Chapter 4: The hunter’s proposition.

“And what makes you think I want there to be a main event?” I say.

“Because you do,” says Paulo. “Otherwise you would have dressed more modestly before you left your dormitory. And you wouldn’t have stayed in here when you saw me in the water with you. Nor would you have let me lie close to you like this.”

“I don’t have to explain myself to you. If I choose to say ‘no’, then that is my right. Or did you have something more forceful in mind? Something more in keeping with your special training.”

“Nonsense! Have I in any way hurt you while we have been here? As far as I can tell you’ve so far enjoyed my company.”

I suddenly feel awkward and uncomfortable. My own feelings are strange to me and causing some confusion. Paulo is right. I have enjoyed his company, and I have no complaints about his behaviour so far ... other than his suggestion that this has all been the appetiser, and that the main course is about to follow.

His remarks have hit home more than I’m willing to admit. He’s right. I chose not to put on more clothes, because I felt an urge to free my sexuality from its everyday constraints. And the more daring I’ve been tonight, the more alive my body has felt. Even now the prospect of allowing Paulo to perform the most intimate acts with me is sending a thrill through my body. But common sense is telling me to stop. And I’m the sort of person who pays a lot of attention to common sense ... well, most of the time.

“I’m sorry,” I say. “Your behaviour so far doesn’t deserve my last remark. But I still have the right to say ‘no’.”

“And I’ll respect your decision. But can I remind you that is well past midnight and we might not have the opportunity another time.”

“Where I come from, it is customary to seduce a girl before leaping on her,” I say, not really knowing if that statement is true.

“Really? You would surrender yourself to someone who told you your eyes are beautiful, that your body is just perfect, and your choice of clothes is divine? Surely you are far too level headed to fall for that sort of line.”

“Hmmm ... Well you aren’t persuading me at the moment.”

“Hah! You’re perfect! I love a woman who plays hard to get. The chase is just as much fun as the end result.”

“You’re talking from experience, I presume?” I retort.

“You are an interesting challenge! I notice that despite your reluctance, you haven’t ruled out accepting my suggestion.”

“You’re stalling. As you said, it is getting late and as much as I’ve enjoyed our time together, we both have a busy schedule tomorrow.”

“I agree. If I can’t make you say ‘yes’ within five minutes then I shall concede defeat and we shall go back to our dormitories.”

He looks at me and I nod in agreement.

“So, what really excites a girl from Buchanan?” he muses to himself. “We can’t be that different. Your settlement has industrial factories and my last ten years have been in the military. Both require heavy manual labour. Sweating bodies and dirt everywhere. Which explains why you aren’t swooning at the sight of my bare chest. There are girls who almost faint at the sight ... but not you. Despite what you said, I don’t think sweet-talking you is going to make you want to say ‘yes’. So, that leaves a more physical approach. I think you are the type who likes to be hunted. Not the fake chases and mock play about being captured and becoming a helpless victim of a man’s wicked desires. No, I think you really want a man to prove to you he is able to outsmart you and is therefore worthy of your body.”