On the way back to the manor, Juliette casually explained to Myra that posh rich twats such as herself could call up equally as posh car services to drive them around town – no taxis need be involved. Hannah had a good bit of money saved up for herself, but even she found that a little wild. And expensive too! She had every intention of buying herself a car once she lived in town again.
At the manor proper, as soon as the car was parked Hannah clambered out of the vehicle as if hell were on her heels and made a dash for the entrance.
“ME FIRST!” she shouted.
Juliette, completely confused by this sudden frenzy took a moment before she realized what the game was.
“…I have to at least tell him about the wedding first!”
“NOPE, I GOT IT! You’re not getting ME buried in the yard!”
Well. Hannah had Juliette there. The woman scoffed, following it up with a sigh.
“I suppose I’ll be in my office then,” she muttered, giving Myra a world weary shrug of her shoulders.
Not that Hannah could hear. She and her clickyclack boots were already making a beeline for the nice little study room that made the middle point of the two offices. Approaching Jordan’s office doors as a woman on a mission, assuming he had to be in there as… where else would he be? The man was only ever in his office or in his private room with Juliette when he was home! He appeared to be allergic to the kitchen and dining room (for obvious reasons), and she sure never seem him make use of the rest of the space. A waste of a great big house, if anyone asked her.
With a VERY loud knock to make sure she wasn’t just busting in on him, she announced her presence and poked her head into the doors.
“Oh Joooordaaan,” sang Hannah cheerfully. “Do I have permission to enter the King’s chambers, or are you beating underlings with a firepoker in here. Juliette is home safe and sound by the way.”
The knocking on his door was at first curious mainly due to its volume before it was being pushed open and he was arching a brow up from behind that of the laptop monitor. Not entirely sure why Hannah was at his door but it proved in a fell swoop that he was already annoyed by her antics.
Raising a finger to point back out. “I have no reason to converse with a person who seems to find herself amusing with crude remarks while being disrespectful. If you think I am so monstrous, leave. I don’t have time to play with someone who casually comments and treats myself as a villain.” His irritation was true alongside his seriousness.
Dropping arm to return to screen. “Out. Hannah.”
Hannah almost immediately exited as ordered, stepping back and pulling the door with her. She wasn’t like Juliette in the way she’d throw hands with anyone, or be so ready to get into a fight verbal or physical… and that was just normal human people. Hannah could get a little feisty for sure, but not when she felt like a situation could actually get dangerous. Jordan was legitimately scary and she did not ever want to be on the bad side of his opinions.
She forced herself to pause and had to take a deep breath to steel herself. This was her best friend’s future husband – he clearly loved the people in his life and wished them well. Having a good relationship with him was necessary if she wanted to stay an active part of Juliette’s life, she could be brave for that, right?
So Hannah, against his wishes, stepped back into his office and closed the door softly behind her. Brushing her palms over her jacket cause, good lord, now she was getting all sweaty and nervous. It was easier talking to him before she knew he was a vampire.
“I’m so sorry – Let me start over! That was inappropriately casual and we’re for sure not at that level of relationship for me to come bustin’ in here like a pain in the ass. We barely know each other, of course I sound like an insulting asshole,” she acquiesced quickly. Juliette did say he was very sensitive about name calling. Blast Myra to pieces for getting Hannah on a bad habit today! Jordan wasn’t the sort of person who became instant besties or trauma bond with strangers!
“I actually don’t think you’re monstrous at all– Well, I guess I do admit you scare the hell out of me, but I am human so I’d be a complete idiot NOT to be a little bit scared and–“
Oh this was going poorly! Hannah shut her mouth for a second, twisting the sleeve of her jacket in her hands.
“I actually came in here to give you some good news, some sage advice, and then maybe ask a teeny tiny little favor – of which you can totally tell me to fuck off about, I’ll go pack my suitcases, but. Yeah. Do you wanna hear it or should I just… git?”
At some point he was liable to just disappear somewhere when he grew absolutely tired of being ridiculed in a merciless manner. Being suggested that he casually beat people as a hobby, was already annoying. Pressing mental nodes that did make him wonder if he ought to just give up on attempting to hold his humanity. Granted he wasn’t about to make such dramatic choices now, merely declaring that if that was what she thought of him or thought was a joke, she was better outside of his office. Better with her friend and out of his sight.
As the door had begun to creak shut, it was a temporary acceptance. Paused and raising focus once more to bare witness to the stubborn tenacity that was the bride’s best friend.
Settling herself in the room with the scoundrel.
Narrowing sights and lacing hands over empty real estate of desk. Working jaw mindlessly as it seemed that she wanted to have a moment to speak again. Not sure at this moment if her so sorry was done in sass or authenticity. Settling for simply listening as she went into a ramble. Still trying to figure out if she was just putting on a front of cheek littered with sardonic twists. Admitting that he frightened her –which he couldn’t find flaw with- before finally rounding the point after a breath.
Watching her twisting her sleeves in what could be a earnest fidget.
Sighing eventually as he kneaded fingers to brow. Gesturing to the other that she was now welcome to sit down in one of the chairs before his desk. Closing the laptop to express that his undivided attention would be hers. “Favour first. It will give me time to deliberate its validity while you speak upon the so called sage advice and good news.” Narrowing look a little further, “Unless you wish to find a stake,” He made a pointed look to the corner of desk to the old fashioned letter opener. “Have at it.” Unsure if he meant that or for her to talk.
Hannah wondered if he knew that he practically oozed violence when he was displeased or annoyed. Resting bitch face was a thing, and Jordan’s version had to be called Resting Murder Face. He HAD to know, right? Or were people too afraid to tell him he looked terrifying?
Skittering quickly further into his office, Hannah did take a seat in one of the offered chairs giving that letter opener a dubious look before she immediately cringed about his demand for Favor First. Good thing she wasn’t an actress, because keeping all these flittering thoughts off her features was virtually impossible.
“Oh. Ooo. Um. After bumbling coming in here, favor first feels risky…” she admitted. After a moment thought, she bolstered herself back up. Hannah had screwed up plenty of conversations before, Jordan wasn’t going to actually bury her in the yard just because she hurt his feelings.
“…but actually I can’t ask for favor first without telling you the good news. Juliette was going to come in here and tell you herself, but I beat her to it so we could talk. We’ve managed to convince her to push back the wedding date? She’s not really happy about it – and we’ll talk about that in a second – but, I mean… she needs the rest, you both do, really. So yaaaay?”
God she hoped that landed well and he actually wanted a postponement too. Otherwise Hannah had run her ass in here to blurt out really BAD news and she was making this ten times worse.
“…and so my favor! I want to be HERE to support her through the whole shebang, not just over the phone or flying back and forth, so I’m going to move back in town. I wanted to ask your permission to stay here at the manor until I find an apartment? You don’t have to say yes, of course! I can totally find somewhere else if I’ve overstayed my welcome!”
For now his features remained the same. Unimpressed even as she sat and started lumbering over mouth. Suggesting that she wasn’t so bold as to ask her favour first. Perhaps a wise move because if she irritated him, he was unlikely to agree to it. Well… he wanted to think as such but knowingly if it was something important, he would still agree. Just because he wasn’t a fan of her antics thus far, didn’t mean he would state that Hannah had to be removed.
He was a monster, not a bastard! This was Juliette’s friend and his thoughts at the end of the day didn’t matter. So long as Hannah never actually harmed Juliette, he could stay in his own lane.
Brows cinched further when it seemed her good news was rather Juliette’s news. About pushing the wedding back. Keeping features held in place, mentally he was relieved! There was no reason in his mind to continue forward at this ludicrous pace for something that was original a ploy for business. Just he wasn’t about to let his expression show to this one.
Motioning with a roll of hand for her to continue. Where the next part came in the form of a favour. Crumbled down that she needed a place to lay her head so she was readily available and present for Juliette. “As you wish.” He relented easily, “It’s not my place to say when or where Juliette is to be with those that matter to her. You are important to her and vice versa clearly. Stay.” Shoulders straightened and leaning forward then. “That isall correct.” He heard her about the sage advice however he didn’t think he needed it really.
He had one pain his rectum, ass clown already. He didn’t need another one.
Cool. Coooool. He was basically just letting her stay by the grace of his beloved fiancé, for which, he had her upmost respect for, truly. There was no doubt in Hannah’s mind whatsoever that he loved the woman and would clearly put himself through agony to give her what she needed.
Somehow this was just the thing needed for Hannah to finally let loose a small breath and relax her posture the tiniest bit. Oh, he was still majorly freaking her out with that stony face and those curt sentences, but at least she knew he did have a sweet and romantic center under all that scary staring.
“Okay, that’s great, thank you. I promise I’ll be out of your hair soon.”
Except, with his very clear statement of is that all, she made another cringing smile and a small shake of her head. No, that was not all!
“Um, uh. Let me tell you real quick it’s my literal duty as Maid of Honor and Best Friend to make sure Juliette is okay, and by extension to give you everything you could ever need to be the best you can be for her and it’s one hundred percent coming from a place of love and believing in the both of you together as a couple. I want your success and happiness together.”
“But first,” she wrinkled up her nose and held up her hands as if she were trying to calm down a raptor. “Has anyone ever told you that when you’re mad, you look like you’re about to chuck someone into a fireplace? I really do like and respect you – everything you’ve done so far has been awe inspiring – and it’s not like I think you’re actually going to hurt me or anything like that! But I’m not- I’m not like Juliette? Or Myra! Or really anyone in your circles, I guess. I’m squishy and you’re still kinda scary?”
“Maybe talk to me like I’m Theix! …this is not the actual helpful stuff I wanted to tell you, but it would help me!”
That was doubtful that she would be out of his hair soon. If Juliette wed him, she’d be here. For eternity. However, as formally thought; he didn’t have to worry about more than that. So long as they were good to another as friends and comrades and confidants, his opinion mattered little.
Just of course she was going to insist on that sage advice. Mentally sighing to lean back once more into chair. Holding handles as though he were resting upon throne instead of computer chair. About to hear likely some sort of further nonsense that he was speculating had something to do with her writer career and how it translated into life.
If he was to tone it down, what she meant was she was some magical key that apparently would open doors for him to be exact what Juliette needed. Rather than being himself. Which maybe was the point made here.
Following hands as they rose holding back whatever unseen onslaught he had, dully he blinked at her suggestion about his features and emotions. Currently on the side of violence once more. Half tempted to point out that she had to realize she was rambling like a fool that was about to be thrown into a fireplace?
He kept that silent.
“You aren’t squishy.” Jordan pointed out slowly. “If you were. You wouldn’t have stuck around in all of this. Try again.” He seen through that act faster than a through grandma’s underpants! “You have Juliette thinking that you are helpless and naïve in your own ways, but you aren’t. Let’s not pull the wool over another’s eyes, Hannah. It’s beneath either of us.”
“And I will not speak to you as though you are on the same level as my cat. That would be insulting to someone who has a sense of wit to them. Even if her wit is on par with the same commentary a sorority sister does to those who are not in her house.” Suggesting he thought her a bully, similar to the way Juliette had been originally. Just Hannah acted sweet, talking sweet but her words were often laced with poison. “If you think Juliette isn’t okay, then that is your right. If you fear for her, as I stated previously,” he leaned forward then putting his elbows to the lip of desk. “Have at it. I tired of dealing with people who say one thing, mean another and tell a third thing to the next available ears. I love Juliette but that doesn’t mean we have to get along.”
“I’m not squishy?” that statement took her by genuine surprise. As did the rest of his statements. Or the compliments that were mixed in with the biting accusations. At least the insulting parts she wasn’t stunned or taken aback by. Jordan really was so much like Juliette, with all of those layers of needles and spines, ready to fight and bite when they felt like they were being insulted or back into a corner. That didn’t phase her in the slightest! Hannah wasn’t afraid of a good person with a prickly exterior and–
Oh. OH.
“…I’ve never actually thought I was a strong person.” she responded, still awed by it. Flopping back in her seat to lean on the arm and dropping her chin in her hand. Marveling at this new dawning realization.
“Thank you,” she murmured. “Really, thank you. I didn’t think I was handling any of it very well, to be honest? Gods, my therapist sure hasn’t even said anything so nice or supportive! I’m sorry if I’ve seemed duplicitous and rude because of it.”
Hannah did finally shift in her seat, back to sitting up straight and earnestly leaning forward, especially now that she realized where some of the miscommunications were coming from.
“I’m not from your world, you know? Or even Juliette’s! I’m not trying to usurp anyone’s throne, or steal their fortune, or their husband, or stab them in the back. My life has never been about life and death struggles or betrayals. I’m not here to deceive you or tell you what you’re doing wrong, or what to do, okay?”
Examining his face, Hannah doubted he was going to believe her. He was certainly like Juliette in a lot of ways, but he was twice as stubborn. Perhaps because he was centuries older and had so much more resting on his shoulders. There was time, she hoped, to build an actual relationship and prove that she wasn’t just another gremlin trying to undermine him.
“…that out of the way, I think Juliette is more shaken up by the whole snatching thing than even she realizes, and I’m worried that she’s going to bury it and pretend she’s fine? I have to go back to Paris to pack up my apartment and I know you’re supposed to have some business overseas too. I thought maybe we could make a fun trip of it? She’s so upset about moving the wedding, but you could still take that honeymoon time?”
If she was looking to get under his skin and crack some of his frigid hold, she did manage to do so. After he scoffed at her of course when she repeated his statement that he didn’t think she was squishy. Only for her to digest it into a way that she was shortly thanking him. Producing that crack of surprise and a narrowing of stare as if he suspected she was up to something new.
Sighing a little, “You have to be strong to handle any of this.” Jordan confirmed, but kept any longer winded comments to himself. Not about to get landed in a web of compliments. Simply waiting for her to carry on since it appeared she was settled a little more comfortably in that chair. Shortly suggesting she wasn’t from his world. God he knew that. He wouldn’t wish anyone to be in his world! Rather than say that, he merely listened. As she sort of went into a poetic ballad of her own to preach about not stealing anything, betraying anything and thus forth. Even if he did give her a raised brow at the suggestion that she wasn’t here to tell him what he was doing wrong.
Not so sure about that one.
Yet, there was something more to be said. And, in that very moment he softened.
Snapping brows back together as he let out a frustrated sigh. “I know, Hannah.” Jordan shook his head, raking hair back next. “I didn’t keep her in that room merely out of the fact that she had been injured. I was hoping that she would try to digest this ugly bullshit that happened. Somewhere safe. Somewhere out of sight. Somewhere that is hers.” Admitting this was certainly a feat, “However, her mulish and embedded nature of hers that is no more than a hellhound on a bone, refuses to let herself have weakness. Even when it is not a weakness.” He knew she had relied on herself and the idea of admitting that something had scared her seemed so pitiful. He knew this.
He had these sort of cruxes himself.
“I’m glad the wedding is postponed. Honestly, I’d sooner see the damn thing thrown entirely away until it came about naturally.” Shaking his head, Jordan glanced to the ceiling as if had grown answers to many untold questions.
“I do have business overseas, though do you think she would want to even tagalong when well… she is a bit of a micromanager.” He wasn’t blind about that, their own wedding had been plotted out so painstakingly well, that he would have been an idiot not to notice! “One who uses such things as distractions. As I am sure you are aware. How does one invite her along without her needing it to be a reason for work? Rather than relaxation.”
“I was kinda hoping you’d have some ideas about that,” admitted Hannah. The man was so expressive! Now that he didn’t have his murder face on, all the worry and concern about his daredevil fiancé was written plainly in twist of his brows and the rise of his shoulders. How glad she was that he did seem to pay attention and seen Juliette.
Hannah was so painfully jealous. …not about all of the awful frightening drama! The kidnappings and violence she could live without! Just, that they managed to find each other through such a bizarre situation to love another so deeply, and here Hannah couldn’t even get past her own dumb bullshit to live in the moment even with the nicest dudes in the world.
At least if she never found it for herself, she could still live vicariously through theirs.
“It took Emery pissing her off and then both me and Myra wearing her down to actually get her to admit she’d be happier to postpone. I mean, she even admitted she’d love an eloping, but she’s so stubbornly responsible she thinks she has to throw romance under the bus to do what she needs to for her company and for you.”
She wrinkled up her nose and stuck up her tongue at that, plainly obvious that she didn’t agree in the slightest.
“As if she can’t easily have both! I think she’s just afraid to want the romance? But of course we can’t tell her that, because she scoffs at us! At least I know she can be charmed, because she absolutely glows when she talks about you. You’ll probably have way better luck than me and Myra.”
Immediately he let out a airy scoff at the thought that he had any ideas on how to ask Juliette to come along solely for the purpose of relaxation. The very word ought to be the black plague itself when it came to the comely woman. He could do a lot of things and had numerous talents, but that? That was like turning water into wine.
Moreover, he felt Hannah’s suggestion was on point. Necessary. Just executing it was well… that was a whole new challenge.
Scrubbing fingers over face in thoughtful concentration. To be broken with the mention of Emery having upset Juliette. Tagging on that it took the two women further to crack that exterior so Juliette would admit her desire to postpone. Along with the rest. Watching Hannah tilt upwards to show she was by far no fan of her best friend’s antics in such ways. The rolling of his gaze might as well have been two boulder’s clashing. “Utter nonsense. The amount of pressure she exerts on herself, you’d think she’d shit diamonds at this point.” Muttering with a refreshed shake, he didn’t entirely understand her need to impress others.
He did understand it but didn’t understand.
“You’re right. If anyone were to tell her that she is allowed to have a perfectly ordinary dating life… well as ordinary as it can be considering the circumstances; with the means of romance included—” He knew there was some envelope pushing there. “She’d be hardpressed to believe it. Truly she’s that of her own worst enemy. And encouraged by former affairs both personal and paternal.” Momentarily he gave Hannah a look once more. “I would prefer not to call it charmed. It sounds diabolical especially with the fact of what I am.” Thank whatever god there was, he didn’t have compulsion abilities.
Shortly shaking head trying to clear the mental canvas. “You’re the romance expert, if you aren’t successfully in bidding your friend to fall eager prey to such delights by word alone, what sort of hellish hope you have for me is highly concerning. Surely it’s unnecessary to mention that I’ve been more of a sampler in the affairs of both love and affections prior Juliette. And my ideas of romance is archaic.”
“She really hasn’t told you what she thinks about you, has she,” she remarked with wide eyed surprised, yet at the same time knowing it was such a Juliette thing to do. The woman could be so blunt and honest about her thoughts when she having some debate or conversation, and somehow still hold back the moments she was actually pleased or found something endearing.
“Hmn. I think maybe she’s afraid if she does admit out loud the things she cares about, it’ll be weaponized against her. Like when bullies discover your favorite toy and then break it.”
