Villain Boyfriend: Nectarios 2 (rough draft)

I’m a little miffed that Nectarios has been called away but I decide to make some use of my time and scope out some of the people Nectarios has a problem with.

I bite his neck. “I’ll go sit with your mother, just in case anyone tries anything.”

“What a treat you are.” He gets dressed, and quickly we leave together. While the doctor examines Nectarios’ father, I sit with his mother in the parlor. Clementine is flustered and fretting, terribly worried about her husband. She shakes when she tries to drink her tea, so I hold the cup for her.

“You’re too kind,” she says shakily. “I only hope my son does not take advantage of that.”

“I’m rather rough with your son,” I say honestly. “I mean,” I try to cover. “I adore him dearly, but I don’t let just anyone walk all over me.”

“Good, good,” she sighs. “I sometimes let his father get away with things. Such as banishing Nectarios before.” She shakes her head, her long snakes form corkscrew curls around her head. “I shouldn’t have let him do that, now we wouldn’t be in this situation. I’m afraid that we have no time to patch things up.”

“Lady Clementine,” a man comes into the room and kneels down beside her. “The doctor wishes to speak with you now.”

“Oh, good,” she stands up then turns to look at me. “Help yourself to anything, make yourself at home.” She quickly leaves.

As I stand, the man approaches me. He must be someone from Nectarios’ childhood, they look close to the same age. He’s a rather tall man with red hair, but his height could be exaggerated by his top hat.

“So, you are Nectarios’ fiancée?” He asks. “I never figured him to settle for anyone. What happened?”

“He begged, I settled,” I say sternly. I turn and look up at him. “Now who are you?”

“My name is Himley,” he replies. “Nectarios and I used to run in similar circles when we were teenagers. I’m now mayor of Tea Country, but I wanted to check in on my old friend.”

“You’re the mayor of Tea Country?” I ask in surprise. “I’ve heard stories about you.”

He winks. “Lady Dulcie, I’m sure we’ve both heard stories about one another.” He reaches over the table, taking a slice of cake into his hand. He bites it and sighs in content. “Now that is a cake.”

I grimace up at him. “What sort of circles did you run in?”

“Cake dances,” he laughs. “If you’ll excuse me, Lady Dulcie.” He walks away from me as Nectarios comes into the room.

“What were you two talking about?” He asks me.

“I’m not sure. But how do you know the mayor of Tea Country? Isn’t he bad news?” I whisper as he leads me away from the room.

“He and my father had business dealings. I’m sure he’s here just to keep them.” We got into a dark, quiet hallway. “I’m not worried about Himley at this moment.”

“I would, I think he knows who I am.”

“He has more to lose here should his dealings with my father end,” he huffs. “Tonight,” he whispers. “Let me go tonight.”

I cross my arms against my chest. “What? Why so suddenly? I thought you wanted to plan.”

A deep, awful scowl crosses Nectarios’ face. His snakes sway back and forth in uneasy restraint. “My father is not long, and he just confided in the doctor that Lord Barlow, the very man you want me to attack, has been blackmailing him for years. About me.”

“So he is a rat bastard then. I knew it, but this just adds shit to the pile.” I take hold of Nectarios’ hand. “You have to be careful. Go out as Sugar Daddy, do what you must to this piece of shit. But no one can suspect you.”

He cups my cheek in his strong hand. “That’s where I need you, my sugar baby. Hide me in plain sight. If you must trust anyone here, let it be my mother, or Himley.”

“It will be your mother, I do not trust Himley with a dead spider.”

He nods. “Understandable. I must go and prepare. I am afraid I will not get to coat my tongue in your delicious icing tonight as planned.”

I frown a little bit. “I can’t believe that sort of dirty talk actually works for me these days,” I sigh in disappointment. “Go. I’ll set up the room like you are ill.”

He leaves that evening, and I make excuses for his absence by saying he is in bed with a debilitating headache. I hear whispers from the visitors that make me want to stab their hands with forks.

“I’m not one to believe in such paltry rumors,” Himley approaches me, offering me a cup of tea. “But I also know my old friend.”

I look down at the teacup, gazing at my reflection in the tea. “Was he a friend? He says you’re just worried about business dealings you have with his father.”

“Can I not be doing both?” Himley shrugs. “Besides, there are people whose intentions are worse at heart here.”

