gathering of the wicked [gideon]

[RYANNA EVANGELINE COLISTE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb= style, width: 420px; background-color: D83C40; border: 10px solid #343138; padding: 2 2 2 2px;] Roller blind eyes With your empty smile Feel the bile rising from your guilty past (tagged for gideon) (enough words) (outfit) (run like hell by pink floyd) Gideon intruiged her in ways Ryanna could not really describe or put her finger on. His maliciousness was alluring, like that disney character Dr. Facilier. She had picked up tidbits of that, not that she was actually interested in them. Ry herself was more a Malificent, if we were gonna pin them down on cartoon badasses anyways. But whatever it was and whatever way you looked at it, Gideon was handsome and intelligent, and he was as evil as she was, which was something a woman like her could appreciate. "Seems like I succeeded surprising the great Gideon Osbourne. I must celebrate this." Ryanna said with a teasing hint-of-a-smile that graced her full lips as she raised her glass at him, tilting her head a little as if saying cheers, before taking another sip of her drink. Beverages like this were never to be thrown back at once, unlike most ignorant teenagers did. You wre to keep it in your mouth and cherish the taste, before slowly letting it glide down your throat. Not that those people could actually handle the burning sensation it gave. "My businesspartners were usually weaker than me, for lack of anything better. Those who were younger, listened to me, so I had full control. You, in fact, are my first business relation based on equality and mutual respect." The vampire continued, trailing her finger along the edge of the glass. She was most definately interested in her business companion, at least, right now she was. Ryanna had never been one of the long-term things, she just enjoyed things while they were fun and kept Anthony in her heart for him to stay there. The woman had vowed that he was her only love and that she'd never ever let anyone as close as she had let him. Because loving people made your vulnerable. If they knew they couldn't get to you, they'd get to those you loved and get you through them. Ry did not want that again. She had lost too many people because she loved them. It wasn't to happen again. "Ideal partnership? I think the most important thing is mutual respect. Equality. I am a woman and very easily underestimated, especially by men who are near my own age or those who are oblivious. And yes, a good partner is never boring." The woman added, rolling her eyes a little. She could be pleasant if she wanted to, she wasn't always a stonecold bitch. To most she was, but with Gideon she felt herself letting her guard down more and more. Somehow she trusted him, even though she knew it was stupid. Ry never trusted anybody. But they were equal. Together they were over 5000 years old and nearly invinceable. Nearly, since the ancient Egyptian wasn't foolish enough to believe no one could ever be able to kill her. That was the biggest mistake people made, thinking no one could harm them and quit paying attention. So Ry did pay attention. But Gideon and her were so strong together, and they respected each other, so why break such a bond? She wasn't going to ponder on it for too long, she was just gonna see how it went. Likewise she was gonna let go of herself, tormenting her mind because of Westley Taylor. He had looked like Anthony for a moment there, but it wasn't going to happen again. She knew he wasn't easy to kill, she wouldn't underestimate him, but she was going to be prepared. Ready. Whenever he was gonna strike, she'd be ten times faster, and she'd succeed in killing him. It didn't matter how long it took, the dark-haired woman just knew this for sure. Westley Taylor's head was hers and no one elses. And after that, she'd be able to live in peace without the pressing of Anthony's veagance on her. It would be better that way. And it was also why, as generous as Gideon's offer was, she could not take it. She needed to do this alone in order to get the satisfaction and hopefully the peace of mind she needed. She had to be the one who had murdered Westley in a vicious, horrible and painful way, and if not, it would never leave her alone. It would haunt her for the rest of her life, and the rest of her life was long. It was eternal, if you looked at it positively or negatively. These days she wasn't even sure whether an eternal life was a good or a bad thing. She just wanted to be set free. "To a dead hunter," She replied, raising her glass once again, before putting it to her lips. Ah, fun. They were moving into waters that were about to decide how exactly this meeting was gonna end. It turned Ryanna intoa curious woman, something she wasn't very often, because she couldn't care less about other people's lives. They were just useless and silly and it took more space in your mind than it needed. You needed that space for yourself. "Fun comes in many shapes and sizes, mr. Osbourne. I don't know what you can handle." The vampire said, her dark eyes locking his, before her fingers glided around her glass to drink again. Seducing was something that usually came pretty easy to her, even if she wasn't really trying, like now. Ry knew she was a beautiful woman, like all supernaturals were, she sometimes used it in her advantage, sly and slippery as she was, but that was besides the point. She was just curious, because she didn't know if he wanted to and how that would turn out. He was different than most guys that approached her, so it was hard for her to calculate what he was thinking. She couldnt'see straight through him and it was as exciting and challenging as it was unnerving. But she decided to go for the first option, as he called her very lovely. Biting her bottom lip in semi-thought, Ry looked up to Gideon with a slight grin. At this point she was like, ah fuck it, and whatever the outcome would be, she'd go for it. "Why, thank you. But y'know, I have ways to look even lovelier." Ryanna said, getting out of her chair, taking Gideon's hand in hers to gently tug him out of his chair. Ryanna had made her decision. You better run like hell You better run all day template created by brooke!

