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Overneath the Path of Misinterpretation (Alvis Alendran&Malicious Lullaby)

Nodding, she stood up and took her bag, slinging the strap onto her shoulder. Walking to the door with him, she stepped out and her eyes contacted with Mallory’s briefly. She looked unsure and Esther had perhaps the biggest look of not disgust on her face, but it was clear that she was pissed off at her best friend. This only made Mallory turn away and with that, Esther kept walking on, heading towards the elevator. She and Mr. Trenton rode the elevator down together and while she was in a great mood, just one look at Mallory and seeing that her friend didn’t even try to apologize, put Esther back into her seething mood. She didn’t even notice how Harrison might have been looking at her. Her eyes were dead straight on the doors of the elevator and she looked, well, super angry.

Esther was snapping and losing all the control she liked to maintain. She was tired of it. And very soon, she would take that stand that had been long overdue.

Once outside, she was about to turn towards her little Hiccup not parked too far from her when she saw Donnie coming towards Harrison. “Oh god…” She knew what was coming. She braced herself and when she saw Donnie try for a punch on Harrison, she covered her face. But something was not right. She should have heard a really loud thud since Harrison was a big man. So when she uncovered her face, she was surprised—though she really shouldn’t have been—when she saw Donnie on the ground with probably a broken nose and Harrison still standing. No way, he did not just hit…a…minor!

Although his refute made her giggle, she quickly stopped and cleared her throat. “Oh, get a grip both of you! Donnie, it’s over. So get over it and yourself! And you, Mr. Trenton.” She turned to him and pointed her finger at him. “I expected better of you than stoop to his level.” She narrowed her eyes at him but her lips twitched into a smile she was trying so hard to suppress. She was mad more at Donnie than at Harrison and it was clear that what she just said to the lawyer, she didn’t mean one bit. “Thank you.” She mouthed, an actual grateful smile appearing on her face as she took her finger back to herself and turned, walking down to her little Hiccup, unlocking it and she got in.

Her hazel eyes looked up through the windshield and she allowed herself a moment to let her eyes lock onto his, a smile still present on her face before she finally started her car and drove away, putting herself back into Manhattan traffic and getting home thirty minutes later. From there, once inside, she got to work. She had a good two hours to at least get her grading done and could get up early tomorrow morning to do her lesson plans.

It was six o’clock when she finished and that was when she jumped into the shower and took a quick rinse, just to wash the day off and maybe recondition her hair before stepping out fifteen minutes later.
She dried her body and her hair and stood nude in front of her closet for a good twenty minutes. She had pulled out the entire contents of it practically to find the one dress that would be perfect for tonight and stupid her forgot she had it in a body bag on the opposite side of her closet, on the same side that had her high school graduation gown, and her college graduation gown. Yes, she was a dork that liked to keep those items even if she’d never wear them again. No matter. They proved to be good memories and some she even learned from.

So, she had the dress and now it was to decide what lingerie. Well, bra and panties. She wasn’t about to go all out as if she was expecting anything. No, the only thing she was expecting was a fabulous dinner that Caughlin promised her. Still, it didn’t mean she couldn’t still wear something nice underneath her dress. Why wear a nice dress and then wear blasé undergarments? No, with this dress, it called for a strapless bra and even prettier panties. So Esther settled on a black strapless bra and black lace cheekies. They didn’t come from the same set but they did go well enough together. She was satisfied. With those one, she scampered off to the bathroom to do her hair, slight make up—mostly eyeliner, a touch of eye shadow and some bit of gloss to make her pink lips even pinker as if she put on lipstick and with a bit of shine to them. Normally, she wasn’t a fan of gloss but this kind wasn’t bad at all and it did wonders.

Once her hair was blow dried and styled to her liking and she did her make up, she went back to her room and pulled the dress on. To accompany it, she actually pulled out black heels. Simple Mary Jane style and they were actually the most comfortable pair she had ever worn. This coming from a woman who believed whoever invented high heels hated feet and wanted them to die.

Once she was ready, she went back to the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. Oh, perhaps it had been a little while since she did wear this dress. It came just a little bit above half way down her thighs but it still looked good. Pulling her hair over one shoulder, she did a little twirl and then smiled at herself, at her silliness. Okay, she’d admit. She was excited but also terrified. She wasn’t sure if this was just dinner or would it be considered a really fancy date? But either way, since her last time going out with a man was when she and Chad got together, this was a new development.

Spraying a bit of perfume in the most crucial spots—neck, cleavage and her wrists—she walked out of her bathroom for the final time and glanced at the clock. Any moment now, he’d be there. Grabbing a clutch purse to take with her, she then went to the kitchen and opened the fridge and freezer. She was happy to see her ice cream made it in the cold box. She doubted Mallory did it. She’d have to thank Harrison. Ice cream meant a lot to Esther. A lot, a lot.

Shutting both doors, she took out a glass and opened a bottle of wine. Just to calm her nerves a little bit. A glass wouldn't hurt. Hell, a few sips wouldn't hurt before Caughlin came. She was expecting him any moment and just with that alone, her nerves were getting the best of her more and more. She was more nervous than excited now, tapping her fingers of her left hand on the counter as she basically downed one glass. Hmm, much better. No more.
 
Harrison waited for Esther to finish, and he suppressed the knee jerk reactio of telling her off a little. After all, it had been a trying day for her, adn she did need to maintain some appearances. He caught what she mouther,d and shot her a wink. It was fast, so much as to be barely perceptible. But it would let her know, message recieved. He let her go without comment, and then turned back to Donnie. The boy was starting to pull himself up. Harrison didn't touch him, and noted there was a fleck of blood on the sleeve of his suit jacket. He looked at the boy coldly. No one else around, just the two of them. He used a hankerchief to absorb the blood. He tossed in the trash.
"For the cleaning, there'll be a bill in the mail. Pay it. And the issue drops. Don't, and I'll have your ass in court fast enough that you'll think you were stuck in a time warp. You might be used to throwing weight around in school, even with some of your buddies on the streets. That shit's for kids. This is the adult world you'r fucking with now Donnie. My world. And you are in so far over your head you don't even realize how badly you're failing. Now fuck off. Or I will have you arrested for any number of minor infractions." harrison warned. Donnie looked like he wanted to spit rage and fire, but just turned, adn walked away. Which, in hindsight, was the first smart thing he'd done all day. harrison went to the car, and climbed in.

"Quite a show there Harry. Was it a good diea?" Lloyd asked Harrison.
"Punk threw a punch. I wasn't about to let him hit me." Harrison retorted.
"Fair enough!" Lloyd held up his hands in surrender. "So you done your pro-bono case then?"
"Yeah, why, you have something for me?"
"No, just thought I might make an appointment to knock a few drinks back. I got a new bottle to try out." Harrison grinned.
"So do I. Prohibition era rotgut."
"Fuck me, you serious?"
"Dead serious."
"Great, soa fine scotch, and rough bourbon! How's...Thursday for you?"
Probably open. I'll let you know if anything comes up."
"Good man. Now go finish your paperwork."
"Yes mother."
"Fuck you too Harry!" Lloyd called as Harrison got out of the car, and went back inside.

The firm was quiet, and Harrison saw Mallory at her desk. He stopped beside it, and lifted a stack of files that looked ready for him to finish.
"Thank you Mallory. When you're done that stack, just bring them into me, all right?" He said cally, smiling at her. He went into his office, and sat at the massive monstrosity that was his desk. Work work work. It was the order of the afternoon. Morning and night might prove to be far different.

