silver chandeliers, and bright red painted walls, making this look like something out of pre-revolutionary France - before leading me upstairs, one step at a time. I don't dare ask where we're going; it wouldn't be fitting with my role, I understand that. I just keep my head bowed down low, and try to mentally prepare myself for what Daniel asks.
When we reach the top, and pass through another set of doors, I'm surprised by what I see; no bed, no couch, and no kinky, sordid sex dungeon. I guess I shouldn't be so prudishly expectant. All I find is a small room, with bare red walls, and a laptop sat lonely upon a desk.
"I told you it was my office," he says with glee, letting go of my hand. It's lonely in here, not what I'd expect; there are no expensive looking paintings, no posters of movies past bearing his proud name as producer, not even a mirror. Strange for a guy so well-groomed.
"It's a bit -" I hesitate, wondering whether or not to question my new employer directly. As he looks upon me with waiting eyes, I continue; "- empty?"
"What, did you expect a hot tub?"
I giggle to myself a little, more out of nervous expectation than anything else.
"It's Spartan. No distractions, no indulgences, no fucking about, and no excuse not to work."
"No personality," I pipe up, forgetting myself for a moment. I instantly regret it, and putting a hand to my mouth, immediately go to apologize. I needn't bother.
"Hah!" he erupts in laughter, finally raising his voice out of that calm, collected monotone, and assuming a much more exasperated manner. "Yes! You're the first person who's dared to tell me that, Miss Everett!"
I blush, tilting my face to one side, hiding it from his beaming, smiling intensity. The first person who's dared to tell him ? Maybe I should be flattered; maybe I should be happy to have finally snapped him out of his controlled, superficial coolness. In actual fact, those words drive me to a sense of overriding guilt; like there's something I need to get off my chest, immediately.
"Daniel," I say, keeping my eye line carefully away from his, "I guess I should tell you, I mean, uhm -"
I've lost my train of thought again. He gives me the time to finish, waiting in silence, undoubtedly studying my every movement with those eyes again.
"I don't know where this is all going. I don't expect to know, I guess that isn't in the job description. But - there's one thing I should say. I'm a virgin."
I'm a virgin ; God those words are so pathetic. I hang my head low, feeling the sweat-matted, crimson heat radiate from my forehead and cheeks. He doesn't speak, even as the moments turn to seconds, and the seconds turn to minutes. I finally look up to him, and he's standing with his arms crossed, and an eyebrow raised. Oh fuck, what have I done ? Did I fucking ruin things already !?
"I'm sorry, I just -" I don't finish my sentence. I don't have the time. He charges across the room, angrily making up the short distance between us, takes me within his strong, thick arms, enveloping me tightly, and plants an impassioned, driven kiss upon my flapping lips. I'm shocked - I open my eyes wide only to see his closed for the first time - and nervously find a place on his back to put my hands, as his lips smack against mine repeatedly, taking me by force, and removing any opportunity I have to reject him. I close my eyes at last, relaxing my shoulders, and my back, as his tongue darts energetically into my mouth, teasing and tantalizing me. I'm so caught up in his embrace I don't give my mind the chance to jump its inevitable nervous somersaults.
He holds his arms around me tightly, clutching me like some precious, invaluable artifact. I like the feeling; I'm warm, and for the first time this evening feel somehow secure. I even manage to kiss him back; pressing my lips against his, and teasing the surface of his lips with my tongue. Then, he takes a step back, releasing his grip on me, and leaving my standing alone in the middle of
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