The Art of Conversation

[NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE]

The way Eli smiled made Nicholas believe the boy was starting to ease a little, which hopefully meant he wouldn't be so nervous as they spoke. "I'm a psychologist at Greenwolfe University. Specifically a grief counselor." Nick's stomach actually churned at the words. Eli was dangerous to have around. How many counselers, grief included, had picked him apart over the years? Annoyance bubbled inside of him as his interest wained. It's nothing glamorous but I enjoy it. How did one enjoy toying with the inner workings of someones muddled brain? He lost respect for Eli in that moment, but something else stirred in him. This was his twisted chance to get back at those who had drugged him and mentally tortured him though his years of rehab. Not all the therapists were bad. In fact he'd met plenty of goo ones, but here had been enough to taint their names forever, and unfortunatey for Eli, Nick found his newest target.

Eli had that uneasy look on his face, the one that said I said too much.. "Don't worry, I don't shrink people unless they're students at the school." He smiled at his joke, but Nick knew better. He was already Eli's patient, and Eli did't realize it. Therapists had a mindset they could not escape, an as hard as he tried not to, Eli would pick him apart. "Surely." He agreed softly, sipping his drink as the cogs spun in his broken head.

"Not a big fan of doctors?" Eli asked almost playfully and Nick realized he hadn't offered any reason to ease the other mans insecure mind. "Not particularly." He drawled, placing his drink down and reaching to adjust Eli's tie. "Your knots crooked." He explained in a soft, deep accent. He loosened the knot and then tightened it once more, pushing it further up Eli's neck and making it tight around him. Not tight enough to hurt or cut off circulation, but to be just slightly unomfortable. When he was finished his eyes moved back to Eli's, studying him again for another long second. "Your face is handsome, Eli. It's wasted sittin' behind a desk. So much potential.." he took Eli's chin and pushed it up, forcing him to look more confient. "People would pay good money tah be seen with a face like this." There was a spark in his eye as he drained his glass. "Ya'll need to walk on the wild side. Therapy.. now tha's borin'. Ya'll need to live. Why don' ya'll come live with me tonight. I'd like to show yuh a good time." His eyes were serious and a little wild as sick thoughts twisted around his mind.

[ELI WESLEY]

“Not particularly.” Well, there it was. Eli knew this was too good to be true. It was a shame, but it had been flattering while it lasted. He was sure Nicholas would no longer be interested and he reached for his drink once more, disappointment settling in his belly. At least he’d sold one of Abby’s paintings. To his surprise, as his hand clasped around his drink, there was a different hand on his tie. He looked over with slightly widened eyes at the man sitting next to him. “Your knot’s crooked.” All Eli could do was watch as Nicholas loosened the knot and then tightened it again. It was almost too tight, but Eli wasn’t really concerned with that. Even though Nicholas had just said he didn’t like doctors, he was performing a strangely affectionate act by straightening Eli’s tie. He gulped as those deep blue eyes fell on his once more. “Your face is handsome, Eli. It’s wasted sittin’ behind a desk. So much potential…” No, his face wasn’t handsome—it was beet red. What did that mean? Potential for what? Nicholas’ hand dipped beneath Eli’s chin, tilting it up more and forcing Eli to stop bowing his head so meekly. That didn’t stop Eli’s eyes from darting to the side quickly to see who was watching this. It was a momentary glance, though, his eyes too captivated by the man holding his slightly large chin.

“People would pay good money tah be seen with a face like this.” Nicholas released Eli’s chin and Eli’s brow creased, now beginning to doubt the sincerity behind Nicholas’ words. Honestly, who would pay more than $25 to hang out with him for an evening? No, he wasn’t handsome enough to request pay for being on his arm. But when Nicholas looked at him again, there was a gleam in his deep blue eyes, a gleam that made Eli’s stomach twist. This guy really found him attractive…or was he just an easy mark? Did it matter? “Ya’ll need to walk on the wild side. Therapy…now tha’s borin’. Ya’ll need to live. Why don’ ya’ll come live with me tonight. I’d like to show yuh a good time.” Eli’s pea green eyes must have been as big as saucers as he gulped. Could he really be so carefree? He’d only slept with a person the first night he met them once, and that was a woman he met at a bar in college. It was one of the few times in school that Eli had actually gone out to a bar and ended up wasted to the point of oblivion. He could barely remember sleeping with the girl in the morning, though he didn’t really regret it. She was cute and they had fooled around a little after that, but it was the only time he’d ever done anything like that. This time Eli didn’t have all of that liquid courage in his system. He looked at his drink, tearing his eyes away from Nicholas’ for a brief moment. Bringing the glass to his lips, he downed the rest of the liquid.

When he placed the glass back on the wooden bar, he swallowed hard, hoping it would help the anxious roiling in his stomach. He looked back at Nicholas and smiled nervously, leaning an elbow against the bar. “That sounds good. What did you have in mind?” His heart raced once the words were out. The look on Nicholas’ face told Eli that he had sealed his fate and he was far past the point of no return. He had an inkling of what Nicholas had in mind for a “good time” and just the thought made blood surge to his groin, but not enough to make his excitement obvious. Yet he was still nervous too. Nicholas was a predator and Eli wasn’t sure how much he enjoyed being the gorgeous man’s prey.

[NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE]

Nick absorbed every movement as Eli slipped his eyes away towards his drink before pulling it up to his lips, draining it and giving away his uneasiness. Eli didn't need to do that for Nick to know how uncomfortale his request had been. He suspected the boy was trying to find an excuse to wriggle free from Nicholas' grasp on him, but the shorter man was plasantly surprised when his new therapist friend smiled and leaned more casually on the bar. "That sounds good. What did you have in mind?” his gaze was dark in return, knowing the things he had in mind weren't likely going to happen tonight, but that didn't mean he couldn't, or wouldn't, fantasize about them briefy.

"I thought maybe we'd go an' get drinks someplace a li'l mo'e laid back." He suggested. Truth be told Nick had no problem with their current location, but he wanted Eli out of his comfort zone which meant no interuptions from obnoxious friends. Free drinks were great, but Nick peferred to pay if it meant more one on one time. He eyed Eli from head to toe considering what the other man was wearing. He would prefer he look nicer, but Nick wasn't sure he had anyting that would fit Eli since most of what he owned had been tailored to fit him precisely. Sure, they had similar builds, but the therapist was a few inches taller which meant his pants might be a little short. He could always keep his pants on and Nick could work with what he had.

