Bite Marks

agree.

Prelude

The apartment is spotless after a day of cleaning. If I did it more often it wouldn’t be so bad, I think as I put the vacuum cleaner in the hall closet. The doorbell rings and I frown as I open the door. To my surprise my father is standing there.

What brings you by? This isn’t your normal area. I step aside as he walks in.

I wanted to stop in and see how you were doing since you never call anymore. He looks around the living room and smiles thinly. At least you keep this place cleaner than you did your room at home.

Well if I don’t, no one else will. Can I get you something to drink? I walk over to stand beside him.

Thank you but no Angela. I can’t stay long because I’m meeting a client for dinner shortly. He looks down at the area rug. I see you’ve made some additions to your furnishings. You do realize this is only a temporary arrangement?

I was under the impression the apartment would be mine as I am close to several universities and am old enough to be on my own.

We’ll see how things go, but keep in mind that means following our agreement to the letter. If you break it, I will take this away from you in a heartbeat, remember that. He reaches into his pocket and hands me an envelope. This is your last pay from the company and the bank issued new cards, so here is yours. Please destroy the old one. He looks at his watch. I need to get going, I expect you to call me from time to time. He lightly kisses my cheek and leaves.

He’s joking about the apartment, I know he is. Opening the envelope I count the money and I’m surprised that there’s almost four hundred dollars there. I wander into the bedroom where I put the envelope on the nightstand behind a pile of books. I can’t help but wonder what other reason he had for stopping by, because it’s not his style to do what he did.

The doorbell rings again and I hurry to answer it. Darcy is standing there wearing a tight black Raiders t-shirt and jeans.

Do I get the nickel tour or is it a quarter now? She asks, walking into the apartment.

For you it’s free, I laugh as I follow her. This is the living room with its basic color scheme of black, grey, and purple. You’ll notice the furniture is black, which matches the big, squishy leather couch. If you’ll look to your left you see the small kitchenette sports a modern theme in black and red down to the checkered tile floor. Darcy laughs as I gesture, Vanna-like, to the open kitchen/dining room. The bed and bath combine the color scheme of the place. Of course the master bedroom sports a queen size pillow top bed. They’re down the hall if you’d like to look. Can I offer you a beer?

Seeing as I’m still breathing, the answer is yes. She settles on the couch and I go into the kitchen and return with two beers.

Here you go, I hand her one and sit beside her.

Thank you, she hands me a blood red box in return. I got you a housewarming present.

You didn’t have to get me anything. I open the box and laugh at the two DVD’s inside: Gothic Movie: Good Girls Don’t Sleep in Coffins and Gothic Vampires from Hell. I don’t have either one of these campy vampire movies! Where did you find them? Thank you! I hug her and she grins.

The internet can be useful sometimes, you know. She takes a drink of her beer. I thought we could watch them after the game.

Sounds like a plan to me. I’ll order the pizza if you want to turn the game on. I have no idea who you’ll be rooting for. I quickly move out of the way before she can hit me with a throw pillow.

If you’re smart it’ll be the same team I root for, or else. Darcy challenges me with a wicked gleam in her eye.

Hey this is my place. I’ll make you sleep in the hall. I retort as I pick up the phone.

Yea, yea you love me too much for that.

Keep dreaming, they say a rich fantasy life is good for a person. I reply as I dial. Why don’t you go get us two more beers? She flips me the bird as she walks into the kitchen.

The Show is empty as I walk in. It’s weird seeing this place in the daytime, like seeing an entertainer without the bright lights and make-up. I turn in a slow circle, taking it all in.

It’s not as pretty in the harsh light of day, but it still has a unique charm. Looking toward the center stage I see Darcy standing there looking comfortable in three-inch heels, sweatpants, and a t-shirt. Her blonde hair is pulled back in a ponytail. Come on up, you and I need to practice together.

That’s what you said on the phone. I don’t know why you want to though. I walk over and join Darcy on the stage. I thought you said I was doing well on my own.

