Eyes joined across a dim lit room
Lust at first sight
Predator made his first move

I fell for every trick in his book
Every cheesy quote
Tumbled for him sinker, line and hook

Before seeing through the haze
Learnt the whole truth
Found the centre of his maze

Black heart hidden in golden casing
Slight of hand hid his dirty work
He lied. Palms sweaty, knees weak, heart racing

Whispered I was wonderful; vibrant, red
Told me I was beautiful
Said I was the best he’d ever had

Led me down dusty road
Hand on shoulder
Squeezing tightly, keeping hold

I grimaced as he held me tightly
Suffocated in his grasp
Tears trickled from my eyes, mascara smudged; unsightly

Couldn’t breath. Ran as fast as I could. Fled from the thumb
In hot pursuit, begged another chance
Deafened by his lies. I sped on.