All Strings Attached

by Miss Merikan

  His breaths were getting raspy, and he thrust his hips into her palm. Anna might have come minutes ago, but the way Gavin groaned made her shiver with anticipation.

  Anna bit Gavin’s neck, pressing her breasts against his skin as she pumped his cock faster, already feeling him get closer to his high. “Look at me,” she whispered, brushing her lips against his chin.

  Gavin opened his eyes, panting as she jerked him off in rapid movements. “Gorgeous,” he moaned, coming shortly after, his come covering her hand while his cock throbbed with heat.

  Anna closed his mouth with hers and sucked on his lips, slowing the movements of her hand just in case he got too sensitive. She liked the smell of his come, musky, somewhat bitter, and the way it eased the movements of her fingers over his flesh. Making a guy come like that always gave her a sense of satisfaction. “So are you.”

  He gasped for air, turning to his back and pulling her along. “My life feels so much better right now,” he laughed. If that wasn’t a compliment, she didn’t know what was.

  “Yeah, life’s pretty good.” Anna put one of her legs over his and closed her eyes, tired out. She wouldn’t mind every evening ending this way. Despite them arranging that this wouldn’t be a romantic relationship, Gavin’s touch didn’t feel impersonal. It was tender and intimate. He stroked her hair, her side, and his hand traveled all the way to her ass as well.

  “Sorry I couldn’t make it earlier tonight. Stuff came up.”

  Anna sighed in relief. “Sure, I can imagine your work must be pretty stressful and flexible.”

  “What about you? Do you work any regular hours? Or are you too busy fighting off the guys knocking at your door?” Gavin gave her another kiss. His big black mohawk had gotten a bit messy, but it only made him look more delectable.

  Anna put her hand over his chest and nuzzled his nose. “I try working at least six hours a day, but it depends on the workload. I usually take a limited amount of commissions and only re-open for requests after I’m done with everything. I have about twenty slots every month, but some commissions take more time than others. And sometimes I get whole dolls to customize, not just heads.”

  “Busy bee. You need some time off then.” Gavin cupped her buttock and squeezed it in a lazy motion.

  She laughed, flexing her ass just to tease him. “Do you even see through that lens?” she asked, playing with his hair a bit.

  Gavin pinched her butt. “Cheeky question. Yeah, it’s got space for the pupil.” He rolled over to his side and leaned down for a kiss.

  “It makes you look like you could act in Blade Runner, or something.” Anna enjoyed his warmth, the hard plane of his chest, and his smell made her go absolutely crazy. She wished it wouldn’t evaporate from her bedding too soon.

  “You like sci-fi?” Gavin hugged her closer. “Can I smoke here?”

  Anna’s brain rang the alarm. “No, the dolls need to be in a smoke-free environment. Sorry.”

  Gavin flopped down to the bed with a sigh. “Right. The dolls. Wouldn’t want their tiny lungs to blacken.”

  Anna looked down to Gavin’s ribs, feeling like a spoilsport despite knowing that she had every right not to want smoke in her room. “It stays in the wigs, and it can speed up the resin yellowing. It lowers their market value,” she said, feeling the need to explain herself.

  “Do they contract STDs as well?” Gavin smirked.

  Anna couldn’t stop a chuckle as she looked at Gavin. “That would have been horrible. But it would make an interesting body modification if someone made a doll with third-stage syphilis.”

  This time both of Gavin’s eyes turned her way. “What the hell? Who’d want a sick doll?”

  Anna froze, her fingers clenching over Gavin’s arms. Now she was being judged. “Uhm, you know, certain collectors are willing to pay good money for something unique. Some people prefer unusual faces; others have a taste for the creepy and ugly. You know, turpism.”

  “Oh, yeah? Maybe you should make a doll with no arm? That would sell like hot cakes.”

  Anna raised her head. “If there was a Minimee of you, it would sell like hot cakes.”

  “That might be my future business plan. Wouldn’t it be immoral though? To whore out my little selves?” Gavin laughed.

  “Does the prince of darkness care about that?” Anna leaned in and kissed his cheek.

