stalk 08

Still not believing the turn his fortune had taken him, Lezard led Lenneth up the many flights of stairs in his apartment building. He kept up a constant banter, his voice calm and cheery, hiding the excited desperation he felt. He was determined to not let her get a moment to rethink her move, determined to ensnare her deeper into his web of deceit as he talked about his sister’s club. He could feel her interest peaking the more he revealed, and he was careful to stress how the attitudes of Mystina’s clients reflected her own, not caring about the Gods, only seeking pleasure of the senses…including that of sound, wanting to soothe their ears with music that was pleasant to listen to.

“It’s right this way…” Lezard said as he reached the fourth floor landing. “We own this building…” He added nonchalantly, knowing Lenneth wasn’t the type of girl to be impressed by wealth. “We had the dividing walls knocked out to make more room…one luxury sized apartment.” Perfect privacy he thought to himself, stifling a smile at the fact that there was no nosy neighbors to be found on the fourth floor.

He shifted his bag to a one handed grip, digging his keys out of his pocket. They rattled as he turned the lock, the door opening with a muted click. He stepped inside the apartment, holding the door open for her. She paused, hesitating in the doorway, suddenly uncertain. “Is your sister home?”

“Don’t know…” He bit back a sigh, opening his mouth to bellow out her name. “Mystina! You in?” No answering call came, much to his relief, though he saw a flash of disappointment in Lenneth’s eyes. “Hmm….she must have gone out…” He tried not to grin.

“Maybe I better go…” It took all his self control not to lash out, and grab her. He wondered if Lenneth could see the fine tremors running up his body, as he forced himself to stay still. “No! No…” He licked his lips nervously, noting how her eyes seemed to follow the motion of his tongue. “I’m sure she’ll be back soon enough. We could wait a while, and see?” He hoped his tone didn’t sound desperate, he was trying for cool detachment.

“Well…” Lenneth’s teeth flashed, the girl biting down on her lower lip. Lezard briefly closed his eyes, imagining it was his flesh she was biting, and his body shuddered in bliss. “I suppose…but what about my groceries…?”

“I can store them in my fridge.” He said, quickly reaching out to snag the small bag from her hand. “So nothing will spoil.” He was walking away before she could protest, holding her bag hostage in his arms. He heard her sigh deeply, and smiled, hearing the sound of her heels clicking across the linoleum. “Sit down.” He said without turning, opening up the refrigerator. He quickly crammed the two bags inside, not bothering to unpack their contents. Cool air from the fridge wafted across his front, stealing away some of the heat he felt, letting him think more clearly.

“Would you like something to drink?” Lezard asked, heading towards the small bar set up in the corner of the kitchen. Lenneth watched him, he could feel her eyes staring into his back. “Just juice…” She said at last, and his hand paused over vodka.

“Ah….juice…” Disappointment was in his tone.

“It’s rather early to be drinking, don’t you think?” Lenneth asked.

“Hmm…yes, I suppose…” He reached for a bottle of orange juice, pouring out a glass. His eyes swept over the counter, seeing pills laying out, a mish mash of colors. Mystina’s collection, things that had been taken off of men who had come into the club, thinking to seduce some of the girls there. “Ice?” He asked, discreetly reaching for one of the pills.

“Yes please.” His fingers were touching them, sifting through the colors. He found a light blue pill, something mild but quick acting, that would make one behave as though they were drunk, with few inhibitions. He palmed the pills, reaching for the icebox with his other hand. Plastic tonsils fished the cubes out of the container, and he added them to her juice, discretely dropping the pills in as well. They started to dissolve, and to pass the time, he began pouring himself a drink, pouring the orange concoction into a bright green cup.

Picking them up, he walked over to the table, a cheery smile on his face. He placed the pill laced drink in front of Lenneth, and she closed her hand around it. “So this is your apartment?” She seemed surprised, probably not having expected such wealth and opulence for one so young. “It’s nice. Much nicer than mine.”

“I’m sure that’s not true.” responded Lezard automatically, though he knew her words were not false. He had been to her home, had seen the barren look to it, the lack of touches that made a home, well…a home.

