Night Fever

Free at last, and no where to go, Nic couldn't have been more disgruntled.

Over hearing about the House of Pain from some people in the towers, Nic had honed in on the conversation long enough to get the directions and a short description of the place. He had tried to be very nonchalant, standing in the lobby, checking out a magazine, but the whole time he hadn't read a word. He didn't know the man and woman, but when they started talking about going dancing his interest had been piqued. Once the couple had left, Nic jogged back to his suite, fed, showered, changed, and then caught a cab.

Fortunately the cabbie knew about the House, and got Nic there in no time. It never occurred to him to worry about finding unattached women to dance with. It had always been his experience that men were usually in short supply at most places like this. And even if they weren't, he was lucky to rarely go without attracting a dance partner or two.

Once the taxi dropped him off, he quickly located the entrance, strange as it was, and made his way down into the sewer. Slipping the guy at the door a considerably large bill, he was then passed through, and stood inside scoping the place out. Grinning, and feeling the music, Nic sauntered over to the bar and ordered a beer. Dropping a hundred on the bar, he told the bartender if he could keep Nic's beer cold, he'd get another one for himself at the end of the evening. The bartender nodded, and that was the extent of his acknowledgment. Nic would have to trust that would suffice.

He looked at home as he stood there, the jeans he'd found were so worn that they felt like velvet, and clung to his legs like paint. He opted to exchange his normal loafers for boots, and the shirt he wore was deep green silk and he wore it with the sleeves rolled up, tucked in, and top couple buttons left undone.

Sipping his beer, tapping his foot, he looked out at the sea of bouncing bodies and smiled.

Alexandra 18 years ago
Smiling at his reply and the sweet comment Alex placed her hand on Nic's arm.

"Thank you, but i'm okay now, they took me in and gave me a home, something I haven't had in a very long time."

Continue to listen to him telling her he lived in Nachton and being part of clan Evenhet made her eyes widen slightly, he just told her which clan he belonged too.. that was something totally undone where she was from.. sure people had an idea to which clan a person belong, but it wasn't said out loud, biting her bottom lip she looked down at her hand still resting on his arm, pulling it back she looked back up making eyecontact.

"I'm not in Evenhet" she was unsure wether to tell him she belonged to Tàcharan.. wouldn't she be bringing the clan in danger that way? was she even allowed to give out that tiny but O so important part about herself? swallowing her train of thoughts was interupted by the arrival of the barmaid.

"Talk about perfect timing"

Watching her pour the two flute's and then Nic handing her one she forced a smile on her lips, tapping her own glass against his she couldn't help but smile at his words.

"To friends"

Taking a sip of the bubbling liquid she let it move trough her mouth, letting her tastebuts take in all the different flavours before swallowing.

"Good choice in champagne, Roederer Cristal am I right?"

If Alex knew one thing it was wine, being from France she had tasted so many different ones over the years she could almost always tell which type she was tasting.
Nicholae 18 years ago
He relaxed when he heard whatever her distress had been, had been resolved by her family.

"I know the feeling. Before I became a real part of my clan, I had just drifted around for years. I've always been busy, and involved in my career, making money, traveling, but I never realized how important it was to not only be a part of something bigger, but how much I missed contact with others who really knew me, or that I knew. Maybe its age..."

Nic laughed. Yes, he was getting sentimental in his advancing years. He shook his head slightly at the strange thought.

It didn't go unnoticed, that Alexandra hadn't offered up any clan information on her part. He wondered if she might be clan-less. He found it hard to believe, but knew there were rogue vampires in the world, and some would have no problem turning and abandoning someone. Though someone like her? That made the idea even that much more preposterous.

Sipping the champagne, he studied her over the rim of the glass.


"Yes, Cristal...you're good." He grinned to hear she knew her wines. "In my mind, champagne is only for special occasions, and if its going to be a special occasion, it should be a special champagne.

Now...Alexandra...lady of mystery...what occupies your time here in Nachton?"
Alexandra 18 years ago
"I know the feeling. Before I became a real part of my clan, I had just drifted around for years. I've always been busy, and involved in my career, making money, traveling, but I never realized how important it was to not only be a part of something bigger, but how much I missed contact with others who really knew me, or that I knew. Maybe its age..."

Alex nodded her head at his words, that's exactly how she had been, appart from the making money part, come to think of it she could use a job, Michel had given her enough to live comforably for a long time.. but to all good things came an end at one point in time.

