The Heart's Content

"Alright, so you were born and raised in the mafia, you're a former drug addict, and you're in debt to two people who will kill you." Vaggie stated once the situation was clear. "Is there anything else I should know that's equally unsettling?"

"Well, I occasionally work as a sex worker." He admitted.

Vaggie recoiled in disgust.

"Hey, don't judge me! I'm just trying to make a living like everyone else."

"You have sex with other people for money, yet you want a relationship with me?"

"Just say the word, babe, and I'll quit in a heartbeat." He replied earnestly. "Believe it or not, I actually want commitment."

"Is that so?" Vaggie said, raising an eyebrow skeptically.

"Yep. Though I do have a few things left on my bucket list before I settle down."

"Like what?"

"I want to publish my novel."

"You're a writer? What do you write about?"

"Uh... Well..."

He blushed and hesitated before responding, sensing that she might not understand his "vision."

"It's an erotic novel."

"Why am I not surprised?"

"It's not what you think. It's not just dirty smut; it's a deeply emotional story about the beauty and madness that sex can bring."

"Alright, I'll bite. What's it about?"

"It's about a young man who was sexually abused by his neighbor during childhood, while his parents turned a blind eye. Once his neighbor loses interest after he hits puberty, he's left with a profound sense of pain and shame, unaware that what happened to him was wrong. Throughout his teenage years and into adulthood, he seeks solace in casual encounters, but nothing eases his suffering. One night, he's brutally beaten by an ex-partner and is rescued and cared for by a prostitute. They form a bond over their shared experiences of pain and reliance on sex. Eventually, she helps him confront his trauma, while he encourages her to find the strength to escape her pimp."

"Huh..." Vaggie pondered for a moment. "Perversion aside, that's actually a pretty good story."

"You really think so?"

"Yeah. Do the main characters ever have sex?"

"Nope. They're afraid of losing the one person who truly understands and cares for them. Their love for each other is too strong to let sex complicate things or risk ruining their relationship."

"Is it romantic or platonic?"

"I chose to leave that part ambiguous. Ironic, given the context, but I've learned that sex isn't necessary for true love. It's just an extra spice you can add to an already flavorful sauce. Do you get the metaphor?"

"Yeah, I do. It's a bit strange."

"What do you mean?"

"I never expected a sex worker and an erotic novelist to be so insightful."

"Life often defies appearances. If you want to see me again after today, you might discover there's much more to me."

"Maybe." She replied, still skeptical.

"And I could learn more about you beyond what I've seen."

"What makes you think there's more to me? I'm just a pretty little performer." Her voice was high and feminine, giving her an air-headed quality.