Chapter One:
The sky was darkly gray and heavy storm clouds rolled in, bringing with it strong gusts of winds of an impending storm; birds and beasts alike scurried from the sky and quickly found shelter. Tall glass buildings rose up- shimmering giants in the darkness of the hectic city. Cars rolled along in intense traffic as sirens and lights sounded and flickered violently. I stood in the middle of the chaos; my eyes scanned the darkness as I leaned against a light post, smoking a cigarette.
Through the darkness of the chaotic city, I caught sight of a diamond in the rough - her appearance; literally breathtaking- beautifully tanned skin with a hint of lively blush, from face to smooth, slim, proud column of throat. She was tall, but delicate in frame. Her body was sleek, athletic; a woman's, but just barely out of adolescence and at the peak of its beauty. She had a fine nose, with sensual lips, perhaps a trifle pouty. Chestnut ringlets pinned atop her head with some tendrils tumbling far down her back and hanging softly in front of her ears, and dusted her forehead with a light fringe of wispy bangs. Her eyes completed the picture, miracles of color behind thin wire-framed glasses, and their emerald green depths kindling compassion.
She wore a bright red scarf around her neck that draped over one shoulder and rested against a bulky dark blue sweater that hid her feminine form. My eyes traveled over her ample chest to her tan plaid pleated-skirt. From there, my eyes took in her black sheer stockings that ran the length of her legs and ended in simple flat black dress shoes. She wore no make-up or jewelry, but somehow, she did not seem to need any.
She leaned against an old oak tree that bent over the road and stood just inside the boundaries of a small inadequate city park. She did not seem to notice anything beside her book that she was reading. She brushed her hair backwards over her shoulder and turned a page of her book.
With a yawn, I flicked my cigarette aside, which almost caught a small man on fire. I stretched, cracked my knuckles and straightened to my full height. I pulled my trench coat tighter to ward off the coolness of the air, and then straightened my sleeve cuffs before I adjusted my ponytail. Yes, I am a bit vain. I pushed myself away from the light post, scanned the area and began to walk forward. When I got close enough to her, I took her free hand, kissed the back of it, bowed low and kept my eyes on hers. "Hello," I kept my voice soothing and soft to keep from scaring her. “What is your name, my lady?”
"Zoë," She replied, without glancing up from her book.
"Well met, Zoë," I replied and released her hand. I straightened, smiled, and cocked my head to the side slightly. She was completely unfazed by me and honestly, it made me even more attracted to her. I had never met a woman who did not react in some way to my charm. To find someone so unconcerned increased my interest greatly. I wanted to learn more about her- a new kind of cat and mouse game. “Why are you in this part of town, my lady?” I asked as I shoved my hands into my pockets after I drew up the collar of my coat, and glanced over my shoulder. Behind me was a stream of people, going back and forth as if oblivious cattle marching toward their final destinations, their voices buzzing on the air, and their useless pattering annoyed me. They never had a direction, and when they did, they never seemed to achieve more than stuffing their faces or annoying their fellow man.
This is city had become corrupted long ago. From the judges to the smallest citizen, no one was innocent or pure. Everyone here had some kind of black mark, some ungodly sin that turned him or her from good and forever marred the beauty of this city; myself included. Once long ago, it had been clean, but not anymore. I cannot say it was the drugs, or the murderers, since they were here before it decayed. No, it was the idea of success that killed this place: success from the booming music industry and then its rapid decline. Music had ripped this city apart and brought the seedy underground to the surface. I had liked this city once, but not anymore.
I turned my attention back to the beautiful young woman, my eyes skimming her face. Was it even possible at this point in the city’s decay, to find someone uncorrupted by the sickness that affected it? Was she someone who was above the greed, lust, and falseness? I had only found one such person and they struggled every day to stay above the city’s influences. Something told me that if I stuck with her, I would quickly find out.
She flipped a page of her book as she continued to read and to ignore me. When I tilted her book away from her and peered over it to read the page, she frowned at me and shifted her feet. Testing her, I easily pulled her book from her hands and closed it. She crossed her arms loosely over her chest, tilted her head away from me and simply ignored me. She tucked her hair away from her neck and watched me. I could feel her curiosity bubbling up but I had to do more to make it break the surface. I raised an eyebrow at her, and chuckled. I pointed toward the door of my café that stood behind us and to our right. I had actually been on my cigarette break when I saw her, and needed to return.
The Café Royale was my dream but after years of manual labor plus my blood, sweat and tears, and the full bottom half of my house; it finally became more than a dream. Part café, part library, it was created to be a unique and uncorrupted place for coffee, conversation, reading. I had hoped when I made it that it would be a gem among thieves and after several years of being open, I think I managed to do just that. I created an outdoor sitting area from what was once my front porch and kept the feel of it comfortable with unpolished wood and a simple design. Inside, I redesigned the bottom half of my house to accommodate a full-scale restaurant –styled kitchen, a relaxed seating area that could sit up to thirty people, and a full library.
“Would you kindly join me for coffee, my lady?” My smile grew warmer as I turned to the side, offered her my elbow, and brushed the hair from my face. Curses, I needed a trim badly and I was attempting to ignore the growth of my bangs. “Don’t worry; I merely want a decent conversation for a change. I have spoken to many people over the years and it’s difficult to find intelligent people to talk with.”
It was true. I could count on one hand how many interesting conversations I have had in my life and it was starting to bother me. It never mattered what the conversation was about, just that it was interesting and did not end with them talking of the latest fads or the newest thing on the market. The fakeness of the city was irritating to say the least, and finding real people and conversations was getting harder and harder by the day. I hoped that she would take the bait and I hoped that she would be a good conversationalist.
"Coffee…?" She asked as she glanced up at me and took her book back. She took all of me in a glance then looked toward the café. I could see in her eyes that she had considered my offer thoroughly before she replied, "Sure,” and took my arm lightly in her small delicate hands. She shifted her weight slightly, brushed her hair from her brilliant eyes before she glanced over her shoulder at the coffee shop. I caught a slight smile curl onto her lips as we walked toward the café. I wondered why she had accepted my offer so easily. Had my thoughts on her been wrong? Had I merely protected the thought of innocence onto her? I glanced down at her arm hooked into mine, and I smiled despite my new reservations.