Lenneth laughed, a musical sound, hinting at her voice’s talent. “Believe me, it’s not false flattery. If you saw it, you’d know…there’s no comparison.”

“Ah…” He didn’t know what to say to that, and quietly took a sip of his drink. Lenneth mimicked his actions, and Lezard tried not to be too obvious as he watched her lift the cup up to her lips. Everything seemed to be going in slow motion, her hand rising, her lips parting, the tip of the glass to her mouth…the swallowing bob in her throat. Lezard pulled nervously at the collar of his t-shirt, trying not to stare at her neck.

“Would you like a tour?” He asked, watching as she drank some more from her glass.

“Yes…” She smiled at him. “I’d like that…” Together they rose from the kitchen table, Lenneth carrying her glass with her. He led her into the next room, a stylish living room, filled with the latest state of the art electronics. But her attention was drawn to the large windows, offering a breath taking view of their neighborhood. He watched as Lenneth pressed herself against the windows, sipping at her juice. “Hey.” She said suddenly. “I can see my house from here!”

Lezard almost choked, nervous laughter bubbling up out of his throat. “You can?”

“Yes…come look.” She waved him closer, and he came, beckoned by her fingers. He stood behind her, almost touching, and fought with himself not to lean in and smell her hair. “Look…” She was reaching with her hand, capturing his to point at a small house. He couldn’t help shivering at the touch of her hand, finding her skin warm and soft. “That’s it right there…”

“I see…” But he didn’t look, too enamored with viewing her profile up close and personal. She was letting out a giggle, finding amusement at their living so close together. “I never would have guessed we lived so close to each other…” She confided. “I haven’t lived in this area long, and don’t know all the streets yet…”

“Maybe…sometime I could give you a tour…” He breathed into her ear, seeing the strands of her hair move. “Help you get better acquainted to the town.”

“I’d like that.” She was suddenly turning, having released her hold on his hand. She let out a gasp, not expecting him to be right on top of her, her front brushing against his chest. It was all Lezard could do to stifle the moan of delight that rose up in him, and he stared down into the blue of her eyes. She looked up at him, licking her lips nervously as she backed up against the glass. “I’m sure my boyfriend would appreciate the tour as well…”

“Right…your boyfriend…” He pulled away, not liking the reminder of Lucian. He stalked away from her, to the center of the room, seething angrily. Lenneth watched him, slowly finishing off the last of her juice. He turned, seeing her look away from him, eyes traveling over the room, looking it over for the first time. He stared at her, seeing her in her short shorts, and tight fitting top, with the sunlight surrounding her, making her hair shine. She made a pretty picture, and he longed for his camera just then.

“So what do you do…?” Lenneth asked, carefully setting the glass down on a coffee table.

“Hmm?” He arched an eyebrow, still studying her beauty.

“Your sister owns a club….surely you don’t live off of her wealth?” Her lips pursed in disapproval, wanting him to make his own way in the world.

“Oh, I take pictures.” answered Lezard.

“Pictures? You’re a photographer?” She sounded interested. “Any good?” He almost scoffed at that, a little insulted. “My dear, I am more than just good. I am one of the best.”

“Really…?” A tinge of doubt was in her voice.

“Yes really.” He said insistently. “My work has been in plenty of magazines.” He left out what kind of magazines, knowing she wouldn’t approve of the skin rags he usually worked for. Those were just one way to pay the bills, a way for him to afford the high end equipment for his hobbies. Photography was one of his passions, one of the only things left in life that gave him pleasure. The platinum haired woman standing before him was another one. “Would you like to see some examples?”

“I’d love to…”

He was gesturing for her to follow him, leading her through the apartment, past closed doors. He opened one, holding it open to allow her to pass by him. She walked forward, the scent of her drifting up to his nostrils, and he let out a breathy sigh before following, the door slamming shut behind him. The sound startled her, though she tried not to show it, eyes blinking furiously in the dimly lit room.

“My own dark room…” He said, reaching past her to flip a switch. His arm brushed her shoulder as he did so, muted red light coming on to better illuminate the windowless room. “I develop all my photos in here.”