I look across the room with a frown then glance back to Himley. “I should go check on Tari.” I set the teacup down and leave the room. I return to the bedroom just as Nectarios is coming in through the window. I race inside stopping short as he stands there.

“You’re back so soon! Are you alright?”

He starts to giggle and titter, his shoulders shaking. He throws his head back, laughing loudly as he drops his crossbow to the floor. He rips off his mask and wig, he cups his hand over his eyes as he turns to me.

“Your glasses,” I murmur softly. “Nictarios, where are your glasses?”

“Dropped them,” he replies cooly. “Oh, my dear sweet, sugar baby. It is so good to be back in your presence.”

“Tari, what happened?” I snap at him. “Tell me this instant!”

“I caught him in the midst of a tryst. Nothing I haven’t seen before, but it did not look like his participants were too thrilled. So, I got a little angry. I used my eyes on him and let the others get away.”

I furrow my brow at Nectarios. “Did they see you?”

He shakes his head. “Took the glasses off before I went inside, so all I had to do was have him look at me. He broke easily, told me everything.” He sits down on the edge of the bed and takes a deep breath. “I cut out his tongue, like you had suggested. That was all I was going to do after I got the gold from his safe. But as I was leaving, I saw his little trove of handsome young men come in and finish him off.”

“Oh-” I gasp. “Are you sure no one saw your face?” I insist again. “Because they’re going to blame this on Sugar Daddy.”

“Fine, let it be. I am positive no one saw me. Or well, saw me and knew me.” He falls back onto the bed. “Watching them shred Lord Barlow, though, that was new.”

I sit down beside him on the bed. “Do you wish to talk about it?”

Nectarios sighs heavily. “I want your lips, if I am allowed to ask for anything.”

I lean over, kissing him and trailing them down his jaw and neck. I dart my tongue over the cherry red scales and I can feel his pulse flutter. “What all did you bring back?”

Nectarios moans and places his hand on my ear. As I raise my head, I see a small, glittery, crystal spoon between his fingertips. “It doesn’t look like much,” he says with a smile. “But I will bet you this tiny spoon is made from sugar opals.”

I gasp as I take the precious spoon into my hands. “Why would we have a spoon made from sugar opals?”

“They say that utensils made from sugar opals made sweets turn into a powerful liquor, so people used to have whole sets made from sugar opals.” He smiles up at me. “Should we test it out?”

I set the spoon aside and give him another kiss, slipping my tongue between his lips. “You’re strong enough for me.”

“I bet if you put that spoon on your tongue, my sugar baby would turn into the finest rum.” He runs his fingers through my hair. “I’m on fire, Lady Dulcie, take me now, I beg of you.”

You asked for it,” I giggle. 

Come morning, there is a pounding at the door. Nectarios barely has a chance to get up and put on a robe when his mother bursts in. She’s panicked and grabs him from the room to whisper urgently to him from outside.

“Murdered?” He sounds surprisingly convinced. 

I get dressed and brush my hair while Nectarios tries to calm his mother down. Once she leaves, he comes back into the room.

“Funny story,” he says, leaning over me from behind. “Lord Barlow was murdered by a strange fellow in a mask last night.”

“What else did she say?”

Nectarios kisses my cheek then brushes my hair aside. “Not much else was said. But she is horribly worried this masked lunatic will be coming to all the important families to kill and rob them. She said she has heard rumors about the Sugar Daddy coming from other places in Pirlipat.”

“You’re a legend.” I set my brush aside. “But not what I meant. I was wondering what has been said about the murder itself.”

“Nothing, to my knowledge,” he stands back to allow me up. “But I suspect they’ll have investigators sent here shortly.”

“If you want your revenge on your childhood chums, then you’re going to have to be extremely careful about it,” I scold him.

He then grins. “I was thinking we should have a dinner party.”

I grimace. “All at once?”

“Strike while the iron is hot, then wait until the pancake is nice and bubbly to flip it,” he sticks his tongue out. “I just want to scare them. The murder wasn’t my fault.”

“Certainly,” I sigh. “So you want to do it like the Hollow Moon party again?”

“You remember that?” He says happily.

I step up towards him and undo the belt of his robe. “I was the fake hostage. Remember? A girl doesn’t forget her first time.”

“That was such a long time ago, but you were such an incredible sport. An absolute delight to work with.” He kisses me. “I figured, we throw a dinner party and I get held hostage, that way, I can hide in plain sight.”

