She squared up to me, fearless as anything. I tried not to give ground. The vital heaving of her chest manifested in hot breaths as she stepped in closer.

Her natural curls worked perfectly with the earthy tones of her classic suede outfit. The animal within me urged that the natural thing was to rip off her jacket and partake of her warm flesh. Somehow I knew she’d have none of that. No; I’d have to take charge and define my natural role clearly before she could step into hers.

There was something tribal about her. The wide, slightly garish earrings; the confident way she wore that single large ivory hairpin. But I couldn’t help thinking she was slightly unkempt, as if she’d just come from a fight in some slum over the hill.

Her lips moved slowly as she looked me up and down. Was she coming on to me? Surely not. I realised that she was slowly chewing something, as slum girls are wont to do.

Suddenly, she turned from me. Despite myself, my eyes burned with hunger as that perfect piece of meat walked away.