  Gavin’s smile widened. “I suppose not. I could send them around the world as my little minions to do my bidding. People would put them in their bedrooms, unbeknownst of the horror lurking behind their glass eyes.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

  “You could ogle all the hot girls.”

  “I could! Just imagine that you bought one, and then you wouldn’t even know that at night, it walks off the shelf and climbs into your bed, right under your shirt.” Gavin’s hand sneaked to Anna’s breast and weighed it to demonstrate his point.

  “What would it do?” whispered Anna as heat shot to her face.

  Gavin’s face became serious. “What do you think? It’s the spawn of the devil! It would rip your heart out.” He pinched Anna’s nipple so hard it forced out a squeal.

  “Oh, my God, you’re so evil!”

  “You’re the one who invited the prince of darkness to your bed.” Gavin gently played with Anna’s nipple, as if to make up for the pinch. The difference in sensation sent shivers down Anna’s body, making her toes curl.

  “I must be an adrenaline junkie then.”

  “You must be. With a hobby as daring as collecting dolls, you seem to be living on the edge.”

  “You have no idea. It’s like being an astronaut and communicating with an alien species.” Anna leaned into the caress, exhaling.

  “I can imagine. One could say you’re a bit of a daredevil.” Gavin wouldn’t stop smirking.

  “I wouldn’t have invited you over if I weren’t, right?” whispered Anna, resting her hand on Gavin’s hip. She loved how angular his body was, the hip bones so close to the skin and adorned with two surface piercings.

  “You were quite persistent, I have to admit.”

  Anna swallowed, unsure whether it was a compliment or not, so she leaned forward and gave Gavin a chaste kiss instead of saying anything.

  Gavin slowly crawled on top of her. “Let’s take things slow, okay? I’m not ready to just dive head first.”

  Anna let out a shuddery breath, looking into Gavin’s handsome face from up close. “Bad breakup?”

  “Yeah, I gave too much, and I don’t wanna be that guy again. She dumped me after my accident. I suppose not everyone’s into turpism.” Gavin raised his eyebrows and stroked Anna’s hair.

  Anna blinked. “You’re not turpism. You’re edgy and hot. What a twat ...”

  Gavin’s smile warmed up. “A bit. I did her makeup for two years and licked her pussy like it was an oasis in the middle of the desert.”

  Anna’s face got so hot she almost started fanning himself, but the words were so shameless, she had to chuckle. “Oh, my God! Can’t believe you just said that!” She poked Gavin in the ribs.

  Gavin laughed and hugged her. “Well, it’s true. She didn’t even introduce me to her friends. Fuck that, I’m so over shit like that.”

  Anna grinned and pressed her lips against Gavin’s. There were a million things she could have said, like ‘you deserve better,’ or ‘you already know two of my friends,’ or ‘and now you have someone to return the favor,’ but they all seemed potentially triggering, so she went with “Good. Her loss.”

  “So yeah. Let’s just meet up and see what happens, huh?” Gavin gave her a kiss.

  Anna smiled into his lips. “You still willing to take the public transport at this hour?”

  “Yeah, sorry, I like to sleep at home.” Gavin gave her one more kiss and rolled off.

  It would have been nice if he stayed, but Anna was still content. She reached out for her robe and pulled it on. It would have been painfully awkward to flash Dan. “Hope you don’t have to travel far.”<
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  “Nah, it’s fine.” He sat up and started putting on his shirt. It seemed like a tedious and slow task, so Anna came to help, pulling the sleeve over Gavin’s single arm.

  Gavin took a deep breath, but accepted the help. He seemed vulnerable, but when he stood up, so tall and wide-shouldered despite how slim he was, Gavin was all man, and Anna couldn’t help but want to hug him.

  “Are you hungry? If you’re in a hurry, I have cereal bars.”

  “It’s really fine. I wanna keep the taste in my mouth.” Gavin smirked at her and put his arm on Anna’s shoulder.

  Anna poked his stomach. “Perv.”

  “The prince of darkness is into all sorts of debauchery.” Gavin kissed her and pulled away.

  Anna’s chest heated up at the promise of future fun. She ran for the door and opened it, waiting for Gavin. “Same here.”

