[User] "You might not tell anyone, but the costume designer will definitely know when I can't get into my outfits. Good grief, you think you're being sneaky and your own body gives it away, and I do not have sex with randos off the street, thank you very much. You want in my big girl panties, you've got to get to know me first. Otherwise all those pretentious dicks will think they have the right to fuck me too." Kat's eyes watched the roll travel from the basket to his lips. Damn it...

[Assistant] "Funny, I guess that is true" Alaric said with a chuckle as he admitted that was probably true after all. He raised a brow as he hadn't meant that immediately more like dancing or going to the gym first but her candor was something refreshing. "A point though I wasn't insinuating we do that already" he said with a shrug as he saw her staring at the roll he was eating which he found a bit funny as well.

[User] "That is typically the first thing guys insinuate around me. If it has a hole, they want to fuck it. Some are picky about the hole, some aren't. We've got some producers who are nothing but literal walking cocks. They wag it in people's faces expecting it to be fawned over just for someone to have not even 15 minutes of fame. The better you suck and fuck, the longer you're in the business and the more opportunities you get. Very rarely you get a chance to claw your way to some form of recognition. I mean, what was the first thing you saw me in?" Kat replied.

[Assistant] "Yes I am aware that Hollywood works stupidly and sex is used as a tool or a weapon often" Alaric said with a sigh as he hated a great deal of how the Hollywood men acted and ran things. "I believe it was 40 year old virgin actually" he said with a scratch of his chin as he had to think back a bit to know that. "Though I don't like Steve much as far as films" he said with a shrug.

[User] "He's a pretty nice guy, to be honest. Do you have that type of drama at your work? All these divas over drinking and causing drama? Lounge lizards and Cougars?" Kat leaned back as salads were placed in front of them, "you ever catch any really bad guys?"

[Assistant] "Oh I don't mean I don't like him as a person, just not a big fan of his movies most times" Alaric said with a shake of his head. "Some but usually it is cause of alcohol or unwanted advances" he said with a chuckle from her comment as he drizzled the dressing on the salad and he took a bite. "Well a couple as a security detail but usually I leave that to the police" he said with a nod to her.

[User] Kat sighed down at her bland salad without dressing. She'd compromised with herself. No dressing on her salad, or bread, and she could have a big, juicy steak and maybe talk him into getting a dessert she could take a bite off of, "alcohol... A blessing and a curse depending on the person it affects. The girls I rode out with tonight are too sloshed to walk and are probably going to show up on youtube tomorrow as they puke one themselves. I've already had enough stuff leaked out about me, that I don't need any more negative publicity. Do you have anything posted of you?"

[Assistant] Alaric looked over at her not enjoying eating at all which he thought was a bit depressing that she couldn't even enjoy the food she had which had him frown a bit. "Why do I have a feeling that you would want me to get dessert just so you can get one bite?" he joked though he had a feeling that she actually would ask that. "Lucky it takes a great deal to affect me, I still offer that ride if you would like it" he said with a chuckle at her comment on her friends. "Not really but I do my best to keep a low profile" he said with a shrug.

[User] "If you know any women, you know the majority of us are always after that dessert. I could seriously take a whole cake and eat it by myself sometimes, though being an adult means you resist the temptation with every miserable fiber of your being. So, we compromise. Others order the dessert, therefore all the calories and fats belong to them, and if you sneak a bite or two, it doesn't count." Kat gave Alaric a smug look as she speared a piece of lettuce with her fork. "Do men have things like that? Little loopholes?"

[Assistant] "Ah that would be why I asked after all" he said with a chuckle at her candor about the cake which he enjoyed as well. Alaric dogged into his steak soon after it arrived though thought on what she said. "Well I think guys who are reasonably fit would work more after they ate something like that" he said with a shrug on the matter.

[User] "Weeeeelllll... If we share a dessert, then maybe neither of us will have to count those calories and you don't have to work it off. Deal?" Kat's nose twitched at the fat steak they set in front of her, covered in garlic and chive butter as it melted. "This... is heaven on a plate. Come to Momma, Bessie." Her first bite was nearly orgasmic, crispy on the outside and fork tender on the inside, "mm... how is yours?"

[Assistant] "Then I guess you can pick the dessert then Kat" Alaric said with a chuckle at her offer which he didn't care about the calories anyway but he be fine helping her. He smirked a bit as he could tell she enjoyed the steak maybe a bit more than he thought as he ate his quickly, mostly because he always ate fast but it was juicy and made just perfectly for him. "Perfect though I doubt I liked mine as much as you seem to" he said with a slight smirk.

[User] "Something with fruit so I don't feel as guilty, though chocolate is one of my favorites, oooh, or creme brulee. I could go on for hours about food, if you couldn't tell." Kat raised a brow at him literally wolfing his meal down. Was he starving? Did he not have any money? Were his protein shakes all he was allowed to eat, "ah, you want half of mine? Looks like you took that cow down without even swallowing."

[Assistant] "I don't mind if you want to talk about food, it is a welcome change to normal idiotic conversations I hear in clubs" Alaric said with a shrug as he was enjoying the talk so far and wanted to continue enjoying her company. He wiped his mouth and sipped some of the wine to wash down the steak before he ate the sides a bit more slowly. "I am fine just meat I tend to eat quickly" he said with a slight smile, baring a bit of his fangs and forgetting he even had them. "The dessert is your choice after all" he said with a chuckle.

[User] "Wasn't like I was going to steal it from you. As you said, dessert is coming and I have to save room for my bite or two." Kat took a swig of water to help the juicy steak go down, "what about you? I know my life is public knowledge by now, but I don't know anything about you other than you like cracking heads and eating steak." She moaned as another slice of steak hit her tongue. She'd pay for it tomorrow, damn it.

[Assistant] "If you want to save room then you can give me some of yours but your choice" Alaric said with a shrug as it didn't matter to him much. "Well I don't have much other hobbies other than shooting, some reading as well game every now and then" he said with a raised brow at her saying her life was public knowledge which was somewhat true.

[User] Kat sliced her steak in half and plunked it on his plate. She really shouldn't be eating this heavily at night and she'd get two bites of dessert for doing that. Win win. "What types of games do you play? Card games or are we talking console? I like spades and hearts, and even Canasta."

[Assistant] Alaric withheld himself for a moment as she asked him a question so he thought of an answer before eating the other half of the steak near as fast as the whole first one. "Well I do a bit of console and PC, cards sometimes" he said with a nod as he heard hers which were older than he expected really. "Really not the games I expected you to say at all" he said with a raised brow.

[User] Kat nibbled at a vegetable, spacing out her steak enjoyment, "Mmm... family times. Kinda can't get grandpa to sit still for an x-box adventure, ya know? Be damned hilarious though. Ever watch one of those videos where they toss the controller at the TV and shatter the damn thing? That would be my grandpa after walking into a wall f or the 80th time in a row."

[Assistant] "I didn't say I couldn't play them just didn't expect one as young as you to say them" Alaric said with a slight chuckle at the vision of an older guy tossing a controller at a screen. "Well he would have to learn that is true" he said with a smirk at the thought of it. He soon was done with his own food as she talked a little more than him and he looked at the dessert menu now.

[User] Kat continued to nibble, though he caught her attention as he picked up the dessert placard. Anything, but lemon please and thank you, but since they were his calories, he could choose without her input. Though, they had staged those desserts in a very enticing way. Damn her feminine hormones and sweet tooth, "what games do you play and which consoles do you have?"

[Assistant] He looked over the list and scratched his chin thinking on the options, wondering what he felt like eating at the moment. "Tiramisu something you can eat?" Alaric asked her with a curious tone as eh heard her other question. "Well I do Playstation and mix of RPGs and shooters" he answered waiting on her say on the dessert.

[User] "I used to play World of Warcraft. Shadow priest is my girl, though I won't say no to a lock or a druid. Got a bit too busy to keep playing though and kept getting kicked out of guilds for no show." Kat gave a halfhearted shrug, "ever played it before?"

[Assistant] "A touch though I didn't like the style or fact it couldn't get voice acted scenes like the star wars RPG." Alaric said with a nod. "Guess that is a sure then" he said with a smile as he waved over the waiter to order it.

[User] "They do have cut scenes, but your character isn't really talking in most of them. I do have to admit, I love the Vulpera even though there is a lot of negativity about them. Who can resist those furry batty ears? I mean, I really want to pet them. Do you have any pets?" Kat almost dropped her fork as the waiter was informed that her tiramisu was coming. Oh boy!

[Assistant] "Yes but I mean like full cinematic sort of scenes, now you lost me on that term" he said with a confused expression at her talking about some species in the game. "No, away from my place a bit too much for that, you?" Alaric asked her as a retort question.

[User] "Mn it is a full cinematic. Oh goodness. When you get a chance, Toutube the fall of Ysera. Just not around me. I will be crying and snotting for days if I have to live through that again." Kat started tearing up at the memory and dabbed at her eyes with her napkin, "I have Millie, the most genius of cats at home, but my family mostly takes care of her while I'm out and about. Almost adopted a fox once, too."

[Assistant] "If you say so dear, never saw any that compared" he said with a shrug on the matter as he watched her tear up which had him raise a brow at it. "Ah well then might get along with her then, dogs seem to hate me" Alaric said with a chuckle though he knew why. "Least that's something to know, that you like animals" he said as he soon saw their dessert headed over.

