STIGMA

Somewhere in the medieval city of Rome, as the moon cast a mystique glow out of the pitch-dark night, a white luxurious cruise ship silently transcended the calm torrents of the ocean. The festivity in the ship was heightened as it was filled with singing and dancing. Everyone on board was in a sprite, enjoying the lively and cordial atmosphere.

Meanwhile, in a deluxe room of the ship, the silhouette cast on the glass door was blurred by the steam of the hot shower, making it mysteriously attractive. The sound of water dripping on the floor strikingly contrasted the silence of the night. Inside the room, the ambiance was cozy and charming.

On the other side of the glass door, a man was patiently waiting. He leaned himself against the board of the bed. Between his slender fingers, a half-burnt cigarette lay pinched. Sipping his cigar, he felt boosted knowing that smoking was regarded as the symbol of masculinity. Gently tapping the ashes of his cigar, he took a heavy breath and spluttered out a beautiful array of smoke rings. He regarded the playful smokes as an art piece. The man's wheat-colored skin exuded a healthy glow under the dim light. His build was lean and firm without any extra trace of fat. Every aspect of his appearance was just so perfect.

He slightly narrowed his eyes. Those eyes that were so sharp - eagle-like sharp, emanated a strange sense of sinister languidness. His well-sculpted face was so irresistible, with his sexy, thin, and pinkish lips nicely tilted with faint mockery. His eyes, blazed with fire and desire, fixed the gaze through the glass door. He was carefully examining every inch of crease and curves of the woman inside the bathroom.

The door slowly opened. Alas! The white silk bathrobe worn by the woman showcased her alluring figure. She was drying her long black hair with a towel. Adjusting her robe, she turned towards his direction and gave him an enticing smile.

He was overwhelmed by the sudden burst of hormones at the sight of her. She looked sexy as she was still rubbing her hair. Beneath her hair was her adorable face, honed to perfection. It was a definition of astounding beauty. That trace of rosy redness on her cheeks was a feast to the eye. He wondered if maybe there was something on her skin that made it red after every bath, as he couldn't keep himself from staring. For him, she resembled a delicate flower in full bloom.

"Awake from alcohol now?" the man asked, still tapping his cigarette which made him feel like a real macho. "Yeah," she answered raising her eyebrows an inch.

Swiftly, the sturdy and handsome man lying on the bed moved to her. His hands were widely extended to welcome her. He ran his fingers on her back as he gave her a hug. With his lips against her ear, he whispered,"Hhhhmmm you smell great." The hidden sexiness of his low voice made her so sensitive that she shrank her head back. He did it intentionally.

Teased by the mischievous man, the lady blushed in red with great introversion. Her head was still a little heavy from a tinge of wine. If she hadn't blanked out that night, there wouldn't be a chance for her to have a roll in the hay with this man.

She remembered that it was already the second half of the night. Before that, she was so drunk that she could no longer remember how she got there. The crazy moments with the man, followed by a hot bath, almost sobered her up or at least revived her sanity.

"Please let me go. I must go," the damsel implored the man.

Her mind was cleared and was gaining full consciousness. Covered under the bathrobe, she felt a dull pain in her body and total chaos on her mind. On the night of her graduation, she couldn't believe what had happened to her on this foreign land with a strange man.

"My name is Rufus Luo," the man introduced himself instead of attending to her small request.

The lady's cold tone failed to drive the man away, but only induced him even closer. The deep and low voice was so enthralling, and the smile on his handsome face was so wickedly tempting and charismatic.

"Look Mr., you don't have to tell me your name. We're just satisfying our individual needs. After tonight, there'll be nothing in between us. No strings attached."

The girl seemed to be annoyed by his action of introducing himself, which for him indicated his interest in further development of their one-night relationship. The lady turned around, with her elegant, wet hair leaving a cool and gentle touch on his skin.

"You have been great tonight. Will there be a next time?"