Nick licked his lips and looked up at Eli again before pulling out his wallet. "Why don't ya'll follow me back tuh my place an' we can work on tha' outfit uh yours then head on out fo' some drinks, hm?" He offered slipping a twenty out and leaving it on the bar as a tip. When Eli agreed he nodded and lead the way towards the exit, pleased that he had the handsome young man in tow. Once they were safely out of the bar and walking together in the lobby towards the cars Nick looked over at his new companion, a devious look in his eyes. "Ya'll evuh share a woman with anothuh man?" He asked in a teasing voice already knowing the answer, but curious if Eli would show any interest. He knew the boy was interested in men but was that all?

[ELI WESLEY]

“I thought maybe we’d go an’ get drinks someplace a li’l mo’e laid back.” Laid back? What did that mean? Did that mean Nicholas’ place or a different bar? Or did it mean neither of those? This place had free drinks…But he wasn’t going to complain. Yes, his stomach was twisting in anticipation of being alone with this guy, but he knew just the fact that Abby and Lafayette were so nearby was a tempting easy out. He owed it to himself to go for it. He hadn’t been laid in a long time and he wasn’t going to get any luckier than this guy. So he nodded with an attempt at a cool expression, but his flushed ears gave him away. It was Nicholas’ lingering gaze traveling over his frame that was making him the most uneasy at the moment. Eli couldn’t help but swallow hard, hoping it might help the churning in his gut. “Where did you have in mind?” he asked politely, his heart hammering. The guy licked his lips before letting his eyes meet Eli’s again. Just the gesture sent a chill down Eli’s spine.

“Why don’t ya’ll follow me back tuh my place an’ we can work on tha’ outfit uh yours then head on out fo’ some drinks, hm?” Oh shit. This guy didn’t waste any time. He was already asking Eli to come back to his place. With a deep gulp, Eli nodded trying to cool his blood so he wouldn’t get an awkward boner. Then it hit him that Nicholas wanted to work on his outfit. Did that mean work on putting him into another one or simply getting him out of the one he was already in? Was there something wrong with his outfit? As he absently followed the slightly shorter man, he let his eyes trail down his body. He thought he looked nice, even if he was a little wrinkled. His hand slipped into his hair as it always did when he was nervous, and he loosened his tie just a little while Nicholas wasn’t watching. It was very hot beneath his collar. The long walk without a word to each other didn’t help at all. Finally Nicholas looked at him again, a devious gleam in his deep blue eyes. “Ya’ll evuh share a woman with anothuh man?” That awkward boner was getting really hard, er, difficult to fight off. It was pretty obvious now what Nicholas was thinking of when he invited Eli back to his place. Even though Eli knew that had to be on his mind, this confirmation made him flush again as did the thought of such a question. He tugged at his collar while he cleared his throat, forcing a lopsided half-smile to his face. “Uh…no. I mean, I’ve been with a woman, obviously. I dated Abby. Not that she and I ever…did…anything. It wasn’t like that between us. But with other women I have been. Just never at the same time as another guy.” By now he was beet red at his own stupid stammering. With a soft chuckle he swept his fingers through his increasingly messy hair. “Sorry, I’m…babbling. I’m pretty nervous. Like I said, I’m not used to being picked up by men as attractive as you.” Eli smiled at Nicholas shyly but looked away when Nicholas simply watched him, showing no emotion.

As they strolled through the parking lot, drawing closer to Eli’s car and presumably Nicholas’, Eli shoved his hands in his pockets once more. His eyes scanned for his own car, knowing it wasn’t far from their current spot. Naturally his gaze was drawn back to Nicholas, however, and he swallowed before asking his next question. “So you go for men and women too? Do you have a preference?” Eli knew no matter how bisexual a person was they leaned one way or the other more. For him, he leaned more towards men, but that could quite possibly be because his first major relationship was with a man. He was just curious if Nicholas was the same, even though it didn’t really matter to Eli.

[NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE]

Nick knew how red Eli was without even looking. He kept his gaze forward, the topic seemingly casual for him as though they were talking about something as trivial as the weather. He could see the other man tugging at his collar, hear the nervousness in the way he cleared his throat. Some people were difficult to read but Eli was an open book. A very large, open, picture book. “Uh…no. I mean, I’ve been with a woman, obviously. I dated Abby. Not that she and I ever…did…anything. It wasn’t like that between us. But with other women I have been. Just never at the same time as another guy.” a cool smile crossed Nick's face at the way the other man stammered. He would have no idea how to share a woman, but Nick wanted to. He wanted to watch Eli flounder, watch him sweat and twitch and beg Nick with his eyes for help and direction. And Nick wanted to give it.

“Sorry, I’m…babbling. I’m pretty nervous. Like I said, I’m not used to being picked up by men as attractive as you.” Eli's smile was shy and Nick simply stared back. At least he wasn't fool enough to think he wasn't being picked up, and he was impressed with Nick's looks. "Ya'll have no reason tuh be nervous. Not yet." The last part was teasing, though it was very true. There was plenty of time for Eli to freak out. This was only the beginning.

“So you go for men and women too? Do you have a preference?” Eli asked too many questions and talked too much and Nick was growing a little impatient. He was startin to see the therapist shining through and it was hard to continue being as kind as he was. He wanted Eli. He liked him. He wanted to do filthy things to him but mostly he wanted to torment him. Patience was important in order to fulfil the last thing he wanted. "I prefer beautiful, fuckable people." He explaind seriously, his eyes on Eli's, ignoring the redness in the other mans cheeks. "I like decent convuhsation and I like openin' doors to new things fo' people. Men can be mo'e fun, but both.. now tha's somethin'." He threw Eli a wnk. "Follow me." He fixed Eli's tie again, tightening it since Eli at some point loosened it, and climbed into his little black sports car. He waited for the other man to disapear, watching him head to his car in his rearview mirror before backing up.

Nick watched as he drove, making sure Eli didn't disappear. The boy followed though, pleasing Nick deeply. It was going to be a good night. Finally he arrived at his home and found a spot, watching as his new companion did the same. He got out of his car and waited for Eli to meet him at the entrance of his complex. Once Eli got there he pulled the door open and let the other man pass before going in himself. "Goin' up." He teased as they went to the elevator, checking the other man out a little less subtly this time around. He pressed the buttn and watched as the doors sprang open, allowing them both in. When they were alone Nick turned to Eli and tugged at his pants pocket a little. "I think my pants will be too long." He explained, a thoughtful look on his face. "I might have a shirt that'll fit ya'll jus' right." He nodded, scrutinizing the other man as the elevator came to a halt on his floor and opened the door. "Come on." He turned and walked out, moving to his condo. He tugged his keys back out and opened his door, letting Eli in behind him as he switched the lights on. The home was decorated warmly in hues of cream and deep browns. It was very modern and didn't have a lot of personal touches; no pictures other than the paintings on the walls. In fact it seemed almost museum like with its cleanliness and strange artifact like knick knacks. "Shut the door behing yuh." He called out and headed towards his room, assuming Eli was behind him. He went to the large closet and started pulling out shirts. "Try this." He commanded, handing Eli a crisp slate gray shirt, his deep eyes probing the other mans. He watched with hungry eyes, a smirk creasing his lips. "Unbutton a li'l slowuh." He teased, his face amused.

