They entered the campus area. The modern buildings contrasted sharply with the aging structures all covered with moss and ivy. The usual noises from the city were muffled, and occasionally the light chirping from birds falling asleep up in the trees could be heard. The breeze was light, yet gave the atmosphere a soft and warm feeling as if being cradled by Mother Nature.

Mary rubbed her head against Robert’s shoulder, and smiled with happiness.

How many times she had paced along the same alleyway. How different it was with Robert! Usually she almost ran through the darkness, clutching her brass-knuckles, ready to defend herself. She was always cautious, always on the lookout for possible sources of dangers.

And now she felt so safe and comfortable, enjoying the feeling of her beloved man next to her. They walked in silence until they reached Mary’s building.

Mary, you are such an impolite fool! suddenly flashed in her head. You have been dating two months already, but have you ever asked Robert about HIS plans and events?

“You never told me about your life,” she started, carefully choosing the words. “I don’t want to worm myself into your confidence. But I’d like to know you better.”

“Wasn’t there enough about me from the searches you did in the library?” Robert asked, smiling.

They stopped by the building entrance.

“How did you know?” Mary sighed. “Well, I asked that question so many times that it has lost all its meaning. I suppose I should just accept that you know everything about me. I guess I feel a little bit guilty. Yes, I did check some newspapers and Internet sites. You have done a lot, haven’t you? But besides all the boring facts, what kind of things do you like? What do you do for fun? What are your beliefs?”

“Ow-ow, slow down, girl!” Robert laughed. “It’s not easy to reveal everything at once. Okay, let’s see. I expect you’ll find this funny after reading about my business life, but away from the madness, I am quite a romantic person. If you ever come to my house, don’t be surprised. It has Renaissance décor in every room.”

“Renaissance? That is interesting,” she chirped, nodding.

“How I miss that time. If it was up to me, I’d prefer to wear a French aristocrat’s wig, and see you dressed in a crinoline!”

Mary gaped at Robert, who paused, then continued; “By the way, I’ve never seen you in a skirt. Why?”

It’s because of my short legs, Mary thought, embarrassed. I believe I look like a turtle, when I’m wearing a dress. But I’d rather die than admit to that aloud.

“Don’t you have one?” Robert insisted. “I think you have very shapely legs, if you don’t mind me saying.”

Mary went scarlet at his compliment then quickly regained her composure.

“I do have a dress,” the girl replied slowly. “The one I wear for going to church. But the rest of the time, I wear pants or shorts, because I need to do a lot of exercises.”

“What, for your gymnastics?”

“Yes.” His positive comment on a part of her figure that Mary hated had struck a cord in her and opened her heart to him more than she hoped he could tell. “Look!” Mary gabbled in a wave of excitement. “Can you imagine if I did this, togged up in a dress?”

She stepped aside, onto the grass, and performed a few leaps and gymnastic jumps.

Jerry did not hear their talk, and now, seeing Mary prancing and pirouetting, he was astonished, and slowly went close.

What the hell is she doing? Wow! He couldn’t believe his eyes. Did the Master ask her or is she doing it to show off and make him even crazier for her? Damn, for me, at least, it works. Look, she can bend in every direction known to man! I forgot she was a gymnast. Wow, what a girl, what an amazing body, just look at her go. He licked his lips and felt a surge of butterflies in his stomach. I bet not even Kama-Sutra has got enough moves to push the capabilities of her lithe little body… But I’d love the chance to try and find her limits.

Mary finished her performance with the splits, and all giggling and eyes bright, she got up elegantly in one movement. Suddenly realizing that she had done her routine unasked, the girl blushed again, as she approached Robert.

“Impressive,” he said calmly. “But don’t you remember I’ve seen you in action before?” He saw a sheepish look flash across her young face and tried to banish it immediately. “But it was fabulous.” He hit the jackpot and then went on with his principal line of thought. “Mary, we see each other so rarely, is it at all possible for you to wear a dress for me?”

How could he demand something from her! Jerry felt himself going insane. Oh well, he paid for it, I suppose.

“I feel more comfortable wearing pants!” Mary argued.

