Damien

Chapter 6

Emile looked down at Vivienne and Albert from the rooftop. He stared sadly as they walked away, holding hands. A tear slid down from the mask’s eye and dropped to the street below like rain.

It hurt, seeing Vivienne with someone else. But she was happy, and that man cared about her. That was all that mattered to Emile.

He smiled, remembering Vivienne’s faith in Damien. If only you knew, Vivienne. I wish you could somehow guess who I am. He swept his cloak behind him, wiped away the tear on the mask, and flew from that roof to the next.

As long as you believe in Damien, Emile thought, I will be happy. Even if I see you with another man.

Albert and I stopped once we reached my house. I looked over at him. “Would you like to come in?” I asked.

He nodded. “I’d love to. I don’t think you’ve invited me over before.”

“I haven’t.” I unlocked the door and held it open for him. He walked inside and looked around. I closed the door behind us. “Tea?”

“No, thank you.” He saw my used gypsy costume on the floor. “You used that as a costume?”

I blushed. “Yes. I borrowed it from a friend. Do you know Tristiana?”

“No, I haven’t had the pleasure.” He toed the outfit. “I can understand why that man came on to you as he did. That is a very…” He coughed. “Where did Tristiana get it? America?”

“I have no idea,” I said truthfully.

“It’s a pity I didn’t get to see you in it,” He muttered.

“What was that?”

“Nothing, nothing.”

I gave him a look, and he grinned at me. He moved closer and reached out with his hand. He tilted my face towards his.

“May I ask you something?”

“You just did.”

“Can I kiss you?”

“If you want to.”

He leaned down and kissed me. Whoa, I thought as he pulled me towards him, wrapping his arms around me. I guess he wanted to.

Albert kissed the skin right under my ear. “I…I think I’m in love with you, Vivienne.”

“Wow. All in one day?” I said a bit breathlessly as his lips moved down my throat.

He chuckled. “Do you think I’m going too quickly?”

“Ah…do you mean with your feelings or your mouth?”

He laughed and drew back. “My feelings, of course.”

“Honestly?” I said. “Yes. You’re moving very quickly, and I can’t seem to keep up. I do like you, Albert, very much so…but I want my feelings to grow over time. Not over dinner.”

“I can understand that,” He said, not at all perturbed. “Can I keep kissing you?”

“Please do.”

He kissed me again, and I leaned into it. He held me to him tightly as if he never wanted to let go. I entwined my fingers in his hair, and he deepened the kiss. I felt him push me backwards. We landed on my bed.

“Al…Albert…” I gasped. He made a noise. “Albert, I’m not…I’m not going to…this isn’t a one-night stand…”

“Of course not,” He breathed. “I would never impose on you. I wouldn’t push you farther than you wanted to go, Vivienne.” His hands slid up my spine, making my back arch. “I really…really…want you…”

“Can we go slower?” I asked. “Please?”

He nodded. “Of course. I’m sorry.” He kissed me again softly and sat up. “I didn’t mean to take advantage of you, Vivienne.”

“You didn’t,” I assured him. “I just don’t want to rush into anything.”

“I understand that,” He replied. “We’ll take it slow, Vivienne. I should’ve taken it slower from the beginning. I’m sorry. I just…kissing you is addictive.”

“I feel the same way,” I muttered.

“What was that?”

“Nothing.”

“Can I…” He blushed. “Never mind.”

“No, what?” I asked.

“Will it be all right if I…stay here with you?” He said. His face reddened and he stood up. “Never mind. I don’t want to impose on you any more. It’s bad enough that I’m not… Never mind.”

“No, wait,” I stopped him. “Why do you ask? Of course, you can stay here, but…why?”

“I’ve been staying with Emile,” He said. He shook his head. “Of course, he and I don’t have the same relationship as you and I do.”

“Of course not,” I said quickly. I shook my head free of the image that brought around. “But… do you not have a house, Albert?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Oh,” I said softly. “Of course you can stay here, Albert. I’d love to have the company.”

He pulled me into a hug. “Thank you, Vivienne.”

“You’re welcome, Albert. Say…” I said. I blushed. “Would you mind…do you want to go to the next masquerade with me?”

He grinned. “I thought you’d never ask.”