Page 76 of Entwined

CHRISTOS

I’VE NEVER WOOED A WOMAN. Never had to do the song and dance… or take them to expensive meals while letting wicked words spill from my lips, telling them in detail of every way I’d seduce them; making them come apart in my hands…

Seduction.

I’m a master at it. But I only know how to break down a sub, make a woman submit using the dark tools of my past.

I can’t do that again.

She won’t fall for it a third time.

I need to show her I’ve changed. That I’m both them men she desires. But just because I won’t take her by force this time, doesn’t mean I’ll play fair either.

Afterall, I am playing to win. It’s time to phone a friend.

“Well, well… to what do I owe this pleasure?”

“I took your long overdue advice. I’m back in London holding my dick in my hand. She’s over me.”

“Maybe. Who wouldn’t be with you acting like a pussy running away scared.”

“For fuck’s sake wanker. You know I’m not afraid of anything.”

“Weren’t you Christos?”

“Christ, I don’t need another therapist Alex. But I do need advice.” I practically hear him kick his feet up.

“Oh?”

“Stop gloating asshole. I need to know how to romance a woman. How do I win her back?”

“Ah, romance. The pitter patter of a rapidly beating heart, candlelight, moonlight, soft caresses… a touch here and there… the whispered promise of a kiss. Romance is all about a slow burning seduction, Christos.”

“First off… when in the fuck did you learn all of this?

“Ah, Christos.Amoréis a complicated beast more complicated than you my friend. While you were off ripping companies to shreds after college, I met someone. I never spoke of it. It was torrid, fast and burned out as quickly as it started. But I’ll never forget my first love affair. Have you thought… that maybe it hurts so good because Jessie was the first to wake up that dead heart if yours? Maybe she was just meant to be what she was…? Have you thought of just letting it go and moving on with someone new?”

“No. Never. She’s an obsession.”

“Obsession isn’t love.”

“It is in my world. I write my own rules.”

“Maybe you should reconsider. I’m an asshole. I like to live on the edge, but even I can see the girl is doing well. She’s gotten herself together. You—all you seem to do is rip her apart. You let her fly, hedging she’d return. She hasn’t. She’s still flying mate. Maybe you should let her continue.”

I close my eyes. Wishing I was a better man. Maybe I haven’t changed at all. Maybe All I’ve done is travel the world pretending. Because underneath all my good deeds, every evil man I’ve brought justice to—I’m still as ruthless as I ever was and seeing her tonight has only made me thirst for her more than I ever have before.

“I can’t. She’s the song I can’t get out of my head.”

“Christ. Start with flowers. Remember, this type of seduction is the long game.”

“I’ve got it. I know how to edge a woman. I’m thinking romance is a tool for seduction. I’ll start slow, drag it out… making her wait and wonder just what I’ll do next. Jessie is a passionate woman. I know her better than any man.”

“But remember Christos. Sex isn’t romance. What you had with her before lacked any of it.”

“Fuck. I know. I won’t win her heart back by using sex. I understand that now.”

“I’m not sure you ever had her heart.”

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