Ti spogli e mi arriva il profumo.
La pelle velluto che inebria.
Ho solo capito chi sei, no ho capito
che quello che hai dentro è potente,
è un bene che non tocca a tutti.
‒ Biagio Antonacci
(You undress and I catch your scent,
the velvet skin, so intoxicating.
No one else but me could see the true you,
what I couldn't see was the power inside you,
it's a good thing you keep it hidden from everyone.)
La pelle velluto che inebria.
Ho solo capito chi sei, no ho capito
che quello che hai dentro è potente,
è un bene che non tocca a tutti.
‒ Biagio Antonacci
(You undress and I catch your scent,
the velvet skin, so intoxicating.
No one else but me could see the true you,
what I couldn't see was the power inside you,
it's a good thing you keep it hidden from everyone.)
4.29 The Cold Shoulder
Tony
Since the staged incident in the bathroom I watched Princess very carefully. She was growing more and more distant, barely looking at me, avoiding all physical contact. When she had to pass the bread or salt, she'd make sure our fingers couldn't touch. I swear she'd even hold her breath whenever I deliberately brushed past her in doorways as if she couldn't breathe the same air as me.
I would've found it funny, if it didn't bother the hell outta me.
I guess I've been living the life of a lone wolf since rushing out of my homeland, but contrary to what people think I don't avoid others because I want to, it just comes with the territory. I used to enjoy good company and pleasant conversation as much as any other guy. Who doesn't like someone listening to them? Appreciating their wit and exceptional charm?
Well, at least there were still some places where I didn't have to hide as much as I do in Newcrest. Too bad those places were so far from my family. Princess was part of my family now too, but despite living locked up together in this tiny cabin, pleasant conversations were suddenly in short supply. Not for my lack of trying, though.
Any attempts to talk to her or tease her, like before, were met with silence and a stern look. Dog, however, unlike me, was in her good graces. The blasted drooling beast enjoyed her attention practically 24/7. They were inseparable, like it was just the two of them living here and I didn't exist, let alone own the place. Well, officially Vincent was the owner ‒ it was our secret arrangement ‒ but that's not the point.
Now, whenever Princess had anything to say to me, she would address me via the dog; 'Please tell your impossible master that he can make his own dinner tonight, as no one cares to listen to his constant complaints regarding pasta preparation.'
I could make myself dinner alright, but why couldn't she manage something as simple as boiling pasta? Why was it too much to ask that she do it right, like I showed her? Pasta was a matter of principle. Of course, I had a sneaking suspicion she was doing it wrong on purpose, knowing it would drive me up the wall. How long was I going to pay for my lesson on the dangers of trust and compassion?
Now, whenever Princess had anything to say to me, she would address me via the dog; 'Please tell your impossible master that he can make his own dinner tonight, as no one cares to listen to his constant complaints regarding pasta preparation.'
I could make myself dinner alright, but why couldn't she manage something as simple as boiling pasta? Why was it too much to ask that she do it right, like I showed her? Pasta was a matter of principle. Of course, I had a sneaking suspicion she was doing it wrong on purpose, knowing it would drive me up the wall. How long was I going to pay for my lesson on the dangers of trust and compassion?
I was running out of ideas how to reconcile with her. The fact that she caught me cleaning my arsenal on the kitchen table obviously didn't help, but at least it got her talking to me for a few minutes.
"Where did all this come from?" she asked when the shock subsided, gesturing toward my Glock and Beretta, clearly unimpressed with the beautiful display of metal laid out before her. If I'd had any doubts about her view on personal firearms, the unconcealed distaste on her face sorted that out for me in a hurry.
"I had it stashed," I said keeping my tone neutral.
"Where?" she demanded as if it mattered.
I waved my hand vaguely in the direction of the basement stairs. Of course I had a few stashes around the cabin, fake IDs and cash were a survivalist's necessities, but this clearly wasn't the right time to explain it to her. Despite all her progress, she still hadn't gotten in the mindset of a fugitive. Yet. We'd keep working on it when she was done punishing me.
"Where did all this come from?" she asked when the shock subsided, gesturing toward my Glock and Beretta, clearly unimpressed with the beautiful display of metal laid out before her. If I'd had any doubts about her view on personal firearms, the unconcealed distaste on her face sorted that out for me in a hurry.
"I had it stashed," I said keeping my tone neutral.
"Where?" she demanded as if it mattered.
I waved my hand vaguely in the direction of the basement stairs. Of course I had a few stashes around the cabin, fake IDs and cash were a survivalist's necessities, but this clearly wasn't the right time to explain it to her. Despite all her progress, she still hadn't gotten in the mindset of a fugitive. Yet. We'd keep working on it when she was done punishing me.
"Do I need to be concerned about finding a gun in my bed one of these days on top of everything else?" There was enough ice in that question to freeze the entire Oasis Springs desert.
"I do not put guns in other people's beds, only in my own," I suppressed the smirk that threatened to find its way to my lips, "but if you need one, it can be arranged."
"No, thank you," she replied with zero gratitude, "could you maybe do whatever it is you're doing somewhere else? I don't want to bite into a shell casing next time I eat my soup."
I tactfully didn't point out that if there was something wrong with her soup, a stray shell casing likely wouldn't be the culprit. Regardless, she turned on her heel before I could reply, and strode off to her bedroom, closing the door with a loud thud.
I picked up the rug to keep cleaning, then paused; how did she suddenly manage to make me feel weirdly...guilty? Her judging stare lingered in the room, 'Tony, you shameless criminal,' it said, 'where do you get off spreading your gross violence all over my kitchen table?' I huffed and shook my head, somehow she'd managed to make me feel like a teenager caught masturbating by his god-fearing parents. Totally killed my gun-cleaning buzz.
