Free Virtually Perfect by Sadie Mills Page B

it.'
    'Scrabble!  Everybody likes—'
    Christ, she isn't still a virgin, is she?
    'You went to Catholic school, didn't you?'
    '14!' she blurted.  'I was 14...' 
    Ben's eyes widened. 
    '...With Ryan Jacobs, from next door.'
    'How old was Ryan Jacobs, exactly?'
    '26.'
    '...Fucking hell.'
    'He was an artist.  He used to draw me.  I... I used to be a life model.' she said quietly.
    Ben's eyes flicked up accusingly.
    'At 14?'
    '...I started early.'
    'But... 14?'
    Eve shrugged.
    'He liked them young.' 
    I'll bet he fucking did...
    Ben's stare was piercing, but Eve was oblivious, gazing down into her glass. 
    'My parents didn't know.  My dad would have killed him...  I was in love.  You know how it is...' 
    Eve took a slug of rum, and almost choked.
    'He drew me one last time, then he never spoke to me again.'
    'Anyway...' she gasped.  'Your turn.'
    'I tell you what,' said Ben.  'Shall we just cut the crap and call this game truth ?'
    Eve smiled faintly.
    'How many women have you slept with?'
    'Nine.'
    'Nine?'
    'Nine.' 
    She didn't believe him, he could see.
    '...How many men have you slept with?'
    'Less than nine, but—'
    'But what?'
    'Never mind.'
    'Your turn,' said Ben.
    'Alright,' said Eve.
    '...How did you get that?'
    He reached out.  His fingertips swept a thin, silver scar that ran perpendicular to her breastbone.  Eve looked down at his hand, his fingers on her skin.
    'We hadn't had Bo very long,' she said quietly.  'I was living with Dad at the time.  I was standing there, cuddling Bo in the lounge.  Dad was cleaning the windows.'  Her brow crinkled.  'I never really understood why we had a window cleaner,' she said.  'Dad would always go out and do them again once he'd gone...  Wouldn't dream of complaining.  Where I grew up, it didn't pay to rock the boat.'  She smiled faintly.
    'Anyway, Dad sloshed a bucket of water.  I hadn't really thought about it.  Bo just saw the water coming towards him.  He caught me with his claw trying to get away.  It goes all the way down to—'
    'I know,' nodded Ben. 
    '...You don't talk about your dad very much,' he said. 
    Eve's eyes flashed up.  She smiled politely, turning away.
    'We fell out ages ago,' she admitted.  'We haven't spoken in years.'
    'And your mum?'
    Ben watched her for a moment.  The flames danced in her eyes. 
    'She's dead,' Eve said monotonously.
    She looked like a doll.  There was no expression in face.  
    '...I'm sorry.'
    Ben felt a little winded.  She went on gazing off into nothing.  He reached out and took her drink from her hand.  Her glass clinked against his as he put them both to one side.  He pulled her to him; felt her arms wrap around his waist, felt her squeezing him back.  
    Ben stroked her cheek.  Her skin was silky and warm.  Her hair smelt of honey.
    'Kiss me.'
    He wasn't really sure he'd heard it at first.  Her forehead rested on his chin, he felt her breath on his neck.
    'Kiss me,' she whispered again.
    Ben peered down at the sea of mahogany curls.  He inclined his head.  Sweeping her soft hair back, he pressed his lips to her brow. 
    His eyes were shut tight, his brow clenched. 
    'Please...'
    Part of him wanted to run.  Part of him was already dressed and at the door.  But when Ben opened his eyes, he found hers staring back.  Pleading.  So dark.  So sad. 
    He isn't going to.  The fire flickered in his stare.  Eve knew what was coming.  I'll call you.  She looked away; her eyes started to sting.
    Ben's warm fingers entwined with hers, pushing her hands down either side of her face.  He rolled on top of her.  She could feel his weight.  She could smell him.  Eve felt him blow gently on her lips.  Her eyes fluttered open.
    Ben smiled down.  He paused for a moment.  Sooty lashes drew down over his blue eyes.  She flinched as his mouth gently found hers. 
    His bottom lip pushed between hers, parting them gently.  She felt his tongue stroke her lip.  She could taste him.  Eve pulled