Sweat and Rain

This was the closest he had ever been to her. He breathed in the smell of her, rain and sweat. He kissed along her neck, letting his lips linger on her skin. She tasted sweet with only a hint of fear. She had nothing to fear, but he was the only one who knew that. She couldn’t see through the thick cotton cloth wrapped around her face. To her, he could be anyone.

He slid a black steel knife from its scabbard at his waist and cut the buttons off her shirt. Each button popped like popcorn and landed with a dull clink on the hardwood floor. He stopped after the third and took in the sight of her glossy skin with beads of sweat creating trails along the curves of her throat and breasts. How could anyone want to harm such a beautiful creature.

The rain continued its pounding outside. It was a sweet melody made for just them. He closed his eyes and felt the rhythm in the pumping of his heart. Finally we could experience what is written in the stars. The love and happiness we should have had since the start.

“Do you realize how much trouble I had to go through to find you? You were cleaver and cautious like a rabbit. Always looking over your shoulder, never staying anywhere long. But your sweet fragrance, that intoxicating aroma always gave you away.” He breathed in deep, savoring the scent of her. “You must know, what happens next I never wanted to do. But I have no choice. You gave me no choice.”

The black steel caught a shard of light from the kitchen light overhead as he raised it to her breast. Behind him a floorboard creaked. He turned, the knife shaking in his hand.

An innocent voice shattered the silence, “Daddy?” A boy stepped around the corner. The blade cut through the air, leaving a red slit along the boys throat. A gurgle escaped his open lips as the life drained out of him. The boy collapsed on the floor, blood already beginning to stain the hardwood.

“See what you made me do!” He turned to face his beautiful captured creature, but she was gone. He darted forward, heading into the next room. She was his. She would not escape.  When he entered the dark living room, he caught a glimpse of movement dart behind the couch. A smile touched his lips as he strode over to the couch. He hoped the last few feet to look behind the couch, but his lovely creature was not there. It was just a pathetic little black cat. The smile creased into a snarl.

His back erupted in fire. He tried to turn, but his muscles wouldn’t obey. Ice ran down his spine, sending shivers through his body. A warm tongue trailed its way up the nape of his neck, then gentle lips kissed the edge of his chin.

“You taste of fear and sweat with a hint of fresh mint. I always wished you would slip up and get too close. It took you so long to build up the courage to face me. I hope you liked it.” She slid her short knife out from between his vertebrae  His body fell like a sack of rice to the floor, limp and lifeless. The only visible life in him was in his eyes and the flush of his cheeks. Soon even those would drain out, leaving a hallow shell. He would be the same in death as in life, empty and alone. All because of her. The thought made the corner of her mouth twitch, it made her happy.