Desiree.......... (Closed thread)

[Nightblade]

With the events and sudden...lapse...in his desire to have her at that moment, Roman has pondered that very sequence over and over. He couldn't seem to get his mind around the fact that he had her, and he let her go...he couldn't even rationally justify his hesitation...that's perhaps what disturbed him the most...

Seated in his car, right down the block from Desiree's house, Roman waited. He knew that she would have to leave the house sometime. He'd declared his temporary leave of absence from work, which will be fully paid of course, and bought himself the extra time needed to mindstorm his situation. Besides, this extra time gave him more opportunities to get closer to Desiree, and that is what was fueling him these days. It was all her.

Desiree.

He thought, and he smiled as he wondered about her name specifically...about how it really was just the word Desire with an extra -e- ...so, someone...some person with that name is really all about one thing, now aren't they? ...that's right, Desire...he reveled in the thought that she just didn't know she wanted this...she wanted to be shadowed...she wanted to have eyes on her...she wanted to stride the line between fear and excitement...such savory thoughts plumbed through the passages of his slanted mind...

Even so, Roman saw a light on the front porch flicker to life...ah, she's leaving the house...finally! He crouched a bit low in his car, taking great care not to make himself known...he didn't care if she noticed the car, only whether she saw him or not. She walked on out of the house...dressed in a knee-length skirt, heels of some sort, and a button-up blouse...his sense of coloration is as useless as charred paper...the night stole away this luxury from him...at least, for the time being...but soon, he'd be close enough that only the color of her skin and eyes would matter...

She passed on by, glancing to her right a bit and noticing his car sitting there. With no pause or look of surprise adorning her face, she flipped a hand through her hair as she tied it up in preparation for what lie ahead. A date, presumably. Roman smiled. This is perfect...this meant that her mind would be farthest from him, and that would diminish her awareness of just how real a threat he is...this is as he wanted it. He wanted to thrust the threat of himself into her psyche as a sliding blade from a stiletto...tearing into her safety and comfort zone, and rooting itself at the forefront of her thoughts...

He will most definitely enjoy that abrupt and overwhelming rush of power...sensing her fear, almost smelling it...but moreover, he would be conditioning her...sliding her mind ever toward the decadence of his perceived domination of her. Thinking of these things, Roman could almost feel a peak to his arousal...his breathing intensified...blood and heartbeat raced, his skin got flushed...but, he forced himself to clear his mind...he didn't want to become lost to that sensual spell just yet. Not yet. First he needed to see her leave...

 

[Guest]

Damn it...I'm going to be late! Desiree yelled into the void.

Having been caught in traffic on her way home from a workday from hell, she was behind schedule. Due to her absense, she had a lot of work to catch up on and left work later than normal. She glanced at the clock and nearly cried; she had exactly 1 1/2 hours to get showered, dressed and to the restuarant where she was meeting her date.

Desiree ran around the house like a wild woman, starting a pot of tea, stripping off her clothing, listening to her messages and feeding her cat before hopping in the shower. The hot jets relaxed her a little bit. The truth was, she was nervous about her date.

It had been a while for her, the thought of going out had her stomach in knots. She allowed the water to relax her, trying to breathe deep and collect her thoughts. Her friends swore this man she was meeting would be one she would like, said they had a lot in common. For all she knew he was a 50-year-old bald man with a wife and 7 children, he was a complete stranger to her.

An hour later dressed in a plaid skirt, a white button down, stockings with low heeled shoes and silky white undergarments, Desiree was ready to go. She grabbed her purse, complete with her new cell phone and keys, and headed out the door. Pausing briefly she noted a car that had become very commonplace in the neighborhood as of late. Not really concerned, she walked to her car and climbed in.

She drove the 5 minute jaunt in silence, watching the road carefully as she had not been to this place before. When she spotted the sign, she turned in to the parking lot and left her car...being careful to lock the doors. Inside was her date, Javier, dressed to kill in a pair of black slacks and a maroon shirt, carrying a single rose as he had promised. A kiss on the cheek and a handshake later, they were on their way to a table near the window.

 

[Nightblade]

As Desiree's car pulled away, Roman started his car, a loud, snap-hiss preceded the ignition...with the engine firing and plumbed, he slowly pulled away from his spot against the curb. His car vanishes into the night behind hers as the fading fingers of light at dusk...

It was perhaps one of the shortest cruises he's even taken...just a brief 5 minutes down the road, past the main flock of buildings near downtown. Evidently her date required her to drive only a little bit, when it surely would have been more beautiful to walk the distance. The particular route they were taking had plenty of store-fronts, odd shops, and market stands...plenty to see, plenty to do...

