Chapter 7
Act I, Scene VII: Night Out in London
Titan
‘W hat’s your idea of a perfect date?’ I shrugged my jacket on as I sat on the edge of the bed.
Hazel, the woman beside me, leaned up on her elbow, and drew her brows together. ‘A date?’
‘Not for us. It’s, uh, for a friend,’ I said, tripping over my words to explain myself.
She exhaled with relief and brought her hand up to her chest. ‘Oh, you could’ve led with that.’
‘Sorry, I didn’t know going on a date with me was such a terrifying ordeal.’ I grinned.
She swatted my arm playfully. ‘Not what I meant, and you know it.’
I did, but it was fun to watch her squirm. Our arrangement had served us both well for over a year. Neither of us wanted to change it.
I turned around to face her. ‘Spill.’
‘Ideal date?’ She laid back against her pillows, and stared up at the ceiling. ‘Is the date with someone I know? Or is it a blind date situation?’
‘Let’s say blind date.’
‘Easy. Somewhere in public, food and drinks are always a winner. The movies can be a little intimidating if it’s a complete stranger.’
‘Makes sense. We met at a party if I recall correctly,’ I said.
‘Yes, and I asked quite a few people about you before bringing you into my home.’ She laughed.
‘Wise choice.’
‘So, out in public and food. Oh, and extra points if it’s something involving an activity.’
I gave her a sly smile.
‘Wow, your mind is truly in the gutter.’ She shook her head. ‘There are many galleries or museums. Or, if they’re active like me, you could do rock climbing or something.’
I had a feeling Kalina would do really well at rock climbing. I’d seen her move a bride out of a red wine splash zone once. But she wouldn’t appreciate it as a test date.
‘Thank you,’ I said, then stood up. ‘Appreciate your advice, and I didn’t know you’re into activities.’
‘Because we don’t spend a whole lot of time talking.’ She shimmied further under her comforter. ‘Good luck with your friend .’
I rolled my eyes at her. ‘She really is a friend.’
‘Sure.’
I’d finally finished the mood board for the DB Diamond shoot, my edits were done, and this week had been a breeze compared to the last two. Scarlet and I had Friday night plans, but it was too early to head her way so I took a moment to breathe.
My phone rang, and without thinking, I answered before I checked the caller ID. ‘Hello.’
‘I wasn’t expecting you to pick up.’
I stiffened at the sound of my father’s voice on the other end. ‘Karl,’ I said and didn’t bother hiding the contempt in my voice.
He laughed. A deep, hoarse sound. ‘Are you ever going to call me dad ?’
‘Are you ever going to act like one?’ I sat down on the edge of my desk, and let out a long exhale. This was not how I wanted to start my weekend. I should’ve known the peace was too good to be true.
‘You’re exactly like your mother. The same wit and cheek.’
‘You don’t get to talk about her like you cared.’
The line was silent for a few beats. ‘When are you going to forgive me?’
I scoffed. ‘You’ve never apologised. Throwing money at us doesn’t magically fix things.’
It was what he’d done with both Scarlet’s mother and mine.
‘I wanted to check on you.’ He tried sounding sincere and it fell flat.
I’d fallen for this side of my father before. It usually ended with me being the one to pick up the pieces.
‘We’re fine, and everything is good.’
‘Scarlet is meeting up with me soon, when I come to town, you should join.’ He spoke to someone in the background, already losing interest in this conversation.
Much like I was.
I bit my tongue. Arguing never resolved anything between us. ‘I’m quite busy with work, and Ted’s wedding is coming up—’
‘Be careful of the women.’ He interrupted. ‘Weddings bring out something wild in them.’
‘That’s a sexist thing to say.’
‘It’s the truth, son.’
I hated the link I had to this man.
‘Is there something else you wanted to say? I have somewhere to be.’
‘No, nothing else. Send Scarlet my love.’ I heard the grin in his voice. He knew he was getting to me.
And I always let him.
I hung up and tossed the phone on the desk. I pushed the heels of my hands into my eyes. If only I could erase the conversation from my mind. Every time I spoke to him it threw me off for days on end. Which wasn’t fair to Scarlet, and I needed to get my shit together.
