Succubus on Top CHAPTER 4

DougHe shrugged. Its non a enlarged deal. I wet, its pretty hot, re on the wholey.But I didnt do those things. Its non re altogethery me.She sounds serious bid you. Her name begins with a Gtoo.But its non I swallowed, noting the similarities as well.Doug watched me appraisingly. You cant really blame them. Description-wise, you two match, and alwaysy angiotensin-converting enzyme knows you and Mortensen atomic number 18 chummy not to mention what a zealous cull out you are and all. later onwards they sympathise the story, Casey yet made the brilliant observation that you guys came in to ramher yesterday. You should pee seen the speculation that started.Butthat was nothing. no(prenominal)one at work withal knew Seth and I were dating. I hadnt wanted that widely kn bear. We hadnt done anything.Doug shrugged again, acclivity from the computer. Too high-risk. I wouldnt pose cerebration less of you if you had, you know. Its your business anyway. I groaned. Not when its in print for ein truthone to see.I fancy it was all fictitious, he re headed me with a sly grin, putting on his coat.It is Doug, what am I divergence to do?Dont know, Kincaid. Im sure youll figure something bug out. Maybe start with asking Mortensen wherefore hes putting his fantasies on display for everyone to see. He tweaked my cheek, and I squirmed out of his reach. As for me, Ive got a re pecksal to get to. Big night tomorrow. Later.My shift proceeded miserably after that. Now that I knew what the looks were for, the experience moved into a all told new realm of humiliation. I hated idle speculation, hated muckle estimateing terrible things about me. I mean, it wasnt the like I hadnt ever tied someone up before or had sex in an elevator, alone contend on. It wasnt the soft of thing I wanted battalion to consider publicly. I liked to keep my intimate affairs discreet.I therefore stayed in the makeice as such(prenominal)(prenominal) as possible, s motorcarcely goin g out to help when absolutely necessary, and to check if Seth had returned yet. Finally, a couple hours before closing, I saw him back at his table. I sat d return opposite him in a rage, not even caring what others would think of us being together. wherefore did you do it? Why did you save me in like that?Seth looked up from his salt licktop, his ex shiftion distinctly implying some(prenominal) writing he was work on til now held his prudence much(prenominal) than I did. For all I knew, I was at the sum total of an orgy in some novel now. What?The story I threw the Statesn Mystery onto the table shatteringly. You wrote me in. ImGenevieve.He blinked. No you arent.Oh yeah? How come some(prenominal) our names begin with a G? How come we look as well?You dont look anything like her, he countered.Thats not what half the store thinks. They think shes me They think youve written up a fling we had in an elevator. fruition flashed across his face, and to my horror, he actually smiled. Really? Thats funny.Funny? Its terrible They all think Im a bondage freak.Thetis, he began gently, still damnably serene, I Dont Thetis me. It wont work.I wrote that story, like, vi months ago. Long before I met you. The publishing existence doesnt move that fast.Well, the others dont know that. I h everywhereed on the verge of tears.Id never write in anyone so blatantly.Yeah? Well, they dont know that either, I said, slouching back against my death chair miserably, arms crossed.Seth sighed, his amber brown eye compassionate as he regarded me. Look, do you want me to say something? Tell them that it wasnt you?Lord, that would upright change them even more that it was me. Besides, what are you going to do, bellyache a press conference to clear my name?Im sorry, he told me seriously. I never thinking anything like this would happen. A hesitation. Dodo you still want to go out tomorrow night? I meanif you dontThe old bangly shyness fell oer him, and I couldnt stay ma d.No, I told him. I still want to go, plainlyI think we should, you know, parade up at the concert separately. Most of the staff will be there, you know.He opened his mouth to speak besides then reconsidered. I suspect he had been about to acc make use of me of overreacting, but apparently my radiating delirium made him think relegate of it. Seth wasnt exactly the con movementational type. Or, considering the vagary I was in, perhaps he just wasnt the stupid type.Okay, he last said. Well meet there.Georgina?Looking up, I saw Paige standing over us, objurgation all over her face. I hadnt even noticed her approach. She wore another of her graceful power causes, this conviction in an electric violet that looked stunning with her sliminess skin.Can I speak to you for a few minutes? she asked, odour grim. In private?I followed her to her office, letting her close the door crumb us. Not surprisingly, a copy of American Mystery sat on her desk.So, she began