Bright Young Thing ::: {Prince of Smut & Ariamella}

RE: Bright Young Thing || Prince & Ariamella

[IMG=150x112]http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a582/paramoremcr88/20810ce9f4bf1b5238f2989b055ecda5_zpsda706485.jpg[/img]

Lucca Carbone

---

"Boss," panted Skinny after flinging the door open to Lucca's office. The portly man gone out to station some men on the street as a final preparation for Lefty's upcoming meeting and had run as fast as he could to the back office when he saw Ruby. "Boss, she's here... the redhead. She's at the bar right now! She's been there drinking for a while!"

Lefty straightened from the ledger he had been examining. Running illegal cash operations, pretty much all of his businesses fell into that camp, meant he had to be extra vigilant about his men embezzling money. The consequences of being caught were quite severe, but that didn't stop idiots from trying now and then. Aside from trying to hire trusted managers, usually with family ties, Lucca had to make sure he reviewed all the books every week to look for strange trends in cash receipts. Not the glamorous part of his job, but one you had to do yourself as a capo.

"What, here?! Right now?" Lefty replied, looking startled and then troubled. The girl had a habit of popping up before raids and he was beginning to view her as a herald of bad luck, even if she had warned him last time. Her timing tonight was troublesome given the meeting he had planned with a rival gangster with whom he was currently in a bloody turf war. If the cops were to come, things could get dicey with De'Angelo. The man would already be on edge coming into Lefty's stronghold with just two guards. "Dammit."

Lucca cursed his bad luck and glanced at the clock. He still had thirty minutes at least before De'Angelo arrived. Plenty of time to get some more information out of Ruby, and maybe a means to get in touch with her. Pausing at the full length mirror by the door, Lefty made sure his pin-striped blue suit was in order and adjusted the red tie that peeked out above his light grey vest. There, he looked as impeccable as always.

With a wink at the handsome Italian he saw in the mirror, he opened the door and headed out into the quiet speakeasy. This early in the evening on a weeknight there were very few patrons, just the die hard alcoholics and a couple or two getting an early start before dinners or going to a show. Ruby was easy to spot at the bar, her auburn hair spilling down her back as she started to rise. It looked like she'd left cash on the counter and was about to leave. Lucca quickened his stride and reached her while she still had her back to him.

"Hello, Ruby, so nice to see you again," Lefty murmured in her ear, his hand casually touching the small of her back. This close, the sweet smell of her perfume and lingering fragrance of shampoo in her lustrous hair filled his nose and made him slightly heady. Just the feel of the palm of his hand resting against her was electric, the heat of her skin radiating through the thin satin and lace fabric of her dress. And when her eyes met his, he found it hard to not shiver as they sparkled at him while wide with surprise. She was all dolled up as well, more makeup than during their last meeting and the contrast of her porcelain white skin with the rosy accents on her cheeks and dark mascara was striking. He was suddenly very aware of how close he was to her, so close he could lean down and kiss those full lips, dark red with lipstick. "I was wondering if we could have a private chat. In my office."

RE: Bright Young Thing || Prince & Ariamella

Scarlett was met with hot breath at her ear, sending a delicious shiver down her spine while a warm hand came to rest at her back. The deep voice that matched the actions was one she had only ever heard once before, and that was four nights ago below the Bayview Hotel. Of course, the times when she had seen and heard him in her dreams didn't count. The features were much better in person anyway, and she held her breath as she turned around, looking up at the dark haired Italian. He was just as handsome as she remembered, hair slicked back and dressed with impeccable taste. His cologne filled her nostrils, a masculine scent with a hint of citrus that made her dizzier with its addition to the alcohol in her system.

"I don't think now is a good time for me," she giggled, her blue eyes getting lost in the depth of Lucca's dark brown orbs. Even though she was slightly tipsy, she was very much aware of all that was going on, and her judgment wasn't impaired to the point that she would assume everything was okay when a gangster invited her to spend time with him. Alone. In an office. That meant there was absolutely no one else to save her if she needed it. No chaperone, no Brian, and no Penelope. But... With luck, she wouldn't need any of those things, right? She tasted the outcomes briefly, but nothing indicated she was in imminent danger.

"Well... Sure, a short chat would be fine," she corrected, allowing Lucca to lead her through the bar and to another sectioned-off hallway that had various rooms. She smiled at a pudgey man whose eyes followed her even as she stepped inside the very back room, and before the door closed she looked back to see if he was still staring. He was.

Lucca's office was moderately sized with white walls, minimal decor, and everything a businessman might have in his office. A large mahogany desk dominated the far end of the room, and atop the desk were a mess of papers, pens, and a closed cash box. A typewriter sat on a table behind the desk, and another painting hung on the wall above it. Surprisingly it was another expensive piece, but it was one Scarlett recognized. The abstract modernism was unmistakeable, and she even remembered when it had been on sale in New York. It was important for a socialite to be cultured, and art was no exception.

"How did you manage to get 'Blue and Green Music'?" the girl asked without turning around, for she got the distinct feeling the dark, mysterious man was watching her as she inspected his office. "Georgia O' Keeffe started studying art here, you know, at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A lot people don't like her taste in painting, but I find that it allows the mind to explore art in ways that were previously impossible. If music had a visible form, I'm sure it would look like that."

Scarlett was suddenly aware of how quiet it was, how isolated the two of them were. She fidgeted with her black silk gloves, looking around before meeting the Italian's eyes. "So Lucca, what is it that you wanted to chat about?"

RE: Bright Young Thing || Prince & Ariamella

[IMG=150x112]http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a582/paramoremcr88/20810ce9f4bf1b5238f2989b055ecda5_zpsda706485.jpg[/img]

Lucca Carbone

---

Ruby's giggle was adorable and Lucca found himself chuckling along.

"What are you worried about? I don't bite. I'm a gentleman," he replied to calm her fears. He didn't blame her. A girl by herself in a speakeasy, even a nice one like this, should be a little cautious about going into a backroom with a man she hardly knew. Especially if the man was a notorious and dangerous gangster.

The girl had pluck though, and something seemed to change her mind. Lefty was pleased she agreed without some arm twisting, he didn't like being rough with women ever. While they could talk out here at the bar, he had a strange urge to be alone with her. The intimacy of their earlier meeting, unwitnessed by anyone, had lingered in his mind and become almost magical given the strange abilities she had shown him. Ruby was a woman with secrets, a mystery he wanted to solve, and such explorations were better done in private.

Lucca offered her his elbow and escorted her across the nearly empty club to his private office. The feeling of her at his side was surprisingly thrilling. She was a high class looker and the eyes of the men in the room followed her with open interest. Lefty grinned in a little flash of pride, knowing all of them would kill to have a girl like this on their arms.

