Annalise clicks through the half full restaurant, graceful despite her heels, her flowing black lace dress and raven hair swishing as she moves. Others would call her style 'gothic', but that has never been her intent. She long ago learned that 'fashion' is just what the in crowd tries to tell everyone it is. What's more, that 'in crowd' is determined capriciously, by the whims of some snobbish collective consciousness. Individuals can claw into and fall out of that clique for any of a host of reasons, only some of which could be considered sensible or reasonable. Instead, she wears what she finds suitable, comfortable and striking in exactly the right ways.
She returns from the bathroom, driven there by some spilled soup on a sleeve. It's not likely a stain would be noticed, given the color of the garment. But she was also concerned about the scent as well. It wouldn't do to spend the rest of the night smelling of a French onion. Instead, floating in her wake is the subtle and complex scent of her perfume oil. It is an old mixture, one not found in stores but custom blended for her. She walks boldly unmasked, stupidly defiant of Corona-X plaguing the world.
She moves to rejoin her friends in their dining alcove, another set of young carousers, similarly ignoring the risk to themselves and others for not wearing masks. She is forced to pause, a server blocking the entryway, doing their work. She eyes slide slowly around the place, settling on the face of a blonde woman, partially hidden by her mask. Annalise wonders for a moment what she might look like, without it. The full shape of her nose, the quirk of her mouth.
But in seconds the server retreats from door, and Annalise is free to return to her friends.
Was today Friday? No, it was Thursday, maybe Wednesday, who the hell even knew anymore. Given the current state of the world, all the days just seemed to blend together, one, never-ending nightmare on repeat, groundhog day. What did it even matter anyway, her social life had been non-existent for months. If she wasn’t at the lab, she was home on the couch binging some crappy show on Netflix. Since the first outbreak of Covid-X had occurred back in March, her company, PharmaDyne, had been pushing Victoria and her team relentlessly. For better or worse, her company had been short listed by the administration to drop everything and fast track research for a vaccine.
Victoria had started with PharmaDyne as a post doctorate and decided to stay on for the ground breaking cancer research they had been doing. Being a relatively introverted individual, it had always been easy for her to immerse herself in her schoolwork. The biggest issue she always ran into was no one taking her seriously, not in college, nor undergraduate and especially not by the men she worked for while defending her PhD. The recurring assumption that this young, pretty blonde was simply getting by on her looks just made her work that much harder to prove everyone wrong. It also showed in outfits she typically chose, jeans, sneakers, hoodies, trying to hide the from those who would pass judgment simply by looking at her.
However, given the high visibility of her presentation to the board earlier today, she thought it would be a good idea to at least try to look presentable. Wearing a white sweater, tan suede skirt and matching knee high boots, Victoria realized she hadn’t been this dressed up in months which left her feeling a bit more self conscious once stepping out of the comfort of her lab.
Victoria had just left another long, grueling night, exhausted, annoyed and terribly hungry. This restaurant was on her walk home and typically provided great take out service since they had to transition with all the restrictions from the virus. As much as she loved the food here, it always made her crazy every time she came by to pick up her order. The place was still constantly packed, and mostly with those foregoing the mask mandate, simply deciding they were too good for masks or just didn’t need them or just simply didn’t care.
As Victoria waited patiently by the bar for her take out order, her face partially hidden by the mask she so diligently wears, her eyes briefly lock onto an unmasked woman looking at her from across the restaurant. The dark haired woman was certainly striking, but something about that defiant look on her face, almost scoffing at the idea that this virus could ever touch her.
How foolish and selfish could you be? Victoria's introverted nature caused her to avoid confrontation at all costs, but the long days and stressful hours were taking there toll. Storming across the restaurant to the woman’s’ table, unsure what was drawing her there, Victoria stops in a huff staring across the table at all the smirking, mask-less faces. Her eyes locking onto the dark haired woman, quickly lost in her gaze, now at a loss for words.
“What… are you thinking? Or do the normal laws of human biology simply not apply to you?” In her mind she was furious, but what she heard was her muffled voice cracking, barely audible through the now suffocating mask.
The dark haired woman pauses as she turns to head into their recessed seating area, a flicker of amusement passing her eyes. The room behind her falls still and silent, their expressions fixed, which lasts only a few moments before they burst into raucous laughter. Annalise's lips purse in bemusement as she waves a hand at them and slides the door closed, only muting them somewhat. She turns to face the newcomer, her green eyes fixing on the blonde woman's, raising an eyebrow.
"Are you quite alright?" When she speaks, Annalise's voice is throaty and low, almost a purr. Her words carry a rich array of layered accents, something that might be a challenge for a trained ear to sort and recognize. French certainly, but a native speaker would notice differences in the way some sounds were produced. Her tone is a mix of concern and dismissal.
"I know these are trying times for all of us, but I assure you, my friends and I are perfectly safe from the virus that haunts this world, like the grim specters of old - the black death and influenza. Not to mention syphilis." She smiles at her own joke, knowing its more of an inside reference. Her eyes move up and down the form of the woman before her, appraising her.
"But your passion is appreciated." Her eyes meet the other woman's, not quite in challenge, but with the confident surety of someone unassailable in their beliefs.
Victoria: "Yes, I'm fine, I just...." *scanning around the room at all the maskless people laughing, seemingly at her, shirking any responsibility to those around them* "What makes you so special that this virus won't have any effect? Are you all immune or something?" *trying her best to be confident*
Annalise: I'm sorry that I can't tell you that. You will just have to take my word for it *looking into your eyes intently, my voice flowing like a stream as I speak*
Victoria: *almost getting lost in those haunting green eyes, catching herself* Just trust that you're better than the rest of us? Doing the right thing wearing our masks? *her voice muffled a bit, her confidence waning*
Annalise: Better? No, I don't think my friends and I are 'better'. Just different. Privileged, some might say. Or maybe not *she trails off, getting lost in thought. Then her expression softens somewhat* Have you lost someone, that makes you sensitive to this topic?
Victoria: I'm sorry, I don't usually do this kind of thing *catching her own anger as she watches the woman, her features softening, feeling her empathy* It's been tough, I research this thing every day, and I haven't seen my parents.... in, well.... months
Annalise: *smiling faintly, giving the slightest nod of understanding, then cocking my head, intrigued* Researching?
Victoria: Umm, my company, I work in a lab there, we're researching the virus, trying to find a vaccine *feeling at ease with this stranger she just met, almost forgetting about the mask issue that brought their meeting about*
Annalise: That's very interesting *my eyes looking at you with new-found respect* And I can understand your reaction, in that case. What role are you playing, in this famous research of yours?
Victoria: Role? I, well, kind of run the research team tasked with running our clinical trials *she answers proudly, but somewhat embarrassed to be talking about herself under the circumstances* I feel like it's all my life is about anymore
Victoria: I'm Dr. Stafford by the way. Or, Victoria actually, no one really calls me Dr. *the masked smile evident through her eyes*
Annalise: I am called Annalise *my restrained smile is unmasked, the corners of my eyes rising up a little. We get a sharp look from one of the servers, and I reach out to grasp your elbow with a firm and cool hand. I draw you aside, into an unused alcove* It is nice to meet you, Dr. Victoria.
Victoria: *a bit surprised how easily I let you guide me out of the way of the server, assuming your hands must simply be cold due to the season* Very pleased to meet you Annalise, and please, just call me Victoria *feeling my cheeks flush, grateful for the mask covering them* Now I feel awful, barging over to your table, that's really not me
Annalise: *my eyes soften even further, as my hand reaches out to brush your blonde hair back over your ear* You are under a lot of stress, anyone can see that. These failings, we all have them. Say, are you dining here? It would surprise me if you were, given your feelings
Victoria: I do, I mean I'm not now, but I do often *a bit flustered feeling your fingers brush my hair back* It's on my way home from work, so I just get orders to go *unable to look away from your eyes, head tilting slightly* Have we met somewhere before? *a comfort level settling in as we talk*
Annalise: No, it should surprise me if we had. And I think I would remember. *my eyes glitter with mirth, my lips a thin smile* I must have one of those faces. I think you need time away from your routine. How about you collect your food, and I have some of my friends drive us to my place? We were just finishing up
Victoria: I dont' know, I really should get back *glancing over my shoulder absently, seeing my to-go back sitting on the bar* Besides, I really shouldn't impose, your friends probably hate me already *laughing lightly under my mask, almost feeling silly now, getting lost again in the depth of your eyes*
Annalise: My friends are amused by you, but that is neither rare nor damning. And I have some VERY good wine to go with that meal *I nod my head at it, sitting there in the bag*
Victoria: And I could really use a drink after the night I've had *sighing, feeling at total ease with you* Are you sure it's no trouble? I can't remember the last time I actually spent time with, well, anyone
Annalise: It is no trouble at all *smiling a crooked smile* I will tell my friends. *I duck my head back into the room, calling out a name, saying I needed them to drive me home. There is some laughter and two men rise to get the car from the valet. I saunter along behind them, stopping near you, watching you pay for your meal*
Victoria: *smiling to myself as I see you come over, fumbling a bit as I tuck my credit card back in my bag* Didn't you already eat? I don't want to be rude, stuffing my face in front of you! *laughing, turning to follow along with you*
Annalise: Yes, I already ate. But I can always drink more wine, and I will get to see what you look like without your precious mask! *laughing, hooking my arm through yours, stepping out into the cool evening air, waiting on the car, looking up at the sky*
Victoria: *laughing, surprised at how easily our conversation is flowing* I can always drink more wine! *not even realizing I'm hugging your arm close to me as we walk* Do you live nearby?
