Chapter 20

Routledge

Chapter XX

M.J. Weitzmann

The evenings guests were beginning to depart. Each of them stopping to say it was good to see me, before thanking Marta for hosting. There was handshaking and kisses along with promises to see more of each other.

Marta and I stood in the hallway as Ben closed the door behind the last of them. “Madam” he began “If you don’t need anything else.”

“Yes, Ben. A pleasant evening to you.”

With that he was up the stairs and disappeared into his room.

Marta took my hand. “Stay with me tonight James.” It was more of a gentle plea than a question.

“I would have it no other way” I said, as she lead me up the stairs by my hand.

She locked the heavy wooden door to her bedroom behind us.

“I would like to draw a bath” she said, walking towards the door across from her bed. “Will you sit with me?”

“I’ll do anything you like Marta. You know that.” I took off my shoes and shirt and went to meet her in the bathroom. The water was already streaming into the claw-footed tub, filling it quickly. Marta was bent over it swirling her hand in the water.

I stepped up behind her and began to unlace her corset. She helped me along at getting her undressed. “Lay it over the lounge in the bedroom, if you don’t mind.” I did as I was told.

When I came back she was already in the tub. I stripped off the rest of my clothes and climbed in behind her. She eased back into me and we sat for a long time relaxing.

“It was nice to see everyone again after so long.”

“Yes. When I told them you were here, they couldn’t wait to come and visit.”

I picked up the large sponge from the tub-side table and soaked it in the water. I drained the drenched sponge over her exposed body, again and again. Then I released the front of her hair from the clip that was holding it back.

“Wash your hair my love?” I whispered into her ear.

“Not this evening.” She began running her fingers up and down my thighs on either side of her. “I think I would like to retire for now.” She stood up in the tub and grabbed a towel from it’s hook. As she stepped out I sat watching her.

An amazing sight of a woman Marta was. Naked and wet and completely relaxed. She toweled herself off slowly, making a show if it for me. Humming some tune or another under her breath. When she wrapped the towel around herself I made my departure from the tub.

I was much less graceful than her at drying myself off. But she stood in the doorway admiring anyway.

When I was finished she walked back into the bedroom and deposited her towel at the end of her bed. She stood there naked for only a moment before I took her up in a long kiss.

I pulled back the cover on her high four poster bed and she claimed the spot I had made. She lay there, exposed like so few people had ever seen her. Her breasts were small but perfect. She has a slight pear shape to her body. When she put her arms over her head she looked like one, elegant, curved line.

I hesitated only a moment, taking in the sight of her, before walking to the end of her bed. I crawled up it towards her, laying kisses all the way. On the backs of each calf, and the curve of her knees. Gently I pushed at the tops of her thigh so that I might kiss their insides. I massaged and kissed her legs. Just touching her made me aroused. It had been such a long time for me.

I unhitched my towel, threw it to the floor and pulled the cover up over my lower half. Sneaking my way up her I just grazed her hair before laying kisses on her hips. She wiggled with anticipation, she is not known for her patience.

I slid down a little so that my nose rested in her soft hair. I inhaled the scent of her, it had been to long since I had tasted a woman. I pressed my hands into her thighs, gently coaxing them open.

I let my mouth graze across her outer lips. In keeping with her old ways, she had plenty of hair. It was trimmed neatly underneath, but it was still there. I let it tickle my chin and my mouth before I parted her with my tongue.

Flattening my tongue I dragged it up her in long slow strokes. Back and forth, preparing her for my assault. When she started to moan I moved to work on her button. Pulling back at the skin to further expose her to me. Slowly at first, soft little flicks. “oooh” escaped her lips and she titled her hips up towards me. Then with more pressure, I manipulated her clitoris. Up one side and down the other. She responded with deep sultry groans.

Occasionally I would switch back to long slow strokes of her entire opening, allowing her to come back down. I continued this way and she began to swell, the surrounding area getting puffy. As I swirled my tongue around in little circles she began a low slow cry. I moved in to take her button in my mouth, creating a seal around it. I sucked at her, gently moving my tongue in rhythm to her rocking motion. She arched and heaved quietly on the bed, moaning all along until she finally pushed my head away.

I pulled back and laid my head on her thigh. Caressing the hair of her mound with my thumb, I waited. When she had finally settled I crawled up to meet her face. Stroking her cheeks with my fingertips and kissing her forehead softly.

In an easy quick movement she rolled me over on my back and was seated atop me. I already had an erection, brought to full hilt by her orgasm. She was not surprised when she reached back to touch it. We have been here many times before. She stroked at me for only a minute or two before laying her weight on top of me and kissing me full on the mouth. Sliding her body down, she slowly eased me inside of her. When my erection bottomed out, she lay for a moment, completely still.

We took the time to enjoy the complete connection of two sexual beings, before she began rocking her hips. A slow torture for me, these in and out motions. She knew I was in her complete control. She continued her slow manipulation for a long time. Finally the fever overtook her and she sat up straight and ground herself down on me. I held on to her hips for lack of any better strategy. Her head was thrown back, breasts in her hands.

She began a slamming rock, which was sure to bring on my orgasm. I was starting to wonder how long it at been for her, as she seemed quite fierce in her efforts. When her face grimaced and she began to moan, I started to feel my own release coming.

She lowered her body down onto me again, and I quickly flipped her. I did not mean to be so rough or hurried, but I couldn’t help myself. She didn’t seem to mind and pulled me down to her. She knew, I was close. She also knew that when I come, I bite. I found that spot on her, where her neck meets her shoulder. Nuzzled into her hair, I began my last sprint. Sliding hard in then back out of her. Trying to control myself, trying not to offend her with my greed. As soon as I felt the spasm begin I bit down on her. She growled with pleasure and I am pretty sure I did the same. As I released my pent up frustrations, teeth still firmly attached, we rocked together, riding it out.