So much for a good week.
I flicked the lights off then locked up, before heading downstairs. I contemplated taking my bike but thought better of it. I wasn’t in a good headspace to be riding.
A walk was what I needed. It gave me time to rationalise and compartmentalise my feelings towards Karl. So much so, I didn’t realise I’d been outside the blue door for a few minutes. I shook myself from my reverie and rang the doorbell.
The sound of jangling keys came from the other end before the door swung open. My thoughts vanished as Kalina appeared on the other side wearing an all-black outfit.
‘Who needs colour in their life now?’ I asked, and my lips turned up.
She ran her palms down the front of her skirt, grazing the slit up her mid-thigh.
My gaze was glued to her fingers and the movements it made in the soft, shiny fabric.
‘Scarlet chose it,’ she hesitated.
I shook my head, to clear it of any more unruly thoughts. ‘You look great. Black suits you.’
‘Titan?’ Scarlet called out. She popped up behind Kalina.
I was less impressed with her outfit. ‘Are you going to wear a coat?’
‘Yes, of course.’ She rolled her eyes at me. ‘I hope you don’t mind; I invited Lina along. I couldn’t have her staying in on a Friday night.’
Kalina looked between Scarlet and me. ‘I understand if you want to spend quality sibling time together.’
‘You think you’re getting out of this? Scarlet and I need someone to keep us in check.’
‘He means he needs someone to make sure we’re not cheating at pool.’ Scarlet shook her head as if chastising me.
‘Me? I would never.’ I feigned innocence.
‘Let me get the coat you’re so worried about.’ Scarlet flicked her curls over her shoulder before heading down the passage to her bedroom.
‘I need to grab my bag,’ Kalina said. ‘You can come in.’
I followed her inside and stopped in the entryway beside her bedroom door.
There was a book on the shoe rack with a cover of a ship sailing over the ocean. The title, “Forever her pirate” piqued my interest.
Pink sticky tabs were inserted on random pages and I flipped through them to see what they’d highlighted. There was a rope, a bed, and a sharpened knife in one of the scenes and my eyes widened.
Kalina stepped out of her room, straightened the collar of her coat, and her gaze landed on the book in my hand.
Her face blanched. ‘Oh my God,’ she exclaimed and hurried over.
‘Dimples, you’re reading some deceptively saucy books.’ I held the book above my head and out of her reach. ‘I was getting to the good part, wait…’ I cleared my throat, held the book up, and read. ‘If he climbed onto the bed, she could offer to be on top… And if she was on top… She could easily stab him…’
‘It’s not what you think.’
‘How do you know what I’m thinking?’ I looked down at Kalina. Her pupils were wide and her full lips parted, letting out shallow breaths.
She crossed her arms over her chest, which only emphasised her rapid breaths. ‘I won’t let you make me feel bad about what I like to read.’
I took a step back. ‘It wasn’t my intention.’
She tilted her head to the side and analysed me with keen interest.
‘Is this what you fantasise about?’ I asked. I couldn’t think about Kalina enjoying this, my body held on by a thread as it was, but I wanted to know what made her tick.
She shook her head, but her pink cheeks told me otherwise. ‘No.’
That was a lie.
‘Do you want me to continue?’ If she said yes, I’d cancel going out right then and there.
I’d need to figure out how to get Scarlet to disappear…
Her gaze darted between the book and me as if she were weighing the choice. Her chest moved with her shallow breaths, and her lips parted slightly. ‘I don’t know.’
At this moment, with her lips parted and her eyes wide, I didn’t care about the Agreement, or anything. I knew I wanted her. Logic and good decision making left my brain with every shallow breath she took.
‘You do. Say the words and I’ll keep going.’
‘I’m ready.’ Scarlet called out. I dropped the book on the table and Kalina stepped back.
Scarlet looked between us. ‘Everything okay? You both look a little ill.’
‘Nope, all good.’ Kalina nodded and grabbed her boots from the rack.
Scarlet shrugged. ‘Great. Let’s go.’
‘You’ve gotten really good.’ I leaned against the cue stick.
