OOC: This thread is open by requests! If interested, don't hesitate to PM me :D
Trest was picking his teeth, but if you asked him, he'd deny it. But there had been some gristle stuck since dinner, and there was one thing he overly pride himself in, and it was his devilishly handsome good looks. His teeth's health were than of equal importance, and the new fad of 'brushing' one's teeth was not lost on him. So when the pesky gristle remained lodged, he kept at it, gums bleeding a little until finally, the tooth pick dug in at just the right angle and the gristle was freed.
Sinking back into his chair, he sighed with relief, took a few seconds to look at his face in the small, desk mirror again before inspecting how a small shaving nick from yesterday was healing. And considering all things on his check list were accounted for (as he just did his book keeping thrice now since supper), Trest, also known to his fellow thieves as 'The Hawk', was positively bored.
Perhaps he should have taken that last assignment for himself, but at the time he didn't want to be bothered. After all, he hadn't slept a wink that night and had a few more than eager new recruits who wanted a job. But though he as growing complacent being behind the desk rather than working out 'in the field', he did miss the thrill of thievery- though not entirely the guilt. At least where he was, with boots propped up on his desk and relaxed back, the guilt was only second hand, so much easier to stomach.
Besides, jobs were jobs, right? Everyone had their place and it just so happened he fell into the thieving category. And not just any thief! But a leader among them! So, while dreadfully bored, he flipped open a drawer near his side and leafed through some items that were in there. Pulling out a small, green leather book; he flipped to the marked page and tried to resume where he had left off, and soon was immersing himself so deeply into his novel that his nose was basically stuffed into the pages and...
Moments later, he was snoring.
He must have needed more sleep than he thought, for the sudden, rattling fall of the dumbwaiter hadn't stirred him, and in fact, it just so happened at the same time he elicited a loud snore. So perhaps it was that drowning out the woman's ungraceful consequential actions of adventuring into unknown territory...
But the sleeping Hawk was none the wiser, head slumped over into his book, one arm resting over his belly, and worn, leather boots propped upon the desk. And if it weren't for the sporadically paced snores, he might look partially dead the way he was draped and almost unmoving.
Jynx swore mentally at the creaking, rattling racket the dumbwaiter caused. She froze in place, but no one in the room seemed to notice. Letting out a soft breath, she crept out of the small box, wincing as her spine finally uncurled after so long. She looked around, eyes training onto the man asleep at the desk. So this was the infamous Hawk, huh? Jynx smirked. He didn't look like much- sure he was handsome enough, but what self-respecting thief left himself that open? She shook her head and rolled her eyes, then quickly snapped back into sneak mode.
Wow. There were certainly plenty of baubles and trinkets- some more valuable than others- that she could have grabbed and been on her way. But she needed something specific, and according to her source it was here. And it had better be; she hadn't come all the way from Zantaric for a dead end.
Raising her right hand, she drew one of her knives from the sheath strapped to her thigh and pricked her finger, letting the trickle of blood run into her palm before she clenched her hand into a fist, murmuring, "Tiameth, come to me."
There was a tugging sensation in her gut and the air in front of her shimmered, then warped as a small demon fluttered onto her plane. She most closely resembled a tiny fox, but with bat wings instead of front legs and a mix of black and deep crimson fur. Tiameth flapped over to her, perching on her head and chirping softly.
"Shh," Jynx hissed, glancing nervously at the sleeping man. She grabbed the demon by the scruff of her neck and pulled her off her head to look into her pointed little face. Semi-intelligent, bright green eyes blinked at her. "You know what to do," she told her, voice barely above a breath, and let her go.
Tiameth glided around the room, whiskered nose twitching. Jynx began to relax, just a bit. She was the best tracker demon she had, and small enough that she was perfect for stealth missions.
CRASH!
Usually. Jynx closed her eyes. "Oh, fu-"
The dreams were sweet- a woman and wine and a fine bed. It definitely wasn't something he wanted to be disturbed from. A smile itched across his lips, as snores continued, which were only broken up by soft giggles and little puddles of drool dribbling down his chin.
Yes, he was normally more alert than this- but a sexy dream with a sexy woman whom he was about to get lucky with-
Was just enough of a distraction for him not to hear the approach of another. But the crash was a whole other story.
"What the-"
He had been leaning back in his chair, and the crash startled him- and sent him flying backwards in his chair, creating his own little crash as well, as he was painfully winded, laying there on his back side, staring up at his ceiling.
"Okay, who do I have to kill for ruining my nap?" he sighed from where he lay, seeming in no real hurry to get up. He just presumed it was one of his stupid underlings again. They always ruined his naps. Then again.. maybe he napped too muhc as of lately. He grew a bit worried his stomach was becoming... too soft.
Jynx sighed, clenching her fist and whispering, "Return through the Veil." Tiameth disappeared with a small pop, the sheaf of papers and the remains of some metal trinket she had knocked off the Hawk's desk the only evidence of her presence. Cursing quite colorfully in her head, Jynx moved toward the window, hoping maybe she could still get out of this.
Don't get up, don't get up, don't get up, she chanted silently, moving one foot at a time with careful precision. Damnit all, one shot at this and the stupid demon blew it.
Although still on the floor, he could hear her enough to know someone was trying to get out. He turned his head in her direction, seeing a shadowy figure moving towards the window. That's when he kicked his leg forward to hit a wooden lever under his desk- and suddenly a pair of wooden bars snapped infront of the window. He sat up.
"Going somewhere?"
Fuuuuuuck... Jynx scowled at the bars, planting her fists on her hips. The she fixed a smile to her face, as charming as she could make it, and spun on her heel to face the desk. "Why, you know, I was just thinking I might stay awhile." She popped a hip and leaned against the wall, smoothly hiding one hand behind her back and white knuckling the hilt of her knife.
The 'Hawk' was standing beside his desk now, his hip leaning against it and arms folded across his chest. He simply eyed the woman when she openly revealed herself.
"I don't know... though it seems I put up the invitation for you to do so.." Trest went on with a sigh. "I think I might extend that invitation to the town's jail. They have really good porridge you know," he went on, idly examining his nails. Was that a hang nail?
Jynx bared her teeth. She so did not need this right now. Come on, think, there had to be a way out, there was always a way out.
Suddenly the scar across her face twinged and a deep, rasping voice hissed through her mind: I could take care of him for you...
"No," she murmured, hoping the man wouldn't hear. Raising her voice, she said, "As tempting as that offer is, I'm sure we don't need to go that far." A mock pout graced her lips. "Come now, it's not like I've done any real harm, is it?" She batted her eyes. Despite the scar, she could be quite charming when she put her mind to it.
HE looked at her- unamused, and also with a look that said he wasn't buying it.
"If that's the case... you won't mind if I ask you to empty your pockets." He gave a gesture, mostly with is wrist. "All of your pockets."
Jynx's smile turned into a snarl. "It's almost like you don't trust me or something," she grumbled. But- fortunately or unfortunately, she wasn't quite sure yet- she hadn't actually managed to nab what she'd come here for, so there was nothing too incriminating in her pockets.
Well, other than the assortment of knives, including the two strapped to the small of her back and the tiny one tucked down the front of her corset (not an easy place to store a blade, but handy in a pinch). She decided he didn't need to know about those.
"There," She said, showing him the handful of coins and the three more visible knives she kept stashed on her person. The ones in her boots were staying put too. "Happy?"
Trest sighed, shaking his head with a tsk.
"I'm a business owner, and a very good one at that." He set his jaw, looking at her sternly. "Maybe I should elaborate that pockets mean... any conceivable hiding place. Unless you don't mind a frisking."
But his tone didn't indicate he was being playful. Then again, he was rather vain. The scar.. was kind of off putting and well-
She woke him up from his nap!
Then again, she might have saved his book from any more drool stains that may have erased some of the words he had left to read... Still! He was a leader, and leader's had to do.. leaderly things!
Jynx gave a tsk of her own, mumbling expletives as she yanked the knives from her boots and back, then carefully withdrew the smaller one from her cleavage.
The rasping voice in her head chuckled. Silly human, it whispered. He smells delicious...
"I said no," Jynx hissed firmly. Feeling very naked without her blades, she crossed her arms and quirked an eyebrow. "So, mister very-good-business-owner, now what?"
"Now.." he went on with a sigh. "I need you to remove your clothes."
And his expression was most serious!
Jynx's jaw dropped. Can I eat him now? the voice asked, smug.
"I'm thinking about it," she growled softly in response. To the Hawk she quipped, "I'm flattered, really- but over my dead body."
"Well flattered you should be, however, I'm not here to seduce you, though I could," he went on, matter of factly. His gaze remained coolly upon her. "This is all business, really.. so... if you'd please.." He gestured with his eyes. "The clothing... Though if you need help..."
And at that, only that, did his eyes break the cool to reveal a devilish sparkle. He was really enjoying this. The woman deserved it. She was trespassing, after all.
Not many things could truly throw Jynx for a loop; this smirking thief officially made the list. He was trying to embarrass her, but she was not going to let him win.
"I can manage myself, thanks," she snipped, hands moving to work at the laces on the front of her corset. In a few deft, practiced movements she shucked it to the side, leaving her upper half clad only in a breastband, then moved to shimmy out of her tailored breeches. Hands on her hips, she faced him wearing only her undergarments and raised her eyebrows in a challenge.
Your move, pal.
Though taking in her form- he kept his cool.
"And the under garments.." he went on with a casual motion of his wrist.
Sorry- what?!
Her cheeks flushed slightly and she silently cursed the blush. She had a great body, damnit, and she knew it; normally she wasn't even remotely self-conscious, but this was going a bit too far.
She met his gaze with a glare, gritting her teeth. C'mon, girl, you can do this. Don't let him beat you, don't let him beat you. "May I ask why? You can clearly see that I'm unarmed. I have nothing else on me."
"What?" At that, a smile broke across his lips. And it made him devilishly handsome as he remained against his desk. He knew he looked good- just as she knew she did, too. Scar aside, he could appreciate a good view when he saw one.
"Think of it as.. payment.. you know, for me not handing you over to the authorities for trespassing and thieving. The guards here are pretty tough on their laws you know," he went on, buffing his nails and pretending it was no big thing.
"If you want.." he began, examining his nails. "I could help." He sighed. "Women's undergarments can be difficult. But don't worry," he then turned his blue eyes to her- and they sparkled mischievously. "I'm pretty well practiced in that-.. art."
"Oh, I'm sure you are." Jynx curled her lip at him. "But I'm good, actually, thanks." As much as she hated to admit it, he had a point. A few moments of embarrassment were better than whatever the authorities might have in store for her.
"I hate you," she informed him coolly, reaching behind her back and letting her last scraps of clothing drop to the floor.
The voice in her head howled with laughter and she could feel her face burn. "Are we good now? You done?"
Despite him trying to avoid it, his smile grew larger and he oogled. Oh did he oogle.
"Good in more ways than one."
He gave her a more charming grin now. "But we're not done. Toss your clothes to me."
And he gave her a look. "For .. inspection."
Jynx felt her whole body blush under his stare, but she refused to cower. "Inspection my ass," she grumbled, gathering up her clothes and tossing them at him none too gently. She was starting to realize that arguing with the man wasn't going to get her anywhere.
"I hope you realize you have officially made my list," she informed him, crossing her arms and glaring. "And just so you know, I don't hold grudges. I. Get. Even."
He tried not to laugh, but it was hard not to. His view was pleasing, and the angered glare from his naked little wannabe thief was just too much. His smile grew as he plucked up the clothing and began to search through them- purposely taking his time.
"Even? Oh? So you're saying you want to catch me trying to steal from you so you can then in turn, ask me to take off my clothing and admire my naked body?"
She suddenly had the very childish urge to stick her tongue out at him. Resisting it (with no small amount of difficulty) she muttered, "Or I could just have my demon eat you."
Don't get my hopes up.
Tempting as the thought was in that moment, she pushed it aside. Louder, she snipped, "Well, someone has a high opinion of himself." Her eyes darted around the room while he continued to search- very slowly, damn him- through her clothes. If she could figure out where it was while he was distracted...
Maybe this night wouldn't be a total bust after all.
At that, he was nearly bursting with a laugh. How he was able to contain himself was even beyond him. Sure, he could keep his cool under stressful situations..
But this? This had him nearly in stitches.
He continued his search before peering over at her curiously.
"You know, I normally know a woman for longer than twenty seconds before she tries to seduce me."
"Oh, yes," she replied acidly. "You've got me, alright. I want you, I need you, oh baby, please..." Her tone was carefully bored. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, taking a small, soft step forward.
There was something glinting in the haphazard pile Tiameth had knocked to the floor. Maybe... She took another step, saying airily, "You know, I didn't expect the famous Hawk to be caught drooling in his sleep like that."
A sharp brow was raised as he looked down his nose at her.
"So then you've heard about me?"
He saw her move and his eyes narrowed.
"And you can stop right where you are, missy. Though I'm flattered you remember me by reputation, I'll have you know I have very good reasons to be asleep at my desk- Not that.. that I was," he went on, correcting himself. "I was..." And he gestured to the book he had dropped on the floor. "Reading."
Jynx gave him a look that said she clearly wasn't buying it, scoffing. "Must have been a real page turner," she quipped.
Still, she stopped moving. She may have been mocking him for it, but his reputation did proceed him; she really wasn't sure if she should piss him off. So far she just seemed to be a source of amusement.
"And I'm sure you know much about books?" he jabbed back, still staring her down in a challenging manner-
And well, she kinda was still naked. Why not draw it out as long as he could?
Angry color rose to her cheeks. She opened her mouth to retort, but couldn't find the right words- a rare occurrence for her. Much as she hated to admit it, her education growing up hadn't been the most complete. She could barely read her own wanted notices.
So she changed the subject. "Look, can I get my clothes back or are you gonna make this-" she indicated herself with a sarcastic wave of her hand- "worth my while?"
Trest's expression fell, before his own cheeks heated a little. His smile returned, if not a bit more wolfish now.
"Worth your while?" His grin tugged leftward, dimpling his cheek. "Got some suggestions on that? Cause I'm all ears."
And eyes.
Eyes...
on her boobs.
Jynx smirked. Now they were in her territory. She popped a hip and bit at her bottom lip, very aware of where he was looking.
"Weeellll..." she drawled. "I've got all kinds of suggestions. But I don't play for free." She quirked an eyebrow. "Word is you've got something I want. And it seems I have something you want, so..."
His eyes went to her's, raising a brow.
"There are a lot of wants here."
And though he seemed tempted to want to indulge on some of those wants, he suddenly hefted up her clothing and tossed them at her face.
"Sorry, I don't do deals with lousy thieves. Go ahead and get dressed, and try to steal from me again when you get better at it." And he moved to return to his desk.
She caught the bundle of fabric on reflex, jaw dropping. "Lousy?!" she demanded, highly offended. "If Tiameth hadn't made a mess of things I would have had my mark and been out of here before your sorry ass even woke up!"
She angrily began dressing. "And- and you're a thief, so where the hell do you get off judging me? Gods, men!"
Trest tsked at her.
"Look, I know most women would love to bed me- reputation and all..."
Which yeah, he was kind of known for is loose ways with women- and being good all night long, too.
"But even I have my limitations. And yes... " He went on, smiling meany. "I am judging you."
And he pointed to the door when she was nearly dressed. "Now go ahead. I'm sure you can see yourself out. I'm a pretty busy guy you know. Deals to make, things to steal, women to fend off..."
Jynx gritted her teeth. If she went for her knife he'd be on her. "Fine. Look, I really didn't want to have to do this-" she clenched her fist, nails biting into her palm- "but you have something I need, so..." She took a breath.
"Come to me, Ilieth!"
The tug in her gut was much stronger than with Tiameth, and lasted longer. She groaned from the pain, clenching her eyes shut.
Oh, so now you want my help.
Gods, don't do this, just come through, she thought.
Then it was over, as though nothing had happened. She looked up, and saw the demon standing behind the Hawk, grinning hungrily. Long, scaly limbs bent at awkward angles hung at his sides and he clicked his his black talons against the desk.
"Hello."
What the heck was going on? The woman looked like she was going to be sick! Hopefully she wouldn't be sick in here! But before he could ask if she was alright, a chill raced up his spine. He froze in place, teeth gritting as he felt something was behind him.
A quick peek confirmed it- as did the hello. Trest nearly jumped out of his skin when he did a double take.
"What the holy mother of God..."
He was quick to get on the defensive, as eyes darted to the woman who- in the moment, he hadn't realized he suddenly stood protectively infront of. He then realized....
"So... this a friend of yours?"
Cause he totally wasn't going to play the hero here if she just brought in a friend of her's to beat the crap out of him.
"You know.. I'm not really a fan of threesome's..." he went on, a lame attempt at a joke- but he really, really didn't want this right now! He had, after all, just been napping and sort of wish he still was!
"So you want something, big deal- a lot of people do," he went on, cutting the woman a look now as he tried to remain as cool as he could be, even though internally? He wanted to scream like a woman!
Jynx furrowed her brow when he jumped in front of her. Was he trying to defend her? That was ironic. She forced herself to straighten up, breathing through the aftershocks of pain from the summoning.
"Friend is a strong word," she muttered. "But if I don't get what I came here for, he'll be as displeased as I am."
"An amulet," the demon hissed, his second set of eyelids sliding horizontally across his eyes eerily. "A gold pendent with a bloodstone set in its center."
"I was told the Hawk had it," Jynx said, folding her arms over her chest.
This was... deeeeeeeeeeeefinitely not what he wanted to do today. Maybe he should have just....
But shaking off the idea internally, he sighed and folded his arms across his chest.
"Had it is right. I'm pretty sure that little item has been sold."
And for all he knew, he was lying. He had just taken in a lot of new inventory and well...
Part of him wondered if it was included on that list...
And if it were....
Well, he didn't exactly want to have ANYONE know where it was kept...
Considering well...
He had been hiding his loot at his grandfather's estate..
The one he inherited...
The one NO ONE KNEW he inherited!
"Fuck." Jynx hissed, catlike, scowling. Great. Just great. Back to square one then.
"He could be lying," Ilieth mused.
Jynx weighed the possibility, but... "With a demon staring him down? Not likely." She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "I need a name, an address, something! Who did you sell it to?"
"Who?" Trest went on, casually trying to find a way to continue to lie through his teeth to get out of this. "I'm not exactly at liberty to say. Plus with all of my business ventures..... I'd have to sort through the paper work..."
He was lying. Jynx groaned, rolling her eyes. "Don't play a player, love," she said, stepping out from behind him. Grudgingly, she admitted to Ilieth, "You were right. He's got nothing." She clenched her fists, reopening the wounds on her palm.
"Well then, I suppose my associate and I will be leaving," she said through gritted teeth, edging toward the door. She briefly considered sending the demon back through the Veil, but she'd probably need him to get out of here, with the window barred and all.
She smirked at the Hawk. "Sorry to interrupt your nap."
Oh Good. The crazy woman was going to leave with her very scary associate.
Trest just gave a mean, but polite smile.
"It's okay. You wouldn't be the first," he went on. "Don't let the door hit you on the way out."
Nodding with a bright, fake smile, Jynx bumped the door open with her hip. "Well, it's been a pleasure-" she started, turning to leave.
And walking straight into the person who'd raised their hand to knock.
The stranger at the door gave a brighter, lop sided grin at the sight of Jynx.
"Well, hello there," the dark haired man went on, stepping nearer to her and moving a hand to slick his hair and sideburns back. "I came to see Hawk, but I think I prefer this type of company I see before me." The man gave a large, toothy grin that was just oozing with flirtation-
and in the moment, he didn't seem to notice the looming demon nearby.
Trest just cut a look through the gloom. He took one look at the man and greeted him flatly.
"Hello, Lazameer."
The dark haired man was still smiling at Jynx when he replied,
"Hello, Hawk. I came to drop off the cargo you requested."
"Good, you can put it on the-"
But before Trest could continue with his command, Lazameer ignored him and continued to approach Jynx.
"You never told me you kept a woman here..."
"Well, she's not my-"
"Oh? Not your woman?" And Lazameer was quick to take her hand into his own, eyes shining seductively as he guided that hand to his lips. "Anyone make a claim on you yet, lass? Cause I wouldn't mind making my mark right now."
Trest couldn't believe this and for once, his fear towards the demon subsided.
"You'll have to ask her friend there, first."
"Friend?"
And the second Lazameer lifted his gaze, he saw the demon and dropped his hold on Jynx.
"Sweet Ansgarian virigins- what the hell...!?"
"You needn't worry about them, Lazameer.... they were just on their way out." And he gave a glare to Jynx, hoping she'd take the hint. But he really didn't want her around anymoret han she wanted to linger..
Then again, her demon gave him very good reasons for his rushed request.
Jynx hissed, a split second from jerking her hand back herself before this Lazameer fellow dropped it.
"A claim-?" She was practically spitting fire. Reigning her temper in with difficulty, she jerked her head at Ilieth, stepping around the newcomer into the doorway. "Come on, we're getting out of here."
The demon chuckled and she froze. She knew that laugh. Turning, she saw he was eyeing Lazameer...hungrily.
"Don't you dare," she spat, throwing out a hand- the one that still dripped blood from her summoning- and twitching her fingers at the demon in a "come here" gesture.
Ilieth whined, glaring at her. "I'm starving," he said bluntly, "and seeing as we didn't get what we came for, I for one don't ant to leave empty-handed."
"Forgive my companion," Jynx growled at the two men. "We are leaving now."
Ilieth laughed again, rasping and cold. "Make me."
She gritted her teeth. "Return through the Veil." Pain ripped through her and she gasped. Ilieth's form flickered-
Then it solidified, and he smirked.
Jynx's eyes widened. "You two, back away from him. Now."
Both men looked confused, but Lazameer more so than Trest.
"I... came at a bad time?" the man asked. Trest kept his glare.
"You could say that." He took a step back. "Now listen here, this is my place so I suggest you two leave now quietly." Whihc was a hard request to do as he observed the woman's blood and how she trembled. He wasn't sure just what was going on, magic obviously, but he didn' tlike the idea the monster beside her looked even more real than it had before.
"I'm sure there's more people you could be harassing in the streets-"
And as if on cue, a bark came down the alley.
"There he is! Catch that thief!"
Both men turned, and cursed- but each had their own colorful, choice word.
"Lazameer..." Trest growled. "Why are there guards rushing towards my front door?"
"What? I was careful-"
And then a fist slammed into his cheek.
"Bull shit, Laz! Get outta here and fix this shit you started!" And he gave a rough shove to his companion towards the door, momentarily forgetting the other danger lurking too close for comfort.
The demon used the two men's distraction and lunged. In a flash Jynx threw herself forward, knocking the Hawk out of the way of the demon's reaching talons. She may have been small, but with all her weight behind the shove it was enough to get him out of the way and that was all she really paid attention to.
Ilieth's clawed hand wrapped around her shoulder and she slammed her palm against his chest, spitting through gritted teeth. "Return through the Veil!"
His form began to shimmer and he growled in frustration.
She closed her eyes and willed, chanting, "I am thy Lord and Commander, thou shalt hear my Word and Obey. Begone from this plane, return through the Veil, you son of a bitch!"
With an understated popping noise, the demon vanished.
Jynx collapsed to her knees and looked up at the two thieves. "Don't you two have some guards to take care of?" she quipped fuzzily, vision blurring at the edges.
To say he was surprised was an understatement, and only after the demon vanished did he sober.
"Shit! I don't get paid enough for this."
He turned his attention to lazameer.
"You... Work on the patrol men. And I..." he glared at Jynx.
"Get the woman as usual?" grumbled Laz as he rubbed his cheek.
"You got it." Nd with a forced smile, he shoved the man outside and closed the door, locking it before turning around to eye the woman.
Jynx tried to give her best what-are-you-looking-at smirk, but she was feeling a little woozy. "It's like you've never seen a girl banish a demon before," she quipped, trying to get to her feet.
That turned out to be a mistake. Her legs evidently didn't feel like supporting her and she had to catch herself on the edge of the desk, head spinning. Groaning, she muttered, "Could you tell the room to hold still?"
"I'm pretty sure we don't have time for these games. Demon or not, if guardsmen get through that door and realize what's going on.. You'll be the first I throw to the wolves."
"Wonderful," Jynx muttered, squeezing her eyes shut. Breathing deeply through her nose, she forced out, "If I can keep those guards away, will you let me go?" She didn't have the strength to summon Ilieth and contain him to keep her safe. But maybe she could manage something smaller.
He felt the pang of guilt in his gut, but ignored it. If the girl could summon demons, clearly it meant she could handle herself, right? Though by the looks of her... She didn't entirely seem 'okay'. Then again, why wave such power in a situation like this if she knew the consequences?
He placed his hands on his hips.
"How about we make negotiations after you've succeeded?" he went on, laying on the impatience in his tone.
Jynx nodded and straightened up. Luckily she didn't even have to cut herself to perform the summoning this time, holding her hand out and murmuring, "Dionish, come to me."
This one barely hurt at all, in comparison to Ilieth. In a moment the strange lizard-canine creature had materialized next to her and looked up at her with slit-pupiled eyes, panting.
She glanced up at the man. "You have any objections to poisoning people?"
"Poisoning? What do you mean.. Like making them real sick?"
She nodded tiredly. "Well, yes, it will do that. It'll knock them out for an hour or two, long enough for your man to get them out of here. Their memories should be foggy when they wake up, like a really bad hangover."
She shrugged. "So, yeah. They'll probably get sick. Shouldn't do any permanent damage though." She thought so, at least.
He still didn't like the idea, but nodded.
"Fine, just be quick!"
And inwardly he hoped he didn't make a mistake.
Jynx nodded at Dionish. "You know what to do."
The demon gave a coughing bark and darted for the door, disappearing with a flick of his scaly tail. His summoner managed to stagger to her feet, breathing deeply in an attempt to ward of dizziness.
"Don't look so worried," she said, waving a hand at the man. "Dionish works fast..."
As if in response to her words she heard muffled cursing and the demon's signature bark, then the sounds of a small scuffle, then silence. She gave a crooked smile, whistling for the demon to return.
He did, bounding up to her with a wagging tail and a lolling tongue like an eager-to-please dog. She patted his head and held out her hand for him to lick, the cut on her palm disappearing in the path of his tongue. She looked to the Hawk again. "Long as your man- Laz, was it?- doesn't mind lugging a few unconscious bodies around you shouldn't have any more trouble."
"No more trouble?" he shook his head. "And what about you and fido here?"
Rolling her eyes, she patted Dionish's head and muttered the incantation that would send him back to his home dimension. He disappeared with a shimmer and she looked up at the Hawk. "There, Fido's gone. As for me..."
She shrugged. "You wouldn't throw a helpless woman out on the street, would you?" She batted her eyes at him. Sure it was a ploy, but she really was exhausted- she wasn't sure what to do if she didn't at least get an hour or so of rest.
He frowned.
"I think you think too highly of me, but if you'd like, I could escort you to the street."
She scowled a bit, but it was more in worry than anger. Trying not to let it show, she tossed her hair and snipped, "Fine then."
She moved toward the door, very slowly and deliberately so she wasn't swaying on her feet.
"Oh, so going to show yourself out?"
She paused then, realizing she didn't actually know her way out. Okay, maybe she hadn't researched this job as carefully as she should've, but it was supposed to be a simple, in-and-out kind of thing!
She cleared her throat. "I may not be acquainted with the more...conventional methods of entering and exiting your facility," she admitted primly, gaze flicking to the dumbwaiter she'd used to sneak in.
He raised a brow at her and peered a gaze over at the dumb waited. Shaking his head, he sighed, "So you actually need an escort? And here I thought youd at least be clever enough..." he went on, walking past her, "To know how to open a door." And he threw open the small door Laz had gone through earlier. It lead to another smaller room. But that one had just one door without a window.
"Try that door. And don't let it hit you in the way out."
She whipped around and opened her mouth to snap some sort of retort- but for some reason what came out was a more-than-slightly woozy "Oohh..."
She sort of swayed on her feet, vision going dark at the edges. Oh, hell no, she thought. I'm not doing this, I do NOT faint. She took a step forward and promptly collapsed, unconscious.
He'd be glad when he'd be rid of her. Trouble maker that she was, and one that had a good body, he knew he'd feel at least a little guilty about that later. But it was just a brief moment in his life, and he could only hope they wouldn't run into each other again. In the same breath...
He at least had a nice memento burned into his mind. And hey, the bit of guilt that ebbed at his mind? He could easily quell it with a reminder she was a thief. It only made sense to make her humiliated.
However, his reflection was brief when he realized that instead of heading straight for the door, she was heading straight for the floor! Trest's eyes widened and faster than he knew how he did it, he dove at her, catching her before she hit the ground- one arm wrapped around her, the other cupping her head. He had saved her from hitting the ground, but gained a few scrapes to his knees to catch his own fall (as well as her's).
And for the longest time, he stared in disbelief at her unmoving form.
"Hey." He gave her a shake. "Hey demon lady." He shook her again, swearing under his breath. "What are you trying to pull?"
Though his heart and mind raced and he even felt himself begin to sweat. Was this for real? What if she was sick? Or.. had she been injured? And why, was another question he should be asking himself, did he even care?
He gave her another gentle shake.
"Hey, come on! How can you have really fainted just a few feet from my front door?" And he sneered a bit at the thought before shaking her again. "Really? Truly? Are you really going to remain limp?" And sighing, he finally stood, adjusting her weight in his arms as he looked skyward.
"Only the Gods would bless me with such a day."
Frowning, he looked down at her form.
"You'd better actually be unconscious. If this is some sort of a joke..." And he looked her over, as if daring her to come clean.
Jynx had used her power to the point of exhaustion before, but never to the point of knocking herself out. Had she been conscious, she would have been shouting obscenities at herself for pushing so far.
As it was, her mind was trapped in darkness. Cold, vast darkness. Her whole body shivered violently despite her skyrocketing temperature and her breath was coming in short, shallow pants.
Trest looked at her..
And looked and looked before sighing.
"Ansgar's beard..." Growling, he turned around and headed back into his office, but by passed it to another hall that was hidden behind a thick curtain. The hall wasn't too long, but it lead to a staircase that wound its way three stories up into the building. The room was small, but cozy, having a make shift sort of bed out of a million blankets and pillows. The bed hadn't been made, and there was just a few other pieces of furniture in the room aside from it.
He took her to his bed, laying her day with another sigh before looking her over. He kept his hands to his hips.
"You better actually be unconscious." And he moved to a nearby chair, pulled it out and took a seat. "I'm giving you my bed for now so you'd better not be pretending," he went on, warning her as he looked her over. Sighing, he looked towards the ceiling. "Just know this is charity. Once you're awake you're on your own."
He kept looking at the ceiling, but the noiseless room made him anxious. He turned his attention back to her.
"Don't stay that way for too long. Ihave to stay here and baby sit you like a new born."
And he leaned his cheek into his propped up fist, sighing and hoping this wouldn't take too long-
but he had a feeling it would.
He sulked.
"Should have brought my paper work.."
Darkness gave way to images. Jynx frowned, but otherwise was perfectly still, practically comatose. Flashes of memory that felt more like dream than reality danced behind her eyelids and she made several small, distressed noises.
Starting to regain a bit of mobility, she shifted restlessly among the pillows. Her temperature was easing its way down but her pulse still hammered, heart racing in her chest.
A picture of Ilieth, fangs bared in a sickening grin, rose up in her mind and she gave a soft mewling sound that, had she been awake to hear, would have utterly shamed her. As it was she simply tossed again, chest rising and falling with rapid breaths and a word that might have been "mama" tumbling from her lips.
He had been diligently keeping watch, or at least he told himself that when his eyes began to grow heavy and soon went closed. But at her noise, his eyes snapped open and he stared at her form for a while. Did she just whimper?
His brows knit together as he stood up and examined her. She looked restless, even as she rested. His frown deepened. He moved forward and noticed her fever. Sighing, he went to fill a bucket of cool water, dipped a towel in it and gently patted her forehead with it before letting it rest across.
Sitting down again he shook his head and tsked.
"You really aren't much of a thief or magician, are you?"
And he leaned back in his chair and simply watched her. Bad thief or not, a thief was still a thief and this one was in his home and somehow...
In his care.
He sighed and looked to the ceiling again. Boy was he tired.
"Do you want power?"
"Yes."
"I can give it to you. But there is a price."
"I'll pay it."
A slow, fanged smirk. Then darkness.
Jynx bolted awake with a gasp that immediately turned into a moan at the pounding in her head. Which felt...pleasantly cool? She reached up to touch the wet cloth across her brow, frowning in confusion.
Which caused her to moan again, dropping back onto the pillows. Wait, pillows? "Where...where am I?" she panted, eyes flicking around the strange room.
He had almost drifted back to sleep, but when Jynx awoke suddenly, so did he. He was just grateful he didn't jump out of his chair like a fool, and was able to observe her as she awoke, confused. He smirked grumpily and leaned forward in his chair.
"You're in my bed because you fainted in my house, but now that you're awake, I guess you can take care of your own fever." And he moved to set the bowl of water beside her.
"Fever?" Jynx repeated groggily. She watched as he moved the bowl closer, trying to puzzle through what was happening. "Your bed? What...?"
She peered up at him, frowning in suspicion. "Have you been...were you- taking care of me?"
Trest paused and looked at her suddenly.
"Take care of you?" he looked away as if it weren't that big of a deal. "What else could I do? You dropped over like a sack of coals. Though nothing is cheap around here... so I'll have to be sure to collect some sort of a fee from you to pay for my services."
And at that, he gave her a mischievious little grin.
"I'm not exactly cheap, you know. My time is precious."
He seemed to be playing- well, sort of- but she felt her guard come up. "Is that why I'm in your bed?" she asked, voice steely. She hoped her tone could hide the rising, instinctive fear; she wasn't sure if he could tell, but she knew she was in no shape to be fighting back if he tried to pull something. Not that she really expected him to, but...
Well, he'd had her naked within thirty seconds of seeing her for gods' sakes!
"... Did you want me to give you another reason?" he asked, brow raised.
She glowered, but her head was pounding and she still felt far too warm but at the same time shivery. She really couldn't afford to antagonize him.
"Thank you," she said grudgingly. "I will...of course repay you for your...kindness." She bit the words out like she was choking on them. She wasn't used to being in this position- in fact, she couldn't recall having ever been in this position.
Trest gave a brief laugh through closed lips.
"Care to say that with more bite? You know you could be in worse places right now. Just consider yourself lucky I'm not that bad of a guy."
He folded his arms and looked her over.
"Though you might want to explain to me just how you ended up like this frail, damsel who just crumples over onto people's floors when she's trying to leave. I mean if you think that helps get you sympathy from a guy after you tried to steal from him..."
"I wasn't trying to get sympathy," she snapped, then clenched her eyes shut against the headache. Grumbling, she added, "Even if that had been my plan, I've already learned the whole blushing-helpless-damsel trick doesn't really do it for you."
Rubbing her temple, she said, a bit more softly, "I just...I used too much power. Banishing Ilieth was hard, and then controlling Dionish- it just took it out of me, that's all. A few hours rest and I'll be out of your hair."
"So... what you're saying is.... You're what, some novice with this whole magic summoning other creatures thing?"
"Hardly," Jynx scoffed. "I've been summoning demons since I was ten years old." And she was usually very good at it.
Realizing she may have revealed a bit more than she'd intended, she tried to shrug it off and said, "It uses up a lot more power to control a demon that doesn't want to obey you. Ilieth is strong enough to make a summoner lose his mind just by looking at him funny. The only reason I have any hold over him is-"
She cleared her throat. "Doesn't matter. Point is I can control him, it just takes some effort." Though it had never been as difficult as it had been today. Was it because the contract was in its final year? That was a troublesome thought.
He leaned in a bit, interested in what she said, and was a bit taken back when she failed to reveal more. But he didn't let on he wanted to know more. Perhaps she'd just ramble out more later.
"So what, demon's come out as your pet and when one gets disobedient you have to deal with it? Makes sense," he told her with a shrug. "Doesn't sound any different than trying to house break a poodle or somethin. But what, do you use magic concentration or something, or just bat your eyes to get them to listen to you?"
She did have nice eyes, he made note.
She laughed at that, pleasantly surprised that he could make her do so. "More the concentration thing," she told him with a smile. Not a smirk, a smile, though it was gone quickly.
Because he headache was subsiding, and because she really couldn't help herself, she batted her eyes at him and added, "Though I am flattered you think I could get a demon to obey me just by using my natural charms."
He couldn't hold back his scoff.
"Did you forget? I did get to see everything, and I'm a man who appreciates a nice..." and his eyes followed across her form. "Piece of art when I see one." He smirked, a leftward one. "But hey, don't get me wrong. I'm not exactly insinuating your some kinda whore I just.."
An dhe paused a moment, blushing just slightly when he realized.. he had no idea why he had even made such a comment or how to justify it. Maybe it was her batting eyes that made him tongue tied. He did like a pretty woman and she.. well, he did like what he saw. And at that fact, he inwardly kicked himself to keep focused. She was a demon summoner and a thief, after all. THey weren't exactly 'friends'. Though this made him wonder why he didn't just cast her outside when she was helpless.
Perhaps it was just seeing her that way...
Helpless, that reminded her- she was a human, where as before, he was only just seeing a trespasser.. a thief.
Her shoulders stiffened a bit at the word "whore", old wounds reopening, but she pushed the reaction away. "If I were, you'd owe me at least a few coins," she said dryly, trying to joke.
Though she wasn't quite sure why, him calling her a "piece of art" made her feel...tingly. She eyed him sidelong. Great, a smooth talker. Normally that wasn't a problem, but something about him made her think she should watch herself.
"Got any food around here?" she ventured. "As long as I'm taking advantage of your hospitality. Plus it'll get me out of here faster, help me recharge a bit." If she was going to be paying him back- though just how she wasn't exactly sure- why not take advantage while she could?
"So you think this is some sort of tavern where you can grab a meal and bed?" He looked at her indisbelief before smirking. "What if I said I had no food to spare? I am but a humble business man, after all."
She snorted. "Humble my ass. Any thief worth her salt knows who you are. Any woman too, for that matter."
She snapped her mouth closed, eyes widening a bit. What on earth had possessed her to say that?! She blamed the woozy feeling that had yet to fully subside.
And at that, he placed a hand to his chest.
"Oh? I can't be that famous." Though he had to wonder why her comment made him feel.. well, a little guilty.
Jynx chuckled, quirking an eyebrow. "I wouldn't say famous, exactly. There are certainly rumors though." What the hell, he had to know people talked about him, right?
She shrugged, throwing him a playful smirk. "I'd have thought you'd be proud. There are worse things to be talked about."
"Why? They do say I have nice and teeth and eyes, right?" he asked, leaning in close so she could examine his baby blue eyes and... pretty nice, pearly white teeth.
She laughed again, not leaning away like she probably should have. "Oh, I've heard a lot about your teeth, Hawk," she teased, eyes glinting.
She had to admit that personally, it was his eyes she found more compelling. She'd always been a bit of a sucker for blue eyes... Damnit, girl, pull yourself together!
"Oh? You're making me blush!" Trest went on, playfully and tilted up his chin. "How about my nose hairs? How sexy are they?"
Jynx laughed, a real, full laugh that had her clutching her head and gasping a bit. "Oh, don't make me laugh," she protested between chuckles. "My head hurts."
"Laugh? How dare you say my nose hairs are something to laugh at!"
She giggled, actually giggled, and pressed a hand over her mouth. "Well, if you're half as good a thief as you fancy yourself a comedian, I guess the rumors are well founded."
"I still think you need to tell me more about these... rumors," he went on, leaning in nice and close so she could get a nice look at his eyes and a good whiff of his tantalizing musk.
And just as quickly as he moved in real close, he pulled away. "But I guess we have a little bit of time to wait on that." He folded his arms. "So your head hurts? Can't say it's cause you hit it when you fell. Yours truly caught you, just before you would have hit your head. Got a nice pair of scrapes to prove it, too."
She blinked at him, a little surprised by that news (and a little dazed from his sudden closeness and then abrupt retreat). She would have thought he'd just let her fall.
"Why...are you being so nice to me?" she asked cautiously, tilting her head at him.
Trest stared at her, speechless for but a moment before coughing away a blush.
"Nice? I just didn't want you soiling my floor. Besides, leaving people out to die isn't exactly my thing. I'm a thief, not a killer."
Jynx narrowed her eyes a bit in a calculating way, staring at him. Was he being...bashful? "Uh-huh," she replied, making it clear she was unconvinced.
Shrugging, she glanced away and said, "Well, anyway. Thank you." There was more sincerity in it this time, and she cleared her throat uncomfortably.
"Don't get too thankful. Don't forget there's interest on the payment. My time is valuable, and I doubt I need to explain just how much so. So, you just stay here as long as you need," he went on, grin growing wide as he gave her hand a patronizing pat. "As long as I'm getting paid, there's no inconvenience, right?" And he returned to sit in his chair.
Ah, right. She'd almost forgot for a moment- everyone had an angle.
"See, about that," she said, sitting up a little straighter. "I'm not quite sure how you expect me to pay you. As you could clearly see earlier, I carry very little coin." She shrugged and added, "I'd offer my services, but I doubt someone like you needs them."
It didn't hit her until after she'd said the words how that might sound. "As a theif," she said hurriedly. "My services as a theif." Gods, was she blushing? She did not blush.
She wasn't the only one blushing as his mouth twisted into the smallest of smiles.
"I.. er.." he coughed. "Wouldn't have expected anything but. But.." he went on, drawing in a long breath. "You're right."
"So...where does that leave us?" she asked, tilting her head again. Quite aside from the fact that she was sure he'd hound her for his payment, she was not in the habit of staying indebted to someone.
He closed his lips and let his finger tips tap together as he wrinkled his brow in thought. Then he smiled.
"I guess we'll have to figure that out."
She groaned dramatically, flopping back onto the mountain of pillows. "Why does that smile scare me?" she asked the ceiling. Almost as an afterthought, she mused aloud, "This bed is very comfortable, by the way."
His smirk twitched and grew wider.
"Don't get too comfortable. And by the way you're talking, you might be out of here sooner than you think." And at that, he tapped his lip thoughtfully. "Think you can stand and walk? I mean you ARE doing an awful lot of talking for an invalid."
She huffed a breath through her nose. With no small amount of trepidation, she pushed herself up and tried to get to her feet.
Huh. Okay, that wasn't so bad. Her head still hurt and she was still a little weak and woozy, but she seemed at least...functional. She took a step.
And her knees gave out. "Fu-" She swallowed a curse, straightening up with a little difficulty. "I can walk. Just...give me a second."
A brow went up.
"You sure about that?" he eyed her up.
She nodded, took another step, almost collapsed again, and shook her head. "Sorry," she grunted, sitting down heavily and looking up at him. "The kind of power I use saps physical energy if I'm not careful. Must've been what happened."
She glanced away, not quite sure why she was admitting that to him. Oh well, he could obviously see she was struggling, what the point in trying to hide it?
Trest watched her before sighing and looking away.
"Just lay back in the bed."
She obeyed easily enough, not really having it in her to argue when she knew she needed the rest. "I don't get you," she muttered. "I try to steal from you, my demon attacks you, and you still end up taking care of me? How does that work?"
Not wanting to really answer her, he just said simply, "Just get some rest."
Really, so many questions.. shouldn't she just be thankful she wasn't dead or woke up in the streets or worse?
She didn't really have it in her to argue, at least not in that moment. "Fine," she huffed, leaning back onto the pile of pillows. Folding her arms, she added a little petulantly, "I am hungry though."
Trest gave a 'tch' of a laugh.
"What about it?" He paused, tilting his head. "You expect me to feed you as well?"
More to be teasing than because she actually expected to get anything out of it, she tilted her head to the side in a way that artfully brushed scarlet curls over her shoulder and face and batted her eyes at him, biting her bottom lip.
"Please?" she coaxed, eyes glinting playfully.
At such a plea... Trest just stared.
And was reminded just what he had seen of her earlier. He turned away.
"Just get some sleep." And he moved towards the door.
She watched him go, eyebrows raised. She'd expected him to tease her back, maybe call her names again or- something. Huh.
"I really am hungry!" she called as he moved away, but she figured she knew enough to let the subject drop after that.
And she wasn't about to argue with a chance to get some more sleep. Sliding her hand to the sheath strapped to her thigh to assure herself her knife was still there, she cautiously leaned back and closed her eyes.
He probably shouldn't have left her alone. Luckily, nothing too valuable was in that room and if she wanted to leave, well, she could have fun climbing down from the window. But he let her be, not just because he knew she needed the rest, but he felt the same. He was used to having a lot of time alotted to just himself, and as he slowly walked down the staircase, his own stomach began to rumble.
"Food... " he looked back up towards the direction of his room. "Right.."
He couldn't believe what he was doing, but he found his way to his pantry and then to his stove, and if she were awake, she might start smelling the aromas of cooking meats wafting up the stairs.
Jynx was dozing, but the smell of food suddenly rocketed her back to consciousness as her stomach sat up and begged like a dog.
She pushed herself up onto her elbows, looking at the door with wide eyes. "No way," she muttered, a disbelieving smirk spreading across her face. She forced it away, telling herself there were probably plenty of people in this den of thieves who'd be hungry, that didn't mean they were going to feed her.
Den of thieves or not, Trest was the only one that resided there. In fact, rarely did he allow anyone to stay, unless dropping off goods, money or picking up a new job...
And normally women didn't come to his home either. He rather liked to keep his place sacred, so it was strange he allowed anyone, let alone a woman, into his bed without the anticipation of bedding her...
Though it wasn't like it hadn't crossed his mind... several times.
But he had to focus. Just because it'd be a few days.. okay maybe a week, since he'd had a woman...
He sighed and flipped the meat flanks. He had to stay focused. Get the girl some food, see how she's doing and hopefully get her back ont he road soon. He was tired, (she had disturbed his nap, after all) and the day had been too long. Shifting the pan around over the flames, he gave a half swear when some greased popped and landed on his arm. He was quick to brush it off, shaking his head and extinguishing the flames before dumping the meat on two plates.
He made his way back to the room, opening the door with an elbow and hip before stepping inside, peering over at the bed to see if hse was still there- and if she was asleep.
Jynx felt a smile spreading incredulously across her face when the Hawk reentered the room. She sat up from the mound of pillows, tilting her head as her eyes wondered up and down, trying to comprehend what was happening.
She was still feeling groggy, so maybe her defenses were down a bit when she said, "Don't tell me some of that is for me?" with a hint of hope underlying her tone.
He paused halfway to the bed and just looked at her.
"What if it's not?"
She pouted at him. "Aw, c'mon. You already said you're not a killer, you planning to let me starve to death?" She gave him her best, wide-eyes, hungry-orphan look.
Of course, that was when her stomach voiced its opinion on the matter. Loudly.
He looked her over than casually dropped into his chair. He raised his fork to his lips and said, "I think I've seen enough of you to know you could stand to lose a few pounds." And he gave her the most charming grin he could before taking a nice big bite of his steak.
Her mouth fell open.
"You-!" she shrieked incredulously, trying to spring to her feet before her weakened body reminded her that wasn't the best idea and she settled for a more sedate "clamber". She crossed her arms and glowered at him, opening her mouth to give a cutting retort-
Then her face relaxed into a smirk. Cocking a hip, she arched one eyebrow at him and practically purred, "Really? Because judging by the way you were looking, I thought you liked what you saw."
Trest nearly choked, but after hitting his fist to his chest a few times, he got the bite of steak down no problem. He stared at her, forcing a smile.
"Skinny girls are just too boney. But yeah, what man wouldn't like to look at a nice looking girl naked?"And he went for another bite of steak.
Jynx smirked a bit. "So you like curvy? Noted." She took another cautious step closer, irresistibly drawn to the scent of the food. Her stomach growled again and she felt her cheeks heat.
"Look, don't make me beg," she said, going for the purring voice again as that at least seemed to get a reaction.
At that request, he laughed, accidentally spitting out some spit and bits of meat, though he wiped that away nonchalantly off on the back of his hand.
"You want it?" he went on, teasingly lifting up his fork that held a steaming, juicy piece of steak. "Why dont' you come over here to get it?" But then he plopped that piece into his mouth, chewing it sensually, and slow. After he swallowed, he told her through a leer, "We have to make sure you can stay on your feet." He held up another slice of the steak. "Food seems to be a good incentive." And this time, his grin was positively gushing.
