The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!

“I’m not thirsty,” Laney huffed, turning away from the elaborate setup and crossing her arms over her chest. The crystal decanter was too much.

And also too little.

Did Joe really think this would work? That he could do anywhere near the appropriate amount of penance by serving her tea? While Laney loved the floral notes of a properly brewed Earl Grey, it would take a lot more than her favorite beverage to settle this score.

“You will be,” Joe said with utmost confidence. He flashed that stupid smile that always won Laney over with its wolfishness.

Laney’s dry laugh echoed through her small living room. She squared her gaze at Joe, hoping he could see flashes of fire behind her eyes. She was livid, and the emotion roasted her from the inside out. “Perhaps you should have it, Joe. Seems you’re the one who’s been thirsty lately.”

Joe’s eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched.

Perfect shot, Laney thought.

Joe ran his tongue across his front teeth and sighed. “I messed up, Lane. Royally. I won’t make excuses about it. This is entirely on me.” He closed his eyes and shook his head. “I’m really trying here.”

The fire in Laney’s gut sizzled. It was nice to hear him own up to his philandering, but she was still seething mad.

“You’re going to have to try harder.”

“Do you want me to beg?” Joe asked, smirking and cocking an eyebrow.

And fuck, there it was, the twist in Laney’s stomach that announced she was still attracted to him, asshole that he was.

Laney opened her mouth to say, yes, that was exactly what she wanted, but Joe interrupted her.

“I’ll do you one better, Lane.” Joe pulled up the sleeve of his jacket. His forearm was enclosed in layer upon layer of white gauze. Despite the tight wrapping, Laney could see a dash of yellow, a spot blood trying to break through the bandage.

“I give of myself to you, Laney. I am completely and utterly yours.” With a flourish, Joe poured liquid into Laney’s cup. It was most decidedly not Earl Grey.

A ghost of a smile tugged at Laney’s lips. She drew the cup to her lips and breathed in iron.

“This is a good start,” Laney said. “But I still want you to beg.”