Caughlin shrugged into his suit jacket. Coal black was the order of the evening. It was his favourite look, and it helped to pull him to his prper height, and not slouch. Good, efficient black shoes that gave a good shine, and a black silk tie to top it off. The dress shirt was done in a single way to offset the normality of the outfit. It was a crimson that stood out nicely, but didn't have the same general look of white. He got his hair in order, a much easier task than it had been in the past. It was thinner, a bit more of a wispy look, but still good enough. He might not have kept his age as well as some other friends of his, but it was enough for him. He walked downstairs, lifted a gloosy black cane from the rack, topped with a platinum handle, and chased down the sides in elborate swirls. The end cap was functional steel, but polished to match the platinum to the average eye. He certainly didn't need the cane, but he felt it helped set off the image he was looking for, adn that was a gentleman. He made sure his pocket watch was secure, and summoned his car. He stepped into the seat, and nodded to the driver. They set off for Esther's address.

Caughlin stepped to the apartment door, and rapped sharply, two knocks with teh end of his cane. He waited patiently for the door to open. It was likely to be an interesting evening.
 
Her heart was kicked into overdrive of heart beating. Probably not literally otherwise she might need to go to the hospital but it felt like it was racing the moment she heard the knock on her door. Her eyes glanced back down at the wine bottle and empty wine glass. Maybe a quick second glass? She resolved not to. She didn’t want to be drunk at dinner with him and make a fool of herself. Not that she usually did but it was known to happen. Had she stayed longer last night, she would have sung ‘Benny and the Jets’ on the bar top counter.

Putting the glass in the sink, she then proceeded to cork the bottle and left it out. Walking to the door, her heels clicked softly on the tile floor. Making good work of unlocking the door, she opened the door and her eyes brightened up at the sight of a very impeccably dressed and dashing Caughlin. Seeing his cane, she giggled a little bit and then looked back up at him. “Don’t you look dashing.” He was right. When he made bank on a promise, he didn’t disappoint. Just from his attire—and the cane!—she knew he meant his word and would surely keep it. The night had barely begun and already it was showing such promise.

“Do you want to come in?”
 
Caughlin did the seven step glance process that he'd perfected in college. Seven different eye flicks, taking in the way a woman looked in those seven steps. Legs, torso, head. Head, torso, legs. Eyes. It would give you two glances to get a good look at how they'd dressed/done themselves up, ended with eye contact, and took about a second and a half to accomplish. And from what he saw...he was no disappointed. The pretty lady had cleaned up into a beautiful woman. The infectious smile that broke onto his face showed he was certainly in good spirits after seeing her. He heard her refer to him as 'dashing' which was an apellation he could accept happily.

"And you, my lady, look simply stunning." He told her, meaning every word. She invited hm in, and he had the instinct of saying to hell with the meal, and just spend it here with her. But he also hated to waste a good reservation. "I would love to! Alas, we have a reservation to keep! And Jean George's does not look kindly to no shows. So with some regret, I must decline. But if you are ready..." He trailed off, and stepped away from the door, offering her his arm. Chivalry ho! It seemed Caughlin was intending to play the part of the gentleman to the hilt tonight.
 
Esther couldn’t help the blush that colored her cheeks after his compliment. It was sweet of him to say and she was definitely not disappointed one bit and she had a feeling, she wouldn’t be the entire night. Or well, entire dinner. His smile was just infectious and made her heart beat faster than it already had been. Thank goodness for that glass of wine otherwise she might have keeled over from overwhelming nerves. “Thank you.” She said softly. She invited him in so not to keep him waiting on her doorstep. But she was ready. She just needed to get her purse. Hence why she invited him in. Just courtesy and all. And she knew some people would feel that by lack of invitation into someone’s home, it could give some negative thoughts. But by all means, she was all for simply going to the rest--

Jean George’s? Holy hell! Her eyes widened and she opened her mouth to maybe try to convince him that he really didn’t need to take her there. But she didn’t want to insult him or offend him by rejecting that. He seemed to know what he was doing. She just hoped…she’d be able to pay him back sometime. Talk about the most expensive dinner or date or both, of her life!

“Oh, I’m ready. Let me grab my purse.” Her purse had her wallet, keys and phone it already. It was a cute little black clutch purse. Small enough for the essentials but with a strap so she didn’t have to carry it in her hands all evening.
Leaving the door a moment, she turned and walked back to the kitchen where she had set it earlier on the countertop. Her mind flashed back to earlier today. When she saw Harrison and Mallory having sex. Oh god, did they at least wash the countertop? She felt a sick feeling pass through her and she did not want to pick up her purse suddenly.

At least the chain was hanging off the countertop so she picked it up with her index finger and middle finger, like it was a dirty diaper and she headed back to her room. Passing the front door on the way, it being an obvious show of how she held the offending and now germy purse, she smiled a sheepish smile to Caughlin. “O-One moment.” And she hurried off to her room, grabbing her towel to open the purse. “Ew, ew, ew.” She whined to herself as she dumped out the contents of it. Grabbing a different clutch, she stuffed her phone, wallet and keys into it and then dashed out again, passing the door. “One more moment!” She called back and grabbed a pen and paper and put it on the counter after writing a message on it.

There, she went to the door and took her keys out of her clutch. It didn’t have a chain. “Sorry about that. Um, a small purse malfunction.” She tried to cover up as she stepped outside and shut the door behind her before locking up. “Shall we?”

The note on the breakfast bar read simply: Clean me, you filthy, dirty bastards.
It had a smiley face next to it too!


After that awkward exchange with Esther, Mallory went back to work. She was given paperwork and set about the task, among other things she had to do. By the time Harrison came back, she looked up when she felt a tall, dark and handsome shadow looming over and a smile played onto her face. “Of course Mr. Trenton.”
She took a moment to watch as he went to his office, unable to help herself as she watched his lovely derriere in that suit go by. She sighed a heavenly sigh and forcibly turned her attention back to work. Considering the new development between them both, work would be difficult to do. Let alone focus on.

But, nonetheless, she finished with the last stack as per his request, she gathered it in her arms and stood, walking to his closed door and knocked on it. Opening the door, she poked her head in and smiled at the man in the brilliant suit, sat behind a grand desk and she just took in the entire sight. Oh yeah, she was smitten alright. But at least she was smart enough not to vocalize any of this.

“Mr. Trenton?” She asked, stepping inside of his office and shut the door behind her. She padded quietly forward until she stood before his desk and placed the stack down. “You need anything else, Sir?”
 
Lloyd watched with a certian degree of interest and amusement as she hesitated over her purse. She then proceeded to flee the room, with what was to him, a clear intent to change it. It was a curious gesture, adn he was a curious creature. But a woman was fully entitled to her secrets. A woman without secrets was a woman that paid little attention to the appeal in a secret. It was why Lloyd never tried to unravel them. It was more fun that way.
"Take your time!" He called in her response to waiting another moment. He smiled thinly. They had time to make Jean Georges. And what with his patronage actually mattering to them, they'd hold his table until the crack of doom. Maybe after. He did fancy himself sitting down for a fine dinner while the world was falling apart in the end times. Why not? It seemed like a good plan to him. When she emerged, she set a note on the counter, which made him more curious. Something to ask after alter? Maybe. Or not. Either way would be fine.

