an eye on her, Cel said after a moment of silence. The notes mean she realizes she's forgetting to eat. And she can go days at a time but.. sighing softly, Cel looked up at Alex again, anger in her eyes. Another punishment was to starve her, trying to make her killer instincts come to the surface. I think she kind of lost all sense of being hungry. Frowning faintly at a memory that came to mind, her jaw clenched. Get her distracted enough and I've seen her go so long she collapsed. Of course, her lip curled faintly in disgust, she tries to not feed on people. Bags when she can or she'd go out into the swamp and hunt vermin. Though.. the vampire crossed her arms under her breasts and chewed on her lip for a moment. She does seem to like to hunt sometimes, I've seen it. But usually only a certain type of prey.

Alexander listened to Celeste's assessment of Amberelle. He hadn't thought much of the pink notes, or whether or not the young De'Espionne had been hunting of late. Starvation was something he'd had to endure, or being forced to subsist on vermin. Chao was a spiteful little man when he was at his best. It seemed strange to Alexander that Amberelle tried to avoid feeding on people. To him it was a natural extension of who and what he had become. To willingly deny that impulse was akin to the wolf eating the pasture while the sheep lay down to sleep.

He'd have to pay closer attention to Amberelle and ask her about her eating habits. There were ways and means to ease a guilty conscience over feeding from humans. A lot of vampires played vigilante, others preferred escorts and prostitutes, and still others targeted humans for a particular vice or aspect of their character.

"Perhaps I can take Amberelle 'hunting' with me, although my choice of prey tends to be more suggestible and agreeable than what I suspect Amberelle would classify as a meal. And I will have to pay closer attention, I never asked her what those pink notes were for. Most of us have our little idiosyncrasy's after all."

Alexander tapped his fingers on Celeste's thighs as he thought for a moment.

"Are there any other nuance or habits I should be made aware of?"

Celeste knew she had started the game and wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of knowing he was obviously winning. But to be fair, she admitted she'd stopped trying very hard. Seduction was not her area of expertise and considering the reactions Alexander had brought out in her the younger vampire wasn't sure how wise it would be to keep trying to goad him. After all she'd accomplished her goal. But if he didn't stop touching her thighs... Her jaw clenched. Reminding herself of all the many reasons why she shouldn't be thinking about that, Cel focused on the topic of their conversation. Thinking about Amberelle did make it easier to ignore what she was feeling.

Frowning, she shook her head slightly. Amber used to do something like that.. when Gustav forbid anyone to give her bags. He wanted to make her hunt, tried to force her to stop denying what she is. Grandmere taught her to work more with her looks. Dropping her eyes, her expression remained neutral as she wondered how hard that had been. It.. never sat very well with her. She told me once it had her feeling dirty, and I'm sure it did. Cel sighed softly. Her preffered prey is more... vigilante, I guess.. so she can pretend to be being good or something. Rolling her eyes, Cel just shrugged. Drug dealers and the like seems to be it. I was out one night and saw her down in Armstrong Park.. she didn't know I was there obviously, and I was fascinated. It was like she was a different person. The Creole was quiet a moment as she remembered how shocked she'd been at her cousin's violent actions.

Other things to watch for.. green post its mean she's not training. Though she doesn't forget that too often. Well.. at least she didn't. It was frustrating Celeste to no end. Less than two years had passed but it seemed the girl she'd known from an infant had changed in some significant ways. That left her unsure and beginning to question everything she knew to be true. Let's see, other ways to read her... Tequila means it's a bad night. She only drinks that when she's upset or depressed. A smile curved her lips as she recalled one of their trips to Japan. She's fucking hilarious if you take her to a karaoke bar and get her drunk, but you'll need ear plugs. Her head tilted back and she stared up at the ceiling, thinking for a moment. She had to think, how to phrase this next bit. Amby has expensive tastes, refined ones. Quite the demanding little princess, I think we all spoiled her too much.. trying to make up for things, you know? Looking down at him again, she wondered how much of all of this he knew. Ahh well, no way to know. Her blue eyes sparkled as she added, The girl is a sucker for shoes. Well, expensive ones. It's a good thing Cav would never put a cap on her charge cards.

