Checking in and Holding On. ][ Open ][

[Raissa Sennett]

...How long had it been? How long had she been away from him. Too long, but the circumstance wouldn't allow her to include him. Not this time. It was true, they were inseparable until that fateful night. After hours of indulging in the pleasures of each others bodies, the sweet torture and intoxicating taste of blood she had slipped from her bed and his side with nothing more than a kiss to his brow. Raissa dressed in the crimson velvet dress with bodice hugging her petite frame tightly, fish net stockings were pulled over shapely calves and stiletto pinched between fingers as she tiptoed out. She did pause in the doorway as the moonlight washed over his naked and abused frame. Though she sworn she'd never love another as she had Raine, Sebastian was soon making her out to be a liar, and that bothered her. She didn't want to love him, he was her boy toy, nothing more...right?

...Thick mass of deep chocolate was brushed before the necklace was slipped into place around her neck. Her reflection no longer visible since her transformation and a twinge of regret tugged at her.. It was pushed aside as the morbid dollie finished getting dressed. The thick black cloak was draped across bare shoulders and with nothing more than a soft sigh she left the apartment. There would be no note, no clue as to where she had gone she simply vanished into the empty streets that the night had to offer. Making her way quickly towards the train station. The very train station she had watched him in action as he fed. She could almost smell the blood as his fangs sank deep into the beauties flesh. Raissa purchased a one way ticket with a cold smile, then moved into the shadows to await her departure.

...In time she boarded the train with thoughts of him on her mind. Things would be easier if she didn't care, but she needed to take care of this. Raissa had unfinished business, and since the day Raine had left her life she had "feelers" out to track him down. It was almost impossible to find someone that didn't want to be found, but with perseverance she indeed had found him and now she was on her way to confront the only man she had ever loved with her complete being. The man that had saved her life too many times to count and who promised to love her for a lifetime. Funny how things change when you're not expecting it. Hiding away in the sleeping compartment of the train as the day passed with unseasonably warm temperature the spooky little vixen was trying to think of what she'd say when she came face to face with Raine.

...Within three days she reached her destination....a quaint little town that was trying to make a name for itself. She knew it was dangerous for her to be so far from home, and even more so for her to travel in the daylight. She took extra precautions to make sure that perfect alabaster flesh remained in tact. Getting her a room at the only Bed and Breakfast in town she washed the days grime from her flesh before dawning clean clothes and partaking in the local taste before heading to the address on the slip of paper that was tucked into her bodice. Raissa's look was cold and very determined as she stopped at the door of the building where Raine's office was. Slender fingers pushed the door open as petite frame purged from the doorway and into the floral smelling room. A cherub looking woman sat behind a desk answering the phone, and with one finger lifted Raissa was instructed to wait.

...The closed door sported a brass name plate that read "Raine Sommes...Private Investigator." She could hear his boisterous laughter behind the wooden slab, and ignoring the woman she sauntered into his office. It was safe to say that whomever he was talking to on the phone became secondary as twin specks of aquatic blue landed on her...even the color drained from his face as the cowl of her cloak was pushed from her face. Raine looked as if he'd seen a ghost...she was that in a sense. A ghost from a past he was trying to forget it seemed. After awkward silence he stood and moved from behind his desk. The nervousness on his face almost brought a smile to her features, but she remained cold and stoic. This was not a social visit and she wanted him to squirm like a worm on a hook before her.

...It took him a minute to recover before he turned on the charm. Charm that at one time would have her knees weak, and ready to throw caution to the wind. But this wasn't the disturbed woman he had left behind. No, this was a very dangerous and very disturbed woman that hated him with a passion he'd never understand. Sebastian had given her power beyond her comprehension, but powers he helped her hone into a deadly science. She wanted to sink those ivory daggers deep into his veins, but resisted. No, she wanted to toy with her dinner tonight and toy with him she did. For hours they talked that day, with her agreeing to have dinner with him the following night. For weeks this continued, until once more Raine had confessed his undying love for the woman he'd left behind.

...That was exactly what she wanted...she wanted him to love her once again but thrilled in the knowledge that he'd never taste her lips or feel her body writhe beneath his own as it was evident he desired. When he asked her to move to be with him Raissa told him she was unsure, and left him to his own company. She followed him home without him knowing, watched as he turned on the light to his bedroom. Sinister was the smile that came to hold noir painted lips, for everything she had been planning this past month and a half was about to bear sweet fruit. Waiting until the light went off, she picked the lock of his front door and made her way to his room. With each step an article of her clothing was shed so when the door was opened the moonlight would reveal her naked frame. Raine didn't seem surprised as he patted the spot beside him.