"We most certainly shall." He agreed, taking her arm into hi, a formal escorting stance, and walked her to the elevator. The trip was fast enough not to provoke too much in the way of inappropriate talk, so what little did come up was suppressed. He stepped ahead of her, and held the dor open. It revealed his vehicle. A pearlescent white limousine. The drver, in full foral uniform opened the rear door for them, and stood ramrod straight as though he was a man who took his job very seriously. "After you milady." He said to hre quietly. The smile on his face was still infectious, but had a certain element of shit-eating in it now.

Harrison looked up from his papers, seeing Mallory enter the office. He glanced at the clock. She was a bit ahead of schedule. He glanced at the still running security app on his smart phone, and saw that the floor was deserted now. Everyone else was gone home for the night. He set aside the last of the forms he needed to process when she said a line that she'd likely said a thousand thousand times before this. Did he need anything? Well, he didn't actually. But he could think of a few things that he wanted. And one of them stood only a few feet away. He slid his chair back, once again glad that the massive desk gave him enough leg room to hold a tea party in, and stood, carefully righting his suit.
"Yes, Miss Joyner, there is something else." He said calmly, all business. He stepped forward, and took her face in his hand, and kissed her. It was a warm one, one made to get a person started. His hand slid along her side, caressing through teh blouse, before sliding up to catch just under her bra. His hand began to slide around her breast, getting a good fell for it when- a knock came on the door.

Harriso stepped back, getting his breathing under control, and looked over.
"Yes?" He called. The door opened, and an intern poked his head in, looking nervous.
"Uh, sir, I really hate to bother you, But a Mr. Caruthers is outside, and he says you sent him a report-" The young man started, but Harrison cut him off.
"Yes, I did, I know who he is. That you, Please go let him know I'm on my way." The young man nodded, and slipped away, shutting the door. He looked at Mallory, and gave her a wan smile. "Work work wok. Seems to always be in the way." He muttered. he leaned forward, giving her a more hungry kiss, and slding past her, putting his mouth right at her ear. "Don't go anywhere." He whispered to her. He gently nibbled the lobe of her ear, before pulling away, and winking. He head out the door to answer this business.
 
She didn’t think it’d be a good idea to talk about how her roommate and this new guy she was either seeing or just doing, decided to get it on all over her countertop in her kitchen, after having already driven her out of the house the night before because they couldn’t keep a lid on it. Not something she felt should be said right now. Besides, she didn’t want to talk about them. She just wanted to enjoy herself and it seemed that Caughlin was striving for that. Why would she damper it all by talking about something as stupid as that? Or her woes? Or what angered her? No, that talk would have been for when he approached her while she was smoking. Now? She was going to enjoy herself. Still, it did shock her that he was taking her to such a high end restaurant. She was expecting…the Olive Garden or something. Hell, she didn’t even know what she was expecting, even if he did tell her to dress up. Which she did and enjoyed very much.

She wore her dress, with a necklace. It wasn’t any necklace though. It was a sterling silver chain and the pendant on it was a pure amethyst stone in a sterling silver setting. It was her birth stone and the one piece of jewelry she held dear to her. It was a gift from her parents on her sweet sixteen. Like a reminder of a time that was happy before things turned to shit. Not like her years after her sweet sixteen were terrible that she wanted to die. No, but it was hard. And it was the start in which she lost everything she held dear. And at that time considering she was kind of a pariah at school, what she held dear were her parents. First her dad and then her senior year, her mom to cancer. It sucked. But the necklace was a reminder that she was loved. And by extension, never alone because it was from her mom and dad.

It was the only valuable piece of jewelry she had and it seemed appropriate for this occasion and she was a firm believer that it went with absolutely anything. Even this dress. She’d wear it more often, but she didn’t want to lose it. It meant too much for that.

Her arm linked in his, she walked with him in a confident stride and rode in the elevator with him. What the doors opened to, she wasn’t expecting at all and her cheeks turned red. She looked at him and then stepped out and her jaw was on the ground. “Caughlin…I-I…” She looked at him, completely and utterly speechless. When she looked at him, he was grinning as if he knew and it made her turn even redder. All she could do right now was thank the man who opened the door for her, graciously even, and get inside. Her hands were in her lap as she smoothed her dress out and she looked at him when he got in. “Y-You didn’t have to do any of this. Honestly.” She was incredibly touched. Unless of course…this was nothing and he did this for every woman he took out to dinner. She had a feeling now, this night would nothing as she expected.

Mallory looked up at him as he stood and she blinked her eyes. Somehow, her heart just picked up in its speed of rate it decided to beat. She knew why too because he rounded her and gave her one hell of a kiss that had her hands pressed onto his hest to hold on. Yes, she had to hold on because it was one of those kisses that left her panting, wanton and in dire need of this man. Like always. How he did it, she didn’t know. She wouldn’t dare question it though.

Still, it was ill-timed of that intern and she wanted to whine. She didn’t of course because that was just unattractive. She wanted to turn Harrison on, not off. Still, she managed to make it seem like they weren’t just going at it in an all consuming passionate kiss. The moment the intern was gone though, she was disappointed and looked up at Harrison longingly. Damn, what a way to leave a girl high and dry!

She sighed deeply until he swept in and kissed her again. Goodness, was it possible for one to die after a kiss like that? After constant kisses like that, that boiled her insides with much desire and need, she could just combust?
She breathed in a deep lungful of air after their lips departed and was about to turn after him to go back to her desk when he was right there and she felt his hot breath on her ear and she had to refrain from moaning, going after him and jumping his bones before he went to see a Mr. Caruthers!

But she didn’t. No, Mallory was practicing great self control. Instead, once she heard his door click close, signaling his departure, she turned and set about getting to work. Being his secretary, Mallory knew that he kept spare changes of clothes here and went to that closet. She found a white shirt, crisp, clean and when she pulled it off the hanger, she brought it to her face and inhaled the scent deeply; crisp, clean and all Harrison.
That was when she began her strip of her clothes after setting his awfully nice shirt down on his desk. Once completely nude and in nothing more than her heels, she grabbed his shirt and put it on, buttoning it up. It covered just over the proper assets, the hem coming down to a little passed half way of her thighs. And with her just in her heels along with it and nothing more, well she going for ‘unable to restrain from having him do her.’

She folded and then placed her clothes on a chair near by before she perched herself up on the edge of his desk, crossing a leg over the other, causing the shirt to hike up more and reveal more skin, tantalizingly. She had great legs to boot too which looked divine in those heels. And now…she waited.
 
Lloyd followed her into the car, settling himself comfortably. He watched the door shut, and his driver resumed his post behind the wheel. The car pulled out smoothly. They were on their way now, and Lloyd smiled as Esther made a half fumble to dissuade him from going to such an expense. He'd heard it all before, a thousand times, and had no intention of listening to it this time.
"Oh, I didn't? Well, just a moment! I'll get us dropped off, call a cab, and head down to the Pizza Hut!" He kept an amused grin on his face, making sure she knew he was not offended, but in fact amused, and in some ways a little grateful of her statement. "I never do something like this because I have to. I do it because I can, and because I like to." He winked at her. "And something tells me that you do too." He leaned back in his plush seat, and taking the moment to fully take in the dress she was wearing, now that he was seated far enough away that he could take in the whole package at once properly, without looking like he was staring. And he was still impressed.

The car stopped, the driver knowing a few chortcuts through town to get them to the restaurant in record timing. Caughlin waited a moment, and the door opened. he worked himself out quickly, and stood at the door hand extended for Esther.
"If I may, milady?" He asked, all formal and calm now, his cane tucked under one arm. There were more than a few people looking on as the limo sat and waited. Caughlin was used to it, but he doubted Esther was used to the limelight like this.

