Mpho doesn’t hesitate, thinking about the sadness that hangs over her house. “Okay,” she says.

They get into his car and drive to Tony’s flat. Mpho marvels at the beautiful place. She looks around at his furniture and state of the art TV and gadgets.

“Baby girl, would you like to watch a movie?” he asks, leading her to the couch. He smiles and switches on the TV. “I’ve been watching Girl’s Trip. I think you’ll like it.”

“I really should go home now,” she says, but she can’t get up off the couch. Her head is spinning.

“You need to sober up a bit first.” He brings her a glass of water.

What a gentleman, she thinks to herself.

He settles down on the couch next to her and starts to caress her leg. He leans in for a kiss. Mpho knows she shouldn’t be letting this happen, but she is too drunk to stop, and his lips are so soft.

Before she knows it she finds herself in the bedroom. Tony slowly removes her clothes. Mpho gets a chill down her spine. She has never been touched by a man before. Her head is spinning.

“Tony … Tony …wait,” she manages to say.

“Relax baby girl. I will be gentle.”

He slowly lowers her to the bed. They are both naked now. She is trembling. It’s her first time. Tony kisses her slowly on the neck then moves down and kisses her body. Mpho tries to relax but when he is inside, her whole body tenses. Things are a blur. The second time is easier. He is gentle and afterwards they cuddle.

Tony looks at her and strokes her cheek.

“Thank you,” he says. She moves her head from the pillow to his chest and listens to his heartbeat. She falls asleep and when she wakes up he is gone. She looks at the sheet. They have blood stains on them.

Tony comes in, wrapped in a towel. “Just taking a shower.”

“Is this my blood?” she says, frightened.

“Yes, baby. It was your first time. It’s normal. Don’t look so worried. I’ll take care of you. Why don’t you shower now?”

Tony comes into the shower and joins Mpho. He kisses her passionately.

It is early morning when Tony takes Mpho home. She climbs in through her window. As she lies on her bed her mind is still reeling.

***

Tell us: What do you think of Tony?