"I do not put guns in other people's beds, only in my own," I suppressed the smirk that threatened to find its way to my lips, "but if you need one, it can be arranged."
"No, thank you," she replied with zero gratitude, "could you maybe do whatever it is you're doing somewhere else? I don't want to bite into a shell casing next time I eat my soup."
I tactfully didn't point out that if there was something wrong with her soup, a stray shell casing likely wouldn't be the culprit. Regardless, she turned on her heel before I could reply, and strode off to her bedroom, closing the door with a loud thud.
I picked up the rug to keep cleaning, then paused; how did she suddenly manage to make me feel weirdly...guilty? Her judging stare lingered in the room, 'Tony, you shameless criminal,' it said, 'where do you get off spreading your gross violence all over my kitchen table?' I huffed and shook my head, somehow she'd managed to make me feel like a teenager caught masturbating by his god-fearing parents. Totally killed my gun-cleaning buzz.
Even after that, I was still confident our little problem would blow over soon. Princess needed me and we both knew it, she'd come around eventually, realize what I was trying to teach her. Or at least that's what I thought, until the night I caught her sneaking out, and my confidence took a bit of a nosedive.
I was sleeping on the couch when the muffled sounds of crying woke me up. A few minutes later I heard the bedroom door open and soft footsteps sneaking past me. Princess should have known better, really; nothing happens in this cabin without my noticing, and I always kept tabs on where she was, day or night. At first I assumed this was a trip to the bathroom, but a misplaced creak of the floor told me she had a different destination in mind. I sprang up and met her before she reached the door, grabbing her firmly by the arm...maybe a bit too firmly. She was dressed like she was ready for a very long walk, and I was completely thrown off.
"Where do you think you are going, Princess?" I demanded, trying to disguise my growing panic as anger.
"I can't do this," she said with an urgency in her voice, "I can't stay here anymore and I won't!"
I felt suddenly ill. "You cannot leave, not in the middle of the night!" I protested, but what I really meant to say was, 'you cannot leave me.'
I was sleeping on the couch when the muffled sounds of crying woke me up. A few minutes later I heard the bedroom door open and soft footsteps sneaking past me. Princess should have known better, really; nothing happens in this cabin without my noticing, and I always kept tabs on where she was, day or night. At first I assumed this was a trip to the bathroom, but a misplaced creak of the floor told me she had a different destination in mind. I sprang up and met her before she reached the door, grabbing her firmly by the arm...maybe a bit too firmly. She was dressed like she was ready for a very long walk, and I was completely thrown off.
"Where do you think you are going, Princess?" I demanded, trying to disguise my growing panic as anger.
"I can't do this," she said with an urgency in her voice, "I can't stay here anymore and I won't!"
I felt suddenly ill. "You cannot leave, not in the middle of the night!" I protested, but what I really meant to say was, 'you cannot leave me.'
Wait a minute, when did her presence become necessary? When did I get so attached? The thought of her leaving felt like a kick to the gut.
Of course I cared about Princess, sure, she was my beloved's daughter and my son's sister. She saved my life when she got me out of the damn lab. I owed her big time. I cared about her a lot. But if she decided she didn't want my help? Well, I should be fine with it and let her go...so why was it suddenly so important to me that she stay?
You are being a fool, Tony. Like a damn kid refusing to let go of some shiny new toy that's not his. This was ridiculous. I didn't need anyone.
Where the hell was this coming from anyway? Was it all that family of two, father she needed, daughter I never had, stuff she was feeding me back in the lab? Subconsciously I guess I clung to it, so here we are, the father in me losing it over my daughter leaving. Yeah, that must be it, I dropped my guard for a minute and got caught up in another fantasy. Nothing more than a bloody white picket fence illusion.
Except it wasn't, and I was lying to myself; grasping for any excuse not to face the truth.
Of course I cared about Princess, sure, she was my beloved's daughter and my son's sister. She saved my life when she got me out of the damn lab. I owed her big time. I cared about her a lot. But if she decided she didn't want my help? Well, I should be fine with it and let her go...so why was it suddenly so important to me that she stay?
You are being a fool, Tony. Like a damn kid refusing to let go of some shiny new toy that's not his. This was ridiculous. I didn't need anyone.
Where the hell was this coming from anyway? Was it all that family of two, father she needed, daughter I never had, stuff she was feeding me back in the lab? Subconsciously I guess I clung to it, so here we are, the father in me losing it over my daughter leaving. Yeah, that must be it, I dropped my guard for a minute and got caught up in another fantasy. Nothing more than a bloody white picket fence illusion.
Except it wasn't, and I was lying to myself; grasping for any excuse not to face the truth.
And the truth was, somehow, it was more than fatherly concern. Sure, it'd probably started out that way, but somewhere along the line, the lover had gained ground over the father. Maybe it was the close quarters, I don't know, but she was kind and beautiful and singularly good at making you feel cared for...even if you were a violent criminal, apparently.
What a damn mess. I couldn't, and shouldn't, do this, not again. The last thing I needed in my life was one more heartbroken, disappointed woman.
Kellie yanked her arm free, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Let go of me, Tony!"
What a damn mess. I couldn't, and shouldn't, do this, not again. The last thing I needed in my life was one more heartbroken, disappointed woman.
Kellie yanked her arm free, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Let go of me, Tony!"
I didn't grab her again, but refused to move out of her way. What could I say to stop her from leaving? Nothing was coming to mind, so instead I asked, "am I so very terrible to live with, Princess?"
She looked surprised. "You think I'm leaving because of you?"
"What else am I supposed to think? For many days now, you have made it very clear how unpleasant my presence is to you." It took a lot of effort to keep the hurt out of my voice.
She looked surprised. "You think I'm leaving because of you?"