You are, it’s something I’ve wanted to add to the routine and now seems like the perfect time to do it. She turns to look at me. You and I are going to share the stage and drive the men wild.

Are you sure it’ll work? What if it turns the guys off? Kicking off my shoes I slip on the heels she’s set onstage for me. Worse yet, what if we don’t click onstage?

First of all, it’s every male fantasy to see two hot chicks together and we click well enough together any other time, why wouldn’t we up here? Reaching out she grabs my t-shirt and pulls me close. You do trust me, don’t you?

You’re about the only person I trust, I reply with a grin. Okay I’m willing...how long are we going to practice?

Until we get it right, she walks backstage and when she comes back the sound of rock music fills the club. You’re staying at my place tonight?

Sure, I’ve been curious to see it. Where did you move to?

It’s a very sort commute from here, laughing Darcy points up. It was already a really nice apartment; I just made my own personal touches.

It should be interesting, I reply with a laugh.

Let’s get warmed up before we do anything. I move beside her as we start to stretch.

I walk into The Show and look nervously at the packed house. I’m supposed to share a stage with Darcy for the first time and frankly I’m a little scared.

Here Desire you look like you could use this. Scarlett, one of the dancers, hands me a drink. I’ve heard the girls talking too. Don’t let their chatter get to you. They’re jealous because Passion’s never shared a stage with them.

She’s never shared a stage with anyone. I drain my glass and stare at the bottom. We’ve practiced but I’m still afraid to do this. Besides, what makes me so special?

I’d say the fact that you guys were friends first might have something to do with it. Scarlett takes the glass from me. You worry about things too much. Go get ready and have fun. She turns to wait on a customer and I head to the changing room to get ready.

That was the most amazing experience! I drop onto the couch in Darcy’s office. I swear some of the guys looked ready to have a total meltdown.

That would be because we’re very good at what we do. Darcy sits beside me, handing me a beer. She gathers the tips I threw on the coffee table and, after adding hers, begins to count.

Thank you very much. I take a long pull on my beer and lean back, adjusting my black terrycloth robe. Even our names sound good together...Passion and Desire. It’s almost like you had this planned from the-.

I plead the fifth, Darcy replies, laughing. Actually I did sort of have it planned out. I wasn’t sure how the customers would react, though. We’re a big hit and now it’s a part of the permanent schedule. She hands me half the money. And it’s a very profitable addition to our incomes too.

I see this, I grin, taking the money and putting it in my pocket. Are we still on for the all night Gothic Revival at the movie theater?

You bet we are. I’m as hooked on Gothic movies now as you are. I wouldn’t miss it.

Good I’ll ride with you and we’re sitting in the last row. I’d better get ready for my next set. Getting up I head toward the closet. As I pass Darcy she turns, grabs my face, and plants a quick, noisy kiss on my lips.

What was that for? I drain my beer and grin, unable to think of what else to say.

Because I felt like it, do I need any other reason?

No, I guess you don’t. It seems out of character for you, that’s all.

You never know what I might do next. She grins as I get ready for my next performance.

With things going as well as they are, it didn’t take long to have a decision made. Unfortunately it was one my father wouldn’t want to hear, that much I was positive about. I wanted to continue living like I had been. Having fun and not worrying about a damn thing. I enjoy stripping very much to say the least...and I am very good at what I do. The rush I get from it is like no other. Money wasn’t a problem because I had the best job security anyone could ask for. After all, you can’t really top being best friends with the owner. I loved hanging out with Darcy. We were two wild women on the prowl, and I do mean wild. Tormenting every guy that crossed our path either onstage or in the clubs we hung out in. There was only one problem; breaking the news to my father. I didn’t have a clue how he’d take it, but I’d bet a night’s tips it wouldn’t be good.

I’m getting ready to have fun for the night when my phone rings.

Angela, it’s your father. Do you have a minute?

I guess so, I lean against the wall. What’s on your mind?

I was wondering how your new job was working out?

Actually it’s going rather well and I like it a lot. I could see it becoming a career.