She narrowed her eyes, growling a bit. "Your enjoyment of tormenting me is sadistic, I hope you know," she muttered.
But she was too hungry not to play his game. Still a little wobbly on her feet, she edged closer, reaching for the fork.
And Trest's grin only grew as he slowly brought the fork closer towards himself so that she might not notice the movement at first. He couldn't make it that easy, after all!
Jynx made a small noise of exasperation, leaning further forward.
Which was of course when her legs decided to give a particularly persistent wobble and her knees faltered for a moment. Just long enough for her to lose her balance, falling forward and catching herself with one hand on his leg, finding herself suddenly invading his personal space.
For a moment she was frozen, then decided to hell with it, she'd take advantage, and stretched up to snatch the bite of food off the end of his fork, eyes gleaming a challenge as she chewed.
Two could play this game.
Giving her a patronizing pat, he said, "Thats a good Demon's mistress. I think those few steps earned you at least another whole bite!" And he held up his fork with a fresh bit of meat on it, grinning just as challengingly back.
She just smirked at him. Using her hand on his leg, she boosted herself onto his lap, wrapping one arm around his neck to anchor herself and reaching out with the other hand to pluck the fork from his grip.
"Thanks," she said with a grin, and popped the bite into her mouth.
Snatching the fork from her, he gave it a wag.
"Never said you can use my fork." or his lap.. But he rather liked her being this close. She was soft and smelled nice.
She quirked an eyebrow at him. "What am I s'posed to use then?" Her teeth?
...actually, she wouldn't put that past him.
He just grinned.
"Or..."And his eyes looked down. "Your lips."
She just stared at him for a long moment. Then she leaned forward and plucked another bit off his plate- without the use of her hands.
She admitted she was being showy, but it was kinda fun. She leaned back slowly, tilting her head at him as she chewed and swallowed
It was arousing. Was it supposed to be arousing? Hell, he'd bed women for less, though the situation here was... Different. His smile wavered as he looked down at her.
"Is the meat good?" because he couldn't think of anything else to say.
She laughed softly, one eyebrow rising toward her hairline. "Mhm..." She went for another bite, saying, "None of those rumors mentioned you had a talent in the kitchen."
Leaning back against him, she winked. "Thief, cook, rogue...I swear, it's a wonder you're still single."
Had he'd been eating he would have choked on his food. But he kept his composure as best he could and said, "Who said I was single? And what about my cooking? I thought it was world famous!"
She gave him a droll look. "Even if that Laz fellow hadn't tipped me off- get the woman, as usual, by the way. Really? Anyway, even without him it's pretty easy to tell no woman spends longer than a few hours at a time in this room," she said, gesturing around.
Then she added with a soft laugh, eyes glinting, "And no, in all the numerous rumors I heard, your cooking was never the topic of interest..."
He pulled the plate away.
"Are you sure?"
She actually whined at him, pouting. "Oh, you know, now that you mention it, I did hear something about your fabulous cooking," she said hastily, leaning toward the food. Damn, she was hungry. Her body seemed to be recovering enough to remind her that she needed fuel.
He kept the plate back.
"I'm sure at least my eyes were enough to trump these fabulous filets, or maybe it's the hair.." he went on , fingers combing through it. "Though some I know swoon over the muscles..." and he leaned in to whisper, "it's why I can't go around shirtless, anymore."
Jynx shivered. She would categorically deny it, but she shivered. She twisted slightly so they were practically nose to nose.
"What's your game here, Hawk?" she murmured, meeting his gaze determinedly and trying to ignore the little flutter her heart gave at how close they were. "Because I'll be honest with you right now- which is rare for me, by the way- you keep talking about being shirtless and I'm going to call your bluff."
Nose to nose, his eyes never moved as he began to pluck button by button open on his shirt. He still held the plate, and shrugged one sleeve off at a time, removing his shirt once the plate was moved to his opposing hand. Then he grinned.
"Game? What game? I thought we were talking about steak."
She gulped. Oh gods I'm in trouble... Flipping her hair back, she tried to appear unconcerned with his shirtlessness. "Yes, I suppose we were," she said. Her eyes flicked down and she unconsciously licked her lips, then snapped her gaze back up. "Steak. Yes. It was...yum."
My thoughts exactly.
Only years of practice kept her from jerking in surprise at the voice in her head. As it was, she simply shifted on his lap, exerting an enormous amount of will power not to let her hand trail down his bare chest. Shut up.
He saw the gulp and knew exactly what it meant. His grin grew from playful to devilish.
"Yum?" he repeated, trying to remain cool as she shifted on his lap since.. had he denied it earlier, now it wasn't a possibility to ignore that he was, more or less, turned on.
"The seasons I used to cook this in were expensive and exotic," he went on, taking a steak juice soaked finger and sucking off the juice from it's tip. He paused only after he made a tiny 'pop'. "So it'd only be natural you'd think it'd be..... what were the words...?" he went on, shifting just enough so she'd end up being cradled nice and close to him. He felt so smooth with the move, until he realized she might know his own little secret inside his pants.
Her breath hitched in her throat and she felt her cheeks flushing as she watched him. Damnit. I've got to stop doing that. "Let me guess- these "expensive and exotic" spice are gonna be added to my tab?" she quipped.
Then he shifted her and she clutched at his shoulders to keep her balance. Pressed very close against him, her eyes widened a bit. "Oh." Then she smirked. Her voice dropped a bit lower and she murmured, "I could make some crass joke about a blade in your pocket, but I like to think I'm above that."
Her head tilted, something like a challenge glinting in her eyes."
And the smirk off had begun, because in that moment he didn't know how to respond except-
He suddenly sat up, and did so in a way so she'd fall onto the bed. He then proceeded to take the entire steak in his hand and bit into it.
"You could but in the end, I still have the steak." He grinned down at her, as if he had won. "You need your rest. We don't want you to over eat and get fat now." And with a wink, he bit into his steak again and turned to walk away.
For a moment Jynx was stunned. Then she scrambled to her feet, wincing slightly, and moved to block his path. "How is half a dozen bites over eating?" she demanded, planting her fists on her hips and glowering up at him.
She poked a finger in his chest. "You, sir, are not being a very good host." She got right up in his personal space- now that she knew how his body was reacting to her, she planned to use it to her advantage.
Unfortunately, that brought to mind how her body was reacting to him. Wich she made a real effort to ignore.
"So?" he went on with a shrug, taking another bite of the almost disappearing steak. "You should be in bed. Need I remind you of your place? Now I've been a very gracious host, and you're a very sick individual which means..." And with that, he paused to pop the last piece into his mouth, "I should really be making you porridge."
She wrinkled her nose at him. "Uhg. Fine. Thank you for your hospitality." She turned on her heel and flopped back into the bed; she knew her body, and she really should get some more rest.
Feeling spiteful, she sprawled herself out on the blankets and pillows as much as possible, arching her back and closing her eyes with a sigh. "Very comfortable bed, by the way. Really. Though I shudder to think how far back in the line of women who've been in it I fall."
He couldn't help his stare.
"I could check the books for you, but don't worry about being the next to fall. You're too vulnerable and would be too easy to seduce. I do like at least a little bit of a challenge."
Jynx snorted. "What makes you think you'd be the one doing the seducing?" she challenged playfully, smirking as she propped herself up on one elbow to look at him.
And he just gave her a look and an egotistical reply.
"Because you're the fairer sex." His eyes looked her over as he walked to the door. "Have a pleasant rest, and remember.. Don't think about me without a shirt for too long. You do need to rest." And with that, he stepped out the door.
She made a face at him as he left, then flopped back onto the bed.
You like him.
"Shut up," she grumbled aloud.
You do.
"I respect his reputation as a thief," Jynx corrected. "And I like a challenge."
You wanted him.
She gave a noise of frustration. "He wanted me to want him. That was a purely physical reaction."
Uh-huh...
She glowered at the ceiling. "Shut. Up." She closed her eyes, telling herself that the image of his bare chest was most certainly not haunting her.
It might not be haunting her, but Trest knew well enough it'd be taunting her. Plates now in hand, he cleaned them and went back to work, only when faced with paper work after such events found himself unable to concentrate. In fact, all he was doing was staring at the parchment.
Paperwork was decidedly boring, and he reminded himself that's how the demon caller snuck into his place to begin with. He looked around, seeking something else to keep his interest but while he assured himself his bare chest would be burned in her mind, his own kept going back to her barechest.
"She did have a nice pair."
Jynx tried to fall asleep. She really did. But she only had one blade on her- and not a very good one- and she found that now that she was completely exhausted she wasn't able to sleep without the comforting knowledge that she had some dozen knives on her person.
With a groan she got up and made her way to the door. The sight of all those stairs made her whimper, but she started down them. She had to stop a couple times to catch her breath, and when she finally made it to the door that led to the study she'd broken into she collapsed against the door frame.
"That," she panted, "is a ridiculous amount of stairs."
Upon hearing something in the hall, he got up from his chair and opened the door and found himself staring down at Jynx upon his floor.
"You know... there was a perfectly good bed upstairs you could be doing this on."
He crouched down and looked at her.
"Or is it that you missed me that much?" And of course he gave her a chiding grin.
Jynx muttered something that might have been "arrogant jackass". "Just help me up, would you," she grumbled at him.
Huffing, she admitted. "Couldn't sleep. I want my knives back."
He didn't try to help her but simply replied, "Your knives back? What, so then you can attempt to cut me? No, I don't think so, but you really should get off of that floor..... I just had it cleaned and your curls are molting. I can see them, like little fiery sprigs."
And he took a moment in his teasing to actually admire that hair. It was pretty sexy, he wouldn't lie.
She gave him an exasperated look. "You know as well as I do that I'd be no match for you in this condition, blade or no," she said, gesturing to her crumpled position.
Using the door frame to haul herself up, she muttered petulantly, "And I don't molt."
Trest smirked.
"You sure?" he went on, lifting up a curl between two pinched fingers. "You kind of sound like a chicken so I just assumed..." And then he went wiht his other hand to dig a finger into his ear to clean it out. "Must be my hearing.. in my old age... sometimes I get a little... confused?" But after she was mostly standing, he finally did offer her his hand. "Would you like an escort back to bed?"
"I do not sound like a chicken," she protested, but she took his hand. "An escort would be nice, but my knives would be nicer."
She blinked up at him, giving her best innocent look and a bright smile. "C'mon, where's the harm? I wouldn't hurt such a wonderful host."
He rolled his eyes.
"Right," he went on, pulling her up and nice and close. "Just like your little demon friend's wouldn't eat me for breakfast." He jerked his head towards the stairs. "Come on, you can use those legs still right? Or do I have to carry you like a bride." The offer seemed a little like a playful threat.
"Only Ilieth would eat you," she grumbled petulantly. "And I can use my legs fine."
Sort of a bluff. She was a little wobbly, but she could certainly walk. She found she didn't exactly hate being pressed up close to him like this though, so she tilted her head playfully. "Although the carrying offer seems nice...I would have assumed you'd just toss me over your shoulder, the whole bride thing is surprisingly classy."
"Well I.." he went on, suddenly scooping her up, just that way, like a bride. "Am surprisingly classy." And his grin was just oozing with charm. He couldn't help it, he loved to flirt.
She sucked in a sharp breath when he scooped her up, eyes widening. Then she chuckled. "Yeah, you are," she agreed, tilting her head at him curiously. She looped an arm around his neck to give herself some more security.
"Don't think I'm dropping the knife thing," she warned him, giving a mock pout. "I'm just...conceding that you may have a point. For now. I'm not dropping it."
As he climbed the stairs he said, "Oh really? Shouldn't you be more concerned that I'd drop you down these stairs?"
She wrapped her other arm around his shoulders reflexively. "You wouldn't... Would you?" She pressed a bit closer. She wouldn't entirely put it passed him, and if he was planning on dropping her she was taking him down with her.
"After all the trouble you've put me through?" but he let that question linger in the air as he continued upward towards the room. The stairs weren't normally so bad, but carrying a woman up them was making his arms and back hurt.
She clung tighter, frowning at him. "But I'm sick," she mumbled, coughing pitifully. "You wouldn't drop someone so helpless." Feeling a little guilty, she added, "If you'd put me down gently though, I can actually walk."
"No, it's quite alright," he went on, cheekily. "I rather like carrying you around. You're nice and warm and soft.. like a woman," he teased, though hell, he did mean it. Finally making it to the top of the steps, he used his boot to kick the door back open.
"And what's with the cough? You were sick with exhaustion, not the black lung."
"Like a woman?" she demanded incredulously, waving away his question about the cough. "Exhaustion manifests in many ways. What the hell do you mean like a woman?"
"What? You act as if no one's flirted with you before," he told her with a smirk, carrying her over ot the bed, but simply holding her a moment and raised his brows, awaiting her response expectantly.
She huffed, flicking her eyes away from him. "Usually I'm the one flirting," she muttered. "I find being on the receiving end rather disconcerting."
Glancing at him out of the corner of her eye she quipped. "So you are flirting then? Because, you know, the whole fat thing and the chicken comment weren't really doing it for me."
"Oh?" he went on, eyes a glow. "And just which part was offensive?" he asked, leaning in real close.
Her breath hitched but she refused to lean away. "A chicken? Really?" Her voice came out a little breathy and she cleared her throat. "What part of that isn't offensive?"
His smile grew.
"Are you really going to counter my question with one of your own?"
She arched an eyebrow, smirking at him. "Oh, I'm sorry. Is that irritating?" She fluttered her eyelashes. "It's almost like it's payback or something."
And that's when he pulled her close, so their lips were almost touching.
"I don't think you know the true meaning of payback," he told her upon a breath, which with his lips so close to hers, it would probably tickle her's when he spoke.
And that's when he simply let go, dumping her onto the bed and telling her, "You should get some rest."
Her breath caught in her throat, eyes widening-
And then left her in a sharp huff as she was dumped onto the bed. "Oi!" she protested, rubbing her backside. "See, that. That right there. How on earth do you get a reputation like yours if that's how you treat a lady?" she pouted.
"Oh? A lady?" he asked, looking around. "Where?"
Jynx rolled her eyes and muttered, "Jackass," before curling up in her side with her back to him, rather petulantly.
Trest smirked and moved towards the door.
"Weak damsels need to rest. Besides," he went on, stepping out into the hallway. "It would be uncouth of me to woo someone so vulnerable and wounded, as yourself." And he said nothing more, closing the door and heading back down to his study, unable to erase his smile.
Without thinking Jynx scrambled up as he turned to go. "Wait-"
Too late.
She settled slowly back into the bed, hugging her knees to her chest. Instinctive fear began to prickle up her spine and she muttered a curse. Gods she wished she had her daggers.
He heard the wait and lingered by the doorway, only long enough to see if anything else would accompany such words. He did have a lot of paperwork to do...
But he also did have an interesting guest to entertain.
Jynx tilted her head. She hadn't heard his footsteps on the stairs... "Hawk?" she ventured, feeling silly but wondering if he was still close enough to hear.
He tensed at her words, then chuckled through the door.
"Yes?"
She either had good hearing, or was good at guessing he hadn't fully left her yet. Or was desperate, though if it were the latter... it was kidn of the reason he hesitated, though if she had qualms about being here...
Should he really care so much about them? She did try to steal from him, he tried to remind himself.
She also had a nice body and was fun to banter and flirt with, the reminder of which made his smirk grow.
She let out a breath. So he was still there. "You gonna talk to me through the door?" she quipped, hoping the sass hid the relief in her voice.
"Well no.. the plan was to leave you here to sleep."
He could be sassy, too.
Jynx bit her lip. After a long moment, she let out a breath and admitted quietly, "I can't."
She cleared her throat and repeated, a little louder. "I can't. Not without my blades. It's....uncomfortable."
Her tone dared him to mock her.
Even still, his chuckle was silent.
"You... trust me that little?"
A long silence. Then- "it's...not you I'm a afraid of."
And at that, he laughed, a good loud laugh behind the door before he opened it.
"Not me, huh?" he asked, stepping into the room.
She let out a sharp breath, then forced a cocky smile. "Nah. I don't need knives to take you."
He smirked.
"So are you saying you're... lonely?"
She felt her cheeks heat. Clearing her throat, she looked away and muttered, "I suppose that's a word for it."
For a second, Trest's mind went blank before he laughed. He truly laughed.
"You know, this is a very strange way to seduce me..." he went on, looking at her thoughtfully.
She blinked up at him, entirely nonplussed. "I'm not-" she started, then she paused. Seduction made her seem less weak than fear.
"Is it working?" she quipped, tossing her hair and arching an eyebrow.
"In one way or another. You have caught my interest after all, but somehow I can't fully believe your motive. I mean... Ten seconds ago you were crying for your knives so I think I have good reasons to worry about my neck."
Her lips quirked up on one side and she reached down to remove the only knife she had left from its sheath on her thigh. She slid it across the floor, arching an eyebrow at him. "Like I said- if I really meant you harm, I wouldn't need knives to do it."
He had such a smart remark for that, but he kept his lips shut. He looked down at the knife, then over at her.
"You know, it's a lot sexier when it's your clothing you're throwing across the floor..."
She smirked. "Maybe," she agreed slowly. "But I think you have me at a disadvantage in that department. You've already seen me naked, and here I am sitting on my curiosity." She arched a challenging eyebrow.
He simply shrugged, leaning against the wall.
"You did owe me that one. But thanks for reminding me I had a nice view!" ANd oh how he grinned.
"Damn straight you did." With a roll of her eyes, she added petulantly, "You know, I never actually stole anything."
"Oh? You don't think so?" Trest replied. "You wound me," he went on dramatically, hand cupped over his heart. "Did you truly not know... how you've stolen my heart?"
Jynx gave a snort of laughter, rolling her eyes. "And how exactly do you want me to pay that back then?" she teased, still chuckling a bit.
She hadn't expected him to be funny. It was a pleasant surprise.
"Pay it back? How about give it back?"
Laughing again, Jynx tossed her hair back, giving him a flirty sort of smile. "Why don't you come and get it?"
"What? And potentially harm my guest? Don't think I've forgotten you're... vulnerable."
Jynx rolled her eyes. "Vulnerable my ass. You know what I think?" She smirked at him. "I think you talk big, but you've got no follow through, Hawk."
With that she flopped back onto the bed, feeling inordinately pleased with herself.
He smirked.
"Maybe I'm just cautious," he replied, eyeing her laying form for a moment before adding, "You need your sleep before I can kick you out properly. And my heart.." His smirk grew a little before he said, "I guess you can keep it for now. Doesn't seem you can harm it much in your state."
And with that, he left the room- again.
And stood there for a moment wondering why he just hadn't taken advantage of her. Damn. Well, maybe later. He was still (somewhat) of a gentleman.
Jynx turned on her side to watch him go, but she didn't call after him this time. She couldn't think of a plausible reason to keep him there, and she wasn't about to admit that she was genuinely afraid to sleep alone, without her blades.
She retrieved her small knife and laid back down, really trying to fall asleep this time. Well, if he was giving her the opportunity to rest, she may as well take advantage of it.
If Trest thought his day had been going bad enough, he was severely wrong. And if Jynx had actually gotten to sleep, she'd awaken to the sound of one very angry woman, and things breaking- and from what one could deduce, Hawk trying to calm whoever it is, down.
The commotion sent Jynx rocketing awake. "What the hell?" she growled, staggering to her feet.
No way she was going to sleep now. Cursing softly to herself, she stumbled down the stairs and bumped the door to his office. "Can you keep it down in here?" she muttered before she even saw what was going on. "Gods, if you really wanted me to sleep you could at least be bloody quiet."
"Oh? Is this why you wanted me out so quickly?" came the woman's striking tongue. Her green eyes were cold, her hair dark as night, and her body oozing with curves. She folded her arms across her chest and sized Jynx up.
"She doesn't look like much. You after children now?" she went on, her tone, as if yawning, bored even, as the idea as she turned her full attention to Trest. "Look, Hawk, I'm not leaving here until I get that diamond."
"Look, Nell, we had a deal."
"Bull shit we had no deal!" the woman growled. "Return the diamond and return it now!"
Trest curled a lip at the woman before looking over at Jynx.
"I thought I told you to stay in bed."
"Bed? You know what, I'll look for it myself. Maybe where this little slut was sleeping I can find my jewel."A nd she wasted no time in storming towards the stairs.
"Nell, that's enough!" Trest barked, following after her. "I never said I had the diamond and why the hell would I have it here?"
The woman paused at the top of the steps and turned to glare at Hawk before simply pushing her way into his room. She wasted no time, and went right over to his unmade bed, and began to literally take it apart.
Jynx was quiet, simply standing aside to let the woman pass and giving the Hawk an arch look. "You really know how to pick 'em," she noted, starting up the stairs after this "Nell" person. "What diamond is she talking about?"
Louder, glaring in the direction of the other woman, she added, "And if she calls me slut again I'm going to let Ilieth eat her. Fair warning." She jerked her head at his room. "You gonna take care of that?" It might actually be fun to watch.
Trest gave her a look.
"No one's eating anyone."
Nell scoffed at that. "That's not what you said the last time."
"Oh come on, we had a lot of beer..."
"And a lot of wine," Nell said, moving to flipf the entire bed over.
Trest sighed.
"Really, Nell, I haven't had the best day so far so if you'll leave now, it'll make things easier on everyone."
Any warning look Hawk had given to her was ignored as she looked over towards one of the tables and plucked up the plate. She ran a finger across the grease left on it before looking towards Hawk, then Jynx.
"I didn't know whores got steak." And as she walked past Trest, she shoved the plate into his hand, and in the same motion, a knife pointed at his chest. "Now I've been patient long enough with you. And don't pretend you didn't get my love notes."
"And don't pretend you didn't get mine." Trest's gaze hardened. "I told you-"
But then the woman's arm whipped across, slashing Trest across the cheek.
"STOP ACTING LIKE I"M SOME IMBECILE! I WANT THAT DIAMOND, YOU SON OF A BITCH! I KNOW YOU TOOK IT FROM DEZRA, NOW HAND IT OVER!" And wildly she threatened, the knife prodding his neck.
Jynx moved without thinking. In a flash she was behind the dark haired woman, her own knife held to her neck.
"I suggest you calm the fuck down, sweetheart," she said pleasantly, putting just enough pressure on the blade to get the point across. "And if you call me whore again, I swear by whatever gods you pray to I will make that face of yours considerably less pretty." She pressed a bit harder.
Internally, she was freaking out a bit. What the hell was she doing? She barely knew this man- and she knew he was certainly a thief, so odds were he had stolen this diamond she was freaking out about.
But...well, he had helped her, even if he'd been irritating about it. She kinda figured she owed him.
"Drop the knife, Nell."
Nell's lips trembled as she scowled.
"I see you've brought your bitch to protect you." She slid a cold look back towards Jynx.
"I don't think it's worth it. Hawk's worth much more money dead than me."
Jynx shrugged, smirking. "Probably. But- despite all odds- he hasn't pissed me off as much as you have."
She pressed a little harder with the blade, just enough to break the skin. She took a deliberate step back, dragging the other woman with her. "Drop. The. Knife."
Her eyes flickered to the Hawk, urging him to do something. The quick burst of adrenaline was ebbing- she wasn't about to collapse, but she wouldn't exactly be surprised if she couldn't hold the woman much longer.
Scowling, Nell conceded, and took her hand off of Trest. That's when she turned in attempts to strike Jynx. Thankfully Trest acted fast, catching onto Nell before forcing a blow to the back of her head- and she fell limp to the floor.
Releasing a breath he didn't know he had been holding, he shook his head and turned to Jynx.
"You know.. women are nothing but trouble." And he moved to wipe at the cut on his cheek and winced. It burned. He looked down at the blood on his fingers, then back to Jynx.
"Consider yourself lucky. You get the luxury of cleaning up my bed while I dump this bimbo off elsewhere. Maybe Laz would be up for some baby sitting.." he mused.
Jynx snorted, sheathing her dagger. "And you're welcome," she muttered, giving him a dry look.
She glanced at the mess the woman had made of the room and shrugged. "Not like I've got anyplace else to be," she said with a sharp sigh.
Glancing back at him, she frowned. "Here." She pulled a handkerchief from the front of her bodice and stepped closer, saying, "It's clean, don't worry." Without really thinking, she dabbed at the cut on his cheek.
"You must've jilted her good," she noted, stepping back. "Here, keep ahold of this," she added, pressing the cloth into his hand. "Get the crazy bitch out of here, then you can explain this diamond business she was on about."
He held her kerchief to his cheek. It smelled nice, real nice, and he felt a stirring when he continued to dwell over just where it came from and how her boobs had made it nice and warm. Perhaps his pause in response was a bit too long, but he cleared his throat and dryly laughed.
"Great, don't tell me you're a girl crazy about diamonds too!" And he moved down to pick up Nell.
She laughed quietly. "Who me? Well, I wouldn't turn one down, but I'm partial to rubies myself." She tossed her scarlet hair to emphasize the point, turning to address the mess that had once been a bed.
Sighing, she rubbed the back of her neck and shot a look at the unconscious Nell. "I hope this Laz of yours is better at babysitting than he is at losing guards," she muttered.
"Yes, oh rubies, so sexy," Trest mocked, voice girly as he gave a flip to his own red hair. He grinned.
"Don't worry, if he doesn't, he'll at least have his room mate Donato take care of her." And with a grunt, Nell was on his shoulder and Trest, heading for the door. But there he paused and peered at her from over his shoulder.
"Err... don't try to steal anything or do any funny business when I'm gone. Don't forget, you're sick and stuff." And awkwardly, he shifted Nell's weight about.
Jynx waved him off. "The only thing I wanted to steal from you, you claim is no longer in your possession," she pointed out.
Then she grinned, eyes glinting. "I make no promises about funny business, though." She wasn't even entirely sure what he meant by that, but she couldn't help teasing a bit.
Trest sighed.
"If I didn't feel like I owe you one, I'd be worried."
He gave a helpless shrug and grin.
"At least don't burn down the place while I'm gone." And turned, disappearing down the stairs.
"No promises!" Jynx called after him, grinning.
She turned back to the bed and let out another sigh. Well, she had been sleeping in it, she suppose she owed it to him to try to set it right. Shrugging mentally, she set to work.
It would be hours before Trest returned, and with him, a whole lot of noise. It seemed Trest hadn't been lucky enough to drop off Nell with Lazameer, for her voice was quiet clear with the party as he returned- Lazameer's included.
"Look, just because you're on an unlucky streak doesn't mean you can use this against me, Laz, but just presume I'm being generous for not punching the other side of your face for this."
Lazameer was all grins.
"I'm charmed you're so accommodating, mighty Hawk."
Trest gave him a look.
"Don't call me that."
"If anything, we should call him a weasel over a hawk," Nell's voice came out, rife with irritation. "I still want my diamond."
"Look, you're lucky I don't throw the both of you out to the guards, now that we all at least seem at a more comfortable place... sit here while I get the beer."
He had a feeling this would be a long day. But as he moved towards the cellar, he froze at the words coming out from Nell's lips.
"What about your whore? She still here?"
Laz perked up at the indication.
"Oh... so she isn't your woman now, Hawk?"
Trest glared, though his back was still to the pair.
"Just shut up or I'll piss in your beer."
Hearing voices, Jynx made her back down the stairs to the door. She hesitated at the door though, hearing that diamond woman.
Her jaw clenched at the word whore. Impulsive and probably stupid as it was, she couldn't seem to help herself- shouldering the door open, she drew her knife and tossed it with unerring accuracy. A few strands of black hair fell to the floor and a very thin line of blood appeared on Nell's cheek.
Jynx leaned back against the door frame, folding her arms over her chest. "I warned you about calling me that," she said mildly. Her eyes flicked to Laz and she added, "And I'm no one's woman, thank you very much."
She turned to the Hawk, arching an eyebrow and lips twitching up on one side. "This is what you call handling a problem?"
Trest just glared at Jynx from the doorway.
"Don't you start, or I'll piss in your drink too." And he disappeared into the cellar.
"Touchy, huh?" she called after him, smirking.
Her expression hardened as she looked back to the other two, though. She quirked an eyebrow, daring either of them to say something.
Nell ripped the knife from the wall, glaring daggers back to Jynx.
"Thanks for the gift," she told her, and pocketed the knife.
Laz gave a whistle.
"Is there going to be a cat fight? Cause if so.. I think you should both undress and do this in the mud."
Her eyes narrowed. "Keep it. I don't need a blade to handle you." She switched her attention to Laz and rolled her eyes skyward. "Not even in your dreams, sweetheart."
And that's when Trest returned, and stuffed a bottle of ale into Jynx's hand.
"Oh but maybe in mine?" he flatly flirted, before turning his back to her and handing off the others some booze.
Jynx grinned, taking a swig of her drink. "Don't you wish," she teased, pushing herself off the wall and tilting her head as he gave the others the ale.
He seemed to have a strange inability to not play host, no matter who was in this office of his.
"I wish it as much, if not more, than wanting this company to remain in my presence forever." And he opened his beer and knocked back almost all of it. Laz seemed to do the same, but Nell was intent on taking her time at drinking.
"So how many times did you fuck Hawk?" Nell found herself asking, uncaring anyone else was in the room.
She choked on her drink.
After a few sputtering coughs, Jynx wiped at her mouth and arched an eyebrow at the other woman. "Why? You gonna compare numbers?"
Okay. Not her best line, but still.
Nell rolled her eyes and smirked.
"Zero," she went on, watching how her number made Trest also choke. "Just as I thought."
Jynx tossed her hair primly and turned her back on Nell as pointedly as she could. "You alright there?" she asked the Hawk casually, tilting her head at him and blinking innocently.
Trest cleared his throat, and croaked, "As good as I can be with three very special guests in my home."
"Special guests?" Nell went on, raising a brow, amused.
"You should be thankful, Nell. My place was teaming with sharks."
Nell rolled her eyes. "You mean city guards? Please, how can you be employed by the Hawk if you can't handle a fish or two traipsing about near your home?"
"And how you can remain so close to the Hawk," Trest went on, irritated. "WHen you were properly dismissed from the Hawk's employment.
Nell turned to him with aplayful pout.
"I thought that was behind us."
"No, your ass is behind us. I don't forget a back stab when it's still healing."
The pout continued, "Oh, backstabbing? You would dare accuse a lady of such things?"
"Yeah, and more, but we have a real lady in our presence, one who apparently knows how to stay at zero," Trest spat back, shoving his empty glass into Nell's hand. "Was those would you please?"
Nell made a face at him, and also at Jynx.
Jynx watched the exchange with interest, and responded to Nell's sour expression with a serene smile. She stepped forward and plopped her glass onto the desk, nodding at it meaningfully and saying, "Well, as long as you're washing things..."
She turned and brushed passed the Hawk, murmuring under her breath so the others wouldn't hear, "Oh, so I am a lady now? I'm flattered."
"Compared to Nell? Yeah, I'd say even Laz ranks above her," Trest muttered.
She chuckled. "Right." Glancing over her shoulder, she looked up at him sidelong. "You know, it would be real easy to get rid of her if you let me just..." She trailed off, snapping her fingers and titling her head meaningfully, hoping he got the gist.
He gave her a deadpan look.
"And have you wear yourself out to the point you'll wear out your welcome? No thank you. Besides, I'm pretty sure that one friend of yours wanted to eat me."
Jynx shrugged. "Don't take it personally, Ilieth wants to eat everyone."
She shot a glance at Nell and shrugged again. "But oh well, if you're sure. It's your diamond she's after, not mine."
"Yes, it seems many women are after my diamond," Trest flirted and picked up another glass of beer. "Care for another? I'm okay getting drunk. The diamond isn't here and Nell's likely won't try anything funny knowing the soldiers in the city are on high alert."
That was probably a bad idea. Which she knew, but it didn't stop her from reaching for the drink with a shrug. "Why not?" It wasn't often she got the chance to drink for free.
And it had been a long time since she'd thought damn the consequences and just had a little fun. So yeah. Why not?
Trest smirked.
"How about two?" he gave her a third, knowing full well he'd likely drink up four and moved towards his chair in his room, dropping into it and staring down at his desk where he set his third, untouched drink down and worked at the second.
Jynx took the drink with a grin, hopping up to perch on the edge of the desk and glancing around the room. She'd been a bit...distracted before, so she'd never really given it a proper look.
She took a sip of her drink and tilted her head to one side. "You know, I gotta ask- what makes one diamond so important?" The question wasn't directed at anyone in particular, almost as though she was talking to herself.
Washing glasses was easy, and Nell made short work of it. She she had joined the group in the den (or as Trest dubbed (his office)), and snorted at Jynx's comment.
"A diamond big as your tits," she went on with a roll of her eyes, folding her arms across her own ample bosom, just to remind Jynx that clearly, Nell's breasts were bigger.
"A perfect size then," Jynx quipped back immediately, arching an eyebrow to show she was thoroughly unimpressed. "You know, not too showy or...desperate."
She took another sip from her drink, leaning back on one hand and casting another look around the room.
Laz stood there for a moment before taking a seat. He was eyeing up Jynx's breasts, hands out in grabby motions as he agreed.
"Yep, perfect size for squeezing."
And because he had chosen a seat so close to Trest, Trest's boot kicked the leg of his chair and set Laz falling over to his side with a, "WOAH!"
Rolling her eyes, Jynx pressed a hand to her mouth to hide a slowly growing smile. "Try it, I dare you," she drawled at Laz, eyeing his new position on the floor.
Lowering her voice, she leaned slightly toward the Hawk, taking another swig from her glass. "Did you just defend my honor?" Her tone was soft and teasing.
Nell cut her a look and replied for him.
"Don't count on it. Not that you have anything honorable to defend. Though who am I to say it when I used to think there'd be honor among thieves." And to that, she glared at Trest and snatched up a second drink for herself.
Jynx gave her a rather bland look. "I really don't like you," she said mildly, downing the rest of her second drink. "And what the hell do you know about my honor?"
Someone's delusional.
She frowned a bit, shaking her head. Shut up.
"If you're with Hawk, I know well enough," came her soured reply.
Trest offered up another drink to Jynx, because he was already on his third.
"Just take it, drink it, and everything will seem just a little bit better."
"Or a little bit drunker!" Laz interjected with a laugh.
"I'm not with anyone," Jynx muttered, but she took the offered drink. Her head was starting to feel pleasantly fuzzy, and she figured she should probably get a bit more drunk if she was going to have to deal with Nell for the foreseeable future.
She thought she heard the echo of a grating laugh in the back of her mind, but a few more sips of her drink and it was forgotten.
"Hey, well if Hawk doesn't want you... " Laz began, but he evaded Trest's kick this time.
"How about we liven this party up before Hawk's foot gets all sore by kicking me? We can play truth or dare.. or spin the bottle, or whatever it is kids play these days when drunk."
Trest raised a brow.
"A child's game?"
Nell also looked at Laz with a grimace.
"You're so immature."
She probably had the alcohol in her system to thank for it, but for some reason Jynx found the suggestion charming. She laughed, raising her hand to her mouth, eyes glinting. "I don't think I even know what those are," she confessed, giggling a bit. She'd never actually played drinking games- well, unless you counted seeing how many ales she could down before she blacked out.
"It's where-" Trest began, but was soon cut off by Laz's big mouth.
"Spin the bottle is fun, where as we all sit in a circle, kind of a square like circle I guess, and spin the bottle and whoever the bottle points to we kiss.." And he made an over exagerated example of him making out with the air.
Nell rolled her eyes.
"I don't think I'll be playing that game- on account of the chance my lips would have to be wasted on the other bitch in this room."
It seemed alcohol hadn't made Nell any nicer.
"Well, there's always truth or dare. Which is self explanatory more or less- we take turns challenging one another in a Truth- via a question, or dare- via..."
"Some action you'll regret to make you look like a fool, " Trest interjected.
Laz just smiled. "Yeah, what he said." He gave a swish of his drink. "Interested? We could con Hawk into bringing more booze..."
Jynx shrugged, chuckling again. "Oh...why not?"
That seemed to be her motto today.
She downed a big gulp of her drink, scooting further back onto the desk and throwing the Hawk a look. "C'mon, it might be fun. I can dare her to jump out a window or something." She threw Nell a sugary smile.
Besides, what were they going to dare her to do? Get naked? Been there, done that, thank you very much.
Trest gave her a look.
"Count me out."
Nell gave Jynx a glare, but moved towards her and Laz.
"I'll only play on one condition."
"Oh?" Laz looked her up and down, grinning and finishing his drink.
"Get Hawk to get us some more drnks..." And she cut Trest a look. "And he has to play.. and I go first."
Jynx threw the man a mock pout. "Ah, c'mon, where's the harm?" she coaxed, sipping her drink.
This should be interesting.
She sighed, rolling her eyes, and muttered, "I though I told you to shut up," not even really realizing that she was talking out loud.
Nell glared at Jynx before moving to drag Hawk into the game.
"Since I'm going first, I'll pick the new girl of our group." And she gave Jynx a soured, forced smile.
"So choose, Zero, Truth.. or dare?"
Jynx tilted her head, considering it. With a shrug, she said, "Truth, then."
It's not like they'd be able to tell if she was really lying or not.
Nell scoffed.
"Figures you're not brave enough for a dare." Sighing, she looked to Trest.
"Is Zero really your number with Hawk?"
Jynx arched an eyebrow. Well, that was simple enough. "Yes," she replied easily, sipping at her drink.
She glanced at Laz, as he seemed to be the one who knew what he was doing. Relatively speaking. "What's next then?"
Laz looked surprised, yet happy at her reply while Nell just presumed she was lying.
"You go next. Pick a victim and let them choose their fate," Laz replied, playfully. Trest just rolled his eyes, sitting indian style and looking pretty grumpy on the floor.
An idea struck her. She looked to the Hawk. "You then- truth or dare?" She smirked, letting her chin rest on her hand.
Trest just stared at her, and stared and stared. Nell kicked him.
"Go already, you know it's your turn," she growled.
Nell glared at her but sighed and looked away. "Can't we just skip me?"
"Not udner these conditions!" Nell growled.
"Fine.." he looked over at Jynx. "Dare."
Maybe she'd dare him to leave this party so he could get some peace! He swore he was getting a headache.
Well, so much for that plan, although she couldn't say she was exactly surprised. "Alright then."
Tilting her head, she took some pity on him and said, "Didn't someone mention more drinks? That's my dare, go on and get some."
Coward.
She scowled. "Oh, leave me alone!"
Realizing she'd said that aloud, she cleared her throat and flushed, distracting herself with her drink.
Everyone stared at her before Nell laughed.
"Do another dare. Hawk already has to do that one."
"Oh, alright, fine." A wicked smirk curled across her lips. "Then I dare you to give me my knives back," she said triumphantly, toasting him with her glass.
Better.
I'm certainly not doing it for you, she thought back petulantly.
Trest just looked at her,a nd looked and looked. Laz gave him a nudge.
"Go on, it's a dare!"
His eyes narrowed before he stood upa nd left the room, returning a moment later with a small paper box and dropped it infront of her.
Then he challenged back, "Truth or dare." That's right, he was tossing it back to her!
"Well, thank you!" She snatched the box quickly, setting about returning the blades to their proper places. She looked up to meet his eyes as she did so.
"...Alright, dare then."
"Kiss me on the lips," he said without missing a beat- which caused Nell to scowl but Laz to burst out laughing.
"Only a kiss?" Laz jabbed.
"A good kiss," Trest challenged.
Jynx flushed a bit. She blamed the alcohol.
"A good kiss?" she repeated, cocking her head and looking up at him through her lashes. Taking a small breath to steal herself, she slipped off the desk and reached up to wrap her arms around his neck, pulling him down to her mouth.
She felt her heart actually stutter, and she let the kiss go on for longer than she probably should have, tilting her head slightly to deepen the contact.
Then she stepped away as though she'd been burned, back fetching up against the desk. Telling herself she wasn't breathing any harder than normal, she gave him a challenging stare. "Does that qualify?"
Oh if he said all of the words coming through his mind, but at least he wasn't the only one holding his breath as the kiss lasted and lasted. It wasn't until she finally broke the kiss did he breath, and groggily, he mumbled a , "You call that a good kiss?"
Laz laughed, breaking any tension. "I'd say that was one hot one. Look how she made Hawk blush!"
At Laz's words Jynx was blushing herself. She folded her arms over her chest and looked away, frowning, her whole body feeling hot and flushed.
"Yes. Well then." She cleared her throat and tried for a nonchalant smirk. "Bet you're wishing that number was higher than "zero" now, huh?" It was meant to be a quip, but came out just a little breathless.
And at that, Laz applauded.
Trest frowned and Nell rolled her eyes as she turned to Jynx and said, "Well, it's your turn again, Zero."
"Fine." She shrugged, looking at Nell- and no, she was definitely not avoiding looking at the Hawk. "You, Diamond- truth or dare?"
She gave a snort.
"Truth."
I have one! "Why are you such a-"
"Why are you so sure he has this rock you're after?" Jynx asked, nodding in the Hawk's direction and cutting off Ilieth's voice in her head.
Her eyes burned angrily.
"I have more sources than I can list that point me back to this jackass... now is that really your question?" She looked bored and turned to Laz. "Truth or dare."
He grinned.
"Dare."
"I dare you to kiss Zero."
And suddenly Trest choked on his drink.
"And make it a good kiss," she said with a dark look towards Hawk.
"What-?!"
Jynx choked down her protest, glaring at Nell. She was not going to let her win this. "Fine," she growled.
Turning to Laz, she flipped her hair and snapped, "Let's get this over with."
Funny, you weren't this upset about kissing-
Shut. The fuck. Up.
She didn't have to wait long. Laz was drunk enough not to understand the concept of time it seemed as he scooped her into his arm, dipped her back and leaned in to kiss her good, hard and long. It took so long, Trest had to look away, grumbling, "You might want to let her breath... You're slobbering on her."
Jynx clenched her eyes shut and forced herself not to hit him, but didn't react much aside from that. When he finally broke away, she took two sharp steps back and folded her arms over her chest, shoulders hunching.
Blushing uncomfortably, she threw a scowl at Nell. "You happy now?" Feeling a little twinge of guilt, she looked back to Laz. "Er...no offense or anything." Then, quite of their own accord, her eyes flickered to the Hawk, trying to read his expression.
But Trest avoided her gaze.
Laz was all smiles.
"Best dare all night." He turned to Nell and gave her a playful hit ont he shoulder. "Thanks."
Nell made a face, "Don't mention it."
Laz looked around, eyeing up who his victim would be before leaning towards Jynx.
"Truth or Dare, Zero."
She sighed. Who's idea was this again? Gods, she shouldn't be allowed to drink. "Dare," she mumbled, running a hand distractedly through her hair.
Why did she feel...guilty? It was just a kiss.
"Dare?" Laz's eyes lit up. "You might regret that one. Dare.. now let's see.. hrm... how about you and I spend the next five minutes together, alone, in the closet over there." He waggled his brows and Nell snorted.
"In five minutes, if you tried something funny, even Zero could throttle you."
"I could at that," Jynx agreed, quirking an eyebrow. "Are you sure that dare is in the best interests of your health?" she joked, trying to think of a way out of this. Well, it was just a game. She could always refuse, right?
Her eyes skated over to Nell and she set her jaw. Immature and silly as it may be, she did not want to just give up, not with that woman smirking at her. It felt like a surrender.
Laz was all eyebrow waggles and faux gentlemanly manners. He got up, opened the closet door for her and swept a hand underneath himself, saying to Jynx, "Are you."
But then Hawk seemed to come out of no where and he slammed a hand across the closet door opening, glaring at Laz.
"I think this game is over."
Nell looked over at the pair.
"What's wrong, Hawk? Too much alcohol and your circuits brake over a little love in your closet?"
Jynx let out a quiet, relieved breath. "Right. Well, this was interesting," she said with a quick, dry smile. "But I'd really rather not piss off the host, so I suppose that's that."
Oh thank gods I didn't have to go in there.
I knew you liked him, Ilieth gloated. She gritted her teeth, then turned the expression into a rather forced smile, looking to Nell. "By the way- if anything had been going to happen in that closet, I can assure it would not be "love"." She shot Laz a dirty look.
Laz look wounded.
"You break my heart."
Trest just shot him a glare.
"I'm too drunk to even be happy at this point. The roads should be clear enough for you both to get royally kicked out of here."
"Royally?" Nell scoffed. "Who here is exactly royalty?"
"I'll make you the queen of going to prison if you don't start making your way out my door and out of this house."
Nell raised her brows and looked from Trest, to Laz, back to Jynx.
"What about Zero?" she asked.
"What about her?" Trest spat back.
"She'll come with us- obviously," Laz interjected. "Hawk needs to cool off. It's not exactly safe for anyone when he becomes an angry drunk." And as if to prove a point, he pointed to his nose. "My nose used to be straight, but thanks to our friend here, my nose is now permanently slanted left."
Jynx arched an eyebrow. "Oi, don't I get to decide for myself?" she complained. There was no way she was spending more time around Nell, not if she could avoid it.
But... A little warily, she looked to the Hawk. "Do you want me to go?"
Hawk, for a moment, was quieted by her inquiry. Did she really ask...
But after a moment of letting his brain fizzle back into place he shook his head and smoothly said to Nell and Laz.
"Zero stays here. Gotta make her number one," he went on, making a forced, mean smile at his friends.
Laz, once again, looked wounded.
"You would steal my heart."
"And you're stealing my patience, out! The both of you!"
Nell glared at the pair as she finally made her way to the door- but she was taking her good old time about it.
"Enough joking. If I find out you end up giving Zero my diamond..."
"You'll what?" Hawk asked, challengingly.
"Just watch your back, Hawk." She turned to Laz. "Come on. Let's find a tavern that has better beer."
Trest snorted as they left. "Better beer? HA! Even taverns around here can't afford the beer I keep!"
He shook his head, closing his door once the pair left. "Ungrateful guests."
Jynx simply stared at him for a long moment, brow furrowed, trying to figure out just what the hell was going on.
"Why-" she started, then bit her lip. Letting out a breath, she decided to just ask. "Why? Why not just toss me out with them? Why not toss me out hours ago?"
She shook her head, subconsciously wrapping her arms around her torso. "I don't get you, Hawk," she muttered.
He was feeling pretty lousy and simply muttered, "You're still my guest, Jynx. But if you want to go that badly, at least let me have a good look at you to make sure you're well enough to get back on those streets."
"I don't want to-"
She snapped her mouth shut, blushing. Sighing, she muttered, "I never said I wanted to go. I just...I don't get why you're being so nice to me."
Though Trest had been avoiding her gaze, he finally turned to look at her. He made a face.
"What? Are you implying you'd just presume because I run a prestigious and very profitable band of thieves that I can't be nice?"
"No..." she said slowly, meeting his gaze evenly. "I just- it's not something I'm used to." She shrugged. "And, ya know. I did try to steal from you. Where I come from, that's grounds for mutilation, not nursing me back to health and feeding me and giving me alcohol."
She gave a small, crooked smile. "Mind you, I'm not complaining. Just...confused."
He sighed, and approached her before poking her suddenly on the nose.
"Maybe confused is what I want." Then with a wobbly groan, he brushed passed her.
"I'm going to pass out on the couch. If I vomit, make sure I don't sleep in it," he grumbled, and let himself fall onto the cushions with no finesse.
She chuckled a bit and murmured, "Yessir."
Then she hovered, not quite sure what to do. She supposed she could go back to his bed- but that just seemed awkward with him sleeping on the couch. With a sigh, she sank down on the floor next to the couch, letting her head fall back against a cushion.
I'm not going to sleep. I just need to rest my eyes for a minute. She'd done enough sleeping.
Of course, a long, tiring day and a decent amount of alcohol had different ideas. Her mind started to drift and her breathing evened out, body moving closer to sleep quite without her consent.
When he awoke, he had no idea Jynx had slept on the floor beside him until he moved to stand up- standing ontop of her and with a scream, he stumbled forward, right onto his face upon the floor.
"ANGSAR'S BALLS." Then upon seeing it was Jynx who tripped him up, he groaned and collapsed back on the floor, raking a hand through is hair. "What the hell... why were you laying on the floor?"
Jynx came awake with a shout and an instantly drawn dagger, leaping to her feet and falling back into a defensive crouch.
Then, realizing what had happened, she let out a sharp breath and relaxed her stance. "Demons above and below- well I didn't expect you to step on me," she pointed out as she sheathed her blade. Shrugging, she said, "It didn't seem right to use your bed if you were sleeping on the couch."
She held out her hand to him as she talked, a silent offer to help him up.