Scarlet took a shot. ‘It’s popular back home in Cape Town. Every night out included at least one game.’ She pocketed the black ball.
The life of a student. I remember those days fondly.
I glared at some guys ogling her, when one of them walked over. I stepped between him and Scarlet and stared at him.
‘Oh, sorry man. I didn’t see you there.’ He lifted his palms.
‘Move along.’ I tipped my head to the side.
When he was out of earshot, Scarlet narrowed her eyes at me. ‘Why are you like this?’
‘Like what?’ Kalina asked as she returned from the bathroom.
‘He’s being intrusive and controlling,’ Scarlet explained.
I racked up the balls for another game. ‘You should focus on your studies.’
‘Without any fun? Like you didn’t whore your way around university.’ Scarlet’s face was quickly becoming her namesake.
‘Hey, why don’t you take a break, and I’ll take over?’ Kalina suggested.
She nodded then stalked off.
‘What?’ I shrugged at Kalina.
‘Don’t act innocent. How would you feel if your overprotective brother kept interfering with your dating life?’
‘These guys are not looking to date.’
‘Let her be a twenty-three-year-old.’ Kalina grabbed Scarlet’s abandoned cue stick and eyed it warily. It was the first time she’d spoken to me directly since the moment we’d shared earlier.
I’d thought about it all night.
‘Let me get another one,’ I said. I picked up one better suited to her height and swapped the sticks out.
‘You won’t always be around,’ she said when I returned.
‘It’s better to be safe than sorry.’
‘She knows how to take care of herself.’ Kalina looked up at me with a stern expression.
‘Are you scolding me?’
‘A little bit.’
It was adorable, but I tried to hide my smile.
‘It’s frustrating having someone make decisions on your behalf.’ She let out a breath, then leaned against the edge of the table.
I raked a hand through my hair. She made her point. ‘I hate acting like her dad, but he’s not really great to begin with so I always feel like I need to step in.’
Kalina reached out and placed her hand on my arm. The contact sent warmth through my body. ‘You’re a great brother. She knows you’ll do anything for her, and she also knows she can come to you if she needs to.’
I looked down at her hand, her nails were painted a maroon shade, and she rubbed her thumb in small up and down motions.
I wanted to reach out and touch more of her.
Have her touch more of me.
She cleared her throat and pulled her hand away before my thought could be actioned. ‘I think you need to give her some space, then you can apologise.’
‘Are you telling me what to do?’ I leaned against the side of the table.
‘You coach me in dating, and I coach you in being a great brother.’
‘Because you have so much experience in that department?’ I teased.
‘I’ll have you know I am an excellent surrogate sibling.’ She grinned until her dimples were on full display.
She knew how to get her way with me.
‘Now, can you teach me how to play? I don’t know what I’m doing.’ She laughed and it lit up her entire face.
‘Of course. I’ll be your Jedi Master.’
‘No.’
I laughed then talked her through the rules.
And that was how I’d taught her to beat me at my own game.
When we were done, and Kalina decided it was enough time for Scarlet to have cleared her head, we walked through the bar until we found her, sulking in a corner.
‘I’ll wait outside,’ Kalina said.
‘Thanks.’ When she was gone, I sat next to Scarlet.
‘I’m sorry about the way I reacted. I spoke to Karl earlier.’
Her head shot up. ‘Oh?’
‘Yeah. I thought I could ignore it, but seeing you and seeing men with you, it—’ I ran a palm over my face.
‘I know. But I’ve told you not everyone is like him.’
‘I’ve missed out on so many years with you. You’re still a baby in my head.’
She laughed while nudging my side. ‘I get it, but you need to know I’ve lived a life. Before coming here, before being around you. I’ve made some bad decisions but also some good ones.’
I wrapped an arm around her shoulder and kissed her head. ‘I’m proud of you. You’re amazing.’
‘Eww don’t be gross,’ she said, but she leaned into my embrace.
‘I’m sorry.’
She nodded. ‘Thanks. You’re almost forgiven.’
I knew what would tip the scale in my favour. ‘Want ice-cream?’
‘You don’t have to ask me twice,’ she exclaimed then jumped out of her seat.
Seemed like I was off the hook.