crisply, Ive been hearing some rumors Damn it. Its not me.I proceeded to relate to her my own recent discoveries, pointing out Seths observation concerning how long it took for works to come out in print. When I finished, I think I had mostly convert her of my innocence, though sordid stories flying roughly the workplace still ostensibly distressed her.Studying nothing in particular, Paige drummed her lacquered red nails against the desk as she mind about what to do. This will get cleared up with the staff in clip. That, or theyll just get over it. What I dont like is the thinking of any outsiders drawing conclusions. You do sound like that character, and anyone else who reads the story could view the identical mis debate. I dont want rumors starting that half of Seths reason for working here is that he gets sexual favors on the side, courtesy of our employees.Oh Lord. I cover my face with my get hold ofs, wondering how celebrities dealt with truly large-scale scandals. This small one was bad enough. I wanted to disappear. It tainted the beauty of what Seth and I were nerve-wracking to build.I think the silk hat way to approach this is Her words dropped off as a grimace crossed her face and one hand clutched her stomach.I started toward her. argon you okay?She nodded, forcing a strained smile. Itits nothing.The hell it is. You should call your doctoror at least go home.No, itll pass. Besides, Ive got too much to do. I bring to make the new schedule and go over some inventory stats.Thats crazy. I can do that stuff.She shook her head, careen again, and I argued right back. At last, Paige yielded, which only verified something must be seriously wrong. Those who went head-to-head with her rarely won.So, I finished my shift doing her bare(a) jobs and serving as backup. It was exhausting, but I was bright to do it, still worrying about her and her baby. When we closed, I headed straight over to the suburbs, following the directions Bastien had presumption me.When I pulled up to his field, I could only sit in my car and stare for a few minutes.Now, I had a few grammatical ideas about the American Dream. After all, Id been alive in the days when the stipulation was firstborn coined. Id seen it arise, seen the mythology that surrounded it, seen the white picket fences and cute, well-kept neighborhoods. Id even watched communicate it to Beaver. Seths brother, for example, lived north of the city and had a pretty overnice chunk of it cut out.But this? This was an American Wet Dream.Bastiens abode went on forever, expanding ostentatiously beyond its marble and taupe facade. Even if hed had a wife and family, I doubted they could collapse filled it up, and anyway, the kind of people who lived in these places didnt nurture large families. After all, this was the generation that had, what, 1.75 kids?The garage had three doors, as advertised, and tasteful shrubs and ornamental trees adorn the lawn. Since it was dark now, I couldnt see the re st of the neighborhood in detail, but I suspected Id find more of the same. One house, next door, was lighted up and busy with people. It was even bigger than Bastiens and probably the location of the companionship. be you compensating for something? I asked when the incubus opened his door.Mitch Hunter flashed me the million-dollar grin. My sweet infant, you and I both know thats not true. Love your haircut.Id come as Ta scrapha Hunter, lean and blond, though Id conceded to his earlier com unsheathedts and given myself shoulder-length hair. He kissed my cheek and ushered me inside for a promptly tour.After a few rooms, it all started blurring together. Cherry hardwood floors. Gorgeously multicoloured walls. Sleek black appliances. Wainscoting. A hot tub out back. abounding guest bedrooms to house a Girl Scout troop. And cute, cleverly put knick-knacks everywhere.Isnt this going a blot far? I asked, pointing to a frame copy of the Lords Prayer in the foyer.Tabitha, my love, man cannot survive on refined sugar alone. We can, however, survive on delicious appetizers and hamburgers, so lets head over.We arrived considerably after the starting time, since Id been at work, and the party was in full swing. Maybe I shouldnt have been so quick to dismiss these suburbanites after all.Mitch called a loud voice as we shouldered our way through the people. Most were dressed(p) for the barbecue theme in shorts, T-shirts, and Hawaiian prints.Hey, Bill, returned Bastien, extending his hand to a plain yet well-groomed man with silver-streaked black hair. I recognized him from his photos. Danas husband. This is my sister, Tabitha. Hope you dont mind me bringing her.No, no The more the merrier, I say. He allowed a small, conventionalised laugh and smiled at me, fashioning his eyes crinkle. Especially ones so pretty. Makes me gaze I was a younger man, he teased with a wink. unable(p) to resist, I looked up at him through my lashes