She let out a gasp, her eyes wide as she stared. Photos in various states of development hung from a line, dripping with chemicals. She could see many things, voyeuristic shots of people, capturing candid moments of their life, and breathtaking landscape scenes. Even a few promo shots for his sister’s club hung on the walls, and her eyes lingered over these most of all. “They’re beautiful…” Lenneth said, still looking around.

“I suppose…” Lezard gave an uncaring shrug of his shoulders, knowing his most beautiful shots were the ones he couldn’t show her. The ones of her.

“They really are.” Her eyes were on a park setting, seeing the colors leap out of the kids at a playground. “You’re very good…I’m…sorry I doubted you…” She turned to look at him, and like at the window, her body brushed against his, the room being small and cramped. She didn’t gasp or back away this time, smiling up at him.

“I wouldn’t lie about something like that…” Lezard said, fighting to keep from leaning on her. “I think…much like you with your voice, one should never be anything but proud when it comes to one’s talents.”

Her smile deepened. “You sound so different from him.” Lezard didn’t have to ask who she referred to. “Lucian thinks it’s wrong to have pride, that one should be thankful of the gifts the Gods bestowed on them. He…” Her eyes lowered, a hint of pain in them. “…doesn’t necessarily agree with my lyrics, thinks I am wrong with what I write. That I’m wasting my pen on blasphemous songs.”

“Then he’s a fool.” Lezard said bluntly. “If it’s what you believe in, what makes you feel passion, then it can never be wrong.” He couldn’t help himself, he was reaching up to touch her face, fingers caressing her cheek. She let out a small sigh, and he was pleased to notice she leaned into his touch.

“That’s a refreshing change of attitude…” Lenneth said. “If only more people thought like you…”

“Like us you mean…” He couldn’t believe it, his Goddess was allowing him to touch her! “I think you and I are kindred spirits…seeking to be free of the daily, mundane thoughts of the world.”

“Yes…” She agreed, her hand reaching up to touch his. A soft, warm presence on the back of his hand.

“I wonder what else we might have in common…” He was bending now, bangs falling forward to brush against her forehead. “Care to find out…?”

“I…” She was suddenly pulling away, throwing his hand off her face, avoiding his lips. “I…think I’ve seen enough pictures…” She said shakily.

“Right…” Lezard said, disappointed. He flicked the lights off the room, and turned to leave. She followed, and together they stepped out into the hallway. “I guess your sister’s not back yet?”

“It’s only been a few minutes…” Lezard said. “Give her time.”

“I suppose…” She rubbed her bare arms, shivering though the temperature of the apartment was hot.

“Say….Lenneth…” An idea occurred to him, and he tried not to grin. “Can I take your picture?”

“My picture?” She repeated. “Why? I mean…surely there are better subjects than me!”

“You give yourself far too little credit. You’d make a stunning photograph…” If only she knew! “You are aware that you’re a very beautiful girl, right?”

She blushed then, and shook her head. Her silver hair fell forward, and she brushed it back. “I’m….okay…Lucian says…Lucian says I would look better if I wore more make up.”

Lezard couldn’t keep from gasping, his fists clenching in outrage. How dare that blond buffoon tell her such a thing! First making allusions to her weight, now her looks, he clearly was in a habit of putting this lovely soul down. “Lenneth…” He was grabbing her then, trying to be gentle as he took hold of her arms. “I don’t care what anyone says…anyone with eyes can see you are gorgeous…make up would only steal away from your natural beauty…” He saw her cheeks pinken further, but she didn’t try to deny his words. “Let me show you…” He said. “Let me show you how I see you…”

“With your camera?”

“Yes…It can only capture, not add to one’s beauty.” Lezard told her.

“I suppose…” She said. “Yes…” His hands fell away from her, a relieved smile on his face.

“Let me just get one of my cameras…” He said, turning away from her.

“Cameras?” She questioned his use of plural. “You have more than one?”

“I’ve a dozen, ranging from all kinds.” Lezard laughed. “One can never have too many in my line of work!” She was following close behind him, and he paused, realizing he couldn’t allow her to see his room. Not in it’s current state, with pictures of her papering the walls, a blown up shot of her beasts hanging over his bed. Nor could she see the shrine he had built to her, of the candles circling the bikini and miniature homunculus he had made in her likeness.