Annalise: Mmm, not too far. We should be able to get there before your meal loses its edge *a black SUV pulls up, with my friends getting in front and me getting in back, crawling across from passenger side to driver side, making room for you*
Victoria: *placing my food on the floor, reaching to the handle to climb up into the SUV, sliding into the seat beside you, the valet closing the door behind me*
Annalise: *smiling over at you casually, settling back. The SUV drives quickly and sharply on the quiet streets of the city, heading to south Central Park* You are quite young, to be a research director?
Victoria: I guess I didn't have much of a social life in school, graduated early, and got pretty lucky to be honest *crossing my legs, shifting a bit to face you* And I guess this virus was a blessing in disguise, opening up this opportunity for me
Annalise: Oh? Have the elders in your field already perished? *raising an eyebrow, half smiling*
Victoria: Oh my gosh! *laughing loudly through my mask, placing my hand on your arm* NO! I just meant, some early retirement was happening, and there's just so much work that needs to be done! *feeling a bit guilty at the topic* This virus, has upended everything, but has also opened this opportunity for me
Annalise: Of course. That makes perfect sense *I rest my hand over yours, my eyes flashing as I look over at you*
Victoria: *my eyes glancing a bit nervously down at your hand, feeling a wash of warmth over me, even though your hands are still ice cold* So, red wine or white? *looking back up at you*
Annalise: *my eyes flick to your meal, wrapped up and waiting* I don't know, I have both. What goes best with that?
Victoria: What, a burger? *laughing* I'm a firm believer that a good red wine goes with just about anything! *my hand rubbing my thigh, fidgeting a bit, only now realizing I hopped in a car with a total stranger*
Annalise: Red it is! *the SUV stops under an enclosed area, with sharp eyed men at both entrance and exit, another opening the doors for us. I say goodbye to my friends who drive out into the night and escort you inside a lavish lobby and nod to the receptionist there*
Victoria: I'm not sure I've ever been over to this part of town *looking around in amazement at the ornate décor of the large lobby, my arm sliding in with yours again*
Annalise: *I smile faintly and produce a keycard at the elevator, which calls it and causes the doors to open. We step in, and there are no floor buttons. Only emergency and hold door open ones. Once the doors close, it races upwards, causing your ears to pop*
Victoria: Wow, what floor are you on? *laughing, my fingers gingerly touching my ears, realizing I still have my mask on, slowly slipping the straps off my ears, finally pulling the white mask away from my face*
Annalise: *my mouth opens to reply to you, but as I look over my voice fails momentarily, eyes on your face. This passes as quickly as it arrives, and I tilt my head while looking at you* So, the mask finally comes off. What makes you think I am safe? Not an asymptomatic carrier? *my face gives you a small smirk*
Victoria: *glancing down a bit as I feel your eyes move over my exposed face* I'm honestly not sure *smiling, holding my mask up, dangling off one finger* Not very safe of me, but I just trust you for some reason. Not very scientific of me, I know, but just... a feeling? *smiling, grateful that you can finally see my face*
Annalise: Well, you are safe enough with me! *flashing you a predatory grin, then answering your question* Floor sixty four. Its not the highest, but I don't need all that much space. *the elevator decelerates sharply and I lead you out to the through-way, dropping my purse on the table and heading north towards the open area. Everything you see is marble and richly appointed*
Victoria: *smiling at you curiously as I hear you answer, 'safe enough'* It's not like you brought me back here to murder me, did you?! *laughing at myself, shaking my head* I am SO sorry, that sounded funnier in my head *realizing I'm still quite nervous, stepping into your penthouse, my eyes widen as I look around at the ornate furnishings and finishes* Annalise.... your place.... is beautiful.....
Annalise: *as we pass north into the open area, the lights of the city sparkle in 270 degrees in front of us, save for the area right in the middle that is much more subdued. As you get closer to the floor to ceiling windows, you see that this is Central Park, with only a few lights at its buildings and along its paths*
Victoria: I... I thought... *my voice catching, finding it difficult to swallow as I stare out the vast array of windows, the expansive view of the city lights coming in from every direction, outlining the dark square in front of us marking out Central Park* I thought you said you didn't need much space *stepping slowly to a floor to ceiling window, my nose almost pressed upon the glass as I stare across the void*
Annalise: *I grin back over my shoulder at you as you trip on your words so endearingly, pulling a nice red out of the chiller, opening it and getting us two glasses*
Victoria: My entire apartment might fit in your front hallway *laughing, catching my amused bewilderment*
*finally turning to look at you again, with a newfound curiosity about you*
Annalise: *laughing lightly, pouring the red, catching your eye for a moment* Well, a girl needs her piano, doesn't she? But compared to the apartments above me, this is a smaller layout *nodding generally up the tower*
Victoria: Now that you mention it, this is quite a modest place *laughing as I step over next to you, watching you pour our wine* What is it that you do, Annalise? If you don't mind me asking that is
Annalise: *I trail over towards the table at the northwest corner, casually taking a seat, watching you* I administer the New York Blood Center *there is a note of pride here, along with some amusement*
Victoria: So, it seems our fields are not too far from each other at all *smiling, sipping my wine, glancing at you now and again as I stroll around your vast penthouse* You don't mind me looking around a bit?
Annalise: Not at all, but your burger might *I point my wineglass in the direction of your dinner, where it sits slowly cooling* You are welcome to reheat it, but by that point it might have lost its charm
Victoria: *scrunches my nose up as I glance over at the greasy bag* I can't ever eat this late anyway, not after a day like I've had, this will do just fine! *sipping the delicious, velvety red you poured for us* The Blood Center? There must be quite the high demand these days, with all the hospitalizations I guess?
Annalise: *sighing, rising from my chair, taking you by the hand and leading you to the middle of the open space, running the fingers of my Steinway that sits in the middle* This is my big baby. And yes, demand is up but the bigger problem is that supply is down. There are fewer people donating, for a whole host of reasons. I mostly work nights now, dealing with our overseas partners, ensuring a supply from less impacted areas
Victoria: I can imagine, I don't expect there are too many people out there right now who could pass the screening to give blood, even if they wanted to. *watching you move, listening to the sultry smooth tenor of your voice* Do you spend much time over overseas? Traveling internationally? *so comfortably holding your hand, sliding my other hand over the top of the dark mahogany, so at ease with you*
Annalise: Not in a while, no. I guess some might say I too much in love with New York city *I wave at the comfortable leather couches that sit on the east side of the area, also looking out at the city* My office! *I lead you back the way we came, holding your hand in mine, passing by the elevators to the southern half of the apartment, turning slightly east and opening a door. From inside comes the surreal glow of violet grow lamps, shining down on racks of orchids* And my little babies
Victoria: There really isn't another place like it, is there?! New York City *gazing again out the windows, almost a disorienting feeling being up so high, with views so vast* Who are you?? *smiling deliciously as I look inside at all the beautiful orchids, clearly so out of place in the middle of the city, hundreds of feet above the earth* There's something about you, part of me thinks I'll never get to know who you really are *my fingers feeling a soft silky leaf*
Annalise: *grinning in response, leading you through the flower room, unlocking a door that leads out onto a breezy patio, our hair lifted by the swirling winds, my dress blowing around, dizzyingly high above the city, looking south*
Victoria: *my eyes wide as I take in the view, the cold breeze washing over me, mouth part way open as if to speak, but there are no words, stepping to the railing, the stresses of the past few months simply melting away, tilting my face up to the sky*
Annalise: *smiling, taking this moment to step behind you, wrapping my arms around you, my breasts pressing into your back, my hips pressed against your ass, my chin resting on your shoulder, looking down at the city, wisps of hair tangling with yours*
Victoria: Annalise... I.... *barely a whisper, just letting the moment take me, tilting my head back as I feel you hold me, pushing my ass back into you, the analytical part of my mind shutting down, an energy flowing through you into me, feeling like the world is falling away from beneath us*
Annalise: Shhh . .. no need to talk . .. just be . . . savor this moment . .. this feeling *holding your body tight to mine, my cool cheek brushing against yours*
Victoria: *you can feeling my breathing deepen, your breasts pressed tight against my back, my head laying back on you, my arms dropping to my sides, hands feeling your thighs as you press against me*
Annalise: *laughing lightly as I feel you trembling in my arms, cocking my head* Are you cold? Should we go back in?
Victoria: I... I'm not sure what I want *laughing, shaking my head to clear it a bit* It's just so amazing out here *taking another look across the glistening city* But it's pretty amazing in there too
Annalise: *My laughter is caught by the wind as I pull you back inside, into the flower room and its curious pink lighting, warmer but humid. I look back at you, smiling* Want to see the rest?