and said demurely, Ive always thou ght age was kind of irrelevant, Bill. I held onto his proffered hand. I know Im always happy to learn from those with moreexperience.His eyes widened slightly, lighting with both intrigue and alarm.Well, he said after an uncomfortable moment, I should probably spread myself roughly. He remembered to let go of my hand. Feel free to find something to eat, and dont forget to decide the pool.He glanced at me and my come-hither smile consideringly, hesitated, and then reluctantly departed.Dont ever do that again, hissed Bastien, steering me toward the kitchen by the arm.Do what?Flirt with this group Youre supposed to be bolstering my salubrious image, not leading on my targets husband.I wasnt leading him on. Besides, whats it enumerate? Scandalize them both.No. Dana only. My show.I cut him a look but said nothing. He wanted me as an observer but not a participant. It figured. All the glory for himself, praise from those above. Hed always had this competitive need to make himself shin e. It was one of the things that I liked about him an eager go for to prove himself the best. I retrieve Id had it once too, but not anymore. As far as I was concerned, he was welcome to all the fame and occurrence of this gig.Just play my sweet, angelic sister, he continued in a whisper. Possibly my sweet, angelic, and frigid sister.Moving through the house gave me a see to take in more of the partys theme. Faux palm trees. Glittering, decorative suns everywhere. undersized appetizer tables set up here and there, laden with deviled eggs, cocktail wieners, and cubed cheese. It was silly in some ways, but someone had obviously paid a cope of attention to detail. I appreciated that. All of the guests looked like Bill and Bastien and me, I realized. Clean-cut, with every hair in place. High quality, conservative turn (in a tropical classify of way). Upper-class. White.They freaked me out.The kitchen turn up to be the true hub of food, and I intractable to simply gorge mysel f rather than risk more conversation that capability upset Bastien. I loaded up a paper domicile with a hamburger, potato salad, and some kind of spiritual Jell-O-fruit-whipped-cream hybrid dessert.My efforts to simply eat unnoticed proved futile, as I soon open myself surrounded by a group of women. I didnt know where theyd come from. One minute I was just eating, the next minute six perfect faces were smiling at me. They were like a pack of grand dogs, yipping nonstop, honing in on lone prey. Theyd even managed to separate me from Bastien, all the crack to tear me apart. The incubus now stood across the room with a similarly ravenous group of men, no doubt discussing cigars and lawn mowers. I shot him a panicked look, but he merely shrugged.Mitchs sister, oozed one of the women. I should have known You guys look exactly alike. Well, not exactly alike, tittered another. She wore an appliqu? sweater vest. Yikes.We were just give tongue toing about stamping. Do you stamp, Tab itha?Urn, like use stamps? I asked with a frown. I mean, I mail thingsThe Stepford Wives giggled again at this. Oh Thats so funny.We mean rubber stamps. Arts and crafts stamps, explained one of them. Shed introduced herself as Jody the only name I could remember among the group. Probably because she awaited to have a slightly higher IQ than the rest. And was the only one of us without blond hair. You use them to decorate things. She remove into her purse and produced a small invitation on beautiful ivory cardstock. Scrolling vines and flowers ornament the front.This is the invitation Dana made for this party.I stared. Seriously?Somehow Id imagined the Great Job kind of stamps that teachers used on well-written papers. This was beautifully inked and in different colors. It looked professional, like something from Hallmark.Mitzis having a stamp party next week, exclaimed one of the other women. We could show you how to do it.Oohthat would be so funYes LetsGee, it looks kind of tim e-consuming, I told them, wishing urgently that I was somewhere else. I was sure I could have held my own in a cigar and lawn mower conversation better than a stamping one. I dont think I have the time.Oh, but its so worth it, one assured me earnestly. She wore earrings that spelled ALOHA in dangling letters. Betsey and I made bridal-shower invitations for her sister all day yesterday, and the time flew by. Did you use those cute dove stamps? cooed another, not unlike a dove herself. I spent all Tuesday spirit for those at the mall.Dont you guys work? I asked, wondering at their frequent use of all day. A century ago, I wouldnt have given it a thought. But this was the age of the so-called modern woman. We werent supposed to lounge around in parlors anymore and pass out from wearing corsets.They turned to me, mouths agape.Well, theres so much to do around the house, Jody finally said. Most of us are too busy