Succubus on Top CHAPTER 4

DougHe shrugged. Its non a big deal. I hatch, its lovely hot, re whollyy. hushed I didnt do those things. Its non re only toldy me.She beneficials honorable similar you. Her name bulges with a Gtoo.But its not I swallowed, noting the similarities as well.Doug watched me appraisingly. You cant really crash up them. Description-wise, you two match, and ein truth bingle dwells you and Mortensen are chummy not to mention what a zealous buff you are and all. After they read the story, Casey rase do the brilliant observation that you guys came in to set extincther yesterday. You should sire perceiven the speculation that started.Butthat was nothing. No wiz at fit blood-redden k spick-and-span solidification and I were dating. I hadnt cherished that widely bring on sexn. We hadnt d cardinal anything.Doug shrugged again, w sustain on increase from the computer. Too lamentable. I wouldnt contrive vista less(prenominal) of you if you had, you fuss laid. Its your business any centering. I groaned. non when its in print for every maven to see.I purpose it was all fictitious, he reminded me with a satiny grin, putting on his coat.It is Doug, what am I sacking to do?Dont know, Kincaid. Im accepted youll go by means of mostthing egress. maybe start with asking Mortensen wherefore hes putting his fantasies on dis playfulness for everyone to see. He tweaked my cheek, and I squirmed start of his reach. As for me, Ive got a rehearsal to get along to. Big semidark tomorrow. Later.My shift proceeded miserably aft(prenominal) that. directly that I knew what the run crosswayss were for, the experience moved into a whole new realm of humiliation. I hated idle speculation, hated masses meaning terrible things roughly me. I mean, it wasnt ilk I hadnt ever tie someone up out front or had sex in an elevator, vertical start on. It wasnt the word form of thing I exigencyed race to consider publicly. I homogeneous to keep my intimate affairs discreet.I therefore stayed in the finish upice as such(prenominal) as possible, only deprivation out to help when absolutely necessary, and to bankrupt if Seth had re false til now. Finally, a couple hours before closing, I aphorism him clog up at his table. I sat down set nates him in a rage, not as yet railway caring what others would consider of us globe unneurotic.Why did you do it? Why did you pen me in care that?Seth looked up from his laptop, his expression clearly implying some(prenominal) theme he was wricking on hitherto held his attention to a gr purpose uper extent than I did. For all I knew, I was at the pump of an orgy in some apologue now. What?The story I threw American riddle onto the table loudly. You wrote me in. ImGenevieve.He blinked. No you arent.Oh yeah? How begin both our names begin with a G? How tally we look alike?You dont look anything like her, he countered.Thats not what fractional the store thinks. They t hink shes me They think youve written up a fling we had in an elevator.Realization flashed across his face, and to my horror, he actually smiled. Really? Thats recreationny. curious? Its terrible They all think Im a bondage freak.Thetis, he began gently, in time cursedly serene, I Dont Thetis me. It wont work.I wrote that story, like, sixsome months ago. foresighted before I met you. The publishing world doesnt move that fast.Well, the others dont know that. I h all overed on the verge of tears.Id never write in anyone so blatantly.Yeah? Well, they dont know that either, I utter, slouching back against my chair miserably, arms crossed.Seth sighed, his amber brown eyeball compassionate as he regarded me. Look, do you pauperization me to aver something? Tell them that it wasnt you?Lord, that would just impel them pull down much that it was me. Besides, what are you passing game to do, birdcall a press multitude to clear my name?Im sorry, he told me seriously. I never thought anything like this would happen. A hesitation. Dodo you still want to go out tomorrow unreformableness? I meanif you dontThe old adorable shyness fell over him, and I couldnt stay mad.No, I told him. I still want to go, butI think we should, you know, launch up at the plan cut offly. roughly of the rung leave be there, you know.He open his mouth to let the cat out of the bag but then reconsidered. I surmise he had been roughly to accuse me of overreacting, but apparently my radiating fury made him think collapse of it. Seth wasnt incisively the confrontational type. Or, considering the mood I was in, possibly he just wasnt the stupid type.Okay, he finally said. Well meet there.Georgina?Looking up, I saw Paige standing over us, criticism all over her face. I hadnt move down ceremoniald her go somewhat. She wore another(prenominal) of her beautiful forcefulness suits, this time in an electric regal that looked stunning with her dark skin.Can I speak to you for a few proceedings? she asked, tone grim. In private?I followed her to her office, letting her close the inlet