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Chapter 3

“Are you seducing me?” he asked, lifting my chin, waiting for a response. I shook my head, hypnotized by his voice.

“Stay and drink with me, please…” I murmured in a whisper. Suddenly, I felt his thumb slide across the fullness of my lips, and he leaned in closer, making my heart race. I closed my eyes, almost eagerly anticipating the kiss of a stranger. Then, a phone rang. I opened my eyes and heard him rummage through his suit pocket. He took out his phone and then said,

“Damn… I’m on my way.” When he hung up, there was a moment of silence.

“I have to go…” He got off me, extended his hand towards me in a way no one had ever been kind to a homeless person. I took it without a second thought.

“Get out of this place; it’s clear you don’t belong here.”

“You’re leaving! No, no, no, no,” I stammered, blocking the door with my arms and legs spread wide. He stopped adjusting his tie to say,

“I’m not going to sleep with a prostitute. I haven’t sunk so low as to seek out women like you. Don’t be so bold; don’t you know who I am?” He finished fixing his shirt, and before leaving, I said,

“I’m sorry, but you can’t leave…” I said timidly. I couldn’t stop such a tall man, but I knew how to defend myself and wouldn’t hesitate to strike at his portable incubator of children. He took a stride towards me, placing a hand on the door forcefully, making me flinch.

“You don’t want to be in a locked room with me when I’m angry.”

“At least let me see the face of my savior before you go,” I said, shy but with a curiosity beyond reason. He stepped away from me, and silence engulfed us.

“You’re lucky not to see me; those who do see only a monster.” He brusquely pushed me aside from the door. I snapped out of the stupor his senseless words left me in. I searched for him in the gloomy hallway, and from afar, I saw a tall blond man walking hurriedly. I ran towards him; drawn by a magnetism I didn’t understand. When I grabbed his hand to stop him, the briefcase he was holding flew into the air, and a shower of bills rained down, leaving me incredulous. My eyes finally met his, and the light finally allowed me to see his face. He was magazine-cover handsome, with blue eyes and golden blond hair, elegant and refined. But the expression he gave me was one of disbelief, as if he couldn’t believe my presence before him.

“Sorry again, I don’t know why every time I see you, bad things happen,” I said, bending down to quickly gather all the bills, mesmerized by them, wondering if they were real. If I just had one bundle of this… just one, my grandfather would be admitted to the hospital tomorrow.

“You…” I looked up fearfully, and surprise marked his face instead of anger. Confused, I asked,

“Me…”

“You… how are it possible…?” he said, suddenly taking my hand, letting some bills fall. Scared, I babbled senselessly.

“What, I don’t… know what you mean, I…” I looked behind me to make sure he was talking to me. Suddenly, he started laughing uncontrollably. Had he gone mad? Or did he not recognize the voice of the girl he had been with a few moments ago?

“What a joke life is, a prostitute with your face… I almost mistook you for a moment.” He laughed again, still holding my hand.

“Don’t you remember me? I’m the girl from a few hours ago, I’m not going to steal anything from you.”

“You want the money… don’t you?” he asked, looking at me intensely. I knew exactly what I wanted to answer, but I was afraid of what I might have to do to get it.

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