As Hannah shifted in her seat, she figured that made a lot of sense. Especially with today and how tightly Juliette was trying to hold onto the wedding. She’d even said, now she actually cared about it – that it was something she very much wanted, and now that asshole David and whomever he was conspiring with had taken it away from her. It wasn’t true, of course! They could still have everything they want, even better than before. …but Hannah suspected people like Juliette and Jordan tended to get wounded deeply, and then think it was proof that nothing good could ever be theirs.
How frustrating!
Brightening up after a beat, Hannah scooted to the edge of her chair and cast him the most delighted grin.
“Well, if she won’t tell you, there’s nothing stopping me from saying it! You think that you’re archaic, but she loves that about you. At least before she knew you were a vampire, she said you were old fashion and dramatic, but not in a bad way! A way that surprises her and makes her laugh? Just by nature of being yourself I’m certain you’ll think of something lovely to sweep her away.”
“She hasn’t had a reason too.” He replied almost on instinct about how Hannah seemed to marvel that Juliette hadn’t told him what she thought about him. Honestly, he hadn’t thought about it. Until now that is.
It was almost comical how he looped back in thoughts, in conversations they had and found that she was guarded. As one would expect. He hadn’t been surprised just suppose now that the figurative wool was pulled up, he had to wonder. Shaking his head a little again, “She doesn’t have a need too.” Unsure if he was trying to defend her choices and claim that it was only for her to decide, or if he didn’t care.
It wasn’t the latter.
Seeing momentarily as Hannah pointed out that it was likely because her former attempts had been used against her. Even he had made jest out of the accidental slip prior. So it was likely that she wouldn’t dare repeat the motions of such things. Humming to express he understood her imagery on the matter.
It wasn’t his place to require such things. Understanding that Juliette had bad history with such efforts, it would be selfish if not entirely brazen of him to be so requiring.
He’d likely push it to the side as a topic not worth studying. Being shortly ensnared with the brightening grin of the red head that seemed to take joy in the idea that she was the messenger then. Furrowing brows. Rubbing thumb across bristled chin with thought. Taking what was said but not about to treat it as gospel either. “I suppose.” It would need thought. Dedicated thought with a careful navigation as not to overstep any unknown lines he had yet to discover with Juliette.
“You might be putting too much trust in me for such things.” He shrugged before considering her once more. “Now, is that properly all?”
What luck that the entire conversation had managed to turn around even despite her misstep at the start. Leaving her pretty pleased with herself and good spirits that Jordan would indeed manage to help Juliette through whatever tumultuous brain weasels that were currently plaguing her friend. A far cry from that dick David, who had twisted her up so badly, and even now still was finding ways to drag her down into gloomy places.
Hannah would just have to remember Jordan was a sensitive soul – NOT someone that handled teasing well!
“I like to think I’m aces at vibe checking people,” Hannah preened, just a little bit. After all, she couldn’t be a best selling author if she didn’t understand people and how they worked. People were fascinating, interesting, complex… and so too were vampires, it seemed! “I knew I liked you the day we first met and my opinion has only grown since. Even with the vampire stuff freaking me out. You’re good to the people around you, I think they don’t tell you enough, but I can see it.”
Standing now to acknowledge it was indeed all she needed to tell him, Hannah finally pulled off her coat and draped it over her arm.
“Juliette is in her office if you’d like to check in on her,” she paused then with a slight frown. “As a heads up, I’m pretty sure the next time Juliette sees Emery she might start a fist fight. You might literally have to hold her down. I’ve never seen anybody spark her temper that fast!”
He gave her an empty sort of laugh at the idea that she was good at vibe checking people. Sure she was, but maybe not perfect. Still he couldn’t entirely defunk her either, seeing as he didn’t know Hannah any different than a hole in the ground. Attempting to still figure her out and when she lost that cruel sorority sister measure, she wasn’t too bad.
Yet he took what she had to say with a stone. Shrugging nonchalantly at the idea of being good to people while appreciating that at least Hannah could tolerate him enough not to grab Juliette by the ear to race them both out of the house.
However, as she stood, she had more to say. Nodding to the idea of checking in on Juliette –he would prefer too anyways- before dully sighing at the mention of how Emery and Juliette had gotten along. “Emery is that sort of person that makes nails on a chalkboard sound classical music.” He suggested pushing the chair back so he too could stand. “She has always had a certain talent for crawling under people’s skin.” As much as he hated Emery, he knew she was good at what she did. Torture in all sorts of ways was her manifesto. However, he wished she would fall down the nearest cliffside head first. Keeping his hands clean seeing as he didn’t dare give into her suggestion that they were once similar. “She may need a good teeth rattle to shut her howling screamer.”
Stepping around as he gave a flick to hand that drew doors open in a dramatic flare, Jordan paused a moment to look at Hannah. Considering her carefully, “Thank you, Hannah.” He didn’t specify why and wouldn’t but she did deserve to hear it. Her insight was invaluable after all. “Elisa has gone into town to pick out things for dinner tonight. I am sure you could drop her a line if you are looking for something particular while she is out.” It was his way of suggesting she could linger outside of her room, though he stepped through the middle section of the newly altered area to that of the other door.
Daring a look over his shoulder to maid before rapping knuckles across the door, “Peristéri? May I enter?”
Hannah knew when to take a win and not say another damn word. She really wanted Jordan to actually like her, and thus… one needed to know when to give a pair of thumbs up and skitter off into the night! Or in this case, run off to her room, pull out her laptop, and start browsing open listings for apartments. With vague ideas of texting Felix an invite to a day of touring open buildings and that meal she promised him.
As for Juliette, she might have wished she too could open doors with a flick of her hand. Too elegant to shout across the room, and besides she was already standing, thus personally opened the door to grant Jordan entrance to her humble little office. Her shoes had been kicked off to the side and there was an old dusty book still open in hand as she gave him a quick up and down glance to be sure his conversation with Hannah hadn’t gotten him all ruffled.
Glad to find he seemed neither traumatized nor angry. He and Hannah were so wildly different, Juliette really couldn’t be sure how they would mix.
“Hello, lover,” she murmured, with that soft fae smile almost as if she had read their minds and knew how their conversation had gone.
Stepping away so he could actually cross the threshold, she glanced at the state of what was formerly a tidy little tea room. Her swift renovations made the space a cozy alternative to Jordan’s spacious office in shades of warm browns and deep greens. Antique desk and comfortable chairs were now covered in stacks of books, with even more stashed away in dozes upon dozens of boxes preciously stacked anywhere she could get them. Many of them already opened from where she was searching for specific volumes, as it seemed she wasn’t content in just unloading them all and throwing them up on her newly built shelves. Juliette clearly had a specific order and arrangement in mind… and like any lover of books, kept finding herself distracted in reading them instead of putting them away.
Progress was slow.
“Have you sent the duckling packing, or is she now giddily searching for her new roost?” she asked curiously. Hannah wasn’t lurking in the study pouting, nor did she hear any startled screaming, so she assumed things went well.
Playfully there was a slight squint to eyes when she opened the door and bid him welcome. In a far more pleasant way than some sort of Dracula wannabe on a broadway show. Minus the little familiar smirk that rested in place as he took her welcome as the chance to step in. Considering the space from what it had been to what it was now.
Recalling the noise abundantly with a internal shudder. Though he did have to say the space was better even if he wasn’t particularly fussy about rooms and order to them. So long as the area was suitable for him and what was needed, that was as far as thoughts went.
Yet his attention considered the boxes and the old tome in specifics. Eventually shoes and bared feet to finally stride to one of the chairs with a random pick of book stack. Turning it over with muted eye, “I don’t know if calling her duckling is the most fitting description.” Jordan glanced at her, “It makes her sound innocent when she is hardly that.” Though he suspected that was in tandem with Hannah’s squishy comment. “But yes, your friend is staying and will be searching for apartments here. Though I’m surprised that is the first thing you ask. Do I leave you with such an impression that I would shoo your friends out of the house simply because I’m antisocial.”
“No, innocent is definitely not the word I would use,” Juliette laughed. No one could write the things Hannah wrote and be considered innocent! Although, Juliette had a feeling Jordan wasn’t alluding to her salacious content, leaving her wishing she could indeed read minds.
“I was more worried she would chase you from the house,” she confessed. Finding herself oddly pensive about him eyeing books out of her collection, and watching him out of the corner of her eye even as she set the one in her own hands aside. On the one hand, she was quite territorial and protective about what was hers… and on the other? There was something rather pleasing about having him in her space, surrounded by her precious things, and knowing she’d get to share them now with someone who would actually appreciate them.
Promptly Juliette to gesture with her fingers a moment of pause as she swiftly turned to start foraging through books to see if she could find a specific item.
“If there were a poster of extroverts she would be the model, so I know she can be overwhelming. Aggressively friendly, I suppose would be the words.”
She made a soft sound of success then, producing what looked like a very old book and bringing it over to over to him with both hands, with the look of a woman who was certain she was offering him something laden with gold! The embossed title of Guillaume de Palerme was nearly faded on the cover and the insides were entirely in Middle French.
Feeling the cover between fingers with a gentle care, he didn’t need to be told how to be careful with such things. While he had his own books that were meant to only be looked at with eyes, he also wasn’t about to start grabbing at her collection willy nilly. Merely appreciating the items now that they were pulled and resting till they were housed in whatever order the madam declared.
Leaving his mouth able to speak up about how he didn’t think Hannah was something snuggly as a duckling. Paired with the fact that he openly wondered if she thought he might ban her friend from the homestead. “Me?” Gingerly he set the book back down so he could turn to face her. Thinking about this rather than immediately reacting. “Maybe not the house but potentially just to the basement.” He offered with a slow teasing smirk. “There’s only one person who could make me leave my house after all.” Suggesting the power she had was quite astronomical.
Even against that of a overwhelming, aggressively friendly extrovert poster child. “She reminds me of a pomeranian. A bit chatty, looks friendly but may just bite more than you think.” He would have to wait to see if they developed some sort of acceptable relationship that wasn’t, you stay on your side, I’ll stay on mine.
“Granted her initial step into my office was not to her favour. As a tidbit of knowledge for you, being alluded to a murderer who enjoys casual beatings of people as a hobby, is not what I would call friendly. Aggressive certainly.” By no means was he about to just suggest her friend hadn’t come at him like some sort of redhaired flailing Morningstar. When he hadn’t provoked anything! Sure if he had been standing over someone with fire poker in hand wailing on another, it would make sense. However, as annoyed as he got, he thought he was generally well behaved by not simply killing someone out of irritation. The split coven wouldn’t be anyone if that had been the case.
Thinking about it a moment longer it seemed she had located something of intrigue. Bringing it close as to offer where he might be as tender as holding a child. Brushing thumb across the worn title and smirking slowly. “William of Palerne.” He considered her a moment further, “Is this a hint you prefer the romancing of werewolves over vampires, love?” Teasing her with full infliction knowing that was hardly the start of the romantic telling.
Oh, Hannah didn’t… did Juliette not warn the girl that Jordan was very particular about the sort of teasing he could take and what would quickly hurt his feelings? After Hannah herself already suspected Jordan was irked with her! Their conversation must’ve went well enough, at least, or he’d surely not be so quick to smile and flirt now.
“It does seem she was too familiar with you too soon, shame on her,” Juliette agreed easily. Hannah should’ve known better, as not everyone could just meet someone and instantly be friends in a day nor did she realize that was a touchy, sensitive spot for Jordan. “But do remember she did get to see you frustrated, afraid, and angry as a vermillion eyed vampire king. With commentary from others that could help misconceptions. For a human that’s intimidating.”
They would find a way to talk to each other, Juliette was confident in that. In the moment, she was far more delighted with her ancient collection and the book within his hands. She leaned to half sit on the edge of her desk, practically beaming at his comment of werewolves and vampires.
“Are there werewolves to romance?” she asked as a tease, not expecting and answer at all. “I may have always preferred texts with interesting creatures and strange magics. I suppose there may be many in here. There are newer copies around here somewhere, for the actual reading, but the older ones are quite fun to have for comparing the translations. This one in particular is lovely, as it’s not a dreadful tragedy.”
She paused then, realizing she’d gotten so wrapped up in sharing precious things that she’d forgotten why Hannah had busted into his office in the first place.
“I assume she told you about the wedding, then? That I have, under duress, agreed to postpone?”
“I remember, my love. Just perhaps I was hoping that one might realize that even in my most deplorable of moments, that I don’t take such things as fun.” Trying to suggest that maybe coming into a madman’s study sprouting such things may not have been the wisest of things. What if he did enjoy those things! And sough to make her the next to suffer such beatings. “Are we sure it’s me being a vampire king that is intimidating or the fact that her fantasy tropes aren’t as sparkly as one hoped.”
He had to wonder. While hoping not to wonder.
Settling instead once hands were free to take the item offered. Feeling its surface in grasp before smirking at the name registered in its native language. Sure he hadn’t read this for some time, so his memory of it could be mangled. Just he knew there was reference to the name being in English, William and the Werewolf. Shortly looking at her to her question. “Maybe. Maybe not.” He turned the book over to consider its spine with due care, listening to her express that she had perhaps preferred the texts of mythical beasts. Dragging his focus along the stacks of books for emphasis before smiling gingerly at her expressing the one in hand was particularly lovely.
Just that if he wanted to rest in her joy a moment, it shifted.
Bringing back around what else Hannah had mentioned.
“Under duress. From your little harpies or from the raging bitch herself?” Suggesting he was told about Emery, “But yes. Hannah stated that you agree to postpone the wedding.” Turning to set the book down so he might use his hands instead to reach out and cup along slender shoulders. Inviting her closer, “I agree with the choice. I’d rather postpone it myself than throw ourselves into a mad tizzy trying to set up this affair for other’s enjoyments, than ourselves. It is our wedding is it not? More than ever. Why should we continue to cater to those who barely deserve to bare witness to the ground we walk?” Suggesting that fact of royalty.
Slipping grasp to fall so it could branch around the slip of back. Other sliding from shoulder to elbow to hand so he might arrange fingers to curl over his own. Raising to flirt a fair princely kiss across delicate knuckles. “I want this to be about us, dove. Rather than our business plots of arranging it for show and flattery. I’m a little hard pressed to suddenly love a woman only to see her throwing herself into madness for the sake of crusty old suits that ought to have expired years ago.” Jordan thought a moment before repeating the press of lips to same fingers. “Perhaps… we can talk about this while you accompany me to Milan?”
“I’ve now been told I’m weak willed for not being selfish and demanding what I want and deserve, and then in the same hour told I am selfish for insisting I do what is necessary for everyone else. I also apparently work too much and do not understand what fun is. SO. I am quite done with the entire affair.”
With every frustrated word a deep frown started to form. She might’ve even shifted to pace the room had he not placed his hands to her shoulders keeping her in place. Drawing her to cross her arms instead – but even that was not to last in light of lips to knuckles and his gentle admittance that he wanted something more meaningful himself.
He was making it difficult to hold on to that growing scowl.
“I am disappointed,” she stressed in all earnest, surprised to find there was a lump in her throat starting to ache. “I am supposed to just be glad I can plan something better, that is wonderful for certain, but why can’t I be angry and disappointed? We could’ve been married this weekend and I’d have nothing else to be afraid of. Now it will be months? A year? More opportunities for trouble is what it is.”
She sighed deeply then, taking in a deep breath after to swallow down that annoying lump and make an attempt to erase that frown away. He didn’t deserve her ire, not over something they both did want. And she did, she wanted her wedding.
“We should delay, I’m not arguing against that. It’s fine. …Your associates are in Milan, yes?” she asked, happy to have that change of subject before she started getting teary over nothing.
Brows popped at her expositional dump. How she was selfish and not at the same time. Being given opinions that likely had no business being uttered at all. Baring witness to her growing irritation that it seemed to also encourage his reach over to take shoulders into grasp. Shortly to separate hands from crossing in a stubborn refusal of being unbound. So he may lay affections in his own way while potentially hoping that he could alleviate some of her upset.
Expressing his approval that they could delay this for a better time. Yet, she surprised him once more.
Her claim to disappointment wasn’t entirely what he thought it would be. Rather that she stated her upset came that it would be extended in waiting, not because of the overall orchestration of it. “My love,” Hoping to speak gingerly that she might be pulled into the gentle sound, insisting then by the press of hand across her back to step into him. “You are allowed to be disappointed. That is only valid and no one ought to be telling you how to manage your emotions when they are yours and have purpose.” He didn’t think it was wrong for in any capacity. “But I, would much rather have the time building a foundation between us that can support our marriage together, instead of having it made for those who really don’t deserve to feel like our marriage is their blessing. This between you and I, is not a business proposition. And I think… I have things I need to fix and better so I might be a better fit as a husband to you. So mourn as you need to but don’t miss what wasn’t good enough for you the first time.”
He hoped that made sense. Pardoning grasp from hand to raise in cupping to cheek. Allowing himself to give it a hopeful bend to her person so he could adorn her brow with a chaste pecking.
Almost feeling his stare flatline over her crown at the mention of associates are in Milan. “Yes. But, what I am asking is not for you to come with me to work. I am asking you to join me to be my better half. To spend with me. I want to relax with you between the means of dealings that I need to do.” He bid her to tip her features up at him, “You have had a vacation before, right. If not, it’s time to learn how too.”
What a relief that there was at least one person who could let her be upset about what was snatched away from her, instead of insisting she needed to calm down and see how much better it would be now! Assuming that she should perk up and smile when what she really needed was to be pissed off and deal with the fact something awful had happened, and there was nothing she could do to erase it.
Yet, what did finally crack through her ire was Jordan’s soft admittance of his relief to have this time now. How much he wanted to make it personal between them, and more to her surprise that he seemed to think there were things about himself he needed to fix. Prompting her to let off a slow breath and with it all that tenseness in her muscles to melt away as she drew her arms up around his waist to lean into him and bury her face against his chest.
How could she possibly hold onto her anger with a confession like that. What did he even think he needed to fix? Why did this actually make her want to cry more!
“I am not sure you can be a better husband, Jordan, you are already perfect,” she murmured after a long contemplative silence. He was asking her to join him in Milan as support, a respite when he was not dealing with his vampire cohorts. By the means of the vampires she’d met so far, it was sure to be a tense struggle. Juliette could absolutely be there to offer him moments of softness and calm amidst what otherwise might be a frustrating nightmare.
“What is this vacation thing you speak of? I’ve not heard of such a thing,” she muttered the tease softly when she did tilt her head back and regard him curiously. “Of course I’ll go with you Jordan.”
