ELEVEN
The Femme Fatale Handbook
Chapter One: The Seductress, Venus
Remember how I mentioned in the beginning of this guide that I was going to discuss women throughout history who have nailed the part of the seductress? Well, we are about to embark on that journey, and who better to start with than the poster child for seduction, herself, Venus (or Aphrodite, as she’s known in the Greek pantheon.)
As the Goddess of Love, Venus is the ultimate example of the seductress. Even though Venus is a legendary character who goes back thousands of years, it would be a mistake to think her mode of seduction is outdated or one which can’t be applied to the here and now. The rules of seduction don’t expire, they simply build on one another.
To become like Venus, you must distinguish yourself as a creature unlike any other. Venus stands alone. There are no usurpers to her throne, and you must think along the same lines. Venus is highly feminine and she owns her sexuality. To look upon her, a man instantly desires her, and this desire is born from her extreme sexual presence. Venus is the ultimate male fantasy because even though she advertises her sexuality, she remains elusive. No one man can possess her.
So what lessons can we take from Venus and apply to ourselves?
- You must physically radiate femininity. Your clothing must be seductive, your makeup not over the top and garish but something that accentuates your own natural beauty. Your clothing and makeup must enhance your face and figure and at the same time evoke the notion of sensuality without going overboard, so as to make you appear like you’re a character in a play. And your scent must be rapturous. Something to be said about the power of scent—scent is tied to memory, so if you want him to remember you, find a signature fragrance and keep on wearing it.
- You must emanate sexuality! When you speak, you must do so in a calm manner and your words should drip with promises unfulfilled. Your sexuality must be simmering on the surface but never ostentatious or too in his face.
- You must be confident! Confidence is paramount to a seductress. A note about confidence and self-esteem: Although this book is broken into chapters dedicated to various types of seductresses, this point can be applied to any and all seductresses. And it’s a crucial one. You must always remember that a seductress is, above all else, confident.
***
DEREK
I wasn’t in a good mood. And I was running late for Sonama’s class because Rebecca refused to leave my office. Another argument that I didn’t have time for. Another argument that I didn’t have any interest in. If there was something I was damn sure of, this would be the last argument Rebecca and I would ever have.
Regarding the subject matter of our difference in perspective? It turned out that Rebecca had been the one to tell the dean of our sexual encounters, just like I’d supposed. And she’d also tried to blackmail me into continuing our liaison with the threat that she’d go back to the dean if we didn’t. Of course, the irony of that situation hadn’t been lost on me—that unless we continued to have sex, she would go to the dean to tell him we still were. Regardless, Rebecca hadn’t handled it well when I’d told her we were done. So, on that topic, I was now expecting a visit from the dean very soon. And that thought hadn’t put me into a very good mood, to say the least.
When I arrived to the lecture hall with two minutes to spare, I breathed a sigh of relief. In general, I didn’t forgive tardiness in my students, and I reserved that same mode of thinking for myself. So when Nikki strolled in four minutes later, I wasn’t pleased. But my irritation had to be suspended for a few seconds because it was replaced with shock. Shock over what she was wearing, or in this case, wasn’t.
A black skirt that was short enough to reveal half her thighs and tight enough that I could easily make out the shape of her tight and round little butt. Her legs were further accented by her wedge shoes which gave them the illusion of going on forever. Her blouse was fitted and the first two buttons undone so anyone could clearly see the prominent swells of her breasts. With her blond hair loose and cascading down around her shoulders, her gentle eye makeup and pink pouty lips, she was more attractive than I’d previously given her credit for.
And I couldn’t help but notice the rest of the men in the room also realizing they hadn’t given credit where credit was due. She sauntered past me as she faced the classroom, her head held high, her shoulders square and her back straight as if she were leading an army into battle.
“Next time you’re going to be late to class, don’t bother coming,” I addressed her, finding myself even more annoyed by the way she strolled into the classroom as if she owned it. Not to mention the fact that she hadn’t bothered to apologize for being late in the first place. Hell, she hadn’t even spared me a sideways glance!