He didn't take the offer and stood up on his own.
"Oh? Well enough to sleep on the floor, does that mean you're well enough to leave?" came his grumpy reply.
She drew her hand back, folding her arms over her chest with a huff. "Probably," she snipped back, hiding the very slight pang she felt at his words with irritation.
"Good. I'm out of coffee. You should go into town and get me more grounds." And he limped a little towards a back room before pausing to rub at his leg. He must've fallen on it harder than he knew.
She blinked, startled. "You- you want me to...come back?" she asked, a little incredulous. Then, trying to cover it up, "Will this be part of paying off my "tab" then?"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just.. I have a head ache okay? Too much beer.." he groaned. "Just get me the beans, okay? Coffee. Not kidney, and be quick about it okay?"
"I'm not your maid," Jynx muttered, but for some reason she was smiling a bit. "Alright, alright, I'm going, keep your pants on."
Feeling much better than she really had any right to, she spun on her heel and made her way out the door, pausing for a moment as she tried to orient herself to the strange building before making her way out onto the street.
Thankful she was gone, it gave Trest some reprieve- and peace and quiet, from all the activities going on in his place for the past few days. And as he stumbled along, he smelled under his arm pits and knew he smelled foul. His breath too. He used a hog's hair brush to get the grim off, then gargled some mint tea while heating up some water for a bath. He turned to look at his bath, which of course was just out int he open part of the room, just set off to the corner,a nd figured little of it. He didn't think she'd be back too soon with the grounds, the coffee seller was on the other end of town.
So he went ahead, filled up the tub, stripped and settled in with a most satisfying sigh.
This bath felt beyond heavenly, and as he closed his eyes, he began to drift off to sleep.
Jynx took her time on her little errand, familiarizing herself with the town a bit. She'd been here once or twice on a job before, but she'd never really taken the time to see the place.
She found the coffee seller easily enough. There were a whole lot more options than she was expecting, so she just asked for a bag of "something good" and handed over the bit of coin she'd brought along with her. She never carried much money, both out of habit- almost everyone was a pickpocket where she'd grown up- and because usually she, well...didn't use it.
She snatched a few meat buns on her way back to the Hawk's place, true to her nature, and slipped inside as soundlessly as she could, making her way back up to the office-den-whatever-it-was. "Alright, here's your coffee- gods!"
Her eyes went wide and she yelped, frozen in place. Why in all the gods' names would there be a bath just out in the open like that!?
Her scream didn't disturb him, and he softly snored.
When she realized he as asleep- and apparently not about to wake up- she rolled her eyes and muttered a few choice words under her breath. Tossing the coffee beans and meat buns onto the desk, she moved hesitantly toward the tub.
"Oi." She tapped his shoulder, making a concerted effort to keep her eyes above waist level. "Hawk. Hello? Did you drown or something?"
Half asleep, he swatted her hand away.
"Let me sleep. My head's still pounding."
She made a frustrated noise in the back of her throat. "You can sleep out of the bath. I have no interest in saving your ass when you slip under." She scooped up a bit of water, splashing it at his face. "C'mon, up."
Witht he splash came a yelp, and instictively, he grabbed onto her wrist and pulled her under the water, ready to slug her when he realized just what was going on and immediately dropped her.
"Jynx?" He cringed. Shit, she was probably pissed now that she had a face full of his bath water.
Sputtering, Jynx shook her head and slapped at him blindly. "Oh blech!" she complained, wiping her face. "Gods- happy now?" she grumbled at him, glaring and dripping.
Still shocked, he try to shrug off his blush with a smirk.
"No... not exactly." He coughed. "Had you maybe considered I wanted to share a bath?"
But without responding much to that, he simply stood up, waters gushing down his body, exposing tatoos and scars alike- as well as well bred muscle and everything else normally hidden from view. He stepped out of the bath and snatched up his towel and began to rub it furiously through his hair before patting dry his face and chest.
He peered over at her and asked, "So.. did you get the beans?"
Jynx jumped back instinctively when he stood, blushing and fixing her eyes on the floor. Or at least trying to. The impulse to peek was too strong to ignore, and she glance up once or twice through her lashes.
Yum.
Blushing even harder, she shook her head and moved toward the desk, waving her hand at the beans and still slightly steaming meat buns. "Right over there, your highness," she grumbled.
"Good." He was bent over, drying his legs. "Go ahead and start us a pot." And he walked elsewhere to look for clean clothes.
"Wait, how do I-?" Aaaaand, he was gone.
Looking back to the coffee beans, she frowned as though they could somehow give her the answer. What was she supposed to do with them? And where the hell was she supposed to find a pot?
Of course, he did have a tub just laying around. Maybe cookware was around here too.
Trest returned, hair partially tied up and paused, blinking as he noted she hadn't started her task.
"Need a hand?" he offered, shaking his head at her as she grabbed a pot from a loop post on the wall. He handed it to her. "Water's over there." he gestured to the cellar. "In a well in the basement. I'll handle grinding the beans."
"Right. Okay." She turned in the direction he'd indicated, wondering what he meant about grinding the beans but not willing to admit her ignorance.
She crept carefully into the cellar, eyes flicking around until she located the well and set about filling the pot.
Isn't this a little...domestic, for you?
She scowled a bit, judging there to be enough water and turning to go back. What does it matter to you?
Oh, it doesn't. Just making conversation.
Do me a favor- don't. Ignoring the low, rasping chuckle that echoed in the back of her mind, she returned to the "office" and held the nearly full pot to the Hawk. "Now what?"
"Now I boil the bean dust." And he showed her what was left of the beans once he had mashed them into tiny piece, lit his stove, and took a seat.
"Want an apple?" he asked, picking one up from a basket on the table and tossing it her way.
She caught it with a slightly surprised, "Thanks."
Taking a bite, she tilted her head and just looked at him for a moment, brow furrowed in thought. "So," she started slowly, "I doubt me running errands is really what you had in mind when you said I was gonna have to pay you back..."
She trailed off, waiting for him to start making demands. Oh well, she supposed she did owe him, a bit.
He just shrugged, watching as the pot began to steam.
"No... but I hadn't exactly had a plan." He bit into his apple, munching mindlessly- or rather, with his thoughts elsewhere.
"Uh-huh." She took another bite, still watching him, then asked abruptly, "Why'd you care so much?" Realizing she should probably clarify that, she added, "Last night, I mean. With that game. Why'd you care so much about what Laz said?"
She crunched another bite of her apple, eyeing him curiously.
Trest rolled his eyes, looking back towards the pot. He wished it'd boil faster.
"Because Laz annoys me, that's why. And besides... have you smelled his breath? IT's foul. You would have died in less than five minutes being trapped with that stench," he went on, lamely.
"Mhm..." She wasn't buying it. "Sure you weren't just jealous?" she teased, scooting closer to get a look at the pot and sniffing experimentally. Huh. Actually, that smelled pretty good.
"Why? Would you be offended if I said no? Besides, what's to be jealous about? Not much can happen in five minutes."
The pot needed to boil faster!
"Oh, I dunno," Jynx mused, eyes glinting wickedly. She slid up next to him, tilting her head and batting her eyes a bit. She really couldn't seem to help herself. "I think a lot can happen in five minutes. If you know what you're doing."
Trest almost choked on his apple.
"Oh? Like what? You trying to say you wanted to be in the closet with Laz? I could tell you where he is," he told her with a bit of bite in his tone.
"I never said I wanted Laz..." She trailed off and gave him a meaningful, up-and-down sort of look.
Then she whirled away, munching on her apple casually and adding over her shoulder, "I guess we're even now, then. That bath really didn't leave much to the imagination."
He smirked.
"Glad you enjoyed it. Most women do."
And he couldn't believe he just said that.
Jynx snorted, rolling her eyes. "You know, if that Nell is your standard, I'm not really sure I want to know who's included in most women," she quipped lightly, arching an eyebrow.
He gave her a glare, cheeks only slightly pink.
"What? She has a nice body."
"So do a lot of women," Jynx pointed out dryly. "Hell, so do I. If that's really you're only criteria, I'm surprised someone like Nell hasn't already slit your throat. Or other anatomy."
"Women can be shallow too. Nell knows a good body and potential fun time when she sees it."
She shrugged. He had a point. "So when you dared me to kiss you," she said easily, "that was just- knowing a good body and a potential for fun when you see it?" She tilted her head at him, waiting.
At that, he laughed. It might have been a bit empty, a bit awkward of a laugh, but part of it was genuine.
"Well yeah. I was drunk."
Jynx chuckled, eating the last of her apple. "Alright, fair enough." That was definitely not a tiny pang of disappointment in her chest. That wouldn't even make sense.
Shrugging it off, she peered into the pot again. "You know, this actually smells pretty good," she said, trying to change the subject nonchalantly and pretty sure she was failing.
Trest stood up.
"And it's finally boiling! Give it a few minutes now and I can wow you with my amazing coffee brewing skills."
"Coffee brewing skills, huh?" She actually laughed a bit at that. "You know, according to you, it seems like there's not much you aren't amazing at," she pointed out, shaking her head.
And oh did his grin ooze with confidence.
"I know."
Lifting up the pot, he got a strainer and poured the coffee into another pot before lifting it up and setting it on the table. Then he brought over two mugs and poured them each a hearty filled cup.
"Now, here's the tricky part. Coffee is pretty shitty on it's own. An acquired taste, to be sure, but goes down well with sugar, milk, and sometimes a little vodka."
"Oh no you don't," Jynx said, shaking a finger at him. "You're still bitching about a hangover, the last thing you need right now is more alcohol."
Curious, she sniffed her own mug, then took a sip. Her face screwed up. "Uhg. Yeah, milk and sugar seems like a good idea."
"And vodka?" he teased, moving to place sugar and milk from an ice box, then onto the table.
She chuckled. "Not for me, but I can't exactly stop you. I can tell you that's not a good idea." She experimented with the milk and sugar until she found the coffee palatable.
Sipping at it, she looked at him over the rim of her mug and murmured. "Thanks. For the coffee. And, you know...everything else."
"And the vodka?" he teased, and pushed it towards her, but just an inch. He only put sugar in his- actually listening to her advice before sipping some himself.
Jynx shook her head, smiling a bit. She was kinda pleased he seemed to be listening to her. "Thanks, but something tells me getting drunk around you may not be in my best interests," she teased lightly.
"What? Are you kidding me? Think of all the fun we'd have!" he told her with a laugh, and sipped more of his coffee.
"Oh?" She quirked an eyebrow, leaning toward him until her loose hair spilled forward to brush his arm. "What kinda fun?" She smirked and sat back, sipping at her coffee again. "Honestly, I'm starting to wonder if all those rumors are just talk. Nell aside," she taunted.
He nearly choked on his coffee.
Then he jerked a finger towards the couch.
"Why? Want to change Zero to Ten right now?"
ANd oh wasn't his smile just dashing!
Her eyes widened a bit, not quite expecting him to rise to the bait. Then she gave a low, throaty laugh. "Honey, you couldn't handle Ten," she quipped back, tossing her hair and looking away, completely unconcerned.
Oh was his grin devilishly playful as he leaned across the table.
"We could try it. Right here," he said, pointing down to the table. "And ten might be a first, but I'm an ambitious man."
Jynx found herself leaning in as well. "Oh, are you?" she purred, tilting her head just a bit to look up at him through half lowered lashes. "I gotta say, it's a tempting offer..."
She leaned back again, smirking. "But I don't wanna break you."
Trest released a breath.
"And if I gave you permission to?"
He knew he sounded a bit too desperate, but he started to get hot and bothered-
and he'd been attracted to her since he had seen her naked the first time. What could it hurt if they just indulged a little? And table sex...
He didn't want to admit his pants were growing tight at the thought.
Her breath hitched and she felt her cheeks growing hot. Slowly, she leaned toward him, reaching out to curl her fingers in the collar of his shirt. They were just a breath apart.
Take it easy girl, it's all fun and games until-
Letting out a sharp breath, she growled, "Oh to hell with it," and jerked him forward into a kiss.
To say he was surprised and the kiss had stolen his breath away was an understatement. It certainly wasn't unwelcome by any means as he moaned and kissed her back, hands groping, gripping into her hair as she shoved his tongue hotly into her mouth. And he wasted no time, shoving the coffee, creamer and milk onto the floor as she climbed clean onto the table, and hoped to guide her there, too.
Jynx followed him easily. Maybe too easily, but she couldn't really find it in her to care. She arched up against him, giving a soft gasp that trailed off into a moan as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
Ohhhh, this is such a bad idea...
And she really didn't care. She trailed quick, almost frantic kisses to his neck, nails scratching at his back in an effort to press as close together as possible.
They were half entangled together by now, lips moving to nurse at her neck, pressing trails of hot kisses down to her shoulder as skillful hands worked at loosening her clothing, while guiding her to lay on the top while he remained ontop, positioned, though fully clothed, to make good on his suggestion to try for ten.
She tilted her head back, giving him better access to her neck as she shrugged out of her corset. Hands trailing down to the hem of his shirt and tugging in a demanding sort of way, she muttered, "I don't care how good you are, I can't be the only one without clothes on."
The second he saw breasts he went for it, lips devouring, hands feeling but at her demands, he laughed softly nad returned to kiss her fierce on the lips.
"Then rip them off me," he challenged, skillful hands moving down to help rid her of her lower half of clothing.
Breath coming sharp and fast, she lifted her hips to make things easier. "Hope you weren't too attached to this," she growled, arching up to grab at his shirt and quite literally rip it off.
Her hands moved to the hem of his pants, tugging insistently while she attacked his neck and shoulders with kisses and sharp little nips.
"Gods be damned!" If he was turned on before by this woman, he was beyond that now. Tearing off his clothes, it made him feel so vulnerable as he moaned, hands still groping all aspects of her soft, but curvy body.
When he felt her hands on his pants, he lifted his hips some, moving to help her until he felt himself free, only air against his skin and soon she'd feel the same, that was, before he moved to press his body to her's, lips uniting in never ending kisses.
Her gasp turned into a moan that was swallowed into the kiss as she arched up to meet him, hands trailing down to trace the lines of muscle that covered his torso, nails catching lightly at his skin every once in a while.
"Gods." She gave an experimental movement of her hips that had her head falling back, exposing her neck. Clutching at his shoulders, she wrapped her legs around his waist, shuddering delicately.
Okay. Maybe they weren't just rumors.
"Gods.." his hands were all over her excited in a squeal. "GODS!" he couldn't stop himself, loving to touch her, breathing heavy against her and moving in such a way he'd take her to heaven. He couldn't say he hadn't had sex on a table before. Sure, he had it a few times before, but he could easily say this, by far, was the best. And there was something different about this woman he couldn't quite name.
Zero to One, it seemed, for now, as Trest staked his claim, slow at first, to feel her, really feel her, but it didn't take long for him to rock her so hard the table began to creak and groan beneath their weight.
"Holy-!" She let out a low groan, her whole body shaking as pleasure coursed through her, literally seeing stars. Arms and legs still wrapped around him, she turned her face into his neck, peppering the skin with hungry kisses.
Jynx was hardly a stranger to spontaneous sex, but this... It felt like her body was coming apart at the seams. "You- oh gods! Hawk!" She started to wish she knew his name.
On the table, against the table, on the floor, by the door, on the endless stairs and eventually back to his room and, in his bed they went, Trest moving as a fevered animal, wanting to claim her as long as he still held strength.
"Gods.. Your body," he moaned. "Gods you feel..." and he pauses, shuddering, trying to fight back his peak as the pair rocked his bed until it was slamming against the wall.
Jynx was pretty sure that Zero had hit Seventeen or something at this point, and she couldn't seem to actually get a breath, writhing and gasping as she tried desperately to just stay conscious.
"I- oh gods- I just...I can't-" She moaned, claiming his mouth in a desperate, fierce kiss. "It- it's okay," she hissed when she broke away for air. "You can..." She couldn't quite remember how to form the words, hoping he understood as yet another tremor wracked her frame and she bit down on his shoulder to stifle a cry.
She didn't even need to say, stupid as the action was, as he screamed out her name and let himself go. Shuddering with relief before collapsing beside her, useless.
And Twenty. Or something. Gods, she'd lost count. Panting sharply, she simply lay there, feeling her heart hammer against her ribs.
She licked her lips and opened her mouth to say something, but all that came out was, "That... Gods..." She rolled onto her side and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing a tired kiss to his chest.
And he returned her kiss with one soft to her forehead. He held her in arms and moaned softly in satisfaction.
"I'm so worn... Gods..." be kissed her temple through her hair. "Let's sleep until next Tuesday."
She chuckled quietly, nuzzling into him. "I think I can get behind that idea," she murmured, tilting her head absently into his touch.
She usually wasn't much for cuddling, but this was...nice. Really nice. She'd never much liked hugging because it felt restrictive, like she was being trapped. But for some reason this just felt- well, nice.
He smiled, really smiled so that he felt a flutter in his breast as he hugged her, nestling his face close to hers.
Jynx felt her heart sort of skip a beat and she smiled in turn, the expression much softer than her usual smirk. Tilting her head, she pressed a soft, chaste kiss to his lips- nothing desperate or demanding, just for the sake of the touch.
She let her head drop onto his chest with a tired and contented sigh, slipping her arms around his waist.
Dear gods, I am in sooooo much trouble...
They couldn't have been asleep for more than an hour, but when the door to his room flew open- and Laz's voice calling came through, Trest sat up suddenly. ANd that was when his friend froze in the doorway.
"Well well... Guess we're calling her One now?" he went on cheekily, eyeing the naked pair. Trest glared, tugging the blankets over them and keeping Jynx close.
"What the HELL are you doing in here, Laz?" Trest snapped. He just couldn't catch a break! "AND HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET IN HERE?"
ANd when Laz showed him the keys, Trest groaned.
"Whatever it is you want isn't important. Get out. We're sleeping." And he tried to hide himself back into the bed.
Jynx's eyes widened at the sudden intrusion and she shrank back against the Hawk instinctively, yanking the blanket up to her chin. When she saw who it was, her eyes narrowed and she actually growled.
"I swear to gods, I'm really going to let Ilieth eat you," she hissed, glaring at Laz before turning to bury herself back into the bed, tucking herself under her bedmate's arm.
Promises, promises...
"Is that the name you gave Hawk's dick?" Laz quipped back to the fuming girl's thread.
"By Ansgar's balls Laz..." Trest growled, moving to step out of the bed as Laz threw his hands up.
"Woah now, I don't want to actually see your dick again and so soon!" Laz teased. "Last time it was Nell who was pissed!"
At that, Trest lunged out of hte bed, roaring like a lion and Laz, laughing, raced out the door and down the stairs.
Down below, Trest caught up to Laz and through punches, his laughter could still be heard coming up to the room above.
Jynx let out a breath and rolled her eyes skyward. "One day," she muttered to whatever deity might be listening. "Just one bloody day."
Yeah, doesn't look like that's gonna happen.
"Shut up." With another sigh she got out of the bed, looked around for her clothes, remembered they were strewn just about all over the house, blushed a bit, and settled for wrapping a blanket around herself as she left the room.
"Oi, if you're gonna kill each other at least be quiet about it, some of us are trying to sleep here!" she shouted when she reached the bottom of the stairs, leaning carelessly against the door frame and watching the Hawk beat on his friend. Well, she assumed they were friends, despite some solid evidence to the contrary.
Trest growled and managed to finally drag Laz towards the door.
But Laz stopped him, clutching to the door frame before looking back with a child like grin.
"Aint' you gonna ask why I came?"
"I Don'T CARE," Trest growled, working to shove him out when another voice came from behind him in the alley.
"MAybe you should care, Hawk."
It was Nell.
At the voice Jynx groaned, closing her eyes. "Whatever I did in my past life to deserve this, I sure as hell hope I enjoyed it," she muttered.
She moved into the room and collected the Hawk's pants, tossing them at him with a quick "Cover yourself" as she set about searching for her own clothes.
Too late. Nell saw it all.
"Well, Hawk, here I'd thought you'd be more excited to see me." And she pushed past him and Laz and paused, spotting Jynx.
"Zero?"
"More like Eighty, from what I heard!" Laz chimed in.
She groaned again. "What do you want?" she snapped at Nell, clutching the blanket a little tighter around herself. "I mean, if you came here to see me, I'm flattered but I like my women less bitchy."
Her glare snapped to Laz, "And as far as you're concerned, it's Zero. It's actually in the negatives, somewhere. So shut it."
"Oh? Is that why you're so small right now?" Laz jabbed at Trest.
"You have three seconds to get out of here before I kill you." Then he turned to Jynx. "And hey! You should be defending Eighty!"
She threw him her most charming smile. "Oh, I think your ego's big enough already, don't you?" Her grin was innocent enough, but the glint in her eyes would've been more appropriate if they were back in his bedroom. And alone.
Because best sex she'd ever had aside, she certainly didn't need to admit it. Especially not to him.
Nell scoffed.
"I can't believe it. Although I guess Hawk's getting desperate."
Jynx bristled, but tried not to let it show. "Well, after you, I guess he needed a palate cleanser," she said airily, collecting her breeches and looking around for her corset.
Seeing how clearly things were getting out of control, Lazameer tried to sober.
"Look, Hawk, I know you're pissed cause we kind of walked in on your bed rockin', but I've got bad news."
Trest gave Laz a dead pan look.
"The army believes there are mage supporters hiding in this area. They're going around door to door and searching houses."
Trest just stared. And stared and stared before turning from him and walking briskly. "I'll go get my pants."
Shit!
Jynx blanched a bit. Searching houses?
"I should get out of here," she muttered, jerking her clothes on as quickly as she could while keeping the blanket angled in such a way as to afford as much modesty as possible.
She had a feeling it wouldn't do her any good to try to explain that demoncraft wasn't magic, exactly. Her best bet was to not get caught in the first place.
"Hawk, you worried?" Laz asked, jogging after him as Trest made his way to his office. "You run a thieving ring... not a mage salvation ring," he pointed out, but Trest was hardly thrilled with the jest or explanation.
"I think the army looks for enough excuses to get their hands on more means to make money, and more people to make as slaves," he told him bitterly. "Now help me move these boxes under the floor boards. And the two men set to work, while Nell just stared, scrutinizingly at Jynx.
"You'd better run off fast, Zero. Someone might accidentally tip them off you know magic."
She glared, pausing in lacing up her corset. "What makes you think I'm a mage?" she tossed back at Nell casually, shrugging her comment off and trying to ignore the way her fingers fumbled with the tie.
"I can think of a few give reason to give to the soldiers, whore."
Growling, Jynx's whirled and her hand snapped out, the slim knife in her sleeve sliding easily into her fingers with a flick of her wrist until it was pressed against Nell's throat.
Eyes flaring gold, she ground out, "Don't. Call. Me. That."
Bit of a sore subject, huh?
If you start with me, Ilieth, you're next. She was so not in the mood.
Nell just stood her ground.
"Go ahead and try it and see how fast Hawk cuts you down," she challenged.
A day ago she would have done it. Not killed her, not over something as small as an insult- no matter how much it grated- but cut that sneering little face? Cause some real pain? Absolutely. She would have done it in a heartbeat. But now...
She wasn't afraid of Hawk's retribution. With a start, she realized she was afraid of his rejection. Which made no sense, considering she was leaving. Still, she found herself lowering her arm. "Watch yourself," she growled as she sheathed the blade.
Turning, she barked, "Hawk! I need to talk to you."
And that's when there was a furious pounding knock on the door, which made even Nell jump.
"The Grand Duke's royal soldiers demand entry! This is a mandatory, city wide search!" A few more knocks, and the man yelled again, "Open up!"
Jynx swore colorfully, eyes darting around the room for a means of escape. "Hawk," she hissed, falling back toward the door that led to all those gods-forsaken stairs. "If you have a plan, now would be a good time."
Hawk sweated. He and Laz had barely hidden away the majority of his files when the knock had come. He looked over at Laz.
"Why don't you get the door, I'll continue to make this stuff disappear."
WIth a nod, Trest moved towards the door. He had haphazardly dressed, and was a mess as he passed the two women. He turned to Jynx and then to Nell.
"You two might want to go out the back door... Unless you can be smart around the soldiers and keep your damned mouths shut."
Jynx turned to go- then she glanced at Nell. She wouldn't put it past the woman to give her description to the guards. No way was she letting her out of her sight, at least not until that possibility had passed.
"I'll stay," she muttered, though most of her instincts screamed at her to run.
There was a rapping at the door again, and the Hawk released a slow breath. No turning back now. He didn't bother to look back to his motley crew congregating in his home, but opened the door with a grim smile to the guards.
"You know, if I knew the Grand Duke's soldiers wanted in on the party, I'd consider offering up an invitation."
"Silence! We are here on behalf of the Grand Duke. A search for reassurance all residences are keeping up their end of the law."
Trest raised his brows.
"Oh, really?"
"Step aside."
"With pleasure," and he gave a gesture of his arm to let the soldiers come in, even being suhc a gracious host to hold the door open.
Jynx shrank back into a corner, silent and wary as she watched the guards file in. Her fingers twitched but she resisted the urge to go for a blade.
Her eyes flicked to the Hawk, then to Nell, calculating, considering. She wasn't about to make a move until she was sure it was the right one.
Though everyone there appeared moody, Hawk still put on forced smiles for the soldiers as they moved around his home. But when they began to take interest in his work desk, he suddenly was shouting, "Hey, hey! Don't toss those papers all over-" ANd he growled, watching the men turn over each desk drawer onto the floor. "Hey! Those are my business papers!"
And one soldier stood between Trest and the man rummaging through the desk with a gruff glare.
"And this is our business to ensure there's nothing fishy going on with your business. What is it that you do here, exactly?"
Trest huffed before giving a grim smile.
"Trade."
Taking a breath, Jynx decided to go out on a limb a bit. "Is this gonna take much longer?" she asked, making her eyes wide and innocent. Crossing to the Hawk, she hooked her arm through his and gave the soldiers her most disarming smile.
"I've come a long way to visit my- cousin." She hoped they didn't notice the slight pause as she tried to think of something plausible. "And he promised to show me around a bit today. Didn't you?" She looked up at him and batted her eyes, mock pouting. "Ya see, I don't get into town much," she continued, looking back to the guards with that same you-don't-want-to-ruin-my-fun-now-do-you look.
The man seemed unyielding.
"It'll take as long as it takes." And he looked from Hawk to Jynx, back to Hawk again before looking at the other two. Lazameer just gave a grin.
"I'm the older much more attractive cousin, but I'm not the brains so... look away!"
Hawk could have rolled his eyes, maybe he did. But well Nell piped up, he almost broke his own cool.
"Whatever, I don't care how long this takes. I'm not a fan of this boring business anyhow," she went on with a sigh. "So long as my fiance is home for dinner."A nd she looked directly at Hawk without so much as a hint in her voice there was a lie there at all. IF anything, she was good at pretending. He wasnt' sure he cared for it, but he just hoped her little quip kept them all out of trouble.
Completely illogically, Jynx felt her grip on Hawk's arm tighten possessively. Forcing herself to relax, she shot a charming smile around the room, letting her head tilt just slightly to add to the effect.
"Yes. Right, of course. You heard my soon-to-be cousin." She positively beamed at the guards. "We're on a bit of a schedule, don't want to get my cuz in trouble with the missus."
The men were not content with turning Hawk's drawers inside out, but went around to the rest of his house, prodding at questions and trying to find secret doors in closets or flooring. Thankfully, they had over looked the only loose plank of wood in the floor, and after half an hour in, the leader waved to the rest.
"Place looks clear. Let's move to the next." And he paused to give Trest a good hard look.
"The Grand Duke thanks you for keeping your part of the law." And with that, he and his men filed out.
Trest couldn't wait to close the door, wilting beside it for just a moment before he looked over at Nell.
"Fiance?"
"It's not like we haven't used that excuse before," she went on curtly, only to move closer to his side, hugging onto his open arm with a cool smile. "You've got a lot of work to do...."
He sneered. "Tell me about it.. so much paper work to reorganize... you'd think they'd at least trying to rifle through my papers in an organized manner."
Jynx glared around him at Nell- and realized she was still hanging onto Hawk's arm. Stepping back quickly, she tossed her hair and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Can...I help?" she offered a little warily, eyeing the mess of papers and wincing internally.
"NOt sure that's possible, but thanks for the offer," he groaned, and shrugged both women off his arm (or rather, just Nell, as she was the one yet to remain) and headed over towards his desk.
"Should I warn Pitt? Likely they'll search his place, too."
Trest just nodded. "Yeah, make sure he doesn't act like an idiot. But thankfully, no papers he has will link back to me." But he paused to look up at Laz. "And take Nell with you. She'll know which papers to hide and where."
Nell rolled her eyes.
"And leave you with Zero?"
Hawk looked at her, glaring really.
"Are you saying you want to stay and help with papers?"
"If it keeps Zero from interfering.."
"Interfering with what?" Hawk snapped.
It was Nell's turn to glare.
"Our business."
"Our?"
Nell sighed hoty, rolling her eyes. "As if you can really ignore I'm not part of this 'trade' of yours. Besides, I actually know how to file these papers. Zero's got.... Zero talent with that. Afte rall your bed is easier to navigate than these pile of papers."
And she wasted no time moving beside him to help.
"And what makes you think I can't file some damned papers?" Jynx demanded, folding her arms and glowering, conveniently ignoring the fact that she was next to illiterate.
"And," she continued, moving forward with the intent of doing something to help, "as you seem so fond of harping on, Zero is hardly an appropriate nickname any longer."
Not something she normally would have bothered to make a point about, but this woman just irked her.
And only at that, Hawk piped in, "Yeah, I told you it was Eighty!"
Jynx rolled her eyes with a dramatic groan. "Even you aren't that good, love," she muttered, giving him a droll stare.
"Even you"? Really?
She flushed, dropping her eyes and desperately ignoring Ilieth, hoping none of the others would notice the sudden color in her cheeks.
Nell gave a half assed smirk.
"I'd have to agree." And she lifted up Trest's chin pointedly. "Though if you'd want to try it..." she purred, leaning int to kiss Trest's lips real soft. "I don't see why we couldn't at least try."
Biting down on a growl, Jynx snapped her head away, pushing sharply away from the desk. "Fine, go for it. Just don't expect me to stick around to watch," she grumbled, looking toward the door.
She should go. She really should. She was getting in too deep with this.
Nell seemed to purr more deeply into Trest's ear.
"That's fine with us." But Trest was shrugging her off, and muttered to Jynx,
"If you go, fine. Just be careful and don't go yapping about anything here to anyone else if you value your neck."
"Or.." Nell chimed in, eyes shining with mirth. "Your reputation, Zero."
Jynx bared her teeth at Nell, but otherwise ignored her. "I still owe you," she said bluntly to the Hawk. "And I don't like being in debt."
She debated for a moment, then muttered, "Here." Reaching into her bodice, she pulled out a single copper coin. Opening the cut on her palm with her nails, she let a few drops of blood fall on to the metal and murmured something under her breath. The blood seemed to glow for a moment, then vanished.
Flipping the coin toward him, she said, "When you figure out how I'm supposed to pay you back, use this. Just say my name and it'll call me." She turned to leave, then paused. "Oh, and Hawk?" She glanced back over her shoulder. "That amulet I came for? If you remember who you sold it to, let me know. It's...important."
Nell perked up at that.
"Amulet?" with a coy grin, she looked to Hawk. "It wasn't the one you sold to me last week, was it?" she asked, batting her long lashes at him.
Jynx froze.
Whirling to Nell, she demanded, "What?! A bloodstone, on a gold chain- is that what you're talking about?"
Her eyes were suddenly burning, her tone near frantic.
"Oh, you're talking to fast, but are you inquiring if I have such a thing? Zero.. I hate to break it to you, hun, but Hawk here sells me lots of trinkets. You expect me to memorize every one of them?"
She growled, clenching her fists. "Look, hun, I don't have time for your bitchy games. What did this amulet you're talking about look like?"
The cut on her palm began to drip blood between her fingers and a low growl echoed in the back of her head. She forced it back, exerting a little bit of her will to keep Ilieth at bay.
That's when Hawk interjected.
"Look, it was more than an amulet, and I doubt Nell even still has it-"
"ANd what if I do?" she cut back, glaring at Trest. "You really going to try to get it back from me?" She laughed and looked Jynx over. "For her?"
Jynx was NOT interested in her little games. "Do you have it or not?" she growled out, voice low and dangerous.
That's when Trest stepped in.
"Alright, that's enough," and his voice was commanding, his blue eyes cutting into both women. "Amulet or not, it's not in my possession and if you want it from Nell and she has it? Well, threaten her outside of my house. I just had one long, trying week, and you're both trying my patience."
Nell gave Jynx a cold stare before forcing a smile.
"Well, I'm here to help."A nd she returned to her business of helping Trest sort his papers.
Gritting her teeth, Jynx spat, "Fine. You have the coin- when you figure out what you want from me, use it."
She was a thief. A good thief. If there was a chance Nell had the amulet, she'd be taking it. She's just have to tail her when she left the Hawk's place.
In the doorway, she paused, some of her tension and anger fading. "Hey, um..." She bit her lip, not quite looking at Hawk but distinctly not talking to the others. "Thanks," she muttered, and slipped out.
It was only a day later, long after things had finally calmed down in his neck of the woods. Lazameer was back to being a better thief, Nell was set to keep whatever amulet Jynx wanted far from any reach she could get, and Trest...?
"God I'm bored," he went on with a sigh, an half wilted over his chair. It was then he noticed the small copper piece at the end of his table. He picked it up, looking it over and not knowing much what to think of it. He smoothed a hand over it.
"Just say her name?"
And he smirked, and playfully whispered, "Zero." on it, knowing it wouldn't work, but also just amusing himself while he had some down time. (though he supposed he could be doing paper work, but who really wanted to do that?)
"Zero" felt a shiver run down her spine. She froze, pressing herself against the side of a building as she stopped what she was doing- which happened to be tailing Nell- to take stock. What was that?
He's calling you.
She frowned. No he isn't. I would have felt a stronger pull if he was. It didn't cross her mind that the intent behind such a summoning was what counted, not so much the exact words.
He laughed when nothing happened, shaking his head and leaning back in his chair as he began to flip the coin about, boredly.
The tingle grew stronger and Jynx frowned. It almost felt like fingertips trailing up her spine, the sensation ebbing rhythmically, as though he was tapping his fingers against the coin or something.
"Oh, alright, I'm coming," she muttered, exasperated. Under her breath she summoned Nightmare, swinging easily up onto the demonic mare's back when she appeared. "To my blood," she whispered in her ear, leaning forward.
With a snort and a toss of her head, Nightmare leaped through planes. Jynx squeezed her eyes shut, stomach lurching as they traveled through the demon world for an instant that felt like an eternity.
Then they reappeared in the mortal realm, Nightmare pawing at the floor of Hawk's office. Jynx sat back, arching an eyebrow. "I gotta say, I didn't expect you to miss me quite so quickly."
And Trest screamed almost like a girl,a nd fell onto his back, chair and all.
"What the hell-" And the penny landed on his forehead and he groaned.
"I must've drank too much again," he grumbled, not moving from where he had fallen back on his chair to the floor.
Jynx laughed, doubling over on Nightmare's back. She couldn't help it. "Oh, gods, are you- ahahaha!"
she jumped down off the demon's back, patting her withers absently before she moved over to peer down at the Hawk sprawled on the floor. "You alright?" she asked with a head tilt, chuckling.
"About as well as a man can be when a woman storms into his house on a horse from hell. How about you? How's the weather out there? Good? Oh, but a bit hot you say? Yeah, I heard hell can be like that."
Rolling her eyes, she leaned down and offered a hand to help him up. "It's a bit warm, yeah," she teased, eyes glinting. "Don't know why you're so surprised though. You are the one who summoned me." He must have. Now that she was here, that persistent tingling had faded away.
"Uh... say that again? I did what?" he went on, going to clean out his ear as if that were the reason he heard what he had heard, all the while grabbing her hand and using it to help him get to his feet.
Ignoring the pleasant jolt that ran through her at his touch, she shrugged. "Summoned me," she repeated, arching her eyebrows. "You know. With the coin. Remember?" She shrugged. "You must have done something, 'cause here I am."
"Oh, right. I was masturbating. Probably called your name or something."
She smirked at him. "I'm flattered," she muttered, tone dry. Withdrawing her hand, she planted her fists on her hips and tilted her head back to meet his eyes.
"Really though- why'd you call me? You can't use that coin every time you're feeling frisky you know. I don't have that kind of time."
He blinked.
"So... you're saying the coin works?"
She quirked an eyebrow. "What, did you think I was kidding? Course it works."
"And... you're implying it works..... more than once?"
Uh oh. Maaaybe she hadn't thought this through. "Ye-es," she said slowly, giving him a wary look as she tried to figure out what he was thinking.
"And... any time of day... anywhere I go.....?"
And oh how his eyes seemed to get brighter.
Yeah, she was definitely going to regret this. "Yes, but-" she hurried to add the "but", "It's not a complete guarantee that I'll come. I can feel you calling, it's like an itch I can't scratch. But whether or not I choose to come is still up to me."
She didn't feel the need to tell him that the longer she ignored such a summons the more persistent it would become. Shrugging, she muttered, "I only gave it to you so you'd have a way to contact me when you came up with a way for me to pay you back."
Trest grinned.
"I think we just found that pay back." he lifted the coin. "Thanks for the easy booty call. Now.... Undress before me, woman!"
Well.
Couldn't say she hadn't seen that one coming.
Jynx sent Nightmare back through the Veil with a click of her fingers and gave him a very dry look.
"Three things." She held up three fingers. "One: you ever call me woman like it's my name again and I will neuter you I swear by whatever gods you hold sacred." She put one finger down. "Two: contrary to what the charming Nell seems to believe I am not a whore- I won't be paying you with sex, so think of something else." Down went the next finger.
"Three." She let her eyes move up and down his form and made a show of debating. "Well, as long as I'm here..." She drew her bottom lip between her teeth, looking up at him through her lashes and saying sweetly, "I'm not undressing first this time."
Trest picked up the coin.
"Oh yeah? Well I got some rules too. Now one, two, three, are all simple... Get undressed for me, mistress of coin sex!" And it took every ounce of his being not to laugh.
Biting down a laugh at that particular title, she quirked an eyebrow. "Well, if you're going to take that attitude you can just go back to playing with yourself," she told him airily, tossing her hair and folding her arms- rather strategically, she had to admit.
"Awww, but why can't you play with me? Do I need to use the coin again?" And he leaned forward, slipping it in between her warm, soft cleavage.
Her eyes fluttered to half mast and she hummed in the back of her throat. "If you're using it like that I'm not complaining," she murmured, looking at him through her lashes. Lips twitching up on one side, she leaned forward in turn until she was less than an inch from his lips.
"Can I get a please?"
Although his masturbation claim had been in jest, having a frisky female before him was more than enough to get him in the mood. But he wasn't about to do so easily, and he gave her a playful grin as he let a hand smooth down her hip.
"Please? How about you give me a thank you." Though she wouldn't get a chance to reply, as his lips pressed softly, then hungrily, over hers.
Opening her mouth to give an indignant protest, Jynx found it suddenly otherwise occupied. She also found she wasn't really invested in protesting, giving his shoulder a little shove in reprimand but at the same time stepping closer, pressing herself flush against him.
He didn't mind any of this either, and as he tilted his head the other way, leaning in to deepen the kiss, he muttered between a breath, "I'm still waiting...." But again, his lips were quick to taste her's again, his blood simmering and his breathing hitching, hot.
Heat began to rise in her skin, her heart rate picking up, and she muttered between kisses, "And just what...am I thanking...you for?"
She didn't bother to wait for an answer, reaching up to wrap an arm around his neck and pull him closer. He was too damn tall!
He grinned through a kiss.
"What else?" And moved a hand to slip into her clothing.
She smirked against his mouth, then her breath hitched as he touched skin. He had a lot more freedom this time, considering she'd forgone a corset.
"You're not that good, love," she breathed, her tone very much at odds with her words. Her smirk widening, she let her hands drift to his waist, then up under his shirt. "I will thank you for the coffee though..."
"Who said you'd get any coffee?" he asked, words now breathed against her neck as hands moved up and down her warm, soft skin.
"What, isn't that traditional? You get a quickie and I get breakfast? Or at least a cup of coffee," she teased. A shiver ran through her at his breath on her neck and she tugged insistently at his shirt, leaning unconsciously into his hands.
"Quickie?" he laughed against her neck, before his lips moved to capture her's again. "Who said this would be quick?" And his hands moved to unlace her shirt.
Well, if previous experience was any indication...he had a point. A shudder of delicious anitcipation ran through her and she shrugged out of her shirt once the laces were loose enough, jerking his up over his head and tossing it over her shoulder.
"I hope you can live up to that, Hawk," she purred, titling her head up for another kiss.
It was another kiss he gladly met, and pressed into her with heat. His hands were moving up and down the soft, warm flesh of her back while he breathed moans through his nose, lips never yielding.
"Well, I'll try so long as I'm livn',"he told her through kisses, lips moving down her neck to her breasts, lips kissing one, his hand massaging the other.
Her head tilted back with a sharp gasp and she arched into him, hands grabbing at his shoulders as she tried to find something to anchor herself with. "Unless you want me to start ripping clothes again, I suggest you undress now," she breathed.
That elicited the biggest, most cat like grin he could muster.
"Oh really?" he groaned, lips moving to her other breast. "Is that a promise?"
His attention to her breast was making focus difficult, and was eliciting embarrassingly breathy moans, but she struggled through.
Arching an eyebrow, Jynx gripped the hem of his pants and tugged down, hard. She thought she heard a small rip of fabric and felt something give. "You wanna do the rest, or shall I continue?" she panted, fingers dancing up to grip his hips and pull him against her.
Lips met to her's, growling.
"You call that ripping off clothes?" he challenged, reaching for the rest of her clothing to give it a rough yank, too.
Drawing in a sharp breath, Jynx kissed him back fiercely and yanked, jerking his pants down and probably just about ripping them in half.
"Your turn," she growled in challenge, tangling her fingers in his hair, nails scratching lightly at his neck and scalp.
Though his pants were down around his ankles, it didn't seem to prohibit him from what his body ached for. He moved her, setting her now naked ass onto his desk as he continued to kiss her, moaning through them as he shifted forward, throwing off what was left of her clothing and ignoring his still bound aorund his boots and hiked up her thighs as his hand moved down to stroke her.
"Gods," he moaned, his fingers dipping in, just barely. "You're already ready to go."
Though he shouldn't have been surprised, she was the one initiating this-
Sort of.
"Oh-" Her own moan choked off as she bit her lip hard enough to draw blood, back arching slightly at his touch. Her hands went to his upper arms, nails digging in as she shuddered lightly.
"Yes," she hissed, eyes fluttering shut. "Yes, so would you just shut up and screw me already?"
Okay, this was definitely not what she'd had planned for today. But she wasn't exactly complaining.
His grin was wicked.
"Oh?" His fingers shoved into her. "Like this?"
"Ah!" Jynx let her head fall back as her spine arched, hips bucking forward. "Gods- yes," she breathed, a shudder running through her body.
Raising her head to meet his eyes, she slid one hand to the back of his neck and pulled him into a savage kiss. "You," she growled against his lips, rolling her hips again almost instinctively. "I want you."
He slipped another finger into her, wriggling it around playfully.
"And this isn't me?" he teased, stealing another deep kiss. He was being wicked, and though his own sex ached for her terribly so- He knew when they'd finally have one another again, it'd be heaven.
Groaning, she trailed her lips down to the slope of his shoulder, hands clenching, nails scratching at his skin.
"This is torture," she protested with a sharp gasp, her body denying her words as she moved against him. "You're playing with me," she accused raggedly.
Trest moaned softly against her neck, his lips kissing and sucking at her skin.
"Yeah.." he breathed the words against her, fingers moving around while his thumb moved to massage her outside. "But I want to hear you beg." And he crammed a third finger inside and just watched her face.
She actually cried out at that, shivering against him. "Gods, oh gods," she whispered hoarsely. "Yes, yes. Oh gods, pl-" She bit her lip, refusing to give him what he wanted, refusing to beg.
Two could play this game.
She let her hand trail down his chest and stomach, quick thief's fingers dancing over the lines created by his hips, then wrapped her hand around him. Her hips bucked forward against his hand and she started to stroke, nipping lightly at the curve of his neck before peppering kisses up to his jaw.
Trest panted, moaning along as she worked his length.
"G-Gods," he groaned, teeth sinking into her neck as he nibbled down her flesh. He moved in closer, ramming his fingers in deeper and kept at it.
Jynx gave a keening moan and wrapped her free arm around his neck, pulling him as close as she could while her other hand worked, hips rolling forward in desperate little bucks, her body begging even if her voice refused to.
The Hawk was very good at what he did, and she found herself starting to tense, the rhythm of her hand becoming erratic as she sucked in sharp, panting breaths. "Gods help me," she groaned, tilting her head to kiss him deeply, hungrily.
"But the Gods can't help you here," he breathed hotly against her, giving her a deep and passionate kiss. His own hard member throbbed in anticipation as he groaned, "All you have to do is say please." And his voice grew hotter, breathier and his hands, much more rapid to feed her tense, growing need.
"I...I-" She groaned again, back arching and fingers digging into his shoulder. Her hips bucked and she made a noise that was almost more sob than gasp. She couldn't take it anymore.
"Please!" she moaned. "Oh gods- please, damn you!" She moved her hand against him almost roughly, vindictively wanting to make him beg the way he'd made her, but knowing she'd already lost this round.
Trest gasped. Her begging was a real turn on, and when she really starting pumping on his shaft, he nearly lost it himself.
"G-Gods!"
Prying her hand away forcefully, his own hand was yanked out of her, and then both were grabbing her hips, pulling her to him and he, into her, as he mewed out his own relief for their final entry. His shaft was hard as stone, and he kept slamming it into her as his lips crashed moaningly into hers.
"You feel like heaven."
Jynx choked back a cry, hands clutching desperately at his shoulders as she rolled her hips against him. She loved the small sound he made, ridiculously pleased that she was the cause of it.
She gasped into his kiss, drawing his bottom lip between her teeth and biting lightly before letting him go. His words made her shudder and she smirked, then let out a desperate moan as he slammed into her.
"Don't stop- oh gods, don't stop," she begged, frantically raining kisses over his face and neck. "Better than heaven," she breathed, not even fully aware the words were leaving her mouth. "You're better than heaven."
Some could claim he was a sex addict, perhaps even a bit of a womanizer, when in truth- maybe they were all a little right. He himself could not keep it in his pants when a pretty woman offered it up. And though he put all of himself into each stride, each woman he took, as he was taking Jynx now, he had never been able to stick with just any one of them.
There always seemed to be some sort of complication. The woman wanted him too much, or too little. Dreams could not meet, and paths were destined for other directions. Even still, hope always remained as something he desperately clutched at, and to hear her words as they fucked made that feeling rippled throughout his whole being.
Never before could he admit he wanted to claim a woman as his like he did with Jynx in this moment, his thrust fervent, his breath- short and heavy, almost whining as he felt an equal pool of sensations that were ramping him up to his own peek.
Perhaps it was him being selfish, realizing his age, realizing a good lay when he had one, realizing a similar spirit who seemed to not mind connecting with him this way- and he wondered how much more? Truthfully, out of all of hte women he's had, and probably some of the bastard children he didn't know about, he felt strange but-
He wanted her to be the one to take his love and let it seed her. He rather liked her face. She'd make handsome children. And by the Gods, that drove him over the top. He couldn't hold himself back. He shouldn't have been thinking too much into it, but he had already came into her before- and without permission, or even warning, he cried out suddenly-
Then screamed over and over again as he banged her so hard he himself was seeing stars as he filled her up with his hot seed, and fell against her in the aftermath, body shivering as he could still feel her, inside her- and he..
So satisfied from need.
Something changed. It was slight, but she could feel it- feel him, and suddenly, somehow, this was so much more than just sex.
It terrified her.
But she couldn't stop, couldn't let him go. She wanted this, wanted him, more than she could ever remember wanting someone before.
Then he screamed, and she found her voice joining his, shaking desperately in his hold as wave after wave of pleasure rocked through her.
She may have actually blacked out for a moment, because when she could actually focus again, when her vision was more than black starburst, he was collapsed against her, still in her, and she was shivering and panting beneath him.