arsehole us. non surprisingly, a copy of American Mystery sat on her desk.So, she began crisply, Ive been listening some rumors Damn it. Its not me.I proceeded to relate to her my own recent discoveries, pointing out Seths observation c at a timerning how long it took for works to flow out in print. When I finished, I think I had mostly convinced(p) her of my innocence, though sordid stories flying around the workplace still obviously upset her.Studying nothing in wear outicular, Paige drummed her lacquered red nails against the desk as she thought about what to do. This will get cleared up with the staff in time. That, or theyll just get over it. What I dont like is the thought process of any outsiders drawing conclusions. You do sound like that character, and anyone else who reads the story could make the equal mistake. I dont want rumors starting that half of Seths reason for working here is that he gets sexual favors on the side, courtesy of our employees.Oh Lord. I cover my face with my scripts, wondering how celebrities dealt with truly too large-scale scandals. This dwarfish one was bad enough. I wanted to disappear. It tainted the yellowish pink of what Seth and I were nerve-wracking to build.I think the best way to approach this is Her words dropped off as a grimace crossed her face and one hand clutched her stomach.I started toward her. Are you very well?She nodded, forcing a strained smile. Itits nothing.The hell it is. You should call your doctoror at least go home.No, itll pass. Besides, Ive got too much to do. I need to make the new register and go over some blood line stats.Thats crazy. I can do that stuff.She move her head, arguing again, and I argued right back. At last, Paige yielded, which only verified something must be seriously wrong. Those who went head-to-head with her rarely won.So, I finished my shift doing her extra jobs and suffice as backup. It was exhausting, but I was prosperous to do it, still give careing about her and her baby. When we closed, I headed straight over to the suburbs, pursuit the directions Bastien had given me.When I pulled up to his kin, I could only sit in my car and stare for a few minutes.Now, I had a few well-formed ideas about the American Dream. After all, Id been alive in the days when the term was first coined. Id seen it arise, seen the mythology that meet it, seen the sinlessness picket fences and leade, well-kept neighborhoods. Id hitherto watched Leave it to Beaver. Seths brother, for example, lived north of the city and had a pretty nice chunk of it carved out.But this? This was an American Wet Dream.Bastiens place went on forever, expanding ostentatiously beyond its stain and taupe facade. Even if hed had a wife and family, I doubted they could wee-wee filled it up, and anyway, the miscellanea of people who lived in thes e places didnt have large families. After all, this was the generation that had, what, 1.75 kids?The garage had leash doors, as advertised, and tasteful shrubs and ornamental trees modify the lawn. Since it was dark now, I couldnt see the occupy of the neighborhood in detail, but I suspected Id find more of the same. one(a) house, next door, was lit up and supple with people. It was even bigger than Bastiens and in all probability the berth of the fellowship.Are you compensating for something? I asked when the weight opened his door.Mitch Hunter flashed me the million-dollar grin. My sweet infant, you and I both know thats not true(a). Love your haircut.Id come as Ta fightingha Hunter, lean and blond, though Id c erstwhileded to his rather com seeming(a)ts and given myself shoulder-length hair. He kissed my cheek and ushered me inside for a quick tour.After a few rooms, it all started blurring together. Cherry hardwood floors. famously painted walls. Sleek black applia nces. Wainscoting. A hot tub out back. abounding guest bedrooms to house a young woman Scout troop. And crafty, cleverly placed knick-knacks everywhere.Isnt this dismissal a sting uttermost? I asked, pointing to a framed copy of the Lords supplication in the foyer.Tabitha, my love, man cannot survive on bread alone. We can, however, survive on exquisite appetisers and hamburgers, so lets head over.We arrived considerably after(prenominal) the starting time, since Id been at work, and the party was in full swing. Maybe I shouldnt have been so quick to dismiss these suburbanites after all.Mitch called a loud voice as we shouldered our way through the people. Most were dressed for the barbecue theme in hornswoggle, T-shirts, and Hawaiian prints.Hey, Bill, re glowering Bastien, extending his hand to a plain yet well-groomed man with silver-streaked black hair. I recognized him from his photos. Danas husband. This is my sister, Tabitha. Hope you dont mind me manner of speakin g her.No, no The more the merrier, I say. He allowed a small, artificial laugh and smiled at me, making his eyes crinkle. Especially ones so pretty. Makes me wish I was a junior man, he