Shifting slightly, Cel rested her hands back on Alex's shoulders. Becoming serious again, she just studied her clanmate. Amberelle has never had a real boyfriend. Well, before now. I know she dated some but it was more for appearances, or to make contacts for the family. Obviously she's rather attractive so that was always used if needed.

Drumming her fingers on him lightly, she scrunched her brow. Oh! She has a bad temper if you can manage to make her snap. Even before her change.. That "beast" she bemoans has always been inside her, it just got stronger I think. But then again I'm not a shifter so I don't know how that affects someone.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out in a slow sigh, she tilted her head at Alexander. So, any questions so far.. anything you want me to elaborate on?

Celeste wrapped her hands around the back of Alexander's head. It was a pleasant distraction, as was the unobstructed view of her pert breasts. He wondered if all the De'Espionne women were in part chosen for their physical attributes. Alexander slid his hands up Celeste's side, stopping on either side of her breast. He wondered how driven to distraction Celeste could be made. Of course the last thing Alexander wanted to do was to complicate things by having an unexpected tryst with Amberelle's cousin. That could be... nasty. His hands reluctantly slid back down and rested on her hips.

"We all have our inner demons, Celeste. Some of us brandish them openly, others try to deny them, and still others work with them in secret. I exercise a modicum of control over my own, but I have my own nasty...streak. I've never seen Amberelle consume tequila, hear her sing, or show a fascination for shoes. A high maintenance woman - vampire - I can relate to that."

Alexander laughed softly. How many millions had he gambled with over the decades as he played the economic winds of fortune - and won. He could bring a nondescript company to the Fortune 500 or he could as easily cripple its advancement and send it spiraling into oblivion. He could make millionaires out of beggars and suicides out of the same millionaires. He was a name, a voice on the phone, a signature on a piece of paper, an email or fax sent half a world away. Clients, traders, and bankers all came and went, but he had remained, plying his trade for personal gain and for the betterment of the Clan.

"If I see a green post-it around Amberelle's place I'll give her a thorough workout, I promise you."

Celeste arched an eyebrow.

Alexander coughed slightly. "Er... well... you know what I mean."

Celeste grinned. So Mr. Implacable could be flustered after all. Amberelle must be very important to him.

"So what attracted you to Amberelle, Alexander? Disregarding the intervention of certain members of our Clan."

Alex wondered if Celeste had been investigating Dawn Ratana, one of Amberelle's close friends. It seemed likely. But he wasn't going to go confirm that with the vicarious young vampire.

"The eyes actually. Golden eyes. Amber. True she is stunning by anyone's standards, but it's the eyes that caught my interest first."

Celeste said nothing but merely nodded her head as she twirled Alexander dark locks through her fingers.

Alexander stared into Celeste's eyes. And warmth, he was tempted to say. Something Celeste seemed to lack, or at least hide very well. Amberelle's eyes radiated warmth, Celeste's radiated a cold fire. Elaborate on anything, a great many things, Alexander thought to himself. But what could he ask. If it got back to Amberelle that he had been prying into her deepest secrets, then what would she think? Worse, how would she react.

Alexander thought for a moment and then shook his head.

"No, Celeste, tell me what you wish me to know when it needs to be done. That is all I ask. Common courtesy. And while we have some time left, is there anything you would like to know about me. Anything at all. Grab your ammunition while you can."

Alexander smiled wryly and rapped his fingers on Celeste's hips.

Nodding slightly, Celeste realized he was making a safe choice. One she could respect. It couldn't be easy for a Nightsman to turn down the opportunity to gather knowledge. But she doubted her cousin would be very happy if she found out about what Celeste had said here tonight. At least he could deny prying, and again her opinion of him rose.

Common courtesy, of course I can, and will, give you that. And I expect the same.. if you see something odd, let me know.

Her eyes flicked down over him slowly as she considered what to ask. The basics could be obtained easily enough from the Anantya records. She found herself more interested in things like what he had been like as a human, before becoming a denizen of the night. How had the dark gift changed him? Her left hand trailed down his chest softly and her fingertips brushed back and forth over the scar upon his stomach then lower to brush his right thigh just above where her own rested on him.

