Irene worked outside painting the fencing around the lot while Mr. Todd removed all the boards from the windows of the storefront. She picked up trash along the way and was finished with all the painting by dusk. Mr. Todd was sitting one of the booths drinking gin went she came in, he had made a small shelf unit from the boards that were still in good shape. Irene quickly put up the bright blue curtains and sat down with her employer.
"We can take care of the tables tomorrow my dear." He drank some more gin.
"Sounds good to me sir." She smiled.
"Put that shelf in your room, you hardly have any furniture." He motioned to the piece.
"Oh thank you sir." She stood up and went over to pick it up.
"Boil me some water for a bath after your done with that." He commanded putting the top back on the bottle.
"Yes sir." She took the shelf into her room and found a spot for it. Mr. Todd had even sanded it smooth.
Irene went back into the kitchen and boiled a pot of water and took it into the bathroom to see Mr. Todd barefoot in just his trousers. She averted her eyes and poured the heavy pot of water into the tub.
"Another." He ordered.
"Yes sir." She went back and boiled another pot.
When she came back Mr. Todd was in just a towel. She held her gasp and poured the second pot. This was a most unusual man… Being naked in a woman's presence so shamelessly.
"You will stay." He walked toward her. "Scrub my back." His hand came under her chin and she set the pot down.
"As you wish." She said quietly.
His eyes were tortured and his body tense. This was a formidable man indeed, Irene couldn't help but stare. She felt obliged to do anything he wanted because he has been so kind to her but there was doubt that a touch of fear sat in the back of her mind.
Mr. Todd got in when the water was just cool enough, fully submerging himself then sitting back up. Irene pulled a small stool behind him and wetted a sponge. She rubbed a bar of soap on it then proceeded to gently scrub his pale back. The barber grinned at the sensation and turned his head to look at the beautiful woman before him. Irene stroked his wet cheek and ran a finger through his dripping hair. Mesmerized by him she washed his shoulders and chest.
He leaned back propping his feet on the edge of the tub and clutched Irene's arm, looking her in the eyes. "Come in." He said with a sneer. Irene hesitated and just continued what she was doing, he grew angry. "Now!" He snapped, fire was in his eyes.
She wanted to cry. What was he going to do to her? Slowly she undressed and climbed in, sitting on top of him being careful to avoid any unwanted contact. He splashed some water on her skin, running his hands over every inch. Irene had never been more uncomfortable in her entire life, she felt like a whore. His hand went behind her head, pushing her face toward his.
"I thought you weren't afraid of me." His other land touched her thigh. "They call me the demon barber, my dear." The hand moved up to her chest and she twitched. "Oh, you are a gorgeous creature." He kissed her lips most forcefully.
Irene had never been kissed in such a way, it was wonderful. She forgot about the situation she was in and wrapped her arms around the barber. Water splashed about, the tub could barely hold the two of them. In a desperate attempt to hide her fear she grabbed his hair and pulled her head away to look at him.
"I do not fear you Benjamin Barker." She said looking into his animal eyes.
He smiled. "Oh my sweet Irene, call me Sweeney."
A passionate feeling came over her, or was it just adrenaline? Either way she found herself embracing the man and they continued. The barber released his grip when he was done and got out. Irene got towels for both of them and they dried themselves. She disposed of the water and Mr. Todd followed her into her room.