by Viola Grace
Bemused, she pulled the lid of the box open while he popped the tops on the soda.
The smell was heavenly, the sight was absorbing and as she juggled the first slice out of the box, she was grinning with anticipation. Food at the workshop was anything you could imagine, but if you had never had exposure to the outside world, your imagination was limited.
This was a recipe she was taking home with her.
Dani groaned happily as she chewed. The flavours spread throughout her mouth, mixing hot, salty, sour, spicy, sweet, creamy, meaty and cheesy.
Argus watched her and grinned at the noises she was making. “If I had known you would be that enthusiastic, we would have had it for breakfast.”
She wrinkled her nose and kept eating until the first slice was gone. When the first was history and the second was cradled in her hands, she smiled. “Pardon my enthusiasm. My family has a pretty limited food palate for the most part.”
“Never apologize for enthusiasm. It is a genuine reaction that is appreciated.” He lifted his own slice and bit into it with straight white teeth.
The pizza was devoured and only the darkened patches remained on the cardboard to show that anything had been there at all.
Argus packed up the box, and Dani headed off to wash her hands. She didn’t want to chance a grease stain on the merchandise.
She sipped at the soda and looked at the pricing tags she had been generating on the printer. Each tag had a bar code and a physical description of the item along with the price. No tag swapping would be possible. The item had to match the description on the tag.
She took up the tagger and stood next to Argus as he unpacked another box. He stripped off the plastic, and she tagged it before setting it aside. They made quick work of the box and then hung the delicate garments up in companionable silence.
“Do you wear much of this sort of thing?” Argus held up a peignoir set.
She grinned. “Occasionally. I have a few items that I keep for myself. When I wear them for someone else, it kind of ruins the vibe for me.”
He blinked. “Really?”
“Once you have worn something like this for a lover, you can’t really wear it with another one. Well, I can’t. Other women have different hang-ups. Not recycling lingerie with lovers is one of mine.”
He cocked his head and leaned against the counter, his hands moving easily against the silk gown and robe on the satin hangar. “Interesting philosophy.”
She shrugged. “I am making it up as I go along.”
“When do you wear the lingerie you do keep for yourself?”
She grinned. “Movie nights, eating popcorn and takeout. Dancing in my apartment and sliding around in my socks.”
He froze, and then, his lips curved in a delighted grin. “You have just given me an idea for an advertising campaign.”
“If you want it before the holidays, you had better get on that magic phone of yours and make some calls.”
Argus jerked. “Magic?”
She smirked and kept working. “It is just a reference to you getting whatever you need from it.”
“Oh. I will be back. Just a minute.”
He left her alone while he went to the back with his phone out and thumb dialling.
Humming Christmas tunes, Dani kept working until he returned.
Argus took the silky fabric out of her hands. “How would you like to help me with my advertising campaign?”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “How?”
“I need a model, and you are right; if I am to get this advertising up and running, we need to move fast. A friend of mine is a photographer, and he has access to Santa’s Grotto at the mall.”
“So, what?”
“Would you model some of this lingerie for the ads?”
She frowned. “You are kidding.”
“I am not. He is gathering props from around the mall before they close. One of the guards will meet us at the door.”
Surprised, Dani checked her phone. The mall closed in twenty minutes, their night shopping ended at midnight.
“I am guessing you need an answer now?”
“Preferably, yes.” He smiled.
Dani wrinkled her nose and looked at him, his earnest expression in his rugged features. “Fine, but I am having Ula bill you for time and a half.”
He bowed low, and there was something familiar in that gesture. “Please, select your clothing. Don’t pick anything you wouldn’t normally wear.”
Dani frowned. “What did you want to put on display?”
“A little of everything, but only if it is your personal style.”
She nodded. “Right. I guess I have to go shopping.”
The rainbow cami was a given. She flicked through the bra and panty sets on hangars before digging through the boxes for what she wanted. As she found what she was looking for, she set it aside before scanning it into stock. No stock was going missing on her watch.
The pile of garments was intimidating, but if she was going to show off the store’s contents, she needed a selection. The combination of colours would flatter her and the fabrics would feel wonderful. She even included a garter belt and stockings, just in case. She didn’t wear them often, but she liked the reaction when she did.
She folded all of the clothing carefully into a bag, wrapped outfit by outfit. When she was done, she looked up and saw Argus smiling with her bag and jacket in his hand.
“Ready when you are. I thought your laptop could double as a prop, since that is what you were talking about.”
She shrugged. “And depending how long we go, I can just head home afterward.”
He walked toward her and tucked her jacket around her shoulders. “I plan to go all night.”
She blinked, blushed and fought her way into her jacket. “We will see how long the photographer can last.”
He scowled and stiffened a little. “If he makes one move toward you, I will tear his arms off.”
She chuckled. “If he takes pictures of children, he probably has his decorum down. From what I have read, parents take their children’s safety seriously.”
Argus nodded. “I know Nero well, but control has its limits.”
