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Disclaimer: Darkhorse Comics owns the rights to the most recent KISS comics. Original comic book was copyright by Marvel Comics. KISS is their own organization. This is the work of dedicated fans for entertainment purposes only. This is being written without the consent of those involved, and is NOT FOR PROFIT! All other characters (OC) are propertry of Christine Criss and StarbearerTM. No harm is intended to any parties involved. Story rated R for adult situations and strong language!
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Chapter 5-The Demon Finds Another "Monster"
Something was clutching her close, and she blinked open her eyes to darkness. Her body jolted as if she had a very heavy sleep shrugged in seconds, and suddenly she was sitting upright in bed. There was the familiar feel of sheets, and Dominique gasped, panting. Next to her she saw the shifting of sheets, and saw it was a man.
"You have a lot of explaining to do, Mister Simmons!" she said angrily. The shape moved and she was all set to unleash her tirade as she heard the sound of a snore, and he turned over on his back. She shook him angrily, and he muttered and turned on his side, away from her. Dominique pushed the sheets off and stood up, on shaky legs.
"You have a lot of damn NERVE putting a sleep drug into my drink, you asshole. I'm glad you saved my life, but shit Gene…" she got out.
"Dom…" he moaned, and she turned her back, fumbling and bumping against an unknown piece of furniture. There was a feeling of unfamiliarity in her body, and she heard a low growling.
"Gene, don't even TRY to screw with me…" she mumbled. Again the noise startled her, and she opened her eyes, freezing still. She felt something behind was Gene, slumbering in the bed. But what was that loud shouting that she heard. She shivered and wondered if she should wake Gene, and demand why in hell she was here, what happened, and why he drugged her, and what he was going to do with her. Sighing she moved back to the bed, and realized she was wearing a long silken sheath nightgown. It shone ghostly in the light of the moon, which was full, and she saw it pouring through a huge window. Were they in his apartment? She couldn't see anything except the silver outlines, and there were no switches or lamps nearby. Sighing, she let her anger fade and moved over to the bed, sitting on it, and reaching her hand out to nudge him. He seemed dead to the world, snoring loudly. Was she crazy or did it sound like growling? He thrashed and jerked under her hand, and she moved up in surprise.
"Gene…" she whispered. Did she dare wake him?
"No… can't… Paul I can't…" he growled, and thrashed, almost throwing her off of him.
"Gene… wake up… it's okay… it's Dominique … I just want to know what's going on… why did you drug me… where did you take me… if you're angry you have a right to be, but fuck it... so do I… so please wake up and tell me what's going on?" she shushed him. He thrashed back and forth, snorting and moaning.
"He left US… he went into space…" Gene growled, and his voice seemed different. She gasped, realizing it was happening again. What did she do…?
"Who went into space, Gene?" she asked, wiping the sweat off his forehead. Concern for his welfare overrode her anger at the 'drugging' and she remembered that he had saved her life. For whatever reason she was here with him, instead of with the Syndicate and for that alone she owed him everything. A sense of protectiveness came over her, and she forgot her anger. Even IF he had drugged her, maybe it was to protect her in a way. Maybe he did that to ALL his employees. And hadn't he given her his promise that no harm would come to her?
"God I’m so confused… Gene please wake up and talk to me… please tell me… I'm thankful you saved my life, but I'm scared… I…" she got out.
"The Space man… he abandoned us… and you… you left Paul… damn you… where did you go?" Gene snarled, his voice dropping almost an octave. It was staggering and full of power, and frightening.
"I'm not Paul, I'm Domino… you gave me that nickname…" she urged. "It's all right… I just want to know where we are… and why…"
"I stayed behind, I dealt with it… and you all left me…" he gritted. "I owe you NOTHING… because you abandoned ME. So don't even START with me…"
"Gene!" she gasped, as she felt his hands seize her arms. "Please wake up… you're having a nightmare! God damn it… I need answers!"
His hands gripped her, and she felt his fingers clench, and could swear it felt like nails biting into her skin. She bit her tongue, afraid to speak as the texture of his skin changed, and something resembling a feral roar escaped his throat. She could not move as he flipped her over, and pinned her down.
"Gene, its me, Dominique. Wake up now!" she shouted. "I know you won't hurt me!"
"So soft, so supple," he growled as his grip decreased, and she realized he was rubbing her in a way that didn't indicate an enemy.
"Gene… please… what…" she got out, panicking.
"Mmm, you're a woman… yesss…. Very good."
"Gene don't you recognize me? You brought me here… you saved my life and now you're scaring the SHIT out of me…"
"Your life belongs to me, and I have NO intention of harming you," he growled lasciviously. "In fact I'm going to make you VERY welcome…"
"That's right… I trust you Gene… wake up… please…" she whispered, reaching up and caressing his cheek. She was sure he wouldn't hurt her, but why wouldn’t he wake up? What had taken hold of him? Reaching between them she seized him, hoping that would get his attention. A low growl was her answer, and she was pinned down as something warm and wet traced over her breasts and body. She shivered and gasped at hot breath, and her eyes widened when she felt that something far more massive was in her arms.