[ELI WESLEY]

“I prefer beautiful, fuckable people.” Well that narrowed it down. Eli flushed as he realized he was one of those beautiful, fuckable people in Nicholas’ mind. He swallowed hard, his eyes glued to the other man’s as they walked. “I like decent convuhsation and I like openin’ doors to new things fo’ people. Men can be mo’e fun, but both…now tha’s somethin’.” The man winked and one side of Eli’s mouth crept up the slightest, but he looked more like a deer in the headlights. What was he getting himself into? Was Nicholas going to try and get a woman in bed with them? He would be able to with his charm, Eli had no doubt, but Eli didn’t know how comfortable he was with that. It wasn’t that he was the jealous type—it was his shyness. Eli found it embarrassing just to have sex with someone for the first time, but having sex for the first time with two people? That was daunting. “Follow me.” Nicholas’ voice brought him back to the present moment and he paused to let the other man fix his tie again. He’d just loosened it…Eli was starting to get the sense that Nicholas liked to watch him squirm. It sent up a red flag and Eli ignored it, just like he’d done with all the other flags he’d seen tonight. Nicholas climbed in his car and Eli realized he should do the same. With a brisk, long-legged gait, he headed right for his car and climbed in without hesitating. It wasn’t until he was buckled in and pulling out of his spot that he wondered what he was doing. He hadn’t even said goodbye to Abby, Marius, and Lafayette. And what about her painting? Perhaps he hadn’t sold it after all…

Eli had to turn on some music to keep his thoughts from whirling too quickly. Even with nineties music strumming and cooing from his iPod, he found himself distracted by his nervousness. He followed Nicholas, but there were a couple times he considered simply turning down a different street and headed back to his own apartment. That would be rude, though, and he didn’t want to risk Nicholas retaliating. He knew where he worked, after all. So Eli followed the other man to his apartment complex and let his mind wander to other things. Shit, he was going to have sex with this man. Just the thought of that made his heart jump and his pants tighten slightly. He didn’t want to get overly excited but it was hard not to be a little giddy about being picked up by the most attractive man you’d ever seen. When Eli parked and climbed out of his car, he forced himself to take a deep breath to slow his blood. He met up with Nicholas and followed him inside, nodding his thanks to Nicholas for holding the door open for him. With an uncertain and halting stride, he made his way to the elevators before Nicholas came up beside him and pressed the button. “Goin’ up.” Eli smiled at the soft tease but had to look away as Nicholas’ eyes began tracing over his body. Nope, he couldn’t think about that right now. If he thought about that it was going to be very obvious very quickly just how long it had been since he’d been laid. The doors opened to the elevator and Eli stepped inside, Nicholas taking his spot beside him. When the doors were closed and they started to move up, Eli was caught off guard by a tug on his pants pocket. He looked over and down and found Nicholas’ fingers pulling carefully at the fabric. “I think my pants will be too short.” His voice and face were thoughtful but Eli blushed and swallowed. How was he supposed to calm down when this guy was teasing him? “I might have a shirt that’ll fit ya’ll jus’ right.” So he really was going to dress him. Eli didn’t think he looked bad, especially if they were going somewhere more relaxed for more drinks, but he didn’t argue. Something told him Nicholas wouldn’t like it if he argued. The door opened and Nicholas began the walk to his home. “Come on.” And Eli did.

Eli’s stomach was doing flips when he walked into Nicholas’ condo and looked around. It was a very modern space, sparse and also museum-like in its cleanliness and style. Eli didn’t have a messy home, but it would look like he did in contrast to Nicholas’ home. Could he even call it a home? It didn’t feel lived in at all—like a room you would find in a magazine. He was appraising the space when Nicholas spoke again. “Shut the door behind yuh.” Jumping to action, he did as he was told and followed Nicholas back into his room. It felt strange going straight there, but he knew it was because Nicholas was going to dress him. Er…undress him…He cleared his throat to keep his excitement at bay once more. In no time his new friend was pulling shirts out of his large closet while Eli worked on undoing his tie. He needed to if he was going to put on a new shirt. Looking at all of his clothes, Eli suddenly realized why Nicholas wanted him to change. All of the man’s clothes were designer products, custom made from what Eli could tell. What did this man do for a living in order to afford all of this? The guy said his father was an oil man and Nicholas himself was in the escort business, which paid well, but Eli didn’t think all of that could be enough to afford all of this. “Try this.” Nicholas shoved a slate gray shirt into his big hands and Eli nodded a little shyly. He slipped his tie off and slung it over a nearby chair before his fingers moved to unbutton his collar. This was probably the strangest encounter he’d ever had.

“Unbutton a li’l slowuh.” The drawled words drew Eli’s eyes and when they caught the deep blue of Nicholas’ eyes, he flushed. He looked mischievous and amused, but it reminded Eli so much of a wolf watching its prey. This guy was dangerous and Eli started to feel a little scared…and more excited. With his heart thudding in his chest, his fingers moved slower as they plucked at the buttons on his shirt. He looked up at the other man almost coyly, his bashful smile growing just a bit at how foolish he felt doing this. But Nicholas’ eyes were feasting on him and the humor was replaced by a tremulous desire. Flashes of skin were cooled by the outside air as each button came undone and when he finally stripped the shirt off, Eli revealed a well toned and athletic upper body. He wasn’t ripped, but he was more muscular than would be expected by most people and the hair on his chest gave him a very masculine appearance. Just seeing the look in Nicholas’ eyes was enough to make his pants feel a little tight again. Quickly he worked on putting on the other shirt, pulling it over his shoulders and flattening the collar before he began buttoning it. Before he buttoned it all the way, he glanced up at Nicholas with an amused smile. “Is this better?” he asked with a playful tone. He just wanted to focus on something that wouldn’t make his penis pop up and say hello.

[NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE]

Nick ignored the coy, bashful look on Eli's face as he stripped his shirt off, his own eyes both scrutinizing and devouring the young man. The anticipation was more than worth it as Eli revealed a surprisingly well toned chest. He thought the other man would be softer, but was pleasantly surprised to see Eli was involved in some sort of athletics, or at least a gym guy. Eli didn't seem the gym type, but that didn't mean he wasn't. Nick examined every square inch of Eli's torso while he had the chance. Enjoying the view thuroughly. There was nothing he would change. Eli didn't waste time, though, slipping the new shirt on and buttoning it up.

“Is this better?” He'd asked before finishing and Nicholas offered an almost impatient look, but refused to say anything until the shirt was completely buttoned. He stepped forward and roughly tucked the shirt into Eli's trousers, his fingers brushing past Eli's mild excitement more than once. Inside he felt excited and amused by how turned on Eli was, but had no intentions of doing anything about the other mans predicament just yet. When he finished tuckin in the shirt he stepped back and looked Eli up and down,his brows furrowing. The shirt looked nice on his body, but it wasn't a look that necessarily fit Eli, not with his hair cut hat way. "Bettuh? Yes. Not wha' I was lookin' for though. Take it off." He turned and found a shirt in a similar material but lighter gray with a slight green tint to it. "This." He handed the shirt to Eli and watched him put it on. Again he wasn't completely satisfied, but he knew there was nothing in his wardrobe that would fit Eli the way he wanted. Still, he felt this was an improvement.

"This looks uh lil nicuh." He drawled unbuttoning Eli's top button and smoothing the collar. "I'd like tah take ya'll shoppin' sometime." He told Eli, catching his eye. "Buy yuh a lil somethin' nice, see how hard that makes yuh." His grin was devious and only grew as Eli's flush did. "Ya'll would look bettuh with fitted pants, an' those show a lot mo'e than these do." He tugged Eli's pants a little and then nodded towards the bathroom. "C'mon. I need tuh fix that hair, an' don't ya'll even thinkuh tellin' me no." He went in and sat the other man down on the toilet and started messing with his hair, combing it to the side and putting some product in. He gave it a gentle wave and then handed him some cologne. He watched Eli for a long moment, considering what look would suit him best overall and finally sighed, taking the man's chin. "People would pay to be seen with uh face like yours. Confidence is all you lack. Ain't nothin' sexy 'bout nervousness. Own it." He nodded and stepped back away from Eli. "Can I offuh yuh a drink before we head on out?" He asked gently, his eyes locked on Eli's. Part of him wanted to stay in, undress the man he'd just dressed, but there would be plenty of time for that later. Patience was something Nicholas was very skilled in.

[ELI WESLEY]

Eli continued buttoning the shirt, frowning at the impatient look Nicholas offered him. When he had finished buttoning, Nicholas suddenly stepped forward and roughly began tucking the shirt into his trousers. The other man’s fingers brushed past his sensitive and mildly excited package, trying not to twitch at the shock of pleasure the slight touch gave him. He didn’t want to get too excited too easily and was trying desperately to think of something other than Nicholas’ fingers and closeness. But maybe he hadn’t felt anything…he didn’t have any reaction to the half hard flesh he’d brushed over and Eli was beginning to suspect that he got lucky. When the shirt was tucked in, Nicholas stepped back to admire his work and Eli studied him in return. The man was quite obviously fit beneath his well clothed frame, but Eli wondered how fit. He wasn’t going to find out now, not with Nicholas dressing him like he was. “Bettuh? Yes. Not wha’ I was lookin’ for though. Take it off.” It was such a blunt command but it wasn’t said maliciously. With slight confusion, Eli unbuttoned the shirt once again and slid it off his shoulders, tossing it with his jacket and other shirt on the nearby chair. Nicholas handed back another gray shirt, this one lighter with a slight green tinge to it and Eli took it obediently. “This.” Eli slid it on and buttoned it as he had with the other one, but this time he tucked the shirt in himself. He didn’t need to tempt humiliation by giving Nicholas another go at his sensitive package. When he was done, he looked into Nicholas’ face, noting how intently his deep blue eyes studied him. “This looks a ‘lil nicuh.” Eli had to agree—the green in the gray brought out the color of his eyes and it looked nice with his skin tone. Nicholas unbuttoned the top button for Eli and smoothed his collar which made Eli flush slightly and swallow. The guy was even better looking up close like this.

“I’d like tuh take ya’ll shoppin’ sometime.” Eli raised his eyebrows as Nicholas looked up in his eyes. He wanted to take him shopping? Was he that bad a dresser? “Buy yuh a ‘lil somethin’ nice, see how hard that makes yuh.” Eli instantly blushed a deep red, knowing now that Nicholas had felt his excitement and was going to enjoy tormenting him for it. If he had known he’d meet someone at that gallery showing, Eli might have jerked off before he went to keep this from happening! “Ya’ll would look bettuh with fitted pants, an’ those show a lot mo’e than these do.” Nicholas tugged gently at Eli’s pants and he swallowed hard, wondering how much this guy was going to tease him tonight. He had a feeling it was going to get much worse before it got better. The man nodded towards his bathroom. “C’mon. I need tuh fix that hair, an’ don’t ya’ll even thinkuh tellin’ me no.” Eli smiled a little and nodded, following Nicholas into the bathroom and letting him sit Eli on the toilet. He sat quietly while Nicholas messed with his hair, teasing it to the side with product and presumably making it look neater. It wasn’t going to do much good since Eli had a habit of running his fingers through his hair when he was nervous, but he would try his best not to mess up Nicholas’ work. Finally the man finished teasing his medium brown hair and handed Eli a bottle of cologne. For the most part Eli didn’t wear cologne, simply relying on body wash and shampoo to give him a nice smell. Cologne was usually too strong. But he didn’t protest and sprayed a bit on his neck. As he was placing the cap back on, Nicholas suddenly grabbed his chin and forced him to look up into that incredibly handsome face. “People would pay to be seen with uh face like yours. Confidence is all you lack. Ain’t nothin’ sexy ‘about nervousness. Own it.” It was a little out of the blue and made Eli flush again, his ears burning with flattery, but he tried to let the words sink in. He needed to be more confident. He didn’t want Nicholas to toss him aside because he was too jittery. Nodding gently, he smiled up at Nicholas to silently agree that he would be more confident…for now.

