Pearl said, her face reddening.
‘They’re good – in fact, very good. It seems you’ve got hidden talents.’
‘Thank you,’ she said, obviously pleased.
Kevin hid a smile. So, the way to this girl was through her sketches. He made the most of it. ‘That’s a brilliant one of my mother. You could sell these, Pearl.’
‘Sell them? Oh, no, I don’t think they’re good enough.’
‘Leave it out, of course they are. Blimey, look at that one of Derek. It’s as good as a photograph.’ Kevin sat on the edge of her bed. ‘Have you got any more?’
‘Yes, but you won’t want to see them.’
‘Why not? I’ve got nothing else to do until Nobby shows up.’
Pearl picked up a large folder and without thinking about what she was doing, sat beside him on the bed. ‘Here’s one of Gertie.’
‘Blimey, that’s marvellous,’ and careful not to touch her, he looked at all the drawings in her portfolio. ‘Has anyone else seen these?’
‘No, you’re the first.’
‘Well, love, I feel privileged, but I don’t see one of me.’
‘I … I haven’t got one.’
As she turned, their eyes met, and as though Pearl suddenly realised their close proximity she became agitated, quickly stuffing the drawings back into the folder. He gently touched her arm, saying softly, ‘Any chance of a drink?’
‘I … I’ve only got tea or lemonade.’
‘Lemonade will do me.’
He watched her as she went to the small kitchenette. She was such a meek little thing and he didn’t want to frighten her off, but Christ, he was as hard as a rock and couldn’t wait much longer. When she returned he took the glass, his smile teasing.
‘I still think that drawing of Derek is good, but I don’t know what you see in him.’
‘Derek is lovely, kind and caring.’
‘I could be kind and caring too.’
She flushed and Kevin loved it. God, what an innocent, the daft cow like putty in his hands. She fancied him, there was no doubt about that. Placing the glass on the floor, he made his move. Taking her hand, he pulled her down beside him on the bed, enfolding her in his arms.
‘Pearl,’ he whispered, one of his hands brushing her breast.
‘No, stop it!’ she protested, pulling away.
‘Come on, Pearl, you know you like me. I only want a little cuddle, and there’s no harm in that.’
‘I … I’m going out with Derek and it wouldn’t be right.’
For a moment Kevin wanted to slap her, but resisted, instead planting a sad expression on his face. ‘Yeah, sorry, but I’ve fancied you for ages.’
‘Fancy me! You … you fancy me?’
‘Of course I do. Look, I’ll come clean. I’m not really waiting for Nobby. I came round here to see you.’
Pearl’s eyes were wide. ‘But … but Derek …’
‘Don’t worry about him.’ And on those words Kevin pulled her into his arms again. For a moment she stiffened, but then he raised her chin with one finger, his lips meeting hers. She groaned, and he smiled. He kisses grew deeper, his hands wandering over her body, touching her in places that he knew she’d love.
‘No, don’t,’ she protested as he began to unbutton her blouse.
He stopped, whispering, ‘Sorry,’ as he released her.
Pearl clutched her blouse together, gasping, her eyes dark with desire as they met his. As he hoped, she made the move this time, leaning into his arms. He struggled to take his time, almost bursting, but at last he could sense that she was ready. Once again she resisted a little as he began to remove her clothes, but as he gently coaxed, she suddenly melted.
Unable to wait any longer, he pushed Pearl onto her back, and as he entered her she cried out, stiffening beneath him. There was some resistance, but unsurprised to find Pearl a virgin, her cries of pain heightened his passion. He was the first!
Kevin took Pearl quickly, ignoring her pain. She was innocent, acquiescent, and he felt like a man, conquering, dominant and in control. Of course, there was an element missing, one that he had to pay for in Soho, but it was still good and for a while he was able to lose himself in her body.
All too soon it was over and, annoyed that he hadn’t lasted longer, Kevin rolled away to light a cigarette, ignoring Pearl’s sniffles until she spoke.
‘You … you shouldn’t have done that, and … and it hurt.’
‘You didn’t put up much of a fight, and anyway, it always hurts the first time,’ he said dismissively, thinking that at least that’s what he’d heard.
When he had finished his cigarette, he turned to look at Pearl again. She looked vulnerable, innocent, her huge eyes tear-filled as they met his. ‘I’m sorry I hurt you, but it’ll be better next time. Come on, give me a cuddle.’
She shook her head, but he settled himself beside her, wrapping her in his arms. For a moment she stiffened, but when he didn’t do anything other than hold her, she relaxed, snuggling against him. They lay like that for a while, but then reliving the moment that confirmed to him that Pearl was a virgin, Kevin found himself hardening again.
Slowly and gently he began to stroke her. She resisted a little, but then became compliant. Kevin smiled. He’d let her enjoy it this time, but in future he’d teach her a trick or two, show her what he liked. He entered her, moving slowly, teasingly. She groaned, this time with pleasure.
‘Well, you certainly enjoyed it that time,’ he leered when it was over.
Pearl lay quietly for a moment but then threw her arms around him. ‘Oh, Kevin, I didn’t realise love could be like this.’
‘Love! It ain’t love, you daft cow. It was just sex, and don’t go reading anything else into it. I ain’t looking for a steady girlfriend.’
Pearl’s eyes were rounded with shock as she stared at him. ‘But—’
Kevin rose to his feet. ‘No buts, Pearl. As I said, it was nothing, and by the way, there’s no need for Derek to find out.’ With a dismissive wave of his hand he added, ‘See ya,’ before walking out.
When Kevin left, Pearl was in tears, going over and over what had happened. He was so handsome, so kind about her sketches, and she’d been flattered by his attention. When he started to fondle her she found her body reacting in ways she’d never felt before. His hands had been gentle, touching her, arousing delicious feelings, and though she had protested at first, in truth she didn’t want him to stop. Despite the initial pain she had never felt so close to anyone before, their bodies fused, as one, and she found herself reaching out for something, a longing. Was this it? Was this how it felt to be loved and in love?
A small sob escaped her lips, remembering how her feelings had been dashed. Kevin had dismissed it as nothing. Oh, what an idiot she’d been. He didn’t love her, didn’t want her, the sex meaningless. He had just used her, and she’d let him.
She felt dirty, soiled, and now dashed to the sink, washing all traces of Kevin from her body.
It was some time before Pearl returned to her bed, tossing and turning all night. She hated herself, hated her treacherous body, at last drifting off to sleep in the early