She reached up and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, clinging desperately. Dazed, not sure why she did it, she tilted her head to bring her mouth next to his ear. "Jessica," she breathed, eyes fluttering. "My name is Jessica..."
He tensed at her secret. But a smile twitched upon his lips.
"Jessica?" came his croaky reply. "You know...." he went on, face nestled into her shoulder. "Jynx sounds kinkier."
She laughed breathlessly. "Which is why I usually go by it," she said with a tired sort of smirk. "Who want to hire a badass thief with a name like Jessica?"
Her hand drifted absently over his back, stroking lightly up and down, her legs still hooked over his hips. She found she wasn't really in any hurry to move.
He smirked and just stood there, his heart still hammering and his body, clammy and hot with sweat. But he liked the warmth she had, and the way she smelled. Not only her perfume, or whatever oils she used in her hair (which really was a nice smell that was driving him a bit crazy to breath it in, making his heart do little fluttering leaps), but the fact she smelled of sex. Of their sex.
"I know what you mean," came his lazy reply. "The name Hawk seems to intrigue many a women."
And though he was proud and smug when he said that statement, part of it made him internally squirm he had said it so openly to her.
For some reason that made her frown a bit, arms tightening almost possessively for a moment, but she brushed it off. "And here I thought it was an alias for your nefarious business purposes," she teased, absently carding her fingers through his hair.
She wanted to ask. She really did. But she didn't want to push. So she settled for, "Your real name must be awfully embarrassing if you prefer to be called a bird." Her eyes glinted softly at him.
He smirked down at her, stealing a kiss to her forehead.
"Hey, don't Jynx it."
"Oh gods," she groaned dramatically, rolling her eyes. "Like I've never heard that one before." She shoved at his shoulder lightly, pushing him back a bit so she could sort of sit up better.
Her eyes flickered down and she gave him an almost sheepish smirk. "We seem to have made a bit of a mess of your desk..."
"Yeah well..." he stole a soft kiss. "You can clean it up for me, later."
"I'm not your maid, Hawk," she grumbled, but the kiss had softened her tone a bit. "Besides, we need some cleaning up." The idea of putting clothes back one while all sweaty and...well, other things did not appeal to her.
"You still interested in sharing a bath?" she teased quietly, pressing a light kiss to the corner of his jaw.
Trest's expression brightened.
"Any damn time you ask. Come on," And he stood up, helping her from the desk. Then he gave her ass a slap. "Let's go fetch some water together."
Jynx squeaked a bit and shot him a quick glare, but nodded easily enough. She eyed the door to the cellar with a bit of trepidation, muttering, "It's a bit chilly down there to be poking around naked."
Her eyes flicked to her clothes with distaste, but she set about gathering them up, wrinkling her nose as she slipped her shirt on over still sweaty skin. It fell to mid thigh, so at least that was something.
Trest paused and turned to her. Upon seeing her redress, he caught her by the wrist and demanded, "What are you doing?" And before she could protest, he was slipping her shirt off again. He then tossed it over his shoulder, who knew where it fell, then gave her a wink.
"No clothing allowed." And he took her hand and pulled her along with him to the cellar door.
"Hey, what are you-?" She glowered at him a bit but didn't really protest as he pulled her along. "But it's cold," she grumped, moving up to tuck herself against his side as they descended into the cellar.
It really wasn't that bad, if she was being honest. She liked the excuse to stay close to him.
"I know.." he went on, pausing only briefly to stare at her rock hard nipples.
She caught his glance and arched an eyebrow. "I really wouldn't be talking if I were you," she said with a pointed glance at his crotch. "Come on, let's get the water and get back upstairs where it's warm."
His grin grew.
"So you like them small, too?" he teased, giving her a playful jab with his elbow. He guided her down the cellar and towards the well, filling a bucket for himself, then a second one, and moved aside to give her one while filling up a third.
"I hope you can carry two buckets up the stairs. We'd need at least four for two people to have a nice soak."
Jynx wrinkled her nose at him, lifting her two buckets with minor difficulty. "Stronger than I look," she said easily. The chill of the cellar had her shiver and she hurried toward the stairs. "C'mon," she urged, the idea of a warm bath now seeming like absolute heaven.
The idea of a warm bath with him...well, she'd already said it before. Better than heaven.
He followed up after her, but paused a moment, spilling some water onto the stairs as he swore. He thought he heard someone enter.
"Jynx- wait!"
But someone already opened the door. And the soldiers standing there hardly seemed pleased.
Jynx yelped and dropped her buckets, back pedaling quickly and thumping into the Hawk's chest. "Don't you people knock?" she shrieked, feeling her cheeks heat and sort of curling in on herself in a rather useless attempt at modesty.
"We're here for on a warrant for arrest," one of the men barked back gruffly, trying to ignore the fact he caught them both without their clothes.
"Some's said they saw some sort of magic going on here."
Trest's brow twitched, as did a soured smirk.
"I know lots of women have said it was magical,... but boys.. really, I don't do men."
The soldier glared.
"Are you the one they call the Hawk?"
Trest's lips curled.
"Yeah, that's me."
"You'd do best to come with us. And without any trouble."
Her eyes widened and she looked between the men and the Hawk. "On what grounds?" Jynx demanded, unconsciously shifting forward to put herself in front of him almost protectively. "Lots of people are in and out of here- it's a place of business. What makes you think he's the one with magic?"
Her lips curled up in a sneer and she added derisively, "If there's really any magic going on at all."
Trest placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Easy there, these men are just abiding by the law.." He looked up at the soldiers, both he and Jynx still paused on the stairs. "Besides, I'm betting they're just lonely."
That's when he noticed one guard's hand move tot he hilt of his sword.
"Don't make us drag you out of here."
"Someone is offering a lot of money to get you behind bars."
"And magic isn't taken lightly," the other added, giving Trest a threatening look in hopes to quell the red haired man's quips.
Jynx bit back a growl, eyes flicking around the room as she desperately searched for an idea. "You at least gonna let him get dressed first?" she grumbled at the guards, pressing back against him.
Her gaze fell on the desk, on a tiny glint. Okay...okay, it was something to work with, at least.
The soldiers took a step forward.
"Lady, you'd do well to keep your yap shut or we'll haul you in as well, as an accessory to magic harboring."
Trest had had enough, and grabbed Jynx by the wrist and yanked her to his side before he stepped upa nd before her, and kept going, leaving her on the steps behind him.
"If you're really going to arrest me naked, go ahead, I don't care. But you'll be hearing from my lawyer about this."
"Lawyer?" the soldier gave a cold laugh before wailing a fist into Trest's gut- a move that was most unexpected as he doubled over, wheezing and breathless. Soon cold hard cuffs were latched around his wrists. "Criminals ain't got no lawyers nor rights. Come with me." And he moved to shove Trest towards the door.
Jynx cried out, starting forward when the soldier struck him. Forcing herself to stop and think, her hand darted out toward the desk and she snatched up the coin she'd given Hawk.
"Wait!" She moved toward the group of soldiers, reaching for Hawk's arm. "Can't- can't I at least say goodbye?" she begged softly, biting her lip and willing her eyes to tear up a bit.
The soldiers gruffly denied her with a push and ,"No." And as they lugged him towards the door,t hey glared back at her.
"You can have your reunion once he's settled into jail."
Stumbling back a step, Jynx locked her eyes on Hawk's. "If you hurt him, you'll answer to me," she hissed, snapping her gaze back up to the guards. She knew it was probably a useless threat, but she had to say something.
It was probably her fault he was being taken away. Her heart twisted with an unfamiliar emotion- guilt.
The soldier sneered.
"We'll remember that thread, darling." And he gave her body a once over before shoving the very naked Hawk out the door, guiding him down the way and to the waiting carriage, where they tossed him into the back, behind locked and barred doors.
Gritting her teeth, Jymx barely waited for them to leave before she was yanking on her clothes, sliding the coin down the front of her shirt. She raced out after them, just in time to see the carriage start off.
Swearing colorfully, she started making her way to the jail. Even criminals could have visitors, right? There had to be a way she could use that to get him out.
He was thrown into a cell after given filthy clothes. They apparently had fleas, and were wool, both of which made him itch. His cell wasn't much better. He was certain the stains were urine, and whatever it was growing in the corner probably had fleas. He also got a nice shiner when he finally did get to talk to someone, and they saw fit a night in jail would do him some good. Perhaps more. His future was uncertain, and in the moment- grim at best. At least he was relatively alone in the cells, except for one pacing man who kept going backa nd forth and repeating himself about the upside down man.
Finding the town jail was pretty easy. Sweet talking her way past the first set of guards was a little more difficult, and she ran into a roadblock with the guard stationed at the door that led to the holding cells.
Gritting her teeth in a forced smile, Jynx thanked the surly and entirely too forward man for his time before retreating, doubling back to skulk outside the building and regroup.
If she could get him the coin, that would at least be something. She debated for a moment, then whispered, "Tiameth, come to me," easily reopening the still healing wound on her palm.
The small demon shimmered into being on her shoulder with a chitter and she reached up to shush her. "You remember the man from before? The one we tried to get the amulet from?" Another chitter and a nod. Jynx fished out the spelled coin and gave it to her, watching her grip it delicately between her tiny, sharp teeth.
"He's in there," she said, pointing to the jail. "Get that to him, alright?"
Tiameth nodded and took to the air with a flutter, soaring through one of the higher windows in a deft maneuver that squeezed her through the bars and then zipping through the halls, searching by scent and sound.
If one thing was obvious with jail, is that it was boring. He'd rather be getting arrested again than sitting in that cell, rotting. However, when movement within his cell caught his eye- and he saw the creature, he gave a startled cry.
"GODS WHAT THE FUCK!?"
Surprised by the shout, Tiameth back winged and squeaked, bright eyes narrowing. Then the demon recovered and slipped through the bars of the cell, circling his head a few times before dropping the coin she held with a soft clink.
Landing, she nosed the little piece of metal toward him and looked up expectantly, head tilting to the side.
Picking up the coin, he looked down at the creature then back to the coin.
"Jynx's coin..."
But then he recalled just what it could do... but shook his head. Calling the poor woman into the jail didn't seem... well, fair.
Her job done, Tiameth took to the air again and chittered at him, nodding to the coin in what might be a meaningful way, before making her way back out of the jail to where her mistress waited.
Jynx was almost fidgety, anxious, and she let out a sharp breath when the little demon fluttered into the shadows to land on her shoulder. "Atta girl," she murmured, rubbing her head. Okay. Now she just had to wait for him to use the coin.
Provided he decided to actually use it. But he head to, right? She'd essentially given him a key to his own cell, surely he'd be clever enough to figure that out.
Still uncertain to use it, he wasn't about to let it go to waste. So when the pacing man finally went to sleep, and the guards had already changed over for the next shift, he brought that coin to his lips and whispered her name.
"Jynx."
It took longer than she expected for the tingle to run up her spine. She'd sent Tiameth back through the Veil and had tried to wander casually around the jail, looking for weak points in the building.
Then she felt the call, and without really pausing to think she called Nightmare and was on the demon's back in an instant, ducking her head and closing her eyes as she whispered, "To my blood."
This was a much shorter trip, and it hardly took a moment before she felt the shift in dimensions around them and the huge mare was standing in a cell, nostrils flaring as she shifted her hooves uncomfortably. Jynx slipped off her back and sent her back through the Veil with a flick of her wrist.
"Hawk," she whispered, looking him over with concern. "Are you alright?"
Trest had to press himself up against the back, stone wall so as not to be crushed by the rampaging mare. But he couldn't lie he was happy to see her- magic and all.
"As alright as I can be- but I'm pretty sure we alerted the guard," he called over to her in a harsh whisper, all the while the pacing man had awoken and was going crazy, wailing and smashing his head into his bars.
Jynx cursed softly and moved over to him. "No where to hide in this cell, huh?" she muttered, glancing around and hoping the Hawk would correct her.
She really didn't want to call him, but it looked like they were running out of options.
"Nope. Just me." And when the guard approached, asking,
"What's going on here?" He found himself staring questionably at Hawk and Jynx being in the same cell- or rather, Jynx being there at all. When had they taken on a female prisoner? He took a step forward. "And who is that?"
"This? Oh, my imaginary friend. I was getting lonely in this cell and decided to ask her to join me. Wasn't she kind enough to oblige?"
The guard just looked at him before his face wrinkled in anger.
"MAGE! HOW DARE YOU TRY THAT MAGIC HERE! CULLINS!" he called the name back towards the front gate. "CALL FOR KURT! WE GOT A MAGIC USING MAGE HERE!"
"You know- magic using mage is a bit redundant..." Trest interjected, but was silenced when the door at the end of the hall was thrown open, and a mordecai in full armor began to stalk their way.
"I think this is the part where you use those imaginary powers," Trest whispered.
"Oh, gee, ya think?" Swearing colorfully, Jynx ripped the cut in her palm open again and hissed, "Ilieth, come to me."
Finally.
The demon materialized in an instant, all scaly limbs and flashing eyes. He gave her a wide, fanged grin. "Who do I get to eat?"
"No one!" she spat, throwing a hand out to point at the guard and the mordecai. "Do your thing, make them forget, or however it works."
Although she genuinely wasn't sure if his hypnosis trick would work on a mordecai.
The mordecai had nothing on the demon, and he and the guards took a step back from the cell.
"Is that.. is that the one that wanted to eat me and Laz?"
"Yes." The reply was sharp and blunt, most of her energy focused on keeping the demon under control. "Just make them back off, make them forget," she hissed at Ilieth.
His forked tongue flicked out at her, eyes flaring. "You never let me have any fun." But he turned his attention tot he guards and his eyes seemed to glow, voice somehow doubling with a strange undertone. "Nothing is amiss here. Leave this cell, go about your business."
It didn't seem like much was happening as Trest looked from the men and then over at Jynx from the corner of his eyes.
"So... nothing's happening. Is something happening? Or do they react first, your demon react first, I mean how is this supposed to work?"
Jynx frowned. This wasn't really normal. "Ilieth?"
The demon flicked his fingers at her dismissively, not looking at her. "If you get him out of here, I will make them think they never captured the Hawk to begin with, I promise you."
She didn't like that idea. If she wasn't here to monitor him, there was nothing stopping him from doing what he wanted- which probably meant eating them or something. Still, she murmured a summons to call Nightmare to her.
"Hey, Hawk." She didn't take her eyes off the demon. "Do you think you can hold on to her without my help?" Riding through existential planes wasn't exactly easy.
"Her?" he looked wide eyed at the horse. "Can't say I was any good at being a rider..." he went on, a hand on her reins. The horse also seemed about ready to bite him. "What.... is exactly the plan?'
Nightmare snorted and shifted her weight, not liking the unfamiliar hand. Ignoring her, Jynx said quietly, "She gets you out of here, I stay and make sure Ilieth doesn't kill anybody." If she could.
Finally chancing a glance back at him, she muttered, "Just use the coin to call me when you're safe, I'll banish Nightmare for you."
"Uh..." he looked at the horse, still gawking. "Tell me how this exactly works again? I mean.. is this horse going to... you know.... drag me into Hell or something?" And he wasn't exactly sure how he, being the human he was, could survive that- or.. well, whatever it was this horse was meant to do! For all he knew the creature itself could burn him!
Her lips twitched in a smirk. "Not hell. Not exactly. It's a different plane of existence."
She hesitated. Honestly...she wasn't sure if a human who wasn't a demonlord could survive that. With a frustrated growl, she swung up onto Nightmare's back and muttered, "Get on and hold onto me."
Ilieth chuckled and she glared at him. "You will sway them, make them believe we were never here, and return to me. That is all. I am your Lord and Commander, hear my Word and Obey."
The demon hissed at the chant, but he didn't even bother to look at her.
Trest grit his teeth after mounting the horse behind her. He held onto her, looking forward and no where else.
"Let's get the hell out of here."
Literally.
Nodding sharply, Jynx suggested, "Close your eyes," and dug her heels into the demon's sides.
Nightmare sprang forward with that familiar- to her at least- twisting sensation in her gut and she ducked her head against her mane, automatically reaching to grab the Hawk's wrist around her waist.
It was over in a heart beat that lasted an eternity, she blinked and they were back in the little alley she'd tucked herself away in near the jail. "You alright?" she asked, looking over her shoulder.
Trest was clinging to her, knuckles pure white. When he felt the real world and it's breeze around them, he released a shuddering breath.
"Gods... shoulda closed my eyes," he croaked, and rolled off the saddle, puking.
"Shit," Jynx muttered, jumping down from Nightmare's back and banishing her with a flick of her wrist and a murmured chant. Kneeling beside him, she laid a hand gingerly on his back. "Okay, just...breathe, alright? How you doing?"
She winced. That was probably a dumb question.
He would have answered her, but then he vomited again.
Not knowing what else to do, Jynx continued rubbing his back, eyes flicking around warily as they crouched in the shadows of the alley.
"Look, I'm sorry about this," she muttered, "But do you think you can move? We've gotta get somewhere safer than this."
Trest groaned but nodded.
"Yeah-yeah, I'll live. But next time.." he gave her a weak but playful grin. "Maybe I'll listen to ya."
Relief made her shoulders curve in a bit and she gave him a slightly forced smile in return. "Next time? Try all the time, I'm always right," she quipped, slipping his arm over her shoulder and pulling them both to their feet. Maybe not her best line, but she was trying.
"Come on," she murmured, starting off down the alley. "There's gotta be an inn or someplace we can hide out nearby."
"An inn would be too practical.... and isn't your demon friend making them, you know.. forget?"
He hoped so, or he'd have to rethink his entire business plan and life style.
"Yes, but he's not happy about it." Ilieth didn't have a choice though, not after a command like that. "Where do you suggest we go, then?" Jynx asked, looking at him sidelong. He didn't look like he could make it very far.
Trest groaned.
"Anywhere with some steak. Yummy, delicious, greasy, salted steak."
Her mouth quirked up on one side. "Steak. I'll see what I can do."
She vaguely remembered some sort of tavern a little further down the street. Glancing at her companion, she asked wryly, "Think you can walk on your own, or are you gonna keep using me as a crutch?"
"Does that include me being allowed to grope you, because then I'l take that option," he went on with a surly smile.
Jynx rolled her eyes. "Are you ever not thinking about sex?" she muttered, but she didn't exactly tell him no.
You bitch.
She froze. "Gods all damnit." Moving to put her back to the wall of the alley, she tried to maneuver the Hawk behind her. "You may wanna brace yourself," she muttered. "Ilieth's pissed."
"Uh.... is that so?" he found himself asking, blinking a bit before forcing himself to stand taller. He brushed his hair from his face. "We could take him to dinner. When I make my lover angry, it seems to help," he jested, even if he'd rather not see that demon.... well...
pissed.
Glancing back at him over her shoulder, Jynx started, "Ilieth is a bit harder to deal with than a jilted lover-"
Her voice cut off as the demon suddenly materialized in front of her. Snarling, one clawed hand snapped out to close around her throat, lifting her off her feet and slamming her back into the wall.
"You. Bitch," Ilieth hissed, tightening his grip so his claws drew little pinpricks of blood from her neck. Jynx choked, eyes wide, and scrabbled desperately at his arm.
She'd never seen the demon this angry.
"I'm not one of your spineless dogs, Little Jess," he spat, eyes flaring. "I will not do your bidding so easily. The next time you pull a Command like that on me-" his grip tightened further and her vision started to fade at the edges- "I will make you pay for it."
It was about one of these times he wished he had his sword, or a knife, or well anything. Though fists could suffice from time to time, he wasn't exactly sure trying to brawl a demon that could eat him was a smart choice. But he wasn't about to let the demon just threaten Jynx, either.
And his hand went to the demon's shoulder- and he knew at that moment this was probably the biggest mistake of his life.
"How much gold you want to cut out those threats? Because I think you're forgetting you were used here because of me."
Yeha, definitely not a smart idea to remove the ire of the demon and place it upon himself but.....
He wasn't about to stand there and just let the damn beast kill her.
Ilieth's eyes snapped to the man with an inhuman hiss and he released his grip on Jynx's throat. She sank to the ground, coughing and retching, but she still tried to gasp out, "Get...get away...from him."
"You," the demon mused, eyes moving up and down the Hawk's form. His hand came up to grab the one on his shoulder and bent back- not hard enough to break his wrist, but definitely hard enough to hurt like hell.
He looked back to Jynx and gave a chilling laugh. "Are you serious? You think a fuck or two is going to save you? It means nothing, you stupid chit."
Jynx glared at him, panting, throat raw. She'd hoped- foolishly probably- that he wouldn't notice. It was something she didn't even understand, but it seemed it was enough to get the demon's attention.
That whenever she was with Hawk, he couldn't get in her head.
"Three months," Ilieth purred, suddenly cool and collected. "Three months, Jessica Erinsri, and you are mine." Without an incantation, without permission, he disappeared through the Veil.
"Well... I think he took that rather well," Trest went on, trying to sound pleasant though he felt completely numb because well, he was sure he should feel some sort of relief from that, but the situation, and the demon's last words, didn't really sit all that well with him.
"And here I was presuming he'd just rip off my head now." And at that, he gave Jynx a toothy grin.
"So.... about those steaks?"
She actually laughed. It was shaky and hurt her throat, but it was a laugh. "Steaks sound amazing right about now," she murmured, climbing to her feet and swaying a moment before she managed to pull herself together.
Frowning, she held out her hand to him. "Did he hurt you?" she muttered, eyeing his wrist. Ilieth hadn't seemed to be trying all that hard, but the demon was definitely strong enough to break bones without much effort.
"I'm trying to ignore it," he went on, playfully. But it did hurt like hell.
Jynx tisked and gently took his hand, letting her fingers probe his wrist. "He might have sprained it," she muttered, not meeting his eyes. She felt guilty as hell.
"I'm sorry," she said with a sigh. "I didn't think he was going to take it out on you." Although...well he had tried to engage the demon, that probably wasn't the best move he could have made.
He quirked a brow, wincing a bit when she pushed on a tender spot.
"What? Why not? That's the first thing I thought would happen when I decided to touch your pet. Although, I figured I'd be dead at the end."
She snorted. "Hardly my pet, I figured that was pretty clear." Letting out a sharp breath she released his hand and glanced up at him with a forced smirk, then away again. "You said something about food, yeah? Let's go."
"Yeah... Something about steak, and something about it being your treat."
Chuckling, Jynx muttered, "I guess I owe you that." She glanced down the alley and started making for the main street.
Then she glanced up at him, licking her lips almost nervously and frowning. "Why did you do that?" she asked quietly. "He could have killed you- you knew he could have killed you. Why the hell did you try to stop him?"
"Your pet was aiming to kill something, and the way he was eyeing you suggested he had his mark. Besides, you saved my neck, remember? It wouldn't be fair for you to have your pet take his rage out on the wrong person. Besides, it would make me seem more dashing!" And he grinned broadly for effect.
She shook her head at him, lips twitching up on one side in a bemused, almost wondering smile. "You...are an odd bird," she said after a moment, poking her head out onto the street to make sure the coast was clear before slipping out of the alley.
Realizing what she'd said, she snorted and added with a smirk, "No pun intended."
"It's okay. I'll let you go this time. But don't jinx yourself," he told her with a wink. And as they moved along he grunted and paused when they reached an intersection. "Ah.. O'Riley's. I heard they have great steak." He turned to her with a grin. "Shall we?"
Rolling her eyes at him, she grinned and nodded. "Lead the way." She slipped her arm through his and added brightly, "I hope you're planning on buyin', cause I'm not carrying much coin on me."
"And you think the formally naked and imprisoned man would? If anything, maybe we should head back to my place... this clothes looks kinda shabby, or rather, extremely shabby and I've got a reputation to maintain."
Jynx shrugged. "I'm not picky, long as I get some food soon." Her eyes flicked over the few people on the street, and she considered the likelihood of drunkenness in this O'Riley's place. "Or, you know. I could just..." She wiggled her fingers and glanced at him meaningfully.
She was a thief after all. Pick-pocketing a few drunks to pay for a meal would be a cinch.
He grabbed her hand. "And you'd do what? Steal me a suit and tie? Give me a hand job? Give them a hand job?" He smirked. "Let's at least let me change. I..." he coughed, to clear his throat, obviously! "Really don't think this color suits me."
She wrinkled her nose at him, but shrugged. "Whatever you say." Honestly, she was just relieved he was out of jail and Ilieth had left them both reasonably in one piece.
Smirking, she added wickedly, "Should I call Nightmare to get us back to your place?"
"Only if you want to fish me out of jail again."
Jynx chuckled, shaking her head. "This way, right?" she asked, making a turn that she thought should lead them back to his home.
"Actually.." He went on, grabbing her wrist. "The... safer route is this way." And he pulled her down an opposing street that zig zagged through the backs of buildings.
She allowed him to pull her along. He knew better than she did, after all. She was more comfortable in back alleys anyway.
"You know, I thought you just had other people do all your thieving for you," she mused quietly, "but it seems like you actually know how to sneak around."
"Even Lords start off with a blank slate. And only fools would trust a boss who doesn't know his work." And that's when he paused to look over at her, grinning wickedly before pulling her into his arms. "Did you just give me a compliment?"
Jynx's eyes widened when she was suddenly pulled against him, then she forced herself to scowl, valiantly resisting the urge to chuckle at his grin. "I'd say it was more of an observation," she said airily, tossing her hair.
"Which means you're admitting to observing me," he openly flirted, leaning in just a tad closer.
She did chuckle at that, quirking an eyebrow. "Sweetheart, I think we're well past the observation stage," she pointed out.
Eyes glinting, she flirted back, "But I'll admit maybe I like what I see."
He gave a fluff to his own hair.
"Most do. I guess it's true.." he went on, leaning in real close to her to whisper in her ear. "Real women can look pass the clothing to the man beneath." And before she might know what he was doing, he stole a quick kiss to her cheek before pulling away from her and continuing down the street.
"Just a good few.. er.. maybe ten more streets to go! Then home sweet home!"
Jynx just stared after him for a moment, shaking her head in bemusement. Then she followed, giving a dramatic little groan. "Ten. Brilliant. What are the chances of you carrying me?" She batted her lashes at him, mock pouting. "I'm a delicate flower over here, and I've worked my ass off already today."
He paused to tap a finger thoughtfully to his lips.
"True, very true." Then he turned to her and scooped her up. "Alright, if the lady wants carried as payment, the lady will get carried!" And he went about at a brisker pace, seemingly unphased by her added weight.
"Oh!" Jynx hadn't actually expected that and she automatically grabbed at his shoulders to steady herself, eyes rather wide.
Then she laughed, deciding to just go with the flow. She shook her head at him with a small, lopsided smile. "My hero," she chuckled, leaning forward to peck his cheek.
"Hero?" he smirked through a blush. "I think you got it backwards, I'm doing this since you were a hero for me." And he returned the kiss in kind, dipping her down low as he did so.
Giving a little squeak then a sound that was almost a giggle- except it wasn't, because she did not giggle- Jynx slid her arms out around his neck and gave him a wry little smile when the kiss broke.
"Well I couldn't just leave you there. It's probably my fault they came after you." Some of the levity left her and her brow furrowed slightly.
"And then you used rescuing me as an excuse to try to get into my pants again," And at that, he tsked her scoldingly.
"Oh?" Jynx arched an eyebrow at him. "If that was really my end game, Hawk, I have a feeling I wouldn't even have to go through the trouble of busting you out of jail." She smirked a bit.
"That's so true.... but since you rescued me, I could offer you more scandalous sex like... right here in the streets?" he went on, leaning in and nearly kissing her, but instead, giving her the coyest of grins.
Her breath hitched and she felt her heart give a nervous little jump at the suggestion. She didn't really believe he'd do it though- not even he was that bold, right?- so she just smirked back. "Don't tempt me, love."
"Don't tempt you?" he stole a kiss, and breathed against her lips, "Don't tempt me."
But that was that, as he turned from her, giving a little gesture with his hand. "Well come along, let's not dawdle, love."
Jynx took a moment to recover, then smirked as she followed after him. "Yeah. I think after all this, we really deserve that bath," she noted, falling into step beside him.
"That, and a nice long nap," he went on with a sigh. Then he smiled back at her. "Just a few more streets! Then home sweet home."
Her eyes softened slightly quite without her knowledge. Home sweet home. Gods, what she wouldn't have given even two years ago to have that for herself.
"Right. Few more streets." Shaking the thought away, Jynx reached out to link her arm through his and grinned at him.
Once they were back in his home, things seemed to fall back to normal- or as normal for the two of them it could be. Trest easily shed off his clothes, prepared them a bath and went to work in cleaning himself. He felt so disgusting, and once he was certain he was good and scrubbed, he sighed and lounged back in the bath.
"Wake me when it's morning," he groaned tiredly. Then he raked a hand through his wet hair. "It's been one damn long week."
Jynx sort of puttered around and let him have his bath, figuring he definitely deserved it. When he spoke though, she meandered her way over, shedding clothes as she went and slipping into the water without preamble.
"Sorry about that," she said easily with a small smirk. "I have a feeling most of that long week is due to me."
He sighed again, trying to keep a straight face, but he was grinning, and grinning with his eyes closed when she entered his bath.
"I wouldn't deny it," he said through a small grin.
"Oi!" She laughed and splashed a bit of water at him. "You're supposed to deny it. Then I deny you denying it, then you graciously admit that maybe I've been a bit of trouble." Jynx smirked at him, nudging his leg lightly with her toe.
"I'm not supposed to do anything," he told her with a grin, the grabbed her around the waist, pulling her closer so she was basically mounted ontop of him. "I'm a business owner.." he told her, hands sliding down her naked side. 'I make executive decisions and have others do work for me."
Swallowing a squeak of surprise, Jynx threw one hand onto the edge of the tub and put the other on his shoulder to steady herself.
"Uh-huh." She arched an eyebrow at him, trying to ignore the way his touch sent little shivers up her spine. "Then how come you've been doing so much work one me?" she challenged. "You could've just passed me off to Laz or something..."
"I wouldn't pass off any woman to Laz," he told her with a grin. "Besides, I like you being indebted to me," he went on with a sigh, nestling back in the tub. 'Makes me know you're vulnerable... and easier to manipulate."
"Excuse you." She shoved his shoulder, pouting at him. "I am neither vulnerable nor easy to manipulate, thank you very much."
Feeling a little vindictive, she wriggled around on his lap and then rose up on her knees to break the contact to emphasize the point, arching an eyebrow.
He arched a brow back, a hand still resting on the small of her back.
"And... just what are you aiming to prove?" he asked, still grinning at her while his now erect cock poked just it's head out curiously from the bath waters.
"Manipulation," Jynx responded promptly, glancing down and then bringing her eyes back up to his face, smirking. "I tend to be on the manipulating end of the equation." She let her hand drift down his chest to dip below the water and pause teasingly just above his hips.
Trest arched his body up, ever so slightly at her gesture. But he paused, cheeks flushed.
"Yes..." he said through a breath. "I knew you were trouble ever since I first laid eyes upon you."
Then he reached forward to grab her cheeks in his hand, and drew her down in a hasty, heat filled kissed, before one of those hands slipped lower, to the small of her back again- urging her to sit.
"That's more like it," Jynx whispered before she melted into the kiss. She let his hand urge her down, sinking onto his lap and rocking her hips forward to rub against him teasingly.
A low, growling sort of moan escaped her and she nipped at his bottom lip, one hand drifting up to tangle in his hair.
And as she did so, he whimpered a breathy moan in reply, lips sealing to hers as he rolled his hips slowly, up and down, prodding her sex with his tip.
She sort of wanted to tease him more, but the fire that had started up in her core wouldn't be ignored. "Oh, fuck it," Jynx growled, and jerked her hips down to slide onto him, gasping as she did and leaning forward to nurse at his neck.
He had expected her to tease him, as every time before this they had. But when she simply took over, and took him inside her, the moan he had been holding in came out in a bubble groan. He kept his head back, eyes closed tightly as hands moved along her goosebumped body, and his sex began to slowly move in and out of her as she shuddered in delight.
"Gods, yes," Jynx hissed, eyes fluttering closed as she nipped at his neck, then trailed fevered kisses up to his mouth. She rocked her hips forward, hard, slamming them together with a low groan.
Trest whimpered against her kisses, his hand clutching at her hips as she began to fuck him.
"Gods..." he gasped. "D-don't stop," he groaned. "Keep... keep fucking me."
Because he pretty much wanted to be at her mercy.
She smirked against his lips. "As you wish," she murmured, and started to really ride him, sending little waves lapping against the sides of the tub.
"Oohh..." Jynx let her head fall back and drew in a sharp breath, clutching at his shoulders hard enough for her nails to bite into the skin.
So they just met, and were still more or less bed buddies and strangers. In this moment, he didn't really give a damn. He was never a man to scoff at or scandalize lust, in fact, he had a reputation for embracing it. Jynx was getting this first hand as he held on firm to her hips, grunting out moans with each heavy roll of her hips.
His teeth sunk into his lips hard enough to draw blood, and soon his own hips were moving hastily with her own, forcing the bath water to create waves that easily spilled over the lip of the tub.
Jynx moaned into his mouth, increasing the intensity of her movements as much as she could, tasting blood on her tongue and not giving a damn.
"Yes," she groaned, reveling in the sensation, the heat, and the fact that it was just the two of them, her mind blessedly empty of anything but the pleasure. "Oh gods- Hawk!" She tore away from his mouth to latch onto his neck, biting and kissing in turns.
He panted then gasped at her attentions, bites on his neck sending shivers all throughout his body. He couldn't stop moaning, each thrust inside her making him louder. He was holding her so tight by the hips now he might be bruising her, but he didn't care. It felt so damn good, and soon his thrusts were becoming sharp and jerky as he tried to fuck up into her as hard as he could.
Every thrust knocked a gasp from her lips and it didn't take long for Jynx to become a writhing, moaning mess atop him. "F-Fuck," she panted out. "I'm close- gods, Hawk, please!"
Sex in a tub, though sexy in itself, was not without its complications. But the pain from bucking around inside a porcelain tub on his lower back held nothing to the extreme pleasure their acts elicited. He let out a desperate moan, fingernails biting into her sides as he continued, harder and harder and harder until he found his own peak and thrust up once, good and hard, before crying out in a sob of passion. Hot seed filled her, and heat swam through him, forcing him into a frenzy until he was done. Then he shuddered and collapsed against her shoulder, panting heavily and just holding her in an exhausted embrace.
It was actually difficult for her to pinpoint the exact moment when she hit her peak, because even as she did he was still bucking up against her, sending one climax on the heels of the first, and then another.
When he finally stilled, Jynx was near sobbing with release, hands clutching at his back as she panted desperately just to get her breath, letting her head rest against his and shaking lightly against him.
"You know..." Trest went on, through a few pants. "It's a good thing we did this in the bath."
Jynx gave a low, breathless chuckle. "Yeah," she agreed, nosing into his neck. "Though I think your floor might need some mopping up," she added, glancing at the small puddles forming around the tub.
"Yeah well..." he stole a kiss to her lips. "So would we." He gestured to her. "We should probably clean up ourselves, then we'll worry about the floor."
"Fair enough." She sighed a little reluctantly, pulling away from him. She was loathed to break the contact, but lifted her hips and slid off his lap, shuddering delicately as she felt him leave her.
Sitting back against the other edge of the tub, Jynx quickly ran water over herself to remove the thin sheen of sweat she'd worked up.
And Trest was content to watch.
Looking at him out of the corner of her eye, Jynx smirked. "I thought we were supposed to be washing up," she murmured, splashing at him gently. "Hard to do that if you're just staring at me."
"I know what I said," he told her with a crooked grin. "But I'm just admiring the view. Besides.." he sighed and relaxed back in the tub. "You wore me out."
"Damn straight," Jynx said smugly, then stood, letting water sluice off her. "Admire while you've got the chance, I'm getting dressed," she threw over her shoulder as she climbed out of the tub."
"Yes, m'am," he saluted, and watched her towel off.
Laughing, Jynx crinkled her nose at him and put on a bit of a show before dropping the towel and dressing slowly, glancing at him and doing an almost reverse striptease.
Trest leaned back in the tub.
"You know... you shouldn't be able to make getting dressed sexy." But he was all smiles anyway.
"I make everything sexy," Jynx tossed at him with a smile, batting her eyes. "It's a curse really, I can't help it."
"I guess I could believe that," he went on lazily, before finally stepping out of the bath himself and working on toweling his own wet body off. He used a second to ruffle into his hair. "Probably why I let you stick around longer than most."
Chuckling quietly, Jynx rolled her eyes at him, then let her gaze wander up and down his body. "I gotta say, Hawk, clean is a good look on you," she teased lightly, smirking.
He quirked at brow at her, towel still ruffling through his hair.
"Oh yeah? I've been told the opposite," he went on with a proud grin. After all, a sweat glistening body after sex....
Hrmm.. maybe he was thinking about all of the women he got all flushed and sweaty, which made him nearly drool at the memories. He gave her a grin and slipped the towel from his hair, and it splayed in a wet floppy mess.
"I can imagine," Jynx murmured, letting her eyes sweep over him again. "I think it's the hair," she decided with a nod, stepping closer to him and reaching up to run her fingers through it. "Something about wet hair. I dunno."
She shrugged and gave him a crooked smile, carding her fingers through his again.
And at that, he laughed!
"You're a terrible liar!" ANd he went on to poke her lightly on the nose. "I'm vain, but even I know it looks horrendous after a towel dry."
Then again, he had a handsome face, so he was rocking a wild man mane around it-
So although he looked silly, he still was damn good looking. And his grin and brght blue eyes only added to his charm.
"I'm not lying!" Jynx protested with a laugh. "It's... It's got this unkempt but sexy thing going on."
She gave him a crooked smile, head tilted to the side as she dropped her hand and stepped back.
"Well," he mused, rubbing thoughtfully at his chin. "I can't deny I'm sexy."
She snorted softly, rolling her eyes at him. "Well, Mister Sexy, it's been a pleasure, but..."
Jynx glanced toward the door, frowning slightly. "I should- I should probably be going."
"Oh? I suppose I had interupted something?" he asked, smugly.
Jynx wrinkled her nose at him. "Shockingly, yes, I did have other plans today before you summoned me out of apparent- shall we say, boredom?"
"So... what you're saying is you had boring plans or no real plans at all."
And at this, he smirked.
"You are utterly incorrigible," Jynx informed him dryly. Folding her arms and arching an eyebrow, she added, "Actually I was staking out the charming Nell's place to get the amulet. So unless you want her wrath coming down on you, maybe don't mention my involvement in this little adventure?"
"Nell?" he laughed. "That sounds like risky business. I didn't take you for the risky type."
"Really?" Her other eyebrow crept up to join it's twin in genuine surprise. "You didn't think sneaking into a thief boss's office while he was napping at his desk was risky?"
His grin was wry.
"Risky? Maybe foolish."
"Was it though?" She moved forward to loop an arm around his waist, batting her lashes. "At least I got some fun out of it..."
He thought it over before decided, with a nod, "Yes, yes it was." And he grinned. "I think we both got some fun out of it, but I can only vouch for my fun, not yours."
"Oh, it was definitely fun," Jynx purred, leaning up to softly kiss the side of his neck.
Then she stepped back rather abruptly, giving him a small smile. "Even with the demon," she added quietly, a little guilty. "But...I should really get going. Don't want Ilieth really breaking your arm or something..."
He rubbed at his arm.
"You think he'd actually do that?" he asked, only sounded a tad worried..
but only a tad!
She opened her mouth to assure him that she'd only been joking- then her expression sort of scrunched up and she sighed, shrugging.
"Honestly, and rather not have the excuse to find out, you know?" Jynx gave him a small, crooked smile. It suddenly struck her how badly she didn't want to see him get hurt, not because of her.
"And here I thought you were a risk taker!" He tsked. "But I guess we'll never know.." he went on, blue eyes dancing, and lingering- as if daring her...
but daring her to what? To stay.... or go?
"You want me to take a risk?" She arched an eyebrow, then spun on her heel and boosted herself up onto his desk, glancing around and shuffling through some papers all official-like.
"Fine. Maybe I'll just start a little coup, take over this fine establishment of yours," she said casually, pretending to read.
"What? For your 'demon summoner's consortium'?" he asked, stepping near and casually planting a flat hand over the paper she was trying to read.
"Consortium?" She arched an eyebrow, chuckling. "Maybe. Has an ominous ring to it." She tugged at the paper, trying to pull it out from under his hand. "Why? You interested in joining?"
"Maybe," he replied, leaning into his arm, and thus cementing the paper to his desk with his weight. He then scooted over so his ass could also sit on the desk. "How much does it pay and do I get my own office?"
"Hmm..." Jynx tapped her chin, pretending to think about it. "Well, can't promise you exact figures, but you'd be paid only in gold," she teased eyes glinting.
"And maybe not your own office, but..." She made a show of looking around, then shrugged. "I suppose we could share this one."
"Mmmm... Nope. I think I'll keep what I have." He folded his arms and smirked. "I'm not a big fan of sharing."
"Really?" She smirked right back at him. "You didn't seem to mind sharing the bath. Or the desk, when you were fucking me against it," she pointed out blithely.
"Yes... but I was fucking you," he went on with a bat of his eyelashes. "Clearly I was getting something I wanted from the deal as well."
"Mmm..." A little impulsively, Jynx placed two fingers under his chin and tilted his head up to steal a quick kiss, feeling a little smug. "Oh stop it, Hawk, you keep sweet talking me and it'll go to my head," she teased wryly.
He was laughing, but not really at her, more at the situation as he admitted, "Oh by Ansgar's name, you're starting to sound like Nell!"
And he wasn't sure what response that jab would make, but he couldn't help it! It made him laugh even more!
Jynx's expression soured quickly and she leaned away from him. "I am not," she protested- though for all she knew, that wasn't true.
And at her denial, his laughter only came out gurgled by his failed tempt at suppression, and then louder.
She scowled at him and shoved his shoulder, grumbling, "Stop that. It's not that funny."
But that only made him laugh harder that he snorted!
Scowling, Jynx clapped her hand over his mouth and muttered, "You're lucky you're cute, Hawk. I've used my blades for less."
Which...wasn't strictly true, but that was really an excessive amount of laughter!
He was still laughing, but managed to calm down enough to wipe at the tears in his eyes.
"Gods..." He wiped at another tear. "I think I might actually miss your shenanigans." And he gave her such a charming lop sided grin.
She wrinkled her nose at him, ignoring the funny little lurch her heart gave at that.
"Well, you've still got the coin," she pointed out lightly. "I suppose, if you ever miss me too much... Well, I wouldn't mind dropping by, once in a while."
"Once in a while?" he feigned a pout, a hand over his chest. "You wound me you'd want to see me so little. And here I thought I was cute!"
Jynx rolled her eyes. "I do have a life Hawk, I can't just-"
She'd been going to say "come whenever you call", but she paused. Three months. She had three more months.
What the hell.
"You are pretty cute," she relented, hiding her thoughts behind a smirk. "Maybe I could make an exception."
"And maybe I could make an exception to share my office," he went on jovially. "You know, for the occasional needed sexual business that's papers just can't quite satisfy."
She chuckled, shaking her head at him. "Well, I'm honored," Jynx teased, voice wry. "What's my title then? "Assistant Director in Charge of Sexual Business"?"
"Assistant? Heavens, no!" he went on, waving it off with his hand. "You'd be the director herself!"
"Hmm." Jynx scooted a little closer, leaning against his arm. "And I suppose my daily tasks would consist of lightening the mood around here? Relieving some tension?"
He looked at her, trying to remain indifferent but his smirk was definitely there.
"If you mean giving me sex all the time.. then yes."
She pouted at him. "That seems like an awfully one-sided deal. What do I get out of it?" she needled, figuring that might get some kind of rise out of him.
"You get to give me sex all the time," he told her, all smiles, and without missing a beat.
"Yeah, see..." She mock frowned, tapping her chin. "That seems more like part of the job than part of the reward." She beamed at him innocently.
"And now you're even more sounding like Nell!" he was quick to jab back, and boy was his grin big.
Jynx glowered at him. "You keep comparing us," she noted, quirking an eyebrow. "I have to wonder if she really does have you as wrapped around her finger as she seems to think."
Trest laughed.
"Oh, please, You're just upset and scrambling for ways to save your pride."
Ignoring the way that seemed to ring scarily true, Jynx huffed at him, tossing her hair. "That's not a no, Hawk," she noted, arching an eyebrow.
"One good answer deserves another?" he jabbed, grin only growing.
She shook her head, narrowing her eyes at him. "What do you want from me?" she demanded, smirking.
It wasn't until after the words left her mouth that she realized how loaded a question it could be.
He couldn't help himself, his grin was so big.
"What else?"
"What, again?" Jynx teased, crinkling her nose at him. "No offense, Hawk, but even you can't have that much stamina."
His grin just remained and she would see, within that silent moment, he was proving her wrong.
Her eyes widened fractionally, a little impressed despite herself. "Really?" Jynx braced her palms on the desk behind her and leaned back, smirking. "You're just insatiable, huh?"
"Insatiable, or maybe you're just that damn attractive," he countered.
"Hm." Her smirk widened. "See, now that I can believe."
She reached over and wrapped her fingers around his bicep, pulling him toward her and leaning forward to catch his lips in a kiss.
Smiling through the kiss, he pulled her nearer.
"Remember when we first met?" he whispered. "And you were already taking off all your clothes?"
Jynx scoffed, moving to kiss his neck. "Remember when I was threatened with imprisonment if I didn't?" she retorted.
Trest was all smiles, warm hands smoothing along her body.
"And you believed me?"
That actually made her pause, and she stared at him incredulously. For a moment she wanted to be angry, then she just shook her head and laughed.
"And I was an idiot for doing so," she grumbled, wrinkling her nose at him and arching into his touch. She ran her own hands down his back to grip his rear and pull him a little closer.
When she pulled him near, he released a soft moan and ground his crouch against her's.
"I thought you were leaving?" he asked, kissing at her ear, then lower.
"Mmm..." She smirked and rolled her hips against his, tilting her head a bit to give him better access. "I suppose I could spare a few minutes..."
"A few minutes?" he pouted. "I'm hurt that's all you can spare," he told her, kisses moving from her shoulder down to her breasts.
"Weeeell," she pretended to muse, arching her back slightly and letting her eyes slide half closed. "I mean, if you really made it worth my while, I suppose I could stay longer."
Tilting her head to the side, her eyes glinted at him and she let her hand smooth over his hip and dip down to boldly cup him through his breeches. "Unless...maybe this time I want to hear you beg."
"Oh,.." came an intrigued tone as his own eyes lowered as he leered her. "I'd be up for begging. But just how would you like me to?" He leaned forward, teeth and lips at her throat, hands on her breasts. "Like a dog? I could howl... want to see me bark?" he went on, growling huskily against her throat.
Jynx shivered delightedly, starting to rub him lightly through his clothes. "I wouldn't mind seeing you bark," she chuckled, wrapping her other arm around his waist and pressing flush against him as she let her head fall back to expose the length of her neck.
She'd feel his lips growl against her throat, before he did bark,t hen suddenly bit into her neck playfully while giving a good, hungered squeeze to both her breasts.
With a startled laugh, Jynx arched her back to press into his hands, tracing one hand up to tangle in his hair while the other slipped to the the hem of his pants. "Good boy," she teased, a little breathily, and dipped her head to trail kisses along his jaw.
He growled excitedly and barked again, nipping at her throat, then lower, to where he began to bite, kiss and suck at her breasts.
Jynx groaned softly, her breath starting to come a little faster, heavier. Pressing closer, she wrapped her fingers around him and started to stroke, praising teasingly, "Very good boy."
Smirking, she whispered a little breathlessly, "Know any other tricks?"
He growled a moan at her touch, and in response to her question, eagerly wriggled his hands down her own pants before tickling them pleasurably against her clit, before venturing a little further to stroke against her wet sex.
A soft moan worked its way out of her lips and she rolled her hips forward into his touch. "Good trick," she murmured, gold eyes positively smoldering at him from under half lowered lashes.
She pulled her own hand away to grip the hem of his pants and slip them down past his hips, giving her more room to work as she took ahold of him again, a little more firmly this time.
He released a breathy moan at contact, hips rolling so his hard sex moved hungrily through her soft hands, all the while his own fingers crawled deeper as they began to move in and out of her with need.
Jynx was starting to pant lightly. Groaning with reluctance, she shuffled back away from him a bit and met his eyes for a moment.
"Let's see if I can make you howl," she murmured, then dipped her head down and wrapped her lips around him, grasping his hips for leverage.
