It was a study in desire that would leave a lasting impression on Nicolas.Seven days after his beating by the wall, Nicolas was awakened harshly in th... middle of the night as Hagen threw him from his bed, kicking him, telling him to go to the stables.Through out the day, Nicolas moved between Marie and Ines, beginning a process that would, he hoped, assuage some of his fury, allowing him to find his balance for the things to come.Removing his mental influence from Ines she immediately began. You're a pearl.She'd been incensed then, and hadn't typed a response. His constant use of diminutive endearments for her grated. He hadn't earned the right. If she could have slapped the power button on her computer she would have, but as it was a Mac she closed it down and seethed quietly, ire unvented by physical expression.She had an early morning coming up the next day, so she hit the bed right after a quick facial scrub. She was having a hard time getting the chat out of her head, though,. And then repeat what I've told you to do, do you understand?" Yes Mistress Mandy, I understand." Good, now stay there for a moment, I have something to take care of."Mistress Mandy slid back around the table, got up and went to the bar,the bartender had already locked up at her command and she was justchecking to make sure the hidden camera was focused correctly to capturethe entirety of these moments, she wanted me to be able to see it all.She sat back down next to me, and began anew with her. Surely things could only go well for them.Jane arrived at the Starbucks where she and Charlie had decided to meet: it was one that stayed open late, was neither very crowded nor desolately empty. She knew she'd arrived too early, but it wasn't as if there was anything more important to delay her. And, in any case, given the dreadful traffic congestion, she didn't want to risk being late. She bought her Café Latte Grande from the barista and sat by the window where she could watch people come.