[User] "I love animals. They are the only things that will give you unconditional love. Well, maybe not cats. They'll eat you if you die and they're hungry enough. I just can't stand the thought of leaving a dog at home by themselves all the time. Millie will survive as long as there is food in her dish and something to claw." Kat swallowed thickly as a square of tiramisu with two spoons was set before them.

[Assistant] "Good to know then, yea cats are bit independent animals so less upkeep though usually dicks." he said with a chuckle as that sort of applied to him as well. Alaric nodded at the waiter before they left and handed her spoon to her before he smiled at her gulp which sounded something like she was preparing for something else. "That gulp makes it sound like you are prepped for something else" he joked with her.

[User] Kat waved her spoon at him negligently, eyes still trained on that coffee cocoa confection that was about to be obliterated. He'd have to be quick to get any of it down with her ninja swiping skills in full focus, "ah... cats... dicks... prepared... Ah... are you ready to dig in?" It didn't matter if he was ready, or that she still had vegetables on her plate, her spoon was going for it.

[Assistant] Alaric actually laughed at that as she didn't even make a full sentence just said some of his words back to him as she was honed in on the sugary morsel IN front of her. "Seems I don't have a choice of it at the moment" he said using his own spoon to cut a portion out of the dish before putting it in his mouth and smiling at the succulent taste.

[User] Kat's bottom wiggled in her seat as a sugary explosion hit her tongue. This was better than sex, and payday, and other things that weren't about to be devoured like a lion taking down a sickly gazelle. Her eyes closed in bliss and she moaned around her spoon. Savor it. There was only so much on the plate and she had to share. It wouldn't look right to treat someone for saving her life and then eating his dessert out from under him.

[Assistant] He noted the slight wiggle as she looked a bit like a lioness adjusting to pounce which she basically did with her spoon before she looked to almost have sexual pleasure from eating the dish which he could get though he had a random fun idea that he would say as a joke when they were near done. Alaric soon ate his share of the dish and let her eat as much as she liked though with her leaning forward in her dress he started having other ideas. "I might have a fun idea that involves you getting to eat more of this Kat" he teased her, seeing she wanted more still.

[User] Her lips were poked out in a pout as the dish was empty in 4 bites. They never gave you much to begin with and in fancy schmancy restaurants, there was even less on the plate. Quality over quantity, Kat guessed. She made a soft hmning noise at the sound of his voice, though she wasn't particularly paying attention. Would it be too much to lick the cocoa powder off of the plate?

[Assistant] He chuckled as the dish was small and even more sharing so he had a plan as she looked like she wanted to lick the leftovers off the plate. "Here, go ahead and lick" he said giving her the plate which he waited until she was on the last lick to ask "I could buy whats left of that in the kitchen and you use me as the plate" he said with the most sultry and purring tone to entice her, a finger running along a weakspot on her thigh to drive the point forward.

[User] Kat suckled her spoon for any lasting flavor while she eyed him critically. He was cute, had been polite. Allowed her to have more than one bite of HIS dessert without any complaint and she hadn't had any sex for a while, "alright, but if I don't see a dessert in the car, all bets are off, and no filming. That shit gets leaked too often for my comfort and I will have to come castrate you, then force feed you what I've cut off and you will say please and thank you, or lose other body parts."

[Assistant] He waited as she stared him down which showed she was thinking it over before she agreed though with terms that he was fine with as it stood. "Of course, why would I feel like sharing you and It's fun?" Alaric asked with a devious smirk that showed she wouldn't forget this night easily. He ordered the rest of the tray of the dish and guided the waiter to his car as well her after he paid for it all which was a bit but he knew it would be worth the money.

[User] "You'd be amazed at how many people would cash it in for a big pay day. I've already had one 'leaked' on me. That..." She scowled down at her plate, "that was a huge breech of trust. You sure you're not going to film it?" Kat followed behind him, "I'd meant to treat you for dealing with the creep in the alley way..." Her scowl got deeper and she mentally calculated how much cash she had in her purse to slip into his pillow before she left. Gods, she needed his address so she knew where to have an uber sent, "where, ah... where are we going?"

[Assistant] "I don't need the payday beautiful, your company is more valuable" he said with a bit of a shake of his head, knowing that it was a bit hard to trust in this day and age. "I can turn off my phone and leave it in a drawer to qualm that fear if you need it" Alaric said with a smile, not minding doing a bit more to make her feel comfortable. "Here" he said, pulling up his address on his phone to show her as he knew she want to get the ride there herself.

[User] "There are other ways to film a fucking outside a phone." Kat shivered as memory tried to take the euphoria of a good steak and dessert away from her, "I don't have my phone, so I'll need to borrow yours tomorrow." Well, that was stupid to admit to, but if all else failed, she had stiletto heels and would stab him in his eyeballs if he turned out to be a creep. "For now, you get to be my chauffeur."

[Assistant] "Yes but as I said, your company is worth far more than any film might be." Alaric assured her, guiding her towards a classic 70 charger which he had outfitted with modern insides but still had the big block in the engine bay. "Okay, I have more than one so you can use the personal one while I am working" he said with a nod, opening the door for her with a slight bow to play into her line about chauffeur.

[User] "Wow, nice ride. I only need the phone for a cab tomorrow, or if you kick me out later tonight. Tiramisu doesn't last long when I'm around." Kat gave a small whistle at the car, "I know several people in the business who'd like a chance to test their babies out against yours. Does she have a name?" She sat down, careful of her skirt and then eased her legs inside.

[Assistant] "I don't plan on tossing you out Kat and that I don't mind" he said with a chuckle at that line. "Well they have a tough time keeping up with her and her name is Cherise" Alaric said with a smile, going to his side and starting the car with it signature roar then dull purr as it idled. He got them over to his house quickly as that was the point of the car after all.

[User] "Cherise, huh? Nice to meet you young lady." She gave the dash an affectionate pat after she buckled up, "what's your story? And hers?" She kept an eye out for popular landmarks as they drove. She had a good feeling about this guy, but she'd been wrong before and he was a lot stronger than her. Sex was awesome, but not at the risk of her life.

[Assistant] He revved the engine a touch just to act like she was responding, "She says hi." Alaric said with a smile as the soon pulled up to his condo and he parked in his spot. "Well me is not that much as I just happen to be an old bouncer and bounty hunter that needed a good car so I found her when it looked like crap and fixed it up to where I wanted it" he said with a shrug as he didn't have much of a story.

[User] "Do you have any roommates? Nosy neighbors who will be upset if we make some noise and raise the dead tonight?" Kat glanced around her. The night atmosphere made things look a tad bit creepy, but that was true of her own home, though her house did have the occasional creeper or paparazzi lurking in the bushes. Damn pervs.

[Assistant] "No and no, they know not to bother me on the rare times it gets loud in my part of the place" he said as he got out of the car, and opening her door again. "Oh you saying you are a noisy woman?" Alaric asked teasingly as he locked up the car after she got out of it, guiding her up to his place which was a dark accented but well furnished condo.

[User] "Are you saying you bring women and men here and make them scream?" Kat raised a brow as she wiggled off the seat and onto her feet, "depends. I can be noisy to the right guy. If I'm silent, you ain't doing your job right." She looked around for telltale red lights indicating they were being recorded for security reasons. *wink wink*

[Assistant] "Well the men I make scream elsewhere as I don't like the mess in here" Alaric said with a chuckle. "Well not that type of mess at least" he said with a shrug as he let her look around the place. "Oh I never have a silent lover, that you need not worry about" he said with a bit of a smug look.


[User]
Kayla was out in the back, tanning by the pool. The sun reflected off of her oiled skin, making it shimmer brightly. Her brown eyes were covered with sunglasses and her dark hair was pulled into a messy bun. A black bikini clung to her hourglass figure, barely covering anything. She was relaxed and happy, listening to Morgan Wallen on full blast. When the music faded mid song, signaling she had a text, she reached over and casually grabbed her phone. Her left hand covered up the top of her phone to allow her to read the message. It was from her dad.

Rolling her eyes she opened the app and messaged him back, letting him know she was on her way. Not bothering to cover up, she left her towel outside. She headed inside, removing her sunglasses and placing them on the top of her head. Kayla's breasts bounced in the bikini top and her bottoms only covered her crotch, a string of fabric resting between her ass cheeks.

She walked into the office and scanned the room, noticing a strange man over by the window. She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, turning to face her father. "Daddy? Who is this?" Her voice was laced with sweetness but it held an edge, almost like a poison. Her eyes hardened and narrowed towards the rough looking man. "Is he a business partner of yours daddy? Why do you need me right now?"

Kayla was curious, she couldn't think of any reason she could be needed right now, and it was interrupting her time to tan. She needed to figure out what this was about. "Is this going to be a waste of my time, daddy? You've interrupted my tanning and you know I don't like being interrupted."

[Assistant]
Before Kayla's father could speak, Dorian would turn on his heel to face her. The impudence this girl showed her father's work. Sure he was just a mayor. A small piece of the puzzle but she was truly indifferent to it. Or completely unaware that her father had any importance what so ever. He was just a cash machine. "Daddy was instructed to interrupt your tanning. Now I know you do not like to be interrupted. We both share that. I am Dorian Conti," he spoke to her with an unmoving face.

He was sure she was use to the world melting for her. Well this was a new world she bounced into when she crossed that threshold. Dorian didn't folk for beauty easily. He was human but there were enough times in this world now that he had to wonder. Just how human was he really? His cold hues looked from her crown to her feet and back to her face where his eyes stayed.

