The Grim Reaper’s Mate

Decisions to make

The gorgeous specimen of a man who just issued my death warrant looked at me with shock. Obviously, he wasn’t expecting that. I truly wasn’t expecting to say it. Lots of things were buzzing around in my head and in my body. Things I wanted to do and experience before I died. At the forefront was a grief that I would never be held intimately by a man and never be able to make up for my father’s coldness by smothering my own children in the warmth of parental love. I blurted out my thoughts before I actually thought them through. I felt my face instantly flush red, but I was standing here naked anyway, so what did I have to lose? I was a virgin, and I really didn’t want to die having never known intimacy with a man. That wasn't unreasonable, right?

I knew this man was an intruder and didn’t love me, but I could pretend, couldn’t I? Pretend that I was in the arms of a man who found me irresistible? Pretend that he is my lover who adores me and wants to love me forever? And my forever would be ending tonight anyway, so what did it matter? I felt a resolve and set my jaw and looked at the assassin in the eye. I couldn't see very well. Since everyone was dead anyway, I broke eye contact to turn on my light so I could see him better. If I was going to have s*x with him, the least I could do was see him clearly.

He blinked quickly in the change of light and looked at me with bewilderment. I saw a flash of panic across his face that gave way to more bewilderment. What was the man thinking? Surely he wouldn’t turn me down?

“I...uh...” he stammered.

I raised my eyebrow at him. Some big, bad assassin. The man looked like I’d stabbed him. I decided I might as well have fun with my last few moments alive. After all, as much as I hated to admit it, I found my assassin very attractive. In the light I could see his brownish hair. Neither brown nor red, it looked like hot copper got poured over his head. It was thick and longer, coming to the nape of his neck in soft waves. His eyes were definitely sea green, looking like the ocean from an island paradise. His skin was olive-toned, but not like tanned leather. Some men loved that fake tan and had skin that looked like a belt or a wallet. Nasty, dry, itchy-looking leathered skin. This man’s skin was naturally olive and looked healthy, soft, and smooth. No part of him looked feminine in the least. He was all man. I recognized his voice and knew for sure it was that of the guard I spoke to before coming to bed. He must have disguised himself. So not only was he gorgeous, he was also smart. He infiltrated my father's tight security. I didn’t mind dying in the arms of such a man. Actually, it seemed like a pretty good end to my lonely life.

Intruder

Did I hear this crazy woman correctly?! I must have heard her right since she was sending me seductive looks as she clearly took in my features and was pleased with what she saw. This woman wants to have s*x with an assassin sent to murder her before she dies?

I glanced at her nightstand and noticed a novel there. Oh. She must read smut and think that this is just part of one of her stories. I mean, not that I don’t want to play along. I really, REALLY want to play along. In fact, that look of seduction on her face along with her body bare before me is really messing with my head. I can even feel my body reacting to her. I just hope she doesn’t notice my erection or I’m toast. If she looks down THERE and looks pleased, there’s no way I’m going to be able to resist. No. Way.

“I...uh...” I tried again. Then I cleared my throat as she looked at me curiously with those eyes. Those gorgeous blue eyes. In the light, I noticed that they were sparkly blue with a hint of sadness in them. They’re alert with her adrenaline and taking me in hungrily. Those sparkling eyes are looking at me calmly, obviously pleased with what they see, and deciding that fate won’t take her down without a fight. She looks like she wants to enjoy her last moments. I know nobody will find us out here, possibly for days. I have plenty of time to bed her, kill her, and get away. Of course, if I bed her I’ll leave DNA evidence on her. Maybe I’ll just take her with me and hide her for awhile. Change her identity. Make her mine a bit longer. I'm sorely tempted.

We lock eyes, and I feel my lust getting the best of me. She glances down at my pants and slowly smiles, eyes fixed on my erection. Why does my body have to play traitor today?! Why?!

“Are you, uh, sure?” I asked carefully.

She just looked at me with those eyes swimming with warmth and seduction.

“Yeah. I don’t want to die a virgin. I always wondered what it would be like to be held intimately by a man.” She said resolutely. I felt my insides jump. A VIRGIN?! Ugh! She doesn’t want to die yet because she’s a virgin?! Of all the... Wait... She did say that earlier, didn't she? That she had never been in bed with a man. Oh. OH. Now I get it. I was too shocked that she discovered me to register her words earlier. The word virgin hit me between the eyes like a freight train.

“What if I tell you I’ll leave you alive?” I heard myself asking. I can’t just take her in a moment of desperation. I’m not that cold hearted and evil.

“Then I’ll still probably die out here, and I’m not humping a corpse,” she answered saucily. Oh, man. I’m screwed. I’m losing control of my brain.

“By the way, I would at least like to know the name I should call out while you’re ravaging my virgin body.” She was one bold and horny little firecracker, isn’t she? I remained silent for the moment and pondered. If I kill her now, my name doesn’t matter. If I take her with me, she’ll learn my name anyway. Might as well tell her the truth.

“David”, I answered. Her bright, delighted smile makes my erection harder. Now it’s becoming a bit painful. I know I’m going to have to take care of this one way or another tonight. No way I’m going to get any rest until I do. But do I have it in me to take her virginity in her last moments and then kill her?

I know myself, and I know that answer immediately. No. I can’t treat her that way. I took this job for justice, not murder. I’m an assassin who only kills those deserving of death: rapists, abusers, pedophiles, murderers, people who torture the innocent, men who drunkenly murder innocent women, basically the filth of the earth. My job is to clean up the filth of those for whom judgment is already passed. The convicted. I don’t kill the innocent, or I’m no better than those monsters.

She’s coming toward me now, and my entire body stiffens. She’s waiting for my decision. I can see it in her eyes. She’s resolved to her fate, but she’s also hoping to satisfy her curiosity before she dies. My heart breaks a little for this woman who is willing to have s*x with her killer just to be in the arms of a man. She’s a victim, too. I’m guessing a victim of neglect. That thought clicks my brain back on and directs my decision. My voice is bold and decisive now.

“Tonight you will neither lose your virginity nor die by my hands.”