"The painting? Oh that was a gift," replied Lucca after they'd entered his office and Ruby had noticed the nicest piece of art he owned. He was suddenly glad he had kept the piece, which had actually been taken from a wealthy man who had a gambling problem. It turned out to be too hot to fence, the man had reported it as stolen to get the insurance money, so Lucca had to go back and collect cash as well. He'd still kept the painting as he liked it, plus it added some class to his otherwise modest office. None of the other girls he'd had in the room had even noticed it, let alone known its name! "I did a guy a favor once and that's how he repaid me."

They were standing in the room, Ruby a couple feet away from him and Lefty eyed her figure as she spun around while completing her inspection. The dress she wore was short, but not quite scandalously so. As a connoisseur of clothing, he could tell the lace and satin material was expensive and the cut was exquisite, tailored perfectly to her lithe form. Tasteful, but expensive, jewelry accented the black outfit and her shoes shone like they were brand new. Ruby definitely had money, and lots of it.

"You are looking quite lovely tonight, got a hot date?" Lucca asked with a chuckle.

"You made quite an impression on me the other night. The dice, the warning, and the way you vanished," Lucca said, looking thoughtful. "I'm good at finding people in this city, but you are still a bit of a mystery. I'd like to learn a little bit more about you and your talents. What is your full name? Where do you live? How can I get in touch with you? And most importantly, how can I get your help given your special... skills."

There were more questions in his mind that he didn't ask, including whether she was dating someone and how she felt about Italian gangsters as lovers, but there was plenty of time to explore those topics later. Alone now and standing only a couple feet away, she was overwhelming the tall, dark hair man's senses and making his head spin like he'd been drinking! She was a sexy enigma, a magical, mysterious and tantalizing sprite that seemed to appear and vanish at will. How he longed suddenly to hold her tight and keep her next to him, to make her his and never let her go. It was odd, this strong desire he felt, for Lefty was used to woman throwing themselves at him and his normal decision was choosing which doll to bed each night. But Ruby wasn't a floozy that he could snap his fingers at and obtain, she was a prize from outside his normal world and that status made her even more desirable. It'd been years since there had been something that Lefty wanted that he couldn't just take. And Ruby was making him feel young again by virtue of the challenge she posed, like he was an awkward schoolboy again obsessed with a girl that was too good for him.

How was it possible that she was making him feel like this, after just two brief meetings?

RE: Bright Young Thing || Prince & Ariamella

The guilt that Scarlett felt when Lucca asked about her date came like a crushing weight upon her shoulders and she hastily looked away, unable to meet his eyes. Even though she said nothing in the moment, it would be painfully obvious that she did indeed have a date or at least something that would cause her to feel guilty at being alone with him behind closed doors. And even worse, her conscience had gone so far as to ask whether Brian would approve, but she already knew the answer to that. Lucca, or Lefty as the rest of Chicago knew him, was made out to be a notorious killer obsessed with wine, women and wealth, all of which were obtained illegally. Whether those allegations were true or not was debatable, but there was one thing for certain: Lucca Carbone was a dangerous man. Tall, dark and handsome, yes, but thrillingly dangerous all the same.

"I have something like that planned, yes," was all she said at last, twirling a stray strand of wavy mahogany hair that fell over her shoulder, tickling her collarbone. His confession didn't surprise her; Penelope had been just as captivated when she first learned about Scarlett's little secret.

"The dice was the easiest way for me to show you that I was telling the truth. Had I just insisted with words, you probably wouldn't have believed me and thought me a liar and a cheat who conned your casinos out of money. I'm glad you heeded my warning though. " A slight frown turned down her full, red lips. "It was only until afterwards that I realized exactly who you were, but I guess that really doesn't matter to me. As for the way I vanished, I simply walked out the door hidden by the tapestry," she said matter-of-factly, the alcohol in her system boosting the uppity nature that all socialites carried.

What did surprise her was his questions about getting into contact with her, and she immediately shook her head. She was a Westin! Westins couldn't be caught fraternizing with the likes of Lucca "Lefty" Carbone. Another giggle sounded, but it was in response to the scene flashing through Scarlett's mind, on how Philip would respond to an Italian gangster phoning their home and asking to speak with Scarlett.

"My name is Ruby, and I don't think I'd like giving you my last name," she said, an almost snobbish tone coloring her voice. "I can't tell you where I live, I really can't let you get in touch with me, and no, I won't help you. I'm a lady, not an object to be used for your personal gain." The last sentence came out harsher than she intended it to, but the way Lucca said his words reminded her of Brian and the suspicions of his interest in her being only for his political gain. She wasn't stupid and she knew how many people would suddenly want her help if they knew of her gift. Penelope was different being her best friend, but she barely knew Lucca. How could she trust him?

Her blue eyes pierced into the dark brown eyes the man who stood in front of her, and she was suddenly caught by the intensity of his gaze. It was... Sexy. There was no other way to describe it, how the manner of his gaze melted her insides and made them turn upside down. She had gotten something of a similar feeling with one other man while she was in Paris, but that encounter ended badly as he was already betrothed and trying to court other women. But the look Lucca gave her now... It was dark and delicious, and she got the distinct feeling he wanted much more from her than just her name and place of residence. It wasn't until she started getting dizzy that she realized she had been holding her breath, and she stumbled backwards a bit, bumping the wall behind her as she tried to right herself. The bourbon that she had so hungrily downed only added to her lack of stability, and it became clear to her having a chat with this man may have actually been a bad idea.

"Excuse me," Scarlett pushed herself off the wall, "but I really think I should be going now. I most definitely cannot keep my date waiting."

RE: Bright Young Thing || Prince & Ariamella

[IMG=150x112]http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a582/paramoremcr88/20810ce9f4bf1b5238f2989b055ecda5_zpsda706485.jpg[/img]

Lucca Carbone

---

The fact that Ruby had a date shouldn't have bothered Lucca. He'd met this girl only twice and she was some rich brat that was not in his league of woman, as tough as that was to admit. She could be engaged for all he knew. But the guilty look in her eyes which had been, he thought at least, flirting with him slightly before that, stirred some strange emotions. Suddenly, the idea that some other guy was going to enjoy her company tonight and have a chance at more than conversation seemed intolerable to the hardened gangster.

The feelings that Ruby had stirred, of being this unattainable prize from high society blessed with a special talent seemingly perfect for Lucca's ruthless world, seemed to sharpen at the idea that there was some other guy out there that was going to have her. Some guy that probably didn't deserve her, wouldn't value her for all her talents, and was born into wealth. She was going to be just another unearned trophy in the collection of some rich, college boy whose parents were in the right country club.

It all seemed like such a waste. No one could want her more than him. No would would find her as precious. And no one could love her like he could.