"You've been naughty. Until you proven yourself a better girl I get to be your shadow Miss Thorne. Would you like to return tanning? The sun looks beautiful and I have been trapped in this office for too long now," he said as he walked past her standing in the door way. An arm rising and stretching out for her, "Or do you have other plans? You did seem keen on finishing the tan however," dark browns still locked on her face as stood there like a statue waiting to see how she'd react.

Was she the nightmare her father painted her? Or was he a push over and just didn't wanted to deal with a young bratty daughter? He was leaning towards the latter. However, she was unlike any of his other protection gigs. They'd have little in common he assumed. Unless she enjoyed calm conversations about the difference of hunting with a .308 and .270. Maybe she has a knowledge of Eastern conflicts? Or maybe she'd hate the living Hell out of his guts for not melting in her palm like everyone did?

[User]
Kayla's eyes widened and she growled, not even cowering away as the man stood up and walked towards her. She glared at him, her gold brown eyes darkening as she listened to him. This man didn't cower or fall over her and she was slightly baffled. "I'm not going anywhere with you. I don't care who you are. You don't fucking control me" turning on her father, she stormed over to him, slamming her hands onto the desk. "You fire his ass right now, daddy. You don't have any fucking right to do this. You don't care about me so don't pretend to start caring about me now."

She turned away before he could speak and stormed out of the office, slamming the door in Dorian's face. Her mood was completely ruined now and she had no desire to go back to tanning, she couldn't, not as worked up as she was right now. Her mind raced as she made her way to her room, trying to figure out the quickest way to make that man quit. She slammed the door shut to her room and locked it. Kayla groaned and punched the door, her skin breaking and blood trickling down her hand. She grunted and held the blood hand against her hand, starting to pace.

She looked at her phone and texted a friend, telling them to meet her down the street later that night. She then went into her bathroom and stripped, starting the shower. She looked at her hand and flexed her fingers, sighing in relief when she figured out it wasn't broken. She stepped into the shower and sunk onto the floor, letting the water beat against head.

[Assistant]
"Yes daddy fire me," Dorian chuckled as she had stormed off. He gave Kayla about three minutes before he followed behind her up their lavish stairs. His steps were slow and careful. He could heard the faint sound of water running. Hand on the doorknob, he gently tried to turn to to find it locked and smiled. Three firm knocks planted on the door.

"Miss Thorne... your father nor I desire control..." that was a lie he died, "...you seem to have sporadic behavior. You're a young woman. It's important you have protection. A lot... a lot of danger lurks around the corners of clubs and bars Miss Thorne. I am here to ensure you return," and do so without a scene he thought to himself as he stood out front of the door.

He crooked his head and looked at the door. It was an easy lock, nothing fancy or complicated. He smirked and took a knee, a small case pulled from his jacket pocket as he'd begin to pick the lock. "I am not opposed to fun Miss Thorne you know," he would try to speak loudly but not shout. Its when he shouted his accent became apparent.

It also helped him muffle any sounds of tinkering with the lock that was now freshly picked. He put the two little pieces away as he leaned against the door and sighed softly. Was this his how it was to start? Cat, mouse, and locked door.

[User]
Kayla could hear him talking on the other side of the door but didn't register that his voice was getting closer. She rolled her eyes and shouted back "I can handle myself, I have for year, asshat!" She turned the shower off and wrapped a towel around her body, drying off. Unlocking her bathroom door, she stepped out only to freeze in place. Her bloody and bruised hand was held against her chest and she gripped her towel tighter to her body. "Get. The. Fuck. Out." She hissed, moving to her dresser and starting to dig for underwear, "You fucking perv. You don't just break into a woman's room!! Especially when they're showering. Get out. Now." She winced as pain ran through her hand and she moved to her bathroom once more, looking for gauze and bandages to cover her wounds.

"I don't care who you think you are but I have been living on my own since I was in Junior high. Don't let my father trick you into thinking he's always cared about me. It's his damn reputation that he's worried about." She started to wrap her hand but struggled, trying to keep her towel wrapped around her at the same time.

[Assistant]
Dorian sucked his teeth, "Perv is rude; my eyes are downwards just in case you came out uncovered," he stated before he slowly turned his head up to look her in the eyes before she moved to her dresser. He noticed her babying a hand and it made his eyes narrow on it, "You are right though, you don't break into a ladies room but I wanted to show you I am here for real Miss Thorne," he moved to follow her curious now what she had done.

Eyes seeing gauze before all he saw he was toweled back and he cleared his throat to let her know he was there. "Injury yourself in the shower? Usually showers are meant to be relaxing not ones that require a wrap. Do you need help? Did you rinse it out with anything yet?" he moved to stand beside her almost as if she wasn't there. He began to look around for peroxide, something to flush a cut.

"Your father cannot fool me Miss Thorne, I know what he is worried about. He can play pretend papa all he wants... that's fine. It doesn't take away from my work or word. It was in his word choices when hired me. His focus on image vs your safety. Though the fool doesn't realize a safe child is a good image. Even if said child doesn't want to be safe," he said turning to look at her as he rummaged through a cupboard, "I will need to bring my own first aid things it seems.. I shouldn't need the suture but one never knows with a "wild child" as I was warned," he didn't know if appealing to her as a friend would pay off or not but this was exploring. We learn from our mistakes his father always said. The big ones however we sometimes never recover from.

[User]
"Shut the fuck up. You aren't my friend. You never will be. I don't give a shit about." Kayla was stubborn. And pissed. She pulled away from his side when he approached and in the process her towel dropped. "I don't need your goddamn help!!!! Now get the fuck OUT!" She screamed the last word, grabbing her towel and covering her front. "My hand is none of your business and I will never, EVER ask you for help. Do you understand?!" She looked around and grabbed her large metal water bottle, throwing it at him angrily. She wasn't aiming to hit him but it'd be a plus if she did.

She growled and grabbed her underwear and a large t-shirt, stepping into her closet and shutting the door. She got dressed quickly so she was no longer naked and stepped back out. "Why aren't you gone, yet?? I don't give a shit about my father and you aren't going to fucking change me. You might as well quit now or this is going to be hell for you." She threatened him, hoping to god he'd take the hint.

She growled at him and approached him once more, her hands curling into fists. "I will call the police on your ass and have you escorted out of this house myself. I am an adult, I do not give you my consent to guard me, this is harassment."

[Assistant]
"Friend? Get THIS straight Princess Thorne... I am here to make sure you're not ship across the world and used for the pleasures of a rooms of men till you are unresponsive do WE understand? Your Papa doesn't care either, he wants to make sure the headline Mayor Thorne's Daughter found OD'ed after used on Venice Beach," his tone and demeanor changed.

Dorian was no longer this calm creature. The yelling had summoned something inside of him. His dark brown eyes looked at her, they took in tanned flesh but quickly stayed on her face like the predator waiting for the prey to turn it's back. She wasn't spoiled, she was full of rage. Her father was very unaware of the beast his indifference and spoiling had created. All this meant was more work for Dorian. If she proved to more and more; maybe a raise would be in order. More so after the water bottle hit him in the chest. Violent. He would need to remember that. He father mentioned running and yelling, not throwing things. This just changed everything. Her father really did not realize who he hired.

Dorian got up and slowly turned there and just stood holding the waterbottle. A smell given to the contents. Was this water? Was this more? He was wondering how much Kayla's day were ruled by spirits and liquor. He stood there setting the bottle down. Unmoving just waiting. One she returned into his view he was thankful she was semi dressed for what was to come. He didn't want to enjoy this too much. This was work after all. When she got close it was like a snake waiting for its meal to get into strike range. He grabbed her by the arm and brought her right up to her. A toothy snarl spread across his lips. It was then she'd see the silver tooth buried in the back on his mouth. He spun her around like a top and pinned her against the bathroom doorframe. Right leg between hers and his body keeping her gently pinned.

"Yell and cream at me, but throwing things? Make sure if you do you incapacitate them. Otherwise we'll wait for you like this... I am going to tell you what will happen if you call the police here OK? Close your eyes little rabbit... they arrive all tough and mad as usual but they see their favorite brown nosing mayor armed with a cold drink and a shaking head. How little miss brat doesn't like the new staff HE had to hire cause of you. The three will laugh and the police will warn him this isn't OK yadda yadda whatever they say for the thirtieth time," for the first time she'd hear a raspy chuckle spill from his lips, "I'm not going anywhere. I use to protect gangsters and war criminals little one. The difference here is how I can teach lessons," he stepped back a bit to allow her some wiggle room and to let his body breath pressing against the perfectly crafted brat.

[User]
Kayla yelped as she was pinned against the door frame of the bathroom, her cheeks flushing a bright red. She was stunned, unable to process what happened. Normally people ran from her. She got power out of it. But she felt she met her match... Or someone far above her. She shuddered and turned her head so her cheek was pressed against the frame and she was able to look at him out of the corner of her eye. Her heart beat quickly as he spoke, realizing what he said was true.

Her bad hand throbbed in his grip but she didn't let him see her pain. She was hyper aware of his leg between hers, inches away from her heat. She let out a whimper, biting her lip. This was the first noise she made that showed she was even remotely scared. Her body shook slightly and when he lessened his grip she let out a sigh.

"I don't give a shit about what you've done... Or what lessons you can supposedly teach. You won't control me or change me, ever." She hissed, jerking her hand away from him and stepping away from the door frame. "Next time I throw something it'll be at your head."

