Chapter 1
Kirk stood in front of the full-length mirror, studying his aged face and frail physique. His wispy, grey hair only seemed to make him look even older. Today was the day he would introduce himself to Kate, the young, beautiful model. Kirk had managed to find her scheduled appointment for a photo shoot in a nearby hotel.
In the morning, he drove to the luxurious hotel in the city centre. The sun cast a warm glow over the bustling streets as he walked confidently towards the lobby. Upon entering, he felt the gentle hum of the place – elegant, yet understated – exactly what he imagined Kate deserved. He made his way toward the elevator, excitement brewing inside him.
As he stepped into the spacious elevator, he felt the calming atmosphere of the place seep into his soul, he thought, knowing that Kate would feel right at home here too. He waited in the lobby for Kate to arrive, and he kept the device in his pocket, prepped for use on Kate.
He smiled to himself; he had spent weeks planning this moment. Finally, he saw her approach, looking stunning in her high heels and little black dress. Her radiant smile illuminated the room as she passed him towards the lifts.
Kirk followed closely behind, his heart thumping against his chest. As the lift door opened, he could hear the faint echo of jazz music playing in the background as he stepped beside her and stood slightly behind her.
He noticed her eyes quickly scanning the area before coming to rest on him. "Floor?" she asked with a friendly smile.
As Kate turned back around to press the buttons, Kirk turned off his hearing aid and then pressed the button on his device.
He didn't know how long it would take for it to affect her, but he knew when it did. In the midst of pressing the floor number, her gaze shifted subtly, turning a bit glassy. Kirk smirked as he felt the power surge through him. Now, he had full control over her emotions. Kate turned to him.
Although Kirk couldn't hear his own voice, he began giving Kate instructions as quickly as he could before the device's power wore off on Kate.
"Can you hear me, Kate?" he asked.
Kate nodded.
"You will believe every and all instructions I give you," Kirk told her.
Kate nodded again.
"The very next time you see me, you will fall in love with me." Kirk’s voice was raspy. "You will think I'm the sexiest, most handsome man you have ever seen; no other man is anywhere near my level"
Kirk felt the device vibrate, signalling he had seconds left.
"Kate, you will act normal, but your new feelings and attractions will be 100% real." The device changed from a constant vibration to an intermittent one.
"Turn around and remember my instructions in your subconscious," Kirk said as Kate turned back to the doors. The device stopped vibrating and he let it go.
Kirk turned on his hearing aid again and prayed it had worked.
Kate looked ahead, Kirk watched her fantastic figure, he didn't quite realise she would be so much taller than him.
Kirk could not take it a second longer. "Did you press ninth for me, dear?"
Kate turned around, she visibly swayed when her eyes took Kirk in.
She shook her head slightly, trying to dispel the dizziness she suddenly felt.
"Yes...nine," She replied, barely above a whisper.
"Thank you," Kirk said.
"You are welcome," she said as she turned back around, Kate’s heart pounded. She felt her cheeks blush. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen.
With his wise, old face and frail body, he seemed fragile yet intriguing. The feeling was surreal. How could she suddenly have such intense feelings for someone she just met? She couldn't shake the sensation that he was different, special somehow.
Kirk smiled; he knew his device had done its job well. Kate had to turn back around. Even though she tried not to, she had to see him again. Kirk smiled, and Kate nervously turned back around. His smile was incredible, she thought.
Kate glanced at the buttons as they illuminated what floor they were passing; hers was next.
Kate decided to make conversation. She turned seductively. "I'm Kate, by the way,"
"Pleased to meet you, Kate," Kirk replied.
The elevator doors slid open, revealing the luxurious interior of the floor.
Kate stepped out of the elevator, and then back inside.
"So, should I just call you Mr Ninth or will you tell me your name," Kate asked, shamelessly flirting.
Kirk smiled as he said, "You may call me Kirk."
Kate continued, "Well, that's better than Mr. Ninth," she deliberately teased him.
The door closed, and the elevator began to rise to the ninth.
"Have you not missed your floor?" Kirk asked.
Kate blushed slightly, noticing how her attraction to him grew stronger with each passing moment. "No, I won't miss my floor, thanks."
Kirk smiled at her joke, knowing that his plan was working perfectly. As the elevator reached the ninth floor, Kirk led Kate out into the hallway. Kirk felt increasingly confident in his ability to win her over completely.
"So, let's cut to the chase, Kirk. What room is yours?" Even Kate was surprised by her forwardness.
It wasn't like her to be so brazen, but something about Kirk compelled her to push boundaries. As the elevator arrived at the ninth floor, she couldn't wait to explore the depths of her newfound desire.
"Well, if we are being honest, I don't have a room in the hotel. I just saw an opportunity to get you up in the lift," Kirk told her as the lift doors shut, and the elevator descended. He was standing in the hallway and peering up at her.
Kate was taken aback by his unexpected admission, but, then, she remembered the strange sensation she felt earlier, the attraction she could not explain. It might be interesting to explore these unfamiliar feelings.
"You did? And just when I was thinking was getting you UP in the lift," Kate said as she stepped towards him. She craned her neck down, slightly, in the middle of the hallway, and kissed the old man.
"Oh, you can get me up anytime you want to, sweetheart," Kirk responded, his voice low and seductive. Kate couldn't help but smile at his response, her hands running over his shoulders.
Kirk moved his hand gently up Kate's leg, stopping just short of her skirt. His fingers teased her as his breath ghosted across her ear. "Why don't we head back to my place?" he suggested.
Kate nodded, more than ready to explore the growing connection between them.
She followed Kirk back to his car, her high heels clicking on the pavement as they walked side by side. The surrounding air buzzed with electricity, and neither could resist the undeniable chemistry pulling them closer.
Once inside the car, Kirk drove them towards his house. As they rode in silence, Kate could hardly contain her anticipation, wondering what awaited her in Kirk's home. Her curiosity was heightened by the unusual intensity of their connection.
When they finally pulled up outside Kirk's house, Kate hesitated before exiting the car. She couldn't shake the sense that there was something odd about this situation, but her fascination with Kirk overrode any lingering doubts. With a deep breath, she exited the vehicle and followed Kirk toward his front door.
An almost imperceptible flutter in her stomach accompanied her footsteps. Despite her uncertainty, her curiosity propelled her forward. Upon entering Kirk's house, Kate found herself surrounded by clutter, the house smelt off, and it could have been a lot cleaner. Despite the disarray, Kate couldn't deny the growing thrill of exploring this intimate space with Kirk. The dim lighting and the mood music added to the atmosphere.