Violet

Violet sat quietly by the window, her black hair gleaming under the soft overhead lights, falling in loose waves over her shoulders. Her dark purple eyes shimmered like amethysts, their intensity softened by the shy glances she cast at the other passengers. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her fingers brushing the warm flush creeping up her cheek as she realized someone had briefly met her gaze. Her outfit was cozy and a little playful; a lavender sweater slightly too big for her frame and a plaid skirt that hinted at her mischievous side. A worn leather bag rested on her lap, her fingers tracing the edges absentmindedly, a nervous tic that betrayed the jittery energy she tried to keep in check.

The steady rhythm of the train offered her some comfort, though her leg bounced softly beneath the seat, an outlet for the unspoken thrill buzzing in her veins. Violet looked sweet; her shy smile and gentle demeanor hinted at an innocence that could melt even the sternest hearts. But there was a twinkle in her eyes, a sly, playful glimmer that suggested she wasn’t entirely as innocent as she seemed. Maybe it was how she stole glances at the cute guy across the aisle or the tiny smirk that crossed her lips when she thought no one was watching. Whatever it was, Violet carried a subtle contradiction: the quiet girl with a hint of trouble, a blend of sweetness and secrets waiting to unfold.

Violet sat quietly, her gaze fixed somewhere far beyond the window, where the world blurred into streaks of light and color. Her fingers absentmindedly toyed with the strap of her bag, her thoughts adrift, carried away by the music blasting in her ears. The faintest smile played on her lips, not for anyone in particular, but for some private thought only she seemed to know. She barely noticed the quiet buzz of life around her in her own world, the soft shuffle of footsteps, the hum of distant conversations, or even the cute guy across the aisle.

Thomas sat caught up in his thoughts, occasionally looking up at the other passengers and a particularly attractive woman seated across from him. Their eyes met briefly, and he looked down, face tinged in a veil of pink. When the crackle of the next stop came, he folded his paper and got ready to stand.

Violet's gaze flickered back into focus as the announcer's voice broke through her music-filled haze. She blinked, realizing with a start that the handsome stranger across from her was standing up, getting ready to leave at the next stop. A bashful grin touched her lips as she recalled their brief, accidental eye contact earlier. She felt her pulse quicken a little, curiosity getting the better of her.

Quickly gathering her things, Violet decided on a whim to follow him when he exited the train. Maybe it was the thrill of spontaneity or simply the allure of this intriguing, red-haired man, but she felt compelled to see where he went next. Slipping her earbuds off, she shot one last glance his way before focusing intently on the doors, ready to tail him discreetly once they opened.

When the doors opened, Thomas stepped onto the platform and out of the way of the other passengers as they disembarked. He looked up at the latest movie poster stuck behind its plastic frame before checking his watch as he headed for the street, his covert tail following him.

Violet trailed behind Thomas, carefully keeping pace without being too obvious. She noted how his muscles moved under that snug black shirt as he walked, her cheeks warming at the sight. On the street, she hung back, pretending to dig through her bag for something while keeping him in her peripheral vision.

Her heart skipped a beat, wondering where he could be headed. Was it some secret destination only he knew about? Or maybe...he was going somewhere public? Either way, she was eager to learn more about this intriguing stranger.

Violet fell in step again, her eyes glued on the back of him, hoping he wouldn't notice her tailing him just yet...

Thomas took out his phone and pecked at the screen for a moment or two before returning it to his pocket; he rechecked his watch as if he was headed for some clandestine meeting, all very cloak and dagger.

Violet's brows furrowed slightly as she witnessed Thomas’s cryptic phone exchange. A clandestine meeting? Her imagination ran wild with possibilities. She bit her lip, staying a few more feet back now, not wanting to blow her cover.

Tailing him down the sidewalk, she took in the rest of his striking features—that fiery hair, those emerald eyes—he really was stunning. Yet it was more than that that was drawing her in deeper. There was an air of mystery surrounding him like he harbored secrets beneath that chiseled surface—secrets she found herself desperate to unravel.

Thomas walked with a steady but deliberate pace until he slowed when he approached a restaurant named Hartman’s Cuisine. His tail didn't notice the big black luxury car as it pulled up and parked alongside the curb. What she heard instead shocked her. "Are you hungry, miss?"

Violet nearly walked past the restaurant; she was so fixated on Thomas. When she heard the low, smooth voice sound behind her, though, she spun around in surprise. Her eyes widened at the sight of the sleek black car pulled up to the curb. For a moment, she just stared, thrown off her game. Had she been made?

Flushing a bit, she tore her gaze from the car to meet Thomas’s, an impish spark igniting in her amethyst eyes. Slowly, a coy smile spread across her face. "Starving, actually..." she replied in a sweet, slightly flirtatious tone.

Thomas held out an arm for her to take. "Shall we dine?"

Violet's pulse leaped at the gallant gesture, a thrilled little shiver running through her. She slid her hand into the crook of his offered arm, fingers curling around his bicep, feeling the impressive muscle beneath. "I'd love to," she said, a little breathless as she let him lead her into Hartman's Cuisine, her heart pounding excitedly.

When they entered, the hostess seated them at an out-of-the-way table while a waitress brought them water and menus. "See anything you like?" he asked after giving her a few moments to check out the fare.

Violet scanned the menu, though her attention kept drifting back to Thomas. She peeked over the top of her menu at him, eyes sparkling with mirth. "Mmm, quite a few things intrigue me..." She purred, infusing her words with double meaning as she set her menu down, fixating that captivating gaze on him.

