Hidden Hopes-Closed

[Homerun2611]

"I think I shall do that then, since you're so sure its a good idea" He smiled and laugh out loud! "Well, I didn't think you would be that receptive or perhaps that I would be that persuasive? However, since I was, or you are, you may find some more provocative selections being added bit by bit!" He took a step away and eyed her up and down, "I have always had a weakness for corsets, garters and stockings, and I can't imagine a better model for my favorites!" He winked at her, but the connotation was clear, that he was looking at her not as a victim, but a woman, a desirable woman!

She had extended her arm trusting him, and the tour had gone well. He could tell she enjoyed his ecclectic tastes, a fusion between classic antiques and modern design and conveniences. The design reflected the owner, and Max had selected and usually bought every piece himself. The gambling room had a roulette table from Monaco, the craps table had been part of the original Flamingo Hotel of Bugsy Siegal, the baccarat table had been the possession of Peter The Great, his prized possession in his Russian Palace. In each instance Max enjoyed the story behind the pieces far more than the piece themselves.

The furniture in the suites reflected three centuries of craftsmanship and artistry, coupled with state of the are electronics. In retrospect, Max should have stopped there, he had wrongly assumed, that with him, she would understand the purpose of the playroom, perhaps even appeal to her as a joyous twinge of memory from lifetimes past, but it was too soon!

She had rushed from the room, the "NO!" had crushed him and angered himself at upsetting Casey! Yet, as she reached the elevator, he was there to hold her in his arms, comforting her. He had tried explaining, "I understand the concept ... I'm sorry, I just was placed back in that room with him suddenly, over and over again how he tried to get me to surrender to make it stop. The venom in his words, everything that I ever thought good replaced with hate and spite. I want him to pay for what he did to me, death is too good for him, I want him to be made to feel like he made me feel. I want him to experience the pain and suffering, live with the scars and memories of his torture. Does that make me a bad person?"

Max needed to be careful, but softly he shook his head NO, "You are not a bad person, not at all, you are a person, and you want justice." He smiled, "Some may call it vigilante justice, but I don't, I believe certain things are best handled one on one, the courts don't adequately compensate the victim." This was where he trusted her enough to show his cards. "Casey, I am a fair person, but, I am more than willing to do, to take care of, what needs to be done. "Casey, I want to do exactly what you want, my only question is, would you like to administer some of the punishment yourself, or will you trust me to make sure he regrets everything he ever did to you, and make certain, he never hurts anyone again?"

Perhaps it was the intensity and intimacy of that moment, but the first kiss was soft and sweet, yet sensual and so, sooo good! He heard her shy reply, but he also saw the blush in her cheek, and the subtle heave of her bosom, "I think it can wait another second, don't you?" And this time one hand slid to firmly grip Casey's waist, the other gripping her back, as he pressed himself into her, his lips parting, his tongue teasing her bottom lip, this kiss was long, and for the first time, she would feel his hardness pressed against her abdomen, his want, and their passion.

When he released her, he smiled, "I have so wanted to do that, forgive me for taking such liberties, but, perhaps, whether it be on the dance floor tonight, or back in your suite, you might allow such liberties again? Dinner was well presented, "Elegance isn't so much the food as the presentation, and you my lady deserve elegance." The food was truly delicious, "If you enjoyed you must tell Lucia, he specializes in both French and Creole cuisine, he insisted on the preparation. I think you might enjoy watching our chefs at work, I would like you to learn all aspects of my operation."

After dinner he got up, he had considered kissing her again, but that would wait until later, he hoped, "Take your time, join me when you are ready, the place won't really get going until 9, so you have a couple of hours. If you don't find me on the floor, have Tiffany show you to my office, but I will be looking for you..." And then he was gone, and within hours, the place was alive with people having a good time...

 

[Perplexia]

"You are not a bad person, not at all, you are a person, and you want justice." He smiled, "Some may call it vigilante justice, but I don't, I believe certain things are best handled one on one, the courts don't adequately compensate the victim." She nodded to that statement, the law would never make him truly pay for all he'd done to her. "Casey, I am a fair person, but, I am more than willing to do, to take care of, what needs to be done. Casey, I want to do exactly what you want, my only question is, would you like to administer some of the punishment yourself, or will you trust me to make sure he regrets everything he ever did to you, and make certain, he never hurts anyone again?"