[Assistant]
When she'd turn her head, Dorian's eyes would be staring directly at hers as he was waiting for the brave little she wolf to stare him down. She was brave for being a tiny thing and that he had some respect for. She was sloppy and it needed to fine tuned into something more deadly. That whimper made his stoic lips curl into a soft smirk. He counted that as mission success. Sometimes you had to take a win were you could and Kayla Thorne was proving to be more difficult then some of the cartel he watched over.

"I know you don't You don't care about much, which can be something very very dangerous in the right hands little rabbit," he walked over to the water bottle and took a sip before setting it down, " As I said, why would I want to control you? All I hope to do is make you ready. You papa makes enemies and no doubt you do as well. Someone neither of you know," he began to walk to the medicine cabinet to get the bare first aid goods before he quickly closed the gap between them again.

He gently gripped her wrist of her wounded hand and brought her hand to a scar above his temple. He let her bleeding hand brush against it, "That's where a man tried to shoot something into my head. So be careful with you threats my duchess... some don't take kindly to it. YOU can tend to this wound yourself. Your d a d d y didn't bother showing me the house so I still have to do that," his eyes were wide as he seemed to replay the day he got the scar. She would be work but work was what he did best.

[User]
Kayla listened to him quietly, each word he spoke was truer than the last and she growled softly at him. She did have enemies and so did her dad. Enemies that would do anything to see her dead and her father fail. She watched him carefully as he moved around, wincing slightly as if he were to hit her when he grabbed her own hand. She whimpered once more and gripped the first aide supplies in her good hand.

When her hand brushed against his scar her own eyes widened. He'd been through a lot and clearly knew what he was doing. Now that she studied him she realized his toned body was littered in scars. The way he addressed, confused her as well. As if she was royalty. It made her think, biting her lip and she nodded, sedated for now.

She watched him walk away and immediately went to work on her hand, wrapping it tightly to keep it from bleeding. When she was done she pulled on a pair of athletic shorts and wandered out of her room. She needed a drink. She went into the kitchen and opened the liquor cabinet, reaching for a bottle of high-end whiskey. She took a large swig and sighed, rolling her eyes. "What have I gotten myself into..."

[Assistant]
Dorian hoped maybe that would shake some sense into her. He knew it was temporary. She would rile her self up. His existence would anger her again. He had only bought a momentary cease fire in the house. As he walked away he touched he temple and pulled his fingers back to see a little blood on them. He suckled them from his fingertips as he exited her room and his first target was the pool. He felt she spent a lot of time there. His body was littered with scars. He had collected quite a few over forty two years of struggle and strife. More then she could see with him clothes.

He heard her father call out to him but he ignored it as he continued to patrol of the home. If she walked over him he would too until the man grew a little bit of a spine. He paces around the pool looking at it before he looked outwards. The roof, the walls, everything. He pictured himself setting up a rifle or settling down to monitor the family. Where would he bug? Where would he wait? The hunter was at work boots slowly clomped at concrete around the pool. He would be keeping watch however. For her.

She would be back. She had allowed him to win that round even if he earned it. She was still wild and with teeth. It was in her growls, the way she clenched, or held herself. He knew full she'd push and push. One day she'd realize he was not all talk like most men of his work. Men who bragged about their missions and jobs. Pretend hunters. Where he knew in his guts he was the real predator here.

[User]
Kayla put the bottle back in the cabinet. She was happily buzzed now. She may have been calm for now but she would simply wait for him to make mistake. She'd jump on him again and the process would start all over again. She wandered out to the living room and looked outside. She noticed Dorian scanning the backyard. Her eyebrow raised and she laughed hardly to herself. "He's really taking this shit seriously." She said it aloud but it was directed mainly to herself.

Suddenly her phone buzzed and she looked down. Her friend had said that she'd be over to pick her up in an hour. She smiled to herself and went back upstairs, changing into a nicer outfit. She wore a blue crop top and black jean shorts, the edges of the fabric barely covering her plump ass. She then went back into her bathroom and got started on some light makeup.

[Assistant]
On the clock it was a serious as a heart attack. A mistake didn't just mean a life it also meant that his reputation would falter. Could also mean he was getting rusty which was more dangerous than a poor reputation. He had made his way back into the house as he heard lite feet pouncing up the stairs. He rose a brow and smirked as he made his way to the kitchen for some coffee. He began to look around for it. The chance to jump on him was slowly nearing closer. He figured he had a day or at least she would try and torment him around the house more. He did not think she'd be out the door so quickly.

Now was Dorian's turn to underestimate her. Today would be a lesson for them both. That would burn his ass deeply in the end. He was the one to dole out lessons Day 1. But he'd learn a good lesson. Never let the little duchess's beauty trick you. It's the most classic weapon in all of history. Maybe, if she was good he could tell her the ways she could carefully use it as a weapon. But the days of being good for him were far away. At least the days in between would be far and few for now. But in time all became good soldiers.

Once he got his black coffee he would sip it and pace the rest of the house. The only rooms he was aware of were the bedrooms, the others he wanted to see. Quiet. He knew this was the calm before a storm. The silence before the airstrike came down or the raid hit. What would be his chaos? He was waiting.

[User]
Kayla finally finished getting ready and quietly slipped out of her room. She knew of a side door that couldn't be heard while the man was on the other side of the house. She quickly and quietly slipped out of the door and ran down the street.

Hopping into her friends car she sighed and finally relaxed. "Let's go have some fun, shall we?" She smirked and they were off. "What the hell happened to your hand?" Her friend asked when she saw the white gauze pressed around her knuckles. "Punched a wall." She answered nonchalantly.

Eventually she pulled into a run down bar and they got out. Kayla slid onto a stool once inside and placed her card down. "Open a tab. I want to start with an old fashioned." The bar tender nodded and started on her drink. She looked around the bar, smirking. Several men of different ages were watching her, eyeing her up to see if she'd be a good conquest.

This bar was popular with tourists and so no one knew of her reputation here. She could always either find someone to lay or fight. Or both if she wanted to. The bar tender slipped her her drink and she picked it up, taking a long drink.

[Assistant]
Upon the second hour Dorian realized he had dropped his guard. There was no way she'd accept this so calmly. Nothing about Kayla Thorne screamed calm to him. Nothing at all. He was going paperwork when this thought settled into his skull. He quickly got up and moved towards her bedroom. The firm three knocks she would grow to hate but know well hit the door.

Nothing. He'd do it again. Nothing. "Shit," he growled as he whipped the door open and saw an empty room. He knew she'd locked her door and it being unlocked told him enough. He took a deep sigh and began to pace her room thinking. He knew she was out getting unhinged and fucked up. The question would be where? In a metropolis like this there were hundreds of clubs and even more places if you wanted to be lost. He continued to pace her bedroom. He tapped his index finger on things around her room as he let his brain click and tick. Was he overthinking this? She wasn't a mark, he didn't need to surprise her. It wasn't life or death on Dorian's end if she knew he was coming. He pulled out his phone and selected "Duchess"

"Duchess... you couldn't even give us one night of peace? Did I not deserve one night of respite? You do scream relentless... so can we make this easy? Where are you? You can still drink, do you little party drugs if you're so inclined because I ruined your vibe? I can alley Duchess. It's up to you what I am today; friend disciplinarian? I am giving you twenty minutes before I begin to search," which was a lie as he had started his text he was already heading towards his SUV.

A second phone was pulled out and he was already texting Kayla's picture to a few of his eyes in the city if she'd been spotted. The hunt had begun.

[User]
Kayla's phone buzzed and she pulled it out. It was an unknown number. She opened the text and read it before rolling her eyes and turning her phone off. She was already drunk, talking to some guy who had decided she was too be his next conquest. Her eyes narrowed at him she started her fifth drink

The man's hand rested firmly on her thigh and Kayla was hyper aware of it. She gently removed his hand and got up, clearly not interested but the man followed her. He let out a whistle and a couple more men surrounded her. Her eyes widened and she backed up, only to hit the chest of another man. "Does little Kayla not remember us? You owe us money, bitch. And it's either money or the shit beat out of you." Kayla growled and swung only to miss and stumble to the ground.

The men surrounded her, a couple kicking her hard in the ribs while the leader gripped her by the shirt and started to punch her in the face. She felt her nose crack and the warm trickle of blood drip down her face. "S-stop...!" Was all she managed to slur out before she was punched in the jaw and thrown to the ground. She curled up in the fetal position as they continued to beat her, a large crowd surround them. She could hear the bartender as he yelled to get through but it was pointless, no one was listening at this point.


[User]
Damien made his way inside the café, and he made his way to the counter before he ordered himself a regular black. He was wearing a blue suit and white shirt, which fit him like a glove being tailored to perfection. He had a day's growth on his face and he still had the sunglasses on his face. While he didn't really flaunt it, it was clear he came from money, and that he likely had plenty of it... but this wasn't exactly a Dunkin' Donuts kind of place; it had a rather upper-crust kind of clientele.

His 6' frame fit the suit perfectly. He was a big man of some 45 years, with dark hair and the beginning of a window's peak. His eyes were green and altogether he could easily be called attractive and handsome. Yet he was single, never been married and he had no kids. He'd long ago been disowned and banished by his family, for having not shared their 'values' and way of way of life... he always joked to his friends that he just wasn't 'criminal' enough for them...

Of course, his family was why he was here, and by family he was looking for his niece. His older brother's daughter had very recently turned 25, but he hadn't seen her in a couple years now. She should be here, and he casually looked around the café looking to see if she'd arrive before he did. He suspected she'd be here as he'd set her up. He'd sent word to her that her friend was in trouble and that she wanted to meet here. The friend wasn't in trouble at all, she'd just been paid a large sum to text Catalina and say what he wanted her to say... she'd still said no, but Damien could be convincing...