...Deadly mistake on his part. For as his warm lips pressed against cold flesh he pulled back only to find those dark orbs full of hate. Her expression has shifted from one of acceptance to one of malevolence. He tried to plead with her as ivory daggers slipped into position. Raissa could only smirk as family of five slipped into his hair pulling his head back to expose that throbbing vein that housed a delicious treat. "Betrayal is something I can never forgive or forget Raine....you should have known that." Before he could respond Raissa claimed the vitae that was her lifesource. Draining the man that she had loved more than life, and letting him slip into a hell he had made for himself.

...Quickly dressing and exiting his house she returned to the Bed and Breakfast, packed her belongings and caught the first train going anywhere but where she was. It didn't matter where she ended up, and though her journey bittersweet it gave her a sense of closure, too bad it was permanent closure for him. Trepidation made her hesitant as she reached the door, fingers twisting the knob, the knob that lead to her new life alone. She was sure they would come looking for her but until then, this would be her temporary home. Sebastian would move on without her, and Raissa would be nothing more than a warm memory.

...With bag in hand, cowl of cloak still pulled over her head she walked to the front desk and dropped her bag. Precise movements would pluck slender fingers from satin cases, gloves were laid before her as she waited to be acknowledge by the receptionist. Surely there was one on duty twenty four, seven. If not she would seek refuge elsewhere. It no longer mattered to her...the life she once knew was no longer. Raissa felt like an abandoned child all over again except this time there would be no Savior, no knight in shining armor to save her.

[Winston Charles Bakersfie]

He had just gotten the best shower he had in a long time, his shower buddy was there, and well she was very good at washing his back. He might even have to up her rate he paid her. Unfortunately for him, she had somewhere she had to be, which left him all wet with no where to go. He was not one to sit on his heels. Having gone into town earlier in the day to check on the building, he figured he better go hunt down Al, she was going to need to report to work there in the morning. When he said good bye to his back washer he had been wrapped in a single white towel that hung low upon his hips. With the thought of searching out his Assistant, he needed to get dressed, so once the door had closed, he went back into his rooms. Going straight for the bedroom, he would towel dry himself off, before tossing the towel into a hamper. He was well trained in that aspect.

Once his form had been dried he moved over to the dresser, his room was not on the first floor and if someone was outside his window, then they deserved the show. And what a show it would be, muscles gleaming and flexing, oh yes the dresser, pulling upon the top drawer he grabbed a pair of boxer briefs, dark red, once those were put on, he debated. He didn’t want to get all dressed up again, so for this rare time he grabbed a pair of faded loose blue jeans, and paired them with a white wife beater. He was often found wearing wife beaters under his button up shirts, they were rather useful, and he liked them. Feet had socks and a pair of shoes, tennis shoes, yes he owed them, Nike to be exactly upon them. Running a hand through his locks, which caused the front to stand up just so, his hair was well trained..he figured it was as good as he was going to get.

Leaving his room, he had nothing on him, save for a wallet in his back pocket, and his cell in his front. He did not have his lap top or anything else that might weigh him down. It felt odd not having a brief case and being dressed in his relaxed clothing. It had been a while since he could dress down. Now, he had started to go to Al’s old room, he knew where that one was, when it dawned on him, she changed rooms. He had not a clue where she was at now. But he knew how to find out. The ledger book it had to be kept up to date right?

Ah-ha! That gave him the idea, and so those feet turned and he went to the stairs. Moving along them until he was at the bottom. Then he walked towards the reception desk/check in area, you know that spot. Pausing at seeing a lady there. He would not just walk past her, that was not his thing, even if he had not a clue what to do. It was times like this that he needed Al. He grinned to the woman. “Hello! Welcome to the Inn.” Stall. He needed to stall, he would not slip behind the counter. Instead he looked around, almost as if he was looking for someone, anyone really. “Can I be of assistance?” The way the words came out, one could tell he really had no clue, and he really wasn’t the sort to be checking in others. He had people that did that stuff for him, he was just a regular of the Inn’s. It was then he took note of the bag she dropped. "Wanting a room no doubt?" See he could take clues and use them, when he let himself. A winning grin was given to the girl.