Ruby was replying, trying to fend off his questions with giggles at first. What did she find so funny? But then she was showing her backbone, refusing to answer his burning questions about who she was and how he could stay in touch with her. The questions he wanted answered most. Her refusal smarted like a rejection and made Lefty frown. It had been a very long time since Lefty had been rejected by a girl, he'd have to go back to his teenage years most likely to think of one. A flush crept across his neck as she talked, a mix of newfound anger at her refusal to tell him more and a sudden, needy desire to not let her escape again. She did make him feel like a schoolboy, he realized, like an awkward, bumbling fool with no confidence. A child not a man.

It wasn't who he truly was.

Ruby had been backing up as she talked and Lefty had been following her. It wasn't a conscious action, he had just felt the need to stay close to her. But the act, like a cat stalking a fluttering bird, was bringing Lucca back into the mindset of acting like a man again. Perhaps she didn't realize how powerful and dangerous he truly was, hadn't seen the respect he was given by others. She'd likely never had a real man before, just tennis playing, soft and spoiled boys with limp cocks. Lucca was dangerous, dark, handsome, and very much a grown man. There was no doll that was out of his league, no matter who her parents were. And he always got what he wanted.

Ruby's back hit the wall to her surprise and he saw her startle, suddenly realizing with Lefty advancing on her that she was effectively trapped. Their eyes locked and he felt something click, some raw chemistry that had been brewing since their first meeting and had spilled over into tonight. The catalyst might have been the pulse racing thrill of danger from the situation she was in, alone with a reputed criminal who had her against the wall. But there was that other feeling as well, the acknowledgement of the unbridled sexual desire he had for her that he sensed she had for him as well. Their eyes had already stripped each other naked to the soul and he felt like he might as well be fucking her given the intensity and barely hidden passion in their mutual gaze.

Ruby tried to push off the wall, giving another weak protest about having to leave, which only moved her closer to him. Lefty responded by planting one hand on the wall by her head and resting his other hand on her hip, eyes never leaving her.

"Let me to convince you to stay, for just a second more," Lucca murmured and then lowered his mouth to kiss her full, red lips. The force of his kiss pushed her back against the way as his powerful body pressed against her slender form. It was a hot, deep and passionate kiss, Lucca's mouth opening and tongue slipping out almost immediately to swirl with Ruby's as all the pent up and repressed desire of the past several days seemed to pour out of the tall man's body through their locked mouths. The gangster forgot everything as he tasted Ruby for the first time, his upcoming meeting with a rival, the girl's mysterious powers, her pampered upbringing, and his need to know who she was. All he cared about was that she was finally in his arms and kissing him. Between panting breaths, he broke the kiss briefly to murmur, "Don't be scared of me. I need you to stay, I need you Ruby."

RE: Bright Young Thing || Prince & Ariamella

Scarlett shouldn't have let him back her against the wall. She shouldn't have gazed at him like he was all she wanted, and she definitely shouldn't have found satisfying exhilaration in the proximity of their bodies. Somewhere deep inside her mind, it registered that the proper thing to do was duck under Lucca's arm and admonish him for being so forward with her. But did she want to do that? It was obvious to her that the ansswer was no, so she kept her eyea on him, watching and waiting to see what he would do.

He was all she could sense -- the deep, penetrative gaze of his smoldering dark eyes, the heat of his hand resting against her hip that seemingly sent charges of electricity from his palm to the skin underneath the lace and satin, the silence of the air around them except for their shared deep breathing, and the heady scent of his cologne enveloping her in its warmth. She didn't even get the chance to say "okay," and his lips were already on hers, binding her to him.

Sudden warmth rolled through her body, slowly heating her to a boiling point as Lucca's mouth expertly devoured her. He was no bumbling idiot like the boys she'd dated in the past, including those in France. There was no awkwardness, no nervous shifting, no overly hungry hands touching her in inappropriate places on that first sweet kiss. It was everything she had ever dreamed of -- passionate and perfect -- and she knew that Lucca was a man that knew what he wanted and how to get it. It was all in his body language.

Rather than hold her down by his arms, he pinned her against the wall with his hips, clutching her hip tenderly with that one hand. And as his mouth met hers, it wasn't the alien, invasive sensation that she so often got but a slow, sensual first taste that was more like an intimate exploration than anything else. And explore they did, tongues dancing and touching seductively while their breathing came together. It was amazing, breathtaking even, as he slowly lit her body aflame with desire.

"I need you, too," Scarlett breathed out automatically in response, sharing the same need to be close to him. It was a dizzying sensation as they hardly knew each other, but the look in his eyes was enough to set her of fire. She grinned up at him and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him once more, arms snaking around his neck to pull him even closer. Yes, she needed this. She needed him up against her body. But wait...

One hand came down and lifted his hand from her hip, sliding it upwards so that it cupped one of her breasts. Oh yes, this was much better. Scarlett pushed her chest into him and brought her arm up again, fingers tangling in the slicked hair as she drank him in. The warmth of his palm was exhilarating, sending tingles through her body and a jolt of desire deep in her lower belly.

"Touch me," she whispered against him, issuing a soft groan as she took his bottom lip between her teeth and tugged. He was all man, no boy, and she loved that about Lucca. Her hands explored his shoulders and biceps through his suit, finding them strong and teasing as to what the rest of his body looked like. She pushed herself into him more aggressively now, wanting him just as much as he wanted her.

RE: Bright Young Thing || Prince & Ariamella

[IMG=150x112]http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a582/paramoremcr88/20810ce9f4bf1b5238f2989b055ecda5_zpsda706485.jpg[/img]

Lucca Carbone

---

Lucca was lost in his kiss, his entire world focused around the warm, wet lips that brushed against his own. He had forgotten everything, his mind completely focused on exploring the mysteries of the mouth pressed against his own, his senses full of the taste, feel and smell of Scarlett. And he wanted still more. Their kiss had become a sucking, intense, and deep union, setting off sparks of desire that were turning his body into a bonfire of need. He wanted her, had felt that way from the first moment he saw her. And now, he needed her as well. Not just her mouth, or her body, but all of her. His lucky charm.

"I need you, too."

Scarlett's words sent a hot rush of passion through Lucca's body and he was suddenly aware of more than just her mouth. Her arms were wrapped around his neck and she was pulling him tight against him. No longer was Lucca the sole aggressor, she wanted him just as badly as he desired her. The girl's nubile body was pressed against his muscular frame, her breasts crushed against his chest as they moved together. His cock was fully hard, pointing down one leg of his trousers and rubbing against Scarlett's thighs with every twist of their bodies.

And then she moved his hand, sliding it up her taut stomach to cup one of her breasts as Lucky shifted slightly to free it from his chest. The feel of her soft mound in his palm opened a whole new world to explore and their kisses slowed as he kneaded, caressed, and eventually roughly squeezed that round globe. His thumb found her nipple, hard and swollen, poking up through her bra and dress and he rubbed it as his body pressed her harder against the wall.

