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Post by MAYOR HECTOR "HADES" TORMEI on May 27, 2011 15:15:56 GMT -5
Scribe was empty, as usual. Luciano was the only person in the store with Hector, and he was busy dusting the large bookcases. Hector, meanwhile, was sitting at the counter, looking over invoices and reciepts, making sure that everything was in order. Ever since one of his men had been found stuffed inside a barrel, Hector had been wasting all of his time, trying to think of some way to get back at the family that had done it. Waging war on another family was a big deal in the underworld, all the other families would be forced to take sides and the tight knit community would be split in two. It would make them vulnerable to the authorities. Hector believed that he had won the election and he could only move forward safely once he was in office.
Hector rubbed his face, scratching at the stubble on his cheeks. One of the reasons why he wore facial hair was to deal with his abnormally fast hair growth. He would shave in the morning and that fabled five o'clock shadow would begin to fill in around noon. Hector sighed and snapped the records book shut, startling Luciano a bit.
"Everything okay there boss?" Luciano asked from atop the rolling ladder that was attatched to the bookcases.
"I'm fine," Hector answered, tired of his lackey's every growing concern.
"You sure?"
"I said, I'm fine, Luciano. Ask again and-" Hector's threat was cut short by the shop door opening.
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Post by PENELOPE LAFONTAINE on May 27, 2011 15:44:12 GMT -5
Penny slipped into the store, unsure of what do or where to head. She really had no idea what compelled her to hunt down Hector's book store. Well, here she was, so might as well make the most of it and surprise Hector.
The place was empty and she walked slowly between book cases, gazing at all the old manuscripts Some she new, some she didn't, but the old place had an aura about it, like a museum. Penelope could only guess at the history that came with each piece. And the price.
Making her way through the stacks and shelves, she finally found the counter, where a very tired looking Hector stood, scouring through a stack of papers for something or rather. He's face was covered in dark stubble, evidence of a long day.
"Hi, Hector. I hope you don't mind me dropping by," Penelope smiled and pushed a strand of hair out of her way as she spoke, "I thought I'd see this shop of yours, finally. It's a beautiful place." She hoped she wasn't interrupting anything. The last thing she needed was Hector getting mad at her again...
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Post by MAYOR HECTOR "HADES" TORMEI on May 27, 2011 16:18:33 GMT -5
Hector could hear someone walking through the shop and when Penelope LaFontaine walked into view, he didn't know how to react. One part of him was quite glad to see he, a welcome distraction from his stress, but the other part of him wasn't in the mood to deal with her inevitable mood swings. But regardless, he plastered a small smile on his face and held out his hand in greeting. "Hello Penelope, I'm glad you made time to visit my little shop,"
Luciano, meanwhile, sniggered from across the room. "Hey boss, who's she? Got a pair of legs on her don't she?" He said in quick Italian.
Hector grimaced and shot back, also in Italian, "I believe you're to be cleaning, Luciano, not commenting on the customers,". Turning back to Penelope, "Forgive me, Luciano demands attention sometimes,"
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Post by PENELOPE LAFONTAINE on May 27, 2011 16:37:27 GMT -5
Penelope smiled as Hector apologized for whatever it was his assisstant had said earlier. They both spoke Italian to each other, so she didn't catch any of it, but she could guess what had been said.
"I can imagine." She said shaking his hand and leaning against the counter. "Say," she said, a new thought suddenly coming to her, "I thought you were Greek. Where did you pick up the Italian?"
She continued to gaze around the bookstore, her fingers itching to leaf through one of the volumes, just to feel the old pages and smell the ink. She'd never handled an old book before.
"I don't mean to be annoying, Hector, but I would love to look at one of this books. I've never handled anyting old or rare before. Do you think I could?" She asked cautiously. She didn't want to come of off like some annoying preschooler wanting to get her grubby hands over everything, but she was sure that was how Hector was going to take it.
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Post by MAYOR HECTOR "HADES" TORMEI on May 27, 2011 17:09:19 GMT -5
"My parents were Greek but I was raised in an Italian neighborhood. I also work in one," Hector gestured around him. "I had to find some way to connect to local businesses," He shrugged carelessly.
"I don't mean to be annoying, Hector, but I would love to look at one of this books. I've never handled anyting old or rare before. Do you think I could?"
"You can't actually hold them, they're a bit too fragile," Hector went back to the desk and pulled out a pair of cotton gloves and slipped them on. He pulled down a book of poetry, priced at $3,000, and carried it over to the counter. He sat it down on the mat that rested on the edge of the counter and beckonned Penelope over. "Do you want to look?"
Hector gingerly opened up the antique book, to the very first poem. He ran a finger down the crease in one corner where the past owner had dog-earred the page.
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Post by PENELOPE LAFONTAINE on May 28, 2011 17:54:53 GMT -5
Penelope sucked in her breathe as Hector opened the volume. "Oh it's lovely!" She exclaimed quietly, keeping her hands away from the pages. She was a little dissapointed at not being able to touch it, but just being able look at one of this antique books was enough to thrill her.