Victoria: Of course! *my eyes reflecting the lighting as I smile brightly at you* If you're sure I'm not imposing, I don't want to overstay my welcome *my cheeks pink from the wind, intensifying from the warm humid air*
~~~
Annalise leads her new found prize through to the aptly named 'dressing hall', a walk through closet that opens to the bathroom to the north, and the bedroom to the south. As large as the room is, it is only half full. The primary color represented is black, then red, then white, then a smattering of other colors. The fabrics vary from cotton, linen, silk with the occasional wool and leather. The floor is lined with footwear - boots, heels, wedges, flats, athletic shoes.
The bathroom is exactly what would be expected in a place like this. The finest fixtures, marble on the floor and walls, perhaps over-decorated.
The bedroom follows the pattern, the bed having high quality bedding, deliciously soft. Oddly enough, this room has no windows, mutely lit from soft lights in the corners.
Annalise pauses, tilting her head to her guest. "You must be hungry. Can I at least make you something? Since I cost you your burger."
Victoria: "I guess I should be hungry, but I'm not... not for food anyway!" *laughing as I sip the smooth, velvety red wine, having never tasted anything quite like it* Now, if you had anymore of this delicious wine! *smiling over at Annalise, then glancing back around the large dimly lit bedroom, back through the massive closet of what must be 10s of thousands of dollars of clothing and shoes*Oh wow, I probably shouldn’t have this back here, huh? I can be such a klutz sometimes!! *holding my glass with both hands now*
Annalise: What? Of course you should. And one thing you will learn about me, Victoria - there is always more wine! *I laugh, slipping my arm around your waist, pulling you against me for balance and support, leading you back out to the great room, making a left to top off your glass, my eyes glittering in the scattered light of the city coming in from the windows*
Victoria: Well, don't think I'm one of those girls who never eats, because I love eating!! *laughing, leaning into you, feeling so at ease, such a connection with the older, stunning woman* But drinking, now that I can do every day! *smiling, holding out my glass as you refill* Where is this from by the way? I'm not sure I've had anything so lovely!
Annalise: South of France, of course. From a small, family vineyard placed on the north side of the hill. The vines grow slower and produce less, on account of less sun. But the result is both sweeter and more rich. I thought it fitting for current company *I glance over you, filling up my own glass in turn, pushing yours towards you* So, you have seen my vices *I wave towards the baby grand and then back towards the flower room* what do you enjoy doing when you are not researching so studiously?
Victoria: And is that where you're from? I do detect an accent, don't I? *taking my glass, sipping as my eyes watch you before catching myself* I hope I'm not assuming too much, it's not like I've ever even been to France! *laughing at myself, cheeks flushing a bit* And I'm kind of a nerd really, lots of crossword puzzles, sudoku, and used to paint some too *crossing one foot over the other as I lean against the counter, still in my heeled, knee high boots*
Annalise: I am from . . . lots of places. *grinning into your beautiful blue eyes, looking down at you ever so slightly* But yes, France is the country of my birth. Seems so long ago now! *I laugh, a rich throaty laugh, carefree, as though thinking about a different time. My attention then turns back to you* Did you know that Sudoko was invented in America, but took off in Japan because their language doesn't allow for crossword puzzles? This world is full of wonder. And you paint? Tell me what you paint *sipping my own red, savoring in its taste*
Victoria: *locked in your gaze for a moment, your green eyes piercing mine, giving a brief glimpse into the depth of your soul, such life experience, a worldly knowledge so far beyond your youthful years* Oh, umm, I didn't know that *smiling, shaking my head lightly to clear my thoughts* And I originally went to school for art, art history actually, and I still have my old easel folded away under my bed. Mostly just landscapes, but you really have to expose so much of yourself, you know? Like, look deep inside if you want to paint something that's real! *a passion flashing through my eyes, over my face as I recall those early years in the studio*
Annalise: *my glittering eyes lock with yours, a faint smile across my lips, as if savoring something other than the wine* I like that. I would like to see you paint again. Do you think it would help you, to step away from the world and its daily pressures? *I reach out a cool hand, caressing along the arm that isn't holding your wineglass, head tilted*
Victoria: *the touch of your cool hand on my skin sending shivers through my body, feeling so indescribably nervous, but so at east with you at the same time, smiling coyly, your stare almost overwhelming* I've never let anyone see me paint before, not that anyone has asked really! *laughing, my hip cocked against the counter, another long sip of the delicious wine* I've thought about starting up again, just with all the stress of everything right now, but my apartment is tiny, like, it could fit in that closet of yours! *laughing a bit embarrassed talking about my small piece of this massive city*
Annalise: *I grin, my hand slipping down your arm to take hold of your free hand, tugging you gently towards the middle of the great-room, up close to the piano, near the glass that looks out at the nighttime park* I think an easel could fit here easily, don't you? I want to watch you paint, looking out at the world or inside, into yourself
Victoria: *holding your hand so willingly, letting you guide me along behind you, still trying to take it all in but so totally lost in the moment* Wait, no, I could never... *my eyes wide as I hear your suggestion, glancing at you, out at the incredible view, back to the location where my easel might fit* I could never ask that of you, and I'm sorry if I insinuated by mentioning my lack of space
Annalise: *I laugh again, my long hair swaying* Of course you didn't ask! Do you paint in oils? Watercolor? Acrylics? Something else I am too ignorant to be aware of? *my hand lingers on yours, fingers interlaced, taking another sip of wine* By tomorrow afternoon, I will have an easel here, with fitting paints. It would be a shame if it would go unused, cluttering up the joint *I lift my glass, idly waving it around the spacious room*
Victoria: Acrylics mostly, they're so much easier to deal with.. and sometimes charcoals... *answering a bit absentmindedly, my eyes watching you so curiously, trying to make sense of all of this* And you? Ignorant? *laughing at the notion, sipping my wine, so freely holding your hand, letting them swing between us a bit* I'm quite a messy painter, and your place... is breathtaking *speaking more softly now, surprised at how I'm even entertaining this idea*
Annalise: Well, maybe a drop-cloth then! And don't you get any paint on my baby! *pulling you around to the Steinway, sitting on the bench before it, setting my half-full wineglass on the floor. My fingers go to the keys, warming up, cocking my head towards you* Would a drop-cloth be enough?
Victoria: A drop-cloth, at least one, maybe 3! *laughing as you guide me to the large, mahogany piano* And maybe we can just seal this entire thing in shrink wrap?! *sliding my hand over the smooth finish* You're serious about this, aren't you? *tilting my head opposite yours, knowing somehow that you rarely joke about much in your life, so very matter of fact*
Annalise: You should consider it one of my life's desires, to see you here, painting, getting back in touch with a side of you that has been buried by day to day necessity, and the burdens of our circumstance *I smile at you, then focus back on the piano, my fingers poised, then begin to play*
Victoria: Why do I get the feeling you've already made up my mind about this... *smiling, my voice trailing off as I watch your slender fingers, demonstrating a beauty and dexterity as they tease across the ivory keys, the haunting melody seeming to penetrate my being, almost hypnotic as I stare and listen, lost in the moment, as if we're the only 2 people alive on this earth*
Annalise: *half way through the piece I look sideways over at you, my eyes locking on yours, feeling everything else fall away. My hands go still have the last note echoes away, fixated in gazing at you*
Victoria: *my blue eyes locked on yours, everything else in my view is blurry save for your beautiful face, your penetrating eyes, as if lost in a trance, still hearing the melody playing through my mind, like we're somehow frozen in time*
Annalise: *my hand reaches up, lacing my fingers into your soft, blonde hair, gripping your head firmly, using that grip to turn your head towards me and pulling it down, tilting it up, inexorably dragging your mouth to mine*
Victoria: *slipping down onto the bench beside you as you pull me down by my hair, your firm grip tilting my head back, an almost primal need to have your mouth on mine, one hand holding the bench, the other still barely clinging to my half empty wine glass
Annalise: *pulling your lips against mine, our lips sliding together, my hand in your hair controlling the movement of your head, the intensity building*
Victoria: *your lips cool against mine, but an intense heat is flowing from you into my mouth, my mind lost in a fog of desire, mentally falling into you as you guide my head, my body trembling*
Annalise: *smoothly pulling your head back up by the back of the scalp, looking into your eyes* I need to get some work done. And I would like you to stay with me while I do
Victoria: *feeling your eyes penetrate deeply into me, breathing heavy from our kiss, trying to stifle a too eager response* If it's no trouble.. I'd really like that, to spend more time with you *my reply soft as it falls from my pink glossy lips*
Annalise: Mmm, purrfect *I grin at you as I rise, taking your glass from you and refilling it, and mine, and trailing back over to the seating on the east side, setting both glasses on the table. I get comfy on the couch, pulling out my laptop and putting on a small, one ear headset. I grin at you, patting the seat cushion next to me as I get to work*
~~~
Victoria’s heart was still racing, while her analytical mind was trying to make sense of what was happening. This was crazy, right? Was she really going to stay? Who has a place like this overlooking Central Park at her young age?