Meeting his eyes, she spoke softly. Tell me about the man you were.. Where were you born, when.. what manner of man were you? How did you get these scars? Cel had to force herself to remove her hand and return it to his shoulder. Then tell me about how you learned your martial arts. It's not exactly common. Squaring her shoulders, the Creole settled in to hear what he had to say. Insight like this could prove very useful.

Alexander shivered slightly at Celeste's touch. If he wasn't careful, he would liable to be distracted as well. An untenable situation to be sure. Celeste could probably glean more information from the Anantya archives, but she was more interested in the man he was, not the vampire he had become. So, he obliged her speaking softly as his eyes took on a far away gaze as he remembered.

"My name is Alexander Hadrian Westmoreland. I was born in the year of our Lord, 1763. Remember, remember the 5th of November. Gunpowder, treason, and plot. I know of no reason why the 5th of November should e'er be forgot."

Alexander smiled.

"Calcutta, India. November 5th, 1763. The British Empire was ascendant then, and my father was a influential diplomat and trade offical with the British East India Trading Company. I never knew my mother, she died giving birth to me. I had no siblings and my father never took another wife."

"My father paid for the best education European tutors could provide. But my life was far from sheltered, I grew up with the children of our Indian servants. I learnt the language, well languages to be correct, learnt the culture and was taught their secret way of fighting and defending themselves. I also made friends in the foreign quarters where merchants, traders and bankers from Europe and Asia converged."

"My father was against it, but I was determined to join the British Army. He wanted to secure me a career after his own, and an advantageous wedding to follow suite. But the East India Company needed officers and soldiers. And my station guaranteed I would not march in the thin red line, but rather lead it into battle."

"I could have followed my fathers route. It would have been easy. I have always had a flair for riding the economic winds of fortune. But I wanted action and adventure. I was a young man who believed in the Empire. In the right to bring the benefits of Western Civilization to the Orient. My friends, both white and brown thought I was an idealistic fool. And I was."

"I fought against the Kingdom of Mysore during the 1780s-1790s. Four Wars and I achieved the rank of Major. I got shot leading the Forlorn Hope during the Second Anglo-Mysore War, nearly had my leg amputated from the injury. The scar on my back came from an opportunistic cavalry rider. But the injury that ended my career is the one you see on my stomach. A spear thrust."

"The Army sent me home to die. My father had requested it and the Doctor's had agreed. My father's old friend, an Oriental gentleman named Chao tended to my injuries using his Eastern medicinal knowledge. Of course what I didn't know at the time was that Chao was preparing me for my death and eventual rebirth."

"There's little I really know about Chao. He was ancient looking when I was a child, but he moved like a man full of vigor and energy. He was my father's closest friend and trusted adviser. He faked my death and promised to take my body back to England on his own ship. That of course was another lie. He wanted a student, and though I moved "with the grace of a pregnant yak" he saw potential in me."

"His lessons were harsh, humiliating and demeaning. But they were never without a purpose. Control, discipline, obedience, loyalty and honor. All in the service of Anantya of course."

Alexander sighed as he recalled the grueling months at sea and the months that followed in Mexico and the United States.

"For all his eccentricities and foibles, I respect Chao. I haven't seen him since he introduced me to the Clan back in the 1800s. I hear he moves in shadowy circles. Rumors of appearances here, whispers of his passing there."

"The 19th and 20th centuries were good ones for me. I returned to doing what my father had intended me to do. Make money. And I was exceptionally good at it. All to easy. I watched as America came to eclipse the waning British Empire and eventually I relocated to London at the request of the Anantya leadership after the Second World War. And there I stayed, helping the Clan grow stronger until I was called back to the United States a few months ago."

Alexander ran his fingers gently along the side of Celeste's face and smiled.

"The archives will certainly tell you more than what I can remember, if you fell that way inclined. I still have my hands in finance, trading and banking today. And business is very good. I have used sword and musket, and in these times pistols. Boxing has always appealed to my nature and you have seen part of what I have learnt of the Indian martial arts known as Kuttu Varisai and Varma Kalai."