"Do that again, baby, I want you… I need you… to do that again…" he whispered. She shivered and let out a cry as something traced down her belly, and she felt her body quivering. It seemed to have lost all its power as a claw pinned her down, and the other was rubbing and squeezing all over her body, touching her in all the places that would make her squeal with delight.
"Gene oh god… what are you doing… I… oh god…" she gasped. He was forceful, but not pinching hard enough to cause her undue pain. Something parted her legs, and she screamed as the hot and wet thing slithered between her legs and into her core. It felt alive like a serpent, and she realized WHAT it was, and moaned as her legs clamped around his neck. Lips fastened to her, and she screamed aloud as he feasted on her like no man had done before or since. She could swear she had exploded and was reduced to a weak and quivering baby as she sobbed with delight and joy.
"You're mine," he growled, and she felt him turn her over. She barely had the strength to reach up and touch him, and her fingers stiffened. It was flesh, but harder and stronger like the hide of an elephant, and his hair was very long as he plundered her chest, and something like fangs sank into her neck. She arched under him and then felt him part her legs. When she saw him over her she cried out in fear as she saw the red eyes gleaming into hers, and heard the voice that sounded like thunder trapped in a bottle.
"I know you won't hurt me, please wake up," she pleaded.
"You're mine," he growled, and she seized him in the most sensitive place, and gasped. "None will harm you while I am your master…"
"Good god," she cried, paralyzed with fear and amazement. "I never thought… I know you won't hurt me, please wake up… oh GOD…"
"You will not be harmed, you aren't in danger, THEY are… and they'll never find you… while I'm here…" he rumbled as he moved over her and she had not the strength to resist him. She closed her eyes, knowing that there was nothing she could do. His touches were like magic, and she didn't want them to stop, as he tasted her body with his lips and hot breath, his body burning against hers. His claw grabbed her wrist and held it where it was, and she felt her fingers quaking at the scale of what she felt.
"I trust you, I trust you," she whimpered. "I know you won't hurt me…"
"Never, because you're mine, and I'm going to give you something that will make you FORGET your fears… all but your own DESIRE!" he growled and she cried out when he thrust himself inside, and she felt like she was going to die.
"I can't… too much," she cried, and he stayed still, breath panting into her face as he arched up over her, and she squirmed on his massiveness.
"Ohh yes, perfect… you ARE the right one…" he laughed with a deep rumbling that vibrated them both. "See how your body's adjusting to mine…"
"Gene please…" she whispered. "I can't…"
"You can," he growled deeply. "I want you now… I ache, I thirst… for the pleasure of a woman, and you are whom I choose…"
Dominique shivered and whimpered as he remained perfectly still, his tongue licking her tears, and his body arching over hers. He did not invade her, but merely bathed her body with hot breath and hot kisses and nips. He had been sizable before, but this was something that seemed hardly possible for him. Hard muscle, far more powerful than any body builder arched over her, and came to life under her touch. Glowing red coals took in the sight of her body, and she could swear that the face that regarded her was no longer human, but something out of someone's nightmare. He was perfectly still, his claws down on either side, and she was impaled on his demonhood. Her power surged inside her, a defense mechanism, and she felt something leave her and enter him.
"Gene… please don't hurt me…" she pleaded.
"Never, I'll never hurt you, you have my word," he growled. "I will protect you, and show you what you need to know. You're just like me, Domino. Just like me… and you're mine… I can make you feel VERY good. VERY satisfied…"
"How…"
He answered with a slow thrust, and she clung to him weeping. Then again he stopped, and she felt his tongue slide into her mouth, and his lips fasten to hers as he gave her a soul-searing kiss. Fire rushed over her, and she felt a sense of bliss that was far greater than anything she had ever felt before did.
"Submit to me, and you'll never fear again. None shall harm you while I am your lord and master. The mate of the Demon himself will suffer no harm from her enemies or his. And your pleasure will be untold…"
"Oh god who are you…" she gasped. "I've never…"
"Your fate!" He roared, and she felt him moving wildly inside of her. She cried and whimpered, feeling painful ecstasy at his entry. Her fingers traced over his flesh, and she could not control the raw fear and energy that bathed him in its glow. Iron, steel, hard metals flowed through her mind, and he laughed at the surge of power.
"You cannot harm me…" he laughed. "You need not fear… for I have you now… and you'll never be the same…"
"Please don't hurt me…" she begged.
"Never," he growled into her ear. "None will hurt you, I swear…"
***
"OH my GOD…" She screamed as she felt her whole body exploding with the orgasm to end all others, and then she found herself sitting bold upright in bed. Her scream sounded in her own ears, and she realized she was laying alone, her body soaking the sheets with sweat. At first she thought that she would be in incredible pain, but although her body tingled, she felt nothing more then the usual aches from what a man and woman did.