There came a slow breath in at the means of her finally willing to come close. To draw in and allow him to at least attempt to comfort her. While he might not entirely see the reason was for her to be upset about everything that had happened, he also wasn’t going to preach she ought to just get over it. It was important enough to her that it warranted emotions. So those were hers to feel in every ounce of the word. That no one had the right to say was inferior otherwise. Regardless of what they thought.
He just hoped that in the end, she would find success, peace and relief that things hadn’t gone to plan right not. But that merely meant she could plan the rest to the exact tee she wanted. To what she wanted for herself. Not for any other.
Squeezing and momentarily resting chin upon her crown. Before he was humming in small wonder that she’d dare call him perfect. “Hardly. But I appreciate the sentiment.” He wasn’t about to start picking apart what she thought. Just accepting it for what had been said while making effort to express his reasoning for asking to come with him was for pleasure. Leisure. Not for her to grab to sides of tattered fabric in hopes to tug it together to be sewn. This was work for him but it didn’t have to be all that.
Laying gaze upon her when she dared play the teasing card of having never heard of such a thing that was called a vacation. “Well aren’t you in for a magical treat then.” Meeting that means of jest, “We’ll just have to make sure you are properly pampered that you’ll learn the meaning through experience instead of text.” Honestly now that she was agreeing well.. he might actually call on Hannah to see if she could book or encourage some things for Juliette to try in Milan. At least while he was conducting things.
Still as her head was tilted back to look at him, it was not a moment to be wasted. “Good. I want you to be there.” Expressing that this was a want, not just a fleeting fancy. Bowing to at least steal a shortened press from her. Bumping brow into her own, “Milan is the fashion capital of the world. Perhaps you can find a new dress there that will fit the new wedding. A new start, dove.” He took a moment, “Eden and Baldwin will also be coming along to help on the affairs side of things, though I don’t think it would be terrible if Hannah was able to come along with. If she is not busy packing at that time.”
This was not how Juliette expected her day to go, but was all the more pleased by it. Quiet moments with Jordan were by far a more fulfilling way to spend her time than rampaging through the city trying to force everything back into it’s neatly arranged little boxes. Or being lectured by her well meaning confidants (and one mean little vampiress).
Juliette wasn’t sure if she could stop herself from inching towards means of work during those moments her hands were idle, but in his want to have a proper meaningful wedding she found herself delighted by the idea of getting to plan every step of it with him, rather than going by the pages of meticulously selected planner book. That beast had been meant as a torture to a man she didn’t yet know and to dazzle people she honestly didn’t care about.
Of course, she still felt it important to make a statement across both lines of people in their lives. Corporate and vampires. But a wedding planned out of joy and love might truly be the only statement needed.
So following press of kiss, Juliette fell into nothing but broad smiles and fresh excitement about this new idea of a trip.
“Ah, a family affair then? I’d like to properly get to know your people without some trouble being involved, for certain. And I’m sure Hannah would foist off her packing to some company on the mere idea of potential shopping in Milan. We could also spend a day at the Palazzo di Brera.”
Because there was no way Juliette would travel to Milan and not see the Braidense Library.
Being present to the broadness of a smile was enough to make his heart warm, offering a gingerly smile his own. A smaller affair by its mean but held a stronger authenticity than those that were slow crawling and sly. “I suppose you could call it that. I think it would do you well to meet Baldwin and Eden. From the four in total, they have been with me the longest and I think you may have better use for Eden. If you wanted someone from my council to be on your side for assistance. At least in the growing phases.” Honestly Eden was probably out of the four that he felt was the most reliable and the one that wouldn’t raise her hackles in annoyance.
Professional and matronly when her mood struck.
Yet he was shortly chuckling at the mention that she believed Hannah would happily shirk the idea of packing if there was a chance to go to Milan. Shopping in the fable city of such fashions. It would do them both well to be able to wander freely… well freely as possible. Another reason to have Eden present for the woman may be a delightful treat, she was well versed in vampire hunting if necessary. Her family line being the longest and the one he had originally entreated to work with him. “That sounds like a good start to a grand vacation.” Squeezing at her waist, attention tilted to consider her office once more.
The variety of books in their various places. “We’ll be leaving the following Thursday for about a week. So hopefully that is enough time for you to organize what you need and…” Jordan paused a moment before straightening shoulders, “And to be ready to meet the Queen of the other Coven.”
“At this rate you are going to give me all of your people and all you will have left for yourself is Emery Hart. What a dreadful fate,” she muttered. Juliette was glad to have the chance to know them, though, even if it did remind her that she was going to have to create her own inner circle of trusted council. Being with Jordan had opened her eyes to just how isolated her life prior had become. Being at odds with her family and having only one close friend who didn’t even live in the country. Even Jordan with all of his suspicions and trust issues had individuals close to him!
Some of that blame could be placed on her time with David, but Juliette had always been difficult to get close to. Maybe before she could’ve gotten away with taking on the world by herself, but she couldn’t now preach to Jordan that he needed the support of others if she herself couldn’t learn how to accept help and make connections.
Especially with the need to make an impression on this mysterious overseas Vampire Queen.
Taking advantage of this means of touch and find herself charmed by a genuine smile that was so rare to see on his usually sardonic features, Juliette took to standing on her toes to get enough height to slink her arms around his neck. Offering him a comforting bright smile of her own.
“I’ll be at my best then. Have you yet met her yourself? Will I need to be sweet and charming, or do you need me fierce and snarling?”
The cinch of arms was surely a nice invite. Bidding him to keep close and hold tight as she offered him a glowing remain of smile upon lips. Asking a question that was better than telling him all he was going to have was Emery. Something he didn’t comment about because if it was necessary, he would only have Emery. Due to the fact their history at least made them both conscious of what the other was capable of.
“I have. Alyssa is not what you may expect from a vampiric woman. She’s incredibly intelligent but docile. Not a fighter by any means. Rather, her position is secured because she knows how to be a tactical mind. The sort that sees scenarios of all sorts and makes plans for every possible contingency. I actually think you will get along with her.” He offered, “She looks young as most of us do, just don’t think her appearing the age of a new adult is her downfall. While she may not be ruthless, her consort is.” Garrett was not a man that lashed out thankfully. Willing to listen to his lady love through every moment but he was not above taking things into his own hands if he felt there had been insult made.
“Alyssa’s control of the economic in Europe is well… impressive. You both will have similar things to talk about for that of commercial seaway trade.”
“I look forward to meeting her, then. She sounds very much like the sort of woman I aspire to be.” A relief on that front too, as even if Juliette had no issue with baring her teeth and being intimidating, it was a great deal easier to have friendly conversations over topics of mutual interest. Being a woman of tactic herself, how grand it would be to make an ally of another powerful woman across the ocean to help her get a foothold in European markets!
…later! At a later date and not at all during this vacation trip. Juliette truly was going to have to be on her toes to stick strictly to Jordan’s agenda and not find ways to weasel her own work into it.
Although, surely he’d forgive her, if maybe she did a teeny tiny bit. Networking only. Making powerful friends was surely allowable if it were mutually beneficial!
Tugging him down through means of linked arms she gave a quick kiss, that just as quickly turned into a lingering one as now she very much didn’t want to let him go.
“Thank you,” she murmured soft against lips, that fae smile of hers just as gentle. “For not trying to tie me down at some restful day spa where I would be bored out of my mind and cursing all things. I can’t stand to be idle – this trip will be so much more engaging. A riveting experience.”
Honestly had he believed Alyssa would have come to the states, he would have originally offered to be the ruling liege to her own coven. Just unlike him, Alyssa had consorts. Garrett being her first and three others behind. A poly style relationship that each consort was the equivalent of what Augustus and Emery were. They all followed Alyssa but the whole coven was massive. Over two hundred strong and he wanted their alliance to bolster their own ranks.
Now, he just had to make sure the broken coven of his could be repaired.
However, if he was about to put such thought into his head to ruminate on, the lingering press was quick to throw them out the nearest exit. Hardly complaining at being kept near. “Well, I won’t lie and say the idea didn’t cross my mind about you going to a spa. But I wouldn’t force it.” One admitted wisely, “However, I would rather you enjoy this trip instead of thinking it is some sort of punishment.”
Daringly he flirted a fresh peck against the corner of lip, “And well… there’s a greedy part of me that hopes if you are able to relax the way you want, we can spend our evenings as a proper couple. Dining and entertainment that most do when they want to be with the other person.”
“Contrary to what everyone seems to be thinking, I find making moves to take over empires quite relaxing,” she uttered with a laugh, shifting so she could run her fingers through raven tendrils of hair. Silently cursing that all the surfaces in her office now dare to be covered in books, else she might’ve tugged him onto some comfortable surface.
Instead she had to make due when gently grasping at his shirt and pushing him backwards towards the closed door. Conquering the reigning king, as it were, with that wide and wicked cheshire cat grin!
“I admit I’m very intrigued by this opportunity of evenings alone with you. What would you say is proper couple entertainment? We have very different ideas of dining, that will have to be accounted for. Dancing will be a must, of course. Shows in a dark intimate theater? Whispered discussions on a private moonlit patio?”
“As adorable as that is to think of you having the time of your life making plans for such things, I do want you to actually relax. As a person, not as a empress.” As the conversation had gone with Hannah, Juliette was a workaholic. Something he would consider himself but she took it to a new level.
It would have to be done carefully to sprinkle little bits of interactions that would involve the new coven while assuring Juliette wasn’t putting her fingers into more pies than she could manage. As a want to bog down her mind to avoid thinking about things that needed to be dealt with. Trauma’s left to fester never came back in polite ways.
Still he was hardly about to start making a fuss now. When it seemed her intention was to make him a doorstop for the only door style entry here. Presenting a grin that spoke volumes and made his stomach pleasantly watery.
“Well surely you aren’t thinking I’d just take you to a dinner and a movie. I’m too old to play the young kid’s games.” Hannah said apparently Juliette liked his archaic behaviours, so maybe he ought to lean into it. Smirking slowly at the mention of dancing being a must. “It may have been some time since I’ve done any gentlemanly courting but I’ve got ideas. Ones that,” Sparing fingers to reach and push back some of the errant locks of brown, “You will just have to wait and see. I don’t want you figuring out my ploys before I’ve had time to put them into action.” Yet brows lifted. Eyes considered her surroundings once more and he stirred in likely obvious ways. “As for whispered discussions, I’m more than a little tempted to see what sort of whispers we can stir here. If… it weren’t for your collection being everywhere.”
That cheshire grin turned cheeky at the accusation of adorable – not an apt word to call her at all, but appreciated nonetheless with a proud and wicked giggle. If he thought conquering empires was adorable, who was she to correct the king? Relaxing was becoming that of an offensive four letter word with the way every kept throwing it at her, but at least Jordan’s ideas of relaxation in he himself spending time with her was actually something enjoyable.
Comforting, actually. Even if she currently had him captured against her office door as if he were the damsel in one of Hannah’s novels.
Oh, but his next statements had her eyes alighting with all sorts of mischief.
“Ah, gentlemanly courting is it? Then I suppose I should be minding my manners as a lady should.” On that loaded statement Juliette tucked her hands behind her back and leaned herself just far enough away from his body that there wouldn’t be any of that untoward touching. A hair’s breadth of distance.
“Does my collection not give plenty of ideas for whispered discussions?” she asked, deliberately misconstruing the question. “With so many books of romances that might be as old as you are? Plenty of inspiration, I would think. Unless you mean stirring the whispers of others, to which… shame on your Jordan. Such filthy thoughts for a gentleman.”
It was amusing baring witness to the way her eyes glittered shortly after he suggested that his old ways weren’t about to reveal how he might choose to spend evenings with her. Not entirely. Making a claim that he wanted to keep it a surprise. Which was true but he also wanted to make sure she wasn’t able to see what he could plan, coming from a mile away.
Easing out a slow chuckle when she went from daring missus to polite uppercrust woman in a manner of seconds. Pulling back just enough that they could be considered cordial without a tawdry air. Narrowing sights playfully when she went about potentially misunderstanding what he had meant. With evident purpose to it.
Listening to her misunderstanding where he could consider the room once more. Actively seeing but smirking no less when she was suggesting the items may be what he was looking for inspiration. Before coming around to nudge at his potential filthy implications.
Playing the motion of drawing her back from that hair’s breath. “I can only be so gentlemanly.” Suggesting as he insisted their proxy be touch to touch. Belly to belly. “If only you knew what sort of filthy thoughts I have currently.” Bending to brush flirting lips from cheek to ear, “So I can’t help but want to keep my hands all over you, do you blame me?”
Juliette laughed before she could stop herself, entirely ruining the coy persona she was trying to take on. At least she managed to resist drawing her arms back around him the second he pulled her in. Keeping them in place behind her back even with the soft tingle of breath at her ear making the desire to put her hands on him all the more irresistible.
Jordan could suggest his filthy thoughts all he liked, and though he did often have commentary that leaned toward the crass, he still was far closer to that of an actual old world gentleman than the fiendish beast he liked to claim to be. Fuck, feed and leave is what he’d said his past had been. Reminding Juliette of her ridiculous conversation with the girls earlier, and how much Jordan would’ve been scandalized not just by the conversation itself, but his future wife’s past paramours.
Truly, it made that mischievous smile of hers all the worse.
“A shame that I can’t read your mind, then. I might take a guess?” she mused out loud, turning her head softly to whisper in his ear now that he was bending close enough, but being very careful not to touch him herself. “You’re thinking… It’d be a shame to accidentally knocked all these precious books to the floor?”
It took a mere motion to suggest she was welcome to guess what was on his mind. Surely it wasn’t difficult, he was hardly playing coy right now. Feeling goosebumps pucker across arms when she was the one playing so slyly. Doing well to keep that issue of physicality absent.
In polite consideration, he looked at the books she referenced. Narrowing lids some, “You are correct. Though I’m not above being rough.” He could probably just try moving them by hand or otherwise, “Or I could just prove that I’m a fiend and have you pushed against the door while trying to keep your voice toned to avoid calling for anyone’s unwanted attention.”
Well there was a suggestion that would give anyone a flushing shiver, and Juliette was not immune. Setting her teeth to chewing her bottom lip as she considered the pros and cons of this little game she’d started and exactly where she’d like it to go. On one hand, she’d missed being intimate with her deviant fiancé the past few days while she’d been forced to sleep and rest. On the other? Juliette was very much afraid the second bare skin became involved vicious visible reminders would ruin the moment.
Still, it was incredibly hard to resist temptation when he said things like this and sent her stomach twisted upside down and into knots.
“Jordan…” she muttered oh so softly. “You do not have permission to be rough with my books. With myself, on the other hand…”
Leaving that loaded statement unfinished, she risked fate to press chaste kiss to his cheek and leaned back far enough so she could get a view of those cornflower blue eyes.
“And what makes you think you can keep me quiet? I think I might like the idea of shouting your name loud enough for the entire house to hear.”
Perish the thought, love.” Damn her ability to look so innocent while he knew it was quite the act. “I would never be so rough with any sort of book. I’d treat yours exactly as kindly as my own.” That stirring, that aching was ever present. Unlike herself, any sort of visible reminders was not the foremost present thought on his mind.
Turning a low humming proposal of a growl at the idea she was being a proper vixen. Acting chaste while leading him with open suggestions that had yet to be finished. Baring him a feisty want to fall into her obvious trap.
Sinking grasp to create wrinkles into the back of top she wore. Purposefully giving it a reason to ride up. “I mean, if you want to give a ringing declaration, who am I to stop you?” Easing touch to slid beneath the hemline of shirt, teasing fingertips along the dimples upon back. “I just worry that your best friend might take your bawdy shouts as ideas to write her next book about. Phrasing that the female lead was being wonderfully ruined by the male vampire.”
How thrilling to have drawn such a low growl from him with only words and a gentle kiss to cheek. Even with the sudden breathlessness it caused, it made her struggle not to touch him with her hands both delghtfully fun and the most difficult thing in the world. In his attentions of teasing fingertips on bare skin she was forced to lift her hands and curl them towards her shoulders, unable to hide the hint of indecision that came through by means of wiggling fingers.
“With that sort of phrasing, of course it lacks any interest,” she chided softly, wicked sweet smile of hers promising nothing but trouble to follow. “It’d be something more stirring. Something akin to his royal majesty, with eyes as blue as a torch’s fire, decided right than that his wicked queen should have something worth screaming about.”
“Maybe I should write it down,” she suggested, glancing over her shoulder without moving away as if she were looking for a stray notepad.
“By the nine hells,” Scoffing at the way she reworded the potential passage that could be used here. Making it sound far more fitting for some shameless romance novel that he wanted absolutely nothing to do with. Mentally cringing at the idea while the said wicked queen was appearing to think about writing it down.
Knowing she was toying with him. “Don’t.” Daring to swoop forward to purposefully nip at her neck. Lightly at that, as he didn’t intend on actually biting more than just for show. Using placement of hand to turn from fingertips to palm. Laying flush and making an effort to rotate their positions. Trading places so he could be the trapper instead of trappee to the door. “If you want to see how patient I can be, you’re going to lose clothing. And I don’t think you will appreciate me tearing your clothes so they can’t even be repaired.”
Straying stare down to lips, the noise vibrated again in throat. Sliding at least one hand away so it could find placement upon neck. Stroking thumb along the ivory column towards that of neckline. “As much as I enjoy your toying motions, dove, right now, I just want you to fucking mount me. Here… and now.”
The soft giggling squeak she made at nipping teeth and impatient threat of ripping clothes was promptly cut short by means of role reversal and her sharp intake of breath. Now there was no holding arms and hands away lest she wanted to hold them up over head, so she was forced to cave to yearning touch, curling her fingers in the shirt fabric at his sides.
How was she not used to him slipping these intense statements? The ones that made her face burn and her heart shutter in her chest. Momentarily stunning her into a wide eyed blink before melting back into that twisting indecision.
Here and now! Oh, how she wanted to. Any other day she’d have already climbed him like a tree the instant he demanded it. Now she was finding herself experiencing a shyness that actually had her cheeks burning a crimson red, and an uncertainty she doubted she even felt when she was a young woman! Yet there was no way in hell she’d be so cruel as to put the brakes on now, not when he looked at ways that gave her tingles all the way down to her toes.
Lips parted with intent to say something, but finding herself at a loss on how to express any of her thoughts, Juliette promptly gave up. Finding it was much easier to release her hands from his shirt to reach up to grasp his head gentle to pull down for a kiss. Strangely sweet for the tone of their current teasing, but hoping courage would carry her through where words couldn’t.
As tender as he could be, they had been interrupted the last time they had been close to fraternizing bodies upon another. Then things continued to become wildly hectic that even had he been wanting that close proximity to her, the timing and her rest had come first.