"I fucking need you. Now," Lucca grunted as he shifted again, the hand on the wall moving down her face, tracing her jawline, and then plunging lower. It dragged down her throat, delved through the valley between her breasts, and went lower still. Straight down her stomach, over her bellybutton and briefly over the apex of her thighs before he crouched to reach below the hem of her dress. He tugged the flimsy, black material up roughly, hiking it to her hips, before the hand reached back down to rest on her stocking covered inner thigh. It crept up slowly this time as he kissed her with new fire, fingertips reaching bare flesh before his entire hand finally cupped her sex over her panties, holding her womanhood in his palm like a ripe peach. She felt so hot, like her sex might burn his hand, and the dampness in the thin fabric made her arousal undeniable. His hand moved on her core now, fingers rubbing her swollen lips as his palm ground against the nub of her clit. Holding her like this felt perfect, like he was made to do it. "I need this."

The fingers curled up, clawing the damp fabric of her underwear together and pulling it from her sticky folds. He tugged it down fiercely, pushing it to her knees before he used his foot drag off the flimsy scrap of cloth that had dared try to block his hand. His palm smacked back up, seizing her again by her mound and making a wet thwack. Her juices oozed onto his bare flesh as his fingers rippled in her slit, fluttering in her lips and darting deep at times, while his elbow began to move and pump his palm against her burning hot slit. He rubbed her slowly, fueling her passion, as his mouth kissed down her jawline and reached her neck. While sucking and kissing that tender flesh, the hand on her breast moved up to pull down one of the straps of her dress, baring her bra. The cup was pressed up insistently, freeing the mound he had been kneading, and suddenly he had her most intimate naked flesh in both his hands, the feeling making him moan out load. Fuck, it felt so good to touch her like this. Like she wanted.

"Oh god, fuck, you drive me crazy."

RE: Bright Young Thing || Prince & Ariamella

"Ahh," Scarlett sighed against the hungry lips that devoured her and lit her entire being on fire. She was all moans and groans, sighs and gasps, head swimming with hot desire that also coursed through her veins. A sharp gasp left her when Lucca's fingers brushed across the hardened nipple. Had it been an accident...? He did it again, and then she knew he had done it on purpose. The action was like a direct wire to her groin, and each rub against the strained, sensitive nub sent lust directly to her groin. God, she hadn't wanted any man as badly as she did now. He was confident, manly, powerful and oh-so delicious with the way he touched her. His hand blazed a trail down her body, stopping in just the right places that made her needy and breathless. The experience was completely new to her, not just because she was a virgin but because the feelings Lucca sparked were things that had never surfaced until now. And she loved every moment of it, even making noises of encouragement when he lifted her dress.

It was almost a dizzying experience, feeling him tease the skin of her inner thigh, the wait almost unbearable. And finally, he reached the valley between the top of her thighs, holding her mound in his hand. The simple touch through the panties to her lips made her moan appreciatively against his lips, a spike of arousal traveling down her back and taking form in a rush of wetness that hit her sex hot and sudden. How was he making her feel like this already? She hugged him closer, lips parted in an "O" shape as he started to move his fingers. "Oh Lucca, yes," Scarlett breathed when he removed her panties. That was so... hot, seeing his carnal desire and full passion. "Yes!" she cried out when she finally felt his long fingers slide through her folds, teasingly easing a slight way into her core and spreading her hot juices around. It was slow, seductive and carefully calculated to make her lose herself in the heat, which was quickly working. Her head rolled to the side to let Lucca's talented lips have better access to the sensitive flesh there, and she sighed contently. She was aroused, wet and being given the most excellent treatment she had ever received. None of the boys she fooled around with had ever used their hands like this.

"You're quite a talented man, Mr. Carbone," Scarlett managed to say between panting breaths. "I think you have it backwards. It's you who makes me dizzy with all... This." She idly waved her hands around, not entire sure if he was even looking. Her own eyes were closed against the onslaught of tantalizing sensation. And even better was the feeling that she knew she was driving him crazy. The evidence was large and hard, pushing against her thighs and sending naughty thoughts through her head. Mhmm, yes, she wanted him as well. Unlocking her hands from behind his neck, she dragged them down against his body, reflecting what he had done to her. She started with his slightly stubbled cheeks, running her fingertips across his jawline before moving down to his neck, broad chest, hard stomach, muscular arms, and finally down to the trouser leg that housed his erection. Lightly running her nails on the outside outline of his cock, a small mewl rose from her throat. "I want you, Lucca, very badly."

It was her turn to play that game. It was exciting, yet another first for her, and she was loving every moment. Taking her time, she unbuckled the belt to his pants, then the button, and then the zipper which she slid down at an excruciatingly slow pace. With a gentle push, she made the trousers fall to mid thigh, exposing his white boxer shorts underneath. And underneath that wasthe raised section that held his thick cock. Hesitantly, she reached a hand beneath the band of the shorts, gripping Lucca's length and moaning at the feel of holding him while he so sweetly ground his palm against the button of pleasure that made her insides melt and clench with need. He was surprisingly soft, the skin there smooth as she moved her hand to feel around his member, but when she squeezed it was remarkably hard. And... Big! A shiver ran down her back, full of desire, and she groaned into him as her lips found his once more.

An uncomfortable feeling settled in her stomach but she brushed it off quickly, only wanting to focus on the man in front of her. "Oh, god...," she sighed, grinding her hips into his palm now, moving in the slow time with his hand.

RE: Bright Young Thing || Prince & Ariamella

[IMG=150x112]http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a582/paramoremcr88/20810ce9f4bf1b5238f2989b055ecda5_zpsda706485.jpg[/img]

Lucca Carbone

---

"Yes, Ruby... fuck I want you so badly," Lucca panted out as the couple started to move in an unspoken rhythm. The feeling of her responding to him, getting wetter under his palm, nipples hardening under his fingers, and hips moving to meet his pumping arm, was arousing him more than Ruby could guess. Lucca loved beautiful women, they were his hobby, but unlike some of his more uncouth gangster colleagues that treated women like disposable entertainment, toys for getting off, Lucca lived to savor them like a fine wine. They should be relished, cherished, and enjoyed, every nuance of their unique flavors tasted fully. And nothing made sex sweeter than when a woman was enjoying their time together as much as Lucca was. He liked them aroused, lusty, and eager for his touch, desirous of his body and charmed by his tongue, not cowering in fear of his reputation.

And Ruby was definitely enjoying this impromptu moment of passion. He heard her teasing rebuttal, telling him what his fingers already had discovered, that she was turned on and just as eager for his touch as he was to touch her. Lucca's face, nuzzled at her neck, kissed down her chest and started to lick the breast his fingers had exposed. Squeezing it for his hungry mouth, he slathered the soft skin of that tender flesh with his saliva, tongue dragging around it in a slow circle that narrowed and closed in on her hard nipple like a bullseye. That erect bud became the center of his attention, his tongue circling it slowly at first, then flicking it teasingly. Finally, when it seemed to almost throb from his wet touch, Lucca took it into his mouth to suckle, using his tongue inside his mouth to continue to to circle it as his teeth grazed it lightly. He could easily suck on that perfect nub all day, but his mind started to think of even more delicious places to stick his tongue.