The other man stepped back and Eli got to his feet, once more a couple inches taller than Nicholas. “Can I offuh yuh a drink before we head on out?” So they were going back out. Eli breathed a small sigh of relief and something like frustration, glad he wouldn’t fall prey to Nicholas just yet but also feeling tense with anticipation. It was hard to predict Nicholas’ actions and Eli honestly didn’t know what to expect from the man. With a lazy half-smile he nodded and followed Nicholas out to the main area where he would make them drinks. Eli took more appraising looks around the museum-like living space and inspected the art. It was tasteful but rather cold and he hoped Abby’s painting would bring some warmth to the place. How could anything she painted not add warmth to the surrounding area? Had any of these other paintings come from Nicholas picking up prospective lovers at art showcases? Eli wondered impassively for a moment before looking back at his host. He found Nicholas staring at him with those deep blue eyes and he was a little taken aback by his gaze. A smile came to his mouth again and he gestured at the artwork. “I was just admiring the other artwork in here. You have good taste.” His smile grew more, his hands moving into his pockets as he closed the distance between him and his host. “How long have you lived here? And why Scriptor Bay, if you don’t mind my asking?” Eli was never pushy when it came to asking questions and it was obvious to him that Nicholas had secrets. If the man didn’t want to answer, Eli wouldn’t mind at all. He was used to having his questions brushed off.

[NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE]

Nicholas took the nod as a yes and made his way from the bathroom. Though he enjoyed dressing people and fixing their hair, very little else about Nick was stereotypical of his bisexuality. He wasn't the slightest bit flamboyant, but he did pride himself on his fine, good taste. It was something he liked showing off, something he knew others were impressed with. At least the others he liked to attract. He'd spent far too much of his life filthy and surrounded by poverty to take those wonderful things for granted, and if something didn't shine like a new penny the way he wanted it to, he would find a way to make it happen. Eli would glisten when he was through with him, Nick would make sure of that.

The shorter man stopped at the bar and began fixing himself and his new comrade a drink, not watching as Eli casually looked around his home. There was nothing there to hide. Well, nothing Eli would be able to find by simply browsing. There were plenty of hidden things in his home, but those things would be far too difficult to find. Even someone looking for his tools of the trade would likely never have an inkling as to where to poke around. He finished concocting his drinks and turned back towards Eli, taking a step towards him, but stopping to admire the other man. Why would such a fine specimen find himself treating others mental illnesses? The thought annoyed Nicholas, but he kept it quiet and to himself. He didn't want to probe that side of Eli's life, knowing the more he knew the more he would torture the poor man. As it was he was in trouble in the young Bellefontaines presence. Eli's calm eyes met Nick's once more and he could see how startled the other man was to find that he was being studied again, something which pleased Nicholas far too much. He liked the other man being on his toes constantly.

“I was just admiring the other artwork in here. You have good taste.” His smile was sweet and attractive and it made the predator in Nick wake up once more. "Admire away." He cooed, offering Eli his drink while he sipped his own. “How long have you lived here? And why Scriptor Bay, if you don’t mind my asking?” It was a curious, innocent sounding question, but Nick knew better. Everyone knew the legends here, and if Eli was part of those legends he would want to know if he was in good company. "I've got roots here." He explained, sipping his drink again, his intense gaze on the other man. "Been here fo' 'bout six yea's or so." He stepped closer to Eli, crossing into the mans personal space. His eyes roamed over his face and he leaned maybe a little too close, but did nothing more than to attempt to make the other man uncomfortable. "Miss James' paintin' will go ovuh there." He nodded his chin towards a spare wall before making his way around Eli and sipping his drink once more. "Ya'll can tell her it'll be in good comp'ny. Maybe ya'll could even come see it some time." His eyes searched Eli's once more, his neck strained a little and cocked to the side to look at Eli. "In fact I just might insist." He toyed, draining his glass and moving back past Eli to place it on the bar. "Befo'e we go, we should talk 'bout our expectations fo' tonight, hm?" He raised a brow and leaned against the bar. "Sharin' a woman makes you uneasy, doesn' it, Eli." He looked straight at him to gauge his reaction as accurately as possible before words left his mouth. The man was an open book and far too easy to read, whether he meant to be or not. He knew immediately that it would. "You willin' tuh try, or should I steer clear uh that tonigh'?"

[ELI WESLEY]

“I’ve got roots here.” It was such a vague answer that Eli felt compelled to press further—that’s what he did for a living, after all. He had to wonder if that’s how Nicholas ensnared his romantic victims. Did Nicholas give just enough information to intrigue his lovers but not enough to take away his mystery? Wouldn’t that be the way a predator thought? And Eli could tell from the intense gaze Nicholas offered that he was definitely a predator. “Been here fo’ ‘bout six yea’s or so.” He’d been here for that long, but his accent had clearly never diminished. Eli had to admit, it was a sexy accent. Paired with the deep, rumbling tones of Nicholas’ voice, it was enough to make a straight man admit the guy’s attractiveness. As he mulled these thoughts over, Nicholas stepped closer. Though it made Eli tense to have the other man invading his personal space without a clear understanding as to the reason for it, he didn’t move away. That’s why he’d come here, right? To get closer to Nicholas? His deep blue eyes studied Eli’s face as he leaned in closer than a friend but not as close as a lover. It made Eli’s heart thud against his ribs, but he simply let his eyes flit from Nicholas’ eyes to his nose and mouth nervously. “Miss James’ paintin’ will go ovuh there.” Oh, so he was buying Abby’s painting! Nicholas tilted his chin towards a far wall and Eli turned to glance at it. “Ya’ll can tell her it’ll be in good comp’ny. Maybe ya’ll could even come see it sometime.” Eli smiled in amusement, flattered that the incredibly handsome man might invite him back a second time. His green eyes caught Nicholas’ as the shorter man tilted his head to the side slightly. “In fact I just might insist.” Eli let out a soft chuckle, looking down at his drink bashfully. It really was quite the compliment from Nicholas and he shot a look bordering coy to the other man. As of right now, he hoped he would insist. “I think I’d like that,” he said softly in reply.

Nicholas drained his glass and Eli took a sip of his own drink. It burned, but that was good—that meant it was good a strong to give him as much liquid courage as possible. “Befo’e we go, we should talk ‘bout our expectations fo’ tonight, hm?” The blush returned to Eli’s cheeks as he peeked up at the man now leaning against the bar casually. Did they have to discuss it? Couldn’t they just…do it? “Sharin’ a woman makes you uneasy, doesn’t it, Eli?” Wasn’t it obvious? He knew it was, there was no hiding his emotions on his expressive face, but he had a feeling Nicholas got a kick from seeing him squirm. His neck and ears turned a deep crimson as he struggled to find the answer. “Well…yeah…” he responded meekly. What else could he say? “You willin’ tuh try, or should I steer clear uh that tonigh’?” Eli had been known to push his own boundaries and had even been pleasantly surprised on more than one occasion. This wasn’t a boundary he was interested in pressing. He cleared his throat and then downed the rest of his drink in one loud gulp. When the burn wore off, he gave Nicholas a lopsided half-smile. “I don’t think I’m ready for that. Not tonight, anyway.” He gave a soft, nervous chuckle, reaching up to comb his fingers through his hair as he was wont to do, but he stopped himself when he remembered that Nicholas had just redone it. Instead, he rubbed the back of his neck and then set his glass on the counter.