“Er…why don’t you go wait in the living room…this will only take a second…”

“But…”

“Please!” He added urgently. “My room is rather messy. It would embarrass me for you to see it like that.”

Lenneth laughed. “I can handle a little mess but..if you really insist…”

“I do!”

“Then I don’t mind waiting in the living room.” He almost kissed her then, so relieved was he. He settled for patting her hand, directing her back towards the front of the apartment. Lezard waited until she was halfway down the hall before rushing into his room, throwing the door open. He ran around like a madman, yanking pictures off the wall, stuffing them under the bed. His breath huffed out, blowing out the candle’s flame, and he stashed the bikini and homunculus inside his closet. He fretted over the poster hanging on his ceiling, putting a step ladder onto the mattress. He almost ripped it to shreds as he pulled it off, reluctantly folding the picture and adding it to the collection under his bed.

He then turned his attention to his cameras, picking out his second best model. ~Lousy kids.~ He thought with a growl, thinking of the expensive camera ruined by water. He caught sight of himself in the mirror, and he hastily ran a hand through his messy hair, trying to straighten out his brown locks. He tried out a smile on his reflection, hoping he looked charming.

Lezard all but flew through the apartment, feet stomping as he ran, until he skidded to a halt, seeing Lenneth staring out the window again. He wanted to show her the view from his balcony, knew they could see her house even better from it’s high perch. “Lenneth…” He called out softly, raising the camera to his face. “Turn around…” She turned, and the flash went off, capturing the expectant look on her face.

“AH!! I wasn’t ready!” protested Lenneth, holding her hands up to her face.

“That’s what makes it the perfect shot.” He explained, waiting for her to put down her hands. “The sunlight frames you beautifully, makes your hair gleam. You have this glow about you…this purity…”

“Stop…” She lowered her hands, a tiny frown on her face. He snapped the photo, treasuring her expressions. “I’m not pure…”

“Maybe…maybe not…” It was as close to a disagreement as she’d get from him.

“Hmm…” Lenneth seemed mollified. “Should I be posing or something?” The camera flashed as she spoke, the girl shifting uncomfortably.

“If you like…” Lezard paused, and gestured towards the couch. “Let’s get a few of you away from the window…” He watched as she walked towards the couch, sitting primly on the cushion’s edge. Her legs were pressed together, hands resting on her knees, and she tried out a small smile on him. He eagerly caught her on film, urging her to lean back against the couch. “Act natural…”

“I’m trying…” She said, looking nervous. “I’m just not used to being in front of a camera.”

Lezard paused, coming near to her. His hands reached out, touching her hair, smoothing it back behind her ears. “Don’t think of the camera…pretend it doesn’t exist…”

“It’s hard…”

“Hmm…think of it…” A flash of inspiration struck him. “Think of it as being on a stage, performing in front of a packed audience. You don’t freeze up in front of a crowd do you?”

“No…” She shook her head. “Not when I’m singing I don’t…”

“Then sing to me Lenneth, sing!” He urged her, stepping back with a smile on his face. He watched as she closed her eyes, pink tongue darting out to wet her lips. She seemed to be composing herself, inhaling deeply as she gathered her song. It erupted from her lips, notes high and sweet, an enchanting voice that made him want to put down his camera, and just listen.

Lenneth opened her eyes, locking her gaze with his, her whole demeanor changing. A sultry look was in her eyes, as she sung of dark seduction, a desperate needy thing, the words seeming to mimic what he felt for her. He shivered, feeling the full focus of her gaze, loving that she looked at him with such intensity. His shaking hand brought the camera up before his eyes, and he was careful to frame her face, a close up of that sweet expression.

Click went the camera, capturing her as she leaned back on the couch. Click went the camera, encrypting her lithe form to film. Click went the camera, catching as she stretched her arms up high above her head, letting her hair spill through her fingers. The shutter button of his camera worked over time, taking in every pose, every expression, Lezard working diligently to capture every visual of this private serenade, weeping that he didn’t have a way to hold onto her song, knew that his memory would never hope to recreate the sound of her voice.

