Author's Note

This. I don't know what this is. I was struck with the idea on Saturday and literally spent all weekend writing this up. I feel dirty. But proud.

I hope you enjoy!

Kiss, Marry, Kill

Chapter One:

Kiss

She could blend into a room full of shadows. But she could do nothing else but stand out here.

She sat at the corner of the bar, as close to the wall as she could be. It struck an intriguing balance, hiding herself away, yet exposing her shapely thigh as the slit in her dress ran from the bottom of the hem to a spot dangerously close to her hip. She let her feet dangle above the ground, her heels clacking against the metal of the barstool.

She leaned forward to rest her chin on her hands, fingers laced, covered in silky black gloves that extended upwards past her elbows. She wore a faraway expression, not really moving save for the occasional sweep of her hand through her hair which was swept to the side and held up by some unknown force.

Men had approached her, not many, as the bar was beginning to quiet as the occupants of the hotel turned in for the night, but she rejected them. Usually, by not responding at all, pretending that their offers could not penetrate the thick fog of her thoughts.

One man thought himself bold and leaned over her to whisper in her ear. He pulled back and ran a hand up the skin of her thigh. She turned to him then with a wicked smile. She tilted her head up and spoke, no one else but the receiver could hear, of course, but whatever she had said had proven most effective. The man stepped back from her immediately, turned, with a look of shock in his eyes and ran out of the bar, refusing to make eye contact with anyone else.

There was another man across the room, who happened to see the exchange in mild intrigue. He was modestly dressed in a crisp white button down and black slacks. He sipped his drink slowly, the ice clacked against his teeth, signifying the glass was near empty. He swallowed hard, suddenly nervous. The only empty space at the bar was next to her. He approached with caution.

She was, true to form, staring at nothing in particular, her chin resting gently on an open palm. He set his drink down as quietly as he could, so as not to disturb her.

The bartender pointed at him, awaiting his order. He spoke in a low voice. "Sparkling water, please."

He did not notice it but her eyes suddenly focused and she turned her head towards him. The bartender returned quickly, a fresh tumbler set down before him full of the clear, bubbling liquid.

She picked up her near empty glass of wine, the color as deep a red as her lips, and took a long sip, subtly taking in the sight of the man next to her. He had a handsome face, a strong chin and a straight nose; thick eyebrows, dark eyes, and darker hair pulled back into a low ponytail.

She lowered her glass and ran a fingertip down the stem of her glass. Maybe this one was worth a conversation. What the hell? She was bored.

"Are you sure you wouldn't like anything else with that?"

The man looked down at her as if surprised that anyone was speaking to him at all.

"I beg your pardon?"

She smirked at the formality of his tone. "I don't mean to bother you. I was just wondering what kind of man goes to a bar half past midnight just to drink water."

He looked away for a moment before settling his eyes on hers. "I apologize. I have just arrived here and wanted something to drink before I retire for the night."

She grunted lightly in amusement. "You apologize." She turned towards him fully, exposing the remainder of her dress. The two simple straps at her shoulders plunged down her neckline, subtly exposing the curves of her breasts. His gaze did not move downwards, as most men's did. Her intrigued piqued further. "I didn't mean to judge. I was just curious."

"Um," he said, looking away again. He was shy? She found it hilarious. "I did not want to disturb you. You seem to appreciate your solitude."

"I seem to, huh? What, have you been observing me?"

The man flushed. She snickered. She wondered if he had seen her previous encounters with men who had approached her. She grinned at the memory of what she had said to the last one.

I singed the very prints of my fingers off using a gas lighter. Which means, no one will be able to catch me after I finish doing whatever it is I please with you if you dare touch me again.

She delighted herself on his look of terror as he scattered away.

"I only appreciate solitude when there isn't any interesting company available." She moved her leg, kicking the chair out next to her. "Would you like to sit?"

He stared at the seat for a few moments before finally accepting the offer and taking the seat.

"So, what brings you to Okinawa? Business or pleasure?"

"Business," he said. "And you?"

She licked her lips slowly before grinning. "Pleasure." The man flushed but held her gaze. He was adorable. "I'm just teasing you. I work for an architecture firm. Executives from this hotel chain flew me down here to wine, dine, and dazzle me; seduce me into partnering with them for the construction of a new resort."