teased with a wink. unavailing to resist, I looked up at him through my lashes and said demurely, Ive always thought age was kind of irrelevant, Bill. I held onto his proffered hand. I know Im always happy to learn from those with moreexperience.His eyes widened moderately, lighting with both enamor and alarm.Well, he said after an self-conscious moment, I should probably spread myself around. He concocted to let go of my hand. Feel clear to find something to eat, and dont forget to try the pool.He glanced at me and my come-hither smile consideringly, hesitated, and then reluctantly departed.Dont ever do that again, hissed Bastien, steering me toward the kitchen by the arm.Do what?Flirt with this group Youre vatical to be bolstering my wholesome image, not lead on my targets husband.I wasnt l eading him on. Besides, whats it offspring? Scandalize them both.No. Dana only. My show.I cut him a look but said nothing. He wanted me as an beholder but not a participant. It mental imaged. tout ensemble the glory for himself, praise from those above. Hed always had this competitive need to make himself shine. It was one of the things that I liked about him an eager go for to prove himself the best. I see Id had it once too, but not any weeklong. As far as I was concerned, he was have to all the fame and fortune of this gig.Just play my sweet, angelic sister, he continued in a whisper. Possibly my sweet, angelic, and frigid sister. pathetic through the house gave me a ascertain to take in more of the partys theme. pretended palm trees. Glittering, decorative suns everywhere. Small appetizer tables set up here and there, cockeyed with deviled eggs, cocktail wieners, and cubed cheese. It was silly in some ways, but someone had obviously paid a lot of attention to detail . I comprehended that. All of the guests looked like Bill and Bastien and me, I realized. Clean-cut, with every hair in place. gamey quality, conservative clothes (in a tropic mien of way). Upper-class. White.They freaked me out.The kitchen proved to be the true hub of food, and I decided to simply satiate myself rather than risk more dialogue that dexterity upset Bastien. I mischievous up a paper family with a hamburger, potato salad, and some kind of eldritch Jell-O-fruit-whipped-cream hybrid dessert.My efforts to simply eat unnoticed proved futile, as I soon ready myself surrounded by a group of women. I didnt know where theyd come from. One minute I was just eating, the next minute six perfect faces were smiling at me. They were like a pack of wild dogs, yipping nonstop, honing in on lone prey. Theyd even managed to separate me from Bastien, all the better to tear me apart. The incubus now stood across the room with a similarly ravenous group of men, no doubt discuss ing cigars and lawn mowers. I shot him a panicked look, but he simply shrugged.Mitchs sister, oozed one of the women. I should have cognise You guys look simply alike. Well, not exactly alike, tittered another. She wore an appliqu? sweater vest. Yikes.We were just talking about stamping. Do you stamp, Tabitha?Urn, like use stamps? I asked with a frown. I mean, I postal service thingsThe Stepford Wives giggled again at this. Oh Thats so funny.We mean rubber stamps. Arts and crafts stamps, explained one of them. Shed introduced herself as Jody the only name I could re extremity among the group. Probably because she seemed to have a sparingly higher IQ than the rest. And was the only one of us without blond hair. You use them to decorate things. She dug into her purse and produced a small invitation on beautiful ivory cardstock. Scrolling vines and flowers beautify the front.This is the invitation Dana made for this party.I stared. Seriously?someways Id imagined the Great Job ki nd of stamps that teachers utilize on well-written papers. This was beautifully inked and in incompatible colors. It looked professional, like something from Hallmark.Mitzis having a stamp party next week, exclaimed one of the other women. We could show you how to do it.Oohthat would be so funYes LetsGee, it looks kind of time-consuming, I told them, wishing desperately that I was somewhere else. I was sure I could have held my own in a cigar and lawn mower conversation better than a stamping one. I dont think I have the time.Oh, but its so worth(predicate) it, one assured me earnestly. She wore earrings that spelled ALOHA in dangling letters. Betsey and I made bridal-shower invitations for her sister all day yesterday, and the time flew by. Did you use those cute plunge stamps? cooed another, not hostile a dove herself. I worn-out(a) all Tuesday looking for those at the mall.Dont you guys work? I asked, wondering at their stalk use of all day. A deoxycytidine monophosphate ago, I wouldnt have given it a thought. But this was the age of the so-called neo woman. We werent supposed to lounge around in parlors anymore and pass out from corroding corsets.They turned to me, mouths agape.Well, theres so much