"Domino, wake up, it's me… Gene," came his voice, and she shivered in his arms, clinging to someone who felt very human. "It's all right, you're safe… nobody's going to hurt you…"
"Oh god… what happened…" she stammered, glancing at Gene who was sitting next to her, holding her tightly in his arms.
"You were crying out in your sleep… you'd fallen asleep and…"
"But I saw… I saw…" she got out. She suddenly realized she was fully clothed, and it was daylight. She lay on a large bed, in a huge room, and Gene was sitting on the edge of the massive king sized bed, in his double breasted, gray suit. All around the room her eyes darted, and she realized the ceiling was at least fifteen feet high, and the walls were paneled like a European palace, French renaissance. Large mirrors were set in the high walls, while tapestries hung here and there depicting large dragons from mediaeval and Chinese legends.
"It's all right," he said. She fell into his arms, crying hard, and he rocked her. A luxuriously silk quilted bedspread stretched over her body, and she realized the sheets were 500-count percale. Above soared a canopy, like one of those European style four posters, and she wondered if they were in some European chateau by the look.
"You didn't suddenly change did you?" she asked.
'Why do you ask?" he said, pulling apart and stroking her cheek.
"I thought I heard something and then…"
"You were asleep, and then you started thrashing," Gene shook his head. "Must have been one HELL of a nightmare…"
"I guess so… but it wasn't ALL bad… I dreamed that… I dreamed that some vampire had crawled into bed and started giving me the fuck of my life…"
"Sounds VERY interesting…" Gene said with a nervous laugh.
"Probably too many horror movies…" she said, realizing that even if it HAD happened, how could she be sure…
"What SORT of vampire?" he asked.
"It's ridiculous… not so much a vampire, as a… well it was hard to see… like a werewolf… with fangs and claws… and a very LARGE attribute…"
"Hmmm…" he said.
"Now wait a minute why are we talking about… you have a LOT of explaining to do Mr. Simmons!" she got out, remembering she was angry with him.
"I suppose you have a lot of questions," he said, noticing her anger.
"Why did you give me that damn sleeping drug. Was this some sick GAME…"
"This is the most dangerous game, Domino," he said seriously, as he cut her off with a look that meant business. "And if you'll just shut up for a moment I'll explain WHY."
"Don't you even THINK of talking to me like that, you son of a bitch!" she snarled. "I'm not some toy for your damn amusement. You saved my life, and I'm GLAD, but I'm not going to subject to be studied like a damn LAB rat because of my…"
"Is THAT what you think this is?" Gene asked, looking hurt and angry. "Do you think I ENJOYED bringing you here? That I planned on all this? I drugged you to protect yourself because you needed the sleep. Nothing subversive and nothing sick. That's all. Since you have drawn your own conclusions, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised."
"No that's not what I mean… I'm thankful you saved my life, but I’m scared shitless…" she got out. Her anger softened to mush by the pained look in his dark brown eyes as he turned away, and thrust his hands into his pockets. Gene said nothing for a long time, just stood there and glanced out the window. She turned over and slowly walked over to touch him. "Please, Mr. Simmons… Gene… I didn't mean that at all I'm just… I'm so scared… good God Gene… please turn around and talk to me. I guess I owe you everything but I just don't understand… can't you see that this is driving me mad?"
"It's driving me mad too," Gene said softly, as he sighed.
"Huh?" she asked as she leaned her cheek against his back.
"I shouldn't have been so angry, but I thought you trusted me," he said.
"Gene that's not fair," she said angrily. "Wouldn't YOU feel the same way in MY position?"
"I suppose I deserved that," Gene said as he turned around as he realized he WAS being unfair in expecting her to suddenly and blindly accept all the conditions of her safety.
"I guess this means I blew it. I pissed you off, huh?" she said slowly. "God… I'm sorry. I know you wanted to help… and now I've blamed you for something stupid when I owe you my life… some thanks huh? I guess you want me to leave. If you like I'll just let your guys take me and do whatever tests you think are necessary to protect me from myself…"
"Dom, please, I can be an ass sometimes, but I'm trying to give you a break. And myself. I totally forgot that you're not used to these things that I consider a fact of life," Gene said as he took the hand she put on his chest, and she buried her face in his chest, hugging him tightly.
"You want me to leave?" she asked.
"No," he said. "Don't even think about it…"
"I am sorry I yelled at you…" she apologized again.
"There's no need to apologize, sweetheart, you're scared, and it's natural to snap someone's head off," he chuckled. "If you keep apologizing I'm going to have to take drastic action…"
"What sort... of drastic action?" she asked, noticing the lascivious look in his brown eyes. Bless him, he was distracting her with that all too human need, and it seemed just the ticket.
"Ohh, like having a little chat. About something that I was going to talk to you about before we were so rudely interrupted."
"You mean the one I half ignored?" she said with a sad laugh.