"I'm not sure I could stand to be within ten feet of him without losing my composure. I wish I could say to him, 'all you have to do is surrender and it will stop. All you have to do is turn yourself in and confess to the horrible atrocities you committed to make this end by turning himself in'. I want him to break and sob. Tell him if he tried to plea bargain or weasel his way out he'd be found and forced to endure everything he did to me twice. That there would be no amount of protection that he could acquire which would stop this from happening. I want him made to believe prison is the only place he'd be safe. I want him to know he'll be watched. If he even ponders the idea of trying to find me he won't see the next day. I want him to believe that." The only witness I need to bare is the news announcing that he turned himself in and confessed to and plead guilty to kidnapping, torture, attempted murder, stalking, harassment, and coercion on all accounts." Casey took a deep breath and let the feeling of Max's body next to her calm her and bring her back. "You know that I can't ask you to take on such a task, I wouldn't want you to put yourself at risk. But I also know that you will do what you think is best."

The first kiss had been nothing she'd every experienced. But when he said "I think it can wait another second, don't you?" in reference to her question about dinner. He kissed her again. This kiss was different, it was soul twisting, toe curling, heart flutter, head spinning, and passionate. Wrapped up in his arms, her breasts tightly against his chest, her pelvis pressing her into his hardened manhood that told her he desired her entire being to be entwined with his. Her mind was simply lost in the moment, but would surly twist and turn with questions and disbelief later. When he released her she struggled to maintain her balance. Of course she'd read about feelings such as this when two people desire each other. With little experience in such matters, and of course her only disheartening experience, she thought them simply embellishments. It was something you would see in the movies, dream could be real, and eventually simply settle for it never coming to fruition.

"I have so wanted to do that, forgive me for taking such liberties, but, perhaps, whether it be on the dance floor tonight, or back in your suite, you might allow such liberties again?" It took her a moment to find the words and gather her thoughts after such a kiss and statement. "you have? Why?, I mean I appreciate all you have done for me. I appreciate your kindness and friendship that you've so graciously bestowed on me. But considering the many options you have available to you.. I mean, oh hell." she sighed "I don't know why I feel so ..myself when I'm with you. It's all mind baffling and confusing, yet I don't want it to stop. I believe that if anyone on earth could help me find the strength to 'rebuild', to be able to trust it would be you. So yes I would very much like to kiss you again, but I don't know if or when I'll ever be able to give more than that. I understand that you have your needs, as long as I don't have to witness them I'm okay with that, until or if we decide to take this any further."

"If you enjoyed you must tell Lucia, he specializes in both French and Creole cuisine, he insisted on the preparation. I think you might enjoy watching our chefs at work, I would like you to learn all aspects of my operation."

"I will be happy to let him know, and am humbled by your desire to have me learn about the aspects of your operation. Though i'm not much of a cook, i'll be happy to watch and perhaps learn a few things. Its always good to expand ones skills and knowledge base."

"Take your time, join me when you are ready, the place won't really get going until 9, so you have a couple of hours. If you don't find me on the floor, have Tiffany show you to my office, but I will be looking for you..."

She nodded and smiled watching him leave. The sudden loss of his presence was so gut wrenching she almost doubled over. Every peace of ease she felt in his presence suddenly left her. "wtf" she said out loud to the empty room. She had to finish his article, so she put herself back in writing mode and sat at the beautiful desk with her laptop. She added a couple more paragraphs and edited it before sending it off. Casey was actually impressed by what she had created. It was probably the best work she'd ever done.

Casey went through the closet and found a smashing green gown that would hug every curve and give just enough chevage to make the men beg for more. "I'm safe with Max" she told herself as she contemplated adding one of her wigs. Taking a deep breath she decided she would start trying to be just her again. Spending a good amount of her hair she settled on placing it up for the elegance with a couple wisps hanging down on each side of her face. Her make up was just enough to accentuate her eyes and lips without going overboard. The shoes that matched it were heels. When she put them on they were quite comfortable surprisingly. She walked around in them wobbling a bit until she was sure she wouldn't make an ass out of herself. She barely recognized herself in the mirror. Then she saw the scars with a little concealer she covered them the best she could. She no longer wanted to be that girl, that victim. She wanted to be a woman worthy of Max.

