New Life to be Sold (Brooke)

[lucius]

The elite of the city's underworld seemed to gather in one place for frivolity and, now with the newest business in town, investing. Cyanide was the gathering place of the various vampires and the demons, though lately had been a bed of activity for several other races as well. However, most of those other races were not in the club willingly; they were dragged into the growing slave market beneath its seductive floors.

Stepping out of a limousine as it pulled up to the entrance of the club, Lucius Erif smiled and waved at several others that he recognized. The elder vampire was not as frequent a visitor to the club--or any clubs, for that matter--compared to others, but he was known to come out occasionally, and his face was rather recognizable to people. His outing tonight was not for the pureness of pleasure, though. He was here on business; as one of the main movers behind the slave trade now, he decided to indulge in it from time to time (and tended to get a rather good discount due to his aid to the Lycans and Psychic Vampires). Tonight was such a time; he had decided to purchase a new slave; either for pleasure or very service-- he'd decide when he found one.

The bouncers instantly stepping away when he approached, an aide of some sort came up to greet Lucius and lead him down to the auction house. Arriving, Lucius smelt and felt the myriad of entities in the room, some well-dressed and others not-so-much, and then the slaves, some of whom were not dressed at all. The vampire elder and media magnate perused the stock that the lycans were providing for the auction this evening, seeing a few potential buys but nothing impressive.

That was, until he stopped at one area, where a woman that Lucius perceived to be one of the most beautiful he had encountered was brought forth by the auctioneer. It was not just her looks that attracted the vampire; his empathetic capabilities felt something different in her than in all of the other slaves he had encountered to date. That difference was excitingly enticing, and the vampire decided then and there that he must have her. Approaching the auctioneer, Lucius brought out his checkbook. "This Brooke Wyld. I want her. This should be enough," said the elder, writing out a rather generous sum of money and handing it to the auctioneer to seal the purchase before any other prospective buyers came out.

[poss2]

[You like showing me those pictures, don't you? Lol. Sorry this got a tid bit longer than I had expected it to:]

Dane sat on the straight backed chair in his white custom tailored suit and eyes only for the young woman infront of him. A hired body guard who had been with her for a few months now, paid to not only deliver her safe to the auction block, but to see her off as well. It was'nt the first time he had been hired to pass slaves from one hand to the other, but this time was much different than all of the others. The scene was grungy in some cases, and cleaned in others. A few of the slaves that were brought to auction today seemed content with their presence, while others seemed furious, some even unconscious. Something that most of them had in common was some sort of device, whether it be shackles, or a collar, that ensured they stayed put. That was just one of the things that made this ordeal so much different than the rest. Dane was a bulk of a man- his shoulders square and his body tight from not just heavy weight lifting, but hard work. An ex wrestler, who found that it paid much better to be hired muscle. Usually he was brought in o a job to help restrain the feisty, fierce slaved. The disobedient ones, usually new to the underworld of slavery who would take their first opportunity at freedom without hesitation. But not today. Today he sat at a table for two, a candle half burned in the center, and wine glasses infront of both patrons. Today, he was to bring Brooke Wyld to the auction block.

Brooke Wyld. A young woman who thought of herself not as a slave or servant, but more so as an essential piece of the puzzle to success. Her first master had been one with a low income, but with a little help and some nudging in the right direction, he was a billionaire within a few years. She had stuck by his side, and would have through eternity if she were not human. He, too, was human. His only downfall in life, when just a few months ago a deal went bad and he drew the short stick. His life was cut short, at only 32 years of age.

A few months had gone by, and Brooke was well protected by his employees. The body guards, the muscle, they took good care of her. A watchful eye. She mourned her master, but recently came to terms with the fact that everyone has their time. If she could be an immortal, she would, but that was not the card she had been dealt as off yet. She spoke with a few associates, and found the best 'slave auction' around. A place with high rollers, important people, and most importantly not too many sickos. If there was one thing she couldn't handle well, it was torture, but if a master asked it of her, she would do her best.

