7. Alex

Alex

A deep bass rocks every floor of 50 Hermitage Road as I pull up to the curb opposite. It's approaching two in the morning and a rowdy party is in full swing at the smart three-storey detached house. Through the half-open windows there is the sound of raucous laughter and the heavy dark smell of marijuana drifts out into the night air.

Swaggering through the litter-strewn garden, six youths holding cans of lager go to join the party. They cheer as they watch a drunken girl stumble onto the street and throw up on the pavement. Another partygoer smashes a bottle and waves it menacingly at a passer-by. And all the while, the drum and bass grows louder and louder, shaking the house to its foundations.

For a couple of minutes, I sit in my car studying the house, concealed by the tinted windscreen like a deadly assassin.

So, this is where the bitch lives. She's having a party. She'd better enjoy it while she can because she won't be in a partying mood by the time I've finished with her…

The weather is cool and dry; perfect for what I have planned.

With rising emotions, I think back to the events of the previous evening. I had followed Jessica to the cinema to spy on her date with Mr Adonis. Consumed by jealously, I couldn't accept that this was the end for us, so I forced myself to drive to Streatham Hill and park on a street corner that provided a full view of the cinema entrance. I watched my beauty step off the bus and was so blown away I could barely breathe.

All dolled up to impress the little cocksucker, she looked good enough to eat in a black leather jacket, white crop top and brown leather trousers. She glowed like a star in the sky, was almost too perfect to be real. I was literally drooling. Her tight clothes clung to every curve of that stunning body, and I got an erection fantasising about what it would be like to see her naked. Damn, that face, those eyes, those lips. Those breasts—so huge and ripe, so succulent, all I wanted was to suck on them. Watch them bounce up and down as I licked her clit and finger fucked her to orgasm. Then, swiftly, my desire turned to anger when I realised that somebody else would be getting to enjoy what should be mine. It wasn't me she had dressed up for. No, it was for that two-timing clown who I just knew was going to let her down.

It was sickening to witness. The excitement on her face as she stood outside the cinema, looking expectantly towards the traffic for any sign of her hot date. The way she chewed her lip, the way she paced up and down, so desperate to see him it was nauseating. The whole thing was like a train wreck. I kept wanting to look away but couldn't. It was like I enjoyed torturing myself.

And then…a miracle happened. Fifteen minutes in and there was still no sign of Mr Adonis. I was jubilant at first, but Jessica looked so crestfallen, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Yes, I wanted to fend off the competition but not to the detriment of her wellbeing.

More time passed and the clown still hadn't appeared. She ran inside the cinema to search for him. He wasn't there. Checked the traffic for signs of his Lotus. Nope. She looked so agitated. Kept glancing at her watch. I couldn't help but feel for her as it soon became clear her date wasn't coming. Jack had stood her up, though for the life of me, I could not think why. Was he out of his mind? What man would forgo the chance to be seen on the arm of so perfect an angel? His ingratitude was mind-blowing to me. The fool had her in the palm of his hand and he blew it. Too bad. His loss will be my gain.

As the seconds ticked by, I could see the pain in Jessica's face as she stood outside that cinema in the freezing cold. I could see her confidence erode to nothing. I could see it in her body language. The sense of defeat. The creeping sense of demoralisation that rejection brings. I felt for her, I really did. More than anyone, I know what it is like to be rejected; to be treated like a leper and cast aside.

All I wanted was to jump out of my car and take her in my arms. Kiss away her tears, hold her tightly and let her know that she was very much wanted by someone. And that someone was willing to offer her the Earth. Willing to do anything, travel to Hell and back to be with her. I wanted to tend to her every need, provide her with everything both emotionally and financially. If she were my girlfriend, Jessica would never want for anything. I would treat her like a queen. I would never treat her the way Jack did. Not in a million years.

But it was not the right time to declare my feelings. Much as I longed to run across the street and rescue her from herself, I knew she would only rebuff me. No, I needed to continue to bide my time and wait for the right opportunity to present itself. So, I continued sitting in my Range Rover, watching and waiting, nursing all my pent-up feelings and dreaming of a time when she would one day be mine.

Funny. It turns out the two of us have more in common than I first thought. Though we are polar opposites—she the beauty and I the beast—we have both experienced the agony of rejection and for the first time, I realised that she and I were kindred spirits. Not only do I connect with Jessica sexually, but I also bond with her on a spiritual level. We are soulmates. The stars have aligned, and we are meant to be. All I need to do is convince her.