“Like I said before, I uh…I don’t do this often. The last time I slept with someone I just met was in college and that’s because I was drunk off my ass.” He gave an amused quirk of his lips before tucking his thumbs into the pockets of his pants. “It’s not that I’m a square or anything, I’m just shy. So I think adding another person to this arrangement is a little daunting. Not that I’m ruling it out for the future.” His cheeks flushed deeply again as he looked back to Nicholas, further put on edge by the feral look in his companion’s eyes. “I mean…that’s if you’re interested in seeing me again after tonight.” With an attempt at better confidence, he shrugged and put on a small, lopsided smile. “You never know, I could be an awful kisser.”

[NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE]

He knew the answer long before Eli spit it out. He watched th other man clear his throat, trying to find the right words to say. Eli chugged his drink, taking the time to figure out how t let Nick down easiest, not that Nick really cared either way, but Eli surely didn't know that. “I don’t think I’m ready for that. Not tonight, anyway.” His lopsided smile was shy and the laugh he let out was a nervous one that tickled Nick to the core. “Like I said before, I uh…I don’t do this often. The last time I slept with someone I just met was in college and that’s because I was drunk off my ass.” The look Nick offered said what his mouth did not. I could ix that for you. he inwardly mused, and one look at Eli told him the other man understood, even if he was shy about it. He could get Eli as drunk as he needed, but Nick knew the other man wasn't interested in a drunken fling. That was something that happened once in Eli's past and he wanted to keep it that way from what it seemed. Still, he'd come home with Nick. Surely he intended for something to happen.

“It’s not that I’m a square or anything, I’m just shy. So I think adding another person to this arrangement is a little daunting. Not that I’m ruling it out for the future.” There it was. He was alright with Nick taking him, but no one else. One day Nick might consider a thurd, but he would have to see how he felt. Maybe a test for his new dear friend down the road if things got more serious than they were now. See how willing he was to do what Nick wanted, or better to see how faithful he could be. Nick's mind fluttered with mixed up thoughts, but the hungry look in his eyes never faltered. Right no he was a predator on the prowl and he had his kill cornered to toy with as he pleased.

“I mean…that’s if you’re interested in seeing me again after tonight.” Nick frowned gently at th lack of confience radiating off Eli, but the man realized his blunder immediately, pleasing Nick once more. “You never know, I could be an awful kisser.” He slowly nodded, considering the infomation. People could be taught to kiss better. He stepped close to Eli again, reaching a hand up to cup his chin and draw him in close. "Best'uh not find out tonight then, jus' incase." He teased, his hot breath radiating off Eli's sexy lips and warming his own mouth. He backed off and turned away. "I'll drive." He called out making his way to the door. He opened it and looked expectantly to his new friend. "Ya'll comin'?" He asked quirking a brow. He waited for Eli to leave before locking the door behind them and heading to the elevator.

Nick was silent on the way down, avoiding looking at Eli much. He didn't want to be any more tempted to touch him than he already was. He remained quiet until they got back to his car, unlocking it to let them both in. "So ya'll done evaluatin' me?" He asked, clicking his seatbelt and starting the vehicle which was as prestin and devoid of anything intimate as his home was. "Got a diagnosis o' whatevuh bullshit ya'll therapists come up with for me? I'm intuhrested in yuh findin's." He cooedas he sped off towards a nightclub.

[ELI WESLEY]

Eli was worried for a moment that his lack of confidence had put Nicholas off again as the other man simply nodded in response to his attempt at humor. He could feel his stomach knotting anxiously again before Nicholas took a step forward, stopping just in front of Eli. The shorter man pressed his fingers beneath Eli’s chin and he swallowed hard to try and slow his heart pounding painfully in his chest. Nicholas’ mouth was so close to his that he could feel the heat radiating off his lips, the warmth of his breath sending chills down his spine. Eli’s eyes focused on Nicholas’ full lips, hoping he would find out what they felt like pressed to his own. “Best’uh not find out tonight then, jus’ in case.” The cooed words didn’t immediately register in Eli’s head, his ears only hearing the low, soft rumble of Nicholas’ drawling voice. Only when the other man pulled away did Eli really start to understand what he said. Wait…not find out tonight? Did…did Nicholas have no intention of sleeping with him tonight? Eli’s green eyes blinked in confusion, his blood slowing and flowing places other than his penis. Was it just Nicholas’ intention to lead him on? His startled eyes followed Nicholas as he began to walk away, his Adam’s apple jumping as he swallowed hard to cool his head. It wasn’t that he would necessarily be disappointed if nothing happened between them, but it would be quite perplexing. Nicholas announced that he would drive and Eli nodded silently, still lost in thought and trying to regain what little composure he had. His fingers gently swept over his teased hair, remembering at the last minute that he shouldn’t do too much to mess up the style that Nicholas had given him. “Ya’ll comin’?” Eli’s eyes widened again at the expectant look Nicholas gave him and then his legs immediately jumped to obedience. “Oh, yeah. Sorry…” He shot Nicholas a lopsided smile as he passed him and into the hallway.

The ride on the elevator was silent. Nicholas seemed perfectly comfortable with the silence, so Eli forced himself to be too, even though his eyes were continually darting to his new companion. What could Nicholas’ intentions be if not to sleep with him? Eli pictured a dog they had when he was younger. Sophie used to catch bugs out in the yard and carry them into the house in her mouth. Then she would hunker down on the floor and spit the bug out and play with it even after it was dead. She would nuzzle and lick it, put it back in her mouth and spit it out again just to do it all again. It never occurred to Sophie how cruel her actions were just that she was amused by the struggling of that little insect. Now Eli was the bug and Nicholas was Sophie. Who knew he could sympathize with a bug? But at least now he could understand the way Nicholas worked a little more. The question then became, would he let Nicholas continue to toy with him? He would have to mull that one over…