Long hair with a sultry gaze of deep blue washed over the crowd. A few passed by, and most never even thought of their table as a slave and auctioneer set up. No, most assumed they were there to purchase. There was no hint that she was a servant beyond the large 'X' tattoos on the underside of each wrist. Thick, bold markings, but were easily hidden from sight in such a place as this. A long strapless white gown adorned her slender figure, long legs crossed as she sat straight backed and patient. It was her choice to be here- if she wanted to leave, she could. If the sale began to go wrong, putting her in the hands of someone she disagreed to go home with, the money simply would not be accepted and she would walk out of here. It wasn't the money. The cash was being donated to a local hospital in her name.

It became their time, a number called, a chosen time, she had not payed too close attention to those details. Rising from her seat as Dane helped her from the chair with the offering of his hand, she gave him a smile and walked to the block with her arm linked in his. Dane was an even 6', and Brooke stood just a tad shorter than he at 5'10. She remembers growing up her mom wanted her to be a model, and she much preferred to go in to business, or science. But income was low, times were bad, and they found themselves having to give her up for a lump sum of cash into the slavery ring.

"Brooke Wyld, companion. Taking offers." It was a simple statement, his deep voice resonating through the crowd and catching the attention of many of the ladies. he never hesitated to give them a smile. Brooke slipped her arm from his and smiled as those that were interested walked past. Few approached, but the first to speak up was an attractive man. There was no hesitation, and a check was handed to Dane. He ignored the check, not reaching out or even glancing at the sum. He simply looked to Brooke to see if she was okay with the sale. A brief nod, and exchange of glances before she spoke, "Take the mans money, Dane. It will be okay. He appears to be more than.... suitable." She gave Erif the once over without a change of facial expressions until she met his eyes. She offered a smile. Dane was the protective sort, and watched her carefully for a moment longer before releasing a hefty breath and reaching out to take the check. "Sold." he said, taking and folding the paper without giving it a look over.

Brooke stepped from Danes side, turning her back on Erif with a swift pivot to face the man who had taken the check. A hand on each shoulder, and rose on to her toes, even though she didn't have to, and leaned in closely. She embraced him in a hug only friends or lovers would share, Dane wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close, then Brooke placed a kiss on his cheek before patting his arm and taking a step backwards toward Erif. Holding Danes eye contact as she gave him a nod, both of their arms falling back to their sides. "You did well, make sure they get that check to the hospital by morning.. I am sure it will be a generous donation. Am I right, Mr...?" Brooke turned to face Erif in a fluid sway, standing within a foot to the front of him, between he and Dane, raising a brow in question as she offered him a suggestive grin followed by her hand, palm down. She was used to being greeted in a formal manner, a kiss to the hand or cheek ..for now. "Brooke Wyld." She introduced herself, even though he already knew it as it was only the polite thing to do, her grin never fading, as she awaited to hear his introduction...

Dane continued to watch in close quarters, his eyes on Lucius. He knew full well that it wasn't customary for a Master to greet their slave in such a formal manner, let alone offer then respect whatsoever. He decided to stick around just a while longer, as had been previously discussed with Brooke at the table, to see things get off on the right foot. A check can always be given back, or torn up.

[lucius]

To say that Lucius Erif was surprised by the reaction he was getting to the purchase he was pretty sure he just made was a mild understatement. In two thousand years he had never encountered such an odd type of purchase in regards to the slave trade, and he was currently quickly figuring out how to respond. For some inexplicably weird reason it felt more like he was winning some sort of high-end date with someone of more importance than himself, rather than purchasing someone who was to be his property for the rest of her life or until he grew bored of her or freed her. Everything seemed a bit upside down in this exchange, from the man selling the slave, to the reaction to his extremely generous check, to the actions of the slave herself. It was all quite out of the ordinary.

At first the vampire elder considered protesting when he was declared to be the suitable one, rather than the other way around. But the auctioneer just pocketing the check without looking at it through Lucius for a small bit of a loop, and he silenced his tongue as he thought on these curious things. Then things got rather awkward as the slave and the auctioneer said their farewells to each other in a completely unorthodox manner, and Lucius decided then and there that all logic regarding the slave trade as he had understood until then was being defied and therefore attempting to figure out what was happening was useless and irrelevant. Things were just going oddly.