“Nero? Another good and old name.”
He looked like he wanted to say something else, but he settled for, “Well, let’s get going.”
The walk was short, but the silence between them suddenly got tense. Dani wasn’t sure what she was doing, and Argus seemed to be conflicted about what he was asking for.
Dani’s tension melted when the security guard met them at the door.
The woman had long golden hair and a name badge that read D. Certic.
The teammates had promised not to keep in touch during their time in the human world, but it seemed to be fate that Dani had ended up next door.
“Come on in. Management has signed off on it. They wouldn’t refuse Nero anything.” The guard smiled.
When they were inside the mall, the door was locked up after them. It looked like Officer Certic ran a tight ship.
Nero was waiting in Santa’s Grotto with a huge pile of bags. His long black braid swung against his spine as he moved the tripod to get the best angle for both throne and tree.
“My name is Dana and you can call on me if you need anything. Nero has my number. I am going on my rounds.” The guard nodded and wandered off into the maze of the mall.
Dani wanted to hug her, but it wouldn’t have been appropriate. There was no way for their alter egos to know one another, and getting too close to their true names would blow their covers. Dani was surprised that Dana’s wasn’t blown already. She was moving with superhuman grace.
“Hello, I am guessing you are Danielle? My name is Nero, and I will be doing Argus this huge favour tonight.” Nero smiled, but it was obvious that he was tired.
“Call me Dani. I will be happy to make this as painless as possible.”
“Good, because the collection of props that Argus had me gather are leavin
g me a little confused.”
Dani chuckled and looked for a place to set her jacket down.
“I have set up a change room for you behind the throne. Get into whatever you like and grab the props you want. When you are ready, I will start shooting.”
Argus smiled. “I will bring some of the props over and you can pick the ones you like.”
Dani sucked in a nervous breath and went to strip and come out in underwear.
She was ready to emerge wearing a camisole and matching robe when a soft hiss got her attention.
Smiling, Dani headed to the rear of the privacy screens, and when she pushed the edge apart, Dana was standing there with a makeup kit.
Dani mouthed a thank you, but Dana was already working with eyeshadow, lipstick and mascara. The powder gave her a soft iridescence and set her teammate’s efforts. “Knock ‘em dead.”
As quietly as she had arrived, Dana disappeared. She was the quietest reindeer, known for her footfalls, or lack thereof. Every movement was a dance.
Wearing the makeup as a subtle mask, Dani felt a bit better about sliding into the throne wearing slouchy socks and a cheeky grin. She draped her legs over one arm and leaned against the other with her laptop in her lap and the boot screen glowing brightly.
Nero called out for her to adjust her posture, and she tilted her head and arched her back. The camera clicked, and soon, she was getting changed again.
In peignoir hanging ornaments on the tree, reading her tablet while lying on her belly in bra, panties, garter and stockings with her legs crossed at the ankles.
Outfit after outfit, pose after pose, until she had even used her leather jacket and a length of chain for a bra shoot.
When she emerged for the final shot, Argus was sitting on Santa’s throne wearing a tuxedo, and he patted his lap. She was wearing the thigh-length dark rainbow chemise, and she settled across his thighs.
Argus’s arm came around her and pulled her against him.
Nero spoke softly, “Tell him what you want for Christmas.”
Argus leaned down, and Dani put her arm around him to pull herself closer.
“I want to take you back to my place for a night I can remember.”
Her lips were next to his ear, and she could feel his breath on her cheek.
The clicking of the camera coincided with the tightening of his body under her. Argus turned his head toward hers, and she brought her lips a millimetre from his. “This could get awkward.”
“Why?”
“Because I really want privacy right now, and he is clicking away.”
Nero chuckled. “I am done. Great shoot. I will take a look at the images and send you the proofs. For a non-professional model, you did well, Dani.”
“Thank you.” She could feel Argus’s erection under her thigh. There didn’t seem to be a safe way to dismount. He solved the problem by standing up with her in his arms.
With careful strides, he walked her to her changing area and set her on her feet. “See you when you have gotten dressed.”
Her hands shook as she got into her street clothes and shoes. The chemise was folded and carefully put into the bag with the others. This job was going to cost her. She loved the feel of silky things.
She emerged, and Nero was already breaking down her change room. The props, including the socks, were already packed up and ready to go back to the shops in the morning.
Argus had the tuxedo back on the hanger in record time. She didn’t know where he had changed, but she really didn’t want to think about it. Wherever it was, it was on camera somewhere.
She grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder, picking up the shopping bag full of lingerie at the same time.
It was three in the morning, and they had plenty of time before dawn.
Dani thanked Nero and kissed his cheek. “It was weirdly fun.”
The imprint of her glossy lipstick was clear on his pale skin. Dana was going to go ballistic. Dani had a feeling that she had put her foot down on Nero to mark him as her own. The lipstick would just make things a little interesting for the day.