The silence stopped being uncomfortable as these thoughts ran through his head, distracting him for the time being. It wasn’t until they got to Nicholas’ car that he really started to snap out of it. He slid easily into the passenger’s seat and strapped his seatbelt on before Nicholas’ voice sounded out again. “So ya’ll done evaluatin’ me?” Eli’s eyebrows rose at the question, his big green eyes turning to Nicholas curiously. “Got a diagnosis o' whatevuh bullshit ya'll therapists come up with for me? I'm intuhrested in yuh findin's.” Come up for him? Had he been to a therapist before? Eli let out a soft chuckle, looking down at his knees for a moment. “Most people who ask me that aren’t really interested in the answer.” He looked back at Nicholas in the driver’s seat, noting a small amount of tension coming over him. If he had been to a therapist before, there was a good chance he didn’t like them. In fact, Eli could remember the frown that had come over the man’s face earlier when Eli had announced what he did for a living. It didn’t make him nervous, however—he was always calm and confident when it came to his work and he was used to people being tense around him. He didn’t want Nicholas to have reason to be the same. “It can be hard to separate from my work, but I do it as much as I can. I wouldn’t say I’ve been ‘evaluating’ you, just observing. I’m not interested in picking you apart.” He smiled warmly, glancing to Nicholas again. “All I can say is that you’re a confident smooth-talker who likes to keep things clean and simple. It’s an interesting dichotomy considering you’re a complicated person.” He flashed another smile at Nicholas. “I can at least tell that much. I don’t know you well enough to say how complicated you are, but maybe I’ll have a chance to get to know you better. Not because I want to pick your brain or anything, I just find you interesting.” And that was the truth. Nicholas wasn’t his patient and he didn’t want to treat him as one—he just wanted a chance to know the guy better. “And you? Are you done deciding if you can trust me or not? Or are you still sizing me up?” Eli’s tone was amused and his smile reflected the teasing of his question. Naturally Nicholas would be evaluating him too. Eli could tell he was as observant as he himself was.

[NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE]

Nicholas couldn't tell if the chuckle that slipped from his new companions lips was a nervous one or not. It didn't appear to be, but he would have expected that out of Eli. Nick turned and watched the other man briefly before turning his cool eyes back towards the road, focusing now on leaving the parking lot and heading to their next destination; a club that might be too loud for them to talk properly in, but Nick wasn't completely interested in talking. No, he wanted to observe Eli, toy with him, lure him in and make him question the foolish decision he'd made.

“Most people who ask me that aren’t really interested in the answer.” How true it must be. Nicholas tried to remain cool, but his body tensed slightly. So Eli had come up with some sort of diagnoses for him, something he suspected but annoyed him still to find out for sure. “It can be hard to separate from my work, but I do it as much as I can. I wouldn’t say I’ve been ‘evaluating’ you, just observing. I’m not interested in picking you apart.” The smile he offered was meant to soothe him, a warm, friendly kind of smile but Nicholas felt anything but. He didn't believe the line. He didn't believe that Eli wasn't picking him apart. It was too ingrained in the other man, it had to be, for him not to. That's how therapists were. The longer Eli stuck around him, the more he would pick him apart. Nick knew he had to keep the other man on his toes as best he could, though.

“All I can say is that you’re a confident smooth-talker who likes to keep things clean and simple. It’s an interesting dichotomy considering you’re a complicated person.” Nick cocked a brow and peered over at him. He was accurate for the most part, only Nicholas didn't exactly keep things clean and simple. He thrived on drama and chaos and created it in his own life if only to keep control over it. Though he did prefer simplicity, it rarely happened in his life. “I can at least tell that much. I don’t know you well enough to say how complicated you are, but maybe I’ll have a chance to get to know you better. Not because I want to pick your brain or anything, I just find you interesting.” He was looking ahead, not making any motion to show he heard the other man, or agreed to what he was saying. He was glad that he'd hooked his little fish along for the ride so far. It meant less work on his part, but the therapist part complicated things in Nick's mind. He loved and hated it. “And you? Are you done deciding if you can trust me or not? Or are you still sizing me up?” Nick turned his head and looked Eli in the eye, unblinking, as he came to a stop at a red light and considered his question. That wasn't something he was expecting to hear. Therapists didn't often care how you felt about them.

"Still sizin' ya'll up." He told him in a gentle, firm voice. "Nevuh trust a man ya'll jus' met, Eli. Remembuh tha'." He practically cooed as the light turned green and he took off again towards their destination. Nick peaked over at Eli again, looking him over. He suddenly wasn't sure he wanted to take him to a loud club. Maybe he would.. Maybe.. maybe he would ask Eli what he wanted. Nick wasn't one to offer up control of a situation, but Eli wasn't the type to grab for it, either. Something that made him more willing to give a little, despite the circumstances. He wanted to feel Eli out, and he wanted to give the other man the wrong impression. Keep him on his toes. He would be more in tune to Nick and his strange behaviors. "Where yuh wanna go tonigh', Eli?" He asked suddenly, still driving and not looking at the other man. "How yuh want this all tuh play out? I know not in bed with me an' anothuh woman, tha' much's clear." His lips quirked up ever so slightly. "Ya'll wanna drink? talk? Fuck? Wha's a therapist do in his free time when accompanied by anothuh man, hm?" He didn't slow down, still heading towards his original destination, intent on going there if Eli didn't pipe up, and soon.

[ELI WESLEY]

As they came to a stop at the red light, Nicholas’ eyes came back to Eli’s with a serious, unblinking gaze. Eli internally shrunk away from the intensity in the other man’s bright blue eyes, but physically held the stare. “Still sizin’ ya’ll up. Nevuh trust a man ya’ll jus’ met, Eli. Remembuh tha’.” Though the words were cooed gently, Eli could hear the icy foreboding in Nicholas’ voice. It sent a shiver up his spine, but he didn’t have time to focus on it much as green light flashed over Nicholas’ face and they took off again. He wondered where Nicholas could be taking him…he hoped it wasn’t somewhere that the music would be so loud his ears would be ringing when they left. Eli wasn’t a fan of loud or crowded places. It was like Nicholas could read his mind. “Where yuh wanna go tonigh’, Eli?” The question surprised him. Nicholas didn’t seem like the type of man to let someone else decide on plans, so Eli’s big eyes watched the handsome man’s face curiously. Did he mean his question literally or figuratively? “How yuh want this all tuh play out?” Ah. He meant figuratively. “I know not in bed with me an’ anothuh woman, tha’ much’s clear.” Eli let out a nervous laugh as his face flushed once more. Just the thought of doing that with a guy he just met…no matter how ridiculously good-looking he was, Eli just couldn’t do it.

