Afraid, he misunderstood, I stuttered, "No…no…"
1-2-3. I counted hoping it would help me slow my racing mind.
"I can't take it for it is precious to you," I said.
He paused and then put it back on.
"Well what shall we do about your lack of material?" He stood, looked around the room and I followed his movement.
It was just the two of us.
The room was a private one, meant for drinking or private celebrations with few friends. There was a mini bar just at the left corner.
He held out his hand at me and like a ram to a slaughter I placed mine. I followed as he led the way out using an extra door I had not taken note of.
We walked through the exit to the empty corridor in a roundabout way. The blast from outside got louder as we continued on. We crossed on to the area just behind the bar.
I could see the dance floor from where we stood. Isabelle was striping a man, another one, different from the one she had danced with earlier.
There was a door across it which led to a hidden elevator.
I entered first followed by Dirk and he input the floor number.
My heart thudded in my chest as I stood across him, occasionally stealing a glance at him. He just stood there shoulders straight without cares for the world.
I should feel intimidated but somehow I felt an odd sense of familiarity with him. I guess this is what it feels like to be in the same space with the man you have been stalking for 8 years.
On my fifth attempt he spoke up, "You can look openly. No need hiding behind your hairs like a rabbit." I felt my stomach flip. I was caught.
Shifting between my legs, I cast my eyes down.
"Your cheeks are red. What is going on in your mind?" I looked up to see him now in front of me.
I darted my eyes around suddenly aware of how small the elevator was.
He leaned in and whispered "I wouldn't mind taking you here."
I blush harder.
I understood what he meant. Sure, I had thought of stealing a kiss from him as a souvenir yet hearing him speak so openly about sex got me feeling embarrassed.
"I'm not that kind of girl." I shook my head and stepped aside. Just then the elevator opened and I hurriedly stepped out.
It was no news that Dirk was a playboy in the entertainment industry. He changes girlfriends like he changes his clothes.
Yet many women both fans and colleagues, were head over heels for him. So much for someone whose face is half covered with a mask and unknown to the general public.
It must be the mystery behind the mask for everyone is thrilled to discover what the face behind it looks like.
I pause on my steps. I didn't know where I was heading to. I looked behind to see it empty.
Had Dirk lost me. Or perhaps he got angry that I turned him down and left? He wasn't that sort of person.
He wasn't the kind of man who would do that, I know this. He was the kindest person. And he proved me right.
"Here you are." He flashed me a smile, the white pearl in his mouth reminding of the young man I saw 9 years ago on the screen. Friendly yet confident.
"Sorry, my manager's call came up and had to be delayed. Are you okay?" I nodded.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I should never have said that. I will never touch a woman without her consent," He paused and scanned my eyes. I didn't respond. I didn't know what to say.
A part of me had wanted to go along with it when he suggested it but self preservation had won.
"You still don't trust me?" He asked. I could swear that I saw a flash of hurtness in his eyes.
His fingers went to his head. Snapped. His mask
came off revealing the familiar eyes I could identify anywhere.