Argus took her hand and led her out of the mall, intersecting with Dana on their way. She let them out and locked up behind them. “It was nice seeing you, Dani.”
“See you in a few days, Dana.”
Dana winked and turned to resume her rounds.
“What is in a few days?”
“The pre-Christmas sale. I am a fan of Christmas Eve shopping.”
“How do you know she is working Christmas Eve?”
“We had rapid-fire girl-talk while I was changing.”
They walked through the silent lot and across the small lane that separated the mall from the line of shops.
She flexed her shoulders. “I think that I should make the first purchase at the shop and then head back to my place.”
She paused. “Would you care to join me?”
“Are you sure?”
Dani looked at his solemn features. “We won’t be working together much longer, so this is your one chance. I won’t ask again.”
In the middle of the near-empty lot, next to her car, he pulled her to him and kissed her. “Then, my answer is yes.”
She was shocked at the contact, recovered and went on her toes to deepen the kiss. Kissing was her favourite part of foreplay.
When they parted for a moment, she whispered her address. “Apartment twenty-four.”
“I will see you there.”
She got into her car and tried to focus. It was a straight drive, and she realized when she pulled into her parking spot that she still had the bag of clothing with her. She sighed and carried it inside.
A sleek red car pulled into the visitor parking, and she waited while Argus joined her. He took the bag from her while she managed the keys and they walked through the lobby and up the wide and winding flight of stairs to the second floor.
She opened her door and led the way into her personal space.
“Somehow, I expected something more...frilly, less functional.” Argus followed her in. He closed and latched the door behind him.
“I am the only frilly thing in here. I grew up sharing space, so keeping my personal space tidy is important to me.”
She hung her jacket up on the hook, kicked her shoes off on the mat and gave him the nickel tour. “This is my living room, that’s the dining room, there is my kitchen and the bedroom is down the hall.”
Her Christmas tree was decorated, and there were eight presents underneath it.
“Who are those for?”
She cleared her throat. “I mentioned I had a lot of sisters.”
“So you did.”
He took her hand and pulled her down the hall to the bedroom.
She stifled her grin at his eagerness. Her smile faded when he entered her bedroom, flicked on the light and pulled her into his arms.
“Don’t you want the lights out?” Every human she had had so far had wanted dim lighting.
“No, I want to see every inch of you, and I want to remember it.”
She tried not to feel sad at the likelihood that this would fade with the morning light. She wanted him now, and she was going to give in to her urges. Tomorrow would take care of itself.
Dani threaded her fingers through his hair and kissed him, holding on as her tongue duelled with his in a slow, wet rhythm.
His hands pressed against her back and cupped her butt, holding her against him. She stroked his neck and caressed her way down his chest as her blood rushed in her ears and her heartbeat took over.
He pulled her shirt upward and unsnapped her bra on the way. When his thumbs skimmed the fabric up, they took everything with them. They parted for a moment while her clothing was pulled over her head, and she shivered as she pressed her breasts to his chest, the points of her nipples scraping the soft fabric.
“Aw, I wanted to look.” He chuckled and stroked the side of one breast.
“You can look when I am a little warmer.”
“I feel a challenge in the air.” His hands roamed over her spine and down to where her back curved into her butt.
“You can feel whatever you like as long as I get to warm up.” Her fingers toyed with the top button on his shirt, and she started to open them, one by one.
She pressed her lips to the skin of his chest as it slowly came into view. He shivered, and when she had finally pulled the tails of his shirt free of his trousers, he groaned.
The fine line of hair that snaked down his chest and disappeared into his pants was tempting. So, she gave into temptation.
She slipped out of his grasp and to her knees. With careful fingers, she unbuttoned his trousers and slowly unzipped them. She slid her hand in and found silk. The sensation of silk and heat had its own reaction inside her, but she eased the thick rod of his cock out so that she could taste him.
He groaned, and she smiled around the head of him as she sucked the tip into her mouth. Salty sweet greeted her as she licked the hole in the tip and leaned to take more of him into her.
Dani tugged at his trousers, pulling them lower on his hips so she could grip naked skin. Her personal warmth was ratcheting up in marked degrees. Her pussy was slick, her channel ached and she wanted her trousers off.
He groaned again, and she pulled back, looking up at him, and used her grip on his hips to pull her upright. She found his hands already on the fastening of her jeans and when she was loose, she pried her clothing off, kicking it free.
Gloriously naked, they faced each other, and it was a long and endless moment before one of them made a move.
Argus stroked her cheek and smiled. “You look glorious in the light.”
“You are rather stunning yourself. I thought half your musculature was due to your clothing. Nope, you really have muscles on muscles.”
“But am I your type?” He kept stroking her face and neck.
“You are definitely my type. How about me? Do you go for the brainy brunettes?”
He smiled. “From here on in, they are on every wish list I make, but I already have the one I want right in front of me.”
“Nice answer.”
Argus bent until his lips were brushing against hers. “Can I fuck you now?”