When the slave finally turned to him, the telecommunications magnate eyed her curiously for a moment, branching out with his empathy in an attempt to figure her out before saying anything. Again, though, what he felt was different than all the other slaves, and in a good way. He liked it, a lot, and had decided that despite the very many oddities occurring, he would go ahead with things. Obviously she was a slave meant for the upper class, given the way she carried herself and how she placed her hand out before him.

Under most circumstances, Lucius may have decided that the slave was not in her place and did not deserve his lips to touch her hand in such a manner. However, as he had noted, this one was different. Lady-like. Besides, physical contact would allow him an even better reading on her. Reaching out, he took her hand in his own and brought it to his lips, planting a soft kiss on it for a moment, his blue gaze locking with hers, and then he released her hand. "I am Lucius Maximilian Cornelianus Erif, CEO of ZaneCorp," said Lucius, using his full title for the first and only time he would to her most likely; he did not like to flaunt around so many names so often. It got rather tedious. "It is a pleasure to meet you... Shall we?" he motioned to go, extending to her his arm.

[poss2]

It would seem that Lucius Erif was not the only one find this scene rather odd. A few of those that had been on their way upto the auction block paused in their place. For one, they were surprised that she had, just moments ago to the publics eye, been an onlooker. Another simple patron here to view the auction, and now, she stepped down from the block to meet her new Master. Interesting, to say the least, was also the way she said her farewells. Dane, the body guard whos suit would have hung over her like she was a toothpick in comparison if she were to wear it, fussed with his tie a moment before giving Erif a nod. In his eyes, from what he could gather in the few months he bad been hired to watch over Brooke, this was the biggest test for a new Master to meet.

Brooke Wyld was a woman of high class, whos confidence wasn't so much on the cocky side as it was the friendly and outgoing. She was forward, yet playful when it came to first encounters. Brooke knew that not everyone was accustomed to how she acted, and that is why she insisted that Dane stick around for a few moments after a sale was decided upon. You never know if things would get out of hand, or if she would change her mind. Her sfaety, right now, was her only true concern. Once the sale was finalized, it would be his instead of hers.

The large auctioneer, and now ex body guard shifted his weight where he stood. His thick fingers pushed back through the stubble of hair that looked to be neatly shaved on a daily basis. A gruff exhale, almost a sigh, escaped. It showed he was tense, and slightly unsure, but with her gazing over her shoulder she gave him the slightest of nods. Everything woud be okay- it was all said without words and in the simplest of actions after Lucius pressed his lips to the back of her hand in formal greeting. Highly acceptable. That hand raised even further, fingertips trailing along his hairline and back behind his ear with the gentlest of touches, a hover that was almost more of a tickle than a caress. He was handsome, and she was pleased with the sale. She couldn't have been happier, and with one last look over the auction she nodded to Lucius in agreement to take their leave. "Yes we shall." A smile, and the same hand that he had kissed, the hand that had traced gntley along his hairline, now slipped in to the crookof his arm with the slighted of movements. Habit, nothing more, nothing less, if he disagreed she would learn otherwise, but for now, it was all she knew.

[lucius]

A small but growing voice in the back of Lucius Erif's keen mind was suddenly beginning to think that, despite the unorthodoxy of everything going on, he had perhaps made one of the best purchases he ever had in a long time. He could not exactly place what it was about her that was so appealingly satisfying, but it was mos certainly there and of use to him. The caress she gave him was both confusing and completely well-received. What was more enticing was that she seemed to be as pleased to be sold to him as he was to purchase her. Such an odd slave, indeed, he thought.

The way that her hand found its way to his arm seemed to be so natural and normal for her; she was certainly a high-end slave, and the billionaire CEO already quite enjoyed having her on his arm as he started to walk towards the exit of the auction house with her. Eyes turned their direction, both because of the surprise that she was a slave when she looked and acted nothing like it, and also curious as to see who Lucius Erif was escorting through Cyanide, obviously pleased with himself-- though, not blatantly so; Lucius excelled in containing himself.

