Public Site |
* Jewel draws the curtains in the sitting-room as the last rays of the sun fade from the horizon. A little restlessly, she scans the room, and strolls over to a dusty bookshelf to scan the titles idly. * Dusk lights a lamp and settles into a chair, idly spinning a dart in one hand and watching Jewel. * Bienca waits until it is nearly dark before sliding down from the attic storage and into the hallway. She touches the ground lightly, then slides the trapdoor silently back into place. A moment later, she is leaning in the doorway of the sitting room. "Miss me?" * Jewel pulls a book and flips through it idly before reshelving it. She starts and looks towards the doorway at the sound of Bienca's voice. * Dusk looks up with a grin. {Want to see how much?} <Jewel> Bie! ::a faint flush of color creeps across her cheeks and lightly stains the tips of her ears:: I didn't think to see you so soon. <Bienca> You've got a vulnerable spot in the attic. But I don't suspect that's why you wanted to see me. Your man was sounding distinctly ticked off when he told me to stop by. ::she folds her long frame into a chair:: What's up? <Jewel> Oh... well, it certainly wasn't because of you. He's, um, not very happy about my current job. ::she licks her lips a little nervously and glances at Dusk:: I... um... wanted to ask your advice. <Bienca> ::raises one eyebrow as she flickers her fingers over the ends of her braids:: What about? <Jewel> ::her color deepening, spreading down her neck:: Well... do you know what it is I'm doing here? * Dusk settles deeper into his chair, putting his dart away and neatly folding his hands, watching the ladies with the faintest of smiles. <Bienca> ::nods slowly:: Dawn told me... right before he said "You might want to keep Angel from doing something fucking stupid". ::she mimics the scruffy blonde mage's voice:: * Jewel glances at Dusk as he makes himself comfortable and rolls her eyes at him a little. She looks back at Bie. "I'm glad sensible people are keeping an eye on him. Thanks." She smiles quickly. <Bienca> I ain't really "sensible people" but he's not going to plow through me without a really good reason, either... ::she eyes Jewel with an amused smile:: So... <Jewel> Okay... right. So, what you're doing here. ::takes breath and releases it:: Major Duncan... to put it plainly, he's a brute. Making him attracted to me hasn't been a problem. ::she taps her temple:: But... I've never had the need to, um, attach myself to someone I really didn't *like* before. ::eyes fixing on a point somewhere behind Bie's shoulder as the blush deepens:: <Jewel> I was hoping, with your experience, you might be able to, um, give me some pointers on how to make him think I'm attracted to him when I'm really... not. * Jewel twists her fingers together in acute discomfort. <Bienca> ::snorts:: Really? I'd have thought... no, never mind... <Dusk> {Better yet, tell her how to draw it out without letting on... She hooks him, and then loses him by boring him to death, trying to keep him out of her skirts.} <Jewel> I wasn't boring him to death! He just... well, I wasn't expecting him to be quite so... um. ::stares at her hands again:: <Dusk> ::raises an eyebrow at Jewel:: {You were acting like you were husband-hunting, gorgeous. He's not that kind of man.} <Jewel> ::red to the tips of her ears:: No. He's most definitely not. ::mutters:: Portable, my foot... <Dusk> ::looks back at Bie with a "you see the problem?" kind of expression:: * Bienca considers, propping one leg over the arm of her chair and kicking it absently. "What sort of tips, really? I mean, the basics are easy enough, and I've *seen* you using them..." <Jewel> Well... ::frowning at the carpet:: I'm trying to find a happy medium between keeping his interest and pushing him into making a move on me. He doesn't seem to have a heck of a lot of interest in small talk. Or, really, anything but one thing. ::snorts:: <Bienca> ::gives Dusk a bit of a sly wink:: I don't know much about mediums, Jewel. But then, even Dusk will tell you, I'm not so very picky about my partners, sometimes. <Dusk> ::grins:: {You've slept with Dawn. What else needs to be said?