"If you don't mind me asking.. when were you turned? if it's a too private question don't answer it"

Sipping her champagne she studdied his face, smilling behind her glass as he complimented her on her knowledge in wines.

"I used to live in the Champagne region for a long time, my clan.. at that time had their hands on one of the larger finyards in the area, we had all the champagne we could drink"

Laughing softly at the memory she threw her head back making her long locks move with her, moving a stray lock out of her face she smiled at him once more, he was turning out to be very pleasant company, other then being one hell of a kisser.

Thinking for a bit about his next question she looked at the bubble clinging to the glass, smiling she decided to share a little more about herself.

"Before I got here to Nachton I was in a group of Assassins, part of my job was working as a rogue killer for the French Mafia, I haven't worked in that line of work in some time now.. but I'm still for hire so to say.. mind you i'm also one hell of a good cook"

Grinning at him she took another sip of her champagne.
Nicholae 18 years ago
Good question, he thought. He was terrible with ages...he had known some vampires who could tell another's age by their abilities, the strength of their powers, but Nic had never had that knack. And sometimes, it was helpful knowing if you were up against someone with only a few years of vampire life, versus one from the ancient times. It was something Nic needed to be more aware of, and yet still hadn't quite gotten it down to remembering to do so.

"At this point, is there really anything too personal to ask?"

The had already been more intimate in the short time together than he'd been with all the other women he'd met in Nachton, and he hoped to be even more intimate. He had nothing to hide, at least not from another vampire, and the stinging memory of recent events made him more than happy to come forward with any information he had available. But he needed some reciprocity as well, to protect himself from digging yet another grave.

"In the grand scheme of things, I'm but a lad...it's barely been three centuries since I was turned...I was twenty five at the time, and had just met another beautiful woman..."

He cocked an eyebrow before continuing.

"You might think that would have taught me to avoid beautiful women, but I'm afraid I'm a bit thick headed in certain areas.

But that's interesting, your mention of vineyards...my family back home owned vineyards. I never had the knack or interest in doing more than drinking wine, so I sold them off not long ago, and invested the profits...very wisely, I might add."

He had just taken a sip of his champagne, when she gave him the lowdown on her resume...and he nearly choked.

"An assassin? My god, now I really know I should have thought twice before letting another gorgeous woman get close. Just tell me you haven't been hired out by some Tacharan, to come after me?"

He was laughing, not really considering that anyone would care now, about his indiscretions...now that Ellis was gone, and he had given his word not to approach the little Tacharan accountant again.
Alexandra 18 years ago
Laughing softly as his reply she shook her head, no things were already very personal, so he was about the same age as she was.. that was a fun little piece of info.

"I'm about the same age, turned around the end of the 16th century, i'm still in contact with my shire, his name is Michel and he still lives in France leading the clan I once was part of."

When he mentioned his family having been in the wine business as well her eyes lit up, lifting a shapely brow as he mentioned just selling it and making a good profit out of it.

"That's a shame, wine is a good investment, you should have held on to it"

Sipping her drink once again she almost chocked on it when he made the comment about her clan, coughing loudly she put her glass down on the nearby table, standing up she took a deep breath trying to regain her composure, he had something against Tàcharan.. O God.. how did she get herself in this.. should she tell him? damn it DAMN it.. ok so there was only one thing to do now.. be honest.

Turning towards him she took another deep breath.

"I'm Tàcharan.. and before you run out of here.. no I'm not here to kill you.. that is not why I am there, or here for that matter."

Picking her glass back up she downed the last of it's content in one fluid movement, might as well get drunk now.. the evening was probably ruined by her confession.
Nicholae 18 years ago
It was of some comfort to know she wasn't much older than he. Now, at least, he wouldn't have to be too concerned with her not wanting to associate with a youth.

"Yes... I know the vineyards would have only increased in value, but when I invest I like to have fun with whatever I'm investing in...and vineyards require a lot more involvement to make sure they continue to produce well, and quality wines. I just didn't have the heart for it."

He gave her a smile and a little shrug, before she started coughing. He stood up along side her and rubbed her back. She was taking in air, so he knew she wasn't really choking, but that something probably went down the wrong pipe. When she seemed to be calming down, he felt better.

And then the other shoe dropped.


"You're Tacharan? Bloody hell!"