"Did it work?"

She smiled wickedly. "Are you asking me if I'm seduced?"

She could see his grip tighten on his drink. She laughed and placed a hand over his. "I'm so sorry, I couldn't help myself. You're cute when you're flustered."

He laughed awkwardly for a brief second before clearing his throat.

"You said you're here for business? What kind of business? What is it you do?"

"I, uh," he stuttered, distracted by the sound of her laugh. He found himself inexplicably drawn to it, like a sailor to a siren. It was beautiful. "I am a professor of history at a university on the mainland. I am here to attend a lecture by one of my former associates. And to add to my collection."

She quirked an eyebrow, asking without words.

"Of katanas. I... collect swords. I suppose you could say that I, too, am here for pleasure."

There was a joke in there somewhere. About swords and pleasure. She decided to let it slide. Ha.

"Swords, huh? That's fascinating. More of a knife girl, myself."

"Really? It's funny," he laughed, "that I should meet someone also fond of the blade."

"Mm." She smiled. She picked up her glass and finished the remainder of her wine.

"Would you like another?" he offered. "That is, if you do not think it too late. I apologize. I do not mean to keep you from your rest."

She placed her hand over his once more. She granted him a genuine smile.

"I would love to."

As it turned out, the pair had quite a lot in common. They both enjoyed traveling, learning new languages, immersing themselves in different cultures. Occasionally, their conversation would slip into different languages to test their vocabulary. Both were impressed by the other's fluency.

They both loved camping, being outdoors in the quiet beauty of nature. She had an extensive knowledge of flowers and botany. He had practiced meditation at many waterfalls.

He told her of his parents who ran a very successful restaurant in the city.

"You're joking! I've been there before!" she exclaimed. "Their oden is spectacular."

He laughed along with her. "It is a recipe that my family has held for generations."

"Wow," she breathed. "It's almost like I was destined to meet you."

Quiet settled between them. They looked into each other's eyes with fondness.

"Excuse me, miss?" the bartender interrupted gently. "Sir." He acknowledged her companion as well. "We've issued the last call for the bar. Would you like anything else before we close?"

"No, I am finished. Thank you," she said with a sweet smile. She watched the man lean over the bar to ask for his tab. She waved him off. "Please just charge this to my room."

"No, no," he said quickly. "I must insist."

"I'm afraid I must insist."

"But... I offered."

"And I accepted," she replied easily. "But I am not rude. I will not have you pay this amount for one glass of wine when you've only had water."

He sighed, giving in. "Is there a way I might repay you?"

She scribbled something on the back of a cocktail napkin and slipped it to him. He looked at the writing in confusion. She smiled and leaned forward to whisper in his ear. "That is my room number. In case you are still... thirsty. For something before you retire."

She stood from her seat and winked at him before turning to walk away.

"Wait!" he reached out and grabbed her hand. "My name is Jack."

He shuddered slightly as she leaned toward him, running her hand from his shoulder to the back of his neck. She placed a feathery kiss on his cheek as she breathed her name into his ear.

"Ashi."

Jack sat at the bar dumbfounded after her departure. This was insane, wasn't it? He'd just met her. This could not be happening so quickly.

He opened his wallet and placed a few bills on the bar and nodded to the bartender. He quickly ran out of the bar and caught a glimpse of her as she stepped onto the elevator. He looked down at the napkin. She was on the twelfth floor. It would be a long ride. Right? Perhaps he could sort his feelings out in the meantime?

No such luck.

Before he knew it he was standing in front of her door. He rubbed the back of his neck anxiously. This was uncharted territory. He lifted his hand to knock then immediately brought it back down. This was crazy. He should run. He should return to his room. He should definitely not knock on this young woman's door and see her again. See her beautiful face. Hear her melodious laughter. Hear his name on her lips as he...

Something else made up his mind before he could process the thought. He knocked.

She opened the door with a small smile. She was still dressed, dress, gloves, and all. She had not even removed her shoes. She opened the door wider and stepped aside without a word. He entered.

Her suite was stunning. A spacious kitchenette with black marble countertops and elegant light fixtures. It even had an island. He scanned the living area; black, armless couches arranged by a large, flat screen television that was fixed to the wall. Beyond that was a glass room divider inlaid with a gold design made to look like tree branches.