Once free of the noise, smell, and crowd of the auction block and ascending the stairway into the club, Lucius glanced over at the new slave at his side, his blue eyes scanning her over once. "Brooke Wyld. I have to say, you seem so different than all the other miserable wretches down there," said Lucius, glancing at her curiously as he walked through the nightclub with her.

[poss2]

Dane stood on the auction block, paused, as if stopped in time. Body rigid, eyes on Erif. He may have been paid a great deal to do his job, but it was his sense of protection that drove him to continue his watch. Like an eagle from his perch, the man stood upon the slight rise and overlooked the crowd- eyes only for the back of the man whom walked away with his purchase. He seemed of high class, and if he was the torturous type he was in for a surprise. Brooke could handle herself, but only ever decided to when the Slave / Master relationship had been shattered by distrust.

Only once they had moved far enough through the crowd that he could not hear them over the other voice did he take his leave. Brooke never looked back He was a friend before he was a bodyguard in her mind, but he would understand. The long white gown shimmered under the dim lighting of the auction area, sticking close to Erif as she smiled at those who walked by and took the opportunity to make eye contact. She was the friendly sort, never one to glare or stare at people, and was always up to greeting and conversation.

As they ascended the staircase she pulled herself closer, right arm linked through his left as she took one step at a time in her white stiletto heels. She met his eyes when he gave her a look over, only to smile when he made eye contact. He had every right to look over her- she was ot only a new purchase, but she was his slave. Not a word she liked to use, or even consider, but it was the truth none the less. "Why Mr. Lucius Erif, I think I will be taking that as a compliment. And I guess the difference is simply that I accept the terms. Not to say I wouldn't have turned down someone if I felt we would not be compatible." Her right hand rested after a few gentle pats on his nearest shoulder, forearm crossed infront of her in a friendly gesture.

[lucius]

As they walked through the elite club, its vampiric and demonic denizens doing all sorts of things in the establishment known for its seduction and mystery, Lucius nodded now and then to faces he recognized, many of them nodding back to him and the focusing interestingly on the woman at his arm, who carried herself--and certainly looked the part--as someone who was more his date or partner than his slave and servant. He had to say that at that moment she seemed to fit him rather well; her in her white gown, him in his dark suit. The opposites tended to match quite well, and the good looks both had only complimented this match even further.

Every touch of hers seemed to have some something extra and special to it. It was as if she communicated what she said with added emphasis from the casual touches she gave. It was interesting. Stopping at the doorway of Club Cyanide, one of the valet slaves running to fetch his limousine, Lucius turned and looked her in the eyes, his empathetic skills feeling out once more to see what she was like, and enjoying what he saw. He reached forward, running a single finger along her cheek once in a caress. "I think that you're going to fit into my household rather well indeed," said Lucius to her, grinning some as their ride pulled up.

The valet opened the door and Lucius placed some bills in the man's hand, turning and motioning for Brooke to enter before him. Once she was in, the master joined the slave and the door closed, the car started off across the city for his tower. The interior of the limo was very comfortable and certainly high-end. Leather seats complimented by an interior bar, with both alcoholic beverages and blood, and some screens for entertainment or--more often than not lately--communication. Settled into the vehicle, his blue gaze returned to her. "So, what was a pretty little thing like you doing on the auction block? I'm surprised someone would give you up."

[poss2]

Brooke paid no mind to the activities inside of the club, offering the patrons their privacy and only giving attention to those that made eye contact. She held herself close to him, but ti was not out of fear or shyness to those around her, it was a statement to those horny young men who gawked that she was indeed, not interested in anything, or anyone, beyond whos arm she was on. Each touch she offered was soft, and warm. Hesitant to allow a long enough presence, lingering over him and when removed her fingertips always swept over the material of his clothing, or along hs skin depending on where she touched. Truth was, she touched everyone this way, it was just how she was. Touchy feeling some would say- and Brook herself, never was questioned about it. It was the way she would continue to touch Erif until they new each other better. Currently, all she knew was his name, and nothing had been laid out before her. No guidelines, no rules. Her last Master had none, for was given free range but that was simply because he cared for her. They were not lovers, he was married, and never touched her in any way that would make his wife upset. Kisses to the cheek, holding her hand at times, and it never went beyond that. Brooke was perfectly fine with how she was treated by him, he was a good, generous man.

