sighing, you sank into the plush comfort of the bed, the taste of absinthe still lingering on the tip of your tongue. James stood by the vanity table, the soft glow of the lamp casting a sickly halo around him as he shrugged off his suit jacket. he caught you staring and flashed a smile as he crossed the room. without a word, your lover knelt down, hand resting on your thigh

“i hope tonight's gathering wasn't too overwhelming for you, darling,” he drawled in his velvety voice, tracing patterns on your skin. despite the chill of his cold, dead touch, warmth began to pool in the pit of your stomach.

“i know these events can be quite… draining, especially with the company we keep.”