Was it your foolishness that roped you into this affair?

Perhaps not.

Even the wisest could have been fooled by the saccharine incantations spilling from his silver tongue. Intoxicating — and a scourge.

A thumb languidly skimmed against the back of your hand, chips of purple locking onto your own. ‎ ”It is a fine evening. Join me for a stroll?” An almost lyrical request. . . ‎ From such venomous soul.