What do you truly desire in this life?
Love, renown, or maybe Money?
These are the questions she asked me before I made the deal. Had I known what I would get myself into I would have turned her down the moment she revealed herself to me. But it's too late now. With tired arms I paint her image. Intimately mixing the oil paint on my palette. Whenever I would paint she would manifest. I could feel her piercing gaze behind my back. Watching me passionately stroke my brush. A voyeur. Dim rays of sunlight started beaming into the room, signifying that it's almost sunrise. As I was about to color the hem of her red dress my vision started to tilt, the sudden wave of nausea from painting all night made me drop the brush to the floor.
"I'm sorry. That's all I can paint for today." Without even turning around. I addressed the vixen. I wasn't able to paint much. Just 5 paintings. Would she be dismayed?
"My dear Anton, done already?"
There was no disappointment in her tone.
Her footsteps getting closer. As soon she got close she straddled me like a veteran stripper. Her infernal red skin in contrast to the white sundress she's wearing. For a creature designed to ensnare men, she really does fit the part; terrifyingly so. Silky long jet-black hair, red pupils with a slant iris. You would mistake her face to have been carved by the angels themselves if you are not aware of her true nature. She grabbed my right hand, pushing it against her left breast. Before I got to even process how soft her breasts are she cupped my chin and leaned in for a kiss. Her tongue skillfully snaking in my so it could wrestle with mine. I closed my eyes for the sensation of her violating my mouth became too intense. Her bat-like wings unfurled, covering the two of us in what looks like a foreplay scene that would make even the devil blush. Moments later she paused. Visibly delighted by the fact that it's showing on my face how distraught I am that she stopped, unable to voice out my protest in fear that it would give her some sort of hold over me. When in truth, I was already a marionette on strings. I let loose my erection as she impaled herself into me. Giggling, she grinded her hips with gusto until minutes later I came inside of her. After the deed she sensually slid to my behind and whispered to my ear.
"Paint more and I shall give you more pleasure in return."
With that she vanished from the room in a puff of smoke leaving no trace. What a debauched proposition, but an effective one. Her body the dangling above my head as both the carrot and the stick. I drop to the floor exhausted. I can't wait to start painting again.
My misfortune began a month prior. I sell my paintings for a living. If you're a decent painter like me then people will pick up your work occasionally or commission portraits. Just enough to sustain you from day to day. The problem is, making just enough won't cover it if you're renting the place where you sell your art. It's the 90s, what am I supposed to do, close shop and sell my artwork by the roadside?
I'll be a laughingstock among my friends.
Speaking of friends one had been pestering me since I opened my shop this morning.
"I'm telling you. The computers are all going to crash and burn. I'd unplug that one in your counter just to be sure."
Sipping his cup of coffee using his thin arms. Kevin. The sort of guy who would take note of every minor inconvenience he suffered throughout the day just because a black cat crossed his path. He's not a wackjob, just a little too into the supernatural.
"It's too early for this shit, Kevin. I haven't even had a customer."
My protest did nothing to hinder his yapping. It's not that I want him out, I just wish he would sometimes ask mundane stuff like 'how are things between you Sally?', you know, things that normal people ask each other instead of going on about the collapse of computers 4 years from now. Because between you and me, Sally and I are having a rough time lately.
"Someone needs to finish their own coffee."
Kevin mockingly sipped out if his cup.
I chug a few of my own as my mind drifts to what gift I am going to give my girlfriend for our 2nd anniversary. I've already used the deposit on the shop's rent so I can't miss this month's payment. She's a pre-med student, in a few years she's going to be too good for someone who sells mediocre artworks at dingy store. I love her too much to care though.
"Hey kev, What did you get Nadine for your anniversary last month?"
"I just bought her tickets to the broadway and we had dinner afterwards. Went back to her place and banged. Why?"
"Nothing."
"Oh that's right, yours is coming up. Taking pointers?
Well, I never took sally for the artsy type so she might not dig broadway."
"I'm going to spill this coffee on you. You know I'm his boyfriend, right?"
"I'm kidding. Lighten up."
"I will once you leave."
It's a habit of his to leave a quarter before his shift starts, meaning in 15 minutes It's gonna be peace and quiet for me. I usually get 8 to 10 potential customers per day. Emphasis on the potential. About 5 of them are just looking around. Around 3 would ask for the prices but never buy anything. Finally the remaining two would either commission for a self portrait or finally purchase something. A day in the life of a struggling artist.