Do you really believe stripping at The Show is a career to be proud of? I don’t care how much that place brags about being high class it is still a strip club.

I never told you what I-.

I happened to be in the club with a client for your latest performance.

I didn’t see you there. I twist the phone cord in my fingers. Why didn’t you say anything?

The client represented a very important contract for my company and it wasn’t the time or place to discuss something of that magnitude. It’s time for you to return home so we can get your life back on track.

No it’s not. I’m an adult now and capable of making my own way in life. You no longer have a say in what I do. Taking a deep breath I silently count to ten to keep from losing my temper completely. I’m obviously such an embarrassment, which is the real reason you didn’t do anything.

I wanted to toss you over my shoulder and carry you out of that filthy place! No daughter of mine is going to take her clothes off for perfect strangers! I blame that creature you were on stage with for influencing you to participate in such a vile act! I’m glad your mother isn’t around to see what you’ve become.

It’s a little too late for you to make choices for me, Father. I’m doing fine on my own. And in case you haven’t figured it out by now, no one influences me to do anything I don’t want to do.

Well it doesn’t seem that way and there are still a few things I can do, young lady. You are hereby cut off. I have revoked the lease on your apartment and cancelled your emergency credit card. I do not want to hear from you until you have come to your senses.

That’s fine with me because it’ll be a cold day in hell before that ever happens. I snap, but he’d already hung up. I drop the phone into the cradle and scream in frustration. I can’t believe he wanted to try to fix me like I was broken. Of course he expects everything in and around his life to be perfect. No one lives like that unless they live in that drugstore commercial world.

Well my chat with dear old dad left me in no mood to have fun. The only thing I want to do is get drunk and...well whatever happens, happens. On my way to the bedroom I take off my grunge clothes to change into a very sexy red dress. It’s my favorite outfit and perfect for attracting male attention and free drinks. Hey when I look this hot why should I have to pay to drink? Now to find the perfect place...there’s only one place to go when in a mood like this.

I walk into the Esquire Club and head straight for the bar. It’s early yet and there’s a few couples scattered here and there. That will change soon enough.

In a little early tonight, aren’t you Angela? The bartender asks, sliding my usual drink of Seagram’s Seven and Seven-Up in front of me.

It’s never too early to start having fun Mike. I reply, downing my drink in three gulps. I’m here to make some guy’s fantasy come true. I signal for a refill. You can start a tab for me.

No can do, you’re covered for the night. A secret admirer said to add your drinks to their tab. He looks around the bar. They must have stepped away for a minute.

Whoever it is, thank them for me and I hope they have deep pockets because I’m in the mood to drink a lot. I retort. He shakes his head and gets my drink. After he gives it to me, I turn and scan the crowd. There’s a tall, sandy-blonde haired man standing at the jukebox that reminds me of the lead singer of Nickleback. He’s well dressed, well built, and gorgeous, so I decide he’s the one for the night. I make my way to the jukebox and stand behind him, pretending to read the sections. It doesn’t take him long to notice and he turns to face me.

Hey Gorgeous, is there anything special I can play for you, he asks, smiling.

I don’t care as long as you can dance to it, I purr, taking a step closer to him. He’s got a light, clean cologne on that smells perfect for him.

Let’s dance. He takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor. Along the way I finish my drink and set the glass on an empty table. We dance to several fast numbers then a few slow ones. It’s the best time I’ve had on a dance floor in a very long time, let me tell you. We are connecting out there, I can feel it. It’s not simply the fact that we dance well together, which we do by the way. It’s as if I’ve known him before. I can’t explain how or why, it’s something I feel as we dance.

After the last of his songs play, we head to an empty table and sit down. A waitress comes and takes our drink orders. Surprisingly we drink the same thing. It’s like I was meant to come here tonight.

You are an incredible dancer, he says, resting his chin in his hand and staring at me. By the way my name’s David. What’s yours?

Angela, and I was wondering when we’d get to introductions. I reply with a chuckle. You’re pretty incredible yourself.