Trest was poised with his fingers still inside her when she moved away, he had slipped out. At her look, he felt himself tremble, and when her lips sealed around him, his hands clenched into fists as he gasped out a moan. Her mouth was so hot and wet, it made his cock tremble (along with, quite obviously, the rest of him). A hand moved to rest at the base of her skull, where he grabbed a fistful of her hair and moaned, or rather whimpered, as he just let her get to work.
Jynx actually purred, starting to bob her head up and down on him. She let her tongue move in expert licks, sometimes dragging along his length or just giving teasing little flicks.
Lifting her face for a moment to look at him, she murmured, "That wasn't a howl," before she dipped back down to continue working him.
His reply came at a tighter fist in her hair. A second later, he was releasing a moaning breath as he found himself grinning ear to ear at her words.
"Keep going like this and I will," he grunted, huskily as he felt that familiar hot sensation brew.
She couldn't really smirk, so she just hummed smugly and dipped a little further down so she could swallow him whole, wrapping one hand around him and stroking as her head came up, tongue swirling around him.
"Oh... Gods," he breathed out his moan from deep in his belly, entire body arching into her ministrations while his fist gripped more fiercely of her hair it might seem he aimed to tear it out. His cock throbbed and remained rock hard in its eagerness, and before he knew it, the woman's skills sent him over the top. And not only was he howling in pleasure, but filling her mouth with it, too.
Jynx's eyes widenened briefly and she swallowed quickly, glancing up at his face. When she was fairly sure she wouldn't make a mess, she pulled back, sitting up and looking at him with her head tilted to one side, smirking.
"Now that's more like it," she murmured, and leaned forward to seal her lips over his.
And how he moaned through that kiss. After a few more kisses were returned in kind, he smirked and told her, "You taste like... well.. me."
She smirked against his lips. "Do you like that," she murmured as she trailed kisses down his neck. It was phrased like a question, but her tone really didn't hold any doubt.
He smiled, shivering at her kisses.
"Well.. yeah," he laughed, a hand stroking through her hair. "Means you were able to completely own me for just a moment in our lives."
Jynx smiled against his skin and climbed onto his lap, knees to either side of his hips. "I wouldn't think you liked being "owned"," she mused, running her fingers gently through his hair.
Something in her expression softened slightly and she let her head tilt to one side. "But...I'm glad...that you liked it."
Trest's eyes were shining. Then he patted her on the head before stealing a kiss and growling, "Don't get too used to it." And he felt himself getting aroused again.
"Oh?" She quirked an eyebrow at him, feeling his body's response underneath her. "But you were such a good dog," she teased wickedly, wiggling a little on his lap.
He hummed as he moved to kiss her.
"Then I'll buy you a dog."
Jynx grinned against his lips, then tilted her head to trail kisses along his jaw. "Really?" Her eyes glinted with mischief and she reached down to wrap her hand around him again. "What else would you buy me?" she purred.
"Rabbits.." he grinned through a kiss, rolling his hips slowly. "Fuzzy rats... an octopus, a flock of sheep..."
"Hmm." She smiled crookedly, starting to stroke her hand up and down as she pressed a series of soft kisses against his lips. "Where on earth would you even get an octopus?" she laughed quietly.
"Do you doubt me?" he asked through a breath.
"I'm starting not to," Jynx answered, surprisingly honest. She moved her hand up to card her fingers through his hair and shifted her hips forward to grind against him, shuddering slightly.
She wasn't the only one who shivered. A hand moved to cup her cheek, his lips drinking heavily of her's.
Sliding her hands over to cup his face between her palms, she rolled her hips against his again and whispered into a kiss, "Up for another round? Or do I need to make you bark again?"
By this time, she'd feel he was ready. He leaned in to kiss her, dick prodding her sex to prove his point. "Ready when you are."
Jynx shivered delightedly and wasted no time in angling her hips and then sinking down to envelope him, groaning and letting her eyes flutter closed.
"Damn, Hawk," she breathed, kissing him with a fevered sort of hunger as she started to rock against him.
"Damn me?" he pouted through a kiss, rolling his hips up into her with an upward need. "And here I thought you wanted to worship me," he groaned through another slow upward thrust.
"Ah!" Her head fell back and she drew in a few sharp, panting breaths before biting out, "Now what- gave you that idea?"
She ground her hips in a little circle against him. "Maybe- you ought to be worshipping me."
"Oh I am," came his reply, hips rolling more fervently up inside her. "In the best way I can."
She groaned, rocking her hips forward to match him and tilting her head to kiss him deeply. "Such a devout boy," she purred, a little breathless, nipping lightly at his bottom lip.
"Boy?" he asked, between kisses.
"Man," Jynx amended with a smirk, nipping at his collar.
He sucked in a breath through his teeth as he shivered, then gave an extra thrust upwards, burying himself into her as far as he could go.
"Yes.." he panted, smirking. "Man."
"Oh- oh!" She drew in a sharp breath and wrapped her arms tight around his shoulders. "Right there, Hawk," she breathed, shivering against him. "Do that again..."
He grinned through his panting and growled out playfully, "I'll do you one better." And suddenly flipped her over so he was ontop, lips all over her's, hand through her hand, the other down her soft sides before his kisses worked southward down her neck as he hefted up one leg to fuck into her at a new, deeper angle without mercy.
Jynx yelped, then groaned, bucking her hips up into him needily. "Dear gods, yes!" she moaned against his lips, tangling the fingers of her free hand in his hair and scratching at his scalp.
Trest was trembling. He was hot and pumping into her with need. She felt so good, and fit him like a hot, velvet glove. And soon he was all animal, unable to stop bucking inside her as he felt the pooling rise of pleasure grow.
He brought her to the edge so quickly she almost didn't realize what was happening, lost to a haze of pleasure. Locking her legs around his waist, she felt herself teeter on the brink.
"I- I'm-" It was all she could get out before another buck set her sailing over the edge and she clenched around him with a wailing cry, back arching and her entire body shaking with the release.
She needn't say it- He already knew. And once her heat over came her, so did his, flooding her and filling her up. ANd he sobbed on his ecstasy, shivering against her before he collapsed into a panting heap across her body.
"You know..." he began after a time. "When you're around I get very good exercise." And he offered her a left-sided, charming grin.
Still panting lightly, Jynx gave him a crooked smile of her own. "You're welcome," she said cheekily, tilting her head to kiss the tip of his nose. One hand ran leisurely up and down his back, rather enjoying the heat from his skin and the muscles she could feel under her fingertips.
"That being said," he went on with a tired sigh. "I think I'm ready for a nap." And he nestled in overtop of her, snuggling her breasts and draping one arm over her form. "G'night!"
"What, on the desk?" She laughed, then realized he seemed perfectly content to do just that. "Hawk," Jynx sighed with something like fond exasperation. "There's a bed just upstairs you know."
"I know."
Jynx sighed, then reached up to rest her hand on the back of his head. "Good night, then," she huffed, kissing his forehead and resigning herself to laying on the desk.
It wasn't like she could move him.
Trest was content enough to do just that- go to bed and sleep all night strewn across her form. It didn't matter the desk was uncomfortable, he was sated beyond imagination. And just as he was beginning to snore, there was an awkward knock at the door and an old man behind it clearing his throat.
"H-hello?"
The knocking came again, this time a little louder.
"Is this the place of... of Lord Arristaire?"
Jynx's eyes widened and she tried to sit up, but the man's weight sort of kept her pinned. "Hawk," she hissed, flicking her gaze toward the door. "Who the hell is looking for a- a Lord Arristaire?"
Hawk groaned.
"Huh? What?" he made a face, still half asleep. Then he heard the knocking. "Ugh.. just ignore it." And he tried to hide his face in her naked bosom." But the knocking still continued.
"Lord Arristaire?"
And after a moment, the name sunk in and his eyes opened suddenly. He leaped off of Jynx and began to grab up her clothing on the floor and hap-hazardously tossed it at her.
"We need to get dressed." He fetched up his pants. "Now."
Well, something was definitely off.
City guards came in demanding to take him to jail completely naked with a strange woman at his side and he didn't bat an eye. Some hesitant knocking and suddenly he was scrambling?
"What the hell is going on?" Jynx demanded, yanking on her clothes. She winced slightly at the feel of cloth sliding over cooling sweat.
"Look it's just.." Trest began to explain, but rolled his eyes as he was half in his pants as the knocking persisted.
"Lord Trest?" came the voice again, and a grumble of 'Could have sworn Lord Harrington told me it was this one..."
Trest was holding back a scream and then held out a hand directively towards Jynx. "Look just... it was fun, okay? But now Hawk has to get to work."
And he was working on fastening up his pants before he spied Jynx still there.
"Go on! Hurry up!" And he pointed to the back. "There's a window you can leave out of. Don't worry about shutting it." And he tossed on his jerkin and turned to look into the mirror, adjusting his disheveled red hair. The day had certainly done a number on him, though he paused, only briefly, to look back at Jynx with a worried and almost apologetic stare. His blue eyes could give away too much at times.
Gold eyes met blue with confusion and something approaching hurt. She hid it quickly, making her face blank and setting her jaw.
"Fine," she hissed, eyes narrowed. "Yeah, it was fun. See you around. Maybe." She tossed scarlet curls- still rather sex-mussed- and spun on her heel.
See? I warned you, Little Jess. Always ushered out the back like a dirty secret. Like a-
Shut. Up.
For once, Ilieth fell silent.
By the time Trest answered the door, he hoped he looked presentable. If he had to guess the man who belonged to the voice, it'd be Joeffry Kroger. He worked for Lord Harrington who was the banker working on his grandfather's will. He, at first, tried to deny the family claim, but there was too much evidence proving other wise, and the only way to get the damned man off his back was to just agree to put it all away into savings.
Then he ignored the estate. He ignored the savings and now what of it? Couldn't they just ignore the funds like he did? He wasn't even sure he felt right taking any of it...
Not after what his parents had gone through.
When he opened the door, he found himself staring down at the old and shaking Joeffry Kroger.
"Yes?" he asked, impatiently.
"Oh!" The man's shaggy white eyebrows rose up on his head. "You are home! Ah! I knew I had the right address!"
Although the old man was elated, Trest was not.
"Yes, you do, now it's time for you to go back home," Trest urged, but as the man tried to shoo him out, the old bearded man grew ruffled.
"Now, now, now, I just got here. Are you not interested in Lord Harrington's assessments? There has been some growth on your loans and some money owed to you. But there is also the demands on your grandfather's.. Er.. pardon me... milord.. I mean your estate and lands..."
Trest rolled his eyes.
"No.. milord business. The only thing I inherited from my ungrateful grandfather was his money, and his blue eyes. Now.. if you'll be so kind as to show yourself out..."
"Oh! But I only just got here..."
"Yes.. I know... "Trest went on impatiently and moved to step outside of his home, hoping to coax the old man away.
Jynx paused in climbing from the window. Maybe her host didn't realize that he could be heard from the other room, or maybe he didn't care. Or, more likely, she had better ears than she'd realized.
She didn't catch everything, just snippets. Something about an estate, and loans, and...milord?
Eyes very round, the demonlord dropped from the window and pressed herself against the side of the building, creeping around to hide in the shadows of an alley and keep an eye on the front door. She just couldn't believe this, she wasn't about to leave without getting real answers.
"Look, you can send me a letter about all of this. A visit really isn't necessary, and besides, I thought I told your Lord Harrington I like discretion," The last part was growled out.
"Oh... but that's just it, milord. As an inheritor of the estate of your grandfather, there are other certain obligations of your bloodline."
"Yeah yeah yeah, taxes, you told me about those last month, Joeffry. Really, I'm kind of a busy man and-"
"Might I come in for but a second? My old legs.. they ain't what they used to be."
Trest rolled his eyes. Of all the damned luck! He wanted to get rid of this old fart but here he was, groaning about his old legs. Then why the hell did he walk here? Groaning, he jerked a hand.
"I'll serve you one beer but then you'd better hit the road. I've got appointments to keep."
And very gladly, the old man followed Trest into his home. And the 'Hawk' made sure to look both ways outside inthe streets, seeing if he couldn't spy a glimpse of Jynx on her way out. Then again, he had urged her out a window....
Damn it all!
Jynx bit her lip, wavering. She really, really wanted to know what was going on in there. What was wrong with her? She usually wouldn't have let curiosity rule her like this.
Still, she couldn't seem to stop herself from nipping at a fingertip, watching a bead of blood rise to the surface of her skin before she whispered, "Kori, come to me."
The cat demon materialized at her feet and tilted his head to the side, eyes questioning. She knelt and rubbed his ears, then scratched at the joints of his feathery wings. "Sneak in there," she said with a nod toward Hawk's office window. "Let me know what you hear, yeah?"
Purring, the demon nodded and padded away into the shadows before he took flight, disappearing somewhere over the roof of the building. Jynx wasn't quite sure how he was planning to get in, but she'd seen him pull off much more fantastical feats.
He got the old man to a seat, and of course he happened to wobble his old ass over towards the table he and Jynx just....
He tried to hide any evidence, but any lingering scent from their sex seemed lost on the old man. He was haggard and out of breath anyways. He probably was too old and winded too care.
Trest got him a beer as promised, and took up a chair beside him, turning it around so he could lean into the backrest with his folded arms.
"Okay, you got your drink and chair, start talkin'." And he tapped his leg impatiently.
The old man seemed to take his time in dishing out his information. Blah blah blah, Lord Harrington, Blah blah blah, your duty, family obligations....
Trest was growing impatient.
"Yeah, yeah, I get the idea, can you get to the point, please."
"Well.. the point is there was found a speculation..err.. no, no, an obligation in regards to your assets."
Trest raised his brows. "Meaning?" he asked, foot still tapping away.
"Yes, yes, well Lord Harrington told me to make sure you understood this clause, as it can't be disputed since it was in your grandfather's will."
Trest leaned back, about ready to scream for how impatient he was, but composed himself and let his blue eyes simmer on the old man.
"Okay... go on..." he said through his teeth.
And anticlimactically, the old man said, "Oh, just that your grandfather, the Late Lord Arristaire, said all assets would go to you... under the condition you married a girl of fine Connlaothian stock and sired an heir with you."
And at that, Trest just looked at the old man... and blinked.
"Ah... say what?"
Hidden in the dumbwaiter that Jynx and Tiameth had first used to sneak into Hawk's office, Kori listened to the conversation with interest for a few minutes.
His ears perked up a bit and he blinked. Hm. Things were getting interesting. His mistress would probably want to know about this. He snuck back out through the shaft of the dumbwaiter and swooped down to find Jynx still tucked away in the alley.
Kori meowed a few times, tail flicking and wings shuffling.
Jynx felt her jaw drop. "He's a- he- what?"
Okay. She wasn't exactly the most forthcoming person in the world, and she could understand why a person would keep certain secrets. But this?
What. The. Hell?
Oh, she was soooo going to tear this Trest person a new one.
Eventually Trest got the old man to leave. He had to pull some bullshit story out of his ass that he was 'working on it' as far as a wife goes. Although it was encouraged to be soon- as there had been a time on it and it technically had expired. When asked how long his new 'grace' period was, the old man simply told him a month.
And it was left at that.
A month.
To come up with some bullshit bride or figure out a way out of whatever this new 'stipulation' was. Needless to say, he was quite pissy now and moved to drop onto his leather chair in his office, and began to knock back a few beers.
Yes, getting drunk. Getting good old drunk would fix this... for now. Come morning, he'd be sure to pay Lord Harrington a nice little uninvited visit.
Jynx waited until the old man was almost a street away before she slipped back into the house, easily taking the stairs and walking boldly into Hawk's- Trest's office.
"So." She leaned against the door frame, arching one eyebrow. Her eyes were cold and angry. "Would my Lord Arristaire deign to speak with me for a moment?"
He heard the footsteps and in the moment, he didn't care. He was trying to get drunk and as drunk as possible. So at the sight of her, he swallowed a mouthful of beer and glared away from her.
"Oh, ha, ha, ha, Should have known you'd be still be snooping around." He belched and poured himself more beer, still not looking at her as he began to guzzle down his next glass.
With a soft growl she stalked across the room and leaned over his desk, forcing herself into his line of vision.
"I wouldn't expect you to tell me much," she said softly. "I didn't need your life story. But this? How could you not tell me this?"
There was a reason she avoided the nobility, and here she'd gone and spent the last few days in and out of this- this lord's bed! And bath. And desk...
He belched before looking up at her, emotions washed off his face.
"Not tell you what, Jynxie? Hrm?"
"You're a fucking noble!" She hadn't meant to shout, but she couldn't seem to help it. Jynx leaned further over the desk, snatching the glass from his hand.
"If I'd known that, I would have left the second I could walk," she said, quiet but fierce. "Gods, Hawk- there's a reason I stay away from your kind! You're too high profile."
Speaking of... "And why the hell do you- do this?" She waved her hand around at his office. "Don't tell me being a thief is more rewarding than living as some lord."
Trest blinked at her, making a face as all that she said caught up with him. ANd he stood up suddenly- and got dizzy, - he had stood up too fast after so much to drink...
Shaking it off he looked at her as levelly as he could.
"Woah, woah, woah.. What is all this? Why are you yelling at me after presuming I'm some man of nobility?"
He moved to snatch his drink back.
"I am no such thing. And if I were what would it matter to you? I run a business here, alright? It's..." he sighed and turned away from her. "Look it's just some kind of.. complication," he growled, feeling himself getting a head ache already. Which made him rub at his temple with a sigh.
"Complication?" She snorted. "That's a damn big complication, Trest."
Jynx took a step back, frowning at him as he tried to take his drink back. "I think you've had enough for one night."
He looked at her, sighing.
"It's Hawk," he told her coolly, and reached for his drink. "The night's too early for just a few drinks of beer." Even though the first two were already beginning to bubble to his head."
"Hawk my ass," she snapped, taking another step back. "And you have clearly had enough. What, the prospect of marriage that depressing to you?"
Her eyes widened slightly. She hadn't actually meant to say that. She didn't care. Really. She didn't.
"What?" his face scrunched up and he grabbed up his bottle and knocked some back. "What? Why would I care about marriage?" he said, mocking a laugh. But it was bitter. About as bitter as his drink.
A very very small bit of the anger left her. "He gave you an ultimatum," Jynx said softly, reaching for his drink and then dropping her hand with a sigh. If he wanted to drink himself stupid, let him. "You have to get married to keep the inheritance, don't you?"
"He's an old man spewing nonsense about some bloodline I care little for. So whatever you heard.... Its as good of gossip as piss water as far as I'm concerned." And he downed more of his drink.
"Hawk..."
With a sigh, Jynx reached up and cupped his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her. "You need some rest," she said with a frown. He was obviously upset about this, and he was going to drink himself sick.
"Oh what? Now I'm Hawk?" he looked her over. "You want something... What is it?"
"What?" Jynx's frown deepened. "I- I don't want anything."
And to her complete surprise, she meant it. She realized that she was actually...worried about him.
Oh dear gods. Well that wasn't good.
"Yeah?" he took a drink, his smile sour. "Well you came in here, locked and loaded. Is it the money? Did you want some of it?" He swayed back in his step. Then he took another drink. And belched. "Then marry me and it's all yours. We can be the king and queen of fucking Connlaoth. Cheers to us," And he raised his glass to her then finished it.
"The money?"
The anger was back in full force. "You think I want your money, you arrogant son of a bitch?" Jynx shoved away the little voice in the back of her head that pointed out that even a year ago she would have taken that offer in a heartbeat.
Voice positively dripping venom, she spat, "Yeah, that's it, Hawk. I want to marry you so I can have your noble fortune and your fancy estate, and then in three months leave you a widower. That makes a lot of sense, definitely worth the trouble."
"Ha! I knew it! I knew it!" he went on with a half-drunk pointed finger. He swayed a bit and mocked out more laughs. "Give a girl some money and she's always back for more-"
He could have cried. But why was that? His face screwed up. He was too far drunk.
He stumbled a bit towards the table, and paused a moment before scrunching his face at her.
"Hey... I'm the drunk one but you said that wrong," he went on, pointing at her, wagging his finger. "I won't be a widower... with this war..." He hiccuped, an dpaused a moment to compose himself. "They'll draft me off and you'll get all of it." ANd he bowed to her, hiccuping again.
"A fine plan, miqueen."
Hiccup.
Something in her chest tightened painfully and suddenly she felt like screaming. Or maybe crying. Or both.
"I wasn't being serious, you drunken ass," Jynx snapped, forcing the feeling away. She didn't try to correct him about her "widower" comment though. She hadn't really meant for that to slip out.
With a sigh, she ran a hand through her hair and moved forward to take his arm. "Come on. Let's get you to bed."
"Oh? Ready for another round there, Zero?" came his playful, painful, sharp reply.
Oh, ouch. She hadn't expected that to hurt so much.
Jynx shook her head, tugging him toward the stairs. "I told you, I don't want anything from you tonight," she murmured. Clearing her throat, she added, trying to cover the hurt, "Besides, you're so drunk right now I doubt you could really do much."
And that's when he turned around and laughed his stinky, drunk breath in her face.
"HA! You don't think so?" he went on, stumbling to halt their progression up the stairs as he leaned on the banister. "Just get me on that desk again..."
He sounded like a drunken fool.
And he was.
Jynx rolled her eyes. "Not a chance," she muttered. She took his arm again and starting towing him up the rest of the stairs. "I may not be a blushing maiden here, but even I have some standards."
"Pfft.." He paused her again and looked her clean in the eyes. "And here I thought I was your standard."
She met his gaze unflinchingly. "You are," she told him plainly. "When you're at least mostly sober, and not emotionally compromised."
Jynx shook her head and dropped her eyes. "I wouldn't...take advantage like that. Feels wrong." She gave an awkward little cough an tugged his arm again. "C'mon, you really need to sleep it off."
A hand went to his chest.
"You wound me, my Queen." Then he paused to laugh. He was beyond drunk. "Queen Zero." he taunted with a catty laugh.
"You are not nearly as funny drunk as you think you are," Jynx informed him sourly. She bumped the door to his bedroom open with a hip.
After a moment, she added almost petulantly, "And at this point, I'd say "Zero" isn't really appropriate any longer."
"Hmmmmm," he went on smuggly. "I guess not." And he wasn't making it any easier on her when his hands slid down her body. "Does that mean you will marry me?" His grin was wide and drunk. "This privilege d Lord of wealth, thieves and power?"
There was that painful tightening sensation in her chest again.
"Sure I will, Hawk," Jynx said flippantly, trying to guide him to the bed and doing her best to ignore his touch. "I'm sure a demonlord would make an acceptable wife. I'd cook, clean, smite your enemies, all that."
She tried to get him to sit on the bed with a muttered, "Sleep it off."
"Oh? So you're a demon Lord now?" he smirked. "Well, at least you're a sexy one."
"I've always been a demonlord, Hawk," Jynx sighed. "That's what my kind are called. People who can summon demons, I mean." Oh, why did she even bother? He wouldn't remember any of this in the morning anyway.
Trying for an encouraging smile, she perched on the edge of the bed and patted the spot beside her. "C'mon then. The sexy demonlord wants you to come to bed."
"Oh, time for round thirty?" he flirted, sitting beside her and leaning in real close.
She snorted, catching his shoulders to keep him in place. "Not a chance, sweetheart. I don't screw someone this drunk."
She scooted to the side, gently urging him down onto the bed with a few light pushes. "Besides, you've probably got a pretty bad case of whiskey dick right now," she added, because apparently she really couldn't help herself.
"Oh yeah? Is that a challenge?" And he reached to undo his pants.
"What- No!" Jynx laughed and grabbed his wrist. "No, it wasn't. It was an observation."
She let out an exasperated sigh but still somehow found herself smiling at him, just a little. "Seriously, you need some rest." She pushed at his shoulders again, leaning into him unconsciously.
"Seriously," he went on, with a bit of a slur. "We should get laid." His hands were still working at his pants, which wasn't easy in his state.
Well...if it would tire him out enough to sleep...
Wait. No- she was not considering this. She wasn't. With a sigh, Jynx wrapped her hands around his wrists and pulled them up away from his pants.
"Haaawk," she groaned exasperatedly. "Sleep, love. You need it."
"Eh?" He looked up into her eyes questionably, still drunken and glossy, but at her words, there seemed to be something more.
"How would you know what I need?" And he grabbed her by her arms and looked her clean in the eyes. "What if all I needed was you?"
Her heart seemed to stutter for a moment. She told herself it was just surprise at the touch, but she didn't quite believe it.
"You're drunk," Jynx protested quietly. "You don't know what you're saying..." She made a valiant effort not to lean into him, but found herself somehow doing it anyway.
He gave a silly drunken smile and closed lip laugh.
"You're probably right." And he moved to comb a hand through her hair.
"But you are pretty." He gave her a leftward grin and leaned forward, blue eyes sparkling. "And good at sex."
Jynx snorted softly. "Glad to know you have such discerning taste," she muttered dryly, but still she leaned in a bit to brush her lips softly against his.
Another sigh. "...If we do this, will you go to sleep?" Why did it feel like she was negotiating with a child?
He smiled and pressed into those lips. A hand moved up her back.
"Mmmm... do what?"
She huffed. "You know very well what."
Jynx leaned in for another kiss, sliding her hands up to cup his face in her palms.
"Eh?" At first he didn't actually know, being too stupidly drunk. But a smile of recognition crept across his face as she kissed him.
"Ohhh..." he kissed back, even adding in some heated tongue. "So you mean marrying me, right?"
And the dance in his eyes was playful.
She scoffed, flicking her tongue out to meet his. Gods, she really couldn't seem to help herself around him.
"I'm not the marrying kind, milord," she muttered as she broke away to trail her lips down his neck.
"Mmm.." he hummed, hands moving up her thigh. "Neither am I."
Jynx covered his hand with hers and guided it higher on her leg to her hip. "Then why ask?" she teased quietly, letting her other hand skim down to slip under the hem of his shirt.
That's when he stopped his attempt to fondle her.
She stilled. "Right." Jynx cleared her throat, making a concerted effort to not meet his eyes, and tried to move away.
"I'll just- I'll go. Sorry." Why the hell was she apologizing?
He didn't say anything. He didn't move. He simply looked at the floor.
"Hawk?" Jynx hesitated, perched on the edge of the bed. Very carefully, she reached out to touch his arm lightly. "...Trest? You okay?"
"Why....." he asked, turning to her and giving her an awkward look. "Why did you give me that coin?"
"I owed you," Jynx said easily, automatically. "I don't like owing people."
She didn't mean to say anything else, but somehow found the herself adding softly, "And...I guess...I didn't exactly hate the idea of seeing you again."
Trest prickled at her initial reply, but felt numb at what she added. Too drunk to figure out his emotions he pulled the coin from his pocket and flipped it to her.
"I don't like owing people, either."
She caught the coin automatically and just stared at it for a moment, ignoring the way her heart sank a bit.
"You want me to go?" she said quietly, clenching her fingers around the bit of metal.
"What? We're even," he went on, trying to force himself to sound jovial. But his eyes were lacking.
"And I have enough coin." He forced a laugh. "You should know that. Besides.." he looked away with a shrug. "I probably have whisky dick."
Or rather, I'm an asshole dick... or so it seemed.
Her heart clenched painfully. Forcing a snort, Jynx muttered, "That's what I've been telling you."
She stood from the bed and flashed him a quick smile. Her eyes were itching. Oh gods, no, she was not going to cry.
"Guess I'll see you around, maybe," she said quietly. "Won't be in the city much longer, but I guess...if you want to look me up..." She cleared her throat and looked away.
"Doesn't that require a coin?" he went on with a laugh. "Or at least something here worth stealing?" He began to wonder why he couldn't just shut up. "Although come morning I might be ready for that fuck."
She slapped him.
She didn't actually make the conscious decision to do so, but by the time she realized what was happening her hand had cracked across his cheek.
"You don't get to do that. Call me like a dog whenever you decide you want a quick fuck," she said evenly, eyes flashing. "I'm not your whore, milord."
It was an overreaction. She knew it was, but she couldn't help it.
The slap hurt. But was sobering.
"Guess we're back to Zero then?" came his lame joke to hide any hurt in his voice.
And somehow that made her laugh, just a little.
"Gods, Hawk," Jynx groaned, dragging a hand down her face. "I just- I don't know what to do with you."
Oh great. Now she felt like crying again. She bit her lip and looked away, swallowing hard to force the feeling back.
Trest was now on his back, eyes closed. And when he began talking, he was using his hands.
"I'd suggest sex but..." he shrugged and smirked, cheeks dimpling as he looked away from her. The alcohol as really washing through him. And he began to feel some painful pin pricks of nausea rising up in his belly.
Jynx sat on the edge of the bed again with a sigh. "Why don't I get you some water for the inevitable hangover you're going to have?" she suggested quietly.
Then she'd leave. That would be the end of it.
Whatever Trest said, it didn't matter, for whatever he was going to say was quickly drowned out as he rolled over and began vomiting off the side of the bed.
Another sigh. Jynx rubbed at her temple with one hand and leaned over to rub his back soothingly with the other.
"Alright, alright. Shh," she murmured absently, frowning. She gave his shoulder a little pat and got to her feet. "I'm gonna get that water."
He groaned and remained half draped off the bed on his belly. He was studying his vomit on the floor, wondering when he had eaten whatever it was that was green floating in the bile. But then he washed it over with another fresh batch of puke.
Yeah, perhaps he should have stayed clear of the harder liquor.
She slipped down into the cellar and returned with a cup and a pitcher of water. Her nose wrinkled at the smell in his room and she muttered, "You better not be expecting me to clean that up."
Despite the caustic comment, her hand was gentle when she touched his back again. "Here."
He didn't move. He was lying face down nearly off the bed. And was snoring- and even whimpering a little as he did so.
Jynx sighed heavily. Well, what was she supposed to do? She couldn't just leave him like that.
She she settled herself on the bed, legs drawn up and curved to the side. Her hand stayed on his back, stroking gently up and down.
At her touch, he whimpered through a snore.
"It's not fair."
She started a bit, then blinked at him. "Hawk?" Her hand moved to card her fingers through his hair. She couldn't seem to stop herself from murmuring, "What's not fair?"
Trest winced some at her touch, but still seemed to be asleep.
"He came for me." He shivered. "They must be dead."
Jynx stilled.
Don't do it.
For once she wasn't actually sure if the voice in her head was her own. With a sigh, she lay down beside him and wrapped one arm around his middle, then let her eyes close.
Come morning his head was pounding, and as he went to move, he found himself with a woman at his side...
then his hand in some muk.
"What the hell-" he yanked his hand back, and the vomit on it now dribbled down his arm. He leaped out of the bed so fast...
that he stepped right int he thick mess of things and rolled his eyes back with a howl.
Jynx jerked awake and instinctively rolled to the other side of the bed, arms raising in a defensive position.
"What the hell-? Hawk!" She growled, rolling her eyes and yawning. "You just about gave me a heart attack."
He groaned and lifted up his puke stickied foot.
"At least you didn't wake up on the wrong side of the bed." He used his hand to brush most of it off. "Gross."
"Oh-" She wrinkled her nose and shifted a little further back. "Go get a bath, Hawk. You stink."
"You offering?" Though he looked too disgusted for his jest to be warranted. "'Mind heatin' me up some water?"
He still had to figure out how the hell he got so damn drunk.
"Yeah. Sure."
Why the hell was she doing this. Wasn't she mad at him?
Muttering to herself under her breath, Jynx made her way down the stairs and started heating the water for a bath. At least she was out of that room, could clear her head a bit.
He worked at cleaning the mess up he made the best he could. But the smell of his own vomit made him woozy. He shook it off and kept the soiled rags in a pile and moved towards the door, calling down to Jynx.
"Need some help down there?"
He supposed he could at least help her carry the thing. It was pretty damn heavy.
Grunting as she tried to heft the tub, Jynx called back without thinking, "If his lordship would be so kind, yes."
He froze. His eyes widened.
Oh God...
That's why he took to drink!
Jynx froze as the words left her mouth.
Shit.
"Hawk?" she asked after a few moments of silence.
He let the feeling tickle through him like strains of ice. Maybe she was just teasing him.
Jogging down the stairs, he gave her the most polished grin he could.
"But of course, milady," he went on with a guarded bow. "But as much as you worship me, I know at the end of the day you're still just a fragile and most delicate of lady."
She rolled her eyes at him. "You know, after what I saw last night that whole gallant gentleman thing might be less convincing for me, Hawk."
"You wound me," he went on with another bow and moved to help her with the tub. "And here I thought I was quite dashing."
She dropped her end of the tub.
"Oh, yes," Jynx spat, folding her arms. "Insinuating I was a whore, then trying to proposition me, then vomiting over the side of the bed was all quite dashing."
And Trest faltered, tub falling from his own fingers and landing on his toe as he howled in pain.
Jynx started forward, then stopped herself.
She wasn't sorry. He definitely deserved that. She held her ground and just stared at him, eyes flinty.
He was finally able to lift the tub off his foot as he limped over to a near by chair. After fussing over his toe, he cringed at Jynx.
"What, not gonna help me now?"
"You're sober now," she pointed out. "You don't need my help."
Nevertheless, she took a few steps toward him and sort of hovered, somehow unable to stop the little flash of concern she felt for him.
Gods she was an idiot.
He was moving to unlace his boots and when he noticed her hoovering he tried to turn away from her.
"I thought you said I was sober and no longer helpless," he muttered, wincing as he pulled his boot off and removed his sock to examine his toe. It was already beginning to swell. He winced again as he pinched and prodded at his toes. "Don't think they're broken..." he wnet on with a sigh, then raised his eyes up to look over at her.
"So how much do you know."
He wasn't a fool- (at least not completely) and being sober...
He did begin to remember a few things...
especially those things which were very important and very upsetting before he set out to get drunk.
Jynx shrugged and folded her arms, frowning. "Not much. You've got some lands, some sort of estate. You have to get married to keep it." She glanced away. "Your name is Trest."
Looking back to him, she shrugged again. "And you seemed to be under the impression that I wanted to marry you for your money and title- which was ridiculous, by the way, not to mention insulting."
At that, Trest blinked. And soon he was laughing.
"Good one Jessica. But you're right. My real name is not Hawk. What kind of parents would I have if it was?"
Her eyes narrowed. "Do. Not. Call me that," she hissed. Gods, what had possessed her to tell him her real name?
Mind blowing sex, possibly?
Oh, right. Still, she was an idiot. Cocking a hip, she added snippily, "And I knew your parents didn't name you Hawk. No ones that cruel- even if their kid deserves it," she added in a grumble.
"Oh? Yet you parents named you Jessica."
Jynx growled at him. "What do you want from me Trest?" she shot back with a glower. "There's a reason you haven't kicked me out yet, and I want to know what it is."
He sighed, glaring right back at her.
"Well, I initially thought you wanted to help me. But I guess that was my mistake." He moved to slip his boot back on, being careful not to bump his bruising toes.
That took a little of the bluster out of her. With a sigh, Jynx knelt and stilled his hands. "Here, let me see," she murmured, slipping his boot back off.
Nothing was broken. Definitely bruised. She lifted her hand and nipped at a finger, murmuring a summoning. Dionish appeared at her side, snuffling and panting.
"Uhh.. It's not gonna chew my foot off, is it?"
Jynx rolled her eyes at him. "He is not," she assured him. She nodded toward his foot and the demon licked at his toe twice.
"His saliva is healing, when he wants it to be," she explained, scratching Dionish's shoulders. "Should help with the bruising."
"Bruising? But what about the slobber?"
She gave him a very dry look. "If you want to limp all day, be my guest."
"I guess the bath will remedy that," he told her with a sheepish smile. Then looked down at the little 'monster' and smirked. "Cute little critter. Strange looking and a little gross.. but cute."
Then his eyes lit up as he turned to look at Jynx. "Kind of like his mother..."
Jynx really tried not to smile. She had to drop her eyes and let her hair fall forward to hide the small twitch of her lips.
"Don't get cute, Hawk," she muttered as Dionish passed his tongue over the man's toes a few times. "I'm still pissed at you."
"Is that why you're punishing me?" he gave his toes a wiggle while the small beast was licking. "With this beastly slobber?"
"Partially," she said carelessly, patting Dionish and murmuring, "Return through the Veil."
The demon yipped and nuzzled her cheek, then faded away. Jynx glanced up at Trest as she sat back on her heels. "Well?" She arched an eyebrow. "I'm waiting."
"Waiting for what? You aim to bathe me here? Then alright..." And he moved to remove his clothes.
"A thank you wouldn't be amiss," Jynx scoffed, rolling her eyes as he started to strip. She stood and folded her arms over her chest. "And you can bathe yourself, milord."
He discarded his shirt, then grabbed her by her arm, pulling her in real close. He smiled, half of one of his eyes covered in his tossed-about red hair.
"Mi lord... kind of has a nice ring to it when you say it," he told her, leaning in dangerously close to her lips.
Her breath sort of caught in her throat and she just stared at him for a few moments in quiet. She was still angry, but it was rather hard to remember why with how close he was.
"Your ego really is astounding," she quipped, her breath practically brushing against his lips. After a moment, she added a taunting, "Milord."
And that's when a hand moved to catch around the back of her head as he pulled her in for a deep, hungered kiss. And he didn't stop at just one. HIs lips were palpable, soft and molding into her's. And he craned his neck, leaning in before his hand drifted away, to touch beneath her chin. And then his blue eyes opened and he told her,
"Thank you."
In a voice just above a whisper.
Much as she wanted to hold onto it, Jynx felt her anger melting away into that kiss, at least for now. She stretched up onto her toes to lean into him and kissed him back with a soft sigh.
She just stared at him for a moment when they broke apart, then murmured quietly, "You're welcome."
Then her hands came up to bury her fingers in his hair and she pulled him in for another heated kiss.
It was probably a mistake, but he couldn't help himself. It was too easy to find himself getting tangled up with Jynx. She smelled nice, tasted nice and felt good all around. His hands were finding easy work at prying off her clothing, for he was not shy to go after some bodily need.
"Gods." Jynx closed her eyes and clutched at his waist, pulling him tight against her. "Not wasting any time, huh?" she muttered, trailing her lips to his neck, then lower to brush against his collar.
Trest was holding her so close she'd be able to feel his breath, and now that their nude bodies were flush together, he stole but one kiss as he told her, "No." And buried himself deep within her.
Her head snapped back and Jynx gave a sharp cry at the suddenness of it. "Oh damnit," she hissed, clenching her eyes shut and bucking her hips forward against his sharply.
Darting forward to seal her lips against his, she twisted them around to put her back to the wall and hooked one leg over his hip. "I need a little help here," she panted. "Lift me?"
"Yes, milady," he told her through a heated, smothered kiss and wasted no time in hiking up her leg and planting her more firmly onto him as he moaned and continued to buck into her with need.
"Oh, yes." Jynx wrapped her arms around him and dragged her nails down his back as she bucked against him fiercely.
"I like that," she purred against his lips. "I know you're joking- but I like that." She let one hand trail down to dig into his hip, pulling him against her.
"So you're saying you like it?" He asked, mouth to her throat as he moved with need. "Being called and treated as my lady."
"Maybe- oh gods! There, Hawk, right there." She groaned and tilted her head back, locking her legs around his hips as she writhed against him.
"Maybe I am," Jynx panted out, her pithy tone somewhat ruined by the breathlessness of her voice.
His grin grew coy.
"Yes, milady," And he obeyed, keeping her held so he could keep hitting the spot that was making her moan. "But how about I go a little faster.." he grunted. "And harder?"
Jynx's moans grew louder and more frequent as she started to buck her hips against his frantically in response. She knew she was going to have bruises from this, but she didn't care.
"Oh dear gods, yes!" Her nails bit into his shoulders as she suddenly clenched down around him, her climax pretty much sneaking up on her. She shuddered against him and whimpered through the aftershocks, chest heaving with pants.
Her peak brought on his own, and his grip went white knuckled as he squeezed her arms and shot a load of his hot seed into her. He shivered, trembling against her before he moved to kiss then nestle his face in against her shoulder.
"You know... you make me a bit worried with all this sex we're having," he told her playfully through a half-cocked smile and red cheeks. He was still catching his breath as he moved a hand to rake back her hair as he really studied her face.
"God you're beautiful."
Jynx wrapped her arms around his shoulders, still shivering slightly. "Worried?" She smirked. "What, I'm not wearing you out, am I?"
She suddenly found herself blushing as his eyes searched her face. She wasn't used to people looking at her like that. One hand rose automatically in an attempt to cover the scar that marked her face.
"I- I'm not. I've got sex appeal, there's a difference," she mumbled.
"No." he went on, plucking her hand away as he leaned in and gently kissed her scar. Then his lips moved and met to her's. "Being that you're sexy is a bonus, sure," he murmured, kissing her again. "But I like this." And he moved to squeeze a boob, then her side. "All of this."
She just stared at him for a moment, completely floored.
Then she threw her arms around his neck and crashed her lips onto his, fierce and desperate. She trailed her lips down to his jaw, then his neck, before letting her head drop onto his shoulder.
"Good," Jynx muttered. Attempting to regain some semblance of an upper hand, she added, "Though I sorta gathered you liked "all of this"." She rocked her hips into his gently.
Trest felt a strange sensation race down through his body. It eventually turned into another stirring in his loins, as she'd no doubt feel his dick swelling up inside her again as a hand cupped her cheek.
"Y-yeah." he nearly choked on the words as he flushed. "S-so much I think I might need it a little more.." And his finger's tip toed up her body before his lips claimed her's again.
Jynx smirked and just about purred against his lips. There. This she knew how to handle- those blue eyes staring at her, calling her beautiful...not so much.
She cupped his face in her hands and kissed him heatedly. "Just a little?" she breathed teasingly, rocking her hips forward again and shuddering as she felt him harden within her.
He trembled and grunted, "Okay... maybe's a lot." And his hand smoothed down to grip onto her ass as his hips began to slowly rock.
Her head fell back, thumping against the wall, and she groaned softly. "That's more like it," Jynx murmured, grinding her hips into his and hooking her ankles together behind his back.
"Oh?" he went on, wet kisses nursing at her neck. "You like this that much?" he asked, emphasizing exactly what that was with a long, deep hard thrust.
"Ah- mmn..." Jynx clenched her eyes shut against the shock of pleasure that sent through her. "Gods yes," she muttered, panting, as she tilted her head to bare more of her neck. "I do. I really do."
With a low, drawn out groan she picked up her pace a bit and twisted to catch his lips with hers. "More, Hawk," she growled quietly, half pleading and half challenging.
Trest caught one cheek of her's with his hand as he looked her in the eyes, pausing just briefly as he asked, "Now you want to call me Hawk?" And his lips claimed her's again, hungrily as his body continued to move with a fervent need.
Jynx stuttered in her rhythm for a moment, a little surprised by that. Then a particular thrust knocked a stuttered, almost questioning, "Trest..." from her lips.
She sort of liked the way it sounded.
"Trest- oh!" He was hitting that spot again and she moaned, nails digging into his skin. "There, please- oh gods, Trest!"
He moaned in reply, practically melting into her. A hand fisted into her hair.
"Oh.. so you like my real name that much?" he asked, breath hot against her skin.
"Maybe," Jynx panted heavily. Her eyes glinted and she breathed, "Or maybe I just like how enthusiastic you get when I say your name." She darted forward to kiss him, catching his bottom lip between her teeth and biting not-quite-gently.
Trest couldn't stifle his moans. He didn't want to, and his hips continued to move with hunger.
"And what if I say your real name?" he asked through a sultry breath before purring out the words against her neck. "Jessica." ANd he could feel the bumps rise up on her skin as a hand smoothed up her belly to cup a breast and squeeze.
That got a reaction out of her she wasn't expecting, a shiver that ran up her spine and made her moan softly against his skin as she moved her lips to nurse at his neck. Warmth pooled in her belly, different from the heat she usually associated with sex.
It certainly wasn't an unpleasant feeling, but the reaction confused her. "Trest," she retaliated, nipping at his neck and reaching to cover his hand on her breast with her own, egging him on.
"Jessica," he groaned back, his mouth devouring her other breast while his hand with her's did the same to the other.
Jynx's back arched and she buried her free hand in his hair, clutching him to her chest. A few panted breaths, then her hand fisted in his hair and she came with a sharp cry, his name caught somewhere in the middle of it.
Trembling against him, she went limp, her head slumping forward to lay in his shoulder.
And he just lay there, an arm cradled around her as he too, was coming off the high of ecstasy. But after a moment, he gave an itch down towards where their nethers were joined and gave a small laugh.
"Gods... sex is messy.." he went on, wrinkling his nose but still smiling as he could feel his cum making a mess beneath them.
She chuckled weakly and nuzzled into the curve of his neck. "Yeah," she agreed, still panting lightly. "But it's so damn fun. Besides..."
She drew her head back to arch an eyebrow at him with a crooked smile. "You've been leaving most of your mess inside. It'd be worse if you were a more cautious man, H- Trest," she pointed out wryly.
At that, he sobered.
"Say.... speaking of.... what's erm, been shooting up inside you," he went on, clearing his throat. "I er.... How lucky do you think you are that er... well.... I mean to say... You don't seem too worried about getting knocked up. I mean, not that er.. well, not that I'd be too mAD if I did but I mean I wouldn't be the one carrying around some kid inside me for 9 months but I..." And here he paused, looking a bit proud, though sheepish. "I don't think I'd be too upset if I accidentally... did something."
Jynx went very, very still.
She met his eyes, saw that little flash of pride, and suddenly her chest ached.
Heartbreak, a voice whispered in the back of her mind. Ah, right, that's what the feeling was. It had been a long time.
She smiled sadly and cupped his cheek in one hand. "You're right, I'm not worried about it," she murmured. Her mouth opened, but for a moment no sound came out. Wow, this was harder to say than she'd thought.
"I...can't." Her smile shook a little at the corners. "I mean, technically I'm physically capable- but Ilieth won't let me. So...I can't."
Her eyes itched a bit and she blinked, looking away.
He saw the way she looked at concern filled his eyes. And at her reveal, he found himself staring at her with his jaw open. But after a few moments he closed it and wrapped his arms around her, saying nothing really about why he did it before simply muttering a,
"I'm sorry."
She went still for a few moments, shocked frozen.
Then her arms went up around his neck and she turned her face into the curve of his shoulder. "Doesn't matter," she murmured, clenching her eyes shut. Her shoulders were shaking lightly. "Just...makes things easier, right?"
It took her a few moments to realize she was crying- she couldn't remember the last time that had happened.
He felt something tightened within his chest, his face blanching at the sensation. But the second he felt the tears, he bristled. But in a moment, he simply held her closer, stronger and kissed the top of her head.
Jynx held her breath, clenching her eyes shut and trying to force the tight feeling out of her chest. "Sorry," she muttered, not quite brave enough to raise her head and look at him just yet. "I, um...sorry."
She twisted her head away from him but kept her arms around his neck. "Maybe we should... I mean-" She cleared her throat an tried for a crooked smile. "There's plenty of conversations I'd be thrilled to have with you balls deep in me, but I don't think this is one of them."
He kissed her forehead again and moved to pull away.
"I'm pretty sure the mood is over."
She let her feet slip to the ground, eyes fixed downward. "Sorry," she murmured, rubbing at the back of her neck as she pressed back against the wall to slide away from him with a small shudder.
"Sorry? Why are you apologizing? It's not your fault... And I... Er, didn't realize saying anything would you know, affect you this way."
Jynx's lips twitched up on one side bitterly. "Neither did I," she muttered, swiping a hand across her cheeks.
She glanced at him sidelong. "You...want kids, don't you?" There'd been something in his eyes when he mentioned the possibility.
He was trying to avoid direct eye contact. He wasn't good, nor felt natural, around crying girls. But at her question, he couldn't help but cringe.
"What?" he barked out a forced laugh. "Could you ever see me a father?"
A very small smile quirked her lips up on one side. "Yeah," she said easily, honestly. "I mean, don't get me wrong, you'd be pretty unconventional, but yeah. I can see it." She smirked.
"You've probably got a couple bastards running around somewhere, what with your reputation. You ever felt the need to practice fatherhood, I suppose you could try to hunt them up."
Trest had mixed emotions over Jynx's comment and he immediately averted his gaze.
"Right.... you're.. probably right. But it's not exactly easy to figure out you're a father when a woman never tells you.... I er... a lot of the women I've bedded... have also bedded many men as well and...."