So here he was... he paid for his coffee with a smile before he turned to look around the place, seeing if he could set his eyes on his very attractive niece...

[Assistant]
"Thanks, keep the change" Catalina told the driver, handing him a couple of dollar bills before she stepped out of the taxi. Once out on the street, her eyes drifted to the coffee shop and she drew a breath in through her nose before exhaling, trying to calm her nerves. Just half an hour ago one of her friends, Mindy, had sent her a vague, but concerning text. It had said that Mindy was in trouble and that she wanted to meet with Catalina at the coffee shop. Of course Catalina had tried to text her friend back as she took the taxi across town, but there was only radio silence. It had unnerved her and thus she quickly made her way into the coffee shop. At first, she glanced around the shop, trying to spot her friend but saw no one familiar. The young woman sighed again and ordered herself a simple black coffee, getting it in her hand in less than thirty seconds as she made her way over to a table, hoping her friend would show up soon.

The young woman was dressed rather casually for who she was, or rather what family she came from. A black leather jacket on top of a dark blue t-shirt and then some black skinny jeans. She liked being more casual, being a little bit of a tomboy and most of all, being comfortable. Thus she hadn't bothered to do anything with her hair that day, nothing more than throw it up into a simple messy bun She sipped on her coffee and texted Mindy that she was there. A few minutes later and she got a reply. It only said that Mindy was sorry and that they had to catch up with each other later.

Utter confusion filled Catalina as she couldn't make sense of this. Was something wrong with her friend or not? She quickly finished her coffee, deciding that maybe she should drop by her apartment to check on her. As the young woman stood and began to head for the door, her eyes landed on a person who looked very familiar. It took her a few seconds, as he was wearing sunglasses, but she soon realized who it was. "Uncle Damien" she said with a tone of disbelief. Then she couldn't quite bring herself to say more. It had been years since she saw her uncle as he had been practically banished from their family for seedy activities. She ground her teeth slightly, raising an eyebrow and looking quite suspicious. "What a coincidence..."

[User]
Hearing his name, Damien smiled as he turned to look at his very attractive niece. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. He'd seen pictures of her often enough, but in person she had an extremely attractive aura about her... he smiled as his free hand moved to remove the sunglasses that covered his eyes. "Well, well... look who it is..." He said with a chuckle... "If it isn't my brother's pretty little Princess" he offered...

"Yes, it is... of all the coffee shops around... I'm a regular here... they have the best pastries" he suggested with a smile and a tilt of his head. "I'm surprise your father let you out of his sight without a dozen bodyguards or some other kind of entourage" he admitted. Damien hated his brother, like he hated most of the Loree family. To suggest they'd had a falling out would be an understatement. When the difficulties started, his brother made certain his children were kept as far from their uncle as possible.

His free hand moved to gently touch her lower back as he indicate done of the empty tables on the patio just outside the front door... "Let's sit and catch up" he suggested. As usually, his voice was calm, confident and a bit on the demanding side... like her father, Damien was used to getting his way and having folk just do what he said.

[Assistant]
As Damien called her a 'pretty little Princess', Catalina sharply blew out air through her nose, quite unamused as she took the comment as something meant to mock her. She did quite dislike how most people, especially if they didn't know her, immediately started to talk about her father, as if she wasn't her own person. She still looked quite suspicious of Damien as he stated that this particular coffee shop had good pastries, as if it was just pure coincidence she had gotten there just at the same time as him.

"Well, if you know me you shouldn't be surprised, as I'd never let bodyguard or anything like it follow me around" she replied quite sharply. As he suggested they move to sit outside to 'catch up', she hesitated for a moment. Part of her wanted to leave straight away, as she felt like they had nothing productive to talk about, but a bigger part of her was curious as to what he wanted, what he had been up to and perhaps most importantly, why he had done as he had in the past.

"Fine" she said, heading outside and taking a seat in one of the empty chairs by the table. She waited until he sat down as well until she spoke, arms crossed over her chest. "As you perhaps noticed, I'm rather doubtful that you just happened to be here at the same time as me, Damien" she stated. She leaned back slightly in the chair, keeping her gaze firm on his. "So, what do you want? Why catch up now? Why not talk to my father or one of your cousins?" she wondered. Though, in a way she knew why. Before everything had gone down and Damien had disappeared out of the Loree family's life, she had been rather fond of her uncle and somewhat close to him. She'd looked up at him.

[User]
"Actually, I do know that about you..." Damien admitted. "But I also know my delightful brother..." he admitted. Of course, it created a conundrum; how was he supposed to know about her ways when he wasn't allowed anywhere near her. As they wandered out onto the patio, where the morning sun was warming the world around them, he was a bit surprised that she was actually going to sit. He moved to settle across from her as he removed the cap from his coffee, and he took a sip.

He set the cup down on the table and he smiled as he set his sunglasses next to it. "I don't want to talk to my brother, or anyone else related to him for that matter, except you" he said with a smile. "My brother is an idiot, but he's a clever idiot. He manipulates people, but not you" he said nodding to her. "You're smart... you're more like your grandmother actually; God rest her soul... you can make up your own mind about things rather than take what he says as fact" he admitted as he took another sip from his cup...

"Hmm, even you have to admit, they make a great cup of coffee" he added with a grin. "So, what have you been up to, Catalina?" He asked curiously.

[Assistant]
Catalina furrowed her brows slightly as Damien admitted to knowing that about her. She wasn't quite sure if he meant he knew because he knew what she had been like years ago, before he had stopped contact, or if he'd been keeping tabs on her... she scoffed slightly as he called her father an idiot, but let him continue talking. "Oh, and you're not trying to manipulate me at all by speaking so highly of me?" she wondered. She had a tendency to talk back, speak her mind. It had gotten her in trouble with her own father multiple times in the past, and in school and so on, but that didn't stop her.

"Well, if you do know about me, you should know?" she pointed out to him, smiling slightly. But she didn't want to be rude, nor did she have anything she wanted to hide. "I've been busy. Studied some for a few years. Now that I'm done, I've been volunteering a lot at women's shelters, to help them in legal proceedings in domestic abuse cases, divorces" she explained. Since she was very well off, thanks to their family, she had the luxury of being able to volunteer a lot. "But, I've started working a bit in the family business as well". Then she looked him over, while he perhaps knew a bit about her, she didn't know much about what he had been up to for the last few years. "What about you then? What have you been doing? Always stayed in town?" she wondered.

[User]
"You're too smart to fall for flattery, I'm just being honest... though I realize that's a rare thing in the family, so it might be hard for you to recognize a genuine compliment when you hear one" Damien admitted with a smile. All joking aside he had kept tabs on her, sort of. It certainly hadn't been overtly, but from a distance. He didn't want to overwhelm her with information yet. He just wanted her to be comfortable around him. Comfortable enough to keep this meeting a secret, otherwise her father would likely lock her up...

He wasn't surprised to hear about her volunteer work with the less fortunate; she'd always had a big heart; through he was a bit surprised to hear she was working a bit with the family... did this mean she was falling to the dark side? He suspected she didn't really know the truth about what went on behind those closed family doors. He only chuckled at the mention of the family business... he was convinced she had no idea what it was the business was...

He nodded when she turned the conversation towards him... "I stay on my side of town, running my own little enterprise" he suggested, "though I did recently buy a house in the country" he explained... "I started raising horses, actually" he added as he took another sip from his cup. "Things have been good... though recently I've discovered your father's been inquiring on business opportunities in my territory..." he admitted as he looked around as the people wandering along the sidewalk. "That's a bit annoying... I always felt the uneasy truce would be everlasting... though I see now, it was a bit naïve of me to think your father wasn't beyond ambitious" he admitted.

[Assistant]
Another compliment, together with a small dig at the rest of their family. Catalina wondered what his motivation was for chatting with her. Was it truly just catching up? Or did he want something? However, whatever it was, she had to admit that while she was suspicious of him, she had in a way missed this. Just sitting down, chatting and hanging out. He had been her favorite relative, the one she had liked hanging out with and just talk and confide things in that she didn't always feel like telling her parents. Like when she had tried smoking cigarettes in secret and was feeling bad afterwards.

It did surprise her that he had stayed in town and had his own business going, as she hadn't really heard about it, but she supposed she hadn't really looked for him either. After the fallout, she had been so disappointed in him that she didn't want anything to do with him, for a time at least. Those feelings had calmed down some, but the sentiment of them still remained. As he was annoyed at her father expanding his business into Damien's territory, she shook her head slowly.

"You should feel lucky enough that you can still do any sort of business, that your actions didn't land you in jail" she pointed out to him, quite obviously having been fed a specific story of what had gone down. "What do you want?" she then questioned, sounding more annoyed, arms still crossed over her chest. "I truly don't believe us meeting here was coincidence..."

[User]
Damien watched her as he spoke, and he got the sense she was starting to feel comfortable around him. That pleased him; one might say that's what he wanted most, for her to be comfortable with him. That would be an excellent first step, though he reminded himself to make sure every step is a small one. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her off somehow...

When she started to reply to the comment about his business and followed it up with the suggestion that he had been the bad guy he couldn't help but chuckle in amusement. "You've been sheltered from everything, Catalina, and I don't mean just the wedge that caused the slit between me and your father... those events, the family 'business' and of course, everything since. You really have no idea what it was all about..." he said as he picked up his coffee cup...