[Raissa Sennett]

...It had surely only been minutes she stood there like a statue waiting, but to her it seemed like forever. Slight bend at the middle would have hand going for the bag in order to make her exit. It was then the footsteps were heard. Collective breath perhaps of annoyance was given as swirling eyes of violet fixated on the man. See her sway as if she was about to faint? Hope not. Hand grabbed the edge of the sign in desk to steady herself.

...Mental berating, chastising herself for believing Raine was that powerful of a man to return from the dead. Keep it together Raissa, you can do this was the pep talk given as free hand pushed the hood back from her face. Old habits die hard, if at all so that award winning Colgate smile was flashed as fake as it was. Melodic tones passed plump lips as she put her best foot so to speak forward. "No doubt."

...There was a bite in her tone that she hadn't meant to be there, but she was tired and in a weaken state so chit chat and small talk were not on her to do list. It was obvious to her that he didn't belong behind the desk or anywhere near manual labor. How you might ask? Well just look at his nails, they say a lot about a man and this man didn't seem to know what physical labor was, unless you counted the spiking of his hair. Yes, it's fair to say our little demented dollie was a bit on the curt side.

...To emphasize she was in a bit of a hurry, those stain casing were slipped back onto her hands. It wouldn't do to have physical contact with any portion of the man unless she wanted to zone out into one of her episodes. Today, that was something she could truly do without. Raissa simply wanted a room and to be left alone until she understood fully what was happening to her, and exactly how to handle it. Tiptaptiptap when that little booted foot against the floor.Get the picture? We knew you would.

[Airtia S. Cauthon]

"Removing the Ledger would speed progress."

There was nothing to announce the arrival of Airtia Cauthon as she descended the stairs not far from behind the front desk. The slim high heels o her shoes did not clack when they hit the wood and the floorboards did not give under any weight. There was the soft movement of sound that came naturally with the skirt as its fabric was subject to part at the wide waist high side split as her legs moved. Without her words the arrival would have only been marked by sight.

Having heard the exchange of words before seeing the pair told her of what was going on but that didn't stop the shadow of a smile that crossed her facial features when she was fully able to take in the scene. The cascade of dark aurburn that came to rest on her bare shoulders did well to hide the slight tip point of her ears and only accentuated the silver of her eyes. The body movement was fluid, exact, toned, and the slip of a dress she wore fit like a glove made only for her.

Behind a desk was not the place for anyone dressed like this, clearly she was on her way somewhere else. This was a momentary sidestep.

Airtia approached the desk and took in the two that were there for study. The man had a strong frame and the suit fitted him well. Well enough for the middle and ring finger on her right to touch at his back between shoulder blades and slide upwards to around his shoulder, the movement bringing her closer to him as there wasn't a need to be at arms length. Clearly she had no care of invading his personal space. The three silver bracelets barely clinked against the other as gravity pulled them downward. Lips parted and she spoke while her fingers moved. "Tis behind the desk." He would know for any future need.

Last word spoken her two fingers were removed and brushed against her thumb as she moved behind the desk, breaking the Wards she saw were there. With a glance to the female Airtia removed the Ledger and kept it held in her left as the right flipped through the pages for what she needed. An interesting book, this was. Cleaver and worth examining at a later date. Fortunately it was not her name signed into it's pages or the later would be now.

"Room One hundred and nine. That shall be yer room." Spoken in finality without room for negotiation. "Tis on the First floor. Payment will be taken by the time that ye leave. Bar tab tis included."

At this point she set down the book to face the female and sat a pen on top. "Sign on the first available line."

Turning sideways she motioned to the man, a flow of her hand to indicate the basket of keys that was there. He was here and to help out in the process and not simply sit there would help him not only be useful but to learn. "Iffen ye would get her key."

Of course, there had to be some other reason as to why she preferred not to get it herself.

[Winston Charles Bakersfie]

It was a good thing that Winston did not know the woman was thinking she was bringing people back from the dead. That would of made him uneasy in his skin. He had seen a lot and learned a lot more since coming to this place, but that was not something he was ready to see, or hear of it being done. Fake smiles, he used to date models, he knew all about them. Selfish waifs.

