Fiendish: A Twisted Fairytale (11 page)

“Maybe.”

When he pulled up to Carroll Street Café, I looked over at him, and he gave me a smile in return.

“Since neither of us have had dinner, we might as well dine together.”

I couldn
’t keep the smile off my face while I waited for him to walk around and open my door. “I’ll try not to spill coffee on you this time,” I said sliding my hand into his.

“I would appreciate that.”

***

My decision to see Calida today was well rewarded with sitting through that appointment. I smiled as I thought this over. She was clearly uncomfortable being the center of attention, even more so having to be in those dresses. Unlike Pet, who was confident with her body and knew how to use it, Calida was uncomfortable in her own skin. The dresses fit her like a glove, hugging her curves and showing off her ample breasts. I was amazed at the glorious body Calida hid under those conservative clothes she wore.

After we walked into the building, I directed her towards one of the back corner tables. Pulling out the chair for her, Calida took a seat before taking off her coat and hanging it on the back of her chair. Our server walked over to greet us, and I ordered the Almond Brie for a starter and a bottle of the
Deux Montille Chardonnay before Calida could even open the menu.

“I
’ve never really been a cheese fan,” she said after the server walked away.

“Guess you
’ll just have to trust me,” I replied, but she scrunched her nose up at the idea. “If you don’t like it, feel free to order something different.”

“That
’s fair. Will I be allowed to pay for my own meal this time?”

“No.”

Calida tried to look annoyed, but I saw a small smile play on her lips just before she lowered her head to look over the menu. I watched while she made quiet popping actions with her lips as she decided what to eat. Her absentminded mouth play had me wondering what it would feel like to have her lips on me. When her tongue darted out to lick her bottom lip, I felt an instant stirring in my pants.

“Have you made a decision?” I asked, needing her to stop that action.

“Uh, yeah I think so. How about you?” she asked, closing her menu and looking up at me.

“Yes, I think I know exactly what I want.”

The server returned with our wine and appetizer. While she poured the wine, I sliced the baguette, topped it with a piece of the brie, then handed it to Calida. She looked unsure before she took a bite, but then she let out a light moan as she savored the sweetened cheese.

“I take it from that sound, you approve of my choice.”

“Yes, very much. I’ve been missing out.” She licked her lips, causing the same stirring in my pants. The affect Calida had on me was unsettling. Women aroused me, that was nothing new, but it was something more with her.

After giving our orders, Calida happily continued to indulge on the brie. Over the course of our meal, we talked, and I was able to take control of the conversation, keeping it focused on her. She filled me in on how she spent her holiday and how the first weeks of her job had been going. I kept her glass filled, and she rambled away.

“Are you trying to get me drunk in hopes of getting lucky?” she asked when I topped off her glass again.

“We both know I don
’t have to get you drunk for that to happen,” I replied smoothly.

I heard her sharp intake of breath before her emerald green eyes lifted to meet mine. Calida shifted in her chair, and I could tell she was squeezing her legs together under the table. With a trembling hand, she reached for her wine glass, but stopped, opting instead to drink the water. Calida excused herself, and I signaled for the server to bring the check. The bill was settled, and I stood waiting with her coat ready when she returned.

“I think it’s time we get you home,” I said as I helped her into her coat. She nodded her agreement.

During the short car ride to her house, Calida kept stealing glances over at me that I pretended not to notice. She was nervous, I could tell, but keeping her on edge helped me. I didn
’t like the way I reacted to her.
You’re getting too personal
.

Calida jumped a little when I touched her hand after pulling into her driveway. “Are you nervous?”

“No,” she said shaking her head. “Just had too much wine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I’m good,” she replied, turning to smile at me

“Thank you for having dinner with me tonight,” I said, bringing her hand to my lips.

“Well, you didn’t exactly ask, but sure thing. Anytime.”

“Really?”
I asked and she nodded in response.

Getting out of the car, I walked around to open her door. Once she stepped out, I moved closer than needed to shut the door. Even in the darkness I could see how her pupils were dilated, and her chest rose and fell quickly. Slowly I moved closer, nearly pinning her against my car.

“So you’re not mad at me anymore?” I asked, leaning down, letting my lips brush against her cheek.

“No,” she answered, sounding breathless.

“Good,” I replied, stepping back. “Let me walk you to your door.”

Calida stood there, shocked for a moment. “Oh, um, sure thanks.”

After searching through her purse for her keys, she took an unsteady step towards her house. When I helped to steady her, she smiled at me before pulling away.

“Would you like to come in?” she asked quietly when we reached her porch.

She ran her tongue across her bottom lip while she waited for my answer. She looked hopeful, desperate for me to say yes.

“Thank you for the offer, but I should be getting home,” I replied.

“Right, of course,” she said, turning quickly to unlock the door. Calida hesitated a moment before looking back at me. “Goodnight, Seth.”

“Goodnight, Calida.”

Chapter 10

My head was pounding when I woke up. I needed aspirin. Throwing back the covers, I climbed out of bed and walked into my adjoining bathroom, not bothering to turn on the light. Opening the medicine cabinet, I grabbed the bottle, popped the cap, dumped four into my hand, and downed them without water.
You’re getting too personal.

“I never get personal,” I responded to my reflection in the mirror. Massaging my temples, I headed downstairs to get breakfast before my workout.