Yeah, this conversation definitely ranked up there with one of the most awkward he'd ever had. Coughing, he slipped away from her and looked towards the tub. "I suppose the bath would be doubly useful now." And a bit of a distraction, too.
Jynx actually blushed a bit, wishing she could take the comment back. She hadn't expected him to take it seriously, she'd only been trying to move focus from herself.
"Yeah, you're right," she murmured with a glance at the tub. "Ah...why don't you go first..."
"Oh? Not interested in sharing?"
Her lips twitched up on one side wryly. "You sure you wanna share a bath with this mess?" She gestured to herself, specifically her now rather puffy eyes.
"That mess is exactly why We should share. Come on in," he went on, making some room. "I don't bite." but his joke was dry.
Jynx smirked a bit and climbed into the tub. "Actually, you do," she pointed out wryly, arching an eyebrow. "And I've got the hickeys to prove it."
She started scrubbing at her skin, not quite looking at him.
"Eh.." he went on with a shrug as he watched her. "Hickies are more from my sensual sucking on your skin," he teased.
She glanced over at him, watching the way he watched her. "True enough," she admitted slowly. One eyebrow went up. "Oi. Stop with the look. Last time that look happened, that happened." She jerked her head toward the wall they'd so recently been pressed against.
Trest just smirked and looked away, fetching up the soap and lathering it up real good between his hands.
"What look?" he went on, lathering some of those suds down one arm. "I mean, I have eyes. I tend to look.... at well... Things." And there his eyes found their way back to her form.
Jynx snorted. "Well, all things considered I'd think you'd be tired of my things by now," she muttered, folding her arms under her chest and lifting pointedly.
With a small smirk, she ducked to rub the water through her hair, scrubbing at her scalp.
"Why? Because you're boring?" he asked, moving to casually scrub at his arm pit.
"Excuse you?"
Jynx twisted to glower at him. "You know, some of the sounds you were making would indicate that you feel otherwise," she huffed.
"Sounds? Oh? Whatever do you mean?" And he moved to clean his other pit, still not looking at her.
Jynx smirked. She gave a rather fake moan and tossed her head back. "Gods...your body," she groaned, dropping her voice into a rather bad imitation of his. "Gods, you feel...oh Jessica."
Dropping the act, she sat back up and quirked an eyebrow at him smugly.
He seemed to ignore her, moving to wash his back the best he could as he asked, "Jessica? Who's that?"
She rolled her eyes, nevertheless moving forward to scrub at his back. "Don't be cute," she muttered, slapping at his shoulder lightly as she did. "The only reason I'm not still pissed at you about last night is 'cause I'm pretty sure you're too drunk to remember what happened."
And at that, Trest went quiet. The air felt.. somber.
"I think I knew a whore named Jessica once."
It was his lame attempt at a joke. A bad one, and even he knew it.
Jynx went very still. Her fingernails were suddenly biting into his shoulders.
"I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt here," she murmured. Her voice was icy. "You have one chance to take that back. Now."
Trest flinched.
"I'm afraid I can't take back my words... they're in the past." And he turned to her, looking at her apologetically in the eyes. "Like how I can't take back what I said or did when I got miserably drunk."
She sighed, releasing his shoulders. She was being overly sensitive and she knew it- any other insult, any other jibe she could take with a smirk and a quick comeback.
Whore. That one word made her feel like a scared little girl again.
"I know," she murmured. "And- I know you didn't mean what you said last night. Well, I don't think you did." Her lips twitched up on one side and she added, "I know you didn't mean it when you proposed."
The whore comment hadn't been directed at her- just an off the cuff comment to feign playing dumb. He couldn't have realized he was digging himself into a deeper hole-
But when she mentioned what he had said. He froze.
But he was not good at awkward moments, or anything entirely too serious. And he was not about to let himself become a fool. So perhaps he'd play it off by becoming a bigger fool.
"Oh? I'm that bad as a marriage prospect am I?" he went on, forcing a smile as he went back to scrubbing at his skin.
"Actually, milord," Jynx chuckled, "I'd say you're quite the eligible bachelor. You know, if you didn't mess around with the whole secret identity thing you'd have a swarm of beautiful, sophisticated ladies just begging for you to wed them."
Her tone was light, teasing, trying to go along with his joking attitude. But for some odd reason saying that aloud sent a little pang through her chest. She frowned, glancing away in an attempt to hide the expression.
"So.. What you're saying is I'm not a good man to marry."
She tilted her head at him, almost consideringly. "I never said that," she said slowly. "I just..." She smiled wryly. "You- I'm not- we're not really the marrying kind, yeah?"
"That's not the question I asked."
Jynx stared at him for a moment. "Are you asking if I think you're a good man, or if I'd want to marry you?" she quipped, trying to keep her tone light.
Trest eyes kept to her's and never once yielded. But he was silent. Yet not for too long.
"I'm asking you.... if I'm a good man that you'd marry."
For some reason, her stomach did a funny little flip at that. "If- if I were going to marry," Jynx murmured, slowly lifting her eyes to meet his, "Yes. I imagine I would- well, I could think of worse choices, at any rate."
A rather lame attempt at a joke, but she had to try to break the tension that was suddenly thrumming through her.
"So that means you could think of better?" he asked, eyeing her long ways.
She snorted. "I'm sure you could guess this, but I don't usually meet a high class of people," she muttered. "So- no, not really." She shrugged and looked away, folding her arms over her chest with a soft huff. "You may not be perfect, Ha- Trest, but you're a damn sight better than most of the men I've slept with."
It wasn't exactly high praise by normal standards, but she flushed to say it, feeling awkward.
He leaned in a bit, noting the blush.
"Oh? I don't think I quite understand what you mean when you say... 'high class of people.' I guess not all men are so well established with a reputable business such as myself? Although I have to wonder... if a man's status is what constitutes his greatness.... or even the status of a woman."
"I wasn't talking about status," Jynx muttered, leaning a little away from him, still frowning slightly. "Up until last night, I just thought you were a thief. A smart thief, and a good one, but just a thief."
She swallowed. "I guess I meant- character. You...helped me when you didn't have to and...I...appreciated that." The words were almost dragged from her lips, awkward and slow.
He couldn't help the small smile growing on his lips when he prodded, "And?"
She huffed, turning her head to scowl at him. "And what?" she demanded, exasperated. "What do you want me to say, Trest? I like you. More than I probably- definitely more than I should. And not just the-"
She flushed and looked away again. "Not just the sex, alright? You're...fun, I guess."
He watched her squirm, his smile still holding, but it faded from his eyes. And he moved, body splashing in the small confining waters of the bath and soon she'd find his arms around her, holding her close.
Jynx froze, eyes widening slightly. "What- what's this for?" she murmured, hesitantly returning the hug.
He said nothing, the waters moving as he clung to her tighter.
"Shh.. just... let me hold you," he murmured, face resting in her hair.
After a moment, Jynx murmured a soft, "Okay." She carefully let her head rest in the crook of his neck and shoulder, hands sliding around to press gently against his back.
For the longest time he just held her. By then, the waters had turned luke warm at best, and the pair were probably prune toed. It was then he shifted and stroked a hand through her hair as he sighed.
"Sorry.." he went on, still holding her as he spoke. "I know you probably are wondering what I'm doing.... but I just..... want to." His arms tightened a bit around her. "It feels... nice. To just... you know.... To hold someone."
She was quiet for a few moments, then admitted with a sigh, "Yeah. I know. Don't really...get the chance much."
She twisted a bit to settle better against him, resting her head on his chest. "Do you wanna, ah- I mean, it's not like I'd expect you to, but-"
She sighed and finished in a mutter, "You seemed really upset last night. I mean, really upset. Disproportionately. You wanna...talk...about it?"
Even offering made her cringe internally. Gods, she was bad with emotional stuff.
He nestled his face into her hair before kissing the top of her and standing up.
"Perhaps if we're to talk we ought to do it outside of the now chilly bath?" he offered her a small smile and his hand to help her to stand.
Jynx gave a small smile in return. "Yeah, probably a good idea." She took his hand and let him help her up, then stepped out of the bath and wrung out her hair a bit, moving toward her clothes and starting to dress.
He tossed her a towel before wrapping himself in his own.
"You might want to try drying off, first."
She caught the towel absently. "Right, thanks."
Drying off, Jynx turned to look at him, head tilted slightly to the side. She wrapped the towel around her body, hair still a wet, tangled mess around her head. A very small smirk tugged at her lips. "I doubt it's gonna be a problem, but mind if I just keep the towel on for a while?"
She cast a rather distasteful look at her clothes. She'd been wearing the same set for nearly three days straight now, and feeling clean- for once- she didn't love the idea of putting them back on.
"Problem no..." he went on, looking her over. "Distraction... likely." His smile was leftward as he moved, and took a seat on the settee nearby. He leaned back into it and looked her over, wondering if maybe they should dress.
"Well." Jynx smirked. "What's life without a little distraction once in a while?" She tripped over to perch on his lap, leaning into his chest and tucking her head against his shoulder.
With a small sigh, she closed her eyes for a moment. "So. Um. H- how ya...doing?" She winced at the sheer awkwardness as the words left her mouth.
A warm hand wrapped around her and he smirked as he admired her form. But at her words, she'd feel his body rumble as he laughed.
"I just had sex with a very beautiful woman. Can't say I can complain that much right now."
Jynx blushed, hating it, and ducked her head. "There you go again," she mumbled. "I bet you say that to all the girls."
"Well..." he laughed. "Not all."
"Mmm?" She tilted her head back to look at him, smirking. "Oh, really? Just me and- oh, what's her name...charming woman, about yea high, dark hair- ah yes, Nell!" she teased.
"Nell? Oh, you say her name with such a tart tongue," he went on, shivering with delight.
Jynx gave him an arch look. "You seem far too pleased about that," she noted slowly, quirking an eyebrow.
"Well.. Yeah," he smirked. "It means you're jealous."
"I most certainly am not!"
Jynx leaned back on his lap, scowling at him. "I just...don't like her. She- she rubs me the wrong way, I guess..."
Okay, even she wasn't convinced by that.
"Oh? Is it because she's rubbed me the right way before?"
Her frown deepened. "Jackass," she muttered even as she leaned forward to catch his lips in a kiss. Her hands moved to twine her fingers through his hair almost roughly, nails scratching at his scalp. She shifted around on his lap to put her knees to either side of his hips, pressing her chest against his as she nipped at his bottom lip.
Then she abruptly sat back, sniffing, "Alright, now I feel better."
Trest, flushed, could only answer breathily, "And now I have a hard on." He looked up at her, then down at her body, now,loosely clothed in a towel. He gave it a light tug.
"You and I certainly do a lot of dancing."
Jynx chuckled and leaned just a little away from him, teasing. "Now, who said I was in the mood to dance?" She gave him a dramatic pout. "Maybe I'm tired."
"Oh? No dancing, my lady?" he went on, eyes drinking her in. "Then again, you are rather presumptuous. After all... I had never asked you to dance."
"Mm, I suppose that's true." Her eyes sparkled playfully and she slipped off his lap, gripping his hands to urge him to his feet with her, trying to guide his hands to her waist.
"Then again, I've never really been the type of girl to wait for a man to ask me to dance." She swayed gently from side to side. "C'mon your lordship. All you fancy well-to-dos know how to waltz or something, right?"
She wasn't quite sure where the sudden playfulness came from, but she wasn't about to question it. Moment where she was allowed to be playful were rare enough that she'd learned to just enjoy them.
"Hrm.. I'm thinking you're confusing me for someone who may have been born into dancing. My parents, after all, lost their claim to my family name and I grew up in a withering house," he assured her. but he still knew how to dance, and it was far too easy for him to take the lead.
"You're too fluid," he told her. "High borns are a lot more rigid in their dance."
"Oh?" She arched an eyebrow, trying to make it seem like she was adjusting her stance as she digested the new information. "So- like this?"
She went comically stiff, chin held high and giving a prim little sniff. Her hands were soft though, malleable as she gripped his upper arms lightly.
He grinned and moved to take her hands from his arms as he took a step back.
"Close... but..." He then moved to slip her one arm up to rest on his shoulder, the other sliding into place as he stepped in, nearly pressed up against her body as he grinned.
"A man and a woman should stand like this."
"Ah." Jynx would admit to having no experience in this area- any dancing she did (not of a horizontal nature) usually involved a tavern and quite a few drinks.
She found herself blushing a bit, despite how ridiculous it was. She smiled crookedly up at Trest. "What next, sir? Wait, what did he call you- Lord Carstair? Alistair?"
He simply smiled at her and paused to spin her around, then pulled her back into his arms in one graceful motion.
"Lord Arristaire." He shrugged at the name. "A foreign name with deep roots and blood in this country."
She drew in a sharp breath as he spun her, then giggled quietly. Alright, maybe there was something to this high class way of dancing- it was kinda fun.
"Lord Arristaire," Jynx repeated, eyes moving over his face. "Hmm. Nope." She shook her head, smirking. "I like Trest better."
At that, he paused their dancing and blushed.
"I don't know... I'm more favorable to Hawk, myself,..." He went on, drawing in a breath as he smoothed his hands down her arms. "Lady Jessica."
"Lady?" She laughed, trying to ignore how the way he said her name made her shiver agreeably. "I'm no lady, Trest. Hawk. Whoever you are."
She was smirking a bit, then squeaked slightly when the movements of their little dance finally dislodged her towel and it pooled around her feet. She glanced at it, then shrugged and tossed her hair, pressing in against his chest.
"Does it really bother you?" she asked suddenly. "That I- that I know. About you."
"Know?" He rubbed his warm hands up and down her arms while keeping her close. He gave a curious tilt of his head. "And what do you think it means to..... know about me?" He fluttered his eye lashes but didn't bare his teeth as he smiled.
Jynx gave him a dry look. "You know what I mean. All your-" She waved a hand. "Lordliness and stuff. It's obviously upsetting to you, judging by last night. I'm kinda surprised you're being so calm about it now."
Trest paused any further motion and simply looked at her. He was guarded with a careful smile before he smirked and finally pulled away.
"Would you like something to drink? No doubt I've earned your thirst," he went on with a soft chuckle, seeking out a vintage well enough for the moment and two cups.
"Um, sure." She trailed after him. "Isn't it a little early for drinks though...? Hey, and don't you have a hangover?" She frowned at his back, concern creeping into her tone despite her effort to stop it.
"And you know of a better cure?" he told her, giving her a suave grin as he offered her over her own glass. "Besides.. I'm not aiming to get drunk," he went on, patronizingly patting her shoulder. He knocked some back. "Just enough to get a morning buzz."
She sighed but took the offered glass. "Cheers," she murmured, lifting it to toast him before sipping at it.
"Hm." She blinked at him. "This is good. Am I special, or do you trot out the vintage for all the girls who try to steal from you?"
"Well, to be honest, I don't normally offer awful drinks to girls," he went on with a charming grin. "Though I'm guessing you've had your fair share of awful wines."
She snorted. "You wouldn't believe what some people try to pass off as a decent drink," she muttered over the rim of her glass.
Keeping her voice casual, she noted, "But it wasn't always like this for you, was it? Not all dancing and fine wines."
"It really never was," he admitted, shrugging. "Dancing and the like would have happened when I was too young to part take." He smirked as he admired her. "Doesn't mean I didn't learn anyway."
Despite herself, Jynx wanted to know more. She knew it was probably pointless- maybe even dangerous- but the man intrigued her.
She boosted herself up onto his desk, shivering a little against cool air on bare skin. "Then why bother learning?" she asked, not accusatory, just curious.
"One must know things in order to navigate through them. Although dancing may seem useless, I can assure you, it has just as much reason to know of it as the habits of a rat. You'd be surprised how just the little things can be of value."
At that he forced a little smile, looked over her goose bumped body before looking up into her eyes.
She was quiet for a few moments, just meeting his gaze with her own.
"You're very good at that," she noted quietly after a while. "Telling part of the truth, just enough to make it seem like you've said all you have to say, but keeping anything important locked up."
She blinked as though surprised by her own words and cast an accusing glance at her drink. No. No that was her- surely she hadn't had enough wine yet to get her that tipsy.
If offended, he didn't show it. But he did smile.
"It is a clever method to survival." He took a sip. "Its worked well for me so far." He gave another smile. "All things considered, I mean it's not like I'm dead."
"Fair enough." Jynx raised her glass with a wry twist of her lips. "To survival," she toasted, and took a swig.
Another shiver ran through her body and she cast a glance at her clothes. With a sigh, she slid off the desk and toed the pile of fabric with distaste. "Say, your lordship, don't suppose you have a spare set of clothes lying around? I'm actually clean for once, and I'd prefer not to put these back on."
She turned to face him and added with wide eyes and a small pout, "If you'd be so kind. It's quite chilly." One more shiver, this one a little more dramatic.
"Youre.. Not pleading your case well," he went on, eyes indulging.
Jynx batted her eyes at him. "Treeeest," she whined. "I'm cold. C'mon, please?" She wrapped her arms around herself, covering at least some of what he was staring at.
His grin widened, devilishly so, before he got up suddenly and pulled her into a heated kiss.
There were other ways to keep her warm....
Her breath hitched in a soft gasp, surprised- though perhaps she shouldn't have been at this point.
For a moment Jynx thought about pushing him away, but the thought didn't last long. It was too easy to fall in with him, to wrap her arms around him and part her lips into the kiss, craving his warmth as much as the touch itself.
Hands smoothed down her curves while keeping her close. Her lips were soft and surrendering, but also bold and lustfilled. He had kissed many women, but he couldn't deny how much he enjoyed and craved kisses from her.
Jynx broke away a moment to gasp a breath, then let her hand slide up to tangle in his hair as she pressed closer, trailing a few kisses along his jaw.
"I'm still cold," she whispered, eyes glimmering gold. "Help me get warm?"
He held her get warm and then some. He wasn't sure just how he had it in him to have sex with a woman in one day as much as he had with her, but he knew well enough she'd be wet for days from it. (After all, he had filled her up quite a lot).
Being content now from another fill of her, he cuddled in close and draped his arm over her body.
"Would it be wrong of me to want to sleep now? I'm positively exhausted," he told her with a sleepy, but happy, grin.
She chuckled, curled up quite contentedly against his chest, feeling a little fuzzy around the edges. "I guess you earned a nap," she quip, eyes sparkling teasingly.
Another small laugh and she nuzzled into the crook of his neck, arms wrapped loosely around his waist. "Honestly, color me impressed, Hawk. I don't think I've ever known a man with your stamina."
Trest grinned broadly.
"Well... thank you," he went on, proudly. "But it does help to have the right sort of partner," he could at least allow her that much. His grin grew cocky as he moved to brush some of her hair from her face.
She snorted quietly and crinkled her nose up at him. "Well thank you. How gracious of you, milord," she teased, poking the tip of his nose gently.
"I know... I'm so gracious," he went on, yawning. "Maybe gracious enough to look into letting you borrow some of my clothes." But he only smiled and closed his eyes.
"Well, it's much appreciated." She smirked and tucked her head back against his shoulder, letting her eyes close as well with a chuckled, "Gods, you wore me out."
"Mmmm, then let's just sleep," he went on, closing his own eyes and raking a hand through her hair.
Jynx nodded and mumbled an affirmative, already starting to drift off.
For the first time in a long time, she dreamed. It was an old nightmare, an endless replay of that night, when she was just a girl, the night when everything changed.
She jerked awake with a gasp, bolting upright, not quite sure where she was or who she was with, or even what time it was. She only registered an arm around her and lunged, rolling her "attacker" to pin him on his back, panting wildly.
Then she started to calm down, recognized the body beneath her, and gasped, "Trest?" She leaned away from him quickly, embarrassed by her overreaction.
Trest wheezed.
"That's... one way to wake a man." He choked, rubbing at his throat. "You.. okay?"
"Sorry," she murmured, dropping her eyes and dragging her fingers through her hair. "Yeah...yeah, I'm alright. Didn't hurt ya, did I?"
Trest was still recovering as he croaked, "My throat might be a little bruised, but other than that.... I think I'm good," he told her, offering her a crooked smile. "Guess my hands must've been where they shouldn't have..." he went on, coughing a little when he tried to make light of the situation as he laughed. "But seriously.. it looks like youv'e seen a ghost." Had she?
Jynx shook her head and gave him a crooked smile. "A ghost or a demon?" she teased quietly. Her expression sobered a bit and she glanced away. "Neither. Just a bad dream. Silly..."
A soft sigh, and she leaned down to press a soft kiss to his neck. "Sorry I bruised your throat."
"Mmm.. and you can bruise it again if it means I'll get more of those sweet kisses there.." he went on, pointing to where he wanted her next kiss to be.
She laughed quietly and followed his guidance, pressing her lips where he directed and letting the touch linger against his skin.
"Anywhere else?" she purred, perfectly content to let him distract her from her nightmares.
"Yes," he grinned. "Here.. and here," he went on, pointing to his neck, then shoulder. "And.... definitely at least one here." He went on, tapping his lips with a smirk. "At least ten, no- twenty dozen right here."
Jynx laughed again and dipped to kiss his neck. "Twenty." His shoulder. "Dozen? Kind of a tall order, don't ya think?"
She smirked and leaned into peck his lips once, twice, three times, then breathed, "Could I pay that out in allotments?"
He kissed her back. "Nope." Then kissed her again. "I expect full payment right now."
"Mm." She kissed him back. "Very well then." Two more kisses, quick pecks, then a longer one, her lips parting against his and her tongue snaking out to trace the line of his upper lip.
"Nine..." came his husky count, for he was counting, dutifully ensuring he got all twenty dozen of her kisses.
Jynx smirked. Of course he was actually counting. "Ten," she breathed, another kiss. "Eleven...twelve...one dozen down."
She wriggled around more comfortably against his chest and started over again, a series of quick pecks that turned into three or four long, lingering kisses, over and over.
Trest accepted the dozen but as they neared a second he was growing more possessive as he growled, "Nineteen... twenty... twenty one..."
Jynx smiled, the growl in his voice sending a little shiver down her back. She pulled away slightly, eyes glinting down at him.
"If you want the rest, you're going to have to come and get them."
ANd he grabbed her wrist firmly.
"Oh..? I'm pretty sure that's not how a debt is paid.." he went on, smirk tugging leftward on his cheek.
"Hmm..." She debated pulling away from him a little more, then relented, "Oh, alright. But I still think you've asked a rather high price."
Jynx dipped to nuzzle at his neck, then moved back to his lips. "Twenty two...twenty three..."
She let the counting fall off as she started to get lost in the touch, the feel of him against her.
She wasn't the only one to get lost. Trest was no where near finished with his counting when they were all over each other again. And he was moving hard and fast, body building up heat and sweat as his lips claimed her again and again. His body did the same.
Jynx rolled them over with a groan so his body covered hers completely, relishing the warmth. She tucked her face into the curve of his shoulder to muffle soft cries and gasps of passion as he laid claim to her yet again, marking him with her nails and teeth as he did.
He didn't stop until he was thoroughly through, making a mess inside, and out of her as he rolled to lay beside her, panting heavily.
"I think.." he went on through labored breaths. "You might still owe me a dozen kisses.."
And he turned to her, face cracking into a smile as his blue eyes danced with mischief.
Jynx laughed herself and turned onto her side to face him. "That so?" She nuzzled her nose against his, breath tickling his lips as she whispered, "Well, I suppose I do owe you for all your hospitality."
Another dozen kisses- maybe a few more than that, she lost count- and she flipped back onto her side in the curve of his body, sighing contentedly.
"I gotta say, Trest, you certainly know how to show a lady a good time."
Trest nestled in beside her and grinned, closing his eyes.
"I try."
"Mmph." She grinned and turned her face into his rib cage, blowing a ticklish breath over his skin before sitting up with a reluctant huff and glancing around. "Y'know, much as I hate to say it, we really are going to have to move sometime."
"That's funny... it feels like you've said that numerous times before," came his reply, a mirthful grin stretched across his lips.
Jynx rolled her eyes at him and shoved his shoulder lightly. "Yes, and each time it gets more true- you keep distracting me."
She made a valiant effort to get to her feet, then a shiver wracked her body and she glanced around for her clothes.
Trest just lay there, studying her for a time. But when he saw her shiver, he moved and suddenly she'd feel his warm arms around her as he brought her close.
It was nearly impossible not to melt into him, an entirely unconscious sigh of contentment bubbling out of her.
"You really don't want me to get up, do you?" she huffed teasingly, cuddling against his chest.
"No," he admitted with a smirk. "You smell nice and you're soft." And he nuzzled into her with his face, as if that might bury away his problems. Well, it at least worked well in the moment, anyway.
Jynx giggled and nuzzled back against him. "Treeest," she whined playfully. "C'mon. We have to move eventually." She danced her fingers over his side, tickling lightly.
"And? We'll do it.... Eeventually!"
She chuckled again and rolled her eyes, mock scowling at him. "You cannot keep me captive forever!" she proclaimed dramatically, making a showy attempt to get up.
Trest smirked.
"Oh no? I'm the bad guy, remember? So of course I can!"
Jynx smirked as she crouched over him, hands braced to either side of his head.
"You're not the villain here," she murmured, voice low and eyes glinting gold. She ducked down to kiss him, quickly, then made to stand. "C'mon, we should at least put some clothes on."
But he caught her hand, held it strong, before pulling her back down ontop of him and gave her a kiss intenser than the sun.
"Mph!" Jynx's eyes widened a bit and she tensed, then relaxed slowly into the kiss. "Trest..." She tried to pull away with a soft groan. "Goddamnit, man, I need to put some clothes on," she laughed.
He smiled, affectionately before stealing another kiss and giving her ass a pat.
"Fine." he rolled his eyes. "If you insist." But he wasn't going to NOT pout about it.
Jynx groaned playfully and gave him another quick peck. "Don't give me that look. We've spent all day doing...this," she chuckled as she finally stood, stretching her arms over her head.
"And?" he asked, raising his brows and grinning broadly. "Is your throat that sore from all the screaming?"
He was such the gentleman. But who could resist a man with such blue eyes and a sweet face as his? He was too handsome and charming for his own good sometimes.
"You fucker," she laughed, swatting at his arm. "Y'know, you were doing some screaming yourself," she pointed out, just a little smug. "Go on, get dressed you great lump."
She offered her hand to help him up.
He took her hand, but pulled her close, stealing another kiss before leaning down to kiss the top of her hand, and then finally, he stood with a disgruntled sigh.
"Fine." He'd rather not. She kept his sex drive jogging.
Jynx made a small noise of surprise- though honestly she couldn't figure out why she was surprised at this point- then smiled and turned her head to kiss his cheek as he stood.
"You said something about letting me borrow a change of clothes," she noted with an impish little smile. "Of course, I could always head back to my room at the inn, grab a spare set. I'd be gone for a while..."
"And that's why you'll wear something of mine. Come on." he gave her a wink and lead the way, straight to his room where slick leather suits and other fine clothing could be seen. It was strange how he was noble, but not really, but made enough criminal money to dress like a noble anyway.
"I'm thinking green.. or maybe purple?" he went on, pulling out a silken shirt and holding them towards her and looking at her, then the mirror and back to her and the clothes again.
"Although... I'm still liking the bare skinned look the best," he went on, smirking at her through the mirror as he went to look at more of his clothes.
Jynx laughed quietly and took the first shirt he offered, slipping it on. It fell to about mid-thigh, and the sleeves were too long for her. She looked like a child dressing up in her mother's clothes.
But it smelled like him, so she couldn't really find it in her to care. She snuggled the fabric closer to her body surreptitiously, glancing at Trest out of the corner of her eye. "I know you do," she muttered with an eye roll. "But frankly it gets a little chilly after a while."
He snorted because well, he was still naked.
"There are worse fates in life."
She huffed and moved up behind him to wrap her arms around his waist. "You could put some clothes on, y'know," she laughed quietly, pressing a kiss to the curve of his spine.
"What? And take away more chances for you to admire this sweet body?" he teased, posing for her to show off just how 'sexy' he could be. Of course, he also looked ridiculous, (even if he was sexy) as he did so.
"Oh my gods." Jynx laughed and rolled her eyes at him. "You are an idiot," she informed him, chuckling.
With a wicked grin, she stopped his posing by grabbing a handful of his ass and rocking up onto her toes to kiss him. "Mind you, a cute idiot. But an idiot."
He smirked.
"A rich idiot, if anything. A dastardly villian... Which I think is the perfect match for a girl like you," he countered, stealing a kiss.
"A girl like me?" She pressed a hand to her chest and widened her eyes. "Why, whatever do you mean, sir? I don't think I like what you're insinuating." She worked to drop her thieves' cant accent as she spoke, eyes glinting.
"Trust me," he stole another kiss. "You do."
"Mmm...that so?" She smiled at him, something between dreamy and wicked, then shook her head and tried to focus.
"Damn. I have to work today, Trest, quiet stalling me," she laughed, shoving his chest lightly.
"Work?" he guffawed, "What kind of a work does a lady actually have?"
She chuckled again. "A lady? You do remember who you're talking to, right?" She rolled her eyes. "I still have a...certain piece of sparkle I need to acquire. The sooner the better."
"And here I thought you were after my sparkle." And he moved to get dressed as well.
Jynx rolled her eyes and smiled a bit. "Nah, that was just a bonus."
She waited until he was dressed, then darted in for a quick kiss. "So. Where does Nell live exactly?"
"Why, so you can kill her?" he jested, grabbing her by the wrist to keep her close. But then he answered her, even if he still didn't sound so serious.
"The Northern strip. You know, the area where you're either not too bad or not too good. Gotta have some degree of money, usually illegally found; but I suppose that much detail doesn't matter."
Hell, his own empire wasn't by innocent money by any means.
But then he frowned through a smile as he looked her over.
"She won'tbe happy to see you."
And less so in his clothes.
She scoffed. "Right, because I'm so concerned with her opinion of me." Eyes glinting, she added, "Anyway, the plan was to not let her see me. I'll just slip in, grab what I need, and slip out. Easy as winking."
Teasingly, she baited, "Don't supposed you'd want to help me out with that?" Her lips were quirked up at one corner, obviously not expecting him to take that seriously.
He raised his brows.
"I offered... but are you trying to use me to kill off my ex girlfriend.. I mean I get the whole 'you adore me so much you're obsessed now and can't let anyone else ever say they've laid claim to me ever, not once since you know you want me to be your one and only forever' or something," he went on with a smirk. "But in all seriousness... what were you thinking?" he folded his arms across his chest, and gave her a skeptically playful look. But it was still skeptical! He knew she didn't like Nell...
Jynx snorted. "I'm not planning on killing her," she muttered with a dry look in his direction. "She may be a bitch, but she's done nothing to warrant a death sentence, as far as I can tell."
She chose to ignore his teasing. With a shrug, she added, "I just need the amulet. That's what I came for in the first place, and if she has it, I need to steal it." Simple as that.
"Fine, fine, I'll be your chaperone," he went on with a playful reluctant tone. He offered out his arm. "Shall we take my carriage, milady?"
She took the offered arm with a giggle. "You have a carriage? That's pretty ritzy, m'lord."
"Actually, I don't." The idea made him laugh. "But I have a horse... two of them in fact, well three, but the last one is on her death bed." He gave a shake of his head. "I might be well off, but carriages aren't really my style."
Jynx grinned. "Good. Not sure I would have known what to do with myself in a carriage," she chuckled.
Quirking an eyebrow, she added playfully, "It's been a while since I've ridden a horse that wasn't demonic. Hope I haven't lost the knack for it."
He raised a brow as he lead the way.
"Not demonic?" he smirked. "I'm pretty sure a curseless horse ought to be a breeze... Though Chansey can be a bit of a stubborn one, I'll let you ride on Delancy." He leaned in close to whisper, "She offers a much smoother ride."
She snorted and twisted her head to steal a kiss. "Were you trying to make that seductive? Because you are ridiculous," she informed him, chuckling.
"What?" he snorted. "No!" laughing, he took her hand. "If anything, I wanted to let you know your place. Stewart is my best horse and... naturally, I'm the only one to ride him."
"Oh, well consider me put in my place." Jynx put a hand to her heart, making her eyes wide and fluttering her lashes at him as she twined her fingers through his.
He gave her a lopsided grin, "Good!" And stole a kiss. "Can't have you getting out of place alright." and he stole a movement, adjusting just a bit of his clothing that she wore. His smile was still crooked, but delightfully so.
Jynx had to resist the urge to lean in for another kids. Good gods, she hadn't been this touchy with a man since...
Well. Ever.
Shaking her head at herself, she squeezed his hand gently and crinkled her nose up at him. "C'mon, let's get moving then. You think you can distract Nell while I slip in and grab what I need?"
Trest chuckled as they moved nearer toward the stable.
"Distract her? Sure... but you might not like the how."
A low jab but then again, he liked getting those sort of reactions from her. Where as Nell, when he'd try to tease her, she could turn out down right mean, but Jynx....
He felt almost as if they had some sort of mutual, natural connection. In tone, in talk...
and who knew- maybe in love. At least certainly in bed.
She narrowed her eyes and growled at him playfully. "Watch yourself," she warned, quirking an eyebrow. "I could always find another bed to share for the rest of my stay."
She didn't mean it, and she had a feeling he knew it. Still, she felt like she had to say something snarky- it just wasn't in her to not respond to the jab.
Taking his hand, she tugged him gently toward the door. "C'mon, we're burning daylight."
Burning up daylight didn't seem like a bad thing, but they were already walking into the stables now and Trest gestured towards his horses.
"Chancey is the stubborn, grey muled colored horse over there with the speckled nose. The dark brown one is Stewart. But yours," he gestured towards a vanilla peppered one. "That's Delancy." he smirked and gave the horse's nose a pet. "They looked antsy," he mused. He smirked back at Jynx. "Guess we came at a good time. Come on!" And he guided the horse out infront of Jynx. "Keep in mind she's an older lady. Not old, just older."
Jynx eyes the animal warily. "Noted." She offered her hand to the mare, hoping the animal wouldn't be too skittish of her.
Part of the reason she only rode Nightmare was because the hell-horse was the only one that wasn't afraid of her. She sometimes wondered if they could sense her connection with Ilieth- animals had never avoided her before her contract.
And the horse sniffed, snorted and jerked it's head away.
"Oh, come on now, don't be like that, girl!" Trest went on with a laugh. "Easy now, don't go getting an attitude now that I'm bringing another pretty girl to ride you."
The horse gave a sniff at that and her tail swished irritably.
The thief sighed quietly and lowered her eyes before Trest could see the flash of hurt and disappointment. She hated that animals could sense what she really was. It only forced her to remember herself.
The moment passed quickly though and she glanced up, tilting her head and blowing gently into the mare's nose, teaching the animal her scent. "Promise I'll behave if you will," she told the horse dryly, arching an eyebrow.
But Delancy wasn't having any of it as she backed away until her rear was against the back of her stable.
"Delancy!" Trest scolded, fetching onto her reins. "Come on, what's gotten into you girl?" But no amount of calming or cooing helped, as she stubbornly fought against Trest's pulls in hopes to stay inside the safetly of her stable. Even the other two horses were moving about uneasily, but Trest seemed determined- that was, until Delancy's heavy hoof came straight down on his foot with speed and weight-
and soon he was doubled over from the pain after wrenching his foot free.
"Hawk, don't bother, it's- fuck, Trest!"
Cursing quietly, Jynx slipped forward to shoo the horse back gently and tugged the man out of her stall. "Gods, you sure know how to get yourself into bad situations, don't you?" she muttered exashperatedly, but there was an undercurrent of genuine concern in her voice.
"Oh god, Delancy's hoof's heavier than..." But he bit at his fist to take a moment to bite back the pain. At least he wasn't crying.
"Maybe we shouldikr just both ride Stewart."
She quirkiest an eyebrow. "Yeah, maybe. C'mon, show me where he is." She left her arm around his waist, offering her shoulder to lean on.
He didn't really need her arm. It was just painful, and he just hoped- not broken. Horses were damn heavy beasts!
Trest took a moment to collect himself, gesturing towards Stewart who seemed to stare at the pair, uninterestedly. Once before the stable, Trest moved to unlatch the stable door and grabbed his reins.
But Stewart didn't budge.
"Oh come on, don't be a stubborn mule, Stewie," Trest griped. He was growing impatient over these damn horse shenanigans.
Jynx lowered her eyes and looked for a brief moment genuinely apologetic, her slight frame and soft features suddenly very noticeable. It wasn't a look she held often.
She shook it off quickly and moved forward a bit.
"It's fine," she murmured, touching Trest's arm. "They won't behave while I'm here. Just tell me where I'm meant to go, and I can meet you there."
"What? You intend to get your own horse?" he jested, and somehow.. found himself able to finally coax Stewart out of the stahl, but in doing so, the horse's tail swished irritably, whipping Jynx as it passed.
She shrugged. "I could ride Nightmare-" But the gelding seemed to have gotten over her presence, and she stepped back quickly to give him room as he clopped out of the stall.
Though Trest could sense his unease, the horse was obedient to a fault. He sighed and moved to mount him before offering down his hand to Jynx.
"Come on. Before we run out of daylight... or I seduce you to stick around for another night."
Gathering herself, the demonlord quirked an eyebrow and scoffed, "You could try."
...He probably wouldn't have to try all that hard, but she didn't tell him that.
She took his hand and mounted up behind him, slipping her arms around his waist and leaning into his back just a bit. "Let's get moving then."
Before he gave the reins a snap, he stole a kiss to her cheek.
"Don't tempt me." And then they were on their way.
Stewart was a dream to ride, and had he any reservations about the cursed woman on his saddle, he made not further show of it. Perhaps he was just that well trained, or fear kept him in line, but even Trest didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. Which was good. He wanted whatever was to come to go as smoothly as possible.
A little tense as they started out, Jynx relaxed slightly with a soft chuckle at Trest's words. After a moment, she allowed her cheek to rest against his back as they rode, trusting him to take them where she needed to go.
"Do you-" She paused, then tried again, "Would you...mind? If I stayed another night?"
"Mind?" What kind of question was that! "I'm not a man to deny my bed to a lady."
She smiled a bit and tucked her head against his shoulder. "Okay, not...would you mind then. I mean...do you want me to?"
Her voice lowered slightly, the playfulness still there but something a little rawer hidden in her tone.
"I'd be a fool not to want it." He grinned and looked at her. "But why would you need to ask?" he gave her a nudge. "I think we've had enough sex for her to know I kinda like doing that with you."
A soft warmth spread through her chest and Jynx ducked her head a moment to hide her smile. "Well. It's always polite to ask," she laughed quietly. Her arms tightened around his waist slightly.
She was quiet a moment longer, then teased quietly, "I hope you still feel that way once I've pissed off Nell."
Trest couldn't help but laugh.
"You better watch it with her. Whens he gets riled up.. well, that's usually when her and I end up having the best sex. No regrets about it. Mad sex tends to be some of the best." At that point it's more out of need then desire, or maybe it was a little of both.
"But if she comes storming over, we might be having a threesome!" he joked.
"Oh, eugh!" Jynx sat back a bit, screwing up her face. "No thanks, she's not my type. I like tiny blondes, if I'm gonna sleep with a woman." She tossed her hair and poked Trest's side.
"How much further?"
"Beggars can't be choosers," he pointed out with a laugh. "And not much longer now, Miss Impatient," he teased.
"Execuse you, but I was not the one doing the begging, if you'll recall," she pointed out with a smirk.
She was near itching with impatience now, but she tried to keep herself from fidgeting as they rode.
Nell's place was a quaint, well taken care of duplex on a quieter street of the city. Fresh flowers bloomed outside a box from a window, and a small iron bell hung beside the door. Even the cobblestone seemed freshly brushed of dirt. One might never consider a thief lived here.
But Nell did well for herself and was proud of what she owned. And liked that she had the ability to choose her fate. Perhaps it's why whe was sour over her former lover's disinterest. Or upset she turned into another notch on his bed post and nothing more.
But Nell was too much into herself for even Trests tastes and as trest dismounted from the horse and went to offer help to Jynx , a window opened and the woman was glaring daggers at the pair.
"Don't you even think about it, Hawk."
Jynx bit back a sigh. She really should have expected this. Nothing was ever easy.
Oh, little Jess...
The thief stiffened, even as she laid a hand on Trest's shoulder to balance herself as she moved to dismount.
It had been...days, or nearly, since she'd heard that voice. Why--how?
I don't much care about "easy", Jessica, Ilieth hissed through her mind. You want a chance, a choice? Get. The bloody. Amulet.
Very pale, Jynx nonetheless tried to play it off, dropping onto her feet and quickly stepping away from Trest to cock a hip and eye Nell up and down. Internally, she was panicking, but she thought she did a pretty could job of hiding it with a smirk and a raised eyebrow. "Think about what now, sweetling?"
Nell's look narrowed.
"I wasn't talking to you, Zero."
Trest had a hard time hiding a grin and Nell's look turned near poisonous.
"Well, the thing of it is, Nell, we're here to see you for a threesome. Now I know what you're thinking about-"
Trest narrowly avoided a falling potted plant.
"Woah now, Nell, I am offended and hurt." He placed a hand to his chest. "I thought you liked the idea of-" he couldn't finish his sentence. Nell already was dropping another pot towards his head.
Jynx had just enough time to shoot her companion a look that was equal parts exasperated and irritated before she had to sidestep the shattered ricochet of the plant.
"Well, now that just seems unnecessary. Is Hawk really worth all these pots?" she noted with an arched brow.
And then she paled again. Pain splintered through her head and she had to swallow back a cry, hands flying up instinctively as though that could shut out the sudden, deafening scream of frustration that echoed through her skull. She clenched her eyes shut and gritted her teeth, taking one step back, then another, unable to focus on her surroundings.
ENOUGH GAMES, GIRL. OBEY!
And the next thing Jynx would hear is Trest inside Nell's place, chewing her to pieces. Word by word.
Jynx staggered back another step, struggling for breath. She could hardly hear anything over the sheer pain in her head.
Ilieth was angry, and it struck her suddenly that she couldn't hold him back this time. Not for much longer.
She turned and tried to run, but only made it a few steps before her legs threatened to give out and she hand to clutch at the wall in an effort to keep herself up, panting.
"Tr...Hawk...Hawk!"
"Where is it, Nell?"
Trest's voice was getting louder.
"I told you what I know, Hawk."
Her voice was getting louder, too.
"This isn't the time to play coy! You couldn't have had it in your possession long enough to sell it yet, and the intended buyer won't even be in the city for another week."
"And whose to say I didn't find another buyer? One who'd pay more? You know how it goes... Hawk."
"Nell.." Trest was growling, his entire body shaking with rage. Nell found herself taking a step back.
"Why are you getting so worked up?"
And it was about this time Trest lost it... again. And Nell was getting very colorfully chewed out.
She tried to call out again, but her voice failed her, emerging only as a stuttering, pained groan. Her legs gave out and she crumpled to the cobblestones, leaning heavily against the wall just beside Nell's door as she panted.
The horse, at least, seemed to realize something was wrong--or maybe he simply sensed the increase in the demonic presence around her. His head tossed and he backed up a few steps, trumpeting a warning cry that made Jynx wince and clutch at her head again.
And though he was in the midst of a heated argument.. something seemed... off. He just felt.. weird, out of place and then he heard something and before he knew it he was down the stairs and at Jynx's side.
"Jess...?" His face lost color as he saw her. He put his arms on her, looking into her face. "Jess! What's wrong?!" He moved to brush her hair from her face, concerning lighting his blue eyes.
OBEY OBEY OBEY OBEY OBEY—
Jynx gasped as the voice was suddenly cut off with a growling howl of rage, though the pain did not recede. She went limp in his arms, shaking lightly. “Tr...est...” She clenched her eyes shut, teeth grinding as she gritted her jaw.
“Ilieth. He’s...he’s so angry...”
Her whole body bowed forward as another spike of pain lanced through her skull and she grabbed at Trest’s arms. “G-Go. Get out of here, you need to...I can’t hold...him...”
"Damn it."
He shouldn't have left her side. But he had been angry, blindingly angry and now she was worse off than before.
Nell's voice broke his thoughts and he cursed again.
"Get back inside!"
He scooped up Jynx.
"I'm not going anywhere, Jess.." his eyes sought to hers, desperately trying to read this situation and hoping to the Gods things didnt get worse.
"N-no... He hates you, hates that you make the voice go away, I won't...I can't...he'll hurt you, I can't stop him..."
Everything felt fuzzy and too colorful, too bright. She could feel the demon in the back of her mind, drawing his power together for another assault. She whimpered, finally managing to meet his eyes.
And she realized that even if she could get the amulet, it wouldn't matter, not anymore. It had gone too far. He was already too powerful; soon enough he wouldn't need her.
"I--I have to get somewhere else," she panted, and with what little strength she had left she tried to push herself to her feet. "Away from people, I have to...get away..."
Trest knew what he had to do. He spared one glance to Nell before grabbing his horse and mounting, Jynx in his arms. He kept her close as he guided his horse into a run as they began to tear across the city, pedestrians gasping and shouting as they went. A few market stands got knocked over by the powerful shoulders of his running horse. Then he saw the city gates and pushed the horse harder.
"We're almost there, Jess. Hold on."
And that was really all she could do. He wouldn't listen when she told him to leave her behind, and it took nearly all of her strength just to hold the raging demon at bay.
"I don't understand..." She spoke aloud, though she didn't seem to realize it, her skin both deathly pale and feverish as she began to shiver violently. "The amulet...I was getting the amulet..."
Not enough, my dear.
She whimpered as the voice slithered across her mind, no longer shouted and wrathful but silky smooth and sickening. I told you my terms. You wasted your week in the city. Time. Is. Up.
Just as they reached the gates she cried out, nearly pitching off the horse's back as her whole body spasmed and she seemed to be trying to throw herself out of Trest's arms.
Trest let out a cry as Jynx nearly bucked from his arms, causing the horse to buck beneath them. He wasn't even sure how he managed to wrestle the woman's form and the rioting horse but he calmed the horse just before the gates and jerked the reins in close as he peered down at her form, not hugged closely to his side.
"Jess!?" he asked, seeing how pale she looked. He swore. "Jess.. come on- Say something.."
His voice seemed to bring her back, for a moment at least. Her eyes met his, glazed as though with fever, wide and...terrified.
"Trest, you have to let me go." She tried to wriggle away from him again, conscious of the motion now, but another bolt of agony made her cry out and go still. She slumped against him, panting.
"He'll kill you...I don't...I can't...I can't stop him..."
Another flash of pain, another desperate cry from the demonlord, and the air before them started to shimmer, then shiver, then seemed to slowly begin to tear open, a ragged scar forming in the skin of the world.
This was not the easy summoning that Jynx performed to call her friends to her side, a simple slip through thin layers of the Veil. This was harsh and angry and violent, shredding a new hole between realities where none had existed before.
Ilieth should not have been that powerful.
And Jynx realized, with a sickening churn in her stomach, that he was using her life as an anchor to do it.
"Trest, let me go!"
Trest felt her panic, felt the very real fear prickle down his spine. Kill him? He couldn't be stopped? This was stupid, this was crazy-
But of course he did the best best crazy thing he could and grabbed her by the face and kissed her with fury.
"I'm not leaving you to battle him alone! We can fight this, Jynx. I know we can! Come on, don't let that demon beat zero!"
Jynx gasped against his mouth, the sound equal parts shock from the sudden kiss and pain as Ilieth bore down on her mind again.
Your lover can't help you now, Jessica, the demon hissed. Nothing can save you. Your time is up. Our deal is sealed: no renegotiation.
Jynx tore herself from Trest's grip with a fractured sort of cry. Tears welled in her eyes. "I have until the end of the year! You said--please!"
The rip in the air seemed to almost pulse, and Ilieth's shadowy silhouette could be seen through it. "Oh, don't worry. I don't break my bargains," the demon purred. His voice was outside of her head now, thrumming through the air around them, low and sweet and dangerous. "I gave you fifteen years, sweetling. You have three months left. A soul is due."
Yellow gold eyes slid slowly up to Trest. His mouth curved in a too-wide smile. "Unless you'd like to offer another's instead?"
Even a week ago, she might have thought about it. Might have hesitated. Now...
"Fuck. You."
To see the demon manifesting from a splinter of shadows from Jynx's form sent a chill to Trest's bones. Even if he wanted to fight a grimace, he was at its mercy, which only aided in the desperate growl that rumbled from his throat.