And then, around thirty minutes in, something unexpected happened. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed an attractive blonde girl crouching behind a row of parked cars. In her hand she held a Polaroid camera. Every so often, she stood to her full height and looked in the direction of the cinema, before ducking down out of view again. It was such odd behaviour, I decided to watch her to determine what she was up to. She repeated the strange behaviour a couple of times more before finally, she aimed the camera in Jessica's direction, took a sneaky snapshot and then, sniggering like a hyena, hurried off down a side street.

What was that all about?

My curiosity piqued, I started my car and quietly followed the mysterious blonde up the road to where an old turquoise Mini was parked. Giggling hysterically, she jumped into the driver's seat and shared the photograph with a group of girls sitting in the vehicle. Through the half-open windows, I could hear every word of their conversation as clear as day.

"Shit, how sad is that? Can you believe she's actually still standing there, waiting for him? How long's it been now?"

"Coming up to forty minutes!"

"Georgina, you are so bad. How long's it going to take before the dumb bitch gets the message that Loverboy isn't coming?"

"She's so thirsty she'll probably be there all night."

"Ha! I can't believe she fell for it. This picture you took is sooo funny. Look at her face. She looks like she's going to cry!"

"Oh my God and look at those clothes. She's such a bloody slut."

"More like homeless tramp. I bet she smells. She looks like she smells."

"Of course, she smells. I don't think the Devil's Daughter ever washed at school, did she? Remember in P.E. how she always used to hide in the changing room while the rest of us showered?"

"Dirty whore was after your man, George. Can you believe it?"

"I know. The audacity!"

The girls exploded with laughter and rage as intense as fire gripped me. God Almighty, so the whole thing had been a set-up from the start to humiliate Jessica and the main instigator was this Georgina person, Jack's so-called ex-girlfriend. How dare they? How could they be so cruel? How could they do that to another human being? The answer, of course, is jealousy. When it comes to women, it's a tale as old as time. Jealousy and envy are most often the key to why there are so many fractured female friendships.

I only had to observe Georgina for a short period to get what she was about—the joy on her face as her friends stuck the knife in, the obvious pleasure she took from torturing her victim—and I knew she had bullied Jessica all throughout her teen years. By sheer intuition together with an acute understanding of the foul nature of most human beings, I could tell that she envied Jessica because she was everything Georgina was not: a natural beauty with style, grace and elegance and most of all, class. Something Georgina wouldn't even know how to spell. On this basis alone, I decided very quickly that these girls needed to be taught a lesson, one they would never forget. Nobody fucks with my beauty.

Nobody.

For the next ten minutes or so, I eavesdropped on their conversation and soon discovered that the following night, Georgina's parents were going to be away, and she planned to throw a raucous party. That was all I needed to hear. I now had the perfect opportunity to settle the score.

A loud shriek of laughter pulls me back to the current moment. I stare up at Georgina's house. It's an extremely nice period building with a freshly rendered exterior. It will be such a shame to destroy it…

Ah well. Time to make a move.

Silently, I reach in the back seat and wrestle out a black sports bag. Calmly, I unzip it and pull out a glass bottle and a can of petrol. I get out the car and stand at a safe distance. With cool precision, I pour the petrol into the glass bottle, stuff a grubby rag down its neck and set it alight. Adrenaline rushes through my veins. I smile in anticipation of what is to come.

Mustering all my strength, I throw the petrol bomb through the second-floor window and watch it explode into flames. Red and yellow lights up the night sky. Thick charcoal smoke billows out through the windows as the whole floor is engulfed. The pungent smell of charred wood and debris fills the air. I watch the carnage unfold for a couple of seconds, and then I return to my Range Rover and sit behind the wheel, basking in the glory of my act of vengeance.

I hear terrified screams from within but feel nothing; absolutely nothing. No remorse, no sympathy. Nothing. I am completely numb. Their terror is like music to my ears, and I have no qualms whatsoever about the brutality of my actions. I could not care less whether these bastards live or die. They are nasty people who deserve everything that is coming to them. Perhaps Georgina and her friends will think twice the next time they decide to destroy a person's life, especially when that person is someone I regard so highly.