The door opens. A woman with long jet black hair wearing a burgundy double breasted trench coat walked in. Even with those sunglasses hiding her eyes, everyone she would come across with will no doubt attest to the fact that her face is captivating. My friend and I both looked at each other, taken aback by what seems to be an immaculate presence; for me at least.
"You've got a customer. My shift's going to start soon anyway. See ya later".
Kev had this troubled look on his face before making a beeline outside
Well, looks like it's just me and miss burgundy over here. I would've been delighted if I didn't already have a wonderful girlfriend. Right now I'm just hoping she makes a purchase. The lookers drop by during morning. I sure hope she isn't a miser considering that she's got a nice looking coat. With a smile on my face, I addressed her.
"See anything you like, Miss?"
The woman didn't pay any heed. Scrutinizing my artworks with a stern expression. Finally grabbing a single piece and taking it to the counter. After laying it on the table, she just stared at me. As much as I'm glad that she's buying something, her apathetic behavior is really weirding me out. The art she chose was the one I titled "Boy and the stars". Where a lone boy can be seen overlooking the stars by the meadows. Not a masterpiece but still pretty enough for a wall decor.
"How much?"
I could feel her eyes gazing into me even with those shades.
"Normally I would charge around $50 for this, but for a lovely lady such as you I'd give it for $40".
If I wasn't in dire need of cash I would have given it for its original price of $30. A man needs to hustle.
"Here's 50. Keep the change."
Her hand stretched handing me the bill.
"Thank you miss, I'm just gonna wrap this up for you. Hold on second".
Now I feel bad for my impromptu price hike. Better make sure that it's well packaged so I could at least make up for it.
I handed her the artwork. What's odd is that she didn't grab the art piece, she went for my hands instead. As I was about to voice my protest she interjected.
"Oh, my apologies."
With a sly smile she took the painting and started to head out. Stunned by that last interaction, I was trying to figure out why she did that while watching her walk to the door.
Even turning around to give me one last smile before closing the door. She's definitely hitting on me. Unfortunately for her, I'm not gonna cheat on my girlfriend with some broad who just so happens to have bought one of my paintings.
Come the next morning, I was once again lost in thought. 6 days before my anniversary and I still haven't decided what I would give as my gift. While my good friend over here keeps going on and on about the lady yesterday.
"There's something wrong with that woman. I could sense it. I know I like to talk bullshit when it comes to the supernatural but something's telling me that woman is the real deal."
"Kev, she bought a painting. I have nothing bad to say about her. Although...."
Before I could recant what happened yesterday near the end the door busted open. I do get repeat customers but not the day after they've already purchased. Kev and I exchanged looks once again, I saw his eyes widen. The thing is, Kev isn't easily spooked so I'm finding out how he reacts to this chick is rather amusing. He made his getaway even before I could tease him. Leaving me alone once again with my potential customer.
"I'm guessing you must've really taken a liking to my artwork."
I greeted her jovially hoping that she's gonna purchase another one. I saw her pop a smile in response. Grabbing an artwork from one of the rack, she gave her reply once she brought it to the counter.
"I did. Even more so with the painter."
"Look lady, you look real nice and but I already have a girlfriend. I'm sure there are a lot of single guys out there who would kill just to be with you."
Broke the news to her as softly as I could.
I was expecting her to turn her smile upside down but she didn't.
"I know. That little tidbit won't stop me though."
Her smile widened while I could feel her gaze lock onto me behind those thick sunglasses. Kev was right, perhaps this woman really is bad news. I grabbed the artwork and wrapped it as fast I could, not even bothering to answer her back.
"Cat got your tongue, Anton?"
My heart froze as I dropped the painting onto the ground. How did she know my name? I really want this woman out of my shop right now. I didn't even bother picking up the painting on the floor.
"How did you know my name?"
I tried my best not to let the panic show on my face.
"Settle down, I won't hurt you. I'm here to proposition you. What do you truly desire in this life, Anton?
Renown, Love, or maybe Money?
I can give you all three of them."
An unnerving line, what she did though unnerved me even more. She removed her sunglasses, revealing a pair of red iris with a slant in the middle. Gasping at sight of her inhuman eyes, I found myself backed into the wall due to terror. All that's left for me is to scream. I ready my lungs to let out the biggest scream of my entire life but before I could shout she vaulted over the counter with such speed that would put hurdling athletes to shame. Shutting my mouth with her hand, her smug grin and demonic eyes looming inches over me made me want to shout even more.