"What else am I supposed to think? For many days now, you have made it very clear how unpleasant my presence is to you." It took a lot of effort to keep the hurt out of my voice.
"Oh, that," she shook her head dismissively, "no, no, it has nothing to do with you, I just need to go home! I'm so worried, Tony, I had a terrible dream about Celeste! She needs me, they both need me..."
That's where she lost me for a moment, her words spilling out too quickly to follow. Just as well, I needed a minute to parse all that.
She wants to leave because of a damn dream? Since when was a dream more important than her safety? More important than... me? I struggled to keep my composure in check while Princess yammered on.
"...And I missed her birthday and the first day of school! She's a teenager now. Can you believe it?"
I couldn't.
"How much more will I miss while I'm hiding here? When will this all be over?" Her voice broke and she buried her face in her hands.
I stepped closer and cautiously put my hands on her shoulders, half expecting her to shrug them off...but she didn't. An inviting warmth emanated from her body, and despite my better judgement I stepped even closer, inhaling the sweet, clean scent of soap and skin, fighting the compulsion to lean in and taste her. She was sniffling quietly against my chest, and all I could think about was how easy it would be to seduce her. I knew her like nobody else did; what she craved, what she feared, and every little thing that made her smile. I'd memorized every nuance of her movement, every tone of her voice, both graceful and sultry like Sophia Loren in an old movie. Observation was a skill I'd been cultivating for a long time, and I did a hell of a lot of observing Kellie Heffner. The nearness of our bodies was intense and intoxicating. I ran my hands over her arms slowly, resisting the urge to pull up her sweater and explore that soft skin. She would shiver with pleasure instead of sadness, and the thought of it made my knees feel weak.
Get it together, Tony! With great effort, I willed myself under control. There was definitely a cold shower in my near future.
"If you walk out of that door, Stiles' men will come for you," I rasped, "I will not be able to help you and you will miss more than one birthday, Princess."
I couldn't.
"How much more will I miss while I'm hiding here? When will this all be over?" Her voice broke and she buried her face in her hands.
I stepped closer and cautiously put my hands on her shoulders, half expecting her to shrug them off...but she didn't. An inviting warmth emanated from her body, and despite my better judgement I stepped even closer, inhaling the sweet, clean scent of soap and skin, fighting the compulsion to lean in and taste her. She was sniffling quietly against my chest, and all I could think about was how easy it would be to seduce her. I knew her like nobody else did; what she craved, what she feared, and every little thing that made her smile. I'd memorized every nuance of her movement, every tone of her voice, both graceful and sultry like Sophia Loren in an old movie. Observation was a skill I'd been cultivating for a long time, and I did a hell of a lot of observing Kellie Heffner. The nearness of our bodies was intense and intoxicating. I ran my hands over her arms slowly, resisting the urge to pull up her sweater and explore that soft skin. She would shiver with pleasure instead of sadness, and the thought of it made my knees feel weak.
Get it together, Tony! With great effort, I willed myself under control. There was definitely a cold shower in my near future.
"If you walk out of that door, Stiles' men will come for you," I rasped, "I will not be able to help you and you will miss more than one birthday, Princess."
That seemed to finally get through to her, and she quit the 'my siblings need me' nonsense. Apparently nothing sobers you up faster than a gentle reminder there's a sadistic government agent trying to hunt you down. Her shoulders drooped and she gave a resigned sigh, looking up at me with those big doe eyes of hers. I felt only slightly guilty for pulling out the Stiles card, but after all, it was the truth, they would have grabbed her the minute she hit the street.
I gently escorted Princess to the sofa and sat her down. "We can discuss our options in the morning, after you get more sleep," relief flooded in, as I felt myself regaining control of the situation, "things usually look clearer in the morning, maybe we can figure out a way to check up on Chris and your sister, perhaps even send them a message?" I suggested, readily playing the attentive fatherly figure she needed right now, while I brewed up a plan to keep her busy and tired in the upcoming days. The last thing I needed was more tears and half-cocked escape plans.
"Okay," she breathed and lied down like the obedient daughter she always wanted to be. Miraculously, even the dog was on my side this time, hopping up on the sofa and stretching out next to Princess. Content, I grinned inwardly; everything was back to normal and I could breathe a sigh of relief.
I gently escorted Princess to the sofa and sat her down. "We can discuss our options in the morning, after you get more sleep," relief flooded in, as I felt myself regaining control of the situation, "things usually look clearer in the morning, maybe we can figure out a way to check up on Chris and your sister, perhaps even send them a message?" I suggested, readily playing the attentive fatherly figure she needed right now, while I brewed up a plan to keep her busy and tired in the upcoming days. The last thing I needed was more tears and half-cocked escape plans.
"Okay," she breathed and lied down like the obedient daughter she always wanted to be. Miraculously, even the dog was on my side this time, hopping up on the sofa and stretching out next to Princess. Content, I grinned inwardly; everything was back to normal and I could breathe a sigh of relief.
* * * * *
I studied her face as she slept, she looked even younger than usual. How does a shady bastard like me get off thinking about plucking a flower like this?
Why shouldn't you? You could both use some fun, and you'd be a huge upgrade from that clumsy Nightshade boy she used to date. What could a sucker like him even know about pleasing women? Besides, you need the relief, last time you had a woman was way before lock up.
I ignored the voice that was trying to tempt me to take what I didn't deserve. I’d promised myself I'd never take advantage of her, it'd be wrong in so many ways, and I couldn't do that to Beryl. I couldn't do that to either of us. Was I over the moon about living like a damn monk? No, especially when I was really starting to feel that alien gene going to work, but I survived without sex in prison, right? This shouldn't be too different. The lust, though, was completely out of my control, even now the fantasies invaded my mind. Sweaty, naked bodies, deliciously entwined...
Well, you can forget it, Tony; the two of you might get all sweaty today, but not the way you’re thinking about.