"Mmm hmm," he nodded, turning her to face him. His fingers traveled from her shoulders and ran over her breasts, then down her body. Fear melted away in the onrush of sexual desire, and she felt his fingers tugging on the edge of her shirt.
"Oh damn," she got out as he pulled her shirt up and off, and tossed it down. The feel of his eyes on her bared skin was enough to drive her insane, and she closed her eyes as she felt his lips moving over her flesh, and his hair tickling her skin. With one hand she held him there, massaging the back of his neck. He gave each side equal attention, and she realized how funny it was, her bared to the waist, and him in full business suit.
"I take it this means we're ok?" she asked.
"More than that," Gene said with a laugh as he kissed her chest. "Now… since I saved your life… I think there's something that you wanted to say…"
"I guess that means that I owe you everything, and my life belongs to you?" she laughed.
"You could say that, but what I chose to do with it is nothing so boring as that, but this…"
She glanced down at him as he raised his head, and held her hips in his powerful hands. Slowly he was tugging at her sweat pants, and she flushed as she slid her hands into his coat, and then unbuttoned his suit jacket, and slid her hands between the layers of cloth. Gene's amused smile encouraged her, and she realized she had control now. He took her hand and led her over to the large bed, and sat down. Holding out his hand he gave her a dark look of desire that shook her to the core. She realized that whatever had just happened, the feeling that they had shared was the same. And nothing could change it.
"You're in the driver's seat, Domino," he whispered. "And you're driving me crazy…"
"I like driving you crazy," she whispered, shifting on his lap. Slowly she unbuttoned his suit jacket, and spread the halves aside. Underneath he wore the same style of vest, and she slid her hands between the layers of cloth.
"You know what would help?" he asked with a smile.
"Me evening the odds?" she asked, as she reached to unfasten his tie. Gene stopped her with his hand closing over hers.
"No, you showing me every inch of your lovely body," he breathed into her ear, in a tone that was a command she could not disobey.
"I thought you saw me before," she teased, giddy with the relief that she was safe.
"Correction, I was going to admire the view in full daylight till we were rudely interrupted…"
Getting off his lap she slowly backed up, and moved just out of his reach, and shimmied out of her long leggings. He seemed quite pleased at the slow peeling down her legs, and she moved close. His hand lifted to tug at her underwear, but she put a hand on his, and he smiled up at her. It was the next to go, and she stood there, watching the expression of desire move over his face as she was bared before him. For a moment she folded her hands over her chest.
"That's not fair you know… I want to see every inch of you…"
"As you wish," she said, overcoming shyness and letting him look. Slowly she turned around, letting him see every curve of her body.
"Perfect," he nodded with an almost critical eye, and she moved to sit on his lap. The feel of his clothing under her bare flesh was an odd and erotic sensation, and she reveled at the feel of the soft wool of his suit. Sliding her hands into his jacket, she felt his body under the fabric, and slowly moved her hands around to his back. He captured her breasts in his hands, and her lips in his. She thought she was in control, but she wondered when he thrust his tongue into her mouth, and played with her bare and goose-pimpled skin. Up and down he traced with fingertips, and she almost forgot where her hands were as he continued to make her moan softly with his teasing.
She couldn't touch him, she realized. It was another game, because he could do anything he wanted to her, straddling him, and she would be challenged to evoke the same response in him. Gently she moved so her body was pressed to his, and she could feel the cold buttons of his vest against her hot chest. He lay back a bit, his hands at his sides as he fell into her kiss, and she knew his taste in her mouth. Gene shrugged out of his jacket, leaving himself in his vest, and shirtsleeves. Indeed he had cufflinks, for they were more visible now that they did not disappear under his jacket sleeves. Slowly she rocked her hips, and heard his soft groan, knowing she was getting to him. It was a cozy repeat of last night, and she felt no fear as his hands lifted up, and she restrained them with her own. Dominique simply enjoyed the pleasure of kissing him, and exploring his mouth with her own, rubbing her body against his suit. She was teasing him, and he was enjoying every minute.
Seizing her, he let out a playful growl, and it surprised her when he pinned her under his body. The bed was under her, soft, and his body was hard and firm and strong, pressing from above. Dominique held him close, as he kissed down her chest, and straddled her, his hands restraining hers for a change. She knew that no one would dare hurt her with him there. How could they reach her with two hundred and fifty pounds of solid man flesh on top of her? More to the point, how could they know where she was, if she had no clue?
"You feel so good," she whispered. "Don't worry, I won't break…"
"I'm glad," he chuckled as he rested his full weight on her body, and she sighed at how it pressed her down.