He would not dispute the fact that he was not one that worked behind the desk. Nor was he the sort that went out and did physical labor. He could. His muscles were not all for show. He just did not have the time for such things. Really he should not of taken the time off of his new project. But even he needed a break, that was the one thing he had learnt since coming to the Inn, to be precise.

Looking as if he had not a clue what to do next, that voice was there. Thankfully at the moment, he heard it, and he would give a nod of his head. “The ledger…yes I can see how that would help.” The next thing he knew he was being touched. It wasn’t a damaging touch, so he would roll with it, if one was going to complain about a female in their personal space, that was not doing anything she shouldn’t be, it was not going to be him. Besides she was helping him out. Right.

Following behind her, for this way he could actually see behind the desk, and where the ledger was kept. He gave a nod of his head. By Jove, this did not look as hard as he thought it was. Then she was flipping through and offering up a room number. The lady worked quickly. When she told him to get the key, it was the way she said the words, and he figured he would need to know these things. If one was going to assert themselves against another, it would do well to know their opponent, and to be on equal ground. He knew nothing of the female, except she knew what she was doing, and she was rather attractive.

He was allowed to look, that would not get him into trouble, that he knew of. He had looked at the other woman as well, he wasn’t dead. In fact, after he got the key, he would look to the one behind the desk with him. “Thank you for showing me the ropes.” Plain speaking before he held the key out to the other woman, only AFTER she signed her name in the book, with a grin. “Need help finding your room or someone to carry your bag?” He was offering to be polite, he knew where that room was, and he had seen her grasp the counter, not that he was calling her out on that. He was more of a watcher, you could learn a lot just by watching others.

[Raissa Sennett]

...Focus, focus...that was the mantra playing in her head, a two word incantation that was more fizzle than pop. Trying to keep her mind occupied so she didn't give anything away on her features. Raissa was still shaken to the core by the resemblance of the male to Raine. It would be her damned luck now wouldn't it to travel all this way and still be haunted. Nevertheless.

...Fleshy hoods blinked a few times to make sure the woman was not a figment of her imagination. Her grace was unsurpassed as she moved down the stairs, slipping behind the desk. Violet orbs watched cautiously as ears intently listened. Okay, now she was most certainly not the receptionist but at least she was being helpful.

...Slight start as the book was placed on the desktop and flipped open. Who knows why Raissa didn't speak, maybe the woman was intimidating, or maybe she had nothing to say. A nod gave a tousle to deep chocolate locks while unsteady hand plucked up the pen and quickly signed her name, returning the pen to it's spot.

...The pair seemed cozy and before she could actually ask for directions the man offered his service. To accept or not to accept that would be the million dollar question. She had no clue where the room was, but she was good with direction. However, if he carried her bag it would give her more of a chance to study him. Spooky little thing was paranoid and was still having a hard time swallowing that this wasn't some sibling of her former lover. "If you wouldn't mind."

...Nice, no bite in her words and she even offered the pair a semi-friendly smile before pivoting on her heels and waiting for him to do what he must before picking her bag up from the floor. In the meantime, she quickly plucked her left hand free. She would be prepared should she need more information than he was willing to give. Naughty, naughty. Hey, a girl had to do what a girl had to do in order to survive.

[Airtia S. Cauthon]

How perfectly smooth things went when people were given direction and it was taken. This occasion was proving that point perfectly and it was helping everyone to get on and about their way without need to dawdle. This man was well at taking directions for he didn't question on what she said or even cast cast an eye wondering if it was the right thing they were doing. Obedience. She liked that. To top it off he was wise enough to appreciate the beauty of a woman's figure and not foolish enough for his eyes to linger anywhere to long if not approved.

Airtia knew that he looked and she would say nothing about it for she had measured him up when he came into her view. How else was one to know if a person would be well equipped for task if they were never watched?

Her back frame touched the back of the front desk and watched the man get the keys and thank her for the instruction. "Welcome." Her one word response came out and the fact that he withheld the key until the female signed the book did not go unnoticed. It was mentally checked. He was more than just a handsome face. He even offered to help the female find her room and unless she was wrong -which she wasn't - there was no pretense of an underlining meaning in that offer. Good man.

As the Ledger was now signed Airtia's hand reached forth and fingers pressed down upon the top of the pages and the book was pulled towards her direction before it was easily lifted. She checked the signature to ensure that it was where it should be and then removed the pen and closed the Ledger and placed it back where it belonged and saw the Ward reappear. How much energy was being used on that little trick? A pondering for later.