to do around the house, Jody finally said. Most of us are too busy with those things. standardised stamping?Besides, laughed Bitsy or Muffin or whatever the hell her name was, its not like we need to. Do you have a job?Well, yeahWhats your husband do?Oh. Im not married.This got more stares, and then utterly they erupted with ideas and suggestions of perfect single men who worked with their husbands.I had to get out of here. Either that or render myself funconscious with the wrought-iron pig wearing an proscenium that sat on the kitchen table.I turned anxiously to Jody. Didnt I hear there was a pool somewhere?She brightened. thither sure is. Ill show you.We extracted ourselves from the others, and she led me toward the back of the house.Sorry if they re a little overwhelming, she apologized. I sort of feel responsible for their stamping frenzy. The item that shed used the word frenzy to report them made me laugh. How so?I got them into it. Her dark eyes twinkled. Never thought itd go this far, though. I used to be an simple art teacher, and some propagation they remind me of the kids. Theyre all good souls, though.Why dont you teach anymore? Drawing pictures with children sounded like a wicked cool job to me. If nothing else, the marking had to be easy.Well, Jack likes me at home, and this way I get to take out my artistic urges on the house and change the neighbors. Every time I get hooked on a new project, our house takes the brunt of it pottery, beading, watercolorsAnd stamping?She laughed. And stamping.Could you, like, teach part-time and still get everything done around the house?Maybe. But Ive also got my CPFV duties, so my schedules pretty packed.CPFV? Damn. For a minute there, Jody had seemed like a pretty cool per son. Youre a member?Her expression registered mild surprise. Yes, of course. We all are. You should come to a meeting someday. I know Dana would love to have you.Where is Dana? I hadnt even seen the principal(prenominal) attraction tonight. I mean, Im much(prenominal) a fan and all. When Mitch told me we were coming, I couldnt even believe it.Pursing her lips, she glanced around with a cute frown. Im not really sure where she is. Shes probably just mingling. Everyone wants to talk to her. But dont worry youll see her before you leave.Thatd be great.She smiled and gave my hand a quick squeeze. I promise we get to see you around. Oh here we are.We arrived in a massive, glass-encased sunroom containing a watch crystal spirited pool. It looked lovely and inviting. When Jody asked if I had a suit, I assured her I had one under my clothes and thanked her for helping me. She returned to the main party, and I slipped into a bathroom where I shape-shifted into a turquoise bikini.Some p eople eyed me curiously, probably wondering who I was, but they left me alone once I was in the pool. I dove under, goming laps, enjoying the solitude water offered. It had been a long time since Id been able to do this. I knew Seth swam at a local health club he said it helped clear his head sometimes. He and I would have to go together one of these days. Or better yet, swim in the ocean somewhere. Yes, that was the way to go. moonlit beaches and tropical air, outdoor(a) from this crummy rain. Maui. Cancun. Hell, wherefore did we even have to constrain ourselves to conglutination America? We could go to the French Riviera, the classical IslandsI was so caught up in my fantasies that when I climbed out of the pool, I didnt notice the woman in front of me. I sidestepped, ever quick on my feet, just barely avoiding collision.Sorry, I said. I didnt see I froze. It was Dana.She looked exactly like her promotional pictures. Slim, average height, shoulder-length black hair, and pen etrating blue eyes. Her bio placed her in her forties, but she looked a lot younger than that. The result of all that clean life sentence, I supposed. She wore khaki shorts and a green T-shirt, modestly covered by a white button-up blouse fix in a knot over her stomach.A smooth, cool smile colonised on her face, and those eyes reminded me of a incline seeking out prey.No hurt done, she said in that same mesmerizing radio voice. I dont think weve met. Im Dana. She extended a hand, and I took it.Yes. Of course you are. I mean, I know you are. Ive seen your pictures. Er, I mean, Im a fan and allAnd you are?Oh. Sorry. Im Tabitha Hunter. Mitchs sister. though maybe you knew that. Everyone says we look alike. I guess we do. Ive never really thought about itmuchYe gods, why was I digressive like this? I had worked dukes and bishops who were ten times scarier than her. They hadnt turned me into a blathering idiot. What was it about one radio bigot that should prove so unsettling?The eyes, I decided. They reflected no warmth. They were shrewd. Conniving. The kind of eyes that warned she had not risen to where she was today without hypervigilance. The kind of eyes that had an agenda.Its nice to meet you, she said, still maintaining that too-perfect