They paused by the door, and Brooke turned to face him with a curiosity so brilliant that her eyes lit up in innocent question as to what it was he wanted of her. A soft smile curled her lips up at the sides as his finger trailed along her cheek, and she tilted her head to lean ever so slightly against the touch. Brooke enjoyed touch, it was, just as he had suspected, her favorite form of communication. Her previous Master used to joke that in a past life, she must have been a house cat. She never replied, only looked down and blushed lightly before meeting his gaze again from under thick lashes. The limousine pulled up just then.

The valet opened the back door of the limousine for her and she allowed her hands to glide down her derss, from her sides to her thighs as she fluidly slipped in, trying not to catch the gown on anything. She sat in the middle of the back seat rather than sliding to the opposite side, one long leg fluidly swept and crossed over the other, and her hand rested comfortably on Erif's knee once he joined her. Brooke was sitting close enough it may appear she was leaning n him rather than sitting straight backed as she always did, turning her full attention to Erif as she turned lightly to allow herself to face him without having to simply turn her head.. "Oh, he never gave me up. I am sure he would have given his life for me, just as I would have for him. He was in a car accident a few months ago and.. passed away before the paramedics could get there."

[lucius]

Lucius relaxed into his seat in the limousine, comfortable within the confines of the luxurious vehicle. Luxury in general comforted him; he had lived around it all of his life and was most at home in it. His small fleet of limousine were all fitted to suit his need, with the necessary comforts and direct link to his computer systems in ZaneCorp, allowing him security and a bit of a mobile command center if the need called for such circumstances. Luckily, it rarely did, allowing him to engage primarily in the luxurious services of his vehicles.

The touch of her hand on his knee as he sat down seemed so perfectly natural; it was a bit of a different sensation. The vampire elder had to admit that he quite enjoyed it; this attention from this particular slave. Lucius placed one of his own hands on tops of her, his thumb gently caressing her soft skin as his gaze settled upon her. "Ah, that is unfortunate. I am sorry to hear it. It is always difficult when losing someone we are close to," said Lucius, though he rarely grew particularly close to anyone. However, two of the most prominent people he had grown close to ended up leaving him in unfortunate ways. After so many years, his sire, Magnus, just up and left him, never saying a word. Then a woman--nay, a demon--he had been particularly close to some thousand years ago when she was killed by mad villagers, right in front of him. So, even he had tasted that particular pain.

Deciding it more comfortable to change subjects, that is what he did. "Well, allow me to more formally introduce myself, as you will be living by my side now. I am Lucius Maximilian Cornelianus Erif, founder and CEO of ZaneCorp media and telecommunications. I was born during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius a little under two thousand years ago," said Lucius. He figured it would be best to present to her at least the basic facts so she had an idea of who it was that would be her master from now on.

[poss2]

Her eyes never left Erif, not once glancing around the limousine in which she was now seated. It was comfortable, that she did notice, but beyond that her attention was fully on him. His every action, his every word. Curiosity at its best, as her icey azure eyes glistened with interest. The car began to move and she leaned back comfortably, back still straight but no longer sitting on the edge of the seat. Positioned to half face him with her body, her head turned to make up for the rest. Being comfortable around strangers came natural to her, the only people she ever felt anxious around were some women, but that was simply a case of jealousy. There was only that one hint to the fact she wouldn't mind being free from the slave ring. Their freedom. The women who find love, find someone to care for, someone to cherish and call their own. For Brooke, it was her job, in a sense, to do all of those things and more, and she could only imagine having the chance to do so without those strings of Master and Slave attached. Her jealousy when they became flirtatious with her Master was based soley off of that, and perhaps a sense of protection as her past master was married after all.

Her warm smile spread as his hand was placed on top of hers, a sign that she had not over stepped any boundaries. Her other hand outstretched and rested on top of his effortlessly, a natural position that felt as though they had known each other for years. Surely anyone would assume they were lovers, blinded by the bliss of their emotions and falling faster than a falling star, but the truth was, they were still on the introduction stage.