Nic fell back onto the sofa, and leaned his head against the back of it, staring into space.

"I fucking well knew something like this was lurking around the corner."

At least she was saying she had no intention of killing him, that took away a little bit of his anxiety...along with the fact that she wasn't at the club to stalk him or anything.

Turning his head he looked at her and grinned, a little sheepishly for his outburst. He patted the seat next to him, as he told himself...at least she wasn't anyone's familiar. And he hadn't heard a word about vampires not fraternizing with other clans. In fact, his own clan elder Alfarinn...well, that bit of news he wouldn't be sharing with Alexandra. When it came to himself, and his own part in Evenhet, he didn't feel the need to lie or hide things. He had no real importance in the clan's work, so there was no way he could accidentally reveal anything important. That made him feel even more relaxed.


"Okay then...I'm Evenhet, your Tacharan...so what? I don't want to know any of your clan secrets, and I've none to give you from mine...I don't see any reason why we still can't get to know each other better, do you?"
Alexandra 18 years ago
Stiffening at his reaction she froze for a second, almost turning to leave the room, looking at him she moved a hand trough her hair, it was such a shame, she really liked Nic.. more then liked him.. hell she wanted him and not only for his body.. fuck it if he was from another clan, she liked him, he liked her.. they were both young what did they have to loose?

Taking a seat next to him a grin formed on her face when he spoke again.

"I was hoping you would say that and hun.. i'm so new to this clan.. if there were any secrets I sure as hell wouldn't know them"

Moving she suddenly stradled his lap, taking his face in her hands she kissed him long and hard, her tongue asking access to his warm mouth, running her tongue along his fangs she cut it on purpose, feeding him her blood once again before pulling back, still holding his head in her hands she bit down on his neck, it wasn't a hard bite but hard enough to break his skin, lapping at the blood that flowed out she purred like a kitten, licking the two punctured holes closed she looked back up at him a lazy smile around her lips.

"I do love the way you taste"

Moving her hands down her body she removed her top in one swift motion, leaving her clad in a black lacey strapless bra, black skirt and matching knee high boots, Alex wanted this man, she wanted him with passion.. and she would get him, other clan or not, screw them all.
Nicholae 18 years ago
Now seeing the night still had potential, Nic just nodded as she sat down and commented on her new part in her clan. He relaxed yet more, thinking she wasn't an over zealous Tacharan.

But finding himself faced with an overzealous woman, now straddling his lap, and by passing all their intentions of talking, Nic just grabbed on, and held her as she assaulted his mouth.

The kiss turned rapidly from just a kiss, to a sharing of each other's essence. As her tongue scraped his fang he felt a jolt from that fang, directly to his cock. He did manage not to thrust her off himself, but only by grabbing her arms even tighter. The blood filled his head like falling into a bouquet of roses...she had a heady scent, and succulent flavor.

He sucked her tongue into his mouth as far as it would go, and groaned when she pulled away. The sting of her bite shouldn't have been a surprise, but the woman moved with such speed, Nic could only let his body react. And this time his loins did thrust upwards, so hard he was afraid he might dislodge her from his neck.

He could barely think coherently as she looked at him, hot with desire. It had been a long time since he'd shared sex with female vampire, and now he couldn't remember why he had waited so long. Memories of the most exquisite sex ever soon filled his mind.

Again she was rushing ahead, and now had removed her halter top...and his eyes were feasting on the swells of her breasts...the breasts he had imagined biting earlier.

Returning her gaze, he moved his hands under her breasts and pushed them up and out of the bra, flipping the strapless garment down, uncovering her to him, but holding her upwards. Cupping his hands under her, he sucked one nipple onto his tongue as if he were still a babe. But then his tongue began really tasting her...not just sucking...and all possible pretense of him being a baby was gone. Now he was a man with a voracious appetite, and he was not going to leave her with either of them unsated.

Biting down, his fangs entered the top of one breast, and he sucked a small amount of blood down, before licking her healed. He blew soft cool air across the bitten area and kept his warm palm cupped around her, as he moved to her other breast and repeated his bite there.

Each bite, whether given by him, or her, was causing his body to become harder, and hotter, and in need of a place to plant itself for release.


"There's no way I could taste anywhere near as good as you do."