} <Jewel> ::clears her throat:: Yes, well... ::starting to pace, keeping her eyes down, blush fading slowly as she turns her attention to the problem:: Normally, it'd be sort of a... game. A back and forth. For example, I'd show interest in the things he's interested in. <Jewel> But *Duncan's* not even interested in the things he claims to be interested in. ::frustrated:: What am I supposed to say? "Sure, I think making my subordinates squirm is fun, too"? "I love that look of terror in people's eyes when I walk in a room"? "Sure, I like slapping women around, too?" <Jewel> And complementing his looks, his intelligence, his power... ::snort:: If *I* can barely swallow the lines, how is he going to? He's *not* stupid. A pig, yes, dumb, no. <Bienca> ::snorts derisively:: Don't be ridiculous. Men believe what you tell them, as long as you sound sincere... ::she laughs easily:: Most of them have egos like spun glass, they don't *dare* think of questioning a compliment... they might break something. * Dusk gives Bienca an amused (but faintly suspicious) look. * Jewel glances at Dusk and grins a little. She links her hands behind her back and resumes pacing. "You don't think he's going to wonder *why* I'm flattering him, if at the same time I'm not, ah, succumbing to his obvious charms?" She shakes her head, frowning. "I don't know what it is... Snowman was, well, lewder. But somehow Duncan gives far more offense than Snowman ever did." <Jewel> ::looking wry and grinning a little:: And I *don't* think it's because Snowman didn't mean it. <Bienca> ::gives Dusk a smile like a dollop of whipped cream, sweet and slow, then turns her attention to Jewel:: You're a young, ambitious widow... what's to wonder about? It's not unusual for women to gravitate towards power. <Jewel> Alright... so I've gravitated. And why haven't I fallen, then? He's... ::stopping, closing one hand in a grasping motion:: Right now, he's in the position of power. He doesn't need to do anything to get me to fall in his... *ahem* lap. I need to get him to *chase* me! * Jewel throws herself into a chair, scowling in frustration. <Bienca> ::looks down at her fingers:: You have to bait your trap, sweetheart. * Jewel raises an eyebrow, pushing her shoulders back a little as she straightens, stung. "What, I'm not enough?" <Bienca> ::critically:: Not dressed like that, you're not. And talking about him, your whole body is screaming "hands off." Even the most clueless male is going to see that. ::she moves over to kneel by Jewel's chair:: May I? <Jewel> Um... sure. ::shifting a little nervously in her chair to face Bie:: * Bienca makes some adjustments to Jewel's bodice, revealing an extra several inches of pale skin. "There, that's a little better. And breathe... all the way down to the bottom of your chest... if you don't have anything to say, shrug. Like this." She shrugs her shoulders lazily, a gesture that draws attention to her own chest. * Dusk watches Bienca move with obvious appreciation. * Jewel follows the motion of Bienca's shoulders with her eyes, the blush creeping up her cheeks again. Swallowing hard, she takes a clearing breath and then breathes in slow and deep, from her abdomen. * Jewel looks up at Bie from under lowered lashes as she lifts her shoulders and brings them together slightly in a shrug. The movement deepens her cleavage, causing the stiff fabric of her bodice to gap slightly. <Bienca> ::grins approvingly:: Much better... and get that flush under control... you look like a schoolgirl. ::laying one hand against Jewel's knee, as if by accident, she leans forward, her lips slightly parted, her eyes wide and rounded:: * Jewel swallows hard and licks her lips, staring at Bie with a somewhat stricken expression. "Um... I'll try." <Bienca> ::leans back, the seductive posture falling off her like a coat:: Practice on Dusk. <Dusk> ::blinks and eyes Bienca:: {You are a cruel woman.} <Bienca> ::looks up at Dusk:: Well, she's not gonna practice on *me*. She looks terrified out of her wits. * Jewel lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding and relaxes enough to grin at Dusk. "Teacher's orders, Dusk." * Dusk snorts, but sits up straighter and lets his face fall into the impassive mask he uses when he's playing bodyguard. * Jewel lowers her eyes. "Sorry, Bie. It's not... um... I mean, I didn't mean to offend you, or anything." <Bienca> ::waves one hand dismissively:: I'm not... besides, Dusk's not the type to kiss and tell... * Jewel presses her hands to her cheeks to cool them and takes another settling breath. She grins at Bie briefly. "I didn't think you would be, either." She rises from her chair, going over to Dusk to perch on the ottoman in front of him. Her tongue darts out to moisten her lips, and she slows and deepens her breathing as she studies him sidelong. "Hi, Dusk." * Dusk looks Jewel over slowly, from head to toe and back, then casually gestures a return greeting. <Bienca> ::in a soft voice:: Imagine that you want him. He's the only one in the whole world... you want his hands on you, you want to touch him... breathe in, smile... imagine his kisses like fire in your blood... * Jewel smiles a little, slowly, leaning forward. "Come now, you don't have to be like that." She puts a hand lightly, casually on his knee, widening her eyes as she stares at him. "I didn't *mean* to tease you so, the other night." <Bienca> ::still coaching, her voice almost hypnotic:: Don't meet his eyes too long... you're overwhelmed by his presence... bite your lip... * Dusk drops his eyes almost automatically to Jewel's bodice as she leans forward. He picks up her hand off