I straightened my back and arranged the hem of my gown to hide the overexposure of my skin though there is really nothing to hide given its cut and style. I just did it out of nowhere.
I put on the mask of the clown and waited for the hunters. Here they go with their bloated ego again. These men hunt down a prey and then take it down as if it's the game of chase between a cat and a mouse. They are deliberately there with their proud muscled chest peering us down using their blank cheques.
A second later, I saw the first batch of men approaching us as if we were just pretty things inside a beautifully-crafted glass cages. Some are holding a glass of wine and a cigarette on their mouth. Some are walking around with their hands inside their pants and their piercing eyes on us.
I caught the eyes of a man in his early-thirties. I studied his appearance. He's handsome. He's not like the other men in his ranks in terms of physical appearance. He's just your average handsome neighbor type of guy.
Is he the one I've been looking for? He's different. I don't feel any emotion from him. I don't feel threatened and aroused just like how I feel for that son-of-a-bitch.
Maybe he is the one I have been waiting for. He is different from all the men on his side. He just looks like your regular male specie whom you can run down the street. He stands out in the crowd because of his simplicity in the midst of these larger than life men who no longer impress me. And now he has given me a glimpse of another recipe. Maybe with this guy, I can finally do it.
I almost lost my cool when he dropped his eyes on me and moved on to another cubicle which revealed the man behind him. The man is casually leaning on the wall with his arms crossed on his chest. His eyes were on me so I stayed still and stared at him, too. I'm competitive. If he wants some staring contest, then I will gladly give in to what he wanted. Without losing our game of stares, I saw him say something under his breath and then a man in a formal suit approached him. Maverick got something from his pocket and handed the thing to the man.
I followed his hand when it went to his pocket to get something. A key. He gave his car key to the waiting man who in turn, gave it to a man on standby. Shocked crossed my eyes when I realized one thing. I just lost. I glared at him out of annoyance. He just winked at me.
He slowly walked to the cubicle as if he’s taking all the time in the world. He lazily opened the door, sat on the chair, and crossed his legs. He eyed me curiously.
I snorted. "I thought men are prideful. Kudos for you coming at me to receive yet your another rejection. Mr. Fuentebella, you won't have me. Period."
I crossed my legs in place and folded my arms on my chest. His eyes traveled to my bosom down to my legs. He did not bother to conceal the lust on his eyes. I even think he's proud of it.
"What is it with you, Femella? What's inside that pretty head of yours? What's with your feisty personality? You think you're invincible? Then why are you in a brothel? You think you're special just because you're beautiful? Then why just spoil yourself here? What is it with you, huh?"
I smirked. Without blinking, I put my elbows on the table and twined my hands and then settled my chin on top of it.
"What is it with you Maverick if you'll know what's inside my pretty head? Will you be satisfied if I tell you that I am here to show you men of power that you cannot get everything you wanted?" I taunted him.
He didn’t flinch in my hot words. "Who said about men in power getting everything they want? Certainly, it's not me so I'm technically out of that group you're referring to so I definitely have the chance to have you." He shrugged his shoulders afterwards. "I'll definitely have you, Femella."
The way he mumbles my name sends shivers down my spine.
"That’s what I don’t like about people like you. You talked as if the world revolves around you. You talked as if we, the commoners, do not have the right to refuse the wishes of the kinds like you because guess what? Something will happen to us if we do. I hate people who impose their beliefs on others and I hate people who force their ways upon people."
"And I have all the qualities you just mentioned. Great. Now look who's putting words on the mouth of others. I won't defend myself because that's beside the point why I'm here. The logic is simple, Femella. You put yourself in sale and I'm a willing buyer. Name your price and I will buy you right away. Get your money which is the reason why you're here and then let me satisfy my cravings for you. That's it."
"And who told you that I'm only here for money alone? Did it ever cross your mind that perhaps I'm here for a higher purpose? Like reject you week after week? How's that, huh?" I smiled.
Maverick froze for a second in his seat. It must have been only a product of my imagination because the next time I blinked, he is sporting that same flirty dangerous smile again.
"Reject me week after week, huh. That's how crazy you think I am for you? Well, you're absolutely right on the crazy part but I'm not sure about the next week's rejection. You said it yourself. It came straight from your mouth that I force things to go my way. Now that's a good observation. Let me test if it's feasible and if it does, you're the first one to fall in the trap."
He stood up and went to me like how a predator stalks its prey. My mind went lazy for a second but when I realized what he’s doing, I stood up to get away from him but it’s too late already. He trapped me in my seat using his arms. My eyes widened as I meet his dark, brooding eyes that are looking at me as if he could ravish me in a minute. His lips were slightly open. I can already feel the heat emanating from him. can now smell his raspberry mouth and his fruity aftershave. Who the fuck smells this nice and colorful? I pushed him away when he crushed my body to his while still having an eye contact with me.
I frantically looked to the door to ask for a help.
"Don't attempt. I paid for this. My Maserati won't be spared for nothing. Now let me get a taste of what I paid for."
He leaned over to me to kiss me when the lights went green. The bidding is ending. He was frozen in his feet and then slowly, he retracted his body backward. I breathed a sigh of relief. I shot him a glaring look. I really thought he was going to walk out of the room but then I went panicking again when he fished for my chin and gripped it tightly.
"You're scared."
"I'm not," I said with conviction.
"Then why are you shaking, hmmm?"
I tried everything to look him in the eyes. "I'm not." Our faces just inches from each other. His breath fanning my face.
"Still feisty and ready for another round of fire, woman? Maybe some other time. I still need to get my car. I don’t want to walk home.”
He slowly released me from his grip. I took three big steps backward to free myself form his arresting presence. I let out a breath. I just realized that I am holding my breath since he entered the room. Absentmindedly, I hugged myself. My hand sought my heart which is beating rapidly.
"See you next week, Fem.” I still heard him said in those annoying husky voice.
His back is the last thing I saw before he completely disappeared in my sight.

"Damn, what just happened. My calculations were wrong. This night was never fun at all."