Prancing in Piedmont

Sterling's eyes rolled into semi-consciousness as he felt her body against his. He needed more of it, harder pressure against him, if he wanted to survive. It didn't seem an issue of frivolous desire anymore... his need for her had turned into the equivalent of a starving man's need for food. It was as though he hadn't had a drop to drink in weeks, and only Nerezza's succulent lips could quench his undying thirst.

He slightly startled by her question. The true answer was yes, yes he was waiting for an invitation. He had forgotten that Nerezza wasn't like most girls, she didn't need respect or care. Hell, she didn't need anything. He knew she wasn't enjoying it nearly to the extent that Sterling was and she could stop in the time it took to swish and flick a wand. Sterling wanted to hold onto the cold, trickling water that was Nerezza in his cupped hands, before she leaked away and killed him. He was willing to die, if it came to that, if only he was given another kiss... or two, or a million...

However many he could salvage.

Jumping at the opportunity, he wrapped his arms around her. One arm on her back and on her shoulder as he leaned in to place a gentle kiss on her neck.

Nerezza smirked as his silvery eyes rolled back into his head with pleasure. It was such a victorious sight to see a man practically fall over himself with desire just at her mere touch. It made the Italian feel powerful and in control, something she always liked to be. She was surprised by his change in nature. Hadn't he always been determined to do good and fight with the fools that she was bent on destroying? She wasn't disappointed by his alteration, simply surprised. She smirked at his shock, eager to frighten him and dupe him with more of her words, only to leave him wanting more and more.

Rather disturbed by his public display of affection, Nerezza shivered as his lips found her caramel neck. It was so warm, the sensation. She had felt it many times before, yes, but not quite like this. The hunger in his every movement was nearly baffling and she could feel it overpowering her own body. But, then, losing the power to control herself, she pushed him away, just slightly so that she could look into his eyes. Her parents' house was not too far away from here, so what was wrong with them going there for a break from all of the watching eyes?

Softly, she murmured, "Follow me." She moved to get up and then stood there, waiting for him to take her hand.

Sterling's heart pumped with such ferocity he could see red out of the edges of his vision. She pulled slightly away... every millimeter further she became felt like a knife stabbing that much further into his flesh, at every point their bodies had been touching before. Utter and complete desperation overtook him, but he stayed where he was. She was standing up. No doubt this was her time to attack, while he was disoriented and helpless... yet, she made no move. She stood there for a moment before asking him to follow her.

Sterling was about to hop up and lace his fingers within hers with the zeal of a loyal puppy. A moment later, however, his senses began to return to him, now that his mind was slightly less clouded. If he took her hand, she could apparate him anywhere. He didn't have his wand, which he had dropped just outside the restaurant. If she were to apparate him to Siberia, he would likely die. Then again, it was far too late to run away. He wouldn't be able to blow past her before she cursed him if he made a run for his wand. Along with the fact that he couldn't stand to end his touch of Nerezza anytime soon.

With all his better sense begging him not to, eyes almost tearing with desire, he stood up and reached for Nerezza's hand; he laced his fingers within hers and held on tightly.

Nerezza could feel the violent beating of his heart against her, and for a moment she found it a little unsettling. Why was it that he found so enthralling about her? She acted on her usual flirtation with him just like she did with every other man she found attractive, so why was it that he was vulnerable to her charm the most? Maybe he was simply easier to corrupt. Yes, that could be the answer. Maybe the cruelty was tugging at his brain, the eagerness for more violence in his life attempting to corrupt him of everything he once thought was good. That sounded like a lovely plan. If he thought he could have her any time he wanted, then this was the best plan in the history of the world. She loved fooling men and stomping 0n them when they are full to the brim with desire, choking out their wishes for her.

She would have been able to slaughter him in that single moment in which he was devastated at losing her, weakened by the loss of her touch. But, she didn't. When he finally made up his mind to go with her, a beautiful smile ripped across her face. Softly, she made sure to match the strength of his grip with her own and then pulled him outside of the restaurant, barking apologies at the owner as he complained about them wasting time. One grin from her and he backed off with a laugh, calling them foolish children. Nerezza knew Sterling wouldn't be able to understand the man, but she supposed that it didn't matter. She could be his interpreter if it came to that. As she stepped along the cobblestone, she looked down as something in a cylindrical shape found itself under her shoe. Noticing that it was a wand, she raised an eyebrow. Hers was in the lace of her panties, so was this Sterling's wand? Glancing over at him, she pointed it out with her eyes.

For some reason, she wanted him to make sure he had it, just in case she were to change moods in a second.

Sterling exhaled with relief as she walked. Of course she wouldn't dare apparate in the presence of all these muggles... but, then again, it wasn't as if she had any respect for any other laws. (Namely: murder, assault, etc.)

Sterling had no idea what the store manager had said, but he sounded angry at first. Whatever Nerezza had told him, it quickly transformed his angry scowl into a knowing smile. He said something that gave Sterling the impression he thought they were two star-crossed lovers, hopelessly in love with each other.

How wrong he was.

Something about Nerezza's movement made him wary. A moment ago, he sensed genuine enjoyment emanating from her. Now, it was pure venom... despicable evil. Yet she was not even close to surmounting her excitement. She seemed to be happily skipping with the gusto of a schoolgirl who just aced a difficult test, or a lifelong fan about to join the stands of their favorite Quidditch team. She was almost certainly planning something... murder? Torture? Neither seemed likely, given her demeanor. It must have been something far more insidious than that.... As skilled as Nerezza was in every situation she had previously encountered, she had never been particularly apt at disguising her emotions.

He peered down at his wand, as they passed it, wishing he could reach for it without being too obvious... to his surprise, they stopped there, and he scooped up his wand before he gave it a second thought. He didn't pocket it, however, but kept it clutched tightly in his hand.

Even though he wanted Nerezza more than life itself at that particular moment, he didn't trust her.