Chapter 4 A First Touch That Trembles

The sound of footsteps echoed softly from the spiral staircase at the far end of the room. Julian lifted his head, his eyes drawn to the source. His heartbeat, which had calmed slightly after downing Doni's leftover liquor, now raced again. When the figure finally emerged, he saw a woman descending the stairs with grace.

She wore a fiery red gown that clung perfectly to her body, exuding both sensuality and elegance. Her jet-black hair flowed long down her back, swaying gently with each step. Her sharp, captivating eyes locked onto the room, her lips curved into a faint yet alluring smile. Every movement seemed choreographed with precision, brimming with confidence that left Julian unable to look away.

Julian froze, captivated. His eyes couldn't tear themselves from her. She seemed like a goddess descending from the heavens-flawless and untouchable. His breath caught for a moment, his mouth parting slightly as a faint murmur escaped without him realizing, "She... she's like an angel."

Madam Stella, standing beside him and observing his reaction, chuckled softly and patted his shoulder. "That's Anastasia, Julian. The woman I promised you," she says, her wide smile radiating satisfaction.

"Sh-she's Anastasia, Madam?" Julian asks nervously, his gaze still fixed on the woman now standing on the final step.

Madam Stella smiled faintly, as if accustomed to such awe from new clients. "Yes, Julian, that's Anastasia. What do you think? Beautiful, isn't she?" she replies, her tone brimming with certainty.

Julian swallowed hard, trying to steady himself. "Y-yes, Madam... she's gorgeous. Like a goddess straight out of a dream," he says, his voice quivering slightly from nerves.

Madam Stella laughed gently, clearly amused by Julian's innocence. "I never pick the wrong woman for special guests like you. So, what do you say? Do you want to take Anastasia's services?" she asks, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Julian's face flushed, his hands trembling. "I-I... yes, Madam, if she... wants to," he mutters softly, almost inaudibly.

"Great!" Madam Stella claps her hands with enthusiasm. "Wait here a sec, okay? I'll call Anastasia over."

With a clear voice, Madam Stella calls out, "Ana... come here, there's a client who wants you."

Anastasia approached with graceful strides, as if gliding across the marble floor. When she reached Julian, Madam Stella introduced them. "Ana, this is Julian. He'd like your services today. Give him the best treatment, alright?" Madam Stella then leaned in to whisper in Anastasia's ear, soft but loud enough for Julian to catch, "He's still a virgin, Ana. Never been with a woman before."

Anastasia offered a faint smile, showing no trace of judgment. Her eyes radiated calm, even kindness. Julian, meanwhile, felt his face burn like embers as he fought to suppress his embarrassment. His hands sweated profusely, and he could barely meet Anastasia's enchanting gaze.

With a friendly smile, Anastasia stepped closer. She extended her hand toward Julian, her touch soft yet assured. "Hi, I'm Anastasia. Just call me Ana-it'll feel more comfortable," she says, her voice flowing like a soothing melody, calming him though not entirely erasing his nerves.

Julian stood speechless, his eyes locked on Anastasia's face, now so close. His heart pounded fiercely, her melodic voice stirring something deep within him until his body stiffened. A strange sensation bloomed inside him-something he'd never felt before, a mix of fear and awe.

Noticing Julian's silence, as if entranced, Anastasia raised an eyebrow slightly and nudged his shoulder gently. "Hey, why're you spacing out? What's up?" she asks with an amused smile, snapping him back to reality.

Julian jolted, his face reddening further. "S-sorry, Ana... I didn't catch that earlier," he replies awkwardly, nearly stumbling over his words, rubbing his neck to hide his embarrassment.

Madam Stella, watching the exchange, smirked at Julian's naivety. "Alright, Ana, just take him to the room. He's probably dying to spend time with you," she says with a soft laugh before turning to attend to other guests.

Anastasia glanced at Julian, her smile deepening, more intimate now. "Come on, Julian, let's chat in the room-it's too noisy here," she suggests, her gentle tone inviting.

Julian could only nod, but his feet refused to budge. Nervousness clearly gripped him. Seeing this, Anastasia laughed softly again, then took his hand with tender firmness. "Come on, no need to be shy. We'll just talk upstairs, nice and easy," she says, stepping toward the stairs.

Julian complied, letting her guide him. Each step felt heavy-not just from fear, but from a strange tremor in his heart. Could this be what he'd avoided yet secretly longed for? He wasn't sure. But one thing was certain: the feeling grew stronger with every moment her hand held his.

Ana led Julian to a room upstairs. When the door opened, the air shifted. The rich scent of perfume filled the space, sharp yet intimate. Julian stood rigid by the door, his body tense despite his efforts to seem relaxed. Anastasia smiled warmly, trying to ease him with light conversation.

"Come on, Julian, sit here first. Let's just talk for a bit so you can loosen up," she says, gesturing to the bed beside her, her voice full of warmth.

Julian obeyed, though his face still carried a flush of shyness. He felt like a child unsure of what to do. Anastasia studied him, searching for a way to break the ice. "Julian, Madam said you've never been with a woman before. Is that true?" she asks, her tone soft but curious.

Julian lowered his head, honest despite his embarrassment. "Yeah, Ana. I... I haven't," he admits, his voice barely audible.

"What about a girlfriend? Do you have one?" Anastasia presses on, her voice gentle yet tinged with intrigue.

Julian shook his head, then let out a long sigh. "No. I've never had a girlfriend in my whole life," he confesses, his tone heavy with regret.

Anastasia's eyes widened, disbelief flashing across her face. "No way! You're handsome, how've you never dated?" she asks with a small laugh, then adds playfully, "Or... don't tell me you're not into women?"

"No, no! I'm normal! I'm into women," Julian quickly protests, his face blazing red.

Anastasia laughed again, pleased at lightening the mood. "Then why haven't you had a girlfriend yet?" she continues, her eyes sparkling with interest.

Julian sighed heavier. "I don't know, Ana. I'm confused myself. Every time I try to approach a woman, this shyness takes over. I'm scared of rejection... I don't know why," he replies, his voice fragile with raw honesty.

Hearing this, Anastasia smiled warmly. Her effort to put him at ease seemed to work. Julian looked slightly more relaxed, though his nerves hadn't fully faded. Seeing this, she decided to take it further.

"Alright, enough chatting for now. Let's get started so it doesn't drag on too long," she says with a soft, teasing lilt.

Julian tensed again, though he tried to appear calm. His heart raced faster, but he nodded in surrender. Anastasia shifted closer, her face now so near he could feel her breath. Her eyes gleamed as they met his, and Julian shut his own, bracing for what was to come.

When Anastasia's lips brushed his, a foreign sensation enveloped Julian's body. The gentle touch sent shivers through him, her tongue slipping in, dancing slowly in a way that tightened every nerve. Their saliva mingled, the taste of the kiss spreading through him, cold sweat beading on his skin. Julian drowned in a new feeling he'd never imagined.

"Your first kiss, huh, Julian?" Anastasia whispers between their kisses, her voice soft and intoxicating.

Julian only nodded, too shy to speak. Anastasia smiled into the kiss, then deepened it, stripping away his control over his emotions and thoughts, igniting a fire that had long smoldered within him.