He spoke hoarsely now, as he took her mouth again, and ravaged it, allowing his tongue to be slightly pierced by her fangs again.
Alexandra 18 years ago
Feeling him thurst upwards made her reacted just as fiesty, grinding her groin against his grwoing erection, his hands on her breasts made her want more, much more and then his mouth was on her nipple making her moan loudly, O God this felt good, so good making her want to rip his clothes of and devour his body.

The moment he bit down she screamed out in passion, it was like a mini climax right there and then, she could feel her panties becoming increasingly wet with anticipation, grinding her body harder against his, more desperate while he worked her breasts, her fingers moving in his hair, bringing him closer, feeling his cold breath moving across her nipples making them painfully hard she let out a soft whimper.

Looking into his eyes as he spoke she just smiled, the next thing she knew he was kissing her again, this time he repeated the process she had done to him, hot blood flooding her mouth, sucking desperatly on his tongue safouring the taste of him as they kissed, pulling back slightly she licked her lips, barely able to speak she let out a hoarse whisper.

"You're wearing too many clothes"

Moving of off his lap she leaned in between his legs, her hands moving along the inside of his tighs, running her nails across the worn fabric of his jeans, feeling like velvet between her fingertips, moving upwards she stroked his hard cock on the outside of his jeans, looking up at him she smirked, making quick work of his fly she reached inside to find his underwear, rubbing him softly she kissed his toned stomach, dipping her tongue in his navel for a moment, leaving a wet trail down to his pubic bone.

"Tell me what you want Nic.."

Running her fingers up and down the outside of his underwear she looked into his eyes, it was his call, she wanted to taste him badly, she wanted to know if he was this sweet all over, but she also wanted him inside of her body, it been too long since she had sex with a vampire male, she almost forgot how good it felt, how hot, how sweet.. just the thought alone made her weak in the knees, wanting to touch herself all over like she did most nights alone in bed.


Nicholae 18 years ago
Reaching behind her, he unhooked her bra, and when it fell into his hands, he tossed it. He had no clue where it went because while his eyes were on her, she had begun touching him.

After she unzipped his fly, Nic started pushing at his jeans, one handed, alternating from side to side, using his other hand to brace himself on the sofa. When his jeans and briefs were around his ankles, Nic stepped on one side, to pull his leg free, then did the same with his other leg. And then his hands were back on Alexandra's breasts...she had amazing breasts.

And tongue...she had an incredible tongue, and his stomach cinched in at the touch of that tongue on his stomach. He hissed as he inhaled sharply, and his hands moved to her hair, not yet gripping into it, but coming damn close.

Pulling his shirt off, he could see the tables had turned.


"Now who has too many clothes on?"

Nic fiddled with her skirt, trying to find where it fastened, but with no luck.

"Damn skirt...what I want is for you out of it...and here with me, the way you were born...skin baby, nothing but skin."

In slight exasperation, Nic dropped his hands from her waist, hoping to feel her sliding down over his hard, aching length.

His hand sought between her legs, and slid deftly between her panties and her opening there. A finger glided into her hot, wet warmth, and he felt her spasm softly. Pulling out, he was able to slide his finger upwards, and flick over the hard little button hiding there. Rolling his fingers over her clit, he smiled to feel her to squirm.


"I want you, baby...just as much as you want me."
Alexandra 18 years ago
Alex had no idea how it happend but before she knew it she was without her bra and Nic was standing in front of her as naked as the day he was born, letting her eyes travel over his body her mouth almost began to water, damn he looked good, toned and muscular but not too much, just the way she liked it, it was clear to see that he worked out, just like she did.

Giggling at his remark that she was now the one wearing too much clothes she helped him remove her clothing, feeling his hands on her body she yelped as his fingers moved inside of her panties, feeling one digit move inside her hot wet channel she let out a soft moan, next thing she knew he was rubbing her clit making her jump, squirming under his touch.

Once she too was naked the last thing she removed were her boots, suddenly being 4 inches shorter she looked up at him a shy smile on her lips, reaching out she took his hand in hers leading him to the sofa, pushing him down she straddled his lap, kissing him softly as her hands rested on his chest.

The need to go fast was still inside of her but another part of her wanted to make this last, she knew damn well that this was probably an one night thing, they were from different clans, a relationship could never work, could it?

Sliping her tongue inside his mouth she caressed his, it was a slow kiss, a kiss asking for more, for what he wanted from her, was it just a quick fuck? was it more? would they ever see eachother after this night?