Harrison spoke to Caruthers quickly, making sure thigns were set up to finally have Sleeman disbarred. It would be a personal victory for him. The intern fidgeted nearby, until harrison told him to go home. Once he was done, Caruthers and Harrison madea a golf appointment to discuss the procedure, and harrison stepped back into the elevator. Business tended to drain him. The fact that there was an attractive woman waiting in his office only stirred hims slightly. He walked towards the office, already making up his mind. He would apologize, bring her home, dine her, and make it up to her. He opened the door, mouth open, and ready to make his pitch. He would- He caught sight of Mallory on his desk, wearing one of his shirts. He would absolutely fuck her half senseless for the cheeky temerity of using his shirt like that. And bringing him right back to a fever pitch of being ready.

She made quite a tableau for him, his shirt hanging off of her in ways that emphasized her breasts, but the sides did draw in enough to show off some nice curves. Her legs, well, the way she crossed them showed a tantalizing view, and he did see the faint look of red creeping up on her bottom, signs of the morning for sure. But that only made him want her more. The lok on her face, that coy, come-hither look she had, it was all exactly what he'd needed, and wanted.

He shut the door, and locked it. He also showed that the door had a unique feature, and disconnected the knob, making it impossible to open without the proper key. He tossed said key aside, and hit a switch that brought up a noise cancellation system, to make sure the sound of what they were about to do didn't spread to anyone who might think to interrupt them. He advanced on Mallory, his jacket already open and being tossed aside, his tie following suit. Gods, this was going to be good. He caught her face in a hand, adn pulled her into him, no words this time, just the passion and action. His hand went to her chest, feeling her through the silky material of his shirt, and rubbing it along her nipple, before breaking off the kiss, and planting another on her neck, and then the hollow of her throat. he was tempted to shred the shirt utterly, it was his after all, but he also had the thought of leaving her in it while he did this. And that was appealing to him as well.
 
She blushed and looked down at her hands, they only very slightly fidgeting. Well, at least she didn’t feel bad about her comment. Still though, she felt a little embarrassed. Not because he was spoiling her so much in a way she never knew, but because she would ever try to question it or try to stop him from it. He was right, he was clearly in a position to be able to do this for someone because he absolutely wanted to. He was already a wonderful man in her book and in her eyes. “Thank you.” She spoke so softly, almost incredibly shyly.

For the rest of the drive, she hardly looked at him, even if she wanted to. But when she did look up, she saw his eyes on her and it made her feel even shyer. Her only experience was Chad and that was puppy love. This was different. This was a full grown adult looking at her like that, as if she was something alright. And it made her blush into a fully ripened tomato. She opened her mouth to ask what he was staring at but was denied the chance when the limo stopped and the door eventually opened. She got out after him, taking his hand and smiled graciously but also shyly. “Thank you, good sir.” She bit back a giggle and then let her hazel eyes cast upon the restaurant front. Oh, eyes all on them. This made her lower her head a little in bashfulness and she absently squeezed Caughlin’s hand, without even realizing it. Maybe a second glass of wine would have done the trick a bit better than just a single glass.

She waited patiently, setting her hands on the desk behind her and leaning back on them a little bit, causing the shirt she wore to rise just a tad bit more. And then the door opened and there was Harrison. She could tell she shocked him and that made her unable to hold back a big grin. She watched with much anticipation as he walked to her. Each step closer making her heart beat rapidly and her eyes greedily watched as he shed his jacket and tie. Her breathing hitched when he was right there and she forgot to breathe for a moment longer when his lips were on hers. “Mm.” Came softly from her as her arms moved around his neck, she succumbing to his touch and what his hands did while they explored her through his shirt. It was a tantalizing feel, the way his silky shirt rubbed against her breasts and nipples, especially against her nipples which probably perked up into stiff peaks the moment he walked in. It caused her to moan again against his lips and she leaned up to deepen it, her fingers threading through the back of his hair. If he was going to take her right now, she just might die a thousand pleasurable deaths.
 
Caughlin gave her hand something of a reassuring squeeze back, letting her know she wasn't alone. He was there, and he wasn't about to abandon her. He led her forward, and the head waiter came to greet them personally.
"Ah, monsier, so good to see you again! And who is this lovey creature you have brought to us?" The man asked, his facein a wide smile, and his accent thick enough to cut with a knife.
"Good to be here Gaston. This, is Esther. Is my table ready?" Caughlin asked.
"Most certainly good sir. Right this way." He led them through the place, leading them to an isolated table, with plenty of space around it, giving them a certain amount of privacy. Caughlin came around and held her chair out, making sure she was seated before taking his own place. Gentleman and all that. He sat, and a waiter came by.
"May I start you on drinks then?" He asked. Caughlin nodded.
"Bring me a bottle of your finest wine." The waiter paused a moment.
"Sir, that's twelve and a half thousand dollars a bottle." He said faintly. Caughlin blinked, looking surprised.
"Oh. My mistake." he pulled up his wallet, and handed the waiter a fold of bills. "We'll take two." The waiter blined, but then nodded, and left. Caughlin turned back to Esther. "So. I do hope you enjoy a fine wine."

His grin was real, and touched with mischeif and amusement. Caughlin loved moments like this, when he was able to moderately flatfoot someone with how he acted, and the poor waiter was the recipient of this tonight. He was also hoping that he hadn't overstepped things with Esther by throwing this kind of cash around. He had just spent twenty-five thousand on the opening wine after all!

Harrison was glad he'd taken some time to clear a lot of space on his desk. There was room. He was going off of instinct, not really having much time to plan things out. And he really didn't mind. A hand slid up under the shirt, running along her leg, enjoying the soft, satiny feel of her skin. He coudl feel the shirt on th top, and had to admit the contrast was interesting. Silk shirt, satin skin...and it was all just great to him. He pulled the shirt up just enough that when he dropped down onto his knees, he had an unobstructed view. He leaned foreward, his tongue runing up along her entrance. Oh, he was going to enjoy this, and he was going to make sure that she was good and ready to go when he made his move.
 
It was overwhelming. Really overwhelming and a big part of her was starting to feel really bad that she wasn’t more appreciative of this. Well, of course she was being appreciative in her shock and amazement but at the same time, she felt his money would be better suited elsewhere, on someone else. Certainly not her. But she wouldn’t do that to him by saying anything. No, she’d just bite her tongue and be appreciative. Besides, how often was it that a girl like her got to be spoiled like this? Not often at all.

Sitting down and smiling kindly to the man named Gaston. Caughlin was such a gentleman. It was almost so much. She just might swoon well enough to probably faint. Actually, no, when he ordered wine, her jaw dropped and her eyes widened. “Y-Yeah, I do.” She murmured. “I’ll take a sip…?” She made a face and then looked down. “Caughlin…I…” Now she had to say something. He just spent part of her entire yearly salary on just wine only!

“Where’s the bathroom?” She asked quietly.

Her hands fell back from around him to grip the edge of his desk tightly and Mallory sucked in a deep breath through her teeth. She watched him and let her legs open willingly, causing the hem of the shirt she wore to slip up and away and let herself be revealed. Her head tilted back and she moaned softly, trying to push her hips towards his mouth, wanting more, needing more. She had no idea really what was in store for her because with Harrison, the odds could either be in her favor or in his. That was scary. Really scary.
 
