Ingénue // d.h.

three

Dan's POV

some chick named Maria: Mr. Howell? Really?

Me: Yes really. I think it says a lot about me. Interpret that how you like.

I've always been good at getting what I want. Especially when it comes to sleeping with girls. I always assert my dominance, subtly at first, that way it's easy for them to submit to me later. Dominating someone to the point where they'll do anything you tell them to do.

some chick named Maria: Oh, well, whatever you say, Mr. Howell.

Me: Exactly, princess.

I put down my phone after changing her contact name to "princess", waiting for her response, hoping she could understand that I was flirting. I strip myself of my pants and my shirt, leaving me in my boxers. Seducing her should be the easiest thing ever. She seems easy and oblivious enough. I could convince her to come over tonight. I feel my phone vibrate.

princess: Well Dan, I'm going to head off to bed. I have a busy day tomorrow as you can imagine.

Not the response I was looking for.

Me: Of course. Maybe I can help you out tomorrow?

princess: Oh no, that's okay I can do it myself.

Me: Maria, please. I can't imagine you want to go through the long process of getting settled in a new house by yourself? Plus I could be useful ;)

princess: Well, I mean I guess it would be kinda nice to have someone help out..

Got her.

Me: Exactly. What time should I be at your place?

princess: Come around 9:30. I want to start early so I can lounge around for the rest of the day haha.

Me: Perfect.

She texted me her address and I told her goodnight. I put my phone down on the bedside drawer, brushed my teeth and slipped into the bed. I turned off my lamp and sunk into the sheets, slowly falling asleep, smiling to myself. She had no idea of my ulterior motives.

Maria's POV
I woke up to the blaring sound of my alarm going off next to me. I sat up, looking down at my sheets, too scared to look around the bleak room. I did eventually, and when I did I immediately burst into tears. What am I doing? Why am I here? Why couldn't I just suck it up and deal with how unhappy my old life was? I walked to the bathroom, turning on the shower.

As I stood under the water, I felt all my problems slowly weigh down on me, as if they were trying to drown me. I quickly washed myself and got out, not wanting to be alone with my thoughts anymore. I quickly changed into a warm black button-up long sleeve, black jeans, and my usual black sweater. I checked my phone to see that it was 9:30.

As if on cue, my doorbell rung and there was a knock. My stomach felt tense, realizing Dan was here. I walked down the hall and placed my hand on the doorknob. I almost didn't open the door, I mean, I was pretty scared. I had just met this guy yesterday. I tried shaking off the feeling and opened the door.

"Hello Maria." Dan said, smiling. I quickly showed him in.

"Thanks for coming to help out. I really appreciate it honestly." I said sitting down on the black couch.

"Don't worry about it. I'm happy to help." He said, looking around the bare apartment. He took a seat next to me, our knees touching, and I flinch at the contact. I felt my chest tighten and exhaled deeply, as if it would relieve the pressure. I hated the way being around other people made me feel. Especially strangers.