Letting her hands move lower she took hold of his hard cock, slowly sinking down she guided him into her hot waiting body, feeling him at her opening made her gasp and moan at the same time, sinking down further she took all of him in her till he was burried till the rooth, moving slowly she arched her back while her hips rolled back and forth, moving in slow little movement making them both moan in pleasure.
Nicholae 18 years ago
She was so accommodating, Nic briefly wondered just how accommodating she could be. Then she was naked, and back in his lap, kissing and holding him in her hands.

He groaned into her mouth, and felt his body jerk upwards. He would have liked to have tasted more of her, but once again she decided to settle herself down on him. He wasn't going to debate the issue, because she felt increasingly great, sliding down onto him...eating him up with her body.

The silkiness of her insides were tight, and he kissed her again as she began to move. For a few minutes he just sat there, and experienced her moves. The will to cum was building, and he moved his mouth along her neck, and throat, as his hands kneaded and pulled at her nipples.

There was really little other thought in Nic's head. As quickly as things had progressed tonight, he gave up trying to know her better, or much else about her at all. The both seemed to have a need...the need to experience pleasure, and they both also seemed quite happy to share it with each other.

Even amidst all that he was feeling, his mind did flash onto Maeve, as he wondered if she would react the same way to his body...if he could make her as excited...give her as much pleasure. But those thoughts were brief. Alexandra was who he was with now, and she was enjoying him, thankfully.

When he felt he could take very little more in the way of her enticing ways, Nic took hold of her hips, and became a much more active partner. His thumbs rubbed along the softest skin, just to the sides of her stomach, as he thrust himself up, into Alexandra's liquid heat. She was so impossibly wet, but tight, that it made each push and pull against her, almost agonizing...but definitely not.

Sitting back, watching her as they performed this ancient ritual, Nic watched the emotions playing over her face. God but it was great to see such raw delight in a partner.


"Alex...you feel phenomenal...but...I'm not sure I can hang on much longer."

Her nipples were hard as rocks, and Nic's hands slid up the sides of her body to skim across them again, before moving his mouth to cover one. When he knew he could take no more, and was going to cum, hot and hard inside her, he bit into the dark, dusky flesh that surrounded her nipple, and as her blood exploded onto his tongue, his body exploded into hers.

He tried to call out love words, but his mind had emptied of all thought, and was now a receptacle of raw pleasure.
Alexandra 18 years ago
Moving with Nic in a steady but quickening pace made Alex mad with lust and desire, she was hanging on the edge of a huge orgasm, as he took hold of her hips and began to thrust upwardly she lost it, feeling his cock rub against her g-spot in just the right way made her walls contract around him in waves of pleasure making her scream out.

Closing her eyes tight as she rode out the waves she heared him talk to her, opening her eyes she looked at his face, she told him it was ok with her eyes, she wanted him to cum inside her, fill her completly, as he took one of her nipples in his mouth she felt another orgasm rise inside her, the moment he bit down she crashed right along side him.

"O GOD"

It was quite cliche for a vampire to call out to God.. but at that moment she didn't give a fuck she just rode the waves of her orgasm as they rippled through her body, feeling Nic cuming inside of her only made it stronger, resting her hands on his shoulders she moved forward until her head was resting against his, breathing hard she didn't have the energy to move another muscle.


Nicholae 18 years ago
It might have just been that Nic hadn't had sex with a woman...good sex...in longer than he cared to admit. Or, it might have been that his body was just in dire need of release from everything that had been going on. It could have been that Alexandra was more than a fantastic lover, or the little love bites had added a lot more to the experience than he was used to. Or...it might have even been a combination of all things.

Nic just knew that he hadn't felt this good in ages, and that he had Alexandra to thank for it.

Coming down from their high, he cradled her against his chest as the shuddering subsided. They would need to think about moving soon, leaving even, but he couldn't quite make himself just yet. He rubbed her arms, back, thighs, and ass, trying to warm her, and also as a gesture of affection.


"I guess you decided you knew enough about me huh?"

Nic chuckled. One minute they were talking, and then, well, they weren't.

"It would seem we have somethings in common, and then somethings we are at opposite ends on...in either case, neither seems to effect how good we do 'that' together."
Alexandra 18 years ago
Still resting her head against his, Alex felt really good and relaxed, having Nic rub her back and arms made her feel all warm and comfortable, lifting her head as she spoke to her she smiled and shook her head no.