Just as that idea crossed his mind, Lucca felt Ruby's fingers gliding down his body, giving a slow and sensual exploration of his frame like it was some mysterious object she hungered to understand. Her questing fingers sent tingles of anticipation through his body as they moved lower and lower, teasing his stomach at last before working on his belt. Lucca had to lift his head and let out a moan of anticipation as she grazed his cock with her nails, the simple act making his cock twitch helplessly in his pants. He seized her nipple again in his mouth as she unbuttoned his trousers and left only the flimsy fabric of his boxers standing between his bare cock and those maddening hands. Another throaty groan came from his lips, vibrating her nipple in his mouth, when she slipped her hand inside his boxers to grab his shaft. In Lucca's aroused state, after days of obsessive searching for this mystery girl, the feeling of her pumping his cock was almost too much to bear, sending throbs of pleasure from his groin to his fevered brain.

He was going to have to fuck her right now, in his office, damn it all. It wasn't his style, he preferred beds and nights of wooing, but Lucca just couldn't wait any longer.

But, like a fine wine, there was indeed more to savor of Ruby before Lucca just drained the bottle like his body was urging him to do. With a concerted effort, he lifted his head and raised it again to her lips, kissing her softly as he leaned against her with his upper body. For a long moment, he stood like that, their lips brushing gently and his eyes half-closed, as they both were lost in the feeling of their hands moving below on their most intimate spots. The scent of Ruby's womanly musk was in the air and the soft wet, slurps of Lucca's fingers in her slit was barely audible. Her hand was sliding over Lucca's shaft in rhythm to Lucca's fingers, forcing moans of pleasure from the muscled man that sounded almost like whimpers at times. He could stay like this forever.

"Mhmm... fuck, I want to taste you, taste all of you," Lucca murmured at last, breaking the spell of mutual pleasure that had frozen them in place. He pulled away from Ruby, her hand forced off his throbbing manhood as he squatted down before her so his head was level with her dripping sex. Taking one of her stockinged legs, he lifted her knee and placed it on his shoulder, spreading her slit to his hungry eyes as he licked his lips in anticipation. She was like some dusky, wet flower, with petals unfolding before him. Her lips were flushed and swollen with her arousal, wrinkled folds full and dripping with sweet nectar. Beautiful. Unable to resist any longer, Lucca dove into her mound with his mouth, tongue out and questing as he began to kiss her other, more intimate pair of lips with the same passion and desire he'd just used on her face. His strong hands gripped her bare ass cheeks, squeezing them hard and holding her in place as he knew she would likely buck and squirm against his mouth.

Fuck, she tasted amazing. Her juices were tangy and ripe, a pussy made for licking. Like a hungry man given a fine steak, Lucca attacked her sex with an almost wild zest to devour it all. There wasn't much subtlety in his technique, just a burning, mad, and aggressive desire to lick, suck, kiss, and nibble her every inch of her mound and bury his face between her thighs. She was so wet he was quickly covered with her arousal, cheeks and chin glistening, and he made sure to drag his tongue through every crevice and fold within her sex, probing her entrance, circling the throbbing nub of her clit, and swirling between her puffy lips. For a long time he just tongue fucked her hole, teasing that tight entrance as his eyes stared up at her, but the wrinkled hood that covered her clit was too tempting in the end. He began to focus on that button of pleasure. Like the nipple he'd sucked minutes earlier, he lavished that bump with licks and flicks, making it thrum under his tongue. When she could take no more, he finally took it into his mouth to suck on, still teasing it with his tongue as his strong hands kept her firmly trapped against the mouth that was now trying to send her to an orgasm. He loved it when a girl came on his face, the sexyway their thighs quivered and squeezed his head and the thrill he got from experiencing every tremor of their body's climax through his mouth. He wanted to see Ruby cum, it was now an irrepressible need that filled his head. He would give her pleasure first and use that taste to make her crave yet more. If he could make her explode from just his mouth, she'd beg to feel what his cock might do to her.

A sharp, insistent knock on the door made Lucca pause, groaning into Ruby's slit as he scowled in annoyance. How long had that knocking been going on? Why would any of his men bother him right now? How could they not know... oh shit.

His meeting.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

RE: Bright Young Thing || Prince & Ariamella

Oh, no man had ever done this to her breast. These were the things that all young women wanted to know, things that were forbidden for them to know. At some point they all experienced it, given that they had adequate lovers and husbands, and Scarlett knew Lucca was probably one of the best as far as men went. The wet muscle against the sensitive skin on her chest made her moan out loud, and she raised the unoccupied arm up to his hair to grasp it and hold him there as he suckled her nipple. And when his teeth lightly rolled the nub between them, her knees went weak from the surprisingly intense pleasure the simple act had brought. "Very talented indeed," she mumbled almost incoherently, finding his lips again when he rose from her breast. She kept her eyes open, a look of wonder on her face as she watched his half lidded expression. His desire for her fueled her own hot lust, and her entire body seemed to sing at his touch, quivering delightfully at the expert fingers that explored her most intimate flesh.

"Taste all of me?" asked Scarlett in slight confusion, letting a small whine escape when he removed his fingers and traveled lower, looking up at her as he lifted one leg on his shoulder. Back pressed to the wall, looking down on Lucca as he stared at her sex was erotically intoxicating. She knew what he was about to do and wanted to tell him to stop because it was so embarrassing, but her body was frozen in place by the hungry, lustful sparkle in his eyes. She could feel his hot breath teasing her entrance, sending a rush of hot arousal there. She was already glistening with need, eyes wide as she waited for his next move. This was definitely something no one ever told her about, not even Penelope -- or had her best friend never experienced this with the boys she constantly had on her arm? It was exciting, baring her flesh like this, showing Lucca her wet folds and triangle of trimmed, neatly groomed dark red hair on her mound. Just when she wanted to scream at him to get on with it, he lowered his face to her.

"Ah, Lucca!" was ripped from her throat, husky and dark with desire. The first, soft and wet connection of his mouth to her sex made her gasp. She hadn't expected it to feel so... Good? Enjoyable? Breathtaking? There was no real way to descurib how it felt. There was only sighs and needy whimpers, the only way she could express how much it turned her on. With each delicious lick and suck, Lucca brought Scarlett to new heights of pleasure, clouding her mind with wave after wave of mind-numbing sensation. Her hips lifted up gently at first, a sensual response to the oral treatment as if offering more to his talented tongue. And as he took more, her movement became erratic and sudden, squirming uncontrollably while her sounds of pleasure raised in volume and pitch. He looked so sexy as he slid his tongue in and out of her virgin hole, and she could see a glimpse of enjoyment or amusement lighting up his eyes as he watched her. Did he like this, driving her insane with his mouth?