Chapter 19

Routledge

Chapter XIX

M.J. Weitzmann

I guess I must have been more tired than even I realized. I awoke to the sounds of rustling throughout the rest of the house. I lay there, naked and half asleep for a few seconds before I noticed I was not alone. I slowly rolled over to see Marta sleeping peacefully beside me. Reaching out, I brushed the long dark hair from around her face. She took a deep breath in and opened her eyes halfway.

“I hope you don’t mind” she whispered “But I couldn’t sleep, knowing you were so close.”

“Humnn” I moaned, grabbing her hand and pulling it across my shoulder as I rolled back over. “I don’t quite feel like being awake yet.” I snuggled back into my pillow, with Marta’s arm draped over me. She snuggled up to my back, and it was then that I was aware she was naked. Her breasts pressed on my skin, she moved her arm under mine to hold on to my chest. We both fell back to sleep.

When I woke Marta was gone, and someone was gently tapping at my door. “Just a minute” I said starting to slide from between the covers. The door opened slowly and Marta slipped in and closed it behind her.

“I’m sorry to wake you James. But it’s getting late on in the evening, and I am expecting company.”

“How late? What time it is?”

“A little after 8. I went shopping without you.” she set a bag on the chair. “I hope you like them.” She pulled some clothing from the bag, holding each piece up for me to inspect. Black slacks, tan poets shirt, a few undershirts, a pair of satin boxers, and a pair of white cotton lounge pants.

After I pulled on the lounge pants, I picked up the poets shirt. “I don’t do ruffles anymore Marta. Actually, I am quite relieved not to wear them these days. Everything else is perfect.”

“Humph” she pouted, tossing the shirt back into the bag. “I did so adore you in them though.” She pulled a plain gray, short sleeve, button down out of the bag. “But I figured you might feel that way, so I got this too.”

“Ah” I said, taking the shirt form her “this is much better.” Collecting the rest of the clothes and my bag, I went to the bathroom to wash up. When I returned Marta was seated on the edge of the bed. “Well what do you think?” I asked

“I think the other shirt suits you better.” she laughed “But you look beautiful in anything.”

Soft music was drifting through the house as we made our way downstairs. Ben greeted us at the bottom of the staircase. “Is there anything I can get for you sir?”

“I’ll have a glass of the drink if you don’t mind” I answered

Marta grasped his arm to stop him, and looked at me. “We have fresh available this evening if it suits you James.”

“OK” I answered “Then I won’t be needing anything at this time, Ben. Thank you.”

I followed Marta to the lounge where most of the guests had gathered. I knew many of them and went around greeting, with kisses on the cheeks and firm handshakes.

Emanuel, Blythe, Annice and Marshall were all gathered around the fireplace. Each of them are old members of Marta’s family.

Their story is a torrid one. Emanuel came directly from Spain with Marta. He was her first love affair. When she tired of him, as often happens when faced with our lifetime, he took two lovers, Blythe and Annice. Blythe is a beautiful fair skinned woman who remains in his keep. Annice has broken away from the groups love affair, but is still close in the family terms. Marshall is Annice’s fair weather lover. When the community is settled and all is well he can be found close to her side. If things start to go south for this family, he’s among the first to run. One might say he has a great sense of self preservation.

Or at least that was the way things were when I last saw this group. Whatever the story may be, they are each quite entertaining of themselves. Having them all together almost guarantees a good time is to be had. Needless to say, they have always been among my favorites. So I saved them for last.

After making my way around the room I ventured over to the fireplace, where they seemed to be waiting on me.

“My friends… My old dear friends. How is everyone?”

I kissed Blythe and then Annice on their cheeks. Followed by warm hugs from Emanuel and Marshall. The ladies reclaimed their seats on either side of the quiet fireplace, with their men standing beside them.

Emanuel spoke up first. “Things these days are nothing to complain about. As I’m sure your well aware fair James, life is good for us.”

He still speaks with an undertone of days gone by. I suppose that has much to do with his keeping time under Marta’s wings. She is fond of the old ways and longs for those days. Her home, manner of dress and speech all reflect her longing. Emanuel is a little more modern, but especially in the matriarchs home, his speech still reflects his roots.

Marshall followed with a nod. “Yes, like Emanuel says, things are good. I have no complaints.”

“How about you, dear brother?” Emanuel asked “How are things in the States?”

“Business is good.” I answered “Sometimes I find it horribly boring, but I manage. What have I missed, while I’ve been away?”

Annice sat upright at my inquiry. “Now how do you expect an answer to such a broad sweeping question? After all you have been gone how long now?”

“Too long” I admitted.

“Well then,” she huffed

“So what your saying is, nothing terribly adventurous has happened in all those years?”

The whole group burst into laughter. “No” Emanuel said between snorts “There have been no great adventures.”

We chatted away the evening, catching up on the little things life has brought to each of us. I was filled in on the story of Ben. I told them of the sire and all his rouges back in the States. It was much like the gossip news that runs nightly Stateside.

Periodically I would steal a long look at Marta. Her stature is commanding although she is not at all tall. Full of grace, and demanding respect. She still every bit resembles an olive skin Spaniard. Thick, dark, bone straight hair flowing over her shoulders. Dark eyes shadowed by, what would be, thick eyebrows, were they not perfectly groomed.

She prefers dark primary colors and tonight she has chosen a stunning green dress. Her small breasts are pressing dangerously up from the corset top that is tied tightly at her back. Her waist is defined with a thick satin tie, fashioned in a bow behind her. All to common for Marta’s evening wear, her dress is not complete without the small hoop skirt and petticoat that I am certain hang underneath it.

Every once in a while she’d catch me looking at her and all I could do is smile. She tortured me for most of the night from just across the room, with her wicked smile and bedroom eyes. Finally she made her way over and slid her arm around my waist.

“Are you hungry darling?” She asked in a wispy voice.

“Maybe a little. What do you have to offer?”

“Come and retire with me over here” she motioned to the couches “and I will offer you something sweet.”

There had been a few mortals milling about, but I didn’t pay much attention to them. Like Raven, Marta has a small devoted group, that bend to her whims. She motioned for a young man to come and he did, taking a place next to her on the couch.