The song soon changed, flowing without break into another one, her eyes turning bolder as she sang about how there was no Gods. Her eyes seemed to bore into his, the blue of them flashing intensely as she dared him to react, dared him to show disapproval. When none came, a relieved smile crossed her face, and she threw back her head, a jubilant laugh emerging from her throat. He filmed that laugh, moving nearer to her, sitting right next to her on the couch.

“Why don’t you loosen a few buttons?” He asked, fingers longing to touch her shirt. She looked at him, but obliged, the drugs he slipped into her drink making her more compliant. One button, than two were undone, just a hint of the line of her breasts appearing to him. He stepped away, camera flashing, and she continued to sing, but her voice was faltering, and she was frowning now.

“What’s the matter?” asked Lezard.

“Don’t know…” Lenneth sighed. “I’m having trouble thinking of the words…can’t seem to remember them all…”

“Then sing from your heart…” he urged her, shooting more pictures. More song, more clicks of the camera, Lezard being so bold as to push her legs apart, positioned himself kneeling in between her thighs. He aimed the camera upwards, trying for a unique perspective, seeing her stare down at him, eyes dark and mysterious. His one trembling hand touched her knee, and he caught the gasp as it happened on film.

Standing up, he leaned over her, touching her face. “Can you undo some more buttons for me?” He whispered in her ear, and her trembling hand came up. But her fingers fumbled, unsure and shaking, forcing him to reach down and help her. Lezard’s breath caught in his throat as he touched the material between her breasts, undoing the blouse all the way down to her waist. He desperately wanted to touch her skin, and he had to force himself to step back, and concentrate on the pictures.

“Lay down…” Lezard told her, and she nodded. Stretching out on the couch, he leaned over her, snapping more shots of her. Her hair was spread out all around her, and Lezard wished it was his pillows that her hair lay across. He reached down to touch her belly, rubbing along her stomach, and Lenneth let out a surprised moan. “Do you like that?” Click went his camera, a distorted shot of his hand on her skin.

She nodded in answer, breathing changing as he continued to rub. His hand moved upward, touching her bra, tugging on the frontwards clasp that contained her breasts. “No…” Lenneth murmured in protest, but didn’t move to stop him. With one flick of his fingers, her breasts bounced free, and his camera went off, capturing them on film.

“Beautiful….simply beautiful…” He said, awestruck as he gazed upon her. Her hands were raising to cover her chest, a blush on her cheeks. He was charmed to see her embarrassment, quick to use his camera once more.

“Am not…” insisted Lenneth, shaking her head.

“Are too.” He replied, couldn’t resist letting out a chuckle. She seemed to shiver at the sound of his laugh, just laying there, staring at him. “Sing to me some more..” Lezard urged her, and her mouth opened, hesitant words spilling out from her. She gasped as he touched her once again, free hand touching her breast, playing with a nipple. “Le…Lezard…” Her voice wavered, unsure of what he was doing.

“Keep singing…” He ordered, watching as her nipples stiffened, and her blush deepened. He was setting his camera down on the floor, nudging it gently out of the way with his foot. Both hands free now, he touched her, hands caressing her chest, molding her supple skin to fit in his palms. She was gasping in between words, trying to sing but losing herself into his touch.

Lezard bent over her, pressing his mouth towards her open lips, cutting off her song in mid sentence. He swallowed up her gasps, feeling dizzy with desire as he finally got to taste his Goddess, to experience first hand what it was like to kiss her, to touch her. Her tongue was coming to meet his, boldly stroking wet velvet together. Her hands were moving, coming to wrap around his neck, Lenneth clinging to him in need.

Lezard groaned into her mouth, hands still playing with her breasts. He broke the kiss, kissing down her chin, licking down the front of her throat. He could feel her fingers playing with his hair, and he sighed happily. He found her pulse point, feeling it slow and languid, a sign of the drug making her calm and sleepy. His hands left her chest, stroking down her belly, fingers dipping under the waistband of her shorts. Lenneth let out a protesting noise, fingers hesitating in his hair.