Thanks, David answers as the waitress brings our drinks. So we sit and talk for the next hour or so, getting to know each other better. He is cute, fun, and easy to talk to. Maybe this guy will be the one to make me feel something...anything. As we talk, I can’t shake the feeling we’re being watched. I look up, but can’t find the person. So I turn my attention back to David. Soon the feeling we’re being watched washes over me and I can’t ignore it. This time I look directly at the bar and find this person. It’s like a spotlight hits this lady for a moment and I know it’s her. She’s tall, with long black hair gathered at the nape of her neck. I can imagine it flowing down her back like a ribbon of silk, and being just as soft to touch. But it’s her eyes that have me captured. They’re a deep emerald green that seems to look through to my very soul. She notices me staring and lifts her wineglass in salute. As she does, two people stop to chat and block my view of the bar. When I’m able to see again, she’s gone.

"Did you see someone you know? David asks and I turn and give him a shaky smile.

I thought I did, but now I’m not so sure. Taking my hand he leans forward to give me a quick kiss. There’s a park about block away from here. It’ll be nice and quiet. I nod and smile as he leads me out of the club.

It’s a warm night and the park is quiet compared to the noise of the club. We walk along a path with an arm around each other, not saying anything. Looking ahead I spot a large tree and run to stand against it, giving David my best come-hither look as I pose.

Damn, woman. Standing in front of me he runs a finger down my face. You are so sexy. He traces my lips lightly with the tip of his tongue and kisses me. Wrapping my arms around his neck I pull him close. The man definitely knows how to kiss, that’s for sure. But try as I might to respond to what David is doing with his talented tongue and fingers, I can’t. I move to push him away when the feeling I’m being watched crashes into me like a tidal wave and I freeze.

I’m sorry but I can’t. With shaking hands I grip his forearms and step sideways out of his embrace and look around. Of course there’s no one here but us. So now I’m feeling stupid along with being spooked. I know one thing for sure, whatever I’m feeling I have to get the hell out of here.

I’ll see you at the club. I turn and run out of the park like Michael Myers is chasing me.

The club has started to thin out a little and I shake my head as I walk in and sit at a table. But even back on familiar territory I’m still a bit shaken.

What happened to the hottie you left with? The waitress asks as she comes over.

He got cold pretty quick. Give me a double shot of Jack, neat please. I reply with a grunt.

That’s men, at least most of them. She leaves and returns shortly with my drink. Want me to keep the refills coming?

One more should do it for now. I reply, draining the glass and giving it back.

You got it. She brings the second one and I give her a generous tip. Leaning back I take a sip of the whiskey this time, letting its fire spread through my body. I’m really getting sick of not feeling anything with hot guys. Although I do enjoy kissing Darcy a lot...then there are the girls I kiss while working to turn the heat up in the club. That’s always fun too. Maybe I should give girls a try.

Maybe something’s wrong with me. What if my father’s right and I do need fixed? I grumble, taking another drink. I glance toward the bar to see if there are any cute guys left and spot the lady that was watching me earlier. She smiles at me and all thoughts about picking up another guy leave my mind. I have to meet this lady right now, though I have no idea exactly why. I convince myself that it’s not so much to find out why she’s been watching me and maybe even following me as to meet her. In a heartbeat I know what I have to do.

Getting up, I finish my drink and make my way to the bar. As I get closer, I get a better look at the lady. She is absolutely gorgeous and for me to notice says a lot because I usually pay attention to guys only. Women compete with me, not the other way around. She is dressed in a black silk pantsuit which clings to and enhances her curves instead of hiding them. Her skin is a smooth, flawless porcelain color which sets off her full, blood red lips. The urge to reach out and touch her burns through me, consuming my courage and stopping me in my tracks. As if she reads my thoughts, the lady gives me a wicked grin. I can only smile in response as I stand in front of her and wait while she looks me over. The attention neither bothers nor annoys me. I strip, remember?