“This is my friend James” she said to him. He looked a little jealous, but said nothing. Marta made a hand motion and he offered me his wrist. I looked up at her, not comfortable with the situation. I like to think the offer is genuine, and the person truly wants to share the gift. He certainly did not look happy. At least not at sharing the gift with me. I also fancy taking my fresh from women. It’s not often that I take from another man.

“Oh, James” Marta began “You have this thing about taking a man. Foolish, but I understand.” She motioned to a lady standing near the wall of books and she hurried over to me. “There. Is that better?”

The girl knelt down on the floor and sat on her heals, sideways in front of me. Marta took the young man up on his offer, and bit down on him hard. He made a loud sucking sound through his teeth, but she did not release her grip.

Without a word the young woman before me pulled her sleeve up and offered herself to me. In a swift but gentle motion, I took her arm up to my mouth and began my drink. She moaned as if she liked my assault. After a moment, her head fell back onto my knee. I released her in that instant.

“Are you OK?” I asked

“Oh yes.” she stated “I think maybe I’ve had to much to drink is all.” She pressed a cloth to her arm, but she did not get up. Her head was still on my leg and I absentmindedly stroked her hair.

When a few minutes had passed and she did not move, I bent down to pick her up. I could hear her heart beat, she wasn’t dead. Rather, she was absurdly drunk and I laid her on the couch where I had been seated.

I stood over her, feeling a little like the boy who broke the sugar bowl.

“What have you done to that poor girl, James?” A voice came from behind me. I turned to look at Marshall. Marta broke her grip and looked at us.

“She is just drunk.” I defended “You know blood lose and booze doing go well together.” Everyone chuckled a little. Marta motioned for Ben to retrieve her. “The poor darling has had to much to drink.” she told him “Please see to it that she is resting comfortably in one of the guest rooms.” Marta has always been a good host.

Chapter 18

Routledge

Chapter XVIII

M.J. Weitzmann

The flight was long, but at least it was non-stop. The city was dark and damp. I am not a fan of this kind of weather, but I can see what Marta likes about it. With so many foggy and rainy days it’s easy to move about in the day on occasion. I suspect that the weather explains our large populations here.

I took a taxi to her most current residence. She hadn’t always lived in a busy part of the city. At one time she had a large, stand alone, house in a less populated area. But Marta’s need to be around the action prompted her to move further into the city.

I rang her bell and a moment later the door was opened by a tall handsome boy. That was the first time I thought it might not have been a good idea to come.

“Marta?” I inquired

“One moment.” He said “Madam, you have a visitor” he called down the hall. Then he turned back to face me. He looked as though he was inspecting me, and I certainly didn’t recognize him.

Then I saw her, as beautiful as ever. Walking down the hall towards us in a long red satin housecoat that floated along behind her.

“James, darling. It’s been so long.” she started. The door boy took my bag and motioned for me to enter.

“What ever are you doing here?” She reached me throwing her arms around my neck and kissing both cheeks. When she stepped back I took her hand and kissed the top. “Marta, I do hope you don’t mind my intrusion.”

“Not at all. What a delightful surprise.”

“I was in desperate need of a holiday. In my heart there is no other place than Milan to take holiday.”

“Of course not. Your always welcome here. You will be staying with us, won’t you? I insist.”

“I hadn’t decided. This is an impromptu trip. Quite simply, I had to get away.”

She pulled me down the hall and the boy shut the door. “Are you hungry, can we get you anything?”

“Not hungry, so much. Just a little tired. I always forget what a long flight it is.”

“Ben.” she called out “Ben, be a dear and draw my James a bath of rose hips and oil, won’t you.”

Ben scurried up the stairs with my bag.

“You must stay. We have so much to catch up on. It would be foolish for you to take a room here in town.”

“Alright then,” I said “it’s settled. I will stay. Thank your for your hospitality.”

“Never you mind about that. You just missed some of the family, as they have departed for the evening. I’m sure you will see them while your here. How long do you plan to stay?”

We took our seats in the lounge. Marta does not enjoy the trappings of modern life. Although she could certainly afford to. She prefers to surround herself with the lavishness of days gone by. Her furnishings are aged and show wear. The seats have all been recently reupholstered in brilliant blue velvet, but one can still see the antique in these pieces. Long damask drapes. The large stone fireplace is the center of this room. Dotted with gorgeous, rich wood furniture, around the intricate hand woven rug.

“I am not sure how long I will stay. Until I feel better I guess. Or until duty calls back in the States.”

Ben reappeared in the doorway. “Your bath is ready sir. Madam, I am going to turn in if you don’t need anything else.”

Marta and I both stood. “Yes, Ben, that’s fine. Pleasant evening to you.” she said to him. Then she took me by the hand and led me up the stairs. “Ben is my boarder. If you need anything, he will be happy to get it for you. I keep him in my employ for a member of the family.”

“Ah. Anyone I know?”

“No.” she answered “But I am sure you will meet him.”

We reached her bathroom. The sizable tub juts out from the wall of an enormous bathroom. Rose hips and rose petals bobbing on the top of the water. In true Marta style, lit candles fill many of the flat surfaces as well as the numerous sconces hung on the walls.

She closed the door behind us. I saw that my bag had been laid on the sitting bench across from the tub. She helped me out of my coat and started to unbutton my shirt.

“Marta” I said grabbing her hands “there is no need to fuss over me.” She pulled out of my grasp, “I know. But you’ve had such a long trip. I’m simply trying to get you settled into the tub. Besides, I do so enjoy fussing over you.”

“It has been a long time hasn’t it?” I said, slipping my shoes off.

“Too long, but I forgive you. Did you bring a robe?”

I was sliding the last of my clothing off, “No I didn’t. I only brought a couple of things I can’t do without.” I stepped into the tub and lay across the length of it resting my back on it’s upward slope.

“I will get one for you.” she said, collecting my clothes.

When she returned she had a thick, dark blue robe draped over her arm and a glass of the drink in her hand. She set the glass on the table next to the tub, and hung the robe on a hook. She took a place behind me and started to rub my shoulders.