Annalise must be an heiress or something, old family money certainly. Obviously playing with Victoria, having fun slumming it with the ordinary girl from the restaurant. No, don’t be an fool, this was different, something about Annalise was clawing at the back of her mind, something so disarming about her, so alluring, almost like a drug. Now Victoria could feel her addiction growing, wanting so much to stay with Annalise, to not have this incredible night end. And that kiss, well, clearly that was something Victoria would have to over-analyze once she had a chance to sleep off this wine.
Victoria happily accepting the refill from Annalise, gazing out the floor to ceiling windows to the North as she follows along to the inviting couch, settling in next to Annalise as she sets up to wrap up her day’s work. Victoria is almost as impressed by her work ethic as she was with that kiss. It was like nothing she had ever experienced, which wasn’t saying all that much to be honest.
Taking another long drink from her newly filled glass, Victoria reaches down to unzip one of her knee high boots and slipping it off. Then the other before pulling her bare legs up and tucking her feet beneath her on the sofa, unable to take her eyes off of her amazing new friend.
“You know, if you keep refilling my wine glass like this and inviting me to stay, you might never get rid of me!” *smiling ear to ear as Victoria leans her head back onto the thick, soft cushioned sofa back*
“I might just have to move in here, drinking wine with you forever!” *giggling a bit, clearly having had far too much to drink on an empty stomach, Victoria can feel herself nodding off, feeling so content, so warm, so safe, easily drifting off to sleep as Annalise happily looks on, admiring her new prize*
My presence is constantly close to you on the leather couch. You feel me moving a little and talking as you drift off to sleep. As you float in and out of awareness, you swear you hear several different languages - English, Japanese, Mandrin. As the night goes on, the languages get increasingly strange. My hand rests on your leg lightly, but the hand becomes heavier and more restrictive.
Later, I am looming over you. A thousand feet tall it seems. My tongue darts in and out of my mouth, sampling the air above you, forked like a snake's. My hand is clamping down on your ankle, your legs frozen and immobile. My other hand rests on your upper arm, implacable, pressing your body down into the couch. The couch wraps around you, holding fully half your body as you lay on your side.
It is hot now, not hot enough for sweat, but its making it hard to breathe. I lean down, my forked tongue licking along both sides of your jugular, leaving a trail of saliva on both sides of your vein.
Your vision goes black, and the fitful dreams cease.
~~~
Your phone alarm wakes you at its normal time. Bleary eyed, you notice you are still on the couch. A brown cashmere afghan has been thrown over your supine form. Lightblocking shades have come down, but they can only do so much. Faint lines of golden light stream for the edges of the windows, giving the vast room an odd black and yellow look. On the table near you is a note, folded in a wedge, which is propping up two cards. They fall to the table when the note is picked up.
V
Thanks for a wonderful night. Take the credit card to get you were to need to be. The security card will get you into the building and to my apartment. Come whenever you like.
Maybe it was the wine, maybe just the events of this incredible evening, but Victoria hadn’t felt this kind of connection with anyone in a long, long time. Here she was willing to spend the night with this stranger she just met this evening, yet at the same time, in that moment, there is nowhere else she wanted to be.
Victoria could feel her eyes getting heavy, the soft leather couch enveloping her body, the soothing sound of Annalise speaking quietly, unable to understand anything, but sensing in her voice a peaceful, almost trance-like quality.
Her breathing slowing, calming, feeling Annalise’ cool hand reach out and rest on Victoria’s bare thigh. Her normally guarded persona having melted away hours ago, Victoria welcomed the touch of Annalise, the calming, comforting effect it had on her as she slipped into a deep sleep.
~~~
Vivid visions flashing before me, of white silk, black leather and what appeared to be black and red latex, wrapped tightly around my body. Feeling pressure building around my throat, my wrists, my ankles, the weight of the world pressing down on me, breathing deeper, heavier now.
The firm grip on me tightening like a vice, as if bound by some unbreakable restraints, my body captured by the couch, unable to move an inch in any direction. Feeling the pressure from the extreme weight of everything around me, limbs like lead, the force holding me in place, even the air so thick I can barely breath.
My eyes trying to focus skyward, to this tremendous being, Annalise? My screams failing, this creature bearing down on me, large hands that could crush my body like an insect, long black claws like knives, Her mouth a laughing snarl, rivers of saliva running off the razor sharp teeth. Her snake-like tongue flicking across my slender neck, the slimy hot texture tasting my skin, pulse now pounding in my neck, arteries about to burst.
I’m frozen in fear, unable to escape as my body is swallowed into the black abyss of Her mouth.
~~~
Like a foghorn blasting in my head, I'm awakened by a subtle phone alarm placed on the table by the couch. Taking a moment to clear my head, remembering the events of the previous evening. Annalise, I’m still at her place, how could I have been so selfish. Quickly trying to gather my things, grabbing my boots, looking around the vast penthouse for her before realizing I’m alone.
Then I find it, her note, so simple yet touching me so deeply. How did I ever find her? or did she find me?
So embarrassed at overstaying my welcome, feeling like I’ve taken advantage of my gracious host. I leave the metal black credit card on the table by the door and placing the security key card in my bag. I wanted to come back, needed to come back, to see her again, to see Annalise.
As I crawl into my bed that morning in my modest apartment, desperate to dull the wine headache that is pounding in my skull, I cannot help but to drift off again with visions of Annalise, the memory of our kiss, and the being in my dreams, will She visit me again?
As she leaves the great room, Victoria notices that the 'door' to the elevators is more of a partition made of unadorned dark wood. More of a wall than a door. But as she approaches it, the partition slides sideways back to the right, nearly soundlessly. She sees that a similar partition seals off the back half of the apartments from the elevator gallery. The elevator's digital panel not only offers 'Lobby' but also 'Pool', 'Exercise' and 'Gathering' options. The guards nod to her as she makes her way out.
~~~
Annalise's week goes as normal, sleeping through the day, rising in the evening to work and take care of her babies. She goes out a few times, either alone or with her friends. She practices in those activities she enjoys, but nothing as expectational as Saturday night with Victoria comes along.
On Friday night, her friends begin gather at her apartment for another night out. They are dressed more finely this time, garrulous and relaxed. Annalise's head cocks to the side and she presses the 'answer' button on her inset earpiece. She listens to the message from security and breaks into a slight grin. Her high heels click on the marble floor as she heads to the elevator to greet her latest guest.
"Well, there you are!" She smiles winningly at the slighter blonde woman, "I thought we had scared you off." Her hand waves back at the voices of her friends echoing out of the great room behind her. "Come along, I have just what you need." She winks and takes Victoria by the elbow, directing her to the southern, private, side of the apartment.
Victoria is finding herself struggling this week, her focus isn’t where she needs it to be at work and the days just seem to be getting longer and longer. Typically able to have a singular, surgical focus on her work, closing off the world around her, since meeting Annalise Victoria can think of little else than the striking woman.
Never one to daydream, or dream at all for that matter, Victoria continues to find herself lost in thought, as if off in another world, and a sound sleep has not found her on any night this week. Was she really going to go back? Clearly they had plenty of wine and good conversation, but it was merely a hollow invite, something polite to say to a visitor in your house who doesn’t know when to leave.
It’s fine, Victoria convinces herself, she’ll simply go back one more time to return the key card and thank Annalise for a wonderful evening. They both had plenty going on in their lives and didn’t need to be distracted with the frivolities of a new relationship. Relationship? Is that what it was? she ponders, her internal conflict raging. Just a quick stop, say thank you and be done with it, she was certain it would be that simple.
~~~
Almost turning back 3 different times on her way over to the penthouse, Victoria finds herself waiting for the security guards to announce her arrival. Gathering herself, she steps into the elevator, ‘Penthouse’ has already been pressed and she now notices the few other buttons to locations above her. Straightening her v-neck sweater as she is whisked upward, her jeans and short heeled boots are feeling embarrassingly casual for the elaborate building.
As the doors open, Victoria is dumbstruck by the vision before her, Annalise dressed to kill which is so clearly befitting her striking beauty. That dress, the pendant and that ring, had she ever seen anything, or anyone, so beautiful in all her life. Taking a slow step out of the elevator, Victoria is awakened from her spell by the sweet serenade of Annalise’ voice.
“Oh my god, Annalise, I am so sorry to intrude, I’ll go” her cheeks flushing hot as she fumbles to hand Annalise the key card, wanting desperately to run back into the elevator before feeling Annalise take her arm in Hers.
“I…. I shouldn’t have come…” Victoria says quietly, but unable to stop herself from moving alongside her new friend, clinging to her arm, their connection embracing her once again as they move deeper into the vast apartment.
Annalise's laugh fills the elevator gallery, echoing off the hard marble floor and wood paneled walls. Her hand on Victoria's elbow is undeniable, directing the blonde as she talks.
"Don't be silly! I have been waiting for you. The easel has been waiting for you." She nods in passing at the easel set up in the corner of the gallery, holding up a medium sized canvas over which a small sign has been placed. The sign shows a cozy countryside over which is placed the picture of a nesting falcon on some rocks.
