305: VENOM ALL OVER

ARIEL'S POV "Say what now?" I quizzed this man with my eyebrow raised. "I said you're beautiful." He kept on with his compliment, still smiling at me. "And by the way, my name is Robert." All these words had me feeling a bit uneasy. But I didn't want to spit anything out. He stretched his hand closer, reaching out to mine, but I quickly withdrew, offering him a polite but confused smile. "Thank you, Robert," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "But I really should be going." His smile faltered slightly, his hand still hovering in the air where mine had been. "Please, just a moment longer," he urged, his tone pleading. I hesitated, feeling torn between politeness and my own discomfort. But the sensation of his fingers brushing against mine was too unsettling to ignore. "I'm sorry, but I really have something important to take care of," I replied, standing up from the edge of the bed. His expression fell; it was clear he was disappointed. I could see it in his eyes. Well, fuck