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By Christine Criss
Disclaimer: Dark Horse Comics owns the most recent rights to publish the KISS comics, originally published by Marvel. This is a work of Fanfiction, and is not intended to harm or demean those involved. KISS owns themselves, and this is based on real persons. All original characters are property of their respective owners.
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The atmosphere of the crowded club was soothing, allowing the well-dressed man at the back corner table a chance to sort his thoughts and relax.
He watched the people crowded throughout the club drinking, talking, dancing, and laughing. They all seemed so happy and carefree. So blissfully ignorant, completely unaware of the pain and suffering in the world. Had he ever been that way? Yes, long ago, but he had a hard time recalling what it felt like.
He should be deliriously happy, he reminded himself. After all he was Gene Simmons, millionaire and owner of the Simmons Foundation, one of New York’s most successful corporations.
But that was the problem. The whole point of the Foundation was to make sure that these people stayed blissfully ignorant. His people, his employees tried to make sure that the general population didn’t encounter all the monsters, human and otherwise, that would shatter their safe little lives.
He’d once done that as well. He’d been part of a group who’d been given powers and abilities to protect humanity. The powers remained but unfortunately the group, KISS, did not. The Demon, the Starchild, the Beast King and the Celestial were a thing of the past, they’d gone their separate ways.
Gene remembered clearly when they’d thought they’d made everything safe; that there was nothing left to fight. It had certainly seemed that way at the time. So they’d made the decision to split up, to go follow their own destinies to wherever they may lead. The Celestial had gone to explore the cosmos and the Starchild and the Beast King to parts unknown. Paul had sought the guidance and training of a legendary race of women warriors who were proficient with mind powers, tiring of the onslaught of thoughts from all around him. Gene had stayed in New York and struggled to reclaim his civilian ID and a normal life.
Then the news reports had started. Killings, mutilations, disappearances…patterns that were all too familiar. It didn’t take Gene long to figure out that they’d fooled themselves and that something needed to be done.
An idea had formed and with the help of his wealth and a few connections the idea became an extensive office space in the heart of New York City. State of the art equipment, thousands of employees, and some of the best bounty hunters and trackers on his payroll, the Simmons Foundation made its mark in mere months. The purpose of the foundation was to work hand in hand with the various law enforcement agencies to capture high priority criminals and also to get some of the entities and creatures that the cops didn’t believe existed off the streets.
It had been interesting at first, being the owner of such a large and unique company, fun even, until reality firmly asserted itself. Paperwork, meetings, financial reports…this became Gene’s way of life. He missed the hands on stuff, the action, and the thrill of the chase. And most of all the power of the Demon. He missed cutting loose, feeling the raw energy surging through his veins. And despite all the problems and in fighting, he missed the guys as well…his group.
Someone cleared their throat, snapping Gene out of his thoughts. He noticed that one of the waitresses was standing in front of him.
“Can I get you anything, sir?” she asked.
“Yeah…Time in a bottle.” He said with a bitter smile.
She smiled sympathetically, almost as if she knew what it was like to dwell on the past. “ ‘Fraid we don’t have that here. I suppose you could try one of the other bars.” She joked back, feebly.
Gene chuckled, earning another smile from her, this time a shy one. "I’ll take a ginger ale, please.” He pulled out his wallet and handed her the first bill in it, a fifty.
"I’ll be back with your drink and change.” She told him.
“Keep the
rest,” he said glancing up at her again. Her eyes widened and he smiled and
winked before pulling out his planner.
As the shocked waitress walked away he let his mind slip back into
business mode, welcoming the distraction.
***
Dominique walked through the door of the bar. It was her usual hangout after a busy day. Rather than go clubbing with Sue and Allison, she preferred the subdued atmosphere of the bar. It was the usual crowd, of those who wanted to watch NASCAR and football, while others racked up in the pool table area. She could hear the clack of pool balls and the rumble of laughter, and see some smoke hanging in the hazy air by the bar counter.
The bartender at the bar noticed as she walked in and a smile lit up his face. "Hey Dominique! How ya doin'?"
"Hey!" she waved. "How's it shakin'? My usual if you please?"
He grinned, "Not a problem."
After a few moments Dave, the bartender, passed Dominique her usual glass of Merlot. "Anything new with you? Haven't seen ya in a couple of days," he said trying to make small talk.
"Well, it's gotten a bit hairy lately. You know how I work in forensics department. Well there is a huge rush of samples lately, and it's lucky I get out of that lab by six thirty!" she sips her wine and leans back a bit on the barstool where she is perched. She grabbed a few peanuts from the bowl and nibbled them to dilute the effect of the wine on her body. Since she only drank one glass at a sitting, she had very little tolerance.
Dave was about to say something to her when one of the waitresses, an attractive young blond named Heather came running up. "Oh my god Dave! This gorgeous man over at the corner table just tipped me almost 50 bucks!" she said with a grin.
"Who?" Domino mumbled as she turned her attention to Heather.
Dave gave her a surprised look, saying, "Way to go Heather...what is he a celebrity or something? Who tips 50 bucks at a bar?"
"Sheesh, and my gal pals wanted to meet men clubbing..." Domino joked. "Sue and Alison wanted the club scene, all the lights and stuff, but if they had come here..." she trailed off.
Heather shrugged. " I recognize him from somewhere...maybe some New York business mag or something...he's that businessman...the gorgeous one with the long curly hair..." she said dreamily.
"Hmm," Domino muttered. She tried to get a better look at where they were pointing. The haze of cigarette smoke made it difficult to get a good look.
Heather pointed. "That guy in the expensive business suit over there...he's reading his planner... See him… the tall, dark, and handsome one? He owns some big company or something I think..."
"Wow," she muttered as she stared at where Heather was indicating. She set eyes on the man, huddled over his glass of ginger ale, and in his own world as he wrote in a planner with a gold pen. Something about him seemed both mysterious and tantalizing, and Domino set aside her wineglass as she slid off the barstool. Did she have a shot at even talking to such a person? What had she to lose? He had no female companion, or was she in the ladies room?
"You gonna go charm him Dom?" Dave asked with a grin.
"Yeah, right," she laughed, with a slight blush. She had done her share of flirting, but she wasn't the type that would necessarily go home with a man she had just met. After all, she was going to talk to him, right?
"Well if you do go over there, bring him another ginger ale...tell him its on the house, K?" Heather whispered, giving her an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
Dominique smiled as she asked the bartender to pour a glass of ginger ale, and refill her wine. Stopping to check her reflection in a mirror hanging near the bar, she picked up both drinks, and took a deep breath. What's the worst thing that could happen? He'd tell her to get lost, or find some excuse to ignore her. Or else some blonde floozy or hooters brunette with soccer ball boobs would flag his attention. In that department she was glad for what Mother Nature had provided her with. Not that plastic surgery made a woman any less attractive. Trying not to look TOO eager or too deliberate, she wandered over through the tables toward the corner.
