I Will Take Hold of You

Chapter Nine

"That part of my anatomy is restricted. But we can discuss, miss..."

"The... so I..." the girl stuttered, not knowing what to say.

The young man laughed softly. "Do you know that the first time I saw you, you're eyes is stabbing me. That's why I can't quite figure out why every time I look at you or you look at me, you seem to be in a trance. Now, you're speechless... " The young man retreated slightly. "Do you need anything from me, Isa?"

"Huh? Ah...eh...yes..."

"Come on, come in," and Paolo headed back inside.

Inside, the girl saw another table and two chairs. On the side was a rattan couch that was a little smaller than the single bed that the young man probably slept on.

Paolo pulled the chair and made the girl sit while he sat on the corner of the table.

"You... you forgot to zip and snap your pants..." the girl spoke softly.

"Ow..." And looked at himself. Then comfortingly looked at Isa again. "Don't worry it won't fall."

Isa closed her eyes. Now, she's really in big trouble. She was even surprised when Paolo touched her chin and looked her up.

"What do you need from me, Isa?"

"Well..." she said the reason for going there. The young man picked up his cigar from the table and lit it with the lighter that was there.

"I'm sorry, Paolo, but that's the condition of Papa for him to allow me. But if you're busy tonight, then that's alright."

The young man blew smoke upwards then looked at her again. "Is your boyfriend going to that blow-out too?"

"That's for sure..."

"Why didn't you tell him to pick you up and drop you off later?"

Why didn't she remember that? Why didn't she suggest that to her dad. Although their place is far from the center, there has been no news of people being held up here so, Thomas can still go home safely even at dawn. And another thing, he is also a soldier. So, there's nothing to worry about him in that case. If not, her father can offer the guest room so that her boyfriend can spend the night there.

"You are the only condition given by papa."

From sitting on the edge of the table the young man stood up and approached her. So close... their bodies were inches apart. The girl stood up to avoid... she couldn't breathe because of what he was doing.

Paolo grabbed her by the waist before she could take a step. Grabbed her chin again and raised her face.

"Doesn't your father trust his future son-in-law?" that question was emphatic as if with anger.

The girl couldn't answer, looking down. From her chin, the young man's hand moved to her neck while his left hand gently caressed her face.

"Isa..."

Isa loses strength in his gaze. It's like she's being hypnotized. Her entire body emits a small fire from what the young man is doing.

Paolo's face was barely far from hers and she had to wean herself for her own sake.

"Please, Paolo..." she said as she looked down.

The young man took a deep breath and released her. The girl took advantage of that to get out of that magic spell. She quickly went out to the first room. She was about to take a step when he called her.

She turned to the young man whose one arm resting on the door jamb.

"I'll be there before six o'clock."

Isa smiled and went out.

When he could no longer see the girl, Paolo came inside. Threw himself in the rattan and make his arms as his pillow.

What is he doing? Why does he draw himself closer to Isa when he knows that he will only get hurt? She has a boyfriend!

From the first time he saw the woman, he promised himself not to marry anyone but her. He smiled at that thought. He first saw Isa when she was six years old and he was nine years old. His Godfather Nicholas was holding it while talking to his father. He will never forget that young girl's face. The second time he saw her, he was in high school and in the shop helping his father. She was riding in the carriage of his Godfather Nicholas, which his father looked at.

He wanted to approach her but he was embarrassed because he was all oil and grease. Since then, she went there three more times with her parents, but she did not leave the house or the carriage. What followed was when her grandmother died recently, but like before he was unable to come and talk to her. He remained looking into the distance.

And when the father and daughter moved and their carriage was broken, he dared to approach her. He used the tartanilla as an excuse and until the end, he accepted Nicholas' request to be Isa's driver for the time being and he even offered his own car.

He did have a chance near here but she already has a boyfriend. He wanted to beat his head for his cowardice. He is not like that with other women. And he desired no woman but Isa. How many girlfriends has he had since high school? He couldn't think anymore. and every time he dates and has sex with a girl, he sees Isa's face.

Firelight in her eyes... desire... passion... those are what he sees in Isa's eyes every time he looks at her. And earlier, he knew she wouldn't refuse if he continued to kiss her. He could have made love to her right here. Just thinking about her soft hands traveling all over his body made him lose his mind.

He turned around when his father entered.

"Is Isa the one I saw from here, Paolo?"

"Oh, yes..."

"Why?"

He explained the reason. The old man laughed softly. "Do you know that you are the one that Nicholas is squeezing for his daughter?" he said pulling the chair and sitting down.

The young man got up at what he heard. "Isa has a... boyfriend, Father."

"He also told me but he didn't like that man. He said he didn't know why. Maybe because he's a foreigner. Nicholas is my best friend, Paolo. We were young, and even before we got married we promised each other that our future children, if they are girls or boys, we will marry them when the time is right."

Paolo didn't move and kept listening.

"I'm glad, Paolo, and Nicholas hasn't forgotten our conversation until now. As for me, out of the many girlfriends you have, Isa is the one I want for you. She's beautiful, decent, and above all I know the family. Anyway, son, I don't want to interfere with the problem of your heart. If you and Isa like each other, it's good for me. Do the right thing," concluded the old man.

The young man took a deep breath. "Thank you, Dad. But as I told you, Isa has a boyfriend. I don't hold even Godfather Nicholas, that decision."

The old man looked at his son carefully before shrugging his shoulders. "I'm old, Paolo. I might not even see my grandson."