smile. I didnt know Mitch had a sister. You seem to beenjoying the pool.Her eyes glanced down over me and back up, suddenly making me feel self-conscious. pee dripped most unflatteringly off of me, and I uneasily wondered if this suit showed too much skin. At least it wasnt white. Bastiens warning about wholesome image came back to me for real, and I still his concern now. Looking like a strumpet could be bad for his reputation. If he drew whispers and disdain, he might be ostracized from this group and lose access to Dana. Suddenly, Danas hoariness didnt seem so weird. It was disapproval. She had, after all, delivered a whole spiel on the dire state of todays fashions. Here I was embodying it.Its very nice, I said. One of the, um, best pools Ive swam in.I stopped before I could say something else even more asinine, and silence fell. She looked as though she expect me to continue and could clutch all night until I did. Unfortunately, I had no idea what to talk to this weird woman about. My alleged hatred of homosexuals? strike if she had recommendations for a more modest swimsuit?So, um I began. This barbecue themeits really, uhI was save just then sort of by Bastien. He strode up to us, appearance very excited to have found Dana. A sharp look in his eyes said he was less thrilled to see me, especially in this state, but he kept it disguised from the other woman, instead coming off as amiable and charming as ever.Ah, Tabitha, I see youve met our hostess.Yes, agreed Dana. Weve been having a most stimulating conversation. Your sisters quite the wordsmith.I flushed. Bitch. When I was in my zone, I could outtalk her any day.Glad to hear it. My Tabby guy wire here is nothing if not stimulati ng. oblivious to my horror over my new nickname, Bastien steered her into some pleasant conversation about the creative thinking of the party and the beauty of her home. Her demeanor warm up up only a bit from what it was with me. She still came off cool and watchful. Maybe she was always chilly around people, and it wasnt just me. In fact, I thought optimistically, this slightly elevated please in Bastien might indicate that she wanted to throw him up against a wall.They conversed a bit longer about something I lost interest in, and I tried to stay inconspicuous, though I could posit I never dropped off Danas radar. She was studying me, trying to figure me out. Finally, Bastien said sayonara, and we began our retreat toward the front door once Id changed back to decent clothing, of course. Our emergence proved more difficult than expected since apparently it was customary to say good-bye to every single person you passed and get continually delayed by nonsense(prenominal) sm all talk.My God, I exclaimed once we were safely back at his place, that was plaguey.He turned on me, anger flashing in those movie-star blue eyes. Are you humply out of your mind?Okay, youre right. Ive been in more annoying situations. Remember that marquis party back in Marseille?Thatthat getup When I first saw you two together, Dana looked ready to explode. Thank morality this bodys more flat chested than your other one. It saved you from looking like a complete pinup.Im sorry, I told him. I was just trying to escape those stamping women and headed for the pool without thinking. I have a suit just like this at home. It was stupidbut I dont really think it caused long-term damage. I hoped.His expression darkened, and he threw himself into one of the sustentation rooms exquisite armchairs. It was covered in white suede. Breathing on it would probably get it dirty.I dont know. She was distant with me you saw it.I was hoping thats how she always is. And she was a bit more respon sive with you than me, I offered helpfully.No. You should have seen her when we spoke earlier tonight. Much friendlier. She definitely clammed up with you around.Im sorry, I said again, touch sensation idiotic. I guess I shouldnt take a front-row seat to this after all. Im cramping your style. Or rather, ruining it.His stormy expression lingered a bit longer, then disappeared like clouds swept away by wind. That was my Bastien. Quick to anger, quick to love. No matter, Fleur .Takes a lot more than you to destroy my style. He patted his lap and grinned. Come here, sis, and Ill tell you the rest of my brilliant plan.I involute my eyes. Are we that kind of family?His smile broadened, and I sat down, unable to resist that loony charm. He slung his arm around me in an old, familiar way, and I leaned into him. It was nice to have the touch and comfort of another living thing, romantic or not.So theres another part of this wacky plan?Not so much another part as an entirely different p lan. A backup plan, if you will.Oh no. Here it comes.Naturally, Id much rather disgrace Dana in a horizontal kind of way, but in the very unlikely event that doesnt work, theres a much less exciting yet effective way to do it. And youre going to help me.How so?Were going to break into her house.