[GIDEON ISAAC OSBOURNE]

When they'd first met, the demon wasn't sure that Ryanna Coliste could have a playful side to her except maybe when she was on the hunt or toying with her prey. However, the smooth as silk, flirtatious side of her that was coming out was something that he actually found himself to enjoy. It wasn't the intense spark that he'd had with Jyli, but Gideon wasn't sure where that was headed, and didn't want to get tied up to any one person. He'd survived three thousand years without any sort of major commitment to another being, and he wasn't about to start and ruin everything when he had so many business propositions and work to do. The Luxor was already an early upstart, and was doing incredibly well for being so new to Manuka, Ryanna's business was soon to become a major part of his life with his investments and involvement to the slave trade market, and he had his eye on advertising with a particularly vicious mermaid named Aquana Adrastos.

There was plenty on his plate, and the demon knew that it was best and most logical to keep any strings from messing with his larger plans and goals. In all his experience, he had learned how to avoid strings, which really only served the purpose of making for messier situations than necessary. Ryanna, however, was a lot like him, which made her not only wildly interesting, but incredibly attractive and desirable. Most of the time, Gideon kept his cards so close to his chest that relationships of any kind, even sexual relationships, were difficult for him to maintain. Letting a woman close, even just a little bit, was enough to make him cringe. The demon was definitely a secretive man, and didn't feel that anyone could really handle any of his idiosyncrasies and the real him if they got close enough.

”Great, hmm? You flatter me,” Gideon said smoothly. Yet, he followed her prompts, more than happy to continue whatever game they were playing and see where it all ended up. Ryanna raised her glass, and Gideon mirrored her movements, accepting the toast and their silent 'cheers,' then sipped his beverage just as Ryanna did. He appreciated that she didn't feel a need to waste good liquor by throwing it back as he saw so many young people doing in the modern era. Once upon a time, this type of refreshment had been illegal, and people from his era and before had learned to savor it because of its rarity. People like Ryanna and Gideon didn't drink for the alcohol's properties, but because they enjoyed the relaxing feeling and the flavor, which was the proper reason to drink in the demon's opinion. ”What a way to celebrate. Good liquor is one of life's greatest pleasures. Do you agree?”

Upon discussing her ideal business partner, Ryanna's answer didn't surprise the demon, but added to her appeal. It was then and there that he decided that if she would be willing to enter some sort of other relationship, although it would have to stick to physical, with no commitments, he'd be more than willing to expand his horizons a little and take a chance. For a moment, his mind flickered back to Jyli, but then he shoved her out and focused on the gorgeous, intelligent vampire who was sitting across from him. Ryanna was a marvel, and a rare wonder, and he had the complete intentions to enjoy her. ”I do my very best not to waste my time on inferiors. I knew you could match and complement me the moment I first set eyes on you, Ryanna.” The words were honest, and far more flattering than he was usually willing to give when it wasn't empty seduction, but Ryanna was right – they were equals, and he did have a great amount of respect for her accomplishments and brutality. There was a lot to respect about this woman, and he'd be a fool not to acknowledge it. Gideon Osbourne was many things, but a fool was certainly not one of them.