When she emerged from the passage down stairs into the club all eyes seemed to be upon her. Just as she was about to run back to her room Tiffany came up to her. "Wow" she exclaimed in her normal cheerful tone. "just wow, Max is gonna drop his jaw when he sees you, you look fabulous." "Thank you" Casey responded blushing a little. "Come, I'll take you to him he's in his office." Tiffany escorted him to his office knocked on the door lightly and then opened it. Casey walked in "Hi, i believe someone promised me a dance."

 

[Homerun2611]

"I'm not sure I could stand to be within ten feet of him without losing my composure. I wish I could say to him, 'all you have to do is surrender and it will stop. All you have to do is turn yourself in and confess to the horrible atrocities you committed to make this end by turning himself in'. I want him to break and sob. Tell him if he tried to plea bargain or weasel his way out he'd be found and forced to endure everything he did to me twice. That there would be no amount of protection that he could acquire which would stop this from happening. I want him made to believe prison is the only place he'd be safe. I want him to know he'll be watched. If he even ponders the idea of trying to find me he won't see the next day. I want him to believe that." The only witness I need to bare is the news announcing that he turned himself in and confessed to and plead guilty to kidnapping, torture, attempted murder, stalking, harassment, and coercion on all accounts... You know that I can't ask you to take on such a task, I wouldn't want you to put yourself at risk. But I also know that you will do what you think is best."

It killed Max to hear the pain in her voice, if he could have would have killed him right there. "You didn't ask, but yes, I will do what is best. I just wanted to make sure what you might want? I will warn you, he may not confess or even realize how evil he is. Some men and people don't, they are just psychopathically cruel!" Stopping to let her understand, "What I can promise is he will never be more scared, and he will not hurt you again, and I if I thing there is even a chance he might, I will remove him entirely!" Max didn't want to say more, but he knew he had just admitted he would kill her ex if needed, and he would too, without a moment's hesitation or regret!

As for the kissing and her statement that she wanted him, felt safe with him, but not be able to satisfy his needs, he simply scoffed! "How about I worry about my own needs, but I hear you and thank you. Right now, I would prefer teh focus be on your needs you feeling free and safe to pursue what you want. Casey, I do want you, I will not lie, but I want you at your own speed, you can slow me down, anytime something doesn't feel right, or you can also initiate, and know that I will want you to do so. Trust your heart, trust your body, and trust me!

His statements about her learning the kitchen, even the tour earlier, and the candor of his statements was all to show the real him. If again she was going to find her way back into his arms, into his bed, he wanted no secrets. If she did come back, this time he was going to ask if he could turn her, his bite would wash the scars away, and give her the strength to never be afraid again, but it would also be irrevocable, and that had to be her own decision. To be ready for eternity, never again fully flesh and blood!

He was in his office when she finally walked in, and made no effort to hide his pleasure at her appearance! Smiling he stood up from his desk, as always dressed dashingly, tonight in a dark gray pinstripe with a blue shirt and dark tie, hair slicked back. "I've always liked your hair up...." He caught himself, "... or I guess how I imagined it would look up? Very elegant and classy, just like the lady!" He had a remote in his hand, pushing a button as she asked about a dance. One click had the door softly, but securely shutting and locking behind them, a second dimmed the lights, and a third, had the music softly piped in from downstairs.

"Let's do the first one here, in private ..." He said holding out his hand, and pulling her into a very tight hold. "We can get our rhythm in here, and then take our show on the road!" It did not take long as he skillfully twirled her around his large office, before he once again pulled her into his arms to kiss her!

 

[Perplexia]

Cassey took his and he pulled her tight. "We can get our rhythm in here, and then take our show on the road!" It felt so natural in his arms, the twirling around gave her an almost Deja vu experience, a quick flash of chandeliers, crowds of couples, and Max smiling down at her. Their lips met once again and her body molded against his as if it knew that's where it belonged. His statement of always liking her hair up then he smoothly corrected himself slipped through the euphoria of the moment. If she were to wake tomorrow, and find everything had just been a dream. It would be a dream to sustain her for a lifetime.

