For once in his life Paul had got lucky. He’d gone into the youth centre a little earlier than usual the next day. Saturdays were busy and because he didn’t have a shift at the hospital during the day, he’d been less rushed. He’d spent the afternoon at his computer tracking various social media accounts. The problem was he sometimes got too impatient and the girls were just cockteasers. Especially Slavic Girl – her social media was like a porn site. He cautioned himself to give it time – if he rushed it, she would bolt.

So, when he arrived at the centre, he was the only volunteer there and there were only a couple of kids hanging out watching TV. He’d gone into the office to put his bag away and that’s when he caught her. Red-handed as well, her long fingers wrapped around the notes in the petty-cash box. She’d started when she saw him come in and as he stared at her, he couldn’t believe his luck.

He wondered if she would run – it was what he would do – but his bulk blocked the doorway and there was no other exit. Besides, she would most likely trip over the boxes in her haste to get away. He could see her realise the same thing at the exact same time he did, and he watched as she smiled at him. It was a smile of secrecy and possibility and Paul felt the familiar pull of arousal.

But he wouldn’t be that stupid again.

‘Planning on going on a shopping trip?’ he said watching her closely. She hadn’t expected him to say that and he watched her plan her next move.

‘Just looking for some change for the coffee machine,’ she said, innocently.

Yeah, right.

‘Really? Well, you’ll only find notes in there.’

‘So I see,’ replied Slavic Girl smoothly, returning the cash and closing the box. She must have opened it with a hairgrip, thought Paul. Honestly, Jeremy was such an idiot sometimes. She stared at him, daring him to make the next move.

‘How about this. How about I buy you a cup of coffee – with a pound coin,’ he added for emphasis, ‘and you put that box back where you found it and we’ll say no more about it.’

Slavic Girl smiled at him then, believing she had him completely under her control.

You think you do.

‘Sounds good to me,’ she replied calmly as if he hadn’t just caught her stealing.