“Do I have to?” I pleaded using my best puppy dog eyes. It didn’t work…it did sometimes…even demonic men are not proof against the power of a quivering lip. Okay so maybe most of them are…but Luce wasn’t…least not against the power of my quivering lip. Its so nice to hold a man completely in your sway. Okay so maybe it was mutual… still it was nice. He just looked at me though with that mock stern look he used when he… uh well, the look he used from time to time. “Yes you do, you know that Tamara and Gigs have been working very hard on this party.” He said walking over to the bed where I was sitting. I batted my lashes and gave him my best sultry look. Okay so maybe I didn’t really mind going to the party…in fact I was looking forward to it…with great trepidation. Still I wanted to play with him right now, besides this was interesting…you’d think he’d be pleased to keep me as far away from a half naked Edward as was humanly…or demonically possible. He was up to something. Of course he was always up to something. “I can think of a much better way to spend the evening.” I said teasingly as I stood up on the bed and pleased my hands on his shoulders. We have a really high bed, so I’m taller then him if I’m standing on it…otherwise I need a ladder. He placed his hands on my hips and grinned up at me. “Oh we can do that after.” He replied his voice a husky whisper. I shivered; I could hear the promise in those words. We would indeed, but until then I needed something to tide me over. I leaned down letting my hair fall around his face tickling him. He growled at me lifting me up and tossing me back on the bed. I laughed as he came down over me. “I’m never going to be ready on time at this rate.” I said returning his kiss. He laughed. “We’re having a discussion they can wait.” He said moving back long enough to unwind my towel. I laughed. “A ‘discussion’…is that what the call it where you’re from?” He nodded sagely and proceeded to give me a thorough talking to. I was late, and Gigs had a very knowing grin on her face. It was the whole “I’m a were-tiger now and I can smell the sex on you” thing… she gave me lots of knowing grins lately. All she said though was “I see you’ve been drinking more water.” I just glared…you make one silly comment and it always comes back to haunt you. Tamara just rolled her eyes and told us to get in the car already. It was something of a relief not staying at the circus anymore. Of course I never stay in one place very long, but I’d just gotten back to town two days ago, I’d been in Florida delivering some invitations. I had Cassie and Lila checked in at one of the nicer hotels in St. Louis and Luce and I had rented a house. Personally I preferred the house. Hotels were just too noise…I don’t like sleeping within feet of other people…well unless it a person I’m cuddling with. It wasn’t all that far from Anita’s house, she’d actually been the one to tell me about. I think she just wanted me out of the circus…and by that I mean I think she doesn’t think Luce is a good influence on Jean-Claude. It was just as well, if I ran into Asher or Jean-Claude coming from the Turkish bath one more time I was going to have to start stealing towels, juvenile maybe, but true none the less. Now I had a nice comfy little house where I could putter around on my own all day while Luce went about his business. I’d have gone about mine…except I was on sabbatical, on orders from Chris. He knows best of course… but I still get kind of antsy when I have nothing to do but hang around and watch T.V. of course with Edward in town who had time to watch T.V.? I train when I’m on Chirval…Dare usually kicks my ass on a regular basis, but we usually fight hand to hand or with swords, staffs or knives. Edward had been teaching me about the wonders of firearms. I’m not sure how often they’ll come in handy, but I’m an avid learner, especially on potentially lethal subjects. What can I say everyone needs a hobby. I floated pretty much in my own thoughts all the way to the club. It looked wonderful when we went it. All blue, black and silver, my favorite colors. It was all very tastefully done; you could tell that Jean-Claude had seen to it all personally. I think Jean-Claude loves decorating more then he does anything else. That’s just my opinion though, and that doesn’t mean that I don’t think he has a heart. I know that he does…its just very well guarded…like some other people I could mention. I’ve believed in that old saying ‘Anything worth having is worth fighting for’. Jean-Claude certainly put up a good fight, so did those others I’m not mentioning… but personally I think they are all worth it. Tamara and Gigs parked me in a ‘special chair’…I was surprised it didn’t have straps of some sort to hold me down. For weeks they’d been taunting me with the information that Edward was going to be dancing…and that I wasn’t allowed to tackle him. Now where is the fun in a bachelorette party if you aren’t allowed to tackle Death, wrestle him to the ground