We walked outside and met up with Kalina.
She lifted her gaze from her phone. ‘All good?’
‘Yup. We’re getting ice-cream,’ Scarlet sang and did a little twirl.
‘Yum.’ Kalina smiled.
‘Lactase?’ I asked, and quirked a brow at her.
‘Such a worry wart.’ Kalina reached into her bag and brought out the little plastic container. ‘We just ate pizza, and you didn’t ask me then.’
‘Now that you mention it, take extra.’
She let out a hearty laugh. ‘Not how it works.’
‘You like cheese, like an alarming amount for someone who is lactose intolerant.’
‘Cheese is life.’ Kalina popped one of the chewable tablets into her mouth.
‘Come on you two, let’s go,’ Scarlet called over her shoulder. She’d hurried ahead of us.
The market a few streets away bustled as we approached.
Live music came from inside the old warehouse, where vendors were arranged around the outside, tables and chairs in the middle, and the band closer toward the front.
I spotted the pastel blue and pink stand and placed a hand on Kalina’s waist as I guided her through the crowd. She moved closer to my side and I caught her scent; sweet and aromatic.
Scarlet stood in the queue as she’d rushed ahead and ogled the menu. ‘There’s so many flavours to choose from,’ she said.
Kalina looked like a kid in a candy store with her grin, and wide eyes surveying the tags ‘The rosewater and saffron sounds amazing.’
‘Cone?’ I asked.
She nodded enthusiastically.
‘Okay, one rosewater and saffron with a cone,’ I said to the assistant. ‘And one lemon cheesecake.’
‘Lemon?’ Kalina and Scarlet asked in unison.
‘Yes? Why are you both looking at me like that?’
‘Because that’s not a fun ice cream flavour,’ Scarlet said. ‘Can I have the double chocolate please, in a tub?’
‘You don’t have a sophisticated palate.’
Scarlet grimaced.
‘Would you like the lemon cheesecake in a cone or tub?’ the assistant asked.
‘A cone please.’
Kalina shook her head. ‘You can have any dairy dessert and that’s the one you choose?’
‘Wait and see. I’ll prove you both wrong.’
The music picked up and Scarlet turned to what was a makeshift dance floor. ‘Will you keep my ice cream safe? I’ll be right back,’ she asked Kalina.
‘Of course.’
Scarlet was gone before I paid.
‘Can I cover this? Since you got the pizza?’
I tapped my card. ‘No.’
Kalina huffed out a breath. ‘Thanks.’
I laughed. ‘Enjoy it. Want to sit?’ I tipped my head toward the seating area.
Kalina nodded.
We found an empty table in the middle while Scarlet had gotten swallowed up in the dancing crowd.
Kalina sat on the seat beside me and placed Scarlet’s tub in the middle of the table. ‘Hopefully, she’ll come back before it’s a mini milkshake.’
‘Knowing her, I doubt it,’ I said.
We ate our ice cream in comfortable silence for a little while, and watched the people dancing and the families enjoying a night out.
‘Thanks for letting me hang out with the two of you tonight,’ Kalina said. She gave her ice cream a lick. ‘Is this what it feels like to have a kid?’ She laughed as she looked over at Scarlet who’d made an appearance between a group of strangers.
‘A fully grown teenager? Probably.’
‘The closest I’ll get to being a mum I guess,’ she said nonchalantly before she swiped another lick of ice cream.
I tilted my head in silent question.
‘Oh,’ she said. Her eyes widened and she lifted her hand to her mouth as she swallowed. ‘I don’t want kids.’
I turned to face her. ‘Interesting. You seem like such a mum.’
She took a deep breath before the words tumbled from her mouth. ‘My mother never wanted kids and she’s never been in my life because of it. I don’t want anyone to ever feel like I did.’ She continued to stare ahead, but her shoulders slumped.
‘I’m sorry.’ I didn’t want to push her, but wanted her to know she could talk to me.
‘It’s okay. I’ve come to terms with it. I mean, it’s not the only reason, but it’s the biggest.’
I nodded in agreement. ‘I’ve never really thought about it, but I don’t see myself having kids either. Not when my longest relationship was a month long.’
