Is what she said to me
As I order her a shot of tequila.
"No strings attached," I smile
And agree as tip my bourbon
Towards her shot.

We drink a few more drinks
Before the bartender calls for
Last call.
Stumbling together, we walk
A few blocks back to her place.
Laughing loudly and tripping
Over stairs, we finally get into
Her apartment.

We talk for a few seconds before
Kissing ensues, our hands fighting
To get each other's clothes off.
As her bra is tossed to the side,
She lays her head on my shoulder
And passes out.

...

The morning sun glares through the blinds
Of her bedroom window, beaming into
Her closed eyes.
Her eyes flutter open and she tries
To sit up but finds herself pinned
To her own bed.

I walk over to her pale, exposed body
And slowly run a gloved hand up
Her legs and to her abdomen.
"Shhh, it's okay, no need to fret.
I'm here."
She screams into the gag in her mouth
As her eyes focus and see my
Gas mask and rubber apron.

"I'm sorry for this, but...I lied.
There will be some strings attached."
I point a gloved finger at her arm
And she screams again as she sees
Her right arm cut into sections
With a fine wire running through
Her cut up limb.

"You see, there will be many strings,
Well, wire, in this relationship."
I smile behind my mask and pull out
A bloodstained scalpel, bending over
Her to continue my work.

...


As the rising moon dimly lights up
The city, I stand back and look at
Tonight's piece of art:
A life sized marionette with a functioning
Mouth for it to speak.

I look into her dead eyes and
Pull the wire connected to her chin.
"So...no strings attached this time?"
I smile and shake my head,
"No strings attached this time, I promise."