"No I didn't, but I wanted to get to know you in another way as well"

Pressing a soft kiss to his lips she smiled again, somehow it felt really right to be with this man, true it would probably be only this time, but at least she would have a good memory, laughing softly at his next comment she took his face in her hands.

"I would say so, would be a shame to not do it again don't you agree, but in all honesty.. I don't see how you and I could be"

Frowning she sat up straight, maybe they should just say their goodbyes and be on their way, back to their own home, their own clan and if they would ever meet again.. who knows..

Getting out of his embrace she looked around, spotting her underwear she began to put it back on, looking at him over her shoulder she gave him a sad smile, she didn't want to leave him, not like this.. but what other options did they have, turning to face him she picked her skirt up from the ground.

"Thank you Nic, this was wonderful, amazing even"

Leaning in she kissed him again before looking around to find her top and boots, spotting both she began to put them on, she was sure she looked like a woman who just had wild amazingly good sex, hell this was the best sex she had in years.. since Michel.. Michel.. she wondered where he was for a moment, a sad looking covering her features as she thoughts about her shire and former lover.
Nicholae 18 years ago
It was difficult to contradict her. He really did want to learn more about her, and might possibly come to the House of Pain again, specifically to look for her. But what kind of a future could they have together?

He watched her as she began to dress, and rested his hands casually in his lap. He knew he'd need to get dressed as well, but for now was enjoying seeing how she slipped into things, and hooked up things. She moved with a great deal of grace, and was a pretty thing to watch.

When she was all but done, Nic stood and walked over too her. He turned her around, and straightened her skirt a little in back, then ran his hands down her shoulders, kissing the back of her neck, and holding her in his arms.


"No...you are amazing, and it is I who should thank you. I needed you tonight Alex...I didn't know it, but I did."

Turning her around in his arms to look into her beautiful eyes, he grinned.

"I'm glad we can be honest with each other, and just enjoy what we shared tonight, without trying to build it into anything more. Maybe one day when the tensions between our clans lessen, we can really sit down and get to know each other...who knows where it might lead."

He brushed his lips against hers, before squeezing her in his arms and deepening the kiss. There definitely was a strong chemistry between them, and a big part of him regretted they wouldn't be pursuing it at this point in time.

"You take care of yourself, and promise me...if you ever need for anything, you'll remember me? I wouldn't hesitate to call you my friend, and be there."

Rubbing the backs of his knuckles across her cheek, he smiled, and then turned to gather up his own clothes to dress.
Alexandra 18 years ago
Tears where suddenly forming in her eyes, blinking a few times to push them back she swallowed hard to get rid of the lump in her throat. managing a weak smile as he straightend her skirt, returning the hug and kiss she held on tight for a moment before stepping back, god it felt so to feel his body against hers, she couldn't explain what it was between them it felt like more then just physical atraction.

Stepping back she looked at him, were his eyes this blue before? nodding her head at his words a single tear slipped out of the corner of her eye.

"I will, goodbye Nic, I won't forget you"

Walking out of the room she closed the door behind her, leaning back against her she let the tears she had been holding back flow freely, closing her eyes she put her hands to her face crying softly, taking a deep breath she straightend herself, rubbing her face she removed the traces of tears streaking her cheecks, looking back at the door she touched it softly.

"Goodbye Nic"

Turning she walked away and out of the club.

((ooc. Alex out pending responce))
Nicholae 18 years ago
Her eyes seemed brighter, and Nic hoped she wouldn't cry. He was a sucker for a lady in distress, and could have easily been pulled into asking Alexandra for another date. But it wouldn't have been fair to her...not with him feeling the way he did about Maeve. He couldn't allow himself to wonder about Alexandra too. He wasn't very good at trying to juggle too many things at once, as was evidenced by his life these past several weeks. Complicating it with another woman would have been suicide.

He still felt like a heel, as he started dressing. He felt like there should be something more he could have said to her. But it would have done neither of them any good to dwell on the impossible.

Looking up as she said 'goodbye', Nic smiled, a bittersweet smile, and watched her leave.

Dressing quickly after the door closed, Nic chugged the last of his champagne and then departed as well. He had thought to make a long night of it, but now that idea had lost some of its attraction. Instead he found the barmaid, let her know the room was empty now, gave her an extra tip, and left the House of Pain to return home, to the Towers.


(Nic out - Lock please)