Inside the café, I shoved a small orange fur-ball off the counter, received a small growl for my effort and then pulled out a chair at the counter for her. I wiped off the seat and the counter with a napkin and then waited for her to accept my offer. While I waited, I decided to start up the conversation. “We have excellent coffee here. We also have a good reading selection in the library. I have probably read every book in there. Please, have a seat and then I will fix us a couple cups of coffee while we talk.”
The woman laid her book on the counter before she accepted the offer of the chair. "I've read the books here before; most of them are very good." She replied. "I don't believe I got your name... sir…?"
“Ah, no, you didn’t, because I didn’t say it. It is Constant. No last name, just Constant.” I replied as I pulled out a chair next to her, removed my trench coat, and placed it on the chair-back.
As I walked behind the counter, I again noticed her perfect skin. Where did she live that she could have such pristine skin? I allowed my mind to wander over the geography of the city but I could not settle on any one location. The city, well known for its tanning and hair salons, made fake coloring the normal. Natural tans were rare since even the city’s tourist could not spend ten minutes within the city without succumbing to the salons. “Where are you from, my lady?”
“Hmm…?” Her attention had returned to her book.
“I noticed that your tan, my lady and am curious to where you are from?” I held my hand over the page she was reading and smiled at her.
“I was born here.” She frowned and pushed my hand off her book. “I know what you’re thinking; I get it all the time. I must be from outside of Morris City since I have good skin, but I was actually born here.” She growled. It was obvious that this was something she was tired of hearing. “You know, not everyone goes to those cheesy spray tan and dye job factories. I don’t go in for that fakeness.”
“I see.” I replied, lamely. My heart skipped a beat. Someone born within the city limits who had actually failed to be taken in by the fakeness of the city was a rare find indeed. I turned my attention to the empty coffee mugs lined up under the counter. “What do you want to drink, my lady?”
Without glancing up from her book, she replied, “A dark roast with cream and six sugars.”
“A bit of a sweet tooth, eh?” I remarked. “I can’t say I that have ever liked sweet things, but I suppose, there is a first time for everything.” I lowered my eyes to my hands as I worked on making her coffee. I chuckled at some unspoken thought that barely registered in my own mind and then glanced at the beautiful young woman. She wasn’t paying me any attention and was busy reading her book. I fixed her a dark roast coffee with cream and sugar and handed it to her. I glanced at the pastries and asked, “Did you wish something else, my lady?”
The woman raised an eyebrow at me but nodded, "Yeah..." She admitted. She tilted her head slightly in thought. Was I ever going to get a reaction from her other then sheer disinterest? I had to wonder how many people asked her out for coffee, and how many of those invites she accepted. "I'll have one of those..." She replied smiling a little sheepishly at me. She pointed to a glass domed display case filled with muffins and picked out a chocolate one.
I opened the lid, picked up her muffin with a napkin and asked, “Do you want it heated?” She shook her head, so I just set it before her. I shifted my eyes down to the book that was consuming all of attention and frowned. Was the book more interesting than I was? “Is there something the matter, my lady?”
“Nothing’s the matter,” She answered as she turned the page. I frowned and picked up the book. Her eyes followed me and her lower lip twitched. “Is something wrong with you?” I could hear the venom in her voice and I set the book on the counter. I kept my hand on it so she could not return to reading it.
“I invited you to coffee and a conversation,” I remarked curtly, “If you wanted to read, you could have declined my offer and stayed where you were. I find it rather rude that you would sit here and ignore me after accepting my offer.”
Her eyes shifted from the book to my face and when she saw my disappointment, she lowered her eyes again and shook her head slowly. She removed her glasses, rubbed the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger and sighed. “I wasn’t trying to be rude,” she began, “I don’t know you from Adam, and your invitation was out of the blue. I suppose, I really should not have accepted since I need to finish this book for class. However, I suppose since I did accept, I should not be ignoring you this way. I apologize for my rudeness.”
Something about her response struck me as strange, but I could not put my finger on it. Perhaps, it was the feeling of insincerity it gave me. Maybe, I really was wrong about her. I smiled politely as I lifted my hand and turned away from her. What had I been thinking? She was just like all the others, insincere.
“You can leave if you want.” I said and gestured toward the door. “Obviously, your book is more important than I am.” I felt like a child for being so upset over someone I did not know, but something about her irritated me. I knew she really had not been trying to be rude, but her disinterest had really hurt.
“Look,” she said, “Constant, was it? Let’s try this again.” I turn to look at her and she had her hand extended toward me. “My name’s Zoë.” I watched her for a moment. I had never seen such attractive deep green eyes before. I loved the way that they shimmered and how they seemed to hold a spark interest in them. I checked myself, and decided to stop staring.
“Constant, no last name, just Constant,” I replied after I kissed the back of her hand. “A pleasure to meet you, my lady, I am sure.”
“Why do you keep calling me, ‘my lady’?” She asked as she took her first sip of coffee. She paused, eyed the coffee, and then smiled. “Wow, that’s good.”
“Isn’t it? I get it imported.” I replied. I took a moment to enjoy her smile before it faded. Her full sensual lips were a soft pink and the edges curled upward bringing out the freckles in her cheeks. I imagined how they would feel against mine and almost leaned in to kiss her, but her questioning gaze stopped me. “My lady is a term of endearment. Some would say ‘honey’ or ‘dear’ but I prefer ‘my lady’ and ‘sir’. Something a bit more …” I failed to find the right word and waved it off with my hand.
“Don’t you think that’s a little politically incorrect?” She inquired as she took another sip of coffee. “Not that I mind, but I am sure others would.”
“You know, I have never had an issue with it.” I answered. I had always used the terms and nobody had ever commented on it. In fact, most people never seemed to notice.
“Oh, I would think that you would, what with all the feminists that seem to live here.” She remarked. “I mean, I have some in my class and they complain when the teacher corrects them. They say their being profiled for being females.”
“Your class…?” I had heard her mention her class once before but now I was curious. “You go to school around here?”
“Huh? Oh, yes,” She tore a piece off her muffin and ate it before she continued. “I go MCU. It’s just down the street from here.”
“MCU – Morris City University…” I repeated with some interest. “Isn’t that the University with the extreme curfew? I heard about it on the news.”