”I cannot promise that I will never be a bore, but I shall try my best to keep you entertained,” Gideon said, finding that he was actually being a little playful on his own. The teasing tone in his words shouldn't have been missed by Ryanna, who seemed to pick up even the smallest inflections. But that came with age and experience, and they both certainly had lots of each. Together, their combined experience would allow for a lot of changes to be made in Manuka, and that was part of why Gideon had sought Ryanna out to be his business partner. Even though the city was quaint for a budding metropolitan area, there could always be changes for the better, in his mind. At the moment, it seemed that the city was in the grasp of powerful light siders, and still crawling with humans. Gideon had always preferred a darker shade, and thought that making Manuka a destination for more supernaturals, and older ones, at that – the cash flow would be infinite. Ryanna already had a great plan by making the human slave trade market, but his hotel could house the stuffy upper crust like himself quite marvelously, and make them rather comfortable. However, if they were going to be worried about hunters and light siders at every turn, why bother traveling to Manuka? Those were the plans that were already ticking in his head, and while they needed some refinement, Gideon felt that he was off to a great start.

The demon saw Ryanna toast to a dead hunter, even if she declined his offer to be helpful, as he figured she would. Ryanna was the type to take care of her own business, and he appreciated that. It was a good faith gesture, and he felt that Ryanna saw it for what it was. ”May he not even have the luxury of the pits of hell,” Gideon replied, then clinked his glass against the vampire's. After the moment passed, Ryanna went back to playful flirtation, challenging his notions of 'fun.' ”I'm quite certain I can handle just about anything. Would you like to test me?” It was a bold forward maneuver, but he never shied away from direct confrontation when it was necessary for progress. Gideon very much wanted them to make progress, and not just in their business.

Ryanna responded once more, then tugged him out of his chair, leading him out of the bar, and Gideon felt a rare smile cross his features. It didn't happen so often, him feeling excitement, but he did and it was genuine. ”Your place or mine?” Gideon asked, prepared to call his driver at the drop of a hat. It wouldn't be long of a wait, and he didn't know exactly how far they were from wherever she lived. But, it wasn't a tentative assumption that the entire day had been leading to where they were headed. Since she made the first move, Gideon decided that he would be bold and make the second. His strong hand rested on her hip and he pulled her in against his body, then leaned in and gave her a smoldering, lingering kiss that was sure to set them both on fire.