Now? Now all matters had been thrown out the nearest window and he was hardly about to play docile little bashful CEO.
Deciding that it was in his better interest to express he had very limited patience to this song and dance. The fire had been stoked previously and was left burning into hot red coals. Ready to flare at any moment.
Save, came a sight he had to complete a double take at. Her cheeks were red. Her cheeks…
If he needed to pause for a second, that certainly did it. At a loss of words, he watched her. Waiting and finding that when she attempted to say something, it became an action. Reaching up to make use of hands that abandon shirt. Asking silently by motions to come lightly to another. No crashing or tumbling. Just a gingerly sweetened kiss that did leave him wondering what the hell was happening here. “Juliette?” By the greater deity, sometimes he wished he was a total fuckwit. Unable to think of anything else but his own wants, but her change in personality within these moments was a hard thing to ignore.
As much as he wanted her, he was not the person that could force it. Or rather, wouldn’t force it.
He paused and by way he said her name, she knew some stray unwanted thought of her own had managed to seep it’s way through. Damn his perceptiveness! This was not the time to have a lover that could read her so easily! …at least not like that! Starting this wild, equally as unwanted need to suddenly just run. Juliette wasn’t about to run away when she wanted nothing more than to get lost in him. She just didn’t want him to see her!
Biting back a frown, as she surely didn’t want to give him the wrong impression, she very quickly reached out to slap the light switch down, casting them both in an intimate darkness. Only vaguely lit by what little sunlight could creep past her heavy curtains.
It actually did make it easier not to feel so self conscious.
“No,” she said quite seriously with furrowed brows and shortness of breath, placing a fingers to his lips before he dared say another word. “Unnecessary questions. I want you to kiss me until I can’t breath anymore. I want you to make me so exhausted that I miss dinner and Elisa scolds you for an hour.”
Mentally he was sighing at his own actions. Wishing, -terribly wishing- he couldn’t pick up the change in her personality. Granted it was a little hard to ignore when she went from coy minx to blushing speechless innocent. He’d have to be blind not to seen it!
Nor was he such a monster that his own desires could override her own. Speaking in hopes that it might be enough to glean what was putting a hitch into her.
Just it seemed him even daring to ask was enough for her to swat at the light switch. Temporarily making him blink as though he feared he lost his own vision. Presented easily with a finger to lips to shut up likely the comment she knew was coming. Furrowing his own brows at her. Seeing as she gathered back her ability to speak in such a way that as he listened, he had two options.
Heed her request which was incredibly tantalizing, or, stop to point out that he knew something had caused her to pause.
It took a great deal of mental strength to fight between these options.
The winner showing itself by a ravenous dip to find pretty lips against his own. A fevered want that demanded not to be ignore. Nudging knee to push between legs as a action to separate then. “Then stop thinking and just fucking devour me already.” Hissing the words in hopes it would stop whatever the hell it was that caused her a temporary fritz.
Thank all of the gods in the world that he listened, prompting her audible hum of a relived sigh even in the wake of such a ravenous kiss. One that she was more than happy to return with equal measure, drawing an arm around his neck and burying her other hand within sloe tendrils. If he wanted to interrogate her, she’d answer any question, but now in that moment all she needed was him before anything else could take him away from her.
“There won’t be anything of you left if you keep talking like that,” she warned against lips, only breaking away the brief second it took to say it before making good on the promise with recklessly nipping teeth and the soft soothing of tongue.
“Good.” He sighed against her, shifting to press as near as physically possible, practically whining in delight with the presence of teeth turning to tongue. “M-maybe I want you to leave nothing left.” Grasp abandoned its placement upon that of neck, sliding down to take a greedy fistful of shirt. Pushing it up so there could be quick access to the plains of belly.
Stroking across navel, teasing purposefully at the boundary of trousers she wore. “I don’t just let or ask anyone to do such things, love.”
Better, better, better, was the mantra repeating in her head. Melting easily into the hard press of body, and although she did swiftly find her choice in lighting was preventing her from seeing that feverish look in those beautiful blue eyes, there was at least a pleasing thrill to hear it in the timber of his voice. Even with the sudden skip of her heartbeat when his hands displaced more red silk of her blouse, that anxiousness didn’t hold a candle to the rising goosebumps or how his simple confession drew out a soft laugh.
Now it was her hands alighting to his neck, softly stroking thumbs along jawline before following it up with a nibbled kiss and feel of her smile against his skin.
“You can ask me for anything, everything,” she confessed herself. “But I love you too much to eat you alive, lover. Maybe ask for something else?”
“Suppose I… could do that.” Consciously taking an effort to even for a proper reply, let alone thought to her telling him to ask for something else. Probably a good idea that he wasn’t actually seeking her to munch and crunch him down whole!
Tugging a low hum from the depths of himself when full lips were making a point of delighting themselves across skin.
Practically saying fuck it, in his thoughts as to take a little more of a stronger control than he had been in their other encounters. Shaming the means of teasing the territory line of pants to entirely invade. Sliding and slipping to decidedly sink forward. “I’ll… ask you momentarily. First,” Jordan grinned through a pleased sigh, “I want to feel you tremble.” Using the words as a verbal period to where hand personally dove.
Delighted that she had his brain on such a fritz that he was struggling to think and use complete sentences, any left over fears and worries were finding themselves quickly washed away in the wake of more tantalizing things. Even drawing a fresh laugh from her when he declared he’d ask her in a moment, as if all sense had been knocked out of his brain.
Oh, but then he managed to catch her by surprise, so accustomed was she to being the one holding the reigns and so often being the one guiding directions, that his forward motions and sudden take over cause her giggling to die in a quick hitch of breath. Making the room feel overwhelmingly all too hot, forcing her to brace her back solidly against the door and keep her arms locked around his neck lest her knees buckle and she go tumbling to the floor!
“Is that a promise?” she whispered soft, lips and nose brushing feather light against ear.
It was dangerous how within a few moments of a slipped touch, that things could turn wonderfully delectable. Tugging a pleasant ring to his own octave when arms locked around. Delving to feel and press upon that of the particularly sensitive pearl. Laying lips to flutter across cheek. Laying a slow peppering of kisses downwards as she bid him if it was a promise. Feeling the heat of her own breath tickling across ear.
“More like—” A glimpse towards the door handle seemed almost necessary, “A guarantee.” Trading places so thumb itself could seek to tantalizing the center as others moved purposefully to discover the soft velvet depth.
As entertaining as it was to tease of making the whole house privy to exactly what they were up to, Juliette found herself biting into bottom lip instead to muffle what would have otherwise been a startled gasping into a softer vibrating hum. Shifting against probing fingers until a steady tingling shiver crawled it’s way down her spine.
What were they talking about? Well now she didn’t remember! Splaying hands against his shoulders almost as if she were going to shove him away, only to curl her fingers so tightly into the fabric that if she’d had claws, surely there’d have been fresh new holes shredded through it.
Knocking her head against the door as her gaze rose up to view the few stray dancing beams of light on the ceiling that managed to creep their way past the curtains, she did open her mouth with intent to continue a thought, only to shut it just as quickly with a breathless giggle and a faint sigh.
He’d take the lack of verbal reply as a personal little win. At least till she was tipping back to where the glimmer of brown in the low light could catch his own laden stare. Certainly appreciating the way her grip had dug in. Expressing easily enough that the orchestration of affections were being well received.
Just there was something missing here. Bowing forward to adhere to that former asking.
What was it again?
Right. Kiss her till she couldn’t breathe anymore.
Snatching close to forbid the means of chaste for the efforts of turning doting lips to respond to passionate and personal. Seeking for that means of turning her into a writhing whine at least!
Immediately he was met with nothing but eager fervor and a deep throated sound that might’ve bordered on sinful. Despite him not being the one still trapped against hardened wood, she pulled him tighted against her to deepen that kiss with a hunger that suggested she may very well devour him after all.
Only breaking away when she did indeed have to gasp for tortured, trembling breath. Daring to unfurl her grip from his shoulders at risk of sliding down the door from weakness of knees, so she could twist up shirt hem and steel her hands away underneath to feel the heat of his skin directly under her fingertips.
The retraction to take a breath certainly followed his own. Panting with the desperate need as attention veered somewhat to where she begun to put her own hands to exploration. Moving aside cloth to where the touch might as well have been a cool burn against flesh. Humming gutturally, pressing diligence upon nethers.
“If… y-you want it off…” Jordan managed, somehow, “Then just s-say so, love.” Indicating shirt perhaps. “Much like,” Exhaling sharply, he dared to retrieve that of grasp from its spoiling affixation, “This.” Sparing little decorum when it came to grabbing at the hem line. “This… need to come off before I lose my patience.”
He hadn’t been lying about potentially ruining her clothing.
The absolute pained sound she made when he stopped his attentions and tugged instead at her clothes, with an expression along with it that was such a mix of heated desire and fury that he dared to stop that it was almost comical.
“I couldn’t give–” she started with a gasping breath, “two shits about my clothes, Jordan!”
With such a hissing declaration, it seemed she didn’t care about his either. Nor intended to ask him to remove them for her benefit, as she took to pushing his shirt up with every intention of dragging it off his body itself without a single care for button or stich. Fumbling about it in the process as her hands were shaking and she was near dizzy from the thrill.
That was all the permission he needed.
What had been a mere grab, turned into a twist! Using both hands to grab and unceremoniously making said stitch work protest before ultimately giving up. Maybe they could be used as nice rags, or something.
Returning the lack of caring when it came to his own shirt! Leaving her to do with it as she wanted. Only helping shrug it away when it was necessary. Forming palms against the slope of waist to knead thumbs upwards, certainly not about to leave those lips alone till they were perfectly kiss bruised. “D… door or… or floor, love.” Well lucky her, he was giving her an option of which surface he was going to be mashing her up against!
Juliette doubted anyone had ever actually managed to full on rip her clothing in the heat of the moment, especially not expensive faux leather in the form of designer trousers. How strong he had to be to tear it like it was nothing! That was… Well. That was enough to make her shudder with heady, intoxicating sort of wanting.
Inspiring her, in fact, to make good on her earlier desires to full on climb him. Tossing his shirt aside to god knew where before using the leverage of her arms thrown around his neck to make a quick hop. Throwing her legs around his waist and locking her ankles with a surprising amount of energy for one who’d spent several days needing long sleep. Juliette was no vampire in strength, but she was plenty active enough to have limber limbs and a good grip.
Making her choice of the matter quite obvious.
“You make me so very happy,” she murmured against his mouth, nothing but oddly sweet smiles even in the wake of a wicked giggle.
Some thought in the back of his head did wonder if the two of them were just as ravenous as two high school teenagers trying to get the deed done before someone’s parents came home. Tearing and throwing clothing aside in wild discarding. To be thought about later when it mattered and not when it was simply an unwanted obtrusion!
There came a deep approval by the means of choice being selected without words. Merely being grappled and latched around that his course of action was obvious.
Stepping into the door to allow her back to be leveraged but still making good at least on one hand rounding over rump side to play further support. Might as well use that enhanced strength for more than just turning clothing into tatters! Sighing into her whilst mouth busied in the efforts of turning lips bruised, adoring the commentary of being able to make her happy at all. Never mind the very part attached.
All he could do was sigh in soft affectionate reply, even making a due diligence to throw aside this means of tedious foreplay. Plucking low and between trousers of his own with a greedy demand. Expressive loosening the cinch that kept it fastened close, to slacken and well, to withdraw the portion of himself that was plenty ready. Making effort to move aside garments that would be forgiven from being ruined by grip or claw. A mere sloppy push away to bring avarice struck hips forward with means of eager grind. Hissing a delighted groan, “H… happy is good.” Muttering back with a zipping heat boiling in low belly, “But bawdy whines are so much better.” Maybe he was being a bit impatient but at this point, he wasn’t sure who or what just may interrupt them! Bucking hips up to purposefully introduce intruding guest within.
Bawdy whines! Juliette would never. …or at least she wouldn’t quite use those words! Not that it mattered in the slightest if language used was elegant or not, as she certainly wasn’t her most elegant in that moment when she tangled her fingers in his hair and dragged her lips across the cut of his jaw. One had to appreciate a good everlasting lipstick, for if it had not yet been kissed away by now there’d be no way he was leaving this room without the ruby red impressions of her mouth all over him.
Actually, the were other more lasting impressions she could make on him. Vampires might be territorial – but so was she!
Especially now being properly coupled and getting to feel him, all of him, sating that ache he’d dared to stoke with his own hands. Burying her face at his neck to breath him in, laughing softly, because it did feel so good to be able to laugh even in such a salacious and vulnerable position. Besides, when she laved her tongue against his skin and bite down hard enough to bruise, she intended to make sure it was him giving the bawdy whines!
Flesh turned to bumps once more. Beckoned by the mere turn of tables to be finding teeth pressing on skin, that it certainly encouraged a rather rough buck and grabbing of hands across bottom. Grinding closer with a spurned frenzy. Groaning at it but certainly not rising his pitch to give into the twist of words!
Never mind the curiosity that flickered when she was easing out a laugh at all. Terse fingers across skin, threatening to draw the red lines upon its fair features, it was likely a good thing he had her pressed to the door rather than making it bang a bit noisily from offering even a fraction of space.
He might not be bothered by someone hearing them but he also didn’t want anyone to come investigating either!
Gritting teeth and certainly singing his own delighted courses in private staccato.
There was such a wide juxstiposition between his tight frenzied movements and the way she was oh so slow and deliberate running her hands over his shoulders to the hard sucking against the spot she nipped to be extra sure he left that room with reminders of her.
But it was easy to tell when she’d climb a step higher, pausing in her motions to tense and dig her nails into skin. When she’d let out a heavy hushed sigh, or a melting purring mewl only to brace hard against the door and grind back against him. Staggered breaths became ragged and gasping, as if she were very well on edge of dying.
Truthfully, it grew so taunt and wound so tight that desperately she wove hands into his hair again to steal a rough pleading kiss. Giving way to an anguished blissful cry into his mouth when it did finally snap, and she got to ride out that wave of electric sparky stars rushing violently through her muscles and in her veins.
It was surely going to be marked! Even being able to heal faster than a mortal man, the way she nipped and licked. Sucked and sunk, he’d likely have the markings for a while. And the idea was hardly unpleasant. Making a wicked mind writhe. Assuring the striking ebbs and flows of greedy inflictions assured this wasn’t exactly a polite little lovemaking.
Rather the opposite. Raw. Feisty and rough with every bit of demanding effort that tore lewd noises from himself. Tensed between the grit of teeth when necessary. Clinging to grind at every telling sound of enjoyed bliss she gave. Encouraging himself to certainly feel every bit of it. Feeling the motions between their coupled affair foretelling her own rise. If he hadn’t surely the way she dove and sunk tips upon crown to steal him into a crashing kiss, would have.
Tickling every nerve with that euphoric sound. The snap of figurative elastic being enough of a strong coaxing –certainly literally by fluttering walls and tense holds- that seen the near climax being met. Gritting teeth, tensing grasp to dig to bone to find that strong relief flooding promptly behind the measure of release.
Pulling hard breath and adorning brow with gentler press, to cheek and jaw. Swallowing roughly as aftermath shivers fluttered. Keeping her held in grasp with the door’s support. “Think.. we can… can cross off office from places to fuck.”
What luck that he was strong enough to hold himself up and her along with him, as any strength she had left was gone in the wake of pleased purring into the crook of his neck where she’d buried her face. Only to just as quickly burst into a delighted, amused laugh to lift herself up enough to take a peek at his face.
Oh, she very much liked this look on him. That warm expression to otherwise cool blue eyes, and the flush beneath his skin from a moment frenzied lovemaking. And it was lovemaking. Somehow so much more satisfying than any tryst she’d had before.
Juliette brushed her knuckles soft against his cheek and wrinkled up her nose.
“Are we keeping a list…?” she asked, still trying to catch her breath. “It’ll have to be more specific. We cross off my office.”
It came swiftly and effortlessly. An genuine laugh created by her addition to the dirty comment he had made. “Just giving me new reasons why I’ve got to marry you,” Shuffling his grasp around her as to assure their means of support, didn’t have Juliette unceremoniously dropping onto the ground should she release her hold upon him.
“Is this an invitation to splay you out on my desk the next time?” He dared to ask in a cheeky tone.
That was also quite lovely, the sudden genuine laugh so rarely heard from him and a declaration of more reasons to marry her. Leaving Juliette with a pleasant curl in her stomach and flushed to her cheeks that had nothing to do with good sex and everything to do with being so hopelessly infatuated with her fiancé.
“If that is at the top of your list, then let me suggest a moonlight evening in the pool for mine.”
After gifting him with a tender kiss, she paused to glance to the floor to spy where she might’ve tossed his shirt and what was left of her poor designer slacks. With a twist of her mouth and the most amused of expressions she sighed.
“I should’ve thought twice about letting you rip things. Now I’ll be making a very slow saunter up the stairs without any pants. It’ll only be fun if Myra is lurking around out there to be shocked.”
“Well it’s not the top of the list, but it’s certainly in the top ten.” Carefully there was a following of where her gaze went, even if he was slightly shaking his head at the idea of the suggestion. Noting it mentally down, “It’s ideas like those that makes me a grateful we don’t run the risk that most couples would with other matters that sex leads too.” Suggesting obviously the means of little one. Something they weren’t having to worry about anyways.
Still as he followed her gaze downwards –mimicking the motion- to consider that of the ruined items in their various states of things, shoulders shrugged with a gentle effort of uncoupling themselves. “I warned you. The whole not giving two shits thing was a last straw and I’ve been very pent up waiting for you to be well enough for me to try to ruin.” Brows lifted a little though at the mention of how her sauntering upstairs would only be fun if Myra had been present.
Likely to mentally scar the little gremlin. “I do enjoy it when you are feeling wicked.” Carefully –while making sure she was alright enough to stand on her own two feet- would he act like a decent person to grab his shirt. Considering it a moment before offering it to her in hopes it would be useable enough so she might scurry upstairs with her bottom hanging out.
Taking effort to sort himself less he wanted to act like some sort of degenerate with it all hanging out still! Even he wasn’t that terrible!
Deciding it was in his own wants to pause her. Stooping down to steal at least one more kiss in a far lighter fashion, bumping brow, “I love you,” Not about to forgo being even a little sweet, “Though we’ll see if I am done with you yet. The only reason we are stopping now is I actually don’t want Elisa to yell at me for an hour. That’s one wish I can’t abide.”
It seemed there would be a new game afoot. Seeing how many rooms in this giant manor home they could christen with wild romping. Her laughing in agreement too that thank goodness that children weren’t a worry! Even trying to imagine herself as a mother left a terrible twinge of horror. Any child of hers would no doubt grow to quickly hate her. For if she couldn’t easily build relationships with adults, how on earth would she have one with a child.