Meanwhile Gene sat at his table gazing at his planner in disbelief. Two meetings in the morning back to back and hardly anytime for a lunch break. 'Maybe if I get done with the investor meeting early I can grab a quick lunch and then hurry to the board meeting... then again...' He threw his pen down in frustration. His free time seemed to be disappearing more and more lately.
Domino saw the dark look on his face, and wondered if she had picked a bad time. She stopped only a foot from his table, holding the ginger ale in her right hand; the wine in her left, and watched for an opportune moment.
Gene sighed, trying to relax. He picked up his pen and began doodling on one of the appointment pages. There was no use stressing right now. This was his off time, his time to relax. Domino saw him doing something perfectly natural to her as he dug into the lined paper with the ballpoint pen in strong marks, and smiled. Here was the chance she'd been waiting for; the conditions were favorable for a positive outcome. Momentarily she scolded herself for taking on the scientific role that underlined every action. This was a man, not a beaker that needed to be watched in a Bunsen burner flame! Walking up casually as she could, she peered over his shoulder, to see what he was doing. She hoped he wouldn't be thinking that she was trying to intrude.
"Not bad," she said. "You some sort of comic book artist?"
Gene jumped slightly as the soft feminine voice startled him, but he quickly recovered. He smiled at the woman. "I might be," he said teasingly.
"I hope this doesn't sound silly, but I'm one of the rare women, who like comic books," she teased back. "You look like you could use this glass of ginger ale... drawing's thirsty work."
"Thanks... I suppose I could use another drink. But you know what I'd like even more?" he asked.
"What?" she asked. "I'd like to know, actually."
"I'd like it if the beautiful woman standing by me would have a seat," he said with a smile, as he looked her over.
She sat down and examined him, hoping he didn't see how nervous she felt inside. She could feel his eyes wandering over her form also. Now that she had a better view of him, she had to admit she liked what she saw. No, scratch that… she found the view especially fascinating. Soft brown eyes, black curly hair, slicked back into a professional style. Add to that a very gentle character despite what some would consider imposing features. Somehow he seemed familiar, and she kicked herself trying to think where she'd seen him before.
The brunette woman was wearing a low cut blouse, with a V-neck, button up, which was green in color. Along with a pair of long slacks, that was slightly flared at the ankles, to reveal her black boots. A scarf draped around her neck added some other color, but she didn't wear a lot of makeup. Just enough to enhance what was naturally there. Her hair was twisted into a bun, one of those which swept her hair back, but left a few pieces to dangle alluringly around her face to soften it and make it less severe.
Gene set down the pen and closed his planner, giving her his full attention. "If you don't mind me asking, what's your name?"
"Ah, well I'm named Dominique. But my friends call me Domino. Silly nickname. I guess its cause I tend to play a lot of board games when we get together for ladies night. I prefer board games, pool and other pursuits to dancing..." she smiled. "Plus I'm a huge James Bond fan. Domino was a heroine from one of his movies..."
"Never mind she was a blonde, and I'm not exactly THAT," she said as she pushed a lock of hair out of her face, that had fallen from the meticulous hairdo. A few highlights wouldn't have killed her, but she tended to put functionality above fashion. The hairstyle itself was the concession she'd made to what was in vogue, along with her outfit. But she'd added her own unique touches to differentiate herself as an individual from the crowd.
"Very nice name indeed...and it suits you..." Gene said as he reached out to touch a strand of her hair. " I like this color much more than blond...everyone lately is blond."
"Thank you," she blushed. "I tend to prefer dark hair on the men that catch my eye... not like I make a habit of this... but..."
Then she realized she was babbling, and chuckled as she regrouped. It had been a while since she had been this intrigued by a member of the opposite sex. Most men were into pickup lines that bored her. When they found out she was smart, all bets were off.
Gene chuckled, amused by her talkativeness. It was refreshing compared to the ditzy girls he met so often. She seemed intelligent and that alone was refreshing...not to mention she was stunning. Although she couldn't be more than his age, she displayed maturity tempered with a sense of humor and playfulness that came with a more sophisticated view of the world. "By the way I'm Gene. I don't think I mentioned that."
"Nice name, straight and to the point," she nodded as she held out her hand to shake his. "Good to meet you. And may I say you're a welcome diversion. My girl friends wanted to take me clubbing. But loud music and bright lights aren't my scene."
She was glad she'd taken her namecard badge off and stuck it into her purse. It wasn't the most flattering picture of her, after all. He must be quite well off judging from the gold rings adorning several fingers of either hand. All the ornamentation she wore tonight were her master's in science class ring from NYU, and the star of David around her neck which she was playing with absently as she admired the man before her. It was gold, about the size of a quarter, and imposed in a circle, the star and circle both worked with intricate filigree. The former piece of jewelry was not the dainty lady's style class ring, but a solid and substantial masculine style that showed she took her education seriously.
Gene's eyes fell on her necklace for a moment. "That's nice...was it a present?"
"I got it for my bat mitzvah," she chuckled. "It's an old piece. But I like to wear it a lot. Reminds me of where I come from, in case I get lost with where I'm going."
"I figured as much," Gene nodded with silent understanding. "I have something similar but its at home...I don't wear it considering its one of the few things I have left from my earlier life...might as well hold onto it."
"I know. Some people don't know WHAT To think when they see one of these," she chuckled. "But I don't give a damn anymore. It's part of who I am, but not the only part. No less or more than my class ring. Most people balk when they see the little miniature test tube and H2O carved onto here," she added with a grin. Here was another bonus. Similar ethnic and religious background, although he could well be secular. But it gave them something else in common.
"I can imagine," Gene chuckled, enjoying her wit.
"I also have some other jewelry with similar designs that my grandmother left to me. Not like there were many other grandchildren or relatives to pass it onto..." she joked unfortunately, and then had a faraway look in her eyes.
Gene cleared his throat uncomfortably.
"So you're a scientist of some kind I'm assuming?" He asked changing the subject. Dominique felt ashamed of the sudden
tangent, and hoped that she could recover quickly from such a downer. Stupid idiot, she told herself. Not EVERYONE of our people is happy
discussing THAT subject.
"Good guess," she nodded. "Forensic chemistry to be exact. Mainly because I'm one of the few who can use both an electron microscope and a GC mass spec."
Gene nodded. "I'm impressed. Certainly sounds interesting...and you probably have more free time then I do, " he joked.
"Well I try," she said slowly. "But lately there seems less and less time..."
Aha, another similarity. That compensated for the blunder about Holocaust survivors. This was something far more universal. She traced a finger over the condensation frosting her glass of wine, and then took a sip as she peered into it. She met his gaze and saw weariness there. "It sure gets away from you, doesn't it..."
"Yes it does," he agreed.