  On his way out, Gavin slowed down by Fiona and waved at her. That was enough to lift the remainders of Anna’s excitement and push her into euphoria. “She’s not gonna wave back, you know.”

  Gavin looked up at her and went on to the corridor. “I know. Do you?”

  Anna frowned, slowing down for a second. “Only during the full moon.”

  “Oh, okay.” Gavin sat down in the corridor to put on his shoes.

  “We have one werewolf doll!” Dan yelled from the living room.

  “You have a werewolf doll,” called back Anna, smiling at Gavin. What was Dan doing up so late anyway? They weren’t that loud.

  “You share dollies?” Gavin raised his eyebrows and poked Anna’s calf.

  “Just like we share pots and the electricity bill.”

  Dan appeared as if out of nowhere. “Yeah, I do photo shoots for our photo stories. We have a pair of dolls who are a couple, and they have an ongoing love affair. The stories have a fan following and all.”

  Anna glared at Dan and gave a tiny shake of her head. Why would he be embarrassing her in front of the guy she was fucking? It was clear at this point Gavin wasn’t all that keen on the dolls, and she did understand it was an acquired taste. “You’re up late.”

  “Yeah, I’m stalking an auction on Yahoo!Japan.” Dan looked at Gavin. “Different time zones.”

  Anna was itching to ask what the auction was for, but she didn’t. “I’ll join you in a second, yeah?”

  “Yeah, sure. You need help with that?” Dan pointed to Gavin’s platform boots.

  “I’m fine,” Gavin muttered.

  “Dan, it’s fine. Wait for me in the living room,” said Anna, as sternly yet politely as she could. Of course, Gavin didn’t want help. Duh.

  Dan rolled his eyes at her but walked out of the hallway.

  Gavin was silent as he put on his leather vest. Anna bit her lip.

  “Sorry, he’s a bit protective.”

  “No wonder. Such a cute little girl you are. Can’t take care of yourself.” Gavin smirked and patted Anna’s shoulder.

  “It’s the baby face. Everyone thinks I can’t live on my own.”

  “You do have about twenty roommates.” Gavin gave Anna the feather epaulette. “Now be a star and put that on for me.”

  “You’ll look like goth royalty,” chuckled Anna, obliging. She ignored the doll comment, staying focused on Gavin.

  “Because I am. You’re dealing with nobility here.” Gavin smiled and put his arm up, so Anna could buckle up the leather strap across his body.

  “I will be waiting for your call, your highness.”

  “I shall call upon you soon.” Gavin’s smile widened, and he bowed down for one last kiss before putting on his shoulder bag and opening the door. It was sad to see him go, and Anna locked the house with a slow sigh. She could dance. She could sing. But instead, she walked back into the living room, feeling light as a feather.

  “So, what’s the auction?”

  Dan looked up at her, illuminated by only the light from his computer screen. “It’s for those limited edition ball-jointed hands.”

  “Which make?” Anna walked to the kitchen and got a glass of water. She needed to gently ask Dan to chill, but she didn’t want to offend him either. He was such a nice, protective guy, and she was lucky to have a friend like him.

  “The LUTS ones, for my SSD Landy. You said you’d bid with me.” Dan gave her that unhappy look. “They’re modified with fur by Imatsura.”

  “Oh, I know which ones. They’re cool.” Anna patted Dan’s back with a smile.

  “They’re gonna be perfect for Raul. So ... how did the semi-date go?” Dan looked back at the screen.

  Anna raised an eyebrow. “‘Semi-date?’ What does that even mean?”

  “Well, it’s not a date when someone comes over at two in the morning, spends two hours with you, and goes home.” Dan took a deep breath, looking at the screen.

  “It’s a date if I’m enjoying myself, and I did.” Anna sighed, looking out into the small garden. “It was great.”

  Dan chewed on it for a few seconds. “He really does look ... hmm ... ‘out there.’”

  “Yeah, well, and we have a doll couple in a steady relationship. And do photo shoots with them for fun,” grumbled Anna, paraphrasing Dan’s earlier words.

  “And speaking of Mimosa and Brad ...” Dan looked up at Anna with a grin. “Wanna do the next episode for the photo story?”