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[RYANNA EVANGELINE COLISTE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb= style, width: 420px; background-color: D83C40; border: 10px solid #343138; padding: 2 2 2 2px;] Roller blind eyes With your empty smile Feel the bile rising from your guilty past (tagged for gideon) (enough words) (outfit) (run like hell by pink floyd) There weren't many people who saw the side of Ryanna that was not stone-cold and brutal, at least, not geniune. The vampire by now had mastered the ability to play nice fairly well, even if internal it made her skin crawl. She had full control over her emotions, her reactions and her body, except when you could stab her temper and unleash the fiery dragon, but that was a foolish move and most likely you wouldn't survive it. Ry liked to keep everything to her own control, in her own hand, because impulsive leaps of faith hardly ever turned out right. No, she was calculated and intelligent and could see through most people, especially the younger ones. They were driven by passion and matters of the heart usually, a foolish mistake that you only learned to not make the older you got and the more you saw. Ryanna had a heart, deep down inside she did, but the woman had learned to shut it off, to flip the switch and just not feel. Ronan had taught her how to and she would be eternally grateful for that, as she had been about to drive a stake through her heart and stop existing, even burning in hell on the other side being more attractive than feeling the way she did when Anthony had died. Though the ancient Egyptian never felt as if she had made a mistake by falling in love with Anthony and giving him her heart and her love and her trust, she knew by now that things would be better if you didn't feel. So wherever this was going with Gideon, she was not driven to get a commitment out of it. In fact, she did not want commitments at all. Commitments slowed you down, made you more vulnerable because though people could not hurt you, they could far more easily get to you by getting to those you loved. And though right now it seemed as if Ryanna did not give a fuck about any single life other than her own, she knew that if she allowed herself to care about others, she would be an easier target to get, because she'd surrender under the pressure of pain to her loved ones. Not caring was simple, it was easy and there was never any trouble. Nobody to fight with, to to get hurt by, it was the perfect existence and maybe also the reason why she had survived so long. Before Anthony she did not care, as she roamed through the continent of Europe like a black shadow, getting nicknames as the Black Widow and the Lady of Death. She had been called Seth and Eris before, because she had created death and chaos wherever she went. Those were the days she cherished and the days she longed back to most. When life was simple and evil, malicious people were feared instead of fought. It wasn't like it was of much use anyways, it never was. But before her mind could wander back to the joyful and enthusiastic little and naughty girl she had once been, always pulling pranks on people, teasing them, all innocent things, before she had jumped off the bandwagon and life had formed her into who she was today, Gideon spoke again and she focused back on the present and on the intriguing man opposing her. He was very old, even much older than she was, and he carried many secrets, much like she did, and normally she would not trust him as far as she could throw him, but Gideon was different. Both of them knew better than to stick their nose into business that wasn't theirs, they knew which things to share in order to cooperate greatly and at the same time did not mind not knowing every single detail about each other. They had trust based on respect, and Gideon was probably one of the only persons Ryanna trusted nearly completely. Because she always kept her guard up, she always stayed awake to prevent people from stabbing her in the back. "I don't flatter, Mr. Osbourne, you should know that by now." The vampire replied smoothly, though in fact it was the honest truth. Ryanna did not see the need and the purpose of boasting other people's egos and confidence. Whatever she said was truth and what she had said about Gideon was mainly a confirmation of fact that he as 3000 year old demon was in fact 'great'. Though idolation would never be a part of her either, which was probably why they cooperated so well. Liquor was one of the rarer and more elegant things in life, if you knew how to use it. By now Ryanna needed about 7 bottles of bacardi 151 to get wasted and honestly, she did not see the use of numbing down your senses just for the heck of it. She could see why it was appealing to those who were in pain of the heart, mind or body, but to her it would never have any desireable traits. Reason worked over emotions, especially for her, and for people like her it was dangerous to not pay attention to the world. Intoxicated it was far easier to stake her through her heart, while when she was fully there, there was hardly any chance for you to succeed. Ryanna was sly and cunning, slippery as an eel and even if she stumbled upon a stronger opponent once in a century, her smooth words and attractive complexion got her out of nearly anything. "There is no better way to celebrate." She replied to her companion, taking another gentle sip from her beverage. People in clubs mocked her for being a slow drinker, but Ryanna was not in any way interested in that, nor did she care. At least she really tasted what she paid for, instead of having the sheer desire to get drunk. More than one person had lost their life for mocking her drinking habit and then following her out of the club like a dumb sheep. People had stopped to think, even if this place was far too light for her eyes. But with Gideon by her side, Ryanna knew they could change that. And it would be good for her business and for her life, if there were less people trying to kill her and failing. It was getting more and more boring. "Now you flatter me. But you are right, I felt the same way about you." The woman said, her dark eyes observing the man who was sitting in front of her. He was truly an interesting creature, so old with so many wisdoms, even more than she had. Their experiences in life and all, even though she did not know a lot about his life, had made them who they are today and had given them the necessary baggage to see through all other people, but each other. It was a nice game and a nice difference from her regular life and damn yes, the vampire was truly having fun with this. It was truly nice to know that you had found your equal, and that he had the same mindset you did. "I'll make sure you won't bore me. Though I'm very certain I won't have to." Ryanna replied, her finger following the year rings of the wooden table, her gaze as it was turned to Gideon challenging and above all daring. Ryanna was not the woman who shied or scared away from anything, fear was an emotion that had been about the first to go. She knew what she could do, her abilities and her weaknesses, and she knew that you had to be a strong one to be able to knock her down. And with her new business partner, she was sure as hell that she'd be in even less danger than she had been on her own. Sure, people would go after them, they always did, but did it matter? 5000 years of fighting skills, strength and life experience, i wish you good luck defeating that. When Gideon toasted to Westley not even having the luxury of the pits of hell, Ryanna just raised her glass with a smile, willing to let the subject die as quickly as possible. She did not like being reminded of her own mistakes and her weaknesses getting the better of her. But she would learn from them, and it would never happen again. As he continued with their playful innuendos, Ryanna's perfectly-epilated eyebrows shot up swiftly as he asked her if she wanted to test what he could handle. She was pretty sure he could handle her just fine, even if she was a ravishing beast between the sheets, but the forward movement surprised her. In a good way, that is. "That's for me to know and for you to find out." The woman replied, because she was not one to make an obvious grab for the price, she was the one who would always leave things in the open and get what she wanted at the most sudden moment. People did not expect it, and though she doubted Gideon was like other people, old habits die hard, and she was perfectly fine with who she was, so why change it? As she made the first move in getting what she wanted, because let's face it; there were hardly any times in which the ancient vampire did not get what she wanted, the two of them got outside and she caught the smile on Gideon's face, noticing she had one on her own too. Smiling for her, the real geniune ones, were about as rare as diamonds. But she got one from Gideon, and he got one from her. They were on the same page. It felt good. When he asked her which place to go, the vampire thought for a moment before making up her mind. "I've always been very curious about your dragon's lair." The woman said with a sly grin, before the demon stepped in and closed the distance between them. His grip was strong, and made it perfectly clear to her that this was definitely going to be an interesting night, since the dark-haired beauty rarely met a person who could handle her in force, but with a 3000 year old demon she was pretty sure she did not have to worry about that. Her arms locked around his neck, pressing her body even tighter against his, and it felt like she was surrounded by fire. It was a good fire, though. It wasn't something she felt a lot when she was intimate with people in the physical sense (for the mind never got attached), and even if it was not anything like she had ever felt when kissing Anthony, a one-night stand could hardly be compared to the love of her life. But shoving her deceased fiancée out of her mind, Ryanna focused back on the present and the handsome demon who was probably going to rock her world tonight. You better run like hell You better run all day template created by brooke!