"They kick you upstairs?" she asked with a slight nudge of her hand to his. "Is that what the problem is? Happened to my cousin when he got his own private practice... he's a surgeon. But he was too good for his own good. Now he's supervisor and hardly EVER in the clinics."
"I'm the founder and owner of the company...don't get me wrong...its great. But sometimes I miss field work...now all I have is meetings and paperwork..." Gene explained, with a half smile. His lip curled a bit, and she realized the frustration present.
"Damn," she shook her head. "No wonder you look tired. Not many would notice it, but being a scientist you tend to notice other details. Not just chemical reactions, but people's body language and stuff. It's a blessing and a curse."
"Then you know about taking your work into your private life? Somehow you can never take yourself truly out of the lab sometimes… it always comes first…" Gene sighed. "The more deeply involved you become, the more difficult it becomes to find the time to relax, and shut work out completely. It's close to impossible now."
"You need to MAKE the time. You could delegate, or give yourself a vacation," she half-joked.
Gene laughed. "You'd think I'd be able to, huh? I don't have a boss... I am the boss... but I never do..."
"Why do you think I passed up the chance to become a lab supervisor? I prefer being at the bench, not at a desk. God knows I have the degrees and all."
Gene sighed. "That's the way it works. The higher you are the more responsibilities. I made this company to fulfill my dream...to make a difference...and yet it still seems like there' something missing."
"Work isn't the answer to life's problems, is it?" Dominique said with a wry grin. "I've done that, and been there. You always have to find SOMETHING else to aim for once you have it all… at least that's what I've seen with my friends, and everyone I've known who end up getting their so called 'dream job'. It's a dream till you have it, and then you end up having to find something else to dream about or life gets mundane, dull."
Gene chuckled bitterly, "You know I should be happy...I shouldn't have a complaint in the world. Not too many men under thirty can claim that they are the owner of a corporation that is one of the top the businesses in New York."
"That sounds pretty awful," she mumbled. "I'm sorry you're trapped in that gilded cage..."
She noticed her hand had wandered over and was lying atop of his, giving it a gentle squeeze of sympathy. Gene smiled and intertwined his fingers with hers. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be ruining the evening like this by talking about work."
She shivered as he did so, and smiled as she said, "Dump away. I'm not going anywhere, and sometimes you need to vent."
"What would you RATHER talk about?" she asked as she leaned close, and felt her heart pounding far faster than she'd imagined it was at that moment. There was electricity that tingled at the touch of his hand, and she realized she had to be on her guard. Lest something happen.
"Hmmm... How about you? What do you like...your interests...so on." Gene suggested, his eyes giving her the once over. She was gorgeous and that outfit of hers showed off every curve she owned. He knew he was playing with fire...he needed to stay in control but for the first time in a while he felt like being a little reckless, and it felt good.
Domino sensed that spark of playfulness come to life, and she felt the same sensation of wanting to let go of the scientist she was during the day, and kick back and let her hair down, figuratively.
"Well, um that's a broad question. But you already know I like comic books, particularly Marvel ones, and I also love SF, and Japanese animation. And there's also the fact I like to jog in Central Park, sometimes in the rain. And I do a tad bit of sketching myself. Nothing major, but it's fun.... Merlot table wine, but I'm no lush by any means... and Italian and Chinese food. Particularly hot and sour chicken."
"Well...seems we've got some stuff in common. Comic books, sci-fi that sort of thing...sketching...I love old horror movies...as far as hobbies go...I'd have to say work considering that's all I do. The Simmons Foundation demands my constant attention and they'd be lost without me. And as far as food goes I enjoy spicy food but my real weakness is anything sweet...especially chocolate chip cookies…" he said with a laugh.
"Ah, I love chocolate chip cookies, with a side of skim milk, and Heath bar crunch ice cream..." And then she suddenly froze when he said Simmons Foundation. It dawned on her just WHO this was, and she felt a flush of embarrassment. He was her ultimate boss for crying out loud! She tried to keep her nerve as she took a sip of wine and gave him a nervous smile. How could she be so blind, being a scientist for crying out loud! She prided herself on her ability to observe her surroundings, but there was a saying. Love is blind. But that was WAY down the pike, and she was jumping ten steps ahead here. Real smart, Domino, she scolded herself. You really got RIGHT into this. When he finds out WHO you are… your name will be gold digger instead.
"You like the original Psycho, right?" she quickly changed the subject, feeling suddenly unsure if she should continue.
"Yes I do," he answered. He noticed her freeze up and wondered if she was all right. Throughout their conversation she'd slowly loosened up...and now she was back to being nervous. He looked at her concerned. "Are you alright sweetheart?"
"Yes, I'm just thinking about what I have to do tomorrow. Bad girl," she chuckled. "I shouldn't do that. It's a disservice."
Gene grinned. "There's nothing wrong with being a bad girl," he winked.
"Ah, good thing that," she smiled, banishing her doubts away. It seemed hard to believe that she had ended up in the same table and bar as the CEO of her place of employment. From what she had heard from her co-workers and others, some feared him, and others thought he had no life save work. To see he was a human being... a very attractive one, was quite like something out of a dream. Gene Simmons, CEO of Simmons Foundation was a human being. And he was sitting here, QUITE interested in her of all people. But why the hell not? She was every bit as desirable as any other potential woman was. He valued intelligence and looks together, and both were in her favor. Since he wasn't her first line supervisor, technically she wasn't breaking the immediate rule. Yet she felt guilty that she may only enjoy this for a limited time. Before he learned the truth.
"So Dominique. What are your plans for this evening?" he asked. He wanted more than anything to invite her back to his place to watch a movie or something. He was genuinely interested in her but the thing was he had no idea how to go about asking her without seeming desperate
"Hmm, nothing elaborate. Just relaxation..." she smiled, her heart leaping that he was possibly implying he wanted to spend time with her.
"Any particular means of relaxation, for an overworked and attractive scientist like yourself?" Gene asked, lowering his voice and turning up the smolder in his eyes.
"Hmm. Like curling up to a video with some popcorn. Nothing too fancy, just something relaxing and somewhat more intelligent than just staring at other people drink," she added with a wink.
Gene chuckled. "Well...If your not expected by anyone...Your more than welcome to come watch a movie at my place...I have popcorn and everything." He hoped he didn't sound nervous because his heart was beating a mile a minute. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been so nervous, but the worst she could say was no.
"Well Sue and Alison ditched me to go clubbing so there's nowhere I need to be," she smiled, trying to keep from looking like she was 'easy'. But hell, he was willing, and so was she. What did she have to lose? The fact that he was QUITE wealthy did cross her mind of course, but she wanted to make it clear she wanted to be with the man, not his wallet. And that might tip the balance in favor of a relationship when he discovered where she worked. After all, he hadn't told her which company he owned.
"So would you like to join me? Your choice of a movie," he offered with a smile.