After 20 minutes or so, I sat up a little to take a sip of my drink. She started running her fingers through my hair. “Do you want me to wash your hair?”

“No thank you darling. I just wanted to relax a bit, and catch some sleep.”

“OK, then. It’s getting a little long. I don’t recall you keeping it this long. Maybe if the weather is fair tomorrow, we can go and get it cut. Maybe do a little shopping?”

“Shopping, fine. Haircut, no. I kind of like it this way. Don’t you like it this way?”

“I like it no matter how you keep it. I especially liked it when it was nearly down to your waist. Maybe that reminds me of your young and rebellious days.”

I laughed “It won’t ever be that long again. It was such a hassle. Can you hand me a towel please?”

She reached for the towel as I stood from the tub. Drying myself off, I realized how much better I felt. Relaxed, at ease. She helped me into the robe.

“You can have the room next to mine.” she started, picking up my bag. “Ben is in the biggest guest room, as he lives here now.”

She led me to my room and set my bag on the chest in front of the massive bed. “I’ll let you get some rest. If I am not up when you rise, please do, come and wake me.” She kissed my lips and left the room, shutting the door behind her.

I retrieved the phone from my bag and dialed Marcus.

“Hey man, hows it going?” he said.

“Everything is fine. I just got here. I wanted to let you know I arrived, and if you need me you can reach me on my phone.” I took a seat on a large, plush arm chair in one corner of the room.

“No problems on your flight?”

“Nope. I am headed to bed now. Call me if you need anything.”

“Will do man.”

Next I dialed Raven. He didn’t answer, which I thought was odd, but I left a message. I set my phone up to charge, draped my robe over one corner of the bed, and crawled between the plushness that is a Marta guest bed.

Chapter 17

Routledge

Chapter XVII

M.J. Weitzmann

Tuesday evening I awoke with a start…again. I have been dreaming about Eve for days. Every time I close my eyes, she is all I can see. It’s worse when I sleep, dreaming of making love to her. These latest chapters don’t end in the sort of violence I previously envisioned. And when I wake I am left with this crushing feeling in my chest. A physical pain from knowing I can’t have her.

Laying in my bed, I flipped on my TV, watching it mindlessly. Trying to divert my thoughts. Raven has not contacted me. No news from Marcus. Eve hasn’t called either. Not that I expected her to. I fear I have wounded that beautiful woman.

My attention drifts to the new painting hung in my bedroom. In the way paintings are intended to, I will think of her every time I see it. My thoughts linger on it, and I realize the woman reminds me of Eve. Round and pale, with long dark hair. Chin tipped down, her eyes are mostly closed. Clearly she is lost in thought.

I need to get away. I have to put some distance between us. She needs time to heal, and I have to find something else to focus on. My frustrations need to be sated. It’s been a long time since I went on vacation, and I am thinking I’m due for a break.

Suddenly feeling better, I got up and showered. Once I was dressed I moved to the kitchen to fix my breakfast. My mind was dizzy with the possibilities that come with vacation. I drained my glass and rinsed it before setting it in the sink.

Seated at my desk I started searching for flights out of the States. I settled on next Saturday, a flight to Milan. That will give me plenty of time to get my affairs in order.

I telephoned Marcus to ask him to look after my clients while I was gone. He was hesitant at first.

“I don’t know man. I don’t know anything about security.”

“You don’t have to know anything. All my clients are taken care of. I just need you to be my American contact in case anything does happen. If I can’t walk you through helping them, I will be on the next flight back to take care of it.”

“Well, that sounds pretty easy.”

“I’ll have the security company phone forwarded to your cell. I will leave you a key to the loft, where all the computers are, in case you need them. Did I mention this was a paying gig? You would be sort of a sub-contractor for me.”

“Alright, I can manage that, I think.”

“Sure you can. I have faith in you. Plus if you need me, I am only a phone call away. I am going to Milan, not the middle of a desert.”

“How long are you going to be gone?” he asked.

“Not sure yet. Just have some family things that need my attention. I’d rather not get into it. I only booked a one way for now. Could be a week, could be a couple months.”

“Holy crap man. A couple months? What about Eve? I thought you two were, you know, getting to know each other?”

“NO. I mean, we aren’t getting to know each other. Marcus, use some common sense. You know damn well I can’t have her.”

“Hey man, I was just asking. I didn’t mean to piss you off.”

“You didn’t. I am just a little high strung these days. I think this trip will be good for me.”

“Alright man. Well do you want me to come over now?”

“Yeah, that sounds like a plan. I can walk you through the computer system and give you the key. Oh, one more thing. Can you tell Eve I had to go out of town for a family emergency?”

“Well, I could. But I think you should talk to her.”

“I can’t Marcus. I just can’t right now.”

“Alright, I’ll tell her for ya.”

By the time Thursday rolled around I was all packed and ready to go. Everything was taken care of. Marcus was going to take care of my clients, and check by to pick up mail. He had agreed to speak with Eve. All that was left to do was wait. I considered changing to an earlier flight, but decided against it.

That night I drove out to Raven’s to visit and tell him about my plans. We were busy taunting each other over a game of pool. Reminiscing and laughing over old memories of Milan.

“Have you told Marta that your coming for a visit?” he asked.

“No. I thought I would surprise her. I don’t know if I will stay there or not. In fact, I don’t have a clue what my plans are. I am just trying to get a break.”

His mood turned sullen. “She is not going to make you forget about Eve. You know that don’t you James?”

I set the pool cue on the table. “I didn’t expect that she would. I don’t know what I expect.”

“I hope you find whatever it is your looking for there. But you will have to come back to reality eventually. I suspect Eve will still be here when you return.”

“I know but even you wouldn’t venture into a relationship with a mortal. I will only hurt her. We have seen it before. Our worlds don’t blend well together.”

“What do you mean? We can have sex with mortals. Love them even.”

“But what happens when time has gone by and she gets older?”