"I can see why you chose to make this a business, Hector. Much better than talking to plants all day." She grinned mischieviously and chuckled. "So," She continued, "Anything interesting going on?" She spoke nonchalantly as she looked at the volume on the counter some more...
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Post by MAYOR HECTOR "HADES" TORMEI on May 28, 2011 18:16:56 GMT -5
Hector watched Penelope's face, taking pleasure in the joy on her features. "It's a nice, quiet job. Gives me time to think," Hector turned the page for her and leaned against the counter, giving her more space to look at the book. "I've been sorting expenses and the boring task of book keeping. I must thank you for rescuing me from such a bland fate," Hector gave her a smile. Luciano sniggered from the bookcases.
"She's a little young there, boss, don't think that you'd be able to keep up. Why don't you give me a shot at her? I'd treat her good."
Hector pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Luciano, there are boxes in the back room that need packed and addressed for shipping. Why don't you see that they're done properly," Hector ordered in a firm tone, leaving no room for questions. Luciano slid off the ladder and followed the instructions without complaint but couldn't resist sending a wink and a blown kiss in Penelope's direction. Hector raised his eyes to the ceiling, silently asking God why the most capable man in his family also had to be one of the most immature. Recieving no answer (expected, but still disappointing) Hector turned his attention back to Penelope. "You're going to have to ignore him. Luciano lacks...tact,"
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Post by PENELOPE LAFONTAINE on May 28, 2011 19:42:37 GMT -5
Penelope laughed, as Hector waved off his assistant's behaviour.
"You don't need to worry about me Hector." She quipped as she stepped over to a ladder set against a tall shelf of books. "I've handled Faustus remember? I don't think your friend will be any problem".
Penelope hooked her feet into the ladder and stepped up the first couple of rungs before turning back and smiling at Hector.
"Maybe I can use this so I don't have crane my neck up to see you all the time." She chuckled as she stepped up another rung. It was then that the ladder rocked back, and she fell backwards. almost careening into Hector.
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Post by MAYOR HECTOR "HADES" TORMEI on May 28, 2011 19:57:11 GMT -5
Hector shut the book, returning to its home, andfollowed Penny as she stepped away from the counter and to the ladder. None of his ladders were anchored on a track, a chore he always meant to do but never could find time, which made them dangerous for people who weren't expecting it. Hector pulled off his gloves as he moved, tucking them into his jean's pockets. Expecting a leisurely day at work, spent mostly thinking and dealing with numbers, Hector had put on his only pair of denim and a t-shirt. He hadn't thought that he would be expected to impress anyone and yet here stood young Penelope. When her back was turned, Hector ran a hand through his hair, trying to make it more presentable than it had been when she walked in. Hector caught himself then and gave himself a firm scolding. He most certainly was not primping to impress a young woman. Absolutely not.
"I never said you couldn't handle yourself, just that Luciano doesn't know how to behave around the fairer sex," And that was completely true. A sound hit man and a trustworthy second in command, Luciano was a snake when it came to women.
"Maybe I can use this so I don't have crane my neck up to see you all the time."
"Certainly, but be careful it isn't--" Hector's warning was cut short when the ladder did exactly what he feared it would. It rocked back and started to tip. Moving quickly, Hector grabbed the ladder on either side of Penelope and gently pushed it forward and against the bookcase case. "Anchored," He finished. The insides of his forearm brushed against her hips and Hector had to squelch the stirrings it caused. "Please come down from there before you hurt yourself," He requested with a quick clearing of his throat. Too young or not, Penelope was still very much a grown woman and Hector was just a man.
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Post by PENELOPE LAFONTAINE on May 29, 2011 22:31:08 GMT -5
Penelope stood a moment to catch her breathe, her legs still shaking from her near tumble off the ladder. Or at least that was what she'd told herself. In truth it was more than likely that Hector's arms brushing against her hips had a lot to do with her legs turning to jello.
"God. I'm such an idiot sometimes." She said sheepishly as she stepped down from the ladder and turned to face him. They were inches away, her waist still brushing his as she leaned against the ladder and gazed up at him. She smiled softly as she slipped out from in front of him. Her back facing him, she caught her breathe, closed her eyes, and mentally slapped her libido, which was inexplicably heading into the red zone at the moment.
"Thank-you, by the way. I owe you for that one." Penelope turned her neck to face him again, throwing her head back in a chuckle. The situation was so ludicrous she had to laugh, there was no way to take it seriously.
"I hope I didn't break anything?" She asked, hoping to forget what had just happened and get back into a normal, uncomplicated conversation.
