“If it’s on the table, I would like the living room, so we both get to interact with them. And it’s more convenient to wash our hands with the sink right there.”
I blink and look down to our hands. She’s not restrained with how she’s holding me; our fingers are intertwined. It feels like a scandal.
“Don’t squeeze my hand too hard. My bones haven’t taken necromancy well.” Her grip tightens to stop my hand from retreating in shame. “I’m not letting you get lost.”
“Sorry, Mistress.” I wouldn’t hide from her.
“Tonight, I’m not your mistress. You can say no to me.”
I tilt my head, feeling the slightest bit bratty. “No. I’m gonna call you Mistress over and over and obey everything you ask.”
“Mm… you’re gonna regret that,” she teases.
I steady, eyes narrowing to watch her. I truly feel the distance between us wearing so thin, and I don’t know what she’ll want when there is none.
She looks down at me and snickers. “Don’t look so cute.”
I smirk. “No thanks, Mistress. I’ll look however I want.”
“You’re just testing me, aren’t you? You make me wish I could discipline you.”
If I open my mouth to speak, my heart might just hop out. So I keep my thoughts stuffed into my warm chest.
Vincenza stops us outside a fenced off attraction, open air and filled with people slowly dancing under a truly absurd number of string lights. She writes out a check for our entrance, and I’m stuck looking at everyone around us.
What do we look like to them? A couple? A mother and daughter? The second one’s a stretch as we really only share similar clothing and a general sickliness from necromancy, but people thought I was Lucia’s sister for less.
And it’s the first option that’s making breathing feel so tense.
I know I’m not looking at Vincenza as an apprentice should look at their mistress. This is hardly educational. It barely even feels like it’s my wants leading. I want to make her lead me.
What if Lucia saw? Where would it go from there? What would she think, accuse?
Vincenza takes me inside, humming some Lawrinian lyrics. “...I’m aware you had some trouble earlier, but I hope you will come out having enjoyed this night.”
“I think I’m enjoying it so far.”
“Good.” She puts her hands on me, and guides me through slow movements. “You’re free to leave once I start to bore you; I don’t mind stargazing alone.”
“You’re not very good at being a bore; I’m certainly not leaving your side until you make me.”
“I might have to if you refuse to go on your own, teach you some independence.”
I frown.
She giggles, cherry smelling breath landing on my lips. “Don’t worry. You’ve been independently operating the parlour for long enough that I don’t need to teach you. Still, it’s an option if you find your friends and wish to join them.”
“I’d rather not fourth wheel them.”
She confidently moves me in her arms like she’s proud to be holding me.
I want to be her prize. I want her to try and earn me.
I back off slightly, teasingly, hoping she’ll desperately claw me back—and she does! I didn’t even get to begin the verbal taunting part of the campaign.
“You can dance here with me, or leave. No teasing,” she warns.
“I will allow myself to tease if I want, Mistress.”
