paradisa | (no subject)

[ Lucrezia smirks and stands so she can circle round the back of his couch. ]

Telling you would be cruel and unnecessary.

[He keeps looking straight ahead, though his attention is clearly on her, his arms across the back of the couch tensed.]

Is it really cruel when I have asked?

[ She trails her fingers across his arm, pleased at how tense he seems. ]

We don't always ask for what pleases us.

[He leans his head back.]

I know that well, as do you.

[ She looks down on him, venturing a hand to his lips. ]

I find it foolish.

[This is so fucking wrong, he thinks. He lifts a hand to capture hers.]

You still have not answered my question.

[ She doesn't try to wrest it free. ]

You are beginning to believe it is not worth even pride.

Oh? And who, exactly, weighs against my pride?

[ Lucrezia leans closer. ]

Yourself.

[a low chuckle]

I already told you, I do not count self-pleasure when it comes to abstinence.

[ She lowers her lips to his ear. ]

I wonder who.

Guess.

Would it displease me to know?

[He tilts his face towards hers, just slightly. Barely at a whisper, almost conspiratorial:]

Any name but yours would displease you.

[ She smiles drawing back ever so slightly. ]

You think you know me well, Auditore.

I'll stop believing that when you surprise me.

Did the last few months not prove you wrong?

You have been cross with me, we have fought numerous times, you have expressed a desire to never see me again, and at all possible occasions you have gone from pacified to tears of fury. You think I am a liar!

Yet still, you betray your brother to see me. Still, you bring me gifts. Still, you sneak into my room and drink with me, and put your hands on me.

Why shouldn't I believe it, Lucrezia? If you can come here and try to prove that I still want you, then I can point out that much about you.

[ Lucrezia bites back a smile, a little too smug, then pulls away to stroll around the room. ]

I did not promise my brother I would not see you. [ Because betray is a strong word. ]

Why did you open your door to me?

[He gives a short laugh under his breath.]

To see if you'd come in.

Have I been tricked?

Of course not. All I wanted to see was that you were still interested.

Then it is a trick. I am a victim of your curiosity.

Have I never been a victim of yours? Come here.

[He takes his attention off her to pour more wine.]

[ Lucrezia takes a breath to speak, then smiles slyly. ]

And again prove to you my supposed interest?