Juliette did waver once set back on her feet, still feeling that vibrating hum of pleasant things making her knees weak and her toes curl. Accepting his shirt to pull it over her own red silk blouse. His was long enough it’d offer at least a minimal sense of modesty.
…and she quite liked he’d be forced to traipse back upstairs shirtless, regardless.
Of course any wickedness that might perked up in her expression was quickly replaced by a soft, almost ridiculous sort of smile to hear him say those three precious words.
“To say I love you is an understatement,” she responded easily, sincerely. “But I might still change your mind about enraging Elisa on the way upstairs. It’s a lot of stairs and a very comfortable bedroom.”
On that promise she pulled away to snatch up what was left of her pants and then moved to peek out of her office door to see if anyone was in immediate sight. Then, not caring a bit if she did run into someone on the way, quite pleased with herself for the moment, she led the way.
“But pleasant regardless to hear.” Matching that tempo for half a second till she was absolutely proving to have such a way with him, that he might as well have been baring a collar and lead. Left visually intrigued to the idea that she was reminding him that the stairs were long and the bed enticing. Or rather, the one whom would be within its comfort. Needing to ruminate whether or not his want for her was stronger than his want to avoid being scolded like some frisky teenager!
Surprisingly, it was a hard choice.
She might as well have been holding that invisible lead for he barely took a second look around that of her office properly desecrated by delightfully sinful acts.
If he was likely to start growing bashful for the undressed state of himself, they’d have to find someone to do cause such things! The manor at least on the main floor was noticeably devoid of additional souls. Myra might have been still here somewhere but it wasn’t so nearby that she was leaping out to try and scare anyone.
Or she had been nearby, heard the telltale sounds and fled like she was a demon being chased by holy water and prayer! Not about to stand around waiting for them to exit so she could show her disgust!
Following said lead back to the safety of the chambers itself, he considered her state of attire. Hers beneath and his next in a layered fashion. “Now the question begins, do I try my hand with actually keeping you occupied in this room for a while, or will you rest a bit more after the day you spent with vultures and snakes?” Indicating the two god damn harpies and the bitch herself.
With no one lurking out in the halls, not even Hannah who was likely deep into local rental listings, Juliette was almost disappointed not getting the chance to scandalize two of the ladies that vexed her during the days. As for Elisa, well… she didn’t want to scandalize that poor woman, but she did think Elisa would get a jolly thrill in knowing the man of the house was actually good and happy. Not always the brooding hermit.
In the safe confines of their room Juliette briefly took a good look at the hemline of her torn pants, debating on whether it’d be worth to find a seamstress to repair them. Casting Jordan that innocent-not-innocent smile and side eye at his tempting question.
“If I heard the word rest one more time I might scream. If I’m going to scream I’d much rather be doing something that is going to get you in so, so much trouble.”
Deciding these trousers might get a second chance at life, she folded them neatly to set aside… then debated the means of getting undressed and changed into something comfortable for the evening. Finding some difficulty in how she was going to do so without it seeming bizarre. She’d never been shy about getting undressed or dress with him in the room before, she couldn’t seem skittish about it now.
Instead of making a proper decision, she avoided it altogether be shifting to her wardrobe to find something she could actually safely wear.
“I feel better now, regardless. I think I might call you on difficult work days and invite you to my offices whenever I have a need to… exercise.”
He gave her a rather long uninspired stare at her antics. Suggesting the word rest was on par with a curse. It might be considering he knew her to be one that had more ants in her pants, than anyone else. The micromanager in her taking life, animated her like some undead corpse. “Hmm, well that itself poses a problem. Seeing as I haven’t yet gotten you to scream, I doubt I’ll catch trouble. And I don’t think you are so opposed to the vile resting word, if I am to be with you. Even I, could still use it myself.” That night, even after the few days, still tugged on his mental strength.
Likely because he hadn’t been eating the red syrup daily to recuperate that loss. Or it was still a mental fatigue. At this point, he wasn’t sure and didn’t particularly care.
Just that before he could wander towards the bathroom in hopes to mend a mess, he noticed her standing there. Looking peculiar. Till she just began moving through her wardrobe without removing the layers present.
Dragging eyes up and down her but not yet willing to speak what he might only be dramatizing in his thoughts. “I hope you don’t just come to me on difficult days. Though I’d hardly complain.”
Sifting through her clothing, searching for something suitable, Juliette found with frustration that she seemed to have a heavy leaning towards things with very revealing necklines. All perfectly classic and stylish, but a bit problematic when you were trying to hide bandages or teeth marks. She might actually need to do a bit of shopping just to adjust her entire wardrobe.
At his statements, though, she cast a wide, amused smile over her shoulder.
“You’re right. Rest with you has been well worth every moment. But only for you.”
Everyone else, even with their good intentions could just buggar off and leave her alone! Save for Ms Elisa whose motherly attention never made Juliette felt as if she were being lectured or condescended to. She gratefully accepted every cup of tea or small meal offered, who seemed to be so happy to have someone to fuss over that Juliette didn’t have the heart to refuse her.
Finding a decent top with long sleeves and a higher neckline, Juliette supposed that’d have to do. Not her usual slinky nightgowns, but it’d be comfortable to wear around the house and down to dinner or to bed.
“I’m glad you are able to admit that, I was ready for my feelings to be snubbed.” He suggested in a mock bit of play. Turning to temporarily wander into that room where tile and water ruled. At least making a decent effort of cleaning away any residual remains from their encounter before returning and well… finding his bride to be picking out something that he might not have expected.
Especially since he too had to find a new shirt to wear. Considering things once more in his mind before he decided he couldn’t ignore the noise there.
“Is everything alright, Juliette?” Having pardoned by so he could move to pick something out that would work to cover his upper portion for a while longer, “I don’t think I’ve seen you consider your outfits in such length before unless it was for a purpose.” Indicating silently that he knew she picked things depending on what message she wanted to get across.
By the twist of her mouth and the squinting look she gave him, it was pretty clear she’d been called out in something. Truthfully, she’d hoped he’d forgotten those brief moments of questioning perceptiveness as there really wasn’t anything wrong, it was just… complicated.
Juliette didn’t intend to lie to him, either. Still, how did she express these things without it sounding terrible?
“It’s nothing serious,” she assured him at the very least. “I’d rather not remind everyone of gnashing teeth every time they look at me.”
Maybe less they and more specifically him, but to be fair once that bandage could come off, teeth marks were going to be hard to explain and even worse if it actually scarred.
Tugging over decided shirt before making an attempt to rake fingers through hair, his question hung on the air. Giving him a subtle sense that it had been a little more impactful than he originally intended. Searching his mind to decide that the question itself may not be too broad, but the length of time she took to squint at him and think, was enough that this was more than just a simple reply.
It was taking consideration. Forming a response instead of easily giving one with no thought at all.
So when it came to be nothing serious only that it had implications of how she didn’t wish to remind everyone of gnashing teeth each time they looked at her. “Save, there are only a select few in this house that know of that.” He met that comment back quickly. “So pardon me if I need to test your reply with my innate need to prod, what do you mean everyone. The blanket in that statement seems… outside of your usual fronting to not give a damn.”
“My not giving a damn is reserved for people I don’t care about, and this house is full of people I care for,” she answered breezily. Easily. Truthfully! Juliette should’ve known, though, that he wasn’t going to just let it go. Leaving her unconciously holding her chosen attire to her chest almost like a shield.
Thinking again. She trusted him. Julietted trusted Jordan. Yet that didn’t make it any easier.
Stepping past him to the washroom, she left the door open, at least. Not planning to shut him out or avoid him altogether, just an attempt to delay and give herself the time. Quickly she pulled on the simply slingy yoga pants so she wouldn’t be walking bare assed around the house. Removed his shirt next to drop in the laundry hamper.
Then it was at the mirror where she paused at pulling on the hem of her own red silk blouse. Frowning at the mess of her own reflection, a woman perfectly contentedly loved that was afraid to take her own shirt off! This was ridiculous!
She wanted to say more, yet didn’t. Couldn’t? Just making a soft frustrated sound as she pivoted to searched for her little packet of cleanser to be sure wipe away any stray signs of smeared makeup.
He couldn’t refute that logic. Nor would he try too. Her decisions were her own of course, even inside this house. For the people within it.
However, why did he feel her reply was about as fresh as a pile of bullshit. Not to mention the way she replied didn’t feel like it corresponded with the way she moved. Moving past him to go to the washroom to change!
As if he hadn’t seen her naked before. Nor the very mention that he doubted she was the sort of person that would suddenly turn into a blushing schoolgirl either. They had been interactive with each other quite frequently, so this change was a bit sharp.
Tugging his brows down only to follow towards the bathroom after. Not so much entering it but leaning on the outside of the door. Daring not to peek in as he decided that if he was about to be yelled at for meddling, he might as well have a door wall between so she could throw things at. “Well if that’s only the problem for those within the household, then on the topic of dresses; since you went shopping today. I’d like to see you with a strapless one. To accent your slender shoulders and well,” Jordan’s gaze narrowed, “I do like being able to see your neck entirely unhindered all the way to your shoulders.”
Juliette supposed he didn’t have to think too hard and wrack his brain to uncover her strange behavior. She was doing a poor job of hiding it – not that she was even trying to hide it! She just didn’t want to make an entire conversation about it!
Good at least that he was hiding behind the door frame, likely assuming she was going to have a complete fit and start throwing things at him. If she weren’t afraid he’d be offended, she might have just for sport. Instead, she quickly cleaned her face of any smudges and finally pulled her silk shirt over her head.
There wasn’t much of anything left to see, really. The bruises were already nearly completely gone. Still, that blasted bandage was enough of an eyesore by itself, and when she pushed her bra strap out of the way and peeled the bandage off to check the wound, that was where the problem lay. She may as well had been mauled by a dog by look of the ripped markings. In fact she could easily explain it as much if needed.
Except it wasn’t a dog, and they knew it!
“You say that,” she finally responded with a heavy sigh. “But that was before. Strapless isn’t such a good look now.”
They had resulted to talk to each other, did they not? To try and navigate around the means of holding everything inside till it boiled to a point of violent explosion. So why was it now she was trying to hide something new?
Well, he could guess why. But that didn’t make this situation any easier. Just that he wasn’t about to play entirely dumb when there was a real worry that Juliette was trying to handle things all by her lonesome once more. Even something that maybe could be written off as trifle to another. So he took his verbal shot. To see if it landed to where he might be trying to ping this dart onto the problem.
He’d wait for as long as she needed him too. “Oh?” Arms crossed as he leaned there. “And why not? As a bit of a monster myself, I happen to have a strong affinity for liking you bared in such a way.” Well, actually, if he was going to go down that road, entirely without clothing to obscure would have been a better explanation. But he was trying to hone in if she was trying to hide what had happened or if there was something more to why her efforts were so zealous. “Juliette… are you afraid?” Of? He wasn’t giving an of, mostly cause leaving it opened was likely to produce a broader result.
She made a grimace at the question of being afraid, wrinkling up her nose and giving the doorway he was using as a shield a heavy scowl while she could still get away with it. Juliette didn’t think she was afraid of anything, but she supposed maybe in this case she had some concerns. Even she knew they were foolish.
…but that was why she didn’t talk about it in the first place!
It was too late to dodge it now, though. Any further trying to flee was going to make it worse!
Heaving another sigh, she caved. The only other alternative was to pretend it was nothing, and he would see through that in an instant. Snatching up a small jar to smooth a soothing salve over the reddened marks to at least facilitate that faster healing.
“It’s difficult to look at myself in a mirror and see what that stupid ass did,” she admitted, reluctantly. “Worse yet if it doesn’t heal properly and decides to scar, it’s always going to be there. A grim reminder every time you want to see me beyond whatever clever little item I decide to wear.”
“What.” Disbelief fell in every inch of that word. To hear her state out that it wasn’t so much herself she was worried about –well if he was understanding correctly, not entirely her- but him. Dropping arms and daring not to linger a second further on the other side of the wall.
Pressing palms to the door frame to keep himself roosted but standing within it no less. “Me? You’re worried that I’m going to see those marks and what… blubber?” Now it was his turn to be confused. Not entirely but still just a enough. “Juliette, it sounds as though you are assuming my actions even before I’ve made them. I might not be happy that Lucas chomped on you like a dog with a meaty bone but, even I know there’s nothing to be done about it now. If anything, if it scars badly, it’s a grisly telling that my misconceptions and efforts to think three paces ahead, isn’t always advantageous. Especially when it comes to the woman I love.” He narrowed his stare a little at her, “You’re the one thing I can’t always make heads or tails of. For better or worse. But,” Head shook, “Don’t portray me to lament over something before I can even do so. If I need to do so.”
Jordan scoffed mostly at himself, “I might be a dramatic vampire but I’d like to think I’m a few stone throws away from becoming a depressed damsel wallowing at the corner of her bed in a heap.”
With that deadpan what, it’s as if he hadn’t even thought about it once! Leaving her to huff with disbelief, at least until he was in the doorway holding onto the frame itself as if he needed to hold himself back. That alone brought a flush of red to her cheeks, for wildly opposing reasons. In that this was already embarrassing enough because she knew it was a stupid concern… but that he looked so wild standing there like that, that it was actually quite handsome.
“I didn’t think you were going to be a broody sad thing about it,” she defended quickly. “And of course I know that it’s foolish, it’s why I didn’t seem it important enough to say anything at all!”
Now she did want to throw something at him, but not for any sort of malicious reason, nor was she actually angry. It was just so much easier to be worked up into a fury than admit anything bothered her.
“Only I worried that you’d not ever see me the same. That you’d always feel guilty, or be afraid to rough with me, or ever bite me again yourself! Oh, I notice little details too, Jordan, you’ve not had one of your red tinged drinks in days. So if you’re avoiding it because of me, you need to stop.”
“It’s only foolish because you were trying to hide it.” He countered once more softly, “By trying to cover and squirm around rather than stating it out loud. Though I am starting to think you might assume me to be a broody sad thing.”
Though if he was about to be outcast from this potential subject, it seemed his own fickleness was plain to see. Sighing readily needing to tackle one thing at a time. “I do feel guilty, but that is mine to bare and repair, love. Not for you to also shoulder. Though I am not afraid to be rough with you. I am not about to just grab you and toss you about like some ragdoll. I dare say my actions upon your poor pants ought to be suggestion enough I’m liable to still be just the same. But not when you are healing.”
Those were the easy parts to answer. It was the next bit that he wrinkled his nose at. “Honestly, I appreciate you notice the little details just… perhaps you’ve caught me in that. The idea of doing such things to you is… well,” Fingers tapped on the wooden frame, “Forgive me but even I’m prone to mental hurdles. The idea of… taking from you right now is—” He went silent
A look of consternate appeared. Dour and thick. Inviting him to shake head back and forth. “I’ll get over it eventually just right now, I just cannot. I won’t perish nor will I let myself grow so weak that I’d have to be settled like some old fool into a wheelchair, but right now, I just ask you let me manage my emotions. If I’m that pathetic that I cannot, I will come to you and ask for your help, dove.”
“I love you,” that mystified statement came with those wide brown eyes almost as if he’d walked in out of nowhere. Juliette wasn’t surprised these were his worries and concerns, but to lay those feelings bare for her to see was a struggle. And she would know! They were such a mirror of each other in such strangely similar ways that it truly was a strange twist of fate that they’d met and came together.
“We’re a troublesome pair,” she murmured with nothing but good humor. Abandoning her self torment of fussing to cross the room and slide her arms up around his. To gently press a kiss to his cheek. Juliette wouldn’t dare tell him not to worry about her, not to have his fears and struggle with what happened. He was the only one today that let her be how she needed to be, she would do the same for him.
“Feel your discomfort then, as long as you at least eat something. And I will feel my anger and make a genuine attempt to rest.” Of course the word rest came with a wrinkle of her nose, but she meant it. “We’ll have a lovely trip together and be better for it.”
Dumbly he blinked. Having not expected the three words of affection to come tumbling out. Doing well to force a pause while she drew close and made him make use of arms. Falling from their posts to come and twine momentarily around that of herself. Chuckling soon enough with the suggestion they were a troublesome pair. “Perhaps but, I don’t think we are so terrible that we are broken beyond repair either.” He could have added some corny line here, surely.
Just such things were not his flare.
Fairing instead on the side of reaching to cup and brush thumb along soft cheek. “I will eat, that I can promise. Last thing we need is me getting all twitchy and snarly while ransacking a room because I’m a dramatic diva.” Was that a hint to a former existence of his younger years? One could only guess. “Feel as you need too, just don’t shut me out either, Juliette. I might not have answers for everything but I would rather you be able to vent and speak and feel than become a stubborn clam holding onto a fetid pearl.”
He leaned and pecked her brow, “Yes, I look forward to the trip more now than before.”
“We can only have one of us be a diva at a time, that way the other can safely shoo people out of the way,” she explained, quite seriously, as if this was the plan all along. Lingering in that moment of nuzzling against his cheek, content in that things felt better now. Not fixed, not perfect. Just the soft relief of understanding.
The next time it might even be easier. If this was what building a real relationship together could be, then they truly would have something magical.
“Well,” she announced, giving him one last kiss, a true kiss loving and sweet and full of smiles, before she pulled away to gesture at her half dressed attire. “My fears allayed, then I might as well wander off for dinner like this. I do like to be comfortable in my own home.”
With that innocent-not-innocent look to her features again, she might’ve just meant it! Intending to stroll downstairs in nothing but a bra and tight yoga pants, just to see what kind of shock she could give their household guests. Juliette was almost tempted to do it for real, as a bit of vengeance for their nonsense earlier.
“Fair point.” Agreeing that only one of them could be said diva as the other played crowd control. A good idea before he was relieved that she and him came together in this moment with as much gentleness as fathomable, before ending it well. No shouting, no screaming. Calm.
Humming when she gave him another sweetened press before she was tugging his attention to almost turn possessive. At her state of being, “Not that comfortable.” Reaching to cup a palm around hip to backside. “I don’t believe any other deserves to have a glimpse at your fair form less it is in a bathing suit. And even then, I struggle with my possessiveness.” He was half tempted to nip at the bare skin like that was going to prove he wasn’t about to let her go. “And I don’t think you really want Elisa to start motherly scolding you for being so brazen either.”
“I see. Then we are not to visit the Spiaggia Naturista outside of Milan?” The fact she could so quickly name off a nudist beach near Milan was something to be pondered, especially with the wide puckish smile that came with it! Still, for his sake alone she alightest one last kiss across lips before pulling away to claim her shirt. Pulling it on and rolling her shoulders to be sure the fabric wasn’t going to itch her.
