Knowledge is power

The shadows danced around the walls in her room as Nandhini stared at the candle flame flickering. She loved to dim the lights and be left alone in her thoughts. She didn't want anyone to know she was still awake.

She was thinking about Etienne. She was so in love with him. 

Etienne was a sweet, kind man. But then, the other side she saw that evening left her a little perplexed. Could she live with someone insecure and jealous?

Anyway, what did she really know about him? 

Her brother's words rang in her ear. Be careful Nandhini, don't get hurt.

Her heart was with Etienne but her logical mind was telling her that she had to know the 'real' person before she gave her heart. 

She needed to get to know him better. They have not gone past that 'honeymoon' stage.

You think you know someone by spending time with them, talking to them but how do we know what goes on inside their head? 

First, she needed to go over to his place, maybe seeing him in his own surroundings would get her to understand him better. 

She called him. "Hey Love, I'll come over tomorrow, cook dinner maybe," she offered.

Silence.

" Yeah, alright. Sorry about this evening Nandhini, I don't know what came over me."

Maybe she was overreacting. It was probably a natural reaction to feel a little jealous.

Next day, Nandhini went over with some groceries and they had a nice time preparing dinner together. After which Etienne poured her a glass of wine. They stood in the balcony talking and enjoying the cool breeze.

Nandhini felt a little chilly and moved closer to Etienne. he looked at her and pulled her closer. She knew what was going to happen next. She felt his lips as his arms embraced her so naturally.

'Why do I fall for this time and again?' She asked herself.

Nandhini pulled back gently. She walked inside the apartment. They sat on the sofa. There were some photos on the table top. She walked over to get a closer look.

" Is this your family?" she asked. "Where are they now?"

"They are dead.!"

"I don't wish to speak about it. Yes, that's my family. We were not too close; Dad left us when I was only ten!"

Nandhini immediately regretted asking. She walked over to Etienne and brushed her fingers through his hair. He looked like a lost little boy. She leaned forward and kissed him on his forehead, " I'm sorry Jaan."

Etienne wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her closer, burying his face in her flat warm stomach. He slowly lifted her blouse and kissed her belly. Nandhini could feel the tingly sensation all over her.

This time she didn't pull away. They kissed and he lifted her up and walked into his room and placed her on his bed, ever so gently. 

He pulled his shirt over his head and threw it aside. Nandhini's eyes followed his every move.  He was soon lying on her. Nandhini couldn't take the pleasurable pain she felt when he bit her. She liked it. She loved the feeling of his teeth nibbling at her here and there. And she finally exploded with sheer desire.

Although Etienne's intention was to take a bite of her soft flesh and devour her; make her his. 

Something stopped him from going further. When Nandhini moaned aloud, all he could think of was her pleasure. Strangely, he could not bring himself to hurt this affectionate young woman. She meant too much to him. 

Nandhini wasn't like the rest. She wouldn't leave him, would she? Or was she going to hurt him as well? 

Etienne wasn't going to hurt her, Nandhini chided herself for overthinking. He was a hurt soul without family. She should just love him and take away his pain.

They both stared into each other's eyes, each lost in their own thoughts...