"So safe, so content," she purred as she accepted another kiss, and Gene took his leisurely time tasting her as thoroughly as possible. There seemed to be no hurry as he rested on her, and stroked her cheeks, locking her lips in a slow burning kiss that made her burn like magma under pressure. He moved off of her a bit, and parted her knees so he lay between them, and rested his weight on her again. The feel of her intimate embrace below made her gasp, for she could feel his body heat radiating through his fine suit, pressed up to hers with its texture. The hardness of his body was close, and she cursed the barrier of his pants that kept him separate from her. Dominique inhaled his scent, kissing his ear and nibbling on it as he kissed her neck, and nipped it with his teeth lightly. He raised himself off of her with one arm, and looked down at her. Teasingly he rubbed himself up against her, and she moaned for she was at his mercy.
"You feel like you're losing control yet?" he asked, seriously.
"I don't know…"
"I trust you. You're making me feel so hot and bothered," he whispered in her ear. "And you're being a very naughty girl…"
"I like having you at my mercy, but I think I'm at yours…" she laughed. "Too bad I didn’t' wear those garters. Honestly, getting me those! You men think that women actually WEAR them all the time?"
"Don't you?" he winked.
"I'll let YOU decide," she said huskily, and squirmed under him.
"Domino love," he whispered. "Just let me know. If this gets to be too much, let me know… and I'll stop…"
"I'll let you know," she whispered as he caressed her cheek, and she pulled him back down on top of her.
"Lover?" she whispered.
"Yes?" he muttered back.
"Where ARE we?"
"My house in the country," Gene said as he kissed her ear softly.
"Am I allowed to ask in what town?" she wondered.
"West Chester," he murmured, nibbling on her earlobe as his hands caressed her breasts, and then he pressed a kiss to the hollow of her neck.
"One hell of a guestroom."
"What makes you think this is the guestroom?" he said as he raised an eyebrow.
Dominique blushed at the implication, and Gene gave her a meaningful smile. For a moment the businessman demeanor was gone, and she glimpsed who he really was. Gene moved off of her, and sat up, reaching to loosen his tie. She reached up to touch the buttons on his shirt, but he stopped her, shaking his finger at her.
"My turn to give you a show love," he teased as he disrobed before her. Dominique realized that although they had seen one another before, he was giving her a tantalizing preview by unbuttoning his vest, and lazily removing it. Next came the shirt, and shoes. Each item he lay carefully over a chair, or set next to the bed. Then he sat on the edge of the bed, and slowly crawled across it with a playful grin on his face. Bare skin met, with his pants still a barrier between them, and she pulled him down. Her hands plunged into his dark hair, feeling it slick with the product he used to style it. His cologne was something halfway between musk and a powerful leather scent that heightened her arousal. In comparison she felt very different, with only the smells of her shampoo, and the remainder of her favorite Ciara perfume. Probably FAR less expensive, because it was the imitation she could get at CVS, not the 'real' scent.
Gene moved off her again, and he peeled back the covers to slide between them. His arms closed around her, and he pulled her hands down to his belt. A slow nod indicated she was allowed to do this honor, and the last layers slid to the floor, rather lazily. He whispered as he pulled her back down under the sheets with him. She tossed her head and moaned, and Gene's strong hands in the darkness of the bedroom lifted her up and set her where he most wanted her.
"Oho jeez, you DID miss me," she panted as he settled into place and she glanced down at him, perfectly content, in the light of the setting sun.
"What do YOU think?" he asked, thrusting up, and making her gasp. She was impaled, and it felt painfully good. At least she wasn't thinking about someone following her. But she was still worried as she rolled her hips, and caressed his cheek.
"You're something else," she whispered, and her words disappeared in gasps as he increased his pace, encouraging her to keep up. Dominique lay on her back, and showed her trust in this most basic of positions. To tell the truth, she didn't even feel like experimenting as they had done before, because all she wanted was to please him, and thank him in some way for saving her life. She did, breathless with her heart pounding as she accommodated him, and did her best to make him feel very comfortable in his bed and home. That tingling sensation came from inside, and she cried out in alarm.
"That's it, relax," He whispered, kissing down her bared shoulder as he climbed on top of her. She hungrily explored his broad shoulders and strong arms that held her close, and then massaged every part of his body she could reach. Gene's moans were driving her crazy, and she could not concentrate on keeping it focussed. He stopped, noticing the tension in her body. "You need to stop?" he panted.
"I… don't want to stop… but I don't know if I can… stop my power… oh god this is so unfair…"
"I trust you, and you WON'T lose control," Gene said firmly as he thrust up into her, and forced her to look him right in the eyes. "Just focus RIGHT here… right here…"
"I'm trying… oh god… you're making me feel… feel so…" she choked, and let out a cry as he drove her to an orgasm. He held her hips and thrust deeply, making her reel and she fixed her gaze right into his, panting and whimpering.
"Focus RIGHT on me… you CAN keep control, you CAN…" he gasped. If anything he feared losing control even more then she did, but both of them felt something building between them, and were it her imagination or did something surge between them both? It burst into her body like fire, spreading its radiance all over, and she could swear she had seen a flash of red. AT first she figured it was her power activating and then flaring down. Gene squeezed his eyes shut as he came, and let out a loud cry that sounded almost like a strangled roar.