“James, I think your the one who is afraid of getting hurt. You know what it feels like to loose love. But news flash, your going to have a long and lonely existence by yourself.”

“Hey whats with the lecture?”

“No lecture, I’m just saying… Anyway, tell Marta I say hello.”

Marta is a very old, very beautiful member of our community. Raven and I have known her for many years. She is originally from Spain, but when we first met her, she lived on a small island in Denmark. She didn’t stay there long, and she soon found herself in Italy. She said aside from all the cloudy foggy days, Denmark didn’t have much to offer. She has been in Italy for as long as I can remember. Maybe the last 75 years. She is the head of one of the largest communities there. A big close knit family. I also consider myself part of her family, even though I haven’t visited in close to 15 years.

She and I have had loving affairs in the past. She has always been willing to pull me back to my roots. When I leave her I feel grounded. I have never found peace with what I am, but for the time I spend with Marta. There is no telling who she may be keeping company with these days. But I am always welcome there.

Chapter 16

Routledge

Chapter XVI

M.J. Weitzmann

When we pulled up to her building, she asked “Are you coming up?”

Oh what the hell “Sure. Why not?”

As we were walking through her front door she said “I have a gift for you.”

“Oh?” I asked

She kicked off her shoes and pulled off the button down shirt revealing the white tank top underneath. “Do you want something to drink?”

“I’ll have a glass of wine if it’s available.”

She returned from the kitchen with two glasses and handed one to me. “Have a seat” she said “I’ll be right back.”

I could hear her down the hall in her bedroom. It sounded like she was changing her clothes. Then she went into her drawing room and started talking to me. “When I was at your place the other day I noticed your walls looked pretty bare. And you know me, any excuse I can find to paint. Plus I have been cooped up here trying to recover. I needed something to do.”

She came into the living room holding a large canvas. “So this is for you.” She turned it around to reveal a beautiful woman painted in a most tastefully seductive pose. “What do you think?”

“Eve, that is stunning.” I stood up and took the canvas from her. I held it at arms length, and I really was speechless. The woman was sitting on an antique wing back chair, with a dark marbled background. One leg tucked under her, the other bent up so that her knee met her shoulder. One could tell she was nude, but there was a sheet strategically wrapped around her. It looked to me as though she had just finished making love.

“Whatever did I do to deserve this?”

“Just you being you. Being nice to me. Plus your place is so sterile and masculine looking. I thought she would make a nice addition.”

“I think your right. Thank you so much.” I set the painting by the door. Eve was leaning against the wall, in cotton sleep pants and her white tank top, watching me. I walked over and kissed her cheek. I turned my head to look at it again. “She is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen.”

I could hear Eve’s heart racing. When I looked back at her, she reached both of her hands out and held my face. She looked at my eyes for only a moment and then she kissed my lips. A short gentle kiss. She watched me for another moment, with my face still in my hands, before she kissed me again. Much harder, full of passion and wanting.

Her hands fell onto my chest as she started to pull away. I snaked my fingers through her hair to the back of her neck pulling her back to my lips. Among everything else, I am still a man and once my fire is lit, it’s hard to break away from it.

She met my kiss with eagerness. Slinging one arm around my neck, the other on my hip. I found my back to the wall and Eve breathing heavily into me. I slid my hand under the round of her ass and pulled her into me so that her legs were on either side of my thigh. I was growing dangerously aroused by the taste of her mouth and the smell of her skin.

Breaking our kiss I whispered into her ear “I can’t do this.”

She pushed away from me embarrassed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pull you into something you don’t want.” she said

“Oh Eve, it’s not like that. You don’t understand. I am just not capable of this sort of thing.” I brushed her hair back and tucked it behind her ear.

“What sort of thing is this?” she questioned. There was a look about her. She was flushed. I couldn’t tell if it was embarrassment, anger or pain.

“The sort of thing that leads to you getting hurt. The last thing I want is for you to hurt, ever. I should go.”

“Yeah, I think maybe you should.”

“Please don’t be angry with me Eve.”

“I’m not angry. Maybe a little frustrated and confused, but not angry.”

I didn’t believe her. “Alright then. I’ll be around if you need me.”

Chapter 15

Routledge

Chapter XV

M.J. Weitzmann

The next evening I doused myself in cologne before heading out to South Broad. I didn’t want him to pick up my scent. I came prepared to capture him, with thick rope and a dark sheet in my passenger seat, but I had decided not to take him right there. I figured it was probably a good idea to follow him and see where he goes. Maybe, if there were others, he would lead me to them. I parked the car as far away from the blood banks back door as I could without loosing my view of the alley.

I had been there for almost 2 hours before there was any movement in the alley. A lone silhouette came strolling down the alley. I sort of figured he would be driving but I didn’t see a car.

I waited for him to finish his business and dump the empty bags into the dumpster. He calmly walked back in the direction he had come from. He was more than a block away when I started the car and drove out onto the street parallel to the alley. He came from between two buildings, got into a car parked at the curb and drove off.

I tailed him from afar for what seemed like hours. He stopped by a night club, and a gas station before parking at an apartment building around midnight. Once he was in the building I saw a light come on in a first floor unit. I parked and waited for a few minutes, watching the windows.

I decided to take a closer look. Creeping around the side of the building I could see into the first floor windows. Yep that was definitely his place. If it wasn’t he was sure doing a good job of making himself at home. He was in the living room watching TV. I was also pretty sure he was alone. So I moved my car behind his building to make my capture.

When you live in cheap apartments downtown you get what you pay for. This building was old. Luckily for me the windows were original and easy to open with a pocket knife. I slipped into a bedroom without a sound and pulled the curtain across the open window.

Peeking down the hall I could see him still firmly planted in front of the television.

As quickly and quietly as I could, I moved up behind him. I snatched him up from behind in a bear hug and drug him off the couch, back into the bedroom. He was trying to put up a fight, but he was still new at this game.

I put my hand over his mouth, tilting his head to the side, and drained him to almost with in an inch of his life. When I released my grip I dropped him on his bed and said “Raven has requested to see you son. So we are going for a little trip.”