Her lips caressed his with the same passion as they had earlier. Their tongues danced as their bodies moved in a harmonic motion as if they had a danced together for a million lifetimes. She wasn't going to let their earlier conversation enter her mind about what he would do to her ex. Right now all that mattered is the right here and now. When their kiss broke Casey blushed, "you keep kissing me like that Mr. Reynolds I may have to stay a lifetime.". She wasn't quite sure where that bold statement came from, but it felt right. Max felt right to her, even if he was twice her age. There was something that told her deep in her soul she was safe with him. He was who she'd saved herself for, her love of the romantic hero's in the classics, no man could come close till now, in her soul she knew he was the one, just needed her mind to catch up.

Her eyes were lost in his and her fingers lightly brushed a piece of hair that had fallen loose from his face. "Tonight, I would very much like to be our beginning. I'll start work tomorrow on the guardian angel project as I've named it." she let out a light laugh. "But, if at all possible I don't want to leave your arms, or your side." a look of complexity crossed her face. "did that come across to needy? I mean I know you have work to do. This is all so new to me. I don't know what it is about you, but when I'm close to you ...it's almost like I forget. It's a mixture of comfort and safety.. its like the warmth of a fireplace... cozy, warm and home. I've had a million walls up for so long, a million plans in place, and somehow you've pushed them away. It's frightening and yet revitalizing."

Casey felt as if she was babbling and just laid her head on his shoulder. Her fingers lightly trailing over his back as if they knew each muscle by heart. Nuzzling his neck she kissed it softly, then kissed him with a desire she'd never given another. He had told her earlier he would like her to initiate, to trust her body, to trust her heart, and to trust him. They weren't words that escaped her, but having never trusted anyone before she didn't know if she would be able to be free like that. Yet in his arms like this, it seemed to be natural. She knew he would stop at anytime and not be angry because of it. With him, she would never be berated or made to feel guilty. Of course with him, she'd never felt the passion through her entire body, or yearning that brought her body so achingly alive.

Yet she needed to pace herself. It had only been a couple of days, rushing head in was never a good idea. But why did it seem so much longer? Why did he have such an effect on her? It wasn't as if she was actively looking for someone to fill a void. A void she didn't even know was there until she met Max.

 

[Homerun2611]

He had wanted to dance here first, in his office, before going to the crowd, yet as they danced, he found he didn’t want to leave. Of course he had to check on the bar, check the various playrooms, and make sure all was ready to go, he hoped they would go back to either her suite or his. Well not where he slept, that was down in the cold catacombs in the very depths of lower basement. But above that he had a magnificent suite, a huge bedroom with a four poster bed, and a large and luxurious sitting area. He also had his own wine cellar, with a vintage that only he could during. “O negative” Kept and maintained solely for Max’s consumption.

"you keep kissing me like that Mr. Reynolds I may have to stay a lifetime." Max had broken the kiss just moments before, “Ah, now you know my secret, for a lifetime is what I believe I want!” When she told him tonight she did not want to learn, but only be at his side, in his arms, he simply smiled and this time gave her a softer kiss. “No not needy, charming, and never, ever apologize for wanting to be in my arms, when it is becoming so obviously clear to both of us, that is exactly where you belong!”

Yet it was what happened next, the way she kissed his neck and caressed his body, a moan of need and desire, that matched his own, he changed his mind. “How about for tonight you are in my arms, but not on the floor, I will take you back to your quarters, and I want you to wear however you would be most comfortable, but I will be back in no more than an hour, and hopefully less. I want to show you my quarters, you may bring one of your movies, but I want to spend some time alone, and enjoying each other, me enjoying you, you enjoying me?”

He turned the lights off in his office, and whisked her away, down the stairs and to the elevator, leaving her at her room. He kissed her, “I won’t move faster than you want, but, know that I want, and have never been more certain!” He hoped she would listen to her heart, her body, but if not, if tonight was simply holding her, watching a movie, that would be fine. He knew the hard throbbing cock in his pants begged to differ, but he could keep that woof at bay, if need be, he had done so for years, what was one more night?

Exactly 45 minutes later, hands having been shaken, guests attended to, business managed, he was once again at her door. What had she thought about since they had last talked, what did she want to have happen? Did she even know herself?