She lay in his arms, purring like a kitten in the afterglow. Gene panted, sweat all over his body as he lay her across him, and caught his breath. He hoped she would fall asleep, because he sensed that she had little rest in the past 24 hours. Also, he hoped he wouldn't have another nightmare…
***
"Love?" she whispered as she came to, and realized that she hadn't heard that strange growling. Rather she had been out in a deep sleep that still hung close to her body. Across her chest, his arm held her close, and she felt the rising and falling of his chest against her back. In the whole expanse of bed, they were nestled together someplace in the middle. She blinked and realized that she could see them lying there together in the mirrors that rose along one side of the wall. Purely for decoration they were, with frosted marble detailing that broke up the beveled panes.
Two realizations surfaced. Dominique suddenly realized that she was indeed in his private room, because she saw the door to a large walk in closet ajar, with a hint of neat racks of suits and other men's clothes partly visible. Massive dressers were decorated with a few brass framed photos, and if she squinted she could make out a picture of him and three other men that seemed as if it were taken fifteen years ago. They were all teenagers, with bushy hairdos; bell bottomed pants, and silly shit eating grins as if they knew everything, with the arrogance of teenage boys on the threshold of manhood. Must be his friends.
Secondly she realized that he could have rushed her off to a laboratory if he was that sure she had to be studied. While she did not know the full extent of Simmons Foundation research, she did recall the animal testing labs, and the biotech rooms with huge computer banks and facilities. She remembered hearing that the Foundation was buying a hospital, which specialized in burn treatments. In fact one of her first jobs was to develop a new sort of artificial skin, and test it as a bandage. From there she had gone into instrumentation that studied the structure of human DNA and trace levels of metals.
From the bulletins about the company, for which she'd been working about three years or more, she knew little about its founder. Odd that she was in bed with him, now, and he seemed so human, so normal. Yet he had said that he had facilities to study her powers. Were there OTHERS like herself that were being studied in secret facilities? Before she had spent that first night there, Dominique knew Gene had an apartment in the city. However she had no idea this home even existed. He was a private man, and the third realization came crashing in. He had let her into a very private area of his life by even letting her sleep in the same bed as he. Without insisting she show him every nuance of her powers. Why was it her he was interested in, when she was sure he'd had ample opportunity to find a lover over the years?
Maybe she was just in the right place at the right time.
Just how long was she going to have to stay here, and what in hell happened to her apartment, she wondered. She turned over in his arms, and saw him fast asleep. For a while she lay there, stroking his cheek and admiring his features as he slept. Enjoyed being held in his strong arms and lay in the soft bed that seemed a luxurious environment of its own in comparison to the double she had at home. Would she have to go get clothing? Or would she have to live, sequestered away like a fugitive till Gene and his Foundation could get to the bottom of those members of the Syndicate chasing her?
His eyes opened, and he smiled at her. "Good morning, angel. Sleep good?"
"Yes, very well," she nodded, and saw him automatically lean forward to kiss her. The use of a nickname melted her, and she realized how serious this was getting. Now he was letting her in. Was it because he felt sorry for her, or was it just plain and simple attraction between a man and a woman? Dominique pushed away her doubts and settled for the latter. It was much nicer.
"Good, because we have a big day ahead of us…" he murmured in her ear, and she delighted that he pulled her head to rest on his chest, and fondle her soft hair. She lay on her side, and listened to his heartbeat, letting out a contented sigh.
"Yeah, you said something about helping test my powers?" she lifted an eyebrow, and stroked her fingers through his chest hair.
"The first test you passed with flying colors," he winked, as he lovingly stroked her breast.
"I hope it's only performed under precision conditions," she half teased, to probe his reaction.
"Very precise," he murmured, tilting her chin and brushing his lips over hers. She tingled quickly, and felt the surge of heat before they both pulled away, intently gazing into one another eyes.
"I'm glad," she whispered. "Because I'd love a reevaluation."
"Consider it done," he whispered. "But we'll have to keep an eye on the time… there's lots to do…"
"Darn, and I was JUST getting comfortable," she pouted.
"I'd love to spend all day debating and evaluating your control," he purred as he kissed her bare shoulder. "But you'll have to be patient. Today is where we help you figure out what you're capable of, and how you can learn to use it so these bastards will never threaten you again…"
"You mean the Syndicate," she said.
"Anyone who would force you to use your abilities for their own gain, and threaten your safety and your life," Gene nodded.
"I'm no superhero," she blushed.
"That's not QUITE what I'm talking about. But you shouldn't be a slave to your powers. Rather you should learn to appreciate them and incorporate them into your life…" Gene said softly as he kissed her cheek, and she returned it with a soft kiss to his sensitive neck.
"So I’m your grasshopper?" she joked. "Who's going to teach me? Are there some OTHER people like me… is this some sort of super hero school?"
