Ariel, how old are you?

Raymond stared into Ariel's eyes. Their lips were so close that if given the chance, she would immediately lock them in a kiss. She was really one of a kind and for some reason, he wanted to laugh.

"Don't get me wrong," he suddenly said, took his hands off her and moved away, taking his hands off her. "In the process of getting revenge for you, I am also getting my own revenge."

"What?"

"Don't try to ask for more information. That is all you should know for now." He leaned down, picked up her robe and draped it on her shoulder. "While the role I play in your revenge is your rich wealthy backer who wouldn't mind tossing money at the face of those who try to talk down on you. And I, who has everything, also happens to be your lover. Then the role you'll play in my own revenge plan is my obnoxious, daring and arrogant lover who has the entire world at her feet."

Ariel was a bit confused about the setting but she seemed to understand things a bit.

"So in other words, to the outside world, we're a match made in hell." Her definition of the setting was amusing and he grinned.

"Quite correct." He said and patted her head. "You're really smart."

"Then, will that all stay as an 'act'?" She asked. "Will I only carry out the role of a lover in the eyes of the public and not when we are in closed doors?"

"What exactly are you trying to ask me?"

"That is, when we are in closed doors like this, will I not fulfill that role of being your 'lover'?" She dared not to raise her head as she asked this question.

"Why?" He stepped closer to her. "Do you want it that badly?" She did not respond. "I already told you that paying me back for getting your revenge is getting 'my' revenge along with me."

"Then for saving my life?" She asked, almost immediately. "I still have to pay you for that."

Raymond went silent. If he didn't know better, he would assume she was a horny bitch who was trying to get him in bed but Ariel wasn't like that.

She was the type that didn't leave unturned stones. She wanted to pay him back by all means.

"You can pay me back by being a good actress and fulfilling your lover's role perfectly." He answered but she suddenly grabbed his shirt with her head still lowered.

"But I'm scared." She boldly spoke up but still did not dare to look him in the eye.

"Of what?"

"It's presumptuous of me but the thought of you getting bored of me before the revenge plan even begins and then throw me out, scares me." Her hands slightly tremble. "So the only way I can think of keeping your interest is by doing 'that'."

After listening to this, Raymond suddenly grabbed her chin and raised her head to meet his gaze.

"And how confident are you that I won't get bored even when you give me your body?" He asked, his eyes glaring into her soul. "Sex can also get boring no matter how appealing the other person looks or how much they try to change techniques. Do you understand?" She nodded. "So your best bet would be to become an extraordinary actress."

He let go and she rubbed her chin.

"Besides, I don't think I'll get bored of you anytime soon." He muttered then sighed to himself. "I'm leaving. I hope that sorts out your thoughts."

"Then, will you really not do it?"

"Ariel, you give me the impression that you want to be touched." He said. "What, did my hands on you leave a sweet aftertaste that you can't bear to see me leave without anything done?" She shook her head. "Then what is it?"

"I just... wanted to prepare myself and not disappoint you." She said, He looked at her earnest expression and found himself asking.

"Ariel, how old are you?"

"Twenty years old. I'll be twenty one next fall."

"You're young so I understand you feel a bit uneasy with matters like this and as you know, the world isn't a bed of roses so you feel you have to prepare yourself for the worst." He stated, suddenly feeling like shit for having touched her in the beginning. "I won't touch you, at least for now." He said. "And when that time does come, I'll make sure to give you a heads up. Is that okay?"

Ariel nodded.

"Okay, now it's late. You should dress up and go down for dinner." He said and once again, she nodded. "I didn't come to your room with the mindset of laying my hands on you." He said, suddenly looking a bit bashful, so out of character. "So I... I apologize if I made you uncomfortable with my hands."

She was surprised that he apologized but since she didn't take offense to begin with, she said,

"You don't have to apologize." She smiled. "You were actually gentle." That last part did not come out well and her face flushed in embarrassment. "Anyway, I know you're busy and I've kept you here with my unnecessary questions so please don't mind me and go on ahead."

"Are you ashamed of your body?" He suddenly asked out of nowhere and she clutched on the robe.

"What girl would be proud of a body that's scarred all over?" She asked in return and he nodded.

"Would you like Laser treatment?" He asked.

"What?"

"Nevermind for now." He turned and started heading for the door. "Hurry up and get dressed. You'll catch a cold."

Ariel watched him leave and as soon as the door shut, her knees gave in. She took in a few deep breaths and breathed out.

"Oh my God, I thought I was going to die." She touched her chest. "I summoned five years worth of courage to ask all those questions and another five years worth to hold on to his shirt. He's so scary. I must've gone mad, trying to get him to satisfy my curiosity." She said but then remembered his somewhat bashful expression when he apologized and laughed. "He's not as scary as he seems though." She told herself but her heart was still beating at a ridiculous rate.

Also, the breast he groped was left with a lingering sensation. It was as if she could still feel his warm hands kneading softly. The touch of his skin on hers made her flinch with each recollection and she couldn't help but feel each part he laid his hands on, throb.

"Ah, I must have really gone mad."