Stay

Segment Nine - Lynaria

I relish the sensation of hot water cascading down my skin as I run my fingers through my hair, closing my eyes tightly. I've been trying to keep my mind occupied and body busy with tasks and distractions awaiting Dante's return. I wash my hair with the lavender scented shampoo I recently bought, trying to "feel the calm" it's supposed to promote. Instead, I feel rather the opposite, especially after the comment Annie said before she left today.

After the awkward stare down between her and Dante followed by his grand exit, we worked as if nothing happened. It was so strange because I was sure I was feeling on the end of my rope, but was able to keep it together after seeing him. I attributed it to the security he brought with his arrival as well as giving me the topaz necklace back. The energy manifesting off of it was protective and soothing. I attributed that towards Dante's intentions.

Yet, right as Annie was grabbing her bag, she turned to me and gave me a most wide smile. It wasn't a sweet or kindred one, yet more resembling the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. And her eyes, goodness the way they were turned up, reminded me of that horrible nightmare. It took everything in me not to shove her out.

"I'm so happy for you Lynaria. I can see why you were so distracted today. What a handsome family friend. He reminded me of a delicious red apple with the color of his jacket. Ripe for the picking and ready to eat, hehe. Have food on the brain. I'll see you later."

I would have never thought anything malicious of it if I didn't know what I do now, being more endeared to her teasing like the sister I once viewed her as. But now, there is just this emptiness and sadness that lives in my chest. I exhale, trying to release some of the pressure that has gathered there by the physical action of my breathing, finishing up my shower.

As I step out, moving the shower curtain to the side, I watch as the steam billows against the ceiling in little tufts. I try to ground myself in the moment, relishing the sensation of the cotton towel as I dry myself off, stepping onto the bath mat with a wiggly toe motion. I swipe the mirror and look at myself, my face with a pink blush due to the build up of steam in the bathroom. As I ponder on what to do next, sinfully and suddenly, the thought of that pleasant part of the dream I had this morning returns and I avert my gaze as I recall how vivid it felt.

The sensation of Dante's fingers running over my hot skin, trailing along the flesh of my breasts gingerly. The way his fingers felt were calloused, but appreciated against my softer skin. I recall the sensation of his digits trailing down my stomach and between my legs in a sensual massage. The sound of his voice in my ear, murmuring lascivious praises and commands, which I obeyed without question for mutual pleasure and gratification. And of course, recalling the sheer overwhelming physical build up with his ministrations as being the foreplay, leading to our bodies connecting as one flesh in a mixture of love making and heated sex.

It was that very combination that makes me currently feel overwhelmed in a lusciously depraved manner, that vivid recall causing me to realize I hadn't realized my sensual desires were so strong.

I bite my lip as I shut my eyes tightly, clenching the towel around my body, feeling hyper aware of every piece of cotton rubbing against my alarmed skin. Now is not the time to be giving into the pleasures of the flesh or thoughts of it. I have to remain hyper focused on the fact that anything can happen now and there is a killer on the loose that could come knocking. I bite harder on my plush lip as I recall the way Dante's voice cooed out a gentle command. My body feels the tingling in my coil as if I'm there and I hold my breath for a moment.

"Oh baby, just like that. Come for me. Scream my name. Come for me."

I grunt out in sexual frustration as well as embarrassment, opening the bathroom door in haste, and letting the steam out of the bathroom. As with the steam exiting, so do the images of my wanton desire, leaving me to focus on what is present. I welcome the cool air of my living area and I enter the small side room with my dresser to get changed and become presentable for when Dante arrives. Opting for a black, mid thigh dress, I slip on my under garments and dress, trying to ensconce this nonsensical feeling, and ignore the sensation of fabric gripping my sensitive flesh.

As I step out, drying my hair, I frown as my eyes cascade over my living area. I had hoped to see Dante entering my little cottage to tell me how his day went, to see that he's safe, and to know no harm found him from Annie's ominous comment. I can imagine his smile touching those cerulean eyes I adore looking at as he removes his jacket, tossing it on the chair of the kitchen table. I can vividly smell the subtle hints of gun powder and natural musk as he approaches me, embracing me in his comforting hold. I can hear his voice as he says "it's all good, no worries Lynaria."

As my eyes refocus on the actual setting before me, I'm met with the silence of my home outside of the ambient noise from the transitioning day. And of course, the emptiness outside of myself standing here. I unconsciously rub my topaz gem, praying that he is fine. He has to be. He's the legendary demon hunter Dante. I exhale a shaky breath, thinking of what next to do to distract myself.

"Ah, I should really check on the plants in the green house. That always makes me feel better."

As I slip on my boots, smiling at the thought of being surrounded by my plants and flora, open the door and turn to head straight to the green house. It's only a few paces away, but I stop in my tracks as I see Annie's little figure standing in the courtyard, her hawk-like eyes narrowed on my figure. I feel a lump form in my throat and I squeeze my hands tightly at my sides.

"A-Annie?"