[GIDEON ISAAC OSBOURNE]

The ancient demon had always appreciated people with layers. During the years of his heavenly post, Gideon had seen many different facets of humanity and learned to hate just about all of it. Humans, the very species he was all but sworn in a blood oath to protect, were basically useless. They were fumbling, awful creatures who never could take advantage of the life they were given, the amenities they had, or make the most of a dreadful situation, and he, a superior being, was supposed to protect them. Essentially, he was supposed to protect them from themselves, since they were all too miserable and stupid to look out for one another. After years of learning war tactics and strategy, he learned that your brother or sister to either side of you was your best asset, and those who were close to you on the battlefield were the ones you placed unbreakable trust within. That way, you could look out for one another and have a stronger chance of survival. The human species never seemed to understand that concept – they knocked one another down like buildings, involved strategy such as war and mass genocide over disagreements that really seemed minor when you lived above it all. Religion, politics – nobody was clever enough to sit down and have a discussion and come to compromise – they'd rather kill each other. And while the demon was certainly aware that violence had a time and place, or even a use, it seemed ridiculous to him to stab his own brother or sister, especially the ones at either side of him, flanking him, in the back.

These reasons where why he chose to align himself with the 'dark' supernaturals who wished to transform the world and take it back from the humans who ran the world into shambles and insisted that their superiors continue to hide. Of course, they didn't outwardly insist upon this – most of them didn't even know superior beings existed, but they had been carefully hidden. Sure, they were spoken of in warning tales and nightmares, in stories meant to put young children in their place for fear that the 'boogeyman' would get them should they misbehave. Most supernaturals, even truly evil ones, weren't interested in children anyway. What challenge did they pose, with their growing minds and frail bodies? The adults, set in their ways and strong were the ones that the superior beings of the world, the ones who hid in the shadows, chose to target. They were the ones who had reason to be afraid. His alliance had been forged years and years ago, not too long after he'd lost his wings and been given his freedom. Unlike other fallen angels and created demons, Gideon never thought of himself as being 'damned.' He saw falling as a blessing, as a chance to put back some of the wrongs that humans created on the world and build an empire that might support a new regime. He had built his business and his empire with his own two hands, leaving carnage in his wake and earning the respect of his peers. And now, it seemed he had found an incredible match and business partner in Ryanna.

The amount of things they had in common was astounding, and it only pleased him more that she was of an ancient age and beautiful as well. Gideon had done well to seek her out and forge their relationship, working and... if the drinks they were sharing and the conversation continued on in the same regard, they might even indulge in a little more. Oh, it was plain to see that she was beautiful. Beyond beautiful, even, and Gideon had always possessed a fondness for strong, independent women who went against their shackles that were also posed by a human society and rose above. Ryanna was nearly the definition and epitome of 'rising from the ashes,' and even though he didn't flatter, the respect he had for her was practically boundless. It seemed flattery was another way for them to bond as well. ”Please, my dear, as I consider myself to be your equal and you mine, you must call me Gideon.” His smile was kind, which was unusual for him, but there was a comfort with Ryanna that he rarely felt. Perhaps it was because they were both survivors, in a way – using the skills they had and the weaknesses of others to build their way to the top. How fortunate, indeed, that they had found one another and would now continue building a stronger empire together. Resources with brains were usually the most valuable, and her intelligence was nearly as fierce as the rest of her. ”But flattery, even though it is mostly unpleasant, can be well-placed in certain situations. Appreciated, even. I am almost certain that in some ways, you might agree.”

