The lovely creature was new to the Cirque. She would find that he was not the only member who required some form of payment in exchange for information. His method of recompense was certainly more pleasant then some. It would have amused him to know her reticence. Casual touches in the Cirque were dangerous things.
She came closer, cautiously. Now that was the proper response in the Cirque. Red would learn. He could teach her more, but his price would rise accordingly, and Oded knew a gentle touch was required to gain her trust. Red's small, delicate fingers curled on his shoulder and Oded bent his head to meet the soft, whispering caress of her lips on his. Just a taste. A flaring of temptation. And then it was gone. His eyes glinted in interest. Oh the things he could do to her. The pleasures he could show her. The wild abandon of the flesh. But... not yet. One step at a time. He had patience.
"Of course. I am a man of my word," Oded told her gently, warmly, infusing his tone with a touch of hurt and sadness to insinuate that she'd hurt his feelings with her distrust. "I am able to see images of memory through touch, my sweet Red. But I would not betray your confidence. There is no price I would accept for that exchange." He reached out slowly, cautiously, to touch her hair in a soothing manner. "Your past is safe with me."