He spotted her bed. It was enormous, piled high with a thick, white comforter and pillows that looked soft as clouds. It was indeed luxurious, quite a step up from his humble room on the fourth floor.

"It's lovely, isn't it? It's not very often that I get to stay in lodgings this... grand."

He nodded, admiring the sight of the night sky from the glass door to her balcony.

She opened a cabinet in the kitchen and retrieved two champagne flutes. She set them on the kitchen island and hopped up to sit on the edge. She pulled the bottle from its chiller and read the card attached to the neck.

"Blah blah blah. Please except this bottle as a personal gift. We hope you enjoy your stay with us. May we bring luxury to all."

She snorted. "Bring luxury to all. I couldn't afford this room on my own salary." She was exaggerating, of course. But she did not want to appear boastful.

She tossed the card aside and began peeling back the foil from the neck of the bottle. Jack stepped closer to her, offering his help. She waved him away.

She held the bottle between her legs, the cold condensation from the bottle wetting her inner thighs. She angled the bottle slightly away from her companion and popped the cork, not particularly caring where it landed. She was then in understandable shock when his hand shot out to catch the cork as it ricocheted from the ceiling.

Quick reflexes.

He gave her a sheepish smile as he set the cork down on the island. He reached over her for a glass and held it before her at an angle so she could pour. She filled the glass with the sparkling wine and gently clinked the neck of the bottle to the rim of his glass. "Cheers," she said. He shook his head and offered the glass to her.

"I insist."

She rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless and accepted the glass. He reached over her once more and grabbed the other glass, taking the bottle from her and pouring some for himself.

She could catch his scent as he reached over her. He smelled clean. It was thrilling. She watched him over the rim of her glass as he took his first sip. He sniffed slightly as the bubbles tickled his nose. She smiled. She licked her lips slowly as they made eye contact.

She tilted the glass to her lips but her aim was slightly off, accidentally spilling some of the bubbling drink down the corner of her lip to drip off of her chin. She giggled, slightly embarrassed, and brought her gloved hand up to wipe at her chin.

"Ashi," he whispered. She shivered. She really, really liked the sound of her name in his voice. Before she could respond he gently grabbed the back of her head and kissed her.

She set her drink down quickly and grabbed at his shoulders to bring him closer. His hands moved to her waist and he pulled, bringing her flush against him. She moaned as they kissed each other frantically. He relished the taste of her mouth, sweetened by the champagne.

She moved her arms to wrap around his neck, brushing her fingertips through the smooth hair of his ponytail. She pulled her arms back to trail her hands down his neck, down his shoulders, over his chest, and undid the first button of his shirt. He pulled away abruptly.

"I'm sorry."

"Why did you stop?"

"I've never done this before."

She couldn't help but grin. "You've never kissed a girl before?"

"No!" He flushed. "Not that. I mean, not like this. I've never... moved this quickly before."

Any other words he attempted to say stuck in his throat as he watched her slowly remove one of her gloves. Even her hands were lovely. She threw the long material around his neck and brought him back to her, inches from her lips.

"It's called lust, darling," she said breathily. "Give in to it."

She kissed him again, her remaining gloved hand cradling his cheek. He pulled back to gently pluck at the material on her fingers before dipping down and pulling, stripping her of the glove with his teeth. She bit her lip in absolute delight.

He wanted to tell her. That it was more than just lust. That there was something deeper. But he did not dwell on the thought. In fact, the only thing he wanted to dwell on right now was getting her out of her dress.

He moaned into her mouth as their tongues entwined. He gently brushed the straps of her dress from her shoulders and pulled down to expose her chest. He ran his hand up her naked thigh until he found the bunched fabric at her waist. He pulled back and together, they slipped the dress from her hips. She kicked the dress aside, now only dressed in lacy, black panties and her stilettos.

His mouth was on her again, one hand massaged her breast, while the other was wrapped around her waist, keeping her close as they ground against each other. Her hands moved to undo the second button of his shirt. He stopped her by spinning her away from kitchen island and carrying her to her bed.

He threw her down and watched her sink into the thick comforter. She leaned up on her forearms with a devilish grin. Her legs spread and he stood, in more ways than one, admiring her. She was stunning. She crooked a finger at him, silently telling him to get over here already.