Good evening, Angela. I see you’ve noticed my attention. I’m impressed; it took you less time than I had planned. She sips her wine and sets the glass on the bar behind her without taking her eyes off me. She knows my name and that puts me off guard for moment...but only for a moment.

May I ask your name and how you came to know mine? I ask with a slightly shaky voice. I don’t know why but all of a sudden I’m nervous.

My name is Amanda and I found out your name by asking someone you had spoken to earlier. She holds out her hand and I shake it. It’s not exactly cold, nor is it exactly warm, which is weird. It’s also the palest color I’ve seen. You truly fascinate me, Angela. I am impressed by the way you handle yourself. She reaches out and strokes my cheek with a finger, sending a thrill me I’ve never felt before. It excites me and leaves me wanting her to touch me again.

You select a person out of the crowd and make him yours, regardless of what he wants. And you make it seem like it’s his idea. Reaching behind her Amanda picks up her glass and takes a drink. It’s a thing of beauty to behold.

Why is that? I’ve just met this lady and she has me hanging onto her every word, so I take a step closer to hear her better and catch the scent of jasmine, which smells good on her.

It’s quite simple. The way in which you do it is poetry, pure and flawless in execution. She pauses to drink and the light causes the wine in her glass to glow a rich, red color. The rest of the room seems clumsy and awkward in comparison.

Thank you, but it’s not a hard thing to do. Glancing over her shoulder I catch the bartender’s eye and hold up two fingers for a glass of Jack Daniels. He sets my drink on the bar and I pick it up and smile.

No it’s not. It is something that cannot be taught. As they say, either you got it or you don’t. She smiles and puts a finger to my lips to silence me. You see I’m a vampire and what you do is a flawless hunting technique. It is perfect and unstoppable.

Yeah right, a vampire, I snort, mocking her. Where are your fangs? She smiles and gives me a look at her very real fangs and I about fall over. I cannot believe my eyes. I have a real live vampire in front of me and we’re having a polite conversation to boot. Wait a minute; vampires don’t exist in the real world.

Those are very nice. I bet your dentist gave you a weird look when you asked for them. I drain my glass to hide my nerves. They are truly realistic.

You don’t believe me yet, but you will. Amanda pats me on the cheek and that simple touch sets me on fire, even though I don’t believe a word she’s told me. When you’re ready to see, you’ll know where to find me. She makes her way out of the bar and I watch her leave.

You have had an interesting night, Angela. Mike sets a short glass of Jack Daniels in front of me, on the house.

Thanks, I take a drink. It must be my night for crazy people, because that’s all I’ve met tonight.

Well, there are crazy people and there are dangerous people. He wipes the bar. That lady you were talking to is very dangerous.

And this night keeps getting better. I drain the glass and set it down. On that lovely note, it’s time for me to go home.

Want me to call you a cab? You and Jack have gotten pretty close tonight.

I’ll be okay. I actually walked tonight, so I think I can manage to stagger home in one piece. I laugh as I walk away.

There’s a mist coming up from the ground as I walk through the park. Taking off my shoes I stroll through the grass, enjoying the feel of the soft, wet blades on my bare feet. I don’t know why I turned to walk through here, but it’s like I’m being led further into the park. It’s quiet, almost deserted at this time of night. The musical sounds of couples in the throes of passion beckon to me as I walk by.

Ahead on the path I see a man and a woman locked in a passionate embrace, oblivious to where they are. As I move closer I realize it’s that lady from the bar, Amanda. She lifts her head and smiles at me, blood dripping from her chin.

Angel, you’re just in time. Come and drink from this excellent vessel. She holds her hand out to me and I take it as I bend to the wound in the man’s neck and drink...

With a gasp I sit straight up in bed. I’m trembling and reach up to touch my lips, expecting to feel blood. But there’s only sweat and I shake my head.

I’ve got to quit talking to crazy people. I grumble as I take two aspirin out of the bottle on the end table and take them with water. They’re invading my dreams. I lie back down and drift of to sleep.

Opening my eyes I groan in pleasure