Eternal Night

(I) Chapter 29: Madame Control-Freak

Frankie and Dracula arrived at Carmen's a short time later with little to no conversation between them. There was really no point for it. Frankie was too busy concocting plans of revenge where the man was concerned, and Vladislaus was thoroughly occupied in illicit fantasies that involved taking the aforementioned woman back to his place to just have his way with her. Though he would never actually do such a thing without her consent, that newfound glow of confidence she had recently acquired during their brief encounter with Bernardini made the temptation more pronounced than ever.

There was something divine and untapped in that woman – he could taste it; and the mere thought of the possibilities had him all aquiver in anticipation. But if Dracula was anything, he was in control of himself, and he remained completely aloof as he held the door open for her before following the female into the familiar setting of Carmen's place.

As anticipated, the usual people were present, Rémy and his "posse" in their unofficial back corner as Damon managed the bar, leaving the owner of the establishment with more free time than she knew what to do with. Dracula and Frankie glanced at each other momentarily before going their separate ways, the latter sending the former conspirator's grin before sauntering toward the kitchen where she was instantly greeted by Lyra and Vesper.

Vlad took his usual seat amongst Rémy and the other men, briefly participating in a conversation about the current state of politics until he caught the muted sound of female laughter coming from the back and his attention diverted to the small glassless window between the kitchen and the bar where the women could be seen. Vesper was seated closest to the window, apparently trying to read something and it gave him an idea.

Carefully dipping into the dhampir's mind undetected, he was able to mute Vesper's own thoughts so he could better hear the private conversation taking place between Frankie and Lyra who were seated on opposite sides of the island.

"So I'll take it that things with you and Raul are still going well," Frankie continued, sounding a little surprised. "No word of any side-lovers or the like? Honestly, Lyra, I'm impressed."

"The werewolf is a caliber of man I didn't think existed anymore," Lyra confessed. "I'll be the last to deny that the sex is amazing because let's face it – it is." Frankie chuckled. "But he's turned out to be surprisingly considerate, knowing when to give me space and when to linger. He's not a machine by any stretch, but he's not clingy or possessive either like some men are – you know the kind that always want you around but when you are, they're not even interested in your presence? Raul is confident in himself and he doesn't ever question this casual thing between us, nor does he judge me for not wanting more. Most guys at this stage start expecting things."

"It's refreshing, isn't it?"

"I remember how good Tristan was to you, and now having just a taste of that myself... I don't know how you live without it, Frank," was the reply. Then Lyra reached across the island countertop and gently squeezed the woman's hand. "I wish I could see you in love again." Frankie wore a rueful smile as she tenderly squeezed Lyra's hand back.

"I know," she sighed. "Honestly, there are moments where I find myself missing it – having someone there to hold me, to touch me... I miss being wanted. I've been craving another person's touch for days now."

"I don't blame you."

"Sometimes it gets so bad that a night or two ago, I almost considered calling up Tristan and asking for a one-night stand, no strings or expectations. But thankfully," and she sighed heavily at this, "I came to my senses and reconsidered."

Dracula cringed a little at the suggestion as he continued to eavesdrop. He'd have to find a way to kick that werewolf off the woman's shortlist of "booty-call" options.