"Rise and shine, Princess," I sang. It was long past the time she usually got up. "We have work to do."
Why shouldn't you? You could both use some fun, and you'd be a huge upgrade from that clumsy Nightshade boy she used to date. What could a sucker like him even know about pleasing women? Besides, you need the relief, last time you had a woman was way before lock up.
I ignored the voice that was trying to tempt me to take what I didn't deserve. I’d promised myself I'd never take advantage of her, it'd be wrong in so many ways, and I couldn't do that to Beryl. I couldn't do that to either of us. Was I over the moon about living like a damn monk? No, especially when I was really starting to feel that alien gene going to work, but I survived without sex in prison, right? This shouldn't be too different. The lust, though, was completely out of my control, even now the fantasies invaded my mind. Sweaty, naked bodies, deliciously entwined...
Well, you can forget it, Tony; the two of you might get all sweaty today, but not the way you’re thinking about.
"Rise and shine, Princess," I sang. It was long past the time she usually got up. "We have work to do."
She moaned drowsily, and my brain recorded the sound for later use. I watched her sit up, yawn and stretch, unable to tear my eyes off her, hypnotized by every move and sound she made. Just then it hit me, that living with her from now on would put a huge strain on my self-control. Damn it.
"What kind of work?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Come with me down to the basement and I will show you," I grinned.
"Uhm, do you mind if I use the bathroom first?"
"Go ahead, but perhaps leave the bath for later," I suggested, “we are going to get sweaty." I said those words with no small amount of pleasure. Looks like that cold shoulder’s thawed. My punishment seemed to be officially over.
"What kind of work?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Come with me down to the basement and I will show you," I grinned.
"Uhm, do you mind if I use the bathroom first?"
"Go ahead, but perhaps leave the bath for later," I suggested, “we are going to get sweaty." I said those words with no small amount of pleasure. Looks like that cold shoulder’s thawed. My punishment seemed to be officially over.
When Princess returned from the bathroom we descended into the basement, where she immediately started peppering me with questions. "Wow, I had no idea this place was so big! It’s even bigger than upstairs, why didn't they build the upstairs of bricks also, instead of wood? And what's in all these rooms?"
I smiled to myself. This was the Princess I knew, naturally curious and inquiring. "They are empty. Do you wish to peek in? Most doors are not locked."
I smiled to myself. This was the Princess I knew, naturally curious and inquiring. "They are empty. Do you wish to peek in? Most doors are not locked."
And she did. She opened every single door to see what was behind them. "This may sound weird, " she announced after loudly inhaling the air in one of those empty rooms, "but I really like the smell of old houses, so much history!"
"This used to be a two-story family house, but it burned down some forty or fifty years ago,” I explained, “the owners had neither insurance nor enough savings to fully rebuild it, and it was in terrible condition when I purchased it. I am thinking of turning one of these rooms into another bedroom, in case we need to stay longer than anticipated. We can make some improvements while we are here, if you are up to it." I hoped she'd say yes.
"I hope it won't come to that," she said. "We've been hiding here long enough! Any word from your lawyer friend yet?"
"He is still in Europe. According to his secretary, there have been some complications regarding his client's son's trial, and he will not be back until the end of September."
Princess snorted discontentedly. "Can’t I change your mind about finding another lawyer? This is getting us nowhere."
"No, Princess, Vincent is the only lawyer I trust, as he cannot be bribed or intimidated to betray me. Laying low for a while longer cannot hurt. With Victor supplying us with everything we need, I would say we are doing quite well."
"He is still in Europe. According to his secretary, there have been some complications regarding his client's son's trial, and he will not be back until the end of September."
Princess snorted discontentedly. "Can’t I change your mind about finding another lawyer? This is getting us nowhere."
"No, Princess, Vincent is the only lawyer I trust, as he cannot be bribed or intimidated to betray me. Laying low for a while longer cannot hurt. With Victor supplying us with everything we need, I would say we are doing quite well."
"But what about my family, Tony? We need to let them know what's going on, you said we would."
"I can ask Victor to deliver a message, though not to Chris, cops make these guys nervous as you can imagine. But one of Victor's boys could talk to your sister, tell her you're safe, at least."
"No!" she exclaimed, nearly making me jump. "I don’t want any of those men near her!"
Did the bathroom incident scar her for life? Victor's boys were no saints, but they wouldn't hurt a kid, I was sure of it. Victor wouldn't have hired them if he thought they would go that far. He had a code.
"Very well then, we will have to find another way."
"I can ask Victor to deliver a message, though not to Chris, cops make these guys nervous as you can imagine. But one of Victor's boys could talk to your sister, tell her you're safe, at least."
"No!" she exclaimed, nearly making me jump. "I don’t want any of those men near her!"
Did the bathroom incident scar her for life? Victor's boys were no saints, but they wouldn't hurt a kid, I was sure of it. Victor wouldn't have hired them if he thought they would go that far. He had a code.
"Very well then, we will have to find another way."
I opened the last door on the right and led us in. I’d cleaned it up a bit, thrown down an old rug, set out bottles of water and some other necessities. "Well, here we are," I said proudly, “what do you think?"
She looked around. "It's... another empty room?" Apparently, she wasn’t especially impressed.
"Yes, you see, I didn't forget the promise I gave to you after... well, you know,” I spared her a rehash of the bathroom incident, "I said I would teach you how to fight your fear and defend yourself, and this is where we are going to practice."
She looked around. "It's... another empty room?" Apparently, she wasn’t especially impressed.
"Yes, you see, I didn't forget the promise I gave to you after... well, you know,” I spared her a rehash of the bathroom incident, "I said I would teach you how to fight your fear and defend yourself, and this is where we are going to practice."
"Oh." She didn't look particularly thrilled.