“Yes, 6pm sharp, but it’s not that bad.” Her eyes flicked to her coffee, “There’s not much to this city after dark, anyways.”
This city after dark could be very hazardous to one’s health. The city itself is dangerous, but once night falls, it is murder, quite literately. The thought of her walking around the city after dark stopped my heart cold. Someone as beautiful and real as her would not last two minutes in the darkness of this city. The sickness, the corrupt greedy slime of the city only worsened at night. Venomous nightclubs oozing with drunken, drugged, murderous creatures that would sell their own mothers for their next hit or the next big thing, or the crumbing underground newly exposed by the music industry that sought to bring the decrepit ideals of business to the youth of the next generation. While I do not hate music, in fact, I create it myself; I do despise the handling of talent for one’s own monetary purpose without a thought to the musician’s creative abilities or personal safety.
I glanced at the clock, 5:36pm, and frowned. I had taken my cigarette break at three, had it really been two hours already? My eyes flicked to hers and she caught my expression.
“Seems, I should be heading back now,” she said as she grabbed her book and stood. “Thank you for the coffee and what there was of a conversation. Sorry, I was so rude to you.”
“Let me walk you home, my lady.” I blurted before my mind could catch up with my tongue. “I mean…”
She glanced at the café door, and at the rain pouring outside. She turned her eyes to me, her face softening slightly, and she smiled. Again, I relished her smile that faded all too soon. I watched her study me as she flickered her eyes from me to the doors and then back again. When I thought she would not accept and was ready to see her to the door, she replied, “I don’t like walking through this city after dark and while I don’t really know you, you can’t be worse then what’s out there.”
I looked out into the café saw the crowd of people still and then checked the library that was full as well. I frowned, shifted my feet uncomfortably and then sighed. I could not leave the place with so many people and I did not close for another three hours. I searched my brain for a way out and came upon one that I did not really want to do, but there was not a another way. I grabbed the phone and dialed.
“Hello, Bella?” I asked when someone answered the line.
“Constant, is that you, dear boy?” She asked sleepily.
“Yes, Bella, it’s me. Did I wake you?”
“No, I was just listening to the radio. What’s the matter, dear?”
“I need you to cover the café for me.” I winced as soon as I said it.
“What? What’s the matter, dear?” She sounded worried now and I cursed myself again.
“Nothing, Bella, I just need you to cover the café for me.”
“Alright, dear, I’ll be there in five.” She replied not believing me at all.
I hung up the phone, smiled at Zoë and then informed her of things. She did not seem concerned one way or the other about the extra five minutes despite it being so close to her curfew. I wondered idly if she was this cold to everyone.
A few minutes later, I heard, my name called excitedly from the door of the café and turned to find ashort, lissome woman of bronze complexion and a full head of iridescent white hair, calf-length, and worn laced back. Lustrous honey hued eyes return their gaze from beneath arched eyebrows. She wore a silver tree brooch over her bone white gown that bounce softly on her chest as she walked.
“Belladonna,” I greeted her with the same enthusiasm. “My dear Belladonna…”
“You,” She screeched as she swatted me hard on the arm. “You never call unless you need something and you never tell me the truth when you see me.”
“Forgive me.” I pleaded. “It certainly was a grievous error to have treated you so unfairly.”
“Damn straight!” She bellowed before turning on the small woman. “My, my, what have you here, eh?”
“Bella, this is Zoë,” I introduced them with some hesitation. “Now, I will only be gone a short while and I need you…”
“Uh huh, I know, watch the café. You never call me for anything else.” She grunted as she turned from Zoë and started clean the counter. “Go on, now, before I change my mind.”
I thanked her with a nod of my head, grabbed my trench coat and lead Zoë out into the rain. The college was a good fifteen minutes away by foot, and a very unentertaining walk it was. I had hoped we could talk along the way, and maybe invited in, but she stopped me at the door, thanked me sincerely and then closed the door in my face. I frowned, but did not push it. It actually made me happy that she was not the type of girl to invite strange men into her room, but it still made me a bit sad. Leaving her dorm was more of an adventure then I had anticipated, however.
I walked away from her dorm with my heart beating heavily in my ears and my palms were sweating. I licked my lips and tried to shut my eyes to the thundering sound of blood rushing through my veins, I tried to keep my arousal at bay. She had been so beautiful and enticing. I frowned when I realized she had grown on me.
Stupidly, I decided to take a shortcut back to my café, through an alley between two rows of buildings. I glanced about me at the long row of buildings towering overhead and at their large shadows. I could feel the darkness creeping in upon me; each shadowed corner seemed to taunt me. I tightened my trench coat as I passed a drunk sleeping amongst the collected garbage cans and quickened my steps when I heard a scream echo off the walls. Where it had come from, I could not tell but knew better then to attempt to find out. Everywhere I looked, I saw dark figures lurking in the shadows and could sense many more surrounding me. This was not a good time to be out, especially with my current condition. I quickened my steps more, almost dragging myself along, and made myself stumble several times. Soon I reached the parking lot of the café and stopped beneath a street lamp to catch my breath. Something caught my eye and I pulled my trench coat tighter around me still, hoping it would hide my condition that had yet to fade completely.
“I am happy that I caught you alone.” A voice said from the shadows. “How very unfortunate this will be for you.”
“Lo’nar,” I growled, immediately I recognized the voice.
There was movement in the shadows around me, and I soon found myself surrounded. Dark figures stood about me, their identities concealed in shadow. I caught the slight glimmer of steel from within the darkness.
“You upset the Master when you left us, Constant. He’s worried for your safety.” The voice came closer but he remained in the shadows. “Come home to us, and we won’t allow any harm to come to you.”
“I told you, Lo’nar… I am not going to return.” I growled as my hand slipped into my pocket. My fingers searched for something viable to use as I watched the shadows. I found my pocketknife and hid my smile. I eyed the surrounding men, and watched for any sign of advancing. They remained motionless. I searched the darkness for the voice’s owner but could see no one. Normally, I could have easily seen everything that was hiding in the dark, but I was weak from not eating and my eyes were failing me. I needed to feed but there was not time now.
“You’re only making things worse. Come home and you won’t be harmed… much.” Lo’nar hissed from just outside the ring.