“I like to think Elisa would be so delighted with my nonsense and the… invigorating life I bring to my otherwise sedentary fiance.”
Once she’d finished putting her hair up in a messy twist, Juliette returned to her fiance to take his hands and pull them around behind her back.
“Will you come down to dinner with me or would you prefer to hide away from our council of ducklings?”
Brows cinched at her casual reference to the nude beach. Giving her an obvious once over that was likely trying to decide just how she knew of it off the top of her thoughts. While avoiding any mental hurdles that assumed she was a nudist at heart! So he tried a different route, “So you’d be fine then with myself erupting into flame then as there would be no cover at all in the form of clothing.” Somehow thinking she wouldn’t give a fair rats rump if he wandered about nude anyways. Deciding to use his vampiric combustion instead.
Though he truly didn’t think she would actually walk around in such a form with guests and other occupants of the manor, he did have to venture a bit of a warning. To see if she would scandalize the poor house keeper or not. Shortly chuckling at her suggestion that the elder woman would find her delightful while he was the opposite. “I dare think you might get a swat across your rump with a wooden spoon,” remarking back till he was once more moved to bind limbs about her at her insistence.
Contemplating and ultimately, “I think I need to make an appearance. I’ve been avoid Elisa’s meals too long that she might start thinking I find her deplorable and her meals terrible.” Plus he hadn’t actually eaten anything in the human variety for a bit, so he would be fine. “Not to mention, it may be a good idea to keep my bride to be, company amongst her demonic ducklings.”
Rising up on her toes for the chance to mumble in his ear, “We’d go at night, obviously.”
Giggling herself too on the continued thoughts of Elisa and her wooden spoon weapon. Juliette was certain she could out run the woman, but it didn’t need further discussion. Leaving Juliette just enjoying the moment of lingering in his arms, almost second guessing this thought of dinner at all just so she might stay with him like this a little longer.
“I’ll appreciate your company. One of them alone is quite simple, but the pair of Myra and Hannah together is vexing. They bounce off each other too well, I think. Good if I want to direct them at someone else, not so much when the trouble is aimed at me.”
Reluctantly, she was going to have to make this appearance if she wanted to keep her promise of caring for herself. Stepping forward to use her body to bid him to move out of the threshold, once clear she made the turn and then was pulling him by the hands to come along with her. As if she were afraid that letting go of him was going to break this comforting spell they were under.
All one could do was shake his head at her ability to point out the obviousness. Even if he would be hard pressed to actually do it! Let alone her! At this very thought, sure he wasn’t above confining her in a manner of binds if necessary.
Just he wasn’t about to continue thinking on this seeing as there came about a want for him to be present in the midst of the dangerous duo. Not to mention the means of avoiding Elisa feeling as though he was bothered by her ability to cook at all. It had been a little bit since he partook in it so it was wise for him to do so. “Why am I not surprised,” he could only venture an understanding to their dynamics. Great for anyone else but when it was focused back at Juliette, well he could fathom its chaos!
Thankfully he would be present, not to say it would help! Letting her lead him along without a singular complaint, even if he might had formed one soon enough only once they had entered the landing of the floor to hear the telling sounds of Myra talking eagerly. So she was still in fact present and sounded like she was bending an ear that was likely Elisa’s. Not that the elder woman would have complained.
Before she changed her mind and decided to risk the housekeeper’s ire just to drag Jordan to bed instead, Juliette brought him along with her down the stairs and the hall to follow the murmur of voices. There was no light giggles of Hannah Lucas to be heard yet, though Hannah never dared miss a meal so she’d likely come bounding down the stairs shortly.
Looking very much like a pleased black cat that had caught herself a prized bird to bring back to the family, Juliette held tight to Jordan’s hand, keeping it behind her back as she examined the two chatting ladies.
“I think we will actually have to make use of the dining room today instead of the kitchen islands,” she announced to the pair. Normally Juliette herself never bothered with the formal dining room, happy to have her meals in the kitchen where it was more casual (and frankly less dreary). Hannah and Myra often did the same when they joined them. But with the surprise addition of Jordan, there just wasn’t enough space!
Juliette was practically preening about it, her cozy all black attire making her appear more the cat burglar than the lady of the house.
You’d think he was an mythical elusive beast that had been successfully dredged from the seas by how he was brought into the room, and by how swiftly Juliette’s cheery announcement successfully broken Myra and Elisa’s conversation.
One leaned across the counter like a highschool senior telling mother dearest about her day, and said mother looking like she was about to faint with the declaration of using the dining room. Her dark eyes wide behind lenses, looking like every blink she made was trying to air her brain out just in case she hadn’t heard correctly.
“Wow, that must have been some stellar sex.” Myra offered, before Elisa was restarting and gasping in horror.
“Myra!” Swatting the woman’s shoulder to said deviant was looking somewhere between amused, grossed out and alarmed she had been hit at all! “S-such talk!”
Bouncing back to rub the arm that had been assaulted, the coloured haired beast looked almost remorseful. “Just be glad it wasn’t you that had to run outside to pretend like you were getting the mail.” Muttering out the side of her mouth, Elisa looked positively bothered. Ruffling up like a fair hen before eyeing them each. Seemingly debating if she was to scold or not.
Prompting him to roll his eyes. “My house. I didn’t realize you were a voyeur, Myra.”
“What! I, ew. Gross, hell no! I would, ugh…” She stumbled and panicked funnily enough at the very suggestion. Imitating a gagging reflex, till he was making a movement of hand to squeeze at the ones holding them hostage. “Do you want to eat in the dining room. It’s hardly prepped but I can put it together, while Myra contemplates if she is going to be with us for much longer.” Suggesting the woman looked like she was about to off herself simply because the conversation wasn’t going the way she wanted.
Juliette might’ve guessed that Myra had only figured out what they were up to by the very unsubtle marks on Jordan’s neck, but knowing the girl had at some point likely come looking for Jordan or herself only to promptly flee the house, made Juliette all the more amused. Served the wicked thing right for being so difficult today.
Scandalizing Elisa was an unfortunate casualty, but really… Once the shock wore off, Juliette was sure the elder woman would be pleased to know they weren’t just a couple in name, but building a relationship on all fronts. Even the filthy ones.
“Yes,” she answered Jordan, tilting to glance at him from over her shoulder. “Get yourself a proper drink while you are at it. I’ll see if there are any bottles of wine left chilling.”
While he couldn’t be well sustained by the human food, at the very least he could spike his favorite bourbon with one of his canters of vermillion red. Only then did she finally release his hand and set him free.
“Are you going to perish, Myra, or will you be able to fetch us some proper glasses?”
Less he start to outright laugh at Myra’s suffering, his focus dropped to that of the lady of the manor. That she truly did want the room set up to host the group of them, though she took care to issue him a subtle suggestion that he ought to make use of his drink in ways that would actually help rebuild himself. “As you wish, dove.” Stooping to momentarily decorate cheek before sliding backwards as he would need to meander to study for both preferred drink and a bit of additives.
Leaving that of Myra and Elisa to be the remaining pairs of eyes present. “I just might.” Myra huffed, “I swear it was barely fifteen minutes and you both were like two—”
“Ah! I don’t wanna hear it!” Elisa raised her hands to clap them onto the counter. “Grab the glasses you wretched little girl. Another word and you’ll be soon bent over this sink with soap washing that tongue of yours.” Amusingly enough Myra looked actually frightened by this prospect. Bobbing her head up and down like some compliant pigeon, to round around and pull open cupboard doors. “Were you able to find a new dress today, dear?” Making the change of subject so noticeable that it might as well have been a blunt surface smacking upside all present faces. “Myra was saying that it didn’t seem to go the way you wanted.”
“Please, I was being generous. I seen how that girl at the store looked like she was about to break into tears. Like she was pleading for everyone to disappear. What did you do to that woman, the first time, Juliette.”
“What were you doing, you dirty girl, lurking outside our offices?” Juliette asked in a hushed whisper practically in the girl’s ear when she brushed past Myra on her way to investigate the large kitchen fridge for those mentioned bottles of wines.
Elisa herself got nothing but genuine smiles, even if there was a slightly cheeky upturn. Juliette’s mood had improved considerable for a large multitude of reasons, even if they all did lead back to Jordan as the culprit.
“I am not rude nor unpleasant to the staff,” defended Juliette, just in case any of them thought she’d done something horrible to the poor woman that worked that particular shop. “I am… difficult to please. I know what I like and what I am looking for, and when it comes to one’s wedding dress it’s too important not to settle for anything less than what is absolutely perfect.”
On inspection of the fridge, Juliette was pleased to find a few bottles readily chilled and waiting. She leaned to take a quick glance at the meal Elisa was preparing to see if she needed to grab the red or the white for a good pairing.
“But no, I didn’t find the right thing today. My heart was not quite in it? Jordan has invited me out to Milan with him for a few days, I may see if there is a designer I like there. I’ve relented to postponing the wedding so there is room to take our time now.”
Tongue stuck out in her ever so adult like response to the suggestion that she was lurking outside said offices, “You only wish, I’m surprised the door or wall, whatever the two you were banging on, managed to stay upright.” Certainly proving that while she found it gnarly the two of them were getting freaky so quickly, she was hardly about to back down. Well… till her head exploded with unwanted pictures. Promptly grabbing items and deciding to follow the verbal path of conversation.
“That is true, having something special that you like for your day is very much a lengthy process.” Elisa seemed to miss the cue that there had been a shellshocked little helper in the store! “Have you tried other locations?” Seemingly looking to help.
Even if the mention that the wedding was thankfully postponed and that they would be taking a trip to Milan. “Oh that’s far more wonderful to hear dear. I was thinking that your means to get married was far too quick. What sort of proper wedding would be suitable for you both in such a rush.”
“Wait, you’ve agreed to go to Milan. Did he bribe you?” Myra asked in turn pointing a finger at the other, “Or are you going for an actual vacation. You know to have fun.“
“I’m certainly going to try more locations now,” agreed Juliette for Elisa’s benefit. In the end she pulled both a bottle of red and a bottle of white out. She and Hannah both had their own preferences, and by this way the conversation was going she might drive Myra to wanting to drink to erase all her memories.
“No bribes were necessary, he merely wishes my company and I am happy to accept. We’ll meet some of his associates and then spent our time enjoying the city.” she explained easily. And then while Elisa wasn’t looking, mouthed Filthy, filthy fun. just for Myra’s benefit.
“Wait. Where are you going?” Hannah asked, stopping in the kitchen doorway looking completely surprised and confused by this conversation. She’d changed out of her day clothes as well, but unlike the usual tshirt (and only a tshirt) she generally loved to run around in, today she’d been polite enough to wear a matching pajama set. Likely as she too had been scolded by the housekeeper about showing up to dinner showing her ass off to the world.
Juliette used this opportunity to pass her both bottles of wine.
“The dining room,” chimed Juliette immediately. “We’re eating in the dining room today.”
You’d think they were sisters at this rate. Waiting till the mother hen ooh’d and aww’d her appreciation to hear that things were going to be so much better now. Turning to attend to something on the counter for the timing that she was silently being mouthed terrible things. Earning a middle finger in reply before it was swooped away and hands filled with glasses. “That will be so nice. You’ll have to take photos for everyone to see. I hear Milan is nice.” Elisa toddled on with no thought wiser that there was more to this than what was being said.
Balancing the glasses in hands, it seemed the last portion of the rowdy crew had joined. With wonderment present about where Juliette was going, only to be hushing Hannah about the location was merely the dining room.
“Go on, I’ll be in shortly with the meal.” Elisa shooed them off and of course she was barely waiting a second before scurrying over to Hannah. Nodding her head to indicate she ought to follow before whisking over to the room that was surely believed to not exist.
Having pulled shades to a moderate set as not to spill too much evening light through but still liable to see. Clutter removed and chairs arranged, it seemed the owner of this house was capable of doing things. “Juliette says you didn’t bribe her but I call bullshit on that.”
Blinking dumbly at first, brows turned to being arched. “You know most people begin conversations from the start, not the middle. What are you nattering about now?”
“Milan. You’re taking Jules here to Milan.” Making sure she said that once the others had followed in, “So I’m saving you had to bribe her to do it.” Setting down glasses in a group so she could begin ordering them around the table. “I can’t imagine any other reason you’d manage to get her to give up the ghost on work and such.”
“And this is exactly why you are staying behind. That,” Fingers motioned at her, “That hole in your face is liable to get myself and others into trouble.”
Hannah remained confused as they were unceremoniously shooed out of the kitchen by Elisa, holding those two bottles of wine by the neck like the lost duckling Juliette always called her. She was even more stunned to find Jordan there in the dining room. He never joined them for dinner!
“Milan!” she exclaimed, almost heart broken at the sound. “But I’m going to be in Paris! I would love to go to Milan!”
“Maybe it was that delightful tryst you were eavesdropping on, Myra. I certainly would have said yes to anything after that-“
“What!” yelped Hannah, who was still about slow on the uptake but was finally starting to catch up. Giving both Jordan and Juliette a curious once-over to see what sort of clues she could deem from them both, and then a wide-eyed stare at Myra, wondering how SHE came into play.
Finally Juliette just laughed, choosing her seat and plopping down to make herself comfortable. Merely giving Jordan a wide you see what my day has been sort of smile, as if he could read the very words in her mind.
“Myra creeping in on intimates aside, Milan sounds fantastic.” continued Hannah, setting those bottles on the table. “It’s going to take me a week to pack up my apartment if I do it all by myself. Otherwise I could easily take a flight and join you for a day. Um… I guess if you two aren’t preoccupied with each other.”
Juliette made a soft sound of amusement, but it was quickly followed by a contemplative frown.
“Actually, I would feel better if you still had a guardian with you. Just for awhile longer. I’m sure Jordan has a good option or three if Felix isn’t yet back to his feet.”
By the nine hells, it was like having a corral of unruly birds in this house. Squawking and fluttering about –namely Myra- till she finally seemed to get Hannah to catch up to speed with the rest of them. Leaving himself to simply let out an airless sigh and followed Juliette’s motion to chair. In turn lending her a raised brow that may have been sympathetic to how she had dealt with the two of them today.
Add in the fact that Emery had been part of this for however long. No wonder she had been angry earlier.
Coming to sit down as well. Reaching to cradle the mouth of glass that was crafted already, “How the hell you didn’t hear them getting all hot and horny is beyond me,” Myra seemed like she was going to ride that topic till it was a dead horse. Eyeing Hannah as though the smut writer had completed a great injustice for the fact, she hadn’t been a listening witness.
He squinted no less. Trying to decide what the hell he was going to do with this mouthy little brat, following along with the rest of the conversation before humming at the mention of a guardian. “Well Felix and Myra are staying behind.”
“Yeah, I never get to do the fun stuff.” She set down a glass a little harder before Juliette as if that was a hint she was a bit chaffed about not being one of those selected to go. As if she would even really want too.
“I want Alyssa to want to do business with us, not deter her.” Raising the glass as he stole a side glimpse to Juliette, “Or to start war with us.” Mumbling before wetting palate. “Regardless, I am sure there is someone who would enjoy spending time with you, Hannah. So long as you aren’t scheming in the same ways Myra does.”
“I resent that.”
“It wasn’t a compliment anyways.” Eyes rolled like rocks, “Maybe I’ll ask Felix once more to be your guardian. The man needs to get out of his house anyways less he start counting the tiles on the roof. And I am certain your father needs you for other work besides meddling like some deviant.” Her mouth opened and he pointed towards the archway to indicate for her to shut that trap whilst Elisa moseyed in.
“Oh, isn’t this lovely. I don’t think I can recall the last time you joined us for dinner, Jordan.”
Again he rolled his eyes. “Well come sit down, it is nothing fancy but I figured something warm and homemade like chicken and rice casserole would be plenty good for tonight.”
This was quite lovely, though Juliette’s opinion was surely colored by affectionate afterglow more than anything else. At least with Elisa now in the room, both Myra and Hannah would be on slightly better behavior. Less deviant. Maybe.
Hannah took to pouring the wine, offering a white to Juliette only for the woman to wrinkle her nose and shake her head, then pouring her the red instead. Then Hannah herself dutifully took a seat, eagerly awaiting her serving of a homecooked meal. Unlike Juliette she was perfectly capable of cooking for herself, she just didn’t always have the opportunity or the desire to do it. A meal for one was a sad affair!
“I’m for sure going to get him out, even without him being paid to do it – I hope you’re paying him – since I promised him a thankies lunch. But don’t worry Myra, I need to go car shopping soon since I’ll need a vehicle again, do you wanna come help me pick one out?”
Having been in the car with Myra, the girl’s car as well as having seen that wild delighted grin when she’d had the opportunity to drive Jordan’s, Juliette knew that was going to be a very fun day for those two. Something for everyone to be afraid of, surely.
All of this chattering was going to be exhausting, but at least there was good wine. Of which Juliette reached for to take a quick sip. Reaching under the table to give Jordan’s hand a squeeze just for the comfort of it.
It was like entertaining a gaggle of children. Adult sized children. Well, mostly Myra because when she got her underwear in a twist, it was like a switch had been activated. Turning on the antics to a whole new level.
All the more reason he wanted Baldwin and Eden along with them rather than this one. If her mouth got the better of herself, he feared what Garrett would do. Because surely Myra would insult Alyssa three ways to Sunday, without ever realizing it. Then everything would be for naught!
Still as the meal was set down and Elisa looked as pleased as a stuffed bird, his focus moved to consider Hannah. “They all get paid.” Referencing those in his council did in fact have a salary. And then some. It wasn’t like their work for him was exactly normal. So he assured there was many ways he kept them well compensated. What they did with that compensation was entirely their own business.
“Car shopping?” Myra finally sat down, scooting her chair in before humming dramatically. “Like what kinda car we thinking. A hot little number that is bound to make all those car dudes wild, or something granny and safe like.” Elisa sighed at the end of the table but seemed to be amused by the antics.
Where he in turn found comfort in the sneaky little hand beneath the table, replying with his own squeeze. “Careful Hannah, Myra is a demon when it comes to cars. You may walk out with a fully loaded beast because she wanted it, not you.”
“Let me do it, you cooked,” fussed Hannah at Elisa once the housekeeper took a seat, completely taking over the means of being sure everyone was served up reasonable portion of the chicken casserole. She already knew herself and Myra would eat like ravenous horses, that Elisa and Juliette like a proper serving size and would get seconds if they wanted, and then Jordan… As a vampire she was pretty curious how this was supposed to go down, but plated him a humble portion too. Hannah thought he never came to dinner cause he couldn’t eat normal food at all, so this would be an interesting new bit of knowledge!
