Write on Edge Prompt: Money. We count it and trade it for the things we need, the things we
want, and sometimes even the things we can’t really afford.
This week you have 450 words; the first and last lines will be provided, but the middle is up to you!
Beginning line: “Not everyone can be bought,” she said.
Ending line: He let the money fall onto the table and walked out.
“Not everyone can be bought,” she said, as she rolled a black stocking past her knee and secured it mid-thigh to her garter. Rufus watched from the bed, his eyes admiring the curve of her hip as she leaned over to pick up her dress. After pulling it over her head, she approached him again, turning her back and pointing to the zipper. He obliged, his fingers slowly running along her spine with the zipper, until they reached the top. Cat turned and grabbed his hand, kissing his fingers before stepping away to sit at her vanity. She grabbed a lip pencil and began reapplying what Rufus had kissed away moments ago. He sat up, grabbed his clothes, and began dressing. She didn't get it, did not understand the implications of her choice.
She'd sold her "vintage" soul before today; fourteen different
owners. He had the provenance to prove it. That was a crime. It was also a violation of the
original contract, however, and as the original purchaser, he was ready
to collect. His demon horde was waiting just outside the door, for his
command. They were ready to rip, tear, rend.
He hadn't counted on wanting her for his own
personal amusement, and had given in to his desire to bed her. He would be
punished, but she belonged to him now. She would find that he was not
as easily manipulated as Lucifer, the last angel to think he had
purchased her soul. Still, the last hour had been pleasant.
"Nonsense, Cat," he responded. "It may not be money that they want as payment, but everyone has a price. We've just established yours."
He let the money fall onto the table and walked out.
Oo. I like this. It's a great snippet of a scene. I want to know more!
ReplyDeleteI agree - great world-building... makes me want to know about both of your characters!
ReplyDeleteconcrit: "He sat up, grabbed his clothes, and began dressing. She didn't get it, did not understand the implications of her choice." - I did have a little trouble here. Up to this line, the point of view is firmly a detached third person, not following any specific character, and then it jumps squarely into Rufus' pov. I think the first few sentence could easily be edited to fit more firmly with Rufus!
- barbara @ de rebus
www(dot)barbaragildea(dot)com
You are quite right. I did not edit this with my usual focus!
DeleteOhhhhhh.....I love this. LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteInteresting ... the idea that she's been selling her soul all around town! I liked the feeling of being a bit unsure about who was in control of the situation, with Rufus emerging as the one with the upper hand as the piece unfolds.
ReplyDeleteWonderful. I like how certain they both were and the bit of backstory made it more interesting.
ReplyDeleteGreat world building. I was curious though, whether she had sold her soul 14 times or if 14 other people had ad it before, as if souls are recycled somehow.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I am not sure. Another writing assignment, perhaps!
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ReplyDeleteI love when people conjure the lesser known demons. Poor Cat.
ReplyDelete