With a mirthless smile, I rev the engine and drive off into the night. Mission complete. Retribution is a bitch.

The next day, as I'm sitting at the piano in the drawing room, playing a little melody I composed for my own personal amusement, my mother appears in the doorway, her face pale and drawn. As always, she looks like she's dressed for a funeral (I wish she'd start wearing bright colours again), and for a few moments, my fingers continue to dance over the piano keys, lost in a world of symphonic bliss.

"I just received a call from that lady at the escort agency." Her voice strikes a note of discord.

Instantly, I stop playing and turn around to face her. "What did she want?"

"She said Jessica Gardner wants to see you again. Apparently, she wants to proceed with the original terms of our agreement and ‘go through with it.' Her words not mine."

Excitement rises in my chest. I can't believe what I'm hearing. "Did she really say that?"

"Yes. Well? What do you want me to tell her?"

"Tell her yes, of course I want to see Jessica again. I want her brought here tonight. See to it that it happens."

Beatrix hesitates and I can tell she has something else she wants to say.

"Yes, Mother, what is it? You have something on your mind, just say it."

"Once you've slept with Jessica; once you've got this fascination with her out of your system, will that be an end to it?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I don't think it would be wise to continue seeing her again after tonight. By all means fuck her, but after tonight I need you to promise me you will not try to see her again."

I'm incensed. How dare she dictate to me? "I'll make no such promise. I'm a grown man and I can make my own decisions."

"But you must sever all ties with her. You know you must!"

"Why?"

"You know very well why."

"No, actually I don't. Please enlighten me."

She falls silent. I'm toying with her mind again and it's driving her insane. Good. Let her sweat a bit.

"Just see to it that Jessica is here tonight," I growl. "Bring her to me for eight-thirty…if you know what's good for you."

"Is that supposed to be a threat?" my mother asks, and I can hear the hurt in her voice.

I make no response, leaving her to fill in the gaps. The fear on her face is hilarious. I absolutely love torturing her. Satisfied I've won this battle, I return to the piano and resume playing. Quietly, Beatrix leaves the room.

As soon as she's gone, everything goes into free fall. Music continues to pervade the room, but the melody goes a tad offkey, a reflection of my chaotic inner state. My throat constricts and my heart is beating so fast it feels like it will explode. My God, Jessica wants to see me? Not only that, but she says she is now prepared to sleep with me. This doesn't seem real.

How can all my dreams be coming true at once? I simply don't believe it. There's no way this can be happening. Nothing in life is ever this easy, and I suspect there must be a catch somewhere. There just has to be. Why would she suddenly change her mind? There's got to be a reason. Of course, I desperately want to see her, but I'm not a fool. There has got to be more to this than meets the eye, so I am going to have to keep myself on high alert.

In the meantime, I can savour the excitement of preparing for our date tonight. In a haze of anticipation, I spend the day fantasising about what the night will bring. In the afternoon, I follow my usual exercise routine and go for an hour's run around the estate. Then sometime around six pm, I head upstairs to my bedroom and enter my enormous walk-in wardrobe to find something suitable to wear.

Most of my clothes are bespoke designs made in Europe by the finest tailors and everything is hung meticulously by order of colour. It takes me forever to decide what to wear but eventually I settle on a white shirt, black trousers, an embroidered waistcoat and smart leather brogues. Despite my obvious physical shortcomings, I still like to dress to impress and make the most of myself. To finish up, I search through my collection of vintage watches and select one which matches my ensemble.

Once I'm satisfied with my selections, I take a long hot shower and then, at just before eight pm, I get dressed and give Mrs Bullivant instructions to send Jessica straight to my bedroom as soon as she arrives. Tonight, there will be no dinner, no long-drawn-out conversations, no pussy footing around. Tonight, I want to cut the bullshit, get straight down to business, and find out exactly what Jessica wants from me. I am willing to do anything she asks, prepared to pay any price to get her to consent to the unspeakable acts of carnal pleasure I have planned for her tonight. No more delays, no more games, no more excuses. Tonight, no matter what happens, I am going to fuck the living shit out of her. And she's going to enjoy it, she's going to beg for more. That I can promise.

