"Tub Toy?" Asher said questioningly.  "It's a parody fan fiction
Kimmy wrote recently, well actually is still writing. I'm pretty
sure Jean-Claude will find it amusing. I know Jason will get a kick
out of it. I just hope Anita is in a good humor tonight," I explained.
"I will have to look for the story when it is posted," Asher said.
We were at the end of the building, and I stopped short, forcing him
to stop with me. "You read the fan posts?"  "Oui," he smiled
mischievously. "I've found your posts to be quite intriguing,
Tamara." Uh oh.  "My posts. You've read my posts," I blinked. "Which
ones?"  "Why, all of them I could find." He stepped in close to me,
his hands lightly gripping my arms. Suddenly, I wasn't so sure being
out here alone with him was such a good idea. And I knew he wouldn't
let go unless he wanted to. 


"Jean-Claude doesn't care much for computers, but I've found the
internet quite useful, and a wonderful source of amusement."
"Um, Asher, you do realize that those were written for entertainment
and under the impression that you were fictional?" I said.
He gave a knowing smile as he pulled me into the shadows between
buildings, where we wouldn't be easily seen from the parking lot.
Then he pulled me close to him, one arm around my back, the other
hand cupping my chin, forcing my face up towards his. I became aware
of the fact that I'd been meeting his eyes frequently without hi
trying to bespell me. I was suddenly afraid to meet his gaze.
"Oui, ma cherie," his voice puored over me like warm honey. "But
didn't you secretly wish that we were real?"  He had me there. Teach
me to be more careful what I wish for.  "Will you not even look at me
now?" he asked softly. 


I really wanted to look at him.  "I'm afraid," I stated.  I felt a
cool October breeze pick up around us and strengthen quickly to
a wind. Then I heard his voice in my mind. Tamara, Tamara, don't be
frightened. I will never hurt you, cherie.  I opened my eyes to find
his face just inches from mine. His expression was tender, yet
triumphant.  I watched as his eyes frosted over to a solid glowing
blue-white. Oh no! He was trying to merely bespell me! NO!!  I
couldn't help myself. As futile as I knew it would be, I started to
struggle. Asher's arm tightened around me, and he transferred his
other hand from my chin to the base of my skull, holding me firmly
but gently. He lowered his face the remaining cuple of inches to
mine. "Trust me," he whispered into my mouth as that blue fire
slammed into me. 


For just a second, the night lit up with an icy clarity. Then he was
crushing me to him in a fierce kiss.  I stiffened in shock, and then
my eyes shut, and I was trying to wrap myself around him. It was as
if I couldn't get close enough. He broke the kiss off, his lips
moving across my cheek and down my throat. I sighed in pleasure then
gasped when I felt the sweet sharp pain of his fangs piercing my
flesh.  My fingers dug into his back as his tongue stroked and teased
the new wounds, increasing the blood flow. A warmth flooded through
my body from the touch of his mouth. I arched against him, spasming
as the orgasm hit, wave upon wave of pleasure washing over me,
threatening to drag me down like an undertow. Time lost all meaning.


I opened my eyes to find myself lying on the roof. Asher stretched
next to me propped on opne elbow. His free hand caressed my face
using only fingertips. A satisfied look on his face, like a cat full
of cream.  "How did we get up here?" I asked. At least my voice
didn't slur on me.  I felt drunk.  "I flew us up."  "The third mark.
That was what that was, wasn't it?" I asked.  "Oui."  "You gave me
the first mark while we were still inside, didn't you?  That's why
Jean-Claude asked you if you were sure about this," I said. I
couldn't quite work up the energy to sound accusing or demanding. I
was consumed by a bone-numbing lethargy. At least Asher appeared to
be suffering from a similar state of relaxation.  "You don't sound
like you're upset about this, cherie," he said warily, as if he'd
expected me to be pissed off.  "Waste of energy," I said. "It's a bit
too late to get bitchy about it now. The process can't be reversed.
But you could have asked first. I bet Anita will be pissed about that."  


"Only if you tell her, cherie. The plan had been for me to discuss
this with you when I brought you outside before starting. But,
Tamera, if you only knew how long I've waited for this, for YOU. I
never thought I could even feel like this again after losing
Julianna. I just couldn't risk you rejecting me, I couldn't," he told
me.  I just couldn't bring myself to really be mad at him. "Why were
you so sure I would reject you?"  "Look at me, cherie. Who would want
to be tied to a scarred creature such as myself?"  "Whoa. Back up
there. I thought we had already established that I think you are
beautiful. Besides, Asher, some may not be as obvious as yours, but
we all carry scars. I don't look at them as disfigurements but as
badges of honor, because you have to survive stuff to carry scars
from it."


I let what was happening sink in for a bit. "I'm not ready for the
fourth mark, Asher. It's just too much too fast."  "There is no rush,
cherie," he said, then leaned over me for a gentler kiss. As he
pulled away, I thought of a potential problem.  "Won't the local
master be pissed at you for taking a servant in his or her territory?"
"This area currently has no Master of the City," Asher simply stated.
"Oh... really? How... convenient," I arched an eyebrow at him.  "Yes,
it is. The JC Corporation currently owns quite a bit of valuable
property in the Orlando area. I will remain to administrate Jean-
laude's interests and investments when he and Anita return to St.
Louis," he told me smugly.  "Oh." 


Then I thought of something else. "Asher, the way I understand
it, in a relationship like this, the servant gains some of the
master's powers and vice versa. I have no idea what you hope to gain
from me, but I was wondering... will I be able to fly?"  "Let's find
out," he smiled. "Can you stand?"  "I think so." I stood without
falling back down. "Now what?"  "Simply imagine yourself flying."
"Just like that?" I was skeptical.  "Oui."  What the hell, I thought,
it was worth a shot. "I don't have to step off the roof or anything
like that do I?"  "No, cherie. You will not need to. Just stand there
and picture yourself in the air," he said patiently.  "Here goes." I
shut my eyes and did as he'd instructed.


"Open your eyes, Tamra," Asher's voice came from below me. I looked
and found myself hovering about ten feet or so above the roof. I was
so surprised that I lost my concentration. I dropped like a rock.
Instantly, Asher was there lifting me in his arms. He gave me a look
of pride and admiration. "Don't worry, cherie. That was an excellent
first attempt. In time I will teach you to control the ability. For
now, just let me take you for a short flight."  I hugged him as he
held me.  We had a glorious flight before returning the the coffee
house. Going back in, I knew Kimmy and I were going to have a lot to
talk about after that night.