Following closely, and quietly, Roman watched her car relentlessly...his gaze centered on her vehicle, and in his peripheral view he was watching for roadside distractions...eventually, they came to the place...and, oh, he should have figured...

The Violet Rose - this was a new restaraunt in town...a moderately suave and romantic place...exotic gardens and outdoor/patio seating, a trail of indoor plants and small shrubbery shaped and landscaped to accommodate the floor and table layout inside, and the aromatherapy desserts promised everyone a piece of sensual heaven, so to speak...in terms of taste and scent...reasonably priced, fast-growing reputation...this place was quite a high caliber for her...not too high, but too high for this other man to be treating her...

Thinking about this, Roman began to formulate his plan...he would do more than watch her date...all that is left now is to show her...

 

[Guest]

Desiree

For a blind date, Javier turned out to be quite pleasant. Single, attractive and the perfect gentleman, Desiree felt oddly at peace with him. The conversation as they waited for their appetizers was fluid. They immediately clicked, almost like old school chums reuniting.

She kept staring in to his eyes, mesmerized by the shade of blue they were. His shapely jawline, accented by the dark facial hair was also captivating. She fought the urge to reach up and trace the lines of his face, not so much out of desire as it was a strong curiosity to touch him. She kept her hands to herself, fighting this bizzare urge inside her.

The only thing that she could figure was with all the fear the man who had her belongings had instilled in her, maybe Javier made her felt safe and she wanted to make sure it was real. Touch him and know he was really there..this was not some mechanism in her mind to keep her sane.

To her surprise, and delight, Javier reached over and placed his hand over hers. Telling her how lovely she looked and how he was pleased she had accepted the invitation to meet him. Her cheeks nearly crimson, she could only smile and whisper a thank you to the man.

He kept his hand there while making small talk until the appetizer arrived. A tray of fresh fruits, tropical ones as well as the basics, were placed in the center of the table. Before she could even reach for one, Javier grabbed a strawberry and held it close to her lips. Piece by piece, he fed her an array of different fruits. Taking bites for himself in between.

Taking a bite of the pineapple slice, she felt drops of the cool fruit juice fall on her flesh, running between her breasts. Grabbing her napkin she dabbed at her skin, flustered but trying to hide it. The blush on Javier's cheeks showed his own embarressment, or was it arousal...Desiree could not quite tell. But she intended to find out as the night went on.

 

[Nightblade]

The Violet Rose would be no obstacle to Roman having his way with Desiree...ultimately, that is. What she didn't know, what she couldn't possibly know, is that he knew the owner and general manager of the restaurant. Personally and professionally. He helped that man find financing and a special, relationship account with the bank that funded this establishment. Roman also knew the bank's investors, marginally at best, but still well enough to convince them of the financial soundness of this venture. For his role in the inception of the Violet Rose, Roman was invited by the owner at any time, on any occasion, to visit and eat there with no cost to him. Roman knew better, though, and was positioning himself to invest in a portion of the business...eventually claiming part ownership himself. But that was another tale for another day.

His focus remained solid. Desiree. More importantly, she's here with this other man...this $30,000-millionaire type...and that would soon change. Soon, she won't know the difference between being safe and being near him...

Pulling his car into the backside alleyway behind the restaurant, Roman parked and locked, armed his alarm, and headed into the building from the rear entrance. He had visited this site a couple of times during the preliminary discussions with the owner and investors, so he was somewhat familiar with the layout. He knew that he would have to accommodate for the addition of furniture and decor, equipment, personnel, and the table/seating locations. Roman looked forward to this. His pulse began to race, and his breathing deepened a bit, a slight glaze of sweat adorning his palms...it was the exhilirating kind of nervousness...the kind that aroused him. Keeping his mind from this, and back to the task at hand, he moved about some labyrinthine corridors at the rear. Moving to the administrative office area, Roman spied a linen closet to the left of the office. Even so, it was his intent to make his presence known here, so that he could operate with freedom from scrutiny from the employees. He opened the door, finding the owner in his usual place...buried in paperwork and two lines flashing on his telephone.

Roger, I have business here this evening. It won't take long, but it does require me to take you up on your open-door invite to me. I will be using a waiter's uniform this evening, and I want a very specific table to serve. He obviously caught the man by surprise, but he paused and listenend intently, nodding his head in agreement...not having the slightest clue as to what Roman was planning.

Uh-yeah, sure, I don't see any problem with that. Why a specific table? Why do you want to pose as waitstaff? He asked, his inquiry only being met by a blank stare on Roman's face. The moment of passing silence crept eerily over Roger, and he soon waved Roman out as he was getting back to his busy telephone.

