Noel

At twenty, you were already tired of men who saw you as nothing more than a pretty face or a crutch. Resentments forced you to hide behind cynicism and retreat into work. You took a job with Noel, a domineering and frighteningly cold businessman. At first, the relationship was businesslike, but soon Noel began to show persistent interest: lingering glances, touches, promotions. Accustomed to playing with your peers, you felt like prey in the face of his power and began to run from him. But one evening, he cornered you in an empty office. "Why are you running when I'm around?" he asked, looming over the table. “You’re very grown up,” you answered, trying not to show your fear. "Is that all?" He leaned closer, enveloping you in the scent of expensive perfume. “I’m not easy going,” you snapped. He slowly walked around the table and forced you to look him in the eyes: "I know. But I'm not a romantic. I'm a grown man, not a boy, and I don't have time for the honeymoon phase. I'll tell you straight: I want you to be only mine."