  “What? Now?” Anna couldn’t help but grin. “It’s almost four in the morning.”

  “So? We both freelance.” Dan shrugged and passed her a piece of pizza.

  Anna bit her lip, pacing in place. She was a bit tired out, but then again, she had an exciting idea for the next installment. In the end, she said, “Let me just grab a coffee.”

  Chapter 6

  Nothing went Gavin’s way. His art couldn’t be rushed. He wasn’t a chicken breeder. There was a sequence of doing things, and the photo shoot manager needed to understand that. There were only so many things he could hold in his lips at once as he was doing the makeup of yet another girl distracted with too much complimentary champagne. Without an assistant—or another hand for that matter—he was behind schedule already.

  “Gavin, when will you be done?” screeched the producer behind his back. Her voice was high-pitched and loud enough to penetrate the chaotic noise of the backstage area with ease. The large tent was swarming with makeup artists and clients, eager to get a free makeover. And as with everything that was free, many of the people Gavin had to interact with were probably amongst the worst people on Earth. One middle-aged lady even threatened him with a lawsuit if he made her look any older than she felt. He still hoped it had been a horrible joke.

  “Oh, for fuck’s sake,” he muttered with an eyebrow pencil between his lips. His model frowned.

  Yeah, I swore, bimbo, deal with it.

  He took the pencil out and put it on the table.

  “You’re lagging behind. We still have models waiting in the queue. Do you need something?” insisted the producer¸ walking up to him with fake concern on her face. This basically meant he wouldn’t get any help because everyone else was working on schedule, and nobody could spare him any time. It also meant he would most probably not be hired again. Fuck. He trolled Gumtree so hard to find this gig.

  It was time to cut corners. As much as he hated it, maybe he needed to simplify the makeup he had planned. “No, I’m fine.” He gave her the fakest smile in the universe. What he really wanted was to pretend he needed to pee and then disappear through the bathroom window. It wasn’t an option though. He needed the experience and wasn’t that demented just yet.

  The girl he was working on scowled and looked up at the producer. “Why did I get the worst guy you have? Do I look cheap, or something?” she groaned, spilling some of the champagne on her pink sweater.

  Gavin counted to ten in his mind. “You know I’m sitting here, right? I have years of experience.” So shut your mouth. He exaggerated a bit, since he was only twenty-two, but he’d been doing this since he was sixteen. When everyone in his stup
id village thought he was nuts, or gay, or both, he persevered with his passion. Part of it was because he was into the goth style, but part of it was that makeup was the only thing that got him through a terrible outbreak of acne when he was a teenager. Goth makeup was the only type of cosmetics that wouldn’t make him look like an Essex boy and hide his acne all in one go. Up to this day, he was still embarrassed of the scars on his cheeks.

  “Yeah, but you look like one of those weeping willows in black. And you have no arm, yeah? And I’m a sweet kind of girl. I don’t want a deathly pale face like that,” the client told the producer, ignoring Gavin.

  “I’m sure he won’t make you look bad. It’s Valentine’s Day!” answered the producer with a fake cheer in her voice and poured the girl more of the cheap champagne.

  Gavin couldn’t believe the bitch. If there weren’t a mirror right in front of her, he’d draw a fucking unibrow across her forehead. “Just because I like the smoky eye, doesn’t mean I can’t do freaking glitter,” he grumbled, trying to speed up with the eye shadow, just so he could be done with her. He needed a cigarette so bad. Gavin even dumped the colored lenses today, in favor of glasses, so he could do the best job possible. Toned down, wore a plain T-shirt, and tied back his mohawk. And still, he wouldn’t fit in.

  The girl chatting to her friends every now and then wasn’t helping his work either. Couldn’t she just sit still? How was he supposed to finish with those fish lips constantly moving? When he practiced at home, the fake head was still, and he could take all the time he needed. He’d been working with a timer and had improved his work speed, but it turned out that he couldn’t be as effective in a real-life situation. It was only after losing his left arm that he realized how much he actually used it. To hold the eyelid when he did mascara or to pull the skin where needed, not to mention holding pots of eye shadow or extra brushes.