Brows raised in interest with a hint of surprise. He was not just a handsome face with money in his pocket.. he also had power, and by the sounds of it he also had something even more important than all of those: intelligence. The most genuine of smiles blessed her lips, overwhelming the last that had still been there. A fear of hers was that she would fall in to the hands of, well, for lack of a better term, a dimwit. A man who couldn't hold a hearty conversation, or whom simply flaunted power that was no more than money in disguise. Money didn't impress her, although she had never lived in poverty.

"Very impressive, does that mean you are an.. angel?" She paused, raising the hand that she had placed on top of his own and slowly bringing it closer to his face. "Or perhaps.. a vampire?" Running the pad of her thumb along his lower lip, index finger hooking ever so gently beneath his chin. She had a fascination with vampires, and perhaps this showed as her attention held firm, holding his gaze. She spoke softly again, "Lucius Maximilian Cornelianus Erif" she repeated after him in nearly a whisper. Perking a brow, leaning closer, "Is that how you like to be referred to? By your name, or would you rather me call you 'Master?'" She did not want to get off on the wrong foot, if he preferred to be referred to only as 'Master' by his slaves, then she wanted to know now before she over stepped the boundary.

[lucius]

An angel. Now, that was quite an interesting thought. Angels. If white, so pure and innocent, and good. If black, so pitiful and loathsome, and mischievous. Angels were quite the peculiar group of people, their feud very much similar in hostility and hatred as that between lycans and vampires. Though, Lucius had never been called an angel before. They were too pure--too sacred--for him.

As one of her thumbs found its way across his lips and her index finger on his chin, Lucius lifted his other hand and gentle placed it against her own as she touched his face, his blue gaze staring intently into her eyes. "I am a vampire, considered to be an elder by the rest of my kind. I have lived for nineteen centuries, and have seen many things," said Lucius, allowing his fangs to show as she pressed on his lip with her thumb in order to prove and emphasize his words. He sensed some added interest from her in response; that, too, was interesting. The enslaved human seemed to have her interest piqued in vampires moreso than anything else that had been brought up so far.

When Brooke repeated his name, he had to admit that he enjoyed the sound of it rolling off of her tongue. However, etiquette and propriety were musts in his type of society, and needed to be followed. Keeping his blue gaze locked with her eyes, he replied. "When in the presence of any other soul, you shall refer to me as 'master' or as 'Mr. Erif' or 'sir' depending on your preference. When in privacy, calling me Lucius will do just fine," said the handsome vampire elder, his thumb continuing to lightly caress her soft flesh. "Any other questions, love?"

[poss2]

As a human, she was more impressed with immortality than other things life had to offer. For her, she was getting older every day that passed, and some day she would find the end, and slip from existence. It was only common knowledge. Vampires, however, they seemed locked in time. Beautiful for eternity, or so she had heard. But lets be honest, she had never seen many vampires, so for all she knew there were some non attractive ones as well, or so she assumed.

Her breath caught and she hesitated as he raised his hand to hers as it teased along his lower lip, afraid she had done something to anger him and her eyes frantically searched his for the answer. It never took long for her to realize he was not upset with her, and for once she felt embarrassed- the rush of heat rising to her face in an innocent blush. It wasn't often she got embarrassed, but then again, it wasn't often she was so easily startled. She nodded silently except for the soft hiss of an exhale as she released the breath she had forgot she was holding, through her slightly parted lips. The sight of his fangs lightened her expression with an interested crooked smile, offering a dimple on the side that uplifted. Brooke looked like a child given a gift she was fascinated with, like a glass figurine that she was not allowed to touch in fear she would break it.

The hand on his knee squeezed ever so slightly, a form of acknowledgment as he offered her the answer to her question. "Lucius." she whispered, almost to herself as she nodded slowly. "I like it." she admitted, running her thumb back across his bottom lip as she said it.

[lucius]

The concern that crossed her face and the flush that colored her cheeks caused a bit of a stir in Lucius. He almost felt bad for causing such a worry within the delicately beautiful looking slave he had just purchased, oddly enough. He had never felt such an immediate attachment to something. She certainly fit the role she was meant to play in this life that she was in. As she began to calm down and realize that nothing was wrong, he kept a smile on his gaze, his blue eyes gazing at her gently.

