SHADOW

Coffee Date

I bought a coffee to sip on. It didn't do anything for me anymore. In my past life it was my lively hood. It was like a constant attachment. Now that I think of it, the night I died I was coming home with a cup of coffee.

I looked at the door, narrowing my eyes as I waited for her to walk through them.

My nails tapped against the table in irritation as my patience burned down to the nub. I did not like to be kept waiting. She wasn't the first girl to arrive late and she wouldn't be the last.

She'd have to be taught manners, but that was fine. It was part of the game.

She walked through the door, dark hair whisked behind her. I looked at my watch. 8:03.

She spotted me and walked quickly toward me, pulling out the chair and sat down opposite of me.

"You're late."

She smiled at me sheepishly, her dimples on full display. "I'm sorry."

"Too bad that doesn't fix it." I leaned forward setting my hands in a steeple on top of the table.

I stared at her, waiting for her to speak again, but she didn't. She sat there, eyes boring into mine as a slight frown settled over her face.

"Jayde?" I asked condescendingly, sending her a calculated glare. "Talk."

"Listen, you asked me out for coffee. I can easily leave."

I smiled at her, enjoying her boldness. "But you won't leave."

We held each other's eyes for a long moment, the air around us thickening with tension. I smirked, licking my lips in silent anticipation.

Her posture relaxed and that's when I knew she was bluffing. "That's what I thought." I pushed a second cup of coffee toward her. "I got this for you."

She took a sip, eyes widening. "How'd you know? This is my favorite."

I shrugged. "Lucky guess."

She took another sip, plump lips sliding over the hole in the top of the coffee cup. My emerald eyes flickered down, watching as they moved away from the cup and parted.

I shook my head free of its haze and focused on her eyes instead. "What was that, my love?"

"I said do I know you from anywhere? You look very familiar like I've seen you before?"

"I've never seen you before yesterday."

She nodded in acceptance, dark orbs still looking over me in interest as if she was trying to decipher my entire being. I looked on in disinterest because that would be impossible. It'd take almost as long as I've been alive to get through to me.

"Why'd you ask me here if you're not going to talk?"

"Are you frustrated, my love?"

"Quit calling me that."

My lips twitched upward in amusement. "Do you not like my attention? What do you suggest I do to show my interest?"

"Skip the vague answers."

I brought my fingers up to my chin, rubbing them in a thoughtful motion. "Isn't there supposed to be some mystery here?"

"Listen Mr.Cullen. This isn't twilight. I'm not Bella and I'm not flattered."

I burst into laughter. If only she knew. This wasn't a bullshit love story like Twilight. It was darker. More truthful if you ask me. "That was funny, Jayde."

She huffed in frustration, setting her cup down and crossing her arms over her chest.

"Watch your attitude, my love. Where are your manners?"

At the look on her face I decided that I would stop teasing her and say something to help me toward my objective.

"You look beautiful today, Jayde."

"Thanks."

"You're special. So damn special."

Her eyes rose from the table in curiosity. "How so?"

"I know you have a beautiful mind. Way past anything someone average could imagine. I want to explore you...in more ways than one."

She shifted in her seat. My intensity must be new to her. She'd never adjust. I'd always make her nervous and I'd always have some effect on her. Whether it be sexual or purely mental. I'd always get something from her until the day she died by my hands.

I smiled at her again, showing off my blindingly white teeth. "Would you like that Jayde?"

She gulped multiple times, adam's apple bobbing like a lure.

"I could explore deep into your mind. You could show me everything you want. Everything that everyone else bypasses. And then after I can be deep inside of you. Make you feel appreciated. Show you the attention you deserve. Do you want that?"

"I-I-"

"You what?" I urged. "It's a simple yes or no question, my love."

"I don't know you."

"That's not answering my question, Jayde. Do you want it or not?"

She opened her mouth and then closed it again.

"I will ask you tomorrow then." I stood up from my chair, bending down to kiss her cheek, lingering there for a few seconds. "I want you."

I left her without another word.

I walked down the street, happy with the way our meeting went. She would say yes eventually. I didn't have to compel her to agree. She compelled herself. She wanted me.

It was simple.

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A/N: Being home makes me feel weird. I'm ready to go back to sf and be ignant.

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