As I hit the punching bag, I thought over my actions for the past month. My behavior with Calida had been abnormal, but she was different. It required a unique approach. Interacting with people was a necessary evil, an act I perfected thanks to my parents. Father was always intent on dragging us to one social gathering after another, showing off his perfect wife and son.

I punched the bag harder thinking about how Mother would act, how excited she would become, because for at least a few hours he would pretend she was something other than a piece of furniture. The whole ordeal would be a tedious waste of my time, and it made being around people less appealing. Calida, however, didn
’t annoy me as most people tended to do. Her company was remarkably something close to enjoyable, and I appreciated new experiences in life. Time with Calida was definitely a new experience.

Once my workout was finished, I headed downstairs to check on my new guest. I could hear her yanking on the door as I walked down the steps.

“Good morning, Pet. Did you sleep well?”

“Let me out of here you bastard!” she retorted, continuing to pull on the door.

“Step back from the door.”

“No, let me out of here!”

“I will tell you again, step back from the door.”

“Or what?”

She was intent on challenging me, so she could have it her way. I walked over to the key pad, pressed the code, and waited. She reached for the handle again only to be met with a shock that made her jump back. As she nursed her wounded hand, I unlocked the door.

“I asked you to step back,” I stated calmly as I entered the cell.
 “Now, are you hungry?”

“No, I don
’t want anything from you,” she said, cradling her hand close to her chest. “How do I know you won’t drug me again?”

“You don
’t, but if you want to eat, you’ll have to take your chances.”

I put my hand out to give her the bowl, but she decided to knock it to the ground.
 I really hated to hit a woman, but she was pushing my limits.

“I
’m trying to be nice, but you insist on testing me.” 

I took a deep breath before sweeping my leg under hers causing her to lose her footing and fall hard to the ground.
 Grabbing her by the hair, I shoved her face towards the floor.

“Eat!”

She shook her head. “No!”

“Lick the floor clean now.”
 I spoke slowly to make sure she fully understood this wasn’t a request. 

She still refused.
 I grabbed her arm and twisted it behind her back; she cried out in pain which brought a smile to my face.

“Now, do I have to break your arm or will you do as you are told?” As I spoke, I bent her arm a little further back making her cry out again.

“I...I’ll do it. Just let go,” she cried. 

I released her then sat back on my heels to watch.
 She started crying for the first time as she leaned down and began licking the oatmeal off the dirty floor. She gagged a few times and would look over at me before continuing. 

“Good girl,”
 I said, patting her on the head before walking out.

***

After getting my lunch out of the microwave, I sat down to finally call Macy back. She had sent me a couple of strange text messages. She wasn’t home when Seth dropped me off, which turned out to be a good thing. I was so confused about our evening, not to mention being embarrassed by his polite rejection. I’d appreciated being able to soak in a nice bubble bath, have one of the frozen, pre-mixed margaritas, and avoid having to explain my strange mood to her. By the time she did come home, I was acting more like myself and happily listened to her talk about her day, which consisted mostly of Mitch.

“Lee, what the hell did you do last night?” she asked excitedly as soon as she picked up.

“Um, nothing Macy. We talked, and then I went to bed. Are you feeling okay?” I replied taking a bite of my Lean Cuisine meal.

“I mean before I got home, you seemed…
relaxed
.” I rolled my eyes hearing the way she stretched the word, not missing her meaning.

“Yes I was thanks to too much wine, and a nice, hot bath.”

“Then explain why our living room looks like a friggin’ rose garden?”

“I wouldn
’t have the foggiest idea since I’m at work and you’re at home. Do you have a new suitor? I kinda liked Mitch.”

“They aren
’t mine. I read the card; they’re from tall, dark, and mysterious.”

I started choking on my food when she said that. More flowers? And from what she described, it sounded like a lot of them.
Why would he do that? Especially after turning me down last night? Did he feel bad about rejecting me?
I allowed myself a brief daydream of Seth kicking himself for walking away from the very open invitation I’d given him.

“You okay?”

“Yeah,” I croaked, snapping back to the present. “What’d the card say?”

“Thank you for last night,” she sang in reply. “When I get home from work, you are so spilling the beans.”

“There are no beans to spill, Mace. Nothing’s happened, and I do mean nuth-thing,” I replied, dragging out the word.

Macy made some sort of non-committal sound before ending the call because she had to leave for work. I spent the rest of the day anxiously watching the clock, wondering if Seth would be waiting for me and wanting to get home to see the roses. When five came, I couldn
’t get out of the office fast enough, but I was met with instant disappointment. Seth wasn’t waiting. I knew he wasn’t responsible for driving me home, and I was perfectly capable of taking the bus; however, I really expected to see him today.

My mood was lifted when I walked into the house and saw eight vases filled with dozens of roses of all colors sitting on our dining table. The place smelled divine, and I took a long, deep breath drinking in the wonderful floral scents. The amazing fragrances did make me feel like I was in a rose garden. Sitting down at the table, I just stared at them, wishing I knew what to make of all of this.

Pulling my hair from its ponytail, I got up from the table and headed to my room. I would try to figure out the mysteries of Seth once I got into more comfortable clothes and had some dinner. After slipping into sweats and a t-shirt and reheating some leftover chicken Alfredo, I curled up on the couch, turned on the TV, then ate while staring once again at my flowers. I knew I needed to call him to say thanks, but I was so confused. I felt like he was flirting last night, but then again it could have been the wine and a lot of wishful thinking on my part.