“I don’t know a thing about cars myself, I just want something that suits me, y’know? Within a budget too! Unlike the Duke and Duchess here, I’m not swimming in a fortune. I think I need to get a movie deal before I make millionaire money.” Hannah had herself a good amount of savings and knew how to spend her money wisely. Despite her frivolous seeming personality, having that financial security and being shrewd about her money was important for her. It gave her a chance to focus on much more fun things without being scared on how her bills would get paid.
“Hm, this reminds me that we need to get a proper chauffer and car for myself,” mentioned Juliette. “As lovely company as Myra is, she has her own job to do and I think having someone who works solely for us will ease some worries.” Those worries were almost entirely Jordan’s, as Juliette had never been concerned about using car services before. Yet, with the rotating employees at those kind of services, and now those growing fears that someone out there was looking for opportunities to strike out at them… maybe having a single driver they could recognize and trust would help alleviate those fears about her safety.
“Me and Myra can pick out a car for that too,” offered Hannah with a laugh. “Something small boring and black, right?”
“Ah, thank you dear.” Elisa looked positively plused to have Hannah’s offering. Settling down easily without so much more of a fuss. Arranging her utensils out of sheer habit while he in turn offered Hannah a bit of foresight to that of the maniac seated beside. Not that Myra looked upset, rather she wore a grin that was better fit for the cat in Alice in Wonderland.
Knitting fingers together to balance her chin upon. “Isn’t that what best friends are for. When they marry rich, they start to lavish their husband’s expressive fortunes on that of her friends.” The imp suggested with grin growing, taking the offering of plate shortly. “Juliette is marrying into money, it’s only fair she spoil you too. What’s a new Royce between friends.”
On his side of things, he huffed. Squinting at Myra for a good long moment, “And this is why your father still manages most of your money.” He gave Myra enough to live and bills but it was an agreement between him and her father, to assure there was stuff being put away! Otherwise Myra would burn through it like it was a sleeve of oreo’s needing to be slammed back. Yet she scrunched her nose at him before it seemed this conversation had migrated into similar territory.
“Why don’t you just learn to drive yourself, Miss Daisy?” One asked and he shooed at Myra’s mouth.
“I don’t think that is a terrible idea. Having another person on payroll is hardly a bother but it would have to be someone you are comfortable with. And,” he shot Hannah and Myra a look then, “I’ll pick out the vehicle. Instead of letting these two potentially have you with some minivan ordeal or a hot rod from hell.”
Hannah just laughed at the idea of Juliette spoiling her rotten – amusing, but unnecessary! Certain that Juliette would have no issues in the slightest with throwing money at her, but Hannah wasn’t about accepting that kind of attention when she didn’t need it.
“My father may have drained away my inheritance, but I do have my own finances, Myra.” Juliette added, finding some amusement in it. Else she would not have been able to survive on her own the past few years, and likely would’ve happily lived on the street rather than in her parent’s house.
“In any case, I am much more comfortable having someone else do the driving,” explained Juliette easily.
“And she’s bad at it,” chirped Hannah with a too loud stage whisper in Myra’s direction.
“I don’t enjoy it,” Juliette clarified making a squinty-eyed frown at Hannah, but otherwise not insulted by the comment. “There are too many things on my mind at once and I find that being on the road trying to deal with everyone else vexing. I have a thought to search for someone multi-skilled, a handy man of sorts, that may also be of help to Elisa here at the house.”
“A handsome handy man,” Hannah suggested with a quick of a cheeky smile. “One chance for an accidental romance for me.”
“It’s not an accident if you’re already plotting it, Hannah.”
“Hmm,” He could have done without the slow sound and an eye being extended at him, knowing exactly where it was going with Myra. “You really don’t know how to play the part of lover that comes into a stupid amount of money,” Sighing as if she were really disappointed in Juliette’s frugal-ness.
“She’s renovating the house, what more could you want, Myra.” Jordan interjected as he didn’t much care for the noise that came with such things. “A solid gold pool?” Her eyes squinted with thought but shook her head. Likely now thinking of absurdly stupid ways to waste money. Daring a glance to Elisa that looked so happy that everyone was in the room. She couldn’t have even found a single upset to care about what the topic was. So long as everyone was here.
“Like… how bad?” Apparently this one wasn’t about to listen to the reply of not enjoying driving, “Like getting her car stuck in a underground parking lot bad, or hit and run bad?”
Sighing heavily as he finally decided to use this time to partake in the meal upon plate, once more disappointed. Hating that he could smell how good it was but when it came to enjoy it, everything was still the same. Bland, tasteless and just empty. Still, he wasn’t about to upset Elisa for her work so he would have to just appreciate the smell. Whilst stating he would take care of the means of a vehicle for Juliette. Not about to trust these two goobers!
“I think an elder gentleman would be better.” He offered to the nonsense of a handsome handyman. “One who has a more than a few years under his belt for both tasks, rather than hiring someone than either of the two would try to bat lashes at.” Myra shrugged, unbothered. “Someone who Elisa could have a conversation with instead of babysitting.“
The elder woman looked up, thoughtful. “I have someone perhaps then if you aren’t opposed to looking. Respectable fellow.” Her eyes moved to Juliette, “Maybe not a professional driver but certainly very handy when it comes to house matters.”
“If he comes with your recommendation, Elisa, then than is good enough for me. You could set him up proper for us here while Jordan and I are away,” Juliette suggested with a broad smile. Having someone recommended by Elisa would be best for the woman in the long run… though Juliette still didn’t like this big secret being kept from her. Maybe when it was Jordan alone, he could get away with a housekeeper not in the know. Yet with his ambitions, a wife, and an unknown amount of troublemakers out there, he really needed a household staffed with people that knew what they were in for.
That was a conversation for later. For now, Juliette was too content in the moment. Leaning closer to Jordan to whisper.
“I told you we needed a dungeon. You could have tossed her behind bars by now,” she teased.
“I’ve seen some of her plans for the house,” mentioned Hannah between bites. “You might as well both just move into a library with a big bed in the middle. I love books too, but nobody needs that many built in book shelves!”
“I’ll give him a call tomorrow and ask him a few questions. Things I think ought to be important for a man that will be acting as the driver to a young lady.” Likely motherly questions that would be sure to avoid any things that might put any of them into a bind. Though Elisa seemed to be pleased with how this went. Smiling softly to herself and once more playing attentive ear.
As he in turn only glimpsed to his wife to be. Lowering his voice no sooner, “Just she’d probably like it.” At this point one could only guess what sort of things would make Myra squirm. “We’d have better luck throwing her into a Barbie house.” Which would probably be torture to the rebel mouthy prat!
Of course he rose next at Hannah’s suggestion about moving into a library. “You haven’t seen my collection that is elsewhere.” Where Elisa was unaware of course. “Maybe that’s the plot, love. We just forgo this house. Buy a library and convert it to our own private little oasis. Forbidding reckless outsiders on top of it.”
Juliette could only image the sort of interview Elisa might give. Making sure the man is not a flirt? Not a thief? It almost had her laughing outright, but her fiancé now had her ear. Drawing a broader smile from Juliette and a softer laugh.
“You say that as if I’ve not already been plotting to build us one. The next Library of Alexandria if I get my way.” she murmured.
“Sometimes I really wonder if it’s actually Juliette who is the huge dork, and I’m actually the boy chasing femme fatale,” wondered Hannah out loud, with the growing scope of this conversation. Not that she didn’t like the thought of a personal library, but these nerds were taking it to an insane sort of level. Although, maybe it was to be expected out of Jordan being ancient and all. …she guessed Jordan met his perfect match in Juliette. They could be dorks together.
“And you don’t want a library?” Juliette asked her friend with another laugh.
Hannah scoffed.
“I’m content with a few good book shelves for my favorites! I might upgrade the size of my apartment here compared to the one I have in Paris, but I’m way too busy writing books to have the time to read so many.”
He offered her a cheeky grin, “Na eísai akóma i kardiá mou pou kymatízei. You spoil me with such ideas, peristéri.” Suggesting with a soft flutter that he intended it to be subtle, wordy and made the effort of speaking in the old native tongue of where he had hailed from originally. Slowly curving blue stare to the wondering novelist as he scoffed at the suggestion of femme fatale. “Boy chasing sounds about right, the latter, hmm.” Letting that trail away with no further add ons. Figuring that Hannah was on par for the young women that were letting their wombs with a timer, decide her next choice.
Rather than being anything the sort of seductive woman that led anyone into traps. At least not beyond the written word.
“Everyone has to have a hobby. I mean at least Jordan and Juliette are like… going antiquing or something truly nerdy. Or being dork sticks that play tabletop games.”
“That’s true! I guess book collecting does make a decent hobby! Juliette does do something other than working, after all,” Hannah laughed, practically cackled really. Jordan’s slip into another language didn’t phase her in the slightest – it didn’t seem like it was meant for her anyway. It was lucky she was even able to get by on conversational French, with as long as she lived in Paris.
“As much as I love books, they’re my work, so when I’m not writing I HAVE to do something else to recharge all my braincells. I love a little poker, and bowling is SO much fun. You know, I never really thought about starting a collection, though? I guess having more stuff never really appealed to me. Going out and having experiences is way more fun.”
Hannah was now well invested in this line of conversation, prodding at Myra to see what the girl did when she wasn’t working for Jordan or on chaperone duty with Juliette.
Juliette who did very much notice this change of language, who had now abandoned her meal to lean an elbow on the table and closer to Jordan to murmur soft. It’d been awhile since he’d done so, and it was always intriguing when he did. At least when it was a statement that wasn’t full on curse words at one of his minions!
“You know I haven’t picked up any forms of Greek yet,” she promised. “If you keep teasing me, I am going to pick it up very quickly.”
Brows lifted on Myra’s forehead with the mention of poker, but didn’t seem to elaborate any further than that. Rather whilst she was making her mouth far more useful for eating, it seemed she was intrigued by Hannah’s conversation. Mentioning herself that her other hobby’s –besides annoying those she liked, cause that apparently counted as a hobby. She mentioned painting. Suggesting she found it enjoyable even if it was notoriously messy.
Suspecting she was prone to using her fingers and toes if anything.
Allowing himself to look sidelong to the lady whom was giving him a look. “We have to sit down and work on it then, or I could just revert to my native tongue and let you see how much you pick up on. Though I do have to admit to enjoying watching your attention deviate to me when I do switch.” He wasn’t sure if she was one of the sorts that found other tongues fantastical or romantic in some way but didn’t care to press at it either.
Having no interest in what the girls were nattering about (lord knows, they’d likely start hassling her again about working too much to have her own interests), Juliette’s focus was now entirely on Jordan and on this almost deviant expression he seemed to be wearing. Likely he had no idea how his eyes sparkled when he was silently (or this case openly admitting) that he was plotting.
“If I didn’t already suspect you were fluent in the few that I already know and then some, I might try to keep you on your toes.”
Actually, there was no reason she couldn’t now anyway.
“Je ne peux pas imaginer ma vie sans toi,” she murmured soft first, with a bright little grin – then it was a quick switch! “Você è a pessoa que eu estive esperando toda a minha,” and then she paused, taking a moment to think a bit, before she filtered for the right words. “Voglio stare con te per sempre.”
Juliette wouldn’t call herself fluent in anything other than the French, but she could certainly turn a few phrases when she needed to.
“I’ve had a lot of time on my hands.” He mumbled more so for her rather than the others at the table. Stealing a peek at the three others, noticing how Elisa was probably pointedly ignoring them to allow soft whispers between a couple. Though his polygot status came from living from so long and living in different places. Trying on different identities when necessary rather than just entirely existing underground while the world aged to forget his existence.
Save there seemed to be a twist of amusement that had her showing off her abilities. Leaving him a little struggling when it came to the Portuguese. Understanding enough but needing time to put it into workable order that he could decipher her sweet utterings. Making him smirk, leaning into hand instead of trying to eat too much more.
“Vous risquez de me faire fondre dans une flaque d’eau.” Meeting her for mettle back, “No entanto, você …me s… surpreende com a facilidade do português.” Pausing between to tap fingers to his temple with having to really put the effort forward of making the words come out correctly. At least for the middle one, “Tuttavia, mi piace l’idea del per sempre. Forse allora dovrei passare le mie notti pronunciando parole dolci in diverse lingue. Un nuovo ti amo, ogni notte.”
Brows lifted and tested her knowledge then, “Ugh, what are you two doing.” Myra of course had to say something.
“Talking about how you are the greatest pain in the ass ever imaginable. Lucky you.”
That smile on her face had only gotten wider, both in that she’d managed to surprise him at least with one of her spoken languages, and then more so because this was something else they could share. Devilishly switching between languages when avoiding listening ears, or much more alluring whispered sweet things in so many different ways. As much as she loved her books, she also very much loved the languages in them. A special interest that very few people picked up on.
Myra’s interruption got an elbow in the side from Hannah too, with a soft hiss of let them be cute.
“Myra is looking for an encore show, I suspect. What a voyeuristic assistant you have!” stated Juliette with all the innocence she could muster up with such a dirty statement. Having to pickup her glass of wine and take a sip before anyone caught the wicked grin that followed.
Staving off an immediate glower when Myra had to act the part of spoiled child not getting enough attention, it seemed Hannah was on the side of at least trying to afford them some calm. Prompting the rebel without a cause to pout while rubbing her side. Not about to go looking for pity from anyone at the table, just settled to stare blandly at Juliette’s ability to suggest she was a dirty little sneak.
“I hadn’t known she was as such.” Jordan replied through a saddened sigh, “It would seem I would have to speak to her father about her ill habits of late.”
“You wouldn’t dare!” Myra gasped, “And you know damn well I am not a voyeur.” He offered a noncommittal shrug, “Jordan!”
He smirked but offered his attention back to that of Juliette, “You did offer to take her a while back as your assistant, perhaps you still want her?”
“I am certainly second guessing that statement now,” mused Juliette, still hiding that wicked smile while Myra squirmed and fussed. Despite the fact she and Myra were close enough in age, the reaction to father problems were starkly different. Myra apparently very much cared about what her father thought, while Juliette… well. She’d rather throw her own into a meat grinder and never think about the man again!
Hannah seemed to be having similar thoughts, if that wistful look on her face was any indication. Likely thinking she’d missed out on something special by nature of not having any herself. At least she appeared to be as content as Elisa with soaking up all of this familial nonsense.
Honestly, so did Juliette. Even if the ladies were a huge pain in the ass earlier that day. There was something quite nice about not spending her evenings alone.
“You guys aren’t going to have time to tattle on Myra anyway,” chimed in Hannah with a laugh. “There’s packing to do and in Milan you’re going to forget all about us. It’s not as romantic as Paris, but from the looks of Myra’s red face, you guys don’t need any help in that department.”
If there was one thing he knew, it was that Myra –as much as she liked to be the rebel without a cause-, she was plainly affected by her father’s judgment. They were close as Myra grew up and still was. Add on the family responsibility that Myra took on being part of a very old pact and vampire’s council member; and there was a lot of stress that could sit on the girl’s mind. Just that sometimes he needed to threaten her to reign it in with the mention of her father. Less they both go insane and attempt to strangle the other.
Leaving Myra to play wiggle worm in her own seat under Elisa’s bemused silent gaze; it seemed Hannah was pointing out that they were going to be plenty busy with other things.
“Well, I still have work to do in Milan, so it will be Juliette venturing amongst the city with Eden to experience the culture. Till I am present enough to take over.” He glanced to Juliette before having his fill of this meal. Trying not to glare at it because it was hardly it’s fault! Just that he flickered a gaze up to Hannah’s sly comment about their intimate nature while Elisa looked momentarily distraught with the casual comment. “All the more reason I’ll be able to properly romance Juliette, without Myra’s insistent blithering.”
Her hand came up and pushed the plate away. “Please, my dinner.”
“Oh, I liked Eden, she was kind,” chimed in Hannah, pursing her lips and nearly giggling at Myra’s disgust with the whole flirting affair, but not about to pile on the torture too much. Maybe she herself had gotten whacked with Elisa’s wooden spoon a few times already.
Juliette realized then that Hannah hadn’t said more than three words about her thoughts on Emery Hart. Which was telling enough all by itself. Whether or not that was a good, well… It was likely good that Juliette was being whisked away to another country right now, or she might make good on dumping the vampire into the ocean out of spite. As for Eden, it seemed like the poor woman was being volunteered into chaperoning duty. Regardless of whether or not it was because Jordan worried about vampires or his future wife recklessly staking vampires, Juliette would only tolerate a shadow for so long.
In the meantime, she was content to lean into Jordan’s space and pull his plate closer to steal a few bites of his abandoned dinner. For his sake, Elisa’s, and for herself who could use the extra fuel to recuperate.
“Please do continue about this romancing,” Juliette encouraged. “I’m very much interested in the Jordan Harrow tour of Milan.”
“I’m glad she passes the vibe check.” Jordan remarked slightly squinting at Hannah declaring she found Eden nice. Granted, he wasn’t being actually sarcastic with that one. He valued Eden rather highly –as he did for most of his council, even the little turd that was sitting across the table proving she was every letter of the word!- and he thought it valuable that Juliette and Eden get along.
Perhaps a little more than Myra and Juliette, if his wife to be wanted someone to get work down with amazing discretion and lack of sass being thrown back.
Plus, he figured Eden would be better suited to wandering the streets with Juliette as they would naturally be under the eye of the other vampire coven. While he doubted anything would happen whilst they were trying to make a diplomatic solution, he wasn’t about to take chances any further. This whole love thing, was a dangerous thing to use against him after all.
And finally, having Eden present would mean keeping Juliette unaware of anything he decided to plan. Again, discretion.
Watching as she slid his plate closer to nibble upon, where he was looking at her while her interest seemed piqued that he would do anything for her in the ways of romancing. “You’ll have to hold onto that interest, dove. I don’t intend to tell you any of the details till the very day these things happen.” He sauntered a quick look over to the other three present, “And because I don’t want any advice or cooing from our three judges currently.”
“I see. And here I thought there was an orchestrated plot to send me out of the country and keep me out of trouble,” Juliette mused out loud.
Immediately Hannah choked, spilling white wine all over herself as she coughed and tried to clear her throat. If not caught out by that, her face had gone a guilty shade of bright pink. Leaving Juliette quite smugly resuming her stealing of Jordan’s dinner.
“To be fair–” Hannah coughed out, “I just suggested you both come with me to Paris. Selfishly. To help me pack boxes!”
“Certainly not for any Cupid inspired plots,” rejoined Juliette.
“It’s the most romantic city in the world-“
“Debatable,” cut in Juliette.
