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Evangeline had heard the word plenty of times in her life.
No, Evangeline. We’ll tell you another story tomorrow night.
But-
No, my dear.
She blinked, shaking her head from the memories slung over her grim thoughts. Jacks glared down at his shoes, as yet another hopeful guest stopped by the pair. The two sat by the lounge, awaiting dessert. A light snowing did not help the kindling flames in the kitchen, so it was running rather later.
An older lady settled herself on the leather seat across from the two. She grinned, full-teeth with a ferocity that startled Evangeline a bit. Jacks did not seem to notice. His eyes remained cast down, as though he wished he could burn right through the floor. Evangeline suspected one day he’d have the magical ability to do so but that day would not be any time soon.
The woman cleared her throat, offering a mug of cocoa to Jacks. Evangeline bumped her shoulder against his lightly, drawing his attention back to the room they were in. His gaze narrowed down on the drink across from him, and in a single movement of his hand, brushed it away. “No.”
“I bet you’ll like it.” The woman brought it closer, the whiff of chocolate dizzying Evangeline’s senses. If he did not take it this instant, she certainly would. Jacks leaned back against the seat, his arm brushed Evangeline’s shoulder. On his lips rested a flat line slowly curving upwards. But, it was no smile.
Jacks was rather talented in making such innocent actions rather vicious looking. Without realizing, Evangeline’s eyes had drawn down to his mouth. The realization jolted her senses awake and she turned her head. The woman’s smile did not falter, if anything, it tightened. Her eyes slid over to Evangeline.
In them, a glaring warning arose.
Don’t bring him again.
She swallowed, and stood, clasping her hand into Jacks. Evangeline gave a small smile. “We will return in a moment, I just need a small word in private with my… companion.”
Jacks coughed from beside her, and for a strange second, Evangeline almost thought it resembled laughter. Scoundrel, she thought but unfortunately, her hand did not agree as it tightened around his. She pulled him out of the living room, finding some deserted hall near the back door of the home.
Voices of guests and lively piano muffled through the walls. If Evangeline centered her attention there, she might’ve enjoyed it for a second but that was not her focus. Jacks was. Her heart hammered, a vicious beat against her chest as she realized the implications of what she’d done.
Asking for a moment, alone, in private. With her companion. Horrible, handsome companion.
“Is there something wrong, Evangeline?” Jacks asked, his face cleared of any emotion. As it usually was, Evangeline supplied. Though, that did not count for her answer. It was just a simple matter of fact.
She squared her shoulders and raised her head, clearing the smile from her face. “What are your intentions with such behavior here? Is ‘No’ the only word available in your vocabulary?”
Jacks blinked, unaffected. “No.”
Evangeline rolled her eyes, tentatively stepping closer. “Why be so abrasive? You may actually enjoy tonight if you allow yourself to.”
“I can assure you, saying “No” is more than plenty of fun for me. Do you despise the word, Evangeline?”
“Of course not,” she said, rolling her eyes. The action felt rare coming from her but she couldn’t hold it back. Jacks was pressing her buttons for no good reason but entertainment, his own twisted entertainment. A seething frustration curled in her stomach as he stepped closer. Close enough for their shadows to meet, for her to see little light falling over his face but she knew he was close.
“You know what I think,” he began. Evangeline’s lips parted, words right on her tongue but his finger rose for a moment and brushed her bottom lip. A caress, it felt like but really, nothing more than a warning. I’m not done yet, his touch told her.
Jacks continued, “I think you are incapable of saying no.”
“That is not true.” Her words came out softer than she’d wanted. Jacks moved his finger from her lip, trailing down her jaw from her neck. She closed her eyes for a brief moment. “It is absolutely.. not true.”
“Then, why aren’t you telling me to stop right now?” She moved to step back but realized quickly her back was against the wall. Evangeline would’ve— no, she should’ve— considered her idea better, given it more thought than just a conversation. His fingers, chilling but.. oddly wonderful, cupped the side of throat.
A small gasp escaped her parted lips as his thumb brushed the area, softer than a snowflake. Not rigid, or forced, or grinch-like at all. Just Jacks. The edges of his lips curved upward, satisfactory. Evangeline breathed, “People would spot us.. We should go back.”
“Is that a no?” His hand rose into her hair, playing with it, her head leaning in towards his. Her thoughts were in absolute contradiction as his lips nearly made contact with her cheek. Not quite a kiss, but it wasn’t nothing.
No! No, stop.. or don’t stop.. No, yes. Yes, stop?
Heat rushed towards every spot his lips brushed against despite the cold feel of his skin. Suddenly, every cold touch filled her with ridiculous warmth, pleasure. She meant to shake her head, the haze overrunning her senses but in some spur of the moment, she leaned her forehead against his.
“I can say no,” she whispered, her eyes opened finally. “The matter is, when I want to.”
Something flickered across his face. Unreadable. Before she could ask, footsteps and a sharp gasp caught their attention. The older woman from earlier held a hand to her heart, her eyes already skimming the sight right there. Gossip was inevitable, lighting the room aflame with chatter.
Jacks drew back, tucking a stray rose-gold strand of hair behind Evangeline’s ear. He half-turned, attempting a smile at the older woman. “So, is it safe to assume dessert is ready?”
“Yes, come now.” Her voice was small, a chide sneaking out. Evangeline stifled a giggle, a giggle! She stepped forward, drawing away from the wall.
Jacks began to walk, his expression lacked any emotions but as Evangeline strolled shoulder to shoulder with him, she almost thought his cheeks were tinged with color.
Every pair of eyes were glued to the pair, curiously. Incredulously. The guests assumed what they saw was the living Christmas spirit interact with the Magnificent North’s Grinch but it couldn’t be less true. It was simply Evangeline and Jacks.
The girl with tousled rose-gold hair, her humored eyes glittering like the stars and her companion, the boy with the lightest blush color on his cold cheeks.
Two seats were saved for them and new questions were flung for the rest of the night. It can be safe to assume what the most popular reply was.
Surely, an eventful night of no’s.