I supressed a smirk. I could tell she'd expected something else, maybe she thought I was gonna show her my secret weapon racks and insist she clean my toys. Well, wrong room, Princess.
"Why don't you change in one of the empty rooms so we can start right away?" I motioned to a pile of sweatclothes I had set up. "Pick whatever fits you. It will have to do until Victor returns with our latest order and more spare clothes for you."
I supressed a smirk. I could tell she'd expected something else, maybe she thought I was gonna show her my secret weapon racks and insist she clean my toys. Well, wrong room, Princess.
"Why don't you change in one of the empty rooms so we can start right away?" I motioned to a pile of sweatclothes I had set up. "Pick whatever fits you. It will have to do until Victor returns with our latest order and more spare clothes for you."
* * * * *
I held her from behind, encouraging her to break free using her elbows the way I'd shown her. She was squirming and wiggling her hips; her cute little butt pressed against my groin.
Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.
Before I knew it I caught my first blow in the jaw.
"Oh Watcher!" Princess exclaimed, immediately checking my face. "I'm so sorry, Tony! Does it hurt much? I've never hit anyone! I should have been more careful."
And here she was again, going all soft on me. How am I supposed to work with this?
"It is nothing, Princess, I am fine,” I huffed, “we are practicing self-defense, and I expect to catch a few blows, stop worrying and let us get back to it."
And here she was again, going all soft on me. How am I supposed to work with this?
"It is nothing, Princess, I am fine,” I huffed, “we are practicing self-defense, and I expect to catch a few blows, stop worrying and let us get back to it."
"Are you sure?" Her fingers were gently exploring my jaw, "it felt like I hit you pretty hard, we don't have ice, but I can fetch a wet towel?"
I groaned inwardly. Her genuine concern and her soft touches were testing my resolve. Despite the blood pounding in my ears, I could hear the words hard and wet she used with perfect clarity. They rang in my head as loud as gunshots.
I groaned inwardly. Her genuine concern and her soft touches were testing my resolve. Despite the blood pounding in my ears, I could hear the words hard and wet she used with perfect clarity. They rang in my head as loud as gunshots.
"I told you I am fine," I said hoarsely, taking a step back to put distance between us before things got out of hand.
How am I gonna survive the next few weeks...or months?
I turned to take a sip of water, buying myself some time to get my shit together.
Think of something safe, Tony, like grocery shopping or drag equation...
Then we got back to it. She was still hesitant to use her full force to fight and I had to encourage her repeatedly. "Don't hold back on me, Princess! They won't hold back either!"
Maybe if I let her punch my brain out, these lustful thoughts will stop flooding my mind...
How am I gonna survive the next few weeks...or months?
I turned to take a sip of water, buying myself some time to get my shit together.
Think of something safe, Tony, like grocery shopping or drag equation...
Then we got back to it. She was still hesitant to use her full force to fight and I had to encourage her repeatedly. "Don't hold back on me, Princess! They won't hold back either!"
Maybe if I let her punch my brain out, these lustful thoughts will stop flooding my mind...
We practiced some more, and then I decided to try another move, catching her in a chokehold, but instead of fighting back she froze.
"What is the matter, Princess?"
She didn't respond, her body went completely stiff. I could feel her throat moving under my arm, repeatedly trying to swallow. Why did she stop fighting? I wondered. Then it hit me.
"Is this how he grabbed you? Chang, I mean, in the bathroom?"
A silent nod.
"What is the matter, Princess?"
She didn't respond, her body went completely stiff. I could feel her throat moving under my arm, repeatedly trying to swallow. Why did she stop fighting? I wondered. Then it hit me.
"Is this how he grabbed you? Chang, I mean, in the bathroom?"
A silent nod.
I released my hold. "Very well, we are going to focus on that for now."
She took a deep breath, looking ready to protest, but I cut her off, "you need to get over it, and the only way to do so, is to learn how to counter this move. Let me show you."
I took hold of her again. "As soon as you feel my arm around your neck, you have to close your chin." I made her bend her head. “Chin down like this, yes, now grab my arm with both of your hands, and step aside a little if you can. You almost had it right before, I, as the attacker, have to use my second hand to strengthen my hold on you now, which exposes the lower part of my body. Then you strike with your left hand at my groin." I took her left hand and indicated the blow I had described, she caught on quickly and took a swing at me.
"Whoa!" I jumped back and chuckled, "just do not knock me down too fast, we have not yet finished. So, you strike at my groin and I go down, doubling over, that is when you elbow my chin and I am done."
We tried the same scenario again several times, and then some variations. Princess was a good student and learned quickly, but I could still feel her hesitation. It would take time to get over that 'do no harm' thinking that was so deeply rooted in her.
She took a deep breath, looking ready to protest, but I cut her off, "you need to get over it, and the only way to do so, is to learn how to counter this move. Let me show you."
I took hold of her again. "As soon as you feel my arm around your neck, you have to close your chin." I made her bend her head. “Chin down like this, yes, now grab my arm with both of your hands, and step aside a little if you can. You almost had it right before, I, as the attacker, have to use my second hand to strengthen my hold on you now, which exposes the lower part of my body. Then you strike with your left hand at my groin." I took her left hand and indicated the blow I had described, she caught on quickly and took a swing at me.
"Whoa!" I jumped back and chuckled, "just do not knock me down too fast, we have not yet finished. So, you strike at my groin and I go down, doubling over, that is when you elbow my chin and I am done."
We tried the same scenario again several times, and then some variations. Princess was a good student and learned quickly, but I could still feel her hesitation. It would take time to get over that 'do no harm' thinking that was so deeply rooted in her.
After two hours of practicing we had enough. We were both in need of a shower; a cold one in my case. It did help. A little.