Alexander placed his hands back on Celeste's thighs and caressed them softly, slowly.

"And your story Celeste? Will you share it?"

She listened with rapt attention, nodding at points. Her expression was not cold but carefully neutral so it did not betray anything she was thinking as he told his tale. So many things they had in common, it was no wonder she felt she could actually like him. He served the clan faithfully even being brought in without his permission. He was intellgent, educated and successful. Enjoyed the more sadistic pleasures and was a Nightsman. Oh yes, her Sire would probably see great potential in him. Plus he was a Scorpio too.

Dates and names were committed to memory silently, ready to be researched when she returned to the Manor. London, she was going to have to see what contacts they had there who could be persuaded to prepare a brief on him. Cel was certain it could be done and was quite curious as to what additional information she could obtain. For Gustav, of course.

Her heart slammed against her chest at his touch. Damnit she'd let herself be distracted watching him speak and now his hands were making the younger vampire shiver. Celeste felt the heat pooling low in her belly, the strange tightness in her chest and her breath caught in her throat.

My story? she said shakily. I think you know most of it already.. Her eyelids felt heavy, her breasts burned and she licked her lips lightly. There was no way she could tell him, no one knew her whole story not even her beloved twin sister. But, was that actually guilt she felt at denying him? A distraction, she needed a distraction to change the subject and quickly. It was a risky tactic but the vampire told herself it would be just for a moment.

Instead of elaborating she closed the small space between them and slanted her mouth over his. Cel felt Alexander go still for a moment with suprise. Pressing forward she crushed his back against the sofa and gripped his head tightly while she deepend their kiss. A shudder went through his frame and his hands gripped her thighs tightly for a moment before sliding around to cup her ass. Sighing softly into his mouth she let herself savor the taste of him. Her hips rolled unconsciously, pressing against him more. She became acutely aware of the only barrier between their flesh. Long nails tried to dig into the soft skin at the nape of his neck and she ground her lips against his, demanding he return her attentions with equal fervor. He did not dissapoint.

One hand slid up her back, gripping her side tight enough to bruise anyone less resiliant. They sparred now with their tongues and teeth, roughly biting and invading each other's hungry mouths. Cel crushed her breasts against his chest. Her nipples burned and ached as she rubbed them against him while her hips continued to move over him.

Pulling away from his mouth and drawing in a ragged breath she jerked his head backwards sharply and began to kiss his neck, trailing her lips up to his ear. Her tongue flicked his right lobe before drawing it into her mouth. Sucking on the soft flesh she nipped it hard before turning her attentions to the sensitive skin just behind and giving it equal attention with her tongue. Her hands released his head and she dragged her long red nails down and around. His hand released her side and grabbed her breast roughly, making her gasp. Laughing softly as he began to squeeze it and his thumb rubbed over her tight, aching nipple she moved back up and reclaimed his mouth. His other hand gripped her rear, dragging her against him even tighter.

Running her nails over his chest, she flicked them over his nipples and began to tug and twist them hard. His breath drew in sharply and she smiled against his mouth, chuckling. He jerked her own tender bud and drew a moan from her and sent a shudder through her. Her hands roamed lower down Alexander's side and she slid the tips into the band of his briefs, nails roughly pressing into his hips while she pushed against him. Still abusing her full and tender breast, drawing her throbbing peak into a rock hard nub, Alex brought his other hand around and stroked the soft skin of her thigh, drawing a whimper from her.

Cel was completely overwhelmed. She'd never meant to go this far, but couldn't seem to stop herself now that she'd begun.
.

It was clinical. He was reacting exactly the way she had wanted him too. Responding to her desire, capitulating to her will. Alexander had known that the moment she pressed her lips against his. Celeste wasn't like Amberelle. She would use her body to delay, to distract, to avoid having to answer his question.

The cynic in Alexander told him he was using her too, why have one De'Espionne when you could have two? What did Celeste hope to accomplish with her affections - could it be called that? Alexander didn't know. She was a shadow, a dark reflection of everything Amberelle was. His hands held fast to a body that was as pale and strong as marble. And she was strong. He was drawn to that strength, and he answered it.