“You sure?” I ask. “This is a rather big gamble.”

“Let me surprise you, my love.” He places his chin into the palm of my hand. 

We start making plans for the dinner party. He invites the few who have been bothering him. There aren’t as many as I suspected, which makes me feel better about this whole scheme. He’s offering them a chance to buy plots of his father’s estate, so they will have money with them. His mother has not been told about the scheme and I am to keep my eyes on her during the night.

It is getting late when they all arrive, some bring their partners, others come alone. And then comes one uninvited guest.

“Lord Himley,” I gasp in alarm when I see him at the dessert table. “What are you doing here?”

“I saw everyone else coming, so I came.” He takes a bite of the layered nougat cake and smiles happily. “Pirlipat knows its way around sugar. Don’t you think?” He asks me with a knowing grin.

“Lord Himley, you weren’t invited to this dinner. I’m not sure we have enough prepared to feed you.”

“Oh, don’t worry about me. I can make myself at home.” He pats the table. “This is all I need to make me happy. Now, where is your lovely fiancé?”

I take a deep breath to steady my nerves. “Nectarios is still dealing with a headache, but he’ll be coming out shortly.”

Himley winks. “I sure hope so. It was lovely talking to you again, Lady Dulcie.”

I hurry off to join the dinner party and greet them with Clementine. “What’s wrong, Dulcie?” She asks me. “You look worried.”

“Stories about this Sugar Daddy fellow, no doubt,” one of the men laughs. “My wife did not want me leaving the house this evening.”

“I think it’s all nonsense. Lots of people wanted Barlow dead and in the ground. I don’t believe this masked murderer story for a second,” another guffaws. 

“A man was murdered,” Clementine huffs. “This is nothing to laugh at, made up murderer or not.” She glances at me. “Where is my son? Shouldn’t he be here already?”

A slow clap rings through the hall and everyone turns to the doorway. Sugar Daddy shuts the door behind him and sighs. “Welcome to the party everyone.”

Screams ring out through the hall as he strides into the room. He looks over the dessert table and saddles up next to Himley. “My, my, what a face on you.”

Himley circles his finger around his face. “Could say the same about you.”

“It’s always a treat to have guests, uninvited or not.” Sugar Daddy chuckles. “But tonight is truly a special event. Would everyone mind sitting down at the table please?” He lifts up his crossbow. “Before I start having you dance, that is.”

Everyone rushes to the table, they push past Clementine and I as we become stuck towards the back. Himley is the only one who comes to us and assists Clementine to her seat. I approach Sugar Daddy and stand before him.

“Why are you here?” I ask him sternly.

“Dulcie, come sit!” Clementine says urgently.

I lift my chin to Sugar Daddy. “Where is my fiancé?”

“The handsome looking chap?” Sugar Daddy laughs. “He’s a little tied up.”

I force myself to keep from smiling. “I don’t appreciate your puns.”

I don’t appreciate that sweet little mouth, but here we are.” He then leans in close to me. “I’m going to grab you, my sugar baby, act a little for me.” he takes my arm and twists it behind my back. I cry out as if I am in pain, but we have done worse things together in bed.

“Dulcie!” Clementine cries.

“Stay seated, mother!” I beg her. “I’m alright.”

Himley is the only one smiling at the table. Does he even know what’s going on? Or maybe, he does actually know what’s going on.

Sugar Daddy keeps me close, tugging me to his body. “Everyone just stay calm. No one has to die here tonight. I just need you all to sit sweet and enjoy your evening.” He walks around the table with me. “This does not have to end like it did for Lord Barlow.”

A shudder falls over the room, save for the sound of Himley’s utensils clinking as he continues to eat his desserts. 

“You there!” He points to one of the other lords at the table. “Why have you come here tonight?”

“I was told it would be to support my friend,” he says shakily. “He’s ill and I want to help his family to-”

Sugar daddy shoots towards the ceiling. Sparks rain down on the table and everyone starts to scream and panic all over again. “Help,” he laughs. “Is that why you’re all here?”

“No,” Himley says proudly. 

“You fool! You’ll get us all killed!” Someone hisses at him.

“I’m being honest,” Himley scoffs.

Sugar Daddy stops at the head of the table. He sits down with me in his lap and lays the crossbow on the tabletop. “If you’re all here to help, then you will most certainly be willing to cooperate with me. Don’t forget, I’m sweetening the deal but holding the entire family of this house hostage. The son can and will be killed on my command.” His fingers slip around my neck and along my jaw. “While I hold this delicious little thing in the palm of my hands.”