"Your father treats you like a mushroom..." he said as he took a sip... "He feeds you shit then he keeps you in the dark" he added as he set his cup down. "How much do you really know about the family business...? About what it is your father does and what he is...?" He asked curiously, ignoring the question about what he wanted.

[Assistant]
"Hah, you got some nerve!" Catalina scoffed as Damien suggested she didn't know anything but lies. It felt insulting, to both her and her father. For a moment she got a thought about leaving, was Damien just there to fish out information about the family business? Or to just offend her? But, she tried to keep it cool, curious to find out what it was he truly wanted by talking to her. She leaned back further in her seat, putting some distance in between them as he asked what she really knew. The question made her raise and eyebrow.

"It's a law firm, Loree Law" she told him, rolling her eyes slightly. "We do a lot of different cases but our foundation have always been helping out the less fortunate". They hadn't gotten rich from only helping women divorce their abusive husbands or by helping people sue their workplaces for bad work environment, they also handled matters for more rich customers, but it was nothing out of the ordinary, as far as she knew at least. "My father runs the firm, he's the CEO. Anything I missed?" she wondered, quite visibly annoyed at this point as she felt like Damien was just messing with her.

[User]
Damien had been a part of the family business for so long, there was likely to be nothing she knew that he didn't. He also still had contacts in the family who were more than happy to pass along information. He'd been mostly satisfied with starting his own organization, but now that the Family seemed to be trying to squeeze into his territory, he felt a bit more slighted than usual... hence this recent contact with Catalina. Of course, there was a secondary reason for getting in touch with her; she was the one person he liked and could relate to, and she was smoking hot...

He chuckled when she mentioned the name of the law firm, as if she believed that was the answer to his question... it wasn't even close. As she went on, he shook his head... "You're missing the point... I know the family runs a law firm, but it's really just a front" he said as he pulled his wallet out of his coat pocket, and he pulled a business card out. "The Firm barely practices law anymore... but you're right about your father, he is the CEO... or maybe calling him the 'Godfather' would be more appropriate" he suggested with a chuckle as he slid the card across the table...

On the front was his business information along with his personal number... "On the back of that card is the name of a company along with relevant file numbers registered with the courts and such. The company is fake, created by your father as he helped coverup a massive environmental disaster on the North End. The water supply for hundreds of homes and middle-class families was affected... your father covered it up, for a nice tidy sum of money of course... this is the work your father and his firm does... screwing over the people who call this city home while protecting his criminal friends and padding up his big fat bank accounts... and that's just one of the things your father does..." he suggested as he took another sip of coffee.

"If you don't believe me, that's fine... but your smart, do a little digging and follow the paper trail" he said tapping the business card with his index finger. "See for yourself..." He added as he leaned back, expecting her to stand and walk away.

[Assistant]
Catalina was growing more annoyed and frustrated with Damien with every passing second, as it felt like he was trying something, switching up compliments to her with talking down about her father and the family business. She knew she should just leave, but couldn't bring herself to do it just yet. If she left now without knowing more than she did previously to their encounter, then she would have wasted this time for nothing. Like her father, she wasn't a fan of wasting time.

Her gaze went to the business card he pulled out of his pocket while he implied that the firm was more like a mafia. She bit down on the insults she would like to hurl at her uncle as she listened to him finish talking. Until this point, he had been vague about why her father and the rest of the family were wrong while he was in the right, but now he gave her a concrete example. Once he finished she didn't stand and walk away, instead she slowly reached over and took the card, studying the backside of it with the company name and it's information. One could practically see the gears turning in her head as she contemplated what to say next.

Finally, she looked back at her uncle. The most probable was that he was just making things up to slander their family name, but why did he want to do that in front of her? That was the one thing that still confused her and also made her wonder, in the faintest way possible, if there was anything to what he told her. She knew she had to do some digging as he said, but she still had questions for him. "If anything of what you're saying is true, then why tell me?" she wondered and met Damien's gaze. "Shouldn't I be as criminal as my father?".

[User]
Damien continued to smile and sip from his coffee cup. He was leaning back in his seat, his head slightly tilted as he watched her take the card and look it over. The fact that after ten seconds she was still sitting there with the card in her hand was a victory of sorts. His smile wasn't condescending, in fact it was more sympathetic and friendly.

"If you know everything your father is involved in, then yes, you're guilty by association... but if, as I suspect you're in the dark about it all then no, you're not guilty of anything. I'm guessing your father at least has the decency to keep you out of harms way" he admitted, "for now" he added then.

"Believe it or not this family has never had the cleanest hands. Even when your father and I were close, there were elements of criminality in the family business handed down to us by your grandfather... but things have gotten a lot worse under your father's direction. You and I have always seen eye to eye, so I want to be fair and straight with you. The family business is moving in a very, dangerous direction, and I want you to know about it, so you can isolate and protect yourself" he told her as he pushed his chair back and he slipped his sunglasses over his eyes as he stood...

He tapped the table with one hand while he grabbed his cup with the other. "So... do some digging... if you still think I'm bullshitting you, we never have to speak of this again... but, if you want to learn more and your father, the family or me... that's my personal number, get in touch" he said as he got ready to start moving away from the table...

[Assistant]
Everything Damien told her was quite a lot to take in for Catalina, part of her still wanted to throw away the card and go tell him to eat shit as she didn't want anything of what he said to be true. But at the same time, a small inkling of doubt had crept into her mind, doubt about the family company. His reason for telling her all this did surprise her, as it sounded somewhat genuine, but she still didn't know what to think.

Wordlessly she gave a slight nod as she watched him leave. She followed him with her gaze until he was out of her sight. At that point, she breathed out shakily and looked down at the card again, all the things he told her swirling around her mind. Eventually she got up and started to head back to her own place, deciding to walk instead of grabbing a cab as she wasn't in a hurry now.

The following days, Catalina couldn't stop thinking about her meeting with Damien. Her mind was mostly on what he had told her and how she should proceed with that, but she also couldn't help but to think of how nice it had been to see him again, after all those years. The familiar glint in his eyes, his handsome smile, she was in a way glad that nothing had changed about him since last seeing him. Eventually, she decided that she couldn't just ignore what he had said about the family and the business, or automatically believe it was a lie, she needed to find out the truth.

Thus, the next days, nearing a week, she was trying to follow the paper trail, searching both online and going through whatever actual, physical papers she could get her hands on. While she didn't find anything conclusive, what she found wasn't reassuring, she did find proof that the company Damien had told her about was owned by her father, though he had tried to hide it, and while she hadn't found solid proof, the accusation of the cover up didn't seem impossible. Finally, nearly a week and a half after their initial encounter, Catalina knew she had to see Damien again, try to get more answers. Thus, she pulled out the card and used his number to send him a text. It read: 'I want to meet, we need to talk -Catalina'.

[User]
The week had gone by quite quickly, though throughout it all Damien found himself wondering if Catalina would actually do thew digging, or if she'd just assume he was trying to play her against her father. He knew the information he'd given her by itself would be in many ways circumstantial, but he wanted her to actually do some digging for herself. He had plenty of more evidence of more recent crimes; the kinds of crimes he wanted no part of.

But if she did her own digging it was a sign that she had doubts about her father, or at the very least she was eager to prove Damien wrong. In this case she'd be disappointed, as not only was he right, but she would find that in many cases her father's fingerprints were all over the place.

Damien would never claim to be perfect, or even clean of criminal intent. His own business catered to some criminals, but the Family had taken all this to the next level, a level he wanted no part of, which was what had caused the rift between him and his brother and most of the rest of the family... so many of those family members didn't care where the money came from, so long as Catalina's father kept their lifestyles at the comfortable level they enjoyed.

He'd just about given up hope when he found a message on his phone from cat, admitting she wanted to meet. He waited a few hours before replying, not wanting to seem too eager, but he finally did reply... 'Tomorrow morning, same coffee shop, same time, same table' he wrote simply...  the next morning, he would arrive a few minutes early. He ordered his coffee, and he made his way out onto the patio to the table where he'd met Catalina the week before. He was dressed a bit more casually this time, with snug fitting, faded blue jeans, a clean white shirt and a gray sports coat...

[Assistant]
The hours that passed while Catalina waited for Damien's response was making her more and more tense. She wanted to talk to him as soon as possible, needing to know more, learn the full extent of what she had began to discover. Part of her didn't want to find out anything else, as it was making her sick to find out that her father had done such horrible things, but she knew she had to know. She had always known her father could be a ruthless lawyer when needed and a tough CEO, but she thought he just had a good work ethic, cared about the company, it seemed like she was wrong...

Finally Damien responded to her, she sent a simple 'OK' in response. That night she had a hard time sleeping, thinking over what she had read, what she wanted to talk to Damien about. Thus the next day, she found herself with dark circles on her eyes prompting her to use a bit more makeup than she usually did, concealer, foundation, some mascara and lip-gloss, just enough to make her look much better than she was feeling.

She came to the cafe at the right time, seeing Damien already sit by the patio. She gave a nod to him before heading inside, buying herself an espresso before making her way out to him. That day she wore sleek, black dress pants, a casual white, buttoned shirt, having left the top two buttons undone, showing some of her collarbone. Catalina sat down, nodding to him again and taking a sip of her espresso before sighing out.

"Alright. I've done some digging, found some... suspect things" she told him, looking him over to see his reaction. "What else can you tell me?".