"Mmm, not quite… I'll explain it all soon enough, Angel. But first, I think after the nocturnal Olympics I'd love you to join me for some breakfast in bed…"
"I never though YOU would spoil yourself with breakfast in bed," she teased. "You're such a hard worker…" The phone rang, and both of them chuckled at its impeccable timing.
"Sorry," he apologized. "I have to get that…"
"No, go right ahead," she said softly as he lifted himself up off her and crossed his arm over her shoulder to grab the cordless phone. However as she moved to get out of bed, he shook his head to indicate it was not necessary for her to leave.
"Yes… Ah, good morning Sheri. What's that…? Miguel got his butt out of there? Excellent… tell him and Foster to take some time off… No… I'm not expecting to let her go back anytime soon. Did you get anything… what? Yes I know there's been some strange stuff in Central Park but… yes… I know. I've got others working on it. It's not YOUR place to worry about that. I'll be up here most of today… on the Philosopher's project… and is that other matter taken care of? Good. Total blackout and not a word. We need a cover story. I don't KNOW if it's tying in with the other… but I wonder… okay… is there something being sent up? Good. Make sure there's no leak anywhere. A lot of lives are riding on this… thanks Sheri… see you in conference soon…"
"Your secretary?" she asked.
"Mm hmm," he nodded. "Jealous sweetheart?"
"Oh don't even start," she said as she bopped him with the pillow, and he gave her a smug grin. "Now would it be too forward of me to ask if I'm going to be staying her for a long time… and if so… am I allowed to get some of my things? And will you want me to continue working on…"
"Right now, you'll be staying here. Where you'll be safe. And as for your friends and co-workers, all they know is that you're being put under protective custody. That's the cover story. And don’t' worry. I've got someone replacing you on your current project. I've got some work that your expertise can crunch soon. But there are some other matters that are more immediate. Regarding the nature of your powers, and how to help you learn to live with them in a productive manner…"
"Productive for me or you?"
"For you of course," he said, anticipating her hesitation. "You're not the first person that the Foundation has helped with such unique abilities… there are others with such powers that we are even now studying and helping. That's another leg of my business…"
"How is that different from hunting down bounties…"
"Simple. We get to them before the Syndicate or some other clowns do. And determine if it's a threat or not. Either way, there is no gratuitous force required. If it's someone who has difficulty with some para-human abilities we study them and help them learn to live with their unique talents. If it's a criminal, we deal hand in hand with the authorities. Mutants and other matters, we judge accordingly. But you're NOT a freak, and you're NOT a lab rat. You're someone very important to me… and don't think otherwise for a second…"
"I'm sorry I doubted you…" she blushed, and felt another warm tingle at the thought of mattering so much to him. Too good to be true, she hoped not. But why the sudden change, from that aloofness? She didn't want to think about why, but just enjoyed that it was happening.
"I don't blame you, and I was a bit harsh," Gene said with an apology. "And there is a lot you're going to have to learn, if you're going to live successfully with your talents. And it's my job to help you every step of the way…"
"You're so damn nice…"
"It's my job. It's what I do," Gene said softly. "Someone has to."
"Gene…" she mumbled, her eyes darkening with desire, and she leaned forwards to give him a soft kiss. He held her close for a second, but wondered why she pulled away, her face shy.
"Something on your mind?" he asked softly, fingering her cheek.
"You did say we had a busy day," she said quietly. "I just wish that I could spend it all with you… because I think I'm getting used to having you around…"
"I'm glad. That just means we'll have to make the most of the time we have together. C'mere sweetheart," he whispered and pulled her into his arms again. She saw his dark eyes filled with a sincerity that choked her. How could she have ever thought ill of his intentions, she scolded herself. For a time she let him draw her into the circle of his arms and showered him with kisses. Each kiss increased in intensity, and she found him pinning her under the weight of a muscular thigh as he claimed her lips. Her skin tingled with anticipation of a repeat performance, and she was certain it was not far off by the deepening of his kiss, and the warm wet taste of him that she had come to know so well. Their hands roamed over each other's bodies, and she forced all her questions out till the phone rang.
"Yes…" said Gene as he grabbed the phone and still held her in his arms. "Good, bring it up. I'll be taking my breakfast in bed as Sheri said. And you didn't see anything unusual, Winterborne."
"She was the…" got out Dominique.
"You can trust her. I do, and she is one of my best and upright employees," said Gene quickly. "She won't do anything to harm you or compromise you… I promise."
"I'm sorry to be so jumpy."
"Don't be," Gene said as he held her gently down, because she jumped at the click of the door handle. "Come in…"
Dominique pulled the sheets up around her neck, and Gene sat up in bed with the sheets pulled to his waist. The woman they had seen last night, with long blonde hair pulled up in a bun was walking in with a covered tray. She smiled when she saw Dominique, who felt a sense of relief. After all, she was dressed in a modest two piece suit with an at-the-knee skirt and pumps with two-inch heels, instead of a sexy French maid costume. She wondered if Gene always had her waiting on him.