I could not tell exactly where they were but I could feel them. That was enough. I withdrew my knife and that was all they needed to attack, and they came on strong. Every angle was covered and I had no means of escaping; not that I wanted to. I swung my knife upward, slicing one of them across the gut, bringing him down hard. The second man dropped me with a kick to my side but I was able to take him out with a quick stroke across the throat. My luck ran dry there and the remaining men took me down hard.
Two men held me as Lo’nar stood before me. In the streetlight, I could see him and his hate-filled eyes. He was towering, broad-shouldered man of alabaster complexion with a head of flowing waist-length black hair. Bright deep green eyes shimmered with hatred and insanity as he glared down at me. His sensual, full mouth curled up into a sneer. He brushed his hair away from his fine cheeks. He was wearing a loose fitted shirt that hung over black jeans. Black leather boots peered out from below his hooded cloak that hung heavily about his shoulders. He looked handsome and refined. I cursed myself for noticing. He held a large knife to my cheek as he leaned into me. His body pressed against me intimately and his face hovered near my neck. I knew he could feel me at half-mast and I frowned. He would think it was because of him, and I hated him for it.
“You’re not being very cooperative.” He slipped the knife down my neck, drawing a thin line of blood. He ran his tongue down the line, tasting me, and moaned. He grabbed my face, kissed me, and smeared blood over my lips. “You shouldn’t make me force you… You could get hurt.”
I spit blood at him, catching him in the face. Lo’nar wiped his face and glared at the blood. He smacked me hard across my face and I winced. He growled, ripped my shirt open, and ran the knife violently across my chest, cutting deeply. Pain caused my brain to scream as my blood seeped out, staining my work shirt. The cut stung against the cool night air. Lo’nar licked the wound, his tongue harshly widening the slit, and lapped hungrily at the blood. I could feel his tongue trace the line and each time he did, I felt a new stab of pain surge through me. Lo'nar grinned devilishly as he widened my shirt and revealed his handiwork. He ran his fingers down the edge of the wound and sent my nerves into overload. My body shook with tremendous pain and my heart thundered in my chest. I gasped taking in a ragged breaths of air. Lo'nar kissed my side, and gently ran his fingers across my stomach. Goosebumps arose, betraying me.
"Give in... you won't win..." He cooed.
"Stop this! Stop! Leave me alone!" I yelled in vain, as I struggled against him.
Lo'nar merely grinned, "Why? You’re enjoying it... can't you see that?" I snapped my head away from him, ashamed. Tears streamed down my face as my body betrayed me. Lo'nar ran his hands over my body, tantalizing me, tormenting me. He used his teeth to unbutton my pants, and slowly unzipped it. He made sure that the others around us could take it all in. He slipped a hand inside my pants, and smiled up at me. He moved his hand over me, making things harder for me. He kissed me above the waistline, moving downward slowly.
Sirens blared in the distance, threatening to overwhelm us. Lo'nar signaled the retreat as his men eyed him nervously. He bit my waist leaving his mark before letting me go. He glared evilly at me and kicked me hard in the stomach making me double over in pain. He flipped his hood up and disappeared into the darkness, laughing hysterically. He could have stayed or dragged me away with him, but that was not his game. He wanted to leave me scarred; he wanted me to know what he could do to me. He had given in to the sirens because his cronies were probably wanted and the police presence could ruin his plans. This was a game of cat and mouse, and he had only just begun to play with me.
I eyed my wound with hatred as my brain tried to register what had just happened while my heart beat in my ears. My mind slowly slipped toward insanity. Covered in blood, holding onto my stomach, I could not understand and my system was slipping into shock. I could not move. I could not speak. I was broken.
Gradually, I came around and began to wrap my wound with the tatters of my shirt. Tears dropped onto my hands as I diligently worked. What was happening? It did not make any sense. Who were those men with Lo’nar? Why did he hurt me and what did he mean by wanting me to return home? I bit my lower lip frustrated, drew little droplets of blood, which landed on my lap. I had never known him to be so violent toward me. Something was wrong, seriously wrong.
My tongue lapped at the blood, and my eyes scanned the darkness. Disgusted, I spat out the blood, despite its alluring taste, and tried to sit up. The pain surged overwhelming me and I laid still. I closed my eyes. I growled displeased and greatly disappointed, more at myself then anything. Had I been stronger, I would have sensed them long before they showed themselves; I could have done something… something… The word echoed in my head… what could I have done? Even if I had been stronger, I would never have been able to defeat Lo’nar and his gang of lowlifes. I knew that, but it really did not make me feel any better. Shakily, I finished wrapping the wound. I gently touched a hand to my stomach. I shook with pain and my mind struggled to stay conscience.
I sighed and stood, awkwardly. I was careful not in aggravate my injury anymore then I had to. I moaned with every step and swayed precariously. My weight shifted awkwardly adding to the difficulty of walking. I felt like a solid sack of bricks. My eyes clouded up and tears streamed down my face. I wished that I could walk faster. I did not like being in such pain and felt stupid for it.
The café loomed closer, the shadows created by the porch lamp seemed to shimmer and dance about me. They taunted me with vague images of ghostly forms that seemed to appear and disappear. I concentrated on the path, wanting no part of the ghostly figments. The path swerved and swayed as my vision began to blur. I was tired and my muscles were sore. I blinked trying to maintain some semblance of myself as I trudged onward.
Dark trails of blood stained my shirt and pants, my hair was tattered and unkempt, and my eyes stained with tears. I looked pitiful, not at all like the man I normally was. I pondered stopping, but I knew that I would not be able to resume walking if I did. Walking was hard but not as hard as it would be if I allowed my legs to rest. My legs felt like rubber, wanting to buckle beneath my every step and my body wanted to sag, drawing me down more. It took all of my concentrated effort to move. I wanted nothing more than to stop and rest, but I knew that would only make things worse for me. I drew in a deep breath, stepped forward, and proceeded to move.
I looked up and saw that I was standing before the café. I was mere feet from it but those feet felt like miles. I was growing weaker with every step and was not sure that I would make it. I dug within myself to find any reserve strength and pushed forward. My vision faltered and grew fuzzy. I felt my body sway dangerously but I could do nothing to prevent it. I felt myself collapse. My energy spent, I closed my eyes and allowed the darkness to consume me.
