Like A Virgin

A VARIETY of special effects erupted along with the seemingly uplifting music. The dancers came out on stage and to the beat of the strange music, they showed unparalleled elegance.

From above, it seems that the most beautiful woman of all has fallen. Wearing her thin gown, she pretended to be a goddess who came down to earth to spread beauty.

The voice-over rang out. “Silver Dust proudly presents its new star, Samantha Marie Johansson!”

To the rhythm of strange music, Samantha took off her thin gown and exposed her beautiful body to the audience in her two-piece. Along with the other dancers, Samantha appeared on stage.

In about two hours, Silver Dust’s biggest presentation that year also ended.

Dressed with a fur coat, Sam came down the stage. She did not expect the press to approach her for an interview. Behind her was her dad who was so proud of her.

She received flowers from the audience. Some asked for autographs. She was indeed touched by the warmth shown by the people. When the timing was right, she got away from the crowd. From the glass window, she could see a large part of Las Vegas. Who would have thought that she was a star today? She should have been happy, but why does she feel empty?

Her father was very happy. Not just because the Silver Dust show was a success. He was happy because she had suddenly become a star. Many admired her performance and that was enough to make her father feel immeasurable happiness.

She appreciates that. However, it seems that everything is still not enough for her to feel happy. There was a deep sadness in her heart.

“That was amazing!” Her eyes widened when she recognizes the voice. She then turned around. She wanted to cry out loud at that moment when she laid her eyes on the man who is always inside her heart.

“You awed me much, Sam,” he said as he walked closer to her, holding a flower bouquet.

“You watched it?”

“Yeah,” he replied and handed over the bouquet to her.

She reached for it. “Thank you. But why I didn’t see you in the audience?”

“I didn’t really tend to show up to you.”

“Why?”

“I don’t want to ruin your performance, Sam. I-I mean, I know you’re still mad at me and maybe when you see me, your performance will suddenly change."

She looked at the man’s face. He’s still handsome as before. They walked towards the adjacent seats, near the stairs. She stared at the bouquet she received. The flowers were beautiful, as beautiful as she felt in those moments.

“How did you find out about the show?”

“I took the photos used in the ads. And of course, your daddy invited me.”

The man helps her to sit. But instead of sitting down, he knelt before her, “I hope you will forgive me, Sam.”

Her eyes widened, “You don’t have to do that, Andrius. Stand up.”

He stood up. He pulled up a chair in front of her and sat there. “Do you forgive me?” he asked.

“I have forgiven you for a long time.”

“Thank you.” He held her hands and stared sincerely into her eyes. “I hope you will let me enter your life, Sam.”

She was overwhelmed.

“I love you, Sam.”

“I will be a hypocrite if I do not admit that I like you too, Andrius. But what about Beatrice?”

“Beatrice and I were over.” He lifted one of his hands and brought it to her cheek. “I will do everything to be worthy of your love.”

“Can you forget about my old job?” she asked. Trying to test him.

“It’s not important,” he said.

“But that was a sequel to now, Andrius.”

“No, baby. What matters is today because it will be our path to a happy tomorrow.”

She smiled as she caressed the man’s face. “I accept your love. Andrius,” she said, finally.

Andrius then crossed their distance and pressed his lips into hers. Astonished, she didn’t know how to respond but the man was a good kisser and she started to move her lips and meet his pace.

As much as Andrius wanted to prolong the kiss, he can’t because they were not in a private place. He frowned when he saw Sam still stuck where she is. He then grabbed the woman’s arm, gently and lead her to his car.

“Let’s have dinner first before I sent you home,” he said.

He smiled when he realizes how strong his effect on the girl was.

“Sam?” he called and waved his hand in front of her face. “Babe?” He snapped his fingers and viola she was back to earth.

“You’re saying something?” she asked and fake a cough.

“I’m inviting you for a dinner,” he said and smiled.

“Is that a date?”

He let out a soft chuckle. “It is.”

Samantha doesn’t know how to describe the feeling if she was just thrilled or both.

AFTER the dinner, they went to her suite. It’s already late and she just told Andrius to stay. Besides, she’s the only one living in that place. Andrius then asked permission to go to the bathroom. She just nodded and pointed to the guestroom where he was going to stay before going to her room.

She heaved a deep sigh when she sat on her comfy bed. She can only feel the tiredness now. Her thought traveled around their relationship. Since she accepted his love, it only means that they’re officially on.

The man even kissed her. And she felt embarrassed. Though it was not her first time kissing him, it was her first time doing it with him in a passionate way and with her own will.

She removed the strap of her sandals and put them beside her bed. She unzipped her dressed and walked towards the bathroom. She badly needed to freshen up.

When she was done taking a cold shower, she just put her robe on and went outside her room, and went to the kitchen. She needs to drink fresh milk and it became her habit before going to bed.

She was humming as she poured milk into her glass when Andrius pulled a chair and sat.

“Hi,” the man greeted. “Can I have one too?” he added.

She smiled and got another glass, then she poured milk into it and put it in front of him. she pulled the chair in front of her and sat, facing the man.

“Where are you staying?” she asked.

“The same suite,” he replied.

“Oh. Fancy it is because I’m just next to you and you didn’t tell me?” she asked, voice lit with sarcasm.

The man laughed. “You never asked it. Just now.”

She hates it but he’s right.

“Hmm... what’s your plan tomorrow?” the man asked.

“Maybe I will try to study things about Dad’s business since I’m just her heiress,” she said, proudly. She's been doing it for a week now. “Why did you ask?”

Andrius sipped on his glass of milk and put it down. “Well, I want to explore some places tomorrow, I would just ask if you wanted to—”

“Sure,” she replied as she cut in which makes Andrius laugh even more.

“You seem excited,” the man said.

“Okay, I will take it back then,” she said and pouted her lips.

The man bit his lower lip trying to hold the amusement he saw in her.

“Don’t. Ever. Try. To. Laugh!” she warned. Andrius shook his head, and put his hands up, surrendering.

Now, she’s the one who’s holding back herself not laughing. They look adorable together, acting childishly.

Andrius cleared his throat. “So… can I take you out tomorrow?” he said.

She crossed her arms and just stared at him. The man’s eyes then seem to be not at ease as it started to move down then it goes to its left. She frowned. ‘What’s wrong with him?’ she thought. No one dared to talk again. But Andrius's eyes are still not at ease. Seems like they were bothered by something.

She raises her left brow. “What?”

The man looked at her again, particularly below her face, and looked away as he bit his lip.

‘What the… Is he seducing me?’ she thought.

“Are you avoiding me?” she asked.

Andrius shook his head.

“Then can you explain to me, why are you avoiding my gaze?” she asked.

The man looked at her and she followed his gaze and it stopped on her chest—holy molly!

“I can’t just stare at your pinkish tip peeking like saying hello to me. I might not control myself,” he said.

“Ah!” she screamed and run to her room. It’s embarrassing! And it’s so stupid of her to act like a virgin—well, she’s still had her 50% of virginity since Andrius stopped midway when they do it. She looked at her robe as she leaned on the door. She’s been dancing in the Peregrine without any cloth hiding her breast, but she feels different when it comes to Andrius. She became more conscious about her body and clothing.

“Stupid, Samantha,” she whispered.