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She sets her purse down, and her keys clatter on the faded Formica counter next to it “I’ve never had aher lips to the side “And I” she stalls, squinting an eye at ain as her tongue touches her top lip

“What?” I shoveto control my hard-on When she said no man has been here before, the embers that were already hot inside ofalive I’m not sure I can control

She laughs, shaking her head “I don’t even know your name That doesn’t seem very wise, does it?”

“My name’s Vito I’m not here to hurt you If I wanted to hurt you, I’ve had plenty of opportunities already, yes?”

She nods, her cheeks turning bright pink as her hands drop to hug her waist with the aher, so they nearly spill out of the V neck of her dress

“True” She lifts one hand and rubs her eyes “I’coffeebut I don’t have a coffee maker Or coffee I have milk, tea or water” She licks her lips, and there’s discomfort in her eyes

“I’ht here on the couch”

I already know I’ht noouldn’t serve to ease her discoh, this will not be the last tiether

“Okay, I’ain “I’m so tired” Her eyelids flutter, and her hands come to rest at the base of her neck, and I wonder if her heart is beating as hard as mine

“Go” I nod toward the door I’ to come in and check on you, so don’t lock your door”

Her eyes widen, looking like a doe unsure which way to turn

“I won’t hurt you,” I repeat, and the truth of my words hits me do