his knee and lifts it, kissing her knuckles lightly with his eyes intent on her face. * Jewel bites her lip at Bie's words, but breathes in, shoulders shifting a little. Her eyes lower, flicking away demurely, lingering on the touch of his lips on her hand. She trembles slightly. * Dusk takes the opportunity, while Jewel is looking away, to give Bienca a quick but significant look. He composes his expression again and releases Jewel's hand. Instead, he cups her chin in his hand, at first gently, and then more firmly as he recalls the man she is training for. <Dusk> ::He lifts her head high-- a position which displays the white curve of her neck and even further displays the swell of her cleavage. He eyes her appreciatively for a long moment before meeting her eyes again.:: * Jewel smiles at him again, chin up, meeting his eyes briefly before turning them to the side again. Her hand lifts to his, where he grips her chin, and she traces one finger delicately up the inside of his wrist and along the arch of his thumb. * Bienca gives Dusk an almost repentant shrug before continuing to coach Jewel in her hushed voice. <Jewel> ::her voice soft, trying to keep a tremble of fear out of it:: My lord... your hands are so strong... <Bienca> ::thoughtfully:: It might be good to be a little afraid of him... he obviously likes it... just a little... <Jewel> ::dryly, tilting her head back a bit to glance at Bie:: I *am* a little afraid of him. * Dusk draws a quick, rough breath. He releases Jewel and sits back in his chair, rubbing both hands heavily over his face. <Jewel> ::looking contrite:: I'm sorry, Dusk. This isn't what you signed on for. <Dusk> ::takes a deep, slow, breath, then gives Jewel a quick grin:: {This would be much easier if you weren't married to Angel, you know.} * Bienca pulls her legs up under her. "Much better... now, if you can manage that with our target, you'll get a lot further... the idea is to promise more than you give out." <Jewel> ::looking down, tracing a finger over his knee:: Actually... Angel makes it *easier*. I'm trying to imagine it's him. ::makes a face:: Although... the Major doesn't make me feel *anywhere* near that safe. Quite the opposite. ::rubs her arms:: <Jewel> ::grins at Bie:: Any idea how to avoid giving out what I'm promising, short of kneeing the bastard in the balls? <Jewel> ::chews her lip thoughtfully, looking back at Dusk:: Think he'd believe I'd lose my inheritance if I don't keep to the letter of my year of mourning? <Bienca> ::sighs, pulling her knees up to her chest:: Now you're getting into territory where I don't have much experience. ::she gives Jewel a small, helpless smile:: Whores don't make much money, turning people down. <Jewel> Mmm. ::nods, frowning in thought:: You... you started as an independent, right, Bie? <Dusk> ::tips his hand back and forth uncertainly:: {You're obviously frightened of him. Use it. He'll like it, but I think with your mental nudging, he may decide he'd rather *win* you than *conquer* you.} <Bienca> ::in a soft voice:: No. I was sold to the house I worked for. ::eyes Dusk:: Don't let him get you alone... <Dusk> ::firmly:: {That's my job. I won't leave her alone with him; you can trust me on that.} <Jewel> ::eyes soft:: Bie... ::clearing her throat:: Bie, what did you do with a customer who got, um, too rough? <Bienca> ::with a laugh that doesn't convey any humor at all:: Protected my face. * Jewel swallows hard. <Dusk> {You have options Bienca didn't have. And protection she didn't have, either. He won't get a chance to get *that* rough.} * Bienca thoughtfully reaches out and turns Jewel's hand over. "Although there are some... Dusk might be able to help you out with that... just a bit of needle, pasted to the underside of the nail, dipped in a sleep poison." * Jewel nods eagerly, glancing over at Dusk. "Could you? That way I'd have a way..." she glances away, continuing in a more subdued voice. "A way to protect you, too." <Dusk> ::frowns:: {You don't need to protect me. I'll show you, so you can protect yourself - just in case. But you are *absolutely* not to endanger yourself or your cover for my sake. Promise.} <Jewel> ::keeping her eyes on the rug, her fingers tightening around Bie's hands:: I don't want people I care about dying for me. Twice was two times too many. <Bienca> ::shrugs again:: Maybe... you could mix something special. I have some tree bark from my home that produces the most *vivid*... ::she actually flushes:: ... dreams. Combined with a sleeper, you could make him think something happened that didn't. <Jewel> ::lifting her eyes:: I won't endanger myself. But I won't stand by if I can save your life, Dusk. * Jewel raises her eyebrows at Bienca, a small grin touching one corner of her mouth. "Well now... that would be easy, wouldn't it?" * Dusk raises an eyebrow at Bienca, looking amused again. {Ingested, usually?