The raven haired woman pulls Victoria through to the dressing hall, bringing her to a small section towards the front right. She pulls out a thigh-length red dress and holds it against the blonde's body, nodding.
"Yes, that will do nicely. Let's try this out." Along with that, she pulls out the red stiletto heels. "I got the five inch, not sure if you could handle the six."
Then she stands, head tilting, watching and waiting for Victoria to strip off and try these on.
Victoria can feel the butterflies, the feeling of excitement filling her belly as Annalise guides her along through the gallery. Her wide eyes move to the easel in the corner, adorned with a palette, paints, brushes and what appears to be her first commission hanging on the canvas.
She knew this easel, Victoria had been eyeing it for years back when she was still painting. You probably still couldn’t find a used one for under $3,000. Victoria knew this was all too much, but she was filled with such wonder and delight that anyone would think this highly of her. She had been in one serious relationship when younger, and swore she would never be taken advantage like that ever again, so she didn’t tend to let many people get to close.
But Annalise was, just, different, something of an enigma which drew Victoria in even more.
“Annalise! You didn’t!” Now in the dressing room, she’s looking down at the stunning red dress that Annalise is holding up to her. “It’s absolutely gorgeous, and my size….” running her hands gently over the glittery material.
Her eyes move back to the raven haired woman before her, Victoria with a small smirk on her lips. “And that sounds like a bit of a challenge to me!” Reaching to Annalise’ other hand, holding the 6” stilettos. “But you don’t get to see until I’m ready” smiling coyly at Her, Victoria moves into the large bathroom, pulling the door closed behind her to prepare for her mysterious evening.
Annalise's lips purse into a tight smile as she watches Victoria's reaction to the dress. She can't help herself but reach out and run her cool fingertips along the blonde's arm, head tilted. Her fingertips feel warm, just from that single soft stroke. She moves into the bedroom, with its vanity, makeup mirror and chair and waits for the other woman to return, giving her own makeup a touchup.
This was all moving really fast, but Victoria was simply too caught up in the moment to stop. Some may describe her as cold or frigid at work, but it was simply a result of working in a male dominated field for her early years. Regardless, something about Annalise melted all of that away in the short time Victoria got to spend with Her.
Watching herself in the mirror, Victoria strips down to her black lace thong, slipping into the red dress, the expensive fabric so supple against her skin, sliding the zipper up her back as far as she can. Fixing her blonde hair up into a knot on top of her head, wisps dangling down framing her face on either side.
She sits on the bench in the large bathroom, strapping the 6" stilettos onto each small foot. Standing up carefully, taking one last look at herself in the mirror, Victoria steps out of the bathroom into the bedroom, finding Annalise at her makeup mirror.
"I think I may need help with the zipper" *smiling, feeling so elegant and refined, ready for whatever may come next*
Annalise straightens from the mirror, turning to look at the little blonde. She just barely manages to keep a poker face as she struts over to Victoria, running her hands casually along the other woman's back, taking her time to find and close the zipper, clasping the top. She leads the woman to the vanity.
"Here, sit, put your face on. And I have these for you." Annalise puts out a gold and black onyx choker and a similar bracelet. Then she stands behind Victoria and helps her to fix her hair, smiling and with a sparkle in her eye.
"I still can't get over this dress, and these heels" Laughing lightly as she feels Annalise slowly trace Her hands over Victoria's back, slowly sliding the zipper up into place. "It all fits perfectly, how did you know my sizes?"
Victoria gives Her a smile as she sits down at the vanity, her eyes widen as she sees the gorgeous choker, feeling the weight of it around her slender neck, the chunky bracelet around her wrist.
"And this makeup seems to go perfectly with my colors tonight, how about that?!" Laughing looking at Annalise in the mirror, feeling like a spoiled belle getting ready for her ball.
Fixing her dark, smokey eyes, glossy fire red lipstick, Victoria almost doesn't recognize the woman she sees in the mirror. Glancing up again to see Annalise working so diligently on her hair.
"How did you ever find me? And is this all a dream?" She catches herself, biting her lip, feeling like a girl smitten on her first date.
For the first time in a long while, Annalise's face softens and nearly shows a hint of warmth. Like the last blush of the light of a false dawn, and gone just as quickly. A smile lingers in its wake as she replies.
"Your passion brought us together, don't you remember? And I know what you mean." She gets a far off look while idly touching Victoria's fine blonde hair before coming back. "Oh, and before I forget, I got this for you." She drapes a small red batik mask on the vanity. "For when we get there. Should be a number of people. Now, if you are all ready?" She grins, stepping back away and extending a hand for Victoria to take.
Annalise guides the blonde back into the great room, introducing her to everyone. There are seven of them, assembled and lounging on the extensive L shaped leather couch. Five men and two women.
"Phillip isn't here, is he coming?" Annalise cocks her head to the side, nodding when getting the answer. "Alright then, Matt and Keith in my car, the rest in the other?" There is assent all around, and by the time the group hits the lobby, the SUVs are already waiting. The boarding process is smooth and efficient, with no chit chat or smoking. The drivers are the first to their vehicles and have their doors closed as the passengers come up. The back seaters, including Annalise, do not walk around to the driver's side, but rather slide through the back seat to the other side.
The process of traversing the city if very much the same organized process. The two vehicles stay close together, a car length or less. They drive fast and maneuver through traffic in an aggressive manner, and some traffic laws get broken in the process. When they arrive, they stop in the road, unashamedly holding up their lane of traffic while the passengers disembark. It is only when empty they drive off to find proper parking spaces.
Their destination is the white spiral tower of the Guggenheim, holding a special evening showing of a new gallery exhibition. This is an exclusive event, and only their invites get them past the red velvet rope and into the museum itself. Annalise offers her elbow to Victoria after they pass through security, being offered champagne which Annalise readily accepts with her free hand. Together they pass into the museum proper, their companions breaking off into twos and threes around them.
“How could I ever forget meeting you, Annalise?” Smiling brightly, cheeks flushing slightly as Victoria hopes that came off more as a light bit of fun sarcasm, rather than her most sincere feelings on display.
Taking Annalise’ extended hand before being guided back to the great room, a whirlwind of names and introductions, everyone so welcoming, yet seemingly deeply guarded, of themselves and definitely of Annalise. Victoria watches in quiet amazement as Annalise instructs her party, never demanding but so casually authoritative. No one questions Her and Victoria understands that is just simply the norm for anyone in Annalise’ orbit.
She had presented in front of heads of state many titans of industry over the past year about her company’s advances in their vaccine research. The VIPs always came with their entourage, security attache and others, but Victoria had never quite been part of a motorcade quite like this. Annalise and her friends moved with a military-like precision, albeit with quite a bit more style. Victoria has driven in New York City, not often but enough times to realize the speed and agility of this motorcade is practiced level of professionalism.
Victoria had been to the Guggenheim more times than she could remember. Getting lost in some of her famous paintings, Manet’s Before the Mirror, Gaugin’s In the Vanilla Grove or Woman with Yellow Hair by Picasso. Or just happening across a visiting exhibition, she felt at home amongst the exquisitely rare pieces, each telling their own story overlapping with her own.
But she hadn’t been here in a long time, not since well before the pandemic started, and it never looked like this, never felt so, magical. She would never admit it, but it was a guilty pleasure for Victoria to browse the pictures from the prior evenings galas in the New York Times’ fashion section. Always the outsider looking in, peering at the lives of the lives of the famous and the fabulously wealthy. And now here she was, arm in arm with this incredible woman finally behind the velvet rope.
For a brief moment allowing the foolishness to creep into her mind, she was Cinderella with her, well, Princess Charming? More like her Queen if she was to be honest, Annalise moved and operated like royalty, a gravity about her drawing in those around her, and Victoria was falling fast.
“Please just poke me if my mouth is hanging open too long!” Victoria laughs excitedly to Annalise as they stroll, hugging her arm, champagne in hand, wondering how this night could ever be topped. Almost feeling silly now as she slips on the matching red mask Annalise gave her, having all but forgotten about COVID-X still ravaging the world.
The evening's crowd is directed towards the new gallery opening, titled 'Don't be Afraid of the Dark'. It focuses on paintings throughout history that use darkness in their composition, and what effect that has on the rest of the piece. The walls of the gallery are a fitting dark gray and the ceilings black. The space allotted to the display is carved into numerous smaller rooms creating a set of close and confining spaces.
The event is attended by over a hundred people in semi-formal or formal dress. Over half wearing masks. Moving through the attendees and the galleries are servers carrying trays of
Champagne glasses and finger food. This creates some interesting moments, when someone wearing a mask needs to find an unencumbered corner in which to take a sip from their glass or delicately pull the finger food off its toothpick with their teeth.
Several people recognize Annalise or her friends, and slight pleasantries are exchanged. At one point, the exchange is less pleasant. The pair is approached by a redheaded woman, flanked by a man and a woman. None are wearing masks. She stops, swiveling her head sharply towards Annalise.