and have your wicked way with him? Would someone please answer me that? Of course fresh from Luce’s ‘discussion’ I didn’t really feel up to tackling anyone. I was pretty sure my muscles were going to be sore for weeks. A girl can only…’drink so much water’ before she…oh hell…anyway. I sat back intent on enjoying the showing and suppressing ruthlessly any stray blushes that might feel they needed to express themselves. Jean-Claude stepped through the silky blue curtains and appeared on the stage. I managed to control the tiny tremor his voice caused, his voice had to be fattening, there was no way something that delicious could be good for you. "Good evening ladies and welcome to Guilty Pleasures, where we make your darkest fantasies come true. As you all know, this is a private party in honor of the lovely Kashauna Aviartra, in celebration of her upcoming nuptials. So instead of our regular show tonight, a few *special* treats have been arranged. I am *sure* you will find them most pleasing. And now, I turn you over to the skilled and capable hands of your hostesses, Tamara and Gigs." He said as he stepped out of the spot light and Tamara and Gigs appeared in his place. I about fell out of my seat when they started singing. They both have great voices and can really rock the house…but ‘Its Raining Men?’ Who could resist? I was somewhat surprised though when I felt a presence at my side and looked up find Cassie standing right next to me. She was smirking. “So that was the infamous Jean-Claude?” I nodded then smiled over her shoulder at Lila. They’d both come at my request; this was something of an informal introduction for them. Or it was supposed to be. Jean-Claude chose that moment to arrive, raising one eyebrow in inquiry as he looked beyond me at Lila. She’s a vampire…he’s the master of the City…so of course he was curious. I introduced them quietly. I didn’t want to ruin the girls’ performance. Everyone seemed be enjoying it, especially the dancers. Well what do you expect from a crowd of hot blooded…well and cold blooded too…women, when presented with rippling male muscles? “Jean-Claude may I present two of my oldest friends, Cassandra Wainwright and Lila Mansfield.” I said smiling warmly up at him. Okay so maybe some of it was meant to charm him and get him to be nice…but most of it was just honest to goodness pleasure. I liked that my old friends were getting to meet some of my new ones. Lila isn’t a master vampire…so there wasn’t much chance he’d consider her a threat…plus she fully intended to fly back home after the wedding, so no big deal…right? Lila smiled at him. Cassie saw his eyebrow and raised him one. Cassie’s an alpha. Lila might have been an alpha too…except she’s a vampire…and no one becomes a master in their first couple years as one of the undead. “Good evening.” Jean-Claude drawled in his ‘perfect host’ voice, all charm and good will, at least for the moment. I had warned him that I was inviting a few vampires…none of them old. Which brought up a good point where the hell were Chrys and Seri, they should have been in town early this morning, and they’d said they would call. I hoped Seri hadn’t backed out. I’d assured her Asher wasn’t going to be here…you’d think after living for two thousand years you’d be immune to developing crushes…no such luck. I scanned the crowd not really paying attention to the conversation going on next to me. When the music ended I looked back up to the stage…I so wasn’t being a good little participant. I think it goes with having the attention span of a circus monkey. "Thanks for coming," Gigs said and I had to roll my eyes, I’d known that was coming. Her next words thought had me feeling a little green about the gills. "Kash, before this night is over, you won't know what hit ya." Somehow when she said it I believed her…and that worried me. A hand touched my shoulder and I looked up into midnight blue eyes…eyes made for drowning in. I shook my head. “Stop Jean- Claude.” He just smiled innocently and said he hoped I enjoyed the show and that he would speak to me later. I nodded and glanced over at Cassie, she was smiling like the cat that ate the cream. Lila was rolling her eyes. I’d obviously missed something. “You two gonna tower over me like body guards all evening or sit down?” I asked watching Cassie carefully, she looked very pleased with herself…it was never a good sign. Cassie’s eyebrows did a little dance all there own and she grinned. “Naw we’re gonna mingle… just cause you’re getting married doesn’t mean we can’t shop around… you don’t find this quality of merchandise around home.” I laughed at her and shook my head. Cassie was always the pragmatic one… riiight and the pope is actually Jewish. I watched them wander off into the crowd. I’d been deserted…oh well, there were lots and lots of half naked men dancing for my pleasure…who needs friends? I wasn’t really deserted…I got lots of visitors…but Tamara had told me at the beginning of the evening and I quote “Leave the chair