By the sudden gasp and unhinged expression of pure insulted outrage on Hannah’s face, it seemed Juliette had successfully landed her vengeance on Hannah to complete her set. While Myra was easy enough to make squirm with salacious topics she didn’t want to hear, it took a completely different tactic with Hannah.
“It IS,” huffed Hannah, having taken the bait and was now emphatically trying to defend the city that’d been her home for the past year, regardless of whether or not Juliette herself was listening. There was still three other people at the table to convince. “Two million people in the city can’t be wrong, AND all of the best writers in the world made their home in Paris! Charles Perrault, George Sand, Ernest Hemmingway, Madame de Sévigné, YOUR favorite Alexander Dumas. Not to mention Pont des Arts, The Tuileries Garde, the literal Wall of Love–“
Juliette slipped her hand under the table to entwine her fingers with Jordan’s, giving him a cheeky, pleased smile in the process.
“We could’ve gone to Paris and looked at a wall, lover. We’ll be missing out.”
Lips curled into a bemused smile at Juliette’s suggestion that himself and Hannah had been convorting to make her take some time off. To send her out of country as she said to avoid trouble. Which was hardly the truth. There was of course some grain to that which was of course fact, but not to the lengthy suggestion that was coming between the two of them.
Yet call him surprised in a manner of seconds when Hannah was taking offense that Paris was not in Juliette’s mind, the most romantic city in the world. Apparently being the topper to the cork that pulled away to reveal just how passionate she was about this very fact. Disturbing Myra to smirk into giggles.
Himself stealing a look to Elisa who simply shook her head, whilst he was happily having hands intermingled out of sight. “Wait, an entire wall. Hmm, that sounds like a whole opportunity missed out upon.” He followed suit of jesting at the very idea, “Though I never thought Paris to be the city of romance. I’d say Venice or Santorini are far more fitting places.” Daring a look to Hannah as if he were challenging the romance writer. “Paris is a little over done.”
“Over done?!” Hannah gasped, as if this was the most scandalizing thing she’d ever heard in her life. “Over done is for casseroles! You can’t over do romance! At least not in Paris. I can prove it too.”
This declaration had Juliette laughing outright, having to pause a moment to get that out of her system before she could ever continue.
“I’m afraid the only one you’ll get to prove it to is Felix if he agrees to chaperone you at all. I think I’ll stay in Milan with Jordan.”
Hannah scrunched up her nose, but there wasn’t much there she could argue at this point. After all, she herself had cheered Jordan on to come up with his own romantic plans, and she was slowly starting to catch on that Juliette was trying to press her buttons. As a last resort though, and simply out of plain stubbornness Hannah scoffed.
“Maybe I will! At least Felix will tour the city with me. I bet you two won’t even leave your hotel room.” Hannah might’ve even said something much worse, but she was already leaning to the side to make sure she wasn’t in swinging distance of any of Elisa’s spoons.
It was absolutely a real treat observing Hannah practically molting feathers at the very idea that the city of glamourized and tourist trap, was suggested to have lost its placement of the city of romance. Which he did believe. He’d seen Paris and it was far dirtier than you’ve ever believe. It was not any place he would want to take even a blind date, let alone the woman he wanted to marry.
This, however, was just the icing on the cake. Baring witness to the cracks in the little imps armour. Listening to the sound of Juliette’s laughing while seeing Myra leaning back with a suggestion that she wasn’t about to intervene. Likely enjoying this information as well.
Or she was thinking about a comeback.
“Oh, so she’s just going to romance Felix then.” Myra hummed thoughtfully. Stroking fingers over her chin, “I mean Paris as the city of romance.”
He was a little concerned about that one but the whole mention of the fact the two of them might not leave the hotel room encouraged him to lean forward. Bridging chin into palm, “There’s more one can do in a hotel room rather than what you are thinking about. Such as for us, I can still cook Juliette a meal. Sit on the verdana, with a drink and people watch those below. Read and talk.” He squinted at her as Elisa seemed truly ready to swat, “Just what sort of things do you believe we are limited too, Hannah?”
Hannah opened her mouth ready for a clever battle of tawdry words, only to give a quick glancing side-eye over at Elisa. Blast it all, is this what it was like having a parent and siblings? How delightfully terrible! Really, she was enjoying every minute of it, but still didn’t want to get herself swatted with a wayward spoon. No matter how worth it it’d be to hassle everyone at the table.
“Uh uh, no sir, you’re not trapping me, I know when to shut my mouth!” exclaimed Hannah, which just drew another laugh from Juliette.
“Do you?” she asked, that wide cheshire cat smile, hinting that she herself had a few ideas of what she and Jordan could be doing that were far more imaginative then what Hannah could cook up. Alas, she too was going to behave for Elisa’s sake, choosing instead to polish off the remains of her dinner before nursing what was left of her wine.
“Regardless, if we’re going away for a few days I only have to setup a small meeting with Mr. Steele before we go. Everything else will be well in hand.” mentioned Juliette. Those tasks could’ve already been underway had Emery Hart not been a useless sack of perfumed teeth, but Juliette could work around it.
A slow whimsical smile graced features at the suggestion that he was not about to get Hannah standing in a trap. “I don’t know what you mean. What sort of trap would I have done?” Acting the part of perfect innocence. As if he didn’t know or couldn’t see the tension in Elisa swatting hand. Drawing a twist of lips into a silent mirth rested upon the counsel woman’s features as well. Myra seemingly just momentarily enjoying the chaos without being the instigator of it.
Yet, he didn’t attempt to rattle that cage any further. Merely sliding back with an intention to push from chair so the effort of cleaning the table could be made while not expecting Elisa to manage it. “Mr. Steele.” Myra mocked, “Well I suppose at least he is useful. Do you need more backup that day or will you and Mr. Steele get along?”
He avoided sighing at this matter seeing as he believed Augustus was far more cooperative than Emery any day. Not that it made him any more excited to think of Juliette interacting with the other vampire, but it was less of a lip biter. “If she needs help, I think sending Eden or Baldwin with, would be far more suitable than you, Myra. Even Felix. Less history and less need to scare the lingering patrons.” He offered carefully, never mind the failed attempt on his associates part to look guiltless. “Regardless,” gesturing that if she was also finished, then she could make herself useful like a good little vermin and clear the table for Elisa properly. “There will be much to plan before the excursion across the world. That is, if Hannah can handle the idea that you’ll be going somewhere far more thrilling than Paris.”
“I believe Mr. Steele and I have a pleasant understanding, no guardians nor gremlins will be necessary,” responded Juliette with a bit of amusement. Unlike her last visit to the Iron Dog, Juliette didn’t need Myra there to shake things up or scare out any dissenting voices. She simply needed to have a conversation with Augustus… and perhaps to make sure she was seen in a vampiric public space, unafraid and unshaken.
“…although, I would like it if you joined me there, afterwards,” she leaned to mention directly to Jordan. “For a drink in a cozy little booth?”
Jordan too needed to be seen and actually interact in places with his own coven. Especially now! But that explanation would have to wait until there wasn’t the listening ears of his elderly housekeeper.
“I’ll just get you guys to join me in Paris some other time. When it’s my turn to get married, it’ll for sure be a Parisian wedding,” Hannah added, deciding to help Myra with clearing the table and taking care of the dishes.
“A destination wedding,” commented Juliette, at first intending to tease but now that the thought was there… it wasn’t something she’d considered before! Not Paris, of course, but there certainly was nothing stopping her now from truly thinking about somewhere else. That thoughtful look on her face lingered even as she got up from her own seat.
There was a want to refuse her choice to state that her and Augustus were on amicable terms. Not so much for her sanity, but for his. Yet, that felt clingy, didn’t it? Likely to drive her entirely nuts that he wasn’t personally comfortable with the idea of her leaving out there on her own. However, as independent as Juliette was, it would only take a little bit of time before he was absolutely driving her bonkers because he wasn’t ready for her to be solo.
Impressively he just kept his mouth shut. Nodded and took the last bit of drink down as not to leave it unpolished. Where its separation from mouth might be enough to lend him honest innocent curiosity to the asking for him to join her afterwards. Warranting a few blinks and a drawn sort of lingering awe that radiated his surprise at that. “If that is what you want. I will happily do so.” God forbid he actually turn shy at such a thing.
Settling inside to keep his composure while directing line of sight away from the woman to arch the length of brow upon Hannah. As she suggested a Parisian wedding, “Mhmm, positively cliché for the romance writer. I dare hate to think of you being unique with all your creative gifts. Though one would have to find a man suitable enough for your tastes firstly.” Lids closed as if he were avoiding looking at her to express he also figured out she was a little fussy about what she wanted.
Listening to the clinking of dishware before stealing a prying peek at Juliette. Waiting for her to tease but nothing came. Tugging sights open further to leave him once more curious, but rather than remain sitting, he pushed his chair out. Rising up to offer her a hand to assist, “What are you thinking, love?”
“I don’t have to be unique and creative all the time,” defended Hannah, though it seemed he might’ve put a new thought to her head too with the way she paused and got that curious, thoughtful look on her face. It even lingered when she resumed gathering up dishes and casting Myra a goofy grin at their benevolent hosts being lovey-dovey.
Juliette found herself called out again, seemingly having her own thoughts being too plain to see on her face. Leaving her to give Jordan a winsome smile as she accepted his hand, to stand on her toes and give a gentle kiss to his cheek.
“I was thinking I feel far better now about the state of things than I did this morning,” she admitted. Which was certainly true, even if she didn’t know exactly what she wanted just yet. That frustrated, at least, had been sated.
“Thank you for dinner,” she murmured a farewell to Elisa, giving the other two girls a small passing wave as she tugged Jordan along to follow. He likely had his own business to attend to, but it seemed this evening she had a few clingy notions herself and wasn’t quite ready to let him go.
A casual look and a meaningless shrug was all he could reply with to her. Leaving Hannah to decide truly for herself whether or not that was just a bit of talk falling from her lips or if she truly meant she didn’t have to be creative all the time. Somehow doubting her own honesty in that one.
Settling instead to rise and to shortly find not only was there the acceptance of hand but a lean of affection crossing cheek. Managing to keep him off guard, whilst waiting for a mention to what had crossed over the spread of thoughts. Leaving her to express her relief that the time now had been pleasing rather than further mentally taxing. Urging him to squeeze her fingers lightly, turning to assess Elisa at least. “Thank you,” Following the means of gratitude. Watching the older woman give a swipe through the air. Dismissing any sort of bidding of thanks. Yet it was not difficult to see how much she appreciated it.
Leaving him to be shortly tugged away from the room –less the two giggly harpies themselves sought to keep them longer- he didn’t hesitate to follow Juliette’s lead. “What were you truly thinking about? You had a look to your face that was almost calculating rather than simply thoughtful.” He dared to risk it for the biscuit, in questioning.
With such a big manor house, Juliette could have led him anywhere, but until she actually had a chance to renovate and arrange all the rooms within to her level of expected comfort, their private bedroom suite was still the ideal destination in the house. Even if it too still needed a little bit of her personal touch to complete the transformation into making it their space.
As usual, Jordan was never content with simple answers and her immediate reaction was always to give that mysterious cherub smile and not answer right away. Juliette recognize it was likely because he didn’t trust the intent or anyone’s inner thoughts, always assuming someone was going to turn around and snap at him like a hissing viper. Yet that couldn’t seem to stop her natural instinct to want to have him squirm just a little bit.
Finally, she did laugh softly, squeezing his hand again to ease his worries. Especially now that they were away from the prying ears of wicked witches who probably would’ve loved to shriek unhelpful toldyousos.
“It occurred to me that there is now a full world of possibilities for this wedding, now that it isn’t a designated means of torture. We’re not bound to this city or the guest list, or anything else really. I have absolutely no idea what I want. It’s almost refreshing.”
Once more into the depth of the bedroom that was perhaps the safest refuge within the entire manor, his attention was shortly prickled. By that of a reply that wasn’t constructed by the influence of the current ambience.
Leaving him to push the door properly closed and to rest visual hues upon her as she expressed just what had turned her mind over to such a thought. Granted, he didn’t expect it to be anything resulting in the wedding either. So colour him surprised. Listening first, responding secondly once she had completed her reply.
“No, I suppose not. No restrictions or constraints any further. However, I might be slightly distracted by the mention that you find having no plan in mind refreshing.” He narrowed a playful eye upon her, “Are you truly Juliette?”
With such a silly statement, Juliette was tempted to play the part of body-snatched. But the entire idea of something else inside her skin was far too close to recent events that it nearly gave her a shiver to even think about, so she quickly shoved that idea right out the window.
Instead, she was content to take his hands and tug him along to bed with her, where she was likely considered spoiled at this point to always have him spend the evenings with her, despite the fact he didn’t need much in the ways of sleep himself. As long as he stayed long enough until she’d drift away into sleep, Juliette didn’t mind that he’d eventually escape the confines of their bed. Though, it was always a welcome treat to awake and still find him there.
“Almost refreshing,” she corrected with a cheeky grin. “I’d still rather we were married right now, and not have to wait until some new disaster came about to ruin things again. But I like the idea of actually getting to plan things with you – at least the parts you will actually enjoy. We can entirely skip dinner menus and plate settings. After my chat with Augustus, we can settle somewhere cozy and daydream of the where.”
Coming round to the familiar spacing that was the bed itself, he’d rest once she had. Coming to perch on its edge while awaiting what sort of remark was about to be born from clever lips.
Certainly a beat wasn’t to be missed, when the correction of a singular word was reminded. Brought forward as he mindlessly shrugged shoulders. As if he had entirely slipped the almost from mind, entirely. Finding that he wasn’t about to talk semantics when the idea of her wishing their marriage was held now. Not sure if such comments were for the right reasons seeing as she mentioned how she’d like to have it done to avoid the next disaster. Leaving a mental picking over the idea but avoiding it registering plainly on his own face.
Instead listening to how the idea of actually planning something with him seemed to be delighting her fancy. “I dare say I might not be much of help. When you arranged everything prior, I assumed that was the wedding of your desire.” Not entirely unaware it was done to annoy him somewhat, but not saying that was conclusive either. “If my antiquated mind isn’t too addled, I believe the wedding is more focused on that of the bride than the groom.” Honestly, whatever she wanted, he didn’t mind. So long as she felt like this was her day. Created by her hands and done the way she desired, then what more did he need to be involved. “So long as it doesn’t involve me being fried under a magnifying glass in broad daylight, I have no reservations or suggestions of hindrances. You can make it as lavish or as simple as you please, Juliette.”
Listening to him explain that there was little he wanted himself and that she should just plan it all according to her own whims, Juliette had to force herself not to heave the heaviest of sighs. There was something quite special about Jordan, in that his ambition was so great, yet somehow none of it ever seemed to involve things he wanted for himself. A selflessness that was admirable, truly, but Juliette couldn’t help but wonder if he’d trapped himself in this role of snarling yet benevolent king because he didn’t believe he deserved or was allowed to desire things for himself. Even in this giant house of his, he’d only designated the smallest of spaces to his own, and they were bare minimums of need at best!
“Is that so?” she challenged directly. “You would not mind standing at an alter of gold marble, with draperies in bismuth pink and buttercup yellow. Daisy arrangements, and bear rugs down the aisle You wearing a suit of all white? Glitter on every surface?”
Even she wanted to shudder at the mere thought! Juliette shook her head, reaching to place a gentle hand to his cheek and turn his face towards her.
“You told me this was a partnership. It isn’t all about me and I don’t want it to be. I’m frustrated about the delay, but I really am glad it gets to be reflective of us both now. It’ll be a beautiful memory of what we can make together.”
In this era or the one he naturally came from, weddings were the first thing that came to mind to matter to the bridesgroom. Rather, such things back then were typically how much dowry would be offered from the bride’s family. What political gain could be cultivated. The decorations, the mood, all of it was well… not that important. It was what it could do for the male’s family that mattered.
Now, he heard so much stuff about weddings and how they were vitally important to the women. The dress, the cake, the venue, the decorations. How many guests! Was it a dry wedding or did they purchase a temporary liquor license. Tailoring and colours and all the rest. So truly to him, his opinion was unimportant.
Not to say it was done out of lack of interest but rather, it didn’t bother him.
Even as she seemed to dare to pick a bone with his statement. Watching quietly one moment and snorting the next at her description. “Had you tried that at the beginning, I might have raised more than an eyebrow. Now, I think I know you well enough that you wouldn’t want something so gregarious and loud.”
Gentle touch bid him to look to her. Ears apt to hear even as he tilted curiously at her statement that this was a partnership. Hearing what was said even if he might not get what the deal was all about. Sparing palm to locate one of her own to hold gingerly, “I suppose I’ve never thought about this being that important for my own opinions. Merely assumed that with your love to plan out every detail, that this would be a rounding spectacle that would come to your fruition.” Earnest it was. This was a large project that was very detail orientated. Much like the house, she was changing things for the benefit of living comfortably. One might have assumed her wedding to be the same. Because it required such focus.
“I will… try to do my best. Guess I never thought of it in such a way.”
At least she could believe that he wouldn’t think of the details himself, passing it off to her if she seemed so invested in it. Juliette’s ability to take things over, micromanage every single miniscule detail, could very well appear as if she’d bite any hands that dared to meddle their fingers in it. After all, she’d even told him herself that other than his financial backing, she didn’t want his involvement in the Byron business, so why not assume she’d feel the same way about the wedding that she’d been oh so snarly about recently!
Maybe a few weeks ago it would’ve been true. Maybe even a few days ago, before she’d been snatched away and for the briefest of moments thought that everything they’d been working for wasn’t actually real, and that she’d happily die in an attempt to escape a pair of lunatics before Jordan would even think to come looking for her.
Now? The only thing she knew she wanted for certain was Jordan. As long as he was there, involved, a part of her life, the details could be worked out together.
Of course, she might never stop being wildly mad about when things go wrong, but she was she was, after all!
“It won’t be so difficult to plan, I think. We already agree on a moonlit ceremony. Something under the stars will suit us both well.”
Shifting planted a soft kiss to his cheek, lingering there long enough for him to feel her smile as she whispered.
“Sleep with me? Tomorrow I can inspire you with ideas.”
“Inspire me with ideas?” Curiosity rose, granted he wasn’t sure what sort of ideas there was meant to spark. Nor was he really that concerned about a moonlit ceremony either. Originally the idea was to avoid the light but he supposed that still mattered. If they wanted to have the coven leaders involved. So neither one of them became a roman candle. Well… maybe one could use the treatment.
Actually that wasn’t worth mentioning.
Still he gave a gentle nod to agree that he wasn’t going to slip out of the room currently. Choosing to remain at her asking, “I suppose I will be all ears after your time with Augustus then.”