"Hmm, I would think that since I'm on a roll here, making you forget about that ivory tower, why not..." she smiled back, looking down at her fingers interlaced with his. "And as for a movie... something classic and black and white. Something with either Lon Chaney Jr. or Boris Karloff in it, or both..."
"Well you just wait until you see my video collection...you might be surprised," he smiled. "Whenever your ready we can head out."
She smiled back, and played with her glass as she feels the blood rushing to her face all at once. It felt very warm in the bar, and she wondered if she should insist they go right away, or stay a while longer in the hopes that Sue or Alison would stop back to 'check up on her', and see her with an intriguing man. One that she had snared in her OWN way, not in a meat market. This made her chuckle with a bit of smugness and she couldn't resist a devilish grin at the mental image.
Gene caught the grin and laughed. "And just what are YOU thinking about?"
"Oh, just how my gal friends would be going about this sort of thing, and failing miserably. They stick to 'conventional methods'. I resort to my own... and the results are MOST satisfying," she couldn't help but brag, and hope it didn't sound too bizarre to him. Certainly if he was all he said he was, the fact that it wasn't easy to find someone compatible was a reality for him as well as her.
Gene laughed "Aha...someone who understands the thrill of competition."
"Yes," she smiled. "And I realized early on, that if I want to live with myself, I do things my own unique way... not by settling for other people's ideas of how I should compete."
"Do tell," Gene said as he stroked his chin, and continued to give her his full attention as he had been doing for the last half-hour or so. She felt his eyes peering through to her soul and her appetites, and she had never felt so in synch with a man in her life.
"Sue and Alison for instance. They think the way to 'pick up' a man is to go to a 'watering hole' where it's loud and bright. They figure the 'right man' wouldn't be in a bar. That most of the people here are desperate. But it seems those in the clubs are. And what does DESPERATE mean? Is it a BAD thing to be so obvious that you want companionship? Why is it always some stupid intricate game where you put on a false face? That's not MY way of getting what I want."
"And what is your way of getting 'what you want', so to speak?" Gene asked, the twinkling in his eyes challenging, no daring her to complete her explanation.
"Whereas I am content to talk to a man like he's a human being, and not jerk him around. That's just not how I operate," she said, blushing that she's being so candid with him.
"And you're honest about it. Tell you what? How about we go back to my place and get that movie started. If you want you can call your friends later and brag from my place." He offered. Dominique had to clench her jaw to keep it from dropping to the floor. Talk about one in a million. A man who was willing to spend time with her as much as she did, and although she could tell where this was likely headed, she didn't think it was the least bit desperate. Both wanted, no needed each other's companionship, and it was far more than a mere physical attraction. Rather the pulling of two pieces of Velcro that stuck together, and had trouble being torn from one another.
"That sounds amenable to me," she smiled as she squeezed his hand.
"Let's go. Time's a wasting."
Gene stood up offering his hand to her. "My car's outside down the street," he told her.
She extended her hand to his, and put hers into it. "Lead on, good sir..."
He smiled and walked through the club arm in arm until they got to the door.
***
Outside the club entrance traffic was thick in the heat of a New York evening. Cars were parked and double-parked on the three-lane street, and he pointed to a limousine that rolled into site a few car lengths up the crowded way.
Gene said, "Well this is our ride. Now are you sure you want this? I don't want you to think you HAVE to go with me..."
She balked at first, and then chuckled. Of course. But even if he WASN'T filthy rich, only 65 dollars an hour separated him from any other person who could rent a limo. "Smart. Nobody should own a car in New York," she joked. "The parking rates are HELL."
Gene laughed. "That they are. Good thing that we don't have to worry about that tonight...so you're sure?" he asked as he stroked her cheek lightly.
"I am sure," she smiled, putting her hand on top of his, which tingled her cheek like fire. The electricity was flowing between them, and she didn't want to pass this opportunity up. Not for anything. She leaned closer to him, so her body was alongside of his, and she knew it was a cheesy way of body flirting, but she wanted to feel her body against his, starting from the most innocent way possible. And leaning with her side pressed to his as she glanced at the oncoming limo was a good start.
Gene smiled as he felt her body move closer to his. He slid his arm down around her waist and squeezed gently. She felt the chill of the night air, and cursed the fact she'd forgotten her jacket at work. He was all right, in that long leather duster coat he was wearing over his suit. The limo was delayed in turning the corner, stopped by a red light. It would be another minute before it changed and it pulled up to get them.
She slid her arm around his waist, and absently caught herself running a hand down over his ass, and then put it where it seemed less provocative, on his hip.
Gene couldn't help but shiver under Dominique's touch. He wasn't sure if she realized what she was doing to him...but then again maybe that was why she moved her hands. He raised an eyebrow at her and pulled her closer to him, realizing she didn't have a jacket on. He situated her in front of him so he could pull some of his jacket around her as well. "Better?" he asked.
"Much," she nodded. "Damn will that light EVER change?"
"It will...Are you that anxious?" he said with an amused smile.
"Could be," she said as she moved closer to him. She was average height for a woman, five seven and she was wearing three-inch heels. But he still towered over her.
"Hmm...and why would that be?" he asked, an almost devilish grin starting to form on his features.
"Because I want less distractions now," she chuckled back.
Just as gene was about to respond the limo finally pulled up and his driver hurried over to open the door. "Evening Mr. Simmons."
She chuckled, as she saw the limo driver sitting there, and wondered what he'd think of the sight before him. Had Gene done this before many times, or was this the first? She let Gene take the lead, and stood glancing at the sleek black vehicle and the suited man with the cap opening the door for them. Was it hired, or was it his own private one?
Gene stepped inside the limo and extended a hand to help her in, pulling her close as the door was closed. She settled against him, and felt he warmth of the leather seat under her, and stared up at the ceiling, which was decorated with fiberoptic bands, and decorative points of light. A television flickered at the rear of the limo, and there was a small fridge and several drink racks here and there.
"Nice," she muttered in appreciation, and settled with her body leaning against his, and rested her head automatically on his chest to see what he'd do. It had been a long day, and she was a bit tired.
Gene let her settle back against him and ran his hand through her hair gently. "First time in a limo?" he couldn't resist asking.
"Since the prom," she joked. "When I went with my cousin Ike...
I had more fun then the rest of my friends who were just trying to get laid... but there's always a fantasy about prom night. Funny huh?"
"Ah...but I think this one's a bit nicer then those rented ones... it better be considering how much I paid for the damn thing," he said. That answered THAT question. It was his, and not a hired ride.
She chuckled. "You know your investments well. I like the stars. Nice touch."
The stars seemed to gleam one color, and then slowly changed to another. Subtly. And gave a relaxing effect. The seats were leather and butter soft under her fingers. She smelled his cologne, Drakkar, a very expensive scent, mingled with wool and something else, which was almost like the smell of a fresh fire that sprung out after it had been lit. Odd she should think of that.