Caughlin inclinde his head to the side, a simple gesture really.
"Left of the kitchen, that hallway? It leads to the ladies room." He offered. Her discomfort was...almost palpable. If he was being completely honest with himself, the two bottles was probably a little over the top, but he did have certain habits that insisted on his indulgence. Nothing had been beyond his grasp monetarily, not ever, and he had the instinct to indulge in that whenever it was called into question. He let out a light sigh.

"Esther? If the extravagance is getting to be too much for you, just say so. I'd not like to think I spent the night making you uncomfortable." He offered gently. He had half an instinct to just leave a check for the wine, and leave with her, hitting a pizza joint down the road, and laughing about the whole night. he tucked that thought away for later. He wasn't going to rule it out, but it wasn't going to be his default thought. He didn't want her to think that he'd written her off in a place like this.

Harrison took the time to make sure that Mallory was very fired up, that she was at the point of being more than simply 'ready'. With that thought, he stood, his pants staying ont he floor. He wasn't going to need them anymore for this. His hands got a hold of her, and lifted her up off of the desk, and he brought her face back up to his. He pressed a fiercely passionate kiss into her mouth, before lowering down onto his member. Piercing into her, he gave a faint groan as he slid into her. He held her in place a moment, before grinding her onto him, and beginnning to lift and drop her, galvanizing things into motion.
 
Oh god, he probably thought she had just insulted him greatly. Esther sucked at this. She hadn’t gone out on a date in so long. It was like a totally new and foreign concept for her once more. She thought high school was difficult. Lord, her first date ever in high school was a nightmare! This…this was qualifying to be a new first and not because of him one bit. It was all because of her. Because she didn’t know how to be…a person.

Nodding after he gave her the way to the bathroom, she stood up and stopped once she was on her two feet, looking at him. Her eyes blinked and she worried her lower lip tremendously. Fuck, I’ve insulted him! And she felt terrible, just like that. She should just swallow her insecurity and eat it all up and not feel bad. He certainly had the money to spend so why not let him enjoy? But then she wouldn’t be Esther at all. She’d be a bitch. And Esther was no bitch. “Caughlin…” She sighed and then frowned. “I’m so sorry. Everything you’re doing, trust me, it’s amazing. No one’s ever done anything like this. Whether this is just a dinner or a date or whatever it is. I really do appreciate it. It’s just…new.” That and she had the mindset that ten dollars was expensive for a bottle of wine. “I-I don’t want you to think that I am not appreciative of this. I really am. It’s why I feel guilty.” She sat down now. She didn’t need the bathroom. She just needed the bathroom to hide. But that’d be mean. And he kind of caught her.

He was purposely pushing her to a point that she couldn’t come back from. Mallory was more than ready. She needed him, now. Her hands moved to his shoulders as she felt him lift her up. It took her off guard since her guard was so down, she was in this sex-hazed state of mind and her body was screaming for him. Her arms encircled around his neck and her lips were so close to his, brushing against his. But she didn’t kiss him. No, instead, her eyes bore into his as he plunged deep into her. She moaned deeply, wanting to watch, wanting her eyes to stay locked with his. But she couldn’t. Not when he was taking her the way he was, not when he was having her like this. Primal need. Above all else. Her head tilted back and she moaned deeply, loudly. Let the nails sinking into his back begin.
 
Caughlin smiled, and leaned forward to rest a hand on Esther's.
"Here's how I see things here Esther. I'm a trust fund baby. Born with the silver spoon and all that. You, seem a lovely young lady who looked like she is the midst of a bad day. So here we are. I don't think you're taking advantage of me. If anything, I think it might be the other way around. After all, without your bad day, I'm wondering if you'd have accepted an invitation from an old man like me." He grinned, and leaned back in his chair. Gaston was returning personally, bringing out the first bottle.
"Good sir! Two bottles of our finest?" The Frenchman asked, cocking an eyebrow.
"Your waiter asked about the price. You know what happens when they do that!" He groused good naturedly.
"Very true. So, I shall bring out one. And should you finish it, I shall bring you the second. Acceptable?"
"Very. Will you pour for us Gaston?" The other man smiled, as though honoured at the offer. He opened the bottle with a reverence that was actually a little surprising, but Caughlin had seen the label. Imported from France. Bottled in 1846. It was some of the finest wine available like this. It came out in a rich, heady stream that filled the table with an aroma of vineyards and fields half the world away. Caughlin smiled. He didn't often drink wine. But when he did, he made sure it was something he could enjoy. Gaston poured each glas perfectly, turning the bottle as he finished, making sure not a single drop went astray. The Frenchman nodded, adn departed, leaving the bottle. Caughlin lifted the glass, and smiled at Esther.
"What shall we drink to?" He asked.

Harrison felt her nails digging into his back, the shirt he still had on was too thin to offer anything that resembled protction from attentions like this. But the pain that it caused, it didn't distract him. It centred him on the task at hand, kicked his senses into a heightened state. Adrenaline, more of it, was surging into his veins, and that only spurred him onward. The dsk top was too awkward right now, to climb onto it with her would require...finesse, and that would simply not do. Harrison, still keeping her in motion, turned, and took a few long steps towards the wall, and put her against it, giving him something solid to brace her on. And then all pretense of restraint was gone. Pressing them close together, he began to savagely pump his hips into her, the wall shaking slightly with each move. But they were buffered from something like this. Harrison had designed this office personally. And the thought of something like this happening hadn't been lost on him.
 
Her eyes dropped to her hand, where his now rested over it. She was a it distracted. A man…was…touching her. Considering how she was feeling since the entire thing with Donnie and then being pushed out of her apartment twice, this was new. She felt…well let’s say a lot better than she expected to from the single gesture. You’d think she’d feel better with having money being spent and lavished in front of her, on her even. But little things seemed to go a long way with her.

Her eyes widened though at his admission. Damn, a man like him who can admit that and not feel a single ounce of shame? That was a mighty fine man.
A snort came from her, not so ladylike, and she turned her head to side for a moment before looking at him again, a smile threatening to appear on her face. “Please, I’m not vapid or shallow. A man who can sway me with god humor and jest as well as a vibrant personality can take me out anytime.” And it was true. Well in that case then, she’d try to just enjoy herself. And maybe have more than one sip of the expensive wine. Yes, she’d have two sips!

With their wine poured and everywhere around her smelling like perfectly aged and ripened wine, Esther did her best not to melt. She could. She was a total wine person and this was seriously the cherry on top of delicious icing on top of a now fantastic day. Taking her glass, she held it up and smiled at him. “Well…we could cheers to new life ventures. Or…we could cheer to the fact I got my job back.” She was all full bright smiles now. Despite her day being a relatively bad one, there were highlights. She got her job back and she was on this really wonderful date—dinner—something with a really nice guy. And obviously, it wasn’t everyday she got to meet an actual down to Earth guy who didn’t walk around with said silver spoon stuck up his ass.

Mallory was pretty much not there. She was there but she couldn’t think, she couldn’t try to form any kind of intelligible thought. All she could seem to process was sex, sex and more sex. One moment she’s in his arms and next, she could feel the coolness of the wall against her back and then it was all uphill and then an amazing free fall from there. Her hands slid down his chest, she trying to unbutton his shirt and not just rip it open. But after a particular thrust that had her cry out loudly, she gave up, ripped his shirt open so she could feel his skin, hold onto him properly and really sink her ‘claws’ into him somewhere. She found his back and gripped hard, her nails digging in deep, dragging along his skin. It wouldn’t be long. Not at this rate. Oh, the deliciousness of the ever fateful build up. It took her over.
 
