An unexpected deal

I needed to confront her, maybe it was **** but I had to try. I dropped the menu and finished my meal, thinking about how to bring it up, while trying to ignore how wonderful everything tasted on Lisa’s tongue.

Building up my courage, I leaned in closer so as not to be overheard, and said;

“Candida, I need you to leave Lisa alone. She’s an innocent in all of this, and she shouldn’t be used as some kind of bargaining chip in our little game.”

Trent considered, before leaning in close to me too.

“Oh, we’re using real names, huh? Okay Alex.”

For some reason, hearing me referred to as my own name gave me nearly as much of a thrill as being referred to as Lisa, hearing either one serving as a little audio reminder that right now I wasn’t in the skin I was supposed to be in. Hearing the name “Alex” even seemed to ratchet up an atmosphere of danger, as it flirted with the dark truth of what was going on, and invited discovery; the thought of which turned the exhibitionist side of me on.

“But to answer your question; why would I give her up? Right now you’re perfectly checkmated, Lisa the ideal hostage. You gave up her skin in the first place because of how much you cared about her; abandoning her might reduce her usefulness to me, but it would be a total betrayal of the morals you seem to care so much about.”

He smiled, relishing this.

“So really there’s no way I could do that. Plus, look at where we are now. A beautiful café by the waterfront, sharing a delicious breakfast together. You’re fulfilling your fetish to the max, wrapped tight in what you crave most, and I’m finally in a relationship with the man I love. Or the woman I love, if you prefer. We can swap skins anytime, I don’t mind playing either role.”

I was taken aback by such a casual declaration of love, and found myself blush a little despite myself.

Love? For me… No! I can’t fall for its words!

“If you don’t leave her alone, I’ll… I’ll… I’ll hate you forever!”

I couldn’t stand how petulant that sounded, but I couldn’t think of any other hand to play, and with all the emotions churning around in me, I guess I couldn’t resist a bratty outburst.

He laughed a little, seeming to enjoy seeing me act that brat, but his face softened.

“Alright, alright. I get it.”

He gave a small laugh, one filled with light mirth, still seeing me as cute no matter what. I felt my heartstrings tug a little, and tried to ignore the feeling.

“I’ll tell you what… Alex, it’s you I really care about most, and I never, ever want you to truly hate me. I’ll leave her alone, but on one condition.”

My eyes widened, never expecting her to agree to anything like this. Could I really save Lisa from the skinwalker, just through conversation?

“What’s the condition?”

I smiled, grateful and happy to have a shot at doing the right thing for once.

“You have to come with me today. I already know you’re free, so come with me on the dates I had planned. They’ll be really special, I promise. And then, at the end if you still want me to leave Lisa alone, I will. Deal?”

We both smiled, me full of happiness things were finally going my way, and Trent happy to come to a real, genuine agreement with me.

“Deal!”

I laughed now, pleased we were getting somewhere.

I’m really doing it! I can save Lisa, with no **** or anything!

“Here’s the cheque, as requested.”

The waitress had brought the bill, and I reached for my purse to get the money, only for Trent to place his hand on mine.

“Hey, I’m paying silly. This is a date, remember?”

“Oh, it’s okay, I mean I don’t mind…”

He got closer to me, his eyes never leaving me even while he absentmindedly scanned his black credit card on the reader.

“I insist. Just for today, relax and let yourself be the girl who’s out with her new boyfriend, having fun and getting spoiled on a beautiful day.”

“I… okay.”

I smiled, taken aback by his intensity, and how okay I was at the proposition.

“I can do that.”

Walking out into the warm sunshine of the pier, I wondered just what kind of dates he had in store.

It’s only one day. Less than 12 hours, probably. I’ve worked longer shifts than that, it’s no big deal. And then I’ll have saved Lisa!

He turned to me, a big smile as he said;

“Okay, so for our first date spot, we’re going to…