Since last night I'd been feeling strangely energized as if I was high on drugs. I wondered if the alien gene was to blame. My perception seemed to be changing. Especially around Kellie. As if the colors were brighter and sharper when I was near her. Suddenly I was feeling everything with unusual intensity.
I looked at myself in the mirror. I really hadn't changed much in the past twenty years, shouldn’t my hair be greying by now? I didn't even see the fine wrinkles that used to be on my face, how come I hadn't noticed? I guess it’s easy to miss when it happens all slow and subtle like that.
I grabbed the razor to get rid of most of my hobo facial hair. I’d wanted to wait until Victor returned with some more toiletries, because everything we had here was expired, but I needed to see what I looked like under the stubble.
Since last night I'd been feeling strangely energized as if I was high on drugs. I wondered if the alien gene was to blame. My perception seemed to be changing. Especially around Kellie. As if the colors were brighter and sharper when I was near her. Suddenly I was feeling everything with unusual intensity.
I looked at myself in the mirror. I really hadn't changed much in the past twenty years, shouldn’t my hair be greying by now? I didn't even see the fine wrinkles that used to be on my face, how come I hadn't noticed? I guess it’s easy to miss when it happens all slow and subtle like that.
I grabbed the razor to get rid of most of my hobo facial hair. I’d wanted to wait until Victor returned with some more toiletries, because everything we had here was expired, but I needed to see what I looked like under the stubble.
I was really surprised by the result. Damn, I looked young, and very... healthy.
I always took good care of myself, but there's only so much you can do for your appearance when you're aging. Work out, eat well, build up a good base for those retirement years, and accept that your body’s slowly going downhill no matter what. But now… hell, I even had more hair than ever, it was like I fell ass backwards into some fountain of youth. Yeah, I always knew I looked good, I’m not blind. What’s the point of pretending you don’t fit squarely into the ‘tall, dark, and handsome’ category when you clearly do? Just accept that your eyes are a shade of blue that makes women (and some men, for that matter) weak in the knees, and enjoy it while you can.
This, though; this was something else, and for the first time I started thinking about what it all meant for me. The body of a man in his prime, the wisdom of a man nearly sixty. I smirked. People would kill for this. No wonder the government had their panties in a wad about getting me back. I wondered what Beryl would have thought if she could see me. She’d have wrinkles herself by now, maybe a few grey hairs too. I looked way closer in age to Princess, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was getting off on it a little. What’s she going to say when she sees me like this? I couldn't wait to find out.
I always took good care of myself, but there's only so much you can do for your appearance when you're aging. Work out, eat well, build up a good base for those retirement years, and accept that your body’s slowly going downhill no matter what. But now… hell, I even had more hair than ever, it was like I fell ass backwards into some fountain of youth. Yeah, I always knew I looked good, I’m not blind. What’s the point of pretending you don’t fit squarely into the ‘tall, dark, and handsome’ category when you clearly do? Just accept that your eyes are a shade of blue that makes women (and some men, for that matter) weak in the knees, and enjoy it while you can.
This, though; this was something else, and for the first time I started thinking about what it all meant for me. The body of a man in his prime, the wisdom of a man nearly sixty. I smirked. People would kill for this. No wonder the government had their panties in a wad about getting me back. I wondered what Beryl would have thought if she could see me. She’d have wrinkles herself by now, maybe a few grey hairs too. I looked way closer in age to Princess, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was getting off on it a little. What’s she going to say when she sees me like this? I couldn't wait to find out.
I tied my hair back, showing off my shaving handiwork to full effect, and shot myself a last look in the mirror. Lookin’ good, I grinned. Man, the things I could do with this body. Retirement has been postponed indefinitely.
I exited the bathroom humming to myself, not bothering to put on a shirt and pants. Okay, maybe I was showboating a bit, but I felt too damn good to hide all this manly perfection away just yet. And hey, why not grant Princess the pleasure of a nice view? I was sure she’d appreciate a good look. I grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and casually sauntered to the sofa where Princess sat, freshly showered and reading a book. I stopped right in front of her and pretended to be trying to figure out what she was reading, but really I was just checking her out. I took a sip of the cold water and revelled in the fact that she was still here with me in this run down cabin in the middle of nowhere.
I exited the bathroom humming to myself, not bothering to put on a shirt and pants. Okay, maybe I was showboating a bit, but I felt too damn good to hide all this manly perfection away just yet. And hey, why not grant Princess the pleasure of a nice view? I was sure she’d appreciate a good look. I grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and casually sauntered to the sofa where Princess sat, freshly showered and reading a book. I stopped right in front of her and pretended to be trying to figure out what she was reading, but really I was just checking her out. I took a sip of the cold water and revelled in the fact that she was still here with me in this run down cabin in the middle of nowhere.
Finally, she looked up from the book. "You shaved your face," she observed.
"I did," I replied with glee. "Do you like it?"
She rose and studied me with furrowed brows. "Hmm..."
Not quite the glowing praise I had expected. This woman sure wasn’t the blushing teenager I rescued all those years ago, the girl who couldn’t take her eyes off my naked chest. So much for my hopes that the ogling teen was still in there somewhere.
"I wish I had lab equipment here," she sighed at last, "I want to run some tests on you, something seems to be happening with your body.” She was clearly frustrated, but not in the way I had hoped. “I don't know why I didn't notice it before, but something's different about you, and it's not just that you shaved."
Something was happening with my body alright, and I sure wasn’t complaining. If only I could show you, Princess. I struggled to hide my disappointment at her lack of open admiration; didn’t she think I was hot at all, dammit? The least she could do was mention how nicely I clean up, but no, she was being all detached and sciencey on me.
"I did," I replied with glee. "Do you like it?"
She rose and studied me with furrowed brows. "Hmm..."