and suffer the consequences.” She’d refused to tell me what exactly the consequences were…but I was pretty sure I didn’t want to find out first hand…besides Luce had chosen this out fit and the less I moved in it the happier I was going to be. When I’d first seen it in the box I’d thought it was beautiful. It was a simple sheath dress. Okay maybe not that simple…it was in fact three layers of diaphanous silk…in different shades of turquoise…the bottom layer being the darkest. It wouldn’t have been so bad except for the fact that if you looked closely you could see the faint pink of my skin beneath it. One day I was going to find a way to get even with the man and then…then he’d squirm…maybe tonight actually. I have to say though that again…I liked the shoes…I never thought I’d ever say the words “ohhh shoes” unfortunately I’ve fallen prey to the sickness like so many of my sisters. They were very high heels and had ribbons in colors matching the dress that wound up my legs and were tied in little bows. Luce had helped me put them one…kissing his way up my legs…then looking up at me with those storm cloud eyes of his and promising that taking them off would be even better. I really shouldn’t let him help dress me…it always leads to me wanting to rip his clothes off and then have him return the favor. I missed half the performances thinking about our ‘discussion’ and the one we were scheduled to have later. When I was able to focus on the stage again Jean-Claude was introducing a recent addition to the list for a special lady. “The next dancer certainly chose appropriately.” He said grinning wickedly at the audience as the music started to play…strains of Stray Cat Strut filled the room and I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing. I didn’t look at Gigs… but it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done not to. Zane strutted out on the stage decked out in leather and chains. When the lines “I strut right by with my tail in the air” came on I couldn’t contain myself I started laughing…Gigs popped me in the back of the head. I looked over at her and started laughing harder. She just glared at me and rolled her eyes. It wasn’t long after that I noticed Seri and Chrys. Chrys waved but they didn’t come over…my watch dogs…A.K.A. Double Trouble seemed to have that effect on lots of people. Well at least the human people who didn’t know us all that well. It was a really large crowd. I was sort of glad they didn’t come by though, I wasn’t sure how to introduce Tamara and Gigs to Seri and Chrys…it could turn into a volatile situation…especially considering the fact that Gigs wanted to eat Seri. Lyza came over shortly after. Damien had just gotten done dancing. “I’ll see you later.” She whispered eying the door back stage. “Call me tomorrow…late and we’ll set up another meeting.” I smiled. No need to even guess where her mind was. Of course I was in no position to judge cause I just kept getting more and more anxious to go home myself…half naked men are great fun…but they make a woman start thinking about certain things…and there’s really only one person I want to do those certain things with…and he wasn’t here. “Sure thing.” I said just before the door opened and a fully clothed Damien walked out and directly too her, carefully dodging some of the oohing and ahhing females. “I hope you are enjoying the show.” He said after kissing Lyza…rather passionately…like he wanted to make an in depth study of her tonsils with his tongue. I really really wanted to go home…like five minuets ago. I grinned at him. “Hell yeah…just wish I could escape early as well.” I said giving him a pointed look. He laughed. “Well I have to make good on that escape first…so if you don’t mind I’m going to take my fair damsel and retreat to our castle now.” I smiled. “I don’t mind…have fun.” Esther arrived shortly there after in a pink Playboy bunny outfit… complete with tail. I almost died laughing. “I told you they were evil…but did you listen?” I said still chuckling. She glared at me. “I don’t know how they did it…one minuet I was in the dress I’d brought for this occasion…the next thing I know I’m being strapped into this get up and told that I have a surprise waiting for me at Guilty Pleasures…its not fair.” I nodded sympathetically, and then smiled conspiratorially. “What say we get some revenge?” I asked in a voice just a little above a whisper. Gigs wasn’t standing all that far away and with her new kitty ears she could probably hear us anyway. “Call me tomorrow and we’ll work something out I said jerking my head in Gig’s direction.” Esther nodded smiling evilly. I started laughing again…I’m sorry but people wearing rabbit ears should never grin evilly. Just then the song “I put a spell on you started playing.” I groaned when I looked up. Pug…what the devil was he doing here…and whose idea of a joke was this. Esther looked enraptured and I had to roll my eyes…a cute hinny and a pair of dimples could work wonders on the female mind…it was sad