Catarina's eyebrows rose ever so slightly at Aïtana's offer to give her the address of the lingerie shop. Genuine surprise was not something she felt often. She blinked a few times, furrowed her brow slightly. Then, from her seat on the ground, she looked up at Aïtana and spoke. Her voice was softer than Aïtana had heard it before. [color=c91414]"Yes, actually. I would love the address. Hold on, let me-"[/color] she patted down her dress, hoping to find some long-lost slip of paper. Nothing.[color=c91414]"It seems I don't have anything to write it on, and I am sure I'll forget if you just tell me... Would you do me a favour? I've put some parchment in the top drawer in your lectern over there. There should be ink and pens in the drawer below it. Be a dear and pass them through so I can write the address down."[/color]

While Aïtana next spoke, Catarina sliced more bread. She spread a healthy portion of cheese on it and slowly brought it towards her mouth, but forgot to take a bite. Regardless, the bread lingered. Yet again, her brows furrowed. Her lips parted a little and she tapped on the bread crust. Aïtana was certainly giving her a lot to think about. In time, through a fog of thought, she spoke. [color=c91414]"I think... yes. You are right. Be... as angry as you will. After all, if this situation were reversed..."[/color] she trailed off, snapping out of her thoughts and looking Aïtana up and down. Her captive would surely notice that she was studying her face and body language, drinking in the detail and swirling it around her brain like a fine wine. [color=c91414]"I would definitely be a lot more aggressive than you are being now. I suppose it's a luxury for me. Not wanting to hurt you, I mean."[/color]

Catarina took a small and disinterested bite from the bread. She chewed slowly, eyes staring down into the loaf. Somewhere deep down, for a short moment, she allowed herself to feel satisfaction. Aïtana was noticably less wilful today. Maybe from the previous night, maybe from the repetitive pain, and maybe from Cata's actions. Maybe even for an internal reason. It would have been nice to know which of these it was, but that was not knowledge she was privy to. Whichever way, she had something to work with now. She had leverage. These [i]suggestions[/i] of Aïtana's... they told Catarina what she wanted, far beyond the obvious "escape" and "justice". Whatever value that held. They gave an inkling as to what she thought she could gain. Respect. 

[color=c91414][i]Was this about to become easier?[/i][/color] She swallowed her mouthful. [color=c91414][i]Only one way to find out.[/i][/color]

[color=c91414]"I think I should start showing you respect, Aïtana. I acknowledge that I have been less than kind so far, and honestly I have no interest in continuing that. The only issue is... well I don't really know how [i]you[/i] would want me to show that. As someone who's more experienced in this than I... how would you do it? And... as someone who's in a less advantageous situation, how could I show you?"[/color] She cleared her throat. Short, sharp, polite. [color=c91414]"How could I show respect in such a position, I mean... Having you in a cage and all. I obviously cannot let you out, that would destroy me. Even though that's clearly what you want,"[/color] she said, looking Aïtana in the eyes, pouring earnestness into her voice. Her own eyes glittered with emotion. Maybe she was laying it on a bit thick. But then again, maybe it was just enough. What Catarina found odd was that some of this was genuine. She wasn't saying this just to manipulate - there was some drowned and long-dead emotion below it. Did she really- [color=c91414][i]Let's not think about that right now.[/i][/color]

She stood. The old iron key rested heavy in one palm, the light and cheesy bread in the other. Her eyes rested on the second chair at the table. Maybe that quick glance, the appearance of a subconscious acknowledgement, would be enough to get Aïtana to wonder why it was there. Even if only briefly, the seeds could be sown. 

But now Aïtana spoke of the book. Perfect! Catarina's face lit up with a smirk. Her previous playful demeanour edged its way back onto her face as she looked at Aïtana under hooded eyes. [color=c91414]"Well now, you wouldn't want me to spoil the story for you, would you darling? That would take the [i]fun[/i] out of it. Wouldn't want you to miss out on the surprises. Though... I could give you a synopsis if you like. Only if you want to hear, of course. I would loathe to bore..."[/color]