Max
Vikki seems to have been behind a closed door for too long. I can feel myself getting more and more anxious to see her, which is annoying.
I put it down to finding out her landlord is one almighty human piece of excrement whom I've had to send my head of security, Tavvik, a battle-scarred orc, to deal with.
My phone vibrates in my pocket as I light my third cigar of the day. With no sign of Vikki, I pull it out and find the text from Tavvik.
Lord Twat-features has been paid off. I've changed the locks to be sure. Property is secure. Anything else, boss?
Did he give you any trouble?
Only the usual. Nothing to worry about. All taken care of.
Of course Tavvik has done an excellent job, as always. There's a reason he's the best of the best. When it comes to security, orcs will always be my go-to. I drop my phone back into my pocket and enjoy my cigar. Warmth settles around my heart like a ring of smoke. Vikki is safe, her belongings, such as they are, are safe. I have made my mate happy.
Wait…mate?
The door opens, and I'm immediately distracted from the unsettling thought by the appearance of the senior personal shopper who gives me a look I can't quite fathom. She stands aside as Vikki walks through.
This time she doesn't take to the stage. Instead she stares right at me.
She looks edible. I can feel my mouth watering as I take her in. Dressed in scarlet which sets off her hair and eyes, the silk dress floats around and clings to her delicious body in exactly the right amounts.
Whatever it cost, it's worth every single penny because I'm pleased I have one leg crossed, given the instant erection Vikki and the dress have caused.
My suit might never recover.
I drink her in, slowly like a fine whisky.
"Do you like it?" she asks in a slight whisper, looking down at herself and giving the assistants a worried look.
I clear my throat.
"You look…smart," I rasp.
"She looks stunning!" the personal shopper intervenes, her hands clasped together. "But what she really needs…"
Vikki glares at her, shaking her head.
"What she really needs is some jewelry," the human says.
"I don't need anything of the sort," Vikki interjects. "I'm fine."
A deep desire which I haven't felt for centuries is slowly, lazily uncoiling within me. I want Vikki to have things she doesn't need but which will make her look and feel incredible.
I rise from the couch and slide my hand in my trouser pocket for a subtle readjustment.
"I believe you have a jewelry department?" I query, knowing full well Harridges has one of the best jewelry departments in the Upperworld.
"Yes, Mr. Horenson, on the second floor," the goblin assistant says with a sharp-toothed grin.
"Then we will go pick out a few pieces," I say nonchalantly. "They might have something to match your beauty."
Two of the assistants suppress squeals, although I have no idea why. I swap out my cigar and hold out my hand to Vikki.
"Have everything my girlfriend has chosen sent through to my town apartment," I tell them. "Thank you for all your assistance."
"It was our pleasure, Mr. Horenson," they chorus.
"Yes, thank you," Vikki says with a genuine smile. "You've been so kind."
The head assistant grabs her free hand. "Good luck!" she says with a tear glistening in her eye. "You deserve it."
We exit the salon and as we're waiting for the elevator, I look at my Vikki.
"What did she mean?" I ask. "About luck."
"They're under the impression, I have no idea why, that I have you under some sort of spell and you're going to marry me," Vikki says, not returning my gaze. "Because apparently, you're what the gossip columns call a confirmed bachelor. An eligible confirmed bachelor."
I huff loudly. "Then they should keep their opinions to themselves," I growl as the elevator arrives and we step inside, and I press the button for the second floor.
"It's the reason you hired me," Vikki retorts.
I slam my fist on the "stop" button, and the elevator comes to a jerking halt.
"What are you doing?" she cries out.
It's too late. I have her caged against the wall as I slide one hand into her hair, the strands deliciously silky against my rough skin. The other hand is around her waist, pulling her against me.
"I didn't hire you to tease the entire of the Upper and Lower worlds," I growl. "I hired you to please me."
Vikki stares up at me, defiant. "So you like what I'm wearing then?"
"Like it? I want to rip it off you, right here, right now. If you wanted to drive a troll wild, you have managed it."