“Ya’ll wanna drink? Talk? Fuck? Wha’s a therapist do in his free time when accompanied by anuthuh man, hm?” Another nervous, breathy laugh escaped his lips, his face red with embarrassment. Yes, he wanted to have sex with Nicholas, but just saying that he wanted it out loud made all his insides squirm. “I, uh…I tend to go with the flow. Drinks and talking are great as long as the guy I’m with is enjoying himself. I tend to prefer quiet places where I can have a conversation with someone and get to know him. Loud music and dancing isn’t really my scene, though karaoke can be funny to watch. But as long as my companion is having fun, I’m okay doing anything.” His shy smile spread wider as he glanced at Nicholas. He could tell by the intense sideways glance that Nicholas gave him that he wasn’t entirely satisfied with that answer. Swallowing hard, he scratched the back of his neck and looked down at his knees, his face on fire. “As for sex…well, obviously it’s great if it happens, but I don’t expect it or anything. I pretty much leave it up to the other guy whether he wants to pursue that or not.” He glanced at Nicholas again, unable to help being excited by the thought of ending up in bed with him. But would he tease him by dangling the possibility in front of his face and then refuse him? It seemed like something Nicholas would do, based on what Eli already knew about the man’s personality. Then again, he was a predator—there was a strong possibility Nicholas wouldn’t let him escape even if he begged for it. For some reason that thought made Eli’s heart jump, both in delight and apprehension. But which course of action would Nicholas take was still a mystery to Eli; he was simply too hard to read.

Desperate to change the subject if only to give his heart a chance to slow its pumping, he cleared his throat and wiped his slightly sweaty palms on his knobby knees before he gave Nicholas a lopsided smile. “I’d like to go some place we can keep talking, though. Unless you had something else in mind. Like I said, I pretty much go with the flow.” Nicholas’ warning flashed through his head again, wondering if he could trust this man so wholeheartedly. He knew he shouldn’t, but he was so curious about him, he was willing to do almost anything to spend more time with the mysterious and handsome Southerner.

[NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE]

“I, uh…I tend to go with the flow." Nick didn't need to look over to know that Eli was red faced. He'd been around the man for only two hours and already had his mannerisms and reactions memorized. It was part of how Nick worked, but it was also because Eli was an obvious man. Nicholas thought that a therapist might be able to control himself better, wear more of a mask, but Eli wasn't one to do that. Not in his personal life anyway. He wondered what it would have been like to have Eli as his own therapist back when he was a boy. Would he blush at the things Nicholas had been taught to do? Forced? Brainwashed into believing were appropriate behaviors though his mind always screamed they were wrong? Would he have tried to comfort him or would he have put on a brave face? "Drinks and talking are great as long as the guy I’m with is enjoying himself. I tend to prefer quiet places where I can have a conversation with someone and get to know him. Loud music and dancing isn’t really my scene, though karaoke can be funny to watch." His talking pulled Nick back into the car and out of his own mind. He inwardly cringed at the thought of karaoke, not a fan of it himself. He wasn't much for embarrassing himself, and though Nick didn't have a terrible voice, not by any measure, he preferred to not be center of attention in that form. He'd rather charm people by sweet talking than serenading them. "But as long as my companion is having fun, I’m okay doing anything.” Nicholas peeked over and saw the shy smile, a smile he didn't return or even acknowledge. He placed his eyes on the road, unsure where to take him or what to do. Almost every ounce of him wanted to make him uncomfortable, but there was this tiny part deep down that felt it would be cruel to do exactly the one thing he didn't want to, which was the exact thing Nicholas had been planning all along; a loud place where they couldn't talk, but rather where Nicholas could fuck with him.

“As for sex…well, obviously it’s great if it happens, but I don’t expect it or anything. I pretty much leave it up to the other guy whether he wants to pursue that or not.” He knew Eli wouldn't say yes or no, but would leave it up to him. He expected it. He was predictable. He was what Nicholas preferred. He liked being in control of every situation and Eli gave it up so easily. Most people did when it came to Nicholas if only to please him and keep him around, a tactic that worked consistently with him, but that was mainly because Nick refused to be around anyone who wouldn't do just that. And even if he did stick around, it was only for the satisfaction of gaining control and then leaving them out to dry as punishment for their insubordination. Eli was easy, though. He almost needed to build him up to break him down again, like a drug fix.

“I’d like to go some place we can keep talking, though. Unless you had something else in mind. Like I said, I pretty much go with the flow.” "I know ya'll do." He finally spoke, his voice soft and bordering on seductive. "I was thinkin' more along th'lines uh loud music an' dancin', but I can respect ya'lls wish tuh keep talkin'. For tonight. That won' become habit, I assure yuh that. I expect ya'll to come along fo' th'ride and it seems your willin' enough, but tonights ya'lls night." He reached a hand over and slid it on Eli's knee, squeezing it gently before running it up an inch onto his thigh and sliding it between his legs, keeping his thumb resting on Eli's knee but hooking his other fingers behind it. "An fo' the record I don't do karaoke." He smirked slightly and squeezed the other mans leg again before tugging his hand back and slipping it onto the wheel. He turned at the light and cleared his throat. "I know where we can talk." He exclaimed and made another quick turn before stopping the car very suddenly. "We're here."

There was a man standing by a valet parking sign where Nick had stopped the car. He got out and fixed himself as the valet came over. He spoke softly to him, slipping him a bill and his keys before coming around to meet Eli. Music pumped from the club they were about to enter, but not loudly or obnoxiously. A man held the door for them and Nick nodded towards him, pulling his wallet out and paying the entry fee for both he and Eli when they got to the front. Nick turned to Eli and cocked a brow before walking through the curtained door.

Tables with plush chairs stood grouped together in the club, the slow, bassy music pounded gently as the neon blue lights made the place glow cool. Men sat grouped together, women wearing nothing but underwear offering lap dances and drinks to the men sitting around. A few small stages were set up with poles, young, beautiful women showing off their talents at each, some wearing only g strings. As far as gentlemen clubs go, it was certainly one of the higher end ones. Nick didn't even look at Eli, but continued on towards the back where there were stairs leading up. He paid the bouncer at the bottom and then moved easily up the stairs, expecting Eli to do the same.

The atmosphere upstairs was a little quieter. The tables and chairs were of higher quality and each table had a bottle of Grey Goose sitting on it. The women were even more beautiful upstairs, their outfits both skimpy and dazzling. A few men were sitting at tables, but only half of them were taken up. Nick made his way to a seat and sat down, looking up at Eli and waiting for him to do the same. "This ain't too loud, now is it?" He purred as the music from below piped up over the balcony, but was definitely softer on the upper level. "Now let's do that gettin' tuh know yuh thing started over drinks an' lap dances." He reached for the bottle and looked at the women. "Which one ya'll wanna lap dance from? Yuh get pick uh the litter up here, son." His smile was dazzling and amused, wondering how well Eli would be able to handle their night out.