He just looked at me through glazed eyes. He didn’t have the strength to fight or run.

With the rouge tucked securely in the trunk I was headed for Raven’s. When we pulled up I dialed him.

“James. Any luck?”

“Yep, like taking candy from a baby. I have a special delivery for you. I’m out front.”

Raven opened the front door and snapped his phone closed. I got out and came around to meet him on the porch.

“I drained him pretty good. So if your planning on keeping him as a pet, he’ll need to eat.”

“No plans for any new pets. He’s in the trunk?”

“Yep.” I pushed the release button on my key chain and the trunk popped open.

Raven dialed his phone, told someone to come remove the rouge then flipped it closed again.

“My boys will get this out of your way. Care for a drink?”

“Yeah, sure. What have you got?”

“Nothing fresh. With all I am handling now, I have told my lovelies to stay away for the time being.”

When two men appeared on the front porch, Raven pointed them to my trunk and we went into the kitchen to have our drink.

I explained to Raven that I had waited to see if there were any others hanging around. “I got the feeling he was on his own.”

“That’s good. Hopefully we caught this thing before it got out of hand.”

“I’m thinking we did. What are you going to do with him?”

“He will be interrogated and then disposed of tonight.”

Raven has a way of dealing with this sort of mess that I don’t want any details on. I drained my glass and sat it in the sink.

“I am going to take off. Call me if you need anything else.”

“I think we can handle it from here James, thank you.”

I figured they would be just about finished with closing so I stopped by The Tanner Club on my way home. As I got out of my car, one of the door men was walking a waitress to her car. I waited for him to return and we walked in together. The lights were on and everyone was busy finishing up for the night.

Eve’s face lit up when she saw me. Actually I was surprised to see her working. But then I figured she was an unstoppable force, so why wouldn’t she be here?

I walked up to the bar where she was stacking glasses in a rack. “Hey babe, I need to have a word with Marcus real quick, OK?”

“Yeah, he is over at his booth.” she pointed in his direction.

I stepped up into his booth and leaned into his ear. “Problem all taken care of. I just got back from dropping the other guy at Raven’s”

“Well shit. That didn’t take any time at all. Glad to hear it’s all done with.”

“We don’t know for sure it’s all done with. Don’t let your guard down yet. Matter of fact, don’t let your guard down ever.”

“I hear ya man.”

“Alright, that’s all I wanted to tell ya. We’ll catch up later.”

Back at the bar Eve was look especially exhausted. “You look tired babe. How about I drive you home tonight?” She did not protest.

Chapter 14

Routledge

Chapter XIV

M.J. Weitzmann

I found myself driving though the darkened city, feeling a sense of urgency. This rouge was recently injured. And though I have not heard of any carnage this week, I am certain it’s coming. He will need to feed soon. He will take an innocent human. He won’t have a choice because he knows no other way. I was hoping to catch up with him before it’s too late.

I headed towards the most distressed part of the city. Every town has it’s homeless people. Hidden away in the dark areas along side the whores and drug dealers. Ours are located in and around Slaitor Street. If this rouge had any common sense I might find him here.

I drove through the streets for a bit and decided I might do better on foot. I locked up the car and walked towards the bridge. Slaitor Street’s residents may be homeless but that doesn’t mean they are stupid. For a couple of bucks they will tell you everything they know.

I started asking the locals if they had seen any new visitors around fitting my rouges description. I got some varied answers; maybe, no, why do you want to know? I came across an old man sitting on a make shift bench of milk crates. He was not yet intoxicated, if he was even intending on it. He was dirty and worn out, but clear in his head.

“Yeah, I am pretty sure I saw him around here. Maybe last night, or the night before.”

I pulled a twenty out of my pocket and handed it to him. He quickly shoved it in his front pant pocket. “Matter of fact, now that I think about it, he was hanging around night before last.” he said

“Got any idea what he might have been doin’ down here?”

“Well now I can’t say what the others might have spoken to him about. But when I spoke with him, he was real interested in blood donations.”

“What do you mean by blood donations?” I asked

“You know, we can scrape together a couple of bucks by donating our blood at a blood bank. Well some of us can. They don’t take drug users or any other sort of infestation, if you know what I’m gettin’ at.”

“Oh right, I gotcha. What did you tell him?”

“I told him ’bout the place where I go to donate. Over on South Broad. He seemed kinda grumpy, but aren’t we all. He did say ‘thank you’ though.”

I pulled another twenty and my business card out of my pocket and handed them to him. “If you think of anything else, please give me a call. I promise to make it worth your while.”

“Hey man, no problem. Thanks.”

“No, thank you. You have been a tremendous help.”

I was back in my car and headed for South Broad. Maybe this guy wasn’t as dumb as I thought. If he’s plotting on robbing a blood bank as opposed to a fresh kill, it’s a step up for him. If that’s the plan, he’s still working on it, as I haven’t heard of any blood thefts lately. Surely that’s something they would report on the news.

Once on Broad, I was back on foot. Checking the place over and trying to sniff my rouge out. Seems as though they have pretty good security measures in place. Cameras at the entrances of the building. Around back nothing seemed out of place.

There were a couple of bio-hazard boxes next to the back door. The closer I got to them, the stronger the scent got. He had definitely been here, but there was no sign of him now. I picked up one of the boxes and shook it. Empty. A peek in the dumpster revealed the empty blood collection bags.

I flipped open my phone and dialed Raven.

“Hello James”

“Hi. I am at the blood bank on South Broad. The rouge has been here, but he’s gone now. He is smarter than we gave him credit for.”

“Oh? How’s that?”

“Apparently he has stopped killing. I thought he was going to rob the donation center. He has opted instead to take the discarded blood donations that get left for overnight pick up.”

“Smart. But someone is going to catch on eventually.”

“Yeah, that’s why I am going to come back at sundown tomorrow to try and catch up with him.”

“Good thinking. Let me know how it goes.”

“Will do. Talk to ya later.”