They were headed down a road that wasn't exactly familiar to him entirely; he hadn't spent his entire existence alone, and had even taken a few lovers when his body had the need, but sex wasn't something he sought out. It wasn't something that drove him in the way it drove a lot of men. Gideon knew that it was something that drove a lot of men to weakness and stupidity, which was something he would avoid at nearly any cost. Yet, Ryanna was certainly tempting, and the celebratory alcohol wouldn't do much to their systems, but it was a gesture that wasn't lost on either of them. It was a chance for them to loosen up, relax, and see one another in a different light, even if the alcohol didn't have the affect on them that it did on most people. They were too old for its chemical appeal, and too wise to indulge foolishly.

It was almost strange, flirting with someone who could handle him on an intellectual and physical level, given that she was nearly as old as he was. After they'd reached a few thousand years of existing, centuries were so small that it wasn't worth hashing out. The drinks continued flowing, and their conversation did as well as they spoke of topics from their initial understanding and quick connection toward each other to a pesky hunter that had been a thorn in Ryanna's side. Gideon would, of course, end his existence with a snap of his fingers if he became problematic, but Ryanna was more than capable of handling it herself, and he did appreciate that she turned him down. There were many things about Ryanna that he appreciated, and found himself staring at her lovely mouth as she spoke to him about how she wouldn't allow him to become boring.

”Some women were under the mistaken impression that I was a gentleman,” Gideon said, happy that he would be able to entertain her on his own terms. ”I find that it's refreshing to be allowed to be myself with a woman, and equally pleased that you refuse to allow me to become a bore. I'd expect nothing less.” They shared a toast to the pesky hunter and his quick demise, and then the conversation became charged again... the raw power shared between them turning in a nearly sexual energy that was delicious, even though his species did not feed upon emotions. Whatever transpired between the two of them, he was certain that it would be an evening to remember. Perhaps even an evening to repeat, if he was fortunate enough. Ryanna certainly seemed confident that she could 'handle' him, and the double entendre was not lost. Not even for a moment. Oh, clever girl. He grinned, wickedly, and finished off his drink. Soon, they would have to get out of there and spend the rest of their day exploring one another in a purely physical manner that would speak to their power and connection along with raw lust toward one another. Raw lust that was founded in mutual respect would likely only heighten the entire experience, and while he usually wasn't one to mix business with pleasure, there was a time and place for making exceptions. And what an exception she was, beautiful, intelligent, powerful – an ally and a lover. Who would have guessed?

”I very much look forward to finding out.”

It was that final frontier of flirting that made Gideon bold, asking whether she wanted to continue their exchange at her place or his own, and her response was... heady. It made the demon bolder, feel more powerful, and felt the lust seep through his usually calm veins. ”My dragon's lair is atop the best skyscraper in the city. Lavish, luxurious, and will give me plenty of room to experience all you have to offer.” His words were sultry, like a caress, because he wanted her to know that he was a formidable opponent in many ways, and would be worthy of her taking her time to appreciate his talents as well. He'd had many years to hone his skills, after all, and enjoyed winning so much that he practically needed to excel at everything he did. Every undertaking had to be near perfection, or he wasn't satisfied. Gideon knew, however, in an instinctive manner that Ryanna would be beyond satisfying, and he found himself excited. The demon pulled her in and kissed her, feeling the connection between them spark and sizzle in a way that made him feel truly alive. Electricity crackled around him, and he placed enough cash on the table to cover what they'd consumed and plenty for the tip, even if the waiter hadn't been anything astounding. Still, he was in a good enough mood to be generous, especially with this lovely vampire pressed against his body.

”Let's get out of here,” Gideon said, then led her outside of the bar and toward the Luxor. From there, it was only a matter of time, and as soon as they found themselves in the penthouse suite of his magnificent hotel, the two powerful beings lost themselves to passion and pleasure, taking and giving from one another until they literally had nothing else to give. After all was said and done, Gideon actually encouraged Ryanna to stay, which was something he never did, but offered this time because he learned that he had met a wonderful, surprising match in nearly every way. That, and he wanted to rest up, rest his weary bones, and take much more from her before the sun rose and dawned a new day that the two of them might face together.

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