"On the menu," he winked.

Her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink at being so transparently flirted with. She leaned in conspiratorially, dropping her voice to a whisper. "Well, if you must know...I had my eye on something dangerously indulgent." Her tongue darted out to wet her lips slowly. "Something...tall, dark, and deliciously muscular." She batted her lashes playfully.

“For dessert, perhaps," he suggested. "Oh, the name's Thomas."

“Thomas," She murmured, fingers drumming against the tablecloth in restless anticipation. "I'm Violet. And I have a feeling you might just be my new favorite treat."

She tilted her head, raven locks cascading over one shoulder as she examined him with renewed hunger. "So tell me, Thomas, what brings you here tonight?"

"The food and now, the company, Violet," he replied as the waitress came to take their orders. "The usual, sir?" she asked as he nodded. And for the lady?"

Violet smiled brightly at the waitress before meeting Thomas’s gaze again. "I'll have what he's having." She said with a cheeky grin, leaving no doubt she wasn't just talking about the food. She slid her hand slowly across the table, stopping shy of touching his, an open invitation in her eyes.

The waitress wrote their orders and headed off. Thomas slid his hand closer, palm up for her to take.

Her heart skipped as he left his hand open to her. Like fate was guiding her, Violet slipped her smaller hand into his larger one, fingers intertwining naturally. A tiny gasp escaped at the sparks of contact. "Mmm...you don't play fair..." she whispered, stroking her thumb over his wrist, eyes never leaving his.

"Ah, well. I see something I like and want to make sure I have a chance," he stated.

A thrill ran through her at his bold words. She leaned in closer, voice dropping to a sultry purr. "Oh, you have a chance, alright...a very good chance." Her free hand slid onto his muscular forearm, caressing it lightly. "In fact, consider me already...taken." She bit her lip, gazing at him with open longing.

Thomas smiled, palmed her hand on his forearm, and just held it there. "Mmm,"

Her breath caught at the firm pressure of his big hand enveloping hers. The contact sent tingles racing up her arm straight to her core. She shifted in her seat, eyes darkening with desire. "Y-you like that...don't you?" She asked, unable to hide the hitch in her voice, squeezing his hand back instinctively.

"I like what I see, Violet," he confessed. "And I see you."

Her cheeks flamed at his direct, almost primal words. It was as if he could see right through to her very core. "I-I'm glad..." She stammered out, her usual coy confidence briefly deserting her under the intensity of his gaze. "...you like what you see."

She squeezed his hand again, harder this time, her legs unconsciously parting beneath the table as her body reacted to him.

Thomas smiled and nodded as the waitress brought out their food: two steaming plates loaded with meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans with bread and butter, and two big glasses of ice-cold milk. "Enjoy your meals, Sir, Miss," she said as she turned and walked away. "Thank you, Mary," Thomas said as she turned.

Violet barely registered the waitress leaving as she maintained her gaze on Thomas. She swallowed hard, a hunger of a different sort building inside her. With some effort, she turned her attention to the savory meal presented before them.

She picked up her fork, though her hand trembled slightly, excitement and nerves warring within her. She took a small, delicate bite of the meatloaf and made an appreciative sound. "Mmm...this is amazing." Her eyes never left his as she ate, anticipating what came after dinner, simmering just below the surface.

When they were almost finished, the waitress asked if they wanted dessert. Thomas smiled as he looked at Violet.

Violet's pulse leaped again at the look he gave her, a shy smile playing on her lips. She set her fork down, her appetite satisfied for food at least. "I...think I'd rather skip straight to dessert," she said meaningfully, eyes flicking down to his mouth and then back up, her lips parting in invitation.

"Thank you, Mary, but I believe we're okay for the dessert," he replied as Mary nodded and left.

The moment the waitress departed, Violet pushed her plate away, leaning in close across the table. Her voice lowered to a sultry whisper. "I want you, Thomas… No more games." Her fingers found the strong column of his neck, caressing him boldly. "Take me somewhere...private," she demanded, eyes flashing with need.

Thomas nodded as he rose, took her hand, and led her out to the waiting car, the driver standing by the open door. He helped her get in and waited for Thomas to sit before closing the door and getting behind the wheel.

Violet eagerly slid into the luxurious backseat, patting the space beside her in a wordless invitation as Thomas joined her. The moment he was settled, she was in his lap, straddling him, hands framing his face as her lips sought his hungrily.

The driver headed down the street, the glow of the passing street lights illuminating the interior in a staccato effect. They turned and headed out of town.

Violet didn't notice where they were going – she was too consumed by the feel and taste of Thomas beneath her seeking lips. Her fingers threaded urgently through his hair, little needy sounds escaping her as she deepened the kiss, pressing against him insistently.

Their bodies were tangled, and their lips glued together when the driver stopped before Thomas’s estate. They straightened up as he opened their door and helped her out. It was then that Violet saw the grandeur of his massive estate. The three-story Victorian stood stately and regal.

Violet's eyes widened as she took in the stunning mansion before her. She whistled low under her breath. "Wow...you live here?" she asked in awe, turning back to Thomas with a grin. Her fingers laced through his once more as she gazed at the impressive architecture. "This place is incredible..." She bit her lip, pulse racing at the thought of being alone with him inside those opulent walls.

End?