Caughlin raised his glass.
"Then here's to life on the rebound." He said simply. It wasn't elaborate, but he often felt the best toasts were the simple ones. After all, deeds were more important than all the squawking that came afterwards, pointing out what had been done. So let the toast be simple, and the night that followed be the part to be remembered! He touched his glass to hers with a smile. He was waxing poetic in his mind again, and it was a good thing that he hadn't vocalized it. He'd look the eccentric old rich guy, and that wasn't quite what he was aiming for tonight. He ran the thought of asking after her job, but he was more concerned about what would come after, when she asked after him. And he'd rather not get into that tonight. Tonight was a night of simple things. Expensive simple things, but simple!

Caughlin took a small drink. Gods, it was good. Aged, smooth, and with a scent that made the mind have little option but to think of distant places. And Caughlin knew that he was drinking a little peice of history with this bottle. 1846. Almost 170 years in the bottle, it was...an interesting thought to have. Three generations of people had lived, and died waiting for this bottle to be opened. And now it was just a trust find baby that had declared that it was time. It almost seemed sacrilegious somehow. Or at least very very disrespectful. Bah, not the time or place! A pretty young woman was out with him, and one that seemed unbothered by the age gap. Or at least polite enough not to look revolted by him. He squashed any further negativity, and focused on the positive, which there was a lot of. Nto the least of that was the dress Esther had chosen. The effect of it hadn't faded on him yet. It was still quite pleasant to have at his table.

The shirt came apart, but harrison didn't hesitate. It was an expense he'd pay with a smile for moments like this. Besides, he had more here in the office. Her hands clawed at his back, further setting him off. He only hoped that she didn't end up drawing blood with the way she was going. Of course it only encouraged him to pound into her with more force, each blow bouncing her up the wall. He leaned away from her, his face going down. He paused to drag teeth across her collarbone, before catching one of her breasts, pressing his tongue along the nipple, and sliding his teeth along the smooth flesh before gently catching the end of her nipple in them. He repeated the gesture on the other side, his body beginning to tense, ready to give way. With a panting need, he started to jerk within her.
 
Esther liked it. She liked it a lot. Simple, easy and a testament to enjoying the little things. It’s what her life was all about and that made the toast all the more sentimental to her. She smiled, her same bright smile that lifted into her eyes as their glasses clinked. The sound of it made her a bit giddy. What a turn around for a day that she thought would have gone into the total dumps, aside from her getting her job back. How long it could have stayed shitty just because of two other people? No. It had to just be the tension of her being temporarily suspended from teaching. Now she was back. Now she didn’t care. Because anything could happen but no one would take teaching from her.

Taking a sip of the wine, she closed her eyes and her hand moved to her chest, over her heart. Oh wow, that was magnificent. She thought it was a foolish rumor when they said that the most expensive wines like this tasted like all the others. It was just a crock of bullshit to make money. But no, maybe it was this wine in particular. But it was magnificent. She took a full sip. And she had one more sip before she would not take any more. She couldn’t. Even if he insisted on it. She didn’t want to just drink it away like it was water. If it were a five dollar bottle, even a ten dollar bottle it’d be different. But this bottle…it was half her yearly salary! Placing the glass down, she stared at it, wishing for another sip but willing herself not to. Instead, she cast her attention back to Caughlin and found his gaze on her as well. It made her blush and she looked down, her hands fidgeting lightly in her lap.

Thankfully, Gaston came back a little bit later. Esther still didn’t touch her glass. She was saving that second and last sip for something far more worthy. Not to just waste it. It’s not that she didn’t want to. Hell, it’s not that she didn’t want to talk to Caughlin either but he intimidated her so. The age difference completely escaped her notice. It was like the stars decided to push her back into dating or being around men so why not push her into the arms of really rich men who spent thousands of dollars like it was ten or twenty dollars? Especially when she’s been out of touch with dating for the past two or three years? And on top of that, while he was a man that age liked to brag about, he was still a well preserved man, made her laugh and…what could she say? She was attracted to him. And with all that culminating into one man, she didn’t know what to say without sounding like some ungrateful, bumbling…virgin!

After Gaston would take Caughlin’s order, Esther ordered the Coq Au Van for herself. She never tried it but it was the one dish she had always wanted to try in French cuisine. And considering it was Jean Georges, to say she was excited was a major understatement. And once more, they were left in silence between the two of them. Her eyes flitted from him to the wine glass. Reaching forward, she took the glass and brought it to her, taking another sip. But it was clear she savored it, tasting all the fruit that was put into it, before swallowing. Then she placed the wine glass back down and sighed softly. “So go on, brag about yourself Caughlin. I’m dying to know.” Rather that or suffer through the silence and constantly averting his gaze when it landed on her.

She didn’t mark him that hard. It was just enough to be able to scar him, so that there was definitely something there a day or two later after this serious sexcapade. Mallory knew for a fact that she wouldn’t be able to walk straight for probably a week. Hopefully he could go easy on her for the next few days. A pity tomorrow was Monday. But then again, if she were working for any other lawyer in Manhattan, she could probably expect some leeway. Harrison Trenton on the other hand? No way. Oh well, she’d just need a really good soak in the bath tonight and every night from here on out if she was going to survive anything. Because right now? She wasn’t sure she’d be able to survive. From his mouth latched to her nipples, taking turns, and his incessant pounding that showed no mercy? She could barely hang on. She couldn’t stay quiet, basically a screaming mass of bubbling pleasure in his arms about to turn to putty and the build up was what was agonizingly amazing. It was like torture because the pleasure kept escalating higher and higher. Would she survive? Could she make it?

Then the drop. She screamed his name, her nails digging so deep in his back that surely now she drew blood from him. Her body writhed and spasmed against his, her walls clenched so tightly around his massive girth and she saw stars and fireworks. It was too much. But then again, she’d expect nothing less of the Harrison Trenton!
 
Caughlin looked at Esther as she practically dared him to go on about himself. It wasn't an offer he received very often, adn how could he refuse? He leaned back in his chair, nursing his wine.
"Well, I run a firm in town. Office does good business, keeps me in good spirits and wine. And lets me take the time to treat young women to surprising nights out." He winked at her after speaking the last. "Did the silly ass college thing so I coudld get the job. I inherited everything. So I figured if I couldn't pick what career I was going into, then I could at least pick what I did outside of that! So I learned the fun places I could go, and the places that liked it when I put down money." He shrugged. "Life's too short and rough to worry about everything. Find the places to laugh! Find the places to be happy for whatever reason there is!" He waved an arm as he spoke, clearly it was something that he felt quite pronouncedly about.

Before he could go on any farther, the wait staff appeared, whelling out the carts with their food. Each plate was set down, and then unveiled. Caughlin had to smile. His food looked divine. Richly appointed, and over a bed of finely made rice. Esther's meal...it did look magnificent, he ahd to admit. A whole small chicken set out, and it looked like it had been slow braised in wine for some time, and it was arranged along the in an almost artistic fashion. Gaston grinned at them.
"Is there anything else I can get for you?" He asked politely. Caughlin nodded, adn set his glass on teh table.
"A top up would be nice if you dont mind."
"Not at all monsieur." He expertly poured again, adn then turned, and did the same for Esther.
"Thank you Gaston."
"My pleasure good sir." Gaston did a short bow, adn departed, leaving the two to their meal.
"Welcome to teh high life Esther." He said to her with a grin.