Sliding the double-breasted coat over his form, he paused and looked at himself in the mirror...straightening the violet rose corset pinned to where a left, outside pocket would be. The black slack with purple pinstripe down the seam fit rather well. A sleek, equally black belt was draped about his waist, pulled just tight enough to keep the slacks snug. A violet button-up shirt is worn underneath the coat, complete with button-collar and a short black tie. Someday, he'd have to visit again and admire the female attire for waitstaff and hostess'...but his attention was shaped solely for her.

Thinking about this, he walks to the kitchen area, sliding past the double doors and through the grill. Arriving at the table log station, he first searches the database for any reservation made with her name. None were found. This would not deter him. He thought of how he could somehow draw attention to her, and thus mark his attention for exactly where she's seated. A crafty smile paints his face...he turns to the telephone/intercom system mounted on the wall next to this station.

As Desiree and Javier finish up with the appetizers, and still engorged with sensual thoughts of each other, the intercom/PA suddenly blasts to life...a loud voice cascading over the restaurant...a pleasant female voice. She mentions that one of the patrons' car has headlights that were left on, and that for the owner to report to the table log station immediately for assistance. She described Desiree's car perfectly...complying with the overhead announcement, Desiree excuses herself from the table for a moment and heads to the table log station at the front of the restaurant...

This isn't exactly the location Roman was hoping she'd go to, but he'll make that work to his advantage nonetheless. All he needed was to see her rise from the table...fortunately, the layout of the dining hall is linear and open enough to encompass all the tables...that are visible from the kitchen area in a wide view...

Now knowing her table, Roman smiles gleefully, and he grabs a note-pad and pen from the station...ready to take her order...

 

[Guest]

My car lights are on? What?? Andrea's thoughts run wild as she excuses herself from the table in a rather embarrassed state of mind. "Please, excuse me." Racing for the door, keys in hand, she is aware of all eyes being on her. So much for a night of comfort.

The parking lot brings another surprise, not only are her lights off, but not a single set of lights in the parking lot are on. Maybe a reflective light from the lamp post, or light bouncing off another car was the source of the confusion. Andrea was confused, and flustered, but refused to allow this interuption to disrupt her night.

Already excused from the table, instead of heading straight back to it, she enters the restuarant and heads to the ladies room. Walking past a slew of waiters and waitresses, moving past the rows of tables...she spots the sign for the restrooms and heads in that direction.

The hairs on the back of her neck stand up, the sense of someone watching her is overwhelming. Turning her head back, she catches the eyes of Javier. Thinking that must be it she continues her trek, however, the feeling does not subside. For the first time in days she finds herself nervous.

Cool water from the tap on a moistened paper towel serves as a blotter for her skin. Dabbing her cheeks and forehead, the bit of cleavage that is showing and the sides of her neck...she attempts to calm down. First the car, then the sense of being watched.

I'm going crazy...She whispers. Time passes as she stares at herself in the mirror, the reflection hollow and empty to her. The opening of the door snaps her out of her gaze. Throwing the towel out she heads back to her table, greeting Javier with a smile as she slides in to her seat.

"Sorry to take so long....has the waiter been here for our order?"

 

[Nightblade]

Using the momentary distraction to his advantage, Roman acts as if on que, and instantly and smoothly glides out to the dining hall, a notepad in his left hand, pen tucked neatly in the right, back pocket of his slacks...a plethora of pleasant smiles and courteous nods dot his movements as he passes both guests and staff...he moves with utter confidence...and why shouldn't he? After all, this is his moment...his opportunity to be close to her, with her knowing and finally seeing him...his brief mental diversion allows him a glimpse into the fantasy of just how he would let her know he was the one she nearly crossed paths with in the park that night...closing the distance to her table, he spies Desiree returning to her date and seating herself comfortably...what a figure she has, and what an aura of sensual in the way she moves...

"Sorry to take so long....has the waiter been here for our order?"

As she says this, he arrives...dressed in the restaurant's attire, his dark straight hair brushed straight back...wet and slicked, giving the appearance of careful grooming...his tall, slender frame carries his weight well, and his posture sways as the gentle breeze on a summer afternoon...hips, legs, and shoulders moving in deliberate arcs as he crosses the entire establishment to the table...reaching them, he slowly strides to the table, his eyes and focus on her...the male occupant doesn't even register to him...he sees only her...his pale blue eyes meet hers, and a slight smile paints his face as he looks...

Good evening, welcome to the Violet Rose. My name is Roman, I'll be taking care of you tonight. Would you care to start off with a drink?

...his voice is stoic and flat, almost too calm and collected, but he doesn't look at the male or address him in any way...he doesn't even acknowledge Javier's presence in the slightest...waiting for her to answer, he presses the pen to the notepad, his brow furling upward as he looks to her for her response...

