Ch. 1: The Meeting
Other women often ask what he was like. They want to know whether he was the bloodthirsty monster portrayed in the storybooks. I tell them that he wouldn't harm a fly – unless, of course, it was a Philistine fly. The man I knew was gentle: he never cursed or lied, never stole or cheated. Nor did he ever hurt me – except when I wanted him to. I suppose that's what those women really want to know, isn't it? Was he a passionate lover? Well, I'll come to that in my own good time.
When I met him, Samson was already a legend amongst the Israelites. He had been married to that Philistine bitch from Timnah who had bedded and betrayed him with his best friend. Not that it did her any good. After Sam had burned down the Philistine cornfields and the olive orchards, they turned on her and her good-for-nothing father and burned them both alive. Afterwards Sam had to flee the valley and lived the life of an outlaw, swooping to defeat his enemies and visiting upon them such violence that they thought he was a demon. But he wasn't – he was a quiet man who loved his people.
He found me in a bar in Sorek. I had been working there for my uncle, Ezra, since fleeing my husband. Sam used to come in almost every day. He rarely drank – he'd just listen to the others, and watch me. He was an impressive figure: as tall as a door and big muscled. Handsome too, with a smooth, clean-shaven face. But what I noticed first were his eyes, and his hair, of course. He had the kindest, softest eyes I have ever seen. I could feel them on me as I walked from table to table serving drinks. He was undressing me with them as I hoped he would one day do with his hands. I would glance over at him as I set down a glass of wine or beer and catch his long, curious gaze, appraising me – and stripping me too. I would smile back at him but he would simply hold me in his stare until I walked away.
When, at last, he spoke to me his voice was surprisingly quiet. I had to lean forwards to catch his words. Perhaps he wanted me to. I could smell the blood and sweat on him. I looked into his eyes, close up, and saw only death and sex.
'When do you finish?' he asked.
'About eleven,' I answered. 'Why?'
'You shouldn't walk the streets alone. There are thieves and vagabonds about. It's not safe for a lady.'
I laughed. It had been a long time since I'd been called a lady.
'Will you protect me, my lord?'
'Do you want me to, Delilah?' I liked the sound of my name on his full, red lips.