Gods, she felt good, even if she was trying her damndest to claw her way through his back. She was getting more and more animalistic, less and less controlled, and far more involved in what was going on. Oh, the things he planned to do to this woman. It made hism smile as he ground into her, and held himself there, coming directly into her with a racking groan. His own grip on her tightened as he met his peak, his fingers pressing into her thighs hard enough he knew there'd be a few choice bruises on her in a few more hours. He settled, the sensations subsiding, and he felt the pain from her stabbing into his back start to abate. Gods damn it all, that had been something different than what he'd expected. And he wasn't really complaining in the least. He smirked at Mallory, and then took the time to set her down calmly on her feet, making sure she wasn't about to collapse onto the floor. He winked at her.
"Excellent work Miss Joyner. Excellent work indeed." He said in a teasing tone, as though delivering a report on her work for the quarter.
 
It was interesting to hear him speak. A good interesting. He spoke with a confidence she found incredibly attractive and he could say that he grew up with money and came from money all he wanted. Because the way he said it and his obvious outlook on it was charming. She could not hate him. She didn’t know anyone who would be able t hate him. Caughlin was a definite charmer and that was a real treat. “I can happily agree to that.” Esther was a firm believer that people had the choice to make themselves happy. For the most part, she was happy. She really was. But there were things that could make her happier. But at least her current happiness was the happiness she made for herself.

Their food came though and she relaxed back. Suddenly she felt not so nervous and definitely not so bad about wanting to drink more wine. Picking up her glass, she took a tentative sip. That was sip number three. And she had a feeling there’d be a lot more sips to happen but she’d feel less guilty each time.

When their food was uncovered, her eyes widened and her nostrils were filled with the delicious aroma of her dinner. Oh. My. Stars. She felt like the part of her that wished she could have gone through culinary school just died and went to heaven. Because only heaven served food like this. As her wine glass was topped off, she looked to Caughlin and her cheeks reddened. Taking in a deep breath, she took her knife and fork and started to cut up the chicken. The first bite, she melted even more and sank in her chair. “Oh my word…” She whispered, eyes going wide after the first bite. She looked at Caughlin and smiled brightly. “This is so amazing. I-I don’t think I’ll ever forget this.” It was like she entered into a contest and the prize was to be treated like a member of society’s elite for one night.
Welcome to the high life indeed!

Mallory panted hard, her body sagged into his and her body on fire. No, not on fire. Just on fire from the seriousness of pleasure that was currently surging through it, like wildfire. He did that. He did all of that. And it was amazing at how intense it could be. It seemed like all they could do was just get jiggy with each other, get down and dirty. This gave that statement a whole new meaning, as if just a major understatement. t

As her feet touched the ground, she heard the click of her heels and her hands finally released their death grip on his back, resting on his shoulders. If she let go of him, if he let go of her, she’d fall. No doubt. She couldn’t really feel her legs. She couldn’t really feel anything. All she knew was that her body felt so good.
“Likewise Mr. Trenton. You certainly don’t disappoint one bit.” She spoke so softly, so quietly, as if she hardly had any strength at all to even speak. Well she didn’t. She was just royally fucked by her boss once more today. Anymore she might break. Was it possible for someone to break after the throes of intense passion and incredible sex? I think so… Not that she was complaining. No way!
 
Caughlin smiled as Esther spoke. Never forget... a part of him wanted to point out that never was a very long time, but that was the small part of him that did always want to point out what was wrong with other people's points of view. He'd gotten that particular habit explained to him as to why it was a terrible idea. Having ones jaw dislocated, and losing a tooth had a certain way of mking thing clear to a person. Even if the further meories of that night weren't. He would have to thank his very dear friend for clearing that up to him.
"Never forget, eh? Then my goal is reached for the night! That's what I really wanted to see happen, a night that lives forever in your mind." He said calmly, winking at her with a smile. The food was nothing short of divine, but when you oprdered a dish that litterally took more than 25 hours to prepare, it had better be worth the effort to the person eating it, and the staff at Jean Georges was constantly amazing in their talents.

Now then, it was time to think about other thinhs. Plans, as they were. He was not the best at reading the moods and the like from people, but Esther seemed to be legitimately enjoying herself, and not simply because she was being wined and dined at the finest in French Cuisine, with wine that was a truly ancient blend. The night was an open book, and the end hand't been written yet. He knew of a few ways it could go, and some of them were rather appealing to say the least. But he also wasn't sure that was where he really wanted to end up. Well, a part of him did, but that part of him always wanted to end up somewhere like that. It was all moving quickly, and that usually made him take a step back. But in this case, he figured he take the night as it came along.

Harrison smiled at mallory, tucking hismelf away, and doing his pants up. He pulled off his shirt, it needed either fixing or replacing anyway. He noted a few points of blood on the back, likely the result of Mallory trying to gouge her way through his back. She'd done a credible job.
"Extra points to you Miss Joyner for your...enthusiasm." He held his shirt for emphasis, and stepped to the closet. He pulled on one of the hangers, and pushed open a door that led to a small room beyond the closet. It had a few things in it, a shower, a cot, and other fixtures that made it a small bedroom/bathroom. Harrison had clearly spent a few night in the office, and planned for the moment accordingly. It explained how he seemed to simply materialize out of nowhere at the office a few times, shocking everyone at how he simply showed up at work without warning. He stepped through, adn looked at his back int he mirror, assessing the damage. The marks were pronouced, adn actually rather unmistakable as to what had caused them. Numberous scratches all along his back made it look like he'd tried to wrestle a wildcat to the floor, and the comparison in his mind made him smile. He mentally made the thought that he might just have to do something about her hands next time. He used a cloth to wipe the blood. The points didn't continue to bleed, so he stepped back intot he closet, examining his shirts, until he slid one from teh rack that would still complement his suit. He walked toward his suit jacket, and paused to give Mallory a short, sharp kiss that gave her the hint of further passions to come. He winked and moved back towards his jacket.
 
Esther wanted to tell him. That not everyone was raised with a silver spoon stuck in their mouth or up their butt. Like him. Honestly though, she wasn’t sure how that would be received so she refrained. No, instead she was just thankful to have experienced this. And she meant it when she said she wouldn’t ever forget. How could she? The fanciest restaurant she had ever been to was probably the Olive Garden. The most expensive wine she ever had was probably from the Oliver Garden. And they certainly didn’t have wines that cost half her yearly salary? Right? And even then, the Oliver Garden was way out of her budget. She was a teacher after all. But then again, she never agreed to this career for the money. And she was never one for the luxurious side of life. While this was nice, she couldn’t live this way. If she had to live this way her entire life…that would take a very long time to adjust. Nope, she was all about the simple things. The little things. The little simple things.

“Of course.” She leaned in as she lowered her voice a little bit. “You definitely give a new perspective on the Olive Garden.” She giggled a little bit and sat back. She ate slowly, taking her time because this dish was probably the best chicken she ever had. She didn’t want to rush it. She wanted to take her time with it. Maybe as long as it took for it to be prepared. No, that would be hilarious but she’d like to think that this date went beyond just dinner. Or was it just dinner? A date? A dinner-date? Oof, she had no idea what kind of date this was. Dinner. Date. Dinner. Dinner? No, a date? Both? Just dinner? Oh my god, I’m going to drive myself into an early grave if I keep thinking right now. She almost shook her head. Instead, she picked up her wine glass and took a thoughtful sip.