"Good morning Mr. Simmons, Ms. Goldstein. I trust you both slept well," she said brightly.
"Quite well, thank you," Gene said in his best business demeanor. Oddly enough Winterborne didn't seem phased in the slightest to see Gene sitting there with a glorious view of his muscular chest and arms, his hair in disarray, and a sheet that could reveal a lot more if it were pulled a few inches lower.
She smiled when she saw Dominique pulling the sheets up to her chin, and looking a bit embarrassed to be caught in such an intimate setting. "Good morning Miss… hope bagels are all right," she asked.
"Um yeah, great," she said quickly, and felt Gene's reassuring hand squeeze hers.
"Thanks, Winterborne."
"There's some fresh clothes for you Miss, when you're done, and if you need anything, just let me know…"
"Thanks…" Dominique whispered.
"Sorry about the knock out. Mr. Simmons insisted that you needed some rest…" Winterborne confessed.
"I told her," Gene said as he raised a hand. "Is everything secured?"
"Yes," she nodded. "And those items you requested, Sheri is receiving them now and putting them in place… you'll be glad to know Foster and Miguel have just left for their brake."
"Good," he nodded. "Keep me informed of any new activity…"
She nodded and walked out, closing the door behind her. Gene saw Dominique's puzzled look and explained, "she's one of my personal house attendants. And another body guard. Sheri's my assistant, who handles a lot of my calls and personal ordering. And in case you're wondering… they're both sworn to secrecy, and they are both happily involved with one another…"
Dominique laughed and groaned as she sat there. She snagged a bagel off the plate and started to fuss with spreading butter on it. A few poppy seeds almost landed on the bedspread as she bit into it. "Sheesh…"
"And Winterborne will be your personal guard and trainer," Gene added as he poured coffee for both of them, and she gave him a surprised look, with a mouthful of bagel muffling her speech.
"Trainer? Does SHE have powers?" Dominique said through a swallow of coffee and bagel.
"Not THAT sort of training," Gene said, spearing some cream cheese with the knife and spreading it over the bagel he'd whisked off when she wasn't looking. "I've got someone else on that detail. She's an accomplished martial arts teacher. And she expressed interest in your situation."
"I'm not even going to ask," Dominique laughed. "But when are these tests going to take place?"
"Later this morning," he explained, through bites of his breakfast. "I'm going to have to go to a meeting or two… even though I'm here for most of the day; I have some other matters to attend to. But Winterborne will be assigned to make sure you're comfortable, and I have a team of researchers ready to perform some evaluations. Don't be scared. They're professionals. And I'll be back here soon if you want to have lunch with me…"
"Wow, you waste no time," she chuckled, admiring him chew of all things. "I guess there are some things I should and shouldn't know…"
"I'll let you know what they are, Dom," he said softly. "And don’t' worry… I won't be far away…"
"My apartment…" she said softly. "Nobody was hurt were they?"
Gene reached for a bagel, and smeared cream cheese over it, "Not to worry. Nobody was harmed. Miguel managed to draw those operatives away. I've got Foster and Parsifal working on that angle. Trying to track down just who gave the order on the Syndicate to have you tracked, and just HOW they knew your every move…"
"Crap Gene, I could have some bug on me…"
"I checked you quite thoroughly," he said with a lascivious smile. "And there was no surveillance device. And I do have a staff psychic that's Destine, who was making sure that nobody was casing the place. You're quite safe, as long as you keep out of sight, and follow the program."
"Like a good girl," she joked.
"Mmm, not TOO good," he teased. "After all, I don't want to miss ALL the fun…"
"Um how much time do we have… till you have to get to your first meeting?"
"Well, about thirty minutes…" Gene glanced at his clock.
"I was wondering if I could have a second opinion," she winked.
"Hmm, it depends on if you want a thorough examination, or a quick and dirty," he winked sexily, and moved the tray to the side. Dominique leaned over, and he pulled the sheets up over them both as he attempted to cram another session into the next half-hour.
"I'm not boring you am I?" she joked.
"Not at all," Gene responded as he nudged her into the bathroom. "Now hit the showers. I insist ladies first…"
They had both enjoyed greatly, and she felt her skin tingling as she climbed into the vast shower, and let the water hit her at full blast. She heard his voice humming a snatch of song, and saw his form moving as he moved close by the sink. She grabbed the towel from the stand, and for a moment felt odd about him seeing her completely in the buff. But he gave her an appreciative smile as she tentatively held the towel up, and he playfully whisked it off.
"Shame to hide THAT from me," he said.
"Well you ARE shaving," she laughed back. He handed her a robe, and then finished what he was doing. She watched as he let his robe drop, and caught a very nice glimpse of what she'd enjoyed only minutes before as he entered the shower, and set the water running. She gave him a wolf whistle and he chuckled back.
"Go on and get dressed woman," he called playfully from the shower.
***