"I'm glad you approve," he murmured as he thumb continued to run across his lips, his hand still lightly pressing against her own. Every sensual touch that she made towards him--the thumb on his lip, the squeeze on his knee--seemed to accent the mood he felt emanating her so well, allowing her to, it seemed, communicate so much better through her touches than through words. He quite enjoyed it, finding himself drawn closely into her as he sat in the limousine beside her as it made its way across the city.

Feeling an interesting urge within him growing, he removed his hand from that if hers concerned with his face and reached forward, his index finger and thumb gently taking a hold of her chin. "I would very much like to kiss you now," he murmured truthfully, that want to touch her lips with his own growing inside of him. Of course, he was her master and could do as he pleased, but he felt it better to let her know he wished to kiss her first as he brought his face closer to her own.

[poss2]

Brooke smiled warmly as he responded to her approval. His name suited him well. Exotic in a sense, well, to her at least. A vampire. A new master. A new beginning at a new life. Everything was falling in to place rather rapidly, her surroundings changing and the company she kept, along with it. Luckily, she was quick to adapt, and found no sense of confusion or stress whatsoever from the change in situations. She had taken her time to mourn, given the permission to find a new home by her previous masters Wife. It was her own decision. She had to move on, to busy herself, put herself out there and find her place in this life she was born to live. Fitting in only came with the job, she had a lot of practice and thus it came naturally to her to comfortably interact with strangers.

His being a vampire only heightened her interest in him, however. When he had first approached the auction block earlier today, she had a sense that he was different. When he wrote the check without questioning her ability's, skills, or anything for that matter, it showed he was a man who knew what he wanted. Indecisive people were never as exciting to be around as those who were spontaneous. But he was not stupid when it came to being spontaneous, he seemed to give things thought first, rather than acting first and thinking later. Although sometimes that was the easiest thing to do.

The heat of her blush still coloring her cheeks she held his gaze, hand on his knee and the other resting on his chin as she teased his bottom lip with the pad of her thumb. The next thing he said brought no further reaction from her than the slightest of nods, her own blue eyes almost seeming a mere reflection of his as he leaned in closer. She never moved, letting him come to her as he slowly leaned forth, her thumb gliding own his bottom lip and to his chin before her hand slipped away all together. The back of her fingertip lingering down his neck to the collar of his shirt before she rested an open palm gently against his chest just as their lips brushed. She met the kiss, leaning in ever so gently so that he was not simply placing a kiss upon a statue, lids falling over her eyes in slow motion.

[lucius]

It was an odd situation for him to be in with such a slave. A man in his position could have almost any woman--or man, for that matter--that he wanted as his companion, just flashing his good looks or his money to get whatever he desired. More often than not, it was others who so desired him. He would often take various women back to bed, enjoying himself with them for the night before both parties moved on, except for the poor occasional mortal lured into his trap only to be drained of blood; with his ability to control his appetite, though, with every passing year it was rarer and rarer for him to need to kill to feed.

And yet Brooke, a mere slave, held so much more class and importance than the various women he usually galavanted around with, it seemed. She held herself differently than the rest of them, and in a way that Lucius could not help but find to be enticingly attractive. Her attitude had been quite agreeable (much more so than his other slaves, that was for sure) and her characteristics seemed to ensure in the media magnate's mind that she would fit well into his household and as a companion slave for himself.

Hence his lips pressed against her own into a kiss that allowed him to feel all those feelings coming from her, enjoying them all. His hand slowly moved from gently grasping her chin to the back of her neck, cradling her head gently as he kissed her in the limousine. After a moment he pulled back from the kiss, his head still closer before hers--his forehead lightly brushing against her own--and he looked at her with his blue eyes, a smile on his handsome face. He just stared at her for a while, admiring her beauty, before speaking again. "I must say, love, that you are a remarkable woman, and I hardly know you," he murmured, smiling at her. "I have a hard time believing that I was so lucky as to come across you when I did."