Chapter 13

Routledge

Chapter XIII

M.J. Weitzmann

Dressed in a pair of jeans and a button down shirt I went to join my guests in the living room. “Well since we are all here, who wants to go have a drink?”

Marcus spoke up first “I’m down. Where did you have in mind?”

“Somewhere other than The Tanner Club. Eve needs to relax. There is this great little jazz bar uptown that I love.”

“I don’t know” Eve said “I still have to run by the studio to drop off some drawings. Plus I think I should make it an early night. I’m still feeling a little beat up.”

“We can run you by the studio on the way. Come on? It’s an easy going place. Very relaxing. We can just go for a little while, and then I will take you home. Plus they serve up a mean porterhouse. I’m buying.”

“Alright” she relented. “I could go for a steak and a glass of wine right about now. But we have to stop at my place to pick up my drawings first. Am I dressed for this place?”

I looked her over. Dark colored blue jeans, red peasant top and sandals. “Yep” I answered “It’s casual. Give me a few minutes to get ready and check my email, then we’ll head out.”

Marcus got up and followed me to my office. “She made me do it.” he stated “She made me bring her over here. She was frantic, but she wouldn’t tell me what it was about.”

I sat behind my desk and turned on the monitor. “It’s fine man. What’s that you say? No worries? Although I pictured having Eve in my bedroom as being a lot more erotic than that.”

Marcus laughed “What was all that about anyway?”

“Oh nothing.” I turned my tone to a whisper “She thought she saw me as a vampire. But I convinced her it was all in her head.”
“Oh shit”

“Nothing to worry about. I can assure you.”

When we returned to the living room Eve was standing near my desk looking over it’s contents. She looked up flushed, then backed away.

“Ready to go?” I asked

At the jazz bar I sat across from her. Watching her sip her wine while we waited for her dinner to arrive. Her eyes were on the stage watching the band. The music slow and soulful. This was the first moment I had to process my dream. Looking at her it was easy to escape back into it. The feeling that she wanted me too.

The server returned and sat Eve’s dish in front of her. “Are you sure I can’t get you guys anything?” he asked.

Marcus and I both said “No”

“OK. Anything else you need ma’am?”

“No thank you. Everything looks great.” She answered

Eve turned her attention to her meal, while Marcus and I focused on the band. The music really was delightful. It reminded me of the time I passed through Louisiana. You can’t make a visit there with out a stop in New Orleans. The city wasn’t quite as dirty then, more a mix of rustic and grand. And the music, those sounds could move your soul.

My eyes wandered back to Eve. Taking polite and delicate bites of her food. She looked up at me and dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “It really is very good. Do you want a bite?”

“Oh, it looks wonderful. But I had a big dinner. Thank you anyway.” She was offering to share her food with me. We were moving further and further away from acquaintances. That’s a dangerous place for us, and I decided to put a little distance between us.

“Suit yourself. This place is great. I have lived here all my life and I’ve never heard of it. How have I never heard of this place?”

I didn’t have an answer for her. No matter. We were all absorbed in the peaceful atmosphere.

I walked her to the door when we dropped her off. “Thanks for a great evening James. I think I really needed that.” Sliding her key into the lock.

“Anytime Eve. Hey listen, I really do want you to call the doctor in the morning. You sort of have me worried with your hallucinations.”

“I’m a big girl James. I was planning on it. Thanks for walking me up too.”

“Your welcome.” I kissed her on the top of her head. “Sleep good. I’ll see you later.” I started to walk away.

“Good night” she called after me.

Friday evening Raven telephoned to let me know about the meeting.

“We have decided to search the infested cities in a grid. As much as it pains me we can’t let rouges run free. We are going to try to use them to figure out who the original sire is.”

“And when they are found?” I asked

“He or she will be dealt with. In the old fashion manner. And the newbies will probably meet the same fate. Depending on how many there are and their dispositions. But it’s a general consensus that we don’t have the resources to absorb them into our community.”

“Alright. How can I help?”

“I would like you to try and track down the other one from the alley. You know who your looking for. If you find him, bring him back here to me.”

“I can do that. Might take me a couple of days, but I’ll get right on it.”

“Oh and keep your eyes open and an ear to the ground for any others. This sweep will only work if it’s complete and total.”

“I understand.”

Poor souls. They didn’t even have a clue what they signed up for. That they must pay for sins other than their own. They cursed themselves by choosing eternity. The sire cursed them by granting it. He signed their death warrants.

Chapter 12

Routledge

Chapter XII

M.J. Weitzmann

Eve and I are dancing around an empty room. Her low cut backless dress showcasing that beautiful tattoo. Bare feet glide effortlessly across the tiled floor. Large tall columns frame grand doorways into the ballroom.

Her movements are erotic and I am intensely excited. Our bodies are pressed tightly together and I am certain she can feel my intentions. My hand softly entwined in those long dark curls. “Eve, how I have wanted this for so long.” She gives a gently sigh in anticipation.

Her lips are full and moist. Barely parted and I can’t take my eyes off of them. “May I kiss you Eve?” She tilts her head slightly and eases her mouth towards mine. I bend my head down to meet her lips.

From gentle to feverish our kissing escalates. I can’t get close enough. Pulling her head in hard. My hand finds her breast covered in the cool fabric of her dress. Her nipple is hard. Cupping my hand around the fullness I massage and manipulate it. The sound of her moaning is delightful.

Leaving her breast I trace my way down her hip. Back and down along her ass. Tightening my grip in her hair. Hooking my hand on the back of her thigh I pull her leg up. She releases a groan when I press into her.

Just off the floor, we are turning in slow circles. I am breathing hard into her. Intoxicated by her scent. She breaks our kiss to look down and gasps at the realization that we are floating. I see her neck, her collar bone, begging to be kiss.

She looks up at my eyes and screams. Tries to push away. Struggling to break free. I pull her hair and tilt her chin up. Mouth open, teeth drawn, I bite down hard under her jaw bone. Blood gushing into my throat.

In a panic I sat straight up and roared. Panting, trying to catch my breath. A dream, or nightmare. Not real. But so lifelike I could taste her blood on my tongue.