Not quite the glowing praise I had expected. This woman sure wasn’t the blushing teenager I rescued all those years ago, the girl who couldn’t take her eyes off my naked chest. So much for my hopes that the ogling teen was still in there somewhere.
"I wish I had lab equipment here," she sighed at last, "I want to run some tests on you, something seems to be happening with your body.” She was clearly frustrated, but not in the way I had hoped. “I don't know why I didn't notice it before, but something's different about you, and it's not just that you shaved."
Something was happening with my body alright, and I sure wasn’t complaining. If only I could show you, Princess. I struggled to hide my disappointment at her lack of open admiration; didn’t she think I was hot at all, dammit? The least she could do was mention how nicely I clean up, but no, she was being all detached and sciencey on me.
"If you need any equipment, Princess, just put it on the list and I’ll have Victor get it for you," I said heading toward the drawer to grab a shirt. Apparently, if I wanted someone to admire my perfect physique today, I was going to have to take my ass back into the bathroom and do it my damn self.
"I guess I could order at least a basic kit for blood testing," Princess mused, “and test tubes, a centrifuge, a microscope... I will repay you for everything, when I'm back home, I promise."
"Don't worry about it," I threw over my shoulder as I pulled on some pants. Count on Princess to order lab equipment instead of some pretty dresses or whatever else women usually splurged on. A sigh escaped my lips. ‘Wish she was half as excited about me walking around shirtless.’
I decided to start working on my little side project, while Princess was putting together her wishlist. I logged into the computer and hacked into Newcrest central registry. Their security sucked, so it was a piece of cake. I downloaded all info about Newcrest residents from twenty years back until now. I would have to sort through it and remove all irrelevant data about residents that passed or moved away. It was going to be a tedious work, but it wasn't like I didn't have a bunch of free time on my hands. And I could sure as hell use the distraction right now.
Next target on my list was the land registry. I needed names of all lot owners in the area, info on the property values, and while I was at it, I downloaded all available floorplans too. Unfortunately, I couldn't get my hands on all their data; apparently they kept half of it on a different server that I couldn't access, at least not with my current equipment. I'd have to upgrade or get to their server in person.
"I liked the stubble better."
I’d been so in the zone working that I’d stopped paying attention to Princess. She was standing right next to me with a timid smile on her face ‒ was that blushing? I stared at her like a deer in the headlights. It was probably a good thing I was already sitting down.
"It made you look more... seasoned," she added shyly.
I felt warmth spreading through my insides. I wondered if all the sciencey talk from before was a defense mechanism, something to fall back on when she felt awkward. I wouldn't put it past her. A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth when I asked her teasingly, "so you like the scruffy looking types?"
"I liked the stubble better."
I’d been so in the zone working that I’d stopped paying attention to Princess. She was standing right next to me with a timid smile on her face ‒ was that blushing? I stared at her like a deer in the headlights. It was probably a good thing I was already sitting down.
"It made you look more... seasoned," she added shyly.
I felt warmth spreading through my insides. I wondered if all the sciencey talk from before was a defense mechanism, something to fall back on when she felt awkward. I wouldn't put it past her. A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth when I asked her teasingly, "so you like the scruffy looking types?"
She squirmed. "I... I don't think I have a type! So what are you're working on?"
I let her change the topic, even though I'd have loved to coax out more personal info. We’d never really talked much about her love life, except what little she told me about her and Chris back in the day, and, more recently, about that Nightshade boy. I was wary of rocking the boat, though, now that she wasn’t mad at me anymore, so I didn’t push her. Besides, there was something else on my mind; should I tell her the truth about this project of mine?
"I'm looking for someone, he's supposed to be living in Newcrest," I said. More hiding than living, to be precise.
Her face lit up. "Maybe I could help! I know a lot of people there, what's his name?"
My sweet Princess, always so accommodating, she had no idea where this was going. I thought of all the hurt my target had caused to her, to my son, to all of us. I had to look away. The sight of her face, so open and artless, threatened to undo me. I said the man's name, and it tasted like shit on my tongue. "Lien Hsu. His name is Lien Hsu."
I let her change the topic, even though I'd have loved to coax out more personal info. We’d never really talked much about her love life, except what little she told me about her and Chris back in the day, and, more recently, about that Nightshade boy. I was wary of rocking the boat, though, now that she wasn’t mad at me anymore, so I didn’t push her. Besides, there was something else on my mind; should I tell her the truth about this project of mine?
"I'm looking for someone, he's supposed to be living in Newcrest," I said. More hiding than living, to be precise.
Her face lit up. "Maybe I could help! I know a lot of people there, what's his name?"
My sweet Princess, always so accommodating, she had no idea where this was going. I thought of all the hurt my target had caused to her, to my son, to all of us. I had to look away. The sight of her face, so open and artless, threatened to undo me. I said the man's name, and it tasted like shit on my tongue. "Lien Hsu. His name is Lien Hsu."
Princess frowned. "I'm sorry, that doesn’t ring a bell, why are you looking for him? Is he one of your friends?"
I ground my teeth at the thought. "No, he is not."
She couldn't not ask at that point. "Who is he, Tony?" Her voice trembled, she must have had a suspicion, and she dreaded the answer as much as I dreaded giving it.
I stared at the screen in front of me for what felt like an eternity. "He is the man who killed your mother."
Princess gasped. I closed my eyes. And just like that, the shadow of the past swallowed us up. I opened my eyes again when I heard her moving. I couldn't avoid looking at her any longer. She leaned against the desk. "Is he... Are you saying this man is in Newcrest right now? Is Chris... Celeste... are they in danger?" her eyes were wide open and haunted.