[User]
Damien spotted her as she arrived at the café, and she simply nodded before heading inside. He sipped form his coffee cup and looked over a few messages on his phone until she arrived at the table, and she sat down. He suspected when her lips parted it would go one of two ways... she told him where to go and walk away, never to contact him again, or the alternative. She believed what he'd said about her father; that she had done her research and had come to meet him before she knew he was right.

It turned out it was the latter and he smiled knowingly when she spoke. That was it, that was his reaction even after she asked him for more information. "That shadow company, it's not the first time it gets used to cover shit up... but your father has someone in the State's legislature helping him keep things covered up, so no one has ever questioned its legitimacy. Innocent people have died. Others have had their properties because worthless because of the polluted wells and grounds and they've lost everything" he admitted as he took a sip from his coffee cup.

"And that's the tip of the iceberg... and while it's true my hands are far from clean" he admitted with a chuckle... "I've kept things relatively clean, stuck to the more 'acceptable' crimes, if you will... that's what the Family used to be, a small criminal syndicate..." he suggested as he looked about, making certain there were still alone. "But this is the kind of evil shit your father is into these days, ruining lives on a much grander scale and killing innocent people... that's why I left" he added simply, letting her stew on that while he sipped from his cup.


[User]
While Vania wasn't particularly thrilled with her father's decision, she still hadn't decided whether or not to hate that demon prince. He was... devious, but nothing she couldn't handle. He was also very handsome, but she wasn't interested in being used as a sex toy, so really, she didn't see much of a life there. It was true that she hated her life the way it was, but she didn't want to be something that would feel degrading just to escape her current realities. That was just trading one evil in for another.

So far, Fabian hadn't given her a reason to like or trust him. He just seemed interested in getting to learn secrets he could use against her kingdom, and Vania wasn't that girl. She wandered around town, checking out vendors and the markets, enjoying the relative peace that came from feeling normal. After all, Vania didn't much care for her title, but it was her birthright. She loved to spend her days at the markets, where bands would play and there would be music and dancing, fun little festivities that showed the culture of her people. It was arguably where she found the most peace, dancing alongside her people and reveling in their cultures. Her father would disapprove, but then, he didn't pay enough attention to her, so he didn't know she spent most of her days here.

Vania spent quite a while there, before making her way back through the hidden passageways and back to the castle. But rather than going to locate Fabian, she ended up in her room. It could be said she was avoiding him, but in truth, Vania already knew what the prince wanted, and she also knew that there was nothing she could do to stop what was inevitable, so at least for now, she could hide in her room. After all, it wouldn't be long before she was a literal sex slave to the damn demon prince. Her father had offered and the demon prince seemed interested, so there was nothing she could do or say.

[Assistant]
Fabian's discussion with his advisor went in strange direction. _Be less aggressive. You need to ease her worries if you want to discuss things with her. Tread lightly._

The Prince walked by himself. He had a neutral look on his face, as opposed to his usual grins and fanged-smiles. He didn't know if being a 'goody-two-shoes' would be productive, considering Vania was already defensive of him. A large part of him liked seeing the Princess stand up for herself. If she got through this whole thing, she would likely become a respectable leader. Despite this, Tren was right more times than Fabian could count on these sorts of things. Fabian was on the fence initially about the whole thing, but decided something more elegant was due.

Borrowing a few castle servants, the Prince had them set up a nice, private dinner for the two. All that's left was to convince the Princess this would be worth her time. _Probably easier said than done._ With the orange light of dawn, Fabian made his way across the castle grounds, arriving in front of the Princess's door. He hesitated, before knocking at her door. "Princess?... I'm not sure if you are in there but... I was wonder if you'd like to accompany me to dinner?"

[User]
Sitting in her room, Vania was painting something in front of her window. Painting was calming, and she was used to being stuck up in her room avoiding everyone. It was a blissful peace, although it tended to get lonely. She was used to it, her life being bored where she had no real freedom, but then again, she didn't exactly trust that demon prince either.

Just as her mind got to thinking about that demon prince, she heard a knock on her door, and then his voice came through. She stood with a sigh. Her black dress had little splotches of bright pastel paints on it, but she didn't care. She finally opened the door and stared at him.

"Give me one good reason." Vania said, staring at him as she leaned in her door frame. "You think you're the only one making a decision here?" Vania pointed out softly. "I may have no say over whether or not this happens, but I do get to have an opinion about you." Vania reminded him with a smirk.

"And so far, you've shown me that you're a sneaky bastard who will do just about anything to win. Which means you cannot be trusted, and if I have to marry you, I'll play the fucking part, been playing a part my whole life. But I'm not going to be the wife you actually talk to because I don't trust you at all."

[Assistant]
Once the Princess opened the door, Fabian stood before her in a clean jacket and suit, matching his gray complexion and red horns. He watched her, leaning in the doorway. The Prince spared only a glance as to not stare too long at her. _Least she was finally out of those horrid white garbs._

He frowned. "I have made a small, secluded table in the garden for us. Hot food and chilled wine." Fabian crossed his arms, his golden eyes blinking in an un-phased manner. "Vania, I admit that I have been unfair in my treatment towards you. As much as the truly demonic part of my being wants only primitive pleasures... I do have items that need discussing. Between us and us only. And as far as you are concern, I haven't made my decision yet, meaning you aren't my wife. For now."

"Your opinions about me are valid, as they are all most likely true. But my opinions are that you have a soft spot for me. Don't think I didn't notice you gawking at me when me met. A small part of you wants this to work out, no matter how vile that sounds in the present." A smile crawled across his face. "You haven't exactly been as accommodating as your dear father wants you to be. So please, join me for a quiet dinner. We can talk. Eat. And afterwards, I'll leave you alone for the night." Fabian held his open palm out to take Vania's hand. "Sound fair?"

[User]
Noting his choice of clothing, Vania was suddenly very aware that her tight dress had paint all over it. Comparatively, she looked like a mess. She giggled at the idea of him making an effort to have a table done as if he had actually done anything but tell someone to do it. She raised an eyebrow, thinking it over as he insisted that they had things that needed to be discussed between them. "And why exactly do you think these... items... need to be discussed between us?" Vania pointed out. "I'm pretty sure we established that you aren't to be trusted, so how am I supposed to think you're being genuine?" Vania pointed out softly.

At his words, Vania rolled her eyes. "Says the man who would only know that if you were staring at me too." She insisted with a sigh. "I was... momentarily taken aback. You are... quite handsome, for a demon." Vania said softly, ignoring his smile. The man brought up her father, and she narrowed her eyes at him. "Looks aren't everything, and I spent enough time with you to know what I think of you." Vania reminded him calmly.

"I'm not taking your hand." Vania said with a smirk, playfully swatting at it. "As it currently stands, you're going to have to work a lot harder if you think I'm going to take anything you say at face value." Vania reminded him as she shut her door behind her.

[Assistant]
"It's... complicated. I can't go into specifics. We would need to be behind closed doors." Fabian wasn't sure that telling her of his 'secret' would be a very good idea. If her father, or any elven leaders, got a hold of this kind of info, if could put him and his armies at risk. "I don't have a reason for you to trust me. Only that I'm trying to make an effort here."

Vania swatted his hand away. Before Fabian could say anything in protest, she closed the door in his face. Not knowing how to feel, being filled with confidence of the Princess admitting he was indeed handsome, while also being rejected, The Prince sighed. He knocked on the door again. "Please, I... need you." His tone of voice shifted, almost as if admitting the statement pained him physically. "It involves... the fate of my crown and myself. It would mean a lot if you joined me for dinner."

[User]
If it was as complicated as Fabian suggested, then Vania wasn't sure what he was doing. It wasn't as if he seemed willing to actually talk about what it was. Honestly, Vania wasn't sure what to think of him at the moment. His efforts were... hard to fathom, considering that she figured he was good at lying. He'd been trying a lot of tactical moves to deceive her, so the truth was, she didn't know if she could ever trust him.

He knocked again, making her narrow her eyes. She sighed heavily as she opened the door again. It wasn't like he intended to give up, that much was clear. "Don't grovel." Vania said sharply. "Groveling like that doesn't make me inclined to listen to you, it just makes you look weak, which is not at all attractive to me." Vania pointed out, considering her attraction to him was already an established fact at this point.

"Fine." She said softly, moving to join him in the hall and shutting the door behind her. "But you don't need me." Vania reminded him softly. "I am nothing to you, you said it yourself." Vania pointed out.

[Assistant]
Fabian blinked as the Princess opened the door again, all be it, while scolding him. "My apologies, I'll be sure to kick down your door next time and have half the castle's guards collapse in on me for threatening you." He said, slightly irritated. Fabian couldn't say anything about her proceeding comment. He couldn't yet tell her the truth. "You're not nothing. I misspoke before... try not to take my comments this morning as being truthful."

The Prince began to lead her through the halls, back towards the gardens. The castle was quiet, the only sounds being Fabian and Vania's footsteps across the marble floors, a faint echo reverberating along the ceiling. He kept quiet for a time, calming himself before glancing over at her again. She had paint stains all over herself and her dress. "So... I'm guessing you paint? Anything in particular that you like to paint?"

[User]
Vania giggled at the idea of Fabian kicking down her door and claiming they would attack him for threatening her. "That would require my guards to not be scared of you." Vania reminded him with a smirk. "Also requires my father to care about me." Vania explained a little bitterly.