He climbed over her and kissed her deeply, running his fingertips over her most sensitive area, still covered with lace. She gasped as he moved his tongue down her throat and slipped his fingers underneath the fabric. It was dizzying how aroused he felt as she moved against his increasingly slick fingers. Ashi groaned loudly. "God, I want you naked."

He removed his fingers from her and leaned up, giving her the perfect opportunity to flip him over. She wanted to undress him herself. She settled on his hips and smoothed the fabric of his shirt with her palms. He moaned softly as she leaned down to kiss his neck and every inch of skin exposed by the unbuttoning of his shirt.

She kissed the hard plane of his chest, moving down and unbuttoning slowly. Soon, her lips reached the top of his abdomen. She kept encountering hard muscle. What the? She sat up and undid the last three buttons frantically before yanking his shirt open completely.

"Holy shit," she whispered. "You are hot."

Her hands traced the defined muscle of his torso in amazement. "You're a history teacher?"

"Professor," he blurted out. He was not used to this kind of attention. "I enjoy exercise?"

"I can see that," she said dreamily. She kissed each ripple of muscle at his abdomen. She ran her tongue along the deep 'V' shaped line of his hips. He was delicious.

She unbuckled his belt and slowly undid the button and zipper of his pants. She ran her hand along the hard length of him through the fabric of his underwear. She flicked her tongue out to make her intentions clear. He had other ideas. He sat up and pulled her to him in a straddle, flipping them over once more. But this time, he fell off the side of her bed, pulling her towards him as he settled on his knees. He hooked his fingers into the waistband of her panties and pulled them off with agonizing slowness.

"I insist," he said huskily.

Ashi swore. This must be the best night of her life. Her head lolled backwards against the comfortable sheets, her moans increasing in intensity as her handsome stranger lapped and suckled at her with his talented tongue. She moved her hand to make a fist at the top of his head in his dark hair. Her hips moved gently against his mouth. He was good. This would not take long.

He moaned against her as her breathing became frantic. She was cursing a lot more now. Usually, foul language made him uncomfortable but her words spurred him on, making him want to pleasure her until she cried herself hoarse. Her cries escalated, her hips bucked beneath him, forcing him to hold her to steady her.

Her back arched as she reached her peak. "Jack!" Her hands slammed into the sheets, fisting them so tightly she thought they might rip. Her whole body thrummed with her orgasm as she rode out the sensation on his lips. She rested her calves on his shoulders as she came down, shivering as his tongue still flicked against her. He placed one more open-mouthed kiss on her clit before she whimpered, the sensation now overwhelming.

Their eyes made contact. Jack licked his lips slowly, savoring her taste. She smiled brilliantly. He kissed the delicate skin of her inner thigh and moved up her body with a smirk, stopping at her breasts to tease her nipples with his mouth. Ashi was still shaking, somehow simultaneously satisfied yet still wholly aroused.

She pulled his head up from her chest and rewarded him with a long, deep kiss. His mouth was still warm with her. It made her feel giddy.

Jack finally stood and slipped out of his shoes, kicking them behind him. He grabbed the waist of his pants and pulled down, underwear and all, finally removing the rest of his clothing. He stood up straight.

Ashi could hear a chorus of angels in her head cheering her on. The man was gorgeous.

She sat up and reached for the drawer of her nightstand. She pulled out a small square package and ripped the side off with her teeth. She ran a hand over his dick lovingly, as if admiring a work of art. Her tongue ran up and down the length of him a few times before finally engulfing him in her mouth.

Jack grit his teeth at the sight. He could feel the back of his neck break out into a sweat as he watched himself disappear in her heat. He moaned as she swirled her tongue around the tip, taking him in further and further. His shoulders relaxed and his head fell back when he felt himself hit the back of her throat. He panted lightly, running a gentle hand through her hair.

She released him with a smirk, pumping her hand around him. She removed the condom from its wrapper and slid it on him. Jack gently nudged her shoulders, pushing her back onto the bed.

He situated himself between her legs and pushed in slowly. Too slowly.

"Jack," she whined. "Please."

He smirked. She wouldn't have expected such a look from a man so shy but damn it if it wasn't sexy. He pulled out and thrust back inside with a force that made her back arch. He set a rhythm, a fast one, digging his short nails into her thighs. She cried out in ecstasy.