"I will remove my hands from your mouth but if you scream your head will roll from your shoulders. Nod if you understand."
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With no choice but to comply, I nod my head in agreement. I don't want to be found by my loved ones beheaded and laying bloodied on the floor.
"Good boy."
She removed her hold on me. Backing away and standing by the counter next to me.
"What the hell are you?"
"It doesn't matter what I am. What matters is what I can offer you."
She replied.
"Are you crazy? I'm not gonna accept any offer from you!"
I raised my voice at her absurd suggestion right after showing me her inhumanity. No matter how I protest I can't seem to dampen her mood.
"I knew you would say that. I'm giving you a taste of what it's in for you and then I will come back tomorrow."
"Yeah, like I'm gonna accept an offer from some sketchy freak."
Defiantly stating that I won't buy whatever she's offering. My noncompliance made her face sour or maybe it was me declaring her a freak.
"Playing hard to get are we? I know that your strapped on cash. Not enough to pay for your shop's rent this month. Your anniversary next week. You despise borrowing money from your friends. Your complex about not being good enough for Sally. No need to be afraid, it would benefit us both in the long run if you agree."
Her grin plastered again on her face due to the overabundance of dirt that she had on me. My mind is racing trying to come up with an answer as to how she knew all this. Was it Kevin? No, even he didn't know about my insecurities regarding Sally.
"How did..."
She cut me short before I could even finish my question.
"When I touched you yesterday. I got a sneak peek into your soul. Consider today a taste test. I'll be seeing you tomorrow. Oh and just a warning, tell anyone about what happened and I will promise you that you won't like what's going to happen to them."
With a wink, what happened next was so surreal I nearly fainted. Before my very eyes she vanished into smoke. I collapsed to the ground trying to make sense of what I just went through. Am I going crazy?
My encounter with that she-devil left me mentally drained. I was about to close the front door when an elderly gentleman passing by noticed that the string on his left shoe was undone. After tying it he noticed my store and before I could invert the open sign into a close he approached me. He told me that it was her daughter's birthday today and he was looking for a gift. As much as I was ready to haul my ass out the shop, I couldn't find it in me to reject a harmless old man. He bought one of the pricier ones that's been stuck on my rack for a long time. He was exiting the shop when a plain looking woman looking for a wall decor came in and bought two portraits. Decorations for her veranda she said. And another customer after, they came one after another leaving me almost selling out. I've made more this month than I did last year. Normally it would be reason to celebrate, but I cannot since this could be the doing demon eyed freak.
8pm is the perfect time to drink bourbon especially after today, I closed the shop and headed quickly to the back end of my store. The memory of today's encounter shadowing over me. If this is just a taste of what's in store for me the I wonder what her real offer would entail to?
I could hear the backdoor opening. It's kev.
"You don't look so good, buddy. What happened?"
I know I look like shit right now. He can be considerate sometimes.
"I'm fine. Take a look at the store."
Kev passed by me.
"Holy shit, did you get robbed or something!?"
I wouldn't blame him. I would have the same reaction If I was in his shoes.
"Yeah, the robbers around this area suddenly had a newfound appreciation for art. I just sold out. Rarely happens so I'm celebrating right now with a drink."
I delivered my wisecrack with a deadpan expression.
"I'll help you finish that bottle. Can't do more than that, Nadine's waiting back home."
He sat down beside me. No invitation needed, a sign of how close of a friend the both us are. I wanted to open up about what happened today but her grave warning about letting others know filled me with dread. I don't want to endanger kev. I'm also afraid of what's going to happen if I don't agree to whatever it is that she's offering. What's even more terrifying is that I'm somehow piqued by the thought of what's in it for me. She sold out my store without even trying. Kev and I talked for a bit before he had to go home. Leaving me all alone to finish the third bottle.
Try as I might I couldn't get drunk, the memory of today shadowing over me instantly making me sober. Ah shit, I forgot to call Sally's dorm. I'm sure she would understand. 'tick tock tick tock' The deafening silence makes the wall clock sound seem loud and grating. 2 in the morning and I still can't come to terms with the fact that possibly a demon made contact with me earlier. 'tick tock tick tock' Irritation and fear swirled through my mind. I throw the bottle of half empty bourbon on the stupid wall clock. The shattering of the glass elucidated me. I'm gonna have to clean that shit tomorrow. Never got drunk but halfway through the second bottle sure is getting me drowsy. I close my heavy eyelids, praying that everything that happened today was just a dream. Never been a believer but today sure is a good time to start.