} <Bienca> ::nods:: Usually. A lot of men back home use it, when they haven't got a woman. A little scratch, you scatter most of your clothes around the room. He'll make the conclusions. It might work. <Jewel> ::grins at Dusk:: Worth a try, if he gets too pushy. <Jewel> And for that matter... I'd be more than willing to go a little way to administer it. Scratching him wouldn't be hard. <Dusk> ::considers:: {I'll need you to bring me some, and some of my equipment. Converting an ingestible into an injectible isn't trivial. And I'd have to find a sleeping draught that won't conflict with it.} ::he makes a wry face:: {Be nice if I had someone to test it on. And about three weeks to work.} <Bienca> ::nods:: You can test it on me... so long as you stay around when I wake up... <Dusk> ::grins:: {This job gets better and better...} * Jewel presses her hands to her cheeks to at least hide the blush this time and bites her lips to keep from giggling. * Dusk gives Jewel a sly grin, then looks back at Bienca. {How soon can you go and collect things and be back? Dawn can help you find my things; that shouldn't take long.} * Jewel winks at Dusk. "Looks like I'm getting claws of my own after all." <Bienca> ::gives Dusk her casual shrug:: A few hours... I have a job to do in two days, which will give you time to cook it up. Hopefully. And if I don't get caught, we can test it then. * Jewel snorts at Bie's mention of being caught. * Dusk makes a face that seconds Jewel's snort of derision. {If you get caught, I want to know about it. I'll lay some bets on whether the sun is coming up the next morning.} <Bienca> ::gives them both a quick grin:: We'll see... normally, I wouldn't touch this job with a ten-footer... * Jewel grins to herself a little, and practices Bie's seductive little shrug again. "We have faith in you, Bie." <Dusk> ::grins and shakes his head:: {I'm not asking. See? Not asking. But I want to hear about this when it's done.} * Bienca makes a small gesture with one hand. "Promise." <Dusk> ::captures Bienca's hand and kisses it:: {Deal. You can tell me all about it after you wake up.... Wait here; I'll make a list of the things I'll need.} ::he gets up and leaves the room:: * Jewel watches Dusk go, and looks back at Bie somewhat shyly. "Thanks for all of your help, Bie." <Bienca> ::pats Jewel's hand fondly:: Just be careful. I'm fond of your husband, and I'd take it badly if he got himself into trouble about this. <Jewel> ::grins:: I'm rather fond of him myself. I'll be as careful as I can. You take care of yourself, too. ::going up on tiptoe quickly before she can think about it further and kissing Bie on the cheek:: * Bienca looks pleased. "I'm always careful... " She looks around to make sure Dusk isn't in earshot. "Just one thing, Jewel. If... if you end up having to go further than you thought... don't tell him about it." <Jewel> ::shakes her head quickly, her eyes briefly hard:: I won't. But I won't have to. I'm trusting Dusk. <Bienca> ::seriously:: Your major won't live through this. You know that, don't you? Imagine that, sometime, if he gets to you, too badly. <Jewel> ::nods:: I knew that the second I agreed to this. And frankly, I'm glad. ::lowering her voice:: You remember the warden? What I told you, when we got out of there? ::she narrows her eyes:: He's like that. <Bienca> ::shrugs again, this time without the seductive manner:: * Dusk comes back into the room with a small scrap of paper filled with neat handwriting. He offers it to Bienca. <Bienca> I suppose it could be worse. You could actually feel sorry for the poor bastard. That's always harder. ::she takes the list without looking at it, folding it up and sliding it inside her shirt:: * Jewel smiles at Dusk, stepping back from Bie a little bit, looking wry. "Regrets I can always handle later. I'm just going to have to have a *really* good imagination." She winks. "After all, they can't all be as fun as the practice subjects." * Dusk sighs with an air of much abuse. <Jewel> ::impishly:: Don't worry, Dusk, *I* don't kiss and tell, either. * Dusk grins and shakes his head, then nods to Bienca. {I'll see you back in a couple of hours, then?} <Bienca> ::nods:: Unless Dawn's feeling chatty... Still, no later than midnight. * Jewel studies the rug, watching Bie through her eyelashes as she takes her leave of Dusk. <Bienca> ::to Jewel:: I'll leave the same way I got here, if you don't mind. Rooftops are faster this time of day. * Dusk stretches up on his toes to kiss Bienca's cheek, then goes to slouch in his chair again. <Jewel> ::nods, looking up and grinning slightly:: I assumed you could see yourself out. * Bienca grins. "I'll be back soon." She moves into the hallway and lifts herself into the attic. * Jewel watches Bie leave, and falls back into her own chair with a sigh. * Jewel flicks a glance at Dusk. "So help me, if I catch you looking smug, I'll... I'll... flirt with you again." |
|
|