Javier seems insulted, and shifts in the seat a bit, staring intently to the waiter...wondering if/when he'll look his way to ask what he would like to drink...his growing impatience becoming ever more apparent...Roman continues to ignore him...looking and even facing only Desiree...

all of the background noise and chatter fall silent before the moment when she speaks...Roman hangs on that first empty moment when she utters her request...

 

[Guest]

Good evening, welcome to the Violet Rose. My name is Roman, I'll be taking care of you tonight. Would you care to start off with a drink?

Desiree did a double take, the voice sounded hauntingly familiar yet she could not place it. She could feel his gaze fixed on her, the hair on the back of her neck once again standing up. An unexpected chill crept up her back, making her tremble slightly. It was unreal.

She stared up at the waiter giving a light smile, and back at her menu. What was it about him that made her uneasy? He looked harmless enough, but those eyes...so blue.

I'll take a glass of ice water for now, and a glass of iced tea with dinner please. she managed to reply rather breathily. Unable to bring her voice to full muster.

She stared at Javier, hoping for a sign that she was not alone in this uneasiness. She saw him shifting and looking at their waiter, Roman, as if expecting at least a glance or something in his direction. However, much to Desiree's discomfort, the stare stayed on her.

Javier, what would you like? Desiree attempted to force the attention to Javier, but to no avail. Growing increasingly uncomfortable, Desiree looked up at the waiter and met his glance with a full returned stare. Their eyes locked and all went silent, at least in Desiree's mind. Not even Javier requesting his drink made it to her ears.

There was just something about this man....

 

[Nightblade]

Then a glass of water, followed by a glass of iced tea you shall have... Roman said, smiling slightly as his gaze never leaves hers. His body language suggests that he's totally dedicated to serving her this eve, though he still hasn't so much as looked in Javier's direction.

It was now obvious to Javier that this waiter had some kind of unannounced problem...maybe with him, personally...or, maybe he knew Desiree somehow? He wasn't sure, but one thing he was sure of...he's a guest in this restaurant too, and as long as he's paying for the service and meals, he would make damn sure that he got this waiter's attention...

As Roman turned to head back to the kitchen area, Javier quickly reached out and grasped the cuff of his right jacket sleeve. Roman stopped instantly, head pointed forward still not looking at Javier...a few silent moments pass...

I would like some water and a Long Island Iced Tea. You do know what that is, don't you? Javier's voice flicking a hint of sarcasm...a bit of a verbal edge that quite honestly alerted Roman to his level of discomfort and insecurity at this situation. Inside, Roman smiles and revels in this episode...

Slowly, he shifts his head to finally rest on Javier...looking into his eyes, stare never faltering, Roman lets out a sharp sigh. Leaning closer to Javier, still staring into his face, he utters...

Insulting me is not what you want to do right now...you're worth only as much of my time as it takes to say this. You are nothing to me, and I'll treat you as such...

Saying that, Roman frees himself from Javier's grasp and continues to the kitchen to get Desiree's order of drinks. About halfway through the dining hall, he manages a quick glance over his shoulder to their table...where he can see Javier still looking at him...Desiree is looking to Javier, a puzzled expression on her face...

 

[Guest]

Desiree sat and watched the interaction between Javier and Roman. Roman looked willful, determined to make a point and very cold. Javier's face held a look of puzzlement and awe. She could not make out what Roman was saying, but the expression on Javier's face left her wondering just what the hell was going on. Her fun night out was starting to be anything but fun.

Desiree stared at Javier as Roman walked away, hoping for an expression change or sign of life on his face. She was met with nothing, not even a glance in her direction.

Reaching across the table she tapped his arm and said his name. Nothing. Again, this time Javier turned and faced her. The look in his eyes read "Don't ask" but she felt compelled to anyway.

"Javier, are you alright?" No response. They sat in silence waiting for their drinks. After a short time Desiree suggested something she had not counted on.

"Javier, I'm uncomfortable here and I can sense you are too. Let's leave. Grab a bite nearby and go sit somewhere else. The park, or even my house. Anywhere but here." Javier simply nodded an agreement and stood up.

Desiree stood and grabbed her purse and coat, reaching for Javier she wrapped her arm through his and headed for the door. Something here was just not right. It was time to leave.

They opted to drive separate Javier followed Desiree to her place and dropped off her car. Seated in his passanger seat, she chose to not bring up the restuarant any more and suggested they grab something light and go for a walk in the park instead.

A picnic area a short way down the path is where they ended up. Eating their meal and sharing conversation, all thoughts of the waiter fleeing their minds.