As eight-thirty approaches, I get flustered and begin marching up and down my room, scarcely able to contain my eagerness. Every part of my body is on fire. My God, I can't wait for her to get here. I can't wait to see her. The time is passing so bloody slowly, this feels like absolute torture. Collapsing in a high-backed armchair, I survey my surroundings with a critical eye. I've got to admit that my bedroom is the perfect romantic setting: a roaring fire, an enormous four-poster bed fitted with the finest silk-sheets and a view which looks out onto the most beautiful vista of British countryside imaginable. It could not possibly fail to impress.

Finally, at precisely eight-thirty, I hear movement in the hall below, a murmur of voices, followed swiftly by ascending footsteps on the stairs. She's here! Weak with nerves, I run my fingers through my hair and straighten up my clothing in preparation to meet my bewitching enchantress. Even before she enters the room, she's piercing my senses. The hold she has over me is something almost mystical.

Slowly, the bedroom door creaks open, and Jessica enters timidly looking so gorgeous it's a struggle for me to think. Without a scrap of make-up and dressed in old jeans and a T-shirt, she has that sexy ‘just rolled out of bed' look that I'm certain was contrived to play down her attractiveness but has quite the opposite effect. If anything, her casual clothes and slightly dishevelled appearance only serve to enhance her natural beauty. Purity radiates from every pore of her being, and it only makes me want her even more. It makes me want to corrupt her…

Briefly, Mrs Bullivant announces her and then inquires if we would both like anything to drink.

"We'll have some red wine," I say authoritatively. "And after that, Mrs Bullivant, please see to it that we are not disturbed for the rest of the night."

"Very good, sir. I shall bring the wine up directly." The housekeeper scuttles off, leaving the two of us alone to face the uncomfortable silence.

Jessica keeps her eyes fixed on the floor and I notice her hands are trembling. My penis stirs. God, everything about her arouses me to near paralytic levels. I can't stop staring at her lips. I long to bite and suck on them. I yearn to feel their softness against mine.

"How was the drive up?" I ask at last. "Was there a lot of traffic driving up from London?"

"No, it was fine," she replies, tucking a hair behind her ear. "The journey seemed a lot quicker this time around. I guess that happens when you visit a place for the second time."

"Yes. It's just one of those things. Although time is relative, is it not?"

She nods and doesn't seem to know what to do with her hands. The fear and revulsion on her face are all too apparent, but I pay it no mind. I am far too excited to care.

"Why don't you sit down?" I purr. "You must be tired after your journey."

Jessica shakes her head. "I'd rather keep standing, if that's okay."

She really needs to loosen up. Perhaps some wine will help take the edge off things…

There's an awkward pause. The only sound in the room is the fire crackling in the hearth. Discreetly, my gaze travels over her body, absorbing every delectable curvature. Fuck, I need to touch her so badly.

At that moment, Mrs Bullivant returns and places an ornamental tray of drinks on the cabinet. Turning to face me, she bows her head slightly in reverence. "If that will be all, sir, then I'll bid you goodnight."

"Thank you, Mrs Bullivant. Yes, that will be all. Let Hobbs know the two of you can both retire early tonight. Your services will not be required."

"Very good, sir. Goodnight." As always, our housekeeper makes very little eye contact with me and almost acts as if Jessica is not here. Good. I have trained her well. Over the years, this once boisterous and outgoing old lady has learnt to mind her own business. It took a while but eventually she got with the programme. She knows my house rules are ‘hear no evil, see no evil' and she would do well to abide by them, if she wants to keep her job and the cosy home that comes with it.

Once she's gone and we are alone again, I get up and walk across to the cabinet and pour us both a drink. After handing her a glass, I return to my chair and decide to cut to the chase. "So, tell me, Jessica, what brings you here tonight?"

She takes a large gulp of wine. "I thought you knew? Didn't the agency tell you?"

"Yes, they gave my mother some inane spiel about you changing your mind and wanting a second chance. But I want to hear it from you. Why did you come back really? I know damn well it was not for love of me."

Jessica licks her lips and looks so lovely I forget to breathe. "I, that is…I came here to make a deal with you."

"That's more like it. Now we are finally getting somewhere." I drink deeply from my wineglass and watch her intently over the rim. "I'm all ears. Tell me what it is that you want."

"I came to ask if you could please loan me the other ￡25,000. You see, the thing is Alex…" She breaks off. Scratches the side of her neck. The next few sentences come out in a rush. "Okay, it's like this. My mother is sick. She has cancer and the doctors have said there's nothing more they can do for her. Well, not in this country anyway. And there's this really great clinic in Germany that we think could help her, but it's going to cost ￡50,000."

