In another world, another time

"So is this your final decision?"

"How could you have thought this would end any other way?"

"You reprobate!"

"Now insulting me isn't going to change the end result, but do go on. All this will do is increase the amount of pleasure I will derive from your useless efforts," Bill said, the feeling of victory coursing through his veins.

"I made you a once in a lifetime offer!"

"Really? Not from where I was standing."

Rick paced in front of him, the indignation pulsating off him in vibrations that simply fed the monster more and more.

"So why make me think you were considering it at all?"

Bill didn't deign to give his question a response. He let the silence do it for him.

Rick looked up at him in that moment, and he recognized the truth in his eyes.

"This was your plan all along wasn't it?"

He couldn't help the evil snicker that left his mouth.

Rick started to pace once again, the only sound in his old office, as he had been quite efficiently replaced, being that off his shoes as they wore a path on the floor.

Bill just kept looking at him as the prey tried to find a way out of the conundrum it found itself, knowing there was none, but enjoying the struggle going on within his opponent none the same.

The stiletto of her heels tapped against the ground, announcing her arrival.

Her scent traveled as if an afterthought, a sliver in the wind that tantalized his senses.

With no plausible comprehension as to why, the beast began to stretch inside him.

"Now, now Rick. You shouldn't be such a sore loser," she teased, her voice carrying a mischievous lilt.

Bill's gaze was drawn to her face, the ethereal beauty that surrounded her stirring the beast once more. With a stronger, more persistent tug.

Rick swiftly turned around, Bill noticed in his peripheral vision, his body becoming a sounding board of aggression.

"I will find a way to reverse this." One had to admire the level of conviction he was emanating.

Steffy sauntered over towards the desk that Bill was sitting behind, perching herself on corner, hiding her beautiful face from his view, her presence continuing to saturate his senses nonetheless.

"I can tell sit here and go through all the reasons why I know it won't work." Her hand moved in a sweeping gesture.