“Lenneth…” He sighed against her skin. “May I touch you some more?” He wanted her consent, wanting her approval before he moved on. Time seemed to freeze as he waited for her answer, but at long last she nodded, burying her face in his neck. He felt moist kisses on his throat, the girl licking and sucking at his skin.

Down went his hand, moving underneath the shorts, sliding across the cotton of her panties. His fingers found her center, and she let out an ecstatic cry, before she bit down on his throat, legs spreading slightly. Taking that as invitation to continue, he nudged his fingers against her covered crease, rubbing and stroking. Lenneth was murmuring, crying out encouragement, cotton growing moist with her arousal.

Lezard continued to play her down there, making her sing an altogether different kind of song. He cast about for his camera, pausing long enough to grab it. She let out a disappointed whine that turned into one of pleasure as his fingers stroked her center once more. He shifted, holding the camera so that he could get an awkward shot of her kissing his neck. Tangible proof that this encounter had really happened, and not just in his mind.

“Lenneth….” Lezard said, trying not to lose himself in the feel of her lips on his neck. “Lay back for me honey…” She did so, with a pout on her lips. He pushed aside the thin strip of cotton, revealing herself to his fingers, sliding one in. The pout on her face disappeared as she cried out, wiggling her hips against his hand. The camera went off, catching the bliss on her face, though the sheer desire in her face would be etched in his mind forever more.

He continued to move his finger, plunging in and out in a rapid motion, much like he wanted to do with a very different part of his body. Her head was frantically turning, to the left and to the right, chest rising and falling as she let out short pants of air. Another finger slipped inside of her, working her over more thoroughly, and all too soon he had her crying out, falling back against the cushions exhausted.

He pulled his hand free of her shorts, bringing his fingers to his mouth for a taste. Lenneth was staring up at him, sleepy eyed, still trying to catch her breath, to come down from the unexpected high he had given her. Lezard was touching her again, intent on pulling off her shorts, when her body went completely limp. He turned, and saw her eyes completely closed, a small sated smile on her face as she breathed deeply, fast asleep. He nearly fell over in disappointment, not believing his luck. He finally had her, and she fell asleep on him!

Lezard sighed, leaning back to just stare at her. ~Well…~ He reasoned to himself. ~No need to let this be a complete waste…~ He picked up his camera, eyes roaming over her body critically. His hand touched her shorts, easing the material down, sliding off her panties. Click went the camera, capturing her full glory on film.

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He watched as her eyes fluttered open, the blue of them slowly being revealed. She let out a small moan, lifting her hand to her head. “Wh…what?!” Lenneth sat up startled, glancing about in confusion.

“You fell asleep…” Lezard explained, handing her a glass of juice. “You look so tired, I didn’t want to wake you…”

“Asleep…” She murmured, glancing at the clock on the wall. “I wish you would have…Lucian is going to kill me for being gone so long!”

“I’m sure he’ll understand…you were following a job lead after all.” Lezard said smoothly.

“Right…the job…” More frowns from her, the girl clearly trying to remember what had gone on between them. “Your sister….is she back…?”

“I’m afraid not.” His smile was apologetic. “It might be best if you came back another time…tomorrow perhaps?”

“Tomorrow…” Lenneth blinked. “I suppose I could…”

“Good!” He stood up, handing her a piece of paper. “Then it’s decided…you can audition for her tomorrow.”

“Yes…” She opened the paper, seeing his name and phone number written on the yellow paper. She rose, seeing the room sway slightly before her eyes. “Ugh…” Again she was touching her forehead, a grimace of pain on her face. “I don’t feel too good…”

“You should get home and rest…” Lezard’s hands were on her solicitously, making sure she did not fall. Lenneth seemed grateful for the assistance, slowly walking towards the kitchen. “My…my groceries?” She reminded him, and he walked over to the refrigerator, finding her bag. “Here you go…I’ll see you out.”

“Oh no, you don’t have to.” She protested.

“I insist…” Lezard said, not bothering to lock the door behind them. “It would be ungentlemanly of me to let you go home unescorted after dark. Anything could happen!”

“Well….” A small, doubtful smile from her. “If you want to.”

“Believe me I do…” He said, and followed her down the stairs.

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By Michelle