"I thought so...considering it's hard to see the real stars in the city...and its soothing," he said.
"Definitely," she murmured. "I live in Queens, so I don't always get to come to Manhattan. But we can't see the stars there much either..."
She noticed the logo of the company embossed on the dark plush carpet, and on the leather of the seats, and chuckled. Smooth wood and plastic merged, and she heard the sound of stereo system pipe music through as the limo driver was searching for a station.
Gene absently ran his hands through her hair again, loving the feel of the silky strands between his fingers. He could smell the shampoo she used as well as her perfume, and other subtle and very feminine scents. He felt her curves as she lay against him and took a deep breath. He remembered what she'd felt like pressed against him and shook that thought away. He needed to control himself so he didn't scare her. She was interested or seemed like it but he didn't want to come on too strong.
Dominique listened to the crackle settle into a modern jazz, and mumbled. When it changed to an oldies station she relaxed. Because she heard Yesterday by the Beatles come on, and it put her in a nostalgic mood. She enjoyed Gene's arm around her, and loved the feel of his fingers in her hair.
Gene caught himself humming along to 'Yesterday' as it played on the radio. He found it strange how some of the lyrics rang true. A voice from the front interrupted his thoughts. "Mr. Simmons? ETA 2 minutes." The driver told him.
"Well this is it..." Gene told Dominique, sitting up a bit. Up to an exclusive Fifth Avenue apartment complex the limousine pulled. Dominique raised a questioning eyebrow at her companion, who gave a knowing smile. He was of course loaded, but he made no apologies nor did he rub his wealth in her face. Rather he was sharing the benefits of his standard of living with a member of the opposite sex, and she did her best to be gracious. Not that it was that hard.
She glanced up at the fifth avenue apartment and was amazed. "This doesn't seem like the place I'd imagined you'd have, Mr. Simmons," she teased.
"What were you expecting? The bat cave?" He joked back.
"Haha," she grinned. "Maybe something like a mansion or something. This is a rather nice apartment complex. Not too ostentatious. Nice."
"Thanks." He smiled.
She glanced over at him, and admired the gray tailored suit he wore. Double breasted jacket with a crisply ironed white shirt and vest, and dark blue tie. She could swear he also wore cufflinks in matching gold, which coordinated well with the multiple rings on his fingers. His hair was immaculately slicked back and indicated his preference for fine grooming. At her hip was her drink, and he didn't seem to mind that she had asked for an alcoholic beverage, although she didn't drink much of it, and thankfully she didn't smoke, for she sensed Gene wouldn't approve and considered it a turnoff.
All that gold. What separated one man from another were a few ounces of useless metal. If he only knew what she was capable of… but he had earned his through hard work, not by some freak of nature. Somehow it wasn't the same, and Dominique knew it. The driver tapped on the window and lowered the partition. Gene nodded and turned to her, with a smile; "We've arrived. Last chance to bail out, if you're not game, sweetheart."
"Are you kidding? You've got me intrigued…" she said with an amused smile. Gene liked the fact she wasn't easily impressed and seemed to be taking his wealth all in stride.
"I'm intrigued you're intrigued," Gene teased as he indicated she should go before him out the limousine door. They crossed the small space of pavement into the awning entryway, and then into another world past a security desk. Gene chuckled when Dominique had to fork her purse over and have it scanned. He cast the guard a glance and retrieved it as she was cleared to pass.
"I'll strip search her myself," he winked.
"Uh huh, yeah, and then we'll find your remains in the morning Mr. Simmons?" the guard, Manuel, joked. "Should I hold your calls?"
"That's what he tells Claire," his chauffeur, Lasvislos said. In the company of two other security guards, who moved casually out from the door, they climbed into his private elevator, and she clutched her purse, trying to hide her amused smile. The interior of the elevator was lined in gold toned mirrors, with brass railings to hold onto. Under their feet she wasn't surprised to see maroon tiles worked with shimmering brass strips in a modern pattern like Mondrian.
"Who are you, Elvis or something?" she teased. "Not QUITE what I was expecting…"
"You can still bail out," Gene joked back. She slid her arm through his, and heard the ding of the elevator bell as the doors slid open. Her purse dangled from her other hand, a small beaded and sequined number that carried only the essentials, her compact, lipstick, some gum, and her small wallet with her driver's license and credit cards. Not that she ever needed to drive anywhere in the city.
All these musings she kept in her mind when they were escorted to his penthouse front door, and she walked inside, followed by him. The lights flickered on in a foyer, and she peered past the polished floors into a generous sitting room area with a high ceiling and large ceiling to floor windows overlooking Manhattan. It was then she noticed the door had been shut behind them and that she and Gene were alone again. He had obviously had security guards undercover even at the bar, and she hadn't even thought of that fact till they had walked out and she saw two men following from a discreet distance.
"What can I get you?" Gene asked.
"Are you sure you don't have some bartender in here?" she joked as Gene took her jacket from her, and hung it neatly in a large closet after shrugging off his coat. He hung both and Dominique took a moment to wander into the vast space in cream and black industrial settings. A white shag carpet dominated the floor, along with large tapestries of medieval dragons, opposite modern paintings that would easily cost a thousand or more bucks each. Oriental vases, tapestries, and other items hung at intervals, some of them depicting strange mythical creatures, while others depicted dragons and gargoyles. Bits of granite statuary, like a stone gargoyle sitting in one corner of the main room were counterpoint by other bits, like jade dragons.
"Must like dragons," she joked. "Not bad."
"Make yourself at home," Gene said as he moved up behind her, and his hands rested lightly on her back. She half wished he would embrace her and give her a taste of those perfectly shaped lips, but she was disappointed when he withdrew to a distance of a foot, and nodded toward the sitting room.
"Nice," she said with a deep breath. "Especially the artwork. If I didn't know better I'd think a dragon lover lived here…"
"You think?" Gene teased. She wandered into the main area opposite a large wide screen TV, with a laserdisc player, and several cabinets that must contain a wealth of CDs and videos. Not wanting to appear too eager, she sat down on the maroon and gold brocade sofa, and tossed her purse down on the glass topped coffee table, which bore dragons etched in white overtop the shimmering surface.
"I don't think, I know," she smiled winningly.
"Something to drink?" he asked as he exited to what was the kitchen/eating area, cavernous and flowing off the main room.
She and Gene had talked about all manner of things in the bar, and then in the limo. They had much in common, despite their differences. This interest in old horror flicks and comic books had caught her interest, and he was easy to be around since he respected what she had to say. While he didn't always agree, like some idiotic men did, he did listen, and chime in his own 2 cents.
But something else occurred to her. A nasty little secret that would possibly mar this romantic setting far worse than the fact that she was one of his employees. That would possibly cause irreparable damage. A dark secret she'd held close for most of her adult and childhood life. Something that reared it's ugly head at age 13. Every time the powers would come she'd feel a bitter taste in her mouth. Dominique Goldstein would feel her heart pounding, while her skin tingled with a million prickles of silver.
