We finally arrived at the gallery show, with Ben still having his hand on my back, and me still nervous about his touch.
He opened the door and let me in first. The atmosphere was calmed and the place was full of light. I looked around and noticed I knew no one there.
We started to look at the pieces, which were landscapes from different parts of the world. Some were quite colorful, others in black and white. It was really nice looking at them while comparing points of view with Ben.
-Is there anyone in particular you like?- Ben asked.
-Well, now that you mention, there is one I quite like: that one- and I pointed out to one which had a cabin right next to a lake. It was taken during spring and it looked very peaceful, with a majestic landscape I could not stop looking. A picture that was almost taken from a dream.
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-Uh, that description is very interesting...- Ben said.
-Why do you say?- I asked, pretty confused.
-I know that place. It's a cabin for rent. It's in the middle of nowhere, and I like going there when I want to spend some time alone- said Ben.
Then he came very close, grabbing me tightly by my waist like the time we saw the picture of the two of us, and whispered to my ear -... And sometimes with someone else.-
His words made me stiffen. I could feel his lips almost touching my ear, holding me by his side, making me want him. Looking at that picture and imagining Ben and I spending time by the lake, made my mind run wild.
Then Ben stepped aside, saying -Hey, I'm going to say hi to some friends and I'll be back. Why don't you mingle and see if you like another picture?-
-Sure, I will- was all I could say, barely walking after that very intense moment.
Since I did not know anyone at the gallery, I decided to get some champagne and walk around. I saw Ben talking to some people, but he was looking at me, as if he did not want me to be out of his sight.
I moved to other areas of the gallery looking at more pictures, but every time I looked around, Ben was talking to new people, standing on new isles, and yet still staring at me.
At first I thought it was just me overreacting, but then I lost track of him.
Where did he go?
Then I saw him walking around, afar, looking at me, then disappearing...
What kind of game is he trying to play?
I looked somewhere else, and there he was: talking to new people, but still staring at me, smiling, with his burning eyes looking only to me, as if no one else existed in the room.
Now I could see it clearly: I was his prey, and he was hunting me.
I felt a thrilling sensation running down my spine, my lips parted, nervous but full of desire. I needed to calm down.
I decided to take another glass of champagne and go to the balcony. I opened its door and noticed it was long and wide, having a park right below it, and giving a full glance at the moon. The fresh air was helping me breath. I walked to the edge of the balcony, and I stared at the moon, embellished by its beauty.
Then I heard his voice.
-Hannah...- said Ben.
I turned around, and he was by the door. His eyes staring mine, knowing what was going to happen. He was not going to let me go.
He started walking towards me, slowly, not leaving my sight for one moment. I knew I could not stop him, nor I wanted him to.
He stopped so close to me I could feel his breath on me. He took the glass from my hand and put it aside. Then he put both hands on the balcony, right next to me without touching me.
I knew this was inevitable. It was meant to be. I looked up, and I saw his face, the moon bathing his looks, his eyes waiting for me to join him in this very moment of ecstasy. My heart was racing and my breathing was shallow. I was in his den, but I did not care. I wanted to give in.