Mallory blushed. Surely he was talking about the number she did to his back. Of course he was. As he pulled back, her knees shook a little bit but she pulled down on the hem of his she wore to hide her modestly as he left her to change his shirt. It was then she got sight of his back and her eyes widened. She looked down at her nails and she saw a hint of blood on them. Holy hell.
In her defense though, it was all his fault. And he didn’t seem to mind. But he’d probably have to do something with her hands. It’s not like her way of giving back for receiving so much pleasure was to inflict pain. No, that was some serious sado-masochist shit that she was not into! But then there was some stuff she didn’t mind. The little things. The innocent things.

“Sorry about that Mr. Trenton. I guess I got carried away.” Finally pushing herself off the wall, she walked on wobbly legs, sort of, to her pile of clothes on a chair and she started to dress back into them. Starting with undergarments and then her skirt/pants (because I don’t think I ever specified which one she’s wearing xD So that’s your call, whatever you or Harrison want her to be in. Skirt or pants?) before her shirt, tucking it in. She finger combed her hair before deciding the best way to restrain it after all she’d gone through was to simply tie it up. “Now.” She said softly once she was good and ready, draping his shirt over his desk and stepping back away from him before he could pounce again. Surely, she’d be feeling the after effects of such a session not tomorrow but just in a few hours. “Do you need anything else, Sir?” She giggled a little bit, considering the very same question was what led to all this happening in the first place. But this time she was needing to make a hasty retreat. For both their sakes.
 
Caughlin found himself thinking about different things. The Olive Garden. he was aware that it existed, adn that some considered it a step up from normal dining, but hardly anything to write home about. He was honestly doubtful if he'd ever actually been inside of one. Ever. He was similarly not sure if that was a bad thing or not. After all, he had places like Jean George, Marea, and Jungsik, he was never without fine options for dinner. And sometimes he'd even just get himself a pizza from his favourite places. But this was all a distraction. He took a longer pull of his historicly old wine, savourign the flavour. Gods, it had been a long time since he'd had genuinely good wine. He wondered at what else he could do after dinner. Dropping her off at home was certainyl an option, but the night was still young, and so was she. And he knew how to fake it.

Where else would he take her? He was too old for some tings adn out of proactice in others. He wasn't going to try and go dancing like he was twenty years younger. That would likely end in embarassment and a hospital visit. Not exactly how he wanted to have her remember this night. He did have an idea though. He'd been given an invite from a friend of his to attend the opening of his new concert hall, an open floor evening with some nicely chosen music. And if they finished dinner in time, they could make it for the opening. But he'd not rush Esther. It would be just wrong to rush something like this. And besides, no one ever really showed up on time for something like this.
"Well, if nothing else, tonight should give you a new perspective on dining out." Caughlin said calmly. "Tell me Esther, do you like music?"

Harrison looked over at her as she was getting dressed, and as she apologized for the wounds on his back.
"If it had been a problem, I'd have done something at the time. So don't worry." He informed her, pulling on his shirt, and quickly buttoning it. It was something he clearly had some experience and skill at. His jacket dropped into place, and he was once mroe harrison Trenton, the lawyer that sent shivers of fear into the hearts of his foes every time he stepped into a courtroom. He looked at Mallory as she repeated the question about his needing anything. He made his choice, and shook his head.

"No, I think we're about done here for the night Miss Joyner. If you'd like to accompany me, I'm sure I can find us something to eat." He said with his poised and controlled voice. He smirked as he walked past her. His hand landed with a light swat onto her ass. "And then I'm sure we can find something to amuse us." He winked at her as he opened the office door.
 
Taking another sip of the delicious wine, Esther then placed the glass back down and swallowed it’s delicious contents that took up her mouth. Picking up her knife and fork once more, she cut another piece of the heavenly poultry, a dish so delicious that it probably once more cost half of her yearly salary. Although if it was that expensive, she might invest in making it at home because this was a dish she’d want to have over and over and over again. If she could live off of coq au van and this expensive wine, she’d be poor as hell but would be poor in good taste. You only lived once so why not go out with a bang and delicious food? Nah, this would just be a night for her to remember. It couldn’t get better.

After chewing the heavenly bite and swallowing, she cut up another piece, forking it and brought it up to her mouth to eat it when he posed his question. Bringing her fork down, she let it rest back in her plate, the sauce soaking into it.
A small snort came from her, amused and she smiled, amusement shining in her eyes. “That’s a silly question Caughlin. Of course I like music.” Who doesn’t? That’s like asking if she liked chocolate! “Why?”

Mallory nodded her head, about to turn and leave him be when he made his offer. She smiled and was about to just shrug her shoulders when he swatted her bottom and made an effort for the door. Turning, she pulled on the hem of his jacket from behind and stepped forward. “Well with an offer like that, how could I possibly refuse?” She grinned. “Your place? Or shall we torment Esther again tonight?” That of course was a joke. She wasn’t about to torment her roommate. Rub it in her face, maybe. But torment her? Well…not entirely on purpose.

Leaning up, she kissed his cheek and then moved in front of him, sliding her body out of his office and going to her desk to gather her things.
 
Caughlin pondered how to phrase this for maximum results. He finished his glass of wine before speaking.
"Well, I have a friend who's asked me to make an appearance at his new concert hall opening. Nothing overly formal, just a few people getting together to here a small group play. I've been told they're not too elaborate, only a thirty two piece orchestra. I think theywon some contest or something in Europe, something about them being one of the best groups over there or the like. And I have an extra ticket to the show." He had a smile that looked like ti would be much more suited to a cat sitting in an empty birdcage.

He poured another glass of wine on his own, not pulling it off with the same panache as Gaston had, but still not spilling any. Truth be told, he was hoping she didn't have much of an objection, the shows his firend put on were always a memorable thing, and he'd never been disappointed.

Harrison let her get past him. His pace was measured, he was feeling...eminently satisfied with things right now. It left him with a very lazy attitude. And that was not without some advantages. He strode past her desk as she was gathering up the last fwew things of hers.
"I think you'll find the facilities at my place to be up to task. And the delivery company knows where to take anything we might need. So I think Esther might find the time alone to be helpful." He admitted. Frankly he'd made enough of a scene with Esther already, and he wasn't eager to cause more trouble for her. It was clear to him that Mallory had little issue in causing discomfort to her room mate, but that wasn't a concern that he had. it did speak about her character, but that wasn't the main reason he was spending time with her.
 
Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. Okay first an amazing pick up from an even amazing guy in a limo. Then a serious high star rating of a French restaurant for dinner, two bottles of wine that totaled her yearly salary in payment, the best dinner of her life perhaps and now an exclusive musical concert-showing-performance? Picking her jaw up off the dinner table, she blinked her eyes and nodded slowly. “Yeah that’s a cause for a really big gulp of wine.” She murmured, picking up her wine which was maybe a good third full. She downed it like it was just your average shot of liquor and sat back, sighing deeply. “I can’t turn that down. But…only if you and I can make a deal?” Because otherwise she was going to feel like the biggest selfish bitch in the world. She’d make Mallory look like a saint!

Mallory looked at him as she was stuffing things in her purse before pulling it on her shoulder and logging out of her computer, as well as clocking out. “Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.” She said softly and she crossed her arms over her chest. Tilting her head, she offered a kind smile. “Shall we Mr. Trenton?”
 
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