There's a long, dark silence. Her bottom lip trembles. I am moved beyond words and long to take her in my arms and kiss her. Jesus, I had no idea. Now so many things are beginning to fall into place…

"I am so sorry to hear about your mother," I say softly. "It must be so hard for you and your brother, but especially you. As the eldest, I imagine you've probably taken a lot onto your shoulders to help support your mum."

"Yes…yes, I have." She takes another swig and then puts down her glass. "But the thing is, Alex, I want you to know that this whole being an escort thing just really isn't me. You know, I only did it because I was desperate. Under normal circumstances, I would never have considered doing anything like this. I tried so hard to find other ways of raising the money. Up until recently, I worked two jobs, tried to save every penny I could lay my hands on, but it was taking too long. I did everything I could to raise funds legitimately and joining the escort agency was a last resort. Before I knew it, I was in way over my head." She wipes her nose with her forearm, momentarily lifting her T-shirt and giving me a tantalising glimpse of her beautifully toned stomach and belly button piercing. Goddamn. I want her so badly my bones ache.

"Take your time," I soothe, trying my best to think pure thoughts. "Take as long as you need."

"Thank you," she replies, smiling slightly. "I appreciate it." After a minute, she has composed herself enough to continue. "Alex, look. If you loan me the money, I promise to pay you back every single penny. Even if it takes years, I am happy to set up a monthly installment plan, whatever works for you. But I really need this money now, you know? I love my mum so much and I'll do anything for her. Time is of the essence, and I can't afford to delay getting her treatment any longer. That's why I've come to you today to ask for your help."

For a long time, I don't say anything. I just sit in the armchair, staring at her, my mind ticking over the possibilities. Of course, I want to help my beauty. I am appalled to hear what she and her family have been going through and I want her mother to get well again. Without doubt, I will do everything in my power to see to it that Cynthia gets all the help she needs and pray that the treatment in Germany is a success. After all, I want Jessica to be happy. Only a cold-hearted bastard would wish for anything else. However, when it comes to the loan she has asked for, I find myself in something of a dilemma.

Part of me wants to be good and give Jessica all the money with no strings attached. That would be the right and honourable thing to do. But the darkness in me badly wants to throw her down on the bed and break in that sweet, tight virgin pussy. My desire for her is all consuming and I'm fighting a losing battle with the demon within. It's like I'm burning up with a fever and the only cure is to ravage every single inch of her. I simply cannot allow her to leave this house without at least getting a taste.

"I will give you all the money, no problem," I say. "And you don't have to pay me back a penny. I will gift you the whole ￡25,000. I'll even throw in a first-class plane ticket to Germany for your mother and pay for her to stay at a five-star hotel for the entire duration of her treatment."

For the first time since she arrived, Jessica forces herself to look at me. Every part of her body trembles but I commend her bravery. "Are you serious? Would you really do that?"

"Yes. I can have the money deposited to your bank account first thing tomorrow morning."

"Oh my gosh, thank you! I-I can't believe it. I don't know what to say…"

"Now will you be nice to me?"

"Sure, I can be nice to you."

"Good. Then let me go down on you."

Jessica freezes. "W-what?"

"Ever since we met, licking your pussy is all I can think about. You've got to let me do it."

"No, you cannot be serious!"

"I am deadly serious."

"And if I refuse? What then? You won't give me the money?"

"Of course I'll still give you the money. Come on, I'm not heartless. I want to help your mother in any way I can. Jessica, you know how much I like you and I want you to know that you can always come to me for help. I don't want this to seem like blackmail but…" I hesitate. "I just need to taste you. I need it and I need it now."

She shuts her eyes and pinches the bridge of her nose. "I-I'm sorry Alex, I can't do it. It doesn't feel right. I told you already, I'm not into that sort of thing. I don't do sexual favours."

Come now, my sweet. We both know that isn't strictly true. If it was Jack begging to give you oral sex, you'd be on your back in a heartbeat.