And just when she thought it couldn't get any better, his lips found the sensitive button of her clit. As they closed around it, she nearly convulsed at the wall of sensation that hit her hot and heavy. Oh my... This was definitely the best part, and Scarlett bucked her hips up to his face, the pleasure threatening to overwhelm her. "Oh god, yes, yes..." she mewled, feeling his hands tighten around her rear. It was hot knowing he wanted to keep her like this, and she wanted to keep it going. Before long, she felt an unfamiliar tug in her lower abdomen and deep within her core, squeezing and tightening delctably in time with Lucca's sucking. It was building, making her warm all over, and she desperately wanted to release it. A pressure of sorts filled her entire body, waiting for the right moment to let go. She prepared for it, clutching at her dress and Lucca's hair, and when it finally came, it was like someone had suddenly let a dam loose.

"Lucca!" she half-gasped, eyes scrunched tightly as she threw her head back against the orgasm, arms clutching his head to hold him there while her legs stiffened and pushed against him. She rolled her hips with each extreme pulse of the passionate climax, orbs rolling back beneath the lids as it hit her mind, filling it with a sharp, cutting pleasure. The girl writhed beneath his mouth and hands, coming loudly before slowly floating back down to Earth. Scarlett was shattered to a million pieces, her wits and brain thoroughly scattered in the back office of an illegal speakeasy. Heavy breaths heaved her chest up and down, and she was aware that the man's mouth was still on her, occasionally sending aftershocks up her spine and to her core.

A surprised squeak sounded throughout the room as a sharp rap against the door jolted her out of the afterglow of coming. Who was that? As her mind cleared, the uneasy feeling came back much stronger now, and all her instincts were pointing to whoever was right outside the door. Her eyes went round at the percent she read when tasting the danger in the air. 95%. Whatever presence was behind the door gave her an 95% of dying if she stayed here. It meant Lucca had the same fate; she could only assume it was him they were looking for as he was a gangster after all.

"Mr. Carbone," whispered Scarlett, "I think you have company." Her head fell down to look at him still kneeling in front of her open sex, and a flush crept over her face. "That was... Wonderful. A first for me, and it couldn't have been any better, I think." The young woman removed her stockinged leg from his shoulder and straightened her dress, completely forgetting about her panties in her shock of being interrupted. Lucca's hands were still behind her but covered by the skirt of her dress."But you must know that whoever is outside that door is very, very dangerous. I haven't the slightest clue what they're armed with but the chance of me -- and you -- ending up dead here is large. Much too large for comfort. Please, please be careful around them. I don't know how all this gangster business works, but I'd have protection around if I were you." She stared at him, wide eyed and still flushed, unable to tear her gaze away from his darkened eyes and his full lips that were coated with her juices. Oh, had she really been that aroused? Embarrassment mixed with satiafaction, deepening her blush, and a sad smile crossed her face. "I have to go Lucca. I can't be late for my, er, appointment."

Scarlett flicked her eyes away, feeling awkward at the mention of her date. Of course she wanted to see Lucca again, but how would she manage that? Philip always knew about calls for his daughter as Mary always notified him first, and she couldn't have a criminal call the judge's house! More importantly, she couldn't have Lucca knowing her father was Justice Westin. What might he do to her if he ever found out? She almost shuddered at the thought, imagining him becoming violent. No, that definitely would not work. But ... He could call on Penelope, and Penelope's name was much safer than giving him her own. Her best friend's parents rarely ever kept track of what their daughter did, and this would be no different than Penelope sneaking off at night to canoodle with whoever was snared in her charm. The girl was also good at keeping secrets for trusted friends, and Scarlett desperately needed Lucca to stay a secret. Yes ... That may work. She gazed down on him again, hungry for more but knowing she had to abstain from any more sexual activity. It wasn't proper for a young woman like herself, and she would feel awful meeting Brian after having a passionate encounter with the very man the federal agent despised!

RE: Bright Young Thing || Prince & Ariamella

Lucca was enjoying the wild ride Ruby was giving his mouth. As he had predicted, he needed both his hands gripping her firm ass to hold her in place for the tongue lashing he was giving her sweet pussy, and even then he was barely able to contain her squirming body. He suspected she might never have had a man kiss her sex before, never felt the anything similar to the pleasure he was so expertly giving her with his tongue and lips, and even, the thought was strangely arousing, might be a virgin still. Her passage was so tight, the firm muscle of his probing tongue could barely wriggle into it as he'd fucked her with with that slippery tool. She was turned on like no lady he'd eaten out before, writhing on his face, bucking her hips wildly, and squirming out of control. Her fingers raked trough his hair, clawing at him in her passion, but that passionate reaction only made him redouble his efforts with his mouth. He was completely drenched with her arousal by the time he's started to focus on her clit, juices leaking of his chin. Damn, she was unbelievable. So hot, so aroused, and so sexy as she moaned above him.

The sight of her face contorted in ecstasy was too much to pass up, and Lucca stared up at her as his sucking mouth on her clit drove her to what appeared to be a massive orgasm. His nose buried in her thatch of curly red hair, he watched her shuddering, gasping, whimpering and finally screaming climax with hungry eyes. The way she undulated above him, body wracked by waves of pleasure, made his own needy cock throb in sympathy. He could feel her quivering under his lips, her passage spasming and tightening as if trying to find a cock that wasn't there. And her legs and thighs were pulsing around his head, gripping and releasing him in a helpless, uncontrollable cycle to help her get a grip on the pleasure that wracked her body. It was an amazingly sexy cum, one that Lucca would normally have trumped with an even larger peak of pleasure given to her by his more than ready cock.

But not tonight.

Lucca cursed his bad luck as he lifted his glistening face from her tender, swollen folds. Although thoroughly pleasured, he thought her slit looked hungry for his cock and he gave it one last farewell lick, before he stood up and started to quickly get dressed. Ruby was in disarray and looked almost sick to her stomach now as she pulled herself together. Girls had it easy, just a pull down of their dress and a tuck in of their top. Lucca realized he had somehow acquired Ruby's panties in their coupling, and slyly tucked the wisp of damp, lacy fabric into his pocket.

