Fear, desire, and the scent of her bodywash mix in my head as I inhale deeply. She glances up and meets my gaze. I hold it for a moment longer than her comfort allows.
Yes little one. I know.
I break the lock with a slow blink and a half smile. Her posture changes, her mind flipping between curiosity and flight. Good. She knows deep down the dynamic between us, the ancient behavior hidden by today’s demands. Having left my mark I turn back to the party.
A while later I notice that she’s seeking me out among my friends. Looks like curiosity won out, as I predicted. Another hopeful suitor strives for her attention but fails to see that for this moment she has eyes only for me. Part of me feels sorry for the young hunter. He might have had a chance if not for me. I flash her another half smile and disappear into the party once more.
Then I see her before me. Her posture is defiant. Her head is held high, her shoulders back. I tilt my head to the side as if to ask “And?” She licks her lips and starts to speak. I put a finger to her lips and glance towards an empty room.