"Look, 'Lise has a friend! I never thought I would see the day?!" She steps closer, her head tilting as she looks over Victoria. She offers her hand to the blonde woman. "Hi, I am Jacqueline. An associate of 'Lise".
"Hello, Jackie." Annalise's laconic reply earns a sidelong eyeroll from the red head.
When Annalise deigns not to respond further, Jacqueline begins to raise her hand towards Victoria's mask. "I wonder just what is under here?"
There is a sharp crack as Annalise's hand turns into a blur, knocking Jacqueline's aside. She steps forward powerfully, holding the redhead's wrist off to the side. "Don't you touch her. She is Mine." The murder in Annalise's eyes and acid in her cool tone is enough to make Jacqueline literally hiss and slink off out of the small room, her friends with her. Annalise glares daggers into her back as she goes, her jaw hard-set, nearly grinding her teeth.
Victoria had read about this new gallery opening earlier in the week and had even briefly contemplated attending, COVID be damned. But how could she be so vigilant about her work, about educating the masses about the danger behind the virus while also flaunting it with frivolous outings. Besides, tickets were impossible to get, you’d have better luck getting in on opening night of Hamilton. Yet here she was, not only attending, but one of the very few provided unfettered access to such incredible pieces of work.
Grateful to follow Annalise’ lead as they move through the gallery, Victoria watches her work the party almost like a politician. Not surprising that she knows so many here, but no less in awe as Annalise draws eyes and commands the attention from so many, each clamoring for a mere word with the stunning woman.
Victoria is still absorbing it all, watching the coming and going of new acquaintances, filing names away as best she can of those who appear much more cordial with Annalise. She almost doesn’t notice the red haired woman at first, until the tone of her voice shocks Victoria back to the moment. That tone she hadn’t heard anyone use with Annalise since Victoria met her, was almost jarring to hear. Victoria is happy for the mask obscuring part of her face, feeling like she’s now intruding on their conversation.
‘Lise? Victoria could feel the vitriol laced comment, glancing quickly at Annalise to watch her reaction. What had Victoria gotten herself into, clearly these 2 have a history and apparently a quite complicated one at that.
“Nice to meet you, Jacqueline” Victoria replies politely yet equally frigid, feeling defensive of her new friend, giving a nod and ignoring the extended hand as is the norm anymore. As it appears the conversation is over, Jacqueline speaks again before reaching for Victoria’s mask.
Taken aback by the gall of the new arrival, but before Victoria can even protest she sees simply a blur of movement from Annalise. The loud smack reverberates through the gallery as she knocks the woman’s hand away and that’s when she hears it, Annalise’ voice as sharp as a razor cutting through the tense air.
Victoria glances quickly at Her, the look on Annalise’ face, the icy cold stare, the fire in her deep green eyes, never has Victoria felt such fear deep in her belly, yet mixed with such adoration and pride in Her protection, making her cling even tighter to Her arm. She watches Jacqueline slink off as quickly as she arrived.
“Ok, what was THAT all about?” Victoria asks quietly, pulling her mask away to down her champagne, still stunned by the events from just moments ago. “I hope I didn’t do anything wrong, maybe I shouldn’t be here”
Annalise turns to look down at her companion, her face hard-set and then melting as she looks into those sweet blue eyes. She gets a faint smile twisting her lips, waving her hand in the direction the redhead retreated to.
"Drama. You didn't do anything wrong, and there is nowhere else you should be, right now." Annalise reaches out to grasp Victoria by her crooked elbow, preventing her from getting away, staring into her eyes intensely.
"I don't want to be anywhere else, or with anyone else, right now" Victoria replies smiling, feeling the fear quickly ebb as Annalise pierces her with Her gaze, replaced with a warmth and desire she hadn't felt in far too long.
Slightly unnerved at the strength of Annalise' grip on her elbow, yet Victoria feels her body relax, almost a reflex with Her intense gaze burning deep within her.
"So, more champagne then?" Sliding her mask away to let Annalise see the bright smile across her lips, Victoria tilts up her empty flute.
Annalise: Come with me *my voice hoarse, holding you by the elbow, steering you out of the exhibition into a closed off area, moving us near the exit*
Victoria: Annalise, are you ok? *asking as you guide me, somewhat forcibly, out of the large gallery*
Annalise: *my hand shifts to your shoulder, my cool thumb on your bare skin, pressing you back against the wall, standing close to you, my eyes looking down into yours glittering*
Victoria: What did you mean.... by 'She is mine'? *my voice timid as you press me back against the wall, my blue eyes looking up at you appearing to loom over me even with my platform heels on*
Annalise: I was declaring you off-limits *my eyes filled with cool flame* And your response has me greatly affected
Victoria: My... response? *my breath quickening, lost in your glinting green eyes* I just introduced myself to Jacqueline *feeling the weight of your gaze bearing down on me*
Annalise: Not your words *moving closer, my free hand moving down to rest on the skin of your thigh, lifting my hand and turning it inwards, lifting the hem of your dress with it, my eyes locked on yours*
Victoria: Oh... *a whispered reply, my cheeks flushing a bit red as I catch my foolishness, my body reacting to your touch, quivering as I feel your hand on my warm thigh, your hand inching up the slit in my dress*
Annalise: *reaching around your leg, my hand slipping up the tender soft skin of your inner thigh, moving steadily higher*
Victoria: *breathing so heavy now, unable to tear my eyes from yours, my vision outside of you goes hazy, taking a small step, my toned thighs parting slightly*
Annalise: *my index and pinkie fingers pushing your thong out of the way, my middle finger slipping across your labia slowly, playing across the delicate flesh*
Victoria: Hooohhhhhh *gasping as I feel your fingers tease across my puffy moist lips, lost in your eyes, my hands moving to hold your shoulders for balance, feeling my knees wobbly*
Annalise: *my hand on your shoulder gripping tightly, holding your gaze in mine as I turn my finger in your gash, picking up its wetness*
Victoria: *biting my bottom lip trying to stifle a moan as you push your finger deeper into my wet slit, my breasts heaving as I pant*
Annalise: *sliding that finger back and up your crack, my fingernail finding your sphincter and pressing against it like a chip of ice, cold and sharp*
Victoria: OOOOhhhhh *a breathy gasp bursting from my open mouth, feeling your cold long nail against my pink rosebud, my mind a fog, body burning with lust now, widening my stance yet again*
Annalise: *sinking my finger into you bit by bit, shifting my other hand to your chin, keeping you from looking anywhere but into my eyes, my body pressing on yours, pushing you against the wall*
Victoria: *my head tilting up as you grip my chin firmly, my body almost paralized as your finger slips into my ass, clenching at first, then relaxing as you sink deeper, clinging to your shoulders as you pin me to the wall*
Annalise: *a tight lipped grin comes across my face as I sink the middle finger to the second knuckle, feeling you surrender to me, pressing it in until my other fingers are pushed against your body and it can go no deeper*
Victoria: UUUooohhhhhhh *groaning as you penetrate my ass deeper, unbridled lust filling my eyes as I stare into yours, feeling my hips pushing down onto your finger, needing you deeper*
Annalise: *pausing here, my finger impaling you, breathless on your face, my body pushing into yours. A polite cough comes from our right, fortunately at a bad angle to see where my left hand has gone. The docent breaks our spell* I'm sorry, but this section is closed for the night. *I smile over at the man, delicately withdrawing my finger* I'm sorry, we were looking for the restroom. Could you show us?
Victoria: *gasping quietly as your finger slides out of my ass, mortified as I turn my head away from the direction of the man, shifting my legs back together, smoothing the hem of my dress*
*adjusting my thong back in place, trying to calm my breathing*
Annalise: *stepping back off you, letting go your shoulder, using my clean hand to take yours, following as the man directs us to a restroom we should be using*
Victoria: *my head bowed as I let you lead me off to the bathroom, desperately needing to get away from what I assume are his judging eyes*
Annalise: *as the door closes to the restroom I lean back against the wall, covering my face with my hand and trying to suppress a laugh*
Victoria: Oh my gosh! Annalise! *an involuntary giggle starting, my hands on the counter in front of the mirror as I try to collect myself*
Do you think he saw us? *looking at my flushed face in the mirror*
Annalise: *finally giving in, laughing and coming to stand next to you, my hip rubbing against yours as I wash my hands. I grin and look over at you* So what if he did?
Victoria: I just, I don't know, I'd be mortified?! *laughing with you, letting my hip lean against yours, fixing my hair as my breathing calms* What kind of girl would he think I was?
*smiling at you in the mirror*
Annalise: *looking at you in the reflection, my eyes glittering* What sort of girl do you want to be?
Victoria: I guess I'm not really sure anymore *staring into your eyes again, losing myself* I always thought I wanted to be miss independant, the strong confident one
Annalise: *turning to face you, my hand on your chin, turning you to me and making you look up at me* You are
Victoria: I want to be, I mean, I am *looking up at you, feeling your strength in your gaze* But with you, I feel... different...