The sky was darkly gray and heavy storm clouds rolled in, bringing with it strong gusts of winds of an impending storm; birds and beasts alike scurried from the sky and quickly found shelter. Tall glass buildings rose up- shimmering giants in the darkness of the hectic city. Cars rolled along in intense traffic as sirens and lights sounded and flickered violently. I stood in the middle of the chaos; my eyes scanned the darkness as I leaned against a light post, smoking a cigarette.
Through the darkness of the chaotic city, I caught sight of a diamond in the rough - her appearance; literally breathtaking- beautifully tanned skin with a hint of lively blush, from face to smooth, slim, proud column of throat. She was tall, but delicate in frame. Her body was sleek, athletic; a woman's, but just barely out of adolescence and at the peak of its beauty. She had a fine nose, with sensual lips, perhaps a trifle pouty. Chestnut ringlets pinned atop her head with some tendrils tumbling far down her back and hanging softly in front of her ears, and dusted her forehead with a light fringe of wispy bangs. Her eyes completed the picture, miracles of color behind thin wire-framed glasses, and their emerald green depths kindling compassion.
She wore a bright red scarf around her neck that draped over one shoulder and rested against a bulky dark blue sweater that hid her feminine form. My eyes traveled over her ample chest to her tan plaid pleated-skirt. From there, my eyes took in her black sheer stockings that ran the length of her legs and ended in simple flat black dress shoes. She wore no make-up or jewelry, but somehow, she did not seem to need any.
She leaned against an old oak tree that bent over the road and stood just inside the boundaries of a small inadequate city park. She did not seem to notice anything beside her book that she was reading. She brushed her hair backwards over her shoulder and turned a page of her book.
With a yawn, I flicked my cigarette aside, which almost caught a small man on fire. I stretched, cracked my knuckles and straightened to my full height. I pulled my trench coat tighter to ward off the coolness of the air, and then straightened my sleeve cuffs before I adjusted my ponytail. Yes, I am a bit vain. I pushed myself away from the light post, scanned the area and began to walk forward. When I got close enough to her, I took her free hand, kissed the back of it, bowed low and kept my eyes on hers. "Hello," I kept my voice soothing and soft to keep from scaring her. “What is your name, my lady?”
"Zoë," She replied, without glancing up from her book.
"Well met, Zoë," I replied and released her hand. I straightened, smiled, and cocked my head to the side slightly. She was completely unfazed by me and honestly, it made me even more attracted to her. I had never met a woman who did not react in some way to my charm. To find someone so unconcerned increased my interest greatly. I wanted to learn more about her- a new kind of cat and mouse game. “Why are you in this part of town, my lady?” I asked as I shoved my hands into my pockets after I drew up the collar of my coat, and glanced over my shoulder. Behind me was a stream of people, going back and forth as if oblivious cattle marching toward their final destinations, their voices buzzing on the air, and their useless pattering annoyed me. They never had a direction, and when they did, they never seemed to achieve more than stuffing their faces or annoying their fellow man.
This is city had become corrupted long ago. From the judges to the smallest citizen, no one was innocent or pure. Everyone here had some kind of black mark, some ungodly sin that turned him or her from good and forever marred the beauty of this city; myself included. Once long ago, it had been clean, but not anymore. I cannot say it was the drugs, or the murderers, since they were here before it decayed. No, it was the idea of success that killed this place: success from the booming music industry and then its rapid decline. Music had ripped this city apart and brought the seedy underground to the surface. I had liked this city once, but not anymore.
I turned my attention back to the beautiful young woman, my eyes skimming her face. Was it even possible at this point in the city’s decay, to find someone uncorrupted by the sickness that affected it? Was she someone who was above the greed, lust, and falseness? I had only found one such person and they struggled every day to stay above the city’s influences. Something told me that if I stuck with her, I would quickly find out.
She flipped a page of her book as she continued to read and to ignore me. When I tilted her book away from her and peered over it to read the page, she frowned at me and shifted her feet. Testing her, I easily pulled her book from her hands and closed it. She crossed her arms loosely over her chest, tilted her head away from me and simply ignored me. She tucked her hair away from her neck and watched me. I could feel her curiosity bubbling up but I had to do more to make it break the surface. I raised an eyebrow at her, and chuckled. I pointed toward the door of my café that stood behind us and to our right. I had actually been on my cigarette break when I saw her, and needed to return.
The Café Royale was my dream but after years of manual labor plus my blood, sweat and tears, and the full bottom half of my house; it finally became more than a dream. Part café, part library, it was created to be a unique and uncorrupted place for coffee, conversation, reading. I had hoped when I made it that it would be a gem among thieves and after several years of being open, I think I managed to do just that. I created an outdoor sitting area from what was once my front porch and kept the feel of it comfortable with unpolished wood and a simple design. Inside, I redesigned the bottom half of my house to accommodate a full-scale restaurant –styled kitchen, a relaxed seating area that could sit up to thirty people, and a full library.
“Would you kindly join me for coffee, my lady?” My smile grew warmer as I turned to the side, offered her my elbow, and brushed the hair from my face. Curses, I needed a trim badly and I was attempting to ignore the growth of my bangs. “Don’t worry; I merely want a decent conversation for a change. I have spoken to many people over the years and it’s difficult to find intelligent people to talk with.”
It was true. I could count on one hand how many interesting conversations I have had in my life and it was starting to bother me. It never mattered what the conversation was about, just that it was interesting and did not end with them talking of the latest fads or the newest thing on the market. The fakeness of the city was irritating to say the least, and finding real people and conversations was getting harder and harder by the day. I hoped that she would take the bait and I hoped that she would be a good conversationalist.
"Coffee…?" She asked as she glanced up at me and took her book back. She took all of me in a glance then looked toward the café. I could see in her eyes that she had considered my offer thoroughly before she replied, "Sure,” and took my arm lightly in her small delicate hands. She shifted her weight slightly, brushed her hair from her brilliant eyes before she glanced over her shoulder at the coffee shop. I caught a slight smile curl onto her lips as we walked toward the café. I wondered why she had accepted my offer so easily. Had my thoughts on her been wrong? Had I merely protected the thought of innocence onto her? I glanced down at her arm hooked into mine, and I smiled despite my new reservations.