Now as she sat cuddled with Gene on the sofa, watching a movie she was worried. The wide screen television was better than most theaters, and she sipped the glass of white wine that looked like it could pass for the ginger ale in his. The warning flags were raised, because whenever her heart and breathing rate increased in the past, she had the same sensations. When adrenaline was activated, the problems started. She could not always control the monster inside, the creature that changed flesh into metal. Sometimes she could stop herself, but there were other times…
Slowly she reached out her hand and lay it on top of his. Her fingers danced lightly over the back of his hand, and he turned his hand over so his fingers intertwined with hers. Still he made no further move toward her, except to give her hand a gentle squeeze in response. Against her hand and fingers she felt the cold smooth gold of his rings, and sighed. They were a reminder of the years of hard work he'd put in to accumulate such a cozy nest.
She liked Gene. Really liked him. She didn't want to hurt him in any way. As his arm tightened around her shoulders she sighed and lay her head against his. The fingers tightened their grip possessively, and she felt a familiar twinge in her nether regions. How long had it been since she'd known a man? It seemed like too long for Dominique. Could she carry through without incident, if she maintained control? It had been possible before. Something about genes relaxed and lazy manner put her at ease, while at the same time stirred up a giddiness that made her hungry for something other then food. It was like riding a roller coaster but you knew you could get off. That was the sort of excitement she was experiencing, and it was a known excitement that she could control. And if she could control it, she should be able to keep from hurting Gene with her power.
Her gut told her he was letting her take the lead as he simply continued to cuddle her there. From what the others had told her at work about him, he was a prize, and very experienced in knowing what women wanted. At least that was what some of the more reliable sources said. Dominique lifted her head from his shoulder and shifted so she could gaze directly into his eyes when she tugged his face towards her by his chin. An amused smile lit up his face, accompanied by a challenging twinkle in his eyes. It dared her to take the next step in its silent darkness.
She moved so her hip touched his, and reached out to stroke his cheek with her fingertips. Nuzzling his cheek she traced small feather soft touches of her lips down to his neck. He lifted his chin, letting out a brief sigh as he turned his body so she could reach the sensitive folds that she sought. Lightly she bit down and nibbled while sucking and teasing a fold of captured skin in her teeth. A soft moan escape Gene's throat, but he clenched his teeth to keep it from being too audible. All the while she rubbed his chest and felt his strong muscles through the fabric of his shirt. Like her, he enjoyed his cookies, and junk food, and still maintained a pleasantly shaped body. Not fat, but not too lean or muscular. Just right. He was a huge man; both tall and broad shouldered. She wondered what his other attributes, presently unseen, measured up to.
The thought made her subconsciously stare down into his lap, and she blushed. A mischievous grin twitched the corners of her lips, and she again seized a fold of his skin in a new place to give him another playful nip. By now she had eclipsed the view of the TV by moving in front of him, and bracing her other arm on the opposite hip. Effectively she was chest to chest with him, her breasts pressed against his chest and rubbing lightly with their softness. A low moan escaped his throat as he lay perfectly still, and formed fists to try and resist the temptation to touch her in return. He wanted to tease her, see how far she was willing to go before making his move.
Soft kisses traced up his neck and his jaw before diverting to his ear. Seizing his earlobe she nibbled and sucked on it then traced her tongue along the outside sensitive rim of his ear. Gene's chest heaved in and out under her breasts pressed against it, and his nose was near her neck, where he sniffed her perfume. Her body felt pleasant against his so far, and he couldn’t wait to see how well she fit when he tried her on for size.
Her other hand rested in his lap, and moved over his thigh, almost by accident. He chuckled to himself as he inhaled her scent and kept his hands to himself, letting her drive him nuts. Blood flushed over his skin and rushed to another place, and his pants began to feel rather snug in places. Leaning most of the weight on her left hand by his hip, she rested the other on his left thigh, and traced her lips up to kiss his cheeks. She avoided his lips as she kissed the tip of his nose, and his forehead, then the other cheek, avoiding his mouth, which burned for the first taste of her mouth. Gene licked his lips, which seemed so dry, and felt his heart pounding like a drum, ready for battle. This one would definitely be worth it. But just how bold would she be, he wondered?
He shifted his body a bit as if to pull teasingly away by turning his hip. She had to steady herself by pressing her hand into his lap, and her face flushed when she felt her hand slide into a softer target higher up. When she felt the shape of the feature she heard Gene's low groan, and the explosion of awkwardness and arousal inside her body. At the same time her eyes popped open, she saw the smirk on his face and felt his arm tighten around her. Lips locked to hers like a trap had sprung, and her surprised cry was devoured.
His other hand grabbed her right wrist, and kept her hand where it was, moving it in just the way he liked in the precise location he ached to be touched. She whimpered through the kiss as his tongue teased her lips and slowly conquered her mouth with his hot breath. Under her fingers she felt hardness, and flushed with embarrassment and passion. She unbuttoned his jacket, and then slid her hands between its silk lining and his vest. With a grin she noticed the rich gold of a fob chain, indicating he had a pocket watch to go with his fine vest.
He wanted her, that was apparent, and the movement of his lips over hers stunned her with its precision. Gene knew exactly how she wanted to be kissed, and as his hand slid down her back, it pressed her tightly to him.
Oh god, he's perfect her mind exclaimed. She choked back a fear that arose in her, because her heart beat ever faster and the bitter adrenaline surged into her mouth. A million shivers of silver tingled down her nerves and to her fingertips. She pulled her hand back, the one in his lap, but instead he moved it into the most optimal position to feel just what she was doing to him, and that made her even more crazy. Gene felt her tense, and let go of her wrist, instead moving his hand to cup her breast and give it a gentle rubbing squeeze that was thankfully not a pinching grope. Absurdly she found herself thinking that it fit perfectly into his large hand that massaged it and teased her flesh to the same hardness as what she felt with her other hand. She focussed on caressing and determining the shape and size of his excitement for her, and heard the soft sigh in response to her touch.
*He wants you. But you're going to lose control… do you want to hurt him? Came the voice of her inner thoughts as she felt her control crumbling, and felt the silver energies building. She felt like liquid hot gold, and cursed that she thought of a metal, knowing a second later that he'd become that very metal, and there would be nothing on Earth to stop it.
Gene felt the tingling of her lips like a buzz of electricity, and the shivering energy of her hands contacting his body through his clothes. A powerful surge of something zapped from her body to his, and he moaned as he felt her body stiffening in his arms. It sent his mind reeling, and he arched with ecstasy, almost better then sex, he wondered. Was his own power activating? He struggled to keep his mind focused, to hold back the monster inside. Opening one eye he glanced at the mirror and saw a momentary flare of red that faded quickly as he willed his inner aspect to behave.