He wrapped her legs around his neck, reaching down to grab her ass to angle her hips up. His thrusts, the angle, created a buildup of pressure in her body that she was quick to release.

"Fuck!" She shuddered against him again, her muscles pulsating around him making it hard for him to remain focused. His thrusts were becoming erratic at the sensation as her body released, then calmed.

He slowed his hips down as she panted, laughing, running her hands up and down her body in her second post-orgasmic haze. She opened her eyes to look up at him with a lazy grin.

"Would you like to take a break?" he asked, slightly out of breath.

"Did you come?"

He shook his head. She sat up and grabbed him, pulling him down to lay flat on his back. She threw a nimble leg over his hips to straddle him, positioning herself over his length.

"Then hell no." She sank herself down. He groaned. Her body moved so gracefully, so sensually, that he could only stare in raw hunger as she rode him. He could feel a familiar tightening in his sac, telling him that he was close. He grabbed her hips and thrusted up wildly. She exhaled a throaty moan at his aggression.

Her body fell against his and he held her tight, panting into her neck, breathing in her scent. He buried his hand in her hair and pulled. She squealed. He screwed his eyes shut as his muscles spasmed. He cried out her name and his hips kept thrusting, riding out the intense wave of his own orgasm.

His hips finally slowed as he finished. He released his grip from her head and ran it lazily, exhaustedly, down her back. He could hear breathy laughter in his ear. She sat up and looked into his eyes. He was pretty sure his heart was going to burst. He pushed her bangs away from her damp forehead before pulling her down to kiss him.

They kissed each other slowly, sensually, moaning softly in appreciation of the other's touch. She eventually moved to his side and kissed his neck. Jack removed the condom from himself, tying it off and tossing it to a wastebasket across the room. It went in quietly, not even touching the rim of the basket. "Nice aim," she complimented.

He shrugged. "Lucky throw." She laughed and sidled herself next to him. He opened his arms to her and kissed her deeply, touching various parts of her exposed skin: her shoulders, her hips, her back. She reciprocated his touch.

Eventually, their kissing ceased. She looked up at him.

"So," she whispered, lightly trailing her fingertips up his chest. "How about that drink?"

He laughed heartily as she removed herself from his arms. She raised a leg into the air curiously. "Huh," she said, looking at her high heels. "I never took these off." She shrugged, not bothering to do so now. She left the bed to retrieve the forgotten glasses. Jack watched her walk to the kitchen. He'd never seen a naked woman in high heels before.

What a sight it was.

She awoke when she heard a faint 'click'. Her eyes opened slowly, groggily taking in the scene. An empty bottle of champagne sat at her bedside table along with one empty glass and another filled a fourth of the way. Most of the carbonation in it had died, a few stray bubbles floating up the center of the glass.

She groaned feeling slightly hungover. She looked at the clock. It was early. She did not know exactly what time she and her bedmate had finally passed out from exhaustion but she knew she had not been asleep long. She rolled on her back and stretched her arms over her head. She looked at the spot beside her with a smile. Her smile left her immediately.

Jack was gone.

Ashi sat up and frowned. Must have been the 'click' of the door that woke her up. She couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. She had felt a... connection to him. Which was rare. Come to think of it... she'd never experienced a connection like this to anyone else before.

She had been with a handful of men in her life, so she was used to this type of scenario. Waking up alone. But normally she'd be the one leaving or kicking a man out. She wasn't used to being the one left.

She supposed she wouldn't have cared one way or the other if this had been someone else. But Jack was... different. He was so smart and sweet and shy. He made her laugh. And don't get her wrong, the sex was phenomenal, but she genuinely liked the other things he had to offer. She liked the sound of his voice, the gentle way he'd held her, and...

She leaned forward in bed, rubbing her temples and chastising herself. None of that mattered. He was gone and she was leaving, anyway. On to the next mission.

She got out of bed and downed the remaining champagne in the glass. It tasted bitter. Another poor decision. What a morning this was turning out to be.

She shuffled her way to her bathroom, noting that her dress had been hung up on a hanger and hung over the bathroom door. She rolled her eyes. At least he had been courteous enough to do that.

She took her time in the shower, letting the warm water ease her muscles and the steam relax her. She didn't know how long she'd been in there but she begrudgingly turned off the water when she noticed her fingers beginning to wrinkle.