Annalise: What do you feel? *my gaze intense, a faint smile on my lips, almost knowing the answer*
Victoria: I feel, protected, safe *smiling sweetly, cheeks flushed a bit* Like I want to be.. yours... off-limits like you said
It's silly, I know, you have, well, everyone out there
Annalise: *my hand shifts from grasping your chin to cupping your cheek, gazing into your eyes* You have your key. Now you have clothes in my closet. You come to me when you are ready. Come on, let's get back out there *I take your hand and lead you back where we were, where we are supposed to be*
Victoria: Deal *smiling, nuzzling your hand lightly as you hold my cheek* They might be thinking we got lost! *giggling, taking your hand following along behind you, walking carefully as my tall stilettos click across the marble floor*
Victoria’s cheeks still feeling warm from her earlier excitement and subsequent embarrassment, laughing to herself as she follows along behind Annalise, holding Her hand as they make their way back out into the main gallery. She’s still trying to take it all in, the people, the setting, this beautiful evening, Victoria is so busy eyeing her surroundings she doesn’t notice Annalise has stopped dead in her tracks, slamming clumsily into the back of Her.
“God, Annalise, I’m so sorry, I can be such a blonde, klutz sometimes!” Laughing at herself as she collects her balance, then realizing Annalise has not moved an inch, frozen like a deer in headlights.
“What is it?” Victoria begins to ask quietly before seeing Her descending silently down the bottom of the famed spiral ramp, all eyes are averted, conversations muted, as if the entire gallery is holding its collective breath as She passes.
Strolling casually across the center of the main hall, as if floating inches above the gallery floor, Her movements silky but powerful, the crowd parting by some unforeseen force, clearing a 10 foot wide path both in front and behind Her. Adorned in a black leather jacket and worn, knee high biker boots. An old, tie dyed Led Zeppelin t-shirt across her chest, a deep v cut from the neck, faded jeans tight around her long legs, torn across her thighs and knees, exposing glimpses of her smooth olive skin.
She moves directly to Annalise, stepping in front of her merely inches away without a word. Hair shining in the ambient lighting, black as oil, Her eyes are amber, actually golden and Victoria can swear they are glowing, like yellow sapphires. An indifferent look across Her face, portraying a feeling of inconvenience of this entire charade.
Victoria’s eyes clearly playing tricks on her, sensing an ancient sole in front of her emanating from those brilliant, glowing eyes, yet this Girl is so young, She can’t be a day over 20. Annalise lets Victoria’s hand drop, Her shoulders slumping with her arms at her sides, Her eyes now cast downward under the weight of the Girl’s penetrating gaze.
As if appeased by Annalise defeated posture, the Girl slinks around the pair, inspecting, stalking them before stopping in front of Victoria. She reaches out, gently sliding the mask away from her face, and this time, neither Victoria nor Annalise move a muscle, as the Girl’s icy fingers grip her chin softly, slowly tilting her face one way, then the other, as if inspecting Victoria’s slender neck.
One last glance back to Annalise, the Girl gives an almost imperceptible nod and just as quickly She is gone. Like a needle dropping down onto a spinning record, the festive atmosphere in the gallery roars back into full swing.
The two of them standing beside one another in stunned silence. “Annalise, who was that?” Victoria asks quietly, almost afraid of the answer, which is simply one word, after what seems to be an eternity, barely a whisper from Annalise.
A shiver runs through Annalise as the grip She had over the assembled passes away. Slowly the museum comes back to life, also shaking itself free. Together , the pair finish browsing the gallery and everyone congregates for a speech, thanking the donors for their support and patronage.
After the speech, the group again assembles in their SUVs, driving to a small hole in the wall place run by a Japanese family. The restaurant has been bought out for the night, so its just them. Annalise sits at the bar in the middle, with Victoria to her left and her friends around them. An old man of Japanese ancestry cooks specially prepared, high quality steak. His wizened wife serves the food, while their children help clearing plates and filling drinks.
Once dinner is complete, the convoy races through the city streets, now past 2 am, and returns to the apartment at 111 W 57th.
~~~
*ding! The doors close behind us as I walk to the dressing hall, hips swaying, intent on changing into something more comfortable. I have been distracted all night, since Jessica. Preoccupied. I smile over my shoulder at you* Care to come change with me?
Victoria: Yes! I think I bit off more than I could chew with the 6" heels, my feet are killing me! *laughing lightly as I follow you, my eyes glance down to your moving hips, back up to your electric smile, happy to feel some of your attention back again*
Annalise: *leading you into the dressing hall, stopping at the front, rolling my shoulders forward* Can you unzip me?
Victoria: Of course *heart beat quickening as I step behind you in the smaller room, slowly sliding the zipper down your back, nails grazing over your bare skin, clearing my throat* I don't think I got a chance to tell you tonight, how amazing you looked
Annalise: *wiggling out of the dress, completely and unselfconsciously naked, smiling over at you* I am not sure if I told you either. You are truly gorgeous *I hang the dress in the front left, away from all the other clothes. My body is taut and muscular, like a gymnanists, my breasts large and seemingly immune to gravity - the breasts of a teenager. There is no hair on my body below the neck*
Victoria: Ohh, ummm, thank you, Annalise *stammering as I look over your naked body in front of me, feeling your confidence washing over the room, your skin is flawless, not a blemish on your smooth pale body, watching you in a bit of a daze, not realizing my mouth is hanging part way open*
Annalise: *pulling out a worn black tshirt, not that much different from the one Jessica was wearing in the museum and slipping on black silk boxers, turning back to you* Can I help you with yours?
Victoria: Umm, yes, I guess that's why we came in here, isn't it?! *closing my eyes and reopening them, laughing at myself, turning my back to you, my blonde hair still up in the formal style from the evening*
Annalise: Unless you would like to keep it on for the rest of the night? *smiling slightly, my hands cool on your neck as I unclasp the dress, unzipping it, helping you work it off *
Victoria: No, of course not *answering more quietly, now feeling a bit like a silly girl, a reflexive shiver runs through my body at your cool touch on my skin, wiggling my body, my hips as you help me slip the form fitted dress down my bare legs, leaving just my tiny black lace thong, bending forward to step out of it and not leave it on the floor for too long*
Victoria: *my body toned, muscles evident, but not strong, lengthened from a mix of pilaties, yoga and spin classes, my breasts sag about as normally as they should at 28, aside from the breast augmentation still doing its job*
Annalise: Here, I got these for you. You can get more with the credit card, if you like *at your section of the closet, I slide things aside to reveal three silk nightgowns, white, gold and red. I turn to you and slowly run my eyes down your frame, expressionless as I take you all in*
Victoria: That's really too much, Annalise... but thank you *my eyes watching you start to look me over, then looking downward, one arm hanging at my side, the other across my tummy, just under my breasts, holding my other elbow* How can I repay you? *comes out somewhat sheepishly*
Annalise: *ignoring your question, reaching out to take hold of your arm, positioned so defensively across your body, pulling it up and behind your head*
Victoria: And thank you for this amazing evening *my mind telling me to keep my arm where it is, but the rest of me betraying the order, allowing you to move my arm away from my body, up behind my head, my hand holding the back of my neck*
Victoria: *speaking softly, eyes still cast downward, stealing glances up at you periodically*
Annalise: *looking very deliberately from your face, to your breast and back to your face before releasing you* No, victoria, thank you for being my date. Now, I need to check something for work, and then I will be free to be yours again. Should we move your easel, so you can start thinking where exactly you wanted it and how you want it angled? Or do you want to join me on the couch?
Victoria: *lowering my arm again, but just to my side, not across the front of my body again, my cheeks flush a bit at hearing you refer to me as your 'date'* I think I may just join you on the couch, if that's ok, rest my feet for a while *smiling, my eyes moving back to the hanging nightgowns* And I can wear one of those?
Annalise: *resting my hand on the small of your back, turning you towards this rack, waving my hand across them* All of these were bought for you. Or you could wear whatever of mine also suits you *waving my hand across the whole rest of the room*
Victoria: They're... beautiful... *another shiver over my skin as I take a step forward, feeling your cool hand on my lower back, reaching up for the white nightgown, feeling the soft silk as I slip it over my head, sliding it down over my breasts, falling to just cover my black thong*
Annalise: *shaking my head, disappointed, running my hand over your hip gently, touching your thong through the silk* And take this off
Victoria: Wait, I'd feel more comfortable keeping it on *my hand moving to cover yours, as if to hold my thong in place, a touch surprised at the directness of your request*
Annalise: *smiling at you faintly, my head inclining in a slight nod* Fair enough. Do you want some wine before I get my laptop out?