"Wake up, sleeping beauty."
Surprise surprise, it's the devilish cunt. Sitting cross legged on my table close to me. Normally I would've fallen from my chair if I didn't already ruminate last night that I am dealing with something supernatural.
"What time is it?"
I asked groggily. She stretched her expensive looking wrist watch to me. It's 6 in the morning.
"So, do you accept?"
She sat there, smugly. She knew she had me. I would be content with making ends meet everyday. The problem is, business had been rough and I wasn't even making as much as that. What she did for me yesterday was a godsend, or probably a devilsend.
"First, tell me what you are before I agree to some kind of deal."
I had to make sure that I know that I'm dealing with first.
"I'm a succubus, an ambitious one at that.
You see my brethrens are content with sucking the life force out of men, not me. I aim to play with the big boys down at the nine circles. Any succubus can give you a mind blowing orgasm, but humans don't spend 24/7 having sex. Unless you're into that." She winked before continuing her explanation, "The real play happens outside the bedroom. When humans bound for mediocrity defy fate and show the world what they're made of. An actor acting their heart out so everyone will be left at by a breathtaking performance or an athlete withstanding a sprained ankle just so they can cross the finish line. Let's just say I take interests in ordinary people and give them a little push. I learned how to do this by giving out contacts, the more contracts you've had the the more powerful you become."
"And how many contracts have you had?"
She smiled before giving me an answer,
"Enough".
The feeling of fear fading from heart, it's now being replaced with anticipation. Money and fame. I can have it all starting today.
"So, how do we do this contract of yours, do we go old school and use pen and paper?"
She stood up and snatched my right hand. Without warning she manifested an ornate dagger, cutting my palm deep enough for blood to seep out.
"Ouch! Give me a warning first you crazy devil bitch!"
I recoil my hand back while staring daggers at her.
"Told you dear, I'm a succubus not a devil. Besides, you're a big boy. You can take a little gash."
She laughed maniacally before licking my blood off the dagger. Holding the handle by her left hand, her right gripped the blade with the edge pointed to her palm. Sliding the blade downwards slowly in what I would describe as nothing but agonizing. The smile on her lips says otherwise. Blood dripping on the floor, once she drew the blade out of ther palm she sensually licked her lips. As if she experienced ecstasy rather than pain. I'm really starting to have second thoughts about this right now.
"Shake my hand."
She outstretched her bloodied hand expecting me to receive it.
"That's it, handshake?"
A handshake and all my troubles will be solved. No more worrying for rent. I no longer have to endure the shame of borrowing money from my friends. I can put to rest the thoughts of being an inadequate partner for Sally.
As I grabbed her hand. I felt some of her blood seep into my wound and some of mine went into her as well. The handshake took no longer than 5 seconds before we pulled back. When I looked at it the wound was no longer there.
"It is done. You should try and paint something right now, you'll notice the difference right away. I know, why don't you paint me?"
"I'm not really in the mood right now so if you could just leave...."
"Oh but it is unwise to reject a business partner's proposal. Especially if you two are not well acquainted yet. "
Disagreeing with a succubus probably isn't a thing you should often do. I froze in horror as the smile in her face vanished. Her skin turned infernal red with ivory horns that protruded from her forehead. Her tail whipped the floor so hard the thwip sound it made shook me out of my fearful gaze.
"Alright, no need to get pissy about it."
I responded while trying to hide the quivering in my voice. She's a succubi, I guess this is her true form and I wasn't really ready to see it anytime soon.
"Good boy."
Her mocking smile is once again back after threatening me to do her bidding. I line the canvas and mix the oil in my palette
"What are you doing?"
I asked the thing in front me.
"Posing for you, what else?"
"I mean, why are you naked!?"
I couldn't believe it. With a snap of her fingers her clothes vanished into smoke.
I would be caught dead rather admit it to her face, but she has the hottest body I've seen so far. I mean my girlfriend and her are tied in the looks department but when it comes to the female figure, the one in front of me is a real stunner. She could pose as one of those playboy model and would no doubt be chosen as playmate of the year after just one photoshoot.
"Would you like my wings in-view or hidden?"
It's freaky but looks cool how she can protrude and retract her bat like wings from the flesh of her back.