I can feel him getting hard so I’m having twice as hard a time keeping a serious expression on my face.

“Please, don’t hurt them,” Clementine says breathlessly. “We’ll do whatever you ask.”

The rest of the table remains oddly quiet.

“Won’t we?” Clementine urges.

Sugar Daddy sighs and his hand slips further around my throat. “Play along, baby.” He whispers so only I can hear.

I gasp dramatically, grunting and wheezing as if his fingers were tightening.

“You all want to watch a woman die?” Himley asks.

It takes longer than I thought for someone to stand up. “Stop! Fine,” he snarls. “What are your demands?”

“Good job, sugar baby,” Sugar Daddy whispers to me. “Brownie points to you.” He then picks up his crossbow and shoots the man in the arm with a candy egg. It splatters, and I know it hurts on impact, but it sends red dye all over him and his dinner guest. 

“That’s for taking so long!” Sugar Daddy stands, plopping me on the table. “All of you, hand over anything of value then place your chairs in a circle with your backs to one another. You, top hat idiot, tie them up for me.”

Himley smirks. “You got it.” He tosses a gold pocket watch onto the table before he starts placing chairs in a circle.

“I will search your pockets when you are tied up. If I find anything, you won’t just be receiving chocolate to the temple.” Sugar Daddy growls as everyone starts to scream and panic. “Except you, fine lady.” He motions to Clementine. “I’m taking enough from you tonight.” He then glances down at me. “I’m giving you everything tonight, and I don’t just mean the money.”

I bite my lip to keep from smiling. “I’m not letting you get away with this, you monster.”

“I hope not.” He shoots another firework arrow into the ceiling, sending people dropping to the floor. “This is so much fun.”

Once everyone is tied to their chairs, Sugar Daddy searches their pockets. He then gathers all the jewels and money they left behind and snatches my wrist. “When this lovely angel returns, it means you are all safe and can go about enjoying your lovely dinner.” He blows a kiss from the mask. “Have an extra slice of cake on me.” He takes me from the dining hall and rushes with me into the library. There, he opens up a secret passage that leads down a narrow corridor and into a circle room lined with doors to other secret passages.

He rips off the mask, laughing. “What a riot! I think they were pissing their pants.”

I grab him instantly and kiss him. “I’ve never enjoyed your antics so much.”

He licks the corner of his mouth as his snakes rise up, free from the wig. “You were quite good yourself. But I can’t work with you again, I get far too hard in the trousers to be taken seriously.”

I kiss him hungrily, pushing his back against the wall. “I could notice.” I push him down onto his knees, enjoying the view from the top. “Everything but the boots,” I command him.

He’s stripping off his shirt. “What about the hostages? You intend to make them wait?”

I roll my eyes. “Fine, wait in the bedroom. I’ll go in, make a scene, then race to come save my poor fiancé.” I go back the way we came, rushing into the dining hall and falling into mother Clementine’s arms. 

I then go to rescue Nectarios and, while the rest of the mansion is in a panic, I have him on the ground.

I’ve never felt such excitement before, such need for him. I ride him with abandon, gasping and moaning out loud in pleasure. His fingers wrap tightly around the chair behind him, his back arches off the ground as he lets out loud snarls of pleasure. I claw my hands down his chest, watching him writhe on the floor while a big grin spreads across his face.

The night winds down and, as cold air creeps onto our feverish skin, I snuggle close to his side. 

“We’ve been using that word fiancé a lot,” he says thoughtfully. His fingertips rap along my arm. “I know it’s all an act for my parents, but what if it were real?”

I sit up and look down upon him. His long red snakes flow over the pillow and his sharp eyes gaze up at me with tenderness. “Are you asking me to marry you?” I tap my finger against his lips. “Because you can’t do that.”

He frowns.

“You and I are more than married already,” I whisper to him. “You are my partner, my confidant, my pet.” I place a soft kiss upon his lips. “You hold my heart so tenderly and so close. How could you possibly do more than that?”

Nectarios brushes my hair aside, tucking it behind my ear. “I thought as much, I just wanted to hear you say it.” He chuckles gently as he holds me. “I love you, my sugar baby.”

I lay upon him, closing my eyes as I listen to the gentle thrum of his heart. “I love you too.”