BANG BANG BANG My recovery was interrupted my someone pounding on my door. Maybe that’s what woke me. BANG BANG BANG BANG I looked at the clock, almost 9 pm.

I threw my sheet off, jumped up and pulled my sweats on. With all that has happened in recent days, there was no telling what the urgency was about.

When I opened the door I was shocked to see Eve standing there. Marcus was right behind her. He had a helpless look on his face. “She said she tried to call, but you didn’t answer.”

Eve cut him off “I need to talk to you. Now!”

A little confused, I said “Well hello to you too. Come right in.” She pushed past me into my living room. Marcus shuffled in behind her.

“What’s this about?” I asked “Is everything OK?” Marcus shrugged his shoulders and took a seat on the couch.

“No” she began “everything is not OK. Can we talk alone?” She stared right at me. Her eyes were dark and cloudy.

“Yeah, um” I was trying to think “follow me.”

I lead her back to my bedroom, thankful that the housekeeping service had visited recently. I wasn’t expecting company, especially Eve. I walked over to my bedside table to retrieve my phone. As I flipped it open to see her missed calls I heard her shut the door behind us. I turned to look at her, she was hovering close to the door.

“Sorry I missed your call. What’s up babe?”

“Don’t babe me. I had a nightmare last night. Only it didn’t seem so much like a nightmare when I woke up. More like a memory.” She paused and shifted back and forth. “I saw you kill that guy in the alley. I saw you snap his neck.”

I was doing my best to look surprised and confused. I felt vulnerable wearing nothing but a pair of sweatpants. I was definitely not prepared for this conversation.

“I saw your face.” she continued “And I saw the other mans face. The one I shot. I am certain I shot him.”

“What do you mean?” I asked with a baffled tone.

“I mean…” she hesitated. “I mean you didn’t look like yourself. You didn’t look human and neither did he.” With that she pressed her back to the wall and put her hand on the door knob.

“Um if I didn’t look human what exactly did I look like then?” I was trying to take on a playful demeanor.

She released the knob and rubbed her forehead. I could see that she was starting to feel foolish. “I know how this is going to sound… I would swear you were… were… a vampire.” As soon as the words left her mouth she began to blush. It was then that I knew she was not here to confront me. She had come for me to assure her that it was all in her head.

I cautiously walked towards her. “Oh honey, maybe that concussion was worse than we thought. Or maybe your having a post traumatic episode.” I put my hands on her shoulders and tried to comfort her.

She looked up at me relieved. “Just tell me your not a vampire or anything else of the that nature.”

I tipped her chin up and said “I think we need to get you back to the doctor, just to double check.” I chuckled softly “I would hate for anything to be wrong with that pretty little head of yours.”

I let go of her and opened the door. She paused in the doorway and put her hand on my chest. “OK. So no one needs to know about this, right?”

“Don’t worry about it babe. So long as you go see the doctor tomorrow, it will be our secret. Now if you don’t mind, I would like to get dressed.” She left my bedroom and I shut the door behind her.

I let out a long sigh. I don’t make a habit of lying to peoples faces. Technically I hadn’t lied to Eve. I just led her to believe what she wanted to.

Chapter 11

Routledge

Chapter XI

M.J. Weitzmann

I was heading to the club to meet Raven’s guys when he called. “Hey Raven, what’s the word?”

“It’s not good” he said “We have a sire turning people for a profit.”

“What? Who in their right mind…?”

“That part, I haven’t figured out yet. Apparently he or she isn’t local, but somewhere in the States. They have decided to capitalize on the mortal fantasy of living on the dark side. The problem is, I don’t think even they could anticipate the raging inferno they started.”

“What do you mean?”

“All business’ will encounter someone trying to undercut them. The newbies are turning their friends for free. With no mentors, they are becoming a problem in a couple of major cities around the country.”
“Holy shit!” I was stunned. Who could be so careless? How does one not see the consequences of this kind of thing? “What do we do about it?” I asked.

“From what I understand this problem is fairly new. I have called on some of the hierarchy to meet with me. They should all be arriving within the next 48 hours. We will decide what to do about this problem.”

“What do you need from me?”

“At this point nothing. We have put the word into our community. Everyone is on alert. If you hear of any incidences that require my attention, please do let me know. Otherwise, if I need your help, I’ll let you know.”

“Alright” I was hesitant to stay out of it. But it’s really not my field of expertise. “Call me if you need me. I’ll be here for whatever you need.”

I was off the hook for now. I could concentrate on looking after Eve, and keeping an eye on all my clients assets.

I met with Raven’s guys and got them settled in. Two strong members of our community. I felt much better having them around the club.

With that business taken care of I decided to check in on Eve. I could see the lights on up in her apartment. I didn’t see any movement through the windows though. I debated with myself, whether or not to go up. What if she was asleep? What if she had a flashback and suddenly recalled all the details of Sunday night?

My curiosity won, and I found myself standing in front of her door knocking. I waited a moment but she did not answer. I decided not to knock again. Instead I went to her fire escape. I didn’t want to be a voyeur, I just wanted to make sure she was merely sleeping.

I cautiously peeked into her living room. No Eve snoozing on the couch. I went around to her studio window only to find it dark, less the light coming from the hallway. Artists are an odd bunch, but I don’t think they draw in the dark. The next window over was her bedroom. With the same style curtains as the rest of the apartment, plus a sheer panel over the entire window.

Through the cream panel I could see her laying face down in her bed. The room was dimly lit by the light coming from the hall. She looked peaceful and calm, with her arms wrapped around a pillow. A sheet lay across the middle of her body, her thick legs sticking out of the bottom. Her entire back was exposed and I could see, for the first time, the full scale of her tattoo. A delicate stream of cherry blossoms. Starting at her left shoulder, slinking across her back and curling around to her right hip. Intricate green vines gave the large piece a background.

I stood for a long moment taking in the sight of her. Such beauty and grace, even while she slept. Feeling as though she was safe I retreated for home.