but true. I lost her after about thirty seconds. A small noise drew my attention to Gigs and Tamara…they were trading looks…at it again. I just shook my head. And they say that Luce is evil…riiight. Not five minuets later I knew for a fact they were evil, when Jean- Claude announced Death. Tamara sat down in my lap rather suddenly and Savage Garden started playing…I knew the song…it was a rather good choice. My mouth fell open when Edward started dancing and I know my eyes had to have glazed over. I mean it was Edward…come on people…and he was slowly removing his clothing in time to music… complete with weapons…fake ones…but I’d bet my life he had at least one real one stashed away somewhere…though there was only one place left to hid a gun when he was finished…and it was already pretty full. My toes were curled in my shoes…and I’d be picking splinters out from beneath my fingernails for weeks. When Tamara…or maybe it was Gigs handed me a napkin I took it blindly. My heart rate had tripled in less than ten seconds and I don’t think I’d taken a breath during his entire performance. I sat back in my chair to just bask in the memory…and in some nice little fantasies. When Asher appeared on the stage though I sat bolt upright in my chair. He wasn’t supposed to be here…he was supposed to be keeping Luce away from here…and if he was here that meant that Luce was here… and how long exactly had Luce been here…and exactly how much trouble was I in? Tamara seemed to be just as shocked as I was. Big surprise there…I may not have physically tackled Edward…like I’d wanted to…unfortunately I’d had Tamara in my lap and Gigs holding me down by my shoulders, which were going to be bruised. Asher began his own little dance…and I noticed suddenly that his scars were back….it was strange…I hadn’t really thought about it… Asher was Asher period end of sentence…scars or no scars he was beautiful. Now though I realized that he’d been maintaining the illusion of them in public. I knew why…to protect Kylie and the absorber…but I hadn’t really paid much attention to them. Then I realized something very important. Seri and Chrys were here and they didn’t know about the scars…and Seri…she was going to be crushed…Chrys wouldn’t give a damn one way or the other, but Seri…she was in love with him…had been for ages. I went to rise the sat back down abruptly at the feel of a hand on my shoulder. “Luce.” I said carefully not looking back. I was really surprised when a laughing French voice replied. “Non bruns yuex monsuier Luce is not here…yet.” I didn’t like the sound of that. I looked up in time to see Asher leaving the stage with Gigs and Tamara. My eyes flashed across the crowd and found Seri quick enough… well I found her back…Chrys looked at me and shook her head. I nodded at her and she followed her companion out of the club. “I did no know that Seri would be present tonight.” Jean-Claude said softly. I looked up at him. “If I’d known Asher was going to dance I wouldn’t have insisted she and Chrys attend.” I replied. He nodded. I sighed. This wasn’t exactly what I’d had in mind when I’d asked them to come. He touched my shoulder again. “It is your turn now.” He said and directed my attention back to the stage. Luce was standing there…beautiful…the fulfillment of all my dreams…I still found it hard to believe that he wanted me…enough to marry me… Gigs said it didn’t mean anything that he was notorious for not keeping his word. Maybe…maybe she was right, maybe I was a fool to trust him with my heart…but I didn’t really have a choice…he had my heart whether I trusted him or not was a moot point. I did trust with it though…I didn’t trust him not to trying and steal my soul if the opportunity presented itself…but I knew he’d keep my heart safe. Well I hoped he would anyways…but what woman is ever really truly certain about that? It took a moment for the music to penetrate my thoughts. I have really thick thoughts…not to say I’m thick headed though. Hard headed I’ll admit to but I’m not all that dense. Shock was the first emotion to hit me after I actually heard the music. ‘I’m to sexy’….the next was pure and unadulterated glee. I started laughing almost immediately and didn’t stop until it was over and he was standing in front of me glaring down at me. “What?” I said innocently and started laughing again. Looking over at Jean-Claude I stopped laughing long enough to demand “Tell me someone video taped that.” Luce was still glaring silently down at me. I looked up at him trying futilely to stop my laughter. “Astoroth is never going to let you live this down.” I managed to say very seriously before bursting out into another peal of laughter. I wiped tears from the corners of my eyes and looked up at him…he looked wounded. I shook my head and stood up flinging my arms around him. “God I love you.” I whispered to him fiercely snuggling against him. “And if I ever doubted that you love me…well we’ll have it on tape so you can remind me,” I said and started laughing again.