Still Frame

 

At least I didn’t drool. Of the two, sarcasm is a much better choice. I look around the room and all four men are obviously unhappy. Well, they are going to be even more unhappy if they don’t tell me what’s going on and fast.

“Anita please curb your temper.”

“Jean-Claude I will ‘curb my temper’ when I get some fucking answers.”

He heaves a world weary sigh. Why can’t they just tell me?

“We have a visitor. Please, I have outfits ready for you and Richard.”

He waves a hand over at the leather contraptions hanging on the door. I roll my eyes. What does he think I am? His life-size Barbie doll?

“You’re kidding me, right? What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

I was actually dressed nicely in a long leather skirt and blouse. I was even wearing makeup so the dark color wouldn’t drown out my very pale skin. It’s a lot dressier than my comfy jeans and polo shirts but, ever since I came back, I just can’t seem to pull them on without thinking of Edward. Yeah it’s pathetic, I know. Pushing him to the back of my mind I focus back on the here and now.

“You look nice, as usual, but the situation calls for something a little more… dramatic.”

I frown at Jean-Claude and am about to argue when Asher touches my arm.

“Please ma cherie. Just for tonight.”

I look over at Asher and bite my tongue. “Fine. I’ll deal with the outfit but only because I want to know why the bitch from hell is here and it will take too long to argue with you about the stupid clothes.”

Holding out my hands, he lays the outfit over my outstretched arms and leads me to a corner closet to change. I try to look at his face and realize just how worried he is by how he hides behind his hair. After centuries of practice he is very good at it and it’s only since he’s been with us that he’s started to break the habit. The thought squeezes my heart and makes me want to see his smile.

“Gee, a room all for me? You shouldn’t have.”

I know it wasn’t a good joke but it’s all I could come up with. I’m glad I tried when Asher manages a weak smile.

“I’m sorry ma cherie but due to the haste that is needed…well if you need help you have only to ask.”

I give him a small smile in return. I’m actually grateful that I don’t have to change with all the guys watching. I know that every one of them has seen me naked…hell a lot more than that, but, well, I can’t help it.

“Consider yourself asked. If this outfit is anything like previous ones from Jean-Claude, I’ll never be able to figure it out.”

I stepped into the closet and Asher closed the door behind us. It only took about 15 minutes to make sure I was strapped into it. Yeah, I said strapped. Luckily for them it wasn’t quite as bad as my ‘Barbie does bondage outfit’ but it came damn close. Not so many knives and I could keep my gun. I doubt that I’ll be allowed to use it but, hell, I just feel better having it with me. Opening the door I see Richard is wearing the same outfit as Asher and Jean-Claude only in blood red. What the hell is with looking like triplets? I can’t help but grin. Opening my mouth to make a joke I am interrupted by Richard. Without looking at me he exclaims…

“Don’t even think about complaining about your outfit. Do you see what this…Vampire has me in?!”

He glances up and does a double take. Shit! The grin falls from my lips at his reaction. ‘Great. I so don’t need this right now.’ As their very male eyes take in my outfit, Jason draws my attention by letting loose a shrill whistle. If my look didn’t kill all on its own, Jean-Claude, Richard, and Asher’s would. Jason shrinks back into a corner with his hands up in surrender.

“Sorry, couldn’t resist.”

Jean-Claude turns away and brings his gaze back to me. Oh goody!

“We’ll work on that later, my wolf.”

As Jason shivers at his words I feel compelled to save him from a scolding.

“Leave him alone. You can’t punish him for doing what you were all thinking.”

Jean-Claude’s face shows his amusement

. “I would never do anything as…undignified as whistle. You wound me, ma petite.”

I roll my eyes, like we really have time for this shit right now. He better start explaining what the fuck is going on or I start shooting. See, maybe I will get to use my gun tonight.

“Alright fun’s over. Now tell me why the hell we’re playing dress up!”

“I have told you we have a visitor ma petite. I assure you I meant it.”

“I don’t give a fuck about her Jean-Claude! Just tell me why she’s here so I...wait, how can this be such a surprise? I know the rules about this shit needing to be set up in advance. We’ve been through it too many times for me to forget. What game are you playing at Jean-Claude?”

His face may as well have been stone for all the reaction he showed. Richard came up behind him.

“She has a point. What the fuck is going on here?”

Jean-Claude motions his hand to the door across the room.

“It is not I who must tell you.”

He looks between us both.

“Either of you. You will find out why soon enough. Anita please, just be patient.”

Now he’s calling me Anita? What the hell?

“Whatever Jean-Claude, let’s get this over with so I can go home.”

After this I am so taking a long, hot bath. Jean-Claude interrupts my thoughts by pulling me towards the door.

“Belle Morte awaits our entrance ma petite. I only beg of you to not act irrationally once we are in her presence. It will only make things that much worse.”

‘Fuck!’