Inside the café, I shoved a small orange fur-ball off the counter, received a small growl for my effort and then pulled out a chair at the counter for her. I wiped off the seat and the counter with a napkin and then waited for her to accept my offer. While I waited, I decided to start up the conversation. “We have excellent coffee here. We also have a good reading selection in the library. I have probably read every book in there. Please, have a seat and then I will fix us a couple cups of coffee while we talk.”
The woman laid her book on the counter before she accepted the offer of the chair. "I've read the books here before; most of them are very good." She replied. "I don't believe I got your name... sir…?"
“Ah, no, you didn’t, because I didn’t say it. It is Constant. No last name, just Constant.” I replied as I pulled out a chair next to her, removed my trench coat, and placed it on the chair-back.
As I walked behind the counter, I again noticed her perfect skin. Where did she live that she could have such pristine skin? I allowed my mind to wander over the geography of the city but I could not settle on any one location. The city, well known for its tanning and hair salons, made fake coloring the normal. Natural tans were rare since even the city’s tourist could not spend ten minutes within the city without succumbing to the salons. “Where are you from, my lady?”
“Hmm…?” Her attention had returned to her book.
“I noticed that your tan, my lady and am curious to where you are from?” I held my hand over the page she was reading and smiled at her.
“I was born here.” She frowned and pushed my hand off her book. “I know what you’re thinking; I get it all the time. I must be from outside of Morris City since I have good skin, but I was actually born here.” She growled. It was obvious that this was something she was tired of hearing. “You know, not everyone goes to those cheesy spray tan and dye job factories. I don’t go in for that fakeness.”
“I see.” I replied, lamely. My heart skipped a beat. Someone born within the city limits who had actually failed to be taken in by the fakeness of the city was a rare find indeed. I turned my attention to the empty coffee mugs lined up under the counter. “What do you want to drink, my lady?”
Without glancing up from her book, she replied, “A dark roast with cream and six sugars.”
“A bit of a sweet tooth, eh?” I remarked. “I can’t say I that have ever liked sweet things, but I suppose, there is a first time for everything.” I lowered my eyes to my hands as I worked on making her coffee. I chuckled at some unspoken thought that barely registered in my own mind and then glanced at the beautiful young woman. She wasn’t paying me any attention and was busy reading her book. I fixed her a dark roast coffee with cream and sugar and handed it to her. I glanced at the pastries and asked, “Did you wish something else, my lady?”
The woman raised an eyebrow at me but nodded, "Yeah..." She admitted. She tilted her head slightly in thought. Was I ever going to get a reaction from her other then sheer disinterest? I had to wonder how many people asked her out for coffee, and how many of those invites she accepted. "I'll have one of those..." She replied smiling a little sheepishly at me. She pointed to a glass domed display case filled with muffins and picked out a chocolate one.
I opened the lid, picked up her muffin with a napkin and asked, “Do you want it heated?” She shook her head, so I just set it before her. I shifted my eyes down to the book that was consuming all of attention and frowned. Was the book more interesting than I was? “Is there something the matter, my lady?”
“Nothing’s the matter,” She answered as she turned the page. I frowned and picked up the book. Her eyes followed me and her lower lip twitched. “Is something wrong with you?” I could hear the venom in her voice and I set the book on the counter. I kept my hand on it so she could not return to reading it.
“I invited you to coffee and a conversation,” I remarked curtly, “If you wanted to read, you could have declined my offer and stayed where you were. I find it rather rude that you would sit here and ignore me after accepting my offer.”
Her eyes shifted from the book to my face and when she saw my disappointment, she lowered her eyes again and shook her head slowly. She removed her glasses, rubbed the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger and sighed. “I wasn’t trying to be rude,” she began, “I don’t know you from Adam, and your invitation was out of the blue. I suppose, I really should not have accepted since I need to finish this book for class. However, I suppose since I did accept, I should not be ignoring you this way. I apologize for my rudeness.”
Something about her response struck me as strange, but I could not put my finger on it. Perhaps, it was the feeling of insincerity it gave me. Maybe, I really was wrong about her. I smiled politely as I lifted my hand and turned away from her. What had I been thinking? She was just like all the others, insincere.
“You can leave if you want.” I said and gestured toward the door. “Obviously, your book is more important than I am.” I felt like a child for being so upset over someone I did not know, but something about her irritated me. I knew she really had not been trying to be rude, but her disinterest had really hurt.
“Look,” she said, “Constant, was it? Let’s try this again.” I turn to look at her and she had her hand extended toward me. “My name’s Zoë.” I watched her for a moment. I had never seen such attractive deep green eyes before. I loved the way that they shimmered and how they seemed to hold a spark interest in them. I checked myself, and decided to stop staring.
“Constant, no last name, just Constant,” I replied after I kissed the back of her hand. “A pleasure to meet you, my lady, I am sure.”
“Why do you keep calling me, ‘my lady’?” She asked as she took her first sip of coffee. She paused, eyed the coffee, and then smiled. “Wow, that’s good.”
“Isn’t it? I get it imported.” I replied. I took a moment to enjoy her smile before it faded. Her full sensual lips were a soft pink and the edges curled upward bringing out the freckles in her cheeks. I imagined how they would feel against mine and almost leaned in to kiss her, but her questioning gaze stopped me. “My lady is a term of endearment. Some would say ‘honey’ or ‘dear’ but I prefer ‘my lady’ and ‘sir’. Something a bit more …” I failed to find the right word and waved it off with my hand.
“Don’t you think that’s a little politically incorrect?” She inquired as she took another sip of coffee. “Not that I mind, but I am sure others would.”
“You know, I have never had an issue with it.” I answered. I had always used the terms and nobody had ever commented on it. In fact, most people never seemed to notice.
“Oh, I would think that you would, what with all the feminists that seem to live here.” She remarked. “I mean, I have some in my class and they complain when the teacher corrects them. They say their being profiled for being females.”
“Your class…?” I had heard her mention her class once before but now I was curious. “You go to school around here?”
“Huh? Oh, yes,” She tore a piece off her muffin and ate it before she continued. “I go MCU. It’s just down the street from here.”
“MCU – Morris City University…” I repeated with some interest. “Isn’t that the University with the extreme curfew? I heard about it on the news.”