"Fuck, fuck, I forgot about this guy. Dammit!" Lucca cursed as he tucked his shirt in and started to buckle his trousers. Ruby's words sent a chill through his spine. Even as distracted, horny and aroused as he was now, he knew her warnings were not to be taken lightly. The danger she felt seemed strong enough that she looked ill at ease, perhaps that was what had made her look sick even seconds earlier? Lucca paused for second, his mind spinning as he listened to her words. Grabbing a handkerchief, he wiped his face clean and then placed a pistol in his armpit holster and another in his suit outside jacket. Suddenly, Lucca was all business, sexual needs completely forgotten as his face went cold and lifeless. Ruby wanted to leave, but there was no way he'd let her slip from his grasp one more time, not when he had unfinished business with her. After a brush with death, kisses were even sweeter. He needed her here for after he finished his business. "No - don't go, just wait here. I need you here, tonight. I'll make this quick. Thanks for the warning, Ruby. I can't lose you again."

Lucca gave her stern look, emphasizing his command, and then kissed her deeply one last time fingertips touching her cheek, before he turned and placed his hat on his head as he exited the room. Skinny was waiting outside, looking anxious as always. Lucca's eyes flicked across the room and saw De'Angelo in the corner with two of his men. The bar had less than a dozen patrons at the early hour and Lucca took his time scrutinizing them. A couple usual heavy drinkers, a few couples partying before dinner or a show, and there at the bar, two men sat together looking a little self-conscious. Italian features and shifty eyes, one of them saw Lucca staring and turned away immediately.

"Skinny, De'Angelo is going to try to get a jump on us. The two men at the bar are armed and will jump us. I'm sure he's got a gun or two hidden on him and his men if you didn't frisk them everywhere," muttered Lucca in a low tone. The peace negotiation was a sacred act in the mafia, but that didn't mean dishonorable scum bags didn't try to abuse it to get an edge. Clearly, De'Angelo was plotting a surprise assault while Lucca and his men were sitting at the table with the backs to the two assassins. "Tell Joey at the bar to get his pistols and then go upstairs. I want our boys hiding at the staircase, as soon as those guys get up, have 'em jump out and kill them."

Lucca waited while Skinny went to the bar and gave Joey the warning, then saw him head upstairs to talk to the bouncer. He stayed in the dark corner, patiently studying the room as he plotted out angles, cover, and made sure he didn't miss anything else. After a couple minutes, the fat man returned and the two of them slowly started to walk across the speakeasy, heading towards De'Angelo's group in the corner. The grey haired Italian gangster and his two men rose as Lucca approached, all fawning and ingratiating smiles, trying their best to keep Lefty's eyes on them it seemed.

"Lefty! Nice joint you have here..." began De'Angelo when a flicker of movement in the corner of his eye alerted Lefty to the two men behind him moving. Without hesitation, he elbowed Skinny to the side and dove between two tables as he pulled both his pistols out. Gunshots exploded behind him, bullets hitting tables and sending splinters of wood into the air. The other patrons began screaming and chaos erupted. De'Angelo and his men had flipped their table up, tiny pistols they had shoved down their pants appearing in their hands. The two men behind Lucca were pinned down by heavy gunfire from Joey at the bar, and now, finally, he saw his men bounding out of the staircase, pistols drawn. Gunshots rang out everywhere, the air full of the smell of gunpowder and the screams of frightened drinkers. A few of the guests started running, heading towards the back exit by his office.

Lefty felt alive, heart pounding and every nerve of his body tingling. He was going to kill all these bastards.

Lucca left the room, leaving Scarlett feeling strangely empty and much to aroused for comfort. Her blood was still singing underneath her skin, senses still in overdrive and nether regions still tender from her first orgasm. There really was nothing like it in the world, pleasurable and painful at the same time like it would cause her to suddenly combust and burn into ashes. Oh yes, she was still riding the high of having been so exquisitely pleasured. A part of her felt dirty for having engaged in sexual acts with a man she barely knew, and another part of her wanted to go around and gloat about how good it felt. Did she want to see Lucca again? She sahook her head, knowing full well that the answer was and always would be yes. He was dangerous and positively not beneficial for her, for a number of reasons, but this a encounter with him only strengthened her desire for him. It was going to be messy but ... yes, she was bent on doing this. Taking a pen and a blank page from the notepad on his desk, she scrawled out in liltiing, feminine cursive:

Mr. Carbone,

If you want to get in touch with me, send a message to the girl I was with a few days ago. Her name is Penelope Hayes. Please do try and be discreet. Despite knowing I should stay away, I find myself thinking rather fondly of you. Thank you for tonight.

Until we meet again,
Ruby​

She wondered what he would think of the Penelope's surname, as it was the same name that branded Hayes Steel as well as Hayes Shipbuilding Corporation. Penelope's face was all over the society sections of the paper, and Scarlett would have to be careful now if she was ever photographed. She enjoyed being Ruby, a total mystery and a normal high class woman without the weight of the Westin name on her shoulders. Kissing the paper and leaving a light lipstick stain near her signed name, she placed it on top of the ledger. Just as she had done so, the screams of the remaining patrons made her whip her head toward the open door, face paling as the sudden rain of bullets rang through the air. The uncomfortable feeling in her stomach seemed to drop to her feet, making her feel sick. She had to get out of there - but where were her panties? Searching the floor, she desperately tried to find the satin and lacey material but to no avail. Another round of shots colored the atmosphere; she would just have to leave them. It was getting late anyway, and Brian was most likely waiting for her at the restaurant already. Damn her for not keeping better track of time!

Stepping out of the office, she followed the running guests to a back door and stepped out, taking one last look before heading out into the Chicago evening. The walk to the restaurant wasn't far, but it was only troublesome because of the thoughts of Lucca swimming around in her head. Was he going to be okay? Would make it out alive? Would she be able to see him again? Dear God, she wanted to see him again. More lewd ideas colored her thoughts, making her shift uncomfortabley from side to side as she walked. Light dampness gathered at her core once more at the memory of her tryst with the hansosme Italian, and a blush creeped over her cheeks, making her feel hot against the cool evening air. It was difficult to not think about it; it dominated her mind, shadowed only by the bullet sounds that were forever imprinted in her brain.

Finally she reached the meeting place, grimacing as she read the time. 6:50. She had kept the agent waiting a full 20 minutes! Could she blame it on being fashionably late? Or maybe she could say that she whad absolutely nothing to wear and took a while getting properly primped for her date. The restaurant was almost obnoxiously high class, fitted in luxurious gold ornamentation and heavy velvet drapery ... A place her father had recommended, swearing up and down that it was one of the finest cuisines in the city.

"Miss Westin," a man greeted her, holding the door open. "How may we help you this evening?"

"Has a Mr. Brian Grady been seated?" Scarlett asked, "I'm to meet him tonight."

"Ah, of course," the man replied, a curious twinkle in his eyes. She knew he wanted to know more of whatever relationship she had with the federal agent. "This way, please," he said, leading her through the restaurant and to the table for two.