"Keep it."
As I was painting I noticed that my strokes are more refined than before. I would find my eyes always drifting to the lovely mounds on her chest and enchanting face. The high of experiencing my amplified talent for the first time and my arousal are mixing together. When I got close to painting her nether regions, I could feel mine rising up. It's tantamount to torture painting this gorgeous specimen in front of me with a hard on. 'I've never cheated on Sally, I would never cheat on Sally' I keep repeating those words in my head like a mantra hoping that it would purge my impure thoughts about wanting to bury my dick so deep inside of her. All the while she keeps looking at me with those 'fuck me' eyes, inviting me.
I'm almost finished, at this point the two of us wanted it. The only thing keeping us from each other is the fact that we both need to see this painting finished.
"It's done."
There was a slight moment of pause after I put my painting brush down. She lunged into me, caressing the back of my hair while she busies herself planting her inhumanly long tongue inside my mouth. I could feel it twirling inside while it wrestled with mine. I couldn't help but firmly grasp her supple asscheeks while we continued making out. Minutes later I undid my belt to let loose my raging cock. No foreplay needed, we dove right in to the main course. I lifted her up, crossing her legs on my back. Both of us moaned in pleasure as I entered. Unholy she might be but the insides of her pussy was divine.
"Turn around, I want to examine your painting while you pound me."
She instructed before I started moving my hips. I rotated giving her full view of the artwork while I started pistoning.
"Ahh! Exquisite!"
Her critique fell on deaf ears as I was to busy giving kisses on her soft neck. I couldn't focus on anything except how soft her folds are and her sweet tantalizing scent. Forget the contract, if this is what she offered me from the start I wouldn't have hesitated. Several minutes after I could feel myself getting close. My debased humping suddenly slowed down as I wondered if I should cum inside of her. As if sensing my hesitation she whispered something in my ear.
"Go ahead, finish inside you can't get me pregnant unless I allow it."
With her sensual tone I couldn't help but explode inside her. My dick gave a twitch as I released my cum. She bit my neck while I was basking in the afterglow but the pain didn't even register. All I could think of at the moment was how pleasurable this whole ordeal was. How pleasurable she is. I collapsed onto the floor and like a phantom she was gone again when I rose up.
A year later I've made a name for myself. A genius painter who suddenly sprung out of nowhere. I was even featured on Time magazine once, they always admired how vivid my artworks are. My critics are always on the fence whenever I would draw "The mistress in red". That's what I called my line of painting where the main center point is a dark haired beauty wearing a red dress. Some would say that it was so awe inspiring, her smile captivating. Others would say that it was ominous, her smile mocking and that you could feel the painting staring at your soul. Never once did I reveal my inspiration. For what inspired me also became the source of my ruin later on. Sally and I married when I hit the peak of my fame. After I achieved everything in our verbal contract. I doubt that this succubus respected the sanctity of marriage but she never showed herself to me again after my wedding. At first I was glad, was she finally out of my life?
I began getting startled from my sleep, suddenly waking up remembering sensation of her skin on mine. As time progressed it evolved into being violently woken up at night due to nightmarish visions of her consuming my flesh. Sally and I went to numerous marriage counseling sessions because I couldn't help but feel out of it whenever I would make love to my wife. Divorce was the only course, I began neglecting her as I devoted my free time to painting my lady in red in hopes that she might come back again but she never did.What a cruel mistress. Still I paint and paint until the twilight of my years. Until one day I had no strength in me to raise the brush. It's no good, if I can't paint she won't appear. In a fit of panic I started screaming and flailing wildly. No one was around to stop me because I pushed everyone away so I could paint in solitude. With what little strength I had I slammed the canvass to the floor. Heartbroken by the fact that I cannot continue my single obsession,
excruciating pain erupted from my chest. My breathing became ragged as my body caved to the floor face first. What sight, an old dying man surrounded by nothing but a multitude of paintings. I didn't know if it was delirium but all the images started turning their heads toward me, looking as if they're trying to hold their laughter. Ah, she was here all along, her essence inside every portrait of her that I've made. With my sudden realization every painting cackled in unison. It was enough to give me a heart attack if I wasn't already experiencing one right now. My vision already dimmed, the presence I've been trying to sought out for decades once again appeared in front of me. Right beneath her feet and drowning at the cacophony of laughter, I still made out the what she spoke. That sultry voice was the last I heard before my life was snuffed out.
"Missed me?"