"Are you seeking a bargain, demon, huh?! This piece if meat look more tempting than hers?" He goaded. He wasnt even sure what he was doing. Plans were too far flung outside the door and his mind was rattling too much for him to keep himself within some semblance of sense. He growled again.
"But what an awful bargain... She clearly has more time. " "A man might be hesitant to suggest an alternative , fresher, stronger body knowing a simple contract can't be kept with any civility."
Oh gods.
What was the idiot doing?!
"Trest, no!" She grabbed for his shoulders, wanting to shake some sense into him but barely able to hold herself up even using him for support. "You don't understand what you're doing--"
"Oh, I think he understands enough, little thing," Ilieth crooned. She shuddered. The demon's eyes--burning pits in that shadowy figure--moved over Trest with new interest. "I've no intention of collecting my soul before it's due. But I can make her last three months...unpleasant."
Pain exploded through her skull, white-hot and blinding. Jynx screamed, though she didn't hear the sound, curving forward and clutching at the sides of her head desperately.
She couldn't hear the demon as he continued calmly, his voice cutting easily through her cries, "You offer your body, thief lord? A physical self? That interests me very little, though I am not totally adverse to the idea. A body in exchange for...what? Her soul?"
Trest gave a forced smile. What was he doing?
"Something like that," he pressed. His eyes didn't yield much, except he hoped his years of practiced confidence held true. Because he needed to distract the demon while he tried to think of a way to get them out of this. And offering himself was tempting enough, right?
"What type of host you looking for? I'm sure something made of strong stock and youthful.. devilishly handsome
.... rich... well versed in this world... handsome... oh, and did I mention rich?"
Jynx couldn't react. The pain wiped everything else away--she couldn't even scream anymore, just lay shivering in Trest's arms, the occasional gasp or moan slipping passed her lips.
Ilieth's grin widened, nearly splitting his face in two. Sharp teeth glinted. He didn't seem to be trying to cross fully into the mortal plane, but clearly had no interest in allowing the rip in realities to close, either.
"Something of strong stock, hm?" He flicked his eyes down to the trembling demonlord, then back up to the thief. "If you promise me such a body, I will allow...one year. One more year before I come to collect the soul due from darling Jessica."
If she could have heard him, Jynx would have screamed at Trest not to take the deal. It wasn't worth it, she wasn't worth it.
And a demon always took more than he bargained for.
That smile. That wicked, wicked smile sent a cold, uneasy feeling through his bones. He was forced to grimace through his smile as he looked at this demon dead in his eyes and said the sealing words through his teeth, "It sounds like we've got a deal, demon."
And although he wished he appeared as cool as stone, internally his heart was tumbling and his entire being was screaming in protest. Somehow it felt as though he were signing another life away but his own- do why didnt the self sacrificing seem to settle his fears of protecting her?
Ilieth grinned. "Done."
Faster than the human eye could track, his hand lashed through the tear in the Veil and raked down Trest's forearm, drawing a thin line of blood. The wound closed almost immediately, but his blood still stained the demon's claws: marked.
"One year," the creature hissed in triumph as he withdrew. The rip began to close, and Jynx gasped as the pain slowly receded, whiteness fading back into color behind her eyes. "One year, and then I collect my debt from you both."
The gate closed. He was gone.
Jynx sucked in a harsh breath and tried to bolt upright, but Trest's arms kept her in place. That she had heard.
Wide golden eyes stared up at him, pained and grief-stricken and horrified. "...What did you do?"
Trest was still smiling, painfully.
"I just bought some time. "
He shuddered but tried to shake it off as he came back to their reality. He looked down at her, brushing hair from her face.
"Don't worry, it was on sale. A limited time offer." One he wasnt sure if he should have refused. He forced a laugh, even he knew it sounded fake.
"Come on, don't give me that look. A year is a hell of a lot longer than a few months."
A year.
I just bought some time.
Her throat closed up even as her lips moved, trying to form words. It took several long moments before she managed to choke out, "Trest..."
Then she had her arms around him, pressing her mouth to his in a fierce, desperate sort of kiss that tasted like salt and iron. She was crying.
"You idiot," she whispered, fisting her hand in his shirt against his back and clinging to him like a bur even as she trembled. "You stupid, stupid man. Why--why did you...?"
Another sob caught in her throat and she clung tighter. "What...did you give him?"
Trest held her, letting her yell, letting her cry. He felt strangely numb, as if disconnected from this reality. He felt his smile, but his being felt hollow. whateverthis strange sensation that plagued him, he didn't like it. It was like his stomach, no his entire being was trying to grip onto a nothingness.
He brushed her hair aside and kissed her, a kiss that tasted like tears.
"He only got a scratch," he croaked. He wished he sounded cooler. He moved to show her his arm, but he wouldn't even tell if the scratch held even left a mark.
She wanted to hit him. She wanted to kiss him. She wanted to take him by the shoulders and shake him silly. She wanted to hold him against her too tight, until the year was up and she could prove that he wasn’t going anywhere, even if she knew it would be a lie.
When he twisted his arm to show her the scratch, her breath hitched and she traced her finger down the already fading demon’s mark. This would barely scar, but it would remain. “Idiot,” she whispered, and she circled her fingers around his wrist, lifting his arm to brush her lips against the mark.
He’d given Ilieth a physical self. Demons rarely had use for such a thing, which explained the reprieve of a year rather than a total renegotiation for her soul contract—she had no idea what he would do with Trest’s payment when the year was up.
She looked up at him, tears slipping down her face as she tried to glare. “I hate you,” she lied, and even she knew it didn’t sound remotely convincing. “You should have—I can’t believe—“
Her voice failed her. With a noise in the back of her throat that was something between a growl and a sob, she suddenly buried her fingers in his hair and dragged him down to meet her lips, harsh and hungry and wild, frantic. “I hate you,” she whispered again, kissing his lips, his chin, his jaw, his cheek. Because the lie was easier. Because the truth ached too deeply in her chest for her to give it voice—a truth that she nonetheless seared against his skin with every brush of her lips, with the way her hands trembled as she clutched at him, with the quiet tears that still stained both their skin.
Thank you. I hate myself for it, but I’m glad of the time you bought me. I just wish it hadn’t come at such a cost. Thank you, I’m sorry, thank you...
He only smiled as she kissed him; only smiled as she confessed her hate and kissed him over and over again. Then he kissed back, a hand through her hair, then fisting it roughly as he kissed her, hard, then harder still before he was soon breathless and resting his forehead to hers, eyes closed. He could feel his own tears stinging his eyes. He'd refuse to open them.
He wasn't about to cry.
And though he felt a thousand years too tired, he scooped her up into his arms and began to move, taking her to the horses, and then on horse back, to his home.
The trek was silent, strange- even as they moved through the city which seemed to be as it was before the contract had been made. But everything felt so different.. So distant.. unreal.
Nothing could be the same as it was before, he realized- and each passing moment as wasting his time.
But he was exhausted and once the horses were boarded, he took Jynx by the hand, kissing her knuckles lightly then guided her back to his bed.
Somehow, he managed the energy to make love to her; once, twice.. atleast three times before exhausting to sleep for nearly two days. And when he woke, he still felt..
numb.
Jynx kept her own silence as they made their way back into the city, into his home, into his bed. She kissed him and clung to him and made love like it was the last chance she’d ever have with him, but she hardly spoke a word.
She slept beside him for most of the rest of the day, and half the next. When she finally woke it was only because hunger drove her from the warmth of the bed. Wrapped in a blanket, she padded her way down to his office, sending one of her smaller demons to filch a few sweet buns from a market cart outside.
When Trest still didn’t wake, she eventually returned to the bed and simply watched him for a while, still silent. What could she say? Why could she do? This...what he had done for her was a debt that could never be repaid—even if she’d had the time to try.
The thief closed her eyes and leaned down to kiss his cheek. “I love you,” she told him softly, barely even a whisper. “I love you, and I think I hate you for it.”
She was down in the office again when she finally heard him stirring. Her eyes flickered to the window; it was nearly dusk again. He would probably be just as hungry as she’d been.
With a small sigh, Jynx moved to the little oven where he’d made breakfast not really all that long ago. Gods. The last week felt like it had been years long.
Another year. He bought me another year...
She fixed her attention on the repetitive work of cooking, trying not to think too hard about anything else as the smell of fresh bread and sausages began to drift up the stairs.
He opened his eyes slowly, staring at the wall for as long as he could until he felt the annoying strain of hunger pulling at his senses. Those smells wafting in...
At first it was a dream like scent, one that seemed so far away- yet at the same time, it was grounding- something that brought him back here, to this reality and to just what he may have done.
He sat up, groaning lightly and rubbed at the sleep from his eyes. He still felt numb, but he still had to live. Or what purpose was it for him to make such a deal? So it would be slow at first..
He at least needed to move-
So he got up. Go dressed.
And moved to the room where she cooked, watching her from the doorway with his arms folded across his chest.
"Well now I have two things to be thankful for."
Jynx started slightly; she'd been so absorbed in her thoughts that she hadn't heard him come down the stairs. She managed to pull herself together quickly enough and shot him what she hoped was her usual, slightly crooked smile.
She worried it may have been a little too tight to pull it off.
"Oh? What's the first?" She nodded toward the first plate of food she'd finished, sausages still steaming gently. "Because I'm going to go ahead and assume that's the second."
She wanted to go to him. Gods, she wanted to. But she forced herself to keep her place, trying to act a though her attention was on cleaning up the dishes and not racked with guilt and worry for what he'd done.
Trest grinned.
"Go ahead and assume, and I'll assume to keep number one to myself. " He moved forward to admire the food.
"Damn am I hungry. At least you seemed to have cooked enough. I could eat enough for two."
"Damn. Now you've got me curious." She matched his flippant tone easily enough, and walked over to push the plate toward him a bit. "Go on, eat. Least I could do, for--"
She cut herself off, her eyes dropping. Then she gave her head a little shake that sent scarlet curls tumbling down to shield her expression from view. "Just...eat something, Trest. You've been out for nearly two full days."
Trest paused to stare.
"Two full days? Geeze... how much sex did we have?!"
Jynx shot him a droll look. "Honestly, for us? Not that much. But demon deals will do that to you."
She winced, then sighed and ran a hand down her face. She couldn't look at him.
"Trest... We have to talk about this. About--about what happened."
Trest was all smiles. But her words made him falter.
He saw the way she turned away, and he too, felt that numbing feeling creeping up his neck.
Sighing, he moved closer to her, but it seemed he didn't dare get too close.
"What is there to talk about? Another day in and over."
She almost swayed toward him, then curled her hands into fists at her sides and forced herself to stay still. To not go to him.
“Yes. Right. Another day in.” She sighed and ran a hand through her hair, hopelessly mussing the curls. “Gods, I just...why?”
She finally lifted her eyes to meet his gaze, searching. “Trest, just...why? Why did you... How could you do something like that?” The question was a whisper by the time she got it out, small and helpless. Very unlike her, or at least how she should have been.
The moment their eyes met, he froze. His heart, he could feel it, beating inside his throat. He didn't bother to swallow it away. Her eyes said so much.
So he crossed the gap between them and wrapped his arms around her, tight.
"Isn't it obvious?" his voice was shallow, a raspy thread above a whisper.
"I had to protect you. I needed to."
He hugged her tighter, burying his face into her neck as he sighed hotly, taking i her scent as he let all of his pent up feelings blow out.
Jynx's eyes blew wide and she went stiff in his arms, mouth open but no sound able to escape her throat.
And then she crumbled, reaching up to wrap her arms around him and digging her nails into his back as she all but crushed herself against him. Her eyes burned and she clenched them shut against what she knew were inevitable tears; she just clung to him, shaking, gasping shallow breaths as she felt him turn his face into the curve of her neck.
"You shouldn't have done that," she whispered, raw and broken. "I--I'm not worth this. I'm not worth you."
She would find a way to get him out of this. She had to. She had a year to do it--and Ilieth was likely more interested in tormenting her than actually killing Trest. Maybe that would give her some leverage.
"I'm sorry." Her voice was so soft it was nearly inaudible as she pressed her face against his shoulder. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I never--I didn't--"
Words failed her and she just held him, trembling.
He let her cry, vent, and bury herself into him. He just held her, a fist brushing through her hair. After it seemed she calmed, a little, he kissed the top of her head and moved to touch just beneath her chin, prompting her to look up into his eyes.
"You know, for someone who didn't make these choices," he went on, with a grin. "You're sure making an awful fuss over mine. Come on now. I'm a big boy. I know what I'm doing."
The grin widened as he stole a kiss.
"Besides, we got a year, don't we?" He winked and pulled away, staring now over at the food she had been preparing admirably.
"Is any of that burning? I'm kinda hungry.."
And his stomach's noises could attest to that.
"...That plate's yours." She nudged the food toward him as he pulled away, and somehow managed to force something like her usual crooked smile. "I already ate."
She hadn't, not since that morning. But honestly she wasn't sure she'd be able to keep anything down if she tried. It had been all she could do earlier to choke down a few bites of stolen sweet buns.
She'd always been like this, even was she was a girl. Stress, fear, even intense anger--somehow, they made her sick.
Her eyes flickered to the thin, silvery scar on Trest's arm. She forced herself to look away, up into his face with another smile. "It's we now, huh?" she noted with a quirked eyebrow. "What, do I get my own room?"
Trest picked up the plate, his expression brightening-
That was until she mentioned her own room. He paused just before he bit into some of the food and raised a brow sharply in her direction.
"Say what now? Your own room?"
Jynx froze, just for a moment. Then she arched an eyebrow of her own and cocked her head. "Well, for the next few days at least, I'm gonna have to teach you about demons, it seems," she noted blithely. "Be easier to do that if I had a place to stay here. But you could always trek out to the seedier inns where I've been staying," she added wryly.
"Oh?" His smile grew easier, more playful. "And here I thought you wanted to move in." He popped some food into his mouth and chewed. "You know..." he sucked the grease from his fingers, not once breaking her gaze. "Like permenantly."
Once again she froze, though it lasted longer this time. She opened her mouth, shut it, frowned, then opened it again.
"...And...if I did?" Oh dear gods what am I doing? This was such a bad idea. This was going to make everything worse, just make it hurt more when-- "I'm assuming you'd have some opinions on the idea?"
His eyes seemed to chuckle as he shrugged.
"Just thinking I might need to get you your own bed if that's the case." He ate some more. Swallowed.
"Or a bigger.. stronger one."
Jynx continued to stare at him. Behind the slight smirk, her eyes seemed to have softened a bit. "Well I don't want to disparage the integrity of your bed, but...yeah. If I'd be staying her a little...less temporarily, maybe a sturdier piece of furniture would be warranted."
She picked absently at her own food, head tilted as she watched him. "You'd be...okay with that?"
"What? Getting a new bed? Who doesn't like a new piece of furniture?"
"Uh-huh."
She liked to think that she knew better at this point than to try to pin him down. So she just smiled and shook her head—seemed she'd be staying here for the time being, and if he really wanted her to leave, she was sure he'd find a way to let her know.
She stood and began clearing the dishes, tossing over her shoulder, "What kinda library are you working with in this place?" in a seemingly rather abrupt change of topic.
"Library?" Trest was going for seconds of whatever was left of breakfast. "All my books are in my study," he went on with a shrug and another stuff of food into his mouth.
"Mmm." Jynx looked around. Damn, she wished she was a little more literate--she couldn't tell at a glance if any of the volumes might actually be useful.
With a soft, huffing sigh, she braced her hip against the back of Trest's chair and raked a hand through her curls, tousling them absently. "Don't suppose you've got any reliable texts on demonology lying around?"
He should have been clever enough to put two and two together. But as it stands, he had a rather long... day.. days? He should have known what she was getting on asking for books.
"Well," he went on, sighing as he put away his plate. "Can't say I just keep knowledge of demons around on me, if that's what you're asking."
He followed her gaze to his books, arms folded.
"No, my collection is a lot more boring than that."
He pursed his lips, eyes moving in thought.
"But I have a lot of connections with... someone who might have just the book we seek."
She quirked an eyebrow. "Connections, huh?"
Without really thinking about it, she allowed the hand that had been combing through her own hair to fall and rest on his shoulder, absently playing with the ends of his hair as she pursed her lips in thought.
Fifteen years--or nearly--and I've never figured out a way to break this deal...
It didn't matter. She had to do it now. Necessity was the mother of ingenuity...or something like that.
Huffing out a breath, Jynx shook her head and glanced down at him with a wry quirk to her lips. "Well, Ser Hawk. Seems we've got some homework to do. Once you've finished your breakfast."
She stepped away from him, fingertips lingering on his shoulders for just a moment as she did. She needed to fetch her grimoire from where she'd hidden it--gods, had that really only been five days ago? She supposed she could always send a demon to do it, maybe Kori...
"So you think that's the solution? Or at least a good start to one," he went on, cleaning up after his breakfast while eyeing her from his shoulder now. "We find a good dark book on demons and set to studying?"
It didn't seem too far fetched-
Though he wouldn't have considered that first, find a book to fight demons.
Jynx smirked at him. "How do you think demonlords first learned their trade?"
Muttering the incantation under her breath, she bit her thumb and snapped her fingers to call forth one of her smaller companions, a few drops of blood dripping onto white and scarlet fur as Kori popped into being at her feet and looked up at her expectantly, head cocked.
"You remember where the grimoire is, yeah? Could you fetch it here for me?"
The demon yapped and vanished again in a flutter of wings.
Jynx looked back up at Trest. "So. That's one book we need accounted for, at least. What's this connection of yours?"
"Well, I can't be too well organized with criminals if I keep my ears shut to secrets here and there- even if they don't pertain to my immediate interests. I know of a few underground trades on things like these. I'm well aware of how potent certain magics can be, and considering where we are..." he gave a shrug. "I'd be a big imbecile for not keeping tabs on things that seem a little... dark and dangerous, as it were. But, I suppose we ought to get ready for the day. Normally I send someone to deal with this person, but I don't think we have time to play the go around."
A year was a year...
But the sooner they could deal with this, the better. His life was on the line too- even if he was trying to keep any fear towards it subdued.
"I'm going to draw a bath, get on my fancy, crime lord clothes. You going to tag along with so I know which books might be of value? Apparently this guy has a library of his own. Two sets of eyes is better than one." Especially one that actually knows a thing or two about dark arts.
She snorted. "Course I'm coming along. You couldn't get rid of me now if you tried, Ser Hawk."
Possibly literally. They both owed a debt to the same demon after all. Debts with the same deadline.
But she kept her voice light, shrugging blithely. "Once Kori gets back with my grimoire, I'll be able to start looking for--"
As if on cue, the cat demon swooped into the room--somehow from the stairs to the bedroom, which Jynx honestly didn't know how he'd managed. He circled her once, then dropped a thick, old, slightly off-putting tome with leather buckles and two locks holding them in place into her waiting hands.
"Thanks, kitten." She flicked her fingers at the creature, murmuring a banishment, and Kori vanished with another rippling of white fur and feathers.
"Guess not all demons tend to be blood lusty and want our necks," he commented with a smirk. Admirably so, he added, "Bet you'll miss summons like that once we figure this all out." Demon summoning definitely had it's perks.
"Mm?" She cocked her head at him, brow slightly furrowed. "Why should I—oh!"
She blinked as she realized what he was getting at. For some reason, it hadn't occurred to her that she'd never told him...
"Trest, I don't get my abilities from Ilieth." She glanced away with a sour quirk to her lips. "Not all of them. I was...born like this. The little ones, anyway, I can do those summons all on my own."
But there was more to it. A lot more—and he was right. If she ever managed to get out of her contract, the largest portion of her power would just...cease to exist. It was strange to think about; stranger still to actually hope for.
"Born like this?" Trest repeated. He was shocked, to say the least, but should he be? He never much pressed into her powers. Perhaps it was because he just accepted it for what it was.
He smirked as he listened.
"Then I guess you wouldn't lose your little 'pets'."
She answered him with a half smirk of her own. "Most of them, yeah."
It was...nice, to talk like this. Like she actually had a chance at a future beyond this deal, beyond Ilieth.
"Alright." She shook herself briskly, double checking to make sure her grimoire was secured. "We're burning daylight, yeah? The sooner we can come up with some ideas, the sooner we can get out of this—"
She winced instinctively, expecting a burst of pain from Ilieth. The demon was always lurking in the back of her skull, she was honestly a little surprised he didn't seem to care what they were planning. But then...
Her eyes flicked to Trest again. Well. The reason Ilieth had seemed to hate him so much was because he couldn't reach her so easily around him, right? Unless that was another trick.
Trest blinked and looked at Jynx then looked all around then looked at her again.
"You... okay?" He looked around, one eye cocked. He.. didn't hear anything.
Until he did.
He heard the distinctive clip clopping of approaching horses-
And a coach.
Trest instantly made his way to the window and looked out.
"Shit."
The little caravan outfront looked like anything but those he worked for.
What shitty timing.
He turned to Jynx.
"Uh... wait right here." And he rushed from the room.
"Hm? Oh, yeah. Yeah, I'm fine..." She stared at him for a moment, resisting the urge to worry her lower lip. She...really should tell him. It might be important. "Hey, Trest--"
Before she could get a full sentence out, he was at the window. She was a beat behind him, eyes widening slightly at the caravan on the street. "Shit?" she repeated, turning to look up at Trest.
Who was already starting to rush from the room.
"Wait right--what? Tr--Hawk!" Damnit! Jynx wanted to follow him, but wasn't sure how that might be recieved. Muttering to herself, she bit her nails into her palm and muttered an incantation, summoning Tiameth.
"Follow him, and keep hidden. Come get me if he needs help." The little demon chirped and fluttered away.
Down below, a caravan of carriages was pulling up to his small, 3 story home. They were pulled by stark white horses, freshly brushed and trained to stop neatly, which is exactly what they did as Trest moved to wave the horses to stop. They weren't too far from his property, and he seemed anything but happy to see whoever it was in tow.
Not sure what else she could--or should--do, Jynx pressed herself against the wall by the upper window and peered out into the street. Her eyebrows crept up nearly into her hairline as she watched the carriage approach, Trest seemingly irritated, but waiting to meet them.
Hidden in the shadows around at the corner of the house, Tiameth chittered softly to herself as she settled in to watch at her mistress's order, wings flared slightly--prepared to spring to the air and chirp a warning if it was needed.
He was far enough away that their voices didn't carry, but on occasion, Trest's would. Most of his words were to the effect he 'didn't care' would 'deal with this later' and had way more pressing matters to deal with than his family's estate
But whatever was said next caused a tense silence before Trest moved to storm back towards the house.
Then it was clear what the other man was shouting.
"This is a cowards way! To turn your back on your rightful family call!"
Which caused Trest to halt, turn and spit back at the men, many words with colorful flare (most of the angered variety) before he told them he has every 'Gods damned right to storm off enraged by his 'uninvited guests' whom, it seemed, when pomp and flare were tossed back at then, grew equally quiet and mad before barking off their promise of a return and a proper summons.
"And don't forget," the man added at Trest's retreating form. "Your time to decide is running out."
And the men on white horses began to retreat as Trest disappeared back into his house.
When the shouting started in earnest, Tiameth chittered again and swooped and skittered her way up and back through the window of Trest's office to perch on her mistress's shoulder and nuzzle into her neck.
Jynx nodded, scratching the little imp under the chin, and sent her back through the Veil with a casual flick of her wrist. Now that the "conversation" below had escalated, she could really hear everything she needed to without the demon's help.
She watched from her spot at the window, waiting until Trest was at the door before she actually moved, heading for the stairs.
Your time to decide is running out.
Her mouth twisted sourly. Seemed they were working with limited time on all fronts, whatever...that was.
She was waiting at the base of the stairs when Trest got back inside, arms folded and eyebrows raised, head cocked slightly to the side. "You...wanna tell me what that was about?"
The words were a little brisk, but her tone was surprisingly gentle. For once, she didn't actually want to push him for information. Not to mention the last time his family matters had come knocking, she'd had to deal with a drunk, handsy, rather obnoxious version of the Hawk. Maybe she could head off the drinking if she was quick enough...
Trest didn't look at her, blue eyes fixated on the wall while his hands fidgets over whatever was nearest by- which just so happened to be a stack of accounting books strewn upon a side table along the front room's eastern wall. His lips were pursed, brow cut sharply before he just-
Sighed.
A hand moved to cover his brow as he leaned over, shaking his head.
"I'm just... tired."
Too many complications too soon. It seemed they'd be juggling one demon, then another. But part of him smirked- albeit sourly at the thought. At least his own demons were just an inconvenience of a soured past. Her's...
He tapped his fingers now and let the book's pages settle.
For a moment, he was quiet, body tense- the sensation almost itching before he turned to her but the moment he opened his mouth, the door...
Just opened.
"Oh, dear, it's unlocked but oh-OH! My lord-"
The words cut between Trest and Jynx like a whip and he was quick to whirl around to see the formal messenger-
INSIDE.
He was just inside.
No knocking. No introductions. No 'oh excuse me'...
He was just there.
For a moment, Trest was left gaping, like a fish. He caught none of the words the man prattled on about before he suddenly snapped back to his senses and shouted entirely too loudly...
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE!?"
"Well the door was open and I-"
"DIDN'T YOU EVER HEAR OF KNOCKING!?" His voice was like a lion's- the other man, sensibly older, cowered back at the roar. And his eyes immediately moved to avoid Trest's gaze and...
Fell squarely upon Jynx. And then his eyes widened.
"Oh! I uh.. see you have company. Forgive me my lady for my rude intrusion," the man went on, bending over in the most rigid of bows.
Jynx frowned, and moved down another step, then another. "Trest..."
She started to reach out to him--then the door opened and her eyes widened. She moved to skitter back instinctively before remembering that would inherently make her more suspicious and forcing herself to hold her ground.
Then Trest roared and she flinched, memories long buried surging to the surface before she forced them back down and took the last few stairs at a brisk pace to grab his arm. "Trest. Calm down," she urged quietly, reaching up to turn his face toward her, hoping to distract him from the messenger somehow and hopefully at least begin to cool his temper.
But then the messenger saw her--saw her, standing there in his house, wearing a man's shirt that was far too big for her and very little else, touching Trest with far too easy familiarity--and then he bowed.
She gaped at him.
"Um...that's--it's--don't worry about it?" she managed to stammer out after a mute, shocked moment where all she did was stare. She looked back up to Trest, eyebrows raised in a silent, slightly frantic question. What the hells am I supposed to do?!
Trest's eyes flared to Jynx, then went back to the man and if it was possible- his entire being tensed. It could be said, despite his complexion, he was beginning to turn red.
"Oh, but it is truly rude of me to intrude on the intimate statures of my Lord and his uh.. Lady-" where the man posed, raising a brow and looking at her, then slowly towards Trest as if to seek an answer.
"Jessica," came his bite of a reply. A feral growl, really. He was to upset to realize- that though he intended to use a false name-
He actually had.. in fact, given out her real name and though it , in the moment, did not occur to him- he continued-
"Lady Jessica Arristaire, who-" and it was only when his second bit of a the lay was spiting out in flames did he begin to realize his mistake..
Then the second..
Especially as the man's brows began to rise so far up upon his head that when he looked at 'Jessica' then back to Trest, he was positively gaping, and almost smiling like a dope.
"Arristaire? A cousin- perha-"
"Wife." Trest bit in, his voice sounding so salty it was hard to get down.
Dear God..
Where was he going with this!?
What in the heavens was he doing!?
And now it seemed..
Everyone was SPEECHLESS.
"W-w-.... your.... wife?"
And when it was repeated, it was only then Trest realized the pile of shit he just roped in.
Gods be damned- DID HE REALLY HAVE TO SHOW UP NOW!?
And why was his mind so BLINDED that he had to spit out TWO obvious mistakes that he would not have to quickly counter or make up believable lies for!
And he had a feeling.. his new 'wife' would be in just as equally (if not a lot more so..) shock than himself...
And he had to wonder..
Just how pissed off she was going to be.
The use of her real name actually made her flinch, though she hid it quickly with little more than a sharp glare toward Trest.
Then he said “Jessica Arristaire”, and her eyes blew wide. There was a moment, just half a heartbeat, where she felt her hand moving up to cover her scar subconsciously before she realized what she was doing and forced it down again.
What the fuck what the fuck what the fuck what the—
“Wife.”
FUCK.
If they’d had the time, she would have gaped at him. Or hit him. Possibly both.
But it was too late, he’d said it, and she’d worked enough cons in her life to know the importance of commitment to an unexpected snag. So she wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned into his side with a slow, knowing smile toward the servant hovering in the doorway. “Yes,” she purred, “wife.”
She reached up to stroke Trest’s jaw lightly, giving him a sugary sweet smile and eyes that promised murder, before returning her attention to their guest. “And it is something of a...recent arrangement. I’m sure you understand newlyweds prefer a, ah...a bit of time to themselves?” She smirked, eyebrow arched meaningfully, then tipped her chin up as imperiously as she could manage—trying to channel a noblewoman despite her distinctly less than noble current situation—and made a little shooing motion toward the door. “Be a dear and come back later, would you?”
After I fucking STRANGLE your employer, preferably.
As awkward as it was...
and near painful to bear...
There was a strange twist of a smile drawn across the man's face before he regained some sense of himself and closed his lips. He stood much more proper and bowed to them both this time.
"Well, my Lord.. and... Lady," he began, the smile clearly there on his face and voice. "I am so terribly sorry to have intruded. I will take this wonderous news back to me and return the next morning."
"Return the next-" Trest began to protest.
"There is much to be done with this unexpected news! To hear such a thing- that the Lord of the estate has indeed married.... We will have to conduct all of the paper work and proprieties to facilitate the known will and-"
Trest didn't know what else the man was saying.
Perhaps he was agreeing.
Perhaps he was just babbling incoherently.
But when the man left- and SMILING as he did so...
Trest felt so very, very rigid-
and felt such a suffocating sensation from his.. 'wife'...
That he couldn't even look her way- blue eyes glued to the now closed front door.
"Of course." Jynx dug her nails into Trest's arm where she gripped it when he started trying to cut across the messenger, but she needn't have bothered, apparently. The man seemed entirely unphased.
The he was gone, bowing himself out, and she and Trest were alone.
He wouldn't look at her.
She took a step back and folded her arms, one eyebrow arched dryly. "Well. Husband." Her voice had dropped to that purr she'd previously only used around him in very different—much more fun—circumstances. But her eyes were glimmering gold fire. "It seems you and I need to have a little chat, hm?"
Trest still couldn't look at her. Even if she were in his field of view-
nothing was there. He stared past her and past the world.
He couldn't believe he choked.
He..
The Hawk.
He had CHOKED.
And terribly so.
A moment later, his mind reeled back in as he sucked in a sharp breath before finally looking at her- his expression near a cringe.
"Yes.. we've got quite a lot of planning to do, Lady Arristaire. Starting off with finding a way to forge your a noblewoman and... well, my wife."
If he laughed, it was dryer than the desert.
By the Gods...
What had he done.
And trying not to miss a beat, he simply walked past her and towards his office- his mind racing a million miles a minute yet he couldn't get it to think.
Maybe once he was in his office he could think more clearly...
And once at his desk, he opened a drawer and fetched out his strongest bottle of drink.
"Oh absolutely fucking not."
Jynx snatched the bottle right out of his hand and stepped back sharply, leveling a withering stare at him. "We are having this conversation now and we are having it sober, Hawk. What the fuck was that?!"
She waved a hand expressively toward the stairs. "I'm your wife?! No one is going to believe this for longer than ten minutes, I'm—fuck's sake, I'm a whore's daughter from Zantaric, Trest! Forge all the paperwork you like, no one is going to believe I'm a proper lady."
She groaned and dragged a hand down her face. "Look, just...why a wife? Lords have mistresses and whatnot all the time, don't they? Hells, some of them even live with the family! Couldn't I be...that?"
She hated even the idea of it, and he had already claimed they were married...but surely they could walk that back somehow, right? And mistress was more believable, wasn't it? Why would anyone pick her to marry into a noble family?
Reality sunk in about as sourly as the action of her taking away his drink.
The smile he gave her was positively nasty.
"Now, now, now, it can't be that bad to be married to such a wealthy entrepreneur.." he went on, moving to the other side of the desk where he fetched another bottle...
"GodDAMNIT, Trest!"
She marched forward and attempted to grab the second bottle, seething. "Would you, for two goddamn minutes, just fucking talk to me?! In case you missed it, we're quite literally stuck in this together—whatever this marriage bullshit is and our stupid fucking demon deals!"
Forgetting about the bottle, she grabbed his shoulders, forcing him to still and look at her as she glared up into his face. "I want to help you, you obtuse fucking ass!" she snarled. Words poured out now without her being able to stop them, or think them through. "Stop pushing me away. Stop pretending you don't care about any of this. Stop pretending you're not scared. Stop pretending that a drink is going to make it go away! I can't help you with this if you don't man up and talk to me! I care about you, you jackass, just let me fucking help you!"
She finally stopped, panting and glaring at him. She was trembling, just slightly. Just enough that he'd be able to feel it through her grip on him.
Despite feeling the full brunt of her fury, there was the littlest smirk amongst his winced expression as he looked at her.
"Oh?" his voice was changing, something awkward, stiff- to something a little more playful, more.. Hawk-like.
"So you're telling me you accept this marriage I threw at you?"
Yeah, he was an ass. A master of deflection- and of course couldn't be content at just a confession right there and had to keep on poking the fires.
"Go to a little church, get up some real paper work..."
Why couldn't he stop? His lips kept moving. The wrong words, but of his choosing...
Why couldn't he just....
"There's a chapel just down the street."
Maybe he just wanted her to end him.
Would be the easier thing to do now, wouldn't it? Then again, was the Hawk really the type to take it all down easy street?
He didn't know. He was at his limits, and she was pushing his only out away and her intensity, this sincerity..
He didn't know why he couldn't just say something humbled or kind right on back.
Then again.
He wouldn't be Hawk, now would he?
"No."
Where Trest's voice rose to a roar when he was angry, Jynx's dropped to a low menace of a growl. She wrapped her hand in the collar of his shirt and pulled him down until they were almost nose to nose. "I'm not playing this game with you right now," she hissed. But despite the rage in her voice and the fire in her eyes there was something...something softer around the lines of her mouth. Close to vulnerable.
"I have accepted a lot of things from much worse men than you, Hawk. Worse men. Because despite how hard you're trying to make me forget it right now, you are a good man. You're an idiot and you're infuriating and you've walked us into a mess that might even make the goddamn demon deals take a backseat for a minute, but you are a good man, and I'm done accepting less from you today."
She pulled him a little closer, her breath ghosting across his lips as she continued softly, "We can go back to this tomorrow. We can play and pretend neither of us cares and snipe at each other until it feels like maybe we both hurt a little less. But right now, I need you to talk to me. And this isn't an ultimatum, because we don't have a goddamn choice anymore. I'm with you whether you like it or not."
She took a breath, hands shaking. Her voice lowered to a rasping whisper, "And if I'm going to marry you, you are going to get down on your knee and ask me."
His expression seemed not to flinch, something stirring ever deeper within his eyes. But his eyes never once left hers, despite her simmering words and charges and demands. Instead, he leaned in to steal a kiss, quick one, as he did value his life. And sighed as he looked into her face, into her eyes and simply said,
"Didn't I do something with a demon that should exempt me from the knee thing?"
Yeah, he went there.
And he gave her his little smirk, the one that dimpled his cheeks and lifted just a single brow and made him all the more cocky in his stance.
"Besides I mean.. technically... TECHNICALLY... they now think we're already married so..." He gave her a shrug, still looking at her.
"And I mean look at what you got here," he gestured down at his entire body, laying it out there just for her. "You know how many women want this?"
Low. Fucking. Blow.
Fine. He wanted to play dirty, she would play dirty. But she was getting some goddamn honesty out of him if it killed her.
Jynx smiled sweetly at him, then hooked her ankle behind his leg and dropped him to the floor. She landed straddling his hips, her hand in his collar moving up to grab his wrist and pin it above his head as she leaned over him.
“I am very much aware,” she crooned. It was a dangerous sound. She felt wild and overheated and desperately, frantically lonely all at once. “But, husband mine, you’ve just settled on me, haven’t you? Just. Me.”
She laid her other hand on his chest and leaned in to peck his cheek. She would take tiny victories. And she was determined to take at least one. “So. Trest.” She kissed his jaw, then his throat, where she let her teeth scrape lightly against his skin. “If you want me...to play along...to be your wife...”
Each pause was accompanied by another kiss, her body pressed torturously close to his without ever really offering something like satisfaction. Keeping a fraction of space between them. “Ask me...nicely...” Her kisses traced his throat, his collar, his jaw, even his ear, but she never brought her mouth to his. Not until the last, when she hovered there, a breath away from a true kiss.
“To marry you.”
When being dealt a hand, she sure knew how to make it seem like a winner. Sure knew how to make him feel like a winner.
Marriage?
Settling down?
Sure didn't seem bad if it was a woman like her.
His eyelids hung down like hoods, teeth sinking into his own as he squirmed in anticipation beneath her.
"Keep this up," he went on, sealing a full on, heating kiss laced with a wrestling hot tongue. "You might actually see me beg for it."
"Ah ah ah." Smirking, she pulled away from the kiss—pretending she wasn't growing more desperate herself by the moment—and leaned back so she could take his other hand and pin it above his head as well.
"What kind of girl do you take me for?" she crooned with a slow, smug smile. "Haven't you heard I'm a married woman? The audacity."
She leaned down again, some of the teasing bled from her voice as she whispered, "I don't need you to beg, Trest. I just need you to ask me."
Just ask. Just admit this means something to you. Let me mean something to you.
She kissed the bridge of his nose lightly and repeated, "Just ask." A kiss to his cheek. "Ask me, and I'd give you anything I could." Once again she brought her mouth to his, so close that their lips brushed as she spoke, but still refusing to initiate a proper kiss. "Ask me, Trest. Just ask me. Let me help you."
As hot as it was.
As heated was his need.
Her words kept pressing into him, drowning him and soaking deep beneath his skin.
His mind whirled at her statements, finding his eyes having closed when he instinctively let out a whimpering moan.
But then he went quiet, he went still, and slowly opened his eyes to search hers.
Words failed to form, yet it seemed he knew, or showed there was something he wanted to say.
But then he said it.
"Would you?"
A curious curl twitched on the left side of his lips.
His eyes spoke more than the two words of his question.
She thought about pressing further. Just for a moment. Just to make him squirm a little bit longer. He certainly deserved it, after all that.
But she’d asked, and he’d given her what she wanted. And she had promised. Sort of.
So instead of demanding, “Would I what?” Jynx released one of his wrists so she could cup her palm against his cheek and pressed a little closer.
“I would,” she breathed against his mouth, and finally, finally kissed him.
It wasn’t a gentle sort of kiss. It was heat and desperation and panic and something else she was still too afraid to voice where he could hear. She laid claim to him with the determination of a dying woman, parting her lips against his and allowing herself to relax and close that fraction of space she’d been holding between them so that every inch of her body pressed to his. Her other hand slid down to his chest, fingers curling in the fabric of his shirt, and she groaned quietly as she pressed closer, held him tighter, kissed him harder.
Stay, a tiny voice in the back of her mind pleaded. Just stay. Let us have this, just for a little while. Please don’t push me away again. Let me in. Let me help.
A hungered growl rumbled from his throat the moment their bodies began to seal, his own lips kissing back with hungered passion as he felt his body move. His free hand found her hip, pressing her roughly against him as he tried to fuck her through their clothes as he moaned over and over again between kisses.
"So you're going to be my Lady Arristaire."
Something electrical zinged through his body at the words. It was fear, it was playful... and so many other things he couldn't identify at once. But one thing each of his heated kisses admitted to-
Was that it was certainly something he wanted, because his lips and body were unforgiving, and he wouldn't let her go until he had every last inch.
Lady Arristaire.
His Lady Arristaire.
"Yes," Jynx gasped against his mouth, then groaned as he pressed up into her and sensation zinged through her body. She panted lightly, rolling her hips harshly against his as she kissed him over and over. "Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, gods yes."
She pulled away for a moment, just long enough to undo the buttons of his shirt she still wore, letting it fall open and hang loosely off her shoulders. She wasn't wearing anything underneath it. She rocked against him again, scrabbling at the waistband of his trousers and whining, needy, when her fingers fumbled. She kissed his lips, his nose, his cheek, his jaw, his throat, anything she could reach.
"Trest." His name was a whimper as she frantically tried to rid them of the last barriers of clothing. "Trest—Trest, please, more, please..."
His lips were hungered, hands roaming, pulling, peeling clothing off without a second thought or glance. Her own clothes were much easier to peel away than his own, mouth and hands exploring the soft warm flesh as he moaned against her, his own eagerness adding a soft whimper to those until he finally was able to kick off his own pants that most annoyingly, still stuck to one foot as they draped across the side of the bed.
But his desires were free and only then did his blue eyes meet to hers as lust and so many other emotions burned within them.
"We're a dangerous match." His words were husky and half growled before he moved to smother his lips over hers, tongue spreading her mouth open to wrestle hers with need as his eager body prodded hers for entry.
And then he was in. And he couldn't stop moving. It was too much, the sensation that flooded throughout his body in an insane thirst of heat and need.
"Gods," he panted, a hand grasping the bed as he moved harder and faster into her as he pressed his forehead against hers and kept ramming into her, again and again.
That was certainly one way to put it: a dangerous match.
They were. They really, really were. Not just in this—in everything.
She shifted to help him remove the last of their clothes, but the moment they were out of the way she had her arms around him again, holding him close and turning her face into his neck as they pressed and slid together.
“Gods,” Jinx echoed him involuntarily, starting to move against him as the intensity ramped up. Her nails dragged down his back, her teeth sank into his shoulder. She wrapped herself around him and lost herself in the building heat and desperation. Her breath was coming in ragged pants and she tried to speak, but all she could get out were gasping pleas for more, harder, faster.
Their eyes locked when his brow pressed to hers and her breath hitched as she finally, finally saw something in them beyond the lust and cover of humor. “There you are,” she whispered without thinking—and kissed him, hard, muffling her cry as she tensed and shuddered against him when she reached her peak.
She kept clinging to him in the aftermath, panting and shivering as he moved against her. One hand tangled her fingers through his hair as she kissed him again, the other cupping his jaw with a shocking, almost unintentional tenderness.
“I think you’re either going to damn me or save me, Trest Arristaire.”
Trest sighed satisfyingly through the kiss.
"Damn you or save you?" He smirked and closed his eyes, sighing contentedly again.
"Hell, if anything, I probably consumated you."
And though he smile, it seemed to waver, ever so slightly as he tensed at the thought.
Well.. they had had a lot of sex but...
No, that wasn't a concern.
That hurt more than it should, but she thought she knew him well enough by then to know he hadn't meant it to.
So she smiled a little sadly and shook her head before she dipped to kiss the line of his collarbone. "Not a problem, remember?"
They were still intertwined, her legs hooked around his hips and her hands resting on his shoulder and the back of his neck. She sighed and kissed him softly, pressing herself just a little closer as she did. "Feeling better?" she whispered against his skin as her lips trailed the length of his jaw to pause just beneath his ear, nipping lightly.
Gods. There was still so much hanging over them, but this...she wanted the moment to last a little longer.
He just held her silently, sighing again.
"Depends, " he said through another sigh and turned to kiss her hair. "Maybe after another round or two..."
He smirked, eyes still closed as he lay there, a hand gently stroking her hair.
Jynx chuckled quietly and nuzzled into the curve of his neck. “Mm. Sure you can keep up?”
Despite the familiar tone and rhythm of their banter, she found herself lingering on the fact that they were just...holding each other. Everything with Trest was fast, bright, burning. She thought he’d only held her like this once before, and not for very long.
And to her terror, she realized how much she liked it.
“...Do we have to, um...” She bit her lip, voice soft and uncharacteristically hesitant. “Y’know. Actually...get...married? Like, with a priest and everything?” Surely forging a marriage certificate couldn’t be anymore difficult than forging her a fake identity.
Ah, shit. They had to do that, too.
Unconsciously, she tightened her arms around him, turning her head to press a kiss over the pulse point in his throat and lingering there.
He just lay there. He didn't open his eyes. But at her question, he did raise his brows.
"Oh? Already getting cold feet?"
She rolled her eyes, lifting her head and bracing one hand beside his shoulder so she could lean over him. "I can't get cold feet from a fake ceremony," she pointed out dryly. "One that, might I remind you, has already happened, according to what you told your little toady." Her brow furrowed slightly and she let the fingers of her other hand card through his hair absently. "Though I suppose you could always tell 'em we're betrothed, which is what you meant... The whole thing is enough of a scandal already, isn't it?"
Trest have a shrug and kept his eyes on hers.
"Betrothed or married... I guess I need to get my story straight and all the papers in order..."
Because as good as he was at forgeries... he wasn't sure how he could swing this one. But all they needed was a document l, right? Forged documents were right up his alley.
"Yeah...and who am I supposed to be, anyway?" She sat back a bit, arms draped lazily over his shoulders as her brow furrowed thoughtfully. "You can't just marry some random woman off the street. Am I supposed to have, like...a title or something?"
Surely he was meant to marry a noblewoman of some sort, wasn't he? Just how intense would this new identity have to be?
...And how long would they have to keep this ruse up?
His blue eyes were locked to the ceiling. He supposed they did need at least a plan....
"A marriage is a marriage," he muttered, before turning to admire her form. "Why can't I just marry you?"
She liked the way his eyes moved over her far too much. It was distracting.
Jynx made a show of rolling her eyes and propped herself up on one elbow. "Because I am a nobody thief from Zantaric, and you are a lord with lands, wealth, and a title. You can't marry Jessica Erinsri."
...Could he?
Laying two fingers under his chin so she could tip his head up to meet his gaze, she asked with a wry smile, "What would your little lackey say, hm? If you told him your wife was some nameless daughter of a whore? I highly doubt he'd be pleased."
"Well I mean.... I'm not sure how specific they wanted to be with the whole marriage deal. I mean a wife's a wife..."
Right?
She snorted and flopped back down onto her side. "You tell me. This is your world, Trest, not mine."
Sort of absently, she tangled her legs a little more securely through his as she turned her head to stare up at the ceiling. "...I'll follow your lead here," she said quietly after a moment. She sort of didn't want to—hells, it grated on her every last nerve to defer to someone else in a situation like this—but she couldn't help feeling...responsible.
Sure, he'd gotten them tangled in this marriage nonsense, but it was her ass that had gotten them indebted to a sadistic demon. Maybe...maybe she owed him more than just some help trying—most likely pointlessly—to wiggle out of these deals.
A low groan caught in her throat and she turned to hide her face against his shoulder, arms moving around his waist. "Gods. What are we doing?" she huffed, nipping almost petulantly at the skin of his throat.
Trest shivered at the attentions as the lids of his eyes fell half closed.
"I mean.. I thought we were getting married," came his husky reply, a curious hand smoothing up her inner thigh.
It was Jynx's turn to shiver as his hand glided up her thigh. She bit him harder in retaliation, trying to ignore the slight, entirely unconscious twitch forward of her hips.
"You know what I mean," she grumbled against his neck. "What are we doing?" She propped herself up just enough to gesture back and forth between their chests with one hand. "This marriage thing...I dunno, Trest. I sort of assumed you lived out of your office, is this gonna be...do you have like a manor? Am I supposed to go there?"
That was typically what noble wives did, right? Disappeared into their husband's household.
She was hardly thrilled with the idea, but it's not like it would be a permanent thing. She only had a year left to live, after all.
That thought was enough to squeeze a sharp, wry laugh from her and she ducked her head to press a kiss under his jaw. Her free hand started tracing light, absent patterns over his ribs. "You know what, forget I asked..."
Blue eyes stared at her still half lidded, but softened at her words, his hand still stroking, but the ministrations slowing. She was right.. They should plan. He was a stickler for details but....
Something changed. It was subtle in her eyes, but the actions made it very obvious...
Yet he moaned into it, capturing her lips in return as his hand squeezed her thigh, tongue opening her mouth to wrestle with hers as his tongue trembled through a breathy mouth.
Hungry hands roamed all over her body, cupping breasts and any flesh he dare. But after a moment he pulled away, eyes lidded lower and his voice husky while he purred, "Forgotten already." And he moved to flip the woman over, straddling overtop as his lips move to crash into hers again.
"Oh—!" Jynx yelped, then laughed as he flipped them over. "Ass," she accused with a light shove against his shoulder before she melted into the kiss. She shifted under him, running her hands over his back to press him closer and hooking one knee over the slight dip of his waist.