‘A record for you,’ Kalina teased.
‘It was over fifteen years ago.’
She laughed. ‘What? Nothing longer than a month since then?’
I shook my head. ‘Not necessary. I get what I need without it.’
Her face flushed red.
‘For what it’s worth, you’re the most caring person I know and not wanting kids doesn’t diminish that. You should do what is best for you.’
‘If I knew I’d be doing it.’ A choked laugh escaped her.
‘You’d never guess. You’re so put together you make others feel inadequate.’
She smiled at the compliment and those sweet half-moons in her cheeks made an appearance. ‘We’ll always have Scarlet, so neither of us need to feel like we’re missing out.’
And just like that, we’d silently agreed to co-parent my adult sister. Seeing Scarlet and Kalina’s relationship and friendship blossom over the past few months was great, even when they used it to gang up on me.
‘She misses her mom. It’s hard for her being so far away from her mom after it was just the two of them all these years,’ I said.
Kalina frowned. ‘I know. I’ve spoken to her a few times. She’s a wonderful woman.’
‘Oh, she’s the greatest. Practically a second mother to me. She was really supportive after my mom passed.’
Kalina raised her gaze to meet mine. ‘I’m so sorry.’
I nodded. ‘Thanks. It was over fifteen years ago, but having Scarlet and her mom around has been helpful.’
We stared out into the crowd and watched Scarlet laugh and dance with strangers.
I broke the silence. ‘Do you want to try the lemon cheesecake? I think you’d like it.’
Kalina eyed the ice cream suspiciously. ‘Fine, but don’t feel bad if I gag.’
I stifled a laugh at the responses popping up in my head. ‘I won’t. Promise.’
She wrapped her hand around mine and pulled the cone closer before giving it a small lick. I didn’t expect the action to make me feel so…excited. I needed to clear my head.
‘Oh,’ she said, surprised. Tasting a little more.
I looked away; it was borderline perverted.
‘You do have good taste.’
My gaze found hers again. ‘Told you. I knew you’d like it.’
‘Want to try this? It’s delicious.’ She held out her cone, the ice cream dripping onto her fingers.
I wanted to try the ice cream, but I wanted to try something else first. I took her hand in mine, like she’d done, and pulled it closer. With my gaze on hers, I put my lips against the spot where the cone met her fingers and sucked.
She inhaled sharply, but didn’t move away.
The rich aromatic flavours swirled around my mouth. ‘This really is good.’
Her face was bright red and she pursed her full lips.
I had no idea what was going through her head, but I wanted to know if she enjoyed it as much as I did.
‘Hey it’s all melted,’ Scarlet said as she interrupted us.
A mixture of irritation and relief flooded through me.
Kalina cleared her throat and sat back.
Maybe I’d overstepped. Scarlet was ready to go home after she finished her now-liquid ice cream, and I needed to do something with all of this…energy.
Scarlet gave me a quick hug as we reached their house then bolted inside.
‘Did you have a good time?’ I asked Kalina.
She stood on the steps, digging her nail into the side of her finger, as she opened and closed her mouth. ‘Yes.’
‘Me too.’
‘Does tonight count as practice?’ She tilted her head to the side.
The things I wanted to practise with her were not part of our Agreement.
I shook my head. ‘It was a good way to get you to feel comfortable, but no. Not a lesson.’
She considered me for a moment then shook her head as if she were stopping herself from saying something.
‘Night, dimples.’ I nodded once.
She smiled until the divots deepened in her cheeks. ‘Night.’
As soon as she shut the door I scrolled through my contacts and texted one of the women I hadn’t seen in a while. She didn’t like to talk—which was what I needed tonight. I didn’t want to talk or think. I needed to get rid of these feelings. It wasn’t appropriate and it wasn’t what Kalina had signed up for. Literally.
As soon as she’d opened the door it was a frenzy of rough kisses, clothes being yanked off, and climaxes that came hard and fast for both of us.
I went through my usual routine; getting dressed, home, and showered.
Eventually my mind was quiet enough for me to fall asleep.
But my subconscious had other plans when I dreamt about Kalina. Her lips on mine and my hands on her body.