 

[Perplexia]

Casey couldn't have been happier that he suggested it just be the two of them tonight. She had put on her bravery for him, by dolling herself up, and not putting her normal disguise on. Even though in actuality they had spent most the day together, she wasn't ready to share this new thing they were starting with the world yet. He made it clear that he wouldn't push her, but let her know he wanted her entirely. It was scary to know something so crucial so quickly. In her books it took courting, long walks, lengthy conversations and flirting. Were they wrong? Could you simply just know? Or was it the adrenaline rush you received from the excitement and hope of finally finding the one with the combination of the hormones that hurried the process along.

Yet she had never been one of those girls that was in misery without a man in her life. She much preferred the notion of feeling free to share anything with someone. With Joe, he never seemed interested in her hopes and dreams. He may have asked a questioned or two at the beginning to feign interest. But somehow it always went back to him. It was if because nothing of interest had really happened in her life, she couldn't really have anything of importance to add. With Max, when she talked, he listened to what she said. He would look into her eyes and nod, his face would scowl if it was distressing, or brow furrow if he was concerned.

When he left her in her room, the sweet passionate kiss, had her missing his lips when he left. Tonight would not be the night they would take things where she knew, she too, wanted them to go. Even though the size of the dark cloud that hung over her head had dissipated a bit, especially when she was in Max's presence, It still lingered. The torture, the beatings, the fear, the uncertainty of would this be the day he finally killed or raped her, they had dominated her life for years. It wasn't that she didn't believe Max would keep her safe, it was knowing Joe was still out there, and knowing he was a relentless predator. Even though Max assure her that he would be safe, she would be broken if anything happened to him because of her. Being involved in others peoples lives put them in the crosshairs.

Casey paced before going to her drawers and changing into a long T-shirt, she wondered if it had been one of Max's. Then she put on some boy shorts. Washing off the makeup she looked at herself in the mirror. She barely recognized the difference that only a couple of days had made. Instead of a frown, she carried a light smile. Taking her hair down, she brushed it out and then put it up in a ponytail. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath. She was starting to feel calm again, he was close. Going out to the tv she thumbed through some classics and settled on the Count of Monte Cristo, and then picked a random Romcom to lighten the mood.

"Everything okay upstairs Maxi" she asked as she opened the door and he came in. Her brow furrowed for a moment as a flash of confusion took over. Why did she call him that? Up this point she hadn't called him anything other then Mr. Reynolds. Well other than in her own thoughts, she was sure of it. As sure as she was that what she called him seemed natural for them. Shaking her head Casey smiled, "I have a couple Movies, and my lounge ware, I'm ready." Taking his arm she comfortably allowed him to take her to his room. It was much bigger than hers, and was practically a suite with all the amenities. "This is, wow." she managed to get out smiling and looking around with great appreciation.

 

[Homerun2611]

If Max were honest, he had hoped she might stay dressed up for him, she had looked beautiful and there were some beautiful lingerie to choose from. He remembered the nights they had spent, with her wrapped in various silks, but perhaps that time would come later.

Tonight was about getting her comfortable, so Max did smile when she had relaxed and gotten comfortable. Max couldn’t remember the last night off he had taken, this place had become his life and he had thrown everything he had into making it a success. Before leaving the floor he had even given his phone to Tiffany, with strict orders only to interrupt him if it was an emergency.

He couldn’t help but laugh as she addressed him as Maxi, that was a pet name that had only come about on the last two incarnations, but the fact that it had come to her this early meant she had to be feeling that connection that only they could feel.

He took her into his arms, and with his arm around her, “Everything is fine, I even left my phone with Tiffany, only emergencies.” He had his strong arm around her, as they made their way down one more level to his place.
His place was a reflection of not only him, but both of them!

There was an oil lantern, enclosed in glass that was hand blown in Florence, while in the court of the Medici family, during the Renaissance. The hand carved, mahogany four poster bed had been purchased in Morocco, the scarves that hung from post to post, in Beijing. The chairs and pillows that adorned the room had been carefully selected across several centuries and incarnates, but each held memories, at least for him. In fact only the cinema, and the cinema seating, large enough to seat two very intimately, were new.

”I have really been looking forward to just enjoying some time together, what have you picked out for us?” The movie was fun, when “Harry Met Sally?” Where Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are the most dysfunctional and funny couple and of course there is the “orgasm” scene!