Victoria: *thankful at your reply, but then seeing myself in the full length mirror, my black thong obvious beneath the thin white silk* Wine sounds amazing, and this is a bit tacky, huh?! *laughing at myself, feeling a bit foolish again as I slowly reach up to my thong, hooking my thumbs in and pulling them down and off*
Annalise: *resting my hand on your forearm, letting it slowly slip up your arm as your arm extends and you bend to take off the thong, then turning and passing through to the gallery to take the easel in my hands, maneuvering it into the great room to the right of my piano, generally near the window that overlooks the Park. Then I pour us both some red, standing against the island*
Victoria: *stepping out of my thong, still damp from the evening's activities, not wanting to leave them on the floor I tuck them in my bag before following you out to the kitchen, feeling much smaller in my bare feet as I move beside you* Is this the same wine from the other night? *smiling as I take my glass*
Annalise: *smiling over at you, resting my hand on the silk covering your taut ass* No, but is is from the same region and also very good. See which you prefer, and let me know. Now, I will do some quick work, I promise *I pad barefoot over to the couch, getting out my laptop and putting on my headset*
Victoria: *smiling, sipping my wine as I feel your hand on my ass, flashing back to our time in the hallway* This is delicious, and I promise I won't distract you! *laughing as I follow you over to the couch, noticing the faded concert t-shirt and a 1975 world tour date before sitting beside you on the couch, pulling my legs up beneath me*
Annalise: *I spend fifteen minutes checking up on things, making a few calls, before satisfying myself and putting the things away, looking over at you and touching your thigh lightly* Thank you for your indulgence. I am yours for the rest of the night
Victoria: Don't thank me yet, if you keep spoiling me like this, I told you that you might not be able to get rid of me! *laughing, my skin feeling so warm from the wine, glancing down at your cool hand on my bare thigh, the short nightgown riding up quite high*
Annalise: *waving my hand dismissively* These are just things, and not important. YOU are important. WE are important
Victoria: You are important to me too *I say quietly, cheeks flushing a hot red, hiding behind my glass as I take another long sip*
Annalise: I know *looking into your eyes, my hand firm on your leg, moving it down to cup the back of your knee, sliding your top leg closer to your chest, bending the knee*
Victoria: *my eyes on yours, caught in your gaze, my breath quickening as I feel you lifting my leg higher, the nightgown hiking up my hips, exposing my bald pussy, getting damp again*
Annalise: *my eyes flick down to your breasts, and the nipples popping up through the sheer white silk* You liked how I touched you in the museum tonight *its a statement, not a question*
Victoria: Yes, I did, very much *a bit embarrassed at my quick and truthful reply, instantly recalling the feel of your finger inside me, my nipples growing more erect*
Annalise: Is that a blush I see? *turning my head a little, unsure in the dim light of the greatroom, mostly reflections of the city lights bouncing around inside, my hand sliding up your inner thigh towards your quick*
Victoria: A little, yes *my admission causing my cheeks to grow a deeper shade, my breasts heaving with my deeper breathing, my eyes watching your hand move further up my soft inner thigh*
Annalise: Why? *my voice a hiss as my fingers touch your labia, pinching lightly*
Victoria: I don't know, just, the hallway *gasping as I feel your light pinch of my puffy lip* Someone could have seen *barely whispered responses between heavy breaths*
Annalise: *pinching harder, tugging at the lip* What, seen us? Judged us?
Victoria: Ooww, yessss *gasping, whimpering out my reply* What would they think
Annalise: Why does it matter, what they think? *pushing my nails into your sensitive, soft skin*
Victoria: Uuhh it shouldn't *feeling a delicious mix of pain and pleasure from your probing fingers* It just surprised me
Annalise: What did? My desire for you *growling lightly, turning my hand towards your thigh, digging the nails of my hand into the muscle that runs there, near your mound, pinching down hard*
Victoria: Oowww, yesssss *whimpering, panting, breathless* And how much I wanted it *my knee falling out to the side from your firm grip, forcing my legs apart*
Annalise: *my grip suddenly gentle on your thigh, looking into your eyes* What else do you want?
Victoria: *panting heavily as your grip loosens* You, to touch me like that again *my eyes looking into your deep green eyes, betraying a need deep within me*
Annalise: *my growl is low and feral, raising the hair on the back of your neck with its menace. I stand gracefully, extending my hand, waiting for you to react*
Victoria: *my heart racing, a icy chill running down my spine as I hear your deep, low growl, slowly reaching my hand up to take yours, a mix of fear and unbridled lust fighting inside me*
Annalise: *taking your wrist in my hand, half pulling half supporting, urging you onto your feet. My other hand grasps the back of your neck as I march you towards the floor to ceiling glass that overlooks the Park, on the east side of the wall*
Victoria: Oohh *gasps lightly at the unexpected pull up from the couch, getting my balance then losing it again momentarily as I stumble, your hand on the back of my neck urging me forward, my hands reaching out reflexively, palms on the glass as we reach the massive window*
Annalise: *slowing as we get to it, not wanting to just bash your head agaisnt it, but slowly placing your forehead against the cold glass, leaving an oil mark the help will have to clean up later, my other hand sliding down to your waist, pulling your hips away from the glass*
Victoria: Annalise... *a fearful whisper mixed with a moan as you bend me forward, my forehead against the cold glass now, glimpsing our reflection, my body on fire, reacting to every movement and touch*
Annalise: *hearing your sweet cry, leaning forward, pressing my chest against your shoulder blades, just holding you here, my voice close and clear in your ear* yes, victoria?
Victoria: I... I'm scared... *pleading, barely audible, but panting as I feel your breasts against my back, your hips pressing against my ass, my pusy getting so damp*
Annalise: *my voice is cool, my lips moving against your ear, hands still on you, holding and controlling you* tell me to stop, and it stops
Victoria: Nuuoohhhhh..... don't stop *whimpering through my panting, my eyes trying to focus, seeing your reflection pressed up behind me, pinning me to the glass*
Annalise: *shifting my hand from your neck to lift the hem of your nightgown, resting it on the small of your back, exposing your ass to the air. Your small breasts pressed up against the cold glass as I shift my stance, freeing my other arm from around your waist*
Victoria: *my swollen nipples growing even harder, pressing into the cold glass, feeling so exposed now as you lfit my nightgown, baring my ass, lower back arching slightly*
Annalise: *I cup my hand and begin spanking you. The blows are crisp and shake your ass but are not savage. They fall on both cheeks, spreading the warm redness all across the tender skin. The thwaps are the only sound in the room other than your breathing*
Victoria: Oohhh ooohhh oohhhhhh *startled gasps from the unexpected spanks of my naked ass, feeling it shake with each slap, my body rocking forward, mortified at the spanking yet my pussy leaking down my inner thighs*
*fwap, fwap, fwap, echoing loudly through the great room*
Annalise: *satisfied you are warmed up, I begin with much harder blows, ones that both push in and up, the sound of the spank much louder now*
Victoria: Owwww oohhhh owwwwww *squealing now at the harder slaps, body rocked forward, the side of my face pressed against the glass, embarrassment mixing with the stinging pain, the pleasure further igniting the lustful needs from within*
Annalise: *pausing now, letting you breath and feel, dropping the silk and letting it fall across your red cheeks, leaning in, pressing my face against the glass, adding more marks to be cleaned but looking into your eyes. My green orbs glitter with the city lights and something else, something deeper*
Victoria: *my blue eyes welling, glazed over as they lock onto yours, no longer fearing you, but needing you now more than ever, my knees weakening, a wave of emotion filling me as if a damn has been broken inside me*
Annalise: *my hands on your hips, turning your back to the glass, pressing your heated ass to the cold glass, working my legs between yours, looking deeply into your eyes, caressing your cheek, recognizing something is happening inside you*
Victoria: *lost in your green eyes, trance like as you guide my body back against the glass now, my legs straddled around yours, my hands move to your strong shoulders to brace myself, eyes hooded as I nuzzle your hand*
Annalise: Tell me *my eyes bore into yours, my body pressing you back against the glass, the words half way between a suggestion and a command*
Victoria: Annalise... *panting* I... I don't know what's happening to me... *almost pleading for an answer, unable to admit it*
Annalise: Come on, its late for you *I step back off you, my hands on yours, pulling you off the glass, then effortlessly lifting you from your feet, carrying you to my bedroom, turning sideways to step through doorways*
Victoria: So late... *barely a whisper, suddenly feeling the enormous fatigue setting in from the whirlwind evening, struggling to keep my eyes open, my arms around your neck, leaning my head on your shoulder, face against your neck*
*suddenly feeling at peace, so safe in your arms*
Annalise: *pulling the sheets back and lowering you into the soft, warm embrace of my bed. I follow in after you, cuddling up with you, holding you as you drift off*
You are laying on my bed. Its warm here as it usually is, the covers are off and you are naked. Red silk scarves bind your wrists and ankles to the corners of the bed. I am here, my face floating a hundred feet above yours, looking down at you on display. From the bed rise delicate yet strong hands, moving along your body. Fingers probe at your mouth, moving along your lips. They move against the sensitive skin of your labia and asscrack. You are helpless as the fingers turn from inquisitive to invasive. They force their way into your mouth, spreading your jaw, piling in one after the other. The push into your pussy and asshole, probing without consideration. Small pinkie sized fingers go up into your nose, invading you fully. Only when full sleep finally comes are you free of their penetrations.
When Victoria wakes, a bottle of water, her cellphone and her security card are on the bedside table. A naked Annalise sleeps the sleep of death next to her in bed, apparently a very deep sleeper and lost to the world. The room is dark, despite it being daylight, and the apartment completely quiet.
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