Quickly Dominique felt his body stiffen, and pulled out of the kiss in a panic. Gene's dark eyes stared at hers, and they gave one another a look between surprise and lust. She was about to say something when Gene smiled, and cut her off. "I think I like where this is going, doll…"
"Um… wow," she gasped, licking her lips as she moved to regain her balance. He still held her with one arm while cupping her breast with his other hand.
"Keep that hand there, baby," he whispered in a commanding tone when she started to move her hand from his groin. "Unless you don't wanna go any further. And if you don't, that's cool. Just let me know when to stop."
"I don't want you to stop," she whispered huskily, her eyes shutting as she felt her power drop to an almost imperceptible level. "Not when things are going so nicely…"
"I'm glad you see things my way," Gene chuckled, and she flushed red with passion and that hunger that tingled her womanhood. "But I think you'd be more comfortable sitting in my driver's seat… don't you?"
"Uh huh," she gasped and gave a saucy smile. Gene's powerful hands lifted her and pulled her so she straddled him, and her legs were curled under her. Gene shifted in the sofa with a satisfied grunt as he took her breasts in either hand and began to rub. She placed her hands on his shoulders and leaned down to give him a quick kiss before teasingly pulling away. Her fingers skimmed lightly over the buttons on his vest, and undid them slowly. He momentarily shrugged out of his jacket and vest, and then she reached up to slowly pull the knot out of his necktie.
A wave of heat moved over her body when she felt him just underneath her, and her chest tingled with what he was doing with his fingers in small circles. She arched against him, throwing back her head and moving her hands down his shoulders to rub his chest, and then lightly tickle up his arms. Already he moved both hands over to finger her buttons and slowly undo each one. His dark eyes feasted on the sight that increased while he undressed her, and she shrugged out of the blouse. He wasted little time in reaching around to unfasten her bra like a pro, and give an appreciative smile when he saw what she had to offer.
Her fingers curled into his shirt and she almost tore the buttons trying to open it, her breath coming in sharp bursts through clenched teeth. Already Gene's fingers were skimming her soft flesh, and driving her wild and she wanted to do the same to him. It seemed far too long when she finally rubbed his bare chest with her fingers. Thirsting she leaned down and captured his lips in a kiss. Gene's tongue danced with hers in the enclosed hot cavern of their mouths, and both groaned against their lips.
"Here?" he gasped as they parted, panting heavily and regarding each other with passion slatted eyes.
"Wherever and however you want me, Gene," she whispered. "I can't wait… but I'm yours… if you want me…"
"Don't say silly things, girl, or I'll have to give you a spanking," he laughed.
"Punish me, master," she chuckled, relaxing into their bedroom game. She moved to get off his lap, and he rose, clutching her hand. As she turned, he reached down and grabbed her quickly, sweeping her up so he carried her over one shoulder.
"Got you now, there's no escape," he laughed giving her butt a swat.
"You got me now, but just wait," she laughed back as he carried her effortlessly and she saw the movement of his long legs and powerful back muscles, draped over his shoulder as she was. She spanked his firm ass gliding under those hundred dollar gray pants, and he laughed.
"Patience, Domino, patience," he chuckled as he strode up the carpeted stairs to the next level, and she got a view of the entire first floor by the overlooking gallery. He playfully swung her around as he put his foot on the next step and she shrieked.
"Oh GOD I hate heights!" she shivered and trembled.
"Saved your life," he laughed as he swung her around the other way, and the world spun. She grabbed onto his shoulder for dear life.
"You jerk, what are you doing?" she shrieked in fear.
"Sorry, couldn't resist," he said as he let her slid into his arms, and he held her with his hand cradling her back, and the other under her knees. "I won't let anything bad happen to you…"
"You'd better hope something GOOD happens after THAT stunt Mister Simmons…" she pretended to be mad.
"I really am sorry," he said, lowering his voice to a sultry tone that made her forget her momentary fear and panic. "I mean it when I said I wouldn't let any harm come to you."
"That's… nice," she said, glancing at him without knowing the significance of it. He leaned in and silenced her with those perfect lips pressing against hers, and she moaned softly as the kiss deepened. It felt as if she were floating as he carried her, and she grasped the sides of his face to deepen the kiss. His sigh and moan against her mouth was followed by a quick burst of hot breath, and she knew that he was anxious to continue.
***
He lay her down on a king-sized bed, made with soft sheets. The room was something she noticed very little of, but hoped she would see later when they had finished their passion. Needless to say she saw the scale and grandeur of it. However a more immediate one eclipsed that desire as Gene slid his hands down to tug at her slacks. She was before him, glancing up at the dark hungry stare. He licked his lips, and she reached up to rub his chest and wherever she could touch, arching her back as he explored the newly exposed skin with skilled fingers.
They were soon under the blankets, buried to their hips when her body stopped quaking from his first taste of her womanhood. She bent down to do the same as he sat by her hips, smiling at her with satisfaction. At first she thought he was pleased with what he'd done, but then realized that he was also making certain he was caring for her needs first, before his own. Slowly she reached for his belt, and undid the buckle of the Italian leather. The rasp of the zipper and the surge of her adrenaline made her fingers shake, and he watched her with hungry dark eyes. She reached inside, and heard his low groan as she felt what she had evoked in him. Dominique leaned over, letting her hair fall into place as she began to tease him with her fingers.
"No," he said as he pulled her head up from his lap. "Not now. Later maybe."
"I wouldn't mind…" she started, wondering if he was nuts for not wanting her to return the intimate kiss. "I guess you don't want that… huh?"
"It's nothing you're doing wrong," he said, reading the momentary hurt on her face. "It's something entirely different…"
"I was beginning to think you didn't want me to show you the same hospitality," she pouted, and Gene leaned down to trace a soft kiss on her lips.
"I want to feel you from the inside," he purred. "Because I've got a feeling that's what we both want… and need… especially you…"
"How do you figure that? Are you a psychic?"
"Just very observant," he said with a knowing smile. "And that's not to be taken as an insult, Domino… in fact it tells me that you're a woman of discriminating and educated taste…"
"Flatterer," she snorted, and couldn't resist smiling at the cheesy smile he gave her. "You and that miracle tongue of yours knew my history in a second, right?"
"You said it very well, lover," he nodded as he kissed the inside of her palm, and slowly slid her fingers between his lips. She purred as his tongue teased them and he sucked lightly on her hand with soft nibbles while playing with her breasts.
"Seriously?"
"Would I lie with your hand doing what it is now?" he raised an eyebrow as her fingers rubbed him to the same place she was now.
She laughed as he cast her a saucy grin and they helped him shed his last skins like a cobra molting. She was not disappointed when she admired him, and saw how powerful and strong he was, lying alongside her. His fingers gently guided her to touch him, and she lay on her back, reaching up as she opened and surrendered herself.