She stepped out of the bathroom wearing the soft, fluffy robe the hotel provided. She scrubbed at her wet hair with a towel but froze as she heard a noise at the door. She walked over to it carefully and closed one eye for better focus as she looked through the peephole.

She gasped.

She opened the door and saw Jack, balancing two cups of coffee in one hand and a few crinkled brown bags in the other. He held her room key in his teeth. He tried smiling at her and wishing her good morning but it was awkward given the piece of plastic between his lips.

She snatched the key out of his mouth before folding her arms, staring at him coldly. His shoulders slumped as if he'd done something wrong. She smirked.

"You know that's what room service is for."

His features eased into a smile. "I did not want to disturb your rest." She stood aside and let him walk back into her room. "Besides, the quality of this shop is much better."

"Is that so? You don't even know if I like coffee."

"You mentioned you had a fondness for Cuban espresso when you travel."

"I did?"

"Well," he laughed, "you said it once. You said you enjoyed one when your flight landed yesterday morning."

"Wow," she said, nodding her head. "I'm impressed. You are a good listener."

He chuckled at that, placing the drinks on the coffee table in front of one of the couches. He handed a cup to her as she sat on the couch with her legs folded beneath her. She thanked him and gently popped the lid off the cup and inhaled the aroma. Strong and sweet. Just like she liked it.

"Do you need cream or sugar?" she asked him. "I have some in the kitchen."

"Do not worry," he responded. He dumped one of the bags on the table that was filled with small cups of cream and packets of sugar.

She took a long sip of her coffee and exhaled in contentment. She grabbed a sugar packet and emptied it, swirling it around with a wooden stick she found among the small mess on the table. She poked at the other bags. "What else have you got here?"

"A few bagels, in case you were hungry." He picked up one of the bags and presented it to her. "There's something else."

She set her coffee cup down and took the bag from him. She pulled out a long chocolate covered pastry with an elongated 'ooh'.

"It is a honeyed-chocolate eclair. I wasn't sure what to get you but you seem to like things... sweet?"

She took a bite and her eyes widened immediately. "Oh," she said before covering her mouth to finish her bite. "Oh my god. This is delicious."

He smiled. "I am glad you enjoy it."

She scooted closer to him and placed a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you," she whispered. She did not pull back from his space. He turned his head and kissed her softly on her lips.

"You're welcome," he whispered back, angling his head to get a deeper kiss. She giggled in pure bliss as she wrapped her arms around his neck, eclair still in hand.

"Would you like a bite?" He turned to see the treat dangling inches away from his face. He opened his mouth and took a small bite off the corner.

"Hm," he remarked, "this is quite good."

She removed herself from the couch and set her treat on the table. She grabbed his hands and pulled him up. She ran suddenly, a delighted squeal escaping her as she jumped on the bed, landing on her back. She felt dizzy with excitement. With happiness.

He climbed over her but did not move any further. He instead looked down at her with a warm smile. He looked positively smitten.

"You look like Christmas morning," he whispered, running a gentle hand to brush her bangs away from her forehead.

She bit the inside of her lip. Let it be known that Ashi did not enjoy sweet talk. She found it incredibly cheesy. Boring. But something about it from him: this handsome, demure, deep-voiced but soft-spoken man, had her insides fluttering.

"I find that men who sugar coat their words lack sincerity." Her words lacked any bite and she knew it. She knew she was blushing.

He laughed. "I apologize. You're cute when you're flustered."

She exhaled a breath through her nostrils, half annoyed, half amused that he would use her words against her. Oh well. Two can play at that game.

"Christmas morning, hm?" She reached down and toyed with the knot the kept her robe closed. "Well, aren't you going to open your presents?"

He immediately leaned down to kiss her. They laughed against each other's mouths.

It wasn't until hours later, when both could do nothing else than stare into each other's eyes, did Ashi give a name to her feelings.

Oh shit.

Author's Note

Well there you have it. I'm off to hell to repent for my sins. I'll miss you all!

But seriously, the next chapter is in the works. Cause this doesn't even remotely resemble 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith'. It will soon. But this first damn chapter is so long that I don't know when the next one will be ready. Plus, I've still got I Exist to work on. Alas. At least this makes for a good one shot.

Thank you all for reading. Reviews are always appreciated!