"Mm... Y'know, you are embarrassingly easy to distract," she purred when they broke apart for a moment, eyes dancing. "Honestly, however did you get along without me here?"
She twisted her fingers into his hair and pulled him down for another kiss before he could answer, tongue flicking out to meet his as she gave a slow, testing roll of her hips against his.
Because yes, they needed a plan. Or at least some semblance of one. But she was just so damned relieved to have gotten him talking—actually talking, even just for a few moments—that she wanted to hang onto the feeling for as long as she could.
Trest growled out a moaned laugh when she confronted his obvious problem.
"Can anyone blame me?" he went on, lips kissing hotly down her neck. "I'm in my prime, got a successful business, a hot and sexy woman beneath me..."
Her smirk widened. Then she bucked her hips up into his and twisted to put him on his back, catching one wrist to pin it above his head and tracing the fingers of her other hand down the length of his throat.
“Or above you,” she murmured wickedly, rocking gently against him again. Enough to tease, but no more. “You know, I think I like being able to get you to do things,” she mused playfully. Her eyes were positively smoldering now, golden embers behind the scar that decorated her face. “You asked me to marry you, forget what I say to forget… Wonder what else I could get you to say, to beg for…”
She leaned down to kiss him gently, the touch surprisingly chaste considering their current position.
If she hadn't had his full attention, oh he was very eager for it now. He winced in anticipated pleasure, returning her hip action with some of his own.
"You want me to beg?" he asked through a husky growl, knowing full well he could toss her off him if he wanted- but oh so loving to be this vulnerable beneath her spread legs.
"Mmmhmmm..." Jynx grinned before she placed a kiss just behind his ear, delicate as gossamer. "Get creative with it, too. Really grovel for me."
She knew he saw the game for what it was—that was what made it fun, after all—but she'd be lying if she said there wasn't a part of her that just reveled in seeing him like this: wanting and eager beneath her, responding to her every touch like he was starving for it.
She pressed herself a little closer, grinding against him and biting down on her lower lip to muffle a soft moan. "Well? I'm waiting."
He begged. He pleaded. It was pure pleasurable torture, but the banter.. the torture...
All of it made the act all the more blissful, as sweaty bodies entwined and pistoned and pumped together. It would be a while before he was spent, body draping across the bed and the pair glistening in sweat.
At one point he fell into a sleep of contentment, but eventually, woke up and slipped away from the bed to bathe. The bath was a heavenly treat, having worked so hard on unbridled passion with his lover, it helped to sooth him greatly- especially as he had left the water cold.
Jynx came awake slowly, with little movements and soft murmurs. She stretched, arching her back, and realized as she did that she was alone in the bed. But, for the first time since she'd known him, there wasn't a sudden wash of rejection knowing that Trest was gone.
Probably in the bath, she reasoned blearily. Or getting food.
A small smile twitched at her lips and she rolled onto her side, burrowing deeper into the covers.
That had certainly been satisfying.
Enjoying yourself?
And just like that, good mood ruined.
She jolted upright, eyes wide as they flickered around the room. Her teeth bared in a soundless snarl. "The fuck do you want, Ilieth?"
Trest had nearly fallen asleep in the bath- or perhaps he had. But when he found himself snoring back awake, he licked his lips and looked around to recall what happened and simply smirked. His mind instantly went back to the marriage proposal, and part of him was considering it more than he felt he should...
He chuckled. He had only known this woman for a short period of time- yet he felt a connection to her more than most. Or any, for that matter. That was a dangerous thought. He stepped out of the tub, water gushing down his form as he reached to grab a towel and ruffled it through his hair.
A moment later, he was half dry and stepping into the woman, seeing Jynx awake and smirked.
"Sleep okay?"
But then he saw a snarl on her face and her eyes that strange distance look when she...
"Is... everything.. alright?" he asked, pausing at the foot of the bed.
What do I want, little Jess? You know. You know very well, I think. How much are you really willing to pay, hm? How much—
“Sleep okay?”
Jynx gasped, her eyes flying open as she dropped her hands from her temples to fend of the demon’s headache. It was…gone. The voice was just gone.
She was too tired, too surprised, too—too everything to stop her body from moving on its own. Her eyes met Trest’s for just a moment, then she was on her feet and across the bed in a breath, throwing herself into his arms.
“….Fine,” she whispered into his chest, her heart hammering as confusion started to swirl with embarrassment. “I—I slept fine.”
She pulled back, looked up into his face, then found herself giving a shaky, vaguely hysterical laugh. “It’s okay. Everything’s fine now. I don’t know how, but…I’m alright.”
He held her close, fiercely even before loosening his grip as she spoke. He was quiet a moment before he replied, "well, if I knew you were offended by my stink that badly I would have bathed earlier," he joked.
She snorted quietly and gave him a light cuff on the arm before she started to pull away. "If you didn't want to offend me, the smell wouldn't exactly be first on the list, Trest," she joked wryly. "I'd say that honor is pretty evenly split between the time you insinuated I was a whore, and that other time you decided I was your wife before you actually asked me."
Jynx quirked an eyebrow at him pointedly before moving back to perch on the edge of the bed. "Speaking of...I know we got pretty, ah...sidetracked, but we do still have some particulars to work out. About the marriage thing and the--the other thing."
She thought she managed to carry off the casual tone well enough, but there was a corner of her mind that was still whirling.
It really wasn't in her imagination. Something about Trest--when she was near him, it blocked Ilieth's voice. But...but she was certain that hadn't always been the case, not when they first met. What had changed? When had it changed?
Trest's expression grew more serious as he watched her. He had almost forgotten their more serious dilemma.
"Getting married pales in comparison to some comprehensive demon 'tract. We should probably get on that thing. " He said, studying her face for a reaction.
Jynx had a lot of practice keeping her thoughts off her face. But still the corner of her mouth twitched, and some thing haunted passed quickly behind her eyes.
"Yeah," she muttered, then sighed and curved forward over her knees, burying her face in her hands. "Yeah." The second one was more muffled.
Then she shook herself and straightened up, brow furrowed slightly. "So, before shit went completely sideways—you said you had a contact? Someone who might have some books on demonology and...other stuff?"
He noted her reaction, but didnt draw attention to it.
"Yeah. I mean it's not something advertised, but they may be our best lead into figuring this out. And it's all kind of on the down low. I mean... not many-" or any "would openly advertise these kinda expertise. " He shrugged. "I figure if anyone can get us a lead, it's them."
"It's a hell of a lot better than nothing," Jynx sighed, sitting back and bracing her hands on the bed behind her. She let her head fall back, eyes closed.
"So. How do we get in touch, then?" Because there was only so much they could really do from his bedroom. Much as she might have rather submitted to distraction again.
"Well she, er-" he corrected himself. "He works at the library and the church from time to time. It should be easy enough to find them. And if they happen to be at the library, it should make things easier, I'd wager. Suppose we ought to make our way there." He moved to rise and realized just how much time they've been spending inside his house and smirked.
Now was not the time to get distracted. Time was if the essence to figure out a way to beat this demon's pact .
"Get your things together. I've got a few loose ends to tie up here."
Jinx felt her lips start to twitch up at the corners as she stood from the bed and loved to start pulling herself together.
"So, was that a whoops, used the wrong pronouns she-to-he, or a fuck I just remembered I slept with this person she-to-he?" she asked blandly, glancing back at Trest over her shoulder with a crooked smirk as she started hunting up her grimoire.
Trest smirked at her when she caught that little detail.
"She's a she pretending to be a he to keep her job. " he shrugged. "When I found out she was a fun flirt."
"Ooooohhh, I like her--him--already." Jynx grinned. Grimoire attained, she tucked the book into something like a strange leather holster and strapped it to the small of her back, then pulled on a simple jacket she'd stolen from his clothes. She had to cuff the sleeves a bit and the shoulders were too large, but otherwise it fit alright.
"Right then. Ready?"
"Almost," he was still gathering up a few things, moving onto his desk and stuffing a few miscellaneous items into a leather pack. A very nice and clean looking, leather pack. He grabbed something else from a chest beside the bed before snapping the pack close and tossing it over his shoulder.
"It might rain. Let's get some leather coats and be out of here."
The sooner the better, for the clock was ticking and the longer they waited someone might come for him...
or who knew when another demon may want to visit her.
Beside the door was a closet, and he fetched out two jackets and tossed one to Jynx, and just as he moved to open the door- he paused to hear- his brow twitched and he opened the door to confirm it-
"Rain."
"Oh, wonderful." Jinx caught the leather coat he offered her and slipped it on over her already stolen jacket, glaring at the drizzle. "Isn't that just fitting, though."
Well. Nothing for it, really. Not like either of them could control the weather.
"Come on then." She took his arm without thinking, tucking herself close to his side. "Sooner we get moving, better chance we have of beating the real downpour."
He wrapped an arm around her with a smirk and flicked her hood up, then did the same to his own.
Then he lead the way.
They could have traveled with a horse but the library was hardly that far. It was small in comparison to the grand one in Uthlyn, but was not small by any standards. Its primary focus was on history and unusual things... which was oddly a more busy library as the war progressed.
But as they reached the front door, Trest noted it was locked.
"Out to lunch? Oh ho ho.. since when did she go out for lunch?" He thought, stroking his chin with thought as he blue eyes studied the door. "And it's raining out." Another clue that... his hands fumbled around until his eyes lit up and he produced a small key and grinned. He slipped it into the hole and unlocked it, opening the door and grinning,"Ladies first. "
“Do you have a key to everything in this town?” Jinx laughed, rolling her eyes as she peered in through the open door and then cautiously took a few steps inside. “Honestly, Hawk, I’m starting to feel like your reputation as a master thief may be a little undeserved. I don’t think it counts as breaking and entering if you manage to charm a key out of every third person you meet.”
He followed after her with a grin.
"All's fair in love and war."
And the two didnt get but two steps into the place when Trest heard the cock of a gun. He flashed the pantaloons wearing woman at the end of it a broad grin.
"Well, Ebren! Long time no see! ... Gun is new." And different. 'Ebren' wasn't exactly that skilled in anything outside of books, much less guns.
Her eyes narrowed cooly.
"Hello Hawk." She turned the gun to Jynx. "Whose your friend?" Then the gun pointed back at him. "And why in Amsgar's name are you here. "
"Whoa, hey, everyone calm down here."
Jinx raised her hands quickly, skimming her eyes over the woman with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. "Look, I don't answer questions very well at gunpoint. Why don't we all just take a breath here, yeah?"
She cut her eyes up toward Trest and added under her breath, "Do you happen to have any old friends who don't want to kill you?"
"He probably doesn't, " Ebren answered for him. "And I'm not much of a killer. I just know when I ought to protect myself, " She added with a haughty sigh. "Now, trust between us hadn't exactly ended in a favorable light..." Her eyes flashed from Jinx back to Trest.
"She the breasts you betrayed me for?" She asked, voice rather testy. "Last time I recall, I was simply helping a friend who left me to handle the authorities on my little old lonesome." Her smile didn't meet her eyes.
"Yes, well... you obviously are better with your words than I and I heard you came out with nary a scratch!" Trest politely countered. He was all smiles. Ebren? She most certainly was not.
"Alright." Jinx backed up another step, hands still raised and now her eyebrows creeping up toward her hairline. "Clearly you two have some stuff to work out. So why don't you handle that, and I'll get started on some demonology research. If you'd be so kind as to point me in the right direction."
The last was directed at Ebren. She added with a crooked smile, "I dunno what bullshit he's pulled with you, but frankly I haven't been in town long enough to be the piece of ass at fault. That was probably Nell."
Ebren cocked a brow.
"Demonology?" She eyed the woman. "Elaborate." Then she cut Trest a look as he begun to speak. "The woman. Not you."
Jynx found herself biting back a grin. Glancing up at Trest sidelong, she chuckled, "Oh, I like her."
Looking back to Ebren, her expression sobered quickly. She kept her hands half-raised to show that she wasn't a threat as she started carefully, "See, I need some...very specific research done. About demons. Well, one particular class of demons. And, ah, how that particular class uses mortal contracts to make tears in the Veil."
And how to get out of said contracts, hopefully, but that was a lot of information to give in one go to someone she didn't really know she could trust.
Her arched brow stiffened.
"The veil?" Her eyes darted to trest before searching the woman's. "You.. need out of a demon pact." But then she looked towards Trest and back to her. "Or he does..." then she shook her head of the idea and sighed as she settled on.. "No, it's you."
And slowly, she lowered her gun.
Jynx tensed, then closed her eyes and forced her body to loosen with a quick exhale.
"Yeah," she muttered, dragging a hand back through her hair. "Yeah, it's me."
Well. At least she'd put the gun down. Jynx looked back and forth between Trest and Ebren. "So...we good here?"
Trest couldn't believe Ebren figured things out so quickly. Then again, that was part of the reason he sought her help now.
At Jinx's words, Ebren looked about the streets before gesturing them to enter hastily. Once inside, she locked the doors behind them. She motioned for them to be quiet before gesturing for them to follow.
As they did, Trest's eyes seemed to apologize as the pair was lead up a curling staircase to the upper floor and towards the back, to more steps until they were near to the roof and Ebren directed them all into a long, sweet cedar smelling room.
It was dark and she moved to light a candle. Once lit, it revealed quite an interesting room indeed, one a haphazard mess of books and odd trinkets lining the walls and floor.
Jynx, though naturally wary, found she trusted Trest's judgement enough to follow the woman where she led--though she did keep glancing around as though expecting a sudden assailant to leap from the walls.
"What exactly did you do to her?" she muttered to Trest out of the corner of her mouth as they followed Ebren into a room that she could really best describe as a scholarly hoarder's nest.
Trest spared her a look. "She'd kill me if I told you."
Ebren looked the pair over.
"You'd have to be a fool or desperate to want to research demons with the war going on." She nodded to Trest. "Frankly, I wouldn't put it past Hawk to be both. " She studied the pair again ."I don't exactly keep this type of information easily accessible for quite the obvious reasons. So.. if you wouldn't mind narrowing down precisely the information you seek.. I'll produce what books I can that may help in your research. "
Jynx pursed her lips. "See, that's part of the problem. It's...I've been researching this a long time. I'm not sure...what else to look for."
She exhaled sharply, brow furrowed in thought. After a moment, she offered slowly, her usual confidence missing from her voice, "You have anything on demons connected to physical jewels? Pendants, amulets, things like that. Probably a bloodstone?"
Ebren persed her lips.
"Yes." She said after a moment. "In a very old book." Ebren hesitated to say much else. Then she turned to Trest.
'How well do you know her?" She asked.
Trest blinked.
"Excuse me?"
"How well do you know her?" Ebren repeated.
Trest raised his brows and shrugged.
"Well enough, Ebren, that I'd trust her with you. "
Ebren didn't seem to react to the answer so she turned to Jinx.
"How well do you know him?"
"Better than I'd like," Jynx replied curtly, automatically.
Then she paused. Her eyes closed, and with a low, frustrated groan she admitted, "Well enough that he's started to drown out the voices in my head."
Well. She had to tell him sometime. And now he wouldn't be able to grill her for answers with an audience.
That seemed to pick up her interest as Ebren's eyes seemed to change to a more studious glow than one of uncertainty.
"Interesting. Is that metaphorical or not?"
Trest made a face, having not realized what that initially could have meant. Jinx heard voices? Then again.. she had talked to demons multiple times, had she not?
Jynx smirked wryly. "Let's just say it's a lot less metaphorical than I'd prefer," she muttered, and folded her arms over her chest with a huff. "That enough information for you? Will you help?"
Ebren only nodded and gestured to them both.
"These are dangerous books. If you wouldn't mind turning away.. I'd like to keep their exact location a secret "
Jynx echoed sharply and rolled her eyes, but complied, turning to face the wall.
"Come on." She took Trest's arm to turn him with her. "How in all hells did you even meet this woman?" she muttered out of the corner of her mouth.
"My foul grip runs deep," he told her with a smirk, but kept his back towards Ebren and was surprised when she told them they could turn back around after barely even a minute being turned away. He gave Jinx a glance before looking over at Ebren.
"I believe this is one book that may help." Ebren held up an old worn, black leather book that appeared about ready to fall apart if one even dared to open it.
"Great." Jynx eyes the book with obvious hesitance, a very faint blush starting to creep up her cheeks. She looked from Trest to Ebren, sighed, cleared her throat, then said with as much dignity as she could muster, "Now is probably the time to mention I'm not the most literate person in the world, huh?"
She frowned at the book, folding her arms tightly. "I mean, I can certainly tell ya what information might be useful. But I'm not...a quick reader."
Trest blinked and exchanged a glance with Ebren.
And the woman tried to hide a smile.
Trest shot her a glare before turning to Jinx.
"Maybe I can help. Lord has to have somewhat useful of a title, yes?"
It was then Ebren raised a brow and found herself asking, "a lord?"
Trest tensed and inwardly cursed.
Jynx froze for a moment, almost a sympathetic reaction to Trest tensing, but then she gave Ebren a shrug and a crooked grin. "Thief Lord, yeah? Of course only a pompous ass uses a title he came up with himself."
She bumped Trest's hip with hers, trying to play it off as typical banter as she moved around him to take the offered book.
Ebren eyed the pair but left it at that, but wasted no time in joining them as she opened up the book and began to rifle through the pages. She was somehow fast and careful about it, the pages crinkling and threatening to Crack and rip.
"Might as well expedite this hrm? I won't be going to bed anytime soon and having two demon illiterates traipsing about in a book on the occult would hardly be professional of me."
"Oi, I'm not illiterate, I just not fast," Jynx protested in a mumble, but it was a token protest at best.
She huffed, then added, "Anything about a bloodstone amulet—or the name Ilieth. Or even a similar name. Probably a good place to start."
Ebren stared at her.
"That's pretty specific." She sighed and went back to her work, ignorant of Jinx's protests.
"Let me see what I can find ."
With nothing else she could see to do that would be of any real help, Jynx let out a slow breath between her teeth and turned to start looking over the other books scattered about the room. She might not have been much of a reader, but she could at least glance over the titles.
"Hrm, interesting."
Ebren studied the old weathered page before her before glancing up at Jinx. "Ilieth, you said? Seems like am interesting choice for research. "
"Mm?" Jynx glanced back at her, face carefully blank, and shrugged. "Let's just say he's—it's—known in certain circles for being a deal-maker. Demonic contracts and whatnot, that sort of thing. Good place to start."
And...still no voice in her head. Good, right? Yeah. She was gonna keep hoping that was a good sign.
Ebren looked at Jinx before passing over the large old book.
"Here. Take a look. But be careful. I'll see if I can't find something on that amulet. "
"Be careful?" Jynx repeated dubiously as she took the book. She was no stranger to dangerous tomes, but as far as she could tell this thing was...just a book. No demons attached or anything.
Frowning, she sat with the book in her lap, slowly mouthing words she couldn't read quickly as she struggled her way through the pages Ebren had opened the book to.
Trest moved near Jynx, pulling up a seat beside her and letting his eyes roam the pages.
"Nees a hand? Or a..err.. second pair of eyes?" He offered.
"I'm fine--" Jynx started to snap, then drew herself up short. He was...just trying to help. "Yeah. Sure. Thanks," she mumbled, shifting the book on her lap so he could see it more easily.
"Any idea why I need to be careful with this thing?" she muttered out of the corner of her mouth, cutting a quick glance up at Ebren.
Trest shrugged and gave a lop sided grin to Jynx.
"I dunno, but she probably doesn't realize you're already tangled up with demons," he whispered. "Besides, no one ever said no harm ever came from reading a book..."
Jynx snorted quietly. "Remind me to show you my grimoire sometime," she muttered. "There's a book that'll do some harm..."
She glanced up at Ebren again, then lowered her voice and tipped her head a little closer to Trest's as they bent over the book. "So, um...about our...other problem. Any chance your fun library friend does any forgery work?"
"I can still hear you," Ebren told her, plainly.
Her voice made the hairs on the back of Trest's neck stand on end. He may have even jumped a little- not expected her response, nor it so loud or sharply.
"I'm helping you enough already." In the silence, it offered the unheard 'tsk' in her voice. Ebren approached and looked pointedly at Trest. "You should teach your friends to not be so greedy when being helped." Her eyes flashed toward Jynx. "Do you have any idea the level of trouble we're all already in by just being here? By even possessing this book, let alone reaching through it?"
Jynx was just as surprised as Trest, though she hid it better. Keeping her voice wry and even, she replied easily, "Where I come from, you learn to be greedy or you die. Not a lot of other options."
She had no qualms about admitting that. She was greedy. She was a thief, it sort of came with the territory.
Looking down at the book again, she sighed and raked her fingers back through her hair. "And, while I'm sure this book is spectacularly illegal, it's also not very helpful, unfortunately." She should have known it wouldn't be that easy...
Ebren rolled her eyes and folded her arms over her chest.
"Then if what you seek is not here, I may have to kindly ask you two to leave." She sighed hotly. "I would be in enough trouble just letting you in, let alone let you both look through these books."
Trest looked at Jynx apologetically.
"I suppose next is the wedding?" He laughed through a snort.
Ebren raised a brow at the pair.
"...wedding?" it was her turn to snort a laugh. "You.... two....." she gestured between them. "Married?"
Despite herself--because really, Ebren had a point, and if the thief had been in her shoes she certainly would have laughed--Jynx felt a slight flush rising in her cheeks, and she looked away.
"Sort of," she snapped in response, defensive out of habit. "It's--it's complicated. We still need...papers. And such."
Ebren's brows raised again.
"Oh? A... complicated marriage?"
He eyes darted between the pair before fixing upon Trest.
"And here I thought the hawk would never settle down." Her grin was smug. Then she turned to Jynx.
"Okay, I'm in. Let's get you two married."
Jynx raised her brows. "Really? That's what you want to help with?"
It wasn't like they were in any real position to turn down help when it was offered, but still. Surprising.
She glanced up at Trest. "She's your friend. Your call."
Trest stared at her skeptically.
"Friend. Right." He frowned. Ebren had a look about her that made him feel uneasy.
"So... you... say you can help?"
"Oh yes, helping friends get married is my speciality."
Trest blinked.
"Okay, that's sarcasm." He sighed. "Ebren..."
She turned her back to him, not looking as she began to pick up her books.
"Do you want my help or no? If not, please help me put away these books."
She glanced back at the pair, looking annoyed. "It's the least you two can do."
Jynx sighed and dug her elbow lightly into Trest's ribs. "We do need papers," she muttered out of the corner of her mouth. "So unless you have a faster or easier way of getting them..."
She nodded toward Ebren, eyebrows raised meaningfully.
Trest frowned and sighed as he approached Ebren, helping her gather up the books.
" Okay.. what's it gonna cost me?"
Ebren's smile quirked.
"Why you looking so serious? It'll cost you nothing.. of consequence. Besides, " She shrugged. "Father Harrod owes me a favor. "
“Nothing of consequence?” Jynx latched into that like a hunting hound with a scent. She raised an eyebrow. “Sweetheart, I’m from Zantaric. Everything comes with a price, and I make it a rule to know what it is before I even try to take it. Cough it up.”
"That's not for me to decide. I can get you to a priest that can help, but the payment is up to him." She placed a couple of books into a pile and turned towards the pair, sighing.
"The only payment I require is that this meeting never happened. "
Jynx blew out a vaguely exasperated breath between her lips--of course they couldn't get some sort of price up front, that would be too easy--but she gave Ebren a sardonic smile.
"I won't tell if you won't," she replied flippantly, though her eyes were serious. Glancing to Trest again, she cocked her head. "So. We doing this?"
The church at River's bend was a beautiful structure, squat at first but with tall bell towers lined with beautifully crafted ribbed stone work, which was the first sight that welcomed the group as they traveled up a hillside street. This side of the city was less flat, but no less crowded with buildings.
Not many people were about, but if Ebren seemed concerned, it didn't show. Trest kept a casual appearance, but he was well trained of it- to appear at ease when he was well on his guard. When they approached the church, Ebren said little as she entered the church. Trest gave one look around the streets nearby fir good measure as he gestured fir Jynx to step inside as he held the door.
"Ladies first. "
"Well aren't we the gentleman," Jynx muttered as she eyed the church warily. What with her demonic connections, the places tended to put her on edge at the best of times.
But there was no helping it. I can't believe we're actually doing this, was the only thought circling her head as she took a breath, straightened her shoulders, and strode passed Trest into the building.
Ebren strode before them, keeping up a brisk pace as she made her way down the aisle of the church. They had entered into the narthex, which was shirt compared to the long aisle lined with pews that all faced a simply decorated altar. The place was dim, only a few candles burning and their foot falls could be heard echoing inside the chamber.
Trest continued to remain alert, now taking the lead for Jynx, and eyed the pews, altar, then he fixed his eyes up on the balcony that allowed for more seating.
"Guess they get quite the crowd." Which is why it felt strange to walk through the building as it were- empty. He looked to Jynx as they neared the altar and whispered, playfully, "Getting cold feet?"
"This place feels haunted," was Jynx's curt response. Then she sighed and closed her eyes for a moment, rubbing at her temples. "Which is only appropriate, I guess."
She glanced up at him sidelong, lips pursed. "We don't exactly have any better ideas, do we?" She frowned, then shook her head and tried to joke, "Besides, at least I know I'm marrying someone who's decent in bed."
Ebren had excused herself, leaving them near the alter as she stepped out to see if she could find the priest. Left alone with Jynx... he leaned a little at her words,a hand roaming her body as he drew her near.
"Care to have some fun as we wait?" He teased with a hot breath against her ear. Truthfully, he'd take her right across the pulpit of she agreed. And he couldn't help it. It was easier to indulge himself in sex than deal with the repercussions of life.
It was hardly subtle, what he was trying to do. Avoid the reality of the situation with a pleasurable distraction.
But hells, that sounded pretty good to her just then.
Cutting her eyes up to him sidelong, she smiled with one side of her mouth and cocked her head at him slightly. "And just what sort of fun did you have in mind, Trest?" she murmured, her voice dipping lower on his name. She didn't know if Ebren knew it, and though they were alone for the moment, she wasn't sure how long that would last.
She let him draw her in a little closer, leaning her hip into his palm as his hand smoothed down her side. "I imagine whatever you're thinking, it's gonna have to be quick."
Trest's eyes smoldered .
"Quick?" he asked, leaning in so hot breath tickled at her ear. "But whatever is it you think I want to do that ought to be.." and a hand slipped behind her clothes, fingers threatening to unlace her top. "Quick,?" And somehow, all the laces of her shirt were loose, the binding Threads dropping uselessly to the ground.
Jynx chuckled low in her throat and twisted to wrap her arms around his neck. "Impatient, are we?" she purred, rocking up into her toes to bring her lips next to his ear. "And positively blasphemous. Don't most folks look down on fucking in holy places?"
Not that it probably made much difference, in their case. Demon deals tended to override any other sort of sin.
"Yeah.." Trest agreed, fingers tip toeing beneath the now loose fabric of her top. "But you only live once.." he said, a smolder growing within his eyes.
Then again.. who knew how long the pair might have.
Screw it. The gods could smite him later as his hands suddenly began to work at yanking off her top, lips crashing hungrily against hers .
The sound she made against his mouth was half a groan and half a sigh, both frustration and relief. Gods, how did he do this to her, make her so insatiable? It wasn't like she'd exactly been a saint before, she'd had her share of trysts, but with him...
It was just a little different.
She lifted her arms to let him draw off her top, then growled and surged forward to tug at his own clothes, close to frantic. "Take me," she whispered against his mouth between short, hard kisses. "Take me, and make me forget where we are. Show me just how much you want me." Her lips curved up on one side and she added in a rasping breath, "Make me glad I'm choosing you, husband."
He didn't need to be told twice as deft hands worked at helping her with his own clothes as well as hers. His shirt was half ripped off and she, being forced against the pulpit as he sunk into her body with a claimed glory when a voice across the room caused Trest to jerk back.
"Oh.. seems this is an emergency," came an older man's voice from a nearbyvdoorway. Ebren had her face covered, embarrassed.
"I'm so sorry.." she went on.
The old man tutted.
"No need. The wedding will remedy any sin. Now.." he cleared his throat. ",Let me know when the pair of you are ready."
Trest had pulled himself back into his pants, painfully groaning ar their interruption. His face was red and his pants, overly tented. He grumbled a sorry to Jynx and helped her fix her shirt. Damn their timing.
Well.
That was a certain shock of cold water.
The embarrassment was instinctive, but Jynx managed to keep the blushing to a miminum as she quickly snatched her shirt back up and slipped it on, using Trest as a shield before he started helping her fix how it settled over her shoulders.
She stared at him, embarrassment suddenly replaced by...something else. Something soft and warm and utterly terrifying.
Shit.
She had to tell him.
"Fuck, I fucking hate this," she whispered, mostly to herself, before grabbing his hands to prevent him from turning away and looking up into his face. Well. May as well do it quick, like ripping off a bandage. She knew Ebren and the priest couldn't hear, but her blush was back in full force as though they really did have an audience. Why did this feel more embarrassing than getting caught with their pants down?
"I love you," Jynx told him quietly, bluntly, and promptly felt her stomach drop down into her shoes. "I just...needed to tell you that. Before we went through with this. And I--I need you to know I'm not asking anything of you, but I also needed you to know...that. So. There. If that means you can't do this, that's fine. We'll figure something else out. But I couldn't marry you without saying that first."
Burning with anxiety and embarrassment at her own willing vulnerability, she dropped his hands and took a step back.
Except he took a step forward, her lips hungrily claimed by his own as she'd be able to feel the very fiery essence that burned from him. And he didn't stop there, kissing her again and again before pulling away with a moaning, breathy little smile.
"You probably shouldn't be.." he told her, a hand holding her closer eyes fierce with heat "In love with a guy like me, that is." But he smiled. How could he not?
"Because a guy like me doesn't deserve to be in love with a girl like you. "
The priest cleared his throat again.
"Are you sure neither of you are.. having second thoughts?"
"Was that a joke, Father?" Trest asked the priest, a bit surprised.
His eyes danced with laughter before the priest said, "Oh, no jest at all, I assure you. I always like to give the bride extra time to think over her choice."
A girl like you.
And for the first time in her life, that wasn't an insult.
Jynx could do nothing but kiss him back, though she broke away with a quiet laugh at the priest's words.
"I made my choice," she told him, and felt the truth of the words down to her bones. Because from the minute she'd given him that coin, she'd chosen Trest. She just hasn't been able to admit it to herself. And when Ilieth had come to claim her—not her soul, but her sanity—Trest had chosen her.
She glanced up at the thief lord and smiled crookedly. "No going back now, Father. We're in this."
Trest couldnt tell you all the details. Hell, the priest could have been speaking jibberish for all he knew. But he did recall what she looked like. How her hair was mussed, clothing slightly skewed and lips swollen from their kisses. It was a golden moment he'd never forget. And when he'd kiss the bride the kiss lasted one passionate eternity.
The priest barely has gotten the two to finish signing the paper work before Trest whisked Jynx away to a little staircase alcove leading up towards the belfry, where he'd shed off their clothing and consumate their love.
The ceremony itself was a bit of a blur, all the right things got said, and then—that was it. They were married.
A married woman.
Who'd have fucking thought.
Jynx found herself laughing quietly as Trest hurried them up to the belfry. "What, can't even wait to take your new bride across a threshold?" she teased lightly as their clothes fell away. "For shame, m'lord."
She continued to tease him with words and hands as they came together, baiting him to take her harder, faster, before finally giving in to her own pleasure and clinging to him desperately as she peaked and fell, coming back to herself in shivers and starts.
She kissed her way down his throat to the dip of his collar. "So. My lord husband." She kissed the center of his chest. "What now?"
When Trest was through, he was covered in sweat, long hair sticking against him as if drenched by rain. He stared into her eyes and shivered.
"Now... we find another spot in this little church for second consumations," he murmured, lips kissing along her bare shoulder and neck.
"Hawk," Jynx chuckled with a shake of her head. "I do believe we have other problems to worry about? I meant what now about...all that."
She let her head tip to the side as his lips skimmed down her neck and hummed appreciatively. "Of course...if you'd rather we talk about those things....somewhere more comfortable, well..." She smirked, looping her arms loosely around his shoulders and letting her head fall back to bare her throat completely. "It occurs to me that I have yet to actually see this grand estate of yours, my dear]. Care to introduce your new wife to her inheritance?"
Smile quirking up a little on one side, she added, "That's what your little clerk or whoever he was was freaking out about, wasn't it? Seems a shame to go through all this marriage business if we never reap the rewards." She kissed the hollow behind his ear and added breathily, "Besides, I'd be interested in....breaking in some new rooms? Maybe some big fancy bed?"
He was hot in the moment, and she'd be able to feel more than just his need as he kissed her. But at her words, he bristled, stopping for a moment before slowly lifting his gaze.
There was something, different about them. A faint hurt and uncertainty that was not characteristic of the Hawk at all. His smile was even sour before he sighed and rocked back on his heels as he closed his eyes briefly before looking at her again.
"I suppose," he went on, with a smirk. "I should be more grown up about all of this."
But Im not.
He sighed and cupped her face, a small smile returning to his features because...
"I suppose it would be fun.."
And more private...
And..
Full of a sense of duty and inheritance he wanted to ignore.
Jynx stilled, sensing the tension.
Well...
Honestly, he'd done a lot in the last few hours. Maybe she could cut him a break on this one.
"Or..." she suggested slowly, eyes searching his face, "we could just head back to your office. Maybe re-christen that desk as newlyweds?"
She kept her tone light, joking, but there was real concern in her eyes. She'd admitted she loved him—out loud, of all things—but she didn't want to push.
He shook his head.
"No.. no.." he went on withdrawing as he sighed. "I've been childish long enough." He was fixing hid pants, smoothing them down before working at the buttons on his shirt.
"Besides, it's about time I broke into my own estate."
He offered down a hand to help her stand, admiring her ruffled and flushed appearance. It pleased him. He was responsible for it, after all.
She chuckled as she took his hand and let him pull her to her feet, absently fixing her clothes as she did. Catching his eye, she smirked sidelong and asked, "What? Like what you see?"
She patted herself down a bit and reached up to gather her sex-mussed hair in a loose bun at the nape of her neck. "And how exactly do we go about doing that? Breaking into your estate, I mean."
Before he could say another word, there was a knocking along a wall nearby and a clearing of a woman's throat.
"I hope I'm not interrupting but it's time for us to go," Ebren informed.
Trest grinned at Jynx and winked.
"Guess thats our cue, come on."
They parted ways with Ebren, the woman still in disbelief the notorious Hawk had gotten married. When she mentioned what his aly's would think, only then did he realize the more.. advanced repricussions of his actions. If Ebren were to start the rumors.. how would it affect Hawk's empire?
He tried not to think of it as he lead Jynx away down a street.
"The estate isn't terribly far from here, but it'll be a long trek on foot."
"What if we didn't go on foot?"
She cocked her head and grinned up at him impishly. "Remember my equine friend from before?" She shrugged. "We've both paid quite a lot to see that I keep my powers and my soul on this side of the Veil for the time being. Seems a shame not to take advantage of what skills I still have."
For the moment, anyway.
Trest thought it over with a smirk.
"Well . I do love having advantages.." he went on, slipping a hand around her waist before drawing her close. "But I would not wish to intrude on your abilities. "
"Demon horse it is then," she said with a crooked smile.
Summoning Nightmare was surprisingly easy—she'd expected some sort of pushback from Ilieth, but the demon was silent—and the massive demonic mare was soon enough pawing at the ground in front of them, tossing her head and eyeing Trest calculatingly with one fierce, glowing eye.
Despite having dealt with the horse before, Trest took a step back as the beast appeared. He shivered.
"I'm not sure I'll ever get used to Mr. Demon horse. "
He turned to Jynx.
"You driving, or am I? Remember, we'll have to stick to the back streets until we're out if the city. I'd hate to have to deal with the city guards right now."
They had quite enough on their plate.
“Miss Demon Horse,” she corrected with a chuckle. “And it’s probably best if I ride front. She seems to be…skeptical of you.”
As though to emphasize her words, Nightmare tossed her head and snorted in Trest’s face, then turned her head away from him haughtily.
“How about I drive, you navigate,” Jynx suggested with another low laugh as she swung up onto the animal’s back.
Trest bared his teeth. It was somewhat of a grimace that eventually blossomed into a smile.
"If that's what my wife wishes.." he went on, gesturing that he conceded. Then he joined her on the mare and steadied himself in the saddle best he could. He was wary of the beast, and for good reasons.. the mare looked like a creature from hell.
"Alright," he went on, drawing in a breath. "Let's be off. Take a left at the end of the alley."
"As you like, my lord husband," Jynx replied, truly unable to help herself.
Though Nightmare was indeed an intimidating sight, and seemed rather wary of Trest, she let him mount without protest and moved easily at Jynx's direction. She had a surprisingly smooth gait, giving the impression that their group flowed over cobblestones like living shadow.
Inspite of himself, Trest clung onto his wife a little tighter once their steed took off, muttering under his breath how he should be used to demons by now.
He turned to regard Jynx.
"Yiu sure the beast doesn't outright loathe me?" He asked, oh so innocently.
Jynx laughed, patting his arm around her middle soothingly. "Oh, she doesn't like much of anyone except me, don't take it personally," she responded with a cheeky glance over her shoulder at him.
"Now. Should I be taking her to the gates of the estate, or...inside?"
"Oh, definitely the gates. You trying to get us killed?" He asked, though smiling.
She shrugged, grinning back at him. "Hey, you've seen her materialize in a cell. It wouldn't be too much a stretch to bring her into a foyer."
She considered a moment, then added, "Though we should probably leave Nightmare out of sight of the gates themselves—she certainly makes a particular kind of first impression."
Trest nodded.
"It's best the prejudices of the country not condemn us both on our wedding night."
And he was quick to steal a heated kiss from his bride.
"Besides.. the house will need... broken in, don't you agree? The lord has been out for sometime.." And he kissed her again.
"Mmm, won't it just." She grinned into the kiss, allowing herself to get lost in the contact until Nightmare snorted and gave a brief little hip beneath them, threatening to buck.
She broke away with a laugh. "Alright, alright. We'll behave." She glanced back at Trest and smirked. "For now."
They were fast approaching their destination now, and she found herself growing gradually more nervous the closer they got.
When the manor home came into view it was grey of sky and had begun to rain. The sight of the tall wall separating the manor home from the street was ominous yet grey washed from the fading sun and rain. The place looked deserted.
Trest hesitated as he studied the place before dismounting and offering a hand to Jinx.
Jynx whistled quietly as they approached the manor. "Nice digs," she muttered as Trest dismounted. She glanced down at him, hesitating only a moment before taking his offered hand and slipping down to the ground.
"Thanks, girl," she told Nightmare, and dismissed the summoned demon with a wave of her hand and a quiet incantation.
Trest repressed a shiver as the beast left this world.
"Think I'd be used to that by now.."he muttered with a shake of his head. But then he too, was a bit mesmerized by the size of the thing. Sure, he has a nice place earned all on his own but this? Just the sheer size of the thing was opulent and grander than he'd remembered.
At her reaction he gave her a look.
"Oh, so you approve of this little old Keep?" He went on, waving it off playfully as if it weren't much of a thing. To be fair, it was still daunting to be on the property yet.. he frowned and looked around. It was quiet. Perhaps there was no staff on hand at this hour?
"I wouldn't say approve," she shot back. "But I'll admit I'm...impressed. It's impressive."
Sensing the slight shift in his mood, she looked around, her own guard starting to creep up. "Something wrong?" Her tone was deceptively light, as though her hand wasn't already twitching toward her nearest knife.
"We.... should watch ourselves. I know this is... technically my inheritance but... let's just say you can never be too careful when watching your own back."
His blue eyes searched the area, his own body crouching down lower as he slipped closer towards the shadows.
"It's night, so I doubt many workers should be on duty," he told her, voice hushed, eyes still roaming before-
Suddenly a lantern flashed on and beamed in their direction. And Trest frozen, shielding his eyes and then- bodily taking Jinx to the ground. He rolled into a crouch, crawling with her and pulling her along beneath some nearby bushes.
He held his tongue, a hand slipping over her mouth.
"Stay quiet- it looks like they do have guards on duty."
But no matter how quiet it seemed they remained...
The light grew brighter, tracking their way until a tall man dressed in the lively colors of the house stood over top, lantern in hand.
"Master Arristaire, do remove yourself from the dirt of the garden. We've.. been expecting you."
Well.
This was certainly a hells of a first impression for the lady of the house to make.
Jynx shot Trest a very dry look before glancing up at the servant with the lantern. "Hi there." She gave the man a little wave before trying to get to her feet as gracefully as she could manage, dragging Trest up with her.
Trest sheepishly rose as she helped him, but once he was standing a lot taller, he seemed to fall much more easily into his confidence.
"Well... could have fooled me.. good sir," he went on, clearing his throat. "Besides.. I was.. we were.. just out here.. admiring the grounds."
The servant raised a brow.
"In the middle of the night, my lord?"
Trest kept his lips pressed firmly at that, but then shrugged. "Well, the sun isn't here so I figured moonlight would be just fine."
"I asked," Jynx said quickly. "I, ah..." She looked her lips, looked between Trest and the servant several times, then said slowly, "I...was a little...nervous. To meet the full household. I asked that H—Lord Arristaire show me the grounds when less people about."
She took Trest's arm and gave him what she hoped was a sappy look. "He was kind enough to humor me. I do apologize for the inconvenience."
The servant looked between the pair, puzzled.
"Should I leave you to it.. then?" He asked, hesitantly.
Trest gave a nervous little laugh before dusting himself off and making sure Jynx was presentable, too.
"No.. no need. Lead the way. We.. er.. can come back during the day."
The servant eyed the pair before nodding. He seemed relieved Lord Trest make the suggestion.
"Very well. Follow me please, right this way. We have a room prepare but uh.. we had only prepares the one room. We.. will have to quickly ensure the guest room will be ready for your friend."
Ah. Right. Well, this was the con they were running.
Not a con anymore, actually. They'd made it legal and everything.
"No need to prepare an additional room." She drew herself up as imposingly as she could manage. "Unless it is not customary for a wife to share quarters with her husband on the estate?"
There was a long, awkward silence before anyone spoke.
"Wife?" The man asked, carefully. He looked between the pair. Trest only smiled more broadly, puffing out his chest as he placed an arm around her.
"Yeah, I'm surprised the whole estate doesn't know." He grinned even broader. "This.. " he went on, pulling her in real close. "Is Lady Trest Arristaire."
"Yep!" Jynx chirped brightly. "That's me! Lady Arristaire. The wife." She leaned into Trest's side and summoned up the gooiest look she could manage as she tipped her head back to smile at him.
Dear gods I am never living this down...
The awkwardness was palpable and Trest couldn't help but revel in it.
"Guess news doesn't travel as fast as I thought. Well, my good man. Lead the way towards my estate. You said you've been expecting me?"
The man floundered but soon regained his composure.
"Y-yes.. right this way, please. Follow me."
Trest couldn't help but snicker behind the man's back as he leas then through the gardens.
"Nice doe eyes," he complimented , stealing a quick kiss to her cheek.
Jynx groaned quietly and gave him a dry look. "Don't get used to it," she muttered as she fell into step with him while the estate man led them out through the gardens.
"What does expecting you mean?" she asked softly. "Like, should I be expecting them to trot out the fancy carpets, or...?"
Trest gave a shrug.
"The hell if I know. But he didn't call in the guards so... we're either safe...or... the guards are already there waiting."
"And...should we be worried about that?" Jynx asked out of the corner of her mouth. "I mean, this is the right house, yeah? The guards would kick you out, would they?"
Trest chuckled and hoped he hid any of his nervousness.
"And if the guards are here, it would just make our nightly exercise begin earlier," he went on, adding a wink.
"Come on.. don't you trust me? I mean.. you did marry me," he reminded, taking her hand and idly playing with the ring and led her forward. "Don't worry. I'll protect you."
But the moment the pair were ushered inside, Trest stood gawking as a bustle if servants arrived at their beck and call- fussing and asking them about..
"Wait.. what? You have dinner prepared? At this hour!?"
"Yes, lamb and quail. I hope it's to your liking."
Dinner?! At midnight?
Damn, these people were efficient.
"You didn't have to--" She caught herself, cleared her throat, and lifted her chin slightly. Hoping she at least sounded like a noblewoman--because she certainly didn't look it--she said politely, "That sounds most satisfactory, thank you."
Trest eyed her as they were led into the house. But then his attention was soon turned towards a candlelit long table with covered, silver dishes displayed primly across the table. He couldn't help but gawk before awkwardly taking a seat at the head of the table as one of the servants pulled out the chair for him.
Jynx hovered, unsure where to sit--should she sit?--but then another servant moved forward to pull out the chair at Trest's right hand and waved her into it with an air that was somehow both "shooing" and respectful.
She'd have to learn how to do that.
She nodded awkwardly and took her seat, shooting her new husband a nervous look out of the corner of her eye. This was so far outside her realm of experience.
It was only about to get more awkward. Once the pair were seated, served and had glasses of wine poured- the servants remained in a prim and proper line up, just standing there while the pair were meant to eat. Trest just stared before laughing suddenly and looking over as Jynx.
He scoped up his wine goblet.
"Well, Lady Arristaire, shall we make a toast?"
Oh gods.
What was he thinking?
Giving him a wary look, Jynx slowly raised her own glass and quirked an eyebrow. "And what are we toasting, Lord Arristaire?"
"It just seems appropriate we inherited such a fine estate that we ought to toast something. We could toast to the fine mahogany banisters, or the fresh food readily prepared for us despite it being close to midnight... or.."
He went on, capturing her gaze wolfishly.
"We could toast to all the new places we can consumate our marriage "
"Trest," Jynx half-hissed, half-laughed, and cast a warning look toward the staff. "You're gonna scandalize some people," she warned, but she clinked her glass lightly against his.
Well. They'd already sold their souls, right? Might as well live it up while they could.
"What?" He sipped at his wine innocently. "What's wrong with consummation? And there's got to be many rooms in this place."
"Hush," she laughed quietly, waving a hand at him. "I highly doubt your, ah, staff want to know the particular details." She shrugged and sipped at her drink. "After all, they were just worried about you getting married, right? So. Job done."
Trest's eyes danced at her words. He set his wine glass aside and clasped his hands and leaned forward at the table.
"See, back up right there.. you know how you said my Staff? Well, of they are really mine, than they'll have to get conditioned to how I operate. And as far as I see it.. after dinner you and I will be consummating right here, on this table."
And those blue eyes held the playful promise they always did.
"The hells we will," Jynx shot back with a snort. She took a sip of her wine--it was dry and sharp, and she found she liked it more than she'd expected. Lowering her voice, she added with a hint of playfulness, "Not with an audience, at any rate."
Trest didn't waste a beat, snapping his fingers as he cleared his throat.
"Leave us. I will call for you all when we're through. Oh, and be sure no one disturbs us.. please." He grinned at the baffled staff who began to move and obey.
Jynx had to swallow back a disbelieving chuckle into her wine. "Are you trying to be the most scandalous nobleman in the country?" she asked wryly as she placed her glass back on the table and quirked an eyebrow at him.
As the servants continued to make their way towards the exit, Trest simply gave his bride a wolfish smile. His eyes told her she ought to know better.
"To be frank, the whole ordeal behind my legitimacy and claim is scandalous enough anyway."
He tossed his clothe napkin aside as the last servant closed the door.
"Besides, how long did you honestly think it would take me to want to seduce you?"
The newly-minted lady of the house leaned back in her chair and matched him smirk for smirk. "Well, I suppose I'd assumed longer than an hour since last time, but I probably should've known better," she drawled.
Now that the servants had dissipated, she seemed to relax. She'd never liked the idea of being waited on at the best of times, and this whole situation was...odd.
Still, she was happy enough to be distracted by Trest's attentions--though she wasn't exactly planning on making it easy for him.
Trest eyed her appreciatively. She was a beautiful woman- every inch of her- even her scars and tart wit was addicting.
And at her words, he grinned.
"Gotta train them early. Anytime you get lackeys, you gotta start as soon as you can. " As he spoke, he began to pluck one button open at a time from his cuff links, then loosened one at his collar.
"So speaks a man of experience," Jynx quipped, leaning even further back in her chair. She eyed the newly exposed skin of his collarbone appreciatively, then pushed herself back from the table a little further and tilted her head with a small smirk. Waiting.