[IMG=200x112]http://cdn.mos.totalfilm.com/images/g/gangster-squad-releases-nine-new-character-posters-122500-09-470-75.jpg[/img]

Brian Grady

---

Brian scowled as he adjusted his tie again, studiously avoiding making eye contact with any of the other diners in the restaurant. He refused to look at his watch again but he guessed he had been sitting alone for almost twenty minutes by now at this small table for two. Long enough that he was growing paranoid that the hushed conversations around him were other patrons snickering at him for obviously being stood up by his date.

This was insulting.

The damned rich and their spoiled children. Brian could understand being 5 minutes later, or even 10 minutes, but now Scarlett was pushing half an hour! A waiter across the room made eye contact with him, raising a metal pitcher of water in inquiry. The annoyed federal agent hurriedly shook his head 'no' as he'd already had two refills so far and was starting to wonder if a trip to the men's room was in order.

Every inch of the absurdly pretentious restaurant, Fratelli's, had already been inspected by Brian out of boredom. The thick, dark blue oriental carpet was matched with heavy purple drapes held in place by gold tasseled ropes. Ornate chandeliers hung from a ceiling rich with patterned yellow inlays and gold trimmed crown moldings. The waiters, of course, were in full tuxedos and even the other guests managed to make Brian feel shabby in one of his best suits. He couldn't believe how many of the men dining tonight were wearing tuxedos as well. Who does that? They probably had society parties later tonight or some other high class event.

Brian had already memorized the menu after reading it so many times, but with a sigh he flipped the heavy leather cover open again just to have something to do. The worst part of the evening was that Fratelli's cuisine was Italian. Given Brian's line of work, he had come to hate Italian food with a passion. Not that it didn't taste good, his stomach rumbled hungrily at the thought, rather he just avoided Italian food on principle given how that nation'a criminal element had apparently been exported to American with pasta and spaghetti sauce. While he was sure many Italians were honest folk, this gaudy and expensive restaurant just seemed like another Mafia front designed to launder dirty money. How could Dagos afford all this? And even convince high society folks to come eat here? He wouldn't mind if the whole lot of them just got shipped back to the "old country." That would fix the gangster problem, for sure.

"Miss Westin, Sir."

The haughty voice of the Maître d' interrupted Brian from his sulking. It took him a second to process the words, but the sight of Scarlett at long last hit him like a bucket of ice water. Fuck. She was gorgeous. Her auburn hair practically shimmered in the warm lighting of the restaurant, and the black dress she had on, while obviously expensive, was scandalously short and hugged her curves in a fashion that left little and too much to his imagination at the same time. She was like a precious stone, sparkling like a ruby and dazzling anyone who looked at her.

Brian stared in slack jawed appreciation for half a second as she approached the table, before he hastily slid his chair back and stood up to give her the always fashionable cheek kiss the aristocracy seemed to favor.

"Scah-lett, I was beginning to worry I was being stood up," said Brian with a twinkle. He let the Maître d' assist her with her chair, as was proper in these places, and sat down himself a second later. "Don't apologize. It was no inconvenience at all. Plus, I'm sure you have a good excuse."

As they sat across from each other, Brian studied her face in greater detail. Scarlett's hair was tousled, a bit wilder than the well groomed look she had at her house the other night. It was almost as if she had run her fingers through her locks to purposely make herself look more wild. And underneath the light makeup, her porcelain skin was flushed and ruddy, almost rosy in hue. She seemed alive, full of energy, and almost glowing with some inner heat that warmed Brian as he looked at her. Even her lipstick seemed smudged slightly, as if she'd put it on wildly. The combination of changes, plus the candle lit table they sat at, cast her in an entirely different light this evening than when Brian had met her with her father. She was suddenly a sensual, tempting, smoldering, and very sexual creature.

Perhaps Scarlett was going to be more fun than Brian had imagined. His smile grew larger as he let his sparkling blue eyes bore into hers.

"So nice to see you again, Mr. Grady," Scarlett greeted him smoothly, barely having to lift her face to offer him her cheek as he leaned down slightly to kiss it.

She regarded him with warm eyes even though they quickly flicked up and and down his form, silently appraising him. He looked good, maybe even enticingly so, even if he wasn't dressed in the same luxurious tuxedos as the other patrons in the restaurant. In fact, a part of her liked that he wasn't dressed as the pompous society men were, especially because she certainly wasn't dressed as the snobbish women out on their own dates were. While they were clad in floor length gowns made of silks, satin, and velveteen material, finished with intricate beadwork and a fur stole to shield them from the evening chill, Scarlett's own dress was far from that. It was simple, black lace over forest green silk, and more than that, it was short. But then again she was Scarlett Westin, Chicago socialite and trendsetter, and this wouldn't be the first time her style of clothing would most likely be frowned upon, only to appear on the bodies of the younger socialites and upper-middle class women.

Daintily the young woman sat in her chair, an irrepressible nervous laugh slipping past her lips when Brian uttered the words: "Plus, I'm sure you have a good excuse."

Did she? Her steely blue orbs shined with unspoken amusement, fueled by the bourbon that ran through her veins and whatever lingered of the sexual afterglow, and the corners of her lips turned up in curious delight at the thought that she had her own secrets to keep. Briefly she wondered how he would react if he found out where she had just been. Upset, maybe? Would he go running off to Judge Westin about how naughty of a girl his daughter was? Scarlett let these thoughts run through her mind as she sipped a glass of water that had already been set down in at her place on the table, noticing for the first time that the federal agent seemed to regard her in a familiar way...

Ah, she suddenly recognized, it was the same way Lucca had looked at her. Funny how these things had never been obvious to her until, oh, about an hour ago. With astonishing clarity, she could see the look on Brian's face was one that expressed muted desire and obvious appreciation, perhaps mixed with the slight hunger of a masculine, predatory gaze. It made her giddy with some unidentifiable emotion - the fact that she was able to affect the two men in such a way - and drunk off the attention, she thought it might be fun to take the small dinner game she had played the night at her house, and amplify it here at Fratelli's. Her father was absent, and it wasn't like any of the diners who knew her would rat about her dinner behavior. If anything, they would most likely care that she wasn't joining them afterwards for dress party held at the Holland Manor. Not that she wanted to go anyway. It was most likely going to be filled with constant socializing with crotchety old men who were forced to attend with their spoiled wives instead of spending the night with their mistresses. No, she thought, dinner with Brian Grady was a much better choice.

Unable to pull her bright eyes from his gaze, and maybe just a bit bold from the alcohol in her system, Scarlett opened the menu, took a sip from the glass of water, then asked, "So, Mr. Grady, is there anything you find particularly delectable this evening?" She purposely let a silence fall between them for just a moment before continuing, an innocent smile resting on her face. "From the menu? I do apologize for keeping you waiting, but by now you must have discovered an item that is undeniably irresistible; positively enticing; one that makes you want to savor every little bit of it..." Finally, her eyes shifted from the agent's face to the words printed on heavy paper, inspecting the list of food.