"Enjoy the stay."

She waited until the man moved from behind the desk enough to allow her freedom of space to move past him. The purpose of her detour was done and the two who were at the desk were about to be on their way, there was no reason or need for her to stay. So she wouldn't for she was on her way to somewhere. Her direction now took her towards the front door, her steps just as silent and movement just as fluent as it was when she had come down the steps. From behind it as seen that her dress cut down from the shoulders in a 'V'. Straight down to the low of her back.

When she reached the door she spared another look back at the two making her hair brush only her back with the motion. They would be fine. Hand reached and took a hold of the door and she turned her head back around just as the door opened.

Time to go. No need to keep her appointment waiting.

[Winston Charles Bakersfie]

No witty comment about the woman whom had given him direction should not wear her dress backwards. Was it because he did not know her, or because a part of him would actually appreciate such a sight? Either way, the words did not pass, they stayed in his head. A man could not be blamed for his thoughts, as long as those thoughts did not turn into spoken word, restraint was a virtue in some instances. A nod would be given to the lady that was leaving.

Steps carried him around the counter, and a bend to pick up the other’s bags. “No problem at all.” Grin. He still had her key. Perhaps if the timing had been different he would of thought to inquire about the woman. The one that left that was. He was not dead, just leashed, to a point. With the new lady’s bags in his hands, he would turn his attention to her.

“Right this way.” Both hands being occupied he nodded his head towards the steps. “Room 109, we just need to go up one set of stairs. This place really should invest in a elevator or something.” Now he did not know if the woman knew anything about elevators, some people he had met here knew what he spoke of, others gave him the strangest of looks.

He would move to the stairs moving up them, listening in case she had any questions, but she seemed the quiet sort, and he was not one to press for answers. A small grin slipped over his features, because this checking in he had taken part of, had been completely different then his own.

[Raissa Sennett]

...Someone was dancing on her grave, well at least that was the feeling that now shimmied up her spine, and the quicker she was alone in her room the better. Any thought of prying into the males life was abandoned. She was finding it hard to swallow, to stay focused, to not succumb to the vision that was barreling down on her.

...Like a well trained solider she followed his lead, one foot in front of the other...left right left...up, down, up down. His words although she understood them elicited nothing more than a nod. Was that a bead of sweat at her brow? She probably looked as if she was about to pass out again but our demented little one was determined to keep conscious until she was behind closed doors.

...Damn her luck that she had not thought to grab the key, for now she had to wait for him to hand it off or unlock her door. She couldn't just rip it out of his hand along with her bag now could she? Don't think it didn't seriously cross her mind, but once they stopped in front of Room 109 the look she gave him implored him to simply assist and disappear. She would offer an apology later if he was the type to be easily offended.

[Winston Charles Bakersfie]

Once they reached the landing to the first floor, he would motion with the hand with the key, to show her where they were going. As the steps stopped in front of the room, he did not set down her bag, instead he used the hand with the key. Lifting the key so it was righted, slipped into the lock, and turned. A small twist with his hand showed that the door was unlocked, but he did not push it open. Taking the key out he held it out to her. "Here's your key."

A look between the woman, the baggage and the door, he figured he better ask. "Did you need anything else?" He knew that she had carried the items here, so he was not worried it was to heavy for her. He had that gentlemanly quality...sometimes. He held her luggage out towards her, it was her choice if she took it or asked him to take the items inside.

Later, she could find him, surely if she wanted to, to ask questions. And maybe she would even get answers.

[Raissa Sennett]

...Sugar and spice and everything nice he seemed to be, that fact alone made her cringe inwardly so he wouldn't noticed. She took the key without realizing it and that brief contact between her fingertips and his hand was enough...enough to give a glimpse but nothing more. "Thanks, and no Winston you've done enough." And with that she took her bag and attempted to smile but realize even if he didn't she had just made a mistake.

...Door was shut but not rudely so in his face, for she did cross the threshold, turn and present him once more with a quivering smile before shutting it! See she had some manners after all. Her bag was tossed to the floor and Raissa all but threw herself onto the couch. Exhausted petite frame would all but melt into the material. Today had been taxing, and she had a feeling her blunder might have Winston knocking on her door later. She had meant to get information from him, but without his knowing.

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