“But you make the effort to wear a dress in front of God. Why don’t you want to do me that favor too?”

That request struck Jerry, his head full of biblical lessons, and he stood rigid.

Instantly Mary’s face became stern, and she stepped back.

“Never try to compare yourself with God,” she retorted almost inaudibly.

“Why not?” Robert asked arrogantly. He resembled a proud Roman patrician, and Mary involuntarily adored his look. Caught on the back foot she made an effort, and answered; “Because it won’t work with me.”

Robert’s eyes narrowed, when he searched the girl for signs of her seriousness over religion. “So, you don’t like meeting with me?”

“Eh? I do like it, and you know that,” Mary said, barely holding back her tears.

If she cries, I’ll hit him, Jerry thought resolutely. To see her suffering is worse than a “Ride to Hell’!

“I was hoping you’d respect my feelings and faith. Of course I can wear a skirt to please you. I do want to please you, really, and if you don’t like me in these shorts and pants, I won’t wear them again when I’m with you, but you turned this subject into a religious issue, and don’t count on me giving up my beliefs. I’d rather die on the street, starving, than take 30 pieces of silver.”

“I didn’t ask you to do that, honey,” Robert uttered it so tenderly that the girl forgave him at once. Amazed, Jerry looked at his Master.

Robert opened his arms to Mary, and the girl drew close, gazing up at him like a wounded gazelle. He embraced her, and after a brief hesitation Mary hugged him as well.

Jerry’s spirits plummeted, and he looked around, checking the security of the situation, as he was assuring himself, not because he envied his Master, who held his loved one in his arms.

“I didn’t mean to offend you, my honey-drop,” Robert said. His soft tempting voice percolated Mary’s soul. “And I will not force you to change your style either! You are a beautiful girl, and your blouse is very flattering. But you can’t wear sports pants everywhere. That was my point.”

“I don’t get it.” Mary looked at him.

“I want you to attend a party. But you have to wear a dress. A posh dress.”

“I don’t have anything like that, and you know it,” Mary mumbled, confused and embarrassed.

“Tomorrow I’ll send one to you.” He paused, and specified, “As a gift for your birthday.”

“You didn’t forget!” Mary beamed.

“How could I?” He squeezed her affectionately.

“Cool! But what party, and why am I going with you?”

“It’s a charity party, of course.” Robert winked. “You’ll present your gymnastic team. I’ll send a car for you. You’ll receive the invitation along with the dress, and a special card so you can borrow some jewelry. The address of the store is on the back. I know you’ll refuse if I try to give you the jewels as a gift, but if you keep them – I’ll be happy. But if you feel uncomfortable with that idea, just return everything to the store.”

“What about shoes?” she asked, excited.

“You can rent evening pumps in the same store too.”

“I can easily walk and even dance like a butterfly on high heels,” Mary said proudly. “I won’t look like a tottering sow, you know.”

“I know that only too well, sweetheart.”

“How…” Mary stopped short and laughed. “I feel like a Cinderella!”

“You are…” Robert whispered, bringing his face close to her. Mary opened her lips, and their breathing intermingled. He felt her youthful energy swamp his body and she felt his power overwhelm hers.

Both instinctively released their intense hold so as to not give an inappropriate impression. The girl slid off Robert’s arms like mercury, and ran to her building.

Turning, her excited body highlighted in the lighted doorway, she shouted “Good night!” blew a kiss, and closed the door behind her.

Robert laughed, tapped Jerry’s shoulder, and took out a pack of cigarettes.

Jerry helped his Master with the lighter. Robert inhaled deeply, and sighed.

“Call Ron to drive to the campus,” he told the guard, and when the youth had fulfilled his order, added with a sly grin on his sardonic lips. “Let’s take a little walk, Jerry.”

They had only walked side-by-side for a few yards when Robert broke the silence.

“You know what, Jerry, I envy you, my boy.”

Amazed, the youth gazed at his Master, who continued; “You are young and handsome. Your entire life is in front of you. No girl can resist you and your boyish charm.”

Jerry’s expressive face clouded with that comment. Robert inhaled, hiding his smile. “You can smoke, Jerry.”

