Deviant Ardor

[o8 : Listen Before I Go]

I stood before the mirror, inspecting and scrutinizing myself from head to toe, making sure that everything was in place. I mean to look presentable, while just a little appealing. Approachable and confident – but not forceful.

I'd picked a simple dress that Bunny had begged me to buy – styled like a dress-shirt, but longer. It gave a slight air of professionalism, with the smallest hint of a suggested scandal. Or, at least, that's how Bunny had described it. And though I'd taken the time to straighten my hair, in the end, I'd pulled it up into a bun that nestled at the nape of my neck, and had left a few strands down to line my face. Just how my mother would style her own for her scouting: simple and effective.

In front of the mirror, I smiled at my reflection, taking it in. But, I let myself linger in that way for only a moment before leaning in to touch up the light gloss on my lips. With that done, I blew myself a kiss and crossed my fingers for luck before starting out towards the elevator.

In my head, I wondered why this was so hard, trying to stifle myself as I let a small whimper escape. 'All I have to do is go up, have a conversation, and make a proposal! It's nothing scandalous... Just a simple proposition... A one-sided conversation that only requires an easy yes or no.'

Already tense with nerves, I pushed the button to go up.

I took the short ride to the next floor up, and gasped as the doors opened to Elijah standing on the other side.

My throat tightened.

"Yes?"

Meeting his eyes, I managed a quiet, "I'm sorry. I just wanted to talk to Mister Suveren – Elias... Please?"

Elijah's brow raised. "Is my brother expecting you?"

My brow furrowed and I shook my head. "Well – no, but... I was hoping that – See, it's really important that I talk to him because–" Closing my mouth, I shook my head again. "You're right, he's busy. I'm sorry."

"Elijah?" Elias's voice came from a short distance away, his footsteps closing in on the two of us. "Don't be a tyrant. If Imani needs to speak with me, then it must be important." He was smiling as he came around his brother and winked at me. "Come on. I was just finishing my late dinner. You can keep me company."

"Oh!" I hesitated for a moment before maneuvering from foot to foot around Elijah and following after Elias. "I'm sorry," I said again as I followed in his footsteps back to his suite. It wasn't until he'd closed the door behind us that I dared to speak again. "I really am sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you."

Chuckling, Elias led me further into his suite, and on into his dining room, where he'd been set up with his laptop, some papers, and his dinner off to the side.

He took his seat at the table again, off to the side with his back to the windows, and he reached to close his laptop, making it clear he wouldn't let himself be distracted. "Still as overly apologetic as the first time we talked."

I smiled. "You remember that?"

"Of course. I remember a great deal about you, because it's important. Of course, that isn't to say that I'll remember everything, but, key moments..." He let his voice trail off slowly as he shrugged. "I try to hold onto as many of those smaller memories as I can."

I took comfort in what he'd said. It helped me to relax.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?"

And, just like that, all the comfort I'd felt was gone.

Easing myself into one of the dining chairs, I contemplated where to start.