Thread: The Deal of a Lifetime {Niksis & Enigma_x}

It was an odd feeling, having her take the lead. Mark had always been the one in control, always been the one dictating the direction of, well, everything. When he was dating, those few times he did decide to try, they had eaten where he had said they would, they would stay for as long as he'd allow and move on to wherever he wanted to go. They'd talk of subjects he'd bring up, always in control. Some might see it as a flaw and it might very well be one. To Mark though, it was a strength. He knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to reach for it. Just as Kate had assumed, Mark was a man who, when he spoke, chose his words very carefully. Some of the people in Mark's life first viewed him as arrogant, uncaring and cold even. And perhaps, even this had been true to some extent. However now, they viewed him as calculating. Always thinking five steps ahead, his mind always on the repercussions of his words and actions. Yet now, for the first time in a long time, he had found someone seemingly just like him. Kate, at first had seemed like 'just another beautiful woman', but that image quickly changed in his minds eye. She seemed far more confident than she first appeared and perhaps that was what intrigued him, what made her just not another woman. These things are only as boring as the present company allows. His larger digits squeezing ever so slightly against her own as he entertained the idea of having her take the lead, for now. The thought of inviting her back to his place had crossed his mind. But he had not pursued this idea, partly out of fear, and partly out of respect. Fear that she might not accept Mark for who he really was. He had always been fascinated by the darker sides of intimacy. A place where his need for control and dominance could take form. And respect, well, he wasn't one to take advantage of a situation, never had been. So, how much of this is Kate and how much of it is purely occupational professionalism. Mark asked, unknown to him that he'd soon find the answer to that very question. He always had the feeling that she was putting on a show, that she was just acting. Sure, it was part of her job as an escort, at least, in his mind. But he was curious, he found himself wanting to know the real Kate. And there it was, the answer to his question. He had never expected her to take him to such a... mundane eating place? She seemed far more sophisticated than that and the revelation made Mark laugh audibly. He had never been one for fast food, or junk food. Always living the healthy life, always cooking with fresh, organic ingredients. Though he did not judge, if that was what Kate loved, then that was what Kate loved and he'd humor her, for once. We're on a date? Mark smirked at that, despite all she had said, that was what he chose to respond to. I thought your rules forbid such a thing with a client? As expected, Mark was already reaching for his wallet when Kate gave her threat of violence. The thought of her paying for him made him cringe slightly, a blow to his masculinity. What sort of man would allow his date to pay for the food? Not a real man, that's who. It took him great effort to not protest and even more effort to try and hide his discomfort. He was old-school when it came to such things. The man holds the door, pulls out the chair and pays for the food. Such where the way of things to him. So it was with a hint of discomfort Mark responded Only this once then. intentionally or not, it had come out as an order, he would not argue the point for there were none. He would allow her to pay for food this once, and never again. But only because he allowed her to pay of course, not because she forced the situation. At least, that was the explanation he told himself as he silently walked up to the truck and ordered the cheapest, and least sloppy burger he could find on the menu. Which wasn't really all that different from the rest, but at least he tried to remain healthy. Never pictured you as a burger girl. It was a statement more than a question, but he voiced it regardless. In his many dreams, he had pictured her as everything from a Vegetarian to a Sushi girl and all the way to some organic, heath freak like himself. Never, not even in the filthiest of dreams, did he imagine her being so... Normal? As to crave a burger. Not that there was anything wrong with it, quite the contrary, it was just such a stark contrast to what he had expected. Caught in his own thoughts, he barely noticed himself slipping one arm around his dinner date allowing the warmth of his firm hands to spread through the fabric of her dress and unto her waist as he began to gently caress her with his thumb. When their food finally arrived, Mark reached for the plastic bag with his free hand and began to walk towards the fountain. What'd you get? he asks, leaning over to try and peak into her box as she opens it while at the same time opening his own box. Having ordered the most plain sounding, and looking, burger that there was in an attempt to find some sort of middle ground between what she wanted, and what he wants.