with those things.Like stamping?Besides, laughed Bitsy or Muffin or whatev er the hell her name was, its not like we need to. Do you have a job?Well, yeahWhats your husband do?Oh. Im not married.This got more stares, and then suddenly they erupted with ideas and suggestions of perfect single men who worked with their husbands.I had to get out of here. Either that or render myself funconscious with the wrought-iron pig wearing an apron that sat on the kitchen table.I turned anxiously to Jody. Didnt I hear there was a pool somewhere?She brightened. There sure is. Ill show you.We extracted ourselves from the others, and she led me toward the back of the house.Sorry if theyre a little overwhelming, she apologized. I sort of feel responsible for their stamping frenzy. The fact that shed used the word frenzy to suck up them made me laugh. How so?I got them into it. Her dark eyes twinkled. Never thought itd go this far, though. I used to be an elementary art teacher, and sometimes they remind me of the kids. Theyre all good souls, though.Why dont you teach anym ore? order of payment pictures with children sounded like a wicked cool job to me. If nothing else, the mark had to be easy.Well, Jack likes me at home, and this way I get to take out my artistic urges on the house and enable the neighbors. Every time I get hooked on a new project, our house takes the brunt of it pottery, beading, watercolorsAnd stamping?She laughed. And stamping.Could you, like, teach part-time and still get everything done around the house?Maybe. But Ive also got my CPFV duties, so my schedules pretty packed.CPFV? Damn. For a minute there, Jody had come outed like a pretty cool person. Youre a member?Her expression registered piano surprise. Yes, of course. We all are. You should come to a meeting someday. I know Dana would love to have you.Where is Dana? I hadnt even seen the main attraction tonight. I mean, Im such a fan and all. When Mitch told me we were coming, I couldnt even believe it.Pursing her lips, she glanced around with a cute frown. Im not reall y sure where she is. Shes probably just mingling. Everyone wants to talk to her. But dont worry youll see her before you leave.Thatd be great.She smiled and gave my hand a quick squeeze. I hope we get to see you around. Oh here we are.We arrived in a massive, glass-encased sunroom containing a crystal bluing pool. It looked lovely and inviting. When Jody asked if I had a suit, I assured her I had one under my clothes and thanked her for helping me. She returned to the main party, and I slipped into a bathroom where I shape-shifted into a turquoise bikini.Some people eyed me curiously, probably wondering who I was, but they left me alone once I was in the pool. I dove under, swimming laps, enjoying the solitude water offered. It had been a long time since Id been able to do this. I knew Seth swam at a topical anaesthetic health club he said it helped clear his head sometimes. He and I would have to go together one of these days. Or better yet, swim in the ocean somewhere. Yes, th at was the way to go. Moonlit beaches and tropical air, outdoor(a) from this crummy rain. Maui. Cancun. Hell, why did we even have to constrain ourselves to North America? We could go to the French Riviera, the Greek IslandsI was so caught up in my fantasies that when I climbed out of the pool, I didnt notice the woman in front of me. I sidestepped, ever quick on my feet, just barely avoiding collision.Sorry, I said. I didnt see I froze. It was Dana.She looked exactly like her promotional pictures. Slim, clean height, shoulder-length black hair, and penetrating blue eyes. Her bio placed her in her forties, but she looked a lot younger than that. The result of all that clean living, I supposed. She wore khaki shorts and a green T-shirt, dispiritedly covered by a white button-up blouse tied in a knot over her stomach.A smooth, cool smile settled on her face, and those eyes reminded me of a tilt seeking out prey.No harm done, she said in that same hypnotic radio voice. I dont thin k weve met. Im Dana. She extended a hand, and I took it.Yes. Of course you are. I mean, I know you are. Ive seen your pictures. Er, I mean, Im a fan and allAnd you are?Oh. Sorry. Im Tabitha Hunter. Mitchs sister. Though maybe you knew that. Everyone says we look alike. I guess we do. Ive never really thought about itmuchYe gods, why was I rambling like this? I had worked dukes and bishops who were ten times scarier than her. They hadnt turned me into a blathering idiot. What was it about one radio bigot that should prove so unsettling?The eyes, I decided. They reflected no warmth. They were shrewd. Conniving. The kind of eyes that warned she had not risen to where she was today without hypervigilance. The kind of eyes that had an agenda.Its nice to meet you, she said, still maintaining that too-perfect smile. I didnt know Mitch had a sister. You seem to beenjoying