The youth nodded, and he dived into his pocket, but Robert offered his own pack, a cigarette magically poking out. Robert noticed Jerry’s hands were shaking as he took it, and he seemed nervous as he gulped down a lungful of smoke.

The charming nighttime breeze was gently rustling in the leaves of the trees above them. The usual sounds of the big city sounded so far away, as if from another dimension.

“Did you see the new girl in the Building C?” Robert asked suddenly.

“Which one?” Jerry grinned, relaxing.

“Fresh strawberry. Cute little blonde. She’s very petite, I suppose, tiny. But a great butt and big tits for her size. Very nice.” He puffed his cheeks out and blew out some fake hot air. “Looking at her angel face, it is hard to imagine she was killing innocent old people for their money! But life can change,” he added with a grin. “Now my soldiers take advantage of her lovely little body, whether she likes it or not.”

“I think I saw her…” Jerry thought hard. “Sorry.” He smirked again. “I like shrimps on my plate, though, not in my bed.”

Robert laughed, and tapped Jerry’s shoulder, then they continued his walk.

Damn, Robert thought. The situation is worse than I expected. I thought he liked Mary for her looks, but it seems she’s not his usual type. The following monologue confirmed his guess.

“Leggy girls are much better!” The young guard said with naïve sincerity. He paused, ashamed for a second. “Maybe it’s because of my height. But when, you know, you’re behind a girl, playing with her sturdy tits… And when she bends over, shapely ass, and those cute bones above her hips. Thin legs, long like streams of a waterfall…”

“Wow, Jerry!” Robert shook his head. “You’re such a romantic for a bodyguard. You’ll get a raise. I need to make sure that I’m keeping someone like you on board with all these extra talents.”

That comment confused the youth for a second, but when he recalled Robert saying to Mary: I am quite a romantic person, he took this phrase as a compliment from the Master that he adored as a god. The gladdened youth felt a sweet wave of pride fill his soul, and Robert’s next comments added even more fuel to the fire of his devotion.

“You are very special to me, Jerry.” Robert was saying with his deep alluring voice. “For the first time someone has gone from being nobody to one of the closest of my servants in one step. I believe in you, Jerry.”

“You can count on me, My Lord!” Touched to the bottom of his soul, Jerry knelt.

Robert helped him up. “I know, Jerry. I know – I can trust you.”

After a mind-numbing pause, he continued to play Jerry. Sounding uncertain, he said; “You know, Jerry, all these years I’ve led such a tense life. Short of relaxing with whores, studying and struggling, I’ve had almost had no time for fun. And the weird thing is, I’ve never had either the time or the chance to court a girl. Then I met Mary…”

Robert saw Jerry freeze at her name.

Ah you stupid puppy! the proud Son of the Devil thought, making an effort to suppress his anger. Fucking babe magnet. How dare you, you miserable youngster, even think that Mary could prefer you over me! But when he started talking again, his voice was still soft and intimate, as befitted a heart-to-heart talk. “But for all the good that has come along with spending so much time with her, you know, Jerry, it is far from ideal. My business life is the only cover for my real activities, and I have to attend these worthless events, pointless conferences, and stupid presentations! I’m fagged out.”

Oh Master, Jerry thought, trembling all over. How I so understand what you are saying!

“And now my partners are worried and angry. Last night the President of the Corporation even dared to try and threaten me!”

Jerry’s mind clouded with rage. “Just say the word, My Lord,” he started resolutely.

“It’s okay, Jerry, never mind!” Robert shook Jerry’s hand. “As you know, Roger, my valet, is a demon in human form. He literally kicked that stupid old man out of my apartment, but it’s not the solution to the problem!”

They almost reached the campus parking lot, and they could see Ron waiting for them next to the limousine. Robert stopped again.

“You see, what I mean?” he said forlornly. “I have no time for anything important – not even to ask your advice about how to get into Mary’s panties without ruining my official business life.”

Totally confused, the youth gazed at his Master, but Robert did not look at him, and Jerry realized that the talk was over.

“Let’s go home, guys,” Robert murmured, getting in the limousine, and a light smile was still on his serpentine lips.