“I’m sorry,” she said as she turned around and offered me a grin that said she couldn’t have cared less. I felt a wash of red heat overcome my face as I watched her take her seat and smile at me.
She and I would have words later. She had no business being late to my class, dressed the way she was. Of course, I was very well aware that it wasn’t my place to tell a student what she could and couldn’t wear, but I also couldn’t say I cared. This was my class and I would, therefore, not only make the rules, but also enforce them.
“Beau Bright,” I called out, forcing the jock to pull his eyes away from Nikki. “What points do you think Virginia Woolf was trying to make in A Room of One’s Own?” I asked, now burning on the inside although I wasn’t sure why.
Rebecca, I reminded myself. She’s the one who put you into a bad mood.
Yes, that’s right, it was Rebecca’s fault. All Rebecca’s fault, I reiterated to myself, even as my gaze unknowingly sought Nikki out again. Goddamn she looked hot as hell. It was going to be a chore to keep my focus on the lesson today. But I had to because the last thing I wanted was for all the students to see I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I forced my attention back to the notes on the desk before me, now more annoyed than I’d been when I walked in.
“Um,” Beau started, clearly clueless as to what I was asking.
“Did you read the book?” I demanded angrily.
“Not all of it,” he answered.
“Pack your things,” I responded, having had enough of students who didn’t give a shit about this class. “And don’t come back until you’ve read what you were supposed to.”
“Well, I read some of it,” he argued, something which pissed me off even more.
“Don’t make me repeat myself,” I responded in a level voice, but my tone was icy cold.
His eyes narrowed, but then he shrugged and, thrusting his notebook underneath his arm, he stood up and lumbered to the end of the aisle. When he reached the steps, he glanced over at Nikki and nodded at her with a big smile. He said something to her that I wasn’t able to make out, but I did notice that she dropped her eyes to her notebook in front of her as her cheeks colored. She didn’t look especially pleased. That fueled my angry fire all the more as something which felt a damned lot like jealousy started to churn my stomach.
“And don’t take all day about it,” I muttered as I crossed my arms against my chest and regarded him angrily.
He didn’t say anything as he walked past me, the double doors slamming shut behind him. I faced the rest of the class and found I had to fight to keep my gaze away from Nikki. Not an easy feat considering her breasts were so prominently displayed. Yes, she and I would definitely have words later.
“Anyone else didn’t read the book, you can also join your comrade in a not so honorable discharge,” I said.
No one made any motion to leave, although I didn’t believe for a second that all of them were up to date with their reading. They were all probably just too scared to move. I glanced down at my notes again and started the lecture, although I couldn’t say I was in any mood to discuss Virginia Woolf.
I wasn’t sure how it was possible, but by the time I checked the clock on the wall, forty-five minutes had gone by. I quickly tied up the lesson before writing the students’ homework assignment on the dry erase board. Then I announced that class was over.
“Can I see you please?” I said to Nikki as soon as she walked past me.
“Sure,” she answered as she turned on her heel and faced me quizzically. I didn’t say anything until the rest of the students had left the room. This was a conversation that didn’t need witnesses.
“What’s up?” she asked me with a smile.
“What’s up,” I repeated, my voice coming out much more acidic than I’d planned. “Is that I don’t appreciate you coming to my class late.”
“Oh,” she said with a quick nod. “I’m sorry about that. It won’t happen again, I promise.”
“And,” I nearly interrupted her. “I don’t know who you’re trying to impress by dressing that way,” I continued as I looked her up and down even though I hadn’t intended to. It just sort of happened, but in doing so, a new fiery blaze rampaged through me which further pissed me off. I didn’t know why, but there was something about this girl that made me lose control of myself. Usually I was a sexed-up asshole, I could admit it, but at least I could keep it in check. With Nikki, all I wanted to do was bend her over my desk and take her mercilessly.
“I’m not trying to impress anyone,” she responded with a frown.
I ran my hands through my longish hair as my cheeks grew hotter. “Right,” I growled at her. “Beau? Was this for him?”
Nikki’s frown turned into a glare as her eyes narrowed on me. “No.”