As he tried to explain himself, Vania narrowed her eyes. She stopped and grabbed his arm, making him stop as well. "Fabian..." She started, sighing heavily. "I need you to make up your mind." Vania said cautiously, knowing she could set him off if she kept it up, but it needed to be said. "I can't keep doing this if all you're going to do is lie to me. It's not fun anymore, you're fucking with my head." At this point, Vania didn't care if it pissed him off. He was impossible to get to know, and he kept on playing games where she wanted none of it.

"No, not really." Vania started, answering his question as she let go of him and kept walking. "I paint whatever strikes me at the moment." Vania explained. "It's sort of an escape for me. I was cooped up in that room for a lot of my life. My mother died in childbirth, but my father... it's complicated. I wasn't meant to be known, my title has only become relevant because he's too old to have any more children." Vania said softly.

[Assistant]
Fabian frowned as he could see Vania's genuine frustration. In fairness, he knew he was being vague and cryptic on what he meant or how he felt about her. "I promise to explain myself over dinner." He said, adjusting the cuffs of his jacket, shrugging off her protests. He continued walking, trying to keep his posture straight. _I'm gonna need a drink before I start talking._

The two made their way into the dim gardens, the light of the setting sun now faded pasts the mountains. Beyond a few hedges sat a lone table, a set of candles illuminating the secluded space. A of bread and fruit sat on the table, paired with two plates of the royal pairs respective main dishes. Fabian walked over, pulling out the Princess's seat for her. "Means to escape through creative expression... I can understand that." He said. "Can't say I have anything that relates to that in my own time. Been too busy with politics these last few years. Although... you figured that out already." Fabian sat down across from Vania, settling into his seat.

[User]
While Vania had earlier been entranced by Fabian, she was now just tired of it. She'd been wanting some time away from him with how they had started out, and then he kept pushing until she got stuck here, walking with him as he promised to explain something over dinner. She highly doubted that, and the truth was, she was sick of his whole 'I'm a demon and this is just my nature' thing. It wasn't fun anymore. He'd been a little fun in the beginning but not anymore. Now, she was just frustrated with the demon prince.

She took her seat as he pulled the chair out for her, actually impressed he'd managed something like this. This was... almost romantic, but she knew better than to think that of Fabian at this point. Well, she didn't know anything about who he actually was.

Vania cut off a piece of bread and bit into it. She chewed and swallowed before sighing. "It's... admirable, I suppose." Vania started. "You are committed to your people." Vania said softly. "But you shouldn't take a deal if it doesn't make you happy." Vania said softly. She was being honest, and kind, which was a change for her. "I think you're wound up and focused on the politics, ignoring anything else, including your own happiness." Vania explained softly.

"I don't believe royal responsibilities should be your life, but I also think that it's easier for you to play the demon with sexual impulses that don't even matter to you, rather than be with someone you care for."

[Assistant]
"What if you had to take a sour deal because you had no other choice?" With a satisfying *pop*, Fabian flicked off the cork to a wine bottle. He took her glass, pouring her a respectful amount, before pouring some into his own glass. "I have rivals back in my homeland. We have been fighting this war for a very long time. The blood has gone so deep that peace won't be enough to end the violence." He reached over, handing over her wine glass. "The way I see it, I have two options. Kill your father and burn all that he has built to the ground, or take you as my prize. To humiliate the monarchy and their cowardliness of giving away their next in line." Picking up a utensil, Fabian stabbed at some assorted collared greens. "And if I don't pick either, my people will just as quickly slit my throat." The Prince abandoned trying to eat anything as his appetite was disappearing. Dropping the fork, he instead took his wine glass and downed its contents quickly.

The Prince peered down towards the table, avoiding eye contact with Vania. "In pure truth, I hate both options. I'm sick of killing and murdering people I don't know. I don't want to take you away to a place where you will be treated the same, if not worse, than you have already been treated here." He closed his eyes. "You're beautiful, charming, and ruthless at the comebacks... I'm selfish and just want to live another day. Just like everyone else."

[User]
Vania pondered his question as he poured wine into her cup and continued. She picked it up when he was done pouring, and sipped it as she thought it over. He had rivals, but everyone in a position of power did. It wasn't a bad thing, just a simple fact. But unlike her, Fabian did not see the ways that things could end differently. "Oh, you're hilarious." Vania finally said softly. "Do you truly believe that if you killed my father I would not retaliate?" Vania said plainly. She was a skilled fighter, she had to be as royalty, and she would protect her people, even if it meant that she'd have to fight Fabian. "You can choose that option, but I spend a great deal of my free time with my people, and I will fight for them." Vania said plainly. She wasn't up for eating now.

"As for your rivals... You need to grow up. You'd be surprised what a little connection with your people will do for you. You need to restore their faith in you. I may loathe my father, but I am damn good at keeping my people's faith in him as a leader. A faith he may not deserve, but it does mean that as of now, the only rival he has to worry about is you." Vania explained calmly. "You met him, did you really think that his people follow him because of anything he does?"

As Vania thought about his words, she smirked in amusement. "As for your beliefs about how I would be treated, that is entirely in your control. Don't pretend like you don't control how you treat me." Vania explained softly.

"The question is: Do you want to live or do you want to enjoy your actual life?" Vania asked curiously. "Because I can fix the problems with your rivals, I can make your people actually believe in you again. You can live as a failure of a leader, constantly watching your back, or you can put your faith in someone else and learn that maybe marrying me isn't the worst option you have." Vania insisted.

[Assistant]
Fabian smiled. "You'd be willing to help me with all of that?" The Prince opened his eyes, looking at Vania. His red eyes seemed to long for companionship, of someone who wanted to be around him. He had to fend for himself for a long time. He wanted to share part of that burden, however heavy, with someone else. "How could I ever repay you?" The Prince's gaze seemed to peer through Vania, as if he was watching something behind her. His smiled grew, wicked and sinister. His expression seemed more animalistic as the seconds ticked by.

_Red. Red eyes. Why are his eyes always red?_ A presence could be felt by both of them. Something heavy and cold. Before long, two hands gripped the Princess shoulders from behind her. Slender, clawed fingers of red, as if they had been dipped in blood. The hands gripped her firmly, a chilling laugh sounding behind her.

"He's such a softy. So quick to have others solve his issues. He doesn't want me to hurt you. He must really like you~" Before the Princess could react and spin around, the presence and what ever figure had been there was now gone. Vanished just as quickly as it had manifested. Fabian clutched his head in pain, hunched over the table. "Damn..."

[User]
Vania raised an eyebrow at Fabian's question. Was he just not listening to her? She'd basically offered it. Why she did that, Vania would never know. Unless, of course, Fabian had been right that she had a soft spot for him. "You already know what I would want out of our marriage." Vania pointed out. "I want love, and I know that's not easy, but trying would be appreciated. I also want you not to sleep with any little demon whore. Just me." Vania pointed out calmly, as if her terms were unlikely for him to accept.

And then... something changed. The look on Fabian's face got... darker, his eyes redder. A strange presence, something cold, hit her as hands suddenly grabbed her shoulders. She couldn't react quick enough to spin around to see what the hell that was, let alone what that voice even meant.

"That doesn't make you weak." Vania finally responded, looking back at Fabian to see he was clearly in pain. She got up from her seat and moved over to him, gently running her hand through his hair in a weird attempt to soothe him. She wasn't... good at soothing people, but it was worth a shot. "Come on. You should lie down." Vania finally said, deciding not to even ask about it. Not while he was obviously in pain.

[Assistant]
The pain in his head was excruciating. "Why now... of all times?" Fabian could feel he was actually getting closer to having Vania trust him. _Now he wants out._ It wasn't a matter of if, but when. It was taking everything he had to keep it under wraps.

The Prince's eyes stayed a crimson red as Vania rushed to his side. "You... shouldn't be near me right now." Fabian got up from his chair shakily, every fiber of his being wanting to get as far away from her as possible. He stumbled a few feet before falling to his knees in the grass. Groaning, Fabian glanced to her. He really didn't have any other choice. "Vania... need to get... to my room." The look in his eyes was of desperate pleading.

[User]
Vania watched him as he insisted she shouldn't come near him and suddenly got up, trying to get to his room himself. It didn't really work, and she was very confused about what was happening to him. But if he didn't want her help, she couldn't force him. She sighed heavily, wondering why he was being so stubborn. And then he fell, and she sighed and called for a guard.

The guard joined her and she helped him up, walking with the other to help keep him up until they got to his room and she laid him on his mattress. She sighed and stared at him for a moment before just scoffing. "I expect an explanation at some point. You owe me at least that much." Vania pointed out, noticing his advisor/friend/whatever, and taking her leave.

Every single time she felt like she was connecting with Fabian, he always did something like this. He was infuriating. She just went to her room and changed, lying down on her bed and attempting to sleep rather than think about Fabian anymore.

[Assistant]
His vision swam and his mind went blank. Fabian vaguely saw as Vania had fetched a guard, helping the disheveled Prince along. The walk back to his room felt tiring, with the Princess seeing him like this not helping the situation.

As they opened the door for him, he could hear discussion between Vania and the guard. It sounded like she wanted the Guard to get Tren for him. That was a start in the right direction. He looked to Vania as she laid him down onto his bed. Fabian nodded to her, knowing that coming clean would be for the best, but he'd have to wait till tomorrow. "Sorry..." He couldn't muster much else of an apology for everything that happened.

Tren soon arrived to see to the Prince's aid, that being the cue for Vania's leave, her guard escorting her away. His advisor began to take steps in making the Prince as comfortable as possible, as the pain would need to subside on its own. Frustrated, Fabian clutched his head, hoping the pain would pass quickly.