Chapter 52
Roni
I kick off the interaction with a playful greeting to Vic, accompanied by a snapshot which captures the essence of my outfit for the day.
A true Gothic masterpiece. Black thigh-high stockings gracefully hug my legs, paired with adorable leather boots, adorned with gleaming metal buckles.
A short black skirt with delicate white frills sways with each movement, harmonizing perfectly with a sleek black button-up top and a crisp white tie.
My hair is styled meticulously into neat buns, and my makeup is a flawless work of art. I can't resist adding a playful twist.
@Unhinged: I haven't forgotten your favorite look.
His response comes some minutes later, and I can practically feel his eagerness radiating through the screen.
@GuardDawg69: Damn, woman. You know exactly what you're doing to me.
My eyes roll, even though my pulse picks up its pace.
I adjust my position in my gaming chair, the buckles on my boots catching the soft glow of my lights as I consider my next move.
Playing this dangerous game requires precision.
Too eager and he'll grow suspicious. Too distant and he'll lose interest. The balance is delicate, like walking a tightrope over an abyss.
“Maybe if you're good, I'll show you what's underneath.” I type, then immediately delete it. Too forward.
@Unhinged: Just keeping things interesting.
@Unhinged: How's your day going, tough guy?
I watch the typing indicator spin hypnotically. Twirling, stopping, twirling again. Vic's digital heartbeat. I wonder what he's deleting. What thoughts he's censoring before sending to me.
@GuardDawg69: Better now that you're here. Been a shit day at work.
What a fucking liar. I’m his day at work. But I can’t call him on it, though it does present the perfect opening. Men like Vic love nothing more than a woman who listens to their problems, who makes them feel important. I lean forward, fingers hovering over the keyboard.
@Unhinged: Want to talk about it? I'm all ears.
The typing indicator appears again, this time lasting longer. I picture him crafting the perfect response, trying to balance vulnerability with masculinity. It's almost endearing how predictable he is.
@GuardDawg69: Just dealing with some difficult people. You know how it is. Everyone thinks they're smarter than you, but they don't see the whole picture.
I suppress a laugh. The irony is delicious. If only he knew exactly how much of the picture I can see.
@Unhinged: That sounds so frustrating.
I stroke his fragile male ego, injecting just the right amount of sympathy into my words.
@Unhinged: Some people just don't appreciate what it takes to do a job well. I bet you're really good at what you do.
The flattery feels sour on my tongue, but I know it's exactly what he needs to hear. Men like Vic collect compliments like trophies, especially from women they think they're manipulating.
His reply comes swiftly, followed by another.
@GuardDawg69: You have no idea.
@GuardDawg69: It's rare to find someone who actually gets it. Most people are too wrapped up in their own bullshit to see what's really happening.
I trace patterns on the leather armrest with my fingernail, considering my response. The psychology is textbook. He's positioning himself as the misunderstood hero of his own narrative. Every predator needs to feel justified in their actions.
@Unhinged: I can tell you're different.
He’s not. He’s like every other douche here wanting to see some titties. The only difference is he’ll tell my husband everything that happens. Unless I make it too awkward for him.
@Unhinged: There's something about you that's... intense. In a good way.
Another bullshit cliché. But the validation hits its mark immediately. Within seconds, he's typing again.
@GuardDawg69: Been told that before. Most women can't handle intensity. They say they want a real man, then run when they find one.
“Bahahahahaha!” I simply cannot control the laughter. Classic. Blame the victims for not appreciating his particular brand of toxicity.
@Unhinged: I'm not most women.
The words feel like stones in my stomach. How ridiculous. I take a sip of my coffee, the caramel doing little to calm my nerves.
@Unhinged: I've always been drawn to intensity. To people who see beneath the surface.
I watch as Vic devours the bait, hook and all. The typing indicator flashes urgently.
@GuardDawg69: That's exactly what I thought the first time I saw your profile. You've got depth. Intelligence. Not like these basic women who think posting beach selfies makes them interesting.
I smile despite myself. He's so transparent, this predator who thinks he's a wolf among sheep when really, he's just another cog in the man machine.
I glance at the clock, and suddenly, the distinct sound of a door closing, the one entering from the garage, slices through the air.
Phoenix is home. My heart skips a beat, and I know it's time to wrap up this mischievous rendezvous.