I shook my head. "I don't think so, I learned recently that he has been hiding there the whole time. I thought he had left the country, but I could not track him down. Then, when I was in prison, I met someone with information. Your mother's killer is an old man now, Princess, with no influence to speak of. But everyone knows I have been looking for him, and he has an ally that I have yet to uncover. All I know is that it is a man of money and power in Newcrest, and once I discover this man, I will let him lead me to my target."
"Your target?" My choice of words seemed to bother her, and she pushed away from the desk as if she needed to walk them off. "What exactly are you planning to do when you find him?" she demanded finally, pinning me to my chair with her eyes.
I didn't respond, just glared back at her. You saw my toys, Princess. You don't need any more hints. You know who I am, and you’re a smart woman; you can figure out on your own.
As if she was reading my mind she said, "You can't kill the man, Tony. He needs to answer for what he did, but not like this. Promise me you won't kill him."
"You know I cannot promise you that," I snarled. "It needs to be done. I need closure."
"What about Chris and I? Don't we need closure too?"
What was her point? "I am giving closure to you as well."
"No, you're not. Killing is your way, not ours. We want him in jail! You don't need more blood on your hands, unless you’re doing it because you enjoy it."
I didn't respond, just glared back at her. You saw my toys, Princess. You don't need any more hints. You know who I am, and you’re a smart woman; you can figure out on your own.
As if she was reading my mind she said, "You can't kill the man, Tony. He needs to answer for what he did, but not like this. Promise me you won't kill him."
"You know I cannot promise you that," I snarled. "It needs to be done. I need closure."
"What about Chris and I? Don't we need closure too?"
What was her point? "I am giving closure to you as well."
"No, you're not. Killing is your way, not ours. We want him in jail! You don't need more blood on your hands, unless you’re doing it because you enjoy it."
Not gonna lie, that one stung. A lot. What the hell was she thinking, telling me how to do my job? I'd spent years looking for the bastardo! I bared my teeth. "My way is the only right way, Princess. The law of retribution, occhio per occhio, dente per dente. It is effective and does not leave space for some stupid bureaucratic mistake."
"Stop being so selfish, Tony. Chris needs this more than you, he needs to see his mother’s murderer arrested and behind bars! We need our faith in justice restored, and it's more important than your vendetta.” Her cheeks were flushed pink with indignation. “Do it for Chris. Do it for your son. Call him when you find the man, and I'll help you look for him."
Damn her. Why did she have to drag my son into this debate? Why did she have to be so damn persuasive? "I will consider it," I said through gritted teeth. "No promises."
She gave me a triumphant smile that left me with zero doubt that I’d be hearing about it again. "Well, it's a start. Now tell me, how I can help?"
"Stop being so selfish, Tony. Chris needs this more than you, he needs to see his mother’s murderer arrested and behind bars! We need our faith in justice restored, and it's more important than your vendetta.” Her cheeks were flushed pink with indignation. “Do it for Chris. Do it for your son. Call him when you find the man, and I'll help you look for him."
Damn her. Why did she have to drag my son into this debate? Why did she have to be so damn persuasive? "I will consider it," I said through gritted teeth. "No promises."
She gave me a triumphant smile that left me with zero doubt that I’d be hearing about it again. "Well, it's a start. Now tell me, how I can help?"
"I do not see how you can help, unless you have something to narrow down our search."
"And what could narrow down our search?" Princess was no quitter.
I shrugged. "A list of people he used to do business with, and his associates, for a start. Someone such as Michael Castelli; I wish he was still alive so that I could go to him and 'thank' him personally for the mess he has caused, but he died long ago."
"And what could narrow down our search?" Princess was no quitter.
I shrugged. "A list of people he used to do business with, and his associates, for a start. Someone such as Michael Castelli; I wish he was still alive so that I could go to him and 'thank' him personally for the mess he has caused, but he died long ago."
"Castelli? He was aunt Marissa's father, wasn't he?"
I totally forgot about Marissa. "Yes, though it does not matter any longer, as he is gone."
"But he must’ve had a list of people he did business with, including this Lien Hsu, in his computer. There could be more!"
"Yes, probably so, but as I have said, he died, and his house has been sold, along with everything in it."
She smiled knowingly. "Maybe not. Aunt Marissa is a bit of a hoarder, she keeps a lot of stuff in the basement. I know she used to have her dad's computer, and she probably still does, though I can't guarantee it'll work."
"Let me worry about that." It was worth checking. "You may have actually helped, Princess. I suppose it is time for a little family visit."
I totally forgot about Marissa. "Yes, though it does not matter any longer, as he is gone."
"But he must’ve had a list of people he did business with, including this Lien Hsu, in his computer. There could be more!"
"Yes, probably so, but as I have said, he died, and his house has been sold, along with everything in it."
She smiled knowingly. "Maybe not. Aunt Marissa is a bit of a hoarder, she keeps a lot of stuff in the basement. I know she used to have her dad's computer, and she probably still does, though I can't guarantee it'll work."
"Let me worry about that." It was worth checking. "You may have actually helped, Princess. I suppose it is time for a little family visit."
Note: This chapter would never be what it is now without help of my dear friend Wagonfruit who volunteered to proofread and did so much more. Thanks to her Tony sounds just as (pea)cocky as he always does in my head. Thanks again, Froot! I had a blast working with you and learned a lot. <3 <3
Poses by: Candycottonchu, Dearkims, KatVerse, LorieSims, Princess Paranoia, Simmerberlin
Other resources: How to escape a back chokehold
You better leave a comment or Tony gets really really upset. You don't want to upset Tony, do you?
Poses by: Candycottonchu, Dearkims, KatVerse, LorieSims, Princess Paranoia, Simmerberlin
Other resources: How to escape a back chokehold
You better leave a comment or Tony gets really really upset. You don't want to upset Tony, do you?
You can share your opinions on this chapter here or in my thread at the Sims forums. Whichever suits you best.