He roughly squeezed her breast and heard her laugh. Without abandon, without bitterness. If this was another test Alexander was wondering where Celeste would draw the line. When would he? She was already naked and he was nearly there. Her fingers slid inside the top of his briefs and he shivered.

He had promised Amberelle tonight and tomorrow. That was all he had promised. Alexander realized he wanted more. A tryst with Celeste could damage that forever, and it could potentially hurt Celeste as well. Hell, why should he care about her? But Alexander did.

There was something that Celeste didn't want him to see, didn't want him to get near, so she had reacted on instinct. And her instinct was correct. He could fuck her senseless right her on this couch and no-one would ever know. She would get dressed and walk away without ever saying a word. And he would do the same. But what would it cost her? What would it cost him?

Alexander grabbed Celeste's hands and forced them back. She arched her neck back and laughed as he pinned her arms behind her waist. She flung her head forward and stared into Alexander's eyes. And her smile faded as she met his eyes. They stared at each other in silence, their breathing slowing, beating as one.

Celeste broke the silence first. "Is the hour up already?"

She had dismissed him with just one sentence. The lust was still there in her eyes, but the embers were cooling. She knew this game. Knew it well.

Alexander leaned forward and kissed her. He released her arms. She grabbed the sides of his face and held him there as she pressed her lips against his.

Celeste whispered in Alexander's ear. "We could have been grand."

Alexander nodded as he leaned forward and held her. "I know."

Celeste clung to him for a moment and then broke free. She kissed the top of his forehead, and with a dignified push of her hips, slid off Alexander.

She stood in front of him, legs apart, hands on her hips, staring at him defiantly. "You break her heart and I'll burn yours."

Alexander took her offered hand and she pulled him to his feet. "You still feel like sparring this week?"

He offered her the corset and she turned into it, waiting patiently as he laced her in.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world."

Celeste laughed and sucked in her waistline as Alexander pulled the laces tight and finished them off.

She turned around and quickly retrieved the rest of her clothing. She watched as Alexander calmly went through the same routine of unfolding his clothing and dressing. Like a damned penguin, Celeste thought to herself.

Celeste finished dressing, stuffed her broken thong into a pocket and sat back down on the couch. Alexander continued taking his sweet time.

"You want the happy ending with Jane?" Celeste added, as she tossed Alexander's tie over to him.

Alexander slipped it over his head and carefully adjusted it, folding down the collar and slipping the tie clip back in place.

"We don't get happy endings, Celeste," he answered with a wry smile.

Celeste snickered and shook her head. "Bollocks..."

Leaning back on the couch, Cel watched Alex dress while her mind whirrled. Tonight had been a rollercoaster but she'd managed to gain some very valuable information, as well as insight into not only Amberelle and her beau but into herself as well. Although the last was something she could have done without she thought with a trace of bitterness.

Alex adjusted his cufflinks and looked over at her. Rising gracefully, she crossed to the door. He reached around her towards the knob but Celeste placed a hand on the frame to hold it closed for a moment. He looked at her slightly puzzled as she simply turned to lean against the padding. Her hands came up and smoothed down the front of his jacket, pausing to pick off a blonde hair from his shoulder then a bit of lint from the lapel. Nodding, obviously satisfied now, she tugged him forward and rocked up onto her tiptoes to press a soft kiss to his lips.

Leaning away slightly Cel's cool blue eyes looked up at him. I'll be watching you, she whispered. Alexander chuckled faintly, and a smile warmed her expression in reply.

I'll keep an eye out for you, he responded after a moment, returning the smile. That made her laugh, and she pushed him back so she could turn for him to open the door for them. Taking a couple steps into the hallway the Creole spun sharply and let her skirt swirl up to give him a last flash of her bare backside and thighs.

Over her shoulder to Alexander as she walked away, Celeste taunted Well.. you'll never see me but you're welcome to try!

(( OOC Alex and Celeste both out, with permission. Lock thread please!))