Neon Master

5

Lucas waited anxiously for Annabel to show up, smoking one cigarette after another. He bobbed his head to the music just to help with his restlessness. Woman walked by, giving him the look, the one that said they wanted him, but he simply ignored them. It wasn't like he wasn't used to it, but he had only sexual intention for one woman. Although he had taken up a client earlier that evening, Annabel had been on his mind the whole time. He was beginning to think maybe he'd give up being a master, to be only hers, but that was foolish.

Just when he was wondering if he'd missed her while he was pleasing some woman, she walked in. She wore a flowing white dress, and it took his breath away. Not only because it was incredibly lovely, but because she looked just like Rose when he first saw her all those long years ago. And now that he thought about it, they had met in exactly the same way. She was Rose reincarnated.

He stood from the seat he was in and went to her, meeting her halfway. He took her hand and brought it to his lips, "My dear."

Her eyes sparkled and she drew into herself bashfully. "Hello Lucas," she said sweetly.

He could tell some women were looking at them, that they were undoubtedly jealous, but he couldn't be bothered.

He lead the gorgeous woman to the bar, sitting down next to her. He beckoned the bartender over, "Get this lovely lady a drink." The guy nodded and went off to fetch a vodka and sprite, remembering her from a couple nights ago. He set it down before her, catching Lucas' eye, Lucas mouthed the words, "Now."

Annabel took a sip, grateful for it. She had wondered all day what he wanted to show her. Was it something in his booth? Did he want to do more to her? She got her answer when she looked over at him and he pointed up at a large screen tv above the bar.

She looked up and was met with lines of words:

     Black velvet on raised skin, loose enough to ease, but rough enough to burn.

     Oh, how I love the fire.

     Black leather in waiting throat, loose enough to tease, but poised enough to break.

     Ah, the clarity in my demise.
            
                 -Lucas Noir

She smiled at the words, she had wanted to read something of his and here it was. It was special. She looked at him, "It's beautiful."

He pointed back up.

She raised her head and she was shocked to see her face on the screen. It was a slideshow of the photos he took of her, there for everyone to see. He had touched them up so that only she and her couch could be seen, the rest replaced by a purple background. Pink on purple. It was a nice combination. She studied each photo, she had never known she was so photogenic. They were really pretty. She brought her fingertips up to her lips, a reason to not just sit there like a dumbfounded idiot. She didn't know quite how to feel. She wasn't sure she wanted so many people to see her. But she was flattered beyond words that he found her appealing enough to show her to his club.

Lucas felt amused by her reaction. He hadn't fully known how she'd react but he was too tempted to care. If she got upset and left then maybe he could move on with his life. But he knew he couldn't go on without her now. She was stuck in his every waking thought, and for someone who didn't sleep, that was a lot of thinking. The wanted to comment on her, to show her how he felt, so he spoke softly, "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever met."

She looked at him again, her cheeks pink. She lowered her hand, "Lucas... you're the most beautiful man I've ever seen."

Lucas smiled wide, feeling something swell up in him that he'd never felt before. Even his former wives hadn't said anything like that to him. He wanted to kiss her again but it didn't feel right just yet.