"You don't have to worry… I've got it covered," she said, reaching up for him. "Unless you want to… put on a parachute before we fall…"
"What would you like?" he asked.
"I've not been asked that before… I'd rather use something… if that's all right with you… not to insult you but I don't um know your history…"
"You don't have to worry about anything, sweetheart," Gene said. "If you'd prefer me going ahead. I'm perfectly clean… but if you'd prefer… I'll take good care of you."
"Sweet," she whispered. "In that case… why not… this will be a nice change…"
"Believe it or not, I don't go without a raincoat for just anyone," Gene smiled as he slid his fingers into her, and judged where she was. She knew he wanted nothing between them and that was fine by her.
"Gene," she whispered, eyes half closed as she pulled him toward her. Her body screamed for his touch, and it had been too long since someone had taken care of her needs in this way.
"Relax," he breathed as he kissed her cheeks and moved between her legs. She was trembling a bit, and at first he must think she was scared. She reassured him with a squeeze on one bare thigh that she was more then all right. His kiss on her lips and fingers on her chest distracted her from the first movement inside, but she gasped at how he felt within.
"You're so… so… perfect, I didn't think…" she whispered, wondering if it sounded cheesy or stupid.
"I'm glad," he whispered. "Because I'm thinking the same thing too about you. We fit well together, don't you think?"
Gene moaned deeply when she embraced him from below, and gave her a nod of approval as he opened his eyes. She knew he was staying completely still to either tease her, or let her get used to his size, because he was tightly imbedded in her. Not as deep as some, but far more then enough to please any woman fortunate enough to get him between her thighs. When he started to move she though she'd die of pleasure as she rose to meet him, her body complaining that he was pulling away. Her grip on him tightened, and she reached up to bite his neck as her nails dug in. Gene let out what sounded a growl against her neck as he increased his pace. They kept pace with one another, Gene only stopping when she writhed with ecstasy under him, to let her enjoy the remarkable things he was doing to her. And what she was doing to him… he thought. Damn, the best fit he'd had, and he was just getting started.
He prepared himself for what would be a long and highly entertaining night. She twisted beneath him as she felt something bubbling up from inside and flooding all over her skin in a wave of wildfire. She choked out the scream, and Gene loomed over her like a powerful sphinx, his eyes fixing into hers with an intensity that added to her arousal.
"Don't stop on my account, that's one of the most lovely sounds in the world," he chuckled.
"What…" she gasped.
"A woman screaming because I made her cum," he winked.
"You're full of yourself, aren't you?" she chuckled back.
"No, you're full of me," he laughed as he stopped thrusting, and she snickered and snorted at the hilarity of it.
"And enjoying every minute," she moaned as she rocked her hips, and it was his turn to moan gutturally.
"There's more where this came from," Gene assured her as he picked up the pace, and she gasped at the force of his entry. Three quick and sharp powerful thrusts whisked away her breath, and her eyes widened. A low growl escaped her throat, and she shivered with bliss.
"Harder, you don't have to hold back," she hissed through clenched teeth. "I can take it…"
Gene's look of delight warmed her even more, and he proceeded to increase his tempo. Now each thrust seemed to drive him deeper inside, and she felt him filling her more tightly then before. It seemed as if he couldn't fill her enough, she desired him so much, and didn't realize till then how much she'd missed the feel of a man's hands on her flesh. Each kiss, each caress and each thrust drove her closer to the brink of sheer insane bliss, she felt as if her brain and body were heating up to a million degrees.
He wiped away the sweat, struggling to keep his mind in focus. If he let go for a second he'd destroy the beautiful creature that he was having sex with… no making love to. Dare he think that's what it was, for he saw her yielding and opening herself to him with raw abandon, humming in absolute joy at what they were sharing. That smile that lit up her face and the glistening drops of sweat made her a more beautiful and exotic find to him.
"So wonderful, so much passion, so much pleasure I could stay here forever," she growled as she reached up to run her fingernails up and down his thighs, and grab his backside to hold him inside as he drove her to another shattering climax.
***
Thunder boomed in her ears, and Dominique opened her eyes to darkness. Rain pattered insistently against the glass, and she shivered at the force of the wind whistling and rattling the panes. She moved closer to her lover, and rested her chin in the fold of his shoulder as she reached around to hug him from behind. However Gene began to writhe and squirm, letting out a low moan.
She was afraid he was rejecting her, while she heard a muttering and felt his body jerking back and forth. "Gene I'm sorry…"
Yet he didn't answer, and she knew she wasn't the cause of his discomfort. He thrashed, his arm almost socking her in the face. The snorts became growls, and then she could swear that they sounded more like an animal fighting and struggling with something. His fingers raised up and clawed at the air, curling like talons into the night as he ripped at an unseen enemy. A loud snarl startled her as Gene sat upright, shifting the bed with a jerk that threw her to the side. The snarling grew in volume, Gene's fingers gripping the edge of the counterpane. She saw his features in the light of a single beam of orange luminescence from the street lamps outside cast across their bed.
"Gene… wake up…" she gasped, shivering. If he was asleep should she try to wake him? He had to be asleep because she couldn't imagine him wanting to scare her away when they had pounded one another to oblivion in the throws of passion.
His head snapped around, and two red coals glowed in the shadow of his face. She let out a gasp and fell back in shock as a hand pinned her down. Twisting away she was all set to retaliate when she heard a snort that sounded more like a strangled snore, and felt the bed shift as he plopped back down. The hand lost its firmness and lay like a dead weight across her chest.
"Oh shit, oh shit," she cursed, turning over and hugging herself as she felt the weight of his arm, and the racing of her thoughts. Her whole body shivered and she felt her teeth chattering in her head.
Wait. If he was… Then did it mean… or had she imagined it? She pinched herself to see if she was awake, and jolted to a higher level of awareness. Gene's loud snore cut through, and she flinched, then laughed in relief. Maybe she had been dreaming after all. And even if she wasn’t…. That changed everything.
Was she possibly not the only one with a dark secret that was hidden tightly behind the shutters of a 'normal' life? What was normal, she wondered as she lay there, slowly willing her racing heart to slow down as she turned over and watched him sleep? He turned over and muttered, licking his lips as he still snored softly this time. Although now he faced her, and she saw his dark hair curling around the pillow and very human features in the orange sodium glow.
"There's more to you then meets the eye, isn't there, Gene?" she whispered. "And how much should I try and find out? Other then that I must be nuts."
"Hmmm," he muttered in a half dream, and his arm stretched out to lay over her. It pulled her toward him, and she went to his arms, feeling both frightened and thrilled that he wanted someone close.
She was not alone anymore. Snaking her arms around his neck she drew her body close so his sweaty skin touched hers, and sought his lips. She felt the strong exhalation of his breath in response, and suddenly felt very weary as her head hit the pillow next to him. The last thing she remembered was Gene's arm pulling her tightly to him, and the sound of his snores in her ear.
***