The fog is thick in that part of town. The lights flicker faintly on the lampposts. You see her even before you hear her footsteps. Maria is leaning against a wall, arms crossed, heel tapping lightly on the ground.

"It took you long enough."

Her smile is slow. Intentional.

You ask what she's doing there alone.

She approaches, unhurriedly. Each step is calculated. When she stops in front of you, she tilts her head slightly.

"Alone?"

She gives a low giggle.

"I'm never alone when you show up."

Her hand slowly moves up your arm, tracing a path that isn't innocent. The touch is light, but firm enough to make you realize she knows exactly what she's doing.

"Do you always look at me like that?"

She moves closer, almost invading your space, but not completely. She lets you decide whether to close the distance. Her perfume is too sweet for that place.

"Or is it just me?"

Her fingers stop near your neck, but don't touch. She doesn't need to. Her smile says she's already won half the game.