“Yes, 6pm sharp, but it’s not that bad.” Her eyes flicked to her coffee, “There’s not much to this city after dark, anyways.”
This city after dark could be very hazardous to one’s health. The city itself is dangerous, but once night falls, it is murder, quite literately. The thought of her walking around the city after dark stopped my heart cold. Someone as beautiful and real as her would not last two minutes in the darkness of this city. The sickness, the corrupt greedy slime of the city only worsened at night. Venomous nightclubs oozing with drunken, drugged, murderous creatures that would sell their own mothers for their next hit or the next big thing, or the crumbing underground newly exposed by the music industry that sought to bring the decrepit ideals of business to the youth of the next generation. While I do not hate music, in fact, I create it myself; I do despise the handling of talent for one’s own monetary purpose without a thought to the musician’s creative abilities or personal safety.
I glanced at the clock, 5:36pm, and frowned. I had taken my cigarette break at three, had it really been two hours already? My eyes flicked to hers and she caught my expression.
“Seems, I should be heading back now,” she said as she grabbed her book and stood. “Thank you for the coffee and what there was of a conversation. Sorry, I was so rude to you.”
“Let me walk you home, my lady.” I blurted before my mind could catch up with my tongue. “I mean…”
She glanced at the café door, and at the rain pouring outside. She turned her eyes to me, her face softening slightly, and she smiled. Again, I relished her smile that faded all too soon. I watched her study me as she flickered her eyes from me to the doors and then back again. When I thought she would not accept and was ready to see her to the door, she replied, “I don’t like walking through this city after dark and while I don’t really know you, you can’t be worse then what’s out there.”
I looked out into the café saw the crowd of people still and then checked the library that was full as well. I frowned, shifted my feet uncomfortably and then sighed. I could not leave the place with so many people and I did not close for another three hours. I searched my brain for a way out and came upon one that I did not really want to do, but there was not a another way. I grabbed the phone and dialed.
“Hello, Bella?” I asked when someone answered the line.
“Constant, is that you, dear boy?” She asked sleepily.
“Yes, Bella, it’s me. Did I wake you?”
“No, I was just listening to the radio. What’s the matter, dear?”
“I need you to cover the café for me.” I winced as soon as I said it.
“What? What’s the matter, dear?” She sounded worried now and I cursed myself again.
“Nothing, Bella, I just need you to cover the café for me.”
“Alright, dear, I’ll be there in five.” She replied not believing me at all.
I hung up the phone, smiled at Zoë and then informed her of things. She did not seem concerned one way or the other about the extra five minutes despite it being so close to her curfew. I wondered idly if she was this cold to everyone.
A few minutes later, I heard, my name called excitedly from the door of the café and turned to find ashort, lissome woman of bronze complexion and a full head of iridescent white hair, calf-length, and worn laced back. Lustrous honey hued eyes return their gaze from beneath arched eyebrows. She wore a silver tree brooch over her bone white gown that bounce softly on her chest as she walked.
“Belladonna,” I greeted her with the same enthusiasm. “My dear Belladonna…”
“You,” She screeched as she swatted me hard on the arm. “You never call unless you need something and you never tell me the truth when you see me.”
“Forgive me.” I pleaded. “It certainly was a grievous error to have treated you so unfairly.”
“Damn straight!” She bellowed before turning on the small woman. “My, my, what have you here, eh?”
“Bella, this is Zoë,” I introduced them with some hesitation. “Now, I will only be gone a short while and I need you…”
“Uh huh, I know, watch the café. You never call me for anything else.” She grunted as she turned from Zoë and started clean the counter. “Go on, now, before I change my mind.”
I thanked her with a nod of my head, grabbed my trench coat and lead Zoë out into the rain. The college was a good fifteen minutes away by foot, and a very unentertaining walk it was. I had hoped we could talk along the way, and maybe invited in, but she stopped me at the door, thanked me sincerely and then closed the door in my face. I frowned, but did not push it. It actually made me happy that she was not the type of girl to invite strange men into her room, but it still made me a bit sad. Leaving her dorm was more of an adventure then I had anticipated, however.
I walked away from her dorm with my heart beating heavily in my ears and my palms were sweating. I licked my lips and tried to shut my eyes to the thundering sound of blood rushing through my veins, I tried to keep my arousal at bay. She had been so beautiful and enticing. I frowned when I realized she had grown on me.
Stupidly, I decided to take a shortcut back to my café, through an alley between two rows of buildings. I glanced about me at the long row of buildings towering overhead and at their large shadows. I could feel the darkness creeping in upon me; each shadowed corner seemed to taunt me. I tightened my trench coat as I passed a drunk sleeping amongst the collected garbage cans and quickened my steps when I heard a scream echo off the walls. Where it had come from, I could not tell but knew better then to attempt to find out. Everywhere I looked, I saw dark figures lurking in the shadows and could sense many more surrounding me. This was not a good time to be out, especially with my current condition. I quickened my steps more, almost dragging myself along, and made myself stumble several times. Soon I reached the parking lot of the café and stopped beneath a street lamp to catch my breath. Something caught my eye and I pulled my trench coat tighter around me still, hoping it would hide my condition that had yet to fade completely.
“I am happy that I caught you alone.” A voice said from the shadows. “How very unfortunate this will be for you.”
“Lo’nar,” I growled, immediately I recognized the voice.
There was movement in the shadows around me, and I soon found myself surrounded. Dark figures stood about me, their identities concealed in shadow. I caught the slight glimmer of steel from within the darkness.
“You upset the Master when you left us, Constant. He’s worried for your safety.” The voice came closer but he remained in the shadows. “Come home to us, and we won’t allow any harm to come to you.”
“I told you, Lo’nar… I am not going to return.” I growled as my hand slipped into my pocket. My fingers searched for something viable to use as I watched the shadows. I found my pocketknife and hid my smile. I eyed the surrounding men, and watched for any sign of advancing. They remained motionless. I searched the darkness for the voice’s owner but could see no one. Normally, I could have easily seen everything that was hiding in the dark, but I was weak from not eating and my eyes were failing me. I needed to feed but there was not time now.
“You’re only making things worse. Come home and you won’t be harmed… much.” Lo’nar hissed from just outside the ring.
