Behind The Mask

Chapter 4

Michael’s POV

She looks beautiful....surprised, enraged....and so sexy in the black sequined top and satin pants! Her fair skin and perfect golden blonde hair shine against the dark color of her clothes. When I first saw her, I never realized how beautiful she is....this Nordic Queen....really, is she a Swede...or a Norwegian?

“Hello, Anouk! You look lovely tonight” I say by way of striking up conversation.

“You! Again!”

A harsh whisper. So, my first bet is won. She won’t make a scene in public.

“Yes. Me. Again....and again, and yet again till you will listen to me. Look, please don’t creep out – I am way too famous to have any hidden serial killer traits. There’s nothing to fear about me.”

“I don’t actually fear you. I am ANNOYED by you.”

“Anouk...please, spend this evening relaxing and talking to me. I swear I have nothing on a hidden agenda. I just want to get to know you...you know, like any regular guy who likes a woman.”

“I am not on the market.”

“I should definitely hope so. Merchandize is on the market, not people. Certainly not an intelligent, sharp-tongued woman like you.”

“Look....I want to leave. Please...please leave me alone. I am here because of a big misunderstanding and it does you no honor tricking me like this.”

I sigh.

“Anouk, I won’t deny that at first it was mere curiosity and excitement on my part to see a woman acting normally around me. But in the few, tell-tale moments I spent in your hotel room, I sensed some kind of sadness surrounding you. If you will not end up being romantically interested in me, that’s fine, nature and the laws of attraction can’t be disputed....but I’d like to be your friend. I’d like to win your confidence and you’ll win mine...and be able to talk to each other openly. Please, Anouk...I don’t think I’m such a repulsive fellow.”

She is still seated in front of me and listening. This is a good sign....a very good sign.

“Michael, I have just taken the resolution not to be involved with the mankind in any way. The resolution came as a result of a rather traumatic event that shook up my entire family and made me question the fundamental aspects of life, love and family. So, just by being a man, I am terribly, extremely prejudiced against you, and I politely ask you to excuse me, but I want to leave.”

Before she can stand up, I move swiftly to sit at her side and I catch her hand in mine. She gives a small gasp of shock, and I hope not fear, so I’d better deliver the most convincing words I’ve ever spoken.

“Anouk, I am myself ashamed of the way certain men treat women....some of these men whom I despise are my own brothers. You can search the whole world...you will never find one single girl or woman whom I ever disrespected. And I had ample opportunities since the tender age of 14. Girls, like the ones who got you trapped in that parking lot, are all too willing to...to please me. But I don’t want that, because it is not proper and I am not like that. I do not take advantage of anyone. I do not practice casual, heartless sex. Never! And....and whenever I see someone hurt, sad or in pain, I want to help. Please....please, Anouk. Talk to me....Find it in your heart to make me the exception to your rule...until you meet the right guy for you, if I’m not him. But for now, all I want from you is to talk to me. Please...”

Her resolution weakens a little. She sips her champagne in silence and I respect that. She’s making up her mind and my attitude is crucial in these moments. I keep my hands to myself and try to be as quiet as possible.