“Actually, I don’t give a shit who it’s for,” I continued, now fully irritated because I was convinced she’d dressed this way for that apish dumbass. “But it’s … distracting … to the, uh, to the other students in class,” I finished quickly.
“How is that any business,” she started as she glanced down at herself and a rosy blush stole over her cheeks but her eyes were still angry, still fighting, as they met mine again.
“It’s my business because it’s my class,” I interrupted her, angry that she would even think to challenge me on this subject. Who the hell did she think she was? Walking in here like she was on a catwalk and then arguing with me?
“Last I checked, students could wear what they want.”
“And last I checked, professors could remove students from class who are distracting other students,” I responded icily, even though I was well aware that according to Hamilton rules, she was in the right. But I didn’t care. I didn’t want her flaunting that hot as hell body for Beau Dipshit.
“So you’re telling me you’ll kick me out?” she asked, her eyebrows raised in obvious surprise.
“I’m telling you I don’t appreciate you coming to class, dressed like you’re planning on making money on the corner later.” I knew I shouldn’t have said it, but the words had a life of their own. Nikki’s face immediately colored with hurt and embarrassment, and I was suddenly angry with myself for my inability to control my sharp tongue. I cleared my throat. “The point is that I’d appreciate it if you’d tone it down and be on time.”
“Understood,” she answered in a clipped and annoyed tone. Then she turned around and started for the double doors. I couldn’t help it as my gaze rested on her ass, something which enraged me all the more.
“Don’t think you’ve got amnesty just because I tasked you with a special project and gave you a ride home the other night,” I continued, even though I knew I shouldn’t have gone there, but I just couldn’t stop myself. I wanted to take her down a peg or two, and the words just bled from my tongue as if they had a right. But I was well aware that I was making this conversation way too personal. And Nikki and I weren’t on that sort of level with each other. And we never would be, owing to the fact that I was her professor.
“I don’t think that,” she answered, tightlipped, as she turned to face me. “And I would have been just fine walking home by myself anyway, if you recall.” She took a breath. “You’re the one who insisted on driving me!”
Her comment irritated me to no end. “I’ll keep that in mind next time we meet in the library at zero dark thirty,” I grumbled.
“There won’t be a next time,” she answered, her eyes blazing as she glared at me. I was surprised, I had to admit it. I hadn’t imagined she would ever talk back to me, and this candor of hers staggered me. But then I remembered the fire in her eyes when I’d first encountered her in class and she’d argued with me about Jane Eyre. She was a little spitfire, that much was for sure. And her insubordination made me only want to take her all the more.
“Good,” I said.
“Good,” she responded back before starting for the doors again. I could have sworn she added an intentional sway to her hips just to further piss me off. And, damn it all, but that ass!
“I hope you’re making lots of headway with your paper,” I added to her retreating back. Because I’m going to grade you more harshly than anyone else, I thought to myself and immediately regretted it. I was completely losing my cool. What the hell was wrong with me?
“I am,” she answered and then sauntered through the double doors, leaving me to wonder what the hell my problem was.
***
Later that evening, I was still pissed off. Time away from Nikki hadn’t done anything to calm my frazzled and angry nerves, like I’d hoped it would. Walking through the door, I threw off my jacket and my shoes and immediately started for the bottle of wine I’d left on the counter. If I’d never needed a glass before, I needed one now.
I was angry, I was exhausted, I was confused as to why I was so angry, and above all else, I was horny as shit. As I plopped myself down onto my brown leather couch, a glass of Merlot in my hand, I considered picking up the phone and dialing Rebecca. I was more than sure she’d be up for letting me slake myself within her and satisfy this burning need for sex that I had at the moment. Maybe I could take out whatever aggression I had towards Nikki and her perfect, sexy goddamned body. But the idea of opening my eyes and seeing Rebecca underneath me left me nothing but disappointed. No, I wanted Nikki. I wanted those gorgeous blue eyes focusing on me, not Rebecca’s. And there was no substitution for Nikki—certainly not Rebecca. So I was just going to sit here with an erection and nothing to do about it.
One thing I was damned sure about was that whatever this fascination I had with Nikki, I needed to get the hell over it.