Going back into his dressing room, Max put on a pair of tie string, silk pajama bottoms and a matching brushed cotton t-shirt. “Do you mind if I join you?” He asked as he slid into the double recliner with the built in surround sound speakers. He moved to cradle Cassie in her arms, and as the movie on the huge screen started, the lights in the room went to black!

 

[Perplexia]

Casey released his arm as they entered further into his Suite, "I'd hoped we'd have the opportunity to spend some casual alone time together. I wouldn't have minded dancing with you in the club. But I'm very glad that you decided on this instead."

Smiling she excused him while he went to change. She wandered around examining his décor, and found herself drawn to specific items, specifically the lantern. Though because it was in glass she couldn't touch it. Instead she went toward a couple of pillows. Touching one, images came into her head in almost a rush cause her to jerk her hand back. She reached out and touched the next one, the same thing, a pillow fight, max and her, but how? She pulled her hand away. Going over to the double recliner she took a seat as she tried to process what she just experience. She hadn't heard him ask if she minded that he join her as he slide in next to her.

She didn't even flinch when he cradled her next to him, the lights went down an the movie started. Nothing was making sense to her about him. When she was with him, she was calm and felt safe. When he touched her hand, or kissed her lips it was if her past hadn't existed, and she was where she belonged. But when she was away from him, those normal feelings, the panic, the nervousness, the looking over the shoulder, the constant waiting for him to find her returned.

Now she was seeing them having a pillow fight, shopping in a medieval market for one of them?, and why was she so fascinated about that lantern. Was she finally losing touch with reality? Had she subconsciously harbored her desire for a true romance that she was now having a mental break? She was so lost in thought didn't even realize when the lights came back up.

"Max," she cleared her throat before continuing. "I think I may need to be committed. I'm seeing things that couldn't have possibly have happened. Like memories, in time periods that neither of us are obviously old enough to have lived in. I can't account for the way I feel when I'm with you, I mean who with my past just agrees to stay with someone she knew for a day? , and why do I feel different when I'm in your presences, and when I'm not i revert back to the tiptoeing victim? And the fact that I feel comfortable telling you I think I'm insane, like you could actually have some explanation."

 

[Homerun2611]

"I'd hoped we'd have the opportunity to spend some casual alone time together. I wouldn't have minded dancing with you in the club. But I'm very glad that you decided on this instead." Max smiled and caressed her cheek. This is really just our first night, we will have many more and we will dance often, into the wee, wee hours. However, I have some things I want to take care of before I think you can really enjoy it!

Max had gone off to change, but he moved fast as lightning, and so he had opened the door, long before Cassie realized, and he watched her look around, touching the pillows, recoiling as they triggered memories. He didn’t say a word. It was a unique dynamic, but he needed her to go through it, unaided. Typically physical objects from prior lives would not necessarily trigger memories, however, when coupled with the presence of Max, her soul mate, those same objects that related to experiences they had shared, took on an entirely different meaning.

He had waited back in the shadows watching her, but as Cassie moved to slide into the chair, he was already there, so she slid in beside him, right into his waiting arms. He felt her relax as he held her, and as the movie went on, but her mind was elsewhere, even as he cradled her, and casually ran his fingers up and down her arm and back. She even seemed to nod off, her breathing slow and steady, but yet he was sure she wasn’t she was just having flashbacks.

Chuckling as the movie ended, it was sweet, “You see they were soulmates, do you believe in soulmates Cassie?” He chuckled at her comment, “You are not crazy, you have been through some incredible trauma, and your mind is taking you places where you felt safe and happy, perhaps memories of this life, perhaps of past lives, you do believe in reincarnation, don’t you? Your mind is just going somewhere, that makes you happy? Are they happy places you are imagining?”

He needed to see if she was open to such topics, for if she were, explaining their history would be much easier, although even then, eternal life, had never been fully discussed before, but he had promised himself, now was the time, before he lost her once again!

With the lights back on, albeit dimly lit, he would use his fingers, to turn her head, just enough to bring her lips to his, and let one kiss lead to another, as his hands caressed her, and one of his legs, pressed between hers. It felt so good to have her body pressed against him once more, but that was all, he would press no further.

”I should take you back to your room, we should take our time, and I have much I am planning to do tomorrow?” However, little did he know, at that very moment, her ex was landing at the Philadelphia airport!