Boundaries

Damages

Morticia smiled as she looked at Gomez. They had been miserably married for over 13 years now, and everyday she hoped she would become more miserable with him. "I'll be back darling," she whispered, patting his cheek as she started to go out of the den. "I just need to feed Cleopatra." She nodded to their guest, their distant Cousin by the name of Vladimir Addams. "Excuse me."

Vladimir nodded. "Of course," he said. There was a glint in his eyes that sent a shiver up her spine. She ignored it, though; while Vladimir was very handsome, she was a married woman, and would never dare cheat on her beloved husband.

Grabbing the plate of giraffe patty, she walked into the conservatory. "Come on Cleopatra," she coaxed, forking a couple of pieces as she stopped by her wonderful African Strangler. "Time for lunch."

The strangler made a hissing sound as it opened her mouth. Morticia put the fork in, feeding the Strangler as she used to feed her children when they were babes. As always, though, Cleopatra would try to gulp her food. "Darling," Morticia scolded. "What have I told you about gulping? You must masticate."

The Strangler nudged Morticia gently, wanting more. However, she pulled back as a hand grabbed Morticia's shoulder. The Lady Addams gasped as she turned to see Vladimir there. "Oh!" She gasped. "I didn't hear you come in."

"I'm sorry for startling you," Vladimir replied, nodding apologetically. "If you don't mind me asking," he continued, looking at Cleopatra. "What kind of plant is this?"

The way Vladimir looked at her sent another shiver up her spine. While Gomez would do that all the time, she and her husband had a mutual respect and a deep love for each other. The fear she felt from him was a good fear, one that she enjoyed; with Vladimir, she felt fear that frightened her to the core and made her want to flee. However, she stayed where she was and tried to ignore this awful feeling. "Genesis Africa Strangler," she replied, wrapping her arm around the plant. "She's my favorite."

"Yes," Vladimir replied, grabbing her wrist. Morticia tensed, once again- releasing Cleopatra while she was at it-another feeling she wasn't used to. "I must tell you something," he continued, locking his eyes into hers. "I find you very fascinating."

"I believe you're trying to tell me something," Morticia replied, faking the smile on her face.

"When I first saw you I was enchanted," he replied, kissing her hand.

"Cousin Vladimir," Morticia exclaimed, shocked. "I believe you're abusing our hospitality. I'm happily married."

"I happen to make women to forget their husbands in one day," He whispered, snaking his arm around her waist and pulling her closer. Morticia started to struggle against him.

"Please," she pleaded, trying to reason with him. His grip was tightening around her waist, and she started to pull back. "I love Gomez."

"Who's Gomez?" He asked, going for her neck.

"My husband," she said, pulling back. Cleopatra reared up, hissing in warning.

"You see," Vladimir smirked, ignoring both Morticia and Cleopatra. "I've already forgotten him."

Seeing no other alternative Morticia kicked Vladimir in the shin then threw him over her shoulder. "You'll know when you see him." She hurriedly walked out of the room.

She stopped by the door to the kitchen, hiding in the corner and allowing her mind to catch up with what had been happening. Vladimir was a problem for her marriage. While he was extremely tempting, she knew that she could never love him the way she loves her husband. "I need to see Gomez," she sighed, wiping her eyes.