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Post by MAYOR HECTOR "HADES" TORMEI on May 29, 2011 23:17:12 GMT -5
Hector took a deep breath, averting his eyes as Penelope made her way from him. He hadn't stepped back when she dismounted, bringing their bodies far too close together for him to be unaffected. Judging from the way she turned away the first moment she could, Hector figured she was feeling the same embarassment to some degree. Hector moved away from the ladder, rubbing a hand over his cheek thoughtfully as he stepped closer. Something had happened there, something had passed between them that went far beyond the playful teasing and flirting he and Penelope had engaged in earlier. Hector pulled the cotton gloves back out of his pocket and slid them on. Of course Penelope had walked towards his shelf of Shakespeare, or rather, his bookcase and a half filled with Shakespeare. Hector smiled to himself and read over her head, trying to find a particular book he knew he still had on the shelf. "I hope I didn't break anything?" "No, you didn't break anything," Hector shook his head. Finally spotting the book in question, Hector reached around Penelope to the shelf, taking down the thin volume that had rested just above her head. He opened it to a page he had long since memorized and read quietly, "The god of love,
That sits above,
And knows me, and knows me,
How pitiful I deserve,--
I mean in singing; but in loving, Leander the good
swimmer, Troilus the first employer of panders, and
a whole bookful of these quondam carpet-mangers,
whose names yet run smoothly in the even road of a
blank verse, why, they were never so truly turned
over and over as my poor self in love. Marry, I
cannot show it in rhyme; I have tried: I can find
out no rhyme to 'lady' but 'baby,' an innocent
rhyme; for 'scorn,' 'horn,' a hard rhyme; for,
'school,' 'fool,' a babbling rhyme; very ominous
endings: no, I was not born under a rhyming planet,
nor I cannot woo in festival terms." |
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Post by PENELOPE LAFONTAINE on May 30, 2011 14:51:55 GMT -5
Penelope blushed as soon as she heard Hector reciting a passage from Much Ado About Nothing.
"My favourite Shakespeare play. Beatrice and Benedick were always my favourite fictional couple." She smiled shyly as she walked over to where he stood with the book. It was a beautiful old volume, leatherbound adn the pages yellowed with age. At the moment however, the book wasn't what interested her, not entirely. Silently, Penelope slipped her hand over Hector's, taking in the caorse, worn feel of his skin on her fingers. Her breathe grew shallow as emotions careened around in her brain and she struggled to supress her unquestioningly blind libido again.
"Tahnk -you." It was all she could get out at the moment, as she tried to regain control of her mental faculties...
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Post by MAYOR HECTOR "HADES" TORMEI on May 30, 2011 15:34:09 GMT -5
Hector watched Penelope blush and took selfish pride in causing it. Her breath stuttered when she touched his hand, Hector responded to the touch by inhaling sharply. He closed the book and sat it back on the shelf, leaning against the shelf after. His body was angled over Penelope's trapping her against the book shelf. At the same time, Hector bent slightly, trying to appear smaller, less intimidating than he really was. His body was moving like it was on autopilot; it knew what it wanted but Hector resisted the idea. A kiss, even one, would be crossing the line. She was just a girl. A beautiful, obivously interested girl.
"Thank you for what?" Hector asked gently. For reading the passage? For the play choice? He surveyed young Penelope's face, looking for an answer to his own dilema. She frustrated him to no end and yet she intrigued him, entertained him in a way that no other woman had before. Here she stood, where he could simply lean down and claim what he wanted but her age stopped him. Hector wanted to walk away, give himself a firm wake up call, and to move on with his life. These thoughts and feelings were the product of a dirty old man, not someone young, bright Penelope would want.
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Post by PENELOPE LAFONTAINE on Jun 1, 2011 7:43:12 GMT -5
Hector had her almost pinned against the shelf and looked like he was pretty damned close to kissing her, but holding back.
"Thank you for what?"
She smiled. "I don't know. For the romantic gesture. It's a very sweet thing to have someone recite Shakespeare for you."
She looked up at his weathered face, wondering why her body was going haywire, like some highschool girl with a crush. Then her thoughts began meandering to what Hector was thinking. Or what she thought he was thinking. It definitely looked like he wanted to kiss her, but she'd be damned if she was going to stand here all day and wait for him to do it. A bold move on her part, but sometimes bold actions were necessary.
"Screw it." Penelope said happily as she went on her toes and kissed Hector before he could make up his own mind. Almost immediately, she pulled back, unsteadied as she realized what she'd just done.
Damn it!" She cursed loudly, "I'm sorry, Hector. I should really go." She turned and began walking to the door as quickly as she could...
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Post by MAYOR HECTOR "HADES" TORMEI on Jun 1, 2011 10:07:04 GMT -5
There have been few moments in Hector's life when his mind failed him. In every situation he had been able to think on his feet, react to anything, and move on. It was one of the side effects of being a mafioso. Everyone was out to get him and he had to stay alert. When something happened, he had to act unless he wanted his life cut short but some thug from a rival family. His instincts and reaction time had never failed him before, even when he had been stabbed in the side by a young man. Never before. And yet, standing in his own bookshop, he was rendered motionless by the young woman who was currently walking away from him.
She had kissed him.
She had kissed him.
And he was standing there doing nothing. Giving himself a mental shake, Hector stepped after Penelope swiftly, trying to cut her off before she reached the door. "Penelope," He started to speak but he didn't know what he wanted to say. Instead, he grabbed her arm, just above the elbow and tugged her, turning her around. She had kissed him and hadn't been polite enough to let him return to favor before running off. That was unacceptable. Hector ducked down and pressed his lips to Penelope's one hand raising to cup the back of her head. The hand on her arm slid down before winding around her small frame and pulling her against him.
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