I could not tell exactly where they were but I could feel them. That was enough. I withdrew my knife and that was all they needed to attack, and they came on strong. Every angle was covered and I had no means of escaping; not that I wanted to. I swung my knife upward, slicing one of them across the gut, bringing him down hard. The second man dropped me with a kick to my side but I was able to take him out with a quick stroke across the throat. My luck ran dry there and the remaining men took me down hard.
Two men held me as Lo’nar stood before me. In the streetlight, I could see him and his hate-filled eyes. He was towering, broad-shouldered man of alabaster complexion with a head of flowing waist-length black hair. Bright deep green eyes shimmered with hatred and insanity as he glared down at me. His sensual, full mouth curled up into a sneer. He brushed his hair away from his fine cheeks. He was wearing a loose fitted shirt that hung over black jeans. Black leather boots peered out from below his hooded cloak that hung heavily about his shoulders. He looked handsome and refined. I cursed myself for noticing. He held a large knife to my cheek as he leaned into me. His body pressed against me intimately and his face hovered near my neck. I knew he could feel me at half-mast and I frowned. He would think it was because of him, and I hated him for it.
“You’re not being very cooperative.” He slipped the knife down my neck, drawing a thin line of blood. He ran his tongue down the line, tasting me, and moaned. He grabbed my face, kissed me, and smeared blood over my lips. “You shouldn’t make me force you… You could get hurt.”
I spit blood at him, catching him in the face. Lo’nar wiped his face and glared at the blood. He smacked me hard across my face and I winced. He growled, ripped my shirt open, and ran the knife violently across my chest, cutting deeply. Pain caused my brain to scream as my blood seeped out, staining my work shirt. The cut stung against the cool night air. Lo’nar licked the wound, his tongue harshly widening the slit, and lapped hungrily at the blood. I could feel his tongue trace the line and each time he did, I felt a new stab of pain surge through me. Lo'nar grinned devilishly as he widened my shirt and revealed his handiwork. He ran his fingers down the edge of the wound and sent my nerves into overload. My body shook with tremendous pain and my heart thundered in my chest. I gasped taking in a ragged breaths of air. Lo'nar kissed my side, and gently ran his fingers across my stomach. Goosebumps arose, betraying me.
"Give in... you won't win..." He cooed.
"Stop this! Stop! Leave me alone!" I yelled in vain, as I struggled against him.
Lo'nar merely grinned, "Why? You’re enjoying it... can't you see that?" I snapped my head away from him, ashamed. Tears streamed down my face as my body betrayed me. Lo'nar ran his hands over my body, tantalizing me, tormenting me. He used his teeth to unbutton my pants, and slowly unzipped it. He made sure that the others around us could take it all in. He slipped a hand inside my pants, and smiled up at me. He moved his hand over me, making things harder for me. He kissed me above the waistline, moving downward slowly.
Sirens blared in the distance, threatening to overwhelm us. Lo'nar signaled the retreat as his men eyed him nervously. He bit my waist leaving his mark before letting me go. He glared evilly at me and kicked me hard in the stomach making me double over in pain. He flipped his hood up and disappeared into the darkness, laughing hysterically. He could have stayed or dragged me away with him, but that was not his game. He wanted to leave me scarred; he wanted me to know what he could do to me. He had given in to the sirens because his cronies were probably wanted and the police presence could ruin his plans. This was a game of cat and mouse, and he had only just begun to play with me.
I eyed my wound with hatred as my brain tried to register what had just happened while my heart beat in my ears. My mind slowly slipped toward insanity. Covered in blood, holding onto my stomach, I could not understand and my system was slipping into shock. I could not move. I could not speak. I was broken.
Gradually, I came around and began to wrap my wound with the tatters of my shirt. Tears dropped onto my hands as I diligently worked. What was happening? It did not make any sense. Who were those men with Lo’nar? Why did he hurt me and what did he mean by wanting me to return home? I bit my lower lip frustrated, drew little droplets of blood, which landed on my lap. I had never known him to be so violent toward me. Something was wrong, seriously wrong.
My tongue lapped at the blood, and my eyes scanned the darkness. Disgusted, I spat out the blood, despite its alluring taste, and tried to sit up. The pain surged overwhelming me and I laid still. I closed my eyes. I growled displeased and greatly disappointed, more at myself then anything. Had I been stronger, I would have sensed them long before they showed themselves; I could have done something… something… The word echoed in my head… what could I have done? Even if I had been stronger, I would never have been able to defeat Lo’nar and his gang of lowlifes. I knew that, but it really did not make me feel any better. Shakily, I finished wrapping the wound. I gently touched a hand to my stomach. I shook with pain and my mind struggled to stay conscience.
I sighed and stood, awkwardly. I was careful not in aggravate my injury anymore then I had to. I moaned with every step and swayed precariously. My weight shifted awkwardly adding to the difficulty of walking. I felt like a solid sack of bricks. My eyes clouded up and tears streamed down my face. I wished that I could walk faster. I did not like being in such pain and felt stupid for it.
The café loomed closer, the shadows created by the porch lamp seemed to shimmer and dance about me. They taunted me with vague images of ghostly forms that seemed to appear and disappear. I concentrated on the path, wanting no part of the ghostly figments. The path swerved and swayed as my vision began to blur. I was tired and my muscles were sore. I blinked trying to maintain some semblance of myself as I trudged onward.
Dark trails of blood stained my shirt and pants, my hair was tattered and unkempt, and my eyes stained with tears. I looked pitiful, not at all like the man I normally was. I pondered stopping, but I knew that I would not be able to resume walking if I did. Walking was hard but not as hard as it would be if I allowed my legs to rest. My legs felt like rubber, wanting to buckle beneath my every step and my body wanted to sag, drawing me down more. It took all of my concentrated effort to move. I wanted nothing more than to stop and rest, but I knew that would only make things worse for me. I drew in a deep breath, stepped forward, and proceeded to move.
I looked up and saw that I was standing before the café. I was mere feet from it but those feet felt like miles. I was growing weaker with every step and was not sure that I would make it. I dug within myself to find any reserve strength and pushed forward. My vision faltered and grew fuzzy. I felt my body sway dangerously but I could do nothing to prevent it. I felt myself collapse. My energy spent, I closed my eyes and allowed the darkness to consume me.