the pool.Her eyes glanced down over me and back up, suddenly making me feel self-conscious. Water dripped most un tied(p )teringly off of me, and I uneasily wondered if this suit showed too much skin. At least it wasnt white. Bastiens warning about wholesome image came back to me for real, and I understood his concern now. Looking like a strumpet could be bad for his reputation. If he drew whispers and disdain, he might be ostracized from this group and lose access to Dana. Suddenly, Danas frostiness didnt seem so weird. It was disapproval. She had, after all, delivered a whole spiel on the grievous state of todays fashions. Here I was embodying it.Its very nice, I said. One of the, um, best pools Ive swam in.I stopped before I could say something else even more asinine, and silence fell. She looked as though she expected me to continue and could wait all night until I did. Unfortunately, I had no idea what to talk to this weird woman about. My alleged hatred of homosexuals? Ask if she had recommendations for a more modest swimsuit?So, um I began. This barbecue themeits really, uhI was saved just the n sort of by Bastien. He strode up to us, appearing very excited to have found Dana. A sharp look in his eyes said he was less thrilled to see me, in particular in this state, but he kept it masked from the other woman, quite coming off as amiable and charming as ever.Ah, Tabitha, I see youve met our hostess.Yes, agreed Dana. Weve been having a most stimulating conversation. Your sisters quite the wordsmith.I flushed. Bitch. When I was in my zone, I could outtalk her any day.Glad to hear it. My fag Cat here is nothing if not stimulating.Oblivious to my horror over my new nickname, Bastien steered her into some pleasant conversation about the creativity of the party and the beauty of her home. Her demeanor warmed up only a bit from what it was with me. She still came off cool and watchful. Maybe she was always chilly around people, and it wasnt just me. In fact, I thought optimistically, this slightly elevated quest in Bastien might indicate that she wanted to throw him up agai nst a wall.They conversed a bit longer about something I lost rice beer in, and I tried to stay inconspicuous, though I could tell I never dropped off Danas radar. She was studying me, trying to figure me out. Finally, Bastien said auf wiedersehen, and we began our recede toward the front door once Id changed back to decent clothing, of course. Our exit proved more difficult than expected since apparently it was customary to say good-bye to every single person you passed and get continually delayed by meaningless small talk.My God, I exclaimed once we were safely back at his place, that was innervation.He turned on me, anger flashing in those movie-star blue eyes. Are you completely out of your mind?Okay, youre right. Ive been in more annoying situations. Remember that marquis party back in Marseille?Thatthat getup When I first saw you two together, Dana looked ready to explode. Thank goodness this bodys more flat chested than your other one. It saved you from looking like a co mplete pinup.Im sorry, I told him. I was just trying to escape those stamping women and headed for the pool without thinking. I have a suit just like this at home. It was stupidbut I dont really think it caused long-term damage. I hoped.His expression darkened, and he threw himself into one of the living rooms exquisite armchairs. It was covered in white suede. take a breath on it would probably get it dirty.I dont know. She was distant with me you saw it.I was hoping thats how she always is. And she was a bit more responsive with you than me, I offered helpfully.No. You should have seen her when we spoke earlier tonight. Much friendlier. She definitely clammed up with you around.Im sorry, I said again, feeling idiotic. I guess I shouldnt take a front-row seat to this after all. Im cramping your style. Or rather, destroying it.His stormy expression lingered a bit longer, then disappeared like clouds swept away by wind. That was my Bastien. Quick to anger, quick to love. No matter, Fleur .Takes a lot more than you to destroy my style. He patted his lap and grinned. Come here, sis, and Ill tell you the rest of my brilliant plan.I rolled my eyes. Are we that kind of family?His smile broadened, and I sat down, unable to resist that empty-headed charm. He slung his arm around me in an old, familiar way, and I leaned into him. It was nice to have the touch and comfort of another living thing, romantic or not.So theres another part of this wacky plan?Not so much another part as an entirely different plan. A backup plan, if you will.Oh no. Here it comes.Naturally, Id much rather disgrace Dana in a horizontal kind of way, but in the very unlikely event that doesnt work, theres a much less exciting yet hard-hitting way to do it. And youre going to help me.How so?Were going to cut off into her house.