"Now Jessica," I say sternly. "Be reasonable. I am a man of my word. Have I broken any promises I've made to you so far? I'm going to be straight with you. I'm prepared to do whatever you ask of me. Whatever financial help you need, my door is always open to you. But I have needs too. Looking the way I do, I rarely get the opportunity to be close to someone as divine as you. Is it too much to ask for you to do this one little favour for me? Something that will give me great pleasure?"

"But I can't! I just can't, I'm sorry…"

"You have no idea what it's like to be me. What it's like to be locked up for most of your life away from everyone, deprived of the gentle touch of another living being. Longing to be caressed, longing to be held by someone. Do you know how hard it is to look at someone like you and know you wouldn't allow me to touch you in a million years under normal circumstances. Well, I'll tell you what it's like. It's pure agony. Walk a mile in my shoes and then tell me you'd judge me for wanting and needing something I hardly ever get."

For a few seconds she goes quiet, apparently moved by my words. Then, she says softly, "I feel for you Alex, I really do. I can't begin to imagine what you've been through and how difficult your life is, but I'm adamant that I don't want to do it. I'm sorry. It wouldn't feel right."

Her rejection is like a slap in the face, but still, I manage to retain my composure. "I am perfectly aware that you find me physically abhorrent. You think I'm a monster, I get that. But even so, you must understand that I can't pass up this opportunity to do something I've only ever dreamed about. I know it's wrong, but I just can't help myself. I want you too badly Jessica, and the part of me that wants you must be satisfied. So, I need you to go over to that bed right now, lie down, close your eyes and spread your legs. Let me do the rest. Give me a chance to show you what I can do. You never know, you might even like it."

Jessica lapses into gloomy silence. The distress on her face is heartrending, and the good boy in me badly wants to leave her be. Let her have the money and stay out of her life for good. But the raging beast within will not be kept at bay. It wants her in the worst way possible and is violently pulling on its leash, ready to destroy everything in its path.

Finally, with a heavy sigh, my beauty turns around and walks towards the bed, her shoulders slumped in defeat.

Before she sits down, I say, "No wait. Dim the lights first. And then…take off all your clothes." Am I pushing my luck?

"You didn't mention anything about me taking everything off," she fires back.

"No…but if we're going to do this, then I want to do it properly."

Scowling, she storms across to the dimmer switch on the wall, lowers the lights and casts the room in shadow, the only illumination now coming from the red and yellow flames of the fire. We now have the perfect mood lighting that conveniently still allows me to see everything.

Nervously, she turns to face me, her lashes lowered in shame. Sluggishly, she kicks off her blue ballet pumps. I smile inwardly. Then, slowly, she lifts her T-shirt, pulls it over her head and tosses it to the floor. Her long dark hair cascades around her shoulders like an exquisite waterfall. I catch my breath. Lord Jesus, her breasts are enormous, made all the more prominent by the snow-white Wonderbra cupping each of those glorious olive-coloured peaks. I'm literally gagging to dive into them.

Breathless with longing, I watch transfixed as she slides down each strap, then reaches behind her back and unclasps her bra. Free from restriction, it drops to the floor, leaving me with an eyeful of unparalleled magnificence: her buck-naked cleavage. Desire ripples through my blood and my cock is so hard it wants to spontaneously combust. I've never seen a naked woman in the flesh and find the experience both arousing and emotional. That I might at last get to touch that which has always been so cruelly out of reach is thoroughly overwhelming.

With maddening slowness, Jessica unzips her jeans and peels them down, past her thighs, past her knees until finally, she steps out of them completely. Throws them across the room. I wipe the corners of my mouth. Loosen up my collar. She has the greatest pair of legs I've ever seen, so endlessly toned and sculpted. I imagine them locked around my waist in the throes of passion.

And then, finally, her pièce de résistance: she rolls down her pretty white thong and throws it to the ground. Jessica is now completely naked.

Taking ragged breaths, I struggle not to keep staring at the glorious, cleanly shaven slit between her thighs. Her cunt looks so delicious I begin to salivate at the prospect of attending to its every need. Briefly, I close my eyes and murmur a silent ‘thank you' to the gods. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the naked female form could be so beautiful: a light, lyrical composition of sugar and honey, silky soft with a fragrant charm that cannot be surpassed.

My throat goes dry. I am completely and utterly under her spell.

For long moments, my beauty stands before me in all her glory, her eyes to the ground, clearly at a loss for what she is expected to do next.

"Lie down on the bed," I command. "I'll take it from here…"